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“Scottish Birds
THE JOURNAL OF
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Edited by
A. T. MACMILLAN
with the assistance of
D. G. ANDREW T. C. SMOUT
Business Editor, T. C. SMOUT
7 EMITHSCA RE
va
LIBRARIES ae
ge
VOLUME. 2
1962 - 1963
Printed by Walter Thomson, Selkirk
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Plates
1-2 Immature Ivory Gull at Stornoway (W. A. J. Cunningham)
aC fer OS
NSTI
Adult Ivory Gull at Scalloway (J. Peterson)
Stornoway Castle and Woods (W. A. J. Cunningham)
Aggressive cock Capercaillie (C. E. Palmar)
Snowy Owl
Morton Lochs. Aerial view from the south
(University of Cambridge) io
Earlshall Moor, deciduous wood (J. Berry) ay
Earlshall Moor, Black-headed Gull colony (J. Grierson)
Tentsmuir Point (J. Berry)
Pair of Buzzards at nest (L. MacNally)
Turnip attacked by Grey Lag Goose
Green Sandpiper in Berwickshire (S. J. Clarke)
Inchmickery (A. T. Macmillan)
St Kilda. Old storehouse where Tree Sparrows bred
(W. E. Waters) use st
Personalities of the 1962 S.O.C. Conference (C. E. Palmar)
Gannet on the Bass Rock (J. B. Nelson)
Helena Howden Bothy on Handa. In 1960, before restoration
(A. A. MacGregor); and in 1962, after restoration
(G. Waterston) ace Rn ae ; ae ee
Water Rail at Moffat refuse tip (E. Dicerbo)
Fair Isle. North Haven and observatory (Angela Davis)
Fair Isle. Peter Davis with Kittiwake (Angela Davis)
Osprey landing on eyrie, Inverness-shire (J. A. McCook)
3-25 White-billed Diver compared with skins of Great Northern,
26
Black-throated and Red-throated Divers (I. D. Pennie)
The late Betty Garden (J. MacGeoch)
Pages
31-32
33
79
80
98
137
138
139
140
197
237
264
295
296
321
361
362
375
401
402
451
479-481
482
avged
(RTE
ti.
me
fosrein ot =) spite ta bn aie SORE: i
snort, i dail
since eat wine Cert red: chert me edad
erent reat eas Soot al bow 1
eum
son :
fora nt x) ar eeriiat nis
f aha ft plsgad Pn ks sagiennnde bas ave a
(rived sige) salewittia dle sive 3
(boo eM A}. sride-enmenanedl bre. ater
Atta i yeesi. tis at) bey exkae sti bonaiabe
nat. <P 19 avai esi at
a5
0
5/3
SsCOTTISH
pli
The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Vol. 2 No. 1 Spring 1962
Beek See eeNe Ges
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Mute Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was founded in 1936 and membership
is open to all interested in Scottish ornithology. Meetings are held
during the winter months in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh,
Glasgow and St Andrews, at which lectures by prominent ornithologists
are given and films exhibited. Excursions are organised in the summer to
places of ornithological interest.
The aims and objects of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the
study of Scottish Ornithology in all its branches; (b) co-ordinate the
efforts of Scottish Ornithologists and encourage co-operation between field
and indoor worker; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland in
co-operation with other organisations; (d) hold meetings at centres to be
arranged at which Lectures are given, films exhibited, and discussions held;
and (e) publish or arrange for the publication of statistics and information
with regard to Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is
25/-; or 7/6 in the case of Members under twenty-one years of age or in
the case of University undergraduates who satisfy the Council of their status
as such at the time at which their subscriptions fall due in any year.
Joint membership is available to married couples at an annual subscrip-
tion of 40/-. “Scottish Birds” is issued free to members, but Joint mem-
bers will receive only one copy between them.
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 and Business Editor of “Scottish Birds,’ the Hon. Treasurer
of the House Fabric Fund, one Representative of each Branch Committee
appointed annually by the Branch, and ten other Members of the Club
elected at an Annual General Meeting. Two of the last named retire
annually by rotation and shall not be eligible for re-election for one
year.
A Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by the Council, produce
an annual Kkeport on “Ornithological Changes i in Scotland.”
An official tie with small white Crested Tits embroidered on it can be
obtained in dark green or in navy blue by Members only from Messrs R.
W. Forsyth Ltd., Princes Street, Edinburgh, or 5 Renfield Street. Glasgow,
C.2 at a cost of 16s 9d post extra. A small brooch in silver and blue can be
obtained for the use of Members of the Club. Price 2s 6d each from the
Secretary, or from Hon. Branch Secretaries.
Forms of application for Membership, copy of the Club Constitution,
and other literature is obtainable from the Club Secretary, Mrs George
Waterston, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7. (Tel. Waverley 6042).
CLUB-ROOM AND LIBRARY
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7, will
be available to Members during office Horas. and on Wednesday evenings
from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library and borrow
books from the Duplicate Section. Facilities for making tea or coffee are
available at a nominal charge and Members may bring guests by arrange-
ment. The Aldis 2” x 2” slide projector and screen may be used for the
informal showing of slides at a charge of 2s 6d per night to cover the
replacement of bulbs.
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
All contributions should be sent to Andrew T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw
Bank Road, Edinburgh 13. Attention to the following points greatly sim-
plifies production of the journal and is much appreciated.
1. Papers should if possible be typed with double spacing. All contri-
butions should be on one: side of the paper only.
2. Topical material for Cienea Notes should reach the Editors by the
end of March, June, September and December. at which time they begin
to compile this section. All other notes should be sent promptly but
important items can be fitted in until a month or so after these dates.
3. 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 NECESSO ay to ask the author to bear the
cost.
4, Authors of eallleawrie 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,
my, 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.
EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and Gendok
Dick, G. & Portsr, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1 320,
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-lList of the Birds
of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by
the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (/bis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of
the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (lbis 99 :369).
‘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—
eg. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary {ull
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.’ AAA :
This book represents a landmark in the history of bird study,
bringing us up-to-date in an absorbing manner...
DOWN THE LONG WIND
CHRISTIAN
This book—a study |
of bird migration—
has been written |
primarily for the |
general reader of all |
ages who, year by
year, watches with |
excitement the great |
Hocks of wild birds |
flying with purpose |
out of the cloudy |
distance down the}
long wind. Here, in- |
deed, in a material
age of specialization, |
is a brilliant study |
which will be wel- |
comed by the am-
ateur bird-watcher, |
the schoolboy natur-|
alist and the arm-
chair enthusiast. It!
will also satisfy the
needs of the profes-|
sional ornithologist
who seeks an up-to-|
date account of the
migratory move-
ments of the lap-|
wing and _ nightiar,
the thrush tribe, the’
swallow and a host!
of other common
birds.
With maps, diagrams and photographs
(25 of them by Eric Hosking)
Jacket design by Peter Scott 21s
From All Booksellers
or in case of difficulty at 22s 6d by post from GEORGE NEWNES
Ltd., Tower House, Southampton Street, London, W.C.2.
SCOTTISH BIRDS $<
<2 WL
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB <
Vol. 2 No. 1 Spring 1962
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. Smour. Business Editor, ARTHUR J. SMITH. Cover design (Green-
shanks) by LEN FULLERTON. Published quarterly.
Editorial
WITH this number of Scottish Birds we start Volume 2.
Since it was launched some three and a half years ago
Scottish Birds has been edited by Professor M. F. M. Meikle-
john who has been responsible for both the general policies
of the journal and the major burden of the detailed work
involved in producing it quarter by quarter. Not everyone will
realise just how many nights work on each number this en-
tails. Uncertain health in recent months and a growing
volume of his own work have unfortunately made it more
and more difficult for Professor Meiklejohn to devote the time
he would like to give to Scottish Birds, and he has therefore
asked that someone else should take over. The Scottish Or-
—nithologists’ Club undoubtedly owes a great debt to him for
_ guiding the journal so ably through its pioneering years, and
we are glad to know that we may continue to call upon his
services in an informal capacity.
In order to strengthen the editorial team we have asked Dr
| T. C. Smout to join us, and we feel sure that his wide exper-
ience of birds in many parts of Europe together with his
lively approach to bird-watching, will be a considerable asset
' to Scottish Birds.
A. T. Macmillan will be the new Editor, and he will be
assisted by D. G. Andrew and Dr Smout. The work of plan-
| ning and compiling each number will be shared in whatever
Way seems most convenient to allow for holidays and other
commitments—this number, for instance, being largely the
work of D. G. Andrew—and the intention is to work as a
team. Contributions from all parts of the country, however,
should be sent to A. T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw Bank Road,
Edinburgh 13. A. J. Smith will continue to deal with the busi-
ness side of production.
It would be greatly appreciated if all important notes could
be sent in promptly, and matters of more passing interest re-
| ported quarterly to reach the editors at the end of December,
}, March, June and September. These arrangements will make
it much easier to publish each number of the journal on the
2 EDITORIAL 2(1)
due date—Ilst March, June, September and December. Stop
Press matters can be accepted until about a month before
publication.
In a recent letter to the Editors of British Birds (54: 405-8)
Dr W. R. P. Bourne has argued that the use of scientific, or
Latin, bird names should be abandoned by local journals pub-
lished in countries with reasonably stable vernacular names.
Up to a point we agree with him. The object of using a scien-
tific name is to establish the identity of the bird beyond
question for readers. In the past there was so much uncer-
tainty about English names that it could be said that this
object was best achieved by the use of scientific names—in
spite of the frequent changes which these also undergo to
keep pace with new ideas about classification and to keep
them in line with the Law of Priority in Zoological Nomen-
clature. Since British bird-watchers, unlike those in most
other parts of the world, are most reluctant to learn these
scientific names it has been necessary to give every name
twice—once in English, and once in Latin. Arguments for
this procedure lose much of their force if there is an accep-
table list of standard English names from which one can
work. Unfortunately the English names given in the 1952
B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland
are out of date, and one must look elsewhere for current
usage.
We propose to follow British Birds in using the English
names given in The Handbook of British Birds with the
changes detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46: 2-3) and
January 1956 (49:5). This does not cover subsequent additions
to the British list—such as the Collared Dove, which was then
known as the Collared Turtle Dove—but we do not see this
causing any difficulty. For scientific nomenclature we follow
the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List, 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: 369).
It is our policy to be sparing in the use of scientific names. |
We have already abandoned them altogether in Current |
Notes, and in the Short Notes where a species is not the sub-
ject of the note and is only mentioned in passing. In future,
where scientific names are not required for clarity we will |
use them only for some other good reason. We will be guided |
by the needs of authors. For example, there might be strong |
arguments for using them if an author requires reprints for |
distribution to people unfamiliar with the English names and
lacking details of our practice which would enable them to §
look them up. The same considerations may apply to Check- §
Lists which comment on changes in status over a period. Our §
audience is, however, mainly an English speaking one, and |
1962 EDITORIAL 3
we would hope that a universally acceptable list of English
names will soon be published so that we can drop the use of
Latin names altogether. At the end of each volume, however,
we intend to give a complete list of the English and scientific
names of all species mentioned.
Plans are in hand for a number of interesting articles, and
several papers of major importance are being prepared for
coming numbers. We would nonetheless welcome suggestions
or contributions, because the quality of Scottish Birds must
depend largely on the quality of the material offered to us.
An index is now being compiled for Volume 1, and this
should greatly. simplify the process of looking up records
published during the past three and a half years. It is hoped
to send it out with the next number, and at the same time
details will be given of arrangements for binding Volume 1.
THE SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON
GULLS LARUS CANUS FROM SCOTLAND
MWe Ee BOURNE and 1. J.-PATTERSON
Introduction
Common Gulls from Scandinavia are one of the commonest
winter visitors to agricultural areas in the northern parts
of the British Isles, and the pattern of distribution of the
ringing returns suggesis that they must migrate across the
North Sea (M. C. Radford, Bird Study 7:81). As yet, how-
'ever, there is remarkably little information about the manner
of their migration, except that numbers appear at Fair Isle
in overcast or foggy weather associated with E to SE winds
-ahead of fronts in the North Sea in autumn, adults generally
‘predominating in the main passage in August and early
‘September, and a high proportion of juveniles occurring in
'the only fall so far recorded in early October (P. Davis &
'P. Hope Jones, Bird Migration 1:36). There seem to be few
previous records of the movements of this species in Scot-
land in spring, though in England large flocks can sometimes
be seen gathering in the fields or flying east calling high
Overhead by day in late March and early April.
During observations on bird migration with radar in
Aberdeenshire in the springs of 1959 and 1960, W.R.P.B.
noticed regular NE to NNE departures in the middle of the
‘day of large, bright, high-flying echoes of the sort thought
to be caused by moderate-sized flocks of shore or water
birds. The passage usually started far inland during the
4 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 2(1)
morning and passed away towards Norway during the after-
noon and evening at airspeeds around 30 knots, though since
the wind was usually behind the birds they were often
travelling much faster, sometimes at 50-60 knots. They moved
on a broad front inland, more starting to the south than to
the north of Aberdeenshire, and when they reached the coast
a proportion normally flew along it before putting out to sea,
so that a series of parallel streams of birds went out to sea
from the headlands, with fewer birds leaving between them,
as in Figure 1. The best view was obtained of the stream
leaving Rattray Head at the NE extremity of Aberdeenshire,
but a larger stream could be seen going by out at sea which
Figure 1. The general pattern of departure of Common Gulls leaving
Scotland by day. A, R, D and F are St Abb’s, Rattray and Duncansby
Heads, and Fair Isle,
1962 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 5
must have originated in the Forth area to the south, while
when Dr M. T. Myres carried out parallel observations with
radar in Shetland in the spring of 1960, he saw the stream
from Rattray Head passing by out at sea to the east, some-
times another smaller stream coming from the direction of
Duncansby Head in Caithness, and odd birds leaving Orkney
and Shetland.
Occasionally a few birds were seen leaving by day in
March, but the number was small then, The main diurnal
departures occurred during a short period in April, between
llth and 16th April in 1959 and between 5th and 9th April
in 1960, and since the only birds which W.R.P.B. managed
to see going out to sea by day in Aberdeenshire during this
period were Common Gulls, and such a departure was not
seen at any other time, the movement was presumably
largely composed of this species. It subsequently transpired
that I.J.P. and R. McBeath had already collected a series of
notes of Common Gull departures from St Abb’s Head in
Berwickshire at this time in the same and previous years,
and had also seen a much more dramatic movement than any
witnessed in Aberdeenshire. Since this area lies within the
region of departure of the most southerly and largest of the
streams seen with radar out at sea we have agreed to pub-
lish our observations together.
Acknowledgments
The radar observations were carried out at an RAF.
Station, and the personnel of the station have been extremely
kind in providing all possible facilities for the work, includ-
ing hospitality in the Officers Mess. The work was financed by
a grant spread over three years from the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research, and was carried out under
the direction of Dr David Lack, who was himself undertaking
similar investigations in East Anglia. We are also grateful to
Messrs Dougal G. Andrew and Andrew T. Macmillan, Dr I.
C. T. Nisbet and especially Dr David Lack for helpful criti-
cism of a draft of this paper, Mr Peter Davis, Dr sa
Eggeling and Mr George Waterston for information and ac-
cess to the Fair Isle and Isle of May Bird Observatory records,
and Messrs Dougal G. Andrew and R. McBeath and Dr M. T.
Myres for allowing us to incorporate their records.
SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS
Previous observations. The only important previous obser-
vations of the spring migration of Common Gulls in Scotland
appear to be those described by K. Williamson, D. G. Andrew
and I. Munro in 1952 (Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bull. 1(7):
6). They report that during the middle of a visit to the Isle
of May in early April 1952 they had westerly weather and
6 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 2(1)
saw a high eastwards departure of Common Gulls, and only
Common Gulls. Referring to this species, they record: “dur-
ing the westerly and SW (weather) evening passage was
in progress from about 1700 hrs. Birds were first heard pass- |
ing on the 5th, but were not located for a time, until we
realised that they were passing high overhead. Two singles
and a group of eight were watched heading out to sea NNE
at 1845 hrs, with a force 3 surface wind from the WSW.
Next evening parties of five, five and four passed between
1700 and 1900 hrs going NE on a west (force) 3 wind. On the
8th we saw one and seven going NE at 1800 hrs with the
wind south, force 2. The weather charts for these evenings
show that these gulls were using a cyclonic approach to the
Norwegian coast round the base of a depression which was
moving from the west towards Shetland. The birds went over
quite high, at about 500 ft, and their passage was detected
by their call-notes. Perhaps many were leaving the Forth
area, and we saw only those crossing the island, where not
the slightest deviation was noticeable. On the evening of
the 8th, with the surface wind SE but the upper air-mass
definitely moving in from the SW, the gulls were flying much
higher than usual, at least 700 ft. There was no passage on
the 9th, when the North Sea winds were south to SSE.”
Mr Andrew informs us that on returning from this visit
he saw a similar NE evening departure from Gladhouse Reser-
voir near Edinburgh on the evening of 13th April 1952, and
again on Ist and 22nd March 1953, 12th March 1955, and 13th
January and 24th March 1957. On each occasion only Com-
mon Gulls were involved, and on each occasion the movement
was noted in the late afternoon, when the departure to the
N or NE was in marked contrast to the normal movement in
the opposite direction of birds coming in to a local roost. On
each occasion his attention was drawn to the departure by
a high-pitched “kok” call also heard on the Isle of May
which is possibly associated with long-distance movements.
He thought that the birds must be starting a trans-North Sea
crossing. It is notable that these records occur earlier in the
year than those recorded below. but that the birds were
departing in the late afternoon, the time when the first pas-
sages seen with radar started to come through in early April,
though by mid-April the big departures occurred in the
middle of the day. Possibly the first birds move rather late
in the day, or come from Ireland so that they only reach east
Scotland late in the day; or alternatively, perhaps the birds
fly high early in the day while fewer observers are out then,
so that they are more likely to be seen when more people are
out and they are starting to fly low and settle in the late
afternoon. In any case, they seem to be moving in larger |
numbers in April than in March; thus H. Boase recently
SSeS
SJ
— ar
lie —~ 3
1962 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 7
reported that on “7th April 1961 300 Common Gulls
were seen moving NE in half an hour at Invergowrie,
Perthshire, at the ‘time of the main emigration of this species
(Scottish Birds 1: 499).
Observations in 1957. In this year Mr Andrew saw his last
evening departure from Cladhouse Reservoir on 24th March,
but an anticyclone then settled over Scandinavia at the end
of March and remained there for a week, then being re-
placed by another anticycione to the NW of the British Isles
for another week. In consequence throughout the first part
of April the NE coast (08 Britain had fine cool weather with
at first KE to NE and tnen N to NW winds. During 12th and
13th April the area of high pressure to the NW shitted south,
and a ridge followed by a trough associated with the develop-
ment of a front moved east across the British I[sles, the wind
backing from NW to 5S ahead of the trough, then veering to
W as it passed. [t appears that in this year the main Common
Gull departure may have been delayed by contrary winds
until the arrival of the trough on 13th April, and then occur-
red in a rush when the wind ai last changed to west behind it.
I.R.P. and R.McB. saw the first flock of Common Gulls pass
high over Kirk Hill, St Abb’s, on 30th March, and several
flocks went east there with cold © to SiH force 4 to 5 winds
the following day. With a very cold force 6 NE wind on 12th
April a stream of Common Guils followed the cliffs to Float
Carr Point, accumulated into a flock of 32 birds there, and
then set off high out to sea to the NE in V formation. It
seems likely that other birds were grounded inland by the
strong contrary wind this day.
The following day, 13th April, is the day when the -ridge
and trough passed. In Berwickshire the weather was fine
and sunny with a light, decreasing wind veering from west
to north during the day, so presumably the front had already
‘passed before the observations started. From 0930 hrs flocks
of Common Gulls could be seen circling upwards inland,
possibly in rising air currents in the unstable polar maritime
‘air behind the front, and then passing out to sea high to the
‘NNE from St Abb’s Head lighthouse. A minority of lower-
flying birds also went NW up the line of the clifis. 1261 birds
‘passed in 30 minutes in the middle of the day, and if the rate
of passage was as steady as it seemed 17,500 birds could have
passed during the period of observation. The main passage
ended about 1630 hrs as the wind swung round to north, but
two flocks continued to gather on the sea off Sheliey till 1830
hrs, about half an hour before sunset, by which time there
were about a thousand birds. These then rose and after
circling out to sea for about a mile most of them apparently
went out NNE after the sun had set.
No further observations were made this year.
8 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 2(1)
Observations in 1958. In this year a watch was kept in |
Berwickshire by R.McB. on 30th March and 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, |
10th, 12th, 13th, and 27th April. No Common Gulls were seen |
except on 8th April, when a few were present on the head- |
land, where this species is not usually seen.
Observations in 1959. In this year W.R.P.B. carried out ob- |
servations both visually along the coast and with radar in |
Aberdeenshire from 27th February until 15th March and |
again from 5th April to 20th May. The first few birds were |
seen going out NE on the radar by day after the passage east |
of a front overnight on 12th March, but then no more were |
seen until after the gap in observations on 6th April, when a |
few more were going out again. No birds were seen directly |
leaving Aberdeenshire during this time, and R.McB. saw no |
Pea at St Abb’s Head on 27th and 30th March and 2nd |
April. !
A depression took three days to cross the area after 6th |
April, moving away on the 10th. Another small NE departure |
started on the radar in the middle of the day on the 10th,
and had become strong by dusk, when it merged with a large |
evening passerine departure. All next day a strong NE to
NNE departure could be seen on the radar in fine clear |
weather with a rising SW to W wind, and while W.R.P.B. saw |
no birds leave the Aberdeenshire coast during a 45 minute |
watch at the height of the passage in the afternoon, I.R.P. |
saw several parties of Common Gulls go over very high NNE |
calling in Berwickshire. The passage ended with the approach |
of a front from the west in the evening, and there was a SE |
gale and rain as the front passed out east overhead during |
the night. |
By the morning of 12th April the front could be seen on |
the radar display as a bar of cloud passing away out to sea |
to the NE, aligned as in the weather map (Figure 2), while |
in Aberdeenshire the sky was clearing and the wind had died
away on the ground. During the morning a small departure |
was seen to start inland and proceed NE out to sea at about |
60 knots until it caught up with the departing front. From |
the speed of the echoes it would appear that the wind, which |
had been strong from the SE on the surface ahead of the |
front, and had died away on the surface behind it, had re- |
mained strong and veered SW _ behind the front at upper |
levels, and was now assisting the birds. This is confirmed by |
the 900m upper wind reports for 0600 hrs, the upper wind |]
being 12 knots from 110° ahead of the front at Lerwick, but |
25 knots from 220° behind it at Leuchars, the wind speed of ['
25 knots and their own airspeed of about 30 knots accounting jf.
closely enough for the birds’ observed groundspeed of about }!
60 knots. |
The passage appeared uniform in appearance and direction |
1962. SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 9
2 we ee ee os Shy LORS AO .
e e ° . e
Set WE Pos OS 0 ORG MEG OO
Figure 2. The conditions under which Common Gulls are drifted to Fair
Isle. in spring, as shown by the weather map for 0600 hrs on 12th April
1959. Birds leaving Britain in fine weather with SW winds behind the
northern front flew into the front over the North Sea and were drifted
NW to Fair Isle by SE winds under the cloud.
of movement until it approached to within ten miles of the
front, and then the echoes started to vary in both brightness
and direction. Some eventually disappeared entirely before
they reached the cloud, as if they had flown low beneath the
radar horizon or settled on the sea, but most continued in
directions between north and east until they disappeared
from sight among the cloud shadows. Four out of five echoes
followed carefully split up as they approached the front, and
two of the smaller resulting echoes disappeared before they
reached the cloud while another four were watched into
pe cloud. It was impossible to see what happened under the
cloud.
The movement was seen all day as the front disappeared
out to sea and the wind increased and swung round to west.
A stream of parties of Common Gulls was seen flying north
low up the shore at the rate of hundreds of birds per hour
in Aberdeenshire during the afternoon, while a few more
were seen going NNE very high in Berwickshire by R.McB.
There was also an arrival of 120 Common Gulls and no other
10 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 2(1)
species at Fair Isie as the front passed during the day, this
being one of the larzest arrivals of Common Gulls in spring
during the whole period of observation there (P. Davis, Bird
Migration 1:42 and personal communication). Presumably
birds setting out in fine weather with a SW wind from the
coast of Scotland musé have started to drift NW when they
met the SE wind uncer the cioud of the frent until they
reached Fair Isle; untortunately it was impossible to see
what was happening, but the fact that a considerable fall at
Fair Isle this day consisted entirely of Common Gulls pro-
vides strong evidence that the passage consisted mainly of
this species.
The weather remained fine and clear with SW to SSW
winds as the low pressure system moved on NE on 13th April,
and a very large NH to ENE departure was again seen on
the radar durin z the morning, though no birds could be seen
from tne ground in Aberaeensnire, and unfortunately there
were no ovservations in Berwickshire. The departure ceased
with the onset of a souther.:y gale ahead cf another front ap-
proaching from the west durin 3 the afternoon, though some
traces could still be seen leaving as long as gaps persisted in
the cloud. The front passed on north oveinight and the
weather had cleared to produce another fine still day with
SSW to S winds on 14th Aprit. Another large NNH departure
developed on the radar during the da, and iwJ.P. saw a trickle
of parties of Common Gulls pass ca:iing over Berwickshire
throughout the day, most flying so high that they were diffi-
cult to see. By the evening the wind was backing SE ahead
of another depression, and W.R.P.B. found many Common
Gulls sitting about on the ground at Rattray Head in Aber-
deenshire.
On the morning of 15th April the weather was again fine
with a S to SSE wind after the passage of the front during
the night, and another NE departure was seen on the radar
display. R.McB. saw no movement at St Abb’s Head this day,
but in Aberdeenshire W.R.P.B. saw two parties of Common
Gulls go very high north up the coast during the afternoon,
while 140 were recorded at Fair Isle. Another moderate de-
parture was seen on the radar with SW winds on the 16th,
though no visible movement was detected in either Aberdeen-
shire or Berwickshire, and after this only small NE diurnal
departures were seen on the radar until observations ended
for the season on 20th May, while no more visible departures
of Common Gulls were reported anywhere.
Observations in 1960. In this year observations were carried |
out in Aberdeenshire from 26th February till 3lst May, with | |
a gap from 12th to 18th April when little of interest was
reportea to have happened except possibly on the last two
days; Dr M. T. Myres carried. out parallel observations in
1962 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 11
Shetiand in April and May. A few small NE departures
were seen in Aberdeenshire in March, especially on 25th
March, but no migrants could be seen leaving. I.J.P. visited
St Abb’s Head only on 21st March this year, when he saw
nothing.
The first important departure was seen on the radar on
4th April, earlier than in 1959 when there was a gap in the
records at the beginning of April followed by a period of more
or less NW winds which appear to be unfavourable fo
migration. As in 1959 it occurred in fine weather with a SW
wind following the clearance of a front to the east, and was
terminated by the passage of another front overnight. It
could also be seen on the radar in Shetland as it passed on
NE during the afternoon, but nothing could be seen from the
ground.
The front was clearing to the east by the morning of 5th
April, and another movement started in fine weather with a
© veering to SSW wind behind it, the first birds plunging
straight into the cloud of the front as it passed out of sight.
This front had passed further out to sea before the birds
reached it than had that of 12th April 1959, and only two
Common Gulls reached Fair Isle this time, though there had
been a fall of passerines as the front passed during the night,
which suggests that Common Gulls do not migrate at night.
The passage was seen continuing NE/NNE past Shetland
later in the day. On this afternoon a determined attempt
was made to see the birds leaving Rattray Head by looking
up through binoculars. 32 gulls were seen and heard going
out very high in four parties between 1615 and 1645 hrs; most
of them were Common Gulls as usual, but there were one or
two Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus for the first time.
Cloud was then bezinning to spread from the west as an-
other front aprroached from the west.
This front passed east overhead on the morning of 6th
April, and a small ceparture left as the weather cieared be-
hind it during the afternoon. The next day was fine and clear
With no wind on the ground though SSW winds were reported
at 900m and cloud is shown on the weather mav (Figure 3).
The largest NNE/ENE diurnal departure of the spring was
seen on the radar in both Shet'and and Aberdeenshire as a
ridge passed east during the day, vet no visible mizration
could be detected at all during another afternoon watch at
Rattray Head. A small departure occurred ahead of another
front on 8th April, and the last important movement seen in
Aberdeenshire this season followed behind it as it passed to
the east on the afternoon of the 9th, the echoes disappearing
ENE into the cloud as they went out to sea. Common Gulls
were heard calling very high overhead as they flew into the
cloud, and twenty Common Gul!s but no other species reached
12 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS © 2(1) >
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Figure 3. The conditions under which ihe largest departure of Common
Gulls occurred in 1960, as shown by the weather map for 0600 hrs on 7th
April. The birds started to leave Scotland when the first front passed
east, and departed NNE in very large numbers as the ridge passed during
the day. Nothing could be seen from the ground.
air Isle as the front passed during the day.
Diurnal departures continued to be seen on the radar in
Shetland with a diminishing frequency and density until
24th April, although some were missed in Aberdeenshire
owing to the gap in observations there. They then became
very sparse and infrequent. No more Common Gulls were
seen leaving Aberdeenshire this year.
DISCUSSION
The ringing returns analysed by Dr Radford, the reports —
of the occurrence and behaviour of Common Gulls at Fair
Isle in autumn by Davis and Hope Jones, and visual and radar
observations of their spring migrations, can be combined to
provide a picture of the movements of the species through-
out the year. It prefers to breed near. water of some sort
1962- SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 13
along the coast or inland in NW Europe, and migrates to
winter along the coast and in agricultural country with light
soils in western Europe. The general trend of its migration
is apparently more westerly than that of the Black-headed
Gull, which moves mainly SW and S (M. C. Radford, Bird
Study in press), and it seems to cross the North Sea in much
greater numbers.
The autumn migration seems to involve a prolonged dis-
persal west starting according to the Fair Isle records by late
June, reaching a maximum from mid August to early Septem-
ber, and dying away about mid November, with recurrences
after cold weather in winter (the general summary by Davis
& Hope Jones is confirmed by a direct inspection of the
records). This autumn dispersal is not conspicuous on radar,
though scattered arrivals of echoes of the sort thought to be
caused by Common Gulls in spring can occasionally be seen
coming in west from the sea late in the day throughout the
autumn, mainly during periods of easterly winds. These
movements are probably composed of a mixture of Common
Gulls and other drift migrants from Scandinavia, so that it
is impossible to analyse the Common Gull movements sep-
arately, as can be done in spring. In any case, the movements
are never very prominent on the screen in the way that they
are in spring, so that it seems possible that the birds may fly
much lower in autumn when the wind is usually against
them, so that they do not show up well on the radar; or al-
ternatively that the autumn migration may always be so
weak, diffuse and long-drawn-out that individual passages are
never strong enough to show up well.
Although during this period of autumn dispersal the birds
cannot be identified easily with radar, Davis and Hope Jones
have shown that large numbers none the less appear at Fair
Isle under much the same conditions as in spring, S to SE
winds associated with fog and cloud and the passage of a
front east across the North Sea, while the birds can be seen
departing again to the south by day when the weather clears.
Dr Radford has also shown that the largest number of returns
of foreign-ringed Common Gulls come from Scotland and
eastern England at this time, the rings tending to be recovered
in England, Wales and Ireland later in the winter, and not in
Scotland, even on spring passage. Common Gulls other than
breeding birds also seem much commoner feeding along the
coast and inland in east Scotland in autumn than spring,
though they rarely seem to be migrating, and no migrant
flocks were seen which could be associated with movements
seen with radar. Thus it appears that there must be a con-
siderable slow movement through the area in autumn, which
does not show up well on the radar at all. Most of these birds
seem to have passed through by November.
14 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 2(1)
On the other hand, Common Gulls other than breeding |
birds seem rather scarce in Scotland in spring, and there are |
few ringing recoveries there then. This can now be explained |
by the radar observations. While some migration may occur |
at night in March, when it will be swamped by large passerine
departures on the radar display, little migration is seen by
day except during a relatively short spell in April, and the |
migration then occurs in a great rush, the birds taking off
far inland during spells of fine weather, and going out high
overhead to Scandinavia, so that it is extremely difficult to |
see them except where they are temporarily grounded by bad |
weather, usually in the form of a front.
On good days this passage was usuallv well developed by
1000 hrs, and if they were not interrupted the last birds were |
still moving out to sea at dusk, when they were lost among
the evening passerine departures. If they all took off in the |
morning and only travelled at their airsoeed of 30 knots, the |
last birds crossing the coast some ten hours after the start |
of the passage would already have travelled 300 miles before
they put out to sea, while on davs when thev were assisted
by the wind, as usually seems to be the case, they could have
come twice as far. However. the most distant land in Europe
in the direction from which they were coming, Ireland, is
only 200 to 500 miles away, so that it seems likely that some
at least of the big passages must have come from the winter
quarters in western Britain and Ireland since the morning,
and should reach Scandinavia, and possiblv the summer quar-
ters, by the followine day. Thus some birds may complete
by a single flight within one or two days a journey which
mav. have taken weeks or months in autumn: others which
were grounded on the way by bad weather may have taken
longer, but in both vears for which there are radar results
the greater part of the spring passage of this species seems
to have passed within about a week.
A. general examination of the movements described in the
previous section and summarised in the Table suggests that
the birds must wait for a particular tyne of weather before
migrating, all the main movements having occurred during
disturbed or cyclonic weather in the relatively fine spell
which occurs after the vassage of a front, as the wind starts
to veer SW in the warm sector of a deoression behind the
warm front ard ahead of the succeeding ridge, and before it
starts to back SE again behind the ridge and ahead of the
next depression, as in Figures 2 and 3. The birds seem to wait
for the onset of these conditions before starting to move, and
then keep moving until they catch up with the front. They
then probably settle and start again another day if they are
over land, but are liable to be blown away north by south-
erly winds under the cloud ahead of the front if they are
1962. SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS 15
over the sea. At least, while fronts were several times seen
approaching overland from the west, birds were never seen
coming through them, though good passages often occurred
after they had passed; while birds were three times seen to
fly into fronts at sea to the east, some birds disappearing as
if flying low or settling on one occasion, and there was an
arrival of Common Gulls at Fair Isle to the north on the two
occasions when the fronts passed there in the daytime.
The factor which stimulates the birds to start migrating
under suitable weather conditions seems most likely to be
the occurrence of a favourable wind, as already postulated
for nocturnal migrants seen on radar by W. G. Harper (Proc.
Roy. Soc. B 149:484). At least, all the main gull passages
seem to have occurred with winds close to SSW. Unlike noc-
turnal migrants the Common Gulls seem quite prepared to
migrate under cloud, which is usually marked behind warm
fronts, all the large passages occurring on days when a con-
siderable amount of cloud was shown on the weather maps.
Possibly these and other diurnal migrants are less dependant
‘on celestial navigation than nocturnal migrants, which
usually seem to move with clear skies, as suggested by Har-
)per. There was a marked variation in the local morning
temperature on the days when birds passed; it was usually
high, when they were following a simple warm front, but
sometimes low, once with a very big passage (Figure 3),
probably because the front had already occluded before it
crossed the British Isles. Taken at their face value, these ob-
‘servations suggest that temperature as such has little in-
fluence on this migration; but the temperature in the area
of origin of the passage or at a different time of day may be
‘more important than that which the birds encounter in inter-
‘mediate areas during the course of their flight.
The character of the spring migration of Common Gulls
sseems to depend largely on the time of onset of suitable
Weather conditions in early April. In 1952 and 1960, when a
sseries of depressions followed by SW winds passed early in
the month, the birds went out high and fast early in the
‘season and little was seen of them. In 1959, when winds
north of west prevailed early in the month, the main passage
seems to have occurred later, one or more passages hitting
fronts as they went out, so that more birds were seen along
the coast and at Fair Isle. In 1957, when more or less NE
winds prevailed in early April, visual observations suggest
that the birds may have gone out in a great rush when the
wind eventually backed to west on the 13th.
A similar slow dispersal in the last half of the year fol-
lowed by a sudden flight back to the breeding area in spring
has been postulated for the Mediterranean Gull Larus melano-
cephalus by N. Mayaud (Alauda 22:225) and the Slender-
16 SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS. 21)
billed Gull Larus genei by C. Erard (Alauda 26:86). and may
occur among other allied species. It may occur with the
Black-headed Gull, though here the picture is often confused |
because a number of different populations may pass through
the same area at different times; none the less, most .Black-
headed Gull colonies seem to be occupied suddenly in spring,
as if the migration occurs very rapidly. Lesser Black-backed
Gulls Larus fuscus also seem to migrate in large numbers |
during a rather short period in the spring. This subiect de-
serves further study.
SUMMARY
1. Large numbers of Common Gulls, and only Common
Gulls, were seen visually departing NNE by day from the.
east coast of Scotland during a short period in April in several
different springs. This movement was watched with radar in
April 1959 and 1960.
2. The birds move on a broad front inland but tend to fol-.
low the coast to headlands before putting out to sea. Thus.
relatively concentrated departures took place from prominent
headlands such as St Abb’s Head, AEE Head. a a
cansby Head. :
3. In fine weather most flocks fly too high to be seen. a
number of flocks were seen resting on the ground, passing
low overhead, or coasting north low anne the shore when
the weather deteriorated.
4. Birds which left land in fine weather were seen i meet
a front out at sea on three occasions. On two of these they
flew straight into the cloud and were lost to sight. On the
third flocks were seen to change direction, break up, and in |
some cases disappear as if flying low or settling on the sea
as they approached the cloud. There was an arrival of Com-
mon Gulls, and only Common Gulls, as two of these fronts |
passed Fair Isle by day, while the third passed by night and
brought passerines but no Common Gulls, indicating that the
diurnal movements seen with radar must involve mainly
Common Gulls, and the nocturnal movements not Common
Gulls but passerines.
5. Common Gulls appear to disperse slowly from the breed-
ing area, and then return rapidly, probably. often by a single
flight. In spring they appear to migrate during the spell: of
fine weather and westerly winds which follows the clearance
of an eastwards-moving front. The factor stimulating them,
to migrate may be the onset of a favourable wind; they often
migrate under cloud, and with variable temperatures. If they
meet bad weather they try to settle and wait for it to clear,
but at sea they are liable to be drifted north by south on
ahead of a front, and may appear at Fair Isle then. —
17
SPRING DEPARTURE OF COMMON GULLS
1962
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18 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 2(1)
ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY AND
FIELD STATION REPORT FOR 1961
PREPARED FOR THE OBSERVATORY COMMITTEE
by W. J. EGGELING, Hon. Secretary,
and A. MACDONALD
The Low Light was manned for 196 days between 17th
March and 5th November, a gratifying increase on previous
years. Both migration seasons were satisfactorily covered but
there was once more a dearth of accredited ringers in June
and July so that again very few nestlings were ringed.
In the Report for 1960 a field identification of an Arctic
Warbler on 26th August 1960 was accepted as providing a
new bird for the island’s list. However, although the notes
taken at the time pointed clearly to this species, the principal
observer was not satisfied after an examination of museum
skins that it was in fact the bird involved and, accordingly,
the record was withdrawn. In 1961 an indubitable - Arctic
Warbler was identified on 5th-6th September and this now
constitutes the first undisputed occurrence. Other notable
records for the year include the island’s first White-breasted
Barn Owls Tyto a. alba—one in June and two others in Octo-
ber; only the second occurrence since 1910 of Bullfinches—on
20th-21st October, two birds of the Northern race P. p. pyrr-
hula; the third spring occurrence of Shore Larks—two from
25th April until 7th May; and the island’s third Yellow-
breasted Bunting on 7th October.
A pair of Hedge Sparrows bred for only the second time
since 1884 and there was a further appreciable increase in
the number of breeding Shags. No Linnets nested and there
was no attempt at breeding by any species of tern.
MIGRATION
Spring
The Station was manned from 17th to 22nd March, when
a few Song Thrushes and Blackbirds were present, and small
numbers of Meadow Pipits were moving. Two Iceland Gulls
and a cock Wheatear were seen on 17th, a Yellowharmmer on
18th, and a Black Redstart on 20th and 21st. Observers were
back on the island on 30th March and the only gaps in spring
cover were at 7th-9th April, 2nd-4th May and 25th-29th May.
There was little movement in the first week of April but on
1962 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 19
the 11th, with light easterly winds dropping to calm with fog,
200 Wheatears, 50 Willow Warblers and 50 Goldcrests, accom-
panied by a few Chiffchaffs and Redstarts, a Tree Pipit and
the first Swallow, were noted. Birds continued to trickle
through steadily, amongst them a Hoopoe on the 18th, and
the first 2 Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler on the 20th. From
then, with the wind south-east, until the 24th, when it moved
into the south-west for a day, small numbers of migrants
passed through, including on 21st the only Grasshopper
Warbler of the year, In the last week of April, although the
wind was still easterly, even fewer birds were seen; there was
a Pied Flycatcher on 27th, the first Sedge Warbler on 28th,
and a Black Redstart and a Quail on the 30th. Two Shore
Larks (one trapped), first noted on 25th April, remained until
7th May.
No movements of any real size were recorded in May, when
Willow Warbler numbers reached the 20-25 mark only on 6th-
7th and 22nd. The first Cuckoo appeared on the 6th and the
first Spotted Flycatcher on the 7th. The highest total of
Whitethroats was 20 on the 22nd, when 7 Sedge Warblers,
4 Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher and the only Blue-
throat of 1961 were noted. There was so significant movement
thereafter.
Autumn
The Low Light was occupied from 21st July to 5th Nov-
ember, with gaps only at Ist-8rd and 7th-9th August, and
15th-19th and 28th-30th October. Except for a Turtle Dove
on 27th-28th July, there was little to record until 10th Aug-
ust, when the incoming party found 20 Willow Warblers and
a Pied Flycatcher on the island, and at least 3 Green Sand-
pipers and a Greenshank. A Great Skua was seen on the
llth, tern movements began to be noticeable on 13th, and
the first south-moving Arctic Skua appeared the same day.
Passage remained unexciting during the second half of the
month, although a Treecreeper was seen on 28th and a fresh
south-east wind on the 29th brought in 5 Pied Flycatchers—
but not much else.
September opened auspiciously with easterly winds and
poor visibility or fog for the first five days: 8 Pied Fly-
catchers appeared on the lst and were replaced overnight and
again on the 3rd by others; 14 in all were trapped, together
with a single Barred Warbler. Arrivals on 4th September
(wind north-east, veering south-east) included 75 Wheatears,
4 Whinchats, a Blackcap, 3 Garden Warblers, 12 Whitethroats,
20 Willow Warblers, 5 Goldcrests, 30 Pied Flycatchers, an
immature Red-backed Shrike and a Turtle Dove. This move-
ment continued on the 5th, when Whitethroats increased to
20 ISLE OF MAY. REPORT 2(1)
30 and Willow Warblers to 120; Pied Flycatchers fell to 25
and Wheatears remained at 75:.An Arctic Warbler was seen.
A few more Goldcrests and a Treecreeper '(trapped. sid
identified as of the British race C. f. britannica) turned up
on the 8th, and the continuing dribble of movement was aug-
mented on 10th-llth by heavy early morning passage of
Swallows and House Martins, which reached a peak of over
1,000 of each on 11th and then stopped. Pipits, too, were mov-
ing. Another (British) Treecreeper and a Lesser Redpoll were
trapped on 14th.
A small influx on 19th September, in fog with light coutle
east wind, included.6 Redstarts, 8 Pied Flycatchers, a Garden
Warbler, a Lesser. Whitethroat and 40. Siskins. On the 21st,
500 Swallows and 17 alba Wagtails were recorded, passing
over high. There was a Lapland Bunting on 24th (wind be-
tween north-west and west) and, Se ane a ‘Yellow-
browed Warbler on 25th (wind west). |
The first sizeable arrival of Turdidae was on 30th Septem-
ber (south-east wind, veering south-west), when 40 ‘Song
Thrushes, 2 Ring Ouzels, a Fieldfare, a Redwing, 7 Lapland
Buntings, 2 Blackcaps, and one each of Treecreeper, Pied
Flycatcher, Brambling and Siskin came in. On 3rd October,
120 Song Thrushes, 15 Blackbirds, 6 Redstarts, 6 Blackcaps, 2
Garden Warblers, and a few Willow Warblers and. Chiffchafis
were present. On the 4th, the start of a spell of fog and
south-east winds which: lasted four days, Robin numbers rose
from 2 to 20, Skylarks from 4 to 20, and Chaffinches from 20
to 50; a Black Redstart was seen. Over 400 Song Thrushes
and more than 100 Blackbirds arrived on the 5th, along with
the first Woodcock and 2 Little Stints. On the 7th, a Yellow-
breasted Bunting was identified. Most of these birds -had
gone when the fos lifted on the 8th, but 30 Bramblings and
3 Stonechats came ‘in next day, and 40 and 100 Meadow Pipits
were recorded on llth and 12th, respectively. An increase
of Skylarks from 7 to 40 took place on 12th, about 50 Red-
wings were seen on the 13th, and 2 Long- tailed Tits appeared
on 14th.
On 20th October, after an observer-gap from 14th to 19th,
the wind veered north-north-east, force 6, and brought a
heavy arrival of continental birds with at least 600 exhausted
Goldcrests* predominating but also small. numbers of Black-
birds and Fieldfares, a Blackcap and two Bullfinches (one of
which was trapped and found: to’ be Northern). About. 50
Redwings arrived on 21st, and next day, in mist and south-
east wind, 200 Blackbirds, 150 Redwings, 60. Song Thrushes
and 2 Ring Ouzels were logged, along with 25 Chaffinches, 25
Skylarks, 5 Siskins and a Black Redstart. Two more Black
Redstarts, a Short-eared Owl and a Yellowhammer were seen
1962 ISLE OF MAY.REPORT 21
on 24th, and 3 Long-tailed Tits on 27th.
Observers landing on 3lst October to close the Station
recorded Redwings and Blackbirds moving overhead in mist
and light south-east wind. lst: November saw the successful
trappings by the Principal Keeper of.a party of 11 Long-tailed
Tits, a count of 25 Wrens and a brief visit from 5 Grey Lag
Geese. Next day, 150 Fieldfares, 100 Redwings and a very late
Redstart appeared. There was again considerable Blackbird
activity on the 4th (250 recorded as against 12 on 3rd) and a
Glaucous Gull was seen. On 5th November, the last day of
the season, fully 1,000 Fieldfares, 1,000 Redwings, 500 Black-
birds and 3,000 Starlings, but only a handful of Song Thrushes,
were reckoned to have gone by in a day of really heavy pas-
sage. Twelve Woodcock were recorded also, and 8 Black
Guillemots.
UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES
The following are particularly deserving of notice:—
Manx Shearwater: 9 and 6 respectively on 21st and 22nd
July. Only one previous record for July.
Quail: Adult male on 30th April. Sixth occurrence; fifth
and earliest in spring.
Woodcock: Single birds, perhaps the same, on 14th and 17th
June. First June record.
‘Whimbrel: 10 on 31st August (unusually many); last bird
of autumn on 10th October (exceptionally late).
'Bar-tailed Godwit: 1 on 12th-13th September. Seventh oc-
currence. 7
Green Sandpiper: Either 3 or 4 on 10th August. Unusually
many. - :
Spotted Redshank: 1 on 24th September. Recorded in only
two other years.
Greenshank: 8 occurrences of single birds between 10th
August and lst October. Unusually many. |
Little Stint: 2 on 5th October. Recorded in only five other
years.
Glaucous Gull: 1 on 4th November. Fourth November
occurrence. |
Iceland Gull: 2 on 17th March. Recorded in only four other
years.
White-breasted Barn Owl: Single birds in June and on 6th
and 18th October. The June bird was caught unable to fly on
24th, dying in the afternoon. It had been present for a few
days, growing progressively weaker.
_ Short-eared Owl: Single birds on 11th, 14th and 22nd
August. Unusually early dates.
22 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 2(1)
Hoopoe: 1 on 18th April. Seventh occurrence.
Shore Lark: 2 from 25th April to 7th May. Third sping
record.
Long-tailed Tit: 2 on 14th October, 3 on 27th October, 11
on lst November. Recorded in only five other years.
Fieldfare: Single birds on 5th and 9th June. Very late.
Ring Ouzel: 10 on 6th April. Unusually many.
Stonechat: 1 on 16th April, 1 on 27th-28th July (a very
unusual date), 1 on 24th September, 3 on 9th October (un-
usually many). More occurrences than has been usual in
recent years.
Whinchat: 1 on 19th June. A very late date.
Redstart: 1 on 2nd November. Exceptionally late.
Black Redstart: 1 on 24th July. A very strange date.
Robin: Single birds on 1st June (very late for spring pas-
sage), 26th July (second July occurrence), and first week of
August (early for autumn passage).
Sedge Warbler: 1 on 22nd July (an early date), 1 on 8th
October (a very late date).
Blackeap: 2 on 20th April (early), 1 on 3rd-4th June (late).
Garden Warbler: 1 on 20th April. Again an early date. -
Arctic Warbler: 1 on 5th-6th September. First undoubted
occurrence.
- Goldcrest: Single birds almost daily in August from 10th
to 25th (probably only two individuals concerned); excep-
tionally early. Over 600 on 20th October; exceptionally many.
Starling: 3,000 passing on 5th November. Exceptionally
many.
Greenfinch: 1 on 13th-14th June. Very unusual in June.
Goldfinch: 1 on 4th November. Recorded in only 7 other
years. | 7 ‘seat
Lesser Redpoll: Single birds on 14th and 18th September,
3lst October and I1st-3rd November. Only five previous cer-
tain autumn occurrences.
Bullfinch: 2 (Northern race) on 20th-21st October. Only
two previous occurrences of Bullfinches. _
Yellow-breasted Bunting: 1 on 7th October. Third occur-
ence.
Lapland Bunting: 7 on 30th September. Unusually many.
BREEDING POPULATIONS
A pair of Swallows nested in the Naval Hut, raising a single
brood. The female then laid in three different nests which
she sat on indiscriminately without success. Two pairs of
1962. 1S OR IMA Y REP OR 23
Pied Wagtails were present for part of the summer but it is
probable that only one pair bred, raising two broods. The
female of this pair, ringed on 28th April and retrapped on
22nd July, was found dead in Portugal on 24th November.
For the first time since 1953 no Linnets nested but in partial
recompense a pair of Hedge Sparrows raised at least seven
young in two broods.
The seabirds had mixed success. No terns at all nested and
the 200-300 Puffins which excavated burrows on the East Side
again failed to establish themselves. It is difficult to believe
that gulls were entirely responsible, since no predation was
observed. The Shag population again increased and as 526
nests were counted in the last week of April it is probably
safe to conclude that, making allowance for dead ground, at
least 550 pairs bred. The area of cliff occupied by Kittiwakes
continues to expand; there were 34 nests in the recently
formed East Tarbet colony (25 nests in 1960; 18 nests in 1959)
and for the first time there was a nest on the Maiden Rocks.
RINGING AND RECOVERIES
The number of birds ringed, 1,666, was much the same as
in 1959 and 1960; once again relatively few nestlings were
involved. Two species were added to the ringing list—one
each of Shore Lark and Bullfinch. Record totals were obtained
of Wrens (43), Long-tailed Tits (11) and Treecreepers (5), and
second-highest totals for Rock Pipits (100), Kittiwakes (61)
and Hedge Sparrows (29). Low totals were those for Linnets
(2) and Garden Warblers (9). The large number of Rock
Pipits ringed, all but three free-flying, was largely due to
the discovery that the Crow Trap is quite irresistible to them
if kept freshly dug over and baited with bread crumbs. When
in a weedy or grassy state, it catches little.
There were few re-trappings of note. Two of them show
that at least one Blackbird and one Song Thrush overwin-
tered from November 1960 until the spring of 1961, the first
time that a Song Thrush has been recorded to overwinter
| since the species was breeding on the May before the Second
World War. It is also of interest that a Whitethroat (AB.
12553), ringed on the island on 22nd May when on northward
passage, was trapped there again on 6th September, on its
way south.
A Fulmar ringed on the island as a breeding adult in 1949,
and two others ringed as breeding adults in 1952, were still
nesting in 1961. Another indication of the considerable age
attained by certain seabirds is given by the first of the fol-
lowing records of birds ringed on the May recovered else-
Where in 1961:—
24
Ringed
Arctic Tern. XL. 304. Ad. 138.7.47.
Blackbird. $.86363. Ad. o 10.11.58.
Blackbird. R.35619. F.G.9? 6.4.60.
Blackbird. R.35749. F.G.9 5.4.60.
Whitethroat. AC.13531.
| E.G.
Garden Warbler. J.88614.
F.G. 27.8.60.
Willow Warbler. AB.12974.
EGP Otol
Spotted Flycatcher. AB.12563,
Ad. 24.5.61.
Hedge Sparrow. C.64663.
Ad. 19.3.58.
Meadow Pipit. AB. 12536.
Ad, 10.5.61.
Rock Pipit. C.64161. Pull. 22.5.57.
Pied Wagtail. AA.58794.
Ad. 9 28.4.61.
es) OL
ISLE OF MAY REPORT
2(1)
Recovered
Tentsmuir, Fife. 20.6.61.
Tingvoll, Norway. 12.4.61.
Deje, Sweden. 3.4.61.
Near Einbeck,
Germany. 1.3.61.
Chaillevette, France. |
4.10.61.
Oundle, Northants.
2a Olé
Near Vagos, ;
Portugal. 23.10.61.
Berlanga, Spain. 1.10.61.
Bass Rock,
East Lothian. 13.10.61.
Sanlucar de Barrameda,
Spain. 21.11.61.
ot Andrews, Fife. 19,2.61.
(retrapped 22.7.61).
Salvaterra de Magos,
Portugal. 24.11.61.
An immature Greater Black-backed Gull, ringed as a
young bird on 7.7.60 near Nigg, Ross-shire, was recovered o
the May on 31.3.61, dead for some weeks.
MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS
In 1960 it was estimated that there were probably about
800 rabbits on the Isle of May at midsummer, and certainly
not more than 1,000. In 1961 the population was undoubtedly
much larger, and in a period of less than three months in
late autumn the Principal Keeper accounted for nearly 600,
without very noticeably reducing their numbers. In the ab-
sence of sheep the rabbits had the grazing to themselves.
In February and March, six more young Grey Seals which
had been marked as pups on the Farne Islands the previous
November and December, were caught and released on the
May. Grey Seal numbers, generally, showed little change. A
pup was born at the South End on 25th October, finally
taking to the sea towards the end of November.
Major improvements to the Observatory effected during
the year were the complete gutting and re-lining of the
living room at the Low Light, the interior re-decoration of
the whole building, and the erection and furnishing of a new
Ringing Hut. The cost of the first of these operations was
met by another generous grant from the Helena Howden
1962 ISLE OF MAY: REPORT ZS
Endowment Trust for which the Committee again express
their appreciation. The re-decoration of the Low Light was
carried out in its entirety by two working parties organized
by the Conservation Corps of the Council for Nature, drawn
from students and teachers from the Moray House College
of Education. They did a first-class job of which they can
pe justifiably proud, and they left as a parting present some
fine new fitted shelving in the kitchen. The Committee, and
all who have since used the Observatory, are deeply grateful:
the Station is now in better shape and better equipped than
ever before. In the latter connection the gift of a pair of
naval type 7 x 50 binoculars from Mr Lachlan J. Maclnnes
is recorded with special thanks.
REVIEWS
Tue Birps or THE BrRirvisH ISLES. VIGIL NS By David Armitage
Bannerman, illustrated by George E. Lodge, Edinburgh,
Oliver & Boyd, 1961. Pp. x + 320; 23 colour plates. £3, 3s.
It is almost as unnecessary to comment on the scope and
manner of presentation of each successive volume of “Ban-
nerman-Lodge” as it is impossible to continue to find fresh
and untried expressions of praise for the author and his
work. It is only as we receive and study the later volumes
‘that we begin to realise fully the spirit and determination of
the man who in 1953 produced the first chapters of his
“authoritative work, planned on original lines, and written
‘in such a manner that it should be readable” and realise, too,
how successful he has been.
The author continues his practice of inviting contributions
from. acknowledged authorities on regions, species or
taxonomic problems and, as if having profited from pre-
vious exercise in the art, casts his editorial net widely and
skilfully. The contributed passages have a uniformly high
standard of content and provide an interesting and refresh-
ing variety of styles, the elegant and finely polished writing
of Dr H. M.S. Blair contrasting with the more exhilarating
manner of Professor G. M. Sutton, whose chapter on the
Solitary Sandpiper is one of the finest in the book, and with
the slightly ostentatious, though masterly, passages by the
Nethersole-Thompsons. One short section of outstanding
interest, which many will read with envy and not a little
regret, is Captain J. H. MacNeile’s description of the breed-
ing of the Green Sandpiper in the primaeval forest bogs of
Estonia.
26 REVIEWS 2(1)
The volume begins with the Broad-billed Sandpiper, con-
cerning which Dr Blair gives a great deal of interesting in-
formation. Collectors are blamed for its extermination on
the sanctuary at Fokstumyren in Norway, but its range
appears to be contracting also in Sweden. In North Russia
its distribution is still incompletely known, as is that of the
Common Sandpiper in south-west Europe. A very attractive
and realistic plate of a Wood Sandpiper mobbing from the
tip of a spruce accompanies the section on that species, and
whereas Desmond Nethersole-Thompson testifies to the
regularity with which the Green Sandpiper appears in In-
verness-shire during the breeding season, Dr Bannerman is
extremely cautious about accepting the record of breeding
in that county in 1959.
The chapters on the Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs—Dr
Bannerman prefers the time-honoured “Yellowshank’—had
been promised by the late Professor Rowan, but have been
contributed by his great personal friend Thomas E. Randall,
while that on the Greenshank is in its entirety by Mrs Carrie
Nethersole-Thompson, who with her husband has the remark-
able record of having seen one hundred and seventy-six
Greenshanks’ nests. The question of the races of the Ringed
Plover is discussed at length: it would have been interesting
to hear Dr Bannerman’s views on the form breeding in
Spitsbergen, which is stated in The Handbook to be C. h. hia-
ticula but which is probably an inter-grade between hiaticula
and tundrae, but Spitsbergen is not mentioned at all as being
in the breeding range of either. He disagrees with The Hand-
book by giving specific rank to the Semipalmated Plover,
but this is in accordance with Professor Sutton’s observations
that, although the breeding ranges overlap on Baffin Island,
no specimen showing any suggestion of intergradation has
yet been collected. The position of the Kentish Plover as a
breeding species in Britain is precarious in the extreme, but
on the other hand almost a hundred pairs of Little Ringed
Plovers were located in 1959, twenty-one years after the first
nest was discovered.
The lead of the editor of The Scottish Naturalist is followed
in retaining a binomial for the British population of the
Golden Plover, and the interesting point emerges that Dr
Blair describes a behavioural distinction between the two
races in Norway. The Nethersole-Thompsons’ essay on the
breeding behaviour concludes an essentially Scottish chapter.
The statement that Jourdain met with the Golden Plover in
Spitsbergen requires amplification as this is an interesting
record. In 1921 Jourdain saw a pair, of which the male was
shot, on Bear Island, and later a second pair which he thought
was breeding; there was no subsequent record from either
Bear Island or Spitsbergen until 1950 when Léovenskiold
1962 REVIEWS 27
recorded two on the latter. Dr Bannerman does however
draw attention to the serious need for an authoritative book
on the birds of Spitsbergen—which Dr Lovenskiold promised
us years ago.
Dr Blair and the Nethersole-Thompsons again steal the
chapter on the Dotterel—ninety-seven nests this time—but
with the Black-winged Stilt we find Dr Blair in a new and
unexpected habitat. Avocets in Suffolk give contrast in a
very Scottish volume, with a full and up to date account by
Philip E. Brown, and the Oystercatcher closes the volume,
with some of John Buxton’s conclusions from his recent en-
quiry and another series of fine and original observations by
Desmond Nethersole-Thompson, vividly interspersed ‘with
sex and exclamation marks.
A few curiosities which attract attention cannot be ignored
entirely. Dr Bannerman treats Scandinavian orthography
with a disdain for consistency which would delight the heart
of Meinertzhagen or T. E. Lawrence; “faglar’’ becomes, at
random, “faglar,” “faglar” or “faglar’, and many place names
receive similar treatment. A reference on page 190 to a book
called “Days with Rarer Birds,” attributed to Eliot Howard,
provides a puzzle, and what a “Yellow-headed Bunting” (page
> eae be is anyone’s guess until the original reference is
checked.
The plates by George Lodge are of the usual high standard,
but are not intended to be text-book illustrations for identi-
fication purposes. There are many persons to whom it would
be of interest to know the dates of the individual paintings,
and such a list might be included in the final volume, if these
are known.
It is gratifying to know that Volume XI is not far
from publication, and that the final volume is in active
preparation, so we may look forward to an early completion
of this magnificent work which comes from a great Scottish
publishing house without whose courage and enterprise we
might be without some of our finest modern bird books.
I. D. PENNIE.
Down Tue Lone Winp. By Garth Christian. London, Newnes,
1961. Pp. 240; 31 plates; 23 maps. 21s.
_ Publishers who claim for their books more than the authors
Intended may do the latter a lasting disservice. Down the
Long Wind, A Study in Migration, is a case in point. Written,
according to its dust cover, primarily for the general reader
of all ages, it is hailed too as a brilliant study which will
be welcomed not only by the amateur bird-watcher and
Schoolboy naturalist but also by the professional ornithologist
28 REVIEWS 2(1)
seeking an up-to-date account of the migratory movements
of a host of British birds.
I cannot agree that this book is the landmark in the history
of bird study which its Introduction suggests, nor do I con-
sider that it will be of particular interest to the professional
who is within reach of the original papers from which so
much of the information has, with full acknowledgment,
been drawn. Nevertheless, after having said that, one can
welcome Down the Long Wind as providing a clearly pres-
ented, very readable, “share this knowledge with me” ac-
count of the migrations of many of our birds. It can be
recommended unreservedly to the amateur bird-watchers,
schoolboy naturalists, armchair enthusiasts and general
readers of its blurb, but especially it should be in the hands
of school teachers and lecturers—indeed of anyone who is
seeking to interest children and others (but especially child-
ren) in nature study and biology.
Mr Christian is a conservationist as well as an ornithologist
and his book is concerned with many other things besides
migration. He sees his birds as living creatures in a natural
setting, not as a list of names.
W.. J. EGGELING.
BrrD Doctor. By Katharine Tottenham. Edinburgh, Nelson,
1961. Pp. 162; 15 photographs. 15s.
In this pleasant, conversational book Mrs Tottenham tells
you that the care of sick, wounded and oiled birds, started
almost accidentally, has developed with her into a time-
absorbing occupation. She now has.a bird-larder ready for
all emergencies and has treated patients as different as a
Magpie and a Ruff. With her, however, all is not simply
chat: she has taken the trouble to learn about the anatomy
of birds and their physiology, with the result that the book
is full of useful tips to those looking after ill birds—to make
leg-splints out of quill feathers, for example. She keeps a
record of her cases, her failures being as low as twenty per
cent. She saves life where she can, but acknowledges the
occasional necessity of killing the bird. It is a sad reflection
that, while Mrs Tottenham is working so hard to heal
creatures, it is her fellow humans that are responsible for
most of the casualties. My
This book is especially to be recommended to “the local
expert” in the country, the man who is always having sick
birds brought to him. HW
M.. F. M. MEIKLEJOHN.
1961 SHOKGE NOTES 29
SHORT NOTES
LITTLE EGRET IN SHETLAND
On the 11th June 1961 a Little Egret Egretta garzetta was
seen by two English boys between Loch Spiggie and Loch
Brow, Mainland, Shetland. We had a brief view of it the same
evening, it was seen by others on the 12th and on the 13th we
had fine views from about fifty yards. It was an all white
heron with black legs and yellow feet, black bill with pale
base to lower mandible, and no apparent crest. The weather
conditions were excellent.
R. J. SmitH, JOHN Swan, JAMES YOUNG.
(A Little Egret was reported from Orkney on 31st July 1961
and a week thereafter (Scotsman 22nd August). We have not
received details of this bird.—EDb.).
MORTALITY AMONG YOUNG PINK-FOOTED
GEESE
During November 1961 several cases of exhausted or dying
Pink-footed Geese came to my notice. Two such cases were
found in Aberlady Bay on 12th November, both of them
birds of the year and extremely weak. One, which was
caught, succumbed shortly afterwards. Expert post-mortem
examination revealed no sign of organic disease or injury
though there was considerable wasting. This individual
weighed only 2 lb. 10 oz.
It seems possible that we have here an example of “shock
disease,” first described by Evans and Green (Journal of
Wild Life Management, Vol. IV) in their study of the Snow-
shoe Hare. The condition is thought to follow peak-population
years and to be in some way connected with overcrowding
on the breeding grounds. The non-viability of the offspring
may, however, be delayed until the second or third gener-
ation. In view of the apparent increase in the numbers of
Pink-feet wintering in this country in recent years, it would
be interesting to know whether other observers have come
across cases similar to those described above. |
W. KENNETH RICHMOND.
(Shock-disease is thought to be due to the exhaustion of
the adreno-pituitary system under the increasing pressure
on food supplies and territories and the consequent distur-
bance and competition between individuals when population
30 SHORT NOTES 2(1)
is unduly high. It probably accounts for the well-known
fluctuations in vole numbers and possibly also for the ex-
plosive migrations of the Arctic Ptarmigan populations in
years of peak density. It seems unlikely that migratory birds
—and especially geese which are sociable by nature—should
be affected by the stresses which produce this disease, but
Mr Richmond’s suggestion is an interesting one and other
observations would be welcome.—ED.).
A BUZZARD LOST IN EDINBURGH
On 9th November 1961 Mrs McInnes of Northfield, Gilmer-
ton, phoned 21 Regent Terrace to say that she had in her loft
a hawk of some kind which she had caught on the South
Bridge in Edinburgh. Upon investigation the following day
by Mr and Mrs George Waterston and myself the bird proved
to be an immature Buzzard, apparently unharmed and in
good condition. According to Mrs McInnes, she was walking
with a friend down the South Bridge when they saw the
bird flying low up the street over the traffic. It tried to land
on the roof of a car but slid off on to the pavement, It then
took refuge in the doorway of a shop, where it was captyred
by Mrs McInnes who put it under her coat and took it home
on the bus! I took the bird back to Milton Bridge for a feed.
Next day it was taken out to Silverburn and released. It flew
off strongly and, after circling over the moor, disappeared
towards the south. It had been foggy in Edinburgh and this
may have accounted for the bird’s appearance in such un-
likely surroundings.
MarGarRet MYLNE.
SPOTTED CRAKE IN MIDLOTHIAN
On 20th July 1957 I flushed a bird from a ditch beside a
thick reed-bed at Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian. When it
first rose (almost at my feet but slightly to my left) my im-
mediate reaction was “juvenile Starling” but it gained eye-
height almost immediately, showing the typical short round
wanes an long drooped legs of a rail before dropping into
e reeds.
It was in view for only a few seconds and the impression
given was of an olive-brown (with perhaps darker brown
wings) Starling-sized Moorhen. It was much too small for a
Water Rail and the short bill ruled out even a three-quarter
grown bird of this species. The bird was tentatively identified
as a Spotted Crake but, as I had no experience of this or the
Be ae crakes, I decided to place the record in square
rackets.
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34. SHOR SNOAES Zl)
Recently I was able to handle and compare specimens of
the Little and Baillon’s Crakes and Spotted Crake, Corncrake
and Water Rail. The Little and Baillon’s are strikingly
smaller than the Spotted Crake, being nearer the size of a
Greenfinch rather than Starling size. Bauer writes (British
Birds 53:521) that the Spotted Crake “looks (and is) consid-
erably heavier, more stockily built and rather rounder-bodied
than the nearly always very sleek-looking Little and Bail-
lon’s.” I am now convinced that the bird I saw was a Spotted
Crake.
As the date of the record seems rather early for autumn
passage, it seems worth while drawing attention to two pub-
lished records (British Birds 51:78). Dead Spotted Crakes
were found in Oxfordshire on 17th July 1957 and in Cheshire
on 20th July 1957, possibly having been killed by hitting
traffic and a wire respectively.
The Gladhouse bird may have been concerned in a move-
ment that brought over these other birds, though the Editors
of British Birds imply that the English birds may have been
breeding locally. The weather at Gladhouse on 20th July 1957
was “low cloud, rather hazy with a light east wind and oc-
casional thin drizzle.”
R. W. J. SMITH.
SHELL STRIPPED FROM COOT’S EGG
At Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian, on 11th June 1961 I
put a Coot off a clutch of 4 eggs (which had originally been
found on 21st May). The eggs were warm but one of them
had three-quarters of the shell stripped off, leaving only the
small end of the egg covered. The inner membrane was
intact and the apparently fully-grown embryo appeared to be
alive and healthy. It seems fairly certain that one of the
parent Coots was responsible for picking off the shell. I was
unable to make any further observations. This seems to be
an uncommon behaviour.
R. W. J. SMITH.
IVORY GULLS IN LEWIS AND SHETLAND
About 6th November 1961 an immature Ivory Gull arrived
at Stornoway. It consorted with and occasionally attacked the
resident Black-headed and Herring Gulls from its own van-
tage point on the quay wall. There have been old records of
this species in the area but this is the first occurrence I have
known of within recent times, which is odd considering the
prevalence in winter of wandering Glaucous and Iceland Gulls.
1962 SHORT NOTES 35
I was puzzled at first by the all-white plumage with its stray
blackish markings, dark cheeks and chin, black eyes and legs,
and the long white primaries with black mirrors projecting
beyond the tail with its faint black edge. The short legs gave
it a peculiarly dumpy appearance and the bill seemed
strangely out of character also, being a little larger than one
would have expected for a bird of its size and grey in colour
with a lightish-coloured patch on the end of the upper man-
dible. I did not at any time see it alight on the water and
other observers reported on its aggressive behaviour. Never-
theless it allowed me to approach within a few feet to
photograph it.
W. A. J. CUNNINGHAM.
(Two photographs of this bird appear elsewhere in this
number. The Ivory Gull is the scavenger of the drift-ice
fields, and in autumn it moves south no further than is
necessary to keep pace with the border zone of the drift-ice
belt. It is not, therefore, really surprising that it is so scarce
in this country. The tameness and aggressiveness (even to
much larger birds) noted by Mr Cunningham are character-
istic of the species, as also is its extreme reluctance to settle
on water. It has been suggested that this is because of the
danger, in the high Arctic, of the water freezing to an ice
crust on its feathers.—EDb.).
On 8th February 1962 an Ivory Gull appeared at Blacks-
ness Pier, Scalloway. It was an adult bird in full white
plumage (a rather opaque white such as one gets in the
drake Eider), with black legs, dark eyes and a rather striking
bill—slate-grey at the base and reddish-orange at the tip,
Ee nd extending backwards a short way along the ridge
of the bill.
In a fresh wind its flight was a quick but easy gliding
motion, with very little of the flapping of the Kittiwakes
occasionally flying beside it. It alighted on the water at inter-
vals but never remained there long: it preferred sitting on
the edge of the quay—a habit which any photographer
would commend and which enabled me to take the photo-
graph reproduced elsewhere in this number. The bird’s most
constant activity was a recurring patrol of a short length of
the quay front above the water breaking against the pier.
When fish offal was thrown to it on the quay, its behaviour
in relation to the other gulls was bold and assertive, but it
generally had to give way to the heavier and much larger
Greater Black-backed Gulls.
At the time of writing (11th February) the Ivory Gull is
still present and it has been joined by an adult Glaucous
Gull.
J, PETERSON.
36 SHORT NOTES “2(1)
MIGRATING TERNS (Sterna sp.)
Several times during the month of September 1961 I
watched inland passage of terns at or near Lochgoin, a moor-
land reservoir on the Ayrshire-Renfrewshire border. The
first occasion was on 2nd September, when a flock of c.50
‘birds passed over in the evening, heading southward. Later
on, about dusk, more terns were heard at the loch, where
they appeared to settle for the night. On 23rd September, as
I was approaching the loch, I noted 14 terns flying about low
over the water. They flocked together after a few minutes,
climbed to several hundred feet and moved off south-west-
ward. On 30th September, when making my way in to Loch-
goin, 32 terns crossed above the road, flying westward. Two
hours later, a flock of c.60 terns arrived at the loch from
an easterly direction. They looked as if about to go down
on the water and several birds did, in fact, alight momen-
tarily. However, with only a slight pause, the flock went on,
climbing and heading south-westward with a westward drift
due to the strong south-east wind.
These migrating terns were, on the whole, rather silent;
but kit, kit and pirre calls were heard, and they were mainly,
perhaps wholly, “Comic” species. |
It should be stressed that the foregoing were mere casual
week-end observations—which argues that numbers of terns
passing in this area at the time may have been quite large.
L. A. URQUHART. |
BARN OWLS BREEDING IN SOUTH-EAST
SUTHERLAND
Although there are several old records of Barn Owls being
shot in East Sutherland, I cannot trace a confirmed breeding
record and I was greatly pleased at finding a nest near
Golspie last summer. On the evening of 14th July 1961 I was
watching the Fulmars which nest on a sandstone sea cliff
about fifty feet in height and which has a good deal of whin
and scrubby birch growing on its ledges. My attention was
attracted by a movement behind a whin bush about half way
up the cliff, and on going nearer I had a nice view of an adult
Barn Owl as it flew out.
I returned next evening with a rope and climbed down to
the ledge where I was delighted to find three well-feathered
young Barn Owls, which I ringed. Unfortunately, two of these -
have already been recovered. One was found injured on a
croft in Brora on 17th September and the second was picked
up dead near Loth on 19th December.
Tan D. PENNIE.
1962 SHORT NOTES 37.
NOCTURNAL BEHAVIOUR OF BLUE TIT
As I was walking along a quiet street in Prestwick one
winter evening after dark my attention was attracted by a
noise coming from a nearby street lamp. The sound suggested
that part of the lamp was being made to vibrate. I then saw
that the unshaded bulb was being struck by a flying object.
Had it been summer, I would have thought it to be a large
moth, but on closer inspection I found it to be a Blue Tit. It
was not being dazzled and colliding with the lighted bulb,
but was deliberately flying at it and picking off minute
insects—it was a fairly mild evening. The bird, which I was
able to see was extremely scruffy and dirty, repeated this
unusual performance several times, flying to and from the
lamp and returning to the branch of a nearby tree. Each time
it alighted it uttered quiet wheezy notes, unlike any I have
heard from a Blue Tit before. The date was 15th November
1961, and the time 5 p.m.
R. MacALpIng RAMAGE.
(A recent note (British Birds 54:287) describes the regular
use of sodium discharge street lamps for roosting purposes
by Blue Tits and also, to a lesser degree, by several other
species. There is, however, no mention of the birds using the
lamps for any purpose other than roosting.—ED.).
BLACKBIRD BUILDING MANY NESTS AND REARING
BROOD CLOSE BESIDE ROBINS’ NEST
In 1959 and 1960 a pair of Robins Erithacus rubecula nested
successfully in my garage in the north-west suburbs of Glas-
gow. Perforce I have to leave the door open during the nesting
period. This year—the third in succession—I found the Robins
nesting late in April. They had chosen a site on top of the
back wall of the garage and just under the roof, instead of
their former site which was in the angle under the roof at the
left end of the side wall. The brood fledged successfully to-
wards the end of May.
Within a week of their going I noticed on several mornings
a fair amount of grassy debris on the roof of my car, but it
took me a few more days to realise that there were appar-
ently three nests in adjacent shallow niches on top of the
side wall and just below the sloping roof. The niches are
formed by the roof timbers resting on the side wall of the
garage. The nests were near the middle of the wall, and each
one was placed in the left angle of its niche. While I was
wondering what they meant, a hen Blackbird Turdus merula
with a large bunch of nesting material in her beak flew past
38 SHORT NOTES 2(1)
my head and proceeded to add to the third nest.
Over the next week this bird worked towards the right,
building or partly building nine nests (they ranged in com-
pleteness from about a third to entirety)—only the last two
being sited differently from the others. The first seven occu-
pied the left angle of each niche to the end of the wall, the
eighth was beyond these on the same ledge but in the angle
under the roof (the counterpart of the 1959 and 1960 nests
of the Robins at the other end of the wall), and the ninth nest
was just round the corner on top of the doorpost.
One night we had friends to dinner, and I told them that the
prevailing epidemic of psychiatric disorder had infected the
avian community, and nothing would satisfy them but the
sight of this phenomenon of nine nests built by one bird. So
out we went about 11 p.m. and in the light of the garage bulb
I counted the nests, “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven,
eight,” and “Goldilocks is on the last,” announced my lady
guest. And sure enough a pair of beady eyes surveyed us sus-
piciously from her ultimate creation. For so it proved. She
laid four eggs and proceeded to incubate them, and no more
nests were made.
But this was not the end of the story. A few days later,
while the Blackbird was still sitting, I was working in the
garden when a Robin started to forage for worms. With my
help it soon collected a supvly, and flew into the garage, to
emerge without them. The inference was obvious, but in spite
of a careful search I could find no nest, so that I hid behind a
hamper to see what happened. When it returned the Robin
immediately flew to what I had taken for the Blackbird’s
eighth attempt. I had not looked there because I had assumed,
quite wrongly, that two such birds would not nest within
nine inches of each other. In the event both broods were suc-
cessfully reared, and on three occasions I had all four parent
birds in the garage at the same time.
My own explanation of this curious behaviour by the hen
Blackbird is that the ledge on which she built the first seven
nests was too narrow and the angle of the roof above it was
too acute as the nests grew; as soon as she became aware of
the instability at each nest she deserted it and started on
another. Her final nest was on a lower level with no sloping
roof impeding her, and on an appreciably broader ledge.
The reason for both Robins and Blackbirds using the garage
may be one of simple security, because during recent years
we have freauently lost the contents of all our garden nests
Hs hedge-walking cats and Magpies, both of which are common
ere.
A. STEWART HENDERSON.
(Who says ornithology is dull? Multiple nest-building has
1962 SHORT NOTES 39
been fairly often recorded in such sites as the rafters of un-
finished buildings, the rungs of a ladder hanging on a wall,
or even under the three drainage holes of a large flower-pot
inverted on the ground (see antea 1: 126 and British Birds
54: 247). The common feature of such sites is that each com-
partment in which a nest is started is exactly the same as
the others. The explanation usually put forward is that the
bird is confused and unable to decide which is the correct
position. Eggs may be laid and partly incubated in several
nests, but a successful outcome is perhaps the exception
rather than the rule.—ED.).
METHOD OF PURSUIT BY A GREAT GREY SHRIKE
On ist November 1961 I had a close view of an adult Great
Grey Shrike in a hawthorn hedge near Lauriston, Kirkcud-
brightshire. It took several long flights over neighbouring
fields and then I lost sight of it. Shortly afterwards, in fail-
ing afternoon light, it re-appeared 40-50 feet up in the sky
in determined pursuit of a small bird, apparently a Gold-
finch. I watched the pursuit through glasses as it continued
up and down the sky for nearly half a mile. The shrike
repeatedly circled the small bird, diving towards it at a
fairly steep angle. Several times the two birds seemed to
be almost in contact, but the small bird succeeded in break-
ing away although gradually losing height. When last seen
the shrike was still in close pursuit and had driven its poten-
tial prey almost to ground level. The manner ot attack was
reminiscent of a Merlin.
A. D. Watson.
TREE SPARROWS IN NORTH SUTHERLAND
In a small, isolated block of Sitka Spruce at Bighouse,
Melvich, on 24th May 1961, Mrs Irene Waterston and I were
rather puzzled by a flock of timid and restless little birds,
which after careful stalking turned out to be Tree Sparrows.
There were about fifteen in the flock, and a careful search
showed no sign of nests. Tree Sparrows have never been
recorded in North Sutherland before, although they formerly
bred in the west and in the east as far up as Helmsdale. A
few still breed in Dornoch. An arrival of a similarly sized
party of Tree Sparrows on Fair Isle in May 1958 was described
in F.1.B.0. Bulletin 4:47-48 and 82-84.
Tan D. PENNIE,
40 CURRENT NOTES 2q)
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers : A. F. Airey, D. C. Anderson, D. R. Anderson,
D. G. Andrew, J. M. S. Arnott, W. Austin, E. Balfour, I. V. Balfour-
Pa tilale Ballantyne, P. Banks, Miss K. TEL, Barr, Miss Pe. Gwbaxter,
Mrs S. Beaton, J. A. Begg, We 1 Birrell, H. Boase, I. Boyds De E.
Bradley, W. Brotherston, Renee textos B. Campbell, S. J. Clarke,
M. Cody, Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame, W. A. J. Cunningham, J. Cuth-
bert, R. H. Dennis, E. Dicerbo, G. Dick, R. A. Ellis, C. Finlayson, H.
Ford, H. G. Ford, 1. Ford, T: R. Forsyth, G.\ Fraser wea aeauliaeanr,
T. Gibson, H. Halliday, Mrs A. J. Harrison, M. J. Henderson, W. G. M.
Henderson, J. Hoy, Dr D. Jenkins, W. Kirk, Miss H. Knight, S. L. B.
Lee, J. Lockerbie, D. G. Long, R. McBeath, D. Macdonald, Mrs M. K.
Macduff-Duncan, A. T. Macmillan, Miss E. B. Martin, Prof. M. F. M.
Meiklejohn, J. Michie Gaeving): Aue Milligan, J. Murray CJ. Minas),
C. .E. Palmar, T.. Paterson, R. E.F. Peel; On gp emaney
WW 1B. Peterkin, We ME Obes) IRS) IME: Ramage, R.. ’ Richters 3G 5S.
Ritchie, E. L. Roberts, Miss M. Robertson (M. Ro.), Dr M. Rusk
(M. Ru.), P. W. Sandeman, S. Satchel, A. Smith, R. W. J. Smith, Dr
T. C. Smout, T. Speed (T. Sd.), T. Spence (T. S.),Miss M. M. Spires,
E. Sutherland, J. H. Swan, B. R. Thomson, L. A. Urquhart, G. Water-
ston, Mrs M. I. Waterston, A. D. Watson, Mrs J. Watson, Dr R. S.
Weir, T. Weir, P. Whitelaw, D. R. Wise, Prof. V. C. Wynne-Edwards,
Mrs M. H. Young.
Unies eons stated, January/March dates refer to 1962 and all others
to 1961
Breeding and Distribution
A. Little Grebe was at Blackford Pond, Edinburgh, for
several days from at least 8th November, and the observer
comments that it is the first she has seen there (M.H.Y.).
An immature Gannet in the very black plumage of a bird
of the year was seen standing in a field at Easter Ballat, be-
tween Drymen and Aberfoyle, on 24th September. This—the
first record for West Stirlingshire—followed severe gales a
week earlier (K.H.B.). Immature Gannets are seen every
autumn in the vicinity of Tullibody Island, well up the Forth
beyond Alloa, and the observer instances one on lst October
1960 (T.P.).
A Storm Petrel was picked up still alive at Foyers, on Loch
Ness, during a gale on 5th December but died the same night
(M.Ru.).
In view of the scarcity of breeding records for all three
species in Shetland, it is worth recording that single pairs of
Wigeon were seen on lochs near Sandness on 26th May and
near Whiteness the following day; also on the 26th on the
same loch near Sandness were 7 drake and 5 duck Tufted
Duck, and on another loch nearby there were 2 ducks and 1
drake Pintail (R.E.F.P.). The first recorded occurrences of
Gadwall in Clackmannanshire are of two at Tullibody Island
on 5th March 1960 and three on the following day (T.P.). A
drake and duck Velvet Scoter were at Longannet, Fife, on 22nd
1962 CURRENT NOTES 41
October and a single bird at Skinflats on the 23rd. This is
the first time the observers have seen this species so far up
the Forth and the latter record is the first for East Stirling-
shire (G.D., J.P.). Three Canada Geese were at the west end of
Loch Tummel, North Perthshire, for at least 3 weeks up to
the time of writing on 12th November (W.B.P.).
There have been few published observations from Clack-
mannan and a number of relatively common species have
still to be recorded from that county. The following wader
records all provide first published occurrences for the
county:
Ringed Plover, One at Tullibody island on 13th April 1952
and 4 at. the mouth of the Black Devon on 14th March 1960
seem to be the first definite records, although the species is
referred to in both the Statistical Accounts as occurring at
Alloa and it is described as “Resident?” in the Geographical
Distribution and Status of Birds in Scotland.
Whimbrel. Common every autumn on Clackmannan shore
of the Forth.
Black-tailed Godwit, One 12th September 1953, Haugh of
Blackgrange, above Cambus; also subsequent records of 10
on Tullibody Island on 21st April 1957, and one in full breed-
ing plumage on 29th April 1961 at the mouth of the Black
Devon.
Bar-tailed Godwit. 7 on Alloa Inch on 19th September 1953;
also 5 below the mouth of the Black Devon on 13th April
1961.
Green Sandpiper. This species has evidently already been
recorded in Clackmannan (1936 Scot. Nat. 118) but it is worth
recording that it occurs every autumn on Tullibody Island.
One was also seen at Orchard Farm (between Alloa and
Cambus) on llth Seotember 1960.
. Wood Sandpiper. Single birds seen at Orchard Farm on 11th
September and 9th October 1960.
- Spotted Redshank. One in full breeding plumage at mouth
of Black Devon on 15th April 1961.
Greenshank. Previous records have been published but it
may be recorded here that it occurs commonly on the Forth
every autumn.
Ruff. Recorded on several occasions between August and
October 1960, the first date being 7th August when 3 were
seen at Rhind; also seen in 1961—7 at Orchard Farm on 16th
August.
(These records all supplied by T.P.).
_*Another county with unexpected gaps in its official list is
Kinross. One such gap is the Jack Snipe, which is in fact a
regular winter visitor to Loch Leven. The observer’s first
42 CURRENT NOTES 2(1)
record there is of 2 on 13th October 1956, but on subsequent
visits over half a dozen have been recorded (R.W.J.S.).
Green Sandpipers now seem to be wintering regularly in
Berwickshire. On Bell’s Burn, Manderston, near Duns, there
were 4 on 22nd September and 1 or 2 regularly present be-
tween 2nd October and 20th December 1959, and in the same
year there were also single birds at Duns Sewage Farm on
29th/3lst January and 6th December. In 1961 two were pres-
ent at Bell’s Burn on several occasions between 8th and 18th
November and one was still present on 3lst December
(S.J.C.). For earlier winter records from the same area, see
1951 Scot. Nat. 195 and Edinburgh Bird Bull. 8: 68.
Some indication of the number of Knots in the upper
reaches of the Forth was obtained on 26th November, when
between 10,000 and 15,000 were seen flying across the river
to Longannet at high tide to roost there behind the break-
water (J.B.). The same movement was observed and the
numbers roughly checked on llth December, when wave
after wave came over with thousands of birds in each wave
(J.H.).
There is no published record of the occurrence of the
Arctic Skua in Clackmannan, but in fact it appears that these
birds regularly find their way up to the head of the Forth
estuary. One was seen at Tullibody Island on list October
1960 and there have been subsequent records of 4 on 9th and
2 on llth August, and 2 on 9th September 1961 at Inch of
Ferryton, between Kennetpans and Alloa (T.P.). A summer
record of an Arctic Skua in Luce Bay, Wigtownshire, on 18th
June is an unusual occurrence for the Solway area (E.L.R.).
Inland records of Pomarine Skuas are very scarce, but an im-
mature bird with a broken wing was picked up alive at Dyke
Farm, near Moffat, on 30th October. It died two days later
(E.D.). This bird may have been blown inland from the Sol-
way, but it seems more likely that it was making the over-
land crossing from Forth to Solway.
There is no published record of the Greater Black-backed Gull
in Clackmannan, but in fact it is found commonly all along
the shore of the Forth, and in winter flocks of between 6 and
24 may always be seen at certain favoured places in the
Alloa area (T.P.) and many are seen coming in from this
direction in the evening to Longannet, where up to 250 of
these gulls roost in the winter (J.H.). Twenty years ago a
Greater Black-backed Gull was caught on the hill near
Dollar. It had gorged itself so thoroughly on caterpillars of
the Antler Moth Charaens graminis, of which there was then
a plague, that it was unable to fly (G.D.).
There is further news of the spread of the Collared Doves
from their original colony at Covesea Farm, Morayshire (see
antea 1:480). Breeding was first proved in the grounds of
1962 CURRENT NOTES 43
Gordonstoun estate, three-quarters of a mile from Covesea,
in 1960 and 24 birds were counted there in November 1961.
The species has also bred in Duffus House grounds since 1960
and 23 birds were counted there in November 1961. This is
about 14 miles from Covesea. One pair has been breeding in
the village of Duffus adjoining the estate since 1959 (R.R.).
The Barn Owl is a species which seems to be declining ser-
iously in Scotland. It therefore seems worth recording the
presence of a single bird at Longannet on 25th February 1961
and on several occasions from December until the time of
writing (13th February) (J.H.). All information as to the
status of this species will be very welcome.
Further evidence of the spread of the Green Woodpecker is
provided by the following records:
Kirkcudbright: The species has been noted in the area at least since
1957 and has nested, probably more widely than has been reported.
In 1961 birds have perhaps been rather more in evidence than usual.
During October and November there were 2 or 3 in a wood near Loch
Stroan; one was seen near Corsock on 25th October and another at
Todstone, near Dalry, in early January 1962 (A.D.W.).
Selkirk: On 12th November one was seen in a wood at the mouth
of the Megget at St Mary’s Loch (J.B.).
Midlothian: Birds have evidently been present in Mid Calder Wood,
between Mid and East Calder, since 1955, as odd birds have been seen
~ and heard there from time to time. One was seen being fed by another
in late summer 1956 but no nest has ever been found (H.H., C.F.). At
least one has been seen and heard from time to time in woods near
Balerno below Dalmahoy Hill (A.G.M.).
West Lothian: Two were seen near Livingstone on 20th August
(W.K.), and a pair regularly since May on the Dalmeny Estate near
Hound Point (T.CS.).
Fast Stirling: On 25th December one was seen and heard in a small
wood between Denny and Torwood Castle—a particularly valuable
record as the observer has visited this wood on many occasions over
the past three years and never recorded the bird before (R.A.E.). Har-
vie-Brown and Cordeaux heard a Green Woodpecker in the same area
many years ago but most reprehensibly omitted to note the date (“Birds
of Scotland” p. 254)! During the summer of 1958 one was seen and
heard at Camelon (R.A.E.).
West Stirling: Mr McLean, the forester at Lennox Castle, reports
that a pair of Green Woodpeckers bred in the castle grounds in 1960
and 1961, and possibly also in 1959. In 1961 the nest was 14 feet up
in a beech tree (T.W.).
Great Spotted Woodpeckers, of which the first recorded oc-
currence for Kinross was given antea 1:497, are probablv
Quite common in the county and have been seen twice at
Loch Leven (R.W.J.S.).
In the Geographical Distribution and Status of Birds in
Scotland the status of the Blue Tit in the Outer Hebrides is
described as “Resident.” The same authors later observed
(Birds of Scotland 1:128) that there was no satisfactory
breeding record for this area, and we can find no evidence
that the species has ever even occurred there, until as least
44 CURRENT NOTES 2(1)
2 and probably 3, or even more, were seen in Stornoway
Woods on 7th November (S.L.B.L.). On 18th November. one
was seen in the same place in company with Golderests
(M.F.M.M.).
On 30th May 1961, while erator Foinaven from Strath
Dionard, a male Pied Flycatcher was seen amongst sparse
rowans at the edge of a burn. It flew from one tree to an-
other down the burn and across the hillside to Loch Dionard.
There are no previous records of this species in North Suth-
erland (I.D.P., G.W., M.I.W.).
With reference to one note on the status of the Crossbill in
Wester Ross (antea 1:457) it is recorded that in the east
of the county Crossbills are common in the Forestry Com-
mission plantations at Tore, on the Black Isle (M.K.M-D.).
- The first record of Tree Sparrows in North Sutherland ap-
pears elsewhere in this number, and a most interesting com-
panion record is of 4 seen at Durness on 22nd August (R.H.D.).
The species also seems to be very scarce in the extreme south-
west, and it is interesting to hear of flocks of 10 on 8th Octo-
ber at Moss of Cree, and 50 on 17th December at Ravenstone,
near Whithorn, both in Wigtownshire (A.F.A.). Even in the
Tweed area there is little detailed evidence as to the Tree
Sparrow’s distribution, and it seems worth recording that 12
were.seen by the Tweed just below Innerleithen, Peebles-
shire, on 18th November, and on 17th December there were
about 40 at Ettrickbridge in Selkirkshire (J.B.).
Spring 1961 and earlier records
A Grey Lag Goose at Sandness, Shetland Gee the species
has never bred), on 25th/26th May 1961 is an’ exceptionally |
late date for spring migration (R.E.F.P.). Unusual numbers >
of Rough-legged Buzzards came into this country in the autumn >
of 1960, and an additional record is of a female found dead |
at the south end of the Sma’ Glen, Perthshire, on 6th Novem- |
ber. The skin was preserved and recently shown at a meeting
of the S.O.C. Edinburgh Branch. The bird weighed 2. 1b:8 oz, |
as compared with 1 lb 10 oz recorded for an example of the
common Buzzard (D.C.A.). On 12th May 1961 a Whimbrel was |
heard and seen at close quarters by the main road: between |
Selkirk and Ashkirk (B.C., P.B.): there seems. to be only
aie record for Selkirkshire (Edin bua Bird Bull. |
9) |
24th May (1961) seems an early date for a flock of 45 Fy
a et pee field by the road at Clickhimin, Lerwick |
—————————
Autumn and winter visitors, 1961/62 Me I
‘A Great Northern Diver at Kendoon Loch, near Dalry, Kirk. 7
1962 CURRENT NOTES 45.
cudbrightshire, on 10th November was still in almost com-
plete summer plumage (P.G.B.). On 17th December a Red-
necked Grebe was seen off Hound Point, West Lothian (T.C.S.).
Gadwall have again wintered in Edinburgh: a drake and 2
‘ducks ‘have been present from at least 12th November (when
there may also have been: two other birds) until the time of
writing (2nd March). They are usually to be found at. Dun-
sappie Loch but in frosty or windy weather they move down
to ‘the shelter of St Margaret’s Loch or the Figgate Pond
(D.R.A., D.G.A.). Up to 3 Gadwall have been seen inter-
mittently on Loch Ken during the winter (A.D.W.).
- Some indication of the enormous numbers of Wigeon win-
tering in the south-west of Scotland.is given by the following
counts, all in Wigtownshire: ‘over 4,000: in Wigtown Bay on
10th October and over 2 000 there on 6th and 20th November;
over 2,300 at the south end of Loch Ryan on 14th November;
at least 3,000 at the White Loch, Castle. Kennedy, on 2nd
December, and 6,000 there on 11th December (AFA). |
A flock of 140 Pintail in Montrose Basin: on 8th November
(H.B.) may be unremarkable, but the locality is not men-
tioned as a wintering area in the Birds of Scotland. The
Beauly Firth below Lentran is mentioned asa regular win-
ter haunt, but 136 at Inverness on 4th November (R.H.D.)
may represent a different wintering population, A drake
Pintail at Duddingston Loch on 14th November is an unusual
‘visitor to the centre of Edinburgh (D.R.A.).
‘> Shoveler are not common on the East. Lothian coast, an a
drake at Tyninghame on 17th December (R.W.J.S.) and a
duck at Aberlady on 6th HEY Une LGF., i) are
worthy of note.
“On 26th January between 9,000 and 10, 000 ‘Scaup > were
counted off Seafield, Leith, and this probably represented
the total population in the area at the time (D.G.A.). Inland
| records of this species (except at the Edinburgh town lochs
7
‘where odd birds appear regularly ‘at Lochend and Dudding-
ston in particular) are as. follows: 2 drakes at Loch o’ the
_Lowes, Ayrshire, on 18th September (J.A.B.); one duck at
Hule Moss, Berwickshire, on 8th October (S.J:C., M.J.H.); one
‘immature at Lochgoin on 8th October and what was probably
‘the same bird at High Dam from 28th October to 25th Nov-
ember, and a duck at Barr Loch on 12th: November—these all
in Renfrewshire (L.A.U.); and a.first winter drake at Ken-
\doon Loch, near Carsphairn, Kirkcudbrightshire,. on. 21st
' December (A.D.W,).
The hard weather in December upset the orderly routine
of fresh-water diving ducks such as Pochard, Two drakes were
recorded at Tyninghame, East Lothian, on. ‘10th’ December
(R.W.J.S.), and large numbers made their appearance on: the
“sea off Seafield, Leith, during the day. In fact it appears that
46 CURRENT NOTES 2(1)
the large numbers of Pochard that regularly winter at Dud-
dingston Loch, where they can seldom be seen to do any
active feeding, habitually flight down to the sea at night
(T.C.S.). The quite exceptional number of 3,170 Pochard was
recorded in this area on 23rd January. It is tempting to con-
nect this with the prolonged severe frost both in this country
and on the Continent, but it appears that at least the main
part of the increase took place in the second and third weeks
of January after the hard spell had ended. Numbers —
decreased to 1,100 by 23rd February (D.G.A.).
In mid-December numbers of Goldeneye on the Tay fees
were far below normal (H.B.), but on the Forth there have
been the usual large numbers at Seafield and a count of
1,250 was obtained on 7th February (D.G.A.). Two were on
Dunsappie Loch, Edinburgh, on 12th and 20th November—a
locality where the species has been very rarely recorded
(DRA... J-Bs AR).
Inland records of Long-tailed Ducks come from Portmore
Loch, Peebles-shire, where one was present on 11th and 19th
November (D.G.A., R.W.J.S.), and Castle Loch, Mochrum,
Wigtownshire, where an immature was seen on 14th Decem-
ber (A.F.A.). Another unusual inland record is of a duck
Common Scoter on Loch Ken, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 14th
October (L.A.U.).
On 2nd January, after weeks of snow and severe frost, a
duck Goosander appeared amongst the Mallard on a small
open pool in the ice at St Margaret’s Loch, Edinburgh. It
came up to within 3 feet of the observer to take the bread
thrown to the ducks (D.E.B.). It was still there on the 5th
but had gone by the 12th (D.G.A.). What may well have been
the same bird was seen at Duddingston on the 18th (D.R.A.)
and at Dunsappie on 2nd March (D.G.A.).
There have been several records of Smew—all from the
southern half of Scotland. A drake was at Kilconquhar Loch,
Fife, on 19th November (T.G., J.Mi., T.Sd., P.W.); there was
a duck at Barr Loch, Renfrewshire, on 13th December |
(L.A.U.). Smew are now regular winter-visitors to the Loch |
Ken area of Kirkcudbrightshire, but a party of 4 (one drake
and 3 red-heads) on the River Dee on 1st January was the.
largest number the observer has seen together since 1956; |
in addition single birds or two together have been seen fre-
quently in late December and throughout January (A.D.W.).
Shelduck have been recorded inland at Hamilton Low Parks,
where an immature was seen on 27th August (L.A.U.), and at
Hule Moss, Berwickshire, where two (only the second occur-
rence for the area) flew past heading NNW on 8th October
(SC. NESE .). |
Six Grey Lag Geese flying south at Easthaven, Angus, on 31st
October are mentioned by the observer because there are
1962 CURRENT NOTES 47
very few records of coasting geese in this area (H.B.). Grey
Lag in the Loch Ken/Castle Douglas area of Kirkcudbright-
shire increased from 400-500 to close on 1,000 in the cold spell
in December (A.D.W.), and large numbers are also recorded
from Wigtownshire, where 5,000 were counted roosting at the
White Loch, Castle Kennedy, on 14th November and over
1,000 on 2nd December (A.F.A.) and again on 2nd January
(A.D.W.).
On 9th December three geese (species unknown) came
down in foggy weather to alight on the ice at Duddingston
Loch beside the tame Grey Lag (D.R.A.).
In November the flock of Greenland White-fronted Geese
at Loch Ken amounted to at least 500 birds in two main
groups. For the second successive year there have been very
few first year birds: out of 150 examined on 26th December
only one was first year, although a few family parties have
been seen in some sections of the flock (A.D.W.).
The Kirkcudbrightshire Bean Geese were first seen by the
observer on 19th December, when there were 10, but there
may have been a few earlier than this (A.D.W.). On 28th
‘January there were about 125 in the area (E.L.R.) and these
numbers had probably been present since 26th December,
when an incomplete count suggested a total of over 100
(A.D.W.). This shows a welcome improvement from the
1960/61 winter when the maximum count was only 68.
Unusually large numbers of Pink-footed Geese are reported
from Newburgh, Fife, and probably over 8,000 were seen on
the observer’s farm on two days between Christmas and the
‘New Year (T.S.). Pink-feet do not normally occur amongst
‘the inland goose population in the Solway area, but one has
‘been seen regularly with the Greenland White-Fronts at Loch
Ken, and in the same area a few Pink-feet appeared amongst
‘the Grey Lag in December, including at least one small flock
‘which came from the north over Dalry on 29th December
‘(A.D.W.). On 16th December there had been a steady move-
‘ment of Pink-feet through to the south-west at Gladhouse
‘Reservoir, Midlothian; this was during the only mild spell
‘In a very cold month (D.G.A.).
' We have received only one further record of Brent Geese
‘so far this winter (see antea 1:501)—a single bird at Hunter-
‘ston, Ayrshire, on 12th November (G.F.). There have been
several records of Barnacle Geese in odd places: up to 5 have
‘been seen at Newburgh, Fife, in January and there are re-
‘ports of a flock of 30 in the area; similar numbers are said to
‘have wintered in the same area in 1959/60 and 1960/61, and
‘there are intriguing rumours of a flock of 20 having summer-
ed there in 1961 (T.S.). On 2nd January 5 Barnacle Geese
‘were seen flying south at Monreith Bay, Wigtownshire
‘(A.F.A.), and 3 flying westwards over Hamilton Low Parks
48. CURRENT NOTES 2(1)
on 20th January were independently reported by two ob-
servers (J.C., D.R.W.). A. single Barnacle Goose has been
keeping company with the Pink-feet in the Libberton area in
Lanarkshire where it has been seen by many observers dur-
ing January. The Barnacle Geese roosting at Gladhouse
Reservoir, Midlothian, (antea 1:501) were last seen on 25th
November, when there were 3 (D.G.A.).
Whooper Swans are widely distributed over Scotland in. the
winter and the following records have been selected for
publication because of the large numbers involved:
Speyside, from Carrbridge to Corrieyairack—150 (23 cygnets)
counted on Ist November (R.H.D.).
Torhousekie Marsh, near Wigtown—33 (13 CERES feeding in a
stubble field, 18th November (GANTEN VEN).
“Loch Leven—9%6 (36 cygnets) counted on 19th November (T:W.).
eect near Auchterarder, Perthshire—over 60 on 17th Decem-
HemGweS))
Carstairs, Lanarkshire—92 (13 cygnets) on 16th January GW
M.1.W., DG A),
Bewick’s Swans are now much scarcer over hie wuhalle of
Scotland and we have only received the following records:.
Dalreoch, near Auchterarder, ” Perthshire—one with ‘Whoopers on
17th December CES
Machrihanish, ‘North Argyll—one of a pair,. flighting in to a pond
‘with Grey Lag Geese, was inadvertently shot on 29th December. The
second bird flew around several times calling to its late companion and
then flew off and was not seen in the area again. The shot bird came
into the hands of the observer. It weighed 10 lb 12 ozs. On dissection
it proved to be a female and the alimentary tract was full of fresh
grass: blades. The skin was subsequently exhibited at a meetting of
the S.O.C. Edinburgh Branch, as also was the peculiar looped wish-
bone which is characteristic Of this species and of the Whooper Swan,
but not of the Mute Swan, nor apparently of the Trumpeter Swan- of
North Amerca (see Voous, “Atlas of European Birds” p. 49) although
this is still officially recognised as conspecific with the Whooper Swan
Glbisi” 98: 1'59) (CDIGAS) ae
Carnwath, Lanarkshire—four on a small pool by the River Medwin
on 14th January (M.F.M.M., C.E.P.): when flushed, these flew off
towards‘ Carstairs, where on 4th February a single Bewick’s Swan was
seen amongst the "Whoopers (GEL SU MES FADE
Coldstream, Berwickshire—5 on. the Tweed about 5 ess above the
town on 18th February (T.C.S.).
Two Buzzards were seen in the Miceetbare above Wotkee
burn on 22nd October (J.B.), and a single bird was present
at Bow of Fife, near Cupar, from 8th to 12th Pee
(GS:R:, MMS).
_ There have been a number of records of HEA Harriers:
Speyside—single males seen at Boat of Garten on 2nd, and at Avie-
moré on'5th November (R.H.D.).
Aberdeenshire—female/immature at Garloaie 23rd Deen
ae ba harriers are said to, winter fairly commonly in the county
Midlothian—female/immature near Gladhouse Reservoir on 3rd and
d
]
h
)
1962 CURRENT NOTES 49
24th December and at Rosebery on 4th February (R.W.J.5.).
_ Berwickshire—single birds at ule Moss on 16th July, 13th August
and 17th September (S.J.C., M.J.H., AS)
~ Kirkcudbrightshire—two (a eee ‘and a female/immature) have
frequented lowland country near Loch Ken this winter (A.D.W.).
-. Wigtownshire—male near Wigtown, 27th November (A.F.A.).
A Merlin has been seen on six occasions since October at
Aberlady Bay and is evidently wintering there: normally
the species is only an occasional winter visitor to the bay
(W.K.B.).
A Water Rail (a rare bird in south-east Sutherland) has
wintered on the Dornoch Burn; it was first seen on 10th Nov-
ember and was still present on 28th January (D.M.). In Wig-
townshire the species is evidently a common winter visitor,
and single birds were recorded at White Loch, Castle Ken-
nedy, on 2nd December, and White Loch, Monreith, on 24th
January (A.F.A.), and also near Glenluce on 23rd and close
to Loch Ryan on 24th December (J.Mu.).
In our last number (antea 1:502) we published some notes
on concentrations of Coot recorded this winter, including a
count of over 500 at Forfar Loch on 16th October. 445 were
still there on 14th November (H.B.). Lochmaben seems to be
one of the regular wintering haunts and 250 were counted
there on 4th October (A.F.A.). The following concentrations
recorded in Wigtownshire may also prove to be more or less
normal: 150 at White Loch, Castle Kennedy, on 11th Decem-
ber, and 250 there on 8th i anuary and 6th February; 140. at
Soulseat Loch, near Stranraer, on 10th December, 200 there
on 8th January and 120 on 6th February; 100 at Loch Magillie
in the same area on 6th February (A.F.A.). On the other hand
a dense raft of 450-500 Coot on Loch Eye, near Tain, on 11th
November is most unusual for Easter Ross, although 200 had
been recorded at the same loch on 5th November 1955 (D.M.).
Some impressive figures from Kirkcudbrightshire and
Wigtownshire: give an idea of the size of the wintering pop-
ulation of Lapwing in south-west Scotland. Over 2,500 were
roosting on the Lochar estuary by Ruthwell on: 4th October.
In the Wigtown area there were over 1,000 on Moss of Cree
on 8th October, and in the Baldoon Airfield/Orchardton Bay
area there were counts of 1,000 on 6th November and 1,500
or over on 10th December and 2nd February (A.F.A.). Three
Lapwing turned up on the Flannans on 18th September
(S.L.B.L:).
_ At Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian, there was one Grey
Plover on 22nd October; two on the 29th: and one on 5th
November (R.W.J.S., DG}:
Baldoon Old Airfield, near Wigtown, must hold one of the
largest wintering flocks of Golden Plover-in the whole of
Scotland. 3,500 were present there on 26th October, and 4,000
50 CURRENT NOTES 2(1)
or more stayed in the area from. early November to the end
of December. On 10th December these numbers were in-
creased to 8,000, when a big passage movement north to
south down Wigtown Bay brought a further 4,000 Golden
Plover temporarily into the area. This movement coincided
with a thaw following a spell of hard frost. By 2nd Feb-
ruary numbers had fallen to about 1,000 (A.F.A.). In the
Stranraer area Golden Plover have been exceptionally num-
erous this winter (J.Mu.).
On 2nd January over 30 Woodcock were flushed from rough
grass at the cliff tops near St Abbs Head, Berwickshire. In-
land the countryside was covered with snow and the ground
was frozen hard, but on the cliffs the ground was free of
snow and quite soft in places. This presumably accounts for
the appearance of these birds in such an unlikely place (R.M.).
A single Curlew was feeding with Redshank (see below) on
the Broughton playing fields, in the Wardie district of Edin-
burgh, on 9th January (BRT).
In addition to the records already published (antea 1:502)
ee -tailed Godwits have been reported from the folowing
places:
Steinish, eae on 20th November (M.F.M.M.) and 4th Dec-
ember (W.A.J.C we
pOneean ete Fife—there is a further late record of 3 on 4th Worseane
ber (G.D., J.P
Skinflats, Stirling—there are additional records of 15 on 2lst
August; 19 on the 22nd; and 1 on the 28th (R.A.E_). rrr
A winter record of a Green Sandpiper comes from Greenlaw,
Castle Douglas, on 18th February (W.A.). There are further
autumn records of a bird of this species at Cameron Reser-
voir, Fife, on 7th August (R.S.W.), and of a Wood. Sandpiper
at Spiggie, Shetland, on 7th September (R.H.D.) (see antea
1:503).
On 9th J anuary, shortly after the end of a prolonged. ape
of very hard frost, 63 Redshank were on Lomond Park and 55
on Broughton playing fields, both in the Wardie district of
Edinburgh (B.R.T.). Although only 4 mile from the sea, this
is in the middle of a built-up area. It would be interesting
to know whether Redshanks regularly visit these fields in
such numbers or whether they only do so when their routine
is upset by hard weather. Further along the coast at Mussel-
burgh Redshank regularly visit the Loretto playing fields,
especially at high tide, but these lie immediately adjacent
to the sea. Between 12th and 25th January up to 3 Redshank
were regularly seen at St Margaret’s Loch, where the water
level had been temporarily allowed to drop (D.GA
Autumn records of Spotted Redshank additional to those
already published (antea 1:503) are as follows:
1962 CURRENT NOTES 51
Skinflats, Stirling—one, 21st August (R.A.E.).
Caerlaverock, Dumfries—one, 14th August (E.L.R.).
_ Late or wintering Greenshank have been recorded from the
following localities:
West Lewis—one, 3lst October (S.L.B.L.).
Aberlady, East Lothian—one has remained in the bay until at least
the end of January (W.K.B.).
St Andrews, Fife—one at Lawmill Pond (which had been recently
anaied) acom 18th to 23rd November (M.H.E:C.); one om the coast
on 16th December (P.G.B.).
Loch Leven, Kinross—one, 3rd November (H.B.). .
Ayrshire—one at Barassie, 17th December (L.A.U.), and one: in-
land at Loch o’ the Lowes, New Cumnock, on Ist and 2nd January
‘during very hard weather; it was feeding at the inflow of warmer
water from the pits nearby (J.A.B.).
The following autumn records of Ruff are additional to
those already published (antea 1:505).
Spiggie, Shetland—four on 7th September (R.H.D.).
West Lewis—one on 15th September (S.L.B.L.).
Skinflats, Stirlinge—3 on 28th August and 7 on 6th September (R.A.E.).
Loch o’ the Lowes, Ayrshire—4 on 30th August (J.A.B.).
The following records suggest that there was a minor
“wreck” of Phalaropes along ‘the west and north coasts in the
autumn of 1961:
Spiggie, Shetland—a Grey Phalarope had been found dead about
4th September (per R.H.D.).
Wiesteiewis—7 on 17th, 2 on 20th and 5 on 22nd September, all
seen on the sea and all thought to be Grey Phalaropes (S.L.B.L.).
The Minch—one pee aiaee (thought to be Grey) flying south on
12th October (R.H.D.).
Sanquhar, Dumfries—one Grey Phalarope on flooded grassland
Gi ae to 29th October, following heavy rain and severe SW gales
J
Closeburn, Dumfies—later on 26th October a second Grev Phala-
rope (visibly a different bird) was seen 12 miles away from the
preceding record, also on flooded grassland (E.L.R.).
Islay—on 25th October a phalarope was feeding close in to the
shore in Port Ellen bay; a few days later an injured phalarope was
picked up on the other side of the island. Jn neither case was it
possible to identify the species (H.K.).
Off the west coast of Lewis there was a marked passage of
| Pomarine Skuas (a few Great Skuas with them) on 16th and 17th
October. Sample counts were made of 9 passing in an hour
-and 10 in 40 minutes. This was associated with a passage of
Kittiwakes (S.L.B.L.). A late Arctic Skua was chasing gulls
in mid-Forth at Longannet, Fife, on 4th November (G.D.,
J.P.), and 2 were seen at Inverness on the same date (R.H.D.).
A Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed Gull L. f. fuscus was
sitting on the ice at Harper Rig Reservoir, Midl othian, with
other gulls on 7th January (T.C.S.). Single Gleucous Gulls
‘have appeared in Berwickshire at Hule Moss on 24th Septem-
52 CURRENT NOTES 2(1)
ber (S.J.C., M.J.H., D.G.L.), and at Eyemouth (a first winter
bird) on 28th December and list January (R.M.).
A Common Tern appeared inland at Hule Moss, Berwick-
shire, on 9th September, and an unidentified tern was record-
ed at the same place on the 17th (S.J.C., M.J.H., D.G.L.). A
Sandwich Tern at Cult Ness on 3rd November is an unusually
late record (G.D., J.P.).
On 21st January over 20 Long-eared Owls were counted in a
spinney at the east end of Aberlady Bay, East Lothian—the
largest number so far recorded there (W.K.B.).
Kingfishers have been seen singly at Bell’s Burn, Mander-
ston, Berwickshire, on 27th December (S.J.C.), and at Baldoon
Old Airfield, Wigtown, on 26th October (A.F.A.).
The prolonged hard frost in the second half of December
produced several interesting observations of Skylark move-
ment. One was seen dodging through the traffic in Princes
Street, Edinburgh, on 29th December (H.F.). On ist January
about 1,500 Skylarks passed north-westwards over Monreith,
Wigtownshire, following the east side of Luce Bay (A.F.A.).
On 7th January a pronounced south-westward movement of
Skylarks was observed over the Cramond/South Queensferry
shore and a few were heard over Edinburgh the following
day 7. C:s:).
Exceptional numbers of Swallows have been reported linger-
ing into November this winter:
lst—One, Kingoodie, Perth (see Vol. 1: 506).
Four, Monreith, Wigtown (A.F.A.).
2nd—Two flying south, Cult Ness, Fife (ED! LE:
4th—One, Portencross, Ayr (see Vol. P9506):
6th—One at Invergowrie, Perth, till this date CHEB):
8th—Single birds in Edinburgh at Slateford (J.H.S.). and at Morn-
ingside (W.B.).
9th—One at Dornoch (D.M.). |
About this time at least 2 at Selkirk (“Southern Reporter’, |
16th November). |
12th—One at Elie, Fife (T.Sd.).
13th/15th—One at Lundin Links, Fife (R.S.W.). |
16th/18th—At Pittenweem, Fife, two on 16th, one on 17th and fied | |
on 18th (T.Sd.).
On 18th September two Swallows and two House Martins |
were seen on the Flannan Islands (S.L.B.L.). The only late
record of House Martins is of a single bird at Portencross,
Ayr, on 12th November (G.F.).
A flock of 109 Carrion Crows on the foreshore at Cramond,
Midlothian, on 15th November included one apparently pure
Hooded Crow and several hybrids (T.C.S.). There was a
Hooded Crow at Dowlaw Farm, Coldingham, Berwickshire,
on 3rd December (S.J.C.).
On 10th and again on 16th December 12 000 Rooks and
Jackdaws were counted gathering in fields south of Wigtown
1962 CURRENT NOTES oe
preparatory to flying off north-east across Wigtown Bay to
roost somewhere in the Creetown area (A.F.A.).
Jays were noted as being more widespread between Octo-
ber and December in the New Galloway/Dalry area than
they have been for several years (A.D.W.).
On ist January about 750 Fieldfares were observed migrat-
ing north-westward up the east side of Luce Bay, Wigtown-
shire, during a spell of hard frost with 2 inches of snow lying
(A.F.A.). — |
A late Ring Ouzel was fecding near a flock of Fieldfare at
Glencorse Reservoir, Midlothian, on 10th November (M.H.Y.).
A flock of 10 Ring Ouzels, flushed in the Moorfoot Hills on 8th
October, flew around giving an unfamiliar call-note—‘Prrrt”
—which seemed to serve as a party collection call. The same
call had been heard in the same area in thick mist at 4 p.m.
on the previous day and vrobably came from a migrating
party of these birds passing over to the south (W.B.).
Stonechats are known to winter commonly in the Solway
area, but. it seems. worth mentioning that on 10th October 10
pairs were seen along a five mile stretch of the coastal road
between Monreith and Alticry, Wigtownshire (A.F.A.). One
was seen near Carstairs Junction, Lanarkshire, on 16th Jan-
uary (M.I.W.).
There has been a remarkable number of records of Blackcaps
this winter:
Stornoway, Lewis—female, 7th November (S.L.B.L.).
Corpach, Fort William, S. Inverness—male at feeding box almost
every day from Christmas to time of writing (16th January) (S.B.).
Tore, E. Ross—male killed by cat, 13th November (M.K.M-D.).
Inverness—female eating shortbread put out for other birds at kit-
chen window-sill, 15th December (E.B.M.).
Gartocharn, Dunbarton—male in woodland fringe on west side of
Duncryne Hill on 13th November; a male had been seen here on 29th
August and a female on 7th September (T.W.).
Roseneath, Dunbarton—male, 17th December (M.Ro.).
Redhall, Slateford, Edinburgh—male, 15th November (J.H.S.).
Colinton Dell, Edinburgh—male caught when batfowling, 26th Nov-
ember—possibly the same individual as in the preceding record; a
male and female were caught in this area last winter (see Vol. ie 434)
but this year’s bird was unringed (1.V.B-P.).
Edmonstone, Edinburgh—male caught in mistnet (the first the ob-
servers had seen of it), 24th December (D.E.B., A.T.M.).
Musselburgh, Midiothian—male at bird table, 28th December to
- 4th January and again 20th January and after (A.J. H. 3
Ayr—female, 4th February (I.B.).
Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire—male, 24th October—the third succes-
Sive autumn that Blackcaps have visited the observer’s garden, where
an apple tree seems to be the main attraction. This year there was no
fruit and the bird did not stay (J.W.)
By contrast there have been only two records of late
Chiffchaffs: One was seen at Dornoch, Sutherland, on 10th and
17th November, feeding amongst withered weeds beside a
54 CURRENT NOTES 2(1)
burn (D.M.); and one was seen at Buchlyvie, E. Stirling, on
lith November (D.E.B., M.C., A.T.M., M.F.M.M.). In both
eases the dark-coloured legs were noted.
A Goldcrest, very much out of its element, was found at
Smoo Lodge, Durness, on 27th August. There are no woods
at all in this area, The bird’s arrival coincided with a south-
erly gale which lasted several days (R.J.B.).
Five Yellow Wagtails at Loch o’ the Lowes, New Cumnock,
Ayrshire, on 30th August, are the first the observer has seen
in the district (J.A.B.). One would like to know more about
the distribution of this species in the west of Scotland.
Great Grey Shrikes have been much scarcer this winter than
last. Single birds were seen at Aviemore and Nethybridge in
Speyside in November/early December (R.H.D.); at Glassel,
Aberdeenshire, on 25th/26th December (D.G.A.); and at
Lauriston, Kirkcudbrightshire, on Ist November (A.D.W.).
Goldfinches have been unusually abundant in the south of
England this year (British Birds 54:442), and one gets the
impression that in Scotland the species is doing very well.
This is probably due to a succession of good breeding seasons
and mild winters, but the following records suggest that
there has also been some immigration from abroad:
St Kilda—two, 9th November (P.J.F.). The first record for the island.
Stornoway, Lewis—3 on 18th November, later seen with 2 other birds
which may have been the same species (M.F.M.M.).
Borve, Harris—6 on 20th November. The only previous record which
the observer has for the Outer Hebrides is of a single bird at Stornoway
on 22nd January and 9th February 1958 (W.A.J.C.).
Isle Ornsay, Skye—one on 2nd January had probably been present
since the end of November (S.S.).
Dornoch, Sutherland—1 to 3 birds seen on various dates between 24th
December and 27th January (D.M.).
Isle of May—one on 4th November, as recorded in the Report else-
where in this number.
In our previous number we commented on exceptional
numbers of Siskins and recorded heavy immigration starting
on 12th October (antea 1:508). Further evidence of abun-
dance is provided by the following records, from which it
also appears that the immigration from abroad started earlier
than had been indicated:
_Orkney—first seen 29th September, when 25-30 at Binscarth Planta-
tion and at least 200 in St Ola; on 1st October there were 30-40 in the
natural wood of Berriedale on Hoy; on 4th October 20 were feeding
on meadow sweet at Stennady, Finstown; on 8th October parties of
Siskins were to be found all over Mainland, including one flock of
over 200. On 11th October the observer went out for four days to the
uninhabited island of Auskerry. The rush of migrants had ended, but
there were many dead Siskins and a small number of live ones des-
perately striving to find food. A few stragglers have been seen in Orkney
throughout the first half of November (E.B.). ;
St Kilda—single birds seen twice, 12th November (P.J.F.). These are
1962 CURRENT NOTES 55
first records for the island.
Steinish, Stornoway—male in stubble field, 17th November; 3 feeding
on ragwort seeds the following day (M.F.M.M.).
Speyside—very numerous, the maximum count being of over 350 at
Inshriach on lst November (R.H.D.).
Gregness, Kincardineshire—big arrival of small passerines on 5th
October, including many Siskins (A.S.). 4 seen there the following
day (V.C.W-E.).
Aberdeenshire—4 at Mains of Slains Farm on 7th October (E.S.). 6
above the Bridge of Don on 8th October were the first recorded by
the observer within the City of Aberdeen; on the same day two flocks
totalling over 100 birds were feeding on old flower heads of meadow
sweet and other plants at Murcar. In Deeside, mixed flocks totalling
over 100 Siskins and Redpolls were seen near Dinnet on 22nd October,
and another mixed flock of 100-150 was seen in Glen Muick, near Bal-
later, on 12th November. The observer has never seen so many Siskins
during the 15 years he has lived in this area, and only once in the past
10 years has he seen as many as 50 in a flock (V.C.W-E.).
Lawers, Perthshire—150 feeding on seed heads of bushes sticking up
through thick snow, 25th November (P.W-.S.).
Drymen, Stirling—flock of at least 100, 30th October (W.G.M.H.).
Isle of May—the first influx was of 40 birds on 19th September (see
Report elsewhere in this number).
Wigtownshire—small flocks have been seen regularly in various
places from October onwards, with a maximum of 70 near Wigtown on
25th November (A.F.A.).
The first two Twite of the winter were recorded at Cult
Ness, Fife, on 2nd November (G.D., J.P.).
Redpolls also seem to have been numerous this autumn—
e.g. 200 at Boat of Garten, Speyside, on 24th November
(R.H.D.)—but there is nothing to suggest any large scale
immigrations from the continent. The Isle of May Report
published elsewhere in this number records 3 Redpolls dur-
ing the autumn season, but these were all identified as
Lessers. A Redpoll seen in Stornoway on 7th December may
have belonged to one of the other races of Carduelis flam-
mea (W.A.J.C.).
Northern Bullfinches P. p. pyrrhula have been trapped at the
Scottish Observatories this autumn, and there have been
several reports from the mainland of birds thought to be-
long to this race. 2 cocks and 3 hens near Stormont Loch,
Angus, on 14th November seemed to show the clear blue grey
backs and bright rosy red breasts of the Northern race (H.B.),
and 6 cocks near Boat of Garten, Speyside, on 15th January
were also thought to be this race (R.H.D.). Some of the large
flock at Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian, (antea 1:508) were
thought by D.G.A. and R.WJ.S. to be of the Northern race,
but 16 (including only 3 cocks) were caught in mistnets on
18th November and all were within the measurements range
of British birds. In the net the cocks looked quite bright but
they became duller as one looked more closely (D.E.B., M.C.,
A.T.M.). It is just possible that only British birds were caught
because the Northern birds are said to keep more to the tree-
56 CURRENT NOTES. 2(1).
tops and so may have avoided capture; but it is clear that
sight identifications of this race require very great caution.
Light conditions can be most misleading, especially on days
when there is no sun to throw heavy shadows. .
There have been the following records of substantial flocks
of Snow Buntings:
Cairngorms—80 to 100 in the Cairngorm/Ben Macdhui area in Dec-
ember (R.H.D.).
Buddon Burn, Monifieth, Angus—two flocks each of about 200 birds
arrived from the east on 17th November and turned to the north or
north-west (H.B.).
Longannet, Fife—200 arrived on 11th February (J.H.).
Swanston, Midlothian—150 on 11th January (H.F.).—
Midlothian/Peebles—75 at Gladhouse Reservoir on 24th December
(R.W.J.S.) and 100 at Portmore on the 30th (D.G.A.).
St Mary’s. Loch, Selkirk—130 on 17th December (J.B.).
Eaglesham, Renfrewshire—100 on 25th December (L.A.U.).
The only acceptable record of Lapland Buntings this winter
was of a flock of 14 seen in a field near Gullane, East Lothian,
on 7th January (W.K.B.).
Plumage and structural abnormalities
A pale oatmeal-coloured Grey Lag Goose was seen amongst
a flock of at least 1,000 near Dunragit, Wigtownshire, on 2nd
January (A.D.W.). On 8th January a similarly coloured
Pink-footed Goose was seen in a large flock at Newburgh, Fife
(T.S.). An apparently adult Whooper Swan at Loch Ken, Kirk-
cudbrightshire, on 26th January had the normally yellow
patch on the bill of a pale pink colour (A.D.W.).
One of two Woodcock flushed at Manderston, Berwickshire,
on 3lst December had very conspicuous white underparts
(S.J.C.).
What the observer considered to be an albino Herring Gull
was present in Stornoway harbour on 18th November. At a
distance it looked all white and was at first mistaken for a
Glaucous Gull. At close quarters the mantle and wings were
seen to be of a very pale grey and the wing-tips were medium
rey, bearing exactly the same pattern of “mirrors” as in the
Herring Gull. Legs were pink (M.F.M.M.). What was pro-
bably the same bird had been seen in the same place by
M.-Ru. on 18th February 1961. é
A Starling with a curved beak about 3 inches long was seen |
at Prestwick on 30th November (R.M.R.).
Miscellaneous observations
A salmon was found in the eyrie of a pair of Golden Eagles
in Lewis in 1961 (W.A.J.C.). Another curious food item was
a dead Hare on which a Long-eared Owl was feeding near Boat
of Garten, Speyside, on 9th November (R.H.D.).
1962 CURRENT NOTES 57
At Cramond, Midlothian, where the woods come down to
the high tide line, Blue and Great Tits regularly come down to
pick over the seaweed (T.C.S.).
A brood of 3 young Greenfinches at New Cumnock, Ayrshire,
did not fledge until 13th September—an unusually late date
(J.A.B.).
Corrections
The Manx Shearwater recorded inland at Dalry (antea 1:
495) was found on 15th, not 16th, September. It was success-
fully kept alive, mainly on chopped herring, until 2nd Octo-
ber, when it was released at Balcary Bay (A.D.W.).
In view of a conflicting claim that the bird concerned was
a Smew, the observers have agreed that the Black-necked Grebe
recorded from the River Endrick (antea 1:436) should be
withdrawn.
The Greenshank at Hamilton (antea 1:503) was recorded on
29th August, not 29th September (D.R.W.).
OFFICIAL SECTION
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
SUMMER EXCURSIONS
Members are reminded that they may attend Excursions of Branches
other than their own if they wish to do so.
ABERDEEN
Sunday 13th May
GLENTANAR (subject to permission being granted)—Leader, Mr C.
Murray. Meet Bridge of Ess 10.30 a.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Saturday and Sunday 2nd/3rd June
LOCH GARTEN AREA —Leader, to be announced later. Meet Loch
Garten 6 p.m. on Saturday 2nd. Members to make own arrangements
for overnight accommodation.
Sunday 17th June
FOWLSHEUGH CLIPES (by boat from Stonehaven)—Leader, Dr G.
Dunnet. Meet Stonehaven Harbour 2 p.m. Bring picnic tea.
Sunday Ist July
BEN a’ BHUIRD (for Dotterel)—Leader, Miss E. A. Garden. Meet Allt
Dourie Cottage, Invercauld (subject to permission being granted)
10 a.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 4th November
LOCH OF STRATHBEG (large concentration of wildfowl, includine
Whooper Swans)—Leader, Miss E. A. Garden. Meet south end of
loch 10.30 a.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
58 ORF ICU SizCai@n, 2(1)
Members wishing to attend Glentanmar Excursion, please notify Mr C.
Murray, 20 Ivanhoe Road, Garthdee, Aberdeen, one week in advance.
For all other Excursions, please notify Miss E. A. Garden, Eider Cot-
tage, Newburgh (Tel. Newburgh 615) ene week in advance. All transport
will be by private cars, so will Members with spare seats please notify
Mr Murray or Miss Garden, depending on Excursion. Expenses will be
shared.
DUMFRIES
Members to make own arrangements for transport. Picnic lunch and
tea to be taken to Bass Rock, picnic tea only on other Excursions.
Saturday 5th May
ORROLAND BAY, KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE—Leaders, Mr ie VE.
Russell and Mr Donald Watson. Meet Ewart Library 1.30 p.m. or
rendezvous Dundrennan Post Office 2.45 p.m.
Saturday 2nd June
DRUMLANRIG WOODS—Leaders, Mr J. Maxwell and Mr f. Young.
Meet Ewart Library 1.30 p.m. or rendezvous Queen’s Drive, Drum-
lainey s Za) ops
Sunday 15th July
BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple,
Bart.)—Leader, Mr R. T. Smith. Meet Ewart Library 9 a.m. or ren-
dezvous at North Berwick Harbour at 12.15 p.m.
Saturday 25th August
ARBIGLAND SHORE—Leaders, Mr E. L. Roberts and Mr R. T. Smith.
Meet Ewart Libray 1.30 p.m. or rendezvous at Carsethorn 2.15 p.m.
DUNDEE
When private cars are to be used, applications for all Excursions
should be made one week in advance to Mr Jack Scobie, 11 Nevill
Street, Dundee (Tel. Dundee 86209).
Sunday 25th March
LINTRATHEN AND KINNORDIE LOCHS—Meet City Square 10 am.
Transport by private cars. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 27th May
NORTH ESK AND AUTHMITHIE— Meet City Square 10 am. Trans-
port by private cars. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 24th June
CAIRNGORMS (for Dotterel)—Members will be restricted to cars
available. Arrangements will be made known later.
Sunday 15th July
ISLE OF MAY—Number limited to 12. Leave on 10 am. Tay Ferry.
Transport by private cars. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 23rd September
EDEN ESTUARY (GUARDBRIDGE TO ST ANDREWS)—Meet Tay
Ferries 9.45 a.m. Transport by bus. Bring picnic lunch
1962. OFFICIAL, SECTION 59
EDINBURGH
Times of buses and trains should be checked with Summer Timetables.
Costs may also be subject to alteration. Private hire buses will only be
provided at charges shown on condition that a minimum of 30 attend.
Anyone unable to attend, having booked a seat, may be required to pay
the fare unless one week’s notice is given.
Saturday 5th May
ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE (Spring Migrants)—Leaders,
Mr W. K. Birrell and others. Meet Timber Bridge 2.30 p.m. Bring
picnic tea (S.M.T. bus leaves Edinburgh Bus Station at approx. 1.40
p.m.)
Saturday 12th May
HARPER RIG TO WEST LINTON (Moorland Walk)—Leader, Mr W.
Brotherston. Wilson’s (Carnwath) Bus leaves Castle Terrace 12.45
p.m. Bring picnic tea.
Saturday 26th May
PARADISE WOODS, DUNS—Leader, Mr William Murray. Private
cars will be used and those attending are asked to state if they re-
quire a seat, or the number of spare seats in their cars, Expenses
will be shared. Meet at Bridge over Whiteadder, Cumledge Mills,
2.30 p.m. Applications by 19th May to Miss Olive Thompson, 52 In-
verleith Row, Edinburgh 3. Bring picnic tea.
Sunday 3rd June
THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of the Earl of
Home)—Limited number. Applications by 26th May to Mr A. T.
Macmillan, 66 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh 13. Leader at the Hir-
sel, Major the Hon. Henry Douglas Home. Private bus leaves Wav-
erley Bridge 11 a.m. returning approx. 7 p.m. Bring picnic tea. Cost:
Bus approx. 8s.
Saturday 16th June
ISLE OF MAY—Number limited to 12. Applications by 9th June to Mr
Alastair Macdonald, Hadley Court, Haddington (Tel. Haddington
3204). Train to Anstruther leaves Waverley Station 9.10 am. Boat
leaves Harbour 11.40 am. prompt. Return train leaves Anstruther 6
p.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea. Cost: Day Return rail ticket 12s 6d;
boat approx. 9s.
Sunday Ist July
FARNE ISLANDS—Limited number. Applications by 23rd June to Miss
Olive Thompson, 52 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh 3. Private bus leaves
Waverley Bridge 9 am., arriving Seahouses 12.30 p.m. Boats leave
Harbour on arrival. Bring picnic lunch. Costs: bus approx. 11s; boat
approx. lls. High tea will be arranged for those who apply for it.
It is regretted that as places in the boats are limited to the number
of seats in the bus, applications from those wishing to travel by
private cars cannot be accepted.
Saturday 14th July
FIDRA AND FORTH ISLANDS (by kind permission of the R.S.P.B.)—
Number limited to 12. Applications by 7th July to Mr Michael Rob-
son, Little Bellwood, Glencorse, Penicuik (Tel. Penicuik 386). Boats
leave North Berwick Harbour 2.30 p.m. and return approx. 7 p.m.
Bring picnic tea. Cost: boat approx. 8s. N.B. If weather is uncertain,
it is advisable to check with the leader on the morning of Excursion
in case of cancellation,
60 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(1)
Saturday 28th July
BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple,
Bart.)—Applications by 21st July to Mr John King, 103 Marchmont
Road, Edinburgh 9 (Tel. MOR 2671). Boats leave North Berwick
Harbour 2.30 p.m. and return approx. 7 p.m. Bring picnic tea. Cost:
boat approx. 8s. Tickets must be obtained at the Harbour Office
before embarking. Please note that car parking is no longer per-
mitted at the Harbour, so Members should allow time for finding
a parking place elsewhere. N.B. If weather is uncertain, it is ad-
visable to check with the leader on the morning of the Excursion
in case landing is impossible.
Saturday 15th September
ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE (Autumn Migrants)—Leaders,
Mr W. K. Birrell and others. Arrangements as for 5th May.
GLASGOW
Saturday 28th April
HAMILTON BIRD SANCTUARY (by kind permission of the Town
Council of the Burgh of Hamilton)—Leader, Mr D. Stalker. Meet
at gates leading to Municipal Golf Course at 2 p.m.
Sunday 3rd June
THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of the Earl of
Home)—Limited number. Joint Excursion with Edinburgh Branch.
For applications and arrangements, see under Edinburgh Excursions.
Own arrangements to be made for travel to Edinburgh.
Wednesday 6th June
BARR MEADOWS, RENFREWSHIRE—Leader, Mr G. H. Acklam.
Meet at Lochwinnoch Station Yard at 6.30 p.m.
Saturday 9th June
LITTLE CUMBRAE (by kind permission of Little Cumbrae Estates
Ltd.)—Leader, Miss W. U. Flower. Boat leaves Fairlie Pier 11.30
a.m. Fare approx. 4s. Bring picnic lunch and tea. Applications by
26th May to Mr G. L. A. Patrick, 11 Knollpark Drive, Clarkston,
Glasgow. N.B. Members participating in this Excursion will be ex-
pected to sign an acknowledgment that they have read and agree
to the conditions stated below :—
“The permission to visit Little Cumbrae is granted on condition
that the company does not warrant the safety of the premises and
is under no obligation to protect you from injury or damage by
reason of the state of the premises. By entering the premises you
will be deemed to have accepted these conditions.”
Wednesday 13th June
HORSE ISLAND (by kind permission of the R.S.P.B.)—Leader, Mr G.
Fraser. Boat leaves Ardrossan Harbour 6.30 p.m. Fare approx. 4s.
Applications by 26th May to Mr G. L. A. Patrick, 11 Knollpark
Drive, Clarkston, Glasgow.
Saturday, 16th June
LUSS ISLANDS, LOCH LOMOND (by kind permission of Sir Iver
Colquhoun, _Bart.)—Leader, Mr G. Patrick. Service bus via Balloch
to Luss, alight at Bandry Bay 4 mile south of Luss. Ferry boat
leaves 1 p.m. returning 5.30 p.m. Fare approx, 4s, Bring picnic tea,
1962 OFFICIAL SECTION 61
Applications by 2nd June to Mr G. L. A. Patrick, 11 Knollpark
Drive, Clarkston, Glasgow
Saturday 23rd June
HORSE ISLAND (by kind permission of the R.S.P.B.)—Leader, Mr G.
Fraser. Boat leaves Ardrossan Harbour 2 p.m. Fare approx. 4s.
Bring picnic tea. Applications by 9th June to Mr G. L. A. Patrick,
-11 Knollpark Drive, Clarkston, Glasgow.
Sunday Ist July
EAST FLANDERS MOSS—Leader, Mr B. Weld. Meet at Easter Polder
Farm, near Kippen, 10.30 am. Bring picnic lunch and tea. (N.B. The
main object of this Excursion is the ringing of Lesser Black-backed
Gulls. The going is very hard, there being no shelter and little or
no dry ground).
Sunday 16th September
HAMILTON BIRD SANCTUARY (by kind permission of the Town
Council of the Burgh qf Hamilton)—Leader, Mr M. Forrester. Ar-
rangements as for 28th April.
ST ANDREWS
Applications for all Excursions should be made to Miss M. M. Spires,
2 Howard Place, St Andrews (Tel. 852), not later than ten days before
each Excursion. Transport will then be arranged.
Saturday 26th May
KILCONQUHAR LOCH (by kind permission of the Nairn Estates)—
Leave St Andrews Bus Station 2 p.m. Bring picnic tea.
Saturday 2nd June
LINDORES LOCH—Leave St Andrews Bus Station 2 p.m.
Sunday 10th June
LOCH LEVEN—Leave St Andrews Bus Station 10 am. Boats leave
the Sluices, Scotlandwell, for St Serf’s Island at 11 a.m. Bring pic-
nic lunch and tea.
} Saturday 7th July
TENTSMUIR (by kind permission of Mrs Purvis)—Leave St Andrews
Bus Station at 2 p.m. Bring picnic tea.
WEEKEND EXCURSION TO AVIEMORE
Arrangements have again been made with Mrs Grant, The Dell Hotel,
Rothiemurchus, Aviemore (Tel. Aviemore 216) for a weekend Excursion
to Speyside.
Accommodation for up to twenty Members has been reserved for the
weekend 11th to 13th May at inclusive terms of 55s per person, as fol-
lows: bed on Friday llth; breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on
Saturday 12th; breakfast and packed lunch on Sunday 13th.
Members wishing to come on this Excursion should book direct with
Mrs Grant, mentioning that they are Members of the Club, and are
asked to send her confirmation of their booking once it is made, and
also to inform her if they require dinner on Friday evening (extra).
Members may bring guests. Arrangements for transport by private cars
should be made with Branch Secretaries. Thermos flasks should be
brought.
62 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(1)
CLUB LIBRARY
Members are reminded that the Club has a growing Library of bird
books which is available for reference and study, and which also includes
a Lending Section, and it is hoped that the fullest use will be made of
this. While the Library is not yet comprehensive, during the past year
the Library Fund has been used for the purchase of books to fill impor-
tant gaps; this Fund is built up, firstly, by means of a small grant from
the General Funds of the Club, and also by the profits from sales throuch
the Book Agency. As this Fund is not a large one, the number of books
we can purchase is naturally limited.
For this reason we wish to thank the many people who have so gen-
erously donated books, journals and reprints to the Library. Many of
these we did not have, others have been used to increase the scope of the
Lending Section. Members are therefore invited to donate any bird books
which they do not require and we will be glad to accept them, with the
provision that, should we already have them in dtplicate, we may be
allowed to dispose of them and use the profit for purchasing the scarcer
books. We also intend to publish from time to time a list of books we
do not have in the Library; these will include certain of the older books
on Scotland which will be of great value for a broader study of changes
in populations and conditions which have affected our bird life. A prelim-
inary list is given below :—
Books wanted :
BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 1912. Handbook and Guide to Dundee and
District; containing an article by James B. Corr, on the Birds of the
Estuary of the Tay. (Dundee).
a G. 1895. The Land Birds in and around St Andrews. (8vo Dun-
ee).
FISHER, James. 1956. Rockall.. (Bles. London).
Ee ae 1899. Memoirs of a Highland Lady. (Murray. Edin-
urgh).
GRAY, T. 1959. How Animals Move. (Pelican A 454).
HUDSON, W. H. 1923. Rare, Lost and Vanishing Birds. (Dent. London).
HUNTER. D. G. 1934. Bird Notes in Angus and the Far North. (Arbroath).
LACK, David. 1947. Darwin’s Finches. (Cambridge University Press).
LACK, David. 1956. Swifts in a Tower. (Methuen. London).
Mr pee © G. V. T. 1955. Bird Navigation. (Cambridge University
ress).
MARTIN, Martin. 1698 (or later Editions). A Late Voyage to St Kilda
(London).
PENNANT, T. 1772 (or later Editions). A Tour in Scotland and Voyage
to the Outer Hebrides. (London).
PENNANT, T. 1777. Caledonian Zoology, in John Lightfoot’s Flora Scot-
icar
SERVICE, Robert. 1902. A Vertebrate Zoology of Kirkcudbrightshire, in
Maxwell’s Guide to the Stewartry of Kirkcudbrightshire.
SHAW, Rev. Lauchlan. 1775. History of the Province of Moray.
STEWART, Malcolm. 1933. Ronay, a description of the islands of North
Rona and Sula Sgeir together with their geography, topography, his-
tory and natural history, to which is appended a short account of the
Seven Hunters or Flannan Islands. (Oxford).
THORNTON, Thomas. 1804 (or 1896). A Sporting Tour through the
Northern Parts of England and...Highlands of Scotland (London).
Journals wanted :
Annals of Scottish Natural History. A bound volume for 1908,
History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club. 1831 et seq.
1962 OFFICIAL SECTION 63
Proceedings and Transactions of the Natural History Society of Glasgow
(later The Glasgow Naturalist). 1859 et seq.
The Scottish Naturalist. Vol. 1 (1871-2); Vol. 3 (1875-6); Vol. 7 (1883-4) ;
Vol. 8 (1885-6) ; Vol. 9 (1887-8); Vol. 10 (1889-90) ; Vol. 11 (1891-2).
Proceedings of the First International Ornithological Congress. Vienna
sei ao Budapest, 1891; Third, Paris 1900; and Sixth, Copen-
agen 6.
CLUB LIBRARIAN
Owing to the volume of work now entailed in organising the Club Lib-
rary, the Council would be glad to hear from anyone who would be
interested in acting as Honorary Librarian to the Club. Some typing
ability, knowledge of the literature and of Library procedure would be
an asset but are not all essential. The work would include cataloguing
books and Journals, selecting books which are required and exploring
sources for their purchase, arranging for exchanges with other Libraries
and Societies, and other matters connected with the expansion of the
Library. Any Member or friend who has some spare time and is inter-
ested in books would find this work of great interest and could give in-
valuable help to the Club. It could be carried out at any time of the day
or week and would not necessarily involve regular hours. The Secretary
will welcome any enquiries and will be glad to explain more fully the
work which is required.
OPERATION OSPREY 1962
The R.S.P.B. will once again require the assistance of volunteer wardens
between Ist April and mid-August to guard the Ospreys at Loch Garten
and to act as Guides to the public visiting the Observation Post in the
Sanctuary area. Wardens will be accommodated at a Base Camp where
food, tents and camp equipment will be provided free. Each person is
however expected to bring his own sleeping bag and pillow slip. Pro-
vided a sufficient number of Wardens are available, preferably for
periods of not less than a week at a time, each one will have every third
day free of duties. A succession of female cook-caterers will also be re-
quired for the period.
Anyone wishing to assist should send full details and references as soon
as possible to Mr George Waterston, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7.
HANDBOOK OF BRITISH BIRDS
The Aberdeen University Field Station at Culterty is in urgent need
of a set of five volumes of the Handbook for use at their Ringing
Station. These need not be in good condition. The gift of a set from a
Member would be greatly appreciated. Contact Dr George Dunnet, Cul-
terty Research Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire.
SOLWAY WEEKEND EXCURSION
16th to 18th February 1961
Once again we were lucky with the weather. During the first weekend
of the month, a party of members of the London Natural History Saciety
visited Dumfries and had a very wet couple of days. Then, during the
second weekend, members of the Edinburgh Natural History Society had
to battle with gale force winds. For our own excursion we had a fine
bright sunny morning, clouding over in the afternoon on the Saturday;
and a cloudy showery mild day on Sunday.
64 OPFICIAL SHCMON 2(1)
On Friday night, members began to arrive at the County Hotel, Dum-
fries. We were sorry that the usual Irish contingent was unable to join
us this year. After dinner we were entertained by Willie Brotherston
with a tape-recording of Pinkfeet at a roost, and by Jim Young with
some excellent colour slides of local scenery and birds.
We marshalled on Saturday morning at the Car Park beside the Nith,
noting the Lesser Black-backed Gulls which we seem to see there every
year. Bobbie Smith led the party of about seventy of us in a long convoy
of cars down the road to Bankend and on to East Park where we were
taken in charge by Langley Roberts, Warden of the Caerlaverock National
Nature Reserve. It was good to hear the Skylarks singing. We walked
out over the saltings towards the mouth of the Lochar and got excellent
views. of some 2,000 Barnacle Geese. We then proceeded westwards to
Glencaple where we parked on the jetty and had our picnic lunch watch-
ing Goosanders floating down the river. Back to Dumfries we took the
New Abbey road to Carsethorn to see Scaup and lots of Knots. A fine
Grey Plover was also seen.
Willie Austin then directed us over an attractive hill road by Auchenfad
and Trostan to Loch Arthur. Several Barn Owls were seen on this route;
indeed, over the weekend, at least ten different individuals were noted.
Among parties of tits, we observed Willow and Long-tailed. Visits were
paid to Milton Loch and Lochrutton before returning to Dumfries.
On Saturday night we all squashed into “Prince Charlie’s Lounge” in
the Hotel to take part in a “Bird Quiz” devised by Andrew Macmillan
who was unfortunately not able to be present. Willie Brotherston and
Paul Barbier defeated a local team—wWillie Austin and Bobbie Smith,
after the latter had beaten a Glasgow team composed of George Patrick
and T. D. H. Merrie. More colour slides were shown thereafter.
Sunday saw us setting off in convoy for Castle Douglas via Auchen-
reoch. At Carlingwark Loch we met up with Donald Watson who acted
as our guide from then on. A flock of geese came over from the direction
of Kelton—probably Bean Geese which we failed to see later. There were
fewer duck than usual on Carlingwark—and no Smew this year. We had a
look at the Gelston burn marsh, getting fine views of a Barn Owl hunt-
ing; then round by Mid Kelton, across the Bridge of Dee, and up to
Glenlochar. Here we turned right and visited an area near Mains of
Greenlaw. Among a party of Grey Lags were two fine Snow Geese. We
sat in our cars eating our lunch and admiring them. When the geese
eventually took to flight we could see that the Snows were considerably
smaller than the Grey Lags. The next excitement was a Green Sandpiper
which flew over and plummeted into a nearby ditch. While the whole
party watched, the bird was flushed and everyone got magnificent views
of it as it flew overhead and then dropped down again into another ditch.
Donald Watson then led us on up the west side of Loch Ken to, Living-
stone, stopping at various vantage points to watch Greenland White-
fronted Geese, Pintail, Shoveler, and a pair of Gadwall. Towards the head
of Loch Ken, more Willow Tits were seen. At New Galloway we turned
westwards to visit Clatteringshaws Reservoir before going on to Dalry
and Bridge of Ken Hotel for tea and the close of the excursion. The total
“bag” of species seen by members of the party was 88—so we were all
well satisfied.
Our warmest thanks to the Dumfries Branch for yet another memorable
weekend.
G. WATERSTON,
“A Real Paradise for
Birdwatchers |
MPHE enormity of the landscapes and the ever recurring contrasts of
Icelandic scenery have a unique attraction to tourists and bring them
back again year after year. And to the ornithologist, it is a veritable
treasure house. It has otten been referred to as “a real paradise for bird-
watchers” because of its wealth in bird-life. About 70 species nest there
and more than 200 have been observed. Most of the birds that flock .in
Iceland find there a land of peace where they are protected by the un-
written law of kindness; consequently they are tamer there than in most
other piaces.
Although Iceland is not an arctic country some true arctic birds can
be studied there such as the Little Auk, the Purple Sandpiper, the Grey
Phalarope, Brunnich’s Guillemot and the long-tailed duck. The Sea-eagle
is still tound there and the famous Iceland Gyr-falcon is not uncommon.
A Snowy Owl flapping over a pitch black lava stream is an impressive
sight. Even the capital, Reykjavik, has some interesting bird inhabitants.
On an islet in the Lake Tjornin, the Arctic Tern breeds in great numbers.
Red-necked Phalaropes often flock on the lake which is also alive with
ducks of many species. An hour’s drive from Reykjavik to the old seat of
the Icelandic Parliament at Thingvellir may result in the thrilling sight
of the Great Northern Diver which breeds nowhere else in Europe. A
flight of half an hour brings the ornithologist to the rich bird cliffs of
the Westman Islands. The rocky island, Eldey, off the Reykjavik pen-
insula, is occupied by about 15,000 pairs of North Atlantic Gannet, the
largest single colony of the species in the world. On the oases south of
Hofsjokull, is the world’s largest breeding colony of the Pinkfooted Goose.
Lake Myvatn in northern Iceland has been called the Mecca of bird
watchers. This five mile by eight mile lake, which is also renowned for its
unrivalled scenic beauty, has the largest concentration in Europe of
breeding ducks. Fifteen species nest there; two of them, the Barrow’s
Goldeneye and the Harlequin Duck, nest nowhere else in Europe out-
side Iceland.
The total number of ducks and ducklings on the lake in late summer
has been estimated at 140,000. At Myvatn, a unique form of peaceful co-
existence between man and bird has developed through the ages. On the
idyllic island of Slutnes, in order to look at their eggs, one has to lift
some of the ducks from their nests.
For full details of this enchanting
country and how to get there, con-
tact ICELANDAIR, 33 St Enoch
Square, GLASGOW, C.1 (Tel. CITy
3638). There is a daily service by
modern Viscount aircraft and spec-
ial reduced rates are available for
group travel.
BIRD
CONSERVATION
"THE aim of bird conservation ig to promote the richest and
most varied bird-life possible. Man’s commercial develop-
ments often threaten species which require highly specialised
habitats ; we try to combat this by creating Reserves in such
areas.
The Society has assisted with the re-establishment of ‘‘lost’’
indigenous species by creating the right conditions for them to
recolonise their old haunts. This was achieved at Havergate by
regulating the water-level by artificial means so that Avocets
could breed ; and in the case of the Ospreys at Loch Garten by
preventing human predation in the form of egg-collecting.
Experiments are being carried out with nest-boxes for Golden-
eye duck in the hope that we may induce this species to breed
in Scotland.
A further example of a positive step in bird conservation was
the elimination of rats on Fidra where they had decimated the
tern colonies on this island. The Society successfully exter-
minated the rats, and the terns now breed successfully.
The Society was largely instrumental in persuading the
Government to ban the use of aldrin, dieldrin, and heptachlor
for dressing spring-sown grain, thus reducing the wide-spread
damage to birds and wildlife caused by these toxic chemicals.
In 1961, the Society established Reserves at Horse Island
(off Ardrossan) ; and at Inchmickery, Fidra, Lamb, and Eye-
broughty in the Firth of Forth. In 1962, further Reserves will
be declared. :
All these activities cost money. As a bird-watcher we appeal
to you to support the work of the Society by becoming a Mem-
ber at an annual subscription of one guinea (10s if under 21
years of age). This subscription entitles you to copies of the
Society’s quarterly journal ‘‘Bird Notes.”
Write now for copy of Prospectus.
THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOCe.
THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS
Scottish Office: 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7
The Isle of
May
W. J. EGGELING
The Isle of May has been renowned for over a
century as outstandingly interesting to naturalists,
especially as a station for the study of bird
migration. Dr Eggeling of the Nature Conservancy
has known the Isle since boyhood and writes on
all aspects of it with great authority.
Fully illustrated. 30s net
OLIVER & BOYD
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Tie
Illustrated is the Official Club Tie,
of which R. W. Forsyth’s are the
sole suppliers. The tie is made
from Terylene with a blue or
green background, and
the bird motif in
silver. 16/9.
Forsyth’s
also provide
warm clothing
for bird watchers:
gloves, scarves, under-
wear, shoes, caps, weath-
erproof trousers, jerkins,
raincoats and overcoats.
R. W. FORSYTH
R. W. Forsyth Ltd. Princes Street Edinburgh And at Glasgow
Ex-Admiralty
7 x 50
CANADIAN & US. NAVAL
BINOCULARS
Ideally suited to bird-watching require
ments, this instrument has many outstanding
characteristics which combine to make it one
of the world’s greatest binoculars. The advan-
ced optical system produces an extraordinary
high light transmission, giving maximum per-
formance even under the dullest conditions.
Another feature is the wide field of approxi-
mately 660 yards at 3 miles, plus an amazing
stereoscopic or 5D effect. These binoculars are
in perfect condition and are supplied complete
with leather case and straps. Current value
estimated at £60. Offered under our 5 years’
Free Maintenance service at £24
THE PICK
“SEND Ws
ke FORNEW 2
a CATALOGUE s
Walter Thomson, Printer,
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ON 14 DAY’S FREE TRIAL
OF THE WORLD'S
12x50 JAPANESE
BINOCULARS
Centre focussing with
separate eye adjustment.
A small quota of these ex-
tremely high quality bino-
culars are now available.
We consider them to be
equal to many binoculars
retailing at over £50.
Supplied complete with
leather case & straps §23
6x50 ARMY BINOCULARS
An excellent general pur-
pose binocular of good
performance, which will
stand up to a great deal
of rough usage. Cost ap-
prox. £20. 15/-
7x50 PRISMATIC
TELESCOPE
Tripod mounted. A heavy
instrument of superb per-
rormance. Estimated cost
2ulZe, £9, 15/-
10x70 ROSS BATTLESHIP
BINOCULARS .
Tripod mounted. Cost over
£200 £45
Selkirk.
mS oCOTTISH
PikD >
The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Vol. 2 No. 2 Summer 1962
Rel Vor SHILLINGS
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
MHeE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was founded in 1936 and membership
is open to all interested in Scottish ornithology. Meetings are held
during the winter months in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh,
Glasgow and St Andrews, at which lectures by prominent ornithologists
are given and films exhibited. Excursions are organised in the summer to
places of ornithological interest.
The aims and objects of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the
study of Scottish Ornithology in all its branches; (b) co-ordinate the
efforts of Scottish Ornithologists and encourage co-operation between field
and indoor worker; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland in
co-operation with other organisations; (d) hold meetings at centres to be
arranged at which Lectures are given, films exhibited, and discussions held;
and (e) publish or arrange for the publication of statistics and information
with regard to Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is
25/-; or 7/6 in the case of Members under twenty-one years of age or in
the case of University undergraduates who satisfy the Council of their status
as such at the time at which their subscriptions fall due in anv year.
