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The Nikon Fieldscope HI series employ O-rings and nitrogen gas for waterproof, fog-tree performance. Plus all lenses are multilayer coated for light transmission that’s as much as 10% brighter than previous models. They also boast a built-in slide hood constructed of shock- absorbine rubber. NIKON UK LTD. (for The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland) 380 RICHMOND ROAD. KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (01 81 > 541-4440 FAX: (0181) 541-4584 LITERATURE LINE: 0800-230220 (local call only) EIRE BROCHURE LINE: 1800-409-282 WARRANTY Contents Volume 92 Number 7 July 1999 326 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain S’. J. Roberts, J. M. S. Lewis and I. T. Williams 345 Honey-buzzards in Britain Rare Breeding Birds Panel 347 Bird Illustrator of the Year 1999 Robert Gillmor, Bruce Pearson, Alan Harris, Keith Shackleton and J. T.R. Sharrock 354 The ornithological year 1998 - part one Barry Nightingale 361 Review A Photographic Guide to Birds of the Himalayas by Bikram Grewal & Otto Pfister Paul Holt 362 Red-necked Nightjar revisited 365 Notes Feeding relationship between Little Egrets and Red-breasted Mergansers Barrie Whitehall Double-brooded Mute Swans Alan F.Absolom & Christopher M. Perrins Common Kestrels feeding on carrion Niall H. K. Burton & Philip J. K. Burton ; Egg-burying behaviour of Kentish Plovers Norman Orr Northern Lapwings resting on urban roof Jeff Lunn White-winged Black Tern exploiting feeding behaviour of Great Crested Grebes Barrie Whitehall Female Blackbird sitting on imaginary nest on lawn Keith R. Mudd Blackbird and Eurasian Jay with abnormal mandibles Moss Taylor Unusually aggressive defence of food source by Fieldfare Martin S. Kitching & Sarah L. Barratt Sedge Warblers nesting in Rape crops Keith Bowey Communal flycatching by Spotted Flycatchers A. P Radford Corn Bunting singing from ground B. A. Poley 373 Rarities Committee news & announcements Colin Bradshaw 375 News and comment Wendy Dickson & Bob Scott 380 Monthly Marathon Steve Rooke 382 Recent reports Barry Nightingale & Anthony McGeehan 384 Recent BBRC decisions M. J. Rogers Front-cover painting: Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra (Paschalis Dougalis ) THE NATURAL J HiSTORY MuSEUM I 14 1UL 1999 | PRESENTED TftSMQ LIBRARY , © British Birds 1999 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain S. J. Roberts, J. M. S. Lewis and I. T. Williams European Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus (5. J. Roberts) ABSTRACT The European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus has been one of the least-studied of Britain's breeding birds, because of its limited range, its scarcity and its reputed susceptibility to disturbance. This paper shows, however, that it is far more widespread, considerably less rare and much less affected by human intrusion (if carried out with circumspection) than was previously thought. The authors hope to encourage a more-open attitude and to further responsible research into the species' status and conservation requirements in Britain. 326 British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain The European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus (hereafter referred to as the Honey-buzzard) is one of the most widespread raptors in the World, breeding throughout the temperate and boreal regions of Europe and eastwards into boreal Asia (Cramp & Simmons 1980). It has always been regarded as a rare summer visitor to Britain (Hollom 1957; Parslow 1973; Holloway 1996), but, in recent years, breeding has been recorded more frequently away from the traditional stronghold of the New Forest (Gibbons et al. 1993; Lovegrove et al. 1994). Despite this, it remained a poorly studied species in this country, with only limited published data (e.g. one or two pairs in Nottinghamshire during 1971-79: Irons 1980). During 1988-1991, The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland (Gibbons et al. 1993) recorded evidence of breeding in ten tetrads in Britain, with individuals present in a further 17 tetrads. Recent investigation has shown that this species is more widespread than previously recorded in Britain, but, owing to its attraction for egg-collectors, most sites are kept confidential. Although several people monitor the numbers and distribution of breeding Honey-buzzards, we are not aware of any scientific research being undertaken at present. Partly as a result of this paucity of records, we and several co- workers began in the late 1980s to study the species' breeding ecology. This paper is based on information gathered at 52 nests in 16 nesting areas in upland, central and lowland Britain during 1989-97, and includes information received from other fieldworkers. As the Honey-buzzard is a Schedule 1 species, all nest visits were made under licence from the relevant licensing authority. These nests and nesting areas are located widely across England and Wales, from the north of England to the southern counties, and include widely scattered individual nests and small discrete populations; no information was received from Scotland. Because of the confidential nature of the information, some of our co-workers wish to remain anonymous. Methods Research during 1989-97 identified three distinct breeding habitats: (a) lowland southern woodlands, (b) central hill country with mixed farmland /woodland and (c) upland coniferous plantations. The definitions of these habitat types are, indeed, very broad, and we accept that identifying regions or counties would certainly prove more enlightening to various aspects of the paper. Some of those who have contributed important data to the paper have done so, however, only with the provision that we would not identify regions or counties. Sixteen nesting areas (an 'area' containing all the known nest sites of a pair: Newton 1979) were attributed to one of these habitat types, eight in the lowlands, three in the central hills and five in the uplands. Individual nesting trees have been termed 'nest sites'. Data were compared between the different habitat types. Breeding Honey-buzzards were located by protracted watches at key periods in the cycle and, where possible, individual birds were identified by plumage or moult patterns. Males and females were identified by these methods, as were intruders. Distinctive egg types have been laid in three nesting areas, aiding identification of the individual female. These egg types have been monitored for up to four years (currently). This may be the case in other nesting areas, but annual visits during incubation have not always been possible. A sudden change in egg type at one site alerted the authors to the presence of a new female. Nest-site altitudes and the area of woodland within 25 km2 around the nesting areas were measured from 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey Landranger maps. Clear- felled areas of forestry were included as woodland since these could not be distinguished on OS maps. Nest sites were located in mature conifer, mature broadleaf or mixed woodland (intimate conifer /broadleaf mix, as well as blocks of broadleaf and conifer in close proximity). British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 327 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain Various parameters of the nest site were recorded, such as tree species, tree height, nest height, distance of nest tree from rides or clearings, and topographical position. The minimum distances between active nests were measured from 1:50,000 OS Landranger maps. Detailed measurements of known-age chicks were taken, and the ages of other unknown-age chicks were estimated from their wing lengths. First-egg dates were calculated by working back from the age of the oldest chick and allowing 35 days for incubation. Breeding success was estimated from a total of 47 active nests found; it was also estimated for 15 of those that were located at the egg stage. Chicks were weighed to determine their rate of development. The behaviour of adults and young at the nest was assessed during extended watches from hides. Faecal samples were collected from active (and recently vacated) nests and analysed at University College, Cardiff. Wasp species were identified by their jaws (larval stage) or their head capsules (pupal stage). Partly destroyed wasps' nests were examined for possible 'farming' by Honey- buzzards. All other prey items were casually recorded, whether at nests or being carried by adult Honey-buzzards. Broad habitat requirements The Honey-buzzard has traditionally been regarded as being largely confined to the southern counties of England and, in particular, the New Forest in Hampshire (Brown 1976). In these areas, broadleaf woodlands had appeared to be the preferred habitat, particularly Beech Fagus sylvatica (Brown 1976; Sharrock 1976) on light or sandy soils (Batten et al. 1990) where sufficient insect food is available (Martin 1992). The 52 nests located in the study related to 16 nesting areas. A total of 32 different nest sites was used, eight in the uplands, four in the central hills and 20 in the lowlands. Despite an apparent historical association with lowland woodlands, Honey-buzzard nests were found across a wide range of altitudes, with the lowest virtually at sea level and the highest at almost 500 m above sea level. The median height of 50 nests was between 90 m and 100 m a.s.l. Although generally associated with large woodland tracts in Britain, the amount of woodland in a sample of 14 nest areas across the range of habitats varied considerably. Within 25 km2 around the nest area, the woodland cover averaged 45.8%. (The maximum was 81% and the minimum 31%. ) Only four nest areas contained more than 50% woodland cover within the 25 km2. More-restricted measurements in the German Rhineland revealed that 94% of nest-sites contained 50-60% of woodland within 600 m of the nest (Kostrzewa in press). Climate It has been suggested that climate is a crucial factor in the nesting success of breeding Honey-buzzards (Kostrzewa 1989; Batten et al. 1990), either suppressing the reproductive drive or resulting in nest failure through food shortage or adverse weather conditions. The south of England, and particularly the New Forest, has long been regarded as the Honey-buzzard's stronghold in Britain, its mild climate being expected to favour a large raptor with a mainly insectivorous diet. If this were true. Honey-buzzards in upland Britain, nesting at higher altitudes and with colder, wetter weather, should have poorer breeding success. This has not been the case in our study, where pairs breeding farther west and north have enjoyed exceptional breeding success compared with 'southern' birds, despite nest sites often being subjected to cloud and rain for long periods. Of the 19 recorded nesting attempts in the uplands since 1991, 15 successfully fledged two young each, with an average of 1.58 young per nesting attempt. There were no failures caused by inclement weather or food shortages. 328 British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain Compared with the published accounts from Nottinghamshire (Irons 1980), this is an exceptionally high level of breeding success. During the period when chicks in the uplands were thriving on wasps and bumble-bees, nests were known to fail in Devon and the south of England, with the cause given as adverse weather resulting in failure to lay or poor food supply to the nestlings (R. Khan verbally). Gensbol (1986) stated that 'In cold wet springs there are few wasps and this evidently reduces the birds' reproductive drive', but, in his study of British wasps, Spradbery (1973) concluded that 'weather conditions may influence mortality of queens and hinder establishment of colonies, but do not play a dominant role in population control.' If breeding Honey-buzzards can thrive in cold, wet weather, reasons for failure elsewhere should be examined more closely in order to establish the causes. Kostrzewa (in press) states that breeding success depends upon many inter-related factors, including quality of territory, experience and quality of breeding adults, and timing, and reports that some researchers considered only food and ignored other factors. It is known, however, from other species (e.g. Common Buzzards Buteo buteo and Common Kestrels Falco tinnunculus), that density and breeding success can be affected by very different factors in different years (Kostrzewa in press). Rob Bijlsma (in litt.) stated that it is a common mistake to think that adverse weather results in declining availability of wasps and thus may be responsible for poor breeding success; he also stated that there is no correlation between adverse weather and breeding success in the Netherlands unless conditions are extreme. His extensive studies of wasp activity and radio-tagged Honey-buzzards have revealed that heavy rain had no real impact upon wasp foraging, and that Honey- buzzards were perfectly able to trace wasps' nests in poor weather. The highest May /June rainfall figures in the uplands during our study were only at the lower end of the range given for Europe when breeding success was affected (Kostrzewa 1989). Unfortunately, too few nests are adequately monitored throughout much of the species' British range to gain a thorough understanding of the effects of weather on productivity. Aerial activity The Honey-buzzard has a distinctive and diagnostic display flight, named variously as 'wing-clapping', 'butterfly flight' and 'sky-dancing'. It has been described by several authors (see Cramp & Simmons 1980), with peak activity recorded between mid May and mid June, and again from mid July onwards. Our study indicates that this form of display flight, although regularly described as courtship between male and female, can be erratic and often little in evidence. Indeed, protracted wTatches at established nesting areas often produce little evidence of wing-clapping display. At many established areas where pairs quickly settled, the commonest form of aerial activity was found to be single or mutual circling over the nest site and surrounding area. Synchronised soaring or gliding - flying closely and mirroring each other's flight pattern - has been observed several times and proved to be between the resident male and an intruding female. Performed over a wide area, but not directly over the nest, this can often be misinterpreted as a breeding pair or, importantly, as failed breeders or non-breeders, particularly during the incubation period. More often, protracted wing-clapping is used as territorial advertising, particularly if single birds, or two males, are involved. Protracted wing-clapping has also been observed from intruding males over nest sites whilst the resident male was incubating eggs. On other occasions, intruding males have been seen to wing- clap vigorously at perched resident males or females. This can result in a similar response from the resident male, but it is British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 329 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain not unusual for established pairs with nests to remain unobtrusive and to show little wing-clapping. Females have also been observed wing-clapping for short periods. Non-breeders have been observed wing- clapping for 20 minutes or more, sometimes carrying food (usually wasp comb) in their talons, or sometimes pigeon carcases and even sticks. Breeding pairs appear unusually tolerant of intruders. In August, gatherings of five or six individuals have sometimes been observed in various forms of aerial activity in the vicinity of resident breeding pairs. This study has not revealed any evidence that they may be young of the previous year. This view was supported by Forsman & Shirihai (1997), who stated that 'the vast majority of juveniles appear to spend the first summer in the wintering areas'. They were unaware of any photo- graphically documented record of a second-calendar-year individual in the Western Palearctic. Once the presence of a pair on its territory has been established, instances of a Honey-buzzard circling up from a wood and moving off in a long, purposeful glide, or gliding into a wood from a considerable distance in a straight line, is regarded as a good indication of breeding. Some individuals also return high over nesting woods and plunge, with wings folded, towards the nest site. Nest sites The perceived preference for broadleaf woodland, particularly Beech (Brown 1976; Sharrock 1976), as the typical woodland for nest sites of Honey-buzzards in Britain has not been borne out by our study. Of 32 nest sites, 14 were in conifer woodlands, ten were in mixed woodlands and only eight were in broadleaf woodlands (table 1). An examination of the nesting trees further highlights the fact that conifers are commonly used, despite the prevalence of nests in the lowlands (table 2). Of 52 nests Table 1. Woodland type used as nest sites by Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus in three regions of Britain (n=32). Conifer Mixed Broadleaf Uplands 6 2 0 Central hills 2 0 2 Lowlands 6 8 6 Total 14 10 8 Table 2. Tree species used by nesting Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus in three regions of Britain (n=52). Uplands Central hills Lowlands Beech Fagus sylvatica 0 0 3 Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa 0 2 3 Oak Quercus 1 1 7 Total broadleaf 1 3 13 Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis 7 0 0 Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris 0 4 4 Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 0 1 10 Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla 7 0 0 Larch Larix 2 0 0 Total conifer 16 5 14 Broadleaf:conifer ratio 1:16 1:2 1:1 330 British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain found, only 17 were located in broadleaf trees, whereas 35 were in conifers. In the lowlands, over half of the nests found have been in conifers. Conifers are chosen when native broadleaf trees are readily available close by, and, in some instances, an isolated conifer amongst broadleaf trees has been chosen. Conversely, in the uplands, an isolated broadleaf tree amongst dense conifers has also been used. The range of tree species shows considerable variation across all three regions, with Beech one of the least-used, and oak the most commonly used broadleaf tree. Four of the five most commonly used trees were conifers, with Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii being the most frequently used. Kostrzewa (in press) showed, however, that, even where conifers were the most abundant trees (>60%), deciduous trees were preferred. Tree height and nest height varied considerably, with the highest and lowest nests both found in the uplands. The highest nest was 26 m above ground level in a 30-m Western Hemlock-spruce Tsuga heterophylla; the lowest was 8 m up in a 12-m oak. The mean height for 37 nests was 16 m. Most nests were found close to rides or clearings, and these access routes through the forest were found to be well used by Honey-buzzards, particularly when approaching or leaving nests under the forest canopy. Lengthy observation from trees high above the forest canopy has revealed that Honey-buzzards approach their nests with food along paths or rides for hundreds of metres and leave by similar routes, rising above the canopy only when some considerable distance from the nest. Of 48 nesting attempts, 24 (50%) were in trees adjacent to rides, paths or clearings, and a total of 37 (77%) was within 20 m. The farthest nest tree was 150 m from such an access route, but the trees were mature and well spaced, affording easy access through the woodland. Of 12 nests immediately adjacent to used paths, only one is believed to have failed as a direct result of human disturbance. Many nest sites consisted of mature trees, often past their commercial rotation. Large, well-spaced trees, whether coniferous or broadleaf, were often chosen as a nest site. Particularly in the upland and central hill regions, there were, however, a few cases of pairs nesting in smaller trees, the nests about 9 m up in 13-m trees. Another nest, in a stunted oak amongst dense Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum, was also atypical. All these sites were, however, in prominent topographical positions, and this may be an important factor in nest-site selection. Nests As noted already, nest heights ranged from 8 m to 26 m, with most nests above 15 m (n=37). In coniferous trees, nests were usually placed against the trunk, in the live crown, making them difficult to see from below. In broadleaf trees, however, nests were usually in a fork near the trunk, but, particularly in oak, often amongst Ivy Hedera helix. This, together with summer leaf cover, added to the difficulty in detecting nests. Some nests in conifers were built along a limb and not against the trunk. One such nest collapsed when the young were three weeks old; a fortuitous visit enabled the nest to be repaired and repositioned in a different part of the tree, which the adults took to immediately. Contrary to some published accounts (e.g. Brown 1976), most nests are large, some bigger than those of Common Buzzard. Only one nest was considered small (approximately 35 cm x 30 cm), although this increased in size through the season with the addition of green material. So far as could be determined, many nests were built on the foundation of an old nest or drey, though some pairs regularly built a new nest from scratch. Old nests of Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone, Common Buzzard or Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis and Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis dreys were known to be used as British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 331 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain foundations. Where the history of occupation was not fully known, the foundation could originally have been a previous Honey-buzzard nest. Where nests had been monitored for several years, the dilapidated foundations were known to be Honey-buzzard nests from several years before. It is possible, therefore, that this may have been the case in other instances. Some nests are reused in the following year, with one nest used for four years in succession and seven others used for two successive years. Four nests not reused in the following year were, however, reused in subsequent years; in common with many other raptors, Honey-buzzards have several nests that are used in rotation (Brown 1976; Tubbs 1974). Personal observations in France have shown that pairs readily reuse nests in consecutive years. There are, however, instances of pairs which have never been known to reuse a nest over periods of up to 17 years (R. Khan verbally). In Germany, new nests were built in 74% of all cases (Kostrzewa in press). Honey-buzzards invariably return to the same nesting areas every year, and old nests appear to have importance as a focus for returning pairs, with some refurbishment taking place even when a new nest is built nearby. During breeding, old nests continue to be a focus for some pairs, with moulted feathers and wasp comb being found at these nests. In one area, an old nest (200 m from a nest containing two young) had more moulted feathers and droppings close by than there were at the occupied nest. The male at this site carried comb to the vicinity of the old nest, presumably prior to taking it to the occupied nest. This study found eight instances of nests being refurbished, with the pair subsequently laying in another nest, usually within a few hundred metres, but two instances in the New Forest of pairs moving 2 km and 1A km respectively. The New Forest population is unusual in that pairs often move considerable distances from one year to the next. This unusual behaviour may be attributed to the practice of removing nests and supporting limbs during the winter. This may also remove the focus for returning pairs. Although Honey-buzzards in the New Forest will rebuild in crotches where previous nests and supporting limbs have been removed, the new nests may be less stable. Pairs may also have alternative sites, and the large distances between sites may also be attributed to the practice of nest removal. Two pairs that normally moved over 1 km from year to year reused the same nests when they were left in place. An artificial nest, erected in dense conifers surrounded by mature mixed broadleaf/ conifer woodland, also attracted a pair to nest, further suggesting that old structures may be important to the returning migrant birds. The justification for nest removal is that it makes nest sites difficult for would- be egg thieves to relocate the following year. During Irons' study (1980) in Nottingham, nests were dismantled during the winter, but there is no published information for that area on distances pairs moved between years. Although nests are invariably cons- tructed from the same material as the nest tree, linings are extremely varied, with greenery from many tree species used. Some nests are copiously lined and the greenery obvious from below, whilst others show no greenery, even though, upon inspection, the cup is well lined, and others contain little greenery (plates 114 & 115). Seven nests with fresh eggs were found to contain empty wasp comb. It is not known if this was food taken to a nest with eggs (unusual for a raptor) or if it was taken back by an off-nest bird as decoration. During this study, the minimum distance between the active nests of different pairs of Honey-buzzards was 6 km (two instances), with two further instances of pairs nesting 8 km apart. In the past, however, pairs have nested more closely than that (R. Clements verbally). A pair was found to have built a 'summer' nest in August some 4 km from another pair with young. Kostrzewa (in press) gave 332 British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain nearest-neighbour distances of 3,000 m. We recorded three instances of 'summer nests' built in July or August, two of which were used in the following year. From 18 nesting attempts, the average distance for pairs to move between years in the New Forest was 2 km, with 4 Vi km the maximum recorded distance. The average distance for pairs to move in the other regions during this study was 250 m, with the maximum being 750 m. After failure, one pair in the uplands renested 500 m away. Nest-building takes place in the early morning, with one nest under observation from first light at 03.30 GMT not attended by the pair (which arrived together) until 05.30. Nest-building can be very rapid. In a protracted period of wet weather, a male was seen to glide into a known nesting area on 26th May. Both old nests in the wood were dilapidated and barely recognisable as nests. On 29th May, still in very wet conditions, one of the old nests was completely built up, and contained much greenery on the rim. This nest held two eggs on 15th June (with a first-egg date, calculated back from the age of the chicks, of 1st June). Eggs Honey-buzzard eggs are noted for their beauty and variety of colour and pattern, with a considerably greater range than that illustrated in BWP (Cramp & Simmons 1980). Some eggs are heavily marked, appearing a deep blood-red, whilst others are blotched like those of Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. This study has shown that variation in clutches can assist in the identification of individual females, which often lay eggs with characteristic markings (plates 114 & 115). Continuity of females at three sites was suspected from characteristic egg type, confirmed by subsequent views of the female. At one of these sites, after three years, we were alerted to the presence of a new female by a change in egg type. This study revealed that clutch size was almost invariably two eggs, with only a single recorded clutch of three eggs. Historical records reveal one clutch of four eggs in the nineteenth century in Northamptonshire (Lilford 1895) and records of three-egg clutches from the New Forest in 1862 (Farren 1862) and Newent Woods, Herefordshire, in 1869 (Walker & 114. Nest of Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus, copiously lined with greenery, containing boldly marked eggs. Site in Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii; southern lowland mixed woodland; June 1 997 (S. J. Roberts ) British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 333 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain 115. Nest of Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus, sparsely lined, containing ‘reddish’ eggs. Site in Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis ; upland conifer plantation; June 1997 (S. J. Roberts) Smith 1975). There are also records of three young fledging, in Norfolk in 1974 (Sharrock et al. 1975) and 1977 (Batten et al. 1979). The clutch of three eggs recorded during our study was at a regularly successful site, two eggs having previously been the norm there. All three eggs, laid very late in July, were incubated well past full term, but failed to hatch. The clutch was also unusual in that each egg was marked differently. In Bannerman & Lodge (1956), Bannerman quoted egg sizes of 1.9-2.22 in. x 1.5-1. 7 in., and F. C. R. Jourdain gave an average for 25 British eggs as 50.22 mm x 41.39 mm and an average for 100 Continental eggs as 50.82 mm x 41.09 mm. Measurements of 28 eggs (from 14 clutches) during our study gave a mean of 50.34±1.72 mm x 41.14+1.54 mm (range of 46.8 to 54.0 mm length, and 38.3 to 43.6 mm width). Laying dates proved earlier than those previously published for Britain (Brown 1976; Irons 1980). Irons (1980) gave the earliest nest-building date in Notting- hamshire as 1st June and the average date for completed nests as 14th June. Recent information from the same site proved that a full clutch had been laid well before the end of May. Jourdain considered 10th June a date when full clutches may be found (Bannerman & Lodge 1956). For 23 clutches during our study, first- egg dates ranged from 21st May to 8th June, with a median of 29th May (see table 3 for a breakdown by region). First-egg dates for all regions are earlier than those in most previously published accounts, and, surprisingly, are close to the earlier dates given for the species on the Continent (Cramp & Simmons 1980). Replacement clutches are considered rare, with Cramp & Simmons (1980) noting only three records. One instance was recorded in our study: a pair in the uplands which failed on eggs after 17th June, relaid 334 British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain Table 3. First-egg dates for Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus for different regions of Britain. Range Median Uplands (n = 7) 27th May to 5th June 30th May Central hills (n = 4) 21st May to 27th May 23rd May Lowlands (n = 12) 24th May to 8th June 29th May and produced at least one fledged chick. The replacement nest was 500 m from the original. The same pair failed, and may also have renested, in 1997. Incubation During incubation. Honey-buzzards are extremely secretive, with protracted observ- ations over nesting woods often revealing no activity. Incubation has been observed on two occasions at the end of May (earliest 26th). The latest date on which a bird was incubating was 15th August, on a clutch which eventually proved to be infertile. Males take a large share of incubation and are found incubating very early in the cycle (30th May and 1st June recorded). Nest relief is silent and, during this study, no calling has been heard during nest relief or whilst provisioning young with food. After fledging, the birds become more vocal. Incubating Honey-buzzards are very confiding, most sitting closely. If disturbed, adults (both male and female) have on several occasions mantled eggs, with head lowered. When adults do leave, they often sit in a neighbouring tree. Occasionally, adults will threaten, with a posture of wings held upright, stretched above the body, both on the nest and on nearby boughs. Silent, close-flying 'attacks' are also recorded. Some, however, fly away through the woods, and are not seen until all disturbance at the nest has ceased. Alarm-calling varies with the individual: some pairs remain silent, whilst others call to varying degrees. The adults return quickly to nests, however, and it is pertinent to note that, during this study, no egg or chick predation has been recorded. Any notion that Honey-buzzards are particularly sensitive to disturbance through nest visits by human beings is not supported by our own experiences; no incidences of desertion or predation were found. Young Our findings concur with other published information on care for the young and their development. Both adults have been observed feeding young bill to bill at the ages of VA to two weeks old and two to 2Vi weeks old. Young were still present on the nest when 35 days old (but were about to 'branch'), and at another nest they were flying at 41 days. Cramp & Simmons (1980) gave the breeding success of 16 nests near Berlin as 1.6 young per successful nest and 1.0 young per breeding attempt; and of 11 nests in Belgium as 1.3 young per breeding attempt. Our study located 15 nests where the clutch size was known and, of 31 eggs laid, 25 resulted in fledged young, giving a breeding success of 1.66 young per breeding attempt. One clutch of three eggs failed to hatch and one egg from a clutch of two failed to hatch; all were found to be infertile. One egg from a clutch of two was soft-shelled, and the other egg was later found crushed in the nest with the pair still in attendance. Additionally, one nest failed for unknown reasons, although the female subsequently relaid and reared at least one young. Only five out of a total of 47 active nests that have been found are known to have failed. Three nests fledged single young, five nests had at least one young, and 34 nests fledged two young, giving a minimum British Birds 92: 326-345, July 1999 335 Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain l . 4 ♦ I 5 f ___ __ 4 l 1.5(3) 2(3) 2.5(7) 3(6) 3.5(9) 4(4) 4.5(4) 5(3) Age in weeks (sample size) Figure 1. Wing lengths of nestling Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus in Britain, showing the rate of development. breeding success of 1.61. Since 32 of the nests were not found until the chick stage, however, this figure is biased towards successful nests. Our figures for breeding success indicate that nest visits at the egg stage have no effect upon productivity. Development of the young is similar to that of other raptors of comparable size, the primary quills sprouting at 14 to 16 days (own data and Bijlsma 1998) and this event has been used as the basis of ageing many chicks (plates 116, 117, 118 and 119). Figure 2. Weights of nestling Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus in Britain, showing the rate of development. Fig. 1 shows the mean and range of wing lengths for different-age chicks, and their weights are shown in fig. 2 (because of the limited data, those in figs. 1 and 2 have been grouped to the nearest /2-week interval). These weights are generally comparable with those recorded for the Netherlands (Bijlsma 1998). A number of chicks have been weighed on more than one occasion: 12 (six broods) have been weighed twice, four (two broods) three times and a single chick four times. Generally, these multiple a Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Birds, call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 41p/min other times; including VAT) British Birds 92: 382-384, July 1999 383 Recent reports 153. King Eider Somateria spectabilis, Ythan Estuary, Grampian, May 1999 ( Gary Bellingham ) 152. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus , Frodsham, Cheshire, May 1999 ( Steve Young / Birdwatch) Recent BBRC decisions ZEISS This monthly listing of the most recent decisions by the British Birds Rarities Committee is not intended to be comprehensive or in any way to replace the annual 'Report on rare birds in Great Britain'. The records listed are mostly those of the rarest species, or those of special interest for other reasons. All records refer to 1998 unless stated otherwise. ACCEPTED: Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Crowdy Reservoir (Cornwall), 30th March to 19th April. Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus Strumble Head (Pembrokeshire), 11th September. American Black Duck Anas rubripes Camel Estuary (Cornwall), 10th October; another, 27th December to 1999. Stithians Reservoir (Cornwall), 29th October to 1999. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Rampton Lakes (Nottinghamshire), 14th- 17th May. Loch of Spiggie (Shetland), three, 1st November to 1st December, two to 2nd. Argal Reservoir (Cornwall), two, 13th December to 1999. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax Sumburgh (Shetland), 4th to 6th October. Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius Capel Fleet (Kent), 10th October to 1st November. Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea Maenporth and Falmouth (Cornwall), 25th-31st January. Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus Foveran Bushes (Northeast Scotland), 27th-28th September. Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola Fair Isle (Shetland), 8th October. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala Sumburgh (Shetland), 10th May. Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei St Margaret's (Kent), 2nd-3rd November. Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla Dungeness (Kent), 30th-31st March. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus Cemlyn Bay (Anglesey), 2nd July to 8th August. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Carnhedryn (Pembrokeshire), 22nd September. Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera Sandringham (Norfolk), 23rd- 24th May. Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys Hoy (Orkney), 4th-5th May. M. /. Rogers, Secretary, BBRC, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ 384 British Birds 92: 384, July 1999 Classified Ads CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Text: 40p per word. Postcode: 1 word; telephone number: 2 words; e-mail address: 2 words. Minimum 15 words. Semi-display: Mono. £15.00 per see (width 40mm) or £32.00 per dec (width 85mm). Four colour. £22.00 per sec. Minumum 2cm. Series: 5% discount for 6, 10% discount for 12. Copy deadline: 10th of month preceeding publication. Publication date: 1st of month. Contact: Sandra J. Swift, British Birds Advertising Sales, 17 Rectory Close, Wendlehury, Oxon OX6 8PG. Tel: 01869 244447. Fax: 01869 245533. E-mail sandra@britishbirds.co.uk Holiday Accommodation England NORTH NORFOLK, WEYBOURNE 4 delightfully eqipped, flint cottages sleeping 2-6. Ideally situated for Cley/Salthouse. 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Riflebirds in the butter! 14 north Queensland endemics, Cairns, Tablelands, Barrier Reef nearby Beautiful relaxing location, excellent food, expen guidin' Phil and Sue Gregory. Phone: (61) 740 937318 Fax: (6l) 740 939855 E-mail: sicklebill@internetnorth.com.au Cassowary House, Black Mountain Road, PO Box 387, Kuranda 4872, Queensland, Australia. AT TITCHWELL overlooking reserve and sea THE THREE HORSESHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivial atmosphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Summer rate until 31st October: £33 .50 pppn for DB+B, min. 2 nights, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays. Please telephone 01485-210202 for brochure/reservations. VENEZUELA for the best in neotropical birding. Economical small group and private trips, guided or independent, expert or beginner. 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Ehrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook {OUT) Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (HarperCollins) Harrison, Allen, Underhill et al The Atlas of Southern African Birds (2 volumes) (Birdlife South Africa) £89.00 (thereafter £110.00) £445.00 (thereafter £550.00) (was £8.95) (usually £50.00) [5.00 [28.00 (usually £120.00) £96.00 New this Month Barlow, Wacher & Disley A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal (Pica Press) Brown, Ferguson, Lawrence & Lees Tracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain & Europe (Helm) Paperback Clarke & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Middle East and North Africa Paperback (OUP) Hardback Grewel & Pfister A Photographic Guide to Birds of the Himalayas (New Holland) van den Berg & Bosnian Rare Birds of the Netherlands (Pica Press) Coming Soon - Order Now Chantler & Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) DUE AUGUST Clements A Guide to the Birds of Peru (Ibis) SERIOUSLY DELAYED No price yet Doughty, Day & Plant Field Guide to the Birds of the Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia (Helm) SEPTEMBER Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) SEPTEMBER Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) SUMMER Konig, Weick & Becking Owls (Pica Press) LATE AUTUMN Price tentative £28.00 Paperback Paperback Paperback Accompanying double CD (Pica Press) LATE AUTUMN Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling Birds of Norfolk (Pica Press) E DUE AUGUST £35.99 Q Hardback Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover Baker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North Africa (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic (OUP) volumes 1-7, 9 - £90 each volume 8 - £95 S| vokl □ vol. 2 CXyol.3 Q vol. 4 Q vol. 5 Q vol. 6 Q vol. 7 Q vol. 8 Q vol. 9 agemeijer & Blair77ie EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (Poyser) Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification (Macmillan) fonsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback ! Hardback Kightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HaroerCollins) Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5th edition (HarperCollins) ilebane Where to Watch Birds in North and East Spain (Helm) Paperback snow (ed.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic 2-volume Concise Edition (OUP) Sorth America jriggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition ’ranty A Birder’s Guide to Florida (ABA) (yle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) | Ichram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) | Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) iouth & Central America & Caribbean le la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) Teyer de Schauensee & Phelps A Guide to the Birds ofVenezuela (Princeton UP) Paperback french A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) lilty & Brown A Guide to the Birds of Colombia (Princeton UP) lowell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) laffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) fidgely &Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) vol.l £70.00 Q tiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) Paperback Paperback Paperback Paperback vol. 2 (19.99 [35.00 [32.00 [40.00 [19.99 [35.00 [70.00 [40.00 Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, Garbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) £30.00 Gatter Birds of Liberia (Pica Press) £40.00 Harris, Shirihai & Christie The Macmillan Birder’s Guide to European Of Middle Eastern Birds (Macmillan) £17.99 Keith, Urban & Fry The Birds of Africa (Academic) Volumes: 1 £85 Q 2 £85 Q 3 £85 Q 4 £85 Q 5 £99.00 Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands (New Holland) £19.99 Kingdon The Kingaon Field Guide to African Mammals (Academic Press) £29.95 Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) £28.00 Porter, Christensen & Schiermacker-Hansen Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) £29.95 Richardson & Aspinall The Shell Guide to the United Arab Emirates (Hobby) Paperback £10.00 Sinclair, Hockey &Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) £19.99 Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) £17.99 van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback £16.99 Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helm) £40.00 Asia & Pacific Beehler, Pratt & Zimmerman Birds of New Guinea (Princeton UP) Paperback Coates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) Gurung & Singh Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent (Academic Press) Paperback Harrison & Worfolk Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback Hardback Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region (OBC) Jeyarajasingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Paperback Hardback Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdioatchers’ Guide to India (Prion) Lekagul & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (Saha Karn Bhaet) Wells The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula vol. 1 Non-passerines (Academic Press) £35.00 £41.00 £55.00 £17.50 £29.95 £55.00 £10.00 £29.95 £55.00 £18.75 £45.00 £74.95 Heather & Robertson Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (OUP) Paperback £25.00 Q Hardback £50.00 Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand Of Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes L) vol.l Q vol. 2 Q vol. 3 at £135.00 each Q vol. 4 £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Helm) Paperback £24.99 Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback £13.95 □ a World Clements Birds of the World: a check list (Ibis) del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) □ vol.l Q vol. 2 Q vol. 3 Q vol. 4 Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) Monographs Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser) Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) Q Feare & Craig Starlings and Mynas (Helm) Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (Poyser) Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Paperback Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds - the Icterids (Helm) Juniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) Matthysen The Nuthatches (Poyser) Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) Recordings, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Cramp et al. Birds of the Western Palearctic on CD-ROM (OUP) Doherty Eastern Rarities: The Birds of Beidaihe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Raptors of Britain Ef Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Warblers of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty Shorebirds vol.l (Bird Images) Video Dunn The Large Gulls of North America (Bird Images) Video Oddie Bill Oddie’s Video Guide to British Birds (Bird Images) Video Roche Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe (Sitelle/Wildsounds) 4 CDs Binders The British Birds Binder (holds 12 issues & index) New Size Only Wirex retaining Cordex retaining All special offer prices are valid only for July 1999 (and for overseas customers only, during the following month). Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers increases. Overseas insurance optional, but recommended if available (please enquire). Make all cheques and POs payable to Subbuteo NHB Ltd. Payment can be made in USS at current exchange rate. 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New from Pica Press Just published RARE BIRDS OF THE NETHERLANDS Amoud B van den Berg & Cecilia A W Bosnian • the first-ever complete book on rare birds of the Netherlands • status and monthly occurrence of every species in the Netherlands from 1800 to January 1999 • with nearly 800 diagrams and maps • over 300 colour photographs, each of which is regarded as the best taken in the Netherlands of the species concerned • bilingual text in English and Dutch throughout 275 x 190mm. 397pp. Publication May 1999. Price £30. ISBN 1-873403-88-7 PRESS rt«t^TOAi HISTORY MUSEUM 12 MG 1C 99 PRESSED TRiNC JBRAffY Volume 92 Number 8 August British Birds Established 1907, incorporating The Zoologist , established 1843 British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell Assistant Editor David A. Christie Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. Collinson, R. J. Prytherch, N. J. Redman, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertising Sales Manager Sandra J. Swift Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof. Colin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. Rogers Paul Harvey, John McLoughlin, John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Dr K. E. L. Simmons Identification Notes Panel Prof. Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E. 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Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 E-mail : editor@britishbirds. co. uk Personal assistant Frances Bucknell, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 Subscriptions Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01234 364366 E-mail: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Advertising Sales Sandra J. Swift, 1 7 Rectory Close, Wendlebury, Oxfordshire OX6 8PG Tel: 01869 244447 Fax: 01869 245533 E-mail: sandra@britishbirds.co.uk BB BookShop do Subbuteo Books, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW Tel: 01352 756551 Fax: 01352 756004 E-mail: sales@subbooks.demon.co.uk ‘News & Comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson, 8 Woodlands, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1UE Tel: 01480 214904 Fax: 01480 473009 ‘The Ornithological Year’ bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Tel: 01525 290314 Rarity Descriptions M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Naturetrek, Don’t miss our £990 selection These action-packed, long-haul birding tours - each led by an expert local ornithologist - offer excellent value for money, and outstanding birding. If you would like further details of a particular tour, please call us now! Naturetrek Bighton, Nr. Alresford, Hampshire S024 9RE Tel: 01962 733051 Fax: 01962 736426 e-mail: sales@naturetrek.co.uk web: www.naturetrek.co.uk ZAMBIA - South Luangwa National Park. 6- 15 Nov '98; 12-21 Feb '99; 26 Mar - 4 Apr '99; 5 - 14 Nov '99. NAMIBIA - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Spitskoppe, Etosha & Waterberg Mountains. 29 Jan - 7 Feb '99; 12-21 Mar '99. MALAWI - Lake Malawi, Zomba Plateau & Liwonde National Park. 12-21 Feb '99; 12-21 Mar '99. SOUTHERN MOROCCO The desert, Oued Massa, Oued Sous & Marrakech. 12-21 Feb '99; 26 Feb - 7 Mar '99; 17-26 Sep '99. ETHIOPIA - Addis, Gafersa, Awash National Park, Wondo Guenet & Rift Valley Lakes. 20 -29 Nov '98; 12-21 Feb '99; 2-11 Apr '99; 19 -28 Nov '99. NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK A 1 0-day tour including Langtang Valley trek. 14 - 23 May ’99; 28 May - 6 Jun '99. TANZANIA - Saadani Game Reserve, and the Usambara and Uluguru Mountains. 12-21 Feb '99; 22-31 Oct '99. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 3 1 Jan - 7 Feb '99; 4 - I I Apr '99; 14-21 Nov '99. NEW ENGLAND - USA Spring migration on the . Massachusetts coast. 16 -24 May '99. SRI LANKA - Sinharaja Forest & the Hill Country. 23 Jan - I Feb '99. GAMBIA - A variety of localities along the Gambia River. 29 Oct - 7 Nov '99. ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS - Debre Libanos, Solulta, Ankober, Lakes, Wondo Guenet & Bale Mountains. 27 Nov - 6 Dec '98; 19-28 Feb '99; 2-11 Apr '99; 26 Nov - 5 Dec '99. INDIA - Delhi, Ranthambore & Bharatpur. 20 - 28 Nov '98; 12-20 Feb ’99; 2- 10 Apr '99; 19 -27 Nov '99. NEPAL - Chitwan, Kosi & Kathmandu Valley. Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb '99; 7- 16 May '99; 21 - 30 May '99. TEXAS - USA - Spring migrants along the Gulf coast of Texas. 10-18 Apr ’99. KAZAKHSTAN - Deserts, steppes & Tien Shan Mountains. 13-21 May ’99; 27 May - 4 Jun '99. SOUTH AFRICA - Kruger National Park & Dullstroom. 12-21 Feb '99; 9- 18 Apr '99; 17 -26 Sep '99. OMAN - With Colin Richardson. 20 -28 Nov '99. For views like this, depend on nothing less For serious birdwatching, you need serious equipment. Equipment that stands up to all types of conditions. And for that you can do no better than the Nikon Fieldscope III series. Because they deliver the outstanding optical per- formance and reliability demanded by those for whom birdwafching is more than a casual hobby. The Nikon Fieldscope III series employ O-rings and nitrogen gas for waterproof, fog-free performance. Plus all lenses are multilayer coated for light transmission that’s as much as 10% brighter than previous models. They also boast a built-in slide hood constructed of shock- absorbing rubber. Binoculars 8X32SE CF/10x42SE CF/12X50SE CF/8x42HG DCF WP/10X42HG DCF WP For more mobile performance, Nikon binocular In short, Nikon Fieldscopes and binoculars lenses are ideal. All lenses are multilayer coated can make the difference between merely watch- and feature an original field flattener lens and ing birds and true birdwatching, eyepiece design for crisp images across the entire lens. They also offer a high eyepoinr to ensure ~' *3, ' a clear field of view even for eyeglass wearers. 9 t'T ■>. v And the protein-compound rubber coating -WA.. , pf offers superior shock-resistance and a firm grip. 1 e 1 10x42SE CF 8x42HG DCF WP ^ NIKON UK LTD. (for The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPGN-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR’ TEL: (0181) 541 ^4440 FAX: (01 81 ) 541 -4584 LITERATURE LINE: 0800-230220 (local call only) EIRE BROCHURE LINE: 1800-409-282 i JP* %\ Fieldscope DI Fieldscope EDTH A I flftSER For a closer look at.Nikon’s range of Binoculars, Fieldscopes and Spotting Scopes simply visit any of the dealers listed below. All of these outlets stock a wide range of Nikon equipment. Focus Optics, Church Lane, Corley, Coventry CV7 8BA. Tel: 01676 540 501 Harrods Photographic Dept, Knightsbridge, London SW1 Tel: 0171 225 5717 Jacobs Photo & Video, 97-99 Corporation Street, Birmingham B4 6SX.Tel: 0121 233 4196 Jacobs Photo & Video, 61 Granbv Street, Leicester LEI 6ER.Tel: 0116 254 4572 Jacobs Photo & Video, 16 Cross Street, Manchester M2 7AE.Tel: 0161 834 7500 Jessops, 282 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EH. Tel: 0141 331 2201 Jessops, 99-101 Clarence Street, Kingston KT1 1QY. Tel: 0181 546 5622 Jessops, 125 Hinckley Road, Leicester LE3 0TE. Tel: 0116 253 0121 Jessops, 65-69 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1BG. Tel: 0171 240 6077 Jessops, 50-52 Deansgate, Manchester M33 2SE. Tel: 0161 835 2404 Kingsley Photographic Ltd, 93 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P0HL. Tel: 0171 387 6500 London Camera Exchange, 15 The Square, Winchester, Hampshire S023 9ES.Tel: 01962 866 203 Park Cameras, 115 Church Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH 1 5 9 AA. Tel: 01 444 243 3 1 6 J. H. Preston & Son, 39 James Street, Harrogate, N. Yorks HG1 lQY.Tel: 01423 503 187 The Camera Shop, 50 High Street, Lymington Hampshire S041 9AG. Tel: 01590 673 541 Vic Odden’s, 5 London Bridge Walk, London SE1 2SX. Tel: 0171 378 6149 Walters Photo-Video, 6 Morlais Buildings, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan CF47 8DL.Tel: 01685 723 419 Warehouse Express, PO Box 659, Norwich. Norfolk NR2 lUJ.Tel: 01603 626 222 These dealers we feel can offer you the very best in terms of both advice and range on Nikon’s binoculars and related products. : For more information telephone 0800 230220 1 Nikon - manufacturers of binoculars since 1918. Nikon on the Net http://www.nikon.co.uk Nikon 23 September-9 October with Paul Holt GOA 30 October-14 November with Paul Holt EILAT 31 October-7/14 November with Killian Mullarney 15-25 November with Paul Holt Details from Sunbird (ES), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 IDF. Tel 01767 682969. Fax 01767 692481. (Please specify which event you are interested in). Sunbird is a trading name of Conderbury Limited. SOUTHWEST BIRD FAIR 1999 ROAD FORI) LAKE, WEST DEVON (Just off the A30 dual carriageway) 18th & 19th SEPTEMBER In support of RSPB Bittern projects Enquiries (Tel/Fax) - Bob Jones 01822 615428 6 Grenofen Close, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9NE Sponsored by South West Water Promoted by In focus British Birds Don’t forget to come and see us on our stand at the British Birdivatching Fair at Rutland Water 20-22 August 1999 and enter our Mystery Photograph Competition You will find us in Marquee 2 Stands 5 & 6 BIRDQUEST The Ultimate in Birding Better Leaders, Better Itineraries, Better Group Sizes, Better Birding • Spain • France • Finland • Norway • Poland • Slovakia • Hungary • Bulgaria • Canary Is • Cape Verde Is • Morocco • Egypt • Cyprus ‘Turkey • Israel • Yemen • United Arab Emirates • Iran • Turkmenistan • Kazakhstan • Siberia • Mongolia • Japan • China • Tibet • India • Sri Lanka • Nepal • Bhutan • Thailand • Vietnam • Malaysia • Philippines • Indonesia • Gambia • Senegal • Ivory Coast • Cameroon • Gabon • Sao Tome • Ethiopia • Kenya • Uganda • Tanzania • Malawi • Zimbabwe • Botswana • Namibia • South Africa • Madagascar • Seychelles • Mauritius • Reunion • Australia • New Zealand • Papua New Guinea • Solomon Is • New Caledonia • Fiji • Hawaii • Texas • Arizona • California • Manitoba • Alaska • Mexico • Belize • Guatemala • Costa Rica • Panama • Cuba • Jamaica • Hispaniola • Trinidad • Tobago • Venezuela • Colombia • Ecuador • Galapagos • Peru • Bolivia • Brazil • Argentina • Chile • Falklands • Subantarctic Is • Antarctica For The Ultimate in Bird Tour Brochures contact BIRDQUEST: Tel: 01254-826317 Fax: 01254-826780 E-mail: birders@birdquest.co.uk V Contents Volume 92 Number 8 August 1999 386 What, no running water? Dr J. T R. Sharrock 388 Announcement Birding in 2000 for ‘BB’ subscribers 389 Rare Breeding Birds in the United Kingdom in 1997 Malcolm Ogilvie and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel 428 Letters Britain & Ireland Bill Simpson Irish records Paul Milne The practicalities of bird conservation Ian Carter 432 Reviews Collins Bird Guide by Lars Svensson & Peter J. Grant Keith Vinicombe Keith Shackleton: an autobiography in paintings by Keith Shackleton Hilary Burn 434 Monthly Marathon David Fisher 435 News and comment Wendy Dickson & Bob Scott 439 Recent reports Barry Nightingale & Anthony McGeehan Front-cover photograph: Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla Kent, June 1999 (R. Chittenden) © British Birds 1999 What, no running water? data on complicated and unsatisfactory recording forms. As has been pointed out before - but bears repetition - the voluntary survey and census work by unpaid amateur natural- ists, including birdwatchers, is vital in providing not only the scientific facts needed for conservation planning, but also the data which the Government needs in order to fulfil its international obligations. The cost of a comparable professional workforce would be prohibitive: it would run into millions of pounds per annum. Why do we carry out the fieldwork? Partly through a sense of duty, probably. but largely for fun. Those who take part in local and national surveys frequently comment that the fieldwork is the most enjoyable and satisfying of all their bird- watching activities. It needs to remain so. Please, you form-designers, make life simple for us birders, so that we can easily provide the scientists, conservationists and politicians with the data that they need, yet still retain the pleasure of our birding. If you do, not only will our data be more reliable, but there will also be a greater number of us willing to carry out the fieldwork. JTRS h Announcement Birding in 2000 for ‘BB’ SUBSCRIBERS Subscribers can claim a 10% reduction on the following overseas birdwatching trips in the year 2000 with the bird-tour company, 'Sunbird'. 12th-20th February NORTHERN ISRAEL with Sean McMinn and Hadoram Shirihai, for winter specialities such as Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug and Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, as well as a wide array of Middle Eastern species. 17th April to 2nd May TEXAS AND ARIZONA with Gary Rosenberg, to witness spring migration in Texas, with large passages of waders and warblers, and the diverse avifauna of Arizona, including many owls and hummingbirds. Combining both eastern and western North American birds, this trip produces well in excess of 300 species each year. 21st May to 5th June TURKEY with Sean McMinn, visiting the south and the east for Caspian Snowcock Tetraogallus caspius, Caucasian Black Grouse Tetrao mlokosiewiczi, Striated Scops Owl Otus brucei and Radde's Accentor Prunella ocularis. 4th-llth July CANARY ISLANDS with Tony Clarke, for the famous endemics, including Laurel Pigeon Columba junoniae, Canary Islands Stonechat Saxicola dacotiae and Blue Chaffinch Fringilla teydea, as well as seabirds such as Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis and Bulwer's Petrel Bul- weria bulwerii. 28th August to 4th September NORTHERN GREECE with Bryan Bland, for Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Pygmy Cor- morant Phalacrocorax pygmeus, Monk Vulture Aegypius monachus and Sombre Tit Parus lugubris. 12th-19th November MOROCCO with Bryan Bland, to Agadir for Bald Ibis Geron- ticus eremita, Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii, Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala, Moussier's Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri and other North African speciali- ties. These trips have been planned jointly with SUNBIRD. British Birds subscribers may claim a 10% reduction on the normal price of these trips. For more details, please contact Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; phone 01767 682969; fax 01767 692481; e-mail: sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk 388 British Birds 92: 386-388, August 1999 Rare BREEDING BIRDS IN THE United Kingdom in 1997 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus ( Alan Malcolm Ogilvie and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel ABSTRACT With this report, the Rare Breeding Birds Panel completes 25 years of annual reporting on the status of Britain's rarest breeding species. The first report of the Panel covered the year 1973 and included details of 33 species (Sharrock et al. 1975). This compares with the present report, covering the year 1997, which includes information on 87 species, some but not all of the increase occurring as a result of the recent expansion of the Panel's list to include all species on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. As usual, the amount of detail included varies according to the perceived sensitivity of the species to intentional disturbance or to nest robbery. Thus, for the majority, the records are grouped into the Panel's ten regions (see below), though for some it is possible to list the actual counties. For a few species, only UK totals are given. The publication of this report, less than six months after the report for 1996, puts the annual series of reports back on schedule after some slippage. The aim has always been to publish the report for each year approximately 18 months after the end of the year being reported on. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 389 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 The Panel The current (May 1999) membership of the Panel is Dr L. A. Batten, Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr H. Q. P. Crick, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr K. W. Smith, D. A. Stroud and Dr M. A. Ogilvie (Secretary). The individual members of the Panel serve in a personal capacity, but four of them are additionally able to reflect the interests and needs of the respective spon- soring bodies. The work of the Panel is supported financially by the JNCC (on behalf of the country conservation agen- cies) and the RSPB, with additional support coming from the BTO and British Birds. The Panel collects records from the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, but not from the Republic of Ireland. Coverage in 1997 was very nearly complete, with records (or nil returns) received from virtually every county and region. Information for some species remains patchy, however, and any known gaps are mentioned in the species accounts. Review of the year 1997 The weather in 1997 mirrored to some extent that of 1996. A very cold January was succeeded by a milder late winter and spring, but with spells of adverse weather which had serious effects on nesting birds. The first of these was in early May, when a spell of freezing weather, with sleet and snow, covered the whole of the UK. In the middle of May, and then several times in June, torrential rainstorms occurred widely. Indeed, June 1997 became the wettest for over 100 years. Losses of nestlings were high for a wide variety of species, as will be seen from some of the comments in the body of this report. The wet weather caused problems for Black-throated Divers Gavia arctica, espe- cially those using natural sites, those on rafts generally escaping the floods. It is dis- appointing to record a further decline in the number of breeding Slavonian Grebes Podiceps auritus, which furthermore achieved very poor production of young. Great Bitterns Botaurus stellaris generally survived the bad weather, but the number of booming males fell back from last year's 22 to 14. Little Egrets Egretta garzetta bred for the second year running, both at the original site in Dorset and in neighbouring Hampshire. Northern Pintails Anas acuta had their poorest year for a long time, but numbers of Garganeys A. querquedula bounced back from last year's low, occurring more widely than usual, including as far north as the Western Isles and Shetland. Numbers of Common Pochards Aythya ferina were very similar to those of last year. The breeding of a pair of Greater Scaups A. marila in Northern Ireland was a first for the province and the first in the United Kingdom since 1989. European Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus reared at least 18 young, for the second year running. A major paper on the breeding ecology and status of this species in Britain was published last month in British Birds (Roberts et al. 1999). The steady increase of the wild popula- tion of Red Kites Milvus milvus in Wales continued, despite some losses of young to the bad summer weather, while the re- established populations in England (now breeding in two areas) and Scotland also did well. Nine more young White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla fledged, despite some complete nest failures caused by the wet conditions. Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus are becoming harder to census accurately because of the increasing popu- lation in some areas, but those pairs which were located lost many young during the rainy spells, as did Montagu's Harriers C. pygargus, which had the lowest production of young for several years. Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos and Ospreys Pandion hali- aetus also suffered from reduced breeding success, even though the latter reached a new record in the number of pairs breeding. Common Quails Coturnix coturnix arrived in the largest numbers since the 390 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogelvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 last really big year of 1989, and there were no fewer than 34 reported from the far north and west of Scotland. It was also a slightly better year for Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana. The Com Crake Crex crex continued its recovery, with the total of singing males topping 600. In Norfolk, the Common Cranes Grus grus finally managed to produce two fledged young after no fewer than eight successive fail- ures. There was the now-familiar story with the Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, where a new record total of breeding pairs lost significant numbers of eggs and chicks to predators and floods. Five Ruff Philo- machus pugnax leks were reported, but no breeding was attempted. Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa had a good breeding year, even though the number of localities has fallen further. Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus reversed last year's pattern, with a slight decline in the number of males, but increased production of young. Mediterranean Gulls Lams melano- cephalus had their best year to date, while two pairs of Yellow-legged Gulls L. cachin- nans bred for only the second time in Britain. Roseate Terns Sterna dougallii declined for the fourth year running, a drop partially offset by increases in the Republic of Ireland. The breeding by a pair of Wrynecks Jynx torquilla in northern Scotland was the first since 1993 and there were, encouragingly, a further four singing males. The results of the 1997 census of Wood Larks Lullula arborea revealed a much larger population than had been expected, with over six times the total found in the last census, in 1986. Good coverage of several of the main Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros areas produced the highest total of pairs and breeding pairs since the late 1980s. No Savi's Warblers Locustella luscinioides bred, for the third successive year, but there was a welcome increase in the number of Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris after the very poor year in 1996. Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus had a second successive bad year, with the cold wet weather again having a serious effect. A pair of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio bred in northern Scotland. Conservation uses of Panel data It is the policy of the Panel to make data available for conservation uses where this is compatible with the constraints of confi- dentiality. As well as site-specific information (e.g. for reviews of Special Protection Areas), national data sets have been used by the RSPB to plan surveys. Panel data have also played a key role in reviews of birds of conservation concern and national population estimates, together with the development of recovery plans for certain species. Publications The bibliography at the end of this report gives details of published results of surveys into the numbers and distribution of Panel species. Acknowledgments The Panel, and in particular its Secretary, very gratefully acknowledges the willing co-operation of all the many county, regional and local recorders throughout the United Kingdom. Completing the forms is just one more burden put upon their willing shoulders, and their help is greatly appreciated. The following specialist contributors are also deserving of thanks: Jake Allsopp and the Golden Oriole Group, Colin Crooke, Peter E. Davis and the Welsh Kite Trust, Roy Dennis, Dr Andy Evans, Ian Carter, Dr Rhys Green, Bob Image, Malcolm Henderson and Dr Ron Summers. We are grateful to the licensing officers of the three country agencies - Peter Clement and John Holmes (English Nature), John Ralston (Scottish Natural Heritage) and Sian Phillips (Countryside Council for Wales) - for their ready co- operation in supplying information. We should also like to express our British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 391 Ogilvie etal. : Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 sincere thanks to all the very many indi- viduals whose fieldwork produced the observations which make up this report. Key to geographical REGIONS USED IN THIS REPORT Note that recent further reorganisation of local government throughout Britain has made some of the names below obsolete. Exactly as happened after the last major reorganisation, in 1974, however, some English county and area bird societies have changed their recording areas and others have not. So, without defining the precise boundaries of the 'counties' given below, these are, so far as possible, the names used by the local recorders who sent the Panel their information. For Wales and for Scotland, it has been decided, again so far as possible, to use the names of the recording areas included in the respective annual bird reports of those two countries. Each publishes a map showing the names and boundaries, that for Wales being based on the Watsonian vice-counties, and that for Scotland on the local bird-report areas. England, SW Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Somerset, Wiltshire. England, SE Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, London & Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex (East and West). England, E Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon- shire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Suffolk. England, Central Derbyshire, Hereford- shire, Leicestershire (with Rutland), Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Stafford- shire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire. England, N Cheshire, Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Greater Manchester, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Merseyside, Northumberland, North Humberside, Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire (North, South and West). Wales The Watsonian vice-counties of Anglesey (Mon), Brecon (Brycheiniog), Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin), Caernarfon, Ceredigion, Denbigh (Dinbych), Flint (Fflint), Glamorgan (Morgannwg), Gwent, Meirionnydd, Montgomery (Trefaldwyn), Pembroke (Penfro), Radnor (Maesyfed). Scotland, S The local bird-recording areas of Dumfries & Galloway, Borders, Lothian, Ayrshire, Clyde (comprising W and E Dun- bartonshire including that part now in Argyll & Bute, N and S Lanarkshire, Ren- frewshire, City of Glasgow, Inverclyde, Stirling - Clyde drainage), Clyde Islands (Arran, the Cumbraes, Bute). Scotland, Mid The local bird-recording areas of Angus & Dundee, Fife, Forth (Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling), Perth & Kinross, Northeast Scotland (Aberdeenshire), Moray & Nairn. Scotland, N & W The local bird-recording areas of Argyll & Bute (excluding Bute and former W Dunbartonshire), Caithness, Highland (Badenoch & Strathspey, Inver- ness, Ross & Cromarty, Sutherland), Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. Northern Ireland Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone. Systematic list The definitions of 'Confirmed breeding', 'Probable breeding' and 'Possible breeding' used in the Panel's reports follow those recommended by the European Ornitho- logical Atlas Committee (now part of the European Bird Census Council). Within tables, the abbreviations 'Confirmed (pairs)' and 'Possible/ probable (pairs)' mean 'Number of pairs confirmed breeding' and 'Number of pairs possibly or probably breeding', respectively. 392 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie btal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Three surveys carried out. Other, more casual, breeding observations not listed. Scotland, N & W ARGYLL A total of 11 pairs known to have bred, of which at least six were successful, with a further 12 pairs located in an incomplete survey. ORKNEY Of a total of 86 pairs monitored in a complete survey of Hoy and Rousay, together with a sample on Mainland, 17 were known to have failed, and 36 pairs were known to have fledged 40 young, with below-average produc- tivity of 0.46 per pair, very similar to 1996. SHETLAND A total of 54 successful pairs was located in Shetland, four fewer than in 1996. The ratio of broods of one to broods of two was 1:0.65, close to average. Breeding success was poor on Whalsay, only seven successful pairs out of 21, rearing nine young, and on Foula, where 13 pairs fledged only four young, whereas, in two other areas, 31 pairs fledged 26 young. The only complete survey is that in Shetland. The total British breeding population was estimated at 935 pairs in 1994 (Gibbons et al. 1997). Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica The RSPB monitored 98 sites, of which 82 were occupied. Rafts have been put on several lochs to provide nesting sites which are safer from flooding than those on banks and islands. Sites Sites Rafts used / Young fledged (av. chicks per pair) Year monitored occupied available Rafts Natural Total 1996 120 96 27/45 19 (0.70) 28 (0.41) 47 (0.49) 1997 98 82 32/41 17 (0.53) 12 (0.10) 29 (0.35) Although more rafts were used in 1997 than in 1996, production was lower, while pairs nesting on natural sites did very badly, probably because the wet spring resulted in many natural sites being flooded. The following detailed information is included in the totals in the table. Scotland, N & W ARGYLL Pairs at nine sites, five known to have bred, two young reared. HIGHLAND Total of 80 sites monitored, 67 of which were occupied by breeding pairs and a total of 25 young fledged, with below-average production of 0.37 young per pair. WESTERN ISLES Three pairs bred at four moni- tored sites, only one young reared. At least nine other pairs, but success unknown. Scotland, Mid CENTRAL Two pairs, both of which failed. A very poor season resulting from bad spring weather, but a comparison of the breeding success on rafts with that on natural sites shows how much worse it would have been in the absence of the rafts. The Panel is grateful to the RSPB for the above information. Great Northern Diver Gavia immer One locality: pair possibly bred. SCOTLAND, N & W (coming from inland) on 23rd July; remained in One locality: pair with juvenile landed on sea vicinity until 3rd August. Full details of this fascinating record have been submitted to Scottish Birds. One interpre- tation is that the pair bred on a nearby loch and were bringing their fledgling to the sea. The only known breeding record is of a pair in 1970 (Scot. Birds 6: 195), though it has subse- quently been suggested that this was a hybrid pairing with Black-throated Diver G. arctica. Such pairs have been recorded occasionally, with a failed breeding attempt in 1986. