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To make sure they do, the RSPB has taken another step into the future by opening Loch Leven Nature Centre This centre is designed for schools and the general public. There is a resident teacher in charge. We like visitors... . . SO bring the family—there’s lots to see— nature trail, large exhibition room, children’s nature discovery room, three tripod-mounted binoculars—and wildlife in plenty, in a lovely scenic setting. Join the RSPB and help to build more nature centres Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RS PB 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. Tel. 031-556 5624. Route : From main Edinburgh-Perth road, just south of Kinross, turn east on B9097. Centre 2 miles. Closed Mon. & Fri. OISERVEsm& CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER UP oO OF TO 337% POST/INSURED FREE cme etai price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. Il 8.5 x 44 £48.00 £31.70 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £29.00 £21.00 SWIFT CLASSIC 8 x 40 £26.50 £19.75 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. II 10 x 50 £35.00 £25.50 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £18.00 £13.25 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £29.50 £19.50 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £94.00 £70.50 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £109.00 £81.25 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case £113.63 £85.33 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case £107.37 £81.00 ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 £57.48 £43.00 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £56.50 £44.00 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60 x 60 £55.25 £43.50 and the Birdwatcher’s choice the superb HERON 8 x 40 just £12.00 and the HERON 10 x 50 just £11.00 (leaflet available). As approved and used by the Nature Con- servancy and Forestry Commission. All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 36 models in stock from £9 to £85. Available on 7 days approval—Remittance with order. Also available most makes of Photographic Equipment at 25% to 334% Discount. Also Practica/Exacta ranges less 333% i.e. ‘L’, New ‘LTL’ and ‘LLC’ etc. Send for separate price list. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/Telescope Ownership’ and price list. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY (Dept. SB), 15 Short Croft, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. Navestock 3498 Please despatch to me immediately ...................... eee for which | enclose £............ 7 Ae Se Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope/Photographic Price List. (Delete as appropriate) DR Ree ERE HEHEHE HEHEHE HEHEHE ESTOS HESS SESHSSSOESESF OOH SHEE THESES E EHH HS OSES HOOPS EEE HE EOE ED —_ eM STO eT Tt ST Es Te AT = Se Handbook of the Birds of Cyprus & Migrants of the Middle East David A. and W. Mary Bannerman This handbook concentrates on some 285 species which are readily seen and described. Points of identification, normal dates of arrival and departure, nesting habits and environments are described for the common species : the rarer species are listed in the Appendix with special notes concerning them. The entire work accomplished by the Cyprus Ornithological Society over the last twelve years was placed at Dr Bannerman’s disposal and has been incorporated in the Handbook bringing it right up to date. A feature of the book is the wealth of colour plates by two bird artists of international reputation, Chloe Talbot-Kelly and David Reid Henry. In all, one hundred and eighty-four birds are illustrated in full colour. 240 pages illustrated £3.00 | Oliver & Boyd Tweeddale Court 14 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1YL There are lots of good reasons to visit SHETLAND... You can see guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars on the cliffs ... or snowy owls, great skuas, arctic skuas and whimbrels in the hills... red-throated divers on the lochs...and in May, early June and September you could see just about anything on migra- tion. Recent years have featured king eider, honey buzzard, red-footed falcon, tawny pipit, subalpine warbler, bee-eater and roller, to name but an exotic few. Yes, there are lots of good reasons to visit Shetland... thousands and thousands of them in fact. For information regarding accommodation, transport, etc. contact: Information Centre, SHETLAND TOURIST ORGANISATION, LERWICK, Shetland. For expert advice on local birds contact: BOBBY TULLOCH, RSPB Shetland Representative, Reafirth, Mid Yell, SHETLAND. ISLAND OF ISLAY Cro “Have you come here for the birds?” Islay hospitality and the unique opportunity to study an astonishing variety of birds in Winter and Spring combine to make this Hebridean Island the “BIRD WATCHERS’ PARADISE”’. It is the winter home of a large proportion of the world population of Barnacle and Greenland Whitefronts — as many as 10,000 barnacle geese have been recorded in February. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the Chough. These are only three of the hundred different species that may be seen on Islay’s varied habitat during a Winter or Spring holiday. ey) For ornithological leaflet and other information write to: MID-ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND ISLAY TOURIST ORGANISATION, CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLL Tel. Campbeltown 2056 DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL A.A. * R.A.C. * R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ & ‘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. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. Ornithological and other parties. We offer 20% reduction from 14th April to 26th May 1972; 10% reduction 27th May to 30th June 1972 and from 16th Sept to 6th Oct 1972. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free. Illustrated brochure on Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216 SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 7, NUMBER 1, SPRING 1972 Page Editorial ag ae ah baa ie Li ss Bs 1 BTO Atlas i ie aca 2 Birds of prey in Eeotland:. some conservation problems. By, De I. Newton _.... ae 5 Communal roosting of Hen Harriers i in southwest ‘Scotland. By A. D. Watson and R. C. Dickson sass Bee a5 Bs 24 Short Notes Cory’s Shearwater in Aberdeenshire (C. J. Feare, M. R. Williams) 50 Surf Scoter in Aberdeenshire (L. H. Campbell) ae aie 51 Corncrakes breeding in Stirlingshire (J. G. Gilmour) ... nae 52 Buff-breasted Sandpiper in Inner Hebrides (G. H. Evans, F, Evans, G, F. Walton) i as 53 Stone Curlew in Peeblesshire (B. Marshall) Soi oe ae 53 Caspian Terns in East Lothian (A. D. K. Ramsay) ... bh 54 Scops Owl in Orkney (I. H. J. Lyster) ... a zh ea 55 Roller in Shetland (B. Marshall) ... 0h Yai Bd ne 55 Nutcrackers in Peeblesshire (M. E. Ball) x site ia 56 Red-flanked Bluetail in Shetland (A. R. Mainwood) a: Le 57 Obituary J. K. Stanford ae bose Be Be ae Bae ee 58 Review Ecological Isolation in Birds. By David Lack. Reviewed by J. J. D. Greenwood ... $3 Ef the 59 Request for Information t en ka ee a 13: 60 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Ee ie 2 aaa a 60 Edited by T. Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BY Assisted by D. G. Andrew Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) WESTER ROSS FESTIVAL OF THE COUNTRYSIDE May 15th - May 26th, 1972 This award winning Festival of ECY is again being organised in Wester Ross, Scotland. Amidst the magnifi- cent scenery a fascinating programme is planned in full co-operation with the RSPB, NTS and Nature Conservancy. * Handa Island. Visit with George Waterston. * Special sea expedition programme. * Air flights to St Kilda, Barra and the Hebrides. * Lectures, films, ceilidhs and excursions. For full details of this fascinating Festival, please send a 24p stamp to Miss S. B. ROSS, Festival of the Countryside, Wester Ross Tourist Organisation, Gairloch, Ross-shire. SHETLAND —holiday at the top Shetland where you can really get away from it all For the angler there’s fresh-water fishing and sea- angling. For the Bird-watcher there is almost every species of sea bird known in Britain, plus the Snowy Owl, only to be found in Shetland. Above all there is peace and quiet. We recommend you to double book at the two first rate hotels we offer. The Lerwick in “the capital’’ and the Baltasound on the Island of Unst. That way you can enjoy much of Shetland’s remote beauty from two of its islands. Write for full details to: Shetland Hotels (Lerwick) Ltd. Scalloway Road, Lerwick. Tel. 1166. ae SCOTTISH BIRD \ THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB go _ Vol. 7 No. 1 Spring 1972 Edited by Tom Delaney, assisted by D. G. Andrew =! e e Editorial Oil in the Forth. Every year a substantial part of the Icelan- dic Scaup population winters in a small area ot the Forth off Leith, forming spectacular raits containing upwards of 30,000 birds. Large numbers of Eiders, Goldeneye and other sea ducks also winter there, and the site is a vital one for wild- fowl. Because they are so concentrated, however, the birds are extremely vulnerable to oil pollution. This danger was high- lighted in 1970, when several hundreds were kilied by floating oil, and this winter the Scaup rafts once again narrowly es- caped disaster when in early February an oil slick that passed through the area affected some hundreds of the birds. Oil pollution of our coasts and estuaries is a problem that is likely to remain with us in the foreseeable future, and mean- while this and other such dense concentrations of seaducks remain entirely at risk, for there is still no effective system to prevent their massive destruction should heavy oil pollution occur in the area. How then are the birds to be protected ? Oil tends to appear without warning, and birds start to be fouled immediately; indeed the occurrence of beached birds is often the first indica- tion of the presence of oil. More extensive monitoring, there- fore, might help to provide an early warning, and this, coupled with an organisation for the rapid dispersal of oil on the water, might provide a reasonable measure of protection. Yet it is doubtful whether such methods alone can be relied on in all circumstances, and there is need of an economical and reliable method whereby oil can be positively excluded from such vital areas. The potential cost of developing and applying effective methods of protection is likely to be high, but the task is essen- tial. Conservation and pollution are international problems, but solutions must often be found locally. It is ironic that we ornithologists in Scotland, who have been pressing the Gov- ernment of Iceland to protect the Thjorsarver breeding grounds of Pink-footed Geese, have, on our own doorstep, so far failed to protect the main wintering quarters of another species we share with that country. 2 EDITORIAL 7(1) Ree ata literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes : Angus & South Kincardine Bird Report, 1971. G. M. Crighton, T. M. Clegg, 1972. Published by Dundee City Museums and Art Galleries Department, no price given. Shetland Bird Report, 1971. R. J. Tulloch, 1972. Price 20p + 4p postage from R. J. Tulloch, Mid-Yell, Shetland. Peregrines—the 1971 situation. D. A. Ratcliffe, 1972. BTO News No. 49. Summary of 1971 census results. Pink-footed Geese of Iceland and Greenland : a population re- view based on an aerial survey of Thjorsarver in June 1970. R. H. Kerbes, M. A. Ogilvie, H. Boyd, 1971. Wildfowl 22: 5- | us The behaviour of the Ptarmigan (part 1). A. Watson. Brit. Birds 65: 6-26. Cannibalism in Herring Gulls. J. Parsons, 1971. Brit. Birds 64: 528-537. Isle of May study. Field Studies on Foula, 1969 and 1970. Brathay Hall Trust, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1971. Price 20p. Includes accounts of skua studies. The BTO Atlas in Scotland The 5-year BTO Atlas project comes to an end after summer 1972, so this year is the last chance to fill in the gaps—the 10-kilometre squares that are still uncovered or only partly covered and the species that are proving elusive and still need to be found in many areas. The squares that are still in need of a lot of extra work are listed be- low and also shown on the map by dots; those that are the most blank, and therefore need attention most urgently, are indicated by bold type in the list and by completely black squares on the map. These squares have been selected by comparing Regional Atlas Organisers’ estimates of the number of species they think breed in each square with the number of species already found. It is pleasing to find that the majority of squares (most of those blank on the map and unlisted) have already exceeded the ae level. With a big final effort in 1972, 100% coverage is within reach. The following species are all badly under-recorded and ALL records in the breeding season (for 1968-71, as well as for 1972) should be sub- mitted: Scaup, Common Scoter, Merlin, Quail, Water Rail, Spotted Crake, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl and Hawfinch. Free copies of the 1972 Atlas Instructions, with details of the codes, progress maps, full instructions and a list of all under-recorded squares in Britain and Ireland can be obtained from your Regional Atlas Organ- iser. The SOC Local Recorder is the Regional Atlas Organiser, except in the following cases: St Kilda Dr J. J. M. Flegg, B.T.O., Beech Grove, Tring, Hertfordshire. Sutherland Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Sutherland. Ross-shire C. G. Headlam, Foulis Mains, Evanton, Ross- shire. Inverness-shire (more than 18 miles from Inverness) Hon. D.N. Weir, Creag Dhu Lodge, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire. East Nairnshire and Moray Dr R. Richter, Gordonstoun School, Elgin, Moray. South Kincar- dineshire and Angus C. M. Morrison, Innis Righ, Kings Meadows Gar- BTO ATLAS 1972 BTO Atlas under-recorded squares in Scotland 4 BTO ATLAS 7(1) dens, Peebles. Kinross, West Fife, Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire H. Robb, 27 Victoria Place, Stirling. Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburgh- shire and Selkirkshire Dr J. I. Meikle, Bridgeheugh, Lindean, by Gala- shiels, Selkirkshire. Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, West Stirlingshire and North Lanarkshire J. Mitchell, 22 Muirpark Way, Drymen, by Glas- gow G63 O0DX. South Lanarkshire D. L. Clugston, 95 Courthill Avenue, Cathcart, Glasgow, S4. Buteshire Dr J. A. Gibson, Foremount House, Kil- barchan, Renfrewshire. Ayrshire Dr M. E. Castle, 9 Finlas Avenue, Ayr. Dumfriesshire J. Maxwell, Hayfield, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. The map-making and text-writing for The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland will start in early autumn 1972 and all cards must be returned to your Regional Atlas Organiser by 3lst August 1972. It will not be possible to include records in the Atlas if they arrive late. All observers who have contributed to the undoubted success of the Atlas project deserve thanks and congratulations. If all observers make a special effort to visit the under-recorded squares in 1972, we can achieve complete coverage of Scotland. Under-recorded squares In order to save space, the code letters (indicating the 100-kilometre square) are given only for the first square to which they refer and at the start of a new line. Regions are listed from north to south and not in alphabetical order. Shetland HP40 HU25 26 38 41 56 Outer Hebrides NA64 90 NBO2 11 20 30 33 41 42 45 NF68 89 95 NG18 29 Sutherland NC32 33 34 41 42 61 72 90 93 95 96 Caithness NDOI1 02 03 06 07 12 NDI13 1415 17 23 24 25 26 27 33 34 35 36 37 Ross-shire, Skye, Rhum, Eigg & Coll NG25 31 32 33 NG34 37 40 41 42 45 50 51 54 55 56 60 61 78 79 88 NH02 03 13 14 15 24 26 28 47 58 68 NM26 39 59 Nairnshire & Morayshire NH93 94 NJ13 14 27 Banff NJ10 12 32 33 64 65 Aberdeenshire & N. Kincardineshire NJ30 50 51 61 63 74 75 NJ84 85 92 94 95 96 NK04 06 NO59 88 Inverness-shire (near Inverness) NH34 73 75 Inverness-shire (away from Inverness) NG70 80 NHO1 11 12 20 21 23 31 40 50 NM87 88 89 NN27 37 NN48 49 57 58 78 88 S. Kincardineshire & Angus NO53 86 87 Argyllshire (including Mull) NM21 34 35 43 44 53 54 NM63 64 72 75 84 95 96 NNOI 04 05 10 13 15 22 23 NN25 33 35 NR50 51 60 61 62 63 65 70 71 73 74 84 NR85 87 96 99 NS17 Perthshire NN45 56 77 96 NOO5 15 24 E. Fife NT28 39 Glasgow area NS29 86 Stirling area NS97 Islay, Jura, Colonsay & Oronsay NM40 60 NRI16 24 NR37 38 45 47 49 56 57 58 59 68 69 West Lothian NS95 96 East Lothian NT66 76 87 Buteshire NR92 93 NSO1 04 05 15 Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire & Peeblesshire NT12 30 31 40 50 55 60 NT96 NY59 Ayrshire NS10 22 23 42 NX17 19 S. Lanarkshire NS64 73 Dumfriesshire NS80 NT11 NY18 47 Kirkcudbrightshire & Wigtownshire NX27 38 48 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 5 Birds of prey in Scotland : some conservation problems I. NEWTON This paper was read at the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club’s Annual Conference at Dunblane, 31st October 1971. Introduction Several hundred years ago, when Scotland was mainly under forest, its raptor population was rich and varied. Wide- spread deforestation, mainly 200-300 years ago, would have greatly altered the relative abundance of the various species, Those of open and broken country would have increased and spread, and those of forest declined. But apparently no extinc- tions took place through change in habitat, and 150 years ago ten species bred numerously, and at least four others sporad- ically or in smaller numbers (table 1). Then, under widespread persecution, seven species ceased to breed in Scotland (though four were rare anyway), and four others were much reduced in range. Two of those exterminated have recently returned to breed in small numbers. Nonetheless the country still holds only an impoverished remnant of its original bird-of- prey fauna. Key questions facing conservationists are: why does this situation persist?; why do so many species remain restricted and scarce?; and what is slowing or preventing them from recolonising their former ground? Table 1. Status of breeding birds of prey in Scotland, 1800-1840 Numerous and widespread : Peregrine, Merlin, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, pose Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kite*, White-tailed Eagle*, sprey* Numerous in a restricted habitat : Goshawk* Present in small numbers, or sporadic, but not restricted by habitat : Hobby*, Marsh Harrier*, Honey Buzzard*, and doubtfully Mon- tagu’s Harrier Notes : *Ceased to breed in Scotland by 1900 or soon after. (Osprey and Goshawk have since returned and breed in small numbers.) Details mainly from Baxter & Rintoul (1953). Two species, Golden Eagle and Sparrowhawk, illustrate the range of known problems facing birds of prey in Scotland to- day: pesticides and pollution, continuing persecution, chan- ging land use, increasing disturbance and so on. 6 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) Golden Eagle Three main factors seem to be important for Golden Eagles: crags or large trees for nesting, open country for feeding, and freedom from human disturbance. The last factor alone ex- cludes them from many otherwise suitable areas, including most of lowland Britain. Their main foods include grouse- sized birds, rabbit-sized mammals, and the young and dead of larger mammals like deer. Their flight enables them to cover large areas with ease, and hence to exploit successfully prey living at low densities. In Britain deforestation would at first have greatly increased the country available to Golden Eagles, but soon afterwards disturbance and then persecution banished them from England and Wales and later from southern Scotland and Ireland. The present population, estimated at around 250 pairs, is mainly restricted to the Highlands and Islands. Over much of this region the birds have six main foods, Red Grouse and Ptar- migan, hares and rabbits, and dead sheep and dead deer, which yary in proportion in the diet according to their local avail- ability. Where Golden Eagles are not persecuted, their breeding populations show great stability. The numbers over wide areas do not change from the average by more than a pair or two over long periods of time as shown, for example, by Watson (1957, 1970) for Deeside. Each pair normally has several alter- native nests, and the same crags are occupied for many years by a succession of breeding pairs. Each pair hunts over a wide area around their nest. But the hunting ranges of different pairs overlap so that, although the pairs space themselves out, they are not strictly territorial in the usual sense (Brown & Watson 1964). Furthermore, the same ground that is hunted by breeding pairs will also hold throughout the year some non-breeding immatures. Nevertheless, in any one area the breeding population of Golden Eagles is presumably preven- ted from exceeding a certain level by some form of interaction between pairs. This interaction includes the advertisement of nest-sites by spectacular aerial displays. The density of breed- ing pairs varies in different parts of Scotland, even where persecution is unimportant and nest sites plentiful. Usually between four and six pairs may be found per 100 square miles of suitable terrain (table 2). This gives each pair an average of 12000-18000 acres, but over smaller areas, some pairs have as little as 5000-6000 acres (Watson 1957). These figures have limited meaning, however, since the ranges of pairs overlap. The young leave the nest in July, remain on home ground until October or November, and then disperse. Brown & Wat- | son (1964) have estimated that three-quarters of these young 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7 die before they reach sexual maturity in about their fourth year and that each pair takes, on average, ten years to replace itself, and so the turnover in population is slow. Some young stay within the normal range of the species, others move out, as is shown by their regular appearance each year in places Table 2. Densities of breeding Golden Eagles in Scotland eS Pairs Pairs/100sq. miles Acres/pair Northeast Highlands 14 6.3 10000 East Highlands Le 6.1 11500 Uists 12 5.3 12000 Northwest Sutherland 16 48 13000 Wester Ross, area I 12 4.2 15000 Wester Ross, area II 13 3.9 17500 Argyll 8 3.8 18000 Details from Brown & Watson (1964), Lockie (1964), Newton (un- published), Watson (1957). where eagles do not normally nest. No doubt eagles could breed over much more of Scotland than they do, including, for example, more of the Northern and Western Isles or the Border country. Historical evidence shows that, in the past, they were continually prevented from recolonising areas by persistent persecution. But during the last 20 years they have re-established themselves precariously in Ayrshire and Gallo- way, more of the Inner Hebrides and the Lake District, while a pair also bred for some years in Northern Ireland. However, Ordnance Survey maps mark several “Creag Iolaire”’ (Eagle Rocks) in places where eagles are seldom seen now. Table 3. Primary land use in Scotland Million acres Proportion of total land area Sheep 7 3D ss Grouse 3 157, Deer 3.5 18% Forestry 1.5 Th Although most people associate the Golden Eagle with wilder- ness, its survival depends on land use and human attitudes. In the Highlands and Islands land is used mostly for sheep, grouse, deer or forestry (table 3). These uses are not all mutually exclusive, and much sheep and deer ground also carries grouse, but it is the primary use of an area that affects the eagles. On sheep ground the birds are often persecuted because they eat lambs, and on grouse areas because they both eat and frighten grouse (which then become more difficult to shoot). In both types of terrain some eagles are killed deliber- ately by shooting and trapping at nests and roosts, and others are killed incidentally in traps set for foxes. Forestry ground, 8 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) except when the trees are young, is not normally used by eagles. Highland deer ground, however, on which eagles are tolerated, has long been the main stronghold of the species in Britain and has provided a reservoir from which the depleted populations of sheep and grouse areas have continually been replenished. Effects on lambs In western Scotland sheep are usually kept in greater num- bers than the habitat can support. This leads to overgrazing of the vegetation, high mortality of the sheep and poor lamb- ing success, Hares and other natural prey tend to be scarce, perhaps also partly the result of too many sheep, but the abun- dance of sheep carrion permits eagles to nest at relatively high densities (table 2). The problem of lamb-killing was investigated by Lockie and Stephen (1959) in Lewis, and Lockie (1964) in Wester Ross. One pair of eagles studied in detail included a variable propor- tion of lamb in the diet in different years (table 4). In years when dead lambs were scarce the birds made up on other prey and not with extra lamb-killing. Live lambs were vulnerable for only a short time each year, because they soon grew beyond Table 4. Lamb in the diet of a pair of Golden Eagles, Wester Ross 1956 1957 1958 1959 1961 Lamb survival Average Good Poor Poor Good Lamb in diet % 45 24 49 44 22 Birds in diet % 50 66 46 50 73 Others in diet % 5 10 5 6 5 Original details in Lockie (1964). the size of prey preferred by eagles. An examination of those brought to the eyrie revealed which ones had been killed by the eagles and which had been picked up dead. If the lamb had been killed by an eagle, it had a large bruise beneath the skin and talon marks; if it had been picked up dead it showed talon marks alone; if its eyes were out or its ears off a crow or a fox had been at the carcase before the eagle. Seven out of ten lambs had been taken dead and only three killed (and some of the latter might have been weaklings, twins or aban- doned). Since this particular pair ate 22-25 lambs in five years, they had probably killed about seven in this time. In the area they hunted, some 4000 lambs. were born in the five years, so this pair of eagles took about 0.1% of the available lamb crop. In the same period, 520 lambs died from other causes between birth and June. So in this instance at least the effect of eagles 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 9 on the sheep was minute. But whereas an ecologist thinks in terms of numbers, populations and proportions of populations affected by predation, a shepherd inevitably thinks in terms of individuals and their potential cash value and is motivated to take action against eagles by occasional finds of dead lambs. Similar results have been found in Texas, where Golden Eagles are widely killed by sheep farmers, often from aero- planes (Arnold 1954, Spofford 1969). Again the shepherding is inadequate, the ground overstocked with sheep and goats, and over-grazing occurs, with a consequent high mortality of sheep and scarcity of wild prey. Eagles are nevertheless abun- dant, apparently attracted by the availability of carrion. In these circumstances, the shooting of troublesome birds will do less to solve the basic problem than would improved manage- ment of the stock. Effects of pesticides In the early 1960s the breeding success of eagles in western Scotland declined because of the failure of some pairs to nest, breakage of eggs and other factors generally associated with organo-chlorine pesticides (Lockie & Ratclitie 1964). In one study, the percentage of non-breeding pairs increased from 3% to 41%, the percentage of pairs breaking eggs in- creased from 14% to 36%, while the percentage of birds pro- ducing young dropped from 72% to 29% (table 5). The evidence that such chemicals were involved was circumstantial but Table 5. Nesting success of Golden Eagles, Western Scotland Percentages A Pairs non-breeding breaking eggs producing young 1937-60 40 5 14 72 1961-63 39 4) 36 29 Percentage B Nests producing young adie evel (ppm) 1963-65 39 31 0.86 1966-68 69 69 0.34 r ose from Lockie & Ratcliffe (1964) and Lockie, Ratcliffe & Balharry 1969). grew as the years went by. First, dieldrin used in sheep-dips was found to be present in mutton (Egan 1965) and in eagle eggs (Lockie, Ratcliffe & Balharry 1969). Second, dieldrin was withdrawn as a dip in 1966, and soon afterwards eagles began to breed more successfully. The percentage of pairs producing young increased over six years from 31% to 69%, while the mean dieldrin level in the eggs dropped from 0.86 ppm to 0.34 ppm (table 5). Third, the eagles in central and eastern Scot- 10 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) land, which ate little or no mutton, bred successfully through- out this period and laid eggs consistently low in pesticides. Thus the species has recovered from this particular problem before any marked decline in the adult population has become apparent. Effects on grouse After a good breeding season a moor will normally hold more grouse than can breed there next year. Some of the sur- plus birds are shot, and the rest are expelled during two per- iods of territoriality, one in autumn and another in spring. 20 — On <= ° ° > o 5 10 2 ae) z 5 100 200 300 400 100 200 300 400 N° of Grouse Dispersing N° of Grouse Dispersing Fie. 1. Relationship between numbers of Red Grouse dispersing, Grouse killed and raptors seen in Glen Esk (Details from Jenkins, Watson & Miller 1964). Circles indicate low area, triangles indicate high area Jenkins, Watson and Miller (1964) studied the effects of all predators (including eagles) on grouse in Glen Esk in winter time. They regularly searched the moors and recorded the re- mains of all the grouse that had been killed by predators and the numbers of predators seen. They made four main points: Predation was heaviest at the two periods when the grouse were dispersing. The number of grouse killed varied each year in direct proportion to the number of birds dispersing (fig. 1). The number of raptors seen over the area was in direct correlation with the number of grouse dispersing (fig. 1). Evidently raptors were attracted to the area in numbers related to the numbers of vulnerable grouse available. In other words, the numbers of predators were influenced by the numbers of their prey and not vice versa. Not all the grouse that dispersed won territories. Those that failed lived in marginal, grassy habitats round the edge of the moor where there were no territorial grouse, and these were killed more often than territory owners (table 6). 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND il Table 6. Predation on Red Grouse by Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers, Foxes and other predators, Glen Esk, 1956-61 No. tabbed <% killed Birds with territories in November 383 2 Birds without territories in November 261 14 Details from Jenkins, Watson & Miller (1964). From these findings, two main conclusions were drawn: Predators were not affecting the breeding population of grouse because the most vulnerable birds (those killed by eagles and other predators) were the ones that could not breed anyway. In most years the grouse available for shooting were not being fully exploited, because at the end of the season many surplus birds were still left unshot. Thus predation was not depleting the sporting value. These conclusions are in general agreement with those of other workers on predation (e.g. Errington 1967, Newton 1970) but are based on work in an area where some predators were controlled and where raptors were seen mostly in winter. The second complaint against eagles, that they frighten the grouse and interfere with the drives, was not investigated. New studies are now being done on a grouse moor where rap- tors are protected all year. Effects of persecution Despite findings on the effects of eagles on sheep and grouse, eagles are still widely shot. However, since this is illegal, it is exceedingly difficult to study. At its most intense it may per- manently prevent eagles from settling in an area. Birds may move in every year but be killed so quickly that the outsider knows nothing of it; he only sees suitable habitat unoccupied. Within the regular range of the Golden Eagle, Sandeman (1957) Table 7. Effects of persecution on Golden Eagles, south Grampians, 1950-56 Only one One Brood-size Brood-size of pair partner (successful (all nests Records present immature nests) with eggs) Deer 24 0 0 1.4 0.6 Sheep/grouse 51 8 eT 1.4 0.3 Details from Sandeman (1957). compared the success of birds nesting on deer ground with that of birds nesting in sheep and grouse areas (table 7). On deer ground there was no instance of an eagle lacking a mate, 12 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) but on sheep and grouse ground eight such instances were recorded. On deer ground there was no instance of an eagle paired to an immature partner, but on sheep and grouse ground there were four such instances. Both these factors are symptoms of excessive shooting. An immature partner in a pair meant that the birds either did not lay or produced infer- tile eggs. The mean size of successful broods was the same in both areas, but the overall brood size, when pairs that raised no young are taken into account, was 0.6 on deer ground and only 0.3 in sheep and grouse areas. In the latter areas killing of eagles was suppressing breeding success so much that this population could not have been sustained without continual immigration. Thus the success of the Golden Eagle in Britain is determin- ed primarily by the prevailing land use and the human attitudes fostered thereby. There is no ecological reason why the spec- ies Should not breed over more of Britain than it does. Young are produced every year, but apparently most are absorbed by killing within the regular range or in the areas they try to colonise. The situation has improved slightly in the last 20 years in that the species is now being allowed to remain in a few areas from which it was formerly eliminated. On the other hand persecution is increasing in the Highlands, especially on grouse moors. Hence, the future of the bird probably depends mainly on future trends in land use, particularly on the extent of game-preservation. If more eagles are killed, their numbers can be expected to decline, and their range to contract. If the management of sheep and deer is changed so as to reduce the number of animals that die, the breeding density of eagles might also decline. Lastly, with increasing tourism in some areas, more pairs can be expected to fail to raise young because of unwitting disturbance, and some sites will probably be deserted. Birds of prey and forestry The major change in land use in Britain today is the conver- sion of open hill ground to plantation forest. Since 1945 nearly a million acres of open ground have been put under trees by the Forestry Commission alone (fig. 2), and in this time private forestry has grown so much that it now takes up more land each year than the Commission itself. More than half this planting is in Scotland, and in some areas, like Galloway, most of the land between the 500 foot and 1500 foot contours will soon be afforested. Still, however, only 7% of Britain is wooded, which is less than in any other country in Europe save Ireland and Holland. To some raptors and other birds of open country, afforesta- tion means a restriction in range, but to forest species it pro- 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 13 vides an increase in habitat. More important, in these new forests birds of prey have so far been free from persecution POST-WAR AFFORESTATION BY FORESTRY COMMISSION —_ o = NW FH O&wNY wo ~o HUNDRED THOUSAND ACRES 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 Fic. 2. Post-War afforestation by the Forestry Commission in Britain. (The figures refer only to the planting of new woods, not to the replanting of old ones.) and pesticides. Coincident with the absence of many game- keepers during the Second World War, Hen Harriers re-estab- lished themselves on the Scottish mainland and have since spread in young plantations, where they are tolerated by the Forestry Commission. Harriers leave these plantations when the trees reach about 20 feet, and it is then that Sparrowhawks come in, another bird that has benefitted greatly from increas- ed afforestation. Sparrowhawk Sparrowhawk was one of two species in Britain that, though reduced in numbers, were not reduced in range by 19th-century persecution. Its resilience was probably due to its skulking habits, its ability to nest at high densities, its occasional ten- dency to nest in unexpected places, the ability of both sexes to breed in their first year and a high reproductive rate, with up to six young in a brood. These characteristics are opposite to those that led to the reduction in so many other species. But the resistance of the Sparrowhawk to persecution was not matched by a similar resistance to organo-chlorine insecticides. In five years the species virtually disappeared from most of lowland Britain and became much reduced elsewhere. It appar- ently reached a low in the years 1959-63. The evidence that such pesticides were involved was again circumstantial: the decline was unprecedented, yet closely parallelled in time and space the use of these chemicals, which were also found in the bodies and eggs of Sparrowhawks. Then, following restriction in the use of these chemicals in 1962, the species began very slowly to recover. In western Britain, it seems to have increas- ed especially abruptly in the last two or three years. 14 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) Fig. 3 shows an index, based on ringing, of the output of young by Sparrowhawks in Britain each year from 1930. The index is the proportion that young Sparrowhawks formed of all nestlings ringed each year. It depends both on the number of breeding adults and on their breeding success. The most striking features are the tremendous increase in the index that took place within two years of the start of the Second World War and the decline within two years of its end. Fewer birds ~ Persecution> <——————— Persecution ———________»> <— Pesticides ———_—__> 05 Ae) 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 Fic, 3, An index, based on ringing, of the output of young Sparrow- hawks in Britain. The index is the percentage that young Sparrow- hawks formed of all nestling birds ringed in Britain each year. Over the last 40 years the index has had five main levels, shown in the lower graph. of all species were ringed during the War, but Sparrowhawks formed a greater proportion of them, presumably because more were available then. This situation was almost certainly due to the wartime decline in game-keeping. Many writers mention the great though temporary increase in various birds of prey at this time, and the index for Merlin over this period is very similar, The index suggests that gamekeepers were depressing the number of young Sparrowhawks produced in Britain each year to about one-seventh of what it might have been. In fact their effect was even greater, for about two-thirds of the habitat in Britain was felled during the early War years. Over the last 40 years the index was at five main levels: low before the War (1930-39); very high during and just after the War (1940-47); low again for the next few years (1948-54); very low, following the widespread use of organo-chlorine com- pounds (1959-66); and slightly higher since then (1967-70). 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 15 Nesting densities The Sparrowhawk is recovering in an era when vastly more habitat is available in Britain than at any time in the last 300 years. The densities at which the species will nest can be studied meaningfully only in areas of more or less continuous woodland, because in more open country the birds are usually sparse through shortage of nesting cover. Studies must also be confined to areas where the bird is not affected seriously by toxic chemicals. Then pairs normally nest each year in the same restricted areas, which can be recognised by groups of old nests, though the occupancy of particular sites may be broken temporarily by the activity of gamekeepers. In large Dumfriesshire woodlands, nest-sites are regularly spaced every 0.4 miles, which is equivalent to a density of six pairs per square mile. The greatest concentrations found in 1971 were 19 sites (15 occupied) in 3.5 square miles of one plantation and 11 sites (ten occupied) in 1.5 square miles of another. This density seems high to people who know Spar- ACTUAL SPACING RANDOM SPACING DUMFRIES N 45 DO 6p sqm DUMFRIES N 45 MONN 04 m DBD 6p sqm. NUMBER of SITES SPEYSIDE SPEYSIDE N 27 DNN 15 m D O-5p sq.m. N 27 D O5p sq.m 0 5 10 20 25 One aa 10 BarOr a 5 TENTHS MILE TENTHS MILE Fic, 4. The regularity of nest-spacing in two areas with different den- sities of Sparrowhawks. Nest-spacing is measured as the distance of each nest from its nearest neighbour in continuous or almost continuous woodland. Columns on the left show the spacing actually found, and those on the right, the spacing that would be expected if the nests were distributed randomly but at the same density. N - total number of sites; MDNN - mean distance to near- est neighbour; D - density in pairs per square mile. 16 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) rowhawks only in fairly open landscapes, but it is not as high as that reached by Tawny Owls in woodland (Southern 1970). Even with plenty of woods Sparrowhawks do not reach this density everywhere: in wooded parts of the Spey valley, where the species has been studied by Douglas Weir, the nests occur regularly every 1.5 miles, which is equivalent to one pair per two square miles. In other parts of Britain intermediate densities have been found, but whatever the density the nests are always as evenly spaced as the habitat allows (fig. 4). The differences in density between areas may be related to differ- ences in the availability of prey. The numbers of small birds have not been measured, but the Dumfriesshire area is ob- viously richer both ecologically and agriculturally than Spey- side. Habitat preferences In mixed landscapes, in what sort of woods do Sparrow- hawks like to nest? Last year every wood in about 200 square miles of Dumfriesshire was checked, and Sparrowhawks were found in a quarter of them. The woods themselves fell into four categories—pure conifer woods, mixed coniferous/hard- woods, birch/sallow woods, and other forms of hardwoods like oak and beech. The birds showed a marked preference for woods containing conifers (table 8). Yet to some extent the woods occupied depended on the local choice available, and types that were rejected as inferior in one part of the area were occupied in another. The size of the wood was also im- portant. Only 2% of woods of less than one hectare (2.5 acres) were occupied, but this proportion increased with increasing size of the wood, and all those exceeding 20 hectares (50 acres) were occupied, usually by more than one pair. This analysis is only a first step in understanding the habitat prefer- ences of the Sparrowhawk; other factors are involved—for ex- ample, to be occupied a wood must not be too young, too thick or too open. Table 8. Occupation of Dumfriesshire woodlands by Sparrowhawks, 1971 Conifer/ A All woods Conifer Hardwood Birch Hardwood Total available Dit2, 176 40 30 24 No. occupied 64 49 9 4 z % occupied 24 28 22 13 9 B Area of woodland (hectares) —! 1-5 5-20 20-50 50-100 100+ Total available 63 79 yi 6 4 7 No. occupied 1 22 9 6 4 x % occupied 2 28 55 100 100 100 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND Vi Food supplies A successful pair of Sparrowhawks needs the equivalent of at least 500 small birds in the breeding season (calculated from Tinbergen 1946). If there are six pairs of hawks per square mile of terrain, they need 3000 small birds per square mile. (This figure should not be taken too literally, for the equivalent of 20 small birds is provided by one Wood Pigeon.) Conifer plantations are generally considered to be poor in birds, so the question arises to what extent do the hawks hunt outside the forest and how far is their density within forests supported by outside food supplies? A first step is to find the proportion of woodland to non-woodland prey in the diet. In small woods in farmland about 32% of 802 prey-remains were of species that must have been caught outside, including larks, pipits, buntings and House Sparrows. The medium-sized Greskine Forest is sausage-shaped, with the pairs distributed along its length, all with easy access to open country. In this situation, 41% of 213 prey-remains were of open-country birds like Meadow Pipit. In the larger Ae Forest only about 13% of 236 prey items were caught outside, mainly by pairs on the forest edge. At least one-third of the hawks in this forest fed exclus- ively or almost exclusively on forest prey, including Chaffin- ches, Song Thrushes, Goldcrests, Coal Tits and Wood Pigeons. This is not to conclude that, if the size of such forests is in- creased further, Sparrowhawks will continue to nest at the same high density. Even though the hawks themselves depend mainly on food from within the forest, the prey species depend partly on outside food supplies. This is especially true of Wood Pigeons throughout the year and of Chaffinches in winter. Remains of prey found at plucking posts and nests showed that male Sparrowhawks regularly kill birds up to the size of Blackbird and females take prey up to the size of Wood Pigeon. The remains of 1500 prey items, including many that had been killed after the young hawks had left the nest, contained only 15 game birds, mainly young Pheasants. In this area, therefore, over much of which game was reared, only 1% of the food consisted of Pheasants, but no nest was known in a wood in which poults were being released; in those circumstances, the hawks would probably have taken more. The fact of high densities in Dumfriesshire does not neces- sarily imply that pesticides are no longer important there. First, the county is by no means occupied to the full with Sparrowhawks; many highly suitable, unkeepered woods exist from which the birds are absent, though some woods contain old nests, showing that they have been occupied in recent years. Secondly, the breeding success of more than half the 113 pairs studied is still reduced by egg breakage, embryonic 18 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) deaths and other factors generally associated with toxic chem- icals (Newton, in press). But the situation is improving, and with increased afforestation the future for Sparrowhawks in south-west Scotland looks good, at least outside game-rearing areas. Factors influencing density in breeding birds of prey This section examines in more general terms various factors that influence density in birds of prey, and begins with the nat- ural factors imposed by the environment and spacing behav- iour of the birds. In continuously suitable habitat, whether forest or open country, the pairs of a given raptor species normally occur throughout, but are sometimes at different densities in differ- ent areas. In low-density areas the birds are sparser, with larger home ranges than in high-density areas, as has been found not only in Golden Eagle and Sparrowhawk, but also in Peregrine (Ratcliffe 1969). The breeding populations of such species, whether in high- or low-density areas, normally re- main almost constant over many years and do not exceed a certain level. The pairs also tend to be evenly spaced. Populations of other species like Kestrel and Short-eared Owl, which eat small rodents, fluctuate over the years between high and low density, following cycles in their prey (Elton 1941). An approximate 5-year cycle for Kestrel in the uplands of Britain has been demonstrated by Snow (1968), while peaks in Short-eared Owl numbers have been described by Adair (1892) and Lockie (1955). During the series of vole plagues on the Borders at the end of the 19th century, both predators in- creased greatly, and Kestrels nested colonially (Bolam 1912). In some landscapes breeding places are scarce and widely scattered. These may be woods for Sparrowhawks or crags for eagles, but the effect is the same: the pairs will be further apart and the overall breeding population lower than if nest- sites were more plentiful. Pairs are often irregularly spaced according to the distribution of sites; in one sense, the area is occupied to the full, but at low density. Golden Eagles occasionally oust Peregrines from nesting cliffs, and so if sites are restricted the presence of one species influences the numbers and distribution of the other. Examples involving other birds of prey have been given by Craighead & Craighead (1956). The Scottish countryside is a mosaic of estates, with intense predator control on some, slight control on others and none on yet others. Without persecution all suitable habitat would be occupied by raptors, but gamekeepers remove the breeding 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 19 pairs each year from parts of it. If the remaining birds produce enough young, keepered areas may be recolonised afresh each year, and often the newcomers settle in the same places as their predecessors (Rowan 1921-22 for Merlin, Ratcliffe 1969 for Peregrine). This is partly because some nest-sites are in- trinsically better than others, but also because incomers are to some extent fitting into a pre-existing territorial framework. Besides removing each year’s breeders, keepers also destroy in autumn and winter part of each year’s crop of young, and thereby draw on the population from a wider area. This was more important in the past than it is now, and was always more important in game-producing areas in the Lowlands than in the Highlands, where traps more often froze up. To judge by the vermin lists of the last century, exaggerated though some of them may have been, many more birds of prey were removed each year from some estates than could have been present there at any one time. This was presumably because, as one territorial pair was removed, other young birds moved in to take their place; when these were shot others moved in and so on. Up to a point, keepers by this activity merely crop part of each year’s production of young, but if persecution is widespread they may remove so many young that the popula- tion declines. The success of a species in such an environment hinges largely on the ratio of keepered to unkeepered ground. Last century, under widespread persecution, the popula- tions of several species were reduced to a remnant, at which stage collectors of eggs and specimens became important in causing their final demise. The situation produced by pesticides is similar in that the population is low and produces few young. Most birds tend to be concentrated in less contaminated areas, with the others widely scattered. Hence various factors, both natural and man-induced, can cause low density in birds of prey, and over a large area all may be operating in some degree. Present status of birds of prey in Britain With the widespread persecution of the 19th and early 20th centuries, all raptors in Britain (except perhaps the Kestrel) were apparently reduced below the level that their habitats, however restricted, would support. But since then certain species have become limited by other factors. Table 9 lists species according to whether their status since 1950 has been limited by shortage of habitat, past persecution, the effects of pesticides or by reasons unknown. The table refers to Britain as a whole. Three species are rare mainly through shortage of habitat: Marsh Harrier, which needs Phragmites beds; Honey Buzzard, 20 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) which needs extensive open mature deciduous woodlands, rich in wasps and bees; and Goshawk, which needs extensive mature woodlands, deciduous or coniferous. All these habitats are found in Britain only in restricted areas separated by long distances. It would be unreasonable to expect all such sites to be occupied every year, especially by the migrant species, and perhaps none of these species could have reached a much greater maximum during the last 20-30 years than it did. But since 1960 Marsh Harrier has for unknown reasons declined again almost to extinction, whereas Goshawk has found an in- creasing habitat as the new forestry plantations have matured. Table 9. Certain birds of prey listed according to the factors mainly responsible for their post-War distribution and numbers in Britain Habitat Persecution Pesticides Scarce for restricted unknown and Eliminated Range much Eliminated Range much reasons scattered restricted restricted Marsh White-tailed Golden Eagle None Peregrine Merlin Harrier* Eagle Buzzard Sparrow- Hobby Goshawk? hawk Hen Harrier Montagu’s Honey Harrier Buzzard Kite Osprey Notes *Recently dropped well below the level that the habitat would support. {Habitat recently increased as a result of afforestation. Of the species restricted mainly by pesticides Peregrine and Sparrowhawk have been much reduced in range, while Kestrel has been reduced in numbers in most eastern agricultural areas (Ratcliffe 1963, Prestt 1965). All three species have re- covered slightly in some areas since 1963. The relevant pesti- cides have also been found in the bodies or eggs of all other British birds of prey that have been examined. Of these only Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers have declined markedly, and a link with pesticides is suspected, but has not been proved. Of species restricted mainly by persecution Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Buzzard and Kite were much reduced in range by 1900, though all four have spread slightly in recent years. Moore (1957) has shown how the status of Buzzard in Britain has fluctuated since 1800 with the intensity of game preserva- tion and has produced a map showing that the distribution of the bird in 1954 -was inversely correlated with the distribution 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 21 of gamekeepers. Goshawk, Marsh Harrier, Osprey and White- tailed Eagle were eliminated altogether in Britain by persecu- tion, but the first three have since returned and breed in small numbers. White-tailed Eagle is less likely to recolonise natur- ally, because its population and breeding success in Europe have greatly declined through use of pesticides. Three species are restricted for unknown reasons. Merlin has declined in parts of Britain during the last 50 years, and many former sites in unchanged habitat are not now occupied. The species suffers from pesticides and from persecution, but some other factor is probably involved. Certainly the decline began before the days of toxic chemicals. For two other species, southern Britain is now the fringe of their range: Hobby is most numerous in Hampshire and is otherwise almost restric- ted to the five counties that adjoin Hampshire; its numbers probably do not exceed 100 pairs (Parslow 1967). A century ago it was more widespread, and its range contraction, like those of Nightjar and Red-backed Shrike, is possibly due to a decline in large insects consequent on climatic change. In some recent years the breeding success of the Hobby population has been much reduced by egg-collectors. Montagu’s Harrier nests in rank vegetation of various kinds, including young conifer plantations, and much habitat in southern Britain remains un- occupied. Parslow (1967) gives the maximum population since the War as 40-50 pairs, but numbers have declined since then for unknown reasons. Conclusions Since 1950 a conservation movement has developed in Britain, and full legal protection has been given to all birds of prey. To what extent have such developments helped these birds? The conservation movement has so far had its greatest impact in the field of toxic chemicals. Otherwise such improve- ments as have occurred have resulted primarily from socio- economic changes—two World Wars, the break-up of large estates and the taking over of large areas by the Forestry Commission, all of which, one way or another, have reduced the ground on which birds of prey are persecuted. Hence the immediate future of birds of prey in Britain will probably de- pend, as in the past, mainly on trends in land use, while in the long term education may help to change attitudes. Acknowledgments I am grateful to W. Murray and H. Ostroznik for cheerful and unremitting help in the field; to Hon. D. N. Weir for kindly allowing me to use his unpublished material on Sparrowhawks; to Dr N. W. Moore and J. G. Young for helpful discussion; and 22 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 7(1) to Dr D. Jenkins for encouragement and constructive criticism of the manuscript. Summary Where they are not heavily persecuted, Golden Eagles may be found ‘in Scotland at densities of 4-6 pairs per 100 square miles of suitable country. Their well-being in any area depends mainly on the prevailing land use and the particular human attitudes that this fosters. On land used mainly for deer, eagles are often left in peace, but in sheep and grouse areas they are often heavily persecuted. They have nonetheless been found to have a negligible impact on sheep and grouse populations. An index based on ringing suggests that many more young Sparrow- hawks were produced in Britain each year during and just after the War, when many gamekeepers were temporarily absent, than in the preceding or following years. Over much of the country the species has now been greatly reduced by certain pesticides, but in some northern and western ‘areas it is still numerous. In more or less continuous woodland it is found in Dumfriesshire at densities of six pairs per square mile and in Speyside at densities of 0.5 pair per square mile. In both areas the spac- ing of nests is remarkably uniform. In mixed Jandscapes Sparrowhawks prefer to nest in woods containing conifers and prefer large rather than small woods. Birds nesting in large conifer plantations feed largely on prey from within the forest. In any raptor species, a low density of breeding pairs might result from a generally poor environment, from a shortage of nesting places, from competition with other species for limited nesting places, from persecu- tion or from pesticides. The distribution of breeding pairs induced by these various factors often differs and sometimes enables their relative importance to be assessed. Under widespread persecution in the 19th and early 20th centuries, nearly all birds of prey in Britain were reduced below the level that their habitats, however restricted, would support. Four species ceased to breed in Britain, but three have since returned and breed in small numbers. White-tailed Eagle is less likely to recolonise naturally, because its num- bers are diminishing in Europe. Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kite and Osprey owe their present limited ranges in Britain to past persecution, but other species in recent years have been restricted by other factors: Marsh Harrier, Honey Buzzard and Goshawk by extreme shortage of habitat (though the last could now benefit from increased afforestation); Peregrine and Sparrowhawk by certain pesticides; and Merlin, Hobby and Montagu’s Harrier by unknown factors. Only Kestrel is about as numerous and widespread as expected, though still sparse in some arable areas. _ Those improvements in the status of birds of prey that have occurred in Britain this century have resulted primarily from socio-economic changes, which in turn have reduced the amount of land on which such birds are persecuted. References ApaIR, P. 1892. The Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus, Pallas) and the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus, Linnaeus) in the vole plague districts. An. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1892: 219-31. ARNOLD, L. W. 1954. The Golden Eagle and its economic status. Circ. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. No. 27. BAXTER, E. & RINTOUL, L. J. 1953. The Birds of Scotland, Edinburgh. 1972 BIRDS OF PREY IN SCOTLAND 23 Botam, G. 1912. Birds of Northumoeriand and the Eastern Borders. Alnwick. Brown, L. H. & Watson, A. 1964. The Golden Eagle in relation to its food supply. Ibis 106: 78-100. CRAIGHEAD, J. J. & CRAIGHEAD, F. C. 1956. Hawks, owls and widlife. Pennsylvania. Eean, H. 1965. Chlorinated pesticide residues in lamb and mutton fat following dip- ping and other treatment. J. Sci. Fd. Agric. 16: 489-98. ELTON, C. 1941. Voles, mice and lemmings. Oxford. ERRINGTON, P. L. 1967. Of predation and life. Iowa State Univ. Press. JENKINS, D., Watson, A. & MILLER, G. R. 1964. Predation and Red Grouse popula- tions. J. appl. Ecol. 1: 1835-95. Lockiz, J. D. 1955. The breeding habits and food of Short-eared Owls after a vole plague. Bird Study 2: 53-69. LockiE, J. D. 1964. The breeding density of the Golden Eagle and Fox in relation to food supply in Wester Ross, Scotland. Scot. Nat. 77: 67-77. 5 LockizE, J. D. & RATCLIFFE, D. A. 1964. Insecticides and Scottish Golden Eagles. Brit. Birds 57: 89-102. LocKIE, J. D., RATCLIFFE, D. A. & BALHARRY, R. 1969. Breeding success and diel- drin contamination of Golden Eagles in West Scotland. J. appl. Ecol. 6: 381-9. LockiE, J. D. & STEPHEN, D. 1959. Eagles, lambs and land management on Lewis. J. Anim. Ecol. 28: 43-50. Moore, N. W. 1957. The past and present status of the Buzzard in the British Isles. Brit. Birds 50: 175-97, NEwTon, I. 1970. Some aspects of the control of birds. Bird Study 17: 177-92. NEwtTon, I. In press. The status and breeding success of Sparrowhawk in an area of pesticide usage. Bird Study. PaRstow, J. L. F. 1967. Changes in status among breeding birds in Britain and Ireland. Brit. Birds 60: 2-47. PRESTT, I. 1965. An enquiry into the recent breeding status of some of the smaller birds of prey and crows in Britain. Bird Study 12: 196-221, RATCLIFFE, D. A. 1965. The status of the Peregrine in Great Britain. Bird Study 10: 56-90. RATCLIFFE, D. A. 1969. Population trends of the Peregrine Falcon in Great Brit- ain. Pp. 259-69 in Peregrine fulcon ropulations, ed. J. J. Hickey. Madison, Mil- waukee & London: University of Wisconsin Press. Rowan, W. 1921-22. Observations on the breeding habits of the Merlin. Brit. Birds 15: 122-29, 194-202, 222-31, 246-53. SANDEMAN, P. W. 1957. The breeding success of Golden Eagles in the southern Grampians. Scot. Nat. 69: 148-52. Snow, D. W. 1968. Movements and mortality of British Kestrels Falco tinnunculus. Bird Study 15: 65-83. SOUTHERN, H. N. 1970. The natural control of a population of Tawny Owls (Strix aluco). J. Zool., Lond. 162: 197-285. SPOFFORD, W. R. 1969. Problems of the Golden Eagle in North America. Pp. 345-47 in Peregrine Falcon Populations, ed. J. J. Hickey. Madison, Milwaukee & London: University of Wisconsin Press. TINBERGEN, L. 1946. De Sperwer als roofvijand van Zangvogels Ardea 34: 1-213. Watson, A. 1957. The breeding success of Golden Eagles in the Northeast Highlands. Scot, Nat. 69: 1953-69. Watson, A. 1970. Work on Golden Eagles. Pp. 14-18 in Research on vertebrate predators in Scotland, Nature Conservancy Progress Report. 24 COMMUNAL ROOSTING OF HEN HARRIERS 7(1) Communal roosting of Hen Harriers in southwest Scotland A. D. WATSON and R. C. DICKSON Introduction Communal roosting of Hen Harriers was noted by Sir William Jardine (Jardine 1834-38, MacGillivray 1836). Jardine referred to “general roosting places, either among whins or long heath and always on some open spot of ground.” On a moor of considerable extent he had seen seven birds gather in one acre. Walpole-Bond (1914) said that in Orkney a pair in winter “‘patronise a special roosting site in very long ling”, and McIntyre (1947) gave a brief description of Hen Harrier roost- ing near its breeding area in winter, but the only recent refer- ence to a communal winter roost in Britain is by Walker (1953), who found up to three males and two females or immatures* roosting in march grass growing in six to nine inches of water in November/December 1953 at Wallend Marsh, Kent. Communal roosting is better known in the conspecific North American Marsh Hawk; Bent (1931) gives an account of a loose group comprising two or three to as many as 30, and a large field “grown up to heavy broomsedge”’,, preferably upon a hill top was chosen. Weller et al. (1955) and Craighead and Craighead (1956) have given further accounts of communal ground roosts of Marsh Hawks in winter, the Craigheads rec- ording a peak of 48 birds at one roost in late January/early February. Communal roosting by other harriers, Montagu’s, Marsh, Pallid and Australasian, is well documented, and sizeable con- gregations often of mixed species have been recorded by many authorities (Weis 1923, Witherby et al. 1938-41, Bannerman 1956, Meinertzhagen 1956, Gurr 1968, and Salim Ali 1968). This paper gives an account of communal winter roosts of Hen Harriers in southwest Scotland and attempts to analyse the results of observations made mainly between 1966 and 1971. Description of the roosts Hen Harriers are still subject to persecution in southwest Scotland; because of this and to avoid disturbance of the roosts, locations are not specified. In September 1966 RCD found two males going to roost A and thereafter made over 100 watches up to March 1970. Fur- ther watches were made in 1970/71 by D. L. Irving, RCD and *Females and immature birds in brown plumage are generally referred to here as “ringtails”’. 1972 COMMUNAL ROOSTING OF HEN HARRIERS 29 ADW. The roosting area is a low-lying coastal moor, separated from the sea by a series of sandhills planted with a belt of young conifers, mostly Scots and Corsican pines. The roost proper is an area of about 23 hectares, with dense heather dominant and, in the area favoured by the roosting harriers, up to a metre tall, with a field-layer of bog moss and cotton grass; in winter the ground is sometimes waterlogged. The area is ungrazed by domestic animals, and natural regenera- tion by Scots pine is taking place in some parts of the moor. Around the fringes of the area the moor is covered in rush, purple moor grass, bracken, clumps of willow, rowan, birches and gorse, with a spread of rhododendrons in the northeast corner. Across the moor, running from northeast to southwest, a wire-and-stob fence divides the ground, following the course of a small burn. a a a ——— or ce a 4 - ee Se NC 7 ee L The harriers roosted on the ground in the long heather, creating trampled platforms, or forms, half a metre to a metre in diameter of dead, bent, grey heather stalks. Detritus at the larger ones indicated long use; some were whitewashed with droppings, as were the surrounding stalks of heather, and at others a few harriers’ feathers, faeces and pellets were found. Some of these forms were found to be used often, some on consecutive nights, but it was not ascertained if they were used by the same birds. At other forms, however, there would be one pellet lying on a clump of cotton grass and a few faeces where presumably a bird had spent only one night. Only one bird appeared to use each form at any one time. Short-eared Owls, whose pellets were also found there, probably used these forms during the day, when they were abandoned by the harriers. No other bird was known to use the forms. Human disturbance on the roosting ground was negligible, but men and vehicles regularly passed close to the edge of the area. 26 COMMUNAL ROOSTING OF HEN HARRIERS 7(1) In November 1959 ADW found a ringtail going to roost B. He saw up to three birds using this roost between then and January 1966, when a larger number were reported in the area by A. Paterson. Over 100 watches were made by ADW at this roost between March 1967 and December 1971. L. A. Urqu- hart, Mr and Mrs E. L. Roberts, A. J. Watson and others also watched this roost. The roosting area is in a wide expanse of flat, boggy land in an inland valley, skirted on the north by a stream, beyond which the ground rises to form a range of hills covered with conifer forest. To the south the land rises to a hillside of heather and grass moor with rocky outcrops. The valley is 225 feet above sea level, and the flat, boggy ground covers an area of about 125 hectares. At times a few harriers roost widely dispersed over this area, but the usual roosting sites are concentrated in a section of about 16 hectares. The vegetation over the whole flat consists of purple moor grass, sedge, cotton grass, with extensive patches of rushes and reed beds in the wetter part; much of the ground is carpeted with sphagnum mosses. Several dry rocky hillocks are partly cov- ered with grasses and sparse heather; the firm stream bank is also partly heathery, but these areas are apparently not used for roosting. Two or three willow bushes are the only tree growth. In winter most of the ground remains more or less waterlogged except in hard frost; nevertheless it is grazed by several score of black-face sheep and at times by a few cattle. The harriers usually avoided the reed-beds (the wettest area and most difficult for them to drop into) and favoured an area dominated by purple moor grass, sphagnum and rushes. It is not certain whether they sometimes roosted with their feet in water (as Gurr found for Australasian Harrier), but examination of roosting forms suggested that by trampling the long vegetation they were generally able to maintain a firm but sodden platform. More than 20 of these platforms were found, well sheltered by tall growth, many close together, often within one or two metres. The forms were similar in size to those at roost A; all contained at least one pellet, some two or more, and all had the edges lightly splashed with droppings; none showed signs of long, continuous occupation. The roosting ground was rarely disturbed by man, but shoot- ing often took place during the season, close to the edge of the area. In February 1970 RCD found roost C near roost A and studied it in 1970/71. The roosting area is an expanse of marshy ground, interspersed with dry banks of heather and bracken and situated about 200-300 metres from the high- water mark. It is one and a half miles northeast of roost A, young conifer plantations separating the two. The main feat- ures are two extensive areas of willows, forming thick growth, 1972 COMMUNAL ROOSTING OF HEN HARRIERS 27 while to the north there are extensive tracts of heather inter- spersed with marram grass. The harriers roosted between the trees in the heather, bracken and grasses; sometimes they roosted quite widely over the area, especially in the heather to the north. In all, the area is about 150-200 hectares in ex- tent, but the harriers were concentrated, as at roost B, in an area of about 15-20 hectares. Part of the area remained water- logged all year except in hard frost. The forms were similar in size to those at roosts A and B; none showed signs of long, continuous occupation, and no other birds were known to use these forms. The vegetation was ungrazed by domestic ani- mals. Human disturbance was slight but occasionally shooting Darties crossed the area. In February 1970 ADW found two or three harriers roosting at roost D, but none was seen there on subsequent visits in December 1970 and 1971. The roosting area is a fairly wide expanse of level, rough grassland, with purple moor grass, rushes and sparse heather. There are no trees or bushes on the ground where harriers were seen to land, but the area is margined at One end by a conifer plantation 12-15 years old and is otherwise surrounded by fields of pasture grass. In the general area there are further tracts of rough grassland and heath. This roosting ground is probably liable at times to dis- turbance by man. The general features of roosts A, B and C may be summaris- ed as follows : all were on flat, open ground with patches of tall vegetation and afforded good all-round vision both of possible predators and among the harriers themselves; all were water- logged for much of the roosting season; all were generally free from human intrusion; all contained well used roosting platforms; and all were used in successive years. Numbers at the roosts Fig. 1 shows the numbers of birds at roost A each winter from 1966 to January 1972. In 1966/67 the peak occurred in November, while in 1967/68 and 1968/69 peaks were reached in February; in 1969/70 a smaller peak was also reached in February. Between these months the numbers fluctuated. In 1970/71 there was some evidence of interchange of individ- uals with roost C, which might explain some of the fluctua- tions - on 14 occasions up to three harriers were seen flying direct from roost C to roost A, and on 24th December 1971 Six ringtails were seen to do so. Unfortunately records at roost A for 1970/71 are inade- quate for precise comparison with numbers at roost C, but in that winter a peak was reached almost simultaneously at these roosts in late January, while in 1971 peaks were recorded in COMMUNAL ROOSTING OF HEN HARRIERS 7(1) 28 7Z-996l SYJLNIM ONINNG V 1SOOYN L¥Y SYaIdyvH N3H JO Y3adWNN yagw3ld3as Sz = Beas ee: BF PG gig On 13th August ENH saw the hybrid with the young bird, Which was then lavender-grey above, with white underparts and an orange-yellow bill. Without the consent and co-operation of the land-owner and his tenant we would have been unable to make these observa- tions and to them we extend our thanks. E. N. HUNTER, R. H. DENNIS. (In the report of breeding of Great Northern Divers at this site in 1970 (Scot. Birds 6: 195) only one of the adults was described, and the occurrence of this hybrid has raised the question of the identity of the second adult that year. ENH, RB and EC have confirmed, however, that each of the 1970 adults was individually identified as a Great Northern Diver and that the hybrid described above was not seen in 1970.—ED.) 92 SHORT NOTES 7(2) White Storks in Scotland During April and May 1971 there were seven reports of White Storks in Scotland, from Argyllshire to Orkney. The first was reported by Capt. E. A. S. Bailey at Glenuig Bay, Inverness-shire, on 24th April, after a day of strong east- erly winds; it turned up at a meet of the Lochaber foxhounds. The same day a White Stork was seen by A. MacColl on his croft at Acharacle, Argyllshire, about six miles away; it was chased by sheep and did not stay long. A report of a White Stork in the Benderloch area two days previously on 22nd April probably also refers to the same bird. On 11th May at Bridge of Alvah, Banffshire, a White Stork was watched by Mrs A. F. W. Sharp for three-quarters of an hour as it sat in a dead tree. Later it flew off, circling up to a great height. The Orkney bird was first seen by Mrs Cooper on 20th May near the Loch of Burness on the island of Westray. It was seen again on the 23rd (when it was being chased by “a dozen big gulls’’) and 24th by Mrs Scott. On 26th May a tired-looking White Stork was discovered by P. R. James and D. Glass near Dounereay, Caithness. It re- mained until the 28th, though disturbance by the public made it increasingly wary. The last record is of a bird seen by Mrs M. Hawkins and others on the evening of 3lst May at Tomintoul, Banffshire. It was apparently feeding in a field by a river. Full details of these occurrences were submitted to the Rar- ities Committee and all have been accepted. Though it is diffi- cult to say for sure how many birds were involved, this is a remarkable series of records; in recent years the pattern in Scotland has been one occurrence roughly every other spring, mostly on the east side. The present records include the first for North Argyll, Banff and North Coast and Caithness. The Inverness-shire/Argyll- shire bird is the second for the Argyll faunal division; the first was shot near Fort William in April 1889. The only previous Orkney record was in 1840. EDITOR. American Wigeon in Fife On 10th January 1971 at the Eden estuary near Guardbridge I noticed an unusual bird among a flock of Wigeon roosting on the merse. Its forehead was off-white as compared with 1972 SHORT NOTES 93 the yellow foreheads of the nearby drakes. Its head was yel- low-grey, with dark flecks and with dark green ear coverts forming a stripe behind the eye. The flanks and breast were vinous brown, with the white of the underparts extending to form an inverted V-shaped area on the breast. The upperparts were darkish brown, and the wings, tail, bill and feet were all dark, as in Wigeon. The bird was chased by a Wigeon drake and made a brief flight, showing white forewings, and black under tail-coverts banded at the front by white, all as in Wigeon. I identified the bird as a drake American Wigeon. D. M. BRYANT. King Eiders in Bute and Ayrshire On 2nd April 1971 at Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute I saw a group of Eiders about 50 yards offshore. A casual look at the group showed one bird rather darker than the others. More detailed inspection showed it to be a mature King Eider drake, with clearly defined grey head, orange shield at the base of the bill, and black back, unlike the common Eider drakes nearby. No sails were seen on the back. The weather was sunny, with little wind, and the sea, in this confined area, was calm. The flock moved gradually away to- wards the Colintraive shore. R. C. COAST-SMITH. On 22nd December 1971 I was counting Eiders at the mouth of the River Irvine; among a pack of about 90 I discovered a drake King Eider. Although the sea was choppy the bird could be clearly seen for short periods about 200 yards offshore. On the 23rd the King Eider was again with the common Eiders. The birds were sheltering in the river mouth and could be observed in good conditions at about 80 yards. A. G. Stew- art confirmed the identification. The bird was last seen on 4th April 1972, by AGS. Description Slightly shorter than common Eider, with contrasting black-and-white plumage. Most prominent features were the relatively short, bright yellow-orange bill and shield and the pale blue-grey nape and crown. The pale pink suffusion of the white breast was also clearly visible, as were the small black sails on the back. I. M. DARLING. (The Bute and Ayr records are the first for their respective divisions, and they also provide the first record for the Clyde faunal area.—ED.) 94 SHORT NOTES 7(2) Temminck’s Stints breeding in Scotland During the summers of 1969-71 Temminck’s Stints had been seen displaying on low ground in Easter Ross. On 16th July 1971 two completely downy chicks were found. While the chicks were examined (one was noticeably smaller than the other and had thinner legs) an adult fluttered around, usually within ten feet of the ground, calling with a short, clear, trilling tirr. When the observers moved about two yards away the bird alighted, allowing photographs to be taken at close range (see plate 8). The following description was made: A very small wader (smaller than a Skylark) with the proportions of a Common Sandpiper; all upperparts medium brown; no obvious eye- stripe; most of the feathers on the back dark olive, with thin, lighter edging, not as sharply marked as in Little Stint; neck and breast lighter brown than upperparts; rest of underparts clear white; bill dark but not black; legs dull yellowish green. In flight the white outer tail feathers were clearly visible and a slight wing-bar was seen. No other adult was seen on this occasion. On 22nd July only one chick could be found; it was still com- pletely downy on the body but showed the beginning of wing quills. It was ringed and released. After heavy continuous rain on the 24th and 25th, the place was revisited but there was no sign of the adult there, though one was displaying about 200 yards away. During the following week displaying adults were seen both near the original site and at the second one, and it seems possible that two pairs were breeding. C. G. HEADLAM. (This is the first sure record of breeding in Scotland and Britain in recent years. The species attempted unsuccessfully to breed on at least three occasions in Scotland : in East Inver- ness-shire in 1934 (also present in 1935), 1936 (also present 1947) and 1956.—Eb.) Baird’s Sandpiper in the Outer Hebrides On 27th September 1971 I discovered a Baird’s Sandpiper, feeding with four Dunlins among decaying seaweed on the high-water mark at Traigh Iar, North Uist. Description Smaller than a Dunlin and much sleeker; head buff, with slight, whitish eye-stripe extending back from eye; back buff; wings showed a marked scaly pattern, primaries long and pointed in flight, extending well beyond tail at rest; rump dark in centre with pale edges; bill black, short, fine and straight, almost as long as head; legs blackish, usually held flexed. As it picked for food, the bird was easy to approach. When other birds were disturbed it often crouched on the sand; the 1972 SHORT NOTES 95 horizontal stance was very noticeable, and it was this that first attracted my attention. It took me some time to make sure that it was not a White-rumped Sandpiper, but when the bird began to preen I had good views of its rump. No call notes were heard. Alastair Macdonald also saw the bird and checked the bird against my description. G. CRITCHLEY. (This is the second Scottish record and first for the Outer Hebrides division. The first Scottish record was at St Kilda on 28th September 1911 (Scot. Nat. 1912: 9)—Eb.) Red-necked Phalarope in Dunbartonshire On 28th June 1971 at the Endrick mouth I saw a small, dark wader fly swiftly and erratically just over the surface of the loch. It alighted on the water, and I was able to approach with- in 20 yards of it. The bird was the size of a Dunlin, with a short, dark bill, black crown and dark upperparts. It had a very plain dark stripe through the eye. The underparts were pale, with slightly darker shading around the neck and upper breast. In flight, which was very erratic, a pronounced pale wing-stripe was seen. The bird always landed on the water and dabbed all around with its needle bill. I heard it call only one once—a short shrill note. The bird was obviously a Red-necked Phala- rope. R. K. POLLOCK. (There is a previous record for Dunbartonshire, at Sum- merston on the River Kelvin on Ist October 1962 (Scot. Birds 3: 91). D. G. Andrew comments: “The plumage described above is puzzling. It is unlikely that this was a bird of the year, since the date of the record is about the average date of hatching for Britain, and it does not seem like an adult begin- ning autumn moult (though this can begin very early). A spec- ulative explanation is that this may have been a first-year bird that had come ashore before it was ready to breed. The Hand- book is silent on first-year plumage, and I can find nothing in the literature to suggest that the bird does not achieve full maturity in the first summer after its birth.”—ED.) Lesser Grey Shrikes in East Lothian and the Inner Hebrides On 29th August 1971 at Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve KAM found a Lesser Grey Shrike. It perched on bushes and a fence, flicking its tail occasionally, and sometimes flying !ow over the ground. 96 SHORT NOTES 7(2) Description Head grey, with a broad, black stripe through the eye and across the forehead, no white above the black; ear coverts very white; back grey; tail black, with white edging; wings black, with white area seen in flight; underparts very light grey; legs black; bill black, small and hooked. On 4th September at the same place, GLS watched what was presumed to be the same bird for about an hour: in his detail- ed description he remarked that the bird was of a rather sandy- brown colour, that the black eye-stripe did not extend over the forehead and that the bird most resembled the illustration in the Handbook of a first-winter female. Many other observers saw the bird: on 6th September JM and MM watched it, still at the same spot, and it was last re- ported on the 11th, by FDH. K. A. MACKENZIE, G. L. SANDEMAN, J. Moss, M. Moss, F. D. HAMILTON. During the second week of September 1971 W. Henderson reported seeing a shrike in Kinloch Glen on the Isle of Rhum. On 12th September I saw the bird perched on a fence post. From its upright stance and strong hooked bill it was immed- iately recognisable as a shrike; it seemed no larger than a Chaffinch. The bird was timid, but on several occasions I managed to view it at a range of less than 20 yards. It was pale olive-grey above, whitish below. The ear coverts and lores were a darker grey brown than the rest of the head, the tail and wings were dark grey-brown, and the outer tail feathers were white. The dark grey-brown primaries were tipped and edged with pale brown. There was a broad white patch, extending from the front edge of the wing, which was very noticeable when the bird flew away. The scapular patch appeared to be slightly paler than the back, nape and crown. Faint barring was just discernible on the flanks. The shrike was persistently mobbed by Swallows and later by Chaffinches; the Chaffinches were slightly smaller than it. A Song Thrush also joined in the mobbing; when it perched alongside the shrike the thrush was noticeably larger. The shrike flew from one perch to another, dipping away from its stance and flying low. On several occasions it caught a moth, returning to its perch and holding the insect with its foot while eating it. From these characteristics I identified it as a young Lesser Grey Shrike, just acquiring its first-winter plumage. P, WORMELL. (The Aberlady record is the second for East Lothian: the Rhum record is the first for the Inner Hebrides.—Ep.) 1972 SHORT NOTES 97 Rose-coloured Starling in Sutherland At about 9.30 p.m. on 3rd June 1971 at Droman I saw a Rose-coloured Starling sitting in a small bush with a flock of some 25 Starlings. I watched for about five minutes at 20-30 yards range before the birds moved off to feed in a field some distance away. The flock was restless and continued to move about, giving me good views of the bird in flight. After about 15 minutes my attention was distracted by a Corncrake call- ing a few yards behind me and walking boldly along a stone wall. After that I lost sight of the Rose-coloured Starling and did not see it again. The bird was similar to Starling in shape, size and behav- iour. Its head and neck were glossy black, with the feathers on the rear of the crown shaggy, giving it a slightly crested appearance. The rest of the body was pink, except for a dark area on the rear of the belly and dark under tail-coverts. The wings and tail were black. In flight the primaries appeared dis- tinctly palish. The legs were pale reddish pink and the bill also appeared pinkish. I thought the flight moré swooping and not so direct as that of Starling, but this could have been a result of the strong wind. The pattern in flight of black head and neck, pink back and rump, contrasting with black wings and tail was very distinctive. The plumage looked bright and in good condition; the bird was unringed and showed no par- ticular tameness. It was chased by a female Blackbird, and a my House Sparrow chattered at it while it was sitting in the ush. P, TIZZARD. Arctic Redpoll in Orkney On 11th October 1970 at Holland House, North Ronaldsay, I caught an adult female Arctic Redpoll in a mist nest. The diagnostic characters were: wing length 85mm (Svensson’s* method 3); the double white wing-bar formed by the tips of the greater and median coverts; the pretty clear white rump of which 15mm was unstreaked and the central streaks on the remainder of which were faint (the appearance of the rump was intermediate between Svensson’s diagrams a and b); the breast was clear white; the flanks showed a few dark streaks; the central under tail-covert had a dark centre, exactly as in Svensson’s diagram b; all remiges and rectrices were fresh and unworn. Immediately afterwards I trapped an adult female Redpoll (probably of the Greenland form); by comparison it was very dark and much streaked on flanks and rump. The wind had been southwesterly since 5th October; good falls of Redwings and other thrushes occurred on 7th, together 98 SHORT NOTES 7(2) with a few warblers, including Barred and Yellow-browed, and several Great Grey Shrikes. J, M. B. KING. *Svensson, L. Identification Guide to European Passerines. B.T.O. Publica- tion. (This is the first record for Orkney. The wing measurement would seem to indicate the subspecies A. h. hornemanni.—ED.) Obituary COMMANDER SIR GEOFFREY H. HUGHES-ONSLOW Geoffrey Hughes-Onslow, who died at his home Alton, Al- bany, Barrhill, in south Ayrshire on 27th November 1971, had lived a full life of service to his country and his native county. Trained as a sailor, he fought through the First World War as a regular officer in the Royal Navy. In the run-down of the Services that followed victory in 1919, he retired to the estates he had inherited on his father’s death in 1914, return- ing to serve during thc Second World War as commander of H.M.S. Scotia, a shore training establishment at Ayr. In the early ’20’s he began his long stint in local authority work. For 33 years to 1955 he was a member of Ayrshire County Council, and from 1949 to 1955 its Convener. It took great skill, patience and wisdom and wit to keep this council working harmoniously, and Ayrshire was fortunate in naving a pilot who had these qualities so abundantly and who was held in such high personal regard by (political) friend and foe alike. In 1950 he became Lord Lieutenant of his native county, the most pleasant and honourable office one can hold, and was knighted in 1959. Geoffrey was essentially a countryman, and his interest in birds and considerable knowledge of them was part of his wide knowledge and love of the countryside. He was a keen and good shot, but he was also a keen and wise protectionist and was responsible in no small measure for the sanctuary arrangements on Lady Isle. He was an original member of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club when it was a body of only 20 or so keen types—at that time almost all those active in the field in Scotland. He was an original member of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust. It was on a visit to the isle that he saw an albatross circling Sheep Craig, thus maintaining the link, as he was wont to say, between that fabulous bird and the ancient mariner. Geoffrey typified all that was, and is, best in the Establish- ment. Those of us who knew him were the better for it and are the poorer for his death. A.B.D. 1972 REVIEWS 99 Reviews The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland. Prepared by the Records Com- mittee of the British Ornithologists’ Union. Oxford and Edinburgh, Blackwell, 1971. Pp. xviii + 333; 69 lme drawings by Robert Gillmor; endpaper maps. 215 x 14 cm. £3. The 1952 BOU Check-List, an essential work of reference, was a 7/6d ck. The 1971 list is a handsome £3 book enlivened with Robert Giilmor’s vignettes. lis publication, after years of unseemly disagreement, has been accompanied by just as much criticism as greeted the former one. The detailed status summaries are altogether more informative and useful than the previous brief statements, and it is in this feature that it differs most from the 1952 list; indeed it is no longer just a list. For each genus details are given of world distribution (by zoogeographicai regions), number of species, how many breed in Europe, and how many breed or occur im the British isles. For each species there is a summary of world breeding disiribution, migrations and wintering areas, with notes on the distribution of those races recorded im the British Isles. Assisted transatlantic passage, if not too obvious, is acceptable; the Hastings Rar- ities are not. British and Irish distribution is given in some detail, with an indication of relative abundance. This section owes a great deal to the work of J. L. F. Parslow. Separate paragraphs outline breeding, passage and vag- rant status. The basis was a special] BOU enquiry as long ago as 1964/65, but other sources have been used, with records to the end of 1968 m- cluded; 1969 and 1970 are surveyed in an appendix by L. J. Ferguson-Lees and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock. The basis on which Whooper Swans are reported to have bred in Scotland im 1968 is unknown to the author of the 1968 Scottish Bird Re- port or the editors of Scottish Birds; unless satisfactory details are pub- lished, such imprecise records Of rarities are merely tantalising and likely to be ignored by future workers. Species in the main list are categorised according to whether they have been recorded im the past 50 years (the main category, A), or only before that (8), or have been successiully introduced (C). A fourth category (D), listed separately, embraces a small selection of possible escapes and un- established miroductions, but is intended also for ship-assisted waifs and tideline corpses—noi to be forgotten, but the selection is somewhat arbi- trary and of uncertain value. The English names, unlike those in the 1952 list, conform to current usage. One notes Red Kite with approval (Grey Heron is not yet in), and the spelling of Greylag Goose with interest (farewell to the old idea of the Grey Lag Goose). Scarlet Grosbeak or Scarlet Rosefinch or now Com- mon Rosefinch remains a muddle. The members of the BOU Records Committee were mainly not special- ists in taxonomy, and it was decided, disastrously, that the BOU Council should deal with matters of nomenclature and sequence. After protracted and heated controversy, which seriously delayed publication, it was decid- ed to follow Vaurie’s nomenclature (with variations) and Peters’s sequence (with variations). In general the scientific nomenclature will be acceptable. Mistakes in original orthography (i.e. spelling) have been corrected, though the 1952 spellings are retaimed for White-tailed Eagle and Jack Snipe, despite Ibis 98: 168. Tt is the sequence adopted that has aroused such universal opposition. The 1952 list was by no means periect (with, for instance, the type species listed first in each genus regardless of their natural affinities), 100 REVIEWS 7(2) but ultimately it was very widely adopted in this country (and notably by editors of the numerous local bird reports). For anyone seeking or collating records this is most convenient, as one knows at once where to look, Although the sequence in which species are listed is normally intended to indicate their affinities, it is not so much a matter of scien- ific fact as a man-made tool. There is no absolute need to use one sequence rather than another, and there is therefore the most powerful argument for not altering an established sequence unnecessarily. Frequent changes are highly inconvenient and the view is widely and strongly held that until international agreement can be reached on a European (or Holarctic, or World) sequence we should retain the 1952 sequence. Two BTO con- ferences of local bird report editors passed strong resolutions to that effect. Despite all warnings and opposition, even from its own authors, the BOU Council has gone ahead with its new sequence, thereby attracting fundamental criticism and demands that some other body should be res- ponsible for future lists. One regrets the need for this criticism of an otherwise useful and well presented volume, but the new sequence only adds to the existing confusion of sequnces, so pointedly described in a letter to British Birds (64: 130), and it seems likely to be largely ignored, thereby sadly damaging the scientific authority and standing of the BOU. The BTO has produced a revised version of the 1952 sequence (A Species List of British and Irish Birds, BTO Guide 13), which though unsatisfactory in various details is likely to be widely followed. ANDREW T. MACMILLAN. The Swans. By Peter Scott and the Wildfowl Trust. London, Michael Joseph, 1972. Pp. x + 242; 48 plates, many text illustrations. 26 x 21 cm, £4.20. This is a prestige publication by the Wildfowl Trust, describing much of the existing knowledge about all swans throughout the world. It is authoritative and comprehensive, and is profusely and beautifully illus- trated, with many line drawings by several artists in addition to nearly 50 excellent and well chosen photographs. There is a colour frontispiece by Peter Scott. The chapters are written by different authorities from within the Trust, edited by George Atkinson-Willes, with the birds’ classifi- cation described by Hugh Boyd, sections on distribution, behaviour, food and causes of death partly or wholly by Malcolm Ogilvie, Janet Kear, Myrfyn Owen and John Beer. Some of these authors contributed to more than one chapter. These scientific sections are supplemented by three others on art and mythology by Mary Evans and Andrew Dawnay, on exploitation by Andrew Dawnay, and on conservation by Geoffrey Mat- thews. There are nine factual appendices, and a useful bibliography of 350 titles. A nicely written introduction by Peter Scott in his typically lucid style describes his experiences with swans and especially the Trust’s well known recent studies on the Bewick’s Swans at Slimbridge. The book’s main achievement is to bring together, critically but rather briefly, comparable information on many aspects of the biology and mythology of swans on a world scale in a style acceptable to both scien- tist and general ornithologist. Much of this information was previously inaccessible to most of us. The chapters on mythology and exploitation, running to 34 pages, will interest many whose attention may wander in the sections on classification and disease. However, with a publication of this sort the reviewer will inevitably ask for whom it is intended The price is high, and whose shelves will the book adorn? Are the people interested in biology sufficiently interested in a polished product to pay 1972 REVIEWS 101 £4.20 for this kind of book? Are people interested in mythology also in- terested in science at this price? The book undoubtedly enhances the prestige of the Trust, but will the eloquent message of conservation by Professor Matthews fall mainly on the ears of the already converted? I am sure that members of the SOC will enjoy the book and will learn much from it, but many (and not only Scotsmen) may hope that time may transform this swan into an ugly pelican or penguin. DAVID JENKINS. Gulls in Britain. By Richard Vaughan. London, H. F. and G. Witherby, 1972. Pp. 96; 54 black-and-white plates. 25 x 19 cm. £1.75. This is basically a picture book, including photographs of our six common species in all sorts of postures, striking, interesting and some- times even new, plus portraits of two scarcer species for good measure. The text that fills some of the space between the pictures recounts some better known statements about the birds without adding many new ones, and there are 50 references at the end. The level of accuracy is rather higher than usual in such works, but some old chestnuts are repeated: the “immature” Common Gulls are approaching breeding condition; the Kittiwakes at Lowestoft are not the only ones breeding between Flam- borough Head and the Isle of Wight, as a good many observant Channel- crossers should be aware; and Franklin’s Gull is not the only transequa- torial migrant in the group, being greatly outdistanced by Sabine’s Gull. It is also a pity that the author seems to have overlooked some of the more outstanding recent major works such as those by Borodulina and N. G. Smith. W. R. P. BOURNE. Handbook of the Birds of Cyprus and Migrants of the Middle East. By D. A. and W. Mary Bannerman. Edinburgh, Oliver and Boyd, 1971. Pp. xvi + 237; 27 coloured plates. 234 x 154 cm. £3. This good bock is somewhat of a mystery; ostensibly an amplification of the authors’ 1958 work, it is most useful in containing all the valuable information of the intervening years, which greatly clarifies the breeding distribution and occasional] occurrences of birds in the island. As the authors gracefully acknowledge, this new material comes from the Cyprus Ornithological Society, but why the book, for the use of Cypriots and of visitors, has not been confined to 100 pages or so and priced at 50 new pence or so is odd. There are also new illustrations, but for purposes of bird identification the islanders will have to look elsewhere: the present reviewer (who knows both species well) had to read the text opposite to find out what the learnt of Red-breasted Flycatcher and Spectacled Warbler were meant to be. The standards of identification are a little old-fashioned, and I do not take it as a compliment to be told that I cannot identify a Chiffchaff fanless I hear it sing. One must attribute to a slip of the pen the statement that the Ruff “is strikingly smaller than his mate”. Where the Bannermans really come into their own and show all their experience and skill is in the introductory chapters to the different avian families. For the general reader, who perhaps has no particular interest in Cyprus and may never feel inclined to go there, these are absolutely masterly, but we must still doubt whether Archbishop Makarios will ever learn to identify the Spectacled Warbler. M.F.M.M. 102 REVIEWS 7(2) The Birds of Zambia, C. W. Benson, R. K. Brooke, R. J. Bowsett & M. P. S. Irwin. London, Collins, 1971. Pp. 414; 12 colour plates, 8 »lack-and- white plates. 194 x 13 cm. £2.50. The design of the dustcover and the layout of the text and illustrations tend to create a first impression that this is a field guide. In fact, it is not an identification book but a check list, giving surprisingly comprehensive notes on habitat, status, distribution, breeding records and migration of Zambia’s 700 bird species. The colour plates are excellent, though only 120 species are illustrated. Appendices include a bibliography, a gazeteer, records of ringing re- coveries, a series of distribution maps and lists of scientific and English names. T. DELANEY. A Guide to the Birds of South America. By Rodolphe Meyer de Schauen- see. Edinburgh, Oliver & Boyd, 1971. Pp. xiv + 470; 31 colour plates, 19 black-and-white plates; 22 text illustrations. 234 x 16 cm. £7.00. In his introduction the author rightly points to the need of the ornith- ologically minded traveller for a handy illustrated guide to the birds of South America; although it is stated that the book was written with this need in mind, it is a pity that the impressive amount of information it contains is presented in a form that seems unlikely to be of much assis- tance in the field. The text lists almost 3000 species in 93 families. For each family there is a general description of its status, distribution, behaviour and appear- ance, and in most cases an “aid to identification” intended to help sort out the members of the family by an elimination key based on field char- acters. For each species the entry consists of some highly condensed notes on description, range and habitat. The birds are named in English; scientific names are also given, but Spanish and Portuguese names are not. The 50 plates grouped in the centre of the book illustrate 676 species, of whieh more than 100 are represented by head-and-shoulders portraits only. T. DELANEY. Highland Summer, By Seton Gordon. London, Cassell, 1971. Pp. 182; many line drawings. 22 x 14 cm. £2.10. This is a collection of some 50 short essays, written, it seems, in the last 15 years. Considering the mental and physical vigour that these imply, it is amazing to realise that Seton Gordon is now in his 85th year. Most of the pieces and the accompanying drawings concern birds, and Highland Summer is a pleasant bedside book for the ornithologist. (Those interested in the mysteries of piping will also enjoy it). The descriptions are plain rather than poetic, and the author is always willing to pause for the sake of accurate observation and information, Eagles are, of course, his passion, but he writes with affection of the other birds that are the regular, though sometimes retiring, inhabitants of the Highlands. This is an unpretentious book, directed not at the specialist out rather at the lover of things natural and the fast disappearing remoteness. H.J.L. 1972 REVIEWS - 103 A Tangle of Islands. By L. R. Higgins. London, Robert Hale, 1971. Pp. 207; 17 black-and-white plates, 7 maps. 22 x 14 cm. £2.30. Mr Higgins takes as his subject a series of holidays he spent, some- times with his family, sometimes alone, on a variety of Scottish islands, including Shetland, St Kilda, the Shiants, and the Summer Isles. One admires his practical achievement in living alone for weeks at a time on uninhabited islands, but the perpetual lightness of tone is sur- prising. Though he is not primarily a naturalist (his previous books, we are told, were on motorcycle racing) he enthusiastically investigates the bird life of all the islands he visits. An appendix lists the birds he saw on the Shiants, the Treshnish Isles and the Summer Isles. EEE The World Wildlife Guide. Edited by M. Ross-Macdonald. London, Thresh- old Books, 1971. Pp. 416. 23 x 12 cm. £3.50. Continent by continent, country by country, this naturalist’s Baedeker describes more than 600 sites where the traveller or tourist can see some of the world’s wildlife specialties. The sites listed are mainly managed ones, including national parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries and refuges. Details given include a general description, lists of animals. birds and plants to be seen (there are many excellent black-and-white photographs) and information on such practical points as access, accommodation, trans- port etc. For each continent there is a general introduction and a list of its animals and birds, giving the places where they can be !ooked for. Although the list of sites has some important omissions, and fault might be found with the species list, nevertheless the book is an excellent achievement and will prove of value and interest whether the reader is planning a world tour, a package holiday or is merely hoping one day to see a bit more of the world and its creatures. T. DELANEY. Request for information Purple Sandpiper Enquiry As part of the BTO/Hilbre Bird Observatory enquiry on this species, N. K. Atkinson of the Tay Ringing Group has been colour-ringing Purple Sandpipers on the east coast of Scotland. During the spring of 1972 some 51 birds were ringed on the Isle of May, and it is hoped that all observers in Scotland will watch out for colour-ringed individ- uals of this easily approachable species. The scheme will con- tinue over the next few years. It is requested that records of all sightings, with date, exact place and details of the combin- ation of rings should be sent to: Prof. J. D. Craggs, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Liverpool University, Brownlow Hill, P.O. Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX. CORRECTIONS Characteristics of Pheasant x Capercaillie Hybrids. In table 4 (Scot. Birds 6: 316) for Onycophoron read Phalangid. Communal roosting of Hen Harriers in southwest Scotland. In the legends to figs. 1 and 2, (Scot. Birds 7: 28 and 29) the symbols for males and ring- tails are transposed. The dotted line in both figures refers to males and the dashed line to ringtails. 104 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(2) The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ANNUAL CONFERENCE The 25th Annual Conference and 35th Annual General Meeting will be held in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire, on 27th-29th October 1972. Bookings should be made direct with the hotels. The full programme will be given in the next issue of Scottish Birds. The registration fee will be 75p, and the Annual Dinner (with wine or soft drinks) £2.20. Hotels in Dunblane Hotel Dunblane Hydro (tel. 0786 82 2551). Special Conference charge £7.85, inclusive of 10% service charge, bed and all meals (except tea on Saturday afternoon and the Annual Dinner) from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, and after-meal coffee. For less than a full day, bed and breakfast is £2.75, lunch £0.75 and dinner £1.00, all with additional 10% service charge. Rooms with private bathroom have a supplemen- tary charge of £1.00 per room per day. Ardleighton Hotel (near Hotel Dunblane Hydro gates) (tel. 2273). Bed and Breakfast from £1.50. Stirling Arms Hotel (tel. 2156). Bed and Breakfast from £2.00. Hotels in Bridge of Allan Allan Water Hotel (tel. 2293). Bed and Breakfast from £2.90. Old Manor Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 2169). B & B from £2.60-£3.00. Queen’s Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 3268). B & B from £2.10-£2.40. Royal Hotel (tel. 2284). B & B from £3.00. Strathallan Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 3293). B & B from £1.25-£1.75. Prices, except for the Conference Hotel, are provisional and should be confirmed when booking. BRANCH MEETINGS 1972/73 Will members please note that the dates of the first Meetings of Branches next winter will be as follows : September 26th Edinburgh and Inverness 27th Ayr, Dumfries, St Andrews and Thurso 28th Dundee and Stirling October 2nd Aberdeen and Glasgow Ayr Meetings will take place in the Loudoun Hall, Ayr at 7.30 p.m. Dundee Meetings will take place in the Tower Extension Lecture Theatre, University of Dundee at 7.30 p.m. The venue and starting times of lectures in all other Branches will be the same as last winter. AYR BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS - 1972 Sunday 8th October. IRVINE FLATS. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr 1 p.m. or Bogside Racecourse Stand 1.30 p.m. Saturday 4th November. CAERLAVEROCK. Coach leaves Wellington Square, Ayr 9 a.m. Bring picnic lunch. Book with Ayr Branch Sec- retary (see below) by 30th September. Saturday 2nd December. PRESTWICK-NEWTON on AYR SHORE. Meet west end of Maryborough Road, Prestwick 1.30 p.m. For further details, including Leaders of the excursions, contact the Ayr Branch Secretary, R. M. Ramage, 57B St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 1JF (tel. Prestwick 79192). Send s.a.e. if writing. DUNDEE BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS - 1972 Sunday 8th October 1972 ISLE OF MAY (weather permitting). Leader: P. N. J. Clark. Applications with s.a.e. and boat fare, £1.00, to Mrs Ann Noltie by 26th September. Money refunded if weather causes cancella- tion. ee om November LOCH LEVEN NATURE CENTRE. Leader: J. E. orrest. Sunday 10th December TENTSMUIR. Leader: B. Pounder. All excursions leave City Square, Dundee at 10 a.m. For further details contact the Dundee Branch Secretary, Mrs A. Noltie, 14 Menteith Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3EN (tel. 0382 75074). Send s.a.e. if writing. Wildfowl Counts in Scotland For more than 20 years the task of running the winter Wildfowl Counts in Scotland has been undertaken by a succession of dedicated central organisers, firstly by Miss Rintoul and Miss Baxter, then by Miss Betty Garden, and for the past nine years by Miss Valerie Thom. Miss Thom resigned at the end of last winter, and in future years there will be no overall Scottish Organiser. During the past two years Miss Thom has arranged for a number of Regional Organisers, and they will now deal direct with the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge. The Club has agreed to be responsible for appointing Regional Organisers when necessary in the future. A list of the Regional Organisers is given below, and anyone who is interested in helping with the counts is asked to write to their nearest Organiser. Shetland L. Johnston, Brake, Bigton, Shetland. Orkney E. Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney. Caithness P. R. James, 9 Hakon Road, Thurso, Caithness. Sutherland (West) Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Sutherland. Moray Firth C. G. Headlam, Foulis Mains, Evanton, Ross-shire. Banfishire, Morayshire, Nairnshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Banffshire, AB4 2NT. Aberdeenshire, Kincardineshire Dr R. S. Bailey, Cairnaquheen, Torphins, Aberdeenshire, AB3 4JS. Angus B. Pounder, 64 Forfar Road, Dundee, Angus. Perthshire (East) Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth. Perthshire (West), Stirlingshire Dr C. J. Henty, 3 The Broich, Alva, Clack- mannanshire. Argyllshire Miss M. P. Macmillan, An Fhuaran, Clachan Seil, Argyllshire. > Clackmannanshire, Kinross-shire Mrs J. R. Grant, Brackmont, Crail, Fife. Clyde R. A. Jeffrey, 5 Victoria Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire. Bute R. Milligan, Estate Office, Rothesay, Bute. Lothians R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian. = gle = G. Stewart, 31 St Andrews Avenue, Prestwick, Ayrshire, Borders Dr J. I. Meikle, Bridgeheugh, Lindean, by Galashiels, Selkirkshire. Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire R. T. Smith, Apple- garthtown, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS 1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on thei own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Tom Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BY. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated. 2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for the jounnal: All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready. 3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will normaily be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost. 4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own. use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these. 5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining. Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling: Scot. Birdss i395 29: ‘EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London. 6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99:396). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets. 7. Dates should normally be in the form “Ist January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as “Dr” and “St”. 8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory. 9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type. 10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with. neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints. Bird Books THE BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE, EDINBURGH, EH7 5BT Some new books in stock: Gulls in Britain. Richard Vaughan. £1.75 Palearctic-African Bird Migration Systems. R. E. Moreau. £7.80 Birds of Britain and Europe with the Middle East and North Africa. Heinzel, Fitter & Parslow. £1.50 Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland. BOU. £3 Birds of Moor and Mountain. Donald Watson. £5.50 Handbook of the Birds of Cyprus and Migrants of the Middle East. D. A. & W. M. Bannerman. £3 Collins Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Britain and Europe. Muus & Dahl- strom. £2.25 All Books sent Post Free — Terms: Strictly Cash with order ISLAND OF _ ISLAY “Have you come here for the birds?” Islay hospitality and the unique opportunity to study an astonishing variety of birds in Winter and Spring combine to make this Hebridean Island the “BIRD WATCHERS’ PARADISE”. It is the winter home of a large proportion of the world population of Barnacle and Greenland Whitefronts — as many as 10,000 barnacle geese have been recorded in February. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the Chough. These are only three of the hundred different species that may be seen on Islay’s varied habitat during a Winter or Spring holiday. Cre For ornithological leaflet and other information write to: MID-ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND ISLAY TOURIST ORGANISATION, CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLL Tel. Campbeltown 2056 ARMS HOTEL GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216 Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie Offers invigorating open air holidays to all. In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C. R.S.A.C. COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and _ close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 40p in- cluding postage, per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick ARGYLL Forestry Commission Tighnabruaich Wild Life Centre WATERFOWL MROEDEER Bookable Observation & Photographic Hides Apply to Head Forester, Tighnabruaich Forest Hafton, Tighnabruaich (284) Argyll KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £17.50. The programme for 1972 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Birds Natural History and Landscape Field Botany of the Highlands Wayside Botany Nature into Art Moorland Ecology Industrial Archaeology Rocks and Minerals Bryophytes Insects All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL A.A. * R.A.C. * R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ & ‘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. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. Ornithological and other parties. We offer 20% reduction from 14th April to 26th May 1972; 10% reduction 27th May to 30th June 1972 and from 16th Sept to 6th Oct 1972. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free. Illustrated brochure on Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216 Since the turn of the century we have me been a family business of binocular. specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. ES | Top prices offered in LUSTRATED iocis | {ARLES FRANK LTD. 145 QUEEN STREET : GLASGOW TEL. 041-221 6666 Cana) PRINTER, SELKIRK_ part exchange We stock all makes, but one binocular which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, complete with case costs only £12.50. Not only do we ourselves recommend this. binocular, it also carries a strong recommendation from The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and each glass carries the seal of approval of the Game Conser- vacany. Our Free 42 page catalogue illustrates hundreds of Binoculars & Telescopes including the larger 10 x 50 model at £16.50 and the 9 x 63 at £30. FREE COMPARISON TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free for 7 days. Should you decide, how- ever, on a binocular other than the Frank/Nipole make, we can promise a substantial price reduction at least equalling any other offer which you may bring to our notice. This offer also applies to Telescopes. ps Qz 690. SYsEE3 THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 7 No. 3 AUTUMN 1972 Price 50p SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 } -] > 2 a > z 9 STROUD 4 Cy. OBSERVE &« CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF to 33”% POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. Il 8.5 x 44 £49.50 £33.50 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. II 8 x 40 £32.50 £23.90 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £27.40 £20.10 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. Il 10 x 50 £37.50 £26.25 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £18.85 £13.90 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £32.50 £20.80 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £103.15 £76.90 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £119.62 £87.95 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case £131.30 £97.30 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case £124.30 £91.75 ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 £51.44 £39.00 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £61) £60.61 £48.41 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £63.50 £47.50 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60 x 60 £62.00 £46.50 and the Birdwatcher’s choice the superb HERON 8 x 40 just £12.50 (leaflet available). As approved and used by the Nature Conservancy and Forestry Commission. All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 76 models in stock from £9 to £85. Available on 7 days approval—Remittance with order. Also available most makes of Photographic Equipment at 25% to 374% Discount. Send for separate price list. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY (Dept. SB), 15 Short Croft, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. Navestock 3498 (Approx. October onwards Coxtie Green 73498) Please despatch to me immediately .....................ccccceeeees for which | enclose ©............ Ueto Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope/Photographic Price List. (Delete as appropriate) PORE R ee eee eT E ESET HET EE EE SHEE SEES SEE EHESEESO SESE SEHESHEFE EEE EEEHHESEHHEEEE EEE SSEH EEE E EEE EEES Telephone: Golspie 216 Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all. In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C. COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B, These are in sets of 25 at 40p in- cluding postage, per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick BIRDS and ISLANDS St Kilda, Orkney Shetland, Hebrides good secondhand books on these and all branches of natural history for sale and wanted Lists from DAVID WILSON 95 Worlds End Lane Weston Turville Aylesbury, Bucks. SWANS BIG GAME BIRDS SAFARIS 21 DAYS £430 VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Tsavo, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Mara, in Kenya and Tanzania A GUEST LECTURER accompanies each Safari and his expert and personal knowledge of East Africa, its animals and birds, its history, peoples and customs, highlights your enjoyment. DEPARTURES Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 7; Junes2r July 18; Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31. BEACH AND TREE-TOPS SAFARIS A great opportunity to combine the thrill of seeing East African Wildlife with the enjoyment of beautiful beaches. 21 days from £305 Send this Coupon for Free Brochure To SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 2 SN 237/238(W20) Tottenham Court Road, London, W1P OAL. Telephone 01-636 8070 Soy | Please send me your 12 page colour brochure on Big Game and Birds Safaris | IN EATER rte sesssetesth ce aechsctccebacthcnalen coy ue e e e | | 70K | = | RIE CCRMTST TMI | nS aa nea teont ntti Seesoneusu sieve vanes Mlonvudh eset sdeuge ences Gee oe eee eae Re = eee " a | SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3, AUTUMN 1972 Page Editorial we se 2 ue eh Ue ae 105 Scottish Bird Report 1971. By R. H, Dennis (plates 9-12) 107 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ae vee te 163 Edited by T. Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh EH5 3BY Assisted by D. G. Andrew Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) Will tomorrow’s adults care about the countryside? To make sure they do, the RSPB has taken another step into the future by opening Loch Leven Nature Centre This centre is designed for schools and the general public. There is a resident teacher in charge. We like visitors... . . SO bring the family—there’s lots to see— nature trail, large exhibition room, children’s nature discovery room, three tripod-mounted binoculars—and wildlife in plenty, in a lovely scenic setting. Join the RSPB and help to build more nature centres Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RS PB 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. Tel. 031-556 5624. Route : From main Edinburgh-Perth road, just south of Kinross, turn east on B9097. Centre 2 miles. Closed Mon. & Fri. SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB J Vol. 7 No. 3 Autumn 1972 Edited by Tom Delaney, assisted by D. G. Andrew Editorial S.0.C. Research Committee. The fifth and final year of field- work for the BTO Atlas is now complete. An unusual merit of this enquiry was that wherever he lived a birdwatcher could contribute useful records, and he did not have to be an expert. Thus many people had their first experience of taking part in a co-operative scientific enquiry; and results have been far be- yond what anyone expected at the start. The Council of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was keen that after this Atlas work was finished the enthusiasm it had created should not be lost. In January therefore it appointed a Research Committee consisting of Andrew T. Macmillan (Chairman), Roy H. Dennis and Dr Ian Newton to suggest and coordinate Scottish ornithological projects—these might be for the whole of Scotland or of a more local nature. Branch representatives were asked to invite their local committees to submit suggestions. The Research Committee met several times and has sub- mitted a detailed report to the Council, as well as dealing with other matters referred to it. The primary purpose of the committee is to provide impetus for SOC members and others who would like to take part in useful fieldwork in Scotland. This will be done by suggesting projects to the Council and by commenting on any that are referred to it. The committee will be glad to receive sugges- tions for enquiries, now and at any time. It particularly favours short simple projects from which published results will emerge quickly, and ideally will aim for a geographical and seasonal spread offering something for everyone. Enquiries into matters of specifically Scottish interest which would not be considered on a wider basis will be especially attractive, and those with a bearing on conservation problems are likely to be preferred over more abstract ones. At times enquiries run by the BTO and others may be commended; and it is not intended to divert people from important national enquiries run by such bodies. The committee will consider any project put to it, but in the 106 EDITORIAL 7(3) absence of suggestions will put forward its own ideas. Before any enquiry, whether at Scottish or local level, is given official Club backing it will have to meet certain minimum require- ments, including a worthwhile aim, enthusiastic and competent organisation, a planned timetable, and publication of results. Official backing by the Council will mean that a project is pub- licised (in Scottish Birds and elsewhere) as a Club enquiry, eligible for necessary finance and subject to supervision by the Council. Branches also will publicise these enquiries, and some may decide to set up field groups to co-ordinate the work of their members. The committee will consider the value and aims of an en- quiry, and the means of achieving them, but will not become involved in running it. It is absolutely essential to get good organisers to run each enquiry, because nothing discourages observers so much as feeling that their efforts have been wasted in contributing to a badly run enquiry, where perhaps results are not published, or the organiser does not answer letters, or makes insufficient effort to find people to cover all areas and to see that they do in fact cover the places they take on. It is not necessarily the most experienced ornithologists who make the best organisers. The committee will be very glad to hear from anyone who feels able to undertake the work of running an enquiry or to suggest the name of someone who might be asked. A number of winter and summer enquiries have been put up by the committee for consideration by the Council, and details of those taken up will be announced. Preliminary work on a survey of the birds associated with sewage and other effluent round the Scottish coasts should be under way this winter. Other projects being looked at include surveys of breeding Great Crested Grebe and Redwing, Shelduck distribution, and the zone of hybridisation between Hooded and Carrion Crows. Information is awaited on the BTO’s plans for new enquiries, and it may be that the Club will want to support one or more of these on an official basis, as against individuals taking part on their own initiative. Finally, at the suggestion of the committee, it is hoped to publish in Scottish Birds as complete a list as possible of or- nithological research projects in progress in Scotland—to help put workers in touch with one another and to prevent overlap and wasted effort. Comments, suggestions and offers of help in organising en- quiries will be welcomed by the committee and should be sent to A. T. Macmillan, 20 Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 6BQ. a 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 107 Scottish Bird Report 1971 Compiled by ROY H. DENNIS (Plates 9-12) This is the fourth in the new series of annual reports on the birds of Scotland; the previous ones were published in Scot. Birds 5 : 302-356, 6 : 62-128 and 6 : 347-402. I hope readers will find it of interest and of value for reference; it is a concise, factual account of data collected during the year on all the species known to have occurred in Scotland in 1971. Coverage of migrants and rarer species is pretty good from year to year, and the reports now readily provide answers to such questions as ‘“‘How unusual is the Woodlark in Scotland?” A quick check will reveal three reports in 1968, about seven in 1969, one in 1970 and two in 1971, so the Woodlark is in- deed a rare visitor to Scotland, with only 13 sightings in four years compared with about 20 records of Short-toed Lark in the same period. Comparison with the previous reports will show seasonal and annual fluctuations in the numbers of var- ious migrant species; for example the relative scarcity of Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers in autumn 1971 and the small numbers of Bluethroats and Wrynecks that year With careful reading, trends in relative abundance and changes in migration periods may already be apparent, al- though these changes are more likely to be revealed as the number of reports increases. Even so, some trends become noticeable over quite short spans of time: for instance simple analysis of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory reports 1963-70 shows that Fieldfares became commoner at Fair Isle in spring and that the migration period noticeably extended into May; these changes occurred at the time when the species started to breed in Scotland. I hope that ornithologists interested in this sort of study will make use of these annual reports; I am sure the many contributors will be pleased to see their records used further in a positive way. Alas, one part of the report remains disappointing : we are often unable to give a reasonable comment on the relative numbers and breeding success each season for many of our breeding birds. Of course such reports are often subjective, but at present most local recorders receive few comments on these points and have to make their own assessment; for ex- ample, that there were fewer or more Swallows this year. The task is obviously huge; good coverage would be difficult to achieve, and in any case observers keen on this subject should be helping with the BTO Common Bird Census, whereby the 108 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) results can be analysed in a thorough manner. But counts of, say, the number of occupied House Martins’ nests in a village, the number of Grasshopper Warblers singing in a marsh or the number of used Ravens’ nests on a section of coastline, all compared with the previous year’s records, would be useful material for this report, especially if there were several ob- servers gathering such data throughout the country Although One person’s local information might by itself have little sig- nificance, taken together such reports might provide a useful indication of the fortunes of a species in a particular year. We hope regular observers will help by sending such records to their local recorders. Some 294 species are mentioned in the list, and there are two others that are not at present definitely attributed to either of two possible species. The precise number of wild species recorded in Scotland in 1971 is more difficult to give because of the confusion caused by escaped or released birds. In 1971 the BOU published its new list of British birds. Five species that have successfully established regular feral breed- ing populations have been added to it to join Red-legged Par- tridge, Pheasant and Little Owl as accepted members of our avifauna. They are Egyptian Goose, Mandarin Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Golden Pheasant and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant. Three of these species breed in Scotland. Records of escaped or re- leased birds are documented in this report; eight species are regarded as definitely and another four probably not of wild origin. In a few cases some individuals were probably wild birds and others, of the same species, of captive origin. Where there is a likelihood of captive origin I have marked the species entry with the symbol +. Sometimes, however, it is impossible to be definite; for example the Ruddy Shelduck might have been a wanderer from the British breeding population or an escape, and Red-legged Partridges cannot really be accepted as Scottish birds just yet, though they have long been estab-: lished in England. A Spotted Sandpiper in East Lothian was a new bird for Scotland, and a large Nightingale at Fair Isle in autumn was of a race not previously recorded in the British Isles. There were four accepted second records for Scotland, namely Baird’s Sandpiper, Caspian Tern (three), Red-flanked Bluetail and Thick-billed Warbler. Other vagrants included Steller’s Eider, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Pratincole, Gull-billed Tern, five Nutcrackers, White’s Thrush, Red-rumped Swallow, Mel- odious Warbler, Pechora Pipit and Citrine Wagtail. 1971 was not an especially exciting year for birdwatchers in Scotland. The winter weather at both ends was not very cold, and so there were rather few cold-weather immigrants. 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 109 On the other hand spring and early summer were cold and in- clement. Spring arrivals were late and slow to build up; several species, such as the hirundines, were generally down in num- bers. Other species ranging from ducks to tits had rather poor breeding success because of the weather conditions. Numbers of several species, for example Scottish Crossbill, tended to be low. There was continued improvement in a few species such as Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. The Loch Garten Ospreys were robbed; no Great Northern Divers were reported breed- ing; the pair of Goldeneyes laid eggs but failed to rear young, and Fieldfares bred at only one site. On the bright side, Tem- minck’s Stints were proved breeding at a new site, while five other pairs of Ospreys reared 11 young, and the pair of Snowy Owls hatched four young from five eggs. Migration was rather dull, and had it not been for an inter- esting trickle of rarities, especially in the Northern Isles, the year would have been poor. There was a general lack of Con- tinental weather at the right times and in consequence a gen- eral lack of Continental drift migrants. ‘“Bread-and-butter”’ species such as chats, warblers, Brambling etc. were scarce at both seasons, and semi-rarities like Wryneck, Bluethroat and Ortolan Bunting were very scarce. Some waders occurred in smaller numbers than usual, but the numbers of Pomarine Skuas off the Outer Hebrides was exciting. The following paragraphs reiterate some of the comments I made last year, and I apologise to regular readers for this repetition, (though I hope they will take special notice of the final paragraph). Since the Scottish Bird Report is read by many who are not members of the SOC, however, there is a need to put some features of the report in perspective. For example I must stress that observer cover in the regions varies from good to very thin, and care should be taken in comparing numbers and regional distribution, especially of migrants. Gen- erally speaking, the Northern Isles, the North Sea coasts, Cen- tral Scotland and the Clyde/Solway area are better covered than elsewhere, but there are pockets of good cover in most regions. In some areas more information is published and greater detail given in local reports such as the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, the Isle of May Report in Scottish Birds, the Shetland Bird Report, the North Solway Bird Report and the publications of the Tay and the North Solway Ringing Groups. Although much local information cannot be published here, the collection of records by the local recorders provides 2 most useful fund of data for reference on regional ornith- ology. All records given here of species that come within the scope of the British Birds Rarities Committee have been accepted by 110 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) the committee unless noted as still subject to a decision. With regard to records of rarities that have not been accepted, it is worth noting that in most cases it was because the commit- tee were not convinced, on the evidence before them, that the identification was fully established; in only a very few cases were they satisfied that a mistake had been made. We are not prepared to publish in this report records of species that, though not on the Rarities Committee list, are rare in Scotland or would represent new species for the faunal areas, unless adequate supporting evidence is given. We appeal to observers to submit descriptions of rare or unusual species to their local recorders as soon as possible so that the record can be sent to the editor of Scottish Birds without delay; he will pass rec- ords to the Rarities Committee where necessary. With such a volume of material moving from observer to recorder to compiler to printer, there is the risk of transcription errors; we will be glad to be informed of anything to be cor- rected next year. We would also apologise to anyone who finds his records attributed to someone else; this can happen, because at times, mainly for the sake of brevity, I have named one observer (or the recorder) when several were involved. This leads to a request that all observers should give their full name and all initials when submitting records to local record- ers; with so many observers contributing, the key to their initials is doubly difficult to prepare if only a first initial is given. To keep the report within a reasonable number of pages we have been terse; as in the past we have abbreviated months, counties and other words and omitted most qualifications such as ‘near’ and ‘about’. References in the form (5: 302) are to the pages of Scottish Birds. The sequence of species, English names and scientific nomenclature follow the BTO’s recently published guide A Species List of British and Irish Birds (1971). An asterisk indicates that all known records are given. We appeal to all observers to send their 1972 records to the local recorders promptly at the end of the year. It is especially helpful if records for the first ten months of the year are sent to local recorders in November : why not go through your note- books now and send off the bulk of your 1972 records immed- iately ? This year there was a good response from visitors to Scotland to our request for records; please continue to spread the word that we are keen to receive records from visitors to Scotland and others who are not members of the SOC. The sketches that illustrate the text were drawn by: John Busby (Red-throated Diver, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Kitti- wake, Arctic Terns); Robbie Macgregor (Black-necked Grebe, 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 111 Gyr Falcon); Richard Richardson (Pied Flycatcher, Great Grey Shrike); Donald Watson (Teal, Bean Goose, Whooper Swan, Woodcock chicks, Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel); and Hon. Douglas Weir (Goshawk in pursuit of a Woodpigeon). The photographs are all by Dennis Coutts. I would like to thank them and everyone else who has contributed to the 1971 report; my special thanks go to the local recorders for their consider- able efforts in collecting and collating the records. Local recorders Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland. Fair Isle R. A. Broad, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland. Orkney E. Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney. Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) W. A. J. Cunningham, Aros, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Sutherland. Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. MacDonald, Elmbank, Dor- noch, Sutherland. Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness. Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) R. H. Den- ee The Old Manse, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire PH22 Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Port- soy, Banffshire, AB4 2NT. Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire N. Picozzi, Nature Conservancy, Blackhall, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB3 3PS, and W. Murray, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB4 0AA pee Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin, gus. Perthshire Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth. Kinross-shire Miss B. H. Moore, Vane Farm Reserve, Kinross. Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, EH9 2AS. Fife, Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. oe Dr T. C. Smout, 19 South Gillsland Road, Edinburgh EH10 Forth Isiands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian. East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edin- burgh EH10 4NY. Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk. Argylishire, Inner Hebrides, Skye M. J. P. Gregory, 4 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire. Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Arran, Bute R. W. Forrester, 29 Crandleyhill Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire. Dumfriesshire D. Skilling, 86 Auchenkeld Avenue, Heathhall, Dumfries, and R. T. Smith, Applegarthtown, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. 112 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Key to observers’ initials Over 600 observers contributed records for 1971 to the local recorders, and to them we are extremely grateful. Not all contributors are mentioned in this key, since, in many cases, records were summarised before submission to me, and owing to editing, not all those listed here are mentioned in the main part of the report. Where an observer may have submitted only a single record, e.g. a rarity, to avoid multiplication of initials his (or her) full name is given with the record. Mrs D. E. Abbey L. Adams M. J. Ainscough A. F. Airey R. Alexander S. M. D. Alexander A. Allison (AA) D. R, Anderson D. G, Andrew A. Anthony (AAy) I. H. Armstrong .M. S. Arnott . K. Atkinson at iD) J. Bain J. Ballantyne (JB) Q. Ballantyne P. Baird Miss J. Banks (JBk) D. Barber (DB) P. B. Barlow G. J. Barnes Miss K. H. Barr Miss P. G. T. Baxter J. Beal (JBI) J. M. Beattie Dr J. A. Begg J. Bell (JBe) S. Bennett D. Biggar (DBi) R. M. Blindell H. Boase C. G. Booth C. J. Booth Dr W. R. P. Bourne J. Boyd (JBo) T. Boyd (TB) W. R. Brackenridge D. M. Bremner (DMBr) T. J. R. Britton R. A. Broad W. Brotherston D. Brown (DBr) Miss E. Brown (EBr) H. Brown (HBr) T. Brown (TBr) BEB: S-/Brute D. M. Bryant (DMB) R. C. Buchanan A. Buckham H. J. Burton J. L. Burton British Birds (per BB) R. G. Caldow Miss K. M. Calver E. D. Cameron Mrs K. Campbell L. H, Campbell Miss M. Campbell (MC) J bream Mrs V. E. Carrick Dr M. E. Castle G. Chabrzyk (GCh) J. Chapman (JCh) A. W. Christie J. Clark (JC) 2 . Clements (AC) . T. Clement . L. Clugston . C, Coast-Smith L..S:,Cobb . C. M. Collett P. M. Collett OAUOCp) rJ. irs dos > Le | Miss M, Corrie (MCr) D. Cottree (DCo) D. Coull (DCl) D. Coutts (DC) J. M. Cowan J. K. Cowden M. Cox (MCx) Miss G. Craw (GCr) R. M. H. Cree G. M. Crighton G. Critchley (GC) J. Crompton (JCr) Eskdale & Liddesdale Bird Club (ELBC) J. E. Dale ; R. C. Dalrymple (RCDa) T. P. Daniels I, M. Darling N. Darroch J. Davidson (JD) W. Davidson (WDa) T. Delaney (TD) Mrs M. T. Dennis R. H. Dennis E. Dicerbo R. C. Dickson (RCD) Miss S. M. Dixon Miss J. Donnan (JDo) T. Dougal (TDo) Dr I. T, Draper Mrs M. M. Draper M. Drummond W. Drysdale (WD) Sir A. B. Duncan Mrs M. H. Dunn Prof G. M. Dunnet R. Duthie K. East J. Edelsten W. J. Eggeling H. F, D. Elder N. Elkins T. Ennis Sir R. Erskine-Hill E. C. Fellowes . Ferguson iD} ‘Fleming Dr G. A. Fleming G. D. Field J. Fitzpatrick (JFi) J. Follett (JFo) G. H. Forbes (GHFo) J. Forrest (JF) Rev J. M. Crook (JMCr) B. C. Forrester I. Cumming W. A. J. Cunningham A. Currie (ACu) J. Currie (JCu) D. B. Cutts Nature Conservancy R. W. Forrester A. Forsythe L. Fortune A. J. a I. S. Fra G. ‘H, French (GHF) 1972 R. Furness H. Galbraith E. C. Gerrard A. H, Gibson I. P. Gibson Dr J. A. Gibson T. Gibson J. G. Giimour Miss S. Girling D. Glass (DG) R. Gomes A. G. Gordon Miss N. J. Gordon . M. Griffiths . Gunn North Solway Ringing Group (NSRG) Tay Ringing Group (TRG) Miss C. M. Haggart M. Hail (MH) P. Hall Dr K. C. R. Halliday Mrs H. S. C. Halliday T. Halliday Mrs E. Hamilton F. D. Hamilton Mrs A. R. Harding B. Harding A. J. Harris . Hedley (MH) . Henderson . A. Henshilwood . Holmes Liss H. S. Hudson . Hughes -C. Hulme Ha) eer inl a Bd SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 R. A. Hume E. N. Hunter F. Hunter J. B. Hutcheson M. Hutcheson :MHu) Miss A. M, Hutton E. T. Idle J. Irvine D. L. Irving P. R. James J. V. M. Jameson R. A. Jeffrey Dr D. Jenkins G. J. Jobson T. John R. Johnson C. Johnston L, Johnston T. H. Jorgenson E. Kemp H. W. Kerridge S. Kerridge Miss B. C. Kinloch J. Kirby (JKy) J. Kirk (JK) A. J. Knox Miss S. Laing (SLg) G. J. Langsbury D. J. Law S. Laybourne (SL) Miss F. Lemaire Mrs L. D. G. Linehan Dr J. Lockie W. M. Logan-Home J. A. Love B. M. Lynch H. Macbeth J. McCarthy D, MacDonald R. MacDonald Mrs M. K. MacDuff- Duncan Miss J, MacFarlane D. W. McGarvie D. B. McGinn K. S. Macgregor R. K. Macgregor R. MacIntyre K. MacKenzie J. MacKenzie-Grieve Mackie I. McKinnie D. McLean I, M. McLean Mrs M. J. MacLean A. T. MacMillan R. McMillan D. MacNee (DMcN) D. McNeillie (DMcNi) R. M. MacNaughton Mrs E. M. McTaggart ae 113 E. J. Maguire A. R, Mainwood R. Mann (RM) J. Manson (JM) J, H. Marchant M. Marquiss A. Marshall (AM) Dr B. Marshall R. Martin (RMt) J. Mather (JMa) W. Matheson (WMa) A. Mathieson (AMt) J. Mawby Maxwell Maxwell (JMx) rG. W. Mears R. Melhuish J. Meikle (JMe) of M. F, M, Meikle- jo hn R. Melrose H. Merrie Miller tchell (JMi) R. I. Mitchell C. Morgan M. Morrison J: M. K. Dy. H. Mi Vv i2 & z K Dr Pr Ee die R. Je Re N. oe) Mrs J. Morrison (JMo) W. Morrison R. Mountford Moyes Murray (JMu) J. R. D. Murray _ Napier (RN) A. D. Nettleship . Newberry . A. S. Newman r I. Newton A. Nicoll M. Nicoll R. Nisbet (RNi) T. Nisbet D. J. Norden R. J. O’Brien M. A. Ogilvie R A D J J A, S. : R. i W. C Dr R, iz J D . O'Grady . Ockendon . W. Oliver . Oliver (JO) . Oliver (Sutherland) (JOr) J. M. A. Osborne J. R. D. Osborne J. R. P. Osborne T. Osborne Brit. Trust for Ornithology (BTO) 114 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 C. Park (CP) J. Parsons G. L. A. Patrick D. Payne M. Pearson (MPe) Dr I. D. Pennie B. Pickess (BPi) N. Picozzi Miss M. Piper (MP) C. Placido (CPI) R. K. Pollock C. A. Pomeroy B. Pounder (BP) I. J. Procter Dr R. J. H. Raines Mrs I. Ranier A. D. K. Ramsay Miss L. Ramsay R. M. Ramage R. S. Reed R. A. Richardson Dr R. Richter (RRi) R. Riddell (RR) G. Riddle J. Riddoch (JR) A, B. Ritchie A. Robb H. Robb E. L. Roberts I. S. Robertson Mrs M. Robinson (MRo) T. F. Rodger D. Rose D. W. Rothwell P D. Round O”W ae | oa) cS a > 3 = . Sandeman ndison . A. Scott iB Scott J. G. Selwyn . R. Seymour A. F. W. Sharp . R. Sharrock “S>puve "On ae % aie G. Shaw (GSh) R. Shaw (RSh) D. C. Shenton J. C. Shutes J. H. Simpson (JHS) J. I. Simpson M. Sinclair W. A. Sinclair D. Skilling (DSk) J. Skilling (JSk) Mrs S. Skilling (SSk) J. Slee (JS) A. Smith A. J. Smith (AJS) Miss C. Smith Mrs E. M. Smith H. D. Smith R. Smith (RS) R. T. Smith R, W. J. Smith Dr T. C. Smout A. J. Souter (AJSo) D. Stalker (DSt) D. M. Stark G. Stephen (GSt) C. R. Steven D. Stewart (DS) A. G. Stewart J. Stewart (JSt) N. L. Storie R. A. Strachan G. Summers (GS) R. W. Summers J.H. Swan (JHSw) R. L. Swann K. Taylor (KTa) Miss V. M. Thom J. R. Thomlinson D. Thomson (DT) D. B. Thomson R. Thorne D. Thorogood (DTh) J. Thorogood (JTh) P. Tizzard E. Towers R. B. Tozer Mrs K. Traquair (KT) Dr B. Tulloch R. J. Tulloch B. S. Turner 3(7) Mrs P. J. Turner L. A. Urquhart D. Urry Mrs K. Urry D. Vernon Mrs V. R. Vivers Dr L. L. J. Vics W. Wakefield (WWa) Dr W. C. Wakefield (WCW) R. Walker B. Wall A. Wallace (AWe) D. I. M. Wallace A. Watson (AW) A. D. Watson A. J. Watson P. S. Watson W. Watt (WWt) I. Wattret P. J. Webster Hon. D. N. Weir Mrs J. A. Whyte E. J. Williams M. R. Williams D. P. Willis G D J g W. C: Wright (WCWt) Prof V. C. Wynne- Edwards B. Zonfrillo 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 115 Species list Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica. A few bred successfully Perth (CMH), Ayr (WRB, AGS) and Arran (JAG), but breeding failures quite frequent in Highlands (RHD). 1 Tyninghame. E Loth, 10 Jan (RWJS); 1 L Leven, Kinross, 16 Feb-7 Mar (AA, JHSw)—first for county; 2 Find- horn Bay, Moray, 21 Feb (TC); 1 Dalmeny, W Loth, 17 Mar (RDM). Mig- rants: 1 Sumburgh, Shet, 14 Sep (BH); 1 Isle of May 30 Sep-1 Oct (DJL) —4th record. Great Northern Diver Gavia immer. Shet. spring maximum 35 Quen- ‘dale Bay 4 Apr (BM), most departed by 20 May (RJT). No report of breeding, but hybrid Great Northern x Black-throated Diver breeding with Black-throat on loch, W Ross (RHD, ENH) (7: 89). Usual summer coastal records in north and west, also 2 Spey Bay. Moray, 29 June (JMB). Autumn migration: 2 Rattray Head, Aber, 3 Aug (MRW); 3 Findhorn Bar, aly A = ag (DBMcG); passage 71 W and 7 E Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 27 ov (RHD). *White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii. 1 in summer plumage Upper L Torri- don, W Ross, 6- (at least) 22 June (PT, JAW ez ai.); 1 Fair Isle, 29 May (JHS); both subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee. Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata. Poor breeding season Caith owing to dry weather (PMC); pr bred successfully L Laggan area, S Inv (HJB). Peak numbers: 100 Collieston, Aber, 28 Sep (LHC); 61 S Usan, 8 Feb (NKA) and 40 Lunan Bay, Angus, 29 Apr (GMC), 94 Lunan Bay 12 Oct (GMC); 28 Invergowrie Bay, Perth, 28 Oct and 46 on 28 Now (EJM); 9 Carsethorn, Kirk, 20 Oct (JGY). Migration: few Fair Isle between 13 May and 16 Sep (RAB); 10 W Faraid Head, Suth, 5 Sep (RHD); 9 Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 2 Sep (CJMcK-G); 1 Isle of May 4 May (DWO); last spring record L Ryan, Wig, 5 May (RCD). Inland: 1 Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, 23 Jan (DWO), 1 Lochore, Fife, 17 Oct (JM); 1 Gladhouse, Midl, i3-19 June (RKMcG, JS). Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. 3 prs bred successfully Balgavie Loch, Angus (GMC); 3 prs reared 8 young L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHSw); 6 prs bred L Martnaham, Ayr (AGS), and better breeding season than 1969 and 1970 in Galloway (ADW). Poor season in Fife, no young reared Kilconquhar Loch (DWO, AG), and none bred Morton Lochs (RWS); none bred Borders (AJS). Migration and peak counts: Shet, 1 Catfirth 12 Mar (FH, JHS); Suth, 1 Balnakeil Bay 3 Aug (RAH, DTh); Inv, 1 Longman Bay 10 Jan (MR); Angus, 26 Lunan Bay 20 Aug (GMC); Kinross, maximum 27 on 3 Aug, up to 7 to 31 Dec (AA, JHSw); Fife, 21 Methil 21 Mar (DWO); Midl, last 8 Musselburgh 2 May, 1 on 1 July, 16 on 17 Aug, 118 on 16 Sep, decreasing to 30 in late Oct (LLJV); Wig, 10 Garlieston 5 Sep (ADW), 27 L Ryan 23 Jan (JGY) and 25 on 31 Dec (ADW, JGY). 116 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) *Red-necked Grebe Podiceps griseigena. More than usual Jan to 10 Apr and 6 Aug to Dec, especially E Loth. Spring: 1 Pabay, Skye, 6-8 Apr (ECG); 1 Fife Ness 10 Jan (DWO, ARS), 4 Lundin Links, Fife, 7 Mar (DMB); Midl, 2 Musselburgh 8 Mar (RF), singles 28 Feb and 13 Mar (LLJV); E Loth, 1 or 2 Gullane Point Jan-Mar, 5 or 6 Apr (WRB), 1 Gullane Bay 28 Mar (PH), 10 on 10 Apr (LLJV), 2 Gosford Bay 7 Feb (RBT), 8 on 15 Mar (DGA), 4 on 4 Apr (LLJV); Wig, 2 L Ryan 23 Jan (JGY, DSk). Autumn: Shet, singles Boddam 1-2 Oct (DC, RJT), Tingwall 6 Oct (BM) and Cunningsburgh 27 Nov (NLS, RJT); 1 Fair Isle 22-24 Aug (RAB); Midl, 1 Musselburgh 12 Dec (LLJV); E Loth, 2 Gullane Point 21 Aug (RWJS), Sep max 5 on 24th (RF), 3 Gullane Bay 28 Aug, 1-3 to 31 Dec, but 6 on 2 Oct, 15 on 9 Oct, 10 on 17 Oct and 5 on 27 Oct and 28 Nov (LLJV et al.), 8 Gosford Bay 6 Aug (RHH), 1-4 to 31 Dec, but 7 on 17 Sep (LLJV), 6 on 25 Sep (DGA); Kirk, 1 Carsethorn 20-22 Nov (JGY). Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus. Census put Scot population at 52-58 pairs in Caith, Inv and Moray, none found Suth and Aber (RHD et all.); breeding success poor, 27-29 pairs in main haunt Inv reared 9-10 young, 11 prs in N Inv reared 6 young, one pair reared one young in SE Inv (new locality) (RHD, MIH ez al.); Moray, 7 pairs on territory, but no young seen (RHD); Caith, possibly 6-10 pairs, but very poor season owing to low water levels (DG, PMC). Spring migrants on sea to 22 Apr; Shet, max 7 Tresta Voe 22 Apr (DC); 1 Fair Isle 3 Apr (RAB); W Ross, 1 Upper L Torridon 5 Apr (RHD); O Heb, 9 Sound of Taransay, Harris, 3 Apr (WAJC); Skye, 3 Broadford 6 Apr (ECG); I Heb, 2 Islay 14 Mar (CGB); E Loth, Gosford-Gullane Jan-4 Apr, max 9 Gosford 21 Feb (LLJV), 27 Gullane Bay 6 Mar (DGA)—very high count, 14 Gosford-Gullane 4 Apr (LLJV). Singles Loch of Lowes, Perth, 3-6 Apr and 3 July-17 Aug (MD). Autumn: Shet, first 5 Sep (DC); Ork, 1 Scapa 30 Aug (CJB); E Ross, 2 L Eye 6 Sep (CJMcK-G); Kinross, 1 L Leven 27-28 Nov (AG); Midl, 1 Cobbinshaw 6 Nov (TB, RWJS). *Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. At E of 2 established cclonies in Central Lowlands first bird 7 Mar, 14 on 21 Mar, 14 ads and 1 young 25 July, 2 ad + 2 young 13 Aug, last 8 Oct; no data from other colony but present; pr summered on loch farther north, but breeding not proved (anon); pr bred Central Highlands (anon). Winter records: 1 Thurso, Caith, 16 Jan (SL); Inv, 1 L Ailort 17 Jan (JRo), 1 Dalcross 14 Mar (RHD, JAL); fewer L Ryan, Wig, peak 5 on 23 Jan (JGY, DSk, JSk), last 27 Mar (ADW). Autumn: 1 Ythan, Aber, 15 Sep (CJF, JAL); 1 Tentsmuir, Fife, 21 Dec (DWO); 1 Portmore Loch, Peebles, 10-19 Sep and 10-24 Oct (GLS, RWJS); 1 Ardmore, Dunb, 11 Sep (SMDA); 1 Carsethorn, Kirk, 20 Nov (JGY); 1 L Ryan, Wig, 11 Sep (RCD), 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW). 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 117 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. Only breeding season comments were: probable increase in Caith (PMC) and probably scarcer in Fife (DWO). Wintering birds L Eil, W Inv, to 2 Mar, returned 30 Oct (JASN); Shet, singles Hillwell 7-28 Mar (DC, BM). Nesting 25 Mar (DC, RJT) and Fetlar 12-26 Apr (ARM). Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. Fair Isle, first eggs 18 May (RAB); Caith, increase in prospecting of Thurso buildings (PMC); present Benarty Crags, Kinross, 7 Mar-3 Aug, max 8 on 18 June and 9 July (AA, JHSw); Midl, 3 sitting Torphin Quarry (JB), 431 sites Inchkeith 20 June (563 in 1970) (RWJS); E Loth, 3-4 prs Traprain Law 16 May (KSMcG); Ayr, 60 prs Ailsa Craig (JAG), 50 prs Bennane Head (AGS). Blue-phase sightings Fair Isle (several); Faraid Head, Suth, 5 Sep (RHD) and Findlater, Banff, 2 Apr (DBMcG). *Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea. One south of Sumburgh Head, Shet, 22 June (BM). Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus. Fair Isle offshore sightings between 6 Apr and 24 Aug, max 7 on 25 July (RAB); Isle of May records 13 June to 4 Oct (HG, MN), max 15 on 6 Sep (AJW); max passage at’ Rattray Head, Aber, 186/hr 22 June (MRW). 50+ off Dalmeny, W Loth, 1 July (GLS); 25 Usan, Angus, 1 July (GMC); poor autumn Fife, records Fife Ness 27 July-3 Oct, max 30/hr N on 24 Aug (DWO); 42 W Meikle Ross, Wig, 14 Sep (JGY). One in hand Fort Augusius, Inv, 9 Sep (JCu). *Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis. 1 Rattray Head, Aber, 16 June (MRW) 1 N Collieston, Aber, 18 Sep (MM, NP). Sooty Shearwater Pujfinus griseus. Average or low numbers, recorded between 24 July to 21 Nov; Shet, latest 3 Nov (BM); Fair Isle 24 July-21 Oct, max 13 on 26 Aug (RAB); Ork, good passage late Aug North Ron- aldsay, 111 NW in 3 hrs on 28th and 58 in 24 hrs on 29th (RG); 4 W Faraid Head, Suth, 5 Sep (RHD); O Heb, 7 Aird an Runair, North Uist, 17 Aug, 12 on 20th, 4 on 6 Sep (GC), 140 N Butt of Lewis in 5 hrs 5 Oct (per BB); Inv/Nairn, 7 NW off Whiteness Head 21 Nov (RHD, ISR); Aber, from 22 Aug, max 6 N and 2 S Collieston 18 Sep (MM, NP); 1 Fraserburgh 17 Oct (JE); I Heb, 4 between Jura and Gigha 4 Sep (RPW); Angus, singles 13 and 22 Aug, West Haven (TMC); Isle of May, max 28 on 25 Sep (NKA); Fife, records 1 Aug-18 Sep (DWO), max 3 Fife Ness 15 Aug (eCcs, DLC). Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. No reports from breeding colonies. 1 trapped Fair Isle 11 Aug (RAB), 1 on crossing to Sumburgh 3 Nov (BM); 1 Achfarry, Suth, 16 Nov, released Scourie 18 Nov (IDP). Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. Nest found Stroma, first for Caith (per PRJ); bred Longa, W Ross (per ENH); bred Lunga, Treshnish islands, I Heb (I. Griffiths). One ringed Auskerry, Ork, 18 Aug 1971 found dead Aberdeen 11 Sept 1971, 215 km S (ADKR). Fair Isle records 16 May-5 Oct, large unprecedented movement N past island 17 July following NW gale (RAB). 1 Upper L Fyne, Arg, 3 Sep (WWa); 2 flew past Whiteness Head, Inv/Nairn, in storm 2] Nov (RHD, ISR); singles Isle of May 11 and 14 July (JP); 1 dead Little Brechin, Angus, 30 Nov (GMC). Gannet Sula bassana. Increases at breeding colonies: 14347 nests Ailsa Craig (12729 in 1970) (JAG) and 500 nests Scar Rocks, Wig, increase of 100 since 1969 (JGY). 100+ off Hound Point, 31 Aug is exceptional for W Loth (GLS); 138 W in 1 hr Faraid Head, Suth, 5 Sep (RHD). Singles, Invergowrie Bay, Perth, 8 Aug (EJM), L Leven, Kinross, 24 July (WPW) and 1 E Kirriemuir, Angus, November. Long-distance recovery: 1 ringed Ailsa Craig 2 July 1966 found dead Ashdad, Israel, 3 Mar 1971 (RAJ). Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Breeding comments: nested Meall Erca and Meall Mor, Badcall Islands, Suth (IDP); 84 nests Piltanton es- tuary, Wig (RCD); c 280 nests Lamb, Firth of Forth, 18 June (240 in 1968) (RWJS). Counts: 500 Tay estuary, Angus, 1 Jan (TMC); 350+ Inver- 118 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) gowrie Bay, Perth, 19 Jan (EJM); 150+ Dalmeny, W Loth, 25 Feb (GLS). Passage Fair Isle, 28 Mar-2 June and from 7 Aug, large numbers last week Aug, max 70 on 26th and 75 on 28th, 2nd peak in Sep, max 80 on 10th (RAB). Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Breeding records: Firth of Forth, pr bred Fidra, first record, 196 nests Lamb 18 June (165 in TAG} decrease Craig- leith to 94 nests (RWJS); 50 prs Ailsa Craig, Ayr (JAG); 30 prs Crowlin Isles, W Ross (ECG); first eggs Fair Isle 4 Apr (RAB); 2 young still in nest Bullers of Buchan, Aber, 5 Sep (NE). Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Breeding records: cliff colony at Yesnaby, Ork, almost extinct (EB); cliff colony Dunnet Head, Caith, now deserted (PMC); 10 prs Scalpay, Skye (ECG); Speyside, increase at Lynchat colony but decrease at Broomhill (DNW); E Loth, 7 nests Tyninghame «RWJS), new colony 4 prs Gosford (FDH); new colony Leithope Forest, Roxb (RSB); good breeding season Kirk (JGY). Counts: 51 L Linnhe, Inv, 15 Nov (JASN); high numbers in autumn Islay (CGB, PBB) and 25 L of Lintrathen, Angus, 5 Dec (NKA). Passage: Fair Isle, 11 on 7 Apr, and from 12 July-9 Nov, peaks 10 on 22 Aug and 12 on 26 Sep (RAB); Eigg, W Inv, 7 in from N 30 Aug (JCu). *Great White Egret Egretta sp. One North Roe, Shet, 26 Mar, found dead 27 Mar (D. Cromarty, DC et al.). Possibility of eastern species. 7*Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax. Adult 20 June and immature 30 June on River Esk, Musselburgh, Midl, presumably from Edinburgh Zoo colony (LLJV). ae Bittern Ixobrychus minutus. dNorth Ronaldsay, Ork, 31 May RG). *Bittern Botaurus stellaris. Singles Oban, Arg, 12 Jan (R A McEach- ern); Barr Loch, Renf, 19 Jan to 1 Feb (AWC, WCW) and Dalbeattie, Kirk, 20 and 23 Jan (WA). *White Stork Ciconia ciconia. Singles: Banff, Bridge of Alvah, 11 May (AFWS) and Tomintoul 31 May (Mrs M. Hawkins); Ork, Westray 20-24 May (GWM, MAS et al.); Caith, Doureay 26-28 May (DG, PRJ et al.); Arg/Inv, Benderloch 22 Apr (Mrs P L Mackie-Campbell), Acharacle 24 Apr (A MacColl) and Glenuig Bay 24 Apr (E A S Bailey). See 7: 92. *Spoonbill Platalea leucorordia. Singles; Endrick mouth, Dunb, 13 June- 3 July (JMi et al.); Ythan, Aber, 8 July (JAL) and Stornoway, O Heb, 24 Sep-25 Dec (WAJC, WMa, IMMcL, RMcl). Flamingo sp. Presumed escapes. Ad Chilean Gladhouse, Midl, 18-28 July (EMS, RWJS); Chilean Eden estuary, Fife, 19 Sep-23 Oct (PNJC, DWO, RWS); 1 Luce Bay, Wig, 27 Aug (RCD); Wigtown Bay in Sep (RHM, BST), and there or Carsluith, Kirk, to end of year (JEBC). Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. Good breeding season reported Galloway, Midl and Speyside, but poor L Leven, Kinross. Peak counts and migra- tion: Inv, peaks Longman Bay 218 on 19 Jan and 208 on 10 Oct (MR); Aber, 1150 L of Skene 14 Feb (RSBy); Angus, 800 Broughty Ferry 1 Jan (TMC), 100 L of Lintrathen 5 Dec (NKA); Kinross, L Leven 1200 on 17 Jan, increase from low July numbers to 3500 on 12 Sep, then decrease to 1500 on 17 Oct and 1000 on 14 Nov (AA); Fife, Kilconquhar peaks 2650 on 23 Jan, 1800 on 17 Nov (DWO); Midl, Moorfoot reservoirs 600 end Aug, increase to 1050 on 19 Sep and 1500 on 17 Oct; decrease to 900 in Dec (JB, RWJS); Renf, 650 Barcraigs Reservoir 4 Jan; 639 Langbank 21 Nov (HG, IPG); Ayr, 640 Doonfoot 28 Sep (WRB). Teal Anas crecca. Good breeding season Kirk; nest found Rumster For- est, Caith (SL); breeding proved Turnhouse, W Loth (RDM) and 2 prs bred Aberlady, E Loth—first record (ADKR). Migrants: Fair Isle, Apr to 12 June, max 8 on 1 June, 4 Aug to 16 Nov, max 30 on 19 Sep (RAB); St Kilda, 3 on 4 May (DS), 1 on 6 Aug (CEMG, JRT). Counts and fluc- tuations: Suth, 830 Skibo 16 Oct (DMcD); E Ross, 350 Alness Bay 14 Nov 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 119 (CGH); Inv, Beauly Firth 600 on 17 Jan and 308 on 14 Nov (MIH); Kin- ross, L Leven increase from early July to 1000 on 12 Sep (AA); Fife, 267 Kilconquhar 12 Sep, 347 on 3 Oct (DWO); Clack, 910 Alloa 23 Jan (CJH); Midl, Gladhouse 100 in Jan, 150 on 21 Feb, 22 by 21 Mar, 80 on 1 Aug, 350 on 19 Sep, 500 on 2 Oct (JB, RWJS); Kirk, c 1000 L Ken 13 Mar was exceptional (ADW). = 2s x= 2 ae Lith Dw . *Garganey Anas querquerdula. About average numbers in spring from 9 Mar; Shet, 3 Hillwell 28 Apr; one 19 May, pr 22 May (DC); Ork, pr North Ronaldsay 12 and 21 May (RG); Moray, pr L Oire 6 Apr (JGY); Aber, ¢ Auchlossan 18 May (RSBy); Midl, ¢ Edinburgh loch 9 Mar (AJF); E Loth, 2 Aberlady 13 May (ADKR); Renf, ¢ Barr Loch 19 May (HG, IPG); Wig, one Stranraer 9 May (RCD). Summer record; ¢ Fetlar, Shet, 1-21 July (ARM). Gadwall Anas strepera. Poor breeding season at L Leven, Kinross, present 7 Jan to 15 Oct, mainly from early April, max 30+ on 20 and 29 Aug (AA, IN, JHSw); 19 prs on Perth loch end Mar (EJM), also bred Perth square NN46 (HR); probably bred Kilconquhar, where 210 on 12 Sep and 237 on 3 Oct (DWO); 1-4 prs summer Balranald, O Heb (GC). Migrants outside usual areas: Shet, pr Sandwater 18-19 May (IS); Ork, pr N Ronaldsay 22-24 May (RG); Suth, pr Skibo estuary 16 Jan-3 Apr (DMcD); W Ross, ¢ Shieldaig, Gairloch, 9 May (ENH); Inv, ° L Garten 15 Apr (HJB), 6 Longman Bay 19 Sep (RHD); Moray, ¢ Fochabers 6 Feb and 23 Dec (JMB); Aber, 1 L of Skene 14 Feb (RSBy). Wigeon Anas penelope. Poor breeding season L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHSw); small breeding population Ork, slightly increased (EB); O Heb, 2 prs Ness, Lewis, 6 June (IMMcL), pr Coll, Lewis, 11 July (WRPB). Migration: Fair Isle 9 Sep to 11 Nov, peak 62 on 26 Sep (RAB); Inv, ab- sent from L Linnhe 3 Apr to 1 Sep, max 94 on 28 Oct (JASN). Counts: Caith, 1400 L Calder 24 Jan, 1200 St John’s Loch 9 Jan (GHF); E Ross, 950+ Munlochy Bay 30 Nov (MKMcD-D); Inv, Beauly Firth peaks 522 on 14 Feb and 745 on 17 Oct (MIH); deterioration continued Long- man Bay, autumn peak only 832 on 17 Oct (MR, EIY); Angus, 1000 Lin- trathen Loch 19 Jan (HB), 2500 Montrose Basin Oct (GMC); Perth, 500+ Strathearn 12 Jan (SLg); Kinross, L Leven, 1100 on 16 Feb and 1000+ on 21 Nov (AA, JHSw); Renf, 300 Barr Loch 29 Oct-13 Nov (WRB); Wig, c 3700 Stranraer area Jan-Feb and Nov-Dec (JGY); Kirk, 730 L Ken 22 Jan (ADW). *American Wigeon Anas americana. ¢ Eden estuary, Fife, 10 Jan (7: 92) (DMB). Pintail Anas acuta. Only breeding record 2 with 3 ducklings L Ken, Kirk, 4-5 June (ADW). Migration: Shet, 2 Fetlar 26 Mar (ARM), 3 Hill- well 28 Apr, 1 Strand Loch 2 May (DC); one Unst 6 May (LJ); Fair Isle, pr 28 Mar, 1-2 on 27 May-2 June (RAB); O Heb, 1-3 Balranald 28 Apr 120 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) (GC, WAJC), 35 Ness, Lewis, 3 May (IMMcL); E Loth, 10 SW Tyninghame 19 Sep (LLJV). Peak counts: Wig, max 1242 Wigtown Bay 1 Dec (RHM); Kirk, 1500 Carsethorn-Drumburn 20 Oct (JGY); Renf, 101 Longhaugh Point 7 Feb, 149 on 31 Dec (HG, IPG, ANG); Angus, 136 Montrose Basin 13 Mar (DMB); Inv, Longman Bay 82 on 7 Feb and 83 on 11 Dec (MR); 76 Edder-: ton, E Ross, 30 Dec (RHD); 7 L Watten, Caith, 21 Nov (GHF). Shoveler Anas clypeata. Bred O Heb, 6 prs Balranald (GC); Inv, 4 prs Insh Marshes (DNW); poor season L Leven, Kinross (AA); pr bred Possil Marsh, Lan, first since 1963 (DJN). Migration: Shet, several 20 Mar-Aug, max 5 Hillwell 29 Apr (ARW); Fair Isle, singles 19 Apr and 5-7 Oct (RAB); E Ross, 2 L Eye 6 Sep (CJMcK-G); Inv, 3 L a’ Chlachain 20 Aug (RAH); Aber, 4 Auchlossan 14 Mar (RSBy); Arg, ¢ Tayinloan 5 Jan (TDHM), Noteworthy counts: Angus 120 Forfar Loch 15 Oct (GMC); Kinross, L Leven, autumn build-up 60+ on 20 Aug to 637 on 17 and 18 Oct (highest since regular counts began), decrease to 160 on 6 Nov and 10 on 29 Nov (AA, IN, JHSw); Dumf, 342 Powfoot 19 Sep (JGY). ;Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata. No reports from Perth: 92 present Blackford Pond, Midl, from 18 Nov 1970 to 13 Feb (LLJV). Scaup Aythya marila. No record of breeding; summer records, May- Aug: W. Ross, ¢ L Raa 5 Aug (RAH, DTh, JTh); O Heb, 1 Stornoway 3 Aug (RMclI); L Leven, Kinross, pr 26-31 May (AA, JHSw), Midl, pr Mus- selburgh 2 May (LLJV). Inland records include Inv, ¢ L Garten 25-27 Apr (RHD), 2 16 Oct (DJB). Peak counts: 20000+ Seafield, Midl, in win- ter, first of autumn 7 on 19 Sep (RF); Kirk, 320 Carsethorn 21 Nov (per JGY); Renf, 318 Longhaugh Point 27 Nov (HG, IPG); Fife, 600 Burntisland 6 Jan (JMC), 3000 Methil 23 Jan (PGTB), 250 Kilconquhar 17 Mar (PGTB, JARG); I Heb, 1050 Bowmore, Islay, 14 Nov (CGB); E Ross, 290 Edder- ton 17 Jan (CGH). Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Poor breeding season L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHSw); bred for first time Drem, E Loth (DJ), and ¢ nearby Aber- lady June-July was unusual (ADKR). Few migrants Fair Isle 4-12 May and 17 Sep-14 Oct (RAB); post-breeding-season increase L Leven, Kinross, to 1600+ on 29 Aug, 2000 in Sep, decrease to 400 by end Dec (AA). Peak counts: Renf, 350 West Ferry 8 Jan (HG, IPG); Fife, 900 Kilconquhar 23 Jan, 1000 on 7 Nov (DWOQO); Angus, 320 West Ferry 2 Jan (TMC); Inv, 134 Clachnaharry 17 Jan (RHD); Caith, 523 L Watten 21 Nov (GHF). Pochard Aythya ferina. @ with 4 ducklings L Dornal, first confirmed breeding Wig since early 1920s (JGY); 2 gd and 1° Skerrols, Islay, 14 June (MFMM). Counts: Renf, 2000+ Barr Loch 6 Nov (HG, IPG); Midl, numbers very low Duddingston in spring, 930 on 17 Jan down to 8 on 13 Mar, 800 on 17 Oct, 5000 on 14 Nov, 6000 on 12 Dec (DRA); Fife, 1100 Kilconquhar 7 Nov (DWO); Kinross, L Leven, ice gone 4 Jan, increase to 2450 on 17 Jan, decrease to 100 in Apr, summer max 40 on 7 July, increase from mid Aug to 1200 on 12 Sep, decrease to 200 by end Dec (AA, JHSw); Arg, 52 L Meldalloch 16 Nov (JBH), 31 Glassary 21 Nov (MJPG) and 218 Tangy Loch 6 Nov (AGG, TDHM) are high for Arg; Inv, L Ashie moulting flock peaked 61 on 1 Aug (RHD), 17 L Laide 27 June (MR, EITY), 36 L Morlich 13 Oct (RHD); Caith, 150 Rangag Loch 19 Sep (PMC). Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. Bred E. Inv, nest containing egg shells and 2 addled eggs found, but ducklings not seen with adults (RHD); summer stragglers Fair Isle, Ork, Suth, Inv, Perth, Kinross where 5 on L Leven on 5 June (AA), Fife, Midl, E Loth and Kirk. Peak counts and migration: E Ross, 400 Invergordon 7 Mar (RHD); Inv, 475 mouth of River Ness 28 Jan (RHD), L Linnhe to 27 Apr (JASN); Angus, 198 West Ferry 2 Jan (TMC); Perth 500+ Invergowrie 11 Feb, 260+ on 9 Mar (EJM), 200+ Port Allen 27 Feb (JK); Kinross, L Leven 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 121 500-600 in Jan-Feb, increase to 750+ on 14 Mar, emigration from mid Apr, Fife, peak 650 Kilconquhar 9 Apr, nearly all gone by 3rd week Apr (DWO); W Loth, 300 Cramond 16 Jan (TCS); Midl, 2000 Seafield-Mussel- burgh 28 Feb (DLC), 70 Moorfoot reservoirs 7 Mar, decrease to last One on 16 May (JB, RWJS); Renf, 286 Woodhall 14 Feb (HG); Kirk, 100-- L Ken 28 Apr (ADW). Autumn arrivals: Midl, 2 Moorfoot reservoirs 2 Oct (JB, RWJS); Inv, 8 Aviemore 6 Oct (RHD); first Fair Isle 16 Oct (RAB); first Caith 17 Oct (JMW); return L Linnhe, Inv, 16 Oct (JASN); 40 L Leven 17 Oct and 200 on 14 Nov (AA); 300 Invergordon, E Ross, 12 Dec (CGH). Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. Winter and spring: Shet, 50+ L Spiggie 14 Apr (DC); Moray, 684 Spey Bay 1 May (JMB); Aber, 30-40 Ythan Jan-Mar, down to 10 in Apr, but 21 on 28 Apr, last 5 on 29 Apr (JAL); Angus, 70 Buddon 30 Jan (TMC); Fife, 95 Largo Bay 21 Mar (DMB); Midl, 34 Musselburgh 10 Apr, last pr 2 May (LLJV). Inland: 2 Lake of Menteith, Perth, 14 Mar (TW); Renf, 2 Rowbank Reservoir 4-31 Jan ie, IPG), 1 on 5 Mar (ITD, MMD); Kirk, 1 Kendoon Loch 1-28 an : Summer records: Shet, 7 Fetlar early June, last 13th (ARM), 2 Gott 10 June and Sandwater 30 June (DC), ¢ Gulberwick 29 Aug; Fair Isle a oe and 22-24 Aug (RAB); 2 L Leven, Kinross, 6-12 June (AA, RL, w). Autumn arrivals: 3 Oct, pr Fife Ness (DWO); 6 Oct, Fair Isle (RAB); 9 Oct, 2 Thurso, Caith (SL); 12 Oct, 2 Spey Bay, Moray (JMB); 14 Oct, Seafield, Mid! (LLJV); 17 Oct, Clachnaharry, Inv (MIH, RSR); Aber, first 2 Ythan 4 Nov, 24 on 5th (JAL). Peak counts: Caith, 16 Dunnet Bay 14 Oct, no larger flocks (PMC); Suth, 500+ Embo 20-25 Oct (DB), 650 on 6 Nov (DMcD); Moray, 400+ Findhorn 28 Oct (RHD); Midl, 46 Mussel- burgh 26 Nov (LLJV). Inland: L Leven, 1 on 22 Nov, 2 on 13-14 Dec, 1 on 22 Dec (AA, AG). Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca. Counts: Aber, 300 off Murcar, June-Aug (LHC); Angus, 100 Lunan Bay 8 July (GMC); Moray, 11 Spey Bay 12 Apr (DBMcG). Scarce Shet, only 4 sightings, including ¢ Fetlar 5 June (ARM); Fair Isle, 9 Sep, 15 Sep (3) and 27 Sep (RAB); Midl, 3 Musselburgh 10 Apr (LLJV); Wig, 2 Monreith 28 Feb (GW). Inland: ¢ Perth loch 19 Jan (EJM); 2 L Insh, Inv, 8 Oct (DJB). *Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata, ¢ Murcar, Aber, 22 June into July (last date not known) (LHC, JAL et al.). Common Scoter Melanitia nigra. Nest with 8 eggs found Walls, Shet, 3 July (BM); ¢, 2 2° with 3-4 ducklings NE Suth (JTRS); 2 pairs bred N Perth, 2 2° 2° with 6 ducklings on 2 July (RHD, DNW). Inland summer rec- ords: pr L Hope, Suth, 27 May (DCH); 2 L Ruthven, Inv, 27 Aug (RF); Dunb, pr L Lomond 1-19 May (RMHC, SW). Peak counts: E Ross, 700 E Tarbat Ness 29 Aug (RHD), 8000 off Port- mahomack 8 Sep (CJMcK-G, JHM); Moray, 300+ Spey Bay 12 Apr (JMB), 1000 Burghead 28 Oct (RHD); there is regular passage between Burghead and Dornoch Firth flocks (RHD); Inv, 20+ Canna 20 Aug (JCu); Aber, 1200 off Murcar June-Aug (LHC); E Loth, 550 summered Gullane Point (ADKR); Kirk, 200+ Muncraig 3 Apr (ABD, ADW). *Steller’s Eider Polysticia stelleri. 2 Fair Isle 9 May to 13 June—new species for island (RAB, GJJ, ISR et al.). Eider Somateria mollissima. Apparently increasing O Heb (WAJC); poor breeding season Fife (DWO); E Loth, count Aberlady-Dirleton on 26 June 350 © 2 and 100 ducklings (RWJS); first eggs c/2 Fair Isle 18 May, newly hatched ducklings 8 June-mid July (RAB). Counts: W Ross, 600+ Plockton 15 Oct (ENH); W Inv, 94 Fort William 18 Oct (JCu); Angus peak, 24000 West Ferry 1 Nov (TMC); E Loth, 3500 moulting dd Dirle- 122 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) ton-Aberlady 26 June (RWJS); Ayr, 900 Prestwick 20 June-25 July (WRB, RWF); Renf. 950 Woodhall 31 Dec (HG, IPG); Dunb, 1600 Ardmore Point 14 Nov (SMDA). *King Eider Somateria spectabilis. Shet, ¢ Clift Sound, Scalloway, 10 Mar to 14 Apr (DC et al.), ¢ Bixter 24 May to 5 June (BM et al.), ¢ Ronas Voe 31 Mar to 5 Apr (DC, RJT), @ Blue Mull Sound 9 Apr (DC); Bute, d Rhubodach 2 Apr (RCC-S); Ayr, ¢ River Irvine 22 Dec into 1972 (IMD et al.). The Scalloway and Bixter sightings probably refer to the same bird, and it is possible that the Bute and Irvine records (7: 93) refer to further sightings of the L Ryan drake of 30 Mar 1970; even so, a total of 6 sightings in one year is an increase on 1 record in 1968, 3 in 1969 and 2 in 1970. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. Peak counts: 140 Brora, Suth, 4 June (RRI); E Ross, 205 Rarbaraville 26 Aug (CJMcK-G); Inv, scarce Beauly Firth, max 21 on 14 Mar (MIH); Inv/Arg, 584 in L Eil and L Linnhe 25 Aug (RAH); Angus, 580 Buddon Ness 4 Jan (BP); Fife, 127 Burntisland 14 Mar (JMC); Midl, 100 Musselburgh 29 Sep (RF); Wig, 265 L Ryan 11 Sep (RCD). An albino Brora 4 June (RRI). Goosander Mergus merganser. No information on breeding. Apparently still increasing in east and Borders; Peeb, 50 on Fruid Reservoir 24 July (JB); Selk, 55 Headshaw 20 Feb (JB); Midl, 39 Cobbinshaw Reservoir 7 Mar (JB); Fife, 39 Morton Lochs 3 Jan (DWO), 32 on 18 Dec (JARG); Kin- ross, L Leven 220+ on 5 Jan, decrease to 90 on 7 Feb, then to 120 on 16 Feb, last 17 on 14 Mar, first 8 on 3 Oct, increase to 125 by 26 Nov (AA, AG, JHSw); Perth, 48 Drummond Pond 13 Nov (JK). Rather scarce in Beauly Firth, peak 300+ on 17 Jan (RHD). Migrants: Shet, 2 L Spiggie 28 Apr, 1 Sandwater 15 May (RJT); O Heb, 1 in North Uist 6 June (GC). *Smew Mergus albellus. 9 records in winter-spring to 6 Apr, although one to 5 July; 3 after 10 Nov. Shet, d L Spiggie 10 Nov (ARW); Angus, Q Stannergate 20 Nov (JF, BP); Perth, ¢ Lake of Menteith 19 Feb (JMi, CPl); Kinross, L Leven 2 8 and 22 Dec (AA, AG); Fife, @ Cameron Res- ervoir 7 Mar (DMB), 6 Apr (JK); Midl, ¢ Musselburgh 1 Jan-21 Mar (LLJV); Rox, ¢ Kelso 28 Feb (DCo), 30 Mar (GR), 9 Ackerknowe Reser- voir 17 Jan (LDGL); Selk, 92 Headshaw Loch 20 Feb (JB); Dunb, 1 End- rick 21 Feb-21 Mar (JMi, TPD, DSt); Renf, 2 Barr Loch and Castle Semple Loch 11 Jan-5 July (WRB et al.), 3 Barr Loch 30 Jan (BCF). Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. Breeding records: becoming scarce Caith, no broods Dunnet Sands (PMC); E Ross, 106 adults and 40 young Mun- lochy Bay 24 June (MKMcD-D); Banff, only breeding pr in county at Whitehills (AFWS); I Heb, 3 prs bred Pabay, Skye (ECG); Perth, b/8 at Invergowrie 31 May, was only 3rd brood ever seen in May in 50 years (HB); good breeding season Kinross. High counts: 1722 Eden estuary, Fife, 7 Mar (DMB); 95 Almond estuary 17 Mar and 12 Apr is record num- ber for W Loth (RDM); Dunb, 650 Ardoch 26 Dec, 588 Erskine-Langbank (HG, IPG, ANG). Migrants: Fair Isle, 4 Mar, 17-18 Mar (3), 20 May-7 June (2) (RAB); Perth, ¢ L Dochart 27 Apr (RMR); Lan, 4 Merryton 28 Apr (HSCH, KCRH). +Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea. S Kinnaber, Angus, 4 May, pre- sumed escape (GMC). Greylag Goose Anser anser. Feral population in southwest c 1160 in July, 300 goslings from 129 nests found (JGY et al.); increase reported Caith (PMC), but decrease Lewis (WAJC); L Leven, Kinross, 2000+ on 10 Jan down to 1700 by 7 Feb, but increased to peak 2300 on 11 Mar, emigra- tion to late Apr (AA,JHSw); departure Dalry, Kirk, mainly 12-13 Apr (LAU, ADW); northward passage Tay-Tummel, Perth, 12 and 21 Apr (EMH); passage over Inverness 11 Apr (MR) and 300 Munlochy, E Ross, 12 Apr (ACu, MKMcD-D), 800 L Eye, E Ross, 12 Apr (RHD); W Inv, Skye, 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 123 140 N Pabay 13 Apr and 150 on 4 May (ECG), north passage Dunvegan (RABY (TCS); spring peaks Fair Isle 16 on 16 Apr and 11 on 25 Apr Autumn migration: early records Shet, 6 Unst 11 Sep (MS) and passage Fair Isle from 13 Sep, but mainly early Oct, Shet 10-14 Oct and Fair Isle peaks 380 on 11 Oct and 90 on 12 Oct (RAB); Caith, 300 Thurso 2 Oct; Suth, 500 Strath Halladale 3 Oct (PRJ); 400 S over L Garten, Inv, 23 Sep (HJB); build-up L Leven from late Sep, 500 on 16 Oct, 1400 on 24 Oct and 3000+ end Nov (AA); Fife, 1896 Kilconquhar 7 Nov, highest count there (DWO); Midl, 500 Gladhouse 10 Oct and 800 on 16 Cct (LY); arrival Dalry, Kirk, 12-13 Oct (LAU, ADW). Large kill of 400-500 poisoned Coupar Angus early Nov and smaller numbers also died E Loth, Dec. White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. Only reports of European race, A. a. albifrons were: 1 Rattray Head, Aber, 14 Feb (DPW), 1 L Ken, Kirk, 14 Mar (ADW). Other reports unspecified unless marked G for Greenland race A, a. flavirostris. Caith, 128 G L Calder, 14 Mar; W Ross, 13 G Badachro 25 Feb-15 Apr (ENH); E Ross, 32 L Eye 7 Mar (RHD), 1 Munlochy Bay 12 Apr (MKMcD-D); Skye, 17 Pabay 21 Apr (ECG); occasional sightings Jan-Apr Aber, Perth, Kinross; Mid], 11 G Gladhouse 17 Jan (JB, LLJV); Kirk, 300 G L Ken 6 Mar (DLC), early departure 42 N Dalry 20 Apr (ADW). Early return to Kirk, 6 G L Ken 6 Oct (LAU), 50 G on 14 Oct, 250+ on 27 Oct and 400 on 22 Nov, better percentage of young than in recent years (ADW); Dunb, 70 Endrick mouth Nov (JMi); O Heb, 55 Barvas, Lewis, 26 Sep (RMcI); E Ross, 60 G L Eye 6 Nov (CGH); W Ross, up to 100 G Gairloch area 2-27 Dec—more than usual (ENH); Caith, 65 L Cal- der 17 Oct, first of autumn there (PRJ, SL); 6 Fair Isle 12 Oct (RAB). *Bean Goose Anser fabalis. Becoming rarer in southwest but possibly more regular in east. Only records from Castle Douglas, Kirk, area, 12 Mid Kelton 5 Jan, 8 Hightae (Dumf) 17 Jan (IHA), 14 Gelston Lane 31 Jan (DMcL), none Oct-Dec (ADW). Fair Isle, 5 on 31 Jan (GJB); i Beauly Firth, Inv, 18 June (RHD); Aber, 2 Strathbeg 17 Jan (JE), 7 Slains 12 Feb (CJF); Fife, 23 at Kilconquhar 26 Dec was very unusual (DWO). Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus, Spring departure: L Leven, Kinross, population increased from 1200+ on 10 Jan to peak 4800 on 4 Apr, decrease to 2000+ on 25 Apr, rapid departure then to 700+ cn 30th and all gone by 12 May (AA); Midl, Fala/Gladhouse, 3500 in Jan, 5000 in Feb, decrease especially around 24 Apr, down to 1000 on 1 May (WB); Kirk, Southerness peak 6000 on 12 Feb. Passage north: Glenalmond, Perth, 28-30 Apr and 1-4 May (JK); Speyside, Inv, from 1 Apr, mainly 26-29 Apr (DNW); W Inv, NW over Fort William from 1 Apr (JCu), 115 NW over Lochaber 1 May, 145 on 2 May and 150 NW on 4 May (1DHM); Shet, 9 Unst 26 Apr (ARW); Inv 500 Beauly Firth 14 Mar, 300+ 24 Apr Paha aan L Leven, 2-3 Gladhouse (RWJS) and 1 Beauly Firth, nv ; 124 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Autumn arrivals: Shet, very large passage 2000+ S Mainland 2 Oct (ARW); Fair Isle, 12 on 17 Sep, 35 on 26th, peaks 200 on 2 Oct and 43 on 11 Oct (RAB); Caith, passage 2-3 Oct; Inv, Speyside 22-23 Sep, main 4 Oct (DNW); heard over Newburgh, Aber, and Banchory, Kinc, 20 Sep (JAL, MM); Angus, 35 Barnhill 13 Sep (ABR); Perth, first 11 Sep (JMcK), large arrival 20-23 Sep, but numbers low (VMT); L Leven, 200 on 18 Sep, big fall 23rd, 4500 by 25 Sep, down to 2000 on 27th, then 6000 on 3 Oct, decrease to 3500 in mid Oct, 4000 on 7 Nov, then to usual 2500-3000 (AA); Fife, big movements 23 Sep (DWO), 8000 Cameron Reservoir Nov (JARG); Midl, 3 Fala 11 Sep, 200 on 24 Sep, 1450 on 3 Oct, 6000 on 10th, 9000 on 16 Oct, dropping to 5500 on 14 Nov (WB, LY); E Loth 2000-3000 Aberlady in Nov; 2000 Solway, Dumf, by 25 Sep (JGY). +Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 13 May (RG), 6 Harray 16 Nov (ET); Suth, 1 Kyle of Sutherland (with Pink-footed Geese) 23 Apr (JBW); I Heb, 1 “Inter-blue” Gruinart, Islay, from 28 Oct (MH); Angus, 1 Invergowrie Bay 14 Sep (HB); Perth, 3 Carse of Gowrie 28 Apr (JG); Kinross, L Leven singles 24 Feb, 6 Mar and 26 Arr (AA, JHSw); Fife, 1 ‘Blue’ Morton Lochs in summer (DWO), 1 Carnbee 7 Nov (DWO); Midl, 1 Moorfoots 20-24 Apr (WB), 1 Gladhouse 26 Oct (IB-P); Kirk, 1 “Lesser” Solway 14-20 Feb (JGY et al.). +Ross’s Goose Anser rossii. 1 L Leven, Kinross, 23 Sep to end of year (AA, AG); probably one of the old regulars. *Brent Goose Branta bernicla. P = Pale-breasted B. b. hrota; D = Dark-breasted B. b. bernicla; others were unspecified. Shet, 3 Virkie 2 Oct (ARW); Fair Isle, 10 on 12 Oct (RAB); Ork, a few P Oct and Nov (EB); W Ross, 2 Poolewe 25 Sep (ENH); O Heb, 36 North Uist 19 Sep (GC); Inv, 6 P Longman Bay 5-7 Oct (JMCr, MR), 4 on 10th (MR), 2 P _ Pabay, Skye, 24 Sep (ECG); Moray, 47 Findhorn 19 Sep (KTR); Banff, 1 P Buckpool 26 Sep (DBMcG); Arg, 1 P Tayinloan 1-9. Jan (AGG, TDHM); Perth, 1 P Keillour 7 Nov (JK), 1 Invergowrie 9 Mar (EJM); Kinross, 1 P L Leven 27-30 Sep (AA, AG); Aber, 3 Ythan 28 Nov (LHC, RWS); Fife, 4 P Tayport 10 Oct (DMB); Midl, 1 P Fala 7 Nov-)9 Dec (JB, WB); E Loth, 1 Aberlady $ Jan- 6 Feb (AMt), 1 Tyninghame 10 Jan (EMS), 1 North Rerwick 7 Oct and 7 Nov (DEA, HFDE); Ayr, 1 Doonfoot 23 Sep-3 Oct (WRB, RWF, AGS); 2 Turnberry 2 Oct (WRB, BCF); Wig, 1 D L Ryan 6 May (JKC), 7 P and 1D L Ryan 21 Oct (PB). Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis. Perth, 13 Blackford-Carsebreck 17 Jan (DMB, CJH); 7 Tibbermore 17 Mar (EJM), 6 on 5 Apr (JK); Aber, 1 Corby Loch 16 Jan (NE). Counts: max 214 Isay Island, Skye, 14 Apr (TCS); Suth, 58 Handa 3 Apr (RHD). One summered again with Canada Geese, Beauly Firth (RHD, MIH); 1 Duddingston, Edinburgh, until July (AJF). Autumn arrivals: 1000 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 25 Sep, 2000 on 27 Sep, max 3800 on 19 Oct (ELR); Fair Isle, more than usual, peaks 46 on 26 Sep, 35 on 27 Sep and 44 on 11 Oct (RAB); Caith, 16 W Holburn Head 11 Nov (PMC); W Ross, 200+ Longa island, Gairloch, 27 Dec (ENH); O Heb, first of autumn North Uist 4 Oct, 700 Aird an Runair 11 Oct (GC); Aber, 6 Ythan 11 Oct (LHC), 4 on 23 Oct (PDR); Midl, 25 Fala 10 Oct (WB, RW); E Loth, 12 SE Tyninghame 3 Oct (LLJV); Kirk, c 1000 West Preston, including 2 albinos, Dec (ADW). Canada Goose Branta canadensis. Southwest Scotland population: 38 Wigtown Merse 24 July, 32 on 22 Aug (RCD); hybrids x Greylag Goose seen L Inch (JGY, ADW). Brood of 5 young L Tummel, Perth, 25 May (EMH) and 11 (1 juv) L Mahaick Aug (RMcM). Beauly Firth moulting flock of Yorkshire birds: 66 on 30 May, peak 378 on 6 July, still 282 on 29 Aug (RHD). Migrants, probably these birds, Inv, 14 NE Aviemore 10 June (I Hudson); Banff, 10 W Buckpool 28 Apr (DBMcG), 1 Inverisla 20 June (KT); Aber, 25 Auchlossan 26 May (NP), 5 L Vrotachan 26 May (AW); Perth, 26 W Craiglush 29 May (MD); 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 125 Kinross, L Leven 12 on 2 June (WPW), 7 N on 3 June (AA); Fife, 4 S Elie 3 June (DT). Return passage: Inv, 17 L Mhor 17 Aug (MIH); Kinc, 2 Blackhall 22 Sep (MM); Angus, 25 Invergowrie Bay 14 Sep (HB); Perth, 2 Port Allen 28 July (HB), 2 Carsebreck 31 Oct (TCS) and 15-20 Murthly 30 Oct (JK), possibly locals; Kinross, L Leven 11 S 22 Sep (AG), 2 during 10 Nov-22 Dec (AA, AG); Fife, 20 Newport 20 Aug (RA), 1 Kilconquhar late Nov (JARG, DT); W Loth, 26 Dalmeny 19 Aug (TCS); Midl, 1 Ross- lynlee Reservoir 14 Nov (JB); E Loth, 6 Dirleton 27 Aug (HSCH). Other migrants: 1 Scatness, Shet, 16-17 Oct (RHD, ARW); I Heb, Islay, 3 small Canadas with Barnacles mid November (MAO), 1 medium-sized Canada with Greenland Whitefronts 24 Nov (CGB, JMSA, TW). Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Good breeding season L Leven, Kinross, 3 prs with 13 young (AA, JHSw); increasing Caith and Speyside, Inv (PMC, DNW). Counts: Angus, 162 Montrose Basin 3 Aug (GMC); 40 L Gilp, Arg, 13 Oct (MJPG); 65 Inverness 13 July (JMCr); E Ross, 119 (11 juv) L Eye 27 Nov (RHD). Migrants: 2 Baltasound, Unst, Shet, 8 June-mid Oct, one to Dec (MS). Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus. Spring departure: Kirk, last 12 Isle- stepps 14 Apr (JGY); Kinross, L Leven peak 119 on 24 Feb, last 5 on 10 Apr (AA, JHSw); Inv, peak Insh Marshes 112 (17 juvs) Feb (DNW); Fair Isle, peak 17 on 1 Apr (RAB); pr St Kilda 14 May, one injured stayed to Aug (DS); late pr L Rosque, E Ross, 17 May (DCH) and Lairg, Suth, 20 May (RHD). 6-10 individuals summered, mostly injured birds, singles ex- cept 3 Coupar Angus (JK). Autumn migration: Shet, first 2 Fetlar 2 Oct (RJT), build-up L Spiggie, 10 on 3 Oct, 9th (28), 16th (138), 27th (187) and 200 early Nov, highest counts ever, high percentage of immatures (DC, FH); Fair isie, 7 on 22, Sep, mainly from 6 Oct, max 30 on 11 Oct (RAB); Caith, first 20 St John’s Loch 12 Oct, 200 L Calder 24 Oct; E Ross, 18 Delny 1 Oct (CGH), 130 on 30 Dec (RHD); O Heb, 258 (33% Ist Y) Uists 18-20 Oct (DGA, DJ); Aber, 157 (13 lst Y) L Kinord 5 Dec (NP); Kinross, 10 L Leven 24 Sep (AG), increasing to 366 (57 Ist Y) on 14 Oct, peak 380 on 15 Oct, 50- 150 later (AA, DLC); Fife, 310 Leslie 18 Nov (JM), 280 Kingskettle 27 Nov (DWO); Clack, 49 (15 Ist Y) Alva 26 Oct (CJH); Kirk, first 2 Isle- stepps 4 Oct, 64 on 14 Dec (JGY). *Bewick’s Swan Cygnus bewickii. Shet, 1 Sandness 22-24 Mar (DC, BM); Fair Isle, 2 on 7-15 Jan (GJB); E Ross, 3 (2 lst Y) Alcaig, Cromarty Firth, 28 Jan-7 Feb (MKMcD-D, MR); Arg, 1 Ruel River 10 Jan (JBH); Aber, 6 (1 lst Y) Strathbeg 17 Jan (JE); Ayr, 1 Bogton Loch 21 Jan, 7-27 Nov (DWMcG); Dumf, 4 Ruthwell 10 Jan (DCI), 2 Clarencefield 11 Feb (ELR); Kirk, 1 Carsethorn 3 Jan (MJA), 1 L Ken 22 Jan (LAU, ADW), 1 Carlingwark Loch 15 Mar (PJM); Wig, 5 (3 lst Y) L Ryan 23 Jan (DSk, JSk, JGY), 3 River Cree 13 Nov (RCD). 126 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) +Black Swan Cygnus atratus. One L Ryan, Wig, June-Sep (RCD). Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Variable success from main areas; successful year W Ross (ENH) and Arg, where 12 prs reared young from 16 prs laying eggs (AGG, MJPG) but poor season Speyside due to human disturbance and persecution (RHD, DNW), only 1 young from 5-6 sites Lochaber, Inv (JRo, JCu), and much destruction of eggs and birds O Heb, including nests robbed in Uists (WAJC). Peripheral records: Caith, 1 pr failed, 1 pr probably reared young (PMC, JMG); Banff, pr reared 1 young new site (JE); Angus, 3 prs bred (GMC); apparently 4 prs SW Scotland, one of which was robbed by egg-collectors (AGS, RTS, ADW). Sightings: Ork, 1 Binscarth 19 Nov (EJW); E Ross, imm Tain 18 Oct (DB); imm Eskdalemuir, Dumf, 23 Feb (ELBC). Influx in winter to upper Findhorn attributable to peak in blue hare population (DNW),. Buzzard Buteo buteo. Doing well in most areas, eg Caith, O Heb, Inv, Ayr and Dunf. Nest-building at L Eye, E Ross, 7 Mar (RHD); good breed- ‘ing season Beauly area, Inv, 7 prs reared 17 young (MIH, RSR); 3 prs ‘Endrick, Dunb, each with 3 young (DSt); pr tried to breed Edgelaw Res- ervoir, Midl (RWJS). Migrant: North Ronaldsay, Ork, 23 May (RG). *Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus. Singles Fair Isle 25 May (GJB) and Gruinard Bay, W Ross, 19-22 Oct (AJK). Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Continued increase in sightings through- out mainland, except possibly Speyside. Migrants: Fair Isle, singles 10 days Apr-17 May, 4 between 8 Oct and 6 Nov (RAB); Shet, singles Fetlar 9 Apr (ARM), Unst 1 May (MS), 3 Kergord 31 Oct (DC); Isle of May, singles 8-10 May (GLAP), 5 Sep (JMAO). +Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. Probably bred in one area, few sightings in other regular locality (anon); singles elsewhere: Isle of Rhum April (PW); Perth 21 June (JGY), Sheriffmuir, Perth, 30 Oct (GMD, DJ); Quoth- quan, Lan, 3 Apr (RE-H); Endrick, Dunb, 5 Nov-11 Dec (JMi et al.): Roxb, 16 Aug (KTa). Imm male trapped and ringed Fair Isle 24 Nov-31 Dec (RAB) might be wild migrant, but others must be suspect, as it appears lace quite large numbers of imported birds escape or are being released each year. *Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus. Singles: Shet, Gott 31 May-3 June (DC), Whalsay 7 June (JHS), Fetlar 29 June (ARM); Fair Isle, 30 June- 6 July and 6 Aug (RAB); Insh, Inv, 29 May (JED). *Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Singles: Fetlar, Shet, 18 May (RSPB); ¢ Fair Isle 30 May-2 June (RAB); 2 Speyside, E Inv, 1 June (RHD); Galloway, 2 2 May (ELR), imm ¢ 4-5 June (ADW); unconfirme report of pair in south Scotland May-June. 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 127 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Poor breeding season Galloway and Renf; persecution many areas; early nest Dornoch, young flying 12 June (DMBr, DMcD). Migrants: Shet, singles Unst 14 Jan and 2 31 Mar (MS), ¢ Yell 31 Mar (RJT); Fair Isle 2 3 May (RAB); more sightings Fife, 3 Jan-19 May and 24 Sep-20 Dec (DWO); E Loth, singles Tyninghame 17 Jan (TB), Aberlady 24 Apr and 5 May (KSMcG, GLS); imm ¢ found dead Wig 10 Dec, ringed Kinc, 6 July (NP, ADW). Osprey Pandion haliaetus. 7 pairs with eyries, 5 successful, reared 11 young—the best year to date. L Garten, Inv, @ arrived 8 Apr, d 9th, first egg 19 Apr, clutch of 3 eggs stolen by egg-collectors on night of 17 May, pr stayed in area and built frustration eyries; only one bird seen at eyrie 2; 3 eggs laid at eyrie 3, 1 young reared, other 2 eggs failed to hatch; eyrie 4, three young reared; eyrie 5 (Loch of Lowes, Perth) 2 young ‘reared; eyrie 6, at least 2 eggs laid, but failed to hatch; eyrie 7, three young reared; eyrie 8, two young reared, both recovered in Mauretania, West Africa, one on 4 Oct, the other in Dec 1971. Many sightings elsewhere in Highlands, N to Suth and Caith, at least one other pair regularly seen but no eyrie located. Migrants elsewhere, all singles: Fair Isle 26 May (RAB); Isie of May 2 May (DWO); Angus, Forfar Loch 21 May (HB); Fife, 1 N over St Andrews 13 May (DWO), 1 in from sea Fife Ness 25 July (DBT); Midl, Glencorse Reservoir end July (per GLS); E Loth, Aberlady 29 Aug (RHH); Lan, Tinto 12 June (RE-H); W Stir, bardowie Loch 12 July (PJI); Dumf, Moffat Water 26 Apr (ED, FDH); Wig, Tom Warren 25 May (ETI, JMcC). Late record Spinningdale, Suth, 19 Aug (per DMcD). *Hobby Falco subbuteo. 1 Abernethy Forest, Inv, 23-26 Aug (HJB et al.) Peregrine Falco peregrinus. Breeding success and numbers patchy, gen- erally good inland, poor in coastal and peripherai areas. Good reports: ‘good season’ NW Suth (IDP); ‘increase noted’ Ross and Suth (DCH); ‘successful season’ E and central Inv (DNW); 5 out of 7 prs successful S Arg, 11+ young reared (MJPG); Perth, birds at 11 of 13 known sites, young at 6 sites (VMT); L Lomond/Trossachs, 15 young reared at 6 nests (JMi). Poor reports: Shet, none bred, and only 13 sightings reported (RJT); Fair Isle, 3 present but no evidence of breeding (RAB); Ork, nor- mal numbers but low success (EB); Caith, numbers still very low (PMC); Galloway, ‘poor season’ (ADW). Other records: 1 pr bred successfully Lewis, O Heb (WAJC); Banff, 1 pr bred (JE); Angus, 2+ prs bred (GMC); S Ayr, 4 prs reared 4 young (AGS), 1 young reared Ailsa Craig (JAG). Migrants, Isle of May 10 and 30 Sep (AJW, NKA). *Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus. ¢ Fair Isle 17 Apr (GJB). Merlin Falco columbarius. Slight improvement: Shet, better breeding season, including pr bred Fetlar first time for years (RJT); Galloway, best 128 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) season for years, including 11 flew from 15 young at 4 nests (ADW et al.). Migration: Fair Isle, 10 Sep-2 Dec, mainly Oct, max 5 on 11 and 24 Oct; fewer in Fife, only 5 reports (DWO); scattered reports throughout coun- try. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Good breeding season Kinross, Midl, E Loth and apparently increasing Lewis, O Heb. Partial albino bred Newtonmore, Inv (DNW). Migration: Shet, 1 Tingwall 24 Jan (BM), slight passage 18- 30 May, scarce in autumn; Fair Isle, spring 1 Apr-12 June, autumn 19 Aug to 12 Nov, numbers low (RAB). 5 found dead E Loth Dec, probably due to toxic seed dressings (AMt). Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus. Good reports from Caith and Ochils, Kinross, but poor season Selk, Roxb and Kirk. Vagrants: 1 Aberlady, E Loth 3 Aug AnD 2 Montreathmont, Angus, 6 Nov (TMC); 2 Handa Suth, 30 July (RAH, DTh, JTh). Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus. Bad weather affected breeding success Cairngorms; flocks 38 (11 juveniles) on 10 July and 27 (6 juvs) on 13 July (RSPB). W Ross, nest 6 eggs Applecross Pass 14 May (GS). Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix. Increase in Kinross, 50-100 Ledlanet Moor (WW), 30 Ochil foothills 3 Mar (AB), 20 Lomond Hills Dec (WF). Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. Inv, Abernethy numbers lower than 1970/ 71 but higher percentage young in shot birds (DNW); 2 Tentsmuir, Fife, Feb (PGTB, RWS); E Stir, pr Cambusbarron 19 May, first sighting there by observer (JGG); good numbers, including 9 together, Tain, E Ross (CJMcK-G). +Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. Suth, 30 introduced Rosehall Mar 1970—doing well (per JTRS); Banff, Cullen, more released (per RHD); Angus, introduced Cortachy (per GMC); Kirk, 1 Fingland Hill 10 Apr (AF); Wig, 1 escaped Wigtown (DC1). Partridge Perdix perdix. Mixed reports, but numbers generally ve low; better numbers reported Caith, SE Suth, Kinross, Fife and Mid]; possibly fewer Clyde. *Quail Coturnix coturnix. Very poor year, considerably fewer than in past 3 years. Only reports received: singles, Fetlar, Shet, 4 June (ARM); CMO.” Inv, 14 May (per DNW) and Kirriemuir, Angus, early May (per Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. ‘Migrant’ female Fetlar, Shet, 9 July (RSPB), probably from Unst where a few kept (RJT). Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus. Considerable stock in Kirrough- tree Forest - Newton Stewart, Kirk/Wig (ADW), doing well and increas- ing (ADW), some hybridising with Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae. +Reeves’s Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii. Some released and living wild, but wild breeding not proved Kinveachy Forest, Inv (RHD), 2 dd Kin- craig, Inv, Sep-Dec (DNW). *Crane Grus grus. Ork, singles Papa Westray 23 May (T Miller), West- ray 24-29 May (WJE et al.) and Wideford Hill, Mainland, 3-4 June (W Groundwater) almost certainly same individual; E Ross, 1 Nigg Bay 11 Jun-(at least) 8 July (RHD, CGH et al.), Reports of crane sp near Nethy- bridge June and 11 July (RSPB). Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. No definite breeding records, but birds heard in summer E Inv (RHD, DNW); 2 in summer Balranald, N Uist, O Heb (GC); 1 Loch of Lowes, Perth, 17 July (EMH). Good number of win- ter records many areas, Jan-8 Apr. Migration: Fair Isle, a few to 21 May (RAB); Isle of May, 5 and 8 Apr (NKA, MN); 1 Aberlady, E Loth, 12 Apr (NDCG), Autumn: Fair Isle from 7 Sep, peak 4 on 30 Oct (RAB); 1 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 21 Aug (RG); first returned Kilconquhar, Vife, 3 Oct, peak 8 on 7 Nov (DWO); 12 heard Barr Loch, Renf, 29 Oct (WRB); usual winter reports elsewhere. 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 129 *Spotted Crake Porzana porzana. 1 calling NW Ross summer (anon); E Inv, singles calling Aviemore 19 May-end June (I Hudson), Abernethy June (HJB), Boat of Garten early July (WAJC) and 2 Insh Marshes June (WAS); Perth, 1 seen Pitlochry 23 July (A Dawson, M Walker). Migrants: ick) Fair Isle 9 and 30 Sep (RAB) and New Cumnock, Ayr, 22 Sep cK). Corncrake Crex crex. Breeding reports generally show no change, but increase reported N Ayr and summered Endrick mouth, Dunb, first time since 1965 (JMi); 2 Bannockburn, E Stir, 24 Apr (7: 52), reared 3 young from 8 eggs, last seen 8 Aug (JGG); 3 prs Killantringan, Wig, all lost nests due to silage mowing (BW); perhaps fewer Eigg, I Heb (JCu); one tame bird Droman, N Suth, taking household scraps (IDP et al.). Arrivals: Fair Isle 14 Apr (RAB); Arg, 18 Apr (IR); Aberlady, E Loth, 24 Apr (LLJV); Balranald, O Heb, 4 May (GC). Last reports: 4 Sep, Parkgate, (RAS) (per MCr); 10 Sep Isle of May (AJW et al.) and East Haven, Angus Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Fair Isle migrants, 1-2 on 8 days in April, 1 on 21 May (RAB). Coot Fulica atra. Pr with young Aberlady Bay, E Loth, apparently first record there (ADKR); Kinross, good breeding season L Leven, peak 400 late Aug, decreased mid Sep to 60 on 17 Oct (AA). Counts: E Ross, 350 L Eye 17 Jan, 150 on 14 Nov (CGH); Fife, 439 Kilconquhar 17 Oct (DWO), 350 Cameron Reservoir 14 Nov (JARG), 362 L Ore 17 Oct and 827 on 12 Dec (JM); Midl/Peeb. Gladhouse-Portmore. 40 on 8 Aug, 275 on 17 Oct (JB, RWJS); Dumf, 200 Lochmaben 14 Mar (RTS). Migrants: Fair Isle, singles 11 and 16 Apr, 30 May-7 June (RAB); 1 Ness, Lewis, O Heb, 13 Nov (WAJC, MFMM). Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. Return to breeding territories: Yarrow, Selk, 21 Feb (JB); Midl, Moorfoot reservoirs 21 Feb (RWJS); Kinross, from mid Feb, poor breeding season (JHSw); Inv, 6 Boat of Gar- ten 18 Feb (RHD), albino again summered Rothiemurchus (DNW); Fair Isle, first 13 Feb, 22 by 9 Mar, first eggs c/3 found 14 May. Exodus: Fair Isle down to 50 by 25 Aug, 3 on 30 Sep and iast 1 Nov (RAB); passage over Inverness from lst week July (MR); first autumn migrants Gladhouse, Midl, 11 July (RWJS). Peak counts: Solway, record 14000 Nith-Southwick 19 Sep, 9000+ on 21 Nov (NSRG); 24078 inner Scottish Solway 19 Sep (per JGY); Ayr, 2000 Fairlie 29 Dec (IPG); Renf, 1600 Erskine 19 Dec (HG, IPG); E Loth, 1000 on 4 Aug (ADKR); Mid], 1300 Musselburgh 28 Mar (RF), 1800 on 13 July and 17 Oct, 3000 on 21 Nov and 19 Dec (RF, LLJV, DIMW); Fife, 5000 Tentsmuir 5 Sep (RWS); Inv, peaks Longman 189 on 7 Feb and 317 on 26 Dec (MR), 400 White- ness Head 7 Sep (RHD); Caith, 200+ Brims Ness 5 Dec (PMC). Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Breeding reports good from Caith, W Ross, where ‘marked increase Torridon’ (JAW), O Heb, where ‘regained pre- 130 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) 1962 status’, Kinross, Midl, Ayr. Very few chicks from early broods in Fife owing to cold and wet (DWO); counts of 570 and 474 on Cree estuary, Kirk/Wig, 17 Aug gave 28% juveniles (JGY). Spring passage: Fair Isle, 28 on 23 Feb, peak 50 on 1 Apr (RAB); ar- rived Speyside, Inv, 22 Jan (DNW), marked passage 25 Feb .RHD, DNW),. Autumn: Fair Isle ,Aug-5 Dec, peak 40 on 26 Sep (RAB); L Leven, Kinross, 500 on 23 Aug, 2000+ in mid Sep (AA), 1000 S/hr 21 Nov (AG); large immigration E Fife 13 Aug (ARS). Peak counts: Renf, 5000 Woodhall 7 Feb (HG), 4500 Glasgow Airport 17 Dec (IPG); Aber, 5000 Strathbeg 5 Feb (RHD); Inv, 1500 Longman 5 Oct (RHD); Caith, 200 Dunnet Sands 4 Nov (PMC), Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. E Loth, excellent breeding season Aberlady where c 50 prs reared nearly 200 young (ADKR); Midl, bred Leith Docks (LLJV); for 3rd year in succession none bred Dunnet Sands, Caith (PMC). Peak counts and migration: Dunb, 95 Endrick mouth 23 May (JMi, DSt); E Loth, 550 Aberlady 21 May (ADKR), 400 Tyninghame 9 May, 130 on 22 Aug (RWJS); Midl, 180 Musselburgh 17 Oct (RF); Fife, 260 Tentsmuir 29 May (RWS); Inv, 120 Longman 19 Sep (RHD); Suth, 77 Bees 10 Oct (DMcD); Fair Isle, peaks 40 on 5 Aug, 55 on 29 Aug *Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. 1 imm Gladhouse, Midl, 10-11 Sep (GLS, JSt, RWJS). Grey Plever Pluvialis squatarola. Fewer reports early in year: 60 South- erness, Kirk, 14 Feb (JFY); 64 Tentsmuir, Fife, 7 Mar (DMB); 1 Heb, 4 Islay 11 Jan and 2 on 15 Apr (CGB); Suth, 12 Dornoch 14 Mar (DMcD); (ADRR} 24 Tyninghame 28 Mar (RWJS), 40 summered Aberlady Bay Autumn migration: Shet, 3 Unst 22-26 Aug (BM), 3 Virkie 3-17 Oct (DC, RM); Fair Isle, 1 on 28-30 Sep (RAB); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 10 Sep (RG), 1 South Ronaldsay 2 Oct (CJB); Caith, 1 Brims Ness 6 Dec (AFCMC, PMC); O Heb, singles Balranald 11 Oct (GC), Stornoway 5 Dec (RMclI); usual east-coast autumn records, peaks: 9 Dornoch, Suth, 10 Oct (DMcD), 20 Montrose Basin, Angus, 1 Oct (GMC), 60 Aberlady, E Loth, 10 July and 76 on 6 Aug (ADKR); 57 Southerness, Kirk, 30 Oct (NSRG). (Pe. 2 Gladhouse, Midl, 4 Oct (GLS); 1 Balgray Reservoir, Renf, 7 Oct Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria. Winter-spring counts: 260 ‘northerns’ Stranraer, Wig, 27 Mar (ADW); Midl, 300 ‘northerns’ Gladhouse 17 Apr (RWJS). 2000 Gorebridge mid-28 Feb (LY); W Loth 500+ Dalmeny 15 Feb (DTh). Passage: 150 St Kilda 29 Apr (DS); 9 Isle of May 3 Apr (NKA); Fair Isle, from end July, peaks 60 on 17 Sep and 75 on 30 Oct (RAB); large passage Fife Ness 27 Sep (DWO, ARS); E Loth, peak Aberlady 250 on 19 July (ADKR). Autumn counts: 1000 Carsethorn-Drumburn, Solway, 19 Sep (NSRG), 800 Luce Bay, Wig, 21 Nov (RCD, JGY); 780 Ythan, Aber, 9 Oct (JAL, AR); 900 Buckie, Banff, 18 Dec (DBMcG). Dotterel Eudromias morinellus. Evidence of continued expansion, in- cluding records from Perthshire and Lochaber, Inv (JCu); first report 4 Cairngorms 8 May (M George); reasonable numbers of young reported despite bad weather (snow) in early summer. 1 Whalsay, Shet, 6-7 June (JHS, DC); 1 Glen Etive hills, Arg, 6 Aug (AHG). Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Usual summering records: passage Fair Isle 8 Mar-2 June and from 9 July (RAB). Counts: Angus, 400 West Haven 2 Oct (TMC); 490 Isle of May 7 Oct (MN); 300 Dalmeny, W Loth, 4 Aug (RDM); 350 Musselburgh, Midl, 27 Apr (JB). Inland: 1 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 23 May (DSt); 4 Glencorse Reservoir, Midl, 24 May (GLS); singles L Leven, Kinross, 3 Aug (AA, JHSw), 29 Aug (AG). *Dowitcher Limnodromus sp. 1 Kinnaber, Angus, 2 Oct (GMC). Snipe Gallinago gallinago. Increase reported Gairloch area, W Ross (ENH). Counts: Ayr, 70 Galston 11 Dec (WRB, BCF); Suth, 10 Scourie 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 131 4 Feb (IDP). Migration: Fair Isle, peaks 20 on 9 Sep, 20-25 on 2-4 Oct and 15 on 23 Oct (RAB); Kinross, up to 25 L Leven in Aug, scarce in Sep, 30 ion 30 Oct (AA); Midl, 30 Gladhouse 5 July, 100 on 11 and 18 July (RWJS). Jack Snipe Limnocryptes minimus. Usual scatter of records in first 3 months north to Shet; 3 Canna, I Heb, 24 Mar is noteworthy (AJW et al.); 1 Fair Isle 6 May, only spring record there (RAB). Autumn: first record Skinflats, E Stir, 26 Aug (DLC); Fair Isle from 6 Sep-11 Nov, peak 5 on 27 Sep (RAB); usual scatter of records Oct-Dec; but more in W, where 7 West Kilbride, Ayr, 1 Dec (JLB), 7 Barr Loch, Renf, 18 Dec (HG, IPG) and 3 Paisley Moss, Renf, Dec (IPG). Woodcock Scolopax rusticola. Scarce as migrant; Fair Isle, rare in spring, very few in autumn 16 Oct-Nov, peak only 25 on 27 Oct (RAB); O Heb, becoming uncommon as winter visitor to Lewis (WAJC); very few Isle of May; fewer than usual Kinross estate (WW). Curlew Numenius arquata. First inland Speyside, Inv, 22 Feb (RHD). Counts: 1400 Kirkcudbright Bay 21 Nov (NSRG); 2894 Scottish Solway 19 Sep (NSRG); W Loth, 1000 Almond estuary 3 Aug (GLS); Kinross, 300 L Leven Jan-Mar, 400+ 28 July increased to 1000 on 11 Aug (AA, JHSw); Angus, 1000 Montrose Basin 20 Aug (GMC). Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. Breeding records: usual numbers Shet, first Fetlar 25 Apr, last 22 Aug (RJT, ARM); one pair summered Ork (per EB); Scottish mainland site increase to 4-5 prs (RHD, CGH). Winter: 1 Glencaple, Dumf, 11 Jan (THJ). Spring passage: 1 Monreith Bay, Wig, 5 Apr (JDo); Ayr, 1 Kilwinning 2 May (WCW); Angus, first 29 Mar (GMC); usual scatter of records in May. Autumn peaks: Fair Isle, 6 on 25 Aug, records to 28 Sep (RAB); Caith, 14 Scrabster 19 Aug (SL); 18 in off sea Faraid Head, Suth, 5 Sep (RHD); 10 Eden estuary, Fife, 5 Aug (RWS); 23 Aberlady, E Loth, 22 July (ADKR); 9 Dalry, Kirk, 24 July (LAU); 10 Beauly Firth, E Ross, 29 Aug (RHD, MIH). Late records: 2 Scrabster, Caith, 24 Oct (PMC); 2 Skipness, Arg, 24 Oct (PGTB); 2 Southerness, Kirk, 21 Nov (NSRG). Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. Pr bred Shet, 3 adults and 3 chicks seen 20 June (BM); 2 prs south Scotland site, but neither successful (anon). Winter-spring records: Nith estuary flock, Dumf/Kirk, 52 on 20 Feb, 144 on 1 Mar, 100 on 16 Apr, 10 on 4 May (ADW, JGY); 16 Stoney- kirk, Wig, 24 Apr, 18 on 25th and 2 to 6 May (RCD); 57 Mountlothian, Midl, 23 Apr (GLS); small numbers Mid] and E Loth; Eden estuary, Fife, peak 125 on 3 Apr (DWO). Migrants: 4 Tiree, I Heb, 17 May (PBB); 10 Balranald, O Heb, 20 Apr (GC); 4 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 26 May (RG): 7 Fair Isle 8 Mar, 2 on 17-21 Mar (RAB); singles Foula 14 May (JGH) and Fetlar 22 May (ARM). Inland: singles Amulree, Perth, 15 May (DW) and Auchlossan, Aber, 18 May (RSBy); 3 L Shin, Suth, 20 May (RHD). 132 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Autumn: small numbers east coast areas Shet to E Loth, peaks: 10 Montrose Basin, Angus, 9 Aug (GMC); 80 Eden estuary, Fife, 5 Sep (RWS); 13 Skinflats, Stir, 18 Oct (MHu); 15 Aberlady, E Loth, 4 Aug— record total (ADKR). 1 Yetholm, Rox, 23 Aug, first since 1929 (RSB); 2 L Leven, Kinross, 29 Sep (DU, KU). Nith estuary 27 on 14 Aug, 130 on 19 Sep, 50 on 14 Oct (JGY); 30 Sandhead, Wig, 8 Sep (RCD). Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. Scarcer Shet, Perth and Ayr, but more E Loth. Counts: E Ross 450 Nigg 30 July (DCH), 800+ Barbaraville 28 Aug (CJMcK-G); Inv/Nairn, 400+ Whiteness Head 21 Nov (RHD); Moray, 468 Findhorn 21 May; Fife, 2000 Tentsmuir 21 Feb and 2500 on 5 Sep (RWS); Midl, 600 Musselburgh 14 Feb and 700 on 21 Nov (RF); E Loth, 100 Aberlady 8 July, increased to 1500 on 9 Aug (ADKR) and c 3000 on 5 Oct (WRB). *Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. Winter records: 1 Brechin, Angus, Jan-17 Apr (GMC); 1 Tyninghame, E Loth, Jan-14 Mar (RWJS); 5 Merry- ton, Lan, 20 Jan and 13 Feb, 3 on 7 Mar (HSCH, KCRH); Kirk, 1 Kings- holm 31 Jan (TN). Spring passage: 8 Apr-22 May; singles Fair Isle 3 May (RAB); North Ronaldsay, Ork, 22 May (RG), Lochinver, Suth, 12 May (SMD), Bowden, Rox 8 Apr (per AJS); L Martnaham, Ayr, 13 Apr and Doonfoot, Ayr, 5 a (WRB). 1 in suitable breeding habitat Newtonmore, Inv, 26 June Autumn passage: 9 July-7 Oct, records east coast and southwest Scot- land; peaks and noteworthy dates: Shet, 2 Quendale 7 Sep, + other singles; recorded Fair Isle 17 July-12 Sep, max 5 on 4 Aug and 6 on 5th (RAB); 3 Livingston, Midl, 22 Aug (JO); 3 Tyninghame, E Loth, 22 Aug (RWJS); 4-5 Paisley Moss, Renf, 15 Aug (HG et al.). 2 late ones Merryton, Lan, 6 Nov (HSCH, KCRH); one wintered Tyninghame (RWJS). *Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. 1 singing E Inv site 30 May and 1 June (RHD, PT); present Suth and N Perth sites (anon). Rather scarce on passage. Spring 19 May-12 June and autumn 24 July-14 Sep. Singles: Shet, Fetlar 19-22 Aug and 28 Aug (RSPB); Fair Isle 19, 24 and 29 May, 31 July, 23 and 25 Aug (RAB); Ork, Rendall 10 Aug (EB); Aber, 2 Meikle Loch 14 Aug (JAL); Angus, Elliot mouth 8 Sep (RAS); Isle of May, 24 May (DRG), 24 Aug-14 Sep (GLS, AJW); Fife, Earlshall 5 Aug (RWS); (DN: Gladhouse 10 Sep (GLS); E Loth, Drem 12 June, 24 July, 2-4 Sep Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. Winter: 1 Alloa, Clack, 17 Jan (DMB). Spring arrivals: 8 Mar, Kelso, Rox (RSB); 12 Apr, Loch of Lowes, Perth; 13 Apr, L Vaa, Inv (RHD), Dalry, Kirk (LAU), Penpont (ARH) and Canonbie, Dumf (ELBC); 14 Apr, Glencorse Reservoir, Mid] (RDM) and Glen Clova, Angus (GMC). Passage: Shet, 9-24 May, scarce (RJT); Fair Isle, 1 May-4 June, peak 6 on 24 May (RAB); peak 20 Moorfoot reser- voirs, Midl, 2 May (RWJS). PLATE 9 (a) Dotterel, Whalsay, Shetland, 7th June 1971. (b) Pectoral Sandpiper, Hillwell Loch, Quendale, Shetland, 11th September 1971. Photographs by Dennis Coutts PLATE 10 (a) Roller, Bixter, Shetland, 5th June 1971. (b) Bee-eater, Lerwick, Shetland, 5th September 1971. Photographs by Dennis Coutts PLATE 11 (a) Steller’s Eider, female, and drake common Wider, Fair Isle, 51st May 1971. (b) Honey Buzzard, Gott, Shetland, lst June 1971. Photographs by Dennis Coutts PLATE 12 (a) Snowy Owl, female, caught on trawler off Spitzbergen, and released by Bobby Tulloch on Fetlar, Shetland, February 1971. (b) Searlet Grosbeak, Fair fsle, 19th September 1971. (c) Great White Egret, roosting in a drain, North Roe, Shetland, 26th March 1971. (d) Tawny Pipit, Sumburgh Airport, Shetland, 50th September 1971. Photographs by Dennis Coutts / 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 137 Autumn: Fair Isle, 25 July-11 Aug, peak 5 on 30 July (RAB); Skye, 40 S Pabay 25 Aug (ECG); Aber, last Ythan 9 Oct (PDR); Angus, 40 Mont- rose Bay 8 July (GMC); Kinross, peak 28 L Leven 2 Aug (AA, JHSw); E Loth, 9 Aberlady 9 July (ADKR); last Portencross, Ayr, 17 Oct (JLB). *Spotted Sandpiper Tringa macularia. 1 Tyninghame, E Loth, 30 Oct (LLJV)—a new bird for Scotland. Redshank Tringa totanus. Peak counts: 3573 Scottish Solway 19 Sep (NSRG); Renf, 4000+ Erskine 10 Apr and 5000+ on 19 Dec (HG, IPG, ANG); Midl, 1500 Musselburgh 27 Mar (RF); W Loth, 1000 Almond estuary 30 Sep (GLS); Fife, 2000 Eden estuary 19 Sep (RWS); Moray, 2000 Find- horn 20 Sep (JE); Inv, 800 Longman Bay 19 Sep (RHD). *Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. Winter: 1 Doonfoot, Avr, Jan- mid Apr (WRB); 1 Aberlady, E Loth, 7 Feb (RMB, AMt). Spring passage, all singles: Barns Ness, E Loth, 1-2 May (AMt); Ythan, Aber, 13-14 Apr (JAL); Unst, Shet, 31 May (JKy). Autumn passage from 19 July, singles unless stated: Shet, Breiwick 20 Nov (NLS); Fair Isle, 14 Aug and 7 Oct (RAB); Ork, North Ronaldsay 22 Aug (RG); Suth, Golspie 28 Sep (MHI); Inv, 2 Lentran 28 Aug (RHD); Moray, Garmouth 18 Sep, Findhorn 20 Sep (JE); Aber, Ythan 19-25 July, 18 Aug, 22 Sep, 11 Oct (RWS); Angus, Montrose Bay 9 and 20 Aug (GMC); Perth, Invergowrie 9 Aug (2), 10 Aug, 19 Sep, 7 and 9 Oct (RMcM, EJM); Isle of May 26-28 Aug (GLS); Fife, Eden 12 Aug (PJO’B, EJM); E Stir, Skinflats 29 Aug (DLC, DCS); W Loth, Almond estuary 4 Aug (RDM), 11 Sep (TCS); Midl, Musselburgh 24 and 27 Aug (RWJS, LLJV); E Loth, Aberlady 22 July (ADKR), 11 Nov (PH), Drem 1-2 between 13 Sep and 24 Oct (DGA, PH), Tyninghame 12 and 24 Dec (TB, LLJV); Ber, St Abbs 7 Sep (RM); Ayr, Hunterston 24 Sep (IPG), Doonfoot 14 Nov-31 Dec (WRB); Renf, Woodhall 29 Aug and 23 Sep (ANG, IPG), Erskine 6 Sep, 5 Oct (3), 6 Oct, 14 Nov (2) (HG, IPG); Wig, Sandhead 27 Aug (RCD). Greenshank Tringa nebularia. No reported changes in breeding status. Winter records: Ayr, 2 Doonfoot 1 Jan-7 Mar (WRB), 1 Hunterston 1 Jan- end Mar (JLB, WCW); Renf, 6 Woodhall 1 Jan-14 Mar (HG, [PG); Fife, 1 wintered Boarhills-Kingsbarns; Kinross,1 L Leven 1 Jan-16 Feb (AA); Angus, 1 Dighty mouth Jan-Feb (TMC, NKA); E Ross, 3 Kessock 14 Feb (MIH); W Ross, Torridon 22 Feb (JAW). Spring return: 5 Apr, Scourie, Suth; 7 Apr, L More, Caith and Speyside, Inv. Passage, scarce in north; only singles Fair Isle 13 May (RAB) and Whalsay, Shet, 25 Apr (JHS). Autumn passage 3 Aug to end Oct; good numbers most areas; peaks: Shet, 6 Hillwell Loch 8-18 Aug; Inv, 7 Lentran 28 Aug (MIH); Aber, 5 Ythan 24 Aug and 9 Sep (JAL); Angus, 11 Montrose Basin 22 Aug (GMC); Fife, 21 Eden estuary 8 Sep (JK); E Loth, 6 Aberlady 7 Aug; Renf, 24 Woodhall 27 Sep, still 11 on 31 Dec (ANG, HG, IPG); 49 on nolway count 19 Sep (NSRG). Scattered wintering records north to Cromarty Firth. Knot Calidris canutus. Spring passage; few Shet 7 Apr-6 June; spring peaks 160 Spey mouth, Moray, 1 May (JMB) and 800 Aberlady, E Loth, 14 May (ADKkR). Winter counts: c 3000 West Haven, Angus, Jan (TMC); 1700 Almond estuary, W Loth, 16 Jan (TCS). Autumn passage and peak counts: Shet, 11 July-22 Dec, max 35 on 3 Aug (RJT); Fair Isle, 25 July-24 Sep, max only 13 on 1-2 Ang; North Ronaldsay, Ork, peak 35 on 25 Aug (RG); Inv, numbers Longman Bay have declined in recent years and peak only 150 on 28 Aug (RHD); 3000+ Whiteness Head 21 Nov (RHD); Moray, 500 Burghead 28 Oct (RHD), 676 Findhorn 21 Nov (KTR); Isle of May peak 34 on 7 Sep (JMAO); Midl, 300 Musselburgh 21 Nov (JB, RF); E Loth, 350 Aberlady 19 June, increas- ing to 1200 on 9 Aug (ADKR); Solway count 5780 on 21 Nov, Southwick to Carsethorn (NSRG). eat 138 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima. Last Isle of May 24 May; Angus, 158 between Boddin and Ferryden 8 Apr (NKA); Inv, 3 L Linnhe 3 Apr (JASN), 2 Clachnaharry, Beauly Firth, 17 Jan (RHD), singles 14 Feb and 14 Mar (RHD, MIH); Ork peak 150 North Ronaldsay 21 May (RG); last Fair Isle 22 May; later than usual leaving Shet, 100 Whalsay 20 May (JHS), last Fetlar 25 May. Autumn arrivals: Fair Isle, 16 July, max 42 on 6 Aug; Ork, 120 Birsay 30 June (CJB); Isle of May, from 9 July, peak 253 on 7 Oct (NKA). Counts: 250 Buckie, Banff, 19 Dec (DBMcG); 115 Arbroath, Angus, 4 Dec (NKA); 90 West Kilbride, Ayr, 19 Dec (JLB). One in Clyde at Erskine, Renf, 17- 19 Sep (HG, IPG). *Little Stint Calidris minuta. Spring: singles Endrick mouth, Dunb, 10 May (DSt) and Kinnaber, Angus, 25 May (GMC). Scarce in autumn, about 35-40 birds reported, singles unless stated: Shet, Unst 21 Aug (BM), 2 Hillwell 1 Sep (DC); Fair Isle, 26-28 July, 20 Aug, 21 Aug (2) (RAB); Ork, North Ronaldsay 10 Sep (RG); Aber, Ythan 23 Sep (RSBy); Angus, Kin- naber 21 Sep (GMC), 6 Dighty mouth 14 Aug (TMC), West Haven 21 Aug- 3 Sep, 2 on 9 Sep (TMC), Montrose Basin 21 Sep and 5 Oct (GMC); Perth, Invergowrie Bay 30 Sep (EJM, PJO’B); Fife, Elie 7 Aug (MHR), 2 Fife Ness 9 Sep (AMH); Midl, Gladhouse 24 July (RWJS), Musselburgh 3-17 Oct (RWJS, LLJV); E Loth, Aberlady 8-10 July, 6 Aug, 7 Aug (3), 24 Aug (RHH, AJK, ADKR); Dunb, 5 Ardmore Point 17 Oct (SMDA). *Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii. At least one pair reared 2 young (chicks seen 16-22 July) at site in northern Scotland, apparently present in previous two summers (anon) (7: 94 and plate 8). *Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii. O Heb, 1 Traigh Iar, North Uist, 27- 29 Sep (7: 94) (GC); 2nd Scottish record, the first was St Kilda 28 Sep 1911. *Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos. Singles North Ronaldsay, Ork, 6-7 Sep (RG) and Hillwell Loch, Shet, 11-19 Sep (DC et al.). Dunlin Calidris alpina, 2 prs bred L Thom, Renf (IPG); 2 Eigg, I Heb, 5-12 June (JCu). Peak counts: Renf, 2800 Erskine 14 Feb, 1087 cn 21 Nov (HG, IPG); Ayr, 1450 Fairlie 29 Dec (DLC, IPG); Midl, 2000 Musselburgh 6 Feb, 2600 on 21 Nov and 19 Dec (JB, RF); W Loth, 3000 Almond es- tuary 16 Jan (TCS); Fife, 2500 Eden estuary 11 Jan (RWS); Perth, 1400 Invergowrie Bay 25 Nov (EJM); Moray, 300 Findhorn 21 Nov (KTR); Inv, 300 Longman 17 Jan (RHD). *Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. 14 spring records 23 Apr-28 May compared with one in 1968, none in 1969 and 3 in 1970. E Loth, 2 ‘Aberlady 21 May (ADKR); Midl, 2 Musselburgh 9 May, 1 on 23 May (LLJV); Stir, 1 Skinflats 23 Avr (MHu); O Heb, 6 Balranald 28 May (GC): Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 19-20 May (RG); Shet, 1 Fetlar 16-17 May (ARM). One summered Aberlady, E Loth (ADKR), Scarcer autumn than last two years, recorded 17 July-26 Sep; Shet, singles Whalsay 26 July (JHS), Virkie 1 Aug (FH), Fetlar 12 Aug (RSPB); Caith, 1 Thurso 25 Oct (SL); Angus, 1 Dighty mouth 14 Aug Shae Perth, 1 Invergowrie Bay 11 Sep, 4 on 25th, 1 on 26 Sep (EJM, PJO’B); Fife, 3 Fife Ness 4 Aug (JARG), 5 Eden estuary 12 Aug (EJM, PJO’B), 2 on 8 Sep (JK); Stir, 2 Skinflats 15 Aug, 6 on 26 Aug, 3 on 29 Aug (DLC, DCS); Midl, 8 Musselburgh 5 Aug, 3 on 15 Aug (DMcN); E Loth, 2 Aber- lady 17 and 25 July, 6 on 31st, 7 on 1 Aug, 1 on 6 Aug, 9 on 9 Aug (ADKR, PH); Renf, 2 Erskine 27 Aug (HG). Winter: 2 L Ryan, Wig, 12 Dec (JGY). Sanderling Calidris alba. Spring departure: Fair Isle, few 2 Apr-23 May (RAB); Ork, 10-25 North Ronaldsay 16-19 May (RG); E Ross, 3 Morrich More 30 May (RHD); I Heb, singles Tiree 15-21 May (PBB), Lunga 29 May-4 June (IG); E Loth, peak 24 on 21 May (ADKR); Dunb, 2 Endrick mouth 23 May (DSt). Autumn passage from 3 July; numbers low in north, peaks: Inv/Nairn, 40 Whiteness Head 21 Nov (ISR); Moray, 80 Findhorn 21 Nov (KTR); 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 139 Fife, 44 Tentsmuir 21 July (RHD), 200 on 5 Sep (RWS); E Loth, 178 Aberlady 25 July (ADKR). Kinross, 1 L Leven 29 Aug (AA, JHSw), 2 on 3 Oct (AG)—first for many years; 1 Ardgour, Arg, 25 Aug (RAH); 4 St Kilda 29 July (CEMG, JRT) are noteworthy. *Bufi-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis. 1 Kilchoman Bay, Islay, I Heb, 28 Sep (GHE ez al.); 6th Scottish record (7: 53). *Ruff Philomachus pugnax. 15-20 wintered Aberlady/Drem, E Loth, Jan-Mar, decrease to early May (PH, AMt), 15 at end of year (DJ). Spring-summer records: Fair Isle, 24 Apr, 25th (2), 1-2 May (RAB); E Ross, 3 Rockfield 14 June (DCH); Inv, 1 Newtonmore 19 July (DNW); Fife, 3 Eden estuary 2 Apr (DWO); Midl, 1 Mountlothian 23-25 Apr (EMS, RWS); Ber, 1 Dowlaw 8 June (KSMcG). Autumn from 15 July, mainly Aug and Sep, last 5 Nov. Summary of migration data: Shet. 12 records 3-23 Aug; Fair Isle, small numbers (1-4) 25 July-3 Aug, 22 Aug-3 Sep (RAB); Ork, singles North Ronaldsay 21, 23 Aug, 7 Sep (RG); E Ross, 1 L Eye 11 Sep (RHD); O Heb, 2 St Kilda 7 Aug (CEMG, JRT), 1 Balranald 13 Aug (GC); Banff, 2-8 Buckpool 21- 28 Aug (DBMcG); Angus, 1-2 13 July-21 Sep, max 4 Montrose Basin 20 Aug and 1 Sep (GMC); Perth, 2 Kingoodie 15 Aug (HB): Kinross, L Leven 21 July-12 Oct, few, but peak 9 on 29 Aug (AA, AG, JHSw et al.); Isle of May. 1 on 8 Sep (AJW); Fife, 3 Aug-5 Nov, peak 34 Eden estuary 16 Sep (EJM, PJO’B); Stir, Skinflats 15 Aug (6)-12 Sep (4), max 33 on 26th and 16 on 29 Aug (DLC, DCS); Midl, first Gladhouse 27 July (RWJS), max 5 on 10 Aug (GLS); E Loth, first 2 Drem 15 July, max 11 Aberlady 6 Aug (PH, ADKR); Clyde, 20 July-27 Sep, max 15 Linwood, Renf, 29 Aug, 14 on 4 Sep (ANG, HG, IPG); Wig, 1 Stoneykirk 14-17 Aug, 2 Sandhead 14 Aug, one 28 Aug (RCD), 2 Maryport 28 Sep (BST). Winter: ¢ Eden estuary, Fife, 27 Dec (AG, DWO). *Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. 1 Tyninghame, E Loth, 5-7 June (DGA, TB, DJ, AMt). *Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius. 6 records compared with 2 in 1970. 3 in 1969 and none in 1968. Shet, 1 Scalloway, 3-4 Sep (DC, RD, RJ); Fair Isle, 2 on 3 Sep, 1 to 8th (RAB); Fife, 1 St Andrews 22 Nov (DAH); Midl, 1 Musselburgh 27-28 Nov (LLJV et al.); Dumf, 1 found dead (fresh) Caerlaverock 21 Dec (ELR). Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus. Shet, Fetlar 13 May-14 Aug, numbers a little below average; O Heb, 2 Balranald 26 May, up to 6 until 18 July, 2 prs bred but both broods lost (GC). St Kilda, pair present 3 weeks early summer (DS); singles Fair Isle 18 June (RAB); Endrick mouth, Dunb, 28 June (7: 95) (RKP). *Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus. One in poor condition West Lin- ton. Peeb, 26 Oct, released Aberlady Bay, E Loth, 27 Oct (FDH, B Marshall et al.) (7: 53). *Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola. 1 Fair Isle 2 June (T Booth- royd, RAB, ISR et al.); 6th Scottish record; last 1963. Great Skua Stercorarius skua. Breeding numbers still increasing Ork (EB); bred Drum Holliston, Suth/Caith border; 10 prs present Handa, Suth (RHD); 8 prs St Kilda where 4 prs in 1969 and 5 in 1970 (NC). Ar- rivals: early records Foula 26 Jan (JGH), Noss 14 Feb (per RJT); 1 Apr, Fair Isle and Unst (RAB, MS), 2 Apr, Foula (JGH), 4 Apr, Fetlar (ARM); last Shet 23 Oct and Fair Isle 7 Nov. Records around coasts rnclude: 7 Thurso Bay, Caith, 21 Aug (PMC); 17 W, 2 E in 2 hrs Faraid Head, Suth, 5 Sep (RHD); 5 N Collieston, Aber, 18 Sep (NP, MM), 1 Murcar 24 Nov (LHC), 3 N Buchan Ness 28 Mar (LHC, JAL); Angus, passage 18 July- 10 Oct, max 7 West Haven 14 Aug (TMC); Fife and Lothians 7 July-8 Oct, small numbers. 1 Carsethorn, Kirk, 14 Feb (PMcK, BST). *Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. Spectacular northward passage in spring O Heb, 20 Ard an Runair, North Uist, 17 May, 54 on 18th, 15 on 19th, 3 on 23rd—86 of the 92 individuals were pale-phase adults (GC). . SS saan ae er a eee PS: 140 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Autumn passage: Fair Isle, singles 4 and 12 Sep (RAB); Shet, 1 Burra Haaf (at sea) 3 Nov (per RD); Suth, 9 (4 ads) Embo 10 Oct (DB); Aber, Ythan 1 Sep (JAL et al.), 4 Sep (NP), 4 on 11 Sep (GMD, WM, RFY), 2 Collieston 18 Sep (MM, NP), 2 on 25 Sep (MM); Angus, singles West Haven 29 Aug and 12 Sep (TMC), 2 Montrose 9 Sep (GMC); E Loth, 2 Tyninghame 12 Sep, 1 on 26 Sep (TB, EMS); I Heb, 1 off Mull 9 Sep ap 1 off Islay 16 Sep (CGB), 2 between Gigha and Islay 3 Oct Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. First record 3 N Buchan Ness, Aber, 28 Mar (LHC, JAL). Arrival of breeders: Shet, Foula 15 Apr (JGH), Fetlar 18 Apr (ARM), Whalsay 24 Apr (JHS), Fair Isle 19 Apr increasing to 8 on 21st and 40 by 4 May. Notable NW passage O Heb, 6 Ard an Runair, North Uist, 17 May, 102 on 18th, 10 on 19th, 7 on 20th and 11 on 23rd (GC); singles St Kilda 4th and 28th June, 4 July (DS); summer records: I Heb south to Islay; Inv, 1 over Cairn Gorm 31 May (TE). Autumn migration: plentiful on east coast; peaks and dates of passage: Jast Fair Isle 20 Sep (RAB); E Ross, max 10 in 1 hr Tarbat Ness 2 Sep (CJMcK-G); Inv, 4 Lentran 29 Aug (RHD, MIH); Moray, i2 Findhorn 30 Aug (RHD); Aber, Ythan 25 July-6 Nov, max 30+ on 4 Sep (MM, NP, PDR); Angus, 18 July-10 Oct, max 10 Usan 13 Aug (GMC); Isle of May 11 Aug-29 Sep; Fife, from 19 July, max 35 Eden estuary 25 Aug (DWO): Stir, Skinflats 30 July-8 Oct, 8 on 8 Oct (RHH, DW); W Loth, max 8 Almond estuary 27 July (DIMW); Midl, max 10 Musselburgh 1 Oct (LLJV); E Loth, peaks 33 on 23 July, 38 on 25 July, 19 on 4 Aug (ADKR). In southwest: 1-2 off Ayr 19 June-8 Sep, 2 Ailsa Craig 28 Aug (RO’G); 1 Comlongan, Dumf, 22 Oct (WA). *Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus. Singles: Ard an Runair, North Uist, O Heb, 17 May (GC); Fair Isle 23 May (GJB); Rattray Head, Aber 13th and 15 June (MRW), Ythan 1 Sep (JAL, MAMcD et al.). Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus. 400 prs breeding Morrich More, E Ross (RHD); breeders spreading inland and increasing Caith (PMC). Peak counts of ‘pelagic’ birds during storms at Fair Isle: 1500 on 18th and 23 Jan, 2000 on 10 Oct, 22 Oct and 21 Nov (RAB, GJB). Angus, 800 Broughty Ferry 20 Nov (TMC); autumn build-up Longman dump, Inv, 156 on 6 Sep, 385 on 10 Oct (JMCr, MR); 15 at L Garten roost, inland Inv, 25 Jan (RHD). Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. Arrival of breeders: Shet, Fet- lar 17 Mar (ARM), Scalloway 19 Mar (RJT); Fair Isle, 8 Apr, 6 on 11 Apr, last 23 Sep (RAB); Suth, 3 Handa 3 Apr (RHD); E Ross, 7 North Kessock 7 Apr (MKMcD-D). Passage: Angus, 5 Apr-31 Oct; Fife, 19 Mar, fairly general 9 Apr (DWO). Winter: Kinross, recorded all months L Leven; Gladhouse, Midl, 28 Feb (LLJV); Doonfoot, Ayr, 7 Feb. Scandinavian race, L. f. fuscus: 3 West Ferry, Angus, 18 Nov, 2 Broughty Ferry 15 Dec (TMC); 2 Burntisland, Fife, 27 Mar, 1 on 3 Apr (JMC). Herring Gull Larus argentatus. Breeding records: no young reared Tentsmuir, Fife (TRG); 4 prs attempted to breed L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHSw); increase many areas, eg 700 prs Horse Island, Ayr (300 pairs 1970) (AGS). Inv, white adult present Longman, except 18 Feb-28 Aug (RHD, MR); rough-weather peaks Fair Isle, 2000 on 18 Jan, 1900-3000 on 14-20 Apr, 7000 on 6 Nov (RAB, GJB); roost 4000 L Leven Jan (AA, JHSw); 140 inland roost L Garten, Inv, 25 Jan (RHD). Common Gull Larus canus. Breeding numbers L Thom, Renf, down by half to 100 prs, very poor success (HG, IPG). Peak counts: Fair Isle, from 17 Mar, max 23 on 18 May, autumn from end July, 500 on 9 Aug, 1000 on 23 Oct (RAB); L Leven, Kinross, 5000 in Jan, very few mid Apr-late July, 5000 in Aug, 10000+ in Sep (AA, JHSw); c 20000 gulls, mainly CURB) L of Skene, Aber, 6 Nov (RSBy); 2500 Doonfoot, Ayr, 17 Oct WRB). Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus. Good numbers Jan-Mar, but not so 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 141 plentiful autumn-winter. Shet, 60 reports Jan-Feb, max 10 Ronas Voe 10 Apr (BM), few summer records, arrivals from 15 Oct, max 6 Muckla Skerry 21 Oct (RHD, RJT); Fair Isle, small numbers Jan-Apr, but 44 on 18 Jan (GJB); singles May, June, Aug, arrivals from 22 Sep, max 9 on 19 Nov (RAB); Ork, a few in winter, 1 Stenness 3-20 June (EB); Caith, win- ter singles, 1 Scrabster, 2 May (SL); Suth, singles Embo Jan 9, 23 Oct-18 Dec (DMcD), Helmsdale 21 Feb (RHD); O Heb, few from 13 Nov (MFMM); Inv, 1-2 Mallaig Jan-3 Apr (MIH, AJW), 2 on 4 Dec (RHD); W Ross, 1 Kyle of Lochaish 3-16 Apr (TCS); I Heb, 1 Portree 8 Apr (TCS); Aberdeen, 3 singles to 21 Mar, one 17 Oct-Dec (PDR); Angus, singles West Haven Jan-Dec, Arbroath 28 Dec, 2 West Haven 5 Dec (GMC); Fife, 1 St An- drews 1-31 Dec (DAH); Kinross, 1 L Leven 16 Oct-17 Nov (when found dead) (AA, AG); Midl, 1 Musselburgh to 4 Apr (RF, LLJV); Ayr, singles Ayr 7 Apr (AGS), Doonfoot 16 Apr (WRB), 9 Oct (WRB), Portencross 24 Nov (JLB), Renf, 1 Kilmacolm 1-14 Feb (JAG). Iceland Guil Larus glaucoides. Rather more plentiful than usual early 1971, normal numbers autumn-winter: Shet, 15 reports Jan-Apr, 2 on two dates, 1 on 7 June, 3 singles 29 Oct-Dec (RJT et al.); Fair Isle singles 26 Jan, 28 Mar, 23 Apr, 5 Oct, 20 Dec (RAB); Ork, imm Birsay Nov-Dec (EJW); Caith, imm Wick, ad Thurso, imm Scrabster 21 Feb (RHD), 1 Scrabster 2 May (SL), ad + imm Scrabster Dec (PMC, SL); Suth, imm Helmsdale 21 Feb (RHD), 1 Embo 20 Apr (G Savage); Inv, 2-3 Inverness area 8 Jan-10 Mar (RHD, MIH), singles Mallaig 21 Mar (AJW et al.), 16 June (RLS et al.); Aberdeen 30 Oct-20 Nov (MAMcD, PDR); Angus, imm Monifieth 20-24 Mar (TMC), 1 West Haven 22 Aug (TMC); Midl, 1 Edinburgh 1] Feb-11 Mar (TD), 24-26 Mar (AJF); Ayr, imm Doon- foot 7 Feb-10 Apr, 2 Prestwick 4 Apr, 1-2 Ayr 21 Mar-8 Apr (WRB, JLB, BCF ez al.); I Heb, 1 Rhum 7 Oct (PW); O Heb, first of autumn Ness, Lewis, 13 Nov (MFMM, WAJC). Little Gull Larus minutus. Angus and Fife, reported as usual every month. Peak counts Fife, 31 Methil 23 Jan (DWO, ARS), 100 Kilconquhar 15 and 22 Aug (PGTB, DLC, DCS), 200 on 2 Sep (PGTB), 350 (30 juvs) 12 Sep (DLC), down to 47 on 7 Nov (DWO), 20 Eden estuary 3 Aug (DWO, RWS); Angus, 96 Broughty Ferry 3 Apr (TMC), 180 West Haven 9 Sep, 230 on 5 Sep (NKA). Elsewhere, singles unless stated; Shet, Scalloway 18-20 Feb (DC, RD); Ork, North Ronaldsay 19 May, 22nd (2), 24th, 3 June (RG); Aber, off Aberdeen 4 July (DJH), 19 July (MJA), 2 Strathbeg 26 July (MRW), 2 Meikle Loch 14-27 Aug (LHC, JAL), 2 on 4 Sep (NP), different one on 5 Sep, Strathbeg 12 Sep (MRW); Kinross, L Leven 30 Apr (JHSw); Isle of May 13 Aug (RWJS); W Loth, Hound Point 29 Oct (GLS); Midl, 3 Glad- house 24 May, 4 on 30 May-17 June (EMS, RWJS), Musselburgh 7-12 June (GLS, LLJV), 5 Aug (2) (DMcN), 22 Oct (2) (GLS), 21 Nov (2) (LLJV); E Loth, Aberlady 26 Sep (DMcN), 2 Gullane 12 Sep (DJ, NP); Peeb, 4 Portmore 30 May (EMS, RWJS); Ayr, Stevenston 22 Apr (WCW), Ayr 2 Aug (WRB). Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus. Apparently on decline; Caith, large traditional site Strathmore deserted (PMC); Suth, no colonies found Scourie area (IDP); Inv, Duntelchaig colony absent (MR); now fewer than 30 prs Horse Island, Ayr (AGS); poor season Angus and Fife but good year L Leven, where 7500 pairs bred. 4000 Broughty Ferry, Angus 1 Jan (TMC); big arrival Speyside, Inv, 25 Feb (RHD, DNW); pre-breeding roost L Garten peak 5500 on 2 Apr (RF). Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. Continued increase Firth of Forth, 3436 nests Isle of May (3095 in 1969); Inchkeith 407 nests (342 in 1970), Fidra 164 (104 in 1970), Lamb 125 (116 in 1970) (RWJS); 8000 nests Ailsa Craig, Ayr (JAG); 22 nests Sandwood Bay stack, Suth (DCH). Return to ledges: Fair Isle from 5 Feb, regularly from early Mar (RAB); Caith, 300 Clett Rock 28 Feb (KRM). Spring passage: 800 Caol, head of L Linnhe, 9 Apr (RHD), 300 on 10th (JASN). Peak counts and passage: 1500 Helmsdale 142 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) harbour, Suth, 5 Sep (RHD); Inv, 2000 off Whiteness Head 21 Nov (RHD, ISR); Moray, 2000 Speymouth 11 Sep (DBMcG); Banff, 1000 in 4 hr past Buckpool 11 Sep (DBMcG); Angus, 3000 S West Haven 2 Oct (TMC). *Black Tern Chlidonias niger. Singles unless stated. Spring, 24 Apr-17 May, Shet, Hillwell 17 May (AO); Aber, 2 Meikle Loch 26 Apr (LHC, CJF), 28th (3), 30th (3) (LHC, JAL, CJF), 8 L Davan 7 May (DR); E Loth, Aberlady 24 Apr (GLS); Ayr, Barassie 24 Apr (WRB); Lanark 7 May (JBI, ND); Dunb, 3 Endrick mouth 8 May (JMi, DW). Autumn, 3 Aug-3 Oct; Ork, North Ronaldsay 27 Aug (RG); Aber, Ythan 1 Sep (JAL), 2 Meikle Loch 5 Sep (NP); Angus, 4 Kinnaber 3 Aug (FL), 3 Montrose Basin 4 Aug, 6th (7) (ABR), West Haven 13 Aug, 17th (3) (TMC); Kinross, L Leven 29 Aug, 2 early Sep, 8 Sep (AA, JHSw); Fife, Kilconquhar 9 Aug (MHR), 3 Oct (DWO); E Loth, 5 Barns Ness 29 Aug (LLJV); Ber, St Abbs 1 Sep (RM); Sel, Lindean Reservoir 24 Aug (CS); Kirk, L Kindar 31 Aug (HMR). *Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica. One Fair Isle 24-29 May (RAB, SG, ISR et al.); first for island and 7th Scottish record. *Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia. One Aberlady, E Loth, 20 June (DGA, ADKR, KMcK, WWt), 2 on 1 July (ADKR) (7:54). Only previous Scottish record was on 7 Aug 1968. Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Breeding status: further increase Aber- lady, E Loth, to 350 prs (ADKR); 300-400 prs Fidra (RWJS); increase Leith Docks, Midl, to 50 prs, good fledging success (ADKR); very successful season main colony Tentsmuir, Fife (TRG); new colony, 7 nests found, Rhum, I Heb (PW). Bad reports: W Ross, poor season (ENH); Inv/Nairn, 50 prs Whiteness Head failed (JE, KTR); Aber, most of Forvie colony Common/Arctics failed after gale 15 July (AS, NP); poor year L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHSw). Arrivals and departures: Fair Isle, 21 May-13 Sep (RAB); O Heb, Uig, Lewis, 8 May (JMMcL); Moray, 30 Speymouth 23 Apr (JMB); Angus, Ferryden 11 Apr (TMC), 14 Usan 7 Oct (GMC); Perth, 21 Apr Loch of Lowes (EMH); Fife, 2 Elie 17 Apr (DWO, ARS), Fife Ness 3 Oct (DWOQO); 2 Ayr 21 Apr (WRB); 2 Glencaple, Dumf, 16 Apr (ADW). Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea. Breeding status: further increase to 125 prs Aberlady, E Loth (ADKR); 2-3 prs bred Leith Docks (ADKR); 25 prs Fidra 18 June (RWJS); fewer bred Tentsmuir, Fife (TRG); c 1500 prs North Ronaldsay, Ork (RG); good season Shet (RJT); 30 prs Lady Isle, Ayr (JAG). Arrivals and departures: Shet, Whalsay 2 May, 60 on 3rd (JHS, BM), last Hillwell 28 Sep (DC); Fair Isle, 13 May-22 Aug (RAB), c 400 29 July, mainly Arctics (RAB); O Heb, 1 South Uist 26 Apr (WAJC); Inv, first L Linnhe 7 May, most 10 May, last 5 Sep (JCu, JASN); Angus, 5 West Haven 18 Apr (TMC); last Perth, Invergowrie 14 Oct (EJM, PJO’B); Maidens Harbour, Ayr, 10 Oct (RHH). 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 143 Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii. Inchmickery colony, Forth, apparently deserted (due to Herring Gull explosion ?), 1 pr briefly seen 16 June (RWJS); but 100 prs Fidra 18 June (RWJS), few prs Inchcolm (RSPB); 3 prs bred Aberlady, E Loth, one young reared (ADKR); 2 prs Lady Isle, Ayr (JAG); fewer seen Fife coast (DWO); 13 reports Angus 27 Apr-5 Sep (per GMC). Elsewhere only reports: 2 Isle of May 11 July (per NJG); 1 Logie Buchan, Aber, 31 May (CJF); 2 Morrich More, E Ross, 30 June (CGH, HDS); 1 Eigg, I Heb, 4 July (SWH). Little Tern Sterna albijrons. Record numbers E Loth, where c 16 prs reared c 12 young Aberlady (ADKR); good numbers Angus coast; Rattray colony, Aber, had 7 prs (MRW), but breeders failed Forvie (AS, NP); 10 prs Tentsmuir, Fife, 30 May, but only 3 prs mid June (RWS, DWO); usual breeding records north to Caithness. Arrivals, departures, passage: Ork, 3 Walkmill Bay 4 June (EB); first Stornoway, O Heb, 3 May (IMMcL); 2 Kingoodie, Perth, 22 Aug (HB); first Aberlady 24 Apr (GLS); 1 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 10 July (DJN). Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. 65 prs nested Aberlady, E Loth, but deserted (ADKR); 94 nests Lady Isle, Ayr (JAG); 300 nests Fidra, Firth of Forth, 18 June (RWJS); bred L Riddon, Arg (JBH); 7 prs nested L Fleet, Suth, but failed, last nested there 1964 (DMcD); bred Stroma, Caith SL, PRJ). Arrivals, departures, passage: first Fife Ness 4 Apr (DWO); first Dunbar, E Loth, 8 Apr (LLJV); Isle of May 9 Apr (NKA); Usan, Angus, 11 Apr (GMC); Speymouth, Moray, 12 Apr (JMB); 2 Dunnet, Caith, 21 Apr (DG). Last: 28 Sep Largo Bay, Fife (PGTB); Isle of May 2 Oct (MN); Gosford, E Loth, 8 Oct (DGA); Musselburgh, Midl, 24 Oct (LLJV). Razorbill Alca torda. Little comment; ashore Fair Isle from early Feb, pacers early Mar, last ashore 18 Aug (RAB); 1 Canonbie, Dumf, 21 Oct Little Auk Plautus alle. Scarce Shet winter 70/71, but more at end of year, 150 between Yell and Out Skerries 31 Dec (RJT); 100 off Sumburgh Jan, seen on crossing to Fair Isle, 3 Sep (1) and from 10 Nov. Vagrants: Achfary, Suth, 30 Dec (IDP); dead Speymouth, Moray 12 Mar (JMB); Rhinns, Islay, I Heb, Nov (CGB); dead Elie, Fife, 12 Mar (DWO), Fife Ness 2 May (PGTB); dead Humbie, E Loth, 21 Mar (DGA); dead Glenluce, Wig, 1 Dec (TCC). Guillemot Uria aalge. Ashore Fair Isle from 10 Jan, also visits from 13 Nov (GJB); 75 ashore Fetlar, Shet, 11 Jan (ARM); ashore Caith 10 Jan, also Dec (KRM, SL). 500 Ayr Bay late Sep (AGS). Vagrants: Stanley, Perth, 12 Oct (WDa), 2 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 19-21 Sep (JMi, CPl, TW). Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. 2 prs Melrose, Banff, 2 May (JE); counts 100 prs Sanda islands, Arg; 12 prs Ailsa Craig, 2 prs Little Cum- brae, Bute (JAG). Migrants, singles unless stated: Gosford Bay, E Loth, 2 Oct (GLS, LLJV); Elie Ness, Fife, 30 Apr (WJE); Isle of May, May and 144 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) early Oct (per NJG); Rattray Head, Aber, 13 and 22 May (MRW); Inv, Chanonry Point 14 Nov (RHD, MIH), inside Whiteness Head 21 Nov (RHD); 7 Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 8 Sep (CJMcK-G). Puffin Fratercula arctica. Breeding status: at least one pr again sum- mered Mull of Galloway (ADW, JGY); increase to c 2500 prs Isle of May (per NJG); 40 birds Prail-Red Head, Angus, 4 Aug (GMC); I Heb, marked increase Rhum, now c 100 prs Carnus Pliasgaig (PW); Suth, big decrease Clo Mhor since last visit 20 years previously (IDP)—possibly aggravated by increasing use of Cape Wrath range by NATO ships; Caith, numbers slightly down (per PMC). Fair Isle, singles 14 Jan, 16 Feb, 2 on 14 Mar, 7 ashore 1 Apr, 100 on 2 Apr, food for young from 4 June (RAB); 4 off Dunnet Head, Caith, 30 Mar. Stock Dove Columba oenas. Migrants: Fair Isle, singles 25-26 Mar, 31 Mar, 23 Apr, 29 Nov-2 Dec (RAB); 1 L Hope, Suth, 7 June (JFS). Flocks: 20 Vane Farm, Kinross, 14 Feb (AA); 40 Woodend, W Loth, 1 May (DTh). Rock Dove Columba livia. Increase Torridon area, W Ross (JAW); Fair Isle peaks 22 in May, 46 in Nov (RAB). Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus. Breeding status: increasing in For- estry Commission plantations Caith, nest and eggs in Nov (JMW); big increase Gairloch area, W Ross (ENH); summer immigrants pred Scourie, Suth (IDP); pr bred Rattray Head Lighthouse, Aber (MRW). Migrations: Fair Isle 17 Mar-11 June, max 9 on 2nd, 3rd and 14 May, 26 Sep-1 Dec, max 4 on 5 Oct (RAB); 1 North Uist, O Heb 25 May (GC); 300 Isle of May 8 Nov (RAJ); 1000 Tarbat Ness and 2000 Delny, E Ross, 30 Dec (RHD); 8000 Langbank, Renf, 31 Jan (RWF, GTW). Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur. Summer records: Aberlady, E Loth, 9 July (ADKR); pr Rattray Head, Aber, 3 May-29 July (MRW); St Mon- ance, Fife, 11 Aug (MHR); St Kilda 28 July (CEMG, JRT); L Hope, Suth, 6 July (DCH); no reports of breeding. Migration: Shet, 20 reports 8 May-8 June, max 4 Skerries 1 June (RJT), 5 Helendale 26 May and 7 June (DC, BM); singles Fetlar 26 June (ARM), Foula 8-12 Sep (JGH); Fair Isle, very few 23 Apr to 12 July; 28 Aug, 3 Sep (2) and 14 Oct (RAB); Ork, singles North Ronaldsay 17, 20, 21, 30 May, 9 June, 7-8 Sep, 5 Oct (RG), Rendall 30 May (EB); Suth, Altnaharra 25 May (DB), Crask early June (JFo), Dornoch 19 June (DMcD); O Heb, Uig, Lewis, 23 May (WAJC); Isle of May, 2 May (2) (DWO), 8-14 May (GLAP), 24 May, 30 May (3) (DRG). Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto. Breeding status: Midl, flock of 100 increased to 300 by end of summer Ingliston (JMu); still increasing Gallo- way; Renf, Paisley colony of 120 birds reduced by shooting to a few pairs (HG, IPG); increase W Loth; increase and spread O Heb. Migration: Fair Isle, 7 Apr-23 July, peaks 7 on 13 Apr, 22-23 Apr and 5 June, none in autumn (RAB); 13 Foula 13 May was Shet peak (JGH); 24 S West Ferry, Angus 1 Jan (TMC); 3 Isle of May 2 May (DWO), few to 26 May. Counts: 78 Scrabster, Caith, Aug (PMC); 50+ Portmahomack, E Ross, Sep (CJMcK-G); 75 Covesea, Moray, 28 Oct (RHD); 200+ Wormis- ton, Fife, Jan-Mar (TRG). . Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Arrivals: 8 Apr, Hightae, Dumf (RTS); 13 Apr Corpach, Inv (JASN); 19 Apr Innerwick, E Loth (AMt); 21 Apr, Laurieston, Kirk (AFA); 22 Apr, Knapdale, Arg (IR), L Ruthven, Inv (RF); small numbers until early May. Fair Isle, passage 10 May-28 June, max 3 on 24-25 May, few Aug (RAB); 2 St Kilda 18 May (DS). Last record Fair Isle 28 Aug (RAB). Barn Owl Tyto alba. Slight increase Midl; more sightings Fife; breed- ing from 3 more Atlas squares Perth; usual records north to E Ross, in- cluding brood of 4 found at Mountcoffer, Banff, June (AFWS); singles, Speyside, Inv, Rothiemurchus spring (JPG), Newtonmore Nov (DNW). 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 145 *Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca. Bred for 5th year Fetlar, Shet, first egg 14 May. 5 laid, 4 hatched; Fetlar max 7 (3 dd) on 9 Feb, 4 in Mar, 3 in Apr, 2nd © all summer, 5 (3 juveniles) in July-Sep, 4 (2 juv) in Oct, 3 in Dec (ARM, RJT et al.); singles Unst 22 Apr, 28 Mar (2), 29 Dec (¢); Yell, 2 imm in June, juv © 18 Oct, © found dead 14-15 Nov—ringed Fetlar 17 July 1971; Whalsay 30 Mar (2), 22 Sep-16 Oct (2); ad 2 caught on Hull trawler off Spitzbergen in Feb, brought to England, released Fetlar, probably seen there later in Mar (RJT et al). 2 Fair Isle 25 Apr (GJB). *Little Owl Athene nociua. Bred usual area Mid! (per WB); 1 Moffat Water, Dumf, 14 Mar, entered cottage and released (ED); 1 Glasgow Air- port, Renf, 7 Sep (RCDa). Tawny Owl Sirix aluco. Only comments: probably increasing Gallo- way (ADW); improvement Burntisland, Fife (JMC); two Islay, I Heb, 15 June (MFMYyY). Long-eared Owl Asio oius. Shet, 8 in Scalloway garden Mar, 1 pr nested nearby, back in Scalloway from 24 Sep (RD, BM); Fair Isle, singles 18-19 Mar, 7 Apr, 13 June, small passage 16 Oct-5 Dec, max 3; Ork, few bred, 8 Binscarth 30-31 Dec (EB); pr Rhum, I Heb, 20 Jan, 6 Mar (PW). No changes in status reported. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus. Better year; more than usual Dunmf, N Ayr and Angus; 2 nests St Serf’s Island, L Leven, Kinross, 2 Apr (AA, IN). ts: Shet, singles Foula 29 Mar, 8th and 17 May (JGH), Fetlar 12 May (RSPB), Asta 18 May (FH); Fair Isle scattered records 27 Apr- Oct, max 2 on 25 May and 3 on 2 Oct (RAB); singles Isle of May 16-17 May, 4 Nov (per NJG); Eigg, I Heb, 8 June (JCu). Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. Records from 6 areas Kirk-Wig, first 2 churring King Edward Forest 22 May (ADW), © killed by car Beeswing 22 June (JR, AY), last seen Murray’s Monument 22 Sep (RHM); 2 sites Ayr ); 2 Arran, Bute (JAG), one site Dunb (SMDA). Migrants: Fair Isle 30 May (J A Stout); Catfirth, Shet, 19 Sep (IS); North Ronaldsay, Ork 11-13 June (RG); one summer Harris, O Heb (per WAJC); Isle of May 27 May (DRG). Swift Apus apus. Breeding numbers generally low, and arrival late many areas north to Caith. Arrivals: 21 Apr, Vane Farm, Kinross (AA, IN); 28 Apr, Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG); 29 Apr, 2 Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 1 May, 100 Dalmeny, W Loth (GLS); 4 May, Aberlady, E Loth (AMt); most areas south Scot next few days; 9 May in north, Fort William, Inv (JCu) and 4 L Ussie, E Ross (RHD); first Caith 19 May (PMC). Migrants: Shet, from 16 May, most 26 May-2 June, max 10 Saxavord 29 July (MS, RJT); Fair Isle from 18 May, max 30 on 24 June, last 1-4 on 1-11 Sep, late one 1 Oct (RAB); 6 St Kilda 31 July (CEMG, JRT); L Leven, Kinross, 500+ on 14 July, 500 on 24 July, 300 on 6 Aug (JHSw); 146 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) c 1500 passed Aberlady, E Loth, 3-5 June (ADKR). Last records: Yell, Shet, 7 Sep (BM); Boat of Garten, Inv, 1 Sep (HJB); Collieston, Aber, 12 Sep (JAL); 4 L Leven 2 Sep (AA); Isle of May 28 Sep (AJW). *Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Continued improvement; bred Newton Stew- art (RHM) and records from 7 other districts, Wig-Kirk; pr with 4 young, Dumf (CM), 1 spring and 7 autumn records elsewhere in county; records from 7 areas in Ayr, 2 in Arran and 1 in Lan (WRB, MEC, AGS, MHD, JAG, RE-H); 6 sightings Sel-Rox; 1 Tyninghame, E Loth, 14 Nov, 20 Nov (AMt, RWJS); 1 Almondell, Midl-W Loth, Aug-Nov (AAy); 1 Livingston, Midl, 22 Aug (JO); singles 4 sites Perth (per VMT); 1 Edzell, Angus, 27 Sep (GMC); 1 Crathie, Aber, 11 Apr (RH); singles west coast Ruel River, Arg, 5 Dec (JBH); Dunoon 12 July (RMcD); Mull, I Heb, 12-13 Oct (CGH); Islay, I Heb, 18-26 Sep (PBB); 1 Kyle of Sutherland, 12 Oct (DB); 1 Voe, Shet, 17 Aug-1 Sep (per DC). *Bee-eater Merops apiaster. Four in Northern Isles: Shet, singles Main- land 20-24 June and 29 June (DC, AO), Kergord 26-27 June (DC et al.), ye 31 Aug-6 Sep (DC et al.); 1 Fair Isle 30 June-18 Aug (RAB, ISR et al.). ae Coracias garrulus. One Bixter, Shet, 4-5 June (7: 55) (DC, BM et al.). *Hoopoe Upupa epops. 9 in spring, 1 in autumn; 1 Fair Isle 25-29 May (RAB); 1 Sarclet, Caith, 23 Apr (per PMC); Suth, 1 L Choire 4 May (J Cairney); Arg, 1 Sanna 17 Apr (Mrs D M Stead); Angus, 1 Fortis 7 May (JDo); Perth, 3 Fealar Lodge, one died, 2nd week May (per E Green); Dumf, 1 Westerhall 10 May (ELBC). Autumn: one found dead Castlemilk, Dumf, 20 Sep (GHFo). Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. Breeding status: now very scarce Lothians, and no signs of recovery, but very good year Fife, where rec- ords from 7 sites (DWO); possibly increased Galloway, more reports from coast, Kirk (ADW); reports from 6 sites Angus; present Glen Lyon, Perth, new site (EDC); at least 1 Aviemore, Inv, 7 Feb-26 Mar (JPG, DNW) and 1 Kinlochewe, W Ross, 12 Aug (EBr) are well north of present breeding range. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major. More sightings reported Lochaber, Inv (JCu, JRo) and in Clyde, bred Linn Park, Glasgow (NLS). Migrants: Shet, Scalloway 26 July (RD), Sullom 5 Nov (per DC); Fair Isle, 22 Aug (RAB). *Wryneck Jynx torquilla. Scarce on migration and no breeding records. Summer: Speyside, Inv, 2 L Insh 16 June-July, possibly both dd (RHD, DNW et al.), 1 singing Aviemore 7 June (DNW), 1 singing Inshriach 2 July (per DNW); singing birds Amat, E Ross, 29 May (CGH) and Glen Cassley, Suth, 31 May (RCB). Migration: Shet, singles Fetlar 5 and 8 May (ARM), Mainland 8-9 May, Whalsay 8 May (JHS); Fair Isle, 2 on 24 Apr, one 25-26th, 4 on 28 Apr, one 24 May, one 9 Sep, 7 on 10th, one 11 and 16 Sep (RAB); one Isle of May 25-28 Apr (CB); 1 Swinton, Ber, 17 Aug (WML-H); 2 Sandhead, Wig, 28 Aug (RCD). *Short-toed Lark Calandrella cinerea. 1 Out Skerries, Shet, 7-9 May (DGA, DJ); Fair Isle, singles 17-21 May, 28-30 Sep, 3 Oct (2), 4 Oct, the igh ot al) birds were of the grey, eastern race, longipennis (GJB, RAB, et al.). *Woodlark Lullula arborea. Singles Fair Isle 19 Mar and 17 Nov (RAB). Skylark Alauda arvensis. Migration: Fair Isle, 200 arrived 26 Feb, fur- ther peak 300 on 3-4 Mar, autumn passage influxes 12-13 Sep, 21-22 Sep and 500+ on 25-28 Sep (RAB); Isle of May, peaks 5 Apr (50), 11 May (50), 28 Sep (100), 30 Sep (120) (per NJG); 100 Scourie, Suth, 6 Mar (IDP); 300 S/hr in snow storm Vane Farm, Kinross, 21 Nov (AG). 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 147 *Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris. 2 Tyninghame, E Loth, 10 Jan (RWJS). Autumn records from 30 Oct: 1 Kinnaber, Angus, 31 Dec (GS); ¢ Musselburgh, Midl, 14 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, 5 Aberlady 30 Oct (DEA), Gop 28 Nov (RWJS); 1 Mull of Galloway Lighthouse 20 Nov Swallow Hirundo rustica. Rather late, breeding numbers down in many areas; in Buckie, Banff, study area only 40% of 1970 sites occupied (DBMcG); some late broods; pr hatched 3 eggs Poolewe, W Ross, 2 Sep (ENH) and a late brood in nest North Kessock, E Ross, 3 Sep (MKMcD-D); 2 prs bred Isle of May, single prs bred Sumburgh and Foula, Shet; juvs still being fed by adults Evanton, E Ross, 4 Oct (CGH); poor breeding CTRO). Fife, where many early broods died because of cold weather Arrivals and passage: 7 Apr, 2 Harperrig, Midl (GLS); 12 Apr, Port- patrick, Wig (RCD) and Loch of Lowes, Perth (VMT); 13 Apr, Canonbie, Dumf (ELBC, RS) and Fair Isle; soon well distributed, and main arrivals 21 Apr Midl and Perth, 23 Apr Fife. Fair Isle, peaks 30 on 24 May and 35 on 2 June (RAB); Shet, from 22 Apr, max 50 Unst 1 June (MS, RJT). Late records: Fair Isle, last 20 Oct (RAB); Caith, 2 Smerral 23 Oct (RHD); Inv, 2 Corpach to 25 Oct (JCu); Aber, Newburgh 21 Oct (JAL); Ayr, Dun- ure 29 Oct (JKRM); Dumf, Caerlaverock 28 Oct (ELR); Wig-Kirk, 2 Gar- lieston 2 Nov (RHM), some Rockcliffe 7 Nov (HMR); Fife, Kelty 3 Nov (DWO); Angus, 2 Brechin 4 Nov (GMC); last Isle of May 8 Nov (RAJ); last one Banff 15 Dec (JE). *Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica. 1 Whalsay, Shet, 23-25 Sep (J Bruce, JHS). 4th Scottish record, previous three Fair Isle June 1906. House Martin Delichon urbica. Breeding numbers down in Borders and W Stir, but normal Galloway, and slight increase Kinross; pr nested Unst, Shet, still feeding young 3 Sep (BM, MS); 3 prs nested Hunterston Power Station, Ayr, the first colonists in 7 years (JLB); successful season Caith and Kinross. Arrivals and passage: 17 Apr 4 Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO, ARS) and 1 Gladhouse, Mid] (RWJS); 18 Apr 1 Dryburgh, Rox (AJS), 2 Dalry, Kirk (LAU), 2 Crossford, Lan (DCS) and 1 Knapdale, Arg (IR); good numbers last week April north to Shet. Fair Isle, passage from 24 Apr, mostly 6 May-26 June, max 70 on 1 June (RAB); Shet, passage from 23 Apr, when 12 Unst (MS), mainly 22 May-1 June, max 50 Skerries 1 June (RJT et al.); Ork movements 24 May-11 June (EB); 12 Rhum, I Heb, 25 May (PW). Departure: southward passage Fife Ness 16 Sep (PNJC); singles Fair Isle 26-27 Aug and 24 Sep (RAB). Last records 1 Nov, 2 Hillside, Angus (JC); 3 Nov, 2 Dornoch, Suth (DMcD); 7 Nov, 1 Rockcliffe, Kirk (HMR); 14 Nov, 2 Cramond, W Loth (NDCG); 17 Nov, 1 Cramond (GLS). Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Breeding numbers slow to arrive; possibly fewer Caith; numbers down Ayr and Borders. First L Leven, Kinross, 2 Apr (WPW); next singles Cupar, Fife, 5 Apr and West Haven, Angus, 9 Apr (TMC); first flocks: 15 Gladhouse, Midl, 17 Apr (RWJS) but mainly late Apr when 100+ L Leven 25 Apr (JHSw). Migration: Fair Isle, 24 Apr- 31 May, max 7 on 24 May (RAB); Shet, 2 Hillwell 28 Apr (DC); autumn, 600+ L Leven 7 Aug, decreased to 260+ on 29 Aug, last mid Sept (AA, JHSw) late records, 2 L Martnaham, Ayr, 1 Oct (WRB); last Isle of May 2 Oct (MN); last one Bonar Bridge, Suth, 16 Oct (DB). *Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus. 9 or 10 records. Shet, 1 Mainland 31 May, 1 Kergord 1 June, 2 Helendale 2 June, 1 Scalloway 4 June (DC), 1 Unst 3 June and 13 June (MS); Fair Isle, one 30 June (RAB); Ork, 9° Sali ad 29 May-l1 June trapped (RG), 9 St Andrews, Ork, 18 ep (EB). 148 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Raven Corvus corax. Bred Clack, 4 young fledged one nest (CJH); 3 prs W Renf (HG, IPG); ad and juvenile Munlochy, E Ross, in summer (MKMcD-D). c 30 migrants Fair Isle 26 Apr and 3 May (RAB). Crow Corvus corone. Carrion Crow C. c. corone Migrants: Fair Isle, one 31 Jan, 1-6 on 25 days 23 Apr-11 June, peaks 15 on 3 May, 19 on 9th and 21 on 11 May (RAB); Shet, 2 Hillwell 16 Oct (DC, BM), 1 Whal- say 24 Oct (JHS), 1 Yell 17-19 Nov (BM); 100+ Buddon, Angus, 23 Jan, large gathering (MC). Hooded Crow C.c. cornix. Roost flock 263 Abernethy, Inv, 25 Jan (RHD); 1 Cramond, W Loth, 17 Nov (GLS). Rook Corvus frugilegus. Caith, c 5700 nests in county (DMS); migrants Fair Isle, 22 Apr-16 May, max 4 on 22 Apr, singles 5 dates 16 Oct-31 Dec, 6 on 17 Oct (RAB); 1 Isle of May 12 Apr (per NJG). Jackdaw Corvus monedula. Migrants: Fair Isle, 2 on 16 May, 5 on 16-19 Oct and one 29 Oct-2 Nov (RAB). Magpie Pica pica. Breeding records 2 new sites Perth, Dunning and between Crieff and Comrie (per VMT). 9 Ballingry, Fife, 5 Mar (DWO). *Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes. Flock of 5 Eddleston, Peeb, 28 Aug (7: 56) (Mr & Mrs M E Ball); 4 previous Scottish records. Jay Garrulus glandarius. Increase in Kirk, 12 Penkiln Glen 28 Dec (AJW, ADW); pr Wells, Rox, Sep (AB); 1 Skares, Ayr, early spring (per WRB); 9 prs Banchory area, N Kinc (NP et al.); 2 nr Corran Ferry, Arg/ Inv, 26 Apr (per JCu, JRo). Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. Largest flock Islay, I Heb, 25 (CGB); 1 in summer on sea-cliff N Arg (J H Wood). Great Tit Parus major. Good season Kinross, numbers higher than in 1970 (JHSw); increasing Stornoway woods, O Heb (WAJC); 2 Arbroath cliffs, Angus, 8 Dec (NKA). Blue Tit Parus caerulus. Many early broods deserted and died Fife because of cold and wet (TRG). Migrants: 1 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 2 Oct (RG); some Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 11 Nov (NP); 20 Arbroath cliffs, Angus, 8 Dec, 30 on 15th (NKA),. Coal Tit Parus ater. No comment. Crested Tit Parus cristatus. No change in status reported. Marsh Tit Parus palustris, Reports Rox and Sel include pr at Yair, Sel, July (Dr Cullen). Willow Tit Parus montanus. Unchanged status Clyde and Galloway, apparently still absent west Wig (ADW); 2+ prs Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG). Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. High numbers and good season throughout country; Caith, 20 Thurso 20 Nov (JMW); Suth, 15 Strath- alladale 3 Oct (PRJ); E Ross, 20 Munlochy 17 Jan, more than usual (MKMcD-D); Inv, good numbers Lochaber (JCu), 35 in flock L Garten 12 July (RSPB); Aber, 15 Culterty 7 Dec (JAL); Angus, 46 Inglismaldie 12 Aug (GMC); I Heb, young on wing Rhum 16 June (PW), numerous Islay (MFMM); good reports elsewhere. Treecreeper Certhia familiaris. Decreased recent years Stornoway woods, O Heb (WAJC). Migrants: 1 Binscarth, Ork, 9 and 30 Oct (CJB); singles Isle of May 2 Aug (British subspecies) (LA) and 27 Sep (race un- certain) (NKA). Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Population high throughout mainland; one migrant Isle of May 29 May (DRG). Dipper Cinclus cinclus. Plentiful Galloway and perhaps local increase (ADW), but continued decrease O Heb (WAJC). Migrants: singles Asta, Shet, 7 Apr (per DC) and brown-bellied Fair Isle 23-25 Apr, unusual for Fair Isle (RAB). 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 149 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus. Ork, apparently bred Binscarth and probably bred Kirkwall (EB). Spring passage: some movement Fife Ness 14 Feb (DWO); few Isle of May early Apr; 1 Fetlar, Shet, 25 Apr (ARM); Fair Isle, simgles 13-15 Feb, 5 and 17 Mar, 5 days Apr, 7 Apr (2) and 1 May (RAB). Autumn: 1 Fair Isle 17 and 20 Oct (RAB); 2 Isle of May 5 Nov; Suth, 32+ Glencassley 2 Aug (RAH, DTh, JTh). Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. At least 1 pr bred Mainland, Shet, with young in July (DC, RJT); 1 displaying Amat, E Ross, 28 May (CGH) and 1 L Rannoch, Perth, mid July (CJH), but no mainland or Ork breeding records. Spring migration: 50 L Leven, Kinross, 14 Mar (JHSw); 300 Roseberry, 4 Apr last big flock Mid! (EMS, RWJS); 150 N Strathearn, Perth, 9 Apr (MP); Fair Isle, 30 Mar-13 Apr and 19 Apr-19 May, peaks rather small, 200 on 30-31 Mar, 140 on 7 Apr and 100 on 24-25 Apr (RAB); Shet, 23 Apr-9 May, max 40 Foula 24 Apr (JGH, RJT). Last records: Speyside, 4 May (DNW); 2 Slains, Aber, 7 May (CJF); 2 Redfield, E Ross, 18 May (MKMcD-D); Thornhill, Dumf, 21 May (JMsx), Isle of May 24 May (DRG). Autumn migration: a few August arrivals, Fair Isle 16 July and a few from 25 Aug (RAB); 30 Glen Buchat, Aber, 16 Aug (RMG); 12 Glen Leth- not, Angus, 15 Aug (TMC); first Isle of May 4 Aug (LA). Then rather scarce until mid Oct when big numbers reported some areas, although not as high as in some recent years. Main movements and peak counts: Fair Isle, mainly from 14 Oct, peaks 24th (400), 26th (250), 29th (800), 200-400 to 7 Nov (RAB); low numbers Isle of May except 400 on 5 Nov (RAJ); first O Heb, Lewis 27 Oct (IMMcL), then large numbers in Nov (WAJC); I Heb, main passage Rhum 25-26 Oct (PW), Islay 28-29 Oct (CGB); big movements Perth 17-19 Oct and 30 Oct (VMT); Kinross, 24-29 Oct, max 260 Vane Farm 26th (AG); Fife, 150 on 22 Oct (DWO), 500 S/hr Fife Ness 23 Oct (JARG); big arrival E Loth 23 Oct; 300 Helens- burgh, Dunb, 24 Oct (SMDA); iarge numbers Flanders Moss, W Stir, 30 Oct (TW); many hundreds Robroyston, Lan, 31 Oct (BZ) and 500 Coylton, Ayr, 3lst (WRB); Kirk, from 16 Oct, large flock 27th (ADW). Song Thrush Turdus philomelos. Pair bred Isle of May, first for many years (NJG). Spring: large passage Scourie area, Suth, 3 Mar (IDP); Fair Isle, 17 Mar-20 June, mainly Apr, peaks 25th (45) and 28th (26); Shet, 10 Whalsay 31 Mar (JHS), other Apr; 50 Isle of May 5 Apr (per NJG). Aut- umn: Fair Isle from 23 Aug, mainly from 27 Sep (40), further peak 35 on 17 Oct (RAB); 30 Isle of May 5 Oct; 40 Fife Ness 16 Sep (PNJC). Redwing Turdus iliacus. 40 to 50 occupied territories located, but sit- uation unclear owing to lack of recorded data and confused by presence of unattached singing males. Suth, c 12 prs, mainly in southeast, scattered except one group c 6 prs, 8 prs feeding young; Ross, c 12 prs usual site W Ross, nest and eggs N Ross; c 8 prs N Inv, various glens, but 6 sing- img at ome site where c 5 eggs 9 May, another nest completed 25 Apr; 2 sites W Inv; c 12 sites E Inv, including 10 singing birds Speyside, only 2 broods seen, but probably more present; pr bred Banff, 4 young in nest 16 May, but robbed later. (RHD, MIH, PADH, JE, DBMcG, DMcD, JTRS, DNW ez al.). Spring passage: Shet, stragglers to 3 June; Fair Isle, 29 Mar-15 May, max 70 on 30 Apr (RAB); heavy passage Largoward, Fife, 6 Apr (DWO); last Kinross 14 Apr (JHSw), Isle of May 30 May (DRG) and Dudding- ston, Midl, 5 May (LLJV). Autumn passage: first Barvas, Lewis, O Heb, 20 Aug (IMMcL) and Unst, Shet, 21 Aug (BM), but mainly from late Sep; some very large movements Oct. Fair Isle, from 6 Sep, mainly from 26th (100), further peaks 5 Oct (650), 15th (1300) decreased to 500 by 18th and thereafter fewer than 300, except 500 on 26 Oct, numbers rather low for Fair Isle (RAB); Shet, peaks 27 Sep, 5 Oct, 18 and 30 Oct, 4 Nov (RJT); Isle of May from 26 Sep (AJW), peaks 600 on 5 Oct (NKA), 500 on 5 Nov (RAJ); Caith, 500 S Wick 15 Oct (RHD); Inv, 60+ Glenmazeran 6 Oct (JMCr), 150 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) arrivals Speyside 6 Oct, many thousands 17 Oct (MTD, DNW), 2000 Strathnairn 25 Oct (WAS); Perth, many thousands Glen Shee and Glen Clunie 16 Oct (TW); Fife, not exceptional numbers but 150/hr passing Colinsburgh 16 Oct and 200/hr Kilconquhar 23 Oct (DWO); Ayr, 600 Cul- zean 13 Oct (RO’G), very large numbers Paisley, Renf, 22 Oct (HG, IPG) and Glasgow same day (NLS); c 1000 Glenluce, Wig, 21 Oct (ADW). Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus. Bred W Renf, b/3 (RWF, IPG, GTW); apparently bred Hoy, Ork (EB); scarcer Clack hills (CJH). Spring arrivals: 30 Mar, 2 dd Dalwhinnie, Inv (CGH); 2 Apr, Drumochter, Inv (DNW); 4 Apr, Moorfoots, Mid] ((WB), 4 Gatehouse, Kirk (PGTB) and 1 Cairns- more of Fleet (ELR); Fair Isle, 6 Apr, small passage 22 Apr-25 May, peak 25th (25); Shet, first Fetlar 4 Apr (ARM); first Isle of May 5 Apr " Autumn: rather scarce on passage; Shet, only one, Ronas Hill 8 Aug (B Copeland); Fair Isle, 1-2 on 13 days 19 Sep-28 Oct, 7 on 16 Oct (RAB); 1 Mull of Kintyre, Arg, 23 Oct (PGTB); Isle of May, 1 on 30 Sep, few early Oct; Midl, last Loganlea Reservoir 25 Oct (RMB). Blackbird Turdus merula. Unusual nest dates: Lerwick, Shet, c/3 on 15 Jan (RJT); Meigle, Perth, c/2 on 14 Feb (per BML); Thornhill, Dumf, c/5 in Dec (JMx); 2 prs bred Isle of May. Passage: Fair Isle, small spring passage to 11 June, mainly Mar-Apr, peaks 100 on 30 Mar, 150 on 1 Apr; numbers low in autumn, first 11 Sep, peaks 5 Oct (14), 15th (20), 16th (200), 50-200 daily to 7 Nov (RAB); Isle of May, small numbers, peaks 30 on 7 Apr, 500 on 5 Nov (RAJ); Fife, 200 Largoward 6 Apr (DWO); poor autumn passage from 16 Sep, best day 20-30 Fife Ness 15 Oct (JARG). *White’s Thrush Zoothera dauma. One Fair Isle 13 Feb (GJB); first there since 1958. Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Spring: 17 Mar, ¢ Fife Ness (DWO); 24 Mar, 4 Fife Ness (PJM); 29 Mar, Dalwhinnie, Inv (CGH); 31 Mar, Thornhill, Dumf (JMx) and Whalsay, Shet (JHS); 1 Apr, Isle of May (DRG), Arbroath, Angus (NKA), 2 Fort William, Inv (PGTB) and Fair Isle (RAB); first arrivals most districts by first week Apr, but main ar- rival rather slow. Peaks at Fair Isle 9 Apr (4), 10th (6), 13th (13), 22nd (40), 24th (100) (RAB); Greenland migrants Fair Isle 3-25 May; 3 Pabay, Skye, 22 Apr (ECG); 1 Isle of May 2 May (DRG). Autumn: last Shet, Weisdale 21 Oct (IS); Fair Isle 24 Oct (3) (RAB); Glengolly, Caith, 24 Oct (SL); Fort William, Inv, 22 Oct (JRo); Southend, Arg, 23 Oct (PGTB); 23 Oct, North Berwick, E Loth (DEA); 24 Oct Mus- selburgh, Mid] (LLJV) and Carstairs, Lan (DCS); 30 Oct Isle of May (GCh) and Sherriffmuir, Perth (AGS). Stonechat Saxicola torquata. Breeding status: spreading Ork (EB); more Perth (VMT); some reappearance Borders (AJS); bred Arthur’s Seat, Midl. Migration: Fair Isle, ¢ 9 Mar, 2 1 Apr, pr 3 Apr (RAB); influx Lochaber, ———————— 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 151 Inv, in autumn (JCu); Fife, numbers high, max 10 Fife Ness 19 Aug (AG); one Isle of May 8 Oct (NKA); influx E Loth from Aug. Whinchat Saxicola rubeira. First dates mainly 24 Apr-8 May, although ] Fair Isle 19 Apr; others, 24th Apr Mainland, Shet, and Barr Loch, Renf (RGC); 25 Apr, Lockerbie, Dumf (RTS), Tyninghame, E Loth (RBT), 4 Giladhouse, Mid] (LLJV), and several Shet. Spring passage small; Fair Isle, peaks 7 on 24th, 1] on 5 May and 13 on 29 May (RAB); Isle of May, 26 Apr-30 May, max 10 on 24 May (CB, DRG); 4 Rattray Head, Aber, 25 May (MRW). Autumn: Shet, scarce in autumn 26 Aug-17 Oct, max 5 Whalsay 9-12 Sep (JHS, RJT); Fair Isle, 17 Aug-14 Oct, numbers very low, max 10-20 on 9-16 Sep (RAB); 12 Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 9 Sep, 10 on 10th (CJMcK-G); 9 Rattray Head, Aber, 10 Sep (MRW); 7 Vane Farm, Kinross, 15 Aug (JHSw); Isle of May, 3 Aug (LA)-4 Oct (NKA), max 50 on 9-10 Sep (AJW); Fife Ness, 1 Aug-1 Oct, max 8 on 26 Aug (PGTB, AG, DWO); last Corpach, Inv, 31 Oct (JCu). *Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus. A lst Y ¢ trapped and ringed Fetlar, Shet, 31 May-lJune (7: 57) (D P Cyrus, ARM ez al.); second Scot- tish record, first was Whalsay, Shet, 7 Oct 1947. Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Breeding status: good numbers Lochaber, Inv (JCu) and continued increase Ayr, 12 prs Dalmellington (WRB, DWMcG). Spring: 13 Apr, 4 Perth (SLg); 20 Apr, Thornhill, Dumf (JMx); 21 Apr, Fetlar, Shet (ARM); most first arrivals mainland breeding areas 24-25 Apr; passage Fair Isle 23-29 Apr (max 7), 8-21 May (max 2) and 23 May-2 June (max 20 on 24th and 29th), singles to 11 June (RAB); Shet, smal] numbers 24-25 Apr, 23 May-2 June (RJT); Isle of May, 10 on 23 Apr, last 30 May (DRG). Autumn: Shet, small passage 12 Sep-4 Oct, max § Whalsay 23 Sep, last Foula 16 Oct (JGH, JHS, RJT); Fair Isle, 22 Aug-9 Oct, peaks 26 Sep (15), 29th (40) (RAB); 14 North Ronaldsay ,Ork, 28 Sep (RG); Isle of May, 4 Aug (GLS)-9 Oct (NKA), max 25 on 9 Sep and 30 on 27 Sep (AJW et al.); very few Fife Ness 26 Aug-1 Oct (AG, DWO); last North Uist, O Heb, 9 Oct (GC) and Scrabster, Caith, 26 Oct (AFCMC, PMC). *Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros. Recorded (about 10 spring, 6 autumn) 16 Feb, 6 Apr-29 May, 15 Aug-15 Dec; Fair Isle (singles unless stated), ¢ 16 Feb, 7 Apr, 23-26 Apr, 1-2 May, 9th (2), 11 May, 29 May, 30 Oct, 4 and 11 Nov (RAB); Isle of May 6 Apr (NKA); Fife Ness, d 15 Aug (DLC, DCS), 2 27 Sep (DWO); Ber, 2 St Abbs 24 Apr (per RWJS); W Stir, Balfron 13 Apr (KHB, HWK, SK); Ayr, Prestwick 15 Dec (GLAP); I Heb, Rhum ¢ 9-13 Nov (PW). *Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. Fair Isle one 9-11 May, trapped Sth (RAB ef al); one found dying 30 Oct, apparently the first British occurrence of the larger eastern race, L. m. hafizi (RAB, GJB, ISR). *Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia. One Fair Isle 24 May, found dead later (GJB, SG, TO). *Bluethroat Luscinia svecica. Very poor year; spring about 20, only 2 autumn: Fair Isle, 15 May, 21st, 22nd (2), 24th (8), 25th (5), 26th-29th (2-3), 1 June (RAB ef al.); Shet, Whalsay 23 May, 25th (2), 28th (JHS), Unst 2 June (MS); Isle of May, 15 May (JMSA), 25-26 May (DRG). Autumn singles Fair Isle 26-27 Sep (RAB), North Ronaldsay, Ork, 3 Oct (RG). Robin Erithacus rubecula. Migration, spring: Isle of May 100 on 6 Apr (NKA); Fair Isle, 10 May-2 June, mainly 30 Mar-11 May, max 15 on 7 Apr, 35 on 26 Apr (RAB); Shet, 22-29 Apr, max 12 Whalsay and 12 Main- land 24 Apr (BM, JHS). Autumn: Shet, peaks 10 Fetlar 17 Sep (ARM), 30 Skerries 26 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle, 26 Sep-5 Oct, max 27 Sep (20), 28th (40), stragglers aad oe Se 50 Fife Ness 27 Sep (DWO); few Isle of May autumn, max on ' - deli cleat kIT OL ILS ALE dei A A i STEED EET OER a 152 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. Breeding status: excellent year Clyde, considerable increase (RWF et al.); good numbers in north, 8 reeling Insh Marches, Inv, 7 May (DNW), 6 around Gairloch, E Ross (ENH) and 2 Scourie, Suth (IDP). Arrivals: 13 Apr, Munlochy, E Ross (MKMcD-D); passage Fair Isle 23 Apr-27 May, max 4 (RAB); Shet, from 24 Apr, max 4 Whalsay 29 Apr and 9 May (JHS); most birds arrived mainland haunts last week Apr or first week May. June singles Kirkwall (CJB) and Hoy (EJW) Ork. Autumn: Methlick, Aber, 5 Sep (NE); Isle of May 5 Aug (LA). *Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon. One Whalsay, Shet, 23 Sep, released Lerwick, found dead there 25 Sep (BM, JHS, RJT et al.); 2nd Scottish (and British) record; first was at Fair Isle 6 Oct 1955. *Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceous. One Fair Isle 29 May (RAB, ISR et al.). *Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Spring: 1 Cobbinshaw Reser- voir, Midl, 22 Apr (GLS); Fair Isle 6 May (RAB); Whalsay, Shet, 23 May (JHS). Autumn: Shet, Fetlar, 5-6 Sep (ARM); Fair Isle, 2 on 9-10 Sep, singles 7 days 14-29 Sep (RAB); Isle of May 14 Aug (RDM), *Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris. One Fair Isle 19 July (RAB). Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Little comment on breed- ing status except fewer Rox and possible decline last few years Caith. Arrival: first 24 Apr Barr Loch, Renf (RGC); 25 Apr, 2 Balgavies Loch, Angus (JIS); 29 Apr, Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); mostly May, e.g. 1 Dud- dingston, Midl, 2 May, 2 on 5th and many 12th (LLJV); in north first Insh Marshes 7 May (DNW) and Banavie, Inv, 8 May (JCu). Passage: Isle of May, from 3 May (DWO), 10 on 23-26 May; Shet, small numbers from 7 May, max 3 Whalsay 9 May, few to 2 June (JHS, RJT); Fair Isle, 27 Apr-5 June, max 9 May (6), 25th (12), 27th (10). Autumn: Shet, single Skerries 25-26 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle, singles 10 Sep, 27-29 Sep and 16 Oct (RAB); 2+ Tarradale, E Ross, 29 Aug (RHD); last L Leven, Kinross, 29 Aug (JHSw). *Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta. One trapped North Ronald- say, Ork, 23-24 Aug (RG); fourth Scottish record. *Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina. Spring singles: Fetlar, Shet, 24 May and 1 June (ARM); North Ronaldsay, Ork, 23 May and 19 June (RG); Isle of May 24 May (DRG). Autumn: 1 found dead Sumburgh, Shet, 2 Sep (BM) and 1 Isle of May 7 Sep (AJW). Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Summer: pr reared 3 young Linn Park, Glasgow (NLS); fewer Clack (CJH); records north to N Inv; 2d d singing L Shin, Suth, 4 June (JFo); d singing Islay, I Heb, 13 June (MFMM). Arrival and migration: Shet, 6-12 May, 23-30 May, max 3 (RJT); Fair Isle, recorded 10 days 6 May-5 June, max 4 on 24 May (RAB); Isle of May, from 24 Apr; first Crail, Fife, 6 May (JARG); 10 May, Stranraer, Wig (RCD) and Selkirk (AJS). Autumn: Shet, 9 Sep-6 Nov, max 9 Mainland 2 Oct, late bird Unst 14 Dec (BM); Fair Isle, from 19 Aug, mainly 6 Sep- 5 Nov, max 40 on 28 Sep and 13 on 2 Oct, late one 1-2 Dec (RAB); Ork, 44 trapped North Ronaldsay 20 Sep-8 Oct (RG); few east coast Sep-Nov. Winter records: Ayr, CuJzean 6 Dec (RO’G); Dunb, Helensburgh 7-11 Jan (DWC); 2 29 Edinburgh 1 Dec (per RWJS); Aber, 2 Aberdeen 1 Jan (per RIM), 1 Aberdeen 25 Dec (EK); Moray, 2 Grantown-on-Spey 25-30 Nov (per RHD); Inverness, ¢ 7 Feb, 25-26 Feb (JMCr); E Ross, done 23 Dec, 7-14 Jan (HDS); Suth, Golspie ¢ 16-22 Dec, 2 22 Dec r): *Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria. Records 14 Aug (late)-16 Oct, singles unless stated: Shet, Whalsay 14 Aug, 22 and 29 Aug, 14 Sep, 23rd, 25th and 27 Sep, 2 Oct and 8-9 Oct (JHS), Fetlar 21 Aug, 1 Sep (RSPB); Unst 1 Sep (BM), Foula 1-7 Sep (JGH), Mainland 22-24 Aug and 28 Aug, 10 Sep, 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 153 14th (2), 23rd, 25th, 27th and 28th (3), 3 and 5 Oct (DC, BM), Yell 1 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle 19 Aug (2) seen all but 2 days to 28 Sep, peaks 22 Aug (9), 20 Sep (5), 27 birds ringed; late ones 3 and 16 Oct (RAB); 9 trapped North Ronaldsay, Ork, singles 22 Aug, 23, 24, 25 Aug, 9 Sep, 14 and 20 Sep, 4 and 6 Oct (RG); one Wideford, Mainland, 12 Sep (CJB); Caith, Hol- burn Head 16 Oct (PMC); Suth, Bettyhill 5 Sep (DSW); Isle of May 19 Aug, 21 and 24-26 Aug (GLS); Fife Ness 25 Aug (AG); 3 trapped Pabay, Skye, 21 Aug, 24 and 28 Aug (ECG). *Garden Warbler Sylvia borin. Summer records: singing Beauly, Inv, 22 May (MIH); Arg, present Ardnamurchan (BTO), Glen Etive (MFMM) and Morven (JE). Arrival: 4 May, Isle of May (DWO); 8 May, Straiton, Ayr (WRB); 9 May, Hensol, Kirk (JGS, LAU, ADW). Passage: Fair Isle, scarce, 7 May- 6 June mainly 22 May-6 June, max 29 May (10), 2 June (8), stragglers to 9 July (RAB); Shet, 5-9 May and 21-31 May, small numbers (RJT), 1 singing Tresta 27 June (DC). Autumn: Shet, sparse passage 21 Aug-3 Oct (DC, BM); Fair Isle, 3 Aug-4 Oct, mainly 21 Aug-28 Sep, max only 22 on 22 Aug, late ones 24 Oct and 1 Nov (RAB); singles Kinlochewe, W Ross, 6-7 Sep (EBr) and Pabay, Skye, 19 Aug (ECG); Isle of May, recorded 6 Aug (LA)-2 Oct (MN); 1 Rattray Head, Aber, 10 Sep (MRW); few Fife Ness 26 Aug, 9 Sep (2), 10 Sep (3), 11 Sep (2) (AG). Whitethroat Sylvia communis. Breeding status: improvement in num- bers reported Banff (DBMcG), Fife (DWO) and I Heb (JCu et al.) but no improvement Renf (HG). Arrival and migration: Shet, first Scalloway 15 Apr, small numbers 22-28 Apr, 7-10 May, 24-25 May, last Foula 13 June but one singing Kergord 11 July (JGH, DC, RJT et al.); Fair Isle, 23 Apr (2), 24 Apr, passage 5 May-8 June, max 24 May (15), 29 May (20), one 6 July (RAB); Isle of May, 3-30 May, max 30 on 24th (DRG, DWO). Mainland: Sandhead, Wig, 22 Apr; Fife Ness 24 Apr (PJM); 28 Apr, Thornhill, Dumf (JMx); mainly early May; 1 L Naver, Suth, 29 May (DMcD, WAS). Autumn: Shet, 1 Sumburgh 12 Aug (DC, BM), very few 5 Sep-28 Oct (RJT et al.); Fair Isle, 2 on 22 Aug, 1-2 on 6 days to 28 Sep (RAB); 1 In- verness 18-19 Aug (JMCr); last Kinross 6 Sep (AG); 7 Fife Ness 19 Aug (AG); some Isle of May 3 Aug-1 Oct. *Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca. Summer status: d built nest Aber 26 May but did not breed (RWS); singles singing Torphins, Aber, 11-14 May (RSBy), Blackhall, Kinc, 1 June (NP), Duddingston, Midl, 2 May (RM, LLJV), Thornhill, Stir 4 June (JK); Kylerhea, Skye, 21 July (RADN) and Lairg, Suth, 21 July (JTRS). Spring passage: Isle of May 4-24 May (DRG, DWO); singles Fife Ness 24 Apr (PJM), 8 May (JARG); Rockcliffe, Kirk, 11 May (ECF); Collieston, Aber, 7 May (CJF); Fair Isle 1-4 on 6-10 May, singles 6 days to 25 June (RAB); Shet, singles Skerries 8-3 May, 2 Whalsay 18 and 27 May, 2 Foula 9 May, 1 Mainland 27 May (DC, BM, JHS). Autumn: Shet, 1 Mainland 14 and 29 Sep (DC, BM) and 1 Foula 2-4 Oct (JGH); Fair Isle, 23 Aug-14 Oct, peaks 26 Sep (9), 27th (5), 28th (4) (RAB); singles North Ronaldsay 26 Sep, 27 and 28 Sep (RG); Isle of May 23 Aug-27 Sep (GLS, AJW); 1 St Abbs, Ber, 9 Sep (RM). *Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans. Three records: ¢ trapped Bin- scarth, Ork, 26 Apr (CJB, EJW); ¢ trapped Fair Isle 22 May (RAB, RAR, ISR); ¢ trapped Sumburgh, Shet, 11 Aug-30 Sep (DC, BM et al.). Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. 10 Apr, first L Ken, Kirk (WRB); 11 Apr, Inverness (MR) and Stornoway, O Heb (WAJC); 13 Apr, 2 L Martnaham, Ayr (WRB); 14 Apr, several localities, Sandhead, Wig (RCD), Canonbie, Dumf (ELBC), Doonfoot, Ayr (WRB), Glencorse, Midl (RDM), Kilconquhar, Fife (JARG), Dunvegan, Skye (TCS); recorded all ~we ————————— A A LL TTF Ahn Aas NAMAAAAAAMAARRAAN AAAAAAAA TAY ncnoninastenies teas ten enbntsMesddited | NAMM revervyen peperereunireestemem tn er 154 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) areas by following week, main arrivals from 21-22 Apr. Spring passage rather low numbers: Isle of May, peak 50 on 20 May (DRG); Fair Isle, 22 Apr-17 May, 22 May-13 June, peaks 15 on 24 Apr, 40 on 24 May, 70 on 29 May (RAB); Shet, 22 Apr-9 June, most 23 May-3 June, max 30 Whalsay 24 May (JHS et al.). Autumn: Fair Isle, 4 Aug-5 Oct, rather scarce, up to 12 daily 19 Aug- 21 Sep, max 20 on 26 Sep is low for Fair Isle (RAB); Shet, scarce, 8 Aug- 6 Oct, mainly Sep, max 5 Whalsay 9 Sep (JHS, RJT); Isle of May, scarce, 1 Aug-l Oct; peak 80 Vane Farm, Kinross, 17 Aug,, last 30 Sep (AG). Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. No reported changes in breeding status except scarcer Sel (AJS) and more summer records of singing birds in north: Caith 2 individuals, Suth 5 including 3 near Scourie (IDP), Gee) 11 including 6 Gairloch area (ENH); pr bred Pluscarden, Moray i). Arrival: 27 Mar, Dunure, Ayr (JKRM); 1 Apr, Isle of May (DRG); 6 Apr, Loch of Lowes, Perth (EMH); 8 Apr, River Ken, Kirk (AJW) and Fort William, Inv (JCu); most places 11-20 Apr. Passage: Fair Isle, 30 Mar, small numbers 4 Apr-21 May, max 5 on 23 Apr, one 2 and 5 June, autumn movements 12 Sep-16 Oct, mainly 26 Sep-4 Oct, max 8 on 26th, last 2 on 5 Nov (RAB); Shet, last Whalsay 3 Nov (JHS). eee records: Heathall, Dumf, 11-16 Jan (DSk, SSk); Rhum 1 Dec Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Arrival: 24 Apr, Glen Esk, Angus (TMC); 2 May, Spean Bridge, Inv (JCu); 3 May, Dalry, Kirk (ADW); 8 May, Aviemore, Inv (RHD). Passage: Shet, Fetlar 24 May, 25th (2), 29th (ARM), 1 singing Helendale 24-27 May (DC); Ork, 1 North Ronald- say 20 May (RG). Autumn: Isle of May, singles 21 and 24 Aug (GLS); Fair Isle, 12 Aug-26 Sep, mainly Aug when 22nd (5), 23rd (7), 24th (4) and 25th (2) also 2 on 6 Sep (RAB); Shet, about 8 records 23-28 Aug, 2 on 1 Sep, last 5 Sep (RJT et al.); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 26 Sep (RG). . TSS Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. One Fair Isle 16-17 Sep (RAB, *Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus. About 25-30 birds 14 Sep-21 Oct, singles unless stated: Shet, Sumburgh 27-30 Sep (DC), 3 Oct (FH), Seafield 2-3 Oct (BM), Whalsay 16 and 21 Oct (RHD, JHS); Fair Isle, 25 Sep, 26th (9), 27th (8), 28th (7), 5 Oct (RAB); Isle of May, 26 Sep Swo (4), 28th, 29th (AJW et al.); Fife Ness, 14 Sep (AG), 27 Sep Goldcrest Regulus regulus. Small spring passage: Fair Isle, 29 Mar-14 Apr, max 7 on 30 Mar, 8 on 1 Apr, stragglers to 15 May (RAB); Shet, scarcer than usual, 3 Mar-28 May, some movement Apr (RJT). Autumn: Shet, 1 Sep-5 Nov, max 6 Whalsay 27 Oct (JHS); Fair Isle, 26 Aug-5 Nov, low numbers, max 13 on 26 Sep (RAB); Ork, a few from 24 Aug (EB); Angus, passage Broughty Ferry 19 Sep (NKA); 12 Fife Ness 16 Sep (PNJC); first Isle of May 18 Aug (cis). max 200 on 30 Sep (AJW et al.); increase Mull of Galloway, Wig, late Sep (RCD, BST). *Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus. One Isle of May 26 Sep (JRPO et al.). Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata. Pair raised late brood Dalry, Kirk, b/3 fledged 28 Aug (ADW). Arrival: 25 Apr, 5 Vane Farm, Kinross (JHSw); 2 May, Yarrow, Sel (RF); 3 May, Newton Stewart, Wig (RCD); mostly second week of May in north, first Strathfarrar, Inv, 9 May (RHD); but not until 5 June Stornoway, O Heb (IMMcL). Passage: Isle of May from 4 May (DWO); Fair Isle from 9 May, mainly 20 May-4 June, peaks 40 on 24-25 May and 29 May, stragglers 21 June and 24-25 June (RAB); Shet, Whalsay and Mainland 7 May, main passage from 22 May, sie arn wand 24th (JHS), 10 Fetlar 25th and 29th (ARM), 15 Skerries 1 June 5 EEE ee 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 155 Autumn: Shet, 2 Fetlar 2 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 22 Aug-30 Sep, very few but 5 on 26 Sep (RAB); last Perth 22 Sep (SLg); 15 Vane Farm, Kinross, (xD we (AG); last Kelso, Rox, 26 Sep (GR); last 2 Dalry, Kirk, 28 Sep Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. Breeding records: Kirk numbers low and apparently on decline, none Wig (ADW); usual numbers Dumf, including 9 nests found (ARH); Ayr, 5 prs Dalmellington (DWMcG); W Stir, 5 prs Inversnaid (DSt) and others L Lomond; Lan, 1 pr Stockbriggs (DLC); Midl, 1 pr Roslin Glen 15 May, but Penicuik breeding-site wood felled (RWJS); Perth, bred Killiecrankie, young on 30 May (HBr, RWS), ¢ Dunkeld 16 June (JG); 2 3¢ Speyside and 1 pr bred (RSPB, DNW); W ron 2 nest-building Coulin 1 June (ENH); Suth, pr L Choire (J Cair- ney). Arrival and passage: Fair Isle, 1-4 from 22 Apr to 1 May, smal] influx 24 May-2 June, max 7 on 24th (RAB); Shet, scarce, 1-3 Foula 25-30 Apr (JGH) and 1 Mainland 26 Apr, small numbers 23 May-2 June (RJT); first at breeding ground 25 Apr Penpark, Dumf (ARH); first Isle of May 25 Apr (CB); 1 Luffness, E Loth, 30 Apr (DJ); 1 Glenlee, Kirk, 3 May (ADW). Autumn: Shet, scattered records 27 Aug (BM)-17 Oct (DC, BM), max 6 Whalsay 9 Sep (JHS); Fair Isle, 23 Aug-11 Oct, peaks 30 Aug (10), 6 and 15 Sep (15), 26th (20), 27th (25); Caith, 1 Dounreay 13 Sep (PRJ); E Ross, 2 Tarbat Ness 9 Sep (CJMcK-G); Aber, singles Rattray Head 9 and 29 Sep (MRW), Strachan 9 Sep (MM), Collieston 10-11 Sep (JAL); Isle of May from 19 Aug, max 50 on 9-10 Sep (AJW); Fife, some Fife Ness 24 Aug (9)-30 Sep (DWO), max 12 on 9 Sep (PNJC); Ber, 9 St Abbs 9 Sep (RM); last Dalry, Kirk, 22 Sep (AJW). *Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva. Two in spring, about 16 aut- umn, 10 Sep-19 Oct except one 17-19 Aug (very early): singles Fetlar, Shet, 24 May (ARM) and Rattray Head, Aber, 25 May (MRW). Autumn: Shet, singles Foula 17-19 Aug and 19 Oct (JGH), Whalsay 10 Sep (JHS), Kergord 25 Sep-2 Oct (IS), Helendale 30 Sep-2 Oct (DC, BM), Sumburgh 6 and 10 Oct (DC); Fair Isle, 2 on 26 Sep, one 28-30 Sep (RAB); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 11 Sep (RG); E Ross, 1 Tarbat Ness 11 Sep (MTD, RHD); Isle of May, 2 on 11-15 Sep (HG), 2 on 26-29 Sep (AJW et al.). Dunnock Prunella modularis. Migration: Fair Isle, small numbers 16 Mar-2 June, peaks 14 on 6 Apr and 20 on 26 Apr (RAB); Shet, scattered records late Mar-9 May, max 6 Whalsay 25 Apr (BM, JHS). Autumn: large fall c 100 Fife Ness 27 Sep (DWO); scarce in north; Shet, 2 Skerries 25- 26 Sep (RJT), 1 Weisdale 17 Oct (FH); Fair Isle, singles 14-15 Oct, 9 days in Nov, 13 Dec (RAB). *Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae. Six autumn records: Fair = 4 Sep, 27-29 Sep, 3 Oct (2) and 6 Nov (RAB); 1 Islay, I Heb, 28 Sep vu | dkmnarnnonemne i bis ona mmc AANA rancid A AAA OND VA SARRKERY SANARARRANARRDS MN ANAAARI OREO RAAAAZATAS HSS 156 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) *Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris. Two records: Isle of May 27-28 Sep (NKA, MN, AJW); Sumburgh, Shet, 29 Sep-3 Oct (DC, JHS, RJT). Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. A brood at Ardgour, Arg, contained one albino young (R A Oldale). Passage movements: Fair Isle, from 5 Mar, mainly from 1 Apr (20), peaks 11 Apr (150), 23 Apr (500), last of autumn 5 on 19 Nov (RAB); flocks Fort William and Ballachulish, Inv, 21 Mar (JCu); 110 Vane Farm, Kinross, 8 Sep (AG); heavy passage Fife Ness first week Sep and especially 9 Sep (PNJC); 300 Ochills, Clack, 29 Aug (CJH); several hundreds passed St Abbs, Ber, 8-9 Sep (RM); 267 in 2 hrs passed Mull of Galloway, Wig, 12 Sep (RCD). Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. Arrival at breeding grounds: 24 Apr, 2 Newtonmore, Inv (RHD); 25 Apr, 20 Delnabo, Banff (JE); 26 Apr, first Muir of Ord. E Ross (DCH); 27 Apr, first Corpach, Inv (JASN); 29 Apr, 2 Vane hac Kinross (JHSw) and first Sel (AJS), where breeding numbers were ow. Spring passage: very scarce; Fair Isle, 23 Apr-7 June, max 11 on 29 May (RAB); Shet, 8 May, 2 Skerries, 9 May, 1 Skerries, 1 Whalsay, 2 Mainland (RJT et al.); first Isle of May 3 May (DWO); 2 Fife Ness 8 May (DWO). Autumn passage: scarcer than usual; Fair Isle, 6 Sep-4 Oct, mainly 24-30 Sep, max 7 (RAB); Shet, 1 Mainland 27 Aug, 2 Skerries 26 Sep (RJT); Isle of May, 17 Aug (GLS)-28 Sep (AJW), max 20 on 12 Sep; last Vane Farm, Kinross, 12 Sep (AG); 16 Fife Ness 24 Aug (DWO), *Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi. One Fair Isle 29 Sep-3 Oct (RAB, P R Holness, ISR et al.); first since 1966. *Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. One Isle of May 9-10 Sep (JMAO, JRDO, AJW); first for the island. Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta. Bred Cramond Island, W Loth, first for many years (RDM); first nest c/4 Fair Isle 16 May (RAB), 1 inland Cob- Seven Midl, 16 Jan (RWJS); 1 Kingoodie, Perth, 26 Jan (HB), 2 on 27 Feb (EJM). Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Pied Wagtail M. a. yarelli: Fair Isle, single migrants 4 days in Mar from 14th, 7 days in Apr, 2 on 23-25 Apr, 1 on 4-7 June, 1-4 July (RAB) 40 West Haven, Angus, 5 Sep (TMC); roost 120 Portmahomack, E Ross, early Sep (CJMcK-G). White Wagtail M. a. alba: none bred Shet; one bred with a Pied Wag- tail Balranald, O Heb (GC); ¢ carrying food Bonar Bridge, Suth, 29 May (JFi). Spring passage: on mainland from 6 Apr (Paisley Moss, Renf, al- though one there 21 Feb GITW); peaks 4 Aberlady, E Loth, 1 May (GLS); 4 Fife Ness 15 May (JARG); Pabay, Skye, 24 Apr-9 May, max 10 on 30 Apr (ECG). Fair Isle, 5 Apr-31 May, mainly 21 Apr-15 May, max 20 on 24 May (RAB). Autumn: Fair Isle, 6 Aug-13 Oct, max 10 Aug (30), 28th (40), 10 Sep (30) (RAB); North Ronaldsay, Ork, peaks 15 on 26 Aug, 11 on 27th (RG); 8 Mest Haven, Angus, 5 Sep (TMC); scattered records several areas from 31 July. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Increase in breeding population in W Ross, Gairloch (ENH) and Torridon (JAW), Banff (AFWS), Fife (JHSw) and Midl, where pair bred Gladhouse, first time since 1962 (RWJS). Few more seen Caith, where 6 roosting Thurso River 29 Aug (SL). Single migrants Fair Isle, 11 Apr, 16 Sep and 10-14 Nov (RAB), and Fife Ness 19 and 26 Aug (AG). *Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. Yellow M. f. flavissima. 2 prs bred E Dumf (ELBC, RS); 1 pr bred Chapelton, Lan, and 1 pr at Drumclog, Lan (DLC). Arrival and migration: Kirk, 2 dd Meikle Ross 4 May (ABD), ° Balcary June (DBC); Rox, 1 Maxton May (DCo); Angus, ¢ Usan 25 Apr (GMC), ¢ West Ferry 11 May (TMC); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 24 and 27 May (RG); Fair Isle, 1-4 between 24 and 28 Apr, 3 on 5 May, 6 on 6 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 157 May, singles 7-9 May and 14 May, 1-4 on 22 May-1 June (RAB); Shet, 1-3 Foula 6-12 May (JGH), 1 Skerries 7-8 May (DGA, DJ), 1 Whalsay 4 May (8M), 1 Hillwell 19-27 May, singing last date (DC). Isle of May, several in May and 2 in Sep (per NJG); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 24 Sep (RG); 1 Gladhouse, Midl, 8 July (JB); E Loth, 1 Aberlady 31 July, 4 on 1-3 Aug, 6 on 4 Aug, one 21 Aug (ADKR, DMcN, LLJV); 2 flavas St Abbs, Ber, 9 Sep (RM), Blue-headed Wasgtail M. fj. flava: Fair Isle, ¢ 23 Apr, 1-3 on 8 days between 2 and 22 May, 5 on 24th, 12 on 25th, 9 on 26th and 29th, 1-2 until 3 June (RAB); 1 Fetlar, Shet, 31 May (ARM). Singles on 10 days Fair Isle 6-28 Sep probably this race. Grey-headed Wagtail M. f. thunbergi: Fair Isle, 1-2 on 6 days between 24 May and 1 June (RAB). *Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola. One Fair Isle 6-12 Oct, found dead 16 Oct (GJB, RAB, ISR ez al.); third successive year that a single has occurred in autumn at Fair Isle. Waxwing Bombyciila garrulus. Good numbers in winter (Jan-Mar), max 80= im one flock, last 18 May; not so plentiful in autumn, first 19 Sep (early), but most later than usual in Nov, max 100. Winter-spring recorded nearly all areas mainland Jan-Mar; maximum flock numbers and late dates: 30 Glasgow 3 Feb (WRB), last 4 on 13 Apr (GTW); Rox, 40 Hawick Jan, last 2 Gattonside 12 Apr (per AJS); Perth, 30 Longforgan Jan-Feb (BML), 30 Perth 7 Mar (SLg), 80+ Auchterarder 8 Mar (SLg), last 9 Scone to 30 Apr (EDC); Angus, 30 Brechin 8 Mar (GMC); Aber, 70 Aboyne 6 Mar (per NP); Kinc, last 12 Banchory 11 Apr (NP); Banff, 40 Banff to 13 Apr (AFWS); Moray, 1 Kinloss 18 May (CAP); Inv, 25 Inverness 26 Jan (Mrs R Laming), spring flock Tulloch Moor to 28 Apr, max 42 on 24 Apr (RSPB), 13 Carrbridge 25 Apr (RHD); E Ross last 6 Munlochy 23 Apr (MKMcD-D); Suth, 15 Deinedee 18-21 Feb, last Dornoch 23 Apr (JBW); singles Fair Isle 24 and 25 Apr (RAB). aa winter first dates and peak numbers: 1 Stornoway, O Heb, 19 p (WMa); Shet, 1 Fetlar 25-28 Sep, 8 other birds seen, including 5 pitied 24-25 Nov (per RJT); Fair Isle, singles 3 and 5 Nov, 29 and 30 Nov, 3 on 1 Dec (RAB); Ork, very few late Nov- Dec (EB); small numbers north Scotland mainly late Nov-Dec; Aber, from 25 Nov, max 100 Aber- deen 1 Dec (JCh); first Arg 21 Dec (MJPG): 20 Elliot, Angus, early Dec (NKA); 20 Dunkeld, Perth “24 Nov; E Loth, from 12 Nov, 40 on 16 Nov (AMt, LLJV); 16 Selkirk 16 Nov (CS); 14 Langholm, Dumf, 14 Nov LBC, RS); Galloway, few in Dec; 11 L Lomond, Stir, 30 Nov (CPI, JMi). *Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. After the big influx of autumn 1970, about 7+ recorded Jan-Apr, many of them wintering birds present in one area Jan-Apr; the county totals of probably different individuals were Suth 5, Ross 7, Inv c 20, Nairn 2, Aber/Kinc 5, Angus 6, Perth 3, . ShAAAA Raid SAAAAIAZIR ANE “pectic AR OAR D AERIS MAAR serch | kaaiinnnnn nA idan A ma SET ariinneahi 158 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Peebles 1, Rox 1, Arg 4, Dunb 2, Stir 2, Lan 1, Renf 1, Dumf 2, Galloway 9. The monthly totals of individuals present on the mainland were 30 in Jan, 32 in Feb, 31 in Mar and 18 in Apr; the last dates were 8 Apr, Strathnairn, Inv (HJB); 9 Apr, Dornoch, Suth (DMcD); 10 Apr, Millhouse, Arg (TFR); 11 Apr, Dalry, Kirk (LAU) and Abernethy, Inv (RHD); 17 Apr, Brechin, Angus (GMC); 18 Apr, Trochry, Perth (WJE). Spring migration: Isle of May, 5 Apr (4), 6-7 Apr (3), 1 to 10th, 7 ringed (NKA); Ork, Kirkwall 6 Apr, Wideford 8 Apr (CJB); Fair Isle, one 31 Mar, 1-2 on 7 days 7-17 Apr (RAB); Shet, Yell 8 Apr (DC), Foula 8 Apr, 9th, 14th, 24th, 28th and 29 Apr (JGH), Fetlar 12 and 16 Apr (ARM), Mainland 15 and 25 Apr (DC, BM), Unst 9 May (MS), Fetlar 27 May (ARM). Autumn: Shet, (singles unless stated) Fetlar 25-30 Sep, 2 Oct (RJT), Sumburgh 27 Sep-1 Oct, Bigton 5 Oct (DC, BM), Foula 23-28 Oct (JGH); Fair Isle, 7 individuals between 29 Sep-24 Oct, singles except 3 on 24th (RAB); Ork, Rendall 29 Nov (EB); Isle of May, 27 Sep, 28th (2), 29th (AJW); Fife Ness 11 Oct (JLSC); Aberlady, E Loth, 23 Oct (DJ). Rather scarce Oct-Dec on mainland, about 20 records, all singles as follows: Inv, Farr 24 Oct (L Payne), Dunachton 17 Dec (DNW); Arg, Ach- namara 24 Oct (IR); Aber, Braemar 27 Oct (AW); Angus, Buddon 29 Oct (RAS), Glen Clova 31 Oct (ABR); Perth, Dunkeld 27 Oct (THE), Trina- four 29-31 Oct (CGH), Tummel Bridge 29 Oct (CRS), Strathtay 4-12 Dec (EMH); Rox, Yetholm 24 Oct-Dec (RSB), 3 others in Borders Nov-Dec (per AJS); Rox, Newcastleton 12 Oct (ELBC); Kirk, L Ken 14 Oct, Dalry 15-17 Nov (LAU); Ayr, Troon 13 Oct (WRB), Girvan 14 Oct (IMD), May- bole mid Dec (RO’G). *Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. E Loth, 1 Aberlady 29 Aug-1l1 Sep (7: 95) (K. A. Mackenzie, J. Moss, GLS et al.); I Heb, 1 Rhum 12 Sep, pro- bably present 10th-15th (7:96) (PW et al.). awe cs Shrike Lanius senator. 1 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 26 May *Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio. Spring passage: Fair Isle, seen 13 days 22 May-12 June, max 4 on 24th and 3 on 25th; Shet, 1 Mainland 22- 23 May, 2 June (DC), ¢ Fetlar 25 May-3 June, 2 on 1 June (ARM), 1-2 Whalsay 23-28 May, 4 on 27th (JHS), 2 Skerries 1 June (RJT); Ork, do North Ronaldsay 2 June (RG); Isle of May one 24 May (DRG); Aber, ¢ Cruden Bay 15 May (JAL, AR); Midl, ¢ Penicuik 11 June (RM); Ayr, 2 Camphill Reservoir 22 June (WCW)—was first for county. Autumn: Shet, singles Grutness 27 Aug (BH), Foula 28 Sep (JGH), Hill- well 3 Oct (FH); Fair Isle, 1-3 on 23-31 Aug, singles 1-10 Sep, 26-28 Sep, 3 Oct (RAB); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 4 Sep (RG). Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Good breeding season Kinross (JHSw); al- bino juvenile Islay, I Heb, 27 May (CGB). Fair Isle, influx 1000 on 30-31 Mar and 7 Apr, autumn passage peaks 16-17 Oct and 29-31 Oct (RAB). +Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus. Suth, adult Droman 3 June (7: 97) (PT), probably same bird Sheigra 4 June (IJP) and Faraid Head 16 June (KMC, BT); I Heb, adult Rhum 4-8 May (PW et al.); Shet, 1 Unst 20 Sep-3 Oct (LJ et al.). *Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes. None found breeding: Perth, 1 pr Scone mid Feb (JK), d dead Dowally 13 Apr (THE), 2 Perth 4 May (RMcM), 1 Bridge of Earn 7 June (EJM), 3 Perth 5 Aug over E Loth, 4 Aberlady 24 July (ADKR); Sel, 1 Bridgeheugh 13 July (JMe); E Ross, adult Heathmount, Tain, 7 Sep (CJMcK-G). Single migrants Fair Isle 5 Apr, killed by cat (RAB) and Foula, Shet, 7-10 Apr (JGH). Greenfinch Carduelis chloris. Breeding numbers seemed low Caith (PMC); good season Kinross (JHSw); xanthomorphic individual fledged Selkirk, but killed by cat (H Kerrod). Counts: 1000 Montrose, Angus, 17 Jan (GMC); 100+ Vane Farm, Kinross, 1 Mar (JHSw). Migrants: Fair Isle, 2 June, 21 Oct (2), 24-28 Oct (1-2), 29 Oct-4 Nov (10), 20-26 Dec 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 159 (RAB); Shet, singles Lerwick 14-15 Feb (DC, BM), Weisdale 13 Mar (IS), Foula 14-15 Dec (JGH). Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis. Good numbers most areas. Peak counts: Sel, 60 Stantling Crag 17 Oct (KMcK); Midl, 30 Edgelaw 17 Jan (JB, LLJV); W Loth, 28 Dalmeny 17 Sep (GLS); Angus, 18 Boddin 8 Feb (NKA); E Ross, 17 Redfield 15 Jan (MKMcD-D); Suth, 12 Golspie 8-29 Apr ((JOr); Inv, 14 Aviemore 26 Nov (RHD); O Heb, 20 Newton, North Uist, 12 Oct (JAW). Scattered records north to north coast, eg. 2 Thurso, Caith, 17 Jan (PMC). Migrants: 2 Scalloway, Shet, 9-10 Feb (per DC); Isle of May, up to 4 im first week Apr (NKA), singles 9 May, 21 May, 6 Nov; Skye. Pabay 13 Feb (3), 17 Mar (1), 30 Mar (2) (ECG); 2 Rhum 5 Nov (PW). Siskin Carduelis spinus. Bred Dunnet, Reay (6 pairs) and Rumsier, Caith (PMC, GHF); Dornoch, Suth (JTRS); Portree, Skye (GDF), Scalpay, Skye (ECG), pair Eigg (NKA); increase Gairloch area, W Ross (ENH). Peak counts: 60 Redfield, E Ross, 1 Jan-15 Mar (MKMcD-D): 50 Spey- mouth, Moray, 18 Dec (JMB); 40 Cortachy, Angus, 5 Apr (GMC). Migration: Fair Isle, small numbers, max 5 on 30 Mar-2 Apr, but scattered records, some from 23 Sep, max 17 on 25 Sep, few in Oct, one 1-2 Dec (RAB); Shet, first 29 Mar, scattered records to 3 June, max 8 Fet- lar 3 May (RJ1), scarce in autumn, first 11 Sep, 10 Skerries 26 Sep (RJT), 12 Helendale 29 Sep (DC). Otherwise few records; Isle of May, up to 4 on 1-7 Apr (NKA), 24 May (1) (DRG), one 10-14 Sep (HG). Limnet Acanihis cannabina. Counts: 1000 Montrose, Angus, 17 Jan (GMC); Ayr, 300 Prestwick 29 Aug (WRB); plentiful Scourie, Suth (IDP). i ts: Shet, 1 Skerries 9 May (DGA, DJ); Fair Isle, one 2 and 10 Apr, few 21 Apr-2 June, max 5 on 25 and 28 Apr, singles 9 days 5 Oct-13 Nov and once Dec (RAB); I Heb, 2 Pabay, Skye, 5 May (ECG), ¢ Rhum 17 Nov, new for island (PW). Twite Acanthis flavirosiris. Breeding evidently now regular Wig (RCD et al); 5 pairs Ailsa Craig (JAG); pair with b/3 Calder Dam, Renf, 27 June (HG); 3 pairs Morrich More, E Ross, 30 May (RHD); some recovery Shet (RJT). Winter flocks and migration: peak counts Galloway, 140 L Ryan 13 Nov, 180 Wigtown Merse i4 Nov, 43 Mull of Galloway, Wig, 20 Nov (RCD); 80 Ayr Dec (WRB); 35 Aberlady, E Loth, 15 Nov (DJ); 13 Crail, Fife, 12 Nov (JARG); Isle of May 34 on 5 Apr, 22 on 6th, few to 27 Apr (NKA, CB); 27 Ben Lawers, Perth, 25 Sep (TCS); 200 Glen Clova, Angus, 14 Nov (NKA, MN); 80-100 Ythan, Aber, 21-27 Nov (LHC); 16 Old Bar, Nairn, 28 Nov (RHD, MIH); 35 Siratherrick, Inv, 12 Mar (RHD), 43 L Laide 9 Oct (MR), 24 Fort William 26 Mar, 50 on 3 Apr, last 7 on 9 Apr, 50+ back on 22 Aug. peak 100+ on 27 Sep (JCu); 100 Longa Island, W Ross, 27 Dec (ENH); 200 Dornoch, Suth, 20 Feb (DMcD); Fair Isle, peaks 100+ on 11-12 Sep, 200+ on 22 Sep, 60 migrants 23 Nov (RAB). Redpoll Acanthis jlammea. Pair in suitable breeding habitat Hoy, Ork, June (EB); more im northwest Suth (IDP). Counts: 200 Invermark, Angus, 22 Sep (GMC); 85 Doonfoot, Ayr, 16 Feb (WRB). Migrants: Mealy Redpoll A. jf. flammea: Fair Isle, scattered records 26 Feb-20 May, max 7 on 8 May, very few singles between 20 Sep-13 Nov (RAB); Shet, scattered records 25 Apr-2 June, max 5 Whalsay 5-10 May (BM, JHS), few in Oct (RJT); one Bannachra, Dunb, 31 Jan (SMDA). Lesser Redpoll A. f. cabaret/disruptis: Fair Isle, 14 and 21 May, 10-14 Sep (RAB); Shet, 8 Unst 22-28 Aug; Isle of May, one 25-27 Apr (CB), one 24 May (DRG); one redpoil Stornoway, O Heb, 11 July (WRPB). Greenland Red- poll A. j. rostrata: Fair Isle, 3 on 2 May, 3rd (4), 4th (3), one 22-30 Sep, one 3-12 Oct (RAB). Birds showing characteristics of Arctic Redpoll A. hornemanni reported Fetlar 5 Feb, 19 Feb-12 Mar (ARM), Foula 29 Mar (JGH), Unst 21 Mar (MS) and Yell 15 Mar (RJT) but none examined in hand. si candi!) damsel bib rami SCRE Virsa AAA AMAR ASA AAAARDDO/Y VE SAARRAASS SNARARRARRRRSO DOIN NAA AARARRSDORN ADNAN H0 160 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Increase reported Torridon (JAW) and Gairloch (ENH), W Ross, and in Fife (DWO). Migrants, northern race P. p. pyrrhula, spring: Isle of May, 2 5-7 Apr (NKA); Fair Isle, 3 dd 6-7 Apr, 1 on 8th (RAB); autumn: Shet, 1-2 Lerwick 6-15 Dec (DC), 1 Unst '9-14 Dec, 2 on 15th (BM); Fair Isle, about 8 individuals 27 Oct-2 Dec (RAB); Ork, 1 Birsay 23 Nov (EB). Singles Thurso, Caith, 6 Feb (PMC) and 27 Nov (JMW), and 3 Shurrey, Mar (PMC) might also be migrants. *Trumpeter Bullfinch Rhodopechys githaginea. 2 Handa, Suth, 8-9 June (C R Tubbs), subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee; this species is not on the British list, but it is interesting that one was at Minsmere, Suffolk, 30 May-15 June 1971. *Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. Four in spring, 14 in aut- umn; the recent increase in spring occurrences (4 in 1971 including 2 dd) is probably due to the quite rapid westward spread of this species breed- ing range. Spring: Shet, d Whalsay 8 May (BM, JHS); Fair Isle, 2 24 May, another ° 30 May (RAB); ¢ trapped North Ronaldsay, Ork, 29 May (RG, EJW). Autumn, singles unless stated: Shet, Skerries 25-26 Sep (RJT), Whalsay 9-10 Sep (JHS), Sumburgh 1 Sep (DC); Fair Isle, 22-23 Aug, 1 Sep, 7-12th, 14th, 15-16th (2), one to 21st, 2-6 Oct (8 individuals) (RAB et al.); Ork North Ronaldsay 16-24 Sep and 5 Oct (RG); Isle of May 6 Sep (TJRB, JRDO, AJW et all.). Crossbill] Loxia curvirostra. Bred usual areas north to Strathy Forest, Suth (JTRS), west to Lochaber (Spean Bridge JCu) and Glenbranter For- est, Arg (JTRS); numbers rather low Speyside, where poor Scots pine cone crop, but pockets of breeding birds in larches (good cone crop), first young flying 1 May (RHD, DNW). Apparently no Continental mig- rants, species not recorded Northern Isles. Peak counts mainland: 27 Blackhall, Kinc, 8 Jan (MM); 30 Bachnagairn, Angus, Sep (AH); 35 Dul- nain Bridge, Inv, 13 July (RHD); 3 Gladhouse, Midl, 1 Aug (EMS); 12 Langholm, Dumf, 31 May (RS). Chaffinch Fringilla coelevs. Albino L Craignish, Arg, spring (Miss H Reid); count: 1000 Portmore, Peeb, 17 Jan (JB). Migration: scarce on both passages: Isle of May, few early Apr, very scarce autumn (NJG); Fair Isle, 30 Mar-14 Apr, max 18 on 7 Apr, 1-7 many days 23 Apr-1 June, small passage 23 Sep-7 Nov, mainly 23-30 Sep, but max of only 8 (RAB); Shet, small passage from 23 Sep, largest flock only 30 (RJT). Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. Apparent hybrid Chaffinch/Bram- bling juvenile Newtonmore, Inv, early July (NP, DNW). Rather scarce in Scotland this year and on passage. Peak counts: 50 Spey Dam, Inv, 8-25 Nov (JRo); 200 Glen Clova, Angus, 7-14 Nov (NKA, MN); 70 Dun- ning, Perth, 13 Nov (DMB); 100 Edgelaw, Midl, 14 Feb (JB); 55 Borth- wickshiel, Rox, 10 Jan (JB); 50 Selkirk 24 Oct (KMcK); 100 Carnwath, Lan, 4 Feb (HSCH, KCRH); most places reported very low numbers. Passage: Fair Isle, 5 Apr-9 May, max 53 on 7 Apr, 50-60 on 23-27 Apr, autumn 23 Sep-11 Nov, peaks 28 Sep (50), 17 Oct (65), 6-7 Nov (40); Shet, movements 20-30 Apr, max 15 in flock, last 2 Skerries 1 June; very few autumn from 23 Sep, max 25 Kergord 17 Oct (DC, RJT); Ork, max, 16 North Ronaldsay 27 Sep (RG); Isle of May, last 2 on 24 May (DRG), first autumn 26 Sep (AJW); Fife Ness, very few from 27 Sep, max 30+ on 23 Oct (JARG, DWO). Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra. 70 Duddingston, Midl, roost Jan-4 Mar (GLS); 40 Arbroath, Angus, 24 Nov (NKA); 1 Stoer, Suth, early May (SMD). Single migrants Isle of May 3-5 May (DWO), Fair Isle 17 and 27 May (RAB). Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Flying young seen Stornoway Woods, O Heb, 11 July (WRPB); 1 Mingulay, O Heb, Aug (JCS). Migrants: 1 Foula, Shet, 1-2 Apr (JGH); Fair Isle, 3 on 1 Apr, 5-10 Apr (2-3), singles 14 and 30 Apr, 11th,18 and 21 May, 2 on 12 May, singles 16 and 27 Oct, 28 Oct (2), 5-7 Nov, 23 Dec (RAB); 3 Isle of May spring (NJG). 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 161 _ 7Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala. g Fair Isle 12-15 May RAB, ISR et al.); it is possible that records of this species, as of Red- headed Bunting, concern escaped cage-birds. +Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. ¢ Hawick, Rox, 23 June (TDo) was surprisingly the only one reported during year compared with 9 in 1968, 7 in 1969 and 7 in 1970. *Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola. Four autumn records Fair Isle; 1-4 Sep, 10-18 Sep, 11-12 Sep, 20-22 Sep, one ringed (RAB, ISR et al.). _*Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana. Very scarce this year: Fair Isle, singles daily 23-31 May, 2 on 24 May (RAB); 1 trapped North Ronaldsay, Ork, 6 June (RG). *Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. 1 Fair Isle 28 Sep-2 Oct (GJB, RAB, ISR); 1 Whalsay, Shet, 1 Nov (JHS). *Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. Four autumn records: singles Whal- say, Shet, 23 Sep (JHS), Fair Isle, 27-30 Sep (trapped), 31 Oct-4 Nov and 12 Nov (RAB et al.). Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. Migration: Shet, 24-30 Apr, small passage, stragglers to 1 June, pair may have bred Unst, scarce in autumn, max 20 Skerries 25 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle, 14 Mar-4 June, scattered records, max 8 on 7 Apr and 30 on 25 Apr, singles 23-24 June, 5-7 July, 4 Sep, few 21 Sep-14 Nov, max 14 on 27 Sep (RAB). *Lanland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus. 1 Strathbeg, Aber, 5 Feb (RHD); Fair Isle, one 8 Apr, 11th (2), few 22 Apr-6 May, max 4 on 24th, one 20 May (RAB). Autumn: Shet, 1 Foula 25 Sep (JGH). 4 Whalsay 2 Oct (JHS); Fair Isle, small numbers 19-30 Sep, max 12 on 27th, singles 2nd, 7th. 16- 19 and 28 Oct (RAB); ¢ Balranald, O Heb, 12 Sep (GC); 1 Torry, Aber- deen, 1 Oct (MAMcD). Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis. Pr reared young Cairngorms, 2 other ¢¢ and 1 2 present in summer (JCr et al.); ¢ singing Ben Nevis, W Inv, 8 June (R E Emmett). Winter counts: 600 Wester Loch, Caith,. and 300 Thurso 21 Feb (RHD, MIH); 150 Dingwall, E Ross, 30 Jan (MIH, HDS); 300 Shennachie, Inv, 18 Feb (RHD); 120+ Dalwhinnie, Inv, 4 Mar (HSH); 85 Findatie, Kinross, 15 Jan (JHSw); 100 Crail, Fife, 10 Jan (JARG); 54 Musselburgh, Mid], 16 Jan, 40 on 20 Feb, last 4 on 28 Mar (LLJV); 60 Tyninghame, E Loth, Jan, last 28 Mar (RWJS). Passage: Fair Isle, 120 in Jan, 150 in Feb, 200-300 on 12-16 Mar, 70 early Apr, 1-2 in May but 6 on 5-6th, single stragglers to 26 June (RAB); last Shet. Fetlar 13 June and Unst 15 June (RJT et al.); 1 Durness, Suth, 22 May (DCH). Rather low numbers autumn: Shet, from 12 Whalsay 13 Sep, first Foula 19th and Unst 23rd (JHS, JGH, MS); Fair Isle, from 5 Sep, peaks 50 in Sep, 3 Oct (80), 4 Nov and 18-19 Nov (200) (RAB); Ork, first 11 Sep (EB); E Ross, flocks 40+ and 200+ arrived Tarbat Ness 11 Nov (NP); first Isle of May 14 Sep (HG); c 100 Moorfoots, Midl, Nov (WB). *White-throated Sparrow Zonotricia albicollis. 1 Whalsay, Shet, 1 Nov (JHS); first for Shetland. Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena. ¢ trapped Isle of May 22-23 May (DRG et al.); this species is kept in captivity, and one shot Orkney 31 May 1964 was an escaped cage-bird. House Sparrow Passer domesticus. No changes reported. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. Breeding records: up to 14 summered Fair Isle, some bred, fledglings seen 3rd week Aug (RAB); Shet, may have bred Foula and Unst (per RJT); 10-12 pairs breeding Eday, Ork (EB); several present Scourie, Suth (IDP); O Heb, few pairs bred Storno- Way woods (WAJC), good few St Kilda, at least 1 pair bred, fledged young 7-8 July from Factor’s house (DS); young seen Ross of Mull, Arg (per MJPG). ete! Ai a eed hd 162 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 3(7) Peak counts: 100 Coylton, Ayr, 31 Dec (WRB); 400 Montrose, Angus, 17 Jan (GMC); 50 Redcastle, E Ross, 17 Jan (RHD). Migration: Shet, Foula 60 arrived 13 May, peak 100 on 15 May, numbers down to 10 on 25th (JGH), 20 Skerries 14 May, 12 on 1 June (RJT), 2-6 Fetlar 7-20 May (RSPB), 2 Unst 18 May, increased to 22 by 22nd (MS); Fair Isle, passage from 29 Apr, 10 early May, peaks 14 May (30), 16th (37), 20 until 3 June (RAB); Ork, 25 Ronaldsay 17-20 May (RG); one Isle of May 5 June (HG). Additions and corrections to 1969 and 1970 reports This section comprises significant records that have come to light for past years and the correction of errors. Some errors have been reported, and the more important of these are corrected; I am grateful to those who wrote in. Unfortunately some records were attributed to the wrong ob- servers; this usually occurred when I was dealing with a run of sightings covered by a block of three or more initials, and to save space I used one or two initials to credit the record and regrettably chose the wrong ones. My apologies to those involved and also to those places in Wig- townshire that were mistakenly placed in Kirkcudbrightshire, and vice versa. 1969 Addition Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus. One found dying last week Sep, Barcaldine, Arg (D McDonald, H Insley). 1970 Additions Manx Shearwater. Small wreck S and W Inv; singles L Ailort 9 Sep, Foyers 18 Sep, Fort Augustus 8 Oct and 3 Fort William 8 Oct; 1 Kyle of Lochalsh, W Ross, 25 Sep (JCu). Great Shearwater. Aber, 1 Rattray Head, 31 Oct, 4 on 2 Nov (MRW). Cory’s Shearwater. 2 Rattray Head, Aber, 2 Nov (MRW). Red-breasted Merganser. 308 Inversanda, Arg, 6 Aug (JASN). Black-tailed Godwit. 35 Corpach, Inv, 6 July (JASN). Greenshank. 1 L Linnhe, Inv, 24 Jan (JASN). Purple Sandpiper. 1 Beattock, Dumf, 8 Nov, died 2 days later (ED). Great Spotted Woodpecker. Pr bred L Eil side, Inv, June (JRo). re ro camel Warbler. 4 different birds Lochaber, Inv, 15 May-16 July u). ia Pr bred Braemore, W Ross, eggs hatched 10 June (Dr S. er). Add Miss R. M. Bairnson (RMBa), Mrs H. F. Brotherston and M. Hut- cheson to the list of observers, as their initials appear in the report. Corrections to 1970 report Storm Petrel (6: 354). Line 7, there were 2, not 1, at Corsewall Point. Scaup (6: 357). Line 7, for ““Lochinch Loch” read “Lochinvar Loch” Tufted Duck (6: 358). Line 14, delete “is” and “ever”. Velvet Scoter (6: 359). Line 4, for “30 Oct” read ‘3 Oct”. Goosander (6: 359). Line 3, for “20 L Ken” read “70 L Ken”. Curlew (6: 368). Line 4, for “40” read “400”. Black-tailed Godwit (6: 369). Line 15, delete “20 Barassie 24 Sep”, they were Bar-tailed Godwits. Curlew Sandpiper (6: 372). Line 2, date of Fife record was 20 June. Great Skua (6: 377). Last two lines, delete ‘‘2 Southerness, Kirk, 27 June (JGY); 1 Little Ross, Wig, 21 Aug (RTS)” they were Arctic Skuas, the first date was 17 June not 27 and Little Ross is Kirk not Wig. 1972 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1971 163 Black-headed Gull (6: 379). Line 3, delete ““‘Tentsmuir”’ and substitute “Morton Lochs’’. Guillemot (6: 380). Last 2 lines, change ‘“‘possible’”’ to “‘considered”’; ob- server was (JGY) not (ADW). Barn Owl (6: 381).Remove asterisk. House Martin (6: 385). Line 11, change ‘“‘on increase” to “continuing”. Raven (6: 385). Line 2, change “about” to “at least’. Water Pipit (6: 395). Date was 13-18 Apr, not 13 Mar. awe Grey Shrike (6: 396). Line 4, change “12 Apr (RWR)” to ‘1 Jan Twite (6: 398). Line 3, change ‘Mull, I Heb” to “Mull of Galloway”. Cirl Bunting (6: 400). Delete. The record was 17 Aug 1969 and appeared in the 1969 report (6: 126). The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire, 27th-29th October 1972 PROGRAMME Friday 27th October 4.30 - 7.30 p.m. Conference Office in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro open for and 8 to 9 p.m. members and guests to register and collect name cards and Annual Dinner tickets. 6.15 p.m. Meeting of Council. 8.30 to 9.30 pm.FILM AND SLIDE PROGRAMME in the Ballroom. At 9.30 p.m. details of excursions on Saturday after- noon will be given. 10 p.m. Meeting of Local Recorders. 9.30 p.m. to Lounges open for informal discussions and refreshments midnight (late licence). Saturday 28th October 8.45 to 9.15 a.m. Conference Office open for registration. 9.20 a.m. Official opening of the Conference in the Ballroom. ADDRESS OF WELCOME by Mr K. Matheson, Provost of Dunblane. 9.30 a.m. LECTURE, “The Developing Woodlands of Britain” by Professor J. D. Matthews, Department of Forestry, University of Aberdeen. 11 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. 11.30 a.m. LECTURE, “The Study and Conservation of Woodland Birds” by Dr Bruce Campbell. 1 p.m. INTERVAL for Lunch. 2 p.m. EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the Conference Hotel car park. Details will be posted on the Conference notice board. 2.30 p.m. MEETING of members of the R.S.P.B. in the Ballroom, to which members of the Club and their guests are invited. 4.30 to 5.30 p.m. MEETING of participants of the Birds of Estuaries Enquiry and the Wader Study Group to which all who are interested in waders are invited. 6 p.m. 36th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB in the Ballroom. | ST ST rE, TOE RIOTS CARR fm CAN Re aa REA AE A 164 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 3(7) BUSINESS : Apologies for absence. 2) Approval of the Minutes of the 35th Annual General Meeting of the Club held in Dunblane on 30th October 1971 (see Scottish Birds 6: 461). 3) Matters arising from the Minutes. 4) Report of Council for Session 35. 5) Approval of Accounts for Session 35. (6) Appointment of Auditor. (7) Election of new Office Bearers and Members of Council, The Council recommends the following elections : George Waterston as President of the Club to suc- ceed A. Donald Watson who is due to retire having completed his three year term of office. Andrew T. Macmillan as Vice-President to succeed George Waterston. J. H. Ballantyne, F. D. Hamilton, H. Robb and B. S. Turner as new Members of Council to replace A. T. Macmillan; R. S. Baillie who has resigned, and Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn and T. D. H. Merrie who are due to retire by rotation. (8) Any other competent business. 7.30 for 8 p.m. ANNUAL DINNER in the Dining Room of the Hotel Dunblane Hydro (dress informal). Sunday 29th October 9.30 a.m. LECTURE, “Tawny Owls and their prey—a population study” by Mr H. N. Southern, Animal Ecology Research Group, Department of Zoology, Oxford University. 10.45 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. 11.15 a.m. FILMS, “Wildlife in Alaska” by Mr B. L. Sage, and “Solstice” by courtesy of The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited, Australia. 1 p.m. INTERVAL for Lunch. 2 p.m siento apres (informal), leaving the Conference Hotel car park. BRANCH SECRETARIES Will Members please note the names and addresses of the new Branch Secretaries of the Dumfries and Inverness Branches. Dumfries W. Austin, 54 Albert Road, Dumfries, Inverness M. I. Harvey, Clach Bhan, Loaneckheim, Kiltarlity, Inverness. ARGYLL WEEKEND 1973 Last year the Stirling Branch held a very successful weekend based on the Cairnbaan Hotel, Lochgilphead, Argyll. Visits were made to places of special interest in Kintyre, Knapdale, and north to Oban. Some 40 people attended and about 90 species were seen. Arrangements have been made with the hotel for a similar weekend, on 23rd to 25th February 1973. The price will be £6.50 per person inclusive, which will cover bed and breakfast for the Friday and Saturday nights, dinner on Saturday evening, and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday. This really represents ex- cellent value for money. As there are only 42 beds at the hotel,. persons wishing to attend should book early. It would be appreciated if persons coming alone would be willing to share a room if required, as there are only six single rooms. Bookings should be made direct with the hotel, but would you please let the organiser, T. D. H. Merrie, West Faerwood, Dollar, know when your booking has been confirmed. SOLWAY WEEKEND 1973 The weekend excursion will take place on 9th-1lth February 1973. Full details will appear in the next issue of the Journal. THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB PPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and Thurso at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest. The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology. There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is £2.00, or 50p in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of £3.00, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on lst October annually. _ Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal. The affairs of the Club are controlled by a Council composed of the Hon. Presidents, the President, the Vice-President, the Hon. Treasurer, the Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fund, and ten other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also one Representative of each Branch Committee appointed annually by the Branch. The Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by Council, produces an annual Report on ‘Ornithological Changes in Scotland’. The Club tie in dark green,, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be obtained by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch Secretaries. The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important journals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject. The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre. Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042). i inhi Att sh ASLA MASI DEE SCRBIAEED SDR AAAIOSDSOABD SA NAEEECEOACC NN SAAT EEG desi) kanienennnen nt iii NAA ms SET Pie aad NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS 1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on thei own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Tom Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BY. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated. 2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for hei joumnal All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready. 3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will normally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost. 4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these. 5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining. Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 529. EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London. 6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99:396). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets. 7. Dates should normally be in the form “Ist January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as ‘“‘Dr’” and “St’’. 8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory. 9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type. 10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints. Bird Books THE BIRD BOOKSHOP a y 21 REGENT TERRACE, EDINBURGH, EH7 5BT Some new books in stock: Gulls in Britain. Richard Vaughan. £1.75 Birds of Britain and Europe with the Middle East and North Africa. Heinzel, Fitter & Parslow. £1.50 Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland. BOU. £3 Birds of Moor and Mountain. Donald Watson. £5.50 Handbook of the Birds of Cyprus and Migrants of the Middle East. D. A. & W. M. Bannerman. £3 Collins Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Britain and Europe. Muus & Dahl- strom. £2.25 All Books sent Post Free — Terms: Strictly Cash with order Do you want aL : ta help Forestry Commission Do you want to help the S.O.C. and your own firm at the same Wild Life Centre time? An advertisement for a space this size costs only £3. If we can fill every end page with a paid advertisement each time the reven- WATERFOWL ROEDEER ue meets an appreciable proportion Tighnabruaich of publication costs—and the ad- Bookable Observation vertisiements in a paper that reach- & es most birdwatchers in Scotland ‘ cannot fail to benefit the advertiser. Photographic Hides Please contact the business edi- tor, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Apply to Head Forester, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 . A 5BT, for details. Tighnabruaich Forest ... HELP US BY HELPING —_| Mafton, Tighnabruaich (284) YOURSELF Argyll TRO LANDMARK Europe’s First Visitor Centre OPEN ALL YEAR ON AIS AT CARRBRIDGE ik: Good selection of books on the history and natural history of the Highlands and Islands — Catalogue available Restaurant - Nature Trail - Exhibition - Film Programme Free Booklist now available ok: Telephone CARRBRIDGE 613 DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL A.A. * R.A.C. * R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ & ‘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. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. ; To Ornithological and other parties, we offer the following reduc- tions on. accommodation prices for 1973 season: 12th April to Whitsun—20%, Whitsun to end of June—l10%, Mid September to 5th October—10%. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216 John Gooders watching Tawny Eagles : in Thebes Mr. John Gooders, the celebrated ornithologist and Editor of ‘Birds of the World’, is seen using his new Zeiss 10 x 40B binoculars. Mr. Gooders writes: “TI stare through binoculars all day long for weeks on end without eyestrain —try that with any binoculars other than West German Zeiss. The 10 x 40B meets all my other needs too; high twilight power for birds at dawn and dusk, superb resolution for feather by feather examination, and wide field of view. With no external moving parts they stand the rough treatment that studying birds in marsh, snow and desert involves —I can even use them with sunglasses without losing performance. Zeiss binoculars are not cheap — but they are recognised as the best by every ornithologist I know. The 10 x 40B is the perfect glass for birdwatching”. Details from the sole UK agents for Carl Zeiss, West Germany. Degenhardt & Co. Ltd., 31/36 Foley Street, London W1P 8AP. Telephone 01-636 8050 (15 lines) 5 |e FBloventarct WHICH BINOCULAR ? Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to "advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. _—— Top prices offered in FOR NEW ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE CHARLES FRANK LTD. 145 QUEEN STREET : GLASGOW TEL. 041-221 6666 $) é PRINTE part exchange ALTER THOMSON> R, SELKIRK We stock all makes, but one binocular which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, complete with case costs only £12.50, Not only do we ourselves recommend this binocular, it also carries 4a recommendation from The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and each glass carries the seal of approval of the Game Conser vacany. Our Free 42 page catalogue} illustrates hundreds of Binoculars &| Telescopes including the larger 10 x 50 model at £16.50 and the 9 x 63 alt E30; : FREE COMPARISON TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free for 7 days. Should you decide, how- ever, on a binocular other than the, Frank/Nipole make, we can promise strong a substantial price reduction at least equalling any other offer which you may bring to our notice. This offer also applies to Telescopes. * SCOTTISH THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 7 No. 4 WINTER 1972 Price 50p John Gooders watching Tawny Eagles inThebes Mr. John Gooders, the celebrated ornithologist and Editor of ‘Birds of the World’, is seen using his new Zeiss 10 x 40B binoculars. Mr. Gooders writes: “T stare through binoculars all day long for weeks on end without eyestrain —try that with any binoculars other than West German Zeiss. The 10 x 40B meets all my other needs too; high twilight power for birds at dawn and dusk, superb resolution for feather by feather examination, and wide field of view. With no external moving parts they stand the rough treatment that studying birds in marsh, snow and desert involves—I can even use them with sunglasses without losing performance. Zeiss binoculars are not cheap — but they are recognised as the best by every ornithologist I know. The 10 x 40B is the perfect glass for birdwatching”. Details from the sole UK agents for Carl Zeiss, West Germany. Degenhardt & Co. Ltd., 31/36 Foley Street, London W1P 8AP. Telephone 01-636 8050 (15 lines) a a FBlegenhartt OBSERVE & CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER UP 140 OF to 33”% POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. Il 8.5 x 44 £49.50 £33.50 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £32.50 £23.90 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £27.40 £20.10 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. Il 10 x 50 £37.50 £26.25 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £18.85 £13.90 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £32.50 £19.95 : CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £103.15 £74.00 Nesey Tim =6©6CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £119.62 £85.00 baeeee LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case £131.30 £97.30 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case £124.30 £91.75 ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 £51.44 £39.00 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £61) £60.61 £48.41 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £66.00 £49.50 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60 x 60 £63.90 £48.00 and the Birdwatcher’s choice the superb HERON 8 x 40 just £13.00 (leaflet available). As approved and used by the Nature Conservancy and Forestry Commission. All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 76 models in stock from £9 to £85. Available on 7 days approval—Remittance with order. Also available most makes of Photographic Equipment at 25% to 374% Discount. Send for separate price list. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. Beware V.A.T. buy now Binoculars/Telescopes tax free HERON OPTICAL COMPANY (Dept. SB), 15 Short Croft, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. Coxtie Green 73498 Please despatch to me immediately .......................eeee for which | enclose ©............ Ys Please send me your Free Brochure described above “plus Binocular/Telescope/Photographic Price List. (Delete as appropriate) See eee RTA ESET ESOT HH TOESEEETEEETESSOSH TESTS SOSH SESS PSOS SE GSE FETET SE EET SES IEEE O EEE EEE EEEED EE DNamAAAAKAALA Ae bi AMAA AMA 1 AA AAAIIY 4 ASAAEAARIS AN MAAR ORDA AANA SACRA NEAITATIS ANIA WHEN IN THE HIGHLANDS VISIT EUROPE’S FIRST VISITOR CENTRE Nature trail Bookshop Good selection of books on History and Natural History of the Highlands and Islands. Send for Booklist. Exhibition and Multi-Screen Theatre History of Man in Strathspey Restaurant and Bar Landmark CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 7, NUMBER 4, WINTER 1972 Page Editorial sais ae 165 Statement on Club policy on “Sons PET pad the environment = Ses ae oe 167 BTO Ornithological Atlas... 169 Distribution status and movements of feral Greylap Geese i in southwest Scotland. By J.G. Young (plates 14 and 15) 170 The status of Shelducks in the Forth area. By Dr D. Jenkins 183 Short Notes Bird of Rockall (J. Butler) ae 201 Steller’s Eider in the Outer Hebrides (J. M. oO Sullivan) 202 Eider and porpoises (Lt Cdr R. H. Miller)... 203 Further early fledging of Hen Harriers (D. Macdonald) 204 Spotted Sandpiper in East Lothian (Dr L. L. J. Vick) 204 A large movement of skuas in the Outer Hebrides (G. Critchley) a pe bh 205 Mole kills Herring Gull (. H. i: ein) oe 207 Habitat of Redwings in Scotland (Dr J. T. R. Sharrock) 208 Scarlet Rosefinch in Shetland (B. Marshall) Bh: 209 Reviews . The Birds of Britain and Europe with North Africa and the Middle East. By H. Heinzel, R. Fitter & J. Parslow. Reviewed by N. Picozzi_... 210 The Storm Petrel and the Owl of Athena. By L. J. Halle. Reviewed by R. J, Tulloch FAN Birds of South America : illustrations from the lithographs of John Gould. By A. Rutgers. Reviewed by T. Delaney ane a 211 The Oxford Book of Birds. Pocket edition. By Bruce Campbell & Donald Watson. Reviewed ee Miss O. T. Thomson : Si 212 Wild Highlands. By Lea McNally. Eevicwed by H. Burton : Su 212 Enquiries _ dah “ie abs 2A) one Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ms rd ie stad 214 Edited by T. Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh EH5 3BY Assisted by D. G. Andrew and B. G. Grattage Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) NV AMARA AM CAMAASARAAS OSA AAA BAAASY U1 61S4AEIAD dam!) Adina rn ah in ee a ip SEREEESY aA AH, THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB presents A PUBLIC LECTURE A NATURALIST IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC An account of an expedition to Ellesmere Island in 1972 illustrated with colour slides by George Waterston on WEDNESDAY, 28th MARCH 1973 at 7.45 pm in Usher Hall, Edinburgh Tickets : Area B & Grand Tier, 40p (reserved); Area A & C, 30p (reserved); Upper Tier, 15p (unreserved) Obtainable from 1st February onwards at the Scottish Centre for Ornithology, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT; and The Edinburgh Bookshop, 57 George Street, Edinburgh 2. Also at Usher Hall on 28th March from 7 pm onwards. lf ordered by post, please send postage stamp with remittance. KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £20.00. The programme for 1973 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Birds Fungi Mountain Flowers Mammals Field Botany Natural History Photography Moorland Ecclogy Painting Rocks and Minerals Natural History and Landscape Conservation of the Highlands Insects Industrial Archaeology Landscape Photography Bryophytes Vegetation Past & Present All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB May BULGARIA Mr Frank King 19 May USSR—Caucasus Mr Don Parr 19 May TURKEY Mr John Collins 26 May N.W. SCOTLAND Mr G. Stebbing-Allen 2 June ICELAND Local guide 3 & 12 June ROMAN!A—Danube Delta Mr E. L. Roberts 21 August ALGARVE Mr Ron Kettle 6 September MAJORCA Mr Frank King 29 September Flowers CORSICA Mr David Paton 7 April TURKEY Mr J. E. Lousley 15 April FRANCE—Pyrenees Mr J. E. Lousley 15 June ITALY—Val d’Aosta Dr C. T. Prime 23 July Our special brochure giving full details of these tours Write to Cecil Kline or Joy Randerson BS/12 HENRY ALLAN TRAVEL, 310 High Holborn, London, WCl1 7LU or Tel. 01-242 2039. is now available. with the amenities of a modern hotel, our class service. DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL Pee ee RAC. * R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ & ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined guests receive a warm welcome and a first- Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. To Ornithological and other parties, we offer the following reduc- tions on accommodation prices for 1973 season: 12th April to Whitsun—20%, Whitsun to end of June—l10%, Mid September to Sth October—10%. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216 Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from | us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. ! We stock all makes, but one binocular Mr Frank’s popular book on how to which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which | complete with case costs only £12.50., able at 20p incl. postage. Not only do we ourselves recUrimcel this binocular, it also carries ‘Yop prices strong recommendation from The part exchange |~—Royal Society for the Protection of | Birds, and each glass carries the seal of approval of the Game Conse choose and use binoculars is avail- | ) ° illustrates hundreds of Binoculars & £30. FREE COMPARISON '~ TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free for 7 days. Should you decide, hi ever, on a binocular other than Frank/Nipole make, we can prom 145 QUEEN STREET : GLASGOW may bring to our notice. Tt TEL. 041-221 6666 also applies to Telescopes. = | MALTER THOMSON) [IX PRINTER. SELKIRK_/} 7. yt iwiG Lit Anite THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 7 No. 5 SPRING 1973 Price 50p Will tomorrow ’s adults care about the countryside? To make sure they do, the RSPB has taken another step into the future Loch Leven Nature Centre This centre is designed for schools and the general public. There is a resident teacher in charge. We like visitors... . SO bring the family—there’s lots to see— nature trail, large exhibition room, children’s nature discovery room, tripod-mounted binoculars—and wildlife in plenty, in a lovely scenic setting. Join the RSPB and help to build more nature centres Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RS PB 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. Tel. 031-556 5624. Route : From main Edinburgh-Perth road, just south of Kinross, turn east on B9097. Centre 2 miles. Closed Friday WHEN IN THE HIGHLANDS VISIT EUROPE’S FIRST VISITOR CENTRE Nature trail Bookshop Good selection of books on History and Natural History of the Highlands and Islands. Send for Booklist. Exhibition and Multi-Screen Theatre History of Man in Strathspey Restaurant and Bar Landmark CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire ~ Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 binoculars OBSERVE & CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF 1 33”% POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. II 8.5 x 44 £61.60 £41.16 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £40.70 £30.80 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £35.20 £24.64 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. II 10 x 50 £47.30 £33.00 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £24.75 £17.32 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £35.75 £23.10 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £123.46 £81.41 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £131.58 £93.50 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case £157.30 £127.95 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case £148.90 £117.70 ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 £63.22 £42.90 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £80) £80.00 £64.00 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60x 60 £79.75 £59.81 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60 x 60 £77.82 £58.30 and the Birdwatcher’s choice the superb HERON 8 x 40 just £14.30 (leaflet available). As approved and used by the Forestry Commission. All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 76 models in stock from £9 to £85. Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. Also available most makes of Photographic Equipment at 25% to 374% Discount. Send for separate price list. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY (Dept. SB), 25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. Brentwood 1259. Please despatch to me immediately .................ccccccecceeeees for which | enclose £............ | sues Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope/Photographic Price List. (Delete as appropriate) PECCS CEES H EEE EOE SHS HOTEEEESE SHEET ES ESSE SESE EOSS ESSE SEES OOOO E SEH ESOS ESSE SEOEEHOSEOES SESE EEESEEES DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL A.A. * R.A.C. * R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ & ‘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. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. To Ornithological and other parties, we offer the following reduc- tions on accommodation prices for 1973 season: 12th April to Whitsun—20%, Whitsun to end of June—l10%, Mid September to 5th October—10%. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216 KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £20.00. The programme for 1973 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Birds Fungi Mountain Flowers Mammals Field Botany Natural History Photography Moorland Ecology Painting Roeks and Minerals Natural History and Landscape Conservation of the Highlands Insects Industrial Archaeology Landscape Photography Bryophytes Vegetation Past & Present All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. 1973 ORNITHOLIDAYS ca (WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) Holidays organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers MOROCCO Exciting safari-type Or- ) YUGOSLAVIA Another exciting nitholiday to southern Morocco safari-tye tour which will explore and the edge of the Sahara. Tour starts Marrakech and covers the most interesting parts of the Haut and Moyen Atlas, and the desert beyond. Good hotel accommoda- tion, coach travel reduced _ to minimum consistent with good birdwatching, Departure on 24th March. Maximum 20. FINLAND The last wilderness. Or- nithological safari through the lakeland and forests of Finland. Good accommodation. Coach throughout. Departure 9th June. Maximum 20. ARCTIC NORWAY Another Ornith- Olidays safari, this time to the top of Europe in search of arctic birds. Good hotel and guesthouse accom- modation, road and air transport throughout. Departure 25rd June. Maximum 20. HOLLAND Autumn visit to Texel and the Polders. Pleasant hotel accommodation, air and road transport throughout. Departure 22nd September. Maximum 16. the marshes and hills of northern Yugoslavia, then head south for Lake Scutari and Metkovic. Good hotel accommodation, coach throughout, Departures 14th April and 22nd September. Maximum each group 20. MALAWI Detailed exploration of Lake Malawi, Lake Chilwa, Leng- we Game Reserve, Zomba, etc. First-class hotel and good game- lodge accommodation, minibus transport. Departure 12th July. Maximum 14. ZAMBIA Exciting birdwatching at Kafue, Livingstone, Sumbu Res- erve, etc. Good-class accommoda- tion, air and minibus transport. ae rk Se Sth October. Maximum ETHIOPIA Repeat of our 1971 and 1972 tours to the Awash National Park, the Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Tana, the Blue Nile Gorge and the Menagesha State Forest. A fascin- ating country with outstanding birdlife. Departure 15th Novem- ber. Maximum 22. Full details of costs and schedules for these and many other holidays on application : please send 3p stamp for 1973 programme LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY Be, ORNITHOLIDAYS $y\,% A~t-T 44 ALDWICK ROAD 2 ZU © “ae BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX, PO21 2PW Tel. Bognor Regis 21230 SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 7, NUMBER 5, SPRING 1973 Page Editorial se Be ied aa sae 225 Rare Breeding Birds Panel me a ae 226 Current Ornithological Research in Scorand, By IL. H. J, Lysiter ene ¥ 228 Isle of May Observatory and Field Gintion 1 Report for 1972. By Nancy J. Gordon se Biss 243 Short Notes Winter range of a Red Kite in East re euess shite (D..N, Weir) 5 257 Autumn aggression of Gapercaillic (N. G. Macdonald) 258 Bonaparte’s Gull in Fife (D. W. Oliver) ae nae 258 Collared Pratincole on Fair Isle (R. A. Broad) eee 259 Barn Owls nesting close together (J. Callion) #e 260 Red-rumped Swallow in Shetland (J.H. Simpson) ... 260 White’s Thrush on Fair Isle (G. J. Barnes) ... ay 261 Thick-billed Warbler in Shetland (J. H. Simpson, B. Marshall, R. J. Tulloch, I, H. J. Lyster) om 262 Pechora Pipit on Fair Isle (R. A. Broad, P. Helnes I, S. Robertson) =a ah 263 Reviews The Palaearctic-African Bird Migration Systems. By R. E, Moreau. Reviewed by C. G. Headlam ... 265 Encyclopaedia of Aviculture Vol. 2, Edited by E. Rutgers and K. A. Norris. Reviewed by Ritchie Seath ... 266 A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests. By B. Campbell and I. J. Ferguson-Lees, Reviewed by E. Pickard ... 266 Orkney Birds by E. Balfour. Reviewed by T. Delaney 267 Letters ne Birds on Rockall. From Seton Gordon mn ei 267 Habitat of Redwings in Wester Ross. From K. Willamson oda Je ic 268 Enquiries FES ste ie sf 269 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ae ne bee He 270 Edited by T. Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh EH5 3BY Assisted by D. G. Andrew and B. G. Grattage Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) -—-—_—_—_— BIG GAME BIRDS SAFARIS 21 DAYS £452 VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Samburu, Tsavo, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Mara, in Kenya and Tanzania. GUEST LECTURERS accompany each Safari and their expert and personal knowledge of East Africa, its animals and birds, its history, peoples and customs, highlights your enjoyment. DEPARTURES 1973: June 27; July 18; Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31. 1974: Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 7; June 27; July 18; Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31. BEACH AND TREE-TOPS SAFARIS A great opportunity to combine the thrill of seeing East African Wildlife with the enjoyment of beautiful beaches. 21 days from £260 Send this Coupon for Free Brochure To SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 237 (W20) Tottenham Court Road, London, W1P OAL. Tel. 01-636 8070 SWANS | | | Please send me your 12 page colour brochure on Big Game and Birds Safaris | SRC E RR eee EERE Eee eR EEE EERE EEE ETERS EES EE EEE EERE EEE ESSE HEE EEEEEEEHE EEE EE EES EE SERRE EHH EEEEESESESEEEREEEEEESEEEEEEEEEE DS SCOTTISH BIRDS © THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB “gate y Vol. 7 No. 5 Spring 1973 Edited by Tom Delaney assisted by D. G. Andrew and B. G. Grattage Editorial Editorial arrangements. Alert readers will have noticed the recent appearance of a new name in the heading of the Editorial section of Scottish Birds. Two years with the journal have amply demonstrated to the editor that Parkinson’s Law is not reversible : spare time cannot be expanded to cover all the in- creasing demands on it and indeed seems to be an ever dimin- ishing commodity. We are therefore fortunate in having been able to obtain the services of B. G. Grattage to help deal with the production of the Short Notes section. He is ideally suited to the task, having some 30 years of ornithological experience, a methodical but enthusiastic approach to the work involved and some spare time to devote to it. We bid him welcome to the Order Scribendiformes. Oil developments. The Nature Conservancy have appointed Robin Donally as ‘oil developments officer’ to support the work of the Nature Conservancy staff in this field and to provide an advisory and consultative service on all aspects of North Sea oil developments that affect conservation interests. The RSPB are to appoint a conservation officer to study the problems associated with the development of oil and natural gas around the coast, and to help combat potential threats by putting forward the conservation point of view. These appointments, both based in Scotland, are welcome indicators of the growing resources being applied for conser- vation in the face of current developments. Rare breeding birds. A problem encountered from time to time in the preparation of bird reports concerns records of rare breeding birds. For reasons of security, observers may decide not to report such records or may stipulate that they should not be passed on or published. The desire to protect the birds from the pressures that are all too likely to follow publicity is, of course, laudable. On the other hand, the overall picture it is possible to form of the status, distribution and success of 226 EDITORIAL 7(5) rare breeders may as a result often be incomplete or inaccurate. It seems a pity that data of such scientific interest and impor- tance in the planning of the conservation of these species should effectively be lost in this way. To overcome the problem a safe central repository for such records was obviously re- quired, able to command the full confidence of. observers; to this end in 1968 the RSPB formed the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. The Panel has recently been reconstituted as an indepen- ‘dent body by the BTO, the RSPB and British Birds, with a rep- resentative from the Nature Conservancy. Full details of the Panel, its organisation and arrangements are given below. The safeguards provided concerning the secur- ity of information seem sensible and practical and should satis- fy most people. By allowing records of rare breeding birds to be gathered together safely in one place, the Panel offers a val- uable service to ornithology: we commend its work to our members. Rare Breeding Birds Panel In 1968 the council of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds established a subcommittee, known as the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, to collect together in one place the records of rare breeding birds in Britain. This subcommittee consisted of A. W. Colling, Peter Conder, I. J. Fer- guson-Lees, David Lea (Secretary) and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock. Details of the scheme were circulated to 46 county and regional report editors, and the great majority approved it (43 in favour, one against, two not replying). While many records were received by the Panel, the response was less complete than had been hoped. As a result of this and also the departure to Orkney of David Lea, the Panel was reconstituted in December 1972 as an autonomous body separate from the RSPB, financed jointly by the . British Trust for Ornithology, the RSPB and British Birds, and including, as before, a representative of the Nature Conservancy. The members of the Panel are fully aware that the data on rare breeding birds submitted to them are usually confidential and that the records will continue to be sent only if county recorders and others can be sure that the information will remain secret. Basically, this comes down to having confidence in the individuals concerned. Over the years there are bound to be changes in the Panel’s composition and it has, therefore, been agreed that any such changes shall be subject to approval by the councils of the BTO and the RSPB and the editors of British Birds. David Lea’s departure has already necessitated such a change, and these bodies have approved R. H. Dennis as the Panel’s new member and Dr Sharrock as its Hon. Secretary. The aims of the Panel are to collect in one place all information on rare breeding birds so that changes in status—both increases and decreases— ‘can be monitored, and so that essential information is not lost (as has happened in the past) through the deaths of those keeping breeding records secret. Data sent to the Panel will not be divulged to any other person (not even members of the councils or staffs of the BTO and RSPB or the editors of British Birds) without the prior permission of the person supplying the information (during his or her lifetime) except that an annual summary in very general terms will be published. Localities will never be listed in this unless all concerned consider it safe to do so (eg. Snowy Owls on Fetlar, Ospreys at Boat of 1973 RARE BREEDING BIRDS PANEL 227 Garten) and often the county and even the region will be omitted. When specifically asked not to publish, the Panel undertakes to honour this re- quest. Typical entries (all hypothetical) in this annual report might read: Scaup Aythya marila. Successful breeding of four pairs occurred at three sites (two of them new) in Ross-shire, Sutherland and Inverness- shire—a higher number than in any year since 19XX. Bee-eater Merops apiaster. Three pairs nested, one rearing two young successfully, at a locality in southern England. This is the first case of proved breeding since 19XX. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Breeding of 18 pairs was proved at 17 localities in northern England and Scotland, this shows a continuing increase from the 19XX figures of 11 and 9 respectively. County recorders and others having relevant information are asked to submit breeding records of the species listed below, in duplicate, on the Panel’s special forms. These will be obtainable free on request from the Secretary and should be returned to him. We hope that with very few ex- ceptions the information will come to the Panel via the county recorder concerned. When information does not come from him, the supplier’s per- mission is sought, on the form, for the county recorder to be informed. Only the two copies of the original data supplied to the Panel will exist, and these will be kept under lock and key, at separate places to guard against risk of fire. The duplicate set will be referred to only in such an emergency. The main set will be consulted only by the Secretary, but a prepared by him will be shown to the other members of the Pane] at an annual meeting. This summary will be returned to the Sec- retary at the end of the meeting, and copies will not be taken by the other members of the Panel. The Panel hopes that all ornithologists, and particularly all county and regional recorders, will appreciate the importance of full co-operation, so that the spread of increasing species and the decline of decreasing ones can be monitored and so that isolated breeding records are not lost. List of species for which records are required This list is confined to those species known to have bred in Britain since 1960. Great Northern Diver Spotted Crake Golden Oriole Slavonian Grebe Dotterel Short-toed Treecreeper Black-necked Grebe Black-tailed Godwit Fieldfare Pintail Wood Sandpiper Redwing Scaup Temminck’s Stint Black Redstart Goldeneye Ruff Bluethroat Common Scoter Avocet Cetti’s Warbler Goshawk Red-necked Phalarope Savi’s Warbler Red Kite Stone Curlew Marsh Warbler Honey Buzzard Mediterranean Gull Dartford Warbler Marsh Harrier Black Tern Firecrest Montagu’s Harrier Snowy Owl Red-backed Shrike Osprey Hoopoe Serin Hobby Wryneck Snow Bunting Various species which bred in Britain prior to 1960 may do so again (e.g. Long-tailed Duck, Green Sandpiper, Brambling), while others which have not yet been proved to breed here have been suspected in recent years (e.g. Little Bittern). Observations are required for species such as these, and also in cases where breeding has been suspected but not proved or where a male has held an established territory. Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (Secretary, Rare Breeding Birds Panel), 59 Curlew Crescent, Bedford, MK41 7HY. 228 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) Current ornithological research in Scotland A survey compiled by I. H. J. LYSTER Introduction In a recent editorial (Scot. Birds 7: 105-6) the setting up of the SOC’s Research Committee was announced: its primary purpose is to provide impetus and co-ordination for Club members and others wishing to take part in useful ornitholog- ical fieldwork in Scotland. Besides recommendations for spec- ific projects, the Committee also suggested that, for general information and to help put workers in touch with one another, a list of research projects currently in progress in Scotland should be published in Scottish Birds. Accordingly a ques- tionnaire was devised and circulated, and this survey has been drawn up from the answers received. Copies of the questionnaire were sent to all local recorders in Scotland, to secretaries of Club branches, to most BTO and RSPB local representatives and to zoology or biology depart- ments of universities etc.; there was a very good response, and I am grateful to all those who completed the forms or helped with information. Nevertheless it is expected that some projects will have been missed. I apologise to those con- cerned, but it is intended that the survey will be updated from time to time, and to this end I shall be glad to receive additions or amendments. The survey deals mainly with field ornithology, but within that scope the term ‘research’ has been given a broad inter- pretation, covering the compilation of check-lists as well as studies of populations, breeding, behaviour, food etc. An important factor in selecting items for inclusion has been the worker’s intention to publish. Many ornithologists make reg- ular observations and counts of birds, but not all intend to share this knowledge. Although it is hoped that the publica- tion of this list may encourage observers to help one another by passing on useful records or observations, more important perhaps is the hope that it will provide ideas and a stimulus to observers to undertake planned fieldwork projects that will contribute to our growing knowledge of bird life in Scotland. A small number of returns covered laboratory research on such topics as physiology. These have been included under the heading of general topics, but no attempt has been made to produce an exhaustive list of such work in Scotland. It is clear from the results of the survey, that some individ- uals and institutions are very active, and they appear several times in the list. Species of economic importance, such as game birds and wildfowl, also figure prominently, since they 1973 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 229 come in for a great deal of attention, particularly from the institutions; seabirds too are generally well covered. Many species, however, are completely untouched: nobody, for example, appears to be studying Crested Tit, although it is a notably Scottish bird, and indeed is the symbol of our Club. It is hoped that this compilation will also be useful by demon- strating such gaps in present work. Some ornithologists may feel that the study of a single species or genus is too restricting; they prefer to watch all birds, though at the same time they would be willing to help in something worthwhile. For such people there are many co-operative projects run by national bodies, for which extra help is needed; such schemes can add an extra interest to a day’s birdwatching, and the resulis can be of considerable value. The section on nationally organised projects lists the main bodies concerned and gives details of some schemes at present in force in Scotland. Finally, two important points were made by several people in response to the questionnaire: first, workers should not without prior discussion ring birds in an area already being studied in detail by another ornithologist; apart from con- fusion caused by retraps (not to mention colour-ringing) the extra disturbance may adversely affect years of work; second- ly, they must make sure they have any necessary licence from the Nature Conservancy. Projects listed by species The species sequence is that used in the Scottish Bird Re- port. Researchers are listed alphabetically, with a brief des- cription of their work. Where appropriate, the body sponsoring the research is named in brackets after the description, follow- ed by the names of co-workers and requests for assistance. Co-workers involved in other research projects in their own right are named in heavy type. Addresses of all researchers are listed at the end of the paper. Abbreviations BTO is the British Trust for Ornithology. NERC is the Natural Environment Research Council. SRC is the Science Research Council. RSPB is the Royal Scottish Society for the Protection of Birds. SOC is the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. WAGBI is the Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland. Names of other bodies are given in full. BLACK-THROATED DIVER and RED-THROATED DIVER Dennis, R. H. Monitoring of breeding success at a representative selection of sites in the Highlands and Islands. Information is collected on causes ‘of failure, disturbance, type of loch etc. Casual and past records wel- comed. (RSPB). 230 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) GREAT CRESTED GREBE Smith, R, W. J. Survey to locate all breeding pairs in Scotland and deter- mine breeding success. See Scot. Birds 7: 213. (SOC). SLAVONIAN GREBE Dennis, R. H. Monitoring of annual breeding numbers and success of Scottish populations; includes the collecting of information on causes of failure, disturbance, type of loch etc. Some conservation and protection work is also undertaken, including the provision of floating islands. (RSPB and SOC). Co-workers, M. I. Harvey and others. FULMAR Dunnet, Prof G. M. Population study (especially in relation to survival and age at first breeding) on Eynhallow, Orkney. (University of Aber- deen). Co-workers, M. A. Macdonald, A. Anderson. Macdonald, M. A. A 3-year investigation into winter assembly, breeding biology and dispersal at sea. Northeast Scotland, principally Forvie, Aber- deenshire, and Eynhallow, Orkney. (NERC). MANX SHEARWATER Wormell, P. Study of populations and the ecology of colonies on the island of Rhum. (Nature Conservancy). STORM PETREL Brathay Exploration Group. Comprehensive study of the birds of Foula, Shetland, especially Storm Petrel and Great Skua. Standring, K. T. Investigation of the colony on Eilean nan Ron, Suther- land. Work includes ringing, biometrics, mapping of area used and arti- ficial extension of the colony by provision of nestboxes and man-made burrows. Co-workers, J. H. Morgan, J. Allsop. GANNET Mitchell, J. Census of the colony on Ailsa Craig; collection of eggs under licence for chemical analysis. (Nature Conservancy). ‘Nelson, Dr J. B,. Long-term study of ecology and behaviour. Work is based on the Bass Rock colony, but comparative information from other see is badly needed. (Aberdeen University). See also Enquiries CORMORANT Durham University. Census and ringing, Mochrum Loch, Wigtownshire. SHAG Coulson, Dr J. C. Study of breeding biology, irruptions and pollution by insecticides, Isle of May. (Durham University). Contact wanted with any- one willing to ring Shags annually in either Orkney or Shetland. DUCKS, GENERAL Allison, A, General study of the ducks of Loch Leven, Kinross-shire. Work includes regular counts, annual assessment of breeding success and predation, a ringing programme and a study of the feeding area. (Nature Conservancy). Allison, A. and Maitland, P. S, Analysis of the gut contents of ducks from Loch Leven. (Nature Conservancy). Allison, A, and Harrison, Dr J. G. National Duck Production Survey. Analysis of duck wings received from Loch Leven, Dornoch Firth, Sol- way, Orkney and three English sites. (Nature Conservancy). TUFTED DUCK and GOLDENEYE Pounder, B. Feeding habits of both species (and Mute Swan) in polluted waters in the Tay. Information wanted on wintering flocks, e.g. numbers and estimates of sex ratios. 1973 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 231 EIDER Love, J. A. Predation by Eider (and Oystercatchers and Herring Gulls) on the mussel] beds of the River Ythan, Aberdeenshire. Also a study of the food of Eiders. (University of Aberdeen). Mendenhall, Miss V. A 3-year (Ph.D.) study on the productivity of Eiders on the Ythan estuary includes assessing the survival of ducklings, lab- oratory and field studies of growth rate and conditions, possible effects of weather on survival, feeding ecology and behaviour and relations be- tween females and young. Supervisor, Dr H. Miine. Milne, Dr H. Nesting and hatching success. (Aberdeen University). Pike, Dr A. W, Parasitology of Eiders on the Ythan Estuary. (Aberdeen University). Pounder, B. Movements and behaviour in the Tay area. SHELDUCK Jenkins, Dr D. Numbers and breeding of Shelducks at Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve. (Nature Conservancy). Co-worker, M. Murray. GEESE, GENERAL Ogilvie, M. A. Regular monitoring of British populations of geese by means of censuses and counts. Includes annual census in early November of Icelandic Greylag and Pink-footed Geese wintering in Britain and reg- ular counts at major haunts of Svalbard and Greenland Barnacle Geese, Greenland Whitefronts, Bean Geese, etc. Age-ratio and brood-size counis are made each winter on as many populations as possible. (Wildfowl Trust, Nature Conservancy and NERC). Assisiance from amateur goose counters always wanted. See also under WILDFOWL TRUST. GREYLAG GOOSE and PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Newton, Dr I. Feeding ecology of Greylag and Pink-footed Geese on farm- land, to define points of conflict with agriculture. (Nature Conservancy). Development of a management policy for the geese at Loch Druidibeg, South Uist. Involves assessing numbers, distribution and breeding suc- cess of Hebridean geese and their damage to crops. (Nature Conservancy). Thompson, D. Reintroduction of Greylag Geese at Achray Forest Reserve near Callander, Perthshire. (WAGBI). BARNACLE GOOSE Owen, Dr M. Ecology of Barnacle Geese at the East Park Refuge, Caer- laverock, and on the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, Dumfries- rae calal Trust). Co-worker, C. R. G. Campbell. See also Enquiries . 269). Roberts, E. L. Studies at Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, Dum- friesshire, and in Kirkcudbrightshire. (Nature Conservancy). CANADA GOOSE Dennis, R. H. Study of the moult migration to Beauly Firth from York- shire; includes occasional round-ups for ringing. Co-workers, Wildfowl Trust, A. Walker, Hon. D. N. Weir and others. SWANS May, L. Some aspects of communication in Mute Swans. This study is being carried out in North and South Uist, particularly Loch Bee. Con- tact is wanted with anyone in Ross-shire or Harris with a knowledge of Mute Swan herds. Ogilvie, M. A. Counts collected of Mute, Whooper and Bewick’s Swans. (Wildfowl Trust, Nature Conservancy and NERC). Pounder, B. Feeding habits of Mute Swan (and Tufted Duck and Golden- eye) in polluted waters in the Tay. 232 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) RAPTORS, GENERAL British Falconers Club, Trained birds of prey are being marked with a large, red-dyed letter on the underside of each wing, and with anklets bearing an address and seria] number. Details are wanted of any sight- ings of birds so marked. Such information wil] be used to study the movements and survival of lost or released birds, not only to determine the effect of controlled falconry on bird-of-prey populations, but also because it has been suggested that the training provided by falconers might prove useful for re-establishing young captive-reared birds in suit- able areas. Roberts, L. Long-term study of birds of prey in Galloway. (Nature Con- servancy). Stark, D. M. Distribution and status of birds of prey and owls in Caith- ness. Reports welcomed. Tay Ringing Group. Breeding distribution of raptors particularly Spar- rowhawk, Kestrel and Short-eared Ow! in Fife. GOLDEN EAGLE Baiharry, R. Breeding success in northwest Scotland, together with study of food supplies, egg failures and the effects of climate. Co-workers, Dr J.D. Lockie and Dr A. Watson. Dennis, R. H. Monitoring of breeding success and assessing possible threats to the species in its main habitat types, West Cairngorms (RSPB). Gregory, M. J. P. Status and breeding in South Argyll. (Nature Conser- vancy and RSPB). McMillan, R. L. Distribution and breeding success in Perthshire. Watson, Dr A. Long-term study of breeding and populations in Deeside. (Nature Conservancy). Wormell, P. Monitoring of populations on Rhum and other small islands off northwest Scotland, (Nature Conservancy). BUZZARD Picozzi, N. and Weir, Hon. D. N. Numbers and breeding in Speyside. (Nature Conservancy and RSPB). Weir, Hon. D. N. Population dynamics in Speyside. SPARROWHAWK Moss, D. Censusing of bird populations in forestry plantations in Dum- friesshire and woodlands on Speyside. Relation of these results to Spar- rowhawk densities. This is a 3-year study supervised by Dr I, Newton. (Nuffield Foundation). Newton, Dr I, Population dynamics and interaction between Sparrow- hawks and their prey. (Nature Conservancy). See also under Tay Ringing Group, RAPTORS, GENERAL, and Moss D. under CHECK-LISTS AND CENSUSES. HEN HARRIER Balfour, E. Long term study of behaviour, population dynamics, polygamy, winter roosting. Includes ringing and the use of coloured leg jesses and wing-tags. (RSPB). Co-worker, Dr J. Cadbury. Dickson, R, C. Breeding and winter prey in southwest Scotland. Assis- tance wanted in the analysis of pellets. Picozzi, N. The effects of Hen Harriers on Red Grouse breeding success. (Nature Conservancy). Shaw, G. Research on hunting habits, behaviour, distribution throughout the year, breeding success, roost habits etc. in Stirlingshire, Perthshire and part of Argylishire; to supplement work being carried out by others. Records of distribution (breeding and wintering) and counts would be welcomed, also supplies of pellets for analysis. 1973 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 233 OSPREY Dennis, R. H. Monitoring of spread and breeding success (RSPB). PEREGRINE Dennis, R. H, Long-term monitoring of a population little affected by or- ganochlorine pesticides, West Cairngorms. (RSPB). Ratcliffe, D. A. Regular monitoring of sample populations. (Nature Con- servancy). Watson, Dr A. Long-term study of breeding and populations in Deeside. (Nature Conservancy). MERLIN Dickson, R. C. Winter prey and hunting range in Wigtownshire. Assis- tance wanted in analysis of pellets, Wilson, Li. Cdr. R. A, Distribution and status of Merlins in Britain. Any information regarding this species in Scotland would be most welcome. KESTREL Riddle, G. A study in the area between Ayr and Ballantrae to build up data on the breeding population and to monitor changes, Information (especialiy Ayrshire records) is sought on nest-site preterence, breeding (clutch size, dates etc.), reasons for success or failure; other Scottish records would be welcomed for comparison. See also Tay Ringing Group, under RAPTORS, GENERAL. RED GROUSE and PTARMIGAN Moss. R. and the Nature Conservancy Grouse Team. Food selection, food availability and nutrition of Red Grouse and Ptarmigan in relation to their populations and behaviour in the wild. Testing the mechanism of food selection of captive grouse and Ptarmigan by palatibility trials. Testing the effects of nutrition on egg production in captive birds. Diges- tibility trials on the nutrition of Grouse and Ptarmigan. Picozzi, N. The effects of Hen Harriers on Red Grouse breeding success. (Nature Conservancy). Watson, Dr A. and the Nature Conservancy Grouse Team. Population studies of Red Grouse and Ptarmigan. Behaviour studies of territory, sur- vival, social status and inheritance in the Red Grouse. Studies of the inheritance, viability and behaviour of Red Grouse and Ptarmigan chicks in captivity and in the wild. BLACK GROUSE SOC, Stirling Branch. Survey of leks and a study of behaviour there. Survey Secretary S. Mitchell. CAPERCAILLIE Weir, Hon. D. N. Population and game-management study in northeast Scotland. Data wanted on clutch and brood sizes etc. WADERS, GENERAL Furness, R. Wader roosting habits in the Edinburgh area. Gibson, I. A study of the roosting and feeding behaviour of waders on the Erskine-Woodhall stretch of the Clyde. It is hoped to relate this to the distribution of food species (invertebrates) in the intertidal mudflats, which may be undertaken by the Biology Department of Paisley College of Technology. Informal assistance wanted. Co-worker, H. Galbraith. OYSTERCATCHER Love, J. A. Predation by Oystercatchers (and Herring Gulls and Eiders) on the mussel beds of the River Ythan, Aberdeenshire. (University of Aberdeen). 234 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) RINGED PLOVER Taylor, R. C. Geographical variation and taxonomy of Ringed Plover and Purple Sandpiper. The study is based chiefly on museum specimens, but measurements taken in the field and the results of ringing recoveries (SRO). be welcomed. Other waders will be similarly studied in the future. SRC). GOLDEN PLOVER Ratcliffe, D. A, Breeding biology in Scotland. (Nature Conservancy). GREENSHANK Nethersole-Thompson, D. Studies of breeding biology, voice, behaviour, ecology and relations with other waders. (NERC). Co-workers, B., P. and R. Thompson. PURPLE SANDPIPER Craggs, Prof J. D. Organized survey in Great Britain and Ireland of the movements of Purple Sandpipers by means of colour-ringing at various sites. See Scot. Birds 7: 103. The organizer for Scotland is D. L, Clug- ston. Contacts are wanted in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and obser- vers are particularly requested to look out for and note the details of any colour ringed Purple Sandpipers they may see. (Hilbre Bird Obser- vatory and BTO). See also RINGED PLOVER. GREAT SKUA Brathay Exploration Group. Ecology of Great Skua on Foula, Shetland, with particular reference to their effects on the water, soils, flora and fauna. Information from R. Furness, Assistance wanted in the chemical analysis of soils and water. GULLS, GENERAL Clegg, T. M. Aging and species variation. Wing samples from dead gulls of any species would be welcomed. The sample should consist of the hand section, including all the primaries, from one wing or both, and if possible birds should be sexed internally. Polythene bags can be supplied to collectors. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and HERRING GULL Chabrzyk, G. H. The age structure and breeding biology of a mixed colony of Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls on the Isle of May. As- pects of population growth and subsequent control measures are also being investigated. The project will last three years and is being sup- ervised by Dr J, C. Coulson. (NERC). Information is wanted on sightings or breeding records of Isle of May colour-ringed gulls. Colling, A, W. and Gordon, Miss N. J. Programme of control of the col- ony of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls on the Isle of May and a study of the effects of the control measures. (Nature Conservancy). Monaghan, Miss P. Feeding behaviour of Herring Gulls in winter on a tip at Cadder Wilderness, Bishopbriggs. (University of Glasgow). Rec- ords are wanted of Herring Gulls marked on the neck with black dye. Thomas, G. J. The management of Herring Gull populations on Inch- mickery and Fidra in the Firth of Forth, to release areas for breeding terns and to monitor the effects of control measures. (RSPB). LITTLE GULL Clegg, T. M. Biology and behaviour in areas north of the Tay; particularly seasonal habitat choices. Observations welcomed. See also Love, J. A. under EIDER. KITTIWAKE Coulson, Dr J. C. Growth of colonies mainly in the Forth area but also elsewhere for the 10-yearly census. Census data and information about new colonies wanted. (Durham University). 1973 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 235 LITTLE TERN Dunbar, J. J. Breeding biology at the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Kincardineshire, SANDWICH TERN Smith, A. J. M. The life history of the species. RAZORBILL Parslow, J. L. F. Detailed population/ecological study of breeding Razor- bills and Guillemots at Clo Mor, Sutherland, for direct comparison with similar breeding colonies in more polluted areas, notaby the Irish Sea. (Nature Conservancy, NERC). Co-worker, Dr D. J. Jefferies. GUILLEMOT Birkhead, T. R. Breeding biology, survival, interaction with other species, etc. Examination of museum specimens to seek a method of sexing Guille- mots in the hand. Field work is based on Skomer Island but it is hoped to extend the study to Clo Mor, Sutherland. (NERC). Ideas on sexing Guillemots, and information concerning any collections of sexed Guille- mot skulls or skins (particularly of the southern race) would be welcomed. Broad, R. A. Egg loss and chick mortality on Fair Isle. (Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust). See also Parslow, J. L. F. under RAZORBILL. BLACK GUILLEMOT —— Dr and Mrs P. J. B. Observation of behaviour at a colony on Fair sle. PUFFIN Broad, R. A. Monitoring of colonies on Fair Isle as a measure of move- ment and change in numbers. One aim is to establish a basic, reproducible counting technique. (Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust). Co-worker, Dr M. P. Harris. Harris, Dr M. P. Decline of Puffin populations in Scotland. Study areas are the Shiants, Isle of May, Fair Isle and Faraid Head, Sutherland. (Nature Conservancy). OWLS, GENERAL Hardy, A, R. A 3-year study of the predation by owls on small mammals in Aberdeenshire. (NERC). SHORT-EARED OWL Dickson, R. C. Breeding biology in Wigtownshire. See also entries under RAPTORS, GENERAL and OWLS, GENERAL. PASSERINES, GENERAL Caryl, Dr P. G. Control of song in the domesticated Zebra Finch and other grassfinches. (Moray Fund). Clegg, M. Passerines (particularly corvids) feeding in littoral habits. Mitchell, J. Study of passerine migrants at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. (Nature Conservancy). Stead, Dr D. M. Life cycles and movements of garden birds (Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits, Robins and Dunnocks). Involves the use of coloured ae, and reports of colour-ringed birds of these species would be wel- comed. Williamson, K. Structure of breeding populations of passerines in the Cairngorms, Loch Lomond, and Rhum National Nature Reserve and the Arriundle Forest Nature Reserve, Argyll. Common Bird Census, (BTO). HOUSE MARTIN Bryant, Dr D. M. Breeding biology of House Martin and ecology of aerial feeding birds. (University of Stirling). Information wanted on ciutch size, 236 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) hatching success, nestling mortality, growth and any other data on the breeding of House Martins in Scotland. RAVEN Dickson, R. C, Breeding biology in Wigtownshire. CARRION/HOODED CROW Cook, A. Factors controlling the differences between Carrion Crow and Hooded Crow, including : ecological field work on production and habitat; egg and blood protein analysis; study of skins, and analysis of other exist- ing data including ringing returns. (SRC). Crow hybrid-zone enquiry (SOC). See Scot. Birds 7: 213. Yom-Tov, Dr Y. A 2-year study of the effect of food and predation on the breeding density and success of Carrion Crows in Aberdeenshire. Bowen, H. M. and Houston, D. C. Breeding and movements of Hooded Crows in the West Highlands. The main study area is near Oban. The work is particularly concerned with interaction between crows and hill- sheep farming. (Department of Agriculture). Information is wanted on Hooded Crows bearing wing tags seen more than ten miles from Oban. ROOK Munro, J. H. B. Scottish winter Rook roost survey. See Scot. Birds 6: 166 and 6: 438. (SOC). Information is wanted on the location of roosts in Scotland north of the Forth-Clyde line. Stark, D. M. Winter roosts in Caithness. GREAT TIT and BLUE TIT Brown, H. Biology of Great Tit and Blue Tit. As many adults and nestlings as possible are being ringed within about four miles of Pitlochry. Infor- mation is being gathered on weights, wing-lengths and retraps. (Tay Ringing Group). See also Stead, Dr D. M. under PASSERINES, GENERAL. REDWING Dennis, R. H. Breeding survey to document the spread and build-up in numbers of the species in Scotland. (SOC). Co-worker, M. Harvey. Obser- vers are encouraged to submit full details of breeding records, including, if possible, clutch size, breeding success, causes of failure etc. Observers visiting nests are reminded that they need the appropriate licence. STONECHAT Macdonald, D. Effect of weather on wintering Stonechats in southeast Sutherland. Phillips, J. S. Survey by questionnaire on the numbers and habitat prefer- ence of the species throughout the year, with special attention being paid to areas of young afforestation. Contact is wanted with observers through- out Scotland. WHITETHROAT Macdonald, D. Study of the breeding cycle in southeast Sutherland. MEADOW PIPIT and ROCK PIPIT ‘Gerrard, E. C. Primary moult of the juveniles in relation to their breeding locality. STARLING Duncan, A. Distribution and movements of British and Scandinavian Starlings wintering in northeast Scotland. Reports are wanted of colour- ringed Starlings; each bird has two colour rings, and the exact combin- ation is important. Georgeson, Miss V. Seasonal production of testicular hormones in relation to behaviour, Study of Starlings breeding in nest boxes at Culterty Field Station. (Aberdeen University and Kilgour Scholarships). 1973 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 237 SCOTTISH CROSSBILL Nethersole-Thompson, D. Study of breeding biology, voice, food and distri- bution. A monograph is in preparation. (NERC). Notes of numbers, breed- ing distribution and voice, particularly beyond Speyside, would be wel- comed (locations will be kept confidential). CORN BUNTING Macdonald, D. A general study of the species. Information welcome. REED BUNTING Tay Ringing Group. Study of a roost at Guardbridge, Fife. HOUSE SPARROW Stead, Dr D. M. Homing tendencies of House Sparrows. TREE SPARROW Tay Ringing Group. An attempt to find criteria for age determination by a study of moult. Research on general topics FEATHER STRUCTURE AND COLOUR Auber, Dr L. Study of colour-producing factors in the fully formed feathers of Psittacidae, Meropidae and Pittidae; the feather germs of Porphyrio poliocephalus melanotis (Rallidae); Megalaima lineatum (Capitonidae); Pitta brachyura (Pittidae); Peophila gouldiae (Estrildinae); and Chlorophanes spiza (Coerebo-Thraupinae). (Royal Society of London). Clegg, T. M. Albinism and melanism in birds. Records are wanted of albin- ism or melanism in seabirds. Lyster, I. H. J. Study of feather colour and structure in relation to tax- onomy. (Royal Scottish Museum). NAVIGATION Gerrard, E. C, Bird navigation and responses, including the behaviour of birds attracted to high-level lights and the tracking of birds by radar. PARASITOLOGY George, R. S. The distribution of British fleas is being mapped. Sample nest contents of House Martin and Sand Martin are urgently wanted from al] areas except the east coast of Scotland. Samples should be col- lected just before the breeding season, packed securely and sent with full details of where found. (Biological Records Centre, Monks Wood). Pike, Dr A. W. Parasitology of Eider and other species of the Ythan es- tuary, Aberdeenshire. (University of Aberdeen). PHYSIOLOGY Friedman, Dr M. B. Survey of the patterns of avian eye and head move- ments with reference to the evolution of body form and brain structure. (Part of a study of the role of eye and head movements in visual percep- tion). (U.S. National Institute of Health and the University of Edinburgh). See also Enquiries (p. 269). Macdonald, J. W. Investigation of causes of death of wild birds from all areas of the United Kingdom. (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food). Thomas, Dr D. H. Comparative physiology of salt and water metabolism in birds. (SRC). See also Georgeson, Miss V. under STARLING. BIOLOGICAL STUDIES Bourne, Dr W. R. P. Investigation of the distribution and ecology of birds at sea. Some specimens are collected under licence for studies of stomach contents, parasites and toxic chemicals. This materia] and corpses of beached birds are kept in a deep freeze and are available for study by 238 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) others. Studies of oil and other pollution of coastal developments likely to affect seabirds. Studies of the birds of the Buchan area. (Seabird Group, Aberdeen University, NERC). Co-workers include Prof G. M. Dunnet, T. J. Dixon, C. J. Bibby, D. Saunders and Dr J. A. Bogan. See also En- quiries (p. 269). Clegg, M. Study of the bird population at West Haven, Carnoustie, Angus, particularly in relation to food resources. Also a wider investigation of the ecology of a restricted area containing sand-mud-rock faunas in which birds are used as indicators. Cobb, Dr J. L. S. Relationship between ground cover and behaviour of resting migrants; the project is being carried out at Fife Ness. Dennis, R. H. Monitoring, conservation and protection of rare breeding birds (Goldeneye, Osprey, Wood Sandpiper and Snow Bunting) in the Highlands. (RSPB). Casual and past records welcomed. Pounder, B. Effluent discharges into Scottish coastal waters and their effects on bird populations (SOC). Assistance will be sought in due course. Shaw, G. Birds of developing conifer plantations. Check-lists and censuses This section lists only work reported to the compiler. Similar work is done by many others not mentioned here, and the list is therefore incomplete. Nevertheless it is considered worth- while to include these items to give an indication of what work of this kind is being done by observers in Scotland. It is also recognised that many of these observers may have no partic- ular intention of publishing results other than in such places as the Scottish Bird Report. Allison, A. Status of the breeding birds of Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. (Nature Conservancy). Booth, C. G, Past and present status of the birds of Islay. Records and ringing recoveries are wanted. (SPB D. Common-bird census on Vane Farm, Loch Leven, Kinross. B). Dickson, R. C. Census of seabird colonies on the Mull of Galloway, Wig- townshire. (Nature Conservancy). Kindrogan Field Centre. Recording of species seen during bird courses at the centre. (Scottish Field Studies Association). Macmillan, Miss M. P. Birds of the Isle of Seil, Argyll. Maguire, E. J. Census work on the north bank of the Perthshire Tay from Invergowrie Bay west to Inchyra, to assess the importance of the estuary for passage migrants and winter visitors. Work is also being done on the breeding species, particularly of the reed beds. Co-workers, R. C. Calligan and R. L. McMillan. Rainier, Mrs D. H. A daily count has been made since 1963 of all birds seen in a variety of habitats in Mid Argyll. Co-workers, Mrs Roberts and the Rev and Mrs Duncan-Jones. SOC Stirling Branch. Survey of status changes of local breeding species. Standring, K. T. General observation and annual count of the seabirds on Eilean nan Ron, Sutherland, and subsidiary rocks, Co-workers, J. H Morgan and J. Allsop. Stark, D. M, Seabird populations on the coasts of Caithness. Wakefield, Dr W. C. Distribution and density of birds in the breeding season in the Cumbraes and in a mainland area south and east of the Clyde. Territorial requirements of the larger species are being studied a . i | 1973 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 239 in more detail. A pilot winter survey is also being run in 10km squares NS 24 and 25 on the behaviour and movements of birds in each square kilometre. Co-workers, J. Burton, IL Cornelius, H. Galbraith and I. Gib- son. Field recorders are wanted, particularly in Greenock, Gourock and Clydebank. See also Moss, D. under SPARROWHAWE. Observatories FAIR ISLE BIRD OBSERVATORY Daily census of all migrant species; ringing of migranis and breeding birds, and recording weights and measurements; monitoring of seabird fc (in conjunction with the RSPB). (Fair Isle Bird Observatory rust. ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY AND FIELD STATION Routine recording and ringing of migrants together with studies of breed- ing and wintering birds. Nationally organised projects This section lists some national schemes in which observers may participate locally. Full, and up to date, details can be obtained from the bodies concerned; where appropriate the organiser’s name is given in brackets. BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY The Trust is a nationwide network of amateur observers with a head- quarters staff of proiessional biologists. The emphasis is on the system- atic collection of information on British birds, generally by co-operative oan though individual studies are also encouraged. Current schemes include : Bird Ringing Scheme. Members have the opportunity of receiving train- ing. Ringing is strictly controlled to ensure both the safety of the birds and to maintain high standards of accuracy in the recording and analysis of data. (Ringing Office). Mouit Enquiry. To discover as much as possible about the sequence and timing of the moult in different species. Common Birds Census. An annual census designed to monitor bird-pop- ulation changes country wide. (Kenneth Williamson). Nest Record Scheme. To collect comprehensive data on the breeding biology of British birds and to monitor their nesting success. (Mrs G. Bonham). Estuaries Survey (jointly with the RSPB). To enquire into the distribution and abundance of estuary birds. Counts of non-breeding birds are made from July to May, providing information on both passage and wintering birds. (A. J. Prater). (See also Scot. Birds 6: 178). Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover Survey. To determine the number of breeding pairs and details of habitats. (A. J. Prater). Other projects are being planned. Details are circulated to members of the Trust through their newsletter, BTO News, and there are Regional Representatives throughout Scotland to dea] with the organisation of projects locally. THE WILDFOWL TRUST The Trust is involved in a number of research projects given in the main list. In addition there are : National Wildfow] Counts. These are made monthly from September to 240 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) March. As well as ducks, geese, swans and Great Crested Grebes are also counted. Regional Organisers are listed in Scot. Birds 7: 105. Internationa] Wildfowl Census. The Wildfowl Trust organises counts as the British contribution; these take place in mid November and mid January. THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS Apart from its conservation activities, the Society is also responsible for many loca] research projects currently being carried out in Scotland, as the main section of this survey shows. There are also a number of other enquiries it organises on a national] scale which also need help: Beached Bird Survey. To monitor the effects of chronic oil pollution, pos- sible pollution by other toxic chemicals and damage caused by specific incidents. There is close liaison with the Nature Conservancy, RSPCA and Seabird Group. Breeding populations of Auks, Kittiwakes and Fulmars. To monitor a sample of colonies with the hope of detecting gross population fluctua- tions. There is close liaison with the Nature Conservancy and the Seabird Group. (C. J. Bibby). See also Estuaries Survey under BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY. SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Research Committee. Details of all current SOC research projects are given in the main list. Endowment Fund, Grants are made for the advancement of ornithology in Scotland. (See Scot. Birds 6: 406 and 7: 224). Scottish Bird Report. The Report, published annually in Scottish Birds, gives a species-by-species account of the status, distribution and move- ments of birds in Scotland. It is compiled by R. H. Dennis from reports submitted by local recorders, to whom observers should send details of interesting records, counts, assessments of breeding success etc. Their names and addresses are given in Scot. Birds 7: 111 and 7: 166. Addresses Allison, A. The Nature Conservancy, Benarty, by Vane Farm, Kinross. Auber, Dr L. Department of Natural History, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh EH] 1JF. Balfour, E. Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney. Balharry, R. Anancaun, Kinlochewe, Ross-shire. Birkhead, T. R. The Edward Gray Institute, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS. Booth, C. G., Cairn Cottage, Cairnmore, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Argyll, PA42 7AT. Bone, ae W. R. P. Zoology Department, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen B9 2TN. : Bowen, H. M. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, East Craigs, Edinburgh. Brathay Exploration Group, Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Westmorland. British Falconers Club. Marked bird records to J. B. Murray, c/o Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. British Trust for Ornithology, Beech Grove, Tring, Hertfordshire. Broad, R. A., Warden, Fair Isle Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland. Brown, H., Craigowan, Ballinluig, Perthshire. Bryant, Dr D. M. Department of Biology, The University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA. Caryl, Dr P. G. Psychology Department, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh. Chabrzyk, G. H. C/o Zoology Department, University of Durham, Durham. Clegg, T. M. City Museum and Art Gallery, Albert Square, Dundee DD1 1DA. Clugston, D. L. 72 Meikleriggs Drive, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA2 9NP. 1973 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 241 Cobb, Dr J. L. S. Gatty Marine Laboratory, St Andrews, Fife KY16 SLB. Collett, Mrs P. Sandyquoy, Scrabster, Caithness. Colling, A. W. Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. Cook, T. Zoology Department, Edinburgh University, West Mains Road, Edinburgh. Coulson, Dr J. C. Zoology Department, Durham University, Durham. an Prof J. D. University of Liverpool, PO Box 147, Liverpool L69 Critchley, G. Loch Leven Nature Centre, Vane Farm, Kinross. Dennis, R. H. The Old Manse, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire PH22 1QP. eee R. C. 3 Galloway Place West, Freugh, by Stranraer, Wigtown- shire. Dunbar, J. J. Kinnaird Mill, Kinnaird, Brechin, Angus. Duncan, A. 12 Cairncry Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 5DS. si Prof G. M. Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB4 OAA. Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. Friedman, Dr M. B. Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ. Furness, R. 13 Dick Place, Edinburgh. George, R. S. 8 St Peter’s Street, Duxford, Cambridge. Georgeson, Miss V. Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Ellon, Aberdeen- shire AB4 OAA. Gerrard, E. C. Isle of Pabay, Broadford, Skye, Inverness-shire. Gibson, I. 41B Mossvale Street, Paisley PA3 2LU. Gordon, Miss N. J. The Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EHS 2AS. Gregory, M. J. P. 4 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire. ee A. R. Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB4 OAA. Harris, Dr M. P. Nature Conservancy, Hill of Brathens, Glassel, Ban- chory, Kincardineshire AB3 4BY. Houston, D. C. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Univer- sity of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JU. Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station, Regional Officer, East Scotland, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. Jenkins, Dr D. The Nature Conservancy, Hill of Brathens, Glassel, Ban- chory, Kincardineshire AB3 4BY Kindrogan Field Centre, Scottish Field Studies Association, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Love, J. A. Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB4 OAA. Lyster, I. H. J. Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. Macdonald, D. Elmbank, Dornoch, Sutherland IV25 3SN. Macdonald, J. W. Veterinary Laboratory, Eskgrove, Lasswade, Midlothian. Macdonald, M. A. Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB4 OAA. Macmillan, Miss M. P. An Fhuaran, Clachan Seil, Oban PA34 4TL. McMillan, R. L. 29 Lewis Place, N Muirton, Perth. Maguire, E. J. C/o McMillan, 29 Lewis Place, N Muirton, Perth. Maitland, Dr P. S. The Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. Marshall, W. University of Edinburgh, Department of Zoology, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh. — May, L. Old School House, Eochar, South Uist, Scotland. Mendenhall, Miss V. Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Ellon, Aberdeen- shire AB4 0AA. Mitchell, J. 22 Muirpark Way, Drymen, by Glasgow. Mitchell, S. 9 Gladstone Place, Stirling. Monaghan, Miss P. Zoology Department, Glasgow University, Glasgow. 242 CURRENT ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 7(5) Moss, D. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Kings Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JU. Moss, R. The Nature Conservancy, Hill of Brathens, Glassel, Banchory, Kincardineshire AB3 4BY Munro, J. H. B. 9 Capelaw Road, Edinburgh. Muttitt, M. 4 Ellington Park, RAF Kinloss, Nr Forres, Morayshire. Neilson, Dr J. B. Zoology Department, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN. Nethersole-Thompson, D. Ivy Cottage, Culrain, Ardgay, Ross-shire. Neuen Dr I. The Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 Ogilvie, M. A. The Wildfowl] Trust, Slimbridge, Glos. Owen, Dr M. The Wildfowl Trust, Slimbridge, Glos. Parslow, J. L. F. Monks Wood Experimenta] Station, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon. Phillips, J. S. 73 Whitletts Road, Ayr. Picozzi, N. The Nature Conservancy, Blackhall, Banchory, Kincardine- shire AB3 3PS. Pike, Dr A. W. Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN. Pounder, B. 64 Forfar Road, Dundee. Rainier, Mrs D. H. Strone, Achnamara, by Lochgilphead, Argyll. penny D, A. The Nature Conservancy, 19/20 Belgrave Square, London Riddle, G. Rowantree Cottage, Culzean Country Park, Maybole, Ayrshire. Roberts, E. L. Tadorna, Hollands Farm Road, Caerlaverock, by Dumiries. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire. Scottish Office 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BN. Shaw, G. 3 Blairforkie Drive, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire. Slater, Dr P. J. B. School of Biology, University of Sussex, Brighton. Smith, A. J. M. 68 Woodend Place, Aberdeen AB2 6AN. Smith, R. W. J. 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9SJ. Standring, K. T. 7 Underwood End, Sandford, Bristol BS19 5RT. Stark, D. M. 2 Harland Road, Castletown, Thurso KW14 8UB. Stead, Dr D. M. Esk Hause, Bishop’s Park, Thorntonhail, Glasgow G74 5AF. Stirling Branch SOC. Secretary D. M. Bryant, Department of Biology, The University, Stirling FK9 4LA. Suttie, I. S. Alves Manse, Forres, Morayshire. Taylor, R. C. Department of Biology, Liverpool Polytechnic, Byron Street, Liverpool] L3 3AF. Tay RUNSInE Group. Secretary D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. Thomas, Dr D. H. Department of Zoology, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN. Thomas, G. J. R.S.P.B., The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire. Thompson, D. 1 Cross Street, Callander, Perthshire. Wakefield, Dr W. C. 63 Caledonia Road, Saltcoats, Ayrshire. Watson, Dr A., The Nature Conservancy, Hill of Brathens, Glassel, Ban- chory, Kincardineshire AB3 4BY. Weir, Hon. D. N. Creag Dhu Lodge, by Newtonmore, Inverness-shire. Wildfowl Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Williamson, K. British Trust for Ornithology, Beech Grove, Tring, Herts. Wilson, Lt. Cdr. R. A. 41 Hawke Road, Helston, Cornwall. Wormell, P. The White House, Kinloch, Isle of Rhum. Bie eh eae Y., Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Ellon Aberdeenshire I. H. J. Lyster, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF. 1973 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 243 Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Report for 1972 Prepared for the Observatory Committee by NANcy J. GORDON, Honorary Secretary The Observatory was manned for a total of 210 days between 27th March and 5th November 1972. The number of observer- nights was 1039. Coverage of the whole season was probably better than ever before, with only a few odd days when no observers were present. Spring migration was fairly continuous, but much lighter than usual in April and only moderately good in early and mid May despite prolonged east winds; however quality made up for lack of quantity. The autumn pattern consisted of move- ment of waders in July, sea passage in early August and good falls of passerine migrants at the end of August, in mid and ae September and at almost weekly intervals through Octo- er. No new species were recorded in 1972, but the year’s high- lights included a Rustic Bunting in May, the first spring Scarlet Rosefinch (also in May) and four more in September, four Firecrests on 2nd October and an invasion of 65 Mealy Redpolls in mid October. Other notable events were the large- scale cull of gulls in May, a number of research projects and a special Christmas visit to ring Purple Sandpipers. Spring migration Observers were on the island from 27th March to 12th May and from 15th May onwards. March-April The season started with strong west winds, but for most of April the winds and weather were variable, and migration was light (though continuous) throughout the month, with no falls of even medium size. Dates of first appearance of the early migrants were: 27th March—first Wheatear Sth April—first Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart 16th April—first Willow Warbler 17th April—first Chiffchaff and Redpoll 26th April—first Redstart 29th April—first Swallow 30th April—first Blackcap There was a very small, steady passage of Skylarks, thrushes and Wheatears during the first three weeks of April, peak numbers being only 8 Skylarks (2nd April), 13 Fieldfares and 244 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 7(5) 6 Redwings (both 10th April), 6 Song Thrushes (8th April), 20 Blackbirds (4th April) and 8 Wheatears (8th April). There were never more than 1 or 2 Robins, Willow Warblers or Chaffinches, nor more than 10 Dunnocks or Goldcrests. Linnet numbers were low, except for 20 on the 2nd and 31 on the 9th. By far the biggest passage was of Meadow Pipits, whose numbers reached 500 on 2nd April. The only other noteworthy April record was of a Peregrine on the 9th. May The month started well with east winds and spells of poor visibility, which (apart from a short change to westerlies on the 10th and 11th) persisted until the 24th, to be followed by strong west winds until the 3lst. The best spells for mi- grants were Ist-3rd, 7th, 9th-10th, and 18th-19th May. Further first appearances of spring migrants were: lst May—first Cuckoo 2nd May—first Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroats 4th May—first Whimbre] 5th May—first Wryneck 6th May—first Whitethroat 7th May—first Grasshopper and Sedge Warblers 9th May—first Spotted Flycatcher and Sandwich Tern 10th May—first (and only) Sand Martin 15th May—first “Comic” terns; first (and only) Pied Flycatchers 19th May—first Garden Warbler 23rd May—first House Martin 28th May—first (and only) Swifts Passage of thrushes and Wheatears continued into May, but still in small numbers, with single Redwings, Ring Ouzels and Song Thrushes, peaks of no more than 8 Fieldfares (on the 3rd and 7th), 7 Blackbirds (on the 2nd) and 20 Wheatears (on the 2nd and 7th). Redstart numbers reached 10 on the 7th, Whin- chats 12 on the 18th. Warbler numbers were low (with a ‘maximum of 40 Willow Warblers on the 7th), but there were more Lesser Whitethroats than usual (15 on the 7th). Meadow Pipit movement continued until the 12th (up to 50 daily). Very few flycatchers were seen, and no Kestrels were recorded this spring. Other interesting records during the month were Collared Doves (2 on Ist May, 3 on the 20th), 2 Shovellers on the 6th, a Raven on the 7th and 9th, single Merlins on the 10th and 26th, a Rustic Bunting on the 12th, a Long-eared Owl on the 15th and 16th, 2 Bluethroats and a Stonechat on the 18th, an Ortolan Bunting on the 19th, a Red-breasted Merganser on the 26th, 2 Tree Pipits on the 30th, and the first spring record of a Scarlet Rosefinch on the 31st, (a splendid adult male). June The only noteworthy record in June was a tired Field- fare on the 30th. liao. 7 1973 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 245 Autumn migration The observatory was manned throughout the season until 6th November except on 12th August, and from 3lst October to 3rd November. Autumn migrants, especially waders, were on the move earlier than usual, and there are several July records worth noting : a Green Sandpiper on the Ist, a Green- shank on the 2nd, 3 on the 5th and one on the 23rd, single Whimbrels on the 22nd and 27th, a Knot, 2 Dunlins and 31 Golden Plovers on the 31st. The first Purple Sandpipers arrived on the 2nd. Wheatear passage started on 18th July, and solitary Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Whitethroats, Pied Flycatchers, Crossbills and Redpolls were seen during the month. August Winds in August were highly variable, and the only spell of several consecutive days of east winds came at the end of the month, which not surprisingly coincided with the best visible migration. Some good sea passage was recorded earlier in the month, including 110 Manx Shearwaters on the ‘Ist, 140 on the 20th, one Sooty Shearwater on the Ist, 3 on the 3rd, 17 Common Scoters on the 7th, single Great Skuas on the Ist and 5th, up to 5 Arctic Skuas daily on ten days in the month, 49 Common Gulls on the 14th and a steady trickle of terns (with a maximum of 38 Sandwich Terns on the 17th). Wader numbers built up at the beginning of the month, and maximum August counts were 375 Turnstones on the 15th, 200 Redshanks on the 18th and 230 Purple Sandpipers on the 11th. The first appearance of wintering Greater Black-backed Gulls was on the 15th (75 counted). Passage of Swallows and Wheatears from mid August onwards reached a maximum on the 2lst, with 60 and 16 respectively. There were very few Swifts or martins. First dates of the autumn passerine migra- tions were : 6th August—first Willow Warblers 10th August—first (of only three) Sedge Warblers 13th August—first Pied Flycatchers 15th August—first Whinchat 16th August—first Redwing 24th August—first Brambling 25th August—first Goldcrest 27th August—first Garden Warbler 29th August—first Fieldfare 30th August—first Blackcap, Redstart and Whitethroat ‘Warblers were scarce; for example the maximum of even Willow Warblers was only 15 on the 18th. Passage of Meadow Pipits was fairly constant, with up to 26 daily. Other records were a Short-eared Owl on the Ist, a Black Redstart, 2 Greenshanks and 3 Tree Pipits on the 9th, a Collared Dove on the 13th, up to 3 Whimbrels on 13 days, a Scarlet Rosefinch and a Barred Warbler on the 28th and a Cuckoo on the 29th. 246 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 7(5) September The month started with fog and variable winds, mainly westerly until the 12th, followed by a week of east winds and then a further spell of variable weather. The best falls of migrants were on the 14th, 18th, 24th and 27th, but other days produced interesting records. Sea passage produced 1 or 2 Red-throated Divers on four days, up to 6 Manx and 4 Sooty Shearwaters on four days, flocks of Wigeon, the odd Heron, Teal and Scoter, up to 4 Arctic Skuas on most days, up to 3 Great Skuas on 11 days, small numbers of Common, Arctic and Sandwich Terns. The wintering wader flocks be- came fairly well established, and were augmented by visits from the odd Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Golden Plover and Whim- brel. Swallow passage continued until the end of the month, with daily maxima of 40 on the 12th and 30th. Skylark pas- sage started in earnest on the 13th with up to 15 daily, and ‘there was an average of 10 Wheatears a day until] the 26th. Meadow Pipits reached an autumn peak of 200 on the 3rd and 18th, and there was a build-up of thrushes at the end of the month (highest on the 27th, with 15 Song Thrushes, 60 Red- wings and 7 Blackbirds), but Fieldfares were scarce. There was a small trickle of Whinchats, Redstarts and Redpolls; also single Grey Wagtails and a fair passage of alba Wagtails (be- tween 10 and 20 per day on the 15th, 18th, 23rd and 25th). Warblers were few but varied—an lIcterine and 4 Barred Warblers on the 14th, a Yellow-browed Warbler on the 28th and a few Garden Warblers, Whitethroats (Common and Lesser) and Chiffchaffs throughout the month. The highest count of Willow Warblers was 20 on the 14th. Other Septem- ber records were, single Sparrowhawks on the 5th and 9th, single Great Spotted Woodpeckers on the 14th (Northern) and 24th, a Red-breasted Flycatcher on the 18th, 2 Black-tailed Godwits on the 20th, single Lapland Buntings on the 21st, 25th and 27th, a Grey Plover and 6 Jack Snipe on the 26th, a Spotted Redshank on the 27th, a Bluethroat on the 28th, and 11 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Snow Buntings on the 30th. The rarities of the month were three further Scarlet Rosefinches, which arrived on the 6th, 9th and 18th, with a possible fourth on the 19th. October East winds, which at the beginning of the month brought a good fall of migrants, continued until the 19th, not returning until the 26th. The best dates for migrants were the Ist and 2nd, overnight 3rd/4th, 7th-8th, 14th-15th, 18th, 21st, 27th and 28th. Sea-watchers were well rewarded during the first half of the month: sightings included a Red-throated Diver on the 14th, 4 Manx Shearwaters on the 15th, 1 or 2 Sooty Shearwaters on the 13th and 15th, 4 Velvet Scoters icon the 16th, 5 Common Scoters on the 15th, 28 Wigeon on the lst, 70 Greylags on the 3rd, a Brent Goose on the 11th, oO =. ralbraith f amilies, 9th August 197 Photographs by Hector keepers’ f o N =) fe} G ~ G on Tol re vo q rS) et (e) ov MS >) 1th ‘a J Depa Isle of May PLATE 17. PLATES 18 and 19. Seabird photographs by William 5. Paton, A.RB.P.S. Above Gannet Ailsa Craig (plate 18a). Below Puffin in repose, Handa, Sutherland (plate 18b). Opposite Contrasting life styles of Kittiwake, Ailsa shading its chick from the sun, Craig (plate 19a) and Common Gull, Ayrshire (plate 19b). PLATE 20. The eyes have it—character studies of two young raptors: (a) the defiance of a Peregrine eyass; (b) the baleful stare of a young Long-eared Owl. Photographs by Dennis Coutts 1973 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 251 3 Canada Geese on the 18th, 10 Whooper Swans on the 15th and 1 or 2 Great and Arctic Skuas up to the 16th. The 15th was also a good wader day, with a Ringed Plover, 3 Golden Plovers, 4 Snipe, a Jack Snipe and a Greenshank. There was a passage of up to 42 Skylarks daily. Wrens (which had started building up in mid September) reached a peak of 24 on the 13th. Octo- ber saw the main thrush passage, with three peaks: 2nd October, with 15 Fieldfares, 150 Song Thrushes, 300 Redwings, 15 Ring Ouzels and 100 Blackbirds—rising to 300 next day; 15th October, with 500 Fieldfares, 2000 Redwings, 600 Black- birds; and 21st October, with 300 Redwings and 500 Black- birds. Peak numbers of Goldcrests were 150 on the 2nd and 200 on the 18th. There was some passage of Robins early in the month (36 on the 2nd), and numbers of Meadow Pipits increased to 50 on the 8th and 9th but dropped thereafter. An influx of warblers on the 2nd included 30 Blackcaps, 2 Barred Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Common and 2 Lesser White- throats, a Sedge Warbler, 10 Chiffchaffs and a Yellow-browed Warbler. Other arrivals on this date were a Black Redstart, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Great Grey Shrike, a Yellow Wagtail, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 10 Redstarts, 2 Stone- chats and, best of all, 4 Firecrests (2 Firecrests were first seen on Ist October). There was passage of up to 40 Bramblings and 15 Reed Buntings daily in the first half of the month. The other October highlight was an invasion of Mealy Redpolls in the middle of the month: the peak was more than 65 or the 21st, dwindling to 2 by the 27th; 47 were ringed. Other October records included: single Merlins on the 8th and 25th, a Long-eared Owl on the 13th, a Shore Lark on the 2nd and 3rd (possibly another on the 28th-30th), one of the only two Spotted Flycatchers of the autumn on the Ist, 1 or 2 alba and Grey Wagtails, another Yellow Wagtail on the 5th, 3 Lap- land Buntings and 2 Snow Buntings on the Ist, another Lap- land Bunting on the 14th. Some latest dates of migrant passer- ines were: 2nd October—last Whinchat Sth October—last Willow Warbler 10th October—last Whitethroat 12th October—last Pied Flycatcher 15th October—last Wheatear and Garden Warbler 16th October—last Redstart 19th October—last Chiffchaff 28th October—last Blackcap 28th October—last Swallow 30th October—last House Martin November The two days in November when observers were on the island, the 4th and 5th, were in westerly weather but not without interest: up to 15 Mealy Redpolls were present, up to 20 Fieldfares, 10 Song Thrushes, 40 Redwings and 30 252 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 7(5) Blackbirds; 7 Bramblings and a few Linnets and Snow Buntings were counted on the 4th, and a Merlin, a Dunlin and 5 Snipe on the 5th. Also noteworthy is the increased size of the flocks of feral pigeons frequenting the island—up to 80 in October and 190 in December. Unusual occurrences Manx Shearwater Higher than usual numbers recorded early in autumn: 110 on Ist August, 140 on the 20th. Sooty Shearwater One and three, Ist and 3rd August respectively. Earliest records (no spring records), Fulmar 200, 28th December. Highest winter count. Grey Plover One, 26th September. Sixth record. Black-tailed Godwit Two, 20th September. Fifth record. Arctic Skua Three and five on 2nd and 4th August respectively. Earliest autumn records. Icterine Warbler One, 14th September. Latest autumn record. Firecrest Two, lst October; four, 2nd October. Sixth year of occurrence, (previous records all singles). Pied Flycatcher One, 24th July. Earliest autumn date. Tree Pipit Three, 8th-9th August. Earliest autumn date. Mealy Redpoll Influx in mid October (present 15th October to 5th Nov- ember), maximum 65 on 21st. F Scarlet Rosefinch One, 3lst May. First spring record, Four or five birds between 28th August and 19th September. Rustic Bunting One, 12th May. Sixth record. Breeding populations No estimates were made of the cliff-nesting seabird popula- tions, but new nesting sites were noted of Shags (on the east and north cliffs), of Kittiwakes (at Colms Hole) and Fulmars (Rona). Four more Farnes-ringed Shags were noted among the breeding population, bringing the total of such records to 22. A census of gulls attempted before the cull gave an approxi- mate figure of 39000 (34000 Herring Gulls and 5000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls) including non-breeders. A few adult Greater Black-backed Gulls were among the colony at the start of the breeding season, but any attempts to nest must have been thwarted by the cull activities. At least 100 pairs of Eiders nested, and more ducklings hatched than usual, judging by the numbers on the loch and round the island’s shores, but fledging success is not known. The surveys of the Puffin colonies on the island have produced an estimate of 4000 occupied burrows, and at least 7000 birds (a considerable increase over the last few years). The first of the breeding birds arrived in late March, and most had left by mid August. One pair of Shelducks reared three young, and about ten pairs of Oystercatchers nested. Of the smaller birds, three pairs of Swallows reared young, and the usual two or three pairs of Dunnocks and Blackbirds nested. A leucistic Rock Pipit among the resident breeding population attracted much interest (and some initial speculation) between July and October. a 1973 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 253 Ringing and recoveries A total of 4208 birds of 62 species were ringed (double the 1971 ringing total, but comprising fewer species). The main species were Herring Gull, Shag and Puffin. Record totals were ringed of Shags (780), Purple Sandpipers (116), Turnstones (76), Kittiwakes (148), Puffins (343), Wrens (67), Lesser Red- polls (27), Mealy Redpolls (47) and Scarlet Rosefinches (4). The total of 20 Lesser Whitethroats ringed was the second highest, but totals of Redstarts, Whinchats, Whitethroats, Dunnocks, Spotted Flycatchers and Sedge Warblers were lower than usual. A Mallard was ringed for the first time on the island, and a juvenile Arctic Tern was the first ringed since 1956. Other noteworthy ringing records were Firecrest (the fourth ringed), Rustic Bunting (the fifth) and Lapland Bunting - (the second—the previous one was in 1946). There was a total of 128 recoveries (not including gulls from the cull) of which 54 were Herring Gulls and 48 were Shags. The foreign recoveries and controls are listed below: Ringed Recovered Lesser Black-backed Gull 25. 7.66 Vila de Conde, Douro Pull Litoral, Portugal 0. 7.68 Herring Gull Pull 30. 6.67 Bremerhaven, Germany | (control) 8. 1.72 Herring Gull Pull 24. 6.67 Bremerhaven, Germany (control) 26. 1.72 Song Thrush Ad 3. 4.64 Oliveira, Povoa de Lanhoso, Portugal 3. 2.72 Song Thrush PJ 9.10.65 St Jean de Marsacq, Landes, France 18.11.71 Blackbird Ist+Y? 28.10.69 Vanse, Lista, Agder, Norway 24. 3.72 Blackbird Ad@ 5.11.71 Kjolsdalen, Sogn and i Fjordane, Norway 23. 5.72 Blackbird Ad? 15. 4.70 Svine, Harbo, Sweden TEL 72 Puffin controls included six more breeding birds ringed as pulli on the Farne Islands and one ringed as an adult on Fair Isle. There were also the first retraps of Purple Sandpipers (one ringed in April 1967 and two in September 1969). Gull control Following a request from the Observatory Committee, the Nature Conservancy planned and initiated a large-scale gull- control programme aimed at reducing the island’s huge breed- ing population of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The cull was carried out during 16th-24th May by a team of 7-10 Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers led by A. W. Colling; it received favourable Press and television coverage. More than 16000 gulls were killed, of which nearly 10% were Lesser Black-backs. The cull was timed to coincide with the main 254 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 7(5) period of egg-laying in order to achieve humanely and econ- omically the maximum selective kill of breeding gulls. Eight sections of the gull colony (Rona, North and South Plateau, and parts of the east side) were treated in rotation: bread baits containing a lethal dose of the narcotic alpha-chloralose were placed at each nest. Each section received two or three treat- ments. The collection, transport and incineration of the gull corpses occupied most of the time and manpower. Some 13000 gull corpses were recovered from the cull area: in addition, owing to disturbance of treated areas and prolonged east winds, some of the poisoned gulls moved off and died in the sea around the island; 3000 were washed ashore along the Fife coast and had to be collected and disposed of. Each stage of the whole operation was documented and photographed, and a programme was initiated to monitor gull numbers and behaviour on the island throughout the season and to monitor vegetation changes. A number of gull corpses were retained for chemical and pathological analysis and other studies by various authorities. Full details of the cull planning and operation will be pub- lished elsewhere, but to sum up the results, more than 70% of the breeding gulls in the cull areas were killed; of the remain- ing birds that attempted to nest after the cull, most nests were destroyed; thus very few chicks hatched out from the cull areas, which had previously held 10000-12000 nests. The 1972 operation was the first successfully executed gull-control project of this size and kind. The success of this arduous and mainly unpleasant task was due to the efforts of the cull team and the co-operation of all those involved in the project. Research Gulls Research by Durham University on the gull popula- tion has been in progress since 1966, producing valuable data on breeding biology and behaviour. In addition 15500 pulli were colour-ringed between 1966 and 1969. The present Dur- ham research project was started in 1972 by G. Chabrzyk, who was on the May from April until the end of July. He carried out detailed studies of the breeding gulls (especially of ringed birds) in the unculled study areas (North Ness, Tarbet and Colms Hole) and ringed a further 1288 Herring Gull pulli. He has also started an important series of projects associated with the cull, including studies of recruitment and behaviour and observations of colour-ringed birds in the cull areas. Dur- ing the cull a team from Durham collected and studied over 400 colour-ringed corpses, and 200 corpses were taken for subsequent anatomical and physiological examination. Puffins Dr M. P. Harris of the Nature Conservancy made some initial studies of the unusual and growing colony on the 11973 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 255 May and ringed over 300 birds. In June Prof D. Bellamy and students from University College Cardiff and Dr D. Thomas of Aberdeen University carried out a survey and census of the colony. Head counts and burrow counts were used to assess the size of the population, and quadrats were set up on Rona, Three Tarn Nick, Cornerstone Cove, Lady’s Bed and Burrian in order to assess burrow density and vegetation cover. Other studies Other work carried out by the Cardiff team included surveys of isopods, ants, molluscs, mice and rabbits. No estimate of the rabbit population was reached, but a survey of warrens and burrow density and associated vegetation was carried out. A summary report of the Cardiff projects has been received. Vegetation In addition to the Cardiff surveys and the Nature Conservancy’s vegetation quadrats and soil-sampling to moni- tor the effects of the cull, valuable additional work was carried out during several visits by D. Sobey of Aberdeen University, in connection with his Ph.D. project on vegetation of gull colonies in Aberdeenshire. He has prepared a vegetation map of the island, the first complete map since 1936. Another wel- come botanical visitor was Dr E. V. Watson, who came at the request of the Observatory Committee to assess changes, es- pecially in the bryophyte vegetation, since his previous visits and surveys. Further useful botanical observations on the status of species on the Isle of May list were made in June and August by H. Galbraith. Confirmation of old records included the dis- covery of a plant of henbane and a species of liverwort; several other species were sought in vain, however, and may have become extinct on the island. Many observers enjoyed the sight of a fine flowering specimen of northern marsh orchid beside Holymans Road. Invertebrates Apart from the Cardiff surveys, a number of observers added to the records; a list of insects collected in August was received from N. K. Atkinson. House mouse Research was continued by G. Triggs, assisted by members of St Andrews University, on the island’s mouse population. This included census work, studies of mortality, nesting, and other aspects of breeding biology. Christmas visit Special mention must be made of the dedica- tion of two regular contributors to the Observatory, N. K. Atkinson and M. Nicoll, who spent Christmas 1972 on the is- land. They achieved their main aim of ringing Purple Sandpipers (a record total of 48) as part of a current enquiry and colour- ringing scheme on this species. Their captures included three birds ringed in previous winters. They also ringed 10 Redshanks and 9 Turnstones and as well as doing wader counts censused 256 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 7(5) all other species on the island, adding valuable information to the sparse records for December; the species total reached 45 over the week, and the most intersting records were 200 Ful- mars, the first Mallard to be ringed, a Merlin, a Moorhen and flocks of Twites. Map An accurate large-scale map of the island is being pre- pared by the Nature Conservancy cartographers from the 1972 ground-survey data and aerial photographs. Publication J. C. Coulson, I. R. Deans, G. R. Potts et al. 1972. Changes in organochlorine contamination of the marine environment of East Britain monitored by Shag eggs. Nature 236 : 454-6. General observations The number of grey seals remained constant at around 50 individuals. Rabbits fluctuated in numbers owing to the varying toll of myxomatosis; they appeared most plentiful in the aut- umn, with a proportion of white animals in the population. T. Daniels found a skull on Burrian which was later identified as that of a stoat, a new record for the island, though presumably imported by an avian predator. A common eel and a shoal of 3-spined sticklebacks were recorded from rock pools in April. The ringing hut was re-roofed by the builders who were renovating the byre for the mouse research. Various repairs to the Low Light and traps were carried out, mainly by obser- vers, for which the Committee are most grateful. The only drawback associated with the excellent renovation of the water tanks was the lack of water, for the well remained dry during most of this exceptionally rainless summer and autumn. Drink- ing water had to be transported from the mainland, and thanks are due to the boatmen for all the help they gave. Special thanks are also owed to the Principal Keeper, Magnus Pearson, and his staff for invaluable assistance during the gull cull, and for their help and forbearance at all times. A historic event of the year was the departure of the keepers’ families to Edin- burgh on 9th August with the reclassification of the island as a “rock” lighthouse station. No doubt the change is welcomed by most of the lighthouse families because of the isolation of the May, which was previously classed as a “shore” station, but most observers will regret the ending of this era. Amendment to 1971 Report (Scot. Birds 7: 75-89): The Lazuli Bunting recorded on 22nd-23rd May 1971 was accepted by the Rarities Committee as to species, but considered an escape. Nancy J. Gordon, The Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. z SHORT NOTES 257 Short Notes Winter range of a Red Kite in East Inverness-shire A Red Kite was present near Laggan Bridge from Sth Jan- _ yore February 1972. It was an adult in almost and probably bore a ring. With the help of lected data on the bird's roosiing, hunting range and relations with other birds. The kite roosted in a large, mature Scots- pime planting near Cluny Casile, about 950 feet above sea level, but the roost tree or trees were not found. On six days the bird approached the wood between 1530 and 1620 hrs GMT, usually fiying about near the edge until about 1600 hrs. Buzzards using the same wood went to roost 30 to 60 minutes later. Frequent sightings throughout the period were made ee oe always between 0945 130 hrs, indicating a regular routine. The table shows extension of hunting range during the study per- 19 of all 25 observaiions were in the range west of the roosting wood, established during days 1-5. The method of range mapping can give only an approximation and might lmdeed be misleading, as Hewson (Scot. Birds 6: 18-22) has shown for Great Grey Shrike. ata and I Progressive extension of Winter range of 2 Red Kit, East Inverness-shire, 1972 Day extent E-W (km) extent N-S (km) Area (ha) Sightings L- 5 16 038 128 8 6-14 12 2.4 238 il 15 - 2 45 24 1080 6 overall 45 x 3.0 km = 1350 ha Most hunting was done over permanent pasture or rough between 900 and 1200 feet above sea level, but the bird was twice seen hunting over young conifers at 1100 feet and once over arable land im the valley floor at 800 feet. No pellets were found nor were food items recorded, but the kite was sighted near a sheep carcass where a raptor had very fed. Resident Buzzards hunted mostly in the valley floor at this season, and there was only one record of overlap (Le. both species hunting a restricted area on the same day). There were more than ten records of overlap with Kestrels, two with Ravens and one with an immature Golden Eagle. Overlap with Carrion Crows was common, and aggression by both species was observed. I made one attempt to catch the 258 SHORT NOTES 7(5) kite on 13th January, using a captive decoy Buzzard and noosed dead bait; the kite ignored the baits and only briefly attacked the Buzzard. D. N. WEIR. Autumn aggression of Capercaillie On 10th September 1972 while we were picking black- berries near Bridge of Orchy, Inverness-shire, my wife, who was some distance away from me, saw a cock Capercaillie land within a few yards of her and begin to display. Knowing ‘what kind of bird it was, she was very pleased to see it at such short range. She was unpleasantly surprised, however, when the bird flew at her head and started to attack her. While trying to fend it off she lost her footing and fell back- wards down the hillside. The Capercaillie continued the attack and only stopped when she scrambled to her feet and ran for safety. N. G. MACDONALD. (Although it is well known that some Capercaillie cocks are extremely aggressive towards human intruders in spring, there appear to be no previous records of such behaviour in autumn. N. Picozzi comments that on two occasions in the past ten years at Banchory, Kincardineshire, there have been September records of aggressive Red Grouse that would attack both people and cars. Hon. D. N. Weir reports that in late September captive young male Capercaillies in Inverness-shire became quite aggressive towards females and displayed.—ED.) Bonaparte’s Gull in Fife On 26th February 1972 at Luthrie, near Cupar, Fife, A. Grieve and I noticed among a party of Black-headed Gulls a bird that was quite different from them in both size and ‘jizz’. We watched it for a few minutes through 10 x 50 binoculars at distances down to 50 yards. P. N. J. Clark also saw the bird briefly before it flew to another field and subsequently disap- peared. I visited the farm again the following day and found the gull in the same ploughed field among other gulls. I watched it for about five minutes until it once again flew off. The bird was smaller than Black-headed Gull (perhaps three-quarters of the size) with wings noticeably smaller but of the same proportions as that species, long and pointed— not like those of Little Gull, which look rounded. The flight was most eye-catching, the wing-beats being shallow and al- most tern-like, not as buoyant as in Little Gull, and lacking the latter’s habit of sudden changes in direction of flight. The a 1973 SHORT NOTES 259 upper head, back and wings were light grey, and the forehead, underparts and rump white. A dark smudge ran from the half- Way poimt where wing meets body out to near the extreme of the leading edge. A similar though less obvious smudge ran along the trailing edge. The area of the upper wing enclosed by the forward smudge was darker grey than elsewhere—like the grey on a Common Gull. On the upper wing the primaries were very pale, tipped with black, and the area of the carpal joint had an obvious white triangular marking. The outer un- der-side of the wings was difficult to see, owing to our eleva- tion, but my general impression was that it was light in colour. There was a well-defined black spot behind the eye, not like the smudged effect on Black-headed Gull. The tail was white, with a fairly narrow, black terminal band. The bill, which looked dark, was finer than Black-headed Gull’s but not quite as fine as shown in the Peterson field-guide. The legs were I looked out for the bird over the next three days but never Saw it again: much of the neighbouring farmland was being ploughed at the time. ' Although the darker grey on the forward wing does not correspond with field-guide descriptions, the bird was cer- tainly a Bonaparte’s Gull. D. W. OLIVER. (This is the third Scottish record. The previous ones were in Dunbartonshire in 1850 and in Sutherland in 1967.—ED.) Collared Pratincole on Fair Isle On 2nd June 1971 a Collared Pratincole was present on Fair Isle. It was first seen by T. A. Boothroyd and others at about 10.30 a.m. and was watched by many observers for an hour during the morning and again for half an hour in the after- noon. It frequented an open grassy field and a cultivated strip planted with potatoes. On the ground the bird would stand with a curious hunched attitude, its breast bulging forward ‘and its head drawn down onto the body. It also walked and ran about, and seemed about the size of a Common Tern, but bulkier. In flight the bird was buoyant and ternlike; it circled grace- fully, rising easily to catch insects. The tail, though not often spread, was seen to be deeply forked, dark brown or black, contrasting with the square white rump. Several times when the bird was overhead and the light in a suitable direction the axillaries were seen to be reddish brown, though otherwise they appeared black. Description Crown, nape and mantle buff sandy brown. Lores darker buff; a thin black line extending downwards from the eye joined across 260 SHORT NOTES 7(5) the upper breast in a semicircle, within which the throat and chin were yellowish-buff, becoming lighter towards the breast. Lower breast pale sandy buff becoming whiter towards the belly. Belly and vent white, Primaries very dark brown, wing points extending just beyond tip of tail. Legs and bill black, with gape and base of mandibles red. A thin dark line ran from bill to eye. Eye dark brown with incomplete buff-white eye-ring below. R. A. BROAD. (The sixth Scottish and third Fair Isle record. The previous birds at Fair Isle occurred in 1934 and 1935.—EbD.) Barn Owls nesting close together In the 20-yard strip between a minor road and a loch in Wigtownshire stands a dilapidated old sandstone building. It is about 15 feet by ten and has a good roof; the walls are some ten feet high and inside form an 18-inch ledge around the top. As I went into this building on 10th May 1972 two Barn Owls flew out over my head, and several pigeons left through the windows. On the ledge I found two owls’ nests, each with three warm eggs, and several pigeons’ nests also with eggs. The owls’ nests were about 15 feet apart—at opposite ends of the building—and both appeared to be being incubated. The two sitting birds would have been quite visible to each other. J. CALLION. (It is possible that these nests may have been associated with polygamous breeding.—ED.) Red-rumped Swallows in Shetland On Whalsay on 23rd September 1971 J. Bruce saw a bird like a Swallow but with a pinkish-red rump, and the under- parts a dirty pinkish buff; he also thought there was a dark gorget. He watched the bird at distances down to 20 feet as it hawked insects along a cliff. On the 25th I found the bird hawking over a small loch and had it in view for 15 minutes in perfect conditions at ranges down to 20 yards. It hawked in typical Swallow fashion, sometimes low over the water, several times rising to 200-300 feet. From the rather brownish appearance of the wings, mantle and crown with little bluish gloss, and from the fact that the tail streamers were shorter than an adult Swallow’s (some- where between Swallow’s and House Martin’s in length), I suspected that it was a bird of the year. Description Crown, back, mantle and wings brownish black, darkest on mantle and back; collar pinkish buff. Tail brown black with stream- ers shorter than those of adult Swallow. Rump pinkish buff, shading Ee 1973 SHORT NOTES 261 to reddish buff on upper rump. Chin, throat, breast and belly pinkish buff, smudged and dirty on breast and throat. The pinkish rump and collar, and the pinkish-buff under- parts without a dark gorget left me in no doubt the bird was a Red-rumped Swallow. J. H. SIMPSON. I saw a Red-rumped Swallow flying east and then south over Sumburgh Head, Shetland, at about midday on 29th May 1972. It was roughly ten feet above the ground and 25-30 feet away from me. The creamy orange-buff underparts extending from throat to upper belly were clearly visible, and there was a total absence of any gorget. The lower belly and tail were dark, probably black. As the bird flew out to sea its upperparts could be seen, and the contrast between the creamy orange rump and the blue- black back, wings and tail was quite obvious. The bird seemed less graceful than a Swallow, with a slightly more compact appearance. S. J. BROYD. (These are the second and third Scottish occurrences: the first was of three birds at Fair Isle in June 1906.—ED.) White’s Thrush on Fair Isle At 12.30 p.m. on 13th February 1971 I noticed a male Pere- grine hovering over a bird in my yard at Setter, Fair Isle. I approached within ten yards of the crouching bird and saw at once, by its golden and black-speckled back, that it was a White’s Thrush. As it flew off I could see its underwing pattern ‘of black-and-white bars. It landed again, and I was able to watch it in good light at a range of 30 yards. The head and upperparts were golden brown, with crescent-shaped black markings; its throat, breast and belly were much the same colour as the upperparts. The wings and tail were a rich, warm ‘brown, legs pale brown and bill dark brown. The bird was larger and slimmer than a Mistle Thrush. I followed the bird for about 15 minutes as it moved to stubble, then to a heather bank and finally away over the hill. That day there was an increase in thrush species on the island; in all I saw six species. The wind had been southeasterly for four days. G. J. BARNES. (Fifth Fair Isle record, eighth for Scotland.—Eb.) 262 SHORT NOTES 7(5) Thick-billed Warbler in Shetland On Whalsay at about 5.00 p.m. on 23rd September 1971 I found a large, reddish-brown warbler skulking among cabbage and turnip crops. I thought it could be a Thick-billed Warbler, and, with J. Bruce, noted all the details we could during the next two hours. In flight the large size, reddish-brown colour and long tail were noticeable features. At rest, there was little contrast be- tween the upperparts and the (buff underparts, but we noted a yellowish flush on the breast and a whitish throat. Close examination with binoculars showed a rufous tinge on the rump, a grey mark in front of the eye, and strong lead-blue legs and feet. The big, thick-looking bill, the way it raised the crown feathers, and the bold, dark eye gave the bird a rather fierce look. The long tail was often held at a peculiar angle, depressed almost to the vertical, while the bird’s body was nearly hori- zontal—a parrot-like stance. The tail was also constantly spread out—so that the end must have been more than two inches wide, when it had a very graduated, rounded appear- ance. Sometimes I could see the tip of each feather separately, and this gave a saw-tooth effect. The bird had very skulking habits and stayed hidden for long periods. As darkness fell we managed to catch the bird and by con- sulting The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds and ringers’ guides were able to confirm that it was a Thick-billed Warbler. By nightfall a strong northwest gale had sprung up, with very heavy rain. We arranged to keep the bird for a night and to send it to Lerwick in the morning for release in a plantation, where it would find both food and shelter. J. H. SIMPSON. On 24th September 1971 BM collected the box containing the Thick-billed Warbler from a fishing boat at Lerwick. We ‘noted a full description of the bird, took a few photographs and released it near bushes in the plantation at Helendale. It shook itself and preened a little before disappearing into denser cover. Description A large, brown and white acrocephalus warbler, very lively, which emitted a loud squawking when handled. Measurements; wing (right) 81 mm; bill 19 mm; tarsus 27 mm; tail 84 mm; width of bill at nostrils 6 mm. Weight 22 g. Bill conspicuously broad with four rictal bristles at each side. Upper mandible dark horn with yellow cutting edge and tip, tip slightly hooked. Lower mandible fairly bright yellow, pinkish on under surface. Gape yellow, tongue yellow with small area of brown at extreme tip. Iris brown; legs blue grey, feet a little darker, Plumage: all feathers fresh, suggesting a first-year bird; crown olivaceous brown; nape, mantle and back rather duller brown; 7 arn Ee 1973 SHORT NOTES 263 rump brown, more rufous than mantle. Tail markedly rounded, slightly less rufous than rump, Lores brownish buff, forming a paler area ex- tending from front of eye to base of bill, with a very narrow and in- conspicuous extension of this colour above and slightly behind the eye (not a superciliary stripe). Ear coverts as crown, but feathers with paler shafts. Wing-coverts as back, but feathers had slightly darker centres. Scapulars slightly darker than back. Primaries and secondaries grey-brown with buffish brown edges; no wing-bar. Throat, chin and belly nearly white, flanks buffish-white. Breast, vent and under tail- coverts yellow buff. A full set of wing and tail-feather measurements were also taken. On 25th September we were very disappointed to hear that the bird had been found dead, practically on the doorstep of a nearby house. Its condition suggested that it had been caught and mangled by a cat. Half the tail was missing. We put the carcass into a deep freeze and later sent it to the Royal Scot- tish Museum in Edinburgh. B. MARSHALL, R. J. TULLOCH. In the Natural History Department of the Royal Scottish Museum I made a complete examination of the Warbler re- ceived from Shetland, and was able to confirm that it was a Thick-billed Warbler. It was not possible to determine the sex by simple internal examinations, without serious damage to the skin. This, and the state of the wing and tail feathers, sug- gest that it may be a first-winter bird. It is still in deep freeze, and will eventually be freeze-dried, possibly as a mount. I. H. J. LYSTER. (IHJL also submitted a detailed description. The record is accepted by the Rarities Committee of British Birds. It is the second Scottish and British record. The first was at Fair Isle in October 1955.—ED.) Pechora Pipit on Fair Isle On 29th September 1972 on Fair Isle, ISR and PH found a pipit in a crop of potatoes; unlike a Meadow Pipit it flew out of the crop and then dived straight back in again. When flushed again it repeated the performance, diving into cover before anyone could get a clear view of it. Later it flew to a patch of cabbages, where it proved to be equally skulking. However, On several occasions it perched on the top of the plants or on top of a fence before it dived out of sight. It did not associate with Meadow Pipits, which invariably left the cover first. When the bird perched, several features stood out instantly: it had two very prominent wing-bars (one more so than the other); it had two well-defined whitish lines running from the nape of the neck down the length of the mantle, giving the 264 SHORT NOTES 7(5) appearance of distinct ‘braces’; it had bright pink legs. It seem- ed to be about the same size as a Meadow Pipit or slightly larger, but this impression could easily have been exaggerated by the bird’s habit of stretching upwards when perched on top of a cabbage, its neck very extended. In flight its general appearance was very dark, but the wing- bars contrasted and were plainly visible. When seen on the ground it appeared much lighter, with white belly, much clean- er than in Meadow or Tree Pipit, and dark, distinct flank streaks. A dark moustachial streak was probably responsible for the appearance of a dark mark on the sides of the neck. Throat and upper breast were buff, streaked blackish. The bill seemed to be large for the size of bird. As it dropped into, or was flushed from cover, the outer tail-feathers were seen to be white (much as in Meadow Pipit); the area of white on the outer feathers seemed quite extensive. We all agreed that the bird was probably a Pechora Pipit, but we were worried that the outer tail-feathers were white (they are supposed to be buff). Also PH had seen a Red-throated Pipit that had fairly well-marked ‘braces’. Having watched the bird for at least an hour and having flushed it several times without hearing a single call, we decided to catch it. We put up a mist-net at the end of its ‘favourite’ patch of potatoes and flushed the bird into it. The bird was ringed and compared with the one Pechora Pipit skin in the Observatory collection. It was also shown to J. Wilson who had seen several previous Fair Isle Pechora Pipits and he agreed wholeheartedly with our identification. We released the bird into a cabbage patch at Setter, hoping it would call, but heard nothing. The bird was seen again on 3rd October, but again it did not call. R. A. BROAD, P. HOLMES, I. S. ROBERTSON. (A fully detailed description was submitted. This is the first record since 1966. All 16 previous Scottish records are from Fair Isle. RAB comments that there seems to be considerable overlap in the characters given by authorities such as Sven- sson, Hall and the Handbook for Pechora Pipit and Red- throated Pipit in the autumn.—ED.) ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE IN BRUSSELS To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the Society AVES is organis- ing an ornithological conference in Brussels on Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th October 1973. The subject is current problems in ornithology. Inquiries and registration to: Dr A. RAPPE, President, 43 Avenue des Constellations, 1200 Brussels, Belgium. aaa saaaaaaacaaaacaaaaacacacaaaammaaccmmmacmmmamaaml 1973 REVIEWS 265 Reviews The Palaearctic African Bird Migration Systems. By R. E. Moreau. Lon- don, Academic Press, 1972. Pp. xv + 384: 31 black-and-white photo- graphs, 9 text figures; 162 distribution maps. 254 x 164 cm. £7.80. R. E. Moreau first became interested in birds during his boyhood in Britain, but it was in Africa, working as a civil servant from 1920 to 1946 in Egypt and Tanganyika, that he educated himself in ornithology, freely helped by many brilliant and original people. For 13 years (until 1960) he edited Ibis, while also working at the Edward Grey Institute in Oxford; during that time he wrote (and stimulated others to write) many papers on African birds and the Palaearctic birds that winter in Africa. In 1966 he published The Bird Faunas of Africa and its Islands, zoogeo- graphy on a grand scale, and in his own words “an ecogeographical dis- cussion with its roots in the past’. That same year, although arthritis tyne abruptly foreclosed” on him, he set down to write the present work. The book epitomises Moreau’s immense knowledge of the subject. It is not simply an account of the movements of birds but includes discus- sions of the influence of geography and of the climate to-day and in the past, the physiology of flight and of the migrants in winter, the numbers of ani involved and the relation between Palearctic and Ethiopian birds. No work on such a vast subject would be readable if it contained all the known information: no ornithologist with less than Moreau’s grasp of essentials could have presented it in such an intelligible form for the generai reader, while also inciuding a mass of data for the specialist. We in temperate latitudes are so used to thinking of our long-distance migrants arriving to benefit from a flush of soft-bodied insects in a reason- ably moist climate, that it comes as something of a surprise to learn that more Palearctic migrants winter in the dry northern tropics than in the wetter southern tropics. Indeed not only do the birds arrive, their energy reserves nearly exhausted, in these semi-arid regions in the drier period after the rains, but they remain in areas where the habitat appears to de- teriorate throughout the winter, reaching its worst about the time that the last spring migrants must leave for the north. Moreau’s Paradox, as this has been called, must be more apparent than real, for the species involved seem to have survived all these natural hazards over the years. The book begins with short and simple chapters on the factors that affect the birds and their migrations in general. There follows a series of accounts of the migration and distribution of individual species or groups of species. A short chapter on “maintenance needs” is a useful summary of the little that is known about the physiology of the wintering birds. The next chapter deals just as economically with “recurrence in winter quarters and itinerancy”: a paper in Ibis (1972) by Nisbet and Medway on Eastern Great Reed Warblers wintering in Malaysia confirms Moreau’s suggestions that individuals can regularly return to the same place to winter, and that some birds undertake regular movements in winter, rather like well-off people doing an annual round of the same old ‘resorts. There are 162 maps showing the breeding areas of species in the Palaearctic Region (after Voous) and their wintering areas in Africa, with distinctions clearly made between these groups and others of the same species that winter in the Oriental Region. The author died in 1970. Although the text was virtually complete, Moreau might have wished to include a chapter of conclusion, or even speculation, For instance the Sahara has been steadily drying up and 266 REVIEWS 7(5) becoming more hostile. If the crossing becomes impossible, what will happen to Palaearctic nesting species ? The book had to be seen into print. This has been most ably done by Dr James Monk, and there is an appendix contributed by K. D. Smith on all the species recorded in sub-Saharan Africa, which had been omitted from the author’s text. The book is a fascinating introduction to the subject for the novice and a masterly summary for the expert, including the many whose work for years was inspired by Moreau himself. C.GH. Encylopaedia of Aviculture. Vol. 2 (of 3). Edited by A. Rutgers and K. A. Norris, London, Blandford Press, 1972. Originally published in Dutch as Encyclopaedie voor de Vogelliefhebber 1964-68. Pp. 308; 28 colour- ed plates, 129 black-and-white half-tone illustrations, numerous text illustrations. 29} x 204 cm. £8. Volume 1 of this work was reviewed in Scottish Birds in 1970 (6: 222). In volume 2 three-quarters of the book is devoted to the order Psittaci- formes (parrots), and it is claimed that practically all known species have been described in enough detail to make identification possible, A description of habits in the wild state is followed by detailed instructions on the management of each species in captivity. The Australian parrots are dealt with by J. M. Forshaw, whose beautiful book Australian Parrots has since been published. Species from the rest of the world are described by K. Kolar of Austria and K. A. Norris of England, and authoritative articles on budgerigars are supplied by well known writers W. Watmough and A. Rutgers. The crowning achievement is the provision of 22 splendid plates with coloured illustrations of 125 different species of parrots and tine coloured plates illustrating 40 varieties of budgerigar. The paintings of parrots and budgerigars by J. F. van den Broecke, whose work we par- ticularly like, and H. J. Slijfer, are very good indeed. The rest of the work dealt with the orders Cuculiformes (plantain eaters, cuckoos and couculs), Strigiformes (owls) by K. A. Norris, Capri- mulgiformes (oil birds, frogmouths, potoos, owlet-nightjars, nightjars and goatsuckers) and Apodiformes (swifts and humming birds), The humming birds are specially dealt with by Jean Delecour on habits and maintenance in aviary, and seven species are well illustrated in an excellent colour plate by van den Broecke. The difficulty of finding easily anything in the literature about the other orders is indeed a measure of the usefulness of this book: it supplies much information on little known species in handy form. An appendix brings Volumes 1 and 2 up to date, mainly with first breedings, corrections to Volume 1, a bibliography and Latin and English indexes, Due acknowledgment is now made of indebtedness to Gould for some of the half-tone illustrations. One does not have to be an aviculturist to appreciate this book, for it provides a compact account of the parrots of the world, really well illus- ‘trated in colour and black and white, at a most reasonable price. We look forward to the completion of the series, but volume 2 alone amply justifies this publication, which is indeed a credit to the compilers, the publishers and the printers. RITCHIE SEATH. A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests. By Bruce Campbell and James Ferguson- Lees. London, Constable, 1972. Pp. xiiit545; 10 black-and-white photographs; line drawing, distribution map and _ breeding-season chart given for most of the 234 species. 17% x 12 cm, £2.50. This comprehensive work is an extension of Bruce Campbell’s Finding Nests (1953). Since that book is long out of print, this new publication will be welcomed by all those interested in the technique of bird-nesting. The book contains a wealth of information and can be opened at random 1973 REVIEWS 267 and knowledge gleaned from any page. The birds are treated in species order, and the details given for each include breeding-distribution maps for Britain and Ireland and a chart showing when eggs and young can be found. As well as describing the nest, nest-site, habitats and methods of finding the nest, the text also covers the bird’s range, numbers, and de- tails of clutch and brood size etc. The distribution maps seem accurate enough and reasonably clear; the breeding charts are also helpful, though it must be remembered that in Scotland the dates for most species are later than those given here: in northeast Scotland, for example, I have never found Dunnock’s eggs earlier than 12th April, whereas the chart in the book gives mid March. ‘The sketches of the birds do little to enhance the text; illustrations of the mest, which are described in such detail, might have been more to the int. The nest-finding techniques, which for many will be the main feature of the book, are based largely on the well proven methods of Finding Nests, with additional ideas developed by the authors and others. At £2.50 this book of more than 500 pages is reasonably priced and should be a sound investment for novice and expert alike. E. PICKARD. Orkney Birds—Status and Guide, By E. Balfour. Orkney, Charles Senior, 1972. Pp. 64. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, line draw- ings and maps. 65p. The booklet opens with a concise but thorough ornithological geography of the islands and two brief, general chapters on the breeding and migrant birds. The main text lists 314 species, detailing the status of each. An es- sential buy for anyone interested in Orkney and its birds. rib Letters Birds on Rockall In the last number of Scottish Birds J. Butler gives an inter- esting account of the birds of Rockall in June 1972 (Scot. Birds 7: 201). He concludes by saying that it seems impossible for birds to breed on Rockall as waves regularly sweep over the rock. This was certainly true for the exceptionally stormy June of 1972, but June 1946 was a very different month. That year Lord Tedder of the RAF placed a Sunderland flying boat at my disposal for a flight to Rockall to investigate the possi- bility of Guillemots laying on the broad ledge just below the summit of the rock. I was picked up in Portree Bay, Isle of Skye, on the morning of 24th June. Our flight was high over the Gannet colony of St Kilda. As we approached Rockall a flock of Kittiwakes flew nervously out to sea—they were not nesting. At least 70 Guille- mots crowded the broad ledge near the summit, which was whitened by their droppings. On our first run most of these Guillemots at once took wing. We made nine low runs over Rockall, and from my notes I see that six birds continued to brood, in the attitude that tells the observer who has made a close study of the species that they are certainly brooding Sir, 268 LETTERS 7(5) eggs or small chicks. The roar of the Sunderland’s engines must have been a hard test of their courage, but we failed to dislodge even one of them. The hatching of an egg on Rockall must depend on moder- ately calm weather continuing throughout the period of incub- ation. This is rare, and I imagine the Guillemots laying on Rockall are all inexperienced birds. Sir, SETON GORDON. Habitat of Redwings in Wester Ross As the colonisation of parts of north and west Scotland by Redwings no longer seems a matter of secrecy, following the widespread interest in their distribution aroused by the Atlas project (Sharrock, Scot. Birds 7: 208) and in view of the current SOC Enquiry into their status, it seems worthwhile putting on record observations on this species made in the spring of 1968 by a team of BTO members who carried out census studies in and near the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross. These notes may be particularly use- ful at this time, as they considerably extend the information on habitat and nest-sites given by Sharrock from his own field experience in 1971-72. The combined observations of the BTO party provided evi- dence of confirmed breeding at ten sites (eight near the head of Loch Maree, two close to Badachro), with a probable mini- mum of 20 sites in all. Broods were reared at six sites, and at three others the clutches (2 x c/5, 1 x c/6) disappeared from the nests. There was strong evidence that birds were double- brooded at two sites, at one of which the second clutch was completed on 29th May. A nest found with one egg on 3lst May had a full complement of five eggs on 5th June; a third contained two fresh eggs on 8th June. At three of the known nests the broods (including one of six young) fledged between 29th May and 2nd June. In one instance the young were still being attended by both parents six days after fledging. Sharrock records that 15 of his singing Redwings were in the gardens of large houses and that none were present in open birch woodland. A nest found by R. Balharry was in a Kinlochewe garden, but this was the only one found in this kind of habitat; it was possibly this male that sang from Scots pines on the edge of the garden, a larch plantation across an adjacent field, and tall birches nearby. Several of the nests found were associated with scattered birches, and three of the singing males were in remote hillside birch woods, one in a steep gulley. Two males sang ‘against’ each other on the edge of an oak wood at Badachro, sometimes penetrating the wood to a depth of 100-150 yards. Most of the pairs at the head of Loch Maree were associated 1973 LETTERS 269 with stands of coppiced alders, interspersed with patches of gorse, on alluvial soil. Two nests were only a foot or so above the ground among the coppice stems branching from the base, two others were at a height of about five feet in the crown of gorse bushes, and two (one a nest of a former season) were side by side in an earth bank, the material of the new nest interwoven with that of the old one. Elsewhere two nests (and one old one) were built into the upturned roots of wind- thrown trees, a site also used by Song Thrushes in this area. An occupied nest was built into a deep cavity nine feet up the main stem of an oak where a fork branch had broken away; and another very exposed nest was at the base of suck- ers on a horizontal bough of a rowan overhanging a stream, hardly three feet above the water. Eight of the eleven nests (including old ones) were close to running water; the remaining three were beside wet grassy areas. In no instance was there ‘dense shrub undergrowth’. Clearly there is wide variation even in one locality in the choice of nest-site, but propinquity to running water and access to wet grassy areas for feeding may be important in determin- ing the selection of territory. K. WILLIAMSON. Enquiries Gannets. Contact is wanted with anyone willing to gather in- formation from the remoter Gannet colonies for comparison with Bass Rock data. Dr J. B. Nelson, Zoology Department, te ta of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN. Barnacle Geese are being colour-ringed at Caerlaverock. The rings have three black letters on a yellow ground. Reports of ringed birds, giving place and size of flock, should be sent to Dr M. Owen, The Wildfowl Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester. Film wanted. Anyone possessing 16 mm film showing birds feeding, walking, landing or taking off is invited to loan it for a short period so that the movements can be analysed as part of a study of bird eye and head movements. Dr M. B. Friedman, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 60 Pleas- ance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ. Seabird records. Notes would be welcomed of birds seen at sea or of seabirds passing the shore. At sea, the number met in a 10-minute period while under way should be counted, and spot counts made of birds following the boat, coming to the trawl, resting on land passed etc. Dr W. R. P. Bourne, Zoology De- partment, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aber- deen AB9 2TN. 270 ENQUIRIES 7(5) Goosanders. Since 1966 the Northumbrian Ringing Group have been ringing young Goosanders on the rivers North Tyne and Coquet in Northumberland. Recoveries from Scotland total about 12 and come from the Solway, Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire, Speyside and as far north as Bonar Bridge, Sutherland. To ex- tend their work, the Group wish to locate post-breeding moult- ing sites in Scotland. Anyone able to assist should contact B. Little, 37 Stella Hall Drive, Stella Park, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Northumberland. The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club SUMMER EXCURSIONS Important Notes 1. Members may attend excursions of any Branch in addition to those arranged by the Branch they attend regularly. 2. Where transport is by private car, please inform the organiser if you can bring a car and how many seats are available. All petrol expenses will be shared. 3. Please inform the organiser in good time if you are prevented from attending an excursion where special hire of boats is involved, Failure to turn up may mean you are asked to pay for the place to avoid addi- tional expense for the rest of the party. 4. Members, friends and visitors attending any Club excursion do so at their own risk, Neither the Leader nor the Club can be held respon- sible for an accident or injury sustained on an excursion. 5. Please bring meals as indicated (in brackets) below. 6. Members visiting breeding colonies are reminded of the need to take great care to avoid disturbance of the birds or damage to the nests. AYR Saturday 19th May THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of Sir Alec Douglas-Home) and YETHOLM LOCH. Leader: R. H. Hogg. Coach leaves Wellington Square, Ayr, 8.30 a.m. Early applications with s.a.e. to the Branch Secretary (lunch and tea). | Wednesday 13th June DOONHOLM (by kind permission of Mr & Mrs B. B. Kennedy). Leader: Dr M. E. Castle. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 6.45 p.m, or 7 p.m. at the estate gates. Saturday 15th September MULL OF GALLOWAY. Leader: A. G. Stewart. Cars leave Wellington Square, Ayr, 8.30 a.m. (lunch and tea). Further information about all excursions from the Branch Secretary, R, M. Ramage, 57B St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 1JF (tel. 0292 79192). Please send s.a.e. if writing. DUMFRIES Sunday 13th May MONIAIVE area. Leader: J. F. Young. Leave Ewart Library, Dumfries, 1 p.m. (tea). Sunday 17th June LANGHOLM MOOR. Leaders: T. Irving and R. Smith. Meet Market Place, Langholm, 2.15 p.m. (tea). 