Joint membership is available to married couples at an annual subscrip-
tion of 40/-. “Scottish Birds” is issued free to members, but Joint mem-
bers will receive only one copy between them.
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 and Business Editor of “Scottish Birds,’ the Hon. Treasurer
of the House Fabric Fund, one Representative of each Branch Committee
appointed annually by the Branch, and ten other Members of the Club
elected at an Annual General Meeting. Two of the last named retire
annually by rotation and shall not be eligible for re-election for one
year.
A Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by the Council, produce
an annual Report on “Ornithological Changes in Scotland.”
An official tie with small white Crested Tits embroidered on it can be
obtained in dark green or in navy blue by Members only from Messrs R.
W. Forsyth Ltd., Princes Street, Edinburgh, or 5 Renfield Street. Glasgow,
C.2 at a cost of 16s 9d post extra. A small brooch in silver and blue can be
obtained for the use of Members of the Club. Price 2s 6d each from the
Secretary, or from Hon. Branch Secretaries.
Forms of application for Membership, copy of the Club Constitution,
and other literature is obtainable from the Club Secretary, Mrs George
Waterston, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7. (Tel. Waverley 6042).
CLUB-ROOM AND LIBRARY
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7, will
be available to Members during office hours, and on Wednesday evenings
from 7 to 10 p.m. during the winter months. Members may use the Refer-
ence Library and borrow books from the Duplicate Section. Facilities for
making tea or coffee are available at a nominal charge and Members may
bring guests by arrangement. The Aldis 2” x 2” slide projector and screen
can be used for the informal showing of slides at a charge of 2s 6d per
night to cover the replacement of bulbs
THE BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY
was founded in 1932 to encourage the study of birds, with par-
ticular reference to field-work. The national Ringing and Nest
Record Schemes are two permanent activities, and special en-
quiries are carried out each year to study the status and
habits of different species.
SUBSCRIPTION—Life member, £37 10s; Ordinary member,
£1 10s p.a.; reduced rates for students and members aged 17-21.
PUBLICATIONS
BIRD STUDY A quarterly journal, free to members.
The issue for June 1962 includes papers on Weights of Pink-
footed Geese in Autumn (J. V. Beer and H. Boyd), Difficulties
in Ageing the Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (M. P.
Harris), Nightjar Enquiry, 1957-58 (J. Stafford).
BIRD MIGRATION ‘Twice-yearly, subscription 7s per annum.
The forthcoming issue contains an analysis of the spring mig-
ration of 1962 over the British Isles; also papers on Falls of
Night Migrants on the English East Coast (D. Lack and J. L. F.
Parslow), and the Nature of ‘Leading-line’ Behaviour (Ken-
neth Williamson).
FIELD GUIDES
No. 1: Trapping Methods for Bird Ringers, new revision by
C. D. T. Minton and R. Spencer, in preparation.
No. 2: Binoculars and Telescopes for Field Use, by J. R. Heb-
ditch. Revised 1961. 2s 6d (post free).
No. 3: Nestboxes, by Edwin Cohen. Revised 1961, 3s (post
free).
No. 5: Treatment of Sick and Wounded Birds, by F. B. Lake,
_ 8d (post free).
‘No. 6: The Bird in the Hand, by R. K. Cornwallis and A. E.
Smith. Illustrated by E. A. R. Ennion. Handling, ringing
and examination of birds. Guide to sexing and ageing of
over 60 common species. New revision in preparation.
No. 7: Identification for Ringers, 1: Acrocephalus, Hippolais
and Locustella, by Kenneth Williamson, 3s 6d (post free).
No. 8: Identification for Ringers, 2: Phylloscopus, by Ken-
-._. neth Williamson. Ready June 1962, 7s (post free). Coloured
plate by D. I. M. Wallace.
Pocket Field List of European Birds, 6d (postage 2d). 6 for 3s
(post free). Reduction for large orders.
Simplified Field List of British Birds, 12 for 2s 6d post free
(minimum order).
Further details and information from: The Secretary,
BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY
2 KING EDWARD STREET, OXFORD.
SUTHERLAND
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 amenities in so small a
compass.
May and June are _ its
finest months.
The Hotel is fully modern,
but retains its old world
charm of other davs, and en-
joys a wide renown for its
comfort and fine cuisine.
Fully descriptive broch-
ures will gladly be forwarded
on request. One brochure is
devoted exclusively to bird-
watching.
Proprietor, T. HEXLEY
AA R.A.C.
(3 Star)
GARAGE AND
LOCK-UPS AVAILABLE
R.S.A.C.
Small Advertisements
2/6d per line — minimum 7/6d.
Enquiries to A. J. Smith, Business
Editor, Glenview, Selkirk.
Animal dispersion in relation to
social behaviour. By Professor V.
C. Wynne-Edwards. 1962. Pp. XIil
+ 653; diagrams, colour, and black
and white plates. 55/-. Just pub-
lished by Oliver & Boyd. A superb
presentation of a_ highly original
and controversial theory. Available
from the Scottish Centre for Or-
nithology and Bird Protection, 21
Regent ‘Terrace, Edinburgh. Buy
through the S.O.C. and help the
Library Fund.
a ee eee
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bul-
letins—back numbers. The Editor
of “Scottish Birds” is anxious to
obtain copies of Volume 1, Nos. 1.
2, 5 and 10 of the “Fair Isle Bird
Observatory Bulletin” to complete
his set, and will pay a reasonable
price—either to the seller, or, if
preferred, to the funds of the bird
observatory. Copies of the 1952
and 1953 Annual Reports are also
wanted.
ow eee
The Birds of Aberlady Bay Nature
Reserve. By Frank D. Hamilton
and Keith S. Macgregor. 1960. 33
pages, 6 plates and map. 5/- (Post-
age 4d extra). A detailed check-
list and studv based on 10 years of
weekly visits. Invaluable for any-
one who watches birds at Aber-
lady, but equally useful as a cuide
to the birds likely to be seen
elsewhere along the shores of the
Firth of Forth during the year.
Available from the Scottish Centre
for Ornithology and Bird Protec-
tion, 21 Regent Terrace, Edin-
burgh.
You are invited to send small ad-
vertisements for inclusion in this
feature, which will appear when
space allows.
SCOTTISH BIRDS
KOE,
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 2 No. 2 Summer 1962
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. SMoutT. Business Editor, ARTHUR J. SMITH, Cover design (Whimbrel)
by LEN FULLERTON. Published quarterly.
Editorial
TIYWO extra items are being sent out with this issue of
Scottish Birds. One is the long-awaited Index to Volume
1. Readers who want to have the volume bound should care-
fully fill up the form on the cover of the index and send
off the various parts, with payment for the binding, as soon
as possible.
The other is a Special Supplement on The Birds of Tents-
muir by J. Grierson. The birds of this area have been noted
for many years by Mr Grierson, and before him by the Berrys
of Tayfield and others, and it is most valuable to have a record
of these observations from such an interesting area. The face
ef Tentsmuir is changing still, and it will be very interesting
in future years to be able to compare the birdlife with what is
presently recorded.
To some it may seem dull and unimaginative to visit the
same place every weekend, but it is not so. Little things take
on a meaning which one misses on a single visit; the more
often one goes back the more one gets from each visit, so
that the value of a series of records is far more than the sum
of the individual records. After many visits, over several
years, one can talk with conviction about what happens in
‘a normal year—‘‘Swallows seem scarce this year,’ “Whim-
rel should be here soon,’ “Why have the Moorhens not
nested this year?’”—then, after a few years more, one realises
that there is hardly such a thing as a normal year.
One final thought. Do not get so engrossed in your chosen
haunts that you grow old and die without ever writing them
‘up. Though years of further study are needed you could at
least send a progress report—The first 50 years—to be filed
in the S.O.C, Library, even if you are not ready for publica-
tion in Scottish Birds.
66 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA 2(2)
AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA IN 1961
W. E. WATERS
Introduction
There is a long history of ornithological observations from
St Kilda, which because of its geographical position as the
most westerly of the Western Isles of Scotland is of especial
interest in the study of bird migration. Many of the old ac-
counts mention migrants but there are only a few studies
throughout a season of bird movement. Dr W. Eagle Clarke:
visited the island during the autumn migrations of 1910 sah 4
1911 (Clarke 1912). Since 1957 the Armed Forces have been:
on the island and this has facilitated communications and
hence the study of its natural history. K. Williamson and Dr
J. Morton Boyd made records in 1957 and there have been
others since from Service personnel—particularly Dr D. G.
Boddington in 1958-59—as well as from visiting naturalists.
The purpose of this article is to describe the autumn migra-
tion of 1961 and relate it to previous knowledge. Movements,
which may be in the nature of dispersal or accidental arrival
on strong easterly winds of local birds from the Scottish
mainland or Hebrides, are included, but mention of breeding
species is made only where there is augmentation by migra-
tory movement (e.g. Meadow Pipit). |
Five new birds are added to the St Kilda list: Goldeneye,
Velvet Scoter, phalarope sp., Goldcrest and Pied Flycatcher.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
I was on Hirta, the main island in the archipelago, from the |
end of May until 20th October 1961. Regular observations
were confined to Village Glen, which was covered at least
once and usually twice each day in August and September;
other parts of the island were visited when time permitted. |
Village Glen is unquestionably the best place on the island
to see migrants, in particular the area behind the Village
Street, the valley of the Amhuinn Mhor and the boulder
beach area. Migrant waders were seen on the sandy beach
and on the rocks below the Manse in August and early Sep-
tember, while later in the autumn, and with strong southerly |
winds, ‘they occurred on the grassland around the old crofts. |
Day to day observations of these areas gave a good indication |
of migration and the numbers involved.
Other areas that produced some migrants were the plantago |
sward of Ruaival (waders), Amhuinn Ruaival (Redwing and
Redstart), the heights of Mullach Sgar and Mullach Geal.
(Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapland and Snow Buntings), |
and sheltered places in the steep gulleys on the east side of
1962 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA 67
\Oiseval (White Wagtail). As noticed by previous observers,
Gleann Mor and the Cambir held few migrants. Sometimes
Meadow Pipits, and occasionally White Wagtails and Wheat-
ears, were numerous there for a day or so after arrival, be-
fore moving over the ridge into Village Glen. The few war-
blers that arrived seemed to find most of their insect food
poe the dry stone walls, particularly that above the boulder
beach.
The main migrants passing through St Kilda are on their
way to or from the far north-west—Iceland, Greenland and
‘even the arctic islands of northern Canada. Less common in a
station situated so far west, and on the “blind side” of the
Scottish mainland and the Hebrides, are migrants from con-
tinental Europe and Scandinavia. Of the main passerine mig-
rants from the north-west in autumn 1961, the Wheatear had
an average strong passage through St Kilda, with a maximum
of about 20 in any day, whereas Meadow Pipits and White
Wagtails were less common than in some previous years,
with maximum counts of about 60 and 10 respectively. This
‘may have been due to the stronger than normal winds which
‘occurred over the sea area between Iceland and north-west
“Scotland. In September the wind was about twice its aver-
‘age speed and mainly south-westerly, and this may have
resulted in more birds making landfall to the north and east
of St Kilda than in an average year.
Many of the rarities on Fair Isle and the east coast of
Britain arrive from continental Europe and Scandinavia. In
1910, and to a lesser extent in 1911, Clarke had an impressive
‘list of such migrants at St Kilda. That these were exceptional
lyears has been shown by Williamson and Boyd (1960), and
‘confirmed by subsequent observations. One of the striking
‘features of St Kilda, to one who is familiar with other west
‘coast island observatories, is the scarcity of migrants, espec-
jally in the early autumn. Despite the regular searches in
‘Village Glen I saw only eleven species of passerine migrants
‘during the whole of August and September. Excluding the
‘Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and White Wagtail only about 20
‘individual passerines were seen in these two months. Although
‘this period has produced interesting migrants in past years
(their paucity in 1961 was probably not very exceptional. On
‘an island so high and conspicuous as St Kilda (Conachair
towers 1,397 feet above the sea), and fifty miles from the
nearest land, this must indicate little migration in the area.
|My general impression, backed by observations of individual
birds, was that most migrants remained on the island for
‘some time—almost always twenty-four hours and often up
/to a week and more. They would move around until they
/found a suitable area, and they could be seen there regularly
Jon subsequent days. A Knot, ringed in arctic Canada six years
68 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA 2(2)
ago, remained on the island for at least 18 days, and this
seemed the general rule for waders and ducks, and to some
extent for the common passerines, though this was not so for
the Wheatear, White Wagtail and Meadow Pipit in 1957 (Wil-
liamson—personal communication).
The wader migration, involving 13 species, started in early
July and was fairly continuous until at least mid October,
though never heavy. Turnstone and Golden Plover were the
most numerous species, each reaching a maximum of about
30 in October. All the waders involved had Icelandic or high-
arctic breeding distributions except the Jack Snipe which
arrived with other Scandinavian birds in early October. The
scarcity in autumn of Purple Sandpiper (none) and Whim-
brel (one only) is confirmed by my 1961 observations. Merlins
also were uncommon, but this is a species which is frequent at
this season on Fair Isle and it seems clear that these birds
use different routes in spring and autumn (Williamson 1954,
Williamson and Boyd 1960). The gulls recorded in autumn are
probably mainly local birds blown out from the Hebrides by
easterly winds. The Slavonian Grebe and Arctic Tern are
probable Icelandic migrants but records are not numerous
at St Kilda:
MONTHLY MOVEMENTS
July. Wader migration started early in the month; there
were two Swifts on 2nd and a Great Skua on 26th.
August. This month saw the main passage of Meadow Pipits
and White Wagtails and more waders but otherwise there
was little movement. The wind over the Iceland/Hebrides
sea area was more westerly and appreciably stronger than
normal.
September. An unidentified warbler was seen on 2nd; the
3rd produced a Curlew, c. 10 large Wheatears, a Redstart and
c. 15 Meadow Pipits. A Goldcrest and a Lapland Bunting, not
seen until 5th, may well have arrived with the same move-
ment. Although the Curlew, Goldcrest, Redstart and warbler
must have come from more easterly longitudes, the Wheat-
ears and Meadow Pipits were probably Icelandic in origin.
Their simultaneous arrival on St Kilda can be accounted for
by the high pressure system between Iceland and north-west
Scotland giving light winds and even calm conditions on 2nd
for the Iceland/Hebrides crossing, and moderate north-east
winds over the Hebrides (Stornoway) drifting the species
from the east. Alternatively the Icelandic migrants could
have followed the inter-island route by the Faeroes, Shetland
and Orkney, for which conditions were good, and been drifted |
to St Kilda with the other species.
Strong east winds produced one Rook, one Swallow, one
House Martin and two Lapwings on the 17th.
1962 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA 69
October. The main migration of the autumn was from 4th
to 11th October. The origin of much of this was the continent
of Europe, and the birds probably arrived in the light easterly
airstream to the north of a low pressure area which passed
over the British Isles on the 7th. The majority of species
occurring were obviously from east of St Kilda—Pied Fly-
catcher (5th), Song Thrush (6th), Willow Warbler and Chiff-
chaff (7th), and Blackbird (8th). Two were definitely Scan-
dinavian—the Red-throated Pipit on 7th and Jack Snipe on
8th. During this rush there were arrivals also of possibly
Icelandic birds such as Merlin, Redwing, Wheatear, Meadow
Pipit and White Wagtail, but their appearance does not fit
with good conditions for the direct crossing from Iceland.*
The occurrence on St Kilda of Icelandic migrants with an
easterly wind has been noted before (Clarke 1912, Williamson
& Boyd 1960). It has been suggested that some birds from the
far north-west may make their first landfall in the British
Isles to the north and east of St Kilda, arriving on the latter
with easterly winds as they migrate down the west coast.
This is probably what happened to the Icelandic migrants
during the period 4th to 11th. Arrivals at St Kilda during
easterly winds do not however necessarily mean that this has
been their route, as a direct crossing may also have been pos-
oe as is shown by the early September movement described
above.
A depression over the southern part of the North Sea
on 13th October produced the first easterly winds over Shet-
land (Lerwick) and the Hebrides (Stornoway) since the 8th,
ae probably brought the Bluethroat caught on the evening
of the 13th.
SPECIES LIST
The following list includes all migrants seen between Ist
June and 20th October 1961.
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. Two which summered in Village
Bay were joined by a third on Ist and 2nd Sept; one irregular-
ly from 12th Sept until 8th Oct.
SLAVONIAN GREBE. A small grebe, probably of this species,
on 12th, 13th and 17th Sept; one from 4th to 14th Oct.
Heron. One seen by R. Harding on 7th Aug.
TEAL. Five in Gleann Mor on 23rd Aug; one in Village Bay
on 30th Sept.
TuFTED Duck. One drake on 17th Sept after easterly winds
the previous day. First autumn record.
*It is worth noting the correlation of arrivals of Redwings at St Kilda (5th Oct-
ober). Skerryvore (6th and 7th), and the Bass Rock (5th to 8th) revealed
by the various articles in this issue of Scottish Birds, (See also Bird Migration
2: 80-81 and 150-131).—Ep.,
70 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA 2(2)
LONG-TAILED Duck. A drake on 10th Oct; a female or im-
mature on 20th Oct. Previous records indicate that this species
can be expected during the second week of October. |
CoMMON SCOoTER. One on 28th-29th Sept; three on ist Oct;
thereafter one or two on most days until I left on 20th Oct.
All in Village Bay, and none adult drakes.
VELVET ScoTeR. A drake in Village Bay on 27th July remain-
ed until Ist Aug. First record.
GOLDENEYE. Two in Village Bay on 10th Oct, one remaining
until at least 18th Oct. No previous record.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. A female or immature in Village
Bay from 7th to 10th Oct.
PEREGRINE. There are many past breeding records but my
only observations for 1961 were of an adult over Na h-Eagan
on 2nd Aug and an immature chasing Golden Plovers on Mul-
lach Sgar on 8th Oct. Soay and Boreray were not visited, so
breeding there is not excluded and my records may have
been of local birds.
MERLIN. Two on 21st Sept; one on 4th Oct. One most days
frcm 10th to 15th Oct was probably the same bird.
OYSTERCATCHER. Breeding birds had all left the island by
Sth Sept. Three on 17th Sept and single birds on 9th and 14th
Oct were all preceded by easterly winds.
LaPwinc. Two on 17th Sept; one on 6th Oct (remaining
until 10th). Both arrivals followed easterly winds the previous
day.
RINGED PLOVER. Two in Village Bay on 24th June; an im-
mature from 15th July for four days; one or two on many
days in Aug and Sept with a maximum of three on 5th Sept.
Last recorded on 10th Oct.
GOLDEN PLOVER. Occasional birds in June, July and Aug. on
Mullach Sgar and Oiseval but breeding was not suspected.
Fifteen migrants on 5th Sept, passage continuing at least until
17th Oct. Maximum count c. 35 on 10th Oct.
TURNSTONE. A few throughout the summer. Migrants started
RB arrive during the last week in Aug; largest flock 35 on 11th
et:
SNIPE. There was a decrease in the breeding population
about mid-Sept, with probably less than 10 birds in Village
Glen until 8th Oct, when there was a marked increase, to
perhaps 25 birds—this number being maintained until I left
the island.
Jack SNIPE. Three in Village Glen from 8th until 14th Oct
frequented the marshy area above the boulder beach and
Tobar Childa. The only previous definite record is of one seen
by Brownlow and Williamson on 21st Sept 1957.
CURLEW. One on 7th Sept; one heard on 3rd and 14th Sept.
1962 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA /\
WHIMBREL. Two remained in Gleann Mor until 2nd July
but breeding not established. One on 18th Aug was the only
record for the autumn.
REDSHANK. Single birds on 20th and 24th July, 7th Aug and
4th-5th Oct. The previous latest autumn record was 10th Sept
191
Knot. Two on 22nd July (one remaining until 28th July,
one to 2nd Aug). One in partial red plumage on 19th Aug was
trapped on 22nd and found to have an American ring. It had
been ringed as a chick on 9th July 1955 at Slidre Fjord, Elles-
mere Island, Canada. The bird remained on the island until
5th Sept. If this bird had left Ellesmere Island with an anti-
cyclone on 16th Aug it would have met westerly winds over
Davis Strait on 17th and could have arrived with on easterly-
moving depression on 18th-19th. Another Knot, which arrived
on 29th Aug, stayed four days.
DunLIn. One on 12th June. Autumn passage very slight with
three on 26th Aug and single birds thereafter on several days
until 10th Oct.
SANDERLING. Autumn passage started with a single bird on
lst Aug and reached its peak in the first half of Sept with a
maximum of five on 3rd Sept. One on 5th and 7th Oct.
PHALAROPE Sp. Two in Village Bay from 12th to 14th Oct
were probably Grey Phalaropes P. fulicarius but identification
is not certain. There are no previous records of phalaropes.
GREAT Skua. One off Oiseval on 26th July, the month to
which the great majority of St Kilda records refer.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. The breeding population started
to leave in mid-Aug and all were gone by 6th Sept. One bird
of the British race on 10th Oct.
CoMMon GULL. One immature 15th-18th July, two adults
17th July, one 19th-21st Aug and 4th, 9th and 10th Oct.
BLACK-HEADED GULL. More frequent than the Common Gull;
highest numbers, seven on 20th July and 10th Oct. With 14
out of the 29 arrivals the wind had been from an easterly
direction in the previous 48 hours.
Common/ArcTic TERN. Single terns, thought to be Arctic,
seen over Village Bay on 30th Sept, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th
Oct and at least two on 12th, 14th and 15th Oct.
Owirt. Two on 2nd July, a month of many previous Swift
records.
SWALLOW. Single birds on several days in June and July.
One on 17th and two on 20th Sept probably came with the
esterly gale on 16th. Only one previous record later than July.
House Martin. Up to four in early June; one 17th Sept. Like
the Swallow, rare in autumn; no previous Sept record.
Rook. An adult on Ruaival on 17th Sept. There appears to
72 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA Z2(2)
be only one other record this century—in May 1957 (William-
son). .
FIELDFARE. Three on 8th Oct.
Sonc THRUSH. One on 6th Oct. Recent records are rare al-
though this species bred on St Kilda last century.
REDWING. First seen on 5th Oct when there were at least
100 in Village Glen and the surrounding hills. This number
soon dropped, but a further 30 or more arrived on 8th. Only
about ten remained when I left on 20th. :
BLACKBIRD, Female on 8th Oct; first winter male on 11th.
WuHeEATEAR. Many of the local birds left in the last week of
Aug. Marked increase of larger Wheatears on 8th Sept and
perhaps again on 23rd. No Wheatears seen in early Oct but
six noted on 8th, and one still present on 14th.
REDSTART. Single females or immatures on 8rd Sept and 8th
Oct. There are several previous autumn records.
BLUETHROaT. A first winter male was caught and ringed
when it flew into a lighted building on the evening of 13th
Oct. The race could not be determined with certainty. It
weighed 14.6 grams. Seen again on 17th. The only previous
record is of one in May 1959 recorded by Boddington.
WILLOW WARBLER. Two on 7th Oct; one still present on 8th
was a very pale bird showing the characteristics of the
northern form—P., t. acredula.
CHIFFCHAFF. One on the boulder beach on 7th Oct.
Unidentified warblers were also seen on 2nd and 23rd Sept.
GOLDCREST. One on 5th Sept. No previous records although
the species has occurred on the Flannan Isles and recently
on North Rona.
PIED FLYCATCHER. One behind Village Street on 5th Oct. An-
other new species for St Kilda but likewise recorded from
both the Flannans and North Rona.
Merapow Pipit. The first obvious migrants arrived on 7th
Aug and further arrivals were suspected on 14th, 19th, 22nd,
23rd Aug and 3rd, 8th, 23rd, 26th Sept and 9th Oct. On only
two occasions was there an easterly wind during the previous
24 hours. Passage was not as heavy as in some previous years,
with a maximum count of c. 60 on 23rd Aug. Up to 30-35 were
present on many days in Sept.
RED-THROATED PipiT. One above the boulder beach from 7th
to 10th Oct has been accepted by the Rarity Records Commit-
tee. It was easily separated from the Meadow Pipits by its
call. There are two previous records by Clarke for the aut-
umns of 1910 and 1911. Further details appear elsewhere in
this issue.
Wuite WactaiL. Two on 2nd Aug with further arrivals on
1902 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA 73
6th, 10th, 19th, 23rd, 27th Aug, 8th and 26th Sept, and 7th Oct.
Two of these nine arrivals followed winds with an easterly
component within 24 hours, and four of them coincided with
arrivals of Meadow Pipits.
REpDPOLL. Eight on 8th Sept, two on 6th Oct. Race not known.
LaPLAND BUNTING. One on Mullach Sgar on 5th Sept, and
another on 14th Sept, and c. 6 on 8th Oct.
SNOW BUNTING. One on 23rd Sept, seven or more on lst Oct,
and c. 12 on 8th Oct. Mullach Geal was their favourite haunt
but single birds were seen flying over Village Glen.
I am indebted to K. Williamson and Dr W. J. Eggeling for
help in preparing this paper and to the Meteorological Office
for information and the loan of weather maps.
PRINCIPAL REFERENCES
CLARKE, W. E. 1912. Studies in Bird Migration. London and
Edinburgh.
WILLIAMSON, K. 1954. The Migration of the Iceland Merlin.
Brit. Birds 47: 434-441.
WILLIAMSON, K. & Boyp, J. M. 1960. St Kilda Summer. London.
Captain Waters’ notes cover the autumn migration and ar-
rival of winter visitors up to 20th October 1961. We have also
received details from P. J. Fullagar of observations which
he made on Hirta during the following month, from 8th to
17th November. The notes below have been selected from a
complete list of observations kindly supplied by Mr Fullagar.
The weather was clear, except on the 15th and 16th when it
was cloudy with occasional drizzle. The Village Bay area was
well covered, and the rest of the island was covered several
times during work on the Soay sheep.—ED.
SLAVONIAN GREBE. One from 11th to 17th.
HERON. One over Village Bay, calling and circling, flew off
NW on 13th.
MALLARD. A drake on 16th.
LONG-TAILED Duck. A duck from 11th to 17th.
Treat. A duck on the tarn in Gleann Mor on 12th and 14th.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. One on 16th and 17th
GoosE Sp. One, possibly a Grey Lag, on 14th.
MERLIN. Single birds, possibly only one, on 11th, 12th, 13th
and 14th.
LAPWING. One on 14th and 15th, and five on 16th and 17th.
GOLDEN PLOVER. One on 10th, two on 15th.
SNIPE. Frequently seen all over the island.
Woopcock. Two on 9th, three on 11th, three on 13th, four
on 14th, and one on 15th. These may refer to a small movement
/4 AUTUMN MIGRATION AT ST KILDA 2(2)
as the birds were noted in different parts of the island.
CoMMON GULL. Most seen was five on 15th.
BLACK-HEADED GULL. Two on 15th.
SHORT-EARED OWL. One on 10th.
SKYLARK. One on 10th.
FIELDFARE. Small parties of about ten present throughout in
three different areas.
REDWING. Probably over 100 throughout; flocks of 10/20
commonly seen.
BLACKBIRD. First seen on llth. Census on 12th gave total
of 17 on Hirta, mostly first winter cocks.
WaxwiINc. One on 14th. First record.
GOLDFINCH. Two on 9th. First record (see antea 2: 54).
: en One in two places on 12th. First record (see antea
: 54).
CHAFFINCH. One on 11th, and a cock and hen on 13th.
SNOW BUNTING. Seen from 9th; Hirta population about 50.
SOME NOTES FROM SKERRYVORE
LIGHTHOUSE*
W. A. CAMERON
*Because of the remoteness of the place very few ornithologists have been able
to visit Skerryvore. It lies in what is potentially a most interesting position from
which to watch for migrants—12 miles out to sea on a line drawn SW through
the islands of Coll and Tiree, and also more or less clear of any blanketting effect
from the southern end of the Outer Hebrides some 350 to 40 miles NNW. A few
notes from Skerryvore have appeared from time to time, but the only series of
detailed observations which we have been able to trace was published over 50
years ago by James Tomison, Principal Lightkeeper of the time, based on his
observations from 1903 to 1906 (Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist 1907: 20-51). His paper is
well worth reading again, both for a description of the rock and for details of
the birds seen, the great autumn rushes of migrants, and the appalling number
of birds killed by striking the lighthouse and falling into the sea on dark misty
nights. In 1958 Dr J. Morton Boyd, writing of “The Birds of Tiree and Coll,” in-
cluded published and unpublished records from Skerryvore, and his paper has
a useful list of references to the literature (Brit. Birds 51: 41-56, 1035-118). We
are indebted to Dr J. W. Campbell for drawing our attention to this valuable
summary.—ED.
The observations which follow were made at Skerryvore
Lighthouse, 12 miles south-west of Tiree, between 3rd and
23rd October 1961.
Manx SHEARWATER. Three on the 15th.
Emer. Flocks continuously present off the rock, except for
a three day period of very heavy seas when number dwindled
to less than ten. Numbers tended to increase, from 160 on the
4th to 398 on the 21st. This was the largest number seen in a
day. The great majority were always drakes (e.g. 180 drakes
1962 NOTES FROM SKERRYVORE Uf)
in a flock of 205 on the 5th, and 225 in a flock of 253 on the
7th).
WHOOPER SWAN. On the 14th three came from the direction
of Tiree and flew close past the rock towards the south-west.
It was foggy at times that day.
KESTREL. One arrived early on the 14th and stayed until
just after 7 a.m. on the 15th.
WatTeER Ratu. One killed at the lantern on the night of the
4th, and one there the next night.
GOLDEN PLOVER. Single birds on the 3rd, 7th and 16th, and
three on the 10th.
TURNSTONE. Small parties of less than ten fairly regular.
Snipe. A single bird on the 10th.
JACK SNIPE. Two on the 5th, one on the 6th, and five on the
7th. All were killed at the lantern.
REDSHANK. One caught early on the 8th, and a few others
seen circling the tower.
PURPLE SANDPIPER. Fourteen on the 7th, and 23 during
stormy weather on the 23rd, were the highest numbers; up to
eight on several other days.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. A single bird on the 3rd.
BLACK-HEADED GULL. A single bird on the 8th.
KITTIWAKE. The most numerous bird seen, with many hun-
dreds in the vicinity on some days.
Common/ Arctic TERN. One killed on the 4th; two seen on
the 8th.
SKYLARK. One at the lantern on the night of the 6th, and
several early next morning.
WREN. Single birds on the rock on the 6th, 7th and 8th.
Sonc THRUSH. Two at the lantern early on the 7th, and
single birds on the rock twice later that day.
REDWING. Considerable night passage noted; fairly heavy
on the nights of the 6th and 7th, and a large passage of hun-
dreds of birds at 1 a.m. on the 14th at a time of poor visibility
and fresh SSW wind. No other species were seen with this
last movement. There were a good many casualties.
RiING OuzZeE.. On the 5th one spent the night perched on the
television aerial.
WHEATEAR. Light passage noted up to the 10th, with many
birds involved on the nights of the 5th and 7th. Like the Red-
wing this species also suffered quite a number of casualties.
Buack ReEpsTaRT. On the 14th at 1600 hours with poor vis-
ibility and a fresh SW wind a single bird was observed flitting
about on the rock. The day was dull at times but the bird was
watched at eight to ten yards range with binoculars. Size as
76 NOTES FROM SKERRYVORE 2(2)
Redstart; dull slaty grey overall with the underparts very
slightly lighter; rusty on sides of tail and rump, with the
centre tail feathers very dark; legs black. It was constantly
flitting about on the rock. I checked the Field Guide immed-
iately afterwards and the bird appeared to match exactly the
illustration of a female there.
BiackcaP. One found dead on the 7th.
MeEapow Pipit. One at the lantern on the 5th, a few early on
the 7th, and two on the rock during the afternoon of the 8th.
Rock Pipit. One during the afternoon of the 6th.
STARLING. Single birds on the nights of the 5th, 19th and 21st.
NOTES FROM THE BASS ROCK
J. B. NELSON
While living on the Bass Rock, East Lothian, during 1961 to
study the Gannets there, I was able to make some notes on
the breeding birds and migrants.
BREEDING BIRDS
The following passerines bred on the Bass Rock in 1961:
WREN, Four to six pairs. |
' HEDGE SPARROW. About five pairs.
Rock Pirit. An estimated ten pairs.
_ Prep WactaliL. Two pairs.
STARLING. Three or four pairs.
LINNET. A pair reared at least one brood below the castle
im tree mallow.
House SPARROW. Three or four pairs around the battlements.
| MIGRANTS AND VISITORS
HERON. Two immatures flying up Forth on 5th August. |
Common SCOTER. Twenty to thirty off the rock on 2nd Octo-
ber.
PINK-FOOTED GoosE. More than 100 flew over on 12th and
13th October (cf. antea 1: 500).
SPARROWHAWE. A female on 26th April.
PEREGRINE. Single birds several times throughout the year.
Used to nest at one time.
1962. NOTES FROM THE BASS ROCK U7,
MERLIN. One on 23rd April. An immature bird caught a cock
House Sparrow on 13th October.
REDSHANK. Single birds visited the rock in August, Septem-
ber and October.
PURPLE SANDPIPER. Two on 6th March.
GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Over 200 roost on the Bass dur-
ing the winter, arriving in October and dispersing in March.
They come on to the flat parts of the rock at this season but
never at other times.
LitTLE Auk. An oiled specimen brought to the rock on 28th
February 1962 by a Herring Gull.
SKYLARK, Many passed over on 2nd and 5th October and
occasional birds on other dates in October.
BuveE Tit. Following south-easterly wind there was a small
invasion on 28th September and up to six were counted on the
rock. Some remained, or were newcomers, on 2nd October.
LONG-TAILED TiT. A party of eight passed over on lst Novem-
ber (cf. antea 1: 506).
Frevprare. Five or six on 23rd April. Six or more on 31st
October, and several on 2nd November.
SONG THRUSH. One on 7th March. Apart from one on 8th
August none appeared in the autumn until 30th September.
From then until 14th October there were always up to six on
the rock.
REDWING. One on 11th and 26th April. First large autumn
movements overhead on 5th October, continuing on the next
three days.
RinGc Ovuze.. Hen on 6th and 7th April; cock on 23rd, 27th
and 30th April. One on 2nd October.
BLACKBIRD. One on 4th March, three on the 7th, one on 11th
April, and one on 4th May. Two on 18th September. Main
autumn arrival started on 3rd October, and at least six present
until the 7th when about 50 were counted.
WHEATEAR. On April 11th (2), 13th (1), 26th (2), 27th (3), 28th
(5+), 30th (5+), May 6th (2), 7th (2) and 12th (2). Undoubted
large Wheatears on April 23rd (2) and 24th (1). First of the
autumn seen on 9th August; then on 22nd, 3lst, September
3rd (2), 5th (2), 18th (2), and 19th.
WHINCHAT. One cock on 27th April.
REDSTART. Single cocks on 17th, 21st and 23rd April.
RosBIn. One on 9th March and 11th April. First of the autumn
on 3rd September. On 3rd October several came to the rock,
and on the 4th and 5th there were up to a dozen.
78 NOTES FROM THE BASS ROCK 2(2)
Biackcap. At least two hens and a cock on 3rd and 4th Oct-
ober.
GARDEN WARBLER. One trapped near chapel on 3rd October.
WHITETHROAT. One trapped on 5th September.
WILLOW WARBLER. Five on llth April, including a lovely
cream-headed bird with darker superciliary stripe and ear-
coverts; then two on 17th, several on 21st, 23rd, 24th and 30th,
at least twelve on 6th May, several next day and on 12th May
and 5th June. About four on 10th August, 20/30 on 5th Sep-
tember, several on 5th October, and one or two on the 6th.
GoLpcrEsT. Single birds on 7th and 16th March, “scores” on
the 17th, decreasing daily to one on 23rd, and a similar but
smaller influx on the 27th. Started passing through in the
autumn on 2nd September; odd birds throughout this month,
then many on 8th October, and a trickle thereafter.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Single birds on 5th and 18th Septem-
ber.
PIED FLycaTcHER. Noted on September Ist (hen), 3rd (4),
4th (2), 5th (3), 6th (2), 19th (1), and October 3rd (1). An adult
female and three juveniles were trapped.
RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, One trapped and ringed on 3rd
October. It was a female or immature bird.
Meapow Pipit. There was a strong passage starting on 5th
September and continuing until 10th October. The resident
Rock Pipits showed much aggression.
GREENFINCH. One on 8th October.
SISKIN. Quite an invasion starting with a dozen on 3rd
October, and continuing till the 14th, when we left the rock
for a period (cf. antea 1: 500, 508; 2: 54). After the 3rd there
were never more than about six.
LINNET. Small parties of up to six birds frequently on the
rock in March and April (see Breeding Birds section). Several
small flocks throughout the first half of October.
CuaFFINCH. A cock on 2nd October, and single hens on the
Sth and 8th.
BRAMBLING. One on 7th October, five or six next day, and
one on the 10th.
REED BunTING. A female or immature on 5th October.
SNow BUNTING. One on 27th September, and two on 3lst
October. One or two may often be seen on the rock during
the winter, i
79
1962
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PLatTE 5. Aggressive cock CAPERCAILLIE, Angus, 1961. Note the characteristic display
attitude with beak up and chin feathers standing out like a beard, and the white
“headlamp” on the carpal joint of the wing (see page 81).
Photograph by C, E. Palmar.
1962 AGGRESSIVE CAPERCAILLIES 81
AGGRESSIVE CAPERCAILLIES
The cock Capercaillie so excellently photographed by C. E.
Palmar (Plate 5) lived in a small wood at the top of Glen
Lethnot, Angus, for at least four years. It may have been
older than this but it attacked human beings and other
animals whenever they entered its territory in spring through-
out this period. It probably owed its survival to the quietness
of the area and to the close proximity of the keeper’s house,
since it many times attacked vehicles, including land-rovers
and Post Office and other vans, sometimes landing on them,
and if traffic had been frequent it might have perished
sooner, It disappeared in June 1961 and presumably is now
dead. In 1961 it jumped on top of Mrs Palmar when she
tripped and fell in the wood, and it also attacked sheep in
the wood and a horse in the meadow outside the wood,
frightening the horse so that it confined its movements to the
far end of the field. In 1961 this Capercaillie was trapped
against a tree by a ewe with a lamb, and lost some of its tail
feathers. It never attacked a dog, but with natural predators
such as foxes, or lynx in Scandinavia, such a very aggressive
bird would probably get killed quickly. It was more aggressive
in 1961 than in 1960, when I was first shown it by C. Crystal,
the head-keeper, and delivered quite hard blows with wings
and beak, pecking viciously and often holding on. I felt its
nip through my rubber boots. It was so aggressive in 1961
that it was necessary to hold the bird off with a forked stick
in order to photograph it.
It was most aggressive within the wood, but readily came
out of the wood on to the road or neighbouring grass field,
except whenever Chris Mylne arrived with cine-camera to
photograph it. Perhaps he looked too much like another Cap-
ercaillie. On other occasions Mr Crystal could often summon
the bird by calling to it or by sounding the horn of his land-
rover. It was aggressive between late February and the end
of June and in all daylight hours. There was no obvious re-
surgence of aggression in the autumn ; and this was the only
cock Capercaillie in the wood of 35-40 acres.
Scandinavian biologists with whom I have discussed this
bird have not recorded Capercaillie attacking men there, but
there are at least two other records in the Scottish literature.
seton Gordon described a bird in Rothiemurchus Forest that
attacked children going to school and ladies with silk stock-
ings (The Highlands of Scotland, 1951); and a bird in Glen
Lyon was documented by W. Kenneth Richmond (1958) in the
Annual Report of the Scottish Field Studies Association. Ex-
cept for A. Walker, the other members of the Grouse and
82 AGGRESSIVE CAPERCAILRIES 2(2)
Moorland Ecology Unit have not heard of any other aggressive
Capercaillie ; but Mr Walker recalls one that attacked people
near Corrour Station, Inverness-shire, in the springs of 1940-
43, and tells me that when he shot a cock Capercaillie in
August 1926 in Glen Tanar the wounded bird attacked him.
A hen Capercaillie with young attacked a farmer near Ban-
chory in June 1961 when he approached her brood. These last
three records, however, are from a lifetime’s experience of
keepering in Scotland, and probably should not be interpreted
as suggesting that aggressive Capercaillie are frequent. In
most of these cases the birds lived near roads and they saw
people frequently, and under these conditions Capercaillie
may overcome their usual fear of men. Moreover in Scotland,
where predators are usually destroyed, Capercaillie are less
important gamebirds than in Scandinavia and are less fre-
quently shot, and this may partly explain differences in
behaviour.
It is often possible to approach Capercaillie in Scotland
fairly easily and I have several times stood below trees con-
taining cock and hen Capercaillie, not only in spring but also
in winter. I have driven a car within seven feet of a cock in
a birch tree in January, and have watched Capercaillie from
the road near the Burn House at the foot of Glen Esk in
Angus. During their song-display they periodically point their
beaks skywards with their long chin feathers standing out
like a beard, and this is traditionally an opportunity to stalk
them. This display is sometimes given by birds in trees .as
well as on the ground, though the communal display some-
times recorded among Capercaillie may be confined to the
ground. This can sometimes be seen in Scotland and Roy H.
Dennis watched a lek in Upper Speyside in 1961. A very good
account of display and territorial behaviour was published in
1961 in British Birds (54: 257-72) by H. G. Lumsden.
Captive cock Red Grouse frequently become very aggres-
sive, striking and pecking at human beings; and they will
occasionally attack people in the wild. I do not know of any
case of a Blackcock attacking people; presumably they are
teetotal and have not yet learned the bad habits of the Caper-
aa (see D. G. Andrew (1958) British Birds 51: 191—last
ine).
Davip JENKINS.
In attributing my failure to film the Glen Lethnot Caper-
caillie to my close resemblance to this handsome and magni-
ficent bird, Dr David Jenkins does me an honour and gives a
clue to its strange behaviour, It would appear that isolation
from rival males of the species may explain the aberrant
behaviour of these “rogues.”* With no rivals to attack or dis-
play against, any other large moving object seems to release
1962 AGGRESSIVE CAPE RCAILETES 83
the very strong aggressive drive which these birds develop
and which normally finds expression in the lek type of dis-
play against other cocks. In spring 1961, through the good
offices of Dr Bruce Campbell of the B.B.C. Natural History
Unit, the R.S.P.B. Film Unit succeeded in filming the displays
of a similarly aggressive Capercaillie near Dunkeld in Perth-
shire. This bird lived in an extensive larch wood but was
supposed to be the only cock Capercaillie in the area. Its
territory was smaller than that of the Glen Lethnot bird, but
it would still attack fifty yards or so from the mound which
appeared to be the chief display ground. Its mate had a nest
with eggs about the same distance away. It appears that the
aggressive displays stop as soon as the hen moves away from
the vicinity of the nest with the chicks, as observed by Mr
Crystal. Unfortunately the nest of the Dunkeld bird was
destroyed the day before our visit, but this did not appear to
affect the aggressiveness of the cock in any way.
This cock Capercaillie had been recorded in the area for at
least five years and was quite notorious in the district. It
attacked any vehicle or person intruding into its territory
but was apparently easily scared by a dog. I had first-hand
experience of the attacks of both birds. Although I did not
succeed in enticing the Glen Lethnot bird out into the open
to record it on film, I was on one occasion driven backwards
by it down the hill through the wood. It battered so hard at
my tripod that I was prevented from taking super close-ups
by “camera-shake.” The Dunkeld bird was even more persis-
tently aggressive. It was necessary, for personal safely, to
hold the bird off with a forked stick against which it made
persistent rushes, attempting to outflank the opposition. These
attacks were kept up with no sign of flagging for over an
hour on one occasion while David E. Bradley and I secured
sound recordings at very close quarters of the complete
repertoire of burps, gurgles, wheezes, hisses, rasps, clicks and
pops which make up the cock Capercaillie’s “song.”
The calls are an integral part of the display and are of
three main types:
(a) a repeated slow clicking made with the bill pointed up
at an angle of 45°. This is often the first clue to the presence
of the bird in the forest and seems to be a kind of warning
note. It is made in the throat but the bill is opened at the same
time. It is delivered either from a tree perch or on the
ground and is usually the prelude to an attack.
(b) a bubbling tri-syllabic bellow, delivered only on the
*It is possible that this isolation might be due to the resident cock’s extreme
aggression in the first place.—ED.,
84 AGGRESSIVE CAPERCAIIINES 2(2)
ground during an aggressive forward run. The head and
neck are held low to the ground, with the neck feathers
fluffed out and the throat distended. The call and its delivery
are similar to the bubbling of Blackcock on the lek ground,
and it is definitely aggressive.
(c) the “song,” where the clicking notes accelerate in a
crescendo which ends in a loud pop, followed by a rhythmic
gurgling in the throat and a quiet wheezing rasp which ap-
pears to originate in the chest. This latter sound is only aud-
ible at very close quarters. In fact the whole song is delivered
as a muted performance, much effort producing a surpris-
ingly small effect. The bill is pointed upwards almost ver-
tically with the throat feathers erected like a beard.
A 16 mm film was obtained of the bird attacking first a
car and its occupants, then its own reflection in a mirror, and
finally a stuffed cock Capercaillie, The attacks were made
mostly with the wings, one wing at a time being used to
deliver a hard blow with the carpal joint. The bill was also
used but not as the primary method of attack. When attack-
ing the “rival” in the mirror, the bird hit the glass so hard
with its wing that the carpal joint was bleeding after three
or four blows and the mirror had to be withdrawn to prevent
the bird injuring itself. During this fighting it was noted that
the tail was lowered and used in the normal way to balance
while positioning for an attack.
As an experiment the bird was presented with stuffed
Capercaillies of both sexes. It found the stuffed cock an even
stronger stimulus than Dr Bruce Campbell, who valiantly
placed it in position, and to his dishonour it at once attacked
the rival bird. When the bird and its stand had been knocked
over. the attack consisted of treading and pecking at the
head and eye, the red wattle appearing to stimulate the most
vicious pecking. Some of the movements during this attack
were very similar to sexual treading during coition. How-
ever the reaction of the bird to the stuffed hen was strikingly
different. This skin, being unmounted, was presented in a
prone position, and the cock at once approached from behind,
mounted and several times attempted to mate with the
stuffed hen. During this performance as well as treading on
the back, it gripped the head of the hen with its bill at the
nape of the neck, holding on but not pecking aggressively as
it had done the head of the stuffed cock.
It has recently been reported by Col. A. M. Lyle, who
kindly gave us permission to film the bird on his estate, that
this bird also is now presumed to be dead.
C. K. MyY.Lne.
1962 WAXWING INVASION 85
THE WAXWING INVASION OF NOVEMBER
1961
ANDREW T. MACMILLAN
Introduction
November 1961 brought a widespread invasion of Waxwings
to Scotland, but the numbers were less spectacular than in
recent years. The previous invasion, in October and November
1959, has been described in Scottish Birds (antea 1: 241-251),
and an analysis of the remarkable series of four invasions in
that and the previous three winters has been made by R. K.
Cornwallis (British Birds 54: 1-30). No large influx of Wax-
wings was noted during the winter of 1960/61.
When comparing the 1961/62 figures with those for 1959/60
it should be realised that the majority of records for the
earlier invasion were received from the general public in res-
ponse to appeals published in the Glasgow Herald and Scots-
man. No such appeals were made in 1961/62, although some
of the same people again sent in records. The sample is thus
a much smaller one. Even so, it is clear that the invasion of
November 1961 was on a smaller scale in Scotland than the
1959 one, though the reluctance of the Editors of British Birds
(54: 442) to admit that the numbers merit the use of the term
“irruption” is surprising. Perhaps after so many Waxwings in
recent winters we are becoming a little blasé.
THE INVASION
A few Waxwings are reported from Orkney and Shetland
early in October 1961 (British Birds 54: 442), but details have
not been received. In any event these birds cannot be con-
sidered as part of the main invasion. There is one rather
vaguely dated record from Levenhall “in October,” and a
“bevy” of Waxwings was seen on the 29th at Barcaldine. These
are the only reports prior to 7th November.
In British Birds (loc. cit.) it is stated that Waxwings began
to arrive in Denmark on 4th November, and in Britain on the
Sth and 6th. The Scottish records detailed below indicate a
fairly steady arrival of birds from 7th to 28th November with
no obvious peak—unless perhaps from Tuesday 14th to Thurs-
day 16th when a few larger flocks were noted. Below are
listed all available November records, but there are also many
observations which cannot be fitted into this list because they
are not precisely dated. Against each date are noted first re-
ports, or increases reported in localities where birds were al-
ready present, There is of course no guarantee that the birds
had not been present for some time before they were noted.
86 WAXWING INVASION _ 2(2)
7th—Burnmouth (7)
8th—Invergowrie (2)
9th—Gullane (4), Burnmouth (+2)
10th—Nairn (5)
11th—Dundeugh (6)
12th—St Andrews (9)
13th—
14th—Golspie (2), Stonehaven (14), Aberdeen (1), Broughton
(2), Lockerbie (2), St Kilda (1)
15th—Aviemore (2), Newburgh (Aberdeen) (13), Manderston
16th—Invergowrie (+14), Longannet (1)
17th—Golspie (+3), Kirknewton (1).
18th—
19th—Blair Atholl (24), Eyemouth (6), Coldingham (4).
20th—
21st—Inverness (2)
22nd—
23rd—Invergowrie (+4)
24th—Nairn (+9), High Valleyfield (2), Castle Douglas (1).
25th—Dornoch (4)
26th—Bonar Bridge (12), High Valleyfield (+2)
27th—Rosyth (2)
-28th—Fort Augustus (2), Rosyth (+4), North Berwick (1)
There is very little evidence of fresh arrivals after the end
of November. Subsequent records could all refer to birds that
had been present in the country since November.
NUMBERS
It is difficult to arrive at exact figures, but the list at the
end of this paper covers some 80 reports referring to approx-
imately 375 birds. These figures should be compared with 400
reports referring to more than 2,100 birds two years earlier.
Not too much should be made of the differences, however,
because of the much more intensive collecting of records in
1959/60.
FOOD
Only a few observers gave details of the food taken by the
birds which they recorded. Once again cotoneaster (18 reports)
was top favourite, but berberis (7) and hips (7) were also pop-
ular, and juniper (2) and haws (1) were mentioned. A flock
of Waxwings in St Andrews ate first Cotoneaster horizontalis,
then C. stmonsii, and finally rose hips when the cotoneaster
was finished.
DETAILED RECORDS
Below are given details of the various reports received. The
single Waxwing at St Kilda on 14th November 1961 is the first
1962 WAXWING INVASION 87
to be recorded there. Waxwings have now been noted in every
division of every Faunal Area of Scotland (see antea 1: 244
for further details).
ORKNEY & SHETLAND
A few early in October (“British Birds” 54: 442).
MORAY BASIN
Sutherland
Golspie—2 on 14th Nov, 5 on 17th, 2’s and 3’s to 8th Dec (Dr I. D.
Pennie).
Bonar Bridge—12 (2 killed by car) on 26th Nov (Dr I. D. Pennie).
Dornoch—3/4 from 25th to 30th Nov, and 1 on 14th Jan (D. Macdon-
ald).
Inverness
Inverness—2 on 21st Nov (Dr M. Rusk), and 1 found dead on 13th
Dec (Mrs U. Pennell).
Boat of Garten—1 on Ist Jan (R. H. Dennis)
Aviemore—Z on 15th Nov (Lt-Col. J. P. Grant), and 3 on 16th Dec
(R. H. Dennis). ©
Fort Augustus—2 on 28th Nov (“Inverness Courier” per Dr M. Rusk).
Nairn
Nairn—4/5 from 10th to 12th Nov (per Dr M. Rusk), and on 23rd (6),
24th (15), 25th/27th (2), Dec 3rd (9), 6th (14), declining to 2 on
10th (C. MacLaverty).
Moray
Forres—“There have been quite a number of Waxwings in this area”
(D. B. Cowie, 6th Dec); 4 on 7th Dec (Mrs M. G. Michie).
DEE
Aberdeen
Newburgh—13 on 15th Nov (Miss E. A. Garden)
Aberdeen—1 on 14th Nov (per E.A.G.).
Kincardine
Banchory—a small party (under 6) sometime before 9th Dec (W.
Bain).
Stonehaven—14 on 14th Nov, and small parties daily to at least 9th
Dec (W. Bain).
Inverbervie/Auchinblae—small parties (under 6) at each place some
time before 9th Dec (W. Bain).
N.B.—These localities are not in Dee as marked on the map in
“The Birds of Scotland.” For an accurate map, based on the
watershed, see “A Fauna of the Tay Basin and Strathmore.”
Angus
Edzell—noted in mid-Nov (“Dundee Courier” 23rd Nov).
Coupar Angus—1l on 4th, and 2 from 5th to 10th Dec (Miss M. W.
Forson).
Perth
Blair Atholl—24 on 19th Nov (Miss N. C. Wilson).
Comrie—3 on 7th Jan (Miss G. S. Somerville).
Invergowrie—in Nov on 8th (2), 16th (16), 20th (1), 22nd (7), 23rd (20)
and some later (H. Boase).
Fife
St Andrews—7/9 on 12th Nov (Dr D. Douglas), 9 on 20th (Miss D.
Miller), 8 on 22nd decreasing to 2 on 26th (Mrs W. Low).
88 WAXWING INVASION 2(2)
FORTH
Fife
Kirkcaldy—2 on 19th Dec (J. B. Bease).
Rosyth—2 on 27th Nov, and 6 on 28th (Lt. P. J. Gayfer, R.N.).
High Valleyfield—2 on 24th Nov. and 4 on 26th (J. Hoy).
Longannet—1 on 16th Nov (J. Hoy).
West Lothian
Reported at Bathgate (“Edinburgh Evening News” 2nd Dec).
Midlothian
Levenhall—10 “in October’ (Mrs Harrison).
Musselburgh—Reported in “Edinburgh Evening News” (2nd Dec)—
possibly same as Levenhall record.
Pathhead—Reported in “Edinburgh Evening News” (2nd Dec).
Ratho—1 _ 4th Dec (D. Cunningham), and 1 on 12th Dec (Miss J. U.
Smith). :
Kirknewton—1 from 17th to 19th Nov (Dr J. Young).
Edinburgh (Midlothian)
First reported at Hillend (“Edinburgh Evening News” 18th Nov),
then 2 in Niddrie Road (“E.E. News” 2nd Dec). Subsequently 5 in
Barnton on 9th Dec (Miss K. Bews), 3 in Greenhill Park, Mor-
ningside, on 30th (H. A. Maxwell), single birds in Swanston Av-
enue on llth Jan CH. A. Ford), and Stirling Read) @rmny on
14th (C. Waterston), 3 in Arden Street during the first week of
February (per K. S. Macgregor), single birds in Suffolk Road
from 10th to 12th Feb (Mrs Ewing), and Mortonhall Road on
14th (Mrs I. Brotherston), and 4 in Inverleith Terrace on 21st and
22nd (Miss J. M. Fraser). It will be seen that there are more late
records from Edinburgh than from other places.
East Lothian
North Berwick—1 on 28th Nov (Mrs M. Meyer).
Gullane—4 in the usual garden on 9th Nov (Miss O. T. Thompson), 4
on 10th Dec, 7 on 14th, and 8 on 17th (W. K. Birrell), and about
40 reported on nearby Muirfield Golf Course early in Dec (per
(ORT Finally 1 in the accustomed garden from 4th to 6th April
Aberlady—small flock on 19th Dec (per W. K. Birrell).
Tranent—reported in “Edinburgh Evening News” (18th Dec).
Ormiston—reported in “Edinburgh Evening News” (2nd Dec).
Berwick
Cockburnspath—1 on 2nd January (W. G. Macmillan).
TWEED
Berwick
Burnmouth—7 arrived on 7th Nov, increasing to 10 on 9th and 10th
(Mrs J. B. M. Graham).
Eyemouth—6 on 19th Nov (per Lt-Col. W. M. Logan-Home).
Coldingham—4 at Silverwells on 19th Nov (per Lt-Col. W. M. Logan-
Home), and 3 at Coldingham on 3rd Dec (S. J. Clarke)
Manderston, Duns—25 stayed for half an hour on 15th Nov (S. J.
Clarke).
Selkirk
Galashiels—2 on 16th Jan (Mrs A. B. Murray).
Selkirk—1 on 30th Nov, but others evidently there earlier in the month
(A. J. Smith).
Yarrow Feus—1 on 25th Dec (J. Ballantyne).
1962 WAXWING INVASION 89
Peebles
Walkerburn—4 on 24th and 25th Dec (J. Ballantyne).
Broughton—2 on 14th Nov (Mrs M. Howitt).
Roxburgh
At least 10 in mid-Nov (“British Birds” 54 :442).
OUTER HEBRIDES
Harris
A single bird—no details (per W. A. J. Cunningham, 21st Nov).
St Kilda
A single bird—the first record—on 14th Nov (P. J. Fullagar).
NORTH-WEST HIGHLANDS
One at Ullapool, Ross, on 4th Dec (W. S. Caie).
ARGYLL
A “bevy” at Barcaldine, Argyll, on 29th Oct (Miss M. Davidson).
CLYDE
One at Old Kilpatrick, Dunbarton, on 11th Jan (Mrs J. Brooks).
Three in town of Ayr on 3rd Mar (R. M. Ramage).
SOLWAY
Dumfries
Lockerbie—2 on 14th Nov, and one found dead on 16th (R. T. Smith).
Unconfirmed rumours of birds at Thornhill and Moffat about this time.
Kirkcudbright
Dundeugh (near Carsphairn)—6 from 11th to 18th Nov (A. D. Wat-
son).
Castle Douglas—1 on 24th Nov (Rev. M. D. Walker).
THE STORNOWAY WOODS
W. A. J. CUNNINGHAM
Once upon a time, it is said, the Island of Lewis was covered
with trees. The rolling hills and flat moorland of what is now
known in Gaelic as the Isle of Heather were once clothed with
hazel and oak, alder, birch and ash. “Once upon a time” was
perhaps 7,000 years ago, for then came climatic changes which
encouraged the growth of the present prevailing blanket of
peat and encompassed the destruction of tree and shrub. Resid-
ual pockets of woodland were probably wiped out by gales,
being now deprived of natural shelter, and by fire at the hand
ene to facilitate the subjugation of the Island about 1000
For the next 800 years or so the surviving trees and shrubs
would have been found only on islets in loch and sea where
they were protected from fire and, the modern scourge, sheep.
In many parts of the island these isolated pockets are now
the only trees to be seen, in their season verdant oases in
which flourish flowers and bird-life little seen elsewhere.
About 1850, however, a Mr James Sutherland Matheson,
having amassed a considerable fortune as a merchant in the
90 THE STORNOWAY WOODS 2(2)
Far East, purchased the Island of Lewis and commenced
planting the grounds surrounding the castle he was building
close by Stornoway. Soil had to be imported from the main-
land to supplement the exiguous layer of peat overlying the
rocky declivities and rounded hills of most of the area. In
the course of time and with considerable foresight and plan-
ning a magnificent collection of native and exotic trees and
shrubs grew up around the castle, so distributed that no part
of the woodlands seem ever without leaf or colour. Plantations
of spruce, fir, cypress and pine, are interspersed with copper
and common beech, wych and common elm, sycamore, ash,
oak, and, indeed, most of the deciduous trees one would
scarcely expect to find in the Outer Hebrides: everywhere,
for example, one comes with surprise upon laburnum, white-
beam, plum and maple. In the former private gardens were
planted .berberis, azalea, fuschia and hybrid rhododendrons,
Tropaeolum speciosum flinging its scarlet blossoms over the
latter and Gunnera marcata filling up the damp corners. Skil-
fully contrived paths revealed all this wealth of vegetation
to the best advantage.
Nowadays the castle and woods are the property of the
people of Stornoway and, though not kept in their pristine
formality and tidiness, are maintained as well as possible.
A feature of the present policies is a luxuriant growth of
Rhododendron ponticum whose impenetrable spread is scarce-
ly made up for by its short but beautiful flowering season.
The Castle Grounds, as they are now known locally, em-
brace an area of about 14 square miles and include four main
types of habitat as far as birds are concerned. These are (1)
the woodlands themselves, (2) the parkland now used as a
golf-course, (3) the two water-courses of the River Creed and
the Bayhead Burn, and (4) the foreshore of Loch Stornoway,
facing the town and consisting mainly of rock and mud.
Such a variety of vegetation as is found in the first habitat
in so small a compass and in such an isolated position—the
nearest woods comparable in size being 40 miles away east-
wards across the Minch at Lochinver—must attract many
different types of bird-life, especially as the island lies on one
of the principal paths of migration.
In this connection, the present status of the smaller passer-
ines gives food for thought, and one is inclined to the opinion
that gradual colonization has taken place, either as part of a
general northward spread or as a result of drift migration.
The Chiffchaff and Whitethroat are slowly colonizing the
Highlands of Scotland and have now reached at Stornoway
the culmination of their north-westerly advance, while the
Goldcrest and probably the Chaffinch were perhaps accidental
visitors who, like the writer, arrived on the winds of chance
1962 THE STORNOWAY WOODS 91
and liked the place so much that they stayed for good! Willow
Warblers arrive in considerable numbers about the middle of
April and a single Sedge Warbler appears occasionally in
May or June in the same group of trees and bushes before
passing on to its breeding haunt elsewhere in Lewis. The
writer has seen Garden Warblers only once—two in May 1955
—but later sightings of this species and of Wood Warblers,
although not confirmed, may nevertheless be credible in the
light of what has already been written. A Blackcap was seen
by S. L. B. Lee in November 1961. The first record of the Gold-
finch in Lewis was in January and February 1958 when one
was seen in Stornoway. In November 1961, however, a small
party was seen in the Castle Grounds and again in the follow-
ing month in Stornoway. Bramblings have also been seen
from time to time in the winter, when flocks of Greenfinches
frequent the area—a few pairs remaining to breed.
One will normally look in vain for tits here as elsewhere
in the Grounds, though the place seems ideally suited for
such birds. At least two Blue Tits were, however, seen in the
woods, and another on the outskirts, in November 1961, and
these probably remained for the winter, as three or four were
watched in the rhododendron bushes near the castle on 28th
March 1962. Only four days later, on 1st April, one (probably
two) Great Tits were seen in the same spot, feeding with Blue
Tits, and occasionally chasing them through the trees. These
birds had been reported on 25th March by W. Matheson, and
seem to be the first recorded in the Outer Hebrides. Instead
of tits the needle-sharp piping of Goldcrests may be heard
almost everywhere amongst the conifer plantations, for an
Bee e tinaly, number of these tiny birds are native to the
woods.
But the most numerous bird in the woods is without doubt
the Rook, and the story of his occupation is worth repeating
as it is given in The Birds of Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
“Following the great westerly movement in October 1893,
numbers of Rooks landed on the west side of Lewis and hun-
dreds were found floating dead along the shore; the survivors
found their way to the Castle Woods, in Stornoway, to a
number estimated at 4000; they stayed there during the win-
ter of 1893 and about 200 remained there during the next
summer but did not breed. In 1895 they nested there for the
first time, and in 1902 there were over 100 nests. When we
visited that rookery in 1932 we found it a large one, we have
never seen trees more packed with nests; the trees are small
and stunted and the nests were crowded together, in some
cases actually touching each other. By 1934 the rookery was
extending and there were nests in the trees fringing the shore,
and in 1945 the census showed 170 nests.”
Nowadays, it is not thought possible to estimate, even ap-
92 THE STORNOWAY WOODS 2(2)
proximately, the number of occupied nests in the two main
rookeries. They tower like avian tenements in the tall conifers
of Gallows Hill and spread in ribbon development through
the tops of elm and beech below the castle. Groups of nests
and single ones of pioneers are reaching out along the trees
fronting the town and almost every group of trees in the town
itself is steadily being colonized. The sky above the town is
darkened on summer evenings as a stream of countless Rooks
home from the fields beyond to their slums in the tree-tops.
In winter remarkable numbers of Ravens are to be seen on
the wing over the woods. The writer has counted over 40
in the air at once. The odd pair has been found breeding but
the remainder probably represent most of the island’s popula-
tion which has come to roost there.
Similarly, only an odd pair of Jackdaws nest in the castle
itself, many more preferring the warmer chimneys of the
town. It is not known whether more than one pair of Hooded
Crows is resident though many are seen on the scrounge and,
again, may be incomers from the neighbouring sea-cliffs and
moorland. So far, that other dark intruder, the Carrion Crow,
has not found his way to the island.
The Cuckoo is a regular summer visitor to the whole of the
Outer Hebrides, where it is a common sight and sound on the
moor, and is also frequently to be seen and heard in the woods.
A part of the Castle Grounds is, in fact, called Buaile na
Chuthaig (Cuckoo Park). One May morning at 3.35 a.m., when
the writer was living in a bachelor flat overlooking the woods,
he counted an unbroken series of 182 calls, a feat which he,
perhaps unwisely, divulged to the local press. At his wedding
the following July he was not surprised to receive a telegram
allegedly from A’ Chuthaig (The Cuckoo) saying, Meal bhur
naigheachd; an duil an cluinn thu nochd mi! which, being
translated, means “Congratulations; do you think you will
hear me to-night!”’
In 1961 a Buzzard’s nest was reported by a gamekeeper’s
son, and it is believed that other hawks or falcons may nest
though proof is not available. Golfers on what used to be the
parkland are often diverted by the sight of a Buzzard on the
hunt or a glimpse of a Peregrine or Merlin in pursuit of a
hapless victim.
The writer has so far been disappointed in his search for
an owl in the woods though he is inclined to agree with the
Misses Baxter and Rintoul that the Tawny Owl almost cer-
tainly nests in the more inaccessible parts of the woods. At
least one Long-eared Owl has been seen in the island, furth of
the woods, and the Short-eared Owl is to be found on the
remoter moors but there are no records for the Castle Grounds.
The two main water-courses through the Grounds are
1962 THE STORNOWAY WOODS 93
roughly similar, differing only in size, and somewhat the same
pattern of bird-life is seen in each. Grey Wagtails frequent
both streams but have been proved to breed on the smaller
only, the Bayhead Burn, where two pairs were seen with
young in 1961. A young alba Wagtail was recorded in the
same year in the same place, but the Pied Wagtail is much
rarer than the Grey, while the White Wagtail is to be seen
only on migration. Spotted Flycatchers have brought up fam-
ilies close to the banks of both the River Creed and the Bay-
head Burn and there is at least one pair of Dippers to each
stream, their cheerful song enlivening a winter’s afternoon
when all else is silent save for the rush of wind and water.
Treecreepers have occurred occasionally during the winter
and early spring in different parts of the woods adjacent to
the castle but principally in a certain group of trees hard by
the Bayhead Burn. Not until 1961 was a pair seen in the sum-
mer, and in May 1962 a pair nested in a painfully obvious
hole, four feet from the ground in a small tree, but the nest
was robbed and destroyed just as the eggs were on the point
of hatching. This is the first breeding record for the species
in the Outer Hebrides.
In February 1956 two immature Moorhens occupied the
lower reaches of the Bayhead Burn but were not seen there-
after, occasional sightings in the following years of single
birds being the only recurrence of this species.
Spring and autumn bring their quota of Swallows and House
Martins, filling the air above the flowing waters for a few days
each season. As a result probably of exceptionally severe gales
they occurred in September 1961 in such unprecedented num-
bers that reports of sightings came from the most unlikely
sources amongst the townsfolk.
The first recorded Collared Dove in the Outer Hebrides was
encountered on the fringes of the woods near the head of the
Burn in 1960 and at least two were seen and heard in May
1962. This seems to be the westernmost occurrence of this
rapidly spreading species. The only other member of the
Columbidae in residence is the prolific Woodpigeon, although
Rock Doves from the neighbouring sea caves may occasionally
be seen.
Generally speaking, the Castle Grounds are a natural haven
to all birds seeking cover and rest in an otherwise barren
landscape and are, as a result, full of interest when birds are
on the move. When strong winds blow from the east Scan-
dinavian visitors reach the islands in strength, but are usually
picked up dead unless they happen to find these woods where
they can rest and feed in sheltered surroundings. Waxwings
feed hungrily in the town, and probably also in the Castle
Grounds, on an abundance of berries, mostly cotoneaster and
O4 THE STORNOWAY WOODS 2(2)
berberis, and Crossbills fill the tree-tops, showering passers-by
with empty fir cones, while Redwing and Fieldfare chatter
nearby. In a day or two, however, they are gone. From Novem-
ber through the winter one may be lucky enough to flush a
solitary Woodcock from the rhododendron thickets and a Jack
Snipe from the bogs and rushes near the Creed.
Again, a walk along the foreshore is often interrupted by
the clacking of a Song Thrush at work on his anvil as he
smashes the shells of common periwinkle and dog whelk, and
almost every suitable stone bordering the path is surrounded
by a litter of broken shells.
The Iceland Gull has been a regular winter visitor to the
harbour area ever since the writer started keeping records
in 1951. Between November and March there seem always to
be at least one or two immature birds about and at times these
may be seen on the tidal waters of the Bayhead Burn. Only
rarely have pure white birds been seen, and never yet a fully
adult one. Glaucous Gulls also occur from time to time dur-
ing the same period, but not so frequently, and none has so
far been noted within the limits of the Castle Grounds.
Heron, Turnstone, Purple and Common Sandpipers, Red-
shank, Oystercatcher, as well as many other of the wader
tribe, frequent the muddy and rocky shore, while a variety
of sea-birds can be seen fishing in the sea loch, including,
principally, Red-breasted Merganser, Black and Common
Guillemots (the former, oddly, being the commoner), Shag,
aS even the occasional Little Grebe and Great Northern
iver.
With such a wealth of bird-life under their very eyes, the
people of Stornoway should indeed be grateful to the planter
of these gracious woods and to the Providence which directed
ae fruits of the East to benefit so wisely a little part of the
est.
“Iram indeed is gone with all its Rose,
And Jamshyd’s Seven-ring’d Cup where no one knows;
But still the Vine her ancient Ruby yields,
And still a Garden by the Water blows.”
CHECK-LIST
This list covers birds noted in the Castle Grounds, bounded by the
statutory boundaries on the landward side and by the low water mark
on the foreshore. This is a more restricted area than is covered in the
article, and excludes sea-birds which may be seen from the shore, but
outside the area on the sea loch and in the harbour. With a few excep-
tions it is a personal list, and it does not pretend to be complete. Amend-
ments and additions would be welcomed. Many other species, such as
Rock Pipit, Waxwing and Linnet, are to be found in and around Storno-
way, and may occur, so far unseen by me, in the Castle Grounds. Unless
otherwise stated, the term “resident” means also that the species breeds
within the Castle Grounds.
1962
THE STORNOWAY WOODS
Heron. Common, not proved to breed.
Teal. Occasional visitor.
Buzzard. Resident.
Peregrine. Occasional visitor, not proved to breed.
Merlin. Occasional visitor, not proved to breed.,
Kestrel. Occasional visitor, not proved to breed.
Water Rail. Rare vagrant; one found dead on 4th March 1962.
Corncrake. Summer visitor, probably breeds.
Moorhen. Vagrant.
Oystercatcher. Common visitor.
Lapwing. Summer visitor, probably breeds.
Golden Plover. Summer visitor, not proved to breed.
Turnstone. Occasional visitor.
Snipe. Resident, probably breeds.
Jack Snipe. Winter visitor.
Woodcock. Winter visitor.
Curlew. Spring and autumn passage migrant.
Common Sandpiper. Occasional visitor, may breed.
Redshank. Common visitor.
Greenshank. Occasional visitor.
Greater Black-backed Gull. Common visitor, does not breed.
Lesser Black-backed Gull. Summer visitor, does not breed.
Herring Gull. Very common visitor.
Common Gull. Occasional visitor.
Iceland Gull. Regular winter visitor.
Black-headed Gull. Common visitor, not known to breed.
Rock Dove. Common visitor, does not breed.
Woodpigeon. Resident.
Collared Dove. Rare visitor since 1960, breeding not proved.
Cuckoo. Summer visitor, breeds.
95
Tawny Owl. See text; one noted by Dr E. V. Baxter on 5th April
1934.
Skylark. Resident.
Swallow. Spring and autumn passage migrant.
House Martin. Spring and autumn passage migrant.
Raven. Resident and common winter visitor.
Hooded Crow. Common visitor, not known to breed.
Rook. Very common resident.
Jackdaw. Resident.
Great Tit. First recorded on 25th March 1962.
Blue Tit. Rare visitor.
Treecreeper. Resident, bred 1962.
Wren. Resident.
Dipper. Resident.
Mistle Thrush. Resident.
Fieldfare. Winter visitor.
Song Thrush. Resident.
Redwing. Winter visitor.
Blackbird. Resident.
Whinchat. Summer visitor, not proved to breed.
Robin. Resident.
Sedge Warbler. Summer visitor, not proved to breed.
Blackcap. Vagrant; one on 7th November 1961.
Garden Warbler. Vagrant; two in May 1955.
Whitethroat. Summer visitor, not proved to breed.
Willow Warbler. Summer visitor, breeds.
Chiffchaff. Summer visitor, breeds.
Goldcrest. Resident.
Spotted Flycatcher. Summer visitor, breeds.
Hedge Sparrow. Resident.
06 THE STORNOWAY WOODS 2(2)
Meadow Pipit. Resident.
Pied Wastail. Spring and autumn passage migrant; rare summer
visitor, breeds.
White Wagtail. Spring and autumn passage migrant.
Grey Wagtail Summer visitor, breeds.
Starling. Resident.
Greenfinch. Resident.
Goldfinch. Winter visitor.
Crossbill. Winter visitor.
Chaffinch. Resident.
Brambling Winter visitor
House Sparrow. Resident
Tree Sparrow. First noted in May 1962, possibly breeding.
SHORT NOTES
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGES IN PERTHSHIRE
On 28th October 1961 Mrs E. J. Lines and D. Stark, on an
excursion from the S.O.C. Conference to Blair Drummond, ob-
served a covey of 17 partridges for some time. They were not
convinced that the birds were common Partridges P. perdizx,
and noted a badger-like appearance about the head. I went
with them and Dr and Mrs K. C. R. Halliday, Miss J. McFar-
lane and Miss Rogerson, and we found the birds in the same
large partly-ploughed stubble field, and were able to observe
them at ranges down to about 30 yards. The white eyestripe
was seen by everyone, and red legs and bill were also noted.
There was no horseshoe mark on the breast, and the white
gorget was outlined in black. The barred lavender-coloured
flanks were also seen. The birds were moving uphill into a
wood and we watched them running about there and giving
the typical “chuck chuck-er’ call which, combined with the
other features, confirmed that they were Red-legged Partridges
Alectoris rufa.
I learned from Sir John Muir that the only introduction of
these birds known to him was at his mother’s estate, Braco
Castle, in 1960, when eggs were hatched and the chicks re-
leased. Braco Castle is about nine miles NE of Blair Drum-
mond and the ground between is heavily shot over.
B. E. WELD.
(These must be regarded as introduced birds. There are no
records of Red-legged Partridges, other than introduced birds,
in Scotland, and the species has apparently never succeeded
in establishing itself where it has been introduced.—Eb.).
ICELAND FALCON IN MIDLOTHIAN
On 15th November 1961 I arrived at the “car-park” at Fala
Moor. On the short heather at the back of the Pond was a
1962 SHORT NOTES 97
bird coloured like an immature Common or Herring Gull
above and with a white or near-white breast starting high
up on the body. There were no special head markings, the
head blending in with the body plumage. The size seemed
to lie somewhere between Common and Herring Gull.
The bird was clearly a falcon, but the colour was wrong
for a Peregrine and the position was horizontal or crouching
and not erect. The tail and folded wings projected well astern
and I could not make out where the wings finished and the
tail alone began. When the bird swivelled round, the almost
pure white breast contrasted with the light grey-brown
upper-parts. The lower breast was not really visible because
of the horizontal position as it stood in the heather—appear-
ing almost to lie in it—but it did seem as if the lower breast
was beginning to be darker than the upper.
I turned my attention to the duck on the Pond, meaning
to come back to this bird in a few moments, but shortly
afterwards I realised that a large falcon was flying out from
the back of the Pond towards the East. It flew almost like
a Peregrine but was fully bigger than the biggest female
Peregrine I have ever seen. The flight seemed more powerful
and less winnowing than that of the Peregrine and the
wings seemed relatively broader and less pointed. The wings
had a light grey and almost white scaly or tesselated effect—
like a slate roof with light and slightly darker slates seen
in good sunshine—and this had the etfect of paling the whole,
making the darker slates light grey and making the lighter
slates appear translucent or almost white.
At the time I thought the bird had probably been crouch-
ing on some prey, but when I was able to examine the spot
three days later there was no sign of a kill. On the 16th I
examined the skins at the Royal Scottish Museum and there
was one skin of a male Iceland Falcon which I consider very
peels resembled the bird I had seen at Fala the previous
ay.
WILLIAM BROTHERSTON.
PINK-COLOURED BLACK-HEADED GULLS
On ist January 1962, while looking at a flock of about 30
Black-headed Gulls standing on a snow covered field near
Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, I noticed that one had its head,
back and breast suffused with a pale rosy pink colour. It was
snowing at the time and the pink colour was very noticeable
against the white background. I realise that of all possible
dates Ist January is not the one on which to see pink gulls. The
Handbook mentions that some pink suffusion occurs at times,
but more often in summer than in winter. I was unable to
98 2(2)
PLATE 6. SNowy OwL captured in Aberdeenshire about December 1952 (see page 99).
1962 SAO NO@Es 99
make it into a Ross’s Gull. A few days later, with Douglas
Willis, I saw another pink Black-headed Gull, but this time
in flight.
EK. A. GARDEN.
SNOWY OWLS IN ANGUS, ABERDEENSHIRE
AND BANFFSHIRE
In July 1961 a holiday-maker saw a large white bird hunting
over the lower slopes of Craig Soales, Glen Esk, Angus, and
this bird was later noted by shooting parties in August as a
“white Buzzard.” It was caught by the head-keeper and sub-
sequently sent to the Edinburgh Zoo. I heard about this bird
second-hand and was told it was a Snowy Owl.
Sim in A Vertebrate Fauna of Dee (1903) records only four
Snowy Owls between 1824 and 1903, and it may therefore be
of interest to note some other recent occurrences that I have
heard of second-hand, A. Watson Sr., an experienced observer
who watched a Snowy Owl on the Cairngorm plateau in 1952,
saw another at the summit of the road at Corse Maul between
Dufftown and Huntly in Banffshire on 7th January 1953. In
February or March 1958 Dr W. Dally with D. Miles watched
a large white owl from their land-rover near Cornescorn,
Glen Esk. It was sitting on a fence and Dr Dally records that
it was a large bird about the size of a Buzzard with quite a
lot of black on it. They watched the bird for some minutes
until it “spread its wings and flapped them at us” before
flying away. Dr A. Watson Jr. has questioned Dr Dally in-
dependently and agrees that this is a reliable record, and in
fact quite a good description of a first-winter bird. Dr Dally
has practised in the Angus glens for several years and is fam-
iliar with Short-eared and other common owls. On some date
between 1953 and 1955 a cock Snowy Owl was photographed
alive at Culterty House, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire and this
photograph was published in the press. Dr Watson is satisfied
that this is a reliable record though I have no details. There
are three additional published records from the Dee area
recently, of one bird on the Cairngorm plateau in each of
the two summers 1952 and 1953, but apparently not in between
(Scot. Nat. 64: 176, 65: 129 and 69: 57), which may refer to
the same bird, and of another on the Cairn O’ Mount, Kin-
cardineshire, on 3rd March 1960 (Scot. Birds 1: 238, Brit. Birds
04: 188). Thus during the last nine years there have been some
five or six Snowy Owls reported in an area corresponding
roughly to that in which Sim recorded only four in 79 years.
There have been more observers recently but, even so, a num-
ber of these observations have only come to light fortuitously.
Davin JENKINS.
100 SHORT NOTES 2(2)
(On receipt of Dr Jenkins’ notes we made extensive en-
quiries about these various records.
G. D. Fisher, Director-Secretary of The Royal Zoological
Society of Scotland, confirmed the identity of the 1961 bird
and suggested that it was probably an immature female though
its age wags not known with certainty. It was captured. on 18th
October in a rather tired condition and sent to the Zoo. It
died on 8th January 1962, and the post mortem finding was
that it died of pneumonia and nephritis.
Adam Watson Sr. describes the bird which he saw on 7th
January 1953 as being little if at all different in plumage from
the one which he had seen in the Cairngorms the previous
summer. There is a possibility that it was the same bird. At
the time he assumed that it was the same Snowy Owl which
he had recently heard had been caught in the Cabrach area
and taken to the late Dr Edgar Smith at Culterty, Newburgh.
A photograph of the bird had appeared in the local press.
After considerable amateur detective work by several
people a copy of this photograph was eventually traced to
Miss E. A. Garden’s photograph album. It is reproduced in
this issue of Scottish Birds. Miss Garden writes that a farmer
in the Cabrach area, near Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, was puzzled
as to why every rabbit in his snares had its head removed,
until he came on the Snowy Owl in a snare, caught by its foot
but otherwise unhurt. He took the bird home and got in touch
with Charles Cockburn of Aberdeen who took it to Dr Smith
at Culterty. There it was kept in a dirty little shed for a week
(hence the dark primaries in the photograph) before being
ringed and released. It was a magnificent bird, despite its
miserable surroundings, with striking large golden eyes. Dr
G. Swapp took a ciné film of it being released, and this was
the last that was seen of it.
We rather admire people who simply pick up huge birds of
prey and carry them home with them, as seems to have been
the ignominious fate of two of these birds.
Dr W. Dally has sent us details of his bird—it was seen
on 22nd February 1958.
It is at least possible that the Snowy Owls seen in the
Cairngorms during the summers of 1952 and 1953, the one cap-
tured on the Cabrach about December 1952, and the one seen
at Corse Maul in January 1953, were all the same bird—an
adult male. On this reckoning the score would be reduced to
a minimum of four birds in the area in recent years.—ED.).
RED-THROATED PIPIT AT ST KILDA
At 1500 hours on 7th October 1961 my attention was drawn
to an apparently largish dark pipit, very heavily streaked be-
1962 SHORT NOTES 101
low and with a faintly pink throat. It alighted on a stone just
above the boulder beach of Village Bay, St Kilda, but soon
flew uttering a characteristic call-note I had not heard before
and quite distinct from the calls of Meadow, Tree and Rock
Pipits—it was a low buzz ‘psssss’ uttered singly. For the next
45 minutes I followed the pipit as it moved round in a party
of Meadow Pipits. Though at first sight it had looked a large
pipit, alongside the Meadow Pipits it was virtually the same
size. It was easily distinguished from them at rest by its
darker and more streaked back, completely lacking any brown
or greenish colouration, and by the much heavier and very
numerous wide black streaks below. The pinkish throat was
not conspicuous but a lot depended on the angle of the light.
The legs were a light flesh colour. When flushed the bird
usually called, and in flight it looked darker and the white
outer tail feathers whiter (probably by contrast) than in the
Meadow Pipit. Once I noted the streaks of the back extending
ante the rump as it flew up, but this was difficult to see clear-
y.
The bird remained until 10th October, and subsequent
views confirmed all these points. It always perched on the
eround and inhabited the wetter areas of mixed grassland.
Usually it was to be seen in company with a few Meadow
Pipits. I am satisfied that it was a Red-throated Pipit.
W. E. WATERS.
(This record has been accepted by the Rarity Records Com-
mittee of British Birds. Red-throated Pipits have previously
been recorded at St Kilda on 21st Septmber 1910 and 8th
October 1911 (WiLLIamMson, K. & Boyp, J.M. 1960. St Kilda
Summer p. 206.).—Ep.).
FOOD OF PIED WAGTAIL
At about 2000 hours B.S.T. on 20th May 1961 Patrick Banks,
Kenneth Williamson and I were driving south between Cal-
lander and Doune, Perthshire, when we saw a male Pied
Wagtail killed by a car in front of us as it was trying to fly
across the road to its nest in the stone breastwork. We
picked it up with the contents of its bill intact, and these
were subsequently identified at the Hope Department, Uni-
versity of Oxford, as follows:—
Diptera: Hilara sp. male. Family Empididae.
Platychirus sp. male. Family Syrphidae.
Syrphus sp. (wing only). Family Syrphidae.
? sp. (wing only). Family Muscidae; sub-
family Anthomyiinae.
102 SHORT NOTES 2(2)
Lepidoptera: Larva ?sp. ?Family Noctuidae.
Epirrhoe tristata (L.). Family Hydriomeni-
dae.
Ephemeroptera: Wing of unidentified May-fly.
E. tristata, the Small Argent and Sable, is a common Scot-
tish moth which begins to fly in late May.
The nest of the wagtail contained five young, about five
days old, and an unhatched egg. The female settled on the
road close to the male after he had fallen; we could only
hope she would continue to feed the brood.
BRUCE CAMPBELL.
UNSEASONABLE BREEDING OF HOUSE SPARROWS
Following a report I visited a farm at Auldgirth, Dumfries-
shire, and confirmed that some five pairs of House Sparrows
had entered and attempted to breed in a heated turkey house
in the middle of November 1961. Most of the time they seemed
quite content to feed and drink inside, along with the turkeys,
although they carried nesting material from outside. The first
nests were destroyed because the birds were spoiling the
turkeys’ food. The sparrows then rebuilt, and were sitting on
eggs by Christmas, when the houses were cleaned out and the
nests unfortunately destroyed. It seems that the constant heat
and plentiful food supply stimulated the birds to breed out of
season.
J. G. Younc.
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers: A. F. Airey, D. G. Andrew, J. Ballantyne,
Miss P. G. Baxter, H. Boase, W. G. Breed, E. Dicerbo, J. Dicerbo
(J.Di.), G. Dick, Dr D. Dickson, J. Donnan (J.Do.), I. R. Downhill,
Dr W. J. Eggeling, Miss E. A. Garden, M. Hamilton, R. Hillcoat,
Lt.-Col. W. M. Logan Home, J. Hoy, Dr D. Jenkins, Mrs I. M. Kerr,
M. Larkin, G. Lipscomb, R. McBeath, A. Macdonald, A. T. Macmillan,
D. Manson, Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, Mr & Mrs J. Melrose,
T. D. H. Merrie, Rev. R. I. Mitchell, Col. G. Murray, T. Paterson,
J. Potter, R. M. Ramage, D. Skilling, P. J. B. Slater, G. G. J. Smart,
R. T. Smith, Dr T. C. Smout, Dr R. S. Weir. T. Weir, B. E.- Weld,
D. R. Wise, J. Young.
Unless an stated, January/April dates refer to 1962 and all others
to 1961).
Hitherto we have usually attempted to classify notes in this
section under headings such as “Distribution,” “Autumn
Migration” and “Winter Visitors.” In practice this is very
difficult to achieve, and leads to varying treatment of similar
1962 GURRENT NOES 103
records in different issues of the journal, making it more
troublesome than it need be to look up records which you
vaguely recall. You have only to consider an example to see
the snags: where would you put a record of a bird, recorded
for the first time in a particular area, first seen on autumn
migration on a date when others were recorded in other
parts of Scotland, and subsequently found, unexpectedly, to
be wintering? Should the record appear in three different
places? After trying to devise ways round this we have de-
cided that the best solution is to lump all these records to-
gether under one heading. Current Notes are very largely
concerned with the question of the distribution of birds—
whether breeding, migrating or wintering—and the only
notes which we have picked out and given separately are the
few general observations on such subjects as behaviour and
plumage, and observations which do not relate to the current
period. In this issue this means that notes dealing with the
autumn migration of 1961, and all earlier observations, have
been given separately.
No notes on the arrival of summer visitors in 1962 have
been included. These will be used in the next issue of Scottish
Birds, when we have a representative selection of arrival
dates. It is, however, already quite clear that the early mig-
rants, such as Sand Martin and Wheatear, were very late this
year. Any observations on this subject will be welcomed,
especially if they can be related to similar observations in
normal years.
Distribution
On 20th February between Gigha and the pier in West Loch
Tarbert a Black-throated Diver, 38 Great Northern Divers and
six Red-throated Divers were counted, all fishing in one single
party (M.F.M.M., T.W.).
A Red-necked Grebe at Gosford and three at Aberlady were
seen on 4th March (1.R.D., P.J.B.S.), and there was one at
Lundin Links on the 10th (P.G.B., RS.W.). At least 15
Slavonian Grebes were seen in West Loch Tarbert, Ar-
gyll, on 17th February. That these were probably shelter-
ing from the storm of the previous day is suggested by the
fact that on the 20th, with a flat calm, only a single pair was
observed (M.F.M.M., T.W.).
A. Fulmar was found shot, in the upper Forth estuary at
Skinflats, Stirlingshire, on 1st April (B.E.W.). A Cormorant at
St Mary’s Loch, Selkirkshire, on 18th February was the first
the observer had seen on any of the border lochs in that
area (J.B.).
A pair of Gadwall was present on the Hightae and
Mill Lochs at Lochmaben, Dumfries-shire, from 18th Feb-
104 CURRENT NOTES 2(2)
ruary to llth March (D.S., R.T.S.). An indication of the large
numbers of Pintail in the upper parts of the Forth estuary is
given by a count of 480 in the bay north of Grangemouth on
18th February (G.D., J.P.). A female was seen at Cramond
on 17th February, but although this was the only one seen on
frequent visits during the winter months it seems likely that
odd ones will occur there from time to time as they do at
Aberlady and Tyninghame (T.C.S.).
In Edinburgh the female Goosander seen at Dunsappie on
2nd March (antea 2: 46) was at St Margaret’s Loch two days
later, and at Duddingston on the 14th (D.G.A.). Single drake
Smew have been noted at Loch Fitty, Kingseat, Fife, on 17th
December with Tufted Duck and Pochard (G.D., J.P.), at the
mouth of the Endrick, Loch Lomond, on i1lth March
(T.D.H.M.), and at Peppermill Dam, Fife, on 20th March
(J.P.). Two Shelduck were at Gartmorn Dam, Clackmannan-
shire, on 18th March (T.P.).
A White-fronted Goose was in a stubble field near. Gladhouse,
Midlothian, with a small party of Grey Lag Geese on lst
April (D.G.A.). Small parties of Barnacle Geese were seen on
two islands off Jura and one at the mouth of West Loch Tar-
bert on 20th February (M.F.M.M.). There were five with Pink-
footed Geese near Pathhead, Midlothian, on 17th April (A.M.).
Notes of Whooper Swans in fields refer to 88 in a potato field
a mile east of Drum, Crook of Devon, Kinross-shire, on 24th
February (H.B.), and to 14 sitting and walking about in grass
fields five miles west of Kelso by the Hawick road on 9th
April (W.M.L.H.). Larger flocks than already recorded
(antea 2: 48) are reported from the upper part of the Forth
estuary. A count of the population on the Forth between the
Kincardine Bridge and Cambus and on Gartmorn Dam gave
a total of 347 on 11th March, and a week later there were
273 on Gartmorn alone (T.P.). Last winter an immature
Whooper Swan spent some months on the Tweed below Walk-
erburn (antea 1: 433), and this winter an adult was seen
there on 14th April. It was with two lst winter Mute Swans
and quite tame. It seems likely that it was the same bird
(J.B.). Two adult and one immature Bewick’s Swans were first
seen at Gartmorn Dam, Clackmannanshire, on 17th March and
all stayed until at least the 24th (G.D., A.T.M., T.P., J.P.).
Three were at Libberton, Lanarkshire, on 27th January (see
antea 2: 48) (M.L.).
A Peregrine was soaring over University Avenue, Glasgow,
on Sth March (M.L.).
Snipe were noted as more numerous than usual this winter
about Kingoodie, Perthshire (H.B.). A flock of over 1,000
Curlew was counted at Baldoon, Wigtown, on 13th February
(A.F.A.). Single Black-tailed Godwits were seen at Cult Ness,
1962 CURRENT NOTES 105
Fife on 2nd and 12th February (G.D., J.P.), and there were
three Greenshanks at Tyninghame on 28th January (J.B.). A
Ruff was seen in a flooded field at Isle Steps, near Dumfries,
on 14th January. This is an uncommon bird in the Solway
area at any time, and the only one seen last autumn was at
Caerlaverock on 14th October 1961. The latest Ruff previously
recorded was on 4th November 1956 when I, F. Stewart saw
one locally (J.Do., D.M., J.M., R.T.S.).
Immature Glaucous Gulls are reported at Longannet, Fife,
where one was seen, apparently in its last immature year, on
4th November (G.D., J.P.), and at the sewage outflow at Oban
on 23rd March (M.L.). On 9th April an adult Iceland Gull fol-
lowed the M.S. Dunera with other gulls as it made up the
Clyde past Wemyss Bay. It was there again in much the
oes gee on the llth and followed the ship well past Bute
On ist March an exhausted Kittiwake was found well in-
land at Moffat, Dumfries-shire. It was offered sliced fish but
refused to eat and died two hours later (E.D.). This marine
species is occasionally blown inland, and The Birds of Scot-
ee gives several such records, including one for Dumfries-
shire.
Great numbers of Woodpigeons were moving in the East
Neuk of Fife on 380th December, a day of intense cold and
north wind. Flocks of 200/300 began to pass eastwards on a
broad front over Largo, Kilconquhar, Elie, and further east,
from about 10.30 a.m. For about an hour they went on almost
without a break and there must have been many thousands.
After an interval the birds began returning westwards in the
same endless stream, possibly having failed to find sufficient
open ground in the East Neuk to sustain such numbers
(R.I.M.). There has long been argument whether winter in-
vasions of pigeons are immigrants from the continent. A very
interesting paper on “The autumn movements of the Wood-
pigeon” has just been published by R. K. Murton and M. G.
Ridpath (Bird Study 9: 7-41). The evidence suggests that
winter flocks of pigeons can usually be explained by the ap-
pearance of juveniles from November and by the more con-
certed flights of adults out of their winter roosts in the
morning. It may be, however, that the movement on 30th
December was not in this category.
The Kingfisher is a sadly scarce bird in Scotland now. One
was seen on 18th April on the Nith near Sanquhar, Dum-
fries-shire (R.M.B.).
There is strong evidence that Shore Larks wintered in Aber-
deenshire on the Ythan estuary; they were seen in different
places on 30th December (4 on the shore), 6th January (4
106 CURRENT NOTES 2(2)
feeding in stubble with Skylarks), and 5th March (3 feeding
along the high tide mark) (D.D., E.A.G., G.L.).
Further winter Blackcaps are reported (see antea 2: 53).
Single cocks were in Angus during late December at Barn-
hill and Brechin, and a third bird at Kinnaber House, near
Montrose, on the 27th (G.G.J.S. per H.B.). In Edinburgh a
cock Blackcap came to feed from a scrap basket in a garden
in Trinity on various dates from 23rd January to 28th Feb-
ruary (I.M.K.).
A few Great Grey Shrikes have already been recorded (antea
2: 54). Another was seen near Crathes, but just in Aberden-
shire, on 29th March (D.J.), and at Flanders Moss one was
watched making sallies from a tree stump on 20th February
(M.L.) and another, or perhaps the same bird, seen near
Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, on 8th and 10th April perching on
fence posts beside the line of the old railway (T.D.H.M.).
A. flock of over 100 Siskins was feeding in straw put out for
cattle in pasture near Monreith, Wigtownshire, on 17th Feb-
ruary (A.F.A.). Eleven Twite were at Rosyth Dockyard, Fife,
on 8th February (G.D., J.P.).
The flock of Snow Buntings in a stubble field near St Mary’s
Loch (see antea 2: 56) had increased to 390 birds by 14th
January, and the same day there were 120 in another stubble
field at Ashkirk, Selkirkshire (J.B.).
Three Tree Sparrows were seen between Drybridge and
Gatehead, Ayrshire, on 16th April. Though they have been
seen in the area in recent years this is only the second time
the observer has noted them in Ayrshire (R.M.R.). Small par-
ties have been seen during the winter about Coatbridge and
Airdrie, Lanarkshire, and single birds in various places there
during the previous three summers (W.S.). The species is evi-
dently fairly common in north Lanarkshire. In Dumfries-
shire they “appear to have increased greatly in recent years”
near Lockerbie, and have nested for several years in boxes
put up for them, but a flock of 17 there on 11th March was the
most yet seen together by the observer (R.T.S.). A flock of
60 Tree Sparrows, 40 Bramblings and a large number of other
finches was at Ettrick Bridge End, Selkirkshire, on 14th Jan-
uary (J.B.), and over 150 Tree Sparrows were feeding in a
field near Whitekirk, East Lothian, on 28th January. There
were apparently as many more in a young wood on the other
side of the road (M.H.).
Autumn 1961 and earlier notes
A drake Scaup was on Threapland, Morayshire, beside the
Elgin to Fochabers road on 12th June. There was no sign of a
duck (M.H.).
The first Little Terns to be recorded at Longannet were two
1962 GURICEIN INO ES 107
on 14th and one on 28th July (J.H.).
A Turtle Dove was at Waterside Mains, Thornhill, Dumfries,
from 23rd to 26th September (G.M., J.Y.).
Two immature Cuckoos were seen at Longannet—another
first record—on 14th June (J.H.).
A late House Martin was at Aberdeen on 30th October
(W.G.B.). A Magpie was seen near Bridgend after stormy
weather in the winter of 1959/60—only the second occurrence
on Islay (M.F.M.M.).
Twenty Redwings in the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow,
on 10th October are earlier than those already noted (antea
1: 500, but see earlier dates in articles in this issue) (D.R.W.).
A cock Black Redstart, described by the observer, was seen on
22nd October at the mouth of the Don, Aberdeen, at the edge
of the sand dunes within 100 yards of the sea (W.G.B.).
General observations on behaviour, plumage, etc.
On 7th January a very pale Pink-footed Goose was seen near
Caerlaverock. Its bill and legs were the normal colour, but its
body, wings, neck and head were a very pale buffish white
(J.Di., R.T.S.).
With reference to the apparently adult Whooper Swan with
pink instead of yellow on the bill (antea 2: 56), a similar
bird was with a herd of 17 adult Whooper Swans which was
at Wigtown during December and January. The observer sug-
gests that such birds which have failed to develop the adult
bill colour may be in their second winter (A.F.A.).
An Oystercatcher with an almost pure white head was at
Barnbougle, West Lothian, on 17th March (T.C.S.).
On 7th April the passengers on M.S. Dunera, anchored off
Stornoway, had good views of an unusual gull among the
throng of birds round the ship. At a distance it appeared to be
pure white, but at close range a very faint brown shadowing
could be seen on the wings, corresponding exactly to the black
on a Herring Gull’s wings. Though the mantle and wings ap-
peared to be much more white than grey this may be the
bird recorded previously as an albino Herring Gull on 18th
February 1961 and 18th November (antea 2: 56) (W.J.E.).
In Glasgow the Common Gull is a persistent mobber of Kes-
trels—pursuing them closely with human-sounding screams,
and very loathe to leave them alone. Once they were seen to
mob a Peregrine, but this time, instead of taking turns to
fly after the bird at close range, they remained grouped and
flew around the Peregrine at a distance of about 100 feet at
the same height as it. Lesser Black-backed Gulls show no
interest in Kestrels (M.L.).
An adult male Great Spotted Woodpecker at Gargunnock,
108 CURRENT NOTES 2(2)
Stirlingshire, visited a window-sill from early January for
several months to feed on oatmeal, bread, fat and cake crumbs.
It fed like a tit, clinging to a lump of fat hanging on a string.
It was not seen to attack any other birds (B.E.W.). —
On 8th February in Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, about 100
Redwings flew up into the trees, and a large proportion of them
sang—the warble or second part of the song only, but quite
audible from at least 100 yards away. This presumably should
be regarded as more than mere sub-song (M.H.).
At the Christmas and New Year weekends, with lots of snow
and ice 3,600 feet up Cairngorm at the ton of the new chair
lift, some ten or twenty Snow Buntings were feeding in the lee
of the building on crumbs dropped by skiers. This is an inter-
esting adaptation to the changing scene on top of Scottish
mountains in winter (R.H.).
At Ayton, Berwickshire, a yellow-cinnamon coloured
House Sparrow was seen on 3rd April. From its behaviour it
was probably a female. It had been seen several times earlier
in the year, and the other House Sparrows treated it as if it
was a normal bird (R.M.).
OBITUARY
DR VERNON D. VAN SOMEREN
The sudden death of Vernon van Someren at Jinja, Uganda,
shortly before he was due to retire and return to Scotland,
is a sad loss to ornithology. He graduated B.Sc. with first
class honours in Zoology at Edinburgh University, and in his
student days was an active member of the Midlothian Ornith-
ological Club, taking part in establishing the Isle of May
Bird Observatory in 1936. From 1929 to 1936 he contributed
notes to the Scottish Naturalist, including, in 1936, a paper
on “Territory and distributional variation in woodland birds”
—a study of territorial behaviour in a wood on Mortonhall
Estate near Edinburgh.
He won a post-graduate Carnegie Research Scholarship,
and took his Ph.D. at London University in 1938. After the
War he served as Salmon Research Officer with the North of
Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, and latterly was Director of
the East African Fishery Research Organisation in Uganda.
In 1958 his book A Bird Watcher in Kenya was published—
a fitting memorial to an enthusiastic ornithologist and first-
class bird photographer.
G. WaATERSTON.
1962 REVIEWS 109
REVIEWS
CHECK-LIST OF THE BIRDS OF CLEY AND NEIGHBOURING NORFOLK
PARISHES. By R. A. Richardson. Cley Bird Observatory,
BOA 120, Be. (/ (Gel.
This admirable little book, compiled by a_ well-known
bird artist, who is also one of the most accomplished
identifiers of birds in the Kingdom, is a model of local ornith-
ological work. Cley has for long been known as a place to
rival the Isle of May or Fair Isle in the number of rare wan-
derers occurring there, and an account of the birds collected
in “the bad old days” has already been published by the local
taxidermist, H. N. Pashley (Witherby, 1922); here, by con-
trast, we have the point of view of the field identifier and the
observatory trapper. It is interesting, however, to note that
the majority of species on the area’s list are not likely to be
trapped at all, since 23 pages out of 36 are devoted to non-
passerines!
The author has been cautious; he has omitted sight records
of the Little Crake and has issued a warning about the pos-
sible escape of his Red-headed Buntings from captivity. (It
would, incidentally, be helpful to know the sex of these,
since far more males are imported than females). And, if the
Red-headed Buntings are included at all, why omit the 1931
Flamingo which (seen by the present writer) showed no signs
of tameness? Even the Demoiselle Crane at Wiveton in the
1920’s could have been afforded a mention.
We disagree with Mr Richardson that the Nuthatch breeds
in “very small numbers,’ having found it common inland
wherever there is suitable woodland, nor can we believe that
the two rookeries mentioned are the only ones in ten par-
ishes!
And why, pray, should an account of a restricted English
locality be reviewed in a Scottish journal? It is that Cley is
no longer local, but national. Annually it is visited by more
Scots wishing to see birds unknown at home, and several
Scots are almost annual migrants there. To them especially
this booklet will be of very great use on their periodic migra-
tions.
M. F. M. MEIKLEJOHN.
A List oF 16 mm. FILMS oN Natura History SuBJEcTS. Part
1:Tue BritisH ISLES AND Europe, By the Intelligence
110 REVIEWS 2(2)
Unit, Council for Nature, 41 Queen’s Gate, London, S.W.7,
1962. Duplicated typescript. Pp, 28. 2/6d.
The Council for Nature has recently produced a most use-
ful list of nature films available in the 16 mm. size used by all
clubs and societies. This gathers into convenient form infor-
mation otherwise scattered through endless film catalogues,
many of which would not be readily available to club sec-
retaries and others interested in knowing just what was
available. Full details are given and the list should be in-
valuable to those planning to use films for either education
or entertainment.
It is unfortunate, though perhaps inevitable, that no indi-
cation is given of the quality of the films listed. Many of
these have been reviewed in such periodicals as Film User,
but it is not likely that many users of nature films will take
the trouble to hunt out old reviews of nature films when
planning showings, This means that every entry in the list
appears to carry the recommendation of the Council for
Nature, even though it is specifically stated that no attempt
has been made to view any of the films. Those with exper-
ience will draw their own conclusions from the names of
the producers and the quality of, for instance, films by the
British Transport Film Unit will recommend them as much
as the fact that such films are loaned out free of charge. But
it is, to say the least, a pity that in such a catalogue films
produced by experts with the greatest scientific accuracy
should merit the same type of entry as some of the older films
of very poor quality. As an example, there is nothing to show
that the old G.B. Film Library film on the Great Tit includes
a shot of young birds sitting side by side on a branch, meant
to have sentimental appeal but in fact showing half-fledged
birds clearly removed from the nest and placed there, which,
moreover, one by one fall off the perch. Such supposedly
humorous incidents would only appear sad to the type of
audience attracted by member bodies of the Council for
Nature. By contrast, such films as Heinz Sielmann’s master-
pieces on woodpeckers and storks surely merit some label
to indicate a quality which is in a completely different class.
It would seem that the next service the Council for Nature
should undertake for its members is a guide to its own cata-
logue. Perhaps this would not be so hard to achieve if the
catalogue were to be accompanied by an appeal for criticisms
from member societies on the films thev see and use, so that
a body of opinion could be built up and a system of recom-
mendation, at any rate for all the better films, added to the
next edition, |
GCaik: MYLNE.
1962 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION ul
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Pink-footed Goose and Purple Sandpiper. The Norwegian Or-
nithological Spitsbergen Expedition 1962—N.O.S.E, for short
(c/o Zoologisk laboratorium, Universitetet, Blindern, Oslo,
Norway)—will ring these species in Spitsbergen this summer
and would welcome details of any marked birds seen. Both
species will have an aluminium ring on one leg and a colour-
ed one on the other. Additionally the Purple Sandpipers will
be dyed on the breast and sides, though this will disappear
during the autumn.
Pied Flycatcher. Dr Bruce Campbell has been repeating the
enquiry into the breeding distribution of the Pied Flycatcher
which he first made in 1952 (Bird Study 1: 81). The marginal
position of Scotland makes it particularly important to have
up to date information, and anyone who can give details of
present status and changes since 1952 is asked to write to Dr
Campbell at Hordley, Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Question-
naires are available for those who like using them.
OFEBI CIAL SECTION
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The fifteenth Annual Conference and twenty-fifth Annual General
Meeting of the Club will be held in the Dunblane Hotel Hydro, Dunblane,
Perthshire, from 26th to 28th October 1962. The Conference Programme
will be printed in the next issue of “Scottish Birds,” and this intimation
is given in order that members may make their Hotel reservations in
good time. All bookings, including those at the Hotel Hydro, should be
made with the hotels and not with the Secretary.
Hotel Accommodation in Dunblane
DUNBLANE HOTEL HYDRO (Tel. 3161). Special Conference charge:
Dinner and bed on Friday 26th; breakfast, lunch, Annual Dinner and
bed on Saturday 27th; breakfast and lunch on Sunday 28th—#£4, 15s Od.
A 10% gratuity charge will be added to all bills.
STIRLING ARMS HOTEL (Tel. 2156). Bed and breakfast from 22s 6d.
*THE NEUK PRIVATE HOTEL, Doune Road (Tel. 2150). Bed and
breakfast from 17s 6d.
*SCHIEHALLION HOTEL, Doune Road (Tel. 3141). Bed and breakfast
from 17s 6d.
BLAIRALAN, Dargie Terrace (Tel. 3196). Bed and breakfast from 18s 6d.
{ARDLEIGHTON HOTEL (Tel. 2273). Bed and breakfast from 15s.
*These hotels are some distance from the Conference hotel.
(Situated near the Hotel Hydro gates.
112 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(2)
Hotel Accommodation in Bridge of Allan
eeu es HOTEL (Tel. Bridge of Allan 2293). Bed and breakfast
rom 30s.
ROYAL HOTEL (Tel. Bridge of Allan 2284). Bed and breakfast from 27s.
Members with cars who have difficulty in obtaining single rooms in
Dunblane should find that the above two hotels in Bridge of Allan have
ample single accommodation. The distance from Dunblane is about 3 miles.
The above terms for hotels other than the Conference hotel are quoted
as a guide only, and prices should be confirmed.
The Conference registration fee will be 8s 6d. The cost of the Annual
Dinner to members not staying in the Hotel Hydro will be 16s 6d .Owing
to limited seating accommodation, the Council regrets that Members
may invite only one guest each to the Annual Dinner. These items should
be paid when you register at the Conference, and not now.
“SCOTTISH BIRDS,” VOLUME 1.
Copies of the first issue of “Scottish Birds,’ Volume 1 No. 1 (Autumn
1958) are now unobtainable, while only a few copies of No. 2 (Winter 1958)
and No. 5 (Autumn 1959) remain in the office. As overseas libraries sub-
scribing to the journal are asking us for complete sets of back numbers
for binding purposes, an urgent appeal is made to members who have
these numbers and do not require them, to return them to the office. The
full price (5s) will be repaid for each copy received.
CLUB OFFICE
During the summer it is proposed to, recondition and furnish a room in
the basement of the Scottish Centre for use as additional office and
Library accommodation. If members have any spare furniture such as
tables, chairs, cupboards, shelves, rugs, etc., which they do not require,
the Secretary will be very glad to hear from them. Donations of furniture
will be gratefully received, and purchase will be considered.
It will also be necessary for the Club to acquire a second typewriter.
Members who may have one for disposal are asked to inform the Sec-
Tetary.
CLUB LIBRARY
The Council wishes to thank most warmly those members who have,
during the past year, donated new and old books and journals to the
library, and also those who by purchasing books through the book agency
have enabled us to use the profit to obtain scarce books. Recent acquisi-
tions from the Library Fund include both the Old and New Statistical
Accounts (1791 and 1845) in addition to other important reference books.
Donations of books, and monetary gifts to the Library Fund, are invited
and will be much appreciated.
EXCURSION TO THE FARNE ISLANDS
Will members please note that the date of the Edinburgh Branch ex-
cursion to the Farne Islands has been altered from Sunday, Ist July, as
previously announced, to Sunday, 8th July. Members who have already
applied have been informed of this change.
BIRD
CONSERVATION
"[‘HE aim of bird conservation is to promote the richest and
most varied bird-life possible. Man’s commercial develop-
ments often threaten species which require highly specialised
habitats ; we try to combat this by creating Reserves in such
areas.
The Society has assisted with the re-establishment of “‘lost’’
indigenous species by creating the right conditions for them to
recolonise their old haunts. This was achieved at Havergate by
regulating the water-level by artificial means so that Avocets
could breed ; and in the case of the Ospreys at Loch Garten by
preventing human predation in the form of egg-collecting.
Experiments are being carried out with nest-boxes for Golden-
eye duck in the hope that we may induce this species to breed
in Scotland.
A further example of a positive step in bird conservation was
the elimination of rats on Fidra where they had decimated the
tern colonies on this island. The Society successfully exter-
minated the rats, and the terns now breed successfully.
The Society was largely instrumental in persuading the
Government to ban the use of aldrin, dieldrin, and heptachlor
for dressing spring-sown grain, thus reducing the wide-spread
damage to birds and wildlife caused by these toxic chemicals.
In 1961, the Society established Reserves at Horse Island
(off Ardrossan) ; and at Inchmickery, Fidra, Lamb, and Eye-
broughty in the Firth of Forth. In 1962, further Reserves will
be declared.
All these activities cost money. As a bird-watcher we appeal
to you to support the work of the Society by becoming a Mem-
ber at an annual subscription of one guinea (10s if under 21
years of age). This subscription entitles you to copies of the
Society’s quarterly journal ‘“‘Bird Notes.”’
Write now for copy of Prospectus.
THE "ROYAL SOCIETY FOR
Poe PHOLECTION, “OF BIRDS
Scottish Office: 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
All contributions should be sent to Andrew T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw
Bank Road, Edinburgh 13. Attention to the following points greatly sim-
plifies production of the journal and is much appreciated.
1. Papers should if possible be typed with double spacing. All contri-
butions should be on one side of the paper only.
2. Topical material for Current Notes should reach the Editors by the
end of March, June, September and December. at which time they begin
to compile this section. All other notes should be sent promptly but
important items can be fitted in until a month or so after these dates.
3. 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
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EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London.
Dick, G. & Porrsr, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1 :329.
6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with
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The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Valo o"No. 3 Autumn 1962
Reprinted 1980
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
TPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was founded in 1936 and membership
is open to all: interested in Scottish ornithology. Meetings are held
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study of Scottish Ornithology in all its branches; (b) co-ordinate the
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NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
All notes dealing with birds in the eastern Lowlands, from Berwick-on-
Tweed to Dundee, should be submitted to A. T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 2 No. 3 REPRINTED 1980 Autumn 1964
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. Smout. Business Editor, ARTHUR J. SMITH. Cover Design (Leach’s
Petrel) by LEN FULLERTON, Published quarterly.
Editorial
Bird-watching in Sutherland. A large part of the present num-
ber of Scottish Birds consists of a study by our Vice-President,
Dr Ian D. Pennie, of changes during the past 100 years in the
breeding birds of Sutherland—a wild and relatively unspoilt
county with a strong lure for bird-watchers. This sort of
paper has a special interest when considered against the
background of the changes which have come with the gradual
amelioration of the northern climate: the retreat northward
of the Little Auk, or the advance of other species into the
Arctic. A recent issue of Sterna (5; 80-88), for instance, gives
the first breeding records of Wheatears on Spitsbergen, in
1959, and records Starlings with a nest that summer on Bear
Island—the most northerly breeding record in the world for
this species.
Aberlady Bay. Towards the end of June, impressive pictures
appeared in the press of members of the University Feder-
ateion for Animal Welfare up to their middles in the mud of
the Marl Loch at Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve. The loch
had become overgrown with weeds, and by clearing them
away it was hoped to attract birds to it again. The task was
organised by the Conservation Corps of the Council for
Nature and carried out by U.F.A.W. members from the
Royal Dick Veterinary College led by Eric Millar. In a quiet
way various improvements have been made for the birds at
Aberlady in the past few years, and this latest effort will
undoubtedly make the area more attractive for them.
Spatrowhawks. In many parts of Scotland, if not every-
where, the Sparrowhawk seems to have become very scarce.
This could be a natural decline, even though it is the only
hawk which does not enjoy protection under the Protection
of Birds Act, 1954. As we write, there is a proposal to put it
on the protected list in Scotland. Apart from any benefit to
the Sparrowhawk, this would be a good thing in another
way: it would make it that much easier to enforce the Pro-
166 EDITORIAL 2(3)
tection of Birds Act against those who destroy Hen Harriers,
Kestrels, Buzzards and other hawks. No longer could they
pene in mitigation that they mistook the birds for Sparrow-
awks. :
Nightjars, The June 1962 issue of Bird Study (9: 104-115)
contains a report on the “Nightjar enquiry, 1957-58” by J.
Stafford. This is a very scarce and local bird in Scotland, but
such information as was available has been summarised here,
though it is hardly possible that it can represent a true pic-
ture—when one considers the nocturnal ways of the bird and
the very thin cover of bird-watchers over great areas of suit-
able country in Scotland.
Toxic Chemicals. Everyone with an interest in the country-
side should read the second report of the Joint Committee of
the B.T.O. and the R.S.P.B. on toxic chemicals (Deaths of
birds and mammals from toxic chemicals, January-June 1961).
Here is the evidence of the catastrophic damage that can be
done to wild life by the unwitting misuse of chemicals in
agriculture. Mercury and organo-chlorine compounds—the
chemicals which have done most of the damage—linger in the
corpses and a chain reaction may be set up, so that birds die
from eating poisoned insects, and animals die from eating the
birds. The possibilities are fearful, and some of the instances
of which we have heard—not simply concerned with birds—
are very serious. One can only hope that everyone involved
realises the seriousness and urgency of the problem, and that
effective control will be achieved over the use of dangerous
chemicals in agriculture. Copies of the report can be had
from the R.S.P.B. at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh.
WITHOUT COMMENT
‘*Sea-Gulls in the Meadows: A good deal of curiosity was
excited on Sunday last, by the appearance of a flock of sea-
gulls in the Meadow Parks, where they have remained ever
since, picking up any odds and ends which fall their way,
and apparently living on the most friendly terms with the
crows from the adjoining rookeries at Lady Lawson’s Wynd
and the trees near East Lauriston Lane, frequently rubbing |
shoulders with one another without showing fight. They are
probably on the return from the south country, where great |
numbers congregate in the summer months, to head-quar-
ters on the sea-coast, where they generally spend the win-
ter.”
—From The Scotsman, Edinburgh,
Saturday, 8th October 1836. |
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 167
A CENTURY OF BIRD-WATCHING IN
SUTHERLAND
IAN D. PENNIE
The “Century” referred to in the title of this paper is
merely a round figure, and should more exactly be 127 years,
as the first proper study and published account of the birds
of Sutherland was that of P. J. Selby (1836) who made his
bird-watching tour of the county in 1834 along with Sir Wil-
liam Jardine, and left a valuable record which has been the
basis for all subsequent work on the county’s birds.
The only work of any significance prior to Selby’s is Sir
Robert Gordon’s well known list of the beasts and birds made
in 1630:“... All these forrests and schases are verie profitable
for feiding of bestiall, and delectable for hunting. They are
full of reid deer and roes, woulffs, foxes, wyld catts, brocks,
skuyrrells, whittrets, weasels, otters, martrixes, hares and
fumarts. In these forrests, and in all this province, there is
a great store of partriges, pluivers, capercalegs, blackwaks,
murefowls, heth hens, swanes, bewters, turtledoves, herons,
dowes, steares or stirlings, lair-igigh or knag, (which is a
foull lyk vnto a paroket, or parret, which maks place for her
nest with her bek, in the oak trie), duke, draig, widgeon,
teale, wildgouse, ringouse, routs, whaips, shot-whaips, wood-
cok, larkes, sparrowes, snyps, blackburds or osills, meweis,
thrushes, and all other kinds of wild-foule and birds, which
ar to be had in any part of this kingdome...”’
This would indicate that there was still pine forest in
Sutherland in the seventeenth century, but by the middle
of the eighteenth century the pines had gone, and with them
went the wolves, squirrels and Capercaillies, but the “mart-
rixes” have survived, even to this day, by adapting them-
selves to live in cairns and to hunt rabbits instead of chasing
squirrels through the pine tops. A minute fragment of orig-
inal pine remains in Glen Einig, which is just over the
boundary into Ross-shire, but in Sutherland even the ancient
pines in Strath Oykell are almost certainly the remains of
early plantations, only those on the shore and islands of Loch
Assynt having any possible claim to be descended from
other than plantations (Steven & Carlisle 1959).
On the other hand, eighteenth century Sutherland was by
no means barren and devoid of trees; birchwoods were much
more extensive than they are today, as were the oaks in the
valleys, of which only a few isolated patches remain, such
as those at Aberscross in Strathfleet, and there were alders
*Read to The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Aberdeen Branch, 30th October 1961.
168 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
on the river sides. Added to this, coniferous plantations had
already begun to be established in the latter half of the
eighteenth century in the south and east (Sinclair 1793),
among the earliest and most notable being those at Rosehall
where Kites flourished in the early nineteenth century
(Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1887) and which had all the ap-
pearance of natural pine forest when they were clear felled
during the last war.
Little had been done in the way of land improvement by
the close of the eighteenth century other than the establish-
ment of these first plantations. Access was by sea only, for
the bridge at Bonar was not constructed until 1813; there were
virtually no roads except on the east coast between Dornoch
and Wick, and even on this a dangerous ferry intervened at
the mouth of Loch Fleet, for the road by the Mound was
not built until 1816—previously the lower half of Strath
Fleet was a great fjord with the tide running inland as far
as Pittentrail. It is difficult to realise that the alder swamp at
the Mound has appeared only since the Mound itself was
built, and the alders must have grown very quickly, as the
New Statistical Account, writen in 1840, records that “400
acres of beach above the Mound, which may in time become
arable, are gradually assuming a coating partly of herbage,
and partly of alder trees” and refers to the River Fleet which
“enters an extensive plain, once covered by every tide from
the Moray Firth, but now encroached uvon only by this
stream ...in this place, where it is not confined by the...
agriculturist, it appears almost completely lost among rapid-
ly growing alders.”
Vast undrained bogs lay over much of the lower ground—
Sir Robert Gordon had Bitterns on his list, and even as late
at 1848 St John heard them in the Shinness marshes, which
were not drained until much later—but malaria, which was
endemic and widespread in Scotland until late in the eight-
eenth century (Creighton 1891, 1894), was prevalent as far
north as Tongue (Sinclair 1792; Ritchie 1920), and in 1793
(Sinclair) there is a complaint from Dornoch of the nuisance
caused by a large morass “extending upwards of two miles
westwards of the town.”
This was the Sutherland of the days before the improve-
ments of the early nineteenth century, but for our particular
interest almost completely undocumented. The events of the
first quarter of the nineteenth century were cataclysmic, and
their effects far-reaching, for the reverberations of that great
social upheaval have not yet died down. It is not my purpose
here to dissert on the Highland Clearances except in so far
as they affected the wild life, but with the coming of the
sheep began the persecution of the eagles. Previously the
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 169
small tenants had few sheep and little reason to destroy
eagles; their firearms were of a poor sort and, as Evander
Maclver has pointed out (1905), the banning of firearms in
the Highlands after the Forty-five was probably conducive in
a big way to the increase in the birds of prey. With the sheep
came the necessity to destroy eagles, and it happened that
about the same time the parish minister of Belhelvie was
conducting his diabolical experiments which gave us the
percussion cap and small arms of immensely increased effic-
iency. The effect of the resultant onslaught on the birds of
prey can be judged by the list which Selby has given of
vermin destroyed on the Sutherland Estates alone in three
years from March 1831 to March 1834—171 adult eagles, 53
young eagles and eggs, 936 Ravens, 1055 hawks, 1739 crows
and Magpies, 548 Dippers—then known as “kingfishers.” Such
lists must however be accepted only with great caution.
Selby does not give the source of his information, which
presumably was derived from a list of bounties paid during
the period, and as such must be regarded as liable to all sorts
of inaccuracies and falsifications. The same applies to the
figure given for bounties paid for eagles killed in Norway
and referred to below.
Sheep farming had become really profitable by about 1830,
and about the middle of the century shootings in the north
began to have a commercial value and to be a valuable source
of income; consequently the combined efforts of the grazing
sheep and the heather-burning of the shepherd and the
grouse-moor keeper have so militated against the birch and
oak woods as to reduce them to the few pitiable remnants
we have today. In many places the only minute fragments of
woodland surviving are on the islands in lochs, where they
have remained immune from tooth and fire. This has of course
had a tremendous effect on the fauna; even the parish minis-
ter of Tongue noticed it when he was compiling his chapter
for the New Statistical Account in 1845, for he says that
“game is not so abundant as formerly owing to the extensive
moor burnings upon the sheep farms.” An intensification of
the onslaught on the predatory birds no doubt accompanied
the commercialisation of the sporting rights, but on the other
hand the arrest of the decline of the Golden Eagle was almost
certainly assisted by the partial failure of sheep farming
in the 1870’s and 1880’s when several of the large farms of
west Sutherland were turned into deer forests where eagles
are regarded with greater tolerance.
There have, no doubt, been other factors affecting the con-
dition of the woodlands, and just as an alteration in climate
appears to have been responsible for the disappearance of
the pine forest in earlier times, there is evidence, from con-
temporary accounts, of a deterioration in climate at the close
170 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
of the eighteenth century which had a deleterious effect
on the deciduous woods of the valleys of Sutherland (Hen-
derson 1812). The deterioration of the birchwoods continues,
and some of the finest, such as those at Loch a’Choire, Loch
Naver and Strath Beg are doomed unless some regeneration
is permitted. The immediate and profuse growth of young
birch in a strip fenced against sheep and deer is well seen
at Loch a’Choire where the regeneration is strictly limited
to the small area fenced. The 150 acres of oak copse at Creich,
which was referred to by Henderson(1812), fortunately still
remains, and is a favourite haunt of Wood Warblers and Tree
Pipits, but the magnificent oaks at Aberscross are unfenced
and on heavily grazed land, with consequently no young
growth at all. These northern oaks appear to fruit about
once in ten years.
As the development of forestry schemes has an obvious
influence on the spread of woodland birds it is of importance
to give some indication of the area and distribution of con-
iferous plantations. The sources of information are the Old
Statistical Account (Sinclair 1791-99), Henderson (1812), the
New Statistical Account (1845), also personal communica-
tions (1961) from the Director (Scotland) of the Forestry
Commission, and from J. P. Whittet, Estates Office, Clash-
more, William Ross, Dunrobin, and John D. Murray, Achfary,
to all of whom my thanks are due. The distributions here
given are roughly in accordance with the three Faunal Areas
into which Sutherland falls, and are in all cases approximate
only, as no attempt has been made to list every small block
of timber in the county.
SOUTH-EAST. 1793: plantations of fir “of no great extent”
in Dornoch Parish; “considerable plantations” of firs in
different parts of Creich Parish, the largest being at Rose-
hall; and under Golspie reference is made to deer raiding
the plantations at Dunrobin. 1812: “several hundred acres”
between Dornoch and Rosehall; 300 acres of Scots fir at
Dunrobin besides smaller blocks at Uppat, Strathbrora,
and Kintradwell. 1845: at least 5,500 acres in all, increasing
annually. 1961: over 18,000 acres.
WEST. 1845 and earlier: none. 1961: 2,500 acres.
NORTH. 1812: a plantation of Scots fir at Tongue. 1845: |
“with a trifling exception, all the trees in the parish (Farr) |
are indigenous, hazel, alders, rowans, willows and birch.” |
1961: 4,000 acres. |
The early nineteenth century saw the opening up of |
Sutherland by roads and bridges. A parliamentary road hav- —
ing been made from Lairg to Tongue and thence to Thurso, —
the Sutherland family constructed a road from Bonar Bridge
to Assynt, by way of Strath Oykell and Loch Assynt, and
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 171
continued this programme by building in 1829 a road from
Skiag Bridge to Kylesku Ferry, thence to Scourie, Rhiconich,
Durness, and finally over the Moine to Tongue to join the
parliamentary road. All this cost about £35,000. The road
from Lairg to Laxford Bridge was not added until 1850, this
too being made by the Sutherland family. The Highland
Clearances had removed much of the old population from the
inland valleys to the seaboard, where most of the crofting
communities are today, but the potato disease of 1846 and the
following years brought about hardship and consequent emi-
gration on a large scale. This is where serious depopulation
really commenced, and I mention this principally to give an
opportunity of noting that it was in 1848 that the eight small
tenants left the island of Handa (MaclIver 1905), famous for
its sea-bird colonies, which then became a sheep run tenan-
ted by the Scourie factor.
The social history of Sutherland is of such absorbing in-
terest that it is only too easy to digress far from the title
and purpose of this paper, and it is necessary at this point
to revert to the construction of the west coast roads in 1829,
along which were to travel in a very few years the first or-
nithological tourists. In 1834, almost as soon as the road from
Kylesku to Durness was completed, the first party of bird-
watchers arrived. How many were in the party we are not
told, but the principal members were Prideaux John Selby,
author. of one of the standard text-books on British ornith-
ology, and Sir William Jardine, who is perhaps best known
as editor of Jardine’s Naturalists’ Library. Among the party
was James Wilson, who in 1841 made the voyage round
Scotland and wrote a book about it (Wilson 1842). Selby and
Jardine quite obviously knew their business and left an
excellent record of their observations (Selby 1836). They
recorded 94 species, and added two more seen by James Wil-
son but not by themselves—a pair of Goldfinches and a
Nightjar.
Selby’s list reflects very much the primitive and undevel-
oped state of the county at a time when the larger raptors
were still abundant, although every measure and every
device, fair and foul, was being used to destroy the two
species of eagle and the Raven. The White-tailed Eagle in
particular seems to have welcomed the addition of mutton
to his diet. An old sheep farmer in Caithness once told me
that there had been a saying in the north at the time when
sheep were first introduced, that all would be well in. the
world “but for the erne and Buonaparte.”’
“Ospreys,” says Selby, “are most abundant in the west,”
and they saw three or four together on the wing at the mouth
of the Laxford River: ‘they remain unmolested by hunters,
as they never attack lambs, their food being entirely restric-
172 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
ted to fish.” That was in 1834, when the first ornithologists
arrived, and the subsequent story is so well known that it
scarcely requires repetition: by the time Harvie-Brown made
his first visit to the north in 1867 the Osprey was extinct.
James Wilson, as we know, visited Sutherland again in 1841
during the course of his voyage, but on this occasion he
seems to have been more interested in the fishing than in
the bird-watching. He did however note an Osprey on the
Laxford River, but makes the ominous comment that he was
informed that ‘these birds are destructive, to an almost in-
calculable: extent, to the sea-trout.” It is not possible here to
go through the whole of Selby’s list, but I might mention
his records of geese and ducks. He recorded geese breeding
on several lochs, including 30-40 pairs on Loch Loyal, but he
called them Bean Geese. He had the first breeding record of
Wigeon in the British Isles, and almost did the same for
Scaup; he shot a female which had a single duckling with it,
but the duckling escaped and so its parentage was never
proven. : |
In 1847 the rush really started; in’ that year Sir William
Milner and his brother Henry travelled through Sutherland
from Bonar Bridge to the north coast “shooting and collect-
ing everything” (Milner 1848). They shot a Golden Eagle and
took the eggs on Ben Stomino; they recorded Grey Lag
Geese (and harried their nests) on Loch Shin, Loch Assynt
and Loch Naver, but they still listed the Loch Loyal geese
as Bean Geese—and harried their nests too, commenting
that they are “so constantly robbed that they are leaving
Loch Loyal and are betaking themselves to smaller lochs.”
This disturbance has continued ever since, so it is quite aston-
ishing to find that two or three pairs of geese still nest on
Loch Loyal.
The following year, 1848, was the year of St John who,
along with William Dunbar and a friend referred to as “Mr
J.”, covered a great part of the county that summer, travel-
ling in a boat on wheels, pulled by a highland pony. When
they came to a loch which they wished to explore they sim-
ply removed the wheels and launched the boat. St John’s
depredations of the Ospreys are too notorious to be worthy of
further mention, but a few of his records warrant another
look. He arrived in time to see the last Choughs in the north,
which strangely enough he did not shoot; and in all fairness
it should be pointed out that it was Dunbar and not St John
who shot the only pair of Red-necked Phalaropes ever known
to have bred in Sutherland. He tells us that “the Dotterel
breeds on Clibreck,” but he did not see them himself as he
was caught in thick mist and rain on the one climb he made.
It is possible that the Dotterel bred there in former times,
and there is a specimen in the Dunrobin museum labelled
1902 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 173
“Clibreck 1846.” St John’s records however are not anything
like so valuable as those of Selby and Jardine: he did not
know his birds well at all, and many of his statements and
identifications are quite untrustworthy and inaccurate. “Mr
J.” was evidently Thomas Jeans of Bath, an old school friend
of St John’s who joined him for at least part of the visit to
Sutherland in 1848. St John resided at Rosehall for a time
about 1834 but was living in Morayshire when he made his
1848 tour; he seems to have revisited Sutherland subsequent-
ly, as John Hancock of Newcastle (1874) says that in 1849 he
“accompanied Mr St John to Sutherlandshire on an ornith-
ological tour,” referring to the neighbourhood of Dunrobin.
John Wolley was a friend of the younger Milner, who no
doubt gave him an enthusiastic account of his Sutherland
exploits, so much so that Wolley was next in the field, in 1849,
and did the round of the Osprey sites once again, almost kill-
ing himself in the effort of taking one particular clutch of
eggs, but that did not chill his enthusiasm in the slightest.
Wolley was not only an energetic egg-collector, but was an
accurate and painstaking diarist; he died at an early age,
but his note-books were edited and published by Alfred New-
ton (1864-1907) under the title of Ootheca Wolleyana, a val-
uable and much neglected book of reference. Wolley was
worried about the incessant persecution of eagles by collec-
tors, farmers, and grouse-moor owners, and it is interesting
to note that in 1849 the Golden Eagle was the rarer of the
two, and he was quite certain it would be exterminated before
the White-tailed Eagle, which lasted out until the end of the
century. They were exterminated at Cape Wrath in 1879, but
Jourdain had a clutch which was taken in Sutherland in 1901
(Baxter & Rintoul 1953) though it is not recorded where.
Another great Osprey hunter was Roualeyn Gordon-Cum-
ming, who took Ospreys’ eggs in Sutherland about the same
time, but all his letters and records were destroyed after his
death, so comparatively little is known of his exploits.
J. A. Harvie-Brown was in Sutherland in 1867 and 1868: by
this time the Osprey was extinct, but he saw a White-tailed
Eagle and heard of several eyries, but still had not exploded
the theory of the Bean Geese. Harvie-Brown’s most remark-
able record was of a pair of Great Northern Divers which had
all the appearance of breeding in Assynt on an isolated loch
with a small green island in it. Unfortunately it was impos-
sible to bring a boat to the loch and the supposition of
breeding remains unconfirmed (Harvie-Brown 1868).
T. E. Buckley lived in Sutherland for several years, first at
Balnacoil in Strath Brora, and later at Glen Rossal at the
lower end of Glen Cassley. Buckley wrote several papers on
the birds of Sutherland (1882, 1892) and collaborated with
174 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
Harvie-Brown in the volume on Sutherland in the Vertebrate
Fauna series (1887).
E. T. Booth, who is best known for his great book of Rough
Notes (1881-87), was in Sutherland in 1868, 1869 and 1877. He
made some interesting and original observations and has been
credited by the Misses Baxter and Rintoul (1953) with finding
Kites breeding in Sutherland in 1877 in Glendhu on the north-
west coast. This is however a mistake. Booth was in west
Sutherland in 1877, but he was also in the Spey Valley. Care-
ful study of the chapter on the Kite in Rough Notes shows
that not only is Booth’s description of Glendhu inapplicable
to the Sutherland glen of that name, but it appears that he
invented the “Glendhu” to conceal the true name of a glen
in the Spey Valley where Kites were nesting. Reference to
Booth’s original field note-books in the Dyke Road Museum,
Brighton, confirms this, and also reveals a record of a possible
Kite’s nest, not given in Rough Notes, which was shot out at
Loch Sionascaig on the borders of Ross and Sutherland in
1877. My thanks are due to Dr W. R. P. Bourne for extracting
records from Booth’s note-books with the permission of the
Director of Museums, Brighton.
In his chapter on grouse, Booth says that he “watched for
some Red-necked Phalaropes that frequented the shores of
Loch Craggie, a few miles north of Loch Shin”; he does not
state whether he actually saw them himself, and he wrote
no chapter on the species. Harvie-Brown and Buckley (1887)
simply dismiss this by saying that they know of no loch of
that name in the place described. There does however happen
to be a Loch Craggie in approximately the situation given by
Booth, and what is even more interesting, reference to his
note-books shows an entry “Red-necked Phalarope, three on
Loch Doula, near Lairg, 15th June 1868, not seen later.’’ Loch
Doula is adjacent to Loch Craggie and would be an excellent
place for phalaropes.
This brings us to the end of those who may be termed the
original explorers of Sutherland birds, and also more or less
to the end of the era of the skin collector. The egg-collectors
continued, and there were regular visits from such men as
Norman Gilroy, who studied Greenshanks at Altnaharra and
who published privately a series of papers on their hitherto
undescribed nesting habits, but who rather spoiled the story
by detailing the state of incubation of the eggs of every nest
he found, and another well-known collector who published |
nothing and was fined in the Dornoch Sheriff Court for steal- |
ing Grey Lag Goose eggs from Loch Loyal. The egg-collector |
has proved more difficult to exterminate than some of the |
birds, and Caithness and the north coast are still subjected to |
seasonal visitations from these oophilous kleptomaniacs from |
the south. |
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 175
The gradually increasing popularity of summer holidays in
the Highlands for persons other than the wealthy few has in
more recent years kept a constant trickle of short notes from
Sutherland appearing in the journals, but the general use of
the motor car really opened up the north for the bird-watch-
ing tourist, who so often comes across something exciting
purely by chance, such as the Bramblings which nested at
Altnaharra in 1920 (Hodgkin & Hodgkin 1920); and it was a
chance observation from a car window by a member of the
Scottish Ornithologists’ Club which last year gave us the first
authenticated record of a Whimbrel breeding in the county
(Henderson 1961). Ringing was started very early in Suther-
land, again principally by the summer visitors, and there are
recoveries of Buzzards, Herons, owls and Cormorants—all
species likely to be destroyed by keepers—from 1913 onwards;
but the first recovery of a bird ringed in Sutherland was much
earlier even than these—a Wigeon ringed at Loch Brora with
an Aberdeen University ring on 19th June 1909 and recovered
a Netherlands in September of the same year (Thomson
2). |
The number of persons spending their summer holidays
bird-watching increases annually; Highland hotel-keepers are
now beginning to realise that the bird-watcher forms a recog-
nised section of the annual body of tourists; one Sutherland
hotel publishes a brochure advertising the attractions of the
district for the bird-watcher, and it is most revealing that the
Sutherland Tourist Association should place bird-watching as
an attraction second only to the fishing. Live birds mean
money, and a pair of Ospreys nesting now on the ruins of
Ardvreck Castle would bring more trade to the hotels in the
district than all the fish in Loch Assynt.
Some of the changes which have taken place in the County
of Sutherland in the past century have been outlined briefly,
and at rather greater length some of the changes in the bird-
watchers; it is now possible from the records left by the latter
to trace a great many changes which have taken place among
the birds since Selby crossed the Kyle of Sutherland. In some
instances it is possible to correlate them with changes in land
use, and other human factors, and in a few with similar chan-
ges which have occurred elsewhere in western Europe.
The following list is of those species in which an alteration
in numbers or distribution within the county of Sutherland
can be traced durng the past 130 years: it is not a complete
list of the breeding birds of Sutherland. I have not included
such species as Redwing, Wood Sandpiper and Whimbrel,
whose recent sporadic breeding does not necessarily indicate
any true change of status, but I have included others like
Gadwall and Great Skua where events elsewhere suggest the
possibility of impending colonisation of Sutherland. The full
176 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
significance of the changes is often apparent only when com-
pared with corresponding changes elsewhere, such as are
detailed by Alexander and Lack (1944) for the British Isles as
a whole, Haftorn (1958) for Norway, and Gudmundsson (1951)
for Iceland, and it is suggested that these papers should be
used aS a comparison.
LIST OF SPECIES
SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus. First found breeding in the
centre of the county in 1929, when there were four pairs
(Baxter and Rintoul 1929). Has bred more or less regularly
since then, but appears to have missed some years and there
have never been as many as four pairs again.
FuLMarR Fulmarus glacialis. First recorded at the Clo Mor in
1897 (Clarke 1897), and in 1902 a pair was seen on Handa
and about a dozen pairs on the Clo Mor (Tait 1902): even
in 1912 no further breeding site was known (Harvie-Brown
1912). On the east they bred at Strathsteven, near Brora, in
1939 (Fisher and Waterston 1941), and appeared on the
roof of Dunrobin Castle in 1947 (Darling and Morley 1947).
Eggs were laid on the eastle roof in 1954 though it was not
known if young were reared, but at least one was reared in
1955. From occupying almost the whole coastline the Fulmar
is now spreading inland in a most remarkable manner to
such places as the Mound Rock, Torboll Rock, Morvich Rock
and Carrol Rock, which is right at the top end of Loch
Brora; on 8th July 1961 one was flying over the north end
of Loch Loyal below Ben Stomino.
GaDWALL Anas strepera. Has bred sporadically since 1913
(Baxter and Rintoul 1922), but is still extremely scarce. A
pair was seen in the Tongue district in June 1958 (Seot.
Birds 1: 197) and I have had a report of a breeding pair in
the south-east in 1961. In view of this, and the fact that it
is a species which has increased greatly in Iceland (Gud-
mundsson 1951), the Gadwall will be worth watching for in
Sutherland.
WicEon Anas penelope. Had never been recorded breeding in
Britain before 1834 when Selby saw several pairs near Lairg
and took a clutch of eggs at Loch Loyal: In 1848 St John
Said it was breeding in a few localities, and in 1867 it was
“scattered sparingly over the county” (Harvie-Krown 1867);
in 1887 they were common in the centre, north and east, but
not in the west (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1887); and from
1901 onwards they have bred sparingly near Inchnadamph
(Harvie-Brown and Macpherson 1904), but are still very
scarce as breeding birds in the west.
TuFrtEeD Duck Aythya fuligula. Up to 1935 was never known
to breed, but in that year nested at Loch Caladail, Durness
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 177
(Oldham 1935 (3)). Has nested regularly since and has in-
creased to about twenty pairs, restricted to the limestone
lochs of the Durness district. Baxter and Rintoul (1953) say
that it nests in the south-east, but if in fact it does, it is
neither widespread nor plentiful, although there were two
drakes on a loch near Lairg on 10th June 1961, and Ian
Downhill saw four drakes and a duck at the same place on
16th July 1961.
EmDER Somateria mollissima. Was breeding on the Rabbit Is-
lands, Tongue, in 1848 (St John); spread to Loch Eriboll in
1881 (Harvie-Brown 1904), and by 1902 was plentiful from
Cape Wrath to the Badcall Islands (Harvie-Brown and Mac-
pherson 1904), appearing in Lochinver Bay in 1904. In 1935,
50 females with broods were seen off Farraid Head (Oldham
1935 (2)). In the east the first nest was found in 1915 or 1916
near Navidale, and as far down as Loch Fleet broods of
ducklings were seen in 1956 (Pennie 1959). On 10th July
1961 there were about a dozen ducklings between Cambus-
more and Skelbo. One interesting feature of the increase of
Hiders is the build up of a pack at the bar of Loch Fleet in
autumn. The birds gather in September, and the maximum
is reached by the beginning of October. In 1961 there was
- ee of over 500 in the ratio of about three drakes to two
ucks.
GOOSANDER Mergus merganser. First bred in the south-east in
1875 and in the west in 1878 (Harvie-Brown 1887). A clutch
of nine eggs in the Chance collection was taken on the
Vagastie Burn, Altnaharra, on 25th April 1914, and I was
told by The Hon. G. L. Charteris in 1958 that Goosanders
used to be quite common around Altnaharra but were reg-
ularly shot 6n the nest by the keepers. They are still found
on the rivers of the centre, west and north, but the numbers
are severely kept down. Being much more a bird of the
rivers than the Red-breasted Merganser it is much more
open to persecution than the latter.
GreY Lac Goose Anser anser. In 1834 the Grey Lag bred on
Loch Shin and Loch Naver, and there were 30-40 pairs on
Loch Loyal (Selby), but by 1848 they were deserting Loch
Loyal (Milner), and were down to one pair in 1886 (Harvie-
Brown and Buckley). Loch Shin was deserted by 1890, but
they were still plentiful at Badanloch in 1892 (Buckley),
although they deserted Loch Brora about this time. Scatter-
ed pairs still breed in the west, and there are small colonies
in the centre. The Loch Loyal colony came up to about
eight or nine pairs in 1940, but has dropped again to two
or three. A feral flock of pure Scottish Grey Lags was estab-
lished on Loch Brora in 1937 and had increased to 200 in
1955, by which time the birds were completely wild. Un-
fortunately the proprietor has had them reduced in numbers
178 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
and there are only 30 or 40 left; there is no doubt that the
Loch Brora birds have helped to keep the county’s stock
going. The general position is bad, but not hopeless, and a
lot could be done to help.
BRENT GoosE Branta bernicla. In St John’s time there were
said to be immense numbers on most of the inlets of the
sea in Sutherland in winter. In 1869 Booth saw parties of
50-100 at the Little Ferry, but in 1882 Buckley said “a few
every winter,” while in 1896 they were still found in all
estuaries from the Little Ferry southwards (Harvie-Brown
and Buckley). There has been a great decrease since then,
and Brents are now scarcely ever seen on the Sutherland
coast. The only recent records are of four Dark-breasted
birds on Loch Fleet on 24th-26th February 1956, and one
on 2nd December of the same year. D. MacDonald informs
me that the only recent record for Dornoch was a flock of
about 30 seen by him on 20th October 1951.
BARNACLE GOOosE Branta leucopsis. Up to 1887 the Barnacle was
reckoned as occasional only to Handa and Scourie (St John;
Harvie-Brown and Buckley). After the human population
was evacuated from Island Roan in 1938 Barnacle Geese
began to winter there and on the adjacent Eilean Iosal. Now
200-300 winter there annually and a few straggle over to
the crofts in Melness and Skerray. I have twice attempted
to count them. On 28th March 1949 with a telescope from
the mainland I counted at Jeast 300, and on 13th December
1955 I spent a whole day ashore on Island Roan and counted
exactly 210 geese.
GOLDEN EaGLe Aquila chrysaétos. Eagles were still fairly com-
mon in 1834 but, between 1819 and 1826, 295 eagles (both
species) and 60 eggs and young were taken in Sutherland
and two adjoining estates in Caithness (Harvie-Brown and
Buckley 1887) and, from 1831 to 1834, 171 adults and 53
eggs and young on the Sutherland estates alone (Selby),
that is 466 adults and 113 eggs and young in a total of ten
years. Scotland was not alone in this sort of thing, for in
the five years ending December 1850 bounties were paid in
Norway on 10,715 eagles (Newton 1864). In the face of all
this there was such a rapid decrease that in 1849 the Golden
Eagle was in grave danger of total extermination, much
more so than the White-tailed Eagle (Newton). In 1867 how-
ever, Harvie-Brown remarked that the Golden Eagle “still
breeds in Sutherland.” A nominal protection of the species
began on the Sutherland estates in 1875, but there seems to
have been little increase before 1900. A great increase took |
place during the 1939-45 war, and in 1947 there were more
Golden Eagles in Sutherland than there had been for a
hundred years, but since then there has undoubtedly been
a decrease again. This may be partly due to surreptitious
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 179
shooting and poisoning, but it is more likely that the myxo-
matosis of rabbits since 1954 accounts for the great number
of empty eyries found in the past few years.
BuzzaRD Buteo buteo. Selby saw Buzzards in various places
in 1834, but in 1848 St John’s report was that, although they
had been common a few years previously, they were now
completely exterminated except in the wilder parts. In 1867
Harvie-Brown found them “still plentiful,” but twenty years
later “uncommon in the east: commoner in the west, but
less so than formerly.’’ Buckley (1892) refers to their in-
creasing scarcity, and in 1904 they were much rarer in the
west and becoming more so (Harvie-Brown and Macpher-
son). Since then the Buzzard has increased again and is
plentiful in the east, probably more so than in the west,
although there was some decrease after the myxomatosis
came, the previous increase probably being in a great way
due to the increase in rabbits. Buzzards are still shot by
keepers in many parts of Sutherland.
SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus. Was said to be common in the
south-east in 1848 (St John), and bred in Tongue for the
first time in 1867 (Harvie-Brown 1875). In 1887 it was in-
creasing greatly in the south-east and regular in Tongue
(Harvie-Brown and Buckley), but it was still unrecorded
from the west in 1904 (Harvie-Brown and Macpherson). It
now occurs regularly wherever there are plantations, in-
cluding both the Reay Forest area and Assynt, but is harried
so mercilessly everywhere that it is rapidly becoming ex-
tremely scarce.
KitE Milvus milvus. Was not recorded by Selby in 1834 and
must have been rare even then, although Harvie-Brown and
Buckley (1884) say it was common in Rosehall in the early
years of the century. It was seldom seen in St John’s time,
and only in wooded areas, but according to Baxter and Rin-
toul (1953) there are clutches of eggs in the British Museum
taken in Sutherland in 1859 and 1860. As already shown,
Booth’s record does not refer to Sutherland.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE Haliaétus albicilla. Was common on the
east coast in 1840 (New Statistical Account) and inland in
1848 (St John) at which time it was more plentiful than
the Golden Eagle (Newton 1864). In 1867 it was still not
uncommon (Harvie-Brown), but by 1875 it was already less
plentiful than the Golden Eagle. In 1877 there were few
eyries left, and the last clutch of eggs known to have been
taken in Sutherland was taken on 4th April 1901. This
clutch was in the possession of the late Rev. F. C. R. Jour-
dain, according to Baxter and Rintoul (1953), but so far my
efforts to trace either the clutch or the data have been un-
successful. There have been no recent authenticated rec-
ords in the county, but on several occasions I have had
180 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
second-hand descriptions of what may have been White-
tailed Eagles seen on the north and west coasts.
Hen HarrieER Circus cyaneus. Selby saw a female between
Altnaharra and Loyal in 1834, and Milner in 1847 found a
nest at the foot of Ben Stomino. Hen Harriers were common
in the west until 1877 (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1887),
but became extinct soon after that. They lasted longer in
the east and centre where they were holding their ground
well in 1882 (Buckley), but were exterminated throughout
the county by the close of the century. Correspondence
with the author of a Nature Note in The Scotsman of 21st
February 1948 disclosed that a male harrier had been seen
hunting in the centre of the county in August 1945, and
that in May 1946 the keeper there had destroyed two ‘nests
and shot the hens. The nests were about 200 yards apart
and were attended by a single cock, which escaped. In 1947
a nest escaped the attentions of the keeper and a brood was
reared. A few pairs now nest annually in different parts
of central and east Sutherland, but Hen Harriers are easily
shot and very easily caught on pole-traps, which are per-
mitted and even encouraged by some of the more selfish
and single minded proprietors, and consequently these
birds do not increase much.
OsprEY Pandion haliaetus. The story of the Osprey in Suther-
land is already well known. It is now a scarce but almost
regular passage migrant, and on several occasions in the
last few years single birds have remained for a week or
more, but recent rumours of breeding have not been sub-
stantiated. It is pleasing to record that these passage Ospreys
are no longer shot.
PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus. Described as “common” in 1867
(Harvie-Brown), and in 1887 as “still common, in spite of
persecution, with eight eyries on the coast from Whiten
Head to Lochinver, and eight inland in Assynt within a ten
mile radius” (Harvie-Brown and Buckley). In 1904 it was
said to be still common in the west (Harvie-Brown and Mac-
pherson). There may now quite well be eight eyries on the
coast from Whiten Head to Lochinver, but it has greatly
decreased inland; in fact, with the exception of a very few
sites, the Peregrine is almost exterminated inland, but there
is not much change in numbers breeding on the coast.
MERLIN Falco columbarius. In 1867 the Merlin was “next to the
Kestrel, the commonest hawk in the west” (Harvie-Brown).
In 1887 it was still common, but less so than formerly, and
in 1904 still less common. Now it is the rarest hawk of all,
and there is less chance of seeing a Merlin than a Hen
Harrier in a day’s outing on the Sutherland moors.
PTARMIGAN Lagopus mutus. Buckley (1882) records great de-
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 181
crease in east Sutherland, extinct on Ben Uarie since 1870,
also on the Griams, and becoming scarce on Ben Armine;
but in 1892 he still found them occasionally, but not breed-
ing, on both of the former. In 1904 Harvie-Brown and Mac-
pherson record a gradual decrease in the west, particularly
in Assynt. The present distribution does not indicate much
further change; there are still a few on Ben Armine and
they are plentiful on the Assynt Hills, including a few on
Canisp; in the north they still breed on Ben Loyal and Ben
Stomino, and are said to breed on Fashven at 1400 feet, and
probably on Sgribhisbheinn at 1200 feet. A survey of the
Scottish distribution would be of great interest.
BLAcK GROUSE Lyrurus tetrix. Plentiful in 1834 (Selby), 1848
(St John), but by 1880 beginning to decrease on the east
(Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1887); the decrease continued
steadily throughout the county, but blackgame were still
plentiful in the Tongue area in the late 1920’s, although they
eventually disappeared until a few were again seen in the
1940’s. During the past two or three years there has been a
reappearance and increase near Altnaharra, near Syre, in
parts of Rogart, and in the Birichen-Spinningdale region
of the south-east. The growth of new plantations may have
helped this.
CaPERCAILLIE Tetrao urogallus, Was listed by Sir Robert Gor-
don in 1630. There was an unsuccessful attempt at reintro-
duction at Skibo in 1870 (Harvie-Brown 1879). The spread
and distribution are described by Pennie (1950-51); appeared
at Skibo in 1910, Balblair (Golspie) 1912, Dunrobin 1922,
Ben Bhraggie 1928, Uppat about 1935, and Rosehall prior to
1920. The habitat has now been somewhat restricted by
tree felling during the 1939-45 war; there are more Caper in
the Skibo woods than anywhere else and there are still a
few in the Balblair Wood, Golspie.
CoORNCRAKE Crex crex. Until 1896 all records state that it is
common wherever there is sufficient cultivation, but in that
year it was “said by some people to be scarcer than for-
merly’’ (Harvie-Brown and Buckley). Since then the Corn-
crake has gradually but steadily disappeared; it is now very
scarce in the south and east where numbers have dimin-
ished even in the last ten years; still reasonably plentiful
in Strathnaver and in the north and west but is decreasing
in these areas also.
OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus. In 1834 Selby said it
“breeds on Loch Shin and on all salt water lochs.” In 1871—
“never comes inland to breed” (Harvie-Brown 1875). In 1882
Buckley had once or twice seen Oystercatchers seven or
eight miles up the Brora River but they stayed only a day
or two, and in 1896 he had once seen one up the Cassley
182 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
(Harvie-Brown and Buckley). The Oystercatcher now
breeds inland in many parts including such places as Loch
Stack, Loch Assynt, Alnaharra, Loch Loyal, Strath Naver,
and Rhilochan, and in some instances far from water.
DoTTEREL Charadrius morinellus. A specimen in the Dunrobin
Museum is labelled ‘“Clibreck 18th June 1846,” and nests
are said to have been found frequently on Clibreck about
1855 (Harvie-Brown 1875). In 1884—‘“has been seen on
Clibreck by the Altnaharra keeper” (Harvie-Brown and
Buckley). There are no certain recent records.
Woopcock Scolopax rusticola. Not recorded by Selby in 1834.
St John (1848) says “of late years commenced breeding in
most of the large woods.” There were many breeding at
Dunrobin in 1849 (Hancock 1874); plentiful in east Suther-
land by 1853 (Buxton), and by 1887 common all over, in-
cluding Tongue and Assynt (Harvie-Brown and Buckley).
GREAT SKUA Catharacta skua. One seen on Handa and one
near Scourie on 9th July 1959 (Dickinson and Harris 1959)
are the first recorded in the county, apart from an October
record of a young bird (Baxter and Rintoul 1910); I have
details of four subsequent unpublished records from the
north and west. As it now breeds in the Outer Hebrides
(Cunningham 1959), and has regularly attempted to do so
elsewhere on the mainland since 1949 (Pennie 1953, Sage and
Pennie 1956), it may soon be found breeding in north or
west Sutherland.
GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus. Selby saw a few
on the firths in 1834. In 1847 Milner found all gulls plentiful
except Greater Black-backed. In 1871 there were 15 pairs on
Handa, and it was not very common otherwise (Harvie-
Brown 1875), but in 1892 Handa was deserted following
raids (Buckley). On Eilean Bulgach it has increased from
one pair in 1927 to 150 pairs in 1948 (Fisher and Piercey
1950). It is now very plentiful on the Cape-side and on
Handa, and scattered pairs nest all along the north coast.
On the east coast it also nests in fair numbers, as on Loch
Fleet, but it is a rare breeder inland.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus. In 1834 there were
many colonies on Loch Shin, Loch Loyal and elsewhere
(Seiby); and in 1847 on Loch Loyal, Loch Shin, Loch Assynt,
Loch Naver and Loch Meadie (Milner), In 1867 Harvie-
Brown described it as the most numerous species of gull in
Sutherland, and in 1882 it was very abundant, but destroyed
by keepers and shepherds at every opportunity (Buckley).