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 393 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Four localities in three counties: pair and three single adults in summer plumage. England, E Three localities: (1) usual male from 29th March to 14th August; (2) one in summer plumage, 23rd March to 5th July; (3) one in summer plumage, 23rd June to 25th July. Scotland, S One locality: pair with nest, bird seen apparently incubating for two or three weeks, but no evi- dence any eggs were laid. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 10 8 6 5 3 9 7 10 6 8 4 No. individuals 9 12 9 3 4 12 7 13 10 10 3 No. pairs 1 3 3 2 1 3 0 1 4 2 1 The poorest showing for many years. A pair has been trying, and failing, to breed in South Scotland almost every year since 1983. Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus 22 localities: 53-56 pairs breeding. Scotland, Mid and N & W ducing just 15 young to fledging; also three 22 localities: (l)-(24) total of 53 pairs bred, pro- unmated birds. A very slight increase in the number of pairs over last year, but a further decline in pro- ductivity, with only 15 young known to have fledged, compared with 17 in 1996 and 46 in 1995. The number of young reared per pair was very low, at only 0.29. There has been no recovery following the drop between 1993 and 1994. It has been suggested that many adults from this population may have died in a seabird wreck off the east coast of Scotland in Feb- ruary and March 1994 and numbers have not recovered since. The Panel is grateful to the North of Scotland Regional Office of the RSPB for information on numbers and breeding performance. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricolhs 26 localities in 13 counties: 17-44 pairs breeding, fledging at least seven young. England, SE Two localities: 0-2 pairs. ESSEX One locality: up to three birds present in June. HERTFORDSHIRE One locality: pair present and displaying late March to early April. England, E Four localities: 0-6 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality: single in breeding plumage, perhaps passage bird. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Three localities: displaying pair and four singles, all adults in summer plumage. England, Central Nine localities: 0-10 pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND Five localities: pair and five singles, all adults in summer plumage. NOTTING- HAMSHIRE Two localities: two singles. STAFFORDSHIRE Two localities: single pairs (perhaps the same) at each. England, N Six localities: 12-20 pairs. CHESHIRE Two locali- ties: five pairs bred, three or four young fledged. GREATER MANCHESTER Two localities: two 194 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.\ Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 pairs bred, fledging three young, plus one pair present only briefly. NORTHUMBERLAND Two localities: five pairs bred, pair probably bred, up to six more pairs present. Scotland, S Three localities: 4-6 pairs. BORDERS Three local- The lowest total for several years, with fewer summering adults or pairs, especially in England. Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris Ten localities, with 14 booming males; at least 18 young fledged from minimum of 15 nests known to have been active. Birds were seen at another site. ities: four pairs bred and hatched young, but only one fledged; also two singles. Scotland, Mid Two localities: 1-2 pairs. FIFE One locality: pair summered. TAYSIDE One locality: pair bred. England, SW Two localities: (1) pair bred, fledging two young; (2) pair present through spring and summer, booming reported in May; adult and suspected juvenile seen early August, presumed to have been reared at this site. England, SE One locality: three overwintering birds to end March, when one displaying, then none until single in July. England, E Six localities: (1) two booming males, five nests found, of which three successful, fledging nine young; (2) two booming males; (3)-(6) single booming males. England, N Two localities: (1) three booming males; (2) single booming male late April to early June. Another decline, taking this species to perilously low numbers. The increased number of confirmed nests is the result of increased research effort by the RSPB, to whom the Panel is grateful for supplying many of these data. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus One locality: 0-1 breeding pair. ENGLAND, E One locality: male singing 13th-16th June, and probably from 11th. There were three records of males and two of females in May and June (Brit. Birds 91: 461), but this was the only one reported to 'sing', which it did vociferously. Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax One locality: pair possibly bred. England, SW SOMERSET One locality: pair displaying in June; up to three individuals at nearby site on five days during 12th-25th August, but ages not determined in views at dusk, except that one was certainly an adult. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 395 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 This intriguing record lacks the detail needed to prove the first breeding by this species in Britain. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Two localities: 5-6 pairs bred. ENGLAND, SW and adult with one juvenile seen early July, near Two localities. DORSET Five pairs raised 12 locality where breeding was eventually proved young at Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour. in 1998. HAMPSHIRE Pair with six young on 10th June Breeding continued at Brownsea Island, and it seems almost certain that a pair also bred in Hampshire. Although birds were present in many other localities, as far north as Cheshire, no other breeding behaviour was reported. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Minimum of 13 birds at eight localities. England, E NORFOLK No information received. SUFFOLK At least 11 birds seen during summer at five localities, though movement made accurate assessment difficult; largest flock, ten, Mins- mere, in late May. England, N CHESHIRE One locality: single summer- Slightly fewer than in 1996, and with less plumaged adult in March and April, joined by second bird towards end of month, when some nest-building seen in same place as in 1996, but both then left. LANCASHIRE One or two locali- ties: two adults summered, 10th May to 16th August, moving between two localities; no breeding attempted. Perhaps same as Cheshire pair. breeding activity. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Four localities: three pairs bred unsuccessfully, at least three other pairs. Scotland, N & W N Ireland Three localities: (1 )-(3) single pairs laid eggs, One locality: up to three pairs present, but not none hatched. thought to have bred. Also present there in 1996. The above are all thought to have been of wild origin. Records of escaped birds are now included in the Panel's report on non-native breeding birds. Black Duck Anas ruhripes One locality: one bird. ENGLAND, SW been present on Tresco since 1st April 1994, One locality: male. SCILLY The male, which has stayed throughout 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 466). In 1995, this male was seen to be paired to a female Mallard A. platyrhynchos, but has since remained solitary. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Breeding reports were received as follows: England, SW SOMERSET Up to eight males and three females summering at two localities. WILTSHIRE Pair in early summer, with two males summering. England, SE ESSEX Five pairs at three localities, one probably bred. KENT Summering birds, including a pair, at three localities. SUSSEX Two pairs summered at one locality. England, E CAMBRIDGESHIRE Three pairs summered at one locality and one at another. NORFOLK Total of 60 birds at 12 localities in June and July, but no evidence of breeding. 396 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 England, Central NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Pair bred at one locality, fledging one young. WARWICKSHIRE Pair and single summered at two localities. England, N NORTHUMBERLAND Six pairs bred at one locality (25 young seen) and two pairs bred else- where. Scotland, S BORDERS Reported from four localities, no proof of breeding. CLYDE Summering birds at three localities. Scotland, Mid FIFE Pair summered at one locality. GRAMPIAN Four pairs with 19 young at one locality; up to 11 pairs at nine others. Scotland, N & W ARGYLL Four pairs bred at one locality, one pair at second. HIGHLAND Nine pairs at one locality. ORKNEY At least 11 pairs bred at five localities, breeding suspected at three more. SHETLAND Seven pairs bred successfully in three areas. WESTERN ISLES Pair bred at one locality. More pairs were located in the southern half of England than in 1996. Information from the main part of the range in Scotland remains extremely patchy, as is to be expected with only a limited number of observers. Gadwall Anas strepera Breeding reports were received as follows: England, SW AVON Five or six pairs bred at three localities. GLOUCESTERSHIRE Several tens of pairs bred in and around the enclosures of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre at Slimbridge. HAMPSHIRE 19 pairs proved to breed and five pairs probably bred, but county total thought to be 50-100 pairs. SOMERSET Eight pairs bred and about 20 more pairs thought to be present. WILTSHIRE Five pairs present in one area, but no proof of breeding. England, SE BEDFORDSHIRE Several broods at one locality. BERKSHIRE Four pairs bred and six pairs pos- sibly bred. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE A total of five pairs bred at four localities. ESSEX Nine pairs proved to breed and at least 25 pairs probably bred. HERTFORDSHIRE 40 broods seen (27, totalling 181 young, at one locality), plus four pairs. KENT 31 pairs bred or probably bred. MIDDLESEX One pair bred. OXFORDSHIRE At least four pairs bred at three localities. SUSSEX Four pairs bred, four pairs probably bred, plus seven singles. England, E CAMBRIDGESHIRE 17 pairs proved to breed, two pairs probably bred, plus a pair. NORFOLK 59 pairs bred and 25-33 pairs probably bred, but county total estimated as at least 100-150 pairs. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE At least eight pairs bred, at six localities. SUFFOLK 42 pairs reported from five localities. England, Central DERBYSHIRE Nine pairs proved to breed, plus ten pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND Five pairs bred at four localities. SHROPSHIRE Pair at each of two localities. WARWICKSHIRE Two pairs proved to breed, plus at least 18 further pairs. England, N CHESHIRE 21 pairs bred at three localities and summering birds were noted at two more. CLEVELAND One pair probably bred. GREATER MANCHESTER Six pairs bred at two localities. LANCASHIRE & MERSEYSIDE Six pairs bred at four localities, plus single pairs at two more. NORTHUMBERLAND 11 pairs bred at two localities. Wales ANGLESEY Ten pairs bred at three localities. Scotland, S BORDERS Pair bred; single pairs at two more localities. CLYDE Nine of 18 pairs bred at four localities. DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Pair in May. Scotland, N & W ARGYLL Pair present. ORKNEY Pair bred at one locality, four pairs present at a second. More English counties submitted records or estimates than in 1996, though there were fewer reports from Scotland. The total reported above, of about 420 pairs, is slightly below last year's. British Birds 93: 389-428, August 1999 39 T Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Northern Pintail Anas acuta 22 localities: 5-33 pairs breeding. England, SE Five localities: 0-6 pairs. KENT Four localities: three pairs, and two singles. SUSSEX One locality: male throughout June. England, E Two localities: 0-2 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality: pair summered, no evidence of breeding. NORFOLK One locality: pair until 17th May, then male to 21st June. England, N One locality: 0-3 pairs. CHESHIRE One locality: three pairs in early May, with display, but no further evidence of breeding. Wales One locality: pair. PEMBROKESHIRE One locality: pair bred and fledged one young; both adult female and juvenile showed some features of Mallard A. platyrhynchos. Scotland, N & W 13 localities: 4-21 pairs. ARGYLL One locality: pair bred. ORKNEY Nine localities (no full survey): three pairs bred, ten pairs possibly bred, and three males. SHETLAND Three localities: two pairs and two males, no evidence of breeding. The poorest year since the late 1980s, with birds absent from a number of counties where they had seemed to be becoming regular. Garganey Anas querquedula At least 85 localities: 10-129 pairs breeding. England, SW 13 localities: 1-19 pairs. AVON Three localities: (1)(2) single pairs, late March to mid June; (3) pair on 10th June only. DEVON Two localities: (1) two males and female regular from 7th April to early June; (2) male during 4th-7th June. GLOUCESTERSHIRE Two localities: (1) pair copulating on 13th May, male present to 4th June; (2) two pairs early April, one pair to 18th, female and juvenile on 5th August, but no proof that bred there. HAMPSHIRE One locality: pair on 6th June only. SOMERSET Four localities: (1) pair bred, female and seven young on 4th August; (2) four males and three females, no sign of breeding; (3) two pairs but disappeared after floodwater subsided; (4) pair, breeding not proved. WILTSHIRE One locality: male in late April and early June, moulting pair on 7th July. England, SE 16 localities: 1-20 pairs. HERTFORDSHIRE Two localities: (1)(2) single males summered. ESSEX One locality: up to three summering pairs. KENT Four localities: (1) pair bred; (2)(3) two pairs probably bred at each; (4) female sum- mered. MIDDLESEX Two localities: (1) pair on 13th April and male on 4th June; (2) male on 2nd June. OXFORDSHIRE One locality: pair in May. SUSSEX Six localities: (1) displaying pair; (2) pair April to July; (3) male in April, May and July; (4)-(6) single males in May or June. England, E 27 localities: 5-42 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Two localities: (1) up to seven pairs, three broods seen; (2) three pairs, one brood seen. HUNTING- DONSHIRE Five localities: (1) pair in April, male in May; (2)-(4) single pairs seen in June; (5) male in May. LINCOLNSHIRE One locality: female in early June. NORFOLK Ten localities: (1) pair bred; (2)-(10) summer records of singles or pairs, but no proof of breeding. NORTHAMP- TONSHIRE Four localities: (1) up to four males in May and early June; (2) two males in May and June; (3) two males in May; (4) female on 17th May. SUFFOLK Five localities: (1) pair throughout summer, and pair with juvenile on 27th July, possibly locally bred; (2) up to five birds summered and possibly bred; (3) male in May, pair in June; (4) pair in May; (5) male on 5th May. 398 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal .: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 England, Central Four localities: 0-5 pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND One locality: two males and a female April and early May. SHROPSHIRE One locality: male during 16th-28th May. WAR- WICKSHIRE Two localities: (1) pair in May and June; (2) pair in June. England, N Seven localities: 1-11 pairs. CHESHIRE Five localities: (1) two males in May and June; (2) up to three males in May and June; (3) male in early May and female in June; (4) male in early May; (5) male in late May. LANCASHIRE Two locali- ties: (1) pair bred, second pair probably bred; (2) pair possibly bred. Wales No count of localities: 0-12 pairs. Totals of 12 Scotland, S Five localities: 0-6 pairs. BORDERS Three locali- ties: (1) female in late April, two males in May; (2) male in May and June; (3) male on 11th May. CLYDE Two localities: (1) pair in late April and male on 15th May; (2) pair from 28th April to 1st May, and apparently moulting male on 26th May. Scotland, Mid One locality: 0-1 pair. ABERDEENSHIRE One locality: pair in May, male into June. Scotland, N & W 12 localities: 2-13 pairs. ARGYLL One locality: pair bred. ORKNEY Four localities: (1) pair on 18th May and two males on 6th June; (2)-(4) single males in May. SHETLAND Two localities: (1)(2) single males in May. SUTHERLAND One locality: pair bred. WESTERN ISLES Four locali- records in May and two breeding. in June; no evidence of ties: (1) pair in May; (2)-(4) single males in May. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 36 37 81 87 90 90 73 65 80 60 85 Confirmed (pairs) 8 11 18 14 12 16 14 13 9 15 10 Possible /probable (pairs) 37 40 80 97 82 144 149 98 108 63 119 Max. total pairs 45 51 98 111 94 160 163 111 117 78 129 A much better year than 1996, though still below the peak reached in 1993. Note that records in March and April only are omitted as being of probable migrants. While this may also apply to May records in Scotland, these have been included. Common Pochard Aythya ferina At least 99 localities or areas (unspecified for some counties): 246-380 pairs breeding. England, SW At least six localities: 10-11 pairs. AVON One locality: five pairs bred. HAMPSHIRE Two pairs bred. SOMERSET Three localities: two pairs bred, one pair possibly bred. WILTSHIRE One locality: pair bred. England, SE At least 19 localities: 137-149 pairs. BERKSHIRE Two localities: pair probably bred, plus a pair. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE One locality: pair bred. ESSEX 26 pairs bred, 25 or more pairs probably bred. HERTFORDSHIRE Five localities: 11 pairs bred, plus eight pairs. MIDDLESEX & INNER LONDON Six localities: at least nine pairs bred. KENT 55 pairs bred, plus three pairs. SURREY Five localities: five pairs bred, plus four pairs. England, E At least 17 localities: 71-97 pairs, excluding the higher estimate of 75 pairs in Norfolk. CAM- BRIDGESHIRE Two localities: two pairs summered. HUNTINGDONSHIRE Two localities: pair bred, plus a pair. LINCOLNSHIRE Two local- ities: 13 pairs bred. NORFOLK 46 pairs bred and one pair probably bred; county total probably about 75 pairs. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Six local- ides: up to 22 pairs, but no confirmed breeding. SUFFOLK Five localities: at least 11 pairs bred. England, Central 22 localities: 3-31 pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND 11 localities: up to 17 pairs, no evi- dence of breeding. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Three localities: two pairs bred, plus two pairs. SHROPSHIRE Three localities: up to five pairs, no evidence of breeding. WARWICKSHIRE Four localities: pair bred, three other pairs. WEST MIDLANDS One locality: pair summered. England, N 16 localities: 25-44 pairs. CHESHIRE Three local- ities: 11 pairs bred, and two males. CLEVELAND Two localities: four pairs bred. CUMBRIA One locality: pair bred. GREATER MANCHESTER Three localities: three pairs bred. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 399 Ogil.vie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 pair probably bred. LANCASHIRE Three localities: (l)-(3) 16 pairs probably bred. NORTH- UMBERLAND Four localities: six pairs bred. Wales Six localities: 15-17 pairs. ANGLESEY Three locali- ties: 14 pairs bred. BRECON One locality: summering male. GLAMORGAN One locality: pair bred. GWENT One locality: summering male. Scotland, S Eight localities: 6-9 pairs. BORDERS Seven local- ities: six pairs bred, two pairs probably bred. LOTHIAN One locality: pair in June. Scotland, N & W Three localities: 1-6 pairs. ORKNEY Three locali- ties: pair bred, plus five pairs. N Ireland One area: 8-16 pairs. Lough Neagh basin: 16 pairs present, 8 broods seen. Very similar figures to those of 1996. Some counties acknowledge that counts or estimates of the number of breeding pairs are incomplete. Greater Scaup Aythya marila Two localities: 1-4 pairs. Scotland, N & W N Ireland One locality: female in possible nesting habitat One locality: pair bred, fledging four young; on 30th May. total of three males and two females present. The breeding record from Northern Ireland is a first for the province and the first in the United Kingdom since 1989. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Eight localities: 2-35 pairs. SCOTLAND, Mid Scotland, N & W TAYSIDE Three localities: five pairs in May, five ARGYLL Three localities: two pairs bred, plus 13 females in July. pairs. HIGHLAND Two localities: up to 15 pairs, with very poor breeding success. Only minimal information is available this year, with no counts from the main breeding area in Caithness and Sutherland, which held 64-77 pairs in 1995. Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Breeding occurs predominantly in two nestbox schemes in Scotland for which only sample data are available, so there is no longer an estimate of the total number of breeding pairs. Breeding occurred at two other Scottish sites away from the core range, and by two released /escaped pairs in England. 400 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 England, Central LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND Two localities: (1) male throughout June, three females in July; (2) first-summer male to 28th May. NOTTING- HAMSHIRE Two localities: (1) female summered; (2) male summered. England, N CHESHIRE One locality: male on 16th June. LANCASHIRE One locality: two released pairs bred, but no young hatched. NORTHUMBER- LAND One locality: female and first-year male from June to August. Wales MEIRIONNYDD One locality: pair in suitable habitat on 13th- 14th May. Scotland, S CLYDE Two localities: (1) pair on 15th May; (2) female on 24th May. LOTHIAN One locality: pair on 11th May and female on 24th June. Scotland, Mid ABERDEENSHIRE Two localities: two pairs bred. TAYSIDE Three localities: (1) pair bred and at least eight other pairs; (2)(3) pairs in May. Scotland, N & W HIGHLAND Two localities: (1) RSPB Abernethy Reserve: 24 pairs bred, 23 in nestboxes, 10 nests successful, 81 young fledged (8.1 per successful nest); two or three pairs nested in natural sites; (2) RSPB Insh Marshes Reserve: 35 pairs bred in nestboxes, 20 nests successful, 144 young fledged (7.5 per successful nest). An estimated 15 additional pairs are thought to have bred in the Badenoch and Strathspey area. The results from Highland Region refer to only a sample of the many boxes available to the species. Elsewhere, successful breeding occurred in Aberdeenshire, but there was no evi- dence of breeding farther south in Scotland. European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus 26 localities in 15 counties: 14-39 pairs breeding; minimum of 18 young reared. Great Britain 26 localities: (1) pair raised two young, second displaying male present; (2) pair raised two young, third adult present; (3) pair raised one young, up to three other adults present; (4) pair raised one young, third adult present; (5)-(9) single pairs each raised two young; (10)(11) single pairs each raised one young; (12)(13) single pairs bred, success unknown; (14) pair laid two eggs but failed; (15) pair present, plus two singles; (16) pair present, extra male and female on separate dates; (17) pair present, third bird in early August, but no conclusive proof of breeding; (18)-(23) single pairs present; (24) two males present; (25)(26) singles in suitable habitat. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Confirmed (pairs) 1 1 2 3 2 8 6 9 9 14 14 Max. total pairs 7 10 20 19 22 26 27 28 30 34 39 The most successful year to date, with the minimum of 18 fledged young equalling last year's peak. The above information is incomplete, with no reports received from at least one known breeding area, but there does appear to be an upward trend in the population. It is hoped that observers will submit their records to the Panel for safekeeping and so help to determine the true size of the British population and monitor any trends. A paper on the status of the species in Britain was published in British Birds last month (Roberts et at. 1999), together with proposals for a census of the species in the year 2000 (RBBP 1999). Red Kite Milvus milvus 151 wild pairs reared 129 young, and at least 54 pairs from released stock reared 119 young. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 401 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Wales 151 pairs were proved to breed, of which 99 were successful, rearing 129 young. All three totals are not only new records this century, but show that the upward trend, which appeared to stutter slightly in 1996, has regained its momentum. Productivity, however, fell below the levels of the last three years. Complete nest failures included three that were robbed. In addition, there were a further 26 non-breeding pairs, while 135 unmated individuals were identified during the spring. The total population was estimated as at least 489 birds in April and 612 in August. The breeding range continued to expand, mainly to the south and west. Although young birds from the re-established population in England have been reported in Wales, none has yet bred, and nor have there been any long-distance recoveries of Welsh kites. The Panel wishes to thank Peter Davis and the Welsh Kite Trust for the above information. CORRECTION In the Reports on 'Rare Breeding Birds in the United Kingdom' for 1995 and 1996, it was wrongly stated that the monitoring work on the Red Kite in Wales was funded by the RSPB and the Welsh Office 'Kite Country' initiative. In fact, no funding was received from the Kite Country initiative. In 1995, the moni- toring was funded mainly from private sources, with assistance from the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and the RSPB. In 1996, the work was organised by the newly formed Welsh Kite Trust, which received grant aid from CCW together with additional support from the RSPB, while more than half the Trust's income came from private and charitable sources. The Secretary of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel wishes to apologise to Peter Davis and the Welsh Kite Trust for the inclusion of wrong information in these reports. The re-established breeding populations in England and Scotland continue to increase and the Panel is grateful to Ian Carter (English Nature) and Brian Etheridge, Colin Crooke and Terry Burns (RSPB) for the following information. England At least 57 pairs bred, 50 of them successfully, rearing 111 young (2.2 young /successful pair). Pairs bred in the East Midlands release area for the first time, and two other pairs nested or attempted to do so in other counties in southern England. One of these involved an untagged pair, perhaps of Continental origin, which bred for the second year in succession. A further 20 birds were released at the East Midlands site. Scotland A total of 27 pairs was located, of which 23 laid and 19 fledged 39 young. This was the same number as last year, but from more pairs, so pro- ductivity declined from 2.4 to 2.1 young/ successful pair. Prolonged periods of heavy rain in late May and again in early July were thought to have contributed to the reduced breeding success. A further 17 birds from Germany were released in central Scotland in July. England 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Total territorial pairs 2 7 12 22 26 37 61 Breeding pairs 2 4 9 20 24 35 57 Successful pairs 0 4 8 17 22 33 50 Young reared 0 9 14 37 55 80 111 Young /successful pair - 2.3 1.8 2.2 2.5 2.4 2.2 402 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Scotland 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Total territorial pairs 2 8 11 17 22 27 Breeding pairs 1 5 8 15 17 23 Successful pairs 1 3 6 11 16 19 Young reared 1 7 13 26 39 39 Young/ successful pair 1.0 2.3 2.2 2.4 2.4 2.1 White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Re-establishment . Scotland A total of 13-15 pairs or trios of territory-holding birds laid an estimated 11-13 clutches. Six of these were known to have hatched and five pairs raised nine young, including an unprece- dented three young from one nest. Several failures were attributed to the cold, wet spring Despite the drop in the number of successful pairs, the number of young raised was the same as in 1996. The Panel is grateful to the Sea Eagle Project Team for providing it with information. The Project is jointly supported by the JNCC, SNH and the RSPB. experienced in the breeding range. The number of breeding birds, or birds thought to be capable of breeding, increased to 31. For the fifth year running, further chicks, ten this year, were brought over from Norway and released in August, bringing the total to 56. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 131 males and 132 females bred, rearing at least 206 young. England, SW Two localities: two pairs. SOMERSET Two locali- ties: (1) pair bred and reared one young; (2) pair bred but failed. England, SE Six localities or areas: 21-32 pairs. ESSEX One locality: one male and two females built two nests, but not known if eggs laid and neither successful. KENT Four areas: (1) 21 pairs bred, 12 successfully rearing at least 29 young, three pairs probably bred; (2) three summering adults; (3) two summering adults; (4) single summering adult. SUSSEX One locality: male and two females, but male moved on. England, E 37 localities or areas: 104-111 'pairs' bred. CAM- BRIDGESHIRE Three localities: (1) three pairs fledged at least three young; (2) two pairs fledged at least three young; (3) male seen car- rying nest material, but no further sightings. LINCOLNSHIRE 14 localities or areas: 25 pairs bred, rearing at least 46 young, one pair prob- ably bred, and five pairs possibly bred. NORFOLK 17 localities or areas: 56 pairs bred. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Breeding males 40 42 58 73 83 92 84 114 151 135 131 Breeding females 46 56 66 110 91 107 110 129 156 136 132 Young reared 126 145 172 145 198 229 244 255 277 263 206 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 403 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 rearing at least 88 young. SUFFOLK Three local- ities: at least 18 pairs bred and reared 26 young. England, Central Two localities: 0-2 pairs. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Two localities: (1)(2) single females in May or June. England, N One locality: four pairs. LANCASHIRE One locality: three males and four females reared nine young. Wales One locality: 0-1 pair. CEREDIGION One locality: male April to June. Scotland, S Two localities: 0-2 pairs. DUMFRIES & GAL- LOWAY Two localities: single females in June. Scotland, Mid One locality: 1-2 pairs. FIFE One locality: one pair raised two young, second pair present. Scotland, N & W One locality: 0-1 pair. HIGHLAND One locality: single female in late May. It is not certain that the decline in breeding birds since 1996 is real, as locating them and proving breeding is becoming increasingly difficult with the increasing numbers in, particu- larly, eastern England. This certainly explains the relatively low number of young reported as reared, since nest-finding effort fails to match the growth in pairs. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete survey. Area Occupied Territories known to Min. no. Min. young/ territories have fledged young young fledged successful nest England, N (all counties) 9 7 20 2.9 Wales 24 10 31-32 3.2 Borders & Lothian 5 3 4-5 1.5 Dumfries & Galloway 37 19 66 3.5 South Strathclyde 32 19 48 2.5 Angus 1 0 0 Perthshire 18+ 18 55 3.1 North-east Scotland 14 5 13 2.6 Argyll & Bute 37 25 79 3.2 Moray 8 5 17 3.4 E Sutherland 4 4 9 2.3 Orkney 31 7 17 2.4 TOTALS 220 122 359-361 3.0 Although the areas surveyed in the two years are not identical, the 1996 totals were 229 occupied territories and at least 347 young fledged. The total of territories known to have fledged young in 1996 was incomplete. The Panel is grateful to the Scottish, Welsh and Cumbrian Raptor Study Groups for much of the above information. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus 13 localities: seven males and nine females reared 11 young. England, SW Six localities: (1) pair fledged three young; (2) pair fledged two young; (3) immature male and female, June-July; (4) male, May-July; (5)(6) single males in July. ENGLAND, SE One locality: probable pair seen June-July. England, E Six localities: (1) male and two females fledged three young from one nest, second nest failed; (2) pair fledged three young; (3) male and two females laid two clutches, both failed; (4)(5) single pairs laid but failed; (6) female seen in May, male in July. 404 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 The poorest year for pairs and for young reared since 1993. The failures in eastern England were attributed to desertion during spells of bad weather. The results were particu- larly disappointing in the year when some of the bumper crop of young produced in 1995 might have been expected to return to breed for the first time. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis At least 228 localities or areas: 247-347 pairs breeding. England Over 85 localities in 24 counties: 83 pairs known to have bred, plus 61 other pairs. Wales Over 73 localities in nine counties: 92 pairs known to have bred, plus 22 other pairs. Scotland Up to 70 localities in eight recording areas: 72 pairs known to have bred, plus 17 other pairs. The best year's recording to date. It is pleasing to receive fuller records from several counties and areas, even though it is known that some observers are still withholding infor- mation because of the risk of persecution to the birds. We do urge that all information be deposited with the Panel in order to assist this species' conservation. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos The following summary information has been received. For each area other than northern England, it is based on a non-randomised sample rather than a complete survey. Area Occupied territories Territories known to have fledged young Min. no. young fledged Min. young / successful nest England, N 1 0 0 Dumfries & Galloway 2 0 0 Borders 2 1 1 1.0 South Strathclyde 1 0 0 Central Scotland 8 5 6 1.2 Tayside, W 19 1 1 1.0 Tayside, E 11 5 8 1.6 ...Continued British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 405 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Area Occupied territories Territories known to have fledged young Min. no. young fledged Min. young / successful nest North-east Scotland 18 12 14 1.2 Argyll 53 25 31 1.2 Highland 94 43 48 1.1 Uists 15 3 4 1.3 TOTALS 224 95 113 1.2 The Panel is grateful to the Scottish and Cumbrian Raptor Study Groups for much of the above information. Breeding success was very poor in West Tayside mainly because of bad weather, although at least two nests may have been robbed, and was patchy elsewhere. The eggs in the Cumbrian nest failed to hatch. Osprey Pandion haliaetus 111 pairs: 102 pairs laid eggs, rearing 159 young. England, SW SOMERSET One locality: single summered for the third year running. England, Central LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND: eight more young were translocated from Scotland to Rutland Water, all of which fledged and left the area; an adult female was present sporadically through June and July and what was presumed to be the same bird stayed through August. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE One locality: single in May-July, also seen at other sites in the area. England, N UNNAMED COUNTY One locality: pair present in suitable area, possible breeding attempt made, but failed. Scotland, S BORDERS Three localities: pair, sometimes joined by third bird, seen displaying and nest- building, two other singles summered. DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY One locality: two adults summered, one carrying fish, no evidence of breeding. LOTHIAN One locality: single seen regularly from May to August. Scotland, Mid and N & W A total of 111 occupied nests was found. Five further pairs seen, but no nests located or they did not attempt breeding. Eggs were laid in 102 nests, of which 93 hatched eggs and 77 reared 159 young. 1987 1988 1989 1990 Pairs with nests 50 53 58 62 Pairs with eggs 44 49 51 56 Successful pairs 30 38 38 44 Young reared 56 81 81 90 Young /successful pair 1.9 2.1 2.1 2.0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 73 76 88 95 99 104 111 64 63 78 83 92 93 102 44 47 56 69 73 74 77 82 103 111 146 146 155 159 1.9 2.2 2.0 2.1 2.0 2.1 2.1 Although all the totals for Scotland are new records, the failure rate of nests was higher than in 1996, mainly, it is thought, because of heavy and prolonged rain at critical periods. No fewer than 16 nests failed at the chick stage, following earlier failure of nine nests at the egg stage. In addition, three clutches were stolen. The Panel is grateful for the information supplied to it by Roy Dennis, Colin Crooke and the Osprey Study Group. Merlin Falco columbarius The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete survey. 406 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Area Occupied territories Territories known to have fledged young Min. no. young fledged Min. young/ successful nest England, SW 6 No data No data England, Central 30 9 29 3.2 England, N 142 74 195-211 2. 6-2.9 Wales 27 11 26 2.4 Borders & Lothian 27 21 67 3.2 Dumfries & Galloway 18 8 19 2.4 South Strathclyde 27 15 39 2.6 Angus 15 8 26 3.3 Perthshire 28 13 34 2.6 North-east Scotland 43 29 90 3.1 Argyll & Bute 8 6 17 2.8 Highland 41 18 56 3.1 Orkney 19 15 54 3.6 Shetland 17 14 45 3.2 TOTALS 448 241 697-713 2. 9-3.0 Observers from several areas, but especially northern England and parts of Highland region, reported high losses of chicks in the nest caused by prolonged periods of heavy rain. The above data are more complete than in 1996, when the number of young per successful pair was 3.2. The Panel is grateful to the Scottish Raptor Study Groups for the Scottish infor- mation. Hobby Falco subbuteo Minimum of 167-624 pairs breeding. England, SW 39-133 pairs. AVON 4-10 pairs. DEVON 9-12 pairs. DORSET 7-13 pairs. GLOUCESTERSHIRE 1 pair. HAMPSHIRE 11-54 pairs. SOMERSET 1- 13 pairs. WILTSHIRE 6-30 pairs. England, SE 68-255 pairs. BEDFORDSHIRE 3 pairs. BERK- SHIRE 10-15 pairs. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 4-13 pairs. ESSEX 16-49 pairs. INNER LONDON 3-7 pairs. HERTFORDSHIRE 3-24 pairs. KENT 9-25 pairs. OXFORDSHIRE 7-15 pairs. SURREY 9-40 pairs. SUSSEX 4-64 pairs. England, E 24-78 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HUNTING- DONSHIRE 6-14 pairs. LINCOLNSHIRE 2-8 pairs. NORFOLK 5-10 pairs. NORTHAMPTON- SHIRE 8-26 pairs. SUFFOLK 3-20 pairs. England, Central 27-129 pairs. DERBYSHIRE 9-17 pairs. LEICES- TERSHIRE 1-51 pairs. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 3 pairs. SHROPSHIRE 10-12 pairs. STAFFORD- SHIRE 2-3 pairs. WARWICKSHIRE 2-30 pairs. WORCESTERSHIRE 0-12 pairs. WEST MIDLANDS 0-1 pair. England, N 3-9 pairs. CHESHIRE 0-3 pairs. NORTHUMBER- LAND 2-5 pairs. YORKSHIRE 1 pair. Wales 6-20 pairs. BRECONSHIRE 0-5 pairs. GLAM- ORGAN 0-1 pair. GWENT 4-11 pairs. RADNOR 0-1 pair. MONTGOMERY 2 pairs. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Confirmed (pairs) 108 103 140 154 159 255 152 170 161 190 167 Possible/ probable (pairs) 164 226 250 287 310 327 341 330 269 264 457 Max. total pairs 272 329 390 441 469 582 493 500 430 454 624 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 407 Ogii ,vif. etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 A major increase on last year to reach the highest total of pairs ever recorded. Some of the increase is a result of more counties recording singles and infrequent sightings of pairs, though a number of county recorders comment on how difficult it is to be certain how many pairs are breeding. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete survey. Area Occupied territories Territories known to have fledged young Min. no. young fledged Min. young / successful nest England, SW 40 11 28 2.5 England, SE 18 6 19 3.2 England, Central 36 3 6 2.0 England, N 138 91 204 2.2 Wales 151 70 129 1.8 Borders & Lothian 47 22 51 2.3 Dumfries & Galloway 80 51 108 2.1 South Strathclyde 25 8 16 2.0 Angus 29 20 20 1.0 Perthshire 41 24 57 2.4 Central Scotland 20 8 15 1.9 North-east Scotland 65 34 64 1.9 Argyll & Bute 18 10 18 1.8 Highland 33 28 56 2.0 Uists 10 5 12 2.4 Orkney 17 4 No data Shetland 1 0 0 Northern Ireland 60 58 146 2.5 TOTALS 829 453 949 2.1 The number of occupied territories included in the table has increased from the 741 moni- tored in 1996. The number of successful nests is only slightly up, but not all sites with pairs are subsequently visited to check on breeding success, so this is a minimum figure. The Panel is grateful to the Scottish Raptor Study Groups for most of the Scottish information. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix 4-867 pairs breeding. England, SW 0-182 pairs. AVON 18 singing males. DEVON 13 singing males. DORSET 12 singing males. GLOUCESTERSHIRE 19 singing males. HAMP- SHIRE Nine singing males. SOMERSET 19 singing males. WILTSHIRE 92 singing males. England, SE 0-114 pairs. BEDFORDSHIRE 9 singing males. BERKSHIRE 20-23 singing males. BUCKING- HAMSHIRE Six or seven singing males. ESSEX Eight singing males. KENT 21 singing males. OXFORDSHIRE 17 singing males. SUSSEX 29 singing males. 408 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 England, E 0-163 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HUNTING- DONSHIRE 30 singing males. LINCOLNSHIRE 29 singing males. NORFOLK 46 singing males. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 28 singing males. SUFFOLK 30 singing males. England, Central 0-111 pairs. DERBYSHIRE 24 singing males. LEICESTERSHIRE 16 singing males. NOTTING- HAMSHIRE 25 singing males. RUTLAND Seven singing males. SHROPSHIRE 11 singing males. STAFFORDSHIRE Five singing males. WAR- WICKSHIRE 12 singing males. WORCESTERSHIRE Seven singing males. WEST MIDLANDS Four singing males. England, N 3-145 pairs. CHESHIRE 17 singing males. CLEVELAND Four singing males. LAN- CASHIRE At least 100 singing males (including possible 50 released birds in one area). NORTHUMBERLAND Three pairs bred and 21 singing males. Wales 0- 32 pairs. ANGLESEY Five singing males. BRECON Two singing males. CAERNARFON One singing male. CARMARTHEN Five singing males. CEREDIGION Seven singing males. FLINT One singing male. GLAMORGAN Three singing males. PEMBROKE Eight singing males. Scotland, S 1- 48 pairs. BORDERS 21 singing males. CLYDE Three singing males. DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Pair bred, and nine singing males. LOTHIAN 14 singing males. Scotland, Mid 0-21 pairs. ABERDEENSHIRE Nine singing males. FIFE 12 singing males. Scotland, N & W 0-51 pairs. ARGYLL 17 singing males. HIGH- LAND At least 19 singing males. ORKNEY Seven singing males. SHETLAND Six singing males. WESTERN ISLES Two singing males. The best year since the bumper one of 1989. Numbers were up all across Britain, though more noticeably so in the East than in the West. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana 13 localities: 1-14 pairs breeding. Encland, E Three localities: 0-4 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Three localities: (1) two singing males in June and July; (2)(3) single singing males in May. England, N One locality: 0-1 pair. LANCASHIRE One locality: singing male on 4th May. Scotland, S Two localities: 0-2 pairs CLYDE Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males. Scotland, Mid Three localities: 1-3 pairs. ABERDEENSHIRE Three localities: (1) pair bred, young seen; (2)(3) single singing males during breeding season. Scotland, N & W Four localities: 0-4 pairs. ARGYLL One locality: single singing male. HIGHLAND One locality: bird flushed on 13th May, so perhaps breeding even though no singing heard. SHETLAND Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 409 Ogilvie etal.-. Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 A reasonable year, with increases in the number of localities and very slightly in the number of actual birds, while a confirmed breeding record was a bonus. A detailed study in northeast Scotland and the collation of past records has just been published (Francis & Thorpe 1999). This confirms the value of more intensive fieldwork. The RSPB will be car- rying out a national survey in 1999. Corn Crake Crex crex 644 pairs or singing males. England, E One locality: 0-1 pair. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality: singing male on 9th June to 14th July. Wales One locality: 0-1 pair. CARMARTHEN One locality: one on 13th August. Scotland, Mid One locality: 0-1 pair. ABERDEENSHIRE One locality: singing male from mid May to early June. Scotland, N & W: Mainland One locality: 0-1 pair. ARGYLL One locality: singing male to end of May. Scotland, N & W: Islands 0-637 pairs. Totals of singing males: HIGH- LAND - INNER HEBRIDES 23 (Skye 23), STRATHCLYDE - INNER HEBRIDES 211 (Coll 42, Tiree 136, Iona 8, Colonsay 6, Oronsay 2, Islay 17), ORKNEY 21, WESTERN ISLES 382 (Lewis 114, Harris 5, Berneray 4, North Uist 78, Benbecula 45, South Uist 62, Barra 57, Vatersay 17). N Ireland 0-3 pairs. FERMANAGH One locality: singing male. TYRONE Two localities: two singing males. A total of 637 singing males was found by RSPB, SNH and Scottish Crofting Union teams on the Scottish islands this year, compared with 584 in 1996 and 537 in 1995. This further welcome increase was quite evenly distributed with the exception of Orkney, where numbers were only half the 1996 total. The Small Isles remain empty, but the single bird back on Berneray in 1996 was followed by four this year. The increases are further proof of the success of the RSPB/ SNH /SCU Corncrake Initiative. Although there were no records from Co. Antrim this year, where last year the first Northern Ireland pair bred since 1989, three singing males from elsewhere in the province were welcome news. Common Crane Grus grus One extensive locality. England, E NORFOLK One locality: three pairs nested, one pair fledging two young. After eight years of failure, the first successful breeding since 1988. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus One locality: single male present. England, E One locality: male present all year. The single bird present at Titchwell, Norfolk, for the last four years stayed on this year, too (Brit. Birds 91: 471). Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta At least 35 localities: up to 654 pairs reared a minimum of 238 young. ENGLAND, SE to ground predators; (2) 16 pairs, of which 15 16 localities: up to 257 pairs. ESSEX Seven locali- bred, at least seven young fledged; (3) ten pairs ties: (1) 38 pairs present, minimum eight bred, only one successful brood of two young; clutches laid and five young reared, with losses (4) nine pairs fledged nine young; (5) three pairs 410 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 fledged nine young; (6) one pair fledged four young; (7) three pairs summered. KENT Eight localities: (1) 77 pairs bred, only about 22 young fledged because of heavy predation; (2) 40 pairs bred, at least seven young fledged; (3) 17 pairs bred, only five young fledged because of heavy predation; (4) 14 pairs fledged only two young; (5) 14 pairs fledged only one young; (6) six pairs all failed; (7) five pairs bred, outcome unknown; (8) three pairs bred, outcome unknown. SUSSEX One locality: pair bred, but failed. England, E 17 localities: at least 378 pairs. NORFOLK 13 localities: (l)-(3) 160 pairs fledged 102 young at three sites; (4) 18 pairs fledged just four young; (5) three pairs fledged six young. Details of other sites not available. SUFFOLK Four localities: (1) 97 pairs bred, 17 young fledged; (2) 81 pairs bred, three young fledged; (3) 15 pairs fledged 15 young with losses to floods and predators; (4) four pairs bred, two young fledged. England, Central One locality: 3 pairs. RUTLAND One locality: three pairs present, displaying and mating, but no eggs laid. England, N One locality: 16 pairs. YORKSHIRE One locality: 16 pairs bred, 16 young fledged. Although there was an increase both in breeding pairs and in the number of young reared, the combination of bad weather, high tides and ground predators continues to wreak havoc in some of the larger colonies. Birds returned to Rutland Water for the second summer running, but there was no evidence of any breeding attempt. Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Seven counties: 192-203 pairs. England, SW 59-68 pairs. DORSET Two pairs fledged two young. HAMPSHIRE 22-25 pairs, of which 20-23 bred and fledged 21 young. WILTSHIRE 41 pairs located, of which 37 bred and fledged 25 young. England, SE 4-5 pairs. BERKSHIRE Five pairs, of which four bred, fledging six young. OXFORDSHIRE None bred. England, E 129-130 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Pair sum- mered, no evidence of breeding. NORFOLK Brecks: 57 pairs bred and fledged 64 young. Elsewhere: four pairs bred and fledged three young. SUFFOLK Brecks: 65 pairs bred and fledged 45 young. Elsewhere: three pairs bred, but reared only one or two young between them. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Confirmed (pairs) 137 Possible /probable (pairs) 0 Max. total pairs 137 Min. no. of young fledged nc 126 126 139 139 155 3 17 10 16 4 129 143 149 155 159 62 79 112 123 111 146 141 165 174 192 16 32 9 14 11 162 173 174 188 203 101 91 164 155 167 The continuing increase in the population of this species reflects the conservation action being taken by the RSPB and others. The Panel wishes to thank Dr Rhys Green, RSPB, for his assistance in compiling the data. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 411 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete survey. Area Possible/ probable pairs Definite breeding pairs Total pairs England, SW 14 22 36 England, SE 51 93 144 England, E 39 42 81 England, Central 54 58 112 England, N 27 75 102 Wales 2 61 63 Fife 0 1 1 Northeast Scotland 0 1 1 TOTALS 187 353 540 A slightly lower total than last year's 553, though more counties reported breeding numbers. In Hertfordshire, a pair bred at Tring for the first time in 21 years, on purpose-built habitat within 100 m of the first British breeding site (in 1938). Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Outside main Scottish breeding areas: one pair probably breeding England, N One area. CUMBRIA One area: no sign of breeding in usual localities; a pair and separate male and female in three other localities in late May, so probably still on passage. Wales One locality. BRECON One locality: pair on 1st June, but not subsequently. Scotland, N & W One locality. ARGYLL One locality: pair present, distraction display seen. The Panel seeks records only if away from the main breeding range, which lies north of a line from the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Tay, and accepts that at least some of the birds on hilltops in southern Scotland and northern England will be on passage. A paper examining the history of breeding by Dotterels in northern England is in preparation for publication in British Birds. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii One locality: up to three pairs. SCOTLAND, N & W male chasing female on 10th with two other dis- One locality: at least two males on 6th June, and playing males; no nest searches were made. To avoid unnecessary disturbance, the minimum amount of monitoring of this species is carried out, just enough to establish presence. 412 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Two localities: three pairs bred. SCOTLAND, N & W tional area; (2) adult distracting, clearly with Two localities: (1) two pairs with broods in tradi- brood, though not seen. As with the preceding species, only minimal monitoring is carried out. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Six localities: five leks reported, but no evidence of breeding. England, SE Two localities. SUSSEX Two localities: (1) six males and eight females present and lekking; (2) up to 15 birds present. England, N Four localities. CHESHIRE Two localities: (1) up to eight males and two females lekked in late April and early May; (2) birds present and lekking. LANCASHIRE Two localities: (1) up to 30 birds on 18th April, with some lekking; (2) 15 males and four females lekking in early May. Despite more leks than for a few years, there was no evidence of breeding at any of the localities. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 11 localities: 42-47 pairs breeding. England, SE Three localities. KENT Two localities: (1) four pairs bred, no young fledged; (2) pair bred, hatched but final success unknown, second pair failed. SUSSEX One locality: pair probably bred. England, E Two localities. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Two locali- ties: (1) 17 pairs bred and fledged up to 25 young; (2) 14 pairs thought to have bred and to have fledged up to 15 young. England, N One locality. LANCASHIRE One locality: pair bred, success unknown. Scotland, N & W Five localities. ORKNEY Three localities: (1)(2) single pairs probably bred; (3) bird display- calling. SHETLAND Two localities: (1) four pairs bred, one fledging three young; (2) pair present, not known if nested. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 413 Ogilvie btal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 For the third year running, the number of breeding localities has declined, but the number of breeding pairs has risen to its highest total since 1984. The minimum total of 43 young fledged is also much higher than for some years. Those in Scotland are most likely to be of the race islandica. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Away from Orkney and Shetland: one pair possibly bred. Scotland, N & W HIGHLAND One locality: pair held territory and may have bred. Greenshank Tringa nebularia The following limited information was received: SCOTLAND, N & W were reported from nine localities. SHETLAND ARGYLL Six pairs were reported from six locali- Single pairs bred at two localities. WESTERN ties. CAITHNESS & SUTHERLAND 19 pairs ISLES Three pairs bred in one area. The number of breeding pairs in Shetland is thought to have declined in recent years. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Five localities: 0-9 pairs bred. Scotland, N & W Five localities: (1) five pairs single pairs present and probably bred; (4)(5) present, success unknown but likely; (2)(3) single pairs present and possibly bred. In addition to the above, it is believed that another six pairs are likely to have been present at four traditional sites which were not checked in 1997. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Three localities: 38 breeding males reared at least 54 young. SCOTLAND, N & W young fledged. WESTERN ISLES One locality: Three localities. SHETLAND Two localities on male and two females bred, two young hatched, Fetlar: (1) 29 breeding males, at least 41 young but only one thought to have fledged, fledged; (2) eight breeding males, at least 12 A slight decline in breeding males at the main site was offset by a doubling at the second site and also the best production of young since the Panel's formation in 1973. It is also pleasing to see successful breeding in the Western Isles. Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 24 localities: 33-53 pairs, plus hybrid pair. ENGLAND, SW Four localities. Three localities: (1) five pairs bred, two of which DORSET One locality: eight pairs probably bred, raised five young; (2) single pair bred, success no further information. UNNAMED COUNTY unknown; (3) single pair present. 414 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 England, SE Nine localities. ESSEX Three localities: (1) two pairs bred, but failed; (2) pair probably bred; (3) pair present. KENT Four localities: (1) 16 pairs laid but were flooded out, eight re-laid, of which four fledged six young; (2) three pairs fledged four young, plus one pair; (3) two pairs bred, success unknown; (4) one pair bred, success unknown. SUSSEX Two localities: single pairs possibly bred. England, E Six localities. NORFOLK One locality: two pairs bred, one fledging one young. SUFFOLK Two localities: (1 )(2) single pairs summered. England, Central Two localities. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE One locality: hybrid Mediterranean Gull (presumed with Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus) bred with Black-headed Gull and produced three second generation hybrid young. SHROPSHIRE One locality: adult in Black-headed Gull colony on 13th July. England, N Three localities. CHESHIRE One locality: three adults and two immatures summered, display noted. LANCASHIRE Two localities: (1) pair bred, fledging two young; (2) up to seven adults in Black-headed Gull colony all summer. A further slight increase, with a minimum of 16 young fledged, plus the successful hybrid pair. Yellow- legged Gull Larus cachinnans One locality: two pairs bred. England, SW DORSET One locality: two pairs bred, one of which fledged two young. The second successful breeding of this species in Britain, the first having been in 1995. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis One locality: one female bred with Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. England, N One locality. NORTHUMBERLAND One locality: female bred with Sandwich Tern, fledged one hybrid young at usual site on Fame Islands; egg hatched on 18th June and chick fledged on 18th July, being seen in Vendee, France, on 23rd September. Note that hatching and fledging dates correct those published pre- viously (Brit. Birds 91: 482), where wrongly given as 10th June and 8th July. This is the fourth hybrid young to fledge from this pairing; the others were in 1989, 1992 and 1996. Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii 14 localities: 54-55 pairs breeding, fledging a pairing with Common Tern S. hirundo. England, SW One locality: pair bred, success unknown. England, E Two localities: (1) pair bred, but nest washed out minimum of 38 young; plus successful hybrid within two days of hatching; (2) pair bred, but nest destroyed by predators. England, N Five localities: (1) 25 pairs bred, fledging 17 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 415 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 young, with northerly gales in June causing high chick mortality; (2) three pairs bred, fledging five young; (3) two pairs bred, fledging two young; (4) pair bred, nest washed out; (5) pair displaying, mating and nest-building on 11th- 12th July, not thought to have laid. Wales Two localities: (1) two pairs bred, fledging two young; (2) pair bred unsuccessfully and adult bred with Common Tern and fledged one hybrid young. Scotland, Mid One locality: (1) eight pairs bred, fledging eight young. Northern Ireland Three localities: (1) six pairs bred, fledging four young; (2) two pairs bred, success unknown; (3) one pair bred, success unknown. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 13 17 15 13 15 18 14 15 11 14 Confirmed (pairs) 164 172 93 52 62 84 74 72 66 54 Possible/ probable (pairs) 33 5 31 5 10 21 24 13 9 1 Max. total pairs 197 177 124 57 72 105 98 85 75 55 The worst year yet, despite three more localities in use compared with last year. In con- trast, the number of pairs recorded at Rockabill, Co. Dublin, increased from 557 to 602, with productivity of just over 1.0 per pair. At Lady's Island Lake, Co. Wexford, however, there was a major drop, from 120 to 47 pairs, though productivity, at 1.22, was good. Little Tern Sterna albifrons The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a sample rather than a complete survey. Area Pairs in 1997 England, SW 260 England, SE 182 England, E 561 England, NE 104 England, NW 9 Wales 80 Scotland 185 TOTAL 1,381 No comparison is possible with 1996 as the data received were less complete. Barn Owl Tyto alba The following information has been received. Several county recorders emphasised how incomplete their information was and have used estimates. Area Pairs 1996 Pairs 1997 Avon 5 7 Cornwall 11 1++ Devon 42 58 Hampshire 25 60 Isle of Wight nc 22 ...Continued 416 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal. : Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Area Pairs 1996 Pairs 1997 Somerset nc 19 Wiltshire 74 78 Bedfordshire nc 25 Berkshire nc 5-10 Buckinghamshire 6 3++ Essex 30 30+ Hertfordshire 5 nc Kent 26 15+ Oxfordshire nc 24+ Surrey 13 9 Sussex 24+ 39 Cambridgeshire 26 15 Huntingdonshire 3+ 11 Lincolnshire 22 36 Norfolk 59 22+ N orthamptonshire 55 40 Suffolk 20 23 Derbyshire 4 12 Leicestershire / Rutland nc 30 N ottinghamshire 22 22 Shropshire 3 15 Staffordshire nc 1 Warwickshire 10 12 Worcestershire 12 10 West Midlands nc 1 Cheshire 12 12-15 Cleveland 1 2 Cumbria 7 2 Greater Manchester 3 3 Lancashire 20+ 38 N orthumberland 16+ 19 Yorkshire 16 10 Anglesey 10 4 Brecon 5 17 Caernarfon 25-30 25-32 Ceredigion 14 14 Denbigh nc 4 Glamorgan nc 22 Gwent 3 2 Montgomery 11 21 Pembroke 20 21 Borders 1 85 Ayr 14 8 Clyde 10 12 Clyde islands 4 nc Dumfries & Galloway 62+ 150 Lothian 2 6 ...Continued British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 417 Ogilvie etal. : Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Area Pairs 1996 Pairs 1997 Forth 2 nc Aberdeenshire 3 2 Fife 0 0 Moray & Nairn 10 nc Argyll 41 47 Highland 12 80 TOTALS 821-826 1,251-1,266 The British breeding population of the Barn Owl was estimated at 4,400 pairs in 1982-85 (Shawyer 1987), and preliminary results of the Project Barn Owl survey, which was com- pleted in 1997, are suggesting a decline to around 4,000 pairs. Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca Three localities: three singles. Scotland, N Three localities. HIGHLAND One locality: male on 9th July. SHETLAND One locality: female (returned?) to Fetlar, 22nd March to 19th April. The last sighting in Shetland was in 1993. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis The following information has been received. Several county recorders emphasised how incomplete their information was and have used estimates. Area Pairs 1996 Pairs 1997 Avon nc 20 Cornwall 2 nc Devon 19 91-110 Gloucestershire nc 10++ Hampshire 28 13++ Somerset nc 14 Wiltshire 18 21 Bedfordshire nc 7++ Berkshire nc 11+ Buckinghamshire c.50 4++ Essex c.100 17 Hertfordshire 30 13+ Kent 24 7+ Middlesex 6 6 Surrey 29 20 Sussex 11 27 Cambridgeshire 31 10-19 Huntingdonshire 6 3 Norfolk 10-13 15 Northamptonshire 27 6++ ...Continued WESTERN ISLES Two localities: male on Lewis 29th May to 19th June and, presumed same bird. South Uist to at least 28th June. 418 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Area Pairs 1996 Pairs 1997 Suffolk 30 12 Derbyshire 20++ 11+ Leicestershire / Rutland nc 30 Nottinghamshire nc 70-100 Shropshire nc 12 Warwickshire n+ 10 Worcestershire 27 15++ West Midlands 6 20 Cheshire 7 22 Cleveland 1 5 Greater Manchester 30-40 35 Lancashire 16 50 N orthumberland 15+ 23 West Yorkshire 4 nc Brecon 12 nc Ceredigion 3+ i Pembroke nc c.50 Gwent 5 nc Montgomery nc 10-20 Borders 16 c.30 Clyde & Ayr 11 19 Dumfries & Galloway 3-5 12 Lothian 6 4+ Forth 6 nc Angus & Dundee 5 nc Fife 5 10 Perthshire & Kinross 1 nc Moray & Naim 2 nc Argyll 1 nc Highland 2-4 6 TOTALS 636-653 765-833 It is obvious that the information in the table is very incomplete. County bird clubs might like to consider carrying out surveys in order to improve estimates for this species. Hoopoe Upupa epops One locality: one or two present. England, N GREATER MANCHESTER One locality: one or possibly two birds in June and July in suitable habitat. Breeding could not be proved at this site because of lack of access, but the occurrence follows the breeding record in Wales in 1996. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Five localities: pair bred and four singing males. SCOTLAND, N & W young; (2)-(5) single singing males in late May Five localities: (1) pair bred, fledging at least two and June. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 419 Ogilvie etal:. Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 10 9 8 6 6 1 6 13 4 5 Confirmed (pairs) 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 Possible/ probable (pairs) 9 9 7 6 5 2 5 13 4 4 Max. total pairs 10 10 8 6 6 2 6 13 4 5 The first breeding record since 1993. The breeding pair and two of the singing males were in the same general area. Wood Lark Lullula arborea The results of the 1997 census are given in the table together with the figures for the pre- vious census in 1986. County Pairs in 1986 Pairs in 1997 Cornwall 6 0 Devon 12 53 Dorset 5 105 Hampshire 92 294 Somerset 1 0 Wiltshire 2 3 Bedfordshire 1 1 Berkshire 6 63 Buckinghamshire 0 6 Kent 0 3 Surrey 38 171 Sussex 0 71 Lincolnshire 4 37 Norfolk 24 248 Suffolk 49 457 Nottinghamshire 1 31 Staffordshire 0 7 Yorkshire 0 2 TOTALS 241 1,552 The figures in the table are the maxima for each county, the minima and maxima being 1,426 and 1,552. The more than six-fold increase in the last decade has been accompanied by some movement out of the 'traditional' habitats of young forestry plantations and heathland into low-intensity farmland, golf courses, orchards and coppiced woodland. In Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, many pairs are breeding on bare ground around old coal-mine sites. Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris One locality: one pair. Scotland, N & W HIGHLAND One locality: pair present in suitable breeding habitat in June. The first record since 1977, when a pair bred successfully. 420 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba White Wagtail M. a. alba One locality: pair bred. England, E NORFOLK One locality: pair fledged two broods of three and two young. A rare occurrence worth recording. Black Redstart Phoenicurus 67 localities: 33-99 pairs breeding. England, SW Three localities: 0-3 pairs. DORSET Two locali- ties: (1)(2) single juveniles seen in suitable habitat in July. HAMPSHIRE One locality: singing male in April-July. England, SE 37 localities: 17-52 pairs breeding. BERKSHIRE Two localities: (1) two singing males; (2) singing male. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE One locality: pair bred. ESSEX Three localities: (1) pair bred; (2) four or five singing males; (3) singing male. INNER LONDON & MIDDLESEX 11 localities: (I) pair bred, plus three other pairs; (2)(3) single pairs bred, plus singing male; (4)-(ll) single singing males. KENT 16 localities: (1) three pairs bred; (2)(3) single pairs bred, plus single addi- tional singing males; (4)-(10) single pairs bred; (II) pair; (12)-(14) single singing males; (15)(16) single females. SURREY Four localities: (1) pair plus singing male; (2)(3) single pairs; (4) singing male. England, E 13 localities: 6-20 pairs breeding. CAM- BRIDGESHIRE Two localities: (1) two pairs bred, plus two pairs; (2) pair bred but failed. LINCOLNSHIRE One locality: male in March- A much better year, with improved coverage of several city centres. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Two localities: 0-2 pairs breeding. Scotland, S Scotland, N & W One locality: single in late July with post- One locality: single in suitable habitat in May. breeding Mistie Thrush T. viscivorus flock. ochruros April and again in August. NORFOLK Three localities: (1) pair bred, plus two singing males; (2) pair bred; (3) two singing males. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Two localities: (1) two singing males; (2) singing male. SUFFOLK Five localities: (1) pair bred, plus singing male; (2)-(5) at least one pair may have bred. England, Central Seven localities: 5-17 pairs breeding. DER- BYSHIRE Three localities: (1) pair bred, second pair probably did, plus singing male; (2) pair bred, plus singing male; (3) pair bred. NOT- TINGHAMSHIRE One locality: up to two singing males. RUTLAND One locality: pair bred. WARWICKSHIRE One locality: juvenile found dead on car on 15th June, perhaps brought from some distance away. WEST MID- LANDS One large area: pair bred and up to six singing males. England, N Seven localities: 5-7 pairs breeding. CLEVE- LAND One locality: pair bred. GREATER MANCHESTER Three localities: (1) pair bred; (2)(3) single singing males. LANCASHIRE Three localities: (l)-(3) single pairs bred. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 421 Ogilvie etal.-. Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 7 7 12 12 13 7 5 5 6 6 2 Confirmed (pairs) 1 2 3 5 2 2 2 0 1 1 0 Possible /probable (pairs) 6 5 10 7 11 8 3 5 5 5 2 Max. total pairs 7 7 13 12 13 11 5 5 6 6 2 It is now over five years since establishment seemed imminent. Redwing Turdus iliacus Seven localities: 3-17 pairs breeding. Scotland, N & W Scotland, Mid Five localities: two pairs bred, plus 13 sites with Two localities: (1) pair bred; (2) singing male. singing males. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 39 22. 38 17 15 13 22 15 9 28 7 Confirmed (pairs) 9 10 12 6 7 9 5 4 3 3 3 Possible /probable (pairs) 41 30 39 15 13 15 22 15 11 35 14 Max. total pairs 50 49 51 21 20 24 27 19 14 38 17 A disappointingly small number of records received. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti 356-361 singing males. England, SW England, E 260-264 singing males. AVON Six singing males. 36 singing males. CAMBRIDGESHIRE DEVON 83-87 singing males. DORSET 29 (including HUNTINGDONSHIRE & PETER- singing males. GLOUCESTERSE1IRE Four BOROUGH) One singing male. NORFOLK 25 singing males. HAMPSHIRE 78 singing males. singing males. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Five SOMERSET 53 singing males. WILTSHIRE singing males. SUFFOLK Five singing males. Seven singing males. England, Central England, SE Four singing males. WARWICKSHIRE Three 33-34 singing males. BEDFORDSHIRE Three singing males. WORCESTERSHIRE One singing singing males. BERKSHIRE Ten singing males. male. ESSEX One singing male. KENT Seven singing Wales males. OXFORDSHIRE Four or five singing 23 singing males. ANGLESEY One singing male. males. SUSSEX Eight singing males. CEREDIGION Two singing males. GLAM- ORGAN 13 singing males. GWENT Two singing males. PEMBROKE Five singing males. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. counties 14 14 15 21 17 18 21 23 25 28 24 Confirmed (pairs) 31 24 12 19 27 15 11 14 15 nc nc Possible/ probable (pairs) 156 174 196 326 214 273 306 318 426 574 361 Max. total pairs 187 198 208 345 241 298 317 332 441 574 361 As is quite usual with a species which requires a determined effort to survey accurately, the year after a full census sees a considerable drop in numbers. 422 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.-. Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Rtver Warbler Locustella fluviatilis One locality: one singing male (Brit. Birds 91: 505). England, SE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE One locality: singing male at Linford Gravel-pits on 15th-16th June. Singing males have now been reported for five years running, though this bird did not stay so long as some have. S avi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides Four localities: 0-5 pairs breeding. England, SE Two localities. KENT One locality: singing male on 17th May only. SUSSEX One locality: two singing males during April and May; no evi- dence of breeding. England, E Two localities. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality: singing male on 4th-8th June only. SUFFOLK One locality: singing male from 29th April to at least 25th May. 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 16 10 13 5 13 13 5 7 2 3 4 Confirmed (pairs) 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 1 0 0 0 Possible /probable (pairs) 20 13 17 9 16 20 4 9 3 3 5 Max. total pairs 20 13 17 10 16 22 8 10 3 3 5 This species is only just hanging on. It was pleasing to see a return to Suffolk, but there was just a single brief record from Kent. Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris 17 localities: 5-32 pairs breeding. England, SW present; (8)(9) single singing males. One locality: two singing males on 24th May England, E and again on 2nd June. Five localities: (l)-(5) single singing males. England, SE England, Central Nine localities: (1) two pairs bred, four more One locality: singing male 29th May to 15th pairs present; (2) four singing males and WO June; it had been ri nged at this site in 1991. females present; pair bred and fledged four Scotland, N & W young, second pair probably bred; (3) pair bred. One locality: singing male on 14th June. plus two pairs; (4) pair bred; (5)-(7) single pairs 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 11 13 10 12 15 13 15 22 16 11 17 Confirmed (pairs) 10 6 11 13 9 9 12 0 2 3 5 Possible /probable (pairs) 11 14 11 11 23 26 46 48 29 19 27 Max. total pairs 21 20 22 24 32 35 58 48 31 22 32 An improvement on last year, but still well below the levels of the early 1990s. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Four localities: four singing males (Brit. Birds 91: 506). British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 423 Ogilvie etal. : Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 England, SW SCILLY One locality: singing male on St Mary's during 19th-23rd May. England, Central NOTTINGHAMSHIRE One locality: singing male at Netherfield Gravel-pits during 12th-29th June. Scotland, S BORDERS One locality: single male at St Abbs during lst-6th June. Scotland, Mid ANGUS & DUNDEE One locality: singing male at Loch of Kinnordy during 30th May to 30th June, and possibly to 24th July. The eighth consecutive year in which males have been reported in song. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata 915 territories identified. England, SW County totals: AVON 1, DEVON 147-206, DORSET 300+, HAMPSHIRE 73 in very incom- plete survey, ISLE OF WIGHT 10, SOMERSET 45. England, SE County totals: BERKSHIRE 3, SURREY 234, SUSSEX 38. England, E County totals: NORFOLK 1, SUFFOLK 4. A better count than last year, but still missing some important areas. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans England, SE England, N SUSSEX One locality: singing male at Beachy NORTHUMBERLAND One locality: singing Head on 24th-25th May. male at Tynemouth on 3rd May. Two localities: two singing males (Brit. Birds 91: 506). The only previous time this species has been mentioned in these reports was in 1994, when three males sang. Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus England, SW 11 localities: 0-23 pairs breeding. DORSET One locality: bird seen in suitable habitat. GLOUCES- TERSHIRE Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males. HAMPSHIRE Five localities: (1) 13 singing males (incomplete coverage); (2)-(5) single singing males. WILTSHIRE Three locali- ties: (l)-(3) single singing males. England, SE Ten localities: 1-20 pairs breeding. BUCKING- HAMSHIRE Two localities: (1) pair bred, plus four singing males; (2) two singing males. ESSEX Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males. SURREY Two localities: (1) Three singing males; (2) one or two singing males. SUSSEX Four localities: (1) Three singing males, including one carrying nest material; (2)-(4) single singing males. England, E Five localities: 1-5 pairs breeding. NORFOLK Three localities: (1) pair bred; (2)(3) singles in breeding season. SUFFOLK Two localities: (1) pair with male in song; (2) single singing male. 424 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rake breeding birds in the UK 1997 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 37 44 52 48 19 15 20 41 35 35 26 Confirmed (pairs) 8 11 19 9 2 3 3 4 4 4 2 Possible /probable (pairs) 74 72 112 88 20 16 25 62 52 56 46 Max. total pairs 82 83 131 97 22 19 28 66 56 60 48 26 localities: 2-48 pairs breeding. Even allowing for incomplete coverage of the important New Forest area of Hampshire, this was a disappointing year. Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus England, SW England, E DORSET 14 pairs. HAMPSHIRE 11 -12 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One pair, did not breed. SOMERSET 10-15 pairs. NORFOLK At least 44 pairs. SUFFOLK At least England, SE 13 pairs. ESSEX 20 pairs. KENT 39 pairs. SUSSEX 18 England, N pairs. LANCASHIRE 45 aairs. YORKSHIRE 70 pairs. The following incomplete information has been received, amounting to 285-291 pairs The comparable figures for 1996 were 221-232 pairs. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus England, SE which eight are known to have fledged 15 Two localities: (1) male in May, pair in June; (2) young. Two other pairs probably bred, there male in May and early June. were also pairs or singing males at ten other England, E sites. In addition, there was a singing male on 48 sites surveyed, with presence confirmed at 20. 15th May only, outside the study area. A minimum of nine breeding pairs found, of 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 22 35 29 38 27 37 33 34 34 22 23 Confirmed (pairs) 11 16 15 10 16 14 14 7 8 7 9 Possible/ probable (pairs) 20 25 22 32 12 23 19 28 27 15 15 Max. total pairs 31 41 37 42 28 37 33 35 35 22 24 23 localities: 9-24 pairs breeding, producing a minimum of 17 young. A second poor year in succession. The Panel is most grateful for the detailed information on the eastern England population supplied by the Golden Oriole Group. A paper on the breeding biology of the eastern England birds has been published (Milwright 1998). Red -backed Shrike Lanius collurio Scotland, N & W Six localities: (1) pair bred, four young seen in the nest, thought to have fledged; (2)(3) single pair(s) seen on single date in May, not far apart and so possibly the same; (4) male on 22nd and 23rd May; (5) male on 15th June; (6) female on 25th May. Six localities: 1-6 pairs breeding. British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 425 Ogilvte etal. : Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 No. localities 8 6 3 7 5 13 6 7 1 3 6 Confirmed (pairs) 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 Possible / probable (pairs) 11 6 6 7 4 12 6 7 1 3 5 Max. total pairs 13 7 6 8 5 13 6 8 1 3 6 A welcome breeding record after a SaP of two years. with at least one, possibly two. further pairs. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax The following information was received: Breeding Productivity Area pairs Young reared (pairs) (per successful nest) Wales Anglesey 7 16 (6) 2.7 Caernarfon (Bardsey only) nc 10 (6) 1.7 Ceredigion 17 48 (17) 2.8 Pembroke 50 108 (45) 2.4 Montgomery 1 Scotland Dumfries & Galloway 1 2 (1) 2.0 Colonsay 9 16 (6) 2.7 Islay (small area only) 5 3 (1) 3.0 Mull 2 0 Northern Ireland Co. Antrim 2 0 TOTALS 94 203 (82) 2.5 Productivity improved compared with 1996, when the young per successful nest was 2.2. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Scotland, N & W One locality: female with probable brood (begging calls heard). One locality: one pair probably bred. A welcome return after no records in 1996. European Serin Serinus serinus One locality: 0-1 pair. England, E NORFOLK One locality: male caught and ringed on 15th May. A disappointing year after the breeding record in 1996. No report was received from the West Country. Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Although this species is now on the Panel's list, by virtue of its being on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, no meaningful information was received. 426 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica The only information received on this species, new to the Panel's list, was that 11 nests were studied by the RSPB, from seven of which 24 young were reared. Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus One locality: pair probably bred. Scotland, N & W One locality: pair probably bred. It is now thought that many of the large-billed crossbills in Abernethy Forest are of this species. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Eight localities: pair bred and seven singing males. England, SE Two localities: (1) singing male on several dates in June; (2) male on 18th May. England, E Two localities: (1)(2) single singing immature males. Scotland, Mid One locality: singing male in June and July. Scotland, N & W Three localities: (1) pair bred, fledging at least one young; (2)(3) single singing males. The first confirmed breeding since 1992, though overall the species seems to be getting less common. A paper on this species will be published shortly in British Birds. Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus Two localities: at least one, possibly two, males. SCOTLAND, N & W tively. The two localities were not very far apart Two localities: ( 1 )(2 ) single males in full and it is possible that the same individual was breeding plumage seen in June and July respec- involved. There was a single male reported in 1995, which was the first since 1989. Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Four areas or localities: up to 18 pairs breeding. Scotland, Mid and N & W Four areas or localities: 18 pairs or singing males. The above is the result of limited survey work in one area, plus casual records. Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 360-380 breeding pairs. England, SW DEVON The sample tetrad survey now carried out on an annual basis, led to an estimate of 360- 380 pairs in the county. The breeding season was very poor because of wet weather and only 16 of 31 nests studied were successful, fledging 38 young (mean 2.4) with almost no successful second broods. 1989 1990 Confirmed (pairs) 36 48 Possible/ probable (pairs) 83 85 Max. total pairs 119 133 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 98 113 92 43 42 nc nc 143 207 269 369 337 337 380 241 320 361 412 379 337 380 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 427 Ogilvie etal.: Rare breeding birds in the UK 1997 The tetrad survey indicates a welcome increase in numbers after two years of decline. The Panel is grateful to the RSPB for the above data. References Francis, I. & Thorpe, A. 1999. The breeding status of the Spotted Crake in north-east Scotland. Scot. Birds. Gibbons, D. W., Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. A. 1993. The Nezv Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. London. Milwright, R. D. P. 1998. Breeding biology of the Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus in the fenland basin of eastern Britain. Bird Study 45: 320- 330. Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 1999 Honey-buz- zards in Britain. Brit. Birds 92: 345-346 Roberts, S. J., Lewis, J. M. S., & Williams, I. T. 1999. Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain. Brit. Birds 92: 326-345. Sharrock, J. T. R., Ferguson-Lees, I. J., & the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 1975. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1973. Brit. Birds 75: 5-23. Shawyer, C. 1987. The Barn Owl in the British Isles: its past, present and future. London. Stone, B. H., Sears, J., Cranswick, P. A., Gregory, R. D., Gibbons, D. W. Rehfisch, M. M. Aebis- cher, N. ]., & Reid, J. B. 1987. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. Brit. Birds 90: 1-22. Author Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Glencairn, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay, PA49 7UN The Rare Breeding Birds Panel is sponsored and supported by: JOINT NATURE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE British Trust forOrnilholuyy Letters Britain & Ireland I completely agree with the comments of Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (Brit. Birds 92: 62-63) and Anthony McGeehan (Brit. Birds 92: 212-213), and so do many others whom I know. I should, however, like to remind Mr McGeehan that, although Ireland is indeed a cheap twitch (as well as a superb birding venue), there are still many British twitchers who find it too tedious to visit their own local patches, never mind a birding trip or a twitch to Ireland. Since the late 1970s, I have followed all BOURC decisions, as I considered them, in the main, to be quite soundly based. I cannot, however, find any of its reasons (Brit. Birds 91: 2-11) logical for the foolish decision to divide up British and Irish ornithology along a purely political boundary when a permanent zoogeo- graphic boundary for the British and Irish region already exists. Tony Marr claimed (Brit. Birds 92: 213- 214) that the separation of the British and Irish Lists had met with widespread approval, and no complaints. This is at odds with the anticipated reaction in the BOU paper (Brit. Birds 91: 2-11), where it was stated: 'we think it likely that most birders will continue to look to the BOURC's British List along with the IRBC's Irish List in order to assess what to count.' This clearly indicates that the BOU was expecting its decision to be unpopular amongst 'most birders', which does appear to be the case. As I see it, the BOURC decision revolves almost entirely around legislation. If this helps law courts to deal better with bird crime, then it is an admirable and just aim. Even so, I still fail to see why it is necessary to split up the British-and-Irish unit in normal ornithological and birding matters. Why can these areas not be separated only for legislative purposes? The split has no benefits for birds or birders on either side of the Irish Sea and serves only to widen a gap between us. It 428 British Birds 92: 389-428, August 1999 Letters also appears, as I read Mr McGeehan's letter, that the IRBC played a major part in this split and that it appears to be out of touch with many Irish birders. Could the same be said of the BOU? A political and legislative division has begun to break the continuity provided by books, papers and articles on the avifauna of Britain and Ireland as a whole. Unless resisted, this separation will inevitably, over time, become established. On this single issue, I and many others (though obviously not those in Tony Marr's social circle) feel that the BOU and the IRBC have made a grave mistake and lost their credibility. What they have done to British and Irish ornithology only time will tell. I hope that BB will continue to report as much as possible on Irish birds, as it has done previously, and perhaps, in due course, the BOU and the IRBC will see the error of introducing the British /Irish split. Bill Simpson c/o Green Watch, Central Fire Station, Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FB Irish records As the body responsible for rarity recording in the Republic of Ireland, the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC) heartily endorses the excellent co-operative efforts which exist between British and Irish ornithologists, as highlighted recently (Brit. Birds 92: 62-63). However, it seems that, in the opinion of Dr J. T R. Sharrock, a great deal of this goodwill has been sullied by the non-supply of rare-bird records from the Republic of Ireland to the BBRC Report. The reasons for this decision on the part of the IRBC have been well publicised and the Committee's views were outlined in detail in the IRBC Report for 1996 ( Irish Birds 5: 475-478). However, it is worth recounting them once more. First, from a recording point of view, the IRBC is not and never has been under any obligation to supply information to the BBRC Report. While the BBRC's annual report provides a complete picture of rare birds in Great Britain, it has never fulfilled such a function for Ireland. Since 1953, all records of rarities in Ireland have been published annually in the Irish Bird Report but, year for year, only a small fraction have found their way into the BBRC Report. In the Irish Bird Report for 1994, for example, data on a total of 132 rare forms (species, subspecies and specifically indeterminate rarities) were published; the BBRC Report for the same year, on the other hand, contained data on only 32 (24%) of these. The sole parameter for the inclusion (or exclusion) of records of Irish rarities in the BBRC Report is the British status of the species in question. Many of the species dropped from the BBRC's rarity list as a result of increases in Britain remain considerably rarer in Ireland (e.g. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae, Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola, Pallas's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus and Euro- pean Serin Serinus serinus) and, in extreme cases, even species which are new to the Irish List may fall through the 'BBRC filter' (e.g. Marsh Tit Parus palustris). As implied by its title ('Report on rare birds in Great Britain'), the BBRC Report is not a 'Report on rare birds in Great Britain and Ireland'. As recently as December 1998, however, the authors of 'The ornithological year 1997' (Brit. Birds 92: 526-539) referred to the BBRC Report by the latter inaccurate title and, furthermore, they stated erroneously that 'all the rarities noted here have been accepted by the BBRC'. False assumptions such as these are symptomatic of the perceived status of the BBRC report with regard to a combined 'British and Irish' perspective, and the blind spot which continues to exist amongst part of the British ornithological community for the primary sources of information on Irish rarities, namely, the annual Irish Bird Report and Northern Ireland Bird Report, in addition to the Checklist of Irish Birds British Birds 92: 428-431, August 1999 429 Letters published by the IRBC in 1998. Secondly, the quality of the Irish data published in BBRC Reports up to 1994 is such that they cannot be considered a reli- able secondary source of information on Irish records - very numerous discrepan- cies exist between data in the BBRC Reports and those in Irish Bird Reports. The vast majority of these discrepancies arose through the different time schedules of the two reports: that of the BBRC Report dictated that Irish records be forwarded to the BB editors up to nine months in advance of the date of publication of the Irish Bird Report, by which time numerous additions and amendments (an inevitable part of the editing of any bird report) had been made. However, we wish to stress that we are aware that the authors of BBRC Reports published Irish data as they received them and that the responsibility for the quality of Irish data in the BBRC Reports does, of course, lie with the IRBC. We have little doubt that the BBRC would have identical reservations if it were ever asked to release a 'definitive' set of data, six to nine months in advance of its annual report, for publication by another rarities committee. Thirdly, our decision to discontinue for- warding rare-bird records to the BBRC Report was entirely consistent with our request to the BOURC to cease maintaining a combined British and Irish List. The BOURC's decision to discontinue main- taining such a list was long overdue and, with few exceptions, has been well received in Ireland. It has, in fact, enhanced the already cordial relations between the BOURC and the IRBC. The anomalous sit- uation remains, however, whereby the BOURC maintains a 'British List', while the BBRC continues to maintain combined species totals of rarities for 'Britain and Ireland'. As noted by Mitchell & Young (1997), for example, totals for Great Britain can often be computed only by deducting the Irish totals published in the Irish Bird Report. However, as the BBRC maintains its own set of Irish totals (which for some of the more numerous species deviate from the Irish totals maintained by the IRBC), the British component can remain only an approximation. This situation is difficult to reconcile with the otherwise meticulously high standards maintained by the BBRC in its annual report and, indeed, with the intense interest in rare-bird recording which exists in Britain. From a rarity-recording perspective, the arguments concerning similarities in avi- faunas presented by Dr Sharrock are by no means compelling and could be much more easily applied to any two contiguous countries than to two separate islands. Although Irish ornithology has existed as a distinct entity for well over 150 years, we would be churlish not to acknowledge the significant contribution made by British ornithologists throughout this period. This said, however, we believe that most observers in the Republic of Ireland favour the use of the Irish Bird Report as the prime location for publishing Irish bird records. We understand the term 'prime' to have two meanings here: (i) the first place where such records should be published and (ii) the main or definitive location for the publication of such records. While we do not endorse either a 'British and Irish List' or the piecemeal listing of a selection of Irish rarities in the BBRC Report, all data published in the Irish Bird Report may, of course, be cited by anyone, anywhere, including the authors of the BBRC Report, provided that the source is duly acknow- ledged. We do, however, strongly encourage students of rare birds in Ireland (regardless of their stance on a 'British and Irish List' ) to consult the primary and definitive sources of information on the subject. Paul Milne, Secretary, IRBC 62 The Village, Bettyglen, Raheny, Dublin 5, Ireland Reference Mitchell, D., & Young, S. 1997. Photographic Handbook of the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe. London. 130 British Birds 92: 428-431, August 1999 Letters The practicalities of BIRD CONSERVATION A recent 'News and comment' item (Brit. Birds 92: 268) questioned the value of establishing a third English release site as part of the ongoing re-establishment pro- gramme for the Red Kite Milvus milvus, and went on to say that . .in the very long term, the reserve mechanism is probably the only certain way forward for nature conservation.' I shall come back to the issue of funding and value for money of the kite project, but wish first to deal with the question of bird conservation outside reserves. As I pointed out recently (Brit. Birds 92: 174-175), many of our declining or threat- ened species are not concentrated in reserves, but occur widely in the country- side. The loss of species such as the Red Kite, Osprey Pandion haliaetus and Corn Crake Crex crex from most parts of Britain had absolutely nothing to do with any failure to establish a sufficient number of nature reserves. Persecution reduced numbers of the two raptor species, and the Corn Crake was wiped out largely by widespread changes in farming practices, notably the intensification of grassland management. It is the widespread intensifi- cation of farming that has, over recent decades, also been responsible for huge declines in widespread species such as Sky Lark Alauda arvensis, Linnet Carduelis cannabina, Tree Sparrow Passer montanus and Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra. These species will almost certainly not be lost completely, but, unless action is taken, there will be far less opportunity for people to enjoy seeing or hearing them in their local countryside, and bird conserva- tion will not have been well served. The proposal to release Red Kites in Yorkshire this year is part of continuing efforts by the conservation agencies, the RSPB and project partners to restore this bird to suitable habitat throughout the UK. The re-establishment has so far been very successful, but I would certainly not agree with the statement in 'News and comment' that the species is now 'pretty secure', or with the sentiments that establishing a third English release site is a waste of money. Red Kites currently occupy just a tiny fraction of their former, and potential, UK range and have been very slow to spread from the release sites. Moreover, monitoring carried out as part of the project has revealed that some are being deliberately and illegally poisoned, and that an increasing number are being killed accidentally through ingesting second- generation rodenticides in dead rats. These problems have been highlighted by our work on the Red Kite project, but, of course, are also relevant to other species. Work to tackle these problems, such as pro- viding information on the safe use of rodenticides, will help the kite to increase further, but will also aid the natural spread of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo and Pole- cats Mustela putorius, and reduce the number of Barn Owls Tyto alba lost through rodenticide poisoning. It is a fact of life that there is more chance of attracting private funding for work on high-profile projects (funding that would not necessarily be available for other 'more deserving' work), but this does not detract from the resulting wider bene- fits to wildlife. Ian Carter English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PEI 1UA EDITORIAL COMMENT As the usual disclaimer in the heading of 'News and comment' states, the opinions expressed in that feature 'are not neces- sarily those of British Birds'. We intend to continue to give the compilers freedom to express their views without censorship, even when these differ markedly from those of some or all of the members of the Editorial Board. British Birds 92: 428-431, August 1999 431 Reviews Collins Bird Guide By Lars Svensson & Peter J. Grant; illustrated by Killian Mullarney & Dan Zetterstrom; translated by David Christie. HarperCollins, London, 1999. 400 pages; 3,500 paintings; about 700 distribution maps. ISBN 0-00-219728-6. Hardback £24.99. Well, this is the one that we have all been waiting for. The idea for 'the perfect field guide' was conceived in August 1982 by Svensson, Grant and Mullarney during a meeting in Sweden. I doubt whether they thought then that the egg would take 17 years to hatch, and, regrettably, Peter Grant never lived to see the end result, having died of cancer in 1990. So, what is different about this, yet another guide to European birds? The answer lies in its thoroughness and accuracy. All three originators are ornitho- logical heavyweights and they have incorporated into the guide the remarkable advances in bird identification made during the last 25 years. As is to be expected of Grant and Svensson, the text is extremely comprehensive, and I was par- ticularly impressed with the sections on voice, which are refreshingly thorough. Despite the field-guide style, Svensson has managed to include some evocative flashes of inspiration, such as the comparison of the aerial acrobatics of Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax to 'an air-show pilot in an old biplane'. On the negative side, the cramming of 722 species into 400 pages has required the use of a very small typeface, whilst the transcriptions of some vocalisations will not always be easily understood by English-speaking readers; for example, would you identify 'silt suit stilt suit silt...' as the song of the Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita ? 432 British Birds 92: 432-433, August 1999 KILLIAN MULLAR XL Y. LARS SVENSSON. DAN ZETTERSTROM. PETER J. GRANT The illustrations are largely excellent and are refreshingly lifelike, given that they had to be painted in a rather func- tional style. Not surprisingly, the task of painting 3,500 birds proved too much for just one artist, so, in 1991, Dan Zetterstrom stepped in to join Killian Mullarney as the final member of 'the Fab Four'. What is amazing is that the two artists' styles are so similar and there is thus a remarkable uni- formity to the book (with the exception of two plates of North American passerine vagrants by Larry McQueen, which are painted more 'loosely'). One aspect of the illustrations which I particularly like is the annotations highlighting significant plumage features. So, what are the negative points? I can see little value in nit-picking at such a sub- stantial and comprehensive body of work, so I shall confine my criticism to two aspects. The first is the use of English names. Attempts to standardise these have met with some difficulties, so the authors were probably in a no-win situation, but what we have in this book is an unsatisfac- tory compromise, plus a few innovations, such as Parasitic Skua Stercorarius para- siticus, Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetus, Persian Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna and Hill Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla (Arctic Skua, Great Black-headed Gull, Red-tailed Wheatear and Pale Rock Reviews Sparrow to you and me). I would have pre- ferred them in Swedish! The other slightly puzzling point is the omission of some obvious plumages of common birds. For example, I was sur- prised by the lack of a summer female Common Pochard Ay thy a ferina or a first- winter male Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis, and even more baffling is the lack of some juvenile plumages, particularly those of most of the chats, wheatears and thrushes. For instance, we have five illus- trations of Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon, but none of juvenile Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Five colleagues and I recently 'road- tested' this guide during a trip to Spain, and we were all very impressed. Time and again, the point that we needed to check was either illustrated or mentioned in the text or both, and, what is more, we each quite often found ourselves saying 'Well, I didn't know that.' Given that the birds of our region are among the most intensively studied in the World, this book surely has to be the best bird guide ever produced? The answer to the question 'Is it perfect?' is, of course, 'No', but I can not see its being bettered. This is an exceptional book, which sets a very high standard for the new millen- nium. Keith Vinicombe Keith Shackleton: an autobiography in paintings By Keith Shackleton. Swan Hill Press, Shrewsbury, 1998. 144 pages. ISBN 1-84037-014-9. £35.00. Keith Shackleton's paintings never fail to impress. Looking through this collection of 80 pictures, as a fan of 30 years, I am still stunned most by the sheer impact of his beautifully composed Antarctic scenes, the single albatross drifting over magical ice- bergs and towering seas. But his subjects are many and varied, from softer English landscapes to ships battling against the elements, and from geese flying over the Andes to African Elephants and Baobab trees. The pictures were assem- bled from all corners of the globe for a recent retrospec- tive exhibition of Keith's work to mark his attaining the age of 75 and, as he puts it, 'codgerhood'. The book grew out of this event and he was persuaded to write the text himself - a happy outcome for the reader, for he writes well. The introductory chapter traces the course of his full and interesting life, and the paintings, arranged in chronological order, are accompanied by Keith's recollec- tions of events of the time and his musings on the paintings' subjects. This most comprehensive collection of Shackleton paintings ever published is ter- rific in itself, but the fascinating and often entertaining text makes an excellent read and reveals a good deal of the man. Thoroughly recommended! Hilary Burn British Birds 92: 432-433, August 1999 433 Monthly Marathon 159. Juvenile Dotterel Charadrius morinellus, Finland, August 1994 (AnttiJ. Lind) The affinities of the dumpy, small-billed bird depicted in June's photograph (plate 104, repeated here as plate 159) may not have been immediately obvious to some readers, the bird perhaps bearing a resem- blance to a dove Streptopelia or even a lark (Alaudidae), but more-experienced observers will probably not have been fooled by its apparent short-legged appear- ance, realising that it was sitting down. The background of dried mud may also have suggested its true identity as a wader. The very short, straight bill and the heavily patterned upperparts suggest a plover rather than a sandpiper, as does the habitat. Most of the Charadrius plovers have more-uniform upperparts, though some, especially juveniles, can show narrow pale fringes to the scapulars and wing-coverts, creating a scaly appearance similar to that of this bird. Few of them, however, show such a distinctive, bold supercilium, contrasting strongly with the lightly spotted, dark crown. The breast and belly look rather dark, and is that a hint of a narrow pale breast band? A number of these features could fit one of the three species of golden plover Pluvi- alis, with perhaps American Golden P. dominica being the closest, but several fea- tures do not really gel with that conclusion, particularly the very small bill, the shape of the supercilium and the pattern of most of the scapulars, which have very black centres reaching to the tip of each feather and large, pale, spot-like edges. Two of the scapulars are, however, quite different, having paler centres and uniform-width rufous edges around the whole feather. These are clearly freshly moulted and suggest strongly that our bird is a juvenile moulting into winter plumage. Only one species shows such an unusual combination of features and it has no really close relatives, until recently being the sole member of the genus Eudro- mias. It is a Dotterel C. morinellus, photographed by Antti J. Lind in Finland in August 1994. Almost everybody (96%) identified this Dotterel, most of the other 4% opting for American Golden Plover. Nobody misiden- tified it as a dove or a lark, but one entrant did name it as a Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca ; did he, perhaps, intend to write 'Lesser Golden Plover'? David Fisher For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or telephone 01767 682969. 434 British Birds 92: 434-435, August 1999 Monthly Marathon 160. ‘Monthly Marathon’. Photo no. 155. Fifth stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 320), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 1 5th September 1999. News and comment Compiled by Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of British Birds. Donana a year on We all know the story of the toxic sludge that spilled from the Aznalcollar mine in Spain on 25th April 1998. Spanish conser- vationists claim that some 70,000 birds have been heavily contaminated. There is still uncertainty about continuing environ- mental risks, but the Spanish authorities authorised the reopening of the mine in late April 1999. The long-term effect on the Donana National Park is still not known, and there are still wide discrepancies between the views of the authorities and the environmental movement in Spain. The contamination levels are, however, classi- fied as 'worrying'. It has finally been admitted that some 80 ha of the National Park were affected by contamination, and there are still some 30 km of the River Gua- diamar that have not been adequately cleaned. There is clearly conflict between the national and regional governments. The Minister for the Environment speaks of 300 kg of dead fish being collected, the Counsellor for the Environment of the Andalusian Regional Government says that it was nearly 30 tonnes. Some of the contaminated ground registers the highest arsenic concentrations anywhere in the EU, with levels of up to 300 mg /kg and a mean of 50 mg /kg (the safe level is considered to be 5 mg/kg). Comparisons of heavy-metal levels in 18 species of bird found dead or shot in the Donana region during the 1998/99 winter have shown that 40% of individuals have metal contamination below risk levels, 15% above risk levels and only 1.3% with lethal levels. It is believed that some 20,000 birds now contain high levels of heavy metals (arsenic, lead, zinc and cadmium) as a result of the Donana spillage. The cost of the clean-up is estimated at £250 million. The investigating judge has still to wind up the case and possibly level charges, but the mine has reopened. One still cannot be sure of the eventual toll on the wildlife of the area and that farther afield within Europe. 6 Parrots’ a winner Congratulations to our partner, Pica Press, on beating all the competition to win the Library Association's McColvin Medal. Parrots, by Tony Juniper & Mike Parr, won the award for 'an outstanding work of reference'. A very well-known publisher, who had expected to win, was actually overheard uttering that classic phrase, 'I'm sick as a parrot!'. British Birds 92: 435-438, August 1999 435 News and comment BTO-British Sugar Challenge The winners of the 1998 British Trust for Ornithology-British Sugar Challenge were announced recently. During the course of the year, birdwatchers kept a list of birds seen on commercial sites across the UK, varying from printing works to a North Sea gas-terminal. Outright winner and winner of the Large Areas category, with 189 species, was Anglian Water Services (Rutland Water). Other categories and winners across a wide spectrum of industry were Zeneca Agrochemicals at Yalding Fen, Kent, Small Inland Site, 73 species; British Sugar pic, at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Medium Inland Site, 129 species; Montell UK, Carrington, Greater Manchester, Large Inland Site, 136 species; Yorkshire Water, Blackmoorfoot Reservoir, West Yorkshire, Small Wetland Site, 122 species; Anglian Water Services, Pitsford Reservoir, Northamp- tonshire, Medium Wetland Site, 159 species; and Nuclear Electric Ltd, Sizewell, Suffolk, Estuarine /Coastal, 168 species. It all goes to show how, with a little thought and practical conservation work, industrial and commercial sites can be made attractive for birds. Grey Herons commoner than ever before Back in 1928 (Brit. Birds 21: 210-211), Max Nicholson, with Harry Witherby's encour- agement, organised a national census of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and recorded a little under 4,000 breeding pairs. Subse- quently inherited by the BTO, the National Heronry Census is now the longest- running survey of any British breeding species, although in some years only sample counts of key heronries are under- taken. The BTO has now reported on major changes between bird populations in 1997 More rarities from flying aircraft The record of a Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus seen from a flying plane (Brit. Birds 92: 266) may not have been so unusual as we first thought. Bill Bourne has drawn our attention to the only Cypriot record of Common Scoter Melanitta nigra (a flock of eight to ten) seen by Derek Adams from a Canberra bomber on 27th March 1957. Ken Hall has men- tioned the French rarity report for 1994, which records a Surf Scoter M. perspicillata seen from a helicopter during a census of seaducks on 1st February. Oscar Merne, however, must claim the top spot for the most frequent records. Casually referring to 1.6 million Lesser Flamingos Phoenicopterus minor seen from a Boeing 747 and flocks of Cory's Shear- waters Calonectris diomedea from a 737, he goes on to report a Little Egret Egretta garzetta accepted by the Irish Rare Birds Committee in the mid 1970s, seen from a Cessna 172. More recently, in March 1994, he spotted a Snow Goose Anser caerulescens (again from a Cessna 172) whilst surveying Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis in Co. Donegal. and 1998, and an increase of 5% in Grey Herons means that there are now more breeding pairs in Britain than at any time since the census started in 1928. Other key increases and decreases are: Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (-29%), Grey Partridge Perdix perdix (-36%), Stock Dove Columba oenas (+27%), Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (-33%), Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba (+23%), Wren Troglodytes troglodytes (+27%), Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis (-22%), Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (+24%), Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris (+28%), Tree Sparrow Passer montanus (-39%), Linnet Carduelis cannabina (-36%) and Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (-39%). 436 British Birds 92: 435-438, August 1999 News and comment Barksore Marshes saved In what is apparently the first case of its kind, the Secretary of State for the Environ- ment recently confirmed an order made by a local Planning Authority, revoking a planning consent which would have resulted in the destruction of important bird habitats within a Special Protection Area (SPA). The extant permission was for local reclamation by depositing river dredgings over some 80 ha of grazing marsh within the Medway Estuary and Marshes SPA in Kent, known as Barksore Marshes, where waterfowl, including Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta, breed and overwinter. Although planning permission was originally granted over 30 years ago, it had been only partially implemented. So, well done Kent County Council, for stepping in when the developer announced its intention of bringing the rest of the site into use. Girls about town Few of us are lucky enough to see Cirl Buntings Emberiza cirlus without making what is, for most of us, a long journey to their West Country stronghold. In serious decline for a number of years, there are now signs that this state of affairs may have been reversed, with numbers starting to show a small increase. So much so that some can now be seen within less than 2 km of Exeter city centre, in Ludwell Valley Park, an 80-ha open-access farm owned by Exeter City Council, which is surrounded by housing and office development. For the past two winters, a small flock of Cirl Buntings has been regular in the fields and hedgerows there. Not only have they attracted the expected birdwatchers to the Park, but many local users with only a fleeting interest in birds now take great pleasure in spotting the buntings, some of which have even been seen on garden bird-tables. Boycott “The Beach” Thai conservationists are asking people across the World to boycott the Leonardo Di Caprio film The Beach after the location, Maya Beach on Phi Phi Leh island, was bulldozed and native vegetation replaced by 20th Century Fox's idea of what an island paradise ought to look like (i.e. alien Coconut Palms). The really sad thing is that the film's story concerns conservation of wild places, such as Phi Phi Leh, which is one of Thai- land's foremost maritime National Parks. There is a website with more informa- tion (www.wildrockies.org/wve) and a petition is circulating on the internet (contact bryony@wildrockies.org), or write to Andrew MacDonald, Producer, The Beach, c/o Carol Sewell, 10201 W. Pico Blvd, Building 89, Room 224, Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA. Magpies and House Martins House Martins Delichon urbica nesting in the village of By worth. West Sussex, have had a new problem to contend with. Magpies Pica pica have learnt how to break open the nests and steal the young. On one house, six nests were all attacked in this way. Concrete nestboxes have now come to the aid of these beleaguered martins, but Alastair Burn of English Nature (North- minster House, Peterborough PEI 1UA) is keen to learn whether a similar problem has been noted in other parts of the country. If Magpies are able to learn this technique in the way that Blue Tits Parus caeruleus learned to break into milk bottles, he fears that House Martins across Britain could be in for a bad time. British Birds 93: 435-438, August 1999 437 News and comment Waders doing well on RSPB reserve We are all familiar with the steady decline of nesting waders on wet grassland. Only on key managed sites, such as bird reserves, do they seem to hold their numbers. With improved management, we can hope for increases. Good news in 1999 from the RSPB Nene Washes reserve, Cambridgeshire, where Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus have increased by 62 pairs to a new high of 183 pairs. Common Redshanks Tringa totanus increased for the fourth successive year, to 137 pairs, and Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago also increased, to 83 'drumming' birds. These population levels can never be hoped for outside a nature reserve. Mallow Tits We knew about 'Commie Terns' (unseparated Common/ Arctic Terns Sterna hirundo/S. par- adisaea) and 'Mead Warblers' (Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus singing rather like Marsh Warblers A. palustris), but Francis Greenland has now suggested the name 'Mallow Tit' for an undistinguished Marsh /Willow Tit Parus palustris/P. montanus (see Sussex Orn. Soc. Newsletter 149: 11). Both species have been in decline. The BTO's Common Birds Census for 1996 showed that Marsh Tits have dropped to 63% and Willow Tits to 50% of their 1972 population levels. New grants for Local Nature Reserves During 1999, English Nature is to launch a new grant scheme, the purpose of which is to encourage local authorities to make the most of their statutory Local Nature Reserves. It also hopes to encourage more local people to become more directly involved with nature conser- vation, and to raise levels of awareness, appreciation and knowledge of the local natural heritage that these reserves hold. Sounds like a worthy set of targets to us. For more information of how to get involved, telephone English Nature's Enquiries Service on 01733 455100. Recorders9 addresses • Pete Jennings, County Bird Recorder for Radnorshire, has moved to Penbont House, Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5HS. • Ron Youngman, Bird Recorder for Perthshire & Kinross-shire, has moved to Blairchroisk Cottage, Ballinluig, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH9 ONE. • We apologise for giving the wrong address for Giles Dunmore, County Recorder for Norfolk (Brit. Birds 92: 256). It should be 49 Nelson Road, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8DA. • Following the retirement of David Rees, the new Bird Recorder for Anglesey is Steven Culley, The Flat, Dale Park, Dale Street, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5 AH. • The new recorder for Northumberland is Ian Fisher, 74 Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7NB. • The new recorder for Fair Isle is Deryk Shaw, The Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU. • The new recorder for Bardsey Island is Stephen Stansfield, The Observatory, Bardsey, off Aberdaron, Gwynedd LL53 8DE. 438 British Birds 92: 435-438, August 1999 Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale & Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers 7th June to 5th July 1999. The text and photographs relate to unchecked reports, not authenticated records. Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris One 16 km south of Looe (Cornwall), 19th June, photographed from a fishing boat. 'Soft-plumaged Petrel' Pterodroma madeiral mollis/ feae Flamborough Head (East Yorkshire), 12th June. Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Over 250 passed Scilly, 29th June. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Messingham Quarry (Lincolnshire), 8th-llth June. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis The Lizard (Cornwall), 14th June. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Lough Beg (Co. Cork), 5th June. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Bird present since spring, Rogerstown (Co. Dublin), 9th June (has also been seen in Cos. Wexford, Waterford and Down). Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla Grove Ferry (Kent), 20th June to 5th July. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola Lound Gravel-pits (Nottinghamshire), 13th June. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Dungeness (Kent), 13th y to*. 161. American Coot Fulica americana, Walney, Cumbria, April 1999 {Gary Bellingham) June; Bedminster (Avon), 28th June. Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan Willen Lake (Buckinghamshire), 30th June to 1st July. Sabine's Gull Larus sabini Two, Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 2nd July. Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Nominate race (so- called 'Caspian Gull'), Rogerstown, 14th- 30th June. Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea Druridge Bay (Northumberland), 9th-10th June. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Cotswold Water Park (Wiltshire/ Gloucestershire), 27th June to 4th July; Flamborough Head, 3rd July; different individual. Spurn (East Yorkshire), also 3rd July. Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri Near Tollesbury (Essex), 5th June to 4th July. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster A dozen or more, including six at Richmond Park (Greater London), 9th June and three at Weston (Dorset), 11th June. Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Portland (Dorset), 4th July. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Great Saltee (Co. Wexford), 9th June. Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus From Cornwall and Suffolk to Shetland, six during 4th June to 3rd July. \ 162. Female Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albi- collis. North Ronaldsay, May 1999 (D. H. Hatton) Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Birds. Call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 41p/min other times; including VAT) British Birds 92: 439-440, August 1999 439 Recent Reports 163. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla, Cley, Norfolk, May 1999 ( Dave Nye ) 164. Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla, Grove Ferry, Kent, June 1999 {Mike McDonnell) 440 British Birds 92: 439-440, August 1999 BB BookShop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. 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Handbook of the BIRDS OF THE WORLD (Please note: 1986 Shorebirds (1998 reprint), 1988 Wildfowl (1999 reprint) & 1992 Kingfishers all now £29.99. 1987 Atlas ofWintering Birds is currently out of print) Book of the Month del Hoyo, Elliot & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World vol. 5 Barn Owl to Hummingbirds (Lynx) c.750pp, 75 colour plates, 400 colour photographs, 756 distribution maps £1 10.00) (was £8.95) (usually £50.00) 5.00 28.00 £17.99 £35.99 Q Hardback Special Offers Ehrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook (O UP) Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited EDITION (HarperCollins) Taylor, Seago, AJIard & Dorhng Birds of Norfolk (Pica Press) Pre-publication price £25.00 Price after August 31st £35.00 New this Month Chantler & Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) DUE AUGUST Greenhalf Towards the Sea (Pica Press) Hancock Herons & Egrets of the World: a photographic guide (Academic Press) Coming Soon - Order Now Clements A Guide to the Birds of Peru (Ibis) DUE DECEMBER/JANUARY No price yet Doughty, Day & Plant Field Guide to the Birds of the Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia (Helm) SEPTEMBER Paperback Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) SEPTEMBER Paperback Inskipp, Inskipp & Grimmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan (Helm) DUE NOVEMBER Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press! 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Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) South & Central America & Caribbean le la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) £19.99 Meyer de Schauensee & Phelps A Guide to the Birds ofVenezuela (Princeton UP) Paperback £35.00 french A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback £32.00 dilty & Brown A Guide to the Birds of Colombia (Princeton UP) Paperback £40.00 dowell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback £19.99 faffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) £35.00 hdgely & Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) vol.l £70.00 Q vol. 2 £70.00 stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) £40.00 Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, sarlow, Wacher & Disley A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal (Pica Press) £26.00 j-arbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) £30.00 ratter Birds of Liberia (Pica Press) £40.00 Harris, Shirihai & Christie The Macmillan Birder’s Guide to European & Middle Eastern Birds (Macmillan) Keith, Urban & Fry The Birds of Africa (Academic) Volumes: 1 £85 □ 2 £85 Q 3 £85 Q 4 £85 Q 5 Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands (New Holland) Kingdon The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals (Academic Press) Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) Porter, Christensen & Schiermacker-Hansen Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) Richardson & Aspinall The Shell Guide to the United Arab Emirates (Hobby) Paperback Sinclair, Hockey & Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helm) Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Field Guide to the Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helm) 560pp, 124 colour plates, 800 distribution maps. ’ Paperback Asia & Pacific Beehler, Pratt & Zimmerman Birds of New Guinea (Princeton UP) Paperback Coates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) Grewel & Pfister A Photographic Guide to Birds of the Himalayas (New Holland) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) Gurung & Singh Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent (Academic Press) Paperback Harrison & Worfolk Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback Hardback Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region (OBC) Jeyarajasingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Paperback Hardback Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdwatchers ’ Guide to India (Prion) Lekagul & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (Saha Karn Bhaet) Wells The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula vol. 1 Non-passerines (Academic Press) Australasia Heather & Robertson Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (OUP) Paperback £25.00 l_| Hardback Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes Q vol.l □ vol. 2 Q vol. 3 at £135.00 each Q vol. 4 £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Helm) Paperback Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback World Clements Birds of the World: a check list (Ibis) del Hovo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) Q vol.l Q vol. 2 Q vol. 3 Q vol. 4 Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) Monographs Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser) Clark & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Middle East and North Africa Paperback (OUP) Hardback Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) Q Feare & Craig Starlings and Mynas (Helm) Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (Poyser) Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Paperback Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds - the Icterids (Helm) Juniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) Matthysen The Nuthatches (Poyser) Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) Recordings, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Cramp et al. 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Names of plants should follow Dony et al. (1986), English Names of Wild Flowers. Names of mammals should follow Corbet & Harris (1991), The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edition. Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Brit. Birds 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Authors will receive proofs for checking which they are required to return promptly. Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) will receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Further copies may be available on request in advance, but will be charged for. L Enjoy Robert Greenhalf's encounter; with wildlife throughout the year. Towards the Sea Robert Greenkalf This new book offers a fascinating and vivid insighj into this talented artist's perception of the environrm in which he works. It reproduces many of his super] paintings and drawings which bring the birds and landscapes to life. Special introductory price of £35, ISBN 1-873403-89- OS I Ob British Bird 7olume 92 Number 9 September 1999 Common Rosefinch Non-native birds Booted Warblers British Established 1907, incorporating The Zoologist, established 1 843 Birds British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. Collinson, R. J. Prytherch, N. J. Redman, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertising Sales Manager Sandra J. Swift Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof. Colin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. 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Special introductory price of £35, ISBN 1-873403-89-5 For further information or a catalogue, telephone or fax: Christopher Helm, Pica Press, The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Fieldscope EDm A Fieldscope m For views like this, depend on nothing less For serious birdwatching, you need serious equipment. Equipment that stands up to all types of conditions. And for that you can do no better than the Nikon Fieldscope HI series. Because they deliver the outstanding optical per- formance and reliability demanded by those for whom birdwatching is more than a casual hobby The Nikon Fieldscope IH series employ O-rings and nitrogen gas for waterproof, fog-free performance. Plus all lenses are multilayer coated for light transmission that’s as much as 10% brighter than previous models. They also boast a built-in slide hood constructed of shock- absorbing rubber. 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Tel: 0171 378 6149 Walters Photo-Video, 6 Morlais Buildings, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan CF47 8DL.Tel: 01685 723 419 Warehouse Express, PO Box 659, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 lUJ.Tel: 01603 626 222 These dealers we feel can offer you the very best in terms of both advice and range on Nikon’s binoculars and related products. | For more information telephone 0800 230220 ' Nikon - manufacturers of binoculars since 1918. * Nikon on the Net http://www.nikon.co.uk Nikon We have been showing people birds around the world for 20 years Our new 2000 brochure has something for everyone, from birders' specials to birds and music, birds and history and Sunbirder events. For your free copy g J] British Birds Subscriptions Would you like to receive your own copy of British Birds? Do you wish to renew your subscription? Perhaps you would like to give a subscription of British Birds as a gift.. For full information about subscribing, contact: Erika Sharrock on: 01234 364366 E-Mail: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Panic ye not Remember those speeded-up films of agar-filled petri dishes with colonies of bacteria and fungi expanding and competing, rather like ripples on a pond if a handful of stones is thrown in all at once? If you are a gardener, have you noticed that there is a new major weed almost every year, just as your pre- vious year's bete noire has been eradicated? These events are similar to the behaviour of bird populations, which interact with each other, and with the changes in the for- tunes of their food plants or their prey, and with those of their predators, as well as with changes within their habitats, in both their breeding and their wintering ranges, in an incredibly intricate network of rela- tionships. Occasionally - very occasionally - a decline or an increase can be attributed mainly to a single cause. Ospreys Pandion haliaetus ceased to breed in Scotland because they were shot and their nests robbed. Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus declined in the 1950s because the high levels of pesticides accumulated from their prey resulted in the production of thin- shelled, easily broken eggs. There are other, similar examples. In the shorter term, the numbers of mainly resident Grey Herons Ardea cinerea, Wrens Troglodytes troglodytes, Goldcrests Regulus regulus and Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus fall during long spells of severe winter weather because these species rely on food which cannot be found when conditions are freezing for more than a few days. In most cases, however, there is not one simple answer. Not only are there many interacting forces - some beneficial, others detrimental - but, just as it takes some time for a speeding juggernaut to be stopped or for a steamroller to build up speed, there is also a momentum to change. Thus, it takes time for a population decline to be reversed, even if conditions are propitious, or for an increase to stop, even if condi- tions are adverse. If a population is in retreat, the sudden removal of the major factor causing the decline will not instantly create an increase; it will probably, at best, halt the decline, and perhaps only slow it 166. Male Red- backed Shrike Lanius collurio, at nest, Buck- inghamshire, July 1936 (H. G. Wagstaff) 442 British Birds 92: 442-444, September 1999 Panic ye not down; it may be a year, or more, or even decades before a decline is reversed and is converted to an increase. Bird populations increase and decrease, each species' range either expanding or contracting, all inter- acting, and all reacting with similar changes taking place in the populations of a whole range of insects and other animals, and with the usually longer-term changes in plant communities. The effects of weather and of climate change add to the complications of these relationships, for the 'pulsing', changing animal and plant pop- ulations would be increasing and decreasing, expanding and contracting, even if the weather was always the same and there was no climate change. Equilib- rium is an impossibility in the natural environment. Yet, on top of all this, there are the effects of human activities: shooting, pol- luting, felling, tilling, planting, destroying, and even creating (e.g. rubbish-tip feasts for gulls, reservoirs for waterfowl, and new conifer plantations for Goldcrests, Siskins Carduelis spinus and Coal Tits Parus ater). The hedgerows - the loss of which we decry - are just as artificial and man-made as are the fields which they surround. It is all unbelievably complicated. Searching for a single, simple explanation for any particular change in numbers or range, whether decline or increase, is almost doomed to failure, or more prob- ably a glib and facile answer. Almost every week, however, the mass media pick up the latest doom-and-gloom story of the decline of a species (usually a bird species) and 'the' reason for it. Even those who really should know better seem to ignore the fact that a decline may merely be a contraction from a previous expansion phase which led to the species extending beyond its 'natural' range and also perhaps into unsuitable habitats. The expansion phase may have been hundreds of years ago, rather than just the few decades which are within our knowledge. We have some record of status for most bird species in Britain for only the last 100 years or so, and detailed knowledge only for the past 40. These periods are far too short for us truly to appreciate what is happening: it is equivalent to observing the position of 167. Wryneck Jynx torquilla, at nest hole, carrying food for nestlings, Suffolk, June 1945 ( Eric Hosking) British Birds 92: 442-444, September 1999 443 Panic ye not runners in a marathon for one minute in mid race. For many species, we do not even know whether the species are in long- term decline, long-term increase or (are any?) static. In the past 40 years. Wryneck Jynx torquilla and Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio have gone from Britain; Wood Lark Lullula arborea has nearly gone, but has come back; Grey Heron and Hobby Falco subbuteo have just reached all-time 'highs'; and Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto, Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti and Little Egret Egretta garzetta have come. Did anyone predict that Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris and House Sparrow Passer domes- ticus would decline dramatically? Or that Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea would 'crash' so suddenly? All is constant change, and thank heavens we have the BTO and its members censusing everything in sight; thank heavens, too, that we have the RSPB with its research department and conservation planners concentrating on the species in obvious decline and the habitats in need of protection or restoration. It is, surely, our job to document what is happening, so far as we can? It is certainly our duty to try to reduce or compensate for the adverse effects of human activity. But do let us remember that there will always be winners and losers. Whatever we do, some species will benefit and fill the niches vacated by others. The Sky Larks Alauda arvensis, Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra and the like, whose decline is a current concern, are here courtesy of our ancestors who felled the forests, created fields and grew grain crops, enabling these seed- eating species to expand far beyond their natural grassland habitats. I predict that, one day, Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike will be back breeding regularly in Britain, as they were when I started birdwatching. I also predict that, when they are, ornithologists will not fully understand why. ^ JTRS Looking back One hundred years ago: 'We are glad to find that the Peregrine Falcon is still indigenous to Devonshire. Notwithstanding almost ceaseless perse- cution, the bird somehow manages to hold its ground, and eyries are situated here and there along the coast. ... there can be little doubt that railways would never have exterminated the Great Bustard from open wolds and plains, and its absence must be ascribed to far more direct causes. Alas! for . . . the Chough . . . not now known. . . to have any breeding station on the south coast, and whether the species will ever again recover itself in the county seems doubtful.' ( Zoologist 3 (fourth series): 330, July 1899) Also 100 years ago: 'Cirl Bunting in Carnarvonshire. - As an interesting fact bearing upon the apparent extension of the range of the Cirl Bunting ( Emberiza cirlus ) in North Wales (if, indeed, it really is extending its range, and has not merely escaped notice until recently in some localities it is known to inhabit), I should like to record that on the 29th June I watched, and listened for some time to the song of, a male of this species at Llandedrog, about four miles west of Pwllheli. I could hear another bird singing at a little distance.' (Zoologist 3 (fourth series): 322, July 1899) 444 British Birds 92: 444, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch in Britain and Ireland, 1869-1996 D. I. M. Wallace Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus (D. I. M. Wallace) ABSTRACT Forty-five years ago, the Scarlet Grosbeak Carpodacus erythrinus was one of those birds that (supposedly) you had to go to Fair Isle to see. It was there, on 13th September 1951, that I visually devoured my first dumpy, oddly amorphous but beady-eyed example, as it clumped about in the same crop as an immature Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala. Both were presented to me by the late Professor Maury Meiklejohn, with the nerve-wracking enjoinder T can see the rosefinch's bill and wingbars, Ian, but you will have to help with the bunting. I need to know its rump and vent colours. I'm colour blind.' That night, the late Ken Williamson commented 'Grosbeaks are classic drift migrants' and I remember, too, some discussion between him and the other senior observers concerning the (then still unusual) cross-Baltic movements to Sweden in spring. Not for a moment, however, did they consider that the species would one day breed in Britain. In 1992, when the Common Rosefinch, as it is now called, bred successfully at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire and on the Suffolk coast, its addition to the regular breeding birds of Britain seemed imminent. No such event has ensued. Since the late 1970s, the number of British and Irish records has grown so noticeably in spring that this trend, and particularly the 1992 influx, are likely to be associated with the much-increased breeding population of southern Fenno-Scandia. The most recent expansion of range from the Low Countries to northern France may, however, be a better platform for permanent colonisation than periodic mass crossings of the North Sea. In the meantime, the bird still shows the rather enigmatic behav- iour that has for 127 years characterised its British history, which is here re-examined in the light of its westward spread across Europe. British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 445 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 The genus Carpodacus (rosefinches) is the largest of the family Fringillidae (true finches) in the Holarctic. It is also the third-largest in the World, with only the more cosmopolitan Serinus (serins) and Carduelis (linnets and allies) being more diverse. The radiation within the genus Carpodacus is the more remark- able, given the restriction of most of its members to scrubby mountainside and damp taiga habitats in the ceiling of Asia, along the boundary between the East Palearctic and Oriental Regions (Vaurie 1959; Clement et al. 1993). In the West Palearctic, only four species of rosefinch occur, and only one is widely and continuously distributed: the Common Rosefinch (formerly called Scarlet Gros- beak and then Scarlet Rosefinch) C. erythrinus. It is also by far the most dynamic member of its tribe, having escaped two genetic constraints. It has adapted to less-elevated and drier habitats, which usually it enters in late May and in which typically it may spend as few as ten weeks, and it has become an exceptionally rapid, long-distance migrant, postponing its moult until settled on its wintering grounds. Among its congeners, these changes in behaviour have been approached only by the Purple Finch C. purpurea, which occupies the whole breadth of the Nearctic taiga. These two species have been regarded as forming a superspecies, but are not difficult to distin- guish (see Appendix 3). Having in the last two centuries pushed west from the southeastern sector of the Baltic Region, the nominate race of the Common Rosefinch now seems set on joining the community of regular summer visitors to most of central and north- western Europe. If it consolidates its footholds on the coasts of the southeastern North Sea and also secures Britain and Ireland, it will occupy (with its eastern counterform grebnitskii, which reaches Sakhalin) the third-widest range of any Palearctic finch. In its potential longitu- dinal distribution from 10°W to 140°E, it is poised to outreach from a winter range in the Indian subcontinent such classic long- distance migrants of the Afro-Palearctic system as the Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava and the Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. This will be no mean feat for a member of an originally montane genus. The bulk of this paper is primarily con- cerned with setting the British and Irish records of the Common Rosefinch into the general context of the species as set out above, and particularly against the most recent assessments of its Western Palearctic population. Migrant history of the Common Rosefinch Pushing west across north temperate Europe are a dozen or so species of small, predominantly Asian passerines. Seen only from the traditional British viewpoint of autumnal migration studies, these birds have long been labelled 'drift' or 'reversed' migrants. In the full context of each species' potential, however, they may actu- ally be reoccupants of prior ranges or pioneers of new beneficial distributions still opening up in the current interglacial period. Of these species, none has been known longer as a British bird than the Common Rosefinch. Its westward vagrancy has been detected in Europe for nearly two cen- turies. Among the first dated records of essentially Asian passerines in Britain (Witherby et al. 1938; Naylor 1996), only those of White's Thrush Zoothera dauma, Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis, Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus and Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus appear earlier. The European history of the Common Rosefinch includes two periods of west- ward range expansion and subsequent extralimital breeding and colonisation. Newton (1972), Bozhko (1980) and Isen- mann (1994) all referred to a first wave of birds that flowed out of Russia early in the nineteenth century - reaching southeast Finland, eastern Germany, and what were 446 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 then the Czech and Austrian parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - hut it later ebbed from all but Finland, when, between 1856 and 1897, a once-rare bird became quite common (Dresser 1897). A second surge started in the 1930s, or perhaps one or two decades earlier if the first noticeable fall and annual run of British vagrants is not to be ignored (see below). This expansion of range showed a strong pulse in the 1960s, and there have since been marked increases in population sizes within all the areas newly colonised, but particularly in the Baltic countries (Isenmann 1994; see also below). These regions, which lie mainly to the north and west of the long-established Finnish com- munity, are shown in fig. 1. Other, wider distributions have been sketched (e.g. Burton 1995), but, as the rosefinch tends to disappoint optimistic commentators, I prefer to be conservative in this paper. How do the essentially peripheral British and Irish records of vagrant Common Rosefinches relate to the changes in area and scale of its European popula- tion? To try to shed light on this question, the records are summarised below in three periods, each of roughly 40 years. The re- examination of the seasonal occurrence patterns takes into account all previous reviews, but rests mainly on the full list of ancient (pre-1958) records listed by Naylor (1996) and modern (1958 and subsequent) occurrences maintained by British Birds (e.g. Rogers et al. 1998; Fraser et al. 1999). 1869 to 1914 (46 years) The first known vagrant was caught near Brighton, Sussex, in late September 1869. Figure 1. Extension of breeding range of Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus in the West Palearctic since the late 1950s. The map is taken from the EBCC Adas of European Breeding Birds (Hagemeijer & Blair 1997), but, to demonstrate the essentially northern and western spread of the species, it has been overlaid with the ranges shown by Voous (1960; pale green) and BWP (1994; pale blue). The dots lying outside the shaded areas indicate the most recent extensions of range. Where these are seemingly directed south of west, the numbers of pioneers are invariably small (see text). The stronghold community still lies against the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Those that now reach the areas east of the Sea of Azov and in extreme southeast Europe could be of the race kubanesis (see text). British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 447 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 The second was limed on Hampstead Heath, then Middlesex, on 5th October 1870. The third was an adult male near Glascwm, then Radnorshire, in about 1875. The fourth was a certain female, caught at another traditional bird-trapping site, at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on 3rd Sep- tember 1892 (and kept alive in captivity until June 1896). The wholly southern dis- tribution of these records and the two inland localities are, in retrospect, remark- able, showing how differently (from today's observations of uncommon birds) the nineteenth- century preoccupation with hunting for collection and human gain pre- sented information on bird distribution. There followed an apparent absence of 14 years, but, during 1906-14, another marked change in hunting for specimens - the early exploration of eastern and northern islands, from Holy Island, Northumberland, around to St Kilda, Outer Hebrides - produced a small flood of records, numbering no fewer than 34 individuals. The only one in spring, the first certainly recorded for that season, was on Fair Isle on 18th May 1912. The rest were all found during the period 30th August to 3rd October, and no fewer than 17 of them occurred in 1913. In the same period, a night-migrant was caught at the lantern of Tarbatness Lighthouse, Ross & Cromarty, on 8th September 1912, and inland in England there were even more intriguing records, with one in Oxfordshire on 31st January 1912 (since doubted) and a male at Titchfield, Hampshire, on 13th August 1913. Did the last, dated well ahead of the normal September peak of autumn occurrences, and the earlier Welsh bird already hint of a status other than autumn vagrant? 1915 to 1956 (42 years) In this period, the Common Rosefinch was entirely absent from the national record during the six years 1915-20, and only one undoubted occurrence survives from the nine years 1939-47, indicating not neces- sarily its failure to reach our lands, but certainly the disruption of rarity-seeking and observation caused by the two World Wars. In the period between them, three were found in 1921, from one to three annually during 1924-31 and from one to five annually during 1935-38. It was during Table 1. Seasonal numbers of Common Rosefmches Carpodacus erythrinus in Britain and Ireland, 1869 to 1996 (adult males in brackets after total for each season). Years Late spring (May, June) Summer (July) Autumn (Aug.-Nov.) Winter (Dec. -Feb.) Early spring (March, April) No precise date Total Birds per year 1869-1914 (46) i 38 i i 41 0.9 1915-56 (42) 4(4) 86 (1) 5(1) 1 96 2.3 1869-1956 (88) 5(4) 124 (1) 6(1) i 1 137 1.6 Seasonal share % 3.6 90.5 4.4 0.7 1957-1961 KD 28 29(1) 5.8 1962-1966 5(1) 43 (1) 48 (2) 9.6 1967-1971 16 (7) 1(1) 76 1 94(8) 18.8 1972-1976 27 (12) 1 165 2(1) 195 (13) 39.0 1977-1981 61 (14) 3(1) 198 262 (15) 52.4 1982-1986 124 (20) 2(1) 203 (1) 1 330 (22) 66.0 1987-1991 204 (51) 18 (6) 321 (4) 2 1 546 (61) 109.0 1992-1996 369 (70) 9(6) 313 (1) 1 692 (77) 173.0 1957-96 (40) 807 (176) 34 (15) 1,347 (7) 5 3(1) 2,196 (199) 56.3 Seasonal share (%) 36.7 1.6 61.3 0.2 0.1 448 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 these last years that Fair Isle became the locus classicus. There, observers and collec- tors such as George Stout and John Stenhouse took on the earlier mantles of William Eagle Clarke and the Duchess of Bedford and produced a minimum of 22 dated occurrences between August and 23rd October and, surprisingly, five others dated from 4th to 21st November. Elsewhere in the 1920s and 1930s, there was a marked lack of more widespread occurrences, with none in England and only two on the Isle of May, Fife, which ini- tially had seemed set to vie with Fair Isle for the most occurrences of this species. It is likely, however, that the full Shetland record of the Common Rosefinch from 1915 to at least 1936 has been lost. Shet- land's other rival to George Stout of Fair Isle was Sam Bruce of Whalsay. Only five Shetland birds are now precisely attrib- uted, all in September and early October 1936, but it should not be forgotten that Bruce regarded it as an occasional autumn vagrant, of which the 1936 quintet were only 'recent' examples (Waterston 1937; Venables & Venables 1955). There were other even-more-tantalising Shetland records: early spring birds on Fair Isle on 2nd April 1926 and 7th April 1944, an adult male seen but not shot by Colonel Richard Meinertzhagen at Lunnanness, Mainland, on 29th August 1940 and, most fascinating of all, three on Fair Isle on 11th January 1930 and an adult male seen there 'at very close quarters' by George Stout on 9th February 1945. All of these have now been muddied by doubts (Dymond 1991, contra BOU 1971), although, as will be demonstrated later, the species has the ability to winter extralimitally and, as noted above, had already appeared on Fair Isle as late as 21st November. Even more tellingly, in 1945, one did survive our winter successfully, to be found near Fowey, Cornwall, during 9th-15th Feb- ruary (and remains fully accepted). With the ornithological reoccupation of Fair Isle from 1948, the status of the Common Rosefinch was quickly re-estab- 168. Juvenile Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, Out Skerries, Shetland, September 1994. (J. F. Cooper ). A typical autumn migrant. lished there as that of an autumn vagrant, occurring in every year except 1956 and in numbers, up to four, except for a remark- able 13 in 1954. Elsewhere, modern bird-hunting in the form of systematic searching for migrants at other observato- ries and similar sites soon produced records. A first-year male on Skokholm, Pembrokeshire, on 26th June 1949 became the second for Wales (and the second undoubted spring record). It was followed by other males at Dunrossness, Shetland, in early June 1954; and Durigrath, Shet- 169. Adult male Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, Bardsey, Gwynedd, 31st May 1996 {Ian Fisher). Note restricted ‘hood’ and bleached upper wingbars. British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 449 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 land, on 3rd June 1955; and on Mainland, Orkney, on 29th May 1957. Also away from Fair Isle, there were autumn birds on Foula on 16th September 1954; three on the Isle of May, one as late as 23rd October 1955; in Somerset on 5th October 1952 (the first one in autumn in the southwest); and at Spurn Point on 16th September 1955. In 1954, the second-largest influx yet pro- vided the first for Ireland, on Tory Island, Co. Donegal, on 8th September. After a seeming delay of 41 years, the bird had once again demonstrated its ability to spill through the Northern Isles and push on farther west. It is impossible to assess accurately the status of the Common Rosefinch during the first 87 years of its British history. It had been subject to at least three different modes of observation and many switches in island searches. In the nineteenth century, it may have been a truly rare vagrant, being outnum- bered for example by a normally sedentary finch, the Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsit- tacus, and the then most obvious Asian vagrant, the White's Thrush, but how many were then reaching the Northern Isles unseen? In the early twentieth century, the widespread influx to those places in the autumn of 1913 remains exceptional, the nine birds on Auskerry, Orkney, during 31st August to 30th Sep- tember constituting the first major and still amongst the largest recorded autumn island concentrations of migrant Common Rosefinches. It seems odd that this partic- ular influx has passed without prior comment, since it surely reflected a year of unusual breeding success or migratory vigour (or both) and stood as a record level of occurrence for 53 years. In retrospect, the 34 in autumn in Britain during 1906-14 present a contradic- tion to the reported contemporaneous retreat of the species from most of eastern Europe. Could they have stemmed directly from the never-faltering population of southeast Finland, or, less likely, the initial contingent that re-penetrated Poland in the 1900s (see below)? Yet, in the 1930s, there was no sign of the surge around and across the southern Baltic Sea, unless it be those unusual November records on Fair Isle in 1925, 1926 and 1931 and the three win- tering there in 1929/30. In 1938, The Handbook pronounced this species to be an 'irregular autumn visitor of recent years' to Scotland, effectively only repeating the verdict of Wardlaw-Ramsay (1923). No other status will ever be proved, but the full ancient record does contain hints of occasional overshooting in late spring and of both winter and early-spring occurrences. These seemingly aberrant records featured again during and immedi- ately after the Second World War. Others like them would appear in the modern record. The number and seasonal pattern of the ancient records is shown in the upper part of table 1 (on page 448). It should be noted that the work of Naylor (1996) showed that the only previous assessment of the number of pre-1958 occurrences, at 200-300, made by Sharrock & Sharrock (1976) and repeated by Dymond et al. (1989), was exaggerated. The actual number remains imprecise, still being plagued by erratic references for Fair Isle, where the official Observatory total for 1906-49 is not less than 47, but does not include about nine listed by Naylor (1996), who, in turn, has not listed at least nine others in the Observatory files. The total for Britain and Ireland up to 1956 is not less than 139 and probably not more than 148, certainly nowhere near '200-300'. 