1973 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 271 Sunday 8th July MULL OF GALLOWAY. Meet at Mull Lighthouse 1 p.m. (lunch and tea). Sunday 26th August ROCKCLIFFE MARSH, CUMBERLAND. Leader: L. T. Collie. Leave Ewart Library, Dumfries, 12 noon (lunch and tea). DUNDEE All excursions by private car leaving City Square, Dundee (lunch and tea for all excursions), Further information from Mrs A. Noltie, 14 Men- teith Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3EN (tel. 0382 75074). Please send s.a.e. if writing. Sunday 20th May GLEN CLOVA. Leader: J. E. Forrest. Depart 8 a.m. Sunday 10th June CATTERLINE AND DISTRICT. Leader: Dr D. G. Adamson, Depart 8 a.m. Sunday 8th July LOCH ORDIE. Leader: D. B. Thomson. Depart 9 a.m. Sunday 12th August SHELLY POINT. Leader: B, Pounder. Depart 9 a.m. Sunday 9th September FIFE NESS AND KILCONQUHAR LOCH. Leader: Mrs J. A. R. Grant. Depart 9 a.m, EDINBURGH Saturday 5th May ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader: K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2.30 p.m. (tea). Wednesday 23rd May BLACKFORD HILL. Leader: Dr L. L. J. Vick. Meet Blackford Pond 7 p.m. Saturday 26th May THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of Sir Alec Douglas-Home). Excursion by private cars leaving Edinburgh from square behind National Gallery 10.30 a.m. for Hirsel 12 noon. Applications with s.a.e. to J. B. Murray, Woodlea, 49 Lochend Road, Edinburgh EH6 8DQ (tel. 031-554 1934) stating number of seats avail- able or required (lunch and tea). Sunday 10th June ISLE OF MAY. Leader: Alastair Macdonald. Boat leaves Anstruther Harbour 9 a.m. Applications by 10th May with boat fare of £1.10 and s.a.e. to the organiser Mrs C. M. Adams, 18 Braehead Loan, Edinburgh EH4 6BL (tel. 031-336 4320) (lunch and tea). Saturday 30th June HUMBIE WOODS (by kind permission of Mrs C. W. “ie Leader: G. L, Sandeman. Meet Humbie Kirk 2.30 p.m. tea). Saturday 21st July BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamilton- Dalrymple). Leader: F. D. Hamilton. Numbers limited. Boat leaves North Berwick Harbour 2.30 p.m. Applications by 30th June with boat fare of £1.00 and s.a.e. to the organiser R. J. E. Whitworth, 6 Charteris Court, Longniddry, East Lothian (tel. Longniddry 2101) (tea). Saturday 15th September ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2.30 p.m. (tea). GLASGOW Saturday 28th April Instruction in identification of sea and shore birds. MUSSELBURGH LAGOONS, EAST LOTHIAN, Leader: Russell Nisbet. Meet at the Gasworks, Musselburgh Racecourse 11 a.m. Applications with s.a.e. to Mr Nisbet, 46 Greenwood Road, Clarkston, Glasgow G76 TIN (tel. 041-638 0132). Please state if car seats available (lunch and tea), Saturday 12th May BARR LOCH. Leader: Robert Caldow. Meet Loch- winnoch Station Yard, 2.30 p.m. (tea). Sunday 27th May ROWARDENNAN WALK (8 miles approx.), Leader: Angus Maciver. Meet Forestry Car Park, Rowardennan, 11 a.m. Excur- 272 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(5) sion limited to 24, Applications with s.a.e. to Mr Maciver, 19 Lee Avenue, Glasgow G33 2QY (tel. 041-770 7864). Please state if car seats available (lunch and tea). Saturday 9th June INCHCAILLOCH, LOCH LOMOND. Meet Balmaha Car Park 10 a.m. Applications by 3lst May with s.a.e. to Mrs Helen Halli- day, Dunard, Clydesdale Road, Mossend, Bellshill, Lanarkshire. Please a if car seats available. Return boat fare 15p approx. (lunch and tea). Sunday 8th July Instruction in identification of Woodland Birds. ALLAN- DER WATER. Leader: Angus Maciver. Meet Tannoch Loch, Milngavie, 10 a.m. (lunch and tea). INVERNESS Sunday 20th May STRATHERRICK. Leader: Roy Dennis. Meet Cathedral Car Park 10 a.m. (lunch and tea). Friday 15th June to Sunday 17th June SUTHERLAND WEEKEND. Appli- cations with s.a.e. by 12th May to Mrs W. Morrison, 83 Dochfour Drive, Inverness, from whom all details about the weekend should be obtained. Sunday 9th September WADERS AND WILDFOWL—FIRTHS.. Leader: Malcolm Harvey. Meet Kessock Ferry, Inverness, 10 a.m. (lunch and tea). ST ANDREWS Applications with s.a.e., not later than one week before each excursion, to Miss M. M. Spires, Greenacre, Hepburn Gardens, St Andrews, Fife (tel. 033 481 2418). Saturday 5th May KILCONQUHAR LOCH (by kind permission of Elie Estates). Meet North Lodge, 2.30 p.m. (tea). Saturday 9th June RED HEAD AND CLIFFS. Cars leave car park, Ken- nedy Gardens, by Kinburn Park, St Andrews, 2 p.m. (tea). Sunday 17th June AN ANGUS GLEN. Cars leave car park, Kennedy Gar- dens, 9.30 a.m, (lunch and tea). Saturday 30th June TENTSMUIR. Cars leave car park, Kennedy Gardens, 2 p.m. (tea). STIRLING The Stirling Branch will be holding excursions to places of local ornith- ological interest on the following Sundays : 13th May; 10th June; 15th July; 19th August and 9th September. For full details please write with s.a.e. at least three weeks before each excursion to the Branch Secretary, D. M. Bryant, Biology Department, University of Stirling, Stirling. WOODCARVING EXHIBITION Mrs V. M. Tulloch, a Club member from the island of Gigha, will be holding an exhibition of her own woodcarvings in the old Royal High School buildings, Regent Road, Edinburgh, during the first week in June. She intends to donate the proceeds of the exhibition to organisations concerned with combating pollution of our environment, and will be very grateful for help in manning it during the daytime. Anyone who is inter- ested and who can help is asked to write direct to Mrs Tulloch at 11 Kenilworth Court, Bridge of Allan, Stirling. Bs ’ BIRD BOOKSHOP ©. 21 REGENT TERRACE EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 Selection in Stock Finches (New Naturalist) Newton Shell Guide to Ethiopian Birds. Urban Shell Book of Beachcombing. Soper £3.00 £0.50 £1.75 Field Guide to Birds’ Nests. Campbell & Ferguson- Lees £2.50 Photographing Wildlife. Baufle & Varin Animals of the Antarctic. Stonehouse Animals of the African Year. Burton Birds of Korea. Gore & Won Pyong-Oh The Animal in its World. Tinbergen Nature Conservation. Baron Collins Guide to Tree Planting & Cultivation. Edlin £2.25 Travels & Traditions of Waterfowl. Hochbaum AND JUST OUT ORKNEY BIRDS —status and guide. Balfour £3.75 £3.25 £2.95 £9.65 £6.35 £0.90 £1.40 65p Write for our current booklist and extra order forms LOCAL RECORDERS Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland. Fair Isle R. A. Broad, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland. Orkney E, Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney. Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) W. A. J. Cunningham, Aros, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Lairg, Sutherland. Caithness Mrs P. Collett, Sandyquoy, East Gills, Scrabster, Caithness. Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. Macdonald, Elmbank, Dor- noch, Sutherland. Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness. Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) R. H. Dennis, The Old Manse, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire. Nairnshire, Morayshire, Bantianire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Portsoy, Banffshire, AB4 2NT Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire Alan Knox, Zoology Department, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB9 2TN, and W. Murray, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB4 0AA. ae Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin, gus. Perthshire Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth. Kinross-shire Miss Bridget H. Moore, Vane Farm Reserve, Kinross. Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. Fife, Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. West Lothian Prof. T. C. Smout, 19 South Gillsland Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DE. Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Ter- race, Loanhead, Midlothian. East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Méerchiston Avenue, Edinburgh EH10 4NY. Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk. Argylishire, Inner Hebrides, Skye M. J. P. Gregory, 4 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire. Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Arran, Bute R. W. Forrester, 29 Crandleyhill Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire. Dumfriesshire D. Skilling, 86 Auchenkeld Avenue, Heathhall, Dumfries and R. T. Smith, Applegarthtown, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB E Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and Thurso at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest. The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology. There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is £2.00, or 50p in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of £3.00, or.a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on Ist October annually. ‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal. The affairs of the Club are controlled by a Council composed of the Hon. Presidents, the President, the Vice-President, the Hon. Treasurer, the Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fund, and ten other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also one Representative of each Branch Committee appointed annually by the Branch. The Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by Council, produces an annual Report on ‘Ornithological Changes in Scotland’. The Club tie in dark green,, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be obtained by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch Secretaries. The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important journals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject. The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre. Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042). NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS 1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on their own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Tom Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BY. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated. 2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for neh i All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready. 3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will normally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost. 4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these. 5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining. Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 3529. EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London. 6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99:396). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets. 7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as “Dr” and “St’’. 8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory. 9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type. 10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints. ISLAND OF ISLAY a a) “Have you come here for the birds?” Islay hospitality and the unique opportunity to study an astonishing variety of birds in Winter and Spring combine to make this Hebridean Island the “BIRD WATCHERS’ PARADISE”. It is the winter home of a large proportion of the world population of Barnacle and Greenland Whitefronts — as many as 10,000 barnacle geese have been recorded in February. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the Chough. These are only three of the hundred different species that may be seen on Islay’s varied habitat during a Winter or Spring holiday. rm) For ornithological leaflet and other information write to: MID-ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND ISLAY TOURIST ORGANISATION, CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLL Tel. Campbeltown 2056 Observation Point 59° North THE ORKNEY ISLANDS with a total number of over 280 recorded species (109 breeding this century) would welcome the enthusiastic ornithologist to enjoy the cool, clear air of these unpolluted isles in 1973. For further information write to The Assistant Tourist Officer ORB. EcBIM 4s TOURIST ORGANISATION Dept. SCA, Mounthoolie Lane, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands. Tel. Kirkwall 2856. ARMS HOTEL GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216 Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all. In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C. R.S.A.C. Shetland A paradise for bird- watchers - Sail to these enchanting islands from Aberdeen Visit the fantastic seabird colonies— see Arctic terns, skuas, phalaropes and many others. All-inclusive holidays of 9 to 10 days with comfortable accommod- ation in the Company’s ships and approved hotels at prices from £357.50 Write for free colour brochure to: North of Scotland Orkney & Shetland Shipping Co. Ltd., Dept. EB3, Matthews’ Quay, Aberdeen. ABY 8DL. Tel. 0224 29111. North of Scotland Orkney & Shetland. Shipping Co Ltd. COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and = close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 40p in- cluding postage, per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. | W. COWEN, Keswick eee Pan A ts aS asa John Gooders watching Tawny Eagles inThebes Mr. John Gooders, the celebrated ornithologist and Editor of ‘Birds of the World’, is seen using his new Zeiss 10x 40B binoculars. Mr. Gooders writes: “T stare through binoculars all day long for weeks on end without eyestrain —try that with any binoculars other than West German Zeiss. The 10 x 40B meets all my other needs too; high twilight power for birds at dawn and dusk, superb resolution for feather by feather examination, and wide field of view. With no external moving parts they stand the rough treatment that studying birds in marsh, snow and desert involves —I can even use them with sunglasses without losing performance. Zeiss binoculars are not cheap -— but they are recognised as the best by every ornithologist I know. The 10 x 40B is the perfect glass for birdwatching”. Details from the sole UK agents Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) Ltd Degenhardt House 31/36 Foley Street, London W1P 8AP. Telephone 01-636 8050 fea) |v LDegenhardt WHICH BINOCULAR ? Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular and specialists telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. eS Top prices offered in FOR NEW ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE CHARLES FRANK LTD. 145 QUEEN STREET : GLASGOW TEL. 041-221 6666 me STE) PRINTER, SELMIRK. part exchange We stock all makes, but one binocular which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, complete with case costs only £12.50. Not only do we ourselves recommend this binocular, it also carries a strong recommendation from _ The Royal Society for the Protection of | Birds, and each glass carries the | seal of approval of the Game Conser- vancy. Our Free 42 page catalogue illustrates hundreds of Binoculars & Telescopes including the larger 10 x 50 model at £16.50 and the 9 x 63 at ESO. FREE COMPARISON’ TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free for 7 days. Should you decide, how- ever, on a binocular other than the Frank/Nipole make, we can promise a substantial price reduction at least equalling any other offer which you may bring to our notice. This offer also applies to Telescopes. fo eaeecp > 4070 eee) ee 6 | | ih Wee | r - E IOURNAL OF THE: © 8 $H ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB SUMMER 1973, John Gooders watching Tawny Eagles inThebes & Mr. John Gooders, the celebrated ornithologist and Editor of ‘Birds of the World’, is seen using his new Zeiss 10 x 40B binoculars. Mr. Gooders writes: “T stare through binoculars all day long for weeks on end without eyestrain -—try that with any binoculars other than West German Zeiss. The 10 x 40B meets all my other needs too; high twilight power for birds at dawn and dusk, superb resolution for feather by feather examination, and wide field of view. With no external moving parts they stand the rough treatment that studying birds in marsh, snow and desert involves —I can even use them with sunglasses without losing performance. Zeiss binoculars are not cheap — but they are recognised as the best by every ornithologist I know. The 10 x 40B 1s the perfect glass for birdwatching”. Details from the sole UK agents Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) Ltd Degenhardt House 31/36 Foley Street, London W1P 8AP. Telephone 01-636 8050 KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £20.00. The programme for 1973 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Fungi Birds Mammals Mountain Flowers Natural History Photography Field Botany Painting Moorland Ecology Natural History and Landscape Rocks and Minerals of the Highlands Conservation Industrial Archaeology Insects Bryophytes Landscape Photography Vegetation Past and Present All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be alae to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. ISLAND OF _ ISLAY Co “Have you come here for the birds?” Islay hospitality and the unique opportunity to study an astonishing variety of birds in Winter and Spring combine to make this Hebridean Island the “BIRD WATCHERS’ PARADISE”. It is the winter home of a large proportion of the world population of Barnacle and Greenland Whitefronts — as many as 10,000 barnacle geese have been recorded in February. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the Chough. These are only three of the hundred different species that may be seen on Islay’s varied habitat during a Winter or Spring holiday. ay) For ornithological leaflet and other information write to: MID-ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND ISLAY TOURIST ORGANISATION, CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLL Tel. Campbeltown 2056 LOCAL RECORDERS Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland. Fair Isle R. A. Broad, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland. Orkney E, Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney. Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) Records to Club Secretary. St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Lairg, Sutherland. Caithness Mrs P. Collett, Sandyquoy, East Gills, Scrabster, Caithness. Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. Macdonald, Elmbank, Dor- noch, Sutherland. Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness. Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) R. H. Dennis, The Old Manse, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire. Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Portsoy, Banffshire, AB4 2NT. Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire Alan Knox, Zoology Department, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB9 2TN, and W. Murray, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB4 0AA. acre Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin, gus. Perthshire Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth. Kinross-shire Miss Bridget H. Moore, Vane Farm Reserve, Kinross. Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. Fife, Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. West Lothian, Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian. East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh EH10 4NY. Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk. Argyllshire, Inner Hebrides, Skye M. J. P. Gregory, 4 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire. Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Arran, Bute R. W. Forrester, 29 Crandleyhill Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire. Dumfriesshire D. Skilling, 86 Auchenkeld Avenue, Heathhall, Dumfries and R. T. Smith, Applegarthtown, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 7, NUMBER 6, SUMMER 1973 Page Editorial... Ba ee 273 Wader Soeaiatons: at Musselburgh. By R. W. parece (plates 21-22) ee ae 275 Roost selection by onde. By R. W. Tecness. oe BY ee 281 A Merlin roost in Wigtownshire. By R. C. Dickson = Bee 288 A case of lamb-killing by Golden Eagles. By D.N. Weir ... ee 293 Breeding distribution of Grey Wagtails, Dippers and Common Sandpipers on the Midlothian Esk. By C. N. L. Cowper ... 302 Short Notes Possible interbreeding of Slavonian Grebe and Black-necked Grebe in Scotland (R. H. Dennis-et al.) ... . fs 307 Black-browed Albatross in Fife (P. A. Lassey) Bi. ie 308 Honey Buzzard in Inverness-shire (M. I. Harvey) _... zis 309 Peregrine wintering in Dundee (A. B. Ritchie) (plate 24)... 309 Gyrfalcon in East Inverness-shire (D. N. Weir) ane 310 Ruffs inland near Aberlady Bay, East Lothian (Dr D. Jenkins) 311 Wilson’s Phalarope in Kirkcudbrightshire (Dr E. C. Fellowes) (plate 23) | belay | | 0 De a ae a a a a ae a a ar ea a ae” a Se ee | | SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY | MARCH | | Fic. 1. Numbers of Merlins at west Wigtownshire roost, Behaviour on arrival and departure Arrival at the roost in the evening occurred before and after sunset. Table 1 shows the arrival times of the first and last birds during 1970/71; sometimes two birds arrived simul- taneously. Their method of arrival varied : on some evenings the birds arrived low down, hugging the ground, but on other occasions they arrived at heights of 10-20 metres, dipping down on reaching the roost. On some evenings they quickly settled, especially late arrivals, but at other times they would land on branches of trees to preen or sit apparently idly. In the short winter days some arrived quite late, when it was nearly dark. On three occasions they were seen hunting the sallows where small passerines sometimes gathered to roost, and on one of these occasions a brown” bird was successful in capturing its (unidentified) prey. In the mornings the birds usually rose and flew away at heights varying from ground level to 20 or 25 metres. Some- times two birds left at the same time. Occasionally some would fly to a branch of a tree, sitting apparently idly before flying *Female and immature birds in brown plumage are generally referred to here as brown birds; adult males refer to birds in “blue” plumage. 290 A MERLIN ROOST IN WIGTOWNSHIRE 7(6) away. They were usually clear of the roost before sunrise, some birds, in fact, leaving quite early (see table 1). A late de- parture was 42 minutes after sunrise when it was raining. On five occasions Merlins were seen hunting at the roost in the mornings, once successfully. An adult male and a brown bird were seen settling together in the same sallow on only one occasion, on 23rd February 1972. The male arrived first, and as the brown bird approached a whickering note was uttered. In Kintyre, Macintyre (1947) noted that “pairs” roosted together but birds of the year roosted singly. There was hardly any apparent conflict over roosting stations, and only twice were Merlins seen to displace each other from sallow branches: on both occasions a brown bird displaced a brown bird. At other times, both morning and evening, the Merlins engaged in stupendous aerial chases. Two birds, usually an adult male and a brown bird, but sometimes three birds, would mount into the sky, keeping close together one behind the other, the brown bird usually leading. Diving down, they would hurtle through the sallows and mount again, diving and swooping to enact the whole performance again. These chases were spectacular to watch. Sometimes in their breathtaking performances the Merlins would stall momen- tarily to touch talons; sometimes they would utter shrill, ex- cited calls. Chases lasted from one or two minutes up to 27 min- utes. They have been recorded in every month during the winter except January and March and in all types of weather. An ex- tension of this behaviour was seen once, on 10th February 1970, when an adult male and a brown bird were seen soaring together, about 20 metres high, keeping close together, some- times turning on their sides to touch talons. These aerial chases have also been seen on two occasions at a site about three kilometres away from the roost, in October and Feb- ruary. Macintyre (1936) noted that when two Merlins meet when hunting they “play” together. The following description of a typical chase is quoted in full from my notes : 25th September 1971 0610 hrs Arrived at roost; clear skies, frosty, cold, very light northwest breeze; sunrise 0709 hrs. 0642 hrs Heard shrill whickering calls and saw three Merlins (one adult male and two brown birds) chasing each other close together, through and above the sallows at a furious pace, swooping and diving; they moved southwest passing over two Carrion Crows on bush, the crows began to call. About 70 metres southwest of the roost the Merlins chased each other around a heather-covered sand dune, one mount- ing 20 metres or so in the air to dive down on the other two until all disappeared behind the contours. 1973 Date TOtO 11.10.70 19.10.70 25.10.70 26.10.70 29.10.70 a7 6.01.70 13/14/11.70 21/22.11.70 28/29.11.70 6.12.70 12/13.12.70 20.12.70 25.12.70 3.1.71 10.1.71 16.1.71 23.1.71 31.1.71 7.2.71 13.2.71 20/21.2.71 26/27.2.71 5/6.3.71 12/13.3.71 20.3.71 26.3.71 A MERLIN ROOST IN WIGTOWNSHIRE 291 Table 1. Times of arrival and departure of Merlins at Wigtownshire roost, Evening Arrival —l1 +18 —35 —30 —! +24 —30 +13 —l +10 —2 =r ==).5 +18 +22 —27 a= 17 —87 —! +26 —33 —25 —29 ee, +29 +5 +8 —34 +24 +34 =o iby oraeses +13 sels) 1970/71 Morning Departure First Bird Last Bird First Bird Last Bird +14 neo) —23 +5 Weather 2) Evening 1) Morning 2) Cloudy 1) Misty 2) Showery 2) Showery 1) Cloudy 2) Rain 2) Frosty 1) Rain 2) Broken cloud 1) Clear skies 2) 1/8 cloud 1) Clear skies 2) Drizzle 1) 1/8 cloud 2) Rain showers 1) 4/8 cloud 2) Rain 1) Clear skies 2) Rain showers 1) Clear skies 1) 8/8 cloud 1) Poor visibility 2) Cloudy 1) Cloudy 2) Clear skies 2) Some drizzle 1) Misty 2) Cloudy 4/8 1) Heavy rain 2) Clear skies 1) 2/8 cloud 2) Cloudy 1) 8/8 cloud 2) Hail & snow 2) Rain showers 1) Heavy rain 2) Misty 1) Misty 2) Cloudy 8/8 1) Cloudy 8/8 2) Clear skies 1) Bright 1) Light rain 2) 4/8 cloud 1) 8/8 cloud Times are given in minutes before (—) or after (+) sunrise and sunset. 292 A MERLIN ROOST IN WIGTOWNSHIRE 7(6) 0655 hrs Two Merlins reappeared (an adult male and a brown bird); one landed on the top of a hawthorn bush, then it got up and dashed around the sallows and disappeared. 0706 hrs Two Merlins reappeared, an adult male chasing a brown bird, uttering calls, diving and swooping at a tremen- dous pace; the male landed on a sallow and the brown bird landed close by. Then they were up again, chasing, until the male landed on the same branch, while the brown bird circled around attempting to land, eventually knocking the male from the perch; the male settled a metre or so away. 0709 hrs. The male flew southwest with quick wing-beats, gain- ing height to about 20 or 30 metres, followed by the brown bird. The male turned and dived headlong at the brown bird, which turned over, and they touched talons. Swooping low they disappeared behind the contours and out of sight. These chases may be significant, although they may be open to several possible interpretations. As Bannerman and Lodge (1956) point out, aerial displays by Merlins on breeding grounds must be uncommon. The chases at this winter roost may form or even maintain and strengthen pair bonds. Relations with other species Aerial conflicts (without physical contact) with Short-eared Owls and especially with Hen Harriers were seen at the Mer- lins’ roost throughout the winter. Hen Harriers were frequently driven from the tops of the sallows where they sometimes sat, and Hen Harriers sometimes moved Merlins from a perch. On three occasions two Merlins attacked a Hen Harrier, swooping without striking. Yet at other times both predators apparently ignored each other. Carrion Crows sometimes drove the Mer- lins from a perch, but I have also seen the reverse; the Crows also roosted in the sallows. When the roost was first found in February 1970, a brown Merlin had approached me uttering a sharp chatter and circled immediately above me, swooping and diving until it flew away disappearing in sallow thickets. Acknowledgment I would like to thank A. D. Watson for reading a draft of the paper and for his useful comments. References BANNERMAN, D. A. and LopGE, G. E. 1956. The Birds of the British Isles. Edinburgh. MAOINTYRE, D. 1936. Wildlife of the Highlands. London. MAOINTYRE, D. 1947. Highland Naturalist Again. London. WITHERBY, H. F. et. al. 1938-41. The Handbook of British Birds. London. R. C. Dickson, 3 Galloway Crescent, West Freugh, Wigtownshire. ee —— Se 1973 LAMB-KILLING BY GOLDEN EAGLES 293 A case of lamb-killing by Golden Eagles D. N. WEIR Introduction In 1966 I briefly investigated lamb-killing by a nesting pair of Golden Eagles near Roybridge, Inverness-shire. The aims of this paper are to supplement the limited Scottish literature on the problem. Eagles are frequently said to kill lambs in Scot- land, but investigation is often prevented by the birds or their nests being destroyed, and only two studies have been pub- lished (Lockie and Stephen, 1959 and Lockie, 1964). Elsewhere investigators have studied the problem on a much larger scale, in West Texas (Arnold, 1954, and Spofford, 1969) and for A. audax in Australia (Leopold & Wolfe, 1970). The Scottish situation has been recently reviewed from the literature by Newton (1972) who stated that the basic problem was more one of stock (i.e. sheep) management than of wildlife manage- ment. Synopsis of events On 23rd May 1966 it was reported to The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds that eagles had been killing lambs from the start of the lambing season (mid April). The RSPB was asked if damage could be reduced without destroying the eagles. On the 2nd, 9th and 11th June, prey remains at the nest and within 250 metres of it were examined, and on the llth, after consultation with the Scottish Home and Health Department and the Nature Conservancy, the one live chick was removed from the nest, under licence, and a dead chick was also taken. There were no more complaints of lamb-kill- ing, and the adult birds were not destroyed. Prey remains There were old remains of a small lamb and of an adult Red Grouse at a plucking place 20 metres from the nest. Nine re- cent items were found: two adult Red Grouse and a small chick, an adult Ptarmigan, an adult blue hare and four lambs (table 1). Lambs 1 and 2 were apparently killed by eagles. As lamb 3 was fresh, it had been taken live or recently dead. Lamb 4 was probably taken as carrion. The total weight of wild prey was estimated at 3.6 kg of which 2.4 kg remained. Depend- ing on the completeness of the carcases of lambs 3 and 4 when they were found or taken, the weight of lamb was esti- mated at 18-25 kg, of which 8-15 kg had been eaten. The pro- portion eaten of all prey ranged from 9 of 22 kg to 16 of 29 kg. Eagle chicks On 12th June the live chick was in good condition and feathering well, the absence of ‘fault bars’ (Hamierstrom, 1967) FEN © VS | ua}ee JSOUL juoredde jou ‘yuedseIjng € L-S MNaG ure TI ysou UO ¥ wn unt {IT i. uo}e9 ‘SuISSTUL cl qyuo1edde jou ysoul ‘ysoly Z L-S MNGaG unre 6 ysou UO € < oa usyo1q 7, yoou pue ovindeos 0M} uo}e9 Jed eal ‘s1ap[noys 3e SuIpse|q ‘UOI}Ipuod jsou A ‘dulsinsq poos ‘ysaiy v L MNG une 6 AojEq W0Z 4 S ua}es yonul ‘uolIpuod poos a eAoqe sv ‘ysoij Apsreq € L MNG Unf 6 T 0 uayo1q ejndeos auo J ‘Ssiop[noys pue you uo}ee 9]}}I| 4 ‘9380 ql je SUIpee|q ‘UOI}IPUOD uOSIPpV ‘D }sou y, ‘Sulsiniq poos ‘ysely +9 L AVeENOPIN “T «Unt ¢ MOTEq WO0G T g ajeig (34) surewoy (3y)IM «=Aq peutWexy = 9yed uoTIsOg = 8 quiey ei sorinfuy poyeunjsq” dsrT wl peyeuysy jSou oY} Avau JO Je SquIe] INOJ¥ JO sUTEWIOY “T PIPL 294 PLATE 21. Musselburgh lagoons: an aerial view from the west, Showing Cockenzie Power Station in the background. Photograph by courtesy of John Dewar Studios PLATE 22 (over) (a) The west lagoon at Musselburgh with its exposed mud and shingle area. (b) Oystercatchers, Bar-tailed Godwits and Knots take off in response to distur- bance at the west lagoon. Photographs by R. W. Furness SERS SS PLATE 25. (over) (a) Ross’s Gull at Scalloway, Shetland, January 1972 (see p. 815). Photograph by R. Johnson (b) Wilson’s Phalarope at Kirkgunzeon, Kirkcudbrightshire, August 1972 (see p. 5135). Photograph by R. T. Smith PLATE 24. High-living Peregrine, with Redshank prey, Dundee, December 1972. Photograph by Tom Smith; by courtesy of the Scottish Daily xpress 1973 LAMB-KILLING BY GOLDEN EAGLES 299 indicating that it had been adequately fed. It weighed 3.7 kg on 2nd June, at an age estimated as about seven weeks. The decomposing dead chick had probably died in late May. It appeared thin, weighing 1.9 kg and had been battered about the head and neck, indicating sibling rivalry (Brown and Amadon, 1968). Prey species and competitors This section is based on information from R. J. Tapp, the owner of the 10000 hectare estate where the eagles nested, and from his stalker, G. Addison, as well as on my own exper- ience of the surrounding area. The eagles were said to hunt mainly on the southwest part of the estate and on four adjoin- ing farms, all carrying sheep at densities of about one ewe per six hectares, but with the sheep concentrated into the area hunted by the eagles, so that there were about 2500 ewes with- in their range. In the poor lambing season of 1966 these would have produced about 1000 live-born lambs (W. A. Sandison, pers. comm.) and subsequent deaths would have occurred. On 9th June, however, I found few carcases or small or weak- ling lambs. One lamb, said to be of average size, weighed 12 kg on 12th June. About 80 red deer hinds were shot on the estate per annum, indicating a substantial calf crop. I saw no carcases on 9th June. Brown hares and blue hares were said to be scarce, and rabbits to be absent. Red Grouse were said to be wide- spread but scarce, and Ptarmigan were known to occur, but no opinion of their status was given. I formed the impression that sheep carrion and live or carrion lambs were the most abundant food source. Among competitors for live or carrion prey, foxes were common, with 11 killed on the estate in 1966 to the end of May. Wildcats were said to be absent. Peregrines and Ravens were both said to be absent, but one Peregrine summered nearby from 1968 or earlier, and I found a nest of the latter in 1966 within the eagles’ range. Hooded Crows were common and were seen feeding on a lamb (lamb 1) thought to have been killed by an eagle. Fresh fox faeces 300 metres from the eagles’ nest suggested this species also couid have scavenged eagle kills (Weir, 1967). Estimated damage The nine items described were probably the total prey taken from to llth June, although Watson (in litt.) suggested early consumption of small wild prey might have exaggerated the importance of lamb. The lower estimate (9 kg) of food eaten is close to the theoretical requirements (8 kg) of three eagles for 11 days (Brown and Watson, 1964). The maximum estimate (16 kg) would require the assumptions (a) that lambs 300 LAMB-KILLING BY GOLDEN EAGLES 7(6) 3 and 4 were complete when taken and (b) that there was no scavenging by other species. The first assumption is question- able and the second known to be false. The start of lambing coincided closely with the estimated hatching date. In the following eight weeks I calculated, from Brown and Watson (1964), that the eagles would have eaten 800-1000 g of food per day, 45-67 kg of food altogether. R. J. Tapp estimated the mean weight of an average lamb over this period at 3.3 kg (pers. comm.). If the eagles had preyed on lambs throughout this period at the rate of 75-85% that occur- red in early June, and if allowance is made for a 30% wasteage rate (Brown and Watson, 1964), then 13-18 lambs could have been eaten over this period. By early June there were recent reports of unsuccessful attacks on large lambs (R. J. Tapp, pers. comm.), and those apparently killed (lambs 1 and 2) might have been of less than average size. Lockie (1964) considered live lambs were vulnerable for only a limited time, and at Roy- bridge predation might have fallen after about mid June. It may be speculated that the probable maximum number of lambs taken during the complete nesting cycle might be 20, i.e. about 2% of live births within the hunting range. Not all would have been alive—lamb 4 probably was not, and Lockie (1964) found that only three out of ten lambs at one nest had been taken live. Discussion The limited data given here agree with Lockie and Stephen (1959) and Lockie (1964) in suggesting that some lambs were taken dead and that the total number was a small percentage of those at risk. The problem is essentially a symptom of imper- fect stock management, but the sheep farmer requesting help from a conservation body must find it difficult to accept such an argument and is likely to press for the prompt removal of the eagle chicks or the killing of adults. Newton (1972) im- plied this would be only a temporary palliative. Real benefit of such action would arise only when disproportionate con- centration by eagles on one part of their range resulted in heavy losses to a single small farmer or crofter, but there is no evidence this has occurred in Scotland. Because it is pos- sible that individual raptors may specialize in taking particular prey (Craighead and Craighead, 1956), this situation could, theoretically, arise, and removal of the individual eagle would then be justifiable. Summary A case of lamb-killing by nesting Golden Eagles near Roybridge, Inver- ness-shire, was investigated in 1966. Complaints ceased after the eagle chick was removed. Most or all food taken from Ist to llth June was recorded: it consisted of three Red Grouse (including a small chick), one 1973 LAMB-KILLING BY GOLDEN EAGLES 301 Ptarmigan, one blue hare and four lambs, of which two, each about 7 kg, were apparently taken live. Lambs formed 75-85% of food by weight. If this proportion had been constant throughout the nesting cycle, it was speculatively estimated that up to 20 lambs might have been taken, or about 2% of those born in the hunting range. Some would have been taken as carrion, and some taken live may have been of less than average size. There appeared to be a shortage of wild prey. The data are discussed in relation to other studies of the same problem. Acknowledgments I am grateful to the landowner concerned, R. J. Tapp, and to his stalker, G. Addison, for their help. L. MacNally and sev- eral RSPB wardens helped in the field, as did M. Pawley and O. Ludlow of the Scottish Council for Physical Recreation, (Glenmore Lodge. Dr I. Newton, N. Picozzi and Dr J. Cadbury discussed the paper in draft as did Lt. Col. W. A. Sandison. I especially thank Dr A. Watson for criticizing the manuscript. In 1966 I was in receipt of a grant for bird-of-prey studies from the RSPB. The views expressed in the discussion are, however, my own and not necessarily those of the Society. References Brown, L. H. & AmaDon, D. (1968) Eagles, Hawks & £aicons of the World. Country Life Books, London. Brown, L. H. & Watson, A.(1964) The Golden Lagle in relation to its food supply. Ibis, 106: 78-100. CRAIGHEAD, J. J. & CRAIGHEAD, F'. C. Hawks, Owls & Wildlife, Stackpole, Harrisburg, Penn. HAMERSToOM, F. (1967). On the use of fault bars in ageing birds of prey. Inland Bird Banding Assn. New. 39: 55-41. Lockizr, J. D. (1964). The breeding density of the Golden Eagle and fox in relation to food supply. Scot. Nat, 77: 67-77. Lockiz, J. D. & STEPHEN, D. (1959). Eagles, lambs and land management on Lewis. J. Anim. Ecol. 28: 43-50. NEwrTon, I. (1972). Birds of prey in Scotland: some conservation problems. Scot. Birds, 7: 5-23. LEopotp, A. S. & WoLFE, T. O. (1970). Food habits of nesting Wedge-tailed Eagles Aquila audaz in southeastern Australia. CSIRO Wildl. Res. 15: 1-17. WEIR, D. N. (1967). A possible source of error in raptor food analysis. Bird Study 14: 194, D.N. Weir, Creag Dhu Lodge, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire. 302 BREEDING DISTRIBUTION ON MIDLOTHIAN ESK 7(6) Breeding distribution of Grey Wasgtails, Dippers and Common Sandpipers on the Midlothian Esk C.N. L. COWPER During the five breeding seasons 1962-66 inclusive, a group of SOC members in the Edinburgh area carried out a survey of the breeding distribution and numbers of Dippers, Grey Wagtails and Common Sandpipers on the River Esk, and in 1971 a further survey of a few selected sections was under- taken. Table 1. Survey areas Section River 1 Esk Rives Esk below confluence of North Esk and South Es a North Esk and tributaries up to Auchendinny 3) Glencorse Burn and tributaries (includes Glencorse , North Esk and Loganlea Reservoirs) ) 4) North Esk and tributaries above Auchendinny (in- cludes North Esk Reservoir) si South Esk and tributaries up to Trotter’s Bridge 6 Gore Water and tributaries South Esk Redside Burn/Fullarton Water/Portmore Loch (in- includes Edgelaw Reservoir) 8 South Esk and tributaries above Trotter’s Bridge (includes Roseberry and Gladhouse Reservoirs) The North Esk rises in the Pentland Hills, as does its major tributary the Glencorse Burn. The North Esk is badly polluted below Penicuik (Lothians River Purification Board, 1963-67) although happily there is now some evidence of improvement. The South Esk and its major tributaries, the Gore Water and the Redside Burn/Fullarton Water, emanate from the Moorfoot Hills. The South Esk is considerably cleaner than the North Esk, being only mildly polluted downstream of Newtongrange. The total length of the river system and all its tributaries recorded on the one-inch-to-the-mile Ordnance Survey maps is approximately 250 miles. Early in the survey many of the minor tributaries were found to be unsuitable for the species concerned and were subsequently neglected. Some other stretches poorly covered in 1962 were omitted in later years, with little effect on the general results. 1973 BREEDING DISTRIBUTION ON MIDLOTHIAN ESK 303 For the purposes of the survey the river system was arbi- trarily divided into the sections detailed in table 1 and fig. 1. N EDINBURGH GLENCORSE GLENCO» Ca) 3 mS AUCHENDINNY ¥ N FSROSEBERRY RES. 8 GLADHOUSE RES. PORTMORE Ly TOcH Fie. 1. The Midlothian Esk river system. 1. The River Esk below the confluence runs mainly through farmland to Musselburgh, where it enters the sea. Some of the banks are wooded. The only species recorded breeding here was Grey Wagtail. 2. From Auchendinny to the confluence, the North Esk passes through wooded valleys and the spectacular gorge of Roslin Glen; it then skirts Dalkeith before entering woodland. 3. The Glencorse Burn is the major tributary of the North Esk and contains fair numbers of breeding pairs of all three 304 BREEDING DISTRIBUTION ON MIDLOTHIAN ESK 7(6) species. Grey Wagtails and Dippers are found throughout the section. Most of the Common Sandpipers reside on the shores of the two reservoirs. Table 2. Numbers of breeding pairs of Dippers, Midlothian Esk, 1934-71 Section 1934 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1971 1 — 0 0 0 0 0 — 2 — 1 0 4 0 0 — 3 7 6 4 4 4 4-5 4 — 15 12 18 13-14 9 — 5 —_ 2 Z 2 4 6-7 — 6 — 1 Zz 4 6 9 —_ 7 — 1 3 2 4 5 — 8 — 5 4 16 18 Zo, — 54* 31 27 50 48-49 55-56 sample only *Only section 3 could be directly related to the work of Serle and Bryson. Of the 54 pairs, 28 were on the North Esk and 26 on the South Esk. Table 3. Numbers of breeding pairs of Grey Wagtails, Midlothian Esk, 1962-71 Section 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1971 1 0 0 1 0 1 —_ 2 3 +. 2 4 4 _ 3 4 3 3 2 2 i 4 8 4 2 5 4 a 5 1 a 2 3-4 9 —_ 6 4 2 3 3 5 — vi 1 0 0 1 1 — 8 6 0 1 3 e —_— 27 17 14 21-22 28 sample only Table 4. Numbers of breeding pairs of Common Sandpipers, Midlothian Esk, 1962-71 Section 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1971 1 0 0 0 0 0 — Zz 1 0 1 0 0 —_ 3 8 6-7 1] 10-12 12 11 o: 8 8 1g 12-14 12-13 —_ 5 0 0 0 0 0 — 6 0 0 1 2 2 — 7 6 8 6 7 9 —_ 8 18 20 20 16 15 _ 41 42-43 a2 47-51 50-51 sample only 4. Hill burns feed the North Esk Reservoir, from which the River North Esk flows to wind its way through wooded valleys, including the formerly impressive woods of Penicuik Estate. The river passes the town of Penicuik and continues to Auch- endinny. Smaller tributaries drain flat moorland. 5. From Trotter’s Bridge the South Esk passes through 1973 BREEDING DISTRIBUTION ON MIDLOTHIAN ESK 305 wooded valleys similar to those of the North Esk and on to the confluence with that river after passing through the town of Dalkeith. 1963 1964 1965 1966 0 fait gu ae We Re 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 60 ey COMMON SANDPIPER abe 40 PAIRS S.ESK / a é _—h— —/— - ay he N.ESK: 20 10 0 "Fay | eee | PE) ALS Ce a) ee a ER) 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 Fic, 2. Numbers of breeding pairs of Dippers, Grey Wagtails and Common Sandpipers, Midlothian Esk, 1934-66. 6. The Gore Water section is similar to much of the rest of the North and South Esks but on a smaller scale and without reservoirs. All three species breed here, but Common Sand- pipers are not as abundant, owing to the lack of reservoir or loch shore. 7. The main part of the section from Portmore Loch down 306 BREEDING DISTRIBUTION ON MIDLOTHIAN ESK 7(6) to the South Esk consists of rather a slow flowing burn passing through flat moorland. Most of the Common Sandpipers are on the shores of Portmore Loch and Edgelaw Reservoir. 8. The South Esk rises above Gladhouse Reservoir. There and at Roseberry Reservoir are concentrated most of the breeding Common Sandpipers. Below Roseberry Reservoir the river is mainly bordered by woodland. Some of these areas were further subdivided for comparison with the 1971 sample survey data. However, with the excep- tion of the Glencorse Burn and its tributaries, the areas Se ea in 1971 proved to be too small to provide significant results. Results Full results of the survey are recorded in tables 2, 3 and 4 and in fig. 2. A survey of Dippers on the Esk was carried out by Serle and Bryson in 1934. Where relevant, their results are in- cluded for comparison. In general the breeding population of Dippers increased over the period of the survey, although numbers on the North Esk decreased. It is interesting that the totals recorded in the latter years are very close to the figure given by Serle and Bryson for 1934. The considerable fall in numbers of breeding pairs of Grey Wagtails in 1963 may be attributable to the severity of the preceding winter. By 1966 the breeding popula- tion had recovered to about the 1962 value. The 1971 sample count in section 3 showed a remarkable increase in population. The breeding population of Common Sandpipers remained relatively constant. Being a summer visitor, the species was unaffected by the severe winter of 1962/63. Acknowledgments The writer wishes to thank the following for their valued help in the execution of this survey. Apologies are made to anyone whose name may have been inadvertently omitted. D. G. Andrew, J. Ballantyne, W. Brotherston, A. Campbell, Dr A. C. Charleston, Miss J. Cochrane, H. Ford, D. R. Grant, J. E. King, J. Lindsay, I. H. J. Lyster, A. M. MacKenzie, A. W. Millar, N. C. Morgan, Mr and Mrs J. H. B. Munro, Mr and Mrs C. K. Mylne, A. D. K. Ramsay, P. J. B. Slater, R. W. J. Smith, 3; Ay steware A. Tod, R. J. Turner, R. Walker, J. Young, L. M. Young: References LOTHIANS RIVER PURIFICATION BoaRD. Annual Reports 1965-1967. SERLE, JUNIOR, W. and Bryson, D. 1955. Distribution and number of the Dipper on the North and South Esk. Brit. Birds 28: 327-331. C. N. L. Cowper, 9 Oxgangs Road, Edinburgh EH 10 7BG. 1973 SHORT NOTES 307 Short Notes Possible interbreeding of Slavonian Grebe and Black-necked Grebe in Scotland About 50 pairs of Slavonian Grebes breed in northern Scot- land, and about 25 pairs of Black-necked Grebes breed in cen- tral Scotland. Occasionally, birds in breeding plumage occur in spring outside the regular areas. Recent research indicates that the Slavonian Grebe population in Scotland has decreased in the last decade, and as far as we know the species breeds now only in Caithness, Inverness-shire and Morayshire. Black- necked Grebes are more difficult to census, but the tiny Scot- tish population has apparently maintained its numbers in re- cent years. This note describes a most interesting event that occurred in Scotland in 1972; it is a summary of information supplied by two observers who wish to remain anonymous for the safe- ty and security of the birds. In late May 1972 an adult Slavonian Grebe was seen with a group of Black-necked Grebes at a regular breeding site of the latter species. It was thought at first to be a migrant, but on 20th and 26th June it was found again on another loch in the area in company with four Black-necked Grebes. It was in full summer plumage, appeared to be holding territory and called frequently. On 13th July the Slavonian Grebe was observed swimming with a chick on its back; soon an adult Black-necked Grebe swam up and fed the chick while it was on the Slavonian Grebe’s back. Feeding was repeated several times, and on one occasion the Black-necked Grebe fed the Slavonian Grebe. Then the chick moved to the back of the Black-necked Grebe, and the Slavonian Grebe fed the chick. Change-overs were observed several more times, and both birds fed the chick. The three birds behaved as a family, and two pairs of Black-necked Grebes with chicks in the vicinity showed no interest in them. Both observers watched the birds on 17th July. When they arrived at the loch the chick was on the Black-necked Grebe’s back and was being fed by the Slavonian Grebe. The chick then left the adult and swam around for some time, being fed by both adults. The chick pursued the Slavonian Grebe on several occasions with the obvious intention of riding on its back. The Slavonian Grebe at first took evasive action but eventually allowed the chick onto its back, where it was fed by the Black-necked Grebe. It was noted that the feeding dives of the Slavonian Grebe were proportionately longer than those 308 SHORT NOTES 7(6) of the Black-necked Grebe, and its frequency of feeding the chick was consequently about two-thirds that of the Black- necked Grebe. At all times the two birds behaved as a pair, and the evi- dence strongly suggests interbreeding between the two species, but the birds were not observed during the mating stage, and One must bear in mind the possibility that the Slavonian Grebe adopted, or was adopted by, a Black-necked Grebe that had lost its mate during the incubation stage. Neither ob- server noticed any obvious differences between the chick and nearby Black-necked Grebe chicks. I have been unable to find any previous records of this nature involving these two species, but attention is drawn to the presumed hybrid Great Northern Diver x Black-throated Diver in Wester Ross in 1971 (Scot. Birds 7: 89-91). The site is being watched in 1973 to see if either the Slavonian Grebe or the chick, if it is identifiable as a hybrid, returns to the site. R. H. DENNIS ef al. Black-browed Albatross in Fife During two and a half hours of sea-watching on 8th August 1972 about 4000 Gannets were seen to pass south off Fife Ness and into the Firth of Forth. An adult Black-browed Albatross was seen with them at 11.30, 11.38 and 11.55 a.m., down to a range of 500 yards; it was in view for a total of about six minutes. The impression was of a huge shearwater-like bird, very long in the wing, with a fairly heavy body. Its wing-span was about a foot greater than that of the Gannets near it. The effortless flight consisted of occasional stiff flaps followed by prolonged gliding, with the bird tilting first one way and then the other to show clearly both upper and lower surfaces. The underwing pattern, white with a black border on both leading and trailing edges, and the large pale straw-coloured bill, characterised the bird. Description Head, neck, breast and underbody pure white; a dark mark around the eye appeared broader at the front than at the rear; upper wing surface blackish; mantle not so black; rump and upper tail-coverts white, contrasting with small, black tail; underwing white, with black border on both leading and rear edges, the rear border seeming neat and sharp-edged, the leading border rather irregular in pattern and in some regions fairly broad; bill large, obvious, straw-yellow. P. A. LASSEY. (This record recalls the bird that summered on the Bass Rock in 1967 (Scot. Birds 5: 20), 1968 and 1969, and what was probably the same bird seen at Elie Ness, Fife, on 23rd August, 1969. This is the second record for South Fife.—ED.) 1973 SHORT NOTES 309 Honey Buzzard in Inverness-shire At 11.30 a.m. on 7th August 1972, I saw a medium-sized raptor flying low over the ground near Loch na Faoileige, a mile west of Carn Macsna on the northern fringe of Balmacaan Forest, an extensive, rocky, mountainous area studded with numerous lochs and bogs. The bird was flying in a southerly direction, about 200 yards from me and appeared more slightly built than a Buzzard. The tail was longer, and the head and neck protruded much further beyond the wings, which also seemed longer and narrower than those of Buzzard. The mode of flight was a series of powerful, deep wing beats interspersed with short glides on drooped wings. Against the high ground the bird looked rather grey, the upperparts and head being a uniform greyish brown and the underparts and head paler and heavily barred. I had good views for about 30 seconds as it flew past, and at this stage it appeared a very different bird from a Buzzard in all respects, and I had no doubt that it was a Honey Buzzard, a bird with which I have become familiar in France and Spain. For a further minute I had poorer views while it was flying away from me, and then only the mode of flight distinguished it from a Buzzard. However, after about a minute the bird started to soar in the sunshine and gradually drifted back towards me until it was Overhead, 200-300 feet up. In soaring flight, the wings were held absolutely flat, never upwards, and the slighter build was still apparent, although not to the same extent as in direct flight. Overhead the general impression was of a heavily barred bird. The belly and breast were boldly barred, and the upper breast and throat were of a uniform dark colour. The underwings showed a series of bold unbroken lines close to- gether, with a broad pale band along the hind wing. On the tail were three dark bands—one at the tip and two close to- gether at the base. The bird was overhead for about two minutes before it re- sumed direct flight towards the south, and was then watched until lost to sight. M. I. HARVEY. Peregrine wintering in Dundee On 29th November 1972 the worried elderly resident of a flat on the 21st storey of a high-rise block in the centre of Dundee informed the Scottish Daily Express about a bird she had seen “... frequently, for several months, feeding on dead birds right outside my window’”’. The newspaper contacted me (as Keeper of Natural History at Dundee Museum) for enlightenment. The description given 310 SHORT NOTES 7(6) by the lady, and the fact that she had witnessed a feral pigeon being killed, indicated that the bird was a Peregrine. Further- more, T. M. Clegg had reported two sightings of a Peregrine within the city during the previous three weeks. Feathers of the prey species proved to be from feral pigeon, Redshank and Snipe. When I visited the lady, taking cabinet skins of various raptors, she unhesitatingly identified “her bird’ as a Peregrine. A photographer from the Scottish Daily Express started to visit the flat most mornings between 8.30 and 9.30 a.m., which was apparently the bird’s feeding time. However, its arrival had become irregular, and we just missed it several times, al- though A. Rollo caught a glimpse of it flying off the balcony on one occasion. It was not until 14th December that the photographer’s patience was rewarded, and the bird arrived at its feeding place with prey—a Redshank. He took six pic- tures before the Peregrine flew away, prey and all (plate 24). The falcon obviously had no shortage of prey, since there are myriads of feral pigeons there. Collared Doves (remains of two were identified) are numerous in the city outskirts and by the docks, flocks of waders feed on the Dundee airstrip, and grouse are available in the Sidlaw Hills—only five minutes away as the Peregrine flies. Perhaps we are seeing an adaptation of the birds’ habits as the advent of high-rise blocks provides suitable feeding, roosting and even breeding sites. A. B. RITCHIE. Gyrfalcon in East Inverness-shire On 10th May 1972 N. Picozzi and I watched for raptors from points 400 metres apart near the foot of Loch Insh, Inverness- shire. Conditions were excellent for soaring, and we saw 16 birds of four species, including a Gyrfalcon. I watched the Gyrfalcon for more than ten minutes, in excellent light, at ranges of 500 to 1100 metres and pointed it out to NP by radio, when it was 800 metres from him. It moved southwest from near Kincraig, in alternating spells of level and circling flight, rising from about 15 to 100 metres above ground. It was har- assed by a male Buzzard and a male Sparrowhawk. The description and drawing are taken from my field notes. Description A very large falcon, much bigger than the attacking male Buzzard, about midway in size between female Buzzard and male Osprey; very long, broad wings; rather long, broad but pointed tail; long body. Wing action lanky, like Saker but not like Lanner or Pere- grine. Frequent wing beats while circling, little soaring. General colour- ation brownish grey above (not pale on nape or crown), pale below. NP confirmed it as a falcon much bigger than male Buzzard, with wing action unlike that of Peregrine. Because of its extreme size, the absence of pale crown and 1973 SHORT NOTES 311 of any rufous colouring, I concluded it was a Gyrfalcon and not a Saker. As it was bigger than any of the 20 or so Gyrfal- cons I had seen in Alaska and in Iceland, I thought it was a female. On Speyside, as elsewhere in Britain, most Gyrfalcon records are of F. r. ‘candicans’ (Greenland Falcon), including the most recent local birds (Scot. Birds 4: 86). Extreme size and the colouration described, whilst corresponding more to F. r. ‘islandus’ (Iceland Falcon), are, however, also consistent with high-latitude Greenland or Canadian origin (Brown & Amadon, Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World). A ‘very large, white falcon’ was reported to me about a week later from near Laggan Bridge, 25 kilometres to the west. D. N. WEIR. Ruffs inland near Aberlady Bay, East Lothian Ruffs have been seen inland near Aberlady Bay on farms along the Peffer Burn for many years. W. Murray noted two reeves in this area on 28th April 1956, five reeves and eight displaying Ruffs on 9th May 1957 and others in 1958. My addi- tional observations since 1967 are summarised in table l. There are inland records in every month except June, but I seldom looked especially for Ruffs, and the figures are not censuses. I saw Ruffs on most fields on these farms and on grass, young corn, stubbles and newly ploughed fields, at swampy places and puddles and also at pools dug to hold water for irrigation. They were also seen in relatively dry fields without standing water and following a plough, when they could easily be overlooked. Some individuals seen from January to May and in early July were in various degrees of summer plumage, often with a white collar, but full or nearly full summer plumage was only seen in April/May and early July. When sexes were noted, there were usually more ruffs than reeves, and I did not record more than three reeves together inland (table 2). 7(6) SHORT NOTES 312 ‘ueuepUes “J ‘D Aq Aj}SOUI 919M suUOI}eAIOSgO a104M ‘Aeg Apelioqy AO} o1e Sore} UI USAIS somnSIy Aeg Apejioqy 38 0% ‘ZL6T YORI, UIGZ ‘Avg ApelIoqy 38 Ch-OF—ZLEI YIP UIST x Aeg Pl0jsopH 38 €—OLET Ye YIGT | Aine mp PP @ ‘Aine pre PT ‘LET *Alnge MET UO g ‘AINE YIOT PP Z ‘TLET : WOES ISIN x5 API UNIT 6 “API 419 P “CLET CP P FT) Idy UIGZ “ILET “API ISTE S “ARIAL HI P ‘OLET ‘Tdy 3S1Z ‘S96T : Uees ySeI, I rr we £ So “Ge PB EGtxas Ce a Sl ec Se AGT CG. Ceo SP SS Seas Silo 2 Gi “6F Gi. 79 6r I €T G OL 2 6 GSES s=k 8 61 Ca weno ab 2. A S. 1A el Sze 7 0 3dag any Ane ZL6I Wnsny - 2961 Arenueg wosy Apepieqy Jo 3sve ( re SE Pe x6 6 @ L ¢ cL6I LS Cleec ome © ZI SI IZ61 [C+ el ode al Sel etie & OL6I1 L cI 9 cc «CO6T 6961 *x€ a GI 8961 6 G 61 Ge 7 L961 of tsi wee oI Gal eG. Ee Se ook oung Ae idy IPIA qo ue SP[ey Ul }YsIUIAOJ YOva UDdES SYNY JO SJoquINU WNWIxey *T 2q2L 1973 SHORT NOTES 313 They often (but probably not daily) flew to and from Aber- lady Bay. There they were seen especially at high tide in the bay south of Kilspindie House or on nearby fields. However, one of the largest flocks recorded there (34-40 in March 1970) was on the salt marsh. They frequently occurred in small Table 2. Sexes of Ruffs seen at or near Aberlady, 1970-72 1970 1971 1972 3 2 3 ? fo} 2 April 22 1 0 April10 10 0 April 30 2 0 11 5 0 14 some 2PAT I AZ 2; 14 0 May 6 1 0 May 6 2 0 31 0 1 11 0 I Juiy 10 1 0 July 3 1 0 14 2 0 2 0 30 3 0 Aug 1 2 0 Aug 19 4. 1 4 0 25 7 0 Sept 1 1 0 Sept 19 1 1 Oct 3 16 0 Nov 12 13 3 Nov 25 15 0 28 6 2 groups inland, but did not behave as one flock. For example, on 23rd February 1970 we saw nine at Kilspindie and immed- iately afterwards two at West Fenton. On 24th February 1970 there were nine at West Fenton. Consequently it was difficult to tell how many there were altogether. Similar numbers seen in autumn and spring 1969/70 and 1970/71 suggest that the same birds stayed throughout the winter. It was not till summer 1970 that I visited one favoured inland area, and lack of visits accounts for the absence of summer observations in previous years. One of the birds’ fav- ourite fields was drained in winter 1970/71, and in 1972 the summer and autumn were exceptionally dry. This may possibly account for the lower numbers both inland and on the coast in most of 1972. It seems likely that the wintering flock at Aberlady depends on the availability of suitable wet places inland. DAVID JENKINS. Wilson’s Phalarope in Kirkcudbrightshire On 25th August 1972 B. S. Turner and I found a phalarope on a pool of about one acre near Kirkgunzeon. When first loc- ated, the bird was feeding with Snipe and Teal in the centre of the pool. It was very tame and remained on the pool within ten yards of us. It fed while swimming and wading and would see a fly and swim or run towards it before catching it. On one 314 SHORT NOTES 7(6) occasion it flew about a mile away then turned and came back to the pool. It also made several shorter flights. We did not hear it call. It was a rather elongated wader, larger than a Snipe, and sat high in the water. It had a long neck and rather a small head. It swam in a deliberate way, jerking its head. Description Crown and nape grey-brown, mantle, back and rump grey with a few scattered black feathers; upper wing grey, conspicuously emarginated, no wing-bar; underwing and axillaries white; upper and under tail-coverts and tail white, with an indistinct grey terminal band, a little broader in the centre; a whitish stripe above the eye extended down the neck and became less white as it merged with the breast; a dark eyestripe extended as a streak down the neck; throat, chin and underparts pure white, shading to a slight purplish tinge where the supercilliary joined the side of the neck, the same colour extending beneath the wings on the flanks; eye dark; bill black, long and very fine; legs pale orange-brown, noticeably thick, conspicuous on take-off but tucked away in flight. During the next two days the bird was seen by a number of observers, and photographs were taken from a hide, at ranges down to eight feet (plate 23). All observers agreed that it was a Wilson’s Phalarope moulting from adult to winter plumage. It stayed about the pool until 3lst August and became less ac- tive: on the last day it stood in one place for two hours, then fed for an hour. It did not seem to be sick and flew strongly with a party of Snipe when disturbed by a Grey Heron. E. C. FELLOWES. (This is the fifth Scottish record and the first for Solway and Kirkcudbrightshire. The last record was in Angus in Septem- ber 1970 (Scot. Birds 6: 333).—ED.) Sabine’s Gulls in Ayrshire and Fife On 10th September 1972 at the north end of the sea-front at Largs, I saw an adult Sabine’s Gull. It appeared from the south, flying steadily, by itself, along the shoreline at a height of 15-20 feet. The black primaries showed up so prominently that the bird was easy to pick out—as indeed it was later when in flight with 200-300 other gulls. It circled briefly and settled on the water for about ten minutes, not apparently feeding, then took off and fed from the surface after the manner of a Little Gull, dropping gently down from about ten feet to pick at the surface and then rising again. The flight was delicate, more graceful than that of nearby Black-headed Gulls. About the size of a Black-headed Gull, the bird had three beautifully distinct triangular areas of colour on its upper wings; black outer primaries, white triangle of inner primaries 1973 SHORT NOTES 315 and secondaries behind, and grey forewing and coverts. At the nape a broad, diffuse area of grey-black extended nearly to the crown—which also had a few dark smudges—giving a rather dirty, untidy head pattern. The tail was slightly forked, pure white, and the bill was short and dark. J. E. DALE. On 8th October 1972 I saw a first-winter Sabine’s Gull just off Fife Ness. It was with Black-headed Gulls and a single first-winter Kittiwake. My attention was first drawn to the bird by a tern-like call as it stooped over a party of gulls. It was smaller than Black-headed Gull, and at close range its tail, which had a broad black terminal band, was seen to be distinctly forked. Other distinctive features were the ash-grey crown and nape, the short, black bill and the wing pattern, with a triangular patch of pure white separating the black outer primaries from the brown-grey of the mantle. The under- parts were pure white. D. L. CLUGSTON. Ross’s Gull in Shetland While we were watching a Little Gull off Scalloway on 22nd January 1972, 13 year-old Arthur Inkster noticed and identified an adult Ross’s Gull. A small gull, with slight build and long, pointed wings, tapering body, short head and long tail, it was fractionally larger than the Little Gull and had the same dan- cing, tern-like flight. For about an hour it foraged rather like a Little Gull or Kittiwake, working its way from the voe to the harbour and flying back to start again. Frequently it landed on the water—but only briefly and very lightly, keeping its wings half open. It often came within three yards of us. Description Head white, very rounded and dove-like; neck white, with pale grey smudges at sides, extending from the back; back light pearl grey; wings long, narrow, shaped more like Black-headed‘s than Little Gull’s, upper surface as back, with prominent white trailing edge; prim- aries paler and unmarked, except for very narrow black leading edge to the first primary, visible only at close range when wing held raised; underside of wing rather dark grey (but not as dark as in Little Gull); rump white; tail white, long and pointed, with easily seen graduated feathering, appeared very wide as the bird banked; underparts pinkish; eye black, very large and round, with slight dark ring, giving a smudged effect; bill black, with reddish tinge at base, short, fairly stout and pointed (as in Kittiwake); legs very short, dark crimson, with webs slightly brighter. Several other observers also saw the gull, and R. Johnson photographed it (plate 23). N. L. STORIE. (This is the third Scottish and Shetland record, the previous Ones being in April 1936 and October 1969.—ED.) 316 SHORT NOTES 7(6) Nuthatches in Perthshire About late May 1970 at Invergowrie in Perthshire, J. J. A. Cullen and I saw a Nuthatch fly to the trunk of a tree no more than 12 feet away from us. It had a slate-blue back and upper head, whitish chest, chestnut flanks and a short, poking bill. It remained for several minutes, clinging to the trunk and feeding in Treecreeper style, moving up and round the tree in short hops. On 23rd January 1971, near the same place, P. L. Mellor and I had a brief view of a Nuthatch as it flew and landed on the trunk of a small bare tree five yards from us. It stayed for only a few seconds before flying into thick undergrowth and disappearing. D. TURNER. (These are the first substantiated records of this species in Scotland since 1966, when one was present in Kirkcudbright- shire in October and November (Scot. Birds 4: 450), and 1963/64, when one wintered in North Perthshire (Scot. Birds 3: 84). The spring record is the first since 1945, when one was seen on 21st April near Glasgow (Baxter and Rintoul, Birds of Scotland).—ED. ) Citrine Wagtail at Inverness The Inverness branch of the SOC held a field outing on 3rd September 1972 and we visited some muddy pools between the sea-wall and the canal near Clachnaharry at 10.30 a.m. There were about a dozen Pied Wagtails feeding around the edge of the pools as well as some waders and gulls; about six wagtails flew over our heads to land in another pool, and I heard a quite different call from one of them, which I thought might be a Citrine Wagtail—a species I had seen at Fair Isle. After a little searching, I found the Citrine Wagtail walking and feeding in the short vegetation growing at the edge of the pool. It was moving about more than the Pied Wagtails nearby and going further away from the water’s edge into the vege- tation. The bird was about 30-40 yards away, and we had it in view for about five minutes before it flew off, calling, with a small group of Pied Wagtails; it was not seen again. It was seen on the ground by about ten people, including Dr Maeve Rusk and Mrs M. K. MacDuff-Duncan who agreed with my identification and heard the distinctive call. Description Upperparts as alba wagtail, darker than White Wagtail but not as dark as young Pied; two very clear white wing-bars formed by the white tips of the greater and median wing-coverts; clear white edges of tertial wing feathers; tail black with white outer feathers; 1973 SHORT NOTES 317 head grey as mantle or paler with white eyestripe behind eye; under- parts wholly off-white without any band or dark mark across breast; sides of breast with grey wash; bill and legs black. Similar in size to nearby Pied Wagtails although possibly more pipit-like. The bird strode about more than the Pied Wagtails, with less bobbing and tail wagging. The call, heard in flight, was a short, rather harsh ‘tseet’, rather like a flava wagtail but shorter and harsher. This appears to be the 16th British record and the first on the mainland of Scotland; there have been nine previous records at Fair Isle and one at the Isle of May in September 1968. Sub- sequently I heard that one was seen at Fair Isle 7th to 13th September 1972; all records refer to immature birds in autumn. R. H. DENNIS. Reviews Birds of Moor and Mountain. By Donald Watson. Edinburgh and London, Scottish Academic Press, 1972. Pp. xvi+150; 25 colour and 15 black- and-white plates. 28 x 214 cm. £5.50. It is now almost ten years since Donald Watson’s first maior literary venture, when he provided the illustrations for The Oxford Book of Birds. This attracted a lot of favourable comment at the time. but although one admired the artist’s ingenuity in packing a number of species onto the one page against a habitat background which maintained a high level of plausibility, one always felt that his instincts were for a broader canvas. In this new book he is given the space to do himself justice. 25 of his paintings are reproduced in colour (the quality of the reproductions is excellent) and a further 15 in black-and-white. There are also a number of attractive line drawings to adorn the text. Donald Watson’s paintings are well enough known to the readers of this journal, and his admirers will not be disappointed by this latest selection. His interest clearly lies as much in the bird’s environment as in the bird itself, and the atmos- phere of the Galloway moors comes over very convincingly in many of these paintings. They make one very ready to support the author in regretting the steady encroachment of forestry plantations over the hill ground, and one echoes the hope that some balance can be preserved between forest and moorland so that a very distinctive type of scenery is not lost completely. In one respect only do I find these paintings disappointing as a series— not one of them shows the bird exulting in the full spring sunshine that can be as brilliant in Galloway as anywhere else. One neither expects nor wants paintings to reproduce the Kodachrome effect, but rather more variety in lighting conditions would have been welcome. And yet, looking at the paintings again, one feels that any complaint is churlish: so often they are outstandingly successful in capturing the character of the bird, and they carry the immediate conviction (as for instance in the painting of the Teal) that this is an actual event which has been faithfully remem- bered and recorded. Inevitably one thinks of Donald Watson primarily as an artist, but the text of this book is every bit as distinguished as its illustrations. About 50 species are dealt with at length, and each of these is given two or three pages of comment, including quite a detailed plumage description, which might reasonably have been omitted in a book of this kind. Those who have been privileged to go goose hunting with Donald Watson will be 318 REVIEWS 7(6) particularly pleased to find that there are full accounts of the three local species (Grey Lag, Whitefront and Bean). He has now been living in Gallo- way for over 20 years, and this book is a remarkable tribute to his activity during this period. Of particular interest is his study of the communal roosting of Hen Harriers, and this is well described along with an excel- lent account of the breeding behaviour of this splendid bird. Reading these accounts, one is repeatedly impressed by the breadth and depth of the author’s knowledge of his subject, intrigued by the fresh ideas and suggestions he throws out, and delighted by the variety of his personal observations and the sensitive way in which these are expressed. The artist in Donald Watson is just as evident in his writings as it is in his paintings. Some of his personal observations date back to the pre-war years, and it is pleasant to be reminded of the occasion when Snow Bun- tings invaded the Murrayfield pitch during a rugger international, Alas, there have been no similar diversions in recent years ! Altogether, then, this is a most distinguished addition to the literature, and it is a matter of particular satisfaction to us that it should have been made during the author’s reign as President of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. DOUGAL G. ANDREW. Predatory birds in Britain. By the Avian Predators Working Party. London, Field Sports Society and Council for Nature, 1973. Pp. 64. Line draw- ings of each species. 35p. This is an important attempt to summarize for the general reader an approach to the protection and control of predatory birds agreed by a variety of interests. Those represented were the British Falconers’ Club, the British Field Sports Society, the Council for Nature, the Fauna Preser- vation Society, the Game Conservancy, the Gamekeepers’ Association, the National Farmers’ Union, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Salmon and Trout Association, with assessors from the Forestry Commission, the Home Office, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Nature Conservancy. Lord Arbuthnot’s foreword is perceptive and thoughtful, and the intro- duction outlines simply and well the population ecology of predatory birds and of their prey, though it states that all birds tend to increase to the limits of their food resources. This is unlikely to be true of the rap- tors, for their populations are often limited naturally at much lower levels than food supply would dictate. An excellent summary of the law relating to protection and control follows. The main text treats 45 species (divers, cormorants, herons, sawbills, raptors, Moorhen, skuas, gulls, terns, owls, Kingfisher and crows), with individual illustrations, descriptions, notes on breeding distribution, food, ‘need for control’ and methods of control. Concluding general sections cover methods of control and prevention of damage without control. The last topic is still in an early experimental stage, but many readers may expect more information than they are given here. About 25 of the 45 species (including three whose populations are of in- ternational importance) breed mainly or entirely in Scotland, where their legal or illegal control is intended to improve sport, very commonly for non-residents. Eventually, this potentially controversial situation may be affected by the trend towards local control of resource exploitation. How- ever, not one of the non-government organisations who formed the work- ing group appointed a Scottish resident as representative. This is a pity and was probably unwise. DOUGLAS WEIR. 1973 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 319 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ANNUAL CONFERENCE The 26th Annual Conference and 37th Annual General Meeting will be held in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire, on 26th to 28th October 1973. Bookings should be made direct with the Hotels. The full programme will be posted to members in September and will also be published in the next issue of Scottish Birds. The registration fee will be 90p, and the Annual Dinner (with wine or soft drinks) £2.75 inclusive of service charge and V.A.T. Hotels in Dunblane Hotel Dunblane Hydro (tel. 0786 82 2551). Special Conference charge £10.23, inclusive of 10% service charge and V.A.T., bed and all meals (except tea on Saturday afternoon and the Annual Dinner) from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, and after-meal coffee. For less than a full day, bed and breakfast is £3.63, lunch £1.10 and dinner £1.65; rooms with private bathroom have a daily supplementary charge of £1.10. All the above charges are inclusive of 10% service charge and V.A.T. Ardleighton Hotel (near Hotel Dunblane Hydro gates) (tel. 2273). Bed and Breakfast from £1.50 - £1.75. Stirling Arms Hotel (tel. 2156). Bed and Breakfast from £1.65 - £2.00. Hotels in Bridge of Allan Allan Water Hotel (tel. 2293). Bed and Breakfast from £3.20 - £4.00. Old Manor Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 2169). B & B from £2.50. Queen’s Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 3268). B & B from £2.05 - £2.50. Royal Hotel (tel. 2284). Bed and Breakfast from £2.88. Except for the Conference Hotel, prices are provisional and should be confirmed when booking; V.A.T. must be added to all prices except to those for the Hotel Dunblane Hydro. BRANCH MEETINGS 1973/74 Will members please note that the dates of the first Meetings of Branches next winter will be as follows : September 25th Edinburgh 26th Ayr, St Andrews and Thurso 27th Dundee and Stirling October lst Aberdeen and Glasgow 2nd Inverness 3rd Dumfries Ayr Meetings will take place in the County Hall, County Buildings, Ayr at 7.30 p.m. The venue and starting times of lectures at all other Branches will be the same as last winter. AYR BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS 1973/74 1973 Saturday 6th October FAIRLIE FLATS. Leader: J. L. Burton. Meet Well- ington Square, Ayr, 1.30 p.m. or Hunterston, 2.15 p.m. Sunday 4th November CAERLAVEROCK and CARSETHORN. Leader: J. K. R. Melrose. Coach leaves Wellington Square, Ayr, 9 a.m, Book with the Ayr Branch Secretary (see below) by 15th October. Saturday lst December TURNBERRY POINT. Leader: R. H. Hogg. Meet Wellington Sq., Ayr, 10 a.m., or car park, Maidens Harbour, 10.30 a.m. 1974 Saturday 5th January IRVINE and BARASSIE. Leader: I. M. Darling. Meet 320 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(6) Wellington Square, Ayr, 10 a.m. or car park at mouth of River Irvine 10.30 a.m. Saturday 2nd February DOONFOOT. Leader: W. R. Brackenridge. Meet at foot of Scaur o’ Doon Road, 2 p.m. Sunday 3rd March EAST LOTHIAN COAST. Leader: Dr M. E. Castle. Coach leaves Wellington Square, Ayr, 8.30 am. Book with the Ayr Branch Secretary by 14th February; bring picnic lunch. For further details contact the Ayr Branch Secretary, R. M. Ramage, 57B St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 1JF (tel. Prestwick 79192), Send s.a.e. if writing. DUNDEE BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS 1973/74 1973 Sunday 30th September 1. ISLE OF MAY. Leader: P. N. J. Clark. Full de- tails from the Branch Secretary (see below). 2. SHELL BAY and LARGO BAY. Leader: D, B. Thomson. Sunday 21st October SIDLAW LOCHS. Leader: B. Pounder. Sunday 18th November GLENMOY and FORFAR LOCH. Leader: I, Simp- son. Sunday 16th December LINTRATHEN and LOCH QUIECH. Leader: Dr D. G. Adamson. 1974 Sunday 20th January GLEN CLOVA. Leader: N. K. Atkinson. Sunday 17th February PARKHILL, ARBROATH. Tay Ringing Group. Sunday 24th March CAMERON LOCH and KILCONQUHAR LOCH (by kind permission of Elie Estates). Leader: Mrs J. A. R. Grant. Sunday 21st April RED HEAD. Leader: B. Pounder. Depart 9 a.m. All excursions leave City Square, Dundee at 10 a.m. (except 21st April). For further details contact the Dundee Branch Secretary, Mrs A. Noltie, 14 Menteith Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3EN (tel. 0382 75074). Send s.a.e. if writing. WILDFOWL COUNTS IN SCOTLAND A list of Regional Organisers responsible for the winter Wildfowl Counts in Scotland is printed in Scot. Birds facing 7: 104. Two Regions have a new Organiser: Caithness S. Laybourne, Old Schoolhouse, Harpsdale, Halkirk, Caithness KW12 6UN. Perthshire (East) E. D. Cameron, Strathclyde, 14 Union Road, Scone, Perth PH2 6RZ. RAFFLE The Club is to hold another raffle in aid of the Scottish Birds Appeal Fund. The first prize will be a week’s holi- day for two at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory. Tickets will be available through Branch Secretaries and the Club office from mid September, and the draw will take place after the Annual Dinner at Dunblane. SITUATION VACANT S.0.C. STAFF ORNITHOLOGIST with literary leanings required to edit Scottish Birds and manage ine SOC Bird Bookshop. Attractive flat might be available for successful applicant. Apply for full particulars to the Secretary, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 27 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT. DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL pean AC. RIS:AMC. ‘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 x J": guests receive a warm welcome and a first- class service. SS SSS Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. To Ornithological and other parties, we offer the following reduc- tions on accommodation prices for 1973 season: mid September to 5th October—10%. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 WHEN IN THE HIGHLANDS VISIT EUROPE’S FIRST VISITOR CENTRE Nature trail Bookshop Good selection of books on History and Natural History of the Highlands and Islands. Send for Booklist. Exhibition and Multi-Screen Theatre History of Man in Strathspey Restaurant and Bar Landmark CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP ©. 21 REGENT TERRACE EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 LLL. Selection in Stock The Dotterel Nethersole Thompson £3.50 Finches (New Naturalist) Newton £3.00 Discovering Bird Watching Flegg £0.30 Projects with Birds Goodfellow £1.95 Shell Book of Beachcombing Soper & Gillmor £1S75 Alaska and its Wildlife Sage £2.50 Birds of Exmoor Allen £0.50 Birds of West Central and Western Africa. Vol. 2 Mackworth-Praed & Grant £8.00 Sarek, Lapland’s Wildlife Sanctuary Nilsson £5215 Pollination of Flowers (New Naturalist) Proctor & Yeo £4.00 Orkney Birds, Status and Guide Balfour £0.65 BREEDING BIRDS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND—a historical survey Parslow £3.60 WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST ARMS HOTEL GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216 Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all. In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C. I : COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and _ close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 40p in- cluding postage, per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick This space only costs £3 to fill For advertising rates apply to: Business Editor 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 SBT Tel. 031-556 6042 SWANS BIG GAME BIRDS SAFARIS 21 DAYS £452 VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Samburu, Tsavo, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Mara, in Kenya and Tanzania. GUEST LECTURERS accompany each Safari and their expert and personal knowledge of East Africa, its animals and birds, its history, peopies and customs, highlights your enjoyment. DEPARTURES 1973—July 18; Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31 1974—Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 7; June 27; July 18; Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31 BEACH AND TREE-TOPS SAFARIS A great opportunity to combine the thrill of seeing East African Wildlife with the enjoyment of beautiful beaches. 21 days from £260 Send this Coupon for Free Brochure To SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 237 (W20) Tottenham Court Road, London, W1P OAL. Tel. 01-636 8070 Please send me your 12 page colour brochure on Big Game and Birds Safaris LAR? Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. Top prices offered in part exchange 145 QUEEN STREET : GLASGOW TEL. 041-221 6666 | AVALTER THOMSON’ PRINTER, SELMIRK. 0 ever, on a binocular other than oe \ We stock all makes, but one binocular | which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which complete with case costs only £14.50 Not only do we ourselves peepee this binocular, it also carries 3 | strong recommendation from The Royal Society for the Protection | Birds, and each glass Carries” the | seal of approval of the Game Cons vancy. Our Free 42 page catalogue e illustrates hundreds of Binoculars ¢ Telescopes including the larger 10x5 Frank/Nipole binocular, complete wi case at £19.00. FREE COMPARISON TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free for 7 days. Should you decide, how- pa < Frank/Nipole make, we can promise | a substantial price reduction at least equalling any other offer which yo may bring to our notice. This ¢ also applies to Telescopes. Qe 690 | 2 YSZ3 ~ SCOTTISH ™ BIRDS s \ j qe x CIB ARN Dig meen << THE JOURNAL OF THE oe tISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' CLUB ~ Volume 7 No. 7 AUTUMN 1973 Price 50p | SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 1974 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors : Ray Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon) MTAI and Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. Each tour has been surveyed by one or both of the directors and/or chief guest lecturer; each tour is accompanied by an experienced tour manager (usually one of the directors) in addition to the guest lecturers. All Tours by Scheduled Air Services of International Air Transport Association Airlines such as British Airways, Olympic Airways and Air India. INDIA & NEPAL—Birds and Large Mammals—Sat. 16 February. 20 days. £460.00. A comprehensive tour of the Game Parks (and Monuments) planned after visits by John Gooders and Patricia and Ray Hodgkins. Includes a three-night stay at the outstandingly attractive Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge and National Park where there is as good a chance as any of seeing tigers in the really natural state. Birds & Animals—John Gooders B.Sc., Photography —Su Gooders, Administration—Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. MAINLAND GREECE & PELOPONNESE-—Sites & Flowers—15 days. £175.00. Now known as Dr Pinsent’s tour this exhilarating interpretation of Ancient History by our own enthusiastic eponymous D. Phil is in its third successful year. Accompanied in 1974 by the charming young lady botanist who was on the 1973 tour it should both in experience and content be a vintage tour. Wed. 3 April. Sites & Museums—Dr John Pinsent, Flowers—Miss Gaye Dawson. CRETE—Bird and Flower Tours—15 days. £175.00. The Bird and Flower Tours of Crete have steadily increased in popularity since their inception in 1970 with the late Dr David Lack, F.R.S. as the first guest lecturer. Their leisurely progress through three centres (Aghios Nikolaos, Chania, Heraklion) and visits to the main archaeological sites as well as the three mountain areas provides a strong appeal to broad interests at all levels. Tues. 2 April. Birds—Dudley Iles, Esq., Flowers—Ken Burras, NDH. Dudley Iles is no stranger to Cretan ornithology and Ken Burras (Superintendent of Botanic Gardens Oxford University) has already toured Turkey and Greece with Peregrine Holidays. Sun. 7 April. Birds—-Sir Hugh Elliott, Flowers—Len Beer. Sir Hugh Elliott and Len Beer provided a splendid team to Southern Turkey in 1973. Both tours supervised by Ray Hodgkins. CRETE—Minoan Study Tours—15 days. £175.00. The new tour of Sept. 1973 (fully booked by Feb.) has two departures in 1974. Spring departure has attractions for botanists and Autumn takes place during migration, so there are attractions for those who leaven with Nature their interest in Ancient History. Tue. 14 May. Guest Lecturer—Peter Lee, BA. Mon. 16 Sept. Guest Lecturer—Dr John Pinsent. Either Ray or Patricia Hodgkins will accompany these tours. MAINLAND GREECE & PELOPONNESE—Birds & Flowers—15 days. £175.00. The popular trio of Hodgkins, Paterson and Lucas have transferred their Cretan expertise and enthusiasms to this new tour. Wed. 3 April. Birds— Derek Lucas, MA., Flowers—Allen Paterson, NDH., M.Ed., Admin.—Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. TURKEY (SOUTHERN)—Birds & Flowers—15 days. £230.00. Now in its fourth year the tour is a comprehensive blend of all the major sites (Ephesus, Priene, Didyma, Side, etc.) with areas of unusual (Pamukkale) or great natural (Lakes Bafa, Burdur, Taurus Mountains) interest. Additionally one or two sites (Termessus) which have just about everything (ruins, birds, butterflies, tombs, flowers) and are not normally visited. Wed. 8 May. Birds— Michael Rowntree, Esq., Flowers—Hugh Synge, BA. Michael Rowntree was with us in Eastern Turkey in 1972 and Hugh (son of Patrick) Synge came to Cyprus in ’72. GALAPAGOS CRUISE & AMAZON SAFARI—22 days from £548.00. This unique Natural History Tour is the direct result of the genuine enthusiasms and experience of the organisers combined with a determination to create a tour worthy of the subject. The fact that it has been possible to assemble such an imposing corpus of eminent guest lecturers speaks for itself. Sun. 28 July. For Birds—Peter Conder, Director RSPB. For Flowers—Anthony Huxley, MA. For Ecology & Evolution—-Dr Alastair Fitter. For Administration —Ray and Pat Hodgkins and Mrs Hedda Lyons. Detailed brochures available from PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 41 SOUTH PARADE, qeiad a SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, FOV OX2 7UP. 2 Zan = Phone Oxford (0865) 55345 & 54517 OBSERVE & CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF % 33%% POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. II 8.5 x 44 £61.60 £39.00 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. II 8 x 40 £40.70 £30.80 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £35.20 £24.64 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. Il 10 x 50 £47.30 £33.00 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £24.75 £17.32 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £35.75 £23.10 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £140.30 £93.34 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £164.23 £109.50 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case — £127.95 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case — £117.70 ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 £63.22 £42.90 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £80) £80.00 £64.00 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £89.65 £67.24 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60 x 60 £87.45 £65.74 All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 120 models in stock from £9 to £250 Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. Also available most makes of Photographic Equipment at 25% to 374% Discount. Send for separate price list. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. : Send too for Price Lists for all Camping, Climbing, Rambling Equipment from our as- sociate company FIELD & TREK (equipment) Ltd., same top quality, same keen prices, SAME ADDRESS, HERON OPTICAL COMPANY Lid. (Dept. SB), 25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. (STD) 0277 221259 Please despatch to me immediately ......................eeeee for which | enclose f............ 1 Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope/Photographic Price List. (Delete as appropriate) CORE eee Hee HEH OH EEE EOE HH SHEESH TEESE EE HEH EEE OEE SESE HSHS EET E DE EEEHHEEEEHESESEHSOOSOOHEEE EEE ET Ee BIG GAME BIRDS SAFARIS 21 DAYS £475 VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Mara, in Kenya and Tanzania. GUEST LECTURERS accompany each Safari and their expert and personal knowledge of East Africa, its animals and birds, its history, peoples and customs, highlights your enjoyment. DEPARTURES Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 7; June 27; July 18; Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31 BEACH AND TREE-TOPS SAFARIS A great opportunity to combine the thrill of seeing East African Wildlife with the enjoyment of beautiful beaches. 21 days from £265 Send this Coupon for Free Brochure To SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 237 (K20) Tottenham Court Road, London, W1iP OAL. Tel. 01-636 8070 Please send me your 12 page colour brochure on | Big Game and Birds Safaris PPP PPP eee eee errr rere rere rier ri reer er rere eer Terre rer rere rr ee errr TTT TT rT) — SWANS | | | | | 1974. ORNITHOLIDAYS ceca (WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) Holidays organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers Kenya Austrian Alps Morocco Norway USA Ethiopia SW Spain Zambia Holland Farne Islands Yugoslavia Isles of Scilly Lake Neusiedl North Wales Majorca West Sussex Camargue a 1974 edition of the Ornitholidays Programme containing full details of costs, etc. available now. Reserve your copy now by sending 3p stamp to: LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY ORNITHOLIDAYS 2 (WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) 44 ALDWICK ROAD, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX, PO21 2PW. Tel. 21230 MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS — SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 7, NUMBER 7, AUTUMN 1973 Page Editorial oe ei 321 Scottish Bird een 1972. ae R. H. Dennis agent 25- os 324 Boundaries for local bird reports. Benort By me Research Committee... aoe 385 Enquiry Me, ‘ ; ae sets sor pe 387 Scottish Be teclosists Club nie ne on oa 387 Edited by T. Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh EH5 3BY Assisted by D. G. Andrew and B. G. Grattage Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) Ap V le fe ee, lif CG Cty BIRDWATCHERS’ YEAR Six records of bird activity and behaviour in the course of a year in six different habitats, as noted by six expert birdwatchers. An exceptionally readable combination of fact, anecdote and observation of appeal to all birdwatchers. Over 100 illustrations, diagrams and photographs. Contributors: L.A. Batten, Dr. Jim Flegg, Jeremy Sorensen, Mike Wareing, Donald Watson, Malcolm: Wright 93 x 64 in, 352’ pages, £4.60 net (post 21p extra) BREEDING BIRDS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND John Parslow Surveys the status and distribution of all species of wild birds known to have bred in Britain and Ireland since 1800 to the present day. Based in part on the author's papers first published in British Birds, with new sections and 225 annotated distribution maps. 94 x 61 in, 272 pages, £3.60 net (post 21p extra) THE NATURAL HISTORY OF CAPE CLEARSISi aa Edited by Dr J. T. R. Sharrock An account of the Island’s flora and fauna with special emphasis on birdlife. The bird observatory has made important contributions to international migration studies and witnesses some of Europe’s largest seabird movements. Over 50 Robert Gillmor drawings and 130 histograms. 83 x 53 in, 208 pages, £3.00 net (post 14p extra) TiSCA DY POVSER LED 281 High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Vol. 7 No. 7 Autumn 1973 Edited by Tom Delaney assisted by D. G. Andrew and B. G. Grattage Editorial Scottish Bird Report. We must apologise to readers for the very late appearance of the 1972 Scottish Bird Report. The delays that led up to this started with late receipt by local recorders of notes from observers; this led to late (and in some cases very late) submission of local summaries to Roy Dennis, As a result he was unable to begin the task of compilation until well into the busy spring/summer period. Finally, when the text was ready for type-setting, it was the printers’ busy spell. Thus each stage took much longer than it should have, and the delays built up cumulatively. It is unsatisfactory that the report should be so late; al- though the value of the data for reference is unaffected, nevertheless the interest and immediacy of the report are re- duced, and reading it can be confusing when recollection is overlaid by all the occurrences of an intervening year. In addi- eee delays disrupt the Scottish Birds production schedule. We therefore ask all contributors to make a special effort to send their final notes for 1973 to the local recorders now. If this is done it should be possible to avoid the delays that have occurred this year and to enable those who have to process the material to complete their tasks in good time. New Editor/Bookshop Manager. In the last number we ex- plained the background leading to Council’s decision to establish the new staff post of Editor/Bookshop Manager. Many readers will know that an appointment has now been made; Sqn. Ldr. Harry Greig took up the post in October 1973, and we wish him every success in this new job. He comes originally from Stonehaven, though his career in the Royal Air Force has kept him mainly in exile in England and overseas. A keen birdwatcher for many years, he was Secret- ary of the Cyprus Ornithological Society while stationed there and editor of their Bulletin and Annual Report. The work of running the Bookshop, which has been handled since the beginning by Mrs Irene Waterston, has now been taken over by Sqn. Ldr. Greig, with the part-time assistance 322 EDITORIAL 7(7) of Mrs Winkworth, and Mrs Waterston, who is now working part-time also, is devoting her time to updating the Club Library. The work of editing Scottish Birds is being handed over gradually, and it is intended that the new editor will take over fully as from the spring number. With the new appointment Council also decided to establish an Editorial Committee for Scottish Birds. The Committee will be available to act as referees on papers, to comment on other material submitted for publication, to scrutinize records of species that are unusual in Scotland but do not appear on the British Birds Rarities Committee list, and advise on policy in general. This arrangement is a formalization and extension of existing practice rather than an entirely new development. The Chairman of the Committee is Andrew T. Macmillan and members are R. H. Dennis, D. G. Andrew and the retiring editor. End of an era. In December Irene and George Waterston moved out of their flat at the Club’s headquarters at Regent Terrace. They had lived there since 1958, and during those 15 years had been at the heart of ornithology and bird protection in Scotland. Their personal kindness and help to members, colleagues and visitors of all kinds to Regent Terrace are well known and were greatly appreciated by all who came into contact with them. Now, though maintaining their associations with the Club as President and Deputy Secretary, respectively, George and Irene have decided to move to live in their cottage at Keith Bridge. Their off-duty presence at Regent Terrace will be missed, and we are sure that all readers would like to wish them well in their country home. Boundaries for local bird reports. In Scotland the traditional system of dividing the country for natural history studies is by faunal areas (based on watersheds) and divisions thereof (based on counties or parts of counties). From time to time this arrangement is criticized, and the question is raised of suitable boundaries for a report, paper or other publication on the birds of a given area. The Research Committee was asked by Council to consider this subject, and their report was submitted to Council at its September meeting. Because of its general interest to and guidance for authors of such papers, Council decided that an abstract of the Re- search Committee’s report should be published, and it appears in this number. 1973 EDITORIAL 323 Behaviour of birdwatchers. A recent letter from the Director of the RSPB to the Club Secretary asks that members should be reminded of a few basics of birdwatching behaviour : not to trespass, not to harass tired migrants, not to put ducks or waders to flight so as to get better views and, above all, not to visit the breeding sites of rare birds. The encouragement of popular interest in birds has been a fundamental in the strategy for their conservation, but in some parts of Britain the resultant and ever growing army of bird- watchers represents a significant pressure on the birds. It is important, therefore, that birdwatchers should always observe responsible standards of behaviour in the field. Wilful distur- bance by the over zealous “‘twitcher’’, photographer, scientist or ringer might be described as the “unpleasant and unaccep- table face” of ornithology; we trust that members of the SOC require no prompting on this topic. Current literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes : Wintering seaducks off the east coast of Scotland. H. Milne & L. H. Campbell, 1973. Bird Study 20: 153-172. Study of dis- tribution and numbers. Birds of the Shiant Islands, Outer Hebrides. M. de L. Brooke, 1973. Bird Study 20: 197-206. Fulmars at land in summer and autumn. H. E. M. Dott, 1973. Bird Study 20: 221-225. Continuing dangers to Peregrines from dieldrin. J. A. Bogan and J. Mitchell, 1973. Brit. Birds 66: 437-439. Review of two cases in Stirlingshire. The Puffin population of the Shiant islands. M. de L. Brooke, 1972. Bird Study 19: 1-6. The Puffin on St Kilda. J. J. M. Flegg, 1972. Bird Study 19: 7-17. The Loch of Strathbeg. W. R. P. Bourne, C. H. Gimingham, N. C. Morgan & R. H. Britton, 1973. Nature 242: (March 9) 93-95. 324 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Scottish Bird Report 1972 Compiled by ROY H. DENNIS (Plates 25-28) This is the fifth in the new series of annual reports on the birds of Scotland; the previous ones were published in Scot. Birds 5: 302-356, 6:62-128, 6: 347-402 and 7: 107-163. It is a concise, factual account of data collected during the year on all the species known to have occurred in Scotland in 1972. It follows the pattern established in its predecessors, and new readers should note that no attempt is made to define the or- dinary status of most species; reference should be made to Baxter & Rintoul The Birds of Scotland 1953. As before, we stress that observer cover in the various regions of Scotland ranges from good to very thin, and care should be taken in comparing numbers and regional distribu- tion, especially of migrants. Generally speaking, the northern isles, the North Sea coast, central Scotland and the Clyde/ Solway area are better covered than elsewhere, but there are pockets of good cover in most regions. For some areas more information is published and greater detail given in local re- ports such as the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, the Isle of May report (in Scot. Birds) and the Shetland Bird Report. Although much local information cannot be published here, the collection of records by the local recorders provides a most useful fund of data for reference on regional ornithology. In the species list 289 species are mentioned; at least ten of these are species that have escaped or been released from cap- tivity, while a few more are of doubtful origin. Nevertheless we feel it is useful to document such sightings; they are distin- guished by the symbol + in the list. The only species to be added to the Scottish list in 1972 made certain of its full acceptance by arriving en masse—17 Bearded Tits were recorded in the last two months of the year in five counties from Aberdeen to Kirkcudbrightshire. One new species has been added to the Scottish list in each of the pre- vious four years; they were, in chronological order: Caspian Tern, Evening Grosbeak, Stilt Sandpiper and Spotted Sand- piper. A Black Stork in Orkney was only the second Scottish record: other rarities included two Black-browed Albatrosses (Fife and Shetland), five White Storks, a Steller’s Eider, a Red Kite, two White-rumped Sandpipers, a Buff-breasted Sand- piper, a Wilson’s Phalarope, one Mediterranean, one Ross’s, one Bonaparte’s and two Sabine’s Gulls, a Red-rumped Swal- low, a Lanceolated Warbler (first since 1961), a Pechora Pipit, two Citrine Wagtails and three Two-barred Crossbills. 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 325 Climatically 1972 was in many ways similar to 1971, with no severe weather at either end of the year but with a rather cold and late spring. A few summer visitors arrived early, but the bulk of them were delayed and slow to build up; the breed- ing season was inclement for small birds, but some species extended the breeding season well into the autumn, e.g. young House Martins still in the nest in October. Kingfisher, Jay and Green Woodpecker increased their range, while there was some indication that Little Owls had spread. Nuthatches feat- ure in this report for the first time since 1969. It would be use- ful if observers would follow up any reports of Little Owls or Nuthatches, as there may be more than the records indicate: the last breeding record of Nuthatch in Scotiand was in 1927. A pair of Goldeneyes hatched nine ducklings from a nest- box in East Inverness-shire; Ospreys were present at 12 known sites, six pairs were successful and reared a total of 14 young; Spotted Crakes were rather scarce, but there were at least eight pairs of Wood Sandpipers, three pairs of Black-tailed Godwits and two pairs of Temminck’s Stints. The Snowy Owls in Fetlar hatched four young, but none survived; there were more sightings of the species in other areas. About six pairs of nesting Fieldfares were known, but proof of successful breed- ing was lacking in most cases; good numbers of breeding Red- wings were located and a male Shorelark in suitable breeding habitat was possibly the forerunner of another new breeding species from Scandinavia. The migration pattern was also rather similar to that of last year, with the regular Continental drift migrants being scarce at both seasons. Wader numbers were also rather low, though in autumn unusual numbers were observed at inland reser- voirs—a result of the very low water levels caused by the drought. Semi-rare passerines such as Red-breasted Flycatch- ers and Richard’s Pipits were also scarce, and numbers of Wax- wings and Great Grey Shrikes were low. A strong irruption of Continental Crossbills started in mid June, and there was an invasion of Mealy Redpolls later in the autumn. It would seem to be of some value if a brief summary could be given in the report each year of environmental changes that might affect birds. For example, what will happen to the huge flock of Scaup wintering off Seafield when the new Edinburgh sewage scheme comes into operation? We do not intend to go deeply into such topics (though they merit research) but only to provide a historical summary of major projects in good bird areas and a record of changes that might alter bird numbers or distribution. 1972 was notable for a great increase in North Sea oil oper- ations; two huge shore-based projects were started in the 326 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Moray Firth area for building oil-production platforms, one at Nigg in the Cromarty Firth (started February 1972) the other at Ardersier/Whiteness Head on the Inverness/Nairn border (started June 1972). Both involved reclamation on the shore and in the intertidal zone; the Nigg yard is on the edge of Nigg Bay, which is famous for wintering ducks and waders, while Whiteness Head has a ternery and is a principal wintering area for Knots and Bar-tailed Godwits in the Moray Firth. There was an increase in the numbers of oil-rigs operating in the North Sea, and the start of major service operations in the northern isles. There was a serious oiling incident in the Crom- arty Firth in March, when a large flock of roosting Pink-footed Geese were oiled in Nigg Bay. On shore, bird numbers and distribution reflect the increasing afforestation in upland areas, and there is some evidence of the bad effects of increasing numbers of tourists on bird breeding success, notably at coast- al sites and at some freshwater lochs. All records given here of species that come within the scope of the British Birds Rarities Committee have been accepted by the committee unless noted as still subject to a decision. We appeal to observers to submit descriptions of rare or unusual species to the local recorder as soon as possible, preferably On an unusual-record form, obtainable free from the local recorder. We are not prepared to publish in this report rec- ords of species that, though not on the Rarities Committee list, are rare in Scotland or would represent new species for the faunal areas unless adequate supporting evidence is given. With such a volume of material moving from observer to recorder to compiler to printer, there is the risk of transcrip- tion errors; we will be glad to be informed of anything to be corrected next year. We would apologise to anyone who finds his records attributed to someone else; this can happen, be- cause at times, mainly for the sake of brevity, I have named one observer (or the recorder) when several were involved. This leads to a request that all observers should give their surname and all initials when submitting records to the local recorders; with so many observers contributing, the key to their initials is doubly difficult to prepare if only a first initial is given. This year I have numbered the different regions, and the bracketed numbers after an observer’s name in the key to observer’s initials indicate which observer is involved with a record in the species list. To keep the report within a reasonable number of pages we have been terse; as in the past, we have abbreviated months, counties and other words and have omitted most qualifica- tions such as ‘near’ and ‘about’. References in the form (6: 322) are to pages of Scottish Birds. The sequence of species, English 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 327 names and scientific nomenclature follow the BTO’s guide A Species List of British and Irish Birds (1971). An asterisk in- dicates that all known records are given. We appeal to all observers to send their 1973 records to the local recorders promptly at the end of the year; it would be especially helpful if records for the first ten months could be sent to recorders now. Please continue to spread the word that we are keen to receive records from visitors to Scotland and others who are not Club members. The sketches that illustrate the text were drawn by: W. R. Brackenridge (King Eider, Kingfisher); John Busby (Shag, Bar- tailed Godwit, Arctic Skua, Barn Owl, Jay, Blackbird); and Donald Watson (Pintail, Smew, Barnacle Goose, Merlin, Dun- lin, Goldcrest). The photographs are by Malte Andersson, D. B. McGinn, Dennis Coutts and J. F. Young. I would like to thank them and everyone else who has con- tributed to the 1972 report. My special thanks go to the local recorders for their considerable efforts in collecting and collat- ing the records. Local Recorders in 1972 1. Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland. 2. Fair Isle R. A. Broad, Bird Obsevatory, Fair Isle, Shetland. 3. Orkney E. Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney. 4. Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) W. A. J. Cunningham, Aros, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (see Changes below). 5. St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Sutherland. 6. Caithness Mrs P. M. Collett, Sandyquoy, East Gills, Scrabster, Caith- ness KW14 7UH. 7, Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. MacDonald, Elmbank, Dornoch, Sutherland. 8. Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness. 9. Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) R. H. — Old Manse, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire PH22 10. Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Portsoy, Banffshire AB4 2NT. 11. Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire W. Murray, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB4 OAA, and A. G. Knox, Zoo- logy Department, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aber- deen AB4 0AA. 12. South Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin, Angus. 13. Perthshire Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth. 14. Kinross-shire Miss B. H. Moore, Vane Farm, Kinross. 15. Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. 16. Fife, Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. 328 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) 17. West Lothian. Prof. T. C. Smout, 19 South Gillsland Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DE (see Changes below). 18. Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian. 19. East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh EH10 4NY. 20. Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk TD7 4LX. 21. Argyllshire, Inner Hebrides, Skye M. J. P. Gregory, Duiletter, Kilmory Road, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire PA31 8NL. 22. Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayr- shire, Arran. Bute R. W. Forrester, 29 Crandleyhill Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2BE. 23. Dumfriesshire D. Skilling, 86 Auchenkeld Avenue, Heathhall, Dum- fries, and R. T. Smith, Applegarthtown, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. 24. Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. Changes of Local Recorders for 1973 Peter Cunningham had to give up the recordership of the Outer Heb- rides because of pressure of work; we would like to thank him very much for all the good work he has put in for the Scotish Bird Report over the last five years. Records for the Outer Hebrides should be sent to the SOC, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT until further notice. For similar reasons Chris Smout had to resign the recordership of West Lothian; we are very grateful to him for his work in collecting records for the area. For the future it was decided to amalgamate West with Mid- lothian, and records should go now to R. W. J. Smith. Key to observers’ initials More than 600 observers contributed records for 1972 to the local recorders and we are extremely grateful to them. Not all contributors are mentioned in this key, since, in many cases, records were summar- ised before submission to me, and owing to editing, not all those listed here are mentioned in the main part of the report. Where an observer ‘may have submitted only one or two records, e.g. a rarity, to avoid multiplication of initials his (or her) full name is given with the record in the species list. Mrs D. E. Abbey E. Balfour (EB) H. Boase L. Adams I. Balfour-Paul D. G. Boddington A. F. Airey J. Ballantyne (JB) C. G. Booth S. M. D. Alexander Q. Ballantyne C. J. Booth A. Allison Mrs A. Baird Dr W. R. P. Bourne D. R. Anderson Miss J. Banks (JBk) T. Boyd D. G. Andrew D. Barber W. R. Brackenridge I. Armstrong J. P. Barlison A. Brebner (7) N. E. Armstrong G. J. Barnes D. M. Bremner J. M.S. Arnott Mrs E. Bartlett (EBt) T. J. R. Britton N. K. Atkinson R. Bateman R. A. Broad W. Austin Miss P. G. T. Baxter K. Brockie G. Baggott J. Beal (JBI) W. Brotherston C. W. Bailey M. A. S. Beaman Miss E. Brown (EBr) R. S. Bailey (RSBy) J. M. Beattie I. A. G. Brown R. S. Baillie (RSB) J. Bell (12) K, Bruce (23) TA? pom 1973 D. M. Bryant Prof G. M. Dunnet A. G. S. Bryson R. Duthie H. J. Burton J. Edelsten J. L. Burton W. Ellis N. E. Buxton Sir R. Erskine-Hill Royal Soc. for Protec- tion of Birds (RSPB) R. G. Caldow R. Calligan E, D. Cameron L. H. Campbell Mrs V. E. Carrick win C. M. Collett s P. M. Collett . C. Cooke . Cottree (20) . Coull (24) Lae aoa . G. Cowieson G. Critchley Rev. J. M. Crook (JMCk) I. G. Cumming W.A. J. Cunningham Miss M. E. Cunning- hame (16) J. Currie (JCu) D. P. Cyrus Eskdale & Liddesdale Bird Club (ELBC) T. P, Daniels I. M. Darling N. Darroch I. R. Deans T. Delaney (18) R. H. Dennis T. J. Dick R. C. Dickson T. Dougal (TDo) Dr I. T. Draper Mrs M. M. Draper M. Drummond K. A, Dummigan Sir A. B. Duncan W. Dunlop Mrs M. H, Dunn Prof D. S. Falconer Dr E. C. Fellowes I. J. Ferguson-Lees J.J, M. Flegg I. Ford B. C. Forrester R. W. Forrester A. Forsyth L. Fortune G. Frame I, S, Fraser M. W. Fraser G. H. French R. Furness. H. Galbraith I. K. Gauld E. C. Gerrard C. A. Gervaise I. P. Gibson D, Glass A. G. Gordon Miss N. J. Gordon A. N. Graham D. R. Grant Lt.-Col J. P. Grant Mrs J. A. R. Grant M. J. P. Gregory A. Grieve Miss P. Grundy J. Gunn (6) J. Guthrie North Solway Ringing Group (NSRG) Tay Ringing Group TRG Mrs M. Hall (7) K. C. C. Halliday Dr K. C. R. Halliday Mrs H. S. C. Halliday Mrs E. Hamilton F. D, Hamilton Mrs A. R. Harding E. M. Harvey M. I. Harvey . G. Headlam . Henshilwood . Henty lodd . Hogg . Holbourn ope-Jones pkins J. E. Howie . Hulme . Hume . Hunter > ¢ ei lok-talvtar-Telolelor seeiee ce SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 329 F. Hunter J.B, Hutcheson M. Hutcheson A. Inkster D. L. Irving S. Jackson P. R. James G. C. Jamieson R. A. Jeffrey Dr D. Jenkins A. W. G. John R. Johnson (1) L. Johnston M. Jones R. Jones Miss B. C. Kinloch P. K. Kinnear J. Kirk A. G. Knox Mrs S. Laing (13) H. A, Lang D. R. Langston P. G. Lansdown P. A, Lassey J. Law S. Laybourne I. Leach R. Leavett C. B. Lindsay Mrs L. D. G. Linehan W. M. Logan-Home J. A. Love B. M. Lynch W. McCubbin A. McDonald D. MacDonald M. A. MacDonald Mrs M. K. MacDuff- Duncan D. W. McGarvie D. B. McGinn K. S. Macgregor R. K. McGregor R. MacIntyre A, Maclver K. MacKenzie P. Mackie I. M. McLean A. C. MacLeod A. T. Macmillan R, L. McMillan E, McQuade E. J. Maguire A. R,. Mainwood R. Mann J. Manson (16) M. Marquiss Dr B. Marshall W. Matheson (4) A. Mathieson I. Mathieson 330 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) P. J. Mawby A. D. K. Ramsay N. L. Storie E. Maxwell R. M. Ramage R. W. Summers A. R. Mead (1) C. P. Rawcliffe I. S. Suttie E. R. Meek A. Reese R. L. Swann K. R. Melhuish L. Renouf RAF Kinloss Ornith. Dr J. Meikle (20) W. K. Richmond Soc. RAFKOS J. K. R. Melrose Dr R. Richter (10) J.C. Tait T. D. H. Merrie G. Riddle Dr T. V. Tattersal R. H. Miller A. B. Ritchie Miss V. M. Thom Dr H. Milne-Redhead E. L. Roberts D. S. Thomson J. Mitchell (22) I. S. Robertson D. Thorogood (DTh) Miss B. H. Moore Mrs S. Robertson J. Thorogood (JTh) G. Morgan C. S. Roselaar R. B, Tozer Mrs J. Morrison (9) P. D. Round M. Traill-Clouston W. M. Morrison J. Rowbottom (JRo) Mrs K. Traquair J. Moss (18) R. Roxburgh R. J. Tulloch M. A. Muir Dr M. Rusk L. A. Urquhart J. H. B. Munro G. L. Sandeman P. A. Vandome R. D. Murray I. Sandison Mrs U. R. Vivers W. Murray Q. M. Service Dr L, avick J. A, S. Newman Mrs P. Scott-Plummer Dr W.C. Wakefield J. A. Newnham A. R. Seymour Mrs A. Walker M. Nicoll Mrs A. F. W. Sharp C. Walker J. Niles J. T. R. Sharrock C, Waller (23) R. Nisbet G. Shaw (GSh) D. I. M. Wallace T. Nisbet R. Shaw G. Waterston Mrs A. Noltie P. Shaw A. D. Watson D. J. Norden D. C. Shenton A. J. Watson P. J. O’Brien J.H, Simpson Mrs M. Watson A. Ockendon J. I. Simpson I, Wattret M. A. Ogilvie M. Sinclair T. Weir D. W. Ogilvie (DWOg) W.A. Sinclair D. S. Whitaker D. W. Oliver (DWO) D. Skilling (DSk) G. T. White J. M. A. Osbourne J. Skilling (JSk) A. R. Whitfield (1) J. R. D. Osbourne G. Skilling Mrs J. A. Whyte J. R. P. Osbourne A. J. Smith (20) R. T. Willett E. C. Parker Mrs E. M. Smith E. J. Williams J. Parrott (11) H. D. Smith, K. Williamson (22) Mrs M. Paterson J.C. Smith - D. P. Willis (DW) T. Paterson J.J. Smith J. M. Wilson A.D. Peirse-Duncombe Mrs P. Smith (7) W. Wilson Dr I. D. Pennie R. T. Smith R, Wilson A. Petersen R. W. J. Smith P,. Wormell T. Pickup (14) Prof T. C. Smout K. Wrench N. Picozzi A. J. Souter T. Wright (23) Miss M. Piper (13) E. F, B. Spragge W. Wyper (22) C. Placido J. Spriggs (1) Dr E. I. Young R. K. Pollock D. Stalker J. F. Young C. Port (7) G. Stephen J. G. Young J. Potter D. Stewart (5) L. Young B. Pounder A. G. Stewart R. F. Yule A. Pringle (APr) B. J. Stewart B. Zonfrillo Mrs I. Rainier I. F. Stewart 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 331 Species List Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica, In survey of breeding success in N Scotland 58-59 prs were checked, of which 10 prs reared 13 young. The rest failed, mainly owing to flooding after prolonged drought. Main data from Inv (15-16 prs checked, 4 prs successful reared 7 young), Ross (13 prs, 2 prs successful reared 2 young) and Suth (23 prs, 1 pr reared 1 young) (RHD et al.). Elsewhere: Ayr pr reared 1 young at second at- tempt (WRB, JN); Galloway pr inland July (ELR). Shet, 2 Weisdale 3 Feb (DC), 1 Gremista 13 Feb (BM), 2 Weisdale 1 Apr (RJ), singles Quendale 23 Apr and 3 May (DC); W Ross, 15 L Gair- loch 28 Jan, first back on breeding loch 20 Mar (ENH); Arg, 6 Tarbert- Islay crossing 12 Mar (MASB). Autumn records: 2 Echnaloch Bay, Ork, Oct (EB), 22 Red Point, W Ross, 18 Oct (ENH); 4 E Burghead 1 Oct, 6 Findhorn, Moray, 15 Oct (RHD); 7S Girdleness, Kinc, 2 Oct (DIMW); 3 West Haven, Angus, 17 Sep (IMC); increase in winter records Clyde/ Ayr coast (WRB, RHH et al.). Great Northern Diver Gavia immer. Winter counts: 5 Dunnet Bay, Caith, 5 Jan (PMC); 5 L Eriboll, Suth 19 Feb (RHD); more than usual E Loth, 6+ Tyninghame 13 Feb; Arg, counts from ferry Tarbert to Islay 50 on 14 Jan, 60+ on 12 Mar, 20 on 21 May (DMB, MASB); 1 L Leven, Kinross, 9-29 Feb (AG, BHM). Spring records : fewer in Shet, max 26 Quendale 23 Apr (RJT et al.); 10 Balnakeil Bay, Suth, 24 Apr (AG). Usual summer records mainly N and W coasts; 2 Gullane, E Loth, 13-27 May; ad L of Cliff, Unst, Shet, 7 July-3 Aug (L. Cole et al.). Autumn: singles Fair Isle 21 and 26 Sep (RAB); first Fife Ness 3 Sep (DWO); 1 Kingoodie, Perth, 6 Dec (EJM); 1 Gourock, Renf, 29-31 Dec (HG, IPG, RAS). *White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii. 1 Buckie, Banff, 5 Mar-20 May (DBMcG et al.); subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee. Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata. 62 breeding prs monitored in High- lands and northern isles; of these 28-29 prs reared 42 young, the rest failed. (RHD et al.). Data indicated poor season in Shet where only 2 young reared from 14 prs at Fetlar (ISR) and 6 young from 14 prs at Whaisay (JHS); good season in Ork, 21 young from 17 prs (EB et al.) and in W Ross, 8 young from 9 prs (ENH ez al.). Reasonable success reported Caith, but data patchy in Suth and Inv (RHD et al.). 1 pr reared 2 young Handa, Suth. Elsewhere: 3 prs at Arran (MHDu); 1 pr Isle of Bute (1H); Renf pr unsuccessful (HG, IPG). Peak counts: Moray, 15 Findhorn 6 Jan (RHD), 26 on 5 Mar (RAFKOS), 46 Spey Bay 24 Nov (JMB); Angus, 86 Lunan Bay 25 Apr (GMC). 42 West Haven 29 Oct (TMC); Fife, 44 Fife Ness-Largo Bay 13 Jan (AG); Arg, Tarbert-Islay 55+ on 12 Mar (MASB). Migrants: Fair Isle, scattered records 5 Apr-14 Aug (RAB); Shet, summer plumage from 25 Feb, last Fetlar 17 Sep (RJT et al.); Suth, breeding pr displaying Kylesku 19 Feb (RHD). Inland: 1 Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, 12 Apr-3 June (PGTB, DWO); 1 Marl Loch, Aberlady, E Loth, 16 Apr (AM, LLJV); 1 Castle Loch, Dumf, 29 Oct-20 Dec (NEA, JD). Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Poor breeding season Fife, single prs Kilconquhar and Morton Lochs but no young (DWO); 7+ prs L Leven, Kinross (AA); Midl, pr reared 2 young Duddingston Loch, 2 prs failed Gladhouse Reservoir, 3-4 prs Threipmuir Reservoir (RWJS et al.); Ayr, down to 3 prs L Martnaham (WRB); Lan, pr successful at Biggar, first time for years (RE-H). Migration and peak counts: Shet, singles Lerwick 13 Feb (NLS), Busta Voe 8 Mar (W. Johnson), Spiggie 28 May-8 June (DC et al.), Fetlar 1 June (RSPB); E Ross, 1 North Kessock 6 Nov (EBt); Inv, 2 L Linnhe 24 332 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Sep (JASN); Moray, 1 Spynie Loch 16 Apr (CAG), 2E Burghead 15 Oct (RHD); Angus, 55 Lunan Bay 23 Aug (GMC); Perth 3 on 12 Mar (RC, EJM, DST); Fife, 21 St Andrews 14 Oct (JARG); Midl, 20 Musselburgh Jan-Apr, peak 40 on 11 Mar, last 2 on 28 May, 82 on 13 Aug, 150 on 27 Aug, 131 on 25 Sep, 80 on 12 Oct, 90 on 27 Dec (RF, DLC, GLS, LLJV), 130 Leith Docks 10 Dec (RWJS) probably same flock; E Loth, 10 Gullane 12 Aug (LLJV); Kirk, 20 L Ken 14 Oct is large count (LAU). Red-necked Grebe Podiceps griseigena. Another record year, especially E Loth, Jan-25 Apr and 21 July to Dec, plus 3 summer records. Winter- spring: E Loth, counts of 1-5 regular Jan-16 Apr off Gosford, Aberlady and Gullane, peak numbers 20 Aberlady-Gullane 20 Feb, 37 Gosford 12 Apr (LLJV et al.); Midl, singles Seafield 19 Jan (AWGJ), Granton 2 Feb (GLS), 2 Musselburgh 11 Mar (LLJV); Fife, 1 Tentsmuir 9 Jan (JARG, BP), 3 Largo Bay 13 Jan, 1 on 24 Mar (AG); Moray, 1 Findhorn 6 Jan (RHD); Suth, 1 L Eriboll 19 Feb (RHD); Shet, 1 Clickhimin 18 Feb-23 Mar (DC et al.); Skye, 1 Pabay 7-25 Apr (ECG). Summer: 1 Merryton, Lan, 29 May (DS); 1 Aberlady, E Loth, 7 June (NEE 1 Glimpsholm, Ork, 2 July (DW). 1 dead Elliott, Angus, 9 May Autumn: Shet, singles Scatsta 8 Oct (WHJ), Benstom 26 Oct (JSp); Ork, 1 No. 3 Barrier 25 Aug (I. Lorrimer); Suth, 1 Embo 23 Oct (RHD); Angus, 1 Boddin 28 Sep (GMC); Kinross, 1 L Leven 14 Sep (AA); Fife, 1 Morton Lochs 10 Sep (DMB); Midl, singles Musselburgh from 22 Sep, 3 on 15 Oct, 2 on 16 Nov, last 19 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, Gosford, Gullane and Aberlady, first 2 on 21 July (PW), max counts 16 Gosford 6 Aug (DLC), 22 on 22 Aug (FDH), 23 on 9 Sep (RHH), 11 Aberlady-Gullane 15 Sep (RHH), 11 on 1°Oct GB), 12 ‘on 15 ‘Oct (LEJV),. Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus. Census put Scot population at 48-51 prs in Caith, Inv and Moray (RHD, MIH et al.); breeding success better than 1971 but still poor, 27-28 prs in main haunt, Inv, reared 10-11 young, 12-13 prs in N Inv (including 3 new localities) reared 13-15 young, 1 pr SE Inv, but both layings failed (RHD, MIH); Moray, 6 prs on territory, 2 young reared; Caith, further decrease 2-3 prs on one loch, but no young seen (RHD et al.). First seen L Ruthven 21 Feb (MR), and Moray loch 26 Mar (JMB); Perth, 1 L of Lowes 9-28 Apr (MD); Central Lowlands, ad paired with Black-necked Grebe (7: 307-308). Winter-spring: Fair Isle, singles 14-19 Mar, 31 Mar-5 Apr (RAB); Shet, regular to 12 Apr, max 22 Tresta 15 Mar (BM); Ork, max 5 Burray 9 Apr (CJB); Suth, latest 2 Balnakeil Bay 24 Apr (AG); N Arg, 1 Salachan 1 Apr (JR); Kinross, 1 L Leven 1 Mar (GC); Fife, peaks 7 Tentsmuir 27 Feb (DWO), 7 Largo Bay 24 Mar (AG); Midl, singles Musselburgh 30 Jan-11 Mar, 2 on 6 Feb; E Loth, Gosford Jan-12 Apr, max 15+ on 9 Jan, 20+ on 7 Feb and 5 Mar, 14 on 12 Apr (LLJV et al), Aberlady- Gullane Jan-12 Mar, max 12 on 20 Feb (LLJV); I Heb, 7 Pabay, Skye, 6 Feb, first on 21 Feb, few to 12 Apr, (ECG), 8 L Indaal, Islay, 4 Jan (CGB). Autumn: Shet, 10 16 Sep, max 10 Tresta 24 Sep (PKK); Ork, 3 Echna- loch Bay 1 Oct (EB); Inv, 1 L Insh 20 Oct (RL); Fife, 1 Cameron Reser- voir 3-13 Sep (PGTB, JARG); E Loth, first Aberlady-Gullane 5 Aug (DJN), max 10 on 10 Oct and 10 Dec (DLC, DCS), max Gosford 16 on 17 Dec (LLJV). *Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. At E of 2 established ccl- jonies in Central Lowlands first seen (2) on 17 Mar, 5 on 24 Mar, 23 ads on 11 July, 5 prs and three broods of young (2, 2 and 1) on 3 Aug, last 3 on 15 Oct; 25-26 at other site at end Mar, 16 on 9 Apr, 10 ads and 9 young in July; only one record, 26 Mar, at minor site between 2 main colonies, but pr at nearby loch (new site) on 28 May; only single at Central Highlands site 4 June-23 July (anon). Winter-spring: Stir, 1 L Walston 20 Feb (TDHM); Midl, 2 Leith 18 Jan- 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 333 2 Feb (GLS); E Loth, 9 Aberlady-Gullane 3 Jan (RHH), 2 Gosford 2 Jan (LLJV), 1 Tyninghame 29-30 Jan (DTh, EMS), flock Aberlady 19 Feb (GCJ), 3 on 11 Mar, 9 on 4 Apr (RHH, GCJ); Wig, 16 L Ryan 19 Feb (KBa). Autumn: Midl, 1 Musselburgh 8 Aug (HEMD, RKMcG), 2 on 16 Sep (OT); Peeb, 1 Portmore 19 Aug-1 Sep (RWJS, LLJV); E Loth, singles Aberlady 12 Aug and 23 Sep (LLJV), Gosford 15 Aug (DRL); Wig, 4 L Ryan 28 Oct (DCI), 3 on 31 Dec (JIKRM, ADW). Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. Fife, good numbers and many chicks despite low water levels (DWO); Inv, higher numbers Spey Valley, arrived early, first brood of 3 chicks seen Aviemore 8 May (RHD). Counts and migrants: Shet, 1 Foula 11 Apr-4 May (JGH); Caith, 1 Scrab- ster Loch 15 Mar (SL); Angus, 8 Monikie Jan-Apr (BP); Midl, max 10 Musselburgh 6-25 Feb and 16 Dec (AWGJ, LLJV); E Loth more than usual on sea; Selk, 19 Lindean Reservoir 17 Sep (RHF). *Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophrys. Adult at Gannet colony Hermaness, Unst, Shet, 21 July-4 Aug (M. Andersson, L. Cole); ad Fife Ness 8 Aug (P. A. Lassey). There were unconfirmed reports from Hermaness in 1971, no reports in 1970, Bass Rock bird present 1967-69 and Orkney sighting 1969. Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. Fair Isle, numbers in census area similar to 1971, first egg 14 May, first chick seen 1 July (RAB); Suth, c2400 prs Handa (AG); E Ross colonies, 49 birds Munlochy 18 Dec, 18 sites Rose- markie 24 Feb, 7 Fairy Glen 24 Feb (MR); St Kilda, first egg 12 May (DSt); Kinross, from 23 Mar (AG), max 8 on 1-30 July, ad feeding chick 9 Aug is first breeding record this site (AA, GC); Isle of May, 50 prs is slight increase; similar increase Firth of Forth islands; Bute, at least 1 pr nested Inch Marnock (new site), bred 5 different sites Arran (MHDu); Ayr, 10 prs Portencross, 30 prs S of Dunure (WRB), 24 prs S of Ballantrae (RWF). Blue-phase birds: Fair Isle 19-20 Aug, 20 Sep,27 Oct (4) (RAB); Hoy, Ork, 24 June (CJB); Whiten Head, Suth, 5 May (ACMcL); Rockfield, Ross, 6 May (DW); 3 Handa, Suth (AG); North Rona 6 July (JAL), where also adult Fulmar brooding young Puffin and dead Fulmar chick (JAL). Other records: 700W in 1 hour Faraid Head. Suth, 15 Apr (RHD); 3W Kiltarlity, Inv, 26 May (MIH); 200+ Isle of May 28 Dec—a record count (NKA, MN); 1 L Morlich, Inv, 13 June (K. Harrison). Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus. 500 off Rackwick, Hoy, Ork, 24 June (CJB); 5000 off north cliffs Canna, I Heb, 25 Aug (RLS). Migration: Fair Isle records 30 Mar (crossing), 29 May-15 Aug (RAB); Suth, 327W 0700-0800 hrs Faraid Head 15 Apr (RHD), seen off Handa 30 Apr-10 Sep, max 350N in 13 hrs 27 May (AG); Kinc, 40N in 1 hr Cove Bay 30 June (CSR); Angus, 4 Mar-1 Oct, max 150 Usan 28 May (GMC), 103 Arbroath 13 Aug (MN); Isle of May 14 July-15 Oct, max 110 on 1 Aug (HG, IG), 140 on 20 Aug (NKA); Midl, max 11 Musselburgh 27 June (JPB, LLJV); E Loth, max 68S and 5N Barns Ness 8 July (RDM); Wig, 83W Mull of Galloway 29 July (DTh, JTh), 89 Corsewall Point 2 Sep (RCD). Stragglers: 2 L Maree, W Ross, 18 May (ENH), 1 Kinloch- ewe 23 Sep (EBr, JAW); 1 Inverkip, Renf, 31 May (BCK). Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus. Rather scarce all areas: Fair Isle, scarce, only seen 12 days 7 Aug-9 Oct, max 4 on one day, except 30 on 21 Sep (RAB); Shet, few reports 1 Sep-26 Oct, max only 5 Sum- burgh 29 Sep (DC); Ork, max 42 North Ronaldsay 7 Sep (EJW), 5 Hoy 10 Nov (EJW); Caith, 1 freshly dead Dunnet Bay 4 Sep (PMC); Suth, 1-3 Handa 9 Aug-28 Sep (AG), 16W in 2 hours Strathy Point 1 Oct (DWh); Kinc, 8S in ? hr Girdleness 7 Oct, last one S Girdleness 22 Nov (AGK); Angus, 8 sightings 12 Aug-l1 Oct, max 7 West Haven 12 Aug (TMC); Fife Ness, 7 records 28 Aug-1 Oct (DWO et al.); Isle of May, scattered records 1 Aug-15 Oct, max 4 on 25 Sep (AMcD, RKMcG). 334 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. Shet, 600+ caught at Fetlar colony June included one ringed Skokholm, Wales, 22 July 1969 (RSPB); Fair Isle, noted ashore 20 June-28 Aug, on crossing 30 May-5 Sep, max 30 (RAB); bred Stroma, Caith, in 1971; Suth, Handa 1N on 8 Aug, 7 on 9th MPG) 10th Aug (AG); 1 Kilmartin, Arg, 28 Nov, released 29th (per Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. Good numbers ringed North Rona by JAL, ARM, RAFKOS; JAL ringed 267 at North Rona in 1971 and retrapped two which had been ringed at the island in summer 1958. One at Fair Isle 17 July (RAB). Gannet Sula bassana, Wig, 430 prs Scar Rocks 7 July (500 pairs in 1971) (JGY); Fair Isle, 10-30 birds ashore several days in first fortnight of July at Sheep Rock and Da Fless. Counts: Suth, 700 ads W in 1 hr Faraid Head 15 Apr (RHD), max 220 off Handa 6 Sep (AG), big E passage Strathy Point 30 Sep (DWh); Nairn, 300 offshore including juveniles 24 Dec (RHD); Moray, 1000 including juveniles off Burghead 17 Nov (RHD; Inv/E Ross 7 juveniles Longman 4 Oct (JMCk), 11 Avoch 13 Oct (MKMcD-D); Angus 1000 off West Haven 19 Aug (TMC); Renf, 11 Port Glasgow 23 July (DS). Stragglers: juvenile Lentran, Inv, 1 Sep (RHD), 2 dead L Linnhe 4-6 June (JCu); 1 on pond Tealing, Angus, 29 Oct (ABR); immature flying inland Langholm, Dumf, 28 May (ELOC). Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Forth, 245 nests Lamb, many big young 17 June (RWJS); Wig, decrease at Piltanton estuary to 59 nests (84 last year) (RCD). Counts and migration: Fair Isle, autumn passage 18 Aug-18 Sep, peaks 50 on 26 Aug, 60 on 29th, 40 on Ist, 4th, 8th and 12th Sep, 20 on 10 Oct; 150 Beauly Firth, Ross/Inv, 12 Nov (EBt); Aber, 100+ Collieston 5 Sep (RAH); Angus, 200 West Ferry 1 Mar (TMC); Perth, numbers low, max 200+ Invergowrie Bay 10 Dec (RC, EJM); Kinross, peak L Leven 60 on 11 Mar (AG); Fife, 40 Cameron Reservoir Feb (JARG); Midl, max 23 Gladhouse Reservoir 29 Jan (RWJS); Dumb, max 88 Endrick mouth 14 Oct (CP, JM); Renf, 135 Erskine-Woodhall 5 Mar (HG, IPG). Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Fair Isle, nest-building from 24 Feb, c/3 on 8 Apr, young fledged from 12 June, one albino fledged (RAB); Suth, good season Handa—410 prs (AG); Angus, 43 prs Arbroath-Auch- mithie (NKA); Isle of May continued increase to c. 1000 pairs (NJG); Forth, 225 nests on Lamb, 99 Craigleith and 7 Fidra (RWJS); Wig, only 7 prs Scar Rocks (23 prs last year) (JGY). Counts: Inv, 140 L Linnhe peak 24 Dec (JASN); Moray, 26E Burghead 15 Oct (RHD); Aber, 70N in 1 hr Collieston 5 Sep (RAH); Ayr/Renf, 87 Gourock-Largs 15 Jan (HG, IPG), 30 Doonfoot-Heads of Ayr 14 Dec (WRB) are high counts for Clyde (RWF). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 335 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Ork, no evidence of successful breeding; Caith, bred E Dunnet Head (D. Saunders); W Ross, failed to breed Horse Island, Ullapool (ACMcL); E Ross, 34 nests Munlochy 8 June (27 in 1971) (DCH); Angus, 27 nests Montrose 12 May (NKA); Kinross, new oy E Brackley (RQB); Stir, 31 occupied nests Endrick mouth (JM, Counts and migration: Fair Isle, low numbers autumn passage 22 July- 29 Sep, peaks 8 on 16 Sep and 9 on 19th (RAB); Inv, peak 63 Corpach 15 Jan (JASN); Midl, max Gladhouse Reservoir 16 on 27 Oct (GLS, RWJS), 14 Threipmuir 24 Aug (HEMD); Kirk, high numbers, 26 lower L Ken 8 Oct (RHH). *Little Egret Egretta garzetta. 1 River Annan, Dumf, 17 Dec (D. J. Hall, Mrs V. L. Jamieson). *Bittern Botaurus stellaris. Singles: Castle Milk, Lockerbie, Dumf, fae ae Moffat, Dumf, 1 Nov (IM); Goodie Water, Perth/Stir, 30 Oct *White Stork Ciconia ciconia. Singles: E Loth, Aberlady 8-9 May (DJ, AM, DJN); Rox, Jedburgh 15-24 May (AJS); Banff, Mulben, Keith 4-5 June (V. Murray et al.); Suth, Loch Eriboll 13 May (J. Elliott); Ork, Rousay 6-7 June (died) (EB et al.). Two others reported but details not forthcoming. *Black Stork Ciconia nigra. 1 Sandwick, Ork, 7-12 June (Mr & Mrs G. Wylie. One previous Scottish record: E Loth, May 1946. *Spoonbill Platalea leucorordia. Aber, 2 Ythan estuary 7-15 June. one to 7 Aug (JAL, FMcL); Angus, 1 Montrose Basin 6 Aug (GMC); Clack, 1 Tullibody Island 19-20 Aug (TP). ;Flamingo sp. Kirk, 1971 bird possibly present Carsluith throughout 1972, seen early months, 16 Oct, 10 Nov (HAL, TVT et al.). Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. Poor breeding season reported L Leven, Kinross (AA) and Midl reservoirs (RWJS). Peak counts and migration: Caith, 240 L Watten Nov, lower than usual (PMC); Inv/Ross, 699 Beauly Firth 16 Jan, 480 on 19 Nov (EBt, MIH), 255 Longman Bay 5 Mar, 358 on 15 Oct (MR); Aber, 920 L of Skene 22 Jan (RSBy); Perth, 1260 Kin- goodie Bay 12 Nov (RC, EJM); Kinross, L Leven autumn peak 2200 (AA); Fife, 1150 Kilconquhar 13 Feb, 3150 mid Nov—record number (DWO); Midl, Moorfoot reservoir 900 Jan down to 320 on 26 Feb, 130 on 30 July, 500 on 3 Sep, 830 on 11th, max 1000 early Oct (JB, RWJS); Ayr, 791 Troon 5 Jan (HG, IPG); Renf, 650 Lochgoin 15 Oct (HG), 500 Barr Loch Oct-Nov (WRB), 440 moulting dd Longhaugh Point June (IPG); 622 Isle of Bute Dec (IH). Teal Anas crecca. Poor breeding season Midl, 5 newly hatched duck- lings Gladhouse on 5 Aug (RWJS); poor season Dumf. Peak counts and migration: Fair Isle, small numbers Mar-July, max 5 on 10 May, pas- sage 23 Aug-10 Oct, max 18 on 27 Sep (RAB); St Kilda, 2 on 26 Apr (DSt); Caith, 200-300 L of Mey Aug-Sep (PMC, SL); Suth, 8 Handa 7 Sep (AG), 260 Kyle of Sutherland 21 Oct (RHD); E Ross, 300 Mun- lochy 3rd and 13 Sep (RHD, MKMcD-D); Inv, 331 S Beauly Firth 16 Jan, 441 on 12 Dec (MIH); Kinross, 1200 L Leven 15-20 Sep, down to 600 mid Oct (AA et al.); Fife, 1000 Eden estuary 13 Feb (AG); Midl, Moorfoot Reservoir 50 on 30 July, 100 on 19 Aug, 320 on 1 Sep, 400 on 21 Oct, 150 on 30 Dec (JB, RWJS); Renf, 256 Barr Loch 11 Oct (IPG). Single drakes of the N American Green-winged Teal A. c. carolinensis ‘were seen at Spiggie, 23 Feb-23 Mar (DC, BM), Papa Stour 10 Mar (RJT), Scatness 11 Oct (BM, LW), all Shet. *Garganey Anas querquedula. About 12 records in spring from 16 Mar, two summer records, one in autumn. Dunb, pr Endrick mouth 16 Mar (RO, WKR); Renf, ¢ Langbank 12 Apr (IPG); Ayr, pr Irvine 13 May (WCW); Ab- erdeen pr 22-25 Apr (RLS); Shet, ¢ Garths Loch 7 May (DOC), 2 Strand 336 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Loch 10-12 May (DC, BM, RJ), singles Sinna Water 21 May (RJ), Fetlar 1 June (RSPB). Summer singles: Fetlar, Shet, 22 July (RSPB); 2 Ross- aa Dye Midl, 28 July (RWJS). ¢ Meikle Loch, Aber, 24 Sep cD). Gadwall Anas strepera. Very poor breeding season reported L Leven, Kinross (AA); 1-3 prs bred Perth (per EJM); 3 prs Balranald, O Heb (RSPB). Counts: Kinross, 54 L Leven 3 July, 26 on 20 Sep, last 2 on 12 Nov (AA); Fife, 21 Cameron Reservoir 23 Jan (JM). Kilconquhar 9 Apr-15 Oct, max 164 on 15 Oct (DWO). Records outside usual areas: Shet, pr Fetlar 31 Oct-5 Nov (ISR); Suth, 2 L Ospisdale 11 Mar (DMcD); Ross, pr Little L Shieldaig 1 Oct (ENH); Moray, 1 Fochabers 15 Jan (JMB); E Loth, pr Tyninghame 30 Apr Oe 2 Acreknowe 14 Apr (TDo); scatter of records Ayr, Renf an uNnD. Wigeon Anas penelope. Increase in breeding numbers Ork (EB). Mig- ration: Fair Isle, 19 Jan-14 May, peak 6 on 8 May, 17 Aug-Dec, peak 22 on 20 Sep (RAB); Shet, pr Sandwater 19 June, arrivals from 27 Sep (RJT); O Heb, first arrivals, 100 Stornoway 27 Sep (IMMcL); Moray, 25 Speymouth 16 Sep (JMB); Ber, 348N in 24 hrs Eyemouth 24 Sep (TDo); Inv, absent L Linnhe 18 Apr-15 Sep (JASN). Peak counts: Caith, 470 L Watten Nov (SL); E Ross, 2150+ Nigg Bay 16 Jan (DCH), 7500 Edderton-Tain Bay 16 Oct (CGH); Inv, 739 Beauly Firth 5 Mar, 1210 on 19 Nov (MIH), 2570 Longman Bay 15 Oct (MR), 1200 Castle Stuart Bay 7 Oct (RHD), 598 Whiteness Head 16 Jan, 750 on 22 Nov (RHD); 510 L Flemington 3 Jan (RHD), 111 L Linnhe 28 Oct (JASN); Moray, 513 Findhorn 16 Jan (RAFKOS); Aber, 5-600 Strathbeg 29 Jan (RSBy); Perth, 870 Tibbermore 14 Feb (RMcM); Kinross, 60 L Leven 24 Sep, 263 on 28 Oct, 500 on 28 Nov (GC); Fife, 2500 Eden es- tuary 13 Feb (J. Manson); Renf, 639 Barr Loch 11 Oct, 1000 on 10 Nov, 1200+ on 29 Dec (WRB, IPG); Wig, 3700 L Ryan 15 Oct (RCD), 2000 Wigtown Merse 22 Oct (RCD); Kirk, numbers low L Ken-180 on 23 Jan, 125 on 16 Nov (ADW). *American Wigeon Anas americana. At least 1 d Auchlossan, Aber, 15-23 Apr (NP et al.), possibly from 1 Apr. "ee NSS HY aaeest oe cali teagnae RTECS ‘ay ae iF “tng ~ Pintail Anas acuta. 1 pr bred L Ken, Kirk,? and brood 31 May (ADW); 2 and 4 ducklings Tentsmuir, Fife, 30 June (DWO); nest reported West- field, Caith (P. T. Castell); few prs bred Ork (EB). Summer records: pr Whitton Loch, Rox, 23 June (RSB); d Achanalt, Ross, 22 May (RHD). Migration: Fair Isle pr 6-20 Mar, pr 23 Apr, ¢ 15 Sep (RAB) Shet, 4 Fetlar 9-26 Mar (ISR), pr Spiggie 26 Apr, singles Fetlar 4 June, Walls 9 June, Virkie 26 Aug, Clickhimin 22 Oct (DC, RSPB, JSp); I Heb, 4 Gruinart, Islay, 19 Mar, pr Ardnave 23 Mar (P. Hope-Jones). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 337 Peak counts: Kirk/Wig numbers apparently low, 230 Carsethorn- Drumburn 16 Jan (JGY), 273 Wigtown Merse and 281 Luce Bay 16 Jan (RCD); Renf. 164 Longhaugh Point 30 Jan. 167 on 19 Nov (HG, IPG); Fife, 56 Eden estuary 11 Feb (AG); Midl, 8 Moorfoot Reservoir 17 Sep (GLS, RWJS); E Loth, 7 Aberlady 9 Sep (RKMcG); Stir, 125 Skinflats 18 Nov, 147 on 16 Dec (JM); Kinross, peak L Leven 73 on 19 Oct (AA, GC); Aber, 5 Auchlossan 12 Mar (RSBy), 5 Cotehill 10 Sep (GMD); Inv, 141 Longman Bay 13 Feb, 61 on 18 Dec (MR, EIY), 25 Beauly Firth 13 Feb, 24 on 17 Dec (MIH). Shoveler Anas clypeata. Small numbers bred Ork (EB); few prs Insh Marshes, Inv; 6-10 pairs Balranald, O Heb (RSPB); 9 with brood Mach- rihanish, Arg (C. J. Mead); prs several sites Caith (PMC); Perth, 4 prs bred at one loch (EJM). Migration: Fair Isle, ¢ 14 Mar, pr 3-4 May, 1 on 9-14 Aug (RAB); Shet, 1-2-Strand Loch 3-31 May (DC), others at Hillwell to 11 Aug; E Ross pr L Eye 13 Nov (CGH); Inv, pr Longman Bay 10 Dec (RHD), 1 Castle Stuart Bay 5 Mar (CRC), 18 L Insh 10 Oct (RL); Moray, 1 Fochabers 22 Oct (JMB); Aber, 5 Ythan 8 Mar (NEB); 2 Isle of May 6 May (CWB); 2 Colonsay, I Heb, 31 May (TDHM). Peak counts: Kinr, L Leven 620+ late Sep, down to 450 late Oct (AA); Fife, present Kilconquhar 3 Apr-15 Oct, peak 348 on 17 Sep (DWO); Perth, 60 on loch 27 Mar (EJM); Rox, 44 Hoselaw 16 Jan, 55 on 5 Nov (E. R. Meek); Lan, 83 Possilmarsh 15 Oct (TPD); Renf, 34 Barr oo Oct (IPG); Kirk, exceptional numbers L Ken, 200+ on 16 Nov 7*Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata. Perth, pr 16 Mar (EJM, DST); 45 on 12 Nov, 40+ on 17 Dec (per VMT) suggests good breeding season; Midl, 3 Blackford Pond 16 Sep (LLJV). TWood Duck Aix sponsa. 2 Thurso river, Caith, 17-22 Dec (PMC, (AFMC, SL et al.). Scaup Aythya marila. No record of breeding. Summer records: Fair Isle 2 27 May-12 June (RAB); Shet, pr Hillwell 22 July (RJT), pr Click- himin 27 June (DIMW); Suth, gd L Shin 12 May (RHD), ¢ L Eriboll 16 May (DCH); 4 dd off Inverness 15 May-21 June (JMCk, RHD, MR); Banff, ¢ L Builg 14 May (JE); Moray 1 Spey Bay 20 May (DBMcG); Fife, pair Kilconquhar 7 May (KB, RW); 1 summered Musselburgh, Midl, 2 Leith 26 June (GJ). Counts: Shet, 40 Hillwell 7 Nov (DC) and 40 Asta Nov (BM) more than usual; Ork, 170 Harray Loch Nov and Dec (EB); Ross, 300 Edderton 11 Dec (RHD); 35 Inverness 3 Nov-Dec (JMCKk); Moray, 84 Burghead 6 Feb (RHD), 400 Findhorn 24 Dec (RAFKOS); Aber, 30 River Don 4 Dec (RLS); Fife, 5000 Largo Bay-Methil Jan (AG); Midl, 18000 Seafield Jan (AWGJ), 5 Musselburgh 8 Aug, 19 on 28 Sep, 7000 on 25 Nov, 20000+ mid Dec (RKMcG, RWJS, LLJV); I Heb, 1100 Wwintered Islay (CGB); Renf, 232 West Ferry 26 Feb (HG, IPG); Dunb, 220 Ardoch 20 Feb (AGG); Kirk, 331 Carsethorn 16 Jan (per JGY). Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. E Loth, 1-2 prs hatched young Aberlady —first breeding record (DJN); Kirk, possible increase in breeders (ADW); Midl, good season Moorfoot Reservoir, 60 young from c20 broods (JB. RWJS); Inv, 27 young hatched L Laide, half survived (MIH). Peak counts: Shet, 131 Tingwall 15 Mar (BM), 154 Clickhimin 24 Dec (DC); Ork, up to 1400 Harray Loch Nov/Dec (EB); Caith, 300 L Wai- ten Nov (PRJ); Inv, 143 Clachnaharry 17 Dec (MIH); Aber, 200 Don estuary 9 Sep (BJS); Angus, 480 West Ferry 1 Feb (BP); Perth 300+ Feb (RMcM); Midl, 400 Moorfoot Reservoir Aug, 320 on 1 Sep (JB, RW4JS); Edinburgh lochs 500 on 12 Feb, 430 on 18 Dec (DRA, LLJV); Peeb, 165 Portmore Loch 16 Jan (JB); Renf, 215 West Ferry 13 Feb, 170 on 19 Nov (HG, IPG), 172 Barr Loch 24 Aug (HG); Ayr, 130 L Mart- naham 29 Mar (WRB). 338 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Pochard Aythya ferina. 5 prs bred Perth (EJM); bred Duns Dish, Rossie Moor, Angus (per GMC); bred Wig (HM-R). Migration: 2 St Kilda 5 May (DSt); 5W Faraid Head, Suth, 13 May (RHD); E Loth, pr Aberlady 20 Apr (MWF). Peak counts: Shet, 44 Brow Loch 13 Mar (BM); 34 L Olginey Oct (PRJ); E Ross, 35 Bayfield Loch 28 Mar (RHD); Inv, 40 L Ashie moulting flock A July, 100 on 20 July (JEH, MR, EIY), 43 L Morlich 16 Oct (RHD); Perth, 70 Carsebreck 13 Feb (EJM, RMcM); Kinross, autumn influx L Leven from 10 Aug, 100-200 Sep-Nov, 400 on 4 Dec, 700 on 17 Dec (GC); Midl, 7500 Duddingston mid Jan, iced out by Feb; 15 on 17 Sep, 1500 on 15 Oct, 6000 on 12 Nov, 8000 on 12 Dec (DRA), white-headed d Leith 29 Jan (LC), Duddingston 27 Oct, oiled in Dec (LLJV); Renf, 750 Barr Loch 12 Oct (WRB); 20 Clachan, Arg, 4 Mar (TDHM); 31 Soulseat Loch, Wig, 23 July (D&JTh). Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. Bred E Inv, 9 ducklings hatched from nest-box 28 May, 6-7 of them reared, 2 other 2 9 present all summer but did not breed (probably young birds reared in 1970) (RHD). Summering records from L Leven (AA); 5 L Ken, Kirk, 31 May (ADW); ° L Tum- mel, Perth, 31 Aug (J M Pinder) and elsewhere. | Peak counts and migration: Fair Isle, singles 9-12 Jan, 30 Apr (RAB); 87 Tingwall, Shet, 15 Feb (BM); Caith, 100 L Heilen 12 Mar (SL); Inver- ness, 328 on 14 Feb (RHD), 61 L Linnhe 2 Apr, last 26 Avr (JASN); Moray, 180 Burghead 6 Jan, 250 on 6 Feb (RHD), 163 Spey Bay 19 Mar (JMB); 100 Banff 13 Feb (AFWS); Angus, 427 West Ferry 6 Jan (BP); Kinross, 170 L Leven 15 Feb, 63 on 16 Mar (AG); Fife, 800 Methil 18 Feb (AG), 52 Kilconquhar 12 Mar, 1030 on 9 Apr, 950 on 20 Apr, 100 on 2 May, 50 on 5 May (DWO); Midl, 2000 Edinburgh Jan-Mar, 70 Moor- foot Reservoir 25 Mar, last 20 May (JB, RWJS); Renf, 360 Woodhall 26 Jan (IPG); Dunb, 250 Cardross 29 Jan (IPG); Ayr, 220 Doonfoot 28 Feb (WRB); Wig, 107 L Ryan 16 Jan (RCD). Autumn arrivals: Fair Isle very few from 21 Oct (RAB); Shet from 20 Oct (RJT); Inv, L Linnhe from 22 Oct (JASN), max 72 on 22 Dec (RHD); Kinross, 10 L Leven 20 Sep, 70+ mid Nov, 120 on 19 Dec (AA); Midl, first at Moorfoot Reservoir 23 Sep, 55 on 26 Nov (JB, RWJS); 4 Ruther- ford, Rox, 22 Sep (J .Farr). Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. Winter and spring: Caith, 50 Dunnet Bay 16 Apr (PMC); Suth, 80 Balnakeil 19 Feb (RHD), 30 on 24 Apr (AG), 1000 Dornoch-Embo 1 May (DMcD); Moray, 850 Findhorn 6 Jan, 1500 Burghead 6 Jan, 1600 on 6 Feb, 300 on 16 Mar (RHD). 350 Spey Bay 5 Apr (JMB); Aber, 60 Ythan 16 Jan, last 5 on 11 May (JAL, BPL); Angus, max 9 Lunan Bay 18 Apr (GMC); Fife, 200 Tentsmuir Jan-Mar, 110 on 23 Apr (DWO, BP), 127 Methil 23 Jan (DNB); Midl, 213 Musselburgh 9 Jan, 110 on 23 Apr, last pr on 7 May (LLJV); I Heb, 20 west of Jura 8 Apr (RLMcM); Ayr, 12 Irvine 3 Jan (AGS). Summer records: Fair Isle, 9 14-19 May, d 28 May (RAB); Shet, pr Sandwater Loch 26-28 May, six singles in June (RJT). Autumn arrivals: 1 Oct, 5 Burghead, Moray, 15 on 15 Oct (RHD); Fair Isle, from 11 Oct, max 13 on 26 Oct (RAB); Shet, from 18 Oct (RJT); Caith, first 3 Thurso 18 Oct (SL), 200 Castlehill 24 Dec (PMC, AFCMC); Suth, 2000 Embo 12 and 25 Dec (RHD, DMcD); O Heb, first 15 Oct Stornoway (RMclI); E Ross, 5 Chanonry Ness 20 Oct (JMCk); Inv, 65 Whiteness 24 Dec, 2 Fort William 22 Dec (RHD); Moray, 1200 Findhorn 15 Oct, 3000 on 24 Dec (highest count ever) (RHD); Aber, first 2 Ythan 17 Oct (JAL), 105 Blackdog 12 Nov (RLS); 10 Fife Ness 21 Oct (JB); 6 Musselburgh, Midl 15 Oct, 100 on 5 Nov (DRL, LLJV). Inland: Renf, singles Barr Loch 12 Nov (WCW), Castle Semple Loch 19 Nov (RGC), L Martnaham 27 Dec (WRB); 1 Cobbinshaw, Mid], 14 Nov (GLS). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 339 Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca. Counts: 200 Dornoch, Suth, 12 Dec (RHD); Moray, 84 Findhorn 12 Jan (RAFKOS), 100 on 24 Dec (RHD); Fife, 1500 Largo Bay 16 Feb (DWO). Other records: Shet, very few, max 5 Dales Voe 15 Mar (DC, BM); Suth, 5 Eddrachillis Bay 9 Sep (IDP); 1 pr St Kilda 16 Apr (DSt); 4 Isle of May 16 Oct (JMSA); singles Musselburgh, Mid], 13 Feb, 3 Nov, 18 Nov (2) and 16 Dec (LLJV); Ayr, 5 Prestwick 2 Nov (AGS), 2 on 2-6 Dec (BCF); 1 Ardmore Point, Dunb, 19 Nov (SMDA, SJ). Inland: 1 L Leven, Kinross, 27 Aug (GC, RB); L Ken, Kirk, 16 Jan (IA). Common Scoter Melanitia nigra. Possibly bred Shet, where several prs on freshwater lochs from 26 Apr, max 4 prs on Yell (RJT); Caith, 10- 13 prs on breeding lochs, but no young seen (JTRS et al.); central Ross, 2 with 4 ducklings; 3 prs on N Perth loch 27 May (RHD); 3 prs summered L Lomond (JM et al.); Q L Luichart, Ross, 9 May (DCH); d Handa, Suth, 27-28 May (AG); @ Fair Isle 6-8 July (RAB). Peak counts: Suth, 3000+ Dornoch 30 Sep, 5000+ on 15 Oct (DMcD), 7000 on 12 Dec (RHD); Moray, 1200 Burghead and 2000 Findhorn 6 Jan, 5000 Findhorn 15 Oct, 3000 on 24 Dec (RHD); 17 Isle of May 7 Aug (HG, IPG); Midl, 100 Musselburgh 9 Jan (LLJV); 150 summered off Aberlady, E Loth (RHH); 163N in 24 hrs Eyemouth, Ber, 24 Sep (TDo). *Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri. g Vorran Island, S Uist, O Heb, May-Aug (R. Jones, J. O’Sullivan et al.), Dremisdale 22 Nov (Mrs M. E. Lacey), present into 1973, 7th record for Scotland. Third year in suc- cession that this rare species has been recorded in Scotland; compare recent increase in King Eider sightings. Eider Somateria mollissima. Fair Isle, first egg 13 May, ducklings on sea 9 June, but late 2 incubating 21 July (RAB); possible increase to 100 prs Isle of May (NJG); only 2 broods (1+4) recorded L Eil, W Inv (JCu, JASN); 10 prs nested Handa, Suth, 5 prs reared 17 young (AG); 1000+ ducklings off Tentsmuir, Fife, 25 June (BP); c50 prs bred Fidra, Forth (RWJS). Peak counts: 785 full grown Fair Isle 7 Aug (RAB); Inv, 90+ L Eil 13-18 Oct (JCu, JASN); Suth, 2000 (c55% dd) L Fleet bar 12 Dec (RHD); Aber, 1600 Aberdeen 12 Mar, 960 Bridge of Don 15 Oct (RLS); Angus, c21000 Tay estuary 24 Sep (NKA); Fife, 5000 Tentsmuir Point 9 Apr (DWO), 8000 on 14 Apr (BP), 11000 Largo Bay 24 May (AG); 2750 Seafield, Midl, 19 Jan (AWGJ); 1000 Bonahaven, Islay, 3 Jan (CGB); 500 Dipple, Ayr, 30 July (WD); 680 L Ryan, Wig, 27 Aug (RCD). *King Eider Somateria spectabilis. Shet, d Trondra 8 Mar-13 June (DC, BM et al.), dg Ronas Voe 14 Mar-8 May (BM, RJT et al.); Ayr d River Irvine estuary 22 Dec 1971 present to 15 Apr (IMD, KCCH, AGS et al.); 340 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Arg, 6 Clachan, Kintyre, 18-24 Dec (N. Duncan), The Shet records al- most certainly refer to further sightings of the two dd seen in pre- vious years; the Ayr and Argyll sightings might refer to further sightings of the ¢ seen in SW Scotland in recent years. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. Peak counts: Suth, 126 Brora 16 July, 200 Coull Links 12 Dec (RHD); Ross, 50+ L Gairloch 10 June (ENH); Inv, 200 Beauly Firth 18 Nov (RHD), 450 L Linnhe 12 Aug (JR); Fife, 170 Tentsmuir 12 Nov (RMC), 200+S Fife Ness 3 Sep (DWO); W Loth, 200 off Dalmeny 4 Nov (TCS); Midl, 155 Musselburgh 28 Sep (JB); Angus, 630 Kinnaber 25 Aug (DIMW); 73 Gourock-Largs, Renf/ Ayr, 15 Jan (HG, IPG). Migrants: 1 Isle of May 26 May (DRG); pr L Leven, Kinross, 14 May, singles 27 May, 22-26 Oct (GC). Goosander Mergus merganser. Bred River Nevis, W Inv (JR); increase in summer records W Ross, W Suth, e.g. 4 prs Gruinard river, W Ross, 7 May (ENH); also in SW Scotland where 3 prs bred Bogton Loch, Ayr (DWMcG) and 92 + brood Inchconnachan, L Lomond, Dunb (JM). Peak counts: numbers further increased in E and Borders; Inv, 452 Beauly Firth 4 Jan (MIH); Aber, 30 L of Skene 25 Nov (JP); Kinross, 42 L Leven 1 Jan, 90 on 31 Jan, 160 on 8 Feb, 120 on 21 Feb, 30 in Mar, last 2 on 20 May (AG); Fife, peak Morton Lochs 47 on 12 Mar (DWO), 19 Cameron Reservoir 12 Feb (JARG); Midl, 50 Cobbinshaw Reservoir 18 Mar, 70 on 28 Dec (RWJS, GLS); 48 Gladhouse 6 Feb- 5 Mar, last 25 Mar (7), first 23 July, 15 on 16 Aug, 76 on 17 Dec (AWGJ), small numbers Gullane and Tyninghame; Rox, 19 Yetholm Loch 5 Feb (RSB), 20 Fruid Reservoir, Peeb, 19 Aug (JB); 16 Barr Loch, Renf, 9 Dec (RGC); 60 Lochmaben lochs, Dumf, 12 Mar (RTS); 40 L Ken, Kirk, 5 Nov (DRW). Migrants: Fair Isle, singles 16-19 Jan, 6-14 Mar, 19 Mar, 26 Mar-1 Apr, 13 Apr (RAB); Shet, 6 Scalloway 3 Jan (RJ), some to 2 May, 1 Sand- water 29 Oct; Caith, 7 L Meadie 20 Mar (PMC). (ne es — "Maca tt am s) rh *Smew Mergus albellus. Most records in five years; about 26 individ- uals in winter/spring to 26 Mar, 1 Aug record and about 10 individuals from 24 Sep. Shet, 2 Lochend 15 Feb-15 Mar (DC, BM), 2 Cullivoe, Yell, 12-19 Mar (RJT), 9 Sullom Voe 26 Mar (WHJ), 2 Benston 21-22 Oct, 11-18 Nov (IS, PKK, BM); Moray, ¢ Spynie 16 Jan (APr); Aber, 2 2° Strathbeg 6 Feb, 9 12 Feb (AGK), ¢ 20 Feb-5 Mar (RSBy, JE, AGK), ° Ythan 11 Mar (NEB, LNC, JAL); Angus, 2° Monikie 16 Jan (BP), © Montrose Basin 10 Aug (GMC); Perth, 2 L Macanrie 11 Nov (VEC); Kinross, 2 L Leven 1 Jan-12 Mar (AA, AG); Fife, ¢ Cameron Reservoir 19 Feb-12 Mar, ¢ Kilconquhar 20 Feb and 12 Mar (JARG, 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 341 DWO); Clack, ° Craigrie Pond 13 Feb (TP); Midl, pr Musselburgh 30 Jan-27 Feb, 2 to 19 Mar, 2° Threipmuir 18 Mar (LLJV); Peeb, 9 Port- more 7 Feb-11 Mar (JB, GLS); Rox, pr River Tweed, Kelso, 13 Feb (DCo), ¢ Hoselaw Loch 13 Feb (DCo), pr Hoselaw 19 Feb (RSB), ¢ Rutherford 5 Dec (TDo), ¢ Hoselaw 30 Dec (ERM); Selk, pr Faldonside Jan-6 Feb (per AJS), 5 on 10 Dec, ¢ Lindean Reservoir 17 Dec (ITDo et al.); Ayr, singles Prestwick 9 Jan (RWF), Dipple Shore 24 Sep (DB, GR); Renf, Castle Semple Loch 25 Nov (HG), White Loch 17 Dec (HG, RAJ), Aird Meadows 24 Dec (EMcQ); Dumf, gd Lochmaben 29 Jan (CW), pr 13 Feb-7 Mar (NEA, RTS). Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. Shet, 12 prs Virkie late Mar, pr bred Hill- well (per RJT); Suth, 2 prs bred Handa, arrived 27 Mar (AG); 35 juvs Invergowrie Bay, Perth, 5 July (RC, EJM); Kinross, very poor season L Leven, 18 prs but only 9 young flew from 6 broods (AA); Fife, 130+ prs bred Tentsmuir (DWO); 1 pr bred Isle of May (NJG); c20 prs bred Longhaugh, Renf, with 100+ young (HG, IPG). Peak counts: Caith, 23 Sandside Bay 23 Apr (PMC); Inv, 113 Long- man 13 Feb, 6 on 15 Oct, 73 on 22 Oct, 103 on 23 Dec (JMCk, MR); 110 Beauly Firth 5 Mar (MIH); Moray, 121 Findhorn 12 Mar (RAFKOS); Perth, 260 Invergowrie 16 May (RC, EJM, MAM); Fife, 1000 Eden es- tuary 13 Feb (JM); W Loth, 1400 Avonmouth 5 Mar (JB); Dunb, 1000 Pillar Bank 4 Jan, 2045 on 4 Feb (IPG); Renf, 502 Longhaugh Point 6 Mar, 1142 on 4 July (HG, IPG); 68 Irvine, Ayr 30 Jan. Greylag Goose Anser anser. Flock 223 moulting adults at Badanloch, Suth, 16 July (RHD) probably comprised failed and non-breeding members of Caith/Suth population; W Ross, 15 prs bred Summer Isles (ACMcL), 21 L Maree feral flock 7 Mar, later 7 ads and 6 young 17 June (ENH); Inv, small feral flock L Laggan had good breeding success. Winter-spring: Kirk, 600 New Galloway 2 Feb, main departure 14 Apr (ADW); 1700+ Isle of Bute Mar (IH); Ayr, 700+ Mochrum Loch 25 Mar (WRB); Rox, 904 Hoselaw Loch 19 Mar (RSB); Fife, max 1900 Kilcon- quhar 12 Mar, 350 on 16 Apr (DWO); Kinross, 1500 L Leven in Jan, down to 400 Feb, 1500 on 20 Feb, 1000 in Mar, last 23 Apr (AA, AG, WW); Moray, 759 Findhorn 2 Apr (RAFKOS); Inv, big passage N 9-22 Apr, peak 400+ on 9th (RSPB); Suth, passage N at Handa 9-24 Apr, max 555 on 19th (AG); Ross, 1000 Fearn 28 Mar, 2000 L Eye 14 Apr (RHD), 340 L Broom 13 Apr (SL); 41 St Kilda 1 May (DSt). Autumn: national count on 4-5 Nov, gave 65000 in Scotland, 29750 in Perth, 9790 in Aber, 5300 in Angus/Kinc, 2300 Kinross, 2340 in Kirk; higher than usual numbers in Nairn, Moray and SE Scotland; breeding success poor, with only 15.1% young in sample of 1400, mean brood size 1.8 (MAO et al.). Light passage Fair Isle and Shet, first 7 at Fair Isle 18 Sep (RAB); 23S Kiltarlity, Inv, 20 Sep, many on 14-16 Oct (MIB), main passage S over Spey Valley 18-24 Oct, 1000 over Insh 24th (RHD, RL); Aber, 8 Meikle Loch 10 Sept (GMD); Angus, 46 on 21 Sep (GMC); arrival Perth from 11 Oct (VMT); Kinross, 4 L Leven 3 Oct, 150 on 12th, 800 on 13th, 1700 on 22nd, 2300 on 5 Nov, 3500+ on 10 Dec (AA, GC, WW); Fife, 4 Eden estuary 27 Aug (PNJC); Midl, 5 Gladhouse 24 Sep, 1500 on 22 Oct (WB, LY); first 15 Lochmaben, Dumf, 12 Oct (RTS); Rox, 300 Hoselaw Loch 4 Sep (LDGL), 2300 on 5 Nov (ERM). White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. Only reports of European race, A.a.albifrons were: 2 Kinmount, Annan, Dumf, 16 Jan (RTS), singles L Leven, Kinross, 31] Mar-15 Apr (AA, GC), Strathbeg, Aber, 29 Oct (MM). Other reports unspecified unless marked G for Greenland race A.a. flavirostris. Shet, single G Spiggie 2 Jan (DC), Mid Yell 23 Jan (RJT); Ork, 50 L of Banks 13 Mar (CJB); Caith, 200 G Broubster 13 Feb and 12 Mar, 130 L Calder 12 Mar (PRJ); Perth, small flock Tibbermore 5 Mar-19 Apr, peak 17 on 29 Mar (EJM, RMcM); singles E counties 342 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Jan-Mar including first sighting at Tyninghame, E Loth, 1 on 16 Jan WJS); 72G Endrick mouth, Dunb, 12 Mar (CP); 37 Isle of Bute 22 Mar IH); Wig, 100G wintered Moor of Genoch, last 20 Apr (RCD); Kirk, 300G wintered L Ken, departures 14, 23 and 24 Apr (ADW), 200 Orch- ardton Jan (DCu). Autumn: 8 L Calder, Caith, 8 Oct (PRJ), 60 Thurso 9 Oct (PMC, AFCMC); 50 Little L Shieldaig, Ross, 15 Oct (ENH); first Moor of Gen- noch, Wig, 62 on 18 Oct (RCD). Counts: 365 L Ken, Kirk, 16 Nov (ADW); 2600G Islay 12 Nov (MAO); 60 L of Tankerness, Ork, 29 Oct ferry) numbers low L Eye, E Ross, 26 on 4 Nov (CGH), 32 on 11 Dec *Bean Goose Anser fabalis. 18 Castle Douglas, Kirk, 19 Feb (AJW); 16 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 4-8 Jan (EAM, RS); Aber, 4 Esslemont 1 Apr (T. Hodd), singles Whiteness Head, Inv, 16 Jan (RHD); Fair Isle 13-15 Feb (GJB) and Cullivoe, Yell, Shet, 12-18 Mar (RJT). Autumn: Aber, 2 Auchmacoy 15 Oct (MAMcD), 6 Slains and 6 Strathbeg 17 Oct (JE, PM, WM); Kinross, 4 Vane Farm 21 Oct (KB, TP), 6 on 23 Oct (GC, BHM), 2 on 28 Oct (KB, TP). Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus. Kinross, 3000 L Leven in Jan, 300 in early Feb, 1000 later in month increased to 4100 late Feb/ early Mar, 2500 on 30 Apr down to 400 on 2 May, last 60 on 17 May; Mid], 5000 Gladhouse/Fala on 20 Feb, 9400 on 19 Mar, down to 3700 on 22 Apr—departure slightly late. Serious oiling incident in Cromarty Firth on 21 Mar; about half the flock of 2000 at Nigg Bay were oiled, and about 500 very badly oiled birds were counted on Nigg Hill on 23 Mar. Numbers similar on 28 Mar, but even the worst affec- ted birds were able to fly, though in distressed condition. Some 30+ of flock of 340 at Cromarty, Black Isle, badly oiled 2 Apr, and 2 oiled birds Vane Farm, Kinross, early April probably from this incident; 70 badly oiled birds still at Nigg on 26 Apr; and one at Jemimaville 27 Sep; (RHD, CGH et al.). Summering or late birds at Fair Isle 8 June (RAB); Butt of Lewis, O Heb, 30 May (WAJC); North Rona 30 June-5 July (JAL, ARM); go Forth, 17 June (RWJS); small number summered L Leven (AA, Autumn: national count on 4-5 Nov gave 68000 in Scotland; peak areas being Perth 16980, Angus/Kinc 10090, Fife 7680 and Midl 6960; breeding success poor with 11.4% young in sample of 1500, mean brood size 1.6 (MAO et al.). Immigration on 9 Sep, when first sightings from: Suth. 9 Handa (AG); 17S L Knockie, Inv (MIH); 150 L Leven, Kinross (AA, GC); 17 Gladhouse/Fala, Mid] (WB);12 Gullane, E Loth (AMt). 129 Sol- way, Dumf, 10 Sep (JGY) and first Angus and Fife 11 Sep. At L Leven, numbers increased to 700 on 14 Sep, 5000 on 2-4 Oct, 9000 on 13 Oct down to 7000+ on 22 Oct, 4650 on 5 Nov, 2000+ on 10 Dec (AA, GC, WW); 73 Cameron Reservoir, Fife, 20 Sep, 2500 on 15 Oct, 6740 on 4 Nov (JARG). Heavy passage noted several areas 2 Oct. +Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. Blue-phase at Mulindry, Islay, I Heb, 26 Feb (TCS); there are usually more sightings in Scotland, although mainly presumed escapes. tRoss’s Goose Anser rossii. 1 L Leven, Kinross, found dead early Jan (had arrived for winter 23 Sep 1971) was old regular (AA, AG), 1 with Pinkfeet at Blackford, Perth, 2 Nov (MAO). *Brent Goose Branta bernicla. P=pale-breasted B.b.hrota; D=dark- breasted B.b. bernicla; others unspecified. Shet, 1 Skerries 24 Feb, 1P Virkie 15 Oct, 1D there on 25 Dec (AWh); Inv, 2 Beauly Firth 22 Apr (MKMcD-D); Banff, 1 Buckie 19 Mar-15 Apr (DBMcG); Aber, 9D Don estuary 31 Jan (MAMcD), 1D Strathbeg 6 Feb (AGK, RS), 1 Ythan 4 Aug (NEB, JAL), 1 Strathbeg 11 Nov (PDR); Angus, 7D West Haven 21 Oct 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 343 (TMC); Perth, 1P Tibbermore 8 Feb (RLMcM),1 on 17 Nov (EJM); Fife, 2P Eden estuary 19 Jan (EJM, IMcK); Isle of May 1 on 11 Oct (NKA, PK); Midl, 2 Musselburgh 19-23 Jan (JB, GLS, LLJV), 1 Gladhouse 29 Oct (LY); E Loth, 12 Gosford Bay 5 Feb (AMt), singles Aberlady 5 Feb (GLS, RGC), Tyninghame 30 Jan and 5 Feb (RWJS), 2 Gullane 20 Feb (JAN); Skye, 3P Pabay 13 Apr, 1 on 27 Oct (ECG); 1 Islay 1 Mar (CGB); Dunb, 2 Cardross 22 Oct (DS); Dumf, 1P Annan 16 Jan (RTS); Wig, 2P L Ryan 15 Oct (RCD), 3D on 28-29 Oct (DLI). Barnacle Goose Brania leucopsis. Counts: I Heb, 17100 Islay 19 Mar, 17300 on 12 Nov (MAO et al.); O Heb, 150 Stornoway 9 Jan (RMcI); Suth, 155 Eilean Hoan 19 Feb and 15 Apr (RHD), up to 70 Handa 9 Mar- 30 Apr (AG); 270 St Kilda 1 May (DSt), 1000N Balranald, North Uist, 23 Apr, and 5000 on 1 May (RSPB). Summer records: 1 with Canada Geese Beauly Firth, Inv, 4 June (RHD, MIH); 1 Lochend, Shet, 3 May-10 June (RJT); 1 Lundin Links, Fife, i3 Aug (tame) (RDB); 5 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 2 July (JM, DS). Autumn immigration from 29 Sep, 3 at Fair Isle (RAB); 4 Doonfoot, Ayr, 30 Sep (RTW); small numbers from many areas; peak numbers outside usual areas, 50 Strathbeg, Aber, 14 Oct (ADKR); 15 Blackford, Perth, 3-25 Nov {MAO, VMT ez al.); 9 Gladhouse, Mid], 22 Oct (LY); 22 Irvine, Ayr, 8 Oct (RMR); 19 Endrick mouth 12 Oct (TW). Canada Goose Branta canadensis. Beauly Firth moulting flock of York- shire/English birds: 256 on 4 June, 508 on 14 July, 520 on 24 July (RHD, MIH)—noticeable increase on previous peaks of 1971 (378), 1970 (232), 1969 (c300), 1968 (c250). 72 Conon islands, E Ross, 4 June (RHD, MIH) moulted Beauly Firth, but 7 including leucistic one) moulted at Mun- lochy Bay, E Ross, 8 July-3 Sep (RHD et al.). 9 Dubh lochs (ND23) 6 and 9 July (J. A. Miller, JTRS) and 1 L Scarmclate 15 July (RHD) ap- pear to be new for Caith. Migrants: few sightings in S and E, peaks 17 West Haven, Angus, 21 Aug (TMC); 8 L Leven, Kinross, 17-30 Sep, 7 on 21-22 Oct (GC); 3 Isle of May 18 Oct (JMSA ,EH); 30 Gladhouse, Midl, 15 Aug, 17 on 19th, 8 on 31 Aug (RWJS, LLJV); 57 L Lomond, Dunb, 17 Sep (JM, RS, TW). SW feral population: no counts Wig, but 40 + one gosling Rowbank Reservoir, Renf, 13 July (RHH); Perth counts include 20 Loch of Lowes 10 Apr (MD), 45 Perth 23 Sep (R. K. Butler). Other migrants: I Heb, 1 large Canada Islay 18 Mar (PH-J), 1 medium- sized Canada with Greenland Whitefronts 18 Mar (CGB); 3 small Can- adas with Barnacles 26 Mar (TCS); 1 medium-large 12 Nov (MAO). Mute Swan Cygnus olor. 6 St Kilda 22 Apr, 8 on 1 May (DSt). Counts: 230 Strathbeg, Aber, 24 Aug (RAH); 195 Montrose Basin, Angus, 26 June (BP); 47 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 15 Oct (CP); 45 summered River Ayr (WRB); numbers rather low L Ken, Kirk, 18 on 23 Jan (ADW). 344 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus. Winter-spring counts: 62 Yetholm, Rox, 12 Mar (RSB); 133 Alva, Clack, 22 Jan (CJH); 73 L Ore, Fife, 16 Jan (JM), 130 Kingskettle 15 Jan (DWO); 76 Auchlossan, Aber, 5 Feb (RSBy); 55 Insh, Inv, 7 Apr (RHD); 44 L Scarmclate, Caith, 26 Feb (SL). Spring departure: last 4 New Galloway 16 Apr (ADW); 30N Penicuik, Mid!l, 11 Apr (CW), 24 over Edinburgh 18 Apr (GJ); last pair Kiltarlity, Inv, 2 May (MIH); 12 St Kilda 25 Apr, 5 on 1 May (DSt); I Heb, 17 Pabay 13 Apr (ECG). _ Summering records: Shet (2), Suth (3), W Ross (2), O Heb (4), St Kilda (2), E Inv (3), Moray (1), Kinross (1), Clack (2). Autumn migration: Shet, 3 L Spiggie 10 Sep, build-up late Oct to max 144 mid Nov (FH et al.); Fair Isle, small passage from 11 Oct, max 14 on 8 Nov (RAB); Ork, first 10 L of Ayre 15 Sep (EB); 2 Longman, Inv, 27 Sep (JMCk); 36+ L Eye, Ross, 29 Sep (EBt); O Heb, first 3 Oct (WAJC); first L Insh, Inv, 18 Oct, 4 on 22nd, 88 (17 juv) on 19 Dec (RL). Counts: Caith,.190 L Heilen Oct (DG), 150 L of Wester 15 Dec (PMC); E Ross, 135 (28 juv) Delny 3 Nov (CGH), 350 L Eye 11 Dec, 150 Delny 11 Dec (RHD); Aber, 700 Strathbeg 17 Oct (JE), 120 L Davan 15 and 21 Oct (RLS); L Leven, Kinross, first 12 Oct, 63 by 17 Oct, peak 90+ on 5 Nov (AA, GC); 120 Alva, Clack, 17 Dec (CJH); E Loth, 39 Drem 17 Dec (AMt, LLJV); Renf, 168 (20% juv) Inchinnan 17 Nov (IPG, GTW), 113 Stanely Reservoir 26 Nov (DLC) probably same as Inchinnan, 142 Barr Loch 20 Oct (WRB); Kirk, 35 L Ken 16 Nov (LAU, ADW). *Bewick’s Swan Cygnus bewickii. Winter-spring to 12 Mar; Shet, 1 L Spiggie 19 Jan-end Feb (yellow ring on right leg—probably ringed Slimbridge), then 7 to 12 Mar, 2 Sandwater 13 Mar, 2 Whalsay 10 Mar (DC et al.); Aber, 3 Strathbeg 5 Mar (JE); E Loth, 7 wintered Drem to 11 Mar (LLJV et al.); singles Lindean, Selk, 8 Jan (J. Malone); Rutherford, Rox, 9 Feb (JMe); Drumburn, Kirk, 16 Jan (JGY). Autumn: Midl, 11 (2 juv) Musselburgh 19 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, 5 Drem 10-31 Dec (LLJV); Wig, 1 L Connell 4 Nov (RCD), 4 L Ryan 31 Dec (L. Knowles); I Heb, 1 L Ardnave, Islay, 20 Oct (WMcC); Perth, 8 Kingoodie 19 Nov (EJM), 4 Killichonan 2 Dec (ECP). Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Better year in W Inv/N Arg, where 10 out of 12 prs successful reared 10 young (JCu, JR et al.); 9 prs reared 10 young from sample of 15 prs that laid eggs S Arg (AGG, MJPG); poor season Speyside, at least two desertions as well as deliberate inter- ference (RHD, DNW); no success Rhum, I Heb (PW) or Caith (PMC). Peripheral pairs apparently more successful than last year; more sightings immature birds in Borders. Increased evidence of poisoned baits being used to kill eagles in Highlands (RHD, DNW). Buzzard Buteo buteo. Breeding reports mostly encouraging: increase Caith, probably 6 nests in county (PMC et al.); probably 2 prs bred Ork (EB); plentiful NW Ross (ACMcL); good year Arran (MHD), Ayr (WCW, WRB, BCF); pr reared 1 young Gifford, E Loth (CBL); 2 young fledged S Rox (W. Ellis), but much persecuted Kirk (ADW). Migrants: Shet, ] Ker- gord 29 Jan-30 Mar (DC et al.), 1 Scalloway 31 Dec (DC); Aber, 1 Torry 21 Aug (RSBy), 1 Forvie 12 Sep (EJ); Kinross, singles Vane Farm 8 Sep and 25 Oct (GC); Fife, 1 Kirkcaldy 12 Sep (PAL); Midl, 1 Duddingston 27 Aug (DRA); E Loth, 1 Barns Ness 29 Apr (LLJV). *Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus. W Ross, 1 Gruinard Bay-Aultbea 27 Feb-20 Mar (PS, ENH)—one there 19-22 Oct 1971 (7: 126); Fife, 2 Tentsmuir from 10 Dec (PNJC, DWO); Midl, 1 Moorfoots 5 Nov (WB). Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Continued increase in breeding popula- tion reported from: Caith, 9 prs bred (PMC); NW Suth, pr reared 2 young Scourie (IDP); W Ross, Inv, Midl, E Loth, Rox, Selk, Arran, Bute, as and S Ayr (and elsewhere); pr reared young Canna, I Heb 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 345, Migrants: Fair Isle, 1-2 on 14 days 11 Apr-14 May, scarce autumn 7-10 Aug, 21 Oct-3 Dec (RAB); Shet, singles Kergord 29 Jan-6 Feb, 29 Oct- 16 Dec (DC, BM), Skerries 23 May (BM), Yell 12 Nov (RJT); Ork, 1 Eday 11 May, 1 Binscarth Nov-Dec (EJW); O Heb, 1 Uig, Lewis, 12 July {IMMcL); Aber, 1 Torry 25 Apr (RSBy); singles Isle of May 5 and 9 Sep. +Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. Fair Isle, ringed bird present to 5 Jan (GJB); increase in records from Aber, Inv, Perth, Arg, Dumf and Kirk; breeding possible or even probable but no nests reported. The situation is confused by continuing release and/or escape of birds, and observers are requested to send in all records so that any increase and possible future successful re-introduction can be documented. ae Kite Milvus milvus. 1 Lagganbridge, Inv, 9 Jan-5 Feb (RHD, DNW et al.). *Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus. Singles: Rendall, Ork, 30 Apr (EB); Fair Isle 8 and 25 May (GJB); Inv, Fort Augustus 25 May (G. R. Hopkins, JTRS) and Balmacaan 7 Aug (MIH). *Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Singles: 2 Fetlar, Shet, 9-12 May (RSPB); ¢ Fair Isle 9 May (RAB); 2 Findhorn, Moray, 28 May (RAFKOS); @ Glen Dye, Kinc, 22 May (NP); Balgavies Loch, Angus, 17 June (JIS); ¢ Moor of Genoch, Wig, 21-24 Sep (RCD). Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Breeding reports: Ork, average popula- tion, widespread polygamy, rather low breeding success, with cold wet weather at hatching time (EB); Suth, young fledged Dornoch 15 June is early (DMcD), increase in records W and N Suth; good season Arran (MHD); pr reared 1 young Isle of Bute (IH); Kirk, slight increase but poor breeding season, with bad weather May and June and persecution (ADW); Renf, poor year, only 1 pr known to breed (HG, IPG), Winter roosts: lower numbers than in recent years, Kirk (ADW); 5-7 Insh roost, Inv, mid Oct (RL). Migrants: ¢ Fair Isle 26 Mar (RAB); 92 Fetlar, Shet, 15 Oct (T. Garriock). Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Another successful season; at least 12 sites were occupied for all or part of the summer; 6 prs reared a total of 14 young. L Garten, Inv, d arrived 31 Mar, 2 on 8 Apr, first egg 20 Apr, 2 young reared from 3 eggs, all departed about 16 Aug; eyrie No 2, Q arrived 8 Apr and incubated an infertile egg, joined by ¢ in late May and through June; No 3, first bird 3 Apr, pair 11th, 2 young reared; No 4, pair from about 1 Apr, 3 young reared, departed early Sep; No 5 (Loch of Lowes, Perth), ¢ arrived 8 Apr, 2 10th, 3 young reared, departed 10 Sep, dS seen to be carrying foreign ring; No 6, old eyrie visited by single bird on 13 Apr—no other sightings; No 7, pr present 9 Apr, but unsuccessful, building frustration eyrie 17 June; No 8, eyrie destroyed in winter gale, pr present all summer but unsuccessful or non-breeders; No 9, new eyrie, pr present all summer from 15 Apr, probably young pr; No 10, new eyrie found 21 Apr, 2 young reared; No 11, new eyrie found 30 May, pr present all summer, did not breed, probably young pr; No 12, new eyrie found 24 July when 2 young seen making first flights; No 13, pr present all summer, built two eyries. Many sightings throughout summer in other areas from Perth north to Suth; intruding birds at used eyries; possibility of unlocated eyries. Migrants: rather fewer, singles Fair Isle 30 Apr (RAB); Shet, Esha Ness 29 Apr (D. Hawick), Yell 11 May (RJT); Tentsmuir, Fife, 22 May (DWO); Rutherford, Rox, 14 May (per AJS); Isle of Rhum, I Heb, 17 July (PW). *Hobbry Falco subbuteo. 1 Strathnaver, Suth, 12 Sep (DWh). Peregrine Falco peregrinus. Breeding reports better in N, but some disturbing reports of persecution. Shet, 2 prs reared 2 young each, which is better than last year (RJT); Fair Isle, 2 prs present, but no reports of nesting; Ork, attempted most sites, but only moderate success (EB); 346 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Caith, improvement with 5 known eyries, with flying young at two (PMC); Suth, good year in NW (IDP); O Heb, no improvement (WAJC); Inv, some good reports, but also evidence of destroyed nests and lost youn D, DNW); 2 out of 3 prs successful in W reared 7 young (JCu, JR); Perth, at least 3 successful out of 7 sites visited (RLMcM); S Arg, of 8 prs checked 3 prs reared a total of 6 young (MPJG); Tros- sachs, numbers slightly down (JM); pr robbed Isle of Bute after 3 suc- cessful seasons (IH); 3 prs bred Arran (MHD); noticeable human inter- ference at eyries in Borders, SW Scotland. Singles outside usual areas: d St Kilda 15 May (DSt); Aberdeen 14 Mar (AGK), Culterty 15 June (GMD); Kinross, singles Vane Farm 15 Apr, 23 Aug, 3 Sep (GC, RB); Isle of May 9 Apr (NKA, MN); Alva, Clack, 24 Sep (CJH); Dalmeny, W Loth, 22 Nov (RDM); E Loth, Aberlady 6 May, 2 Sep (DCS), Tyninghame 24 Aug (LLJV); one “resident” high-rise flats in centre of Dundee Oct-Dec (ABR) (7: 309). *Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus. Inv, 1 over L Insh 10 May (NP, DNW) (7: 310); Shet, single “white” birds seen Scousburgh 14-19 Dec, Walls 15 Dec (per DC); Greenland bird Ulsta, Yell, 22 Dec (RJT). Merlin Falco columbarius. Possibly a better year. Shet, for first recor- ded time 2 prs (not one) bred Fetlar (RSPB); Ork, reasonably good season (EB); slight increase in SW Scotland. Migration: Fair Isle, 8 Apr- 23 May (singles on 9 dates), 17 Aug-5 Nov, mainly first fortnight Sep, but max only 3 on one day (RAB); 2 St Kilda 24 Apr (DSt); singles Isle of May 10 May, 26 May, 29 Dec. *Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus. Shet, young d Fetlar 28 June (ISR, SR), 2 Whalsay 3-6 May (R. Anderson, JHS). Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Mixed reports of breeding season; good in Arran (MHD); quite high numbers Fife (DWO) and in Kirk, 4 nests (3 successful) within 100 yards of each other (ECF); W Ross, increase Tor- ridon but decrease Gairloch (ENH, JAW); many nests robbed Dalmelling- ton, Ayr, by young boys (DMcG, AGS). Migration: Fair Isle, 7-26 Apr, 8-23 May, max 2 on one day, almost daily 25 July-13 Oct, max 3 on 10 days; Shet, scarcer than usual; Isle of May winter record 1-2 on 23-29 Dec (NKA); Handa, Suth, singles 28 Mar, 19-24 Apr, 11 Aug-end Sep, max 3 (AG). Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus. Caith, Kinross, Renf, Arran, Borders and SW Scot report bad year. Singles Handa, Suth, 3 May and 11 July (AG); 1 Barassie, Ayr, 4 Sep (BCF). Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus, Mixed reports: Caith, bred Morven (per CGH); Suth, good numbers in N (IDP); W Ross, poor breeding season 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 347 Applecross (DCH); Inv, 2-3 prs on Bheinn Bha’ach Ard, 2500 ft (MIH), 59 Cairngorm 31 Aug (DAH); Banff, poor season and none seen Ben Rinnes (JE); fewer than usual Skeeters of Clova 28 June (AMcD); Bute, 6 wintered Corrie, Arran, to 31 Mar (MHD). Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix. Good ‘year S Rox (W. Ellis); Arg, spread- ing to Garasdale (TDHM); Inv, lek near L Garten increased recent years, max 27 dd 29 Nov (RHD), 3 do plantations L Ashie 26 Mar (MR). Capercaillie Teirao urogallus. Pair bred Torrinch, L Lomond, Dunb, first since 1962 (JM et al.); Fife, g Tentsmuir 29 Jan (PGTB), 10 Nov (EFBS) is first ¢ reported there (DWO); 30-40 Learney Hill, Aber, 22 Jan (RSBy); © Rumster Forest, Caith, end Sep (J. Matheson). +Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. Common Buckie area, Banff, where hundreds released, but species not definitely known (possibility of Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar or hybrids). Singles reported Murthly, Perth, 23 June (D. Prestwell); Yetholm, Rox (RSB); Southerness, Kirk (per ADW). Partridge Perdix perdix. Mixed reports. Caith, possible increase; Perth, 40 in one covey Tibbermore 17 Nov (EJM); Kinross and Kirk, poor breed- ing season; Midl, Rox and Selkirk good numbers; E Loth, small broods; Ayr, small increase. *Quail Coturnix coturnix. No definite breeding records; reported 9 May-25 Sep, 1 shot mid Oct. Fair Isle, singles 10 days 9 May-26 July, singles 6-25 Sep, but 2 on 14th, 15th and 17th, 4 together on 18 Sep (RAB); Shet, 1 Walls 26 May (H. Westarp), 1 Hillswick 8 June (R. Sut- ton), up to 4 Fetlar 20th-end July, probably bred (RSPB), 1-2 Unst 26 June-13 July (MS et al.); E Ross, 1 Redfield 27 June (MKMcD-D); Moray, 1 Alves 1-3 Aug (ISS); Angus, singing 3 localities (per GMC), 1 shot Bridgefoot mid Oct (ABR); Fife, 1-3 Leucharls from 29 June (PNJC); singles Gladhouse, Midl, 30 July (IF), Quothquhan, Lan, 2 July (RE-H), Linwood, Renf, 5 Aug (GTW). Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. Breeding reports poor, with second nests in S Rox in Aug (W. Ellis). +Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus. Good numbers Kirk-Wig (ADW); ¢ Kirkliston, W Loth (RDM). tReeves’s Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesi. Inv, numbers still living in Kinveachy pine forest, e.g. 3 dd 7 Apr (RHD); do near Doune, Perth, 24 Sep (CJH). *Crane Grus grus. Ork, singles South Ronaldsay 25 Mar (A. Budge), North Ronaldsay mid May (dead), 27-31 Dec (EJW, KW); Caith, 1 Auck- ingill 22 Mar-8 Apr (AFCMC, PMC et al.); Shet, Unst 6-24 May (per RJT), Dunrossness 10-14 Aug (DC, RHD et al.); the Ork and Unst records are subject to acceptance by the Rare Birds Committee. +Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo. 1 Aberlady Bay, E Loth, 20 May (GLS, DJN et al.). Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. Bred Westfield, Caith, first record for .county (P. T. Castell); bred Barr Loch, Renf (RAJ) and probably bred various other localities, e.g. Trabboch Loch and Maybole, Ayr (WRB), Arran (MHD). Dead juvenile Boat of Garten 1 Sep (RHD). Migration and counts: Fair Isle, scattered records 19 Jan-30 May and 26 Sep-20 Dec, 2 on 31 July, one to 2 Aug is unusual; Shet, last Foula 22 Mar, first autumn Fetlar 9 Oct (RSPB); Ork, 1 Kirkwall 23 Sep (CJB); Inv, 3 Lentran 18 Nov (MIH); Perth, 10 Invergowrie Bay 5 Nov (EJM); Fife, 6 Kilconquhar Loch 12 Mar (DWO); many winter sightings from Moray Firth south. *Spotted Crake Porzana porzana. 1 calling NW Rosss 1 June-18 July (ACMcL); Inv, 1 Insh Marshes 3 June (T. Ennis) only record for Spey 348 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Valley. Shet, singles Unst 13 May-27 June (MS) and Tingwall 23 June- 1 July (DC, BM et al.); 1 trapped Fair Isle 31 Aug (RAB); 1 Findhorn Bay, Moray, 1 Oct (RAFKOS). Corncrake Crex crex. Apparently a better season in some areas, and records from several areas in S and E Scotland. Suth, bred Coldbackie after several years absence (DCH); definite increase Ayrshire (WRB, BCF, AGS) but absent 2 regular localities Arran (MHD). Arrivals and migration: singles Fair Isle 20 Apr, 8 and 29 May, 5 June, no longer breeds (RAB); calling Pabay, Skye, 23 Apr (ECG) and Newhall, Rox 28 April (J. Baxter); first Scourie, Suth, 1 May (IDP); first Fetlar, Shet, 2 May (RSPB); I Heb, c20 calling Colonsay 27 May-1 June (TDHM). Last record Fair Isle 28-29 Sep (RAB). Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Migrants: singles Fair Isle 20 Apr, 26 May, 20 Nov, 30 Nov-3 Dec; Isle of May 14 Apr, 27 Dec (NKA, MN). Count of 52 River Tarff, Kirk, 25 Sep (ADW). Bred, 2 nests, L Macaterick, Ayr, 950 ft a.s.l. (JN). Coot Fulica atra. Pair bred L Asta, Shet (AI); bred Ballygrant, Islay, I Heb (CGB). Migration and counts: Fair Isle, one 19-23 Jan, 2 on 6-7 Feb, one 21-25 Feb (RAB); Shet, 7 Tingwall 9 Mar, 7 Spiggie 13 Mar (BM); Ork, 80 wintered L of Bosquoy (EB); Fife, 395 L Ore 16 Jan, 502 on 13 Feb, 264 on 12 Mar (JMa), 870 Kilconquhar 17 Sep (JARG); Renf, 952 Barr Loch 11 Oct (IPG); 360 Portmore, Peeb, Oct-Dec (RWJS); 1 Rhum, I Heb, 2-9 Oct (PW)—new for island. Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. Return to breeding territories: ‘Rutherford, Rox, 27 Jan; L Leven, Kinross, 7 Feb, 32 on 25 Feb (GC, ‘BHM); Fair Isle, 9 Feb, 2 on 14th, 50 by 6 Mar (RAB); 45 Isla Bridge, Perth, 13 Feb (SLg); 26 prs bred Handa, Suth, 22 prs ‘successful (AG); cl2 pairs bred Isle of May, down from usual 15-20 prs (NJG). Peak counts: Suth, 1000 L Fleet 12 Dec (RHD); E Ross, 1200+ Nigg Bay 16 Jan (DCH), 650 Udale Bay 6 Aug (ARM); Inv, 468 Beauly Firth 19 Nov (MIH), 866 Longman Bay 14 Oct (MR), 1200 Whiteness Head 28 Aug, 1600 on 20 Sep and 1120 on 22 Nov (RHD); Midl, 3000 Mussel- burgh 16 Jan and 13 Feb, 1700 on 5 Mar, 700 on i8 July, 1400 on 31 July and 26 Aug (JB, AWGJ), 1600 on 22 Sep, 1300 on 19 Nov (LLJV), 3000 on 10 Dec (RF); 1045 Isle of Bute Feb (IH); Renf, 1800 Erskine 13 Feb (HG, IPG); Dunb, 1400 Ardmore 19 Nov (SMDA), 4331 Inner Clyde 10 Dec (per IPG); Ayr, 2200+ Hunterston 19 Sep (IPG). Lapwing Vanellus vanelius. Mixed breeding reports: ‘good season’ Ayr (WRB); decrease Renf (IPG); good year Borders (AJS); good numbers and breeding success E Loth (KSMcG); poor year Kinross (BHM); de- crease on last year Torridon, W Ross (JAW); 3 prs bred, only one young reared, Handa, Suth (AG); breeding not proved Fair Isle (RAB). Passage: Fair Isle, 15 on 19 Jan, arrivals from 15 Feb, 44 on 28th, 130 on 7 Mar, autumn 24 June-17 Nov, peaks 73 on 28 June, 70 on 28 Oct (RAB); Caith, influx last week Feb, 200 L Heilen 5 Mar (PMC); Inv, ar- rivals Spey Valley 23 Feb when 150 Dulnain Bridge and 90W Aviemore, 70SW Aviemore 21 July (RHD). Counts: 500 Charleston, E Ross 25 Sep (EBt); I Heb, 1500 Bridgend, Islay 22 Feb (CGB); Renf, 4000+ Glasgow airport 22 Nov, 7300 on 6 Dec (IPG); 3200 Langbank 13 Feb, 2550 Barr Loch 2 Jan (HG, IPG); Ayr, 1500 Prestwick 1 Dec (BCF); Wig, 3000 Luce Bay 23 Sep (RCD). Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. Increase in inland nesting SW Scotland; 5 prs L Doon, Ayr (DMcG, JN); 1 pr Queensidemuir, Renf, 1100 ft_a.s.. (HG); Midl, 4 prs bred Musselburgh; Fife, only 3 prs east shore, Tentsmuir is substantial decrease (KB, DWO); census Angus/S Kinc gave 43 breeding prs, 12 of them inland (NKA); 5 prs bred Handa, Suth, 5 young reared (AG). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 349: Peak counts and passage: Fair Isle, 31 July-Oct, max 32 on 17 Aug is low (RAB); 50-60 wintered Dunnet Bay, Caith (PMC); Inv, 52 Longman 3 Dec (JMCk); 200 Tentsmuir, Fife, 2 Aug (BP); 70 Musselburgh, Midl, 13 Feb, 120 on 27 Aug and 22 Sep (RF, LLJV); E Loth, 250 Aberlady 27 May, 400 Tyninghame 14 and 28 May (DJN, RWJS); Ayr, 100+ Hunterston 19 Sep (IPG), 150 Troon 12 Aug (WRB). Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola. Scarce in early part of year, but high numbers in autumn. 1 Murkle, Caith, 22-29 Jan (PMC, SL); max 4 Mus- selburgh, Mid], 12 Mar (RF); 2 Piltanton estuary, Wig, 13 May (RCD); 5-10 summered Aberlady, E Loth, (DJN). Autumn passage: Shet, singles Fetlar 17 Aug (RSPB), Whalsay 3 Sep (JHS), 1-2 Virkie 13 Sep-12 Oct (DC et al.); 1 Fair Isle 15 Oct (RAB); Ork, 1 Sandwick 17 Sep (CJB), 3 Mill Sands 1 Oct (EB); 1 Isle of May 26 Sep (AMcD, RKMcG); usual E coast records; peaks: Suth, 8 Dornoch 1 Oct (DMcD); E Ross, 14 at Inver 24 Oct (CGH); Inv, 4 Lentran 1 Oct (MIH); 10 Whiteness 22 Nov (RHD); Moray, 21 Findhorn 1 Oct (RAFKOS), 6 on 24 Oct (RHD), 7 Lossiemouth 12 Sep (CAG); Angus, 20 Montrose Basin 26 Sep (GMC); Perth, 28 Invergowrie 16 Oct, still 21 on 25 Nov, but 4 on 10 Dec (RC, EJM); Fife, 50 Tayport 18 Nov (TRG), 70 Tentsmuir 17 Dec (DWO); Clack, 5 Alloa 28 Sep (TP); Midl, 10 Musselburgh 22 Sep (RF); E Loth, 75-100 Aberlady mid Sep-Dec; very good numbers Clyde area; Ayr, 17 Irvine 8 Oct (WRB, RMR, GTW), 5 Barassie 15 Oct (RWF); Dunb, 8 Ardmore 7 Oct (SMDA); Renf, 4 West Ferry 21-27 Sep, 22 Oct (ANG, HG, IPG); 23.Wigtown Merse 22 Oct (RCD). Inland: 1 Paisley Moss, Renf, 30 Oct (IPG); Midl, 2 Threipmuir 4 Nov (LLJV), 1 Gladhouse 29 Sep-1 Oct (GLS, RWJS). Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria. Winter-spring counts: 300+ Beauly Firth, Inv, 27 Mar (MIH); Perth, 130 Tibbermore 13 Feb, 1000+ on 27 Mar, 120 on 19 Apr (EJM, MAM); W Loth, 700 Kinneil Kerse 22 Feb (TDHM); Midl, 500 Musselburgh 30 Jan (RF, LLJV), 440 ‘northerns’ Har- perrig 17 Apr (JB); 1700 Doonfoot, Ayr 18 Feb (BCF); 700 L Ryan, Wig, 26 Feb (MI). Passage: Fair Isle, spring peak 47 on 21-26 Apr, autumn from 5 Aug, 70 on 2 Oct (RAB); Caith, large numbers from 11 Sep (PMC); Handa, Suth, peaks 9 on 21 Apr, 11 on 22 Sep (AG); 31 Isle of May 31 July (HG, IPG); I Heb, Pabay, Skye, peaks 21 on 12 Feb, 52 on 9 Sep (ECG). Autumn counts: 500 Buckie, Banff (DBMcG); Aber, 2 Ythan 4 Aug, 1100 by 29 Aug, 2250 on 17 Sep (NEB, JAL); Perth, 720 Kingoodie 24 Sep (EJM); Fife, 500 Kelty 1 Aug (DWO); Midl, 150 Gladhouse 30 Aug, up to 800 by 27 Oct (GLS, RWJS); Ayr, 3500 Irvine 13 Oct, 1000 Prestwick 1 Dec (BCF); Renf, 1100 Longhaugh Point 19 Nov (HG, IPG); Wig, 2000 Luce Bay 23 Sep (RCD). Dotterel Eudromias morinellus. Rather little information on breeding numbers or success; first 4 reported Cairngorms, Inv, 10 May (JCr); 6 on W Cairngorms 11 May (RL); 16 (8 juveniles) on Cairngorm plateau 26 July, good success for area of high tourist activity (RHD). Migrants: 2 Fife Ness 5 May (DWO); O Heb, 1 Balranald 9 May (R. Jones) is new for area; 1 Fair Isle 15 May (GJB). Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Usual summer records including 3 dis- play-flighting Oronsay, I Heb, 28 May (TDHM). Passage: 6 Fair Isle 21 June, influx from 9 July, peak 77 on 9 Aug (RAB); 27 North Rona 26 June (JAL, ARM); Suth, absent Handa 18 May-28 July (AG). Counts: Caith, 100 Reay 5 Mar (PMC); Inv, 26 Beauly Firth 16 Jan (MIH); Banff, 200 Buckpool 20 Apr (DBMcG), 256 Burghead 13 Sep (RHD); Angus, 853 on whole coast first week Jan (NKA); Isle of May, max 438 on 2 Oct (IPG); Midl, 300 Musselburgh 17 Mar, 14 May, 210 on 26 Aug (JB, RF, LLJV); 261 Gourock-Largs, Renf/Ayr 15 Jan (HG, IPG). & a. albino present Aberlady to 13 May but did not return KSMcG). 350 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Snipe Gallinago gallinago. Suth, 21 prs bred Handa, good success (AG). Counts: 130 Letham Grange, Angus, 3 Apr (NKA); 100 Gladhouse, Midl, 22-28 July (RWJS); 300 New Cumnock, Ayr, 26 Aug (WRB); 350+ L Ken, Kirk, 8 Oct (RHH). Passage: Fair Isle, peaks 11 on 7 May, from end Aug, 35 on 26 Sep, 25 on 10 Nov (RAB); 60 L of Mey, Caith, 15 Sep (PMC, SL). Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus. Usual scatter of winter records; peaks: 7 Seamill, Ayr, 5 Jan (JLB), 5 Paisley Moss, Renf, 10 Apr (IPG). Spring passage: 1 Handa, Suth, 1 Apr (AG), 4 Canna, I Heb, 19 Mar (RLS); 2 Fetlar, Shet, 15 Apr (RSPB); singles Fair Isle and St Kilda 26 Apr (RAB, DSt), last Threipmuir, Midl, 27 Apr (JAN). Autumn-winter from 31 Aug in E Loth (DLC); from 3 Sep at Fair Isle, where more than ‘usual, 14 Sep-mid Oct, max 7 on 27 Sep (RAB); Aber peaks, 6 Corby Loch 20 Oct (RLS), 8+ on 24 Oct (JP); 6 Isle of May 29 Sep (AMcD); 4 Gladhouse, Mid], 21 Oct (RWJS, LLJV); 9 Paisley Moss, Renf, 31 Oct, 8 on 27 Dec (IPG). Woodcock Scolopax rusticola. Bred Rumster, Caith (PMC); chick ring- ed Kiltarlity, Inv, 11 July was recovered Co Kerry, Eire, 26 Dec (MIH). Another year of low numbers on passage; Fair Isle, scarce spring, also 15 Oct-24 Nov, peak 40+ on 20 Nov (RAB); 1 Sullom, Shet, 12 May (BM) is late; 1 St Kilda 7 May (DSt). Curlew Numenius arquata, Back on territory, Advie, Moray, 10 Feb (H. Marshall); Renf, 22 Feb (IPG); Kiltarlity, Inv, 12 Mar (MIH); pr nested Fair Isle—second ever record (RAB). Migration: Fair Isle, from 7 Mar, peaks 150 on 20 Apr, 94 on 24 Apr, autumn from 27 June (50), 20- 30 on 25-29 Aug (RAB). Counts: 700 L o’ the Lowes, Ayr, 26 Aug (WRB); 900 Aberlady, E Loth, 23 Aug (DJN); 1000 L Leven, Kinross, Aug (AA); Oe Firth, Inv, 24 Sep (MIH); 200 Barrogil, Caith, 13 Feb (AFCMC, PMC). Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. Breeding records: good numbers in Shet (RJT); Ork, present 2 areas June, but breeding not proved (EB); 3 prs bred St Kilda (DSt); 2-3 prs Scottish mainland site, but only 1 pr proved nesting, 4 June (RHD, CGH); pr holding territory in another area (JTRS). Winter: 1 Ardnave, Islay, 22 Mar (PH-J). Arrivals: 15 Apr, Fair Isle (RAB); 16 Apr, 2 Tyninghame, E Loth (RWJS) and 2 Spey Bay, Moray (RHD). Fair Isle, peaks 12 on 29 Apr and 21 May (RAB); Suth, Handa, 1 May-11 June, max 13 (AG), 7 Stoer Bay 21 May (SMD); Inv, 11 Glenelg 30 Apr (DCH); Arg, 7 Tayinloan 2 May (TDHM). Autumn: Fair Isle, max 6 on 29 Aug, last 21 Sep (RAB); last Shet 16 Sep (RJT); Moray, 13 Spey Bay 3 Aug (FWW), 16 on 13 Aug (JMB); Aber, 11 Don estuary 31 July (PS); Angus, 14 West Haven 31 July (TMC); Perth, 3SW Menteith 15 July (ITD); 21 Fife Ness 31 July (JARG); Isle of May, 22 July-26 Sep; Midl, Musselburgh from 27 July, peaks 10 on 8 Aug, 16 on 13th, 8 on 22 Aug (HEMD); E Loth, max 58 Aberlady 22 July (DJN, GLS); Ber, 11 Eyemouth 27 Aug (TDo); Ayr, 5 Prestwick 27 Aug (RMR); many records of smaller numbers up to 8 Oct. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. At least 1 pr bred Shet (per RJT); pr attempted to breed but failed SE Scotland; pr reared 2 young SW Scotland (anon). Winter flocks: Fife, 31 Eden estuary 13 Feb, 83 on 18 Mar (AG), 132 on 17 Apr (EJM); 171 inner Solway Firth 19 Mar (JGY). A scatter of records up W coast and in northern isles, probably Icelandic migrants: 18 Machrihanish, Arg, 28-30 Apr (ARM), singles Endrick mouth, Dunb, 30 Apr (DS) and Erskine, Renf, 2 May (IPG); 2 St Kilda 27 Apr (DSt); 4 Birsay, Ork, 5-6 May (EB); 22 Hillwell, Shet, 23-30 Apr (DC, BM); Fair Isle, 1 on 27-29 Apr, 3 on 3 May, one 4 May (RAB). Summer records include: 1 L Loyal, Suth, first week May (DWh); 1 Spey Bay, Moray, 7 June (RHD); singles Auchlossan, Aber, 26-30 Apr 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 351 (RSBy, NP); more on E coast, max 135 Eden estuary, Fife, 12 June (BP); 9 Tyninghame’ E Loth, 30 June (GLS, DTh). Autumn passage and peak counts: more records from July; Ork, 3 North Ronaldsay 4 Sep (EJW); Caith, 3 L of Mey 27-31 Aug (PMC, SL); Moray, 4 Findhorn 17 Aug (RSPB); Aber, 4 Ythan 17 Sep (NEB, JAL); Kinross, 12 L Leven 20 Sep (AA); Fife, 79 Eden estuary 25 Sep (DWO), 16 Longannet 23 Sep (DMB); Clack, 11 Alloa 12 Aug (TP); 2 Isle of May 20 Sep (AJW); Renf, Erskine 3 Sep-19 Nov, max 13 on 11 Sep (HG, IPG, ANG); 10 Barr Loch 11 Oct (RGC, IPG). Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. Peak counts: E Ross, 700 Udale Bay 13 Feb (CGH), 70 on 19 July (EB), 400 on 6 Aug (ARM); Inv, 1000 ‘Whiteness Head 3 Jan, 5 on 6 June, 2000 on 8 Aug, 1200 on 20 Sep, 1800 on 12 Nov, 1000+ on 24 Dec (RHD); 1000 Nairn 24 Dec, probably from Whiteness Head (RHD); Angus, 500 West Ferry 19 Feb (TMC); Fife, 300 summered Tentsmuir (DWO); Midl, 850 Musselburgh 13 Feb; E Loth, 600 Aberlady 21 Aug, 800-1000 in winter (DJN). Migrants: Shet, 1 Skerries 29 May (BM), from 11 Sep, 22 on 22 Sep (per RJT); Fair Isle, 2 on 29 Jan, few in spring, 14 Aug-30 Sep (RAB); Perth, 200 Invergowrie Bay 6 Mar, last 2 on 28 Apr, 29 on 28 Aug, 149 on 3 Nov, 200+ on 4 Dec (EJM, RC). Inland: Midl, singles Crosswood 7 July (GLS), Gladhouse 8 Aug (RWJS); Rox, 2 Rutherford 26 Aug-5 Sep (Mr Farr); 2 Endrick mouth 29 May (JM, CP); Renf, 1 Auchendores Res- ervoir 22 Oct (HG). *Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. Winter records: E Loth, 1 Tyning- hame Jan-24 Apr (GLS, RWJS, LLJV); Rox, 2 St Boswells Jan (PS-P); Lan, 2 Merryton 22 Jan (KCRH, HSCH), 1+ to Mar (DS); Dumf, 2 Gretna 20 Feb (MJ); Fife, 1 Shell Bay 1 Mar (PGTB). Spring passage: scarce from 9 Apr; Fair Isle, singles 9th, 22nd, 29-30 Apr, 18 May (RAB); Stir, 1 Skinflats 15 May (MH). Autumn passage from 1 July; Fair Isle 7 Aug-22 Sep, 3 singles, but 3 on 13 Aug, 2 on 14th (RAB); Shet, 3 Fetlar 7 Aug, 1 on 1 Sep (RSPB), 1 Strand Loch 29 Aug (DC); Inv, 1 Balmacaan 7 Aug (MIH); Moray, 1 Findhorn 22 Aug (JMB); Angus, singles Arbroath 25 July (NKA), West Haven 29 July (TMC), Kinnaber 23 Aug (GMC); Fife, 5 singles 8 July- 10 Sep (DWO et al.); Clack, singles Black Devon mouth late Aug (CJH), Alloa 29 Sep (TP); Isle of May 1 July (GB); Midl/Peeb, Portmore 5 Aug, 15 Aug-11 Sep, 3 Gladhouse 15-16 Aug, 1 on 19th (GLS et al.); Clubbie- dean 12 Oct-18 Nov (IB-P, GLS), 1 Threipmuir 8 Sep (RD); E Loth, Tyn- inghame 28 July-31 Dec (RWJS et al.); Rox, 2 Easterharesbyres Moss 11 Sep (LDGL); Lan, Merryton 29 Oct (KCCH, JJS), Hamilton 5-9 Oct (KCRH, HSCH); Ayr, L Doon 17 Aug (JN); Irvine 3 Sep (IMD); Kirk, L Whinnyeon 25 July (D & JTh), Kirkgunzeon mid July-mid Sep (ECF). 352 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) *Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. Better year for breeders in some areas, but scarce on passage. Suth, pair at original site; Caith, 1 pr with young, 1 pr at nearby site (JTRS); Ross, 3 prs at new site (JTRS); E Inv, 3 on 8 June, pr ‘with young 22 June and 11 July, plus another adult (RHD). Unconfirmed reports from at least one other area. Migrants: singles Fair Isle 27-28 May, 7-9 June, 11 July; Shet, Strand Loch 4 Aug (RJ), Foula 14 Aug; O Heb, North Uist 29 June (R. Jones); Inv, Longman 16 Sep (JMCk); Angus, Kinnaber 15 Aug (GMC), West Haven 19 Aug (TMC); E Loth, Tyninghame 8 Aug (GLS); Kirk, Kirkgun- zeon 28 July (ECF). Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. Arrivals from 2 Apr Gairloch, W Ross (ENH), 3 Apr L Garten, Inv (JEH); more 9-10th, most third week Apr. Bred Fetlar, Shet, for first recorded time (ISR); pr bred Vane Farm, Kinross (GC). _ Passage: Fair Isle. 4 May-14 June, peak 7 on 10 May (RAB); 1-2 Handa, Suth, from 4 May (AG); 1 North Rona 30 June (JAL, ARM); 9 Aberlady, E Loth, 1 May (DJN). Autumn: Fair Isle, few records July-21 Sep (RAB); Angus, last Montrose Basin 24 Sep (GMC); Fife, 20 Cameron Reservoir in Aug (DWO); 1 Isle of May 2 Oct (HG); Midl, last 2 Gladhouse 23 Sep (RWJS); Lan, 1 Merryton 1 Oct (KCRH, HSCH). Redshank Tringa totanus. Peak counts high, and many inland at reser- voirs because of low water levels. Renf. 6380 Woodhall-Erskine 13 Feb, 4400 on 9 Apr, 7500 on 22 Oct (HG, IPG, ANG); Ayr, 600 Bogside 10 Sep (WRB); Midl. 800 Musselburgh 22 Sep (RF); W Loth, 1300 Almond estuary 19 Aug (TCS); Perth, 1400 Invergowrie 2 Mar, 100 on 28 Apr, 960 on 30 July, 1344 on 7 Aug, 2000 on 21 Sep, 3000+ early Oct, 750 on 10 Dec (EJM); Aber, 991 Ythan 9 Apr (DCC, NEB); Moray, 1500 on 6 Sep (RHD); Inv, 700 Longman 23 Sep and 14 Oct (MR), 810 Beauly Firth 24 Sep (MIH), 201 L Linnhe 18 Apr (JASN); Fair Isle passage Mar- 21 May, peak 18 on 11 Apr, from 21 June, up to 45 early Sep (RAB). Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. Winter and spring records: In- vergowrie, Perth, 23 Apr (RC, EJM); E Loth, Aberlady, 29 Mar, Tyning- hame 22 Feb and 18 Apr (GLS, RWJS, JAN); Ayr, Doonfoot Jan-Feb (WRB), Blairbowie 12 Apr (RHH); Cock Inn, Wig, 4 Jan (RCD). Summary of autumn records from 12 Aug Aug Sept Oct Nov 12-14 15-31 1-14 15-30 North (Inv and North, including islands 1 4 10 7 East (Moray-Stir) 13 10 9 2 8 Southeast (Lothians) 1 3 2 1 1 Southwest (Arg, Islay, Clyde, Wig) os 6 2 4 2 Noteworthy records include: 6 Loch of Mey, Caith, 15 Sep (SE); dis Garten, Inv, 29 Aug was well inland (RSPB); 6 Invergowrie, Perth, 1-2 Nov (EJM); 4 Alloa, Clack, 25-26 Aug (TP); count of 21 in inner Solway Firth 10 Sep (JGY et al.), but information incomplete, and Dumf totals not in above table. Greenshank Tringa nebularia. About 25 records of wintering birds N to Moray Firth, but mostly in SW, where up to 11 at Woodhall, Renf, and 13 on 17 Feb (ANG, HG, IPG). 9N Glentrool, Kirk, 9 Mar (GSh), but mostly arrived breeding grounds late Mar/early Apr, Badnabay, Suth, 27 Mar (IDP); Torridon, W Ross, 5 Apr (SL). Spring migrants: Fair Isle, 19 Apr, 3rd and 9 June (RAB); Shet, Yell 17 Apr, Fetlar 30 Apr, Spiggie 8 June (BM, RJT). PLATE 25 (a) Black-browed Albatross, Hermaness, Unst, July 1972 Photograph by Malte Andersson (b) White-billed Diver, Buckie, Banff, March 1972. (This record is subject to acceptance by the Rarities Committee). Photograph by D. B. McGinn | | | PLATE 26 Commonplace and rare. Above Dunlin. Below White-rumped Sandpiper. The seventh and eighth Scottish records of the latter species occurred in 1972. Photographs by Dennis Coutts ? (b) Arctic (eft) and Mealy Redpolls, Fair Isle, September 1972. Photographs by Dennis Coutts PLATE 27 (a) Two-barred Crossbill, second summer 3 Kergord, Shetland, July 1972. PLATE 28. Hen Harrier, Galloway 1972. Photograph by J. F. Young 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 357 Autumn migration: Shet, from 13 Aug, last Spiggie 8 Oct (FH); Fair Isle, 1-2 on 11 days 1-30 Aug (RAB); Ork, late one Stenness Loch 12 Dec (EJW); E Ross, 10 Munlochy Bay 3 Sep (RHD); Angus, 8 Montrose Basin 20 Aug (GMC); Perth, 12 Port Allen 6 Sep, 18 on 7th (EJM, MAM); Kinross, L Leven from 15 Aug, max 4 on 4 Sep, stragglers to 21 Nov (AA); Fife, 27 Eden estuary 29 Aug (DWO), 10 Cameron Reservoir 4 Sep (DWO), 10 Morton Lochs 10 Sep (JARG); Isle of May, 1 on 2 July, 3 on 5th (GB, IRD); Midl, 5 Harlaw Reservoir 12 Aug (PV); E Loth, 11 Tyn- inghame 17 Sep; Renf, 17 Woodhall 24 Sep, 12 to end of year (ANG, HG, IPG); 8 Turnberry, Ayr, 27 Aug (RHH); Wig, first returned 5 July Luce estuary (RCD). Knot Calidris canutus. Winter counts: 1500+ Barassie, Ayr, 5 Jan (HG, IPG); 2400 Musselburgh, Midl, 28 Mar (RF); Angus, 11235 for whole coast first week Jan (NKA); 6000 Whiteness Head, Inv, 16 Jan (RHD); E Ross, 500 Udale Bay 13 Feb (CGH). Spring passage: Fair Isle, one 15 Aor, 1-5 on 10-16 May (RAB); Shet, 1 Hillwell and 2 Virkie 24 May (DOC), 1 Fetlar 8 June (RSPB); 1 Balnakeil, Suth, 18 May (DB). 50-80 summered Aberlady, E Loth, (DJN). Autumn passage and counts: Fair Isle, 12 July-18 Sep, scarce (RAB); 42 ads Bonar Bridge, Suth, 8 Aug (RHD); Inv, 2000 Longman 11 Nov (MR), 3500 Whiteness Head 22 Nov, 5000 on 24 Dec (RHD); 3000 Nairn 24 Dec (RHD); 90 Ythan, Aber, 24 July (JAL); 1800 Musselburgh, Mid], 21 Dec (RF); 4000 Aberlady, E Loth, Nov-Dec (KSMcG); 4000+ Wigtown Merse, 22 Oct (RCD). Inland: 1 Alemoor Reservoir 9 Sep, apparently first for Rox (AJS); Midl, 1 Gladhouse 5-9 Aug (GLS, RWJS), 2 Harperrigg 12 Sep (GLS); 15 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 22 July (CP). One ringed Southerness, Kirk. 14 Feb 1971 killed Broughton Island, off Baffinland, Canada, 11 June 1972. Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima. Winter counts: 42 Southerness, Kirk, 16 Jan (RTS et al.); 110 Troon, Ayr, 5 Mar (RGC); 18 Blackwater- foot, Arran, 23 Jan (MHD); 33 Inchmickery, Forth, 23 Apr (RWJS); 200 Fife Ness 16 Apr, last 30 on 13 May (DWO); 80 Girdleness, Kinc, 15 Jan (RLS); 300 Portessie ,Banff, 19 Mar (DBMcG); Angus coast, 326 in Jan (NKA). Fair Isle, spring peak 40 on 29 Apr, 20 to 14 May, last 22 May (RAB); 1 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 17 Jan—second record for area (JM). Isle of May, return from 2 July (7) (GB), max 264 on 2 Oct (GB et al.); 4 Scar Rocks, Wig, 7 July (JGY); one Chanonry Ness, E Ross, 8 July (RHD); Fair Isle, 10 on 12 July, increasing to 40 in Aug (RAB). *Little Stint Calidris minuta. No spring records; average autumn num- bers, about 60 birds 22 July-4 Nov. Shet, Virkie 13-14 Aug (DC, FH), Hillwell 10-13 Sep (DC); Ork, North Ronaldsay 3 Sep (EJW); Moray, 8 Lossiemouth 12 Sep (CAG); Aber, 2 Ythan 22 July (AGK), 1-2 Don estua- ry, 15 Sep-14 Oct (RHD, AGK ez al.); Angus, Kinnaber 22 July (NKA), Montrose Basin 26 Aug (GMC), West Haven 30 July, 6 Aug, 17 Aug, 2 on 24 and 29 Sep (TMC); Perth, Kingoodie 22 July (NKA, EJM); Kinross, L Leven 3 Oct, 2 on 4-6 Oct, 9 Oct (AA, AG); Fife, 12+ Eden estuary 8-9 Aug (JARG), 4+ on 10 Sep (DMB), 2 on 25 Sep (KB, DWO), Fife Ness 12 Aug (JARG), 12 Sep (PGTB), 17 Sep (DWO); Stir, Skinflats 1 Oct (RHH); Midl, 4 Musselburgh 23 Aug (DLC), 5 Sep (RKMcG), Gladhouse 30 Aug-5 Sep (RWJS); E Loth, 2 Aberlady 30 Aug (DJN), 1 Dunbar 25 Sep (KCCH); I Heb, Islay 7 Oct (DMB); Renf, Erskine 21-28 Sep (IPG); Ayr, Troon 4 Nov (RGC); Dumf, Waterfoot, Annan 10 Sep (RTS). *Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii. 2 prs at N Scotland site, but successful breeding not proved (anon); singies Caith 20 June (IJF-L); Perth, Rannoch Moor 10 May (JJMF). *White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis. Musselburgh, Mid], 16-25 Sep (RKMcG, ADKR, RWJS et al.); Fair Isle, trapped 28 Nov-2 Dec (RAB, GJB)—7th and 8th Scottish records. 358 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Dunlin Calidris alpina. Bred Dornoch Point, Suth—first time for at least 10 years (DMcD). Winter counts—spring passage: 5100 Erskine, Renf, 13 Feb (HG, IPG, ANG); 1500 Barassie, Ayr, 13 Feb (WRB); 3000 Musselburgh, Midl, 16 Jan, 13 Feb (LLJV); 3200 Almond estuary, W Loth, 13 Feb (TCS); 2500 Invergowrie, Perth, 30 Jan, 1200 on 26 Feb, 900 on 20 Mar, 93 on 24 Mar (RC, EJM); 800 Findhorn, Moray, 5 Mar Gunn 650 Lentran, Inv, 13 Feb (MIH); 70 L Shin, Suth, 12 May Autumn: Fair Isle 11 July-15 Sep, max 22 on 2 Aug (RAB); Inv, 1000+ Whiteness Head 22 Nov (RHD); 1000 Nairn 24 Dec (RHD); Perth, 500+ Invergowrie 25 July, departed overnight, 280 on 24 Sep, 1045 on 22 Oct, 2200 on 19 Nov (RC, EJM); Kinross, unusual numbers L Leven 7 Sep- 6 Dec, max 134 on 3 Oct (AA, GC); large numbers Midl reservoirs owing to low water levels—23 Gladhouse 23 July, peak 46 on 7 Oct, some to Dec, 40 Cobbinshaw 5 Oct (JB, GLS); 40 Alemoor Reservoir, Rox, 1 Oct (TDo); 3500 Erskine, Renf, 31 Oct (ANG, HG, IPG). Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. 5 spring records in_ north: Handa, Suth, 18 May (AG); Glimps Holm, Ork, 14 May (MT-C), Westray 20 May (EJW); 2 Hillwell, Shet, 19-20 May (RJ, BM). Good numbers autumn passage from 24 July. Summary of autumn records July Aug Sept Oct Nov 1-14 15-31 1-14 15-30 North (Fair Isle, O Heb, Suth) 2 4 1 East (Moray-Stir) 1 1 50 25 10 4 Southeast (Lothians) 8 2 q 20 2 2 Southwest (Clyde- Solway) 1 6 13 2 2 Peak counts and noteworthy records: 15 Findhorn, Moray, 6 Sep (RHD); 8 Montrose Basin, Angus, 11 Sep (GMC); 6 Invergowrie, Perth, 27 Sep (EJM); Kinross, singles L Leven 11 Sep-9 Oct, 2 on 6 Oct (AA, BHM); 10 Eden estuary, Fife, 22 Sep (KB); 8 Musselburgh, Midl, 24 July (LLJV, RF), 5 Gladhouse 4 Sep, 1 on 11th (RWJS); 11 Erskine, Renf, 7 Sep (HG, IPG); 4 Gadloch, Lan, 27 Aug, 2 on 29th (WW, BZ); 1 L Ken, Kirk, 8 Oct, (RHH), 1 Carsethorn 2 Dec (TN). Sanderling Calidris alba. Possibly more late spring migrants: E Loth, 14 Aberlady 26 May, last 5 on 3 June, 4 Gullane 7 June (DTh); I Heb, ‘Coll 4 June (JB), 3 Eigg 7 June (AMcI); 3 Invergowrie, Perth, 3 June; 250 West Haven, Angus, 14 May (TMC); ad inland L Ashie, Inv, 17 May (RHD); Suth, 8 Dornoch 17 May (DB), 10 Balnakeil 17 May (DCH); Fair 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 359 Isle, 20 May-18 June, 3 on 26th (RAB); Shet, 9 Sumburgh 7 June (BM), few to 3 Virkie 27 June (DC). Autumn passage and counts: Fair Isle, 23 July-30 Sep, max 10 on 1 Aug (RAB); 39 Balnakeil, Suth, 24 July (DCH); 50 Speybay, Moray, 24 July (JMB); 51 L Leven, Kinross, 25 Oct is exceptional (GC, BHM); Aberlady, E Loth, from 2 July, peaks 38 on 21 July, 61 on 25 July (DIN); 100+ Laggan Bay, Islay, 23 July (GJL); 15 Troon, Ayr, 15 July (PMcK), 55 Ayr 23 July (WRB). *Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis. 1 trapped Fair Isle 17-19 Sep (RAB, ERM et al.)—second for Fair Isle (previous being 18 Sep 1958) and 7th Scottish record. Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Usual numbers north and east, but fewer in west. Winter max E Loth, 40 Aberlady 18 Mar (GLS), last 2 on 6 May; Fife, Jan-May, 6 Eden estuary 17 Apr (EJM); Invergowrie, Perth, few 28 Mar-1 Apr; ¢3 Unst, Shet, 6 May (RJT). Autumn passage from late July, mainly second half Aug. Peak counts: Shet, 26 July-10 Oct, max 10 Hillwell 7 Aug (DC); Fair Isle, 1 Aug-1 Oct, max 8 on 14 Aug; Ork, 6 Isbister Oyce 27 Aug (EB); Caith, 3 L of Mey 15 Sep (PMC, SL); Aber, 12 Ythan 1 Aug (AGK), 30+ Meikle Loch 16 Aug (WM, RLS); Perth, 15 Aug-7 Sep, 8 Port Allen 6 Aug (EJM et al.); Fife, 9 Eden estuary 6 Sep (DWO); Clack, Alloa 11 Aug-4 Sep, 6+ on 12 Aug (TP), Skinflats 16 Aug-24 Sep, 10 on 19-25 Aug (J. Moss, HEMD); Midl, Gladhouse 24 July-5 Nov, 6 on 8 Aug (RWJS, LLJV); E Loth, Aberlady 25 Aug-end of year, 14 on 28 Oct; Renf, Erskine 15 Aug-10 Oct (HG, IPG); Lan, Gadloch 27 Aug-15 Nov, 5 on 24 Sep (BZ). *Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius. Five records: North Berwick, E Loth, 28 Jan (DEA); Musselburgh, Midl, 27 July-27 Aug (DLC, RKMcG et al.); Fetlar, Shet, 9 Sep (RJT); Peterhead, Aber, 12 Nov (DCC); Ythan, Aber, 19 Nov (GMD, WM et al.). Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus, Breeding reports mixed: Shet, first 14 May, mainly late May, breeding numbers little higher than 1971 (RJT), last Fetlar 7 Aug, 1 Foula 28-29 July; 1 pr Ork, and reported 4-5 places O Heb, but no confirmation of breeding; pr St Kilda 24 June, bred successfully, 3 young seen 24 July—new breeding species for island (DSt); 1 Buddon, Angus, 27 Aug (MN, NKA). *Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor. One Kirkgunzeon, Kirk 25 Aug-3 Sep (ECF, BST et al.)—5th Scottish record (7: 313 and plate 23). Great Skua Stercorarius skua. Continued increase: Shet, first Foula 26 Mar (early), last 5 Nov, numbers high (per RJT); Fair Isle, first 29 ‘Mar, but slow to arrive in numbers, only 6 by 26 Apr, 13+ prs bred, c/2 on 16 May (RAB); Caith, holding territory Drum Holliston and Dun- net Head; Suth, 4 prs reared 4 young Handa, plus 6 non-breeders (AG); St Kilda, 8 prs bred, c/2 on 11 May (DSt); North Rona, 3+ prs bred (JAL, ARM), Early records and possible wintering birds: Shet, 4 offshore at boats 21 Jan, 2 on 25 Feb (RJT); singles Whiteness Head, Inv, 16 Jan (RHD), Findhorn Bay, Moray, 6 Jan (RHD). Musselburgh, Midl, 12 Feb (JAN). 1 Fife Ness 4-5 May (EJM); 1 Coll, I Heb, 10 Apr (E. G. Cowieson). Usual summer/autumn records round coasts: last Fair Isle 6 Nov (RAB); 4 Collieston, Aber, 5 Sep (RAH); Girdleness, Kinc, 25 Nov (RLS); White- ness Head, Inv, 1 Dec (RHD). *Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. Spring-summer: Shet, Vee Skerries 10 June (J. Henry); 3 Handa, Suth, 27 May (AG). Return pass- age: Shet, Fetlar 27 Aug (A. R. Mead); Fair Isle, 30 July (GJB); more than usual Moray Firth (RHD); Suth, L Fleet 12 Dec (RHD); Inv, 4 Whiteness Head 24 Dec (RHD); Moray, 2 Burghead 1 Oct, one 15 Oct, 360 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) one 17 Nov (RHD); Aber, Cruden Bay 8 Oct (ADKR); Angus, West Haven 30 July, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, 31 Aug, 2 on 9 Sep, 15th, 21st, 27 Sep, 2 on 2 Oct (TMC); Fife, 2 Shell Bay 21 Aug (GC); Fife Ness 7 Sep (PGTB), Eden estuary 8 Oct (DWO); E Loth, exceptional flock 15 Tyn- inghame 20 Oct (GLS). Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. Arrival of breeders: Fair Isle 14 Apr, 6 on 23rd, 20 on 5 May, 40 on 11th; Foula 17 Apr, Whalsay 20 Apr (JGH, JHS); Caith, inland population estimated c30 prs (PMC); Suth, 1 pr nested Handa reared 1 young, present 25 Apr-9 Sep (AG); 10+ prs breeding Jura, I Heb (A. F. Airey); 1 Fife Ness 4 May (EJM); few E Loth 14 May-3 June (KSMcG). Usual summer/autumn records down E coast; numbers considered low in Forth and Clyde. Last ashore Fair Isle 13 Sep, one off shore 12 Oct (RAB); 9 Lentran, Inv, 5 Aug (MIH); 10-15 Collieston, Aber, 5 Sep (RAH), last Ythan 8 Oct (PDR); Angus, max 55 Arbroath 4 Aug (MN); 6 Inver- gowrie, Perth, 15 Aug (NKA, RC, EJM); Fife, 16 Fife Ness 8 Aug (PAL), last Shell Bay 4 Nov (PGTB); Isle of May last 2 on 16 Oct (JMSA); Aber- lady, E Loth, 16 July-22 Oct, max 7 on 4 Aug (DJN et al.); 8 Eyemouth, Ber, 24 Sep (TDo). *Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus. Shet, 1 caught on fishing boat off shore 1 May (per JHS), 1 Whiteness 27 May (IS); Fair Isle, 8 July and 4 Oct (RAB), 1 on crossing 29 Aug (DPC); Ork, North Ronald- say 7 Sep (EJW), O Heb, 2 Butt of Lewis 25 Aug (DGB); Angus, West Haven 29 Oct (TMC); Fife, Tentsmuir 28 July (TP); E Loth, Tyninghame 4 Oct (GLS). Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus. 1 pr bred Tentsmuir, Fife, 1 egg 22 May, but robbed—new record for locality (DWO); pr bred Craig- leith, Forth (RWJS); 2 prs bred L Thom, Renf (DLC, HG, IPG); single prs nested L Moan, Kirk—new site (GSh), Scar Rocks, Wig (JGY); 70 prs bred Handa, Suth (AG). Max counts Fair Isle: 1000-2000 on 23-24 Jan, 700 on 13 June, 1000 on 7 Aug, end Oct, 9-10 Nov, 21-23 Nov, first ‘week Dec (RAB, GJB); Inv, Longman peaks 338 on 16 Jan, 520 on 23 Sep, 439 on 23 Dec (JMCk, MR); 112 Garten inland roost 31 Dec (RHD). Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. 2500+ prs nested Isle of May, c1600 birds culled (NC); 1-2 prs bred Tentsmuir, Fife; 250+ prs bred Craigleith (RWJS); 1 pr attempted to nest Endrick mouth, Dunb (JM). Arrival: 5 Musselburgh, Midl, 5 Mar (LLJV); 1 Newburgh, Fife, 4 Mar (ARS, DWO); 2 West Ferry, Angus, 1 Mar (TMC); E Ross, 2 North Kes- sock 21 Mar, 60+ by 26 Apr (MKMcD-D); Handa, Suth. 9 Mar (RHD, AG); Fair Isle, first 25 Mar, present 30 Mar-6 Sep, last 18 Sep (RAB). Scandinavian birds L.f. fuscus. 2 Prail, Angus, 18 Apr (GMC), singles West Ferry 31 Jan, 10 Feb, 19 Feb (2), 18 Nov (TMC); E Loth, Gullane Point 2nd and 30 Dec (BCK, LLJV). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 361 Herring Gull Larus argentatus. Increase noted throughout country— nesting inland and various towns. Control at Isle of May, where c15000 culled from population of 15500+ pairs (NC); 165 nests Inchmickery, Forth, but none bred after cull in May; partial cull also at Fidra (RSPB). Increase Horse Island, Ayr (WRB); 7 prs bred L Thom, Renf (DLC); 10 prs L Moan, Kirk, 1 pr at new site L Middle (GSh). Rough-weather peaks at Fair Isle, 1500-2000 on 23-24 Jan, 2000+ on 19-20 Nov, 5000+ on 23-25 Nov (RAB). Counts: 4000 Longman, Inv, 11 Nov (MR), 96 Garten inland roost 31 Dec (RHD); 16000 Dighty Burn, Angus, Sep (NKA). Albino adult Rhiconich, Suth, 11 Mar-Aug (RHD, RHH); Inverness albino (present each year since autumn 1957) 16 Jan, 4 Aug-31 Dec (JMCk, RHD, MR); partial white-winged immature Conon islands, E Ross, 13 Oct (RHD). Glasgow albino seen from 12 Sep (RGC); melanistic bird Culzean, Ayr, 22 Dec (WRB). Common Gull Larus canus. Pr with young Longformacus, Ber, 25 June is extension of range (KSMcG); also 2-3 prs possibly breeding Auchen- corth Moss, Mid! (IF); Inv, breeders arrived Loch nan Faoileag 2 Apr, poor breeding season, new tree-nesting colony Loch nan Bonnach (MIH). Migration and peak counts: Fair Isle, spring peak 165 on 24 Apr, autumn from 24 July, but numbers low, max 500 on 13-14 Aug (RAB); Shet, 2500 Fetlar 9 Aug (RSPB); E Ross, 5000 L Eye 20 Dec (CGH); Peeb, 15000 Portmore Loch 9 Jan (JB); Ayr, 3000 Doonfoot 16 Aug, in- crease to 5000 in Dec (WRB). Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus. Numbers lower than usual in north, but possibly more stragglers further S and in summer. Winter peaks and summer records: Shet, max in autumn 2-3 together (RJT); Fair Isle, 3 on 31 Mar, 3 different birds in May, singles on 20 June, 7 and 21 July, autumn 18 Oct-26 Nov, max 10 on 9 Nov, 6 on 12 Nov (RAB); Ork, 4 Birsay Nov and Dec (EB); Caith, 4 different birds Thurso area Jan-Mar (PMC, SL); Suth, ad Embo 1 Jan-14 May, 16 Nov-31 Dec (DMcD), 1 Tongue last week May (DWh); Inv, Longman 26 June (JMCk); Angus, 3 Arbroath 18 Aug (GMC), 1 West Ferry 31 Aug (TMC); Midl, last Mussel- burgh 23 May; Ayr, 6-16 June (BCF). Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides. About 50 individuals recorded: Shet, 12 reports of imms Jan-Apr, 1 ad Scalloway 29 Jan (NLS), 1 at sea 18 Aug, 1 Scalloway 13 Sep (RD); Fair Isle, 14-15 Jan, 24 Apr, 14 May, 22-24 May, 4-19 June, 29 June, 24 Sep (RAB); Ork, Birsay Nov-Dec (EJW); Caith, 2 Scrabster 2-31 Jan, 3 on 13 Feb, 2 on 14 Mar, ad on 19 Apr, imm 26-29 Apr, imm Westfield 20 Feb (PMC, SL); Suth, imm Dur- mess 22 Aug (D. S. Melville et al.); W Ross, ad Greenstone Point 29 Feb (ACMcL); Inverness 8-17 Jan, 2 on 13th (JMCk, RHD), 26 Dec (JMCk); Moray, Burghead 6 Jan (RHD); Banff, Buckie 16 Apr (DBMcG); Aber, ad Don 16 Jan, imm 4-27 Mar (RLS, MAMcD); Kinc, Girdleness 4 Mar, ad 12-17 Mar (DCC, PDR, RLS); Angus, Buddon 4 Mar (TMC), Arbroath 25 July (NKA); Midl, Newhaven ad 27 Feb-5 Mar, 6-20 Apr, imm 21 Apr (TD, GJ); Ber, Eyemouth 30 Jan (TDo); Arg, Tarbert 10 Oct (H. Insley); WEEE Moss 20 Nov-1 Dec (HG, GTW); Ayr, 29 Jan, 24 Feb (JLB, *Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus. Ad flew past Girdleness, Kinc, 1 Oct (PDR). *Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia. Imm Luthrie, Cupar, Fife, 26-27 Feb (PNJC, AG, DWO). Little Gull Larus minutus. Recorded all months Angus and Fife; Angus mainly Mar-Oct, peaks West Haven 143 on 28 July, 160 on 19 July and A Aug, 173 on 5 Aug, 230 on 6th, 148 on 7th, 150 on 10th, 30 on 17th; 362 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) 70 Buddon 15 June, 62 Barnhill 4 Mar (TMC, GMC et al.); Fife, 11 St Monance 18 Feb (AG); 8 Kilconquhar 22-30 May; 3 July-8 Oct, peaks: 21 July (19), 26th (338), 3 Aug (78), 9th (207), 10th (290), 11th (150), 15th (104), 21st (30); 18 Fife Ness 9 Sep; 65 Kingsbarns 15 Aug, 35 Crail 31 Aug (PGTB, JARG, DWO). _ Elsewhere, singles unless stated: Shet, 2-3 Scalloway 19-26 Jan (DC, BM et al.); Fair Isle, 12 Aug (GJB); Ork, Westray 15 May, North Ron- aldsay 4 Sep (EJW); Suth, Handa 2 June (AG); Moray, Spey Bay 7 June (RHD); Aber, Bridge of Don 18 Jan (MAMcD), Foveran 13 July (AGK), Meikle Loch 16 Aug (RLS), 3 on 17 Aug (RH), Findon Ness 27 Aug (RAH); Kinc, Girdleness 1 Oct (PDR); Perth, Invergowrie 2 on 27 Feb, 7 on 26 Feb, 10 on 11 Mar (NKA, EJM, MAM), Drummond Pond, 5 Nov (RMcM); Midl, 7 ‘Musselburgh 11 Mar (LLJV), 26 Mar (RKMcG), Glad- house 30 Aug (RWJS); E Loth, Aberlady 5 Feb (GLS), 13 May (RHH, DJN); Ber, Eyemouth 28-29 Oct (TDo); Ayr, Doonfoot 7-25 Aug (WRB, TJD, IL), Ballantrae 23 July (BCF); Bute, Arran 16 July (DCC). Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus. Arrival of breeders: Inv, Aviemore 28 Feb (RHD), L Garten pre-breeding roost peaked 6000+ on 13 Apr (RF), L Laide 40+ on 25 Mar, 260 on 2 May, last on 26 July (MIH); pos- sible increase Caith (PMC), but poor breeding season Fife owing to drought (TRG), and decrease L Moan, Kirk (GSh). Counts: 17000 Lang- bank, Renf, 29 Aug (IPG), 32890 inner Clyde 24 Sep (per IPG); 6000 Dighty Burn, Angus, Sep (NKA); 1500 Kessock, Inv, 14 Feb (RHD). *Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini. Ad Noddsdale Water, Largs, Ayr, 10 Sep (J. E. Dale); first-winter bird Fife Ness 8 Oct (DLC) (7: 314). *Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, Ad Scalloway, Shet, 22 Jan (7: 315) (AI, RJ, NLS et al.)—3rd Scottish record. Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. No increase in Forth population and pos- sibly even slight decrease in contrast to increase of recent years; c.3450 prs Isle of May; 391 nests Inchkeith, 186 nests Fidra and 121 on Lamb (RWJS); decrease Scar Rocks, Wig, 132 prs (220 in 1971) (JGY), but new colony 17-20 prs N of Cruggelton Castle (RHM); c9000 prs bred Handa, Suth (AG); Caith, 150 at Clett Rock 19 Mar, 170 nests 3 June (50 down on 1969), most departed 12 Aug (KRM); Fair Isle, ashore second week Feb, eggs from 29 May (RAB). Evidence of cross-Scotland migration: 100 Caol, Inv, 2 Apr (JASN), 800 on 5th, 300 on 7th, false-starting to NE (MTD), 25+ on 15th (JR); Renf, 46E over Erskine Bridge 4 Mar, 16 on 5th, 13 on 18th, 50 on 26th (HG, IPG). Other counts: 600W/hr Faraid Head, Suth, 15 Apr (RHD); 1000 Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 4 June (RHD); 2000 (90% ads) Kinnaber, Angus, 1 Oct (DIMW); 1 L Leven, Kinross, 20 Mar (AG). *Black Tern Chlidonias niger. Singles unless stated: 4 in spring, 21 May- 30 June; Kirk, Carsethorn 26-30 June (IN et al.); Stir, Balmaha 22 May (JP); Forth, Fidra 17 June (RWJS); Midl, Threipmuir 21 May (DSF). Autumn, 20 records, 3 July-24 Sep: Aber, Meikle L 16 Aug (RLS), 3 on 18th Aug (RH, WM), Strathbeg 24 Aug (D. S. Melville et al.); Angus, Kinnaber 10 Aug (GMC), West Ferry 12 Aug, 18th (2), 31 Aug, 24 Sep (TMC), 6 Lunan Bay 13 Aug (GS); Duns Dish 23-29 Aug (GMC); Fife, Eden estuary 29 Aug (DWO); Stir, Skinflats 25 Aug (HEMD); Midl, Mus- selburgh 3-6 July (JB, GLS). Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Breeding status: 1 pr bred successfully Fair Isle—only second record there (RAB); 150 prs Fort George, Inv, and 500 prs Speymouth, Moray (RHD); Fife, main colony Tentsmuir washed out by high tides (DWO); Forth, 80 prs failed Fidra, but increase Inch- mickery, 450+ prs on 26 June (RSPB); E Loth, Aberlady numbers main- tained; but decrease Horse Island, Ayr (WRB). Arrivals: 10 Apr, 2 West Haven, Angus (TIMC); 15 Apr, 3 Kingoodie, 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 363 Perth (EJM), mainly late Apr-early May. Departures: last 2 Kingoodie 27 Sep (EJM); West Haven, Angus, 22 Oct (TMC); late ‘“‘comic” terns Whalsay, Shet, 28 Oct (JHS), Isle of May 30 Oct (NJG). Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea. Breeding status: poor season Fife (TRG); 20 prs failed Fidra, Forth (RWJS); 150-200 prs Eilein Hoan, Suth, 19 June (RHD). Arrivals: 10 Apr, West Haven, Angus (TMC); 11 Apr, 2 Machrie Bay, Islay (RLMcM); 18 Apr, Dirleton, E Loth (MWF). But mainly late: Doonfoot, Ayr, 14 May (WRB); first Lewis, O Heb, 3 May (IMMcL); first Handa, Suth, 19 May (AG). Late records: 6 West Haven, Angus, 8 Oct (TMC), imm Fair Isle 30 Oct (RAB). Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii. Rather few records: Fife, first Fife Ness 6 ‘May (DWO), 1 pr bred Tentsmuir but failed (DWO), last 2 Elie 9 Sep (PAL); Angus, 16 sightings 30 Apr-24 Sep, max 19 Arbroath 14 Aug (MN); Forth, 100 prs bred Inchmickery after Herring Gull cull (RSPB). Little Tern Sterna albifrons. Breeding status: Caith, 1-2 prs Wester Burn beach (SL); Suth, 10 prs Brora 26 May (DB), 2 prs unsuccessful Dornoch (DMcD); Inv, 2 prs Whiteness 6 June, but breeding not proved {(RHD); Angus, 106+ prs bred St Cyrus and reared 20-30 young (JD); 20 prs Tentsmuir, Fife—high tide caused failure (PNJC); E Loth, 10+ prs on coast but failed or robbed (KSMcG et al.); I Heb, 2 prs Coll 4-12 June (JB); Ayr, only 3 prs Ballantrae 24 May (AGS); Wig, 3 prs bred successfully new site (RCD). Arrivals and departures: 30 Apr, Tyninghame, E Loth (TB); 1 May, 11 St Cyrus, Angus, 70-80 on 2nd, 180-190 on 13th (JD); 2 May, 6 Usan, Angus (GMC); last 11 West Haven, Angus, 22 Aug (TMC); last Mussel- burgh, Midl, 27 Aug (RF). Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. Breeding status: data incomplete; bred Rousay and North Ronaldsay, Ork (EB); 30 prs Morrich More, E Ross, 4 June (RHD); 211 nests Inchmickery 26 June (RWJS). Arrivals, departures and passage: 31 Mar, 2 Newton on Ayr (RMR), singles Dunure, Ayr (JKRM), and 4 Ythan, Aber (JAL); mostly end of first ‘week Apr; 11 Findhorn, Moray, 2 Apr (RAFKOS); 2 Haroldswick, Unst, Shet, 29 June (MS); Inv, 1000 Whiteness Head (immigrants) 28 Aug, 500 Fort George 2 Sep (RHD), 400 Lentran 5 Aug (MIH); E Ross, 20 Chanonry Ness 3 Oct (EBt); 913 Arbroath, Angus, 14 Aug (MN); 500 Eden estuary, Fife, 9 Aug (JARG), last 6 Fife Ness 2 Oct (AG); recorded Isle of May 9 May-30 Oct. Razorbil] Alca torda. Fair Isle, ashore second week Mar, first eggs 3 May, last 6 ashore 1 Aug (RAB); Caith, 40 on Clett Rock 19 Mar, most gone 9 July (KRM); Suth, 6000 prs Handa, first eggs 3 May, average success, all departed by 14 Aug (AG); E Ross, no change Castle Craig ‘(CGH); Isle of May, 600 prs, probable increase (NJG); Forth, 5-6 prs Inchkeith 26 June, 1 pr Fidra 17 June, 6 nests Lamb 17 June, 36 prs 'Craigleith 10 June (RWJS); Wig, 27 prs Scar Rocks 7 July (JGY), 4 prs N of Cruggelton Castle (RHM). Perth, 1 Kingoodie 4 Feb (HB); 10 Chanonry Ness, E Ross, 19 Feb (MKMcD-D), 7 Kessock 14 Feb (RHD, MIH); Inv, 4 Loch Eil head 22 July (RHD). Little Auk Plautus alle. 120 Skerries-Whalsay, Shet, 23 Jan (BM), last on 14 Mar (RJT); Fair Isle, 3 Jan, 3 on 6 Feb (GJB); Caith, singles, some dead/dying, Dunnet Bay 26 Feb (GHF), 24 Mar (D. Graham); Banff, Strathlene 23 Apr (DBMcG); Aber, Ythan 14 Feb (NEB); Angus, Boddin 7 Jan, 2 Carbigheugh Bay 18 Jan (NKA); Fife, Elie 13 Feb (PGTB), Fife Ness 12 Mar (DWO). Autumn: early one Lamlash, Arran, 26 Oct (MHD); first Shet 28 Oct Skerries (PKK), otherwise scarce, although hundreds on Fair Isle crossing 22 Nov. Guillemot Uria aalge. Breeding status: slow increase Isle of May and Forth islands; but apparent decrease Wig; 25-30000 prs Handa, Suth, 364 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) first eggs 3 May, all departed by 14 Aug (AG); Fair Isle, ashore some days Jan-Feb, reg Mar, first egg 22 Apr, very few remained into first week Aug, hundreds back on ledges 26-29 Oct and 18-22 Nov (RAB); Caith, 5% bridled in 300 Duncansby Head 1 June (PMC), 200 ashore Clett Rock 26 Nov (KRM); Suth, 1500W per hr, 100E per hr Faraid Head, 15 April (RHD). Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. Nest with 1 egg North Rona 26 June (ARM). Possibly more records in south: Moray, 10 Burghead 6 Jan, 3 en 16 Apr, 9 on 15 Oct (RHD); Banff, 3 Strathlene 13 Feb (JE), singles Girdle- ness, Kinc, 2 Oct (DIMW); West Haven, Angus 2 Dec (TMC); isle of May 29 Dec (NKA); E Loth, Aberlady 8-14 May (DJN, GJ, GLS), 7 Oct (KCCH et al.); Dunb, Ardmore 6 Aug (DS), 2 Woodhall, Renf, 24 July (IPG). Puffin Fratercula arctica. Breeding status: Fair Isle, ashore from 1 Apr, many after 6th, few to 22 Sep (RAB); Ork, lighthouse keepers suggest decrease Sule Skerry (EB); Caith, very few Duncansby Head (PMC); Angus, ashore from 25 'Mar (AN); Isle of May, continued increase, 3000- 3500 prs (NJG); Forth, 350 Inchkeith, 25 June, 350 Craigleith 10 June (RWJS); breeding proved Mull of Galloway, 5 adults, one carrying food to burrow 26 July (D & JTh). Stock Dove Columba oenas. Breeding status: Clack, fewer than 1971 (TDHM); Borders, apparently decreasing (AJS). Migrants: singles Fair Isle 20-23 Apr, 18 May-20 June. Rock Dove Columba livia. Handa, 2 prs nested and reared 4 young, flock 19 in Aug-Sep (AG); Fair Isle, peaks 30 in May, 55 in Nov (RAB). Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus. Bred Halligarth, Unst, Shet (BM). Migrants: Fair Isle, stragglers from 11 Jan, 14 on 30 Apr, 31 on 1 May, peaked at 40 on 12 May, high numbers to 17 May, some to 12 June (RAB); singles Handa, Suth, 7-8 May (AG), North Rona 2-3 July (JAL, ARM). Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur. No reports of breeding, though some records of summering birds. Shet, more than a dozen records 14 May-18 June, singles except 2 Unst 23 May (per RJT); Fair Isle, 11 May-13 June, up to 4 stragglers to 12 July (RAB); Ork, Westray 21 May, 2 Papa Westray 10 July (EJW); Caith, West Canisbay 1 July; Suth, Dornoch 2 July (DMcD), Dalhalvaig 13 July (JTRS); O Heb, Barra 14 July (WAJC); Aber, Torry 9 May, Insch 21 May (MAMcD, RLS), New Aberdour 1 July (J. H. Wood), Craighill 2 July (C. J. Roselaar); Kinc, Girdleness 21 '!May (AGK); Angus, Kinnaird 14 May (GMC), 2 Panbride 20 May, 1 on 29 July (TMC), Ferryden 18 June (GMC), West Haven 21 June (TMC); Fife Ness 5 May (DWO); Riccarton, Midl, 6 June (CPR); Coldingham, Ber, 17 June (LLJV); 2 Islay, I Heb, 22 May. Autumn: Shet, Fetlar 23 Aug (RSPB); Fair Isle, 27 Aug, 21-28 Sep, 1 Oct (RAB); North Uist, O Heb, 19 Sep (WAJC). Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto. Breeding status: Caith, 104 Wick Docks 18 Feb (RHD); W Ross, 25+ Ullapool (ACMcL), 12+ Torridon (JAW), new colony 30 Strath Gairloch (ENH), late fledging Dornoch, Suth, 17 Oct (DMcD); 328 Covesea, Moray (was first Scottish site) 6 Feb (RHD); 350 Wormiston, Fife, Jan-Mar (TRG). Migration: Fair Isle, from 25 Apr, peaks 12 on 25 May, 12 on 18-20 June, singles in autumn 9 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Oct (RAB); recorded Handa, Suth, 20 Apr-29 June, 2 on 3rd and 31 May (AG); North Rona, singles 30 June-1 July, 2 on 2 July (JAL, ARM); Isle of May, 1-3 on 6 days 1-21 May, singles 13 Aug, 21 Sep (NJG). Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Arrivals: 10 Apr, Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD); 11-13 Apr, Dalry, Kirk (J. Guthrie); 18 Apr, Moorfoots, Midl (WB); 19 Apr, Corpach, Inv (JASN) and Gairloch, W Ross (ENH); mostly late Apr-first week May. Fewer in N Suth (IDP); juvenile Vementry, Shet, 25 June (IS). Fair Isle, passage 7 May-13 June, mostly 7-28 May, 1-4 1963 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 365 daily, max 8 on 19 May (RAB); 1 died Fetlar, Shet, 17 May had been ringed Holland 25 July 1971 (RSPB). Last records: Fair Isle 29-31 July, Tresta, Shet, 5 Aug (IS). Barn Owl Tyto alba. Kirk, fieldwork showed higher density than orig- inally thought, 9 occupied sites in 1 km square (ECF), but poor breed- ing success owing to bad weather and 2 cases of human disturbance Glen Trool, Kirk (GSh); more sightings Clyde and E Loth; 3~ breeding sites Arran (MHD); probable increase in sightings and breeding records up east side to E Ross. Singles Bridgend, Islay, I Heb, 19 Mar (PH-J); Ben- becula, O Heb, 20 Aug, Lewis 26 Aug (DGB); also 1 Vane Farm, Kinross, 15 Mar was new for RSPB reserve (AG). *Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca. Shet, up to 5 Fetlar Jan- Apr, pr laid 4 eggs in 1967 site, first egg 20 May, 4 hatched late June, but all died in first week, young 2 joined pr from 5 Aug, 6 on 18 Oct-31 Dec (RSPB, RJT); sightings elsewhere in Shetland rather confused, but Unst, 11 Jan, 10 May (2), 12-14 May, 13-17 June, Yell 12 Feb, 14 May, Mainland pr early Apr, North Roe 6 May, another 10 May, Ronas Hill 13 Aug (RJT et al.); Fair Isle, imm ¢ 26-27 Apr, 2 16 May, ad d 9-15 June, trapped but not a Fetlar-reared bird (RAB, ERM et al.); Ork, Eday 11 May, possibly same bird Papa Westray same week (EB); O Heb, pr 18 May, possibly up to 5 ads later, still 2 in Dec (WAJC); St Kilda 17 Apr (DSt); Suth, Ben Hutig 13 Apr (J. R. Best). *Little Ow] Athene noctua. No information from usual area Midl; 1 Kilbarchan, Renf, 14 May ('M. Cook); young bird found dead on AQ N of Perth 14 May (JJMF). Tawny Owl Strix aluco. Kirk, 100% rearing success from known nests Glentrool (GSh); decrease Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG); increase Gair- loch, W Ross (ENH); 1 Gruinart, Islay, I Heb, 21 Mar (PH-J). Long-eared Owl Asio otus. Breeding status: Shet, one nest but destroyed in heather fire; increase to 3 prs Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG); more discovered Kirk. Stragglers Fair Isle Feb-Nov, including summer (RAB); ou. 1 Handa, Suth, 24 Sep (AG); 20 Binscarth roost, Ork, Nov- ec : Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus. Breeding status: Ork, fairly high numbers (EB); scarce Inv; good year Angus; 8 prs Glen Trool, Kirk (GSh), but high chick mortality. Casual records Fair Isle 29 Jan-15 Oct, 3 on 9 Sep (RAB); W Ross, 1 Torridon 8 May, first seen there (JAW); E Loth, marked autumn passage, 4 Aberlady 15 Oct (JAN, DRL). *Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. Scarce, only records from SW; Bute, heard 4 localities Arran, at least 2 young reared (MHD); 1 Isle of 366 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Bute 15-16 July (IH); Renf, Bonnington Moor 26 Sep (WJIC); Ayr, Coyl- ton 14 May (RMR), several S Ayr (WRB); Kirk, Carsphairn 1 May, (A. ican 4 Bennan Forest 20 July (LAU, ADW), not heard Glen Trool Siwift Apus apus. Arrivals: 27 Apr, Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG); 1 May, Dunure, Ayr (JKRM), Bellshill, Lan (KCRS, HSCH), Hawick, Rox (TDo), Aberlady, E Loth (DTh) Stirling (DMB); 2 ‘May, 20 Kilconquhar, Fife, 100 on 4th, 200 on 5th (DWO); rather late in north, first Spey Bay, Moray, 13 May (JMB); Inverness 20 May (MR); Thurso, Caith, 22 May (RD. Breeding numbers low in Caith (PMC) and Spey Valley, Inv Migration: Fair Isle, from 22 May, small numbers in June, summer peak 40 on 16 July, last 28 Aug (RAB); Shet, recorded 3 June-6 Sep (RJT); Handa, Suth, 2 on 30 June, 1 on 8 Aug (AG); 162 Aberlady, E Loth, 30 June. Main departures by late Aug, few into Sep; stragglers Fair Isle 11 Oct (RAB); 2 St Andrews, Fife, 22 Oct (IGC); Isle of Bute 29 Oct (IH); Airthrey, Stir, 30 Oct (CJH). *Alpine Swift Apus melba. Three records: Buckie, Banff, 27 May (DLC); Fair Isle 6 June (RAB, ERM, R. J. Sandison); Scalloway, Shet, 9 June (RJ), the last subject to acceptance by the Rarities Committee. Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Definite improvement: Kirk, definite increase (ADW); Dumf, some 20 records, including 3 breeding prs (RTS); Ayr, continued increase, breeding proved one area (WRB); Renf/Lan, bred White Cart River, but young died (DLC, RGC, AMclI); broods reared Selkirk (4 young) 10 Aug (C. Smith) and Broughton, Peeb (JMe); various other sightings in Borders, Lothians and Clyde. Singles outside this area: Islay 16 Nov (CGB); River Orchy, Arg, 7 Oct (W. Emerson); L Leven, Kinross, 13 Apr and 14 Oct (per BHM); Bridge of Earn, Perth, 3 Dec (per VMT); Angus, 2 Brechin 30 Oct (CM), Muir- drum 6 Nov (MP), Montrose Basin 26 Nov (GMC). *Bee-eater Merops apiaster. 1 Gloup, Yell, Shet (Mr Dalziel per RJT) 25 May. *Hoopoe Upupa epops. 4 in spring, 2 in autumn. Fair Isle, 3-10 May (RAB); Shet, Foula 9 May (J. Gear), Whalsay 27 Sep (JHS); Perth, Fealar 8 Apr (J. Teacher), Strathyre 17 Oct (G. Reynolds); Inv, Glenfeshie 7 June (HJB). Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. Breeding status: pushing north, and numbers increasing in south except in Borders, where declining (AJS); bred successfully Overtoun, Dunb (RMcG); various records in Clyde, 1 at Erskine, Renf, being first for several years; slight increase Midl, 1 at 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 367 Blackford Hill being first since 1969, records from 5 or 6 other localities (RWJS); continued increase Fife and Clack, max 6 Earlshall Moor 10 Dec (DWO); notable increase Angus, bred Glen Prosen (GMC); Aber/ Kinc, 1 Crathes 2 Apr (NP), Banchory 7 Apr, 2 on 24 Oct (NP), 1 Bield- side 13-14 Apr (B. W. Bache). Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major. Breeding status: num- bers good Ayr (WRB); 4 prs Inchcailloch, L Lomond (KW et al.); pro- bably bred Arran (MHD); increase in Inverewe, W Ross (PS). Influx in autumn of northern race: Fair Isle, 14-15 Sep, 16th (2), small numbers 24 Sep-6 Oct, max 4 on 26 Sep, all imm except ad 2 Oct (RAB); Shet, North Roe 27 Aug, influx 13 Sep, 1 Dunrossness to Dec (RJT); Ork, Deerness 18 Oct, few Kirkwall late Nov-Dec (EB); Mainland records pos- sibly connected with influx: Thurso, Caith, 17 Nov-31 Dec (PMC, JMW); Collieston, Aber, Aug (JAL, WM), Old Aberdeen Nov-Dec (PDR); one in off sea Cambo, Fife, 24 July (JARG), 1 Fife Ness 25 Sep (DWO). *Wryneck Jynx torquilla. Scarce on passage, and no breeding records. Summer: 1 singing L Knockie, Inv, 9 June (RHD, DNW). Migration: Fair Isle, almost daily 5-24 May, singles except 7 on 7th, 3 on 6-11th (RAB); Shet, Fetlar 3rd and 6 May (RSPB), 10 Skerries 10 May (RJT), 2 Foula 19 May, few 18-23 May (JGH); Aber, Rattray 7 May (MAMcD, RLS); Isle of May 5-7 May, 2 on 8-9th, 1 on 11 May (CWB, JHBM). Autumn: Fair Isle, 27 Aug, 30th (2), 3lst, 2 on 13 Sep (RAB); Shet, singles Main- ee at (DC), Fetlar 14 Sep (ISR); Auchterless, Aber, 13 Sep (M. H. urray). *Short-toed Lark Calandrella cinerea. 1 Out Skerries, Shet, 25-28 May BM et al.); Fair Isle, southern form 29 Sep-27 Oct (GJB, RAB, ERM). *Woodlark Lullula arborea. Singles Fair Isle 27 Mar and 6 Apr (GJB). Skylark Alauda arvensis. Migration: Fair Isle, spring influxes 200-300 on 6 Mar, 500 on 12-14th, 300 on 19th, autumn passage from 10 Sep, 300S on 6 Oct (RAB); Aber, 4000S in 4 hr Aberdeen 30 Jan (MAMcD, RLS); 370 Moor of Genoch, Wig, 21 Oct (RCD). *Shore Lark Eromophila alpestris. Ad ¢ in song in Highlands 10 July (P. Coe, P. Gepp)—first ever summer record. Winter: 6 Tyninghame, E Loth, 6-7 Jan (GLS, RWJS); 1 Buddon, Angus, 4 Feb (TMC). Spring passage: Fair Isle, 2 on 29 Apr-1 May, singles 5-8 May, 11th (2), 13-14th and 20 May (RAB); Shet, singles Skerries 8 May, Noss 25 May (RJT); Ork, 2 Papa Westray 18 May (EB, DJ). Autumn: Fair Isle 6 Oct (RAB); Moray, 2 Lossiemouth 26 Nov (R. Suddaby); Isle of May 2-3 Oct (DLC, IPG et al.); E Loth, 3 Tyninghame 20 Oct, 6 on 22nd, 3 on 23rd (GLS, EMS, RKMcG), 2 Aberlady 27 Oct (IAGB), 1 Dirleton 29 Oct (DEA); Ber, 10 Fast Castle 10 Nov (P. G. Kelly). Swallow Hirundo rustica. Breeding season rather late as in 1971; num- bers back to normal Banff study area (DBMcG); Fife, good first broods {TRG); 3 prs bred Isle of May; 1 pr attempted to breed Fair Isle (RAB); numbers down in Rox (AJS), Renf (HG, IPG), Central and S Ayr (WRB) and Glentrool, Kirk (GSh); unchanged N Ayr (WCW). Arrivals and migration: 3 Apr, first L of Lowes, Perth (MD); 8 Apr, Earlstoun Loch (AJW) and Hensol (Sir N. Henderson) Kirk; 9 Apr, Ard- well, Wig (RCD), Kildonan, Arran (MHD) and Foulis, Ross (CGH); 10 Apr, 2 Balgavies Loch, Angus (GMC) and 2 Torthorwald, Dumf (TW). Most late Apr in south, early May in north. Fair Isle, 3 May-13 July, peaks of 20 on 12th, 24-25 May, 45 on 3 June, 50 on 6th (RAB); Shet, peak passage 6-15 May, 20-30 May (RJT). 500 Guardbridge, Fife, late Aug at roost (TRG); Isle of May, 60 on 21 Aug, 50 on 10 Sep, last 29 Oct (per NJG); 50+ New Machar, Aber, 30 Oct (T. Hodd). Last records: 1 Nov _ singles Stonehaven, Kinc (DWOg) and Pabay, Skye (ECG); 3 Nov, 2 Lundin Links, Fife (PGTB); 5 Nov, 2 Crail, Fife (DWO) and 1 Aberlady, E Loth (BCK); 8 Nov Dunure, Ayr (JKRM). 368 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) *Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica. One Sumburgh Head, Shet, 29 May (S. J. Broyd)—5th Scottish record. House Martin Delichon urbica. Breeding status: 2 prs nested Unst, Shet (MS); brood fledged 11 Sep Thurso, Caith (PMC); poor breeding season Fife (TRG); ad feeding late young in nest Edinburgh 6 Oct (RBT); fewer Rox (AJS); Renf, considerable increase (HG, IPG); average num- bers, very good breeding season Ayr (WRB); young still in nest Garlies- ton, Wig, 20 Oct (RHM). Arrivals and passage: 15 Apr, 1 Gladhouse, Mid] (LLJV); 16 Apr, singles Lockerbie, Dumf (WA), Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG) and Arg (IR); 21 Apr, 2 Elie, Fife (JCS); 22 Apr, 1 Ardwell, Wig (RCD); 29 Apr, singles Vane Farm, Kinross (GC), Monikie, Angus (TMC) and Ruther- ford, Rox. Numbers late arriving and not in north until first week May; first Inv, Fort George 1 May (MR), late arriving Spey valley, first 6 Carrbridge 16 May (RHD). 50 Kilconquhar, Fife, 5 May (DWO). Fair Isle, passage 6 May-21 June, peaks 20 on 26 May, 30 on 30th, 40 on 6- 7 June (RAB); Shet, 8-12 May, more from 20th, max 75 Mainland 9 June (RJT); Handa, Suth, singles 11th and 23 May, 2 on 6 June (AG). Last Isle of May 30 Oct (IFS); Newburgh, Aber, 4 Nov (JAL); 3 North Berwick, E Loth, 8-10 Nov (DEA). Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Breeding status: good season, many young reared Fife (TRG); decrease reported E Loth, Midl, Renf and Ayr; feeding young Islay, I Heb, 14 Sep (CGB). Arrivals and passage: first ones early—19 Mar, Caerlaverock, Dumf (ECF); 22 Mar, Langholm, Dumf (ELOC); 26 Mar, Hawick, Rox (TDo); 31 Mar, Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO), 4 there 9 Apr, but very slow return, and still only a few in late Apr (DWO); Midl, first Duddingston 2 Apr (DRA); first Gladhouse 9 Apr, big numbers on 22nd (RWJS); first in north, 2 Marnoch, Banff, 9 Apr (JE); late Inv, 30 L Insh 28 Apr (RHD); one River Lochy 30 Apr (JCu). Fair Isle, passage 20 Apr, mainly from 6 May, max 5 on 6 May (RAB). Autumn: 1 Fair Isle 30 Aug, 2 on 1-2 Sep (RAB); 700+E Kingoodie, Perth, 8 Aug (EJM). Last records: 9 Sep, West Haven, Angus (TMC); 10 nae ae Rox (TDo); 14 Sep, Islay (CGB); 22 Sep Kilconquhar, Fife TB). *Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus. 11-12 records 30 May-ll July, and 26 Sep. Shet, ¢ West Burrafirth 9 June (per DC), 1 Tingwall 13 June, pr on 14th-15th (DC et al.), ¢ Helendale-Seafield 27-30 June (DC, PKK, BM), ad 3 Kergord 5-11 July (DC, IS); Caith, 1 (possibly 2) Dirlot 30 June (SL), ¢ Langwell 2 July (PMC, JTRS); Suth, ¢ Strathnaver 30 May (DWh), ¢ in song Altnaharra 5 June (Mrs A. Nixon); W Stir, d in song Inchcailloch, L Lomond, 6 June (KW et al.). Autumn: first-year ¢ Fair Isle 26 Sep, died 27th (RAB). Best recent year, with 11-12 birds, com- pared with 9 in 1968, 7 in 1969, 2 in 1970 and 9-10 in 1971. Raven Corvus corax. Breeding records: Fair Isle, eggs noted 5 Apr, 1 pr reared 2 young (RAB); Suth, pr reared 3 young Handa (AG); Ross, pr built nest Glascarnoch Dam 2 Apr (EBt); Galloway, no obvious change (ADW), but no evidence of breeding in usual areas Renf (HG); numbers lower E Inv (RHD); apparent increase in illegal use of poisoned carrion and baits in Highlands probably affecting numbers. Migrants: singles Yetholm, Rox, 13 Mar (RSB); Holyrood Park, Edin- ae 3 Sep (LLJV); Isle of May 7-9 May (CWB); 14 Fair Isle 6 Apr RAB). ae Corvus corone. Carrion Crow C.c. corone. Migration: more than usual in northern isles; Shet, 12 sightings late Feb-mid June (RJT); Fair isle, singles 5 days 26 Mar-4 Apr, 17-19th, 20th (12), 30 Apr, 14 on 1 May, stragglers to 8 June (RAB); one Rhum, I Heb, Dec (PW). Counts: 130 Invergowrie, Perth, 23 Apr, 207 on 30 July (PJO’B, EJM); 85 Beith roost, Ayr, 11 Apr (WCW); two large roosts, each 300+ birds, Ken Valley, Kirk (ADW, LAU). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 369 Hooded Crow C.c. cornix. Roost flock 175 Abernethy, E Inv, 31 Dec is lower than in recent years (RHD); more seen Fife, 5 sightings Jan-Apr, Aug-Nov (DWO); singles Isle of May 5 and 20 Apr (per NJG); singles River Dee, Kirk, 19 Mar (LF), Port William, Wig, 3 Dec (TVT). 19 out of flock of 25 at Fair Isle flew off N 29 Oct (RAB). Rook Corvus frugilegus. O Heb, 190 prs Stornoway is slight increase (WAJC). Migration: 1 Handa, Suth, 17 Apr (AG); Fair Isle, one 1 Jan, 2 on 13-29 Feb, scattered records 6 Mar-3 May, max 8 on 3 May, one 26 Nov-28 Dec, 2 on 12-14 Dec (RAB). Jackdaw Corvus monedula. Noticeable spring influx in northern isles: Fair Isle, one 22 Feb, 5 on 6 Mar, scattered records to 1 June, max 15 on 14 Mar (RAB); Shet, large influx—1l00 Veensgarth 12 Mar (DC), also recorded Whalsay, Unst and Foula at this time, gone by 15 Mar, 2 Fetlar 16 May, smal] parties Whalsay and Skerries (RJT); Scandin- avian type birds reported Shet and Fair Isle; one North Rona 30 June (JAL, ARM). Albino Dunscore, Dumf, Sep (JFY). Magpie Pica pica. Increase in afforested ground, Kirk (ADW); nest Braes, Skye, I Heb, 29 May; a few more reports Angus; singles Garmouth, Moray, 11 Mar (JMB), Mey, Caith, 11 Aug (Mr Cameron). Jay Garrulus garrulus. Indications of increase and spread throughout Scottish range: still increasing Kirk (ADW); 1 Dunragit, W Wig 28 Mar (RCD); Ayr, 3 Culzean 29 Oct-31 Dec (DB, GR), 2 Rozelle 26 Nov-31 Dec (MEC, WRB, IL); Dunb, 1 Milngavie 22 Apr (TPD); 2 sightings Rox; pos- sible increase Fife; Aber, singles Ballater 11 Jan (D. Welch), Torphins 22 June (RSBy); at least 2 L Linnhe area, W Inv/Arg (per JR). Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. Continued improvement in numbers Islay, I Heb (CGB); pr recorded Arg sea coast (per MJPG). Great Tit Parus major. Inv, unsuccessful season, late summer only 1 out of 16 trapped birds being I Y at Kiltarlity (MIH). Migrants: 1 Handa, Suth, 24 Sep (AG); 4 Holburn Head, Caith, 27 Jan (AFCMC, PMC), 2 Forss 6 Feb (KRM). Blue Tit Parus caeruleus. Poor breeding season Inv, high mortality among nestlings in early June, owing to wet weather, Kiltarlity (MIH), also Spey valley (RHD); Suth, nest 6 eggs L Hope 31 May (DCH). Coal Tit Parus ater. O Heb, only 1 sighting Stornoway 21 Mar (IMMcL): Inv, 1 migrant Whiteness Head 16 Jan showed characters of Continental race (RHD). Crested Tit Parus cristatus. Population in good numbers throughout range; 2 on bird table at Lossiemouth, Moray (CAG); seen Glen Cannich, Inv (B. Cooper). 370 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Marsh Tit Parus palustris. Increase at Gattonside, Rox (A. Walker); pr and 3 young Coldingham, Ber, 17 June (LLJV); 2 Gosford, E Loth, 22 Sep (GLS) were outside usual area. Willow Tit Parus montanus. Good numbers in Galloway; spreading Stinchar valley, Ayr (per WRB), increase to 3 prs Dalmellington (DWMcG); Lan, bred Carstairs, several miles outside usual range (RE-H), 5 Newmains 30 Sep (IL). Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Population remains high through- out mainland, although fewer Roslin Glen, Midl (JAN) and slightly fewer E Loth (AMt). Highest counts: 40 Thurso, Caith, 22 Nov (JMW); 20 Gruinard, W Ross, 3 Dec (PS); 25 Sherriffmuir, Perth, 21 Nov (CJH); 48 Insh, Inv, 23 Aug (DAH). Migrants: 11 Isle of May 30 Sep (DLC, NG). *Nuthatch Sitta europea. Singles heard Blackcraig Forest, Strathardle, Perth, 9 May (JJMF) and Invervar, Glen Lyon, Perth, 2 Sep (J. M. Pinder). Details have recently been received of singles seen at Invergowrie, !ate May 1970 and 23 Jan 1971 (D. Turner et al.) in the same county (7: 316). Treecreeper Certhia familiaris. W Ross, bred successfully Inverewe (PS); fewer E Loth (AMt, KSMcG); 15 Carrington, Midl, 11 June (JAN). Migrants: 1 Bass Rock, Forth, 9 July KCCH et al.); 1 Kergord, 26 Nov- end Dec (JSp et al.) was of the northern race C.f. familiaris. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Breeding status: increase Vane Farm, Kinross (AG); population high throughout Highlands (RHD); 7 prs hold- ing territory Handa, Suth (AG); 29+ territories Fair Isle (RAB). Dipper Cinclus cinclus. Breeding status: population one-third of 1971 level in N Ayr (WCW); decrease W Suth (SMD); bred Black Isle, E Ross, first ever known (MKMcD-D); 1 Hoy, Ork, 9 Sep (CJB). Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus. Large autumn movements in England were paralleled by unprecedented influx of birds into Scotland from 5 Nov, about 17 birds recorded in five counties—there are no previous Scottish records. Aber, 2d ¢ and 19 L of Strathbeg 5 Nov (GMD, GTS, QMS), 2 on 12 Nov (JAL, MAMcD, WM) still present Mar 1973 (RHD); Fife, ¢ trapped Guardbridge 5 Nov released Kilconquhar and present there until at least 10th (PNJC, DWO), 2 Morton Lochs 9 Dec (L. Collins), 2 Earlshall 10 Dec (DWO); Angus, 1 Buddon 25 Nov (TMC), 2 Montrose Basin 26 Nov (GMC), 3 Dec (TMC); E Loth, 5 Aberlady 24 Nov (1. A. G. Brown); Kirk, pr Auchenreoch Loch 31 Dec (G. Blackwell, M. Jones). Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus, Ork, pr Kirkwall but probably failed to breed (EB); increase Gairloch, W Ross (ENH). Counts: 98 Fearnan, Perth, early Sep (HEMD); 40 Edgelaw, Midl, 11 Sep; 50 Portmore, Peeb, 23 Sep (JAN, RWJS); Ayr, 23 juvs dead in crow trap 4 Aug (ADW). Mig- rants: Fair Isle, sporadic 19 Feb-7 June, singles except 6-15 Mar, when max 8 on 10th, 6 on 12th (RAB); Shet, 2 Lerwick 30 Jan (NLS), 2 Nesting 14 Mar (BM), 3 Whalsay 3-5 Mar, one 3 Oct (JHS). Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Pr bred Banff, at least 2 young seen out of nest 29 July (A. Payne); ad carrying food N Perth (JJMF). Circumstantial records of breeding: Shet, probably bred at usual site (per RJT); Aber, empty nest late May and pair summered (MAMcD), agitated pair in Scots pine at another area 15 May (D. B. Leslie), one there 9 June (JRDM); Perth, pr apparently holding territory Dunkeld early summer (IMcL), 1 Glen Artney 9 July (DRM). Spring passage generally late and delayed: Fife, 200N/hr Cupar 24 Mar (DWO); Midl, 4000 Middleton 9 Apr, 1000 on 16 Apr (RW), 700 Ros- lin 15 Apr (LLJV); 200 Fala 22 Apr (WB); 1000+ Lockerbie, Dumf, 10 Apr (RTS); 80 Glen Esk, Angus, 29 Apr (GMC); Fair Isle, influx 29 on 11 Apr, 80 on 29 Apr, 200 on 30th, steady passage first 2 weeks May, 50-200 most days, 400 on 10th, fewer than 10 from 17 May, last one 3 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 371 June (RAB); Shet, big influx 30 Apr, when 2000 Skerries, 1500 Fetlar, 1500 Whalsay, 800 Foula, 100 Unst, smaller passage from 8 May, max 200 Foula 11 May (per RJT et al.). Other late records: 6 Handa, Suth 7 May (AG); Inv, 25 Nethybridge 5 May (RHD), 1 Battan Forest 28 May (B. Joslin), 1 Dalnacardoch 18 May (JTRS); 17 Troup Head, Banff, 8 May (JE); 14 Rattray, Aber, 7 May (RLS); 26 St Kilda 1 May (DSt); 5 Dun- blane, Perth, 7 May (RMcM); last Isle of May 30 June (NJG). Autumn migration: Fair Isle, stragglers from 11 Aug, regular from 18 Sep, but first real influx 750 on 13 Oct, rather scarce until 3500 on 28th, 2500 on 19 Oct, then lower numbers, last peak 550 on 6 Nov (RAB); W Ross, 12 Kinlochewe 3 Sep (EBr); Inv, 2 Kiltarlity 17 Sep (MIH); Perth, 500 Port Allen 31 Oct, 2000+ on 11 Nov (RMcM); first Fife 3 Sep (DWO); Isle of May first 29 Aug, max 500 on 15 Oct (per NJG); 1250SW in 3 hrs Moorfoots, Midl, 21 Oct (RWJS); huge numbers E Loth 15 Nov (AMt), and cl0000-20000 Gullane-Dirleton coast 9 Dec (LLJV, DRL); Peeb, 4 Eddleston 27 Aug (W. N. Taylor); small flock Arran, Bute, 20 Aug (MHD); 2100+ Inchinnon, Renf, 30 Oct (IPG); 30 Auchencairn, Kirk, 17 Aug (I. Armstrong), 1500 Dalry 23 Oct (LAU). Song Thrush Turdus philomelos. Return to Highland breeding areas, Kiltarlity, Inv, 17 Feb, 5 on 1 Mar (MIH). Spring passage: Fair Isie mainly 6 Mar-29 May, but max only 10 on 7 Mar and 8 May (RAB); Shet, peaks 10 Whalsay 2 Mar (JHS), 50 Skerries 30 Apr (RJT); 20 Fife Ae Apr, more 7 May (DWO); scarce Isle of May, max 6 on 8 Apr Autumn passage: Fair Isle, 15 Aug-8 Sep, more from 20 Sep, max 25 on 1 Oct, 200 on 2nd, 40 on 6 Oct (RAB); 300 Ness islands, Inv, 22 Oct (JMCk); large numbers in off sea at Aberdeen 13-14 Oct (RLS); 200 Isle of May 1 Oct; Renf, passage from 27 Sep, heaviest 13 Oct (IPG); Rhum, I Heb, more abundant 2nd-3rd week Oct than in recent years (PW). Redwing Turdus iliacus. Breeding status: situation rather unclear owing to lack of recorded data. Observers are requested to send in full details of located nests/broods and singing dd, so that colonization can be documented. Summary of breeding records Area Singing dd Proved breeding Possible/probable breeding Caith 2 Suth 3+ E Ross 1 (B/4) W Ross 2 5 N Inv 10+ 3 E Inv 4 1 (B/5) Perth 1 Stir 1 31+ 12 Spring passage: rather scarce Fair Isle, main movements 25 Mar-20 May, max 30 on 9 May, stragglers to 19 June (RAB); Shet, 50 Whalsay 2 Mar, small numbers to early May (RJT); Suth, delayed Icelandic birds, 10 Altnacealgach 14 Apr, 40 Durness 15 Apr (RHD); Isle of May 6 on 10 Apr, last 31 May (per NJG). Autumn passage: Fair Isle, from 19 Sep, peaks 400 on 2 Oct, 2000 on 7th, 9500+ on 13th, 600 on 21st, 800 on 28th, 1500 on 29th, stragglers after 8 Nov except 56 on 21 Nov (RAB); Shet, from 24 Sep, peak 28 Oct, 372 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) when 1500 Fetlar, 300 Skerries, 200 Whalsay (per RJT); large numbers over Thurso, Caith, 13 Oct (PRJ); Inv, 2 Kiltarlity 25 Sep, influx 6 Oct, 900+ on 9th, most gone 13th (MIH), few Speyside from 29 Sep, mainly 4-18 Oct, peaks 500 Kingussie 9th, 1500 Insh 10th (RHD, RL); Kinc, 300S/hr Girdleness 7 Oct (AGK, AP), large influx 14 Oct (ADKR, RLS); Isle of May first 16 Aug, max 2000 on 15 Oct (per NJG); 50 Fife Ness 2 Oct (PNJC); 600 Roslin Glen, Midl, 7 Oct (JAN); Renf, main passage from 3 Oct, fewer than usual, peaks 3rd, 11th, 13th (heavy) and 14 Oct (IPG); heavy passage Hamilton, Lan, 13 Oct; Kirk, first Dalry 26 Sep, most 18 Oct (ADW, LAU). Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus. 1 pr bred Mainland, Shet, first ever record (per RJT); at least 1 pr bred Hoy, Ork, (per EB); 1 pr bred Renf. Spring arrivals: 18 Mar, L Harrow, Kirk (LAU); 23 Mar, Glentrool, Kirk (GSh); 24 Mar, 2 Moorfoots, Midl (WB); 26 Mar, 4 Glen Lethnot, ‘Angus (DH), Ousdale Burn, Caith (SL, PMC); 28 Mar, 2 Slochd, Inv (RHD); mostly first week Apr. Passage: Fair Isle, 26 Mar-23 June, max 13 on 7 May, 20 on 8th and 14 on 19th (RAB); Shet, scarce, max 8 Skerries 30 Apr (per RJT); 1 Troup Head, Banff, 8 May (JE); 1 Rattray, Aber, 7 May (RLS); Isle of May from 8 Apr. Autumn: Fair Isle, singles 8 days 30 Sep-8 Oct, but 18 on 2 Oct is low peak (RAB); Shet, 1 Whalsay 30 Sep (JHS); last Glen Nevis, Inv, 15 Oct (JCu); 1 Cruden Bay, Aber, 7 Oct (JP, PDR); scarce Fife Ness, 1 on 3 Sep, 2 on 3 Oct (AG, DWO). Blackbird Turdus merula. Passage numbers generally low: Fair Isie, spring peak 100 on 9 Mar, autumn from 9 Sep, peaks only 50 on 2nd and 21 Oct, 350 on 28 Oct, 300 on 21 Nov (RAB); Shet, peaks 100 Whal- say 2 Mar (JHS), 300 Fetlar 28 Oct (ISR); Aber, influx 13-14 Oct (RLS); 400+ Crawton, Kinc, 26 Nov (DWOg); Fife Ness, scarce, few on 2 Oct (PNJC); Inv, 100+ Broadford, Skye, 14 Oct (ECG); more abundant both winters Rhum, I Heb (PW). Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Spring: 18 Mar, 2 Lochinvar Loch, Kirk (I. Leach), Aberlady, E Loth (GCJ) and Lewis, O Heb (W. Matheson); 19 Mar, Caerlaverock and Langholm, Dumf (ELOC, ECF, JGY), Moor- foots, Midl (WB) and Islay, I Heb (D. Lea, PH-J); 20 Mar, Prestwick, Ayr (BCF); first in N mainland 22 Mar Glenspean, Inv (JR), 25 Mar, Fasnakyle, Inv (MIH) and Inshriach, Inv (RSPB). Many in late Mar, but most in mid Apr. Passage: Fair Isle, from 26 Mar, rather few to 20 on 12 Apr, 60 on 26th (RAB), Greenland birds 30 Apr (3)-14 June, mainly 13-20 May, max 10 on 30 May and 17 Aug-19 Oct, last 2 on 28 Oct (RAB); Shet, last Fetlar 25 Oct (ISR), last Spey Dam, Inv, 31 Oct (JR); Greenland 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 373 bird Auchmacoy, Aber, 24 Sep (MAMcD); last Crawton, Kinc, 3 Nov (DWOg); poor autumn Fife Ness, last 12 Oct (JARG); Isle of May, 18 July- 15 Oct, max 20 on 8 Sep (per NJG); last Musselburgh, Midl, 5 Dec (GLS). Stonechat Saxicola torquata. Breeding status: increase and good breed- ing season noted Caith, Suth, W Inv, Fife, Mid], E Loth, Bute, Ayr, Dunb and Galloway; 2 prs Handa, Suth, reared 2 broods each (AG); young on wing NW Suth 23 Apr (IDP) and Glenelg, W Inv, 30 Apr (DCH); bred Cobbinshaw, Midl, for first time, and again at Holyrood Park. Passage: Fair Isle, 7-17 Mar, singles except 8th (3), 9th (5), 14th (3), 3 6 Nov (RAB); Shet, singles Whalsay 6th, 7th and 8 Mar, 10 May (JHS); Kinross, ¢ Vane Farm 17 Oct, 5 Nov (GC); imovressive autumn passage Fife Ness, 50+ on 24 Sep, 20 on 25th (KB, DWO); Isle of May, one 18 May (JGY, DRG), 1 Oct, 2 on 2 Oct (DLC et al.); more wintering birds Caith (DG). Whinchat Saxicola rubetra. Breeding status: decrease reported Suth, E Loth, Rox, Renf (much reduced), Ayr, but good breeding season Arran. Arrivals: 26 Apr, Glen Quaich, Perth (EMH); 1 May, Fife Ness (DWO); mostly end first week of May throughout mainland. Passage: Isle of May, 2-27 May, max 10 on 7th (per NJG); singles Handa, Suth, 27th and 30-31 May (AG); Fair Isle, 6-31 May but scarce, max 25 on 18-19th, stragglers to 11 June (RAB); Shet, small passage 7-11 May, max 10 Skerries on 8th, more from 18th, max 50 Skerries, 21 May, 24 Fetlar 19 May (RJT); 1 North Rona 25 June-1 July (JAL, ARM). Autumn passage: rather scarce; Fair Isle, 14 Aug-9 Oct, peak only 10 on 20 Sep (RAB); scarce Shet, 13 Sep-3 Oct (RJT); Isle of May, 15 Aug-2 Oct, scarce, max 5 on 31 Aug and 4 Sep (NJG); 6 Fife Ness 24 Sep (KB). Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Breeding status: low numbers Spey Valley, Lochaber, Inv, Kinross, Midl, E Loth, Rox, Arran, average Kirk, but increase Ayr where 18 prs Dalmellington (DWMcG), also bred Bris- bane Glen, Renf (HG). Arrivals: 15 Apr, L of Lowes, Perth (MD); 16 Apr, Yetholm, Rox (RSB); 19 Apr, Blackshiels, Mid! (EH); 23 Apr, Strathglass, Inv (MIH); mostly on breeding ground from first days of May. Passage: Isle of May, 26 Apr-30 May, max 12 on 18th (NJG); Fair Isle, 29 Apr-30 May, max 40 on 18 May. 100 on 19th, 25 on 20th (RAB); Shet 7-13 May, mainly later in month max 25 Skerries 21 May (RJT). Autumn: Fair Isle, scarce, 2 Sep-11 Oct, max 20 on 2 Oct (RAB); Isle of May, 30 Aug-16 Oct, max 10 on 2 Oct (NJG); last Mainland, Shet, 29 Oct (RJT). *Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros. Recorded 27 Mar-12 June and 9 Aug-3 Dec (about 35 in spring, 7 in autumn). Shet, up to 6 Fetlar 11-13 Apr (G. Walton), 2 Mainland 11 Apr (AO), Whalsay 16 Apr (HS), Fetlar 6 May (RJT), Unst 12 June (MS); Fair Isle, 2 on 27 Mar, singles 28th and 31 Mar, 9 days 2-13 Apr, 1 or 2 most days 5-18 May, 4 on 8th (RAB); Moray, 2° Covesea 16 Apr (RHD, CGH); Angus, Usan 14 May (GMC); Isle of May, 9-10 Apr (NKA, MN),2 on 3 May (JHBM). Autumn: Fair Isle, 24-25 Aug, 1 Sep (RAB); Shet, Tresta 3 Dec (RJ); Aber, Rattray Head 21 Oct (JP, PDR); Isle of May, 9 Aug (HG, IPG), 2 Oct (DLC, BZ); Midl, 2 Leith 2 Oct (GLS). *Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. Singles Fair Isle (trapped) 7-9 June, 1 July (RAB). *Bluethroat Luscinia svecica. Recorded 8 May-3 June and 8 Sep-2 Oct (about 24 in spring, about 11 in autumn). Shet, 2 Fetlar 19 May (RSPB), Sumburgh 18 May, 2 on 19th, one 20th (BM), Skerries 21-22 May (RJT, BM), Noss 25 May (RJT), 1 on F.R.S. Explorer W of Shet 26 May; Fair Isle, singles 8-1lth and 14-15 May, 4 on 19th, singles 22nd, 26th, 4 on 27-28th, one 29th, 3 June (RAB); Westray, Ork, 23 May (EJW); ¢ Girdle- ness, Kinc, 21 May (AGK, AP, RS); 2 Isle of May 18 May (DRG, JGY). 374 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Autumn: Shet, Grutness 25 Sep (AO); Fair Isle, singles 8th and 25 Sep, 27th (2), 28th (4), 29th (2), one 2 Oct (RAB); 1 trapped Fife Ness 24 Sep (TRG); Isle of May 28 Sep (AMcD, RKMcG, JHBM). Robin Erithacus rubecula. Spring migration: Fair Isle, 8 Mar-27 May, peaks 25 on 11 Apr, 35 on 12th, 25 on 30 Apr (RAB); Shet, scarce 11 Apr- 27 May, max 10 Fetlar 30 Apr (RJT); Autumn: Fair Isle, Sep-Dec, scarce, mainly 1-19 Oct, when max 15 on 2nd (RAB); 4 Handa, Suth, 25-27 Sep (AG); 36 Isle of May 2 Oct (NJG). Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. Breeding status: generally good numbers throughout mainland. Arrivals: 19 Apr, 2 Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD); 25 Apr, Glentrool, Kirk (GSh) and Newbattle, Midl (EH); 28 Apr, Kingoodie, Perth (EJM); 30 Apr, Balmacara, W Ross (DCH); mostly first week in May. Migration: Fair Isle, 26 Apr, 29 Apr, daily 6-15 May, max 4 on 7th and 12th, 5 on 10th, stragglers to 27 May (RAB); 1 Grutness, Shet, 19-20 ‘(May (BM); Isle of May, 2 on 7 May, 1 on 8th, 2 on 9th (CWB). Autumn: singles Shet 27 Aug (AO), Fair Isle 27 Sep (RAB). *Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata. 1 trapped Fair Isle 19 Sep, probably present to 21 Sep (RAB, Mrs V. McFarland et al.)—first since autumn 1961, 12th Scottish record. *Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Fair Isle, 3 on 26 May, 27- 28th (2), 29th (4), 30th (2), singles 9-10 June, 24 July, 29 Sep-3 Oct (RAB); Shet, singles Foula 12 and 14 May (JGH), Fetlar 14 May, 1 June (song) (RSPB), Whalsay 3rd, 6-7 June (JHS). Reed/Marsh Warbler Sker- ries 2 Oct (DAH). *Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris. Singles Whalsay, Shet, 7 June (JHS), Fair Isle (trapped) 14-19 Sep (RAB). Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Breeding status: notice- able decrease Dornoch, Suth ((DMcD) and Kilconquhar, Fife (DW0O). Arrivals: 29 Apr, L of Lowes, Perth (MD); 30 Apr, Connel, Arg (EGC); 1 May, 11 Duddingston, Mid] (LLJV) and first Fife Ness (DWO, HDS); most from end of first week May. Migration: Isle of May, 7-30 May, max 6 on 7 May (NJG); Fair Isle, 7 May-10 June, max 4 on 10th and 27 May, 10 on 25 May (RAB); Shet, scarce 12 May-8 June, none autumn (RJT); 1 Handa, Suth, 30 Aug (AG); Fair Isle, singles 13 July, 3-4 Sep, 4 Oct (RAB); last Insh Marshes, Inv, 28 Sep (RL); singles Isle of May 10 Aug-2 Oct (NJG). *Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola. 4 at Fair Isle, 1 trapped 12 Aug, 3 trapped 14 Aug, all immatures, at least 1 present to 23 Aug (RAB, RHD, ERM et al.). (cf. influx mid Aug 1969); high numbers recor- ded England autumn 1972. *Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta. Singles trapped Fair Isle 29 Aug and 19-23 Sep (RAB et al.)—5th and 6th Scottish records. *Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina. Recorded 26 May-19 June and 15 Aug-19 Sep (12 in spring, 6 in autumn). Fair Isle, 4 on 26 May, 27th (2, one new), 28-29th (3), one 3-4 June, 10th (2), one 14-19th June, singles 29 Aug-4 Sep, 19 Sep (RAB); Shet, Fetlar 27-29 May (RSPB), Unst 15 Aug (BM); Ork, singles Copinsay 26-27th and 28 Aug (A. Reese); Isle of May 14 Sep (RLS, AJW). Blackeap Sylvia atricapilla. Breeding status: good season Kirk, W Stir, Dunb, Lan, Renf and Ayr; fewer Roslin Glen, Midl, 29 Apr (JAN); pr Thrumster, Caith, 22 June (JTRS). Arrivals and migration: Isle of May 30 Apr-28 May, max 3 on 7 May ‘((NJG); Fair Isle, 11 Apr-7 June, max 9 on 19 May, 6 on 29-30 May (RAB); main arrivals late Apr-early May. Autumn: Shet, max 35 Skerries 2 Oct, 15 Fetlar 5 Oct, last Mainland 25 Nov (JSp, RJT et al.); Fair Isle, 14 Aug-26 Nov, mainly 16 Sep-31 Oct, max 75 on 2 Oct, 3rd (30), 28th 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 375 (14) (RAB); 9 Cruden Bay, Aber, 5 Oct (DIMW); 1-3 Fife Ness 1-8 Oct (AG, DLC, PNJC); Isle of May, 30 Aug-28 Oct, max 30 on 2 Oct (DLC). Winter records Jan Feb Mar Nov Dec North (Inv/North) 2 5+ 4 Central (Moray-Fife, Arg-Dunb) 2 3 3 1 5 South (Forth-Clyde to Borders) 2 3 1 2 3 Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria. Recorded 13 Aug-18 Oct, singles unless stated: Shet, Unst 16 Aug (BM), Whalsay 20 Aug (JHS), Sumburgh 30 Aug (DC), Skerries 31 Aug, over 40 reports 7-27 Sep, last Unst 11 Oct (per RJT); Fair Isle,1-2 on 6 days 13-21 Aug, 1-4 daily from 26 Aug-5 Oct, peaks 6 on 13th and 18 Sep, 7 on 19th and 24 Sep, 2 on 12 Oct, singles 16 and 18 Oct (RAB et al.); Ork, Kirkwall 31 Aug, Stenness 3 Sep (CJB), Copinsay 29 Aug (A. Reese); Suth, Tongue 21 Sep (DWh); Aber, New- burgh 7 Oct (JP, PDR); Fife Ness 2-4 Sep (2), 2 Oct (TRG); Isle of May, 29-31 Aug (GLS), 9-10 Sep, 13th, 14th (3), 16th, 18-19th (AJW ez al.), 27 Sep (AMcD). Garden Warbler Sylvia borin. No comment most areas: pr bred Erskine, Renf (IPG); singing birds Buckie, Banff, 21 May (DBMcG); Olrig, Caith, 11 July (JTRS). Spring arrivals: 7 May, Fife Ness (DWO, EJM), and 2 Usan, Angus (TMC); 11 May, Garroch Glen, Kirk (LAU); Fair Isle, 18 May-24 June, max 30 on 26 May (RAB); Shet, 18 May (Foula)-12 June; Isle of May 19-24 May, 2 on 20th and 24th (NJG). Autumn: scarce; Fair Isle, 9 Aug- 21 Oct, peaks only 12 on 30 Aug, 10 on 20 Sep, 40 on 2 Oct (RAB); last Lerwick, Shet, 28 Oct (BM); Isle of May, 27 Aug-15 Oct, max 15 on 2 Oct (NJG). Whitethroat Sylvia communis. Breeding status: increase Rox, big in- increase and back to pre-1969 level N and W Renf (HG, IPG), also Ayr (WRB), good year Arran, W Stir, Wig coast (GSh), but numbers still GO (ADW) and still has not returned to breed Vane Farm, Kinross Arrivals: 10 Apr, early record Arran, Bute (GM, LR); 4 May, Fife Ness (DWO); 12 Isle of May 6 May (per NJG); but mainland mostly from 10 May; Fair Isle, 8 May-13 June, max 10 on 19th and 26 May (RAB); Shet from 3 May, max 9 Skerries 25 May (RJT). Autumn: Fair Isle, singles 14 Aug, 16th, 27-28th and 30 Sep, 1-4 Oct (RAB); Shet, from 9 Sep, few 1-4 Oct, last 29 Oct (RJT); Isle of May, singles 27 Aug-15 Oct, 2 on 2 Oct (per NJG). Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca. Summer status: 2-3 singing dd St Abbs/Eyemouth, Ber, June (RWJS, RKMcG); pr Humbie, E Loth, June (AMcD); ¢ Yetholm, Rox, 21 May (RSB); ¢ Kirkfieldbank, Lan, 14 May (J. Beal). Spring migration: Isle of May, 2-12 May, 15 on 7th (per NJG); Fife Ness, 1 May, 2 on 7th (DWO, EJM); Angus, 7 May, 2 Arbroath, singles Elliott, Dunninald, 2 Usan (GMC, TMC, MN); Kinc, 2 Girdleness 12 May, one 9th (RLS); Aber, 7 May, 4 Balmedie, 3 Rattray and 1 Inverugie, 2 Balmedie 9th (MAMcD, RLS); Fair Isle, 30 Apr-30 May, up to 6 several days, max 9 on 6 May, stragglers to 3 July (RAB); Shet, 4 May-3 June, max 20 Skerries 21 May (RJT). Autumn: Fair Isle, 19 Aug-20 Oct, max 4, Siberian type bird trapped 2 Oct, present to 8 Nov (RAB); Shet, about 30 reports 11 Aug-31 Oct JT); 1 Copinsay, Ork, 29-30 Aug (A. Reese); Fife Ness, singles 3rd and 24 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, 14 Sep-2 Oct, max 3 on 18 Sep. *Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans. ¢ trapped Fair Isle 26 June, present to 5 July (RAB, DPC, ERM). 376 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. Arrivals: 8 Apr, River Ken, Kirk (OTC); 9 Apr, Wigtown (RCD) and Doonfoot, Ayr (RWF, RTW); 11 Apr, Unst, Shet (BM); 12 Apr 2 Fair Isle (RAB); most arrivals main- land from 14-15 Apr, many Galloway 16 Apr (ADW), abundant Mid] 22nd (JAN). Fair Isle, 20 Apr-11 June, peaks 8 May (13), 18th (50), 19th (120), 26th (40); Isle of May 16 Apr, max 40 on 7 May. Autumn: Fair Isle, rather scarce, 13 Aug-9 Oct, peaks 30 on 26 Aug, 40 on 27th, 45 on 29th, 15 on 16 Sep (RAB); last Muir of Ord, E Ross, 12 Sep (DCH); last Vane Farm, Kinross, 14 Sep (GC, BHM); last 2 Fife Ness 2 Oct (AG); Isle of May, 6 Aug-9 Oct, max 20 on 14 Sep; last Dirleton, E Loth, 1 Oct (JB). Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. Breeding status: pr bred Carrbridge, Inv (S. P. W. Corbett); prs bred Achvarasdale and Forss, Caith (SL); more singing birds than usual in Caith, Suth, Ross, Inv and Banff; nested Kelso, Rox (PS-P); good numbers Dunb and Dumf. Wintering birds and arrivals: singles unless stated; 31 Jan West Kil- bride, Ayr (JLB); Jan Stornoway, O Heb (W. Matheson); Dumfries 2nd and 25 Feb (TN, DS), Langholm, Dumf, 28 Feb (ELOC); 23 Mar, Endrick mouth, Dunb (TW); 30 Mar, Glendaruel, Arg (JBH); 31 Mar, New Luce, Wig (RCD); mainly 2nd and 3rd weeks Apr, e.g. 6 Stirling 15 Apr (DMB). Passage: Fair Isle, 27 Mar, 11 Apr (3)-17 June, mainly early May when max 8 on 18 May (RAB); 1 Handa, Suth, 8 Apr (AG). Autumn: scarce; Fair Isle, 28 Aug-21 Oct, mainly 13 Sep-10 Oct, up to 6 in last week Sep, 12 on 2 Oct (RAB); Shet, last 3 Kergord 11 Dec (RJ); 3 northerns Balmedie, Aber, 4 Oct (DIMW); 1 Insh Marshes 28 Sep (RHD); I Heb, singles Rhum 11 Oct and 14 Dec (dead) first since 1957 (PW); last Dirleton, E Loth, 1 Oct (JB). Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Breeding status: fewer W Ross (ENH); few W Inv (JCu); 4+ prs bred Renf (HG). Arrivals: 18 Apr, Dal- mellington, Ayr (DWMcG); 22 Apr, Foulis,_E Ross (CGH); 27 Apr, L of Lowes, Perth (MD); 8 May, Glenlee, Kirk (ADW), Banavie, W Inv (JCu), Strathpeffer, E Ross (DCH); mostly mid May. Spring passage poor; Fair Isle, 4 singles 18 May-3 June (RAB); Shet, 2 Fetlar 19 May (ISR), 1 Main- land 27 May, d in song Kergord June-6 July (RJT et al.). Autumn: Fair Isle, 13 Aug-29 Sen, mainly late Aug-early Sep, peaks 27th (3), 28-29th (5) and 30 Aug (3) (RAB); Shet, Fetlar singles 15-30 Aug (RSPB), Unst, 14 Aug, 15th (2), 16-17th (BM), 24 Sev (MS), Sumburgh 30 Aug. 19 Sep (DC), Lerwick 21 Sep (PKK); singles Montrose and West Ferry, Angus, 10 Aug (TMC, GS); Fife Ness 2 Oct (PNJC). *Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. 6 records: 1 trapped Stenness, Ork, 3 Sep (CJB); 1 trapped Fair Isle 24-29 Sep (RAB et al.); Shet, ean eee 27 Sep, Spiggie and Bigton 29 Sep (RE-H), Whalsay 2 ct : *Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus. About 25-30 birds 26 Sep-19 Nov: Shet, singles Sumburgh 26 and 29 Sep (DC, BM, RE-H), Skerries 29 Sep (DAH), Whalsay 2 Oct (JHS), Helendale 4 Oct (PKK), Grutness 19 Nov (BM); Fair Isle, amazing arrival of 12 on 27 Sep, 28th (8), 29th (6), 2 Oct (5), up to 4 on 3-5th, singles to 8th, one 12-14 Oct (RAB); singles Isle of May 28 Sep (JHBM, AMcD, RKMcG), 2 Oct (DLC, IPG), and Fife Ness 1 Oct (AG, DWO). Goldcrest Regulus regulus. Breeding status: young successfully reared at Kergord—first breeding record for Shet (DC, BM); 2 prs bred Binscarth, Ork, and at least 1 pr Hoy plantations. Scarce on spring passage: Fair Isle, 18 Mar-20 May, peaks 15 on 25 Mar, 26th (20), 11 Apr (12); singles Handa, Suth, 2-4th and 14-18 Apr, 2nd and 11 May (AG); 2 Fife Ness 2 May (DWO). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 377 Autumn passage rather light: Shet peaks 80 Whalsay 3 Oct, 15 Sker- ries 2 Oct (JHS); Fair Isle, 3 Sep-2 Nov, peaks 35 on 27 Sep, 2 Oct (50), 5-6th (30), (RAB); Isle of May, max 150 on 2 Oct, 200 on 18 Oct (per NJG); Fife Ness, 6 on 10 Sep, 3 on 25th, 12 on 2 Oct (KB, PNJC); 100 Muirshiel Park, Renf, 6 Oct (IPG). *Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus. 1 in spring, at least 6 in autumn-win- ter. St Abb’s Head, Ber, 14 Apr (B. Banson et al.); 2 Isle of May 1 Oct, 4 on 2nd, 3 on 3rd, 1 on 4th (DLC, BZ et al.); Shet, Sumburgh 2-3 Oct (DC, RE-H, PKK); Thurso, Caith, 7 Dec present into 1973 (PMC, SL et al.). At least 7 individuals compared with 6 in last 4 years. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata. Breeding status: fewer Renf (HG, IPG); numbers low E Loth; but increase several places Midl and Caith (RWJS, PMC); 2 prs bred Binscath Wood, Ork (EB). Arrivals: 5 May, Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG); 6 May, Balmedie, Aber (RLS); 7 May, 2 Penpont, Dumf (ARH); 8 May Hermitage, Mid] (LLJV); mostly end second week May; later in north, 3 Garten, Inv, 20 May (RSPB). Spring passage: Fair Isle 7 May-3 July, mainly 18 May-12 June, peaks 8 on 20th and 26 May, 10 on 3 June (RAB); Shet, 18 May-9 June, max 5 Skerries 25 May (RJT); Isle of May, 9-30 May. Autumn: Shet, 3 Skerries 2 Oct (DAH); Fair Isle, singles 14 and 25 Sep, 1-2 between 2nd and 7 Oct (RAB); Isle of May, 2 Sep-1 Oct (NJG); 13 West Haven, Angus, 17 Sep (TMC); 4 Tyninghame, E Loth, 10 Sep (LLJV). Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. Breeding status: improved num- bers breeding Glentrool and Glenkens, Kirk (GSh, ADW, LAU); increase to 10 prs Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG); situation not so good Borders and Lothians; only 3 prs L Lomond (KW et al.); bred Killiecrankie, Perth, young on 22 June (EJM); none reported nesting Highland area, although few singles reported Inv, Ross and Suth. Arrivals: 28 Apr, Penpont, Dumf (ARH); 2 May, Dalmellington, Ayr (DWMcG); 7 May, Usan and Dunniwald, Angus (GMC, TMC). Passage: Fair Isle, 12 May-10 June, peaks 18 May (12), 19th (50), 15-20 daily to 22 May (RAB); Shet, few from 8 May when 2 Whalsay (JHS), influx from 19 May, max 20 Skerries 21 May (RJT), last Sumburgh 9 June (BM); 2 Isle of May 15 May (NJG). Autumn: Fair Isle, 13 Aug-6 Oct, mainly 26 Aug-3 Sep when max 30 on 28 Aug, 60 on 29th (RAB); singles, Handa, Suth 18 Sep (AG), Rhum, I Heb, 11 Oct (PW); Fife Ness, 27 Aug-24 Sep, max 6 on 2 Sep and 24 Sep (KB, DWO); Isle of May 13 Aug-12 Oct, max 20 on 18 Sep (NJG). *Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva. Scarce, only 5 records, all singles: Shet, Foula 18-20 Aug (Brathay), Skerries 28 Sep and 2 Oct (DAH); Aber, Balmedie 2 Oct (DIMW); E Loth, Aberlady 23 Oct (S. Mas- terton, C. G. Pearson). 378 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) _ Dunnock Prunella modularis, Migration: Fair Isle, scarce 6 Mar-8 May, max 9 on 12 and 19 May, stragglers to 20 May, one 27-28 Sep, 1-6 on 2-6 Oct, singles 16th and 28 Oct, 22 Nov (RAB); Shet, very scarce, Skerries 9 Apr (RJT), 2 Helendale 11-14 Apr (DC), few 2-10 May, few Fetlar- Skerries 2-8 Oct (per RJT); Handa, Suth, singles 29 Aug, 14-30 Sep, 3 on 24 Sep (AG). *Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae. One Whiteness Head, Inv/ Nairn, 16 Jan (RHD); singles Fair Isle 27-29 Sep, 2 Oct, 1 Nov (RAB) and Weyland Bay, Ork, 15 Oct (W. Hewison). *Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris. 1 Musselburgh, Midl, 15 Sep (GLS, RWJS, Miss O. Thompson). Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Breeding comments: pr bred Isle of May (NJG); mainly 4-egg clutches Glentrool, Kirk, but 15-20% with 5 eggs (GSh); fledged young Fair Isle 3 June (RAB). Migration: Fair Isle, from 12 Mar, mainly 23-26 Mar, 50 on 26th (RAB); very heavy passage Fife Ness 27-30 Aug, 3 Sep and 400+ on 24-25 Sep (KB, DWO); Isle of May, peaks 500 on 2 Apr, 200 on 3rd and 18 Sep (NJG); 100 Mull of Galloway, Wig, 14 Oct (RCD). Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. Arrivals: 8 Apr, Dalry, Kirk (AJW); 10 Apr, Balgavies, Angus (MN); 23 Apr, Strathglass, Inv (MIH); mostly in first week May. Migration: Fair Isle, 30 Apr (4), 6-31 May, peaks 18 on 12th, 25 on 19th, stragglers to 14 June. Autumn: scarce; singles 20-25 Aug, 26th (2), 27-29th, 6 Sep, 8-9 Oct (RAB); 4 West Haven, Angus, 16 Sep (TMC); 3 Isle of May 8-9 Aug (HG, IPG). *Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi. 1 Whalsay 3 Oct (JHS, J. L. Simpson)— first Scottish record outside Fair Isle. Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta. Ad feeding young Cuckoo Monreith, Wig (GSh); leucistic juvenile reared Isle of May; singles Invergowrie, Perth, 31 Jan, 27 Feb, 19 Nov and 9-10 Dec (NKA, EJM, BML); 1 inland Balgray Reservoir 16 Oct (RAJ). Water Pipit A.s. spinoletta. Ayr, Doonfoot 4 Apr, 3 on 5th-8th, 2 on 9th, one to 1lth (WRB, RHH, IL et al.); E Loth, 2 Beilburn, West Barns, 7 Apr (GLS, LLJV); Midl, 1 Harlaw Reservoir 27-28 Dec (IAGB, G. Jamie- son. Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Pied Wagtail M.a. yarelli: 2 prs bred Handa, Suth (AG); probable increase Ork (EB); Fair Isle, pr nested, 4 young flew 24 June, second brood of 2+ young, first definite nesting record for island (RAB); Shet, several pairs nested, which is very un- usual] (RJT). White Wagtail M.a. alba: pr bred Machrie River, Arran, 11 July (BCK); mixed prs nested Islay (CGB, TDHM) and Caith (JTRS); d holding terri- tory Creetown, Kirk, 10-11 June (D. V. Mardle). Pied Wagtail migration: return of breeders Aviemore, Inv, from 13 Mar (RHD), Caith 20 Mar (PMC); Fair Isle, 19 Mar—peak of 5 on 27 May (RAB), 1-2 on 8-23 Sep, one 10 Nov (RAB); Dingwall, Ross, roost 500-600 on 24 Aug, 345 ringed (ARM), 1 colour-ringed bird, Dingwall 18 Aug, had been ringed Reading, Berks, 1 Dec 1969 (ARM); 68 Speymouth, Moray, 21 Sep (JMB); 65 West Haven, Angus, 22 Aug (TMC); 120+ Bridge of Earn, Perth, end Sep-Oct (EJM); albino in flock of 100+ Dalry, Kirk, 14 Aug (FD). White Wagtail migration: Fair Isle, 2 on 24 Mar, 8 Apr-27 May, peaks 6 on 30 Apr, 8th, 10th and 12 May; autumn 12 Aug-4 Oct, peaks 12 Aug (12), 17th (13), 27-28th (60) (RAB); Caith, 12 Reay 23 Apr (PMC), late one Thurso 17 Nov (JMW); Handa, Suth, 20 Apr-2 May, max 5 on 2nd ne cP) Loch Eye, Ross, 9 Sep (RHD); 100+ Endrick Mouth, Dunb, 6 y " - 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 379 Grey Wagiail Motacilla cinerea. Breeding comments: increase Garlies- ton, Wig (RHM); possible increase central and S Ayr (WRB) and Inv (RHD), but 50% decrease N Ayr (WCW). Migrants: singles unless stated: Fair Isle, 26 Mar, 31 May-11 June (RAB); Virkie, Shet, 15 May (FH); Kinross, 1 Vane Farm 16 June, 2 Sep, 18 Sep (5), 28 Sep (GC); Fife Ness 2 Sep (DWO); Isle of May 18 Aug (NKA, RWJS); 4 Aberlady, aL: 30 Aug (GCJ); count 23 Roslin Sewage Farm, Midl, 16 Aug *Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola. Single first-year birds Inverness 3 Sep (RHD, MKMcD-D, MR et al.) and Fair Isle trapped 7-13 Sep (GJB, RAB, ERM et al.); the Inverness one is the first mainland record (7: 316). Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. Yellow Mf. flavissima, Breeding records: Stir, ad and 3 juvs Skinflats 26 Aug (HEMD); Rox, pr with young Teviothead, plus extra gd (RWJS), pr probably bred Yetholm (DCo); Lan, prs at Carstairs ND, JBe), Pettinain (RE-H) and 2 prs Strathaven (DLC); Renf, ¢ Paisley Moss June but no proof of breeding (IPG), similar sit- uation 2 areas N Ayr (WRB). Several records SE Scot 1 May-5 Oct, max 4 Aberlady, E Loth, 3 Sep (RHH, LLJV). Migration: singles Girdleness, Kinc, 6 May (AGK); St Kilda, O Heb, 2 June (DSt); Fair Isle, ¢ 30 Apr, singles 14th and 18 May, 10 June (fewer than usual), flavas to 7 June (RAB); few Shet 8-15 May (per RJT). Blue-headed Wagtail M.f. flava. Scarce, singles Fair Isle 19 May, 4th on June, 16-21 Sep (RAB); Unst, Shet, 7 May; Westray, Ork, 21 May Grey-headed Wagtail M.f. thunbergi. Singles Fair Isle 13-15th and 28-29 May (RAB); Shet, Skerries 21 May, Fetlar 1-4 June (RJT), 2 Unst 8 May (J. Gooders). Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus. Rather scarce in winter, Jan-18 Mar, max 30 in 1 flock, stragglers to 27 May; rather low numbers in autumn, first 30 Sep, mainly from late Nov, max 50 in flock. Winter-spring: recorded in small numbers Inv/south Jan-Feb; max counts and late dates: 6 Locharbriggs, Dumf, 10 Feb (KBr); 6 Auchin- cruive, Ayr, 21 Mar (WRB); last 3 Selkirk 2 Apr; 30 Edinburgh 8 Jan (GF), last 18 Mar; 10 St Andrews, Fife, 2-3 Feb (MHEC); 10 Dundee, Angus, 31 Jan (NKA), one 4 Apr (DMS); 13 Aberdeen 8 Feb (RLS); 8 Tulloch, E Inv, 15 Feb-15 Mar, 8 Inverness 22 Feb (RHD); singles Oe. Caith, 14 Mar (PMC); St Ola, Ork, 24 Jan; Geosetter, Shet, 27 May Autumn migration: first dates and peaks: Shet, very few from 2 Nov; Fair Isle, only one 11-12 Nov (RAB); 15-20 Toftwood, Ork, 21 Nov (CE. R. Bullard); Ross/Suth from 14 Nov, max 24 Brora 16 Dec (C. Port); E Ross/ Inv, from 20 Nov, max 24 Munlochy 27 Nov (MKMcD-D); Moray/Banff, from 11 Nov, 36 Fochabers 2 Dec (JMB); Aber, from 30 Sep (10) (RLS), flocks up to 50 later (AGK); Perth, 8 Invergowrie 14 Nov (RC, EJM); Fife, from 23 Nov; Midl, 2 Loanhead 20 Oct (GF); E Loth, 12 Gullane 6 Nov, small parties through Nov (AMt); 14 Selkirk 9 Nov (per AJS); Dumf, from 21 Nov, max 5 Glencaple 27 Nov (PRN); 6 Gatehouse, Kirk, 20 Nov (TVT); all round rather scarce in 1972. *Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. Rather low in numbers; about 22 recorded Jan-30 Apr, and 22 in autumn 3 Sep-Dec. Winter-spring (singles unless stated): Kirk/Wig, L Ken 6 Jan-7 Apr (ADW ez al.), Glentrool Apr (GSh), Fleet Forest Feb (J. Carson), Glassoch 10-13 Apr ' (D. Gladstone); Dumf, Eskdalemuir early 72 (ELOC); Ayr, Mochrum Loch 13 Jan (AGS); Arg, Ardrishaig 23 Mar (M. Campbell); Rox, Hawick 6 Feb (TDo), Rhymer’s Glen 12 Apr (LDGL); Midl, Newlandrig 20 Feb-19 Mar JB, AWGJ); Perth, Tummel Bridge 19 Mar-3 Apr (GW ez al.), Port of Menteith 9 Apr (VEC); Angus, Lunan Bay, 26 Mar (JIS); Inv, Morlich 380 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) 9 Jan (RHD); Moray, Advie 15 Feb (H. Marshall); Suth, L Badna Scallaig 9 Mar-14 Apr (ENH, SL, JAW); Caith, Westfield 5 Mar (PMC); Fair Isle, 1 Apr (RAB); Shet, Yell 12 Apr (RJT), 2 Skerries 30 Apr (RJT), Whalsay 30 Apr (JHS). Autumn: Shet, Whalsay 6th and 8 Oct (JHS); Fair Isle, 28 Oct (RAB); Ork, Swona early Nov (EB); Suth, early one Rogart 3-16 Sep (A. G. S. Bryson, DMcD); Inv, 2 Rothiemurchus 2 Dec (JPG); Banff, Keith 20 Oct (R. Rae), Knock 17 Dec (E. Kellock); Aber, 2 Ballochbuie 19 Nov VJ. Chapman), Crathes 9 Dec (A. Watson); Angus, West Haven 5 Nov, Mont- rose 3 Dec (TMC); Perth, Tummel Bridge 10 Nov (RHD); Isle of May 2 Oct (DLC, HG, BZ); Rox, Gattonside 25 Dec (AJS); Ayr, Dalmellington 18 Nov (DWMcG); Dunb, Endrick mouth 29-30 Oct (DNB, TPD); Dumf, Lockerbie 21 Oct (RTS), Lochmaben 15 Nov (JDSM); Kirk, Craignair 20 Nov-Dec (ECF). *Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. Suth, ad Kinbrace 21 June (Mr and Mrs J. Loates); imm trapped Fair Isle 26 Sep-5 Oct (GJB, RAB, ERM). *Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator. Fair Isle, imm trapped 18-30 Sep (RAB et al.). *Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio. Spring: Fair Isle, ¢ 19 May, 26th . (2), 27th, 2-3 June, 5th-7th, 11th, 12th, 18 June (RAB); Shet, Foula 24 May (JGH) Skerries 30 May (BM), Whalsay 26-27 May, 3rd and 8 June (JHS), Hascosay 12 June (RJT), Fetlar 4 June (2), 9th, 11th (RSPB). Autumn: singles Fair Isle 3 Sep (RAB); Skerries 3-8 Sep (DAH). Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Fair Isle, influxes 6-9 Mar, 1 Apr, 11 Apr, 12 Oct, 21st (1000+), 25-29 Oct (500+ on 28th) (RAB); Suth, 400 Handa 25 July, 250 on 13 Aug (AG); 30000 Dundee, Angus, 14 Feb (TMC); heavy passage Longniddry, E Loth, 22 Oct (AMt). *Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus. Fair Isle, ad 8-10 July (RAB); Suth, ad Faraid Head 9-14 July; (G. Bundy, M. Davies, A. J. Greenland), Scourie 31 Aug-28 Sep (B. Harrup, IDP et al.); Kirk, ad Palnackie 13-18 Sep (Mrs H. B. Halliday). *Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes. Breeding record: family party Dumf summer (ECF). Mainland sightings: Perth, 2 Scone 16 Apr (EC), 3 Invergowrie 29 Jan-16 May (NKA, EJM); W Loth, d Kirkliston 11 Jan (per ADP-D); Midl, 1 Crichton Castle 20 May (ISF); 1 Castle Douglas, Kirk, 27 June (JDW). Migrants: Fair Isle, 9 (trapped) 12 Apr (RAB); Shet, ¢ Lerwick 4 Apr, died 18 Apr (DC), ¢ dead Unst 5 May (J. Priest); O Heb, d St Kilda 18 May-early June (DSt). Greenfinch Carduelis chloris. Counts: 100 Freswick, Caith, 13 Dec (PMC); 400 Lindean, Selk, 24 Dec (RHH). Migration: Fair Isle, about 7 singles 25 Mar-11 May, autumn 12 Oct-14 Dec, mainly singles, but 7 on 31 Oct, 12 on 4 Nov, 8th (8) (RAB); Shet, 4 Whalsay 1-2 Nov (JHS), 3 Skerries 3 Nov (PKK), 8 Weisdale 11 Nov (IS), some others, last Fetlar 3 Dec (ISR); 9 Isle of May 24 Dec (NKA). Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis. Good numbers; increase reported Midl, Rox, Arran; 100+ Doonfoot, Ayr, 17 Sep, over 50% juvs (WRB); 50 North Berwick, E Loth, 22 Sep (DEA); records N to Caith, 2 Thurso 12 Jan- 9 Feb (PMC); 1-2 Stornoway, O Heb, 12 Dec (WAJC); 1 South Ronaldsay, Ork, 10 May (per EB). Siskin Carduelis spinus. Breeding status: increases reported Kirk, Arran, Midl, Kinross, Caith; young already fledged Dalry, Kirk, 31 May (ADW). Counts: 100+ Bennan forest, Kirk, 12 Mar (ADW); 58 Lockerbie, Dumf, 28 Mar (RTS); 50 Earlshall, Fife, 10 Dec (DWO); 20 Vane Farm, Kinross, 2 Mar (BHM); 50 Kellie Moor, Angus, 18 Dec (MN). Feeding on peanuts noted in various areas. 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 381 Migration: Fair Isle, 29 Apr-31 May, 1-3 on many days, scarce autumn, 2-3 on 2-10 Oct, singles 29 Oct-5 Nov, 19-20 Nov, 2-3 Dec (RAB); ‘Shet, 9-13 May, max 20 Ronas Voe 10- 1] May (BM), one Fetlar 6-18 June had been ringed in Italy (ISR), 4 Unst 3 July (L. Cole), 2 Fetlar 2 Oct, 3 Kergord 8 Oct, 17th (2) (DC, IS); 2 St Kilda 13 May (DSt). Linnet Acanthis cannabina. Counts: 175 Gailes, Ayr, 23 Aug (RTW); 150+ Tibbermore. Perth 17 Nov (EJM). Migration: Fair Isle, 4 Apr-12 July, mostly Apr-May, max 6 on 13 Apr, singles 12-13 Oct, 5 Nov (RAB); Shet, 3 Seafield 14-23 Apr (DC ez al.); few 8-24 May, max 4 Skerries oct 1G). 2 Tingwall 12 Dec (RD); Isle of May, 31 on 9 Apr, 20 on t Twite Acanthis flavirostris. Breeding status: probable increase Wig (GSh), fledged young at new site Monreith. Counts: Caith. 200 Duncansby 18 Feb (RHD); 200+ Red Point, W Ross, 4 Sep (ENH); 300 Lentran, Inv, 12 Nov (MIH); 217 Lower Clova, Angus, 4 Jan (NKA); 80 Skinflats, Stir, 16 Dec (J. Moss); up to 13 Isle of May 23-29 Dec (NKA); E Loth. max 20 on 14 Nov, 2 Dec (AMt. LLJV); 140+ Pabay, Skye, 25 Aug (ECG); 150 Turnberry, Ayr, 16 Dec (RHH). Redpoll Acanthis flammea. Continued increase noted Caith, Suth (1 pr bred Handa plantation) (AG) and Aber; count of 150 Insh Marshes, Inv, mid Oct (RL). Large autumn invasion of Mealy Redpolls A. f. flammea: Fair Isle, few (1-3) between 10-25 May, autumn 8 Sep-20 Dec, peaks 24 Sep (8) increased to 27th (40), 28th (50), fewer 3-17 Oct, 18- 19th (46), 21st (50), 27th (40), 28th (80), down to 6 on 29 Oct, small ‘numbers into Dec, 116 trapped (RAB, ERM); Shet, few 10-20 May. late Sep-Nov (RJT); Inv, 2-3 Insh 25 Oct (RL), 2 Ardersier 15 Nov (RHD); Caith, 3 Thurso 17 Nov, 2 Castletown 3 Dec (PMC); Aber, 7 Balmedie 4 Oct (DIMW)); 1 Fife Ness 22 Oct (AGG); Isle of May, one 11 Oct, increased to peaks 15th (15), 21st (65), 22nd (50+), 23rd (40), 24th (6), further peak of 15 on 4 Nov (per NJG). Redpoll spp: 60-80 Aberlady, E Loth, increased to 320 on 29 Aug, 300-400 through Sep-Oct (per KSMcG), some of these and other autumn flocks probably part of the Mealy Redpoll irruption. Greenland Reda- poll A.jf. rostrata: 6 Harray, Ork, 10 Dec (EJW); one Fair Isle 14 Dec (RAB). Lesser Redpoll Aj. cabaret/disruptis: 1 Fair Isle 2-6 Oct (RAB). *Arctic Redpoll Acanthis hornemanni. Birds examined in the hand and showing the characters of Arctic Redpoll: Fair Isle, 24-28 Sep, 19-26 Oct (RAB, ERM et al.); North Ronaldsay, Ork, 12 Oct (J. M. B. King). Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Counts: 60-80 Dalmeny, W Loth, 30 Dec (RDM); 12 Inverewe, W Ross, 26 Jan (PS). Migrants of northern race P.p. pyrrhula: Fair Isle, 28 Jan, 11-13 Apr, 6 May, 10-14 May (RAB); Shet, a few wintered to 18 Apr, few 8-21 May and late Oct-30 Nov (per RJT); 2 Finstown, Ork, Jan-Feb (EJW). *Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, 4 in spring, at least 33 in autumn, continued the increase of recent years. Spring singles: West Haven, Angus, 30 Apr (TMC)—first for Angus; d Isle of May 31 May (JHBM); 2 Unst, Shet, 29 May (RJT); 9 Fair Isle 19-21 June (RAB). Autumn migration 23 Aug-5 Oct, singles unless stated: Shet, Fetlar 29 Aug-2 Sep, 2 on 4-6 Sep (ISR et al.); Skerries 8 Sep, 10th, 11-12th (2), 13th (DAH); Whalsay 5 Sep, 12 Sep (BM, JHS); 2 Sumburgh 10 Sep, Grutness 4 Oct (DC); Fair Isle, at least 17 individuals, 7 trapped, seen daily 23 Aug-14 Sep, 3 on 23rd, increased to 6 on 26- 27th, 3 daily until 5 on 2 Sep, 3rd (4), singles to 14th, but 3 on 9th, 1-3 on 16-19th, 1-2 daily 25 Sep-1 Oct (RAB, ERM et al.); Rousay, Ork, 5 Oct (D. & M. Swann); Isle of May, 4 individuals,, 28 Aug-6 Sep (GIS), 6-14th, 9-12th, 18-19 Sep, (AJW, RLS et al). 382 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Good numbers of Scottish Crossbills in Spey valley in early part of year, e.g. 20 Garten 2 Apr, flying young from 7 May (RHD). Very strong irruption of Continental birds starting mid June. Peak counts and main passage dates: Fair Isle, one 19-20 June another 21st, 22nd (4), 25th (8), 28th (10), daily 1-26 July, peaks 3rd (27), 6th and 9th (50), 21st (54 flew over), 3lst (9), 2 on 19 Aug, one to 24th, ¢ 9-16 Oct, 2 on 17th, one to 22nd, one 28th (RAB et al.); Shet, 9 Bressay 17 June, many from 19th, several hundreds through islands in July, most gone by 25th, last 12 Oct (RJT et al.); Ork, 20+ Sule Skerry 17 June (S. Craigie), 20 Rendall 18-19 June (CJB), 30 Kirkwall 6 July (D. Glue), flocks elsewhere in July (EB); Caith, 60 Sandside 11 June (SL, JTRS), 20 Castle of Mey 29 June (IJF-L, JTRS); Suth, 20 Forsinard 15 July (JTRS), 10 Merkland 24 June (IDP); O Heb, 20 North Rona 28 June, 50+ on 410 July (JAL, ARM, RAFKOS), 4 Shiants 30 June, 8 Stornoway 2 July (WAJC), St Kilda 6 early July, 3 on 2 Aug (DSt); Ross, 25 Glen Glass 16 July (RHD); Inv, 26 Rothiemurchus 26 June, 18 L Ashie 20 July, 150 Glen More 22nd July, 50 Rothiemurchus 4 Aug, 4 Sep, 75 on 5 Sep, 120 on 9th (RHD). E coast records: Angus, 40 Glen Doll 2 Oct (GMC), 30 Lintrathen 12 Nov (JIS, BR); Isle of May, singles 16th and 23 July (GCh, LA); Midl, 21S Gladhouse 9 July (RWJS); Peeb, 10 Portmore 3 Dec; Ber, 12 St Abbs Head 10 July (RKMcG); Sel, 30-40 Bowhill 12 Nov (AJS); Renf, 5 Muirshiel late June, 13 Inverkip 25 Dec (HG); 7 Arran 17-30 July (MHD); Dumf, 20-40 Canon- bie Aug-Dec (ELOC); Kirk, 10SW Dalry 1 July (LAU), 12-15 on 15 July (J. H. Wood). *Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera. 3 records: Shet, single dd Kergord 6-13 July (PKK, IS ,DC et al.), Whalsay 19 July (JHS); Fair Isle 8-9 July (RAB, DPC, ERM et al.)—first records since 1968. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. Migration: Fair Isle, 9 Mar-17 May, small numbers, max 15 on 12 Apr, autumn very small numbers 24 Sep-16 Oct, 28 Oct-9 Nov, max 12 on 8th and 11 Oct (RAB); Shet, 5 Foula 17 Mar (JGH), 2 dd singing Kergord summer, scarce autumn, max 30 Kergord Dec (IS); singles Handa, Suth, 5th and 25 Apr, 13th and 25 Sep (AG). (RSEe. 300-400 Torphins, Aber, 22 Jan, hard-weather movement 31 Jan RSBy). Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. Winter counts and spring migra- tion: very scarce in north, max 15 Coignafearn, Inv, 27 Jan (RHD, DNW); 50 Huntly, Aber, 29 Mar (MAMcD), very large flock (1000-2000) Glen Callater 16 May (PC); 150 West Ferry, Angus, 31 Jan (TMC); 200 Port- more, Peeb, 4-9 Jan (RWJS); 300+ Carmichael, Lan, 8 Apr (RE-H); gen- erally scarce most areas; Fair Isle, passage 27 Mar-24 May, mainly 29 Apr (150), 30th (175) and 5 May (50) (RAB); Shet, 30 Apr-18 May, max 200 Whalsay, 150 Fetlar, 80 Foula (RJT). Late records: pr (sub-song) Durness, Suth, 13 May (RHD), singing d Langwell, Caith, June (JTRS); od Lewis, O Heb, 30 May (WAJC). Autumn: from 13 Sep at Fair Isle, peaks 2 Oct (110), 11th (80), which are low; Shet, max 80 Helendale 12 Oct (BM); Ork, 50 Finstown 9 Dec ((CJB); first Isle of May 24 Sep, max 40 on 6-10 Oct (per NJG); 70+ Castlehill, Ayr, 27 Dec (WRB); 300-500 Lochfoot, Kirk, 3 Nov (TN), 700- 800 Balcary, Kirk, 20 Dec (LAU). Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra. Continued decreases noted Ork, Caith, Suth and Ross. Counts: 40 L Eye, Ross, 14 Apr (RHD); 150 Ar- broath cliffs, Angus, 1 Jan (NKA); 200 Kilconquhar, Fife, 20 Apr (DWO); 32 Libberton, Lan (HSCH, KCRH); 1 Rhum, I Heb, 13 Apr (PW). Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Migration: Fair Isle 14 Mar-14 May, scattered records, max 3 on 10 Apr, 1-3 most days 28 Oct-6 Nov, 11-12 Nov (RAB); Shet, ¢ Kergord 13-18 May (IS), 1 Skerries 30 May (BM), 4 Strand 10 Dec (RD, AI, RJ); Suth, singles Handa 12-13th and 20 Apr, 3 on 24 Sep (AG). 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 383 7Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala. 3 Fair Isle 4 July (RAB et al.). +Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. 8 records of dd 8 May-29 Aug; Shet, Foula 22-28 May, 2 on 30 May (JGH), Fetlar 27-28 June (RSPB); Fair Isle 26-31 July (RAB); Suth, Scourie 13 May (SMD); I Heb, Rhum 29 June-20 July (PW); Bute, Arran 8-10 May (MHD); Kirk, Ken- doon 29 Aug (LAU, ADW, AJW). *Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola. 4 records: Fair Isle 30 Aug (RAB, J. A. Ginnever, ERM), 9-11 Sep (RAB, J. Hickerton, A. Reynolds); Shet, Skerries 7-8 Sep (DAH), Whalsay 2 Oct (JHS). *Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana. Scarce for second year running; Fair Isle, one 6-10 May, 4 on 19-20th, 2 on 21st, one 22-23 May (RAB); Shet, 2 Skerries 21-27 May, 1 Sumburgh 19-20 May (BM); 1 Isle of May 19 May (DRG, JGY). *Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. 4 records: 3 spring, 1 autumn. Isle of May 12 May (CWB et al.); Fair Isle, ¢ 26-29 May (died), ¢ 8-10 June (RAB); Shet, 3 Foula 11 Oct (JGH). *Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. 3 autumn records at Fair Isle, 2-7 Oct (trapped), 7-9 Oct, 21-26 Oct (GJB, RAB, ERM et al.). Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. Breeding status: increase reported ‘Coigach, W Ross (ACMcL) and Galloway, breeds in young forest to ae a.s.l. Glentrool (GSh); decrease N Ayr; 2 prs nested Unst, Shet Migration: Fair Isle, 17 Feb-11 June, mainly 27 Mar-24 May, peaks of 20 on 30 Apr, 30 on 10th and 14 May, autumn 24 Sep-6 Dec, mainly 2-15 Oct, max 14 on 8 Oct (RAB); Shet, max 10 Skerries 30 Apr, 50 Whalsay and 20 Skerries 6-11 May (JHS, RJT); 30 Fife Ness 25 Sep (DWO). *Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus. Winter-spring: 1 Ythan, Aber, 11-12 Apr (AJW); 3 Ullapool, W Ross, 10-11 Mar (ACMcL); ¢ Sheigra, Suth, 2 June (Mrs O. L. Lancaster). Autumn: Fair Isle, 1-4 on most days 14 Sep-8 Oct, max 6 on 28 Sep, singles 4 days to 5 Nov (RAB); Shet, singles Skerries 29-30 Sep, 2 Oct (DAH), Fetlar 4 Oct (ISR), Sumburgh 8 Oct (DC, RJ), Whalsay 28 Oct (JHS); Suth, Handa 24 Sep (AG); Inv/Nairn, Whiteness Head 24 Dec (RHD); Kinc, Girdleness 7 Oct (AGK, AP); Isle of May 1-3 on 10 days 21 Sep-14 Oct; Midl, Musselburgh 15 Sep (GLS). Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis. At least 2 prs reared young in Cairngorms, and 1 other d present (RSPB); ° freshly dead near Morven, Gann 14 May (AFMC, PMC, JG); summer record Foula, Shet, 7 July Winter counts: fewer than usual Caith, flocks 30-50 instead of 100-150 (PMC); 400 Coignafearn, Inv, 27 Jan (RHD, DNW) was only big flock seen Inv; 40 Glen Clova, Angus, 5 Jan (MN); Perth, 60+ near Blair Atholl 3 Mar, late 2 Glen Turret 20 May (PMcM); 60 Tyninghame, E Loth, 8 Jan (RHH); several small flocks (10-20) south to Borders. Passage: Fair Isle, monthly max 70 on 12 Jan, 180 late Feb, 120 on 12 Mar, 20 on 4 Apr, last 19 May, autumn first 2 on 9 Sep, increased to 25 by end Sep, 50 early Oct but scarce until 400 on 3 Nov, 1000+ on 5th, 8-llth, 30 by 20th, 200 on 21st, later peaks 75 on 2 Dec, 200 on 3rd (RAB); Shet, last 11 May, first 7 Sep, flocks from 12 Oct (RJT); 200 Speymouth, Moray, 18 Nov (JMB); 350 Strathbeg/Rattray, Aber, 11 Nov (AGK, PDR); Midl, first Musselburgh 29 Oct, 42 on 2 Dec (DRL, LLJV); very few E Loth; 60+ The Cobbler, Arg (A. Maclver). {Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea. 3 at bird table Kiltarlity, Inv, 10-11 Mar (MIH, Mrs J. Reed). ae Bunting Passerina ciris. ¢ captured Voe, Shet, 28 May (DC et al.). 384 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 7(7) House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Fair Isle, better breeding season than usual—big flocks of juveniles (RAB). Migrants/wanderers: 5 Handa, Suth, 18 July (AG); 1 Isle of May 11 May. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. Breeding records: pr nested Fair Isle— 2 flying young seen July (RAB); 1 pr nested Papa Westray, Ork, as well as usual small colony Eday (EB); very high numbers Fife, e.g. c50 prs Kilconquhar (DWO); Midl, marked decrease Roslin Glen (JAN) and decrease Loanhead, Gladhouse, Roseberry (RWJS); increase Kirk, with 4 new nesting sites. Counts: 40+ Tibbermore, Perth, 17 Feb (EJM); 200 Kilconquhar, Fife, eee (DWO); 100 Stirling 7 Jan (DMB); 150 Cousland, Midl, 2 Jan Additions and corrections to 1970 and 1971 reports 1970 Additions Little Ringed Plover. 1 Tyninghame, E Loth, 4 May (GLS). Water Pipit. Additional dates: 30 Mar-18 Apr instead of 13-18 Apr (7:163). 1971 Additions Slavonian Grebe. 1 North Ronaldsay, Ork, late June (R. Roscoe). Garganey. 1 Balmedie, Aber, 12 May (RLS). Surf Scoter. Last date of Murcar, Aber, bird was 4 Aug (AJW). Common Scoter. 2 with 1 young L Lomond, Dunb, was new breeding record for loch (SG). Canada Goose. 2N Glen Quoich, Aber, 4 June (RLS). Chiffchaff. 1 Aberdeen 6 Mar (RLS, AJW). Yellow Wagtail. 1 Balmedie, Aber, 30 Apr (RLS, AJW). Corrections to 1971 report My apologies to Mrs P. M. Collett for inadvertently omitting her name from the list of recorders. In the Foreword to the report, concerning new additions to the British list, for “Ruddy Shelduck’’ Tadorna feruginea, read “Ruddy Duck” Oxyura jamaicensis, and lower down in the same paragraph “from the British breeding population” should be omitted. Great White Egret (7: 118). Full details were sent to Dr Salim Ali, who has determined that it was an example of the subspecies E.a. modesta from southeast Asia and Australia and therefore almost certainly an escape. Scaup (7: 120). Line 7, for “Renf, 318 Longhaugh Point” read “318 Ar- doch, Dunb, to Longhaugh Point, Renf’’. She uc (7: 122): Line 8, after “588 Erskine-Langbank”’ add “Renf, 14 Feb”. Dowitcher (7: 130). The date should be 12 Oct not 2 Oct. Green Sandpiper (7: 132). Line 14, for ‘4-5 Paisley Moss, Renf, 15 Aug” read “1 Paisley Moss, Renf, 4-5 Aug”. Redshank (7: 137). Line 2, 5000+ on 19 Dec was not a peak count, the autumn peak was 5320 on 5 Oct. 1973 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1972 385 Dunlin (7: 138). Line 2, 1087 on 21 Nov was not a peak count, there were 3185 on 19 Dec. Knot (7: 137). Line 11 should read “3000 Musselburgh 21 Nov (RF)”. ‘Curlew Sandpiper (7: 138). Line 15, for “2 Erskine 27 Aug’ read “2 Erskine 22 Aug’’. Grasshopper Warbler (7: 152). Line 3, for ‘“E Ross” read ‘““W Ross”; the date of the Munlochy bird was 30 Apr not 13 Apr. Pees 152). Last line, for “23 Dec, 7-14 Jan” read “23 Dec 1970- an’’, Yellow Wagtail (7: 157). Line 5, for “8 July” read “8 Aug”. Linnet (7: 159). Line 2, for “300 Prestwick” read ‘500 Prestwick’. Boundaries for local bird reports A. T. MACMILLAN, R. H. DENNIS and I. NEWTON In March 1973 the Council of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club asked the Research Committee to comment on a question about suitable boun- daries for local bird reports (based on a proposal for a publication on the birds of the Aberdeen area). The Committee submitted its report at a meeting on 11th September 1973, and the Council decided that, as it ‘was of general interest to authors of reports and papers on Scottish birds, the following abstract should be published. This is not intended to encourage the production of local reports where these do not arise naturally or fill a need, but rather to guide authors in the presentation of their material. Before discussing boundaries we have some comments on the identifica- tion of localities. It is often important to identify the localities of individ- ual records unambiguously, especially in works dealing with large ‘areas (e.g. Scottish Bird Report). This should be done by using names likely to be found in a gazeteer (e.g. villages rather than farms or woods) and by naming the county, with further detail where necessary. If an area is described only in broad terms (e.g. upper Forth estuary) readers without a definition of it do not know exactly what is meant, and the value of the record is reduced, particularly for future comparisons. Grid coordinates may be used to specify a locality exactly, or Atlas squares to conceal it, but these are not adequate substitutes for a place name unless the record is also mapped. A place name is more easily understood, even without a map. For many purposes standardised geographical boundaries are not ‘needed, and authors should then make their own choice based on the material in hand. What matters is to specify the area clearly, preferably with a map as well. The distribution of birds is likely to correlate more with natural features, such as habitat, altitude or weather, than with pol- itical boundaries. Mapping is an excellent way to show distribution, whether in relation to natural features (ecological or topographical) or to map squares (as ‘with the BTO Atlas); and local lists are of value in the preparation of distribution maps. As well as reward and experience for the observers there is scientific and conservation value in recording rarities and keeping local lists. But obsession with first records for small areas tends to throw up boundary 386 BOUNDARIES FOR LOCAL BIRD REPORTS 7(7) problems (and also problems of keeping track of the literature). This kind of boundary problem is not important, and general convenience need not be sacrificed just to settle whether some vagrant was in North rather than South Kincardine, or what to do with old records from an area now transferred from Dunbartonshire to Lanarkshire. Authors of distribution papers that cover large areas (e.g. on Wax- ‘wing irruptions or the spread of the Collared Dove) may wish to list records (instead of or as well as mapping them) and will then have to classify them in some way. It would be unhelpful, for instance, to give them alphabetically town by town, because a clearer picture may be drawn by some sort of geographical classification or sequence (e.g. from northeast to southwest). It has been usual in Scotland to classify such records on two levels—by faunal area (defined by watershed) and by division thereof (usually part of or a whole county), and it is up to any- one suggesting that some other course would be better to produce con- vincing arguments, keeping in mind the value of continuity. Listing by counties in alphabetical order (as often in England) is neither an im- provement nor particularly meaningful. There are certainly problems in identifying exact boundaries between particular Scottish faunal areas, but in practice these cause little trouble. On the other hand, the concept of faunal areas based on the main river basins seems sound; it is a strik- ing example of an attempt to record distribution in relation to natural rate ee artificial divisions of the country, and it is well established in Scotland. We are asked to say what should be done in Dee and elsewhere by authors of local avifaunas, implying that some standard approach might be recommended. We think this is not appropriate. Even the Vertebrate Fauna series was never completed, despite its momentum and the much smaller bulk of published material to be sifted by its authors. Today there are so many observers that any local publication is soon out of date, and a completely new interlocking series of local avifaunas is un- likely to be produced. Scotland may be treated comprehensively (as in The Birds of Scotland or the BTO Atlas), and this is a good way to look at its birds. Local pub- lications should be produced only for areas that have been well studied, or are especially interesting, and there is no reason why these areas should not be as big or small as the authors find convenient ard the available material and public interest warrant. We have publications for such areas as Aberlady Bay and Shetland; and Speyside is the sort of area that is neither a county nor a faunal division but would make a natural and interesting basis for a bird book. Natural boundaries (which should not change) are preferable to pol- itical ones (which do, and which may even disappear, as witness the current local government reforms). Occasional criticism of the Scottish system of faunal areas is usually based on lack of understanding, perhaps because things are different elsewhere. When looking at distribution, rather than specifying a locality, the system is certainly not outmoded, especially when so much of the literature is based on it. Furthermore, county boundaries often coincide with the faunal area ones, for the good reason that politicians also find that watersheds make convenient boun- daries (since few people live on them). The Vice-County system has never caught on with ornithologists and should be avoided, since it is unfamiliar to ornithological readers and there is little point in classifying records in yet another way. This sys- tem should probably be regarded as superseded by distribution mapping ‘based on 10-km or other map squares, a method that lends itself to aoc processing and is being applied to other animal groups and to plants. 1973 BOUNDARIES FOR LOCAL BIRD REPORTS 387 Our recommendations are therefore : 1. It is not appropriate to lay down which areas must be treated as units; each author of local material should choose his own according to the material in hand, but with due regard to the territorial claims of any- one already covering the area. He should publish a clear definition and if possible a map of his area, and identify localities unambiguously in his text. Where comparison with earlier reports is desirable this should be allowed for when selecting boundaries. 2. If there is a choice, topographical boundaries are usually better than political ones, being more permanent and relevant to the study of birds. Where records from a wide area are listed they should be classified geo- graphically by faunal area and division or by county. 3. In summary, boundaries of various sorts (faunal area, county ecolog- ical, topographical, etc) are of value at different times, and it is for the author to use appropriate ones. But we see no value in trying to define a system of areas to be covered by individual local reports and avifaunas, since there is no plan to produce a comprehensive series. Enquiry A number of Fulmars on the Aberdeenshire coast will be marked with conspicuous patches of dye in an effort to obtain information on the distribution of the species at sea. Anyone sighting dyed Fulmars is invited to send details of date, loca- tion and distance from shore, direction of flight, and position and colour of dye patches to M. A. Macdonald, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Corrections In the Short Note on Nuthatches in Perthshire (Scot. Birds 7: 36) the reference in the footnote given as (Scot. Birds 3: 84) should read (Scot. Birds 3: 83). In R. W. Furness’s paper, Roost selection by Waders (Scot. Birds 7: 281-287), the description of roost 6 was omitted. On p. 282 insert ‘‘Roost 6 is the sea wall of the lagoons at Mussel- burgh”’. 388 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(7) THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB WEEKEND EXCURSION TO DUMFRIES The annual weekend excursion to the Solway goose grounds has been arranged with the County Hotel, Dumfries, from Friday 22nd February to Sunday 24th February 1974. Accommodation: inclusive terms £10.00 (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 £1.60 extra per person (including service charge and V.A.T.). A limited number of rooms with private bathroom are available for the additional charge of £1.10 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 evening 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 con- tact the Club Secretary on the Friday evening to discuss their inclusion in the programme. 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 ex- cursions. STIRLING BRANCH, CAIRNBAAN WEEKEND - Once again the Stirling Branch are organising a weekend’s birding excursion to West Argyll. Arrangements have been made with the Cairn- baan Hotel, Lochgilphead, to provide bed and breakfast on Friday and Saturday, 22nd and 23rd February 1974, dinner on Saturday and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday, for the inclusive price of £7.00. VAT and 10% service charge are extra. The countryside is marvellous, up to 80 or 90 species of birds are usually to be seen, and so far we have always had good weather. All members are welcome. Bookings should be made direct with the hotel. However, would you please notify the organ- iser, T. D. H. Merrie, West Faerwood, Dollar, Clackmannanshire, FK14 7PT, when you have had your booking confirmed. DEEDS OF COVENANT Members who covenant their subscription, or donation to the Scottish Birds Appeal Fund, are advised that the Certificate of Deduction of Tax is no longer required annually by the Inland Revenue Office. A Certificate relating to the first payment only is required, except for Covenants over £15 when one must be signed annually. Existing Covenantors will not be sent any further Certificate to sign. The tax which can be recovered by Covenanting a subscription is of great help to the Club. Members who pay income tax are requested to contact the Club Secretary for details and a Covenant form. BIRD BOOKSHOP ©> 21 REGENT TERRACE "g< oe EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 — _ BETS New Selection in Stock Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland— a historical survey Parslow Natural History of Cape Clear Island Sharrock & Gillmor The New Bird Table Book Soper & Gillmor A Study of Bird Song Armstrong Ospreys and Speyside Wildlife Waterston & Dennis Watching Wildlife Stephen Swifts in a Tower Lack Noss Nature Reserve Tulloch & Scott Waterfowl of the World Delacour 4 vols Check List of the Birds of Cyprus Stewart & Christensen British Trees in Colour Hart & Raymond A New Dictionary of Birds Thomson We hold the remaining stock of this important book, which is now out of print WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST All books sent post free £3.60 £3.00 £1.95 £2.00 £0.35 £0.75 £2.50 £0.20 £40.00 £0.75 £4.00 £6.75 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB (THE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and Thurso at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest. The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology. There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is £2.00, or 50p in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of £3.00, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on lst October annually. ‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal. The affairs of the Club are controlled by a Council composed of the Hon. Presidents, the President, the Vice-President, the Hon. Treasurer, the Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fund, and ten other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also one Representative of each Branch Committee appointed annually by the Branch. The Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by Council, produces an annual Report on ‘Ornithological Changes in Scotland’. The Club tie in dark green,, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be obtained by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch Secretaries. The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important journals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject. The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre. Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042). NORTH SUTHERLAND Overlooking the KYLE OF TONGUE ARMS HOTEL GOLSPIE Accommodation for Bird Watchers SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216 Bed & Breakfast Evening Meal and packed lunches Situated on the main North if required. Road near the sea, Golspie atts invigorating open air olidays to all. = dime eae JEAN BUTTERWORTH In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch 102 MIDTOWN, MELNESS, fishings, sea bathing, tennis, by LAIRG, SUTHERLAND, = ty pene nes austible subjects for the 2 : field sketcher and artist and PROSE: LEE cee is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. This space The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- 0 n y C 0 S t S ace ists a Sea. 4 ut it is sti ossible to make surprising Parecoveries £ 3 t 0 f i in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- apply to: ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Business Editor Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C. R.S.A.C. EH7 5BT For advertising rates 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh Tel. 031-556 6042 WHEN IN THE HIGHLANDS VISIT EUROPE’S FIRST VISITOR CENTRE Nature trail Bookshop Good selection of books on History and Natural History of the Highlands and Islands. Send for Booklist. Exhibition and Multi-Screen Theatre History of Man in Strathspey Restaurant and Bar Landmark CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL A.A. * R.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 x J°* guests receive a warm welcome and a first- class service. a Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting mooriand, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. A new wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1974. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply BI R D 5 slides of most British Birds and i llection, and Si at of the RSPB ISLANDS Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these St Kilda, Orkney and birds of Africa—many Shetland, Hebrides fine studies and _ close-ups. icedicaenarerd books on these FOR HIRE and all branches of natural history We have arranged to hire out for sale and wanted slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 45p in- Tiigtalteon cluding postage & VAT per night’s hire. Birds are grouped DAVID WILSON according to their natural 95 Worlds End Lane habitats. Weston Turville Aylesbury, Bucks. W. COWEN, Keswick canal Will tomorrow’s adults care about the countryside? To make sure they do, the RSPB has taken another step into the future Loch Leven Nature Centre This centre is designed for schools and the general public. There is a resident teacher in charge. We like visitors... . . SO bring the family—there’s lots to see— nature trail, large exhibition room, children’s nature discovery room, tripod-mounted binoculars—and wildlife in plenty, in a lovely scenic setting. Join the RSPB and help to build more nature centres Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RS PB 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. Tel. 031-556 5624. Route : From main Edinburgh-Perth road, just south of Kinross, turn east on B9097. Centre 2 miles. Closed Friday | John Gooders watching Tawny Eagles in Thebes Mr. John Gooders, the celebrated ornithologist and Editor of ‘Birds of the World’, is seen using his new Zeiss 10 x 40B binoculars. Mr. Gooders writes: “I stare through binoculars all day long for weeks on end without eyestrain —try that with any binoculars other than West German Zeiss. The 10 x 40B meets all my other needs too; high twilight power for birds at dawn and dusk, superb resolution for feather by feather examination, and wide field of view. With no external moving parts they stand the rough treatment that studying birds in marsh, snow and desert involves —I can even use them with sunglasses without losing performance. Zeiss binoculars are not cheap — but they are recognised as the best by every ornithologist I know. The 10 x 40B is the perfect glass for birdwatching”. Details from the sole UK agents Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) Ltd Degenhardt House Telephone 01-636 8050 31/36 Foley Street, London WIP 8AP. WHICH 7 4 BINOCULAR? Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- | ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. We stock all makes, but one binocular Mr Frank’s popular book on how to which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, complete with case costs only £14.50. Not only do we ourselves recommend this binocular, it also carries a choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. TS Top prices strong recommendation from The vurtexchange | Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and each glass carries the seal of approval of the Game Conser- vancy. Our Free 42 page catalogue illustrates hundreds of Binoculars & Telescopes including the larger 10 x 50 Frank/Nipole binocular, complete with Fo 7 . . case at £19.00. FREE COMPARISON'- TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free SEND Ws ae : for 7 days. Should you decide, how- FOR NEW | ever, on a binocular other than the ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE - Frank/Nipole make, we can promise C H A iF LES FRAN 4 LTD a substantial price reduction at least a equalling any other offer which you 144 INGRAM STREET : GLASGOW may bring to our notice. This offer TEL. 041-221 6666 also applies to Telescopes. | $WALTER THOMSON> PRINTER, SELKIRK. S 4s ASH3 “SCOTTISH | -- BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB a Volume 7 No. 8 WINTER 1973 Price 50p John Gooders spots a Kestrel ’ - hovering over the Bank “Thetrouble with beinga bird Bee =watcher” writes John Gooders, | celebrated ornithologist and author, “is that you never know where and when the next interesting bird will appear. When I’m in the fieldit’s easy —my 10 x 40B Carl Zeiss ‘ binoculars are simply the bestin = <. the world. i -s But there are occasions whena *-— g 4. more discreet lookis called for © t. wer? —that’s when the 8 x20 Dialyt come #* into their own. As small asa cigarette packet, they slip easily into the tiniest. pocket without as much asa bulge. Performance-wise they’re just incredible, the equal of most other manufacturers’ “normal” glasses -and small enough for me to SS Treat yourself to a pair of 8 x 20 Dialyt Binoculars, and you'll never go anywhere without them. Size 88mm x 60mm, weight only 135 grms, they really are the equal of much larger instruments. £59.05 + VAT, including leather pouch. 8 x 20 Dialyt by ZEINN of West Germany Send for full details to the sole UK importers— i . Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) Ltd., , Degenhardt House, 31-36 Foley St., London W1P 8AP. 01-636 8050: SWANS BIG GAME & BIRDS SAFARIS Visiting these National Parks & Game Reserves Nairobi, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Samburu, Tsavo, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Serengeti & Mara, in Kenya & Tanzania Guest Lecturers Accompany each Safari. Their expert and personal knowledge of East Aitrica—iis animals, birds, history, peoples and customs— provides an unrivalled opportunity, not only to view the ever decreasing wildlite in its natural habitat, but also to gain an insight into the problems of its preservation and the conservation of land needed by Airica’s developing nations. A holiday that can open up new vistas of interest. 21 days - £475. Departures 1974 Departures — June 27; July 18; Aug 8, 29; Sept 19; Oct. 10, 31. 1975 Departures—Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6. SWANS HELLENIC CRUISES See the archaeological and architectural masterpieces of ancient civilisations. Enjoy the pleasures of cruising to them on a wellfound ship—Greece, Turkey, Sicily, Cyprus, Middle East, North Africa, Black Sea. All cruises arranged in connection with the Hellenic Travellers Club. Excursions are made ten times more interesting by an outstanding team of historical, archaeological, classical and botanical experts including Sir Mortimer Wheeler, Sir John Wolfenden and others. For our 21st year of Hellenic Cruising you fly from London to Venice, Naples, Dubrovnik or Athens—cruise—and return frome one of these ports. Five cruises in April/June. Three in August/Sept. Prices range from £155 to £475 including shore excursions. SWANS ART TREASURES TOURS We have 28 Art Treasures Tours to different parts of the world including Europe, Central & South America, North Africa, Middle and Far East. Also Swans Hellenic Cruises; and 600-mile Nile Cruises. Brochures available. W. E. & R. K. SWAN (HELLENIC) LTD. 237 (K20) Tottenham Court Road, London W1P OAL. Tel. 01-636 8070. C.A.A. Licence No. ATO L189B. Migratory Sector 59° North ORKNEY, the Nordic earldom of peace, now has three RSPB reserves of moorland, coastal and shoreline habitat in addition to the James Fisher memorial island of Copinsay. Come and see the beauty of migration in these mystique islands during 1974. Write for Guide Book (30p post paid) /) and/or free information pack from: {f 7 Cy TOURIST ORGANISATION te 20 Mounthoolie Lane, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands. ORKNEY KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £22.00. The programme for 1974 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Fungi Local History Mammals Birds Natural History Photography Mountain Flowers Painting Field Botany Natural History and Landscape Moorland Ecology of the Highlands Rocks and Minerals Industrial Archaeology Conservation Bryophytes Insects Spiders Landscape Photography Lichens Ferns All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be stated es to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 7, NUMBER 8, WINTER 1973 Page Editorial ee ae att baa aa a ae 389 Club action in support of conservation ... = hs 390 The 1972 midwinter census of waders in Scotland. By A. J. Prater a sf “ea m: Xue 391 Breeding biology of Magpies in Aberdeenshire. By J. A. Love and R. W. Summers (plate 29) see 399 Short Notes Fulmars in a rookery (C. K. Mylne) (plate 30) = 403 Long-tailed Ducks in the Uists (C. Brown, Dr D. Jenkins) (plate 30) pied 404 Unusual nest sites of Oystercatchers cw. S. Paton: D. P. Willis) (plate 31)... irs 405 Rooks in Shetland (L. S. V. Venables) ae, : 406 Fieldfares breeding on the eet ptiniand, 1972- 73 (N, Picozzi) é 406 Golden Eagles rear Eifcal wane (A. G. feared M. J. P. Gregory) (plate 32)... ire 408 Reviews Finches. By Dr Ian Newton. Reviewed by Dr I. D. Pennie : 413 The Dotterel. By D. Nethersole- Thompson, Reveal by M. Marquiss _... 3 414 Birdwatchers’ Year. By Leo Batten ae at Reviewed by G. L. Sandeman eS ope 416 The Naturalist in ae: By J. D. Parrack. Reviewed by M. J. Everett ee Ta 416 Birds—Collins Colour ae By Klaus Konig Reviewed by B. G. Grattage de ae 417 Enquiries eA +e a ie nm 417 The Scottish jet ne bay Club = a 1+ 418 Edited by T. Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh EH5 3BY Assisted by D. G. Andrew and B. G. Grattage Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) ROSS@@ binoculars LONDON Z 4 Bee = OBSERVE & CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF 337% POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. II 8.5 x 44 £61.60 £39.90 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £40.70 £30.80 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £35.20 £24.64 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. Il 10 x 50 £47.30 £33.00 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £24.75 £17.32 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £37.50 £24.70 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £140.30 £93.34 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £164.23 £109.50 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case — £125.95 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case — £119.35 ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 £63.22 £42.90 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £80) £80.00 £64.00 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £89.65 £66.00 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60 x 60 £87.45 £65.74 All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 120 models in stock from £9 to £250 Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. The Heron 8 x 40 BCF. Retail approx. £24.00, our price £16.50. As recommended by nature conservancy. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. Send too for Price Lists for all Camping, Climbing, Rambling Equipment from our as- sociate company FIELD & TREK (equipment) Ltd., same top quality, same keen prices, SAME ADDRESS. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY Ltd. (Dept. SB), 25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. (STD) 0277 221259 for which | enclose £€............ 1 Sh eae Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope Price List. (Delete as appropriute) Reem ee eee eH EHH O HEHEHE EES ESET OHSS ES ESEEHESESE SETS E ESE OSES SHEE SESEE ESS H ESE SESE S ESE SHEET SOE SEES SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLBB KRY Vol. 7 No. 8 Winter 1973 Edited by Tom Delaney assisted by D. G. Andrew and B. G. Grattage Editorial Editorial arrangements. With the issue of this, the last num- ber of Volume 7, we now pass the Scottish Birds editorial mantle to Harry Greig, together with all best wishes. The editorial office is now at Club headquarters, at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, and we ask contributors to write to that address. Membership Secretary. Many members will know that a great deal of Bookshop work was done by Mrs Ruby Smillie in the past, in addition to her main job as Membership Sec- retary. Now, with a membership that has more than doubled since she joined the staff in 1963, Mrs Smillie is no longer responsible for Bookshop administration, except for receipt of payments. We would like to take this opportunity to acknow- ledge the work she has done for the Bookshop and the con- scientious and thorough way in which all her work is carried out. It is also an appropriate time to thank her husband, Mr James Smillie, for all the help he gives at Conferences and Edinburgh Branch meetings. Local recorders. Records for East Stirlingshire and Clack- mannanshire are at present handled together with those for Fife by David Oliver. His original area was East Fife only, but he stepped into the breach when a new recorder was needed for the adjacent areas. Now Dr C. J. Henty has been appointed local recorder for East Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire, ‘and David Oliver will continue to deal with records for the whole of Fife. Their addresses are: Fife David Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. East Stirlingshire, Clackmannanshire Dr C. J. Henty, 3 The Broich, Alva, Clackmannanshire. Current literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes : Seabird Report 1971; includes papers on Gannets on St Kilda, Great Black-backed Gulls in west Scotland. Available from Secretary, Seabird Group, c/o Zoology Dept., Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN. Shore Larks summering and possibly breeding in Scotland. A. Watson, 1973. Brit. Birds 66: 505-508. 390 CONSERVATION 7(8) CLUB ACTION IN SUPPORT OF CONSERVATION In 1972 Council considered most carefully the policy of the Club re- garding the ever increasing threat to birds in Scotland as a result of pollution and industrial development. Council’s statement setting out the policy of the Club on conservation and the environment was adopted at the Annual General Meeting in October 1972, and was published in Scot. Birds 7: 167-169. In general the policy is for the Club to supply facts and data io con- servation bodies such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Nature Conservancy, but not to develop into yet another conservation body. Normally the Club will not take indepen- dent action on conservation matters, but will lend full support to volun- tary and governmental bodies in particular cases. Council wishes to encourage individual members to help in a number of ways such as giv- ing support to the voluntary conservation bodies, helping with annual counts and enquiries, and reporting to local representatives and to the Club Secretary any development posing a threat to birds or the environment. To keep members better informed it is intended to publish articles in Scottish Birds from time to time, and report on assistance given or action ‘taken by the Club. This is the first report and covers the period from October 1972 to the end of 1973. During this time the Club took action on threats to wildlife in two areas on the northeast coast—the Cromarty Firth in Ross-shire and the Loch of Strathbeg in Aberdeenshire. Early in 1972 the Government issued a Draft Order setting up a Cromarty Firth Port Authority. The Draft Order gave no safeguard to the environment or the wildlife in the Cromarty Firth and so the Club petitioned jointly with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Wildfowl Trust against the Order. A Hearing by a Parliamentary Commission in April 1973 resulted in the promoters of the Draft Order offering a deal during the first day of the Hearing and before the objections of all the Petitioners had been heard. The deal resulted in a compromise, but it effectively requires the Port Authority to consult with the Countryside Commission for Scotland and the Nature Conservancy before reclaiming any land below high water mark, and it also prohibits the Authority from taking any steps to re- claim land within Udale Bay and certain prescribed parts of Nigg Bay. While this compromise was accepted by the four co-petitioners and others, concern must still be felt until the reclamation of certain parts of Nigg Bay has been completed and the resultant effect of the changed tidal flow on the shoreline is known. In December 1972 the Gas Council applied to Aberdeen County Coun- cil for permission to establish a gas terminal and treatment plant on the former Crimond airfield by the Loch of Strathbeg. In order to bring in natural gas from the North Sea a pipeline would have had to be laid through the middle of the Loch. Because of the Loch’s ornithological importance, the Club together with other wildlife conservation bodies lodged a protest against any development in the area. The Aberdeen Branch was extremely active in gaining support to try to persuade the County Council not to grant permission to the Gas Council, and several thousand individual signatures were collected, some from other Branches. Resulting from the many objections and individual petitions, the Gas Council withdrew its application in favour of a site at St Fergus, a few miles south of the Loch. It is hoped that members wishing to help with the preservation of sites of ornithological importance will read again the Council’s statement on the Club’s policy, and in particular paragraph 7 which lists the actions that an individual can take. Members who have joined the Club since publication of the statement can obtain a copy from the Club Secretary. A. D. PEIRSE-DUNCOMBE, Secretary. a = —— — ee = 1973 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 391 The 1972 midwinter census of waders in Scotland A. J. PRATER Scotland has a large number of estuaries and coastal areas where concentrations of waders are known to occur. However, few quantitative surveys have been published. Atkinson (1972) observed Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers for a single year on the Angus coast, while Grierson (1962) described the monthly population levels for five years of six common species of waders on the Eden Estuary, Fife. Goss-Custard (1969) made detailed counts of Redshanks for three years on the Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, as did Heppleston (1971) of Oystercatchers. Baxter and Rintoul (1953) and Boase (1955, 1970) described in more general terms the wader populations of Scotland, Angus and the Tay area, respectively. Recently Furness (1973) described the wader population at Musselburgh on the Firth of Forth. However, no general quantitative picture is available. In 1969 the BTO and the RSPB initiated the Birds of Estua- ries Enquiry. The aim is to obtain a complete picture of the birds of the estuaries and of as many coastal areas as possible of Britain and Ireland. The Wildfowl Trust has now become a co-sponsor of this enquiry, and the Irish Wildbird Conservancy has put much energy into its own, but closely associated, Wet- lands Enquiry. The enquiry has obtained monthly counts at high water on spring tides between August and April for most areas within Britain (Prater 1972, 1973), and these have been ‘supplemented by many counts in July and May and a few in June. These counts are continuing, and detailed information on Scottish waders will eventually become available. This short paper presents the Scottish results of the inter- national wader census made in January 1972. A complete count of waders was obtained on all the estuaries on the east coast of Scotland, all on the west coast north to Argyll and on the whole coastline of Fife and Angus. No counts were made in the Outer Hebrides and very few in northwest Scotland. Fig. 1 shows the areas counted and their limits. The probable omissions are discussed later. The other principal aim of the enquiry is to obtain detailed information on the distribution of birds within each area and how they use the habitats. This will enable an assessment to be made of the effect of develop- ment plans. The total wader population of each estuary or coastal area is presented in table 1. Of course a single count in one month does not necessarily 392 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 7(8) represent the average wader population for any area. This will vary with the success of the previous breeding season, with the severity of the winter as well as with local factors such as height of tide and disturbance. However, if we judge from 13.912 14° 19 20 ff 7 18 at 17 ; 16 21 pe! 1 Dud S3 p d 11 24 LL gy : 26 25 eZ Ps 55 On28 10 29 G Ah fs, | ce) ay a 4 wae 3 fv 2 1 Fig. 1. Areas included in wader census, January 1972. the less complete counts made in midwinter in the two preced- ing years, the January 1972 count is probably representative of the normal situation. These counts show that large popula- tions of waders winter in several Scottish estuaries on the east coast north to the Cromarty Firth, and in the Solway 1973 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 393 Firth, Firth of Clyde and Ayr coast in the west. The number of each species counted in January 1972 is pres- ented in table 2. Three species, Knot, Oystercatcher and Dun- lin formed about 65% of the birds counted. A brief summary of the major areas for each species is set out below. Table 1. Areas counted in January 1972 and total numbers of waders there Area* Total waders 1 North Solway, Gretna-Wigtown Bay 56134 29 Firth of Forth, Dunbar-Fife Ness 48483 5 Firth of Clyde, Gourock-Helensburgh 18150 17 Moray Firth, Burghead-Munlochy Bay 12891 15 Cromarty Firth, Udale Bay-Nigg Bay 11818 27 Eden 11262 24 Montrose Basin 10298 26 Firth of Tay, Invergowrie-Monifieth, Tentsmuir 7994 4 Ayr coast, Largs-Ballantrae 7716 25 Angus coast, Buddon Ness-Ferryden 6215 7 Isle of Bute 3583 9 Isle of Islay PAT AG! 2 Piltanton and Luce Bay 2530 28 Fife coast, Fife Ness-St Andrews 1740 14 Dornoch Firth 1381 21 Ythan 1072 3 Loch Ryan 1047 8 Isle of Arran 883 16 Beauly Firth 874 12 Brora 859 13 Loch Fleet 765 6 Loch Ridden 544 23 Dee 229 11 Loch Linnhe, upper 173 20 Philorth 107 10 Add 78 18 Spey 78 22 Don 16 19 Deveron, upper 2 Total 209639 *Figures refer to areas shown in fig. 1. Oystercatcher Nine areas produced flocks of over 1000 birds. The major areas were the Solway (9036, with concentrations at Priestside, Southerness Point and Wigtown Merse), Firth of Forth (6770, particularly at Musselburgh and Aberlady Bay), inner Firth of Clyde (4183, mostly near Erskine and Rhu Point), the Eden (2500, mostly on Shelly Point) and the Cro- marty Firth (2170, mostly in Nigg Bay). ‘Lapwing Apart from 1093 on the Firth of Forth, all other large coastal flocks were on the west coast. Principal numbers were on the Solway (9721), inner Clyde (3774) and Ayr coast (1800). Ringed Plover Following the general pattern in Britain, there are rather few Ringed Plovers present in winter. They were scattered in small flocks of between 5 and 50 in most areas. 394 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 7(8) The only large concentrations were on the Solway (422), Ayr coast (287), Firth of Forth (259) and Isle of Bute (154). In general they were more common on coastal areas than on es- tuaries, and there may well be large numbers uncounted on the extensive beaches of the Hebrides. Grey Plover All but five of the total number of Grey Plovers seen were on the Eden (70), Firth of Forth (60), Solway (23) and Tay (20). Baxter and Rintoul (1953) noted similar numbers and distribution, and Grierson (1962) noted similar numbers on the Tay and Eden during the early 1950’s. Golden Plover The distribution of Golden Plover was found to be very similar to that of Lapwing. It occurred mainly on the southwestern coasts, where 6851 were recorded on the Solway, 2150 in Luce Bay, and 1204 on the Ayr coast. It must be emphasised that counts of Lapwing and Golden Plover are not complete since a large percentage of the population re- mains inland. Turnstone Scotland’s estuaries support a large population of Turnstones, and they are also to be found on almost all other coastal areas. The number recorded in these counts is far less than the complete Scottish population. The counts in Fife (667), Angus (663) and Ayr (642) show how abundant this bird is on some coasts, though it is undoubtedly much less concentrated on the coastline of the northwest. Other major numbers were 881 on the Firth of Forth, 310 on the Solway and 269 on the inner Clyde, where many are mussel-bed feeders. Curlew Rather few Curlews were recorded. Apart from the large concentration of 3274 on the Solway, the only area that supported more than 1000 was the Isle of Bute (1285). Islay, the Firth of Forth, inner Clyde, the Cromarty Firth and the Ayr coast each supported between 500 and 1000. Large numbers winter inland in several areas, but they are not in- cluded in these counts. Black-tailed Godwit The only flock of Black-tailed Godwits recorded was 80 at Guardbridge on the Eden estuary. Two other individuals were present on the Firth of Forth. As about 80 have been regularly recorded through the last three winters, this is probably the average wintering population. Baxter and Rintoul (1953) note that there have been birds wintering there since about 1936 and that up to 1949 the maximum number there was about 30, though there were usually fewer than ten. Grierson (1962) recorded an average wintering population of about 35 between 1949 and 1955. There has therefore clearly been an increase in the wintering population of this species in recent years. Bar-tailed Godwit Although Bar-tailed Godwits were found on only half of the estuaries visited in January, they were 1973 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 395 often present in large numbers. Most occurred in the Firth of Forth (2147, mostly in Aberlady Bay), the Eden (1502, mostly on Shelly Point), the Moray Firth (1275, mostly on Whiteness Point), the Firth of Tay (1125, mostly on Tentsmuir Point) and the Cromarty Firth (761 mostly between Dalmore and Nigg Bay). The previous January count on the Eden, 2000 in 1971, indicates that the numbers of this species have increased here from the average of 500 reported by Grierson (1962). The fairly large number (307) seen on Islay is also of interest. The fact that none were seen on the Dornoch Firth, where there were 20 in January 1970, 100 in January 1971 and 750 in January 1973, indicates that there are now lower numbers and a great- er degree of variability there than Baxter and Rintoul (1953) considered usual. Only 97 were seen on the Solway, but this may be partly due to short-term movements across to the Cumberland coast. Redshank Six estuaries had over 1000 Redshanks. They were the inner Clyde (6360, particularly the Erskine/Woodhall region), the Solway (2783), the Eden (1950, mainly at Guard- bridge), the Moray Firth (1486, mostly in Findhorn Bay), the Cromarty Firth (1200, mostly around the Conon islands) and the Firth of Forth (1194). It is of note that Baxter and Rintoul (1953) made no mention at all of the most important coastal area for Redshank in the Firth of Clyde. Grierson (1962) re- corded similar numbers on the Eden. Greenshank Single Greenshanks were recorded on the Ayr coast at Doon and at Monifieth on the Tay. Larger numbers were on the Solway (13), inner Clyde (9), Fife coast (6) and Islay (5). Knot The Knot is the most numerous wader on Scottish es- tuaries in winter. As with Bar-tailed Godwit, large numbers occur on only a few major estuaries. Most were found on the Firth of Forth (23746, particularly on Skinflats) and on the Solway (14673, most between Southerness and Carsethorn and at Priestside). Other important flocks were at the Montrose Basin (8000), in the Moray Firth (6250, almost all on White- ness Head), the Cromarty Firth (4750, mostly between Alness and Nigg Bay), on the Angus coast (2729), the Eden (2000) and the Tay (1506). If we consider past records, it seems that Knots are slightly more numerous on the Montrose Basin than they were (Boase 1970), noticeably less common on the Eden (Grierson 1962) and very much less common on the Dornoch Firth (Baxter and Rintoul 1953). Purple Sandpiper Little is known about Purple Sandpiper dis- tribution in Scotland, though counts in recent years (Atkinson 1972) are throwing more light on it. Its distribution on rocky 396 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 7(8) coasts makes it a species for which a complete estimate is im- possible. However, the concentrations noted in January 1972 were: Angus coast (326), Firth of Forth (236), Dee (113), Fife coast (97), Ayr coast (84), Solway (42) and Brora (30). Dunlin Our counts confirm the statement by Baxter and Rin- toul (1953) that Dunlins are less common north of a line be- tween the Tay and the Clyde. The main numbers were in the Firth of Forth (11021, particularly at Skinflats, Musselburgh, Aberlady Bay and Cramond) and on the Solway (8801, mainly between Southerness and Carsethorne and at Priestside). Other large flocks were on the inner Clyde (3349), the Eden (3000) and the Tay (2326). In the north only 1805 were recorded in the Cromarty Firth and 1380 in the Moray Firth. Sanderling Very few Sanderlings were recorded. Almost all (232) were on the Tay, particularly around Monifieth. Sur- prisingly there were only seven seen in all the areas counted on the west coast, and these were all on Islay. Baxter and Rintoul (1953) noted that Sanderlings occur regularly in win- ter in the Outer Hebrides, and so it is possible that ours is a considerable underestimate of their population level. Never- theless it seems clear that the Scottish wintering population is small. Table 2. Species totals, coastal wader census in Scotland, January 1972 Oystercatcher 36062* Lapwing 186327 Ringed Plover 1613 Grey Plover 178 Golden Plover 111617 Turnstone 42521 Snipe 138+ Jack Snipe 1 Curlew 10192* Black-tailed Godwit 82 Bar-tailed Godwit 7314 Green Sandpiper Z Redshank 19428* Greenshank 35 Knot 64572 Dunlin 34726 Purple Sandpiper 974] Sanderling 269 Ruff 8 Total 209639 +Many more present inland *a few more present inland {many more present on rocky coasts Discussion Although the figures presented here give an indication of the relative importance of each area, they do not tell the 1973 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 397 whole story, as many more waders may occur during the spring and autumn passage periods. Indeed Andrew (1959) for the Oystercatcher and Evans (1968) more generally for the Firth of Forth clearly demonstrated that large-scale migration takes place through some Scottish estuaries. However, the midwinter counts are made at a time when there is little migra- tion and when the populations present are probably relatively static; they are, therefore, probably comparable. The Wader Research Group of the International Waterfowl Research Bureau (IWRB) organises international midwinter counts of waders on the coasts of Europe, and in table 3 the Scottish population is compared with these figures (Prater, unpublished), and with the British counts. Species that occur in very small numbers or for which no satisfactory total cen- sus exists are not included in table 3. Table 3. Percentages of recorded British and European waders found on Scottish estuaries and coasts Species % of British % of European Oystercatcher 22o 6.8 Ringed Plover 20.0 a7 Grey Plover 3.0 0.5 Turnstone 28.7 17.2 Curlew 20.4 7.0 Bar-tailed Godwit 20.9 8.6 Redshank 30.0 15.0 Knot 18.5 11.6 Dunlin 8.3 3.4 Sanderling 4.5 1.9 From these figures it is clear that Scotland is internationally important for most wader species, but particularly for Turn- stone, Redshank, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit, though Turn- stone is under-recorded throughout its range. The IWRB has defined an estuary that supports 1% or more of the European population of any species as being of inter- national importance. Many Scottish estuaries are, therefore, of international importance in their own right. On this midwinter census alone, the Solway exceeded the 1% level for Oyster- catcher, Knot, Redshank and Curlew; the Firth of Forth for Oystercatcher, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Dunlin; the Moray Firth for Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Redshank; the Eden for Bar-tailed Godwit and Redshank; the inner Clyde for Red- shank, the Firth of Tay for Bar-tailed Godwit and the Montrose Basin for Knot. With so many important areas around the Scottish coast, the concern felt about industrial development and especially the shore-based developments of the oil industry, is clearly justified. The sites apparently chosen for development sound 398 MIDWINTER CENSUS OF WADERS IN SCOTLAND 7(8) like a roll-call of some of the more important sites for waders on the east coast: Cramond and Grangemouth (Firth of Forth), Whiteness Point (Moray Firth) and Nigg Bay (Cromarty Firth). As the counts of the Birds of Estuaries Enquiry con- tinue, it becomes more and more clear that Scotland’s estuaries play important roles in the life cycles of many waders—as they are already known to do for many species of ducks, geese and swans. The ecologically fragile and limited inter-tidal area is one that can all too easily be destroyed, and it is therefore in obvious need of vigorous and continuing defence if we are not to lose the birds that depend on it. Summary This paper presents the results of the January 1972 wader census of Scotland’s estuaries. Some 209600 waders were counted. The most im- portant areas were the Solway Firth (56000) and the Firth of Forth (48000), and the most numerous species were Knot (64000), Oystercatcher (36000) and Dunlin (34000). The considerable international importance of Scotland for waders is briefly discussed. Acknowledgments I would like to thank all the many Scottish birdwatchers who have taken part in the Birds of Estuaries Enquiry and without whose efforts little would be known. In particular I would like to thank N. Atkinson, J. Ballantyne, A. Currie, I. Gibson, I. Hopkins, A. G. Stewart, R. Summers and J. G. Young, who acted as regional organisers and ensured that coverage was excellent. References ANDREW, D. G. (1959) Migrations of the Oystercatcher. Brit. Birds 52: 216-220. ATKINSON, N. (1972) Purple Sandpipers and Turnstones in Angus. Tay Ringing Group Report, 1971: p. 7. Baxter, E. V. and Rintouu, L. J. (19535) The Birds of Scotland London and Edin- burgh. BoasgE, H. (1955) Birds of Angus. Typescript BTO Library. BoasE, H. (1970) Birds records of the Tay area 1961/67. Typescript BTO Library. ‘Evans, P. R. (1968) Autumn movements and orientation of waders in Northeast England and Southern Scotland, studied by Radar. Bird Study, 15: 535-64. FurNESS, R. W. (1973) Wader populations at Musselburgh. Scot. Birds 7: 275-281. Goss-CuSTARD, J. D. (1969) The winter feeding ecology of the Redshank Tringa totanus. Ibis 111: 338-356. Grierson, J. (1962) A checklist of the birds of Tentsmuir, Fife. Scot. Birds 2: 116- 164. HEPrpLeston, P. B. (1971) The feeding ecology of Oystercatcher Haematopus ostra- legus in winter in northern Scotland. J. Anim. Ecol. 40: 651-672. Prater, A. J. (1972) BTO/RSPB Birds of Estuaries Enquiry. Report for 1970/71. Mimeographed report BTO Library Prater, A. J. (1973) BTO/RSPB/WT Birds of Estuaries Enquiry Report for 1971/72 BTO Library. 