In 1896 it “used to be very abundant but now much decreas-
ed” (Harvie-Brown and Buckley). This is now the rarest
gull breeding in Sutherland; it is never seen in the east at
any season, occasional stragglers appear in the centre, and a
1962 BIRD-WATCHING TIN SUTHERLAND 183
few pairs breed on the north and west coasts. A similar
disappearance of Lesser Black-backs in West Ross is descri-
bed by Mackenzie (1918), and the Venables found a decrease
in Shetland for no apparent cause (1955), but Lack (1942)
records an increase in Orkney, while it is common and in-
creasing in Faroe (Salomonsen 1935, Williamson 1954), and
has increased greatly in Iceland since its first appearance in
1913 (Gudmundsson 1951).
BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus. Was plentiful in 1834
(Selby), and has continued to be so, but there has been a
great increase both in the number and, with few excep-
tions, in the size of the colonies during the past twenty
years. Every known colony in Sutherland was counted in
the 1958 survey (Hamilton 1962). There has been a corres-
ponding increase in Shetland (Venables and Venables 1955),
in Iceland, where first breeding was in 1910 (Gudmundsson),
and in Norway, where first breeding was in 1867, with a
great increase and spread north in the past twenty years
(Haftorn 1958).
StocK Dove Columba oenas. First bred in Sutherland in 1889
at Kintradwell, Brora (Buckley 1892), where it increased
greatly and was said to be quite common by 1896 (Harvie-
Brown and Buckley). Now breeds sparingly in the south-
east corner, but is far from common.
WoopPIGEON Columba palumbus. Recorded at Tongue in 1834
(Selby). In 1848 it was said to breed wherever there were
woods (St John), but apparently was not known in the west
until 1869 (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1884); it spread to
Eriboll about 1889 (Buckley 1892), and was not uncommon
in Lochinver in 1877 (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1887).
The spread is fairly obviously governed by the growth of
plantations.
SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus. Not recorded by Selby or
Milner. Eggs were taken at Loubcroy in 1851 (Newton 1864).
Nested at Dornoch in 1873, and possibly at Loch Awe, As-
synt, in 1876 (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1884), and near
Syre in 1886 (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1887). Buckley
recorded in 1892 “very rare in summer and not common at
any time.” In recent years seems to have been extremely
scarce; I saw one at Melness in December 1949, but no more
until 27th May 1958 when I saw two in Strathnaver. In
1961 it suddenly became plentiful all over central Suther-
land, and throughout June and July one could see four or
five in a day anywhere about Lairg, Altnaharra, Strathmore,
Loyal, Syre, Rimsdale. This may be due to the Forestry
Commission plantations which have been established in the
past few years, but it is also worth noting that the Short-
eared Owl is one of the species which has commenced
breeding in Iceland within the past fifty years (Gudmund-
184 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
sson 1951) and that it has increased in Orkney (Lack 1942).
NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus. One was observed at Loyal
by Selby’s party in 1834, and it was heard at Tongue by St
John (1848). Booth makes no reference to Sutherland, but
referring to Ross-shire he says that it was as numerous in
Easter Ross in 1869 as in the south of England. Harvie-
Brown (1875) stated that twenty years previously it was not
uncommon at Dunrobin, but since then it had increased and
spread west to Rosehall and to other varts of the east coast.
It was breeding at Brora in 1882 (Buckley), but by 1896
was becoming less common in the east (Harvie-Brown and
Buckley). It was still heard around Golspie about 1920, and
possibly near Brora since then, but is now known to appear
regularly in one wood only in the extreme south-east corner
of the county.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major. The. first
record other than of autumn migrants was of one at Gordon-
bush from March to Mav 1910 (Gunnis 1910). The first nest
to be found was at Invershin in 1925 (Paterson 1926), and
another was found in south Sutherland in 1930 (Yeates,
Robinson and Patrick). It now nests in many places in the
south and east, and has nested near Loch Naver since 1949
(Pennie), and once at Lochmore, in 1953.
House MartTIn Delichon urbica, Selby recorded “great num-
bers on the cliffs at Inchned=movh.” St John saw many on
the sea cliffs, particularly at Smoo. In 1867 there were only
two or three birds at Inchnadamph (Harvie-Brown), and by
1867 this old rock colony was deserted (Harvie-Brown 1878).
In 1884 there were none in the Durness caves (Harvie-
Brown and Bucklev). The House Martin has become much
searcer in the north and west: even in the last two years
they have been ousted bv House Snarrows from Gobernuis-
geach and have deserted Loval Lodge, but a few still nest
in Altnaharra and in Tongue.
RAVEN Corvus corax. Is much diminished by unremitting per-
secution, but still holds its own on the coast and in a few
inland Jocalities. Up to 1878 there was a regular roost of
over 100 at Badnacoil (Buckley 1882): Baxter and Rintoul
(1953) record a flock of 200 at Brora in October 1937.
HoopED/CaRRION Crow Corvus corone. The Carrion Crow
seems to have been rarer at one time than it is now. Selby
saw none in 1834, and in 1867 Harvie-Brown stated categor-
ically that there were no Carrion Crows in Sutherland, but
later (1878) reported that one had been shot in Dornoch in
1848, and St John (1848) saw a mixed pair in the south-east.
The Carrion Crow is now fairly common in the south-east
corner (D, MacDonald estimates that about 10° are Car-
rion) and mixed pairs are found as far north as Lairg.
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 185
Rook Corvus frugilegus. In the south and east the sites of the
rookeries have varied somewhat over the years but the num-
bers remain much the same. In the north, rookeries were
established at Tongue in 1855, and at Kirkton, Bighouse, in
1860, and both built up to over 500 nests (Harvie-Brown and
Buckley 1884). In the 1946 survey (figures from James
Fisher) there were 120 nests at Tongue and 121 at Kirkton.
The Tongue rookery has been much disturbed by shooting
and tree-felling, and in 1958 when I last counted it there
were only 13 nests, while the Kirkton rookery has now been
deserted for many years.
JacKDAW Corvus monedula. Was not listed by Selby but was
said to be found “sparingly” at Tongue in 1884 and not in-
land or in the west (Harvie-Brown and Buckley). It has
now increased on the north coast and is also much more
common inland. It breeds at the Mound and at several
places in Rogart, and I saw Jackdaws at Elphin in July 1958.
It is however still rare on the west.
Macprr Pica pica. Was common in the south-east until 1870,
but 56 were killed at Dunrobin between 1873 and 1880 (Har-
vie-Brown and Buckley 1884); there was still a pair in the
Uppat Woods in 1896, and it was still not uncommon between
Invershin and Rosehall in 1887. It is not known when the
Magpie re-appeared, but nine or ten pairs were shot around
Dunrobin between 1916 and 1918. It was becoming scarce by
1920 but was not finally exterminated until 1923. It remain-
ed extinct throughout the county until about three years
ago when a single bird appeared near Dornoch, and I was
told that two were shot at Skibo in 1947 or 1948.
CuHoucH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. The last Choughs to be
seen in Sutherland were at Durness in 1848 (St John).
GreEAT Tit Parus major. Was not recorded by Selby or Milner;
St John (1848) brackets all tits together as “occur through-
out the year,” but this statement is valueless. In 1892 Buck-
ley, who then lived in Sutherland, wrote “I have not seen
this species myself” but later (1897) recorded one at Kin-
tradwell in December 1895, and at Spinningdale in Decem-
ber 1896. These are the only two confirmed records of Great
Tits in Sutherland prior to 1900. One was seen at Inchna-
damph in June 1902, and in 1904 it was still “rare anywhere
north of the Kyle of Sutherland” (Harvie-Brown and Mac-
pherson). The next we hear of them is in 1929 when several
were seen in Lairg and in Strath Oykell (Baxter and Rin-
toul), but now there is scarcely a wood in the county from
Bonar Bridge to Loch Eriboll where Great Tits are not
found. They were breeding in Tongue in 1947 when I first
went there, and I have seen them in Glen Cassley, Strath
Naver, Loch a’Choire, Scourie, Loch Assynt, and one even
on the Cape-side of Durness, so this spectacular colonisation
186 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
has taken place in less than fifty years. A sudden colonisa-
tion of north Norway in the past thirty years by the Great
Tit, which now breeds at 70°30’N, has been described by
Haftorn (1957). The spread north is obviously not due to the
spread of plantations, but is correlated by Haftorn with
changes in the winter climate.
BLuE Tit Parus caeruleus. Recorded at Rosehall by Selby
(1836). St John again is quite vague. Harvie-Brown (1887)
gives it as rare and local in the west; in 1929 it was not
seen in the west by Baxter and Rintoul, but was recorded
by them (1953) in Lochinver in 1939. It is now common in
the south and east, also at Tongue and Eriboll, and occurs
in the west at such places as Scourie, Kinlochbervie, Rhi-
conich and Lochinver.
CRESTED Tit Parus cristatus. Has spread north in Ross-shire
and has now reached Sutherland, where it was first recor-
ded near Dornoch in October 1956 (MacDonald 1957), and
since then I saw one near Golspie in February 1961, and
ga ee oe has seen another one near Dornoch in June
LONG-TAILED Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Not recorded by Selby
or Milner. St John says it is found “throughout the year,”
but again gives no localities, and Harvie-Brown in 1875
listed it from Dunrobin, and said it was common in the east
in his 1884 list. In 1887 it had been observed at Tongue
(Harvie-Brown and Buckley), but there was no record
from the west apart from an unconfirmed one from Loch
Assynt in 1902 (Harvie-Brown and Macpherson 1904). Now
it is widespread though not plentiful in the east, scarce but
regular in Tongue, and has been confirmed as breeding in
Strathnaver, and Lochinver, and recorded from Scourie.
BuackcaP Sylvia atricapilla. Winter records are not infrequent
as far back as November 1871 (Dunrobin Museum), but the
first spring record was of a male at Borgie, Tongue, in May
1951 (Scottish Naturalist 64: 54). The Hon. G. L. Charteris
heard one singing at Dunrobin on 6th June 1958 and one
(sex not stated) was reported from Lairg on 9th August
1959 (Scottish Birds 1: 206). These few records in themsel-
ves may appear to be of little significance, but it is interest-
ing to note that the two following species of warbler were
first recorded at almost the same time.
GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin. Never recorded prior to 1951
when one was heard singing at Strathbeg, Eriboll, on 8th —
and 14th June (Fitter 1951). Other records are, near Scourie |
llth June 1954 (Pennie 1954), Scourie 12th June 1955
(Meiklejohn and Stanford 1956), and one singing at Altna-
harra on 7th and 10th June 1960.
CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita. Selby commented on its
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 187
absence. There is no record prior to 1952 when one was
heard singing at Skibo on 7th June (MacDonald 1952). Since
then there have been five spring and summer records of
singing birds published in The Scottish Naturalist and
Scottish Birds.
Woop WaRBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Selby traced the Wood
Warbler as far north as Dingwall in 1834, but the first to
be seen in Sutherland was in Glen Cassley in 1875 (Buckley
1882); it was next recorded in Kildonan in 1876 (Clifton
1876), and it was said to be common at Dunrobin in 1877.
Records from further north did not come until much later;
Loch Hope 1913 (Brooksbank 1913), Loch Shin 1929 (Baxter
and Rintoul 1929), Loch Naver and Tongue 1949 (Pennie
1950), and Loch Eriboll 1951. In Norway the Wood Warbler
was unknown until it made its appearance at Larvik in
1877, but since 1900 there has been a great increase and
spread north (Haftorn 1958). It may be noted that there is
less than one degree of a difference between the latitudes
of Kildonan and Larvik.
GoLpcrEST Regulus regulus. Not recorded by Selby or Milner.
St John says “numerous throughout the year,” and Harvie-
Brown in 1875 said “all parts where fir-woods,” but amended
this in 1904 to “occasional in autumn only in the west, but
will probably be found breeding in the Lochinver planta-
tions.” It is now plentiful wherever there are plantations, in-
cluding Lochinver and Scourie, and in 1961 I found a pair
feeding young in a birch and alder wood at Tongue over a
mile from the nearest conifer, and heard a male singing in
a birchwood at Loch Loyal.
TREE Pipit Anthus trivialis. Was first recorded at Inchnadamph
in 1868 (Harvie-Brown 1868); bred at Glenrossal (Glen
Cassley), 2 pairs in 1875, and numerous there by 1886. In
1903, not uncommon at Loch Assynt (Harvie-Brown and
Macpherson 1904), and at Loch Brora in 1892 (Buckley), but
occasional only at Tongue in 1884 (Harvie-Brown and
Buckley). The Tree Pipit is now common in practically
every mature birchwood in the county right up to Loch Eri-
boll, where it was noted as plentiful in the Strath Beg
woods in 1960 and 1961; it is also plentiful in Glen Golly and
particularly so at Loch a’Choire. This expansion of range
cannot be due to change in land use as the Tree Pipit is al-
most confined to the birchwoods. It has also increased in
number and expanded its range in Norway in recent years
(Haftorn 1958).
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris. Selby found it breeding in the
north and west in 1834, and St John lists it as widely distri-
buted, but most plentiful on Handa, although Harvie-Brown
and Buckley (1884) say it was rare before 1870, and still
confined to the coast line. A pair at Balnacoil in 1879 seems
188 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
to have been the first inland breeding record, and in Octo-
ber 1888 Buckley (1892) noted with astonishment a flock of
thirty on the roof of a house near Badanloch. The Starling
has spread a great deal since then but still has not reached
every outpost in Sutherland. They appeared at Gobernuis-
geach in 1960 for the first time; occasional non-breeders only
have so far been seen at Loch a’Choire, but they are breed-
ing at Bowside, Strathy.
GREENFINCH Chloris chloris. Was not listed at all by Selby or
Milner. St John says “common” with no qualifications.
Harvie-Brown and Buckley (1867, 1884, 1887) say it is not
numerous, probably confined to the south-east, rare at Ton-
gue, and rare or absent in the west, while Harvie-Brown and
Macpherson (1904) say that it is a winter visitor only to the
west, and does not breed. The Greenfinch is now plentiful
in all suitable places in the south and east, and also on the
north coast as far west as Durness. It is less plentiful in
the west, but breeds regularly in Lochinver and probably
at Lochmore.
GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis. Two pairs are said to have
bred in the garden of Skelbo House in 1758 (Anon. 1961). St
John stated that it was “only seen in some of the gardens
and orchards in the south” and Harvie-Brown and Buckley
(1884) say that it “has bred at Dornoch but is apparently
rarer than in 1848.” A pair was seen by James Wilson, who
was a member of Selby’s party, in a birchwood on Loch
Loyal side, but it was not seen by Selby himself who did
not include it in his list. The Goldfinch certainly disappeared
as a breeding species at an early date, but several have been
seen in winter in the past few years between Dornoch and
Golspie.
REDPOLL Carduelis flammea. There is considerable inconsisten-
cy among the records. Selby says “found wherever there
is birch,’’ referring to the west, but Milner did not record
it at all in the centre or north; Harvie-Brown does not
record it in his 1875 list of breeding birds, but both he and
Buckley later list it as common on the east though not
recorded on the north and west. Recently it has been recor-
ded as breeding since 1928 in Strathnaver, Tongue, Strath-
Halladale and Lochinver (Baxter and Rintoul 1929, Oldham
1935 (1)), but in my experience it is irregular and variable
in all these places, though very common in some years, and
this may account for the discrepancies in the old records.
BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula, Was not recorded by either
Selby or Milner. St John says “common” and Harvie-Brown
and Buckley (1887) “not common, more abundant in the
east than in the west, once recorded in Tongue.” Now quite
plentiful in the south and east, and less so, though regular,
1962 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 189
at Lochinver; less plentiful in the north, but has been recor-
ded in recent years at Tongue, Eriboll and Strathnaver.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Was seen by Selby in all
the villages and was also said by him to be common in the
thatch at Keoldale House, but according to Harvie-Brown
and Buckley (1887) the Tree Sparrow was the commoner at
Scourie and Rhiconich in the 1880’s, and the House Sparrow
was rare at Durness. The House Sparrow is now plentiful
at practically every habitation in the county, breeding at
Kearvaig and at the Cape Wrath Lighthouse, and also at
Lone in the Reay Forest. They arrived at Gobernuisgeach
only within the last two or three years, but have already
ousted the House Martins which bred there for many years.
They breed at Badanloch but so far have not managed to
reach Loch a’Choire. There has been a corresponding spread
of the House Sparrow in north Norway in recent years and
it seems that they have been enterprising enough to be
carried by ships to some of the towns and villages in East
Finnmark (Lund 1956).
TREE SPARROW Passer montanus. The first known in the county
were those which commenced breeding in Dornoch in 1872
(Harvie-Brown 1875), and they were also recorded from
Helmsdale from 1880 (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1884). The
Tree Sparrow was commoner than the House Sparrow in the
Scourie/Rhiconich area from 1880 onwards, and there were
still considerable numbers at Scourie and Tarbat in 1901
and 1902 (Harvie-Brown and Macpherson 1904). A few pairs
still breed in Dornoch, where they nest in the undercarriage
of Rooks’ nests, but as far as I am aware there is none nest-
ing elsewhere in the county, although an unconfirmed report
suggests that there may be one or two left near Laxford
Bridge.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wish to thank all the many people who have taken the
trouble to send me notes of their observations in Sutherland,
and to express the hope that they will continue to do so. In
particular I would record my gratitude to Donald MacDonald
of Dornoch, who has always given me unrestricted access to
his records.
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a 1955. Great Skuas on the Scottish Mainland. Brit. Birds 46; 262-263.
va 1954. Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff in Sutherland. Scot. Nat. 66: 191.
PP 1959. Spread of Eider in East Sutherland. Scot. Birds 1: 66-67.
RITCHIE, J. 1920. The Influence of Man on Animal Life in Scotland. Cambridge.
SAGE, B. L. & PENNIE, I. D. 1956. Great Skuas on the Scottish Mainland. Brit. Birds
49: 284.
ST JoHN, C. 1849. A Tour in Sutherlandshire. 2 vols. London.
SALOMONSEN, F.. 1955. Aves, in The Zoology of The Faroes. Copenhagen.
SELBy, P. J. 1856. On the Quadrupeds and Birds inhabiting the County of Suther-
land. The Edinburgh New Phil. Journ. 1836: 156-161, 286-295.
SINCLAIR, J. 1791-99. The Statistical Account of Scotland. 21 vols. Edinburgh (in
various vols.).
STEVEN, H. M. & CARLISLE, A. 1959. The Native Pinewoods of Scotlund. Edinburgh.
Tarr, T. 1902. Fulmars in Sutherland in the Nesting Season. Ann. Scot. Nal. Hist.
1902: 253.
THomson, A. L. 1912. Aberdeen University Bird-Migration Inquiry: First Interim
192 BIRD-WATCHING IN SUTHERLAND 2(3)
Report. Scot. Nat. 1912: 218.
VENABLES, L. S. V. & VENABLES, U. M. 1955. Birds and Mammals of Shetland. Ed-
inburgh.
WILLIAMSON, K. 1954. Beretning om nogle faeroske ynglefugle. Dansk. Orn. For.
Tidssk. 48: 159-149.
WILSON, J. 1842. A Voyage round the Coasts of Scotland and The Isles. 2 Vols.
Edinburgh.
YEATES, G. K., RoBINSoN, M. G. & PaTRIcK, H. A. 1950. Great Spotted Woodpecker
breeding in Sutherland. Brit. Birds 24: 161.
REVIEW OF ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES
IN SCOTLAND IN 1961
JAMES W. CAMPBELL
Introduction
This is the ninth report of the Scottish Bird Records Com-
mittee, and it is concerned with records published during 1961.
The following journals have been searched: Scottish Birds
(S.B.); British Birds (B.B.); Bird Migration (B.M.); Fair Isle
Bird Observatory Bulletin (F.I.B.0.B.); Ibis; Bulletin of the
British Ornithologists’ Club (Bull.B.O.C.); Scottish Field; The
Field; Bird Notes (B.N.). The abbreviations used in this report
are shown in brackets.
There has been one change in the membership of the Com-
mittee since its constitution was detailed in our seventh Re-
port (S.B. 1: 254), Mr A. T. Macmillan having been appointed
in 1961 in place of Commander Sir Geoffrey Hughes Onslow,
who has resigned. Previous reports have been published in
The Scottish Naturalist 1955: 98; 1956: 1; 1957: 37, 170; and
Scottish Birds 1: 30, 117, 253, 443.
As on previous occasions, some records have been held over
for further consideration.
BIRDS NEW TO AREAS AND COUNTIES
WHITE-BILLED DIVER Gavia adamsii. One, Fair Isle, 14th May
1961 (B.M. 2: 53, and F.I.B.O.B. 4: 181); first for Fair Isle.
RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps griseigena. One, shot lower reaches
of River Beauly, 23rd March 1960 (S.B. 1: 286); first for
East Inverness.
MANx SHEARWATER Procellaria p. puffinus. One, Loch Tay, 23rd
July 1961 (S.B. 1: 450); first for North Perth.
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta. One. Firth and Rendall area,
during July 1961 (B.N. 30: 30); first for Orkney.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL Anas crecca carolinensis. Adult drake,
Gladhouse Reservoir, 21st October 1961 (S.B. 1: 490); first
for Forth and Midlothian.
GARGANEY Anas querquedula. One, Barr Loch, 26th May 1959
1962 REVIEW OF ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 193
(S.B. 1: 387); first for Renfrew.
VELVET ScoTER Melanitta fusca. Ten, Loch Ewe, 30th March
1961 (S.B. 1: 483); first for North-West Highlands and West-
er Ross. One, Village Bay, 27th July 1961 (S.B. 1: 491); first
for St Kilda.
EUROPEAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser a, albifrons. Two, En-
drick mouth, in November 1960 (S.B. 1: 385); first record
of eastern race for Dunbarton.
BeaN GoosSE Anser a. arvensis. Eight, near Carnwath, 16th
April 1961 (S.B. 1: 463); first for Lanark.
Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. One Lesser Anser c. caer-
ulescens, Libberton, 8th March 1960 (S.B. 1: 273); first
record of this race for Lanark.
One Greater Anser c. atlanticus, Hule Moss, 13th (not 9th)
November 1960 (S.B. 1: 425); first for Tweed and Berwick.
In both cases, the possibility of these birds being escapes
cannot be discounted (B.B. 54: 182).
GoLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaétos. One, Fair Isle, 7th April
1961 (B.M. 2: 53, and F.I.B.0O.B. 4: 181); first for Fair Isle.
MarsH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus. One, near Thurso, 5th
March 1961 (S.B. 1: 426); first for North Coast and Caith-
ness.
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus. One, Delnies Moss, 16th March
1961 (S.B. 1: 431); first for Nairn.
Gyr Fatcon Falco rusticolus, One, Endrick mouth, 5th Nov-
ember 1960 (S.B. 1: 378); first for Dunbarton and West
Stirling.
RED-FOOTED FaLcon Falco vespertinus. One, near Boat of Gar-
ten, 15th May 1961 (S.B. 1: 451); first for Moray area and
East Inverness. One, Hule Moss, seen 8th October and
pound dead 15th October 1961 (S.B. 1: 492); first for Ber-
wick.
TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres. One, Lake of Menteith, 21st
May 1960 (S.B. 1: 387); first for South Perth.
BaR-TAILED Gopwit Limosa lapponica. One, Stirling bank of
Endrick mouth, 22nd April 1961 (S.B. 1: 464); first for West
Stirling.
Woop SANDPIPER Tringa glareola. One, Endrick mouth, 21st
May 1961 (S.B.1: 498); first for West Stirling.
ICELAND REDSHANK Tringa totanus robusta. One, found dead,
Tyninghame, 16th October 1960 (S.B. 1: 384); first record of
this race for East Lothian.
SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus. One, Foula, lst Septem-
ber 1959 (B.M. 1: 146); first for Shetland other than Fair
Isle.
LitTLE Stint Calidris minuta. Three, Invergowrie Bay, 26th
September 1960 (S.B. 1: 384); first for North Perth. One,
Cambus, 28th August 1961 (S.B. 1: 467); first for Clackman-
nan. One hundred and six, Findhorn Bay, 18th September
194 REVIEW OF ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 2(3)
1960 (S.B. 1: 333); first for Moray.
SANDERLING Crocethia alba. Three, Kingoodie, 12th May 1957
(S.B. 1: 387); first for North Perth.
LITTLE GULL Larus minutus. One, Barr Loch, 7th May 1961
(S.B. 1: 464); first for Renfrew.
COLLARED DovE Streptopelia decaocto. One, Kinloch, Rhum, 5th
May 1960 (S.B. 1: 379); first for Inner Hebrides. One, Stor-
noway, 2nd June 1960 (S.B. 1: 379); first for Outer Heb-
rides. One, near Dumfries, 3lst May 1961 (S.B. 1: 482); first
for Solway and Dumfries. A pair, Coldingham, May 1961
(S.B. 1: 482); first for Tweed and Berwick. Two, Edmon-
stone, in autumn 1960 (S.B. 1: 484); first for Midlothian. One,
St Andrews, mid-May 1961 (S.B. 1: 486); first for North
Fife. One, Old Aberdeen, 5th June 1960 (S.B. 1: 487); first
for Dee and Aberdeen. One, Dell Hotel, Rothiemurchus, 2nd
July 1961 (S.B. 1: 488); first for East Inverness. One, Hamna-
voe, West Burra, 3lst May 1961 (S.B. 1: 488); first for Shet-
land other than Fair Isle.
WHITE-BREASTED BARN OWL. Tyto a. alba. One, Isle of May,
24th June 1961 (B.M. 2: 54); first record of this race for Isle
of May.
LITTLE OWL Athene noctua. One, found dead, Leith, 17th
March 1961 (S.B. 1: 453); first for Midlothian.
TENGMALM’S OWL Aegolius funereus. One, Cruan, Firth, 26th
December 1959 (S.B. 1: 453); first for Orkney.
HoopoE Upupa epops. One, Howden Haugh, 17th April 1961
(S.B. 1: 427); first for Selkirk.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major. One, Loch
Leven, 28th October 1961 (S.B. 1: 497); first for Kinross.
Jay Garrulus glandarius. One, Glen Dye, 15th June 1961 (S.B.
1: 460); first for North Kincardine.
CoNTINENTAL SONG THRUSH Turdus p. philomelos. Two, Glad-
house, 29th October 1961 (S.B. 1: 507); first record of this
race for Midlothian.
GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin. Considered to be “reasonably
common,” east end Gartmorn Dam, and towards Dollar and
Tillicoultry (S.B. 1: 498); first for Clackmannan. Two, heard
and seen, Blackhall near Banchory, 26th. May 1961 (S.B. 1:
498); first for North Kincardine.
CuHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita. One, heard, Blackhall near
Banchory, 28th May 1961 (S.B. 1: 498); first for North Kin-
cardine. One, Orton, 26th May 1960 (S.B. 1: 339); first for
Moray.
[Arctic WaRBLER Phylloscopus borealis. One, Isle of May, 26th
August 1960 (S.B. 1: 356); first for Isle of May. This record
was subsequently withdrawn (S.B. 2: 18).]
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus, One, near
Buchlyvie, 6th November 1960 (S.B. 1: 380); first for East
Stirling.
1962 REVIEW OF ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 195
GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excurbitor. One, mid-November
1960, in Skye (S.B. 1: 387); first for Skye. One, between
Fort William and Spean Bridge, 26th March 1961 (S.B. 1:
464); first for South Inverness.
LESSER GREY SHRIKE Lanius minor. One, between Crosshill
and Dalrymple, 15th June 1961 (S.B. 1: 455); first for Clyde
and Ayr.
SISKIN Carduelis spinus. Four, Loch Leven, 28th October 1961
(S.B. 1: 508); first for Kinross.
REDPOLL Carduelis flammea. Six, Loch Leven, 6th February
1954 (S.B. 1: 508); first for Kinross.
RED-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza bruniceps. One, Isle of May,
28th-29th August 1960 (B.M. 1: 251); first for Forth and
Isle of May. Probable escape.
FIRST BREEDING RECORDS FOR AREAS
AND COUNTIES
TEAL Anas c. crecca. Nest with eggs, Isle of May, 15th May
1960 (S.B. 1: 358); first breeding for Isle of May.
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus. Bred in undisclosed area,
Sutherland, 1960 (S.B. 1: 427); first breeding for South-East
Sutherland.
HERRING GULL Larus argentatus. Nest with eggs, Loch Leven,
28th May 1961 (S.B. 1: 459); first breeding for Kinross.
BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus. Nesting colony found
near Lochinver, 25th June 1961, had evidently existed for
sole years (S.B. 1: 497); first breeding for West Suther-
and.
SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis. Pair bred Whalsay in
1955 (S.B. 1: 494); first satisfactory breeding for Shetland.
COLLARED Dove Streptopelia decaocto. Nest and eggs found
Coldingham, June 1961 (S.B. 1: 483); first breeding for
Tweed and Berwick. Nested near Craigmillar, summer 1961
(S.B. 1: 484); first breeding for Midlothian.
GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis. Nest found Dumfriesshire,
May 1960 (S.B. 1: 379); first breeding for Solway and Dum-
fries. Nest found near East Kilbride, 28th May 1961 (S.B. 1:
454); first breeding for Lanark.
STONECHAT Saxicola torquata. Nest with young at Voe, Delting,
ee May 1961 (F.I.B.0.B. 4: 198); first breeding for Shet-
and.
The following are included for general information:
DowiTcHER Limnodromus spp. The British Birds Rarity Rec-
ords Committee have examined occurrences of the Dowitch-
er in Great Britain (B.B. 54: 343) and have assigned the
Scottish records as follows:
196 REVIEW OF ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 2(3)
1. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER Limnodromus scolopaceus. Speci-
men obtained Largo, Fife, September 1867 (Gray. 1871.
The birds of the west of Scotland, p. 314).
2. Unidentified specimens. One, Crinan, Argyll, 2nd Sep-
tember 1891 (Harvie-Brown and Buckley. 1892. A ver-
tebrate fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides, p. 177).
3. Indeterminate sight-records. One, Hule Moss, Berwick,
20th-30th September 1958 (S.B. 1: 34, 76, 256). One,
Gullane Point, East Lothian, 29th September 1960 (S.B.
1: 330, 444). One, Hamilton, Lanark, 8th-12th October
1960 (S.B. 1: 330).
REDPOLL Carduelis flammea (?)rostrata. Pair with nest con-
taining young, Spey Valley, East Inverness, May 1959 (B.B.
54: 251). Description and photographs of adults show char-
acters of north-western type of Redpoll. Williamson (B.B.
54: 241) discussing the race involved, concluded that “whilst
there cannot be absolute certainty, there is extremely high
probability that the Scottish breeding pair belonged to the
Greenland low-arctic form’’—+.e. rostrata.
The following records, mostly held over from previous
years, are still awaiting the decisions of the British Birds
Rarity Records Committee:
PreLIcaAN Pelecanus sp. (B.M. 1: 251).
FRiGATE BirpD Fregata sp. (B.B. 53: 455).
WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia (S.B. 1: 451).
BaikaL TEAL Anas formosa (Bull B.O.C, Sept. 1958).
WESTERN SANDPIPER Calidris mauri (Popular Handbook of
Rarer British Birds, p. 49).
SHORT NOTES
FOOD AT A BUZZARDS’ NEST
In 1962 I had a unique opportunity of making daily visits
to a Buzzards’ nest which was built in a sloping ivy-draped
oak tree leaning out over a steep river bank about half a mile
from my house. It was actually an old Buzzards’ nest which
had been renovated after having been untenanted for at
least 10 years.
The nest was first seen to be occupied on 25th May when it
held two chicks, judged to be about two days old, and an un-
hatched egg which later proved to be addled. A hide was
built 33 feet from the nest and daily visits were thereafter
197
1962
fijoNovw “T fiq ydovsb6010Y4d
ueyu eu} pue
QJOA eB UYWM Yoo ay}
‘
Z96L APIN ISTE
ays
SSoUIaAU]
‘
‘(ay1soddo 3as) yeo jo Aeads e
snjsnsny Wo. ‘4seu ye sauvzzng Jo sled
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198 SHORT NOTES 2(3)
made for the purpose of observing the prey brought in. On
8th June it was noted that the elder chick was able to pick
small shreds from a rabbit lying in the nest, and it savagely
repulsed the younger chick when it attempted to do the
same. During the following week this aggressiveness became
more pronounced, even when there was plenty of food at
the nest. On the morning of the 15th the younger chick was
looking very seedy, its head criss-crossed with red cuts
presumably inflicted by the elder chick, and by 6 p.m. of
the same day it was dead, surrounded by an abundance of
food. The elder chick fledged some time between 5 p.m. on
6th and 8 a.m. on 7th July.
During this period the nest was visited on 43 consecutive
en and the following items of prey were identified at the
nest:
Rabbit—32
Mole—19
Frog—5 (3 of which were brought in alive)
Vole—4 (these are eaten very quickly and evidently
formed a larger part of the diet than this figure
suggests)
Birds—8 (1 Snipe, the remains of a Black-headed
Gull, possibly picked up from a fox’s den, 1
young Cuckoo, 2 fledgling Song Thrushes, 2
fledgling Robins and 1 fledgling Dipper)
On five occasions carrion (in each case parts of a lamb)
was found at the nest—lamb’s wool; the hind-leg of a Black-
face lamb, with the thigh-bone broken across by the teeth
of a fox or dog; some piece of decomposing offal; the odorous
foreleg of a Black-face lamb; and the fresh pelvic bone and
attached backbone of a lamb, with the ribs chewed to
stumps by a fox. These remains had probably all been taken
from a fox’s den on the opposite side of the valley, where
lamb remains were much in evidence.
The live frogs were a rather surprising discovery in the
nest. On two occasions these were found crouching under-
neath a chick. I touched one of the frogs and it gave a gal-
vanic leap over the edge of the nest and out into space!
These frogs were perforce eaten alive by the chicks, although
they seemed to prefer furred prey, voles being apparently a
prime favourite, followed by rabbits and then moles. Small
prey was brought to the nest in the beak; moles and rabbits
in the talons. The male bird was the chief food provider,
while the female stayed in the area on guard. She was also
the only one of the two that I saw bringing in sprays to the
nest (see Plate 11).
L. MacNatty.
1962 SHORT NOTES 199
LITTLE AUK IN SUMMER IN SOUTH-EAST
SUTHERLAND
During the lunchtime break on 14th June 1962 a schoolboy
brought me a Little Auk which he had found squatting be-
side a wall in his garden at Dornoch. Except for a few lightish
specks on the otherwise black breast the bird was in full
summer plumage. At first it was very lively, running away
with remarkable speed when released, but by evening it had
become much weaker. All attempts to feed the bird were
unsuccessful and by next morning it had died. The Handbook
(5: 167) gives only one June record. There was a strong
south-east to south-west wind in the area on the night of
13th/14th June.
D. MAcDoNnaLp.
COLLARED DOVES IN DUMFRIESSHIRE
On 13th March 1962 when driving through private grounds
some three miles from Dumfries I disturbed a bird which I
thought must be a Collared Dove. I returned the following day:
with R, T. Smith, and almost at once a dove flew down from
a tree to join some domestic Fan-tailed Pigeons feeding on
the roof of a farm out-building. We had excellent views at
about 25 yards, and saw the black half-collar and very dark
primaries plainly. The underparts were paler than the upper-
parts and breast, and the tail showed white when the bird
flew. On the 13th I had heard a second bird calling while I
was looking at the first, and on making further enquiries at
the farm we were told that the doves had first appeared about
three years previously, soon after the pigeons were acquired.
They had evidently nested successfully nearby because at
least one young bird had fed on the roof with the old birds,
but no nest had been found. It is likely that it was one of
these birds which W. Austin recorded in the area on 3lst
May 1961 (antea 1: 482).
H. M. RUSSELL.
(Formal proof of breeding was added on 10th April 1962,
when W. Austin found two adults on the ground with a
nestling which had evidently fallen from the nest. This is
the first breeding record for the Solway Faunal Area.—EDb.).
200 CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers : G. H. Acklam, R. W. Adamson, A. F. Airey,
A. Anderson, D. R. Anderson, D. G. Andrew, J. M. S. Arnott, W. Austin,
J. Baird (JBad), uf Ballantyne (JBal), P. G. R. Barbier, Miss P. G. Bax-
ter, J. A. Begg, W. K. Birrell, H. Boase, T. Boyd, W. Brotherston, es
Cadbury, S. J?" Clarke? Gen: vm Cowper, W. A. Craw, Miss M. Bae
Cuninghame, J. R. Cuthbert, D. Dewar, E. Dicerbo, G: Dicks Be Dott,
H. F. D. Elder, Sir R. Erskine-Hill, M. Everett, H. we Ford, i M. Ford,
E. Freedlander, Miss E. A. Garden, P. M. Gordon, H. Halliday, Dr K.
C. R. Halliday, Mrs E. Hamilton, I. Henderson, M. J. Henderson, W. G.
M. Henderson, The Hon. H. D. Home, Lt.-Col. W. M. Logan Home,
W. H. Houston, J. Hoy, Dr D. Jenkins, Mrs M. W. Jenkins, Mrs E.
Knight, D. Lawson, J. Lockerbie, D. G. Long, A. McConnell (AMcC), A.
Macdonald (AMacd), D. Macdonald, C. D. Macfarlane, Miss J. McFar-
jane (JMcF), K. S. Macgregor, AE. Macmillan, Prof. M. F. M. Meikle-
john, Dr A. Milward (AMi), J. ey (JMu), J. B. Nelson, C. E. Palmar,
Gi Patrick Dr J. D. Pickup, J) Potter Ko ir Ramage, D. A. Rat-
cliffe, € RB: Rawcliffe, W. K. Richmond, Mr and Mrs E. L. Roberts, Dr
M. Rusk, G. L. Sandeman, L. Seymour, Mrs M. V. Seymour, W. M.
Skene, D. Skilling, K. D. Smith, M. Y Saaithy R. T. Smith, R. W. J. Smith,
Dr T. C. Smout, J. A. Stewart, R. Stokoe, J? EB Swan, Miss L. B.
Tynan, L. A. Urquhart, Rev. E, T. Vernon, T. Warwick, ee Waterston,
ac yi I. Waterston, Dr R. S. Weir, A. Wilson, D. R. Wise, W. Wyper,
. G. Young.
Unless otherwise stated, all dates refer to 1962).
Distribution
This section is confined to 1962 records, and earlier obser-
vations are included only in amplification of such records. In
principle we dislike publishing out-of-date notes of a minor
nature, and these have been relegated to another section.
In the present section we have tried to include a picture
of arrival dates—though not attempting any serious correla-
tion with the weather charts, which we leave to others—but
we would enter a plea that readers do not now send in lists
of 1962 arrival dates to prove us wrong, as it is too late to
make any use of them.
The data which we have been able to collect show clearly
the way in which many of the early summer visitors, such
as Swallow, Sand Martin, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear and Chiff-
chaff, were held up for a fortnight or so, whereas the second-
wave birds, such as House Martin and Willow Warbler, were
only slightly late, and the late birds, such as the Swift, were
scarcely affected. The big break through came about 20th to
24th April, with many interesting observations on Sunday
the 22nd, though the great rush of Robins at the Bass Rock
which started on the 17th indicates that birds were on the
move before the 20th.
The remains of a Red-throated Diver found inland at Wam-
phray, Dumfriesshire, on 5th May had evidently lain there
for several months (RWA, ED).
1962 CURRENT NOTES 21
A. Great Crested Grebe was seen on the sea at Barnbougle;
West Lothian on 2nd June—an unusual date (TCS). A Red-
necked Grebe was in Pease Bay, Berwickshire, on 21st April
(MJH, DGL), and there were two at Gullane Point, East
Lothian, next day (DGA, DJ, TCS). In 1961 a pair of Black-
necked Grebes visited Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, on 8th April
(antea 1: 462), and this year a pair was seen on 13th April,
no less than three pairs next day, and the last (3) on the 28th
and 29th (PGB, RSW).
A Leach’s Petrel was found in the middle of Perthshire on
19th May at Invervar in Glen Lyon (CDM). Its identity was
confirmed by GW who tells us that another was picked up
in Speyside about the same time, and suggests that both may
have come in with severe westerly gales on the 16th and 17th.
We have received no details of the Speyside bird. Fulmars do
not breed in Bute, though one was seen in 1946 (The Fulmar
p. 229). On 21st May, two—or perhaps a single bird twice—
flying along the cliffs near Garroch Head, may have been
prospecting (WW). In recent years Fulmars have been seen
about Inchgarvie, under the Forth Bridge, and even sitting
on the cliffs, but no proof of breeding could be found until
this year, when two eggs were seen on 27th June (RWJS). A
fee flew over the Braid Hills in Edinburgh on 16th June
An exhausted Gannet standing by the Loch o’ the Lowes,
New Cumnock, Ayrshire, on 12th April, was dead next day.
It may have been the same bird reported the previous week
in the Nith valley, and perhaps came inland with gales early
in the month (JAB). Over 200 Gannets flew SW past Corsewall
Point Lighthouse, Wigtownshire, between 1000 and 1100 hrs
on 22nd April, and were probably on their way from Ailsa
Craig to feed in the Irish Sea (AFA). At Castle Loch, Moch-
rum, Wigtownshire, it was estimated that about 100 pairs of
Cormorants were nesting in this old colony on islets in the
loch on 24th April (AFA).
In Edinburgh the first brood of Mallard appeared on Dud-
dingston earlier than expected—on 27th April, although the
loch was not free of ice until 19th March. This compares with
first broods on 23rd April 1960 and 17th April 1961 (DRA). A
drake Garganey was seen on a loch near East Linton, East
Lothian, on 29th April, but there is no evidence of breeding
(CNLC, KSM). The count of 136 Pintail at Inverness (antea
2: 45) evidently refers to a regular flock which winters off
Alturlie Point. Numbers on the Lentran side of the Beauly
Firth, at the one place where Pintail may be seen regularly,
are much smaller, with a maximum of 20 or 30 birds (MR).
Off Piltanton Burn Sands, Luce Bay, Wigtownshire, counts
of Pintail on 24th February, 17th March and 7th April gave
202 CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
totals of 400, 250 and 100 respectively (AFA). Six at Tyning- —
hame, East Lothian, on 18th March is unusually many for
this part of the Forth (RWJS). At Montrose (see antea 2: 45)
45 were still present on 10th April (HB). A Shoveler off Eagle
Rock, West Lothian, on 29th April was the first the observer
has seen in the Almond Estuary (TCS).
Five Scaup were seen on 22nd April off Gullane Point, where
the species is surprisingly scarce considering the numbers a
few miles up the Forth at Leith (DGA, DJ, TCS). A flock of
40 was still at Carsethorn, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 18th May
(HB). In Glasgow a pair of Pochard was at Hilda Marshes on
7th April and 8th May, and the drake was often seen until
22nd May, though there was no evidence of breeding (WW).
On various Scottish lochs Goldeneye regularly linger into the
first or second week of May. Late birds are reported from L.
Ken, Kirkcudbrightshire, where a drake and a duck were
seen on the 24th (HB), and Barr Loch, Renfrewshire, where
a single bird was seen on 27th May and 2nd June (GHA,
GLAP, LAU). Three Long-tailed Ducks were in L. Ryan, Wig-
townshire, on 2lst April (RS). The species is much less com-
mon in the south-west than on the east coast of Scotland.
Single “redhead”? Smews were on the Lake of Menteith,
Perthshire, on lst April (GHA, ME, GLAP), and Barr Loch,
Renfrewshire, on the 29th (LAU). A Shelduck was noted
inland at Balgray Dam, Renfrewshire, on 18th March (DL,
AMcC, AW).
A Grey Lag Goose off Eagle Rock on 14th April seems to be
the first published record for West Lothian (TCS). There are
a number of records of late, or in some instances possibly
“oricked,” Grey Lags. At Kingoodie there were 13 on 3rd
May (HB); three at Gadloch, Lanarkshire, on the 11th were
gone next day (WW); two at Barr Loch, Renfrewshire, on
2nd and 6th June had gone by the 16th (GHA, GLAP), but
two on the Lake of Menteith on 3rd June (MFMM) were still
there on the 10th (GHA). Most of the White-fronted Geese on
Islay are of the Greenland form flavirostris, but flocks of
about 40 European Whitefronts Anser a. albifrons were noted
near Bridgend at the end of March (GW, MIW), and at Cor-
nabus on 4th April (JMu). Bean Geese are now very unusual
in Islay, where 15 were seen on 2nd April and five in the same
area on the 5th (JMu). One thousand Pink-footed Geese flew
N over Gifford, East Lothian, on 14th April (IH). At the Loch
of Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire, 900 were still present on the
25th (ETV), and there were, as with the Grey Lags, quite a
number of late Pinkfeet reported. In May there were still 28
at Libberton, Lanarkshire, until the 6th (RE-H), 47 at Kin-
goodie on the 7th (HB), and one at the mouth of the R. En-
drick, L. Lomond, on the 27th (GHA). On 2nd June one was
reported on Canna, Inverness-shire (WW), and on the 3rd
1962 CURRENT NOTES 203
there were five at the Lake of Menteith (MFMM), where two
remained on the 10th (GHA).
During the winters of 1959/60, 1960/61 and 1961/62 a white
Snow Goose was reported at various places in the lowlands,
most frequently at Libberton, Lanarkshire (antea 1: 272, 386,
425). There can be no real doubt that all these reports refer
to the same bird. There is no overlap of dates, and as it was
a most outstanding bird—witness the fact that WB picked it
up at nearly three miles range in a flight of over 1,500 Pink-
footed Geese—it would not be easily overlooked. It was always
with Pinkfeet, and in fact last autumn arrived with them
(antea 1: 501). Those observers who saw it well agreed that,
both on the ground and in the air, it was appreciably larger
and heftier than the Pinkfeet, and that compared with the
Lesser Snow Geese at Libberton it had a much heavier bill
and comparatively shorter tarsus (WKR et al). Save only for
the fact that the white Lesser Snow Goose which escaped in
Dumfriesshire in February 1958—a first year bird—was ex-
ceptionally large (antea 1: 274), one would have no hesita-
tion in recording this bird as a Greater Snow Goose A. c. at-
lanticus; if it is ever possible to tell white Lessers from
Greaters in the field this must be a Greater. Yet this would
rule out a possible explanation put to us by WKR—that
the white, and one of the blue, Lesser Snow Geese which
escaped in 1958 might have bred beside the Pinkfeet in 1959
and reared the juvenile blue bird seen at Libberton the follow-
ing winter. Snags to this theory include the absence of any
Snow Geese in the winter of 1958/59, the absence of any
further immatures, the independent behaviour of all three
birds in 1960, as well as the great bulk of the white one.
In the winter of 1961/62 the supposed Greater Snow Goose
was first seen flying with three Pinkfeet down the Dewar
Burn, into Peeblesshire, at 1.15 p.m. on 13th October—a day
when great numbers of Pinkfeet were arriving in the Loth-
ians and moving south (per WB). At 3.30 p.m. it was seen
landing with Pinkfeet at Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire—a
very neat tie-up. It frequented Lochar Moss during the sub-
sequent week, and there was a report of it from Collin, also
near Dumfries, in early November (ELR). It then apparently
returned to Midlothian, roosting at Gladhouse at least from
1ith November to 2nd December (DGA, RWJS). Just after
this there was a southward movement of local geese and an
arrival of others from further north. The Snow Goose was
back at Libberton on 14th December, and this seems to have
been its main centre for the rest of the winter—though it
was seen rather irregularly as it moved about a lot (RE-H).
There is an unconfirmed, but evidently reliable report of it
at the Peeblesshire end of Auchencorth Moss one day during
the week before 27th January (per WB). On 4th, 10th, 16th,
204 CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
17th, 18th, 19th and 21st February it was seen by a string of
visitors to Libberton (JMSA, KCRH, CEP, WKR, GW, MIW),
but on Ist March it was back at Gladhouse again, flying to-
wards Biggar, and on the 6th near Wester Middleton, flying
towards Gladhouse (per WB). On the 10th and 11th it had
returned to Libberton (GHA, JRC, ME, EF, WGMH, GLAP,
DRW), and it was still in that area in mid April (WKR).
Both the blue phase Lesser Snow Geese (or Blue Geese) re-
turned to Libberton in the winter of 1961/62. The adult
arrived on 13th October—the same day as the white bird flew
south to the Solway and great numbers of Pinkfeet were
seen—and was noted fairly regularly until 20th April, leaving
during the next week while the observer was away (PGRB,
KCRH, RE-H, WKR). The younger bird, last seen as a juven-
ile in the spring of 1960, was observed several times in Feb-
ruary and March by WKR, and seen also by members of his
adult education class. It now has a pure white head and
upper neck, though considerably less white on the neck and
body than the other bird. It tends not to mix with the other
two Snow Geese which, for the first time, were feeding and
moving about together from the middle of February. Except
when the white bird went off to Gladhouse they seemed
almost inseparable and gave the impression of being paired
(KCRH, WKR).
A Barnacle Goose was seen with the Pinkfeet at Libberton,
Lanarkshire, on 6th January and various dates until at least
2nd April (GHA, PGRB, ME, GLAP). Five Canada Geese were
beside the road some miles north of Dumfries on 8th April
(DL, AMcC, AW), 16 at Rowbank Reservoir on the Ayrshire/
Renfrewshire border on 24th February (GHA), six at L. Thom,
Renfrewshire, on 16th June (GHA), one at Duddingston Loch
in Edinburgh, where it did not associate with the pinioned
Grey Lags, on 4th June (DRA), and single birds at two places
on Islay during the first week of April (JMu).
A surprising number of observers have reported Whooper
Swans in May and June this year. Records come from:
Bridge of Dee, Kirkcudbright—3 adults and 1 immature on 5th May
AFA).
es a Kirkcudbright—3 adults at N end, and 5 adults at S end
on 5th May (AFA); 2 on 15th and 24th May (HB); 2 immatures on
2nd June (JGY). ‘
Loch o’ the Lowes, New Cumnock, Ayr—an adult still there on 29th June
after at least five weeks residence (JAB).
Gadloch, Lanark—3 adults on 5th May, but only one on the 6th, and it
was driven away on the 8th by an aggressive Mute Swan (WW).
Barr Loch, Renfrew—an immature bird on 2nd, 6th and 16th June (GHA,
GLAP).
White a. Renfrew—3 adults on 29th and 30th June (GHA).
Endrick mouth, L. Lomond—an adult on 27th May (GHA).
S. Uist—3 adults on one loch on 7th June, and 2 on another on the 9th
(WW).
1962 CURRENT NOTES 205
Six Bewick’s Swans were seen with Whoopers beside the R.
Medwin at Carnwath, Lanarkshire, on 9th February (RE-H),
and two at Barr Loch on 11th March (LAU).
An Osprey was seen on Unst on 14th June (KDS).
Black Grouse seem to be on the increase in the upper regions
of the R. Ayr. On 6th May three groups, of ten cocks and a
hen, seven cocks, and eight cocks, were noted on a run from
Sorn to Glenbuck, and they have been seen regularly in the
area in the past year or two. Also, whereas one used often
to come through the pass from Sanquhar to Crawford without
seeing any, now one may see five or six (DL, AMcC, AW).
At the end of April a Corncrake spent 24 hours in a small gar-
den in Newburgh, Aberdeenshire (EAG), and on 2nd June one
was seen and heard in a field at Belmont, Ayrshire (RMR).
In the Lothians the species seems to have virtually disap-
peared in the last few years.
Oystercatchers were already inland and sitting about in the
fields along the Tweed on 18th February (TCS), and in the
St Mary’s Loch area, Selkirkshire, on the same date (JBal).
At the Moorfoot reservoirs the first bird had been recorded
on the 10th (DGA). Three Ringed Plovers were recorded on a
shingle bank in the R. Clyde near Thankerton, Lanarkshire,
on llth March (GHA, ME, GLAP). A winter record of Grey
Plover in the west is of one at Barassie, Ayrshire, on 18th
February (LAU). Baldoon Old Airfield, Wigtown, is a fav-
ourite winter haunt of Golden Plover, but more than 1,000 on
28th March were in fact passing through (AFA). Two
Dotterel were at Southerness, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 16th
April (WA). On 9th March Woodcock and Oystercatchers
were arriving on a rugger pitch at Haddington. It was very
cold and the ground was covered with snow. The Oyster-
catchers continued on northwards, but the Woodcock turned
back towards the R. Tyne (AMacd).
In and about the Lothians there seems to have been a sub-
stantial increase in the number of breeding Curlews; with
only a little more effort this year it has been possible, while
looking for broods of Lapwings, to ring 17 Curlew chicks,
where three were ringed last year, one in 1960, and none in
1959, 1957, 1956 or 1955 (ATM). An early Whimbrel was on
Islay on 1st April (JMu). Two were at Aberlady on 5th May
(KSM, MFMM), two at Longannet, Fife, on the 19th (JH), and
single birds at the mouth of the R. Endrick, Dunbarton and
Stirling, on 27th May (GHA), Tayport on 1st May (HB),
Morar on the 24th, Canna on 2nd June, and Sanday, the
neighbouring island, on the 3rd (WW). A Black-tailed Godwit
was at Aberlady on 25th May (ATM), two were at Cult Ness,
Fife, on lst May (GD, JP), and single birds were at Lundin
Links, Fife, on 21st April (PGB), Kingoodie on 18th April
206 CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
(HB), the Ythan Estuary on 11th April (EAG), and Cotehill
Loch, Aberdeenshire, on the 22nd (ETV). A Green Sandpiper
at Bell’s Burn, Manderston, Berwickshire, on 21st and 22nd
April was the first recorded there in April, though this is a
winter locality (antea 2: 42) (SJC). At New Cumnock, Ayr-
shire, the first Common Sandpiper arrived on 11th April—
about the usual date (JAB), and on the Tweed at Walker-
burn there were three on the 21st (JBal). In the Moorfoots
two were seen at the reservoirs on 15th April (DGA), and in
the hill valleys the first was seen on 21st April, three pairs
were noted next day, and they were generally distributed by
the 25th (WB). Two were at West Saltoun, East Lothian, on
the 23rd (AMacd), and two near Balerno, Midlothian, the
same day (KSM). A Spotted Redshank was at Aberlady on
22nd April (DGA, JBd, WKB, TCS). In Lanarkshire single
Greenshanks were noted during the winter at Quothquhan on
2lst January (RE-H), and on the Clyde near Thankerton on
llth March, perhaps the same bird (GHA, ME, GLAP), and
in Dunbartonshire there were two at Cardross on 25th Feb-
ruary (GHA, ME, GLAP). In East Lothian one was seen
leaving Gullane Point to the NE on 22nd April (DGA, JBd,
WKB, DJ, TCS).
Away from their breeding grounds single Great Skuas were
seen a mile offshore from Anstruther, Fife, on 21st May
(CNLC, KSM, JAS), and a mile offshore from Mallaig, In-
verness-shire, on the 26th (WW). Two Arctic Skuas were taking
a short cut overland at Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, on 23rd April
(PGB), and two dark phase birds were harrying the gulls
near Horse Island, Ardrossan, Ayrshire, on 16th June—an un-
usual date (JAB). A rather seedy Long-tailed Skua was found
sitting on the 7th green of the golf course at North Berwick,
East Lothian, on 13th June. It was taken home but later died.
It was thought, from its plumage, to be a third or fourth year
bird (HFDE per AMacd). On 27th June members of an Edin-
burgh Natural History Society outing had excellent views
of an adult Long-tailed Skua on the sea and chasing terns
west of Inchmickery in the Firth of Forth. A second skua
was probably an immature of the same species as the shape
and flight action were similar (RWJS).
Herring Gulls were noted breeding on Inchgarvie in the
Firth of Forth this year (RWJS). Parties of Common Gulls
were flying NE at Haddington, East Lothian, in wet weather
between 1600 and 1700 hrs on 21st April (AMacd), and a sim-
ilar movement on a smaller scale was seen at Aberlady at
about the same time on the following day under very much
better conditions (DGA, DJ, TCS). This was perhaps spring
departure as discussed by Bourne and Patterson (antea 2:
3-17). A pair of Common Gulls which nested at Lochside,
Sanquhar, was the observer’s first breeding record for upper
1962 CURRENT NOTES 207
Nithsdale (JGY). At Loch Skene, in the Moffat Hills, on 6th
June a pair of Common Gulls was flushed from the same islet
which White-tailed Eagles once used, and the birds watched
through binoculars as they returned and one of them very
clearly settled down on a nest to incubate (DAR). These two
records would seem to be the first reports of breeding in Dum-
friesshire. At Dornoch, Sutherland, at least two pairs nested
in a field of barley (DM).
An immature Glaucous Gull was seen at Ayr on 18th Feb-
ruary (GHA, ME). Single Iceland Gulls were noted at various
places in April, and descriptions of these birds have been sent.
One was at the Loch o’ the Lowes, New Cumnock, with Her-
ring and Greater Black-backed Gulls on the 6th, and may
have been blown inland by westerly gales on the 5th and 6th
(JAB), one was at Longannet, Fife, on the 22nd (JH), and
one at Oban with two Glaucous Gulls on the 23rd, and again
on the 26th when it was watched at ranges down to two feet
as it walked among the fish boxes on the quayside, or stood
beside a Glaucous Gull (ME, GLAP). None of these birds was
fully adult.
At Buddon Burn, Angus, 49 Little Gulls were counted on 24th
April. Of these, 20 were Ist year birds, and the rest were
adults in summer plumage—11 with their breasts and the
front of their necks suffused salmon-pink (HB). An immature
bird was at Barr Loch, Renfrewshire, on 6th June (GHA,
GLAP). A dead Kittiwake was found inland at Manderston,
Berwickshire, on 22nd April (SJC). A count of the colony at
an harbour gave a total of at least 225 nests on 17th May
( ;
The first report of Common Terns this spring was an inland
one of three at Sanquhar sewage works in Dumfriesshire on
18th April (JL). Two were at St Andrews on the 22nd
(MHEC), and three near Monifieth, Angus, on the 24th (HB).
At Longannet, Fife, 40 or 50 pairs bred in 1961 on low islets
in the area enclosed by the sea wall used as a settling area for
the muddy waste from the nearby power station. 1962 must
be the last year in which they can nest, as the level of the mud
is rising. There were 90 nests on 28th June, as well as 65
deserted eggs which had been flooded by recent rain. Quan-
tities of grass, sticks and other material were used by the
observers to raise low lying nests and to make some com-
pletely new ones. Nearly all were accepted, including one
made entirely of a large piece of fibreglass. On lst July 97
nests were counted. Two Arctic Terns were seen there on 13th
May, and up to 24 Sandwich Terns were present from mid
May to mid June without attempting to nest, though several
of them were seen mating (JH). An Arctic Tern—tarsus 16mm
—was found on Garvald Law in the Moorfoots on 19th May.
208 CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
As it had been dead for two or three days it may have come
in with the gale on the 17th (WB).
The first Little Terns were reported on 24th April, when four
pairs were at Buddon Burn, Angus (HB). Four at .Forvie
Sands, Aberdeenshire, on the 26th had just arrived as they
were not there earlier (ETV). The first two Sandwich Terns
were at Port William, Wigtownshire, on 9th April (AFA). Af-
ter a gap there was a report from Elie, Fife, on the 20th (PGB),
and two were at Pease Bay, Berwickshire, on the 21st (MJH,
DGL), one at Aberlady (JBd, WKB) and three at Inverness
(MR) on the 22nd, seven at Tyninghame on the 23rd (HAF),
and 12 at Aberlady by the 25th (HAF, KSM).
An occasional Razorbill has been seen about the Lamb, off
North Berwick, in recent years. An egg and a chick found on
9th June are the first proof of breeding (RWJS). An oiled and
recently dead Little Auk was found at Barns Ness, East Loth-
ian, on 23rd April (AMacd). A tremendous increase has taken
place in the number of Puffins on Craigleith in the Firth of
Forth. Between 500 and 600 birds were estimated by two
groups of observers, and this ignored birds underground. Two
nests with eggs were found in open crevices—an unusual
thing there (RWJS).
A Turtle Dove was seen near Gartmore Station, Perthshire,
on 6th June (MFMM).
The first Cuckoo was reported in Wigtownshire on 20th
April in a letter to the Scotsman. It was at L. Ba in Mull two
days later (LS, MVS), Walkerburn on the 25th (JBal), and in
the Moorfoots on the 26th. There were more in this last area
than for the past two years, and consequently they were more
vocal (WB).
In response to our appeal (antea 2: 43) we have received
a few reports of Barn Owls, That the south-west is probably
the best area in which to look for them is testified by reports
from the Whithorn area (AFA) and Caerlaverock (HD). On
Islay, two were flushed from a copse at Bowmore and a third
seen by the mouth of the Laggan on 19th February (JC per
MFMM), while Dr Tait sees them regularly at Bruichladdich
(per MFMM). In Midlothian one was seen this spring near
Mid Calder. They have roosted at various sites about the
Addiewell shale oil works since 1939, and still do so (HH).
In spite of the late season for early migrants, Swifts arrived
well up to time, with several April records. The following re-
ports probably give a fairly accurate picture, especially as the
weekend fell on 28th/29th April:
29th Apr—1 Gladhouse, Midlothian (DGA).
30th Apr—5 Haddington (AMacd), 1 Inverleith (JHS) and 3 Blackford
(ATM), both in Edinburgh.
1 May—Hirsel, Beraickiite (HIDH), Glasgow (MS per MFMM), Dud-
dingston (DRA) and Fairmilehead (HAF), both in Edinburgh.
1962 CURRENT NOTES 209
2 May—i Gullane, East Lothian (WKB), now 25 at Inverleith (JHS),
15 Linlithgow, West Lothian (KSM).
8 May—“not till today” in Inverness (MR), 3 Dornoch—earliest for 29
years (DM).
A Green Woodpecker was seen on Corstorphine Hill, Edin-
burgh, on 22nd April (AA). Although the species has bred
within the city for some years it is slow to consolidate or
progress much further. One was seen near Lanark on 11th
March (GHA, ME, GLAP). In the county the birds were back
again at the 1961 breeding site near East Kilbride (see ante
1: 454) (DL, AMcC, AW), and a letter in the Scotsman on
26th June records that Green Woodpeckers have been about
Dalzell Estate, Motherwell, for several years, and that a pair
was seen this year with young in a nest in a tree on the estate.
As Great Spotted Woodpeckers have apparently never bred at
Tentsmuir (antea 2: 152) it is worth noting that a pair was
watched feeding young at a nest not far away at St Fort
Wood near Wormit in June, A Great Spotted Woodpecker
was seen there in March 1961 but no nest was found that
year (LBT). ,
Swallows were about two weeks late this year. A single bird
was seen on 13th April in advance of a most impressive series
of observations from the 20th to the 24th:
13 Apr—l Cramalt, between Talla and St Mary’s Loch (HAF).
20 Apr—moving in Wigtownshire (RS), 12 at the Hirsel (MJH, DGL)
and 2 Duns (WMLH), both Berwickshire, and noted Lundin Links,
Fife (PGB).
21 Apr—noted Haddington (AMacd), 1 Longannet (JH).
22 Apr—l in Moorfoots (WB), 6 Gladhouse (RWJS), 10 Aberlady
(DGA, JBd, WKB, DJ, TCS, JHS), 1 Longniddry, 1 Musselburgh
(DGA), and in Edinburgh at Granton (AMi) and 1 Colinton (ATM).
23 Apr—l Barns Ness, East Lothian (AMacd).
24 Apr—1 Crichton, Midlothian (KSM), 1 Kingoodie, Perthshire (HB).
House Martins arrived about the usual time, which meant
that instead of being perhaps a fortnight later than the Swal-
lows they came more or less with them. This is a clear dem-
onstration of the way in which the early migrants were held
up by the weather but the later ones were little affected:
20 Apr—l Sandhead, Wigtownshire (RS), 1 Moorfoots (WB).
23 Apr—l Lundin Links, Fife (PGB).
29 Apr—1l Colinton, Edinburgh (ATM).
30 Apr—2 Haddington (AMacd).
Sand Martins, being early migrants, were held up and arrived
a good two weeks late. A few reports on 13th and 14th April
were followed by a gap until the 20th to 24th—the same dates
when the first Swallows were being seen:
13 Sa Cumnock, Ayrshire (JAB), Inverleith Park, Edinburgh
14 Apr—l1 Lennel, Berwickshire (DGL).
20 Apr—Duddingston (DRA), St Andrews (MHEC).
a eae Neeoura EoD
pr—sandhead, Wigtownshire (RS), 3 in Moorfoots—wl 1
by 29th (WB), 1 Longannet (JH). ie Le
210) CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
23 Apr—single birds at W. Saltoun, Humbie, and near Haddington, all
East Lothian (AMacd), c _iberlady (WKB), Dalkeith, Midlothian
(HAF), Lundin Links (PGB).
24 Apr—l Crichton, Midlothian (KSM).
A Magpie’s nest with six young birds was found in a fir at
Lochwood, near Moffat, on 27th April. Magpies have been vir-
tually absent from this part of Dumfriesshire for a good
number of years (RWA, ED). A Jay was seen at Tulliallan,
Fife, on 24th April. The observer searches unsuccessfully for a
nest there each year (JH).
Great Tits and Blue Tits have been very scarce in the Inver-
ele district on the Perthshire/Angus border this spring
(HB).
Fieldfares were still present at Manderston, Berwickshire,
on 4th May (SJC), and one was seen in Glen Lyon, Perth-
shire, the same day (HB). The first Ring Ouzel was not seen
in the Moorfoots until Ist April. By the 15th they were gen-
erally distributed in that area (WB).
Not one Wheatear was reported in March, and only a very
few in the first week or 10 days of April. The records do not
show the clear picture given by those for Swallow and Sand
Martin, but this species was probably about a fortnight late:
1 Apr—Thornhill, Dumfriesshire (JHS).
5 Apr—1 cock Islay (JMu).
6 Apr—1 cock Kingsbarns, Fife (HB).
7 Apr—New Cumnock, Ayrshire (JAB)—and 8th (WA, JGY).
8 Apr—2 cocks Moorfoots (WB), 1 bird Dalwhinnie, Inverness-shire
(PGB).
10 we Glenkill, Dumfriesshire (DS), 1 Drem, East Lothian (per
AMac
12 Apr—1 Crathes (MWJ), Mull res per TCS).
13 Apr—3 St Mary’s Loch area (HAF).
14 Apr—1 Walkerburn, Peeblesshire (JBal).
15 Apr—2 St Abbs, Berwickshire (SJC, MJH, DGL), 6 Carnethy Hill,
Midlothian (HAF
18 Apr—Arisaig (EK per TCS).
20 Apr—moving in Wigtownshire (RS).
22 Apr—prominent Aberlady (JBd, WKB), I Longannet (JH).
A Wheatear on the West Linton side of the Cauldstane
Slap on 12th May was evidently on the move, and on the basis
of colour and larger size the observer identified it as a cock
of the Greenland race Oe. oe. leucorrhoa (WB).
Wigtownshire must be one of the best parts of Scotland for
seeing Stonechats, Many pairs wintered and others arrived in
March, They are common on the rough heathland of the
Machars, and also about in good numbers in the coastal parts
of the Rhinns. Along the same five miles of coast where there
were ten pairs in October 1961 (antea 2: 53), over 15 pairs —
were counted on 21st April (AFA). A poorly marked cock was
at Tyninghame on 18th March—probably a migrant (WMS,
RWJS). In the Pentlands a pair was at Carnethy Hill on 15th ©
April (HAF, IMF). As a pair was at Threipmuir in 1961 (antea —
1962 CURRENT NOTES 211
1: 460), this is further evidence of a very slow return to the
area.
An early cock Whinchat was seen near Balerno on 23rd April
(KSM). Apart from this record the first birds were seen early
in May—about the usual time. A cock was at Glencorse Reser-
voir, Midlothian, on the 38rd (HAF), a number were passing
through the Moorfoots on the 5th (WB), and a remarkable
party of about 20 was at Corehead, on the Annan Water, on
the 7th (RWA, ED).
Only a few arrival dates are reported for Redstarts—one at
Gifford, East Lothian, on 19th April (AMacd), one at Glads-
muir, East Lothian, on the 25th (KSM), and a pair at their
ae site near Milton Bridge, Midlothian, on the same day
A Black Redstart was at Tundergarth, Lockerbie, for most of
the day on 21st April. It fed in the midden, and flitted about,
singing from a gable or a branch. From its plumage—espec-
ially the lack of any white flash on the wings—it was evident-
ly a first year cock. This is a new species for Dumfriesshire
(PMG, RTS).
There was a most spectacular rush of Robins on the Bass
Rock from 17th to 22nd April. During that time no less than
44 were caught in one mistnet under difficult conditions. Such
numbers represent an enormous movement. Five Robins were
found dead on the rock, and from the range of weights of the
birds which were caught—13 to 18 gms—it seems that they
had been involved in a taxing passage. Hedge Sparrows (q.v.)
were also moving (JBN).
Reports of reeling Grasshopper Warblers come from Saltoun,
East Lothian, on 28th May (ATM), Tulliallan, Fife, on 3rd
and 9th May—thought to be an unmated bird (GD, JP), and
from Benderloch Station, Argyll on 13th May (TW).
The first Sedge Warbler was in East Fife on 28th April
(RSW), one was at Stormont Loch on 3rd May (HB), there
were two near Walkerburn on the 7th (JBal), and pairs were
at Lochmaben on the 11th, West Linton on the 13th, and
Dirleton the same day (AFA). At Duddingston the first one
was not noted until the 22nd (DRA).
The first Blackcap was singing at Gladsmuir, East Lothian,
on 25th April (KSM). In the Valleyfield district of Fife this
year a pair was present but no nest was found, while three
other cocks did not remain in the area (JH). A cock singing
near Troon on 10th June was the first the observer had seen
in Ayrshire (RMR). The only arrival date reported for
Garden Warblers was 11th May, when two were at Lochmaben
(AFA). In West Fife they have been scarce this year—possibly
because of disturbance to their habitat (JH). The only reports
of Whitethroats before mid May are of single birds at Glads-
212 CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
muir on 25th April (KSM), Aberlady on the 29th (WKB), and
Kingoodie on 6th May (HB).
Willow Warblers appeared at the same time as the Swallows
and martins:
18 Apr—1 in song at Garvald Farm in the Moorfoots (WB).
19 Apr—Monreith, Wigtownshire (AFA).
20 Apr—on the move in Wigtownshire (RS).
21 Apr—4 Threipmuir (HAF), and noted Currie (JHS), both Midlothian,
noted St Andrews (MHEC).
22 Apr—1 High Valleyfield, Fife (JH), 3 Gladhouse (RWJS).
23 Apr—Hound Point, West Lothian (TCS), Duddingston (DRA).
24 Apr—1 Haddington (AMacd), Kingoodie (HB).
Chiffchaffs do not appear to have arrived any earlier than
the Willow Warblers except in a few places:
12 Apr—Monreith (AFA), singing Dumfries (WA).
21 Apr—3 singing and chasing at Lade Braes, St Andrews, and again on
the 22nd,but gone by the 24th (MHEC, JMcF), 1 singing Belford,
Edinburgh (CPR).
22 Apr—singing over rhododendrons at Newbattle Church, Midlothian,
and again on 6th May (EH).
24 Apr—4 singing Port Logan, Wigtownshire (AFA).
25 Apr—1 Gladsmuir, East Lothian (KSM).
While some of these are hardly worth mentioning for the
dates—since the birds had probably been present earlier—the
localities may be of interest. Other Chiffchaffs are reported
from Milton Bridge, Midlothian, where they were almost cer-
tainly feeding young on 16th June (WAC), from suitable
habitat for breeding near Dalhousie, Midlothian, on 7th May
(EH), and singing at the end of April by the landing place on
Eigg, where one was heard in 1960 (antea 1: 383) (LS, MVS).
The only arrival dates reported for Spotted Flycatchers—two
in the Moorfoots on 10th May (WB), and at Duddingston on
the 16th (DRA)—may not be representative.
Ten Hedge Sparrows were caught on the Bass Rock with the
rush of Robins from 17th to 22nd April. They weighed from
163 to 224 gms (JBN).
Several pairs of Yellow Wagtails M, f. flavissima nest each
year in an area of rough pasture within the northern boun-
daries of Glasgow. There were three pairs in both 1960 and
1961. Usually the cocks arrive in late April or early May, and
the hens some two weeks later. They have time for one brood
only, and are gone by September—latest date, a juvenile on
15th September 1961. This year one of the cocks was already
paired as early as 4th May. From 24th April to 1lth May a
cock of the Blue-headed form M. f. flava (a detailed descrip-
tion has been supplied) was present, and on 8th May it was
displaying to one of the local flavissima hens (WW). At Aber-
lady a Yellow Wagtail of undetermined race was seen on 5th
May (MFMM), and a cock Blue-headed, fully described, on
oth June (EH). We continue to use the old nomenclature for
these flava Wagtails and leave it to others to decide, if it is
1962 CURRENT NOTES 213
possible, whether birds showing the characteristics of the
Blue-headed race are Blue-headed Wagtails or mutants
thrown up by the British population of Yellow Wagtails.
A Waxwing was at Invergowrie on 26th April (HB). A
Great Grey Shrike was perched above the railway track near
Parton, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 18th February (GHA, ME).
Three Hawfinches were seen on the edge of Binning Wood,
East Lothian, on 138th May (MFMM), and one in the Royal
Botanic Garden, Edinburgh—where they were seen quite often
a few years ago—on 22nd April (CPR). Nine Siskins were still
with a mixed flock of finches at Gifford, East Lothian, on 23rd
April (AMacd). A pair almost certainly nested at Tulliallan,
Fife, but proof is lacking. The birds were watched there on
14th May (JH). A flock of some 25 Twite was seen near Eagle-
sham, Renfrewshire, on 17th February (LAU). Bramblings are
reported more widespread than usual in and around the Clyde
area; there were three with Chaffinches by the West Kilbride/
Dalry, Ayrshire, road on 13th January. several with Chaffinch-
es in Stirlingshire by the Balfron/Buchlyvie road in Decem-
ber 1961, several near Buchlyvie Station, Perthshire, on 25th
February, and some with Chaffinches and Greenfinches near
Thankerton, Lanarkshire, on 28th January (GHA, ME), No
large flocks have been reported.
Four Lapland Buntings, described by the observer, were seen
in Berwickshire at Kyles Hill, near Hule Moss, on 1st January
(DGL). Though the Snow Bunting is a common winter visitor
to Scotland it may be worth noting, for the sake of complete-
ness, two flocks reported in addition to those previously re-
corded (antea 2: 56, 106). In Ayrshire there were between 100
and 150 in a stubble field at New Cumnock on 6th January
(JAB), and in Renfrewshire about 50 on barley stubble on
10th March (LAU).
We know of only two reports of Tree Sparrows in Kinross-
shire (antea 1: 431, Scot. Nat. 1955: 104). A small flock was
seen at Old Manse of L. Leven on 6th October 1960 (GD per
RWJS), and odd birds have been heard, but never seen, for
several years. One was seen on 27th May this year, and a nest
with three young birds found on 23rd June in a small group
of trees in a field. This is the first breeding record for the
county. At least three more Tree Sparrows were heard in an-
other area (TB, RWJS). At Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, a small
colony—the only one the observer knows in East Inverness—
has associated with House Sparrows about a farm steading
since at least 1960. There were about 12 on 6th March 1960,
about 40 in March 1961, but only about six in April 1962 (MR).
At Dornoch, Sutherland, a small colony nests in the founda-
ions of occupied Rooks’ nests, starting their operations before
the young Rooks fledge. A few House Sparrows use similar
sites (DM).
214 CURRENT NOTES 2(3)
1961 and earlier notes
A Sooty Shearwater was seen some eight to ten miles out
from Troon on 23rd July 1960 Several Manx Shearwaters
were there for comparison, and good views were had at 40
yards range, when the pale white line on the underside of the
wing could be seen (WW).
At Hilda Marshes, Glasgow, a Whimbrel was seen on 25th
August 1961 (WW). A Wood Sandpiper was in the Low Parks,
Hamilton, Lanarkshire, on 12th and 13th August 1961 (GHA,
ME, GLAP), and a Spotted Redshank at the same place on the
17th and 26th (GHA). A Greenshank was seen at Hilda Marshes
on Ist April 1961, and five Ruffs on 29th August 1960, and one
on 31st July 1961. Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Common Sand-
piper and Dunlin occur on spring and autumn passage (WW).
Two Pied Flycatchers were seen at Culquoich Estate, Glen-
kindie, Aberdeenshire on 9th May 1961, but we have no in-
formation as to whether they were breeding (JDP per EAG).
Further evidence of immigration of Goldfinches (see antea
2: 54) is provided by 28 near Redcastle, in the Black Isle, on
24th November 1961, and a small flock reported from near
Strathpeffer about the same time. Goldfinches are uncommon
in the area (WHH). Fifteen Twite at Caerlaverock, Dumfries-
shire, where they are regular winter visitors, were seen on
30th October 1961—three days earlier than those previously
reported (antea 2: 55) (HD).
General observations on behaviour, plumage, etc.
A pale-coloured Pink-footed Goose was seen at Libberton,
Lanarkshire, on 2nd April (PGRB).
Though the coast of Skye is bounded in many places by
tremendous ranges of cliff, few of these fall into deep water,
and there are few sea-bird colonies of any note. Fulmars, how-
ever, are widely distributed. In June they were found to have
been a source of food to the Golden Eagles in five different
coastal territories. In four of these the pluckings of single
Fulmars were found on the cliffs frequented by the eagles,
but in the fifth territory pluckings of about ten different Ful-
mars were scattered along half a mile of the top of the nesting
cliffs. In each locality the eagles conveniently identified them-
selves by shedding their own body feathers and down at the
plucking places (DAR).
The white-headed Oystercatcher seen at Barnbougle on 17th |
ony (antea 2: 107) stayed there until at least 2nd June
On 3rd May a Woodpigeon was flushed from the upper part |
of a steep, treeless, hundred-foot crag in Inverness-shire. There ©
was a typical twig nest, with two eggs, on the bare rock, |
1962 CURRENT NOTES 215
beside a jammed block and under a slight overhang about
ten feet below the crest of the crag—a site reminiscent of
many favoured by Ravens. It was only about 60 feet away
from a Peregrine’s eyrie, containing three eggs and surroun-
ded by the remains of the bird’s prey, including pluckings of
a Woodpigeon, there being pigeons in the wood below. While
rock nests of this species are apparently not exceptional the
other circumstances make this instance somewhat unusual
(DAR).
A Carrion Crow seen regularly since July 1961 near Robroy-
ston, Glasgow, has all-white primaries and secondaries on each
wing. Another, with traces of white on the secondaries, is
often with the white-winged bird (WW).
A Song Thrush’s nest with seven eggs was found at Walker-
burn in April. It is not known whether two females or two
separate layings—caused by the cold weather—could have
been involved. The nest was deserted by the birds (JBal).
An almost fully fledged Willow Warbler, “found” by a small
girl, was fed on bread and milk and kept overnight, and
placed the next day in the short tunnel leading to a nest con-
taining five half-grown Willow Warblers. The foundling
moved into the nest, and the adults returned with food after
some hesitation. Two days later the stranger was still there,
at the very back of the nest, and obviously accepted by its
foster parents (JH).
REVIEWS
Brrps AND Woops. By W. B. Yapp. London, Oxford Univer-
sity Press, 1962. Pp. 308; text figures, tables, 28 plates and
illustrations. 35/-.
This is an original and stimulating book in which the ap-
proaches of plant and animal ecologist are blended. Dr Yapp
has aimed to provide information about all aspects of the
lives of birds which are associated with trees, but particularly
about their existence as a community conditioned by environ-
ment.
Sampling techniques for counting woodland birds and esti-
mating relative abundance of the different species have been
an essential tool in the construction of the work. The open-
ing chapter is a pleasantly simple and readable description of
these methods, and although the author does not claim a
spurious accuracy for his results they have good comparative
value and rise far above woolly generalisations. An admirable
short account of British woodlands follows, giving main
types, structure, history and distribution in relation to climate
and geology. The status of native and semi-natural woodland,
and the activities of the Forestry Commission are discussed,
210 REVIEWS 2(3)
with the introduction of useful forestry and botanical terms.
The main types of woodland are then described in greater
detail and numerical data for their bird populations are given.
Each type, distinguished by dominance of a particular species
of tree, has its own characteristic assemblage of different
birds. Most species occur in a variety of woods but some show
apparent preferences, the Willow Warbler being outstand-
ingly a bird of the north-west Highland birchwoods, while
the Pied Flycatcher belongs mainly to sessile oakwoods. Only
a few have a specialised choice, such as the Crested Tit of
the Highland pinewoods, but several (e.g. Capercaillie, Gold-
crest, Siskin and Crossbill) nest almost entirely in coniferous
woods, a habitat preference which is matched by the largely
Scottish distribution of the group. Pedunculate oakwood is
generally the most productive for bird-life but Forestry
Commission plantations are better than the casual observer
might suspect, and even support nesting Kites in Wales. Win-
ter populations are discussed but most of the data refer to
the breeding season.
The significance of the ecotone or transitional zone be-
tween main climax types of vegetation is emphasised in
dealing with small woods and semi-woods, and many birds
are shown to belong to ground of open tree or shrub growth.
Man has been responsible, through farming and urbanisation,
for creating new and extensive areas of partly wooded habitat,
and some birds are now more familiar in these artificial set-
tings than in their original haunts. That particularly impor-
tant but much neglected habitat, the hedge, is the subject
of an interesting essay.
Then there is a picture of the changes in bird populations
accompanying the growth of woods from seedling stage to
maturity. The woodland bird community is discussed from
many aspects as an inter-related group of species and individ-
uals. Species are classified according to their food and each
is shown to exploit a different range of habitat, though some
overlap in food habits. Here we are led to controversial
issues such as interspecific competition and the effects of
predators on populations of their prey. Song, territorialism,
nesting habitat, roosting and flocking habits, adaptability to
habitat and population regulation all find discussion in this
review of inter-relationships. And the effects of the birds on |
the woods is not forgotten: one intriguing suggestion here
is that the Jay’s habit of burying acorns may be important in
the maintenance and spread of natural oakwood.
Geographical distribution patterns are explained primarily |
in terms of limiting climatic factors. Dr Yapp has followed |
a fashionable trend in showing maps with isolines of climatic |
factors such as temperature, rainfall and sunshine duration
1962 REVIEWS 217
which fit fairly closely the geographical distribution limits
of certain species. Birds are, however, a particularly intract-
able experimental material for obtaining proof of the infer-
ence that this is a true cause-effect relationship. The
northward shift of range in some birds under recent temper-
ature amelioration is perhaps a more convincing demonstra-
tion of climatic control, although it would seem from examples
mentioned throughout the book that substantial, unpreceden-
ted and usually unaccountable change of distribution is so
frequent as to be almost a characteristic of birds. Carrying
on from the climate theme, there is a hypothetical recon-
struction of the Quaternary history of woodland birds
according to the widely accepted sequence of vegetational
changes, assuming that habitat requirements have remained
constant.
A final systematic list gives the geographical distribution
and habitat range of each species, with notes on certain other
aspects of their lives. The unorthodox systematic treatment
will be applauded by those who believe that systematics
should be a means to an end.
The fifteen black and white bird illustrations include a fine
Tunnicliffe frontispiece of Pied Flycatchers and a selection
from Bewick’s Land Birds, while twelve half-tone plates are
mainly of different types of woodland.
The book as a whole has a scope and measure of integra- —
tion which could only have come from years of careful
thought, planning and field work, during which the ideas
and themes have gradually matured. Using woodland birds
as his material and ranging over many fundamental aspects
of avian biology, Dr Yapp has made an outstanding contri-
bution to ecology. In these days of team projects and organ-
ised enquiries in ornithology it is refreshing to find so full a
study which is essentially the work of one enthusiast, whose
own field experience extends over a large part of Britain. The
author nevertheless takes adequate account of the literature.
Some dangerous speculation in places is freely admitted and
provides plenty of food for thought, while exceptions to some
findings might be quoted according to more local experience.
There are a few details of questionable accuracy, such as the
Cumberland distribution of the Green Woodpecker (p. 292)
and the statement that the Willow Tit is not a bird of the
birchwoods (p. 256). Again, the man of Kent who goes to live
in Skye might not agree that “Great Britain is not large
enough to show any great difference in climate from one part
to another.” However, these are trivialities in a work which
contains so much meat and is well worth the attention of all
who take a serious interest in our native birds.
DEREK A. RATCLIFFE.
218 REVIEWS 2(3)
BIRDS IN BriTaIN. By Kenneth Richmond. London, Odhams
Press Ltd, 1962. Pp. 160; 225 photographs (16 in colour).
30/-.
It is always pleasant to welcome a book by a Scottish or-
nithologist, and this is one which should find a vacant
ecological niche. The modern identification guides make it
easy for the beginner to put a name to his birds: this book
takes him on to the much more rewarding stage of being able
to appreciate the individual characters of each species and
its place in the overall pattern.
After a short introductory chapter, dealing with the history
of bird-watching and some current trends of investigation,
the book proceeds to discuss all but the most uncommon
British birds in their systematic order. This programme could
have resulted in a dull catalogue, but the author has wisely
not attempted to give each species uniform treatment and he
allows himself to digress at length on the topics which in-|
terest him most, These digressions are wholly successful and
show Mr Richmond as an accurate and sensitive observer
with an infectious enthusiasm for his subject.
It is, however, disappointing that a number of minor errors
should have crept into this book, especially where the author
is not writing at first hand. These are often due to a certain
carelessness in writing. For instance, the uninitiated may
well wonder why it should be “incredible” that young Puffins,
Guillemots and Razorbills should reach the sea by tumbling
down into it from the cliff-face. No mention is made of the
fact that this journey is performed long before the chicks
are capable of flight, although this is presumably what the
author had in mind. Moreover this does not hold good for
the Puffin chick which does not leave its burrow until it is
fully fledged and which is not attended by its parents when
it puts out to sea. Most of the errors are not likely to cause
much damage, but it is to be devoutly hoped that readers of
this book will not accept at its face value the statement that
“a pipit seen parachuting in song-flight from the the top of
a tall tree in May or June is almost certainly a Tree Pipit.”
At a more general level, it seems a pity that Mr Richmond
has so seldom made any reference to a bird’s distribution
outside the British Isles: there are so many cases in which
this information helps enormously in understanding the bird’s
status in Britain. To Scottish readers, however, this parochial-
ism may seem to be more than offset by the fact that the book
is so largely written against a Scottish background, although
even in this narrow field there are some statements that call
for comment. Storm Petrel colonies, for instance, are not
1962 REVIEWS 219
restricted to the Atlantic seaboard, and Edinburgh ornitholo-
gists will be surprised to read that the Black Redstart has
settled in their town and interested to know whether there
is any foundation for the statement that the recent spread of
the Gadwall in their area “is due almost entirely to the escape
of pinioned birds.”
The photographs vary widely in quality and interest. Too
many are unsharp or give evidence of over-enlargement, and
the general effect would have been very much improved by
a more critical selection and more attention to artistic pres-
entation. Some of the colour photographs tend to be garish
and would seem to have suffered in reproduction. In only
a few cases is any information given as to the taking of the
photographs, and this is particularly unfortunate as some of
the other photographs would appear to have been taken of
birds in captivity, notably the geese and ducks. Perhaps the -
flight photographs are the most outstandingly successful, but
there are also some portraits of waders on migration which
bear impressive proof to Mr Richmond’s skill as a photogra-
pher.
D. G. ANDREW.
CORRESPONDENCE
SIR,
Spotted Crake in Midlothian
With reference to R. W. J. Smith’s record of a Spotted
Crake at Gladhouse (antea 2: 30), it is as well to observe
that this species, when seen from behind, is indistinguishable
from the Carolina Crake Porzana carolina. In view of the
date of Mr Smith’s bird, however, 20th July, the probability
of its being a Spotted Crake is overwhelming, but a similar
bird seen at Castle Douglas by A. D. Watson and myself on
9th February 1958, and F. D. Hamilton on the 16th, cannot,
when the date is considered, be identified with the same
measure of certainty, which is why we have never submitted
the record.
M. F. M. MEIKLEJONN.
(Professor Meiklejohn’s point is a pertinent one, but we
feel that the circumstances of this record are sufficient to
eliminate the rather remote chance of its being the American
species.—ED.).
OFFICIAL SECTION 2(3)
OFFICIAL SECTION
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
DUNBLANE HOTEL HYDRO, PERTHSHIRE
26th to 28th October 1962
PROGRAMME
Friday 26th October :
5 to 7.30 p.m.
and 8.30
to 9.30 p.m.
6.15 p.m.
6.30 p.m. to
midnight.
9.30 p.m.
Conference Office in the Hotel Hydro opens for Members
and guests to register (8s 6d each). Collect name cards
and Annual Dinner tickets (16s 6d each).
Meeting of Council.
Lounges reserved for informal discussions and refresh-
ments. Ballroom reserved from 8 p.m. for showing slides
and films exhibited by Members who must inform C. E.
Palmar, 5 University Avenue, Glasgow W.2, not later than
22nd October if they wish to have slides or films included.
Excursion leaders will describe the places to be visited on
Saturday and Sunday afternoons; in the Ballroom.
Saturday 27th October :
8.45 to 9.15
9.20 a.m.
9.30 a.m.
11 a.m.
11.30 a.m.
1 to 2 p.m.
2 to 5.30" pm:
6.15 p.m.
Conference Office open for registrations.
Official Opening of the Conference in the Ballroom.
ADDRESS OF WELCOME by Archibald M’Lellan, Esq.,
Provost of Dunblane.
LECTURE on “Geographical distribution and species for-
mation in birds of prey,” by Prof. Dr K. H. Voous
(Zoological Museum, University of Amsterdam), followed
by discussion.
INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
~ COLOUR FILM. First showing in Britain of “Birds of
the Galapagos,” introduced in person by Heinz Sielmann
(Munich, Germany).
INTERVAL for informal lunches (Hotels must be in-
formed).
EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the Hotel Hydro
Car Park (See under “Information”). Details of the ex-
cursions will be posted on the Conference notice board.
26th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB
in the Ballroom.
BUSINESS:
(1) Apologies for absence.
(2) Approval of Minutes of 25th Annual General Meeting
of the Club held in Dunblane on 28th October, 1961.
(3) Report of Council for Session 25.
(4) Approval of Accounts for Session 25.
(5) Appointment of Auditor.
1962
9.30 a.m.
OFFICIAL SECTION 221
(6) Consideration of the following proposed amendments
to the Constitution:
(a) That the words “or his or her Membership shall
(b)
(c)
(d)
have become undesirable, or he or she shall have
personally assisted in or connived at the capture
or destruction of any bird, nest or eggs, in the
British Isles, by purchase or otherwise, likely, in
the opinion of the Council, to lead to the exter-
mination or serious diminution of that species as a
British Bird” in Paragraph 3(g) be deleted.
That the words “The Club Treasurer shall collect
all subscriptions’ in Paragraph 4(a) shall be
deleted and in their place shall be substituted “The
Hon. Treasurer shall supervise the collection of
subscriptions.”
That Paragraph 4(c) shall be deleted and in its
place shall be substituted the following:
“(c) Nominations:
Nominations for vacancies among the Office-
bearers or the elected Members of Council must
be received by the Club Secretary not later than
31st July each year. Intimation of all nominations
shall be given in the Notice calling the Annual
General Meeting. Nominations for any vacancy in
a Branch Committee must be received by the
Branch Secretary not later than one week before
the Annual General Meetine of the Branch.”
That Paragraph 4(e) shall be deleted and in its
place shall be substituted the following:
“(e) Branch Committees.
The Office-bearers of each Branch shall be: (1)
the Chairman; (2) the Vice-chairman; and (3)
the Branch Secretary. Each of these shall hold
office for three years and shall then be eligible
for re-election. These, together with the addition
of such members of the Branch up to a maximum
of four, as each Branch shall deem necessary at
each Annual General Meeting of the Branch, shall
constitute the Branch Committee. Each Branch
shall elect annually one member of the Branch
Committee to represent the Branch on the Council.
The Branch Chairman (or in the absence of the
Chairman, the Vice-Chairman) shall preside at
meetings of the Branch; and the Branch Secretary
shall keep Minutes of the Branch Meetings and
perform such other duties as may be assigned to
him. He shall be empowered to receive and trans-
mit subscriptions as may be arranged”
(7) Election of two new Members of Council. (The Coun-
cil
recommend the election of Dr G. M. Dunnet and
G. H. Acklam to replace K. S. Macgregor and Prof.
V.
C. Wynne-Edwards who retire by rotation).
(8) Any other competent business.
7.30 for 8 pm. ANNUAL DINNER in the Diningroom of the Hotel
Hydro (Dress informal).
Sunday 28th October :
LECTURE AND FILM “The Royal Penguin” by Dr
Robert Carrick (Division of Wildlife Research,
C.S.1.R.O., Canberra, Australia).
222 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(3)
11 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
11.30 a.m. COLOUR FILM “Wild Highlands” (produced by the
British Transport Commission).
l to, 2 pam INTERVAL for informal lunches.
2) p.m. EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the Hotel Hydro
Car Park.
INFORMATION
(1) Conference Post Card. In order to simplify arrangements, it is
essential that Members intending to be present should complete the en-
closed printed postcard and send it to the Club Secretary not later than
22nd October. Owing to limited seating accommodation, the Council re-
grets that Members may invite only one guest each to the Annual
Dinner.
(2) Excursions. Members are asked if possible to provide private cars
and arrange to fill their passenger seats; to avoid congestion in the Car
Park the minimum number of cars will be used. Petrol expenses should
be shared. Maps of the area should be brought (O.S. 1” maps: Old edition
Nos 62, 63, 66, and 67; New edition Nos 53, 54, 55, 60, and 61). Members
who wish to go out on their own are particularly asked not to go in ad-
vance of led excursions to avoid disturbing the birds.
(3) Registration. Everyone attending the Conference must register
(8s 6d each) at the Conference Office on arrival (opening times—see
Programme). Members wishing to attend the Annual General Meeting
only do not require to pay the registration fee which covers incidental
expenses—hire of films, projection equipment, mid-morning coffee, etc.
(4) Annual Dimner. Tickets for the Annual Dinner (price 16s 6d inclus-
ive of tips) should be purchased when registerino on arrival. Members
and guests staying at the Hotel Hydro will be charged for the Annual
Dinner in their inclusive hotel bill, but must obtain a ticket from the
Conference Office. All tickets will be collected at the Dinner. No pay-
ments should be made in advance to the office in Edinburgh.
(5) Hotel Bookings. All Hotel bookings must be made direct with the
hotel in which you wish to stay. Owing to the shortage of single rooms,
members are urged to make arrangements to share a room with a friend.
Private arrangements must be made with your hotel for lunches each
day.
(6) Swimming Pool. The indoor swimming pool in the Dunblane Hotel
Hydro will be available to residents during the weekend at no extra
charge. |
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN DUNBLANE
DUNBLANE HOTEL HYDRO (Tel. 3161). Special Conference charge:
dinner and bed on Friday 26th; breakfast, lunch, Annual Dinner and
bed on Saturday 27th; breakfast and lunch on Sunday 28th; #4, 15s 0d.
A 10% gratuity charge will be added to all bills.
STIRLING ARMS HOTEL (Tel. 2156). Bed and breakfast from 22s 6d.
*THE NEUK PRIVATE HOTEL, Doune Road. (Tel. 2150). Bed and
breakfast from 17s 6d.
*SCHIEHALLION HOTEL, Doune Road. (Tel. 3141). Bed and break-
fast from 17s ,
eye mma Dargie Terrace. (Tel. 3196). Bed and breakfast from
s 6d.
(ARDLEIGHTON HOTEL. (Tel. 2273). Bed and breakfast from 15s.
*These hotels are some distance from the Conference Hotel.
(Situated near the Hotel Hydro gates.
1962 OFFICIAL SECTION 223
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN BRIDGE OF ALLAN
yar WATER HOTEL (Tel. B. of A. 2293). Bed and breakfast from
S.
ROYAL HOTEL (Tel. B. of A. 2284). Bed and breakfast from 27s.
Members with cars who have difficulty in obtaining single rooms in
Dunblane should find that the above two hotels in Bridge of Allan have
ample single accommodation. The distance from Dunblane is about 3
miles. |
The above terms for hotels other than the Conference Hotel are quoted
as a guide only and prices should be confirmed.
SUBSCRIPTIONS, DEEDS OF COVENANT, AND
BANKERS’ ORDERS
Subscriptions for the new Session are now due, and should be sent with
the enclosed form to the Club Secretary. The winter number of “Scottish
Birds” will only be issued to paid-up subscribers.
Members are reminded that the Club is able to reclaim Income Tax on
all subscriptions paid under Deed of Covenant; this greatly benefits the
Club funds by almost doubling subscriptions paid in this way. The Council
invites Members who pay Income Tax at the full rate to undertake a
seven-year Deed of Covenant by using the form enclosed. Completed
forms should be returned to the Secretary who will forward a Certificate
of Deduction of Tax for signature each year.
A Banker’s Order is also enclosed for the use of Members who find
this a more convenient way of paying an annual subscription; this should
be returned to the Secretary and not to the Bank.
NORTHERN COUNTIES CONFERENCE
KINGSMILLS HOTEL, INVERNESS
30h November to 2nd December 1962
An informal weekend Conference will be held in the Kingsmills Hotel,
Inverness, from Friday 30th November to Sunday 2nd December 1962 for
the purpose of discussing ornithological and conservation problems in
the north of Scotland. There will be no official programme, but short
papers will be given under the Chairmanship of Dr Ian D. Pennie. Mem-
bers willing to contribute a paper are asked to inform Dr Pennie, The
Hollies, Golspie, Sutherland, as soon as possible.
Owing to limited accommodation in the hotel, preference must be given
to those resident in the northern counties and those particularly interest-
ed in northern problems, although every effort will be made to accommo-
date others who apply. It is hoped that members from further south will
appreciate that the purpose of this week-end is to meet the request of
those who find it difficult to attend the Annual Conference because of
distance, and the latter must be given priority in bookings.
All reservations must be made with the Club Secretary, 21 Regent
Terrace, Edinburgh 7, and not with the hotel. A registration fee of 5s
should be sent at the time of booking to cover the cost of morning coffees
and special hire of rooms for meetings. Members not requiring accommod-
ation must also register with the Secretary, sending a registration fee.
Fees will be returned if the booking cannot be accepted.
The inclusive weekend charge at the Kingsmills Hotel will be £4. This
will include bed on Friday 30th; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bed on Sat-
224 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(3)
urday Ist; breakfast and lunch on Sunday 2nd. Dinner on Friday night
will be an extra charge and the hotel must be informed in good time
(Tel. Inverness 33034). Dinner is served between 7 and 8 p.m.
NEW BRANCH IN AYR
The Council have pleasure in announcing the formation of a new
Branch of the Club in Ayr.
The Club Secretary and Mr George Waterston (Member of Council)
attended a special meeting in Ayr on 25th April, at which over forty
interested people, some already members of the Club, were present. It
was evident that there was a great deal of interest and potential support
for the formation of a Branch.
A the inaugural meeting, the following Officers were appointed—Chair-
man, Mr R. Macalpine Ramage; Vice-Chairman, Mr Gordon A. Richards;
Secretary, Dr C. Higginbottom, 59 Forehill Road, Ayr; Committee, Dr
M. E. Castle and Mrs A. E. S. Scorgie. Branch Representative, Mr R.
Macalpine Ramage.
Although unable to be present at the meeting, Commander Sir Geoffrey
Hughes-Onslow, R.N., was anxious to give his support and was elected
Hon. President of the new Branch.
Three successful field excursions were held during the summer, and a
programme of lectures has been planned for the winter months. Already
twenty new members have joined the Club, bringing the total number
in the area to over fifty.
The Council hopes that all Members living in the area will support this
new venture by attending meetings and introducing new members, and
wishes to congratulate Mr Ramage and Dr Higginbottom for their efforts
and enthusiasm in establishing this new Branch.
BRANCH LECTURES
Aberdeen. Mcmbers are asked to note that meetings of the Aberdeen
Branch will be held on a Monday instead of a Friday in each month, in
the Senior Common Room, Marischal College.
Edinburgh. Members should note that the March and April meetings
will be held at 7.30 p.m. to enable country members to attend.
CORRECTION
The Solway weekend excursion reported in th > :
63) took place in 1962, nob196L) te ee
a ee a ee
all en ek AiO a re i ee
snipe aces
GO
¥SE 2
1 ef o
ET ISH
BIRDS
=sS
—
The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 1962
JS MW 19; SHILLINGS
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
PPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was founded in 1936 and membership
' is open to all interested in Scottish ornithology. Meetings are held
during the winter months in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh,
Glasgow and St Andrews, at which lectures by prominent ornithologists
are given and films exhibited. Excursions are organised in the summer to
places of ornithological interest.
The aims and objects of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the
study of Scottish Ornithology in all its branches; (b) co-ordinate the
efforts of Scottish Ornithologists and encourage co-operation between field
and indoor worker; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland in
co-operation with other organisations; (d) hold meetings at centres to be
arranged at which Lectures are given, films exhibited, and discussions held;
and (e) publish or arrange for the publication of statistics and information
with regard to Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is
25/-; or 7/6 in the case of Members under twenty-one years of age or in
the case of University undergraduates who satisfy the Council of their
status as such at the time at which their subscriptions fall due in any year.
Joint membership is available to married couples at an annual subscription
of 40/-. “Scottish Birds” is issued free to members but Joint members will
receive only one copy between them.
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 and Business Editor of “Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer
of the House Fabric Fund, one Representative of each Branch Committee
appointed annually by the Branch, and ten other Members of the Club
elected at an Annual General Meeting. Two of the last named retire
annually by rotation and shall not be eligible for re-election for one
year.
A Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by the Council, produce
an annual Report on “Ornithological Changes in Scotland.”
An official tie with small white Crested Tits embroidered on it can be
obtained in dark green or in navy blue by Members only from Messrs R.
W. Forsyth Ltd., Princes Street, Edinburgh, or 5 Renfield Street, Glasgow,
C.2 at a cost of 16s 9d post extra. A small brooch in silver and blue can be
obtained for the use of Members of the Club. Price 2s 6d each from the
Secretary, or from Hon. Branch Secretaries.
Forms of application for Membership, copy of the Club Constitution,
and other literature is obtainable from the Club Secretary, Mrs George
Waterston, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7. (Tel. Waverley 6042).
CLUB-ROOM AND LIBRARY
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7, will
be available to Members during office hours, and on Wednesday evenings
from 7 to 10 p.m. during the winter months. Members may use the Refer-
ence Library and borrow books from the Duplicate Section. Facilities for
making tea or coffee are available at a nominal charge and Members may
bring guests by arrangement. The Aldis 2”, x 2” slide projector and screen
can be used for the informal showing ol slides at a charge of 2s 6d per
night to cover the replacement of bulbs.
EDITORIAL ADDRESS
All contributions to A. T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh
13. Advertisements to T. C. Smout, 93 Warrender Park Road, Edin-
burgh 9. |
BIRDS IN
BRITAIN
A Practical Guide to
Identification, Habitats
and Behaviour
KENNETH RICHMOND
This highly readable, superbly
illustrated study is the most com-
prehensive to appear for years and
will appeal to novice or expert. 80
pages of photographs, 8 in colour.
Standard Edition 30s.
Special Edition with Bird Songs: Hand-
some De Luxe binding in green
Balacron with two 45 r.p.m. records
of 47 songs and calls. Recorded by
James Kirby. 63s.
. WZ
SUTHERLAND
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 amenities in so small a
compass.
The B.T.O. Regional Repre-
sentative, who lives in the
village, will be pleased to offer
local advice regarding the as-
tonishing diversity of bird life
in the vicinity and to receive
lists of birds from visitors.
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 brochures,
including birdwatching, will
gladly be forwarded on re-
quest.
Proprietor, T. HEXLEY
A.A. R.A.C.,
(3 Star)
GARAGE AND
LOCK-UPS AVAILABLE
R.S.A.C.
ISLAY...
“The Bird-watcher’s Paradise”
For stimulating ornithological experience nothing
can beat Islay in late spring. There is an astonishing
variety of bird habitat. Ninety-seven different birds
were seen recently in two days and that in the
depths of winter ! The island is the principal win-
tering resort, possibly in the world, of the Barnacle
Goose. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the
Chough.
For Ornithological Brochure write to The Tourist Association
Bowmore, Isle-of-Islay, Argyll
A BIRD-WATCHING HOLIDAY
IN DENMARK
Wy NOT take your binoculars to Denmark next summer ?
Visit the breeding haunts of the Little Gull, Avocet, Black-
tailed Godwit, White Stork and many more. The Danish Institute
is sponsoring a tour of the marshland sanctuaries of Jutland,
together with a few days in Copenhagen and a chance to visit
the Swedish observatory at Falsterbo. The party leaves Newcastle
on August 20th, 1963, returns on September 2nd. The total cost
depends on the number wishing to go, but will not exceed {£50
including fares in both directions (from Newcastle) hire of bus
in Denmark and living expenses in good small hotels. The leader
will be Dr T. C. Smout. Please contact the Danish Institute, 3
Doune Terrace, Edinburgh, 3.
SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 1962
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. SMour. Business Editor, T. C. SmMoutT. Cover Design (Red-breasted
Mergansers) by LEN FULLERTON. Published quarterly.
Editorial
The Hastings Rarities. Bird-watching hit the headlines during
August with the revelation of what was possibly the most
blatant and extensive deception ever perpetrated on the
science of ornithology. Over 100 pages of a greatly-enlarged
issue of British Birds were devoted to a painstaking, fascinat-
ing and completely convincing proof of the falseness of very
many rare and extremely rare birds recorded from the Has-
tings area between 1892 and 1916.
Forty-nine new birds were added to the British List between
1903 and 1916, and of these no fewer than 32 came from this
small area. It is hardy surprising that grave doubts were
widely expressed at the time, even in print (e.g. Scot. Nat.
1916: 27), but complete certainty has had to wait on the
passage of time, during which the number of rare birds
around Hastings has reverted to a level comparable with
similar areas, and on the refined analysis of indirect evidence
made possible as a result of the greatly increased number of
bird-watchers in the country. The birds did of course exist,
but the data with the specimens were of the scantiest, even
the name of the shooter seldom being revealed. The birds
were probably imported on ice: they were certainly not ob-
tained by a legion of mysterious market gardeners and name-
less hunters in Sussex and Kent.
Records of 541 rare or very rare birds obtained between
1892 and 1930, and of a further 53 sightings in the area, must
now be rejected. Obviously some were genuine, and these will
be reinstated if sufficient evidence can be produced, but it is
inevitable that in this situation good records are condemned
with the bad. Sixteen species and 13 sub-species are now
struck off the British List, though ten of these species can be
readmitted on the basis of later satisfactory records.
It is earnestly to be hoped that we cannot again be deceived
on this grand scale. Mistakes in identification, although great
efforts are made to eliminate them, may even now lead to the
acceptance of a few erroneous records; but there is no sys-
_ tematic fraud involved in this. In the absence of suspicious
}
226 BDITORIAL 2(4)
circumstances an editor must believe that his contributors
are basically honest in reporting what they see. Without this
trust many useful records would be lost. It does however point
to the advantage of personal contact—either direct or through
other bird-watchers—between those who see the birds and
those who must judge the record.
The lone wolf is at a disadvantage, because there is no one
to say from personal experience that he is a careful witness
who can be relied upon to describe accurately what he sees.
It is so easy, after a look at the Field Guide, to embellish one’s
written descriptions—intentionally or subconsciously—with
points that were not actually confirmed at the time of obser-
vation. A sight record of a rare bird really cannot be accepted
from one person alone until that person has established his
bona fides and competence by contact with other bird-watch-
ers and preferably also by contributing notes on more mun-
dane birds first. This does pose problems where there are few
bird-watchers, as in parts of Scotland, but every effort should
be made to get reliable witnesses to corroborate sightings of
rare birds. If the local bird-watchers are not told while the
news is hot one inevitably wonders why. Was the observer
really such a complete lone wolf as not to want to tell anyone,
or was he just not quite so sure of his bird as he now makes
out?
The British List. The long-expected exposure of the falseness
of the Hastings Rarities has focussed attention on the concept
of the British List. Letters in The Ibis and British Birds argue
that too much importance has been attached to admission of
birds to the glorified status of “British,” often based on one or
two freak occurrences. The full treatment given such birds in
standard text books tends to encourage this emphasis, when
the species would in fact be better relegated to a position at
the end of the book—as has been done in the Field Guide.
This can make for difficulties in identifying rare birds not
adequately described, but it does give them a standing more
in line with their relative importance in the British avifauna.
Ghost thou never wert. Much excitement followed reports
recently of eerie nocturnal sighs at Kinneil House, Bo’ness—
supposed to be the dying gasps of Alice, Lady Lilbourne, who
leapt to her death from a top-storey window during Oliver
Cromwell’s occupation of the house in the 17th century.
Large numbers of young people, with evidently a fair sprink- |
ling of reporters, advanced on the haunted house by night, |
but nothing could be seen. Stories and photographs appeared
in the newspapers. Finally some intrepid young men hid in
the ruins in the dark, until the dreadful noises started again; —
torches were switched on, and there was the ghost—variously
described in the press as “a small white-breasted owl” and as
“a covey of snoring pigeons.”’
1962 EDITORIAL 22/7
Business Editor. Because of greatly increased pressure of
work in his own business Arthur Smith has resigned from the
position of Business Editor of Scottish Birds. Since the journal
was started he has carried out this important behind-the-
scenes job; and, although it is perhaps not so widely known,
his initial efforts with arrangements for the printing of Scot-
tish Birds and the mechanics of production were of vital im-
portance in ever getting it launched. We would echo Professor
Meiklejohn’s eloquent tribute at the recent Annual General
Meeting of the S.O.C. in Dunblane, and we are very glad to
know that Mr Smith will still act as the link between us and
our printers in Selkirk. All advertising and similar business
correspondence will now be handled by Dr T. C. Smout, 93
Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh 9, who will continue to act
as an assistant editor at the same time. Having already worked
with Dr Smout we know that these arrangements will ensure
that the business side of the journal continues to function
smoothly and unobtrusively.
THE BIRDS OF ST KILDA—WINTER 1961-62
W. E. WATERS
Published records of the status of birds at St Kilda during
the winter months are scanty. Prior to the evacuation in
1930 there are only occasional references to winter species,
usually obtained at second hand from the St Kildans. More
reliable are the records of the Rev. Neil Mackenzie who was
on the island from 1829 to 1843, and left notes on its birds.
Since the armed forces occupied Hirta in 1957 records have
been more frequent, and this paper gives my records from
lst December 1961 to 19th February 1962 and the observa-
one of W.O.II Wilson, R.E.M.E., from then until 4th March
The St Kilda archipelago lies close to the Atlantic storm-
track, and the steep and high cliffs give rise to great wind
turbulence. The much-described storms of summer are but
small blows in comparison with the devastating fury of the
winter winds, and because of the importance of this to the
bird life the meteorological data for the winter months, Dec-
ember 1961 to February 1962, are given in some detail.
December January February
Maximum temperature 530F 51°F 51°F
Minimum temperature 26°F 340F 330F
Rainfall—Village Glen 4.1” Paily Sa
Days of gale 4 12 9
It should be stressed that “days of gale” were only recor-
ded when the general wind over a wide area was constantly
228 THE BERD SMO RSH ie 2(4)
above an estimated 39 m.p.h. On many other days, not in-
cluded in the table, winds of force 6 or 7 on the Beaufort
scale gave gusts or even continuous wind speeds in certain
exposed parts of the island in excess of 60 or 70 m.p.h. Dur-
ing several of the severe storms gusts of over 130 m.p.h. were
recorded on an anemograph, and in a storm from the north-
west even Village Glen received gusts of over 100 m.p.h.
which lifted men off their feet. Although the winter was not
exceptionally cold, snow covered the island down to sea-
level from 2nd to 7th December, from 28th December to list
January and again for a few days in March.
Thirty-three species of birds were seen during the three
months covered by this paper, but individuals of only about
16 of these over-wintered on Hirta. For a bird to survive a
winter on St Kilda it must have an adequate food supply
and either the necessary shelter from gales or a complete
mastery over such winds, as exhibited by the Greater
Black-backed Gull. Man—both past and present inhabitants
—has provided for several species one or other of both of
these requirements.
At least 20 Turnstones over-wintered, and their food sup-
ply depended almost entirely on man and the Grey Seal. The
majority of the Turnstones wintered in the immediate vic-
inity of the army camp, becoming very tame and spending
much time among the swill bins just outside the cookhouse
door, and eating large quantities of bread; one even ven-
tured into the kitchens. The birds perched on top of the dry-
stone walls and called loudly when bread was thrown out,
thus attracting the rest of the flock which would fly down
and start feeding almost at one’s feet. Bread-eating by Turn-
stones has been discussed recently in British Birds (54: 325),
and tameness and association with man for food has been
recorded from Sule Skerry lighthouse (The Birds of Scot-
land, p. 559). The only Turnstones seen with any regularity
on the shore were among the Grey Seals, which in winter
haul out to moult on the pavement of Dun and in the Glen
Bay Tunnel. This association of seals and Turnstones has
been recorded on North Rona by Darling.
Both the Raven and the Herring Gull depend on swill
tipped on the beach. The Herring Gull rarely, and the Raven
never, ventured near the cookhouse swill bins. Both species
have increased since the services occupied the island. The
Hooded Crow was a less frequent scavenger and does not
seem to have responded to the present conditions, there
being no evidence of any increase, Other species seen to
take bread in the camp area have been Song Thrush, Red-
wing (occasionally), Blackbird (in severe weather only),
and Starling.
Human habitations old and new provide essential shelter
|
1962 ES BUD SSOr sii iA ifs)
for several species. Williamson and Boyd (1960) have shown
the usefulness of cleits and dry-stone wallings to the Soay
Sheep and various birds, and these old man-made structures
play an important role during the winter gales. They pro-
vide the only shelter in Village Glen for the Wrens, and
much of the shelter for thrushes, Rock Pipits and
Starlings. The more ancient Amazon House type structures
in Glen Mor were frequented by the few birds (Redwings,
Rock Pipits, Starlings and a Blackbird) that wintered in
this exposed glen.
Of all the. wintering species perhaps the most interesting
is the island’s own Wren Troglodytes troglodytes hirtensis.
It is a weak flier (Harrison and Buchan estimated its speed
to be little more than 12 m.p.h.) yet it has survived down
the centuries despite wind gusts of over ten times its flight
speed. The Wren’s survival under such conditions must be
due very largely to its extremely close association with
shelter among rocks. In winter it is never more than a few
inches from sheltered rocky crevices into which it can dis-
appear. During the rest of the year flights of up to 20 to 30
yards or more occur and Wrens often feed on the ground
some distance from the nearest shelter, but in winter such
daring is never seen even on the few calm days. Short flights
between boulders do occur but often a Wren will disappear
into a dry-stone wall or boulder area either not to reappear
for as long as the observer cares to wait or to emerge some
distance further on perhaps half an hour later. Rarely the
Wrens use passages beneath thick heather on the hillsides
but only near the solid shelter of stone walls or cleits.
Wrens are difficult to see during the winter months and
there is little song; I heard none at all in January. Usually
they call only when disturbed, so that an observer arriving
on the isle in mid-winter might easily think that the Wrens
had left, although patient watching, often extending for
over half an hour even in such high density Wren areas as
the Carn Mor (Williamson 1958b), may eventually disclose
a bird moving between one piece of cover and another. In
winter the Wrens of the Carn Mor live in the labyrinth be-
tween the boulders, seldom appearing in the full light of
day. They find their food in the gaps and cracks underneath
the boulders, and in stormy weather have nothing to gain by
coming out into the open, and a good deal to lose.
The Birds of Scotland and the Handbook mention a gen-
eral dispersal after breeding, but while the young may and
do move out of the territory in which they were reared there
is no dispersal in the sense of Wrens appearing in areas of
the island where none breed. Wrens only occur where there
is sufficient rocky cover and it would seem that wherever
there is enough cover there are Wrens. The only change
230) THE BIRDS OF “SE KILDA 2(4)
which I noticed in their distribution in winter was that I
failed to find the Wrens which nest in the gullies on the east
side of Oiseval, where there is little loose rocky cover. Few
Wrens were seen in winter and in the Ard Uachdarachd/Con-
achair region but they may well all have been on the lower
scree-covered slopes.
Both The Birds of Scotland and the Handbook record the
Robin as wintering on St Kilda, but the evidence for this is
slender. The Robin was added to the St Kilda list by Dr
Eagle Clarke (1912) on the strength of Neil Furguson’s re-
mark that it was an annual autumn visitor, seen about the
houses during the winter. There are no other published
records prior to 1957, since when at least six have been recor-
ded, occurring between March and May, and between Sep-
tember and November. The only winter record during this
period is of one seen in early December 1960 by J. B. Gal-
lacher.
The great majority of the sea-birds were absent during the
three months under review. No auks were seen, and details
of the status of other species are given in the appended list.
The complete absence of Fulmars until 3lst January is in-
teresting, and although the departure dates have been irreg-
ular in recent years it is obvious that a great change has
taken place since the records of 50 years ago, which sugges-
ted an autumnal departure for six to eight weeks in Septem-
ber and October only.
In view of the paucity of observations in these waters in
winter, notes made on crossings between the Sound of
Harris and St Kilda may be of interest. On lst December I
saw very few sea-birds indeed—only the gulls following our
vessel, a few score of Kittiwakes (mostly near the Hebrides)
and about 30 Fulmars (all singly and well away from land).
My return voyage on 20th February was only slightly more
productive; Fulmars were more numerous (c. 300), 15 adult
Gannets were seen, and c. 25 Kittiwakes (all but one adult).
During both crossings a continuous watch was kept, and
these numbers combined with the winter records from St
Kilda indicate that very few sea birds remain in this sea
area in winter.
LIST OF WINTERING SPECIES
Great Northern Diver. One in Village Bay on 28th Dec and 5th Jan. There
are two previous winter records, both in Dec.
Fulmar. None seen from the island until 3lst Jan; none ashore until an
arrival in large numbers on 18th Feb.
Gannet. Recorded on only 11 days during the three months, with a maxi-
mum of five in late Feb. Occurred in both rough and calm conditions in
Village Bay; all adults.
Shag. Scarce, seen in largest numbers in Village Bay in calm weather. Fif-
1962 Pitt ABR S Ore Sd ekrie DA. 231
teen was the maximum number in Dec, decreasing to nine in Jan. The
return started in early Feb and Wilson reported “hundreds” when he
visited Dun on 2th.
Mallard. Two drakes in Glen Mor on 25th Feb were probably early spring
migrants.
Long-tailed Duck. A female in Village Bay on 2nd, 3rd and 10th Dec, and
one on 12th Feb after several days of westerly gales. The only other
winter record is of two in early Dec 1960 by J. B. Gallacher.
Eider. One or two immature males over-wintered; a few adults were
present in Village Bay in rough weather in Dec but then disappeared;
the first adult males were not seen until 21st Mar and the ducks even
later.
Peregrine. Single bird seen on 3lst Jan and 12th and 17th Feb.
Water Rail. One or more in several areas in Village Glen in Dec and on
st jain.
Oystercatcher. The return was in Feb, as recorded by Mackenzie, who
also mentions a few remaining all winter. One on 10th Feb arrived in
a force 7 south-west wind and another on 18th, after which there was
a gradual increase.
Lapwing. One or two in early Dec increased to five with the cold weather
at the end of the month. One was found dying in the snow on 29th
and the number fell until only a single bird remained in Feb.
Turnstone. At least 20 remained on the island all winter and there was
some increase in mid-Feb. Four ringed on 9th Dec were seen until 2nd
April.
Snipe. Mainly in Village Glen during the winter but odd birds flushed
elsewhere including 1300 feet up Conachair. The 35 on Hirta decreased
to about 12 after the snow at the end of Dec. There was a slight in-
crease in Feb but a fall to only about six after the snow in Mar. During
the snow Snipe tried to hide against the few tufts of grass poking
through but occasionally perched on the dry stone walls from which
the wind had blown the snow.
Woodcock. Single birds flushed from above An Lag and in Glen Mor in
Dec gue Jan. One on 25th Mar may indicate that this bird over-
wintered.
Purple Sandpiper. Two or three seen throughout the winter on the rocks
below the Manse or in the Tunnel in Glen Bay where, however, their
association with the Grey Seals was less marked than that of the Turn-
stones.
Greater Black-backed Gull. About 20 wintered in Village Bay, feeding
from the camp swill on the boulder beach or among the seals hauled
out on Dun. The Glen Mor flock fell from 105 adults on 23rd Dec to 20
in mid-Jan, then increased to about 45 in Feb and about 60 by the end
of Mar. Very few immatures were seen during the winter.
Herring Gull. After the snow of early Dec there were about 25 in Village
Bay which increased to about 60 by mid-Dec and remained about this
level. The main winter roost was on the pavement on Dun, but when
the seals temporarily decreased here (18th-24th Jan) they returned (on
20th) to their summer roost at the foot of Oiseval, only to return grad-
ually to the Dun roost after the seals increased on 25th. There were a
few in Glen Bay in Dec but they were less hardy than the Greater
Black-backed Gulls and none was seen there during the storms in Jan
About 25 had returned there by the end of Feb.
Glaucous Gull. An immature, probably third winter, first seen on 13th
Jan, remained until at least 6th Mar. Fourth record for this species.
Black-headed Gull. Single birds on 2nd and 4th Dec and between 1st and
232 THE BIRDS OF ST KILDA 2(4)
6th Jan. There are previous winter records for all months from Nov to
Feb.
Kittiwake. Mackenzie says that the few that winter are generally young
birds, but this was not so in the winter of 1961/62 although two or
three tarrocks were seen in Dec. Adults were seen on eleven days dur-
ing the three months, usually in rough conditions in Village Bay, where
a maximum of 20 was recorded on 14th Dec.
Skylark. Single bird seen on 2nd, 3rd and 17th Dec in Village Glen and
Ruaival. These are the first winter records.
Raven. Probably 10 or 12 birds wintered on Hirta. A flock of 16 seen on
6th Jan following a south-east wind was not seen again and is thought
to have arrived from elsewhere. Has increased at St Kilda since 1957.
Hooded Crow. Though more numerous than the Raven in Mackenzie’s
time it is less so today, and only five or six wintered, probably the
entire breeding population of Hirta.
Jackdaw. One in the camp area from 25th to 29th Dec, following several
days of easterly weather. Second record for the islands.
Wren. Resident.
Fieldfare. One on Ruaival and in Village Glen on several dates between
20th and 27th Dec.
Song Thrush. Single birds on 10th and 28th Dec and on 4th Jan; two on
27th Dec. No other recent wintering records.
Redwing. Four or five wintered in the camp area and more arrived after
the first week in Feb. Three wintered in Glen Mor, finding shelter in
the Amazon’s House and similar archaeological structures. All were
very tame and probably of the Icelandic race “coburni.” One trapped
on 13th Feb had been ringed at Reykjavik in Sept 1961.
Blackbird. Four over-wintered in Village Glen; a male ringed on 7th Dec
was seen or retrapped on several occasions until 24th Mar. One win-
tered in Glen Mor and one was seen on the Carn Mor on 4th Feb. All
were very shy.
Rock Pipit. Very few winter; there were only about 20 birds on Hirta
pa in Village Glen but ‘also on Ruaival and two or three in Glen
Or
Starling. Probably many left the island. Except for the flock of about 50
in Village Glen, and a smaller number in Glen Mor, they were never
seen around the cliffs in any numbers.
Twite. Wilson saw 8 on Dun on 24th Feb, a very unusual date as rae
are normally summer visitors only.
Snow Bunting. Up to five in the camp area in early Dec; two remaining
until 15th. Single birds seen on 31st Dec and 1st and 2nd Jan; Wilson
saw one on Mulloch Mor on 9th Feb.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am grateful for much helo from Dr W. J. Eggeling. The
Nature Conservancy have given me access to their records
and assistance in numerous ways. I am also grateful for the
observations of D. W. Wilson, and the records for Dec 1960
from Dr J. B. Gallacher.
REFERENCES
BAXTER, EF. V. & RINTOUL, L. J. 1953. The birds of Scotland. Edinburgh and tondon.
CLARKE, W. E. 1912. Studies in bird migration. Edinburgh.
DARLING, FI. F. 1939. A naturalist on Rona. Oxford.
1962 ELIS. BENDS POR Sis iki DA Zao
Harrisson, T. H. & BucHan, J. N. S. 1936. Further notes on a field study of the
St Kilda Wren. Scot. Nat. 19356: 9-21.
MACKENZIE, J. B. 1911. Episode in the life of the Rev. Neil Mackenzie at St Kilda
from 1829 to 1845. Printed privately.
WILLIAMSON, K. 1958a. Birds of St Kilda VII: Systematic list of birds. St Kilda
Nature Reserve record. Unpublished.
WILLIAMSON, K. 1958b. Population and breeding environment of the St Kilda and
Fair Isle Wrens. Brit. Birds 51: 3569-3593.
WILLIAMSON, K. & Boypn, J. M. 1960. St Kilda summer. London.
WITHERBY, H. F. et al. 1941. The handbook of British Birds. London.
FEEDING HABITS OF THE GREY LAG GOOSE
ANSER ANSER ON THE ISLAND OF BUTE
JANET KEAR
At the request of the Nature Conservancy, the Wildfowl
Trust carried out during the season 1961-62 a field investiga-
tion of crop damage by wild geese. In early February 1962,
When the investigation was under way, a complaint was
received from the Clyde Agricultural Executive Committee
referring to the activities of Grey Lag Geese on grass and
swede crops on the Island of Bute.
GREYLAG NUMBERS ON BUTE
The Greylag has been visiting Bute in the Firth of Clyde
only recently. The Game Register of the Bute Estate includes
one Greylag in 1920 and three in 1941—the next entry relat-
ing to this species. Berry (1939), discussing the distribution of
wild geese in Scotland, does not mention Bute as amongst
those localities used by Greylags although several fresh dis-
tricts in Kintyre were being visited by flocks from 1920-1930.
Stuart (1953) in an article covering the years 1938 to 1948
says “by 1938 several hundreds of these geese were wintering
on the west side of the Island, ranging chiefly from Largizean
to Scalpsie, although they also frequented Loch Fad and
Quien and the west shore up to Ettrick Bay. Their numbers
have now increased, and at times I believe there may be
about 1000 on the Island.’ The opinion of farmers on whose
land the geese feed is that the birds arrived in noticeable
numbers between 1938 and 1940 but that the numbers re-
maining throughout the winter have risen slowly over the
past ten years, with a sharp peak of 5000-7000 birds in 1961-62,
The normal length of stay is from early October to April.
During the years since 1938 there has been a considerable
extension of the population of Scottish Greylags across the
mainland from the east coast and an increase in numbers
visiting the west. At the same time, a drop occurred about
1945-46 in the numbers of geese wintering in Ireland, par-
ticularly in the region of the Wexford Slobs (Ruttledge and
234 GREY LAG GEESE ON. BUTE 2(4)
Hall Watt 1958; Kennedy 1961). It is possible that the flocks
which originally reached Ireland may now be seen as part
of the increased population in Bute, Arran and Wigtownshire.
THE FOOD OF THE GREYLAG
The food of wintering Greylags consists in the main of
grass and associated pasture plants and the young shoots of
winter wheat. Grain of all kinds is eaten both on stubble and
from the surface of newly sown fields. Potatoes, kale, beans
and peas may be taken, although beans are grown ‘infrequently
now and peas sown rather too late in the year for the geese
to attack. In eleven stomachs obtained in Scotland in winter
the principal foods were grass, clover, and the roots of Scirpus;
other items including Equisetum, fragments of green leaves
and moss (Campbell 1947). These Greylag stomachs were
however from Outer Hebridean birds and food conditions
there are different from those found on the mainland. Dem-
entiev (1952) says that Greylags dig up tubers and bulbs of
steppe plants. Young rye, rice, maize, acorns, kitchen-garden
plants and turnips are recorded as food of the continental
Greylag by Alpheraky (1905) but none of these are known
to be taken to any extent in the British Isles with the excep-
tion of the swede turnip on the Island of Bute.
FEEDING ON SWEDE TURNIPS
The geese roost on four lochs on the island and fly to the
fields in the early morning or, rarely, where fields are culti-
vated to the water’s edge, walk onto them. The diet of the
geese during October and November is grass and the few
potatoes left on the harvested fields, but the first snow or
hard weather will send many to the swede fields. As with
meadows, it is the centre of the field that is most likely to be
utilised and those fields away from roads and buildings are
particularly vulnerable, although geese are increasingly
making use of loose swedes fed to stock. The tops may be
taken at first but it is the roots which are the principal attrac-
tion. The farmers interviewed were quite certain that the
geese took intact roots, not damaged or frosted ones, and
indeed this seemed to be the case in the fields examined. The
skin of the swede is not hard to break and with slight pres-
sure can be scored by a finger nail; presumably the geese use
the distal nails of mandible and maxilla. Their subsequent
action can be described best as “gouging.” The marks left
on a large swede, as can be seen from the photograph (Plate
12), indicate clearly that the mandible is run in just beneath
the surface and the sliver of flesh nipped off, probably with
the combined action of tongue, lateral lamellae and nails.
This may appear to be an unlikely technique for a grazing
goose, but the Greylag is known to be versatile in its feeding
1962 GREY? LAG GEESE. ON: BUDE 235
behaviour. Large potatces which are frozen into the ground
are eaten in this way, although small ones can be bitten into
pieces and probably some swedes are also. The hard weather
of 1947, which lasted into April, produced a number of un-
usual complaints, and most cases of swede attack outside
Bute occurred during that winter, although it is assumed that
the crop had already been frosted. Mainland birds seldom
continue these activities when their normal feeding grounds
are free of snow and frost, but it may be that it was the long
snowy winter of 1947 that started the Bute geese concentra-
ting on roots. The other reports of geese occasionally eating
swedes in good weather have come from the Loch Inch estate
in Wigtownshire (where the geese involved may have been
part of the Bute population), from Aberdeenshire, and from
a few other places in Scotland where Greylags have been
seen feeding on roots put out for cattle (Berry 1932; Camp-
bell, pers. comm.; Berry, pers. comm.).
The value of swede turnip as a food compared with that of
pasture grass can be seen in Table 1. The figures are taken
from Rations for Livestock, Bulletin No. 48 of the Ministry
of Agriculture and Fisheries.
TABLE 1
Composition of swede turnip and grass
Pasture
Swede ©
turnip winter* spring pasture
value erass]
% v/ vA vi
Dry matter ES 20.0 20.0
Crude protein ss" Sul $5
Oil 0.2 0.6 0.8
Carbohydrate 8.1 10.3 9.7
Fibre eZ 44 4.0
Ash 0.7 1.6 20 2.0
Lime—CaO 0.08 0.28
Phosphoric acid—P20O5 0.08 0.16
Potash—K?O 0.30 0.60
Chlorine Cl? 0.04 0.19
*after close-grazing, allowing free growth from end of July to December
ffrotational close-grazing.
The dry matter content of grass is nearly twice that of
swede turnip which is in turn higher than that of the soft-
fleshed root known as a turnip in England, The swede variety
236 GREY LAG (GEESE ON BUG 2(4)
suffers the most damage (the turnip is, in any case, not much
grown in Bute) and there is some evidence to suggest that,
where two varieties of swede are grown in the same field, the
geese eat those roots with the normally higher dry matter
content. This point requires further investigation. Where no
alternative is offered, damage may occur irrespective of dry
matter content. It is, however, sensible to assume that in order
to get the calories they need, without overloading the diges-
tive system with water, the geese can appreciate the “solidity”
of their food. Very little is known about the nutritional re-
quirements of a wild goose; with other birds which have been
studied more fully it appears that the number of: calories is
of the greatest importance in governing total intake from diff-
erent food sources (Gibb 1957). In these terms swede has
approximately 70°% of the nutritive value of winter pasture.
Both grass and roots are eaten by the Bute geese throughout
the winter and there is no evidence to suggest that individual
birds confine themselves to,one or the other. An examination
of the piles of droppings at the edge of Loch Ascog showed
that at least for short periods individuals tended to eat only
one type of food, and that approximately half the geese roost-
ing here were feeding on swedes and half on grass. Winter
eee a favourite item of diet elsewhere, is not grown in
ue:
In flocking birds, such as the geese, social factors must be
especially important in governing feeding behaviour patterns.
The possible range of feeding techniques is obviously depen-
dent on the birds’ physical structure, in particular the struc-
ture of the beak. A few individuals may, however, occasion-
ally reveal new sources of food which can be successfully
exploited, their actions are observed and local enhancement
occurs. In this way novel habits are built into the social
repertoire, being lifted over the limits of acquired behaviour
which disappears with the death of the individual.
There are enough records of Greylags eating’ swedes to
indicate that the habit arises fairly readily. A long hard spell
causes further exploration, and if roots are available they
will almost certainly be taken. Low nutritive value must nor-
mally be the swede turnip’s best protection at other times,
but the situation existing on Bute indicates that this pro-
tection is not always adequate. A regular diet consisting
of sound swedes in combination with other items -such as
grass is obviously sufficient for the geese there.
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE
Bute is approximately fifteen miles long and four miles
wide. The arable land and the main roosting areas
237
1962
‘no Yse[f oy} poeddiu sAvY oavijewey, ey} s10yM Yay syae
ULY}OO} 84} SB [JPM se ‘aspo ay} puNos.e Uses aq UPd eTqIpueul
oui AQ opeur sjynd Je [NdATI-1WIS SUL “ESCO Dw] aguy Aq poyoriie ‘apams doy uso1g Jas INQuU[eUuIIM,
ol WL
VI
d
238 GREY LAG GEESE ON BUTE 2(4)
are largely in the southern part of the island and the
complaints of goose damage come from the parishes of Rothe-
say and Kingarth where 9550-600 acres of swede turnips are
grown. The swede is regarded as an essential winter feed,
principally for dairy herds but also for store and fat cattle.
Mangolds and fodder beet are more suited to the drier and
warmer areas of England and are not grown on the island. It
appears that the most popular swede for cultivation is the
purple skin variety “Best of All.” Four other purple types
and “Wilhelmburger” green top are also grown. ‘[wo var-
ieties, including “Best of All,” are intended for early winter
use, three for mid-winter, and the very hardy and disease
resistant “Wilhelmburger” for the spring. The crop is left in
the field much longer here than is normal in most of Scot-
land; in fact, until it is required. Bute (being a west coast
island) does not suffer prolonged severe weather and root
crops are less likely to be damaged by frost than they are
elsewhere. It is felt locally that swedes keep much better in
the field than they would if stored in bulk, and any surplus
roots can be fed to sheep without extra labour. A portion of
the crop may be intentionally left to “feed on” with sheep,
a cheaper process than lifting, storing and carting out again,
and better manuring for the land. This means that unusually
large areas of swedes are available to the geese throughout
the winter and spring. The same system is worked in Aber-
deenshire (where geese and Whooper Swans have started to
cause similar damage), partly because there is considerable
growth in the crop in autumn and early winter, and partly
because the climate enables the roots to remain sound and
fresh. On the other hand, in Perthshire for instance, swedes
do not keep well in the ground and must be lifted and stored
in the autumn.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am grateful to the following for information: Dr J. Berry,
Dr J. W. Campbell, G. Catto, R. K. Cornwallis, D. Kennedy,
R. A. Milligan and Lord David Stuart. Permission was ob-
tained from Her Majesty’s Stationery Office for the repro-
duction of Table 1.
REFERENCES
ALPHERHAKY, S. 1905. The Geese of Europe and Asia. London.
Berry, J. 1932. Changes in the distribution of the British grey geese. Scot. Nat. 1952:
175-177.
Berry, J. 1939. The status and distribution of wild geese and wild duck in Scotland.
Cambridge.
CAMPBELL, J. W. 1947. The food of some British waterfowl. Ibis 89: 429-432.
DEMENTIEV, G. P. & GLADKov, N. A. 1952. Birds of the Soviet Union, Vol. 4. Moscow.
(In Russian).
Giss, J. 1957. Food requirements and other observations on captive tits. Bird Study
4: 207-215.
1902 GREY WAG GENSE.ON BULLE 239
IXENNEDY, 1. G. 1961. A list of the birds of Ireland. Dublin.
RUTTLEDGE, R. F. & HALL Wart, R. 1958. The distribution and status of wild geese
in Ireland. Bird Study 5: 22-33.
STUART, Lord Davip. 1955. Notes on the Birds of Bute. Glasgow and West of Scot-
land Bird Bulletin 2: 14-18.
ROSEATE TERNS BREEDING ON THE
MAINLAND OF FIFE IN 1956
C. K. MYLNE
In Jack Grierson’s paper on the birds of Tentsmuir, the
record of Roseate Terns breeding on Shelly Point in 1956
is declared to be “quite unacceptable.” It is stated that no
nests were found and that only four Roseate Terns were seen;
and furthermore that “nests which were marked and reported
as those of Roseate Terns were in fact Sandwich Tern nests,
and this was confirmed by several competent observers’
(antea 2: 124).
My own notes tell a different story, and as the breeding of
this species on the mainland of Scotland is a rare event a full
account may be of interest. A preliminary report appeared in
The Edinburgh Bird Bulletin (6:58), but on the advice of
George Waterston fuller publication was withheld in case the
birds returned. This did not happen, and these notes are
offered with apologies to Mr Grierson for leaving the record
incomplete for so long.
As Grierson points out, Shelly Point became the chief nest-
ing ground of terns in the Tentsmuir area in the early 1950’s,
but increasing disturbance from visitors and especially from
the airfield at Leuchars steadily reduced their numbers from
1953 onwards. In 1956 however there was one important new
factor which lasted for only that one season. From 15th June
the airfield was virtually closed to aircraft while the runway
was being extended and strengthened. I visited Shelly Point
first on 6th June when the Common Terns and Arctic Terns
were laying. There were hundreds of pairs, and nests were
thick on the ground. In the middle of this colony a group of
Sandwich Terns formed a compact colony of 27 nests on the
sand amongst clumps of sea rocket. Only three pairs of
Roseate Terns were seen on this occasion, but with ten pairs
of Little Terns nesting on the landward end of the sand-spit
we only needed to find the first Roseate’s nest to establish a
breeding colony containing all five species of British breeding
terns. This we were able to do on lst July when I led an
excursion of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club to the area by
240 ROSEATE TERNS 2(4)
kind permission of Mrs Purvis. A number of Roseate Terns
were seen sitting on the mud and a good many nests were
found, several of them with eggs. The eggs are much smaller
than those of the Sandwich Tern, and normally recognisable
from those of Common and Arctic Terns by being longer and
also more oval in shape. But there was plenty of other evi-
dence that the Roseates were actually nesting. Whereas the
Sandwich Terns were in a more compact colony with the
scrapes mostly well out on the open sand, the Roseate Terns’
nests were in a more scattered group nearby and much more
under the cover of marram grass and sea rocket. I have a
colour. photograph of one such nest almost hidden in the cover.
The behaviour of the owners was typical of terns over their
breeding sites—noisy and attentive.
Once breeding had been established I revisited the colony
several times during July, and identified 18 nests on the 6th—
five with one egg, nine with two eggs, and four with three
eggs. We did not attempt to make an exhaustive search as
this would have involved too much risk to the birds. As it was,
our presence caused bedlam overhead. Although individual
Roseate Terns can quite easily be picked out in flight amongst
a large number of other terns, estimating total numbers is
much more difficult. After many attempts, the highest count of
birds on the mud and in the air at any one time was 35, which
Spee eee that our total of 18 nests was probably almost com-
plete.
On 17th July seven of the nests still had the same contents
as before, one had lost one egg, and the rest were empty.
Although no young birds were found near the nests it is
possible that the eggs had hatched successfully. Another three
nests were found in new sites, The first young birds were
found on this visit, one in a nest that had contained one
egg earlier, and one in a nest with the other egg chipping.
A photograph was taken of this nest as evidence, and
this provides the best proof of breeding, since the chicks with
their spiky down are quite unlike those of Common or Arctic
Terns which might be hatched from eggs of comparable size.
As any chicks which hatched were clearly leaving the
vicinity of the nests quickly it is not possible to estimate
hatching success. To keep disturbance to a minimum check-
ing the contents of the nests was done as speedily as possible
and searching for young birds was out of the question. In five
instances single young were found newly hatched and still
in the nests. Two young from a clutch of two and one from a
clutch of three were later found dead, apparently deserted
by their parents. A clutch of deserted eggs found in August
contained well-formed dead chicks.
To sum up—in 1956 all five species of British breeding terns
1962 ROSEATE PERNS 241
nested at Shelly Point, probably because of the suspension of
flying from Leuchars aerodrome, At least 18 pairs of Roseate
Terns nested on the sand-bank, and 21 nests were found. At
least 45 eggs were laid, and a few young birds hatched suc-
cessfully, so that it seems likely that some at least may have
fledged.
(It should be noted that this report is based on the personal
observations of Mr Mylne, although his earlier report in The
Edinburgh Bird Bulletin evidently contains some second-hand
information. We showed the report to Jack Grierson and he
has agreed to its publication. He writes that he visited the
ternery on 25th June that year, and on a few subsequent
dates. On 25th June he searched Shelly Point thoroughly and
found nests of the other four species of terns but not of
Roseate. Four Roseates were seen in flight but this is not very
unusual at that time of year. We have seen Mr Mylne’s photo-
graph of egg and chick, dated 17th July 1956, and discussed
the matter in detail, and we are satisfied that his report is
correct. It should be noted that the period during which the
birds were nesting was fairly short and that if the first chicks
hatched about 17th July, rather than on 6th July as the
earlier report suggested but about which there is now some
doubt, then there is no conflict with Mr Mylne’s report
in the fact that no nests were found on 25th June, as there
were probably no eggs then. Nests had been marked by that
date, not by Mr Mylne, but these were, as Mr Grierson writes,
those of Common, Arctic and Sandwich Terns.—Eb.).
WITHOUT COMMENT
“At first I strongly repudiated my husband’s view that the
harsh ery of our three-week-old daughter sounded like the
cawing of a crow. Now I am not so sure. For the past four
mornings her six o'clock call for food has brought a large
crow hurrying to our bedroom window. There it sits, and
together they squawk in what sounds like animated con-
versation.”
—Letter to the Sunday Express, [st July, 1962.
242 SHORT NOTES. 2(4)
SHORT NOTES
SLAVONIAN GREBES BREEDING IN
ABERDEENSHIRE
On 5th August 1962 a friend and I stopped to look at two
artificially made lochans in Aberdeenshire. These have good
areas of sedge growing in them. On open water by the road we
observed a very small bird, and as we put up our glasses the
parent bird surfaced from a dive. The chick was very small,
with a striped head and neck, and except when actually being
fed it continually made an extremely piercing noise. We im-
mediately identified the birds as Slavonian Grebes—with
which I am familiar at their breeding haunts elsewhere in
Scotland. The adult bird was dark above, with a white wing
patch, and its white underparts showed when it dived; neck,
breast and flanks a rich pinky chestnut; face black with a
wide upward-pointing band of bright gold—the colour of
Overripe corn—wnhich ran upwards from the bill, through the
bird’s red eye. While we were watching, another chick arrived
giving the hunger call the whole time, and later a second
adult appeared and fed it. We saw all these birds again on
the 7th, and watched another bird—a juvenile just starting to
acquire the adult plumage—on the adjacent lochan on the
9th. I understand that this is the first time these grebes have
been recorded breeding in Aberdeenshire.
MARGARET VEITCH.
SPOONBILLS IN DUMFRIESSHIRE
While watching waders at the mouth of the river Annan
at about 1600 hrs on 26th May 1962, I noticed an unusual bird
which I identified as a Spoonbill. The identification was con-
firmed by R. T. Smith the following day, by which time the
bird had been joined by two others of the same species. All
three birds stayed until 30th May and were seen by a num-
ber of members of the Dumfries Branch of the S.O.C.
The original bird was an immature, with a pinkish-orange
bill and black wing-tips. The two later arrivals were both
adults; they looked somewhat larger in size and had darker
legs and noticeably black bills. Some observers were also
able to make out short crests.
The birds fed standing in the water close to the shore, dip-
ping their bills into the water and swishing them from side
to side with a sort of filtering action. They appeared to be
feeding on small crabs or other crustaceans trapped in the
mud, and as they did so they were constantly harried by the
larger species of gulls that normally feed at this point. Two
1962 SOK NOLES 243
of the birds were in fact eventually driven off to the main
tidal channel several hundred yards away, giving us a pic-
turesque view of their slow, effortless flight. These are the
first Spoonbills to have been recorded in Dumfriesshire and
the Solway area.
D. Manson.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF GOLDENEYE
In April 1962 I had the opportunity of watching the court-
ship and rivalry displays of three Goldeneye on a lochan near
Applecross in Wester Ross. The trio was made up of a duck
and two drakes, one of which was dominant (the first drake)
and the other a weaker bird (the second drake). The first
drake divided his attention almost equally between displaying
to the duck and attacking the second drake. In the chases that
followed these attacks, the second drake would often find
himself temporarily beside the duck. He would then display
briefly before being driven away, and the first drake would
also display briefly as he passed the duck in hot pursuit of
his rival. The second drake usually swam at some distance
from the other two, who for the most part swam together. If
he approached too close—nearer than 20-30 yards—the first
drake would launch an attack. Sometimes the first drake
would make a quite unprovoked attack. The attack took three
different forms:
(1) The first drake would lower head and neck until they
were practically touching the water and swim menacingly
towards the second drake. Sometimes this produced a retreat.
If so, the first drake returned to the duck: if not, the attack
developed into the second form:
(2) The first drake would fly either over or along the water
and peck viciously at any part of his rival, the typical whir-
ring of the Goldeneye’s wings sounding louder than usual
and acquiring a significantly menacing tone. Sometimes this
form of attack was used without the preliminary threat dis-
play.
(3) The third method of attack was underwater. The first
drake usually waited until the second drake was not looking
and then dived quickly and attacked from below at the feet
or soft parts of the body, This seemed to be extremely effec-
tive, causing the second drake to fly off immediately. In fact,
sometimes the second drake would see the initial dive and
take immediate evasive action without waiting for the attack,
in which case the first drake never changed his underwater
course but always surfaced exactly where his rival had been
floating. It was noticeable that the second drake never took
advantage of the first drake’s temporary disappearance under
water to make for the duck, but always made off in the op-
244 SHORT NOTES 2(4)
posite direction. The first drake, therefore, never needed to
follow up these underwater attacks.
These attacks were usually launched following or during
a courtship display. Indeed the attacks may even have formed
part of the display to the duck, as the first drake would some-
times go from courtship display into the first or second form
of attack and then straight back again to courtship display
without a break. The show of strength was probably just as
important in attracting the duck as the display of his other
talents.
When I flushed the birds, all three flew off together, both
drakes trying to fly as close as possible to the duck. Even in
flight the first drake continued to attack the second, buffeting
him from time to time with a great clapping of wings. They
flew off to another lochan, and when I looked at them again
there six or seven hours later the first drake seemed even
more possessive and cocksure and the second drake was
skulking for the most part at the opposite end of the lochan.
Occasionally the first drake would make a short sally at his
rival and then return to the side of the duck, who now seemed
much more responsive to him and was displaying almost as
much as he was.
T. D. H. MERRIE.
On 12th April 1960 I was watching a party of Goldeneye
on Loch Morlich, in East Inverness-shire. The party was made
up of six adults (apparently three pairs) and a number of
immatures. Two of the drakes were engaged in a long fight.
It soon became apparent that one of them was getting very
much the worst of the fight and would fain have retired, but
the stronger bird was not content with an acknowledgment
of defeat and viciously pitched into the attack again and again
every time the other bird tried to break off. All this time one
of the ducks—which I took to be the mate of the weaker bird
—circled anxiously round the two combatants as though
longing to join in, though she never made any attempt to do so.
The significant thing about this fight was that both birds
appeared to be paired and that it seemed to be more in the
nature of a territorial combat.
Although a good deal has been written about the courtship
display of the Goldeneye—notably by Henry Boase (Brit. Birds
18: 69; Scot. Nat. 1950: 16)—little appears to have been pub-
lished on the aggressive behaviour described above. All three
species of the genus Bucephala seem to have this aggressive
behaviour much more strongly developed than in the other
ducks. Dr Bannerman (The birds of the British Isles VII:
136) quotes an earlier writer to the effect that the Buffelhead
drakes “fight viciously among themselves for the possession
of the females,” and I have described elsewhere (Brit. Birds
1962 SHORE NODES 245
53: 572) the vicious attacks made by a duck Barrow’s Golden-
eye on all other diving duck that trespassed on the pool where
she had her brood.
D. G. ANDREW.
KING EIDER IN SHETLAND
On 8th June 1962, and again on the 10th, I saw a drake King
Hider at Gutcher, off the east coast of Yell. It associated with
a large party of common Eiders which fed in the channel
between Yell and Linga Island, and often spent long inactive
periods on a sandy beach on the island. They did not come
closer than about 250 yards, but the following details were
clearly seen on the King Eider:
Slightly smaller than the common Eiders; white foreparts; black
belly; black upper parts with a white rather oblique line along the
wings which showed as a white patch on the forewing in flight; white
patch on the side of the body in front of the stern; head pale blue.
Forehead steep; bill and frontal shield orange, but it was not possible
at that range to see much more than the colour.
I gathered from residents that the bird had been there for
several months, and had probably wintered in Shetland.
K. D: SMITH.
(Over the years the King Eider has been noted quite a few
times in Shetland waters, and in view of the difficulty of
separating immatures and ducks among flocks of common
Eiders it probably occurs more regularly than the published
records show.—ED.).
MERLINS TAKING NEWLY HATCHED PASSERINES
On 28th June 1962, in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, I
found a pair of adult Merlins with four fully fledged eyeasses
out of the nest. Prey remains on several nearby plucking
stations were examined, and among these were found the
fresh bodies of several passerine nestlings, These, probably
Meadow Pipits, were blind and naked and obviously not
more than about two days old. There is no mention in either
The Handbook or Bannerman and Lodge’s The birds of the
British Isles of these falcons preying upon nestlings.
EK. L. RoBerts.
CRANES IN ABERDEENSHIRE
On 14th August 1962 H. D. Smith of Hillfold, near Kemnay,
reported two grey birds, about four feet high, with long necks
and legs, feeding in a field of growing barley near the farm.
The following evening Miss E. A. Garden and my wife and I
found them still there, and identified them as common Cranes.
246 SHORT NOTES 2(4)
We had good views from the car as they stood in the barley,
and we noted their blue-grey plumage and slightly darker,
drooping tails; head and neck dark slate-grey with very con-
spicuous pale line down the side of the neck from behind the
eye, and a hint of red on the crown. In flight the neck was
outstretched, and the black primaries were seen, as well as
dark grey patches on the back and upper surface of the wings.
No call was heard. The birds remained in the neighbourhood
at least until the 16th.
A. ANDERSON.
(These Cranes were seen by various ornithologists, includ-
ing Dr and Mrs David Jenkins who reported that the birds
had been at first approachable to within about 100 yards but
gradually became wilder. When approached they rose with a
loud clanging call, showing separated primaries in flight and
the silhouette of the characteristic loosely feathered tail.
We have heard also of two Cranes in North Fife in the spring
but have not received details. Two are reported from Main-
land and Yell in the Shetlands towards the end of May, and
P. E. Davis tells us that what may well have been the same
birds arrived at Fair Isle on the morning of the 29th and left
again at noon to the south-east. Later, a single Crane arrived
at Fair Isle on 19th July and was still there on the 23rd.
These birds, and the Shetland ones of which we have received
no details, will be recorded in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory
Bulletin.—Eb.).
KENTISH PLOVER IN ABERDEENSHIRE
A Kentish Plover was seen by W. E. Pool and myself on
3rd and 4th May 1962 on the Ythan Estuary at Newburgh.
I have previously seen Kentish Plovers in Majorca and Ben-
ghazi. When first sighted at some distance this plover stood
out from the Ringed Plover with it because of its smaller
size and much whiter appearance, Thereafter it was watched
in good light at ranges down to 20 yards and the following
features noted:
Broken breast band; eye-stripe continued over eye; dark face and
breast markings more finely marked than on Ringed Plover; white
forehead more extensive than on Ringed Plover, and separated from
sandy cap by black patch; dark legs noted; compared with Ringed
Plover the dark bill was thinner and seemed relatively longer, and
the colour of the back was sandier. Though the cap did show a slightly
redder tint than the colour of the back this was less distinct than in
certain illustrations. When standing with Dunlin it could be seen to
be smaller, and it stood with tail cocked up in the air. In flight, which
was most erratic, wing and tail markings seemed much as a Ringed
Plover. No call heard.
A. G. GORDON.
(This record, which has been accepted by the Rarity
1962 SHORT NOTES 247
Records Committee of British Birds, is only the second of
Kentish Plover in Scotland, the first having been seen at
Fair Isle on 14th May 1949 (Scot. Nat. 1950: 24).—Ep.).
UNUSUAL BEHAVIOUR OF BAR-TAILED GODWIT
On 21st May 1962 I flushed a Bar-tailed Godwit from salt-
ings at Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, whereupon it at once
began vigorously to mob my dog, diving repeatedly at his
head for three to four minutes, and all the time uttering a
loud, clear and sharp “yow-kow” note, no doubt correspond-
ing to the barking calls mentioned in The Handbook. A pass-
ing Black-headed Gull then attracted the bird’s attention, and
it proceeded to mob this in similar fashion and repeating a
similar call, until I lost sight of both.
| E. L. ROBERTS.
COLLARED DOVES IN ORKNEY AND EASTER ROSS
On 23rd July 1962 a friend telephoned to say that there
was a strange dove in his garden in St Margaret’s Hope, South
Ronaldsay. Mention of a narrow black half-collar sent me
scurrying to investigate together with Miss D. Aitcheson.
We had good views of the bird on the branch of a tree, on a
roof-top, and in flight, Slightly smaller than nearby domestic
doves it was mainly pale grey-brown—paler on head, neck
and underparts, with a slightly pinkish or purplish flush on
the breast—with blackish primaries and a narrow black half-
collar round the back of the neck. The end half of the tail
was white on the underside.
E. BALFOUR.
On 3rd August 1962 I had a telephone message from John
Rhind in Invergordon to say that two strange pigeons had
appeared in his garden and were feeding on newly sown
grass seed. From his description I was able to confirm that
these were collared Doves. Next morning an immature bird
was seen in a tree nearby, and during August the adults were
pated from time to time, with an immature bird again on the
Sth.
I. D. PENNIE.
Following a report that up to about six Collared Doves had
been seen feeding with poultry in the Tarbat district of Easter
Ross during the previous two months, I visited the area on
29th September 1962 with two friends. No sooner had we
halted the car beside the steading at Bindal Farm, two miles
from Tarbat Ness Lighthouse, than we spotted a Collared
Dove fly from a tree in an adjoining copse to the roof of one
of the farm buildings. During the next half hour we watched
248 SHORT NOTES 2(4)
three, possibly four, doves as they flitted about the copse. Al-
though none of us had seen the species before, the diagnostic
features, including the black half-collar, the darkish primaries
and the prominent black and white under-tail pattern in flight,
were unmistakable. Cooing was heard several times. Although
the birds were quite approachable they nevertheless showed
a certain degree of wariness. Growing in the copse was an
almost impenetrable clump of sapling spruce trees, about 20
feet high, which appeared to be an ideal breeding retreat for
the birds.
D, MacDONALD.
(These are the first records for Orkney and Easter Ross,
and indicate that the spread of the Collared Dove in Scotland
continues. We have heard reports of birds which were clearly
Collared Dovies in other new localities this year, but some-
times it has not been possible to obtain sufficent proof of
identity for the records to be published in Scottish Birds. Any
information will, however, be very welcome, and will help to
build up a valuable picture of the spread of this species.—ED.).
LITTLE OWL IN DUMFRIESSHIRE
On the morning of 26th April 1961 my wife and I were
driving past Carrifran in the Moffat Water Valley, when we
noticed an owl sitting on the dry-stone dyke of a sheep pen.