1957 to 1996 (40 years) In 1957, a male appeared in Orkney on 29th May and three reached Fair Isle in mid September. The Common Rosefinch was never again to miss a year in Britain, although the annual number remained in single figures until 1964. In a clear reflec- tion of its northeast European success, the bird went on in the 1960s to present two distinct changes in occurrence pattern. First, late-spring arrivals became annual from 1963; secondly, a substantial increase 450 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 in autumn appear- ances began in 1966, when 18 were seen (and the record count of 17 in 1913 was finally beaten). During the same period, the descrip- tion of the Common Rosefinch as a rather hapless 'down-wind drift' migrant came not to suit all British ornithologists. Only five years after the onset of annual records, Nisbet (1962) - in the then and still most trenchant criticism of the Fair Isle saga of autumn migration - demonstrated that the arrivals in the far north were far more regularly associated with northerly winds and falling or low temperature over Germany than with any other weather vector. Nisbet further suggested that rosefinch move- ments across the North Sea were executed by westward flights around the northern flanks of depressions centred over southern Scandinavia. Some of us who, unlike Nisbet, had actually witnessed the apparently miraculous falls on Fair Isle from 'drift along a foggy southeasterly' were appalled, but when, after another five years, Dolnik & Shumakov (1967) demon- strated that rosefinches were among the passerine migrants to present reversed standard headings in night-sky exposure experiments, the debate quickly ceased. Clearly, the cause of the rosefinches' increasingly westward dispersal was much more complex than brief changes in the rel- atively local weather of the northern sector of the North Sea. Looking at the evolving pattern of occurrence after the 1966 and 1967 autumn influxes of 33 birds, I. J. Ferguson-Lees and I (in Smith et al. 1968) pointed out not just the rise in numbers, but also their wider, more southerly geographic and later-dated spread. We also wondered whether birds from eastern (Asian) populations might be involved in the later autumn records, but no proof of this possibility has ever been obtained (see Appendix 2 for discussion of the limited racial differences). Later authors have concentrated on the contin- uing rises in numbers in spring and autumn and their distribution by county. None linked the upsurge in the mid 1960s directly to the contemporaneous pulse in the east European population, but, as already noted, it was the obvious engine for the increased British occurrences. The southward shift in the geography of the modern records is most easily appreci- ated by a comparison of the maps in Sharrock (1974), Sharrock & Sharrock (1976) and Dymond et al. (1989), the last of whom dealt with all modern records up to 1985. It falls to me to extend the seasonal summaries of rosefinch occurrences up to 1996 (see the lower part of table 1). It should be noted that the five-year periods begin not in 1958 but in 1957, thus allowing the run of eight half-decades of unbroken annual appearance to be analysed, and that the figures included for 1996 are incomplete. Birds reaching Ireland up to 1996 number 73, or 3.3% of the total up to that year. Their occurrence rate during 1987-96 is 4.6 per year or, surpris- ingly, only 1.6% of the last decade's rush of migrants (Irish Rare Birds Committee 1998). The geographic distributions of records in spring and autumn during 1958-96 are shown in figs. 2 & 3 (on page 452). The main change in the spring (up to June) pattern of distribution since 1985 has been the bird's appearance in at least 11 more regions of Britain and five of Ireland, in which latter country there had been no prior spring records. In Scotland, spring rosefinches are now noticeably wide- spread, having reached five more regions than autumn birds. The changes in the autumn (including July) pattern of distrib- ution since 1985 are not so marked, but birds have now appeared in all but one of the east-facing and south-facing coastal British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 451 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 * © 1-50 |g) 51-101 H 102-152 ^ 153-203 ^ 204-254 255-305 306-356 Figures 2 & 3. Geographical distribution by vice-counties of occurrences of Common Rosefinch Carpo- dacus erythrinus in Britain and Ireland in spring (left) and autumn (right) during 1958-96 (supplied by Peter Fraser). vice-counties and have also reached four counties in northwest England and southern Scotland, the Isle of Man and two more Irish counties. It is salutary to recall that, for the first decade of modern rarity recording, 1958-67, the map in Sharrock (1974) showed the Common Rosefinch in only 12 counties of Britain and Ireland. By 1996, it had reached over five times that number of vice-counties. In addition to the 1960s onset of annual spring records and first substantial and lasting increase in autumn arrivals already noted, there have been other apparently significant events. In 1972, there was another jump in the number of autumn records, with 36 individuals. In only four later autumns would there be fewer than 30 in that season, but, surprisingly, the short-term trend of Common Rosefinch occurrences was completely unaffected by the then seemingly miraculous autumn vectors of 1975 and 1976. Once again, it was clear that mere weather-related vagrancy factors were not the prime cause of its appearance and it was not until the relatively unsung year of 1977 that a new autumn record of 55 birds was set. This was almost matched by 54 in 1980, but not surpassed until 71 in 1988. Interestingly, 1977 also saw the first spring double-figure influx, with 15. From 1981, the trend of rapidly increasing spring arrivals became firm, with 45 in 1984 and 64 in 1988 representing new peaks. The coincidence of both a spring and an autumn peak in 1988 produced the first three-figure total in any year: 135. Only in 1990, with 96, has that level of annual occurrence not been reached since. In 1988 and 1989, autumn records mounted rapidly, to 71 and 93 respectively, the latter peak being matched in 1994, but the only real surprise of the modern period was the dramatic spring invasion of 1992. At first measured as 80, then 130, and finally at least 156 birds, this influx was sustained over two full months throughout the UK; it remains more than twice as large as any other spring arrival, except 1995, when there were 98. Even more strikingly, it was far higher (by 68%) than any autumn arrival. For spring overshoots to outnumber autumn vagrants was not unprecedented; such a balance between the two seasons had already occurred in 1984 452 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History ofthe Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 Table 2. Changes in occurrence pattern of Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus in Britain and Ireland in spring and autumn, 1957-96. Records incomplete for 1996; ‘late-spring’ records include three in July. 1957-61 1962-66 1967-71 1972-76 1977-81 1982-86 1987-91 1992-96 Indexed against all 1977-81 records (262) Late spring 0.4 1.9 6.5 10.7 24.4 48.1 84.5 144.3 Autumn 10.7 16.4 29.0 63.0 75.6 76.3 122.5 119.5 Indexed against 1977-81 seasonal totals (64; 198) Late spring 1.6 7.8 20.6 43.8 100.0 196.9 346.9 576.6 Autumn 14.1 21.7 38.4 83.3 100.0 102.5 162.1 158.0 and 1987 and has recurred in 1993 and 1995. What was unexpected, however, was the continuing strength of the spring influxes during 1993-96. For the first time ever, the half-decade spring total of at least 369 substantially outnumbered the equiva- lent autumn figure of at least 312. Thus, while the rosefinch's recent occurrence pattern may not have changed radically from that described by earlier authors, all of whom associated spring birds with the westward advance of Baltic breeding birds over at least six decades and autumn ones with reversed migration, the current pre- dominance of the former does suggest unusually dynamic behaviour on spring passage. This is further addressed below. The changing pattern of SEASONAL OCCURRENCE As the random timings of the major spring and autumn events described above show, the observed occurrence pattern of the rosef inches remains markedly haphazard. In only five years has a strong spring arrival presaged an unusually large autumn influx; only three marked autumn passages have been followed by excep- tional spring influxes; in only three years have both movements increased noticeably. There is thus no real sign that, in their first autumn, even large year-classes are espe- cially prone to 'reversed migration' or that they push on westwards again in their first summer. In addition, it is clear that the rate of increase in seasonal occurrence varies from half-decade to half-decade. Table 2 demon- strates this, showing the five-year totals for the species' two main seasons from 1957 onwards, indexed against the 1977-81 figures. The dramatically faster growth of the spring overshoots is made particularly obvious by these comparisons. Separate examination of the incidences of fully adult, red males in spring sheds no light on the reasons why that season's influxes have so accelerated. Since 1967-71, when they made up 47% of those in spring, red males have become relatively scarcer, recently contributing only 17%-34% annu- ally. The inference in the EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (Hagemeijer & Blair 1997), that young males are the chief pio- neers of new breeding distribution, appears sound. Certainly, they have out- numbered adult males by over 2 to 1 in the British breeding records, as demonstrated in table 4, but their true incidence in late spring and summer records remains shrouded by the incomplete information on ageing and sexing. In terms of individual annual gains, the virtual doubling of all records from 1986 and 1987, in total 141, by those in 1988 and 1989, in total 268, represents the highest over two years, but it is difficult to believe in any connection between the latter appar- ently abundant year-classes and the sudden spring 'flood' in 1992. Most of their numbers are unlikely to have survived British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 453 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 170. Adult male Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, The Hague, Netherlands, July 1987 {Mike Weston). Note pink-red rump. three or four years before retracing their first extralimital journey. It is also note- worthy that all the spring peaks of occurrence have been subject to immediate collapses, by around 50% in the first subse- quent year and 50% to 25% in the second. So, even experienced adults apparently fail to sustain their reach (or over-reach). Taking into account all records, it appears that a peculiarly dynamic species of finch is throwing itself at Britain and Ireland at an uneven but still growing rate. It is no longer just a classic autumn 'drift' or 'reversed' migrant and uncommon spring 'overshoot'. From 1992, it has first poured and then annually streamed across the North Sea in May and June; it summers annually, and, regardless of the doubts expressed on the old winter records, a few have reappeared in winter and just as sur- prisingly in early spring. In autumn, the pattern is still 'typical of an eastern vagrant, pointing to an arrival across the North Sea, followed by a proportion of birds drifting southwest' (Dymond et al. 1989). The recall of 'drift migration' in this description is intriguing. As has already been noted, that stratagem is firmly denied the rosefinch in the context of a North Sea crossing; yet it has been (perhaps uncon- sciously) reinvoked as an explanation for onward passage through and across Britain on a southwesterly (not northwesterly) heading, still 90° off the species' standard direction. 'If lost, go with the flow' may be a some- what late and despairing apology for the original concept of Ken Williamson, but, if a species has to adapt its innate migratory behaviour in an emer- gency or correct a mistake, its immediate survival will be most advantaged by following other more- correctly oriented birds along their paths. Certainly, there are still no widespread signs in the rosefinch's autumn occurrence pattern of mounting passage to the Hebrides, where it remains erratic, or to the Faroe Islands and Iceland, where it is classed as an accidental (Cramp & Perrins 1994). In the former archipelago, only 320 km northwest of Shetland, there had been none up to 1948 and only one in spring and three in autumn since then (Williamson 1948; Clement et al. 1993). Only in Iceland, another 400 km farther to the northwest (and so more aligned to the species' pre- ferred line of advance), has there been any upsurge similar to that in Britain and Ireland (Cramp & Perrins 1994); there, the total number of records had reached 29 by 1989 and 43 by 1996 (Gunnlaugur Petursson in lift.). Once again, the local dif- ficulties of divining the true occurrence pattern of the rosefinch are evident. Nevertheless, the whole story tells of an extraordinary, generically aberrant passerine that has been extending its distri- bution westwards in a second, at least 70-year-long population surge, but which is also at the extreme end of its migratory capabilities. Joint occurrence patterns OF ROSEFINCHES AND FELLOW- TRAVELLING SPECIES 454 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History ofthe Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 It seems odd now, but 20 years ago there was still some doubt about the reality of the increase in rosefinch occurrences. Shar- rock & Sharrock (1976) were concerned to demonstrate whether the phenomenon was actually greater than that to be expected from the generally increased activity of migrant-seeking birdwatchers. Reviewing the 1958-72 records, they noted that, as Fair Isle's recording practice was relatively fixed, the 15-year trend towards increasing occurrences there was certain, and thus the similar national trend was also likely to be genuine (see also below). Laudably, Sharrock & Sharrock (1976) also introduced general tests of the recent and long-term trends in rarity numbers, arguing essentially that, for a rare or uncommon bird to be safely accredited with a real increase, the growth in the number of its records should exceed that for all such birds. Against all Palearctic rar- ities during 1958-72, the Common Rosefinch did not unquestionably pass the test for recent 'steady increase', but it prob- ably did so. (Against all rarities up to 1958, it showed little change in trend and could even have been decreasing. This assess- ment must now be discarded, owing to the exaggeration of the total number of ancient records included in the Sharrocks' calcula- tion but corrected above.) For the years since 1973, it has become difficult to repeat the Sharrocks' recent-trend test. In the first decade to 1982, it appears that the number of occurrences of rare Palearctic species grew by at least 34% and the number of rosefinches increased by at least 66%. Thereafter, the changes in rarity classifica- tion and, above all, the continuing lack of an accurate annual measurement of rarity hunting (in all its modes) makes me shy of extending their analyses. Instead, I have looked at the trend of occurrence of the Common Rosefinch in relation to the general trend for the other passerines that are known to be extending their breeding ranges to the west. Drawing on the conclusions of Burton (1995), I judge there to be 12 such species. Table 3 sum- marises their records and those of the rosefinch in the three periods analysed by Sharrock & Sharrock (1976), Dymond et al. (1989) and myself. Clearly, the rosefinch has always been and remains by far the commonest of the group, with its share of all recent group records rising from 54% in the 15 years 1958-72 to 60% in the next 13 and up to 69% during 1986-95. By using the annual average number for these three Table 3. Changes in the annual occurrence rates (birds per year in Britain and Ireland) of 12 passerines breeding sympatrically with Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus in Finland and/or North Russia. * Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata, Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola , Blyth’s Reed Warbler A. dumetorum , Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata, PendulineTit Remiz pendulinus. ** Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola , Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia, Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus , River Warbler L. Jluviatilis, Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides, Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica, Yellow-breasted Bunting E. aureola. BRITAIN AND IRELAND FAIR ISLE ONLY (a) (b) (c) Ratio of (d) (e) (6 (g) Ratio of 1958-72 1973-85 1986-95 (c)/(a) 1958-67 1968-77 1978-87 1988-96 (g)/(d) Five species* showing higher increases in annual rate than Common Rosefinch: 0.9 5.6 18.6 20.7 (10.3-84.0) 0.5 1.2 1.7 3.1 6.2 Common Rosefinch 13.9 51.8 140.9 10.1 3.0 17.5 15.0 74.4 24.8 Seven species** showing lower increases in annual rate than Common Rosefinch: 11.2 28.5 44.4 4.0 (3.8-6.0) 2.0 6.4 9.2 9.2 4.6 (2.2-6.7) All 13 species 26.0 85.9 203.9 7.8 (3.8-84.0) 5.5 20.1 25.9 36.7 6.7 (2.0-8.2) British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 455 History of the Common Roseftnch, 1869-1996 unequal periods of complete counts, the specific rates of occurrence can be com- pared. These vary widely, but the rosefinch continues to outnumber all its sympatric fellow-travellers. Interestingly, however, the rosefinch's rates of periodic increase for 1973-85 and 1986-95 are not individually the highest in those periods. In the first, the records of Lanceolated Locustella lanceolata and Paddyfield Warblers Acrocephalus agri- cola and, in both, those of Blyth's Reed A. dumetorum and Booted Warblers Hippolais caligata and Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus actually grew faster. Of the 12 other sym- patric passerines coming along the rosefinch's tracks, at least the last-named three could be said to be gaining on it, but admittedly from a long way back. One further aside may be warranted. The close temporal association of three of the seven pre-1945 Lanceolated Warblers and at least six of the nine or ten pre-1945 Blyth's Reed Warblers with rosefinch arrivals suggests that, although the rosefinches often appear to be rather unre- lated to falls of other species, they may indeed all stem from Finland and northern Russia. As demonstrated below, these areas clearly form the 'stronghold community' from which the westward expansion of most members of the group apparently originate. In their demonstration of recently changed avian ranges in Europe, Sharrock & Hilden (1983) picked out two essentially eastern passerines as largely increasing. These were Blyth's Reed Warbler (in four Figure 4. Spring totals of Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus on Fair Isle, Shetland, 1973-96. out of six reporting countries) and the rosefinch (in ten out of 13). Finally, Vini- combe & Cottridge (1996) have added further precision to Burton's (1995) conclu- sions and have detailed marked westward expansion - within the areas invaded by the rosefinch - by Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola, Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia, Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis, Paddyfield Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides, Penduline Tit and Rustic Bunting Ember iza rustica. Thus, Lanceolated Warbler and Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola appear to be the only two species in the group whose British records lack the engine of new or enlarging European pop- ulations and so must come from farther east than rosefinches and the other nine species. Recent occurrence pattern OF ROSEFINCHES ON FAIR ISLE Although Dr R. Riddington (in lift.) has made the fascinating observation that, because of changes in its crops. Fair Isle's recent suitability to rosefinches may actu- ally have fallen - as it has for sparrows Passer - it is still true that more of them appear regularly there than anywhere else. Fair Isle's share of all those reported in Britain and Ireland was 54% up to 1958, 33% in the next decade, then 28% and finally 17% during 1988-97. Since 1973, three resident observers (covering Fair Isle systematically within Figure 5. Autumn totals of Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus on Fair Isle, Shetland, 1973-96. 456 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History ofthe Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 171. Adult male Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus singing, Scotland, July 1984 (Angus Hogg). Note marked wear of wingbars on this late-summer bird, and obvious scarlet ‘hood’. the daily census routine) have provided a reasonably constant count register of all migrants. Drawing on this. Dr Riddington has provided clear proof (figs. 4 & 5) that rosefinch occurrences are continuing to increase at statistically significant rates, particularly in spring. For records in that season, 1992 and 1995 were exceptional years, with 78 bird-days in May-June (and a peak count of 12) in 1992 and 77 (and a peak of 17) in 1995. Even if those remark- able influxes are excluded from the spring analysis, there is still a significant increase in North Sea crossings at the latitude of Fair Isle in that season. Elsewhere along the western coast of the North Sea, such clear trends are nowhere apparent except perhaps on the Isle of May, Fife. Lying only 386 km to the south of Fair Isle, it was reached by six of the first 18 Scottish birds, during 1906-14, but then failed to attract more than four birds per decade up to 1976. It produced nine during 1977-86 and at least 25 in the last decade (I. M. Darling in litt.). The marked dichotomy of occurrence strength between the two longest-established Scottish obser- vatories is surprising, but even the most direct over-sea approach to the Isle of May is 200 km longer than that to Fair Isle, and the latter island has no crops /at all. Anxious to make the most of the Fair Isle records, I have also assessed them against the trends for the other 12 passer- ines expanding westwards. Table 3 also shows that the Fair Isle records alone demonstrate, once again, the group phe- nomenon of striking increase. Within this, the rosefinch is clearly pre-eminent, but in one or two of the three most recent decades only the Red-flanked Bluetail and the (still absent from Fair Isle) Penduline Tit have not shown at least one greater rate of increased sighting. In observing this, I do not wish to imply that, in the short term, there will be other colonisations of Western Europe of a similar scale to that of the rosefinch. It is just that the genetic and migratory momenta for such expansions may not remain the exclusive preserve of that species. It is salutary to remember that, prior to 1835, the Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris was not proved to occur in Scandinavia (Dresser 1897). Yet most of us would now regard it as a typical, even ancestral member of that region's avifauna. British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 457 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 Review of European and British breeding records Within the eastern half of the Western Palearctic, the second surge of the Common Rosefinch has in the last 70 years produced a huge incremental population, but its advance farther west has been neither evenly paced nor ubiquitous. In the following summary of the European breeding populations and then the few British breeding successes, the main refer- ences have been Isenmann (1994), Cramp & Perrins (1994), Hagemeijer & Blair (1997), Snow & Perrins (1998), and 'Euro- pean news' and the annual reports of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel in British Birds. Where the latest population estimates vary, the first comes from BWP or BWPC and the second figure (in parantheses) is that given by Hagemeijer & Blair (1997). The main stronghold of breeding rosefinches - and the most likely source of westward pioneers - lies in Russia, where population growth was first noted in the 1930s, and the total is now estimated to be between 1 million and 10 million pairs. Along Russia's western borders, from Belarus north to Finland, there are now another 410,000 to 610,000 (or 505,000) pairs. The most rapid growth of the Finnish population began in the 1940s, but the most adventurous birds had already pushed through that country and the Baltic islands to Sweden in the 1930s, with a first isolated breeding record in 1938. Colonisa- tion began in 1949, and at least 10,000 to perhaps 50,000 (or around 20,000) pairs now inhabit Sweden. Since 1970, and par- ticularly from 1982, some 2,500 pairs have colonised southern Norway. Since perhaps 1966 and certainly 1972, Denmark has attracted 250 to 300 pairs, though not without at least one collapse at a major site. Thus, within the latitudes common to the Baltic region and northern Britain, the above expansion of range and numbers has secured for the species a regular summer population - west of Russia - of over 420,000 pairs. Since rosefinches lay an average of five eggs and usually fledge over 50% of them, the minimum potential number of juveniles reared annually by this community is probably around 1 million. The re-penetration of Poland began as long ago as the 1900s, but westward expan- sion was not noted until the late 1950s. The Polish breeding population of 2,000-5,000 pairs still remains small by comparison with that of the adjacent Baltic countries. Germany was not occupied until 1967 or 1968. In 1974, the initial coastal population spread into eastern inland areas and, by 1982, the total community had reached 400 to 1,000 (or 500 to 1,500) pairs. Since 1987, rosefinches have also colonised the Netherlands (50-60 pairs in 1992), Belgium and northwest France (ten pairs in 1993), but this geographically peripheral community has yet to exceed 80 pairs in total. Thus, within the latitudes common to the southern North Sea and southern England, the expansion has pro- duced a relatively tiny population of only 2,500-6,000 pairs and a minimum potential fledging of only 6,000 juveniles. More recent news from France suggests, however, that the rosefinch's tenure of its westernmost Continental perch may be insecure. Reports for Pas-de-Calais in 1993 included up to 16 males, four nests and one family, but in 1994 only four or five males reappeared (Dubois 1996; Dubois et al. 1996). The spread of the rosefinch into other central and southern European countries has been less measured. The former Czechoslovakia was invaded between 1959 and 1968, with 80-130 pairs located in the mid 1970s, but it was not until 1983 and 1984 that a substantial increase, with up to 30 pairs at favoured localities and 300-450 pairs in all, was noted. To the south of there, however, the progress of the rosefinch - faced by the full arc of alpine habitats that run from Romania to Switzer- land and southeastern France - has clearly been insubstantial. There was no certain breeding record in Austria before 1973 or 1974, in Slovenia before 1978 and in 458 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 Switzerland before 1979. There are now 850-1,450 pairs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia combined, but, elsewhere in south-central Europe, the only population estimates are 50-100 pairs in Austria and a mere ten pairs in Switzerland in 1989, although in this last country 40 sites were mapped in 1993 and 1994 (Volet & Schmid 1995). Eastern upland France was, however, reached in 1985 and is still being colonised, with first proof of breeding in Haute-Savoie in 1997 (Desmet 1997). There can be no doubt that the rosefinch is pene- trating central Europe, with 910-1,500 pairs capable of producing over 2,000 juveniles. Southwest of Russia, there are appar- ently no substantial rosefinch communities, and the species' expansion into the coun- tries north and west of the Black Sea has been even slower (or less detected) than that into central Europe. There was no breeding record for Romania before 1981, and none for Bulgaria up to 1993, and it had still to be successful in Hungary up to 1996. The only population estimate, of ten to 50 pairs, is for Romania. Significantly, even in Ukraine, where there are no moun- tain barriers, there was no breeding in the west before 1987, and there were still only 250-600 pairs in 1990. In comparison with the Russian population, this last commu- nity is puny. The general assumption, that all the east European records of breeding rosefinches stem from the advance of the nominate race, may yet be questioned, for the south- west Asia race kubanensis is also breaking its normal bounds (see below) and could be set to encircle the Black Sea. Breeding in the Crimea began in 1991, and the western Turkish population of undoubted kuba- nensis is now estimated to be 5,000-50,000 pairs. This will produce a much bigger potential of pioneers than any other of the communities summarised above for the European regions south of the Baltic. The two races may well meet (or could already have met) in Ukraine or the Balkans. As already noted, the nominate race of the rosefinch has, in its occupation of western and central Europe to date, been a far more successful colonist north of an axis than rims ESE of southern Norway, or from the latitudes of 58°-62°N, to its north- ernmost winter haunts in India, or to a latitude of 45°N or below. The fortunes of the species outside this long-inherited vector are far less substantial. Twist the map any way you like and Britain and Ireland remain below the northern birds' preferred direction of advance. Growth rates have been estimated for several coun- tries, but lack any common denominator. It is possible that the massive eastern Baltic community has reached the point of habitat saturation; there has been no recent further increase in Finland (Lasse Laine verbally). Elsewhere in Europe, most mea- sured increases have come from peripheral countries and are as yet insufficient in numbers (and length of tenure) to be counted as secured growth (other than in Denmark, where the population has multi- plied five-fold in the early 1990s). It is difficult to consider its members as other than more-forceful pioneers of the suc- cessful south Baltic hordes. The measurement of the erratic and rela- tively minuscule British contingent of breeding rosefinches has not been easy. The Rare Breeding Birds Panel has, however, given them a place in its annual report since 1982, the year of the first proven and presumed successful attempt in Scotland (Mullins 1984). To repeat the annual RBBP summaries here would be superfluous. In any case, I am far from convinced that the presence of a male rosefinch, even if he sings persistently in a territory, should be interpreted as more than just that. Nevertheless, the odds are that there are always more rosefinches present than those observed. It took much effort from four experienced observers, with up to three assistants, to keep tabs on the Flambor- ough birds, even though they were confined mainly to little more than a square mile (26 ha) of mostly open habitat (see fig. 6). What focused attention from most observers in both 1991 and 1992 was British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 459 History ofthe Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 the presence of other young male rosefinches which sang with (or against) the adult or young males which eventually paired or bred. The formation of trios rather than pairs is well known elsewhere in the species' range, and is clearly linked to its highly social breeding behaviour, which may include semi-colonial groupings and even polygyny. Where most successful, rosefinches breed in close proximity and at remarkably high densities. Nests can be only a few metres apart, and 200 pairs per km2 have been recorded. Even after long migratory hauls, the urgency of their reproductive drive is undiminished and immediately that the males have found mates, which usually appear within four days, they settle to breed. With eggs in the nest, they become secretive and show again only when their young hatch and require food (Cramp & Perrins 1994). The proof of certain or probable British breeding attempts remains confined to the 11 years 1982-92. (The raising of three young by a pair in Cumbria and the coun- terpart singing of two males in Co. Mayo in 1998 are outwith the compass of this paper.) In total, these featured at least nine pairs, although in 1992 a further six (perhaps nine) individuals were associ- ating with the breeding birds. Details of the breeding attempts are summarised in table 4 (on page 461). To demonstrate the birds' breeding cycle in Britain, the stages of their behaviour are sequentially analysed in table 5 (on page 462), but no real differ- ences from those in the rest of Europe are visible. As the 22 birds and their six certain associates represent less than 6% of the observed 506 spring occurrences in the 11 years, the question arises as to where the other 488 fetched up and how many of them may have bred. The latest RBBP assessment suggests that up to seven pairs per annum may have done so, but this seems merely to reflect the known maximum presence in 1992. Fraser et al. (1999) traced published county references to only ten pairs up to the same year. The fact is that the element of chance in the British breeding observations has been huge. Of the six proven records, the first was entirely fortuitous, the second was an unexpected bonus of work on the New Breeding Atlas and the last four all came as by-products of intensive coastal or island observation by observers mainly intent on other studies. In general, therefore, the rosefinches that reach Britain and Ireland just melt away; or do they? In the first disciplined analysis of county rarities and uncommon birds, Wilson & Slack (1996) pinpointed nine inland records for 'old York- shire' up to 1994. As that county has had a relatively stable recording effort in recent years, with laudable attention to inland localities, I regard the series as the most telling of all British inland records. It contributes a sur- prisingly high 7.5% of all Figure 6. One of the breeding territories of Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus at Flam borough Head, East Yorkshire (D. I. M. Wallace) 460 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-19"'. Table 4. Certain breeding attempts by the Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus in Britain, 1982- 92. Qualification: bonded pairs building nest and closely associated birds. Year Area Habitat Birds Nest site Outcome Reference 1982 Highland Open, many clumps of birch Betula Immature male Fork in birch at 3 m 4 eggs, 2 Mullins (1984) hatching 1990 Sheigra, Sutherland Open, low cover around croft Adult male, female Raspberry Rubus idaeus, 0.95 m 4 eggs, 3 or 4 Gibbons et al. (1993); hatching and T. Talbot, C. Crooke, fledging R. H. Dennis (in litt.) 1992 Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire Scrub along sea cliffs, hedges and gullies with trees Three adult males, five immature males, five females; at least four pairs Two nests found: Bramble Rubus fruticosus, 1 m; fork in Ash Fraxinus excelsior, 1.25 m 2, probably 3, Lassey & Wallace clutches; 1 (1992) pullus fledging; more than 1 fledgling 1992 Between Benacre and Minsmere, Suffolk Interface of heath and marsh One adult and three immature males, one female; one pair formed at Minsmere Nest-building seen, but site not inspected Not known, Suffolk Bird but faecal-sac Report for 1992; removal seen G. Jobson (per D. Moore) 1992 Bawdsey, Suffolk Scrub and trees Immature male, female Not sought 2 juveniles, Beecroft (1993) trapped with female 1992 Lundy, Devon Gully with trees on east coast Immature male, female Fork in tree Eggs either not A. Jewels (per RBBP) laid or lost in gale SUMMARY: Three years above Six with known nest sites Open, with canopy tops (for singing) and dense ground cover (for nesting) 11 immature and five adult males, nine females; at least nine pairs At least 5 clutches (up to 4 eggs) leading to 5 broods in nests and at least 4 flying juveniles Yorkshire records to 1994, and six came in 1991 and 1992, the years of probable and proven breeding at Flamborough Head. Set against Yorkshire's latitudinal and longitu- dinal axes of respectively 150 km and 140-150 km, the nine inland localities present corresponding axes of 100 km and 130 km, strongly suggesting that rosefinches could turn up almost anywhere in the county (and central Britain). Three spring males have penetrated the county as far west as its Pennine region, appearing at Gouthwaite Reservoir (near Ripon), Skipton and Malham Tarn on dates from 1st June to mid July. (Intriguingly, two October birds have also reached Harrogate and Ripon, indicating the species' ability to slip through central Britain in autumn as well.) In the course of following up the 1990 breeding record, I was also fascinated to learn of north and west Scottish records indicative of territory reoccupation in up to three consecutive years and at least one wandering juvenile in late summer (R. H. Dennis in litt.). Pursuing these, I uncovered the most intriguing serial event in the entire British history of the rosefinch. One small, closely wardened area in the Hebrides has provided a uniquely persis- British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 461 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 Table 5. Breeding behaviour of Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus in Britain, 1982-97. Data from five successful and four other breeding attempts, as in table 4. No. records Phase of analysed behaviour May June July August 13 Territory occupation by males 8 Prolonged song from male 8 Arrival of females 7 Definite pairing 4 Nest-building 5 Hatched young in nest 4 Juveniles out of nest 3 Latest sighting of family (1) (3) 25 30 2 28 6 — 17 7—18 30 23 30 5 12 31 Maximum breeding cycle 25 (3) (= 66-69 days) tent series of spring and summer records. Within it, up to three adults have appeared from late May to mid July in seven of the nine years to 1997. In total, 11 adults have been present for at least 97 bird-days (up to 31 days in the case of individual red males); they have indulged in courtship and even brief commensal behaviour. Twice, in 1990 and 1997, the presence of adults has been followed by the occurrence of juveniles on early August dates that are highly suggestive of local or regional breeding (locality and observer withheld, in consultation with the RSPB). Once again, the rosefinch has displayed its uncanny, and in this case astonishingly localised, ability to tantalise. It is important to recognise that, even within continental Europe, the Common Rosefinch has taken up to 25 years to become a regular member of a region's summer avifauna. Thus, whatever has actually happened in Britain during past years or will happen in future ones, the invasion of 1992 must now be seen as exceptional and the hopes raised for the foundation of a soon-to-be-sizeable popu- lation as dashed. Nevertheless, the origin of the invasion merits discussion. During my review of nearby European records, I was particularly struck by the coincidence in 1987 of the first major spring arrival in the Netherlands of 39 birds, including a first breeding pair, and the occupation of Eleligoland, Germany, by four breeding pairs with the (then) strongest-ever spring passage through Denmark. For example, on 24th May, 122 were seen at Skagen in one hour. Onward passage across the North Sea was subse- quently visible in Britain, even into July. Among a total of 42 birds, adult males were noted from Fair Isle in the north to St Agnes, Scilly, in the south and west. In 1988, the number of British spring records rose to 63, but, disappointingly, I have not found any evidence of exceptional mass passage in western Europe in that year or the next three, during which period the incidence of British spring birds actually fell back in spite of the continuing spread of Dutch breeding birds (van den Berg et al. 1992). In 1992, however, the immediate cir- cumstances of the English colonisation did match those of 1987. Once again, there was a large spring passage through Denmark (Lindballe et al. 1994). Between 4th May and 20th June, nearly 550, in parties of up to 25, were seen, and the total number for the year approached 1,000. The spring peak dates for the four main localities fell between 24th May and 1st June, the former only two days before the peak arrival in Britain. Significantly, the number of breeding pairs in the Netherlands more than doubled, to 45; simultaneously, the Common Rosefinch also spread along the 462 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 European coast, entering the Pas-de-Calais region of France, where at least three males were heard in song. This unusually strong pulse of pioneers was also detected in other countries as far away as Switzerland (Volet & Schmid 1995) and even Israel (Shirihai 1996; see also below). The particular factors involved in or associated with the 1992 invasion were: 1. An exceptional weather vector of persis- tent high pressure, which provided constant easterly winds over the North Sea. 2. An exceptional spring passage, which brought hundreds of rosefinches to Denmark. 3. A further overspill of pioneers along the southern coasts of the North Sea and the English Channel. 4. Continuing good weather through the early part of the breeding cycle. 5. Localised arrivals of sufficient density to provide interactive groups of birds, cer- tainly at Flamborough and seemingly in Suffolk. Of these, only the third has continued in 1993-96, and we have seen another 'lag- phase' in occupation with no breeding. Clearly, the mere annual repetition of the wide scatter of spring individuals that Britain has received since 1981 has been insufficient (except in 1998) to provoke more than tantalising territorial behaviour by males. It is difficult to resist the thought that, for the Common Rosefinch to become a regular summer visitor to Britain, it will have to appear in viable breeding groups over several successive springs. It is, of course, possible that the Common Rosefinch will colonise Britain by more than one route. Its long, obvious, but fitfully breeding Scottish contingent is most likely to have stemmed directly from the spread into Norway. As discussed, its most recent flurry in England appears to have been directly linked to the establish- ment of first Danish and then Dutch populations (Snow & Perrins 1998). Dis- cussing its general advance, however, Isenmann (1994) postulated that there could be four routes of range expansion: one through southern Fenno-Scandia (as above) and others from the southern Baltic coasts (now reaching northern France), from Ukraine (to eastern France) and again from Ukraine (south to Bulgaria). Such a precise divide in pioneer orientation at the extremities of a migration of over 6,400 km seems to me far too inventive for a bird whose breeding range has long spanned latitudes as wide apart as 30°. Fig. 1 shows that, although it has been concentrated by coastlines and interrupted by the moun- tains of central Europe, an essentially broadfront advance is the more visible and plausible explanation; or is it? Surely, the huge differences in the recently attained population levels show that Common Rosefinches of the nominate race have ben- efited most from spring migration oriented at least slightly north of due west? It may take many more years for them to depart successfully from such simple reversals of their ancestral withdrawal-orientation to the southeast. Finally, some conjecture on why the bird is moving west seems allowable. In its latest British review (Burton 1995), the Common Rosefinch is taken to have responded to climatic amelioration, in common with the other sympatric north Russian and Siberian species listed above, and to have moved both north and west since the middle of the nineteenth century. As I have just reiterated, the directions are indisputable, but the causes of the current advance may have been less generalised. Other European authors (e.g. von Haartman 1973; Stjernberg 1985), more conscious perhaps of the bird's falter in and virtual retreat from eastern Europe by the end of the nineteenth century, have identified more-precise factors for the westward surge. In particular, Stjernberg saw as particularly important, within the general improvement of the northern Euro- pean climate from the 1930s, the run of almost unbroken good summers in that decade. This is considered to have allowed fast British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 463 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 172. First-summer male Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, Bardsey, Gwynedd, May 1987 C Ian Fisher). In Britain, the majority of spring males are first-year birds in this grey-brown plumage. growth in the new colonist population and further immediate invasive potential. Stjernberg also suggested that increased openness of habitat within the western taiga and the bird's ability not only to cope with this change of ground, but also to compete therein with the declining Linnet Carduelis cannabina were contributory factors. Interestingly, Stjernberg (1979) also observed that, for a finch, the Common Rosefinch is rather long-lived, with about three-quarters of experienced Finnish adults surviving from year to year. (By comparison, only half or less than half respectively of adult British Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs and Linnets last another year.) None of these factors explains, however, why the rosefinch should now be expending yet more energy and taking yet more risk by tackling the montane centre and wetter maritime periphery of tem- perate Europe. Stjernberg (1985) has drawn particular attention to its progress through Fenno-Scandia and particularly into southern Norway, where it has exploited 173. Adult male Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus , North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 28th May 1990 C Ian Fisher). Note almost unbleached and unworn wingbars on this spring bird (cf. plate 171 on page 457). 464 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 the shelter belts of south-facing and east- facing river and mountain valleys. It is now leaving such terrain behind it and, with a remarkably restricted breeding stratagem (a single or occasional replace- ment brood, fledged in 26 to 30 days from the start of nest-building), it is trying out sea-facing and ocean-facing habitats as far from its winter home in India as can be. What advantage does such extreme range extension confer? I suggest the following. Along the northern sector of its Siberian range, the bird has to cope with the late and often initially unstable Arctic spring. No modern observations of far-northern arrival dates appear to have been made, but in 1875, at Ust Zylma on the lower Pechora River, Seebohm (1901) saw none before 6th June, while in 1877, at the junc- tion of the Yenisey and Kureyka Rivers, there was also none before 6th June, though they were very numerous there ten days later. If these arrival dates of northern birds have remained constant, the male Common Rosefinches that now exploit the earlier warmth and food sources of central and maritime Europe will have, against their Arctic counterparts, a temporal advantage of about three additional weeks in establishing territories, finding mates and rearing broods. Given the known rapidity and momentum of their spring passage (see below), even the farthest pos- sible westward extension of range will take up less than half the time lost in the delayed start to breeding that did, and may still, await northbound birds. In passing, it is also known that the northern taiga is also evacuated earlier than the bird's other habitats. The rosefinches may leave as early as late July and are gone in early August (Snow & Perrins 1998), having been in their breeding niches for as few as 50 days. Just how far do the Common Rosefinches that are colonising Western Europe travel? The four ringing recoveries from Norway and Finland have all come •from the lands around the Aral Sea in south-central Asia or about 2,400 km from the nearest known wintering grounds in Pakistan and India. To that distance, jour- neys to Finland would add at least another 2,900 km (or 5,300 km in total), to Norway another 3,500 km (or 5,900 km in total) and to Scotland another 4,300 (or 6,700 km in total). These would be long for most passerines on their protracted or vagrant autumn migrations. Yet in spring, the rosefinches undertake them in a remark- ably short period. Common Rosefinches leave their winter haunts from early April to mid May, reach their closest Asian montane niches from mid to late April, return to the Caucasus and Turkey from early May and pour through the central Asian deserts in early and mid May. Those that move northwest pass through the longitudes of the Volga- Ural region within May, reaching European Russia in the second third of that month. In the St Petersburg area, they have, since the 1950s, appeared around 18th May, several days earlier than at the beginning of the century. Similarly in Estonia, they usually appear on about 19th May, again two days earlier than hitherto. In Sweden, the average arrival date is 27th May (Cramp & Perrins 1994). It seems quite possible that the species' well-established western popu- lations cross about 45° of longitude in only ten to 15 days, covering 225-340 km per day. It is a staggering performance, clearly capable of being the springboard for the increased overshooting that Britain and Ireland have received since 1981. Inciden- tally, 20% of our spring records are dated on or before 27th May, indicating an even more rapid migration by some birds. The North Sea is not merely another Baltic, however, being up to twice as wide and lacking the island stepping-stones of the latter. It has been suggested that the main passage from Finland to Sweden is through the Aland Islands, but even birds departing from Estonia and Lithuania will find no stretch of open sea wider than 100 km. To cross the North Sea, birds leaving Norway, northern Denmark and the northern Netherlands face, even on a due- British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 465 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 west heading, crossings of respectively 470, 520 and 180 km. Not accustomed any- where else on their migration route to long flights over saltwater, even the fittest pio- neers of the west European colonies may baulk at mass crossings unless, as in 1992, unusually favourable weather, particularly tail winds, gives their energy reserves a fortuitous boost. Certainly the current records from peripheral northwest Europe indicate a turn to the southwest along the southeast coast of the North Sea. It could well be that it is the choice of the safer mode of coasting that is taking them on to Belgium and the Pas-de-Calais region in northern France. So, perhaps we should not hold our breath for the major populations of the Baltic and south Scandinavian regions or the much smaller ones of Denmark and the Low Countries to supply a viable British community of Common Rosefinches. Alter- natively, should the colonisation of Belgium and northern France proceed and the populations there increase, we could have news eventually of another crossing of the English Channel over the ghost of the last landbridge to Eurasia. Thus will a fascinating finch continue to intrigue us. Finally, it should be noted that, although normally withdrawing rapidly in autumn to its ancestral range in India and southeast Asia, the Common Rosefinch has been found in late autumn and winter in southern Europe since 1960, around the Western Mediterranean since 1970 and in the Middle East since 1981/82. Those reaching the last region have been assigned to the race kubanensis; the others are assumed to have been of the nominate race. No full review of these records has been possible, but there have been three in Belgium and France between December and February, while several apparently wintered at Chios, Greece, in 1986/87. Of ten records in Malta during 1970-80, two were in November. The second bird for Morocco was found in January 1994. These occurrences recall the growing winter observations in Europe and the Levant of other sympatric Siberian passerines such as Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla and Pine Bunting E. leucocephalos. How recently this habit has become established is uncertain. Mentions of exceptional southwesterly and southerly withdrawals from breeding lati- tudes exist for Spain and Malta prior even to the 1930s (Wardlaw-Ramsay 1923). The dynamic rosefinch had signalled wintering opportunism 75 years ago, and Vinicombe & Cottridge (1996) have conjectured that, were it to adapt more frequently to peanuts, as did one in Pembrokeshire from December 1991 to January 1992, it could perhaps follow the example of the House Finch, Carpodacus mexicanus, which has become a common garden bird in North America. Of much more significance than the still-tenuous west and south European autumn and winter records of the Common Rosefinch is the mounting evi- dence of its regular occurrence in the Middle East. That region produced only one record early in the 1960s, at Azraq, Jordan, on 8th September 1963 (Cameron & Cornwallis 1966), but Shirihai (1996) has now demonstrated that kubanensis has, since 1967, passed through eastern Israel and Sinai in autumn, with respective peaks of 54 (in 1986) and at least 18 (in 1971), has since 1977 occurred regularly in Israel in spring, and has since 1981/82 been found in winter in Israel 13 times. Clearly, it is not only the nominate race of the species which is showing extralimital dynamism. Of particular fascination to British observers is the fact that, of the 24 spring birds, four were ringed in the momentous month of May 1992. Is there a clue here that one of the engines of that year's excep- tional surge was unusually high survival in the wintering areas of the two races? Conclusion After more than six years of brooding on the questions set in Britain and Ireland by the Common Rosefinch, I have no easy answers to offer. Clearly, the bird continues to show a dynamism that is exceptional 466 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 within its genus, and it still leads, in both scale and rate of occurrence, the small pack of sympatric passerines that are expanding their breeding ranges westwards across northern temperate Europe. So far, however, its fully confirmed ability to colonise the closest coasts of western Europe has not brought breeding parties regularly to our shores. It appears that, except in the 1992 spring of persistent tail winds, the large groups of urgent, interactive birds that may be the sine qua non of breeding success and per- manent colonisation baulk at the North Sea. Even in its narrower lower reaches, it is proving to be a much more effective barrier than the Baltic. If, secretly, the rosefinch is gaining a foothold anywhere in Britain and Ireland, it could be in Scotland, where, in the north, and especially in one small area of the west, its spring and summer appearances tantalise even more than those of the Serin Serinus serinus have done for so long in southern England. I believe, but cannot prove, that the vector of the Scottish records is the extended and now annually sustained migratory reach of the southern Scandinavian populations, themselves no more than 70 years old, but now substan- tial and clearly adapted to a more maritime environment than were their eastern ances- tors. For the bird to breed again in southern England, or ever to do so in Wales or Ireland, the growth of its newest communities across the English Channel may be the crux. In the meantime, the usually amor- phous finch with beady eye and plaintive song will continue to present one of the most startling and enigmatic performances of all Palearctic passerines. On 27th May 1997, Dave Allen, Anthony McGeehan and I found three, not far from some newly arrived Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto, at Malin Beg, Co. Donegal, at almost the westernmost edge of Eurasia. It struck me that, although most of them look as dull as the doves, their achievement is no less astonishing and remarkable. Acknowledgments Four people were particularly instrumental to the development of this paper: Tim Sharrock, who suggested it in the first place and was very helpful (and patient) to the end; Peter Fraser, who mined his data- base of records several times and provided figs. 2 & 3; Dr Roger Riddington, who pro- duced the Fair Isle data independently and contributed the only statistically certain trends of occurrence; and Roy Dennis, who put me onto some of the most fascinating breeding-season records. I thank them all very much. Scarcely less help came from the Flamborough Ornithological Group, Derek Moore (for Suffolk) and Ian Darling (for the Isle of May) and a Hebridean infor- mant who must remain unnamed, but not unthanked. Other support came from Colin Crooke, Ian Dawson, Richard Fitter, Jeremy Greenwood, Dr Malcolm Ogilvie and Tom Talbot. Again, my thanks go to them. Finally, Ann Shilton coped womanfully, with not just a ghastly mess of manuscript, but also its almost interminable revisions. Without her help, the mists might never have cleared. References Andrews, I. J. 1995. The Birds of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Musselburgh. Bannerman, D. A. 1953. The Birds of the British Isles, vol. 1. Edinburgh & London. Beecroft, H. R. 1993. Common Rosefinch - first confirmed breeding in Suffolk. Suffolk Birds 42: 21-22. Bozhko, S. I. 1980. Der Karmingimpel. Wittenberg Lutherstadt. British Ornithologists’ Union. 1971. The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland. Oxford. Bryant, J. 1997. Population trends of North American vagrants. Birding World 10: 340-349. Burton, J. F. 1995. Birds and Climate Change. London. Cameron, R. A. D., & Cornwallis, L. 1966. Autumn notes from Azraq, Jordan. Ibis 108: 284-287. Clement, P., Harris, A., & Davis, J. 1993. Finches and Sparrows. London. Cramp, S., & Perrins, C. M. (eds.) 1994. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 8: 764-783, 789- 791. Oxford. Desmet, J.-F. 1997. Le Roselin Cramoisi Carpodacus erythrinus nouvellement nicheur en Haute-Savoie (France). Alauda 65: 297-300. British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 467 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 Dolnik, V. R., & Shumakov, M. E. 1967. Examination of navigation ability in birds. Voprosy bioniki Moscow ( Nauka ) (1967): 500- 507. [In Russian] Dresser, H. E. 1897. Recent additions to the British avifauna. Zoologist Fourth series 1: 5-7. Dubois, D. J. 1996. Roselin Cramoisi. In Seriot, J., Trotignon, J., et al., Les oiseaux nicheurs rares et menaces en France en 1994 et 1995. Ornithos 3: 97-117 (110). & CHN 1996. Les oiseaux rares en France en 1994. Ornithos 2: 145-167. Dymond, J. N. 1991. The Birds of Fair Isle. Edinburgh. , Fraser, R A., & Gantlett, S. J. M. 1989. Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland. Calton. Fraser, P. A., Lansdown, P. G., & Rogers, M. J. 1999. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1996. Brit. Birds 92: 3-35. Gibbons, D. W., Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. A. 1993. New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland, 1988-1991 . London. Hagemeijer, W. J. M., & Blair, M. J. (eds.) 1997. The EBCC Atlas of European Birds: their distribution and abundance. London. Harrison, C. 1981. An Atlas of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. London. Inskipp, T. 1983. Identification pitfalls and assessment problems. 5. Scarlet Rosefinch. Brit. Birds 76: 304-345. Irish Rare Birds Committee. 1998. Checklist of the Birds of Ireland. Dublin. Isenmann, P 1994. L’extension geographique actuelle du Roselin Cramoisi Carpodacus erythrinus en Europe. Alauda 62: 81-88. Jonsson, L. 1992. Birds of Europe. London. Lassey, P A., & Wallace, D. I. M. 1992. Breeding breakthrough by Scarlet Rosefinches. Bird Watching 79: 84-85. Lindballe, P, Christensen, R., Munk, M. F., Skov, H., Smidt, J., & Soby, E. 1994. Fugle I Danmark 1992: arsrapport over observationer. DOFT 88: 111-150 (148). Mullins, J. R. 1984. Scarlet Rosefinch breeding in Scotland. Brit. Birds 77: 133-134. Naylor, K. 1 996. A Reference Manual of Rare Birds in Great Britain and Ireland. Nottingham. Newton, 1. 1972. Finches. London. Nisbet, I. C.T. 1962. Southeastern rarities at Fair Isle. Brit. Birds 55: 74-86. Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 1982 onwards. Annual reports on rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom. Brit. Birds. Rogers, M. J., & the Rarities Committee. 1998. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1997. Brit. Birds 91: 455-517. Seebohm, H. 1901. The Birds of Siberia. [Republished 1976. Dursley.] Sharrock, J. T. R. 1974. Scarce Migrant Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. - & Hilden, O. 1983. Survey of some of Europe’s breeding birds. Brit. Birds 76: 118- 123. & Sharrock, E. M. 1976. Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. Shirihai, H. 1996. The Birds of Israel. London. Smith, F. R., & the Rarities Committee. 1968. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1967. Brit. Birds 60: 309-338. Snow, D. W., & Perrins, C. M. (eds). 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic: Concise Edition. vol. 2: 1596-1598, 1600. Oxford. Stjernberg, T. 1979. Breeding biology and population dynamics of the Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. Acta. Zool. Fenn. 157: 1- 88. 1985. Recent expansion of the Scarlet Rosefinch ( Carpodacus erythrinus ) in Europe. Proc. XVIII Int. Orn. Congr. , Moscow 1982: 743- 753. Svensson, L., Grant, P. J., Mullarney, K., & Zetterstrom, D. 1999. Collins Bird Guide. London. van den Berg, A. B., de By, R. A., & CDNA. 1992. Rare Birds in the Netherlands in 1990. Dutch Birding 14: 73-90. Vaurie, C. 1959. The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna. Passeriformes. London. Venables, L. S. V., & Venables, U. M. 1955. Birds and Mammals of Shetland. Edinburgh. Vinicombe, K., & Cottridge, D. M. 1996. Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland. London. Volet, B., & Schmid, H. 1995. Ornithologische Ereignisse 1993 und 1994. Orn. Beob. 93: 322- 323. von Haartman, L. 1973. In Farner, D. S. (ed.) Breeding Biology of Birds, pp. 448-481. Washington. Voous, K. H. 1960. Atlas of European Birds. London. Wardlaw-Ramsay, R. G. 1923. Guide to the Birds of Europe and North Africa. London. Waterston, G. 1937. Bird notes from Shetland. Scot. Nat. 25-31. Williamson, K. 1948. The Atlantic Islands. London. Wilson, A., & Slack, R. 1996. Rare and Scarce Birds in Yorkshire. Kilverstone. Witherby, H. F., Jourdain, F. C. R., Ticehurst, N. F., & Tucker, B. W. 1938. The Handbook of British Birds, vol. 1. London. Author D. I. M. Wallace, Mount Pleasant Farm, Main Road, Anslow, Burton-on-Trent DE13 9QE 468 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 Appendix 1 Ageing characters of Common Rosefinch The British and Irish data on the Common Rosefinch are plagued by the inability of observers to distinguish birds in juvenile plumage from females and from males in their first year. Of six early birds seen or shot on Fair Isle - all in autumn - one was probably an adult, one was certainly an adult male and four were in their first autumn. Of the last quartet, one was male and two were females. This meagre sample remains the only evidence of the age /sex ratio of autumn migrants. There are, however, perceptible differ- ences between juvenile and later plumages and these are indicated below and in fig. 7 and in plates 168-173. Juvenile When fresh, head, upperparts and wings distinctly greenish or olive in tone and fully, though fairly softly, streaked; both upper and lower wingbar, distinct, with pale tips to median coverts and outer fringes of greater coverts 2-4 mm deep; colour of wingbars initially yellowish - or pink-buff - but bleaches to almost white, particularly if retained into first year; throat spotted, lacking distinct malar stripe, but both breast and flanks well streaked; bill pale-based on both mandibles; pale buff eye-ring emphasises dark beady eye; moult September to December. First-year female When fresh, head, upperparts and wings similar in tone to juvenile, but ground colour quickly fading greyer; less obvi- ously streaked, particularly on rump and crown, latter becoming spotted in pattern; both wingbars distinctly narrower than those of juvenile, with pale tips only 1-2 mm deep; colour of wingbars cream-buff, soon fading to white; ground colour of underparts less uniformly off-white than those of juvenile, with buff suffusion on breast and flanks; dark malar stripe obvious, but below breast streaks fade into narrower, softer striations (though these still stronger than on older birds); eye-ring less distinct against paler 'foreface'; moult timing not known. Figure 7. Adult female (left) and juvenile Common Rosefinches Carpodacus erythrinus ( D . I. M. Wallace). Female from photograph taken at Flamborough Head on 28th June 1992 by P. A. Lassey; juvenile scaled against same photograph, but with plumage of bird at same locality on 18th-19th September 1972. See Appendix 1 for full discussion of characters (and Jonsson 1992 and Svensson et al. 1999 for coloured paintings). British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 469 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 Second-year and adult female Head spotted on forecrown; lower back and scapulars only obscurely streaked or mottled; upper wingbar has pale tips 1-2 mm deep, more distinct than those of lower wingbar, but these may disappear with wear; colour of upper wingbar pale cream, soon fading to white; lower mandible still pale-based on some; moult August to October. First-year male Normally similar to first-year female, although some (up to one in five) show slightly warmer, browner tone to head and upperparts, with hints of rose or orange in areas which are red on adult, perhaps most frequently on and around rump. Second-year male Similar to adult, but mantle browner; wingbars less distinct, but outer fringes of tertials still pale and contrasting towards tips, as on younger birds of both sexes. Adult male Pale tips of median coverts 2-3 mm deep, at first dull pink, but bleaching to pale pink and then more contrasting; lower wingbar always less distinct; outer fringes of tertials uniformly grey; bill appears uniformly dark. (Details taken from Witherby et al. 1938; Clement et al. 1993; C. S. Roselaar, in Cramp & Perrins 1994; personal observa- tions; photographs.) Appendix 2 Racial characteristics of Common Rosefinch The two northern taiga races - nominate erythrinus in the west and grebnitskii in the east - are slightly smaller than the three montane forms - kubanensis from Turkey to Iran, ferghanensis in west-central Asia and roseatus in the Himalayas. The wings of the taiga races average about 5% shorter and their bills are marginally so. The overlap of measurements is wide, however, and the only trustworthy clues to racial identity are associated with adult plumage, particu- larly that of the male. Taiga birds have a full bright scarlet-red hood (formed by the concolorous head and breast) and rump, with the same colour present as a suffusion, but far less obvious, on mantle, scapulars and particularly belly. Mountain birds are more uniformly coloured, with their red plumage distinctly rosy or carmine in hue and even tinged purple in roseatus. They do not look dis- tinctly hooded. In both groups, a dine of increasing sat- uration runs from west to east, but, typically, western males of erythrinus are much more noticeably red-hooded and red-rumped than are the more uniform grebnitskii and montane races. The males at five places in Russia, Siberia and northern Mongolia, observed from 23rd May to 9th June 1980 - over a range of 4,000 km - showed a striking cline. Many Mongolian birds were 'drenched in red', none more so than one in the Gobi Altai (pers. obs.). The nominate race is not known to occur beyond the Lena basin, south of Krasnoyarsk; to the east of there, inter- grades and then grebnitskii are found. As grebnitskii breeds sympatrically with several Asian passerines which are regular as vagrants in Britain, it should be noted that the male has a slightly less scarlet, more vinaceous or carmine hue to its red plumage and lacks the distinct, often abrupt divide between the red hood and no more than pinkish-white underbody of nominate erythrinus. Female grebnitskii is actually more distinct, with noticeably heavier streakings on crown, back and underbody, making it look darker and more lined than adult females (though probably not juveniles) of the nominate race. Turkish kubanensis is rather pale, notice- ably so compared with grebnitskii, with the male rosier on the back and particularly on the upper belly and flanks than the nomi- nate race, lacking the latter's demarcated 470 British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 History of the Common Rosefinch, 1869-1996 scarlet hood. In fresh plumage, female kubanensis is greyer, less warm olive-brown than erythrinus, but it is doubtful that this difference survives wear. Appendix 3 Other migratory congeners of the Common Rosefinch Purple Finch C. purpurea This Nearctic counterpart of the Common Rosefinch is, in its northernmost popula- tions, a partial middle-distance migrant. It moves between similar limits of latitudes, but shows no sign (nor need) of the widening shifts in longitudinal range now so characteristic of the Eurasian species. It shares with the latter a marked tendency to a fluctuating presence, even at long- secured haunts. No claim of a transatlantic vagrant Purple Finch has been accepted, although unlike the Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus, three have reached Bermuda (Clement et al. 1993). There have, however, been no recent reports, and, with the fortunes of Nearctic seed-eating passer- ines declining, the Purple Finch appears to have lost all favour as a potential vagrant, being absent from the latest review (Bryant 1997). The Purple Finch is a smaller, shorter- tailed, and even-chunkier-looking bird than the Common Rosefinch. Its plumage differs distinctly in head pattern, with pale supercilium and submoustachial stripe particularly striking on the female and juvenile (quite unlike the bland face of the Common Rosefinch), softly streaked flanks on the male and heavily streaked under- parts on the female and juvenile (with markings reaching rear flanks much more strongly even than on juvenile Common Rosefinch). In flight, the Purple Finch utters a ringing 'pit' or 'pink'. (Another Nearctic congener, the blouse Finch C. mex- icanus, has appeared in the Netherlands, but it was regularly imported as a cage bird; see Inskipp 1983.) Pallas's Rosefinch C. rosea This east Asian relative of the Common Rosefinch is the only other Palearctic member of the genus to display both regular migratory and nomadic move- ments. Some stray west to 85°E in most years, to 80°E in some and more exception- ally to 68°E and even west of the Urals, the further extensions probably being caused by exceptional excessive snowfalls. Accidentals have reached Europe on only four occasions, appearing in Ukraine (twice), east European Russia and Hungary. Other records from the former Czechoslovakia, Switzerland and Denmark are now considered to refer to escapes (Snow & Perrins 1998), and this was the fate of the one in Orkney in June-July 1988 (Brit. Birds 87: 247-252). In an interesting reflection of its known late withdrawal from breeding quarters, three of the accepted records are dated in December. For a wild individual to reach Britain, however, even the farthest of the longitu- dinal displacements noted above will leave the bird facing another journey that is almost as long as the greatest ever under- taken by the Common Rosefinch. That such can be accomplished by even smaller passerines is shown by the British occur- rence patterns of several partly sympatric species, but only time may tell more. The Pallas's Rosefinch is slightly larger and distinctly longer-tailed than the Common Rosefinch. Its plumage differs distinctly, with wider wingbars, much stronger marking of the mantle and the ter- tials, and pale orange-buff to deep pink rump shown by both sexes at all times. The male is more uniformly pink than the Common Rosefinch, with distinct hoary, silver tipping on crown and throat obvious at close range; the female and juvenile are also warmer-coloured, with orange-buff to pink on forehead, face and breast. The call is a short, subdued whistle (Clement et al. British Birds 92: 445-471, September 1999 471 Non-native birds BREEDING IN THE UNITED Kingdom in 1997 Malcolm Ogilvie and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel Red-crested Pochards Netta rufina ( Rosemary Powell ) This is the second report on non- native species of birds breeding in the United Kingdom and covers the year 1997. As explained in the introduction to the first report (Ogilvie et al. 1999b), the Rare Breeding Birds Panel has extended its remit to monitor the scarcer introduced and naturalised non-native species in addi- tion to its traditional role. Like the first report, this second one does not claim to be complete. The publica- tion of the first report has, however, stimulated more observers and county recorders to contribute information, so that this second report does provide a fuller picture for most species. Records of all non-native species in 1997 involving breeding or potential breeding activity, including presence of a pair or more in suitable habitat, are listed below. The letters after the species' names are the categories used by the British Ornithol- ogists' Union Records Committee (BOURC 1998): A Species which have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1st January 1950. B Species which were recorded in an apparently natural state at least once up to 31st December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently. C Species that, although originally intro- duced by Man, either deliberately or accidentally, have established breeding populations derived from introduced stock, that maintain themselves without necessary recourse to further introduc- tion. E Species that have been recorded as introductions, transportees or escapees from captivity, and whose breeding populations (if any) are thought not to be self-sustaining. Species of which Cat- egory E individuals have been recorded as nesting, with their own kind, are marked with an asterisk (E*). The following species, shown as Cate- gory C in the British List, are dealt with in 472 British Birds 92: 472-476, September 1999 Non native birds breeding in the UK in 1997 the Panel's reports on rare breeding birds (Ogilvie et al. 1999c): Gadwall Anas strepera, Red Kite Milvus milvus and Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. The Panel is not gathering information for the following commoner Category C species: Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Greylag Goose Anser anser, Canada Goose Branta canadensis, Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos , Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis , Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa, Chukar Partridge A. chukar, Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus, Rock Dove (and Feral Pigeon) Columbia livia, and Little Owl Athene noctua. Records are given by county, in alpha- betical order within England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Systematic list Night Heron Nvcticorax nycticorax (AE*) LOTHIAN An estimated five to ten pairs breed in Edinburgh Zoo, with a total of at least 30 free-flying individuals seen in recent years. These birds, together with those at Great Witchingham Park, Norfolk, appear to be more or less sedentary. Black Swan Cygnus atratus (E*) NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Pair bred at Deene Lake and raised four young. LOTHIAN Pair bred on Union Canal at Rotho and raised two young. The only breeding reports received, though singles and occasional pairs are well distributed throughout southern England, with occasional birds farther north. Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator (E*) NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Pair bred at Tansor Gravel-pits, raising one young. This appears to be the first breeding by this species in the wild state in the United Kingdom. The birds had escaped from a wildfowl collection. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus (AE*) BEDFORDSHIRE Pair raised three young at Wardown Park, Luton. BERKSHIRE Pair, free-flying, on Great Meadow Pond, Windsor Great Park, May- July. NORTHUMBERLAND Pair at Marden Quarry and other nearby waters, June - August. DUNBARTONSHIRE Seven birds present, but no evidence of breeding at this regular locality. These were the only known escaped pairs which bred or may have bred, though several others, and several singles, were present at localities in England. Apparently wild pairs also bred in Scotland in 1997 (Ogilvie et al. 1999c). Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus (AE*) RUTLAND Adult paired with Canada Goose Branta canadensis, March - May. Occasional pairs have bred - perhaps, if within the wintering range of the species, involving injured birds - but released birds exist in a number of locations. White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons (AE*) GREATER MANCHESTER Pair of the Greenland race flavirostris, which appeared, with Canada Geese Branta canadensis, on the moorland reservoirs at Rochdale in winter 1991/92, was seen with four young in October 1997 and stayed to the year end. ARGYLL Four full-winged pairs of the race flavirostris bred on Islay near a waterfowl collection; one brood of three young seen. The origin of the Greater Manchester birds remains a mystery. The small group on Islay stems from a small waterfowl collection, but appears not to mix with wild visitors. Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus (E*) DERBYSHIRE Pair present at one locality. HAMPSHIRE Pair raised three young at Stratfield Saye. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Up to three pairs present during summer, but no proof of breeding. British Birds 92: 472-476, September 1999 473 Non native birds breeding in the UK in 1997 Delany (1993) recorded birds at a minimum of 27 localities in 1991, but with breeding only at Stratfield Saye. Snow Goose Anser caerulescens (AE*) BERKSHIRE Up to six pairs bred unsuc- cessfully at Eversley Gravel-pits. HAMPSHIRE Pair bred unsuccessfully at Stratfield Saye. LEICESTERSHIRE Two males at Priory Water, both hybridised with Greylag Geese A. anser and produced broods of four and three. ARGYLL Maximum of 49 seen on Coll in April, but no information on breeding. The Argyll flock, which moves between Coll and Mull, appears to be an apparently self-sustaining flock which has remained remarkably stable for the last 30 years or more, during which period flocks of other introduced geese have managed steady increases. Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis (AE*) BERKSHIRE Two pairs bred unsuccess- fully at Eversley Gravel-pits. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Flock of about 50 near Emberton (present for some years), no information on breeding. GLOUCESTERSHIRE Up to 32, moving between New Grounds and Frampton Pools, with six goslings seen on 28th May. HAMPSHIRE 21 pairs bred at four locali- ties (Stratfield Saye, Eversley Cross, Baffin's Pond, Portsmouth, and Sowley Pond), raising at least 56 young. LANCASHIRE and NORTH MERSEYSIDE Single pairs bred at two localities. NORFOLK Single pairs bred at two locali- ties. Flocks of up to 60 seen in county during year. SUFFOLK Single pairs bred at two locali- ties. GLAMORGAN Pair bred successfully at Roath Park Lake, Cardiff. Reports were received from 14 localities, compared with 11 in 1996, while Delany (1993) reported successful breeding occur- ring at 15 localities in 1991. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus (CE*) BERKSHIRE Pair with three young on River Thames, Bray, on 2nd July; pair bred unsuccessfully (twice) at Whiteknights Park; and pair incubating at South Lake, Woodley, in December, hatched seven young in January 1998. ESSEX Single pairs present at two locali- ties, breeding took place at one. GREATER MANCHESTER Two pairs bred at Compstall Reservoirs, Stockport, where introduced several years ago; up to nine adults in January. RUTLAND Three pairs bred at Rutland Water (seen with broods of ten, seven and three); maximum of 46 birds in September- October. SUFFOLK Single pairs with young reported from seven localities. SURREY Up to 18 birds seen at four locali- ties; two pairs thought to have bred. No meaningful records were received from the traditional stronghold in Norfolk, but elsewhere there is evidence of a slow spread. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (BE*) NORFOLK Pair bred, hatching 11 young, but none survived. This species is reported quite frequently from widely scattered localities including in Scotland, but few if any show signs of breeding, with just the one pair in Norfolk for the second year running. Cape Shelduck Tadorna cana (E) SURREY Two adults and four juveniles, Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir on 3rd May, later moved to Walton Reservoir where three adults and two juveniles until mid July. One of the adults was considered to be a hybrid with Paradise Shelduck T. var- iegata. The breeding locality of these birds was not reported, nor is their origin known. If they did breed in the wild, then this would be a first record for the United Kingdom. 474 British Birds 92: 472-476, September 1999 Non native birds breeding in the UK in 1997 Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata (E*) BEDFORDSHIRE Pair bred at East Hyde and raised one young. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Eight pairs present on the River Ouse at Ely, with confirmed breeding by at least two, with broods of 17 and seven seen. DERBYSHIRE Pair bred at Bradford Dale, with brood of five seen on 13th July. NORFOLK One pair known to have bred, with brood noted. NORTHUMBERLAND Pair bred at Derwent Reservoir, brood of three seen. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Up to 16 at Rufford, including four pairs. SURREY Up to three pairs at one locality and a pair at another, no evidence of breeding. Reported from seven counties, com- pared with just three in 1996. The species is also well established at Lothing Lake and Oulton Broad in Norfolk, where 99 were counted in December 1996 (Waters et al. 1998), but the breeding status there is unknown. Wood Duck Aix sponsa (E*) Several reports of singles and small flocks, but no breeding or possible breeding records were received. Blue- winged Teal Anas discors (AE*) ESSEX The pair, which has been present at Connaught Water, Epping Forest, since at least 1994, bred successfully. This is the first proved successful breeding of this species in the wild in the United Kingdom. Red-crested Pochard Nett a rufina (AE*) GLOUCESTERSHIRE Maximum of 88, in October, in Cotswold Water Park, with much smaller numbers in summer months: May 13, June 11, July 9 and August 10. No breeding details this year. MIDDLESEX Two, Stoke Newington Reservoir, on 11th May and 20th August, three on 23rd August and six, including two juveniles, on 4th and 7th September. SURREY Pair bred at Winkworth Arboretum, with brood of six on 21st May. SUSSEX Pair bred at Elms Farm, Ickle- sham, where brood of three seen. WILTSHIRE Pair bred in Cotswold Water Park, brood of three seen on 2nd August, the first breeding in the Wiltshire part of the Park since 1990. The population in the Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire/Wiltshire, is well established and apparently increasing, though actual breeding records are scarce. Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera (E*) SUSSEX A single bird was seen in West Dean Woods on 18th June. The only record received. Reeves’s Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii (E*) No records received this year. Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus (CE*) BEDFORDSHIRE A male was heard calling in June near Woburn. DORSET Present on Furzey and Brownsea Islands in Poole Harbour, where popula- tions reported as stable, but no detailed information. NORFOLK A total of at least 34 reported from at least 13 localities, but no proof of breeding. SUSSEX Six males reported, but no evi- dence of breeding. DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Thought to be still present in Palnure area, though no records this year. Reports of declines continue to be received. No report was received from Tresco, Isles of Scilly, where several pairs are believed to occur. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae (CE*) BEDFORDSHIRE The Bedfordshire Bird Club is conducting a three-year survey of this elusive and declining species. Minimum totals of 37 males and nine females were found at nine localities. One brood of two young was seen. SUSSEX Three males reported, but no evi- British Birds 92: 472-476, September 1999 475 Non native birds breeding in the UK in 1997 dence of breeding. A fuller picture of numbers in Bedford- shire, which is thought to hold the great majority of the British population should emerge from the current survey. There is much evidence that the species is declining. Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria CP*) LANCASHIRE and NORTH MERSEYSIDE A locally escaped pair bred successfully in north Liverpool. This species has previously bred, rarely, in the wild in the United Kingdom. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (CE*) AVON Escaped pair attempted to breed, but failed when female killed in nest hole. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Up to 16 reported from four localities, with successful breeding by two pairs at one, where up to 20 seen in winter. DORSET Three pairs in one locality, at least one bred, with three juveniles seen in October. SURREY A total of 37 pairs reported, of which two were proved to breed and 12 probably did. The Esher Rugby Club roost held a new record total of 1,507 birds in August. SUSSEX Up to 14 pairs reported, but no evidence of breeding. Peak counts in 1997 from the area covered by the London Bird Report (London Natural History Society 1998) were Surrey 3,000, Middlesex 282, Kent 187, Bucking- hamshire 63, Essex 1, Inner London 1 and Hertfordshire 1; further evidence of the continued increase in the population. It is clear from the late-summer counts that comparatively few breeding pairs are being reported, perhaps because they are widely dispersed. Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (E*) DEVON Seen regularly around Bickleigh Mill, Tiverton, with maxima of five in January, March and November. There was no evidence of breeding in the. wild. SURREY A pair, present at the Lonsdale Road Reservoir from early March to the end of the year, built nests in March, November and December, but no further proof of breeding. The same localities as last year. Further reports of scattered singles were received. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo (E*) ENGLAND Pair bred at a location in northern England for the second successive year and fledged three young. The pair which bred in 1996 did so again. A certain amount of publicity was generated from the mention of it in the first report (Ogilvie et al. 1999b), with the popular newspapers and radio inter- viewers concentrating on the fact that the species has been known to kill domestic cats and dogs. The only previous breeding record was of a pair which bred in Moray & Naim in 1984 and again in 1985, fledging a single chick (Cook 1992). References BOURC. 1998. Category D species. Provisional list of British Category E species. Web page: http:/ / www.bou.org.uk/ recbrlst3.html Cook, M. 1992. The Birds of Moray and Nairn. Edinburgh. Delany, S. 1993. Introduced and escaped geese in Britain in summer 1991. Brit. Birds 86: 591- 599. & . 1999a. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1996. Brit. Birds 92: 120- 154. & . 1999b. Non-native birds breeding in the United Kingdom in 1996. Brit. Birds 92: 176-182. & . 1999c. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1997. Brit. Birds 92: 389- 428. Waters, R. Cranswick, P. A., Musgrove, A. }., & Pollitt, M. S. 1998. The Wetland Bird Survey 1996-97. BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Slim- bridge. Author Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Glencairn, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7 UN 476 British Birds 92: 472-476, September 1999 ZEISS From the Rarities Committee’s files Booted Warblers with long supercilia: the 1976 Fair Isle bird In his letter on the Tselinograd warblers {Brit. Birds 90: 152-154), Lars Svensson suggested that we should re-examine British records of Booted Warblers Hippo- lais caligata with long supercilia, such as the bird trapped on Fair Isle, Shetland, in August-September 1976 (Brit. Birds 70: 434, plate 116). This record was recirculated around the BBRC and we still feel that Pad- dyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola can safely be excluded and that the identifica- tion as Booted Warbler is correct. We had access to the original in-hand description and field notes, as well as the published photograph. From the photograph, we felt that there were a couple of features that were slightly unusual for Booted Warbler. The supercilium did appear longer than would be expected, and there is quite strong contrast between the centres and fringes of the tertials (this may be because the photograph is a black-and-white print 174. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata , Fair Isle, Shetland, 25th August 1976 (Pete Kennerley ) taken from a colour slide - Roger Broad in litt. - and this process tends to increase contrast). We felt, however, that the bird looked structurally wrong for Paddyfield Warbler and was compatible with Booted Warbler. The primary projection is about two-thirds of the exposed tertials, which is too long for Paddyfield, but correct for Booted Warbler. The tail is rounded, but not excessively so, and does not appear so long or so rounded as we expect of Paddy- field Warbler (see Brit. Birds 90: plates 25, 26 & 29 for typical Paddyfield Warblers), although we do appreciate that the apparent tail length of Paddyfield Warbler is emphasised by its short wings. Actual tail lengths of Booted and Paddyfield War- blers are similar. We also noted that the bill pattern, with a clear lower mandible without any distinct dark smudge on the distal one-third, is more in keeping with identification as Booted Warbler, although we have some doubts as to whether this is a valid feature. The detailed plumage description gave us further information. The supercilium was noted as being more prominent in the hand than in the field, and the wings reached to, at least, the base of the tail. The legs were described as bluish-grey in the field and pale bluish-grey in the hand, being bluer towards the rear. This may not be typical of the legs of Booted Warbler (which are described as bluish- flesh or pale brown with a blue-grey tinge in BWP), but is surely never shown by Paddy- field Warbler? The tail British Birds 92: 477-479, September 1999 477 Booted Warblers with long supercilla 175 & 176. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata , Marske-by-the-Sea, Cleveland, 18 th- 19 th September 1 993 ( R . C. Hart) was noted in the field as square-cut with white in the outer tail feathers and these were described as 'off-white fringes to outer web of outer tail feather' in the hand. Whilst Paddyfield Warbler can show slightly paler buff fringes to the outer tail feathers, these are not noticeable in the field. The rump was described as 'a little more yellowish than the fawn-brown with olive tinge of the mantle', which is typical of Booted Warbler, whereas Paddyfield Warbler usually shows some rufous tones to its rump. Two other features were noted in the in-hand description. First, the tertials were noted to be 'much more uniform than the other flight feathers', which suggests that the pale edges seen in the photograph are artefacts, and, sec- ondly, the lower mandible was des- cribed as 'fleshy- pink but a little darker towards the tip', which is again more typical of Booted Warbler. The biometrics supported the identification, although they are, in fact, very similar for each species. Most measure- ments fell within the ranges of both species, although it would have been a very long-winged and short-billed Paddyfield Warbler. The degree of tail roundness, however, again pointed towards Booted Warbler (3 mm this bird; 0-5 mm Booted Warbler, 5-10 mm Paddyfield Warbler: Svensson 1992). Later, we had the opportunity to examine another photograph of the same bird (plate 174). The photographs look so different that it is difficult to believe that they are of the same bird. In 1976, no other Booted Warbler was trapped on Fair Isle, nor was there a Paddyfield Warbler. In these cir- cumstances, it seems highly unlikely that an inadvertent substitution of photograph was made. In this photograph, the bird looks like an ordinary Booted Warbler, with the white outer web of the outer tail 478 British Birds 92: 477-479, September 1999 Booted Warblers with long supercilia feather visible and the supercilium looking more typical of that species. It is amazing how dif- ferent the same bird appears in the two photographs, and this provides a salutary lesson for the BBRC: not nec- essarily to take photographs at face value (a lesson with which, we guess, the majority of 'Monthly Mar- athon' contestants are familiar). It also highlights the continuing impor- tance of a written description. In these days of instant news and superb photo- graphic equipment, we are all so used to the readily available photo- graph that the notebook seems slightly old-fash- ioned and is rarely seen at twitches nowadays. There is still a place for full descriptions to accompany photographs, to highlight the differences between the actual bird and the photographs and to provide details of behaviour, movement and call. We feel that, on current knowledge, this bird is correctly identified as Booted Warbler. The BBRC is grateful to both Lars Svensson and Pete Kennerley for bringing this record to its attention. Authors Paul Harvey and Colin Bradshaw 9 Tynemouth Place, Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear NE30 4B] References Bradshaw, C., & Steele, J. 1997. Mystery warblers inTselinograd. Brit. Birds 90: 152-154. Cramp, S. (ed.) 1992. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 6. Oxford. O’Sullivan, J., & the Rarities Committee. 1977. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1976. Brit. Birds 70: 405-453 (434). Svensson, L. 1992. Identification Guide to European Passerines. 4th edn. Stockholm. 1997. Mystery warblers inTselinograd. Brit. Birds 90: 150-152. British Birds 92: 477-479, September 1999 479 Reviews The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: a handbook of field iden tifica tion By Dick Forsman. T. & A. D. Poyser, London, 1999. 589 pages; over 700 colour photographs. ISBN 0-85661-098-4. Hardback £29.95. One cannot fail to be impressed by the depth of knowledge contained in this book. For more than two decades, Dick Forsman has probably been the leading authority on European raptors and, along with Bill Clark, has made one of the greatest contributions to the advancement of their field identification. The small group of Danes (Steen Christensen promi- nent amongst them) who published those first eagle and buzzard flight-identification papers in Dansk Ornitologisk Forenings Tidsskrift 30 years ago would never have dreamed that their pioneering work would have led to a tome such as this. Essentially, this is a photographic guide covering 43 species that occur in Europe and the Middle Eastern countries of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. In that respect, 'Middle East' is a slight misnomer in the book's title; indeed, it is a pity that the whole of the Middle East has not been included, so as to cover tricky species such as Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax, Amur Falcon Falco amurensis and, ideally, Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus. For each species, the text covers subspecies, distri- bution, habitat, movements, hunting and prey. Then follow detailed sections on identification (in which the notes on confusion species are particularly valuable), moult, ageing and sexing. The text is complemented by an excellent series of photographs (mostly flight) showing all plumage patterns clearly. In the case of the Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis, for example, there are 31 photographs. The exceptionally high stan- dard of photography and the comprehensiveness of the collection make the approach used in this book a serious rival to that of traditional handbooks which employ the work of artists. If I have one criticism, it is that the book is not smaller so that it could easily be carried in the field. I believe that this could have been achieved by a pruning of the photographs, tightening of the text and the use of a less high-quality paper. 'Oh, no!', I can hear you cry, but all I am suggesting is that this would have given a wider prac- tical application to a great book. Richard Porter RAPTORS of Europe and The Middle East 4 Handbook of Field hlentlfican Dick Forsman Costa Rica: the Eco travellers ’ Wildlife Guide By Les Beletsky. Academic Press, London, 1998. 426 pages; 80 colour plates; numerous line-drawings. ISBN 0-12-084810-4. Softback, £19.95. The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guides are well named: 'all the information you need to find, identify, and learn about Costa Rica's magnificent wildlife ... easy-to-carry, entertainingly written, beautifully illustrated.' Admittedly not comprehensive, but the selection is sensible, based on the likelihood of a species being seen by the short-term visitor: 80 species of amphibians and reptiles, 50 mammals, over 200 birds. The information on identification, dis- tribution, ecology, behaviour, conservation, and habitats is enlivened by fascinating 'environmental close-ups' - intriguing reading for spare moments or to stimulate post-pran- dial group discussions. Bryan Bland 480 British Birds 92: 480, September 1999 Letters The Kazakh ‘mystery warblers’ once again During a field trip to Kazakhstan in May 1998, T. Dolan, A. Knystautas, A. Lassey, J. M. Pearson, A. Pivovarov, D. I. M. Wallace and I visited the very same 'dried wadi on the rolling steppe at Sobhiika', about 35 km northeast of Astana (former Tselinograd or Akmola), where Dr Colin Bradshaw and Dr Jimmy Steele in 1987 (and, nearby, in 1984) had found the unidentified warblers now known as the 'mystery warblers' (Brit. Birds 90: 155-158). Intrigued by the claims of a possibly overlooked subspecies (or even species?) new to science at this locality, we spent a few morning hours there on 21st May, studying the birdlife. If an endemic warbler species had bred there in the 1980s, it appeared now sadly to have become extinct. All we could find in the area were several (nine were noted in the log) Booted Warblers Hippolais caligata of the nominate race. These were closely studied down to about 8 m, and recordings of the song were made, this sounding typical in all respects. They were found in low spiraea scrub outside the wadi, in depressions running into the wadi and also on the steps of its sloping sides and bottom. The spring was late in 1998, with no Booted Warblers reaching the Astana area before 19th May (AP), and the leaves were just emerging. Apart from these Booted Warblers, one Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola was seen in thickets at the bottom of the wadi (which lacked larger reedbeds, so the bird was presumably a migrant), and three Blyth's Reed Warblers A. dumetorum, five Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria, 20 Lesser Whitethroats S. curruca (of the nominate race, or intergrades between curruca and halimodendri; two trapped had P2 = 6/7), two Cetti's Warblers Cettia cetti, three Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia, one Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (of the race viridanus), about ten Common Chiffchaffs P. collybita ( tristis , including 'fulvescens' types with a hint of green), two Willow Warblers P. trochilus (looking like average acredula, being at least not dramati- cally grey) and one Common Whitethroat S. communis. Having fresh in our memory encounters in previous days during our trip in the Almaty region in southeast Kazakhstan with nearly a hundred so-called 'Sykes's Warblers', Booted Warblers of the southern race rama, five of which were trapped and examined in the hand, we all agreed that caligata and rama are very similar both in song and in appearance, though rama is slightly paler below, less buff-tinged on the supercilium and flanks, and its very slightly longer bill often has a paler lower mandible (nominate Booted has a diffusely darkish lower-mandible tip). On average, the leg-colour of rama is also very slightly paler (both tarsi and toes are pale greyish with a faint pinkish cast on rama, as opposed to slightly more red-brown tarsi and darker toes on caligata). On the other hand, there is no appreciable difference in upperpart coloration, both being similarly grey-brown in spring and summer. Other plumage differences are very slight indeed and of hardly any use in the field. As for jizz characters, one can some- times make out that rama has a proportionately slightly longer tail (some- thing which I have previously doubted). We could also confirm that both subspecies have the same tail-movements, merely rather insignificant, small and 'nervous' twitches, very quick movements both upwards and sideways, but rarely down- wards. Upon alighting after a hop or a short flight, there is usually a single rather obvious upward flick. This is all quite dif- ferent from the constant downward British Birds 92: 481-487, September 1999 481 Letters flicking (dipping, wagging) of Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida, a habit which that species shares with Common Chiffchaff and Arabian Warbler S. leucomelaena. We saw one Olivaceous Warbler in the city park of Astana, a remarkably northerly record. Another was recorded singing from trees bordering the Ili River at Ush Sharma, about 250 km NNW of Almaty. These were the only two which were positively recorded. The Olivaceous Warbler thus seems to be a rare species in those parts of Kazakhstan which we visited. A final note about the so-called 'annectens' , a race of Booted Warbler from Sayan-S Altai-Dzungaria-NW Mongolia- Ala-Tau range, described by Sushkin in 1925 and mentioned by Bradshaw & Steele (Brit. Birds 88: 563) as being 'more rufous' (presumably than rama). The form ' annectens ' is, in my opinion, a dubious tax- onomic entity, originally inadequately described, given grossly conflicting ranges by various authors, and at best one of many 'unnecessary', very subtle sub- species, and more likely representing just a diffuse intergradation between two con- nected subspecies. If we are to discuss 'annectens', however, we had better keep to the original description, or give correct and relevant quotations from the literature. Dementiev & Gladkov (1968) stated that adults are 'darker and redder' above than rama 'in fall plumage'; this is hardly rele- vant when discussing the 'mystery warblers' which were seen in May. Demen- tiev & Gladkov stated that, in spring, 'annectens' is 'superiorly darker than rama, The commercialisation of ORNITHOLOGY As an amateur ornithologist but a profes- sional environmental economist, I must take issue with Dr W. R. R Bourne's argu- ment (Brit. Birds 92: 260-261) that financial appeals from ornithological organisations are aimed more at providing a living for ornithologists than at the welfare of birds. It is true that constant vigilance is required on the part of would-be donors to distin- since olive tinge on back somewhat more conspicuous'. Thus, more greenish above, not rufous. I doubt, however, whether these deliberations have any real impor- tance; in 1998, we travelled partly within Sushkin's so-called ‘annectens’ area (east of the Ili River), or at least where intergrades are supposed to occur, and saw, heard and trapped only rama (based on what I have seen in the field elsewhere and in skin col- lections of birds breeding in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and so on). Our observations indicate that the most likely identification of the 'mystery war- blers' is also the correct one: that they were all nominate Booted Warblers, despite giving a different impression at the time. (I myself suggested Paddyfield Warbler when I saw plate 201 in Bradshaw & Steele 1995: Svensson 1997.) This demonstrates how easy it is to give way to 'wishful grouping' when observations are brief or photographic evidence is limited. Natural variation is greater than we want to believe, and plays its tricks on us. Lars Svensson Sturegatan 60, S-114 36 Stockholm, Sweden References Bradshaw, C., & Steele, J. 1995. Mystery photographs. Brit. Birds 88: 561-564. & 1997. Mystery warblers in Tselinograd. Brit. Birds 90: 155-158. Dementiev, G. R, & Gladkov, N. A. 1968. Birds of the Soviet Union, vol. 6. Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem. Sushkin, P. P. 1925. Spisok i Raspredeleny Ptitsy Russkogo Altaia. Leningrad. Svensson, L. 1997. Mystery warblers in Tselinograd. Brit. Birds 90: 152-154. guish between high and low priorities. That said, I can see little justification for downgrading the priority accorded to con- servation expenditure in relation to the farmland birds to which Dr Bourne refers. On the contrary, it is surely beyond dispute that public policies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, which are designed essentially to protect inefficient farming from international competition have had, and are continuing to have, a devastating 482 British Birds 92: 481-487, September 1999 Letters impact on the populations of farmland birds. The appropriate response to this problem on the part of organisations such as the British Trust for Ornithology and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will inevitably be multifaceted and is likely to include conservation research, expendi- ture on bird reserves, lobbying government, and so on. The level and com- position of such activity which can be supported will depend largely on the finance available to these organisations. Over time, at least in the United Kingdom, the extent of this finance has been rising. Witness the enormous growth in the RSPB's membership and the subscription income thereby generated. In economic terms, there are two very good reasons for this growth. First, as people become better off, many of them are likely to devote more of their resources to causes such as environmental conservation which they might previously have been unable or unwilling to support. Secondly, as more and more evidence becomes available about the plight of Single-observer i irst- for- Britain records As I understand it, Terry Atkinson has sug- gested (Brit. Birds 92: 212) that any single-observer, single-instance 'first' for Britain should be assigned to Category D of the British List until such time as another bird of the same species is recorded, when the first record would be reassessed. Apparently, the logic behind this is that the second record would give credence to the first. There are, admittedly, precedents for this dubious thinking, such as the Norfolk Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys (Brit. Birds 83: 430- 432) which was reassessed only when a second bird turned up on Fair Isle, Shet- land (Brit. Birds 76: 217-225), but it seems to me that it would be only an excuse for the BOURC not to do a thorough job in the first place. As it is, there are only two modern records which fall into the rarefied category of single-observer, single-record first for Britain: Bay-breasted Warbler species such as many of our farmland birds, so such species will be recognised as becoming increasingly scarce. As is well known in economics, scarce commodities tend to command higher prices. Of course, the 'market' for wild birds is a rather unde- veloped one. True, there is increasing evidence of charging regimes of various kinds - such as admission fees for bird reserves, ecotourism and the like - being introduced. Much more of this kind of thing can be expected in the future. For the time being, however, and probably for a considerable time to come, voluntary dona- tions will play an important role in the 'market' for wild birds and their conserva- tion. The precise nature and extent of such donations will, of course, depend on the perceptions of the donors. That being so, it is hardly in the long-term interests of organisations like the BTO and the RSPB to try to secure funds on a false prospectus. John Corkindale 55 Poplar Grove, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3DN Dendroica castanea (90: 444-449) and Brown- headed Cowbird Molothrus ater (87: 284-288), plus the Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius (92: 155-161) which was the first this century. As the finder of the warbler, I know the thoroughness with which the BBRC and the BOURC went into the matter and I imagine that the Brown- headed Cowbird record was given the same treatment. The BBRC and the BOURC may be accused of many things, but lack of thoroughness is not one of them. The recent account of the Egyptian Nightjar record (92: 155-161) confirms this. Mr Atkinson gives another reason for his suggestion: it would encourage more records of single-observer firsts to be sub- mitted, as there would be less chance of outright rejection with a Category D (does this stand for dustbin?) for them to fall into. I am not so sure about the psychology of this. Category D is definitely regarded as second-rate, witness the grumblings about the Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki British Birds 92: 481-487, September 1999 483 Letters (87: 247-252), which had nothing to do with the competence or veracity of the observers, but everything to do with the perceived provenance of the bird. Imagine the effect on the observer if a record was placed in Category D simply because he or she was the only one to see the bird. And suppose he was a member of the BOURC? No, I think that we should leave the system as it is. It may even be that the ubiquity of the mobile phone makes single- observer firsts a thing of the past. David Ferguson 21 Amersham Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2HA EDITORIAL COMMENT Dr J. T. R. Sharrock has commented: 'As the lone observer responsible for the addition of two species to the British & Irish List - Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis (Brit. Birds 65: 501-504) and Little Swift Apus affinis (61: 160-162) - as well as having been a member in the past of both the BBRC and the BOURC (and the Irish Records Panel, the precursor of the Irish Rare Birds Committee), I naturally have strong views on this subject. Strangely, perhaps, because it would have meant that my own observations did not result in the addition of the species concerned to the British & Irish List, I side with Terry Atkinson, though not for the same reasons as those given by him. In my view, a stray occurrence of a single vagrant should not qualify any species to be added to a national list, even if the likelihood of a captive origin is negligible. Personally, therefore, I would favour using Category D as a holding cate- gory until there were, say, five undisputed occurrences. The chances of all of the first five occurrences being single-observer records is so slight that that problem would vanish. I would hope, however, that any change in the "rules" by the BOURC would be made only after consultation and agree- ment not only with the BBRC, but also with the other members of the Association of European Rarities Committees. 'There is, incidentally, also validity in the counter argument, that the "rules" should be relaxed rather than tightened, to allow inclusion of all species supported by verified records, even those which are clearly escapes. In many ways, the Cock- atiel Nymphicus hollandicus, for example, has already established a stronger claim to be regarded as a part of the British avi- fauna than Mugimaki Flycatcher or Bay-breasted Warbler ever will.' European Storm-petrels LOSING TOES THROUGH DISEASE Bernard Zonfrillo's theory that disease may be responsible for seabirds losing 179. Diseased feet of European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus tape-lured on Nolsoy, Faroe Islands, summer 1994 ( Marita Gulklett ) a foot (Brit. Birds 89: 185, 191) is of interest. I have ringed almost 20,000 European Storm-petrels Hydrobates pelagicus in the Faroes, and have seen occasional indi- viduals with a disease which sometimes affected one toe, at other times the whole foot and tarsus, and very seldom both feet (plate 179). It seems to me that first the foot becomes swollen, then the skin falls off, and finally the foot decays. Only once have I seen an individual with one tarsus and half a foot, probably because a storm- petrel without feet will rapidly die. The disease in question reminds me of puffi- nosis, which was described by M. Brooke (1990, The Manx Shearwater). Jens-Kjeld Jensen FR 270 Nolsoy, Faroe Islands 484 British Birds 92: 481-487, September 1999 Letters Madeiran seabirds AND MISSING LIMBS Following correspondence on seabirds with missing toes (Brit. Birds 88: 111; 89: 185-187), a summary of the situation in Madeira may be of interest. The cause of these losses is difficult to ascertain. Few fish can have such sharp, cutting teeth as to be left with the leg in their mouth while the bird flies off; the avian tarsus is extremely tough and tendi- nous. It is far more likely that a fish, having caught a bird by the leg, will pull it down and eat it; Admiral G. S. Ritchie (Sea Swallow 18: 64-65) saw a shark eat an unidentified storm-petrel (Hydrobatidae). Many of the smaller seabirds breeding in the Madeiran archipelago nest some 60- 90 cm inside dilapidated and fragile stone walls, where a falling stone could trap and fracture a leg. If infection set in, the distal part could fall off. I have noted this with Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii on Sel- vagem Grande, but observations there and on Deserta Grande indicate that very few Bulwer's Petrels have missing legs, although a fair number have torn webs to their feet or lesser injuries; I suspect that the 5% reported on Deserta Grande (Ibis twelfth series 1: 600-601) involved birds with missing toes rather than with missing legs. Madeiran Storm-petrels Oceanodroma castro on Selvagem Grande breed deep in stone walls. They have a high incidence of damaged legs, an estimated 2-3% lacking a significant part of a limb, but this does not appear to affect them unduly. Many also appear to have diseased feet, which could support Bernard Zonfrillo's theory (Brit. Birds 89: 185, 191) that certain diseases may cause the feet to atrophy and fall off; yet one would expect to find the occasional individual with the foot in the process of coming off. A Swinhoe's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis with a large, highly vascularised brood patch, caught by a wall on Selvagem Grande in August of each year 1993-95, was strongly suspected of breeding there. Its right leg was missing from mid thigh, but, despite this disability, it was always in apparent good health. If fish are indeed the culprits, then we should expect to find many White-faced Storm-petrels Pelagodroma marina lacking a limb, as their constant 'walking on the surface' should surely attract fish, yet I know of no such case in the huge colony on the Selvagens. This species nests in sandy burrows, where any problem of falling stones does not exist; on the other hand, it may not survive with only one leg. I have never seen the trematode anklets referred to by Mike Imber (Cormorant 12: 71-74), and maybe those trematodes are not present in Madeiran waters. Interestingly, the larger species do not appear to suffer from this problem. We have no record of a Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea missing a leg, despite having handled several hundred over the years. Francis Zino Avenida do Infante 26, Rez-do-Chdo ‘C , 9000 Funchal, Madeira ‘Hedge-hopping’ behaviour of Hen Harrier I read with interest the note by John Thorpe on the 'hedge-hopping' behaviour of a male Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus (Brit. Birds 87: 232-234). My understanding of this distinctive hunting technique is that the element of surprise is crucial to a successful kill and that this is achieved by hunting at speed. Eurasian Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus, on spotting a distant flock of feeding passerines, will approach on the rear side of a hedge and then 'hop' over at the last moment to surprise their quarry (indeed, feeding flocks of sparrows Passer appear to have evolved a strategy to cope with this by regularly flying up into the hedge, even when there is no apparent danger). British Birds 92: 481-487, September 1999 485 Letters We are all aware that harriers hunt by slowly quartering the ground, hoping to surprise a small mammal, or to flush and then chase a small bird. From Dr Thorpe's description, it sounds as if the harrier was merely using the normal hunting tech- nique along a linear habitat, thus giving the appearance of 'hedge-hopping'. I have regularly watched Hen Harriers employing this tactic along the raised river walls bor- dering the Suffolk coastal estuaries, where slight changes in wind speed or direction and in vegetation type often result in their 'hopping' over to the other side of the bank. I have also seen a male Pallid Harrier C. macrourus use identical tactics in Israel: it followed a sewage pipe and attempted to scare birds out of low scrub growing in the Unseen rarities In response to 'Rarity from a flying aircraft' (Brit. Birds 92: 266), I do not know of a species being added to a national list from an aeroplane, but here in Zambia we encountered another unusual scenario. A couple of years ago, Dr Bernd-U. Meyburg and others in the World Working Group on Birds of Prey attached satellite transmitters to a family of Spotted Eagles Aquila clanga. This species was known to winter mainly in southern Asia, with a small number occurring in Africa each year, as far south as northern Kenya. As Dr Meyburg's team tracked the progress of the migrating eagles (using techniques devel- oped from those described in Brit. Birds 88: 357-361), the adult female and the juvenile behaved predictably, but the male kept on flying south, through Tanzania and on into Zambia, where he settled for a few weeks Ruddy Shelducks in the Americas The recent, splendid article by Keith Vini- combe and Andrew Harrop (Brit. Birds 92: 225-255) on the 'true' status of Ruddy Shel- duck Tadorna ferruginea in Britain and Ireland was long overdue. This species is hardly unknown in temperate eastern North America, and some have wondered shade and moisture associated with the pipe's presence in an otherwise arid land- scape. Regarding Dr Thorpe's final comment, I do not feel that speed necessarily enhances the chance of surprising prey. The fast 'hedge-hopping' flight of sparrowhawks is used as a method of catching prey in the open, whereas the slow hunting technique of harriers is designed for surprising prey in cover. Both methods have their indi- vidual merits, and obviously work very well for the different species concerned. M. D. Crewe 5 The Street, Timworth, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP 31 1HY in the Luangwa Valley. This area becomes inaccessible during the rains and, despite a flurry of e-mails detailing exact co-ordi- nates, no-one managed to get to the area and actually see the bird. The next year, he came back to the same area, and once again nobody managed to get to it. Subsequently, a second individual has been tracked to the same area, but still no observer has yet seen this species in Zambia or Tanzania. It has been added to both national lists on the strength of satellite signals alone. Natu- rally, this has provoked murmurs from some of the less techno-friendly committee members, but, to my mind, the record is far more satisfactory than, say, a single- observer sighting of a difficult-to-identify species. Pete Leonard Nansai, Box 630025, Choma, Zambia if all the birds encountered were really only escapes - as they are so uniformly treated. Vinicombe & Harrop's work demon- strates that wild Ruddy Shelducks could reach eastern North America from either of two populations: one from southeast Europe and eastward that has apparently been the source of historic invasions to 486 British Birds 92: 481-487, September 1999 Letters northwest Europe, and another in North Africa (including the Canary Islands) that is perhaps declining but is somewhat migratory, at least to Iberia. One of the tests that could be applied to assess the escape hypothesis would be to ask how many records of Ruddy Shelduck there are from Greenland, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, on the one hand, and Bermuda, the West Indies and South America, on the other. (In between these areas, there are numerous reports, all suspect.) The answer is quite informative: apart from four in Greenland in 1892 (the year of an enormous and widespread European invasion), there is none. Even allowing for a few missed reports involving known escapes, such a resound- ingly negative dataset leads to but a single conclusion - there is scant evidence to suggest that any wild Ruddy Shelducks have reached the Western Hemisphere on their own, and thus the burden of proof is on anyone who claims otherwise. To be sure, this is subject to change at any time, but, for the moment, it seems one of the easier questions about avian distribution to answer with any certainty. P. A. Buckley US GS-Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Box 8 @ Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, R1 02882, USA Farmers, take note I was shocked to read the item in 'News and comment' praising the use of Diquat (Brit. Birds 91: 398). I am a resident of Denmark, which is aiming for 10% organic farming land within two years (Britain has currently less than 0.5%). I cannot believe the attitude of the British birding community. A five-year-old child can figure out that, if you dump pes- ticides, fungicides and herbicides on the land, there is not going to be a lot of life left. But, no, we have to wait for millions of pounds worth of research to prove the value of the expertise which we had gath- ered in the course of thousands of years of establishing tried and trusted agricultural procedures, which have been labelled 'organic', 'outlandish' or 'hippy-ish', but which were perhaps not such bad ideas after all. All this presumes, of course, that we have the time to wait and that any damage done until then can somehow be undone. I get the feeling that someone is being conned, and I do not think that it is the chemical industry. BB, RSPB: 'Wakey! Wakey!' Think more organic, eat more organic, dish-wash more organic. Then, maybe, we shall have a few more organic birds. Anand Prasad Nymindegab Ecological Camping, Lyngtoflen 12, Nymindegab, Nr. Nebel 6830, Denmark IS ALBINISM AMONG BIRDS COMMONER THAN OBSERVATIONS SUGGEST? On 9th September 1994, by the River Ems near Munster, Germany, we observed a young albino House Martin Delichon urbica feeding with other hirundines. On our return one hour later, similar numbers of hirundines were present, but the albino was missing. Shortly afterwards, a Hobby Falco subbuteo was seen in pursuit of a House Martin from the same group. The inference drawn, that the falcon had taken the albino, caused us to wonder if the incidence of albinism among certain 'victim' species may be more common than is supposed. Michael Banks and Wilfried Heinz Kamperstrafie 21, 42699 Solingen, Germany EDITORIAL COMMENT The observation is not unusual, but the authors' conclusion seems logical and interesting. Predators favour 'odd' prey, so they are likely to take albinos from a mixed flock: we therefore see fewer albinos than are actually reared. British Birds 92: 481-487, September 1999 487 Monthly Marathon I am not suggesting that it has ever hap- pened, but, if a devious editor ever wanted to 'unsettle' the running in a closely fought, neck-and-neck 'Monthly marathon' battle, he would need only to introduce a judiciously chosen photograph of an immature large gull Larus. Obviously, it is too early in the current competition for this card to be played, and the gull photograph in question (plate 144, repeated here as plate 180) is not nearly so daunting as it might be, especially if you allow your eye to stray to the out-of-focus background clues. The apparently dark legs and lack of any sort of notching or barring on the upperparts eliminate all possibilities among the various immature plumages of the larger gulls, the ones that usually present the greatest difficulty. Given that it is one of the small or medium-sized species, the lack of any clear grey feathers in the upperparts suggests that it is still in juvenile plumage. Most of the 'usual' Euro- pean gulls can be ruled out easily on the 180. Juvenile Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii, Abu Dhabi, UAE, July 1 997 ( Simon Aspinall ) my experi- ence of the species in juvenile plumage, mostly in the Red Sea in September, the bill is usually pale blue-grey with a black tip, but on some are dull pinkish rather than grey. No doubt basis that it simply does not look like any of them. Of the remainder that in juvenile plumage bear some resemblance to the mystery bird - such as the two Red Sea specialities (Sooty Gull L. hemprichii and White-eyed Gull L. leucophthalmus) , Mediterranean Gull L. melanocephalus, Audouin's Gull L. audouinii and perhaps Laughing Gull L. atricilla - most can be confidently eliminated on the bill alone. Laughing and White-eyed have an all-dark bill, while Mediterranean and Audouin's would not normally show such a strongly contrasting pattern as that shown by the mystery bird. In addition, juvenile Mediterranean would show more-crisply defined whitish fringes to the wing-coverts and a pale-grey greater-covert panel, while Audouin's would have narrower pale fringes to the wing-coverts and, even at this angle, would probably show a hint of dark smudging on the rear flank. We are left with juvenile Sooty Gull, and in virtu- ally all respects, including the subtle pale crescent above (but not below) the eye and the rather long-looking bill, the mystery bird seems to match a Sooty perfectly. In 488 British Birds 92: 488-489, September 1999 Monthly marathon 181. ‘Monthly Marathon’ . Photo no. 157. Sixth stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 320), then send your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, B 1 u n h a m , Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15 th October 1999. the majority of people taking part in the competition will have noticed the out-of- focus, but still rather obvious, clue in the top right hand corner of the photograph: a winter adult Sooty Gull. Almost all competitors (93%) identified this Sooty Gull; the only other species named were Great Black-headed L. ichthyaetus, and Audubon's and Laughing. Killian Mullarney For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF, or telephone 01767 682969. h Announcement Exclusive SPECIAL OFFER FOR logical Society of the Middle East (OSME), ‘BB’ SUBSCRIBERS but it also includes the Essential reading for every birder interested in the ID of rare WP species. Accounts, with identi- fication criteria discussed, of 50 species new to Israel, by Fladoram Shir- ihai, with photographs and drawings. Many are potential vagrants to Western Europe. This mammoth compi- lation takes up the major part of an entire 112-page issue of Sandgrouse, the journal of the Ornitho- SANDGROUSE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST OSME Jordan Bird Report for 1995-97 and a checklist of the birds of Israel and Jordan. £9 post free (add £2 if you require airmail postage) instead of the usual price of £10 plus postage. Send your name, your BB reference number, your address and cheque (payable to OSME) to: OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL. British Birds 92: 489, September 1999 489 News and comment Compiled by Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of British Birds. BOURC Taxonomic Subcommittee Two new members have been appointed to bring the BOU Records Committee's TSC up to its planned increased strength of six members, plus Chairman, Tony Marr. The new members are Dr Martin Collinson (Scotland) and George Sangster (The Netherlands). Martin Collinson has, of course, been a member of the British Birds Editorial Board since June 1998 and recently wrote the lead article 'Subspecies - more than meets the eye?' (Brit. Birds 92: 118-119). He is a genetics researcher in the Department of Anatomy at the Medical School of Edin- burgh University, and a keen birdwatcher and amateur ornithologist, well-travelled in the Middle East, Africa and the Amer- icas. He will be known to many as a regular and responsible contributor to UKBirdNet (Internet discussion group) debates and discussions. George Sangster is well known as an active member of the Dutch Committee for Avian Systematics (CSNA) who has pre- pared most of the taxonomic summaries and proposals which have been published in Dutch Birding since early 1996. In that connection, he has documented all relevant literature on species concepts, classifica- tion, taxonomy and population genetics of Western Palearctic birds, which will be very helpful to the TSC in its discussions. A keen proponent of the Phylogenetic Species Concept (PSC), his contributions within the TSC will undoubtedly lead to lively and constructive debate and help to build bridges between the PSC and the BSC (Biological Species Concept). The full membership of the TSC is now Dr Martin Collinson, Dr Andreas Helbig, Dr Alan Knox, Professor David Parkin, Dr Tony Prater and George Sangster. Tony Marr will chair the TSC until December, when he will hand over to Tony Prater (while continuing as Chairman of the Records Committee). Tony Marr, Chairman, BOURC E-mail bourc.chair@bou.org. uk BOURC changes Dr Tim Melling is the new Secretary of the BOU Records Committee, following the retirement of Ian Dawson, who had served for 11 years on the Committee, the last three as its Secretary. The BOURC also has a second new member, Eric Meek, who succeeds Richard Porter, who has retired after a seven-year stint. New Research Head at RSPB and Quality of Life To most birders, the name will be familiar as senior author of the New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Fol- lowing that publication. Dr David Gibbons moved from the BTO to join the research staff at the RSPB in 1993 as Head of the Monitoring and Survey Section. It was in these posts that David Gibbons developed the indicators of changing bird numbers that were recently adopted by the Govern- ment as one of the 13 headline indicatorsof the quality of life. As the RSPB's Head of Conservation Science he will oversee all of the Society's research work, the corner- stone of its conservation programme. 490 British Birds 92: 490-493, September 1999 News and comment Big Sits The appeal of static bird-racing spread from the Thames estuary to Loch Leven this year. We have heard of at least six teams (there may well have been more), all of whom seem to have enjoyed the concept of recording the maximum number of species without moving. The key, of course, is to select the right site if you want a big list. But is the roof of Fountains in Bedfordshire (Tim Sharrock & Barry Nightingale) the right site? It clearly is if you wish to record 60 species, including four Hobbies Falco subbuteo overhead for eight hours, together with a steady supply of wine and sandwiches. North of the border, at Vane Farm RSPB reserve, Rob Lambert, Jonathan Dean and Brian Downing achieved considerable publicity and a total of 65 species, including Osprey Pandion haliaetus and Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus. South of the border, at another RSPB reserve, Titchwell, Norfolk, Ann & Bob Scott with Jenny Brightwell totalled 73 species (but added nothing to their list between 10.30 and 17.30 hrs). Highlights included the long-staying Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and Mediter- ranean Gull Larus melanocephalus. The second Bedfordshire site. East Hyde (Peter Wilkinson and Matthew Best), clocked up 53, including a circling Common Buzzard Buteo buteo. Clear winners this year seem to have been the Kent team based at yet another RSPB reserve. Northward Hill, where Bo Beolens, Don Taylor and Dave Wilson clocked up 77 species, a current UK record. Anyone interested in Big Sit bird racing should contact Peter Wilkinson, 42 Dale Avenue, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 8LS. International opinions Bird Conservation International, the journal of BirdLife International, is now in its ninth year of publication. Its four latest issues have each included an 'Opinion' section by an invited guest contributor. These have provided some fascinating reading, with Jim Dixon writing on feeding the World and protecting its birds; Graham Robertson on longline tuna-fishing and seabird by- catch; Messrs McGowan, Garson & Carroll on 'Do action plans help conservation?'; and Tim Sparks & Humphrey Crick on the changing timing of natural events. If you have any interest in the conservation, status and ecology of the World's rare and endangered birds, this journal will have something to interest you. Write to BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA. Head-bangers and Ruddy Ducks Tony Hamblin's prize-winning Little Owls Athene noctua (Brit. Birds 92: plate 85) and other photographs by Bird Photograph of the Year finalists Dr Jens Eriksen, Mike Lane, Gary Smith and Roger Tidman are shown in a five-page feature in the July 1999 issue of the monthly magazine Bird Watching. Those interested in the current to-cull- or-not-to-cull dispute concerning Ruddy Ducks Oxyura jamaicensis will want to read the opposing views expressed in 'The pro- secution case is not proven' by Iain Gibson, Bird Recorder for the Clyde region, and 'Quick action needed to save a species' by Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB's Director of Conservation (Bird Watching July 1999, pages 40-41). British Birds 92: 490-493, September 1999 491 News and comment Dick Potts honoured The Director General of The Game Conservancy Trust, Dr Dick Potts, has been awarded the Godman-Salvin medal by the British Ornithologists' Union, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to ornithology. During his career, Dick has worked on predation by Great Skuas Catharacta skua in the Faroes; on the effects of organochlorine insect- icides on seabirds, particularly Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis on the Fame Islands; and then — the work for which he is most famous — on the Grey Partridge Perdix perdix, which he termed the 'barometer for the countryside'. More recently, he became involved in the emotive issue of protected birds of prey and planned the Joint Raptor Study (1992- 96), which assessed the impact of Plen Harriers Circus cyaneus and Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus on the shootable surplus of Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus. Throughout his career, Dick has stressed that conservation must be based on sound science and objective facts. He has always been a good friend to BB, and we are delighted that the BOU has honoured him in this way. Request - ‘duff’ pix The bird turned its head away, or was partly obscured by vegetation: not the perfect photograph you had hoped for. But we might find it ideal for 'Monthly marathon' or inclusion in a 'Mystery pho- tographs' competition at a conference or bird-club meeting. Please send any spare prints or transparencies, which you would otherwise discard, to Mrs Frances Buck- nell. Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. BirdWatch Ireland goes from strength to strength We have just been perusing the 1998 Annual Report of BirdWatch Ireland and it makes exciting reading. If you have any interest in the birds, conservation and wildlife of the Irish Republic, we recom- mend it to you most strongly. In 1998, the organisation recruited more than 1,000 new members, so that it now represents more than 8,000 people nationwide. Further details from BirdWatch Ireland, Ruttledge House, 8 Longford Place, Monkstown, Co. Dublin, Ireland. The nearest Rock Sparrows to the UK The Abbey of Fontevraud, in the Loire valley near Saumur, holds the most northerly colony of Rock Sparrows Petronia petronia in Europe and thus the nearest to the UK. The 15 breeding pairs were under threat from renovations to the buildings that contain the tombs of Richard the Lion- heart, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Discussions between local representatives of Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) and the architects led to modifica- tions that allowed for the nesting sites to be maintained. The UK representative for LPO is Ken Hall, The Anchorage, The Chalks, Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8SN. Avocet out, Lapwing in The new RSPB membership card features the Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and not the Society's emblem, the Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. You may or may not like the idea, but the latter is doing very well whereas the former is in serious need of protection. 492 British Birds 92: 490-493, September 1999 News and comment WMBC almost had the Little Ringed Plover The West Midland Bird Club is celebrating its seventieth anniversary. In 1929, at his home in Edgbaston, W. E. Groves invited four like-minded friends to meet periodi- cally to 'discuss birds'. The seventieth year sees several changes: Bill Oddie has taken over as President and Jim Winsper as Chairman. The latest club bulletin explains how, in 1974, when the club was looking for a new logo, the Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis only just won the day over the Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. West Midland Bird Club, 9 Hintons Coppice, Knowle, Solihull B93 9RF. UAE guide Do not, whatever you do, dream of going birdwatching in the UAE without your copy of The Shell Birdivatching Guide to the United Arab Emirates, written by gurus Colin Richardson and Simon Aspinall. The key localities are described and, for each, there is an exceedingly well-designed, clear map, drawn with flair and imagination as well as accuracy. This 96-page booklet includes a full systematic list giving the status of each species and details of indi- vidual records for the rarest ones. Copies may be obtained (£10.00 including p&p, by cheque to Colin Richardson) from Hobby Publications, PO Box 50394, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Filey Brigg becomes an Observatory In January, Filey Brigg was officially recog- nised as an accredited Bird Observatory by the Bird Observatories Council. The Hon. Secretary is Ian Robinson, 31 Wharfedale, Filey, Y014 ODG. Mushrooms and toadstools We recently reported on worries expressed by English Nature concerning the overex- ploitation of wild edible fungi (Brit. Birds 91: 304). The Conservation Officer of the British Mycological Society, Maurice Rotheroe, discusses this subject at length in British Wildlife (9: 349-356) and concludes that 'If we are serious about fungal conser- vation, ... we should be directing our energies towards combating these known menaces [loss of habitat and increasing pollution], rather than allowing ourselves to be sidetracked into debate about imagi- nary threats.' Anyone interested should read the whole article. The Standard UK price of British Wildlife is £21.95 p.a. (£22.50 Europe; £28.50 rest of the World), but the concessionary rate for British Birds subscribers is £17.95 p.a.; single back copies cost £3.50; from British Wildlife Publishing, Lower Barn, Rooks Farm, Rotherwick, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9BG. County Recorders • Cornwall - A. R. Pay, Salena Cottage, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0EA. • Denbighshire and Flintshire - Norman Hallas, 63 Park Avenue, Wrexham, LL12 7AW. • Change of area name - Lancashire recording area is now known as Lan- cashire & North Merseyside. • Change of address for Perth & Kinross Recorder - R. E. Youngman's address is now Blairchroisk Cottage, Ballinluig, Pit- lochry, Perthshire PH9 ONE. • Change of address for Radnor Recorder - Pete Jennings's address is now Penbont House, Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5HS. • Correction - Vol. 92: 256 Norfolk, Sher- ington should read Sheringham. British Birds 92: 490-493, September 1999 493 Rarities Committee NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS BBRC SEEKS NEW MEMBER from Southwest Grahame Walbridge, as the longest serving member of the BBRC, is due to retire on 1st April 2000. Grahame is an outstanding member of BBRC not only because of his well recognised abilities at bird identifica- tion but also because of his detailed knowledge of observers nationally and particularly in the Southwest. We are now seeking a replacement with the usual attributes required for membership of the BBRC. The prime qualifications of candidates are: (a) a widely acknowledged expertise in identification; (b) proven reliability in the field; (c) a track record of high quality sub- missions of descriptions of scarce and rare birds to county records committees and the BBRC; (d) considerable experience of record assessment; (e) the capacity to handle the considerable volume of work involved in assessing upwards of 1,000 records per year; (f) the capacity to work quickly and efficiently. The BBRC is asking for nominations from individuals with these attributes and a sound working knowledge of the birds and birders of the south-west. Grahame has several extra time-limited tasks, which he is currently undertaking on behalf of the BBRC. An incoming candidate would be expected to take on some of these. We recognise that it would be difficult for anyone to step straight into this role. Should no suitable replacement be forth- coming, Grahame is prepared to waive his automatic right to retire and would con- tinue on the BBRC for a further three years. By this time, his onerous additional responsibilities will have ended and he would take his well-earned retirement. Nominations, with a proposer and sec- onder, and the written agreement of the nominee, should be sent to the Chairman of the BBRC before 1st December 1999. For more information phone Colin Bradshaw on 0191 257 2389. Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale & Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers 5th July to 8th August 1999. The text and photographs relate to unchecked reports, not authenticated records. White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii Fetlar (Shetland), 9th July. Great White Egret Egretta alba Elmley RSPB (Kent), 6th August. Red-footed Falcon Falco vespert- inus Sandwich (Kent), 9th-llth July. Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nord- manni Cley/Salthouse (Norfolk), 17th-18th July, same Titchwell (Norfolk), 19th-27th July, returning to Cley 3rd-6th August. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Wrangle Marsh (Lincolnshire), 17th-18th July. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Ballycotton (Co. Cork), 9th July; Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), 21st July. White-rumped Sandpiper C. fuscicollis Tacumshin, 22nd July; Ferrybridge (Dorset), 26th July; Titchfield Haven (Hampshire), 28th July-lst August. Baird's Sandpiper C. bairdii Bowling Green Marsh (Devon), 19th-23rd July; Dawlish Warren (Devon), 21st July. Buff-breasted Sand- piper Tryngites subruficollis Inner Marsh Farm (Cheshire), 4th August. Marsh Sand- piper Tringa stagnatilis Up to three, Seaforth Nature Reserve/Marshside RSPB/Crosby Marina area (Merseyside), 3rd-8th August; three, Fairburn Ings (West 494 British Birds 92: 494, September 1999 Yorkshire), 3rd-5th August; one, Monk's Wall Nature Reserve (Kent), 7th-8th August. Lesser Yellowlegs T. flavipes Monikie Country Park (Tayside), 26th July- 2nd August. Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Tacumshin, 25th July. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Chichester Gravel-pits (West Sussex), 7th-9th July; Flamborough Head (East Yorkshire), 25th July; Seaton Sluice (Northumberland), 27th July; Farmoor Reservoir (Oxfordshire) 27th-28th July; Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (East Sussex), 1st August. Royal Tern S. maxima Off Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 10th July. Elegant Tern S. elegans Lady's Island Lake (Co. Wexford), 7th-20th July. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Ruthin (Denbigh), 20th July. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Fladdabister (Shetland), 6th July; Unst (Shetland), 14th July and again spasmodically 22nd-31st July; Seaford (East Sussex), 6th August. Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus Bardsey (Gwynedd), 27th July. Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Fame Islands (Northumberland), lOth-llth July. Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Birds. call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 41p/min other times; including VAT) 183. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia, Siddick Pond, Cumbria, July 1999 (Mike Malpass) 184. Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni , Titchwell, Norfolk, July 1999 (Alan Tate) British Birds 92: 495-496, September 1999 495 Recent reports 185. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea , Grove Ferry, Kent, May 1999 ( Mike McDonnell) \ «!*#* 9 m 186. Left: Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis, Monk’s Wall, Sandwich, Kent, August 1999 {Mike McDonnell) (standing next to a Greenshank T. nebularia ) 187. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, Leighton Moss, Lancashire, July 1999 {Iain H. Leach) 188. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator , Sutton Park, Warwickshire, June 1999 {Keith Stone) 496 British Birds 92: 495-496, September 1999 BookShop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. All correspondence concerning the BB BookShop should be addressed to BB BookShop, c/o Subbuteo NHB Ltd, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW, United Kingdom. HERONS & EGRETS OF THE WOULD Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-98’ (listed in full in British Birds January 1999) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. (Please note: 1986 Shorebirds (1998 reprint), 1988 Wildfowl (1999 reprint) & 1992 Kingfishers all now £29.99. 1987 Atlas of Wintering Birds is currently out of print) Book of the Month ) and the Cape Verdes (since 1983, together known as Cape Verde Petrel or Fea’s Petrel P.feae). Consequendy, all ‘pre-1983’ North Adantic records are referred to here as ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ (involving either madeira or feae, but not nominate mollis). The validity or otherwise of southern P. m. dubia is outside the scope of this paper. 504 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ Figure 1. Location of Cape Clear Island. The establishment of a bird observa- tory on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, Ireland (fig. 1), in 1959 soon indi- cated that the potential for observing oceanic petrels and shearwaters (Procellari- iformes) at certain times of the year, and in certain weather conditions, was immense. Systematic seabird observations from Cape Clear Island over a period of years estab- lished patterns of occurrence which were sometimes wide-reaching, especially in a 'European' context. Preliminary results for the Observatory's first 11 years were sum- marised by Sharrock (1973) and Bourne (1973). Akin to these movements, occasional sightings of rarer, more southerly Procel- lariiformes were made from Cape Clear Island. Sharrock & Sharrock (1976) pre- sented quantified data (1958-72) in a wider geographical context on Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris, Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus and Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea that showed the importance of Cape Clear Island in particular and southwest Ireland in general. It soon became apparent that a link with the Lusitanian fauna extended to seabirds, as well as landbirds. As an impressionable teenager, I wit- nessed some of these seabird movements in the 1960s and soon became hooked on the island's potential. In 1973, I spent most of the summer off the south and west coasts of Ireland, working on trawlers, as well as carrying out land-based sea- watching from Cape Clear Island; in that year, vast numbers of Great Shearwaters Puffinus gravis (14,374 from 3rd August to 18th September; majority Ist-lOth Sep- tember) were recorded from Cape Clear Island, with smaller numbers of Cory's and Little Shearwaters P. assimilus and storm- petrels (Hydrobatidae). In 1974, when my time was more limited, I concentrated on intensive sea- watching from the island, arriving on 1st September. Despite high expectations, the first four days were relatively quiet by Cape Clear standards, with no Cory's Shearwaters and very few Great Shearwa- ters. There were typical westward movements of Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus, Fulmars Pulmarus glacialis and Northern Gannets Morus bassanus, with fewer Sooty Shearwaters P. griseus and storm-petrels. The heaviest movement was on the morning of 2nd September, with a passage of about 2,000 Manx Shearwaters per hour, but this had decreased markedly by midday; this movement was probably the result of a deep depression (972 mb) passing over Cape Clear on that day. Inter- estingly, on 2nd September, at Clogher Head, Co. Louth, Moore (1975) recorded the only northward movement of Manx Shearwaters that autumn, totalling 11,000 birds from 13.30 to 16.30 hours (as well as about 100 Fulmars per hour), after 12 hours of gale-force winds; he suggested that these observations agreed with Manikowski's (1971) theory that pelagic birds move ahead of advancing low-pres- sure systems. This vigorous depression, which had moved 500 miles (800 km) in 24 hours, also resulted in an increase in storm- petrels at Cape Clear on 4th September, to 140 per hour moving west past Blananarra- gaun tip, as well as the first of a series of almost daily immature Sabine's Gulls Larus sabini. On the morning of 5th September, low cloud from a weak front had gradually British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 505 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ lifted by 09.00 hours. Observation during 07.30-10.00 from Pointabullaun, however, produced only typical numbers of Manx Shearwaters, Fulmars and Northern Gannets, although storm-petrels were moving west at about 50 per hour and Sooty Shearwaters at ten per hour. Returning to the top of Blananarragaun at 15.30, Chris Cook, Pete Ewins and I com- menced an hour's systematic seawatching, which produced storm-petrels at about 110 west per hour, with only a few Sooty Shearwaters: not much different from the morning. I started thinking of a welcome pint of 'Murphy's' in Paddy Burke's bar when I suddenly picked up a seabird approaching Blananarragaun at a distance of about 1 km. I could not place this bird at all; it was new to me and was completely different from anything I had seen before, and I alerted my companions to it. Observations and notes The following notes and sketches were entered into the log and on individual 'Unusual Record' forms by all three observers. The notes are reproduced here with only minimal subediting. At the very end of an hour's watch from Blanan' top, my attention was drawn to what I thought was a largish shearwater gradually approaching Blanan' from the east. This was at 16.30 hrs and the preceding hour had produced little of note: several Sooties and a petrel passage at 1-2 miles of 110 per hour. Although rain was imminent from the west the sun was shining, giving the choppy sea a deep green colour which was good both for seeing birds at distance and for discerning colour. As this bird approached, I immediately thought Great/ Cory's, but size and colour did not fit and the presence of a completely dark underwing implied something completely dif- ferent. The bird was observed for about 2 mins in excellent light until it passed Blanan'; however, from Blanan' west, rain had started to fall and the sea colour was much greyer. The following notes were made imme- diately after the bird had disappeared: 16.30. From 1,000 m to 600 m at closest then flying W. Impression of smallish Great Shear- water, but size difference, wandering flight and dark underwing. Upperparts greyish-brown, more brown than grey, perhaps more recalling a pale Cory's — light good at time (sun), thus browns appearing richer but not contrasting as Manx in sun (brown mantle /black primaries) or Sooty (rich dark brown). Underparts clean white. Problem of under- wing— completely dark, not light middle and dark border as Great/ Cory's; all dark — more so than upperparts — sooty blackish. Tail as upperparts — no white rump or darker tail or darker wing tips as Great /Cory's would certainly [show] in this light: thus uniform upperparts. Head as upperparts, possibly slightly darker, but no definite cap as Greats, but distant. Size — slightly smaller than Sooty — nearer Sooty size than Manx (both present). Wing shape — Sootyish — quite long but noticeably narrow. Distinct curve from carpal to wing tip giving very pointed effect. Wings held back from body and slight curve to carpal joint from body — generally like a rough-weather Sooty but not so pronounced. Flight — beats 4, quite quick, but rambling and ambling over waves on slightly bowed wings, effort- less. Wide zig-zag path often banking without flaps. Quite high at times (c. 15 ft [4.6 m]). Very buoyant in the air ('butterfly-like': P. Ewins) and extremely agile as if J. W. Enticott’s sketches of bird, with Sooty Shearwater for comparison. 