1973 MAGPIES IN ABERDEENSHIRE 399 Breeding biology of Magpies in Aberdeenshire J. A. LOVE and R. W. SUMMERS Introduction North of the Forth-Clyde line the Magpie is of very local distribution (Parslow 1967), and Holyoak (1967) in his analysis of BTO nest-record cards was unable to publish any data on this species for the north of Scotland. As a contribution to- wards filling this gap, 22 Magpie nests were studied in Aber- deenshire in 1971 and 1972, and the results are given here. The study area (plate 29) was about 50 square kilometres of flat agricultural land almost devoid of hedgerows, between ‘Newburgh and Cruden Bay. Many of the farms have small clumps of trees around them, and these are the main nesting sites for Magpies, holding 80% of the nests found. The system of roads through the area together with the conspicuousness of the large, domed nests, which are built before the trees come into leaf, facilitated the finding of nests sites in early spring. Subsequent visits were made only to determine whether nests were occupied and to note clutch and brood size. Nest site Nest-building took place towards the end of March, a new nest being built each year, always close to the old site but in only one case in the same tree. Sycamores were commonly used but beech, hawthorn and blackthorn were also recorded. Nests were built between two and eight metres above the ground, with an average of 4.5 metres. Most of the nests were typical bulky structures of sticks lined with mud and fine roots and covered with a loose dome of twigs. Goodwin (1956) and Holyoak (1967) suggested that the presence of a dome probably reduces predation of the eggs by crows etc. Two nests were undomed; one of these produced four young, and the other, at a new site, (probably a pair breeding for the first time) lost its clutch before laying was completed. Laying date Nests were not visited frequently enough to determine the date of laying of the first egg, but this could be calculated by one of two methods. When a clutch was found still incom- plete an interval of two days was allowed between the first and second eggs and one day only between subsequent eggs 400 MAGPIES IN ABERDEENSHIRE 7(8) (Holyoak 1967). In the second method, the age of the heaviest chick was calculated from its weight; this was obtained dur- ing the first week after hatching, and the approximate date of laying was calculated by adding 21 days for the incubation period (Holyoak 1967). Where it was possible to use both methods on the same nest the calculated dates agreed to within one or two days. Laying dates were thus obtained for 13 nests and ranged from 18th April to 3rd May. The mean date of onset of laying was 27th April. Nest success Of the 22 nests found, seven failed completely, all but one during laying or early incubation. The causes of failure were not known, except at one site where the nest was shot down each year. Nest-robbing by boys was suspected at two nests. Of 15 completed clutches, the mean size was 6.7 eggs (stan- dard deviation + 1.2), and the range from five to eight eggs (table 1). Only one pair raised a full brood; the adults were suspected of taking eggs from a nearby chicken run, and the nest was shot down by the farmer when the young were almost fledged, but for the purpose of analysing brood size this was treated as a successful nest. The following year the nest was Table 1. Frequency of clutch and brood sizes No. of eggsorchicks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total nests No. of clutches —_ — — — 3 3 4 «5 15 No. of broods a i a a 11 destroyed during laying. In the remaining 14 broods productiv- ity was reduced by the presence of infertile eggs or by the death of very young chicks. It was not possible to measure hatching success accurately, because dead chicks were usually quickly removed by the parents. No natural deaths were recor- ded, however, after the young were about ten days old, and so nesting success was measured as the percentage of eggs laid in completed clutches that produced young to this age and thus, effectively, to fledging. Eleven broods were available for this analysis, and the 71 eggs laid produced 46 chicks (65%); the mean brood size at fledging was 4.2 + 2.1 chicks. When all 22 nests in the study area were included, however, only 2.1 young were fledged per pair Chick growth Two nests were chosen for a detailed study of chick weights. Nest A had a clutch of seven eggs; at least five of these hatch- ed, and the chicks were weighed at intervals of a few days until the oldest was 24 days. Until they were old enough to 1973 MAGPIES IN ABERDEENSHIRE 401 be ringed, the chicks were individually identified by marking their toes with cellulose paint. By this time there was a differ- ence of only 14 grams between the oldest chick and the young- est, although the second chick was the heaviest, and the third the lightest. Two infertile eggs remained in the nest for about three days after the youngest chick had hatched before being removed by the adults. T 200 , i e ae 2 6 Oy 4 18 22 AGE IN DAYS Fic. 1. Growth rate of Magpie chicks. Nest B originally contained a clutch of eight, but by 11th May there were four chicks and three eggs only. The next day a fifth chick (6.5 grams) was dead in the nest, and only one egg remained. On 15th May the dead chick had gone, and the last egg was removed two days after that. By the time the first chick was 19 days old it weighed 185.5 grams, the second 166.5 grams, the third 173.5 grams, and the fourth, which had always been very much lighter than the rest, only 130.5 grams. After 24 days the brood ‘exploded’ when we approached the nest, but the second chick was caught and was found to weigh 167 grams. Since incubation began before the clutch was completed, the young hatched asynchronously. The weights of the nine chicks were therefore arranged according to their age in days, — OCC REESE EIU SPN 402 MAGPIES IN ABERDEENSHIRE 7(8) and the average and standard deviation are plotted in fig. 1. This has been used to calculate the age of chicks in other nests and hence approximate laying dates. For the first week the mean weights are fairly constant, and it is at this time that the chicks can be most accurately aged. Eight newly laid eggs (the first four from two separate clutches) averages 10.6 grams, and on its first day a chick weighed 7.7 grams (sd + 0.74 grams). Just before fledging the weight of the chicks was about the normal adult weight of around 200 grams. Discussion Magpies were the least common of the four species of corvid breeding in the study area, occurring at a density of about one nest per 4.5 square kilometres. Dr Y. Yom-tov (pers. comm.) found a density of one Carrion/Hooded Crow nest per 2.1 square kilometres within the same area. Rooks occurred at a density of one nest per 0.04 square kilometre in the whole of the Ythan valley (Dunnet and Patterson 1968), which in- cludes our study area. There are no comparative data for Jackdaws, but casual observations indicated that they were more numerous than Magpies. Lockie (1955) and Holyoak (1967 and 1968) showed con- siderable overlap in the diet and the breeding times of Magpie and Carrion Crow, and so one might not expect the two species to occur together. Indeed in the majority of cases Carrion Crows did not breed near Magpie nest sites. In only five in- stances (where larger clumps of trees occurred) did both species attempt to nest in close proximity, but in none of these did both succeed in hatching eggs, the Carrion Crows being successful in three cases and the Magpies in two. In addition, two old Magpie nests from previous years were found near occupied crow nests. This would indicate that some mutual exclusion may have been taking place, perhaps through the medium of nest-robbing of one species by the other. Although only 22 nests were found and even fewer yielded data on the different aspects of breeding, some comparisons with the results published by Holyoak (1967) are ventured here. The mean date of onset of laying in Aberdeenshire was 27th April, compared with 21st April in the south of Scotland. The mean clutch size was higher (6.7 eggs compared with 5.7 for southern Scotland). These differences are probably correla- ted with latitude (Lack 1947), although clutch sizes for other areas in Britain given by Holyoak showed regional rather than latitudinal variation. 1973 MAGPIES IN ABERDEENSHIRE 403 Acknowledgments We should like to thank Dr Y. Yom-tov and I. Taylor for helpful criticism of the manuscript, which was kindly typed by Miss J. Dunnet. Summary In an area of 50 square kilometres in Aberdeenshire, 22 Magpie nests were located in two years (a density of one nest per 4.5 square. kilo- metres). The mean date of laying of the first egg (27th April) was about a week later than in southern Scotland, and the mean clutch size (6.7 eggs) was greater. One-third of the nests failed completely; 65% of the eggs laid as complete clutches produced fledged young. The mean brood size at fledging was 4.2 young; but the overall breeding output for the study area was only 2.1 young per pair. Data are given on the growth of nine chicks from two nests. There was an indication that when Magpies and Carrion Crows attempted to nest close together one species failed early in the egg stage. References DuNNET, G. M. & PATTERSON, I. J. 1968. The Rook problem in north-east Scotland. In The Problems of Birds as &ests (Eds. R. K. Murton & E. N. Wright) Symp. of Inst. of Biology 17; 119-1359. Goopwin, D. 1956. Further observations on the behaviour of the Jay Garrulus glan- darius. Ibis 98: 186-219. Hotyoak, D. 1967. Breeding biology of the Corvidae. Bird Study 14: 153-168. Hotyoak, D. 1968. A comparative study of the food of some British Corvidae. Bird Study 15: 147-153. Lack, D. 1947. The significance of clutch-size. [bis 89: 502-352. ‘Lockiz, J. D. 1955. The breeding and feeding of Jackdaws and Rooks with notes on Carrion Crows and other Corvidae. [bis 97: 541-569. IPARSLOw, J. L. F. 1967. Changes in status among breeding birds in Britain and Ireland. Brit. Birds 60: 277-278. Short Notes Fulmars in a rookery On 16th May 1973 while I was staying in Golspie, Suther- land, my attention was drawn by my hostess, Mrs Sinclair, to the attempted use by a pair of Fulmars of a nest in a rookery just across the road from her house. The Fulmars were no longer occupying the nest, which had been partly destroyed in recent high winds, but were seen several times flying close past the rookery. There were half a dozen pairs of Rooks feed- ing young in the colony, which is in a small wood on the main road where it enters Golspie High Street. Mrs Sinclair had watched the Fulmars from her windows over a period; they had taken over the completed nest in April and occupied it for about three weeks, engaging regular- ly in the cackling displays commonly seen on more normal nest sites. She had noticed no interference from the Rooks, though there were two nests only yards away in the next tree. 404 SHORT NOTES 7(8) There are large Fulmar colonies within five miles on inland cliffs both north and south of the Mound at the head of Loch Fleet. Fulmars are frequently seen in flight over the whole area and even occasionally sitting on rooftops in Golspie. There are, however, few suitable breeding sites nearby, since the coastline consists of sand dunes and pebble beaches to the south and well wooded slopes by Dunrobin Castle to the north. C. K. MYLNE. (I. D. Pennie recorded (Brit. Birds 60: 90) similar behaviour of Fulmars, also at Golspie, in 1966.—Eb.) Long-tailed Ducks in the Uists On calm winter days Long-tailed Ducks are often seen close inshore on the sandy western coasts of the Outer Hebrides. Sometimes flocks dive in the breaking waves within a few yards of the sea’s edge, with no other Long-tails to be seen as far out as birds can be identified. On rough days Long-tails are seen far out to sea. They may also occur far out on fine days, particularly near a long reef that runs north to south about two kilometres west of the Uists. However, the occur- rence of ducks close inshore on calm days suggested that it might be possible by counting only on these days to get an approximate first idea of their numbers and of the importance of Hebridean waters for their conservation. We made counts once each month in winters 1971/72 and 1972/73, using a motor car and driving to strategic points on the machair. Each count took about two or three days, occasionally longer owing to interruptions from bad weather. The data obtained do not necessarily present the full picture, however. First, the birds were not consistently seen in the same places and obviously moved along the coast as well as out to sea. Secondly, no counts were done on the east coast, where access is difficult. Thirdly, other birds could have been along the reef, with only part of the population inshore. How- ever, there are few figures for the numbers of Long-tails in the Outer Islands, and the totals in the table are reasonably consistent. If we exclude the count in February 1973, which is lower than the others, all the totals are between 150 and 300, and most between 150 and 250. This gives the order of magnitude, and there was not much difference between the two years. J. W. Campbell in Wildfowl in Great Britain (Atkinson-Wil- les 1963) suggests that Long-tailed Ducks are plentiful in the Sound of Harris, but if this is so they are not visible from North Uist except near Vallay. He also states that Long-tails are scarcer in South Uist than further north. However the only 1973 SHORT NOTES 405 figure given is for a spring peak of at least 140 in Loch Brana- huie near Stornoway. Fishermen have told us of a large num- Counts of Long-tailed Ducks off the west coast of the Uists and Benbecula in winters 1971/72 and 1972/73 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr 1971/72 North Uist no counts 58 111 90 55 68 no counts Benbecula no counts 12 6 6 no counts South Uist no counts 119 164 139 183 107 no counts 189 283 245 244 184 QO — ie) 1972/73 North Uist 48 48 47 57 22 19 38 Benbecula 22 31 22 19 0 0 0 South Uist 89 128 111 88 82 158 192 159 207 180 164 104 177 230 ber in the Sound of Harris in late April. Both these flocks may be gatherings from a wide area. Contrary to Dr Campbell’s suggestion, more birds were seen off South Uist than off Ben- becula or North Uist, but this is partly because of the longer coastline. In 1970/71 the best places for Long-tails in North Uist were usually the north coast near Vallay, and in South Uist around Ardivachar Point, from Varran Island to Dremis- dale, near Rubha Ardvule, and near Pollachar. In 1972/73 the birds were more scattered, but most were usually seen be- tween Rubha Ardvule and Grogarry in South Uist. Since the length of the west coast in the Uists is over 150 kilometres, the numbers of Longtails seen are not high, and if we include the spring flock near Stornoway the total for all the Outer Hebrides may be of the order of only a few hundreds. Thus these islands are probably not important in the conser- vation of Long-tailed Ducks. However, no comparable data are available for Lewis, Harris and Barra, nor for the reef nor the east coasts, and more counts from these places would be worthwhile. A useful exercise would be a trial count on east and west coasts of all the islands in mid April. C. BROWN, D. JENKINS. Unusual nest sites of Oystercatchers In Ayrshire, a pair of Oystercatchers nested in a weathered hollow in the top of a wooden fence post each year from 1968 to 1972. Young were reared each year until 1972, when boys took the eggs. The birds did not use the site in 1973. Another hazard of this unusual site was illustrated on one occasion, when a cow selected this particular post to relieve 406 SHORT NOTES 7(8) an itch. Its scraping aroused the incubating bird, which flew off the nest. Alighting on the animal’s rump, the Oystercatcher ran along its back and finally perched between its horns, all the while calling vigorously. W.S. PATON. In 1971, 1972 and 1973, Oystercatchers nested on the roofs of two buildings in Aberdeen—at the Nursing College (two stor- eys) and the College of Education (three storeys). At both sites there are fairly extensive lawns, where the adults were seen to feed. The roofs are flat, with a covering of small, loose stone chips on bitumen, and the birds were able to make shallow nest scrapes. Young were successfully reared at both sites in all years, though at one site in 1972 one of the two young, hatched from a clutch of three eggs, was lost when it was blown off the roof in high winds. D. P. WILLIS. Rooks in Shetland In our book The Birds and Mammals of Shetland (1955) we record the establishment of the first and only rookery in Shet- land. This was in the plantation of Lindsay Lee on the Kergord Estate, Weisdale, and consisted of nine nests in 1952 increas- ing to 11 the following year. In July 1973 we revisited the estate and again counted the Rooks’ nests in Lindsay Lee. We found that they had increased to about 176 in spite of severe winter conditions and numbers being shot each year on nearby crofts, where they are reputed to do considerable damage to crops of oats and potatoes. A novel form of control results from the Guizer Jarl’s squad shooting some each winter for the sake of the wings with which to adorn their helmets for Up Helly Aa instead of the traditional Ravens’ wings. L. S. V. VENABLES. Fieldfares breeding on the Scottish mainland, 1972-73 The following records of Fieldfares nesting on the mainland were reported in 1972: 1. A. G. Payne discovered a pair of Fieldfares with at least two recently fledged young on 29th July in Banffshire. Al- though he was unable to find the nest, it was probably in or by the hill birch scrub near which the young were being fed. 2. On 13th June in central Aberdeenshire M. A. Macdonald and R. L. Swann were shown a nest from which Fieldfares had been disturbed a week earlier. It was under a grass tussock 1973 SHORT NOTES 407 on the bank of a ditch that ran beside a small patch of willow scrub. The nest was deserted before completion, but a pair of Fieldfares remained in the same general area during the summer. 3. On 15th May in Donside, Aberdeenshire, D. B. Leslie located a pair of Fieldfares, which became very agitated when he approached a Scots pine. The tree was in a narrow belt of widely spaced pine mixed with birch and larch near a river. The ground vegetation was grass, which was grazed by sheep. Although he did not stay to search for a nest, he had little doubt from the birds’ behaviour that they were nesting in the pine. Independently, J. R. D. Murray saw and heard a Field- fare in flight in the same area on 9th June. 4. On 8th May in Strathardle, Perthshire, J. J. M. Flegg ‘watched a single Fieldfare, at a few yards’ range, gather a beakful of worms and another shorter and greyer soil inver- tebrate. The bird then flew out of sight towards a dense plan- tation of young conifers 6-10 feet high. Blackbirds and Song Thrushes were nesting in the plantation, but the Fieldfare was not seen again during an hour’s observation. To prevent un- necessary disturbance, he did not search the plantation, and there was no opportunity to return at a later date. 5. I. McLachlan reported a pair of Fieldfares apparently holding territory in early summer near Dunkeld, Perthshire (R. H. Dennis, pers. comm.). 6. I received a convincing report from D. Nicol (a game- keeper and well aware of the difference between Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush) of a successful nest in lower Deeside (North ‘Kincardineshire). The nest was in a pine at the edge of a small, mature plantation bordering arable land. As in other re- ports, the adults were very agitated when the observer ap- proached the nest. In 1973, at a site five miles from that in report 6 above, I saw a newly-fledged young Fieldfare, still with some down on one side of its head. It flew across the hill track along which I was driving and landed very uncertainly on a branch of a mature larch in a one-acre isolated stand. I was able to walk to within a few yards of the bird but, despite a thorough search, could find no sign of any other young or of the adults. Although I passed the place several times a week for at least a month both before and after my sighting, I had no other indication that Fieldfares were present. No further breeding records for 1973 were known at the time of going to press, although there were several reports of single birds during the summer (as in previous years). There has apparently been little indication so far of birds returning to the same places in following years to breed, which 408 SHORT NOTES 7(8) may suggest that British nesters are late passage birds re- maining in suitable localities. If this is so, their success may have been helped by the wide range of habitats in which they are able to nest. In addition to those mentioned above, breed- ing records previously published in Scottish Birds show a var- iety of nest sites: oak (6: 212), elder (5: 31), sycamore (6: 110), fir (pine?) (6:110) and two ground nests, one in the bank of a stream (5: 218) and the other in heather in the side of a ditch (6: 110). These are similar to the range given by Jourdain in the Handbook, i.e. birch, pine, alder, fir and occasionally in gar- dens, wood stacks, rocks, huts and the ground. The first known breeding record for Britain was in Orkney in 1967 (E. Balfour, Scot. Birds 5: 31), and the first known mainland breeding record was in East Inverness-shire in 1970 (D. N. Weir, Scot. Birds 6: 212). Although there have been subsequent breeding records in Orkney and Shetland, there have been no further published reports of breeding on the Scottish mainland. I am therefore grateful to Dr J. T. R. Shar- rock (pers. comm.) for the comment that there have been several breeding records; indeed, he considers that the species is now firmly established in Britain. One reason for writing this note is to draw attention to this fact in the hope that more observers may feel they can now give at least some details of summer sightings or breeding records to local recorders so that a better understanding may eventually be gained of the spread of this recent addition to our breeding avifauna. Iam most grateful to J. J. M. Flegg, D. B. Leslie, M. A. Mac- donald, J. R. D. Murray, D. Nicol, A. G. Payne and R. L. Swann for providing me with their field notes. All readily agreed to let me combine their observations with my own. N. Picozzli. Golden Eagles rear three young It is not often that a pair of Golden Eagles on the west side of Scotland rears two young, and a pair that successfully rears three young is exceptional. An eyrie that we had under observation in South Argyll in 1973 was found to contain three young, and by early July all three had left the nest and were flying. Clutches of three eggs have been recorded several times in Scotland, but successful fledging of three young appears to have been recorded at only one site previously, although the pair of birds in that case was reputed to have reared 24 young in eight years. (Seton Gordon, The Golden Eagle). The South Argyll birds have been successful each year since the eyrie was first located in 1969, the number of young reared now totalling nine in the five years. It is of interest that the same eyrie has been used each year. PLATE 29. Breeding biology of Magpies in Aberdeenshire: aerial view of part of the study area north of Newburgh. The arrows indicate nest sites. Note the absence of trees except around farm buildings. Photograph by courtesy of the Geography Department, University of Glasgow PLATE 30. (a) Rookery at Golspie, Sutherland, in which a pair of Fulmars took up residence in spring 1975 (see p. 405). Photograph by CU. K. Mylne (b) Long-tailed Duck in winter plumage (see p. 404). Photograph by N. Picozzi PLATE 51. Oystercatcher nesting on top of a fence post (see p. 405). Photographs by W. S. Paton PLATE 52. Three well grown eaglets in an eyrie in South Argyll, 1973 (see p. 408). Photograph by Dr E. C. Fellowes 1973 | SHORT NOTES 413 Factors that might have contributed to this successful breeding record include a low-altitude, sheltered nesting crag; a plentiful food supply, rabbits being the main prey; and a lack of human disturbance. The site is not known to the landowner nor his employees, and visits by observers have been minimal, all observations at the eyrie having been ,carried out from a distance by telescope until the young birds were half-grown. A. G. GORDON, M. J. P. GREGORY. (Although the rearing of three young by Golden Eagles is not uncommon in the United States, it is rare in Britain.—ED.) Reviews Finches. By Ian Newton. London, Collins, 1972. Pp. 288; four colour, 24 monochrome plates; 64 text figures. 22 x 15 cm. £3.00. It will come as no surprise to anyone who heard Ian Newton’s paper on birds of prey in Scotland at the 1971 SOC Conference that Finches is undoubtedly one of the best bird books to appear in recent years. This is the latest of the New Naturalist volumes and can certainly be placed among the small number of outstanding works of the main series that have become classics of natural history. Ian Newton’s main fields of research, both academic and economic, (including his Oxford D.Phil. thesis) have been concerned with finch biology, and a great deal of the text of this book stems directly from his own research and from observations already published in various scientific journals. This is now made more readily available not only for the general reader but for the serious ornithologist who lacks either the time or the facilities to read the original papers. It goes without saying, however, that the author has also made full use of his extensive know- ledge of the literature already published on this subject. His subjects are the European finches. The Citril Finch, which gets two pages of text and a full-page photograph, achieves its status as a British bird on the strength of a single specimen taken 70 years ago, whereas the Trumpeter Bullfinch gets one short paragraph, though un- fortunately the two recent British records turned up too late for inclu- sion, and we have no indication here (or anywhere else that I can find) whether this is a species that may be extending its range. Interest would have been broadened if the Fringillinae had included some account of the Canarian Blue Chaffinch and those fascinating races of the common Chaffinch from North Africa, the Canary Islands and Madeira. Ian Newton’s first love was the Bullfinch, and one of his chapters em- ‘bodies a description of methods of control of this horticultural pest deduced from studies in food ecology. This example demonstrates clearly how necessary it is for control measures of any pest species to be pre- ceded by an adequate research programme. How many of us think of Crossbills as cardueline finches ? Throughout the book there is consideration of species relationship on grounds other than straight taxonomics, but in dealing with the Crossbills it seems that the author is on less familiar ground. The food ecology of the three species is explained, beak size being correlated with preferred food— Parrot Crossbill is associated with pine, Crossbill with spruce and Two- barred Crossbill with larch. Nevertheless scotica is retained as a race of Crossbill (although its preferred food is pine) without consideration of 414 REVIEWS 7(8) differences, for example, in song and behaviour. Indeed I can find no mention at all of the Crossbill’s wild and beautiful song. The description of the call-note of Parrot Crossbill is at variance with the opinion ex- pressed by Svein Haftorn (Norges Fugler, p. 784)—who ought to know, but there is obviously much room for further study. The editors apologise for the necessity, presumably for reasons of cost, of discontinuing the use of the colour photographs that were a feature of earlier volumes, but the fine paintings by Hermann Heinzel go a long ‘way to compensate for this, and the author and publishers are to be con- gratulated on the high standard of this addition to their most valuable series. This is a superb book by a most versatile author. IAN D. PENNIE. The Dotterel. By Desmond Nethersole-Thompson. London, Collins. 1973. Pp. 288; colour frontispiece, 8 black-and-white plates, 14 text figures, 24 tables. 214 x 144 cm. £3.50. The Dotterel is an uncommon bird in Britain, and its haunts are more often than not inhospitable to those who seek it. Consequently any study of the Dotterel requires not only an interest in the bird but also the tenacity to withstand less than optimum study conditions. Desmond Nethersole-Thompson has lived on mountain tops with the Dotterel, and his amassed notes on the bird in its summer home are drawn together and published in this monograph. A vast personal experience of the bird forms the basis of the book, but as much information again has been gleaned from discussion with other Dottere] enthusiasts and from an exhaustive search of the literature. The author did most of his field work in the Grampians, but his notes on the arrival, courtship, nesting and rearing of young are supplemented by comparison with those of other observers in Britain and abroad. The author is specially interested in the bird’s adaptation to its continually fluctuating environment, and many topics are interrupted with discussion of the ‘survival value’ of any particular character under the extremes of sun and snow. Appropriately, a significant part of the text is devoted to a description of the Dotterel’s environment, including the elevation, topo- graphy, weather, flora and fauna of the Scottish plateaux, again with comparative notes from elsewhere. There are also chanters on distribu- tion and movements, populations, dispersion and the history of human influence on the Dotterel. The book is a reflection of the author—true naturalist, tenacious yet jovial; the old naturalists were his inspiration, for they possessed enthus- iasm for the pursuit of natural history long before the advent of ecology. It was this kind of enthusiasm that gave Nethersole-Thompson the cour- age to cut free from security and seek the Dotterel on the hills. At that time there was no financial aid, and naturalists were either men of in- dependent means or they had to rough it. Nethersole-Thompson had no sponsor, no vehicle, no library, and his field equioment comprised essen- tially boots, binoculars and notebook, with a canvas rag for shelter. His best Dotterel year was 1934, and much of his field work was done then and between 1946 and 1952. His notes record events that happened 39 years ago, yet since then no one else has even equalled the work. It was an achievement in itself to have accumulated the information and even more so to have written the book after such a time lapse. Nethersole-Thompson had no scientific training, and it was not until much later than he had scientific advice. His field notes were written in an atmosphere of intense interest, but without knowledge of recording in a standard fashion to facilitate analysis. Some observations are, by their nature, more standard than others. Clutch size from different years and localities can be compared directly, whereas laying dates are com- 1973 , REVIEWS 415 parable only if the amount of effort put into every year and locality has been measured. Descriptions of behaviour are so much more complicated that the author has presented these in groups of anecdotes. It would appear that behaviour was recorded on the spot as interpreted incidents, and these were later grouped under these interpretations. The resulting mass of small events gives no idea of the frequency of different behaviour nor an objective view of postures and actions free of the observer’s orig- inal interpretation. In several places outline sketches could have enhanced ‘or even replaced written description. As it is, the reader is left with little conception of generalised Dotterel behaviour. A great deal of effort has been taken to include all available informa- tion to date, but this is not necessarily always to the reader’s advantage. Owing to the miscellaneous nature of the material, it is at times impos- sible for the author to summarise, so that note follows note, the theme is obscured, and reading becomes tedious. Nevertheless, the book as a whole is exciting. The author recreates the experience of hill and bird, the thrill of a first encounter with the Dotterel, the exhilaration of being with wild birds in wild terrain. His stories of hunters, eggers and nesters are so vividly narrated that they reveal the passion that motivated these pioneers as well as the method of their success or failure. In this respect, chapters 2 and 3 are perhaps the most entertaining, for intermingled with these tales is shrewd com- ment on the character of the early Dotterel seekers and their minions, with the occasional jibe at some of their more respectable contempor- aries. As in The Snow Bunting, the authority of D. A. Ratcliffe has been en- listed to describe the bird’s habitat in Britain and its breeding on English fells. A section by Adam Watson and Raymond Parr relates, in simple, logical steps, the aims, results and conclusions of their analysis of the author’s data on timing of the breeding season of Dotterel and Ptarmigan. Amid the rambling style of the chapter, this analysis is so starkly scien- tific that it may be felt that it should have appeared as an appendix. However, the contrast merely emphasises two different approaches and shows how they may complement one another. Statistical data are necessary if we are to learn enough about the Dotterel to afford it suffic- ient habitat for its continued presence in Britain. However, there is little use in this knowledge unless people consider the conservation of the bird worthwhile. Here both scientist and naturalist have their parts to play. The book provides fact and informed opinion about the Dotterel, and at the same time conveys the special fascination of this mountain wader that has lured so many people into high country. Though the book is a welcome contribution to the ornithological liter- ature, it is unfortunate that it will undoubtedly engender greater interest in the bird. This summer has already seen unprecedented numbers of people on the hills and unwarranted disturbance by a ringer over a part of the bird’s range. It is questionable whether any knowledge likely to be gained from this marking technique will outweigh the deleterious effects of ringing chicks and the disturbance in attempts to read the ring number of any ringed bird that may return. Two chapters of the book tell of persecution in the past: it seems the Dotterel has survived the “acquisitive society” only to be confronted by less hardy, but equally zealous ‘twitchers’, photographers and ringers. The book contains no indication of the response of the Dotterel population to this type of dis- turbance; the author fears the commercial development of the high ground rather than this new breed of naturalist. It is becoming obvious that not all who have read the book have paid heed to Ratcliffe’s coun- selling (p. 197) “..., but all of us who wish the Dotterel well must give a thought to the disturbance we ourselves may create.” M, MARQUISS. 416 REVIEWS 7(8) Birdwatchers’ Year. By Leo Batten, Jim Flegg, Jeremy Sorensen, Mike Wareing, Donald Watson and Malcolm Wright. Berkhamsted, T. and A. D. Poyser, 1973. Pp. 351; 19 black-and-white photographs; numer- ous line drawings. 24 x 16 cm. £4.60. A most informative and enjoyable book by six authors, who describe, month by month, the birdwatching events of a year in their own individ- ual localities. Leo Batten, Research Officer at the BTO, deals with the Brent Reservoir in London; Jim Flegg, Director of the BTO, describes what goes on at Northward Hill, a woodland in the Thames basin; Jeremy Sorensen, RSPB Warden at the Ouse Washes, gives an account of this 20-mile stretch of wetlands in Cambridgeshire; Mike Wareing, a farmer, tells about The Breck, his farm in Derbyshire surrounded by industry, coal-mining and chemical production; our own Donald Watson, bird artist and past President of the Club, writes about his home moun- tains and moorlands in southwest Scotland; and finally Malcolm Wright, Warden of the Calf of Man Bird Observatory, details the events on that island. What a pity a seventh section could not have been added describ- ing a coastal or estuarine area. There are delightful line drawings at the head of each month’s account; they are mainly by Ian Willis, but Donald Watson illustrates his own diary. I fully endorse the publisher’s claim that each author has brought an individual approach to his diary. The contributions are entertainingly diverse in style, content and viewpoint, resulting in a fascinating com- ‘pilation of fact, anecdote and general observation that will appeal to birdwatchers at all levels of expertise. For each habitat the author’s own observations are given on both resident and passage birds. There are accounts of moult, ringing work, weights in relation to migration, life spans, roosts and so on, and observations also touch on other aspects of natural history and wildlife, weather and seasons, conservation and ecology. The book highlights many problems that must be resolved if we are to preserve our heritage of wildlife: the pressures on remaining open spaces in urban and industrial areas; the wholesale felling of hardwood and deciduous trees and replanting with conifers; the filling-in or drainage of wetlands and reclamation of land from the sea, where such places are essential as feeding sites or refuges for wildlife; human disturbance; in- tensive farming; and pollution. GERARD L. SANDEMAN. The Naturalist in Majorca. By James D. Parrack. Newton Abbot, David and Charles, 1973. Pp. 224; 32 black-and-white plates, 15 text figures. 224 x 144 cm. £3.95. Not long ago, any keen naturalist who said he was going to Majorca for a holiday might have been considered eccentric; nowadays a totally different view prevails, and what is undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Mediterranean is also regarded as an island of out- standing interest to the naturalist—the botanist and entomologist as much as the ornithologist. What has always been lacking, however, is detailed information on what might be seen there, or where the best spots are, and for the most part the birdwatcher in Majorca has had to find out for himself. Dr Par- rack has made a courageous and most successful first attempt to sum- marise what is known about the flora and fauna of this fascinating island. His book deals in some detail with the geology, the main habitat types and the abundant and varied wildlife. The section on birds is particularly useful and contains an annotated checklist. It would be unfair to criticise the book for its incompleteness or to stress that the checklist is open to question in parts and is based on very few authorities, considering the number of people who have been there: 1973 REVIEWS 417 until some centralised recording scheme is in operation, matters could hardly be otherwise. Instead, I prefer to regard the book as a useful first step towards a fuller record and can only echo the point the author him- self makes that his collation is incomplete and that the opportunities for further research into the status and distribution of much of Majorca’s wildlife are almost endless. No birdwatcher who goes to Majorca should be without this book: in spite of its price it is a most valuable work, and perhaps it is not too ‘much to hope that it might be the forerunner of other such books on European areas. M. J. EVERETT. Birds—Collins Colour Guide. By Claus Konig, translated from German by H. Mayer-Gross. London, Collins, 1973. Vol. 1 Pp. 256, 136 colour photographs. Vol. 2 Pp. 256., 150 colour photographs. 19 x 13 cm. £1.50 each vol. It did not occur to me in several weeks of trying to find a use for this book that I should never have read the eulogy on the dust-jacket; this describes it as a pocket-sized, authoritative guide, showing clearly visible identifying features and characteristic attitude of the birds. The pictures are, almost without exception, excellent examples of the traditional bird- photographer’s art, but unfortunately they confirm yet again that the colour camera and the eye of the average birdwatcher seldom see the same picture. That the feathered denizens of our fields, woods, wild country and back gardens should invariably look much more like field- guide illustrations than like flash colour photographs taken three feet from the nest is a strange fact—but fact it is. The two volumes, there- fore, are unlikely greatly to increase our bird-recognition capabilities. On the other hand, for anyone wishing to confirm, for example, that a Redpoll really does have a bright carmine patch on the top of its head, this book is a must. “For technical reasons,” says the foreword, “it was impossible to de- pict all the species on the same scale.’’ That is nowhere better illustra- ted than in the two photographs, one above the other, showing a Herring Gull and a Great Black-backed Gull, both apparently exactly the same size, faced by a Lesser Blackback twice as big. (But the full-dress, ser- geant-major-like Stone Curlew, lording it over a sub-miniature, denim- clad Bonxie on the previous plate, comes a good second). As a final identification detail, the book gives the weight of each species pictured; the two volumes themselves turn the scale at 26 oz—about the same as a brace of Partridges. I think I’d rather have the Partridges. B. G. GRATTAGE. Enquiries Carrion/Hooded Crow hybrid-zone Enquiry In September 1973 the enquiry completed its first year; useful informa- tion has been collected, and the beginnings of an interesting picture are ‘emerging, and I should like to thank all those who have helped so far in providing data. However for a fuller, more accurate definition of the zone more observation will be required during the 1974 breeding season. The areas where more data are particularly needed are: Buchan, Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Inverness, Cairngorms, Argyll, Caith- ness and southwest Sutherland. However, reports of sightings of Crows, anywhere in Scotland, will be useful, along with a description of the plumage category : Hooded, light-hybrid, dark-hybrid or Carrion. Addi- 418 ENQUIRIES 7(8) tional details will also be welcome, particularly on the sex of birds (the female incubates, and the male is more active in territorial defense and on Crow roosts). Further information and record sheets are available, along with any other details required, from: Tony Cook, Edinburgh Uni- versity, Zoology Department, West Mains Road, Edinburgh. Date of return of auks to breeding colonies A recent paper on the Ful- mar (Bird Study 20: 221-225) suggests that this species now spends a greater part of the year on land than formerly. The same may be true of Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. Information is required on the first dates (day, month and year) of return of each species to its breeding colonies, and the size and location of these colonies. Additional informa- tion on the status of the colonies (increasing or decreasing), past records, and other observations of attendance patterns would be useful. Recorders should state whether their observations are regular or casual. All records will be gratefully received by: T. R. Birkhead, Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS. THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Revenue Account for the year ended 30th June 1973 Yearto Yearto 30/6/73 30/6/72 INCOME— Subscriptions received for year £4388 £4084 Income Tax recovered on covenanted subscriptions 630 Dividends and Interest received (gross) 27 Surplus on Bookshop (sales £9234) 3 ee ‘4 2289 Sale of ‘Scottish Birds’ es me oe 238 Sundry sales less sundry purchases : 440 86 Donations received hy E 7 £7855 EXPENDITURE— Branch expenses including lectures ... h Hs: £482 £340 Travel expenses of Council members and of delegates to conferences pe rie ie 216 140 Secretarial services ae ed Ga. 4 VE 4281 3655 Office expenses 911 701 Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection : Club’s share of running expenses ae 516 841 Cost of books purchased for Library ; 125 111 Cost of publishing ‘Scottish Birds’ (less advertising - revenue £419) he 1056 1087 Honorarium to Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’ £150 Less Contribution from ‘Scottish Birds’ Appeal Fund ek ~ oe. 1 150 Net cost of Annual Conference 43. nik mY 18 — Subscriptions paid i Pg dis 26x An 57 38 Excess of Income over eepeate calan to Balance Sheet hess ; “e 193 339 1973 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 419 Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1973 Yearto Yearto 30/6/73 30/6/72 Accumulated surplus as at 30th June 1972... ES BUS £3566 Add : Excess of Income over Expenditure for year 193 339 Accumulated surplus as at 30th June 1973... ... £4098 £3905 (Note : £1000 of this surplus is earmarked for the House Fabric Fund) . Made up of: Cash in hand and Bank current accounts ... ea £271 £203 Savings Bank accounts aa ble ae lat 309 202 Bookshop stock at valuation ae a ae 2100 1640 Tie and Badge stock at valuation ... is ae 177 NS) Debts due to Club Se Ph at se sil BT 536 Night store heaters—Cost ... ae ... £465 Less depreciation eee ns me B2oD 180 270 Addressing machine—Cost .... Nid en mre 3 0 Less depreciation tf beh nee oO. 300 400 Investments at cost, as below ae nore ae 2900 2900 6809 6302 Less : Life Membership Fund ? rs sep EOLD 675 Subscriptions paid in advance ie a 54 54 Debts due by Club aa ead 1 45) 1236 Sum due to Endowment Fund — ae ne OS 113 ‘Scottish Birds’ Fund . Pe Poee) ae 152 Sum earmarked for Library binding rag per ane me 1 27/ 167 2711 2397 £4098 £3905 Investments as at 30th June 1973: Market At At Value cost cost Safeguard Industrial Investments Ltd.—875 Ord. shares of 25p each ... ras . ya bOOO £508 £508 £950—64% Treasury Loan 1976 ... 888 946 946 £1300—British Electricity 3% Guar. Stock 1974/77 re et we ee? | 952 952 £550—54% Conversion Stock 1974... sep 7 ,OAO 494 494 £3112 £2900 £2900 420 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(8) ENDOWMENT FUND (The free income of which is available for the advancement of ornithology) Revenue Account for the year ended 30th June 1973 Yearto Yearto 30/6/73 30/6/72 INCOME— Interest and Dividends received (gross) ... as £242 £211 EXPENDITURE— Grants as detailed in Report of Council ... #3 100 400 Unexpended income for the year... st i £142 (£189) Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1973 Endowment Fund as at 30th June 1972 Peis 2 scieueeeeelree £2519 Accumulated unexpended Income as at 30th June 1972 ae 731 Add : Excess of Income over Expenditure au peel (189) 542 £3061 Made up of: Investments at cost as below: ison Royal Bank of Scotland Deposit Account Due by Club’s General Funds ee Deduct : Grant allocated but not yet paid Market Value Investments as at 30th June 1973: 1952 Units of the Equities Investment Trust for Charities dia 27451 03) £1000 £1140 5% Exchequer Stock 1976/78 ce ESOe 1000 £440 84% Conver. Unsecured Loan Stock 1993/98 British Printing Corporation Ltd. 330 441 250 St Andrew Trust Ltd., Ordinary 25p .... 531 570 £4633 £3011 £3011 Note : £250, granted to the North Solway Ringing Group in 1971/72, is to be refunded in the next financial year. This refund has not been taken into account in the above figures. 1973 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 421 HOUSE FABRIC FUND Summary of Accounts for year to 30th June 1973 Yearto Yearto 30/6/73 30/6/72 RECEIPTS— Balance as at 30th June 1972 ... ae £34 (£25) Year’s rent from Mr and Mrs George Waterston ... 150 150 Year’s rent from British Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled ... ne sig 140 133 Grant from S.O.C. Revenue Account igh — 300 Miscellaneous Interest ane Hel she me 3 £327 £562 EXPENDITURE— Repairs and maintainance hi 485 6 dies £35 £127 Property Burdens AA ... £430 Less Contribution from tenants ig Sk eas 237 372 Insurance 12 19 Miscellaneous 3 10 £287 £528 On deposit with Edinburgh Building Society 40 34 £327 £562 EDINBURGH, 24th September, 1973.—I have audited the foregoing Revenue Accounts for the year to 30th June 1973, and the Balance Sheet as at that date. I have accepted as correct Subscriptions and other re- ceipts shown as received in the Books and the value placed on the Book- shop Stock. Subject to this I certify that in my opinion the foregoing ac- counts are correctly stated and sufficiently vouched. (Signed) ARTHUR WALKER, Chartered Accountant. REPORT OF COUNCIL Your Council submits the following Report for the year 1972/73 : Membership At the end of the session the Club had 2560 members. This was a net increase of 189 during the year; 442 new members joined, a slight increase on last year (429). A table of membership for the past six years is given below. 30/6/68 30/6/69 30/6/70 30/6/71 30/6/72 30/6/73 Ordinary 1677 1771 1849 1889 2054 2230 Junior 265 274 286 282 298 312 Life 3 6 9 10 14 14 Honorary 4 5 5 5 5 4 Increase 162 107 93 37 185 189 422 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(8) The number of Deeds of Covenant rose from 445 to 464, representing 547 members, enabling us to reclaim £630 of tax. Death It is with deep regret that Council records the death during the year of Clyde Bain, an Honorary Member since 1937. Honours Council has great pleasure in recording the award of the C.B.E. in the 1973 New Year Honours to Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards, a past President of the Club. A new award to prominent conservationists, the Order of the Golden Ark, has been instituted by Prince Bernhardt of the Netherlands. Among those to whom it has been awarded are the follow- ing Club members: Sir Frank Fraser Darling, Max Nicholson and Sir Landsborough Thomson. Business of Council Five meetings of Council were held during the year and the Management Committee met three times. There were also meetings of the Library and Research Committees. Secretarial Staff During the year, Mrs Waterston asked Council if she could in due course be transferred to part-time employment. With this in mind, Council appointed a new Bookshop Manager in view of increasing sales and work. Unfortunately the appointment only lasted from February to March. Mrs Winkworth joined the Staff on a part-time basis as a Clerical Assistant in May 1973 to help deal with invoicing and despatch of books, with Mrs Waterston continuing to manage the Bookshop. In the spring, Mr Delaney informed Council that business commitments forced him most reluctantly to resign from editing Scottish Birds by the end of 1973. His resignation was received with great regret. Attempts were made by Council to find a voluntary replacement without success. Council then decided that a new salaried post should be created combining editing the journal with managing the Bookshop. The post was widely advertised and the Management Committee appointed Squadron Leader Harry Greig who joined the Staff in October 1973. A native of Stone- haven, Aberdeen, he retired from the Royal Air Force after thirty years service. While stationed in Cyprus in 1965 and 1966 he was Honorary Secretary of the Cyprus Ornithological Society and responsible for editing their Reports and bulletins; he has also written articles for other journals. He is a member of the BTO, RSPB, SWT and NTS. His editorial and ad- ministrative experience fits him well for the newly created post of Editor of Scottish Birds and Manager of the Bird Bookshop. We extend a warm welcome to Squadron Leader Greig. Endowment Fund An Appeal was issued by the World Wildlife Fund for funds to purchase a sea-bird island in memory of James Fisher who was tragically killed in a car accident in September 1970. The island of Copinsay in Orkney was acquired, and Council approved a grant of £100 for the purchase of equipment on the island. Copinsay was Officially opened as a Reserve, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, on 7th July 1973 at a ceremony attended by many of James Fisher’s old friends in the Club. During the year the North Solway Ringing Group offered to repay the grant of £250 made from the Endowment Fund in 1972. The Group had spent much more than the grant on cannon netting equipment and wished to own it outright. Group members expressed their grateful thanks to Council for its support and the financial help given to start the project. Council accepted the offer and the grant is to be returned early in the next financial year. The Group gave assurances that the stringent condi- tions under which the grant was originally approved would be adhered to, and that the results of the work would be published in Scottish Birds. 21 Regent Terrace This building was gifted in 1958 in order that a Scot- tish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection could be established. Initially it housed the Club offices and Library, the Scottish office of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the office of the Hon. Sec- retary of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust. In 1968 the RSPB re- 1973 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 423 quired more space and moved to 17 Regent Terrace. The concept of a Scottish Centre was in no way diminished and our very close liaison with the RSPB was maintained. Mr and Mrs Waterston have been tenants since 1958, occupying the top two floors of the building, but they intimated to Council that they would vacate their flat before the end of 1973. Since the Scottish Wildlife Trust had been looking for new office accommodation, application was made to Edinburgh Corporation for change of use of the upper two floors from residential to office accommodation, but this was refused. An appeal is to be made and discussion about the future of the flat continues. As a matter of policy, Council endorsed a Management Committee decision that it would be of great value for closer liaison if the three organisations —SOC, RSPB and SWT—together with FIBOT, were located in the same area or even in the same building. Conservation issues Council’s policy, stated last year, is to lend full support to conservation bodies whenever requested. During the year action was taken in two areas in the north east—the Cromarty Firth and the Loch of Strathbeg. Last year the Club, together with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Wildfowl Trust, petitioned jointly against the Draft Order setting up the Cromarty Firth Port Auth- ority, because the Order gave no safeguards to the environment or the wildlife in the Cromarty Firth. The Hearing, which took place in April 1973, resulted in a compromise, and an amendment acceptable to the four organisations was agreed. Effectively this requires the Port Authority to consult with the Countryside Commission and the Nature Conservancy before reclaiming any land below high water mark, and also prohibits the Port Authority from taking any steps to reclaim land within Udale Bay or certain prescribed parts of Nigg Bay. In December 1972 the Gas Council applied to Aberdeen County Council for permission to establish a gas terminal and treatment plant on the for- mer Crimond airfield by the Loch of Strathbeg. Because of the loch’s or- nithological importance, the Club lodged a protest against any develop- ment in the area. Resulting from the many objections, and petitions from several thousand individuals, the Gas Council withdrew its application in favour of a site at St Fergus, a few miles south of the loch. Club Representation The Club continued to be represented on the British Section of the International Council for Bird Preservation by Sir Landsborough Thomson and Mr George Waterston. Miss Valerie Thom resigned as the Club’s representative on the Duck Research Group of the International Wildfowl Research Bureau. Miss Thom represented the Club since 1968 and Council wishes to record its appreciation for the work she has done on behalf of the Club. Dr Roger Bailey accepted Council’s invitation to be our new representative. Annual Conference The Twenty-fifth Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting, held in Dunblane, were attended by a record number of over 400 members and guests. On the Saturday morning Professor J. D. Matthews, Head of the Department of Forestry at Aberdeen University, spoke on ‘The Developing Woodlands of Britain’; he was followed by Dr Bruce Campbell whose subject was ‘The Study and Conservation of Wood- land Birds’. Mr H. N. Southern spoke on Sunday morning on ‘Tawny Owls and their prey—a population study’, and his talk was followed by Mr Bryan Sage’s film ‘The Living Tundra’. At the Annual General Meeting, attended by over 200 members—a much greater number than usual, Council’s statement on ‘Club policy on Con- servation and the Environment’ was adopted. The statement is published in the winter 1972 issue of Scottish Birds. 424 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(8) Branches A full programme of lectures was given in all Branches during the winter, and both summer and winter excursions were organised by Branches themselves. Council is once more very grateful to members of the Dumfries Branch for arranging the weekend excursion to the Solway goose grounds. The Stirling Branch organised a very successful weekend in Argyll. Fieldwork On the recommendation of the Research Committee, set up in January 1972, Council adopted as official Club Enquiries the Effluent Enquiry organised by Mr B. Pounder, the Redwing Breeding Survey or- ganised by Mr R. H. Dennis and Mr M. I. Harvey, the Great Crested Grebe Breeding Survey organised by Mr R. W. J. Smith, and the Crow Hypbrid- Zone Enquiry organised by Mr A. Cook. An extremely useful paper by Mr I. H. J. Lyster, covering all current ornithological work in Scotland, was published in Scottish Birds. During the year members of the Club also helped with a number of other projects : Winter Wildfowl Counts (Wildfowl Trust); Beached Bird Survey (RSPB); Estuaries Survey (BTO); Common Bird Census (BTO) and Rook Roost Survey (SOC). Members who might wish to help with any of these enquiries should contact the Club Secretary for the name and ad- dress of the Organiser. Scottish Birds Four numbers of the journal, including the 1971 Scottish Bird Report, were published during the year. Library Council wishes to record its thanks to those who made very gen- erous gifts of books, journals and reprints to the Library. A number of new reference books were also added. Increasing use is made of the Reference Library and Council wishes to take this opportunity to remind members of the very extensive selection of reference books and journals which it contains. Bookshop The demand for ornithological and other natural history books continued to increase and resulted in sales being over twenty five percent greater than last year. In order to meet this demand, Council authorised a larger stock holding. Council is most grateful to the British Trust for Ornithology for allowing the Club to arrange a book display at its annual Conference in December. It was with much regret that the Club was unable to accept the invitation of the RSPB to take a display to the annual Conference of the RSPB and Irish Wildbird Conservancy at Newcastle, Co. Down. Scottish Birds Appeal Fund In order to maintain the quality and high standard of the journal, and also to pay an honorarium to the Editor, Council instituted the Scottish Birds Appeal Fund in 1970. Members are reminded that donations, if possible by Deed of Covenant, will be most gratefully received. During the year the Fund benefitted from two events. Mr Waterston gave a public lecture in the Usher Hall in March entitled ‘A Naturalist in the Canadian Arctic’; he most generously gave the proceeds of this lecture to the Fund. Council expressed its thanks to Mr Waterston for this most welcome donation of £170. In October last year a Raffle was organised; £229 was raised making another very useful addition to the Fund. Scottish Centre Throughout the year many postal enquiries were received from within Britain and overseas for information regarding holidays and birdwatching areas in Scotland. During the summer birdwatchers from many parts of the world called at the Scottish Centre for help and advice, and good use was made of the facilities in the Reference Library and the Bookshop. Members of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, the Isle of May Bird and informal discussion groups met regularly throughout the winter. Observatory and Field Station Committee, and the Aberlady Bay Nature — 1973 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 425 Reserve Biological Committee were held in the Centre during the year, Acknowledgments Finally, Council wishes to record its sincere thanks to the many members who have given help and time to the Club. Those who serve on Committees, lead excursions, assist and advise in many other ways, give great service to the Club and pleasure to their fellow members; all this work is most gratefully acknowledged by Council. For the Council, GEORGE WATERSTON, President. THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB The Thirty-Seventh Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire, on Saturday 27th October 1973 at 6 p.m. Mr George Waterston, President of the Club, presided over an attendance of about 140 members. Apologies Apologies for absence were received from D. G. Andrew, Dr D. A. Bannerman, T. Delaney and M. J. Everett. Minutes The Minutes of the Thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting, held in Dunblane on 28th October 1972, were approved and signed. Report of Council The Report of Council for Session 36, presented by the Chairman, was adopted. Accounts The Accounts for the year ended 30th June 1973, presented by the Hon. Treasurer, were approved. Appointment of Auditor Mr Arthur Walker C.A. was re-elected Auditor for the ensuing year. Election of new Members of Council In the absence of any other nom- inations, the Council’s recommendation for the election of the following Council Members was approved: J. Edelsten and J. Mitchell to succeed Dr I. T. Draper and C. G. Headlam who were due to retire by rotation. The Chairman thanked the retiring members for their service to the Club. The Chairman announced Council’s decision to co-opt two Young Mem- bers in future, each to serve for two years, of whom one would be co- opted annually. This new arrangement would benefit both Council and the Young Member. R. L. Swann would therefore serve for a second year and T. C. Johnson-Ferguson had been co-opted for the ensuing two years. Subscriptions The Hon. Treasurer explained that Council had given very careful consideration to the subscription rates, in view of his fore- cast of a considerable excess of expenditure over income in the present financial year (1973/74). In spite of increased membership and Bookshop profits, the cost of staffing the Club, together with overheads and daily running expenses, had risen very steeply in the past few years. He sug- gested that the adult subscription might be raised from £2 to £3 and the joint subscription from £3 to £4.50, but that the junior membership might remain at 50p. The Chairman pointed out that any change in subscription rates had to be approved at an Annual or Special General Meeting, for which at least one month’s notice must be given, but he wished to have members’ views on increases in subscriptions. In general members agreed that the suggested increase was both necessary and acceptable, and should be made before Ist October when subscriptions were next due to be paid. The Chairman took note of various suggestions and said that these would be considered by Council when making its recommendations to a future General Meeting. 426 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(8) Conference Location The Chairman recounted that the first Club Con- ference was held jointly with the British Ornithologists’ Union in Edin- burgh in 1946. This was the first weekend Conference ever held by any ‘Ornithological Club or Society in Britain, and from 1948 the Club had held a weekend Conference annually. At first the location changed each year but since 1961 it had been held at Dunblane during the last weekend in October. A number of factors—mainly increased charges and the need to give the Hydro Management a guarantee of a minimum number both attending the Conference and staying at the Hydro—might mean a change in venue, and possibly date, for next year. All were agreed that the weekend Conference must continue, but members were divided re- garding a change of date. The possibility of holding it at a University was suggested. The Chairman said that the Secretariat would investigate the whole erie immediately and an announcement would be made as soon as possible. Votes of Thanks The Chairman thanked all members and the staff of the Club who had helped to make the Conference a success. The Meeting closed with a warm vote of thanks to the President by J. H. B. Munro. COUNCIL AND OFFICIALS OF THE CLUB FOR SESSION 37 Hon. Presidents: David A. Bannerman, O.B.E., LL.D., Sc.D., F.R.S.E.; Sir Charles G. Connell, W.S.; Sir Arthur B. Duncan; W. J. Eggeling, C.B.E., B.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.S.E. President: George Waterston, O.B.E., F.R.S.E. Vice-President: Andrew T. Macmillan, C.A. Hon. Treasurer: Maxwell K. Hamilton, C.A. Hon. Treasurer of House Fabric Fund: D. G. Andrew, W.S. Secretary and Treasurer: Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe. Deputy Secretary: Mrs George Waterston. Manager, Bird Bookshop: Sqn. Ldr. H. Greig. Membership Secretary: Mrs R. D. Smillie. Editor of “Scottish Birds”: T. Delaney (to end Vol. 7); Sqn. Ldr. H. Greig (from start Vol. 8). Assistant Editor of “Scottish Birds”: D. G. Andrew, W.S. Business Editor of “Scottish Birds”: Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe. Council: J. H. Ballantyne, R. H. Dennis, J. Edelsten, F. D. Hamilton, Miss M. P. Macmillan, J. Mitchell, Dr I. Newton, N. Picozzi, H. Robb, B. S. Turner. Young Members co-opted for 1973/74: R. L. Swann, T. R. Johnson-Ferguson. Branch Representatives to Council: Dr I. T. Draper (Glasgow); Miss G. L. C. Falconer (St Andrews); C. K. Mylne (Edinburgh); B. Pounder (Dun- dee); R. T. Smith (Dumfries); Dr M. E. Castle (Ayr). BRANCH AND GROUP OFFICE BEARERS Aberdeen: Chairman, N. Picozzi; Vice-Chairman, D. P. Willis; Secretary, Miss F. J. Greig; Committee, A. Duncan, A. G. Knox, R. F. Yule. Ayr: Chairman, Dr M. E. Castle; Vice-Chairman, J. K. R. Melrose; Sec- retary, R. M. Ramage; Committee, Dr D. R. Hissett, R. H. Hogg, Mrs J. K. R. Melrose, J. Miller. Dumfries; Chairman, R. T. Smith; Vice-Chairman, B. S. Turner; Secretary, ene Committee, J. McCubbin, T. Nisbett, Mrs E. M. G. Ross, J. illing. 1973 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 427 Dundee: Chairman, B. Pounder; Vice-Chairman, P. N. J. Clark; Secretary, Mrs A. Noltie; Committee, Dr D. G. Adamson, N. K. Atkinson, Dr D. M. Shepherd, D. B. Thomson. Edinburgh: Chairman, C. K. Mylne; Vice-Chairman, J. M. S. Arnott; Sec- retary, L. W. G. Alexander; Committee, Mrs C. M. Adams, I. V. Balfour- Paul, W. A. Craw, J. B. Murray. Glasgow: Chairman, Dr I. T. Draper; Vice-Chairman, Mrs H. S. C. Halli- day; Secretary, Mrs M. Draper; Committee, Miss K. N. Calver, D. L. Clugston, A. Maciver, R. G. Nisbet. Inverness: Chairman, R. H. Dennis; Vice-Chairman, Rev J. M. Crook; Secretary, M. I. Harvey; Committee, Miss J. Banks, Miss P. R. Forbes, Mrs W. Morrison, W. G. Prest. St Andrews: Chairman, Miss G. L. C. Falconer; Vice-Chairman, I. G. Cum- ming; Secretary, Miss M. M. Spires; Committee, Miss M. H. E. Cun- inghame, Miss J. McFarlane, Miss D. E. Rowling, J. S. Wiffen. Stirling: Chairman, K. P. Anderson; Vice-Chairman, P. Clark; Secretary, Dr D. M. Bryant; Committee, T. D. H. Merrie, A. B. Mitchell, Miss M. M. Riley, H. Robb. Young Member: G. Shaw. Thurso: Chairman, Mrs P. M. Collett; Secretary, S. Laybourne. SCOTTISH BIRDS RECORDS COMMITTEE Chairman: D. G. Andrew. Committee: A. G. S. Bryson, Sir Arthur B. Duncan, Dr W. J. Eggeling, A. T. Macmillan, Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, Dr I. D. Pennie, Kenneth Williamson, George Waterston, Prof. V. C. Wynne-Edwards. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE M. K. Hamilton (Convenor), D. G. Andrew, Dr I. T. Draper, A. T, Macmil- lan, H. Robb, George Waterston. LIBRARY COMMITTEE George Waterston (Convenor), Ritchie Seath (Hon, Librarian), A. T, Mac- millan, DrI. D. Pennie. RESEARCH COMMITTEE A. T. Macmillan (Chairman), R. H. Dennis, Dr I. Newton. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE A. T. Macmillan (Chairman), D. G. Andrew, T. Delaney, R. H. Dennis. CLUB REPRESENTATION British Section, International Council for Bird Preservation: Sir Lands- borough Thomson, George Waterston. ee peat Wildfowl Research Bureau, Duck Working Group: Dr R. S. iley. HONORARY MEMBERS Duncan Anderson, Henry Boase, P. W. G. Gunn, Sir Landsborough Thom- son. 428 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(8) SUMMER EXCURSIONS Important Notes 1. Members may attend excursions of any Branch in addition to those arranged by the Branch they attend regularly. 2. Where transport is by private car, please inform the organiser if you can bring a car and how many seats are available. All petrol expenses will be shared. 3. Please inform the organiser in good time if you are prevented from attending an excursion where special hire of boats is involved. Failure to turn up may mean you are asked to pay for the place to avoid additional expense for the rest of the party. 4. Members, friends and visitors attending any Club excursion do so at their own risk. Neither the Leader nor the Club can be held responsible for an accident or injury on an excursion. 5. Please bring meals as indicated (in brackets) below. AYR Saturday 18th May LOCH OF THE LOWES, NEW CUMNOCK. Leader: R. H. Hogg. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 2 p.m. or Arthur Memorial Church, New Cumnock, 2.45 p.m. (tea). Saturday 15th June NESS GLEN, DALMELLINGTON (by kind permission of Mr A, B. Gavin). Leader: W. R. Brackenridge. Meet Wellington rivat, Ayr, 2 p.m. or at North-West end of Dalmellington, 2.45 p.m. tea). Saturday 14th September IRVINE FLATS. Leader: W. R. Brackenridge. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 11 a.m. or Irvine Harbour 11.45 a.m. (lunch). Further information about all excursions from the Branch Secretary, R. M. Ramage, 57B St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 IJF (tel. 0292 79192). Please send s.a.e. if writing. DUMFRIES Sunday 26th May RSPB RESERVE, LEIGHTON MOSS, LANCASHIRE. Leader: Tom Nisbet. Leave Ewart Library, Dumfries, 9.30 a.m. (lunch and tea). Sunday 16th June LANGHOLM MOOR. Leaders: Tom Irving and Roger Smith. Meet at Kilngreen Car Park, Langholm 1 p.m. (lunch and tea). Sunday 7th July MULL OF GALLOWAY. Leader: William Austin. Meet at Mull Lighthouse 1 p.m. (lunch and tea). Sunday 4th August LOCHMABEN LOCHS and WATERFOOT. Leader: ia Smith. Meet at Bruce’s Castle, Castle Loch, 12 noon (lunch and tea). DUNDEE The Dundee Branch will hold a number of excursions to places of or- nithological interest during the summer. These will be announced at Dundee Branch meetings and members of other Branches will be very welcome to attend. For details please contact the Branch Secretary, Mrs ‘A. Noltie, 14 Menteith Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3EN (tel. 0382 75074). Please send s.a.e. if writing. EDINBURGH Saturday 11th May ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader: K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2.30 p.m. (tea). 1973 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 429 Wednesday 22nd May BLACKFORD HILL. Leader: Dr L. L. J. Vick. Meet Blackford Pond 7 p.m. Saturday 25th May THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of Sir Alec Douglas-Home). Excursion by private cars leaving Edin- burgh from square behind National Gallery 10.30 a.m. for Hirsel 12 noon. Applications with s.a.e. to J. B. Murray, Woodlea, 49 Lochend Road, Edinburgh EH6 8DQ, (tel. 031-554 1934) stating number of seats available or required (lunch and tea). Saturday Ist June HUMBIE WOODS (by kind permission of Mrs C. W. ao” Leader: G. L. Sandeman. Meet Humbie Kirk 2.30 p.m. ea). Sunday 16th June ISLE OF MAY. Leader: Alastair Macdonald. Boat leaves Anstruther Harbour 9 a.m. Applications by 16th May with boat fare of £1.30 and s.a.e. to the organiser Mrs C. M. Adams, 18 Braehead Loan, Edinburgh EH4 6BL (tel. 031-336 4320) (lunch and tea). This excursion is subject to the availability of the boat. Sunday 21st July BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamilton- Dalrymple). Leader: F. D. Hamilton. Numbers limited. Meet North Ber- wick Harbour 2 p.m. for 2.15 p.m. departure (there will be no waiting for late comers). Application by 30th June with boat fare of £1.20 and s.a.e. to the organiser R. J. E. Whitworth, 6 Charteris Court, Long- niddry, East Lothian (tel. Longniddry 2101) (tea). Sunday 8th September ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader: K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2.30 p.m. (tea). GLASGOW Sunday 12th May TROSSACHS. Leader: Angus Maciver. Instruction in identification of wood and hill birds. Meet car park, Aberfoyle, 11 a.m. (dunch and tea). Saturday 18th May COREHOUSE ESTATE (by kind permission of the Scottish Wildlife Trust). Leader: Miss Kathleen Calver. Birds and plants. Meet car park, West Lodge, 2.30 p.m. (tea). Saturday 25th May INCHCAILLOCH, LOCH LOMOND (by kind permis- sion of the Nature Conservancy). Leader: Dr Ivan Draper. Woodland birds. Meet Balmaha car park, 9.45 a.m. (lunch). Saturday 8th June HAMILTON HIGH PARKS (by kind permission of Hamilton and Kinneil Estates), Leader: Mrs Helen Halliday. Numbers limited. Applications with s.a.e. to Mrs Halliday, Dunard, 8 Clydesdale Road, Mossend, Bellshill, Lanarkshire, from whom further details will be available (lunch and tea). Sunday 7th July LITTLE CUMBRAE (by kind permission of Little Cum- brae Estates Ltd.). Leader: David Clugston. Application, with deposit of £1.00 and s.a.e., to David Clugston, 72 Meikleriggs Drive, Paisley (tel. Brediland 3483), from whom further details will be available (lunch and tea). Saturday 24th August ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader: Russell Nisbet. Autumn migrants. Meet car park, Aberlady Bay, 11 a.m. (lunch and tea). INVERNESS The Inverness Branch will hold a number of excursions to places of ‘ornithological interest during the summer. These will be announced at Inverness Branch meetings and members of other Branches will be very welcome to attend. For details please contact the Inverness Branch Sec- retary, M. I. Harvey, Clach Bhan, Loaneckheim, Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire (tel. Kiltarlity 328). Please send s.a.e. if writing. 430 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(8) ST ANDREWS Applications with s.a.e., not later than one week before each excursion, to Miss M. M. Spires, Greenacre, 87 Hepburn Gardens, St Andrews, Fife (tel. 033 481 2418). Saturday 11th May KILCONQUHAR LOCH (by kind permission of the Elie Estates). Meet North Lodge, 2.30 p.m. (tea). Saturday 8th June ARBROATH CLIFFS. Leave Kennedy Gardens car park 2 p.m. (tea). Sunday 23rd June AN ANGUS GLEN. Leave St Andrews bus station 9.30 a.m. (lunch and tea). i cet 6th July TENTSMUIR. Leave Kennedy Gardens car park 2 p.m. ea). STIRLING The Stirling Branch will be holding excursions to places of local or- nithological interest on the following dates: Sunday 19th May Bird identification course. Saturday 15th June Bird identification course. Sunday 14th July B.T.O. Habitat Register. Saturday 10th August Ringing demonstration. Sunday 15th September B.T.O. Habitat Register. All excursions will be led by a member of the Stirling Branch familiar with the area to be visited. Transport will be by private car. Anyone wishing to join an excursion should contact the Branch Secretary, Dr D. M. Bryant, Department of Biology, University of Stirling not later than two weeks before each date, stating whether transport is required or seats are available for others. Please send s.a.e. Bring (lunch) on all excursions. ANNUAL CONFERENCE Members will have read in the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting, printed earlier in this issue, that there might be a change in the venue of the Annual Conference. The increase in charges quoted by the Hotel Dunblane Hydro for 1974 (26% up on 1973, which were themselves 29% up on 1972), coupled with a requirement to guarantee certain mini- mum numbers staying at the Hydro and attending the Annual Dinner, made it impossible to accept the quotation. A number of possible venues has been investigated and it has been decided to hold the next Annual Conference at Stirling University from 24th - 26th January 1975. The choice of date was determined by the availability of facilities at the University and the need to avoid other ornithological conferences. Full details will be sent to all members next autumn. A decision regarding the date and location of the next Annual General Meeting has still to be made. ‘WESTERN NATURALIST’ The Renfrewshire Natural History Society, as part of its 125th anni- versary celebrations, has founded a new journal, the Western Naturalist. The first volume, published in 1973, was a complete issue for 1972, and the second volume, a complete issue for 1973, will be published early in 1974. From 1974 the Society hope to start publication two or three times a year. The annual subscription to the Western Naturalist is £2.00, but the Committee of the Renfrewshire Natural History Society has generously agreed to let members of the Club receive the journal at half price, i.e. £1.00 post free. Subscriptions should be sent to Dr J. A. Gibson, Fore- mount House, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire. 1973 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 431 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOTEL DUNBLANE HYDRO, PERTHSHIRE 26th - 28th October 1973 PROGRAMME Friday 26th October 4.30 - 7.30 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. 6.15 p.m. 8.30 to 9.30 p.m. 10 p.m. 9.30 p.m. to midnight Conference Office in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro open for members and guests to register and collect name cards and Annual Dinner tickets. Meeting of Council. FILM AND SLIDE PROGRAMME in the Ballroom. At 9.30 p.m. details of excursions on Saturday afternoon will be given. Meeting of Local Recorders. Lounges open for informal discussions and refreshments (late licence). Saturday 27th October 8.45 to 9.15 a.m. 9.20 a.m. 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. 11.30 a.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 2.30 p.m. 4.30 to 5.30 p.m. 6 p.m. Conference Office open for registration. Official opening of the Conference in the Ballroom. ADDRESS OF WELCOME by Mr K. Matheson, Provost of Dunblane. LECTURE, “The structural and functional consequen- ces of flight—or what you need to be a bird” by Professor A. S. King, B.Sc., Ph.D., M.R.C.V.S., Head of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Liverpool. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. LECTURE, “The impact of the oil industry on Scot- land’s coasts and birds” by Professor George M. Dunnet, B.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.S.E., Zoology Department, University of Aberdeen. INTERVAL for Lunch. EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the Conference Hotel car park. Details will be posted on the Conference notice board. MEETING of members of the R.S.P.B. in the Ballroom. to which members of the Club and their guests are invited. MEETING of participants of the Birds of Estuaries En- quiry and the Wader Study Group to which all who are interested in waders are invited. 37th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB in the Ballroom. Business : (1) Apologies for absence. (2) Approval of the Minutes of the 36th Annual Gen- eral Meeting of the Club held in Dunblane on 28th October 1972 (see Scot. Birds 7: 220). (3) Matters arising from Minutes. (4) Report of Council for Session 36. 432 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 7(8) (5) Approval of Accounts for Session 36. (6) Appointment of Auditor. (7) Election of new Members of Council. The Council recommends the election of J. Edelsten and J. Mitchell to replace Dr I. T. Draper and C. G. Headlam who are due to retire by rotation. (8) Subscriptions: the present rates of £2.00 (Adult), £3.00 (Joint) and 50p (Junior) were approved at the Annual General Meeting in 1969. They became effective for new members on Ist November 1969 and for existing members on lst October 1970. Council consider that these rates are now unrealis- tic in view of the greatly increased costs over the past four years. The matter will be discussed at the Meeting. (9) Any other competent business. 7.30 for 8 p.m. ANNUAL DINNER in the Dining Room of the Hotel Dunblane Hydro (dress informal). Sunday 28th October 9.30 a.m. LECTURE, “An ornithological survey of Iranian Bal- uchistan”’ by Mr D. I. M. Wallace. 10.45 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. PLS am: FILMS : a programme with some new film on Scottish birds of prey by Chris Mylne, and some historic film on the Golden Eagle by the late H. A. Gilbert, by kind permission of his son Mr E. Gilbert. Lb pam INTERVAL for Lunch. 2 p.m. EXCURSIONS (informal), leaving the Conference Hotel car park. S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP ** 21 REGENT TERRACE - EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 New books in Stock Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST All books sent post free a historical survey Parslow £3.60 Birdwatchers’ Year Batten et al £4.60 Swifts in a Tower Lack £2.50 Summer of a Million Wings Arctic quest for the Sea Eagle Brandon-Cox £3.50 - Birds in Northumbria Galloway et al 60p Bird Song: Acoustics and Physiology Greenewalt £5.25 The Birds of the Republic of Panama Vols 1 and 2 Wetmore each £5.75 Owls of the World John Burton £5.95 Parrots of the World Forshaw £35.00 Waterfowl of the World Delacour 4 vols set £40.00 The Technique of Bird Photography Warham £3.00 Wildlife Photography a Field Guide Hosking and Gooders £2.95 British Trees in Colour Hart and Raymond £4.00 A Field Guide to the Insects of Britain and Europe Chinery £2.95 A New Dictionary of Birds Landsborough Thomson £6.75 The Coastline of Scotland Steers £10.50 NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS 1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on thei1 own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Tom Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BY. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated. 2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for the Joueae All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready. 3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will normally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost. 4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these. 5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining. Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 3529. EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London. 6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99:396). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets. 7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as “Dr” and “St’’. 8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory. 9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type. 10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints. HIGHLAND BIRDS All Inclusive One Week Holiday in June Based at a small Hotel in the Rothiemurchus Forest. Habitats visited will include ARMS HOTEL Caledonia Forest, Marsh and Water, GOLSPIE Mountain and the High Cairngorm UTu Plateau. E = d lud Il Hotel ® The Holiday includes a ote SCOTLAND Services, all Transport, your Telephone: Golspie 216 Guides, Walking Boots, etc., Binoculars. Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all. Price: £30 maximum. Further particulars— In addition to its unique ; ; ; golf course, it has fine loch Highland Guides ee fishings, sea bathing, tennis, Inverdruie, Aviemore, bowls, hill climbing, unrivei- Inverness-shire led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the Tel. Aviemore 729 field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a NORTH compass. The astonishing diversity S U T H E R L A N D of bird life in the vicinity — es ae known to or- Overlooking the nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to KYLE OF TONGUE make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, Accommodation for Bird Watchers but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Bed & Breakfast Fully descriptive broch- Evening Meal and packed lunches ures, including birdwatching, if required. will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY JEAN BUTTERWORTH Garage & Lock-ups available 102 MIDTOWN, MELNESS, A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C. by LAIRG, SUTHERLAND, IV27 4YR. Phone: Talmine 244 DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL A.A, * R.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. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. A new wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1974. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 45p in- cluding postage & VAT per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick SHETLAND A WELCOME IS EXTENDED TO BIRD WATCHERS AT ST MAGNUS BAY HOTEL HILLSWICK Situated in a particularly beautiful part of the Shetland Isles this fine Norwegian built Hotel is open throughout the year and offers first class food and accommodation in an atmosphere of warm hospitality. Hot and Cold water and electric blankets in all bedrooms. Fully Licensed. Write for free colour brochure or telephone Hillswick, Shetland 209. WHEN IN THE HIGHLANDS Misti EUROPE’S FIRST VISITOR CENTRE Nature trail Bookshop Good selection of books on History and Natural History of the Highlands and Islands. Send for Booklist. Exhibition and Multi-Screen Theatre History of Man in Strathspey Restaurant and Bar Landmark CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. Leas Top prices git 3 Sie offered in eee |) part exchange ie CHAR LES FRANK a 144 INGRAM STREET : GLASGOW TEL. 041-221 6666 Ce) (Qaantes. SELKIRK_ We stock all makes, but one binocular which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, | complete with case costs only £14.50. | Not only do we ourselves recommend | this binocular, it also carries a strong. recommendation from — The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and each glass carries the seal of approval of the Game Conser- vancy. Our Free 42 page catalogue illustrates hundreds of Binoculars & Telescopes including the larger 10x 50 Frank/Nipole binocular, complete with | case at £19.00. | FREE COMPARISON TEST | | | | { Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free | for 7 days. Should you decide, how- | ever, On a binocular other than the | Frank/Nipole make, we can promise a_ substantial price reduction at least en EE ES Cae equalling any other offer which you EEE eevee may bring to our notice. This offer also applies to Telescopes. TITLE PAGES AND LIST OF [ILLUSTRATIONS Volume 7 SCOTTISH BIRDS — BINDING Arrangements have been made for binding Volume 7 of “Scottish Birds’. The charge is £2.25 for binding in red buck- ram, or £2.75 for binding in red quarter leather, both prices including return postage. The parts to be bound (Nos. 1 to 8 and Index) should be sent direct to the binders together with your remittance to cover the cost of binding. Back numbers may be purchased from the Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh) EEvsasur but NoT from the binders. Previous volumes may also be sent for binding at the same time and at the same rates as Volume 7. Please be sure to complete the binding form on the back cover (with details of your name and address, remittance, and style of binding required) before sending the parts to: P. G. CHAPMAN & CO LTD Kent House Lane BECKENHAM, KENT BR3 1LD Volumes sent immediately will be returned within about three months, but this time cannot be guaranteed for volumes not sent promptly, as costs can only be kept down by binding a substantial number of volumes at the same time. Note The nature and thickness of the quarterly sections tend to pro- duce steps in the fore-edge of the bound volume, but the extra cost of producing the journal in smaller gatherings, mainly for the benefit of those who want to bind their copies, would not be justified. Scottish Birds The Journal of The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Edited by T. DELANEY with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW AND B..G: GRATTAGE Volume 7 bo32-1973 Walter Thomson, Printer, Selkirk Index The index is in three parts. The first is a general index to the various sections of the journal; the second is a list of all papers and short articles, and the third is an index of all significant mentions of each species. Only the first page of each reference is given, except in the index of papers and short articles. English names are used throughout. A full list of scientific names was given at the end of volume 2, with additions at 3: 454, 4: 602, 5: 488 and 6: 472, and the short key lists only those species not previously mentioned. The species index is selective rather than comprehensive. Titles of short papers and short notes dealing with particular species are included in abbreviated form, but otherwise only page numbers are given. All references in short notes, local status lists and lists of unusual occurren- ces, have been indexed. Passing and comparative references have usually been omitted, and other references within the body of papers and other contributions unless they are status reports or considered of special in- terest apart from their context. In particular it is emphasized that detailed and valuable information on migration and numbers of common birds iin papers such as the Isle of May reports finds no place in the index of species. Most records of migration, distribution and numbers appear in the annual Scottish Bird Reports at 7: 115-163 and 7: 331-385. These references are indexed following the abbreviation sbr. Regular Features Corrections 103, 387 Editorial 1, 65, 105, 165, 225, 273, 321, 389 Enquiries and Requests for information 60, 103, 212, 269, 387, 417 Letters 267 Notices and Reports The BTO Atlas in Scotland 2-4, 169 Statement on Club policy on conservation and the environment 167-169 Rare Breeding Birds Panel 226-227 Boundaries for local bird reports 385-387 Club action in support of conservation 390 Obituary Lt Col J. K. Stanford 58 Comdr Sir Geoffrey H. Hughes-Onslow 98 Reviews D. Lack: Ecological Isolation in Birds 59 British Ornithologists’ Union: The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland 99 P. Scott and the Wildfowl Trust: The Swans 100 R. Vaughan: Gulls in Britain 101 D. A. and W. M. Bannerman: Handbook of the Birds of Cyprus and Migrants of the Middle East 101 C. W. Benson, R. K. Brooke, R. J. Bowsett and M. P. S. Irwin: The Birds of Zambia 102 R. M. de Schauensee: A Guide to the Birds of South America: 102 S. Gordon: Highland Summer 102 L. R. Higgins: A Tangle of Islands 103 M. R. MacDonald (Ed): World Wildlife Guide 103 433 434 SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 7 H. Heinzel, R. Fitter and J. Parslow: The Birds of Britain and Europe with North Africa and the Middle East 210 L. J. Halle: The Storm Petrel and the Owl of Athena 211 A. Rutgers: Birds of South America: illustrations from the lithographs of John Gould 211 B. Sareea and D. Watson: The Oxford Book of Birds, Pocket Edition L. McNally: Wild Highlands 212 R. E. Moreau: The Palaearctic-African Bird Migration Systems 265 Ee eee and K. A. Norris (Ed): Encyclopaedia of Aviculture Vol 2 B. Campbell and I. J. Ferguson-Lees: A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests 266 E. Balfour: Orkney Birds 267 A. D. Watson: Birds of Moor and Mountain 317 Avian Predators Working Party: Predatory Birds in Britain 318 I. Newton: Finches 413 D. Nethersole-Thompson: The Dotterel 414 L. Batten and others: Birdwatchers’ Year 416 J. D. Parrack: The Naturalist in Majorca 416 K. Konig: Birds—Collins Colour Guide 417 Scottish Ornithologists’ Club 60, 104, 163, 214, 270, 319, 387 Short Notes 50, 89, 201, 257, 307, 403 Papers and Short Articles Bie pe in Scotland: some conservation problems (I. Newton) 5-23, plates 1- Communal roosting of Hen Harriers in southwest Scotland (A. D. Watson, R. C. Dickson) 24-49 Aspects of seabird movement off northeast Scotland (N. Elkins, M. R. Williams) 66-75 Isle of May Observatory and Field Station Report for 1971 (N. J. Gordon) 75-89; for 1972 243-256 Scottish Bird Report 1971 (R. H. Dennis) 107-163, plates 9-12; for 1972 324-385, plates 25-28 Distribution, status and movements of feral Greylag Geese in southwest Scotland (J. G. Young) 170-182, plates 14-15 The status of Shelducks in the Forth area (Dr D. Jenkins) 183-201 Current ornithological research in Scotland (I. H. J. Lyster) 228-242 Wader populations at Musselburgh (R. W. Furness) 275-281, plates 21-22 Roost selection by waders (R. W. Furness) 281-287 A Merlin roost in Wigtownshire (R. C. Dickson) 288-292 A case of lamb-killing by Golden Eagles (D. N. Weir) 293-301 Breeding distribution of Grey Wagtails, Dippers and Common Sandpipers on the Midlothian Esk (C. N. L. Cowper) 302-306 The 1972 midwinter census of waders in Scotland (A. J. Prater) 391-398 Breeding biology of Magpies in Aberdeenshire (J. A, Love, R. W. Sum- mers) 399-403, plate 29 Vol. 7 SCOTTISH BIRDS 435 Index to Species ALBATROSS, BLACK-BROWED Fife 308, sbr 333, plate 25 AUK, LITTLE 74; sbr 143, 363 AVOCET sbr 139 BEE-EATER sbr 146, 366, plate 10 BITTERN sbr 118, 335 BITTERN, LITTLE sbr 118 + oe 87, 88, 253; sbr 150, 3 BLACKCAP 88, sbr 152, 374, 385 BLUETAIL, RED-FLANKED in Shetland 57; sbr 151 BLUETHROAT sbr 151, 373 BRAMBLING sbr 160, 382 BULLFINCH 87, sbr 160. 381 BULLFINCH, TRUMPETER sbr 160 BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED §sbr 161, 383 BUNTING, CIRL sbr 163 BUNTING, CORN 87, current re- search 237: sbr 160, 382 BUNTING, LAPLAND sbr 161, 383 pipe LAZULI 87, 256; sbr 1 BUNTING, LITTLE sbr 161, 383 BUNTING, ORTOLAN sbr 161, 383 BUNTING, PAINTED sbr 383 BUNTING, RED-HEADED sbr 161, 383 BUNTING, REED current research 237; sbr 161, 383 BUNTANG, RUS rIC 252: ' sbr? 161, BUNTING, SNOW sbr 161, 383 BUNTING, YELLOW-BREASTED sbr 161, 383 BUZZARD 5, colour ringing 213, current research 232; sbr 126, 344 BUZZARD, HONEY 5, Inverness 309; sbr 126, 345, plate 11 BUZZARD, ROUGH-LEGGED sbr 126, 344 CAPERCAILLIE autumn aggres- Siveness 258, current research 233; sbr 128, 347 CHAFFINCH sbr 160, 382 ogc’ cepa sbr 154, 162, 376, CHOUGH sbr 148, 369 COOT sbr 129, 348 CORMORANT 68, current research 230; sbr 117, 334 CORNCRAKE 97, breeding Stirling 52; sbr 129, 348 CRAKE, SPOTTED sbr 129, 347 CRANE sbr 128, 347 CRANE, DEMOISELLE sbr 347 CROSSBILL current research 237; sbr 160, 382 CROSSBILL, TWO-BARRED § sbr 382, plate 27 CROW, CARRION current research 236, and wader roosting 283, and Magpies 402; sbr 148, 368 CROW, HOODED current research 236; sbr 148, 369 CUCKOO sbr 144, 364 CUCKOO, YELLOW-BILLED 162 CURLEW Musselburgh population 277, roost selection 282, win- ter census 394: sbr 131, 162, 350 CURT EN STONE Peebles 53; sbr 3 DIPPER breeding R Esk 302; sbr 148, 370 DIVER, BLACK-THROATED 66, 82, x Great Northern 89, cur- rent research 229; sbr 115, 331 DIVER, GREAT NORTHERN 66, x Black-throated 89; sbr 115, 331 DIVER, RED-THROATED 66, cur- aa research 229; sbr 115, 331, 2 DIVER, WHITE-BILLED sbr 115, 331, plate 25 DOTTEREL 133, review 414; sbr 130, 349, plate 9 DOVE, COLLARED sbr 144, 364 DOVE, ROCK sbr 144, 364 DOVE, STOCK sbr 144, 364 DOVE, TURTLE sbr 144, 364 DOWITCHER sp sbr 130, 384 DUCK sp current research 230 DUCK, LONG-TAILED 71, Uists 404; sbr 121, 338; plate 30 DUCK, MANDARIN sbr 120, 337 DUCK, RUDDY sbr 384 DUCK, TUFTED current research 230; sbr 120, 162, 337 DUCK, WOOD sbr 337 DUNLIN Musselburgh population 277, roost selection 282, census 396; sbr 138, 358, 385, plate 26 DUNNOCK 88; sbr 155, 378 EAGLE, GOLDEN 5, 6, lamb-kill- ing 293, current research 232, rears three young 408; sbr 126, 344; plates 1, 32 EAGLE, WHITE-TAILED 5 EGRET, GREAT WHITE sbr 118, 384, plate 12 EGRET, LITTLE sbr 335 sbr 436 EIDER 1, and porpoises 203, cur- rent research 231; sbr 121, 339, plate 11 EIDER, KING Bute and Ayr 93; sbr 122, 339 EIDER. STELLER’S Outer Heb- rides 202; sbr 121, 339, plate 11 FALCON, GYR see GYRFALCON FALCON, RED-FOOTED sbr 346 Bere ape breeding 406; sbr 149, 3 FIRECREST 82, 252: sbr 154, 377 FLAMINGO sp sbr 118, 335 FLYCATCHER, PIED 252; sbr 155, 3 FLYCATCHER, RED-BREASTED sbr 155, 377 FLYCATCHER, SPOTTED 82; sbr 154, 377 FULMAR 69, 252, Rockall 201, cur- rent research 230, dyed 387, in rookery 403; sbr 117, 333 GADWALL sbr 119, 336 GANNET 69, Rockall 201, Fife Ness 308, current research 230; sbr 117, 334; plate 18 GARGANEY sbr 119, 335, 384 GODWIT, BAR-TAILED Mussel- burgh population 277, roost selection 282, winter census 394: sbr 132, 162, 351, plate 22 GODWIT, BLACK-TAILED 252, census 394; sbr 131, 162, 350 GOLDCREST sbr 154, 376 GOLDENEYE 1, current research 230; sbr 120, 338 GOLDFINCH sbr 159, 380 GOOSANDER _ moulting 270; sbr 122, 162, 340 GOOSE sp current research 231 GOOSE, BARNACLE colour-ring- ing 269, current research 231; sbr 124, 343 GOOSE, BEAN sbr 123, 342 GOOSE, BRENT sbr 124, 342 GOOSE, CANADA current research 231; sbr 124, 343, 384 GOOSE, GREYLAG feral in south- west Scotland 170, current re- ge 231; sbr 122, 341; plates GOOSE, PINK-FOOTED current re- search 231; sbr 123, 342 GOOSE, ROSS’S sbr 124, 342 GOOSE, SNOW sbr 124, 342 GOOSE, WHITE-FRONTED - sbr 123, 341 GOSHAWEK 5; sbr 126, 345 GREBE, BLACK-NECKED x Slav- onian 307; sbr 116, 332 enquiry SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 7 GREBE, GREAT CRESTED current research 230; sbr 115, 331 GREBE, LITTLE sbr 117, 333 GREBE, RED-NECKED sbr 116, aoe GREBE, SLAVONIAN x Black- necked 307, current research 230; sbr 116, 332, 384 GREENFINCH sbr 158, 380 GREENSHANK current research 234, winter census 395; sbr 137, 162; sag GROSBEAK, BLUE sbr 383 GROSBEAK, SCARLET see ROSE- FINCH, SCARLET GROUSE, BLACK current research 233; sbr 128, 347 GROUSE, RED 11, current research 233; sbr 128, 346 GUILLEMOT 73, Rockall 201, 267; current research 235; sbr 143, 163, 363 GUILLEMOT, BLACK 74, current research 235; sbr 143, 364 GULL sp current research 234 GULL, BLACK-HEADED sbr 141, 163, 362; plate 7 GULL, BONAPARTE’S Fife 258; sbr 361 GULL, COMMON sbr 140, 361; plate 19 GULL, GLAUCOUS sbr 140, 361 GULL, GREAT BLACK-BACKED sbr 140, 360 GULL, HERRING 87, 253, killed by mole 207, current research 234; sbr 140, 361; plate 13 GULL, ICELAND sbr 141, 361 GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED 253, Rockall 202, current re- search 234; sbr 140, 360 GULL, LITTLE current research 234: sbr 141, 361 GULL, MEDITERRANEAN sbr 361 GULL, ROSS’S Shetland 315; sbr 362, plate 23 GULL, SABINE’S Ayr 314, Fife 315; sbr 362 GYRFALCON East Inverness 310; sbr 127, 346 HARRIER, HEN 5, 292, communal roosting 24, early fledging 204, current research 232; sbr 127, 345; plates 3, 4, 28 HARRIER, MARSH 5: sbr 126, 345 HARRIER, MONTAGU’S 5 HAWFINCH sbr 158, 380 HERON, GREY sbr 118, 335 HERON, NIGHT sbr 118 HOBBY 5, sbr 127, 345 Vol. 7 HOOPOE sbr 146, 366 JACKDAW sbr 148, 369 JAY sbr 148, 369 KESTREL 5, 284, current research 233; sbr 128, 346; plate 3 KINGFISHER sbr 146, 366 KITE, RED 5, East Inverness 257; sbr 345 KITTIWAKE 68, Rockall 201, cur- rent research 234; sbr 141, 362; plate 19 KNOT Musselburgh population 277, roost selection 282, winter census 395; sbr 137, 357, 385 LAPWING winter census 393; sbr 129, 348 LARK, SHORE sbr 147, 367 LARK, SHORT-TOED sbr 146, 367 LINNET sbr 159, 381, 385 MAGPIE Aberdeen breeding bio- logy 399; sbr 148, 369 MALLARD sbr 118, 335 MARTIN, HOUSE current research 235; sbr 147, 163, 368 MARTIN, SAND sbr 147, 368 MERGANSER, RED-BREASTED sbr 122, 162, 340 MERLIN 5, Wigtown roost 288, current research 233; sbr 127, 346; plate 2 MOORHEN sbr 129, 348 NIGHTINGALE sbr 151, 373 NIG HEING ale, THRUSH 89; sbr NIGHTJAR 82; sbr 145, 365 NUTCRACKER Peebles 56; sbr 148 NUTHATCH Perth 316; sbr 370 ORIOLE, GOLDEN sbr 147, 368 OSPREY 5, 82, current research 233; sbr 127, 345 OUZEL, RING sbr 150, 372 OWL sp current research 235 OWL, BARN adjacent nests 260; sbr 144, 163, 365 OWL, LITTLE sbr 145, 365 OWL, LONG-EARED sbr 145, 365; plate 20 OWL, SCOPS Orkney 55 OWL, SHORT-EARED current re- search 235; sbr 145, 365 2S ileailed sbr 145, 365, plate OWL, TAWNY sbr 145, 365 OYSTERCATCHER current _ re- search 233, Musselburgh pop- ulation 277, roost selection 282, winter census 393, un- usual nest sites 405; sbr 129, 348; plates 5, 22, 31 PARTRIDGE sbr 128, 347 SCOTTISH BIRDS 437 PARTRIDGE, RED-LEGGED sbr 128, 347 PASSERINES general, current re- search 235 PEREGRINE 5, current research 233, Fair Isle 261, Dundee 309, sbr 127, 345; plates 20, 24 PETREL, LEACH’S sbr 117, 334 PETREL, STORM 82, Rockall 201, current research 230; sbr 117, 162, 344 PHALAROPE, GREY sbr 139, 359 PHALAROPE, RED-NECKED Dun- barton 95; sbr 139, 359 PHALAROPE, WILSON’S Kirkcud- bright 313; sbr 359; plate 23 PHEASANT sbr 128, 347 PHEASANT GOLDEN sbr 128, 347 PoE Se REEVES’S sbr_ 128, PIGEON, FERAL 252 PINTAIL sbr 119, 336; plate 5 PIPIT, MEADOW current research 236; sbr 156, 378 PIPIT, PECHORA Fair Isle 263; sbr 156, 378 PIE Te RED-THROATED 82: sbr PIPIT, RICHARD’S sbr 155, 378 PIPIT, ROCK current research 236; sbr 156, 378 PIPIT, TAWNY 82; sbr 156, 378; plate 12 PIPIT, TREE 252; sbr 156, 378 PIPIT, WATER sbr 163, 378, 384 PLOVER, GOLDEN current re- search 234, Musselburgh pop- ulation 277, roost selection 282, winter census 394; sbr 130, 349 PLOVER, GREY 252, Musselburgh population 279, winter census 394: sbr 130, 349 Oe LITTLE RINGED sbr 130, PLOVER, RINGED current research 234, Musselburgh population 277, roost selection 282, win- ter census 393; sbr 130, 348 POCHARD sbr 120, 338 PRATINCOLE, COLLARED Fair Isle 259; sbr 139 PTARMIGAN current research 233; sbr 128, 346 PUFFIN 73, Rockall 201, research 235; plate 18 QUAIL sbr 128, 347 RAIL, WATER sbr 128, 347 RAPTORS current research 232 current sbr 144, 364; 438 RAVEN current research 236; sbr 148, 163, 368 RAZORBILL 73, Rockall 201, cur- rent research 235; sbr 143, 363 REPEL 252; sbr 159, 381; plate REDPOLL, ARCTIC Orkney 97; sbr 159, 381; plate 27 REDSHANK Musselburgh popula- tion 277, roost selection 282, win- poy census 395; sbr 137, 352, 3 RED Snes SPOTTED sbr 137, 3 REDSTART sbr 151, 373 REDSTART, BLACK sbr 151, 373 REDWING 82, breeding habitat 208, 268, current research 236; sbr 149, 371 ROBIN 88; sbr 151, 374 ROLLER, Shetland 55, sbr 146, plate 10 ROOK current research 236, and Fulmars 403, Shetland 406; sbr 148, 369 ROSEFINCH, SCARLET 87, 252, Shetland 209; sbr 160, 381; plate 12 RUFF inland 311; sbr 139, 359 SANDERLING census 396; sbr 138, 358 SANDPIPER, BAIRD’S Outer Heb- rides 94; sbr 138 SANDPIPER, BUFF-BREASTED Inner Hebrides 53; sbr_ 139, 359 SANDPIPER, COMMON breeding - Esk 302; sbr 132, 352; plate SANDPIPER, CURLEW sbr_ 138, 162, 358, 385 ST ear GREEN sbr 132, 351, 3 SANDPIPER, PECTORAL sbr 138, plate 9 SANDPIPER, PURPLE colour-ring- ing 103, current research 234, winter census 395; sbr 138, 162307 SANDPIPER, SPOTTED East Loth- ian 204; sbr 137 SANDPIPER, WHITE-RUMPED sbr 357; plate 26 aoe mec WOOD 82; sbr 132, SCAUP 1; sbr 120, 162, 337, 384 SCOTER, COMMON 71; sbr 121, 339, 384 SCOTER, SURF Aberdeen 51; sbr 1 384 3 SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 7 SCOreR. VELVET 71; sbr 121 162, 3 SHA ae coree research 230; sbr , 13 SHEARWATER, CORY’S Aberdeen 50, 67; sbr 117, 162 SHEARWATER, GREAT Aberdeen 50, 67; sbr 117, 162 SHEARWATER, MANX 252, Aber- deen 67, Rockall 201, current research 230; sbr 117, 162, 333 SHEARWATER, SOOTY 82, 252, Aberdeen 67; sbr 117, 333 SHELDUCK Forth status 183, cur- rent research 231; sbr 122, 341, 384 SHELDUCK, RUDDY sbr 122, 384 SHOVELER sbr 120, 337 SHRIKE, GREAT GREY 82, 98; sbr 157, 163, 379 SHRIKE, LESSER GREY 95; sbr 158, 380 ee RED-BACKED sbr 158, SHRIKE, WOODCHAT sbr 158, 380 SISKIN 87: sbr 159, 380 SKUA, ARCTIC 71, 252, Rockall 201, Outer Hebrides 205; sbr 140, 162, 360 . SKUA, GREAT 71, Rockall 201, Outer Hebrides 205, current research 234; sbr 139, 162, 359 SKUA, LONG-TAILED 71, Outer Hebrides 205; sbr 140, 360 SKUA, POMARINE vel Outer Heb- rides 205; sbr 139, 359 SKYLARK sbr 146, 367 SMEW sbr 122, 340 SNIPE sbr 130,350 SNIPE, JACK sbr 131, 350 SPARROW, HEDGE see DUN- NOCK SPARROW, HOUSE current re- search 237; sbr 161, 384 SPARROW, TREE 87, current re- search 237; sbr 161, 384 Beier eg WHITE-THROATED sbr 161 SPARROWHAWK 5, 13, current research 232; sbr 126, 344; plate 2 SPOONBILL sbr 118, 335 STARLING current research 236; sbr 158, 380 STARLING, ROSE-COLOURED Sutherland 97 ; sbr 158, 380 STINT, LITTLE sbr 138, 357 STINT, TEMMINCK’S breeding 94; sbr 138, 357; plate 8 STONECHAT current research 236; sbr 150, 373 Vol. 7 STORK, BLACK sbr 335 STORK, WHITE 92; sbr 118, 335 SWALLOW 82; sbr 147, 367 SWALLOW, RED-RUMPED Shet- land 260; sbr 147, 368 SWAN sp current research 231 SWAN, BEWICK’S sbr 125, 344 SWAN, BLACK sbr 126 SWAN, MUTE sbr 125, 343 SWAN, WHOOPER sbr 125, 344 SWIFT sbr 145, 366 SWIFT, ALPINE sbr 366 TEAL sbr 118, 335 TERN, ARCTIC 68; sbr 142, 363; plate 6 TERN, BLACK sbr 142, 362 TERN, CASPIAN East Lothian 54; sbr 142 TERN, COMMON 68; sbr 142, 362 TERN, GULL-BILLED sbr 142 TERN, LITTLE current research 235; sbr 143, 363; plate 6 TERN, ROSEATE sbr 143, 363 TERN, SANDWICH 68, current re- search 235; sbr 143, 363 THRUSH, MISTLE sbr 149, 370 THRUSH, SONG sbr 149, 371 THRUSH, WHITE’S Fair Isle 261: sbr 150 TIT, BEARDED sbr 370 TIT, BLUE current research 236; sbr 148, 369 TIT, COAL sbr 148, 369 TIT, CRESTED sbr 148, 369 TIT, GREAT current research 236; sbr 148, 369 TIT, LONG-TAILED gbr 148, 370 +11: MARSH sbr 148, 370 TIT, WILLOW sbr 148, 370 TREECREEPER sbr 148, 370 TURNSTONE Musselburgh popula- tion 277, roost selection 282, winter census 394; sbr 130, 349 TWITE, sbr 159, 163, 381 WADERS current research 233 WAGTAIL, CITRINE Inverness 316; sbr 157, 379 WAGTAIL, GREY breeding R Esk 302; sbr 156, 379 WAGTAIL, PIED sbr 156, 378 SCOTTISH BIRDS 439 WAGTAIL, WHITE sbr 156, 378 WAGTAIL, YELLOW sbr 156, 379, 384, 385 WARBLER, AQUATIC sbr 374 WARBLER, ARCTIC sbr 376 Dy hesine BARRED 98; sbr 152, 3 WARBLER, GARDEN sbr 153, 375 WARBLER, GRASSHOPPER sbr 152, 162, 374, 385 WARBLER, GREAT REED sbr 152 WARBLER, ICTERINE sbr_ 152, 374 ene LANCEOLATED = sbr 3 WARBLER, MARSH sbr 152, 374 Wet ae MELODIOUS sbr 152, WARBLER, REED sbr 152, 374 WARBLER, SEDGE sbr 152, 374 Mee ae SUB-ALPINE sbr 153, WARBLER, THICK-BILLED Shet- land 262; sbr 152 WARBLER, WILLOW sbr 153, 376 WARBLER, WOOD sbr 154, 376 WARBLER, YELLOW-BROWED 98; sbr 154, 376 WAXWING sbr 157, 379 WHEATEAR sbr 150, 372 WHIMBREL sbr 131, 350 WHINCHAT sbr 151, 373 WHITETHROAT current research 236; sbr 153, 375 WHITETHROAT, LESSER sbr 153, WIGEON sbr 119, 336 WIGEON, AMERICAN Fife 92; sbr 119, 336 WOODCOCK sbr 131, 350 WOODLARK sbr 146, 367 WOODPECKER, GREAT SPOTTED sbr 146, 162, 367 WOODPECKER, GREEN sbr 146, WOODPIGEON sbr 144, 364 WREN sbr 148, 370 WRYNECK sbr 146, 367 YELLOWHAMMER sbr 160, 382 List of Plates Plates Pages 1 Golden Eagle at eyrie (A. Gilpin) . ips mee aad 31 2a Sparrowhawk with young (R. T. Smith) Bs Sie sr 32 b Merlin, male incubating (A. Gilpin) cae — ahs 32 3a Kestrel at ground nest (A. Gilpin) see oom 33 b Hen Harrier, male brooding young (A. Gilpin) ites men 33 4, Young female Hen Harrier (N. Picozzi) ... oe aie 34 44) SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 7 5-7 Bird photographs by S. J. Clarke: Oystercatcher at nest, 83-85 drake Pintail, Arctic Tern at nest, Little Tern, Black- headed Gulls at nest, Common Sandpiper on eggs 8 Temminck’s Stints breeding (C. G. Headlam) Y 86 9-12 Scottish Bird Report 1971: Dotterel, Pectoral Sandpiper 133-136 Roller, Bee-eater, Steller’s Eider, Honey Buzzard, Snowy Owl, Scarlet Rosefinch, Great White Egret, Tawny Pipit (D. Coutts) 13 Mole kills Herring Gull (R. Thomson) 193 14-15 Feral Greylag Geese in southwest Scotland (ap ine Young) 194-195 16 Rockall (Institute of Geological Sciences) 196 17 Lighthouse-keeper’s families leave the Isle of May (H. 247 Galbraith 18-19 Seabird photographs by W. S. Paton: Gannet, Puffin, 248-249 Kittiwake, Common Gull 20a Peregrine eyass (D. Coutts) . ae were ae 250 b Young Long-eared Owl (D. Coutts) — oe ks) 250 21 Musselburgh lagoons (John Dewar Studios) ae iy 295 22a West lagoon, Musselburgh (R. W. Furness) aT Bf 296 b Waders at Musselburgh (R. W. Furness) uae aii Re 296 23a Ross’s Gull (R. Johnson : * aie a 3 297 b Wilson’s Phalarope (R. T. Smith) a rig eis - 297 24 Peregrine, Dundee (T. Smith) 298 25-28 Scottish Bird Report 1972: Black- browed Albatross (M. 353-356 Andersson), White-billed Diver (D. B. McGinn), Dunlin, White-rumped Sandpiper, Two-barred Crossbill, Arctic and Mealy Redpolls (D. Coutts), Hen Harrier in flight (J. F. Young) 29 Magpie breeding area, Aberdeenshire (Geography Dept., 409 University of Glasgow) 30a Rookery at Golspie, Sutherland (C. K. Mylite) werd 7a 410 b Long-tailed Duck (N. Picozzi) abe 410 31 Oystercatcher nesting on fencepost (Ww. S. Paton) i 411 32 Three eaglets in an eyrie (Dr E. C. Fellowes) ... aa 412 Scientific Names This is a list of species mentioned in the index to volume 7 but not previously detailed in the complete list in Scottish Birds 2: 515-517 or in the supplementary lists at 3: 454, 4: 602, 5: 488 and 6: 472. The nomenclature and sequence now used in the journal follow the 1971 BTO species List of British and Irish Birds where possible, and otherwise are as previously indicated (2: 515). Egretta alba Great White Egret Ciconia nigra Black Stork Aiz sponsa Wood Duck Anthropoides virgo Demoiselle Crane Tringa macularia Spotted Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Baird’s Sandpiper Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow Panurus biarmicus Bearded Tit Tarsiger cyanurus Red-flanked Bluetail Locustella lanceolata Lanceolated Warbler Acrocephalus aedon Thick-billed Warbler Anthus gustavi Pechora Pipit Rhodopechys githaginea Trumpeter Bullfinch Passerina ciris Painted Bunting yy { fed 7 ay nt ie ae : 4 } ; sa en y —— * . he x i'] ve A ae ) On ae oe Oh (a = in PRS Ay: by De ae ha ig ee i pe 1 age AM ie tl Ve hh: any Oy ae 3 fh ut TUR OM ae a Be Beni lati , : ia ,:: i p i x An we AY. dita a eet Gn , v i J 5 4 i ; re i ; Ras : ; ; ys i ee — 4 i ty ‘ mi nt ‘ , rt oe. ; t ‘ \ 5 i ae ‘ i ‘ . Ww at ae, wid yhossabihe a aL Mi ah cal > APY nee va onder lelets (onokhal aia e i ae heer taney Compare Vine) Yah, ‘ew een a ii eared. “ottracll at wale ail prc: abd es aera Aeon oe , eo ee Gee Please complete the Binding Form overleaf RECEIPT FOR SCOTTISH BIRDS BINDING From P. G. CHAPMAN & CO. LTp., Kent House Lane, Becken- ham, Kent, BR3 1LD. We acknowledge with thanks receipt of your parcel of issues of SCOTTISH BIRDS for binding, and your remittance of £ COD OOD DODO OOO OOU 660 1060050 S eee P. G: CHAPMAN & CO; Lib: BOOKS - Handle with Care If undelivered please return to P. G. Chapman & Co. Ltd., Kent House Lane, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1LD el ee en ee ee To P. G. CHAPMAN & CO. LTD., Kent House Lane, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1LD Venclosecheque/P:Os £4... ae for binding in [] Quarter. Leather 11 Buckram Please tick your choice in space above. Binding rates are: Buckram £2.25 post paid; Quarter Leather £2.75 post paid Piease fill in your Name and Address in both spaces on this page. Failure to do so may cause delay. The lower half of this sheet will be sent back to you as a receipt; the upper half is the label for the return of your bound volume. > aH ey — ‘| AA 2 Heys wR 2 GF YY’ LE gq 2 Nes y 9 2 es eR TAX OC U5 oy 3 = es A = bs Ww Ne, \ \ z ‘ bY fer z G y) S$ SX = S SN > ‘ = Pings > OILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3!IYVYE!I71 LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT ' NOILNLILSNI NOILNLILSNI LIBRARIES NOILNLILSNI IBRARIES_ SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLIWS S3IUVUE NVINOSHLINS SJIYVYGIT LIBRARIES SMITHS Pa : ae E =p E F 3 E = i - - es = es | : z es 2 OILNLILSNI S31YVYUGIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN — =. ae ae z 2 “2 WS 5 z 2 2 BE . @ a a aes QQ O a Fe a Ss = 4 = = gee eS IBRARIES SMITHSONIAN _ INSTITUTION NOILMLILSNI_NVINOSHLINS $3 luvug ~ Ona et uw = ua ox . Pup = ox Es ow a Gy ar a = ow fea) “fi, ome a8) = ao iy. 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