We were immediately struck by its small size and generally
spotted appearance. We stayed in the car and were able to
get an excellent view of the bird. Its general colouring was
greyish-brown; the face greyish-white; breast spotted and
barred brownish; and belly whitish, showing up conspic-
uously in flight. The bird frequently turned its head, and
when it did so it appeared to have a light collar. I estimated
it to be about the same length as a Blackbird, although it
was of course a much more thick-set bird.
After studying the bird for some time, I opened the car
door to observe the flight. The bird flew with short, rapid
wing-beats, keeping very low with a short glide after each
flight, and it settled on a rock after flying only about 40
yards. When I flushed it again, it behaved in the same man-
Berd followed it for about 200 yards as it flew from rock to
rock.
The bird’s small size, appearance and behaviour left no
doubt that it was a Little Owl. This is my first record for the
district and appears to be only the second for the county. One
was trapped at Caerlaverock in 1951 (Scot. Nat. 1951: 189).
EK. DICERBO.
1962 SHORT NOTES Z49
ALPINE SWIFT IN SHETLAND
On 13th June 1962 I saw an Alpine Swift hawking insects in
the geos at Herma Ness, Unst. Close views down to twenty
yards were obtained. No other bird comparable in size was
near, but it was obviously a large swift, brownish on the
upper parts, with a white belly and throat, and brown chest
band. I am very familiar with the species in countries where
it breeds. There does not appear to be a previous record for
Shetland.
K. D. SMITH.
SOME BREEDING NOTES ON THE TREECREEPER
The following notes refer to observations made at a long-
established nest site of the Treecreeper in a garden toolshed at
Dornoch, Sutherland, during the period 1950 to 1962. The
owner of the property has informed me that Treecreepers
have used this nest site at irregular intervals for over 30
years. The nest is placed at a height of about 7 feet behind
the wood frontage of the shed and is wedged into a space
between an upright wooden post and the brick wall of an
adjoining outhouse. The birds obtain access through a narrow
crevice which has opened up between the two sheds. The
foundation of the nest consists of a huge accumulation of tiny
twigs and wood chips, the entire bulk extending to a depth
of 12 inches and protruding 94 inches inwards towards the
interior of the shed.
During the 13 years that I have had this nest under observa-
tion Treecreepers have nested in it five times—in 1950, 1954,
1956, 1958 and 1962. In 1953 the birds repaired the structure
but forsook it after having completed the lining of the nest
cup.
Nest building mainly consisted of adding a fresh nest cup
on top of the massive foundation pile. The beginning of
operations varied from late March to early May, and generally
took about 14 days to complete. On one occasion I watched a
Treecreeper pull off decayed strips of wood with its bill from
a rotten branch which lay on the ground about 15 yards away
from the nest site. The wood strips which the bird was seen
to carry to the nest were 1 to 2 inches in length, but amongst
the nest material I found one particular strip measuring 5
inches, the same length as the bird itself. The nest cup was
always lined first with tiny wood chips, occasionally inter-
mingled with small lumps of wool, and finally covered over
with feathers.
The clutch size and the dates of completion were as follows:
1950—6 eggs by 23rd April.
1954—6 eggs by 26th April.
250 SHORT NOTES 2(4)
‘ LOO oe eggs by 16th April—early, according to The Hand-
ook.
1958—5 eggs by 10th May.
1962—6 eggs by 29th April.
In four of the five years the incubation period agreed with
the 14-15 days given in The Handbook. In 1956, however, a bird
was still incubating at 08.30 hours G.M.T. on the 16th day
after the completion of the clutch, but by 16.30 hours G.M.T.
on that date incubation had ceased and the eggs were cold.
By the folowing morning it was obvious that the clutch had
been deserted and all 6 eggs were found to be infertile. It is
interesting to note that incubation continued for only one
day beyond the recognised period. Apart from this clutch and
two addled eggs in the 1954 clutch, all the eggs hatched out.
In the four years in which broods were reared there were
no cases of nestling mortality and 21 nestlings were fledged
successfully. The fledging period, which The Handbook gives
as 14-15 days, was ascertained on three occasions. In two of
those years the young left the nest on the 16th day after
hatching and in the other year on the 17th day. The secure
position of the nest site might account for such prolonged
fledging periods.
D. MAcpbona.p.
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER AND TAWNY PIPIT
IN LEWIS
On 6th October 1961 I watched a Yellow-browed Warbler
in Western Lewis for nearly an hour while it flitted about in
some conifers and at times hovered in front of the branches.
It was quite tame, and not much bigger than a Goldcrest with
which it occasionally associated. The general impression was
of a small green-yellow leaf-warbler with prominent double
wing-bar, dark eyestripe and yellow superciliary.
On 23rd October 1961 in Western Lewis I had brief views
of a Tawny Pipit on the grass outside my window. At first
glance I had mistaken it for a female Yellow Wagtail. It was
much larger than a Meadow Pipit and stood very upright with
its head held high. The nape and back were rather pale uni-
form buffish brown and unstreaked, and the underparts were
pale buff and completely lacking any dark streaks. The crown
was dark brown and there was a dark mark through the eye
and a pale buff superciliary. By comparison with a Meadow
Pipit the tail was longer, the yellowish legs were long and
fairly sturdy, and the bill also looked rather larger. The bird
flew up onto the edge of the roof and was lost round the far
side of the house in the westerly gale which was blowing. I
am familiar with Tawny Pipits abroad.
STEPHEN L. B. LEE.
1902 SHORT NOTES Zail
(Sketches and full descriptions of both these birds have been
submitted, and the records have been accepted by the Rarity
Records Committee of British Birds. The Tawny Pipit does
not seem to have been recorded previously in the Outer Heb-
rides. Readers will have seen reports in the press of the tragic
death of Mr Lee on 21st April 1962—at the age of 22—at
Gallan Head in Western Lewis.—ED.).
ROSE-COLOURED STARLING IN FIFE
At Lundin Links on 6th September 1962, while having tea
in my sun porch, I noticed an unusual bird with a flock of
about 25 immature Starlings feeding on the golf practice
ground on the other side of the road. I could see a black head
above a pale breast appearing over the top of a knoll, and
identified it as a Rose-coloured Starling. I contacted Miss
P. G. Baxter who came at once and we watched the bird to-
gether. |
It was the same size as a common Starling but looked
stockier. The lower breast, belly, flanks, mantle, back and
rump were pale rosy-pink; head, nape, throat and upper
breast glossy black with a tinge of purple; feathers of the nape
forming an inconspicuous crest; wings black with a sugges-
tion of brown, and in flight appearing paler at the tips; tail
seemed shorter and squarer than a Starling’s, and was black,
tinged brown like the wings, and buff tipped; the bill, rather
shorter than a Starling’s was pinkish brown, and the legs
reddish-brown but paler than a Starling’s.
The Rose-coloured Starling usually kept to the edge of the
flock and tended to wander a little on its own, but followed
the others when they flew, sometimes being a step behind.
The flock was restive and kept flying from place to place so
that it was impossible to get close to the bird. It was seen again
next morning, but not after that.
y BON R. S. WEIR.
ARCTIC REDPOLL IN LEWIS
~ A male Arctic Redpoll in spring plumage, picked up at
Uigen in West Lewis on 8th April 1962, was sent to Glasgow
Art Gallery and Museum by W. A. J. Cunningham of Storno-
way. The bird was made into a cabinet skin by James Fraser.
Mr Cunningham considered it to be an Arctic Redpoll of
the race known as Hornemann’s Redpoll Carduelis h. horne-
manni. With the Hon. Douglas Weir (who made two water-
colour sketches) I examined it at the museum, and we con-
cluded that Mr Cunningham was correct. The skin was sent to
Kenneth Williamson, Migration Research Officer of the British
Trust for Ornithology, who replied that “the bird is undoubt-
Zoe SHORT NOTES 2(4)
edly hornemanni, the high-arctic form...I make the wing
(without stretching) a minimum of 79 mm which is outside
hornemanni range, but just in exilipes range, as given in the
Handbook. However, a larger series measured by Dr F.. Salom-
onsen (Birds of Greenland p. 502) gives hornemanni as 77-83
mm.” C. h. exilipes is the race of the Arctic Redpoll known as
Coues’s Redpoll. Mr Williamson calls attention to his recent
paper (Brit. Birds 54: 238-241) in which he follows Salomonsen
in regarding all redpolls as conspecific.
C. E. PaLmar.
(This is apparently the first record of the Arctic Redpoll in
the Outer Hebrides —Eb.).
RED-HEADED BUNTING ON LITTLE CUMBRAE
On 11th June 1961 on the island of Little Cumbrae, Bute,
I was crossing an area of bracken and low trees when a small
brown and yellow bird flew from a tree across my path and
into a bush nearby. It gave me the impression of a very
brightly-coloured Yellowhammer. When I flushed it, it flew
to the leafless branches of a small elder, and perched where I
could watch it. It fluttered its wings and shook out its feathers
and I was able to see that the underparts were bright yellow
extending to the tail. The head was copper-red and it looked
as if the bird was wearing a helmet. There was a dark yellow
band at the nape of the neck, between the head and the brown-
ish mantle. The wings were brown with darker stripes, and
the general impression was of a red, yellow and brown bird.
I consulted the Handbook when I returned home, and am sat-
isfied that the bird was a cock Red-headed Bunting. In view,
however, of the remarks in British Birds (54: 196 and else-
where) I can only regard this bird as an escape, and accord-
ingly it is reported as a matter of interest only.
N. F. STEWarRT.
(The Rarity Records Committee of British Birds, to whom
we are indebted for the record, have accepted it subject to the
proviso that the bird was almost certainly an escape—one of
the great number of male Red-headed Buntings imported each
year. It should therefore not be regarded as a new species for
Clyde.—Eb.).
1962 CURRENT NOTES 253
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers : G. H. Acklam, A. F. Airey, D. G. Andrew,
W. Austin, G. H. Ballantyne, J. Ballantyne, Miss P. G. Baxter, T. H.
Bell He Boase, £: Boyd, Ro G. Caldow, S. J; Clarke, Miss MM. E:
Cotton, Mrs A. Cunningham, W. A. J. Cunningham, R. Darroch,
G. Dick, Sir R. Erskine-Hill, H. Ford, Miss E. A. Garden, H. Halliday,
M. J. Henderson, Miss M. C. Hill, J. A. D. Hope, J. Hoy, Rev. G. T.
Jamieson, R. A. Jeffrey, Dr D. Jenkins, Mrs M. Jenkins, N. Langham,
D Long, A. J. B. Loudon, A. Macdonald, D. Macdonald, M. K.
Macduff-Duncan, K. S. Macgregor, A. T. Macmillan, T. D. H. Merrie,
Roi NMaine WW. Murray, JY S. Oliver, (G1. Al Patrick, N: Picozzi,
leveotrer ko Me Ramage 1G. Ae Richards) We Ke Richmond, Ee E:
Roberts, I. B. Roy, G. L. Sandeman, J. Shanks, W. M. Skene, P. J. B.
SlarereieeDseSmithe vrs ka Smitha Ps aj°S3 Smith) Rag. J; Smith;
Dr T. C. Smout, D. Stalker, R. Stewart, M. Swales, C. Tait, D. G.
‘Tweedie, A. D: Watson, Dr R. S. Weir, IT. Weir, D. P. Willis, J. G.
Young.
Unless otherwise stated, all dates refer to 1962.)
Distribution
This section deals with observations from lst June 1962, and
therefore includes very little on spring migration. Older
records are given in another section, and only included here
in amplification of current observations or with reference ta
the present status of a species.
Small numbers of Great Northern Divers are to be found every
summer off the north-west coast of Scotland, but records of
birds on fresh water are less common and it is of interest that
a bird in full breeding plumage was watched at close range
on a small loch in Sutherland on 25th June (JS, PJBS). At
Loch Lomond on 2nd September two were diving close to the
Dunbartonshire bank—one being still in summer plumage
(DS, TW). On 12th July a Black-throated Diver was seen on a
loch on Islay, and next day two on another loch. In spite of
rumours, this species has not yet been proved to breed on
the island, and these were evidently immature birds (CT).
There were nine Great Crested Grebes on the Tay at Port
Allen, Perthshire, on 9th June—an unusual date (HB), and
four were seen in the Achiltibuie district of Wester Ross—
where it is a rare bird—on 4th September (MS). A juvenile
Red-necked Grebe was at Gullane Point on 2nd September
(TDHM), and an adult, moulting from summer plumage, off
Cramond on the 8th. The observer comments that, from the
published details, most of the early autumn birds recorded
in the Forth seem to be adults (TCS). A Black-necked Grebe was
at Hule Moss, Berwickshire, on 3rd July (DGL).
In the Forth in 1962 the Fulmar bred for the first time on
Inchgarvie (antea 2: 201), and also on the Lamb, where an
adult was brooding a small chick on 20th July (ATM). A
“blue” Fulmar, of James Fisher’s “D” colouring (see The Ful-
254 CURRENT NOTES 2(4)
mar p. 268), was seen during July at the Brough of Birsay,
Mainland of Orkney (GAR, MLS).
A count of 44 Herons in Montrose Basin on 14th August was
an advance of four on the total of 13th September 1960 (antea
1: 384) (HB).
A big influx of Mallard to the area is indicated by a count
of 800 at Cramond, Mid/West Lothian, on 15th September,
against 60 a week earlier at the same state of the tide (TCS).
A duck Gadwall was at Gladhouse, Midlothian, from 29th
April to 13th May, but no drake was seen and there was no
breeding (DGA). A pair was near the Butt of Lewis on 23rd
August, the species being rare in Lewis and not known to
breed in the Outer Hebrides (NL). Parallel with the influx
of Mallard at Cramond there was a big influx of Wigeon at
Barnbougle, West Lothian, where 300 were counted on 15th
September, against six a week before, and compared with a
maximum of 30 during the previous winter (TCS). On the 21st
there were 1,500 in Montrose Basin (HB).
A drake Scaup was on a loch on Islay on 16th and 21st July,
but there was no evidence of breeding (ADW). At Hule Moss
a drake was seen on 12th August (SJC, MJH, DGL), and there
were up to 16 on the sea at Carsethorn, Kirkcudbrightshire,
on 20th August (THB). The Tufted Duck is a rare breeding
bird on Islay (Scot. Nat. 1954: 144), and it may therefore be
of interest to note three drakes in eclipse plumage on Ard-
nave Loch on 16th and 21st July, and seven drakes in eclipse
and a duck on Loch Gorm on the 21st (ADW). In West Fife,
at Peppermill Dam, where breeding has not been previously
recorded, a brood of four ducklings was seen on 5th Septem-
ber, and the birds could not have been hatched for more than
a few days (GD, JP). Goldeneye are believed to summer reg-
ularly at Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, as an odd immature
drake is usually seen by St Serf’s Island on visits in May and
June; this year two were seen on 2nd June, and one on 14th
July (TB, RWJS). Fifty half-grown juvenile Shelduck were
counted in the Almond estuary with 12 adults on 28th July.
They were too small to have come far and must have been
bred locally, possibly on Cramond Island, Midlothian, where
they have nested before, but most of them probably along
the West Lothian shores, where three pairs were noted near
Barnbougle in May and June; and one pair at Hopetoun
throughout May. There is no breeding record for West Lothian,
and these observations cannot be regarded as formal proof of
nesting there (TCS).
In the last issue we gave various records of geese in May
and June (antea 2: 202). At Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, there
are usually a few injured birds in summer—e.g. three Grey Lag
Geese and two Pink-footed Geese on 2nd June. Two Pinkfeet, of
which at least one was a pricked bird, spent the whole summe1
1962 CURRENT NOTES 299
at Gladhouse, though they could both fly (DGA, RWJS).
There were five Grey Lags at the Loch o’ the Lowes, Perth-
shire, on 26th June, and eight off Bowgavie on the 27th (HB),
and three at Barr Loch, Renfrewshire, on 22nd July (GHA). A
single Pinkfoot was at the mouth of the North Esk, Angus,
on 17th June (HB); one was at Hule Moss on 11th August
(SJC, MJH, WM), and one flew past Quothquhan, Lanark-
shire, on the 18th (RE-H)—both more likely to have been birds
left behind in the spring than early arrivals.
On Ist September there were six Grey Lag Geese at Kingoodie,
Perthshire (HB), and on the 13th there were 28—the first of
the autumn—feeding in pasture near Annan, Dumfriesshire
(AFA). On Deeside they arrived on the 20th (Du).
There was apparently a fairly widespread arrival of Pink-
footed Geese on Monday 17th September, judging from the
number of reports sent in, and this is early for these birds. The
records below give a picture of this arrival. In some instances
the identity of the birds can be presumed, although the ob-
servers only identified them as “geese.’
12 Sept—Keepers at Gladhouse saw first flock passing south—birds
seen circling the reservoir on the next few days (per RWJS).
14 Sept—34 in Fife (per Wildfowl Trust).
17 Sept—Small skein over Contin, Easter Ross (JB); noted over
Dundee (HB); 50 at Lindores, Fife (RSW); 40 and 25 flying over
Skinflats, Stirlingshire, towards L. Leven (RWJS): 60 at Loch Leven
(HB); first small parties at Libberton, Lanarkshire, and over Dalveen
Pass, Dumfries/Lanarkshire (RE-H) ; 2 flying east over Buchtrig in
the Cheviots, Roxburghshire (DGT per DGA).
18 Sept —30 flew over Lindores Loch, Fife, and 350 at Loch Leven
(PGB); 100 flying south over Colinton in the morning (per ATM).
The status of the Canada Goose in Scotland seems to be
something of a mystery. Two pairs were noted on 13th June,
with broods of three and five goslings respectively, at the
Park Loch, Mellerstain House, near Kelso (AFA). A most un-
expected flock of 72 birds was seen at Loch Leven on 5th
September (DGA).
Counts of 448 Mute Swans on Loch Leven on 13th August,
and 174 in Montrose Basin next day, are illustrative of the
large numbers to be seen at these places at that time of year
(HB). There are quite a few further notes on Whooper Swans
ce in summer to add to those already published (antea 2:
04):
Loch Ken, Kirkcudbright—up to 4 remained during June and at
least part of July—all had rather pale bills and were probably not fully
adult (ADW), a comment which may well apply to others noted as
adult birds.
White Loch, Renfrew—3 still there on 8th July, but not on the 11th
or later (GHA).
Loch Leven, Kinross—l1 on 2nd June and 14th July probably spent
summer there (TB, RWJS).
Loch Lomond—4 adults may have summered, being noted by various
256 CURRENT NOTES 2(A)
observers on 7th, 8th and 15th July and on Ist, 2nd and 6th September
(GHA, AJBL, DS, TW).
Near Crinan, Argyll—ti adult on 11th August (GHA).
Dunalastair Reservoir, Perth—2 on 6th June (HB), and on 20th
(WKR).
Ythan Estuary, Aberdeen—2 on 28th July (JB).
First autumn reports of Whoopers are of three which walked
ashore at Crombie Point, Fife, from a very rough sea on 16th
September (GD, JP), and of one at the Livingstone end of
Loch Ken on the 22nd (AFA).
At Addiewell, Midlothian, a Buzzard—the first the observer
has seen there—was being mobbed by three Carrion Crows
on 23rd September (HH), on the 17th one was at Lindores,
Fife (RSW), and during the second half of the month there
was quite an influx at Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, with up
to five at once over Duncryne Hill (TW).
A female or immature Marsh Harrier was seen hunting over
rough ground on Jura on 27th July, and again two or three
days later (RD), and a very dark bird at the Loch of Strath-
beg, Aberdeenshire, on 6th September quartering the reed
beds and putting the ducks into hysterics (HAG). Single
female or immature Hen Harriers were at Gladhouse on 26th
August (DGA), and at Dumbarnie Links, Largo, Fife, on 2nd
September (GHB). An Osprey was watched at Borve, Harris,
on 23rd June as it stooped at a sea trout in the river (per
WAJC).
Quail have been heard calling during recent summers near
Gifford, East Lothian (see antea 1: 459), and this year they
were again present, being last heard early in August. We
have previously expressed some doubts about the status of
birds heard near Dirleton because imported eggs were in-
cubated at Archerfield in 1959 under bantams (loc. cit.), and a
record of one calling during 1961 at Queenstonbank Farm has
not been published for that reason. R. E. Moreau now writes
that these birds “will certainly be wild ones because the
imported eggs are of Japanese stock, and the birds make a
totally different noise—a raucous ‘baba-broaak’ which one
would never associate with a European Quail. I know these
originally from having heard them at a Quail ‘farm’ in Wilt-
shire and then by checking with tape records of Japanese
ee both wild and commercial, received from Japan” (per
An inland record of Turnstone is of one at Gladhouse on
22nd July (DGA). A count of 20 Whimbrel at Barns Ness, East
Lothian, on 29th July is high for the Forth (AM).
Black-tailed Godwits are reported from:
Invergowrie Bay, Tay—1 on 23rd Sept (HB).
Eden Estuary, Fife—1l on 28th Aug, and 40 on 29th/3lst (RIM).
Skinflats, Stirling—1 on 8th/9th Sept (GHA, GD, GLAP, JP).
Carsethorn, Kirkcudbright—up to 5 on 28th Aug (THB).
1962 CURRENT NOES “sy
One hundred Bar-tailed Godwits at Caerlaverock on ilth
June were probably late passage birds, as fairly large parties
do pass through the Solway in May or June in most years
(ELR). Fifteen flying over Ardmore Bay, Dunbartonshire, on
lst September are described as an unusually large number
for the area (TDHM).
The following Green Sandpipers are reported:
R. Dee, Crathes Bridge, Kincardine—1 on 17th Aug (DJ).
Kerioch Hill, Kincardine—l on rain-water pool on heather moor on
7th Aug (DJ). This is the first record for North Kincardine.
Kingoodie, Perth—l on 21st/22nd July (HB).
Moor Loch, Tullieallan, Fife—1 on 5th Sept (GD, JP).
Tyninghame, Fast Lothian—1l on 5th Aug (TB, IBR, WMS, RWJS).
Rosebery Pool, Midlothian—1 on 8th July (DGA).
Gavinton, Duns, Berwick—1 on 7th Aug (DGL).
Bell’s Burn, Manderston, Duns—returned to this wintering area
on 12th Aug and constantly present until time of writing (12th Sept),
with 4 on 19th Aug, and 5 on the 25th (SJC). A photograph of one of
these birds appears in this issue of “Scottish Birds.”
The only Wood Sandpipers reported are three or four in a
marsh near Troup Head, Banff, on 21st August, and about
four near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, the same day, and two
or three there until the 25th (GLS). There is no- previous
record for Banff.
Counts of Redshanks in the Almond Estuary on 4th August
(750), and in September on the 8th (1,000), 15th (900), and
29th (600), are worth contrasting with a peak of only 125-200
at Aberlady Bay further down the Forth, the two areas being
similar in size (TCS).
Many more Spotted Redshanks than usual were seen this
autumn, being recorded at many places between 4th August
and 22nd September:
Skibo, Dornoch Firth, Sutherland—1 on 20th Aug (DM).
Near Fraserburgh—1 on 21st Aug (GLS).
(is. Head, Aberdeen boundary—7 at roadside pool on 21st Aug
Near Troup Head, Banff—3 on 21st Aug (GLS).
Mouth of R. Spey, Moray—1 on 18th Aug (GLS).
Eden Estuary—1 on 28th and 3lst Aug (RIM).
Fife Ness—1 on 4th Sept (PGB).
Cult Ness, Rosyth, Fife—1 on 28th/29th Aug and 5th September (GD,
ene ISS).
Crombie, Fife—1 on 15th Sept (GD, JP).
Barns Ness, East Lothian—1 on 12th and 18th Aug (AM)..
Tyninghame—1 on 19th Aug (IBR, WMS, RWJS).
Barnbougle, West Lothian—1 on 4th Aug, and 1 on 15th Sept (TCS).
Skinflats, Stirling—1l on 25th Aug, and 8th, 17th and 22nd Sept (GD,
JP, RWYJS).
Hule Moss, Berwick—1 on 4th/5th Aug (SJC, MJH, DGL).
Cummertrees, Dumfries—1 on 11th Sept at Priestfield Flow (AFA).
The first Greenshanks of the autumn were reported at Port
Allen, Perthshire, on 6th July (HB). This is not a rare bird on
autumn passage, but the localities of some inland reports
may be of interest:
258 CURRENT NOTES 2(4)
Tulliallan, Fife—3 at Peppermill Dam on 14th Aug, and 1 on 5th
Sept, when there were also 4 at Moor Loch (GD, JP).
Gladhouse—2 on 26th Aug (DGA).
Rosebery Reservoir, Midlothian—3 on 29th July (RWJS), and 1 on
2nd Sept (DGA).
Portmore, Peebles—3 on 12th Aug (RWJS).
Clyde at Hamilton, Lanark—1 on 18th Aug, 2 on &th Sept, and 1 on
the, USthy (GRwAy):
Glenburn Reservoir, Paisley, Renfrew—1 on 7th Aug (RGC).
Lochgoin Reservoir, Renfrew—1l on 14th Aug (RGC).
Craigendunton Reservoir, Ayr (a mile from above)—3 on 14th Aug
RGC
ae Reservoir, Berwick—2 on 8th Aug (DGL).
Hule Moss—1 on 31st Aug (DGL).
A Knot was seen inland at Gladhouse on 4th August (RWJS),
and there was one at Loch Lomond on the Dunbarton bank
of the Endrick on 15th July, and no fewer than 20 on the
22nd—a large number inland (DS).
There are only a few reports of Little Stints:
Bay of Birsay, Orkney—1 on 6th Sept (PJBS).
Dornoch Point Saltmarsh, Sutherland—1 on 3rd Oct (DM).
Cairnbulg Point, near Fraserburgh—4 on 2lst and 23rd Aug, and 6
on the 24th (ELS
Aberlady Bay—1 on 27th Sept (JADH).
Gladhouse—1 on 19th Aug (DGA).
Curlew Sandpipers have also been scarce:
Near Fraserburgh—1 on 23rd and 25th Aug (GLS).
North shore of Tentsmuir, Fife—3 on 22nd Aug ee
Aberlady Bay—1 on 13th Sept (AM, GIES), 1 on the aGthe (ens
GLAP), and at least 3 on the 27th (JADH).
Port Seton, East Lothian—1 on 7th Sept (MCH).
Two Sanderlings were inland at Gladhouse on 4th August
(RWJS). Records from areas where they are described as un-
common are of one near Aultbea and three at Gairloch Bay,
both Wester Ross, on 2lst September—remarkable also be-
cause not a single Dunlin was seen that day in the area (JB);
one in the upper Forth Estuary at Longannet on 15th Septem-
ber (GD, JP); and in the Solway, at least six near Southerness
on 20th August, one at the Sands of Luce on the 29th (THB),
and 30 at Dornock, Dumfriesshire, on 14th September (AFA).
Ruff are reported in many places from 13th August onwards:
Sumburgh, Shetland—2 with Lapwings on 4th Oct (PJBS).
Twatt, Orkney—9 in grassy field on 8th Sept (PJBS).
Dornoch Point Saltmarsh—1 on 26th Aug (DM).
Near Fraserburgh—50 or more, 20th/28th Aug (GLS).
Kinnordy, Angus—3, probably 5, on 22nd Aug (HB).
Longforgan Station, Perth—1 on 7th Sept (HB).
Eden Estuary—1 from 30th Aug to Ist Sept (GD, RIM, JP).
Cult Ness, Fife—6 on 28th Aug, and 1 on 5th Sept (GD, Je).
Tyninghame—1 on 19th Aug (TB), and 1 on 16th Sept (IBR, WMS).
Aberlady—counts on Aug 13th (1), 16th (2), 18th (10), 19th (5), 27th
(2), 28th, ()),7and Sept 13thi@2) (eB Ee) DG. awwir RWJS).
Skinflats—counts on Aug 13th (4), 25th (4), Sept 17th (3), and 22nd
(3) (GD) JP, RWIS):
1962 CURRENT NOTES 259
Low Parks, Hamilton, Lanark—2 on 18th Aug, 10 on 8th Sept, and
4 on the 15th (GHA).
Cummertrees, Dumfries—3 on 11th Sept (AFA).
Caerlaverock, Dumfries—4 on 23rd Aug (WA, THB).
Loch Ryan, Wigtown—1 on 12th Sept (PGB).
Four Arctic Skuas at Longannet, Fife, on 14th July are the
earliest the observer has seen there (JH), and Arctic Skuas
were seen at Aberlady about the same time (KSM). There
were several near Inchmickery on the 17th and this is pro-
bably the normal time of arrival in this part of the Forth
(ATM). Numbers at Aberlady were unusually high during
the autumn, with 12 on 19th August (JB) and at least 20 on
2nd September flying past Gullane Point (TDHM). Further up
the Forth at Cramond the peak count was about 10 on 15th
September (TCS).
Herring Gulls were nesting in 1962 on the cliffs at the mouth
of the North Esk, Angus/Kincardine border; they had not
been there in 1952 (HB). On 27th August 100 Common Gulls
passed SW in 1’s and 2’s at Easthaven, Angus (HB). A
Glaucous Gull—in its 4th summer to judge ‘from its plumage—
was seen intermittently in Ayr harbour from 27th May to
13th July (JGY). Further immature Iceland Gulls are reported
(see antea 2: 207)—a lst winter bird at Sheigra, West Suth-
erland, on 14th May, a 2nd winter bird in Aberdeen harbour
on 2lst May (KDS), and an immature in the fish market at
Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, on 13th July (DPW). There is no
previous record for West Sutherland.
A juvenile Little Gull was at Cult Ness on 25th September
(GD), and small numbers of this species were seen at their
usual haunts near Elie and Lundin Links during the autumn,
with up to eight frequenting Kilconquhar Loch at the end of
August and during September (PGB, RSW). The Kittiwake is
a very scarce bird away from the sea, and 20 flying east down
the R. Feugh at Strachan, Kincardineshire, during the mor-
ning of 30th September may have been blown right across
the country by the tremendous SW winds at that time (DJ).
Unusually many Black Terns occurred, mainly in southern
Scotland, in the middle of August, and duri ing September. All
the birds noted below were specifically identified, except that
the birds in West Lothian and Kirkcudbrightshire, and those
at Tyninghame on 30th September, were not seen clearly
enough to eliminate the slender chance that they could have
been White-winged Black Terns. The records cover no fewer
than nine different sightings:
16 Aug—1 at mouth of R. Spey, Tugnet, Morayshire (GLS).
—1l at Aberlady, East Lothian (DGL).
18 Aug—1 at L. Morlich (RHD(ennis) in “The Scotsman” Ist Septem-
ber 1962). Details of identification are given. There is no previous
record for East Inverness.
—1 over the Clyde at Hamilton, Lanark (GHA).
6 Sept—1 at Kilconquhar Loch, Fife (PGB).
200 CURRENT NOTES 2(4)
15 Sept—l, probably 2, at Barnbougle, West Lothian (TCS).
16 Sept—l flying NE up coast at Tyninghame, East Lothian, with
Common/Arctic Terns (TB, IBR, RWJS).
30 Sept—2 in distance at Tyninghame (RWJS).
—l at Carsethorn, Kirkcudbright (PGB).
A Common Tern on the Tweed between Walkerburn and
Innerleithen on 21st June was the first the observer had seen
in Peeblesshire (JB). Common/Arctic Terns are not often seen
in the Glenkens district of Kirkcudbrightshire in autumn, but
on the night of 3rd/4th October their calls were distinctly
heard over Dalry (ADW). A Sandwich Tern flew south quite low
over Warrender Park Road, in the centre of Edinburgh, at
1030 hours B.S.T. on 30th September (TCS).
Surprisingly The Birds of Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve
notes only four occurrences of Puffins—all in winter. On 8th
July a total of 97 birds, in 29 parties, flew east past Aberlady
Point, a few landing and diving there. A fair number of
Guillemots, as well as Gannets, Kittiwakes and a few Fulmars,
also passed. A moderate SE wind with sea fog was probably
mainly responsible for the birds coming up the Forth, but
these figures also reflect the much greater numbers of Puffins
at Craigleith this year (see antea 2: 208) (RWJS).
Details of the first occurrences of Collared Doves in Orkney
and Easter Ross appear elsewhere in this issue of Scottish
Birds. There were several in and around Stornoway during
the summer, and an injured bird was found at Ness, near the
Butt of Lewis, in June (WAJC). A well marked adult, and
two duller birds which came separately, had been visiting a
garden in Mayfield Terrace, Edinburgh, for two to three
months at the time of writing (9th October) (MEC). This _ is
not far from where Collared Doves were recorded last year
(antea 1: 284, 286).
Two Littl Owls were seen about rocks at St Abbs Head,
Berwickshire, on 5th September, and single birds again on
the 6th and 8th (HF).
The recent B.T.O. report on the enquiry into the distribution
of the Nightjar (Bird Study 9: 104) unfortunately gives the
misleading impression that the bird is absent or very rare in
©.W. Scotland, some notes sent to the organiser having gone
astray. The bird is in fact still a regular summer visitor to
Kirkcudbrightshire, numbers being irregular and probably
never large, and in June and July 1962 there were several in
. song in a much favoured stretch of immature spruce and pine
forest, where comparatively open patches of ground alter-
nate with older and denser forest (ADW).
On Islay, where the species does not breed, there were two
Swifts at Bowmore on 9th July, and four at Gruinart on the
10th, but these were no doubt migrants (CT). On 17th August
there was a large passage of hundreds west up Deeside, then
a gap when none was seen, followed by prolonged passage
1962 CURRENT NOTES 261
with SE winds on the 24th when many birds were involved.
The observer suggests that the first lot were perhaps local
Scottish birds leaving for the south, and the second lot more
northern populations passing south (DJ). At Haddington, East
Lothian, the main body of about 150 left at about the usual
season, on 2ist August, but 20-30 stayed on late, until 4th
September, and a straggler until the 15th (AM). There was
one at Dalkeith on the 15th, and two were at Penicuik on the
17th (HF), and two at Dunbar on the 30th (AM). Odd birds
can of course be expected up to the end of September.
A Kingfisher was at Hamilton Low Parks on 22nd September
—the observer commenting that it is the first he has seen
in four years, and that it is something to know that the bird
is not yet extinct in Lanarkshire (DS).
A Green Woodpecker was heard at White Loch, Colvend, on
3lst August (THB). There does not seem to be any previously
published record for Kirkcudbrightshire, but we understand
that the species has nested in the county, several nests having
been reported since at least 1959. There is a strong likelihood
that nesting started as long ago as 1956 or 1957. Fledged young
were seen in 1961, and there was a nest near Loch Ken in 1962
(ADW). Also on 3ist August a Green Woodpecker was seen
and heard at Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, a further advance
north and west, and the first record for the county (TW). A
Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen, almost as far north as it
could be on the mainland of Scotland, in the village of Tongue,
Sutherland, on 16th July (JS, PJBS).
On 8th September Swallows were moving SW on a broad
front, being noted during most of the day over Cramond, and
later in the Humbie/Gifford area (TCS). On Islay, where it is
a scarce bird, a House Martin was seen near Ballygrant on 20th
Juiy, and also a pair with a nest at Persibus (ADW). At
Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, well-grown young were still being
fed in a nest on 28th September (JB).
On 12th August a scattered party of 14 Ravens, mostly in
pairs, were rising on a thermal over the bar at the mouth of
the Endrick; the birds moved away NW over Loch Lomond
(TDHM). At Tore, in the Black Isle district of Easter Ross,
an occasional Magpie has been seen in recent years—always
in the same corner of a forestry plantation. In 1955 there were
two on 23rd March and one on 15th May; in 1956, two on
Z6th January; in 1959, one on 20th January; in 1960, one on
29th January; in 1961, one on 24th March and two on 6th
April; and in 1962, two on 2nd May. No nests have been found
(MKM-D). One was seen at Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, on
18th August—the Magpie being very scarce there also (DGL).
A Blue Tit in the Castle Woods, Stornoway, on 20th August
is the first recorded there at that time of year, and suggests
202 CURRENT NOTES 2(4)
ee the species may possibly establish itself (see antea 2: 91)
).
At Culnacraig, near Achiltibuie, Wester Ross, there were
no fewer than 25 Ring Ouzels on 2nd September, evidently the
only thrushes on the move there (MS).
In South Harris a pair of Sedge Warblers almost certainly
had a nest, as the birds were carrying food and indulging in
song and other territorial behaviour on 5th August (NL).
There was a Wood Warbler at Kyles Hill, Berwickshire, on
3rd June. It is not a common bird in the county (DGL). —
A nest of young Spotted Flycatchers was found in Kirkwall
on 8th July. This species breeds only sporadically in Orkney
(GAR, MLS). A Pied Flycatcher at Kingoodie on 23rd August
is the first to be recorded from that part of Tay (HB).
Autumn records of Tree Pipits on the Lothian coasts are few,
and it is worth noting one at Gullane rubbish dump on 13th
September (TCS). Movement of Meadow Pipits on a broad front
to the SW was noted on 8th September from Barnbougle,
West Lothian, to Gifford, between 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.—
more than the usual September daily trickle of birds, and
oe the result of the birds being held up by bad weather
In the Outer Hebrides, where the Pied Wagtail is a scarce
breeding bird, a pair was feeding two young at Tarbert har-
bour, Harris, on 7th August, and another pair was feeding one
young bird at Ardhasig, Harris, on 28th/30th August (NL).
Some 250 or 300 alba Wagtails were flying about and settling
on the ground near Durris, Kincardine, at 7.30 p.m. on 9th
September. These birds were evidently migrants, grounded
by drizzle and low mist, and all that were identified proved
to be White Wagtails, though many were of course juveniles
which could not be identified with certainty. The calls seemed
higher pitched and softer than those of the Pied Wagtail (DJ,
MJ, NP). “Yellow” Wagtails are reported from Skinflats—one
on 8th July (GHA); Gladhouse—two on 22nd July (DGA);
Quothquhan, Lanarkshire—a cock flavissima on 12th August
(RE-H); and Carsethorn—a cock on 20th August, and two
on the 28th (THB).
A roost of over 500 Starlings was found in a cave a few feet
above the sea at St Abbs Head, Berwickshire, early in Sep-
tember (HF).
A Goldfinch near Stornoway on 20th August is the first to
be seen there at that time of year (NL). In Edinburgh, five
Siskins were feeding in the Royal Botanic Garden on 3rd
October (AM). Four or five Twite were seen one day during
the second half of August on the Merse south of Glencaple,
Dumfriesshire (THB).
This is another Crossbill year, with the first birds appearing
1962 CORRE NT NOES 263
at the end of June. A summary is being prepared by George
Waterston, and therefore none of these records is included
here.
At least four Corn Buntings were noted at Kilchiaran, Rhinns
of Islay, on 3lst July. This was noted as a very scarce bird on
Islay in 1954 (Scot. Nat. 1954: 143) (ADW). Three Lapland
Buntings were flushed from a moor on Kirbister Hill, Birsay,
Orkney, on 11th September (PJBS). The arrival and build-up
of Snow Bunting numbers is exemplified by a series of figures
from Aberlady during September—one on the 13th, four on
the 16th, two on the 17th, 14 on the 27th, and 55 on the 30th
(GHA, JADH, JSO, GLAP, GLS).
In view of the scarcity of Tree Sparrows in the areas it is
worth recording that over the past few years several pairs
have been seen near Killearn, Stirlingshire, and a nest with
young was found this year (AJBL), and that on 2nd August
two pairs were found near Barrhead, Renfrewshire, with nests
in oak and willow trees (RAJ).
Earlier observations—before Ist June 1962
A late Smew was at the mouth of the Endrick, Loch Lomond,
on 27th May (DS). At Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, there were
still 4.500 Pink-footed Geese on 28th April (TB, RWJS).
A Corncrake was heard on the Dunbartonshire side of the
Endrick at Loch Lomond on 20th and 27th May (DS).
At Caerlaverock there were 12 Black-tailed Godwits on 12th
April (ELR). The distinctive call of the Spotted Redshank was
heard several times over Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire, just be-
fore midnight on 26th May. The observer knows of no previous
inland record for the county (ADW). Sixteen Purple Sandpipers
at Southerness on 22nd April was a large count for the inner
part of the Solway (ELR). Two Dunlin at the summit of
Windlestraw Law in the Moorfoots on 2nd May were the first
the observer had seen in the hills near Walkerburn, but the
birds may have been migrants (JB).
Good views were had of a lst summer Little Gull at Loch
Moan, Kirkcudbrightshire and Ayrshire, on 26th May (RS,
ADW).
A Barn Owl was found dead at the side of the road near St
Andrews at the end of January (AC).
The Black Redstart at Lockerbie on 21st April (antea 2: 211)
is not in fact the first for Dumfriesshire. One was found near
Eliock in March 1947 and the specimen exhibited at a meeting
of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History and Antiqua-
rian Society on 28th March 1947 (Transactions 25: 191). We
are indebted for these details to ADW, who was at the meet-
2(4)
264
aNADID “C'S fiq ydoibol,0Ud
U1G¢g UoO—sotloods oY} JOF Vole SUTIOJUIM Je[Nsotl ve
‘(LG ased 99S) ZO6T WSNsNYy
DWTYSyoIM tog ‘UOJsTEpuLy, ‘UING S [jog ye WAaIdGNVS NADU “eT ALVId
1962 CURRENT NOTES 269
ing and remembers seeing the bird, which was a cock. it had,
he thinks, been caught by a local bird-catcher, but how it
came to be dead is not known.
General observations on behaviour, plumage, etc.
A Fulmar on Islay on 31st July was brooding in a large nest
which was so deep that the bird was not visible from below.
The nest may have been built originally by an eagle (ADW).
On 25th August a Gannet was circling for some time over the
south-west end of Loch Shiel at Acharacle. It appeared to be
fishing, for it “heeled over” several times as though about
to dive, but never actually did so, and finally flew towards
the sea at Ardtoe, three miles away (GTJ).
A very pale fawn-coloured Mallard, apparently a female,
was at Gladhouse on 2nd and 16th September (DGA).
A Kestrel at Fettercairn, Kincardineshire, on 19th Septem-
ber was seen clinging to a telegraph pole like a woodpecker,
until disturbed by the car (TCS).
Near Pinmore, Ayrshire, on 30th July a Red Grouse was
seen to fly up from the heather and mob a passing Kestrel
(RMR).
After a visit to Galloway during the second half of August
THB commented that he had seen more waders in summer
plumage than he had recorded in any previous autumn at
that time—Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin, Golden Plover
and Turnstone were mentioned. In the Forth area AM agreed
that he had never seen so many waders in partial or complete
summer plumage as he saw this year in July and August, but
apart from this we have not been able to find any great sup-
port for (or opposition to) the idea. There may be a connec-
tion with the late spring or with the poor summer in some
areas, but we would welcome further observations and any
comments on the subject.
On 3rd September, near Burnmouth, Berwickshire, the
speed of a Whimbrel was estimated fairly exactly at 35 m.p.h.
as it flew beside a car. The wind was negligible, and the bird’s
flight unhurried (HF). On 25th August a Bar-tailed Godwit was
feeding with Oystercatchers on the fairways of Southerness
Golf Course—a slightly unlikely habitat (THB).
On 28th July three, and later five, Arctic Skuas were watched
harassing a Swift at Aberlady Bay. This went on for five
minutes, and the Swift seemed unable to get away from the
skuas, but did more or less what they wanted, until it was
knocked to the ground, and dead. One skua was picking at it
and two others looking on when the observer reached it.
While this behaviour on the part of the skuas may not be so
266 CURRENT NOTES 2(4)
very unusual it is rather strange that a bird with the powers
of flight which the Swift possesses should be unable to escape
in headlong flight (CT).
Two unusual Herring Gulls’ nest sites are reported at Ness,
near the Butt of Lewis; one pair, accustomed to feed with the
domestic poultry, built on the ground beside the hen house
and successfully reared young; the other pair built an elab-
orate structure on the roof of a house which was temporarily
empty, using the angle between the roof and the chimney
stack, but the eggs disappeared later (WAJC). A pair of
Common Gulls built a nest 15 feet up a tree beside the River
Carron, Easter Ross. The tree overhung the bed of stones at
the side of the river, and the nest, a typical construction of
grasses and similar material, was in a small fork some distance
along one of the branches. Young were hatched and safely
brought to the ground. There is said to be a small colony of
Common Gulls on the other side of the river nearby (ATM).
One of the orange-legged Kittiwakes at the Bass Rock on 15th
July was seen to have three chicks, and at least one of these
had legs of the normal colour. This is what one would expect
(GHA, GLAP).
On 13th/15th August, when there was a marked movement
of terns into the upper Forth, large numbers collected at Moor
Loch, Tulliallan, Fife. Common or Arctic Terns—never more
than two or three at a time—were several times seen to perch
oe ie upper branches of a tree on one of the islands (GD,
On 7th September a Jackdaw was seen at St Abbs with white
spots on the body, and whitish wings—the one more so than
the other (HF), and on 14th August there was one at Barns
Ness with a deformed beak—the upper mandible being elon-
gated and hooked down over the tip of the lower one (DGL).
REVIEWS
BrrDS oF NORTH AND EAST PERTHSHIRE. By Henry Boase. 1961.
Typescript. Pp. i + 239; 3 maps and 5 graphs.
This modest account describes in detail a life’s study of the
birds of Perthshire, roughly north of Strathearn. The manu-
script is typed, and three copies are available for reference,
one in the library of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Or-
nithology at Oxford University, another in the Reference
Department of the Dundee Central Library, and the third in
the library at the Scottish Centre for Ornithology, 21 Regent
Terrace, Edinburgh. The period covered is the 50 years prior
to September 1961, and the documentation extends to 233
pages of quarto text plus a bibliography of over 60 books and
papers, an introduction and a useful species index. The obser-
1962 REVIEWS 207
vations refer mostly to weekend excursions, chiefly over the
lower ground, and there are few blank periods except for the
early 1930’s. The record is a personal account and not intended
for publication, but is nonetheless valuable for reference.
The area under discussion is described in detail, first by
lochs and drainage areas, and secondly by other. ecological
characteristics. This description runs to about five pages, fol-
lowed by six pages giving an account of the general distribu-
tion of birds according to ecological features. The next 22
pages list the birds seen at the different lochs; and the greater
part of the text, 167 pages, gives a detailed account of the
occurrence of each of about 240 bird species. There are five
pages giving an account of migration through the area, and
eight illustrations. Two of these show the principal fight-lines
of birds through the area, and there are five graphs of counts
of Mallard, Tufted Duck and Shelduck, and a map of the
rookeries in the drainage basin of the River Tay.
This is an ambitious document. It is a very considerable
undertaking for one man to record the birds of the greater
part of a Highland county where large areas are sparsely
inhabited and visited comparatively seldom by ornithologists.
To some extent the scope of the work must depend on the
range of the author’s movements, and the activity of his corres-
pondents. Mr Boase states that the moorland areas were
visited less thoroughly than the low ground; and hence the
reader may conclude that he should not attach equal weight
to all the observations, Perhaps some apparent scarcities of
inland birds may be due as much to lack of observation as to
lack of birds. For instance, in birch woodland in Glen Esk in
Angus, Redpolls are common, flocking together in scores or
hundreds in autumn, and it is interesting that they should be
found rather scarce in Perthshire. Similarly Bullfinches are
frequently encountered in Angus and Aberdeenshire, but Mr
Boase has few records for N. and E. Perth. Reed Buntings are
commonly seen in stubble at the moor edge in Angus and
Lower Deeside, but are apparently casual in Perthshire. Like-
wise Snow Buntings are regular winter visitors to the Angus
glens, and one wonders whether they may be more frequent
in N. Perth than the author recorded. Ring Ouzels seem re-
markably scarce in the hills in this area. Only seven records
of Short-eared Owls over such a long period seems extraor-
dinary, and the reviewer ‘has seen this number in N. Perth
In one morning. Similarly Hen Harriers are more widespread
in the hills, especially in winter, than Mr Boase has recorded.
The account is a personal one, and possibly single observations
are given undue prominence; the casual reader should not
conclude from occasional records that Ptarmigan, for example,
are occasional in Perthshire when really they are widespread
208 REVIEWS 2(4)
in suitable habitats every year but rarely seen because of
difficulties of access.
Such comments, however, illustrate the lack of published
information on regional bird distribution in this (or any) part
of Scotland; and Mr Boase has provided a pioneer study on
which others can build. Here is an up-to-date account of all
the relevant literature published, showing us the gaps where
more observations are needed. In summary, 241 species of birds
have been recorded in N. and E. Perthshire. Twenty-seven
species have not been seen since 1900, but these are compen-
sated for by 31 others seen for the first time since then. Eight
species are apparently decreasing, but fifteen are increasing.
Ten species have bred for the first time since 1900, and only
four species, Red-throated Diver, Kite, Osprey, and Red-
necked Phalarope have ceased to breed.
This is a very bald summary of a, great deal of information.
No student of waterfowl in Scotland should overlook Mr
Boase’s contribution. It is a mine of information for visitors
to the area; and we now have a yardstick for documenting
changes in the status of various species. Mr Boase is clearly
a careful observer and a painstaking recorder of his observa-
tions; and the detail given in many cases, particularly with
regard to water birds, stands as a model for reference. He
writes precisely and in a pleasant style that makes easy read-
ing, and it will be a pity if this account cannot find a wider
circulation. There is a great need for studies of this sort to be
deposited at centres where they are easily accessible; and it
is to be hoped that this detailed account will be the forerunner
of others. The Scottish Centre for Ornithology will fill a
valuable function if used as a depot for faunal lists that may
not be suitable for formal publication. All too little information
is available about local distribution of birds in Scotland, and
Mr Boase is to be congratulated on his enterprise and industry;
and Scottish ornithology would greatly profit if we all copied
his example.
DAvIpD JENKINS.
IDENTIFICATION FOR RINGERS No. 2: The genus Phylloscopus.
By Kenneth Williamson. Oxford, British Trust for Or-
nithology, 1962. Pp. 86; 5 plates (one in colour) and line
drawing. Paper cover 7/-, boards 10/6 (post paid).
In the second of his identification-guides Kenneth William-
son has tackled the leaf-warblers, one of the most difficult of
the passerine genera for both the field observer and the
taxonomist. As a skilled practitioner in both departments of
ornithology he has met all the problems with equal zest, and
the result is a pocket masterpiece of concision and clarity.
This is far more than just a condensation of Ticehurst’s classic
1962 REVIEWS 269
monograph of Phylloscopus; it is in fact an important revision
of the genus, as well as a ready aid to identification.
Only ten of the thirty species discussed are on the British
list, but half of the remainder are potential candidates, and
no ambitious bird-watcher can afford to be without this book.
Even those seasoned characters who can hardly bring them-
selves to look at a Yellow-browed Warbler nowadays, may
take a new lease of life when they learn that it could well be
a Two-barred Greenish or even a Blyth’s Crowned Leaf-
warbler instead. And when you know that a Greenish Warbler
does not always have a wing-bar, nor a Bonelli’s a yellow
rump, no humble “Willie” is unworthy of attention.
The layout of the work is essentially the same as that of
the first guide in this series. For each species there are sec-
tions on general appearance and field-characters (including
voice); age-characters; colour of soft parts (t.e. hard parts);
measurements; weight; wing-formula; moult; and a detailed
summary of the distribution (including recent changes where
these are documented). At the end are the tables of measure-
ments, with their means and theoretical ranges. As before,
there are four excellent monochrome illustrations; and there
is also a figure showing the distribution of white on the tail-
feathers of some eastern species.
Several distinct advances on the first guide are to be com-
mended, notably the succinct essays on taxonomics which
precede the individual treatment of the more complex species
and species-groups, and which go far to elucidate their rela-
tionships; and a new key to the bird in the hand, more
complicated but probably less fallible than Ticehurst’s. This
time, the author has consulted specimens from museums
overseas as well as in our national collections; and as a result
the treatment is more complete and the systematic review
has greater authority. The samples used in the tables are
generally much larger, and the ranges consequently more
reliable. (It is interesting to note that the ranges given for
the two sexes of the Willow Warbler are almost exactly the
same as those computed by the late Guy Brownlow from the
Fair Isle data, which made nonsense of the figures quoted in
the Handbook). Another welcome innovation is the splendid
colour-plate of six species, by D. I. M. Wallace.
Robert Gillmor’s design for the cover is uniform with that
of Guide No. 1 except that the beard-coloured panels are now
an appropriate spring green, and the pen-drawing features a
rather portly Willow Warbler on a spray of cherry-blossom.
The production has been excellently done, and I have noticed
only one misprint (a date on p. 38). This is altogether good
value for the money.
P, Ey DAvIs:
270 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(4)
OFFICIAL SECTION
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
REPORT OF COUNCIL
The Council has the honour to submit the following Report for the
past year:
Membership. At the end of the session the total paid-up membership
of the Club had reached the figure of 1,103. During the session, 221 new
members were enrolled while 154 resigned or failed to renew their sub-
scriptions. Joint membership subscriptions rose from 30 to 60. Comparative
figures are shown in the following tables:
31/8/58 = 31/8/59 31/8/60 = 31/8/61 = 31/8/62
Ordinary 738 747 781 852 918
Junior 148 140 141 177 181
Honorary 5 Lalit 7 5 6 4.
897 894 927 1035 1103
wir irre EE Rec ee
Deeds of Covenant. Deeds of Covenant signed by members for their
subscriptions increased from 74 to 130 during the session. The Council
wishes to thank members who signed new Covenants and thereby enabled
the general funds of the Club to benefit by a total of £112, and to commend
this method of subscribing to all members who pay Income Tax at the full
rate.
Council Meetings. Five meetings of Council were held during the ses-
sion.
General Meetings. A full programme of lectures was carried out during
the winter in six Branches. The Council wishes to thank all the lecturers
who gave so freely of their services and also the Branch Officials for
arrangements and hospitality.
Ayr Branch. A new Branch of the Club, under the Chairmanship of R.
Macalpine Ramage, was formed in Ayr at a special meeting held in the
Loudon Hall on 25th April at the request of local members. A number of
new members have been enrolled as a result, and the Council expresses
its good wishes for the future success of the Branch.
Dumfries Branch. The first session of the new Dumfries Branch was
completed very successfully with an encouraging attendance at the winter
meetings. During the year the Branch has more than doubled its original
membership.
Excursions. In addition to the summer excursions arranged by the
Branches, the Club also organised weekend excursions to Dumfries in
February and to Aviemore in May, both of which were well attended.
Conference. The Annual Conference and Annual Dinner were held in
Dunblane when over 200: members and guests attended.
“Scottish Birds.” During the session the Council accepted with great
regret the resignation of Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn as Editor of the
journal, a position he has held for three years since the beginning of
the first volume. The Council wishes to pay tribute to the great work he
has done in establishing the journal and promoting its present high stan-
dard, and to thank him for giving so much of his time and energy to this.
With the beginning of a new volume, the Council appointed A. T. Mac-
millan as Editor, with the assistance of D. G. Andrew and Dr T. C. Smout,
and wishes to congratulate him on keeping up the high standard set by his
1962 OFPICIAL SECTION 271
predecessor. The volume of work entailed in producing a journal of the
standard of “Scottish Birds” is very considerable and the Council ex-
presses its deep gratitude to all the Editors for the service they have
given to the Club on an entirely voluntary basis.
Four numbers of the journal and a special supplement, “A Check List of
the Birds of Tentsmuir, Fife,” were published during the year, together
with an Index to Volume 1.
Scottish Bird Records Committee. The Committee met once during the
session under the Chairmanship of Dr J. W. Campbell; the Review for
1961 is published in “Scottish Birds.” The Council regrets to announce
the resignation of Dr Campbell as Convenor of the Committee and wishes
to record its sincere thanks to him for his work on the Reviews. The
Council has appointed D. G. Andrew to serve in his place.
Club Library. A number of books and journals have been presented to
the Library during the year and the Council records its sincere thanks
to all the donors. The Library Committee met during the year to pre-
pare recommendations for future policy and development of the library.
Profits from the sales of new books through the Book Agency, which
are credited to the Library Fund, have enabled the purchase of both new
and scarce reference books. Important purchases during the session
include both the Old (1791) and the New (1845) Statistical Accounts of
Scotland. The Council urges members to obtain their books through the
Club Book Agency in order that the Library Fund may be built up and
sis essential reference books may be purchased for the Reference
ibrary.
Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection. During the
session the Centre has been widely used by members, visitors from all
parts of Britain, and also by visitors from Australia, America, Canada,
Brazil, Belgium and Malta. A great deal of information has been given
on bird-watching facilities in Scotland, both to visitors and by corres-
pondence. On 27th July members of Council and of the Edinburgh
Branch Committee again entertained a group of 16 American ornitholo-
gists who were visiting Scotland on the second “Birds of Europe” tour
under the leadership of Orville Crowder. Informal meetings and dis-
cussions have been held in the Centre during the winter.
At its meeting in April 1962, the Council considered recommendations
made by the Library Committee that additional office and library accom-
modation should be made available at the Centre, and that there was a
need for further secretarial assistance to meet the increased work in-
volved in running the Club and in developing the Library. As a first
step the Council at that time agreed that the basement electricity should
be rewired, and the House Fabric Fund Accounts for this year reflect
this expenditure. In furtherance of this policy the Council has also de-
cided to utilise part of the surplus for this year by making the provisions
shown in the Revenue Account against these future costs. The Council
feels that these provisions, together with the allocations from next year’s
budget, will enable the Club to continue its development in these two
important spheres.
For the Council, M. F. M. MEIKLEJOHN, President.
TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The twenty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in
the Dunblane Hotel Hydro, Perthshire, on Saturday 27th October 1962,
at 6.15 pm. Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn, President of the Club, pre-
sided over an attendance of about one hundred members.
Apologies: Apologies for absence were received from A. G. S. Bryson,
272 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(4)
Dr J. W. Campbell, R. M. Ramage, Rev. J. M. McWilliam, A. D. Watson
and Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards.
Minutes. The Minutes of the twenty-fifth Annual General Meeting
held in Dunblane on 28th October 1961, were approved and signed.
Report of Council. In presenting the Report of Council for the past
session (see preceding page) the Chairman announced with great regret
the resignation of Arthur Smith as Business Editor of “Scottish Birds”
and thanked him most warmly for the work he had done. He emphasised
that without Mr Smith’s assistance in establishing and maintaining re-
lations with the printer the publication of the journal could not have
been carried out.
The Chairman reported that he had recently presented to the Club
the collection of birds’ eggs made by his father. which he hoped would
be a useful addition to the Scottish Centre for reference purposes. He
also reported that the Council had made recommendations to the British
Ornithologists’ Union that the International Ornithological Congress,
due to be held in Britain in 1966, should take place in Edinburgh and
an invitation had been extended on behalf of the Club to the Congress
Committee.
Accounts. The Accounts for the past session, which had been previously
circulated, were considered and approved.
Election of Auditor. Arthur Walker, C.A., was re-elected Auditor for
the ensuing session.
Amendments to Constitution. Four amendments to the Constitution of
the Club, previously circulated in “Scotish Birds” (2: 221), were approved.
Election of new Members of Council. The meeting approved the elec-
tion of G. H. Acklam and Dr G. M. Dunnet, recommended by the Coun-
cil to replace K. S. Macgregor and Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards who
retired from the Council by rotation, and a sincere vote of thanks was
given to the retiring members for their services to the Club.
Votes of thanks. The Chairman moved a warm vote of thanks to all
the members who were contributing so much to the success of the Con-
ference in the Registration Office, the projectionists, the leaders of ex-
cursions, and to Alasdair Anderson for lending his pictures and sketch
books for exhibition. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks
to the Chairman on the motion of Lt. Col. J. P. Grant, Member of
Council of the Club.
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS YCERE
Revenue Account for the year ended 31st August 1962
Yearto Yeario
31/8/62 31/8/61
INCOME—
Subscriptions received for year . .. £1185 “S 96) gig
Income Tax recovered on covenanted “subscriptions 111,47 2S 62
Income from Endowments sa Se <a RE 91° 2) 6 77
Income from Accumulated Surplus fi a4 ar 39 11 4 37
Sales of Club badges and field lists... ae ae 1116 8 8
Sales of Birds of Aberlady Bay Report sity = 1D Ve Ey 51
£1451 11 3 1347
1962 OFFICIAL SECTION 273
EXPENDITURE—
Hire of lecture halls and equipment... ae aa eoourn 7. 29 74
Lecturers’ expenses te sel? ae ahs ay Sil WA 68
Secretarial services : ee 455) 12-3 394
Postages, telephone, printing and ‘stationery | 204 4 O 168
Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection:
Furniture and pauibient and repairs attributable
to Club fs ae 17 14 O 89
Annual contribution ‘to House Fabric ‘Fund ae 50 0 0 50
Heating and lighting, insurance and cleaning
attributable to Club te 67 13 5 66
Allocation for production and distribution of Scottish
Birds (see Account for details) : 300 0 0 195
Subscriptions to Council for Nature, B.T. ©. R. S PB. B. and
TG.P.Bs : hee 0 5
Net cost of Conference 9 9 10 36
Contribution to Library Fund (see “Account for details) Zor O20 10
Purchase of Club badges and field lists sis 43 0 4 —
Sundry administration expenses - one aS ALN 7 37
Provisions made by Council towards :
Additional secretarial assistance LS0 ORO
Furnishing and equipping basement
at Centre sae 50 GO
Expenses of “Check List of Birds
of Scotland” nt ee 20-070
————— 120 0 O —
EXAG 4 elias ali OZ
Balance carried to Balance Sheet fe ee Teed A: 155
FAAS eae G47,
“Scottish Birds” Account for the year ended 3lst August 1962
Yearto Yearto
31/8/62 31/8/61
Printing and distribution of Vol. 1 Nos. 13 and 14;
Index to Vol. 1, and Vol. 2 Nos. 1 and 2:
Printing ia ae eA te ve me mas £O4/ LOR. 5
Blocks oS Ai ee - ies ie ae ZO,
Postages Le vi ea = a gs ou Wil 5
Sundry expenses ae me ne ee oe 7 MG
461 19 3 398
Less—Advertisement receipts preElOBY S924
Sales to non-members ae oi 84 7
LOZ =I 203
269 2 2 195
Balance carried forward ee ie aK i wee 30 17 10 oa
Amount allotted by Council ane ibe a Pero Or 0 195
Note: The cost of the “Birds of Tentsmuir” supplement was met by a
grant from the Baxter Trust (£91. 9. 5).
274 OFFICIAL SECTION
Library Fund Account for the year ended 3lst August 1962
‘Balance brought forward from previous year
Add—Donations received iz us
Sale of duplicate copies
Contribution from Revenue Account.
Commission on Book Agency
Less—Books and journals purchased
Balance carried forward
2(4)
Yearto Year to
31/8/62 31/8/61
Balance Sheet as at 3lst August 1962
Accumulated Surplus :
At 3lst August 1961 is
Add: Balance for year from Revenue Account
Library Fund :
Balance per Account
Scottish Birds :
Balance per Account
Provisions :
As detailed in Revenue Account
Endowments—the free annual income of which is
available for the advancement of ornithology:
Miss L. J. Rintoul ‘ om 3
Ds Bs Vi Baxter
Cash :
In hands on ‘Secretary. 7)
In Royal Bank of Scotland Current “Account
In Edinburgh Savings Bank ME in
5% Defence Bonds ar
Loan to Renfrew County Conaed
Debts due to Club
Less: Subscriptions paid in advance
Endowment Investments :
£1151 33% War Stock at cost
976 units The ae {ives HEE Fund for Charities
at cost
£31 ORF 34
070520 3
IZMBA3 4
25 S00 10
56 9 10 20
5 edigibe7t
tii agg 40
AAV ZA SS 31
As at Asat
31/8/62 31/8/61
. £1002 19 10
17. Se
1020 5 2
14 2 5
30 17 10
120 0 0
jigs 53
1000 0 0
- 1000 0 0
£3185
cn
on
“0, Os
101 14 10
127 ea
2304
0
£3185 543
ed
848
155
1003
31
1962 OFFICIAL SECTION 275
House Fabric Fund — Summary of Accounts for year to 3lst August 1962
Year to Year to
31/8/62 31/8/61
RECEIPTS—
Balance as at 3lst August 1961 ee Nav? BFE MOUNALSERIZ11 8
Rent from Royal Society for the Protection
of Birds at £100 per annum for year to
llth November 1962 eee 100° 0 0-2 100: 0 0
Rent from Mr and Mrs Waterston! at £100
per annum for year to 11th November 1962 100;-:02°0 . 1001.02.06
Annual Contribution from S.0O.C. Revenue Account 50 0 0 50 0 O
Miscellaneous Interests br DAZ 2 Ane2 11
£324 11 9 £426 14 7
= eee SS SS
EXPENDITURE—
Repairs and maintenance (including cost
of rewiring basement—£6/) A os pee AZ S. £25287 “0
Property Burdens bok a nd re DSO AiO LOD SAS
Insurance ; ae 4% ee e: af 10 411 Za 9
L235 ee, £540)
On deposit with Edinburgh Mutual
& Dunedin Building Society Boe EDLY ako aed
At credit of Account with Messrs
Fraser, Stodart & Ballingall, W.S. 4b OF
——— 86 6 8 7119 7
£324 11 9 £426 14 7
EDINBURGH, 10th October, 1962.—I have audited the foregoing revenue
accounts for the year to 3lst August 1962 and the Balance Sheet as at
that date. I have accepted as correct the subscriptions shown as received
in the Books and certify that in my opinion the foregoing accounts are
correctly stated and sufficiently vouched.
(Signed) ARTHUR WALKER,
Chartered Accountants.
COUNCIL AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE CLUB
FOR SESSION 26
Hon. Presidents: Dr D. A. Bannerman, O.B.E.; Sir Charles G. Connell;
Rev. J. M. McWilliam
President : Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn.
Vice-President : Dr I. D. Pennie.
Hon. Treasurer: Robert Hillcoat, C.A.
Hon. Treasurer of House Fabric Fund: D. G. Andrew.
Secretary and Treasurer : Mrs George Waterston.
Editor of “Scottish Birds” : A. T. Macmillan.
Assistant Editors of “Scottish Birds”: D. G. Andrew, Dr T. C. Smout.
Busimess Editor of “Scottish Birds”: Dr T. C. Smout.
270 OF FICIAL SECTION 2(4)
Council: G. H. Acklam; A. G. S. Bryson; Dr J. W. Campbell; Dr G. M.
Dunnet; Dr W. J Eggeling; Lt. Col. J. P. Grant; Alastair Macdon-
ald; George Waterston; A. D. Watson.
Branch Representatives to Council: William Austin (Dumfries); Miss
M. H. E. Cuninghame (St Andrews); Miss E. A. Garden (Aberdeen) ;
C. E. Palmar (Glasgow); R. M. Ramage (Ayr); J. Hunter Sutherland
(Dundee); Miss Olive Thompson (Edinburgh).
BRANCH OFFICE-BEARERS
Aberdeen : Chairman, Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards; Vice-Chairman,
Alex. Anderson; Secretary, Miss E. A. Garden; Committee, Dr G.
M. Dunnet, Miss F. J. Greig.
Ayr: Chairman, R. M. Ramage; Vice-Chairman, G. A. Richards; Sec-
retary, to be appointed; Committee, Dr M. E. Castle, Mrs A] E.
S. Scorgie.
Dumfries: Chairman, Sir Arthur Duncan; Vice-Chairman, William
Austin; Secretary, H. M. Russell; Committee, E. L. Roberts, R. T.
Smith, A. D. Watson.
Dundee: Chairman, F. D. Graham; Vice-Chairman, J. Hunter Suther-
land; Secretary, Jack Scobie; Committee, J. E. Forrest, A. H. Shep-
herd.
Edinburgh : Chairman, D. G. Andrew; Vice-Chairman, A. T. Macmillan;
Secretary, Miss Olive Thompson; Committee, C. N. L. Cowper, Mrs
E. FE. Paterson, M.]) Hl. Robson; Re Ws. Sath:
Glasgow : Chairman, C. E. Palmar; Vice-Chairman, G. H. Acklam; Sec-
retary, G. L. A. Patrick; Committee, J. M. S. Arnott, Miss K. Calver,
J. Eunson, Miss W. U. Flower.
St Andrews : Chairman, Miss J. McFarlane; Vice-Chairman, Miss Doris
Wilson; Secretary, Miss M. M. Spires; Committee, Miss M. H. E.
Cuninghame, Miss J. V. Black, Julian Holdroyd, F. C. Stead.
SCOTTISH BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
Chairman : D. G. Andrew.
Committee: A. G. S. Bryson, Dr J. W. Campbell, Sir Arthur Duncan, Dr
W. J. Eggeling, A. T. Macmillan, Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn,
Dr I. D. Pennie, Kenneth Williamson, George Waterston, Professor
V. C. Wynne-Edwards.
‘WEEKEND EXCURSION TO DUMFRIES
Arrangements have again been made this year with the County Hotel,
Dumfries, for a weekend excursion to the Solway to see the geese.
Accommodation has been arranged for the weekend 15th to 17th Feb-
ruary 1963, at inclusive terms of £4, 5s per person as follows—bed on
Friday night 15th; breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on Saturday
16th; breakfast and packed lunch on Sunday 17th.
Members wishing to come on this excursion should book direct with
the Manager, The County Hotel, Dumfries (Tel. 146), mentioning that
they are members of the Club; they may also bring guests. Arrangements
for transport by private cars to Dumfries should be made with Branch
Secretaries. It is advisable to bring warm clothing and thermos flasks,
and if possible, gum boots.
Garden Birds
Our Garden Bird equipment is attractive
and strongly made.
Various types of Nesting Boxes from 12/6 each.
Feeding Tables from 30/- each.
FULL DETAILS AND PRICE LIST ON REQUEST.
We can quote for making to your designs.
Our special Rustic Log Tit Nesting Box for delivery
now — 15/- c.w.o. plus 2/- postage.
C. A. MASSIE & CO. Ltd., Dept B,
POO WW ONCYIND). oj cc et ake an es “FALKIRK
London Natural History Society
WHATEVER YOUR INTEREST in natural history, even a beginner,
the Society will welcome you as a member. You are offered a wonder-
ful opportunity of increasing your knowledge. The Society’s area lies
within 20 miles radius of St Paul’s, where most of its activities take
place. The Society consists of sections open to all members without
formality:— Archaeology, Botany, Ecology, Entomology, Geology,
Mammal study, Ornithology, Rambling and Young Naturalist.
WE OFFER YOU Indoor Meetings nearly every week with films,
lectures and discussions.
FIELD MEETINGS led by experts in “good” natural history places.
PUBLICATIONS. The London Naturalist, the Society’s annual re-
port of activities, records of plants and animal life in the London
area. The London Bird Report, annual bird records and papers in
the London area. Also a quarterly Bulletin (2/6d per year post free).
LIBRARY. Large section of books and periodicals housed at Ealing
Central Library.
READING CIRCLES of natural history journals for a small sub-
Scription.
UNIVERSITY LECTURES. University of London, Department of
Extra-Mural Studies have courses to advance certain aspects of
Natural History.
Further details from :—
The General Secretary, Mrs L. M. P. Small,
13 Woodfield Crescent, Ealing W5.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR BIRD-WATCHERS
BOOKS
The Return of the Osprey by Philip Brown and George
Waterston. Tells the full exciting story of the measures
taken by the R.S.P.B. to protect the only pair of
Ospreys breeding in Britain.
Illustrated with photographs. Price 21s post paid.
The Bird Notes Bedside Book. A symposium of some of
the best contributions to the journal Bird Notes, it con-
tains several articles by M. F. M. Meiklejohn including
“Notes on the Hoodwink” etc.
Price 10s, plus ls for postage and packing.
GREETING CARDS IN FULL COLOUR
Box of one dozen cards and envelopes (two each of
Tufted Ducks, Wren, Nuthatch, Green Woodpecker,
Linnet, Turtle Dove—painted exclusively for the
RS: P.B: by C.F funniclifie R::).
Price 10s, plus 1s packing and postage. Please note that
‘the sets cannot be split.
GRAMOPHONE RECORDS OF BIRD SONG
A range of nine records—334 r.p.m.—double-sided—
which reproduce with accuracy and life-like purity the
songs of a wide variety of birds. Each in special jacket
with illustrations of each bird and descriptive notes.
Price 10s 6d each, plus 1s 6d packing and postage.
NEST-BOX
New “dual-purpose” design suitable for either Tits or
Robins and Wagtails. Strong and durable; made of
cedar wood.
Price 10s plus 2s 6d postage.
Write for illustrated price-lists.
THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS
Scottish Office: 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Tie
Illustrated is the Official Club Tie, LS
of which R. W. Forsyth’s are the =) ae .
sole suppliers. The tie is made ey ee
from Terylene with a blue or
green background, and
the bird motif in
silver. 16/9.
Forsyth’s
also provide
warm clothing
for bird watchers:
gloves, scarves, under-
wear, shoes, caps, weath-
€rproot trousers, jerkins,
raincoats and overcoats.
R. W. FORSYTH
R. W. Forsyth Ltd. Princes Street Edinburgh And at Glasgow
THE BIRDS OF THE
BRITISH ISLES - VOL. XI
D. A. BANNERMAN
and GEORGE E. LODGE
Volume XI of this well-known series deals with the
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gulls and kittiwake. Each bird is treated very fully
with details of identification, local distribution, dis-
tribution abroad and breeding habits. Thirty-two
magnificent colour plates by the late George E. Lodge
illustrate the text.
| Oliver & Boyd
63s net
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Ideally suited to bird-watching require-
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Another feature is the wide field of approxi-
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oe a ‘ z a3 109, tue ws, rene
~ 2228 7giSEs Se 8B Ss, aapen
The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Vol. 2 No. 5 Spring 1963
EP iaVern StH I Ly boone ss
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
PPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was founded in 1936 and membership
is open to all interested in Scottish ornithology. Meetings are held
during the winter months in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh,
Glasgow and St Andrews, at which lectures by prominent ornithologists
are given and films exhibited. Excursions are organised in the summer to
places of ornithological interest.
The aims and objects of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the
study of Scottish Ornithology in all its branches; (b) co-ordinate the
efforts of Scottish Ornithologists and encourage co-operation between field
and indoor worker; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland in
co-operation with other organisations; (d) hold meetings at centres to be
arranged at which Lectures are given, films exhibited, and discussions held;
and (e) publish or arrange for the publication of statistics and information
with regard to Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is
25/-; or 7/6 in the case of Members under twenty-one years of age or in
the case of University undergraduates who satisfy the Council of their
status as such at the time at which their subscriptions fall due in any year.
Joint membership is available to married couples at an annual subscription
of 40/-. “Scottish Birds” is issued free to members but Joint members will
receive only one copy between them.
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 and Business Editor of “Scottish Birds”, the Hon. Treasurer
of the House Fabric Fund, one Representative of each Branch Committee
appointed annually by the Branch, and ten other Members of the Club
elected at an Annual General Meeting. Two of the last named retire
annually by rotation and shall not be eligible for re-election for one
year.
A Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by the Council, produce
an annual Report on “Ornithological Changes in Scotland.”
An official tie with small white Crested Tits embroidered on it can be
obtained in dark green or in navy blue by Members only from Messrs R.
W. Forsyth Ltd., Princes Street, Edinburgh, or 5 Renfield Street, Glasgow,
C.2 at a cost of 16s 9d post extra. A small brooch in silver and blue can be
obtained for the use of Members of the Club. Price 2s 6d each from the
Secretary, or from Hon. Branch Secretaries.
Forms of application for Membership, copy of the Club Constitution,
and other literature is obtainable from the Club Secretary, Mrs George
Waterston, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7. (Tel. Waverley 6042).
CLUB-ROOM AND LIBRARY
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7, will
be available to Members during office hours, and on Wednesday évenings
from 7 to 10 p.m. during the winter months. Members may use the Refer-
ence Library and borrow books from the Duplicate Section. Facilities for
making tea or coffee are available at a nominal charge and Members may
bring guests by arrangement. The Aldis 2” x 2” slide projector and screen
can be used for the informal showing ol slides at a charge of 2s 6d per
night to cover the replacement of bulbs.
EDITORIAL ADDRESS
All contributions to A. T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh
e Advertisements to T. C. Smout, 93 Warrender Park Road, IEdin-
yureh .
Take a Trip
to
ICELAND
by
MODERN
VISCOUNT
“A Naturalist’s Paradise.”
More than 200 species of wild
birds have been observed
while 75 species regularly
nest there.
ONLY THREE HOURS DIRECT FROM RENFREW
by ICELANDAIR
DAILY SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER
SPECIAL REDUCED RATES
for GROUP TRAVEL !
Full particulars from
Your Local Travel Agent,
any Office of B.E.A. or
_ @-"ICELANDAIR
Telepone: CITy 3638 33 ST ENOCH SQUARE, GLASGOW, C.l.
SUTHERLAND
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 amenities in so small a
compass.
The B.T.O. Regional Repre-
sentative, who lives in the
village, will be pleased to offer
local advice regarding the as-
tonishing diversity of bird life
in the vicinity and to receive
lists of birds from visitors.
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 brochures,
including birdwatching, will
gladly be forwarded on re-
quest.
Proprietor, T. HEXLEY
A.A. R.A.C. R.S.A.C.
(3 Star)
GARAGE AND
LOCK-UPS AVAILABLE
Highland and Overseas
Field Holidays
Bird-watching and general Natur-
al History holidays in Scotland
and on the Continent, planned for
small groups and run on informal
lines. Special studies of hill birds,
flora and fauna in Cairngorms,
Grampian and Monadhliath ran-
ges; autumn migration Spey area
and Moray Firth.
Overseas visits include Holland,
France, Norway, Sweden, etc. and
special Migration Watch Sept. 1963.
New annexe accommodation at
Pitmain Beag, Kingussie; study
facilities and small library. Day or
weekend visitors welcome as well
as reservations for regular week or
fortnight programme. For details
write to:
Colin Murdoch,
Highland & Overseas Field Holidays
Kingussie, Inverness-shire.
Tel. Kingussie 300
Smali Advertisements
2/6d per line — minimum 7/6d
Enquiries to T. C. Smout, Business
Editor, 93 Warrender Park Road,
Edinburgh 9.
“Bird Sanctuary” Catalogue (6d)
illustrates all types Nestboxes and
Feeding Devices: Dept. S.B.,
Birdcraft, Greenrigg Works,
Woodford Green, Essex.
Suffolk : Hill Cottage, Westleton,
nr. Saxmundham: the perfect centre
for Minsmere, Walberswick marsh-
es, heaths and woodland. Excellent
bird library. Food good. Terms
reasonable. Apply (Miss) M. S.
van Oostveen. Tel. Westleton 245.
Cape Clear Bird Observatory, Co.
Cork, has huge sea passage,. inter-
esting breeding species, rare
migrants. Attractive accommodation
in new house, 30/- per week. Write
Secretary, Old Barn, Sonning Com-
mon, Reading.
SCOT TION, BIRDS a
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 2 No. 5 Spring 1963
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. Smovut. Business Editor, T. C. SmMoutT. Cover Design (Greenshanks)
by LEN FULLERTON. Published quarterly.
Editorial
WHITH every issue of Scottish Birds more people send us
their notes. The list of those whose observations have
been used in Current Notes gives some idea of the number
of contributors, which has now reached the magic figure of
100 for the first time. We have recently commented on some
of the problems created by sight records of rare birds (antea
2: 226). In the December 1962 number of British Birds (55:
557), under the title of “Sight records of unusual birds,” the
editors give a very useful summary of present thinking on
this subject. With more and more people sending in records,
and fewer and fewer of these being published in detail, many
observers are ignorant of the form in which such records
should be submitted, and of the supporting details needed.
While it may perhaps be said that the need to produce convin-
cing descriptions of any unusual birds one sees can detract
from the careless joys of bird-watching, it is only right to
insist on a high degree of certainty before such observations
are published. The statement in British Birds represents
current standards and practice, and we earnestly commend
it to anyone submitting records of unusual birds to Scottish
Birds or to any other serious ornithological journal.
Reviews. With quite a rash of books reviewed in this issue, it
is fitting to say an overdue word of thanks to our reviewers.
Hounded by the editors, they write without material reward,
deprived of even their traditional perquisite of retaining the
books they review; for, to the great benefit of Scottish ornith-
ology, they most generously donate their review copies to
the S.O.C. Library.
“The Whooper Swan in Great Britain.” In Bird Study for Dec-
ember 1962 (9: 217) H. Boyd and S. K. Eltringham record
over 3,100 Whooper Swans in Scotland, England and Wales
in November 1961, and put the total population at probably
under 4,000. Their paper will be of special interest to readers,
since more than 80°, of these birds were in Scotland.
278 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 26)
ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY AND
FIELD STATION REPORT FOR 1962
PREPARED FOR THE OBSERVATORY COMMITTEE
by NANCY J. GORDON, Hon. Secretary
During 1962 the Observatory was manned for 173 days
between 22nd March and 8th November. The number of ob-
server nights was 671.
Both migration seasons were well covered except for the
middle of April, and two small gaps in October. Two special
visits during the breeding season resulted in the ringing of a
large number of nestling seabirds, especially Shags. Observers.
especially ringers, are needed to fill the gaps which nearly
always occur in late October-November, April and the breed-
ing season.
The spring migration was unspectacular but there were
several very heavy falls of birds in autumn, when more birds
were ringed than in the whole of 1961.
The highlight of 1962 was the arrival on 8th October of a
Radde’s Bush Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzii, a new record
for Scotland. Another “first” for the May was a Tawny Pipit*
Anthus campestris trapped on 24th October. The island’s fifth
Rustic Bunting* was caught on 11th September.
A pair of Greater Black-backed Gulls bred for the first time.
and their two young were ringed in August. Several pairs of
Puffins reared young in the Colm’s Hole burrows, the first
proof of breeding away from the West Cliffs.
MIGRATION
Spring
The Observatory opened on 22nd March, and the spring
migration was covered until 4th June except for gaps at 26th-
27th March and 13th-20th April. Very cold weather persisted
into early April, delaying the usual spring migrants, especially
Wheatears, the first of which did not arrive until 7th April.
After this there were considerable periods of fine weather in
anticyclonic conditions, and no large fall of migrants occurred.
March-April. There was little movement until 24th March when
poor visiblity with rain brought in about 30 Blackbirds, 20
Redwings and 16 Song Thrushes. Smaller flocks of these
species continued to arrive in variable weather conditions
until the end of the month, with small numbers of Chaffinches,
*subject to official confirmation
1963 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 219)
Robins, Greenfinches, Skylarks and Pied Wagtails. A Black
Redstart was seen on 5th April and the first Linnets on the
6th when there was some Meadow Pipit movement also.
Strong east winds on the 8th led to the overnight arrival of
over 40 Blackbirds and a few Redwings. A period of westerly
winds followed, with movements of Meadow Pipits only. Ob-
servers reaching the island on 21st April, after south-east
winds and fog, reported a considerable fall of birds, including
Robins (c. 100), Dunnocks (30), Bramblings (20), Chaffinches
(7), Wheatears (20), Blackbirds (8) and Ring Ouzels (3), with
single Redstart, Black Redstart and Goldcrest. Until the wind
veered to south-west on 25th April this movement continued,
and included the arrivals of a Goldfinch and a Cuckoo on the
22nd, an early Wryneck and the first 2 Chiffchaffs on the 23rd,
and a Tree Pipit and Willow Warbler on the 25th. At the end
of the month the weather was fine and warm; despite easterly
winds, there was no visible migration.
May. The next arrivals, mainly of warblers, came with a
period of fog on 5th May and included 30 Willow Warblers,
10 Whitethroats, 20 Wheatears, 7 Sedge Warblers and
4 White Wagtails, as well as a few Redstarts, Blackbirds,
Whinchats and the first Sand Martins. Similar movement
continued for the next three days, with 6 Redpolls arriving
on the 6th. Another influx of warblers occurred on 11th
May and the following day saw the arrival of 2 Redstarts
and a Nightingale (which stayed until the 14th). A few Green-
land Wheatears came in with westerly gales and rain on 16th-
17th, after which warbler movement resumed in modest
amount until the 22nd, with a late Black Redstart on the 18th.
A female Bluethroat was seen on the 25th.
A more unusual fall, but not of birds, occurred on 26th May,
when most of the 150 passengers of the National Trust for
Scotland’s Island Cruise landed from the M.S. Meteor, on a
day when there were no migrant birds on the island.
The south-west winds backed to east with rain and fog on
27th-29th May, bringing more warblers, a few Spotted Fly-
catchers and on the 29th another Bluethroat. West winds
returned on the 30th, but on Ist June a female Red-breasted
Flycatcher arrived, only the second spring occurrence of this
species. After a small influx of warblers on 4th June there
was no further significant migration.
Summer
Observers on the island in July recorded evidence of the
widespread Crossbill irruption; up to 11 birds were present
between 12th and 16th and five of these were ringed. Some
waders (including 8 Whimbrel and 70 Purple Sandpipers), a
Cuckoo, a Sedge Warbler and a Willow Warbler were recorded
during the same period.
280 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 2(5)
Autumn
The Observatory was manned between 28th July and 8th
November with gaps at 7th-14th August, 10th-llth October
and 17th-19th October. Nearly 2,000 birds were ringed between
28th July and 8th November.
August. Weather on the whole was wet and stormy, with
strong west winds. The main feature of the month was the
build-up of the wader migration, heralded by 2 Green Sand-
pipers and 2 Whimbrel on the 3rd. Easterly winds on 14th-15th
brought fails of birds throughout 15th, 16th and 17th August,
with peaks of 20 Pied Flycatchers, 20 Willow Warblers and 7
Garden Warblers, together with a few Whitethroats, Redstarts,
Tree Pipits and Whinchats daily, a single Reed Warbler on
15th and 5 Crossbills on the 16th. Warblers continued to
arrive in small numbers until the end of the month, with the
winds mainly westerly. A Barred Warbler was trapped on
the 18th, Wheatear numbers increased to 40 a day, and there
were arrivals of Pied Flycatchers on the 20th and 31st, with a
few alba wagtails. “Comic” tern passage reached 80 a day by
the 3lst; the highest number of Sandwich Terns was seven.
The daily passage of Swallows did not exceed thirteen.
The main arrival of waders began on the 17th, just before
the wind returned to the east, and this movement continued
until the 21st, with maxima of 35 Redshanks, 105 Purple Sand-
pipers, 112 Curlews, 320 Turnstones, 8 Knots, 2 Whimbrel, a
Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and a Dunlin. A
Spotted Redshank was identified on the 19th, 2 Little Stints
on the 21st, a Ringed Plover on the 24th, a Greenshank on
the 26th and 6 Golden Plover on the 29th. Knots were arriving
on the last three days of the month (70 on the 30th); 9 Dunlin
were seen on the 30th and 4 Ruffs on the 31st.
Manx Shearwaters were noted from the 2lst onward, with
49 on the 30th. Single Arctic and Great Skuas were seen at
this time, and a Red-throated Diver on the 3lst.
September. Rain, east winds and fog from the 3rd to 6th
brought Willow Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Redstarts, White-
throats, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Wheatears and alba
wagtails, as well as a few Golden Plovers and single Green-
shank and Spotted Redshank. Sea-watchers recorded 250
Manx Shearwaters on the 3rd, 11 Sooty Shearwaters on the
5th, and a Great Skua on the 6th. On the 9th the wind backed |
to SE force 7, with rain, bringing small numbers of warblers
and, next day, a large movement of Meadow Pipits. Another
wave of birds arrived with a small depression passing on the
11th; over 77 Wheatears, 5 Whinchats, 12 Whitethroats, 12
Pied Flycatchers, 20 Willow Warblers, 4 Garden Warblers, a
1963. PSE Oh VAY RE OR 281
Barred Warbler and a Rustic Bunting were recorded, as well
as a Green Sandpiper and a Ruff. Numbers dwindled gradually
thereafter, with west winds and few new arrivals after the
12th. Meadow Pipit passage reached a peak of 500 on the 138th,
and there was some hirundine movement during this time
with Swallows reaching 200 and House Martins 250 on the
16th. A Little Gull was seen on the 11th.
Despite north-east winds from 18th-20th September there
were only small arrivals of warblers, but the first Fieldfare
was seen on the 20th, and also an Ortolan Bunting and 2 Lap-
land Buntings. The first Redwings (20) came in on the 25th
with Wheatears, alba wagtails and a few warblers. Heavier
arrivals of these species on 26th-27th brought also Siskins,
Chaffinches, Goldcrests, Redstarits and a Great Spotted Wood-
pecker. The first Brambling was seen on the 29th.
October. The first few days were warm and sunny, with west
winds and consequently little visible migration—only coastal
movement of Meadow Pipits, Swallows, Skylarks and Linnets.
The first Snow Bunting of the autumn arrived on the 3rd,
and the 4th saw the arrival of 300 Redwings with a few
Fieldfares and Bramblings and an offshore passage of terns.
On this date 1,000 Greater Black-backed Gulls were recorded,
and the last Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen. On the 7th
the winds became easterly with fog, heralding the build-up
of a large anticyclone over north Germany; 100 Redwings, 40
Fieldfares, a Red-backed Shrike and a Crossbill came in. The
migrants on the 8th had probably travelled down-wind from
the Continent as they included a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2
Blackcaps, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Whitethroat and the first
record for Scotland of a Radde’s Bush Warbler (which was
watched near the Low Light by four observers, but eluded
capture). The main fall of migrants did not arrive until 10th
October, when the Principal Keeper, Mr Watt, estimated that
during the evening many hundreds of Redwings came in,
together with several hundred Fieldfares and Blackbirds; 5
Bramblings, 2 Snow Buntings, a Blackcap, a Garden War-
bler and a Redpoll were part of this movement. Observers
arriving on the island on the 12th found over 100 Goldcrests,
_ 3 Northern Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Redstarts, 2 Black
Redstarts, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2 Mealy Redpolls and
15 Chaffinches. A Treecreeper (thought to have been of the
Northern race—never certainly recorded from the May—but
unfortunately not trapped), a Crossbill, and 6 Mealy Redpolls,
were recorded on 13th. On the 14th a large passage of Turdidae
was observed between dawn and 12.30 p.m. with over 2,000
Fieldfares, 1,000 Redwings and 100 Blackbirds coming in from
the north and north-east, many passing straight over the
island. Small flocks of Scandinavian and British migrants
282 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 2(5)
continued to arrive during the southerly winds of the next
few days, and there was probably much invisible migration
overhead. Several flocks of Pink-footed Geese were seen at
this time, and also a Slavonian Grebe off the North Ness. On
the 24th the island’s first Tawny Pipit was trapped.
November. Until the Observatory closed on the 8th the May
came within the circulation of a huge low-pressure system off
the west coast of Scotland. This brought south-east winds,
mainly strong, with varying visibility, and resulted in a series
of spectacular falls of Scandinavian migrants, especially
Turdidae. In five days over 700 birds (including 500 Black-
birds) were ringed.
On ist November a Glaucous Gull was recorded, and in poor
visibility on the 2nd 1,000 Blackbirds, 500 Redwings, 100 Field-
fares and 100 Starlings passed through during the day. Fresh
arrivals overnight boosted the Blackbird numbers to at least
2,000 on the 3rd, when the same type of passage included 15
Song Thrushes, 12 Woodcocks and 15 Bramblings. Many birds
departed on the 4th when the weather cleared but 200 more
Starlings came in; movement appeared to be across the island
from the north rather than in from the east and included small
flocks of Greenfinches and Meadow Pipits. Seven Whooper
Swans crossed the island (third record) and a very late House
Martin. After the lull over 4th-5th, the wind returned to the
east and strengthened, and a few Goldcrests, a Ring Ouzel and
a Blackcap on the evening of the 5th were forerunners of a
heavy fall during the night, when thousands of birds were
seen at the lighthouse between midnight and 3 a.m. By dawn
on the 6th arrivals were estimated at 2,000 Blackbirds, 2,500
Starlings, 40 Fieldfares, 50 Redwings, 30 Woodcocks, 300 Gold-
crests, 3 Blackcaps, 14 Bramblings, a Reed Bunting, 2 very
late Redstarts, a Yellowhammer, 4 Robins and a Water Rail
(3 next day). Most of the Turdidae had left by dusk, but by
dawn on the ‘7th, this time in fog, came further arrivals of
at least 4,000 Blackbirds, 2,000 Starlings, 1,000 each of Red-
wings and Fieldfares and more than 150 Woodcocks (four of
which were trapped, one being recovered a month later in
Tipperary). Other arrivals were 20 Bramblings, 15 Chaffinches,
45 Robins, 6 Blackcaps, 60 Skylarks, 26 Snow Buntings, a
Long-eared Owl and a Great Grey Shrike (both trapped). By
mid-day on 8th November the movement appeared to have
finished, although 3 Short-eared Owls and a Yellowhammer
were new arrivals, and Skylarks were passing; only a few
hundred birds remained on the island, with fight west winds
blowing.
1963
ISLE? OF MAY REPORT
283
UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES
Red-throated Diver :
Slavonian Grebe :
Storm Petrel :
Canada Goose :
Whooper Swan :
Woodcock :
Spotted Redshank :
Little Stint :
Ruff :
Little Gull :
Woodpigeon :
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Wryneck :
Redstart :
Nightingale :
Biuethroat (Red-spotted) :
Radde’s Bush Warbler :
Red-breasted Flycatcher :
Tawny Pipit :
Great Grey Shrike :
Red-backed Shrike :
Crossbill :
Rustic Bunting :
Reed Bunting :
Single birds on 3lst August, 6th and 10th
September. Only seven previous records.
One on 13th October. Fifth record.
One on 28th April. Third spring record.
One on Ist May. Third record.
mover passing on 4th November. Third rec-
ord.
One on 3lst August, the first August record.
Over 150 on 7th November, an unusually
high number.
Single birds on 19th August and 5th Septem-
ber. Reported in only three previous years,
none before 1958.
Two on 22nd August. Recorded in enly six
other years.
Four on 3lst August, one on 11th September.
Recorded in only seven other years, mostly
single birds.
One on 10th September. Fifth record.
Large flocks passing over from south to
north on 16th December. No similar record.
: One on 26th-30th September, two to four
each dav 12th-16th October (Northern race),
one 20th-25th October. Recorded in only
five previous years, and always single birds
except in 1949.
nee on 23rd-25th April. Earliest spring rec-
ord.
Two on 6th November. A very late date.
One on 12th-14th May. Seventh occurrence.
One each on 25th and 29th May. Latest
spring record.
One on 8th October. First Scottish record.
One on Ist-2nd June. Second spring record.
One on 24th-25th October. First record.
One on 7th, and two seen between 8th and
25th November by the Principal Keeper.
Latest autumn occurrences.
One on 7th October. Latest autumn record.
Between 9 and 11 daily, 11th-17th July, 5 on
16th August, and single birds on 7th and
13th October. Reported in only eight pre-
vious years.
One on 11th-15th September. Fifth record.
One on 3rd September. Earliest autumn rec-
ord.
BREEDING POPULATION
A pair of Blackbirds nested for the first time since 1952.
284 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 2(5)
Three young were raised in one of the engine-house out-build-
ings and were ringed on 15th July. A pair of Swallows raised
two broods in the Logan’s Road Hut. Again only a single pair
of Pied Wagtails nested—unsuccessfully. Either 5 or 6 pairs
of Wheatears bred, and probably 4 pairs of Meadow Pipits. A
pay - Linnets began to build but did not persist, and left the
island.
About 12 pairs of Oystercatchers were present in the breed-
ing season and at least 8 pairs nested, although few young
were reared. A pair of Shelduck probably nested on the North
Plateau but the nest was not found. For the first time there
was proof of successful breeding of Puffins away from the
cliffs. Eight of the numerous burrows at Colm’s Hole are
known to have contained eggs and at least two young hatched.
The Kittiwake colony at East Tarbet increased from 34 nests
to 39, and hatching success was good. About 10 pairs of Ful-
mars hatched young and most of these were reared success-
fully. No estimate was possible of the huge numbers of nesting
Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. In 1962 these were
joined by a pair of Greater Black-backed Gulls which pro-
vided the first breeding record of this species. Two young
Were ringed at the South Ness on 4th August.
RINGING AND RECOVERIES
2,737 birds were ringed in 1962, over a thousand more than
in recent years, the highest total since 1951, and the third
highest ever. The increase was due partly to the large num-
bers of seabird nestlings ringed, including 230 Shags and 77
Lesser Black-backed Gulls (both the highest ever), and partly
to the record total of 678 Blackbirds. A new species for the
ringing list was a Tawny Pipit, and nestlings ringed for the
first time were Puffin (2) and Greater Black-backed Gull (2).
Other record totals were obtained for Herring Gull (232),
Starling (170), Rock Pipit (111), Fieldfare (32), Puffin (24)
and Woodcock (8). Equal highest totals were Pied Flycatcher
(59) and Swallow (10); second highest totals were Redwing
(112), Dunnock (39), Crossbill (5) and Great Spotted Wood-
pecker (4). Low totals were those for Whitethroat (81), Gold-
crest (13), Linnet (2) and Greenfinch (1).
The only interesting retrap was a Wren ringed on 5th April
1962 and retrapped on 24th October 1962. This is the first
proof of a Wren returning to winter on the island in two suc-
cessive years.
The most interesting of the recoveries are listed below:
1963 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 285
Ringed Recovered
Kestrel F.G.2 20.9.57. ca. 20.4.62 Cstfold, Norway.
Woodcock Ee Ge 7.162 8.12.62 Tipperary, Eire.
Guillemot Juv. 14.7.62 21.11.62 Oslofjord, Norway.
Song Thrush F.G. 4.10.59 16,2,62 Minho, Portugal.
Song Thrush E.G. 31.358 22.10.62 Belfast.
Blackbird Ad.d 8.4.60 29.12.61 Aarhus, Denmark.
Blackbird F.G.d 8.4.60 24.62 Tejn, Bornholm, Denmark.
Blackbird Ist S.d 8.4.62 21.10.62 Sunnfjord, Norway.
Blackbird Ge Lo OZ, E5s12'62 Darvel, Ayrshire.
Whitethroat Ad.@ 5.5.61 18.9.62 Manche, France.
Meadow Pipit Juv 2.8.62 19.10.62 Landes, France.
Starling .G. 8.11.54 Autumn 759 Attmor, Sweden.
Chaffinch F.G.¢ 2.10.59 16.10.61 Lokeren, Belgium.
In addition, a Blackbird ringed as a lst W.9 on 10.11.59 at
Shoreham, Sussex, was recovered on the May during the
Blackbird rush on 6.11.62. A Herring Gull and a Greater
Black-backed Gull ringed on the May in 1954 were caught
and released in the autumn of 1962 on a fishing boat near the
island. :
MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS
The population of rabbits on the island was higher than in
1961, despite the activities of the Principal Keeper, who with
the aid of two ferrets caught about 1,000 during the year.
No appreciable change occurred in grey seal numbers. In
February two seals marked as pups the previous autumn were
caught and released by Keeper Manson. A single pup was
born at Pilgrims Haven on 16th November (three weeks
later than the one in 1961); it took to sea on 8th December.
A small bat, presumably a pipistrelle, was seen on 13th
October. Only occasionally, and in summer, have bats been
reported previously.
Mr G. Russell of the Port Erin Marine Biological Station
spent a fortnight on the island in July 1961 studying marine
algae, and published a full report of this survey in the 1962
golume of the Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edin-
urgh.
A working party from Broughton School, organised by the
Conservation Corps of the Council for Nature, visited the
island in April, carying out repairs to the Bain Trap, erecting
artificial cover, and doing other small tasks. In October.
thanks largely to the efforts of Principal Keeper Watt, a new
catching box, similar to those used at Spurn, was fitted to a
renewed Low Trap funnel, and showed its value in the Novem-
ber rush of birds.
Only a few minor repairs were necessary to the Low Light;
the main improvement was the installing of a calor gas stove
which proved a most successful innovation.
Apart from the visit in May of the M.S. Meteor on the
286 ISLE -OF MAY REPORT 2(5)
National Trust for Scotland’s Islands Cruise, and excursions
led by the S.O.C. and the Kirkcaldy Naturalists Society, there
were relatively few day visitors to the May because of the
bad weather most of the summer. The visit of the Migration
Research Officer and the Chairman of the Bird Observatories
Committee in October coincided, appropriately enough, with
the arrival of the Radde’s Bush Warbler.
ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERN COLONIES
IN THE FORTH AND NEIGHBOURING AREAS
G. L. SANDEMAN
Introduction
This paper details known breeding records of Roseate and
Sandwich Terns in the Forth and the neighbouring terneries
at Tentsmuir and on the Farne Islands, particularly since
1930. The Farnes are treated as a single area although the
terns have nested on various islands, but the Forth sites are
dealt with individually. It should be borne in mind that dur-
ing the 1914-18 war such places as Inchkeith, Cramond Island,
Inchmickery, Inchcolm and Inchgarvie were fortified and
occupied, and therefore had no breeding terns, Data for the
1939-45 war are given in the tables. The older records are
considered below, and those for approximately the last thirty
years in the tables which follow.
OLDER RECORDS
Roseate Tern—before 1932.
In the nineteenth century there were only two breeding
sites of the Roseate Tern known in the region. On the Isle of
May, Jardine found the species in considerable abundance
in the 1820’s, but Booth found the colony deserted on the
next fully documented visit in 1880. On the Farnes, Selby
found it breeding on two islands in 1857, but only two to four
pairs nested there between 1873 and 1930, except in 1914 when
seven pairs bred—which Bolam in 1932 considered the highest
total for half a century. In 1927 two pairs bred at Tentsmuir,
and in 1931 Baxter and Rintoul reported finding one pair
breeding with Common Terns “in the Forth area.” Although
the Carr Craig may not have been visited, it seems likely that,
until the build-up documented in the table, the Roseate Tern,
though once well established, had been a very scarce breeding
bird in the north-east of Britain for at least half a century,
and perhaps for twenty-five years before that.
Sandwich Tern—before 1930.
The information available about breeding colonies of Sand-
1963 ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERNS 287
wich Terns in the Forth and adjacent areas before the 1930’s
is much more complex. On the Isle of May this species was
reported breeding in the 1820’s and again in the 1840’s, but
the island was then deserted until 1926, when one egg was
found; Sandwich Terns nested again in 1927 and in 1929, with
“a good many” in the latter year. Off the East Lothian coast,
Jardine and Gray both refer to breeding in the 1840’s, on the
Bass Rock and on islets off North Berwick and Dunbar; in
1871 Gray stated that these sites were deserted, but writing
again in 1875 he reported limited numbers still breeding off
North Berwick; there was no further record from here until
1921, when they returned to nest on the Lamb annually until
1927, and made several attempts to nest on Eyebroughty until
1929 despite repeated robbing, On Inchmickery a few were
reported breeding in 1875 and again in 1881; there was only
one egg in 1887, and by 1905 their attempts to nest were
described as periodic; nothing further was heard until] 1924,
when a colony re-established itself and continued uninterrup-
ted into the 1930’s. At Tentsmuir, what was apparently the
first breeding record was in 1906, when 130 pairs nested;
numbers thereafter fluctuated violently at this locality, large-
ly according to the incidence of egg-collecting—120 pairs in
1907, one pair in 1912, none in 1913-14, 350 pairs in 1915, 300
pairs in 1916, none in 1917-20, one pair in 1921, some without
success in 1922, 400 pairs in 1923; their favourite site was
then spoiled by afforestation and only four pairs bred in 1924;
in 1927 some 500 pairs bred on another site, and there were
eight pairs in 1928, but none again from 1929 to 1932. On the
_ Farnes, Selby in 1831 said that great numbers used to breed
but had of late years been driven out by disturbance, and had
colonised Coquet Island off Amble; in 1833 he implied that
they were back on the Farnes again, but by 1857 he was
describing the colony as a thing of the past; in 1885 there
were 60-72 pairs there, next year 300 pairs, and in 1897 over
100 pairs. There were no further reports until 1925, when two
fair-sized colonies set up on the islands; Sandwich Terns have
nested there ever since.
As far as records go back, therefore, there is evidence of
different localities suddenly colonised and as_ suddenly
abandoned. Though this species does not ever appear to have
become anything like so scarce over the whole region as the
Roseate Tern, it is very possible that the desertion of the
great Farnes colony between about 1850 and 1925 led to the
total numbers of Sandwich Terns being markedly lower than
in the first half of the nineteenth century. Certainly the 1925
recolonisation of the Farnes led eventually to a very much
larger population in the region than anything we have evid-
ence for over the previous 75 years.
288 ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERNS 2(5)
NUMBER OF BREEDING PAIRS
FORTH AND NEIGHBOURING
Isle Eye- Inch- Inch-
Year of May Lamb Fidra _broughty mickery garvie
1932 Few Us ? ? 6 ?
1933 Few Z ? ? 6/12 ?
1934 Few ? ? ? 12/15 ?
1935 5 2 ? ie ? ?
1936 2/3 10 ig ? B ?
1937 0 if ? ig 20+ ?
1938 172 ? ? @ ? ?
1939 O(a) ? R ? O(a) ?
1940 0 ? ? ? 0 ?
1941 0 ? ? ? 0 ?
1942 0 ? ? ? 0 ?
1943 0 ? ? P 0 ?
1944 8 ? ? ? 0 5
1945 0 ? ? ? 0 ?
1946 15/20(£) is 7 ? 0 ?
1947 8 ? P P 0 ?
1948 22 ? ? ? > >
1949 . 0 ? ? ? ? ?
1950 0 ; 80+ ? ?
1951 4 0 ? 20/30(c) 30/40 70
1952 0 °0 ? O(c) 4 450/500
1953 3 0 50 0 125 100(d)
1954 3 20 50 0 200 0
1955 4/5 ?0 10 0 300 20
1956 1 20 ? 0 250+ (e) 0
1957 0 0 ? 0 400(£) 0
1958 0 0 10+ 0 400(g¢) 20
1959 0 0 5 0 450 °0
1960 0 0 5 0 450 ?0
1961 0 0 5 0 450 20
1962 0 0 5 0 450 0
1963 ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERNS 289
OF ROSEATE TERNS IN
AREAS, 1932 - 62
Carr Inch-
Craig colm Farnes Notes
20 ? : Other sites. One pair bred Tentsmuir
100 ? ? 1936, and 18 pairs 1956, but no other
B > > year. Two pairs may have bred Stack,
: é west of Inchcolm, 1951. None known
20 > 6 to breed since 1932 on the Bass, Craig-
leith, Inchkeith, Cramond Island, or
20+ ? ? the Cow and Calves.
25 ? ?
? ? ? Abbreviations
° 20(a) 12/15 B—Bred, not necessarily successfully,
> 20 12/13 but no information on numbers.
> 5 fii 0—None bred (confirmed).
> 20 ?O0—Presumed nil, from general know-
: : Few ledge of situation.
? 20 Few ?2—Breeding not certain.
? 20 Few ?—No information.
? 20 Few
> 0 Hew Totals. It must be realised that many
: ; figures are approximations.
75/100 ?0 Few
150/200 ?0 14 Eaotnotes
200/250 20 23
(a) Island fortified and/or occupied
50/75. 20 32 by services.
0(b) 0 29/33 (b) Ground fouled and vegetation
5 dead; Herring Gulls _nesting—
Gere 20 31 fouling began 1949.
70 20 98 (c) Suspected rats sucking eggs.
20 20(c) 45 (d) Desertion probably caused by rats
sucking eggs.
O(b) O 70/85
©) ; (e) Disturbance by pet dog _ which
20 20 61/76 allowed gulls to get at eggs.
20 O(f) 66/76 (f) Services personnel removed.
20 20 42/52 (g) Original site fouled and unused;
0 0 33/44 fouling began 1954, and colony be-
gan to spread to new area.
Bo 38 (h) Figure will be published in due
0 0 94 course.
0 0 (h)
290 ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERNS 2(5)
NUMBER OF BREEDING PAIRS
FORTH AND NEIGHBOURING
Isle Eye- Inch- Inch- Carr
Year of May Fidra broughty mickery garvie Craig
1930 50 ? 0 P is P
1931 50(j) ? 0 B ? ?
1932 Fewer e ? e172 ? 172
1933 100 ? ? el7Z ? 0
1934 10 ? F 33 ? Few
1935 Hi3t r ? ig ? 175
1936 + ? 2 B 5 Many
1937 0 P P 100 ig 2
1938 Some P ? ? ? 189
1939 O(a) ? ? ?0(a) ? ?
1940 15 ? ? 20 ? ?
1941 ? ? 2 20 ? 2
1942 25/30 ip ? 20 2 ?
1943 25/30 ? ? a0) ? ?
1944 140/150 i ie ?0 ? "
1945 0 ? ? °0 ig ?
1946 1400/1500 1 B fae) ? ?
1947 (86R) ? ? 0 ? 30/50
1948 (434k) P ig 20 ? 150+
1949 §(192R) P ? 20 ? 150+
1950 600 2 Some (b) 20 ? 100+
1951 500 ? 0 0 0 O(c)
1952 25 B 0 0 100 20
1953 100— 100 ?0 100 12(d) ?0
1954 100/150 200: 20 70+ 0 ?0
1955 190 200+ 20 50 20 O(c)
1956 iZ— 5 20 B(e) 0 ?0
1957 0 ? 70 ~— 400(£) ?0 20
1958 0 ? 20 450+ ?0 0
1959 0 70 0 630+ 0 0
1960 0 fy 0 300+ 0 0
1961 0 300+ 0 350+ 0 0
1962 0 520+ 0 600+ 0 0
1963
ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERNS
OF SANDWICH TERNS IN
AREAS, 1930 - 62
Inch- Tents-
colm muir Farnes
? 0 Increase
? 0 1500/2000
? 0 2000
P= ~ 100: or —
1000 (k) 3 oi
oi
? ans, co 2
<tae Sohn!
? + D on
» SB 88
f oe S
= a)
° == 2 E
70S 2
= 7 NS
?0(a) “S 2000
to FE “ae SE
BO eee 2 9
0 SS Bae
eo ee
. ui
20 0 Cais
?0 0 65
?0 B 130
?0 Few 120
?0 0 300
20 0 410
?0) 0 368
20 9) 965
?0 22 1100+
?0 20 1250+
?0 9 958
ZOGI Yio svel 960.
0 ieee Se 0
?0 48 1975/2485
OCF) 24.20 800/1000
°0 20 540/600
0 ? =: 1248/1340
0 Ee MIAAVVAWKar
0 me 91505/2005
0 ? (h)
Notes
Other sites. 1/2 probably bred on
Stack, west of Inchcolm, in 1951. 20 bred
at Cult Ness, Rosyth, in 1955. Since
1930 breeding has not been recorded on
the Bass, Craigleith, the Lamb, Inch-
keith, Cramond Island, or the Cow and
Calves.
Abbreviations,
B—Bred, not necessarily successfully,
but no information on numbers.
R—Number of chicks ringed.
0—None bred (confirmed).
?0—Presumed nil, from general know-
ledge of situation.
?2—Breeding not certain.
?—No_ information.
Totals. It must be realised that many
figures are approximations.
Footnotes
(a) Island fortified and/or occupied by
Services.
(b) Attempted to breed, but robbed.
(c) Ground fouled and vegetation dead;
Herring Gulls nesting—fouling be-
gan 1949.
(d) Desertion probably caused by rats
sucking egs.
(e) Deserted, probably as a result of
disturbance by pet dog letting gulls
PEt AL TeEses:
(f) Services personnel removed.
(z) Forced to leave before eggs hatched
in 1942 by artillery gunfire.
(h) Figures will be published in due
course.
(;) Total from comparison of Rintoul &
Baxter 1935 with Eggeling 1960.
(k) Baxter & Rintoul refer to 100 pairs;
Grierson to 1000. It has proved im-
possible to reconcile these figures.
In answer to enquiries Mr Grierson
says that his figure was based on
information obtained locally since
the 1939-45 war.
291
292 ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERNS 2(5)
RECENT RECORDS
The tables which appear on the preceding four pages give in
summary form all information which it has been possible to
gather on the numbers of Roseate and Sandwich Terns breed-
ing in the Forth and neighbouring areas since the early 1930’s.
CONCLUSIONS
Roseate Tern, Since the end of the 1939-45 war, and possibly
earlier, there has been a single large colony in the central
Forth area; at first on the Carr Craig until 1950 when the site
had become fouled and devoid of vegetation; next on Inch-
garvie until driven away by rats in 1953; and since then on
Inchmickery. It can be seen that when conditions have re-
mained suitable for them the birds have been very faithful
to their breeding islands. It is now very difficult to arrive at
an accurate count of the Roseate Terns in the large mixed
ternery on Inchmickery—where there are also big numbers
of Common and Sandwich, and some Arctic Terns—but it is
hard to come to any other conclusion than that, since at least
1952, there has been a fairly steady breeding population in
central Forth of some 400 to 500 pairs of Roseate Terns. From
1946 to 1962 some 3,500 nestlings of this species have been
ringed in the Forth, with a maximum of just over 400 in any
one year. This summary, it should be noted, accounts for
virtually the whole population of Roseate Terns on the east
coast of Britain. It is perhaps worth observing also that, al-
though terns may have been driven from the Isle of May by
big numbers of the larger gulls breeding there, these gulls
do not appear to have had any effect on the total population
of Roseate Terns in the Forth.
Sandwich Tern. Whereas, in the area considered in this paper,
the Roseate Tern has its headquarters in the Forth, the
majority of Sandwich Terns breed on the Farne Islands. It
is not possible to sum up the situation so neatly as with the
Roseate Tern, but taking the long view it might be said that
the normal population of Sandwich Terns for the Farne
Islands, the Forth and Tentsmuir over the past thirty years
has been about 2,000 breeding pairs. It is most interesting to
note how during this period the total population has tended
to fall between 1,500 and 2,500 pairs. As with the Roseate
Tern, it can be seen that total numbers in the Forth have
been well maintained in spite of increased numbers of the
larger gulls breeding there.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Much of the recent detail in the tables has not previously
been published, but is based on my own observations and on
information generously supplied by other observers—notably
1963 ROSEATE AND SANDWICH TERNS 293
W. Auld, A. G. S. Bryson, Dr W. J. Eggeling, L. Fullerton,
Mrs G. Hickling, K. S. Macgregor, J. H. B. Munro, R. Seath,
R. W. J. Smith, and G. Waterston. I am grateful also to the
editors of Scottish Birds for much assistance in framing this
paper.
REFERENCES
BaxTER, E. V. & RINTOUL, L. J. 1953. The birds of Scotland. Edinburgh and London.
CAMPBELL, B. 1947. Field notes on the breeding of the Roseate Tern (Sterna d.
dougalliti Mont.) in Scotland. The North Western Naturalist 1947: 174.
EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London.
GRIERSON, J. 1962. A check-list of the birds of Tentsmuir, Fife. Scot. Birds 2: 113.
MyYLne, C. K. 1962. Roseate Terns breeding on the mainland of Fife in 1956‘ Scot.
Birds 2: 239.
Rintouu, L. J. & BAxTER, E. V. 1955. A vertebrate fauna of Forth. Edinburgh and
London.
Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and New-
castle upon Tyne. 1952 et seq.
Watt, G. 1951. The Farne Islands. London.
Watt, G. 1952. Ornithological report on the Farne Islands for 1951. Newcastle upon
Tyne.
MIGRANTS AT ST KILDA IN 1962
W. E. WATERS
Introduction
This paper covers migration at St Kilda between 19th
March and 5th September 1962. I was off the island for only
two weeks, and during this period from 25th July until 8th
August records were kept by A. Tewnion. Several observa-
tions were contributed by Malcolm Smith, the Nature Con-
servancy warden, and in June by Dr J. Morton Boyd. The
spring migration is discussed in some detail, as prior to the
armed forces occupying Hirta little was known about this
period—particularly the earlier part. The early autumn
migration in 1962 followed much the same pattern as in the
previous year (Waters 1962); and the spring passage is com-
pared with my autumn impressions. Village Glen was
searched twice daily during both spring and autumn pas-
sages, and the rest of Hirta was covered as time and weather
permitted.
SPRING MIGRATION
Late March saw a considerable movement of Redwings and
Blackbirds, and both species continued to pass in some num-
bers until the second week of April. Other March migrants
were Lapwings (up to 16), Meadow Pipits and single Wood-
cock, Purple Sandpiper, Skylark and Robin.
In general the spring of 1962 produced more sustained
migration than either autumn. New arrivals were suspected
294 MIGRANES APE sie KiepA 2(5)
on almost every day throughout April and May and during
the first three days in June. This is in marked contrast to the
autumn, when days or even a week passed with no evidence
of bird movement. Of the four commonest migrants at St
Kilda, the Golden Plover alone showed a decrease compared
with the previous autumn’s numbers, whereas the Wheatear,
and to a lesser extent the Meadow Pipit and White Wagtail,
had a heavier spring passage. From a study of 1957 and 1958
records this heavier spring passage of most species has been
noted (Eggeling 1959). The most interesting exception in
the spring of 1962 was that Merlin passage was no stronger
than in the previous autumn. Redwings, presumably mainly
birds of the Icelandic race coburni, seem to have an equally
strong passage at both seasons. The existence of Lapwing
and Blackbird passage in late March and early April has not
been recorded, although observations at this time of year
are scanty. Of the other waders, Ringed Plover, Snipe and
Curlew passed in roughly the same numbers, Whimbrel,
Redshank and Dunlin had a heavier spring passage, Turn-
stone and Sanderling a weaker passage, all compared with
the previous autumn.
There was a considerable goose passage, with both Grey
Lag and Barnacle feeding on the Cambir, which was covered
with numerous goose droppings. Each of three large skeins
flying NW past the island was seen between mid-day and
1800 hours, which may indicate an origin in Ireland. On
these occasions the wind was twice from the south and once
NE. As well as the geese noted in the systematic list, grey
geese were seen as follows: 45 on 14th; 11 on 27th; 12 on
29th; 20 on 30th April; and a skein of 50 seen from a vessel
on Ist May was flying NW between Hirta and Boreray, a few
hundred feet above the sea. This observation may indicate
that because of the great height of the islands’ cliffs geese
may fly around St Kilda rather than over it, and hence re-
main unseen by an observer watching from Village Glen.
Some visible migration of passerines was observed. Meadow
Pipits and White Wagtails were seen arriving in the late
morning or early afternoon on several calm days in April
and May. They appeared from a SSE direction, coming in
across Village Bay from a line with Gob an Duin and making
landfall between Point of Coll and Geo Mor at the easterly
side of Village Glen. Some Wheatears also appeared to make
landfall here though none was actually seen arriving. All
three species then moved slowly westwards across the glen
in the next few hours, either along the boulder beach and
backing erosion scarp or along the line of the perimeter wall.
With the Meadow Pipits and White Wagtails this movement
was followed by watching birds ringed near the Manse or
at the eastern extremity of the boulder beach, Few ringed
295
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1963 MIGRANTS AT ST. KILDA 297
birds were to be seen anywhere in the Glen 24 hours after
ringing. In the autumn of 1962, however, one of three White
Wagtails ringed was seen four days later and another a week
after ringing. This agrees with my general impression
that migrants pass through quicker in the spring than in the
autumn.
During the spring passage the arrival of migrants was less
dependent on the direction of the wind than in the autumns.
Icelandic migrants in particular were noticed during both
easterly and strong westerly winds. On 23rd May the wind
was NW force 6; visibility was good but the wind was strong
enough to hold up several birds probably heading for Iceland,
ineluding a Great Northern Diver, a Tufted Duck, two
Whooper Swans, and some passerines.
Almost all the spring migrants had passed by the end of
the first few days in June, but it was then that the rarities
started—a Red-headed Bunting arriving on 7th, a Buff-
breasted Sandpiper recorded on 15th, and a female Rock
Thrush two days later. A Grey-headed Wagtail on 2nd July
completed this unusual group of vagrants.
SEA WATCHES
Sea-watching from the islands and headlands of Britain
is becoming a popular occupation among ornithologists. Little
sea-bird movement seems to pass close to St Kilda. I watched
from several places and found the most satisfactory was on
the sheep track encircling Oiseval about 100 feet above the
sea and looking out towards Levenish. Several hours were
spent in 1961 and in 1962, mainly in August and September,
watching from this point with 10x50 binoculars. Excluding
the common local sea-birds, the only movement detected was
of Manx Shearwaters passing SW about two miles offshore.
The highest number was 19 in 40 minutes on 12th September
1961; and though some movement was usually to be seen it
was much less than this. The possibility of these being local
breeding birds is thought unlikely as they were only observed
in ge our and all were flying in the same direction—
to the :
SPECIES LIST
The following list includes all migrants seen between 19th March and
5th September 1962. All records are for Hirta.
Great Northern Diver. One on 23rd May and 10th June.
Mallard. A drake on 7th July.
Teal. A pair on 28th April; one on 18th May and one on 18th Aur
Wigeon. Two on 25th May.
Tufted Duck. A drake on 23rd and 24th May.
298 MIGRANTS -AT ST KILDA 2(5)
Scaup. Two drakes on 3lst May, one remaining until 10th june, The
only previous record was in May 1957.
Red-breasted Merganser. Single drakes, 24th to 26th May, Ist and 4th
to 7th June.
Grey Lag Goose. 12 on 28th April; up to four on four dates in May, and
a single bird seen occasionally until 28th June.
Pink-footed Goose. 12 on 14th April. Many of the “grey” geese were
probably of this species.
Barnacle Goose. 27 on 27th and 41 on 28th April, both flocks grazing on
the Cambir.
Whooper Swan. 13 on 11th and 12th April; two on 23rd and 5 on 28th
May; two on 17th and 18th June. There are no previous June records.
Peregrine. Recorded on seven dates between 22nd March and 9th July
but breeding was not suspected, although Soay and Boreray were not
visited.
Merlin. Single bird on seven dates between 13th April and 13th May.
Kestrel. One on 20th, 21st and 28th April, 6th May and 17th and 18th
June.
Corncrake. One seen on 4th and 8th May.
Lapwing. Passage in late March with 16 on 22nd, and in April until 29th.
An immature bird on 23rd June and seven on 12th, five on 15th and
one on 17th July.
Ringed Plover. Up to three between 8th May and 10th June. Autumn
passage started with four on 21st July and up to seven in late August.
Golden Plover. Spring passage between 2nd and 28th April with maximum
of 31 on 16th; one on 13th June. Return passage started with four on
22nd Aug, the first flock being 16 on 5th September.
Turnstone. Spring passage peaked at 19 on 5th April and continued into
first week of May with occasional birds until 14th June. Autumn pas-
sage Started with 3 on 7th August; 30 or more on 26th.
Snipe. Movements difficult to detect because of wintering and breeding
birds but there was an increase from mid April until the end of the
first week in May.
Woodcock. Single birds on 25th March and 27th May.
Curlew. Single birds on 28th April, 10th and 18th May and between 8th
and 15th July. Four on 27th August, then one or two on several days
until 5th September.
Whimbrel. The usual well marked spring passage occurred between 28th
April and 23rd June with maximum of about ten on 17th May. The only
autumn notice was of one on 2nd September.
Redshank. Up to three on many days between 12th April, the earliest St
Kilda record, and 30th May. Rather less numerous on autumn passage
but five seen on 21st July.
Knot. None in spring, when this species is rare. Passage from 24th July,
with flock of 15 from 2ist August and a dozen still on the island when
ert.
Purple Sandpiper. One on 25th March; two on Ist, 3rd and 21st April.
Dunlin. Spring passage began with one on 3rd May, and peaked with 13
the following day. Recorded in each month to September but rather
less common on return passage with maximum of eight on 2lst July.
1963 MIGRANTS AT. ST: KILDA 299
Sanderling. One on 3rd June; eight on 21st July, and main autumn pas-
sage with up to eight from 20th August until I left.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Dr J. Morton Boyd and Malcolm Smith had
excellent views of one on Gob Na H-Airde on 15th June. This record
has been accepted by the Rarity Records Committee of “British Birds”
and is a new species for St Kilda.
Ruff. Two juveniles on 17th August, one remaining until 22nd; another
bird on ist September.
Common Gull. Recorded fairly regularly between 2nd May and 24th July,
with maximum of five on 15th July.
Little oul One immature on rocks below the Manse on 15th May. First
record.
Black-headed Gull. A rather more regular visitor than the Common
Gull; seen between 2nd April and 1st September, with maximum of 5
on 26th August.
Woodpigeon. One on 5th June. It is interesting that ringed racing pigeons
are much more frequent than the Woodpigeon, at least half a dozen
being seen in the summer of 1962.
Swift. Three on lst and four on 5th May are the earliest St Kilda rec-
ords. One or two seen on seven dates to 23rd July.
Skylark. One on 21st March and one or two on five dates in April.
Swallow. One on 15th and two on 16th April are the earliest St Kilda
records. Up to three were seen on many dates until 17th July.
House Martin. One to three seen between 2nd and 18th June.
Rook. One in exhausted condition during NW gale on Ist April.
Jackdaw. One from 14th to 16th April and 7th to 13th May. The only
two previous records were both in December.
Rock Thrush. A female was seen on the Glen Mor side of the Mullach
Bi ridge on 17th June. This record is under consideration by the Rarity
Records Committee.
Fieldfare. One on 2nd April.
Song Thrush. One seen on 19th, 21st and 24th April is the only spring
record this century.
Redwing. The small wintering population had increased to about 40 on
19th March and 60 on 25th. The main passage occurred during the first
half of April with a peak of about 80 on 12th. Four were seen on 3rd
May but thereafter only occasional single birds until 17th June.
Blackbird. Marked passage in late March and early April with up to
eight in a day, mostly males. One late male on 26th May.
Wheatear. First recorded on 14th April, but main passage during the
second half of May and first week in June. During this period up to
60 were seen in Village Glen and about 200 were estimated on Hirta
on 27th May. As usual, the return passage was much less marked,
migrant birds being noticed from 16th August, and 20 was the maximum
seen in Village Glen.
Black Redstart. A female on 14th May at the foot of Oiseval. Second rec-
ord.
Robin. One between 28th March and 5th April was trapped and found
to be of the Continental race “E. r. rubecula.” Single unringed Robins
were seen on 13th and 21st April. There are only two other spring
records,
Sedge Warbler. One on 30th April—the earliest for St Kilda.
Garden Warbler. One on 12th June in irises near Tobar Childa.
Willow Warbler. One or two between 28th April and 3rd May; two on
300 MIGRANTS AT ST KILDA 2(5)
10th May; one on 13th August. Usually this species is more numerous
in autumn than in spring.
Meadow Pipit. First record on 21st March, with ten the following day.
Main passage from 27th April to 3rd June, with up to 80 in Village
Glen. Return passage first noticed on 12th August, with up to 30 birds
seen in Village Glen in early September, and the Hirta total estimated
at 200 on 2nd.
White Wastail. Nine on 25th April increased to about 40, all in Village
Glen, by 28th. Passage continued less strongly throughout May, and
two remained until 2nd June. One White Wagtail with a lame right
leg remained around Village Glen from the end of May at least until
5th September. Return passage started with three on 8th August; 12
was the maximum seen in any day. A single Pied Wagtail was seen
on 17th, 21st 24th and 27th June.
Grey-headed Wagiail. A male on 2nd and 3rd July is the fourth record
for “M. f. thunbergi” although the British race of the Yellow Wastail
“M. f. flavissima”’ has yet to be recorded at St Kilda. This bird was
remarkably wary, taking cover in the beds of irises, and rising well
before approached, when its flight note, similar to that of “M. f.
flavissima” but shriller and higher in pitch, drew attention to the bird.
The dark head with darker, almost black, ear coverts, the absence of
an eye-Stripe, and yellow underparts extending to meet the dark head
were all clearly seen on two separate occasions.
Crossbill. Flock of about 25 feeding in Glen Mor on 8th July; a flock of
about 30 flew westwards over Village Glen on the evening of the follow-
ing day and probably joined the first flock as about 50 were seen on
17th. Last recorded on 4th August.
Chaffinch. A male on 5th April; a female on 14th and 15th.
Red-headed Bunting. A male in fine plumage but showing less red on the
face than the plate in “The Handbook” was first seen on 7th June. The
bird was also seen by several members of the National Trust for Scot-
land camping party and by Dr J. Morton Boyd, and has been accepted
by the Rarity Records Committee. There is a previous record in May
1957 (Williamson and Boyd). The bird was tame at first but soon be-
came more wary. It remained in Village Glen until 3rd July. A bird in
similar plumage was seen on 25th August and was probably the same
individual.
Reed Bunting. A female in Village Glen on 28th May. Second record.
Lapland Bunting. A very tame one on Gob Na H-Airde and one on
Mullach Geal on 2nd September.
Snow Bunting. Four on 7th and one on 8th April.
House Sparrow. A female among the breeding Tree Sparrows on 5th,
6th and 8th May, 2nd, 3rd and 15th July and 14th August.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am indebted to Dr J. Morton Boyd, A. Tewnion and M.
Smith for their observations and to the Nature Conservancy
for access to their St Kilda records.
REFERENCES
EGGELING, W. J. 1959. Migrants at St Kilda in 1957 and 1958. Scot. Birds 1: 56.
WATERS, W. E. 1962. Autumn migration at St Kilda in 1961. Scot. Birds 2: 66.
WILLIAMSON, K. & BoyD, J. M 1960. St Kilda Summer. London.
WITHERBY, H. F. et al. 1941. The Handbook of British Birds. London.
1963 DUNBLANE CONFERENCE, 1962 301
IMPRESSIONS OF THE FIFTEENTH S.O.C.
CONFERENCE, DUNBLANE, 1962
To be pointing the car north out of England for the first
time in 1962 was good: to be heading in a standard direction
for Dunblane and our second S8S.O.C. weekend, was even better.
Friday 26th October was a beautiful day, with geese etched
against clear blue skies a common sight throughout lowland
Scotland. Several members found Loch Ken on their north-
ward route, no better spot to brush off the dust of London,
Manchester, or even the bureaucratic centre of British ornith-
ology, and get their spirits set on the correct $.O.C. level.
seriously, it is not possible to attend the conference weekend
with any doubts as to the enjoyment and pleasure it will give
to all participants.
From the first cheery hallo, the 1962 conference was con-
vivial ornithology at its best. At a time when world peace was
balanced on a nervous button, the immediate and cheerful
coexistence of members, speakers and guests in the bar of the
Dunblane Hydro showed what a well-loved common interest
could achieve. On the first evening, the ballroom, turned lec-
ture hall (but strangely equipped with a tinkling form of
ceniral heating), soon filled to hear and see unofficial contri-
butions by members—curtain raisers to the main events of
the next two days. The conference office was, as usual, more
of an exhibition than a registration desk. Notable among the
exhibits were an advance copy of Dr D. A. Bannerman’s pen-
ultimate volume of his monumental Birds of the British Isles,
and a pleasing selection of J. A. Anderson’s paintings and
sketches.
_ On Saturday the 29th, after a short address of welcome by
the Provost of Dunblane, we began serious listening. Dr K. H.
Voous opened the truly international conference with a review
of the geographical distribution and species formation of birds
of prey, illustrated alternately with distribution maps from
his own Atlas and pictures of the species under discussion.
Dr Voous pointed to relationships in habitat preference and
morphology, some expected and some surprising, and clearly
nobody who listened failed to be impressed by his skill in
talking clearly and simply on a complex subject. Questions
from the floor showed that many members were disciplined
to look for more than mere resemblance or dissemblance in
discussing speciation, but Dr Voous was never tripped, re-
ceiving well-deserved applause at the end of a much appre-
ciated lecture.
After the coffee break we came face to face with Heinz
302 DUNBLANE CONFERENCE, 1962 2(5)
Sielmann and the magic of his camera. One had heard that his
films of Peru and the Galapagos, though made after others,
were good, but the opening shots of cloud-spilling cliffs shoul-
dering the Humboldt Current away from the Andes showed
that they were no less than remarkable documents. We saw
a world area where nothing bridges success and failure but
death or successful evolution to a highly adapted life. Heinz
Sielmann’s colour films showed us the incredible sea-fow] isle
of Chincha (the sequence of a dying cormorant watching
condors waiting out its last moments would have roused even
the Observer’s film critic!) and much of the Galapagos avi-
fauna. Spontaneous applause punctuated each film, but it was
clear that, incredible as the Woodpecker Finch’s grub-tickling
was, it was the bugling yet tender courtship of the albatrosses
which won everybody’s heart: our mollymauks could do with
some instruction! One cannot grant anything less than the
highest praise to Herr Sielmann’s patience and talents.
The afternoon excursions were made under the continual
threat (and occasional arrival) of large rain, but most people
saw grey geese, including a flock of 2,000 Grey Lags in the
middle of Flanders Moss, while other species encountered
were Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Black Grouse, and Crossbill.
In the evening, following the Annual General Meeting, we
sat down to a dinner full of good fare, both edible and audible.
The speeches varied from the rebellious to the serious, with
Dr R. Carrick at one point suggesting to the “management” of
Scottish ornithology that emus should run with cattle
in Galloway, and Dr Voous wishing us an eruption from
Rothiemurchus not of Ospreys but of Crested Tits. Some sang
later.
On Sunday the 30th the morning began with Dr Carrick
talking about the Royal Penguin; his lecture, like those of the
day before, was to widen our horizons from ducks and waders.
It was illustrated by a colour film which included an amazing
sequence of a mile-long waddle of thousands of penguins from
surf to rookery. After this fascinating glimpse of the far
South, we were brought home to Europe by the famous “Wood-
peckers” film; and “Wild Scotland,” a rather surprising pro-
duct of Dr Beeching’s, which included the only sequence of
wild cat known to us. All too soon, however, the morning came
to an end, and with it, the conference. It had been a great
success, and the thanks of every attending member are due
to the organisers. Well done again!
Tan (D. I. M.) and Karin WALLACE.
1963 INVERNESS CONFERENCE, 1962 303
NORTHERN COUNTIES CONFERENCE,
INVERNESS, 1962
The conference, which was attended by over thirty mem-
bers, was held in the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, during the
weekend from 30th November to 2nd December 1962. The
success of this new venture was undoubtedly due to the efforts
of the Secretary, Mrs George Waterston, and the Chairman,
Dr Ian D. Pennie. Special thanks are due to Inverness mem-
bers for their assistance. Mr Matheson and Mr Fasham, Devel-
opment Officers for Inverness-shire and Sutherland respec-
tively, were welcome guests.
Three exceptionally interesting papers were read on Satur-
day morning. Dr G. M. Dunnet referred to the techniques used
in ringing and marking Fulmars in his study of the species
on Eynhallow. In addition he had set up a fascinating exhibit,
illustrated by maps, diagrams and graphs, showing various
aspects of the investigation and some results so far obtained.
The Eider was the subject of Harry Milne’s talk. In his study
of the species on the Ythan Estuary he has discovered that the
mortality rate of ducklings reaches the startling figure of 95°%.
The main cause of destruction has not yet been traced, but it
is known that gulls account for many deaths. Mr Milne’s
statement that in his opinion the live chicks appeared healthier
than the dead ones was greeted with some hilarity. Derek
Mills spoke about the Goosander and the Red-breasted Mer-
ganser and their relation to salmon fisheries. Figures showing
their consumption of salmon fry indicate that their presence
in any numbers on salmon rivers may be damaging. After a
pleasant afternoon excursion, at which the famous and enig-
matic Inverness white gull was on display and examined
critically, members reassembled after tea and David Wilson
gave a short talk on the aims and enquiries of the B.T.O.
Opening the discussion which followed the first two lectures
on Sunday morning Lt.-Col. J. P. Grant said that they were
the finest he had ever heard in one morning and that they
came down to the bedrock of our Highland problems. These
papers were Dr Pennie’s “Highland birds—past, present and
future” and Dr W. J. Eggeling’s “The work and aims of the
Nature Conservancy in north Scotland.’ Dr Pennie referred
to the denudation of the Highlands caused by burning and
sheep grazing, whereby the indigenous pine forests have been
lost and the birch woods are likely to follow. In the last 100
years in the County of Sutherland 22 species of birds had
either been lost or had decreased alarmingly due to human
activities. Islands in lochs showed how rich the Highland
vegetation could be, and he suggested fencing areas by the
shores of lochs so as to encourage the natural regeneration of
304 INVERNESS CONFERENCE, 1962 2(5)
the plant life. The speaker also suggested that much good
work could be done by bird-watchers in the north Highlands,
in tracing the changes in bird species and populations which
accompany changes in land use—particularly the change to
afforestation. He also suggested that the S.O.C. might profit-
ably undertake an enquiry into the distribution of the Ptar-
migan in Scotland. The success of the Osprey operation, the
handing over of Handa as a nature reserve, and the increasing
interest taken in wildlife by the tourist, are only a few ex-
amples which indicate a new outlook towards conservation.
The prime step taken in conservation, however, has been the
setting up of the Nature Conservancy. Dr Eggeling gave a full
and lucid account of the establishment and management of
nature reserves and, in particular, referred to the reserves
and proposed sites situated in the northern counties. Roy
Dennis concluded the morning’s session with an entertaining
talk on the encouragement of rare breeding species, in which
he put forward some excellent ideas for attracting these
visitors on a wider scale.
One of the outstanding features of a most enjoyable con-
ference was the setting aside of the evenings for informal
discussion. Among some of the more interesting subjects dis-
cussed were the publication of local bird bulletins and the
setting up of S.O.C. Branches in remoter areas.
D. MACDONALD.
SHORT NOTES
AUTUMN MOVEMENTS OF SHEARWATERS, SKUAS, AND
OTHER SEA-BIRDS IN NORTH SUTHERLAND AND
EASTER ROSS
These notes have been provided because of the dearth of
published records of shearwaters and skuas in Sutherland.
A Manx Shearwater seen by me off Farr Point, North Suther-
land, on 8th July 1961 is the first for the county, if we except
the vague statement of Harvie-Brown and Macpherson in A
fauna of the North-West Highlands and Skye, and few Great
Skuas have been recorded. While staying on Island Roan from
8rd August to 13th September 1962, however, I saw both
these species and Sooty Shearwaters commonly.
Westward passage of shearwaters was recorded on more
than half the days during this period, but it was best in early
August, and with high winds with a westerly component, rain
and poor visibility. Peak counts of Manx Shearwaters were
on 10th, 12th and 25th August, with 52, 150 and 80 per half-
hour respectively, and there was a Great Shearwater with
them on the 10th. Sooty Shearwaters were more erratic and
numbers bore little relation to those of Manx—thus, in 45
1963 SHORT NOTES 305
minutes on 5th August there were 10 Sooties to 38 Manx, but
after six on 10th and 12th they were seen on only five dates
between 24th August and 9th September, and never more than
three in one day. On two of these days there was no visible
passage of Manx, and this was thought to be because the
Sooties passed closer inshore on calmer days.
Island Roan may well be within the feeding range of skuas
breeding in Orkney. All the Arctic Skuas seen were in August
—single birds on five dates to the 31st, three on the 5th, and
two on the 20th—the last few days of August seeing the dis-
persal of the local colonies of Kittiwakes. Great Skuas were
passing both ways until 19th August, with up to eight in a
day, though 70% were flying west. After this date all seen
were flying west, in gradually lessening numbers, the change
coinciding fairly well with the sighting on the 24th of the
first juvenile. This may therefore have been post-breeding
dispersal from the Orkney colonies.
2 Ian R. DOWNHILL.
The table which follows gives details of the numbers and
direction of movement of shearwaters and skuas, and some
other sea-birds, seen by us off Tarbat Ness, Easter Ross, dur-
ing September 1962.
Period of Manx Great Pomarine Arctic
Date watch Shearwater Skua Skua Skua
15th 1100-1300 8SE, 4NW 1SW 1SE jv
16th 1145-1345 1SE, 23NW 2SE
1600-1700 3NW adt+1SE
17th 1400-1700 INW 35 2ad+2jvSE
Strong N to NW winds; heavy passage of Gannets, Kittiwakes,
Fulmars and auks, with counts during the watch of Sooty Shear-
waters (2ZNW), Fulmars (1,000*+ NW) and auks (173NW).
18th 0630-0700 1NW ad+2jvNW
1030-1200 6NW
1500-1700 IN'W 1S 1jvNW
This was the day of heaviest auk passage (320NW).
19th 1130-1200 No movement Seen.
1515-1700 3SE, 84NW ljvNW, thenSE adNW
Includes flock of 61 Manx Shearwaters close inshore.
20th 1130-1230 adt 3jvSE
1400-1630 3NW ad+2jvSE
ad+2jvNW
21st No movement seen during day.
22nd 0915-1030 1SW 3jvSE
Davip SHEPHERD, NIGEL SIMPSON.
(These interesting notes provide, so far as we can trace, the
first published records of Manx Shearwater for North Suther-
land, East Ross, and Moray Basin; Great Shearwater for North
Sutherland, and North Coast; Sooty Shearwater for North
Sutherland, East Ross, and Moray Basin; Pomarine Skua for
306 SHORT NOTES 2(5)
East Ross; and Great Skua for North Sutherland, and East
Ross. In his recent paper (antea 2: 182) Dr Pennie hints at
records of Great Skuas in North Sutherland, but these have
not been published.—ED.).
SURF SCOTER IN ORKNEY
On the forenoon of 21st October 1962, in good light, along
with Miss E. R. Bullard and Mr and Mrs S. Luke, I observed
a drake Surf Scoter in full plumage at Echnaloch Bay, Burray.
It was with a group of Velvet Scoters and appeared to be of
identical size, but the profile of the head was different, more
closely resembling that of the Hider. Its massive bill of bright
red, yellow and white, the square white patch across the fore-
head, the triangular white patch on the back of the head and
neck with the apex pointing downwards, and the bright
reddish-orange legs, contrast strikingly with the rest of the
glossy black plumage, and combine to make this rather
strange looking duck unmistakable.
Most of the bird books state that the Surf Scoter is more
often seen in Orkney waters than elsewhere in the British
Isles, but it does not appear to have been reported in Orkney
during the past 40 years at least.
EK. BALFOUR.
SNOW AND ROSS’S GEESE IN SCOTLAND, AND THE
PROBLEM OF ESCAPES
We have been sent records by several contributors, referring
to two, or perhaps three, white geese in southern Scotland,
which were suspected by independent observers to be Ross’s
Geese. Details are given below, together with the main
reasons why we do not feel able to accept this tentative iden-
tification without reserve.
Irrespective of their specific identification, the occurrence
of these birds raises once again the vexed question of escapes
of white geese of all kinds in this country. We asked the
Wildfowl Trust about this, and received the following impor-
tant comments from Hugh Boyd:
“Free-flying Snow Geese in Britain. From the informa-
tion available to the Wildfowl Trust it appears likely that
free-flying individuals of Lesser Snow and Greater Snow
Geese are escaping from collections in widely scattered
parts of the country with increasing frequency. The market
is saturated, so that breeders are taking little care to pinion
birds or to make sure that those left unpinioned are feather-
cut after each wing-moult.
“The majority of escapes are likely to be Lesser Snows
of the white phase, which are the most widely kept and
1963 SHORT NOTES 307
breed most readily. Blue Snows are rather less common and
Greater Snows much less. The most likely sources at present
are in south-east England, though at least three Scottish
collections include free-flying Snows. The Wildfowl Trust
ee full-winged Lesser, Greater and Ross’s Snows at Slim-
bridge.
“Ross’s Geese are still scarce and high-valued, but three
full-winged birds are known to have escaped in 1961—two
together from Slimbridge and another from a collection in
Dunbartonshire. The exact dates of departure have not been
recorded.”
Two conclusions seem inescapable, Firstly, even if the birds
were to be accepted as Ross’s Geese, the possibility that they
originated in captivity in this country cannot be discounted.
Secondly, since so many more appear to be straying from
captivity than was thought, it is difficult to regard the grow-
ing number of Scottish records of any race or colour of Snow
Geese in recent years as any better than “probable escapes.”
This does not, of course, preclude the interesting probability
that, despite their apparently domestic origins, Scottish Snow
Geese seen in company with Pink-footed Geese fly north with
them each spring and return each winter. Apart from the bird
at Cobbinshaw mentioned below we know of no records of
any of these extremely conspicuous white geese being seen
in Scotland in summer, and there have been repeated instances
of Snow Geese seen flying in or arriving with flocks of Pink-
feet. It seems that we are faced with the interesting phen-
omenon of a “feral” bird successfully undertaking regular
annual movements over hundreds of miles of open sea. Such
a thing is perhaps not without precedent, for the breeding of
a pair of Barnacle Geese in north Sweden in 1952 may well
have originated with the escape of a flock of hand reared birds
from a collection at Tayport, Fife, in March 1948; ringing
recoveries proved that some at least of the Tayport birds
went to the north of Scandinavia that month, and that some
reappeared on the Tay during the following winter (per Dr J.
Berry). We would, in any case, urgently request readers to
continue to send us records of white geese as before, with the
fullest possible particulars, to enable us to keep track of new
developments and to try to establish conclusive proof of
either summering or long-distance movements.
Two small white geese were seen at White Loch, Castle
Kennedy, Wigtownshire, on 14th November 1961 (A. F. Airey),
and near Dunragit on 2nd January 1962 (A. D. Watson). Both
observers commented that the birds were appreciably smaller
than the Grey Lag Geese with which they were seen; they
kept together as a pair, and one bird was a little larger. than
the other (ADW). The same two birds were said to have been
in the area since at least the third week in October, and were
308 SHORT NOTES 2(5)
reported near Bridge of Dee, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 6th
January, and again on lst February, and thereafter seen sev-
eral times in company with Grey Lags by many people until
the 18th; it was now confirmed that both were ringed, the
larger on the right leg, the smaller on the left, which in-
creases the probability that they were escapes, although it is
known that large numbers of white geese, especially Lesser
Snow Geese, have been ringed in the wild in North America.
ADW has sent very full notes on these birds, giving the
following grounds for thinking that they may have been
Ross’s Geese: firstly, their bills were very small, hardly more
than half the size of those of the associated Grey Lags, arid
very similar in size and shape to the bill of a solitary Pink-
footed Goose also available for comparison; secondly, the bills
were pinkish-red with a grey patch at the base of the upper
mandible, the nail not noticeably pale, and there was little
or no sign of a dark cutting edge; thirdly, the necks were
rather short, and the heads had a high-crowned, rather
rounded appearance. On the other hand, though geese can be
very variable in size, ADW considered them “presumably too
large’ for Ross’s Geese; even making allowances for a white
bird appearing large among dark associates. he considered that
they might be as big as a small Pinkfoot. Hugh Boyd tells us
that a Ross’s Goose should appear smaller than that; he was
also able to find at least one Lesser Snow Goose in the collec-
tion at Slimbridge with a dark blue-grey nail and a little of
the same colour on the bill. The possibility of a hybrid Ross’s
x Lesser Snow Goose, as ADW himself suggested, cannot be
ruled out; such birds have certainly been raised in captivity,
though only in America so far as is known.
A third bird, or perhaps one of the Solway pair, was seen
at Cobbinshaw Reservoir, Lanarkshire and Midlothian, on 17th
June 1962 (R. W. J. Smith). It was fairly tame, and provision-
ally identified as an escaped Ross’s Goose, although the ob-
server had not heard of this suggestion in relation to the other
birds. The notes on this bird also refer to a very short bill
(about half the length from base of bill to back of head), and
to a very high forehead. While it did not give the impression
of a very small goose, it appeared to be rather smalier than
a Pinkfoct. Apart from the absence of any goose for a direct
comparison of size, the only objection to the identity of this
bird is that the bill, though short and stubby, gave an im-
pression of being “stout,” which is not the impression that
Ross’s Goose should convey.
We do not feel confident of giving a specific label to any of
these birds, but in view of the problems raised by them we
would be glad to have the fullest details of bill shape and
colour of any further white geese seen in Scotland.
: EDITORS.
1963 SHORT NOTES 309
WOOD SANDPIPERS BREEDING IN SUTHERLAND
Breeding of the Wood Sandpiper in Sutherland was first
recorded in 1959, when an adult was heard mobbing on 18th
July and two flying young birds were seen subsequently
(antea 1: 150). In 1960 in this locality a pair of adults was
“chipping”’ and song flighting on 8th June, and a downy chick
two or three days old was found. In 1961 a single adult was
flushed from the breeding bog on 26th May, but no further
search was made, to avoid disturbing a probably sitting mate;
later a juvenile was seen on 14th July. In 1962 both adults were
mobbing persistently on 7th June, and generally behaving as
if young had hatched. Two days later a single adult was
seen by a loch about 12 miles away, but it was not seen again
and was evidently not breeding.
On Ist July 1961 IRD was mobbed by a Wood Sandpiper
in a marsh near a stream in another locality, but no sand-
pipers were seen when we both returned on the 8th. In 1962
IDP clearly heard a Wood Sandpiper “chipping” in the same
place on 12th June, and IRD was mobbed by a single bird
on Ist August. It then spiralled up high, “chipping” contin-
uously, before shooting down, hanging into the wind with
wings angled, head raised, and feet slightly lowered. It then
flew several times “chipping” at a passing Peregrine, before
plummeting into the marsh, where it sat silent on a tree stump
for 20 minutes, Fifty yards away a juvenile with down on
the nape was located. After allowing approach to within 15
feet it flew unsteadily, revealing incompletely developed pri-
maries. A second juvenile was flushed within a few yards.
The comparative lateness of this brood suggests either a re-
placement clutch or a young pair breeding for the first time.
Tan R. DOWNHILL, Ian D. PENNIE.
COLLARED DOVES BREEDING IN LEWIS
On 17th October 1962 I received a summons to the office
of the Procurator Fiscal in Stornoway. My anxious fears were
allayed when he pointed from the window to a sycamore tree
in which there was a nest some 20 feet away. It contained two
almost fully fledged Collared Doves. There was no sign of
the parents, but the description was sufficient to satisfy me
that this was the first nest of the Collared Dove in the Outer
Hebrides, and the furthest west so far recorded. I had heard
the bird calling from the same neighbourhood a week earlier.
Early in November I again visited the area, and found the two
young birds perched head to tail in a nearby tree only a foot
or two above my head, no more than a little anxious at my
proximity. The white and black feathers on the underside of
the tail were easily seen, and on one bird the black collar was
beginning to show through the juvenile plumage.
310 SHORT NOTES 2(5)
Since 2nd June 1960, when I first came across the Collared
Dove in Lewis (antea 1: 379), its numbers have increased and
it has extended its range to include farms on the outskirts of
Stornoway, so that breeding was suspected although not
hitherto proved.
W.A. J. CunnincHAM.
TREE SPARROWS BREEDING ON ST KILDA
Tree Sparrows re-established breeding colonies in Shet-
land and Fair Isle in 1961 (Fair Isle Bird Observatory
Bulletin 4: 190), and in 1962 they returned to breed again
on St Kilda. The last eye-witness account of breeding-stock
I can trace is that of the Duchess of Bedford in 1914, although
Baxter and Rintoul (The Birds of Scotland) describe the Tree
Sparrow as common around the houses in 1930. Only a single
bird was seen in 1931. The House Sparrow was not respon-
sible for this extinction as it had not then been recorded from
St Kilda. Recently migrant parties of Tree Sparrows have
been regular in May for at least the past five years.
In 1962 six Tree Sparrows were seen on 28th April, increas-
ing to 16 by the 30th and at least 29 by 5th May. This flock
kept together for about two weeks but then gradually broke
up, and Tree Sparrows were seen all over the Village Glen.
On 27th June three nests were located in holes in the old
storehouse; two had eggs and one contained young. On 3rd
July another nest, with four eggs, was located. The nests
were lined with feathers and Soay wool. The first fledged
young were seen on 4th July, so that these birds were breed-
ing about a month earlier than those at Fair Isle in 1961.
Other pairs were suspected of breeding at Geo Mor, along
the Lady Grange Wall, an old haunt, and along the old main
street, but as on Fair Isle several non-breeders were also sus-
pected. Numbers decreased in late August, and only a few
remained when I left on 5th September. There was no
evidence of second broods.
The Tree Sparrows seemed to have an adverse effect on roe
number of Twite. In 1961 about ten pairs of Twite were
breeding in Village Glen, and up to a dozen birds were seen
in the spring of 1962, but these decreased in early June, after
which I could find only one pair that seemed to be breeding.
This was near Glacan Conachair, about 400 feet above sea
level and well away from the Tree Sparrows. Only occasional
Twite were seen elsewhere on Hirta until mid August, when
several family parties appeared, perhaps on migration or
reared elsewhere in the archipelago. Williamson and Boyd (St
Kilda Summer) point out that there may be considerable
fluctuations in Twite numbers, as with Wheatears and
Meadow Pipits; but it is interesting that while the Tree
1963 SHORT NOTES 311
Sparrows declined on St Kilda in the early years of this
century, the Twite probably increased during this period. it
may be that these species compete for the same food supply
and that St Kilda cannot support large populations of both.
W. E. WATERS.
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers : G. H. Acklam, R. W. Adamson, A. F. Airey,
A. Anderson, D. G. Andrew, J. M. S. Arnott, W. Austin, J. Ballantyne,
De Banks, Miss P. G. Baxter, J. A. Begg; A. Black, G. W. G. Boag,
Eeeboase Miss Ki Ms GCalver, A. Campbell, S. J.-Clarke, R. C._Con-
nolly. D- B. Cowie, H. G. Cree, W. A. J. Cunningham, R. H. Dennis;
D. Dewar, G. Dick, Sir A. B. Duncan, M. Dunn, Dr G. M. Dunnet,
Dr W. J. Eggeling, Sir R. Erskine-Hill, J. Faulkner. H. Ford. M.
Forrester, G. H. Forester, K. Goodchild, A. G. Gordon, J. Gunn,
I. Henderson, M. J. Henderson, Lt.-Col. W. M. Logan Home, J. A.
D2 Hope, A. Inglis, Rev. G. T. Jamieson, W. M. Kerr, Miss H.
Knight, D. G. Long, Dr A. Lyall, S. J. McCulloch, A. Macdonald
(AM), D. Macdonald, Mrs M. K. Macduff-Duncan. G. McKnight,
I. Maclean, A. T. Macmillan, Dr P. McMorran, D. K. Mardon, F.
Marr, Miss M. M. Mathisen, Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn, T. D.
H. Merrie, A. Munro (AMu), J. Murray, W. Murray, G. L. A. Pat-
rick, Mrs U. Pennell, Dr I. D. Pennie, Major W. B. A. Phillips,
J: Potter, CG. A. Pountain, A. Pringle, W. Pryde; Mrs I. Rainier,
R. M. Ramage, G. A. Richards, W. K. Richmond, E. L. Roberts,
Miss Me Reyne, i. G. Sharp, A’ Smith, Re Wo J. Smith,-Dr ©. GC.
Smout, D. Stalker, D. M. Stark, W. Stein, R. Stokoe, J. H. Swan,
Deere vie mart .e hait, 1. M. Gumball Ly A: Urquhart, Rev. Eo i:
Vernon, G. Waterston, Mrs M. I. Waterston, Dr A. Watson, Dr R. S.
Mice Nici. a). obs Me Wihipp,.bs Pe.” Willis, W: Wiper, J. G.
Young, B. Zonfrillo.
Unless otherwise stated, January dates refer to 1963 and all others to
1962).
Distribution
This section excludes observations made before 1st July
1962, except in amplification of current information; earlier
records are given in another section.
Relatively little is heard now about large numbers of birds
killed on misty nights at Scottish lighthouses, and it therefore
seems worth recording the death of at least 124—that being
the number of corpses found below the light—on the night
of 23rd/24th October at the Rhinns of Islay lighthouse. It was
very misty, with no wind, and everything dripping wet, and
the beams of light pierced the darkness like the lights of a
car in fog—typical conditions for a wreck of birds. Over the
lighthouse island and adjacent parts of Islay the air was
thick with birds, flying about and making a great din, with
the beams showing up great numbers of birds as they swept
round. Many: were clinging to the lighthouse, and the keepers
312 CURRENT NOTES 2(5)
were picking them off the walls. This went on till the light
was turned off about an hour after dawn. The birds were
mostly Redwing, but there were many Snipe, and Water Rail (1),
Golden Plover, Jack Snipe, Wren, Fieldfare (1) and Blackbird were
also noted. Mrs Ord, the wife of the keeper, says that after
a hazy night there are usually 10 to 20 dead birds (HK, AMT).