506 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ gaining lift without beats of shearwater-zig- zag. No 'hovering' and arcs much wider than rough-weather Sooties. Sooties not flying in arcs as in rough weather — several quick beats (much more often) then 45° to horizontal glide but low and not in arcs. Flying into SW 3-4 wind but very choppy sea. Watched for 2+ mins as gradu- ally W, no concern for food or other species, light excellent at first in deep green sea (sun out); rain when bird off Blanan' point, but still visible in greyer conditions as gradually W to Fastnet, still banking (undertail-coverts white — P. Ewins). The bird was well seen in good light, and the most distinctive feature was the flight and the apparent ease of covering such a long distance without wing-beats. When passed Blanan' the bird momentarily turned eastwards before con- tinuing west. The plumage features were well seen and the superficial colour resemblance to Great /Cory's seems significant. The demarcation about the head was probably similar to Manx demarca- tion, and there was no cap of a darker colour nor distinct collar as Great Shearwater. The curvature of the front part of the wing gave a storm-petrel effect, and the narrowness of the wing even more so than Sooty gave a scythe- like effect. Compared with the flight of this bird, Sooties appeared to be labouring into the wind, having to flap every 10-15 ft [3-5 m], and Manx were gliding at 45° only, again with much flap- ping. From the reference books available all 'British' seabirds can safely be eliminated, and it seems conceivable that this bird was possibly one of the Pterodroma genus of petrels. It seems doubtful if identification can be taken any further, though surely the flight is distinct enough to give an indication. /. W. Enticott Jim Enticott drew my attention to an 'odd' shearwater flying low over the sea off Blanan' point. My first impression was of a skua [Sterco- rariidae], but I soon dismissed the idea on further observations of mode of flight and plumage. Flight: The pattern was similar to a 'bob-sleigh', the bird moving forwards in a zig-zag manner, banking at the extremities of the zig-zag, and flapping on only two occasions, each comprising Peter Ewins’ sketch of underside of bird in flight. 4-5 wing beats (the beats being slower than Manx Shearwater, and more determined). As the extremity of the zig-zag was reached, the bird seemed to lose speed slightly, and then gain it soon afterwards. The flight was buoyant and \ somewhat reminiscent of a butterfly (cf. White Admiral [Limenitis Camilla ]) — although flapping of wings was absent. Size and form: Slightly smaller in all dimen- sions than Sooty Shearwater. Wings striking in that they were proportionately Tong and thin' for the body-size. The wings were also notice- ably thin for the length of wing. The primaries were curved downwards — this feature being observed when the bird was gliding away from us and we saw it in a 'rear-end' profile. The wing-tips were held back (from the carpal to tips of primaries), giving a skua-like appearance, and did not resemble any shearwater I have seen as the degree of 'backward sweep' was much greater than in Sooty or Great. The structure of the head and tail were not observed sufficiently well to merit any description, this due to the dis- tance, even though light conditions were excellent. Upperparts: brown/dark grey, showing no visible contrast, and this general upper col- oration extended onto the nape and crown, but there was certainly no dark-capped appearance. The tail was not seen clearly, but certainly no prominent field mark was present on the brown background colour (such as a white rump patch). Underparts: Underside of wings appeared uni- formly dark brown, contrasting markedly with the pure white breast, belly, flanks and under- tail-coverts. No wing flashes or hint of wing flashes were observed, and the bird passed through a party of feeding Gannets undeterred by their presence. No call was heard, and the bird did not stop to feed. Peter Ewins British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 507 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ Chris Cook’s sketch of underside of bird in flight. JWE pointed out a bird flying low over the sea. At first he thought Great/ Cory's and, as I hadn't ever seen large shearwaters before, it wasn't many seconds before my binoculars were trained on it. The bird was in view for about 2 minutes at a range of approx, half a mile. The sea was in a roughish condition and the colour was greenish, good for seeing birds against. Upperparts: dark, probably brownish /black. Underparts: White. The underwing was com- pletely dark, nothing like the underwings of Manx or Sooty Shearwaters. I didn't see anything of the head or tail end. Wings were quite long, giving the bird a 'thin belly and long-winged appearance'. The bird in flight resembled a Sooty with the wings arched. It would flap about 4-5 times and then glide for a short distance. While it was gliding it zig- zagged and turned back the opposite way. Sometimes it banked, then you could see the undersurfaces of the wings, which were dark. The wings were very pointed and held at a back- ward angle when gliding. Chris Cook Post-observation DEDUCTIONS As we returned to the Observatory, still suffering from shock and disbelief at what we had seen, we met Steve Yeo and Ian Burrows on the Low Road. It soon became apparent that this was no ordinary seabird, especially in view of its manner of flight. Reference literature at the Observatory at that time was scant, but we eventually nar- rowed the bird down cautiously to one of the southern Pterodroma petrels, most prob- ably 'Soft-plumaged Petrel' (see footnote on page 504), although, from the limited literature and illustrations available, that species should have shown a breast band. Whether the bird was identifiable or not was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that the only previously recorded Ptero- droma in Britain and Ireland was a Capped Petrel P. hasitata, caught on a heath near Swaffham, Norfolk, in March or April 1850 (Newton 1852; Hollom 1960; BOU 1971). Very suddenly, 'Murphy's' in Burke's Bar became a necessity! Further seawatches on 6th September produced little of note, with the possible exception of one Great Shearwater, but by evening storm-petrels were moving west at a rate of about 250 per hour. On the fol- lowing day. Cape Clear Island was hit by what was either the remnants of a hurri- cane or, more probably, an extremely deep depression. Winds were force 11-12, and this was, by far, the roughest day I have ever experienced on the island; there was damage to the Observatory and other buildings. Unfortunately, attempts at sea- watching were uncomfortable, impossible and unproductive. The day of 8th Sep- tember was calmer, but still produced nothing unusual. Research I left Cape Clear Island on 9th September, going via Akeragh Lough in Co. Kerry (where I saw a Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor, Irish Bird Rep. 22: 14) to arrive on 12th at Dublin, where I embarked on the SS Nevasa bound for the Atlantic seaboard of France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and then Madeira. During the course of this voyage, I saw and pho- tographed numerous seabirds new to me, including Madeiran Storm-petrel Ocean- odroma castro and Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii. The problem of the identity of the Cape Clear Pterodroma was solved on 21st September, when I saw and photographed several groups of 'Soft-plumaged Petrels' at sea, within sight of Madeira. I took extensive field notes on these birds, recording that they did not possess the complete breast band illustrated in Shack- leton & Stokes (1968). Alexander (1963) stated that 'underparts sometimes dark 508 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ Table 1. Breast-band variability of specimens of ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis ’ at Natural History Museum, Tring. * One dark morph ** Two with complete band narrower and paler in centre *** Two with complete band narrower and paler in centre Southern Complete Incomplete populations Number Band Band Marion 3* 3 0 Kerguelen 1 0 1 Falkland 1 0 1 West Australia 1 0 1 'South Atlantic' 1 0 1 South Seas 1 0 1 Inaccessible 2 1 1 Nightingale 2 2 0 Tristan da Cunha 4 4** 0 Gough 5 4*** 1 Northern populations Madeira 2 0 2 Desertas 3 0 3 TOTALS 26 14 12 grey, usually white with a band of slate- grey, often not quite complete across the chest', but provided no illustration. Following up on the limited published data available, I made visits to the Natural History Museum, London, for a literature search and then to the British Museum (now Natural History Museum), Tring, to examine specimens. Through the courtesy of Dr David Snow, I was able to examine and measure 26 specimens of 'Soft- plumaged Petrel' and to assess the variability of the breast band (see table 1). Although a sample size of 26 is small, it seemed that a complete breast band was more common on southern populations, which may show a complete or an incom- plete band, whereas northern populations had an incomplete breast band. I wrote to the Meteorological Office, Bracknell, Berkshire, for copies of weather maps for the North Atlantic for the period 29th August to 6th September 1974. These proved very interesting with regard to the movement of deep depressions and/or hurricanes across the North Atlantic above the Azores high-pressure zone. In addition, Mr A. W. E. Barber from the Met. Office provided a complete breakdown of the movements and details of Hurricane 'Becky', which crossed the North Atlantic from west of Bermuda (28th August) to 43°N 35°W (16.00 GMT on 2nd September), and to 44°N 20°W (06.00 GMT on 4th Sep- tember), some 600 miles (960 km) southwest of Ireland, by then downgraded to a deepening depression. Finally, in early 1975, I sent a complete set of field notes to two leading seabird experts. Dr W. R. P. Bourne and Dr J. Warham, for their opinions. Once these had been received, a file consisting of the original field notes, the opinions of WRPB and JW, as well as supplementary notes on the birds I had seen around Madeira, was sent to Ken Preston, Secretary of the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC), for assess- ment. Assessment The record was assessed by the IRBC, and was published in the 1975 issue of Irish Birds as 'Pterodroma sp. 1974 record. One, not positively identified, but probably a Soft-plumaged Petrel, P. mollis off Cape Clear, Cork on 5 September. This is the first British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 509 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ record of the genus.' Sharrock & Sharrock (1976) quoted the record as of a 'Soft- plumaged Petrel', with the proviso that 'it is still under review for admission to the British and Irish list'. Post-assessment DEVELOPMENTS Even in the late 1970s, 'Soft-plumaged Petrel' was illustrated with a complete breast band (Heinzel et al. 1977; Tuck & Heinzel 1978). Furthermore, BWP (vol. 1) mentions a 'grey band across the breast' no fewer than three times before stating (for subspecies feae) 'sides of chest pale grey, sometimes forming interrupted band across', although the plate (16) shows no breast band; BWP goes on to say that 'P. m. madeira is more heavily mottled on flanks than feae' (see below). Clearly, these birds were little known and inaccurately described at that time. In 1979 and 1986, I was able to return to the Madeiran archipelago to survey breeding seabirds, including the popula- tion of P m. feae on the Desertas. As well as receiving detailed help and advice from Alec Zino, I was privileged to examine his numerous photographs of both P. m. madeira and P. m. feae taken within the arch- ipelago. Through Gerry Maul, I also had the opportunity to examine the Funchal Museum's collection of both subspecies. None of the specimens showed a complete breast band (see fig. 2; and cf. photographs of P. m. mollis from the National Museum of Scotland, reproduced in Birding World 7: 71). Some progress was made in 1983, with two notable publications. Harrison (1983) at last drew a distinction between the field appearance of the 'northern' and 'southern' populations, stating that the breast band was variable, but was lacking on the 'northern' subspecies. Bourne (1983) proposed treating 'Soft-plumaged Petrel' as three distinct species, Soft-plumaged P. mollis, Gon-gon P. feae and Freira P. madeira, mainly as a result of diminishing North Atlantic populations. He also mentioned that 'while northern populations of the Soft-plumaged Petrels are normally pale with white breasts, and the southern ones darker with a band across the breast, occa- sional individuals in all populations are darker with more marking below, or even dark all over in the southern populations.' He added: 'Thus, the small form madeira lacks much mottling and appears to breed in the early summer in the mountains of Figure 2. Specimens of Madeira Petrel Pterodroma madeira and Cape Verde Petrel P. feae from the Funchal Museum, showing absence of breast-band. 510 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ that island; and the large form feae, which tends to be streaked on the flanks, breeds in the autumn on the offshore islands of Madeira and in winter in the mountains of the Cape Verde Islands.' Between 1982 and 1986, I gained consid- erable comparable experience of, and was able to photograph, southern populations (P. m. mollis and P. m. dubia) at sea and on the various breeding grounds in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In 1986, Zino & Zino published a paper with photographs of all three species. They stated: 'The sides of the breast have a varying amount of light grey, but in none of the live birds we have handled or in any of the museum specimens we have exam- ined, have we found anything remotely approaching a complete breast band, such as is present on most P. mollis from New Zealand.' They added, however, that 'despite the considerable difference in size between the Bugio and Madeira birds, we have found it impossible to distinguish one from the other at sea.' This was about the extent of published field knowledge concerning the 'Soft- plumaged Petrel group' in 1989, when seawatchers from headlands around Britain and Ireland started reporting single birds, generally in autumn. Similarly, on the American side of the Atlantic, single individuals began to be seen on pelagic trips. I am a founder member of the BBRC's Seabirds Advisory Panel, and I was also consulted by the IRBC on the growing number of sightings of 'Soft-plumaged Petrels' around Ireland. Finally, in 1995, I learnt informally from members of the IRBC that, after half my lifetime, the 1974 Irish Pterodroma record was to be reviewed. North Atlantic hurricanes and Pterodroma petrels Seabirds are known to be displaced by hur- ricanes and cyclones (Elkins 1995), although the exact mechanisms involved are, understandably, little known. In the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, tropical Figure 3. Photograph of a depression to the southwest of the British Isles taken by the ESSA 2 satellite at 10:18 GMT on 12th November 1966. The depression began as hurricane ‘Lois’ in the eastern Caribbean and moved northeastwards until its winds fell below gale force on 10th November. Thereafter it began to deepen again, and the pressure at the centre had dropped to 962 mb when this photograph was taken. The frontal zones are well developed, although the 1000-500-mb wind shear was unusually weak for such a well-defined system. (Courtesy Weather XXIV (6): 1969: 222) (Crown Copyright Reserved) cyclones are referred to as hurricanes (from the term used by a Central American tribe, the Tainos, who called them 'Huracan — the God of Evil': Anthers 1982). For definitions of tropical cyclones, depressions, storms and hurricanes, see Iacovelli (1997). Murphy (1936) provided a fascinating account of birds and hurricanes, looking specifically at six hurricanes between 1876 and 1933. Bourne (1967) discussed extreme long-distance vagrancy by petrels, mainly in an historical context pertaining to various European lists; consequently, not all of the examples he cited are necessarily 'weather-related', and undoubtedly some British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 511 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ seabirds just become 'lost'. Elkins & Yesou (1998) mentioned birds travelling in the eye of extra-tropical depressions, as well as being caught up in cyclic winds, especially when these systems reach land. Interest- ingly, some of these weather systems started out as hurricanes ('Floyd' in 1993; 'Iris' in 1995) on the American side of the Atlantic. In the Atlantic Ocean, tropical cyclones originate in the central Atlantic generally between 10°N and 20°N, either from the Cape Verdes or nearer the Caribbean (near the Lesser Antilles), within the Intertrop- ical Convergence Zone. Here, northeast and southeast trade winds converge to form a counter-clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere. These two discrete regions have the warmest seawater (27°C+) and the highest humidity, both prerequi- sites for cyclone formation (Barry & Chorley 1968). Although the 'hurricane season' is from June to November, most hurricanes originate in August and Sep- tember and travel clockwise around the Sargasso /North Atlantic subtropical high- pressure zone. Sometimes (but not always), they dissipate along the eastern seaboard of the USA when they meet land, only occasionally tracking on into Canada. Alternatively, some systems track back clockwise over the North Atlantic, skirting the New England maritime states and Canada; these become downgraded to extra-tropical depressions as they lose warm, moist tropical air and enter the westerlies above the North Atlantic 'High'. Those that continue northeast across the North Atlantic often deepen again in mid Atlantic before approaching Europe (Barry & Chorley 1968; Anthers 1982) (see fig. 3, on page 511). Mature tropical cyclones are generally smaller than extra-tropical cyclones, having a typical diameter of some 700 km, while the eye may be 16-50 km across. The eye is crucial to both the generation of extremely low pressures (generally 950 mb; lowest recorded 870 mb) and the develop- ment of intense wind speeds (maximum recorded 88 m per sec, or 317 km per hour), although 90% of tropical disturbances fail to form an eye (Anthers 1982). Once an eye is formed, intensification of the system pro- ceeds rapidly. In the eye centre, air may be virtually calm (or variable) and cloud cover may be broken, with adiabatic warming of descending air, whereas the strongest winds and heaviest precipitation are at the eye wall. Presumably, this is the mechanism which both entraps and dis- places seabirds as the system moves slowly across the ocean at speeds of 16-24 km per hour. In the course of the hurricane season, there may be as many as 100 tropical dis- turbances between 10°N and 20°N, with more than half of them originating over the Cape Verdes. In an 'average' season, however, only about ten of these will grow to become a named tropical storm, about six of which will intensify further to obtain hurricane status (verified by meteorolog- ical satellite and/or observations from aircraft and ships). The year 1974 was below average for tropical cyclones, with a total of seven being named storms, four of which were hurricanes. The first of these was Hurri- cane 'Becky' (26th August to 2nd September), which was never a threat to land, but was of concern to shipping as it travelled most of the way across the North Atlantic. 'Becky' formed several hundred kilometres north of Puerto Rico on 26th August and attained tropical-storm status west of Bermuda on the morning of 28th August, reaching hurricane strength in that afternoon. This was confirmed by a US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft (32.7°N 68.6°W, about 360 km west of Bermuda). At this time, its movement was NNE at 10 knots, with maximum sustained winds of 65 knots and gusts to 80 knots. The area of gale-force winds was enclosed in a semi- circle of radius 120 km to the east and 80 km to the west, with seas reaching 4.5 m or higher. The movement and development are shown in table 2 and fig. 4. 'Becky' continued to intensify over the 512 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ Table 2. The development of Hurricane ‘Becky’ (see also fig. .4). Date & Time Position Movement Max. sustained winds 28.8.74 16.00 GMT 33.2°N 68.1°W NNE, 10 knots 65 knots (gusts to 80) 29.8.74 16.00 GMT 36.8°N 64.3°W NE, 12 knots 85 knots (gusts to 115) 30.8.74 16.00 GMT 38.2°N 60.0°W ENE, 12 knots 80 knots (gusts to 100) 31.8.74 16.00 GMT 40.0°N 55.0°W ENE, 12 knots Est. 115 mph (satellite obs.) 1.9.74 16.00 GMT 42.5°N 45.5°W E, 20 knots 100 knots (gusts to 130) 2.9.74 16.00 GMT 43.0°N 35.0°W E, 15 knots 45 knots 3.9.74 12.00 GMT c.44°N c.27°W East Now 'Low B' 4.9.74 06.00 GMT c.44°N c.20°W East (960 km SW of Ireland) next two days as it moved slowly northeast over the open ocean. Maximum strength was observed on 31st August, with a minimum central pressure of 977 mb and sustained winds of 100 knots (22.00 GMT). On 2nd September, the system lost its trop- ical characteristics as it accelerated eastwards, merging with a frontal zone northeast of the Azores. By this stage known as 'Low B' on the Bracknell weather maps, it continued eastwards, with its last plotted position, at 06.00 on 4th September, about 44°N 20°W, some 960 km southwest of Ireland. While there is no proven link between Hurricane 'Becky' and the Irish Pterodroma, the information from the Meteorological Office, Bracknell, Berkshire, combined with that from the Mariners Weather Log (1975, vol. 19, No. 1), is presented here as a pos- sible mechanism by which seabirds become transported across the open ocean. Recent dedicated pelagic birding off North Carolina has shown that various Pterodroma species are offshore in the Gulf Stream at certain times of the year (Brinkley & Patteson 1998). Indeed, Cape Verde Petrel is proving to be a regular visitor to deep waters off North Carolina, especially in May, with fewer in the summer months. Occasionally, species of Pterodroma are cast nearer the shore or inland, especially in August and Sep- tember, at the peak of the hurricane season. It may thus be only a question of time before such a pressure system, moving back into the North Atlantic, displaces these and/or other seabirds to the Euro- pean side of the Atlantic. In fact, this may have already hap- pened: Capped Petrel has occurred in England, in 1850, with another beach corpse found in Yorkshire in 1984. Much more exciting is a record of a live Capped Petrel watched for four hours on 26th Feb- ruary 1980 at British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 513 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ Table 3. European sightings of ‘Soft-plumaged Petrels’ Pterodroma mollislmadeiralfeae , 1974-98. All, with the possible exception of the August 1 989 observations at Porthgwarra, involved single birds. Year Date Location 1974 5 Sep Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, Ireland 1989 12, 13, 14 Aug Porthgwarra, Cornwall 1989 14 Aug Old Head of Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland 1990 26 Aug Cape Clear Island 1991 20 Aug St John's Point, Co. Down, Ireland 1991 6 Sep Flamborough, North Yorkshire 1991 6 Sep Flamborough 1992 24 Oct Camperduin, Netherlands 1993 11 Aug Cape Clear Island 1993 25 Aug Oostende, Belgium 1993 5 Sep Fame Islands, N orthumberland 1993 5 Sep Hauxley, N orthumberland 1994 24 Aug Mizen Head, Co. Cork 1994 24 Aug Mizen Head 1994 10 Sep Bardsey, Gwynedd, Wales 1995 27 Jul Cape Clear Island 1995 27 Jul Cape Clear Island 1995 25 Aug Bridges of Ross, Co. Clare, Ireland 1995 26 Aug Brandon Point, Co. Kerry, Ireland 1995 26 Aug Kerry Head, Co. Kerry 1995 8 Sep Merseyside 1995 8 Oct Cape Clear Island 1996 11 Jun Porthgwarra 1996 25 Jun 80 miles WNW of Shetland, Scotland 1996 18 Aug 2.5 miles W of Bishop Rock, Scilly 1996 22 Aug St John's Point 1996 22 Aug Cape Clear Island 1996 24 Aug Pendeen, Cornwall 1996 13 Sep Cley, Norfolk 1996 13 Sep Newbiggin, Northumberland 1996 14 Sep Hauxley 1996 20 Sep Fame Islands 1996 4 Oct Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire 1997 26 Jun Presumed same bird Cley, Blakeney, Sheringham & Mundsley, Norfolk 1997 31 Jul Bridges of Ross 1997 24 Aug Cape Clear Island 1997 12 Oct Portland Bill, Dorset 1997 12 Oct Cley 1998 20 Aug Bridges of Ross 1998 24 Aug Newbiggin 1998 8 Sep Cape Clear Island 56°55N 15°07W, some 80 km southwest of Rockall and 480 km west of Scotland (Dan- nenberg 1983). This is by far the most northerly record of Capped Petrel in the North Atlantic, and Bourne (1986) has sug- gested that similar areas of productive upwelling may support 'Soft-plumaged' and/or Bulwer's Petrels, especially in late summer. Interestingly, Paul Buckley (in litt.) has also suggested that the New England Seamounts (between Bermuda and Newfoundland), apparently ornitho- logically unknown, may provide productive upwelling for Bermuda Petrel P. cahow, Capped Petrel and other warm- water tubenoses, especially as they bisect the main axis of the Gulf Stream. Following the first records of 'Soft- plumaged Petrels' in the temperate North Atlantic, in 1974 (Ireland) and 1981 (two, North Carolina), small numbers have been sighted annually since 1989 (excluding 1992) around Britain and Ireland and since 1991 (except 1993) off the eastern seaboard of the United States, with a first Canadian sighting in 1997, off Nova Scotia on 7th July. These remarkable series of sightings since 1989 pose several questions: 1 . Why have these birds not been detected before? 2. Which species of the 'Soft-plumaged Petrel group' are now occurring regularly in small numbers on both sides of the Atlantic? 3. Are the North American and European sightings of the same or different individ- uals, and, if the same, could this represent a regular clockwise migration around the North Atlantic? 4. Why are North American observations almost exclusively from pelagic trips, with none seen from land, whereas European observations are mostly from land, with almost none reported at sea? Tables 3 and 4 list those sightings of 'Soft-plumaged Petrels' which I have been able to trace from the literature for both sides of the North Atlantic. While I suspect 514 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ Table 4. North American sightings of ‘Soft- plumaged Petrels’ Pterodroma mollis/madeiralfeae, 1981-98. All records involve singles. 1 nautical mile = 1.852 km. Year Date Location 1981 24 May 40 miles SE of Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina 1981 3 Jun 35 miles ESE of Cape Hatteras Point 1984 9 Nov 90 miles E of St Catherine's Island, Georgia 1991 25 May 52 miles SE of Oregon Inlet, North Carolina 1992 24 May 35 miles SE of Hatteras Inlet 1992 31 May 40 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1992 27 Jun 57 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1994 30 May 51 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1995 29 May 52 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1995 29 May 53 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1995 4 Jun 55 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1995 4 Jun 50 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1995 30 Jul 54 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1995 9 Sep 55 miles E of Back Bay, Virginia 1995 16 Sep 30 miles SE of Hatteras Inlet 1996 26 May 40 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1996 27 May 50 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1996 20 Jul 25 miles ENE of Hatteras Inlet 1996 10 Aug 50 miles SE of Oregon Inlet 1996 6 Sep 200 miles inland: John Kerr Reservoir, North Carolina / Virginia 1997 7 Jul Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada 1997 28 Jul Oregon Inlet 1998 29 May Off North Carolina 1998 31 May Off North Carolina that neither list is complete, and I do not know which of the reports have been for- mally accepted, there now appear to be over 60 reports of 'Soft-plumaged Petrels' in the temperate North Atlantic. Fig. 5 reveals a summer distribution from May to November, with no sightings during December- April. Two definable peaks are evident, one in May and the other in August-September, and this becomes more interesting when one looks at the geo- graphical patterns. Figs. 6 & 7 show the monthly distribution of sightings in, respectively, the northeast ('European') and the northwest ('North American') Atlantic: North American sightings reveal a marked peak in May, which decreases through the summer months until November, whereas, in Europe, there are no reports at all in May, but a distinct peak in August and September. While both data sets appear non-random, interpretations and hypotheses are not easy to correlate with each other. To date, the only 'Soft-plumaged Petrel' found inland, and directly attributable to a hurricane, was one at the John Kerr Reser- voir on the state border of North Carolina and Virginia, some 200 km inland, on 5th or 6th September 1996, after the passage inland of Hurricane 'Fran'. Given the sus- ceptibility of seabirds to hurricanes tracking inland off the eastern United States, especially in late summer, it is sur- prising that this is the only inland record, although 'Soft-plumaged Petrels' may not be that numerous in those waters during the hurricane season. In addition, some of the European observations have been made in fine weather conditions, rather than before or after deep depressions. Thus, while the mechanism exists in late summer (hurri- canes in the USA; downgraded hurricanes and deepening depressions in Europe) potentially to aid any clockwise migration, there appears to be insufficient evidence at present to link this with (at least) the north- east Atlantic sightings. This seems to suggest a regular, non-random pattern of dispersal on both sides of the Atlantic. Concluding thoughts Not surprisingly, there has been a subse- quent proliferation of papers and notes British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 515 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ Figure 5. Monthly distribution of temperate North Atlantic sightings of ‘Soft-plumaged Petrels’ Pterodroma mollislmadeiralfeae. May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Figure 6. Monthly distribution of European sightings of ‘Soft plumaged Petrels’ Pterodroma mollislmadeiralfeae. Figure 7. Monthly distribution of North American sightings of ‘Soft-plumaged Petrels’ Pterodroma mollislmadeiralfeae. from both sides of the Atlantic on 'Soft- plumaged Petrel' distribution and identification, some of which are more accurate than others. These are listed in the references. Bretagnolle (1995) has recently suggested uniting all Atlantic populations into one species, but Knox (1995) and Tove (1997) have questioned this, and the tax- onomy of these petrels is far from resolved at present. It would seem that the northeast Atlantic birds are probably as closely related to the Caribbean Ptero- droma species as they are to 'southern' Soft-plumaged Petrels. After consideration, Tove (1997) gave very sound reasons for dismissing the possibility that North American records involved individuals from either Madeira or the South Atlantic. Although Jepsen & Zonfrillo (1986) tentatively identified two petrels on 9th September 1986 between Deserta Grande and Madeira as southern P. mollis, this appears unlikely, and there is very little evidence for southern P. mollis moving north into the temperate North Atlantic. The critically low population of the Madeira Petrel makes it virtually certain that North American records are not of this species. The same probably applies also to an evolutionarily important, but probably very small population recently found on the Azores (Bibby & del Nevo 1991; Monteiro & Furness 1995), but predicted three decades earlier by Bourne (1965). Fur- thermore, it is not known if either of these populations is migratory; it is possible that Madeira Petrels may remain around Madeira when not breeding, although they are known not to be on the breeding ledges in January. Tove (1997) speculated that the petrels seen off North America are Cape Verde Petrels, and probably from the Bugio (Desertas) population rather than the Cape Verdes themselves. He based this on the timing of the breeding season (July/ August to January/February on Bugio, but September/October to April /May in the Cape Verdes), as well as the absence of barring on the flanks of 516 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ those individuals observed more closely and photographed. While this interpreta- tion may or may not be correct, it seems unlikely that 'European' records, with their peak in August and September, refer to the Bugio population, as the latter is then breeding (Bourne 1983; Collar & Stuart 1985; Jouanin et al. 1969; Zino & Zino 1986; pers. obs.). In fact, the distribution of Euro- pean records would probably tend to favour the Cape Verdes as a source. More- over, the Cape Verdes population is larger than that on Bugio, although accurate, up- to-date figures are difficult to obtain. Perhaps Bugio breeders are offshore in America from May onwards, whereas those from the Cape Verdes are offshore in Europe in August and September? Alterna- tively, petrels from the Cape Verdes, after breeding, may disperse rapidly (from May onwards) to the east coast of the USA, and then possibly move onwards on a clock- wise route to Europe. Acknowledgments I acknowledge the help and advice pro- vided by Geoff Brundrit (Professor of Oceanography, University of Cape Town), who not only commented on the original draft typescript and enabled me to use the Oceanography Library at UCT, but also directed me to the CSIR Library at Stellen- bosch for oceanographic references pertaining to 1974 and 1975 (the only copies in South Africa). In addition, I thank Paul Buckley (Pro- fessor of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island) for comments and for clarifi- cation regarding the New England Seamounts. Dick Newell and Tony Marr answered particular queries, as did the National Hur- ricane Centre (Miami, Florida). I thank Caz Thomas for typing, graphics and critical comment, as well as for revising the manu- script in my absence before publication. I also thank Dr Tim Sharrock for the oppor- tunity at last to write up this long- outstanding record. References Alexander, W. B. 1963. Birds of the Ocean. London. Amadon, D. 1961. Letter to the Editor. Wilson Bull. 74: 193. Andrews, W. 1860. Notes on the birds of the SW coast and on the occurrence of Great Shearwater (P. major). Proc. Dublin Nat. Hist. Soc. 1: 80-85. Anthers, R. A. 1982. Tropical Cyclones: their evolution, structure and effects. Amer. Met. Soc. Barry, R. G., & Chorley, R. ]. 1968. Atmosphere, Weather & Climate. London. Bibby, C., & del Nevo, A. 1991. A first record of Pterodroma feae from the Azores. Bull. BOC 111: 183-186. Bourne, W. R. P. 1965. The missing petrels. Bull. BOC 85: 97-105. — 1967. Long-distance vagrancy in the petrels. Ibis 109: 141-167. — 1973. Cape Clear and seabird studies. In Sharrock, J. T. R. (ed.), The Natural History of Cape Clear Island. Berkhamsted. — 1983. The Soft-plumaged Petrel, the Gon-gon and the Freira, Pterodroma mollis, P. feae and P. madeira. Bull. BOC 103: 52-58. — 1986. Late summer seabird distribution off the west coast of Europe. Irish Birds 3: 175-198. Bretagnolle, V. 1995. Systematics of the Soft- plumaged Petrel, Pterodroma mollis (Procellariidae): New insights from the study of vocalizations. Ibis 137: 207-218. British Ornithologists Union. 1971. The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland. Oxford & Edinburgh Brinkley, E. S., & Patteson, J. B. 1998. Gadfly petrels in the Western North Atlantic. Birding World 11: 341-354. Collar, N. J., & Stuart, S. N. 1985. Threatened birds of Africa and related islands. ICBPI IUCN Red Data Book, Pt 1, 3rd edn, pp. 39-46. Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1977. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 1. Oxford. Dannenberg, R. 1983. Capped Petrel in north- eastern North Atlantic Ocean in February 1980. Dutch Birding 5: 85-99. Eliot, S. A. E. 1939. Hurricane Aftermath: Connecticut Valley records. Auk 56: 177-178. Elkins, N. 1995. Weather and Bird Behaviour. Calton. — & Yesou, P. 1998. Sabine’s Gulls in western France and southern Britain. Brit. Birds 91: 386-397. Enticott, J. W. 1991. Identification of Soft- plumaged Petrel. Brit. Birds 84: 245-264. — & Tipling, D. 1997. Photographic Handbook of the Seabirds of the World. Revised edn. London. Fisher, D. 1989. Pterodroma petrels in Madeira. Birding World 2: 283-287. Harrison, P. 1983. Seabirds: an identification guide. Beckenham. Haney, J. C., Faanes, C. A., & Bourne, W. R. P. 1993. An observation of Fea’s Petrel Pterodroma feae (Procellariiformes: Procellariidae) off the south-eastern United States with comments on the taxonomy and conservation of Soft- British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 517 Britain and Ireland’s first ‘Soft-plumaged Petrel’ plumaged and related petrels in the Atlantic Ocean. Brimleyana 18: 115-123. Heintzelman, D. S. 1961. Kermadec Petrel ( P. neglecta) in Pennsylvania. Wilson Bull. 73: 262- 267. Heinzel, H., Fitter, R., & Parslow, J. 1977. The Birds of Britain and Europe. London. Hollom, P. A. D. 1960. The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds. London. Holman, J. P. 1952. West Indian Black-capped Petrel, Pterodroma hasitata, picked up on Fairfield Beach, Connecticut. Auk 69: 459-460. Iacovelli, D. 1997. Defining a hurricane. Mariners Weather Log 41, No 1. NOAA. Jepsen, P. R., & Zonfrillo, B. 1986. Bird notes from Madeira, summer 1986. Bocagiana 117: 1-10. Jouanin, C., Roux, F., & Zino, A. 1969. Visites aux lieux de nidification de Pterodroma mollis . L’Oiseau et RFO 39: 161-175. Knox, A. 1995. Pterodroma taxonomy revisited. Birding World 8: 424. Manikowski, S. 1971. The influence of meteorological factors on the behaviour of seabirds. Acta Zool. Cracov 16: 581-668. Madge, S. 1990. Soft-plumaged Petrels at sea. Birding World 3: 138-139. McGeehan, A. 1998. Appearance of ‘Blue Fulmar’ and potential confusion with Soft- plumaged Petrels. Dutch Birding 20: 66-68. — , McAdams, D., & Mullarney, K. 1994. Enigma variations. Birdwatch (August): 42-45. Mariners Weather Log. 1975. North Atlantic tropical cyclones 1974. vol. 19, no. 1. Marine Weather Review - Smooth Log, North Atlantic weather Sept. & Oct. 1974. vol. 19, no. 2. Monteiro, L. R., & Furness, R. W. 1995. Fea’s Petrel Pterodroma feae in the Azores. Bull. BOC 115: 9-14. Moore, C. C. 1975. An analysis of large scale autumn seabird passage in the north-west Irish Sea. Irish Bird Rep. 22: 40-52. Murphy, R. C. 1936. Oceanic Birds of South America. New York. Newton, A. 1852. Some accounts of a petrel killed at Southacre, Norfolk. Zoologist 10: 3691-3698. Preston, K. (ed.) 1976. Systematic list. Irish Bird Rep. 23: 6-29 (6). Shackleton, K., & Stokes, T. 1968. Birds of the Atlantic Ocean. Feltham. Sharrock, J. T. R. (ed.) 1973. The Natural History of Cape Clear Island. Berkhamsted. — & Sharrock, E. M. 1976. Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. Tove, M. 1994. Pterodroma identification. Birding World 7: 286-287. — 1997. Fea’s Petrel in North America. Birding 29: 207-214, 309-315. Tuck, G., & Heinzel, H. 1978. A Field Guide to the Seabirds of Britain and the World. London. Ussher, R. J. 1905. Great and Sooty Shearwater off SW Ireland in September 1901. Irish Nat. 14: 43. Zino, P. A., & Zino, F. 1986. Contribution to the study of the petrels of the genus Pterodroma in the archipelago of Madeira. Bol. Mus. Min. Funchal 180: 141-165. Zonfrillo, B. 1994. The Soft-plumaged Petrel group. Birding World 1: 71-72. Author J. W. Enticott, 12a Rose Avenue, Kirstenhof 7945, South Africa e-mail: cthomas@iafrica.com Editorial comment On behalf of the Irish Rare Birds Com- mittee, Paul Milne has commented: 'There is a rich history behind this record and other "Soft-plumaged Petrel" records off Ireland and the full analysis of the IRBC's decisions would require comprehensive treatment, which may be carried out at a later date. 'This particular record was first pub- lished in the 1975 Irish Bird Report (23: 6). The IRBC "upgraded" the record to Fea's/ Madeiran Soft-plumaged Petrel in 1997 ( Irish Birds 6: 65), after reviewing this and all subsequent records and judging that they belong to one of the two North Atlantic species. As we stated there, "it is particularly gratifying to now be able to recognise the first record for Europe (1974), previously accepted as an unidentified Pteradroma [sic] sp., which preceeded [sic] the first of the recent spate of records by fifteen years." 'We also draw your attention to the 1996 IRBC Report ( Irish Birds 5: 478), where we explained the reasoning behind our use of the English names Fea's Soft-plumaged Petrel for P. feae, Madeiran Soft-plumaged Petrel for P. madeira and Southern Soft- plumaged Petrel for P. mollis.' 518 British Birds 92: 504-518, October 1999 Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler in Scilly: new to Britain and Ireland T. J. Wilson and C. Fentiman Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis ( Ren Hathway ) ABSTRACT The western and eastern forms of 'Bonelli's Warbler' Phylloscopus bonelli were until recently treated as races (P b. bonelli and P. b. orientalis), but are now generally regarded as distinct species ( Ibis 139: 198): Western Bonelli's Warbler P bonelli and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler P orientalis. This paper describes the circumstances of the occurrence of what has now been accepted as the first record for Britain and Ireland of the latter. On 8th October 1987, the Isles of Scilly were still being battered by the remnants of a westerly gale associated with a front that had passed the previous day. For the majority of birders on St Mary's, it was a day spent close to the quayside, hoping in vain for calmer seas and positive news of the Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina that had been seen on St Agnes the previous evening. Having been part of the small but spectacular and successful twitch on 7th (Brit. Birds 88: 133-135), we were still on a high, and were, together with Martin Reid, determined to scour the larger island for other fresh North Amer- ican arrivals. At around 11.00 gmt, we arrived at Salakee Farm and found that the line of elms Ulmus was protected from the wind. Very few birds were in evidence, however, except for several Goldcrests Regulus regulus and an accompanying lone warbler high in the canopy of one tree. It was difficult to see this warbler clearly, but TJW's first impression was of a Phylloscopus with rather featureless greyish upperparts and silvery grey underparts. This combination set alarm bells ringing, so he called CF and MR over to look at 'an interesting warbler'. British Birds 92: 519-523, October 1999 519 Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler in Scilly The bird had now moved somewhat lower and was feeding actively on small insects, both in the canopy and in a hedge that bordered the lane. The warbler was usually obscured by foliage and occasion- ally perched, out of view, for several minutes at a time. During the next 20 minutes or so, it showed rather poorly. Between us, however, we tried to note all its salient features. CF, on finally obtaining a brief view of the rump, proclaimed the bird to be Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli, a conclusion to which MR and TJW were also coming, except for one puzzling feature. During most of this initial observation period, the bird was seen and heard to utter a distinct, sharp 'chip' note, quite at odds both with any past experience we could remember of the species and with the only field guide which we had with us. The bird was so vocal that it could usually be tracked when out of view and even caused us to think of a possible North American wood-warbler (Parulidae). As a result of this 'wrong' call, we all felt uncomfortable with our initial identifica- tion, so, although the plumage features did not seem to fit anything else, TJW put the news out on CB radio as only 'a possible Bonelli's'. Something then happened that has muddied the waters for many years, until we reviewed the record fairly recently. While we were waiting for reinforcements, the bird moved out of sight along the lane. It had been out of view and silent for some time when we heard a strident, disyllabic 'hooeet' call nearby. Having failed to see any other migrants whilst we had been standing there, we assumed that this call must have come from the Bonelli's, espe- cially since the sound fitted our expectations. Happier now with our identi- fication, TJW put out the news of 'a definite Bonelli's'. A few birders had appeared by this time, and the bird was in view again, frequently uttering the now-familiar 'chip' call. No dissenting voices were raised as to the iden- tification, so we left to celebrate with a mug of hot chocolate and a slab of cake. Some time later that day, other observers, including C. D. R. Heard, saw the warbler and ascribed it to the eastern race orientalis, on the basis of the diagnostic 'chip' call. The bird was seen by many other observers on 9th and 10th, although it was sometimes elusive. During this time, only the 'chip' note was heard. With hindsight, greater experience and the knowledge that no subsequent observers heard anything other than the 'chip' note, we have decided that the 'hooeet' call which the three of us heard is not proven to have come from the bird under observation. Description The following is a summary of the notes supplied to the Rarities Committee: Plumage Head and upperparts very greyish, and underparts very pale and almost white in certain lights. General impression from the wings and tail was of a more greyish brown; at certain angles, the greenish panel on the closed wing could be seen, but most of the time, even when the bird was perched in an exposed position (ten yards [9 m] for about 30 seconds), this feature was not obvious. I looked for but could not see the rump patch. Bill and Legs Bill looked particularly fine in comparison with [Common] Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita and Willow Warbler P. trochilus, appearing to be of a yel- lowish/flesh colour. The bill struck me as being a particularly noticeable feature (I must admit to never having noticed this before on Bonelli's Warbler). I could not clearly see the leg colour, but it was obvi- ously darker than the colour of the bill. Size and Action Slightly larger possibly than Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff, but in general action and behaviour rather remi- niscent of Wood Warbler [P. sibilatrix]. Call Notes At the time, we were surprised to hear the bird frequently make an American wood-warbler-like 'ptsit' contact note - especially in flight (I did not know of 520 British Birds 92: 519-523, October 1999 Eastern Bonelu’s Warbler in Scilly the call of the eastern race at the time). Also, we heard on two occasions the more typical 'hoohheet' call, which was more musical and better pronounced than that of Willow Warbler. Unfortunately, I did not see the bird actually make this call, but from the sound direction I am fairly certain that it came from this bird [but see above]. CF Upperparts Grey-brown, more greyish and paler on head and mantle, with a noticeable but very thin supercilium (grey /white). The fringes of the tertials and secondaries were tinged bronze in contrast to the rest of the rather uniform darkish wing although at a distance and in sunlight the whole of the upperparts appeared quite pale and the wing panel was very noticeable. I did not see the rump. Underparts Silvery white from throat to undertail-coverts, contrasting with dark tail. Bare Parts Bill longer than Willow/ Chiffchaff, with very noticeable pale base to lower mandible; legs dark brownish. Call 'Chit' seven or eight times. ['Hooo- eeet' twice noted here: but see above.] Size Just larger and plumper-looking than Willow/ Chiffchaff. MR Head and Upperparts Head greyish to pale greyish-brown depending on the light, indistinct pale supercilium from base of bill to beyond eye, no obvious dark eye-stripe. The effect was to give the face a blandish appearance. Mantle colour same as head and dependent on the light. Bird not seen well side-on and wings not observed well, but no obviously striking panel or edgings to any flight feathers noted in the brief views obtained. Rump area seen briefly: olive-brown contrasting with greyer brown mantle and tail. Editorial comment Colin Bradshaw, Chairman of the British Birds Rarities Committee, has commented: 'This was previously accepted as a Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli (Brit. Birds 81: 585). With the recent split of the Underparts Uniform pale greyish-white. Bare Parts Bill Viewed from beneath looked finer than Willow /Chiff and possibly slightly larger, although this may have been an illusion due to the nature of the bill. Colour looked yellowish-flesh. Legs Darkish. Eye Dark. Feeding Action Active, Phyllosc-like feeding action, unlike more deliberate lumbering action of Hippolais (i.e. Booted H. caligata). Calls Short 'chip' or 'zit'. [Original description also noted loud, long 'hoooeet' here: see above.] TJW The warbler may not have been newly arrived on 8th October. A 'Bonelli's Warbler' that had been observed at Salakee on 30th September by J. G. T. Hamilton, K. R. Lloyd and others was noted as 'prob- ably that refound there on Oct. 8-10th' (Isles of Scilly Bird Report for 1987 : 45), and the British Birds Rarities Committee accepted both at the same time, publishing the records as '30th September; presumed same, 8th to 10th October' (Brit. Birds 81: 585). Following the split into two species (Ibis 139: 198), the BBRC has treated the observations as referring to one individual (Brit. Birds 91: 509), although no call was noted in the description of the bird watched on 30th September, and that observation was not included by the BOURC when listing the one made eight days later among the first British records (Ibis 140: 182-183). Authors T. /. Wilson, 30 Orchard Way, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6BU Dr Charles Fentiman, 8 Plantation Close, Saffron Waldon, Essex CB11 4DS eastern and western forms into two species. Western Bonelli's Warbler P. bonelli and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler P. orientalis, the record was re-evaluated. Once the question of the different calls was cleared up, it was accepted as the first Eastern British Birds 92: 519-523, October 1999 521 Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler in Scilly Bonelli's Warbler for the UK. This process was made easier by the fact that two members of the BBRC supplied supporting notes. Chris Heard described the only call he heard as "usually in flight or pre-flight - a 'chip' (softer and less incisive than [Common] Crossbill [Loxia curvirostra ] call), distinctive and typical of orientalis", and Alan Brown reported that the bird "constantly called a short, hard 'tzik'." 'Whilst the species can be separated in the hand both by wing formula and by measurements, there is little doubt that, in the field, the only sure way of separating these two recently split species is by call. Several other features, however, can also suggest the identification. The call of Western Bonelli's Warbler is a disyllabic "too-wheet", similar to, but slightly slower and more obviously disyllabic than. Willow Warbler P. trochilus and quite dif- ferent from the call described above. 'Other features may be helpful, but in isolation are probably not enough to clinch the identification. Eastern Bonelli's Warbler is slightly bigger and, in general, has colder-coloured, greenish-grey upperparts with less-obvious green edges to the remiges and rectrices. Western Bonelli's Warblers are usually slightly warmer- coloured, with less grey and browner tones in the upperparts and brighter green edges. The contrast between the pale tertial edges and the rest of the wing is usually more obvious on Eastern Bonelli's than on Western, which has more grey (less whitish) edges. 'There are several differences around the head, although both species show a complete eye-ring, which is a useful distin- guishing feature from the other confusion Phylloscopus warblers. In general, Eastern Bonelli's Warbler has a whiter supercilium, and a triangular dark spot in front of the eye, which appears to contrast with the pale anterior lores. In addition, it has brown tones on the ear-coverts, forming the warmest-coloured part of the head and contrasting with the rest of the head colour. Western Bonelli's Warbler will usually have fairly uniform pale lores, with no obvious dark triangle, some yellow or buff tones to the supercilium and, even though it also has brown tones to the ear-coverts, these do not contrast with the brown- tinged cap. It should be noted, however, that some Eastern Bonelli's Warblers seem to show a less obvious or even no dark spot in front of the eye. 'There is variation within the species in bill and leg colours, but, in general, Eastern Bonelli's Warbler is more likely to have blackish legs and a darker bill, whilst Western Bonelli's Warbler usually has pale legs and a flesh-coloured base to the lower mandible.' Tony Marr, Chairman of the BOURC, has commented: 'The separation by the BOURC of the western and eastern races of Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli into distinct species. Western Bonelli's Warbler P. bonelli and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler P. orientalis, was announced in its Twenty- third Report (July 1996) ( Ibis 139: 198). At that time, there were no accepted records of P. orientalis, but three claims were being considered by the BBRC and the BOURC as a result of the split. These were from Spurn, Yorkshire, on 15th October 1970; St Mary's, Scilly, on 30th September and on 8th-10th October 1987; and Whitley Bay, Northumberland, on 20th-29th September 1995. 'The Whitley Bay record was accepted, but the Spurn and Scilly records were both rejected. The Scilly record was not accept- able as the bird was described as having two distinct calls, "hooeet" and "chip", which matched those of bonelli and orien- talis respectively. This was puzzling, and committee members made enquiries and efforts to determine whether orientalis utters both calls. The replies from observers abroad, and the experience of Committee members themselves, con- firmed that it does not. Several committee members regretted that what appeared to be a good record had probably been sunk by a nearby Common Chiffchaff. 'In correspondence with the BOURC 522 British Birds 92: 519-523, October 1999 Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler in Scilly Secretary in July and August 1996, two of the finders of the bird, TJW and CF, asked for an opportunity to set the record straight. They said that, at the time of their observations, they were of the opinion that the bird had made the "hooeet" call, which fitted their expectations of Bonelli's Warbler's call as described in the available literature they had in the field. The "hooeet" call had been heard only twice, when the bird had been out of view in a line of trees, and on reflection they now considered that it was not definitely attrib- utable to it. The "chip" call, however, had been heard constantly and was seen to be made by the bird. They requested that the BOURC review the record again. 'Had the original finders been the only observers, and had they changed their story to seek acceptance of a first record for Britain, the Committee would undoubtedly have been suspicious and would have rejected the record (as has happened on at least one occasion in the past). In this case, fortunately, the bird was seen by a number of very experienced observers, who heard it call "chip" several times and not "hooeet" at all, during reasonable periods of observa- tion. The record was subsequently reconsidered, along with a letter from C. D. R. Heard, a BBRC member at the time and one of the other observers concerned, describing the "chip" call, which he noted at least five times. 'The original observers' honesty was com- mended by the Committee, and their submission was accepted as reflecting a genuine mistake. The species was unani- mously added to Category A as the first for Britain and Ireland, predating the accepted Whitley Bay record of September 1995. A long- distance migrant. Eastern Bonelli's Warbler breeds from the Balkans eastwards through to Turkey and winters in northeast Africa.' A Looking back One hundred and fifty years ago: 'Occurrence of Sylvia Orphea [Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis] in Yorkshire ... My bird is evidently a female, and was observed in company with its mate for a considerable time before it was shot. The other bird had a black head, and the description I received, left no doubt on my mind that it was a male bird of Sylvia Orphea. The bird, of which I send you a description, was shot in a small plantation near the town of Wetherby, on the 6th of July, 1848, and was, unfortunately, very ill set-up by the man who obtained it: it had the appearance of having been engaged in incubation from the state of its plumage. Mr Graham, my bird- stuffer, at York, hearing that a very uncommon bird had been shot, went over to Wetherby, and, fortunately, obtained the specimen for my collection. . . . Since procuring this specimen, I have received a male bird from France, with four eggs . . . This bird is very common in Italy and the southern parts of France and Piedmont, and sometimes is found in Switzerland ... I may, perhaps, be allowed to add, that this is now the third addition to the list of British birds which has been made by the zeal and activity of Mr Graham, the Larus Rossii [Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea] and Otis Me Queenii [Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata] having first come into his hands. — W. M. E. Milner, Nunappleton' 'The last addition to our British birds is a new species of warbler (Sylvia orphea) ... at Wetherby, in Yorkshire ... It is very remark- able that this Italian songster should have been first detected as British so far north as Yorkshire. Viewed as an addition to our Fauna, this is ... most interesting ... ; first, because no doubt whatever can be thrown on its genuineness as a voluntary migrant; sec- ondly, because it was evidently nesting here; and thirdly, because its occasional occurrence in the alpine regions of central Europe renders its re-appearance here a matter of probability.' ( Zoologist 7 : 2588-2589, October 1849; ix) [Fishy? Shades of 'Hastings'? We have suggested to the BOURC that investigation is warranted. EDS.] British Birds 92: 519-523, October 1999 523 Identification of Bonelli’s Warblers Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis ( Ian Lewington) Identification of Bonelli’s warblers Doug Page Illustrated by Ian Lewington The recent decision by the British Ornithologists' Union Records Com- mittee to treat Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli as two species. Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus ori- entalis ( Ibis 139: 197-201; Brit. Birds 90: 70; 91: 122-123), is a potential cause of frustra- tion for the observer who has the good fortune to find a vagrant, silent 'Bonelli's warbler'. The two species are very similar, both structurally and in plumage features, but thankfully the calls are dissimilar and, in the case of orientalis, highly distinctive. The purpose of this short paper is to high- light the known identification features and to encourage observers to try to determine additional field characters of the two species. Current knowledge suggests that the majority of silent individuals will not be readily identifiable in the field, but, with careful observation, at least some individ- uals may be specifically identified. Of course, if one is calling, the identification should be straightforward. Up to the end of 1998, there has been a combined total of 145 Bonelli's warblers recorded in Britain and Ireland, of which 56 have been accepted as bonelli and just three specifically assigned to orientalis. The paucity of records attributable to orientalis clearly reflects the respective population strengths and the north-south migration route of orientalis, which seems less likely to overshoot in spring, but a clear under- standing and awareness of the field characters is also perhaps a contributory factor. It should be noted that, although all three British records have occurred in autumn, of four accepted Dutch records up to 1995, three were in spring and one was in July. Distribution and WINTERING AREAS The Western form, bonelli, has a breeding range extending from Northwest Africa, north through Iberia and France, through Central Europe, Italy and east to Austria and northwestern former Yugoslavia. Numerically, the population is large, with an estimate in the EBBC Atlas of 1.5-4 million breeding pairs. The wintering area 524 British Birds 92: 524-531, October 1999 Identification of Bonelli’s warblers fresh orientalis fresh bonelli worn orientalis tristis worn bonelli caligata Figure 1 . Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis and Western Bonelli’s Warbler P. bonelli , and pit- falls: the Siberian race of Common Chiffchaff P co/lybita tristis and the nominate race of Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata ( Ian Lewington ) is along the southern edge of the Sahara, from Senegal in the west to northeast Nigeria and northern Cameroon in the east, roughly between 10° and 17°N. Given the West African wintering range, the main migration route is south to southwest in autumn, with the peak southerly move- ment occurring in August. Spring migration is from early March to the middle of May, with the peak in April and early May. The eastern form, orientalis, has a much smaller population, occurring in central and southern former Yugoslavia, northern Bulgaria, Greece and western Turkey, with small numbers in Lebanon and Syria. The estimated population given in the EBBC Atlas is only 15,000-40,000 breeding pairs, which represents just one percent of the number of bonelli. The complete extent of British Birds 92: 524-531, October 1999 525 Identification of Bonelli’s warblers Table 1. Plumage of Eastern Phylloscopus orientalis and Western Bonelli’s Warblers P. bonelli. Observers should note that there is a considerable degree of overlap between the two species. First-winter individuals of both species appear ‘cleaner’ and brighter than autumn adults, which have worn and bleached remiges and rectrices. Adults of bonelli, and presumably orientalis, tend to show a more contrasting rump-patch than do first-winters, which can be duller, showing less contrast. Feature orientalis bonelli Supercilium Whitish, quite prominent, probably never showing any yellow tones Whitish, but often tinged with yellow or buff and, therefore, less prominent Lores Pale, but the dark smudge in front of the eye tends to be more obvious Pale, the dark smudge in front of the eye is rather diffuse and less obvious Ear-coverts Pale brown to warm almost gingery-brown, tending to contrast with greyish head tones Pale brown. Less contrast with more brownish head tones Upperparts Cold, greenish-grey, lacking brown tones, often looking very grey with just a slight olive or green tone to the lower mantle Less grey, more brownish- olive or pale brownish (can be quite similar in tone to Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata) Fringes to remiges and rectrices Duller greenish-lime Brighter yellowish-green Tertial fringes More contrast with greenish-edged remiges, with whitish or silver-white edgings Less contrast, with greyer tertial edgings Axillaries and underwing-coverts Pale yellow or whitish Brighter yellow Uppertail-coverts More contrast between the yellow ramp and dingy, longer uppertail-coverts Less contrast between yellow rump and yellow tones of longer uppertail-coverts Bill Tends to show more- restricted pale base to lower mandible Extensive pale pink lower mandible, upper mandible horn with pinkish cutting edge and base. Whole bill often gives impression of being pink Legs Dark grey . ... . . u or blackish- brown On average, paler, often with pinkish-brown tone the winter quarters is as yet unknown, but migration is basically north-south, with at least part of the population wintering in Sudan south to about 9°N. Migrants have reportedly occurred in Malta, Tunisia and western Libya, so it is possible that part of the winter quarters lie farther to the west than is currently known. Timing of migra- tion is similar to that of bonelli, but spring migration starts earlier, in late February. Field characters (table 1, fig. i) Both species are medium-sized Phyllo- scopus warblers, slightly smaller than Willow Warbler P. trochilus. Although size is of little value in the field, orientalis aver- ages slightly larger than bonelli. Both species display a character similar to that of Wood Warbler P. sibilatrix, but appear proportionately longer tailed and are shorter winged than that species. Primary 526 British Birds 92: 524-531, October 1999 Identification of Bonelli’s warblers 190. Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orien- talis, Eilat, Israel, April 1987 ( Hadoram Shirihai ). A rather warm-coloured, yellower/greener indi- vidual, approaching Western P. bonelli in coloration. projection is of medium length, falling between those of Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff P. collybita. In addition, the nasal hairs are more pronounced than those of trochilus, with the three rictal bris- tles overhanging the base of the nostrils (Williamson 1962). Plumage is rather plain with, for a Phyl- loscopus, a rather bland facial expression, owing to a lack of obvious loral or eye stripes. A pale supercilium is rather diffuse, and a rather large, dark eye, accen- tuated by a complete pale eye-ring, stands out in the pale face. Mantle and scapulars are plain greyish-brown or brownish-grey, with greenish or olive tones; tertials are dark-centred, with paler, 'faded' fringes; and the wing-coverts, remiges and rectrices are edged lime or yellowish-green. When wing-flicking or fly-catching, a small. 192. Two Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers Phylloscopus orientalis, Eilat, Israel, April 1986 ( Hadoram Shir- ihai). Showing individual variation in size and coloration. 191. Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orien- talis, Eilat,. Israel, April 1986 ( Hadoram Shirihai). A paler/greyer individual than that in plate 190. bright golden-yellowish patch can be seen on the rump, although this is dull on first- winters and on a few spring birds. Underparts are a clean, chalky-white, often described as silky-white, with, occasion- ally, a pale-buff, greyish or yellow wash to the breast sides and/or yellow streaking on undertail-coverts. The bill is relatively long, and of medium strength, fleshy-orange, with dark culmen and tip, and can appear remark- ably pale when viewed from below. Legs and feet, although variable, are generally grey-brown or blackish-brown, or pinkish- brown. Differences between the two species are, at best, subtle, but on some individuals a combination of characters may be present which helps to afford a specific identifica- tion (see below and table 1). 193. Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orien- talis, Sumburgh Hotel and Grutness, Shetland, August 1998 {Bill Jackson) British Birds 92: 524-631, October 1999 527 Identification of Bonelu’s warblers Eastern orientalis has a 'sharper', better- defined head pattern owing to a whitish supercilium, which on Western bonelli tends to be tinged with buff or yellowish. Also, although the lores of both species are pale, there is a small dark smudge just in front of the eye and this tends to be more obvious on orientalis, but more diffuse on bonelli. The head colour is greyer on orien- talis, and the pale-brown or ginger-brown ear-coverts tend to contrast with the grey tones, whereas, with the head colour of bonelli browner, the ear-coverts show less contrast. Upperpart tones vary, but generally 197 & 198. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus (L. Dalziet) 194-196. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli, Sumburgh Head, Shetland, September 1995 {Bill Jackson) those of orientalis are colder grey, lacking the brown tones of bonelli. The latter can, however, also appear very pale greyish- brown, often with an olive-brown tone (such pale, grey-brown-mantled individ- uals have, surprisingly, on more than one occasion in autumn been misidentified as Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata). This, coupled with its grey head, makes orientalis a colder, altogether greyer-looking species. On orientalis, the fringes of the remiges and rectrices are dull greenish-lime, whereas on bonelli they are brighter, yellowish-green, forming a more obvious panel on the closed wing. Although there is much overlap, the dark-centred tertials of orien- talis show a more contrasting pattern against the greenish-edged remiges, as the actual fringes to the tertials are white, silvery-white or yellowish-white compared with the duller, greyer fringes on bonelli. Although of limited use in the field, the i, Sumburgh Head, Shetland, September 1995 528 British Birds 92: 524-531, October 1999 Identification of Bonelli’s warblers axillaries and the underwing-coverts of ori- entalis are whitish or a pale yellow, as opposed to the rather bright yellow of bonelli. Since the general upperpart tones are duller on orientalis, the yellow rump patch may show more contrast or stand out more clearly than does that of bonelli. As with plumage features, there is con- siderable overlap between the coloration of the two species' bare-parts, but generally those of bonelli average paler than those of orientalis. The bill of bonelli can look remarkably pale pink, especially when viewed from below, whereas that of orien- talis tends to be darker, with a restricted pale base to the lower mandible. Leg colour is generally dark on both species, but that of bonelli can show a pink, paler tone, particularly at the rear. Despite the above, observers should be aware that some of these features are sub- jective and, at present, the majority of silent individuals will inevitably remain indeterminate. Moult Worn adults of both species in autumn are more likely to appear faded and bleached, with worn and faded remiges and rectrices, than fresh first- winter individuals. Ageing, especially of those in autumn, although not a prerequi- site to acceptance, would certainly help in the identification process. Adults undergo a partial post-breeding moult of the body feathers, and occasion- ally the tertials, on or near the breeding grounds in July-August. The pre-breeding moult, usually undertaken from mid October onwards in the winter quarters, is complete, with primaries moulted descen- dently. Juveniles undertake a partial moult of the body only from July or August to Sep- tember. Voice The song of both species is a short, loose shivering trill of an unvaried note; lower-pitched, slower, the notes more sepa- rated, and more musical than that of Wood Warbler and lacking that species' accelera- tion and increased vibrancy. The character is reminiscent of Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca or a distant Cirl Bunting Emberiza 199-201. Western Bonelli’s Warblers Phylloscopus bonelli. The Gambia, February 1996 (R. Riddingtori) British Birds 92: 524-531, October 1999 529 Identification of Bonelli’s warblers 202. Eastern/Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis/bonelli, Exnaboe, Shetland, October 1992 (L. Dalziel) Biometrics The two species are extremely similar in their measurements, and even when in the hand can be dif- ficult to separate. Although orientalis is 204. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli, Spain, August 1997 (Roger Tidman) 203. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli, Portugal, June 1991 ( Kevin Carlson ) cirlus. Although the songs of the two Bonelli's warblers are extremely similar, that of orientalis is reputed to be shorter, less vigorous and less frequently uttered than that of bonelli. It must be noted, however, that there is individual variation in the song of both species and identification on song alone, under field conditions, is inadvisable. Without doubt, the biggest single aid to identification and perhaps the only conclu- sive element is the call. That of bonelli is a rather typical Phylloscopus 'poo-weet', 'hoo- eet', 'chweet' or 'clo-eee', resembling that of Willow Warbler, but slower, shriller and clearly more disyllabic. The call of orientalis is totally different, being most un-Phyllo- scopus- like. It is an abrupt, sharp, quite loud, monosyllabic 'chip', 'tchip' or 'khip', recalling a distant, less incisive Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra or even a sparrow Passer. The British records of orientalis have involved particularly vocal individuals, and it may be that orientalis does call more often than bonelli, but this could be biased by the particularly distinctive note of orien- talis. It is also obvious that silent orientalis will currently make up an unknown pro- portion of the 59% of British & Irish records not assigned to either species. 530 British Birds 92: 524-531, October 1999 Identification of Bonelli’s warblers 205 & 206. Western Bonelli’s Warblers Phylloscopus bonelli, Spain, May 1994 ( Mike Lane) slightly larger than bonelli, with fractionally longer wings, such differences are of little use in the field. Wing-formula differs in that bonelli has the second primary usually just shorter than the sixth, whereas orien- tals has the second primary usually just longer than the sixth. Similarly, the sixth primary of bonelli is often emarginated, but that of orientalis is not clearly emarginated (although many individuals show at least a hint of emargination). Conclusions Observers should be aware that there is a wide range of overlap between the two species so far as plumage, bare-part charac- teristics, wing-formula and biometrics are concerned, and the utmost caution is there- fore needed when attempting to identify specifically either species, even in the hand. The distinctive calls, of which there is no known overlap, are by far the safest and easiest way for an accurate identification to be made. It should be noted that date and geo- graphical location (as mooted in some circles) are in no way an indication of which species may be involved when dealing with silent individuals. There are several examples of late-autumn birds from the Northern Isles, the English east coast and the Isles of Scilly which have been proven to be bonelli. It seems likely that this species pair will, for the foreseeable future, pose severe recognition problems, but, with time and careful observation, it is hoped that some of the rather tentative criteria put forward here will be confirmed as distinct features which will help to make the identification of silent individuals more certain. Acknowledgments Lance Degman, Paul Harvey, Mike Rogers and Grahame Walbridge all provided constructive criticism of the draft paper. Thanks are due to the photographers who provided reference material, as well as the 17 portraits included here: Dr Kevin Carlson, Larry Dalziel, Bill Jackson, Mike Lane, Dr Roger Riddington, Hadoram Shirihai and Roger Tidman. Special thanks are due to Ian Lewington for his superb plate of Bonelli's Warblers. References Cramp, S. 1992. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 6. Oxford. Hagemeijer, W. J. M., & Blair, M. J. 1997. The EBBC Atlas of European Breeding Birds. London. Harris, A., Tucker, L., & Vinicombe, K. 1989. The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification. London. Svensson, L. 1992. Identification Guide to European Passerines. Stockholm. Williamson, K. 1962. The Genus Phylloscopus. Identification for Ringers 2. Tring. Author Doug Page, 11 Ashley Court, Finningley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN9 3RA A British Birds 92: 524-531, October 1999 531 Wintering farmland BIRDS Simon Gillings and Andy Wilson When did you last see a flock of Tree Sparrows Passer montanus ? For us, the last time was during a trip to a stake-out site where the species could be guaranteed for bird races and the like. This is unfortunately a common story, when the sight of a singing Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra, or even a large flock of wintering Linnets Carduelis cannabina, becomes notable news. But how many of us stop to think about the reasons why Tree Sparrows and Com Buntings have become 'birdline rarities' along with the true vagrants? Many such once-common breeding bird species of farmland have declined in numbers since the mid 1970s. Conse- quently, wintering flocks of these species are few and far between. Information from the BTO's Common Birds Census (CBC) first identified the widespread declines in breeding populations. Recent work, using a combination of nest records and ringing data, has shown that, for many species, changes in over-winter survival may be crucial in driving population trends. Unfortunately, our knowledge of winter ecology is far from complete. The Govern- ment's Biodiversity Action Plans state that information on winter habitat use by farm- land birds is essential for their successful conservation, but is currently lacking. This is where British Birds subscribers can help. The BTO, in partnership with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, is running a major new project - the Winter Farmland Bird Survey, which, over the next three winters (1999/2000-2001/2002), aims to find out more about numbers, dis- tribution and habitat-use of birds on farmland in winter. As part of this project, we are looking for details of significant flocks of wintering birds. The BTO, in asso- ciation with British Birds, is running 'Winter Walks', a simple survey open to anyone who can undertake regular walks through an area of farmland between November and February. All you have to do is give a brief description of the route taken (with a grid reference if possible) and then record details of all your visits (date and time) and whether you saw any of the target bird species. If you cannot visit the same area regularly, you can instead use a Casual Records Form to record sightings of significant flocks of farmland birds seen anywhere and at any time between November and February. Together, this information will help us to identify areas of the United Kingdom where farmland birds are still present in numbers so that we can understand better what these birds need from farmland. This information will com- plement other surveys run by the BTO, and research at other institutes throughout Britain. 'Winter Walks' and 'Casual Records' forms are included with this issue of British Birds. Please either photocopy these, or obtain further copies from the BTO at the address below, to which com- pleted forms should also be sent. Simon Gillings & Andy Wilson, Winter Farm- land Bird Study, British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk 1P24 2PU 532 British Birds 92: 532, October 1999 Conservation RESEARCH NEWS David Gibbons This feature, contributed by the RSPB's Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. More Crested Tits in Scotland than previously thought A recently published survey undertaken by the RSPB in association with the ITE and the University of St Andrews has shown that there are more Crested Tits Parus cristatus in Scotland than previously thought. The survey, carried out using transects over three winters, has estimated the population at 5,600-7,900 birds. The previously accepted estimate was of only 900 pairs. The difference is most likely a consequence of varying, though improved, methods rather than changes in numbers. The recent estimate is also from the non- breeding season and would include both members of a pair and some young of the year. In the recent survey, densities were about ten times higher in ancient native pinewood than in other woodland, which mostly comprised planted Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris, Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta lat- ifolia and Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis. Thus, although ancient native pinewood com- prises only 5% of the total woodland in Scotland, it contains one-third of the Crested Tit population. Crested Tits were associated with Scots Pine irrespective of the woodland type, and will continue to benefit from the planting of this species. They will not, however, benefit from planting of spruce. Summers, R. W., Mavor, R. A., Buckland, S.T., & Maclennan, A. M. 1999. Winter population size and habitat selection of Crested Tits Parus cristatus in Scotland. Bird Study 46: 230-242. Birds move north Recent studies have suggested that butter- flies in the United States and Europe have shifted their distributions northwards, probably in response to climate warming. Although it is now widely accepted that many birds in Britain lay their eggs ten days or so earlier than they did 30 years ago, there has, until recently, been little convincing evidence that they have altered their breeding ranges in response to climate change. Using data from the two BTO/IWC/SOC breeding bird atlases, two ornithologists from the University of Leeds have suggested that British bird distribu- tions may have shifted in recent decades. They came to this conclusion by measuring the average location of the ten most- northerly 10-km grid squares for a wide range of southerly distributed terrestrial and freshwater species in each of the two atlases. By taking account of the change in status of each species between the two atlases, they were able to show that the northern margins of these species moved 19 km northwards, on average, over the 20 year period 1968-72 to 1988-91. Although they were unable to prove that this shift was a consequence of a warming climate, they suggested that this was the most par- simonious explanation. Thomas, C. D., & Lennon, J. J. 1999. Birds extend their range northwards. Nature 399: 213. Dr David Gibbons, Conservation Science Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL British Birds 92: 533, October 1999 533 ZEISS The Carl Zeiss Award Every year, we select, from amongst the prints and transparencies sub- mitted to the British Birds Rarities Committee (either directly or via British Birds), the photograph or set of pho- tographs which has been most instructive in the record-assessment processes during the year. Carl Zeiss Ltd, the sponsor of the BBRC as well as this Award, presents the winning photographer with a pair of Carl Zeiss binoculars. This year, there was a bumper crop of contenders, and the longest 'short list' since the Award was initiated. In alphabet- ical order, by photographer, these were: Gary Bellingham Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum J. Burgess Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia (3) Mrs A. M. Henderson White's Thrush Zoothera dauma (plate 12) D. Kightley Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (2) Dr Iain H. Leach Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus (20) Dr Iain H. Leach Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida (2) Michael McKee Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (2) Jim Pattinson Lesser Sand Plover Jane M. Reid Thrush Nightingale (3) Bryan Thomas Herring Gull Larus argentatus stnithsonianus (3) It was not an easy task to select a winner from such a varied list, which included some single prints and also several sets, including one of 20 shots; some in-the-field shots of renowned skulkers and also in- the-hand shots of trapped birds showing feather detail; and photographs taken by the lucky owner of a garden attracting a major rarity and also others by famed bird- photographers. In our final selection, however, the con- tribution made by Dr Iain H. Leach could not be denied. His set of 20 prints of the Pagham Harbour Lesser Sand Plover made a crucial contribution to the acceptance of that record as the first for Britain (and it 207. Adult Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus , Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, August 1997 ( Iain H. Leach) 534 British Birds 92: 534-536, October 1999 The Carl Zeiss Award 208. Adult Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, August 1997, with Great Ringed Plovers C. hiaticula ( Iain H. Leach) should not go unnoticed that his two pho- tographs of the St Agnes Olivaceous Warbler were also contenders, and that his set of photographs of the Dawlish Warren Semipalmated Plover C. semipalmatus came third in this competition last year, Brit. Birds 91: plates 106-109). Dr Iain H. Leach was the Award winner and has chosen Zeiss 10 x 40 BGAT binoculars as his prize. Two of his 20 photographs are shown here (plates 207 & 208). 209 & 210. First-winter Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola, Fair Isle, Shetland, 1st October 1 998 ( Michael McKee) British Birds 92: 534-536, October 1999 535 The Carl Zeiss Award In second place, the two shots of one of Fair Isle's four 1998 Pallas's Grasshopper Warblers by Michael McKee together show all the key features of this extreme rarity (plates 209 & 210). Third place was achieved by Bryan Thomas with instructive photographs of the smithsonianus Herring Gull which over- wintered from December 1997 to April 1998 on St Mary's, Scilly (plates 211-213). Adam Rowlands and J. T. R. Sharrock c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ 211-213. First-winter Herring Gull Larus argentatus of North American race smithsonianus, St Mary’ Scilly, 1998 ( Bryan Thomas) 536 British Birds 92: 534-536, October 1999 British Trust for Ornithology Best Bird Book of the Year 1999 The monthly journal British Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology announce the winner of the title Best Bird Book of the Year. All books reviewed in British Birds or the BTO publications BTO News and Bird Study during the previous 12 months are eligible for consideration for this Award. Winner Collins Bird Guide By Lars Svensson, Peter Grant, Killian Mullamey & Dan Zetterstrom. Published by HarperCollins, London, 1999. ISBN 0-00-219728-6. £24.99. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 92: 432-433) COLLINS Ml LI \\ MCI.!. ARM Y LARS >\'i: NS. SON. l).\\ /l 1 I b R.S i'RcT.M, |*i IT R L ORAN 1 hum UMN-mKAfKW ct.mn BIRDS OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT Rkk.vd Gitmmcn. Carol Insiipp and Icm ImCpp 2nd Birds of the Indian Subcontinent By Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp; illustrated by Clive Byers, Daniel Cole, John Cox, Gerald Driessens, Carl D'Silva, Martin Elliott, Kim Franklin, Alan Harris, Peter Hayman, Craig Robson, Jan Wilczur and Tim Worfolk. Published by Christopher Helm, London, 1998. ISBN 0-7136-4004-9. £55.00. (Reviewed: BTO News 222: 16; Brit. Birds 92: 102- 103) The bird books eligible to be assessed for the 1999 Award were a 'bumper crop'. Each judge had independently selected six for consideration, resulting in a total of 18 different titles which were perused in detail by the panel. After extolling the virtues and highlighting the faults of each other's choices, the six judges then voted independently on a final short list. The top two books tied for first place in this voting and could be separated only by further discussion. The final unanimous choice as winner was Collins Bird Guide, with Birds of the Indian Subcontinent the very close runner-up. In a normal year, any of the top five would have been a very worthy winner. British Birds 92: 537-539, October 1999 537 Best Bird Book of the Year 1999 3rd Birds of the West Indies By Herbert Raffaele, James Wiley, Orlando Garrido, Allan Keith & Janis Raffaele; illus- trated by Tracy Pedersen & Kristin Williams. Published by Christopher Helm, London, 1998. ISBN 0-7136-4905-4. £35.00. (Reviewed: BTO News 221: 14; Brit. Birds 92: 263) HELM IDENTIFICATION GUIDES BIRDS OF THE WEST INDIES Herbert Raffaele, lames Wiley, Orlando Garrido, Allan Keith and Janis Raffaele Principal tllutfiatwy Tracy Pcderaon and krtsln William The RAPTORS of Europe and The Middle East A Handfjook of Field Identification Dick Forsman 4th The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: a handbook of field identification By Dick Forsman. Published by T & A D Poyser, London, 1999. ISBN 0-85661-098-4. £29.95. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 92: 480) 5th The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic By Mark Beaman & Steve Madge; illustrated by Hilary Burn, Martin Elliott, Alan Harris, Peter Hayman, Laurel Tucker & Dan Zetterstrom. Published by Christopher Helm, London, 1998. ISBN 0-7136-3960-1. £65.00. (Reviewed: BTO News 222: 16; Brit. Birds 92: 101) The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic The judges also wished to draw atten- tion to four books which were unusual or of specialist interest, but which deserved to be noted for their excellence. The following four books were, therefore, 'Also recom- mended': Atlas de las Aves de Espaha (1975-1995) Co-ordinated by Francisco J. Purroy. Published by Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, 1997. ISBN 84-87334-11-3. £24.00. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 92: 168) An impressive work, and an excellent example of the genre, summarising the coverage of a large and important country by just 300 volunteer birdwatchers. Modern Wildlife Painting By Nicholas Hammond. Published by Pica Press, Sussex, 1998. ISBN 1-873403-55-0. £35.00. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 92: 264) Very readable, critical appreciation of, mostly, bird art, with examples of the work of many of the best artists. Farming and Birds in Europe: the Common Agricultural Policy and its implications for bird conservation Edited by Deborah J. Pain & Michael W. Pienkowski. Published by Academic Press, 1997. ISBN 0-12- 544208-7. £65.00. (Reviewed: Bird Study 45: 254) Serious, up-to-date work on an important subject; but expensive. The Bird Collectors By Barbara Mearns & Richard Mearns. Published by Academic Press, 1998. ISBN 0-12-487440-1. £34.95. (Reviewed: BTO News 218: 19; Brit. Birds 91: 157-158) Describes the exploits of an extraordinary assortment of scientists, soldiers, cler- gymen and others who acquired bird specimens for a wide variety of motives, and explains their value to present-day researchers. 538 British Birds 92: 537-539, October 1999 Best Bird Book of the Year 1999 The winner, Collins Bird Guide, was con- sidered to be quite simply the best field guide ever published for any region of the World. The text was masterly, and the two illustrators' work was not only meticu- lously accurate, artistically attractive and invariably evocative of the birds' actual field appearance, but also harmonious, the two artists' styles being so complementary that they were almost indistinguishable. A majority of the judges was in favour of the introduction of various contentious new English names, on the grounds that World uniformity was necessary and 'somebody had to grasp the nettle' which had been offered by BB, the BOU, and the lists pro- duced by Beaman (1994, Palearctic Birds) and the Oriental Bird Club (Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth, 1996, An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region). We liked the book's unusual but very dis- tinctive black cover; it will be easy to find on the bookshelves. The book's major fault - an appallingly error-filled index - would doubtless be corrected by Collins in a new edition at the earliest opportunity. So nearly the winner. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent was considered to be 'a frontier-breaking book on a global scale', based on years of research, with not a wasted picture, map or piece of text in its 888 pages. Those who have trailed around India with either a couple of small inade- quate guides or several huge tomes will heave sighs of relief that this single (admit- tedly large) volume can be carried confidently in future. There may be some critics of the use of the new Sibley (rather than the old Wetmore) order, but - as with the English names in the Collins Bird Guide - 'someone had to do it', and all of the six judges applauded the authors and pub- lisher for having the courage to adopt the still-somewhat-unfamiliar sequence. The third-placed Birds of the West Indies received criticism for its profligate use of space, with whole plates devoted to a single bird, and a facing blank page (apart from the caption), regarded as a luxury in what would be used by many as a field guide, but there was praise for the emphasis given to conservation aspects. As one judge commented, 'Bond needed updating' (James Bond's book, with the same title, was first published in 1936). This is a splendid new guide to the birds of a fascinating, dispersed archipelago. Fourth-placed Raptors of Europe and the Middle East is an essential buy for everyone who ever expects to see and hopes to identify an unfamiliar bird-of- prey within the area covered. The judges were sorry that the few extra North African and Middle Eastern species had not been added, so that the book covered the whole of the Western Palearctic, but were even more sorry to see how badly the author had been served by his well-known and usually careful publisher, with poor editing, numerous literals and infelicitous positioning of photographs. Despite this, the book was a magnificent achievement on the part of the author/ compiler. The last of our short-listed books. The Handbook of Bird Identification, is a huge achievement, and will be required reference reading for every ID or rarity fanatic (which means most of us), although the use of artwork by six artists does inevitably lead to some clashes of styles. What a shame that this mammoth compila- tion has lumbered onto the birding scene so late that its impact does not match the effort expended in its production. Known affectionately for some 15 years as 'HBI', this book would have won this Award at a trot if it had not been delayed and had been published a decade ago. But even number five this year is stunningly good! This is the first year in which BB and the BTO have joined forces to present this Award. We welcome comments from readers concerning the increased space given to coverage of our deliberations. /. T. R. Sharrock (BB), Colin Bibby (BTO), Ian Carter (BB), Richard Chandler (BB), Peter Hearn (BTO) and John Marchant (BTO) c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44-3NJ British Birds 92: 537-539, October 1999 539 Letters Britain & Ireland, and Irish records I read with interest the letters from Bill Simpson and Paul Milne (Brit. Birds 92: 428-430), and the earlier one from Anthony McGeehan published alongside my own letter on behalf of the BOU Records Com- mittee (BOURC) (Brit. Birds 92: 212-214). I have no wish to prolong the correspon- dence, but should like to deal with some of the points raised. We may have misjudged the response among British birders, and we have no way of knowing what the majority view would be. Rather than our decision reflecting a democratic opinion, however, or, as suggested by Bill Simpson, revolving 'almost entirely around legislation', it resulted from a request from the Irish Rare Birds Committee under which we were asked to accept what appeared to be a fait accompli on their part. It would have been difficult to justify publishing their records in our reports when they had specifically asked us not to. It has not made matters any easier for us; on the contrary, the sepa- ration has resulted, inter alia, in a major review of the British List to establish the first records in Britain where, in the com- bined list, first records were formerly in Ireland. As we stated earlier (Brit. Birds 91: 2-11), birders who have a personal combined British & Irish List can use the BOU's British List and the IRBC's Irish List together to establish their total. However desirable it may be to continue to produce one combined list, the practical considera- tions, many of which were outlined by Paul Milne, are daunting. Tony Marr Chairman, BOU Records Committee Two Hoots, Old Hall Farm Barns, Cley-next- the-Sea, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7RY Origin of the Florida swamp-hens You recently drew attention to the dis- covery of Purple Swamp-hens Porphyrio porphyrio in Florida, their apparent estab- lishment, and their purported origin (Brit. Birds 92: 167). The swamp-hens may be becoming established, but were discovered only in 1997 and noted to be breeding first in 1998. According to general American practice, exotic birds are normally not considered part of the Florida avifauna until at least ten years of breeding success has been doc- umented. We thought initially that Miami MetroZoo was the source, since the zoo lost five swamp-hens after Hurricane 'Andrew' destroyed the aviary in August 1992. The zoo is, however, about 42 km away, and local birders persuaded us to search for a much closer source. We quickly located two aviculturists who live 600 m north of the main lake frequented by the feral birds, one of whom still has captive swamp-hens. Both aviculturists were astounded to learn that a growing, breeding population of swamp-hens was present very close to their properties. Apparently, some of the captive birds simply walked away, found the lake to their liking, and started breeding there. In February 1999, we conducted a survey of the wetlands in the area and counted 134 Purple Swamp-hens, plus one found dead on the road, which has been donated to the collection at Archbold Bio- logical Station in Florida. Bill Pranty 475 Easy Street, Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, USA . email: billpranty@hotmail.com 540 British Birds 92: 540-541, October 1999 Letters 214. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus eating gull Laras droppings, Glasgow, November 1997 ( B . Zonfrillo) Bernard Zonfrillo 28 Brodie Road, Glasgow G21 3SB 215. Common Coot Fulica atra eating gull Larus droppings, Glasgow, December 1998 (B. Zonfrillo) Moorhens and Common Coots feeding ON GULL EXCREMENT The note by Gareth Watkins (Brit. Birds 92: 204) and letter from Helmut Engler (Brit. Birds 92: 313) on Moorhens Gallinula chloropus eating bird droppings report on what appears to be a widespread practice. I have, on several occasions, photographed both Moorhens and Common Coots Fulica atra engaged in this habit at Hogganfield Loch Local Nature Reserve in Glasgow (plates 214 & 215). They tend to do this on a flat surface, usually concrete, where gulls Larus have been resting. This behaviour is most common in autumn and winter, pre- sumably since that is when many aquatic invertebrates are inac- tive and the birds' need for calcium is greatest. It seems unlikely that there is some other nutritional reason for this behaviour, since the quantities ingested appear to be very small. Wood Pigeons feeding ON GULL EXCREMENT Helmut Engler's letter on Moorhens Gallinula chloropus feeding on the faeces of Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus (Brit. Birds 92: 313), following Gareth Watkins' note and the editorial comment (Brit. Birds 92: 204) on birds eating droppings, prompted me to consult a record of Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus feeding simi- larly which I mentioned in 'An Inner London study of birds on the River Thames at Westminster and Waterloo' (1986, London Bird Report 50: 170-186). Gulls, mainly Black-headed, are the most abundant birds on the Thames in the metropolis, habitually resting on river craft, where they deposit their excrement. On 13th February 1981, three Wood Pigeons were seen pecking at droppings on the top of a pleasure craft moored opposite the Houses of Parliament. On no other occasion in the course of regular watching during 1968-90 along the river at Westminster did I see Wood Pigeons feeding from droppings, and I concluded that this behaviour is rare in the area. P. /. Strangeman 22 Andrew Crescent, Waterlooihlle, Hampshire PQ7 6BE British Birds 92: 540-541, October 1999 541 Reviews Rails: a guide to the rails , crakes , gallinules and coots of the World By Barry Taylor & Ber van Perlo. Pica Press, Mountfield, 1998. 600 pages; 43 colour plates; 14 line- drawings; over 145 distribution maps. ISBN 1-873403-59-3. Hardback £35.00. Usually unseen, rails tease and test observers as does no other family. The advent of a modern monograph about them is welcome, for their conservation needs press. This book's layout and content follow closely the established Pica model. Indeed, I wondered if the increasingly standard introductory chapters merited quite so much space, but the texts on phylogeny and morphology deserve full attention. The list of 22 taxa extinguished in the last 300 years makes for a particularly sad obit- uary of ground-dwelling birds with no answer to introduced predators and habitat destruction. The colour plates, featuring 145 species and 70 subspecies, are presented en bloc. The portrayal of plumage detail is below the modern standard, and I longed for the odd photograph by which to position feather contours more accurately. A test of the figures (and text) for Sora Crake Porzana Carolina showed that helpful char- acters, such as the crown pattern and eye streak, had been wholly or partly omitted; a second close read, however, of Little P. parva and Baillon's Crakes P. pusilla, found their identification treatments sound. For me, this book's real value lies in the accounts of the biology of each species, which occupy a total of about 200 pages. Within them, the author's knowledge of his subjects shines out. A comparison of the texts for Black Crake Limnocorax flavirostra in this book and in three past African avi- faunas left me in no doubt as to the first's greater completeness. The distribution maps eschew colour, but deliver real clarity of range, even down to subspecies. This tour de force grew on me every time that I sampled it. Rail devotees and mono- graph collectors should fall upon it. At its price, however, it will be caviar to the general. D. I. M. Wallace A Birdwatchers 9 Guide to India By Krys Kazmierczak & Raj Singh. Prion, Sandy, 1998. 334 pages; numerous maps and line- drawings. ISBN 1-871104-08-4. Softback £18.75. Birding-site guides are becoming ever more popular, and it is now usual to pack a site guide (if there is one), as well as a field guide, on any foreign trip. This new book fills a much-needed gap in the market. Generally, the larger the area that a site guide covers, the less useful it actually is for finding the birds. Happily, this book contradicts that principle. Although it 542 British Birds 92: 542-544, September 1999 Reviews treats the whole of India in a single, portable volume, the depth of information is surprisingly good and is a reflection of the intimate knowledge of the two authors. Not surprisingly, only the very best sites are listed, but the book includes all those regularly visited by birders, and many that are not; the authors' aim was to include a cross-section of sites covering all regions and main habitats. Each site text is usually subdivided into sections: introduction. Population Limitation in Birds By Ian Newton. Academic Press, London, 1998. 597 pages. ISBN 0-12-517365-2. Hardback £49.95; 0-12517366-0. Paperback £29.95. We are all shocked when we hear that the, Sky Lark Alauda arvensis population has declined by 75% in the United Kingdom in the past 25 years, but, if we were entomolo- gists, population changes of much greater amounts between individual years would be commonplace. Experience tells us that bird numbers remain pretty constant from year to year and that rapid large changes should ring alarm bells. The reasons for the general stability in population levels of birds, and the operation of the factors which lead to this stability, are described, in understandable and clear lan- guage, in this book. There are three main sections, covering behaviour (including ter- ritoriality, social systems and status, and density dependence), natural limiting factors (including food supply, nest sites, predation, parasites, weather and competi- tion) and human impacts (including hunting, pest control, pesticides and pollu- tion). Professor Newton provides a masterly overview of the wealth of studies on bird populations, and the book is also impres- sively up to date. He reviews the field evidence from experiments and long-term studies of birds from around the World and the book is mercifully free of abstruse math- ematics. Many of the studies come from the UK, including the long-term studies of Red location, accommodation, strategy, birds, and other wildlife. Most include clear, uncluttered maps. The species listed are coded according to season and status (not too optimistically), and the directions and other information are generally excellent. If you want to get the most out of your trip to India, do not even consider going without this book. Nigel Redman Grouse Lagopus lagopus, Great Parus major and Blue Tits P. caeruleus, and Newton's own studies of raptors (especially Eurasian Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus), songbirds (especially finches) and waterfowl. The difficult (scientific) and vexed (polit- ical) question of the effect of predators on their prey populations is given full coverage. At present, studies indicate that, sometimes, predators reduce the breeding populations of their prey (e.g. predation by Red Foxes Vulpes vulpes and crows (Corvidae) on Grey Partridges Perdix perdix), but, sometimes, they do not (e.g. predation by sparrowhawks on tits). Newton is careful to point out that the effects of predators are often influenced by changes in habitat quality. One wonders how often the habitat changes which have occurred in the UK in recent decades have dealt species - for example the Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellns - multiple wham- mies. Higher sheep numbers and increased silage production have reduced nesting cover and made nests and chicks more sus- ceptible to predators, whilst increased food availability for crows and foxes through the winter (dead sheep) and summer (cut silage fields) have eased the pressures on their pop- ulations. How often have habitat changes favoured generalist predators and disadvan- taged their prey? All in all, this is a book which will be used for reference for many years by stu- dents of birds, whether they be university students or those of us who wish better to understand the changes in bird numbers which we observe in the countryside. Mark Avery British Birds 92: 542-544, September 1999 543 Reviews Avifauna der Schweiz By Raffael Winkler. Ornithologische Beobachter, Beiheft 10, Basel, 1999. 252 pages; 2 maps; 124 histograms. ISBN 3-9521064-1-0. Paperback. No price given. This new, updated edition covering the status of birds in Switzerland has a German text, with French, Italian and English bird-names forming part of each species heading. Its appeal would be limited but for its histograms, each of which is labelled with the species' scientific name. Using, on average, 40 years' data, and giving the total numbers involved, 91 histograms show seasonal occurrence. This is presented as a percentage per period, which is usually five days. A further 33 his- tograms show annual occurrence and are based, on average, on 30 years' data. Every accepted record of each of the rarer visitors is listed, while the status of most species, including all of the resident species and commoner migrants, is summarised. All 383 species on the Swiss List, and over 50 others, are included in the systematic lists. The introduction has 14 subsections; 1,104 Avifauna der Schweiz Raffael Winkler Scbnei/tTLwhrn AvHuuDlsilvcIicu Ruuiniis'sion I'tr Or(i>lh'>l'fpselii' Urobaclitvr HOhoIt JO. I'W'J references are listed; the appendix includes a map showing the Swiss cantons; and there are five indexes. For those who live in Switzerland, this book is essential; for other Europeans, its fascination lies in comparing species' occurrence patterns in land-locked Switzerland with those in their own countries. Peter Lansdown Atlas des Oiseaux Hivernants de Charente By Laurent Precigout. Charente Nature, Angouleme, 1999. 174 pages; 115 maps. ISBN 2-9505548-1-4. Hardback FF 80. This is a winter atlas of the distribution of birds in the French departement of Char- ente (in which the most familiar place name to most of us will be Cognac). The fieldwork was carried out during the three winters 1993/94-1995/96, and was based on 60 rectangular 'squares'. The differences between Britain and this area of France (inland, roughly halfway between the Channel coast at Le Havre and the Pyrenees) are demonstrated, for instance, by the statement that Barn Owls Tyto alba are 'easy to observe' and by their presence in all but one of the squares; and by the occurrence of Common Chiffchaffs Phyllo- scopus collybita in every square in winter. Local atlas studies such as this should be encouraged, since they not only provide distribution 'snapshots', invaluable histori- cally, but also serve to forge links between individual birdwatchers, creating teams eager to follow up with further surveys and censuses. Without pretending that they do not exist, we should, therefore, not worry too much about glaringly obvious typos in scientific names, or the slightly more disconcerting transposition of illus- trations. The text is entirely in French, but the maps are international. J. T. R. Sharrock 544 British Birds 92: 542-544, September 1999 Monthly Marathon The slim body and long legs of the bird in plate 160 (repeated here as plate 216), with that obvious, long, fairly flat hind claw, long tertials, relatively long, narrow tail and distinctive, dark- centred, pale-edged median coverts all point to a pipit Anthus. This is one group that many people find very difficult to get to grips with, but this bird, even though it is facing away from us, is actually pretty straightforward . So, what do we have to go on? Well, perhaps the most important thing is what we do not have - heavy upperpart 216. Berthelot’s Pipit Anthus berthelotii, Canary Islands, September 1995 (R. J. Chandler) streaking. Most pipits are well streaked on the back and flanks, yet this individual is remarkably plain in both these areas. The crown is also relatively unmarked, but perhaps has more streaking than does the mantle. The rear flanks offer a few clues, showing little more than a diffuse pale smudge. On the positive side we can see that the legs are a pale fleshy colour, and we can just make out the rear end of a white supercilium. White supercilia are shared by virtually all pipits, but the fact that we can still see a bit of this one, even when the bird is looking away from us, is a feature worth noting. But back to that lack of streaking: this immediately narrows the field to Tawny A. campestris, Long-billed A. similis, summer-plumaged Water A. spino- letta and Berthelot's Pipits A. berthelotii. There are other pipits with plain backs, but they all have strong flank streaking that would be expected to show in this photo- graph. The general coloration - cold grey, with contrasting white fringes to the tertials and coverts - and the feeling that this is not a large and lanky bird rule out Tawny and Long-billed, which would both be much warmer in their general colour tones. The legs of Water Pipit are dark, which eliminates that species straight away, and it also has a relatively short super- cilium, which would probably not show, at this angle. So, we are left with a small, greyish pipit with limited streaking on the mantle and flanks, pinkish legs and, pos- sibly, a long, white supercilium. That spells Berthelot's Pipit, in fresh winter plumage, since the browner juveniles are streaked, both on the flanks and on the breast. Most competitors (69%) were successful, but other species named included Water (16%), Tawny (10%), Richard's A. novaesee- landiae (3%) and "olive-backed Pipit A. hodgsoni (2%). Steve Rooke British Birds 92: 545-546, October 1999 545 Monthly Marathon 217. ‘Monthly marathon’. Photo no. 158. Seventh stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 320), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Foun- tains, Park Lane, B 1 u n h a m , Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th November 1999. ZEISS Rarities Committee NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS BBRC sets up RIACT to EXAMINE RARE RACES The BBRC has assessed claims of rare races since its formation. With the increasing interest caused by proposed taxonomic changes, however, the Committee is plan- ning changes in the way it deals with such claims. A group, comprised of Ian Lewington (with his special museum skills and interest in races), and current BBRC members Paul Harvey, John McLoughlin, Reg Thorpe and Graham Walbridge, has begun to address the complex issues asso- ciated with racial identification on behalf of the BBRC. The group, working under the title RIACT Group (Race Identification Amongst Changing Taxonomy Group) aims to: • Work closely with the BOURC Taxo- nomic Sub-committee and individuals involved in identification of races, to estab- lish or test the validity of characters used to differentiate between races • Investigate occurrences of races consid- ered rare within Great Britain • Prepare background information on rare races to accompany circulation of files around the BBRC and make recommenda- tions on each record under scrutiny • Publish the results of its identification work. Racial identification of many species will require very detailed information including, for many, in-the-hand measure- ments, photographs and/or sound- recordings. Claims of 'possibles' that are presumed clinal intermediates between a rare race and the familiar race, or claims which note characters of the race that are contrary to the appearance of a 'classic' individual should not be submitted. Thus, it is important that observers carry out extensive research before submitting claims. The BBRC is appealing for well- researched, weli-documented records of distinctive rare races, even if the species is not on the BBRC species list. It will con- tinue to act as a repository for all such records and will liaise closely with the BOURC regarding potential subspecific additions to the British List. 546 British Birds 92: 546, October 1999 News and comment Compiled by Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of British Birds. Bernard Tucker Memorial Lecture Bernard Tucker's close association with British Birds is well known (he was an Assistant Editor and then Editor from 1940 until his death in 1950). We are, therefore, very pleased to continue our support and sponsorship of The Bernard Tucker Memorial Lecture held annu- ally in Oxford. Hosted jointly by the Oxford Ornithological Society and the Ashmolean Natural History Society, the forty-ninth lecture will take place on 2nd November at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, South Parks Road, Oxford. The speaker is Tony Marr, talking on 'The Agony and the Ecstasy: Atlantic Ocean seabirding'. The meeting is open to the public, and admission is £1.00. Oxford Ornithological Society tel: 01993- 880027. Lack of grazing poses threat to wildlife A survey commissioned by English Nature to assess loss of grassland on the Lincolnshire marshes concluded that the loss of 17% of grassland over the past seven years will have an alarming impact on wildlife. A similar conclusion was reached in a National Farmers' Union report. Landscape in Peril. The concern of the two organisations is that the current poor returns on livestock will mean that grazing animals continue to disappear from the countryside, with farmers looking to other, non-livestock sources of income. English Nature continues to argue for CAP reform to divert more money into caring for farmland habitats and is pressing MAFF for special measures to conserve grasslands on the Lincolnshire grazing marshes, home to breeding Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Common Redshank Tringa totanus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava, as well as wintering waders, all of which have declined. Do museums matter? We are not sure whether birders very often ask themselves that question. We all know that some of the splendid illustrations that appear in our field guides are often assisted by detailed examination of museum skins. We read of detailed considerations of rare birds relying upon a visit to the museum skin collection. But is there much more to it than that? Now is the opportunity to find out. The British Ornithologists' Union (BOU) autumn confer- ence, hosted jointly with The Natural History Museum, the British Ornithologists' Club and BirdLife International, is entitled 'Why Museums Matter: avian archives in an age of extinc- tion'. To be held at Green Park, Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, during 12th-14th November 1999, the conference will be introduced by Sir Robert May, Government Chief Scientific Advisor. Contributions are diverse, and range from 'The Mexican Bird Atlas' (Adolfo Navarro) and 'Bird Sound Archives' (Per Alstrom) to 'Museum Skins and the Bird Illustrator' (Martin Woodcock) and 'Building the Virtual World Museum' (A. Townsend Peterson). Booking forms (to be returned by 22nd October) are available from Museums Conference, BOU, c/o The Natural History Museum, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP. British Birds 92: 547-549, October 1999 547 News and comment BIY-BPY celebrations at The Mall The Mall Galleries, just off Trafalgar Square, provided the venue for double celebrations on the evening of 20th July, when Bird Photographer of the Year and Bird Illustrator of the Year winners (plates 218 & 219), runners-up and friends packed the galleries for a joint Press Reception. We owe thanks to all those who helped to make it an event to remember: the Society of Wildlife Artists, the Mall Gal- leries, and the sponsors. Handbook of the Birds of the World ('HBW', published by Lynx Edi- cions), T & A D Poyser Ltd, Pica Press, David Cook, the Richard Richardson Memorial Fund and the Eric Hosking Trust. 219. BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR 1999. Left to right, Daniel Cole (Second), Brin Edwards (First), Rosemary Powell (PJC Award winner) and Simon Patient (The Richard Richardson Award winner) (Rob Wilson). Sponsors: T & A D Poyser and Pica Press. New Honorary Subscriber Dr Malcolm Ogilvie has accepted the Editorial Board's unanimous invitation to him to become one of British Birds' Honorary Subscribers. This recognition of service to European ornithology - especially in relation to the interests of the 'ordinary, dedicated birdwatcher- s'who make up the bulk of SB's readers - is an honour offered to a very select few: currently, only Brian & Sheila Bottomley, I. J. Ferguson-Lees, P. A. D. Hollom, Guy Mountfort, E. M. Nicholson, Bill Oddie, Dr Chandler S. Robbins, Michael J. Rogers, Major R. F. Ruttledge, Dr P. O. Swanberg, Prof. Dr K. H. Voous and D. I. M. Wallace. Malcolm served on the BB Editorial Board for 26 years, from 1972 to 1997 (Brit. Birds 65: 1- 3; 91 : 1 ), longer than any previous member. He has been Secretary of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel since 1993 and currently serves on committees or boards of the Scottish Ornitholo- gists' Club, the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage. In addition, he is Editor of the journal BWP Update. Despite all these (and many other) responsibilities, he continues to be closely associated with BB, helping the journal in a number of capacities. We are delighted to be able to recognise the contributions which he has made and continues to make to ornithology. 218. BIRD PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR 1999. Left to right, David Norton (The ‘British Birds’ Young Photographer of the Year), Tony Hamblin (First) and Mike Lane (Second) ( Rob Wilson). Sponsor: ‘HBW (Lynx Edicions). 548 British Birds 92: 547-549, October 1999 News and comment Stag Beetles Did you see a Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus this summer? There were over 11,000 reported sightings in 1998, but the national survey especially requires records from outside the 'hot spots' of London, the Thames Valley, the English south coast and the Essex /Suffolk border. Please send reports to Dr Valerie Keeble, People's Trust for Endangered Species, 15 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG; tel 0171 498 4533; fax 0171 498 4459. KLM halts bird flights Following KLM's earlier decision to suspend all shipments of rodents, reptiles and amphibians, the airline has announced that it will no longer handle any shipments of birds, irrespective of their species. The ban follows an incident at Schiphol where 226 out of a consignment of 1,648 birds from Johannesburg were found to be dead on arrival. Investigations showed that the consignor in Mozambique had not pack- aged the birds in accordance with IATA Live Animals Regulations and they were not looked after properly when the con- signment was delayed in transit. KLM will hold talks with government authorities and animal welfare groups before deciding whether or not to resume carrying animals. (Quoted from Exporters Briefing 172: 4) BIY ’98 on BBC 1 Paul Henery, Bird Illustrator of the Year 1998 (Brit. Birds 91: 263-268), is the Wildlife Liaison Officer (with the Northumbria Police Force) used by the BBC as the model for DC Tom McCabe, played by Jerome Flynn, in the BBC 1 drama Badger. Paul is also consultant for the series, and he described his role in the July issue of BBC Wildlife. Travel company for sale Following the recent death of its founder, David Simpson, the highly regarded bird- tour business of Branta Travel is being put up for sale. David's widow, Anna, has said that she very much wants the business, with its unique style, to continue. She feels that it will suit someone who is looking to get into the business with an established name and reputation. If you are interested, Anna can be contacted on 0171-639-1257. The best rucksacks Using 5-star ratings, BBC Wildlife has assessed the sort of small 'daysack' needed by birders and other naturalists. Top-rated were Craghoppers TT30 (performance *****; value for money ****) at £55.00, stock- ists 0191 4150200, and Vango Canyon 35 (performance ****; value for money *****) at £44.99, stockists 01475 744122. The cheapest, and 'great value for money', was Gelert Wildcrag 35 (performance ***; value for money ****), at £28.00, stockists 01766 512412. Congratulations to ‘The Major’ We send our very best wishes to Honorary Subscriber Major Robin Ruttledge, doyen of Irish ornithology, who celebrated his 100th birthday on 11th September. Known affectionately to many as 'The Major', his guidance and example to a generation of birdwatchers led directly to the successful establishment of the Irish Wildbird Conser- vancy, now known as BirdWatch Ireland, with its headquarters in 'Ruttledge House', named in his honour. Happily, The Major still enjoys watching the spectacles provided by the geese and swans near his home in southeast Ireland. British Birds 92: 547-549, October 1999 549 Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale & Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers 9th August to 5th September 1999. The text and photographs relate to unchecked reports, not authenticated records. Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Peak counts at Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) of 1,740 on 1st August and 943 on 28th August. Cape Verde (Fea's Soft-plumaged) Petrel Pterodroma feae 12 records, perhaps involving seven or eight individuals, all except one in second half of August, two at Bridges of Ross (Co. Clare), two at Galley Head (Co. Cork), Brow Head (Co. Cork), Cape Clear Island, Greenore Point (Co. Wexford), off Wexford coast from Rosslare car-ferry, Prawle Point (Devon), Porthg- warra (Cornwall), at sea south of St Agnes (Scilly) and at sea southwest of Bishop Rock (Scilly). Little Shearwater Puff inn s assimilis Porthgwarra, 13th August. Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites ocean- icus Two, Bridges of Ross, 22nd August. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Stronsay (Orkney), 12th-13th August; Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve (Co. Down), 13th-18th August; then four during 3rd-5th September: two, Clonakilty (Co. Cork) and two. Lough Roonagh (Co. Mayo). Western Sandpiper C. mauri Ballydehob (Co. Cork), lst-5th September. Baird's Sandpiper C. bairdii Blackrock (Co. Kerry), 3rd September; Balranald, North Uist (Western Isles), 4th September; Clonakilty, 4th-5th September; Loch Gru- inart, Islay (Strathclyde), 5th September. Curlew Sandpiper C. ferruginea Major influx: peak counts of 130, Shannon Airport Lagoons (Co. Clare), 1st Sep- tember, and 52, Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve, 3rd September. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 'Wilson's Snipe' G. (g.) delicata St Mary's (Scilly) 3rd-5th September. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Five in August: Abberton Reservoir (Essex), 9th- 19th; two, Frodsham Marsh (Cheshire), 12th; Sandwich Bay (Kent), 13th-17th; Lytham St Anne's (Lancashire), 15th. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Holbeach Marsh (Lincolnshire), 15th-28th August. Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan Stoke (West Sussex), 3rd September; Gor- manstown (Co. Meath), 5th September. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Thorntonloch and Musselburgh (Lothian), 9th August. Bridled Tern S. anaethetus Flamborough Head (East Yorkshire), 14th August. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Stronsay, 26th August. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Cape Clear Island, 29th August; and five in Scotland and Northeast England during 21st-30th August. Arctic Warbler P. borealis North Main- land (Shetland), 29th-30th August; Holme (Norfolk), 5th September; Fair Isle (Shet- land), 5th September. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Adult, Cape Clear Island, 29th August. CORRECTION: Mike McDonnell's Grove Ferry (Kent) Purple Heron (plate 185) was in August, not May. Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Birds, call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 41p/min other times; including VAT) 550 British Birds 92: 550-552, October 1999 Recent Reports 220. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana, Farlington, Hampshire, July 1999 ( Mike McDonnell ) 221. Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini, Rockcliffe, Cumbria, August 1999 ( Mike Malpass ) 222. Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni, Titchwell, Norfolk, July 1999 {George Reszeter) 223. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica , Chichester, West Sussex, July 1999 {Mike McDonnell) British Birds 92: 550-552, October 1999 551 Recent Reports 224. Juvenile Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio, Isle of Grain, Kent, September 1999 ( Mike McDonnell) 225. White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis, Titchfield, Hampshire, September 1999 ( Mike McDonnell) 227 . Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus, Bardney, Lincolnshire, September 1999 (Graham P.Catley ) 552 British Birds 92: 550-552, October 1999 BB BookShop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers Hie books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to my birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. \11 correspondence concerning the BB BookShop should be addressed to BB BookShop, c/o Subbuteo NHB Ltd, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW, United Kingdom. Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-98’ (listed in full in British Birds January 1999) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving tide(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. (Please note: 1986 Shorebirds (1998 reprint), 1988 Wildfowl (1999 reprint) & 1992 Kingfishers all now £29.99. 1987 Atlas of Wintering Birds is currently out of print) Book of the Month Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) 153 colour plates, over 1200 distribution maps, 384pp Paperback Special Offers 3eehler, Pratt & Zimmerman Birds of New Guinea (Princeton UP) ihrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook (O UP) Negg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited EDITION (HarperCollins) Tilty & Brown A Guide to the Birds of Colombia (Princeton UP) vleyer de Schauensee & Phelps A Guide to the Birds of Venezuela (Princeton UP) snow (ed.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic 2-volume Concise Edition (OUP) New this Month Boulcher The Sun Islands: A Natural History of the Isles of Scilly (Book Guild) Densley In Search of Ross’s Gull (Peregrine Books) Newton Population Limitation in Birds (Academic Press) Paperback £29.95 Q barren Langford Lowfields 1989-99 (Arlequin Press) teller Wetland Birds: Habitat Resources and Conservation Implications (CUP) Voutersen & Platteeuw Atlas of the Birds of Huesca (KWP) Coming Soon - Order Now Doughty, Day & Plant Field Guide to the Birds of the Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia (Helm) DUE NOVEMBER Paperback nskipp, Inskipp & Grimmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan (Helm) DUE NOVEMBER Cazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) NOW DUE DECEMBER Paperback Conig, Weick & Becking Owls (Pica Press) NOW DUE NOVEMBER Accompanying double CD (Pica Press) NOW DUE SPRING 2000 Nobson An Identification Guide to the Birds of South East Asia (New Holland) DUE JANUARY 2000 Sacchi, Ruegg & Laesser Where to Watch Birds in Switzerland (Helm) DUE OCTOBER Paperback (was £35) (was £8.95) (usually £50.00) Paperback (was £40) Paperback (was £35) (was £150.00) £17.99 £27.50 (5.00 18.00 '29.50 129.50 *99.00 Hardback Paperback £35.99 Q Hardback Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic \danuan & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover laker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North Africa (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic Brown, Ferguson, Lawrence & Lees Tracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain & Europe (Helm) Paperback Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic (OUP) volumes 1-7, 9 - £90 each volume 8 - £95 Qvol.l □ vol.2 U vol.3 Q vol.4 Q vol.5 □ vol.6 ljvol.7 Q vol.8 Q vol.9 Nagemetjer & Blair The EECC Atlas of European Breeding SfriisTPoyser) Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird identification (Macmillan) onsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback Hardback Cightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Vlullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe ''HarperCollins) Yterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5th edition (HarperCollins) Nebane Where to Watch Birds in North and East Spain (Helm) Paperback Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling Birds of Norfolk (Pica Press) 'an den Berg & Bosman Rare Birds of the Netherlands (Pica Press) North America Briggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Paperback ■’ranty A Birder’s Guide to Florida (ABA) £yle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) ichram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) iouth & Central America & Caribbean ie la Pena & Rumboll Elustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) french A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback Nowell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback Baffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) hdgely & Tudor The 3irds of South America (OUP) vol.l £70.00 Q vol.2 stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) Bfrica, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, Barlow, Wacher & Disley A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal (Pica Press) jarbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) larris, Shirihai & Christie The Macmillan Birder’s Guide to European & Middle Eastern Birds (Macmillan) £24.99 £l4.99 £l4.99 £35.00 £30.00 (16.99 '12.99 £21. 00 £27.95 £25.95 £l8.50 (19.99 £32.00 £l9.99 £35.00 £70.00 £40.00 n § Keith, Urban & Fry The Birds of Africa (Academic) Volumes: 1 £85 Q 2 £85 Q 3 £85 Q 4 £85 Q 5 Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands (New Holland) Kingdon The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals (Academic Press) Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) Porter, Christensen & Schiermacker-Hansen Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) Richardson & Aspinall The Shell Guide to the United Arab Emirates (Hobby) Paperback Sinclair, Hockey & Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helm) Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Field Guide to the Birds of Kenya and North. Tanzania (Helm) Paperback Asia & Pacific Coates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) Grewel & Pfister A Photographic Guide to Birds of the Himalayas (New Holland) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) Gurung & Singh Field Glide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent (Academic Press) Paperback Harrison & Worfolk Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback Hardback Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region (OBC) Jeyarajasingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Paperback Hardback Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdwatchers’ Guide to India (Prion) Lekagul & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (Saha Karn Bhaet) Wells The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula vol. 1 Non-passerines (Academic Press) Australasia Heather & Robertson Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (OUP) Paperback £25.00 [_) Hardback Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes Q vol.l Qj vol. 2 Q vol. 3 at £135.00 each Q vol. 4 £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Helm) Paperback Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback World Clements Birds of the World: a check list (Ibis) 5th edition, due January 2000 Price tentative del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) □ vol.l Q vol. 2 Q vol. 3 Q vol. 4 Q vol. 5 Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) £99.00 r 119.99 r 29.95 r 28.00 r 29.95 T io.oo r 19.99 r 17.99 r 19.99 r 16.99 r 40.00 L 16.99 C 141.00 9.99 55.00 17.50 29.95 55.00 10.00 29.95 55.00 18.75 45.00 74.95 £50.00 □ £24.99 □ £13.95 □ £30.00 □ £1 10.00 each £29.50 □ Monographs Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser) Chantler & Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) Clark & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Middle East and North Africa Paperback (OUP) Hardback Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) Q Feare & Craig Starlings and Mynas (Helm) Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (Poyser) Hancock Herons & Egrets of the World: a photographic guide (Academic Press) Paperback Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Paperback Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds - the Icterids (Helm) Juniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) Matthysen The Nuthatches (Poyser) Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) Recordings, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Cramp et al. 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Email manu.tours@xtra.co.nz (BB165) AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200+ species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland. 114 hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: 617 4059 0773. Fax: 617 4059 0703. Web: http:/ / www.cazims.aust.com /lotus bird. (BB203) SPANISH PYRENEES / Birdwatching Centre. Birders dream guesthouse near Wallcreeper & Lammergeier sanctuary. FB £150 pppw. 8-day programme for individuals, couples, friends. Visiting: S. J. Pena, Hecho, Guara, Riglos, steppes. £550 inch accomm, guide, transport. Tailor- made walking /birding tours. Tel /fax: John Moody 01454 613993. Brochure: 'Boletas' 22192 Loporzano-Huesca. Email: boletas@abaforum.es Web: http / / www.firamedinet.com/boletas AT TITCHWELL overlooking reserve and sea THE THREE HORSESHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivial atmosphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Summer rate until 31st October £33-50 pppn for DB+B, min. 2 nights, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays. Please telephone 01485-210202 for brochure/reservations . BIRDER S HAVEN BIRDERS HAVEN Bed and Breakfast for the Birding Community “GLENDAWEENA’S" Books, Tapes, Knicknacks and More Stars Reservations: (409) 286-5362/Dallas: (214) 824-5390 Fax: (409) 286-5661 /Dallas Fax: (214) 824-3834 E-mail: www.glendaweena@apl.com www.imurnet/website/birds 2081 WINNIE, HIGH ISLAND, TEXAS 77623 Come to Donana, the wild heart of Spain. Professionally led birding - botany excursions. Small groups and individuals. All year round. Charming guesthouse facing the marshes. Transfer from airport. Personalised stays. Full board from £20. All inc. 6 days from £195. Aguila Imperial 1 50, 21750 El Rocio, Huelva, Spain. Tel/Fax: 0034 959 442466. E-mail: donana@sistelnet.es Information and prices: www.sistelnet.es/donana Bird Information PAGERS Specialist Local news service plus National news too from Rare Bird Alert Call Dick Filby now on 01603 456789 for a full information pack Optical Equipment Ace Optics of Bath THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS QUESTAR - now in stock! TEL: 01225-466364 16 Green Street, Bath BA1 2JZ FOCALPOINT /^7\ THE BINOCULAR & TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS ( JM \ OPEN 9.30-5.30 MON-FRI SAT 9.30-4.00 i J FOCALPOINT is owned and staffed by experienced birders. We guarantee to help you find the best value for money among the maze of competing products. Good range of bird/natural history books. SUPERB VIEWING FACILITIES SKUA 'stay-on-the-scope' telescope cases (8 models). Ask for our leaflet on the world's finest cases of their type. sms FOCALPOI Is i Unil 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentley' Far (D484) Hi9hef WWttey. Near Warrington, Cheshire a- Telephone: 01925 730399 Fai:0192 NEW LEICA TELESCOPES ASK -jt m—m FJ2S4 m Lane, ■■■■ NM 4QW M56 Junct 10 730368 i mile UtusWwss expedition Ca|JCUIIIUI I | II antarctica & the falklands 2000 on board the MV Sergey Akaaemik Vavilov 24 January - 9 February 2000 Leader Tony Marr from £3629.00* International House Bank Road Kingswood Bristol. BS15 8 LX. UK This trip has been specially designed in con- junction with Quark Expeditions in order to offer the best sites for birders and naturalists. Around the Antarctic Peninsula we plan visits to all the nesting penguins, including Macaroni Penguin. At the Falkland Islands we make the best use of time to visit dif- ferent habitats on the rugged off-shore islands to see all their rich and specialised wildlife and also have the specialised Land Rover excur- sion to the famous King Penguin rookery at Volunteer Point, a major highlight of the trip. Whether you are a serious birder, keen naturalist, or just want to see the most incredible place on earth, don't miss this chance to join us for the experience of a life- time. ‘Special reduced price save £766 (original price £4239) 1 1 {}( BiraxifeXi\ I Contact us for your brochure NOW! web: www.wildwings.co.uk email: wildinfo@wildwings.co.uk TELEPHONE 0117 984 8040* BROCHURE LINE 0117 961 0874 PARROTS A Guide to the Parrots of the World Ton}- Juniper and Mike Pmt riliranunl by Kfn Frsokfta, Robta RnotU. Dan Powell, Dnfdjohnttm and Carl D*S0v» Parrots £35 ISBN 10873403-40-2; 240 x 1 70mm; 584 pages; 88 colour plates Parrots, the comprehensive guide to the parrot family, published by Pica Press, recently won the Library Association’s McColvin Medal for an outstanding work of reference. Parrots, which includes 88 colour plates portraying all of the world's parrot species, is an essential identification guide for birders, aviculturists, customs officials concerned with the illegal trade in endangered species and anyone with an interest in these wonderful birds. To place an order or for further information, contact Christopher Helm, Pica Press The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01 580 880561 Fax: 01 580 880541 When it comes to birdwatching tours , the decision is easy - our 2000 brochure is clearly out in front! France • Holland • Spain • Greece * Cyprus • Lesbos Austria • Finland & Arctic Norway • Iceland * Hungary j Bulgaria • UAE • Morocco • Egypt • Israel * Oman Gambia • Kenya • Ethiopia • South Africa • Madagascar Galapagos • Brazil * Trinidad & Tobago • Costa Rica Mexico • Florida • Point Pelee • Canadian Rockies India • Nepal • Sri Lanka • Malaysia & Borneo New Zealand • Papua New Guinea & Australia 2 95 0 Most major credit cards accepted Guidelines for Contributors British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the Western Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted for publication only on condition that the material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal or magazine. Photographs and drawings are welcomed. Referees are used where appropriate, and all submissions are reviewed by the British Birds Editorial Board or Notes Panels. Submissions should be in duplicate, typewritten, with double spacing and wide margins, and on one side of the paper only, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk. Both IBM- compatible (PC) and Macintosh disks are acceptable, and most word-processing applications can be easily translated, so long as they are reasonably current. If you are not using an up-to-date, standard program, it is best to submit your paper or contribution in two versions on disk: one in the original word-processed format and one in a basic text format such as RTF (Rich Text Format). The approximate position of figures and tables should be clearly indicated on the hard copy of the text. Figures should be in black ink on good-quality tracing paper or white drawing paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Photographs should be either 35mm transparencies or high-quality prints. Only transparencies will be considered for a front-cover image. Papers should be concise and factual, taking full account of previous literature and avoiding repetition as much as possible. Opinions should be based on adequate evidence. Authors are encouraged to submit their work to other ornithologists for critical assessment and comment prior to submission. Such help received should be acknowledged in a separate section. For main papers, an abstract summarising the key results and conclusions should be included, but should not exceed 5% of the total length. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. English and scientific names and sequence of birds should follow The ‘ British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997); or, for non-West Palearctic species, Monroe & Sibley (1993), A World Checklist of Birds. Names of plants should follow Dony et al. (1986), English Names of Wild Flowers. Names of mammals should follow Corbet & Harris (1991), The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edition. Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Brit. Birds 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Authors will receive proofs for checking which they are required to return promptly. Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) will receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Further copies may be available on request in advance, but will be charged for. ZAMBIA - South Luangwa National Park. 6- 15 Nov '98; 12-21 Feb '99; 26 Mar - 4 Apr '99; 5 - 1 4 Nov ’99. NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK A 1 0-day tour including Langtang Valley trek. 14-23 May '99; 28 May - 6 jun '99. TANZANIA - Saadani Game Resen/e, and the Usambara and Uluguru Mountains. 12-21 Feb ’99; 22-31 Oct '99. NAMIBIA - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Spitskoppe, Etosha & Waterberg Mountains. 29 Jan - 7 Feb '99; 12-21 Mar '99. MALAWI - Lake Malawi, Zomba Plateau & Liwonde National Park. 12-21 Feb '99; 12-21 Mar ’99. SOUTHERN MOROCCO - The desert, Oued Massa, Oued Sous & Marrakech. 1 2 - 2 1 Feb '99; 26 Feb - 7 Mar '99; 17-26 Sep ’99. ETHIOPIA - Addis, Gafersa, Awash National Park, Wondo Guenet & Rift Valley Lakes. 20 -29 Nov '98; 12-21 Feb '99; 2-11 Apr '99; 19 -28 Nov '99. ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS - Debre Libanos, Solulta, Ankober, Lakes, Wondo Guenet & Bale Mountains. 27 Nov - 6 Dec '98; 19-28 Feb '99; 2 - I I Apr '99; 26 Nov - 5 Dec '99. INDIA - Delhi, Ranthambore & Bharatpur. 20 -28 Nov '98; 12 -20 Feb '99; 2- 10 Apr '99; 19 -27 Nov '99. NEPAL - Chitwan, Kosi & Kathmandu Valley. Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb ’99; 7- 1 6 May ’99; 21 - 30 May '99. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 3 I Jan - 7 Feb ’99; 4 - I I Apr '99; 14-21 Nov '99. NEW ENGLAND - USA Spring migration on the Massachusetts coast. 16 -24 May '99. SRI LANKA - Sinharaja Forest & .the Hill Country. 23 Jan - I Feb ’99. GAMBIA - A variety of localities along the Gambia River. 29 Oct - 7 Nov '99. TEXAS - USA - Spring migrants along the Gulf coast of Texas. 10- 18 Apr '99. KAZAKHSTAN - Deserts, steppes & Tien Shan Mountains. 13-21 May '99; 27 May -4 Jun '99. SOUTH AFRICA- Kruger National Park & Dullstroom. 12-21 Feb '99; 9- 18 Apr ’99; 17 -26 Sep '99. OMAN - With Colin Richardson. 20 - 28 Nov '99. Neturetrel^ Don’t miss our £990 selection These action-packed, long-haul birding tours - each led by an expert local ornithologist - offer excellent value for money, and outstanding birding. If you would like further details of a particular tour, please call us now! Naturetrek Bighton, Nr. Alresford, Hampshire S024 9RE Tel: 01962 733051 Fax: 01962 736426 I: sales@naturetrek.co.uk www.naturetrek.co.uk ISSN 0007-0335 British Birds 1 olume 92 Number 11 Novembei*-^ 999* NATU&At HISTORY MUSEUM i -9 NOV 1999 PRESENTED ~i USR/1Y OilErlT UiUTiili J J.99o I British Birds Established 1907, incorporating The Zoologist, established 1843 British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. Collinson, R. J. Prytherch, N. J. Redman, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertising Sales Manager Sandra J. Swift Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof. Colin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. Rogers Paul Harvey, John McLoughlin, John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Prof I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr K. E. L. Simmons Identification Notes Panel Prof. Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume,T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E. Vinicombe Annual subscription Libraries and agencies £63.50, $1 16.00 Personal subscriptions UK, Europe, surface mail: £50.00, $91.00 Outside Europe, airmail: £83.00, $151.30 Concessionary rate £37.50, $68.25 (National, Regional & County bird club members) Young Ornithologist’s rate £25.00 (YOC only) Please make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Single back issues £6.20, $1 1.80 Available from David Morgan, British Birds, Whitmore, Umberleigh, North Devon EX37 9HB Please make cheques payable to David Morgan. Head Office Accounts & Administration Sally Young, The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN3 2 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 880541 Design & Production Philippa Leegood, The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 880541 E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk Editorial Office Papers, notes, letters, artwork, journals, etc Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 E-mail: editor@britishbirds.co.uk Personal assistant Frances Bucknell, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 Subscriptions Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01234 364366 E-mail: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Advertising Sales Sandra J. Swift, 17 Rectory Close, Wendlebury, Oxfordshire OX6 8PG Tel: 01869 244447 Fax: 01869 245533 E-mail: sandra@britishbirds.co.uk BB BookShop c/o Subbuteo Books, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW Tel: 01352 756551 Fax: 01352 756004 E-mail: sales@subbooks.demon.co.uk ‘News & comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson, 8 Woodlands, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1UE Tel: 01480 214904 Fax: 01480 473009 ‘The Ornithological Year’ bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Tel: 01525 290314 Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ BIRDQUEST Swifts The Ultimate Collection of Shorter Bird Tours • Extremadura: Wild Spain • Corsica & French Alps • Poland • Slovakia & Hungary • Bulgaria in Winter • Canary Islands • Cape Verde Islands • Morocco • Egypt • Israel • Israel in Winter • United Arab Emirates • Kazakhstan • Northern India • Nepal • Malay Peninsula • Ivory Coast • Ethiopia • Kenya • Namibia • South Africa • Australia • Papua New Guinea • Hawaii • Churchill & Southern Manitoba • California Coast • Belize & Tikal • Costa Rica • Cuba • Venezuela • Kapawi: Amazonian Ecuador • Brazil Birdquest has the widest geographical range of shorter tours, of under 2'weeks duration, of any bird tour company, as well as the widest range of longer tours! Better Leaders, Better Itineraries, Better Group Sizes, Better Birding For The Ultimate in Bird Tour Brochures contact BIRDQUEST: Tel 01254-826317 Fax 01254-826780 E-mail: birders@birdquest.co.uk 2937 The sighting of a pair of Zeiss warrants particular attention, although their strength, superb vision and light weight has ensured a steady increase in numbers. This is due to their amazing ability to hunt in poor light when other species have given up. The and Night Owls in particular have excep- tional light gathering qualities, evolved over 1 50 years. Each has a unique form to suit its function. Both species are worthy of the distinctive Zeiss plumage. For a sighting call 01707 871350. Get closer to nature ZEISS Fieldscope EDHI A Fieldscope ni For views like this, depend on nothing less For serious birdwatching, you need serious equipment. Equipment that stands up to all types of conditions. And for that you can do no better than the Nikon Fieldscope HI series. 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(for The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (0181) 541-4440 FAX: (0181) 541-4584 LITERATURE LINE: 0800-230220 (local call only) EIRE BROCHURE LINE: 1800-409-282 1 rnsER For a closer look at Nikon’s range of Binoculars, Fieldscopes and Spotting Scopes simply visit any of the dealers listed below. All of these outlets stock a wide range of Nikon equipment. Focus Optics, Church Lane, Corley, Coventry CV7 8BA. Tel: 01676 540 501 Harrods Photographic Dept, Knightsbridge, London SW 1 Tel: 0171 225 5717 Jacobs Photo & Video, 97-99 Corporation Street, Birmingham B4 6SX.Tel: 0121 233 4196 Jacobs Photo & Video, 61 Granby Street, Leicester LEI 6ER.Tel: 0116 254 4572 Jacobs Photo & Video, 16 Cross Street, Manchester M2 7AE.Tel: 0161 834 7500 Jessops, 282 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EH. Tel: 0141 331 2201 Jessops, 99-101 Clarence Street, Kingston KT1 1QY. Tel: 0181 546 5622 Jessops, 125 Hinckley Road, Leicester LE3 0TE. 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For more information telephone 0800 230220 Nikon - manufacturers of binoculars since 1918. Nikon on the Net http://www.nikon.co.uk Nikon SimW*: Birding packag^*^^> Great birding! Great value! 2000 COASTAL KENYA 6-21 February with David Fisher EILAT 12-19/26 March and 29 October-5/12 November with Killian Mullarney TTTFTFril 2-21 May and 21 September-7 October with Paul Holt OULUr FINLAND 13-20 May with Killian Mullarney GOA 11-26 November with Paul Holt j^Jg| Details from Sunbird (8S), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SGI 9 IDF. Tel 01767 682969. Fax 01767 692481. (Please specify which event you are interested in). Sunbird is a trading name of Conderbury Limited. WildWings are pleased to offer exceptional value birding holidays at the delightful pax Guest House in Trinidad. A veritable tropical paradise for birders and naturalists year round, monthly departures start from only £899 per person for 1999 and £949 for 2000 Including return flights from Heathrow. 