A Great Crested Grebe was still on fresh water at Barr Loch,
Renfrewshire, on 9th December (GHA, GLAP), and a pair at
Gartmorn Dam, Clackmannanshire, until the 16th (GD, JP).
Two Red-necked Grebes were at Buddon Ness, Angus, on 22nd
October (HB), and one at Gullane Point, East Lothian, on
11th November (GHA). A Slavonian Grebe was seen as far up
the Forth as Longannet, Fife, on 24th and 27th November
(GD, JP).
A juvenile Gannet was found exhausted with a damaged
wing on 3rd October on a lawn at Glenfiddich Lodge, near
Dufftown, Banff, after several days of gales. It was photo-
graphed for the Aberdeen Press and Journal, and returned to
the sea by the R.S.P.C.A. (AP). Though the Gannets left the
Bass Rock by the end of November, 12 were seen looking
(BND, out of season in snowy conditions on 29th December
A large flock of 260 Cormorants was counted at dawn on Ist
December as the birds flew into the Beauly Firth (RHD).
On 2nd November a Bittern was identified at Loch Stiapavat,
near the Butt of Lewis. Very close views were had, and the
lack of a black patch on the neck confirmed that it was not
an American Bittern, while the bright green legs ruled out
juvenile Night Heron. It was seen again briefly on the 6th
(RCC, WAJC, AS).
On 27th October 400 Shovelers were counted at Loch Leven,
Kinross-shire, very similar numbers to those noted there by
Baxter and Rintoul (The Birds of Scotland) on the same date
26 years earlier (TCS).
Between 29th September and 14th October a number of
Scaup were reported from inland waters: in Midlothian two
drakes were at Gladhouse on 7th October (RWJS) and one
on the 14th (DGA); in Stirlingshire there was a pair on a
pool at Skinflats on 14th October (GHA, GLAP); in Lanark-
shire a pair was seen at Woodend Loch, near Coatbridge, on
29th September (WS), and three were at Gadloch next day
(WW, BZ); in Renfrewshire 12 were counted at Lochgoin on
7th October (LAU); and in Ayrshire two drakes were at the
Loch o’ the Lowes, New Cumnock, on 3rd October, a pair on
a small subsidence loch about half a mile away on the 13th
(JAB), and six at Camphill Reservoir, near Dalry, on the 12th
(RMR). The Birds of Scotland gives no breeding record of
Pochard in Lanarkshire. At Gadloch for the second year in
succession small numbers summered; twenty-nine were coun-
1963 CURRENT NOTES 313
ted on 22nd July, but nearly all were drakes, moulting there
with the Tufted Ducks (WW, BZ). In Caithness a large assem-
bly of about 500 birds was counted at St John’s Loeh on 14th
October (DMS).
Two Long-tailed Ducks were at the Heads of Ayr on 22nd
November (GAR), and one as far up the Forth as Longannet
on llth and 27th November, and on lst December (GD, JP), in
both of which localities it is a scarce bird. Inland, a drake was
on Balgavie Loch, Angus, on 13th November (HB). On 28th
November, at Prestwick sewer outlet a duck and three drake
Velvet Scoters were seen (GAR); this is another species which
is very much scarcer in the west than on the east coast. Large
numbers of sawbills were feeding on the herrings in the
Beauly Firth on 26th November, and counts of Red-breasted
Mergansers and Goosanders gave totals of 630+ and 410 res-
pectively (RHD). A red-head Smew was at Loch Flemington,
Inverness-shire, on 21st November and 3rd December (RHD);
two were on a pond at the mouth of the River Endrick on 16th
December (HGC, SJM), and one near Libberton, Lanarkshire,
the same day (RE-H).
Two Shelduck were noted inland on Milton Loch, Crocket-
ford, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 16th December (AFA), and one
on the ice at Gladhouse, Midlothian, on the 23rd (RWJS).
A strong-flying Grey Lag Goose seen at various places in Fleet
Bay and Wigtown Bay between 26th and 3lst August had
apparently summered in the area (JPMW). Thirteen Greylags
seen flying in over the north coast of Sutherland on 3rd Octo-
ber were evidently newly arrived migrants as they settled
on a small lochan and were reluctant to rise even when ap-
proached (ETV).
Hundreds of unidentified geese were passing over all parts
of Caithness on 7th October, and large numbers over Thurso
after dark on the 23rd (per DMS). Some interesting notes
on the arrival of Greylags were made during a visit to eastern
Scotland from 20th to 26th October; in Morayshire 30 were
seen at the Findhorn estuary on the 23rd, and 30 flying south
next day in the same area; on the 25th six small flocks were
seen at intervals throughout the day flying high to the south
over the Spey Valley/Cairngorms, one party of 17 flying low
over Loch Garten, another of seven birds flying over the
summit of Cairngorm at about 5,000 feet, and the last party
of 51 coming in to Loch Insh at 5.30 pm. BST. Earlier, in
Angus, 100 were already present in a flooded bog near Kirkton
of Kingoldrum and 800 at Lintrathen on the 21st (RS).
A Greenland White-fronted Goose was with large numbers
of Greylag and Pinkfeet in the Carsebreck district of Perth-
shire on 28th October (AI, TDHM). Two white geese were seen
next day with Greylags in the same area, but as the colour
314 CURRENT NOTES 2(5)
of the wing tips could not be seen their identity must remain
in doubt (GTJ).
A Dark-breasted Brent Goose was also present with Greylags
and Pinkfeet at Carsebreck on 28th October (AI, TDHM). On
10th November the remains of a Dark-breasted Brent, which
had been dead perhaps a week, were found at Tyninghame,
East Lothian (AM), and the following day 13 Pale-breasted
Brents circled over the mudflats at Aberlady but did not land
(WP); a single Pale-breasted Brent was seen at Tyninghame
on 18th November and on 13th January, the remains of the
Dark-breasted bird being inspected again on the former date
(RWJS). Twenty Barnacle Geese were seen at Noss Head,
Caithness, on 12th October (DMS), one with Greylags at
Carsebreck on 28th October (JMSA, MFMM), and four near
Morton Lochs, Fife, on 9th December (CT).
The two immature Whooper Swans reported at Loch Ken,
Kirkcudbrightshire, on 2nd June (antea 2: 204) definitely re-
mained throughout the summer (JGY); one at the Loch o’
the Lowes, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, on 5th September may
also have summered (see antea 2: 204) (JAB). On 27th October
at Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, 230 were counted, and there
were a further 50 on stubble near Kinross (TCS); on Ist Dec-
ember no fewer than 180 were feeding close together on an
area of less than five acres of stubble about a mile north of
Milnathort, Kinross-shire (AW).
Autumn records of Buzzards from Forth and Tweed are of
one at Hule Moss, Berwickshire, on 19th October (SJC) and
again on 4th November (DGL), two at Gartmorn Dam, Clack-
mannanshire, on 20th October (GD, JP), one on the Midloth-
ian/Peeblesshire boundary just north of Carlops the same
day (WMK), and one at Tulliallan, Fife, on 3rd November
(GD, JP).
About 19th November an Osprey was seen to plunge into
the Ettrick Water, Selkirkshire, and carry off a fish in its
talons. This is a late date for an Osprey to be in Scotland
(Commander Napier per WMLAH).
Some autumn and early winter records of Merlins include
single birds at Gladhouse, Midlothian, on 20th October (DGA)
and 4th November (RWJS); at Hule Moss on 23rd September,
4th and 11th November (SJC, DGL), near Coldingham on 21st
October (MFMM), and harassing a flock of Snow Buntings
near Abbey St Bathans on 25th November (SJC, MJH, WM),
all three places in Berwickshire; a female in New Cumnock,
Ayrshire, on 14th October (JAB); and one on 14th October
and 18th November at Skinflats, Stirlingshire, where the num-
ber of kills seen in past years suggest that this may be a fav-
ourite winter hunting ground (GD, JP).
A Greyhen was shot on 1st December amongst Partridges at
1963 CURRENT NOTES 315
Eweford, near Dunbar, East Lothian; no Black Grouse has been
known there before (IH per AM). An interesting assembly
of game birds was encountered on 27th October on Sheriff-
muir, Perthshire, when about six Blackcock, a few Greyhens,
along with both Partridges and Red Grouse, flew across the
road from a field where a cock Pheasant had just been seen
(WAJC, ATM, MFMM). A hen Capercaillie was seen at Tulli-
allan, Fife, on 3rd November: the observers suggest that it
could have come from the nearby Devilla Forest (GD, JP).
In many places the status of the Water Rail is obscure, and
it is often impossible to be sure whether individual records
refer to resident, migrant or wintering birds. At Noss Head,
Caithness, one was found dead on 12th October (DMS), and
the species was noted among other migrants at the Rhinns
of Islay lighthouse on the night of 23rd/24th October (HK,
AMT); single birds were recorded at the Buddon Burn, Angus,
on 22nd October (HB), at Loch Ard, Perthshire, on 30th Nov-
ember (ETV), at the Marl Loch at Aberlady on 21st December
(JADH), between Walkerburn and Innerleithen, Peeblesshire,
on 25th November (JB); at Bell’s Burn, Manderston, Ber-
wickshire, on 18th and 25th November (SJC); and one was
caught sheltering in a doorway from the cold NE wind on
10th November at a farm near Garvald, East Lothian. This
last bird may well have been a migrant, because three had
been on the Isle of May on the 7th (AM).
Unusually large numbers of Lapwings built up during the
last week of September in coastal stubble fields between
Girvan and Turnberry, Ayrshire, and a count along the
eight miles of road, made twice from a car, and covering a
strip perhaps 250 yards wide, gave a total of between 19,000
and 21,000 Lapwings, as well as 500 Golden Plover (WP).
Throughout October and November observers reported ex-
ceptional numbers of Golden Plover in Ayrshire—not only
at their usual haunts such as Bogside racecourse and the
Barassie shore at Troon, where there were 500 on 15th Octo-
ber, but also with flocks of Lapwings (RMR, GAR). Large
numbers were seen at Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, on 27th
October, and one field there must have held several hundred,
spread out all over the stubble (ATM).
High counts of Snipe include 40 at Headshaw Loch, Selkirk-
shire, on 14th October (JB); and in colder weather three birds
shot from a flock of 30 at Pencaitland, East Lothian, on 29th
December proved to be Snipe (per AM), while near Glenluce,
Wigtownshire, about this time 15 and 11 were flushed from
two ditches, where the hard weather had evidently concen-
trated then on the running water (JM). Further Black-tailed
Godwits (see antea 2: 256), all single birds, are reported from
Kingoodie, Perthshire, on 8th November (HB), the Almond
estuary, Mid and West Lothian, on 13th October (TCS), and
316 CURRENT NOTES 2(5)
Southerness, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 25th August (ELR). In
Dumfriesshire, single Green Sandpipers were at Caerlaverock
on 4th and 13th September, and from the 30th to 7th October
(ELR), and one landed on a dry-stane dyke on Rivox Moor,
three miles NW of Beattock, on 6th October (RWA). A late
Common Sandpiper was at Higgins Neuck, Stirlingshire, at the
south end of the Kincardine Bridge, on 13th October (GD,
JP).
On 5th November five Redshanks were found drowned in
stake-nets at. Glencaple, Dumfriesshire, by R. Wilson. One
had been ringed in Iceland. The birds were examined the
same day and all looked darker on the back and wings than
most British Redshanks, though the plumage details were in-
distinct because of the birds’ sodden condition. The breasts
of four of them looked very dark, and there was noticeably
heavy spotting on the underparts. The wing measurement of
the ringed bird was 168 mm, and the others measured 164,
165, 173 and 173 mm. Only the two smallest are within the
limits of the British race, as given in The Handbook, and it
seems likely that all belonged to the Icelandic race, which,
though no doubt common enough, has not previously been
recorded in Dumfriesshire (ELR). Spotted Redshanks, as else-
where (see antea 2: 257), were unusually common during the
autumn at Caerlaverock, being noted during August on 13th
(1), 19th (1) and 30th (4), September on 25th (2) and 30th (1),
and October from Ist to 20th (5) (ELR). Other reports are of
two at Lentran, Inverness, on 12th November (RHD), two at
Merryton, near Hamilton, Lanarkshire, on 15th October
(GHA), and one there on the 20th (LAU), and of one on the
shore at Fairlie, Ayrshire, from 11th until at least 26th Dec-
ember (ETV). The first Greenshank arrived at Caerlaverock on
2nd August, and numbers increased steadily to over 30 in >
early September, and more slowly to over 50 by the first
week of October, thereafter declining until only a few re-
mained on 6th November (ELR). One was seen at Inverness
on 22nd November (RHD).
A Little Stint, an uncommon bird in Solway, was at Caer-
laverock on 1st October (ELR), and in addition to the few
already recorded (antea 2: 258) there were four at Tyning-
hame, East Lothian, on 30th September, five on 6th October,
and two on the 14th (RWJS), and single birds at Cult Ness,
Fife, on 2nd October and at Skinflats on the 6th (GD, JP). Full
details have been received of a Pectoral Sandpiper discovered
at. Merryton Farm, by the Clyde near Hamilton, Lanarkshire,
on 18th October, and seen by a host of bird-watchers on the
19th, 20th and 21st (GHA, JMSA, AGG, MFMM, TDHM,
GLAP, WKR, LAU). There is no previous ‘record for Lanark-
shire. ‘A few more Curlew Sandpipers are reported (see antea
2: 258): one at Montrose, Angus, on 22nd October (RS), one
1963 CURRENT NOTES 317
at Kingoodie, Perthshire, on 14th November (HB), one at
Longannet, Fife, on 29th September, and two at Skinflats on
6th and 13th October (GD, JP).
Further reports (see antea 2: 258) of Ruff have been sent
to us, and these are noted for completeness: one was at Hilda
Marshes, in Glasgow, on 25th July (WW), four were at Skin-
flats, Stirlingshire, on 6th October (GD, JP), and two at the
Low Parks, Hamilton, on 14th October (GHA); at Caerlaver-
ock Ruffs were commoner than usual, with three arriving on
11th August, 1’s and 2’s present until 1st October, and four on
the 7th (ELR), and a single bird on 28th December (WA, ELR,
JHS); there is also a winter record of one from 29th December
until at least 3rd January on the shore at Prestwick, Ayrshire
(GM, RMR, GAR). A Grey Phalarope appeared at Kingoodie,
Perthshire, on 4th October, and the observer has sent a de-
scription of the bird (HB).
A large gathering of some 360 Greater Black-backed Gulls,
mainly adults, was seen at dusk in the Findhorn estuary,
Morayshire, on 23rd October (RS), while inland there were
85 at St Mary’s Loch, Selkirkshire, on 16th December (JB).
Lesser Black-backed Gulls winter regularly in very small num-
bers at Dumfries, but the 1959-60 investigation into the win-
ter status of this species produced no other reports for Solway
(Bird Study 8: 127). It therefore seems worth recording one
at Kippford, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 3rd December, two there
on 2nd January (AFA), and one at Marine Lake, Stranraer,
Wigtownshire, also on 2nd January (JM); one with bright
yellow legs and showing clearly the black mantle of the
Scandinavian race was seen feeding on a white hare at the
summit of the Dalveen Pass, Dumfriesshire, on 16th January
(ABD). A Glaucous Gull in Aberdeenshire on 4th November
was flying south along the coast two miles north of the mouth
of the Don (DKM). A count of Little Gulls at the Buddon Burn,
Angus, on 22nd October gave a total of 21 (HB); an immature
was at the Doonfoot, Ayr, on 14th October (WA, RMR), and an
adult was feeding with Black-headed Gulls at Browhouses,
near Gretna, Dumfriesshire, on 29th September (WBAP); in
East Lothian an adult was seen flying up the Forth at Eye-
broughty on 8rd January (RWJS). Up to 200 or more
Kittiwakes, nearly all adults, were feeding on the Kessock
herring shoals in the Beauly Firth throughout November—
large numbers to be inshore at that date (RHD). A number of
Black Terns have already been noted (antea 2: 259), including
two on 16th August and two on the 18th; a further record for
the 18th is of one at Skinflats, Stirlingshire, where it was
being harried by “Comic” Terns as it sat on a post (KMC,
MMM). In the Forth the main exodus of Common/Arctic Terns
from the Almond estuary took place between 30th September
and 5th October, only one remaining on the latter date, al-
318 CURRENT NOTES 2(5)
though at Fidra a dozen each of Common and Sandwich Terns
were present on the 7th (TCS).
The population of Puffins on Ailsa Craig is evidently at a
very low level; only one was seen on 28th July, and visits in
1960 and 1961 revealed two and none respectively; the boat-
man never sees more than six at a time. From possibly a
quarter of a million birds in the 1860’s (Scot. Nat. 1951: 99),
numbers fell to 30 pairs in 1947, but had recovered to 300
pairs by 1953 (The Birds of Scotland) (BZ).
Collared Doves continue to increase in the areas where they
are established; at Cluny, Forres, Morayshire, up to 35 old
and young birds could be seen during the autumn (DBC); in
Edinburgh one was seen near the west gate of the Royal
Botanic Garden in August (JHS), and up to 12 at Edmonstone
during November (GWGB, AC, MD); local information is
that in East Lothian there are “masses” of Collared Doves
on the Dunglass estate near Cockburnspath, and also in Ber-
wickshire at Lennel, near Coldstream, but we have no exact
details (MFMM). The few notes of Barn Owls which we have
received confirm that the Solway area is the most likely place
to see them; outside that area one was seen hunting near
Gavinton, Duns, Berwickshire, on 21st and 28th December
(DGL). On 4th November six Short-eared Owls were seen at
Wick, Caithness (DB).
A party of 20 Swifts was seen flying south over the cliffs at
Dunnet Head, Caithness, on 1st October; this is very late for
such a party so far north, and the birds were probably drift
migrants brought there by the stiff SE breeze (ETV).
A Kingfisher was found entangled in netting in a garden at
Laxford Bridge on 24th September. It was sent to Golspie,
where it was put in a cage and forcibly fed with slips of raw
salmon. Although it had a broken wing it settled down and
appeared well, regularly casting up pellets of salmon scales;
but on the 28th it died suddenly. Post mortem examination
revealed that it was a female, weight 40.7 grams. There is no
previous published record of a Kingfisher in West Sutherland,
although there is a local report of one on the River Inver in
May or June 1929, and an ancient specimen in the Tongue
Hotel is said to have been shot on the Borgie River (IDP).
The Green Woodpeckers reported in the last issue (antea 2:
261) are not the first to be recorded in Kirkcudbrightshire, as
we have already claimed this distinction for a rather similar
note in an earlier issue (antea 2: 43). Another record for the
county is of one at Kippford on 17th December (AFA). At
North Berwick, East Lothian, adults have been seen with
fledged young on the landward side of the Law in 1954, 1955,
1956, and again in 1962 (HGC). One heard but not seen at the
Lake of Menteith on 2nd December is apparently the first
to be recorded in South Perthshire, although there are a
1963 CURRENT NOTES 319
number of records for the northern portion of the county (MF,
DS).
Exceptional numbers of migrant Great Spotted Woodpeckers
were reported on the east coast of Scotland from 8th October,
and during the following weeks. The records which we have
received probably do not give anything like a full picture, as
we have heard many expressions of surprise at the numbers
present in various localities. In Caithness the first birds were
seen on 8th or 9th October in Wick (PM), and there were 12
there on the 13th, eight on the 14th, one on 7th November and
one on the 11th (DB, JF, JG, PM); scattered reports from else-
where in the county included two on the heather at Ousdale
about llth October (per IDP), one at Westfield on the 12th
(JG), and one in Thurso on 12th and 13th November (MR).
In Sutherland one was picked up dead in Brora on 13th Octo-
ber; it was an immature bird, very dark in colour, with dingy
grey underparts, massive beak, wing measurement of 144 mm,
and weighing 96.3 grams; dissection showed that it was a
female, and the stomach was crammed full with the bodies
of aphids and a felted mass of their legs and antennae. On
2ist October another immature, with red top-knot, dingy
underparts, and heavy black bill, was seen in a small syca-
more wood at Portgower; it was astonishingly tame, and fed
in a curious manner, picking insects off the leaves and twigs
and hanging like a huge tit. On 5th November a very tame
woodpecker was seen in the garden at the Altnaharra Hotel,
also feeding like a tit and clinging to the outer branches of
a tree. Another large dark woodpecker appeared in Golspie
on 25th and 26th November. All these birds were obviously
of the northern race D. m. major (IDP). In Inverness-shire
one was seen flying south over the mudflats at Lentran on
30th November (RHD). In Aberdeenshire two were in New-
burgh on 13th October, and one on 4th November, and others
of which we have not had details were also there (GMD); one
was seen near the Loch of Strathbeg on 2nd November (RHD).
The same immigration may have been responsible for the
sighting of one at Bruichladdich on 22nd October, and one at
Portnahaven on the 24th, both on Islay (per HK & AMT),
and one in Stornoway Woods, Lewis, on 17th November
sea IM). The species is not often recorded from these
islands.
Large flocks of Skylarks reported in Kirkcudbrightshire
were of 300 birds moving west at Loch Rutton on 12th October,
and 400 feeding on stubble near Castle Douglas on 29th Dec-
ember (AFA). A Shore Lark was seen on 14th October alighting
briefly on the esplanade wall between Granton and Silver-
knowes in Edinburgh before flying inland (CAP); another was
feeding on the verges of the road near Cellardyke bathing
pool in Fife on Ist January (WJE, GW, MIW).
320 CURRENT NOTES 2(5)
Swallows were seen at a number of places in November:
2 Nov—one, Invergowrie, Perth (HB).
3 Nov—last seen, Sanquhar, Dumfries (AB, JGY).
13 Nov—one, Ingliston, Midlothian (HGC).
14 Nov—one, Lundin Links, Fife (PGB).
16 Nov—one in obvious distress in sleety weather, Valleyfield Col-
liery, Fife (GD, JP)
Three Ravens were about Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, for
several days from 17th November; they are most unusual
there (TW). A Magpie was seen on 7th October near Cockburns-
path, an area where the species is very scarce; one was re-
ported there two months before (antea 2: 261) (DGL). No
fewer than twelve were counted in a group on oat stubble
near Dunfermline, Fife, on 14th November—four of them on
a single sheep’s back (GD, JP).
We have had many comments on the arrival of Fieldfare and
Redwing, and the records seem worth giving in sequence as
they create an interesting picture:
28 Sept—3 Redwing in evening, Strathy Point, Sutherland (ETV).
3 Oct—40+ Redwing and 15 Fieldfare passed through, a few remain-
ing, Tore, Black Isle, E. Ross (MKM-D).
6 Oct—150 Fieldfare on Beauly-Drumnadrochit road, Inverness, in af-
ternoon (ETV); first 30 Redwing heading SW at Manderston, Ber-
wick (SJC), and another 12 there (DGL).
7 Oct—Lots of Fieldfare and Redwing, with a preponderance of the
latter, flying high over Glen Lyon, Perth, coming from the west end
of the glen (T'W); one Redwing at Gladhouse, Midlothian (RWJS).
8 Oct—first Redwing at Georgemas, Caithness (DMS).
10 Oct—first Redwing heard at night over Edinburgh (and again on
11th, 13th and lots on 17th) (TCS).
11 Oct—one Fieldfare, Easthaven, Angus (HB); hundreds of both
species at Fife Ness with other migrants (PGB).
12 Oct—50 Redwing near Dalry, Ayr (RMR); the Mound, between
Innerleithen and Walkerburn, Peebles, thick with birds in the mor-
ning, with over 500 Redwing, most of which moved off east down
the valley (JB).
13 Oct—first Fieldfare, Manderston, Berwick (DGL).
14 Oct—50O Fieldfare and 10 Redwing at Gladhouse, and others heard
passing overhead in low cloud (DGA).
18 Oct—first Redwing and Fieldfare seen in cleughs of Lammermuirs ;
not noted in lower areas of East Lothian until November (AM).
19 Oct—movement of Fieldfare at Hilda Marshes in Glasgow, with
at least 500 gathering in fields and moving W and SW (WW, BZ).
21 Oct—50 Fieldfare, Southerness, and 300 at Carsethorn Bay, both
Kirkcudbright (AFA).
26 Oct—first 20 Redwing, Kippford, Kirkcudbright (AFA).
27 Oct—flocks of Fieldfare present in the fields at many places between
Dunblane, Perth, and L. Leven, Kinross (ATM).
2 Nov—200 Fieldfare in hedges, Flotterstone, Midlothian (DD).
8 Nov—“There has been an unprecedented number of Fieldfares about
the island (Lewis) during the past week or so” (WAJC).
11 Nov—strong easterly winds brought thousands of Redwing, Field-
fare, and Blackbirds, and smaller numbers of other birds, to Wick,
Caithness (DB).
15 Nov—the Thurso area, Caithness, seemed alive with large flocks of
1963 321
PLATE 16. PERSONALITIES OF THE §.O.C. CONFERENCE at Dunblane, 26th to 28th
October 1962. Left to right: Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn, President of the S.O.C.;
Professor and Mrs K. H. Voous, Amsterdam; Heinz Sielmann, Munich; Mrs and Dr
Robert Carrick, Canberra (see page 301).
From a colour transparency by C. E. Palmar.
322 CURRENT NOTES 2(5)
Redwing and Fieldfare “this last week” (PM).
27 Dec—1,500 Redwing and Fieldfare, in about equal numbers, were
seen on a bicycle ride within five miles radius of Prestwick—the
most the observer ever saw (RMR).
Three Song Thrushes seen on 17th November near Hunter-
ston, Ayrshire, were so dark on the upper parts that they
might at first sight have been taken for Redwing; the spotting
on the breast was conspicuously dark and vivid. These birds
were markedly darker than the darkish variety of the west
mainland with which the observer is familiar; they were
completely by themselves feeding on pasture near the shore.
In 50 years of bird-watching he had never seen such dark
vivid thrushes, and he had no doubt that they were of the
Hebridean race, which has seldom been recorded on the main-
land of Scotland (ETV). With three such birds there is less
chance of confusion with abnormally plumaged birds of the
local race, but some authorities have doubted whether the
Hebridean race can be safely identified in the field away from
its breeding haunts.
Late Wheatears are reported from three localities: at Peter-
head, Aberdeenshire, one was on the beach on 24th November
(DPW); in Fife one was seen by the road from Cupar. to Lun-
din Links on 11th November (PGB); and on the shore at
the Doonfoot, Ayr, one was seen on 5th November (WA), and
again on the 25th, and on 9th December, but not on the 16th
nor on 2nd January (GHA, GLAP).
Records of Blackcaps in late October may well refer to birds
still on passage, and the same might apply to two at Wick,
Caithness, on, 4th November (DB), and one there on the 11th
(KG, PM, DMS). Winter records are of a cock seen at a bird
tray at Rothes, Morayshire, on 14th December, a hen at a nut
basket at the same place on the 24th, both birds being still
there on 3rd January (AP), and a cock at Haddington on 5th
January (AM).
A leaf-warbler was seen on 2nd December feeding in
birches by Spynie Loch near Elgin, Morayshire; it was very
approachable and was seen to have distinctly pale legs, so
that it is almost certain it was a Willow Warbler, an unlikely
bird at that time of year. Though it seemed to be in good con-
dition its presence could have been the result of a defective
left wing which, though it did not stop it flying, may have
prevented it from migrating (JB). At Fife Ness a late Chiff-
chaff was seen on 14th October, and there were two on the
22nd, the birds being identified on the basis of their dark legs
(RSW). On the 25th a leaf-warbler, presumably a Chiffchaff
although the legs were not seen, was noted in the north of
Ayrshire near Skelmorlie (AL); and on 22nd November an-
other, with dark legs, was at Invergowrie, Perthshire (HB).
1963 CURRENT NOTES 323
There was a Red-breasted Flycatcher at Fife Ness on llth
October (PGB).
A few Waxwings were reported in the middle of November,
and there is some suggestion of another group of records at
the end of the year; these will appear in the next issue of
Scottish Birds. On Sunday 11th November strong east winds
brought two Waxwings to Wick, Caithness (DB), and one was
found moribund at North Berwick, East Lothian (AM). On
the same day large numbers—said to be over 300—were
feeding on berries along the banks of the Caledonian Canal
at Inverness (AMu per UP), and 150, which were gone next
day, were feeding on cotoneaster at Fort Augustus, Inverness-
shire (Inverness Courier 20th November). In view of the
small number of other records these large flocks may perhaps
be thought surprising, and these are second-hand records; but
people in these areas are familiar with Waxwings, and evi-
dence for movement of this kind down the Caledonian Canal
has been noted more than once before (e.g. antea 1: 243). On
the 13th four were found feeding on hawthorn in Stornoway,
Lewis, and they remained for a few days (WAJC), and on the
17th one was at Thurso, Caithness (MR).
A Great Grey Shrike was seen at Fife Ness with other mi-
grants on 10th November (WJE); one was sitting on telephone
wires at Loch Insh, Inverness-shire, on the 14th (RHD); one
was at the mouth of the Endrick, Dunbartonshire/Stirling-
shire, on the 25th (MF, DS); and on 18th December near
Lamlash, Arran, one was perched on telephone wires in the
middle of a flock of Yellowhammers which seemed oblivious
to its presence although it appeared to be taking a full interest
in its surroundings (JGS). An immature Red-backed Shrike was
seen in a thorn hedge at Halkirk, Caithness, on 24th Septem-
ber (PM).
Two Goldfinches turned up at Dornoch, Sutherland, on 1st
January, about the same time as they were seen last winter
(antea 2: 54, 214) (DM). Flocks worth mentioning are of 15
birds at Hilda Marshes, Glasgow, on 11th November (WW,
BZ), 40 between Walkerburn and Innerleithen, Peeblesshire,
on 12th October (JB), and 20 in Solway—where the species
is perhaps less noteworthy—at Bridge of Dee, Kirkcudbright-
shire, on 21st November (AFA). Migrant Siskins were noted
in Caithness on 30th September at Wick (10) and Noss Head
(6), and on 14th October there were eight at Wick (DB, JF,
JG); two were at Fife Ness on 11th October (PGB), and 11 in
birch scrub at Longannet, Fife, on 24th September (GD, JP).
At Roybridge, Inverness-shire, there were over 100 on 19th
_ September (RHD). Flocks of Linnets were flying in over the
_ north coast of Sutherland each afternoon from 28th Septem-
_ ber to 3rd October; 135 were counted resting on wires at Mel-
vich at 4 p.m. on the 28th; 164 resting and preening on wires
324 CURRENT NOTES 2(5)
at Bettyhill at 5 p.m. on the 3rd; and smaller numbers on
other dates. There were strong east winds throughout the
period (ETV). Passage of Linnets and Twite, along with other
species, was noted in Caithness at Noss Head on 12th October,
and at Thurso on the 16th (DMS). At Skinflats, Stirlingshire,
60 Twite were present on 18th November, and 80 on 16th
December (GD, JP). At Roybridge, Inverness-shire, 300
Redpolls were counted on 19th September in the same area
as the Siskins (RHD). Records of Crossbills are still coming in,
but any not yet reported should be sent to George Waterston
now for the summary which he is preparing.
A Lapland Bunting was seen at the Loch of Wester, Caith-
ness, on 11th November, the day on which the first Waxwings
were reported (PM, DMS). There were up to 26 Snow Buntings
at Longannet in the second half of November, 62 at Pepper-
mill Dam on the 27th, and 15 at Loch Gelly on 17th December;
the observers report that the species is normally scarce in the
western parts of Fife (GD, JP). At Swanston, Edinburgh, a
flock of over 200 on 24th December was larger than the usual
winter population there (HF).
Between 20 and 30 Tree Sparrows, with a large flock of
Yellowhammers in a thick sallow bush on arable land, in
North Knapdale, Argyll, are the first the observer has seen
there in seven years in the area (IR).
Earlier observations—before 1st July 1962
At Gadloch there were nine adult Great Crested Grebes on
lst May; three nests were found but no young were reared;
in 1960 two pairs reared three chicks, and in 1961 three pairs
reared only one. The Birds of Scotland suggests that breeding
Great Crested Grebes are not very numerous in Lanarkshire
(WW, BZ).
A “blue” Fulmar was seen on 22nd May at the bothy on
Eynhallow, Orkney, with other Fulmars which were evidently
prospecting there (GMD).
Grey Lag Geese flying south at Easthaven were noted in a
previous issue because of the lack of records of coasting geese
in Angus (antea 2: 47). On 11th October 1961 a great arrival
of Pink-footed Geese was observed in the area, with an esti-
mated 10,000 of them during the afternoon and evening flying
southward and settling at Tentsmuir, Fife. It is most inter-
esting to note that comparable numbers, and probably many
of the same birds, took part in a great influx to the Lothians
on the following three days (antea 1:500). The movement
was first seen at Broughty Ferry, where many flocks of 10 to
300 birds were passing, and was so impressive that the obser-
ver drove to Arbroath to watch from the cliffs. There was a
1963 CURRENT NOTES 325
strong SW wind and the geese migrating over the sea kept
very low over the water, except that every half minute or
so they would rise in a wave from front to back of the skein
to 20 or 30 feet for five seconds, as if struck by a gust of wind;
they were clearly making as much use as possible of the
“boundary layer” of air. Except when they rose up momen-
tarily they would probably be invisible on a radar screen,
and they could be easily missed from the land unless one
looked out to sea with binoculars. Several skeins passing over
the land flew at 500 to 1,000 feet in contrast to those flying
low over the sea. Later, from Broughty Ferry, Tentsmuir
Point could be seen black with newly arrived geese, many
of which had obviously arrived out of sight, perhaps beyond
the range, of the observer (GHF).
A Greater Black-backed Gull was found incubating three eggs
on 12th June on top of a stack between Collieston and
Whinnyfold; there is no previous record of breeding in Dee
or Aberdeenshire (AA, GMD).
A single Redwing was skulking in a berberis bush at New-
burgh, Aberdeenshire, on 10th June; it appeared to be in
good health, and was very approachable, but it was not seen
again (GMD).
General observations on behaviour etc.
Prey at a Buzzard’s nest in Upper Nithsdale which contained
a single chick included two freshly dead Tree Pipits found
there on a visit during the summer (JGY).
A Woodbpiveon clattering out of the branches of an elm near
Stirling in November disturbed a bat. which was seen flutter-
ing around aimlessly. A Peregrine flew over, turned, and
circled the bat: for a moment it poised, and then continued
on its way without attacking. One wonders whether this re-
Ger ee opinion of Peregrines as to the palatability of bats
In the last number of Scottish Birds we asked for observa-
tions on the suggestion that there had been more waders than
usual retaining their summer plumage during autumn 1962
(antea 2: 265). AFA has kindly drawn our attention to a
paper on “Radioactive contamination in birds” by J. M. &
J. G. Harrison (The twelfth Annual Report of the Wildfowl
Trust 1959-1960, p. 151). The authors discuss possible relation-
ships between radioactive contamination and assumption of
breeding plumage out of season. There is food for thought,
but we doubt if this is what was noted in Scotland, and we
are not convinced that in general 1962 was exceptional in the
number of waders seen in summer plumage beyond the usual
dates, though there may have been some local variation.
326 REVIEWS 2(5)
REVIEWS
ANIMAL DISPERSION IN RELATION To SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. By V. C.
Wynne-Edwards. Edinburgh and London, Oliver & Boyd,
1962. Pp. 653; 11 plates (4 in colour); 50 text-figures. 55/-.
A quick flip through the pages of this book reveals the
prodigious amount of factual information, the width of the field
from which observations are cited, and the synthesising ability
of the author in tying all these together. Only careful reading
does it justice. Another obvious remark is that as a reference
book alone, it is valuable, assembling under the general
theme of “mechanisms regulating animal numbers through
social interaction of one sort and another,” a mass of infor-
mation which would be hard to dig out and even harder to
pigeon-hole as useful. One could, if permitted, browse happily
along simply enjoying the information without worrying
overmuch about its significance. Indeed one gets the impres-
sion that quite a lot of the evidence was gathered by the
original observer without much idea about its possible sig-
nificance. As a result, much of it will bear more than one
interpretation, and one criticism must be that there is no
critically planned work to sustain the radical theme. Never-
theless, omitting all the evidence that could be regarded as
special pleading, there still remains a lot that is not. Indeed,
one of the nicest things about the book is that it provides,
for the first time, possible explanations for a whole range of
common phenomena. |
Can one say simply why this is a controversial book? Its
avowed fundamental aim (p. 189) is to demonstrate that “in
order to exploit the habitat to the full and yet continue to
thrive, the consumers themselves must impose a limit on
the demands they make on the resources.” The author agrees
with Dr David Lack’s view that food is the ultimate factor
controlling the evolution of reproductive rates, and indeed
acknowledges that his own book stems from Dr Lack’s work.
He disagrees in the manner of the control, and proposes con-
servationism through conventional competition (in many
forms) to prevent over-exploitation of the resources. If it is
accepted in principle that, man apart, undisturbed animals
do not over-exploit the habitat’s resources (and this, though
not axiomatic, seems likely), then this means a suitable dis-
persion, and in turn leads to what seem to me two main
aspects of the book.
One theme, convincingly pursued, concerns the social
phenomena by which animals receive information about the
density of their own species, as a result of which the homeo-
static machinery controlling recruitment rate could be
briefed. Population homeostasis is analagous to physiological
1963 REVIEWS 327
homeostasis in an individual, by which it maintains the cor-
rect state despite a changeable environment. The corollary,
by which, within limits, animals regulate their numbers by
“intrinsic” means (e.g. social phenomena) for optimum ex-
ploitation of the habitat, is the controversial issue. From the
book one visualises, perhaps wrongly, individuals standing
back, having a good look at the environment and themselves,
perhaps extrapolating the present situation forwards to the
breeding time, and then, in the face of complex seasonal and
cyclic phenomena, performing an elaborate computation to
decide what the breeding effort shall be! As the author points
out in his discussion of epideictic phenomena, an expression
he uses to cover a category of communal displays, one im-
portant function of which seems to be to present an index of
the organism’s density (as, for instance, in the milling of
midges, chorus of frogs, wader flocks, communal roosting,
communal hibernation, dawn song, swarming, etc.), the same
underlying characteristics can often be detected. But why,
since individual survival is often thereby prejudiced, do they
do it? Here is suggested a possible function of sufficient im-
portance. One reason for the very long section on the methods
of communication in animals lies in the importance of their
relationship to the density-dependent stresses which can
result from them. Frequently, here, the combination of
first-rate naturalist, trained zoologist and lucid writer enables
the author to communicate his insight with rare skill. One
appreciates his claim that the theory seemed to give him a
unique vantage-point from which to view natural phenomena,
though other people may be unable to share this. A tighter
style would have saved much valuable space in this long
section, as elsewhere, but leisurely prose helps slow thinkers,
like the reviewer. The chapter summaries are a great help to
the reader in a hurry.
The other theme leads to the subject of the evolution of the
necessary group-phenomena associated with the theory, and I
feel much less happy about this. Group evolution, as for in-
stance it occurs in the social Hymenoptera, is, as Wynne-
Edwards points out, no new idea. But group-selection, as he
develops the idea, will surely be a stumbling block to many.
It is not hard to accept that, as things are, the fate of the
individual (or pair if you prefer the breeding unit) is bound
up with the fate of the group. If the group fails, it fails.
Once group-selection mechanisms exist, I can see that any
individual that fails to compete for some “conventional”
reward, such as a territory, may generally be unable to breed,
but is a territory a “conventional” reward (it may have a very
real function as such), and how did such competition origin-
ate? Again, individuals gaining some breeding advantage
over the group (e.g. Gannets), by laying two eggs instead of
328 REVIEWS 2(5)
one, would in theory benefit from the abstinence of the rest
of the group, who would simultaneously penalise themselves
by laying only one. Yet Gannets do not lay two eggs, even
though I have shown that they can rear two chicks. It could
be that ordinary selection pressure, working in critical years
against such offspring, is enough to make the habit disadvan-
tageous. Assuming for the sake of discussion that such chicks
survived as well as single ones, would we find that such a
trait, spreading throughout the local group, eventually led
to over-exploitation and hence to the dying out of the group?
It is a pity that the large-scale field experiments which could
answer such questions are completely impracticable, at least
with the higher vertebrates. In this context, however, the
author’s remarks on the discreteness of local groups make
interesting reading. If the interests of the pair are closely tied
to those of the group, the evolution of local genotypes each
adapted for optimum exploitation of the environment would
make sense of the observation that birds tend to return to
the area of birth, perhaps otherwise hard to explain. My
Gannet data suggest that young tend to return even to the
area of the cliff from which they fledged. This may be hard
to account for in terms of refined habitat-selection, though
one can have a good try. It is at least possible that by so
doing, their chance of breeding successfully is enhanced ir-
respective of the way the author suggests.
It would be irrelevant to pick out some of the inevitable
small errors which specialist knowledge could correct, since
these do not materially affect the theory. Sometimes, how-
ever, the language used in behaviour descriptions sounds
highly subjective (e.g. use of words like “bitterness”). This may
be a minor point, but I am not sure. Whatever one may wish
Professor Wynne-Edwards had included (such as more dis-
cussion on the consequences of the theory), he has surely
produced that rare combination—a monumental book which,
far from being monumentally dull, is genuinely exciting—in
the way it assembles such a weight of relevant factual
material and attempts to explain it in terms of his
theory, rather than sticking to safely trodden paths. The
geneticists may catch up and produce a mechanism by which
disadvantageous genotypes can persist in a population until
group-selection becomes important enough to override them
(if it can). Even if many of the author’s interpretations turn
out to be wrong, as may very easily happen, this work must
stimulate future thinking on the subject of animal population
control-mechanisms. It may even turn a few biologists away
from the laboratory into the field.
(This review was written before the recent Edward Grey Institute
Conference, at which Professor Wynne-Edwards discussed criticisms
of his theory).
J. BRYAN NELSON.
1963. REVIEWS 329
Tue MIGRATIONS OF Birps. By J. Dorst. London, Heinemann,
1962. Pp. xix + 476; 131 text figures. 50/-.
This is “a comprehensive study of bird migration,” first
published in French in 1956, and now brought largely up to
date for the English version. The book lives up to the pub-
lishers’ claims and achieves a remarkable amount of factual
illustration from nearly all the most important publications
on the subject. Its title is significant, for it is not just an-
other book generalising about bird migration but an account
of all the diverse migrations of many types which birds make
the world over. Perhaps its chief value is the main point
which the author puts across—that “migrations must be con-
sidered in the framework of ecology,” that whereas the
psychological behaviour of birds is usually stereotyped and
more inflexible than that of mammals, their behaviour in
relation to their environment shows an infinite variety of
adaptation. Migration is different between species, and even
subspecies, and can be different between individuals. It is in
fact a characteristic of populations rather than species. Any
attempt to generalise about migrations, multiple almost as
birds themselves, is doomed to failure; and under nearly every
heading in this book examples are given to show how every
theory about migration fits some species but not others, and
how in every argument about migration both sides are usually
right—but about different birds.
There are one or two unfortunate impressions left by the
book as a whole. It suffers a little from being a translation,
the style of which is rather ponderous. One feels that the
author is too anxious to cover every aspect of every subject,
when he would have done better to select examples. As a
result there is too much repetition, and to many the book will
be too long-winded, some of the text being either obvious
or of limited interest. But perhaps this is unavoidable in a
work which attempts world coverage of a very complex sub-
ject. A bibliography of 53 pages is one indication of Professor
Dorst’s breadth of research. There is a real wealth of data,
summarised from countless research projects, and much of it
illustrated by maps, diagrams and charts. Naturally most of
the known facts concern migration in America and Europe
where most of the study has been done. It will be a revela-
tion to many British students of migration how different are
the patterns and problems in America, how little is known
about them in much of Asia, and how limited and local a
view we get of the whole phenomenon from our own Scottish
bird observatories and their work.
Nevertheless, the North Sea migrations are treated per-
haps rather too scantily, considering the amount of data
which has been collected and published. The treatment of
330 REVIEWS 2(5)
Williamson’s “drift” theory appears to be based on only a
few isolated papers on particular movements and not on the
Fair Isle and Isle of May data as a whole. Those who seek to
find a resolution of the Williamson—Lack controversy on the
interpretation of this data will not find it here, even though
the author appears to accept Williamson’s hypotheses. In the
chapter on modes of migration, Dorst makes a telling remark
—‘In any case,” he says, “no general rule applies to the re-
lationship between migrations and wind, so it is not surprising
that authors fail to agree on this complex problem. Once
again it should be emphasised that the behaviour of birds is
extremely plastic.”
It must also be said that the author’s knowledge of the
B.T.O.’s work and the chain of British bird observatories is
clearly not what it might be. After mentioning only Fair Isle,
the Isle of May, Spurn Head and Skokholm, he includes “St
Kilda off the Hebrides where James Fisher has done remark-
able work, not to mention Slimbridge in England where Peter
Scott and the Wildfowl Trust are observing migrating ducks
and geese.” It clearly pays to be a television personality, and
one wonders how the wardens at the next B.T.O. Bird Obser-
vatories Conference will appreciate such recognition?
Although the book is as up to date as can be expected, it
was perhaps unfortunate to publish such a survey in 1956.
Many new studies are only now beginning to reveal their
true value: the interpretation of North Sea migrations has
still not been settled; radar research has completely altered
both our ability to detect the scope and direction of migra-
tion and our assessment of the value of the records we have
been building up by more laborious, but more precise, meth-
ods over the years. But perhaps the clearest indication of
how quickly facts become out of date in these days of ex-
tensive research is the section on ringing, where the British
total “up to 1959’’ is given—2 million birds, half of them
ringed since 1950. Now it must be well over 3 million birds,
after only three more years. The latest published annual total
is 350,000 for 1961, compared with the latest in this book of
200,000 for 1958, which is misquoted as 20,000—a figure
scarcely flattering to British ringers.
After the chapter on methods of study, which is the least
up to date, more than half the book is devoted to accounts of
the various migrations that have been recorded all over the
world. It is a fascinating story; but the best chapters are
those on modes of migration, the physiological stimulus in-
volved, and on orientation. To layman and expert alike, we
have here an authoritative summary of all the startling recent
discoveries which have taught us both how much—and how
littl—we know about bird migrations. Who would have
guessed only fifteen years ago that most of the massive move-
1963 REVIEWS 331
ments of birds over the earth’s surface are controlled in one
sense by the tiny pituitary gland and in another by the sun,
the moon and the stars?
C. K. MYLNE.
THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. Vol. XI. By D. A. Bannerman.
Illustrated by G. E. Lodge. Edinburgh and London, Oliver
& Boyd, 1962. Pp. xv + 368; maps, line drawings, and 32
colour plates. 63/-.
This book deals with the Cream-coloured Courser, pratin-
coles, Stone Curlew, bustards, Crane, terns and gulls. The
beautiful production and the high standard of the previous
volumes of this major work are maintained. There is, through-
out, a personal approach to each bird, and the happy formula
of allowing regional experts to speak for themselves gives us
such stimulating essays as those on the White-winged Black
Tern and Sabine’s Gull. The plates are alive and full of
character, though some of the nests and eggs are rather stylis-
tic and there is a suspicion of invisible black threads suspend-
ing the Whiskered Terns.
The pratincoles are retained as distinct species, and enough
evidence is given to suggest that neither side has fully proved
its ease. The single British record of a Royal Tern (found
long-dead and half-buried in the sand) is rejected, and many
readers will support the view that it is impossible to know
“for certain how it reached its destination.” A more provoc-
ative opinion, in this age of protection and public opinion, is
that no species should be added to the British List until it
has been handled “dead or alive.” Is it really necessary to
collect the next Wilson’s Phalarope when this easily recog-
nized bird has been seen by many dozens of competent bird-
watchers? That the “proof” may bring its own problems is
shown by the recent unhappy episode of a hybrid diving duck.
The case of the Hastings Rarities is a particularly vexing
one for a work caught, as it were, in mid-stream, and Dr
Bannerman’s request for more information has now been met
by British Birds. Vivid illustration of the problem is given by
the listed Black-winged Pratincoles, with four recorded be-
tween 30th April and 3rd May 1913. This same aspect of
plurality mitigates against Dr Bannerman’s acceptance of the
record of three Cream-coloured Coursers in Lanarkshire in
October 1949. The other four post-Handbook records are of
single birds, and the two “pairs” mentioned in The Handbook
have been swept away by the Hastings Rarities avalanche.
Although Sabine’s Gull is a very uncommon bird in Spits-
bergen there are a few more records than the one allowed.
Dr I. D. Pennie has kindly given me references to two cases
where breeding was proved, and a third where eight pairs
332 REVIEWS 2(5)
were “apparently breeding.” (Ibis 1922: 173; 1924: 488; 1926:
144). Four races of Herring Gull are listed: a North Sea
population argenteus, which has been separated from the
typical South Baltic argentatus; omissus which “is the least
satisfactory of the populations discussed”; and taimyrensis to
which the two British records of heuglini are referred.
When dealing with the big gulls there is a distinct slant
towards the protectionist approach. One does not read of a
flycatcher as a “terrible destroyer” of insects or the Barn Owl
as a “menace” to rats, but both of these terms are applied to
the Greater Black-backed Gull. It would be very unnatural
indeed if there was no predation on our teeming sea-bird
colonies, and there is little evidence to suggest that the toll
exacted by the gulls has any effect at all on breeding num-
bers: predation on sheep is obviously another matter.
Scottish readers may feel that the statement that “it is only
in Ireland that the Roseate Tern can be seen...in any num-
bers,” does less than justice to our thriving Forth colony.
However this is probably a compliment to 25 years of un-
official (but recently officially abandoned!) secrecy. No men-
tion is made of the very interesting nest-sites used by Little
Terns in the Uists. There some of the birds breed beside the
potato crops on the machair and up to half a mile from the
sea. There is no danger from high seas, and there is ample
open ground for eggs and cover for the young.
This book is one to read for enjoyment and fresh ideas—a
survey of Common and Arctic Terns in Scotland for instance—
and is, above all, a meticulous and gracious work.
R. W. J. SMITH.
THE RETURN OF THE OSPREY. By P. Brown & G. Waterston.
London, Collins, 1962. Pp. 223; maps, figures, tables, 16
plates. 21/-.
This is a tale that should be widely read by all people
interested in wild life and the countryside. It shows clearly
what a menace “rogue specimens of mankind” have been and
can be to wild life and to the tremendous efforts made by a
small group of people, supported by the Royal Society for
the Protection of Birds, to encourage the Ospreys in their
attempts to breed in Scotland after a gap of approximately
50 years.
The post-war tale of the Osprey, leading to its recent
breeding successes, is told by Philip Brown and is most read-
able; you can sense the frustrations and, at times, the tense-
ness of events as it works up to the first egg-snatching disaster.
It was paramount for the R.S.P.B. to safeguard the birds and
to ensure success. The Society spared no energy, and the
1963 REVIEWS 333
direct result of the initiative and drive has been the three,
now four, successive years of safe breeding, during which
many thousands of visitors have had the pleasure of seeing
these fine birds at their nest.
George Waterston takes up the tale, tracing in detail the
earlier history of the birds in Scotland, which shows up the
deplorable greed and selfishness of the collectors: that brought
about the Osprey’s extinction as a breeding species early in
the 20th century, prior to the recent happy event. The detail
given is unusually interesting, and covers every aspect of
the bird’s natural history. Mr Waterston hopes that we are
entering a new era when birds like the Osprey will not be
molested on migration or disturbed at their breeding haunts.
One hopes that this may perhaps, with the backing of much
public interest, be so, but in the background are new threats
added to the old, including the problem of toxic chemicals in
the food chain, and the fact that more shot guns and airguns
of every description are in the hands of more inexperienced
shooters on the line of migration than ever before.
The Osprey story, illustrated with some striking photo-
graphs, is linked in this book with the return of the Avocet
and Black-tailed Godwit, which highlight varying conserva-
tion problems in establishing them in different habitats. The
efforts made to encourage these two species reflect great
credit on the R.S.P.B., and Gwen Davies puts over the story
admirably.
There are, perhaps, a few minor points which might be dis-
puted; it seems doubtful whether an Osprey can lay twice in
one year, in two different sites, and then build a frustration
nest, as hinted on page 20—experience later showed that
when the birds had their eggs taken from one nest they then
built a frustration nest elsewhere; and Loch an Iasgair—the
loch of the fishermen—does not necessarily denote an
Osprey breeding haunt, though in West Sutherland this was
often so. Finally, the publishers point out an unfortunate
error in the cover blurb, where a location “in the Highlands”
should obviously read ‘in these islands.”
Pat. W. SANDEMAN.
Tue Bird Notes BEepsipE Book. Edited by Gwen Davies. The
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, 1962. Po. 139;
figures, line drawings, 17 plates (one on cover). 10/-.
P. E. Brown in his introduction to this anthology writes, “It
is not my task to review the contents of this delightful
volume which contains so much good reading and good
humour but it is pleasing to note over what a wide field the
334 REVIEWS 2(5)
subject matter ranges... My impression is that this book will
be to the taste, almost in its entirety, of all those who enjoy
birds and bird watching in whatever shape or form.’ Mr
Brown is perfectly right on all counts.
Miss Gwen Davies, the editor, has clearly gone to great
trouble to collect a well balanced selection of 34 of the best
contributions which have appeared in Bird Notes during the
last 15 years. If your taste is for the humorous you can revel
in Professor Meiklejohn’s four masterpieces, which include
that kindly satire on bird identification books, “How to iden-
tify birds,” and the now international “Notes on the Hood-
wink,” both in their U Certificate form. The original unexpur-
gated versions can be read in the Isle of May Bird Obser-
vatory log book.
Dr Bruce Campbell’s “Birdmanship” and J. K. Stanford’s
“Marsh music” should also make you chuckle. The Thunderer
Dr (Cassandra Lark) Lack presages a dreadful doom for bird-
watchers in “A vision of Rome.”
If you are a list bagger then “A Scottish century” and
“Suffolk replies to Scotland” will bring back the joys of the
chase and suggest good areas in which to see many species
in a short holiday. “The breeding habits of hornbills” by R. E.
Moreau, in a quite different vein, is a thoroughly knowledge-
able and very readable description of the true facts of the
imprisonment of the female hornbill in the nest hole during
the nesting period.
Anthony Buxton writing of the “Capercaillie” gives a
fascinating description of the reintroduction of this species
into Scotland by his great-grandfather. P. H. T. Hartley con-
tributes a controversial essay on W. H. Hudson’s works, while
W. B. Alexander encourages the thirsty to record new bird
inn signs.
George Waterston, in “Bird protection in Scotland,” traces
the grim history of the past before the triumphant return
of the Osprey as a breeding species guarded by the R.S.P.B.
If your taste is for “howlers” made by school-children you
will find them at the end of quite a number of chapters.
In general the remaining articles are vignettes of bird-
watching experiences, all of them good bedside reading.
There are 17 bird photographs and ten quite delightful, and
quite anonymous, black and white drawings of birds.
This book is a “must” for the guest bedroom. When you buy
it, as well as cementing a reputation for “hostmanship,” you
will have helped the funds of the R.S.P.B. whose bird protec-
1963 REVIEWS 335
tion work is of ever growing importance, If there are no birds
left there will be no future for bird-watching.
J. H. B. Munro.
ANIMAL WONDERLAND. By F. W. Lane. Edinburgh and London,
Oliver & Boyd, 1962 revised edition. First published by
Country Life, 1948. Pp. xiv + 136; line drawings, 29 plates
(1 in colour). 18/-.
This is a fascinating little book in the “wonders of Nature”
tradition. Such an approach has rather fallen into disrepute,
because of the exaggerated nonsense served up in the past to
the layman as scientific fact, but the author of Animal Won-
derland very largely avoids this fault, providing an impressive
list of references at the end of each chapter in support of what
he writes. Occasional dubious or unconvincing speculation is
more than balanced by frequent warnings that things may
not always be what they seem.
The general chapters contain a mass of curious, sometimes
even macabre, but always fascinating facts; such as the sad
story of the bear which found a 20 lb cache of dried apple
chips, ate the lot, took a drink at a nearby stream, and burst!
In contrast to these slightly hotchpotch sections, the historical
chapters on the bison and the Passenger Pigeon have a grip-
ping tale to tell. That a bird whose numbers were counted in
thousands of millions could be utterly exterminated in half
a century is something to ponder.
On many of the subjects discussed, either no books have
been written or these are not readily available. Among other
ornithological topics there are chapters on birds versus aero-
planes, and on anting; but the scope of the book is so wide
that one is constantly coming across unexpected little snippets
and anecdotes about birds.
It is generously illustrated with first class photographs,
including a particularly impressive series of chameleon, owl,
kingfisher and mantis in the act of catching their highly mobile
prey. To anyone with an enquiring mind Animal Wonderland
can confidently be recommended; it can hardly fail to stim-
ulate and set one thinking.
ANDREW T. MAcMILLAN.
336 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(5)
OFFICIAL SECTION
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
SUMMER EXCURSIONS
Members are reminded that they may attend the excursions of
Branches other than their own if they wish to, do so.
ABERDEEN
For all excursions, please notify Culterty Field Station, Newburgh (Tel.
Newburgh 260) one week in advance. All transport will be by private
cars, so will members with spare seats please notify Culterty. Expenses
will be shared.
Sunday 12th May
CULBIN FOREST (subject to permission being granted by the Forestry
Commission)—Leader, W. Milne. Meet Forestry Commission office,
Kintessock, 10.30 a.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 26th May
BLACKHALL FOREST (subject to permission being granted by the
Forestry Commission)—Leader, C. Murray. Meet at Blackhall main
gate, 10.30 a.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 16th June
WHINNYFOLD (walk along cliffs to Collieston)—Leader, Dr G. Dunnet.
Meet Whinnyfold village, 10 a.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 18th August
YTHAN ESTUARY AND LOCHS (autumn migrants)—Leader, to be
arranged. Meet Ythan Hotel, 10.30 a.m. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
AYR
Saturday 16th March
GALLOWAY—Leader, A. D. Watson. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr,
9 am., or rendezvous the Square, Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire, 10.30 a.m.
Bring picnic lunch.
Saturday 11th May
BARR MEADOWS, RENFREWSHIRE—Joint excursion with Glasgow
Branch. For arrangements, see under Glasgow excursions.
Saturday 25th May
AUCHINCRUIVE ESTATE (by kind permission of the Principal, West
of Scotland Agricultural College)—-Leader, Dr M. E. Castle. Meet main
entrance, Mauchline road, 2.30 p.m. Bring picnic tea.
Saturday 8th June
TAIRLAW BRIDGE TO LOCH LURE—Leader, R. M. Ramage. Meet
Tairlaw Bridge, near Straiton, 3 p.m. Bring picnic tea.
Saturday 22nd June
GIRVAN TO BALLANTRAE AND GLENAPP ESTATE (by kind per-
mission of Lord Inchcape)—Leader, R. M. Ramage. Meet Wellington
Square, Ayr, 2.30 p.m., or rendezvous Shalloch corner, 4 mile south of
Girvan, 3.15 pm. Bring picnic tea. This excursion will finish late, as it
is hoped to see Nightjars.
lOO
1963 OFFICIAL SECTION 337
Saturday 6th July
LITTLE CUMBRAE (by kind permission of Highland Engineering Ltd.,
Edinburgh)—Leader, G. Fraser. Boat leaves Fairlie jetty, 11 a.m., fare
approx. 7s. Bring picnic lunch and tea, Applications by 22nd June to
Dr M. E. Castle, Mount Hamilton, St Quivox, by Ayr. (For conditions
of landing, see under Glasgow excursions).
Saturday 20th July
HORSE ISLAND (by kind permission of the R.S.P.B.)—Leader, G.
Fraser. Boat leaves Ardrossan Harbour, 3 p.m., fare approx. 5s. Bring
picnic tea. Applications by 6th July to Dr M. E. Castle, address above.
Saturday 14th September
BARASSIE—Leader, G. A. Richards. Joint excursion with Glasgow
Branch. Meet Troon Gasworks, north shore road, 2.30 p.m.
DUMFRIES
Sunday 19th May
DRUMLANRIG WOODS—Leaders, J. Maxwell and J. Young. Meet
Ewart Library, 2 p.m.
Sunday 2nd June
DALRY AREA, KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE—Leader, A. D. Watson.
Meet Ewart Library, 2 p.m.
Sunday 16th June
FARNE ISLANDS—A touring bus has been booked to leave at 7 am.
from the Whitesands (opposite Bank Street), cost 27s 6d. Applications
not later than 16th May to H. M. Russell, Nara, Dalbeattie Road, Dum-
fries. Take picnic lunch. Members of Dumfries Branch must have
priority and bookings for others can only be accepted provisionally.
Sunday 30th June
BALCARRY POINT—Leader, E. L. Roberts. Meet Ewart Library, 2 p.m.
DUNDEE
Where private cars are to be used, applications should be made one week
in advance to Jack Scobie, 11 Nevill Street, Dundee (Tel. Dundee 86209).
Sunday 26th May
AMULREE DISTRICT—Meet City Square 9 a.m. Transport by private
cars. Bring lunch and tea.
Sunday 9th June
TENTSMUIR AND SHELLEY POINT—Meet Tay Ferry 10 a.m. Public
transport. Bring picnic lunch.
Sunday 23rd June
CAIRNGORMS (for Dotterel)—Meet City Square 8 am. Transport by
private cars. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 14th July
ISLE OF MAY or BASS ROCK—Arrangements will be made known
later.
Sunday 25th August
YTHAN ESTUARY—Meet City Square 8 a.m. Transport by private cars.
Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Sunday 22nd September
EDEN ESTUARY—Meet Tay Ferry 10 a.m. Public transport. Bring picnic
lunch.
338 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(5)
EDINBURGH
- Times of buses and trains should be checked with summer timetables.
Costs may also be subject to alteration.
Saturday lith May
ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE (spring migrants)—Leaders,
W. K. Birrell, C. N. L. Cowper, K. S. Macgregor. Meet timber bridge,
2.30 pm. Bring picnic tea. (S.M.T. bus leaves Edinburgh Bus Station
at approx. 1.40 p.m.).
Sunday 2nd June
THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of the Earl of
Home)—Leader at the Hirsel, Major the Hon. Henry Douglas Home.
Kxcursion by private cars, sharing petrol expenses. Applications by
25th May to A. T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh 13,
stating number of spare seats available. Applicants will be informed
of place and time of meeting. Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Saturday 22nd June
ISLE OF MAY—Numbers limited to 12. Applications by 18th June to
A. Macdonald, Hadley Court, Haddington, East Lothian (Tel. Hadd.
3204). Party meets and sails. from West Pier, Anstruther, 11.40 am.
approx. ‘rain to: Anstruther leaving Waverley Station about 9 am.,
will be met at Anstruther Station. Return train leaves Anstruther 6
p.m. (Please check all train timetables). Bring picnic lunch and tea.
Cost: Train Day Return approx. 12s 6d; Boat approx. 9s.
| Saturday 13th July
FIDRA (by kind permission of the R.S.P.B.)—Numbers limited. Appli-
cations by 6th July to M. J. H. Robson, Little Bellwood, Glencorse,
Penicuik (Tel. Penicuik 386). Boat leaves North Berwick Harbour,
2.30 p.m., returning approx. 7 p.m. Bring picnic tea. Cost approx. 8s.
If weather is uncertain please check with leader on morning of ex-
cursion in case of cancellation.
Saturday 27th July
BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamilton Dalrymple,
Bart.)—Applications by 20th July to J. E. King, 8 Strathearn Place,
Edinburgh 9 (Tel. MOR 2671). Boats leave North Berwick Harbour, 2.30
p.m., returning approx. 7 pm. Bring picnic tea. Cost approx. 8s, Tickets
must be obtained at the Harbour Office before embarking. Car park-
ing is not permitted at the Harbour. If weather is uncertain, please
check with leader on morning of excursion in case of cancellation.
Saturday 21st September
ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE (autumn migrants)—Arrange-
ments as for llth May.
GLASGOW
Sunday 28th April
HAMILTON BIRD SANCTUARY (by kind permission of the Town
Council of the Burgh of Hamilton)—Leader, D. Stalker. Meet at gates
leading to Municipal Golf Course, 2 p.m.
Saturday 11th May
BARR MEADOWS—Joint excursion with Ayr Branch. Leader, G. H.
Acklam. Meet at Lochwinnoch Station Yard, 2.30 p.m.
Sunday 2nd June
THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of the Earl of
Home)—Joint excursion with Edinburgh Branch. Arrangements as for
1963 OFFICIAL SECTION 309
Edinburgh, but Glasgow members should send their applications to
GL. A. Patrick, 11 Knollpark Drive, Clarkston, Glasgow.
Sunday 9th June
LITTLE CUMBRAE (by kind permission of Little Cumbrae Estates
Ltd.)—Leader, Miss W. U. Flower. Boat leaves Fairlie, 12 noon, fare
approx. 5s. Bring picnic lunch and tea. Applications by 25th May to
G. L. A. Patrick, address above.
“The permission to visit Littke Cumbrae is granted on condition that
the company does not warrant the safety of the premises and is under
no obligation to protect you from injury or damage by reason of the
state of the premises. By entering the premises you will be deemed to
have accepted these conditions.”
Members participating in this excursion will be expected to sign
an acknowledgement that they have read and agreed to the said con-
ditions.
Saturday 15th June
LUSS ISLANDS, LOCH LOMOND (by kind permission of Sir Ivor
Colquhoun)—Leader, G. A. Robb. Service bus via Balloch to Luss,
alight Bandry Bay half a mile south of Luss. Ferry boat leaves 2 p.m.,
returning 5.30 p.m. Fare approx. 5s. Bring picnic tea. Applications by
Ist June to G. L. A. Patrick, address above.
Wednesday 19th June
HORSE ISLAND (by kind permission of the R.S.P.B.)—Leader, G.
Fraser. Boat leaves Ardrossan Harbour, 6.30 p.m., fare approx. 4s.
Applications by 25th May to G. L. A. Patrick, address above.
Saturday 29th June
HORSE ISLAND (by kind permission of the R.S.P.B.)—Leader, G.
Fraser. Boat leaves Ardrossan Harbour, 2.30 p.m., fare approx. 4s.
Bring picnic tea. Applications by 8th June to G. L. A. Patrick, address
above.
Saturday 14th September
BARASSIE—Joint excursion with Ayr Branch. For arrangements see
Ayr Branch excursions.
Sunday 22nd September
HAMILTON BIRD SANCTUARY (by kind permission of the Town
Council of the Burgh of Hamilton)—-Leader, M. Forrester. Meet at
gates leading to Municipal Golf Course, 2 p.m.
ST ANDREWS
Applications for all excursions should be made to Miss M. M. Spires,
2 Howard Place, St Andrews (Tel. St Andrews 852), not later than one
week before each excursion so that transport can be arranged.
Saturday Ist June
LINDORES LOCH AND DUNBOG—Leave St Andrews Bus Station,
2.15 p.m. Bring picnic tea.
Sunday 9th June
ST SERF’S ISLAND, LOCH LEVEN—Leave St Andrews Bus Station,
10 a.m. Boats leave the Sluices, Scotlandwell, 11 am. Bring picnic
lunch and tea.
Saturday 29th June
TENTSMUIR—Leave St Andrews Bus Station, 2.15 p.m. Bring picnic
tea.
WEEKEND EXCURSION TO AVIEMORE
The weekend excursion to Speyside will again be held in the Dell
Hotel, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, from 3rd to 5th May 1963.
Accommodation for up to twenty i:uembers has been reserved at in-
clusive terms of 55s per person, as follows: bed on Friday 3rd; break-
t
|
|
340 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(5) |
|
fast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on Saturday 4th; breakfast and |
packed lunch on Sunday 5th.
Members wishing to attend should book direct with Mrs Grant, Dell
Hotel (Tel. Aviemore 216), and inform her if they require dinner on
Friday night (extra). A stamped addressed post card should be enclosed
for reply. Members may bring guests. Arrangements for transport by
private cars should be made with Branch Secretaries. Thermos flasks
should be brought.
OPERATION OSPREY 1963
The R.S.P.B. will once again require the assistance of volunteer war-
dens between 6th April and mid-August to guard the Opsreys at Loch
Garten and to act as guides to the public visiting the observation post
in the sanctuary area. Wardens will be accommodated at a base camp
where food, tents and camp equipment will be provided free. Each
person is however expected to bring his own sleeping bag and pillow
slip. Provided sufficient wardens are available, preferably for periods
of not less than one week at a time, each one will have every third day
free of duties. A succession of female cook-caterers will also be required
for the period.
Anyone wishing to assist should send full details and references as
soon as possible to George Waterston, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7.
DR CONSTANCE HIGGINBOTTOM
It is with great regret that we have to announce that Dr Constance
Higginbottom, first Secretary of the recently formed Ayr Branch, died
on 21st November 1962 in the Ayrshire Central Hospital Irvine, at the
age of 57. She had been in indifferent health for some time.
“Dr Hig.”, as she was affectionately known to her many friends,
though a native of Dunbartonshire, received most of her education in
England. At Manchester University she gained an Honours Degree in
Chemistry and a Diploma in Bacteriology. She became a Ph.D. of Leeds
University following a period of research work there.
Returning to Scotland, she joined the staff of the Hannah Dairy
Research Institute, Ayr, where she served with distinction for 23 years,
latterly becoming a principal scientific officer.
She was a member of the S.O.C. and an enthusiastic amateur ornith-
ologist of many years standing, and was largely instrumental in the
successful launching of the new Ayr Branch last vear. The Branch will
greatly miss her thorough and efficient work in committee.
A most generous gesture on the part of Dr Higginbottom’s three sis-
ters was to present to the Ayr Branch her large collection of ornitho-
logical reference books to start a Branch library, a most fitting way to
perpetuate the memory of a highly esteemed founder-member and a
devoted worker in the affairs of the Branch.
R. M. RAMAGE, Chairman, Ayr Branch.
NEW SECRETARY, AYR BRANCH
The new Secretary of the Ayr Branch is Dr M Ee
‘ . E. Castle, whose
address is St Quivox, Mount Hamilton, by Ayr. Dr Castle replaces the
late Dr Constance Higginbottom, whose death is reported above.
ISLAY...
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NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
The attention of contributors is drawn to the suggestions, last printed
in the Autumn 1962 issue of the journal, about the form in which papers
and notes should be submitted. It will be particularly appreciated if
material for Current Notes is sent at the appropriate time—to reach the
editor before the end of June, September, December and March, and
not just after these dates.
BIRDS DO IT...
JK EEPING warm whilst remaining im-
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the birds, with their built-in insulation of
feathers and down. What the birds can do
man can do, with Black’s down-filled
clothing.
The Sleeveless Duvet Jacket illustra-
ted may be worn under an outdoor
garment without impeding movement
of the arms.
Write now for your FREE
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needs this book: and surely.every bird-lover must
be a student of migration!” The Times Education-
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bibliography and index. 50s.
HEINEMANN
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Tie
Illustrated is the Official Club Tie,
of which R. W. Forsyth’s are the
sole suppliers. The tie is made
from Terylene with a blue or
green background, and
the bird motif in
silver. 17/9.
Forsyth’s
also provide
warm clothing
for bird watchers :
gloves, scarves, under-
wear, shoes, caps, weath-
erproot trousers, jerkins,
raincoats and overcoats.
R. W. FORSYTH
R. W. Forsyth Ltd. Princes Street Edinburgh And at Glasgow
THE BIRDS OF THE
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Volume XI of this well-known series deals with the
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gulls and kittiwake. Each bird is treated very fully
with details of identification, local distribution, dis-
tribution abroad and breeding habits. Thirty-two
magnificent colour plates by the late George E. Lodge
illustrate the text.
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FO
SY SEF
mSCOTTISH
BIRDS
The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Vol. 2 No. 6 Summer 1963
Kol VE SHILLINGS
EXPERT ADVICE
ON CHOOSING A BINOCULAR FROM
A LARGE SELECTION OF GOOD INSTRUMENTS
G. HUTCHISON & SONS
Phone Car. 5579
OPTICIANS - - 18 FORREST ROAD, EDINBURGH
Open till 5.30 p.m. on Saturdays : Early closing Tuesday
CLUB-ROOM AND LIBRARY
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7, will
be available to Members during office hours, and on Wednesday evenings
from 7 to 10 p.m. during the winter months. Members may use the Refer-
ence Library and borrow books from the Duplicate Section. Facilities for
making tea or coffee are available at a nominal charge and Members may
bring guests by arrangement. The Aldis 2” x 2” slide projector and screen
can be used for the informal showing ol slides at a charge of 2s 6d per
night to cover the replacement of bulbs.
EDITORIAL ADDRESS
All contributions to A. T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh
13. Advertisements to T. C. Smout, 93 Warrender Park Road, Edin-
burgh 9.
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
The attention of contributors is drawn to the suggestions, last printed
in the Autumn 1962 issue of the journal, about the form in which papers
and notes should be submitted. It will be particularly appreciated if
material for Current Notes is sent at the appropriate time—to reach the
editor before the end of June, September, December and March, and
not just after these dates.
HANDA BIRD RESERVE,
SUTHERLAND
'7E famous island sea-bird sanctuary of Handa lies
close inshore off the north-west coast of Sutherland,
three miles north-west of Scourie. It was established as
a Bird Reserve by the Society in 1962 by agreement with
the proprietors.
It extends to 766 acres and is composed mainly of
rough sheep pasture and peat bog, several small lochs,
an attractive sandy beach, and is renowned for its magni-
ficent sea-cliffs of torridonian sand-stone rising sheer
from the Atlantic to over 400 feet. The cliffs are thronged
with sea-birds during the breeding season.
By means of a grant from the Helena Howden
Trust, the R.S.P.B. has re-roofed, reconditioned, and fur-
nished the shepherd’s Bothy—a two-roomed house. It is
equipped with four sets of two-tier bunks, calor gas
cooker, tables, chairs etc. and a kitchen sink. Blankets,
pillows, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are all
supplied. There is a small annexe containing a wash-hand
basin, W.C., and a Store.
Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags (or
sheets) and pillow slips, and must bring and cook all their
own food.
The charge for accommodation is 5s per person per
night. This includes free use of calor gas and paraffin.
Bookings for the Bothy can only be accepted from
Members of the R.S.P.B. (annual subscription, one
guinea) but Members can invite friends (non-members)
to accompany them.
PROSPECTUS WITH FULL DETAILS AVAILABLE FROM
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Scottish Office: 21 REGENT TERRACE, EDINBURGH 7
1808 QH7
SUTHERLAND
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 amenities in so small a
compass.
The B.T.O. Regional Repre-
sentative, who lives in the
village, will be pleased to offer
local advice regarding the as-
tonishing diversity of bird life
in the vicinity and to receive
lists of birds from visitors.
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 brochures,
including birdwatching, will
gladly be forwarded on re-
quest.
Proprietor, 2 HEXLEY
A.A. R.A.C.
(3 Star)
GARAGE AND
LOCK-UPS AVAILABLE
R.S.A.C.
ISLA Yo
“THE BIRD-WATCHER’S
PARADISE,
For stimulating ornithological ex-
perience nothing can beat Islay in
late spring. There is an astonishing
variety of bird habitat. Ninety-
seven different birds were seen in
two days and that in the depths of
winter! The island is the principal
wintering resort, possibly in the
world, of the Barnacle Goose. It is
also the last Scottish stronghold of
the Chough.
For Ornithological Brochure write
to The Tourist Association.
Bowmore, Isle-of-Islay, Argyll
Bardsey Island, off North Wales.
Port of call for hundreds of mig-
rants including rarities such as
Melodious and Bonelli’s Warblers;
also the home of Shearwaters and
Choughs. Accommodation in Bird
Observatory Farmhouse. Full de-
tails from: The Hon. Bookings
Secretary, Mrs G. F. Walton, 51
Mount Road, St Asaph, Flint.
Please send stamp.
Wanted: Scot. Nat. 1884-91; Birds
of E. Lothian (Turnbull 1867);
Addenda to Birds of Dumfries
(Gladstone 1911).
For sale: Scot. Nat. 1935-57, com-
plete, bound, 15 vols. in 14—£10.
Andrew T. Macmillan, 66 Snylaw
Bank Road, Edinburgh 13.
Fair Isle Bird Observatory re-
quires young married counle to
take over research and administra-
tion of the Observatory from. Ist
July 1963. Write stating experience
and qualifications to George Wat-
erston, 21 Regent Terrace, Edin-
burgh 7.
S2O1TISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 2 No. 6 Summer 1963
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. SMmout. Business Editor, T. C. SMout. Cover Design (Whimbrel)
by LEN FULLERTON. Published quarterly.
Editorial
Wild life and toxic chemicals. Publication of Rachel Carson’s
Silent Spring, attacking the agricultural use of dangerous and
often imperfectly understood chemicals, created a tremen-
dous furore in the U.S.A. In spite of some large kills of birds,
the problem has not yet reached the same proportions in this
country, and reaction has been milder, or more complacent,
depending on how one views the question. Nevertheless, the
Association of British Manufacturers of Agricultural Chem-
icals has thought it worth producing a Review and Commen-
tary on the book in order to present its own assessment of
the situation in Great Britain.
Although it cannot be denied that some of Miss Carson’s
more horrific visions are largely hypothetical, yet equally it is
true that it is not possible to prove they will not come to be.
The important point is that the book directs attention to the
whole subject and to the urgent need for more research and
vigilance. The dangers and problems are with us now, and
whether they are as dreadful as is suggested will not be
known with certainty until it may be too late. There is a
review of Silent Spring on another page. Everyone who finds
pleasure in the countryside and its wild life must read this
book. Copies can be had through the $.0.C. Book Agency, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7.
Film competition. Our special congratulations go to Charles
Palmar, curator of the Department of Natural History in the
Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, but also chairman of the
Glasgow Branch of the S.O.C. In a recent natural history
film competition for amateurs, organised by the B.B.C. and
the Council for Nature, he was joint winner of the £700 first
prize for a film suitable for television. His entry, ‘““Highland
Heronry,”’ shows the Heron and its neighbours on a sea loch
in the West Highlands.
342 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 2(6)
REVIEW OF ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES
IN SCOTLAND IN 1962
DOUGAL G. ANDREW
Introduction
This is the tenth report of the Scottish Bird Records Com-
mittee, and it is concerned with records published during
1962 together with some records carried forward from earlier
years. ‘he journals searched, with the abbreviations used
in this report, are as follows: Scottish Birds (SB), Vol. 2:
1-276; The Scottish Naturalist (SN), 1961 and 1962; British
Birds (BB), Vol. 55; Bird Migration (BM), Vol. 2: 61-204;
Bird Study, Vol. 9, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin
(FIBOB), Vol. 4: 207-236; Bird Notes (BN), Vol. 30: 1-160;
Ibis, Vol. 104; Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club
(Bull. BOC), Vol. 82. Use has also been made of a most val-
uable manuscript by Henry Boase—Birds of North and East
Perth (BNEP)—of which further information will be found
in a detailed review (SB 2: 266). Abbreviations are aiso used
for the following works which are referred to more than
once: The Birds of Scotland, 1953 (BofS); Geographical Dis-
tribution and Status of Birds in Scotland, 1928 (GDSBS),
The only change in the composition of the Committee
since its last report has been an internal one. Dr James
Campbell, who has been the Committee’s Chairman for the
past three years and who has so capably undertaken the
main burden of preparing these reports, has felt obliged to
retire from this office owing to pressure of other business.
The Committee wishes to pay tribute to the valuable work
Dr Campbell has done on its behalf. It is good to know that
his experience will continue to be available as an ordinary
member of the Committee.
The previous reports of the Committee have been pub-
lished as follows: SN 1955: 98; 1956: 1; 1957: 37, 170; and
Si SU tit 2ea 44a one
BIRDS NEW TO SCOTLAND
SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER Calidris pusilla. The 1956 Fair Isle
record (SN 1957: 145) accepted by this Committee as the
first for Scotland (SB 1: 30, 76) has now been shown (BB
56: 55) to have been a Western Sandpiper (see below). The
1957 Isle of May record (SB 1: 35) is now accepted as the
first (and so far the only) occurrence of the Semi-palmated
Sandpiper in Scotland.
WESTERN SANDPIPER Calidris mauri. One seen (and subsequent-
ly trapped), Fair Isle, 28th May 1956 (SN 1957: 145 swb voce
1963 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 343
Semi-palmated Sandpiper, see also BB 56: 55). This is also
the first British record.
Dusky THRUSH Turdus eunomus. One seen (and subsequently
trapped), Fair Isle, 18th October 1961 (FIBOB 4: 209). This
is the third British record, the other two both being from
England.
AMERICAN ROBIN Turdus migratorius. One seen, Grimsetter
aerodrome, Orkney, 27th May 1961 (BB 55: 577). This is the
fourth British occurrence, the species having been recor-
ded once in England and twice in Ireland.
RIVER WARBLER Locustella fluviatilis. One trapped, Fair Isle,
24th September 1961 (BB 55: 137). This is also the first
British record.
BONELLI’S WaRBLER Phylloscopus bonelli. One trapped, Fair
Isle, 22nd September 1961 (BB 55: 278). This species (first
identified in Britain in 1948) has now been recorded nine
times in England/Wales and twice in Ireland.
BIRDS NEW TO AREAS AND COUNTIES
GaNNET Sula bassana. One between Drymen and Aberfoyle,
24th September 1961 (SB 2: 40); first for West Stirling. The
Committee does not accept an earlier undated record (BB
38: 18).
FRIGATE-BIRD Fregata sp. One off Forvie, 20th August 1960
(BB 53: 455; 55: 565); first for Dee and Aberdeen.
[WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia. One, Lochmaben, Dumfries-
shire, 17th April 1961 (SB 1: 451); the tameness of this bird
and the fact that one is known to have escaped from cap-
tivity early in the year must, in the Committee’s opinion,
aes serious doubts as to whether this was a genuine wild
bird. |.
SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia. One (later joined by two
others), mouth of the River Annan, 26th May 1962 (SB 2:
242); first for Solway and Dumfries.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL Anas crecca carolinensis. It has been
pointed out (BNEP: 45) that this Committee was wrong in
accepting (SN 1955: 100) the 1952 Carsebreck record as the
first for Tay and North Perth. Carsebreck lies within Forth
and South Perth and the 1952 record is accordingly the
first for this area and county. There is at yet no record for
Tay. The 1961 Midlothian record accepted in our last report
(SB 2: 192) as the first for Forth is in fact the second for
this area.
GARGANEY Anas querquedula. One, Stormont Loch, 25th April
1953 (BNEP: 45); first for North Perth.
GaADWALL Anas strepera. Two, Tullibody Island, 5th March 1960
(SB 2: 40); first for Clackmannan.
344 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 2(6)
GoLDENEYE Bucephala clangula. Two, St Kilda, 10th October
1961 (SB 2: 70); first for St Kilda.
LONG-TAILED Duck Clangula hyemalis. One, Kingoodie, 5th
November 1922 (BNEP: 53); first definite record for North
Perth, although the species has been described as “Winter?”
(GDSBS: 252).
VELVET ScoTER Melanitta fusca. One, Skinflats, 23rd October
1961 (SB 2: 41); first for East Stirling. A dead bird at Kin-
goodie, 4th March 1923 (BNEP: 53); first for North Perth.
EIDER Somateria mollissima, Four, Kingoodie, 16th May 1920
(BNEP: 54); first definite record for North Perth, although
the species has been described as “Occasional?” (GDSBS:
253).
Grey Lac Goose Anser anser. One, Eagle Rock, 14th April
1962 (SB 2: 202); first for West Lothian.
[GREATER SNOW GOOsE Anser caerulescens atlanticus. One
Libberton, first seen December 1959 (SB 1: 272; 2: 203);
first record of this race for Clyde and Lanark. One, Caer-
laverock, 13th October 1961 (SB 2: 2083); first record of
this race for Dumfries. The Committee accepts the correct-
ness of the subspecific identification in these records, but
again stresses that it is almost impossible to be sure that the
bird (for it seems almost certain that these and other recent
records all refer to the same individual) was not an escape
from captivity (see BB 54: 182 and SB 2: 306). It has been
implied that this bird was seen in Peebles (SB 2: 203; see
also BB 55: 570) but the Committee is informed that the
bird was not in fact seen to cross the county boundary. |.
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis. The statement that “After
the human population was evacuated from Island Roan in
1938 Barnacle Geese began to winter there and on the ad-
jacent Eilean Iosal” (SB 2: 178) appears to provide the first
definite record for North Sutherland, though Dr John Berry
states that the Barnacle Goose “occurs sporadically along
the North Coast, chiefly on small islands, but nowhere can
be termed common” (The Status and Distribution of Wild
Geese and Wild Duck in Scotland, 1939: 49). The species was
first definitely identified in North Sutherland on 6th Jan-
uary 1949 (SB 2: 363).
CanaDA Goose Branta canadensis. Four, Fair Isle, 6th June
1962 (BM 2: 203); first for Fair Isle. Two pairs with broods
near Kelso, 13th June 1962 (SB 2: 255); first for Tweed
and Roxburgh, although it is in fact known that birds have
been present here for some time.
MarsH HarrRIER Circus aeruginosus. One, Jura, 27th July
1962 (SB 2: 256); first for Inner Hebrides.
RED-FOOTED Fatcon Falco vespertinus. One, Newport area, 21st
1963 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 345
November 1941 (SB 2: 142); first for Tay and North Fife.
[RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa. A flock of 17 near
Blair Drummond, South Perth, 28th October 1961 (SB 2:
96). The locality is only nine miles from Braco, where it is
known that young birds had been released the previous
year. There is no evidence known to the Committee that
this species has yet succeeded in establishing itself any-
where in Scotland. ].
KENTISH PLOVER Charadrius alexandrinus. One, Ythan Es-
tuary, 3rd May 1962 (SB 2: 246); this (the second Scottish
record) is the first for Dee and Aberdeen.
TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres. One, Kingoodie, 3rd Septem-
ber 1922 (BNEP: 81); first for North Perth.
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus. “Common every autumn on
Clackmannan shore of the Forth” (SB 2: 41); the first pub-
lished reference to the occurrence of this species in Clack-
mannan.
BLACK-TAILED GopwiT Limosa limosa. One near Cambus, 12th
September 1953 (SB 2: 41); first for Clackmannan.
BAR-TAILED Gopwit Limosa lapponica. Seven, Alloa Inch, 19th
September 1953 (SB 2: 41); first for Clackmannan.
GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus. One, Kerloch Hill, 7th
August 1962 (SB 2: 257); first for North Kincardine.
Woop SANDPIPER Tringa glareola. One, Orchard Farm, 11th
September 1960 (SB 2: 41); first for Clackmannan. Three
or four near Troup Head, 21st August 1962 (SB 2: 257);
first for Banff.
SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus. One, mouth of River
Black Devon, 15th April 1961 (SB 2: 41); first for Clackman-
nan.
Knot Calidris canutus. One, mouth of River Endrick, 20th
April 1961 (SB 1: 436); first for West Stirling. The observer
has confirmed that the bird was seen to alight on both sides
of the river at different times.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos. One, Fair Isle, 16th
September 1961 (FIBOB 4: 209); first for Fair Isle.
WESTERN SANDPIPER Calidris mauri. (See under “Birds New
to Scotland” above); first for Shetland and Fair Isle.
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Tryngites subruficollis. One, St
Kilda, 15th June 1962 (BM 2: 204; SB 2: 299); first for
Outer Hebrides and St Kilda.
Rurr Philomachus pugnax. Three, Rhind, 7th August 1960
(SB 2: 41); first for Clackmannan.
PHALAROPE Phalaropus sp. Two, St Kilda, 12th October 1961,
“orobably Grey Phalaropes” (SB 2: 71); first record of any
phalarope for St Kilda.
346 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 2(6)
GREAT SkuaA Catharacta skua. One, Eden Estuary, 17th Sep- ©
tember 1961 (SB 2: 148); first for North Fife. One off Mal- |
laig 26th May 1962 (SB 2: 206); first for West Inverness.
The statement by Dr I. D. Pennie that “I have details of
four subsequent unpublished records from the north and
west (SB 2: 182) is the first published indication of the
occurrence of this species in North Sutherland. The first
record was in fact of one near Cape Wrath lighthouse on
19th August 1954 (SB 2: 363).
ArcTic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. One, Tullibody Island,
Ist October 1960 (SB 2: 42); first for Clackmannan.
Ivory GuLL Pagophila eburnea. Dead bird at Templehall in
early January 1956 (BNEP: 95); first for Tay and North
Perth.
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus. “In winter flocks
of between 6 and 24 may always be seen at certain fav-
oured places in the Alloa area” (SB 2: 42); first published
reference to the occurrence of this species in Clackmannan.
IcELAND GuLL Larus glaucoides. One shot, Aberfeldy, 19th
June 1926 (BNEP: 99); first for North Perth. One, Sheigra,
14th May 1962 (SB 2: 259); first for West Sutherland.
LittLE Gutt Larus minutus. One, St Kilda, 15th May 1962
(BM 2: 204, SB 2: 299); first for St Kilda.
Buiack TERN Chlidonias niger. One, mouth of the River Spey,
16th August 1962 (SB 2: 259); first for Moray. One, Loch
Morlich, 18th August 1962 (SB 2: 259); first for East Inver-
ness.
LitTLE TERN Sterna albifrons. One, Kingoodie, 26th July 1924
(BNEP: 104); first for North Perth.
COLLARED DovE Streptopelia decaocto. One, South Ronaldsay,
23rd July 1962 (SB 2: 247); first for Orkney. Two, Inver-
gordon, 3rd August 1962 (SB 2: 247); first for East Ross.
ALPINE Swirt Apus melba. One, Unst, 13th June 1962 (SB 2:
249): first for Shetland.
GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis. Has been noted in Kirkcud-
brightshire at least since 1957 (SB 2: 48); first published
reference to the occurrence of this species in Kirkcudbright-
shire apart from an unsatisfactory second-hand record from
the Kirkcudbrightshire/Wigtownshire border about 1883
(BofS 1: 254). See also under “First Breeding Records.”
One, St Mary’s Loch, 12th November 1961 (SB 2: 483); first
for Selkirk. One at Gartocharn, 3lst August 1962 (SB 2:
261), is the first evidence that the current extension of
range has reached Dunbarton. There is, however, an earlier
undated record (A Fauna of the Tay Basin and Strathmore,
1906: 163) which the Committee accepts as the first record
for Clyde and Dunbarton.
1963 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 347
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major. The 1953
breeding record at Lochmore (SB 2: 184—see under “First
Breeding Records” below) is also the first recorded occur-
rence of the species in West Sutherland.
| WHITE-WINGED LARK Melanocorypha leucoptera. One seen,
Loch Scarmelett, Caithness, 8th June 1958 (BB 51: 320).
This record is not accepted by the Committee. ].
SHORE LarK Eremophila alpestris. Four, Ythan Estuary, 30th
December 1961 (SB 2: 105); first for Dee and Aberdeen.
JACKDAW Corvus monedula. “Jackdaws at Elphin in July 1958”
(SB 2: 185); first published mention of the occurrence of
this species in West Sutherland, though birds were in fact
present in the same area as early as 1953 (SB 2: 364).
Great Tit Parus major. One (probably two), Stornoway
Woods, 25th March 1962 (SB 2: 91); first for Outer Heb-
rides. The Committee can find no evidence to support the
statement in Saunders’ Manual of British Birds, 3rd Edn.,
1927: 148, that this species breeds at Stornoway.
BuLuE Tit Parus caeruleus. Two or more, Stornoway Woods,
7th November 1961 (SB 2: 43); first for Outer Hebrides.
The Committee can find no evidence to support an earlier
description of this species as “Resident” (GDSBS: 78) nor
the implication this it has occurred in the Outer Hebrides
(Bops 1: 128).
LONG-TAILED Tit Aegithalos caudatus. “Has been confirmed as
breeding in... Lochinver, and recorded from Scourie” (SB
2: 186); first published reference to the occurrence of this
species in West Sutherland. The earliest record is in fact
of a family party at Loch a’ Mhuillin between 4th and 16th
June 1951 (SB 2: 364).
Dusky THRUSH Turdus eunomus. (See under “Birds New to
Scotland” above); first for Shetland and Fair Isle.
AMERICAN RoBIN Turdus migratorius. (See under “Birds New
to Scotland” above); first for Orkney.
Rock THRUSH Monticola saxatilis. One, St Kilda, 17th June
1962 (BM 2: 204; BB 56: 66); this (the fourth Scottish
record) is the first for Outer Hebrides and St Kilda.
[GREENLAND WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa. One,
Pentland Hills, 12th May 1962 (SB 2: 210); this would be
the first record of this race in Peebles, but the Committee
considers that the existence of intermediate populations
makes it impossible to identify with certainty the various
races of the Wheatear in the field.].
Buack REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros. One obtained near
Eliock, March 1947 (SB 2: 263): first for Dumfries.
RIveR WarBLER Locustella fluviatilis. (See under “Birds New
to Scotland” above); first for Shetland and Fair Isle.
348 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 2(6)
CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita. Three, St Andrews, 21st
April 1962 (SB 2: 212); first for North Fife.
BONELLI’S WARBLER Phylloscopus bonelli. (See under “Birds
New to Scotland” above); first for Shetland and Fair Isle.
Arctic WarRFLER Phylloscopus borealis. One, Isle of May, 5th
September 1961 (SB 2: 18); first for Forth and Isle of May.
Dusky WARBLER Phylloscopus fuscatus. One, Fair Isle, 14th
October 1961 (BB 55: 190); this (the second British and
Scottish record) is the first for Shetland and Fair Isle.
GoLpcrREST Regulus regulus. “It is now plentiful wherever
there are plantations, including Lochinver and Scourie”
(SB 2: 187); first published reference to the occurrence of
this species in West Sutherland. The earliest record was
from near Scourie on 10th June 1954 (SB 2: 364). One, St
Kilda, 5th September 1961 (SB 2: 72); first for St Kilda.
PIED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa hypoleuca. One, Strath Dionard,
30th May 1961 (SB 2: 44); first for North Sutherland. One,
St Kilda, 5th October 1961 (S'B 2: 72); first for St Kilda.
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris. One, West Lewis, 23rd Octo-
ber 1961 (SB 2: 250); this (the sixth Scottish record) is the
first for Outer Hebrides.
Rock Prrerr Anthus spinoletta. One, Kingoodie, Ist January
1928 (BNEP: 179); first for North Perth.
Waxwine Bombycilla garrulus. One, St Kilda, 14th November
1961 (SB 2: 74); first for St Kilda.
GoLpDFINCH Carduelis carduelis. Two, St Kilda, 9th November
1961 (SB 2: 54); first for St Kilda.
StskIn Carduelis spinus. One or two, St Kilda, 12th Novem-
ber 1961 (SB 2: 54); first for St Kilda.
LrEssER REDPOLL Carduelis flammea disruptis. Has been recor-
ded regularly on Tentsmuir since about 1930 though not
yet proved to breed (SB 2: 158); first definite record for
North Fife, where the status of this race has been described
as “Occasional?” (GDSBS: 23).
HORNEMANN’S REDPOLL Carduelis h. hornemanni. One found
dead, West Lewis, 8th April 1962 (SB 2: 251); first record
for either race of the Arctic Redpoll for Outer Hebrides.
TREE SPARROW Passer montanus. Flock of about 15 near Mel-
vich, 24th May 1961 (SB 2: 39); first for North Sutherland.
FIRST BREEDING RECORDS FOR AREAS
AND COUNTIES
SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus. Pair with two small chicks
on a lochan in Aberdeenshire, 5th August 1962 (SB 2: 242):
had previously bred there in 1960 and 1961 (SB 2: 382);
1963 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 349
first breeding record for Dee and Aberdeen.
BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis. The brief report of
breeding “on a Perth loch” in 1949 (BofS 2: 504) in fact refers
to Stormont Loch, where a pair and two young were seen on
12th June 1949 (BNEP: 38); first breeding for North Perth.
FuLmar Fulmarus glacialis. Two eggs on Inchgarvie, 27th
June 1962 (SB 2: 201); first breeding for West Lothian.
WicEoN Anas penelope. One pair produced young, Morton
Lochs, 1953 (SB 2: 138); first breeding for North Fife.
PintTaiL Anas acuta. The record of breeding near Kingoodie in
1924 (BofS 2: 404) has now been withdrawn by the obser-
ver and the record of a female with a brood of five young
at Stormont Loch, 6th June 1953 (BNEP: 47), is now accep-
ted as the first breeding record for North Perth.
CoMMoN ScoTER Melanitta nigra. Female in flightless moult
and two juveniles found dead, Tentsmuir, 1947 (SB 2: 135);
first breeding for North Fife.
Canada Goose Branta canadensis. Two pairs with broods near
Kelso, 13th June 1962 (SB 2: 255); first breeding for Tweed
and Roxburgh—but see comments under “Occurrences”
above.
Montacu’s Harrier Circus pygargus. The first Scottish breed-
ing records for this species were included without details
in an earlier report (SN 1955: 104). To prevent confusion
in the future, the Committee records that the 1952 and 1953
breeding “in the central highlands” (Edinburgh Bird Bul-
letin 3: 63; 4: 73) provides the first breeding for Forth and
South Perth; and that the 1953 breeding “in Galloway” (SN
1954: 41) provides the first breeding for Solway and Kirk-
cudbright.
Common GuLL Larus canus. Single pairs with nests near
Sanquhar and at Loch Skene in the summer of 1962 (SB 2:
206-207); first breeding for Dumfries.
RoSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii. The statement that in 1961
“sood numbers” were breeding on Fidra and about 200
pairs breeding on Inchmickery (BN 30: 26-27; but see also
SB 2: 286) is the first published reference to breeding in
East Lothian and Midlothian respectively.
CoLLARED Dove Streptopelia decaocto. Pair with a nestling
which had evidently fallen from the nest, near Dumfries,
10th April 1962; breeding had probably also taken place
the previous year (SB 2: 199); first breeding for Solway
and Dumfries.
GREEN WoopPECKER Picus viridis. Has nested in Kirkcudbright
since at least 1959 and probably as far back as 1956 (SB 2:
261); first breeding for Kirkcudbright. Bred, Lennox Castle,
350 ORNITHOLOGICAL CHANGES 2(0)
1960 and possibly also in 1959 (SB 2: 43); first breeding for
West Stirling.
GREAT SPOTTED. WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major. Bred at
Lochmore in 1953 (SB 2: 184); first breeding for West
Sutherland. a
LONG-TAILED Tit Aegithalos caudatus. “Has been confirmed as
breeding in... Lochinver” (SB 2: 186); first breeding for
West Sutherland. The first acceptable breeding record is in
fact of a pair seen carrying food at Lochinver on 17th May
1960 (SB 2: 364).
TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris. Pair nested in Stornoway
Woods, May 1962 (SB 2: 93); first breeding for Outer Heb-
rides.
|CuirFcHAaFF Fhylloscopus collybita. The description of this
species as “Summer visitor, breeds” in Stornoway Woods
(SB 2: 95) has been qualified by the observer. Small num-
bers have been heard singing during the breeding season
over the past seven years (though not in 1962), but actual
proof of breeding has still to be established in the Outer
Hebrides. |.
TREE SPARROW Passer montanus. Nest with young, Loch
Leven, 23rd June 1962 (SB 2: 213); first breeding for Kin-
ross. Nesting colony found in a wood on Eday, 1962, (BN 30:
154); first breeding for Orkney. Two nests near Barrhead,
2nd August 1962 (SB 2: 263); first detailed record of breed-
ing in Renfrew, although there is a previous general state-
ment by Dr J. A. Gibson in a paper on “The Breeding
Birds of Renfrewshire” (Glasgow Bird Bulletin 4: 32) that
“I myself know of four nesting records since 1944, and
there are probably other records.” At least three pairs bred
Fair Isle, 1961 (FIBOB 4: 190); first breeding for Fair Isle
since 1936. At least ten pairs bred, Kergord, July 1961
FIBOB 4: 224); first breeding for Shetland since some time
prior to 1937.
The following records have been held over for further con-
sideration:
PELICAN Pelecanus sp. (SB 1: 356).
pers TEaL Anas formosa (FIBOB 2: 194), (Bull. BOC 78:
5).
PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos. (BM 2: 66).
ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba. (BM 2: 203).
Boe STONECHAT Saxicola torquata maura. (FIBOB 4:
1963 NOTES FROM’ ISLAND ROAN 351
NOTES FROM ISLAND ROAN, SUTHERLAND
IAN R. DOWNHILL
Introduction
~The group of islands known collectively as Island Roan, or
Eilean nan Ron, lies on the north coast of Sutherland just
east of the mouth of the Kyle of Tongue and separated from
the mainland by a half mile of the turbulent Kyle Rannoch.
Fifty miles to the north-east the Orkney Isles line the hori-
zon, and with the Shetland Isles provide shelter from
Scandinavia; but to the north and west the North Atlantic
stretches away to Faroe, Iceland and Greenland. :
The main island, Island Roan proper, measures just over
a mile from corner to corner and varies in width from a half
to three quarters of a mile, with a very indented coastline.
The cliffs rise steeply to about 50 feet on the south side and
200 feet on the north-eastern corner, the highest point being
Cnoc Loisgen at 247 feet. The rock is mainiy conglomerate,
overlain in parts by red sandstone and split by deep clefts
on the northern side, some of which run right down to the
sea. At the foot of the two northern headlands, shelves of
rock emerge from beneath huge boulders, and slope away
into the sea, and a similar but flat shelf is exposed at low
tide round the south-east corner of the island. There are fine
natural arches and sea caves but many are only accessible by
boat; while the West Bay holds a number of small stacks. At
low water spring tides, Island Roan is joined to the smaller
Bilean Iosal—the Low Island—and both are separated by
steep gorges from the tall stacks of An Innis and Meall Halm
respectively.
Island Roan was inhabited for at least 125 years up to Dec-
ember 1938 when the last families moved to the mainland.
Their eight stone-houses, along with the old schoolhouse have
fallen into various states of disrepair, some of the parts being
removed to the mainland for building there. Clustered round
these houses are the remains of the old stone sheep and cattle
pens. An account of the lives of these fishing people is given
by one of the islanders, John Mackay, in The Northern Times.
They lived mainly on the natural resources of the island,
and the animal life must have undergone considerable changes
since they left, almost all of which are unrecorded.
At one point a core of the island has “dropped out,” leaving
at one end a black peat pool—Am Mol-lochan—and opening
to the sea at the other end by a natural arch, The small
area round the pool shows a rich growth of vegetation and
tall ferns and forms a good shelter for small passerines in
352 NOTES FROM ISLAND ROAN 2(6)
windy weather. Most of the island top is given to heather
moor dominated by ling, with the berried plants of crow-
berry and bearberry creeping through in the dryer parts.
Bare stone patches give the island a somewhat arctic appear-
ance on the more exposed slopes. The moor on the northern
side is fairly hilly with marshy ground filling the hollows,
and much of the water from here seeps into a muddy pool
about 50 yards across and 12 to 18 inches deep, surrounded
by clumps of Juncus and tall sedges. It drains over into Am
Mol-lochan. The southern moor is flatter and wetter, there
being little depth to the peat, and mosses and lichens grow
amongst the sparser heather patches. Another somewhat
shallower pond here drains over the southern cliffs and is
much loved by the gulls for bathing.
Between the two moors lie the houses, and round them,
running from west to east of the island, is an area of close-
cropped grassland almost a quarter of a mile wide in one
part. This was the area cultivated by the islanders, and it is
intersected by numerous drainage ditches and a few dry
stone walls, with spreading patches of Juncus and thistles.
Another fairly extensive patch of very wet turf in the north-
east corner of the island proved attractive to several species
of wader. Areas of rather stunted bracken grow on the
eastern cliff-edge, where the cliff vegetation itself is quite
luxurious, owing, in part, to a series of springs, and to shelter
from the prevailing winds. It is here too that dog rose, honey-
suckle and a few sallow bushes give shelter to some of the
smaller passerines.
The island derives its name from the seals which are num-
erous around it. Fisher (1952, p. 174) refers to “Eilean nan
Ron, the island of the grey seal, on which the grey seal does
not breed” but this is assuredly incorrect, as it was well
known to the islanders that the grey seal breeds regularly
in the island’s caves. About 120 ewes graze Roan, with others
on lIosal, but there are no rabbits or rodents. One of the
islanders told me that both had been released (“mice, rats
and rabbits’) but the experiment had failed. The only land
mammals appear to be bats and otters.
I stayed on the island from 18th to 20th July 1959 and again
from 3rd August to 13th September 1962, mainly to study
autumn migration on the north coast of Sutherland. The
birds of the island are little known, reflected in the fact that
it receives only two mentions from Baxter and Rintoul (1953),
and indeed the only up-to-date account of Sutherland birds
is that given by Pennie (1962), dealing with changes in status
over the past century. The paucity of published records, par-
ticularly of seabirds, led me to prepare a full list and to bring
all the available information under the one heading.
1963 NOTES FROM ISLAND ROAN 353
Unpublished notes have been provided by F. J. Betteridge,
who was resident on the island from 6th July to 30th Septem-
ber 1950, and by Dr I. D. Pennie who has paid some seven
visits since May 1947 and provided helpful records of the
breeding species. Except where they contribute to generalisa-
tions these are acknowledged in the list.
LIST OF SPECIES
Great Northern Diver. Single birds on 8th and 18th August, and 3rd
September 1962.
Black-throated Diver. Two on 6th August 1962.
Red-throated Diver. On three dates in 1962 from 3rd to 17th August, but
thereafter up to four to, 12th September.
Storm Petrel. Nesting on the north and west, Cnoc Loisgen, and possibly
the south. Though this colony was first recorded in 1884 (Harvie-Brown
and Buckley 1887) it could be still spreading, as there are many avail-
able sites rond the houses. IDP found them on Iosal in 1949, and the
colony there appears to be the larger.
Manx Shearwater. Westward passage observed in August and early Sep-
tember 1962, but numbers declining after mid August; highest count
was 300 in an hour during a NW gale on 12th August. Details of shear-
water passage have already been published (Downhill 1963), and these
are some of the first records for Sutherland.
Great Shearwater. One on 10th August 1962, the first for Sutherland.
Sooty Shearwater. Westward passage in 1962, closer inshore than Manx
Shearwater and on finer days, on 5th (10), 10th (6), 12th (6), 24th (1),
26th (3) and 27th August (3), 4th (1) and 9th September (1). First for
Sutherland.
Fulmar. First appeared on Roan about 1929, though none on 18th June
1930. A good many on the west ledges in late May 1931, and about 30
sites there in June 1935 (Fisher 1952); nesting on the east side by 1948,
with 96 sites in 1949. Of 143 chicks counted in 1962, 70 per cent were
on the east. Josal held 12 sites in 1949 and 14 in 1962, and there were
seven on Meall Halm in 1949 (not counted 1962). A “blue’ Fulmar was
seen with westward passage of about 800 an hour on 10th August 1962.
Gannet. Fishing offshore June to September at least.
Cormorant. Colony on Meall Halm with 32 nests in 1959, and 40-50 in
1962. Sometimes visited by shooting parties (IDP).
Shag. Thirty-eight nests on Roan in 1962, but by late August there
were up to 400 birds off the cliffs.
Heron. Single birds on 21st and 29th August, three on the 31st, and one
on llth September 1962.
Mallard. Two on 2nd September 1962.
Teal. Seven from the NE, 7th September 1962.
Pintail, Three on 18th and 19th July 1959.
Eider. First seen 1881, and breeding 1887 (Baxter and Rintoul 1953).
Breeding also 1950, 1958 and 1962, but apparently irregular and never
more than two or three pairs. Most of the adults seen probably come
from the nearby Rabbit Islands.
Red-breasted Merganser. Seven on 10th July 1959, and two on 19th July
1962.
Barnacle Goose. Started wintering on the islands after the human pop-
ulation left, but not identified until January 1949, The only counts are
354 NOTES FROM ISLAND ROAN 2(6)
of 300 on 28th March 1949 from the mainland, and 210 on 13th Dec-
ember 1955 (IDP). The unidentified geese seen by FJB on 12th and
13th September 1950 may have been of this species.
Buzzard. Nested 1950 (IDP); otherwise single birds on four dates in
August and September 1947 and 1962. |
Sparrowhawk. Ten birds on nine dates between 21st August: and” ‘lith
September 1962, apparently coasting westwards.
Peregrine. Pairs present at least in 1950, 1955, and 1962 when a juvenile
was also about. Said to breed by the local fishermen.
Merlin. One on Ist September 1950 and “seen subsequently” (FJB);
also 25th August and llth September 1962.
Kestrel. Single birds on seven dates, 5th August to lst September in
1950 and 1962.
Red Grouse. In 1947 the gamekeeper at Tongue told IDP he found a
single nest on Roan “some years ago.’
Oystercatcher. About five pairs nest, but post- “breeds flocks of up to
30 on the rocks in August.
Lapwing. A freshly dead adult on 19th August 1962 is te oily record.
Ringed Plover. Two pairs present on 22nd May 1947 and noted again
in June (IDP), but no proof of breeding, Heard flying over on 7th,
20th and 31st August 1962.
Grey Plover. Single birds flying SE on 6th and 11th September. 1962.
Golden Plover. Up to four during the last ten days of September 1950
(FJB). Up to three on eight dates between 5th and 18th August 1962
and one on 29th. A second movement between 4th and 11th September
resulted in up to three flying SE on six dates.
Turnstone. Up to two on the rocks in August 1962, and to 3rd Septem-
ber, but immigration in the last ten days of August eee the total
~ to 20 on 20th, 16 on 24th and 8 on 30th.
Snipe. One pair bred 1959 and 1962. Five on 15th August 1962 were new.
Curlew. Less than ten post-breeding birds present in August and Sep-
tember; also recorded in December 1955 (IDP). Westward passage
noted during the second half of August 1962, with maxima of 45 on
16th, 55 on 17th, and 32 on 23rd.
Whimbrel. One on 20th July 1959. Westward passage started on 16th
August 1962 and was at a peak on 21st, 22nd and 23rd, with 27, 56
and 36 respectively. Mainly single birds thereafter to 10th ae
Bar-tailed Godwit. Two on 25th August 1962.
Redshank. Up to four most days in August and September; 32 on Ath,
and 30 on Sth September 1962 were probably of Icelandic origin.
Spotted Redshank. One on 16th August 1962.
Greenshank, One on 3rd September 1962.
Knot. Present in fluctuating numbers from 18th Auaantl to 4th Septem-
ber 1962, with maxima of about 66 on 18th, 35 on 24th, and 40 on cath
August.
Dunlin. Single birds, 3rd to 5th, and 11th to 12th August 1962, with others
on 13th, 19th, 20th (2) and 21st, and one on 8th September.
Great Skua. One seen on 19th July 1959; seen most days from 5th Anenst
to 12th September 1962, with numbers. declining somewhat after ee
on 17th August. For further details see Downhill (1963). =--.
Arctic Skua. In August 1962 on 5th (3), 12th, 13th, 15th, 19th, 20th (2)
ee 3lst. The last date coincided with the ‘dispersal of the Kittiwake
co ony.
1963 NOTES FROM ISLAND ROAN 355
Great Black-backed Gull. Four or five pairs nest on Roan, but many
more on JIosal.
Lesser Black-backed Gull. Recorded on 10th June 1947 (IDP), but not
in 1950 (FJB). In 1959 a few pairs were nesting with the Herring
Gulls on An Innis and a colony of about 50 pairs was established on
the South Moor of Roan. Herring Gulls had joined this in 1962, when
no Lesser Blackbacks were nesting on An Innis.
Herring Gull. Large well established colonies on Meall Halm and An
Innis and a few scattered pairs on the cliffs of Roan and Iosal in 1959
and 1962 at least. A few pairs were with the Lesser Blackbacks on
Roan in 1962 but not in 1959. After the dispersal of the colonies in
late August 1962 a large roost formed on Iosal.
Common Gull. Up to seven most days, 3rd to 17th August 1962, with 17
on 16th. Thereafter on four dates to llth September when there
were seven.
Black-headed Gull. Five on 7th, and two on 2lst August 1962, flying
eastwards.
Kittiwake. Recorded nesting on the west side of Roan in 1947 and de-
scribed as a fair sized colony in 1949, but by 1958 nesting only on one
of the stacks in the West Bay (IDP). This stack held 95 nests in 1962,
when there were also at least 18 nests on the side of An Innis facing
the colony.
Common Tern. Seen August 1958 (IDP), but none nesting until 1962,
when there were eight to ten scrapes on a small skerry off Iosal.
Arctic Tern. About 20 nests on a small skerry in 1947, and recorded
since, in May 1950 and August 1958 (IDP). No terns nested in 1950
(FJB) or 1959.
Razorbill. Nesting recorded only in 1947, when a few pairs were on the
NW side of Roan (IDP). Those seen on the sea during the breeding
Season are probably from the nearby Sgier an Oir. Westward passage
was observed in early August 1962, with a maximum of 37 on 5th.
Guillemot. No breeding records, but present on the sea during the sum-
mer months. In 1962 seen during sea watches to 13th August with a
maximum of ten on 5th August and two late ones on 4th September.
Black Guillemot. Nesting in cliff crevices round both Roan and _ Iosal,
but no accurate count of sites.
Puffin. In August 1962 seen in large numbers to 12th, with about 90 on
Sth, but after this on only four dates to 7th September.
Rock Dove. Nests on both Roan and Iosal. Maximum counts show about
20 birds in July 1959, and 12 in August 1962.
Short-eared Owl. Single birds on 15th August and 8th September 1962.
Swift. One on 27th August 1950 (FJB); two on 11th and one on 2lst
August 1962.
Skylark. Noted on most visits and presumably breeds. About 30 counted
in August 1962.
Swallow. One on 29th August 1962.
Raven. Nested at least in 1947 and 1950 (IDP). Two usually about, but
seven on 3rd August 1962.
Hooded Crow. Nested 1959 and 1962 at least. Variable numbers from
mid August to mid September 1962, with a maximum of nine on 19th
August; also seen in December 1955 (IDP).
Rook. About eight on 30th July 1950 (FJB); otherwise only in 1962, with
one from 18th August to 6th September, one on &th, four on 17th, one
on 21st, and two on 29th August. All these were juveniles and presum-
ably from the rookery at Tongue.
356 NOTES FROM ISLAND ROAN 2(6)
Wren. Noted in 1950 (FJB); and at least three with an unused nest on
the east cliffs in 1962.
Mistle Thrush. Juvenile, 5th and 6th August 1962.
Song Thrush. One found dead, 18th September 1950 (FJB); one from
5th to 22nd August 1962, joined by another on 11th and i2th; single
birds on 3lst August, 4th, 9th and 11th September.
Ring Ousel. One on 2ist August 1962.
Blackbird. Probably bred 1961 and 1962; pair and juvenile present on
3rd August 1962 and a 1961 nest found in one of the houses. These
birds had all left by 10th September, but another juvenile was present
on 22nd and 23rd August.
Wheatear. Seen in other summers, but the following details apply to
1962—about 60 present on 3rd August were the breeding population
and progeny, and these all left between 18th August and 6th Septem-
ber; the second half of August saw passage of Iceland-type birds with
about 20 on 23rd, and about 15 on 29th; most of those arriving in
September were Greenland-type birds—almost daily in small numbers.
Robin. An adult and juvenile from 24th August to at least 30th Septem-
ber 1950 (FJB); a juvenile, 3lst August 1962, and adults 1st to 3rd, and
5th to 7th September
Garden Warbler. One on 6th and 7th September 1962 was only the fifth
for Sutherland.
Willow Warbler. One on 19th August 1962.
Meadow Pipit. Large breeding population never estimated. Passage
difficult to detect but 10-20 very brown ones on the mornings of
24th to 26th August 1962 coincided with passage of White Wagtails.
Rock Pipit. Breeds, but no estimate of number of pairs.
Pied Wastail. Pair in May and June 1947 (IDP). Two adults present
on 3rd August 1962, left on 11th and 26th; single juveniles present
on 5th and 11th.
White Wagtail. FJB records “pale wagtails”’ in the last ten days of
September 1950, and in 1962 there was passage from the NW from
20th August to 6th September in small numbers, with a peak of eight
on 26th August.
Starling. Breeds in the houses and on the cliffs. The island flock of 70
roosted on stacks in the West Bay in 1962.
Twite. Noted in other years, but in 1962 about 13 were about in August
and at least one pair bred. Others sometimes came from the main-
land to roost so that there were about 60 on Ist and 2nd September.
Redpoll. One flying south on 12th September 1962.
Reed Bunting. One on 18th July 1959.
Lapland Bunting. Three on 8th, seven on 9th, two on 10th, and one on
llth September 1962.
Snow Bunting. One on 30th September 1950 (FJB).
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank both F. J. Betteridge and Dr Ian D.
Pennie for providing their records, and particularly Dr
Pennie for his helpful criticism of these notes.
REFERENCES
BaxTER, EK. V & RiIntToun, L. J. 1953. The Birds of Scotland. Edinburgh and
London
1963 ~ NOTES: FROM ISLAND ROAN 357
DowNHILL, I. R. 1965. Autumn movements of shearwaters, skuas, and other sea-
birds in North Sutherland and Easter Ross. Scot: Birds 2: 504-305. .
isuer, J. 1952. The Fulmar. London.
HARVIE-BRown, J. A. & BUCKLEY, T. E. 1887. A Vertebrate Fauna of Sutherland,
Caithness and West Cromarty. Edinburgh.
Mackay,’ J. G. 1962. First inhabitants on Island Roan. The Northern Times, var-
ious dates, May and June 1962.
PENNIE, I. D. 1962. A Century of Bird-watching in Sutherland. Scot. Birds 2: 167-
192.
NOTES FROM THE BASS ROCK, 1962
i: B. NELSON
The rock was covered for migrants from 19th February to
llth October 1962. The birds seen are listed below, followed
by a summary of the population of breeding sea-birds in 1962.
MIGRANTS AND VISITORS
Cormorant, A’ et year bird landed on the rock on 8th May. Though
ee on the Lamb Ree Cormorants are rarely seen on the
ass
poor: Two on 3ist August, and two 2nd September, fiying up the
' Forth.
Mallard. Pair flushed from Top Loch on 9th and 16th April.
Common Scoier. Immature drake from 23rd to 28th April.
Eider. One pair bred, From about the third week of September numbers
began to increase, from the odd-bird to As drakes and 31 ducks on 5th
October.
Peregrine. One flew low over nae rock on Ist September.
Oystercatcher. Single birds and small parties frequently fly over high,
but never settle.
Ringed Plover. One flying SE on 17th July.
Woodcock. One appeared on the rock on 17th April with strong NNE
wind following ENE winds.
Curlew. Single birds flying over from 17th July to 7th September.
Common Sandpiper. One flew over on 20th April.
Redshank. Odd birds frequently about the rock. These and an occasional
Purple Sandpiper are the only waders to settle.
Greenshank. One flew over on 14th July.
Great Skua. One flew round the rock on 3lst August, two flew west on
2nd September, and one landed on the rock on 10th September; none
showed any interest in Gannets.
Common Gull. Large movements of birds flying high with much calling,
and heading NW, on 19th April; another movement in same direction
‘on the JAth. ;
Black-headed Gull. At least two flying high on 7th October.
Sandwich Tern. Two flying south on 1lth July. There is a curious
‘dearth of terns in the vicinity of the Bass.
Great Spotted Woodpecker. Following mist and force 6 NE winds a
juvenile arrived on 15th August, along with many other unligeaualts. It
tried to feed on the stems of the tree mallow.
358 NOTES FROM THE. BASS ROCK 2(6)
Skylark. Small spring movement from 17th March to 19th April; and
big autumn movement from 29th August, with many moving by 10th
October.
Swallow. Many appeared low over the rock on 5th and 6th May, and
passed straight on; also one on 24th May and 4th June, four on 25th
September, and two on the 26th.
House Martin. One on 10th October with large fall of thrushes and
other species following mist and force 4 to 5 east winds.
Carrion Crow. Two’s and three’s frequently visit the rock in spring and
autumn; five on 3rd October.
Rook. Four circled over the rock on 28th April; autumn movement from
23rd September to 9th October, on which date several passed over in
the sist.
Jackdaw. Two or three flew over on several dates at the end of Septem-
ber and beginning of October.
Blue Tit. One on 4th October.
Treecreeper. Following NE winds one was seen climbing on _ the
chapel doorway on 13th July; it was a very bright bird, very pale
underneath, and probably of the Northern race.
Fieldfare. One on 5th May; autumn movement began on 10th October,
and there was an extremely large fall next day with thousands passing
over, following mist and fresh NE winds. ie
Song Thrush. Constant passage between 17th March and 23rd April,
with large fall of thrush species on 18th March; first autumn arrival
on lst September, two on the 29th, a few from 5th to 8th October,
and large numbers from 9th to 11th.
Redwing. Two landed and others flew over on 18th April; spectacular
start to autumn influx at dusk on 4th October, when a procession,
mainly of single birds, flew low over the rock heading south, followed
by several on 7th and 8th, many on 9th and 10th—on which day the
rock was full of Redwings, with up to 30 in one patch of nettles a
few feet square—and more than 1,000 flying past from before dawn
until an hour after on the 11th.
Ring Ouzel. One on 11th October.
Blackbird. Two or three present continuously from 20th February to
17th March, a large fall on 18th March, and thereafter two or three to
9th May; then a gap until one arrived on 29th September, and large
numbers with the other thrushes from 9th to 11th October.
Wheatear. One to three most days from 19th April until 16th May,
with two large Greenland-type birds on 18th April; autumn passage
from 15th August to 28th September, with maximum of six on 28th
August.
Whimnchat. One on 11th and 19th September.
Redstart. One on 18th April; three on 15th August, three from 26th to
29th September, one remaining until 2nd October, and at least two on
1ith October.
Robin. One to three between 23rd February and 18th March; display
and territorial fighting but no breeding. Huge rush began on 17th
April with over 50 on the rock, many of them badly underweight, and
several found dead later; all gone by the 24th: 44 ringed in two days
and one later recovered in France. One on 15th August, one on 22nd
September, two on the 26th, several on 10th October, and many on
the 11th.
Sedge Warbler. One singing on 18th May.
Garden Warbler. One on 26th September.
1963 INQUIMESS) UNCON INSUB, IBVAS IS) IROXCIKC 359
Willow Warbler. One on 25th April, about six on 5th May following
NNE wind, over 50 on the 6th, a very misty day, several each day
until the 12th, and several more between 18th and 23rd; autumn move-
ment began with one on 9th August, about six on 15th and 16th, single
birds until the 26th, and several on many dates to 27th September.
Chiffchaff. One caught on 8th October.
Goldcrest. One on 14th April, five on the 18th, and single birds until the
25th; one on 20th Sepeemioey, several on the 26th, and a few to 6th
October.
Spotted Flycatcher. One on 27th September.
Pied Flycatcher. About ten on 15th August, and one’s and two’s until
26th September.
Recerrersted Flycatcher. One on 26th September with mist and easterly
winds.
Hedge Sparrow. Many migrating with the Robins from 18th to 20th
April, and nine ringed, also underweight.
Meadow Pipit. Several moving through on dates between 2nd Septem-
ber and 8th October, and large numbers between 9th and 11th.
Yellow Wagtail. One on 23rd May, race not determined. oo
Starling. Apart- from residents there were parties of 20 to 40 on several
dates. in spring and autumn; many arrived on 10th October.
Goldfinch. One on 24th April; five on 3rd October.
ae Cock on 26th September, and one or two on 10th and 11th Octo-
er.
Linnet. Small numbers regularly from 20th February to mid May; sev-
i on 8th September, over 30 on the 29th, and over 50 on 6th Octo-
CR)
Twite. Four flew over ‘calling on 25th September.
Crossbill. Eleven from 8th to 11th July, one on the 13th, and two juven-
-iles on 15th August.
Chaffinch. Two on 18th April, and one or two more until the 23rd; sev-
_ eral with other migrants on 10th and 11th October.
Brambling. One on 18th April, and four on 19th and 20th; three on 8th
October, and many on the 11th.
Lapland Bunting. One on 28th September and two on the 29th.
Snow Bunting. Two on 20th February.
BREEDING SEA-BIRDS
Fulmar. About 25 occupied sites, but not all Den and not a neces-
Sarily pairs.
Gannet (see Plate 17). Between 15,380 and 16,752 birds, in the categories
indicated: below. It should be noted ‘that the possibility of the adult SO-
called non-breeders being in fact off-duty breeding birds has not yet
been conclusively disproved, though it seems very. unlikely.
Pairs Single birds
-Min. Max. Min. Max.
Breeding pairs 5355 5701.
-Non-breeders with eebtisted sites 1337 1425 ups
Non-breeders without sites | “V0 9 Z00
6690 7126 2000 2500
com
360. NOTES FROM THE: BASS ROCK 2(6)
Shag. About 256 nests. Eee
Lesser Black-backed Gull. honk 18 to: 20 pairs.
Herring Gull. A total of 515 was obtained by counting birds, haitist
distinguishing members of pairs, and will therefore err on the high
side as an estimate of breeding pairs. This count was made some time
after laying had stopped, and as large numbers of eggs had been
taken some birds may have left the breeding: ground. ;
Kittiwake. About 1350 nests.
Razorbill. Estimated at a little mee 100 pairs, but couie be more.
Guillemot. At least 1165 birds—not nests—counted on 4th/Sth June. ;
Puffin. Estimated at 50 pairs.
HANDA BIRD RESERVE, 1962
GEORGE gee
Handa has long been famous for its splendid breeding col-
onies of seabirds. Harvie-Brown, visiting the island in 1867,
stated that he considered there were far more birds on Handa
than at Hoy Head, the Bass Rock, and Ailsa Craig put to-
gether.
By agreement with the proprietors, the island is now. man-
aged as a Bird Reserve by the R.S.P.B., and work on the
renovatiqn of the derelict bothy, formerly occupied by a
shepherd during lambing time, was completed last summer
in time to house two school expeditions at the end of July
and beginning of August (Plate 18). Victor Mendham and his
wife were in charge of a party of girls and boys from ‘Ack-
worth School, Pontefract, who spent a week on the island
carrying out a general natural history survey from 27th July
to 3rd August. A further survey was undertaken by: a party
from Forest Hill School, London, under the supervision of
David Stanbury and Brian S. Brookes between 7th and 21st
August. Both parties slept under canvas—using the bothy as
a cookhouse/common-room and laboratory.
Roy H. Dennis made a census of the breeding birds on 6th
and 7th June 1962 and reported as’ follows—Red-throated
Diver, 1 pair; Fulmar, some 2000 pairs; Shag, 268 pairs; Hider,
a few pairs; Shelduck, 3 pairs; Peregrine, 1 pair present but
did not breed; Kestrel, 1 pair; Oystercatcher, 17 pairs; Lap-
wing, 1 pair; Ringed Plover, 2 pairs; Golden Plover, 2 to 3
pairs; Snipe, 8 to 12 pairs; Great Black-backed Gull, 33 to
35 pairs; Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 pairs; Herring Gull, 284
pairs; Kittiwake, 7032 pairs; Arctic Tern, 3 pairs; Razorbill,
59340 pairs; Guillemot, 26,000 to 30,000 pairs; Black Guillemot,
4 pairs; Puffin, 393 pairs; Rock Dove, 2 pairs; Skylark, about
100 pairs; Raven, 1 pair; Hooded Crow, 3 or 4 pairs; Wren, 6
to 9 pairs; Wheatear, 35 to 50 pairs; Meadow Pipit, 100 to 150
361
1963
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PLATE 18. The HELENA HOwDEN BotTHy on Handa Bird Reserve (see page 360)
Top: In 1960, before restoration.
Photograph by Alasdair Alpin MacGregor.
Bottom: July 1962, after restoration.
Photograph by George Waterston.
1963 HANDA BIRD RESERVE 363
pairs; Rock Pipit, 30 to 40 pairs; Pied Wagtail, 1 pair; and
Twite, 1 or 2 pairs.
The following breed in the vicinity and are frequently
seen—Cormorant, Heron, Mallard, Golden Eagle, Buzzard,
Merlin, Curlew, Redshank, Great and Arctic Skuas, Common
Gull, Stonechat, Hedge Sparrow, and Starling.
Great Northern Diver, Grey Lag and Barnacle Geese, are
regular winter visitors and passage migrants.
The bothy, which provides accommodation for up to eight
people, is a two-roomed building fully furnished. It is a nice
snug place with a big open-hearth fire burning peat and
driftwood. It is an ideal base for organised school parties
wishing to carry out field studies in natural history. Visiting
naturalists are asked to keep a daily log of their observations
on the island.
If you want to stay at the bothy, all you need to take with
you are your own provisions, a sleeping bag, and a pillow
slip; everything else is provided. Applications for bookings
and a copy of the Prospectus should be made to the Scottish
Office, R.S.P.B., 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7 (see adver-
tisement pages for further details).
SHORT NOTES
FURTHER NOTES ON SOME SUTHERLAND RECORDS
Attention has been drawn to the fact that in my recent
paper on the birds of Sutherland (antea 2: 167-192) reference
was made to some records which had not in fact been pub-
lished, and as some of these constitute “first records,” notes
on them are appended.
BARNACLE GOOSE. This is the first definite record for North
Sutherland. To be exact the birds were first identified as
Barnacle Geese by me on 6th January 1949. Geese were known
to have wintered annually on Island Roan for about ten years
previously but had never been identified.
GREAT Skua. The record quoted is the first for West Suth-
erland. The earliest for North Sutherland to which allusion
was made in my paper was one seen by Ian Downhill on
Hilean Iosal on 19th July 1959, but I have since received a
record of an adult seen over the moor about two miles east
of Cape Wrath Lighthouse by D. I. M. and W. J. Wallace on
19th August 1954.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. The record of breeding at
Lochmore in 1953 was received from the late Lt.-Col. Neilson
who was factor to the Westminster Estates in Sutherland.
Jackpaw. My record of 24th July 1958 did not confirm
364 SHORT NOTES 2(6)
breeding but I have subsequently received the following
notes from Donald Banks, who was under-keeper at Ledmore
in 1953 and 1954, and who kept a detailed diary of his obser-
vations: “19th February 1954, about 30 near Loch Urigill;
25th February 1954, large flock on Elphin crofts; 18th March
1954, have returned to nesting colony in the ivy on the cliff
face above the Elphin crofts.”
LonG-TAILED Tit. The Scourie record was of a family party
seen at Loch a’Mhuillin by R. S. R. Fitter between 4th and
16th June 1951, and the earliest Lochinver record is of a
family party seen beside Loch Culag by Miss Elizabeth
Maugham between 29th June and 26th July 1956. I myself
saw a pair carrying food at Lochinver on 17th May 1960 and
a second pair the following day.
GoLpcrEesT. The earliest record I have is 10th June 1954
when Goldcrests were heard singing in the Badaidh Darach
Wood, Scourie, by D. G. Andrew and myself; a family party
was seen by Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn on 11th June 1955
in an isolated conifer wood south-east of Loch Stack. My first
Lochinver record was on 18th May 1960.
Tan D. PENNIE.
GLOSSY IBIS IN SOUTH-EAST SUTHERLAND
While I was working in the greenhouse at Cambusavie
Hospital, The Mound, on 3rd December 1962 at about 1430 hrs,
my attention was attracted by a large flock of Herring Gulls
mobbing a bird in flight. Fortunately my binoculars were at
hand, and during the time I had the flock under observation
it passed within about 160 yards from where I was standing.
The light was fairly good and during part of the time the
flock was against a background of green fields. I obtained the
following notes on the bird that was being mobbed:
Plumage appeared jet black both above and below. This was notice-
able as the bird twisted and turned away from the gulls. In appear-
ance it was heron-like, with long legs and a long neck, but in flight
it appeared to move much quicker than a heron. The most outstand-
ing feature, however, was a long down-curved bill which appeared
quite heavy. The wings were rounded. The overall wing span was
similar to that of the Herring Gulls, but the bird’s overall length
was greater than that of the gulls.
I feel certain that the bird was a Glossy Ibis. When last
seen it was heading towards the mud-flats of the Dornoch
Firth about 4 miles distant. I telephoned D. Macdonald, Dor-
noch, who went out to the mud-flats that afternoon but failed
to find the bird. The previous week the under-gamekeeper at
Cambusmore Estate had seen in the Loch Fleet alder swamp
a dark heron-like bird that he had not recognised. D. Mac-
donald and W. C. Wright spent the morning of 6th December
1963 SHORT NOTES 305
searching this swamp without success, and Dr I. D. Pennie
also kent a look-out on Loch Fleet but saw no sign of the
bird.
D. Macdonald has drawn my attention to the fact that in
at least one recent record of this species (Brit. Birds 46: 431)
mention is made of the bird being mobbed by gulls (in this
case Black-headed Gulls).
| JAMES D. OLIVER.
(This is the first record for South-East Sutherland.—Eb.)
WATER RAILS “SCAVENGING” IN OPEN
During the long spell of hard weather at the beginning of
1963 Water Rails were regularly to be seen at the municipal
refuse tip outside. Moffat, Dumfriesshire. This is separated
from an area of adjoining moorland by a burn 4-5 yards wide
which remained open when all the surrounding countryside
was:hard frozen, and this no doubt accounted for the concen-
tration of these birds in the area. My first sight of the birds
was on 250th January, when two were present, but I was told
that up to four had been seen regularly during the previous
fortnight. I counted at least six on the 26th, and smaller num-
bers were regularly to be seen until at least the beginning of
March. So far as I can discover, this is the first time that
Water Rails have been noticed at the tip.
Water Rails are normally so secretive that it was something
of a surprise to find that these birds were showing themselves
quite openly. On 25th January, for instance, I found one bird
feeding on the tip while another stood preening amongst the
bushes on the far side of the burn. Neither made any attempt
to conceal intself when I approached and the feeding bird
allowed me to watch it for ten minutes at a range of about
12 yards. On the following day all six birds were moving
about freely in the open; although, during the temporary
thaw that followed, the birds became progressively more
wary and more ready to take cover whenever there was any
disturbance. Two were last seen near the tip on 15th March.
The Water Rails were mostly content to feed along the
edge of the burn, but on several occasions a single bird was
seen feeding on the refuse tip itself. The main attraction was
a sack containing the heads, feet and entrails of hens and
pheasants. On closer examination I found that some of the
fatty entrails had been pecked to some extent and that the
bird had undoubtedly been feeding on these. On another oc-
casion I was able to take a photograph (Plate 19) of a bird as
it was pecking at the meat on a piece of ham-shank.
E. DICERBO.
366 SHORT NOTES 2(6)
(In this connection it is interesting to note two recent
records (Brit. Birds 55: 132 and 56: 27) of Water Rails kill-
ing other birds and taking eggs.—ED.).
WILSON’S PHALAROPE IN DUNBARTONSHIRE
On 30th August 1962 in the west bay at Ardmore I discover-
ed a small sandpiper-shaped wader which I was unable to
identify. It was watched for twenty minutes in bright sun-
shine with 13 x 60 binoculars at 250 yards range, and was
seen to be slightly smaller than a Redshank, with bright
white underparts, which first drew attention as it hurried
along the shore; back very pale grey-brown; bill thin and
completely straight. It did not fly but was always in a des-
perate hurry, moving about and feeding.
On the 31st it was closely examined for over half an hour
with x40 telescope at 150 yards range. It was glimpsed briefly
on lst September by A. Gordon and T. D. H. Merrie before
wildfowlers disturbed it, but could not be found on the 2nd
and 3rd. Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn later identified it
from the detailed field notes as a Wilson’s Phalarope, and the
British Birds Rarity Records Committee has now accepted the
record.
It was a very active walker and feeder. It would put its
head down and charge along the mud amongst the scattered
rocks on the shore, then feed at walking pace, energetically
pecking at the mud or water, often with a quick short lateral
movement of the bill, Occasionally it waded, but still moved
quite fast in deep water.
At rest it had a dumpy sandpiper shape, in contrast to
its slimmer lines while walking; the bill was held at a steeper
angle than a Redshank’s. When it stood beside four Redshanks
it was smaller, though approaching their size; in shape it was
generally similar, but much slighter, with a small rounded
head. When the Redshanks flew it went with them, but flying
much lower, only a few feet above the mud.
General appearance very pale; forehead white; crown, nape and
mantle grey-brown; wings uniform grey-brown above. much paler
than a Greenshank’s; rump and tail white, showing clearly when it
drooped a wing while preening; end of tail not boldly marked, but
could have been darkish as only seen briefly in flight; no wing bar
or patch in flight, but white rump and tail then very obvious; eye-
stripe dark; superciliary and lores white; cheek, throat, breast, sides
of neck, belly and undertail coverts pure white; bill as long as or
longer than head, completely straight, very thin, and black; legs
yellowish-green.
This is the second Wilson’s Phalarope to be recorded in
Scotland, the first being in Fife from 11th September to 5th
October 1954 (Scot. Nat. 1956: 2), and it is the first for Clyde
and Dunbartonshire.
J. M. S. ARNorTT.
1963 SHORT NOTES 367
RADDE’S WARBLER AT THE ISLE OF MAY
8th October 1962 was a fine anticyclonic day at the Isle of
May with the wind fairly settled in the east. The subsiding
air gave us a cloudless sky and produced the kind of haar
that bird-watchers delight in and light-keepers deplore. Yet
despite these promising conditions there were few birds about
—only a handful of Turdidae and a few warblers, and three
Siskins to add interest to a dull morning. After midday in-
terest was sustained with the capture of a Yellow-browed
Warbler in the Bain Trap; and in mid-afternoon George L. A.
Patrick and G. H. Acklam found another warbler, of a kind
they had not seen before, in a nettle-bed on Ruff Green. It
was shown to R. A. O. Hickling and later to me. Although I
had only ten minutes or so with the bird, in failing light, I
was confident both from previous experience in the field and
from work I had recently done in the Bird-room at the Brit-
ish Museum (Natural History) that the bird was an example
of Radde’s Warbler (or Radde’s Bush Warbler) Phylloscopus
schwarzi. The following description of habits and plumage
is compounded from the observations of RAOH, GLAP and
GHA, as they had longer and better views than I had:
The bird confined its activities mainly to the nettle-bed and an
area of dense grass tussocks from 100-200 yards north of Dunvegan.
It was under observation from 1500 hrs GMT till dusk at about
1730 hrs, and was watched for the most part in bright but diffused
sunlight, at varying distances from 30 yards down to about 6 feet.
Because of its habits, views were intermittent and usually brief,
for the bird spent most of the time feeding briskly in thick cover,
and was twice seen with a larva in its bill. Its behaviour was dis-
tinctive: it would creep quietly through the cover, showing itself
momentarily at quite short distances without any sign of panic or
nervousness, and occasionally would forsake the cover altogether
and perch in open view on top of a grass tussock or rock. Once it
hopped about on bare rocks, fully exposed, for several minutes
(RAOH). It also perched on dead stalks and on the stick set up
for a mist-net, adopting an upright attitude, and on one occasion it
clung to a rock like a Swift. The bird was heard to call twice—on
both occasions a soft, Blackbird-like tchik, tchik (GLAP). Attempts
to catch it in a single-panel mist-net were made in vain, and it was
while setting up the net for the second time at dusk that we finally
lost contact.
In size it was rather larger than a Chiffchaff in the same area,
and altogether a more “solid” bird (GLAP). An impression was
gained of a bird slightly larger than a Willow Warbler, which could
have been due to its robust character—a sturdy, rather dumpy bird.
The bill was stout and fairly short, much heavier than a Willow
Warbler’s (RAOH). Field-notes, compared later, were agreed on
the uniformly dark olive-brown upperparts with slightly darker
wings and tail; the absence of a wing-bar; the presence of a strik-
ing pale yellowish supercilium extending almost to the nape; and
pale olive-grey underparts with brighter yellowish-buff or rufous-
buff on the lower belly, vent and flanks, The sturdy legs were pale
368 SHORT NOTES 2(6)
and bright, near straw-flesh or brownish-flesh, and not dissimilar
in colour from those of a Meadow Pipit.
During the short period in which I had the bird under ob-
servation it behaved exactly as described, coming out of cover
occasionally to perch openly on dead thistle-plants or on the.
side of a tussock. Its actions, and indeed the whole “jizz”
of the bird, were strongly reminiscent of a Radde’s Warbler
I had watched for an hour or so following its release at
Blakeney Point, Norfolk, on 4th October 1961. The robust
build, short thick bill, stout brightly-coloured tarsi, and the -
intensity of yellowish-buff on the lower belly and flanks were
all characteristic of this species as I knew it from that“occa-
sion and from my examination of skins gathered together
from a number of museums when preparing my field guide:
Identification for Ringers, No. 2—The Genus Phylloscopus.
The bird was seen fleetingly by GLAP and GHA on 9th and
10th October. This constitutes the first record for Scotland
and the fourth for the British Isles. In autumn 1962 it was
preceded in western Europe by examples at Ottenby Fagel-
station, Oland, Sweden, on 25th September, and at Dungeness
Bird Observatory, Kent, where one which was trapped and
ringed remained from 3rd to 8th October. The Swedish bird
(a male) was collected, and I later saw the mounted specimen
at the British Museum. Its plumage characteristics were very
similar to those of our own bird—which, judging by the
amount and intensity of yellowish-buff underneath, may well
have been a young bird, though in this respect Radde’s War-
bler appears to be variable. The bird breeds in south-east
Siberia and Manchuria, migrating through eastern and cen-
tral China to winter quarters in the Indo-Chinese countries.
Although this species is referred to in The Handbook of
British Birds (2: 26) as a “Bush-Warbler”, this expression
was used to identify the species with the monotypic genus
Herbivocula Swinhoe 1871. Ticehurst (The Genus Phyllo-
scopus, 1938, page 96) placed Herbivocula in the synonymy of
Phylloscopus Boie 1826, thus effectively making this species
a “leaf-warbler.” All subsequent workers have accepted
Ticehurst’s action and the bird is best referred to simply as
Radde’s Warbler. |
KENNETH WILLIAMSON.
WITHOUT COMMENT
Removed from an ill-hidden nest of a pair of Blackbirds
in a hedge at Gullane, a rather obvious slip of paper about 4
inches long bearing in large red capitals the injunction—in
THE EVENT OF DAMAGE KINDLY ADVISE US IMMEDIATELY AND RE-
TAIN ENTIRE PACKING FOR INSPECTION.
WINIFRED U. FLOWER.
1963 CURRENT NOTES 369
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers: A. F. Airey, D. C. Anderson, D. R. Ander-
fone. G. Andrew, VV. Austin, Ro S. Baillie, G. oH. Ballantyne, J.
Ballantyne, D. Banks, Miss P. G. Baxter, A. Black, G. W. G. Boag,
H. Boase, T. Boyd, Miss E. R. Brock, M. S. Brown, R. J. Buxton,
R. G. Caldow, Miss K.. M. Calver, Dr J. W. Campbell, P. Clark,
J. K. Cowden, G. M. Crighton, Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame, W. A. J.
Cunningham, P. E. Davis, R. H. Dennis, D. Dewar, E. Dicerbo, G.
_ Dick, J. Donnan (JDo), H. Dott, J. Dunbar (JDu), Dr G. M. Dunnet,
_Sir R. Erskine-Hill, M. C. Fletcher, Miss W. U. Flower, Miss E. A.
Garden, K. Goodchild, A. G. Gordon, J. Gunn, H. Halliday, M. K.
bantton, 6: Elardy, 2. Henderson, Hon. HH: D Home, J. AD.
Hope, Sir G. Hughes-Onslow, A. Inglis, Rev. G. T. Jamieson, R. A.
Jeffrey, R. Job, N. Langham, D. J. Lockerbie, Miss M. Low
(MLo), T. Luce, Miss M. Lyall (MLy), A. Macdonald (AMcD),
D. Macdonald, Mrs M. K. Macduff-Duncan, H. MacKenzie, E.
MacLauchlan, Mrs M. J.’ C. Maclean, A. T. Macmillan, Dr P.
McMorran, A. G. Marshall, Miss M. M. Mathisen, Prof. M. F. Mi
Meiklejohn, J. K. R. Melrose, T. D. H. Merrie,.A. Middleton (AMi),..
Gye Mylne, LT. Nisbet, J. Oliver, CE: Palmar, Rev, {. S.) Phillips,
mot. ‘eosnett, J. Potter, i ae Pratt, A. Pringle, Mrs I. Rainier,,
Gu ks Richards, Dr M. Rusk, G. WC. Salvesen, Mrs D. Scott (DSc),
J. Shiell, D. Skilling (DSk), A. J. Smith, M. O. Smarts, di Smith:
R. W. J. Smith, Dr T. C. Smout, Miss G. S. Somerville, D. L. Sow-,
erbutts, D. Stalker (DSt), D. M. Stark, ie H. Sutherland (JHSu),
J. H. Swan (JHSw), D. Swindles (DSw), C. Tait, A.: Tewnion, Miss
O. T. Thompson, Mrs R. Upton, Rev. E. T. ‘Vernon, A. F. G. Walk-
er, G. Waterston, Mrs M. I. Waterston, A. D. Watson, B. E. Weld,,
D. P. Willis, C. M. Young, J. Young, J. G. Young, B. Zonfrillo.
Unless otherwise stated, January to April dates refer to 1963 and all
others to 1962).
Introduction
In view of the exceptional severity of the past winter, we
are devoting a section of Current Notes to some general
remarks on the subject. Other distributional notes follow as
usual, in scientific order, with those prior to 7th October 1962
given separately except where relevant to current observa-
- tions. Data on the arrival of summer visitors Hees been el
over.
Effects of the severe weather
With most of the country in the grip of pratoibed hard frost
and snow blizzards for two months or more from Christmas
1962, the past winter was one of exceptional severity. Insofar:
as weather is of prime importance to ‘all birds, many records
given in the Distribution section under species will also be
relevant to a full study of the subject, but the present section
has been confined to some of the more obvious effects, and:
is based on the notes of a limited number of observers.
One well known result of hard weather is to drive birds
to the coast. In Moray Basin and the northern counties, most
lochs, and even the sea, froze on many days in January.
370 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
Wildfowl moved to the sea in the first few days of the severe
cold, but disappeared from the area when the sea froze;
geese and swans were very scarce; waders remained in much
the same numbers as usual, but Oystercatchers seemed worse
off than the rest, and several were found dead by 9th January;
many thrushes, especially Redwings, and finches died in the
east, but were still plentiful in the west, which escaped the
deep snow at this time (RHD).
From the beginning of January and throughout February,
exceptional numbers of ducks resorted to the Clyde between
Cardross and Dumbarton. In place of the usual 100/200
Tufted Duck found in frosty weather, up to 2,000 frequented
the mouth of the River Leven and the adjoining mudflats,
together with Pochard, Goldeneye and a few Scaup. Instead of
three or four Red-breasted Mergansers feeding in the Leven
there were frequently 30/40 this winter, and about 100 Teal
which winter on Carman Reservoir were seen on the Clyde—
as on 23rd February. For several days there were also 16 Coot
(ERB).
ufted Duck on tidal water were noted at many places, in-
cluding large numbers in the Tay at Stannergate, Dundee (600
on 16th February) and Invergowrie Bay (170 on 21st Feb-
ruary) (HB). Pochard were reported at Stannergate (up to 32
on 14th and 16th February) (HB), and Dalmeny, West Lothian
(25 on 9th February) (TCS). Coot were noted on the sea at
Ardersier, Inverness (20 on 10th January) (RHD), and at
Tyninghame, East Lothian (9 on 30th December, and 19 on
13th January) (RWJS).
Inland, naturally, wildfowl tended to disappear. The first
blizzards of the winter in mid November scattered the geese
in all directions from Libberton, Lanarkshire (RE-H). By no
means all the wildfow] left, however, and even at the height
of the cold spell some Tufted Duck and Pochard remained in-
land in Kirkcudbrightshire, where on 2lst February a pair
of Tufted and a duck Pochard were diving in a narrow ditch
in Carlingwark marsh (ADW). At Headshaw Loch, Selkirk-
shire, on 17th February, despite the loch being frozen and
covered with 18 in. of snow, 95 Mallard remained; they fed on
fodder put out for the hill cattle and sheep, which also sup-
ported other species such as Rooks, finches and buntings in
the area (JB). Whilst other diving birds moved in great num-
bers to the coast, Coot merely migrate to fields of stubble and
grass by the frozen lochs and feed there if possible. Large
numbers (over 400 on 15th January) remained by Loch Ken
and the River Dee (ADW), and flocks of 50 and 80 were seen
at Loch Lomond on 16th February and 3rd March (TDHM).
In the Forth, up to 1,000 gulls are usual at low tide between
Burntisland and Kinghorn, but on 13th and 20th January
oi CURRENT NOTES 371
there were 10 or 20 times as many—with three-quarters of
them Common Gulls, usually rather uncommon there (GHB).
Exceptional numbers of waders and gulls were noted also in
February (MSB). At various places Golden Plovers were below
high tide mark, and one found dead near Dirleton on 3rd
January was just skin and bone. Hundreds of Redwings at
Tyninghame on 13th January were obviously in bad shape
and some were lurking just inside rabbit burrows; they had
all disappeared two weeks later. On the 13th also there were
20 ‘Blackbirds on as many yards of beach rubbish, and dozens
of Song Thrushes on the dunes and feeding on the mud beside
the Dunlin (RWJS).
All along the shore of the Clyde near Dumbarton there
were hedgerow birds feeding on the tide wrack, especially
Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins and Hedge Sparrows, the
Blackbirds being particularly numerous with one every few
yards (TDHM). Very large numbers of Lapwings also fed on
this shore, and Redwings and Fieldfares were noted (ERB).
Lapwings were reported starving on the Fife coast, with 10
dead ones near Culross (GD, JP), and Woodcock were seen
on or near the shore in several places (@GWGB, MFMM,
RW4JS).
Observers commented on distressing numbers of dead birds
along the shores of the Forth. On 9th February at Dalmeny
these comprised Red-throated Diver, Scaup, Common Scoter,
Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Knot, Common and_ Black-headed
Gulls, Razorbill, Guillemot, and many Woodpigeons; some of the
seabirds may have died of oiling, but the Guillemot was
quite unmarked (TCS). Two miles of shore from Burntisland
to Kinghorn and at Kirkcaldy on 17th March revealed
Black-throated Diver (1), Great Crested (1) and Little (1) Grebes,
Gannet (1), Shag (4), Common Scoter (2), Eider (3), Lapwing (1),
Redshank (1), Herring (10) and Black-headed (2) Gulls, Kittiwake
(1), Razorbill (1), Guillemot (12), feral pigeons (6), and Blackbird
(1); though the condition of some of the corpses made it im-
possible to tell whether the birds had been oiled, there was
only one—a Guillemot—which definitely had been, and the
observer concluded that most of them probably died of star-
vation or exposure (GHB). On the other hand, the majority
of birds found dead between North Berwick and Gullane on
10th February, except for the waders, were oiled—Great
Northern (1) and Red-throated (2) Divers, Red-necked Grebe (1),
Fulmar (2), Mallard (1), Pintail (1), Scaup (1), Velvet Scoter (1),
Common Scoter (16), Eider (3), Pink-footed Goose (1), Oystercatcher
(3), Curlew (5), Redshank (several), gulls (several), Razorbill (6)
and Guillemot (33) (TB). Near Lochgilphead, Argyll, large
numbers of ducks and other birds have been picked up dead;
some of the corpses were taken to a local vet, who reported
372 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
that the deaths were due to starvation (IR).
Redwings appeared in town as usual in hard weather; they
were reported from many parts of Edinburgh and elsewhere,
but moved out again as soon as the cold spell ended. Severe
weather bears heavily on this species, and in Dornoch, Suth-
erland, 57 dead birds were picked up, mostly under cotoneas-
ters in the local gardens, and the majority seem to have died
on llth and 12th January, the first days of really intense
frost. The wings of 14 of them measured 113/118 mm, indica-
ting the Continental race. Four Fieldfares also died (DM),
but this species is less frequent in town, though in central
Edinburgh one arrived in George Square about Ist February
(TCS).
There were the usual oddities. In Edinburgh, a - Woodeock
appeared in Belgrave Crescent gardens on 24th January
(GWCS per DGA), and in the early morning three days later
a Moorhen was flushed from the gutter in Ainslie Place (JADH
in The Scotsman); both places are within half a mile of the
West End. A Coot appeared one day in February at the door
of a house in Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire (ADW). Back in
Edinburgh in January Redwings ate all the berries off a coton-
easter in St John’s Road and then turned their attention to
the berried branches in a vase in the vestibule (MCF in The
Scotsman), and on 14th January a really filthy Pied Wagtail
was picking about on the pavement at the busy and heavily
built-up junction of Leith Street and Picardy Place (ATM).
In Caithness, February was cold but the snow had gone by
the end of the first week. Of birds common there at this time
of year, Lapwing, Fieldfare, Redwing, Greenfinch and Snow
Bunting were conspicuously absent, and numbers of waders
and duck also seemed low (DMS). Near West Calder, Mid-
lothian, Song Thrushes were noticeably absent, as in 1946/47
(HH), Near Walkerburn, Peebles-shire, small birds moved
out, and dead ones were not found. Many Robins and Hedge
Sparrows normally leave the area in winter, but they are slow
to return this year, and Wrens and Treecreepers seem hard hit,
though it is too early to be sure about other species (JB)..
In general, however, reports which we have been sent
about. the. survival of small passerines are less discouraging
than one might expect. On another page details are given of
two Blackcaps passing the winter comfortably at a bird table
in Morayshire (AP). Even vulnerable. birds like tits and
Chaffinches have remained as frequent as usual in the Mead-
ows in Edinburgh, and presumably scraps put out by house-
holders were enough for them (TCS).
At Fair Isle, residents such as Wrens and Rock Pipits suffered
little, and singing Skylarks are very abundant, though it was
in fact not an exceptionally bad winter on the island (PED).
1963 CURRENT NOTES 373
A preliminary survey of 200 acres in Fife when the better
weather came suggests that numbers there may not be down
as much as was feared (GD, JP). In the Lothians there are
many reports of small birds such as Long-tailed Tits, Tree-
creepers and Goldcrests, so that it seems that there has been
much less damage than in 1946/47 (RWJS). In woods near
Gifford, East Lothian, there is likewise no evidence of dis-
aster; Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Coal Tits, Treecreepers, Robins,
Goldcrests, Hedge Spatrows and Crossbills were there before
and are still there, and only the Woodpigeons seemed obviously
fewer between lst December and 2nd and 3ist March (TCS).
It will be very interesting to see whether these encourag-
ing reports are reflected in the breeding populations of resi-
dent birds this summer.
Distribution
As already indicated, this section excludes observations
made before 7th October 1962, so that in general it deals with
winter records and virtually not at all with autumn migra-
tion.
Two Great Northern Divers at Loch Lomond on 2nd Septem-
ber have already been noted (antea 2: 253); subsequently
there were two there on 7th October, one on 4th November
and one on 16th February (AGG, TDHM). On 29th January
one was at Balcary Point, Kirkcudbrightshire, a county
where they are seldom noted (AFA). A dead Red-throated Diver
was picked up below roadside wires at Heriot, Midlothian, on
(th February (JS per GW), and other inland records are of
single birds at Duddingston, Edinburgh, on llth February
(DRA), at the head of Loch Ken on 9th March (ADW), and of
a dead and oiled bird at Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, on the .
30th (TB, RWJS).
An oiled Red-necked Grebe was found at Earlsferry, Fife, on
30th January (PGB), and one was at Gullane Point, East
Lothian, on 23rd February (CT), while inland there were
single birds at Tarbet, Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire, from
llth to 21st February (TN), Loch Earn, Perthshire, on 17th
March (PGB), and Lindores Loch, Fife, on 3rd April (HB).
On 2nd January two Shags were right up at the head of Loch
Ailort, Inverness-shire (RHD).
A Bittern in Lewis early in November has already been noted
(antea 2: 312), and one in Dumfriesshire on 29th August is
recorded in the section on Earlier observations in this number
of Scottish Birds. Three others are reported: on 6th January
an exhausted bird was picked up on a cliff path near the wire-
less station at Portpatrick, Wigtownshire, and it died next day
(JKC); another was present from late January at Dougalston
Loch, Milngavie, Dunbartonshire, and was caught in an ex-
374 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
hausted condition on 24th February (RSB, CEP); and on 11th
March just south of Langholm,. Dumfriesshire, one was
watched at five yards range from a car as it walked slowly
across the road by the river and, becoming slightly alarmed,
poes its head and beak straight up in the air (DSc per
MIW).
At least 50 Gadwall were counted at Loch Leven on 16th
September. In areas where they are less numerous there was
one at Loch Lomond on 9th December and a pair on 2nd
January (AGG, TDHM), and again on 31st March nearby (DSt),
and a duck at the mouth of the River Stinchar, Ayrshire, on
2nd February (MFMM).
On 23rd March big numbers of diving ducks were seen off
Aberlady Point; there were thousands of Common Scoter, hun-
dreds of Velvet Scoter, about 250 Scaup, and about 100 Long-
tailed Ducks; between 1520 hrs and 1620 hrs, parties of 45, 70
and 10 Scaup were watched out of sight as they left to the
north (RWJS). Six days earlier at Gullane Point quite un-
precedented numbers of Common Scoter were present; there
were hundreds of ducks far out at sea at 1330 hrs but, even
with 16 x 50 binoculars, only the nearest could be identified.
At 1400 hrs small groups began to take wing, and for the next
ten minutes they seemed to be flying in all directions, until
they were gone. All that could be identified were Common
Scoter; there were at least 5,000 and probably nearer 20,000
compared with maximum numbers on spring passage of 2,000
recorded by Hamilton & Macgregor (The Birds of Aberlady
Bay Nature Reserve) (MKH). On 14th January in Grange-
mouth Bay 260 Scaup were unusually many for so far up
the Forth (GD, JP). Numbers of Pochard again reached a high
level at Duddingston, with 2,500 tightly packed round a pool
of open water on 6th February, some 500 fewer than in the
last week of January 1962 (antea 2: 46) (DRA). At Stanner-
gate, Dundee, the peak count of Goldeneye was over 600 on
26th January, with drakes outnumbering the ducks four to
one (HB). Over 60 Long-tailed Ducks were counted at Nairn on
12th February (RHD), but on the west coast they are scarcer,
and a pair at Lendalfoot, Ayrshire, on 2nd February was the
observer’s first in the Firth of Clyde (MFMM); an adult drake
was found dead at Ardmore Point, Dunbartonshire, in the
early spring (WUF). A drake Common Scoter was found dead
on the railway in the middle of Dunfermline, Fife, on 11th
March (GD, JP).
About 400 Red-breasted Mergansers flew down the Clyde past
Ardmore Point, Dunbartonshire, half an hour after high tide
on 3rd November; similar numbers have apparently been seen
previously just after high tide (TDHM); 67 off Broughty
Castle, Angus, on 10th January was the largest party in the
1963 375
PLATE 19. WATER RAIL at Moffat refuse tip. Near the bottom of the left side of
the picture can be seen the open end of the ham-shank on which the bird was
feeding (see page 3565).
Photograph by E. Dicerbo.
376 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
area for some years (HB). In addition to those already recor-
ded (antea 2: 313) a surprising number of Smews are repor-
ted.
East Voe of Scalloway, Shetland—red-head on Ist January (BH).
Craigs Pool, South Esk, Angus—red-head on 24th January, and drake
on the 27th (GMC per HB).
Forfar Loch—drake on 9th March (HB).
Stannergate, Dundee—red-head on 26th March (HB).
Rescobie, Angus—pair on 23rd March and 2nd April (GMC per HB).
Longannet, Fife—red-head on 26th January (GD, JP).
Cult Ness, Fife—drake on 11th February (GD, JP).
Tyninghame, East Lothian—red-head above bridge in village on 13th
January (RWJS).
AS Kelso, Roxburgh—red-head on the Tweed on 2nd February
INIIP))-
Mouth of River Leven, Dunbarton—red-head from 9th to 16th Feb-
ruary, two on 3rd March, and pair on 25th February (ERB, TDHM).
Castle Semple Loch, Renfrew—red-head on 17th February (RGOC),
and 6th March (RAJ).
Bothwell Bridge, Lanark—red-head and two drakes, one of which
eventually drove the other away, on 17th February (DSt).
Loch Ken and River Dee, Kirkcudbright—at least two red-heads and
two drakes between 6th January and 2nd March (AFA, IKRM, ADW).
An exceptional count of 169 Shelduck in the Montrose Basin
was made on 23rd February (HB). Inland, one was at Castle
Loch, Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, on 11th November (RTS),
and two were at Weird Loch, Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, 25 or
30 miles from the sea, on 23rd December, but gone next day
(DJL).
In the Threave/Castle Douglas area numbers of Grey Lag
Geese were high for most of the winter, but quite exceptional
during the coldest weather, with rough estimates of 3,000 on
15th January, and 5,000 on ist March. The Loch Ken flocks of
White-fronted Geese numbered at least 530 Greenland birds at
their peak in mid November (ADW). Small numbers of
Whitefronts are usually seen in the early spring in Caithness
near Loch Hielan; on 3rd February there were 19 at Green-
land, and on 17th March seven at Hielan and ten at Brubster,
where three were seen on the 23rd (JG, KG, DMS). At Gart-
ocharn, Loch Lomond, one Whitefront was seen on 8th Dec-
ember, and up to six in January. Fourteen Bean Geese were
in the same area on 13th January, and 17 on 9th February
(AGG, TDHM). A single Bean Goose was shot from a flock of
28 similar geese at Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, on 19th Jan-
uary, and the skin sent to Culterty Field Station; these birds
kept apart from Pinkfeet and Grey Lag, and returned to the
Slains area (AMi per GMD, CMY); at dusk on the 24th a flock
of 200 geese was located in the same area, half of them Pink-
feet and the others almost certainly Bean Geese, though the
light was very poor (EAG). The first Bean Geese in Kirkcud-
brightshire were two seen on 22nd November, but most
arrived in late December to give a maximum of about 150
1963 CURRENT NOTES 377
birds, which were still there on 16th March but not located
on the 24th (ADW). A “blue” Lesser Snow Goose returned to
Libberton, Lanarkshire, on 20th October, but the large white
one has not been seen this winter (RE-H).
A Light-breasted Brent Goose was seen with Grey Lags. at
Drumburn, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 20th January (WA, AB,
DSk, JGY), and other Light-breasted birds were two in the
Eden. Estuary, Fife, on 29th. January (PGB) and 10th Feb-
ruary (CT), and six at Tyninghame on 17th March (TB,
RWJS);. in Aberdeenshire 13 Brents were seen in flight at
Newburgh on 9th. February (AGM). A large flock of Barnacle
Geese was heard flying south over Lockerbie at 10.45 p.m. on
12th October, and subsequent counts of the flock on the Sol-
way gave totals of about 2,000 on 18th November, and 1,842 on
16th December (RTS). Two were at Kirkoswald, Ayrshire, on
10th January (GAR), and one was with Pinkfeet at Libberton,
Lanarkshire, on the 22nd (RE-H).
_ The status of the Canada Goose in many places remains ob-
scure. At Rowbank Reservoir, Renfrewshire/Ayrshire, a pair
of. colour-ringed birds, at least one of which still remains, was
introduced some years ago. Numbers have increased from 10
in 1960/61 and 18 in 1961/62, so that this winter 28 were
counted there on 13th January, and 15 (probably the same
birds) at Barr Loch, two miles away, where the observer
had not seen them before in three years watching. The birds
breed wild at Rowbank, but the flock is present at all seasons,
except for occasional sorties; they do not allow one to ap-
proach much nearer than 50 yards before taking flight (RGC).
On 11th November one was flying towards Loch Lomond near
Gartocharn (MQS), and on 24th March there was one at Glad-
house, Midlothian (RWJS).
The large winter population of Whooper Swans along the
Clackmannan shores of the Forth has been noted in the past
(antea 2: 104). Further up the river, on 2nd February, at
least 123 were counted in various groups along the banks be-
tween Stirling and Blackdub, 23 miles along the Doune road
(BEW), and on the 16th there were 252 on 350 yards of the
Forth by Cambuskenneth, near Stirling (PC). There are more
reports than usual of Bewick’s Swans, all from the southern
half of Scotland:
Yarrowfeus, Selkirk—8 adults flew off from melt water in a. field,
and landed by St Mary’s Loch, on 17th March, apparently the first
recorded in the county this century (AJS).
Ross Priory, Loch Lomond, Dunbarton—2 on 16th January and 16th
February (TDHM
Hamilton Low Parks, Lanark—2 on 30th March (DSt), and 3 on 8th
April (AFP).
Near Maybole, Ayr—2 on 29th and 30th January (GH-O).
River Dee near Castle BOURSES, Kirkcudbright—5 adults on 13th
January (JGY).
378 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
Between Dalry and Ken Bridge, Kirkcudbright—6- adults on 16th
March (GAR) and againi next day (ADW).
- A Peregrine was seen over Kelvin Bridge goods wae in
Glasgow on 29th November (MQS).
A cock Capercaillie was found in a garden on the outskirts
of Stirling on 17th December, and died later though it showed
no external sign of injury (GTJ). A hen Capercaillie on some
waste ground near Moffat, Dumfriesshire, on 6th March had
been.seen a week earlier by some quarry workers (ED); two
cocks are reported to have been shot 3 miles south of Moffat
about 5 years ago, and another was seen in Craigieburn
Forest, Moffat Water, by a visitor on 25th March 1963 (per
ED) a 2
A Short Note on another page refers to Water Rails coming
boldly into the open at Moffat. There are similar reports from
elsewhere, which may well be related to the cold weather:
at Stracathro Hospital, Angus, one was standing uncon-
cernedly in a shallow pool on 2nd February (GMC); on the
same day, at Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, one walked across
the track and disappeared under a hen coop (AGG, AI,
TDHM); on 9th February in Edinburgh one was caught at
the side of a burn just outside the Hermitage of Braid (OTT);
and on 8rd March one was mincing across the ice of the pool
at Belhaven rubbish tip near Dunbar, East Lothian (MFMM).
On 26th and 28th December a small brown crake, much
smaller than a Water Rail, and with a.red spot at the base
of its bill, was seen at Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh. It was
very similar to the bird seen there by the same observer in
November 1952 (see antea 1: 406, 474, and Edin. Bird Bull. 3:
19), but unfortunately, as before, the views obtained were
not sufficient to establish it with certainty as a Little Crake
(DRA). On 23rd February there were no fewer than 58
Moorhens assembled in an ice-free burn at Lockerbie, Dum-
friesshire (RTS).
Since Lapwings left Caithness in the cold weather, their re-
appearance in mid March was very striking, the first. big
flock being over 200 birds at St John’s Loch on the 17th, al-
though there had been three at Dounreay on the 7th, and 18
at Castletown on the 10th (KG, DMS). Fair Isle had a good
fall of migrants, including Lapwings, on the 12th, and there
were up to 500 of them on several days. Few seem to have
been local birds as only three or four had taken up territories
by the end of the month, but such numbers have seldom been
recorded there before (PED).
Winter records of single Green Sandpipers are of birds near
Gourock, Renfrewshire, on 26th January (MQS), near Bilston,
Midlothian, on 3rd and 17th February (DD), and in a flooded
field near Dumfries on 10th March (WA). A Spotted Redshank
1963 CURRENT NOTES 379
was at Powfoot, Annan, Dumfriesshire, on 4th and 5th March
(RTS, DSw, AFGW), and a winter Greenshank was on the fore-
shore at Fairlie, Ayrshire, from 16th to 23rd January (ETV).
At Carsethorn, Kirkcudbrightshire, there were well over
10,000 Knot on 2nd February (AGG, AI, TDHM); 400 north of
Girvan next day were unusually many for Clyde (MFMM);
and 1,300 at Seafield, Leith, on 17th March was unprecedented
at that particular locality (ATM). Inland, one was seen on a
flooded sandy ploughed field at Loch Leven on 30th March
(RWJS). Three Dunlin by the Tweed between Walkerburn
and Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, on 24th December were odd in
both date and place (JB).
Two Ruff were at Aberlady, East Lothian, on 23rd February
(CT), and one was still present at Prestwick (see amtea 2:
317) on 3rd March (GAR).
A very large assembly of over 650 Great Black-backed Gulls
was feeding on abattoir offal at Dornock, near Eastriggs, Dum_
friesshire, on 30th December (RTS). Mature or nearly adult
Glaucous Gulls are reported near Gourock, Renfrewshire, on
26th January (MQS), and at Ayr on 24th February (MFMM)
and 16th March (RGC), but the first at Stornoway, a lst win-
ter bird, was not seen this winter until 10th March, an un-
usually late first date. Not one Iceland Gull appeared in Storno-
way this winter, which is unusual (WAJC), but a lst winter
bird was seen at Lentran, Inverness, on 9th January (RHD).
Single Little Auks were found dead at Reay, Caithness, on
2nd and 12th December (JG), and there were fresh remains of
one at Aberlady on 27th January (JO). On 22nd March there
were already many Puffins on the sea south of Boddam, Aber-
deenshire, and about a dozen on the cliffs, one of them actually
emerging from a hole. This seems exceptionally early, since
Baxter & Rintoul (The Birds of Scotland) state that they do
not land until the second half of April or early May, and R. M.
Lockley gives a series of arrival dates at Skokholm, far to
the south, from 1928 to 1952, of which the earliest was 22nd
March 1932, and the first landing was not until 4th April
(DPW). .
On 13th January there was a huge migration of Woodpigeons
at Dunbar, East Lothian. It was said to have started at first
light at 0830 hrs, and while the observer watched from 1015
hrs to 1145 hrs the birds were estimated to be passing at about
000 per minute in an almost continuous stream, equal to
45,000 in those 90 minutes. They came off the sea from E or SE,
heading into the strong NW wind, and hitting the coast just
south of Dunbar. They flew northward under the cliffs and a
few turned west up the Tyne, but most continued northwards.
The birds may have come in a direct line from St Abbs Head,
rather than over the North Sea, since the movement was
380 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
clearly a northward one at Dunbar (MFMM). On the same
day flocks were noted from Port Seton to Whitekirk, along
the East Lothian shore, passing westward up the coast, and
crowding every turnip field along the Al in the evening
(TCS).
Collared Doves were absent from Stornoway, Lewis, for a
few months but one or two pairs returned to their usual
haunts in the second half of March (WAJC). This same mid-
winter absence was noted from Edmonstone, Edinburgh,
where none was seen from 10th December until 23rd Feb-
ruary, but up to seven in March (GWGB).
A Barn Owl was seen about Kinnaird Park, Brechin, Anitas
during March (JDu per HB); one of two was still at Longannet,
Fife, on 21st January (GD, JP); one was flushed from farm
buildings near Broxburn, West Lothian, on 22nd January (per
JB); one was hunting by day at Bush Estate, Midlothian, on
6th January (DD); a weak sickly bird came to a steading at
Makerston, Roxburghshire, on 13th January and died next
day, but another was hunting there on the 21st (AJP). Rubbing
in the superiority of the Solway for Barn Owls, are comments
that two or three may always be seen now by the road from
Dalry to Castle Douglas (ADW), and that three were noted
on 12th February between Castle Douglas and Dumfries
(JKRM). On 30th January there was a Little Owl sitting on
top of Greenlaw Town Hall, Berwickshire; when approached
within 20 yards it flew off to the top of the grocer’s shop
(HDH). In East Lothian, one at Hedderwickhill Farm on 16th
March had been there for a fortnight, and it remained there
for some time after this date. Two pellets under its roost con-
tained mice remains(AMcD). Within the bounds of Edin-
burgh, at Edmonstone, a Long-eared Owl which frequented a
narrow strip of dense shrubbery was closely observed. on 2nd,
3rd and 4th April (GWGB), and on the same farm a Short-
eared Owl was seen on 6th January, and three on 23rd Feb-
ruary and 2nd March (GWGB, CKM).
Evidence of the number of Green Woodpeckers in Lanarkshire
is provided by reports of single birds at Craignethan Castle,
Tullietudlem, on 23rd March, near Larkhall on the 26th, at
the Falls of Clyde near Lanark on the same day (DSt), and at
Hamilton on 8th April (AFP).
There are further reports of the influx of Great Sante
Woodpeckers last autumn (see antea 2: 319). In Aberdeenshire
some, at least, arrived much earlier than those previously re-
ported, one being seen to fly into a small wood near the
Loch of Strathbeg on 28th August, though there had been
none there for several years. The observer’s last record for
the area is of one stripping bark from a fence post on Forvie
Moor on 12th January (DPW), on which date one was still
1963 CURRENT NOTES 381
present in Newburgh (GMD). In Caithness notes come from
Dunbeath and Thurso on 11th December (PM), and from
Castletown where there were two on 25th December, one on
the 29th, one on 26th January, and one throughout March
(DMS). More than usual were about Inverness and the Black
Isle, Ross-shire, during December, and one was seen at Loch
Morar on 2nd January (RHD). It is, of course, not claimed
that none of these was a local bird. In Skye one was present
in Dunvegan woods on 25th December and subsequently (HM
& EM per MJCM), and in Lewis a female was found dead at
Stornoway about the New Year, a different bird from that
already reported (loc. cit.), which still survived (WAJC).
Large flocks of Skylarks include 200 on the move near Castle
Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 5th January (AFA), 150
possibly brought by a temporary mild spell near Walkerburn,
Peeblesshire, on 26th January (JB), a big immigration at
Nairn on 12th February with 190, 220, 95 and 35 flying in from
the east off the sea between 1015 hrs and 1025 hrs (RHD), and
600/700 in two fields near Ayr on 18th February (JSP).
A Hooded Crow was seen near Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, on
20th and 23rd February (RTS). A cock Black Redstart was
noted at Lerwick, Shetland, on 19th March (TH per GW).
A cock Blackcap which visited a bird table at Scone, Perth-
shire, on 7th March, and again about two weeks later, pre-
sumably survived the inhospitable winter in Scotland (MLy):
two others certainly did so. These were a cock and hen pre-
viously reported from Rothes, Morayshire, in December and
January (antea 2: 322). Until 23rd March they were seen
almost daily, and then less frequently until the 31st. They
were very aggressive to each other and to other species at
the bird table, but latterly were seen together on a number
of occasions, so that possibly they might remain to breed (AP).
Two rather pale Chiffchaffs were noted at Wick, Caithness, on
1ith November (DB).
As previously suggested (antea 2: 323) there were some
reports of Waxwings about New Year. From 13th to 16th Dec-
ember three ate apples, deliberately left on the trees for them
in Stirling (GTJ), and on the 28th there were two in St An-
drews, Fife (MHEC), where subsequently one was seen from
oth to 12th January and on 15th February (DCA, MLo, DLS).
On ist January one was at Barr, Ayrshire (GH-O), and on
the 8rd there were two at Rothes, Morayshire (AP), on the
llth some were in Comrie, Perthshire (GSS), next dav one
was seen in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (TL per
JHSw), and in Dundee there was one at the West End on the
18th (JHSu), and several in Ancrum Road from 14th Feb-
ruary (per HB). Finally, one was killed on 2nd March from
a flock of seven or eight which had been present in Inverness
382 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
for the previous six weeks, and which was gone next day (MR).
Apart from apples in Stirling, the only food mentioned by ob-
servers was cotoneaster berries, in five different localities.
There are further reports of single Great Grey Shrikes (see
antea 2: 323): on 26th November near Lauriston, Kirkcud-
brightshire (ADW); on 2nd December 3 miles south of Lairg,
Sutherland (RJB); at Flanders Moss in Stirlingshire on 27th
January (MFMM), and by the disused railway line there in
both Stirlingshire and Perthshire on 2nd March (KMC, MMM);
at the Loch of Butterstone, Dunkeld, Perthshire, on 23rd
February (RJ); in Inverness-shire next day at Loch Insh
meadows, where one was seen in October (loc. cit.) (RHD), and
between Aviemore and Kingussie on 17th March (RU).
The I.C.I. factory at Girvan, Ayrshire, has 2,750 holes where
bricks are missing—evidently in case it has to be extended—
and at dusk on 8rd January each one held an average of at
least three Starlings, thus providing a dormitory for at least
8,000 of them (MFMM).
In Fife, five Twite were seen at Cult Ness on 27th Decem-
ber, and seven on llth February (GD, JP). Crossbill records
are still coming in, and have again been held over.
More Bramblings are reported than in recent winters, with
many records of smal! flocks and a few of larger ones, such
as 50/100 in the Carsebreck area, Perthshire, on 23rd Decem-
ber (AGG, TDHM), and 200/250 at Skinflats, Stirlingshire,
on 14th January (GD, JP). Near Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire,
sensational numbers were seen; on 19th November there had
been over 40, and on 30th January there were over 20, but on
12th February more than 200 were feeding on grain in a
stackyard with a mixture of other finches, and next day there
were over 500 there; numbers were down to 100 on the 14th,
however, and gradually dwindled (WA, JDo, RTS).
A Lapland Bunting was seen at Aberlady on list January
(HD), and again nearby on the 13th (AJP, TCS). We have
previously commented on the status of the Tree Sparrow in
north Lanarkshire (antea 2: 106); from the southern tip of
the county comes a winter record of ten 2 miles SW of Sym-
ington on 12th December. In Angus (see antea 1: 498) there
were 27 in a small plantation at Fern, near Brechin, on 8th
January (GMC).
Earlier observations—before 7th October 1962
Information has been sent to us proving that the Slavonian
Grebes which bred in Aberdeenshire in 1962 (see antea 2: 242)
did so also in 1960 and 1961; the birds were sitting on full
clutches in the first fortnight of June in both years (per AT).
A Sooty Shearwater was seen in the Minch near the Shiants
on 4th August (NL).
1963 CURRENT NODES 383
At Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, a moribund Bittern was found
in a field on 29th August. It died, and the skin was preserved
(JY).
~.As the last swathe was cut in a hay field near Thornhill on
‘9th July a Corncrake escaped with eight chicks. It was seen
again with them on the 13th, and with two flying young on
30th August. This is one of few recent records of successful
breeding in Dumfriesshire (JY).
- Another large flock of Golden Plovers (see antea 2: 315), with
about 600 birds in it was at Crail, Fife, throughout the second
half of August (RAJ). A Spotted Redshank flew down the River
Annan near Lockerbie on 26th August, and there was one at
Caerlaverock Castle on 16th September, both in Dumfriesshire
(RTS). Two Little Stints were identified at Browhouse, East-
rigg, Dumfriesshire, on 26th August (RTS), and there were
three at Hamilton Low Parks, Lanarkshire, on 29th Septem-
ber, and one on 6th October (AFP).
Good views were had of a Black Tern at Milngavie Reser-
voirs, Dunbartonshire, on 6th September, another to add to
the list of those already published (antea 2: 259, 317) (TDHM).
At Rannagulzion, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, two Collared
Doves flew up from a field on 22nd May; next day one was
calling quite a lot and making love flights, but none was seen
after the 24th (JWC).
General observations on food and plumage
During the cold weather, Black-headed Gulls near Culross,
Fife, tried eating swedes, but evidently found them indiges-
tible as small heaps were found thrown up on the breakwater
wall. Nearby a Moorhen’s whole leg, folded like a collapsed let-
ter Z, was found in a Tawny Owl’s pellet, the foot still glossy
olive green and quite pliant, and all encased in mouse fur and
a few tibial feathers. Evidently so large a bird is not beyond
the Tawny Owl in an emergency (GD, JP). At Tore, Ross-shire,
a small flock of a dozen Fieldfares remained from New Year
until 13th March, apparently living entirely on turnips—to
which this species may resort in hard weather—and perhaps
a little grain from the sheep troughs (MKM-D).
At Kingsbarns, Fife, a very conspicuous and entirely white
Red-throated Diver was diving in the sea on 3rd April (HB). On
the Dee at Aberdeen a Mute Swan was seen on 13th February
with practically no webbing on one foot, so that its toes
tended to spread out rather more than on its normal foot. The
same thing has happened at Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, and
it is possible that these birds might have had the webbing
ripped out by sharp pieces of ice when braking with their
feet as they landed on the ice, something that has been neces-
sary more often than usual this winter (EAG, DPW).
384 CURRENT NOTES 2(6)
An apparently adult Whooper Swan was reported at Loch
Ken in January 1962 with a pink bill (antea 2: 56), and what
was probably the same bird was present again from December
to February. The bill is distinctly brighter than that of a 1st
winter bird, and this swan is apparently the pen of a pair
with three young birds in tow. It seems that the suggestion
that the pink bill might indicate a 2nd winter bird (antea 2:
107) cannot apply to this one (ADW),.
Early in 1962 a photograph, taken from the deck of a Clyde
steamer, of a Herring Gull with no legs, caused speculation as
to how an apparently healthy bird thus mutilated could find
a living, and it was concluded that it probably spent all its
time in the air or on the water Then on 19th November, re-
turning from Larne to Stranraer, the observer noticed that
almost half the gulls following the ship were legless. The day
was exceedingly cold, with a fierce north wind, and it was
clear that the gulls were using their under tail-coverts as a
muff or footwarmer. It is not known whether this habit has
been recorded or not, but the story will perhaps in future
prevent any Scottish ornithologist proving so_ gullible
(MFMM).
And finally, a Starling with a pure white rump and tail at
Balornock, Glasgow, on 27th February (BZ).
REVIEWS
SILENT SPRING. By Rachel Carson. London, Hamish Hamilton,
1963. Po. xxii + 304. 25/-.
This is a book of vital importance to everyone interested
in natural history. It is concerned with the grave dangers to
all living organisms (including Man) arising from the ever-
increasing development and use of dangerous chemicals for
insecticides and herbicides. It is written by an American
biologist who has made a special study of the inter-relation-
ship of all living creatures and the chain-reactions set up by
biological vacuums created by sudden mass extermination of
pests.
Rachel Carson has the distinction of having written two
best-sellers in the field of biology—The Sea around us, and
now Silent Spring. Her basic interest is the science of ecology.
Early in 1958 she became increasingly perturbed by the
effects on wildlife of the widespread and indiscriminate use
of toxic chemicals in forestry and agriculture in the U.S.A.,
and began collecting data on the subject from scientists all
over the world. She combed the literature thoroughly; her
list of references fills 49 pages in the book. The result is a
1963 REVIEWS 385
remarkable synthesis and presentation of facts concerning
toxic chemicals, written in a style easily understandable to
the layman, The situation as revealed by the author is dis-
quieting to say the least of it. In America, thousands of tons
of D.D.T. and other more toxic chemicals have been sprayed
over land, forests, and water without sufficient research hav-
ing been carried out on possible harmful side-effects. Com-
pared with this country, the use of the dangerous and highly
persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons—D.D.T., D.D.D., aldrin,
dieldrin, heptachlor, etc——is on a vast scale. It has resulted
in some appalling casualties to birds and other wildlife. Pub-
lic anxiety about the effects on wildlife resulted in President
Kennedy setting up a special committee of investigation.
What then are the facts which the author brings to our
notice? She quotes many examples of heavy mortality to birds
—one of the most striking being the shocking “kill” of Amer-
ican Robins resulting from D.D.T. sprays used to combat
Dutch elm disease. “The trees are sprayed in the spring
(usually at the rate of 2 to 6 lbs. of D.D.T. per 50-foot tree,
which may be the equivalent of as much as 23 lbs. per acre
where elms are numerous) and often again in July, at about
half this concentration. Powerful sprayers direct a stream of
poison to all parts of the tallest trees, killing directly not
only the target organism, the bark beetle, but other insects,
including pollinating species and predatory spiders and
beetles. The poison forms a tenacious film over the leaves and
bark. Rains do not wash it away. In the autumn the leaves
fall to the ground, accumulate in sodden layers, and begin
the slow process of becoming one with the soil. In this they
are aided by the toil of the earthworms, who feed in the leaf
litter, for elm leaves are among their favourite foods. In
feeding on the leaves the worms also swallow the insecticide,
accumulating and concentrating it in their bodies. Dr Barker
found deposits of D.D.T. throughout the digestive tracts of
the worms, their blood vessels, nerves, and body wall. Un-
doubtedly some of the earthworms themselves succumb, but
others survive to become “biological magnifiers” of the poison.
In the spring, the robins return to provide another link in the
cycle. As few as eleven large earthworms can transfer a
lethal dose of D.D.T. to a robin. And eleven worms form a
small part of a day’s rations to a bird that eats ten to twelve
earthworms in as many minutes.” Although the robin was
the chief victim (one woman calling a Research Institute
reported twelve robins lying dead on her lawn as she spoke),
sixty-three different species were included among the speci-
mens examined. This all happened despite assurances of the
insecticide people that their sprays were “harmless to birds.”
Since the book was written, Roger Tory Peterson told the
reviewer that in 1962, on the Connecticut River, out of 62
386 - REVIEWS 2(6)
pairs of nesting Ospreys, only one pair had succeeded in rear-
ing one young. The remainder were sitting on infertile eggs.
A chemical analysis of these eggs revealed high residues of
chlorinated hydrocarbons. How did the Ospreys accumulate
these? The answer is that there was large-scale spraying of
forests with insecticides—millions of acres at a time. The
dead insects find their way into the rivers where they are
eaten by fish. The fish ingest cumulative doses; and then,
along come the Ospreys to feed on the fish to absorb an even
greater accumulation. A terrifying feature is the fact that
these chlorinated hydrocarbons can be transferred genetically
from parent to offspring before complete infertility is reached.
What then of Man—the greatest predator on earth?
At a weekend conference at Cambridge in early March this
year to discuss the decline in numbers of birds of prey, the
meeting, attended by ornithologists, biologists, landowners,
gamekeepers etc. attributed the severe reduction to the cum-
ulative effects of persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons, and
called for much more intensified research on the side-effects
of such insecticides.
Although the Government has placed a voluntary ban on
the sowing in spring of grain dressed with aldrin, dieldrin and
heptachlor in agriculture, there are as yet no controls on
their widespread use in private gardens, which are rapidly
becoming veritable death-traps to wild birds. There is still
far too much complacency in Government circles on toxic
chemical dangers, as evidenced in the recent debate on the
subject in the House of Lords.
Readers are reminded that specimens of any birds suspected
of having died as a result of poisoning by toxic chemicals
should be sent at once for chemical analysis to Peter Conder,
R.S.P.B., The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire.
GEORGE WATERSTON.
(The attention of readers is drawn to “Silent Spring”’—Review and
Commentary. Published by the Association of British Manufacturers of
Agricultural Chemicals, 86 Strand, London W.C.2, 1963. Pp. 9.—EDp.).
BIRDS OF THE WorLD. By Oliver L. Austin, Jr. Titer a
Arthur Singer. British edition. London, Paul Hamlyn,
1962. Pp. 317; 300 colour plates, 84/-.
British ornithologists are often accused of insularity, and
this accusation is not without some justice. We compile lists
of the birds of Britain, or (if we are broad-minded) of Europe.
Our reference books are The Handbook of British Birds and
A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. If we are
seriously inclined we read books, or even write papers, on
migration, or behaviour, or ecology, or the regulation of
1963 REVIEWS 387
animal numbers—but the species they discuss are almost in-
variably those of the North Temperate zone, a small and
colourless part of the world’s avifauna. For most of us a
quarter of the birds of the world are merely names we have
read in books; two-thirds of the birds of the world are not
even names. But even if we have heard of todies, or tinamous,
or touracos, or trogons, where can we find them all described?
Without an extensive library it has been truly impossible to
learn anything about the birds of remote parts of the world.
Now, however, we will have less excuse for our ignorance,
for this book describes and illustrates every one of the 155
families of the world’s birds. Each family is allotted one or
two pages of text, in which it is described in general terms—
its distribution, the number and appearance of its species,
their food and nesting habits, their migrations, voice and
characteristic behaviour. The book is not a mere catalogue,
however, for Dr Austin has included a large number of in-
teresting facts about the systematics and life history of birds
which have special peculiarities. Thus we can read about the
nesting habits of hornbills, the longevity of terns, the feed-
ing association between honey-guides and honey-badgers,
the migration of the Slender-billed Shearwater, the displays
of birds of paradise, the feather lice of flamingoes, the place
of the Night Heron in the Japanese peerage, or the myths
surrounding the legendary Quetzal. Perhaps too many of
these examples are familiar from other books, but together
they give an impressive demonstration of the fantastic variety
in the appearance and habits of birds.
To describe eight thousand species in two hundred pages is
a daunting task, and the accounts of some families are
colourless collections of facts, but most families are brought
to life in a very successful way. This would not have been
possible without the illustrations, which include at least one
bird from each family and comprise a total of over seven
hundred species. Large in size, vivid in style and colour,
lavish in scope and excellently reproduced, they make this a
handsome, striking and lively book. In general they are at-
tractive and accurate, although those of the colourful
species are the most successful and the drabber birds are
often over-drawn or over-coloured.
The book has an irritating number of minor errors, and does
not quite live up to its superficial splendour or the extrava-
gance of its advertising. But it is unlikely to be superseded
for a long time, and can be thoroughly recommended to the
armchair ornithologist who wishes to escape from his drab
northern fauna and to browse among the lavish variety of
the world of birds.
I. C. T. Nisset.
388 REVIEWS 2(6)
Birps or AnGcus. By Henry Boase. 1962. Typescript. Pp. iv+
195; 1 map and 5 graphs.
This account is similar in style and content to Birds of
North and East Perthshire, by the same author, reviewed in
Scottish Birds 2 (4): 266-268. There is a useful description of
the county, species lists of several areas, a systematic County
List, notes on migration and rookeries, and a reference list
of 50 titles. It is clear that in Angus Mr Boase spent most of
his bird watching time in the past 50 years in the lowlands
and on the shores of the rivers and lochs; and “the main pur-
pose of this account is to place on record the writer’s find-
ings.” The lists of birds seen at the various lochs and the in-
teresting account of migration are valuable, since they are
based on regular visits. The systematic list gives a statement
under each species of records in a report by Drummond Ha
(1886), A Fauna of the Tay Basin and Strathmore (1906), the
Geographical Distribution (1928), Status and Distribution of
Wild Geese and Wild Duck in Scotland (1938), and The Birds
of Scotland (1953), supplemented by records published in
ornithological journals between 1900 and 1961 together with
the notes of the author and his friends. Clearly these state-
ments need critical interpretation, and a casual reader might
assume that few records mean that a species is scarce. Par-
ticularly with birds of the glens and hills, this is often not
the case, but the author occasionally seems to conclude that
the records given do present a fair assessment of a species’
status. An account of such a large area cannot, however, hope
to assess status except in small areas known intimately by
the writer. The chief value of lists of this kind is to sum-
marise observations not suitable for publication alone and to
provide a basis for detailed future work by local specialists.
County lists can eventually be prepared by editing local
contributions. Mr Boase’s example in selecting the lochs and
streams for detailed treatment shows how these pioneer ac-
counts can be planned, and his readers can profitably supple-
ment his account with detailed local knowledge for other
habitats and from other counties.
Davip JENKINS.
A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF SUSSEX. By G. des Forges & D. D.
Harber, Edinburgh and London, Oliver & Boyd, 1963. Pp.
177; fold-out map and 12 plates. 30/-.
To anyone watching birds in Sussex this book can be
warmly recommended: as a model of what a local bird book
should be, it might well be studied also by all who aspire
to write such books.
ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
1963 REVIEWS 389
EVERY CHILD’s Book oF BIRDS AND BIRD-WATCHING. By Henry
Makowski. English edition, translated by Kathleen Shaw,
edited and adapted by Winwood Reade. London, Burke,
1962. Pp. 127; 54 plates, 66 text figures. 15/-.
CoLLINS GUIDE To BirpD WarTcuHING. By R. S. R. Fitter. London,
Collins, 1963. Pp. 254; figures, line drawings and 40 plates.
21/-.
Brrps: A PRIMER OF ORNITHOLOGY (Teach Yourself Books
series). By G. E. Hyde. London, English Universities
Press, 1962. Pp. xviii + 174; line drawings and 9 plates
(one in colour). 7/6.
These three books—one translated from the German, two by
English authors—share the general intention of introducing
the budding bird watcher to the bird. But what is bird watch-
ing? To Mr Makowski it is essentially a hobby in which the
amateur can both enjoy himself and aid the scientist by care-
ful field observation, and one which can therefore be pursued
as satisfactorily, and much more conveniently, in a town park
or back garden, as on a distant mountain-side or mudflat. Mr
Fitter aims his book more deliberately at the itinerant Brit-
ish week-ender, with his round of reservoirs, lakes and woods,
to whom bird watching is primarily an intelligent form of
escapism, and a matter of collecting records of birds seen
largely for their own sake. Mr Hyde’s much less satisfactory
book gives the impression that his subject is not on a much
higher intellectual level than train spotting.
Every Child’s Book of Birds and Bird-Watching is excellent,
though the title suggests a more juvenile book than it is.
Most amateurs of whatever age, whether novice or not, could
read it with profit, and certainly no child of ten or upwards
would be bored or disappointed with its contents. It is writ-
ten with an enthusiasm that never jars or condescends, and
which has been nicely caught in the English version. It is
lucid and refreshing on such potentially dry subjects as the
physical structure and classification of birds, as well as on
the easier topics of bird song and migration. It is ingenious on
the practical side, full of useful information about taking notes,
making nest boxes, bird baths, feeding tables, with good sec-
tions on photography and avian first-aid and, best of all, a
list of the most important and illuminating questions to ask
about birds in the breeding season, thus providing the amateur
with an orientation for study that he too often lacks in dealing
with common species. The faults are slight—contrary to the
author’s suggestion, most bird watchers find tripods for a
telescope more of a burden than a help; the map showing
migration over Britain is more misleading than enlightening;
some of the captions to the photographs fall below the high
390 REVIEWS 2(6)
standard of the text. Otherwise it is a very pleasant and well
illustrated book. It would be good to think that it makes
many converts to Mr Makowski’s highly intelligent view of
bird watching as a subject “in which amateur and scientist
can work together, side by side, with each contributing to
the knowledge and enjoyment of the other...It is not a
hobby for the unadventurous. But it is a hobby which lasts
a lifetime. If you take up bird-watching you will never feel
bored or dull again.”
Collins Guide to Bird Watching has also much to recom-
mend it, and may achieve a popularity second only to Mr
Fitter’s previous Pocket Guides for the same publishers. It is
in three sections—how to watch, what to watch and where
to watch. The first 43 pages cover some of Mr Makowski’s
ground, with similar advice on taking notes, choosing bino-
culars, attracting and feeding birds, first-aid, photography and
bird protection, all clear and sensible. While the author hopes
the reader will “graduate from plain enjoyment of birds to
something more scientific,” the actual job of describing how
a bird works, and how to study that subject, he leaves to
others. Nearly half of the book consists of hints on the iden-
tification of every species occurring regularly in Britain,
illustrated with a number of R. A. Richardson’s drawings and
40 pages of photographs of typical habitats and some of the
birds found in them. Considering the number of excellent
illustrated books on identification—including Mr Fitter’s own
—this section might seem a little hard to justify, especially
as coloured plates are out of the question and the text on
each species is necessarily very brief. If the author pulls it
off it is largely because of the shrewdness and humour of his
observations—“...I am convinced that some Blackcaps do
also mimic Garden Warblers. This lends a kind of Marx
brothers’ air to the task of learning to separate these two...”
The notes generally maintain a high standard of accuracy,
but the statement that immature Mediterranean Gulls have
no black on their wings is an extraordinary slip. The arrange-
ment of species in what the author calls “roughly natural
groupings,” begins with sparrows and ends with terns, and is
probably less helpful to the beginner than accustoming him
to the Wetmore order from the start. In the final section, Mr
Fitter breaks new ground with a 50 page list of the main
localities of ornithological interest in every county in the
British Isles, together with some of the ornithological spec-
ialities of each area. It would be easy to pick holes in the
detail of these lists, and to regret the inadequate coverage of
parts of the country—the wintering ducks off Seafield, for
instance, surely one of the sensational sights of Scotland, are
not mentioned—but to harp on this would be ungracious. The
idea of an ornithological Baedeker is at once so novel, so
1963 REVIEWS 391
simple and so useful that it is very much to be hoped that
this section will be extended, revised and expanded to cover
more “special birds” in each of the future editions that the
book is likely to run to. Like Collins’ other bird guides, it is
attractively produced and pleasant to use.
Birds: A Primer of Ornithology is unfortunately a book
which cannot be recommended. It demolishes, in ten pages,
the topics of bird spotting techniques, conservation, changes
in status, migration and classification; the remaining pages
plod gracelessly from crows to game-birds, in the almost
universally discarded Handbook order, as the author reels off
“concise descriptions of all the birds which now breed in
Britain, and also shorter references to non-breeding visitors.”
The small size of the book and the absence of plates except
of the most unimaginative kind—‘Mute Swan on nest’”—pre-
clude satisfactory presentation. Furthermore, the information
given is often misleading, unhelpful and wrong—no winter
plumages are even hinted at for any of the divers or grebes;
the Snow Goose is “a pure white bird”; the song of the Sedge
Warbler is “noisy rather than musical, but includes some
softer notes”; outside Britain the Twite “breeds only in Nor-
way’; and one could go on. There is constant confusion be-
tween species and sub-species, with Northern Willow Warbler,
Siberian Chiffchaff and Continental Hedge Sparrow, to take
but three, described as separate species from their British
counterparts. This book is negligible by the side of Mr Makow-
ski’s and Mr Fitter’s attractive and imaginative productions.
T. C. Smout.
THE Houser Sparrow (New Naturalist series). By J. D. Sum-
mers-Smith. London, Collins, 1963. Pp. xvi + 269; 25
plates (1 in colour); 36 text fiuges. 25/-.
The New Naturalist monographs on single species of birds
conform to a regular pattern, a great part of the book being
taken up by a detailed life history and the later chapters
dealing with a variety of themes, such as Origins, Distribu-
tion, Relations with Man, and so on; and the two tests of
merit are—how far is the research work original; and how
well is it presented ? Mr Summers-Smith scores well in Test
1: it is clear that a great deal of painstaking labour has gone
into this book and there seems to be nothing about the House
Sparrow that he has not found out, except, of course, the one
thing that we all want to know—why does it eat our crocuses?
In Test 2 the author is not so successful: material that makes
interesting papers in scientific periodicals does not always
make a readable book, and this is why the later chapters,
devoid of analysis of figures, make the better reading:
392 REVIEWS 2(6)
throughout there is a lack of sparkle, except when it is un-
intentional, as when the author, twice, refers, when he means
“discrete,” to sparrow colonies as being “discreet,” the last
adjective one would apply to them. The picture of the House
Sparrow presented here, however, is commendably complete,
wholly accurate and analysed with intelligence.
M. F. M. MEIKLEJOHN.
THE GOOSANDER AND RED-BREASTED MERGANSER AS PREDATORS
OF SALMON IN SCOTTISH WATERS. Freshwater and Salmon
Fisheries Research series, No. 29. By D. H. Mills. Edin-
burgh, EHAVES.O., 1962) Pp: 10. 3/6:
An important discussion, clearly showing that young sal-
mon form a large part of the diet of Scottish sawbills; but
leaving open the question whether or not their presence
ultimately controls the number of adult salmon returning to
our rivers.
ANDREW T MACMILLAN.
PORTRAIT OF A RIVER. The Wildlife of the Danube from the
Black Sea to Budapest. By G. Mountfort. Illustrated by E.
Hosking. London, Hutchinson, 1962. Pp. 207; line drawings,
maps, and 57 plates (1 in colour). 35/-.
As the subtitle states, this is a survey of the wild life of
the Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest. Basically it is
the account of ornithological expeditions in 1960 and 1961 to
Bulgaria and Hungary respectively. Especially interesting is
the fact that both countries are behind the Iron Curtain, and
the author outlines some of the problems found in organising
such expeditions to a corner of Europe that is unfortunately
inaccessible to the ordinary man in the street these days.
The excellent photography is mainly by Eric Hosking, al-
though the author himself makes a by no means negligible
contribution to a series of outstanding illustrations. These
supplement the text in describing the Danube, its birds and
its animals. A chapter on the filming of the Lesser Spotted
Eagle in the Baltata forest well illustrates the problems in-
veived in bird photography on expeditions such as these.
The first expedition started from Sofia and explored
the lower reaches of the Danube, where it forms the
boundary between Bulgaria and Rumania. The party then
moved south-east across the Dobruja to the Black Sea coast. In
this area the outstanding birds are the White Pelican, White-
tailed Eagle and Great Bustard. Unfortunately, however,
history and politics, both of which are discussed in this book,
have created peculiar problems of conservation, to a great
1963 REVIEWS 393
extent due to the large-scale collective farming. This is tend-
ing to eliminate the rare species through the destruction of
their particular habitats. Egg collectors too, apparently exist
even behind the Iron Curtain; and despite strict protection
many species including the Rose-coloured Starling, one of
Europe’s rarest birds, are threatened with extinction as breed-
ing birds on the Continent.
Various lakes just inland from the Black Sea coast were
inspected before returning to Sofia by way of the high moun-
tains south-east of the city. After rather an anticlimax of a
climb, one of the highlights of the expedition was achieved—
the filming of Wall Creepers at the nest.
The Hungarian expedition started from Budapest with a
study of the birds of the surrounding mountains and marshes,
where such species as Eagle Owl, Lesser Grey and Red-backed
Shrikes, and River Warblers were seen. This took up the
greater part of the expedition and it is captivatingly described.
A large lake in the western half of Hungary, Lake Balaton,
was then visited with gratifying results. Glossy Ibis, Night
Herons, Spoonbills and Bearded Tits were among the many
species seen in this area.
The book concludes with an appendix, including a list of
birds seen and an indication of their status in the regions
visited. A useful selected bibliography is also given.
C. N. L. Cowper.
A Mosaic or IsLanps. By Kenneth Williamson & J. Morton
Boyd. Edinburgh and London, Oliver & Boyd, 1963. Pp.
187; maps, text figures and 16 plates. 21/-.
In A Mosaic of Islands the authors of St Kilda Summer
capture something of the fascination of small and remote
islands. The book is by no means confined to birds, but is
flavoured in the fine tradition of Robert Atkinson’s classic,
Island Going. Whale-hunting, archaeology, bird-fowling and
studies of seals—the pages are filled with the authors’ im-
pressions of their visits, brief or extended, to the Faroes, Fair
Isle, Rhum, Unst, St Kilda, North Rona and a host of other
islands in the north and west; not least, is a generous sprink-
ling of maps, which help one locate the places mentioned and
bring them to life in one’s mind.
ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
Tue BirRD IN THE Hanp (B.T.O. Field Guide No. 6). By R. K.
Cornwallis & A. E. Smith. Revised By K. Williamson,
Oxford, British Trust for Ornithology, 1963 (second
394 REVIEWS 2(6)
edition). First published 1960. Pp. 78; text figures. Paper
cover 6/-, boards 9/6.
This revised edition will be almost essential for anyone
making use of the section on sexing and ageing; quite a few
of the criteria given in the earlier edition have in practice
proved unreliable, and the text carries further warnings on
problems of identification. Two dozen new species have been
included and a more professional looking cover added, while
one blank interleaving sheet and an index have disappeared,
and the price has gone up by half.
ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Eigg, Muck, Rhum and Canna. A paper is being prepared on
the birds of these islands, and the authors would be most
grateful for any unpublished information. In particular, dates
of visits, species lists with approximate counts, and proof of
breeding would be of value. Information about Rhum and
Canna should be sent to Dr P. R. Evans, Edward Grey Insti-
tute, Botanic Gardens, Oxford, and about Higg and Muck to
Miss W. U. Flower, 5 Airthrey Avenue, Glasgow W.4.
Chough Enquiry 1963. During the past decade the Chough
has possibly increased in Wales and the Isle of Man, though
the severe winter may have set it back. Information is
sought for all areas on breeding numbers and distribution,
size of flocks throughout the year, nesting success, and nature
of nest sites, for 1963 and earlier years, as well as data on
food, habitat, mortality etc. where available. This enquiry is
supported by the B.T.O., and questionnaires may be had from
the organiser, Martin Richards, Sub-Department of Animal
Behaviour, High Street, Madingley, Cambridge.
CORRECTION
The Barnacle Geese referred to on page 307 (lines 33 and 34) escaped
from a collection at “Tayfield, Newport,” not at “Tayport,’ 23 miles
away. The significance of this is that there are wildfowl collections at
both places, and also that the wildfowl on the Tay estuary are very
different at these two points.
1963 OFFICIAL SECTION 395
OFFICIAL SECTION
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Sixteenth Annual Conference and Twenty-sixth Annual General
Meeting of the Club will be held in the Dunblane Hotel Hydro, Dunblane,
Perthshire, from 25th to 27th October 1963. The conference programme
will be printed in the next issue of “Scottish Birds,’ and this intimation
is given in order that members may make their hotel reservations in
good time. All bookings, including those at the Hotel Hydro, should be
made with the hotels and not with the Secretary.
Hotel Accommodation in Dunblane
DUNBLANE HOTEL HYDRO (Tel. 3161). Special Conference charge:
£4, 16s Od. This includes accommodation and all meals from Friday
dinner until Sunday luncheon, the Annual Dinner, after-meal
coffees, morning coffees, and early morning teas. A 73% gratuitv
charge will be added to all bills.
Residents staying part of the weekend will be charged as follows:
Room and breakfast 32s 6d, dinner 12s 6d, or 16s 6d for the Annual
Dinner, luncheon 7s 6d, afternoon tea 3s 6d, after-meal coffee ls,
early morning tea ls, morning coffee and biscuits ls 6d.
STIRLING ARMS HOTEL (Tel. 2156). Bed and breakfast from 25s.
*THE NEUK PRIVATE HOTEL, Doune Road (Tel. 2150). Bed and
breakfast 18s 6d to 19s 6d.
*SCHIEHALLION HOTEL, Doune Road (Tel. 3141). Bed and break-
fast 18s 6d to 21s.
BLAIRALAN, Dargie Terrace (Tel. 3196). Bed and breakfast 17s 6d
to 18s 6d.
FARDLEIGHTON HOTEL (Tel. 2273). Bed and breakfast 15s to 17s 6d.
*These hotels are some distance from the Conference Hotel.
(Situated near the Hydro Hotel gates.
Hotel Accommodation in Bridge of Allan
ALLAN WATER HOTEL (Tel. Bridge of Allan 2293). Bed and break-
fast 35s to 47s 6d.
ROYAL HOTEL (Tel. Bridge of Allan 2284). Bed and breakfast 33s
to 36s.
Members with cars who have difficulty in obtaining single rooms in
Dunblane should find that the above two hotels in Bridge of Allan have
ample single accommodation. The distance from Dunblane is about 3
miles.
The terms for hotels other than the Conference Hotel are quoted as a
guide only, and prices should be confirmed.
The Conference registration fee will be 10s. The cost of the Annual
Dinner to members not staying in the Conference Hotel will be 16s 6d.
Both these items should be paid at the Conference registration office
on arrival at the Hydro.
THE LATE SIR HUGH GLADSTONE’S LIBRARY, PENPONT
Mr John Gladstone, Capenoch, Penpont, Dumfriesshire, has most
generously offered facilities to members of the Club to visit and consult
the valuable and unique library of ornithological books and pamphlets
396 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(6)
collected by his father, the late Sir Hugh Gladstone. This collection
comprises books published prior to his death in 1949 and is considered
to be the most complete in existence. There is also a collection of pic-
tures and stufied birds, many of which are rare and of extreme interest.
Members who are making a particular study of ornithological liter-
ature and who wish to take advantage of this extremely kind offer may
use the library by previous arrangement with Mr Gladstone, and are
asked to give him ample notice in case he is absent from home when
they write.
AYR BRANCH
We regret that the address of Dr M. E. Castle, new Secretary of the
Ayr Branch, was given incorrectly in the last number of the journal. It
should be Mount Hamilton, St Quivox, by Ayr.
NEW GROUPS IN INVERNESS AND THURSO
The Council of the Club announces the formation of two new Club
Groups in Inverness and Thurso. Although at present not sufficiently
large to be recognised as Branches or to qualify for representation on
the Council, these Groups have the full support and recognition of the
Council, and notices of their meetings and activities will be published
with those of the Branches. It is hoped also to provide one or two offic-
ial lecturers to visit these Groups during each Session.
The Thurso Group has appointed J. M. Gunn as their Chairman, and
D. M. Stark, 2 Harland Road, Castletown, by Thurso, Caithness, as
Secretary. This Group has planned various activities during the summer
and has already carried out a census of Rooks in Caithness, and a bird
song and ringing excursion at Reay, and has held a public film show in
Thurso. Members in the area may wish to note the following dates:
23rd June—Census of the Arctic Skua in Caithness.
7th July—Ringing excursion, gull colonies.
llth August—Sea watches at Strathy, Dunnet, Duncansby and Noss
Heads.
The autumn migration will be covered as far as possible on most week-
ends at Noss Head and Wick. Further details may be obtained from
the Group Secretary.
Details of Inverness Group office-bearers and meetings will be pub-
lished in the next number of the journal, and members in the area are
asked to support this new venture which replaces the original Inverness
Bird Watching Group.
The Council extends its good wishes to both Groups and it is hoped
that they will lead to an increased interest in field work and provide
centres of contact for the more scattered members of the Club in the
northern counties.
DONATIONS TO THE SCOTTISH CENTRE
As a result of a most generous donation of £200 to the Scottish Centre,
the Council intend to recondition and furnish a new room for the Lend-
ing Section of the Library. The growth of the Reference Library has
curtailed the space available for the Lending Section, and this gift has
come at a very appropriate time. It is hoped that the room will be ready
by early autumn. Gifts of books from members to increase the number
available for lending will also be much appreciated.
The Council has also received from Miss Betty Garden the very gen-
erous donation of £60, and it is intended to use this sum for the purchase
of a glass-fronted bookcase to hold the rarer and more valuable books
in the Reference Library.
The Council is extremely grateful for these gifts, which will contribute
so much to the development of the Club.
Highland and Overseas
Fieid Holidays
Bird-watching and general Natur-
al History holidays in Scotland
and on the Continent, planned for
small groups and run on informal
lines. Special studies of hill birds,
flora and fauna in Cairngorms,
Grampian and Monadhliath ran-
ges; autumn migration Spey area
and Moray Firth.
Overseas visits include Holland,
France, Norway, Sweden, etc. and
special Migration Watch Sept. 1963.
New annexe accommodation at
Pitmain Beag, Kingussie; study
facilities and small library. Day or
weekend visitors welcome as well
as reservations for regular week or
fortnight programme. For details
write to:
Colin Murdoch,
Highland & Overseas Field Holidays ,
Kingussie, Inverness-shire.
Tel. Kingussie 300
The Isles of
Enchantment RN
AND
SHETLAND
\ holiday cruises
from LEITH
& ABERDEEN
A wonderfully different and invigorating
holiday in Company’s comfortable ships
and hotels! All-inclusive cost from about
£12 to £40.
Send PC for booklet.
NORTH OF SCOTLAND, ORKNEY
& SHETLAND SHIPPING CO LTD
Dept 14 Matthews Quay, Aberdeen
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS...
Are you troubled with a small
image? Here is a range of inexpen-
Sive yet optically first class tele-
photo lenses which will fit nearly
all single lens 35mm reflex cameras
(except Contaflex, Retina Reflex &
Bessamatic) with interchangeable
lenses. State Camera make.
100mm _ f.3.5 Cassarit, pre-set
£15.19.0
135mm f.4.5 Travenon, pre-set
£17.14.7
300mm £.5.5 Hanimex, pre-set
£29.10.0
400mm f.6.3 Hanimex, pre-set
£33.10.0
400mm f.7.5 Tamron, with case
£25.19.6
95mm-205mm Tamron Zoom,
with case £52.10.0
135mm to 225mm f.7.7 Soligor
Convertible Lens £21.6.6
CHARLES W. BRUCE
Camera & Lens Specialist
5 West Road, Westcliff - Essex
Cliff House
Residential Club
Dunwich
In walking distance of
Minsmere Bird Sanctuary
from Easter till the
end of September
Open
Good food Packed lunches
Comfortable rooms, H. & C.
Club Licence
Telephone: Westleton 282
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R. W. FORSYTH
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A Mosaic of Islands
KENNETH WILLIAMSON AND J. MORTON BOYD
Islands have always attracted the traveller and the
naturalist. The authors, both well-known natur-
alists, have recorded here many of the interesting
experiences which they had while studying the
wild life of some of the most inaccessible places
in and around the British Isles. Whaling in the
Faeroe Islands; sea birds of the Shiants, Handa
and Sule Stack, deer husbandry and nature con-
servancy on Rhum; Grey seals on Shillay and
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they have seen and have written about in this
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SYS 43
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The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Volm2 No. 7 Autumn 1963
PO NWA 19 S) Jel IG IG WINE S
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
(PRE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was founded in 1936 and membership
is open to al! interested in Scottish ornithology. Meetings are held
during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Kdinburgh,
Glasgow, St Andrews and elsewhere at which lectures by prominent or-
nithologists are given and films exhibited. Excursions are organised in the
summer to places of ornithological interest.
The aims and objects of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the
study of Scottish Ornithology in all its branches; (b) co-ordinate the
efforts of Scottish Ornithologists and encourage co-operation between field
and indoor worker; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland in
co-operation with other organisations; (d) hold meetings at centres to be
arranged at which Lectures are given, films exhibited, and discussions held;
and (e) publish or arrange for the publication of statistics and information
with regard to Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is
25/-; or 7/6 in the case of Members under twenty-one years of age or in
the case of University undergraduates who satisfy the Council of their
status as such at the time at which their subscriptions fall due in any year.
Joint membership is available to married couples at an annual subscription
of 40/-. “Scottish Birds” is issued free to members but Joint members will
receive only one copy between them.
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 and Business Editor of “Scottish Birds”, the Hon. Treasurer
of the House Fabric Fund, one Representative of each Branch Committee
appointed annually by the Branch, and ten other Members of the Club
elected at an Annual General Meeting. Two of the last named retire
annually by rotation and shall not be eligible for re-election for one
year.
A Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by the Council, produce
an annual Report on “Ornithological Changes in Scotland.”
An official tie with small white Crested Tits embroidered on it can be
obtained in dark green or in navy blue by Members only from Messrs R.
W. Forsyth Ltd., Princes Street, Edinburgh, or 5 Renfield Street, Glasgow,
C.2 at.a cost of 17s 9d post extra. A small brooch in silver and blue can be
obtained for the use of Members of the Club. Price 2s 6d each from the
Secretary, or from Hon. Branch Secretaries.
Forms of application for Membership, copy of the Club Constitution,
and other literature is obtainable from the Club Secretary, Mrs George
Waterston, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7. (Tel. Waverley 6042).
CLUB-ROOM AND LIBRARY
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7, will
be available to Members during office hours, and on Wednesday evenings
from 7 to 10 p.m. during the winter months. Members may use the Refer-
ence Library and borrow books from the Lending Library. Facilities for
making tea or coffee are available at a nominal charge and Members may
bring guests by arrangement. The Aldis 2” x 2” slide projector and screen
can be used for the informal showing ol slides at a charge of 2s 6d per
night to cover the replacement of bulbs.
EDITORIAL ADDRESS
All contributions to A. T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh
Advertisements to T. C. Smout, 93 Warrender Park Road, Edin-
urgh 9,
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The Hensoldt Diasportis the smallest
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makers of the world’s largest range of
binoculars—are renowned.
An illustrated booklet on the unique
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LANgham 6097 (9 lines)
SUTHERLAND
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 amenities in so small a
compass.
The B.T.O. Regional Repre-
sentative, who lives in the
village, will be pleased to offer
local advice regarding the as-
tonishing diversity of bird life
in the vicinity and to receive
lists of birds from visitors.
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 brochures,
including birdwatching, will
gladly be forwarded on re-
quest.
Proprietor, T. HEXLEY
A.A. R.A.C.
(3 Star)
GARAGE AND
LOCK-UPS AVAILABLE
R.S.A.C.
IS LA Yo
“THE BIRD-WATCHER’S
PARADISE”
For stimulating ornithological ex-
perience nothing can beat Islay in
late spring. There is an astonishing
variety of bird habitat. Ninety-
seven different birds were seen in
two days and that in the depths of
winter! The island is the principal
wintering resort, possibly in the
world, of the Barnacle Goose. It is
also the last Scottish stronghold of
the Chough.
For Ornithological Brochure write
to The Tourist Association
Bowmore, Isle-of-Islay, Argyll
Highland and Overseas
Field Holidays
Bird-watching and general Natur-
al History holidays in Scotland
and on the Continent, planned for
small groups and run on informal
lines. Special studies of hill birds,
flora and fauna in Cairngorms,
Grampian and Monadhliath ran-
ges; autumn migration Spey area
and Moray Firth.
Overseas visits include Holland,
France, Norway, Sweden, etc. and
special Migration Watch Sept. 1963.
New annexe accommodation at
Pitmain Beag, Kingussie; study
facilities and small library. Day or
weekend visitors welcome as well
as reservations for regular week or
fortnight programme. For details
write to:
Colin Murdoch,
Highland & Overseas Field Holidays
Kingussie, Inverness-shire.
Tel. Kingussie 300
SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 2 No. 7 Autumn 1963
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. SmMouT. Business Editor, T. C. SmMout. Cover Design (Leach’s Petrel)
by LEN FULLERTON. Published quarterly.
Editorial
S.O.C. Bookshop. The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club now has
a fine bookshop at the Scottish Centre for Ornithology and
Bird Protection. Details appear on another page, and an order
form is enclosed. The bookshop is recognised by the Pub-
lishers’ Association, and you may now get all your new bird
books there, by post or in person. Any profits from the sale
of books will help to pay for the Club’s other activities—
Scottish Birds, the library, lectures. By buying from the
95.0.C. you will benefit ornithology in Scotland at no cost to
yourself. 3
For the S.O.C. this is yet another step forward: in a way
it is an act of faith in you. Nothing quite like it has been done
in Britain before. We very much hope that all Club members
and readers of Scottish Birds will support this venture. The
aim will be to carry the most comprehensive stock of worth-
while bird books in Scotland. Already the selection has
tempted your editors into buying an impressive number of
books missed when they first appeared. With a wide range
of books in the 8.O.C. bookshop, and with R.S.P.B. nestboxes,
feeding devices, greeting cards, records, wall charts and
other gifts under the same roof, the Scottish Centre seems an
excellent place to buy Christmas presents for your bird-
watching friends; and it will not be surprising if you come
away with something for yourself as well.
B.T.O,. policy. The British Trust for Ornithology, currently
moving to new headquarters at Beech Grove, Tring, recently
resolved that its policy should be: “The study of the bird
population of the British Isles in respect of distribution,
numbers and movements and of the ecological factors, in-
cluding those of human origin, affecting them. It shall be one
of the principal objects of this policy to answer the following
question: In what ways is contemporary man affecting wild
birds and, in particular, how are changes in forestry, agri-
cultural and horticultural practice influencing bird popula-
tions?” The B.T.O.’s various activities—ringing, nest records,
398 EDITORIAL 2(7)
census of common birds, inland observation points, toxic
chemical studies etc.—are being coordinated towards answer-
ing this question.
In the April 1963 number of Bird Migration emphasis has
shifted from “migrations” to “movements,” and an examina-
tion is made of the ways in which the number of individuals
of a species noted at the observatories may indicate the level
of population on the breeding grounds. Post-breeding disper-
sion under conditions of high population density is now sug-
gested as an explanation for certain puzzling falls of migrant
species in settled anticyclonic weather.
Birds of Prey Conference. By every account the Birds of Prey
Conference at Cambridge in March was an outstanding suc-
cess. The tremendous decline of Peregrine, Sparrowhawk,
Kestrel and other species in England during the past few
years was one of the most urgent topics, but contributions and
discussion ranged widely; text and summaries of the papers
will be found in Bird Notes (Summer 1963) and British Birds
(April 1963).
A most encouraging feature of recent years has been the
growing realisation that bird watchers and sportsmen need
not be always attacking each other—they share an enjoyment
of birds and open places, and their interests are by no means
as much in conflict as the extremist paints them. The Birds
of Prey Conference showed what may be achieved through co-
operation and friendly discussion of differences of approach.
Many valuable contacts were made, and in place of violent
argument and disagreement (for which some sections of the
press had evidently hoped!) a unanimous resolution was
passed that:
“This Birds of Prey Conference, of sportsmen, falconers, pigeon fan-
ciers, landowners, farmers, gamekeepers, naturalists, research scientists
and others, finds conclusive evidence of an alarming decline in numbers
of birds of prey in Britain over the past six years. The Conference
finds that the chief factor in this rapid decrease is the use of certain
types of toxic chemicals on the land and gives warning that continuance
of present trends would lead to the early extinction in Britain of one
or more species. Because of their great value on scientific and economic
grounds and as part of our national heritage, birds of prey, therefore,
urgently need all possible aid for their preservation. The Conference
urgently recommends that the agricultural, horticultural and forestry
use of such chemicals, especially persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons,
should be critically re-examined and where necessary reduced. There
is also a need for intensified research, better observance and enforce-
ment of the Protection of Birds Act 1954, and more public education
about this emergency.”
Toxic chemicals. The perceptive reader must have noted
how the foregoing items are both related to the problems
1963 EDITORIAL 399
of toxic chemicals on the land. This reflects the sudden reali-
sation by British bird watchers that this is the biggest threat
to birds, and not only birds, in recent years.
The subject was debated in the House of Lords on 20th
March 1963, but press comment was disappointingly sparse
and complacent, and it is clear that official sources do not
view the matter so gravely as do many well-informed and
impartial observers.
In June the R.S.P.B. asked the Minister of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food to withdraw without delay the booklet
Chemicals for the Gardener recently published by the Min-
istry. The booklet claimed that, “so far as is known, none of
the garden packs when used according to the directions is
likely to be harmful either to birds or other wild life in the
garden.” The R.S.P.B. felt that this was untrue and would add
to the mounting toll of bird life; research carried out by the
Nature Conservancy, together with the now considerable
published evidence, had demonstrated beyond reasonable
doubt that the chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as Aldrin, Diel-
drin, DDT and BHC were a grave hazard to wild life. The
booklet has now been withdrawn.
Miss E. A. Garden. Her many friends will be saddened to
learn that Betty Garden, who had been seriously ill for some
time, died on 2nd September 1963. A full notice will appear
in the winter number of Scottish Birds.
Fair Isle. Our good wishes go to Peter Davis; after six not-
ably successful years at Fair Isle he returns to the less rig-
orous life of the south to an appointment with the B.T.O. Fair
Isle has a very special place in the affections of Scottish bird
watchers. In a quiet way we feel a sort of irrational personal
pride in the fact that this famous bird observatory is Scottish;
and many of us cherish unforgettable memories of the island
and its people and of birds seen there. But all the time the
very existence of the island community, and with it the bird
observatory, hangs by a thread. No further introduction is
needed to Peter Davis’s fascinating and penetrating study of
the island in this number—first the people, and second the
birds. Fair Isle is so much a part of Scottish bird watching
that everything about it is of enormous interest to us all.
As we go to press we learn that the new warden is to be
Roy H. Dennis, who knows the island well, having worked
there as assistant warden. We wish both Mr and Mrs Dennis
every success at Fair Isle.
400 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 2(7)
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE
PETER DAVIS
A request from the editor of Scottish Birds that I should
review the recent developments at Fair Isle, both in ornith-
ology and with regard to the island’s economy, came shortly
before I made the difficult decision to quit the isle for another
post. What follows is therefore a review of the six years I
have lived and worked on the island, written from the more
detached viewpoint of one no longer committed to share the
pleasures and the problems of life in Scotland’s remotest com-
munity.
I should explain, for the benefit of those readers who are
unfamiliar with the island and its affairs, that when the bird
observatory was founded by George Waterston and his col-
leagues in 1948, it was hoped that not only would it make an
outstanding contribution to the study of birds, but also,
through the hostel, give a substantial boost to the stagnant
economy of the island. While the first hope was amply realised,
through the energy and ability of Kenneth Williamson, the
second was not entirely fulfilled. Although the visitors pro-
vided a steady market for the local knitwear and a new
source of income for the crew of the mailboat, and the hostel
consumed the produce of the crofts, it was only in the first
two or three years that any considerable sums could be spent
on local labour; thereafter, the observatory’s financial posi-
tion steadily deteriorated. Meanwhile the native population
(not counting lightkeepers and other temporary residents)
decreased from nearly seventy in 1948 to less than fifty in
1954. In this year, Mr Waterston persuaded the National Trust
for Scotland to purchase the island, which he had owned
since 1947, realising that it was far beyond the scope of private
individuals to provide the capital for developments which
were imperative if the community was to survive and prosper.
Mr Waterston became the National Trust’s factor for the
island, continuing also as honorary secretary of the Bird Ob-
servatory Trust, which remained an independent body.
My wife and I and our new staff arrived at Fair Isle in the
spring of 1957, at a crucial and interesting stage. The plans of
the National Trust were beginning to take shape, and we were
to see them develop. Our own commission was to maintain
the ornithological work, and at the same time to try to re-
organise the hostel on a profitable basis; and to offset the
losses (amounting to over £2000) incurred in earlier years.
With the help of a generous contribution of £1000 from the
National Trust, these debts were repaid by 1961; and although
rising costs temporarily overtook us in 1962, there is every
=
1963
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Aemdis ay} ‘cord Mou 9Y} ‘UsAeH YON oy} Ul puaydays poopy jeoqyieut purist vy} SMOYS MoTA STUL ‘HIS] WIV ‘OS BTLVId
2 2(7)
PLATE 21. FaiR ISLE. The warden, Peter Davis, with a Kittiwake (see page 400).
Photograph by Angela Davis.
1903 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 403
reason to suppose that the hostel can continue to pay its way
in the future. The observatory and its greatly increased num-
ber of visitors have been spending between £1000 and £1500
in the island in recent years, much of this in the reopened
-general store.
ISLAND DEVELOPMENTS
The restoration of the island shop was the earliest result
of the National Trust’s policy of encouraging immigration to
the isle. An English family, the Tills, came in to run the store
and a croft, at the end of 1956. Early in 1957 Stewart and
Anne Thomson and their children returned to live in the
isle, where Stewart (an Unst man) had served as a lightkeeper
and married a local girl twelve years earlier. They worked
the croft of Springfield until they took over the post office
and the Shirva croft in 1959. In the autumn of 1957 Adam
Johnson, a handloom weaver who had instructed several
islanders in this craft the previous winter, brought in his
family from Shetland and settled at the Haa. Following this
immigration, the population of the crofts stood at 56 at the
close of 1957.
The decline in the population up to 1956 had resulted in an
improvement in the incomes of those who remained, for there
were fewer families to share the available sheep grazing, the
knitwear market, and the various perquisites—manning the
mailboat, lighthouse work, coast watching, road mending and
suchlike. In 1957 the rebuilding of the nurse’s house by the
county council gave steady employment to several men. The
following year, 1958, was particularly eventful and prosper-
ous. There was ample work for the increased population at
the construction of a new pier at North Haven, and at the
rebuilding of the croft house at Midway ; the first of the Nat-
ional Trust’s cruises in M.V. Meteor brought a new outlet for
textiles ; lobster fishing was revived, one boat working the
whole summer with considerable success ; and as the result of
agitation by the Trust and others, the county council agreed
to take over the running of the mailboat Good Shepherd, to
pay the crew a regular wage, and to improve the service by
introducing twice-weekly sailings in the summer months. The
new pier, which cost the county £10,000 and the National
Trust £1000, was a tremendous boon, eliminating the use of
flit boats and permitting a great saving in manual effort and
time—always an important factor in the short winter days.
After this year of activity and prosperity, there were un-
fortunate setbacks in 1959. Two small construction jobs gave
brief employment, and the cruises became an annual event,
but otherwise the community had to rely on its own resour-
ces. Three boats worked the lobsters all summer, but the
immigrants could not participate in this rewarding occupa-
404 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 2(7)
tion. By autumn the Tills were obliged to leave; and they
were soon followed by an island family who had been plan-
ning for some years to join their relatives in New Zealand.
A bright spot was the marriage of a young islander to a Ler-
wick girl, and their decision to remain in the isle and take
over the shop. The Johnsons departed early in 1960, and the
community declined below the level of 1956.
Since 1960 the National Trust has invested a good deal of
money in the rebuilding of two more houses, Schooltown in
1961 and Shirva in 1962, and in 1962 provided diesel generators
to supply electricity to all the houses and the bird obser-
vatory at a cost of some £5000. The two miles of underground
cable was laid by voluntary labour. from International Vol-
untary Services. One more immigrant settled in; a young
Englishman, Gordon Barnes, who had spent two seasons as
my assistant, took over the Setter croft after the accidental
death of its previous tenant in 1961.
At the end of 1962 the crofters were enjoying better living
standards and amenities than at any previous time, but the
population was down to 41, of whom five were receiving fur-
ther education outwith the island. This year, the number will
increase by nine—a newly-wed couple from Edinburgh and a
family of seven from Kent—but the increase will be partly
offset by the emigration of a young member of the mailboat’s
crew and his mother, and four more children (including two
of the immigrants) will be away at school.
What are the prospects for the future of the community ?
One would need prevision to answer this with confidence, but
in my view they are far from bright. The painful truth is
that the native community is no longer viable. Nearly half
the people are over fifty years of age, and although they in-
clude at present some of the most able and active members,
the time when they will become less sprightly cannot be
postponed indefinitely. The younger generations are sadly
thinned by emigration, and indeed there is a whole missing
generation of girls, for by some strange biological quirk, none
were born between about 1930 and 1950, though some seven-
teen boys came in that time, By the end of the year, only
three of these young men will remain, and only one yet has
a wife and family. Moreover, the present system of education
which removes the children to Lerwick at the age of twelve,
and trains them to take their places in the wider world, must
result in few, if any, returning to live and work in the isle.
Can immigration make good these losses? Recent exper-
ience suggests that it will be very difficult to find permanent
settlers; and that for the most part there will be a succession
of romantic enthusiasts who will enjoy the novelty of island
life for a few years, and then depart. Such temporary resi-
1963 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 405
dents could hardly provide the native skills, especially on
the sea, which are vital to the future. Even if the crew of the
Good Shepherd relished the idea of introducing outsiders into
the crew, which at present they do not, they estimate it would
be at least ten years before an incomer would have a working
knowledge of one of the trickiest crossings in northern Europe.
The transport problem is therefore the rock upon which the
whole enterprise is most likely to founder. At present the
service to Shetland is maintained with truly astonishing reg-
ularity. Experience at other remote islands (among them
Lundy, where I lived from 1951 to 1954) shows that there
would be continual frustrating delays and uncertainties if
the community had to rely on a ferry based elsewhere. The
hostel could hardly continue to operate in such circumstances,
and few people would accept such conditions as a permanent
feature of their lives.
The barriers against permanent settlement by outsiders are
so often minimised that it is time they were discussed with
candour. First, we must accept that people who are used to
a similar life in other remote places will be unlikely to offer
themselves ; at any rate, they have so far shown no signs of
doing so. Secondly, it is obvious that there are no financial
inducements to immigration. It follows that most candidates
will be from the more densely populated parts of Britain, ac-
tivated largely by a desire to “get away from it all,’ and by
a rather romantic conception of life on a small island. This
was true of almost all the sixty-odd applicants for the two
vacant crofts advertised in 1962. This attitude usually predi-
cates a degree of misanthropy and unwillingness to conform,
and is most often found in people with an “intellectual” back-
ground. At Fair Isle the immigrant enters a community which
inevitably values practical far above intellectual abilities, and
which seeks to exact a high level of conformity in nearly all
individual and communal activities, including, of course, reli-
gious practices. Despite the great hospitality which the island-
ers always show to visitors, an immigrant’s failure to con-
form may result in outspoken criticism and even passive ob-
struction, Even without such obstacles, integration into a
community which is made up almost entirely of close blood-
relations, which has already partitioned most of the more
lucrative part-time jobs, and most members of which resent
the introduction of outsiders even while conceding its neces-
sity, poses many problems. The ideal immigrant would be a
man whose main ambition was to have a piece of land and
work it, a man untroubled by imaginative or intellectual in-
terests, of extremely placid temperament, and willing to
adapt himself completely to the ways of the island. Such men
appear to be few and far between, and wives to match them
even scarcer.
406 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS) AT HAIR. ASE 2(7)
How do the islanders themselves regard the recent develop-
ments ? The majority look back with nostalgia to the days
when every house held a large family and the isle was
buzzing with communal life; they are fatalistic about the
future, regarding the end of a thousand years of settlement
as inevitable, though many hope it will not be in their time.
A small but vocal minority believes there is still a future for
the community, that the possibilities for agricultural develop-
ment and reclamation are considerable (which is undoubtedly
true), and that somewhere there are people who would be
content to accept hard work for comparatively low incomes,
and the narrow horizons, and share in this effort. Both groups
have generally welcomed the improved amenities provided for
them in recent years, though the expense of maintaining some
of them is often deplored. Despite the largesse of the National
Trust, some element of the age-old resentment towards the
laird persists, and this has not been diminished by the Trust’s
rather paternalistic approach to some matters in recent years.
It should be admitted, however, that island opinion is rather
difficult to sound, because the islanders seldom express their
true feelings about any proposals at the public meetings
called by the Trust representatives, and also because there is
seldom any real unanimity among them. An illustration of
the radically different outlook of the islesfolk and the Trust
was provided in 1962, when the Trust arranged for the demol-
ition of the derelict radar station on Ward Hill in order to
improve the profile of the island, and assumed that this would
meet with general approbation. There was, on the contrary, a
general outcry, for the islanders regarded the concrete struc-
tures not as hideous eyesores but as admirable shelters for the
hill sheep! Matters were made worse when it was discovered,
after the explosions, that several acres of grazing were now
covered with outsized rubble.
The general complaint about the recent developments, that
they came thirty or forty years too late, is not of course an
indictment of the Trust ; though it is a good swipe at the in-
difference of the government. It seems however to be a fair
comment that the improvements in the past six years have
been made piecemeal, and have concentrated on amenities
rather than on the economy, which is what really matters.
There has never been any implementation of a comprehensive
plan to save the island, or even any clear statement of aims.
At this late stage it is not clear what the aims can be. Cer-
tainly it is too late to preserve the community as a sort of
museum tableau of ancient language, customs, and practices,
even if this were desirable or feasible in the twentieth cen-
tury. The main concern of the islanders is in fact to reject the
“old things” and to have material standards comparable with
those enjoyed by their fellow countrymen elsewhere. As yet
1963 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 407
there is no prospect of a radical improvement in the basic
agricultural economy which must support these standards
when the present phase of subsidised improvements to housing
and amenities comes to a close ; and with two or three hon-
ourable exceptions the remaining islanders are unlikely to
take the initiative in new developments. One must therefore
regretfully conclude that, in spite of the recent developments,
the position of the community is now more precarious, and
the future more uncertain, than at any time in its long history.
THE BIRD OBSERVATORY
The observatory will sink or swim with the island com-
munity ; for in the event of evacuation the observations could
only be continued by occasional expeditions, mounted at con-
siderable expense, Meanwhile the work has gone steadily
forward.
The main function of a bird observatory is to make daily
counts of migrating birds, and to subject them to detailed
laboratory examination and ringing ; this work has continued
along the general lines established before 1957. There has
however been an extension of the season of observation,
which before 1957 normally covered only May to October, and
since then has occupied the whole year except for a period
of three to eight weeks in December and January. This in-
creased coverage has given us a better knowledge of the win-
ter bird population ; and the strength of the movements in
March, April and in November has been something of a
revelation, especially those of the thrushes, Robins and
finches. In some years the heaviest falls of the season have
occurred during these months. The number of species obser-
ved each year has risen from an average of less than 150 to
around 180.
The ringing totals are now much higher both as the result of
this exploitation of the early and late migrations and because
we have started to ring the cliff-nesting seabirds, which were
largely neglected before 1957. The Shag, Puffin, and Fulmar
are now among the leading scores in each annual ringing list,
and the other auks and gulls are well represented. Shag re-
coveries have been so numerous that we already have a good
picture of the dispersion from Fair Isle, and the pattern begins
to emerge for other seabirds also. The annual ringing now
amounts to over 5500 birds, compared with an average of less
than half that number before 1957, and recoveries oversea
have increased from under twenty in 1957 to seventy-five in
1962. Some of these recent recoveries are remarkable for their
distance or unexpected direction from Fair Isle, such as the
Bar-tailed Godwit in Siberia, the *Bonxie and Puffin in
* Great Skua
408 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 2(7)
Greenland, the White Wagtail in West Africa, or the Snow
Bunting in Newfoundland ; others have thrown new light on
obscure problems, or posed new ones yet to be completely
solved. Among these I may mention two Blackbirds which re-
turned, presumably, to Scandinavia, where they were recov-
ered within a few days of being ringed at Fair Isle in autumn ;
and an interesting series of birds which had returned to the
south or south-east within a short time of being ringed here
in spring, presumably having overshot their real destination.
These include Blackbird and Robin and Hedge Sparrow in
West Germany, Bluethroat in Belgium, and Hedge Sparrow,
White Wagtail and Starling in eastern England. Birds of a
variety of species, ringed in Iceland, Spitzbergen, N. Russia,
Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland, and various
parts of Britain have been recovered at Fair Isle during the
past six years. Details of these, and of many other interesting
recoveries, appear regularly in the observatory’s own journal,
the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin.
The introduction of mist-nets, first used here in 1956, and
the growth of the exciting sport of dazzle-netting at night,
have supplemented the catch of the Heligoland traps, and
contributed to extend the variety of species handled each
year. A figure of 87 species ringed in 1957 was then a record
for the observatory, but in 1958, with 101, we became the first
British ringing organisation to achieve the century, and this
has been surpassed in each subsequent year. By 1962 our
record year’s catch stood at 125 species, or about two-thirds
of the number seen on the island in the year. Nearly 190
species have now been ringed by the observatory.
Fair Isle has maintained its reputation as a place where
extreme rarities will frequently delight the tally hunter.
Since 1957 there have been two more additions to the British
List, the Song Sparrow and the River Warbler, bringing the
total of new British birds found on the island to seventeen.
Several other birds have given their second or third British
records. A further three species were acceptably recorded for
the first time in Scotland, Mediterranean Gull, Dusky Thrush,
and Bonelli’s Warbler, with a fourth if the Parrot Crossbill is
regarded as specifically distinct from the Scottish race (and
provided one treats all previous reports as not proven). In ad-
dition to these six species, twelve others were added to the
island list; bringing it, by my reckoning, to 283 species (a
ee dozen have more or less dubious records for earlier
years).
The establishment of the British Trust for Ornithology’s
migration research office in 1958, and the radar studies of
migration made by Dr W. R. P. Bourne in N.E. Scotland and
by Dr M. T. Myres in Shetland between 1959 and 1961, have
1963 RECENT, DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 409
resulted in good use being made of the Fair Isle observations.
In connection with the radar work it was found that the Fair
Isle records corresponded more frequently and more closely
with the movements observed by radar than was the case
with the parallel observations at radar stations and observa-
tories in eastern and southern England, presumably because
of Fair Isle’s remoteness and the greater readiness of birds to
land and be seen by the time they reached our area. Dr
Bourne, in collaboration with the observatory, has made a
detailed analysis of all the Fair Isle records up to 1960 which
will be an integral part of his forthcoming paper on the radar
watch. Thus, by identifying the species which were only blips
on the radar screen we have contributed to the greatest ad-
vance in migration study for many years—a work which has
removed the study of “invisible” migration from the realms
of hypothesis into the world of observed fact.
Our mid season study of the Arctic Skua colony, begun by
Kenneth Williamson in 1948, was continued until 1962. The
main objective of this study was to define the social struc-
ture of the population, its age composition, mortality, and
breeding success. This involved colour marking almost the en-
tire breeding population, recording progress at all the nests,
ringing virtually all the young and keeping check until they
were fledged. Far from being discouraged by all this prying
into their private lives the birds thrived on it, increasing from
some fifteen pairs in 1948 to an almost unmanageable seventy
pairs in 1962. Several birds were breeding throughout these
fifteen years ; one pair remained faithful for fourteen of them.
No less than forty-nine birds ringed as chicks in the colony
were recaught as first-time breeders between three and six
years later. A vast quantity of data remains to be analysed,
digested, and eventually published.
One early result of the study was the discovery that Arctic
Skuas occur not simply in pale and dark colour-phases, but
that many are intermediates (heterozygotes). These super-
ficially resemble the dark phase, but can usually be distin-
guished in the field by the paler cheeks and nape, and in the
hand by whitish bases to the feathers of the underparts.
Most chicks can be readily assigned to one or other of the
colour-phases, though the plumage characters are rather diff-
erent from those of adults, The Fair Isle material provided
the basis for a genetical study made by Peter O’Donald of
the Cambridge University Department of Genetics for a
Ph.D. thesis presented in 1961.
The observatory has continued to play its part in the
nationally organised inquiries and censuses; in improving
standards of field identification and ringing instruction ; and
in providing facilities and material for workers in many non-
410 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT FAIR ISLE 2(7)
ornithological fields. The variety of subjects, both esoteric
and mundane, with which we and our visitors have been in-
volved in the past six years is astonishing in retrospect.
Flowering plants, mosses and lichens, insects and arachnida,
littoral and freshwater life, have all been worked by their
devotees ; the Fulmar’s powers of flight have been scientific-
ally observed and analysed, its oil supplied for medical
research ; the ecology of the Fair Isle field mouse has been
investigated ; place names have been listed and mapped, the
local dialect tape-recorded ; the island’s economic geography
has been the subject of one thesis and is being resurveyed for
another. This catalogue by no means exhausts the list of re-
cent activities ; yet the possibilities for future investigation
are almost infinite.
Last, but not least, we have provided good food and com-
fortable accommodation to scores of visitors who are not
scientists or curious naturalists, but simply lovers of the open
air and the remote islands. The happy combination of field
research and recreation has justified the enterprise of those
who founded the observatory, and merits the support of all
who read this journal.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF BEARASAY, LEWIS
MICHAEL ROBSON and PETER WILLS
The rocky west coast of Lewis and Harris, which together
form one large island, is broken into by several sea lochs.
The widest and most northerly of these is Loch Roag. There
are many islands in Loch Roag, but none apart from Great
Bernera is permanently inhabited, and they diminish in size
as the mouth of the loch is approached. On the margin of the
open Atlantic, outermost of all, lies the islet called, in English,
the Old Hill, on whose landward side, with about 500 yards
between, is Bearasay. Since we have found no detailed men-
tion of this island elsewhere, it may be useful to supply a
description.
Because of its exposed position, Bearasay is difficult to
reach, and the north-west wind, which often brings fine
weather to the area, does not facilitate landing. Like the Old
Hill, Bearasay is a large lump with sheer or nearly sheer
cliffs all round, and a green top of weed and grass with rocky
outcrops; its highest point is 175 feet above sea level, and its
greatest length is about 200 yards. On the northern and wes-
tern sides the cliffs are steep and overhanging, but those
facing south are more broken, with weedy ledges and short
slopes of thrift, and at one point a large gully filled with
scree and boulders. At the east point, and again at the western
1963 THE BIRDS OF BEARASAY 411
tip, there is a separate stack or tower of rock; both of these,
about half the height of the main island, have tops of lush
weed, but neither looks accessible. The western one helps
to enclose a sea pool at the foot of the Bearasay cliff and is
therefore called Stac an Tuill, the rock of the sea pool. We
do not know the name of the other, so that it will be referred
to only as the eastern stack. From the summit of Bearasay,
the view includes all the other islands of Loch Roag, the near-
est one south being the very small and flat Floday. Beyond is
the surrounding mainland of Lewis from the Carloway district
to the Uig hills and the peaks of Harris. The Old Hill stands
steeply to the north-west, and far out the main islands of the
Flannans group are usually visible. At night the spark from
the Flannan lighthouse is clear and at times there are also
the lights of anchored fishing boats.
Bearasay has its place in local history. At the summit of
the island is a small cairn. Beside it are the remains of a rec-
tangular building, standing apart from another set of ruins
at a lower level and near the edge of the cliff overlooking
the sea pool. The second group consists of at least three
structures, fitting closely together. The ground in this area
is of loose, light soil covered with tussocks of thrift, and
these have submerged the crumbling foundations. Elsewhere,
between the rocks and brackish pools, there is a thin layer
of firm turf, except along the edges of the cliffs where thrift
tussocks again predominate. On the turf a circular founda-
tion of, perhaps, a sheepfold is still visible, and the island,
like most others of its kind, provides pasture for a few
ragged sheep. A story has it that a pirate of standing, Neil
MacLeod, once took refuge here and harried the seas, until
he was forced to submit when his wife was captured by op-
ponents, tied to a reef and threatened with drowning by the
flow of the tide. |
It is possible to get ashore at Bearasay in good weather at
the foot of the cliff on the west side of the gully. A stiff climb
up slabs and loose thrift leads to the top without great diffi-
culty, except that of moving one’s equipment, which has to
be bulky because there is no shelter, no fresh water, and a
stay may be prolonged far beyond expectations by a rapid
change in sea conditions.
In making the following list of birds, we have been unable
to draw much upon the experiences of other visitors. Apart
from vague, general references to Loch Roag, the only in-
formation that we have found of real interest is that provided
by Atkinson and Roberts (Scot. Nat. 1955: 110). They visited
Bearasay and the Old Hill as well as Thars Sgeir, a neigh-
bouring islet, and their comment is quoted below. Harvie-
Brown says that he investigated the islands off the west of
Lewis, but adds little more. We should be most interested
412 THE BIRDS OF BEARASAY 2(7)
to hear of any other first-hand accounts of this rewarding
area. We certainly feel the need for much more information.
The species here listed were those found in the first week
of August 1962.
Leach’s Petrel. This petrel is known to breed in large numbers on the
Flannan Isles, their nearest station to Loch Roag. It was therefore im-
possible to avoid the hope that we might find them on Bearasay, partic-
ularly as local lobster fishermen thought them to be present on the
island, and as Atkinson and Roberts had reported that, “On Bearasay the
only place showing any sign or smell of petrel activity was in a group
of ruined bothies on the cliff edge... Here, excavation uncovered two
adult Leach’s petrels, each in a definite chamber on a fresh nest pad, but
neither with an egg. The much-branching burrow was excavated for 6
feet. There were several unoccupied nest chambers and side entrances;
old rat droppings were also found, but no evidence of recent occupation.
We returned to Bearasay later the same evening (6th June 1955) and
spent the night ashore, but there was no further sign of petrels any-
where on the island.” They also went to the Old Hill for an hour but
found the ground unsuitable for petrels and no sign of a bird. Thars
Sgeir likewise revealed no petrels.
During the night we spent on the island, a dozen flight calls of Leach’s
Petrels were heard, one of these from the ground near the solitary
ruin. Only twice was a bird actually seen in the sky. In daylight we ex-
cavated at the ruins and around them but found nothing, and we cannot
therefore say for certain that the birds breed on the island. As there
was a bright moon, nocturnal activity may not have been at its best,
and the birds found in the burrow in 1955 might have laid eggs well
after 6th June. It is quite possible that a few birds do breed, but a
longer stay on the island is required to prove this. Conditions are cer-
tainly suitable for a petrel colony.
Manx Shearwater. Gray (“Birds of the West of Scotland, including
the Outer Hebrides,” 1871) said that Manx Shearwaters were then to
be found on Pabbay (south of Barra) and on St Kilda only among the
Outer Isles. Clyne reported from the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (“Scot.
Nat.” 1915: 80), “one of these (Manx Shearwaters) was killed at the
lantern in August 1910, and, as they breed in other parts of Lewis, may
often pass unobserved.” The vague indication of breeding in the area
was not enlarged upon, and we have found no mention anywhere of a
shearwater colony in the west of Lewis. Travellers to the Flannans,
however, have reported shearwaters on the water in Loch Roag, and
we ourselves saw several on our way to the Flannans in 1957. We there-
fore had them in mind on visiting Bearasay, although Atkinson and
Roberts had said nothing about them after their landing in 1955.
While camping on Floday, a place of few birds, we heard the yelping
cry of a single shearwater as it passed in the night. The next night,
that of our stay on Bearasay, we found a large colony of shearwaters
all along the eastern cliff face, and on either side of the gully. Birds were
arriving frequently, and plunging into inaccessible ledges; it was im-
possible in the short time we had to estimate numbers. The area of ac-
tivity did not seem to extend beyond the eastern cliffs, but might include
the two stacks. Arrivals did not begin till well afer dark—about 12.45
a.m., and movement ceased about 4 a.m. Investigation in daylight showed
that the nesting burrows were in parts not easily accessible without a
rope, the lack of which prevented us from further discovery. It would
seem, nevertheless, that Bearasay supplies the colony which was felt
to exist in that area.
Fulmar. This bird, sometimes called in Lewis the St Kilda Gull, is not
1963 THE BIRDS OF BEARASAY 413
common among the Loch Roag islands. There is a small colony on the
west side of Great Bernera, and a pair or two haunted a creek on Floday.
We counted 6 to 8 pairs on a recessed part of the cliff on the north
side of Bearasay, and several pairs were nesting on the cliffs above the
sea pool opposite Stac an Tuill.
Cormorant. Harvie-Brown (“A Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Heb-
rides”) said in 1888. “At the present time it (the Cormorant) is looked
upon as rare in Loch Roag, Lewis, whatever may have been the case for-
merly.” Gray reckoned that there were not many in the Outer Isles, per-
haps a few in the eastern sea-caves of Lewis and Barra. We have found
no other significant mention of this bird in our area.
Bearasay, however, provided a Cormorant colony of considerable size.
Our visit being in August, we were unable to estimate the exact ex-
tent of breeding, but we counted 26 nests in such condition as to suggest
recent use, and there were many adult and young Cormorants standing
around their nesting area, which was along the edge of the eastern cliff
eastwards of the gully top. Large pale slabs of stone whitened by the
birds made the colony conspicuous from a distance. On our approach
during the day, adults and young would retreat along the cliff edge
and then fly down to the water or away towards Floday, but at night
it was possible to come quietly into the colony and sit beside sleeping
birds within stroking distance. Cormorants may also breed on the east-
ern stack, which turns the slope of its summit away from Bearasay.
Shag. This bird was present in small numbers, chiefly on the two
stacks, but also near the Fulmars at both their nesting sites. They
evidently bred.
Great Biack-backed Gull. A pair stood on Stac an Tuill and may have
bred there.
Herring Gull. This bird was in evidence over Bearasay itself and on
the stacks. Two or three pairs may have nested.
Black Guillemot. Two birds floated on the sea off the north-eastern
part of the island.
Rock Pipit. Three pairs occupied different parts of the top of Bear-
asay.
Bearasay is probably too small to have any Wheatears,
which were present on Floday as well as on the larger islands
in the loch. Oystercatchers were also on Floday, but not on
Bearasay. One evening on Floday, two Ravens, which had
apparently nested on the island, were seen flying over to-
wards Bearasay. Guillemots and Razorbills might well have
nested on the stacks, but we saw none. Another bird which
may well be found to breed on Bearasay is the Storm Petrel;
the jumbled stones in the gully are a likely spot, although no
sound was heard either there or in the ruins.
Atlantic seals were present in the sea pool and below the
eastern cliffs, but were far more numerous in the creeks of
Floday. Rats, whose traces are mentioned by Atkinson and
Roberts, did not show themselves on Bearasay, but were
found on Floday and other islands, where they may have
destroyed some burrow-breeding birds. Their influence upon
wild life in the area, including Bearasay, may be extensive.
We have had to be approximate in our records of the birds
on Bearasay—a result of our lack of time—but we hope that
414 THE BIRDS OF BEARASAY 2(7)
the attractive nature of the island to ornithologists is appar-
ent, and we wish to express our gratitude to the people of
Bernera who helped us to get there.
BIRD WATCHING ON THE YTHAN ESTUARY
G. M. DUNNET
Scottish bird watchers are probably not generally aware of
the attractiveness of the Ythan Estuary as a birding area. The
greatest assets of this estuary are its small size coupled with
a wide variety of habitats. The tidal part of the river extends
only about 4 miles from the mouth, ending at the Logie
Buchan bridge; and though the estuary may be up to 600
yards wide in some places at high tide, the channel is a mere
20 yards wide at low water. This contraction leaves exposed
a big area consisting of pure sand, gravel beds and mudflats
with all intermediate states and combinations, the invertebrate
fauna of which provides rich food for birds, mainly ducks
and waders.
The Ythan lies only 13 miles north of Aberdeen and is
readily accessible by bus or car. On the right (west) bank is
the village of Newburgh, and the road follows the estuary
along the very edge of the water for much of its length. As a
result many of the birds, notably the Eider, Shelduck and
waders, are accustomed to people and their vehicles and are
remarkably tame. This tameness together with the small size
of the estuary means that observers can usually see the birds
at close quarters. Across the water from Newburgh, and form-
ing a wedge between the river and the sea, is the Sands of
Forvie Nature Reserve, with a variety of breeding birds in-
cluding terns, gulls, Eider, Shelduck, Fulmar and Red Grouse.
At the mouth, the estuary is bounded by extensive sand
dunes, which in summer. are the home of many hundreds of
terns of four species—Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little.
The number of Sandwich Terns fluctuates markedly from a
few tens to several hundreds of pairs from year to year; the
Common Tern is most numerous, the Arctic less so, while
the Little Tern is scarcest, breeding along the foreshore and
not in the dunes. These terns feed up and down the estuary,
following the shoals of sile, and often roost in compact flocks
on the exposed gravel-beds or on the sandy foreshore. Situated
within the busy ternery is a colony of Black-headed Gulls, and
the confusion of activity and sound in the area during May
and June is tremendous. A few isolated Eiders nest here too
and a solitary pair of Stonechats breeds each year among the
whins near the lifeboat shed.
1963 BIRD WATCHING ON THE YTHAN 415
Further upstream the sand gives way to gravelly patches,
on which mussel-beds have become established, and to exten-
sive mudflats, though sandy areas occur here and there. The
mussel-beds retain many small pools at low tide with marine
worms, periwinkles, various amphipod crustaceans and other
creatures in abundance. These are the main feeding grounds
of the Eiders, which are greatly concentrated on them at low
tide, and of many species of waders. On the mudflats, rich ina
burrowing species of amphipod, and in snails, which are pre-
sent frequently in thousands per square metre in the muddier
parts, Shelduck can be seen spaced out in pairs on their
territories throughout the spring. Oystercatchers find cockles
in the sandier. areas, and flocks of wintering waders, especially
Knot, Dunlin, Golden Plover and Redshank, feed on the mud
at low tide. Near the tidal limit of the estuary is a very
attractive reed-bed, sheltering the elusive Water Rail, and
Sedge Warblers in season, and providing the roost for thous-
ands of Starlings each autumn.
It is difficult to say which season is the most interesting. In
winter, waterfow] are the chief attraction. Some two thousand
geese—Greylag and Pinkfoot being nearly equally abundant
—make the estuary and neighbouring lochs their headquart-
ers, and ducks in considerable variety abound. On the river,
Scaup, Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck accompany the re-
maining Eiders, usually with hundreds of Wigeon, while the
lochs abound with Mallard, Wigeon, and Tufted Duck, with
smaller number of Goosander and Pochard. Occasionally Red-
necked Grebe and Smew occur on the lochs in early winter.
Red-throated and Great Northern Divers are common on the
sea, and usually appear in the estuary from time to time.
Flocks of Common and Velvet Scoters lie off the river mouth,
and some of these birds come in too.
Spring seems more a season of arrivals than one of depar-
ture: we tend to miss the exodus of the ducks and geese,
Which linger on until mid April. Terns arrive, Shelduck
continue to increase, and the great influx of Eiders goes almost
unnoticed: the return of warblers, Swallow, Swift and
martins is more conspicuous. Late spring and summer are
much more exciting and the river is then teeming with bird
life. The young Eiders begin to appear in late May and during
June and July and form créches of over a hundred young
birds. Up to a couple of thousand may be on the river at one
time along with their mothers, and this is a strong attraction
to large numbers of Herring Gulls and some Great Black-
backed Gulls which come and prey on the ducklings. Drake
Eiders have little to do with all this, and during June they
gather in hundreds at the sand-bar near the mouth of the
river, still in their full plumage, before moulting into eclipse
416 BIRD WATCHING ON THE YTHAN 2(7)
and going to sea. The Hiders nest on the moorland of the
Nature Reserve—in pure stands of heather and rushy and
grassy places. In early spring large rafts of adult Eiders dis-
play and call on the river, and in April individual pairs can be
seen flying up on to the moor to select nest sites and to begin
laying. At the height of incubation it is difficult to walk over
much of the Sands of Forvie without disturbing or even
treading on the incubating ducks.
The terns are now feeding in large numbers in the estu-
ary, as are the Black-headed Gulls. Waders still occur—many
of them presumably non-breeding birds. Chief among them
are Oystercatcher, Redshank, and Ringed Plover, though odd
Knot and Turnstone can be seen at any time. Oystercatcher,
Lapwing and Ringed Plover nest commonly round about,
but no young of these species are ever seen on the estuary.
This busy summer season merges almost imperceptibly into
autumn, which is one of the best times of year. Waders, at
first mainly passage migrants, arrive back from their breeding
grounds in considerable variety. On Sunday 19th August
1962, for example, I went out for a short walk with children
and dog—not the best circumstances for bird-watching—and
with a high tide the meadows along the Tarty Burn were
alive with waders. I identified Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ring-
ed. Plover, Golden Plover, Turnstone, Snipe, Curlew, Bar-tail-
ed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Redshank,
Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Knot, Dunlin and Ruff—a tot-
al of 16 species without really trying! I had seen Whimbrel on
the river the previous day, and other regulars in the estuary
are Grey Plover, Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit in
small numbers, and Sanderling in small flocks at the river
mouth. At this time too Arctic Skuas appear and spend some
hectic days harrying the terns all over the river before passing
on south. Occasionally Great Skuas visit the Ythan too. Given
an easterly wind at this time many migrants land up on the
Sands of Forvie Nature Reserve or in the patches of trees
around Newburgh. Red-breasted Flycatchers, Blackcaps and
Black Redstarts are fairly regularly detected, and large num-
bers of Goldcrests, Fieldfares and Redwings arrive on the
Reserve every year, and flocks of Snow Buntings regularly
overwinter on the dunes. Gradually the wader flocks increase,
the terns go, the geese arrive, and we begin to think of winter
again.
Few places provide the ornithologist with such a sense of
intimacy and satisfaction. With even a few regular visits one
can get to know the area very well, and by watching the
tides can predict where the birds are likely to be. For a rela-
tively small cost in time and effort great rewards of pleasure
and accomplishment may be had.
1963 SHORT NOTES 417
SHORT NOTES
SHEARWATER MOVEMENTS IN THE OUTER
HEBRIDES
During the course of two weeks spent in the Outer Heb-
rides in the second half of August 1962 regular sea watches
were made in all areas visited. Shearwater movements were
the principal feature observed, and an account of these is
given below. The two sea areas covered by the observations
were the Minch and the Atlantic coast.
Sea watches in the Minch were made on a sea crossing to
Stornoway on 13th August ; from Port of Ness, Lewis, on the
16th; and from a steamer travelling from Lochmaddy to
Lochboisdale on the 29th. On the first two occasions the wind
was NE, but on the third it was SW. This may have caused
the passage on the 29th to take place further out into the
Minch, but on all three occasions the observations were sim-
ilar—a random movement of Fulmars, and a predominantly
northward one of Manx Shearwaters.
Observations on the Atlantic coast were made from Uig in
West Lewis on 15th August; from Eoropie, Butt of Lewis,
on the 16th ; and from the Ard an Runair peninsula in North
Uist from 23rd to 28th. The sea watches at Eoropie and Uig
revealed very little movement, for which the easterly winds
during the first week may have been to blame. Those made
at Ard an Runair, however, had the benefit of westerly winds,
and produced more interesting results.
_ Ard an Runair is a peninsula jutting a mile out into the
Atlantic from near. the village of Tigharry. Heavy sea passage
of Fulmars and shearwaters was seen each day—nearly all
the birds going southwards this time. The heaviest movements
occurred with NW winds, on the 24th when the shearwater
count reached a maximum of 387 in an hour, and on the 27th
when up to 100 passed in an hour. Five Great Shearwaters
and a single Cory’s Shearwater were seen during these six
days, but only two Sooty Shearwaters.
The Cory’s Shearwater was seen on 23rd August 1962, mov-
ing south about 300 yards out, rather closer than the majority
of shearwaters, and watched through a x60 telescope in good
light. It was a distinctly large shearwater, general colour
sooty grey-brown and markedly paler than a Manx ; under-
parts white, the darker colour of the crown merging grad-
ually with the white of the throat ; bill noticeably large, and
pale ; flight of normal shearwater type, but appearing some-
what heavy when it flapped—which was only once or twice
during the time it was in sight.
Although these observations of shearwaters are limited it
418 SHORT NOTES 2(7)
seems reasonable to conclude that the passage in the Minch
is of a different character from that along the Atlantic coast.
Probably only a small proportion of the Atlantic movements
at this time of year penetrate into the Minch. With the ex-
ception of six Sooty Shearwaters seen from Port of Ness on
the 16th it is believed that most of the shearwaters seen in
the Minch were dispersing northwards from breeding grounds
in Hebridean waters. By contrast, the passage observed on
the west coast probably reflects widespread Atlantic move-
ments.
P. J. K. BuRTON, JENNIFER M. BuRTON.
(Notes on autumn movements of shearwaters in North
Sutherland and Easter Ross were published earlier this year
(antea 2: 304), and attention is also drawn to J. H. Phillips’
recent paper on “The distribution of the Sooty Shearwater
around the British Isles” (Brit. Birds 56: 197). The record of
Cory’s Shearwater is the fourth for Scottish waters and first
for the Outer Hebrides. Other noteworthy birds included a
pale-phase adult Long-tailed Skua seen on the crossing from
Kyle of Lochalsh to Stornoway on 13th August 1962, and two
adult Ortolan Buntings near Eoropie, Butt of Lewis, on the
16th, the first record of this species in the Outer Hebrides
other than St Kilda——EDp.).
GREEN-WINGED TEAL IN INVERNESS-SHIRE
On 5th February 1963 while counting a flock of Teal in the
Moray Firth just east of Inverness I noted a drake Green-
winged Teal Anas crecca carolinensis among them. From
forty yards I was able to note the white vertical mark in front
of the wing, the lack of a white stripe on the scapulars, the
lack of a yellow line separating the green and brown head
pattern, and the darker buff breast. The white mark was an
excellent field character, and I was able to identify the bird
with ease at 400 yards range.
Later in the morning I found it feeding on the mud with
four Teal, one of them a female, but it was impossible to
determine this bird’s race. Next day I found the Green-winged
Teal in the same area, and it was seen again from 19th to
22nd, but not after this. I previously saw a drake Green-
winged Teal in Hampshire in February 1955.
R. H. DENNIs.
(This is the fifth record of this American race in Scotland
and the first for Moray and East Inverness.—ED.).
SNOW GEESE IN PERTHSHIRE
Two Snow Geese were first seen by John Craig, Jnr., a few
days before 21st January 1963 keeping company with a flock
1963 SHORT NOTES 419
of Grey Lag Geese in the neighbourhood of Comrie .They
were seen regularly in the same area until 10th February,
when large numbers of geese deserted the area as a result
of the hard weather. Relatively few geese returned with the
thaw and the Snow Geese were never seen again in spite of
much searching.
I saw these birds on many occasions, and twice I was able
to watch them only a few yards away. One (ringed on the
right leg) was slightly larger than the other (ringed on the
left leg), and they constantly kept together as a pair. They
were quite certainly fully adult, with snowy white plumage
broken only by the distinctive black wing-tips. In size they
were only a little smaller than the Grey Lag and this, coupled
with the absence of any grey patch on the red bills, rules out
the possibility of their having been Ross’s Geese, I believe
that they were Lesser Snow Geese as they did not look coarse
enough in the beak, head and neck for Greater Snow Goose.
J. RALSTON CRAWFORD.
On 3rd March 1963 I found two Snow Geese feeding with
a flock of 100 Grey Lag in stubble fields by Drumatherty Farm,
near Spittalfield. They kept together as a pair on the out-
skirts of the Grey Lag flock and they were noticeably smaller
and less stocky than their companions, being more the size
of a Brent Goose. Their plumage was a dirty-white colour, and
the black wing-tips were a conspicuous feature in flight and
could be seen even when the birds were on the ground. The
bills appeared to be blackish, and not pink. ao
. JOB.
(Only 21 days and 24 miles separate these two _ records.
There must, therefore, be a strong likelihood that they refer
to the same individuals. There are discrepancies between the
descriptions—notably as to size, body colour and bill colour—
but these could be accounted for by different conditions of
observation. It will be noted that the Comrie birds were
ringed in exactly the same way as the two geese seen in
Galloway during the 1961/62 winter (antea 2: 307). Again
there is a discrepancy in that the Galloway birds were de-
scribed as having a grey patch at the base of the bill which
was definitely observed to be lacking in the Comrie birds, but
even so it is hard to believe that there are two pairs of Snow
Geese going round Scotland wearing exactly the same com-
bination of rings, The association with Grey Lag Geese is
another feature common to all these records and also to a fur-
ther record of two “white geese” seen near Carsebreck on
29th October 1962 (antea 2: 313).
The fact that these birds were both ringed makes it almost
certain that they had originated in captivity, even though it
A20 SHORT NOTES 2(7)
is known that Snow Geese have been ringed intensively in
America. The problems inherent in the field identification of
the two races of Snow Goose and Ross’s Goose are therefore
further complicated by the possibility of hybridisation in cap-
tivity between these geese. It seems fairly clear that these
records do not refer to the Greater Snow Goose, but the many
experienced observers who watched the Galloway birds were
unable to reach any clear decision on their identity, and the
two latest records must also be regarded as inconclusive al-
qeuen the Comrie birds do sound very like Lesser Snow
eese.
The general position as regards the likelihood of escapes
from captivity was discussed in our comments on the Gallo-
way records. Since then we have received some further in-
formation from Dr John Berry, who informs us that he has
a number of hybrid Snow Geese at Tayfield, a few of which
might be mistaken for pure Snow Geese although in fact they
all have some aberration in plumage, varying from a few
black secondary or tertiary feathers or coverts in the wing
to a more or less piebald appearance. One of these was shot
on the Tay near Dundee during the 1962/63 winter.
Dr Berry also quotes from a letter which he received in
March 1963 from Lord Dundee, who keeps a collection of
wildfowl at Birkhill, near Gauldry, on the Firth of Tay: “T'wo
of my full winged Lesser White Snows have left the sanc-
tuary lately. One is a last year’s gosling, ringed... The other
is a year older hatched in 1961. But I do not think the older
bird is ringed at all...The younger bird is not yet in full
piumage and its back is still half grey, so it should be easy
to identify.” It would be an easy matter for these birds to
have moved to either Comrie or Spittalfield (both of which
lie within 30 miles of Birkhill) but Mr Ralston Crawford’s
description of the Comrie birds (which were both ringed) as
“fully adult” would seem to rule out the possibility of these
birds having escaped from Birkhill. The only thing one can
say with any confidence is that the balance of probability is
heavily against a wild origin for the birds concerned in these
two latest records.—ED.).
GOSHAWK IN DUNBARTONSHIRE
While out for my morning walk on Duncryne Hill on 20th
November 1962, I saw a powerful-looking hawk travelling
towards me at a height of about 400 feet. The long tail was a
conspicuous feature, as was the flight action which consisted
of a series of wing beats and glides. The bird passed right
Over me and I saw an outline of rounded wings, ragged with
projecting primary tips, and underparts pale and barred all
over. In outline it was like a very big Sparrowhawk, and I
1963 SHORT NOTES 421
have no doubt in my mind that it was a Goshawk. I could
get no impression of the colour on the upperparts, but I think
that this may have been the same bird as I saw a few days
before attacking a Hen Harrier on the nearby Gartocharn
Moss, and I then had the impression of brownish upperparts.
In size the bird appeared to be larger than a Peregrine,
though its shape was, of course, entirely different. Apart
from the fact that my bird had its tail closed, its outline was
very close to that shown in the sketch of the adult Goshawk
soaring in The Handbook of British Birds (4: 73), and the
markings were as definite as those shown in the sketch.
Tom WEIR.
On 20th November 1962 we saw a very large hawk flying
low over marshy ground at Gartocharn Moss on the south
side of the Endrick Mouth. At first we took it for a Sparrow-
hawk, as it had the characteristic flight action of a few wing
beats followed by a glide, but we soon realised that it was
much too big. It settled on a fence post and we could see
that the underparts were whitish with no trace of buff, and
that the mantle and wings were brown with darker brown
on the primaries. At a range of 400 yards it was not possible
to make out any more details but we had the impression of
a whitish stripe from eye to ear coverts.
A “ring-tail” Hen Harrier was hunting in the vicinity, and
whenever it came too near the Goshawk, the latter would
attack it and the two birds would spar in the air. On every
occasion it was the Goshawk that was the aggressor. The con-
siderable wing span of the Goshawk could be compared with
that of the harrier when they were sparring. On one occasion
the two birds settled on fence posts only 40 yards apart. The
harrier then looked the larger bird, though it may have been
partly due to the hunched attitude adopted by the Goshawk.
It seems worth adding that Sparrowhawks normally hunt
this beat quite amicably with the harriers.
The Goshawk was again present when we re-visited the
area on 13th January. On this occasion the bird was first seen
perched high in a_ birch tree, and from a distance its size
suggested Buzzard. As we got closer, however, it began to
look too pale underneath and about the head, and when it
left the tree it dropped with a shrike-like swoop and flew off
with the characteristic flight action about 10 feet above the
ground, It flew off to another tree where we had an excellent
view in good light. The long, strongly barred tail could be
clearly seen and the upperparts now appeared quite a russet-
brown colour.
M. FORRESTER, DONALD STALKER.
(This is the first recorded occurrence of the Goshawk in
422 SHORT NOTES 2(7)
Dunbartonshire. Presumably these observations refer to the
same individual, though it is worth drawing attention to the
fact that, whereas Mr Weir’s description of the barred under-
parts leaves no doubt that his bird was an adult, the descrip-
tion of the upperparts as “russet-brown” in the second
note is more suggestive of an immature bird.—EDb.).
RED-FOOTED FALCON IN ORKNEY
On 8th May 1962 my wife and I were driving through rough
heather pasture in Stromness Parish on the Mainland of
Orkney when we saw a small, long-winged hawk alight on
the heather by the side of the road between 25 and 35 yards
from the car. For a few moments it stayed there, giving us
a good side-on view, and then it flew up and over the car and
disappeared. It could not be found again in spite of an ex-
haustive search.
In profile it looked slightly bigger than a Merlin but slimmer
than a Kestrel—both species with which I am very well
acquainted. The feature that immediately caught our atten-
tion was the brilliant red colour of the feet and legs. The
upperparts were dark with a distinct brownish tinge to the
upper back and perhaps also about the head, which was turn-
ed slightly towards us. There were dark bars on the back and
the tail. The underparts were of a lighter brownish colour
except for the throat and part way across the neck and upper
breast, where the colour was cream or creamy-buff, We were
not close enough to see whether there was any red colouring
about the eyes, but there could be no doubt that the bird was
a female Red-footed Falcon. This is the first record of the
species for Orkney, and it coincided with a spell of easterly
winds which brought in a number of other migrants, including
an Osprey.
R. BREMNER.
CRANES IN FIFE, INVERNESS-SHIRE AND
LANARKSHIRE
Two Cranes were present at Dunbog, near Newburgh, on
Z7th June 1962. They were first seen at 10.30 a.m., but I sus-
pect that they had been in the neighbourhood since the
previous evening as my own captive cranes had been very
excited and had called a lot during the night. I saw
them first as they sailed overhead above some beeches, call-
ing a flamingo-like grunt (which I have never heard my
captives make and which does not correspond with any note
described elsewhere), and landed in a field adjacent to my
crane paddocks. They were not particularly wary and walked
to within about 20 yards of a roadway, where they showed
really very little concern for a van which was passing. With
1963 SHORT NOTES 423
this in mind I drove down to them with the hope of getting
some photographs, but unfortunately by the time I had made
all the preparations they had wandered more than 100 yards
into the field. However they were near enough for me to be
able to examine them critically with 15x binoculars.
Both were without any trace of the brown-buff juvenal
plumage, and in both the dark slate and white neck patterns
were fully developed though with less distinct margins than
in the full adult plumage; the dark part was less dark than
in the adult plumage, though the intensity of the dark stripe
varies greatly in different individuals from dull black to mid-
slate. The curved, extended, disintegrated inner secondaries
and humerals were not developed, but in one bird (the bigger
of the two) a patch of greater secondary coverts, with the
tips of the inner secondaries just beginning to show, was
growing in and showed as lighter, greyer and less sooty-tin-
ged than the rest of the plumage. Neither bird showed the
eee y bristled crown patch; both showed dark juvenile
irides.
They allowed me to approach within about 150 yards be-
fore taking off. They flew off for about half a mile and then
returned, sailing close overhead to land in another field which
had been cultivated in preparation for sowing rape and was
bare earth. In the expectation that they would walk up to
the boundary fence that separated them from my captive
cranes, I strewed wheat in a long line over the approach.
However they ignored this offering and came right up to the
netting where they preened and dosed and ate small clods of
earth, while the pair inside demonstrated aggressively at
them. They seemed very tired and this, together with the
absence of the usual whitish powdery bloom, convinced me
that they were newly arrived from a long flight. They stayed
for two hours and then, without being disturbed, they flew
off to the north-east, sailing and circling in a stork-like man-
ner.
I am convinced that they were both two-year-olds, ie.
hatched in 1960. Although I have not yet bred the European
Crane Megalornis grus, my experience with other members
of the genus has shown me that extensive relics of the buff
juvenile plumage are retained until the second autumn, and
that the extended inner secondaries do not develop until
the third autumn.
At the risk of seeming very uncharitable I would like to
comment on the infelicitous figure of the species Lodge has
made for Vol. XI of Dr Bannerman’s The Birds of the British
Isles. The illustration in The Handbook is much happier and
also shows the variation in body colour and in the amount
and extent of the black markings on the inner secondaries
424 SHORT NOTES 2(7)
and coverts which occurs in both the typical race and M. g.
lilfordi (if this subspecies is in fact a valid one, which I greatly
doubt) and is independent of sex or age and seems to be fixed
in each individual. Worst of all, Lodge shows the Crane to
have a bright ruby eye. This is completely wrong and I can
only think he must have copied it from the specimen mounted
in the Royal Scottish Museum”*. The only crane with a red eye
is the Demoiselle Anthropoides virgo—ruby red in the male
and topaz in the female. In M. grus the iris of the adult male
is a very, very pale straw colour—almost silver—while that
of the female, though a little more variable, is much darker
and is just plain straw colour infused with a biscuity tint.
The young have dark eyes and I do not know when the light
colour is developed. It seems likely that they are not sexually
mature until five years old, so there is plenty of time for this
colour change after two years old. The red crowns in both
illustrations have slipped back badly, though this can be ex-
plained by faults in the taxidermy of the models. The bare
crown is not so extensive nor so brilliant a red as is usually
figured, and I feel that some of the illustrators may have had
the Manchurian Crane M. japonensis in mind when they col-
oured their pictures. In this species, of course, the patch is
quite naked, coarsely carunculate and bright sealing wax red.
*Since writing this I have seen a single specimen at Vincennes Zoo in
Paris which had a ruby-topaz eye. This is the first aberrant specimen
of which I have heard, although I must have seen over a hundred cap-
tive European and Lilford’s Cranes.
Tom SPENCE.
In mid July 1962 a telephone call was received at Inverness
County Police Headquarters from a Mrs Girvan of Corriemony,
Glen Urquhart, asking if there had been any reports of stray-
ing storks, as two very large birds were in fields near the
farm house. From her description I was able to suggest that
they were probably Cranes, but unfortunately it proved im-
possible to visit the area before the birds left.
From Lindsay Girvan I learned that they were first seen on
23rd June, and had remained in the flat fields near the R. En-
rick at Corriemony until 27th July, when they left and were
not seen again. He described them as two large, slow-moving
birds, 34 feet high; slate grey, with body like turkey, long
neck, large beak, black on neck and throat; neck and body in
straight line in flight; large high tail bent back in curve; thin
legs.
The birds fed in the grass fields and were very wary, so
that they could not be approached nearer than 200 yards. They
stayed during the afternoons but went to another farm at
night. When I showed the Field Guide to the family they all
1963 SHORT NOTES 425
pointed to the Crane as the bird they had seen. The birds were
also seen by J. D. Michael, retired from the Indian Railways,
who identified them as similar to cranes seen by him in India.
JAMES MacGerocu.
Hearing that two strange birds resembling emaciated tur-
keys had been seen near Carnwath since 30th September 1962,
my daughter and I went in search of them on the afternoon of
7th October. We were taken to a large stubble field, at one edge
of which was a marshy patch, but the birds were not there. As
we were on the point of leaving, two huge birds appeared over
the woods and were obviously intent on landing until they
saw us. They had long, fully-extended necks, and long trailing
legs. They were grey in colour, except for very noticeable and
well separated black “fingers” at the wing tips. As they were
flying into the sun we could not see the colour of the head
and neck, but even so had no hesitation in identifying them
as Cranes. :
Karly next morning, on the way to their usual haunt, we
suddenly saw them in the air. As we got out of the car, they
landed in a grass field not 300 yards from Carnwath. Their
landing was a solendid sight, reminiscent of storks landing on
chimney pots. They alighted right alongside a sheep which,
not unreasonably, looked a little surprised, and provided an
interesting contrast in shape and size. We had excellent views,
and the black head and neck, and the white stripe on them,
were clearly visible, though it was difficult to make out the
red patch on the crown. The wings when ruffled looked like
outsized feather dusters. We tried to approach them, and suc-
ceeded in getting to within 250 yards, when they were put up
from the opposite direction. They flew off low with a very
direct flight and landed about two miles away. So far as I
know they have not been seen in the area since.
ROBERT ERSKINE-HILL.
(These notes include the first records of Cranes in Tay and
North Fife, and in Clyde and Lanarkshire. During summer
1962 two Cranes were also seen in Shetland around 20th May,
on Fair Isle—the first documented record for the island—on
29th May (Fair Isle Bird Obs. Bull. 5: 12, 29), and in Aber-
deenshire from 14th to 16th August (antea 2: 245); while a
single adult was present on Fair Isle from 19th July to 28th
August (F.I.B.0.B. 5: 45). The neat picture, ignoring this
single bird, of just one pair of Cranes wandering about Scot-
land, is rather spoiled by the carefully checked overlap of
dates of the Fife and Inverness-shire records. It is, however,
clear from the plumage descriptions and from a drawing of
the Inverness-shire birds submitted by Mr Girvan, that these
426 SHORT NOTES 2(7)
two records refer to different birds. It is still possible that the
other five records of a pair of Cranes, leaving aside the Fife
birds, could all refer to the same individuals.—Eb.).
SPOTTED CRAKE IN KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE
At 12.30 a.m. on 15th June 1963 W. Austin, D. Skilling and
A.D.W. heard the peculiar “whip-lash” call (see Brit. Birds
53: 523) of a Spotted Crake from a marsh in Kirkcudbright-
shire. It was a brilliant, calm night and the call first attracted
our attention at a range of about 3 mile. We approached until
at about 30 yards the note, repeated without variation at
intervals of a very few seconds, became astonishingly pene-
trating, and the “crack of the whip” at the end of each
whistle clearly audible. All three of us remarked on the
resemblance to a whip crack, but at long range the main
impression was of a liquid staccato whistle urgently repeated
again and again.
From familiarity with an excellent Swedish recording,
A.D.W. was able to recognise this as without doubt the call
of a Spotted Crake. Later the same night all three of us
listened to this recording and the identification was agreed.
The following night the bird eluded efforts to tape-record it
by remaining silent—conditions were cooler and showery.
But on 16th June Sir Arthur B. Duncan and A.D.W. heard it
again for about an hour from 10.30 to 11.30 p.m. A.B.D. also
listened to the Swedish recording afterwards and was in full
agreement with the identification. On this second occasion the
call was rather more intermittent and slighly further out in
the marsh, Subsequently a number of visits to the marsh were
made at and after dusk, usually without result, but occasional
calls on 19th June and 5th July showed that the bird was
still present. The very dense growth of sedge, reeds and other
marsh plants renders the chances of seeing it rather slim.
The season at which it has been heard, and perhaps also the
tendency for the call or “song” to fall off recently, suggest
that a breeding pair may well be present.
For a number of years I have sought this species in the
neighbourhood, for its previous history in Galloway is intrigu-
ing. According to Robert Service it was often shot towards
the end of the 19th century; it had been found breeding in
Dumfriesshire, and Clark-Kennedy told Harting that he had
taken the nest in Kirkcudbrightshire (Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.
1896: 123). The last known breeding in Scotland was in 1912
when Abel Chapman found a brood in Roxburghshire. Accord-
ing to The Birds of Scotland there have been a number of
autumn and winter records for Dumfriesshire and there are
also records for the other counties in south-west Scotland.
1963 SHORT NOTES 427
But in 1948 A.B.D. knew of no recent records for Kirkcud-
brightshire, and I do not know of any if we exclude a bird
seen near Castle Douglas in mid February 1958 by Professor
M. F. M. Meiklejohn, F. D. Hamilton and me. This record was
not published because we could not be absolutely certain, at
pe oo that the bird was not a Carolina Crake (see antea
It is right to be cautious about identifying a scarce bird by
call alone, but all who heard this bird agreed that the sound
Was quite unmistakable. It is hardly necessary to add that
there is always hope of seeing the bird or birds in another
season, if not this, for it may well be that the Spotted Crake
occurs more often than is suspected.
A. DonaLpD WATSON.
GREAT SKUA BREEDING ON ST KILDA
During June 1963 I spent two weeks on St Kilda with a
National Trust for Scotland working party. On my way to
the tunnel at Gob na h’Airde in Glen Bay on the 9th, my first
day there, I noticed a Great Skua being harried by a Great
Black-backed Gull This seemed unusual, as the Great Skua
is recorded as only an occasional visitor in July and to the
surrounding seas in October (St Kilda Summer).
On my way back from the tunnel I found the bird stil] in
the same area, and thought it might be nesting, so I climbed
a hill and waited. After 20 minutes and two further visits to
the spot it settled, and I was able to find the nest. It was
typical of those I had seen on Fair Isle on a previous visit and
contained two eggs.
I visited it again a fortnight later but the eggs had not yet
hatched. Both birds were present, and much more aggressive
than before. The nest was not far from colonies of Great and
Lesser Black-backed, and Herring Gulls. This is the first
record of breeding on St Kilda.
KERR POLLOCK.
(This represents a further extension of range in the remote
north and west of Scotland for the Great Skua, which has
increased very greatly following protection in Shetland
especially. It has in recent years been recorded breeding in
the Outer Hebrides other than St Kilda, actually in Lewis
(Scot Birds 1: 124, 156, 259), and on the Scottish mainland in
Caithness (Brit. Birds 46: 262; Scot. Nat. 1955: 105).—Eb.).
ARCTIC REDPOLLS IN INVERNESS-SHIRE
On 4th January 1963 I stopped my car by the Caledonian
Canal at Tomnahurich, near Inverness, to look at a Goldfinch
428 SHORT NOTES 2(7)
on the fence. It flew down to a patch of nettles and landed
beside a small group of redpolls. One was a normal Lesser
Redpoll Carduelis flammea disruptis, but the other two were
Arctic Redpolls C. hornemanni.
The redpolls were so tame that I was able to approach
within a few yards as they fed on the nettle seeds. The Arctic
Redpolls were very pale, with unstreaked white rumps very
obvious in flight; underparts very white, and upperparts much
paler than Lesser Redpoll, with a marked frosty appearance
on the shoulders; wing-bars white; both birds had crimson
crowns; no pinkish flush could be seen on their breasts but
the light was poor. The Arctic Redpolls appeared larger than
the Lesser Redpoll, but their calls were similar.
From this field description I was not able to assign them
to a particular race. I left them feeding on the nettles and
they were still there just before dusk, but I could not find
them on subsequent days. The weather, which had been
frosty and snowy since 26th December 1962, became even
more severe.
R. H. DENNIS.
(Taxonomists disagree about the classification of the red-
polls and the validity of the various races and species; and
the whitest examples of flammea may be inseparable from
hornemanni in the field even under favourable conditions.
Meantime it is considered desirable to record under Arctic
Redpoll any birds which show the characters associated with
hornemanni, and this record has been accepted by the Rari-
ties Committee on this basis (see Brit. Birds 54: 238; 55:
082). There is no previous record of either race of Arctic
Redpoll for Moray or East Inverness.—ED.).
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers: R. W. Adamson, A. F. Airey, D. R.
Anderson, D. G. Andrew, W. Austin, J. A. Bailey, Miss Vo Eee
Balfour-Browne, I. V. Balfour-Paul, G. H. Ballantyne, J. Ballantyne
(JB), Miss P. G. Baxter, A. Black, G. W. G. Boag, T. Boyd, W. G.
Breed, J. Bremner (JBr), A. W. Brodie, R. G. Caldow, C. V. Chilcott,
D. A. P. Cooke,.H. G.. Cree, Miss, M.. A. E. -Cuninghame Wee Ee
Cunningham, N. PP: Danby, P.-E. Davis, Ro H. Dennis, SD) Dewan
A. Diack, E. Dicerbo, G. “Dick, “H. F. ‘Dixon; H. E> M. Dott, Hone:
Douglas-Home, Dr G. M. Dunnet, Sir R. Erskine-Hill, M. Everett, H.
Fisher, Miss W. U. Flower, H. A. Ford I. M. Ford, R. W. Forrester,
Miss E. M. Gall, A. G. Gordon, D. R. Grant, H. Halliday, S. G. A.
Harper, A. H. Hazell, R. Hodkinson, J. A. DW. Hope; j. Hoyas
Jeffrey, Dr D. Jenkins, W. M. Johnson, J. Kerr, J. E. King, Miss H.
Knight, J. Lockerbie, A. J. B. Loudon, J. G. Lyon, A. Macdonald, D.
Macdonald (DM), Mrs M. K. Macduff-Duncan, Miss G. MacGregor, K.
S. Macgregor, I. Maclean, Mrs M. J. C. Maclean, A. T. Macmillan,
R. W. Marriott, W. Matheson, W. S. Medlicott, Prof. M. F. M.
1963 CURRENT NOTES 429
Meiklejohn, Mrs D. Melrose (DMe), J. K. R. Melrose, T. D. H.
Merrie, D. Mills (DMi), K. D. G. Mitchell, Rev. R. I. Mitchell, J.
Murray, R. Murray, Mrs N. Neilson, J. B. Nelson, D. W. Oliver, J. D.
Olver, Ge, A. Patrick, J; Philips; (JPh), J, Potter (JP), ©. A. Poun-
tain, W. Pryde, Mrs I. Rainier, R. M. Ramage, C. P. Rawcliffe, G. A.
Richards, E. L. Reberts, Dr M. Rusk, H. M. Russell, Mrs J. MacA.
Sumpsom on |. comith, oR. i. Smith, R. W.J.. Smith, Dr-D. C. Smout;
DieStalker, J. A. Stewart, R. Stokoe, J. H.’Swan, C. Tait, Miss. V.
Wermiaonm Al, Ni. tittensor, L.A... Urquhart, Mrs .K. Wallace,..G.
Waterston, Mrs M. I. Waterston, A. D. Watson, W. Watt (WWa), D.
N. Weir, Dr R. S. Weir, T. Weir, D. P. Willis, Mrs M. J. Workman,
W. Wyper (WW), J. G. Young, B. Zonfrillo.
Unless otherwise stated all dates refer to 1963.)
Introduction
As a lot more information on the effects of the past winter
has been sent in we are again devoting a section to this sub-
ject. Other sections deal with 1963 notes on distribution, some
earlier records, and observations on a variety of general topics.
Current Notes for the winter number should be submitted by
30th September.
Effects of the severe weather
The paradox of Current Notes is that by the time they are
read they are no longer current—at best they are about two
months old. The more up to date one tries to be with informa-
tion and comment the more obvious this snag can be. When
it was written, the section in the last number on Effects of the
severe weather (antea 2: 369) was an adequate summary of
the little information received; yet long before publication
it was clear that more emphasis should have been given to
the losses which people expected certain species to suffer and
which were then being noted.
Even now it is not always easy to sort out the facts; because
for every person who says that a species has been drastically
reduced in numbers there seems to be another to report that
there are aS many as ever in his area. For example, Bull-
finches—perhaps not birds to be severely hit by hard weather
—are just not to be seen at Haddington (AM), whereas at
High Valleyfield, Fife, both Bullfinches and Goldfinches have
increased tremendously this year, though other species are
down in numbers (JH).
Some effects are predictable. Resident species which did
not move out from severely snowbound hill districts, such
as the Moorfoots, fared worse than the same species on lower
and more sheltered ground. Seed-eating and scrap-eating
species do relatively well in association with man in his towns
and farm steadings.
A complete survey has not been attempted, but a few notes
on individual species may be of interest. Too few reports
430 CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
have been received about most of the scarcer local species to
give an unbiased picture, so that these comments are largely
confined to the commoner species, and especially to those
where losses have been widely reported.
Lapwings were definitely hard hit, and this is reported from
many places, possibly because this is a very conspicuous
species. In Lewis they are conspicuous by their absence
(WAJC); at the end of April the shortage of birds in Wester
Ross was desperate—no Lapwings and very little else (TW);
in south-east Sutherland numbers are probably down to about
a third, with hardly any in some places but other areas much
as before (DM); in the lowland districts of East and Mid-
lothian they are fewer in numbers (AM), much reduced
(ATM), much down and breeding in pockets, with a 50% or
75°, reduction at Gullane Links (KSM), and have almost
ceased to breed at Hillend where they were frequent before
(JGL); they are down to about half their former numbers in
the Lothians and Peeblesshire (TCS), and certainly down by
half in the Moorfoots and the Tweed Valley in Peeblesshire
(JB); one pair nested in an area in Fife where there were
six in 1962, though 13 unpaired birds are also on the ground
(GD); in south Berwickshire roughly one pair in ten remains
(HD-H); in Kirkcudbrightshire numbers are much reduced,
with birds absent or down to one in ten in some areas but
almost normal in others (ADW), though another observer
reports that in contrast to other parts of Scotland Lapwings
are breeding fairly well in the county (AFA).
Snipe have become extremely scarce in the Gladhouse area;
the first was not seen until 22nd April, and up to early July
only three single birds had been seen, compared with 75 bird/
records during the same period in 1962 (DGA, RWJS); in
Peeblesshire Snipe have definitely been hard hit (JB).
Woodpigeons have apparently been affected rather patchily,
but perhaps a high initial population makes it difficult to
detect quite heavy mortality. Certainly in the woods round
Coldstream the density of the population is astonishing (ATM),
and the winter has not halted its progress (HD-H). The usual
comment is that although numbers are down there are still
plenty of pigeons about.
In East Lothian numbers of Green Woodpeckers are evidently
down (KSM); two dead birds were found near Selkirk (AJS);
and numbers are seriously affected in Berwickshire (HD-H);
yet in Kirkcudbrightshire there is some evidence that there
are even more than in 1962 (ADW).
The Long-tailed Tit is one of those tiny birds which one ex-
pects to succumb in hard winters, but reports are completely
conflicting, possibly because it is not a particularly numerous
species. In south-east Sutherland it is very much reduced
1963 CURRENT NOTES 431
(DM); on lower Deeside none has been seen since the winter
(DJ); in south Berwickshire it has been almost wiped out
(HD-H). Yet there is no apparent reduction in East Lothian
(KSM); they have come through the winter surprisingly well
in Peeblesshire (JB); and they are as plentiful as usual in
Kirkcudbrightshire (ADW).
Treecreepers have not been seen since the winter in parts of
lower Deeside (DJ), though at least as numerous as usual at
Glassel (DGA); are somewhat reduced in Peeblesshire (JB);
and 90%, wiped out in south Berwickshire (HD-H).
Opinion is almost unanimous in describing the Wren as one
of the worst hit species. In south-east Sutherland it is very
much reduced (DM); on lower Deeside only two have been
heard since the winter (DJ); though it is apparently un-
affected at Glassel (DGA); in many areas of the Lothians
where Wrens were numerous last summer they seem to have
been almost wiped out (ATM), and another observer suggests
a 75% reduction in numbers (KSM); at Bush and Glencorse,
near Edinburgh, it is almost gone from areas where it was
abundant last year (NPD); at Gifford and in central Edinburgh
Wrens are clearly very badly hit, even in the city, though
they remain as common as ever at Cramond and Dalmeny
(TCS); in Peeblesshire numbers are definitely much reduced
(JB); in south Berwickshire they are 90% wiped out (HD-H);
and they are much reduced and very scarce indeed in Kirk-
cudbrightshire (ADW).
Though still well distributed Song Thrushes are fewer in
south-east Sutherland (DM); in East and Midlothian they are
reduced but still there in fair numbers (KSM); in Peebles-
shire they are down by well over half (JB); in Berwickshire
numbers are seriously diminished (HD-H); and in Kirkcud-
brightshire somewhat reduced (ADW).
Within four or five miles of Dornoch, Sutherland, 23 pairs
of Stonechats were counted in 1961, when the population was
considered to be very high; the 1961/62 winter made serious
inroads on these numbers, and this has been continued in 1962/
63 so that not one has been seen since (DM); in inland forestry
plantation areas in Kirkcudbrightshire they are much down
with only occasional pairs where there were a score in 1962—
a year of abundance (ADW),
Goldcrests are unchanged in south-east Sutherland (DM);
but much reduced at Glassel, Kincardine (DGA); 50°, down
in East and Midlothian (KSM); seriously reduced in Peebles-
shire (JB); and almost completely wiped out in south Ber-
wickshire (HD-H).
Finally, some detailed counts are available for an area on
the outskirts of Edinburgh at Fairmilehead and Swanston.
Numbers of all species were counted or estimated in 1962
432 CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
and most interesting figures obtained by repeating the cen-
sus in 1963. Of the larger ground-feeding birds the most
affected were Lapwing (33 pairs down to 6 pairs), Curlew (8/3)
and Partridge (9/6). Of the crow family only Jackdaw (20/15)
was down. Small insectivorous woodland birds were badly
hit, most notably Wren (13/3), Treecreeper (6/1) and Goldcrest
(5/1), but Coal Tit (12/4), Blue Tit (44/25), Great Tit (12/6) and
Robin (42/20) also suffering. Mistle and Song Thrushes, Black-
bird, Skylark and Meadow Pipit all left during the coldest spell,
being present at the beginning of January but certainly gone
by the end of the month; they reappeared at the end of
March and built up steadily through April to normal numbers
by the beginning of May. Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch and
Yellowhammer stayed on and must have depended almost
entirely on garden feeding on scraps and Swoop; all showed
a slight decrease only. Linnet (68/16) was the one seed-eater
to suffer; the birds probably moved out, as the stubble on
which large flocks usually feed was under one to three feet
of snow for two months. The pair of Grey Wagtails (1/0) went,
and Pied Wagtail (9/6) decreased. Corn Bunting (6/4) and Reed
Bunting (10/8), probably too shy to visit gardens, stuck it out
in the fields. Snow Buntings usually winter in the fields, and
about New Year there were 1000; in mid February they were
found feeding on the tops of Allermuir and Caerketton where
the sunshine had melted large areas of snow. Kestrel, Tawny
Owl, Hedge Sparrow, Starling and House Sparrow stayed in the
area and showed no decrease (HAF).
In time a fuller picture of the effects of the past winter on
individual species will emerge for the country as a whole; it
should, however, be remembered that these effects are not
necessarily the same in all districts—the past winter was not
much worse than average in some places—and particularly
that it is the conditions in a bird’s winter habitat that matter,
not those on the deserted breeding grounds. And lastly, it is
starvation, not the cold, that kills birds.
Distribution
This section deals with 1963 observations; earlier records
are given in the following section.
Some comments are given on the arrival and build-up of
summer visitors under species, but attention may be drawn
here to a remarkably heavy late movement. Writing on 30th
May PED reports that late May was quite good for migrants
at Fair Isle, with more of the common warblers than at any
time last year, and a good sprinkling of sub-rarities. Notes
from the Bass Rock indicate a very substantial movement at
that time; there was a striking passage of warblers on
25th and 26th, with over 20 Willow Warblers, two Sedge War-
1963 CURRENT NOTES 433
blers, two or three Whitethroats and one Lesser Whitethroat on
the latter date; on 6th June this late spring migration was
still continuing, with Willow Warblers, Whitethroats, another
Lesser Whitethroat, two Swallows and a cock Brambling
(JBN).
In Gosford Bay, East Lothian, three immature Great Nor-
thern Divers, surprisingly scarce there, were seen on 18th
April (HFD, TCS). A steady migration of Red-throated Divers
in mid Forth was noted at Elie from 18th to 21st April (DWO),
and one was at Corby Loch, Aberdeenshire, on 19th May but
did not stay (DRG).
For the first time a pair of Great Crested Grebes bred and
hatched out young at Peppermill Dam, Tulliallan, Fife
(GD, JP). A Red-necked Grebe was seen at Aberdeen on 17th
February (WGB), and in East Lothian between Gullane and
and Gosford there were reports of two on 14th April (IMF),
12 in communal display on the 18th (HFD, TCS), one on the
27th, and two on 4th May (CT). A Black-necked Grebe was at
Halleraig, Aberdour, Fife, on 25th April (GD, JP), and one at
Barr Loch, Renfrewshire, on 2nd and 3rd May (RGC).
In an hour on 19th May, 122 Manx Shearwaters were counted
from Elie Ness, Fife, making their way down the Forth to-
wards the Isle of May (DWO). Substantial numbers of non-
breeding birds may remain in the mouth of the Firth of Forth
during the summer, but there are tantalising local rumours
that a pair may have nested during the past two or three
summers on Craigleith, off North Berwick, where one was
hanging about on the evening of 17th June. This bird has
never been found breeding in the Forth, and as the man who
says he found the nest will not show it to anyone it can
only be regarded as an intriguing possibility (ATM).
Occasionally since 1958 odd Fulmars have been seen about
the gable of a famous tenement with 27 chimney pots on a
single stalk on Portobello Esplanade, Edinburgh; once there
were about a dozen birds there, and on 13th June there were
four, of which two flew up to the exposed fireplace niches
in the wall and settled in them, one being fed by its mate;
they had evidently been there for about a week, but seemed
only to be prospecting (JBr), and there was no sign of them
on 38rd July (ATM). Once again there are reports from var-
ious parts of Edinburgh, with single birds at the Royal Bot-
anic Garden on 2nd April (JHS), Duddingston Loch—the first
for the sanctuary—on 6th May (ATM), Merchiston Castle
School, Colinton, on 26th and 29th May and 24th June (IVB-P,
IMF), and Fairmilehead on 16th June (HAF). In Dunbarton-
shire one was seen from Ben Vorlich flying south over Loch
Lomond on 23rd June (TDHM).
Two pairs of Garganey were flushed from flooded marshland
434 CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
at Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, on 12th April (JAB, ELR);
a pair was on Rosslynlee Reservoir, Midlothian, on 22nd and
28th (DGA, RWJS); and there was a drake on a pool near the
mouth of the Endrick on the 28th (WUF).
A June record of Scaup comes from Skibo on the Dornoch
Firth, Sutherland, where there was a duck on the 11th (DM).
Single drake Goldeneye were noted at Loch Garten, Inverness-
shire, on 26th May (DWO), and at Seafield, Leith, on 13th
June (CT), the latter just possibly the same bird that patrolled
a short stretch of the lower reaches of the River Almond,
West and Midlothian, from 20th April until 22nd May (TCS);
two were at Gladhouse on 7th July, one previously having
been seen intermittently on the Moorfoot reservoirs (DGA).
Four pairs of Velvet Scoters were seen in the Sound of Gigha
on 21st April; this species is distinctly uncommon on the west
coast compared with the east (TDHM).
Further Smews are reported to add to those already noted
(antea 2: 313, 376): one frequented the River Blane near
Killearn, Stirlingshire, from 6th to 20th February, on which
date a second bird was also present (AJBL); and there were
single red-heads by the Tay Bridge on 17th February (CVC),
at Threipmuir, Midlothian, on 3lst March (CT), and at Barr
Loch, Renfrewshire, on 10th April (LAU).
For what they are worth we may note single Grey Lag
Geese at Tyninghame, East Lothian, on 12th May (CT), on the
Eden Estuary, Fife, on the 18th, when it was thought to be a
flightless bird (DWO), and 19th, and 16th June (CT), and off-
shore at Ballantrae Bay, Ayrshire, on 22nd June (RMR). Both
“pricked” birds and free-flying domestic flocks make it diffi-
cult to assess such records. A lone Bean Goose was seen with
large numbers of Pink-footed and Grey Lag Geese at New-
burgh, Aberdeenshire, on 9th April; earlier observations of
Bean Geese in the county have already been noted (antea
2: 376) (WGB, GMD). After the cold spell the “blue” Lesser
Snow Goose (see antea 2: 377) did not return to Libberton,
Lanarkshire, where it had last been seen on 11th November,
until 9th March, by which time the thaw had finally set in;
it was seen several times thereafter until 13th April (RE-H).
One Barnacle Goose was with the Pinkfeet at Tyninghame
on 7th April (CT), and three were with Pinkfeet at Libberton
on the 15th (RE-H). At Elie Ness, Fife, two Canada Geese were
flying out towards the Isle of May on 7th April (DWO), and
from 12th to 14th two consorted with eight Whooper Swans
on the Clyde at Libberton (RE-H).
Single Whooper Swans were at Loch Raa, Coigach, Ross-
shire, on 19th May (TDHM), and at Tyninghame on 2nd June
(TB). There are further reports of Bewick’s Swans. Six seen
by Loch Ken on 17th March have already been recorded
1963 CURRENT NOTES 435
(antea 2: 378); on the 16th there was an adult with Whoopers
near Stranraer, Wigtownshire, and on the 18th two adults at
the Loch o’ the Lowes, New Cumnock, Ayrshire (JGY).
A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen between Rogart and Lairg,
Sutherland, on 4th February (DNW). A female or immature
Marsh Harrier was seen on 5th May low over Forvie Moor,
Aberdeenshire, causing an uproar among Black-headed Gulls
and mobbed by Curlews (DPW); a similarly plumaged bird
was present on Roxburgh Moor, Roxburghshire, on 22nd June
(WMJ), and may have been there for a week and on the 23rd
(per WSM). A “ring-tail” harrier, presumably a Hen Harrier,
was at Loch Leven on 13th April (RWJS); there is no satis-
factory record of this species in Kinross-shire.
The big disappointment of summer 1963 is the failure of
both pairs of Ospreys on Speyside to hatch any of their eggs.
The original pair duly returned to the Loch Garten eyrie
and laid, but a disastrous gale disturbed the nest and the
eggs were lost. It was hoped the birds might start again, but
after building a frustration eyrie nearby they lost interest
and moved away. Meanwhile a second pair had been dis-
covered building an eyrie in an undisclosed area; later they
abandoned this and built a nest at Inshriach on Forestry Com-
mission ground and began incubating eggs on 12th May. One
of the birds was carrying a ring on its left leg—probably
placed there in Sweden where many young birds are ringed.
The R.S.P.B. mounted a continuous watch at this eyrie also,
and moved the public observation post to Inshriach when it
became obvious that the Loch Garten birds were not going
to lay again. Unfortunately the eggs never hatched, and these
birds also lost interest. At the beginning of July the observa-
tion post had to be closed down as there was nothing for the
public to see. An egg was taken under licence and is now
being examined to determine whether it contains residues
of toxic chemicals, or whether failure to hatch was due
to the male bird’s immaturity or some other natural misfor-
tune (GW). An Osprey was seen at Girdle Ness, Kincardine-
shire, on 24th April; it was perching on a high rock by the
sea and when disturbed flew slowly south into the Bay of
Nigg, mobbed by two Crows and followed by hundreds of
Common and Herring Gulls (AMT).
With numbers of Peregrines catastrophically reduced in Eng-
land through accumulating toxic agricultural chemicals from
the bodies of their prey, it is pleasant to note an apparently
new eyrie, where no Peregrines were seen in the three pre-
vious years, at the south end of the Island of Bute on 27th
May in a Raven’s old nest (WW, BZ).
There was a lek of 19 Black Grouse, a large number for the
area, near Gladhouse, Midlothian, on 7th April (DD).
436 CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
The fact that a few reports of Corncrakes in southern Scot-
land seem worth mentioning indicates how scarce they have
become there. Two calling, one from 21st May, near Dalry,
Kirkcudbrightshire, both had unusually high-pitched voices
(ADW); one was calling at Collin, Kirkcudbrightshire, on
15th June (AFA); one present for about a fortnight during
May near Ayr (RMR); two calling from different fields near
Gladhouse on 16th June, one on the 23rd, and others in the
district, this being in fact the first record from Gladhouse
(DGA, RWJS); and one heard at Ardeonaig, Loch Tay, Perth-
shire, during June—the first there for some years (per VMT).
In Lewis the species seems to be on the increase, at least at
Stornoway where it now nests within the town boundary. A
pair of Moorhens nested successfully just outside Stornoway;
this is a very rare breeding bird in Lewis (WAJC).
Though Grey Plover may be seen in summer at Aberlady
Bay, one in breeding plumage on the West Lothian bank of
the Almond estuary on 2nd June was interesting as the
species is always scarce there (AWB). Whimbrel were passing
over Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, on 23rd April (TW), and
one flew NNE over Morton Lochs, Fife, on the 27th (DWO),
while other reports come from Forth: one at Gullane Point
on 11th May (RM); three at Tyninghame on the 12th (JADH);
one flying north over Craigmillar on the 15th (JEK); one each
at Peppermill Dam and Longannet on the 25th (GD, JP); one
at Elie Ness on 2nd June (DWO); and one at Tyninghame
again on 26th June (HAF). At Glencaple, Dumfriesshire, there
were at least 60 Black-tailed Godwits on 14th April (ELR), while
counts of the flock on the Eden estuary, Fife, gave totals of
26 on 20th April (DWO) and 35 on the 28th (CT). Other rec-
ords are of one at Skinflats, Stirlingshire, on 7th April (GD,
JP), two at Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, on 22nd May (ELR),
and 12 that remained for a few days from 20th May at Gary-
nahine, Lewis (WAJC). In East Lothian there was a Green
Sandpiper at Aberlady on 14th April (KSM), and two were
seen at Tyninghame on the 27th (RM).
The first Common Sandpipers arrived about the usual date:
13 Apr—3 Thornhill, Dumfries (JHS), 1 L. Leven, Kinross (TB).
14 Apr—Sanquhar, Dumfries (AB, JL), 1 Gladhouse, Midlothian, and
2 Portmore Peebles (RWJS).
17 Apr—Sannig, Islay (CT).
18 Apr—Corsock, Kirkcudbright (AFA), Vale of Leven, Dunbarton
(TDHM), Haddington (AM).
19 Apr—King’s Cross, Arran (GM).
Single Greenshanks were noted at Caerlaverock, Dumfries-
shire, on 16th April and 31st May; they are rarely seen on
spring passage in the Solway (ELR). A Curlew Sandpiper, al-
Ways a rare bird in spring, was seen by the wooden bridge at
Aberlady on 7th May (CAP). Single Ruffs were seen at Skin-
1963 CURRENT NOTES 437
flats on 7th April (GD, JP), Caerlaverock on the 16th (ELR),
and Dornoch Point saltmarsh, Sutherland, on 25th and 29th
(DM); and later there were two ruffs and two reeves at the
Loch of Mey, Caithness, on Ist June (RM), and a single reeve
at Gladhouse on the 2nd (RWJS).
An anxious pair of Great Black-backed Gulls was obviously
defending territory and evidently nesting on Craigleith, off
North Berwick, on 15th June but formal proof of breeding
was not obtained (RWJS). A Lesser Black-backed Gull of the
British race was at Inverness on 4th February (RHD). As
there is a small wintering population of this species, espec-
ially on the Solway, it is difficult to know when the first spring
migrants arrive, which they do earlier on the west coast than
the east, but at Caerlaverock the first few were seen on 12th
March (ELR), not an early date. Another substantial spring
movement of Common Gulls (see antea 2: 3, 206, 357) was seen
at the Bass Rock between 18th April, just a few days earlier
than last year, and the 26th (JBN). An adult Iceland Gull was
at Ayr on 17th February (GAR), and a 3rd winter bird at
Opan on 30th March (AGG, TDHM). A ist summer Little Gull
was at Kilconquhar Loch on 21st May, and other East Fife
records are of five lst summer. birds at Morton Lochs on 6th
April (DWO), about 50 there on the 21st (six or eight in adult
summer plumage and most of the rest in lst summer plum-
age) (IVB-P, AHH, IMF), over 40 adults and immatures at the
Eden estuary on 19th May (CT), and two lst summer birds at
Morton Lochs on Ist June (DWO). The Black-headed Gull col-
ony at Hilda Marshes, Glasgow, increased rapidly from about
20 pairs in 1960 to 50 and 250 pairs in the following years, but
in 1963 after reaching about 400 pairs the colony was deserted
in the middle of May owing to the disturbance created in fill-
ing the marsh with rubble to make football pitches (WW).
There do not seem to be many Scottish records of Kittiwakes
resting on the shore in numbers; on 14th April right up the
Solway at Browhouses, Dumfriesshire, 200 were resting on
the sands half way across the firth, being constantly mobbed
by immature Herring Gulls (RTS); while at Largo Bay, Fife,
on 30th June there were 250, mostly adults, on the sandy
beach (DWO). In the Forth the Inchkeith colony which had
one nest in 1961 (antea 1: 478) increased to two in 1962, and
there were 20 nests on 19th June this year (RWJS).
A Black Tern was at Morton Lochs, Fife, on 21st April (IVB-
P, AHH, IMF), and there was a small influx at the beginning
of June: eight on the Castle Loch and one on the Kirk Loch
at Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, on 2nd June (HMR, RTS), all
seen leaving NE at 9.45 p.m. (DMe, JKRM), and one each on
the Castle and Kirk Lochs on the 3rd (RTS); one at Pepper-
mill Dam, Tulliallan, Fife, on the 4th* (GD, JP); one feeding
438 CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
over Bonnykelly Reservoir, near New Pitsligo, Aberdeen-
shire, on the 8th (AAD); and one hawking insects over Loch
Spiggie, Shetland, on the 13th (DAPC). Numbers of Black
Terns are often recorded on spring passage in south and east
England, but it is most unusual at that season for so many to
reach Scotland, especially the northern counties.
Single Common or Arctic Terns inland were seen at the Black
Esk Reservoir, Dumfriesshire, on 19th May; between Walker-
burn and Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, on 2nd June (JB); at
Threipmuir, Midlothian, on 11th June (CT); and fishing the
River Lyne south of Romanno Bridge, Peeblesshire, on the
16th (TCS). Sixteen Common Terns flying rapidly east near
Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, on 2nd June may have been late
migrants to the Forth terneries drifted west by the east winds
which had been blowing for the past few days (MFMM). The
first Common Terns of the year were three near Girvan, Ayr-
shire, on 15th April (WP), and five at Elie on the 18th (DWO).
The earliest Little Tern was in the Sound of Gigha on 2lst
April (TDHM). Four early Sandwich Terns were at Portencross,
Ayrshire, on 3lst March (ME, RWF, GLAP); and ten at Elie
on 14th April (DWO), not a particularly early date but a
week before a number of other reports: five seen by another
observer at Elie on the 20th (IMF); two lots of two over
Longannet (JH), some at Kinghorn (GHB), and 60 at Tents-
muir (IMF), all in Fife on the 21st; and three at Dirleton, East
Lothian, on the 22nd (KSM).
The body of a Little Auk, estimated to have died one or two
weeks earlier, was found at Girdle Ness, Kincardineshire, on
25th April (RWM, AMT).
Three Turtle Doves were reported at the beginning of June
from areas where they do not breed: on the Bass Rock on
the lst (JBN); near Currie, Midlothian, on the 11th (CPR);
and near Moffat, Dumfriesshire, also on the 11th, for the whole
day and leaving NW in the evening (RWA, ED).
Collared Doves continue to spread and multiply. On the
mainland of Shetland there was one at Loch Spiggie on 23rd
June (DWO), and at Fair Isle at least half a dozen different
birds appeared during the spring (PED). Two in a stackyard
at Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven on 23rd June are the
first for Kincardineshire (VMT), though whether this falls
into North Kincardine (Dee Faunal Area) as shown on the
maps in The Birds of Scotland (1953) and The Vertebrate
Fauna of Dee (1903), or into South Kincardine (Tay Faunal
Area) as claimed by The Geographical Distribution (1928) and
A Fauna of the Tay Basin (1906), is far from clear. Harvie-
Brown in this last work admits to extending the boundaries
of Tay further north than was previously accepted (p. 1xix),
and we prefer the older interpretation (followed by The Birds
1963 CURRENT NOTES 439
of Scotland) which treats more than a remnant of the county
as North Kincardine. On Islay doves with collars have been
seen in various places for some time but never certainly iden-
tified; there were three at Aoradh on 5th April 1962 (JM); and
five were there in 1962 and said to have bred in 1961; two
moved to the Post Office on the Flats; and two tame birds
were reported about Port Ellen (GW, MIW). In 1963 there
were further reports of three birds behind the Post Office at
Gruinart Flats on lst January but these were not seen well,
and local information suggested that doves had been brought
into the area; on 14th April two birds with very dark
primaries but no white under the tail were also unsatisfac-
tory (CT). Finally a genuine Collared Dove was found in a
weak condition at Killinallan in the Loch Gruinart area and
died (RH, HK); the body was sent to GW who confirmed the
identity and presence of white on the underside of the tail;
it arrived in Edinburgh on 6th May and is now in the Royal
Scottish Museum. Collared Doves on Islay are said to have
interbred with “pigeons” in 1962 (HK). In Edinburgh Collared
Doves were reported in Dick Place in 1961 and nearby in
Mayfield Terrace in 1962 (antea 1: 486; 2: 260). This year
in the same area two were seen in Queen’s Crescent on
11th and 18th April and one or two on various dates from 2nd
to llth June (MJW); a pair nested in Dalrymple Crescent
close to a hen run and fledged two young in mid May (SGAH);
and they were also seen in Hope Terrace (per GW). In Sol-
way one was seen at Barrbank, near Sanquhar, Dumfries-
shire, on 26th April (JL), and two feeding by a hen house
next day (AB).
The first Cuckoo was at Selkirk on 16th April (AJS); one
near Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire, on the 18th (ADW); and one
at East Linton, East Lothian, on the 22nd (GWGB); reports
have not been received from any other localities until it was
noted at Sanquhar on the 27th (JL), Portmore, Peeblesshire
(EMG, RWJS), and Lagganbridge, Inverness-shire, on the
28th (HAF), and Roslin, Midlothian, on the 29th (JB).
A Short-eared Owl was seen over the Royal Botanic Garden
in the centre of Edinburgh on 28th March (JHS).
On 22nd June in Glen App, Ayrshire, a Nightjar, and pos-
sibly a second bird, was churring and display flighting (RMR).
Once again the first Swifts were seen in April, though there
are only two reports:
27 Apr—1 Barr Loch, Renfrew (LAU).
28 Apr—2 Gladhouse (EMG, RWJS).
1 May—1 Colinton, Edinburgh (IMF).
2 May—1 Stockbridge, SEER (JHS), 1 Haddington (AM), 2
Kileconquhar, Fife (DWO)
4 May—1 Aberlady SEN Kirkcaldy, Fife (GHB), Killearn, Stirling
(AJBL).
440 > VCURREN TENG HES 2(7)
The first Swallow appeared on 11th April, but in general
the early ones were about a week late:
11 Apr—1 north edge of Moorfoots, Midlothian (JB).
13 Apr—1 Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbright (AFA).
14 Apr—l Sanquhar (JL), 3 Gorebridge, Midlothian (DD).
15 Apr—Kilconquhar, Fife (RIM).
16 Apr—Newbattle, Midlothian (DD).
17 Apr—2 Gullane, East Lothian (IMF), 1 Braids, Edinburgh (JAS),
1 mouth of R. Endrick (HFD), 2 Brodick, Arran (GM), Staffin, Skye
(MJCM).
18 Apr—Z Corsock, Kirkcudbright (AFA), Vale of Leven, Dunbarton
(TDHM), 2 Balfron, Stirling (AJBL), Selkirk (AJS), 2 Pityoulish,
Aviemore, Inverness (HAF).
19 Apr—Cockburnspath, Berwick (AM), East Linton (GWGB),
Haddington (AM), Isle of May (AM), 1 Lossit Bay, Islay (CT).
20 Apr—17 Barr Loch, Renfrew (RWEF), Duddingston, Edinburgh
(DRA), 30 Bridgend, Islay (CT).
21 Apr—1 Marybank, Ross (MKM-D).
House Martins arrive later and were up to time:
18 Apr—Isle of May (AM).
21 Apr—Kirkcaldy, Fife (GHB).
22 Apr—Drymen, Stirling (TDHM).
23 Apr—Eddleston, Peebles (NPD), Duddingston, Edinburgh (DRA),
Kilconquhar (DWO).
25 Apr—Bush, near Edinburgh (NPD), 1 St Andrews (MHEC).
At Cramond very few were seen during May and the main
return to the colony seemed to take place in the first few
days of June, two being present on 30th May but many by
6th June (TCS).
One Sand Martin was reported on 8th April but no others
until the 12th, and as in 1962 these first dates are very late
and indicate the extent to which migration was held up by the
weather:
8 Apr—l1 Balloch, Dunbarton (RAJ).
12 Apr—1 Kilconquhar (PGB).
14 Apr—1 Thornhill, Dumfries (JHS), 1 Threipmuir, Midlothian (TB).
15 Apr—Selkirk (AJS).
17 Apr—Sanquhar (AB).
18 Apr—Vale of Leven, Dunbarton (TDHM).
19 Apr—Tyninghame (AM), St Andrews (MHEC).
20 Apr—Duddingston (DRA), Longannet, Fife (JH), 8 Barr Loch,
Renfrew (RWEF), 2 Bridgend, Islay (CT).
In Ayrshire a Hooded Crow was seen near Maybole on 2nd
February (RMR). In East Lothian, where Magpies are very
scarce, one was near Yester on 26th May (KSM).
Following the recent arrival of Blue Tits in Stornoway
(antea 2: 91, 95, 261, 347) at least three pairs nested in holes
in trees in the woods—the first record of breeding in the Outer
Hebrides. At least two pairs of Treecreepers brought off broods
in Stornoway Woods this year following the unsuccessful 1962
attempt (antea 2: 93, 95, 350) (WAJC, IM, WM).
A late Fieldfare was at Dunfermline, Fife, on 7th and 9th
1963 CURRENT NOTES 441
May (GD, JP). A recently fledged Redwing was watched for
some time on 2nd June in a birch copse by a river in north
Ross-shire; this was at the same place where a nest with
young was found in 1961 (antea 1: 454) (DM). On 13th Jan-
uary at Cramond the body of a Redwing was found below a
ledge on which it had been roosting; it appeared to have
starved to death. From its plumage it was taken to be an ex-
ample of the Iceland form coburni, and this was later con-
firmed from the wing measurement of 124/126 mm (depend-
ing on how the measurement is taken). Though this race may
well be quite common in winter this is in fact the first definite
record for Midlothian (RM). There was a distinct lack of re-
ports of early Ring Ouzels, which usually appear in the second
half of March. After a particularly early bird reported on the
Isle of May on 8th February (WWa per AM), and a cock at
Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, on 23rd March (JHS), the next
note was from Selkirk on 8th April (AJS).
There are a number of March records, some of them par-
ticularly early, of Wheatears, but no great numbers seem to
have arrived until mid April and many active bird watchers
did not see their first until well into the month:
10 Mar—1 on high ground near Stranraer, Wigtown (HF).
16 Mar—cock Doonfoot, Ayr (ATM).
18 Mar—Gullane Point (CAP).
22 Mar—1l near Stranraer, perhaps the same as on 10th (HF).
23 Mar—1 near Dumfries (JKRM per WA), several moving north
between Loch Ken and Carsphairn, Kirkcudbright, and one pair dis-
playing and going in and out of a hole (WUF), 2 singing near Little
Loch Broom, Ross, and 1 Inverness (TW).
26 Mar—cock near Linlithgow (HGC).
29 Mar—3 Ayr (DS).
30 Mar—1 Aberlady (CT).
31 Mar—Sanquhar (JL).
5 Apr—pair Carloway, Lewis (WAJC).
On 16th April in a small glen near Tarland, Aberdeenshire,
there were at least 40; this is a good example of the late ar-
rival of this species as there had been none there on the 15th
(KW). On 8th May a pair was present in the Royal Botanic
Garden in the centre of Edinburgh (JHS).
Being late migrants Whinchats were up to time: one near
Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, on 23rd April (ADW); two at Cran-
shaws, Berwickshire, on the 30th (AM); a cock at Laggan-
bridge, Inverness-shire, the same day (HAF); and noted at
Addiewell, Midlothian, on lst May (HH).
Redstarts appeared a little late about 20th April in widely
scattered districts: a cock singing at Crichton, Midlothian, on
the 20th (KSM); two cocks at Gladhouse on the 2lst (NPD),
and noted on the Isle of May (AM) and at Inveraray, Argyll,
the same day (TDHM); a cock near Thornhill, Dumfries, on
the 22nd (JHS); and heard at Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire,
442 CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
on the 23rd (TW). A hen appeared in central Edinburgh on
6th May in the Royal Botanic Garden (JHS).
The first Grasshopper Warblers were reported from four
localities on 27th April—several reeling at Barr Loch, Ren-
frewshire (LAU); one reeling at Aberlady (CAP); noted on
the Isle of May (IVB-P); one reeling at Kilconquhar (RIM)
where it may have been present earlier and where a second
arrived on 7th May (DWO). Others were at Jardine Hall,
Lockerbie, on 30th April (RTS), Newton Stewart on 5th May
(JGY), and near Auchencairn on the 8th (AFA). At Glad-
house there were three different birds reeling in the area
this year (DGA, JK).
Apart from one at Kilconquhar on 25th April (DWO), the
first Sedge Warblers were noted on 5th May: at Sanquhar
(AB), five at Barr Loch, Renfrewshire (RAJ), and one at St
Abbs, Berwickshire (JADH). A pair feeding a fledgling on
30th June on the outskirts of Stornoway is evidently the first
positive breeding record for Lewis, although the observer
has noted the species at this site before and once at Uig
carrying food on 10th July 1958 (WAJC).
A cock Blackcap visited a garden in Ainslie Place, near the
West End of Edinburgh, on 6th and 9th February and daily
until the 27th; it fed on a mixture of fat, crumbs and Swoop,
and was very aggressive towards other birds (NN). Early
summer arrivals were about the usual date: present at two
places near High Valleyfield, Fife, on 25th April (JH), and a
cock at Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, on the 27th (JHS). One was
seen at Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, on 5th May (JADH),
and a cock was at Blackford Pond, Edinburgh, on the 12th
and 2lst (HEMD).
Garden Warblers at two places near High Valleyfield on 29th
April were distinctly early birds, especially as summer
visitors usually tend to be slow in getting through to this
central area. Later there were the usual 10 singing cocks in
the area, numbers being back to normal after the drop in
1962 caused by disturbance from forestry road making (antea
2: 211) (JH). One was at Kilconquhar on 3rd May (DWO).
(Whitethroats were in two localities at High Valleyfield on
28th April (JH); one at Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire, on
Ist May (AFA); reached Stornoway on 3rd May (WAJC); and
several noted at Coldingham, Berwickshire, on the 5th
(JADH).
Single Lesser Whitethroats were on the Bass Rock with other
late migrants on 26th May and 6th June (JBN), and an ex-
tremely skulking bird was singing at Scalloway, Shetland, on
27th June after a week of SE gales (DWO).
Willow Warblers were a week or ten days late, but then
reported from a host of places in the middle of April:
1963 CURRENT NOTES 443
16 Apr—heard St Andrews (MHEC).
18 Apr—1 Paisley, Renfrew (RAJ), Vale of Leven, Dunbarton
CEO) .2..5t Abbs . IMF).
19 Apr—Sanquhar (JL), Selkirk (AJS), 1 Gifford, East Lothian
(HFD, TCS), Bush near Edinburgh (NPD), Addiewell, Midlothian
(HH), 2 Bridgend, Islay (CT).
20 Apr—1 Dalbeattie (AFA), 1 Newbattle (DD), Duddingston (DRA),
1 Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (JHS), 1 Dalmeny, West Lothian (HFD,
Hes), Longannet (JH).
21 Apr—4 East Linton (GWGB), Kirkcaldy (GHB), Kilconquhar
(DWO).
22 Apr—Stornoway (WAJC), abundant Gladhouse area (DGA).
23 Apr—Jordanhill, Glasgow (HGC), Haddington (AM), numerous
near Lagganbridge, Inverness (HAF).
A Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff, presumably the latter, was
on the Isle of May on 16th March (WWa per AM), and a
definite Chiffchaff on the 29th (AM); on the last day of the
month one was at Gartocharn (DS); and another at Fair Isle,
the first to be recorded there in March since the war (PED);
in early April single birds were recorded at Stornoway on
the 6th (WAJC), Polton, Midlothian, on the 7th (RWJS), High
Valleyfield (JH) and Laurieston, Kirkcudbrightshire, on the
8th, and Auchencairn, Kirkcudbrightshire, on the 9th (AFA).
The only significant arrival date quoted for Spotted
Flycatcher is 28th April at Kilconquhar (DWO). The first
Pied Flycatcher was at Sanquhar on 26th April (AB); one was
at Loch Ken next day (ADW); and a cock was at Kilconquhar
on the 28th (DWO); a hen was seen at St Abbs on 5th May
(JADH). This is a local species in Kirkcudbrightshire, but it
has bred regularly for at least the past ten years in one
locality in the south-west of the county (RS). On 28th April
one was singing in a wood on the southern fringe of Flanders
Moss between Arnprior and Kippen; there are few records
from this area and none of breeding in Stirlingshire (MFMM).
The Pied Flycatcher is rare in Ross-shire, where a cock was
present near Contin in the east of the county from mid May
to the first week of June (DMi).
Tree Pipits arrived at about the usual time: one was at
Lockerbie on 19th April (RTS); four at Thornhill, Dumfries-
shire, on the 21st (JHS); a number at Gartocharn on the 23rd
(TW); and noted at High Valleyfield the same day (JH).
The Pied Wagtail is a scarce breeding bird in the Outer
Hebrides, and although The Birds of Scotland says they breed
regularly at Stornoway a pair there this year provided the
observer with his first breeding record (WAJC). Two Yellow
Wagtails, evidently both cock M.f. flavissima, were at Glad-
house on 5th May (DGA), and a pair was at West Barns, East
Lothian, the same day (TB, RWJS). On the 11th a hen at
Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, resembled the race M.f. thunbergi
(RWJS). In Glasgow the breeding area at Hilda Marshes
(antea 2: 212) has unfortunately been bulldozed to make
444. CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
football pitches, but a single Yellow Wagtail was seen flying
over on llth May (WW) and two were there, an ordinary hen
and a Blue-headed M.f. flava cock, on the 22nd (BZ).
In addition to the small number of Waxwings already re-
corded (antea 2: 323, 381), one was in the Royal Botanic
Garden in Edinburgh on Ist January feeding on the Himalayan
tree Malus sikkimensis, probably the first record of this food
being taken (GM), and one in Inverness on 7th April (MR).
A glorious cock Brambling in full plumage appeared on the
Bass Rock with other migrants on 6th June (JBN).
Two Corn Buntings were noted well within Edinburgh at
Blackford Glen on ist June (HEMD). A cock Red-headed
Bunting was seen near Collin, Dumfriesshire, on 11th May,
but current thinking is to regard all examples of this popular
cage bird as escapes unless there is strong contrary evidence
(VECB-B). The Reed Bunting is sparsely distributed in the
Outer Hebrides so that it is worth noting a brood of young
at Stornoway on 30th June and two nests at Dalbeg, near
Shawbost, on 9th June (WAJC). Two Tree Sparrows near
Morton Lochs on 21st April are evidently the first for the
Tentsmuir area for over 40 years (see antea 2: 159) (IVB-P,
IMF, AHH).
Earlier observations—before Ist January 1963
A Black-necked Grebe was seen on 17th August 1962 in the
Bay of Clachtoll, near Stoer, Sutherland; there are few
published records for the county (GM).
Two winter Greenshanks were at Caerlaverock from 20th
to 28th December 1962 (ELR). ;
To add to the list of Black Terns noted last autumn (antea
2: 259, 317, 383) is yet another, at Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, on
7th October 1962 (DWO). ;
On the Island of Bute a pair of Nightjars was discovered at
Scalpsie on 2nd July 1962 with two eggs, one of which hatched
out two days later (AWB).
The record of Green Woodpeckers nesting in Dumfriesshire
in 1960 was the first published record of breeding in Solway
(antea 1: 379, 2: 195), but this is a most misleading claim as
the bird was well established long before that. It was seen
at Eastriggs, Dumfriesshire, in 1952 and may even have been
quite widespread in the county by then. During the S.O.C.
enquiry it was found breeding in 1954 in Dumfriesshire at
Bankhead near Lochmaben, Newtonairds, Dunscore, Spring-
kell near Kirtlebridge, and Raehills near Johnstone; it was
noted but not proved to be breeding at Woodcock Air near
Hoddom, Jardine Hall near Lockerbie, Rammerscales near
Lochmaben, Dalswinton, Stapleton near Annan, Ecclefechcan,
and The Broats near Kirkpatrick-Fleming, (JPh, RTS). In
1963 CURRENT NOTES 445
Kirkcudbrightshire it was noted at Munches near Dalbeattie
in 1954 (JPh, RTS), and in the south-west of the county one
was seen at a hole in 1957 and presumably nested, and the
species has been there ever since (RS); while not upsetting
the first claimed breeding record this information now carries
oe occurrence back to 1954 (see antea 2: 43, 261, 318,
The 1961 record claimed as the first for Selkirk (antea 2: 43,
346) is certainly not the first as the species bred in the county
as early as 1951 (The Birds of Scotland Appendix II); it was
reported at Bowhill near Selkirk in February that year and
the identification confirmed on 20th April, and an adult with
fledged young was seen in Yarrow on 16th July (AJS). Other
records were collected for the $.O.C. enquiry in the early
1950’s but these have not yet been published.
In North Argyll a Green Woodpecker was heard and reported
seen on 31st May 1955 at Achnamara, and reported again on
16th August 1956; both these records are earlier than the first
previously published for the Argyll Faunal Area and North
Argyll (antea 1: 257). Single birds were seen near Tay-
vallich on 13th November 1960 (recorded as “near Lochgilp-
head” antea 1: 383) and two miles away on 3rd December
1960. On 15th April 1961 one was seen on the western out-
skirts of Lochgilphead, and this is the first record for South
Argyll (IR).
Further evidence of the northward impetus of the Green
Woodpecker is provided by the record of one seen on several
occasions during a short holiday about mid November 1961
between Laurencekirk and Fettercairn, Kincardineshire; this
is the first published record for South Kincardineshire (JMS).
A Wryneck was heard and seen in characteristic pose near
the Loch Garten Osprey wardens’ camp at Inchdrein on 26th
May 1962 (KDGM); we have previously commented on the
curious concentration of records of Wrynecks in this part of
Scotland (antea 1: 494).
General observations on food, plumage and behaviour
At about 0430 hrs GMT on 20th May on the Isle of May 15
Shags were found standing or hopping about on the turf at
the head of Pilgrim’s Haven, where the high pressure pipe
runs to the south foghorn. They were amusing themselves with
communal games; one was doing a tightrope act along the
pipe, balancing with its wings; one, finding a suitable bunch
of dried grass, flew off with it to the nest; two more were
vainly trying to lift a piece of wire that was too heavy; but
the majority were making sudden sharp darts with their
bills at something on the ground. At first I thought that they
446 CURRENT NOTES 2(7)
were feeding off some hatch of insects, but when I inspected
the ground later I found that they had been snipping off the
heads of sea pink buds, of which about a hundred lay on the
turf. This form of game probably develops out of the com-
munal collection of nesting material—that used by the Shag,
as is well known, being of extraordinary variety. I visited the
spot on the five ensuing mornings at about the same hour,
but the Shags, like nymphs disturbed bathing, did not return.
(MFMM).
On 10th May a Buzzard flying over a flock of about 50
Oystercatchers on the shore of Loch Fleet, Sutherland, sud-
denly circled and, swooping down, captured one of them. The
Buzzard had not risen more than 50 feet when the Oyster-
catcher escaped, falling about 20 feet before regaining its
balance and, apparently little the worse, rejoining its com-
panions which were by this time mobbing the Buzzard. An
Oystercatcher is probably on the large size for a Buzzard if
it does not make a clean kill (JDO).
On 27th May in a small glen in Kirkcudbrightshire adjacent
to a large plantation of young conifers where voles were
abundant, a pair of Kestrels was breeding in a former Raven’s
nest and another pair in an old Buzzard’s nest, within 200
yards of each other. Kestrels bred fairly plentifully in this
area in 1963 (ADW).
A Black Grouse lek was discovered near the Lake of
Menteith in a field sown with corn. Although the spot was
only 200 yards from the farmhouse, and despite the character
of the site having been changed completely by ploughing,
the tradition of the lek was so strong that the birds continued
to display on the bare earth. At the height of the season on
4th May there were ten cocks and four hens. On the 15th, when
six cocks were at the lek, noises could be heard from three
other places within a mile and small parties were located at
two of them, suggesting a very local nature for these
particular leks (TDHM).
At a pond on the Bush Estate, Midlothian, in 1962 a Moorhen
had a nest with two eggs which soon disappeared; another
seven were laid and also disappeared; the pair then built a
second nest at the other end of the pond and laid and lost
a further six eggs; in next to no time another six were laid, by
which time the nest was safely covered with wire netting;
(DD i duly hatched, but the bird laid 21 to achieve this
A hen Cuckoo of the scarce rufous colour phase was seen
with a cock bird at Scalloway, Shetland, on 25th June (DWO).
On 23rd April the first Swallow returned to Lundin Links,
Fife. A few weeks earlier the electric wires which ran along
1963 CURRENT NOTES 447
the side of the road had been removed, but the poles remained.
The Swallow approached to within eighteen inches of one of
the poles and hovered for a few seconds in an obvious attempt
to perch where the wire had previously been. Unless the bird
recognised the pole as a place where it ought to find wires to
perch upon, it seems that it must have remembered the wires
from the previous year (RSW).
A hen Blackbird at Robroyston Hospital, Glasgow, on 30th
June had a broad white ring round the nape and throat, and
from the front it resembled a Ring Ouzel (BZ). In Paisley a
pure white Blackbird has been resident for at least five years
and raised several broods all of which appeared normal,
although a cock with several white tail feathers was seen
half a mile away on 19th May (RAJ). Albinism is very
common in this species.
In 1960 and 1962 a hen Blackbird, presumably the same one
as it had almost no tail in each of these years, indulged in
multiple nest building in Paisley. In 1960 it had a nest seven
feet up in a lime tree; a few days later it built by itself a nest
three feet off the ground in a hedge about 100 feet away; no
eggs were laid in the first nest but three in the second; it
did not incubate these, but within a few days began work on
four new nests all at the same time; these were in four
identical ventilating holes in the gable end of a brick out-
building; no eggs were laid in them. The bird then disappeared
until 1962, when it returned to work on a new set of four
nests facing the old ones, the remains of which could still
be seen in the building opposite; it abandoned these after a
week of frenzied straw collecting and began a nest several
feet above its old one in the lime tree, later abandoning this
too and disappearing, much to the relief of the observer (RAJ).
A completely white fledgling Starling was seen with a brood
of normal ones in Dumfries on 28th May, and an aberrant
cock Chaffinch at Glencaple on 16th April had the entire
plumage orange-buff, as on the breast of a normal bird, but
bill and legs were normal (ELR).
Correction
The ten Tree Sparrows on 12th December 1962 (antea 2: 382)
were seen at Symington, Ayrshire, not at Symington, Lanark-
shire (GAR).
448 REVIEWS 2(7)
REVIEWS
A SAILOR’S GUIDE To OCEAN BIRDS: ATLANTIC AND MEDITERRAN-
EAN. (Bosun Books No. 18). By Ted Stokes. Illustrated by
Keith Shakleton, London, Adlard Coles, 1963. Pp. 64; 19
figures. 6/-.
A simple, attractively produced little elementary guide
suitable for inexperienced people, especially children, with
a passing interest in the seabirds seen during a long voyage.
There are three parts: first a simple recognition table accord-
ing to size, appearance and area; second, brief descriptions of
all species expected, with illustrations of the commoner
ones; and third a list of species by James Fisher. The accounts
of species are much more sketchy than those in Peterson’s
Field Guides for both sides of the North Atlantic, or especi-
ally W. B. Alexander’s Birds of the Ocean, first of all field
guides and still the only one devoted to all seabirds, and which
Mr Stokes seems to regard as an American production. Mr
Shakleton’s half-tone drawings of the more familiar species
are pleasant to look upon but lack the diagnostic detail pro-
vided by Peterson. The recognition tables lack the detail pro-
vided in the rather clumsy arrangement of groups of descrip-
tions of similar species given by Alexander, and seem much
less helpful than the analagous juxtaposition of drawings of
similar species practised by Peterson, while as usual in field
guides insufficient allowance is made for the occurrence of
variations in plumage with season and age. Mr. Fisher follows
the current fashion for combining species of seabirds and
changing their names; I feel myself that he goes too far when
he starts to combine species of albatrosses (the two Sooty
Albatrosses nest alongside each other on Marion Island), or
refers to the “Tristan Great Shearwater”.
W. R. P. Bourne.
PEOPLE OF THE FOREST. By Hans Lidman. Translated from the
Swedish. Edinburgh and London, Oliver & Boyd, 1963.
Pp. 191; 143 photographs. 42/-.
This is a translation from the work of a well known
Swedish naturalist and photographer. His object, achieved
with considerable success, is to convey an impression of the
life and atmosphere of a forest in northern Sweden, probably
near the Finnish border, through the changing seasons. He
combines photography with an episodic text. The latter com-
prises twenty-one vignettes, each of some three to four pages,
describing fictional incidents in the lives of forest creatures;
1963 REVIEWS 449
many events are made to centre upon the activities of Enok,
a trapper.
The photographs, occupying about two-thirds of the book,
are excellent. Many are strikingly parallel to, and perhaps in-
spired by, the paintings of forest life executed by the great
Swedish artist Bruno Liljefors (1860-1941). Sixty-two of the
total show us 18 species of birds, over half of them familiar
in Scotland. Mammals come a close second numerically, and
the balance ranges over a smaller selection of reptiles, insects,
flowers, and scenery of forest and lake. There are several
unusual and spectacular action sequences; outstanding among
these is the series of high-speed pictures of a day-old Golden-
eye duckling frozen at various stages of its flight to the
ground from the nesting hole, braking with tiny wings and
webbed feet. We are shown dancing Cranes, their nest and
young; a superb series of a Black-throated Diver; a sequence
of a dragonfly emerging from its larval skin; Capercaillies
strutting in display. Variety in techniques avoids monotony.
Thus much use is made of more than life-size enlargement;
a whole page devoted to an Eagle Owl’s eyes and beak, or to
the soft outlines of a white hare’s features, convey well the
extremes of ferocity and quietude.
Though the descriptive incidents carry the ring of accurate
observation, the book sets out to be non-scientific, and some-
times this desirable simplicity is carried rather far. Thus in
photographs of a young “gull”, a “bat”, and a “lizard” we are
not told the species. Likewise with some, but not all, of the
pictures and text about owls. Five plates show animal tracks,
but we are left to guess their identity. Even accepting that
only a cross-section of People of the Forest are being spot-
lighted, there are some unexpected omissions. Thus while
wolverine and bear each have an episodic chapter to them-
selves there are photographs of neither, It is disappointing
too, that though he mentions them in the text Mr Lidman has
not turned his marked skill towards including elk and Black
Woodpecker, both so photogenic and such magnificent
features of the area portrayed.
The dominant theme however, so successfully conveyed, is
that the continuous forest process of death from predators,
from cold, from starvation, brought out in the text, is never-
theless throughout associated with beauty, whose impact is
the task of the photographs. These can, as a collection to keep,
be looked at with renewed pleasure many times over.
D. C. ANDERSON.
450 CORRESPONDENCE 2(7)
CORRESPONDENCE
SIR,
Sandwich and Roseate Terns on the Farne Islands
With reference to G. L. Sandeman’s recent paper on
“Roseate and Sandwich Tern Colonies in the Firth of Forth
and neighbouring areas” (antea 2: 286-293), it is now possible
to give the 1962 breeding figures for the Farne Islands. These
are: Roseate Tern 27-32 pairs, Sandwich Tern 1,478 pairs.
At the same time some minor errors in the pre-1930 Farne
Island records of Sandwich Terns should be pointed out.
First, the figure of 300 pairs (page 287, line 34) relates to 1896,
and not to 1886. Second, it is not correct to state that after
1897 there were no further breeding reports until 1925. There
were certainly colonies, and apparently fairly large ones, in
the period 1911-14, and evidence suggests that before and after
this the birds nested annually, Information, especially for
the earlier years, is not easy to obtain, but I think there is no
doubt that the Farnes were not deserted by the Sandwich
Terns for any long period during the years from 1850 to 1925.
After an extensive search for additional evidence I have been
able to find the following references:
1. G. Marples. “Sea Terns or Sea Swallows,” 1934. Records Sandwich
Terns numerous and breeding on six of the Farne Islands in 1856; only
200 nests in 1867; colony present in 1870; colonies on Wide-opens and
Knoxes in 1885; enormous increase in 1892 with at least 2,400 nests re-
ported; on Wide-opens and Knoxes in 1909 and 1911, spreading to
Brownsman in 1912; on same islands in 1913 with 1,000 nests on Browns-
man; great numbers in 1918 with 1,000-1,200 nests on Knoxes; back to
Brownsman by 1921; temporary desertion in 1923. How reliable some
of these counts may be one can only guess, and a reference to a raid in
1923 (p. 211) seems to be a year out, but the series bears out the idea
that there was nearly always a colony on the islands.
2. T. R. Goddard’s manuscript cards in my possession include ex-
tracts from the migration reports of J. A. Harvie-Brown and others
which indicate that Sandwich Terns nested annually from 1880 to 1887,
the reports giving arrival and departure dates and occasionally referring,
as in 1887, to hundreds of terns about the nesting places.
3. G. Bolam, “Birds of Northumberland and the Eastern Borders,”
1912, p. 607. The Sandwich Tern is described as “a common summer
visitant, breeding annually at the Farne Islands,” and the 1896 figure
of 300 pairs is cited.
4. R. Fortune. The Birds of the Farne Islands. “The Naturalist” 1907:
234-238. Records nesting on Knoxes. in 1907.
5. E. Miller. A list of birds observed on the Outer Farnes, season 1911-
1914. “Vasculum” 1: 97-99. “Nests in numbers on the Knoxes and oc-
casionally visits outer islands. One egg laid 1913 on the Brownsman but
destroyed by gulls.” E, Miller’s original diaries in the Hancock Museum,
Newcastle, support these statements, and suggest that the birds attemp-
ted to nest on the Brownsman as early as 1911. There were 200 ringed on
the Farnes in 1913, and 258 in 1914 on the Knoxes alone. The diary refers
to an article on “Disappearing British Birds” by A. P. Machline
1963 451
PLATE 22. OSPREY landing on its eyrie, Inshriach, Inverness-shire, June 1965
(see page 455).
Photograph by J. A. McCook.
452 CORRESPONDENCE 2(7)
(“Countryside” 14th April 1906) which says, “The Sandwich Tern is
practically confined to the Farne Islands where it is rigorously protected.
The colony now numbers some hundreds and Seebohm states that on
his visit in 1870 the nests averaged one to the square yard whilst on
a subsequent visit to another part of the island he found them placed
so close together as to render it impossible to avoid treading on the
eggs.”
6. G. Watt. “‘The Farne Islands,” 1951, pp. 122, 217. Recoveries of birds
ringed in 1913 and 1914 are given, and reference is made to Sandwich
Terns laying in 1922 but being much harried by visitors; the desertion
at this time lasted for only a year or two.
7. M. G. S. Best. Letter in “British Birds” 15: 71) InpjumeMO2ieSande
wich Terns were breeding very numerously on the Brownsman.
8. The Minutes of a Conference on 18th January 1923 concerning the
purchase of the islands refer to eggs laid in 1922 being taken as soon
as they appeared, though the birds persisted for some weeks.
9. F. C. R. Jourdain reviewing “A History of the Birds of Norfolk”
in 1931 (“British Birds” 24: 228) remarks that, “It is, however, a some-
what strange anomaly that the presence of the Sandwich Tern on the
Norfolk coast is almost certainly due to the wholesale raiding of their
homes on the Farnes for a short period when the protective system
broke down, and completely unsettled the birds for a time.”
10. A Report of the Secretary of the Farne Island Association shows
that they were back in large numbers on the Brownsman in 1925, and I
think they must have been there in 1924 from the wording of the report.
GRACE HICKLING.
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Black Grouse. At the request of the Forestry Commission,
the Nature Conservancy Unit of Grouse and Moorland Ecology
is investigating the distribution and status of blackgame in
Scotland, and the damage done by these birds to trees. A
questionnaire is being circulated to foresters and other people
who may help. If any member of the S.O.C. would like to
assist with this enquiry will he or she please write to David
Jenkins, Nature Conservancy Unit of Grouse and Moorland
Ecology, Blackhall, Banchory, Kincardineshire.
Birds of Ayrshire. G. A. Richards, 29 Fullarton Road,
Prestwick, Ayrshire, is compiling a check-list of Ayrshire
birds, and would be grateful for any unpublished notes.
Rock Doves. While many pigeons frequenting the Scottish
coast are obvious mongrels, especially in the south, there are
some apparently true Rock Doves (showing two distinct black
wing bars and a white rump) in most places. Counts of these
and all coastal pigeons are wanted, and details can be had
from Roy Hewson, 170 Mid Street, Keith, Banffshire.
1963.
OFFICIAL .SECTION 453
SEETCIAL (SECTELON
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
HOTEL DUNBLANE, PERTHSHIRE
25th to 27th October 1963
PROGRAMME
Friday 25th October :
5 to 7.30 and
8.30 to 9.30 p.m.
6.15 p.m.
8 to 9 p.m.
9 p.m.
9.30 p.m. to
midnight.
Conference Office in the Hotel Dunblane opens for
members and guests to register, collect name cards and
Annual Dinner tickets.
Meeting of Council.
FILMS introduced by C. E. Palmar. “The Living Pattern”
by The Nature Conservancy; “Highland Heronry” by C.
E. Palmar; and “Marsh and Water Birds in Denmark”
by F. Gordon Hollands.
EXCURSION: PLANS. Leaders will describe the places
to be visited on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Lounges available for informal discussions and refresh-
ments (late licence).
Saturday 26th October :
8.45 to 9.15 a.m.
9.20 a.m.
9.30 a.m.
Hl a.m.
-30 a.m.
1 to 2 p.m.
2 to 5.30 p.m.
6.15 p.m.
Conference Office open for registrations.
Official Opening of the Conference in the Ballroom.
ADDRESS. OF WELCOME by Archibald McLellan,
Esq., Provost of Dunblane.
LECTURE. “Birds of Prey and their Environment” by
Dr Kai Curry-Lindahl (Zoological Department, Nord-
iska Museet & Skansen, Stockholm) followed by dis-
cussion.
INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
FILM. “Flamingoes of the World” filmed and introduced
in person by Dr Roger Tory Peterson (National Audubon
Society, New York, U.S.A.).
INTERVAL for informal lunches.
EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the Conference
Hotel car park. Details of the excursions will be posted
in the Conference Office.
27th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB
in the Ballroom.
BUSINESS:
(1) Apologies for absence.
(2) Approval of Minutes of 26th Annual General Meet-
ing of the Club held in Dunblane on 27th October
1962 (see “Scottish Birds” 2: 271-272).
(3) Report of Council for Session 26.
(4) Approval of Accounts for Session 26.
(5) Appointment of Auditor.
(6) Election of President of the Club. Professor M. F.
M. Meiklejohn, having completed three years term
of office. is due to retire. The Council recommend
454 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(7)
the election of Dr I. D. Pennie.
(7) Election of Vice-President. The Council recom-
mend the election of Dr W. J. Eggeling to succeed
Dr Pennie.
(8) Confirmation of the election of M. K. Hamilton
as Hon. Treasurer of the Club.
(9) Election of new members of Council. The Council
recommend the following elections:
J. H. B. Munro and Dr D. H. Mills to replace A. G.
S. Bryson and Lt. Col. J. P. Grant who are due to
retire by rotation.
G. L. A. Patrick to replace G. H. Acklam who has
gone abroad.
C. K. Mylne to replace Dr W. J. Eggeling, and A. J.
Smith to replace A. T. Macmillan, who as Editor of
the Journal is now an ex-officio member of Council.
(10) Consideration of the following proposed amendment
to the Constitution under 4 (h) Financial Year: that
the words “The Financial Year of the Club shall end
on 3lst August” shall be deleted and in their place
shall be substituted “The Financial Year of the Club
shall end on 30th June.”
(11) Any other competent business.
7.30 for 8 pm. ANNUAL DINNER in the Diningroom of the Hotel
Dunblane (Dress informal).
Sunday 27th October :
9.30 a.m. LECTURE. “The Threat of Toxic Chemicals to Wild-
life’ by Stanley Cramp (Senior Editor of “British
Birds” and Chairman of the B.T.O./R.S.P.B. Joint
Committee on Toxic Chemicals), followed by dis-
cussion.
1h asm. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
11.30 a.m. FILM. “The Island Hills’ (Ecology of the Scottish
Islands) filmed and introduced by F. Gordon Hol-
lands.
Lito Zapam: INTERVAL for informal lunches.
2 p.m. EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the Conference
Hotel car park.
INFORMATION
Please read this carefully.
(1) Conference Post Card. In order to simplify arrangements it is essen-
tial that members intending to be present should complete the enclosed
printed post card and send it to the Club Secretary not later than 21st
October. Owing to limited seating accommodation the Council regrets that
members may invite only one guest each to the Annual Dinner.
(2) Registration. Everyone attending the Conference must register (10s
each) at the Conference Office on arrival (for opening times, see Pro-
gramme). Members wishing to attend only the Annual General Meeting
do not require to pay the registration fee, which covers incidental expen-|
ses. |
(3) Annual Dinner. Tickets for the Annual Dinner (price 16s 6d inclus-—
ive of gratuities) should be purchased when registering on arrival. Mem- |
bers and guests staying in the Conference Hotel will be charged for the
Annual Dinner in their inclusive hotel bill, but must obtain a ticket from
1963 OFFICIAL SECTION 455
the Conference Office as all tickets will be collected at the Annual Dinner.
No payments should be made in advance to the office in Edinburgh.
(4) Morning Coffee. As the special Conference charge in the Hotel
Dunblane now covers mid-morning coffees, with other extras (see Hotel
Accommodation below), the hotel staff have assumed responsibility for
collecting the cost of morning coffees (1s 6d) from non-residents after
serving. Members and guests who are not staying in the hotel are there-
fore asked for their co-operation so that there will be no undue delay in
the Interval.
(5) Luncheon. Non-residents will be able to obtain luncheon in the
Conference Hotel on Saturday and Sunday and are asked to inform the
Hotel Reception Desk in good time if they wish to avail themselves of
this arrangement.
(6) Dinner on Friday Evening. Dinner is served in the Conference Hotel
from 6 to 10 p.m.
(7) Hotel Reservations. All reservations must be made direct. Owing to
the shortage of single rooms, members are urged to make arrangements
to share a room with a friend.
(8) Swimming Pool. The indoor swimming pool in the Conference Hotel
will be available during the weekend at no extra charge.
(9) Excursions. Members are asked to provide private cars if possible
and to arrange to fill their passenger seats; to avoid congestion in the
car park the minimum number of cars will be used. Petrol expenses
should be shared. Maps of the area covered are O.S. 1” maps, Old Edition
Nos. 62, 63, 66, and 67, and New Edition Nos. 53, 54, 55, 60, and 61. Mem-
bers wishing to go out on their own are particularly asked not to go in
advance of led excursions to avoid disturbing the birds.
(10) Exhibit of books, etc. A selection of new ornithological books from
the Club Book Shop will be displayed in the Conference Office for pur-
chase or orders. R.S.P.B. and B.T.O. literature will also be on sale.
(11) Exhibit of binoculars, telescopes etc. Charles Frank Ltd. of Glasgow
have agreed to mount a small exhibit of binoculars and telescopes suit-
able for bird-watchers. These will be on view in the Conference Office.
Mr Arthur Frank will be present on Sunday morning to give advice.
Hotel Accommodation in Dunblane
DUNBLANE HOTEL HYDRO (now called HOTEL DUNBLANE) (Tel.
3161). Special Conference charge: £4, 16s Od. This includes accommo-
dation and all meals from Friday dinner until Sunday luncheon, the
Annual Dinner, after-meal coffee, morning coffee and early morning
tea. A 73% gratuity charge will be added to all bills.
Residents staying part of the weekend will be charged as follows:
room and breakfast 32s 6d, dinner 12s 6d, (or 16s 6d for the Annual
Dinner, paid to the Conference Office), luncheon 7s 6d, afternoon tea
3s 6d, after-meal coffee 1s, early morning tea 1s, morning coffee and
biscuits ls 6d.
STIRLING ARMS HOTEL (Tel. 2156). Bed and breakfast from 25s.
*THE NEUK PRIVATE HOTEL, Doune Road (Tel. 2150). Bed and
breakfast 18s 6d to 19s 6d.
*SCHIEHALLION HOTEL, Doune Road (Tel. 3141). Bed and breakfast
18s 6d to 2ls.
BLAIRALAN, Dargie Terrace (Tel. 3196). Bed and breakfast 17s 6d to
18s 6d.
{ARDLEIGHTON HOTEL (Tel. 2273). Bed and breakfast 15s to 17s 6d.
*These hotels are some distance from the Conference Hotel.
qSituated near the Conference Hotel gates.
456 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(7)
Hotel Accommodation in Bridge of Allan
ALLAN WATER HOTEL (Tel. Bridge of Allan 2293). Bed and break-
fast 35s to 47s 6d.
ROYAL HOTEL (Tel. Bridge of Allan 2284). Bed and breakfast 33s to
ab SOS:
Members with cars who have difficulty in obtaining single rooms in
Dunblane should find the above two hotels in Bridge of Allan have ample
single accommodation. The distance from Dunblane is about 3 miles.
The terms for hotels. other than the Conference Hotel are quoted as a
guide only and prices should be confirmed.
SUBSCRIPTIONS, DEEDS OF COVENANT AND
BANKERS” ORDERS “ath
Subscriptions for the new Session are now due and should be sent with
the enclosed form to the Club Secretary or paid to Branch Secretaries.
The winter number of “Scottish Birds” will only be issued to paid-up sub-
scribers.
Members are once more reminded that the Club is able to reclaim In-
come Tax on all subscriptions paid under Deed of Covenant, which greatly
benefits Club funds. The Council invites members who pay Income Tax
at the full rate to undertake a seven-year Deed of Covenant by using
the form enclosed. Completed forms should be sent to the Secretary, who
will forward a Certificate of Deduction of Tax for signature each year.
A Bankers’ Order is also enclosed for the use of members who find this
a more convenient way of paying the annual subscription; this should be
returned to the Secretary and not to the Bank.
CLUB BOOK SHOP
The Club has now received recognition from the Publishers Association.
This enables us to obtain new ornithological books from all publishers
at full trade discount. Books are of course sold at the retail price and
the profits are applied to the General Funds of the Club. A stock of new
books comprising over one hundred titles is now available for sale in the
Bird Book Shop which has been opened at the Scottish Centre, and a
selection of these books will be on sale at the Annual Conference.
It is hoped that by establishing the new bookshop we may be able to
give a useful service to members both directly, by stocking a wide selec-
tion of books, and indirectly, by the increase in our revenue. Members
are therefore invited to support this new venture by ordering their books
through the Club. Purchases may be made at the Scottish Centre during
office hours (weekdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.). Books ordered
by post will be sent carriage free, and we will endeavour to obtain any
book which is not in stock. An Order Form giving a selection of the
stock is enclosed with this copy of the Journal.
NEW LENDING LIBRARY
The reconditioning of a new room for the Lending Library (see “Scot-
tish Birds” 2: 396) is now complete, and books and journals are available
on loan. The Lending Section is still not very large although all duplicate
volumes we receive are placed there. We will be very glad to receive gifts
of any books which members do not require with the provision that if
these are already in stock we may dispose of them for the purpose of
buying other books to fill gaps in the collection.
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
All contributions should be sent to Andrew T. Macmillan, 66 Spylaw
Bank Road, Edinburgh 13. Attention to the following points greatly sim-
plifies production of the journal and is much appreciated.
1. Papers should if possible be typed with double spacing. All contri-
butions should be on one side of the paper only.
2. Topical material for Current Notes should reach the Editors before the
end of March, June, September and December, at which time they begin
to compile this section. All other notes should be sent promptly but
important items can be fitted in until a month or so after these dates.
3. 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 :329.
EeceEtine, 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 99:369).
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
meat 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.
EXPERT ADVICE
ON CHOOSING A BINOCULAR FROM
A LARGE SELECTION OF GOOD INSTRUMENTS
G. HUTCHISON & SONS
Phone CAL. 5579
OPTICIANS - - 18 FORREST ROAD, EDINBURGH
Open till 5.30 p.m. on Saturdays : Early closing Tuesday
The London
Natural History Society
This Society, which covers all branches of natural history, has
a strong ornithological section. Lectures, film shows, practical
demonstrations and field meetings are arranged and research
work is undertaken, most, though not all, of these activities
taking place within the Society’s area, that is within a 20 mile
radius of St Paul’s.
The Society operates a ringing station at Beddington and,
jointly with the Kent and Sussex Societies, Dungeness Bird Ob-
servatory.
The London Bird Report, compiled by the Ornithological
Section and published annually, includes papers, facts and
figures of special interest to bird watchers in London.
Further details can be had from the General Secretary :
Mrs L. M. P. Small,
13 Woodfield Crescent,
Ealing, London, W.5.
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Tie
Illustrated is the Official Club Tie,
of which R. W. Forsyth’s are the
sole suppliers. The tie is made
from Terylene with a blue or ' a
green background, and *
the bird motif in
silver. 17/9.
Forsyth’s
also provide
warm clothing
for bird watchers:
gloves, scarves, under- "eas
wear, shoes, caps, weath-
erproof trousers, jerkins, gm
raincoats and overcoats.
R. W. FORSYTH
R. W. Forsyth Ltd. Princes Street Edinburgh And at Glasgow
A Mosaic of Islands
KENNETH WILLIAMSON AND J. MORTON BOYD
Islands have always attracted the traveller and the
naturalist. The authors, both well-known natur-
alists, have recorded here many of the interesting
experiences which they had while studying the
wild life of some of the most inaccessible places
in and around the British Isles. Whaling in the
Faeroe Islands; sea birds of the Shiants, Handa
and Sule Stack, deer husbandry and nature con-
servancy on Rhum; Grey seals on Shillay and
Scarp. These are some of the things and places
they have seen and have written about in this
fascinating account of their travels.
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 2 No. 8 Winter 1963
Edited by A. T. MACMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. Smout. Business Editor, T. C. Smout. Cover Design (Red-breasted
Mergansers) by LEN FULLERTON, Published quarterly.
Editorial
Dr David A. Bannerman. On 29th October 1963 the twelfth
volume of The Birds of the British Isles was published; this
magnificent work is now complete.
To mark the occasion the publishers, Oliver & Boyd, gave
a dinner for Dr Bannerman—an evening which no one who
was there will forget, as sumptuous and beautifully done as
this great set of books. Many of those who had been linked
with the production in one way or another were there, includ-
ing members of that international band of ornithologists whose
contributions have been so successfully incorporated in the
chapters on their chosen species. Their names, and those of
others who wrote expressing their sorrow at not being able
to come, read like an ornithological Who’s Who.
Any other man would be content: yet on the very day The
Birds of the British Isles was published the first volume of
Birds of the Atlantic Islands appeared. Dr Bannerman, Hon-
orary President of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, has our
profound admiration, congratulations and best wishes for
many future volumes.
Analysis of Osprey’s egg. When the Loch Garten Ospreys lost
their nest in a gale last summer it was hoped that a second
pair at Inchriach might be successful. However, these un-
fortunate birds broke one of their eggs when the sitting bird
was frightened suddenly off the eyrie by the irresponsible
behaviour of bird watchers who succeeded in avoiding the
R.S.P.B. watchers and approaching by a devious route much
too close to the nest. The remaining egg never hatched, al-
though the parent birds incubated it for a fortnight beyond
the normal period. As previously reported (antea 2: 435), the
egg was sent for analysis. It was infertile and contained no
embryo: but it did contain residues of chlorinated hydro-
carbons—highly toxic man-made substances used in pesticides.
It is a grim comment on the incautious use that is made of
these persistent poisons that in the present state of knowledge
it is not possible to say whether the concentrations found
were sufficient to cause infertility or not.
458 EDITORIAL 2(8)
One can only guess how these chlorinated hydrocarbons
got into the Osprey and its egg, but presumably the bird
derived them from its diet of fish; which got them from eating
plants or insects; which were either directly treated or accum-
ulated the poison from the slow drainage off the surrounding
countryside. Evidence is mounting that we are gradually
poisoning the whole environment. This is reflected in the fact
that more and more often it is proving impossible to say for
certain which of several possible sources is responsible in
cases of damage to animal life.
Conference resolution. The S.O.C. Conference at Dunblane at
the end of October was as worthwhile as ever, enlivened by
the presence of various famous ornithologists from northern
Europe and America as well as the usual contingents of old
friends from England and Ireland. —
For many people the talking point of the weekend was
Stanley Cramp’s brilliant and sobering summary of “The
threat of toxic chemicals to wildlife.” With a fine grasp of his
material, and never overstating his case nor allowing emotion
to colour his presentation of the facts, he led us stage by stage
through the events and growing alarm of recent years. A
thought-provoking point was, as indicated above, that whereas
in recent years when birds died from the effects of chlorinated
hydrocarbons and other agricultural poisons it was usually
possible to guess how they had acquired them, yet today it
is frequently impossible—so widespread and varied are the
possible sources. It is feared that the land is gradually soaking
up these persistent and highly dangerous substances every-
where, even in the towns, where suburban amateur gardeners
are unwittingly using inadequately labelled preparations
containing them. In the United States of America the admin-
istration has now accepted the need for stringent control on
the use of these chemicals and has adopted the aim of work-
ing towards an eventual complete ban on their use when
effective substitutes can be found.
It was agreed that on behalf of the meeting Professor M. F.
M. Meiklejohn and Dr Ian D. Pennie, Chairman and Vice-
Chairman respectively of the Club, should send the following
urgent message to the Secretary of State for Scotland:
“A representative meeting, assembled in Dunblane, of over 200 mem-
bers of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club strongly presses the Govern-
ment, as a matter of urgency, to adopt a policy which will ultimately
lead to the complete withdrawal of all chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides,
and to the immediate restriction of their use in agriculture, forestry,
horticulture and private gardening.”
A.B.M.A.C. Not only natural history interests are thinking
about chlorinated hydrocarbons, though naturally the manu-
facturers of these chemicals tend to look at the facts from a
different angle. Recent publicity has done something to draw
1963 EDITORIAL 459
attention to the widespread public concern about the problems
and dangers. The Association of British Manufacturers of
Agricultural Chemicals, representing nearly all the British
producers, has recently appointed a full-time information
officer to deal with enquiries. This body is concerned, among
other things, with the safety and efficiency of the industry’s
products.
At a recent meeting of representatives of the Nature Con-
servancy, B.T.O., Council for Nature, Game Research Associa-
tion, R.S.P.B. and A.B.M.A.C. it was agreed to set up two joint
working committees. The first will meet regularly to study
problems of wild life and agricultural chemicals and recom-
mend practical measures to solve these; the second will deal
with communication and education in the safe use of chemi-
cals. This certainly seems a step in the right direction.
Egg collector fined. Unst is an island which receives more
than its share of egg collectors from the south. In June Der-
rick Glover, a Derby man, was intercepted by police and
found to be in possession of nearly 100 eggs, including no
fewer than 32 of the Whimbrel; he was fined £30 in Lerwick
Sheriff Court and the eggs forfeited. They will be given to
the new Shetland museum. Glover was suspected of being a
collector of Whimbrels’ eggs when he was in Unst, and a re-
port to the police enabled them to stop him in Lerwick.
Current literature. The interest for Scottish readers of the
following important papers published in recent months will
be apparent from their titles:
Migration in the Outer Hebrides studied by radar. By the
late S. L. B. Lee (edited by D. Lack). Ibis 105: 493-515.
The status of the Peregrine in Great Britain. By D. A.
Ratcliffe. Bird Study 10: 56-90.
The status of the Kittiwake in the British Isles. By J. C.
Coulson. Bird Study 10: 147-179.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE FULMAR
AT ST KILDA
W. E. WATERS
Introduction
The oldest and largest colony of the Fulmar in the British
Isles is on St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides. The history of this
colony has been well documented (see Fisher 1952). During
my residence on Hirta between May 1961 and September 1962
I made observations on the Fulmar’s annual cycle. The status
of the Fulmar at St Kilda as given in the literature is reviewed
and recent observations made during the years 1957 to 1960
are recorded. My own observations during the winter of 1961-
460 THE FULMAR AT ST KILDA 2(8)
62 are given in detail. The Fulmar’s autumn absence from St
Kilda is now longer than past records indicate and is at var-
iance with the usual behaviour of a large Fulmar colony
(Fisher 1952). The change in habits is discussed but no con-
clusion is reached as to the reason for it.
This paper also gives counts of Fulmars on a small stretch
of cliff on Dun which show a striking reduction in numbers
in early May 1962. Observations are given on the interesting
“inland” colony in Glen Mor.
THE AUTUMN ABSENCE OF THE FULMAR
All published observations of the Fulmar on St Kilda, from
the visit of Martin Martin in 1697 to the evacuation of the
islanders in 1930, agree that the Fulmar left the cliffs at the
end of August and during September and that only odd birds
remained into October. The return to the breeding cliffs took
place in October or November. Evidence for these dates comes
from numerous sources and the principal references are
summarised in Table 1. Fulmars were then present about the
cliffs for the whole of the winter except perhaps during high
winds. For nearly thirty years after the evacuation, St Kilda,
remote and uninhabited, was visited by naturalists only occa-
sionally and then only during the summer months. When men
again lived on the island in 1957, and over-wintered, a change
was noticed in the Fulmar’s departure dates. This was record-
ed by Williamson and Boyd (1960) who found the Fulmar
common throughout September and recorded that the birds
did not leave until a gale on 1st November 1957. They returned
in large numbers on 20th November and then remained on
the cliffs except for brief spells in stormy weather.
Dr David Boddington (pers. comm.) made detailed Fulmar
observations during the winter of 1958-59. He found that Ful-
mars remained on the cliffs in large numbers throughout
September, October and November and that they were
present at the Gap on 5th December. Fulmars were then
absent from 6th until 30th December when one solitary bird
was seen far out to sea towards Boreray. On 3lst December
Dr Boddington found Fulmars present over the cliffs and
some were landing in the evening. During January and the
first two weeks of February 1959, they were noted on only
two dates and none was seen on the cliffs. Fulmars were
present again on 15th February. 15th April was the last date
during the winter of 1958-59 on which no Fulmars were seen
on the cliffs.
Dr J. B. Gallacher (pers. comm.) found that considerable
numbers of Fulmars remained throughout October 1960 al-
though the numbers decreased on stormy days. Only small
numbers were seen during the first week in November and
1963 THE FULMAR AT ST KILDA 461
TABLE 1
The autumn absence of the Fulmar from St Kilda as given by
the more important authorities before the evacuation in 1930.
Dates, except for Mackenzie and Murray, refer to the year in
which the records were published, usually a year after the
author visited St Kilda
Year Authority Nature Arrival and departure dates
of evidence
1698 Martin From St “comes in November...is the only
Kildans sea-fowl that stays...all the year
round, except the month of Sep-
tember and part of October.” These
dates are before the calendar cor-
rection of 1752; eleven days should
be added.
1829- Mackenzie Own observa- “Almost resident ...Only leave about
1843 tions the middle of August and return
early in October*... They are only
away about five or six weeks.”
1878 Sands Partly own “The Fulmars (all but a few in-
observations valids) leave St Kilda about the
end of August, and return about
the 10th of November.”
1886- Murra Own observa- “Fulmars leaving the island” on
1887 mh tions 26th August. “Fulmars now begin
to return to the island’ on 12th
October.
1887 Connell Mainly second- “found on the island all the year
hand informa- round, with the exception of the
tion period between the end of August
and the middle of November.”
1900 Heathcote Secondhand “September and October are the
information only months when they are not to
be seen on the rocks of their native
home.”
1903 Wiglesworth Secondhand None seen “from about the end of
information. August” until “they begin to return
about the beginning of October...
remain all the winter.”
1912 Clarke Own observa- Fulmars were “far less numerous
tions to 8th on the 25th (Sept), and all had
Oct 1910 and gone... by the end of the month
12th Oct 1911 ... Lhey return after a month’s ab-
sence, and remain all the winter.”
*Fisher (1952) thinks this is an error for November. However, Murray
and Wiglesworth also record a return in early October.
462 THE FULMAR AT ST KILDA 2(8)
then none at all until 18th November when the cliffs were
“absolutely covered ” with Fulmars. They had disappeared
next day and none was seen until another large return to the
cliffs of the Gap, Conachair, Ruaival and Dun on 2nd Decem-
ber; again all had left by the following day. No more Fulmars
were seen prior to Dr Gallacher’s departure on 11th Decem-
er
My observations during the winter of 1961-62 have been
briefly mentioned (Waters 1962) but are given here in more
detail. Some Fulmars started leaving the vicinity of the
island during August 1961 and more than half had gone by
the middle of September. High winds usually reduced num-
bers on the cliffs but increased the number flying over Vil-
lage Bay. Not all fluctuations, however, could be related to
the weather. Several hundred Fulmars remained on the Vil-
lage Bay side of Dun throughout September but decreased
during early October. They remained longest on the Dun side
of Caolas an Duin but had disappeared from here by 18th
October in gradually deteriorating weather. On Hirta Fulmar
numbers fluctuated considerably during October. On
8th October, with a force 5 _ south-easterly wind
blowing, the cliffs of Conachair and those below the
Gap were tenanted by nearly as many Fulmars as at any
other time of the year. On most October days, however, less
than 10°% of their maximum numbers were to be seen, al-
though Fulmars never completely disappeared from the main
cliffs before my departure on 20th October.
On my return to Hirta on 1st December 1961 I gathered that
Fulmars had been seen only occasionally and in small num-
bers during November. Despite scanning the horizon with
binoculars each day I saw no Fulmars at all during December
and none in January until the 3lst, when about three thousand
were seen from the Gap, out towards Boreray, all moving
north-west but none within three-quarters of a mile of Hirta.
A few days before this, on 26th January, Fulmars had been
reported as “fairly numerous” on a crossing from the Sound
of Harris to near St Kilda. It was not possible to relate the
complete absence of the Fulmar from the seas immediately
around St Kilda for nearly two months to weather conditions
throughout this period. The winter of 1961-62 was very stormy
but just before Christmas there was a spell of eleven days of
fine anticyclonic weather with light winds. In this sunny
weather the towering cliffs of the islands looked strangely
deserted without a single Fulmar in sight.
During the first two weeks of February no Fulmars were
seen except for about 100 on 8th and 10 on 14th, far out over
the sea. On 18th February a massive return occurred. There
were in the order of twenty thousand Fulmars flying around
1963 THE FULMAR AT ST KILDA 463
the island that day and they were seen ashore for the first
time in 1962, a total of about a hundred being noted on the
cliffs of Dun, Ruaival, Cambir and Conachair. More were
ashore on the following days, but D. W. Wilson reported that
on 23rd February the Fulmars left as suddenly as they had
come, although the weather conditions were improving. None
was seen for at least twelve days (D. W. Wilson, pers. comm.),
but when I returned to Hirta on 19th March Fulmars were
present in full or nearly full numbers. Their numbers de-
creased with high winds and snow on 29th March and none
was seen on Ruaival or Dun on 3lst when the islands were
covered with snow down to sea-level. None was seen in Glen
Bay or on the Cambir on Ist April. Their return to Ruaival
and Dun started on the 4th and gradually built up until 7th
April when they were at full strength and thereafter, except
for the May exit, they remained ashore in large numbers for
the summer. In 1962 Fulmars again started leaving the island
in August, and less than a quarter remained when I left on
dth September. More observations are desirable as the past
five years have shown some considerable variations but cer-
tainly some Fulmars are remaining on the island later in the
autumn than formerly, and the return to the cliffs may not
now occur until February.
MAY EXIT
The May exit was probably known to the St Kildans, as
Connell (1887) recorded that the Fulmar was “to be found on
the island all the year round, with the exception of the period
between the end of August and the middle of November, and
for a few days in spring.” This is the only reference to this
spring departure that I can trace for St Kilda.
In the spring of 1962 the number of Fulmars sitting on an
easily identifiable section of low cliff on Dun (near Glasgeir)
was counted up to five times a day between 11th April and
15th May. On any one day numbers usually remained fairly
constant though they were often rather lower in the early
morning (before 0800 hrs) and in the late evening (after 1900
hrs). Figure 1 shows the number of individual Fulmars coun-
ted each day between 0800 and 0900 hrs. It shows a marked
reduction in numbers between 15th and 18th April. Venables
and Venables (1955) have reported similar fluctuations in all
months between November and April in Shetland. This re-
duction on 16th and 17th April rather surprisingly coincided
with fairly calm weather. The lowest numbers on St Kilda
occurred, however, between lst and 10th May, after which
the colony continued to recover until 15th May. This May
exit was not related to the force or direction of the wind nor
to temperature fluctuations.
464 THE FULMAR “AT ST’ KILDA 2(8)
SS) TEMPERARURE==?r
7+ WIND FORCE - BEAUFORT
NUMBER OF Jf FULMARS
—~
EF NO-COUNT MAD
igen 26°38 BOR Seas
APRIL MAY
Figure 1. The May exit of the Fulmar, St Kilda, 1962. The number
of Fulmars on a stretch of low cliff on Dun each day between 0800
and 0900 hrs GMT from 11th April to 15th May, compared with
the wind force (Beaufort Scale) and screen temperature (°F) at 0900
hrs GMT in Village Glen.
1963 THE FULMAR AT ST KILDA 465
Similar May exits-have been recorded immediately before
egg-laying in Shetland by the Venables (1955) and on Eyn-
hallow in Orkney (Dunnet et al 1963). The St Kilda exodus
was a week earlier than that observed on Eynhallow in 1962
when the lowest counts (which included Fulmars flying im-
mediately off-shore) were obtained from 9th to 16th May. The
number of eggs laid in the study area on Dun (which faces
north-east) was not determined. My highest count of sitting
Fulmars was 52 at 1300 hrs on 21st April. The minimum was
eight at 1700 hrs on 3rd May and therefore represents just
over 15°% of the maximum during the period covered. As
the number of Fulmars at the breeding cliffs may not reach
its maximum even in late May these St Kilda observations
certainly show a more marked reduction in numbers than
the May dip given by Fisher (1952, p. 343), and are similar to
the data of the Venables (1955) and Dunnet et al (1963).
THE GLEN MOR COLONY
At St Kilda the Fulmar is widely distributed around the
coastal cliffs but is not found inland as it is on North Rona
and some other islands. The only exception to this is a small
colony on the Mullach Bi ridge overlooking Glen Mor where
a score of pairs were first recorded in 1956. The first evidence
of breeding at this “inland” cliff was obtained by Dr D. G.
Boddington (pers. comm.) who found at least three young
and one egg in a dozen or so occupied sites on 5th July 1959.
I found one young Fulmar there on 23rd August 1961. The
‘greatest number seen at this site in 1962 was 42 sitting birds
on 28th April and a further ten flying close by. No eggs or
‘young were seen in 1962, although Fulmars were not flushed
from occupied sites, and these cliffs were deserted by 12th
August.
5 DISCUSSION
- Observations on the status of the Fulmar at St Kilda during
the autumns and winters since 1957 are clearly at variance
with the remarkably consistent accounts in the older litera-
ture. Although some birds leave the vicinity of St Kilda dur-
ing August many now appear to remain into October and
November. Fulmars then appear to be away for much of the
‘winter; at least this was so in 1958-59 and 1961-62, the winters
for which the most detailed records are available. Occasional
flocks of Fulmars are seen at sea in all winter months, and
‘landings in comparatively small numbers have been recorded
-In December in most recent years (but not in 1961). Doubtless
many landings pass unobserved owing to the many miles of
coastline and to all observers being resident in the Village
area away from most of the island cliffs, although Fulmars
would be readily visible on the sheltered side of Dun. How-:
466 THE FULMAR AT ST KILDA 2(8)
ever, most excursions were made in the better weather con-
ditions, on days when winter landings would be more likely
to occur.
The reason for the longer autumn exit (now really a winter
absence) is not readily apparent. It is at variance with the
general rule that the length of exit is related to colony size,
the largest colomies having the shortest period of absence.
Davis (1961) has shown that on Fair Isle the autumn exit has
been shortened and is now “virtually confined to a diminution
of numbers in the second half of September’; that is, the island
is not completely deserted for any period. The Fulmars on
Fair Isle are increasing and Davis thinks this shortened exit
may be related to competition for nest sites. Although the
absence is longer at St Kilda there is certainly no evidence
for any decrease in the Fulmar population. Fisher (1952) has
shown that their numbers were stable up to 1939, since when
there has been an increase. This increase was perhaps related
to the absence of human predation and it seems likely that
the increase has now slowed down or even that the popula-
tion is steady at the new higher level. Anderson (1957, 1962)
by careful counting estimated 19,415 occupied sites on Hirta
in 1956 and 19,716 five years later. It may be that the small
inland colony in Glen Mor is related to the increase in the St
Kilda Fulmar population although there would appear to be
no shortage of nesting sites on the sea cliffs. It may also be
related to the absence of human predation.
It is interesting that the Guillemot also has apparently
returned later at St Kilda in recent years. Martin Martin
(1698) says the lavy (Guillemot) “comes with a south-west
wind, if fair, the twentieth of February” (this is 3rd March
after the calendar correction of 1752). The Rev. Neil Macken-
zie, minister at St Kilda between 1829 and 1843, another
reliable chronicler, records that the Guillemot “comes in
February” (Mackenzie 1911). In 1887 Guillemots were being
caught for food on 19th March and were said to have arrived
about 8th March (Murray 1887). In contrast all recent records
are much later. The earliest is of a party of five flying east
below the Gap which I saw from a boat on 23rd March 1962.
I saw none on the cliffs until 8th April (1962) when seventy
were above the Tunnel in Glen Bay and these were wary.
There appear to be no records of earlier landings in recent
years.
Having experienced the extreme storminess of a St Kildan
winter one was tempted to try to relate the later arrivals of
Fulmar and Guillemot to wind strength. However storms do
not appear to have been responsible for the long Fulmar ab-
sence in 1961-62; nor do general meteorological data suggest
the present climate to be windier than that of last century,
when most of the Fulmar observations in Table 1 were made.
1963 THE FULMAR AT KILDA 467
No Fulmar landings were observed from lst December 1961
until 18th February 1962. Each day during this period of 79
days I observed at least some sections of cliff where Fulmars
breed. Small-scale landings might have occurred but are
thought unlikely as on most days no Fulmars were seen even
out to sea. This is the longest recorded absence of Fulmars
from the St Kilda cliffs in the history of the archipelago. It
may well have been even longer as continuous observations
were not made in November 1961. Winds of gale force (Beau-
fort Scale, force 8) occurred on 25 of these 79 days. The longest
gale-free period was from 16th December to 6th January (22
days) during which time winds reached force 6 on only three
days. However not a single Fulmar was seen, either about the
cliffs or out to sea, during these 22 days. If the strong winds,
accentuated by the height of the cliffs, are producing the later
return to the breeding cliffs they have also driven the Fulmar
well away from the islands.
It is only since 1957 that detailed meteorological observa-
tions are available for St Klida. The islands have long been
known for their stormy weather but comparisons between
present weather conditions and those of last century are diffi-
cult. I am grateful to H. H. Lamb of the Meteorological Office
for information on wind changes over the past 150 years.
Storminess in the British Isles as a whole has decreased since
about 1930 and this probably applies to the eastern North
Atlantic in latitudes between 50° and 60° N (which includes
St Kilda). Lamb says that there is reason to suppose that the
years since about 1950 resemble the patterns of the nineteenth
century more than they do the earlier part of the present
century. “One would suppose that similar conditions to those
now prevailing could be found by going back into the nine-
teenth century.”
It is possible that the present long winter absence could
be related to the Fulmars’ food. The spread of the Fulmar
has been related to the whaling and trawling industries and
these may have changed their techniques, or geographical
areas of operation, enough to produce the winter absence.
The general warming of the climate from the seventeenth
century to the 1950’s has meant that the prevailing sea tem-
peratures at all seasons of the year have risen gradually.
This rise, which amounts to between 1° and 2°C since 1800
between St Kilda and about 20° W (H. H. Lamb, pers. comm.),
may have affected the distribution of marine organisms and
fish and hence the Fulmars’ food. This, however, would be
likely to alter the behaviour of Fulmars at other colonies,
unless their feeding habits, or their distribution when at sea,
differ from those of the St Kilda stock.
Neither climatic changes nor population factors seem to be
468 THE FULMAR AT ST KILDA 2(8).
directly related to the present longer absence of the Fulmar
from St Kilda. This interesting change in habits does not
appear to have been recorded elsewhere but might be looked
for at other colonies.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am grateful to Dr D. G. Boddington, Dr J. B. Gallacher
and D. W. Wilson for giving me their observations on Fulmars
during autumn and winter, and additionally to Dr Boddington
for his observations on breeding at the Glen Mor colony. My
thanks are due to A. Anderson for reading drafts of this paper.
I am indebted to H. H. Lamb for his information on changes
in climate. .
REFERENCES
ANDERSON, A. 1957. A census of Fulmars on Hirta, St Kilda, in July 1956.
Scot. Nat. 1957: 115-116
ANDERSON, A. 1962. A count of Fulmars on Hirta, St Kilda, in July 1961. Scot.
Nat. 1962: 120-125.
CLARKE, W. EH. 1912. Studies in Bird Migration. London and Edinburgh.
CONNELL, R. 1887. St Kilda and the St Kildans. London and Glasgow.
Davis, P. 1961. The autumn exit of the Fulmar. Fair Isle Bird Obs. Bull. 4: 174-
176.
DUNNET, G. M., ANDERSON, A. & CoRMACK, R.: M. 1963. A study of survival of
adult Fulmars with observations on the pre-laying exodus. Brit. Birds 56:
- 2-18.
FISHER, J. 1952. The Fulmar. London.
HEATHCOTE, N. 1900. St Kilda. London.
MACKENZIE, J. B: 1911. Episode in the life of the Rev. Netl Mackenzie at St
Kilda from 1829 to 1843. Printed privately.
MARTIN, M. 1698. A Late Voyage to St Kilda. London.
Murray, G. 1887. Unpublished diary.
SANDS, J. 1878. Out of the World; or, Life in St Kilda. Edinburgh.
VENABLES, L. S. V. & VENABLES, U. M. 1955. Birds and Mammals of Shetland.
Edinburgh and London.
WATERS, W. E. 1962. The birds of St Kilda—winter 1961-62. Scot. Birds 2: 227-
235.
WIGLESWwoRTH, J. 1905. St Kilda and its Birds. Liverpool.
WILLIAMSON, K. & Boyp, J. M. 1960. St Kilda Summer. London.
SCOTS IN DENMARK
T. C. SMOUT
On the afternoon of 21st August 1963 some two dozen
members of the S.O.C. arrived at the quay at Esbjerg in
western Denmark. It was the first step in a ten-day tour of
Danish reserves and notable bird localities organised by the
Danish Institute in Edinburgh and Copenhagen: what follows
is a brief account of what might be called the first. club outing
outwith Great Britain. The plan of campaign involved stop-
ping a night in Esbjerg itself, a night at Nymindegab on the
doorstep of Tipperne reserve, three nights at Skive in north-
ern Jutland, crossing by night on the ferry to Copenhagen
1963 SCOTS IN DENMARK 469
and spending the rest of the time there. A coach was at our
disposal throughout and everything was facilitated by expert
advice from Dr Finn Salomonsen on where to go, and incred-
ibly good organisation by the Institute in booking hotels,
obtaining permits for our excursions and planning the timing
4 oe itinerary. We were thoroughly spoiled from start to
nish.
The holiday got off with a bang on the first afternoon, when
we drove down to the old city of Ribe, 30 miles south of
Esbjerg, where every television aerial is decorated by Collared
Doves, and ten pairs of White Storks still succeed in raising
their young with superb indifference to the bustle of modern
humanity in the streets a few feet below. Next day a drive
north took us to the bird observatory at Blavandshuk Light,
on a spectacular coast of sand dunes and breakers, where the
bushes were alive with Pied Flycatchers and warblers despite
the west winds; then past Fiil SO with Marsh Harriers waver-
ing over the reeds, and into Nymindegab where we watched
a party of 50 Crossbills bathing in a puddle (it is another
invasion year in Denmark as well as in Scotland), while four
Crested Larks played in the dust behind them. Tipperne on
23rd August was an object lesson in identification of marsh
waders—Wood and Green Sandpipers, Greenshank, Spotted
Redshank and Ruff feeding all over the waterlogged fields,
with Grey Lag Geese and Marsh Harriers as a backcloth.
Another great lighthouse at Norre Lyngvig produced a sen-
sation with a Black Stork flying over—the species now only
a vagrant to Denmark and a very great rarity by any stan-
dard. We wound up with a Gull-billed Tern on the coast and
Crested Tits inland, arriving at Skive to a royal reception
from the hotel, Union Jack and all.
It was our intention to use the town simply as a base for
Limfjord, the great landlocked firth that bisects Jutland and
contains on its shores many of Denmark’s most exciting bird
haunts. In fact, Skive and its neighbourhood proved worth-
while itself, with Crested Larks, Collared Doves and Nut-
hatches in the town, good marshes for Ruffs and the like, and
at least one pair of Red-necked Grebes nesting nearby. Our
first tour was to Bygholmsvejle, an impressive expanse of
water meadow, reed, lake and marsh on Limfjord’s northern
shore—the size of these Jutland marshes is unbelievable to
British eyes. We had no sooner entered the reserve than an
Osprey rose from the nearest pool carrying a fish, and the
usual Marsh Harriers swerved over the reeds. Half a mile
further on we found a solitary Spoonbill and felt ourselves
lucky, as Bygholm is Europe’s northernmost breeding station
of the species and not used every year. Clouds of duck and
family parties of Grey Lag were waiting—and doubtless
much else—in the background, but we never reached them:
470 SCOTS IN DENMARK 2(8)
a thunderstorm complete with waterspout tore over the lakes
and collapsed on the dyke where we were pretending to
shelter, and though hot coffee and Danish pastry at the near-
est hotel restored our spirits, serious bird watching was over
for the day. On the way home we saw another Gull-billed
Tern.
Sunday 25th August brought us to Limfjord’s eastern
mouth, where a series of shallow lakes has formed behind the
sea wall between Harboo6re and Thyboron. Our experience of
waders here surpassed everything—25 species in two hours,
including Denmark’s first record, subject to its acceptance,
of Baird’s Sandpiper, a single Broad-billed Sandpiper that
settled for a moment with the Dunlin, a Temminck’s Stint
properly towering, hundreds of Little Stints and a good many
Kentish Plovers. Most dramatic of all were the Avocets—116
flighting against a bright blue sky, with several scores of
Black Terns feeding over the lake to add to the Mediterranean
illusion. This is really the place for a month’s holiday. Rold
Skov next day provided a contrast and our only experience
of a major Danish forest: ornithologically it was not exciting,
apart from Buzzards and an Icterine Warbler, but the tour
of the forest conducted personally by the chief forester in the
Danish kingdom directing the bus down the narrow woodland
rides was unforgettable. A pine marten ran across in front
of the bus, and we saw roe deer, but the wild boar of Rold
eluded us. By all accounts we may have been lucky.
The second half of the tour was centred on Copenhagen,
but the climax here was undoubtedly the visit on 29th August
to the famous Swedish observatory at Falsterbo on the op-
posite shore of the sound. Admittedly we picked the worst
possible weather, with miserable sheets of rain falling from
dawn to dusk, and consequently the major object of our ex-
cursion to see the great hawk migration was a wash-out. We
saw hardly a score of Honey Buzzards, though our hospitable
Swedish guide told us that 1100 had passed through the pre-
vious day—-an interesting fact, but not a consolation. What
we lost on the roundabouts, however, we made up on the
swings, for as a locality for waders the marsh at Skanor,
adjacent to Falsterbo, was second only to Jutland, with two
Broad-billed Sandpipers, a Temminck’s Stint, Kentish Plover,
Avocet, Little Stint, and Black Terns and a Gull-billed Tern
among others. There were also very large numbers of Willow
Warblers and flycatchers around to provide the Sparrowhawks
with an easy meal when they were stopped on passage.
Other excursions from Copenhagen were also rewarding—
a Broad-billed Sandpiper, a Wryneck, a score of Red-backed
Shrikes on the island of Saltholm, a wood that was ringing
with Nuthatches and another Wryneck at Charlottenlund, an
Osprey with more Honey Buzzards at Eremitage Castle,
1963 SCOTS IN DENMARK 471
Barred and Icterine Warblers near Holte, and so on. It was
not always necessary to travel far; a Barred Warbler spent
three days in the garden of the hotel in central Copenhagen,
and a couple of Honey Buzzards appeared soaring over the
main shopping streets. By the time the writer left the main
party at Copenhagen railway station on list September we
had achieved a list of 132 species since leaving Newcastle,
and three more were to be added on the way home. It was a
fine tally for less than a fortnight in the north of Europe.
Necessarily this account has had to confine itself to birds,
yet in many ways our happiest memories were of the people—
the hospitable citizens who invited each of us to their homes
in Esbjerg and Skive, Hr Jensen who drove the bus in Jut-
land and always found coffee when our spirits were failing,
the lighthouse keeper who sang Auld Lang Syne in Danish,
Hr Hvass the forester, the hoteliers at Skive and Copenhagen
who put up with our odd ways with such courtesy. Some of
us made remarkable duck counts after schnapps on the
Swedish ferry, some of us became familiar and notorious
figures in Tivoli, at least one of us was narrowly dissuaded
from visiting a museum of contemporary art in his gumboots.
Denmark took it all in good part: I think they would be glad
to see another party from the 8.O.C. any year it could be
arranged.
A FALL OF MIGRANTS ON A NORTH SEA
CROSSING
PAUL G. R. BARBIER
Our party of S.O.C. members and others, depleted of two
of its number and its leader, returned from its bird studies
in Denmark on M.S. Parkeston, sailing for Newcastle from
Esbjerg on the evening of lst September 1963. It had been a
day of sunshine interrupted by heavy downpours, but the
evening was clear and the sea calm when we sailed about 6
p.m. At sea before dark an Arctic Skua was seen and a Rock
Pipit flew round the ship calling and once settled on a mast.
Nothing foretold what was in store for us next day, 2nd
September.
The weather roughened during the night and we awoke to
find it raining, with a slight roll on deck and a force 2 NE
wind. Before breakfast at 8 am. a Wheatear, a Wood Warbler
and a Knot were reported around the ship, and two Black-
headed Gulls were seen.
After breakfast we found several passerines flying round
the ship or settling on the masts. They included a Spotted
Flycatcher. one or two Willow Warblers, a Lesser White-
472 A FALL OF MIGRANTS 2(8)
throat, a female Redstart, and a female Blackbird seen
on the Captain’s bridge. A Golden Plover flew round and
over the ship several times, and was succeeded by a Common
Sandpiper. Astern a Sooty Shearwater came close enough for
recognition. A mysterious warbler, eventually tracked down
to within a yard, proved to be an immature Barred Warbler.
Once it entered a coiled rope on the bridge, but eventually
it perched for half an hour a yard from a Garden Warbler
on the rung of a ladder against the funnel. At sea three Knot,
ten Redshanks and a Ruff were seen.
The pace did not slacken in the afternoon. A Wheatear was
still following at a varying distance without attempting to
settle; at least six Redstarts, including two cock birds, flicked
their chestnut tails just over the waves or dropped at the feet
of ladies on the lowest deck; a minimum of six Willow War-
blers, one resembling the northern form, followed the ship,
one flitting through the tea lounge. A female Black Redstart
was identified flying round the ship. Two Garden Warblers
were seen at the same time, and two Lesser Whitethroats. A
Meadow Pipit and two alba Wagtails came near, and a Swift
flew south. The Barred Warbler and the Spotted Flycatcher
had disappeared during the morning, but the others were
still to be seen after 3 p.m. The last bird seen departing at
the bar of the Tyne estuary was a Lesser Whitethroat, the
star of the day for it had entirely commandeered the ship
for its insect catching, flitting and settling with complete
confidence within inches of the passengers.
At sea, besides huge flocks of Kittiwakes and Fulmars, six
Great Skuas, four Arctic Skuas and a Pomarine Skua were
seen, mostly in the early afternoon.
I understand that numbers of night migrants were recor-
ded in eastern Scotland about this time. Recently such bird
escorts have been recorded on Atlantic crossings (see Brit.
Birds 56: 157), but comparable observations have also been
made on North Sea crossings (see antea 1: 188).
A list of the birds seen is appended. The numbers of such
species as Redstart and Willow Warbler are minima; birds
were continually leaving, flying far out south, and then they
or others returning to the ship. Details are also appended from
the ship’s log of its positions during the voyage and of
weather conditions. I am indebted for these to the United
Steamship Company Limited, Copenhagen, and wish to
thank them for their courtesy.
LIST OF BIRDS SEEN, MS. “PARKESTON,”
2nd SEPTEMBER 1963
Fulmar—500+ Golden Plover—1
Sooty Shearwater—1 Common Sandpiper—l
Gannet—5+ Redshank—10
1963
Knot—3
Ruff—I
Great Skua—6
Arctic Skua—4
Pomarine Skua—l
Great Black-backed Gull—100+
Black-headed Gull—2
Kittiwake—500+
Common/Arctic Tern—l
Guillemot—2
- Swift—1
Blackbird—1
A FALL OF MIGRANTS: ae ie 473
Wheatear—1
Redstart—6t+
Black Redstart—l
Barred Warbler—l
Garden Warbler—Z2
Lesser Whitethroat—2
Willow Warbler—6+
Wood Warbler—l
Spotted Flycatcher—1
Meadow Pipit—1
alba eaWWaetail—_2
SHIP’S LOG, M.S. “PARKESTON,” Ist and 2nd
SEPTEMBER 1963
Approximate
position at
end of each
Date and time
Wind Weather,
direction Barometer
and and
strensth
Temperature
watch
Ist 1600-2000 55°20’ N
7°00’ E
2000-2400 550157 Ni
5°20’ E
2nd 0000-0400 55010’ N
330)
0400-0800 55005’ N
1945’ E
0800-1200 55°03’ N
0°00’
1200-1600 Tynemouth
E clouded
1 759 mm
15°C
E light haze
1 759 mm
16°C
SW rain/haze
1 759 mm
16°C
NE rain/haze
2 756 mm
17°C
Me clouds/rain
N
2
EUROPEAN MEETING ON WILDFOWL
CONSERVATION
By invitation of the International Wildfowl Research
Bureau and the Nature Conservancy, seventy delegates repres-
enting six international organisations and from seventeen
countries met at St Andrews, Fife, from 16th to 18th October
1963, to discuss problems of international cooperation in
wildfowl conservation in relation to provision for wildfowl
management, administration and legal measures (such as
regulation of close seasons), and coordinated international
orotection for endangered species (such as the Brent Goose).
Papers, circulated in advance, were spoken to. briefly by
lelegates and were then followed by discussions; this. pro-.
474 EUROPEAN MEETING ON WILDFOWL 2(8)
cedure worked admirably and saved much valuable time.
Subjects discussed were: the wildfowl situations in various
European countries; the exploitation of migratory waterfowl
populations in North America; wildfowl conservation laws
and law enforcement; and wildfowl refuges in Europe and
the Mediterranean area.
The Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland
(W.A.G.B.I.) was represented by five delegates. In a paper on
liaison between conservationists and shooting interests, the
Hon. Secretary, Lt. Cdr. J. Anderton, stressed the close rela-
tionship which had now developed between his organisation
and conservation interests in the suppression of irresponsible
and indiscriminate shooting, the enforcement of laws pro-
tecting wildfowl, and the encouragement of rearing, ringing,
and releasing wildfowl onto unshot Reserves. One’s immed-
iate reaction to all that Cdr. Anderton had to say was—what
a pity it is that W.A.G.B.I. is not stronger in Scotland, and
particularly in East Lothian where local wildfowlers show
little interest in conservation measures at Aberlady Bay
Nature Reserve.
On excursions before and after the conference, the delegates
visited Culterty Field Station and the Ythan estuary; the
Grouse and Moorland Ecology Unit at Blackhall, Banchory;
Montrose Basin and some of the Angus lochs on which large
numbers of geese and duck were seen; Loch Leven where the
party were conveyed by boats from the sluices to land on St
Serf’s Island and the Castle Island; Lindores Loch; Dr John
Berry’s collection of geese at Tayfield; the Nature Conser-
vancy’s island reserves on Loch Lomond; Loch Ken; and the
Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock Nature Reserve.
The party was entertained by Mrs Purvis at Earlshall, Fife;
by the Provost and Magistrates of St Andrews; and at a
reception at Edinburgh Castle presided over by Lady Tweeds-
muir.
GEORGE WATERSTON.
Footnote: The S.O.C. Bird Bookshop had a stand at the
conference, and books to the value of £60 were sold to the
Yugoslav delegates. Attention is drawn to the recent publica-
tion Wildfowl in Great Britain—monograph No. 3 of the
Nature Conservancy, now obtainable, price 45/-, from the
5.0.C. Bird Bookshop).
SHORT NOTES
WHITE-BILLED DIVER IN SOUTH-EAST
SUTHERLAND
On 7th April 1963 I picked up a dead White-billed Diver
on the shore of Loch Fleet, near Golspie. This is the first time
1963 SHORT NOTES 475
the species has been recorded on the Sutherland coast al-
though not the first in the Moray Basin (see Scot. Nat. 1955:
109; Scot. Birds 1: 91). Unfortunately the specimen was too
decomposed for skinning or even for sexing. There was a
large patch of oil on the breast, so death was possibly due to
oil poisoning.
The most striking feature, apart from the shape and colour
of the bill, was the great size compared with any of the other
divers. The wing measured 381 mm but emaciation had
reduced the weight to 6 lb 12 oz (3060 gm). I have been unable
to find weights of palaearctic specimens, but the Handbook of
North American Birds gives a range of 92 to 14 lb (4400-6400
gm) for adults of both sexes from Canada and Alaska. The
wing measurements given are however of the chord, and
cannot therefore be compared with those quoted in the major
European works.
It seems reasonable to assume that the birds wintering in
the North Sea are palaearctic breeders, especially in view of
the observations made at Lista in 1952-1954 (Sterna 1(8): 31;
1(14): 16; 1(20): 30) which suggest a small but regular autumn
passage round the south-west corner of Norway.
Plates 23-25 show the Loch Fleet bird laid out beside skins
of the other divers, and demonstrate clearly the difference in
the shape of the bill, and also the great bulk of the White-
billed Diver compared with the others.
Tan D. PENNIE.
NIGHT HERON IN ORKNEY
On the morning of 1st November 1961 I came across a small
black-and-white heron standing in a puddle at the door of the
farm byre at Lower Crowrar, Rendall, Mainland, Orkney. Its
body was about the size of a Herring Gull. and the short,
thick neck was held upwards at an angle. The back of the
head and the back were black, wings pale grey above, under-
parts whitish, bill blackish in colour and sharp-pointed, and
the thick legs were yellowish-grey and projected only a little
beyond the tail in flight. When flushed, the bird flew off only
a short distance and gave me a second view when it alighted
near a henhouse. It then flew away and was not seen again.
I later saw a film of a Night Heron on television and immed-
iately recognised it as the same bird. There had been a strong
southerly gale the previous night which probably accounted
for the occurrence of this species so far north.
JAMES HALCRO.
(We are indebted to E. Balfour for this report. It is the first
record of the Night Heron in Orkney and the most northerly
- occurrence in Britain so far. It is, however, impossible to be
476 SHORT NOTES 2(8)
certain that this bird was not an escape from the Pee
colony at Edinburgh Zoo.—Ep.).
RING-NECKED DUCK IN INVERNESS-SHIRE
A NEW SCOTTISH BIRD
At 1220 hrs on 2nd January 1963 we were looking for birds
on Loch Morar in western Inverness-shire. In a small bay on
the north side of the loch between North Morar and Bracora
we found a small duck swimming in sheltered water close to
the bank. It was resting and we were able to examine it from
the car at a range of 40 yards. Whenever it raised its head
from the sleeping position we were struck by the unusual
shape of the head and the distinctive bill markings, diagnostic
features of the Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris from North
America.
We watched the bird for about fifteen minutes, and got
the impression that it was weak and tired, because it was
continually sleeping and keeping to the calm water close to
the bank. It was loathe to fly when we approached, but finally
it took flight and we were able to see the distinctive wing
pattern. It flew about 200 yards and landed in rough water,
where we left it. Thirty minutes later the bird had returned
to its original location, and we again watched it while it
rested, and compiled our field notes before flushing it once
more. This time it flew right out into the loch.
We had to leave the loch, but we were certain from the de-
scription that the bird was a Ring-necked Duck, though
reserving a final decision until we could examine the liter-
ature. In the meantime we contacted several ornithologists in
the hope that they might be able to see the bird and confirm
our sighting, but unfortunately, owing to the remoteness of
Loch Morar, none of them was able to get there.
On 27th January we made a special journey to Loch Morar
and were rewarded by finding the Ring-necked Duck in com-
pany with other diving ducks in a bay a little west of the
original location. Conditions were more favourable for view-
ing the bird and we were able to watch it for over half an
hour from 1230 hrs. Also in that area of the loch were five
Pochard, ten Tufted Ducks and about 20 Goldeneye. The Ring-
necked Duck was diving in shallow water with the Pochard;
the Tufted Duck were feeding in deeper water; and the Gol-
deneye were scattered over the loch. The bird now looked
healthy and in good condition, very different from its appear-
ance on the 2nd. Its plumage was clean and bright in the good
light and we obtained excellent views with a telescope from
50 to 100 yards range. When flushed it flew off with the
Pochard and Tufted Duck and we were able to compare them
in flight. The mixed flock landed out on the loch, but when
1963 SHORT NOTES 477
we looked at them fifteen minutes later only the Tufted
Ducks remained feeding and diving in the deep water, the
others evidently having returned to the shallower bays to
feed.
The following description is taken from our field notes
made on 2nd and 27th January:
Head and upperparts dark brownish grey, much the same
as a female Tufted Duck but cleaner; flanks paler, with clean
demarcation of dark breast and tail, and noticeable peaked
shape towards the neck; underparts paler but not so pale as
female Tufted; bill most distinct, grey with two bright white
rings, one half an inch from tip and other round base, the
latter obvious and clear-cut, not at all like the white muzzle
effect of some duck Tufted; tip of bill darker, grey; eye pale
on 2nd but golden brown on 27th in better light; legs and feet
apparently dark in flight; wings dark brownish-black with
thick grey trailing edge, more so on secondaries, and very
distinctive in flight, especially when in company with Tufted
Ducks; head high crowned and triangular, very easily seen at
a distance when with Tufted; no crest blowing in the wind;
head seemed wider than Tufted’s when viewed from in front.
When alarmed the bird stretched its neck and held its head
high, when the shape of the head was very noticeable. On
the 2nd, when disturbed, it submerged part of its body when
it swam away; not keen to fly. On the 27th its general appear-
ance was much blacker, with the flank area paler and more
distinct and much cleaner than on the 2nd. When we saw the
bird on the 2nd we were under the impression that it was a
female, but after we had consulted the books two details
worried us; these were the lack of a white mark round the
eye, and the pale eye; but against these discrepancies the
combination of the bill markings, head shape, and wing pat-
tern convinced us of its identity. On the 27th we paid attention
to these points and it was then that we concluded that this
was a young or retarded drake. The very bright bill and eye,
the distinctive flank pattern and head shape, and the general
blackish appearance tended to support this suggestion. One
would expect the Ring-necked Duck to have a similar moult
sequence to our Tufted Duck, and in my experience in winter
the rather blackish female-like Tufties have proved to be
drakes when trapped and examined. These dark specimens
may not attain full male plumage until February or March.
North American wildfowl were in evidence during the
winter, and locally I recorded a drake Green-winged Teal at
Inverness during February (antea 2: 418). The Ring-necked
Duck at Loch Morar is the first Scottish and fourth British
record. Single drakes have been recorded previously in Glouc-
estershire from 12th to 14th March 1955 (Brit. Birds 48: 377);
in Berkshire from 19th to 27th April 1959 (ibid 52: 427); and
478 SHORT NOTES 2(8)
in Co. Armagh from 20th March to Ist May 1960 and again
from 25th September 1960 to Ist January 1961 (ibid 54: 72).
There is also an old record of one said to have come from the
Lincolnshire fens and exposed for sale in Leadenhall Market,
London, in January 1801. It is unlikely that any of these birds
were escapes as the species is not often kept in captivity.
Roy H. Dennis, Marrna T. MacDONELt.
MONTAGU’S HARRIER IN ABERDEENSHIRE
On 26th May 1963 R. G. Brown found a dead harrier lying
in grass near the estuary of the Ythan at. Waterside, New-
burgh. The body was subsequently given to me and proved
to be a female Montagu’s Harrier. Professor V. C. Wynne-
Edwards confirmed the identification. Collision with over-
head wires seemed to be the cause of death. This appears to be
the first record for Dee and Aberdeen, and is of interest -in
view of the tendency for this species to extend northwards
since the war, breeding in Scotland in South Perth in 1952
and Kirkcudbright in 1953.
A. ANDERSON.
COLLARED FLYCATCHER IN ORKNEY
On the afternoon of 30th May 1963 George Flett and I ex-
amined at quite close range a cock Collared Flycatcher at
Newhill, Harray. It was flitting and darting about an elder
hedge, a ditch and a fence, catching insects and occasionally
perching.
Identical in size to a Pied Flycatcher, it had a fairly broad
white ring round the back of the neck, an almost circular
white patch on the forehead—about twice as large as on the
Pied Flycatcher—and rather more white on the wings than
the Pied. Upperparts: head, mantle, back and tail black;
rump whitish or dirty white; dark parts of wings rather
brownish. Underparts white from the chin. Bill and legs
blackish; iris brown. If there was any white on the sides of
the tail we failed to make it out on such a restless bird.
This is the first time the species has been recognised in
Orkney.
| EDWARD BALFOUR.
(The only previous Scottish record of the Collared Fly-
catcher was on llth May 1947 when an adult. cock was shot
on Whalsay in Shetland.—Eb.).
CROSSBILLS BREEDING IN ANGUS
In May 1963 I received from George M. Crighton a nest
found in a conifer which had just been felled in Kinnaird
Park, near Bridge of Dun. Crossbills had been present in
479
1963
‘quad ‘Gd uvy fiq ydnsubo10Yd
(ply osed
-yoeiq ‘UJeUWON 3eeIy (1Yb2l4
298)
Ss
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01 497) 9TeUlaz
JO SO9ZIS DATIETOL 9Y} SUT}JEIISNTII ‘ST9ATG poe}eoiy}-psey pue pos}coiyy
jo sulys pue (jseaiq pelos IM)
UPAIQ CGATIM-TLIH A
So AL
VId
A480 2(8)
PLATE 24 43Heads and bills of same four birds as on Plate 25.
Bottom to top: White-billed, Great Northern, Black-throated and Red-
throated Divers (see page 474).
Photograph by Ian D. Pennie.
481
1963
eat
and Gr
er (lower)
led Div
1
ery heavy b
ilted low
see page 474)
i
b
te-
i
h
ote the v
and bills of W
Heads
25.
PLATE
lled
i
t
b
i
te
es
ll of the Whi
i
er mandible that g
EN
n
i
k
sharply
iS}
S
(
Northern Diver
its
1V
-t
tip
Diver and the
characteristic
(
shape
Ss
ve.
Penn
Photograph by Ian D
2(8)
PLATE 26. The late Betty Garden
R.S.P.B. Osprey watchers’ base camp.
helping in the caravan
kitchen at the
Photograph by James MacGeoch.
1963 SHORT NOTES 483
this area since September 1962 and recently a hen Crossbill
had been seen repeatedly in the group of trees which had
been felled. The nest has been examined by William Marshall
and Roy H. Dennis, both of whom are familiar with the
species in Speyside, and they have confirmed that it is indeed
the nest of a Crossbill.
HENRY BOASE.
(This is the first acceptable breeding record for Angus, and
it seems likely that the birds concerned were survivors of the
big Crossbill irruption that took place in the summer and
autumn of 1962.—EbD.).
CURRENT NOTES
(Key to initials of observers : A. I’. Airey, D. C. Anderson, D. R. Ander-
son, D. G. Andrew, R. St J. Andrew, J. Ballantyne, Miss P. G.
Baxter, T. H. Bell, G. Bennett, H. Boase, T. Boyd, W. Brotherston,
A. G. S. Bryson, R. G. Caldow, W. N. Carruthers, Dr M. E. Castle,
fierce mwucn Sir, ©. G. Connell W. A. Craw, HG ‘Cree, G.’'M.
Crighton, W. A. J. Cunningham, P. E. Davis, G. Dick, R. C. Dickson,
H. E. M. Dott, J. Dunbar, Miss C. F. Dunsire, N. Elkins, H. A. Ford,
M. Forrester, Miss E. M. Gall, A. G. Gordon, Miss F. Greig, J. A. D.
Hope, Dr D. Jenkins, D. B. Kirke, Miss H. Knight, L. W. Lloyd, A.
Macdonald, D. Macdonald (DM), Miss J. McFarlane (JMcF), K. S.
Macgregor, A. T. Macmillan, Miss D. MacRobert (DMacR), J. Max-
well (JM), W. S. Medlicott, Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, T. D. H.
Merrie, C. M. Morrison, R. Murray, C. Ogston, D. W. Oliver, N.
Ficozat, Jj. Potter, A. F. Pratt, R. M. Ramage, G. A. Richards, E._L.
koperts, Lt.-Car. C...P. Ross, H: M. Russell, G. L. Sandeman, A. J.
Snien k. 1. Smnth: Rk.’ W. J; Snuth, Mrs A.-M. Smout, Dr T. C.
set a. spetice, Io Stalker,“ W. Stein, 1. FP. Stewart, J. H. Swan,
Ae whats Cat ait, Miss Ve M:) Thom, (L2 -A.’ Urquhart, -D: I... M:
Wallace, Col. R. Wallace, G. Waterston, Mrs M. I. Waterston, Dr
A. Watson, A. D. Watson, Dr R. S. Weir, T. Weir, J. Wightman, D. P.
Willis, W. Wyper, J. Young, J. G. Young, B. Zonfrillo.
Unless otherwise stated all dates refer to 1963.)
Distribution
This section does not include observations made before ist
June. Notes on individual species follow the introductory
paragraphs on a noteworthy arrival of migrants. Current
Notes for the next number should reach the editor by the end
of the year.
Easterly winds from 29th August to 2nd September
brought a spectacular fall of night migrants to the east coast;
this movement was at its peak from 3lst August to 2nd Sep-
tember, during which time nearly 200 birds were ringed on
the Isle of May, including 2 Wrynecks, 10 Whinchats, 18 Red-
starts, 8 Barred Warblers, 75 Garden Warblers, 32 Willow
Warblers and 18 Pied Flycatchers; other birds included Reed/
Marsh Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat and Red-backed Shrike, spec-
484 CURRENT NOTES 2(8)
ies noted elsewhere in Forth at this time (IFS per AM).
At Barns Ness, East Lothian, in a small area of cover on
31st August there were Wheatears, Whinchats, Redstarts, Garden
and Willow Warblers, Whitethroat, Pied Flycatchers, and a
Wryneck which stayed for at least nine days; a Lesser White-
throat, Spotted Flycatchers, and two immature Red-backed
Shrikes which lingered for a week, were first seen on 3rd Sep-
tember; and a Black Redstart which stayed for four days was
found on the 5th (AM, ATM, AJS, RWJS, CT).
Details are given on another vage of a Noah’s Ark crossing
of the North Sea on 2nd September, when the ship was ac-
companied by a fine variety of passerines. At Elie, Fife, that
day there was a host of migrants which included Wheatears,
Redstarts and Garden Warbler (DWO).
Mainland records of Wrynecks were a feature of this move-
ment. As well as birds already noted at Barns Ness and on
the Isle of May one was found in an Aberdeen garden at this
time (per DJ); one was seen by the Eden estuary on 5th Sep-
tember, the first in the Tentsmuir area as defined by Grierson
(antea 2: 113) (DWO); another was at Fife Ness the same day
(PGB); and one was seen in Gullane, East Lothian, on the 4th
and 7th (CPR).
In addition to the Red-backed Shrikes at Barns Ness and on
the Isle of May one was seen at Fife Ness on 6th September
(PGB).
Twelve Great Crested Grebes at Port Allen, Perthshire, on
13th July were a good number to be on the sea at that date
(HB). Two Red-necked Grebes were at Gullane Point, East
Lothian, on 27th July (CT, RWJS), and one was there on 24th
August (AGG, TDHM). In the Sound of Gigha there were
already seven Slavonian Grebes on 15th September (AGG,
TDHM).
Large numbers of Manx Shearwaters were in the Sound of
Mull off Lismore on 31st July, and especially on 15th August
when thousands were seen over the calm waters; nothing
like this was seen in the same area in August 1962 (WAC);
very many were seen also on 25th August in the Firth of
Lorne, especially off Lismore, and thinning out up the Sound
of Mull as far as Scallastle Bay; numbers were noted off the
north shore of Iona and between Mull and Treshnish until
the end of the month (THB). On 16th August a Sooty Shearwater
was seen in the Forth 14 miles NE of Inchkeith; parties of
Manx Shearwaters were fairly numerous in mid Forth as
far up as Burntisland (JW).
Three pairs of Fulmars were on a cliff about 75 yds from the
sea at Ben Feall, Coll, on 7th July, but no eggs were seen;
there is no previous record for the island (see Brit. Birds 51:
46) (CT). At Buchan Ness, Aberdeenshire, Fulmars were pass-
1963 CURRENT NOTES 485
ing north during a three hour watch on the afternoon of 13th
August at the rate of 300 per hour; three days later the rate
was only 120 per hour, and some were also moving south so
that this was possibly a local feeding movement (DPW). In-
land records include single birds flying south at Fairmilehead,
Edinburgh, on 14th and 24th August (HAF), a dead bird at
the mouth of the Endrick, Dunbartonshire, on the 25th
(TDHM), and one picked up alive at Stormont Loch, near
Blairgowrie, Perthshire, on 15th September and released at
Arbroath (VMT).
At least 30 Gannets—5 adults, 25 juveniles—were diving and
resting at Seafield, Leith, especially at the outfall of the
sewage pipes, on 8th September (ATM), and numbers were
noted further up the Forth as well, with 60—2 adults and the
rest juveniles—in Grangemouth Bay on the 14th, following
several days of strong winds (GD, JP). In Edinburgh an ex-
hausted juvenile was caught at Duddingston Loch on the
19th (DRA).
On 11th July at Grishipoll Point, Coll, some 70 adult and
juvenile Shags were counted, some of the young birds still
being fed by the adults, and nine nests still holding eggs or
young. There is no previous breeding record for Coll (Brit.
Birds 51: 46), but this site would not readily be seen without
a scramble (CT).
The drake Garganey previously noted at the Endrick mouth
(antea 2: 434) was seen on various dates from 21st April to
2nd June, but no duck was seen (DS). Single Gadwall were
noted often this summer on Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, with a
maximum count of five on 6th August (DWO); four were at
Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, on the 18th (ELR).
Single drake Scaup were inland on Lintrathen Reservoir,
Angus, on 24th June (HB); Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, on 19th
July (DWO); and Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian, on 8th
September (DGA). The usual late records of Goldeneye include
two at Lintrathen on 24th June (HB), and four at Kilconquhar
on 11th June, with two immature birds still there on 17th
July (DWO). At Gladhouse an immature bird was seen on
2nd and 23rd June, and two (apparently an adult pair) re-
mained from 7th July to 11th August (DGA, RWJS). A drake
‘Velvet Scoter, a scarce species in the west, was in the Sound
of Gigha on 15th September (AGG, TDHM).
A duck Goosander had two small ducklings on Loch Bhasa-
poll, Tiree, on 3rd July; the species has apparently not been
recorded on Tiree this century (Brit. Birds 51: 49) (CT). At
Tyninghame, East Lothian, there were seven on the estuary
on 25th August and nine on the 3lst (CT), while further up
the Forth two were at Cramond on 29th August (RM). In mid
summer a raft of 25 Red-breasted Mergansers was on the sea
486 CURRENT NOTES 2(8)
near Glenluce, Wigtownshire, on 6th July (AFA); at Gullane
Point, East Lothian, in autumn there were as many as 170
on 17th September (HAF).
Summer records of Grey Lag Geese of doubtful significance
are of the bird previously noted on the Eden estuary, Fife,
from 18th May (antea 2: 434) remaining there throughout the
summer (JMcF, DWO), three at Port Allen, Perthshire, on
15th August and two there on the 27th, on which date three
were on Marlee Loch, Perthshire (HB). On 17th August there
was one at Loch of Auchlossan, Aberdeenshire (DGA). Dur-
ing the night of 25th/26th September Grey Lag were heard
over Loch Stack, Sutherland, and in the morning a party of
twenty were sheltering there in a gale (GW, MIW). On the
26th a party of 25 Grey Lag flew south over Banchory, Kin-
cardineshire, and geese were heard over Aberdeen in the
evening (FG). At least 40 were over Kinnordy, Angus, on the
30th (HB).
A Pink-footed Goose came to roost at Hule Moss, Berwick-
shire, in the early morning on 25th August (per WB). A spec-
tacular arrival of this species was recorded at the end of
September. At 1800 hrs on the 26th several large skeins were
flying steadily south over the Cairngorms near Boat of Gar-
ten into the teeth of a SW gale, and this was still going on
early next morning (GW, MIW). On the 27th Pinkfeet were
noted in many places: on the Tay estuary there were about
1600, a few having been heard the night before (HB); at
Perth hundreds passed over on the 27th and 28th (VMT); they
were heard over St Andrews at 0630 hrs on the 27th, and at
Lundin Links, Fife, three hours later, with 45 more next
morning (RSW); at Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, numbers were
resting about St Serf’s Island at midday on the 27th (GW,
MIW); over Edinburgh the first geese were flying south at
0915 hrs (JB), and 44 were seen moving west over George
Square (TCS); in the Fala/Gladhouse area of Midlothian
large numbers arrived on the 27th and 28th with virtually
none of the previous build-up of an advance guard of 300/600
which has been noted in recent years (WB); the first 40
reached Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, also on the 27th (ELR).
By 3rd October there were at least 3000 on the Tay (HB). This
massive influx on 26th/28th September was evidently related
te the onset of severe snowstorms in Iceland on the 24th.
A winged Barnacle Goose was seen at Nairn on 11th July
(MFMM), and a very tame one on the saltings at Bridgend
was recorded throughout a visit to Islay from 24th to 30th
August (MF). The first 17 of the autumn reached Caerlaverock
on lst October (ELR). Records of Canada Geese include two
which flew into Portnahaven School playground, Islay, on
4th June, perhaps from Colonsay (HK); one flushed from
Craigleith in the Forth on 7th August (GW); five rather tame
1963 CURRENT NOTES 487
birds at Gadloch, Lanarkshire, on 6th September (HGC); and
two rather shyer birds at the west end of Loch Tummel,
Perthshire, on the 10th (HB). It can be seen that occurrences
of this species leave a lot to be desired.
There are the usual reports of Whooper Swans in summer,
which include single birds at different lochs on South Uist
on 4th and 9th July (TDHM); one on Loch nan Eala, Arisaig,
Inverness-shire, throughout the summer (AFP); an adult in
Montrose Basin on 26th June; and an immature at Forfar
Loch from 11th June until at least 8th August (HB). The first
birds of the autumn were 14 flying south at Stornoway, Lewis,
on 28th September (NE), and six at Gadloch, Lanarkshire, the
same day (BZ); seven adults were at Loch Ken on the 30th
(AFA); three adults were at Tayport, Fife, on lst October
(HB), and also one at Caerlaverock, where numbers increased
to five on the 38rd and seven—all adults—on the 6th (ELR);
there were five by Loch Leven, Kinross-shire on the 4th
(RSW).
Two rather early Rough-legged Buzzards were seen together
three miles south of Strachur, Argyll, over open moorland on
9th September (DCA), and one flew over Gartocharn, Dunbar-
tonshire, on the morning of the 15th (TW). A Marsh Harrier,
possibly the same bird seen on 5th May (antea 2: 435), flew
across the airfield by the Loch of Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire,
on 10th August (DPW). Reports of “ring-tail’ harriers, all
probably Hen Harriers from the descriptions, refer to single
birds at Barr Loch, Renfrewshire, on 24th August (RGC);
Fala Moor, Midlothian, on 25th August; and the Dewar Burn
in the same area on 22nd September (WB). An Osprey, the
first recorded for Tentsmuir, was seen soaring over Earlshall
and the Eden estuary on 28th July; it stayed in the area until
at least 11th August (CFD, DWO).
At Dornoch on 29th June a Quail was heard calling in a field
of barley near where one was previously noted on llth June
1959 (antea 1: 130) (DM). In view of the paucity of breeding
records of the Water Rail it is worth recording a juvenile
which was disturbed from reeds at Barr Meadows, Renfrew-
shire, on 29th July, and watched swimming across some open
water (RCD).
A Grey Plover was present at Stornoway, where it is a scarce
bird, from 25th September until at least the end of the month
(WAJC, NE); at Skinflats, Stirlingshire, at least 70 were
counted on 21st September (AGG, TDHM). On 24th August
there were as many as 2000 Golden Plover on the Eden estuary
(CP).
Black-tailed Godwits are reported from:
L. Indaal, Islay—1 on 29th Aug (MF).
Eden Estuary, Fife—21/22 on 21st July (JMcF, CT), 31 on 28th July
(DWO), 15 on 18th Sept (DJ, TS).
488 CURRENT NOTES 2(8)
Elie, Fife—3 on 3rd Aug and 2nd Sept (DWO).
Aberlady, East Lothian—l on 8th Sept (JADH).
Doonfoot, Ayr—l on 24th Aug (GAR).
Caerlaverock, Dumfries—9th Aug (1), 13th (20), 18th/2lst (507), 28th
(15) (ELR).
A Bar-tailed Godwit was inland at Gadloch, Lanarkshire, on
18th August (WW, BZ).
Green Sandpipers are reported from:
L. Indaal, Islay—1 on 28th Aug (MF).
L. of Strathbeg, Aberdeen—3 on 6th and 10th Aug (DPW).
Ythan Estuary, Aberdeen—1 on 6th Aug (COQ).
R. Don, Kinaldie, Aberdeen—2 on 9th Aug (CO).
Montrose Basin, Angus—l on 4th, 13th and 18th Aug and Ist Sept!
(GMC, JD).
Port Allen, Perth—1 on 15th Aug (HB).
Kinconquhar Loch, Fife—1 on 18th Sept (DWO).
Aberlady—1 on 11th (GB) and 20th Aug (DIMW).
Tyninghame, East Lothian—l on 25th Aug (TB, EMG, RWJS, CT)
and 3rd Sept (HEMD).
Rosebery, Midlothian—l on 15th Sept (RStJA).
Caerlaverock—1 on 13th and 28th Aug and Ist Sept (ELR).
Now that Wood Sandpipers have been found breeding in
Scotland a few summer records are to be expected from places
where they do not breed. On 7th June, but not next day, there
were two at Bridgend, Islay (JM, RTS, JY, JGY); and at Loch
Hallan, South Uist, one was seen on 11th July (TDHM). Aut-
umn migrants are reported from:
Endrick mouth, L. Lomond— 1 on 25th Aug (TDHM).
Aberlady—1 on 20th Aug (DIMW).
Tyninghame—1 on 18th Aug (EMG, RWJS).
Barns Ness, East Lothian—1 on 7th and 8th Sept (KSM, ATM).
Spotted Redshanks are reported from:
Ythan Estuary—3 on 14th Aug (DGA).
Montrose Basin—&th Aug (2), 1lth (2), 13th (2), 15th (3), 18th (1),
22nd. (2), 28th (1), Ist Sept (3) (GMC, JD).
Eden Estuary—2 on 15th Sept (DWO).
Cult Ness, Fife—l on 13th Aug, 19th Sept (GD, JP), and 21st Sept
(AGG, TDH™M).
Caerlaverock—13th Aug (3), 18th (6+), 21st (4), 28th (10), 1st/2nd Sept
CiZ*), oth (9 ZadlOct. (a2 ELE):
At Caerlaverock the first Greenshank of the autumn migra-
tion was seen on 8th July; from eight on 13th August numbers
increased steadily to 50+ on the 18th and 60* on 27th/28th;
there were 20* on 3rd September and numbers steadily drop-
ped after that (ELR). Inland records are of two in summer
as far south as Sior Loch, south of Taynuilt, Argyll, on 13th
July (JB); one at Morton Lochs, Fife, on 7th August (DWO);
one at Gadloch, Lanarkshire, on 18th August (WW, BZ); one
at Glenburn Reservoir, Paisley, on 3lst July (RGC); two at
Hamilton on 15th August (RMR); one at Roughrigg Reservoir,
near Airdrie, on 17th August (WS): one at Fala Flow, Mid-
lothian, on Ist August (WB); three at Gladhouse, Midlothian,
1963 CURRENT NOTES 489
on 1ith August (RWJS) and one on the 19th (DGA); and
single birds at Rosebery Reservoir, Midlothian, on 25th Aug-
ust and loth September (DGA). This species cannot be con-
sidered very uncommon inland on autumn migration.
Little Stints are reported from:
Ythan Estuary—1l on 8th Sept (AW).
Montrose Basin—22nd Aug (2), 23rd (3), 26th (1), 28th (3), Ist Sept
(2) (GMG, JD).
Eden Estuary—1 on 24th Aug, Ist Sept (CT), and 7th Sept (PGB).
Cult Ness—2 on 10th and 17th Sept (GD, JP).
Aberlady—6th Sept (5) (RM), 8th (3) (JADH), and 14th (1) (HEMD).
<2 aaa Aug (1), 25th (5) and 31st (4) (TB, EMG, RWJS,
Skinflats, Stirling—1l on 24th Aug (GD, JP).
Troon, Ayr—1 every day 4th/9th Sept (MF, RMR, GAR).
A Curlew Sandpiper in summer plumage was seen at L. Ria-
ghain, Tiree, on the very unusual date of 29th June; the
species has not been recorded on the island since last century
(Brit. Birds 51: 55) (CT). Curlew Sandpipers have been un-
usually numerous this autumn and are reported from many
places, almost all of them since 21st August:
Stornoway—1 on 21st Aug and 2 on the 22nd (NE).
L. Indaal, Islay—1 on 28th Aug and 2 on the 29th (MF).
Dornoch Burn, S.E. Sutherland—l on Ilst/2nd Sept where one was
previously noted in 1948 (“Scot. Nat.” 1949: 125), overlooked in “The
Birds of Scotland” although the first county record (DM).
Newburgh, Aberdeen—4 in flooded field on 6th Sept (DJ).
Ythan Estuary—1 near last on 8th Sept (AW).
Montrose Basin—22nd Aug (5), 23rd (11), 26th (4), Ist Sept (5), and
7th (no less than 47) (GMC, JD).
Eden Estuary—1 on 15th Sept (DWO), 6 on the 18th (DJ, TS).
Fife Ness—2 on 3rd Sept and 3 on the 6th (PGB, RSW).
Cult Ness—1 on 10th Sept, 4 on 17th and 8 on 19th (GD, JP).
Musselburgh, Midlothian—4 on 11th Sept (JB).
Aberlady—1 on 8th Sept (JADH). $.
Tyninghame—4 on 25th Aug and 6 on 3lst (TB, EMG, RWJS, CT).
Skinflats—24th Aug (4), 7th Sept (1), 14th (2), 15th (34 at high tide
by Kincardine Bridge), and 21st (4) (GD, JP).
Bogside, Irvine, Ayr—7 on 10th Sept (GAR).
Troon—3lst Aug (4), 2nd Sept (3), 3rd (4) (GAR), 4th (8) (MF),
Sth (4), 6th (10), 9th, 10th and 14th (2) (GAR), and 16th (13) (RGC).
Doonfoot, Ayr—1 early bird on 2nd Aug (RMR).
Carsethorn, Kirkcudbright—5 on 15th and 19th Sept (JGY).
Caerlaverock—3 on 9th Sept, 1 on 10th Sept and Ist Oct (ELR).
An interesting record of a Ruff is one of a female from 9th
to 13th July at a small pool in a field at Seafield, Roslin, Mid-
lothian (TC per RWJS). Some observers do not report all the
Ruffs which they see, but the usual numerous reports which
we have received are noted below, the first birds being recor-
ded on 4th August:
L. of Strathbeg, Aberdeen—1 on 4th and 9th Sept (DPW).
Between Cruden Bay and Collieston, Aberdeen—17 and 8 on two
stretches of floodwater on 8th Sept (AW).
Newburgh, Aberdeen—21 in flooded field on 6th Sept (DJ), 17 on 8th,
490 CURRENT NOTES 2(8)
but none on 10th when pool dried up (AW).
L. of Auchlossan, Aberdeen—2 on 17th Aug (DGA).
Montrose Basin—4th Aug a), Obra), 3th (2), Lith’ (G), 15th, Wea
22nd and 31st (1), and Ist Sept (5) (GMC, JD).
Easthaven, Angus—l on 12th Sept (HB).
Eden Estuary—7th Aug (13) (DO), 18th (8), 24th (9) (CT), and Sth
Sept (6) (DW:
Elie—7 on 2nd oie (DWO).
Cult Ness—8th Aug (11), 13th (8), 19th (10), 10th Sept (3), 17th (2)
(GD, JP), and 21st (1) (AGG, TDHM).
Aberlady—1 on 11th Aug (GB), 2 on 20th (DIMW).
Tyninghame—highest count 15 on 18th Aug (TB, EMG, RWS), 8 on
3rd Sept (HEMD)..
Fala Moor, Midlothian—l on 25th Aug (WB).
Skinflats—17th Aug (3), 24th (8), 7th and 15th Sept (1), 2lst (2), and
28th (4) (GD, JP).
Smedheugh, Selkirk—immature male on rainwater pools from 18th to
24th Sept, believed to be a new record for the county (AJS).
Caerlaverock—6th Aug (1), 18th (4), and up to 12+ till 29th Sept; 3 to
5 from Ist to 5th Oct (ELR).
A Red-necked Phalarope in winter plumage at Caerlaverock
on 3lst August seems to be the first recorded in Dumfries-
shire (ELR, HMR, RTS, ADW).
A. Great Skua was seen in summer off Tiree on Ist July
(TDHM).
South of Boddam, Aberdeenshire, Herring Gulls have this
summer spread over the top of the cliffs onto the fields, and
at one colony there were about a dozen nests in a large area
of chickweed and one on a low grass-topped drystone dyke
(DPW). Three pairs of Common Gulls nested successfully at
Lochside, Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, where they first bred in
1962 (antea 2: 349) (JGY). An immature Glaucous Gull which
came to the fish gutting on a boat off Boddam on 31st July
was bolder than the Herring Gulls and approached within 4
feet of the observer (DPW). Another immature was seen at
Barassie, Ayrshire, on 14th September (RMR, GAR, DS). An
immature Iceland Gull at Stornoway airport from 14th July
was still about at the beginning of October, and an albino
Herring Gull was also in the area (WAJC).
At the Buddon Burn, Monifieth, Angus, two Little Gulls were
seen on 19th August and one on the 29th (HB); eight flew
west at Elie Ness, Fife, during a 30 minute watch on 15th Sep-
tember (DWO); and one was at Cult Ness on 26th July (GD,
JP). When compared with numbers at Kilconquhar Loch the
sparseness of these records serves to emphasise how extra-
ordinarily local this species is in its occurrences. Early in July
numbers at Kilconquhar Loch averaged five, but there were
nine on the 7th and 13 on the 15th, all adult except for one Ist
summer bird; thereafter numbers built up steadily for a
month, with counts on 21st/22nd July (38), 23rd (54), 24th (81),
25th (123), 26th (142), 27th (147), 1st August (318), 6th (309),
9th (412), llth (342), 15th (448), 18th (512), 20th (346), and
1963 CURRENT NOTES 491
22nd (512); after this there were fewer, and numbers became
very variable; lst summer birds included in these totals were
counted or estimated, and increased from three on 21st July to
20 on the 25th, 40 by Ist August, about 60°%% of the total on
18th August, and even more on the 22nd; juveniles were first
seen on 6th August, and comprised some 10% of the total on
the 18th (DWO).
There were two Black Terns with the Little Gulls at Kilcon-
quhar Loch on 26th August (PGB); one at Forvie on the
Ythan estuary, Aberdeenshire, on 9th September (NP); and
one in the Outer Hebrides, where it is a rare bird, at Storno-
way on 24th September (NE). Migrant Common or Arctic Terns
were reported at Hilda Marshes, Glasgow, on 4th July when
25 flew SE calling loudly (WW); and ten setting off south up
the River Esk at Musselburgh, Midlothian, on 18th August
(DIMW). In Renfrewshire there were two and sometimes
four Common Terns at Barr Loch between 19th May and 15th
August, but no evidence of breeding; two were at Black Loch
on 28th July (RCD). Seven terns feeding over one of the ponds
at Hamilton on 15th August were thought to be Arctic Terns,
the first for Lanarkshire, but it was not possible completely
to rule out the chance that they were Common Terns (RMR).
Little Terns were noted in Kilnaughton Bay, Port Ellen, Islay,
on 11th June (4), 13th (17), 14th (5), 18th (8) and 21st (2), but
no breeding site was found (HK).
Turtle Doves in the north of Scotland during September
occurred near Dornoch, Sutherland, on the 8th (DM); 12
miles from Stornoway on the 20th, an immature bird with an
injured wing (WAJC); and at Spiggie, Shetland, on the 23rd
(ATM). A pair of Collared Doves in a larch tree and a third
bird cooing on a nearby television aerial on 12th July in
Nairn are the first certainly recorded in the county (MFMM),
although a pair of doves which had a nest of young blown
down in September 1961 in this area and were heard again
the following summer were almost certainly Collared Doves
(RW). Two on 15th September in Cambuslang are the first re-
corded in Lanarkshire, though these are said to have been
about Wellshot Drive for a year or so (HB). On Islay (see antea
2: 439) two definite Collared Doves were seen at Gruinart Post
Office on Ist June with a nest, from which at least one chick
fledged; local information is that by August there were up to
eight with the hens (HK, AT); an adult and two juveniles
- were seen at the same place on 7th/10th June (JM, RTS, JGY,
|
.
JY). At Stornoway six in the middle of the town were being
fed daily from the middle of June (WAJC).
27th August was a late date for an adult Cuckoo at Glen-
| forsa, Mull (THB); a Cuckoo was seen also at Banchory, Kin-
|.eardineshire, on 15th September (DJ). Another Dumfriesshire
locality for Green Woodpeckers is Dormont, Lockerbie, where
492 CURRENT NOTES 2(8)
odd birds have been seen since 1952 and a nest was found this
year (WNC). On the northern fringe of the range one was
heard loud and clear on 10th and 11th June at Dunkeld, North
Perthshire (AGSB); and one, perhaps two, were seen near
Aberfoyle on 17th August in ‘Loch Ard Forest, South Perth-
shire/West Stirlingshire border (AFP).
A pair of Swallows on Coll had a nest under a bridge at
Clabhach on 9th July; this is the first proof of breeding on the
island (see Brit. Birds 51: 105) (CT). A distinct westward
coasting movement of Swallows was noted on 22nd August
between 0630 and 0845 hrs from Aberlady to Cockenzie, East
Lothian, at the rate of about 100 per hour (DIMW).
Another East Lothian Magpie was in Gifford Woods on 21st
September (A-MS). A Chough on a Barra hillside on 10th
August feeding with two Hooded Crows was probably a mig-
rant as a local crofter who had noticed it for the previous
few days had never seen one before, though the local cliffs
appear suitable for breeding (WAC).
A large autumn flock of well over 200 Mistle Thrushes was
scattered over half a square mile near Hawick in the late
afternoon of 11th August; normally parties of 10/15 are seen
there at this season; the birds seemed to be drifting south-
wards; none bred locally this year after being driven out by
the cold winter (WSM). A single Redwing, evidently an injured
bird as it would not readily take flight, was regularly seen in
the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, from April; possibly
two were present throughout the summer because a strong-
flying bird was seen on 27th August, and both of them to-
gether on 17th September and subsequently (JHS). Concen-
trations of Ring Ouzels in the Moorfoots, Midlothian, were
recorded in September with 40 and 30 in Moss Cleuch and
Wolf Cleuch respectively on the 15th, and 8 and 24 on the 29th
(WB). Twenty Whinchats in a field at Robroyston, Glasgow,
on 16th July is an unusual number for the area (BZ); large
counts were made also near Bothkennar, Stirlingshire, in
August and September, with a maximum of 29 on 17th Aug-
ust (GD, JP).
A Garden Warbler at Kinlochewe on 8th June is the first
record for West Ross (CGC). At Stornoway one was heard on
various dates (WAJC), and was singing strongly from thick
cover on Sth/ 8th June, when adequate views were eventually
obtained; it is a rare bird in the Outer Hebrides (NE). A
= in West Ross was noted at Inverpolly on 8th Ja
( )
A. Spotted Flycatcher at Acha, on Coll, on 6th July, was ag
second record for the island (see Brit. Birds 51: 109) (CT). In
central Edinburgh there were two in Queen Street gardens
on 19th August (DIMW). A cock Pied Flycatcher at Buchanan
1963 CURRENT NOTES 493
Castle, Drymen, on 30th July seems to be the first record of
the species in West Stirlingshire (MFMM).
A pair of flavissima Yellow Wagtails had four nestlings at
Hilda Marshes, Glasgow, on 6th July; a cock bird of the flava
type was also seen that day after several weeks absence; this
must be the last year this site can be used by these birds (see
antea 2: 212, 443) (WW, BZ). Other reports of “Yellow” Wag-
tails are of two adults and two juveniles near Ayr on Ist
August (MEC, RMR); 15 at Hamilton Low Parks on 15th
August (RMR); single birds on various dates in August and
September at Skinflats, Stirlingshire, and six—two adults and
four juveniles—on 4th August (GD, JP); and four at Caer-
laverock on 27th August (ELR). |
A, Hawfinch was seen at Blackshade, Dundee, on 7th July
(CMM). In Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden, where Haw-
finches have been recorded quite often since 1947, four flew
over calling on 12th Jtély, one on the 19th, and two on the
23rd (JHS). A pair of Siskins at Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, in
early June may have nested, but this was not proved; the
species is not a regular breeding bird in the county (DMacR).
A cock Twite was at the Doonfoot, Ayr, on 2nd August (RMR).
All records of Crossbills in Scotland during winter 1962/63
have been passed to K. Williamson for his paper on the in-
vasion, being published in Bird Migration. Another invasion
is now with us, and the following reports have come in:
Fair Isle—only odd birds until 13th July when there were 34; larger
arrivals in August (PED).
Stornoway—1 on 30th Sept (NE).
Colonsay—party of 15/20 on 15th Aug (GLS).
Glenforsa Woods, Mull—party of 15 from 25th to 20th Aug (THB).
Wolf Cleuch, Dewar Burn, Midlothian—female on 15th Sept (WB).
A Snow Bunting was at Bridgend, Islay, on the unusual date
of 7th June (JM, RTS, JGY, JY).
Observers in Lanarkshire mention flocks of 18 Tree Sparrows
near Gadloch, an area where small numbers breed, on 29th
Sept (WW, BZ );and between 100 and 200 scattered in clumps
of trees and bushes at Hamilton on 8th August (TDHM).
Earlier observations—before Ist June 1963
An Osprey was seen catching a fish at Dinnet, Aberdeen-
shire, on 23rd May (NP).
On the Dunbartonshire bank of the mouth of the Endrick
60 Black-tailed Godwits were seen on 27th April to add to other
records of numbers in spring (antea 2: 436); though regular
there in spring and autumn ten is the usual maximum; they
were gone next day (DS).
In the summer number it was suggested that 400 Knot at
Girvan on 3rd February were unusually many for Clyde
(antea 2: 379). This is evidently not so. One observer has
494 CURRENT NOTES 2(8)
seen 400/500 on the Barassie and Newton on Ayr shores often
in the past four years, and following a reliable report of some
2000/2500 at Barassie at the end of March 1963 he counted
1000+50 on 8rd April (GAR); another observer reports that
up to 1000 Knot has not been an unusual count on the Barassie
shore in recent winters, and sensational numbers on 27th Jan-
uary, about the time of the observation giving rise to these
comments, were estimated at between 7000 and 8000 (LAU).
On 7th April a Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed Gull was
seen at Auldgirth, Dumfriesshire, with a British bird; this is
apparently only the second published record of this race in
the county (see antea 2: 317) (JGY). April movements of
Common Gulls over Invergowrie included 130 passing NE at
1800 hrs on the 8th, and smaller numbers until the 25th (HB).
In addition to the Turtle Doves away from their breeding
localities in early June (antea 2: 438), one remained from 12th
to 15th May in a strip of deciduous wood at the edge of a fir
plantation on the south slope of Tinto Hill, Lanarkshire
(DBK). A Collared Dove seen at Fort William on 18th May is
the first record of the species for South Inverness-shire and
Argyll Faunal Area (CGC).
A. Jay in Blackhall forest on 22nd April was a rare bird for
North Kincardineshire (see antea 2: 194) (NP).
There was a Chiffchaff at Invermoriston, Inverness-shire, on
llth May (CGC).
A Great Grey Shrike, first seen early in November 1962, spent
the whole winter about a mile west of Aboyne, Aberdeen-
shire, and was noted regularly until the end of March, even
in the severe weather (AW); another was seen near Forest
Lodge, Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire, on 9th April (HAF).
General observations on behaviour and plumage
Two observers have further comments on the apparently
legless gulls (antea 2: 384). Many were noticed on a crossing
to South Uist on 1st July accompanying the boat, but on close
inspection it was seen that instead of putting their legs back
under the tail, they were in fact tucking them forward into
their breast feathers (TDHM). The other observer was caught
by this “leg-pull” in 1950 and started a correspondence about
it in The Field. The phenomenon had however been photo-
graphed and commented upon by John Barlee (Birds on the
Wing, 1947), who demonstrated that the legs were not hidden
in the tail coverts but held forward and tucked away beneath
the belly feathers (LAU). Further comments have been pub-
ae recently on this subject by L. P. Alder (Brit. Birds 56:
A Black Guillemot timed diving off Handa, Sutherland, early
1963 CURRENT NOTES 495
in September remained submerged for from 32 to 55 seconds,
the average of 16 dives being about 40 seconds (HAF).
Woodpigeons have recently been reported nesting in the
marram grass at Forvie, Aberdeenshire (Brit. Birds 56: 340);
in the same area a second nest was found on the ground on
2nd June, but it was later deserted (NP).
At Dunbog, North Fife, five pairs of Starlings were feeding
second broods early in July, after successfully rearing their
first broods; in previous years only one possible instance of a
second brood has been suspected there (TS).
On 29th July and early in August at Kinnaird Castle,
Brechin, Angus, a normally plumaged pair of Bullfinches was
seen feeding two white fledglings; one was pure white, but
the other had a few light grey feathers on the upper back;
the colour of the eyes was not seen (GMC, JD).
Correction
The Corncrake calling on 15th June (antea 2: 436) was at
Collin, Dumfriesshire, not Collin, Kirkcudbrightshire.
OBITUARIES
ELIZABETH A. GARDEN
(Plate 26)
Miss Elizabeth Ann Garden, Betty to her many friends,
died at her home in Newburgh on 2nd September 1963. She
had been seriously ill for several months and her courage,
selflessness and cheerfulness during those distressing weeks
will be remembered with admiration by all those (and there
were many) who visited her. Ornithological circles in Scotland
and further afield will find it very difficult to fill the unex-
pectedly large gap now in their ranks: unexpected because
Betty Garden was involved in far more organisations and
projects than her self-effacing manner suggested.
Although the family belonged to Aberdeen, she was born
in Brighton on 29th May 1918 and returned with her parents
to Aberdeen when only a few months old; eventually the
family moved to Foucausie near Grandhome on the lower
Don. She was educated at St Margaret’s School, Aberdeen,
and St Leonard’s in St Andrews. After school she spent some
months in eastern Canada, before returning to Foucausie.
During the war she spent some years with the Forestry Com-
mission in charge of a large number of girls, mainly in upper
Donside, and in 1946 she was seconded to the Control Com-
496 OBITUARIES 2(8)
mission and worked for two years in Germany in connection
with their reafforestation plans. During this time she saw
much of western Europe. In 1948 she returned home and spent
two more years with the Forestry Commission before return-
ing to Foucausie to help nurse her father in his long fatal ill-
ness. Early in 1957 she moved to Newburgh so that she could
carry out more intensive observations on the birds of the
Ythan estuary. She lived in lodgings until 1959, and then
moved into her own house in which so many ornithologists
were to gather and enjoy her generous hospitality.
Betty Garden was interested in the outdoors even as a little
girl. Her father was an enthusiastic climber, angler and bird
watcher, and she owed her great love of the first and the last
to his influence. She was an active climber and member of
the Cairngorm Club for many years but ceased this activity
after witnessing a distressing accident in the snow-clad sum-
mits of the Cairngorms. Her interest in birds flourished, and
indeed for the last ten years or so her. life was devoted to
their study. Her activities went far beyond. simple bird
watching. In 1958 she analysed and published a survey of
heronries in Scotland, and her work, along with Dr C. Rayski,
on parasites and disease of Eiders was published in Nature
and in the Wildfowl Trust Annual Report. However, it is
perhaps not by her work in the field of original research that
she will be best remembered, but for her activities in co-
ordinating and analysing the data from cooperative enquiries,
such as the Heron Census, the Mute Swan Enquiry and the
National Wildfowl Counts for which she was the Scottish
Recorder. Her association with the Wildfowl Trust was one
of the most productive from her point of view. Recently she
had begun trapping diving ducks on the Ythan estuary, and
in the last months of 1962 was obtaining useful catches of
Scaup, Goldeneye and Tufted Ducks—species notoriously
difficult to catch. One of the Tufted Ducks caught in the
Ythan had been ringed in Finland, and was subsequently re-
captured on Finnish breeding grounds in spring 1963. This
remarkable double recovery gave her a great deal of pleasure.
Betty was a keen member of the S.O.C. of which she was
the Branch Secretary in Aberdeen; she was an enthusiast at
the R.S.P.B. Osprey camps where her culinary efforts were
always popular; she was the local representative of the B.T.O.
and a member of the Wildfowl Trust. Her interest in birds
took her beyond the confines of this country to Faroe, Iceland,
the Everglades in Florida and to Sweden, but it brought her
also to the Ythan estuary. There she built Eider Cottage, with
a wonderful view of the estuary and the Foveran Burn. From
its picture window she identified over 100 species of birds,
and the fine view comforted her during her illness. It was
1963 OBITUARIES 497
Betty’s wish to ensure that all her projects should be carried
on, and several people are now continuing where she left off.
Past and future results will be due very largely to her un-
stinted efforts.
G. M. DuNNET.
IAN R. DOWNHILL
The sad news that Ian Downhill had gone missing while bird
watching on Island Roan in Sutherland will have shocked his
many friends north of the border.
A Yorkshireman, Ian first joined the S.O.C. when he came
to Edinburgh to study at the Royal Dick Veterinary College
in 1960 after a season as assistant warden at Skokholm Bird
Observatory. But it came as no surprise when, after a success-
‘ful first year at university, he decided to change to the
science faculty and study zoology. Both at university and in
the S.O0.C., meetings of which he attended regularly, he came
‘to be widely respected for his quiet enthusiasm and exten-
sive knowledge.
_. His interest in birds stemmed from a love of the wilds, and
when he first visited Sutherland in 1959 he had found an ideal
niche for himself. He returned there for much of each summer
“vacation in subsequent years and, being an indefatigable field-
worker, he quickly built up a considerable knowledge of the
‘birds of that county. Perhaps his greatest find, and that in
which he took most pleasure, was the first pair of Wood Sand-
‘pipers to breed in Scotland---indeed he was also responsible
for their discovery at a second location. In the last two years
his interest had centred on Island Roan, off the Kyle of
Tongue, and his important finds there have received justified
publicity in this journal.
Our sympathies must go to his parents with the knowledge
that we share the burden of a great loss.
Pods SLATER.
CORRECTIONS
A check-list of the birds of Tentsmuir, Fife:
p. 125 1. 22—for “about 1919” read “about 1910.”
p. 125 1. 25—for “by 1910” read “by 1919.”
p. 127 1. 39—for “nesting terns” read “nestling terns.”
498 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(8)
OFFICIAL SECTION
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Balance Sheet as at 31st August 1963
As at As at
31/8/63 31/8/62
Accumulated Surplus :
As at 3lst August 1962 a ms ... £1020 5 2 £1003
Add: Library Fund Balance written back ©... AG 14° 2° 5) ge
“Scottish Birds’ Account written back Ea ne 301710 —
Provisions written back stad eae acts ee —
£1185 5 5 1034
Add: Excess of Income over Expenditure for year 35110 4 151
£1536 15 9 £1185
Made up of :
Cash—In hands of Secretary ot a. Res: ae EO ee
In Royal Bank of Scotland se i i. VI580™S sie
In tdo: “No. 2 ‘A/c: : zy a pe . 10000 —
In Edinburgh Savings Bank» nv 1 . , 415 72a ee
683 7 6 240
Book Shop Stock at cost A r AS . 154 310 —
Debt due to Club eee oe at a — hl 400 9
841 11 4 249
5% Defence Bonds 500 0 500
Loan to Renfrew County Council at 64% “repayable 1965 500 0 0 500
1841 11 4 1249
Less :
Subscriptions paid in advance cat eames FPA les © 64
Donation from the late Miss E. A. Garden—
not yet expended ef ; oats 60 0 0 —
Debts due by Club... his ah ee 75 Wei re! —
——— 30415 7
£1536 15 9 £1185
Endowments—the free annual income of which is
available for the advancement of ornithology:
Miss L. J. Rintoul ae oat ou me ... £1000 0 0 £1000
Miss E. V. Baxter ae me Sac oa .. 1000 0 O 1000
£2000 0 O £2000
Invested in: a
£1151 34% «War. Stock at. costu \:.. “ite ... £1000 0 0 A108
976 Units The Equities Investment Fund. for
Charities at cost f , fe .. 1000 0 O 1000
£2000 O O £2000
———t
a=
1963. OFFICIAL SECTION
Revenue Account for the year ended 31st August 1963
499
Yearto Yearto
31/8/63 31/8/62
INCOME— a
Subscriptions received for year ih £1359 97) 9-£1185
Income Tax recovered on Covenanted Subscriptions gore hh O12
Dividends and Interest received ca IZ A LA NOM: A) LS]
Surplus on Book Shop (Sales £534) ... ff ae 1540810. 56
Sales of “Scottish Birds” to non-members ... Be FLAGS 84
Sundry Sales te at ihe ee a Ns 75 14 6 36
Special Income:
Donations wii ce sth eis ZO 170 —
Surplus on Usher Hall Lecture a be aes 55) 16.3 =
£2013 18 1 £1604
EX PENDITURE— diced eae
Branch Expenses including Lectures ... se = LIBS 74 97135
Secretarial Services ye me Os: ioe ee POO! el hese a5 7
Office Expenses 223 12° 2 204
Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection:
Club’s Share of Running Expenses (including
£50 contribution to House Fabric Fund) ... Wo 20S Wiese 2.035
Cost of Books Purchased for Library Be: Reena) aS) el 1 I
Cost of Publishing “Scottish Birds” ess
advertising revenue £173, 3/7) AJ a 340° @ 5, 354
Net Cost of Annual Conference ne a i B31 1 0 9
Subscriptions paid Re A a. ee an Se £0 5
Sundry Purchases ie ae us xe a 1408 £43
£1662 7 9 £1453
Excess of Income over Expenditure carried
to Balance Sheet #€ ae ae 00 Ce 1.2 OSE 1084. 151
£2013 18 1 £1604
House Fabric Fund—Summary of Accounts for year ended
3lst August 1963
Yearto Year to
31/8/63 31/8/62
RECEIPTS—
Balance as at 3lst August 1962 e te Won OO) GO
Year’s Rent from Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds 3 a Oe OF
Year’s Rent from Mr and Mrs George Waterston 100 0 O
Annual Contribution from S.O.C. Revenue Account 50 0 O
Donation in memory of James and Catherine Harvey
—for new lending library ie ny) i et ZONED “OD
Miscellaneous interests os ia ie it va 3 5* 3
£540 1 11
SSS
——>
£72
500 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(8)
EXPENDITURE—
Repairs and maintenance (including cost
of painting staircase—£78) fa aa . £103) Toe) ee
Property Burdens aa th m. ie wv (40°50 Of ie
Insurance ee iy ae ae ee ues vis 10 4 11 10
253: 7iy 4: 238
On Deposit with Dunedin Building Society £272 10 4
At credit of account with Fraser,
Stodart & Ballingall, W.S. ... ih 14 4 3 28614 7 86
£540 111 £424
EDINBURGH, 15th October, 1963.—I have audited the foregoing revenue
accounts for the year to 3lst August 1963 and the Balance Sheet as at
that date. I have accepted as correct the subscriptions shown as receiv-
ed in the Books and certify that in my opinion the foregoing accounts
are correctly stated and sufficiently vouched.
(Signed) ARTHUR WALKER,
Chartered Accountant.
REPORT OF COUNCIL
The Council has the honour to submit the following Report for the
past year:
Membership. The membership of the Club has again showed a satis-
factory increase during the session, reaching a total of 1261. 279 new
members were enrolled, while 121 resigned or failed to renew their
subscriptions. Joint membership subscriptions rose from 60 to 75. Com-
parative figures are shown in the following tables:
31/8/59 31/8/60 = 31/8/61 = 31/8/62 = 31/8/63
Ordinary 747 781 852 918 1062
Junior 140 141 177 181 195
- Honorary 7 5 6 + 4
894 927 1035 1103 1261
CS a
Deeds of Covenant. Deeds of Covenant signed by members for their
subscriptions increased from 130 to 175 during the Session. The Council
wishes to thank members who signed new Covenants and thereby en-
abled the general funds of the Club to benefit by a total of £134, and
to commend this method of subscribing to all those who pay income tax
at the full rate.
Council Meetings. The Council met five times during the Session.
General Meetings. A full programme of lectures was carried out dur-
ing the winter in seven Branches. The Council wishes to thank the lec-
turers who gave so freely of their services, the Branch Secretaries for
their arrangements, and all who gave hospitality.
New Groups. Two new Groups of the Club were formed during the
summer in Thurso and Inverness. Owing to the small number of mem-
bers in these areas the Council decided to affiliate them to the Club as
Groups under the aims expressed in item (2) (b) of the Constitution,
and it was hoped that when the numbers had increased sufficiently full
Branch status with representation on the Council could be given. Already
a number of new members have been enrolled in both areas as a result,
and the Council extends its good wishes for the success of both Groups.
1963 OFFICIAL SECTION 501
Ayr Branch. The new Branch in Ayr completed its first session very
successfully with a considerable increase in local membership.
Excursions. In addition to local excursions arranged by the Branches
during the summer, the Club also organised weekend excursions to
Dumfries in February and to Aviemore in May, both of which were
well attended.
Annual Conference. The Annual Conference and Annual Dinner were
held in Dunblane in October with an attendance of over 200 members
and guests. The official guests of the Club were Dr K. H. Voous, Am-
sterdam, and Dr Robert Carrick, Canberra, who both gave papers, and
Heinz Sielmann, Munich, who showed his films on the Galapagos
Islands.
Public Lecture. A public lecture was arranged in the Usher Hall,
Edinburgh, on the day after the Annual Conference to enable a wider
audience to hear Heinz Sielmann and to see his film. This lecture was
well attended and the profit of £56 was applied to the general funds of
the Club.
Northern Conference. A special weekend Conference for members
living in the north of Scotland was held in Inverness from 30th Novem-
ber to 2nd December with an attendance of about 40 members and
guests. Papers were given by Dr G. M. Dunnet and Harry Milne, Cul-
tertv Research Station; Dr D. H. Mills, Salmon Research Laboratory,
Contin; David Wilson, Secretary of the B.T.O.; Roy Dennis; Dr I. D.
Pennie; and Dr W. J. Eggeling, Nature Conservancy; and much useful
discussion was held.
“Scottish Birds.” Four numbers of the journal were published during
the session and the Council wishes to congratulate the Editor, A. T.
Macmillan, on the very high standard maintained in each number. In
addition to Libraries in Britain, the journal is now sent by subscription
or exchange to Libraries and Societies in Australia and New Zealand,
U.S.A. and Canada, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Estonia,
Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland.
In the autumn the Council accepted with great regret the resignation
of Arthur Smith as Business Editor of “Scottish Birds” owing to 1in-
creased pressure of work in his own business, and wish to record their
gratitude to him for the immense amount of work he has done, both
in the initial launching of the journal and in the subsequent production.
Dr T. C. Smout has been appointed in his place.
Scottish Bird Records Committee. The Committee met once during the
session under the chairmanship of D. G. Andrew; the Review for 1962
was published in “Scottish Birds” (2: 342-350).
Club Library. A number of books and journals has been presented to
the Library during the year, and the Council records its sincere thanks
to all the donors. It was agreed by the Council that a maximum sum
of £120 should be allocated to the Library Fund for the purchase of
books during the session. Among important purchases made was a com-
plete set of the Transactions of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, and
Alpheraky’s “Geese of Europe and Asia.” A gift of £60 from the late
Miss Betty Garden was received for the purchase of a glass-fronted
bookcase for the more valuable books in the Library. As a result of a
donation of £200 in memory of James and Catherine Harvey, the Council
was able to recondition and furnish a room in the Scottish Centre for
use as a Lending Library. This room is now complete and provides ample
space for the books as well as helping to relieve pressure of space in
the Reference Library.
Bookshop. The Club has received official sanction from the Publishers
Association to operate a Bird Bookshop in the Scottish Centre. The
502 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(8)
Club can now purchase all books at full trade discount and sell them
to members at the usual retail price. As it was expected that there
would be a considerable increase in revenue from this source, the Council
agreed that these profits should in future be applied to the general.
funds of the Club and not to the Library Fund as formerly. During the
summer, stocks of new books were built up in preparation for wider ad-
vertising in the new session, and a considerable number of books were
sold bringing in a profit of approximately £154 for the year. A stock
of over 100 titles is held at present in the bookshop—the largest range
of bird books in any shop in Scotland—and the Council commends this _
new venture to members of the Club for their support. It hopes that.
this will not only be a useful service to members but will also increase
the revenue and enable more developments to be made. All books are
supplied post free.
Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection. Ornithologists
from all parts of the world have again visited the Centre to obtain in-
formation on bird watching facilities. On 25th July a group of American
ornithologists led by Mr Orville Crowder was entertained to a reception
and film by members of Council and of the Edinburgh Branch Com-
mittee. The offices and Club room were open to the public during
National Nature Week from 17th to 24th June. The main Club room
and Library has been redecorated during the summer.
Certain changes occurred in the officers of the Club during the year.
The Council received with regret the resignation of Robert Hillcoat as
Hon. Treasurer of the Club, and records its gratitude to him for his
services. Maxwell Hamilton, C.A. was appointed in his place. In Feb-
ruary Mrs R. Smillie was appointed as a part-time secretarial assistant
to Mrs Waterston. The Council also records its sincere thanks to Mrs
John Hyatt who gave a great deal of her time and energy in a voluntary
capacity over many months to re-cataloguing the Reference Library.
For the Council, M. F. M. MEIKLEJOHN, President.
TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Twenty-seventh Annual General Meeting of the Club was held
in the Hotel Dunblane, Perthshire, on Saturday 26th October 1963, at
6.15 p.m. Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn, President of the Club, pre-
sided over an attendance of about seventy-five members.
Apologies. Apologies for absence were received from Dr David Bod-
dington, D. M. Stark and Dr Adam: Watson.
Minutes. The Minutes of the twenty-sixth Annual General Meeting,
held in Dunblane on 27th October 1962, were approved and signed.
Report of Council. The Chairman presented the Report of Council
for the past year. He stressed the steady increase in Club membership
over the past five years, and the importance to the Club of income
obtained both through Deeds of Covenant signed by members for their
subscriptions, and from the new Club Bookshop, and urged members
to give these their support. The Report was adopted.
Miss E. A. Garden and Ian R. Downhill. The Chairman announced
with great regret the deaths of Miss E. A. Garden, Secretary of the
Aberdeen Branch and member of Council for many years, and Ian R.
Downhill, Zoology student at Edinburgh University, who was lost on
Island Roan, Sutherland, in September.
Accounts. The Accounts for the past Session, presented by the Hon.
Treasurer, were approved.
Election of Auditor. Arthur Walker C.A. was re-elected Auditor for
the ensuing session.
1963 OFFICIAL SECTION 503
Election of new Office-Bearers. In the absence of any other nomin-
ations, the Council’s recommendation for the election of new Office-
Bearers was approved, as follows: President, Dr I. D. Pennie to replace
Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn who had completed his term of office;
Vice-President, Dr W. J. Eggeling, to replace Dr I. D. Pennie; Council,
J. H. B. Munro and Dr D. H. Mills to replace A. G. S. Bryson and Lt.
Col. J. P. Grant who were due to retire by rotation; G. L. A. Patrick
to replace G. H. Acklam who had gone abroad; C. K. Mylne to replace
Dr Eggeling, and A. J. Smith to replace A. T. Macmillan, who as Editor
of the Journal was now an ex officio member of Council. The appoint-
ment of M. K. Hamilton as Hon. Treasurer was also confirmed. The
Chairman thanked the retiring members for their services to the Club.
Amendment to Constitution. The following amendment to the Con-
stitution of the Club was approved, under 4 (h) Financial Year: “The
financial year of the Club shall end on 30th June.”
National Heron Census. The Chairman announced that the Council
would make an appointment shortly of a Scottish organiser for the
B.T.O. National Census of Heronries in 1964.
Votes of Thanks. The Chairman moved a warm vote of thanks to all
the members who were assisting at the Conference in the Registration
Office, the projectionists, excursion leaders and exhibiters. The meeting
closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman on the motion of
Dr |. D. Pennie, President-elect of the Club.
COUNCIL AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE CLUB
FOR SESSION 27
Hon Presidents: Dr D. A. Bannerman, O.B.E.; Sir Charles G. Connell;
Rev. J. M. McWilliam.
President : Dr I. D. Pennie.
Vice-President : Dr W. J. Eggeling.
Hon. Treasurer : Maxwell K. Hamilton, C.A.
Hon. Treasurer of House Fabric Fund: D. G. Andrew.
Secretary and Treasurer: Mrs George Waterston.
Editor of “Scottish Birds”: A. T. Macmillan.
Assistant Editors of “Scottish Birds’: D. G. Andrew; Dr T. C. Smout.
Business Editor of Scottish Birds”: Dr T. C. Smout.
Council : Dr J. W. Campbell; Dr G. M. Dunnet; Alastair Macdonald;
Dro He Malls: J. H. B. Munro; C. K.. Myine; G. L. A. Patrick;
A. J. Smith; George Waterston; A. D. Watson.
Branch Representatives to Council: William Austin (Dumfries); Mrs
L. S. Barrus (Aberdeen); Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame (St Andrews) ;
C. E. Palmar (Glasgow); Mrs A. E. S. Scorgie (Ayr); J. Hunter
Sutherland (Dundee); Miss Olive Thompson (Edinburgh).
BRANCH AND GROUP OFFICE-BEARERS
Aberdeen: Chairman, Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards; Vice-Chairman,
A. Anderson; Secretary, Mrs L. S. Barrus; Committee, DroG: M.
Dunnet, D. W. Garvie, Miss F. J. Greig.
Ayr: Chairman, R. M. Ramage; Vice-Chairman, G. A. Richards; Sec-
Setany, Dr MM. EE. Castle: Committee, S. L. Hunter, Mrs M- E.
McGregor, Rev. J. S. Phillip, Mrs A. E. S. Scorgie.
Caithness : Chairman, J. M. Gunn; Secretary, D. M. Stark.
504 OFFICIAL SECTION 2(8),
Inverness : Chairman, Dr Maeve Rusk; Vice-Chairman, Dr D. H. Mills ;
Secretary, James MacGeoch; Committee, not known. ; :
Dumfries: Chairman, Sir Arthur Duncan; Vice-Chairman, William
Austin; Secretary, H. M. Russell; Committee, not known. |
Dundee: Chairman, J. Hunter Sutherland; Vice-Chairman, J. E. For-
rest; Secretary, Jack Scobie; Committee, F. D. Graham, Andrew
Shepherd, Miss Jenny Stirling, R. Summers.
Edinburgh : Chairman, A. T. Macmillan; Vice-Chairman, M. K. Hamil-
ton; Secretary, Miss Olive Thompson; Committee, C. N. L. Cowper,
C. K. Mylne, Mrs E. F. Paterson, P. J. B. Slater.
Glasgow : Chairman, C. E. Palmar; Vice-Chairman, J. M. S. Arnott;
Secretary, G. L. A. Patrick; Committee, Mrs W. U. Flower, Miss
M. Mathisen, T. D. H. Merrie, A. L. Ogilvy.
St Andrews : Chairman, Miss J. McFarlane; Vice-Chairman, Miss D. M.
Wilson; Secretary, Miss M. M. Spires; Committee, Miss J. Y.
Black, Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame, Julian Holdroyd.
SCOTTISH BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
Chairman: D. G. Andrew.
Committee: A. G. S. Bryson, Dr J. W. Campbell, Sir Arthur Duncan,
Dr W. J. Eggeling, A. T. Macmillan, Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn,
Dr I. D. Pennie, Kenneth Williamson, George Waterston, Professor
V. C. Wynne-Edwards.
WEEKEND EXCURSION TO DUMFRIES
An excursion has been arranged with the County Hotel, Dumfries, for
the weekend 21st to 23rd February 1964, to see the geese on the Solway.
Accommodation: inclusive terms £4. 9. 6d (including 10% service
charge) as follows—dirnner and bed, Friday 21st; breakfast, packed
lunch, dinner. and bed on Saturday 22nd; breakfast and packed lunch
on Sunday 23rd.
Members may bring guests, and should book direct with the Manager,
County Hotel, Dumfries (Tel. 146), notifying him that they are attend-
ing the Club excursion. Arrangements for transport by private cars
should be made with Branch Secretaries. It is advisable to bring warm
clothing, gum boots if possible, and thermos flasks.
AYR BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS
The Ayr Branch has arranged a series of local excursions during the
coming winter months. Members who, are interested and wish to par-
ticipate should meet promptly at 2 p.m. in Wellington Square, Ayr, on
the first Saturday in each month, December to March inclusive. The
excursion leader will be present in Wellington Square opposite the
County Hotel.
KIN. D-Er xX
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.
English names are used throughout, but a key to scientific names is given
at the end. Only the first page of each reference is given, except in the
index of papers and short articles.
The index to species is selective, not comprehensive. Titles of papers
and short notes dealing with particular species are included in abbre-
viated form, and some other sub-headings are added; otherwise only
page numbers are given. All references have been indexed from short
and current notes, reviews of changes in status, local status lists, and
lists of unusual occurrences. Since most contributions are concerned with
migration and distribution of birds in Scotland it may generally be
assumed that where no further details of the references listed under
particular species are given they are in this category. Passing and com-
parative references have usually been omitted, and also references within
the body of papers, reviews, obituaries and other contributions, unless
these are status reports or considered of special interest apart from the
context in which they are mentioned. In particular it should be emphas-
ised that detailed and valuable information on migration and numbers
of common birds, in papers such as the Isle of May reports, finds no
place in the index to species.
REGULAR FEATURES
Corrections 394, 447, 495, 497
Correspondence 219, 450
Current Notes 40, 102, 200, 253, 311, 369, 428, 483
Editorial 1, 65, 165, 225, 277, 341, 397, 457
Obituary
Dr Vernon D. van Someren 108
Dr Constance Higginbottom 340
Miss Elizabeth A. Garden 495, Plate 26
Ian R. Downhill 497
Official Section (S.O.C.) 57, 111, 220, 270, 336, 395, 453, 498
Reports
1962 S.0.C. Solway Weekend 63, 224
1962 S.0.C. Annual Conference 301, Plate 16
1962 S.0.C. Northern Counties Conference 303
1963 European Meeting on Wildfowl Conservation 473
Requests for Information 111, 394, 452
Reviews
D. A. Bannerman & G. E. Lodge: The Birds of the British Isles Vol.
mM Z5,.Viol, X1 331
G. Christian: Down the Long Wind 27
K. Tottenham: Bird Doctor 28
R. A. Richardson: Check-list of the Birds of Cley and Neighbouring
Norfolk Parishes 109
Council for Nature: A List of 16mm Films on Natural History Sub-
jects, Part 1: The British Isles and Europe 109
W. B. Yapp: Birds and Woods 215
K. Richmond: Birds in Britain 218
505
506 SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 2
J. D. Summers-Smith: The House Sparrow 391
D. H. Mills: The Goosander and Red-breasted Merganser as Preda-
tors of Salmon in Scottish Waters 392
G. Mountfort: Portrait of a River 392
K. Williamson & J. Morton Boyd: A Mosaic of Islands 393
R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith: The Bird in the Hand 393
T. Stokes & K. Shackleton: A Sailor’s Guide to Ocean Birds: Atlantic
and Mediterranean 448
H. Lidman: People of the Forest 448
Short Notes 29, 96, 196, 242, 304, 363, 417, 474
Without Comment 166, 241, 368
PAPERS AND SHORT ARTICLES
The spring departure of Common eHile from Scotland (W. R. P. Bourne
& J, J..Pattersonm). 3-17
Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station report for 1961 (W. J.
Eggeling & A. Macdonald) 18-25; 1962 (N. J. Gordon) 278-286
Autumn migration at St Kilda in 1961 (W. E. Waters) 66-74
Some notes from Skerryvore Lighthouse (W. A. Cameron) 74-76
Notes from the Bass Rock (J. B. Nelson) 76-78, 357-360, Plate 17
Aggressive Capercaillies (D. Jenkins & C. K. Mylne) 81-84
The Waxwing invasion of November 1961 (A. T. Macmillan) 85-89
The Stornoway Woods (W. A. J. Cunningham) 89-96
A check-list of the birds of Tentsmuir, Fife (J. Grierson) 113-164, 497
A century of bird-watching in Sutherland (I. D. Pennie) 167-192
Review of ornithological changes in Scotland in 1961 (J. W. Campbell)
192-196; 1962 (D. G. Andrew) 342-350
The birds of St Kilda—winter 1961-62 (W. E. Waters) 227-233
Feeding habits of the Grey Lag Goose on the Island of Bute (Janet
Kear) 233-239
Roseate Terns breeding on the mainland of Fife in 1956 (C. K.
ae e in ( Mylne)
Roseate and Sandwich Tern colonies in the Forth and neighbouring
areas (G. L. Sandeman) 286-293; letter (G. Hickling) 450
Migrants at St Kilda in 1962 (W. E. Waters) 293-300
Notes from Island Roan, Sutherland (I. R. Downhill) 351-357
Handa Bird Reserve, 1962 (G. Waterston) 360-363, Plate 18
H. Boase: Birds of North and East Perthshire 2606
K. Williamson: Identification for Ringers. No. 2: The Genus Phyllo-
scopus 268 ;
V. C. Wynne-Edwards: Animal Dispersion in relation to Social
Behaviour 326
J. Dorst: The Migrations of Birds 329
P. Brown & G. Waterston: The Return of the Osprey 332
G. Davies (Editor): The “Bird Notes” Bedside Book 333
F. W. Lane: Animal Wonderland 335
R. Carson: Silent Spring 384
O. L. Austin Jr.: Birds of the World 386
H. Boase: Birds of Angus 388 .
G. des Forges & D. D. Harber: A Guide to the Birds of Sussex 388
H. Makowski: Every Child’s Book of Birds and Bird-watching 389
R. S. R. Fitter: Collins Guide to Bird Watching 389
G. E. Hyde: A Primer of Ornithology 389
Vol. 2
INDEX
Recent developments at Fair Isle (P. Davis) 400-410, Plates 20-21
Notes on the birds of Bearasay, Lewis (M. Robson & P. Wills) 410-414
Bird watching on the Ythan estuary (G. M. Dunnet) 414-416
Observations on the Fulmar at St Kilda (W. E. Waters) 459-468
Scots in Denmark (T. C. Smout) 468-471
A fall of migrants on a North Sea crossing (P. G. R. Barbier) 471-473
INDEX TO SPECIES
mk, LITELE,.77, 150, 208, 379,
438; summer 199
BALDPATE, Tentsmuir 133, 163
fee PN, 132, - 163, 168, 312, 373,
383
BEACKBIRD, 72, 74, 77, 95, 130,
$55, 163, 228, 229,232,283, 299.
312, 356, 358, 371, 432; multiple
nests 37, 447; albino 447
BLACKCAP, 22, 76, 78, 156, 186,
211, 322, 416, 442; winter 53,
91, 95, 106, 322, 372, 381, 442
BLUETHROAT, Isle of May 19,
283; St Kilda 69, 72
BRAMBLING, 78, 96, 106, 158, 163,
213, 359, 382; breeding 175;
June 433, 444
BULLFINCH, 55, 158, 188, 267, 429,
432; Northern race” \ 220: 55"
albino 495
BUNTING, CORN, 130, 158, 163,
263, 432, 444
BUNTING, LAPLAND, 20, 22, 56,
75,0205, 4203. 281.. 300, 324, 356,
359, 382
BUNTING, ORTOLAN,
May 281; Lewis 418
BUNTING, RED-HEADED, Isle
of May 195; Little Cumbrae
252; St Kilda 300; Dumfries
444
BUNTING, REED, 78, 130, 159,
163, 267, 283, 300, 356, 432, 444
BUNTING, RUSTIC, Isle of May
283
BUNTING, SNOW, 56, 73, 74, 78,
1a,-108, 159, 213, 232, 263, 267,
300, 324, 356, 359, 372, 408, 416,
432; June 493
BUNTING, YELLOW-BREAST-
ED, Isle of May 22
BUZZARD, 48, 92, 95, 141, 179, 256,
314, 354, 363; lost in Ednburgh
30; weight 44; prey 196, plate
11)" S25,
Isle of
|
CROW,
BUZZARD, HONEY, N. Fife and
possible breeding 142
BUZZARD, ROUGH-LEGGED, 44,
141, 435, 487; weight 44
CAPERCAILLIE, Be aM a) esse ae oye
378; aggressive behaviour 81,
plate 5
CHAFFINCH, 74, 78, 90, 96, 130,
158, 163, 300, 359, 372, 432 ; pale
plumage 447
CHIFFCHAFF, 72, 90, 95 (correc-
tion 350), 186, 194, LUO2 212s 322:
348, 359, 443, 492, 494: Novem-
ber boy O22. 381
CHOUGH, 185, 394, 492
COOT, 49, 130, 144, 163, 370, 372:
shell stripped from ege 34
CORMORANT, 132, 312, 353, 357,
363, 413; inland 103, 201
CORNCRAKE, 95; 130s 143% Sl
205, 263, 298, 383, 436. (correc-
ted 495)
Chae BAILLON’S, Tentsmuir
CRAKE, LITTLE, Tentsmuir 143;
Edinburgh 378
CRAKE, SPORTED:
30 (letter 219);
426
Midlothian
Kirkcudbright
CRANE, Aberdeen, Fife,
ness, Lanark, Fair
Shetland 245, 422
CROSSBILL, mainly immigrants
96, 158, 262, 283, 300, 324, 359,
373%: « 382, 493: breeding in
Angus 478
CROSSBILL, PARROT, Fair Isle
408; Scottish Crossbill 44
CROW, CARRION, 52, 92, 130, 153,
163, 184, 358; albino 215; hyb-
rids 52
HOODED, 52, 92, 95, 130,
184, 228, 232, 355, 360, 381,
hybrids 52
Inver-
Isle and
153,
440;
508 SCOTTISH BIRDS
CUCKOO, 92, 95, 107, 130, 151, 163,
208, 439, 491; rufous phase 446
CURLEW, 50, 70, 95, 104, 130, 145,
162, 163, 205, ‘298, 354, 357, 363,
371, 416, 432
DIPPER, 93, 95
DIVER, BLACK-THROATED,
103, 133° 163),9253, "yr S550 3015
plates 23-24
DIVER, GREAT NORTHERN,
94, 103, 1313 9230, 1 297, 4353,5 363,
ari 378) 415, 433, plates 23-25 ;
inland 44, 253, 373; summer
69, 173, 253
DIVER, RED-THROATED, 103,
131. (2898. S538. adds 415, 433,
plates 23-24: inland in winter
131.163, 200, 373, 433; breed-
ing status 268, 360 ; albino 383
DIVER, WHITE-BILLED, Tay
131; Fair Isle 192; Sutherland
474, plates 23-25
DOTTEREL, 14554 lose 72 482,
205
DOVE, COLLARED, status and
spread 42, 93,95, 194, 195, 199,
247, 260, 309, 318, 346, 349, 380,
383, 438, 491, 494.
DOVE, ROCK; 793," 95; /2355,,, 300;
request for information 452
DOVE, STOCK, 130, 151, 163, 183
DOVE, TURTLE, autumn 19, 107,
491; June 208, 438, 494
DOWITCHER, review of Scottish
records 195
DUCK, LONG-TAILED, 70, 134,
202, 231, 313, 344, 374, 415; in-
land AG, 473, 1345" 163, 313
DUCK, RING-NECKED, first in
Scotland 476
DUCK, TUFTED, 40, 69, 130, 134,
163, 176, 254, 267, 297, 370, 415,
476, 496
DUNN, 71 130! 147, E162." 108,
214, 258, 263, 265, 208, 325, 354,
379, 415
DUNNOCK, see
HEDGE ;
EAGLE, GOLDEN, 141, 163, 168,
173,078, 5193) 363; prey 56, 214
EAGLE, WHITE-TAILED, Suth-
erland 168, 173, 179
EGRET, LITTLE, Shetland and
Orkney 29, 192
SPARROW,
Vol 2
EIDER, 74, 116, 125, 130,! 135; sia,
177, 231, 344, 353, 357, 360 ae,
414
EIDER, KING,
Shetland 245
FALCON, GYR, Tentsmuir 142;
Dunbarton/Stirling 193
FALCON, ICELAND, Midlothian
96
135:
Tentsmuir
FALCON, RED-FOOTED, Fife
142, 344; Inverness and Ber-
wick 193; Orkney 422
FIELDFARE, 22, 53, 72, 74, 77, 94,
95, 154, 163, 210, 232, 299, 312,
320, 358, 371, 372, 383, 416, 440
FLYCATCHER, COLLARED,
Orkney 478
FLYCATCHER, PIED, 4, 66, 72,
78, 156, 214, 262, 348, 359, 443,
483, 492 - request for informa-
tion 111.
FLYCATCHER, RED-BREAST-
rt autumn 78, 283, 323, 359,
16
FLYCATCHER, “SPOTTER, Va
95, 130,156, 163,.212 262 35m
443, 484, 492
FRIGATE BIRD, Aberdeen 196,
343
FULMAR, status and movements
23, 103, 132, 176, 201, 214, 230,
284, 305, 349, 353, 359, 360, 371,
412, 414, 417, 433, 484; observ-
ations at St Kilda 459; inland
201, 433, 485; “Blue” 253, 324,
353; big nest 265
GADWALL, 40, 45, 64, 103, 130.
133, 163, 176, 254, 343, 374, 485
GANNET, 40, 132, 201, 230, 305, 353.
359, plate 17, 371, 485; inland
40, 201, 265 (feeding), 312, 343,
485; winter 312
GARGANEY, 13200 toa.
343, 433, 485
GODWIT, BAR-TAILED, 21, 41,
146, 162, 163, 193, 257," Zant o25,
345, 354, 407, 416, 488; unusual
behaviour 247
GODWIT, BLACK - . TAILED,
spring 41, 146, 163, 205, 263,
436, 493; summer 146 - autumn
41, 50, 146, 163,256, 315. 345:
416, 487, 493 ; winter 50, 104,
146, 163, 315
192, 201,
Vol. 2
GOLDCREST, 22, 54, 66, 72, 78, 90,
Oi 954130) 7.156)) 187; 348; 359,
364, 373, 416, 431, 432
GOLDENEYE, 46, 66, 70, 134, 163,
gee 310 -374,.-415.. 476: late
spring and summer 202, 254,
434, 485; aggressive behaviour
243.
GOLDPINCH, 22, 54, 74, 91, 96,
Y57e 103, 188, 214, 262, 323, 348,
359, 420
GOOSANDER, 46, 104, 136, 163,
177, 313, 415, 485; food 392
GOOSE, unidentified 47, 73
GOOSE, BARNACLE, 47, 64, 104,
141, 163, 178, 204, 298, 307 (cor-
rection 394), 314, 344, 353, 361,
363, 377, 434, 486; summer 486
GOOSE, BEAN, 47, 136, 163, 172,
193, 202, 376, 434
GOOSE, BRENT, Dark-breasted
314; Light-breasted 141, 314,
377; race unknown 47, 141, 178,
SE
GOOSE, CANADA, 41, 204, 255,
283, 344, 349, 377, 434, 486
GOOSE, GREY LAG, winter
status and movements 46, 130,
iG yf03, 202,255, 313; 344, 363,
376, 415, 486; late spring and
summer 44, 136, 172, 177, 202,
254, 298, 434, 486; feeding hab-
ue on Bute 233, plate 12; albino
6
GOOSE, PINK-FOOTED, winter
status and movements 47, 76,
ts 103: 202% 255; (263, 298, : 324,
371, 415, 486; late spring and
summer 202, 254, 486; mortality
of young 29; albino 56, 107, 214;
request for information 111
GOOSE, ROSS’S, records and pro-
blems of escapes 306, 344, 418
GOOSE, SNOW, records of Great-
er, Lesser and Blue Snow Geese
and problems of escapes 64, 141,
193, 203, 306, 313, 344, 377, 418,
434
GOOSE, WHITE-FRONTED, Eur-
opean race 193, 202; Greenland
race 47, 64, 313, 376; race un-
known 104, 136, 376
GOSHAWK, Dunbarton 420
GREBE, BLACK-NECKED, cor-
rection 57; spring and summer
INDEX 509
inland 131, 163, 201, 253, 349,
433; on sea 131, 433, 444
GREBE, GREAT CRESTED,
breeding 324, 433; on sea 131,
201, 253, 371, 484; inland in Dec-
ember 312
GREBE, EVES A004 113i) 371:
breeding 130, 131, 163
GREBE, RED-NECKED, passage
and winter on sea 45, 103, 131,
LOS. 72615 (253, S128 SAL S785 (AUS:
433, 484; inland 131, 163, 192,
373
GREBE, SLAVONIAN, breeding
176, 242, 348, 382; others inland
131, 163; on sea 69, 73, 103, 131,
163, 283, 312, 484
GREENFINCE:. 22/57, 78,91, 96,
130.0 157 163; 188 372, 432
GREENSHANK, correction 57;
summer 488; autumn 21, 41, 51,
95; 147, 163, 257% 316,354, 357,
416, 488; winter 51, 105, 147, 206,
316, 379, 444; spring 206, 214,
436
GROUSE, BLACK, 82, 130, 143, 181,
205, 314, 435, 446; request for
information 452
GROUSE, RED, 130, 143, 315, 354,
414; behaviour 82, 265
GUILLEMOT, 94, 151, 305, 355, 360,
371, 413, 466
GUILLEMOT, BLACK, 21, 94, 151,
413; breeding 355, 360; timed
dives 494
GULL, Edinburgh in 1836 166; “leg-
less” 384, 494
GULL, BLACK-HEADED, 71, 74,
75, 95, 126, 130, plate 9, 149, 163,
183; 195% 231 209% 355>, 3575° 371),
383, 414, 437; pink coloured 97
GULL, -‘CONMON: 71. 745 95 107
149, 163, 206, 259, 209, 349, 355,
357, 363, 371, 437, 490: spring
departure from Scotland 3, 206,
357, 437, 494; tree nest 266
GULL, GLAUCOUS, winter on sea
2A S439; Do, yor LO 204. 23:
259, 282, 317, 379, 490; inland 51;
July 149, 259, 490
GULL, GREAT BLACK-BACKED,
42, 77, 95, 148, 163, 182, 231, 278,
284, 317, 325, 346, 355, 360, 379,
413, 415, 437; gorged on cater-
pillars 42
510
GULL, HERRING, 95, 130, 148, 163,
195, 206, 231, 259, 284, 355, 360,
371, 413, 415; albino 56, 107, 490;
unusual nest sites 266, 490; “leg-
less” 384, 494
GULL, ICELAND, winter on sea
21, 34, 95, 105, 149, 207, 259, 346,
379, 437, 490; inland 207, 346;
July 259, 490
GULL, IVORY, Lewis and Shet-
land 34, plates 1-3; Perth 346
GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACK-
ED, 71, 75, 95, 148, 163, 182, 284.
355, 360, 437; winter 51, 64, 317,
437; Scandinavian race 51, 148,
317, 494
GULL, LITTLE, 149, 163, 194, 207.
259, 263, 283, 209, 317, 346, 437, |
490
Gwe, MEDITERRANEAN
BLACK-HEADED, first’ in
Scotland 408
GULL, SABINE’S, Tentsmuir 149
HARRIER, HEN, passage and win-
ter 48, 142, 163, 193, 256, 267, 421,
435, 487; breeding 180
HARRIER, MARSH, 142, 163, 193,
256, 344, 435, 487; breeding 142
HARRIER, MONTAGU’S, breed-
ing 349; Aberdeen 478
HAWFINCH, 213, 493
HERON, 69, 73, 76, 95, 132, 163, 254,
353, 357, 363; breeding 130, 132
HERON, NIGHT, Orkney 475
HOOPOE, Isle of May, 22; Selkirk
194.
IBIS, GLOSSY, Sutherland 364
JACKDAW, 52, 92, 95, 130, 153, 163,
185, 232, 299, 347, 358, 363, 432;
abnormal beak and plumage 266
JAY, 53, 130, 154, 194, 210, 494
KESTREE;27/5,.95, 107, 130, 143; 163,
298, 354, 360, 432; clinging to
pole 265; nesting close together
446
KINGFISHER, southern Scotland
51, 105, 261; Tentsmuir 152, 163;
Sutherland 318
KITE, old breeding records and
confusion of localities 174, 179,
268
KITTIWAKE, 23, 52, 75, 149, 207,
230, 232, 2eA,. 305, SL7,, 355... o00,
371, 437, 459; inland 105, 149, 163,
207, 259; orange legs 266
SCOTRISH BIRDS
Vote
KNOT, 42, 68, 71, 147, 162, 265, 298,
325, 345, 354, 371, 379, 415, 493;
inland 258, 379: from: Canada 71
LAPWING, 49, 70, 73, 95, 130, 144,
163, 231, 298, 315, 354, 360, 37k.
372, 378, 416, 430, 432
ALE SHORE, 22, 105, "52, Sie
3
LARK, WHITE-WINGED, reject-
ed 347
| LINNET, 23, 76, 78, 94, 130, 158, 163,
284, 323, 359, 432
| MAGPIE, 107, 130, 153, 185, 210, 261,
320, 440, 492
| MALLARD, 73, 130, 132, 161, 163,
20k 23 254, 267, 297, 353, Key,
363, 370, 3/1, “Any albino 265
MARTIN, -HOUSE, 52, 71,935.93
130, 152 163, 184, 200, 209, 261,
299, 358, 440; late October/
November 52, 107, 152, 282
MARTIN, SAND, 103, 130, 152, 163,
200, 209, 440
MERGANSER, RED-BREASTED,
70,73, 94, 135, 163, 298" S13. 35aq
370, 374, 485; food 392
MERLIN, “49, 70,73. 77) 82, “os
142, 163, 180, 298, 314, 354, 363;
taking newly hatched passer-
ines 245
| MOORHEN, 93, 95, 130, 144, 163,
372, 436; numbers 378; 21 eggs
446
| NIGHTINGALE, Isle of May 283
NIGHTJAR, 166, 184, 260, 439, 444
OSPREY, “180; 205). 256, Sia 472
435, 487, 493; breeding 171, 172,
180, 268, 435, plate 22; analysis
of egg 457
| OUZEL, RING, 22, 75, 77, 200, 210.
262, 267, 356, 358, 441, 492: Nov-
ember 53; call note 53
| OWL, BARN, 21, 43, 64, 151, 194,
208, 263, 318, 380; breeding in
Sutherland 36
OWL, LITTLE, Midlothian 194;
Dumfries 248; Berwick 260, 380:
East Lothian 380
OWL, LONG-EARED, 52, 92, 151,
163, 282, 380; breeding 130, 151;
food 56
OWL, SHORT-EARED, 20, 21, 74,
92, 151,163, 183, 267, 2a
355, 380, 439; breeding 92, 130,
151, 183, 267
Vol. 2
OWL, SNOWY, Angus, Aberdeen
and Banff 99, plate 6; Fife 151
OWL, TAWNY, 92, 95, 130, 151, 163,
432; food 383
OWL, TENGMALM’S, Orkney 194
OYSTERCATCHER, 70, 95, 144,
loz, 163.181, 205; 214, 231, 284,
354) 357, 360, 3/70; 371,413, 415;
albino 107, 214
PARTRIDGE, 130, 143, 163, 315, 432
PARTRIDGE, RED - LEGGED,
Perth 96, 345
PELICAN, 196, 350
PEREGRINE, 70, 76, 95, 104, 107,
142, 163, 180, 231, 298, 354, 357,
360, 378, 435, 459; food 325
fe thei WEACH’S, aniand,. 201;
possible breeding on Bearasay
412
PERE. SLORM, 132,..283,.413-
inland 40; breeding 353
PHALAROPE, 51, 66, 71, 345
PHALAROPE, GREY, 51, 148, 317
PHALAROPE, RED-NECKED, old
breeding records 172, 174, 268;
autumn 490
PHALAROPE, WILSON’S,
barton 366
PHEASANT, 130.143, 163,.315
PINTAIL, passage and winter 45,
flose tole 63,20), 353,..3/1;
breeding 40, 133, 349; correction
349
PIiPin, MEAWOW,. 72,.-76, 78. 6,
Touro. 163, 202," 284. 300, 356,
359, 360. 432
PPTL. RED-THROATED, St
Kilda 69, 72, 100
PIPTR, ROCK, 76,94, 157,229, 232.
348,.7356, 363,372, 413
PIPIT. TAWNY, Lewis 250, 348;
Isle of May 283
PIPIT, TREE, 156, 187, 262, 443
PLOVER, GOLDEN, 49, 70, 73, 75,
959130; 91450 163,205, 7265; 298,
Bley S15; 1325,93547 360) 371; 383,
415, 487
PLOVER, GREY, 64, 144, 163, 205,
354, 416, 436, 487; inland 49, 144,
163
PLOVER, KENTISH, Aberdeen
246, 345
PLOVER, RINGED, 41, 70, 130, 144,
Dun-
INDEX 511
163, 205, 214, 298, 354, 357, 360,
416
POCHARD® '45, “134! 163,202, 312,
370, 415, 476
POCHARD, RED’-"“CRESPED,
Tentsmuir 134, 163
PTARMIGAN, 180, 267
PUFFIN, 23, 151, 208, 260, 278, 284,
318, 355, 360; recovered in
Greenland 407; early return to
cliffs 379
OUATE: 2 143 163% 256" 487
RAIL, WATER, passage and win-
tern 49: 75; OS 145 163) 23 282.
312, 315," 365, 378,415: ‘scaven-
ging in open 365, plate 19, 378;
breeding 487
RAVEN, 44, 92, 95, 184, 228, 232.
261 3208-355, 3600), 413
RAZORBILE? 150, 208) 305" 955,500:
371, 413
REDPOLL, race not known 55, 73,
188, 195, 267, 324, 356
REDPOLIE SAC hi@ es iwevts
348; Inverness 427
REDPOLL, GREENLAND, breed-
ing in Inverness 196
[RABIBNE Oia HORNEMANN’S,
Lewis 251, 348
REDPOLE, EERSSEK..22, 158 188
348
REDPOLL, MEALY, Isle of May
281
REDHAN Ks 950871; 7593 77s 955180!
146, 162, 163, 257, 298, 354, 357,
363, 371, 415; Iceland race 193,
316, 354
REDSHANK, SPOTTED, autumn
ZEMSL 147 OS 198.. Zhan 257,
282, 316, 354, 383, 416, 488; win-
ter 147, 316, 378; spring 41,. 206,
263, 345
REDSPARTR 42 775.1554 21 358;
441, 483; November 22, 283
REDSTART, BLACK, migrants 18,
198320822. 575, 107, TSS 211" 263;
279, 281, 299, 347, 381, 416, 473,
484; July 22
REDWING, 72, 74, 75,.77, 94, 95,
107, 155, 163, 228, 229, 232, 299,
3127) 3202: 3583..370%. 3715 372) 416;
summer and breeding 175, 325,
441, 492; winter song 108; Ice-
land race 441
Zale
512
ROBIN, 22, 77, 95, 130, 155, 163, 200,
211, 230, 299, 356, 358, 371, 372,
373, 432; nesting beside Black-
bird 37
ROBIN, AMERICAN,
Scotland 343
ROCKTHRUSH, St Kilda 299
ROOK» 52,468.07 1,9 Oil, 95. ah Or lsat
163, 166, 185, 267, 299, 355, 358,
370)
RUFF, autumn 41, 51, 105, 148, 163,
214, 258, 283, 299, 317, 345, 416,
489; winter 105, 317, 379; spring
436
SANDERLING, 71, 147, 194, 258,
299, 416; inland 258
SANDGROUSE, PALLAS’S,
records 151, 163
SANDPIPER, BROAD-BILLED,
Tentsmuir 147, 163
SANDPIPER, BUFF-BREASTED,
St Kilda 299, 345
SANDPIPER, COMMON, 95, 146,
163, 206, 214, 316, 357, 416, 436
SANDPIPER, CURLEW, autumn
147, 163, 258, 316, 416, 489;
spring 436; 29th June 489
SANDPIPER, GREEN, autumn 21.
41, 50, 146, 163, 257, 316, 345, 416.
488; winter 42, 50, 64, 146, 163,
206, plate 13, 257, 378; spring
206, 436
SANDPIPER, PECTORAL,
Lanark 316; Fair Isle 345
SANDPIPER? PURPLE, 75, 77,94:
147, 231, 263, 208, 357; request
for information 111
SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED,
correction of Scottish records
342
SANDPIPER, WESTERN, first in
Scotland 196, 342
SANDPIPER, WOOD, autumn 41,
50, 146, 163, 214, 257, 345, 488;
spring 193, 488; summer 488:
breeding in Sutherland 175, 309
SCAUP, 45> 134, 202, 254-9298) 370;
371, 374, 415; inland 45, 106, 134,
163, 172, 254, 312, 485; summer
106, 134, 172, 254, 434, 485
SCOTER, COMMON, 70, 76, 135,
163, 357, 371, 374, 415; breeding
130, 135, 349; inland 46, 135, 163,
374
SCOTER, SURF, Tentsmuir
first i an
old
350;
135;
SCOTTISH BIRDS
Vol. 2
Orkney 306
SCOTER, VELVET, 40, 66, 70; 135)
163, 193, 313, 344, 371, 374, 44a
434, 485; inland 135, 163
SHAG, 23, 94, 132, 230, 353, 360, 371,
373, 413, 485; behaviour 445
SHEARWATER, CORY’S, Outer
Hebrides 417
SHEARWATER, GREAT, Suther-
land 304, 353; Outer Hebrides
417
SHEARWATER, MANX, 21, 74,
132, 280, 297, 353, 412, 433, 484;
correction 57; inland 192; move-
ments in Sutherland, Ross and
Outer Hebrides 304, 417
SHEARWATER, SOOTY, 214, 280,
353, 382, 472, 484; movements
in Sutherland, Ross and Outer
Hebrides 304, 417 .
SHELDUCK, 116, 126, 130, 136, 161.
163, 254, 267, 284, 360, 371, 376,
414; well inland 46, 104, 202,
313, 376
SHELDUCK, RUDDY, Tentsmuim
136
SHOVELER, 45, 130, 134, 161, 163,
202, 312
SHRIKE, GREAT GREY, 54, 106,
195, 213, 283,323, 382, 0404
method of pursuit 39
SHRIKE, LESSER GREY, Ayr 195
SHRIKE, RED-BACKED, autumn
19, 283, 323, 483, 484; spring 157
SISKIN, migrants and winter 20,
54, 74, 78, 106, 158, 195, 213, 323,
348, 359; breeding 130, 158, 213,
493
SKUA, ARCTIC, 42, 148, 206, 259,
346, 354, 363, 409, 416; move-
ments in Sutherland and Ross
304; November 51; inland 51;
killing Swift 265
SKUA, GREAT; 51°70 1485 182,
206, 346, 354, 357, 363, 416, 490:
movements in Sutherland and
Ross 304: breeding at St Kilda
427; recovered in Greenland 407
SKUA, LONG-TAILED, 148, 206,
418
SKUA, POMARINE, 51, 148;
land 42; Ross 305
SKYLARK, 52, 74, 75, 77, 95, 130,
152, 163, 232, 299, 319) 355 1358,
360, 372, 381, 432
in-
Vol. 2
SMEW, 46, 104, 136, 202, 263, 313,
376, 415, 434; correction 57
SNIPE, 70, 73, 75, 95, 104, 130, 145,
163, 231, 298, 312, 315, 354, 360,
416, 430
SNIPE, GREAT, Tentsmuir 145, 163
SNIPE. JACK, 41, 70, 75, 95, 145,
163, 312
SPARROW HEDGE, 23, 76, 95,
130, 156, 163, 212, 359, 363, 371,
372, 373, 432
SPARROW, HOUSE, 76, 96, 130,
159, 163, 189, 300, 432; unseason-
able breeding 102; nesting in
Rooks’ nests 213; albino 108
SPARROW, SONG, first in Scot-
land 408
SPARROW, TREE, 44, 96, 106, 130,
159, 189, 213, 263, 324, 348, 350,
382 (corrected 447), 44, 493;
Sutherland 39, 44; breeding St
Kilda 310, plate 15; in Rooks’
nests 213
SPARROWHAWK, 76, 130, 141,
163, 165, 179, 354, 421
SPOONBILL. Dumfries 242, 343
STARLING, 22, 76, 96, 130, 157, 163.
187) 228, 229. 232, 262, 356, 359,
363, 382, 415, 432; double brood-
ing 495; long bill 56; albino 384,
AAT
STARLING, ROSE-COLOURED,
Fife 157, 251
STINT, LITTLE, autumn 21, 147,
163, 193, 258, 282, 316, 383, 489
STONECHAT:. 22, 53, 130, 155, 163.
195, 210, 363, 414, 431; Siberian
race 350
STORK, WHITE, Dumfries 196,
343
SWALLOW. 22,52, 71, .93, 95,. 130,
152, 163, 200. 209, 261, 284, 299,
320, 355, 358, 433, 440, 492; be-
haviour 46
SWAN, BEWICK’S, 48, . 104, 141,
163, 205, 377, 435; weight 48
SWAN, MUTE, 130, 141, 163, 255;
foot injured by ice 383
, WHOOPER, 48, 75, 104,
141, 163, 204, 256, 277, 283, 298,
314, 377, 434, 487; summer 204,
298, 314, 434, 487; adult
with pink bill 56, 107, 384
SWIFT, 71, 130, 152, 163, 200, 208,
260, 299, 318, 355, 439; killed by
iS)
un
un
INDEX 513
Arctic Skua 265
SWIFT, ALPINE, 350; Shetland
249, 346
TEAL 69) 73.095," 130.0133; 16 163,
195, 297, 353, 370
| TEAL, BAIKAL, 196, 350
TEAL, GREEN-WINGED, Mid-
lothian 192, 343; notes on Tay
and Forth records 343; Inver-
ness 418
TERN, ‘Sp; 23; inland 52
TERN, COMMON oF ARCTIC, 71,
75, 317; inland migration 36;
inland 260, 438, 491
TERN, ARGTTIE, 122.130, 150;, 202,
239, 355, 360, 414; inland 207,
491; perching in trees 266
TERN, BLACK, autumn 149, 163,
259, 317, 346, 383, 444, 491;
spring 149 163, 437
TERN, COMMON, 121, 130, 150,
207, 239, 318, 355, 414, 438; in-
land 52, 150, 163, 207, 260, 438,
491 ; perching in trees 266
TERN, CITES, 1067 1232 530. 150,
208, 239, 346, 414, 438, 491;
breeding in potato fields 332
TERN, ROSEATE, Tentsmuir 124,
130, 150, 239: Forth and neigh-
bouring colonies 286, plate 14,
349, 450
TERN, SANDWICH, 52, 123, 130,
150, 195, 207, 208, 239, 318, 557),
414, 438: Forth and neighbour-
ing colonies 286, plate 14, 450;
inland 260
THRUSH, DUSKY,
land 343, 408
THRUSH, MISTLE, 95, 130, 154,
163, 356. 432, 492
THRUSH, SONG, 72, 75, 77, 95, 130,
154, 163, 228, 232, 209, 355, 358,
3/1,, 3/2. A431, 432; AeegeseZi5:
Continental race 194; Hebridean
race in Ayr 322
ELT,...BILUE,, 435, 542.77, .91, 195; 130;
154, 163, 186, 210, 261, 347, 358,
432, 440; nocturnal behaviour 37
ELT 2. GOAL“ 130154) 1630 373,432
TIT, CRESTED, 186
RL GRA. 52,.91, 95. 130, 154,
163, 185, 210, 347, 432
TIT, LONG-TAILED, 22, 77, 130,
154, 186, 347, 350, 364, 373, 430
2
first in Scot-
514
TIT, WILLOW, #4
TREECREEPER, 19, 20, 93, 95, 130,
154, 350, 358, 372, 373, 431, 432,
440; some breeding notes 249;
Northern race 281, 358
TURNSTONE, 70, 95, 145, 193, 228.
231, 265, 298, 325, 345, 354, 416;
inland 256
TWITE, passage and winter 55,
106, 158, 213, 214, 232, 262, 324.
356, 359, 382, 493; breeding 130,
158, 356, 363
WAGTAIL, GREY, 93, 96, 157, 163,
432
WAGTAIL PIED, 23, 76, 93, 96, 130,
157, 163, 262, 284, 300, 356, 363,
372, 432, 443; food 101
WAGTAIL, WHITE, 72, 93, 96, 157.
262, 300, 356; recovered in W.
Africa 408
WAGTAILES “VELLOWL 52. to7
212, 262, 359, 443, 493; “Blue-
headed” 212, 444, 493: “Grey-
headed” 300, 443
WARBLER, ARCTIC, correction
18, 194; Isle of May 22, 348
WARBLER, BARRED, autumn 19,
280, 281, 473, 483
WARBLER, BONELLIS, first in
Scotland 343, 408
WARBLER, DUSKY, Fair Isle 348
WARBLER, GARDEN, 22, 78, 91.
95, 156, 186, 194, 211, 299, 356,
358, 442, 483, 492
WARBLER, GRASSHOPPER, 19,
211, 442
ee MARSH, Isle of Mav
WARBLER, RADDE’S (BUSH),
first in Scotland 283, 367
WARBLER, REED, Isle of May
280, 483
WARBLER, RIVER, first in Scot-
land 343, 408
WARBLER, SEDGE, 22, 91, 95,
1901565" b63 2102 262, 299, 358,
415, 432, 442
WARBLER, WILLOW, 72, 78, 91,
95, 130, 156, 163, 2040, 212 2N5)
Index to Volume 1. Correction
transfer it to HERON, NIGHT.
SCOTTISH) BIRDS
|
Vol... 2
299. 3564359; a2, AeA
winter 322
WARBLER, WOOD, 91, 187, 262
WARBLER, YELLOW-BROWED,
Isle of May 20; 2813672 Stir-
ling 194; Lewis 250
WAXWING, 74, 93, 94, 157, 213,
323, 348, 381, 444; November
1961 invasion 85
WHEATEAR, 72, 75; ZZ: 103,) 130;
155; 163; 200, 210, 284, 299, 356,
358, 360, 413, 441, 484: Novem-
ber/December 322: “Green-
land” 72, cha tee 210, 347, 356,
358
WHIMBREL, autumn 21, 41, 71,
146, 214, 256, 298, 345, 354, 416;
spring 44, 146, 205, 208, 436;
breeding and summer 71, 175,
195, 459; speed of flight 265
WHINCHAT, 22, 77, 95, 130, 155,
163, 211, 358, 441, 483, 492
WHITETHROAT, 78, 90, 95,
156, 163, 211, 433, 442, 484
WHITETHROAT, LESSER, spring
a 442; autumn 20, 473, 483.
WIGEON, 40, 45, 130, 133, 161, 163.
176, 254, 297, 349, 415
WOODCOCK, 21, 50, 73, 94, 95,
130, 145, 163, 182, "205, 234 + 282,
208, 357, Slaes2 ices 56
WOODPECKER, GREAT SPOT-
TED, 43, 152, 184, 194, 209, 261,
347, 350, 363, 373; 1962 influx of
“Northern” birds 283, 319, 357,
380; behaviour 107
WOODPECKER, GREEN, 43, 195.
209, 261, 318, 346, 349, 380, 430
444, 491
WOODPIGEON, 93, 95, 130, 151,
163, 183, 299, 371, 373, 430; win-
ter movements 105, 151, 283,
379; nest near Peregrine 214-
nest on ground 495
WREN, 75, 76, 95, 130, 154, 163, 229,
232, 312, 356, 300, 372, 451, Ase
WRYNECK, spring 283, 445; aut-
umn 483, 484
Tee Nee aie 130, 158, 163,
- 43
483 ;
130,
p. 521. Under HERON delete “457” and
Vol. 2 INDEX 515
SCIENTIFIC NAMES OF SPECIES INCLUDED IN INDEX
Species not mentioned in the index are not included here. Except for the order
of species within certain genera, scientific nomenclature follows 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 (bis 98: 158-168), and the 1957
decisions of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (bis 99:
569). English names follow The Handbook of British Birds with the altera-
tions proposed in British Birds in January 1953 (46: 2-3) and January 1956 (49: 5).
Gavia immer Great Northern Diver
Gavia adumsii White-billed Diver
Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver
Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver
Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps griseigena Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps ruficollis Little Grebe
Oceanodroma leucorrhoa Leach’s Petrel
Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel
Procellaria puffinus Manx Shearwater
Procellaria gravis Great Shearwater
Procellaria diomedea Cory’s Shearwater
Procellaria grisea Sooty Shearwater
Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar
Sula bassana Gannet
Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant
Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag
Pelecanus sp. Pelican
Fregata sp. Frigate Bird
Ardea cinerea Heron
Egretta garzetta Little Egret
Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron
Botaurus stellaris Bittern
Ciconia ciconia White Stork
Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill
Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
Anas crecca Teal
Anas crecca carolinensis Green-winged
Teal
Anas formosa Baikal Teal
Anas querquedula Garganey
Anas strepera Gadwall
Anas penelope Wigeon
Anas americana Baldpate
Ands acuta Pintail
Spatula clypeata Shoveler
Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard
Aythya collaris Ring-necked Duck
Aythya marila Scaup
Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck
Aythya ferina Pochard
Bucephala clangula Goldeneye
Clangula hyemalis Long-tailed Duck
Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter
Melanitta perspicillata Surf Scoter
Melanitta nigra Common Scoter
Somateria mollissima Wider
Somateria spectabilis King Eider
Mergus merganser Goosander
Mergus serrator Red-breasted Mergan-
ser
Mergus albellus Smew
Tadorna tadorna Shelduck
Casarca ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck
Anser anser Grey Lag Goose
Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose
Anser arvensis arvensis Bean Goose
Anser. arvensis brachyrhynchus Pink-
footed Goose
Anser caerulescens Snow Goose
Anser rossi Ross’s Goose
Branta bernicla Brent Goose
Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose
Branta canadensis Canada Goose
Cygnus olor Mute Swan
Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan
Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan
Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle
Buteo buteo Buzzard
Buteo lagopus Rough-legged Buzzard
Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk
Accipiter gentilis Goshawk
Milvus milvus Kite
Haliaetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle
Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard
Circus aeruginosus Marsh. Harrier
Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier
Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier
Pandion haliaetus Osprey
Falco peregrinus Peregrine
Faleo rusticolus Gyr Falcon
Falco rusticolus islandus Iceland Falcon
Falco columbarius Merlin
Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon
Falco tinnunculus Kestrel
Lagopus lagopus Red Grouse
Lagopus mutus Ptarmigan
Lyrurus tetrix Black Grouse
Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie
Alectoris rufa Red-legged Partridge
Perdix perdix Partridge
Coturnix coturnix Quail
Phasianus coichicus Pheasant
Megalornis grus Crane
Rallus aquaticus Water Rail
516
Porzana porzana Spotted Crake
Porzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake
Porzana parva Little Crake
Crex crex Corncrake
Gallinula chloropuis Moorhen
Fulica atra Coot
Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher
Vanellus vanellus Lapwing
Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover
Charadrius squatarola Grey Plover
Charadrius apricarius Golden Plover
Charadrius morinellus Dotterel
Arenaria interpres Turnstone
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Dowitcher
Gallinago gallinago Snipe
Gallinago media Great Snipe
Limnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe
Scolopax rusticola Woodcock
Numenius arquata Curlew
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel
Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit
Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper
Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper
Tringa totanus Redshank
Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank
Tringa nebularia Greenshank
Calidris canutus Knot
Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper
Calidris minuta Little Stint
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris alpina Dunlin
Calidris testacea Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris pusilla Semipalmated Sandpiper
Calidris mauri Western Sandpiper
Crocethia alba Sanderling
Tryngites subruficollis Buff-breasted
Long-billed
Sandpiper
Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sand-
piper
Philomachus pugnax Ruff
Phalaropus fulicarius Grey Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus WRed-necked Phala-
rope
Phalaropus tricolor Wilson’s
Catharacta skua Great Skua
Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Skua
Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Skua
Stercorarius longicaudus Long-tailed
Skua
Pagophila eburnea Ivory Gull
Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus argentatus Herring Gull
Larus canus Common Gull
Larus hyperboreus Glaucous Gull
Larus glaucoides Teeland Gull
Phalarope
SCOTTISH ‘BIRDS
Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean
Black-headed Gull
Larus minutus Little Gull
Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull
Xema sabini Sabine’s Gull
Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake
Chlidonias niger Black Tern
Sterna hirundo Common Tern
Sterna macrura Arctic Tern
Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern
Sterna albifrons Little Tern
Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern
Alcea torda Razorbill
Plautus alle Little Auk
Uria adaalge Guillemot
Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot
Fratercula arctica Puffin
Syrrhaptes paradoxus FPallas’s
grouse
Columba oenas Stock Dove
Columba livia Rock Dove
Columba palumbus Woodpigeon
Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove
Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove
Cuculus canorus Cuckoo
Tyto alba Barn Owl
Nyctea scandiaca Snowy Owl
Athene noctua Little Owl
Strix aluco Tawny Owl
Asio otus Long-eared Owl
Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl
Aegolius funereus Tengmalm’s Owl
Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar
Apus apus Swift
Apus melba Alpine Swift
Alcedo atthis Kingfisher
Upupa epops Hoopoe
Picus viridis Green Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Wood-
pecker
Jynx torquilla Wryneck
Melanocorypha leucoptera White-winged
Lark
Alauda arvensis Skylark
Eremophila alpestris Shore Lark
Hirundo rustica Swallow
Delichon urbica House Martin
Riparia riparia Sand Martin
Corvus corax Raven
Corvus corone corone Carrion Crow
Corvus corone cornix Hooded Crow
Corvus frugilegus Rook
Corvus monedula Jackdaw
Pica pica Magpie
Garrulus glandarius Jay
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough
Parus major Great Tit
Parus caeruleus Blue Tit
Parus ater Coal Tit
Parus cristatus Crested
Sand-
Tit
Vol. 2
Parus montanus Willow Tit
Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed Tit
Certhia familiaris Treecreeper
Troglodytes troglodytes Wren
Cinclus cinclus Dipper
Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush
Turdus opilaris Fieldfare
Turdus philomelos Song Thrush
Turdus musicus Redwing
Turdus eunomus Dusky Thrush
Turdus torquatus Ring Ouzel
Turdus merula Blackbird
Turdus migratorius American Robin
Monticola saxatilis Rockthrush
Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa
land’’ Wheatear
Sazicola torquata Stonechat
Sazicola rubetra Whinchat
Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart
Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart
Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale
Cyanosylvia svecica Bluethroat
Erithacus rubecula Robin
Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella fluviatilis River Warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus palustris Marsh Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge War-
bler
Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap
Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler
Sylvia borin Garden Warbler
Sylvia communis Whitethroat
Sylvia curruca lesser Whitethroat
Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus bonelli Bonelli’s Warbler
“Green-
Phylloscopus borealis Arctic Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatus Yellow-browed
Warbler
Phylloscopus fuscatus Dusky Warbler
Phylloscopus schwarzi Radde’s (Bush)
Warbler
Regulus regulus Goldcrest
Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher
Muscicapa albicollis Collared Flycatcher
Muscicapa parva Red-breasted Flycatcher
Prunella modularis Hedge Sparrow or
Dunnock
Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit
Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit
Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit
INDEX 517
Anthus cervinus Red-throated
Anthus spinoletta Rock Pipit
Motacilla alba yarrelli Pied Wagtail
Motacilla alba alba White Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail
Motacilla flava “Yellow” Wagtails
Motacilla flava flava Blue-headed Wag-
tail
Motacilla flava thunbergi
Wagtail
Bombycilla garrulus Waxwing
Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike
Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike
Pipit
Grey-headed
Lanius cristatus collurio Red-backed
Shrike
Sturnus vulgaris Starling
Sturnus roseus Rose-coloured Starling
Coccothraustes coccothraustes Hawfinch
Chloris chloris Greenfinch
Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch
Carduelis spinus Siskin
Carduelis cannabina Linnet
Carduelis flavirostris Twite
Carduelis flammea Redpoll
Carduelis flammea disruptis Lesser Red-
poll
Carduelis flammea flammea Mealy Red-
poll
Carduelis flammea rostrata Greenland
Redpoll
Carduelis hornemanni Arctic Redpoll
Carduelis hornemanni hornemanni
Hornemann’s Redpoll
Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch
Loxia curvirostra Crossbill (N.B. Some
notes on “Crossbills’’ may refer to
Scottish and Parrot Crossbills).
Loxia pityopsittacus Parrot Crossbill
Loxia pityopsittacus scotica Scottish
Crossbill
Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch
Fringilla montifringilla Brambling
Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow
Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting
Emoberiza citrinella Yellowhammer
Emberiza bruniceps Red-headed Bunting
Emberiza aureola Yellow-breasted Bun-
ting
Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting
Emberiza rustica Rustic Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting
Calcarius lapponicus Lapland Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalis Snow Bunting
Passer domesticus House Sparrow
Passer montanus Tree Sparrow
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Visit...
PITMAIN'- BEAG,
now run as a small Field Centre
accommodating up to 15 visitors.
Set at the foot of the Monadh-
liath range, with the forests
and marshes of the Spey, the
Cairngorm Nature Reserve, and
the wild country of upper
Badenoch within easy reach.
Both Moray -Firth and West
Coast visited on day expeditions.
For birds, the district is at its
best in May, June and October
(autumn migration can be im-
presSive).
Kingussie,
YOU WILL BE WELCOME—
to come and study on your
own, or to join any item in the
programme of Field Holidays,
by the day, weekend, week or
longer.
Special arrangements for groups
from Schools, Training Colleges,
Youth organisations and Clubs.
It is also a good ski-ing base in
winter (when there are birds,
too !)
WE ALSO ARRANGE—
Highland and Overseas. Field
Holidays—general Natural His-
tory holidays in Scotland and
on the Continent. 1964 pro-
gramme includes Sutherland,
Scandinavia, Austria, Holland,
Portugal and France.
For all details, write to:
COLIN MURDOCH,
Pitmain Beag,
KINGUSSIE, Inverness-shire.
Tel. Kingussie 300.
SSeS TS
NATURALIST TOURS
1964
ao) file ee
YUGOSLAVIA
RUMANIA
POLAND
TEXEL ISLAND
THE CAMARGUE
a ay)
Send for full details to
ACADEMY TRAVEL LTD.
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EDINBURGH 7
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-
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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 amenities in so small a
compass.
The B.T.O. Regional Repre-
sentative, who lives in the
village, will be pleased to offer
local advice regarding the as-
tonishing diversity of bird life
in the vicinity and to receive
lists of birds from visitors.
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 brochures,
including birdwatching, will
gladly be forwarded on re-
quest.
Proprietor, T. HEXLEY
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(3 Star)
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LOCK-UPS AVAILABLE
A.A.
ISLA Yee
“THE BIRD-WATCHER’S
PARADISE”
For stimulating ornithological ex-
perience nothing can beat Islay in
late spring. There is an astonishing
variety of bird habitat. Ninety-
seven different birds were seen in
two days and that in the depths of
winter! The island is the principal
wintering resort, possibly in the
world, of the Barnacle Goose. It is
also the last Scottish stronghold of
the Chough.
For Ornithological Brochure write
to The Tourist Association
Bowmore, Isle-of-Islay, Argyll
KYLE & GLEN
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Ce
Book a luxury muinicoach with
driver/guide for a day’s exclus-
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take photographs. Our speciality
is a two-day trip to the R.S.P.B.
Handa Bird Reserve from Inver-
ness. Day rate for party up to
eleven is £12. Send 4d stamp for
full details to :
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MUIR OF ORD
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The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Tie
Illustrated is the Official Club Tie,
of which R. W. Forsyth’s are the
sole suppliers. The tie is made
from Terylene with a blue or
green background, and
the bird motif in
silver. 17/9.
Forsyth’s
also provide
warm clothing
for bird watchers: #%%
gloves, scarves, under- 3.52%
wear, shoes, caps, weath-
erprool trousers, jerkins,
raincoats and overcoats.
R. W. FORSYTH
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The Birds of The British Isles
VoL. XII
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The XIIth and final volume of this well-known
series deals with the skuas or robber-gulls, auks,
guillemots, razorbills, puffins, rails, crakes, coots,
moorhens and the game birds. Beautifully
illustrated by the late George EK. Lodge, as were
the previous volumes, this book is well up to the
high. standard which we have come to expect
from Dr Bannerman.
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Both models centre focus-
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90
- SCOTTISH
BIRDS
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The Journal of
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
CHECK-LIST OF THE BIRDS OF TENTSMUIR
Special Supplement Summer 1962
FIVE S) Jel 20 I Wy 20 IN| (eS
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
MPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was founded in 1936 and membership
is open to all interested in Scottish ornithology. Meetings are held
during the winter months in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh,
Glasgow and St Andrews, at which lectures by prominent ornithologists
are given and films exhibited. Excursions are organised in the summer to
places of ornithological interest.
The aims and objects of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the
study of Scottish Ornithology in all its branches; (b) co-ordinate the
efforts of Scottish Ornithologists and encourage co-operation between field
and indoor worker; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland in
co-operation with other organisations; (d) hold meetings at centres to be
arranged at which Lectures are given, films exhibited, and discussions held;
and (e) publish or arrange for the publication of statistics and information
with regard to Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is
25/-; or 7/6 in the case of Members under twenty-one years of age or in
the case of University undergraduates who satisfy the Council of their status
as such at the time at ante their subscriptions fall due in anv year.
Joint membership is available to married couples at an annual subscrip-
tion of 40/-. “Scottish Birds” is issued free to members, but Joint mem-
bers will receive only one copy between them.
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 and Business Editor of “Scottish Birds,’ the Hon. Treasurer
of the House Fabric Fund, one Representative of each Branch Committee
appointed annually by the Branch, and ten other Members of the Club
elected at an Annual General Meeting. Two of the last named retire
annually by rotation and shall not be eligible for re-election for one
year.
A Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by the Council, produce
an annual Report on “Ornithological Changes in Scotland.”
An official tie with small white Crested Tits embroidered on it can be
obtained in dark green or in navy blue by Members only from Messrs R.
W. Forsyth Ltd., Princes Street, Edinburgh, or 5 Renfield Street, Glasgow,
C.2 at a cost of 16s 9d post extra. A small brooch in silver and blue can be
obtained for the use of Members of the Club. Price 2s 6d each from the
Secretary, or from Hon. Branch Secretaries.
Forms of application for Membership, copy of the Club Constitution,
and other literature is obtainable from the Club Secretary, Mrs George
Waterston, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7. (Tel. Waverley 6042).
CLUB-ROOM AND LIBRARY
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7, will
be available to Members during office hours, and on Wednesday evenings
from 7 to 10 p.m. during the winter months. Members may use the Refer-
ence Library and borrow books from the Duplicate Section. Facilities for
making tea or coffee are available at a nominal charge and Members may
bring guests by arrangement. The Aldis 2” x 2” slide projector and screen
can be used for the informal showing of slides at a charge of 2s 6d per
night to cover the replacement of bulbs
SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB gat
¥
Vol. 2 Special Supplement Summer 1962 i
Edited by A. T. MAcMILLAN with the assistance of D. G. ANDREW and
T. C. SmMoutT. Business Editor, ARTHUR J, SMITH. Cover design (Whimbrel)
by LEN FULLERTON, Published quarterly.
A CHECK-LIST OF THE BIRDS OF
TENTSMUIR, FIFE
JACK GRIERSON
Acknowledgments
The main purpose of this account of the birds of Tentsmuir
is to place on record a summary of my own notes, mostly
made hetween 1949 and 1956, to which have been added records
from other sources. During these years I had the assistance of
many people in collecting information about Tentsmuir, es-
pecially in making the monthly wildfowl and wader counts.
My wife accompanied me on most visits and, in addition to
taking part in the counts, helped greatly in determining the
nesting populations. Two other observers, Ian Munro and
John R. Gordon, gave invaluable assistance by turning out in
all weathers for the counts; James Blyth also helped by mak-
ing simultaneous counts in Tayport Bay. I am indebted to
Henry Boase, who allowed me to consult and make use of
the information relating to Tentsmuir in his unpublished
account of the birds of North Fife, and also to Dr John Berry
for providing a list of birds seen there by his father, the late
William Berry. Dr Berry also very kindly supplied most of
the illustrations used. Robert Skinner, gamekeeper at Earls-
hall, was a never-ending source of information, and without
his friendly help my knowledge of Earlshall and its birds
would have been much the poorer. My thanks are also due to
Dr W. J. Eggeling who not only read and suggested improve-
ments to the original manuscript, but also supplied many
records for the period 1957 to 1960. Publication of this paper
has been made possible by a grant from the Baxter Trust.
No claim is made that the list is complete, for an account
such as this must contain errors and misstatements, due to
insufficient information or wrong assessment of the material
available. If it provides a reasonably accurate guide for future
workers on Tentsmuir, it will have accomplished its purpose.
114 24SS)
MONIFIET
ANGUS
_~ Broughty
= m= & -
UIR POINT
, SCOTSCRAIG
TENTSMUIR
FOREST
NORTH
SEA
: Eden Mouth
SS SS ea as ae ee ee
4 4
Y
‘“
Tentsmuir ne
Boundaries Si, ANDREWS oe
MAP OF TENTSMUIR.
1962 . Iles)
List of contents
The Habitat.
Important Breeding Species.
Check-List of Tentsmuir Birds.
Wildfowl and Wader Counts.
Species Recorded from Morton Lochs.
An Bw Ny
References.
1—THE HABITAT.
Tentsmuir, which forms the north-east corner of Fife, has
generally been looked upon as of some importance in the over-
all picture of birds in Scotland. It is situated at, or near, the
junction of two main migration guiding lines, one of which
follows the coast southwards, the other turning inland by the
Firth of Tay and continuing overland to the upper reaches of
the Firth of Forth, thence to the Firth of Clyde, the west coast
and Ireland. Bounded to the north and south by the estuaries
of the Tay and Eden respectively, the whole east shore faces
the North Sea. The western boundary is formed by the road
from Tayport to Guardbridge, by way of Leuchars, and in all
the area extends to some ten square miles.
In its primitive state the area was a large tract of level,
swampy ground, interspersed with sandy wastes and moor-
land, much of it sheltered from the sweep of the winds by a
line of sandhills, which rose to a height of thirty to forty feet.
About 1780 the first attempts were made to drain the moor,
seemingly without much success, for it fell to subsequent
owners of the land to render some of the western portion fit
for cultivation. Further drainage schemes were carried out in
later years, and in The Status and Distribution of Wild Geese
and Wild Duck in Scotland (1939) John Berry refers to the
great reduction in the number of Teal consequent upon the
drainage scheme of 1876. Towards the end of last century the
Morton Lochs were excavated for commercial fish-rearing,
and these artificial lochs caused further changes in the western
part. What had been arid, sandy moorland became fit for culti-
vation, and today most of the ground between the Tayport/
Leuchars railway line and the road is being farmed. Since 1921
most of the remaining moorland has been systematically
drained and planted by the Forestry Commission, and Tents-
muir reduced to a mere vestige of its former state. Lochans
and marshes have disappeared from almost the whole area;
large tracts of open moorland have been planted with trees,
116 2(SS)
and only Earlshall is left in a comparatively unspoiled state.
Tentsmuir may be regarded as divided into three, the
ncrthern or Scotscraig section, the middle or Kinshaldy sec-
tion and the southern or Earlshall section. Originally, cover
over the moor varied widely, ling and heather (Calluna and
Erica) grew on the flats and was thick in places because burn-
ing had to be restricted to avoid wind-scour. The sandhills
were thinly covered with grass and sedge, and most of the
flats bore mainly coarse grass, with sedge and sorrel. The wet
areas contained mainly bog plants. On some of the flats both
birch and Scots pine were present.
For a considerable period up to 1914 the Scotscraig section
was preserved as a bird sanctuary by various proprietors,
especially the Berrys of Tayfield, but the years of the first
World War saw the near extinction of its character as a sanc-
tuary through the ruthless collection of eggs. In 1919 Scots-
craig came into the possession of the City of Dundee and for
a short time a watcher was appointed to safeguard the birds
during the nesting season. In 1924 this section was sold to the
Forestry Commission for tree planting. Before this, in 1921,
the Commission had purchased the centre section at Kinshal-
dy, and almost immediately had started to plant trees. Thus
ended some fifty years of active protection of a nesting pop-
ulation of birds of great interest and value. Here, at sea level,
were congregated together at nesting time birds of the shore,
the moorland, and of the hill-side.
As the ground came under the care of the Forestry Com-
mission the moor was enclosed with wire-netting to keep out
rabbits, and while these fences effectively protected the young
trees they also prevented many broods of young Hider and
Shelduck from reaching the sea. The forestry workers did
what they could by passing over the fences any broods which
they met, but large numbers of young birds were lost each
year. As the trees encroached more and more on the moor the
nesting birds withdrew from their traditional sites on Scots-
craig, but many of them found new sites to the south on
Earlshall. By 1936 numbers comparable with those on former
sites had established themselves there, and were being pro-
tected by the owners of the ground. Terns continued to nest
on the sands at Scotscraig but, being afforded no protection,
lost most of their eggs each year until eventually they left
that area for good.
At Earlshall the first major change came with the advent
of the aeroplane, when a large part of the south-west portion
of the moor was acquired by the Air Ministry and an airfield
constructed. This was greatly enlarged during the Second
World War, when the nesting ground was considerably cur-
tailed. About 1930 bombing and machine-gun targets were
established off the east shore and during the war these were
1962 117
extended to included the whole shore and sea area. The second
major alteration was the acquisition by the Forestry Com-
bission of the southern third of the moor and the subsequent
planting of what is now known as the Rires Forest. Both of
these alterations had an undoubted effect on the nesting birds
and, but for the foresight of the present owner, the Earlshall
moor could have gone the way of the rest, and Tentsmuir as
a worthwhile bird-haunt would have ceased to exist. The
whole of the moorland at Earlshall became a private sanc-
tuary, however, and a very great measure of protection was
given to all, or nearly all, the nesting birds.
Today, the effective area at Earlshall extends to about a
thousand acres, most of it moorland and marsh. The ground is
very sandy, with sandhills and bunkers in the more northerly
portion. There is a small deciduous wood of mainly birch and
alder in mid-moor—it contains also a few large old Scots pine
—and to the west of this lie two marshes, or lochans. Along the
western edge of the wood lies the Canal Loch and this is
divided by a long, narrow ridge from the remains of another
lochan, known today as the Beddie Myre. Both of these wet
areas are shallow and muddy, and apt to dry up in the less
rainy summers. The ground to the west of these marshes is
very sandy, covered in parts with heather and short grass,
with here and there small reed beds and patches of sedge.
To the east of the deciduous wood and midway between that
and the sea, lies another small marsh, while dotted here and
there over the whole extent of the ground are many smail
pools, usually dry in summer. The cover on the eastern half,
as well as that of the ground between the deciduous wood
and the Rires Forest, consists of coarse grass, with some sedge
and heather, and reeds in the wet places. Drainage ditches
cross the moor at several places but these are generally no
more than two to three feet wide and perhaps four to six feet
deep. Cattle were introduced to the moor about 1950 and have
already undoubtedly much influenced the ground cover.
During the late war the shore-line was covered with lines
of anti-tank blocks, and the flats of Tayport Bay, as well as
the East Sands, were studded with poles set in concrete to
prevent aircraft landing on the beaches. In this area there
have been considerable changes in the levels of the shore and
flats, particularly on the East Sands. The anti-tank blocks
were originally built just above the high water level of spring
tides but many are now buried under a series of new sand-
hills, some of which are now ten to twelve feet high. Marram
grass has established itself on these new dunes, which are
now well above the highest tide levels. The prevailing wind
from the south-west seems to have little erosive action on the
dunes, while the strong winds and gales which occasionally
blow up from the east are gradually building them up with
118 i 2(SS)
fresh sand from the shore. At the extreme north and south
ends of the east shore new spits of sand and shell are being
formed and have increased greatly in size in recent years. In
the north, Tentsmuir Point has been acquired as a National |
Nature Reserve where the building up process can be studied
in detail; at the south the spit known as Shelly Point has, |
since 1950, become the main nesting ground of terns in the >
area. During the winter months it is the gathering place for
huge flocks of waders and wildfowl at high tide. A bay has
been formed between Shelly Point and the Rires Forest; this
is uncovered between tides and is favoured as a feeding ground
by many waders. It is also much used by wildfowl during the
winter for it is little disturbed by shore-gunners. The east
shore of Shelly Point lies along an inlet from the Eden Es-
tuary, an inlet which has increased greatly in size in recent
years. This is sheltered from all but northerly winds, the
comparatively calm waters attracting many ducks and other
water birds. Grey and common seals also haul out on the
banks of this inlet. There is little sand on the banks of the
Eden, the estuary bed being soft, slimy mud, with here and
there small mussel beds.
Another part of Tentsmuir which is of importance embraces
the Morton Lochs. These artificial lochs, which were made
towards the end of last century, lie about a mile south of Tay-
port and the same distance inland from the sea. The two
main lochs cover an area about half a mile long and on aver-
age seventy yards wide, and are separated by a roadway.
Lying roughly north and south, the North Loch is the larger,
being some five hundred yards long, and about twice the
length of the South Loch. Both are quite shallow and apt to
dry out somewhat in summer; they rapidly become ice-bound
in winter. The ground to the west of the lochs is marshy and
wet, with dry, bracken-covered hillocks where the earth from
the excavations was dumped. Rough grass and sedge, along
with other plants, formerly grew on these hillocks but, as so
often happens, fought a losing battle with bracken. The fish-
rearing experiment was initially very successful, large quan-
tities of carp and other coarse fish being produced. Trout-
fishing, however, became more lucrative but, since there was
no spawning gravel, artificial stocking was essential. The
fishing interest was given up in the late 1930’s, when stocking
ceased, and in 1939 the lochs dried out in summer for the first
time. In spring and autumn, and often in winter, the exposed
mud attracted many waders, including a few of the rarer
species on the British list.
On 19th May 1952 the Morton Lochs were formally declared
a National Nature Reserve, the first part of Tentsmuir to be
so treated, and considerable alterations were made to the
ground. The North and South Lochs were connected by a
| 1962 119
¢
series of deep ditches so that the water levels could be con-
trolled by a single sluice. This has tended to raise the water
level and it is now seldom that it drops sufficiently to expose
the muddy bottom; as a consequence fewer waders now visit
the area. One useful function of the lochs will be the study
of the controlled raising and lowering of the water level on
surrounding land, for this is a matter of economic importance
to land near hydro-electric schemes and reservoirs.
The new ditches isolate as an island a few acres of rough
ground between the North and West Lochs and it is hoped
that nesting ducks will find sanctuary here from foxes and
other predators. When the area was taken over by the Nature
Conservancy, bracken was rampant and few signs of other
vegetation were to be seen. Attempts have been made to clear
the bracken and already new grass and other plants are firmly
established. The burn supplying the lochs is spring-fed and
shallow, and does not seem to have maintained any fish-life,
except sticklebacks, with the result that the lochs were for a
time almost devoid of fish, except eels, although a few roach
have recently been reintroduced.
The Reserve is almost surrounded on three sides by For-
estry Commission property, recently planted with trees. Tree
planting on the Reserve has been confined to the provision
of shelter, and as the trees grow they will provide a screen
for the lochs, as well as concealed approach for the naturalist.
Two permanent observation hides have been erected, one on
either side of the North Loch.
When compared with the ten square miles which form
Tentsmuir, the fifty-nine acres of the Morton Reserve may
seem of little consequence. The lochs have, however, attracted
many birds in past years, adding many new species to the
Tentsmuir list, and are well worth preserving. The acquisi-
tion of the lochs gives rise to the hope that in the not too
distant future the remaining unspoiled portions of Tentsmuir
may also be brought under Conservancy control.
120 2(SS)
2—IMPORTANT BREEDING SPECIES
Comparatively little has been published on the early history
of the birds of Tentsmuir and even today the only comprehen- |
sive account is to be found in the manuscript Birds of North
Fife by Henry Boase. Sibbald in his History of Fife and Kin- |
ross (1710) gives a list of sea-birds found along the Fife coast
but makes no specific mention of Tentsmuir. In A Fauna of
the Tay Basin and Strathmore (1906) Harvie-Brown gives |
some information on certain species but, generally speaking,
this work is of little practical value to the present day obser-
ver on Tentsmuir. From various papers read to local societies
it is possible to obtain some idea of the nesting birds, espec-
ially terns, during the latter half of the nineteenth and the
early years of the present century, but it is regrettable that
so little information is generally available on this once unique
area. Most of the information given by Boase and others con-
cerns only the northern, or Scotscraig, section and notes from
the more southerly parts of the area are comparatively few.
Up to the time of the afforestation, however, the main col-
onies of nesting birds were at Scotscraig, and the move to
Earlshall took place from about 1930 onwards. The more im-
portant nesting birds were studied in some detail by local
ornithologists, and from their observations and notes it is
possible to build up a picture of these birds to 1926 or so.
It is not my purpose to deal in detail with all the species
that have nested on Tentsmuir, but only the more interesting
groups, and it is with these birds that the following remarks
are chiefly concerned. Notes on nesting are given in the short
statement on each bird in the check-list.
Terns.
As a nesting place of terns, Tentsmuir was, until 1924,
one of the most important on the east coast, probably second
only to the Farne Islands off Northumberland. The five species
of the genus Sterna which nest regularly in this country have
all at one time bred within the limits of the area, four of them
annually and in some numbers. On more than one occasion
all five species have nested in one year. Prior to 1924 the large
colonies were all situated in the Scotscraig division, and
though these enjoyed a measure of protection there was, in
addition to natural hazards, an annual drain on them at the
hands of egg-collectors. Even before the planting of trees
put an end to them the colonies suffered many changes and
vicissitudes; apart from man, the main adverse factors were
probably drifting sand and flooding of the breeding sites by
exceptionally high tides. After the colonies were finally brok-
en up many of the birds found new ground to the south where,
after a time, numbers comparable with those at Scotscraig
1962 121
were found. They were not allowed to settle there for long,
however, for during the last war the whole of Tentsmuir be-
came a military camp and the terns were again driven from
their nesting sites. Today, numbers are beginning to build
again but a reasonable measure of protection will have to be
given to the nesting sites if the terns are to return to some-
thing like their former strength.
That the Common Tern Sterna hirundo had nested on Tents-
muir for many years prior to 1900 is certain, but next to
nothing is known of the size of the colonies. Considerable
numbers of eggs were seen in 1910 but no estimate was made
of the number of birds nesting. In the few years that followed
there were fluctuations in the population but, according to
Boase, these variations were almost directly in sympathy with
the weather conditions during the first days of May when the
birds were on their way north to their nesting grounds. Dur-
ing the First World War it is doubtful whether many young
were reared, because of persistent egg-collecting, but in spite
of this numbers were exceptionally high in 1920 when some
twelve hundred pairs nested. In the following year numbers
nearly doubled and the nesting area expanded greatly though
from then onwards numbers showed a steady decline to be-
low average. Nesting for the most part inland on the moor,
this species responded noticeably to what protection was given
it and this may account for the sudden increases after the war
years. It also meant that this was the first species to suffer by
afforestation, and when the ground was acquired by the For-
estry Commission in 1924 the preliminary preparations for
the planting of trees saw the beginning of the move away
from Scotscraig. By 1927 large numbers were nesting on the
east shore, and the move to Earlshall and the coastal strips
was also well under way. Once again numbers began to rise
and in 1930 about a thousand pairs were nesting on Earlshall
Moor, increasing to two thousand by 1936. Numbers continued
to grow in subsequent years and the large measure of pro-
tection given birds on Earlshall was perhaps the main factor
in this increase. High figures were maintained in the first two
years of the Second World War, but in 1942 artillery ranges
were established on Earlshall and the terns were delivered
an almost fatal blow. Nesting was well under way, most birds
sitting on eggs, when practice shoots were begun over the
nesting sites, forcing most birds to leave before their eggs
hatched. In the years which followed a few pairs tried
to nest but seldom managed to keep their eggs, which inevit-
ably found their way into service kitchens. After the war
small numbers of Common Terns returned to the coastal
strips, and in 1950 about thirty pairs were nesting on Shelly
Point. The next two years saw further small increases, a
total of perhaps sixty pairs nesting in 1952. Two new colonies
122 2(SS)
were found in 1953, one of about fifty pairs near the old site
on Earlshall, the other of about the same number in the new
dunes on the east shore. In addition, over a hundred pairs
nested on Shelly Point, giving a total of at least two hundred
pairs in the whole area. Nesting conditions were good and a
certain amount of protection was given to the birds at Shelly
Point, with the result that a good crop of young birds was
successfully reared. Numbers fell somewhat in 1954, and
again in 1955, and probably no more than a hundred pairs
nested in each year. This fall in numbers coincided with thé
formation of a new ternery at Buddon Ness in Angus; it also
coincided with lack of protection. Visits to the east shore and
Shelly Point in 1956, and again in 1959, showed that only
about seventy pairs were nesting. The colony was afforded no
protection and, in addition, there was considerable disturbance
from low flying jet aircraft from the nearby airfield.
Unlike the previous species, the Arctic Tern Sterna macrura
has only recently nested in any numbers in the area, the
earlier records being of no more than fifty pairs. A colony is
said to have been found on the east shore in 1885, but Harvie-
Brown gives no indication of the numbers nesting. From then
until 1914 the bird was doubtful as a breeding species and
was looked upon as a passage migrant only. In 1914 a few
nests were found on the east shore and from then onwards it
seems to have nested annually in small numbers, always on
the east or northern margins of the moor. The species suffered
greatly at the hands of egg-collectors, also from sand-drift
and flooding, so that the number of young reared annually
was small. By 1924 the total number known to be nesting over
the entire area was about fifty pairs, and this continued for
the next few years at least. In 1936 about thirty pairs nested
on the shore at Earlshall, but it is not certain whether breed-
ing continued elsewhere. Nesting went on at Earlshall up to
the war years, when the Arctic Tern suffered the same fate as
the Common, few eggs escaping the searching troops. A few
nests were found on Shelly Point in 1948, but it was not until
the following year that numbers comparable with the pre-war
years were recorded. From 1949 onwards numbers increased
annually and the Arctic Tern became the most numerous
nesting tern on Tentsmuir. Seventy to eighty pairs nested in
1950, about one hundred and fifty pairs in 1951, two hundred
and fifty pairs in 1952, while in 1953 about three hundred and
fifty pairs nested on Shelly Point alone. In addition, an
attentuated colony of one hundred and fifty pairs was found
on the east shore, bringing the total for the whole area to,
about five hundred pairs. From 1950 to 1953 the colony on
Shelly Point was given a fair amount of protection and this
may be partly responsible for the remarkable build-up in
numbers during these years. Unfavourable weather condi-
1962 123
tions took a heavy toll of young birds in 1950, but in succeed-
ing years there was a good annual hatch and a large percen-
tage of young was successfully reared. For various reasons
the author and his wife found it impossible to continue pro-
tecting this colony, and visits made at odd periods during
the years 1954/59 showed a considerable annual decrease in.
numbers. In 1959 not more than one hundred and fifty pairs
Were nesting and, as with the Common Tern, were having
to put up with disturbance from low-flying aircraft. Members
of the public had also found their way to the area and were
using the sands as bathing beaches, and in some cases the
terns’ eggs as food supplies.
Numbers of the Little Tern Sterna albifrons nesting on
Tentsmuir have never been as large as the others and, as with
the larger species, it has suffered many ups and downs in the
past. Harvie-Brown states that it nested in increasing num-
bers in the twenty years prior to 1905, when over thirty pairs
bred. From then until 1947 the information available is mainly
for the northern portion, and little is known of what was hap-
pening at Shelly Point or Earlshall until 1936 at the earliest.
Some pairs nested at Tentsmuir Point, and on the east shore,
the highest count being of sixteen pairs in 1924. From then
onwards the population fell to a few pairs in these areas. In
1953 no Little Terns were nesting along the length of the east
shore to near Earlshall, neither were any found at Tentsmuir
Point, although in 1958 between twenty and thirty pairs re-
turned to nest at the latter site. On the shore at Earlshall,
and on Shelly Point, nesting has been known since 1936,
though no note of numbers can be traced. The species nested
in small numbers until the war years but the position during
the war is somewhat obscure and it is doubtful whether any
succeeded in nesting. In 1948 a few pairs were nesting on
Shelly Point; numbers increased in each succeeding year until
1953 when about seventy pairs nested. The small size and
protective colouration of the young Little Tern make detec-
tion difficult, and except for 1953 it is hard to say how many
reached the flying stage. In 1953 careful watching and search-
ing showed that a large percentage of eggs was hatched and
many young safely fledged. Numbers fell to about forty pairs
in 1954 and to thirty-five pairs in 1955. In 1959 only twenty
nests were found on Shelly Point.
The history of the Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis is not
as happy as that of the other species, for this fine bird seldom
nests now in any numbers on Tentsmuir. It is a comparative
newcomer to the scene, at least in so far as the present cen-
tury is concerned, for it was looked upon as a casual visitor
until 1905. In 1906 a colony of one hundred and thirty pairs
was found at Scotscraig and this would seem to be the first
record of nesting. This colony dwindled rapidly and in 1912
124 2(SS)
only one nest with eggs was found. No eggs were found in
the next two years but in 1915 some three hundred and fifty
pairs nested, with about three hundred pairs in 1916, but
then egg-collecting started and the birds were driven from the
moor. Apart from a single abandoned egg in 1921, it was 1922
before any more nests were found, but all the eggs were
stolen, and the birds finally departed. In 1923, although the
first eggs were stolen, about four hundred pairs eventually
nested on an easily watched area. These nests were carefully
protected and many young successfully reared. This was to be
the last nesting known on Scotscraig Moor, the preparation
and subsequent afforestation of the ground driving the birds
away. In 1927 a new colony of about five hundred pairs was
found on the east shore, but only eight pairs returned to nest
the following year ,and from then until 1933 none nested any-
where on Tentsmuir. In 1933 a colony of about a thousand pairs
was found on Earlshall and from then onwards the birds re-
turned each year in varying numbers, the average being three
to four hundred pairs. This healthy state continued until
1942 when gunfire from the artillery ranges on Harlshall forced
the birds to leave before their eggs hatched, In 1945 fair num-
bers were laying but the eggs were taken by R.A.F. personnel
stationed nearby, and once again the birds left. A few pairs
attempted to breed in 1946 but without success, and this was
the last real attempt until 1951 when twenty-two pairs tried
to nest on Shelly Point. The eggs were stolen within a week
of being laid, only one nest surviving and only one young
bird being reared. Since, other nesting attempts have been
made; in 1953 three pairs laid on Shelly Point, with a further
Six pairs near the old site on Earlshall. The eggs on Shelly
Point were eaten by gulls, but the birds on the moor were
quite successful. Single nests were found in 1954 and 1955,
while in 1956 forty-eight pairs nested on Shelly Point with
moderate success. The fluctuations in numbers and erratic
nesting of this tern are not confined to Tentsmuir but seem to
be characteristic. The treatment meted out to it did not en-
courage it to nest regularly, however, although when it was
afforded a high measure of protection it continued to breed
year after year at Earlshall with what was probably a nat-
ural fluctuation in numbers. Sandwich Terns are usually
present at Shelly Point and along the east shore in summer;
given a chance, there is no reason why they should not nest
regularly.
The Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii has nested only a few
times and can only be looked upon as a casual breeder on
Tentsmuir. Pairs have been seen on several occasions, both at
Shelly Point and over the moors, but only twice have nests
been found, one in 1927 and one on Earlshall in 1936. A report
that twenty pairs were nesting on Shelly Point in 1956 is quite
1962 125
unacceptable. At least four Roseate Terns were seen in flight
over the ternery but no nests were actually found. Nests
which were marked and reported as those of Roseate Terns
were in fact Sandwich Tern nests, and this was confirmed by
several competent observers.
Ducks.
Although eight different species nest or have nested on
Tentsmuir, most of these are common enough elsewhere and
are dealt with in the detailed statements. Two species, how-
ever, deserve special mention, the Eider Somateria mollissima
and the Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, for these have been affec-
ted more than the others by the changing conditions on the
moor and, like the terns, have suffered greatly from the
afforestation. They were forced to seek new nesting sites on
Earlshall Moor where for many years their numbers were
very much smaller than those at Scotscraig.
It is not known when the Eider first nested on Tentsmuir
but a hundred years ago it was said to be commonly doing
so and in fair numbers. Towards the end of the last century
numbers were reported to be small and remained so for some
years. Little is known about the true state of affairs up to
about 1919, when it was estimated that twenty-five pairs
were nesting on Scotscraig, with others at Kinshaldy and
Earlshall. From 1914 onwards they showed a marked increase
and by 1910 fifty pairs were breeding on Scotscraig, increas-
ing to about eighty pairs by 1924. Additional pairs were cer-
tainly nesting on the other sections, but no estimate can be
found of numbers or of whether these were comparable with
Scotscraig. The afforestation at Scotscraig saw the end of the
Hider on that ground, though a few pairs clung to the old
site and tried to bring off their broods. These were invariably
lost because of the ducklings’ inability to get through the
rabbit-proof fences which had been erected around the newly
planted ground. By the mid 1930’s the numbers of Eider
nesting at Earlshall were comparable with those of the last
years at Scotscraig, and the birds were enjoying a large
measure of protection. This continued until the 1939/45 War,
during which the Eider was almost lost as a nesting’ species.
Foreign troops stationed on the moor trapped and shot Hider,
as well as other ducks, and took all available eggs. When they
discovered the confiding nature of the sitting duck many dis-
pensed with guns and resorted to clubbing it on the nest. In
addition to this wholesale destruction of nesting birds, Eider
were systematically shot at all seasons for sale, a practice
which continued for a few years after the war, with serious
results. The breeding stock at Earlshall was decimated, very
few pairs nesting up to 1949, and at that time the position was
critical, Foxes and stoats took toll of the few pairs that did
126 2(SS)
nest, and any Eider fortunate enough to hatch her eggs al-
most invariably lost her ducklings to marauding gulls and
Crows. From 1945 onwards the gamekeeper at Earlshall waged
his own private war, taking a heavy toll of Crows and foxes, |
and in 1950 reported an increase in the number of sitting
Hiders. Further increases were noted during the next two
years, and in 1953 at least fifty pairs were known to be nesting
on Earlshall Moor alone. In addition a few pairs were breeding
on the coast at Shelly Point and Tentsmuir Point. Numbers
were maintained, if not slightly increased, in 1954 and 1955,
and once more large “rafts” of Eider ducklings were common-
place on the Eden. Most, if not all, of the credit for the re- —
habilitation of the Eider on Tentsmuir must be given to Robert
Skinner. With his job as gamekeeper he combined a genuine
love for birds and he went out of his way to ensure that Eiders,
as well as other nesting birds, suffered the minimum amount
of disturbance.
The Shelduck was at one time very numerous as a breeding
bird on Scotscraig, while smaller numbers were said to nest
at both Kinshaldy and Earlshall. On Scotscraig it suffered
heavily each year at the hands of poachers, but this seems to
have made little difference to the numbers nesting. The Shel-
duck lost its main nesting ground when the new forests were
planted, but it did not make the change to Earlshall as readily
as did the Eider. Numbers were never very large in the pre-
_ war years, but those which nested were well protected and a
good annual hatch seems to have been maintained. During the
1939/45 War the Shelduck suffered the fate of the Eider, and
numbers dwindled until only a few pairs were breeding.
Many returned to Earlshall when the troops had gone, but
foxes, which had increased greatly, played havoc with the
birds in their nesting burrows. By 1950, however, practically
all the foxes had been shot, or otherwise disposed of, and the
Shelduck once more returned to nest in fair numbers. By
1953 the breeding population at Earlshall was in a healthy
state, and a census in 1954 showed that between one hundred
and fifty and two hundred pairs were nesting. Several pairs
were also nesting at Tentsmuir Point and Shelly Point. In
August of that year over three hundred and twenty juvenile
Shelduck were counted on the inner estuary near Guardbridge,
while others were present elsewhere on the coast.
Other Species.
Another nesting bird of importance is the Black-headed Gull
Larus ridibundus for although this did not nest on Tentsmuir
before about 1902 it is today the most numerous breeding
bird in the area. The actual year in which the species first
bred on the moor is doubtful, but it had done so by 1904, and
by 1912 fifty pairs or so were breeding. There was a steady
annual increase in subsequent years, and by 1921 about a
1962 127
thousand pairs were nesting, In 1922 numbers fell to about
three hundred pairs, and by 1925, after two years of heavy
raiding, to about one hundred pairs. These birds all nested
at Scotscraig but after 1925 most of the breeding stock moved
to Kinshaldy and Earlshall where they were not so easily
molested. The final nesting at Scotscraig was about 1930.
Numbers at Kinshaldy were generally less than five hundred
pairs and the main build-up began to take place at Earlshall
from 1930 onwards. As the forests expanded, so were the
gulls forced to move further south and by the mid 1930’s the
only colony was on Earlshall. Nearly four thousand pairs
nested there in 1936, but two years later only half that num-
ber bred, and there was a further decrease during the war.
The main colony was then situated in a marsh in the eastern
half of Earlshall near Big End House, but in 1946 the majority
of the birds moved to and started to colonise the Beddie
Myre, where the main gullery is today. The numbers present
then would be about a thousand pairs, but a steady annual
increase has been taking place, the population in 1953 being
estimated at about three thousand pairs. These numbers were
maintained throughout 1954 and 1955. Since 1953 the Canal
Loch has supported a steadily increasing number of birds,
and small numbers (less than two hundred pairs) have also
returned to the old site near Big End. In 1953, and again in
1954, twenty pairs nested amongst the Common Terns in the
sand dunes on the east shore, while in 1955 a few pairs had
taken to nesting on Shelly Point. The percentage of young
reared each year is high, because the colony is protected and
there is no organised egg-collecting. There is plenty of evid-
ence to show that this gull is an undesirable neighbour to
nesting Eiders and terns, and eventually some thought will
have to be given to the question of control. Common Terns
which nested amongst the gulls in the Beddie Myre in 1950
and 1951 were unmolested, but others which were nesting on
Shelly Point were not so fortunate and lost mariy eggs and
young. In 1953 the writer was just too late to prevent a few
Black-headed Gulls from taking the eggs of Sandwich Terns
which had been laid on Shelly Point. They have also been
seen to take nesting terns on a number of occasions.
Of the few species which have been lost as breeding birds,
the greatest loss is perhaps the Dunlin Calidris alpina which at
one time bred in some numbers but gradually dwindled until
the last nest was recorded in 1937. Tentsmuir was one of the
few remaining mainland nesting places of this species at sea-
level, and this made the loss all the more felt. Prior to 1880
the Dunlin was said to have nested in large colonies but by
that date numbers were on the decline. Little is known about
its status in the early part of this century, but in the few
years prior to afforestation six pairs were known to nest
128 2(SS)
annually at Scotscraig, with a further twenty or more pairs
at Earlshall. The decline in numbers coincided with the
draining of the moor and was helped by egg-collectors, and
by 1930 no more than five pairs were left on Earlshall. One |
by one these pairs disappeared until, in 1937, the last known |
clutch of Dunlin eggs on Tentsmuir was taken by an egg-
collector. Though Dunlin is summer plumage are seen on the
shore every summer the species has not attempted to nest
again and it is doubtful if it will ever do so. Ground condi-
tions have been radically altered and are probably no longer
suitable for nesting.
The history of breeding birds on Tentsmuir makes depres-
sing reading, and although those at Earlshall are still ade-
quately protected there is no guarantee that this will always
be the case. The demands of modern aircraft for longer and
longer runways may mean further encroachment on the moor,
but what is perhaps more serious is the increasing amount of
disturbance from aircraft taking off and landing. Helicopters,
too, cause their own peculiar disturbance, which amongst the
wintering ducks and waders is akin to panic. The east shore
has, morever, been “discovered” by the public as a safe bathing
beach and inevitably this will have its effect on terns and
other shore-nesters. Proposals for motor-cycle races on the
sands have also been made but fortunately these have so far
come to nothing. It is to be hoped that steps will be taken to
ensure the continuance of Earlshall Moor as a bird sanctuary,
aug the Eden Estuary as a wildfowl refuge, before it is too
ate.
1962 129
3.—CHECK-LIST OF TENTSMUIR BIRDS
In all, one hundred and ninety-two species can be admitted
to the list of birds recorded on Tentsmuir. A further seven
not included in this total, are worth mentioning as they have
been recorded from very near the boundaries; they have been
placed on the list but within round brackets. Doubtful records
have been placed within square brackets. The moor’s boun-
daries, for the purpose of this list, are: on the north, the
shore-line from Tayport to Tentsmuir Point, and the southern
half of the Tay Estuary; on the east, the shore from Tentsmuir
Point to Edenmouth, including the Abertay Sands as well as
the immediate coastal waters; on the south, the south bank of
the Eden Estuary from Guardbridge to the South Horn, and
the waters of the whole estuary; on the west, the Tayport/
Guardbridge road by way of St Michael’s and Leuchars. Al-
together the area covers some ten square miles.
The main objective in producing this check-list has been to
give an account of the birds of Tentsmuir as they are today.
The statements made are based mainly on my own observa-
tions, made on over three hundred visits to Tentsmuir during
the years 1949 to 1956, and further occasional visits between
1957 and 1960. Records of species not reported during this
period have mostly been obtained from Boase’s work, or from
a list compiled by the late William Berry. Additional records
since 1956 come mainly from the Nature Conservancy.
The birds included in the list may be classified as follows:
Residents... aie 69
Summer Visitors ... 20
Winter Visitors... 24
Passage Migrants ... 31
Casual -Visitorsi’ <.. 48
Total ot ryt) 192
It must be borne in mind that these classifications are some-
what arbitrary, for in many cases species occur. as both sum-
mer or winter visitors and passage migrants, sometimes all
three. Also, the term “resident” is rather ambiguous, as not
many birds are resident in the true sense of the word—.e. the
same individual present the year round. Many so-called resi-
dents occur as summer and winter visitors, as well as on
passage, and where possible I have tried to show this in the
statement on each species. The casual visitors, which form
over a quarter of the total, can be further sub-divided into
three groups; those which have been recorded only once (15),
those which have been recorded twice (9), and those which
have been seen on three or more occasions (24).
130 2(SS)
Breeding birds fall into more easily defined categories, and
the eighty-four species and subspecies which nest or have
nested within the limits of Tentsmuir are listed below. Three
other. species for which no definite records exist are worth
mentioning. The Pintail and the Long-tailed Tit have been
suspected of nesting although so far no nests have been found,
and there is an unsatisfactory breeding record for the Siskin.
Of the nine species which have been lost as regularly breed-
ing birds, it is doubtful whether many will ever again nest
on Tentsmuir. The Whinchat is perhaps the most likely of
them to return.
Breeding regularly — 65
Little Grebe Common Tern Wren
Heron Arctic Tern Mistle Thrush
Mallard Little Tern Song Thrush
Teal Sandwich Tern Blackbird
Shoveler Stock Dove Wheatear
Tufted Duck Woodpigeon Robin
Hider Cuckoo Sedge Warbler
Shelduck Tawny Owl Whitethroat
Mute Swan Long-eared Owl Willow Warbler
Sparrowhawk Swift Goldcrest
Kestrel Skylark Hedge Sparrow
Partridge Swallow Meadow Pipit
Pheasant House Martin Pied Wagtail
Moorhen sand Martin Starling
Coot Carrion Crow Greenfinch
Lapwing Rook Linnet
Ringed Plover Jackdaw Chaffinch
Snipe & Jay Yellowhammer
Woodcock Great Tit Corn Bunting
Curlew Blue Tit Reed Bunting
Redshank Coal Tit House Sparrow
Black-headed Gull Treecreeper
Breeding at times — 3
Short-eared Owl Spotted Flycatcher Stonechat
Bred on one or two occasions — 7
Grey Lag Goose (2) Roseate Tern (2)
Herring Gull (1) Twite (1 or 2)
Gadwall (1)
Wigeon (1)
Common Scoter (2)
Previously bred regularly; no longer do so — 9
Red Grouse Golden Plover Magpie
Black Grouse Dunlin Whinchat
Corncrake Hooded Crow Tree Sparrow
1962 131
CHECK-LIST
Arrangement and scientific nomenclature follow the B.O.U.
Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland (1952), as
amended by the Recommendations of the Taxonomic Sub-Com-
mittee in 1956 (Ibis 98: 157-68), and the 1957 decisions of The
International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis
99: 369). This check-list covers observations to the end of
1960, with a few later notes added.
1. BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica. Mainly winter visitor,
_ single birds being usual. All recent records are for Dec-
ember to February. Two records for Morton Lochs, single
birds in January 1909 and on 28th/3lst December 1954.
2. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer. Mainly on passage,
but a few winter records. Largest counts three (8th
March 1951, 23rd January 1952, 7th February 1953). No
records for Morton Lochs.
-. (WHITE-BILLED DIVER Gavia adamsii). One was present on
the Tay Estuary for some weeks during February and
March 1954 (E.B.B. 4: 49).).
3. RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata. The commonest diver,
seen regularly from September to April, sometimes in
large numbers, e.g. c. 70 off Edenmouth on 23rd January
1952. Several records for Morton Lochs, most recently a
single bird on 19th December 1954.
4. GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus. Mainly on pas-
sage, but also occasionally in winter. Largest counts,
five at Tayport on 22nd February 1919, and four off
Edenmouth on 23rd January 1952. No records for Mor-
ton Lochs.
5. RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps griseigena. Casual. Single birds
on the Eden in January and September 1906, and 26th
November 1949, and at Morton Lochs in November 1928,
are the only records.
6. SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus. Winter visitor to Eden
and off east shore; birds in breeding plumage have also
been seen in April. Highest counts are of six on 5th
December 1954 and 3rd April 1955. Recorded on Mor-
ton Lochs on three occasions, the most recent being Ist
March 1937.
7. BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis, Casual with only
three definite records, single birds at Tayport on 2nd
October 1920, on Earlshall in the summer of 1933, and
on the Eden on 25th February 1953. Said to have been
seen on Morton Lochs on several occasions, but no dates
are given by William Berry.
8. LirtLte GREBE Podiceps ruficollis. Breeds regularly at Mor-
132
2(SS)
ton Lochs, three to four pairs being usual. Always
present there from March to October. There are only
two records for Tentsmuir outwith this period, single
birds on the Eden on 10th February 1952, and at Morton
Lochs on 5th December 1954.
-. (StoRM PeETREL Hydrobates pelagicus. One seen in Tay
Estuary on 16th October 1946).
9. Manx SHEARWATER Procellaria p. puffinus, Autumn passage
10.
i
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
migrant, usually seen off Tentsmuir Point or east shore.
Several records for July and August, largest count being
seven on 5th August 1923.
FuLmar Fulmarus glacialis. Not common, most records
being of corpses. Has nested at St Andrews since 1946
and is seen near Edenmouth on occasions in summer.
One report only for Tayport—a single bird at the har-
bour on 23rd August 1952.
GANNET Sula bassana. Summer visitor off the coast and has
been noted as far up-river as Tayport, three being seen
near the harbour on 23rd August 1952. Earliest and
latest records are 15th March and 24th October.
CoRMoRANT Phalacrocorax carbo. Common around the
shores and in both estuaries the year round, with largest
numbers in winter. Particularly numerous near Eden-
mouth and Tentsmuir Point, counts showing c. 200 and
c. 150 respectively on many occasions. Does not nest on
Tentsmuir.
SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Not common at Tentsmuir.
Records for all months, mostly for single birds.
HERON Ardea cinerea. Until 1947 a small heronry existed at
Earlshall, up to six pairs nesting annually. Severe
weather in early 1947 put an end to this colony. In 1945
four nests were found at Kinshaldy, since when three
to five pairs have nested annually. Numbers increase
greatly in autumn, e.g. flock of 44 at Earlshall on 6th
September 1952, and one of 36 on Eden on 21st August
1955. Winter numbers seldom more than ten. Seen at
Morton Lochs at all seasons.
BITTERN Botaurus stellaris. Rare casual. W. Berry records
that one was shot at Morton Lochs on 6th April 1917,
the skin being sent to the Royal Scottish Museum, and
another obtained at Tayport on 2nd December 1925.
These are the only records. ,
Matuarp Anas platyrhynchos. Nests at Morton Lochs and
Earlshall. Also occurs on passage and in winter. On the
Eden numbers reach a peak in November, and again in
February, up to c. 2000 being counted. Mid-winter num-
bers seldom rise above c. 1000 (see Wildfowl Counts).
At Tayport, c. 500 has been the top count. Up to ec. 500
1962 133
have also been seen on Morton Lochs in spring. On
Earlshall several hundreds have been flushed from the
marshes from November to March.
17. TEAL Anas c. crecca. Nests annually at Earlshall (c.15 pairs),
with a few pairs at Morton Lochs. Also on passage and
in winter, and from autumn to spring is present on the
Eden in good numbers. From 400 to 600 is usual, but
1450 were counted on 20th February 1955 (see Wildfowl
Counts). Also found in winter on Earlshall where up to
300 have been flushed from the marshes. Numbers gen-
erally small at Tayport (usually c. 40), while at Morton
Lochs up to 150 are common in winter (300/400 on 14th
November 1960).
18. GARGANEY Anas querquedula. Occasionally in spring and
autumn, mostly at Morton Lochs. Highest count there is
six on 13th August 1947. In April and May 1952, and
again in 1959, a pair spent several weeks at Morton. The
only record for the Eden is of a male at Shelly Point
on 25th May 1952.
19. GaDWALL Anas strepera. Has nested on at least one occasion
at Morton Lochs (1918), but is known chiefly as passage
migrant and occasional winter visitor. A pair was
present at Morton Lochs in April 1959, and a female was
seen in July 1960. Highest count is twenty-five, at Mor-
ton Lochs on 29th January 1909, though such numbers
are unusual. Generally, only one or two are seen from
August to October, and occasionally from November
to February. Has been recorded on both estuaries.
20. WicEon Anas penelope. Nested for the first time at Morton
Lochs in 1953, one pair producing young. One pair was
present in summer of 1954 but nesting was not con-
firmed. Mainly on passage and in winter, largest num-
bers being found on the Eden (see Wildfowl Counts).
Small numbers (300 or less) are seen at Tayport, while
up to 200 are common at Morton Lochs from October to
March.
21. BatppaTe Anas americana. Rare casual. An adult drake was
seen on the Eden on 24th November 1919 (1920 S.N. 13),
and Dr John Berry saw a drake at Morton Lochs on 12th
and 13th October 1956.
22. PintaIL Anas acuta. Regular on passage and in winter,
mainly to the Eden where 100 to 150 is usual number
(see Wildfowl Counts). A few records for Morton Lochs,
the most recent being of three on 12th October 1955 and
a fair number on 8th December 1957. Only six records
for Tayport in recent years. Seen occasionally at Harls-
hall in summer, but nesting never proved.
134 2(SS)
23. SHOVELER Spatula clypeata. Nests annually at Earlshall
(c. 6 pairs) and Morton Lochs (2 to 3 pairs). Also occurs
on passage and in winter, and up to 300 have been
counted on the Eden (see Wildfowl Counts). Not very
common in Tayport Bay, but invariably present at all
seasons on Morton Lochs where the highest count has —
been 75 on Ist October 1955.
24. RED-CRESTED PocHarpD Netta rufina. One record—a male
bird which spent most of the winter of 1956/57 at Mor-
ton Lochs (see British Birds 52: 44).
25. Scaup Aythya marila. Regular on passage and in winter
on the Eden; occasional at Tayport. Highest Eden count
is 77 on 23rd March 1955, but 40/60 normal. Recorded
only twice in recent years at Morton Lochs—a female
on 20th February 1954, and a drake on 8th December
1957. One unsatisfactory nesting record—a clutch of
eggs said to have been taken in 1880—mentioned by J.
Berry. Not included in list of nesting birds.
26. TurteD Duck Aythya fuligula. Nests at Morton Lochs, four
pairs breeding in 1954 and 1955. More numerous in win-
ter at Morton (highest count 34) but is decidedly rare
on both estuaries. A flock of twenty spent a month on
the Eden during severe weather in February 1952, and
a few were found there and at Tayport under similar
conditions in February 1954. The only other Eden record
is a drake on 23rd January 1955.
27. PocHarp Aythya ferina. No records between 1949 and 1951.
Since then has occurred regularly in small numbers at
Morton Lochs. Most records are for February to April,
but one pair was seen on 29th May 1953, and fifteen
birds on 28th November 1958. Only one recent record
for the Eden, ten on 16th February 1952, and two for
the Tay, five at Tentsmuir Point on 18th October 1953,
with six at Tayport on 5th December 1953.
28. GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula. Mainly winter visitor,
though some may occur on passage. Largest numbers
are found on the Eden where c. 100 commonly in win-
ter (200 in January 1951). Only small numbers at Tay-
port, but elsewhere in Tay area it is more numerous.
Occasionally at Morton Lochs in autumn and winter,
highest count being eight on 21st November 1954.
29. LONG-TAILED Duck Clangula hyemalis. Winter visitor in
small numbers. Most recent Eden records are of single
birds, the highest count being eight on 4th March 1951.
Now comparatively scarce in Tayport Bay where only
five records between 1949 and 1955, with a too count of 40
drakes on 25th January 1953. The vast flocks of up to
2,000 or more birds seen at Tentsmuir Point and men-
1962 135
tioned by John Berry (1939) no longer occur. Has been
recorded at Morton Lochs.
30. VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca. Winter visitor, sometimes
in large numbers, generally seen off the east shore
where “rafts” have totalled over 500. Not so common
in the estuaries. A pair was present on a small pond at
Earlshall Moor in late May 1955. One record for Morton
Lochs—a bird shot there on 26th October 1940.
31. SuRF ScoTER Melanitta perspicillata. Rare casual, last re-
corded in the Eden estuary on 30th May 1955 (1955 SN.
110), and off Edenmouth—not St Andrews Bay (E. Crap-
per, pers. comm.)—in early January 1928 (The Birds of
Scotland).
32. COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra. Has nested at least once
at Morton Lochs—a female in flightless moult and two
juveniles found dead within the wire-netting fences of
one of the plantations in 1947. In August of that year
a pair of adults was seen on the lochs with two juvenile
ducks which were not identified. In winter huge flocks,
totalling over 2,000 birds at times, lie off the east shore,
and the species is commonly seen in both estuaries in
small numbers. Has also been recorded at Morton in
winter.
33. EIDER Somateria mollissima. Fifty to sixty pairs nest an-
nually on Earlshall Moor, with other pairs on the
coastal strips and at Shelly Point (see “Important Breed-
ing Species’). Outwith the breeding season is found on
both estuaries and on the sea in good numbers. Oc-
casionally immense flocks are found on the Tay near
Tentsmuir Point, e.g. c. 5000 on 6th October 1951, c.
10,000 on 16th February 1952. On 8th February 1953 a
flock which stretched from Lucky Scalp to well beyond
Tentsmuir Point defied counting. In places this line
was nearly fifty birds deep and as it stretched for a
mile and a half, upwards of 20,000 birds must have been
present. Numbers on the Eden seldom exceed one hun-
dred in winter. Has occurred at Morton Lochs, but not
for many years.
34. Kinc Emer Somateria spectabilis. Winter casual. Five
were seen at Tentsmuir Point on 29th December 1927
(1928 S.N. 108), and in the period 1925/1935 John Berry
(1939) recorded the species on five occasions off Aber-
tay Sands.
35. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator. Records for all
months, but does not nest on Tentsmuir. Numbers are
very small in summer, increasing during autumn pas-
sage (e.g. 150 at Tentsmuir Point on 28th September
1952), falling again in winter, when it is found on both
136
36.
3”.
38.
32:
40.
41.
2(SS)
estuaries. Mergansers occasionally visited Morton
Lochs when these were stocked with fish, but the only
record in recent years is of four on 28th November
1958.
GOOSANDER Mergus merganser. Casual, with few records
in recent years, although it is regularly seen on the Tay
west of Newport. The only Eden report is of twenty in
October 1951. Has also visited Morton Lochs on occa-
sions and seven were seen on Ist September 1926.
SMEwW Mergus albellus. Rare casual, not recorded since
March 1928 when a female was seen on the Eden. No
records from Morton Lochs.
SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna. Nests on Earlshall Moor and
coastal strips, and also at Morton Lochs (see “Important
Breeding Species’). Most adults leave the area during
July and August, only a few remaining with juveniles
of the year. Wintering population arrives from the be-
ginning of October, and from then until March or April
large numbers are present on the Eden (see Wildfowl
Counts). Usually less than fifty at Tayport in winter
and seldom at Morton then.
. [Ruppy SHELDUCK Casarca ferruginea. One of a pair was
shot by W. Berry at Morton Lochs on 18th December
1934. These may have escaped from breeding pens at
Lindores Loch.].
GREY LAG GoosE Anser anser. Has nested at Morton Lochs
on two occasions (1922 and 1931) but each time failed
to raise a brood. Now occurs on passage and in winter
in small to moderate numbers. Less than fifty have been
usual, but 200/500 present in recent winters, and on 2nd ~
November 1952 a flock of c. 1500 was on the Eden.
WHITE-FRONTED GoosE Anser albifrons. Has not been recor-
ded for many years. Occurred mainly on passage in
small numbers, occasionally in winter.
BEAN/PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser arvensis.
(a) BEAN Goose A. a. arvensis. Occurs on passage and in
winter in small numbers. Some present with other grey
geese near Morton Lochs on 19th October 1952 and 21st
February 1954. Last recorded occurrence was in 1956.
(b) PINK-FooTED GoosE A. a. brachyrhynchus. The
common grey goose of Tentsmuir, flocks often totalling
several thousand birds. Occurs on passage, and in win-
ter, largest flocks being seen in autumn. Each winter
a large flock frequents the fields near Morton Lochs
and these, together with geese from other parts of Fife,
flight to the Eden at dusk. Geese from north of the Tay
flight into the area at dusk, mostly to the Abertay
Sands. At Morton the flock is usually c. 1000 strong, but
1962 137
PLATE 7. Morton Locus. Aerial view from the south.
University of Cambridge photograph.
138
‘POOM SHonploep ‘woo, TIVHSTUVOo
‘8 HLVId
139
“WOSLIUA “f fiq ydosbo10Yd
.
AUOTOO [IN pepeoy
yoe[_ “HOO! TIVHSTUVG 6 ALVI
140 2(SS)
Photograph by J. Berry.
TENTSMUIR POINT,
PLATE 10.
1962 141
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
dl.
up to c. 5000 have been seen. First birds arrive at end
of September (early date 13th September 1952) and re-
main until April (latest date 26th).
Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. Rare casual. W. Berry
records that one was obtained at Tayport on 11th Jan-
uary 1924, and the species identified in the winter of
1945/46.
BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla. Was once common in win-
ter, over 100 being recorded on occasions, but is now a
rare visitor. Latest records for the Eden are of several
seen 17th/24th February 1953, and two on Ist March
1953. Only other record is one on east shore on 24th
October 1954. The last two records were both of the
Pale-breasted race B. b. hrota.
BARNACLE GoosE Branta leucopsis. Since 1949 a regular
winter visitor in small numbers, generally seen with
other geese at Morton. Mostly seen in groups of up to
five birds, but 19 at Shelly Point on 8th October 1949.
Occasionally birds at Morton have been examined at
close quarters and the absence of rings on their legs
suggests that these were truly wild birds and not mem-
bers of the semi-domesticated flock at Tayfield.
Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Resident. One, sometimes two or
three, pairs nest at Morton Lochs. Numbers increase in
winter, especially at Tayport, and these are possibly
from inland lochs. There is an annual rise and fall in
numbers during autumn, suggesting local coastal move-
ments. Present on the Eden the year round.
WHOOPER Swan Cygnus cygnus. Regular winter visitor to
Morton Lochs, the highest count being 18 on 15th March
1953, and again on 7th November 1954. Occasionally seen
at Tayport and Tentsmuir Point, but not recorded on
Eden. In 1955 one bird remained at Morton until 31st
May.
BEWICK’S Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii. One rec-
ord, of two at Morton Lochs on Ist January 1947.
GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaétos. One record. An adult
bird spent the winter of 1952/53 at Earlshall, and was
also seen at Morton Lochs (E.B.B. 3: 28, 40).
BuzzarD Buteo buteo. Irregular winter visitor, singly or
in pairs. Latest record is of a pair which spent the win-
ter of 1954/55 at Earlshall. No summer reports for many
years.
ROUGH-LEGGED BuzzarRD Buteo lagopus. Rare casual, the
only record being of a single bird seen over Scotscraig
in the winter of 1913 by W. Berry and others.
SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus. Nests in the new forests
and Earlshall. Is shot on sight at Earlshall. Seen annual-
142 2(S8)
ly on the Eden on passage. Occasionally recorded at
Morton.
52. Honey Buzzarp Pernis apivorus. William Berry records
that the identification of three birds seen at the west
end of Tentsmuir in the autumn of 1890 was uncertain,
but one bird shot there at that time was undoubtedly a
Honey Buzzard, and he examined it in the shop of a
local bird stuffer. (Outside the area a pair was present
near Newport for some months in the early summer of
1949. Breeding was strongly suspected, but unfortunately
the female was shot on 23rd July and sent to the Royal
Scottish Museum).
53. MarsH HaRRIER Circus aeruginosus. Irregular winter vis-
itor. A pair was at Earlshall for the winter of 1950/51,
two were seen a few times during the following winter,
and one was at Morton on 8th November 1958. An ear-
lier record refers to a single bird at Earlshall on 29th
October 1937. There is a suggestion that Marsh Harriers
bred there in 1937, when a pair was seen over the moor
several times during the summer, and a young bird, not
yet in full flight, was captured and sent to the Edinburgh
Zoo. The records there show that it was received on
23rd December 1937, having been captured in October
that year, and that it died on 17th November 1941. These
rather unsatisfactory details cannot be considered suffi-
cient to support a first breeding record for Scotland, and
the matter is still under investigation.
04. HEN HarRIER Circus cyaneus. Only three positive records
for recent years—one shot at Tayport in August 1947,
one seen near St Michael’s on 2nd April 1953, and a pair
at Earlshall for about two weeks in early March 1954.
A harrier seen at Morton Lochs on 8th April 1955 may
have been this species.
55. PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus. Occurs regularly on passage
in small numbers, and occasionally in winter. Most
records are for autumn, but the species occasionally
winters at Earlshall, where it also occurs in spring. One
was seen as Morton on 15th February 1957.
-. [Gyr Fatcon Falco rusticolus. A bird seen by different ob-
servers at Tentsmuir Point on 20th February 1955, and
again the following day at Shelly Point, was probably
this species (E.B.B. 5: 49).].
56. MERLIN Falco columbarius. Regularly on passage, most
reports for autumn. Occasionally spends winter at Earls-
hall, where it also occurs in spring. Has been recorded
at Tentsmuir Point and Morton Lochs.
-. (RED-FOOTED FaLcon Falco vespertinus. A male was seen in
the Newport area by William and John Berry and others
1962 143
from 21st to 23rd November 1941 and stayed for about
a month).
57. KESTREL Falco tinnunculus. Seen on all parts of Tents-
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
muir; one or two pairs nest at Earlshall. Also seen on
passage at Tentsmuir Point and Shelly Point, mostly in
autumn.
RED GROUSE Lagopus lagopus scoticus. No longer occurs.
Was introduced in July 1876, and as the stock increased
was shot annually. Highest bag was 64 brace in 1902.
Last seen on Earlshall in June 1947.
Biack GROUSE Lyrurus tetrix. First appeared on Tentsmuir
about 1902 and first nested in 1906; last nesting record
was 1919. By 1925 it had been cleared from the new
forests, and today is seen very occasionally. From time
to time in the early years of this century birds were
introduced to the moor and these probably formed the
bulk of the breeding stock.
CAPERCAILLIE Tetrao urogallus. Seen on occasions at Earls-
hall during the past twenty years. One was shot at
Scotscraig in 1901.
PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix. Resident. Found in good num-
bers on all parts of open ground on Tentsmuir, even the
coastal strips. Nests where found. No longer hand-reared
on Earlshall or at Morton.
Quart Coturnix coturnix. Rare casual, not recorded since
one was found dead at Leuchars on 6th June 1932. Wil-
liam Berry reports one shot at Morton Lochs, but gives
no date.
PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus. Resident, breeding in good
numbers. Very common, and has even been seen amongst
waders on Shelly Point. No longer hand-reared.
WaTER Rat. Rallus aquaticus. Occasionally seen in winter,
mostly at Morton Lochs. Latest records for Morton are
of single birds on 17th September 1952 and 4th April
1959. Only one record for Earlshall—a single bird in Feb-
ruary 1952.
. [BatLton’s CRAKE Porzana pusilla. On 3rd January 1889 a
tiny crake was caught at Scotscraig by W. Berry and
later released. A detailed description was shown to Dr
Eagle Clarke, who reported that the bird was a Baillon’s
Crake. As the record has never been published, and
neither the description nor Dr Eagle Clarke’s comments
can be traced, it is impossible to be absolutely certain
that the bird could not have been a Little Crake Porzana
parva. |.
CORNCRAKE Crex crex. At one time numerous as a nesting
bird, but rarely seen today. The only records for many
144 2(SS)
years are a pair at Earlshall on 7th June 1950 and a
single bird there during May 1953.
66. MoorHEN Gallinula chloropus. Nests at Morton Lochs and |
Earlshall, though numbers have fallen over past fifty
years. Little, if any, change in the population in winter.
67. Coot, Fulica atra. Common at Morton Lochs, where it has
increased as a nesting bird since 1949. Numbers increase
during passage and in winter, and there have been
counts of over 100 in recent years. One record only for
Earlshall—a single bird on 28th March 1954. Regularly
seen in small numbers in both estuaries in winter. Prior
to 1939 large flocks were said to frequent Tayport Bay,
but these are no longer seen.
68. OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus. Found in large
numbers at all seasons, but does not nest on Tentsmuir.
On passage and in winter vast flocks occur on Shelly
Point (see Wader Counts). Numbers at Tayport are
much smaller, seldom exceeding 500. Occurs regularly
at Morton Lochs and surrounding fields in small num-
bers. From 200 to 400 non-breeding birds remain in area
throughout the summer, but in 1953 c. 1000 remained on
the Eden.
69. Lapwinc Vanellus vanellus. Nests at Earlshall where it
has increased since 1948; twenty-five pairs nested in
1953. Most fields in the western portion also have nest-
ing pairs each year. Outwith the breeding season it is
found throughout the area. During autumn passage, and
occasionally in winter, large flocks occur on the Eden,
e.g. c. 1000 on 29th October 1950, c. 2000 on 3rd October
1953, at least 5000 on 22nd November 1953. At Tayport
numbers seldom exceed 200. Also seen at Morton at all
seasons.
70. RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula. Has increased as a
breeder since 1949, when only a few pairs were found
on the east shore. In 1953 nearly fifty nests were found,
Shelly Point being the main site. Only one nest was
found in Tayport Bay. Flocks of c. 100 (c. 250 on 23rd
August 1953) are seen on autumn passage, but it is
scarce or absent during the winter. The breeding popu-
lation returns to Shelly Point from mid-February. Only
two records for Morton Lochs—a single bird on 18th
August 1923 and a pair on 7th May 1955. Spring passage
may occur, small numbers of birds being involved, but
satisfactory evidence is lacking.
71. GREY PLOVER Charadrius squatarola. Occurs on passage
and in winter. Is most numerous on the Eden where
50/60 usual in winter; on passage up to 200 have been
recorded (e.g. on 29th March 1953). Seldom more than
1962
712.
73.
74.
76.
78.
fee
145
ten have been seen at one time at Tayport. Two records
for Morton Lochs—ten on 20th August 1928, and one on
2nd November 1953. Single birds and pairs seen at Shelly
Point in May, June and July.
GOLDEN PLOVER Charadrius apricarius. Last nested at
Earlshall in 1938. Now occurs only on passage and in
winter, flocks of up to 1000 being seen on the Eden from
September onwards. Also seen in the fields in winter
and has occurred at Morton Lochs. Birds showing the
characters of the Northern race Ch. a. altifrons occur al-
most annually on autumn passage.
DoTTEREL Charadrius morinellus. One report. Seven seen
at Morton Lochs on 3rd May 1915, falling to four on
30th May.
TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres. Mainly on passage, but a
few present in winter. Also regularly seen from May
to July. Occurs in both estuaries, largest numbers on
the Eden. Top count 75 on Shelly Point on 23rd August
1953, and again on 3lst July 1954.
. SNIPE Gallinago gallinago. Nests on Earlshall (c. 15 pairs)
and Morton Lochs (2 or 3 pairs). Generally absent from
the marshes on Earlshall in September and October, but
found from then onwards in varying numbers. Present
at Morton Lochs at all seasons, an unusually large
“wisp” of 31 being seen on 15th March 1960. Up to
twenty can be seen on the Eden in winter.
GREAT SNIPE Gallinago media. Three records of single
birds: one which weighed over 53 ozs. shot at Morton
Lochs on 28th October 1898; a bird which was most pro-
bably a Great Snipe seen by H. Boase on 3rd August
1918; and a third seen by the writer at Earlshall on 28th
oe 1951 which rose slowly at his feet with a harsh
croak.
. JACK SNIPE Limnocryptes minimus, At one time numerous
in winter at Morton Lochs, but very few have been seen
there in recent years. Latest record is of 4 or 5 on 26th
April 1960. Also seen on the Eden, where there are re-
cent records of single birds on 19th October 1952 and
7th February 1954. One was seen at Tentsmuir Point on
14th November 1960.
Woopcock Scolopax rusticola. A few pairs nest in the new
forests and at Earlshall. Has also nested in the planta-
tions which existed west of Morton Lochs. One Eden
record—a single bird on 19th October 1952.
CurRLEW Numenius arquata. Common at all times. Nests on
Earlshall Moor (15 or more pairs) and Tentsmuir Point
(2 pairs in 1952 and 1953). Occurs on passage and in
winter, and from July to April is numerous on the Eden
146 2(SS)
(see Wader Counts). Is also regularly seen at Tayport
and Morton Lochs. Large numbers of non-breeding
birds remain in the area in summer, particularly at
Earlshall and the Eden.
80. WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus. Spring and autumn pas-
sage migrant, with largest numbers in autumn, e.g. 25
on Shelly Point on 24th August 1952, and 34 on 2ilst
August 1955. In spring, numbers seldom exceed two or
three. Has occurred at Tayport and Tentsmuir Point,
but not at Morton Lochs.
81. BLACK-TAILED Gopwit Limosa limosa. Occurs on passage
and in winter at both estuaries and at Morton Lochs.
About 100 were seen on the Eden on 28th August 1936,
and 62 on 21st September 1952, while between 1949 and
1955 the average winter number was c. 35. Highest
count at Morton is 49 on 15th July 1952. A pair was at
Morton in June 1951, and three adults in full breeding
plumage spent the summer of 1952 on the Eden. It is not
known to which race these birds belong. Up to at least
the early 1930’s this was looked upon as an uncommon
species.
82. BAR-TAILED Gopwit Limosa lapponica. Occurs on passage
and in winter, with up to fifty non-breeding birds re-
maining in summer. Largest numbers occur on the Eden
(see Wader Counts), where up to 700 can be seen in win-
ter (c. 1000 in January and February 1954), but at Tay-
port numbers seldom exceed 100. A flock of 500 was at
Tentsmuir Point on 5th August 1959. It has been recor-
ded occasionally at Morton Lochs.
83. GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus. Autumn passage mig-
rant which has been recorded at Morton Lochs from
June to September, and once in winter—a single bird
on 21st February 1954. It has also been recorded at Tay-
port and on the Eden in autumn.
84. Woop SANDIPER Tringa glareola. Casual. Two records for
Morton Lochs—single birds on lst August 1911, and
again on 28th July 1959 (S.B. 1: 200).
85. COMMON SANDPIPER Tringa hypoleucos. Autumn passage
migrant in small numbers. Occurs on both estuaries and
at Morton Lochs, most records being in July and August.
Earliest and latest dates are 28th June 1912 and 14th
October 1951. There have been no spring records.
86. REDSHANK Tringa totanus. Not less than twelve pairs nest
at Earlshall and coastal strips, and it has also nested at
Morton Lochs. Occurs on passage and in winter, with
largest numbers on the Eden (see Wader Counts). Num-
bers are very much smaller at Tayport, while those at
Morton Lochs seldom exceed ten.
1962
87.
88.
89.
90.
OL.
92.
93.
94.
95.
147
SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus. Autumn _ passage
migrant, mostly on the Eden, but also occasionally at
Morton Lochs. Highest counts—8 on the Eden on 16th
September 1951, and 5 at Morton Lochs on 17th Septem-
ber 1955 which remained for about two weeks. One
winter record—a single bird at Edenmouth on 28th Dec-
ember 1937.
GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia. Regular autumn passage
migrant and occasional winter visitor, Generally less
than ten birds are seen but in August/September 1953
and September 1954 parties of up to thirty were seen
on the Eden. Smaller numbers are found at Tayport and
Morton Lochs, the highest count at Morton being five
on 2nd November 1953. There are recent records for all
winter months, but none for April, May or June.
Knot Calidris canutus. Occurs on passage and in winter,
sometimes in very large numbers (see Wader Counts).
Largest flocks are found on the Eden, but at Tayport
numbers seldom exceed 150. There are no records for
Morton Lochs. Up to fifty non-breeding birds remain all
summer at Shelly Point.
PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima. Two records of single
birds: one was seen on the east shore in September 1915,
and one shot there in 1929.
LITTLE Stint Calidris minuta. Regular on autumn passage
on both estuaries in August and September. Single
birds usual, but eight on Eden on 6th September 1953.
Has occurred at Morton Lochs, but not since 1939.
Dunutn Calidris alpina. Last nested in 1937 (see “Impor-
tant Breeding Species”) and now occurs only on pas-
sage and in winter, with non-breeding birds on the shore
in summer. Largest flocks on the Eden (see Wader
Counts); at Tayport c. 500 largest number. Also nested
at Morton Lochs, but rarely seen there now, only recent
reports being of single birds on 26th August 1951 and
17th September 1955.
CuRLEW SANDPIPER Calidris testacea. On passage in Aug-
ust and September, and once in October. Mostly up to
five birds seen, but 40 on the Eden on 6th September
1953. Seen annually at Tayport, and once at Morton
Lochs, on 20th August 1912.
SANDERLING Crocethia alba. Recorded in all months, but
mainly on passage and occasionally in winter. Most
numerous August/October, and again March/ April, from
50 to 70 usual (but over 150 at Tayport on 3lst August
1952). Seven winter records between 1949 and 1955;
highest count ten. No reports for Morton Lochs.
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Limicola falcinellus. Rare casual.
148 2(SS)
One was shot at Morton Lochs on 12th August 1912, and
one bird seen on the Eden on 9th September 1946 (Bax-
ter & Rintoul, 1953).
96. Rurr Philomachus pugnax. Occurs on passage in August
and September on both estuaries, and occasionally at
Morton Lochs. A single bird at Morton on 3rd October
1949. Single birds usual, but 59 on the Eden on 28th
August 1954.
97. GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius. One shot at Tayport
in October 1885—the only record. (One at St Andrews
in January 1952.).
98. GREAT SkuA Catharacta skua. Occasionally seen on the
Angus side of the Tay but the only definite record in-
wa the Eden Estuary is of one seen on 17th September
99. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. Seen annually: from
June to October, but mostly in August and September.
Largest count is 40 on 30th August 1907, but the highest
count in recent years was nine on the Eden on 4th
September 1955.
100. PoMaRINE Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. In 1930 a few
were seen off the east shore and one was shot for iden-
tification. The only other recent record is of three off
Tentsmuir Point on 14th August 1956. Each year num-
bers of skuas are seen off-shore, usually too far out for
identification and as this species occurs regularly in the
Forth some of these may well be Pomarines.
-. (LONG-TAILED SKUA Stercorarius longicaudus. One obtained
at Newport in 1880, and one at St Andrews on 29th
April 1868).
101. GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus. Present on
the shore the year round but does not nest on Tentsmuir.
Numbers in summer are small, but during autumn pas-
sage up to 500 can be seen at one time. Generally less
than 100 present in winter, with slight increase in spring.
Occasional at Morton Lochs.
102. LessER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus. Occurs on spring
and autumn passage, the highest count being twelve
birds at Tayport on 31st August 1952. Also occurs then
at Morton Lochs. Has not been recorded in winter. The
Scandinavian race L. f. fuscus has been obtained twice—
on 8th September 1923 and 30th August 1924.
103. Herrinc Guu Larus argentatus. Nested on Tentsmuir for
the first time in 1955, when one pair bred on Earlshall.
Common on the shore, and at Morton Lochs, at all seas-
ons. Up to c. 3000 are common on the shore in autumn.
At dusk large numbers flight in from other areas to
1962 149
Abertay Sands, which seems to be the main roosting
ground. A similar, but smaller, flighting takes place to
the Eden.
104. Common GULL Larus canus. On passage and in winter,
with some remaining all summer. Has not nested, but
on several occasions adults have been seen in the Black-
headed Gull colony on Earlshall. Passage flocks can total
up to c. 750 birds, with largest flocks in spring. Winter-
ing birds have increased in number, and 700/800 were
at Tayport on 25th January 1953. It is common in fields
and at Morton Lochs in winter.
-. (GLaucous GULL Larus hyperboreus. One was recorded at
Newport on 20th July 1910).
-. (IcELAND GULL Larus glaucoides. One present near Newport
from list to 15th August 1922).
105. LrrrLe Guiu Larus minutus. Although seen in large num-
bers on the Angus coast (S.B.1: 362), this species is only
occasionally noted at Tayport/Tentsmuir Point. There
are only six records up to 1960, the highest count being
five on 18th April 1954 (but 60/70 on 29th April 1961).
There are only two recent reports for the east shore—
four birds on 24th July 1955 and 42 on 29th April 1959.
There is one Eden record of eight on 1st May 1960. At
Morton Lochs the first record was of a juvenile in June
1954, but, since then the species has become an annual
visitor in April, May and June. Highest counts—30 on
23rd May 1955, 32 on 12th April 1959, and over 70 on
27th April 1956.
106. BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus. Nests at Earlshall,
with a few pairs on Shelly Point (see “Important Breed-
ing Species”). Most juvenile birds disperse in late sum-
mer, some migrating, and there have been ringing recov-
eries from the Continent, Southern Ireland and other
parts of the British Isles. The position of breeding birds
is obscure, but probably many remain in the area, or
disperse over adjoining coasts and fields. Possibly some
of the wintering birds are visitors. Present at Morton
Lochs the year round.
107. SaBINE’s GULL Xema sabini. An adult on Shelly Point on
7th September 1952 is the only record (E.B.B. 3: 5).
108. Kittrwake Rissa tridactyla. Mainly on passage, but oc-
casionally in summer and winter. Numbers in spring
generally small, but in autumn c. 750 seen at Tentsmuir
Point. Small numbers only on the Eden. Has been recor-
ded at Morton Lochs.
109. BLuack TERN Chlidonias niger. Casual, recorded twice at
Morton Lochs. Two were present on 26th/27th Septem-
ber 1953, and two for five days from 16th May 1955. Two
150
110.
1 EE
112.
113.
ie
ales
116.
2(SS)
were seen on the Eden on 12th September 1959.
Common TERN Sterna hirundo. Nests on Shelly Point, the
east shore and Earlshall Moor (see “Important Breeding
Species’). Also occurs on passage and has been recorded
five times in winter, once in December, three times i>
January and once in February. First arrivals seen about
third week of April, and most leave the area by late
September or early October. Occurs at Morton Lochs in
summer.
Arctic TERN Sterna macrura, Nests on Shelly Point and
east shore (see “Important Breeding Species’). Occurs
also on passage. First arrivals seen at the beginning of
May (earliest date 7th) and most have gone by end of
September (latest date 12th November 1950). No reports
for Morton Lochs.
RoSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii. Has nested twice (1927
and 1936—see “Important Breeding Species’’) but other-
wise an occasional spring and summer visitor. At least
two pairs present at Shelly Point in summer of 1956,
but no nests found.
LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons. Nests on Shelly Point and
east shore (see “Important Breeding Species”). First ar-
rivals usually seen in third week of April, though the
main body arrives in early May. This is usually the first
tern to leave, most having gone by mid-September
(latest date 24th September 1950). Occurs also on spring
and autumn passage, particularly at Tentsmuir Point.
No reports for Morton.
SANDWIcH TERN Sterna sandvicensis, At one time nested in
large numbers but today only does so sporadically, lar-
- gest post-war colony being 48 pairs in 1956 (see “Impor-
tant Breeding Species’). Mainly on passage, up to c. 400
birds seen in spring and autumn. This is usually the
first tern to arrive in early April (earliest date 3rd April
1953), but not in any great number until about the third
week, when it is found on both estuaries and on the
east shore. Most have gone by end of September (latest
record 16th November 1910). No reports for Morton.
RazORBILL Alca torda. Seen ofi-shore at all seasons. Re-
ports suggest a small but marked passage along the east
shore, Largest count—50 birds at Tentsmuir Point on
17th February 1952.
Littte AuK Plautus alle. Casual; recorded on seven oc-
easions since 1950. There are also earlier records. One
bird was seen at Tentsmuir Point on 6th October 1951,
and a corpse picked up at Shelly Point on 23rd Decem-
ber 1951. Two birds were seen on two occasions in Jan-
uary 1952 at Tayport. On 15th February 1953 a corpse
1962 151
was found on Shelly Point, and a live bird was seen
there on 2nd October 1955; another corpse was picked up
on Tentsmuir Point on 10th January 1956.
117. GuILLEMot Uria aalge. Seen off-shore at all seasons, gen-
erally single birds. About 60°% of all oiled birds on east
shore are of this species.
118. BLack GUILLEMoT Cepphus grylle. Rare casual, not re-
corded for many years. William Berry states that it
occurred very occasionally.
119. Purrin Fratercula arctica. Rarely seen, with only a few
records for the Tay area since 1949. All recent records
for shore area are of corpses.
120. PALLAS’S SANDGROUSE Syrrhaptes paradoxus. Occurred
during the 1888 irruption. Harvie-Brown gives the total
as ane 90 birds. (William Berry gives the number as
C! :
121. Stock Dove Columba oenas. Has been known on Tents-
muir since about 1884, and first nested in 1892. Today
the species nests in all suitable sites over the whole
area and is commonly seen in the fields, on the moor-
land and on the shore.
122. WoopPIGEON Columba palumbus. Common and numerous,
nesting freely in the new plantations as well as
other suitable sites. Large flocks of 400/500 birds are
common on arable land in winter and some of these
may be winter visitors.
123. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Summer visitor in small num-
bers. Breeds. Reported from all parts, including Morton
Lochs. Arrives at Earlshall in early May (early date
16th April 1954) and is seldom seen after mid-August.
124. Barn Ow. Tyto alba. Always rather scarce, and seldom
seen or heard today. Very few have been seen this cen-
tury, and the last known report is of a single bird near
Tayport on 9th September 1946.
-. (SNowy OwL Nyctea scandiaca. One seen on Eden Golf
Course on 31st January 1936 (S.N. 1936: 45).).
125. Tawny OWL Strix aluco. Present all year throughout the
area. Nests in the new plantations and at Earlshall, and
has also nested in a nest-box at Morton Lochs.
126. LoNG-EARED Ow. Asio otus. Nests in the new forests and
at Earlshall, and is found in these areas at all seasons.
Has been recorded at Morton.
127. SHORT-EARED Ow. Asio flammeus. Has nested on several
occasions since 1936 on Earlshall. A pair remained at
Morton Lochs during the summer. of 1953, but nesting
was not confirmed. Seen regularly on passage and in
winter.
152
128.
129.
130.
131
132.
133.
134.
135.
2( SS}
Swirt Apus apus. Nests at Tayport and Leuchars. Small
numbers are seen on the coast in spring and autumn,
and 40 were seen over Earlshall on 12th July 1953. Oc-
casionally seen at Morton Lochs.
KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis. Occasionally seen on passage,
but no reports since 1928. On 1st October 1927 c. 30 in
small parties were seen going south at Tentsmuir Point,
while on 14th August 1928, “quite a number” were at
Morton Lochs (William Berry). Has also been recorded
in November and December.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major. No re-
ports prior to 1947, but since then has been recorded on
a few occasions between August and April at Earlshall.
A pair was present in the forest at Fettars in the spring
of 1952 but breeding was not confirmed.
SKYLARK Alauda arvensis. Numbers were considerably
reduced by afforestation, but the species still breeds
commonly on Earlshall, the coastal strips and at Morton
Lochs. The majority of nesting birds arrive in March
and April, and leave at the end of July or beginning of
August. There are marked movements on the coast in
spring and autumn (e.g. during a short spell of watch-
ing 61 were counted moving south over Shelly Point
on 4th October 1954). A few are found in all parts in
winter.
SHORE LarRK Eremophila alpestris. Two reports—three
birds at Tayport on 7th January 1924, and a pair which
spent a week at Shelly Point from 25th November 1951.
SwaLLow Hirundo rustica. Summer visitor, nesting in all
suitable sites. Arrives at Earlshall about mid-April
(earliest date 11th) and most are at their nesting sites
by the end of the first week in May. The move away
begins in late August and most have gone by the end
of September. Also occurs on passage, most marked in
late September and early October; has been seen up to
November (late date 12th November 1950 at Shelly
Point). Small numbers are at Morton from July to early
September.
House Martin Delichon urbica. Nests at Earlshall, Leu-
chars and Tayport. Arrives in early May (earliest date
12th May 1951) and most have gone by the end of Sep-
tember. Also occurs on passage, when frequently seen
at Morton Lochs as well as on the coast. Late dates are
19th November 1927 and 2nd November 1950.
SAND MarTIN Riparia riparia. Occasionally nested in the
sand-hills on Earlshall Moor, last doing so in 1949. For
the past few years a colony has existed in a slag-heap
1962
153
at Guardbridge, while a much larger colony is at St
Michael’s. Also on spring and autumn passage, when
seen annually at Morton Lochs. First arrivals seen in
mid-April (early date 4th April 1954) and most have
hs by early September (late date 14th September
136. CARRION/HOoDED CROW Corvus corone.
(a) CarRRION CROW C. c. corone. Fairly numerous
at all seasons. Nests in the new forests, the decid-
uous wood at Earlshall, and has nested on the stone
tower on Lucky Scalp in Tayport Bay. Numbers increase
in winter when common in the fields and on both es-
tuaries. On 23rd December 1951 c. 100 were counted
going to roost at Earlshall. May also occur on passage
(e.g. flock of c. 70 at Fettars in March 1952). Is shot and
trapped on Earlshall, the annual kill averaging over
eighty during the past twenty years.
(b) HoopED Crow C. c. cornix. At one time nested at Kin-
shaldy, but has not bred on Tentsmuir for many years.
Now occurs on passage and in winter. Never numerous,
highest count being eleven on Earlshall on 23rd Decem-
ber 1951. Recorded in all months, but mostly November
and March.
137. Rook Corvus frugilegus. Numerous throughout the area.
The main rookery is at Earlshall (over 500 pairs), while
smaller rookeries exist at Tayport, Guardbridge and
Leuchars. Numerous in winter in the fields, and parties
of over 100 are common in both estuaries. Those on the
shore at Tayport include many birds from Angus, there
being a steady movement across the Tay morning and
evening. There is also a south to north movement from
Tayport each morning, with a consequent return in the
evening, showing that many from Tentsmuir seek their
food on the Angus side of the river. A percentage of
birds in the Earlshall rookery are destroyed each year,
the average number being c. 1500 annually; this in-
_ cludes both adults and birds of the year. Occurs regular-
ly at Morton Lochs.
138. JacKDAw Corvus monedula. Common throughout. Nests
in moderate numbers at Earlshall and Tayport, with
smaller numbers in other suitable sites, Outwith the
nesting season invariably present on the flats of the
Eden and Tay, as well as in the fields and around Mor-
ton Lochs. May also occur on passage, being recorded
almost annually on Tentsmuir Point.
139. Macpir Pica pica. At one time two pairs nested at Scots-
craig, but has been lost as a breeding bird. Commonly’
seen on Earlshall in the immediate post-war period, the
154
140.
141.
142.
143.
fea
i>
HSS
145.
146.
147.
148.
149,
2(SS)
species was shot to the last bird. Now casual to Tents-
muni the last record being a single bird on 13th April
1955.
Jay Garrulus glandarius. First noted in the new forests
in 1924, but date of first nesting not known. Has now
colonized all planted areas and seems to be quite num-
eraus.
Great Tir Parus major. Nests in many parts, but partic-
ularly at Earlshall and in the new forests. Small parties
common in the hedgerows in winter. Also seen regularly
at Morton Lochs.
BuuE Tit Parus caeruleus. More numerous than the Great
Tit, nesting in fair numbers throughout the area. Com-
monly seen in bushes on the Eden and at Morton Lochs.
aie: flocks frequent the forests and hedgerows in win-
er.
Coa. Tit Parus ater. Probably the most numerous tit on
Tentsmuir. Nests freely throughout the new forests, and
other wooded areas. Is probably truly resident.
. LONG-TAILED Tit Aegithalos caudatus, The least common
tit: frequently seen but never numerous. Seen every
summer near the deciduous wood on Earlshall Moor but
breeding has never been confirmed though family par-
ties have been noted there in autumn. Small parties
occasional in winter.
TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris. Nests freely in the new
forests and a few pairs breed regularly at Earlshall.
Probably a true resident.
WREN Troglodytes troglodytes. Common, nesting in all
sections. Seen the year round on Earlshall, in the for-
ests, at Morton Lochs and on the banks of the Eden.
Found on the coastal strips in winter.
MistLeE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus. At one time common,
had become scarce by 1947. Since then has increased,
especially at Earlshall, where three or four pairs nested
in 1952, five or six pairs in 1953 and again in the follow-
ing two years. One pair was seen in the Rires Forest in
April 1954. Also occurs regularly near Morton Lochs.
Records would suggest that it occurs on autumn passage,
e.g. 41 on Earlshall on 28th August 1954, and c. 30 at Mor-
ton Lochs on 21st August 1955.
FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris. Occurs on passage and in win-
ter, being found from September to April with stragglers
into May. Often numerous on passage, winter numbers
smaller. Mainly found in the fields but occurs annually
by both estuaries.
Sone THRUSH Turdus philomelos. Common breeding bird,
1962
150.
{510
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
155
nesting in all suitable sites. Recent observations show
it to be scarce or absent from many parts in winter, and
though some of the Tayport birds may be resident the
Species occurs mainly as a summer visitor to most of the
area. May also occur on passage, particularly around
Edenmouth, and birds found on the Eden from Novem-
ber to February may be winter visitors.
REDWING Turdus musicus. Occurs on passage and in win-
ter, being found from September to March. Particularly
numerous in the winter of 1951/52, when many perished
in the hard weather which occurred from December on-
wards. Scarce in autumn 1952 and absent from most
parts that winter. In 1953 was again common, and on
dlst January 1954 c. 300 were at Earlshall. Found in the
fields, at Morton Lochs and on the banks of both estuar-
les.
BLACKBIRD Turdus merula. Common, nesting in all suit-
able places, and is a common breeder in the new forests
May also occur on passage and in winter, when flocks
of c. 30 are seen.
WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe. Occurs on passage and as
summer. visitor, about twelve pairs nesting on Earls-
hall with a few more pairs on the coastal strips. The
breeding population arrives about the end of March
or beginning of April, while passage reaches its peak
during the second week of April. In autumn, regularly
seen until the end of September, with stragglers into
October (latest date 3lst October 1951). The Greenland
race Oe. oe. leucorrhoa has been recorded on a few oc-
casions in spring.
STONECHAT Saxicola torquata. Until the severe winter of
1947 a few pairs nested at Morton Lochs, near which at
least one pair has recently bred regularly. Elsewhere on
Tentsmuir it is seen in small numbers, and has increased
since 1950.
WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra. Lost as a nesting species by
1938, though at one time bred in the Scotscraig/Morton
area, Seen on only five occasions since 1952—once in
May at Earlshall, and four times in. August (twice by
the Eden and twice at Morton).
ReEpstTart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Casual. Two reports
only since 1949—single birds at Harlshall on 9th Septem-
ber 1949 and Tentsmuir Point on 4th April 1954.
Buack RepDsTaRT Phoenicurus ochruros. Casual. Only two
reports—single birds at Guardbridge on 3rd November
1926 and Shelly Point 28th October 1951.
Rosin Erithacus rubecula. Nests in all suitable localities
156
158.
159.
160.
ION
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
2(SS)
and common in the new forests. In winter regular on
the Eden and east shore, and some of these birds may
be winter visitors.
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Summer >
visitor, nesting in small numbers at Earlshall and Mor-
ton Lochs. Usually arrives in early May and departs
about the end of August (latest date 4th September).
Buackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Rare casual. One bird was
seen at Earlshall in August 1950.
GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin. Only two records, both
for 1951 of a pair at Earlshall on 6th May and one bird
on 2nd June.
WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis. Summer visitor, four to
five pairs nesting at Morton Lochs with others at Tay-
port. Not recorded breeding at Earlshall until 1953, when
two nests found; three pairs bred in 1954 and 1955. Oc-
casionally seen on the Eden in autumn.
WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus. Has increased
remarkably since 1949 and is now a common summer
visitor to the whole area, nesting where found. Some of
the spring and autumn records may refer to birds on
passage.
GoLpcREST Regulus regulus. Has colonized all the new
forests and appears to be quite numerous. Probably a
true resident. There is no undue increase in numbers
in winter.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata. Summer visitor,
never numerous. Generally present in summer but no
nests found in recent years. In 1952 two adults were
seen carrying food near Morton Lochs. Has nested at
Fettardale and Earlshall and may still do so. Spring
records may refer to birds on passage.
PIED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa hypoleuca. A single bird on
9th May 1904 is the only record. (A female was ob-
tained at Newport in September 1953).
HEDGE SPARROW Prunella modularis. Common, nesting in
all suitable habitats and has been seen on many occa-
sions in the new forests. Most are probably resident.
Merapow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Mainly summer visitor,
but also on passage and in winter. Common in summer,
the largest numbers nesting on Earlshall. Breeding pop-
ulation arrives in late March, the majority leaving in
late August and September. Spring passage is more
marked than autumn, though the latter tends to be
more prolonged.
TREE Pipit Anthus trivialis. Few reports, but probably
not as scarce as records suggest. Many unidentified
1962
169.
170.
LA.
172.
173.
174.
175.
176.
17:
178.
157
pipits are seen each year and some of these may be this
species. Most recent record is one shot from a small
FOG of pipits flying over Tayport Bay on 24th August
Rock Pirir Anthus spinoletta. Regular at Tayport from
September to April. Also seen annuaily on Shelly Point
and Eden Estuary.
Prep/WuHITE WactaiL Motacilla alba.
(a) Prep WactTaiL M. a. yarellii. Nests on most parts of
Tentsmuir other than the new forests. (A pair was seen
in a ride in Rires Forest in May 1954). Many, if not all,
breeding birds are summer visitors, the wintering pop-
ulation being comparatively small. Also occurs on pas-
sage, when seen on east shore in spring and autumn,
sometimes in good numbers (e.g. 95 moving south over
Shelly Point from 2nd to 4th October 1954).
(bo) Wuite WactaiL M. a. alba. Occurs regularly in spring
and autumn.
GreY WactaiL Motacilla cinerea. Rare casual, the one
positive record being of a single bird at Morton Lochs
on 12th August 1919. Several were reported at Tayport
in September 1946, but identification is in doubt.
YELLOW Wactait Motacilla flava. Rare casual, the only
record being of a single bird at Earlshall on several
occasions in March 1950. There is a doubtful report of
two at Tayport in September 1946.
Waxwine Bombycilla garrulus. Erratic winter visitor
which has been seen on a number of occasions since 1949.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius cristatus collurio. One record,
a female at Earlshall on 21st May 1950.
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris. Nests throughout the area.
Small numbers, mainly immatures, occur on the coast
in autumn, while in winter it is numerous in most parts.
ROSE-COLOURED STARLING Sturnus roseus. One record—a
single bird at Tayport on 31st March 1954 (E.B.B. 4:
50).
GREENFINCH Chloris chloris. Common the year round and
nests throughout the area. In winter regularly seen on
the Eden and Tayport flats, while in autumn flocks of
up to c. 100 strong are not uncommon. These could be
flocks of resident birds, but on 8th November 1953 c. 500
were seen with an equal number of Linnets on the Eden
and these were undoubtedly on passage.
GoLpFINCH Carduelis carduelis. Very few records this
century. Single birds were seen at Leuchars in 1923 and
Tentsmuir Point in 1924; the only records since then
are three birds at Morton Lochs on Ist October 1955,
158
le
180.
181.
162.
183.
184.
185.
186.
187.
188.
2(SS}
and two on the Eden on 1lth March 1956.
SISKIN Carduelis spinus. Occurs occasionally in winter.
There is an unconfirmed report of nesting in June 1923.
LINNET Carduelis cannabina. Common at all seasons. Nests
on Ear]shall, Morton Lochs and the coastal strips, though
numbers are probably less than in pre-afforestation days.
In winter regular on the Eden, at Tayport and Morton
Lochs, while in autumn flocks of over 100 are seen on
the Eden (see under Greenfinch). Also on passage in
spring.
TwiteE Carduelis flavirostris. Reported as nesting in 1921,
but there is some doubt about this. Nested in 1923. Oc-
casional in winter, the most recent reports are of one
bird on the Eden on 22nd November 1953, and three on
Shelly Point on 3lst January 1954.
LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis flammea disruptis. Not record-
ed up to about 1930, but regularly since then. As far as
is known it has not nested, but may well do so some-
where in the 4000 acres of forest.
BuLLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula. True status doubtful, but
may only occur on spring and autumn passage. Recent
reports are all of birds on or near the coast in spring
and autumn (largest count eight on 30th September
1952); there are earlier records for June.
CrROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra. Several reports, usually of
parties seen during irruptions (e.g. September 1953).
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs. Common in old plantations;
was said to have disappeared following new afforesta-
tion. Since 1943 has become numerous throughout new
forests and is also common in other areas, nesting in
all suitable sites. Flocks of c. 100 are regular in winter.
BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla. Winter casual, usual-
ly in small numbers. Recorded in most parts, the largest
count being 20 near Morton Lochs during January 1952.
YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella. Seen throughout at
all seasons. Up to 1947 had not been reported from new
forests, but today small numbers nest on the fringes of
most of these. Also nests at Earlshall, Morton and other
sites. Parties of up to c. 40 common in winter.
Corn Buntinc Emberiza calandra. Erratic summer vis-
itor, nesting at Earslhall and Morton area, and possibly
elsewhere. In 1952 was common in the Leuchars/Earls-
hall area where in the previous two years it had not
been seen. In 1953 two males were singing in the same
area, and in 1954 four males were doing so. Until 1953
there was only one winter record, but in the winter of
1962 159
1953/54 and again in 1954/55 the species was seen on
many occasions in various places (highest count 1i1
birds).
189. REED BuNTING Emberiza schoeniclus. Nests at Earlshall
and Morton Lochs. Also occurs on spring and autumn
passage, while in winter is common in reed beds at
Morton Lochs, Earlshall and the Eden.
190. Snow BuntTinGc Plectrophenax nivalis. Mainly autumn
passage migrant, and occasionally in winter. About 600
were at Tentsmuir Point during October 1951, but win-
ter numbers are much smaller. Highest winter counts
are 45 at Shelly Point on 24th February 1952, and over
60 on Tentsmuir Point on 11th December 1955. Earliest
date of arrival, 19th September 1952.
191. House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Common and num-
erous, nesting where there are buildings. Foraging
flocks are common everywhere in winter.
192. TREE SPARROW Passer montanus. A colony existed at Leu-
chars in 1905 and for some years afterwards, but this is
now extinct. There have been no sight records for over
forty years and it is doubtful whether this species now
occurs on Tentsmuir.
160 2(SS)
4—WILDFOWL AND WADER COUNTS
Throughout the period 1950/55 regular monthly counts
were made of wildfowl and waders on the Eden Estuary, Mor-
ton Lochs and Tayport Bay. The Eden Estuary is now the
main wildfowl and wader resort on Tentsmuir, and figures
for the Eden are shown on the following pages.
Counts were made at the same period each month, those
of the wildfowl in the new moon period. Wader counts were
generally made at the same time, but in a few instances these
were repeated a few days later and the figures amended if
necessary. On occasions, accurate wildfowl counts were im-
possible owing to poor weather conditions, particularly bad
visibility and rough water, and only estimations of numbers
present could be made. Whenever possible, further counts
were made within a few days. While it is not possible to
claim great accuracy for estimations, they generally give a
good indication of the numbers present. Practically every
count was made by two or more observers, and both banks
of the estuary were covered at the same time. It is doubtful
whether birds were counted twice on other than a few occa-
sions, and where this was thought to have happened, the
total count was amended downwards.
Generally speaking, it was impossible to do other than
estimate the numbers of waders in the huge flocks which
frequent Shelly Point at high tide, when all counts were
made. If anything, these estimates erred on the conservative
side. On occasions, attempts were made to obtain accurate
counts, and while these were never very successful they did
at least show that estimates were accurate enough to give a
picture of the comparative numbers of the various species
present.
1962
WILDFOWL COUNTS, EDEN ESTUARY 1950/55
| Mallard
1950/51
1951/52
1952/53
1953/54
1954/55
Preal
1950/51
1951/52
1952/53
1953/54
1954/55
Wigeon
1950/51
1951/52
1952/53
1953 /54
1954/55
Pintail
1950/51
1951/52
1952/53
1953/54
1954/55
Shoveler
1950/51
1951/52
1952/53
1953/54
1954/55
Shelduck
1950/51
1951/52
1952/53
1953/54
1954/55
Sept.
156
200
106
500
314
Oct. Nov.
900 2100
300 800
900 1900
1050 200
480 1370
100 11
100 =100
600 120
580 400
620 1000
250 650
1200 1250
600 1050
600 1250
1410 3150
a 22
4 2
100 #8100
5 22
105 102
100 =100
50 57
160 13
6 Y
45 98
50 50
250 396
200 400
435 400
485 612
Dec.
450
1200
1200
1000
+ No count.
Jan.
Feb. Mar.
700 900
1885 1000
1400 670
1150. 510
1550), 1150
80 80
350 450
400 110
390) * 150
1450 8280
1500 700
1500 1050
2750 #800
2250 260
3000 1775
9) 30
35 54
125 20
Lae 32
150 15
0 D5
15 10
56 10
100 =. 100
100+ 100
900 1000
1000 1200
1500 1000
1400 930
1250. 1350
161
Apr.
660
D0
250
Hee
-SOoOon oO
162
WADER COUNTS, EDEN ESTUARY, 1950/55
Sept.
Oystercatcher
1950/51 3000
1951/52 3000
1952/53 3000
1953/54 4000
1954/55 —~3000
Curlew
1950/51 100
1951/52 200
1952/53 475
1953/54 1500
1954/55 600
Bar-tailed Godwit
1950/51 50
1951/52 50
1952/53 150
1953/54 300
1954/55 200
Redshank
1950/51 100
1951/52 1000
1952/53 700
1953 /54 1300
1954/55 2000
Knot
1950/51 50
1951/52 200
1952/53 120
1953/54 200
1954/55 207
Dunlin
1950/51 150
1951/52 200
1952/53 350
1953/54 200
1954/55 1600
Oct.
3000
3000
2000
4500
3000
200
400
500
600
900
200
250
140
250
1000
300
1000
1000
1300
2000
200
700
Nov. Dec. Jan.
600 1800 2000
2000 1800 2100
3000 2500 3000
9000 5000 4200
3150 3000 3000
150 150 150
500 600 450
600 600 500
600 600 250
450 400 650
300 400 400
7590 500 380
400 300 350
1000 1000 750
500 =600 = =500
400 1000 1300
1000 1500 1500
1270 1200 1000
2500 2000 2300
2300 * 2000
700 6000 5000
2000 2600 3500
3000 10000 6000
6000 6000 3250
3000 3000+ 6000
700 3000 4000
1500 1250 3200
1000 2000 2500
6000 6000 1400
2000 3000 5500
No count.
Feb.
1500
4000
2500
4000
3900
200
390
600
500
800
500
600
400
1000
400
1300
1200
1200
650
2000
2000
3000
200
3000
5000
3000
1700
2000
3900
3000
2(SS)
1962
9.—SPECIES RECORDED FROM MORTON LOCHS
Black-throated Diver
Red-throated Diver
Red-necked Grebe
Slavonian Grebe
Black-necked Grebe
Little Grebe (b)
Heron
Bittern
Mallard (b)
Teal (b)
Garganey
Gadwall (b)
Wigeon (b)
Baldpate
Pintail
Shoveler (b)
Red-crested Pochard
Scaup
Tufted Duck (b)
Pochard
Goldeneye
Long-tailed Duck
Velvet Scoter
Common Scoter (b)
Eider
Red-breasted
Merganser
Goosander
Shelduck (b)
Grey Lag Goose (b)
Bean & Pink-footed
Geese
Barnacle Goose
Mute Swan (b)
Whooper Swan
Bewick’s Swan
Golden Eagle
Sparrowhawk
Marsh Harrier
Hen Harrier
Peregrine
Merlin
Kestrel
Partridge (b)
Quail
Pheasant (b)
Water Rail
Moorhen (b)
Coot (b)
Oystercatcher
Lapwing (b)
Ringed Plover
Grey Plover
Golden Plover
Dotterel
Snipe (b)
Great Snipe
Jack Snipe
Woodcock (b)
Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Green Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Redshank (b)
Spotted Redshank
Greenshank
Little Stint
Dunlin (b)
Curlew Sandpiper
Broad-billed Sandpiper
Ruff
Greater
Black-backed Gull
Lesser
Black-backed Gull
Herring Gull
Common Gull
Little Gull
Black-headed Gull
Kittiwake
Black Tern
Common Tern
Pallas’s Sandgrouse
Stock Dove (b)
Woodpigeon (b)
Cuckoo (b)
Total Species Recorded
Breeding or have bred (b) — 45
Tawny Owl (b)
Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Swift
Kingfisher
Skylark (b)
Swallow
House Martin
Sand Martin
Carrion Crow
Rook
Jackdaw
Great Tit (b)
Blue Tit (b)
Coal Tit
Wren (b)
Mistle Thrush
Fieldfare
Song Thrush (b)
Redwing
Blackbird (b)
Wheatear (b)
Stonechat (b)
Whinchat
Robin (b)
Sedge Warbler (b)
Whitethroat (b)
Willow Warbler (b)
Spotted Flycatcher
Hedge Sparrow (b)
Meadow Pipit (b)
Pied Wagtail (b)
Grey Wagtail
Starling
Greenfinch (b)
Goldfinch
Linnet (b)
Chaffinch (b)
Brambling
Yellowhammer (b)
Corn Bunting (b)
Reed Bunting (b)
House Sparrow
— 127
163
164 2(SS)
6.—REFERENCES
S1BBALD, R. 1710. History of the Sheriffdoms of Fife and Kin-
TOSS.
Harvize-Brown, J. A. 1906. A Fauna of the Tay Basin and —
Strathmore. |
Berry, J. 1939. The Status and Distribution of Wild Geese —
and Wild Duck in Scotland.
BaxTER, EF. V. and Rintout, L. J. 1953. The Birds of Scotland.
Scottish Naturalist, The, (S.N.). 1912/39 and 1948/57.
Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, The. (E.B.B.). 1950/58.
Scottish Birds. (S.B.). 1958 et seq.
The following papers, read to the Dundee Naturalists’ Soc-
iety, have also been consulted:
Hay, Col. DRumMMmonp. 1881. The Grallatores and Natatores of
the Estuary of the Tay. (John Leng, Dundee).
HutcuHeson, A. 1914. The Archaeology of Tentsmuir. (Proc. &
Trans. Dundee Naturalists’ Society, Vol. 1, Pt. 1, 1912/13).
KiIppEN, J. W. 1916. Notes on the Nesting Season on Tentsmuir,
TIO ™ (toe. "cik, Vol. lt. 24 19is ala):
Information relating to Tentsmuir has also been obtained
from the following unpublished papers:
BERRY, W. 1950. List of Birds seen and observed at Tayfield,
Tentsmuir and neighbourhood, 1872 to 1947.
BoaseE, H. 1947. Birds of North Fife.
The Birds of Scotland
EVELYN V. BAXTER
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