7 nights full board accommodation and guided birding excursions! Your hosts Gerard and Oda offer one of the warmest welcomes In the Caribbean. Combinations with Asa Wright and Tobago too. SPECIAL DEALS FOR GROUPS AVAILABLE. TELEPHONE 0117 984 8040 2 4HR BROCHURE LINE 0 I I 7 96 I 0874 WEB www.wildwings.co.uk International House. Bank Road. Kingswood. Bristol BSI5 8LX . Fax: 01 1 7 961 0200 email:wildinfo@wildwings. co.uk web www.wildwings.co.uk IATA NHBS BEST OF BRITISH NATURAL HISTORY OFFER 145 TOP BOOKS AT UP TO 30% OFF! Collins field guides, Helm bird books, Whittet wildlife series, Naturalists’ handbooks, Poyser natural history, Harley entomology... Offers include: Handbook of Bird Identification - £54.99, Collins Bird Guide - £19.99, Seabirds, Shorebirds, Wildfowl (Helm) -£23.99 each, Birds in Scotland - £19.99, Raven, Peregrine Falcon, Rare Birds Day by Day - £19.99 each, Gulls (Grant) - £17.99, New Atlas of Breeding Birds - £31.99 offers end 31.3.2000 * Ask for a free catalogue or visit www.nhbs.com * Web: www.nhbs.com Email: nhbs@nhbs.co.uk Tel: +44(0)1803 865913 Fax: +44(0)1803 865280 2-3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5XN, UK Limosa When it comes to birdwatching tours, the decision is easy - our 2000 brochure is clearly out in front! France • Holland • Spain • Greece • Cyprus • Lesbos Austria • Finland & Arctic Norway • Iceland • Hungary Bulgaria • UAE • Morocco • Egypt • Israel • Oman Gambia • Kenya • Ethiopia • South Africa • Madagascar Galapagos • Brazil • Trinidad & Tobago • Costa Rica Mexico • Florida • Point Pelee • Canadian Rockies India • Nepal • Sri Lanka • Malaysia & Borneo New Zealand • Papua New Guinea & Australia For our 2000 brochure, CALL , 01263 578143 Limosa Holidays Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ E-mail: limosaholidays@compuserve.com Fax: 01263 579 251 2 95 0 Most major credit cards accepted Contents Volume 92 Number 11 November 1999 554 Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 M. J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee with comments by John Martin and Doug Page 609 Looking back 610 Letter Moult of South Polar Skua Dr W. R. P. Bourne 611 Recent BBRC decisions M. J. Rogers 611 Looking back 612 Note Black-headed Gull with black bill Paul Larkin 612 Request ‘European news’ compiler required 613 Monthly Marathon Killian Mullarney 615 News and comment Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott 616 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Front-cover photograph: Black Stork Ciconia nigra, Dunwich, Suffolk, August 1998 (Res ton Kilgour ) © British Birds 1999 Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 M. J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee WITH COMMENTS BY JOHN MARTIN AND DOUG PAGE This is the forty-first annual Report of the British Birds Rarities Committee and it is an almost complete record of the rare birds recorded in Britain in 1998. Descriptions and, where available, pho- tographs of each record have been scrutinised by a team of independent experts with neither axe to grind nor com- mercial interest to foster. Our decisions have been fully recorded in a way that, we believe, will stand the test of time should future generations review our decisions. In an average year we process about one thousand records and our estimate is that for 1998 there are about 30 reasonable claims not yet reported and a further 20 which arrived too late to be included in this Report. One notable observation, which has yet to be submitted, concerns a Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica on Tresco, Isles of Scilly, in May 1997. We are seeking to open up both the workings and membership of the BBRC. Because of the paucity of elections in the last decade, the 'official' BBRC candidate has often been elected unopposed and can lead to the charge of the BBRC being an elitist organisation run on the old-boy network. This is not our wish and is, in fact, not the case. The present Chairman had never met six of the current members prior to their attendance at their first BBRC meeting. We should, however, prefer an election of a suitable candidate every time. We do insist, of course, that nominees should have the necessary attributes for membership of the Committee. They must have: • the respect of the wider birding community • a widely acknowledged expertise in identification • proven reliability in the field • a track record of high-quality submis- sions of descriptions of scarce and rare birds to county records committees and the BBRC • considerable experience of and aptitude for record assessment • the capacity to handle the considerable volume of work involved in assessing upwards of 1,000 records per year • the capacity to work quickly and effi- ciently. These attributes may seem onerous, but the BBRC is in a delicate position as it must command the ongoing confidence of the birding community, without which it would not be able to function. The BBRC has no automatic or legal expectation that birders should submit records to it. The Committee can perform its tasks of record assessment and keeping of the national record only with the goodwill and co-oper- ation of the majority of birders in the whole of Britain. Currently, we believe that we have that co-operation, but only because we work hard at keeping the respect of birders; our conditions for candidates must, therefore, remain extremely rigorous. The nature of the work which we under- take demands that we are focused on the assessment of rare birds and rare-bird descriptions. For this reason, we insist that members have a track record of finding rare birds themselves and of submitting good-quality descriptions of them. We also expect members to have a level of expertise that takes them beyond books in some ZEISS 554 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 areas. In addition, as this is the national rarities committee, we prefer members to have had at least some experience of record assessment at a county or regional level or to have demonstrated in other ways that they have the capacity to be a good record- assessor. We always stress the importance of being able to deal with the workload. Each member sees in the region of 1,000 records per year and works an average of five hours per week on BBRC work. Unfortu- nately, this does not come as a steady stream: there are spells when members need to commit 12 or more hours in a week to BBRC work. If someone is not capable of maintaining this workload, the whole system grinds to a halt and the reputation of the Committee, and the goodwill on which it depends, suffer. Record assessment is not a static busi- ness, and in the last year we have 'lost' two birds from the list of species considered. For differing reasons, neither White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla nor Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni will henceforth be considered by the BBRC, but Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides and Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca have been reinstated to the list of species considered (Brit. Birds 92: 113-114). In addition, the BBRC has decided to take a more proactive role in the assessment of rare races, particularly those which may be concerned in taxonomic changes. Although the BBRC has always assessed claims of rare races, with increasing interest in them, we are plan- ning changes in the way in which we deal with such claims. A group consisting of members both from within and from outside the BBRC, with a range of skills and experience, has begun to address the complex issues associated with racial iden- tification on behalf of the BBRC. The group, working under the title of the RIACT Group (Race Identification Amongst Changing Taxonomy Group), will investigate occurrences of races con- sidered rare within Great Britain and prepare background information on rare races to accompany circulation of files around the BBRC. We are not seeking to pre-empt the BOU Records Committee, but will work closely with that committee and also with individuals involved in identifi- cation of races, to establish or test the validity of characters used to differentiate between races, and will publish the results of the identification work regarding poten- tial subspecific additions to the British List. We are interested in receiving well- researched, well-documented records of distinctive rare races, even if the subspecies is not on the BBRC species list. Given the number of potential rare races that could occur in Britain, the task is huge, and RIACT will need to focus onto much smaller areas if it is to prove any value in record assessment. It is inevitable that many of these records will not be dealt with quickly. In the initial stages, RIACT will concentrate on the Targe white-headed gull' complex Larus, Isabelline Shrikes Lanius isabellinus and several warblers, including eastern Reed Warbler Acro- cephalus scirpaceus fuscus, southern and eastern races of Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca and eastern Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia straminea. We are particu- larly keen to receive detailed submissions of classic individuals showing the charac- teristics of these races. We should also welcome information on individuals not showing the full suite of characters of these races, so that we can gauge the range of variation. These need not necessarily be a formal submission, which goes through the assessment process, but might help to hone that process for other records. In future years, however, RIACT will move on to other groups and will need details of these records. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that a race is going to 'make the grade' as definitely identifiable, for it may become clouded with intermedi- ates. Thus, we need a change of attitude from observers (although many have already made the change). As racial identi- fication of many species will require very detailed information including, for many British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 555 Rogers et al.\ Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 races, in-the-hand measurements, pho- tographs and/or sound-recordings, we shall need full notes and, if possible, pho- tographs of any bird that might be of a rare race. Following this, we would prefer observers themselves to undertake much of the preliminary research work. Think of how much fun that will be! We wish to thank all the observers and photographers who sent in details to the BBRC. We are indebted to the network of county and regional recorders and their records committees, who have frequently already seen and commented on the descrip- tions which we receive. The work which they do often goes unacknowledged, but is invaluable for the BBRC in that their com- ments provide a detailed local perspective which, even with regional representation, the BBRC could not do without. We should like to thank Ned Brinkley, Pete Clement, Dick Forsman, Erik Hirschfeld, Paul Holt, A1 Jaramillo, Paul Lehman, Dennis Paulsen, Ron Pittaway and Keith Vinicombe for their input on dif- ficult records this year, and Keith Naylor for his extensive practical assistance in respect of historical data. We also wish to thank all those who have agreed to act as ad hoc advisers to the BBRC, including Per Alstrdm, Arnoud B. van den Berg, Louis Bevier, Ned Brinkley, Geoff Carey, Alan Dean, Jon Dunn, Jim Enticott, Dick Forsman, Kimball Garrett, Erik Hirschfeld, Hannu Jannes, A1 Jaramillo, Paul Lehman, Bruce Mactavish, Michael O'Brien, Dennis Paulsen, Ron Pittaway and Will Russell. We continue to be enormously grateful to Carl Zeiss Ltd for sponsorship of the Committee's work, which has supported us for the past 17 years. Colin Bradshaw Systematic list of accepted records The principles and procedures followed in considering records were explained in the 1958 Report (Brit. Birds 53: 155-158). The systematic list is set out in the same way as in the 1997 Report (91: 455-517). The following points show the basis on which the list has been compiled: 1. The details included for each record are (1) county; (2) locality; (3) number of birds if more than one, and age and sex if known (in the case of spring and summer records, however, the age is normally given only where the bird con- cerned was not in adult plumage); (4) if photographed, tape-recorded or video-recorded (and this evidence seen or heard by the Com- mittee); (5) if trapped or found dead and where specimen is stored, if known; (6) date(s); and (7) observer(s), normally up to three in number, in alphabetical order. 2. In general, this report is confined to records which are regarded as certain, and 'probables' are not included. In the case of the very similar American Pluvialis dominion and Pacific Golden Plovers P. fulva, Long-billed Limnodromus scolopaceus and Short-billed Dow- itchers L. griseus and Eastern Phylloscopus orientalis and Western Bonelli's Warblers P. bonelli, however, we publish indeterminate records, and this also applies to those of pratin- coles Glareola, albatrosses Diomedea and frigatebirds Fregata. 3. The sequence of species, English names and sci- entific nomenclature follow The 'British Birds' List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997). 4. The three numbers in parentheses after each species' name refer specifically to the total number of individuals recorded in Britain & Ireland (excluding those 'at sea') (i) to the end of 1957, (ii) for the period since the formation of the Rarities Committee in 1958, but excluding (iii) those listed here for the current year. The decision as to how many individuals were involved is often difficult and rather arbitrary, but the consensus of members is indicated by 'possibly the same' (counted as different in the totals), 'probably the same' (counted as the same in the totals), or 'the same' when evidence is certain or overwhelming. An identical approach is applied to records of a particular species recurring at the same locality after a lapse of time, including those which occur annually at the same or a nearby site. In consid- ering claims of more than one individual at the same or adjacent localities, the Committee usually requires firm evidence before more than one is counted in the totals. A detailed break- down of the figures for previous years is held by the Honorary Secretary. 5. Irish records, assessed and accepted by the Irish Rare Birds Committee or by the Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association, are included separately, following the subheading IRELAND. 6. The breeding and wintering ranges are given in parentheses at the beginning of each species' comment. 556 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii (18, 175, 9) Angus & Dundee Barry Buddon, Tay Estuary, 24th-25th May (S. R. Green, T. Green, R. McCurley et ah). Cornwall Carlyon Bay, 19th February; presumed same, Porthpean, 6th April, Charlestown, 9th (R. Lane). Northeast Scotland Peterhead, two adults, 12th October (M. Innes). Orkney Papa Westray, first-summer, 29th April (S. D. Wellock); adult, 12th October (J. Chester). Holm Sound, first-summer, 1st July (K. E. Hague). Outer Hebrides Ard A'Chadlais, Vatersay, first/ second-summer, 17th May (D. Waudby). Shetland Heogland, Unst, adult, 15th May (M. G. Pennington). IRELAND 1996 Kerry Brandon Point, adult, 6th October (Irish Birds 6: 287). (Arctic Russia eastwards to Arctic Canada) The arrival of three adults in northern Scot- land on 12th October, including two together at Peterhead, was unexpected. The Cornwall record was only the fourth for the county since 1958, excluding one off Scilly in May 1990. Most other records fitted in with the expected spring passage in northern waters (Brit. Birds 90: 115, 292-293), though the Holm Sound bird was late. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (0, 26, 4) Argyll Loch Peallach, Mishnish Lochs, near Tobermory, Mull, 8th June (N. & Mrs P. McKee), 15th June (M. Cocker et ah). Cornwall Crowdy Reservoir, 30th March to 19th April, photo. (A. Bond et ah). Nanjizal, 5th November to 1999, photo. (I. M. & K. A. Wilson et ah). Forth Area Airthrey Loch, Stirling, 3rd-7th June, photo. (K. Ranson). Greater London Tooting Bee Common, since 5th December 1997 to 10th February (Brit. Birds 91: 459), to 12th (A. Gibson). IRELAND 1997 Clare Near Kilbaha, llth-14th December ( Irish Birds 6: 287). 1997 Cork Rostellan, 1st February to 23rd March; presumed same, 10th October to 31st March 1998 (Irish Birds 6: 287). (North America) Though the coincidence of dates may suggest otherwise, it is considered unlikely that the Airthrey Loch bird moved 150 km only instantly to be relocated on a little- watched loch on Mull. A pronounced pattern of spring movements is beginning to emerge for this enigmatic species and will, in due course, form the basis of a more detailed analysis in British Birds. Records from Bryher and Tresco, Scilly, were not received in time for inclu- sion in this report. Madeira/Cape Verde Petrel Pterodroma madeira/feae (0, 25, 1) Northumberland Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, 24th August (M. P. Frankis, J. R. Todd et ah). IRELAND 1997 Clare Bridges of Ross, 31st July (Irish Birds 6: 288). 1997 Cork Cape Clear Island, 24th August (Irish Birds 6: 288). (Central Atlantic) Late August is becoming the rush hour and Northumberland seems as good a bet as anywhere for this much-sought-after bird, surely Number One on many sea- watchers' wish-lists. Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus (4, 24, 3) Cornwall Newquay, 10th September (S. M. Christophers). Pembrokeshire Strumble Head, 11th September (C. Greyall, G. H. Rees et ah). Scilly About 5 km SSW of Bishop Rock, 11th August (W. H. Wagstaff). (Southern oceans) The previous ten years produced only four land-based sightings in Britain but nine in Ireland. The bird in Scillonian waters was just reward after several unsuc- cessful boat trips. The Committee has yet to receive any details from various 'pelagics' in the Southwest Approaches. British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 557 Rogers et al Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens (1, 0, 0) (Tropical oceans) Tiree, Argyll, immature female F. m. rothschildii, 9th July 1953 (Ibis 1956: 154; Brit. Birds 47: 58-59), now transferred from Category B to Category A (Ibis 141: 176). No details have yet been received of one taken into care in the Isle of Man, but the Committee understands that the record will be submitted in due course. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus (150, 199, 1) Devon Slapton Ley, cf, 21st-31st March (D. Elphick et al.). 1990 Cumbria Cark-in-Cartmel, 25th March to 13th April (Brit. Birds 87: 510), was not accepted. 1995 Highland Handa Island, cf, 8th May, dead 9th (P. Moore, J. Stoneman). 1997 Hertfordshire Rye Meads, cf, 17th-18th May, trapped 17th (Brit. Birds 91: 461), was not trapped. IRELAND 1997 Kerry Coonanna Harbour, near Caherciveen, first-year cf, freshly dead, 22nd or 23rd March (Irish Birds 6: 289). (West Eurasia, Africa and Australia; winters Africa and Southern Asia) The worst year since 1991 when there was none. This year's bird seemed healthy enough, in contrast to the other five post-1958 March records all of which involved exhausted, moribund or dead indi- viduals. Of these, only a female in Co. Cork on 16th March 1990 (found dead the next day) was earlier than the Slapton bird. Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (165, 401, 7) Anglesey Pentre Berw, adult, at least 16th-23rd April, photo. (R. Pritchard et al.). Gloucestershire Slimbridge, first-summer, 4th-24th June (R. Burroughs, M. J. McGill et al.). Kent Sevenoaks, juvenile, 7th-16th November, photo. (M. Coath, C. Seabrook, C. Turner et al.). Lancashire & North Merseyside Scorton, adult, 5th-7th April (S. Petrie). Norfolk Holkham Park, adult, 17th May to 28th July, photo. (A. I. Bloomfield, J. R. McCallum et al.). Warwickshire Grandborough, adult, 10th-16th April (D. Bromwich, J. Wagstaff). Yorkshire, West Marley, first-summer, 14th April (D. C. Barker, M. James, K. Moir et al.). 1989 Sussex, East Near Newhaven, adult, 30th April to 3rd May (Brit. Birds 83: 443), 6th May (I. J. Whit- comb). 1993 Devon Starcross, adult, 25th June to 1st July, photo. (L. Collins et al.). 1997 Kent Dungeness, subadult, 15th-17th June (D. Walker et al.). 1997 Lancashire & North Merseyside Whitendale Fell, two adults, 25th May (M. J. Ainscough). 1997 Norfolk Broad Fen, Dilham, first-summer, 14th August, video. (S. Burch per P. J. Heath). 1997 Somerset Westhay Moor (Brit. Birds 91: 462), should read: adult, 12th August; two, age uncertain, 13th-14th, three, 22nd, 25th (per B. D. Gibbs). 1997 Wight Sandown area, adult, 3rd-5th April (G. Sparshott). (South Eurasia, Africa and the Americas; European population winters Africa) The Lan- cashire duo in 1997 was not far from the extensive reed-beds of Leighton Moss. That year also saw the long stay (and display) of two on the Somerset Levels, with three in August (Brit. Birds 92: 395-396), and an intriguingly early juvenile not far away in Gwent. The events at Holkham that year were not repeated in 1998, but another long-staying bird there was of note. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (95, 48, 2) Norfolk Pensthorpe, 26th April to 5th May, photo. (W. M. Makins et al.) (plates 227 & 228). Nottinghamshire Attenborough, 27th June; same, Martin's Pond, Wollaton, 29th to 1st July, photo. (R. Martin et al.). 1997 Cambridgeshire Ouse Washes area, 7th to at least 9th July (Brit. Birds 91: 462), presumed same, near Haslingfield, last week of May to 3rd June (H. Stringer). (Southern Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) The Cambridgeshire bird in 1997 was evidently following the course of the Rivers Ouse and Cam. 558 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et at. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 227 & 228. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides , Pensthorpe, Norfolk: above, 4th May 1998 {Iain H. Leach)-, below, April 1998 {Tony G. Collinson) Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (2, 88, 11) Caernarfonshire Foryd Bay, 19th April (B. Doughty, W. Evans). Dorset Portland Bill and Weymouth area, 19th-20th March, photo. (M. Cade et al.). Abbotsbury, 11th December (S. A. Groves et al.). Greater London Wanstead Park, 10th May (R. Vaughan). Kent Graveney, 16th-22nd January (A. Sayers et al.). Walland Marsh, three, 28th June to 1st July (S. D. McMinn); presumed one of same, Dungeness, 2nd July (P. G. Akers et al.). Norfolk Holkham, 18th May (D. Norgate). Somerset Berrow, 21st March to 18th April, photo. (Mr & Mrs A. M. Meyrick, Mr & Mrs B. E. Slade et al.) (fig. 1). Chilton Trinity, 3rd, 7th-8th April (C. F. S. Avent, W. P. Bovett). 1996 Cornwall Near Land's End, 29th December (T. George). (Almost cosmopolitan in tropics; nearest breeding in north of France) Bare-part coloration indicated that all those in spring in the Southwest were different. Great White Egret Egretta alba (10, 90, 12) Cambridgeshire Hemingford Grey, 11th January (M. J. Everett, W. Simmonds); presumed same as Fen Drayton Gravel-pits and Marsh Lane Gravel-pits, December 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 463), also Northamp- tonshire, below. British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 559 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 - / / «y- ^€»o. W» Figure 1. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Berrow, Somerset, 21st March to 18th April 1998 (B. E. Slade ) Cleveland Dorman's Pool and Haverton Hole, 17th-18th April, photo. (M. A. Blick et al.). Cornwall Nanjizal, 15th May (K. A. Wilson). Penberth, 21st October (M. C. Hall, S. M. Lister et al.). Devon Countess Wear, 26th November (R. Jutsum). Dorset Arne, Stanpit Marsh and Radipole, 2nd-3rd February, photo. (J. Badley, R. Burgess, H. Woods et al.). Fife Eden Estuary, 16th June (L. Hatton). Hampshire Needs Ore Point, 9th January (M. Rafter). Kent Dungeness, 8th-14th July, photo. (C. W. Pettigrew, T. R. Smeeton et al). Norfolk Stiffkey and Warham Greens, since 28th December 1997 to 29th March, photo, (per G. E. Dunmore); presumed same, Sennowe Park, 22nd March (G. F. & S. J. Simmons) and West Somerton, 3rd- 14th March (P. Hooper et al.). Northamptonshire See 1997 Northamptonshire, below. Northumberland Fame Islands, 7th June (D. Coles et al.); same, Chevington, Hauxley and Cresswell and Holywell Ponds area, 9th-llth (I. Fisher et al.). Sussex, East Hastings, 16th March (A. P. Phillips); presumed same, Beachy Head, 17th (J. F. Cooper). Yorkshire, South Old Moor Wetlands, 15th-16th June (J. Hewitt, M. Smith et al.). 1997 Norfolk See Norfolk above. 1997 Northamptonshire Billing Aquadrome, Northampton, and other localities, 27th November to 14th March 1998, photo. (G. P. Douglas et al.); also in Cambridgeshire. IRELAND Down Comber Estuary, Strangford Lough, 25th November to 6th December (per G. Gordon). 1997 Cork Cape Clear Island, 26th October; presumed same, Croagh Estuary, Schull, 31st October to 3rd November ( Irish Birds 6: 291). 1997 Londonderry Black Glen, 8th October to 29th November (Irish Birds 6: 291). 1997 Wicklow Roundwood, 29th November to 22nd February 1998 (Irish Birds 6: 291). (Almost cosmopolitan, extremely local in Europe) The subspecific identification of the Northamptonshire individual remains under investigation. Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuary, first-summer, 3rd-19th July, photo. (Mrs S. Jackson, B. Marshall, H. I. Scott et al.); also in Northumberland, Suffolk. Northumberland Holywell, first-summer, 8th August (T. R. & Mrs A. Cieeves, N. P. Dales); same as Northeast Scotland. Suffolk Benacre and other coastal localities, first-summer, 12th August to 12th September, photo. (D. Fairhurst, P. Read, B. J. Small et «/.)(plate 229); same as Northumberland. Black Stork Ciconia nigra (26, 111, 2) 560 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et air. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Sussex, West Pulborough Brooks, 8th May (T. M. Murray, J. Phillips, C. Rose- bottom). 1993 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Hightown, 18th May (S. J. Riley). (Eurasia and southern Africa; winters Africa) A poor showing by recent standards, though there was none in 1997. The first- summer tracked down the East Coast was appreciated by many, especially when it settled in Suffolk for a month. 229. First-summer Black Stork Ciconia nigra, Dunwich, Suffolk, August 1998 (Reston Kilgour) Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (many, 78, 0) 1996 Cheshire Inner Marsh Farm and Burton Marsh, 24th-25th November (C. Broadbent). 1997 Yorkshire, North Blubberhouses Moor, four, 10th April (F. & J. L. Topham). IRELAND 1997 Cork Ballycotton, 17th January to 1st April ( Irish Birds 6: 291). (Almost cosmopolitan, nearest breeding colonies in Balkans and irregularly in Camargue, France) The 1997 Yorkshire record is one of those extraordinary events which seems to defy explanation. Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus North American race C. c. columbianus (0, 4, 1) Lincolnshire Nocton Fen, adult, 22nd January (K. Durose). (North America) Only the second British 'Whistling Swan', with previous occurrences from 1986 to 1990 in Hampshire and (mainly) Somerset referring to a returning individual. Allowing for duplication, three is the revised total for Ireland and there are five accepted records for the Netherlands, so this is a truly rare bird in Europe. The percentage of yellow on the bill is believed to be the only reliable field characteristic ( Auk 97: 697-703). Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (47, 88, 1) Gloucestershire Slimbridge, adult, 4th-27th February, photo. (D. B. Paynter et a/.)(plate 230). (Northeast Europe and Siberia; winters Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia) Once a regular visitor to this famous winter goose haunt, but much scarcer of late. There were 15 there during 1958-67, 14 during 1968-77, 12 during 1978-87 and only three during 1988-97. Records away from Slimbridge have recently increased, possibly at least partly as a result of the Fennoscandian Lesser White-fronted Goose Conservation Project (Birding World 12: 242- 246) and reflecting the growing winter population of the Netherlands ( Dutch Birding 17: 70-72; 20: 111-113). It is becoming difficult to be sure of the origins of Lesser White-fronts, but Slimbridge birds are still as good as you are going to get. British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 561 Rogers et at.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 230. Adult Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, February 1998 ( Iain H. Leach) Brent Goose Branta bernicla North American and East Siberian race B. b. nigricans (1, 86, 7) Dorset The Fleet, 12th October to 21st December (B. Spencer et al.). Kent Gillingham, 13th-25th April (C. G. Bradshaw, Miss A. J. Sheppard et al.); presumed same as Motney Hill, 2nd-30th November 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 464). Norfolk Lynn Point, 8th February (A. O. Collins); presumed returning individual of 5th February 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 464); presumed same, 29th November (A. O. Collins). Titchwell, Holme and Thornham area, since 5th December 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 464), to 28th March, photo. Titchwell, at least 4th December (Dr A. J. Culshaw, S. P. Smethurst et al.); presumed same, Burnham Norton, 6th (V. Eve). Wells, 22nd to at least 24th September; possibly same, with another, 6th-8th November (J. R. McCallum). Cley and Blakeney area, two, 7th November to 1999, photo. (A. M. Stoddart et al.); one of same, Sheringham, intermittently, 6th December to 1999 (D. H. Sadler, M. A. Webster, T. Wright et al.). Suffolk Cowton, since 26th December 1997 to 6th January (Brit. Birds 91: 464). 1991 Essex Kirby-le-Soken, 30th January (Dr S. Cox), present 27th January to 3rd March; presumed returning individual of 15th-20th January 1990 (Brit. Birds 84: 459). 1995 Kent Coombe and St Mary's Bays, 3rd, 26th December (Brit. Birds 91: 464); presumption should have referred to one or other of Gillingham individuals, November to December 1995, one or other of which last noted 7th January 1996 (Brit. Birds 90: 461). 1997 Dorset Ferrybridge, 14th-17th January (Brit. Birds 91: 464), first noted 1st; also in Portland Harbour. 1997 Essex Cudmore Grove, two, at least 26th-28th January, one since 25th (Brit. Birds 91: 464), one since 21st January, one or other to 15th February (D. Urquhart et al.). 1997 Kent Otterham Creek and Horsham Marsh, 18th January to 2nd February (Brit. Birds 91: 464), third named observer was Miss A. J. Sheppard. Riverside Country Park, Gillingham, 5th May (C. G. Brad- shaw); presumed same as above. Motney Hill, two, 7th April (Brit. Birds 91: 464), same as 1995 individuals referred to above; single, 2nd-30th November (Brit. Birds 91: 464) was one of same. IRELAND 1997 Londonderry Ballykelly, Lough Foyle, 27th November; presumed returning 1996 individual (Brit. Birds 91: 464; Irish Birds 6: 292). (Arctic North America and East Siberia; winters USA and East Asia) Whether or not a third individual, with a much reduced neck band, in the Sheringham-Cley-Blakeney area at the end of the year, can be safely attributed to this subspecies remains under consideration. 562 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis (15, 36, 4) Cleveland Dorman's Pool, age uncertain, 7th January (T. Bell). Northeast Scotland Loch of Strathbeg, adult, lst-18th April (D. C. Butcher, P. & R. A. Schofield et al.). Perth & Kinross Vane Farm and Gellybank, adult, 31st March to 15th April (G. & W. Brown, I. Munroe et al.). Kercock, adult, 13th December (E. D. Cameron). 1996 Essex Old Hall Marshes, 3rd-14th January {Brit. Birds 91: 464), finder /identifier, P. Charlton. Mersea Island, 21st December to 16th February 1997 {Brit. Birds 91: 464), finder/ identifier, D. Urquhart. 1996 Hampshire Langstone Harbour, adult, 14th-15th October (P. Durnell, A. Parfitt et al.). 1996 Suffolk Bramford, adult, 25th December (J. Zantbeer). (West Siberia; winters Southeast Europe) The escape likelihood continues to be a problem, but the April records are not necessarily suspicious as the only two recent occurrences in that month were also in the North. It has to be said, however, that none of these April records conforms to the previous well-established pattern of November to March records with flocks of Brent B. bernicla or White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons in the South and East. The Suffolk and Hampshire records given above may well have involved birds of captive origin. American Wigeon Anas americana (22, 335, 26) Argyll Ardfem, Loch Craignish, cf, 1st October (S. Bearhop, S. C. Votier). Caernarfonshire Conwy Estuary area, cf, since 13th December 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 464-465), to 18th April; presumed same, 25th September to end of year, photo. (I. Higginson et al.). Carmarthenshire Penclacwydd, cf, 3rd-9th October (R. O. Hunt, N. C. Williams). Cleveland South Gare, North Gare and Bran Sands, cf, 19th April (M. Corner et al.). Clyde Merryton, cf, 25th October to 12th November (A. I. English et al.). Cornwall Hayle, cf, since 3rd October 1997 {Brit. Birds 91: 465), to at least 25th January; presumed same, 4th September to end of year (per G. Conway). Mawgan Porth, 9/ 29th-31st December (S. M. Christo- phers). Devon Instow, 9/ 26th-29th November (D. & S. Churchill, A. M. Jewels, I. Kendall); present, 1st November to 19th December. Isley Marsh, cf, 29th November (D. J. Davies). Dorset Abbotsbury and The Fleet area, cf Cf, two, 5th-6th January, one to 11th, one or other, 11th, 25th March, one or other intermittently since 28th October 1997 {Brit. Birds 91: 465); presumed another, 26th September to 1999 (S. A. Groves et al.): additional cf, 7th November (L. G. R. Evans, W. Urwin, K. E. Vinicombe et al.). Hampshire Farlington Marshes, cf, 6th December to at least 21st February 1999 (D. Ireland, M. Tribe et al.). Lancashire & North Merseyside Leighton Moss, cf, at least 7th November (N. R. Higgins, P. A. J. Morris). Lothian Tyninghame, cf, 6th-21st June (N. & Mrs B. D. Griffin et al.). Moray & Nairn Lossie Estuary, first-winter cf, 5th February (R. Proctor et al.); present, 4th February to 29th March, photo.; cf, 14th November to at least 12th December, possibly returning individual (R. Proctor et al.). Norfolk Blakeney Harbour, cf, 1st January to at least 27th March (R. C. Abel et al.). Berney Marshes, cf, 25th November (P. R. Allard, J. Rowe). Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuary, cf, 2nd-6th May (C. Barton, K. Gillon et al.). Northumberland Cresswell Pond, cf, 8th October; same. Amble Braid, 25th-26th, lst-4th November, photo (I. Fisher et al.). Amble Braid, additional cf, 9th-16th, 25th October (I. Fisher et al.); one or other, Cresswell Pond, intermittently, llth-26th November. Elwick, cf, 4th November (M. J. H. Denny); pre- sumed same, Budle Bay, 6th (M. S. Hodgson). Nottinghamshire Idle Stop, first-winter cf, 8th March to 17th April (C. Hardy, M. Lynes, R. Burgin et al.). Lound Gravel-pits, first-summer cf, 4th-27th April, photo. (R. Martin et al.). Orkney Shapinsay, cf, 2nd-8th May (P. & Mrs L. Hollinrake et al.). 1996 Lincolnshire Toft Newton Reservoir, cf, 14th March (K. Durose). 1997 Cheshire Inner Marsh Farm, cf, 17th March (C. C. Schofield), present 14th-19th. IRELAND Antrim Shesk River, Ballycastle, two cf Cf, 8th March (per G. Gordon). 1996 Down Quoile Pondage, cf, 5th May {Irish Birds 6: 292; Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1996: 30); pre- sumed returning 1995 individual (Brit. Birds 90: 462); additional to 9, 4th (Irish Birds 6: 68). British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 563 Rogers et al. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 1996 Galway Lough Atalia, first-winter cf, 8th November (Irish Birds 6: 292). 1997 Armagh Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh, cf, 24th-29th April (Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1997: 31). 1997 Cork Charleville Lagoons, (f, 12th January (Irish Birds 6: 292); presumed returning 1995 individual (Brit. Birds 90: 462). 1997 Donegal Blanket Nook, cf, 16th November to 4th January 1998 (Irish Birds 6: 292); presumed returning 1996 individual (Brit. Birds 91: 466). 1997 Galway Rahasane Turlough, cf, 27th November (Irish Birds 6: 292). 1997 Wexford North Slob, cf, 23rd October to at least 1st November (Irish Birds 6: 292); presumed returning 1996 individual (Brit. Birds 91: 466); $ or immature, 23rd-28th October (Irish Birds 6: 292). 1997 Wicklow Broadlough, cf, 1st February to 8th March; presumed same, 21st December to 16th January 1998 (Irish Birds 6: 292). (North America; winters USA and Central America) The table below gives the monthly new arrivals in Britain during 1998: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 1 5 7 2 A total of 12 new arrivals during October-November clearly indicated a marked peak in transatlantic passage. American Black Duck Anas rubrvpes (1, 22, 3) Cornwall Camel Estuary, cf, 10th October (S. M. Christophers); another cf, 27th December to 2nd January 1999 (S. M. Christophers, B. M. Phillips et al.). Stithians Reservoir, cf, 29th October to 20th Feb- ruary 1999, photo. (C. D. R. Heard et al.). 1997 Highland Alturlie, 9/ 14th January (I. Dillon), present 13th January to 1st April, photo. IRELAND 1993 Cork Loughaderry, cf, 30th January to at least 9th February (Brit. Birds 88: 502), to 15th March (Irish Birds 6: 292). 1994 Cork Kinsale Marsh, cf, 13th March (Irish Birds 6: 292). 1996 Kerry Barrow Harbour, cf, Nth September into 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 466) to 15th February (Irish Birds 6: 292). 1997 Kerry See 1996 Kerry above. (North America) This unprecedented trio was part of the major late-autumn influx of Nearctic wildfowl. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (19, 209, 12) Argyll Loch a'Phuill, Tiree, cf, 16th May (M. Williamson). Loch Gruinart, Islay, cf, 24th-25th May (A. S. Cook et al.). Cornwall Marazion, cf, 15th-28th September (P. A. Fraser et al.). 231. Female Blue-winged Teal Anas discors , Messingham Gravel-pits, Lincolnshire, March/ April 1997 (J. T. Harriman ) 564 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 c 1 *■- u.-.-’A-i feu-A-rv “-Aw i.i/ ; y.‘f u ■' '■ 1 r R • o f- v 's « i lefts'’ fa f'ltrJk ~ fa ^ f , ( i' Co-.-J-'l ^ ^ I It £v\0 t/iXc-fS • ho C** (LAfL.fr f -■A . Figure 2. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors, Eyebrook Reservoir, Leicestershire, 29th August 1998 (John Wright) Hertfordshire Hilfield Park Reservoir, cf, 25th August (G. Elton, J. Fearnside, S. Murray). Kent Dungeness, cf, 6th-30th August, 12th September (P. G. Akers et al.). Stodmarsh, two cf cf, 24th October (M. D. Hodgkin, R. I. Jenkinson, M. S. Speck et al.). Reculver, two cf cf, 9/ llth-12th December (M. J. Hindle et al.). Leicestershire Eyebrook Reservoir, cf, 29th August to 12th September, photo. (M. G. Berriman, A. H. J. Harrop, J. Wright et al.) (fig. 2). Yorkshire, South Potteric Carr, 9/ 28th April (S. Bird, D. Carroll). 1997 Lincolnshire Messingham Gravel-pits, 9/ 11th March to 13th April, photo. (W. C. Nimick et fl/.)(plate 231). British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 565 Rogers et al. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 IRELAND 1996 Wexford Tacumshin, 2 or immature, 12th-13th October ( Irish Birds 6: 292). 1997 Dublin Rogerstown Estuary, $, 11th January to 8th February ( Irish Birds 6: 292). (North America; winters south to Brazil) Three fairly typical spring records and a fair scattering in autumn from August onwards, but there was no significant arrival in the Southwest to match that of other Nearctic wildfowl. A pair of captive origin bred success- fully in Essex in 1997 (Brit. Birds 92: 475). Winter records of this American equivalent of the Garganey A. querquedula are often viewed with suspicion. Canvasback Aythya valisineria (0, 1, 0) Norfolk Welney, O’, since 1997 (see below) to 9th March, photo. (J. B. Kemp et al.). 1997 Essex Abberton Reservoir, cf, 23rd-24th, 30th November, photo. (N. C. Green, D. Rhymes et al.); presumed same as Norfolk. 1997 Norfolk Wissington, cf, intermittently, 18th-25th January (C. M. Donner et al.); same, Welney, inter- mittently, 21st January to 10th March, photo.; presumed same, 3rd December to 1998 (J. B. Kemp et al.) (plate 232). (Western North America; winters Southwest Canada, USA and Mexico) The panic that 232. Male Canvasback Aythya valisineria, Welney, Norfolk, December 1997 ( Iain H. Leach) this bird generated when news emerged of its arrival at Welney now seems a little over the top as it proved a long-stayer, apparently still being reported, again in East Anglia, in early 1999. This should not detract from the 'credibility' of a long-predicted 'first7 as the phenom- enon of site fidelity by rare diving ducks was established long ago. The population in North America has recovered from a slump in the 1970s and 1980s, following widespread habitat creation and management. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (0, 25, 8) Argyll Ardnave Loch, Islay, first-winter $, 6th November to 9th December, photo. (C. Bradshaw, A. J. Leitch et al.). Cornwall Argal Reservoir, two first-winter $ $, 13th December to 1999 (S. M. Christophers et al.). Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire Rampton Lakes, Cottam, cf, 14th-17th May, photo. (K. Durose et al.). Nottinghamshire See Lincolnshire /Nottinghamshire above. Orkney Loch of Tankemess, 2/ 7th December to 10th January 1999, video. (K. E. Hague et al.). 566 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Shetland Loch of Spiggie, first-winter cf, two first-winter 9 9, 1st November to 1st December, first- winter cf and first-winter 9 to 2nd, photo. (P. M. Ellis, M. Mellor, J. D. Okill et al.). IRELAND 1992 Armagh Oxford Island / Kinnegoe Bay, Lough Neagh, cf, 15th November to 15th January 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 516; 90: 465; Irish Birds 6: 293; Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1993: 25). Also in 1993 Down, below. 1993 Armagh See 1992 Armagh above. 1993 Down Hillsborough Lake, cf, 31st January to 15th March, same as 1993 Armagh above ( Irish Birds 6: 293; Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1993: 25). 1994 Armagh/Down Ellis's Gut, Lough Neagh, cf, 27th-30th March; same, Oxford Island, Lough Neagh, 31st March to 7th April (Irish Birds 6: 293; Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1995: 29). 1994 Down See 1994 Armagh /Down above. 1996 Armagh Oxford Island, Lough Neagh, cf, 31st December; presumed returning individual last noted Washing Bay, Lough Neagh, Tyrone, 1995 (Brit. Birds 6: 293). (Western North America; winters south and east to Colombia) A record autumn influx, with small flocks and plenty of the more-tricky females. Also during late autumn, there were provisional reports from Tenerife (a party of eight: Brit. Birds 92: 283) and the Azores ( Birding World 12: 15), which, if verified, will provide strong evidence in support of the wild origin of the majority of those occurring in Britain. It should be noted that the Northern Ireland total is now revised downwards to three individuals because of reassessment of returning birds. King Eider Somateria spectabilis (62, 96, 5) Angus & Dundee Balmossie, cf, 11th November (S. R. Green, M. S. Scott). Cleveland Hartlepool Headland and South Gare, second-winter cf, 4th July, photo. (M. A. Blick et al.); locality erroneously given as South Oare (Brit. Birds 91: 581). Fife Tayport, cf, lst-28th March (D. E. Dickson). Tentsmuir Point, cf, 1st March (D. E. Dickson). Both presumed same as Tayport 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 468). Methil, 9, 1st July (K. D. Shaw); presumed same, Seafield, Kirkcaldy, 29th July to 2nd August (D. E. Dickson, D. Ogilvie); also in Lothian; presumed same as Leven area, 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 468). Lothian Aberlady, $, 1st May (I. M. Thomson), 8th-23rd July (I. M. Thomson et al. per I. J. Andrews); presumed same as 1996, 1997 Lothian below; also in Fife. Moray & Nairn Burghead Bay, cf, 5th-llth October (A. J. Lawrence et al.); presumed same as Lossiemouth area, 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 468). Northeast Scotland Blackdog, cf, 10th July (M. L. Hawkes, S. J. Patient); present 5th-12th; presumed same as 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 468). Orkney North Ronaldsay, cf, 10th June, photo. (H. & J. W. Sobering). Shetland Skeld, cf, 24th January (P. V. Harvey); presumed same as Raewick, Redayre, Tresta, 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 468). Mousa Sound, cf, since 22nd December 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 468), to at least 29th January (P. M. Ellis et al.). Uyea, Unst, cf, 13th May (A. Thomson per M. G. Pennington); presumed same, Aith, Fetlar, 21st to at least 4th June (D. Houghton, M. Smith et al.). West Voe, Sumburgh, cf, 23rd May to 19th June (P. V. Harvey, I. S. Robertson et al.). 1996 Lothian Aberlady Bay, 9, 27th June to 10th July (Brit. Birds 90: 465); same, Musselburgh, 6th-7th June (M. Darling per I. J. Andrews). 1997 Lothian Aberlady Bay, 9, 5th-8th May, 22nd June to 6th July (I. M. Thomson per I. J. Andrews); presumed same as 1996 Lothian above and 1997 Fife (Brit. Birds 91: 468). IRELAND 1997 Antrim Rathlin Island, cf, 24th-29th April (Brit. Birds 91: 469), to 27th only (Irish Birds 6: 293). (Circumpolar Arctic) Site fidelity is singularly strong in this species despite the vagaries of the sea (or maybe it is just very fussy about which mussels it eats). Common Scoter Melanitta nigra North American and East Siberian race M. n. americana (0, 5, 0) 1992 Highland Burghead Bay, cf, at least 8th December (Brit. Birds 87: 518), locality is in Moray (then Grampian); first noted, Findhom Bay, 29th to at least 31st October (B. Robson et al.). British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 567 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 233. Male Bufflehead Bucephala albeola, Heveningham Hall Lake, Suffolk, January 1998 ( Robin Chittenden ) Bufflehead Bucephala albeola (5, 5, 1) Devon Roadford Reservoir, cf, 20th November to 1999, photo. (R. Jones, J. Tidball et al.). Suffolk Heveningham Hall Lake, cf, since 29th November 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 470), to 21st January (plate 233). (North America) The one in Devon coincided with the influx of Nearctic wildfowl in both timing and Southwestern location. Further support may follow from provisional reports of two in France and one in the Azores during November ( Birding World 12: 15). The Devon bird, however, apparently bore a metal ring and, although this does not necessarily mean that it was an escape, it may be argued that it does slightly alter the odds against its being a genuine vagrant. Black Kite Milvus migrans (5, 260, 16) Cornwall Sancreed, 2nd May (D. S. & H. C. Flumm). Land's End and Nanjizal, first-summer, 12th May (J. Chappie, J. Hawkey, K. A. Wilson). Devon Thurlestone, 3rd May (P. A. Stidwell). East Prawle, 3rd October (J. C. Nicholls). Hampshire Martin Down, 17th May; flew into Wiltshire at Vernditch Chase (A. R. Shakespeare). See also West Sussex below. Kent Dungeness, 24th April (R. J. Price). Norfolk Norwich, 17th May (I. Maclean). Sheringham, 18th May (A. P. Benson). Pembrokeshire Skomer, 20th May, photo. (R. Lindner, M. Nickerson, S. Smith). Sussex, East Icklesham, two, 11th May (T. Squire). Sussex, West Pilsey and Thorney Islands, 11th May; flew into Hampshire (C. B. Collins). West Midlands Balsall Common, 17th March (N. P. & Mrs C. Barlow). Wight Godshill, 28th April (D. B. Wooldridge). Near Freshwater Bay, 30th April, photo. (D. Eddis, G. Giddens). Wiltshire See Hampshire above. Yorkshire, East Tophill Low, 9th May (R. Lyon et al.). 1997 Norfolk Burnham Norton, 31st May (A. Armstrong, J. Wood). 1997 Oxfordshire Witney, 23rd April (D. A. Doherty). (Most of Eurasia, Africa and Australia) Inadequate descriptions continue to depress both the acceptance levels and members of the Committee. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (many, 24, 1) Kent Graveney Marshes, juvenile, 7th-8th October, photo. (M. Roser, J. A. Rowlands et al.). (Southwest Greenland, Iceland and northern Eurasia) This bird coincided with the arrival of two Sociable Lapwings Vanellus gregarius and was so remote from the re-established breeding population that there was little doubting its wild origin. This species was removed from the Committee's list as from 1st January 1999 (Brit. Birds 92: 113-114). 568 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (100, 590, 4) Hampshire Beaulieu Heath, two first-summer cf Q\ 25th May (D. A. Thelwell et al); both present 24th- 29th, one to 4th June, photo. Kent Dungeness, first-summer cf, 31st May (S. J. Broyd). Suffolk Bramford Gravel-pits, 2/ 16th May (S. H. Piotrowski). Surrey Hidestyle Wildlife Hospital, cf, in care since July 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 471), released in good health, Thursley Common, 30th May (per D. M. Harris). 1989 Sussex, East Newmarket Hill, 2/ 29th May to 3rd June (Brit. Birds 83: 458), to 4th (I. J. Whitcomb). 1997 Essex Colne Point and St Osyth area, 2, 5th May (A. & R. Stroud). 1997 Kent Dungeness, cf, 22nd July (S. P. Clancy). 1997 Norfolk Burnham Overy, 2/ 20th May (S. J. M. Gantlett). East Runton, May (Brit. Birds 91: plates 118-120), locality was East Ruston (Brit. Birds 91: 471). 1997 Oxfordshire Near Merton, 2/ 23rd to at least 25th June (Brit. Birds 91: 471), to 30th (M. J. Palmer). 1997 Suffolk Minsmere, 2/ 30th-31st May (Brit. Birds 91: 471), to 1st June (per D. F. Walsh). IRELAND 1997 Cork Ballycotton, 2/ 9th-17th May (Irish Birds 6: 295). (East Europe to Central Siberia; winters Africa) A poor year, though all typical in terms of date and location. An autumn record came from the Channel Islands, where a juvenile was at Grouville Marsh, Jersey, on 9th-10th October. Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus (many, 126, 2) Cornwall Rame Head, adult white-phase, 6th, 9th April (A. E. C. Aston, S. C. Madge, E. H. Williams); also in Devon. Devon Wembury, adult white-phase, 6th-8th April, photo. (N. C. Ward, B. Whitehall et al.); same as Cornwall. Outer Hebrides Near Tigharry, North Uist, first-winter white-phase, intermittently, 12th March to 16th April, photo. (B. J. & Mrs L. L. Lowe, B. Rabbitts et al.). IRELAND 1997 Clare Fanore, white-phase, 9th March (Irish Birds 6: 295). (Circumpolar Arctic) The observer who found the famous Berry Head bird in 1986 (ncw) now earns yet more undying gratitude from a new generation of birders in the Southwest. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax (92, 17, 1) Shetland Ringasta area, Sumburgh, 2/ 4th-6th October when taken into care injured, dead 8th, photo.; now at National Museum of Scotland (A. Fitchett et al.). (Northwest Africa, Iberia, east across South Europe and Asia; northern French population probably winters south to Iberia) Since 1958, this species has only twice occurred north of Norfolk: in Wigtownshire in April 1964 (Brit. Birds 58: 359) and the recent Fair Isle bird in November 1994 (Brit. Birds 88: 508). Though there are seven more, pre-1958, Scottish records dating back as far as 1833, this is only the second for Shetland. Most records relate to the period October to January, but this is the earliest recent (post-1958) autumn record by almost two weeks. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (98, 216, 5) Cambridgeshire Cam Washes, 9th May (I. Barton, Miss K. Rosewame). Hampshire Pennington Marsh, 1st April (D. Thelwell et al.); present 31st March to 5th April. Kent Elmley, cf, 2 ar|d 2 or first-summer, 26th May, cf, 2 °f same, Oare Marshes, 28th, returning to Elmley intermittently to 31st (G. W., K. G. & Mrs J. M. Holland, J. A. Rowlands, P. Royston et al.). Norfolk Titchwell, from 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 471), throughout year, photo. 1997 Kent West Hythe, first-winter, 7th September (I. A. Roberts); presumed same as Rainham Marsh, Essex, 10th-20th (Brit. Birds 91: 471). (Southern Eurasia, Africa, the Americas and Australia) Information has recently been received to the effect that, although there is no absolute proof, the long-staying Norfolk indi- vidual may have escaped from the premises of a Norfolk aviculturist in August 1993 shortly before the saga commenced on 18th of that month. British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 569 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (31, 52, 0) Kent Elmley, 14th May (G. W. Allison, J. A. Rowlands, R. Smith et al.); presumed same as Norfolk, Suffolk, 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 472). Norfolk Titchwell, Holme, Snettisham, Cley area, 18th May to 9th July (per G. E. Dunmore); presumed returning 1997 individual as above. Northamptonshire Earls Barton, 15th-16th May, photo. (M. Adkins, I. Dobson et n/.)(plates 234 & 235); presumed same as Norfolk. (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) An interesting example of a vagrant becoming familiar with extralimital locations. Though now habitually aberrant, in a migratory sense, the timing of its visits is unaffected; it was at Earls Barton during 13th-25th May 1996, for example (Brit. Birds 90: 468). 234 & 235. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola , Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, May 1998 (Iain H. Leach ) Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus (0, 2, 0) Devon Dawlish Warren, 31st March to 10th May, photo. (I. W. Lakin et al.); presumed returning indi- vidual of mid April to 21st September 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 472). (North America) The return of this bird was hardly to be expected. Perhaps it followed local Great Ringed Plovers C. hiaticula in autumn 1997 and later returned with them. Although it had clearly moulted since last year (this plumage being in much fresher condi- tion than it was the previous summer), it still exhibited non-breeding plumage. Is this within normal variation for the species or does it suggest some deeper biological defect which may also have affected its migratory skills? Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus (0, 1, 0) 1997 Sussex, West Pagham Harbour, adult, 14th-16th August, photo. (J. W. P. Bacon, T. J. Edwards, R. Hollins, J. Hunt et aZ.)(plates 207, 208 & 236). (Central Asia to eastern Siberia; winters shores of Indian Ocean from South Africa to Aus- tralia) This long-distance migrant has occurred as a vagrant in several European countries as well as in at least four US states and two Canadian provinces. Its discovery here was perhaps only a matter of time, and very careful observation, as the identification problem presented by Greater C. leschenaultii and Lesser Sand Plovers can be one of the toughest that there is. An identification triumph for the finders, then, who initially suspected this bird to be mongolus and who were eventually proved right. The solidly dark mask of this summer- plumage bird indicated that it belonged to the western atrifrons group of races. The identifi- cation was discussed in Birding World (10: 294-297). A full account will appear in British Birds in due course. 570 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et air Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 236. Adult Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, 16th August 1997 ( Jim Pattinson ) American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (6, 219, 13) Cornwall Sennen, juvenile, 30th September to 4th October (M. D. Wallace et ah); another two juveniles, 18th October, photo.; possibly same as Scilly below (M. D. Wallace, I. M. & K. A. Wilson et ah). Dorset Stanpit Marsh, adult, 6th May (D. N. Smith). Hampshire Pennington Marshes, adult, 20th May to 2nd June, photo. (S. R. Ingram, T. Parmenter et fl/.)(plate 237). Lancashire & North Merseyside Marshside Marsh, juvenile, 27th-28th October (B. Woolley et ah). Nottinghamshire Gringley Carr, juvenile, 5th-15th November, photo. (R. & S. Bird, D. Carroll, M. Lynes et ah). Scilly St Agnes, juvenile, 21st September to 5th October, again, 8th-17th, photo. (D. Page et al.) (plate 8); another juvenile, llth-17th October (M. A. Wilkinson et ah). St Mary's, two juveniles, 17th October, both same as St Agnes (per W. H. Wagstaff). Shetland Fetlar, adult, 16th-17th September (J. & T. G. Davies). Spiggie, juvenile, 24th October (P. V. Harvey, Dr R. Riddington et ah). 237. Adult American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica, Pennington Marshes, Hampshire, May 1998 (Jain H. Leach) British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 571 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Yorkshire, East Saltend, Hull, adult, 8th September (B. Richards). Yorkshire, South Old Moor Wetlands, juvenile, 15th-26th October, photo. (J. H. Goddard et al.). 1987 Northumberland St Mary's Island, juvenile, 13th October (A. Hutt, K. W. Regan, M. B. Shaw et al.). 1994 Devon Kingsbridge Estuary, first-summer, lst-3rd May (M. K. Ahmad et al.)-, previously not accepted (Brit. Birds 89: 531). 1996 Yorkshire, South South Anston, first -summer, 5th September (J. & M. Clay, R. Hard castle et al.). IRELAND 1996 Clare Lough Donnell, juvenile, 7th October (Irish Birds 6: 296). 1997 Clare Loop Head, juvenile, 30th September (Irish Birds 6: 296). 1997 Cork Ballycotton, adult, 24th-31st August. Rosscarbery, juvenile, 4th October (Irish Birds 6: 296). 1997 Wexford Tacumshin, adult, 10th-14th September; same. Lady's Island Lake, to 9th October (Irish Birds 6: 296). (Arctic North America and extreme Northeast Asia; winters South America) This species has been located with inland flocks of European Golden Plovers P. apricaria in all but two years during the 1990s. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva (3, 40, 3) Cumbria Campfield Marsh, juvenile, 19th September, photo. (D. G. H. & Mrs M. West). Norfolk Buckenham Marsh, adult, 5th-24th July, photo. (D. Machin, S. Smith, A. M. Stoddart et al.); present 4th-25th. Shetland Fetlar, adult, 10th July (J. & T. G. Davies). (North and Northeast Asia and Alaska; winters southern Asia, Australia and western North America) Two typical July adults and an excellent find of an immaculate September juvenile. American/Pacific Golden Plover P. dominical fulva (9, 281, 16) IRELAND 1997 Donegal Rocky Point, 9th March (Irish Birds 6: 296). Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius (5, 33, 2) Kent Graveney and Nagden Marshes, age uncertain, 8th-19th October, photo. (J. A. Rowlands, P. K. Worsley et al.). Capel Fleet, age uncertain, 10th October to 1st November (J. A. Rowlands et al.). (Southeast Russia and West-central Asia; winters Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia) This multiple arrival occurred during a purple patch in Kent. Did they start the journey together and then get split up? Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (2, 86, 1) Sussex, West Chichester Gravel-pits, juvenile, 12th-21st September, photo. (A. R. Kitson et al.). IRELAND 1997 Wexford The Cull, juvenile, 26th-30th August (Irish Birds 6: 296). (North America; winters Central and South America) Though annual since 1980, this species still requires careful observation and a thorough description. Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri (1, 7, 1) Orkney Deemess, juvenile, 28th September to 3rd October, video., photo. (K. E. Hague et al.). (North America; winters southern USA and Central America) One of the finds of the autumn, this is still a major rarity, outnumbered more than ten to one by the previous species. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla (6, 30, 0) IRELAND 1993 Cork Kinsale Marsh, adult, 29th-30th August (Irish Birds 6: 296). (Northern North America; winters southern South America) 572 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 W*/ • fh~- ,C ff- . -jM- I'. ■■ K - 0® -1-0 Lto., ^cUJ iwch-.-.i FiOI rw of- f.y Aa/F^imS p rr-< Lf" L , f-or'C flz~J, b^f" ^*6"^. iU" h*. D ^v( i vs jy f~* ?<-P/?»£* RjTulA/D U’^TtzlZ rVcra^d «* i/n/^a „cr>^- "T/ff ^ j"f r-w M" fc V-+- j'f l_^ 1--J; Csvfvt -f /.u-t-.rtJr •f' ^r'1c f - T'-p. / ^rtc^.SH trrr'—^ f^t~WJT wvt-- *ffujc UL^fc S J Vv»-‘"Jr obv^ A- / i)^ U-M rtn^JAS S‘-^!4A ro rt^/ - j y.^ f- fJuMf '-'-vj rwf- U ij< . C^e-i'U. ■ 9V h<-._ »V. fu. rrw J "-'t-'w' 1 - F" Cc-j^- 1 J p s-<-4 J i -v- 1 f~ » 0 m t*J i ,■. p rff't U-i A, -foj'f'cJ' fr/la,^. Tkfnj KrU^* uT^-*-w ploolc u £JO-— ^ ^ S'H-'-V oUVCeyf" J«V\ TV /-t-P-/ ^ «-y-j /cunj /'O »Jr«oJt fllU< u/W-* *-f fsACVI,/ . cU-/k trrwv^ W,V«J - C© / c^f j fi<_ /-j rt*-j ■ S C Ap osAj^r j treoi / i/vsi »U f^K*v y**' i ( ■-** • * i c H' <\ Dv^M-vs (riA^f- SI i. oJ U/ £ . jA/MDP»p£K ^ »Ayfl^-J !r^ fio-Fty S&ScA^J ers fl/H /‘T* Figure 4. Adult White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis, Rutland Water, Leicestershire, 9th November 1998 (John Wright) British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 573 Rogers et al.-. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 >=- l- Figure 3. Adult White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis, Dawlish Warren, Devon, 28th May 1998 (Tom Whiley) White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (24, 404, 14) Avon Aust Warth, juvenile/ first-winter, 22nd-26th November, video. (P. D. Bowerman, B. Lancastle et al). Cleveland Dorman's Pool, adult, intermittently, 13th-27th August (J. B. Dunnett et al.)-, same, Coatham Marsh, 17th-19th (N. A. Preston et al.). Devon Dawlish Warren, adult, 28th-30th May, photo. (J. E. Fortey et al.) (fig. 3); adult, 25th-27th July (F. C. Burch, J. E. Fortey, M. R. Langman et al.); same, Bowling Green Marsh, 26th (M. Plunkett, I. D. S. Smith et al.). Kent Elmley, adult, 17th-18th July (G. W. Allison, J. A. Rowlands et al.). Pegwell Bay, adult, 29th-30th July (D. C. Gilbert, P. Milton et al.). Oare Marshes, adult, 19th-26th August (E. & J. Price, B. Short et al.). Leicestershire Rutland Water, adult, 7th-19th November, photo. (J. Wright et al.) (fig. 4). Lincolnshire Read's Island, adult, 7th August (G. P. Catley, A. Grieve). Norfolk Breydon, adult, 6th July (J. R. Lansdell, S. Smith, C. Wills et al.). Cley, adult, llth-12th August, video. (R. G. Millington per A. M. Stoddart). Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuary, adult, 4th-6th August (C. Barton, Dr P. S. Crockett, I. Gordon et al.). Northumberland Hauxley, adult, 21st July (M. A. Eaton, T. Farooqi). Yorkshire, South Thorne Moors, adult, 21st-22nd August (W. H. Priestley, B. P. Wainwright et al.). At sea Sea area Sole or Plymouth, vessel en route to Glasgow, taken into care injured, 3rd November, photo.; released in good health, Argentina, January 1999 (per S. A. Keller, T. Marsh, C. Mills et al.). 1996 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, adult, 18th August (I. R. Dickie), present 16th-31st, possibly same as Needs Ore Point, 8th-9th September (Brit. Birds 90: 471). IRELAND 1997 Cork Ballycotton, adult, 20th-27th July. Foxhole, Youghal, adult, 10th September (Irish Birds 6: 296). 1997 Dublin North Bull Island, adult, 28th September (Irish Birds 6: 296). 1997 Wexford Tacumshin, juvenile, 3rd September (Irish Birds 6: 296). (Northern North America; winters southern South America) The late adult in Leicester- shire was atypical, as was the route taken back to Argentina by the bird picked up in the Southwestern Approaches. 574 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii (5, 205, 6) Caernarfonshire Conwy, juvenile, 24th September (I. Higginson). Ceredigion Aberystwyth, juvenile, 19th September (M. B. Hughes). Cornwall Davidstow Airfield, juvenile, llth-20th September (J. Hawkey et al.); additional juvenile, 16th September, both photo. (S. M. Christophers, D. I. Julian, K. Pellow). Dorset Stanpit Marsh, juvenile, 24th August to at least 2nd September (D. N. Smith et al.). Nottinghamshire Lound Gravel-pits, adult, 19th-24th August, photo. (P. Hobson, P. Palmer et al.). IRELAND 1997 Wicklow Broadlough, adult, 12th August ( Irish Birds 6: 296). (North America and northeastern Siberia; winters South America) Multiple occurrences are exceptional in Britain, with the Davidstow records recalling events at Annachie Lagoon, Peterhead, in 1990, when a juvenile which stayed from 6th to 17th September was joined by another from 15th to 18th. In Ireland, there are three such instances, including a trio at Tacumshin in September 1980. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (5, 20, 0) IRELAND 1997 Wexford Tacumshin, adult, 14th-15th September ( Irish Birds 6: 297). (Northeast Siberia; winters New Guinea and Australasia) The second Irish record. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus (23, 176, 3) Norfolk Cley, 21st-23rd May (S. J. M. Gantlett et al.). Northeast Scotland Rattray Head, at least 3rd-4th June, photo. (P. A. A. Baxter et al.). Suffolk Minsmere, 26th May (P. Green et al.). IRELAND 1997 Wicklow Kilcoole, adult, 5th-8th May ( Irish Birds 6: 297). (North Eurasia; winters Asia and Australia) A fairly typical trio, though this species is less than annual in Scotland. The previous ten years produced only seven north of the Border, three of them in 1988. Stilt Sandpiper Micropalama himantopus (1, 26, 0) 1997 Suffolk Minsmere, adult, 7th-13th September (Brit. Birds 91: 476), finders included M. R. Morley, E. W. Patrick. (North America; winters Mexico to South America) Great Snipe Gallinago media (180, 98, 7) Kent Walland Marsh, 9th October (S. D. McMirtn). Norfolk Holkham, 12th May (A. I. Bloomfield, J. R. McCallum). Orkney North Ronaldsay, 6th September (P. Brown, M. Clay, P. Cosgrove); 21st September (T. Dean et al.)- 2nd-6th October (G. Anderson et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, 3rd September (I. Fisher, C. A. Holt); juvenile, 15th September (D. H. Hatton et al.); same, 18th to 6th October, trapped 28th, photo. (C. A. Holt et a/.)(plate 238). 1996 Orkney Sanday, 21st September (K. Durose). 1997 Kent Chetney, 24th August (T. Manship). 1997 Orkney Loch of Tankemess, 28th August (K. E. Hague). (Northeast Europe and Northwest Asia; winters Africa) Any claimants of this species in mid winter are advised to bear in mind that it usually winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (9, 195, 6) Cumbria Bowness-on-Solway, juvenile, 4th-9th November, photo. (D. G. H. West et al.); possibly same as Lancashire & North Merseyside, below. Kent Elmley, adult, 4th-15th July, 24th October (G. W. Allison, J. A. Rowlands et al.); same, Oare Marshes, 18th July intermittently to 11th October (M. E. Wright et al.); presumed returning individual British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 575 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 238. Juvenile Great Snipe Gallinago media , Fair Isle, Shetland, 21st September 1998 ( Michael McKee) last noted 7th December 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 476). Pegwell Bay, juvenile, 15th October (D. C. Gilbert et al.). Lancashire & North Merseyside Leighton Moss, juvenile, 5th October to at least 1st November (P. Blackmore, A. & Mrs J. Rimmer et al.), another, 22nd October to 1999, both photo, (per M. Jones). Marsh- side Marsh, juvenile, intermittently, 19th November to 1999 (Dr B. McCarthy et al.); presumed same as Leighton Moss. Norfolk Welney, juvenile / first- win ter, 10th October to 1st November (J. B. Kemp, C. Mitchell et al.). Northumberland East Chevington, Amble Braid and Cresswell Pond area, adult, 8th August intermit- tently to 15th November, photo. (D. J. Britton, I. Fisher, S. Sexton et al.). 1997 Kent Elmley, adult, intermittently, 8th July to 7th December (Brit. Birds 91: 476); same. Swale, 15th- 21st July (per C. G. Bradshaw). IRELAND 1997 Clare Lough Donnell, juvenile, 26th September to at least 3rd November (Irish Birds 6: 297). (North America and Northeast Siberia; winters USA and Central America) Extremely long stays seem to be becoming the rule rather than the exception. Distinguishing some summer adults from the much rarer Short-billed Dowitcher L. griseus remains one of the biggest challenges in wader identification (Brit. Birds 91; 93-106). Details have yet to be received for autumn occurrences in Dumfries & Galloway and Northeast Scotland. Long-billed/Short-billed Dowitcher L. scolopaceus/ griseus (18, 291, 6) 1997 Lothian Tyninghame, adult, 2nd-9th August (C. N. Davison et al.). Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda (15, 33, 1) Cornwall Caerbran Farm Nature Reserve, Sancreed, 18th September (A. Hathway, B. C. McTurk); pre- sumed same, near Godrevy, 2nd October (W. Makin et al.). (North America; winters South America) Where was it for two weeks? Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (12, 89, 0) 1997 Kent Dungeness, 23rd August (G. C. Nicholls, P. Saunders). (Southeast Europe, West and East Asia; winters Africa, southern Asia and Australia) The first blank year since 1986. 576 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 239. Two first-winter Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes, Banks Marsh, Lancashire & North Merseyside, February 1998 (Tony G. Collinson ) Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (35, 229, 11) Cambridgeshire Ouse Washes, juvenile, intermittently, 21st September to 26th October (D. Suddaby et al.); also in Norfolk. Cornwall Land's End, juvenile, 18th-28th August (R. Andrew, T. George et al.); presumed same, Nan- jizal, 19th (K. A. Wilson). Derbyshire Carr Vale, adult, 22nd August, photo. (M. A. Beevers et al.). Essex Great Wakering, juvenile, at least 21st-23rd September (A. R. Perkins, C. Todd et al.). Abberton Reservoir, adult, 26th October to 6th November, photo. (G. Brown, A. Kettle et al.). Essex/Greater London Rainham Marsh, adult, 26th-27th August (S. Connor et al.). Gloucestershire Frampton-on-Severn, 26th April to 1st May (R. Baatsen, N. R. Smart et al.). Greater London See Essex /Greater London above. Kent Elmley, adult, 16th July (G. W. Allison, F. Cackett, J. A. Rowlands et al.). Lancashire & North Merseyside Banks and Marshside Marshes and Martin Mere, two first-winters, since 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 477), intermittently to end March (plate 239), one or other, mostly Banks Marsh, intermittently to 1999, photo, (per M. Jones et al.). Moray & Naim Findhom Bay, age uncertain, 31st October to 7th November (M. J. H. Cook, S. Murphy et al). Norfolk Welney, juvenile, intermittently, 12th September to 4th November (J. B. Kemp, C. Mitchell et al.); same as Cambridgeshire. Oxfordshire Otmoor, adult, 29th August to 5th September (J. S. Baker et al.). Sussex, East Cuckmere Elaven, juvenile, 25th September to at least 1st October, photo. (R. J. Fairbank, N. Greenaway, J. P. Shaughnessy et al.). 1997 Cambridgeshire Fen Drayton Gravel-pits, 12th-14th May (D. Anderson et al.). IRELAND 1995 Cork Ballycotton, adult, 2nd-4th August (Irish Birds 6: 299). 1996 Cork Kinsale Marsh, 28th April (Irish Birds 6: 297). 1996 Offaly Shannon Harbour, 13th-17th December (Irish Birds 6: 297). 1997 Cork The Geragh, 26th January to 9th March (Irish Birds 6: 297). 1997 Louth Dundalk Docks, adult, 13th July to 24th May 1998 (Irish Birds 6: 297). 1997 Wexford The Cull, adult, 6th August to 4th December (Irish Birds 6: 297). (North America; winters southern USA, Central and South America) The long-staying Lancashire birds proved tricky to work out; since two were reported again at Banks Marsh in late January 1999, it seems likely that both were present all year. The similarity in the departure dates of the Abberton, Findhom and Welney birds may be more than mere coinci- dence. A report from East Tilbury, Essex, has yet to be documented. British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 577 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus (3, 45, 5) Clyde Ardmore Point, at least 31st October (J. Bell, J. Duncan). Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 13th-16th May, photo. (D. Taylor et al.). Kent Shellness, 5th-10th May, photo. (G. Westley, R. V. White et «/.)(plate 240). Moray & Nairn Findhorn Bay, 29th-31st October (D. M. Pullan et al.). Suffolk Walberswick, 6th September, photo. (C. R. Naunton, B. Wentworth). (Northeast Europe and Siberia; winters Africa, south Asia and Australia) The best-ever year, exceeding the fours in 1986 and 1995. The Kent bird was the earliest recent spring record by a day, although that at Radipole Lake, Dorset, in 1974, may have 'cheated' by win- tering in Devon (Brit. Birds 68: 317). The two late-autumn records in Scotland were most unusual. 240. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus with Dunlin Calidris alpina , Shellness, Kent, May 1998 (Iain H. Leach ) Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia (6, 115, 2) Leicestershire Eyebrook Reservoir, 9th-10th May, photo. (A. H. J. Harrop, D. Summerfield et al.). Shetland Wester Water, Mainland, 30th June (M. Mellor); same, Punds Water, 2nd July (Dr R. Rid- dington). 1988 Greater London Barn Elms Reservoirs, 16th May (J. P. P. Wilczur). IRELAND 1997 Cork Tramore River, near Cork City Dump, juvenile, 26th September to 2nd October ( Irish Birds 6: 299). (North America; winters USA south to Uruguay) This species has become distinctly rare here in autumn. Inner London belatedly notches up another good rarity (see also Rosy Star- ling Sturnus roseus). Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (1, 273, 1) Meirionnydd Tywyn, age uncertain, 27th-28th August (R. I. Thorpe et al.). 1997 Yorkshire, South Rother Valley Country Park, first-winter, 15th September (P. Graham, R. Greasley). IRELAND 1997 Londonderry Lough Beg, two first-winters, 21st-22nd September ( Irish Birds 6: 299; Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1997: 58). 1997 Louth Dundalk Docks, first-winter, 24th August to 4th September ( Irish Birds 6: 299). (North America; winters South America) The slump in this species' occurrences referred to in the last report continues. 578 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 241. Adult Laughing Gull Larus atricilla, Norfolk, May 1998 ( Iain H. Leach) Laughing Gull Larus atricilla (2, 89, 5) Argyll Cliad, Coll, first-winter, 28th November (A. J. Leitch). Cornwall Maer Lake, Bude, adult, llth-13th January (D. Churchill et al.). Dorset Radipole, adult, 15th July (K. Ballard, G. Barlow, M. Slater et al.)-, same. West Bexington, 15th (I. McLean); same, Abbotsbury, 15th (S. A. Groves). Lincolnshire Kirkby-on-Bain, adult, 24th May (K. D. Robertson); presumed same as Norfolk. Norfolk Burnham Norton, adult, 18th-20th May (R M. Wilson et al.); present. Holme, Hunstanton, Titch- well area, 9th May to June, photo, (per G. E. Dunmore et a/.)(plate 241). Also in Lincolnshire. Shetland Boddam/Hillwell area, first-winter to first-summer, 17th March to at least 2nd August, photo. (M. Mellor et al.). 1997 Cheshire Houghton Green, adult, 12th January (K. Foster). 1997 Cornwall Drift Reservoir, second-winter/ adult, 16th December (B. Dodd, G. Hobin). IRELAND 1992 Dublin Rogerstown, first-winter, 21st-30th November ( Irish Birds 6: 301). (North America and Caribbean; winters USA to South America) The long-staying summer adult in Norfolk at first displayed in the Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus colony at Titchwell and later came regularly to bread in Hunstanton town centre. Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan (0, 35, 2) Gower Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, adult, 28th October to 1st November, photo. (G. Randall, D. Rich et al.)( plate 242). Lincolnshire Kirkby-on-Bain, first-summer, 13th May (K. Durose); presumed same as Norfolk, Shet- land. Norfolk Titchwell, first-summer, 10th May, photo. (T. Humpage, B. J. Small et fl/.)(plates 243 & 244); also in Lincolnshire, Shetland. Shetland Hillwell, first-summer, 15th May (M. Mellor et al.); presumed same as Lincolnshire, Norfolk. IRELAND 1997 Louth Cruisetown Strand, adult, 17th-18th August (Irish Birds 6: 301). (North America; winters South America) The tracking of a first-summer from Norfolk to British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 579 Rogers et al. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 242. Adult Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan, Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, Gower, October/November 1998 ( Keith Stone ) 243 & 244. First-summer Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan, Titchwell, Norfolk, 10th May 1998 ( Iain H. Leach) Shetland over five days was remarkable. It was evidently in a hurry to move north and perhaps even back to its native land. It was of note that individuals of this and the preceding species should be seen at such widely separate sites during the same period. Bonaparte's Gull Larus Philadelphia (11, 97, 8) Anglesey Beddmanarch Bay, two first-winters, 16th May (A. Davies, O. Roberts et al.); one of same, Penrhos, 17th (T. ap Rheinallt). Angus & Dundee Broughty Ferry, first-winter, 26th to at least 30th December (S. R. Green). Cheshire Richmond Bank, first-winter, 20th February (J. Clarke). Cornwall Drift Reservoir, first-winter, 17th January (G. Hobin). Kent Elmley, first-summer, 25th May (C. G. Bradshaw et at.); presumed same, Herne Bay and Seasalter area, 30th May to 20th June, photo. (G. J. A. Burton et a/.)(plate 245). Lothian Musselburgh, first-summer, 17th August (B. Hickman); same, 9th September (A. Brown). Northumberland Cresswell Pond and area, first-summer, 26th-27th July, 8th, 11th, 19th August, 12th September (T. R. Cleeves, D. M. Turner et al.); considered not same as Lothian. 1995 Derbyshire Ogston Reservoir, first-winter, 29th December (R. J. Lowe, S. Mannet et al.). 580 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al .: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 245. First-summer Bonaparte’s Gull Larus Philadelphia, Seasalter, Kent, May/June 1998 (Alan Tate ) 1996 Derbyshire Willington Gravel-pits, first-winter/ first-summer, 5th May, video. (R. S. Brown, N. Topliss). 1997 Devon West Hoe, adult, 24th, 26th March (M. K. Ahmad et ah). 1997 Pembrokeshire Strumble Head, first-winter, 28th September (G. H. Rees). IRELAND 1997 Cork Dunkettle and near Blackrock Castle, adult, 15th April ( Irish Birds 6: 302). (North America; winters USA to Mexico) A good annual total. All were first-year, which is remarkable as about 40% of post-1958 records relate to adults. The Northumberland and Lothian birds are here considered different for various reasons including the timings of sightings and the large distance between the two sites. Herring Gull Larus argentatus L. a. smithsonianus (0, 26, 0) Scilly St Mary's, first-winter, intermittently since 18th December 1997 to at least 6th April (Brit. Birds 91: 479)(plates 211-213). 1997 Gloucestershire Frampton-on-Sevem, first-winter, 15th December (M. T. Elliott, J. D. Sanders). IRELAND 1992 Cork The Lough, first-winter, 18th-19th February; same, Cork City Dump, 28th (Irish Birds 6: 302). 1996 Galway Nimmo's Pier, first-winter, 1st January (Brit. Birds 90: plate 80; Irish Birds 6: 302). 1997 Antrim North Foreshore Tip, Belfast, first-winter, 15th February (Brit. Birds 91: 479), was 5th March. 1997 Cork The Lough, first-winter, 6th December to 4th January 1998. Ballycotton, first-winter, 21st December to 15th January 1998 (Irish Birds 6: 303). 1997 Louth Lurgangreen, second-winter, 6th February, presumed same as Clogher Head, 27th December 1996 (Brit. Birds 91: 479; Irish Birds 6: 302). (North America) An immaculate description of a more-or-less classic individual in Gloucestershire presented no problems. A number of other records are pended, otherwise under investigation, or have yet to be submitted. Observers need to be aware that there is considerably more variation within Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus and other races of Herring Gull than is often realised. Both can show completely dark tails, for example. It is important to identify these birds on a combination of as many features as possible. Doubt- less this American race also exhibits considerable variation (e.g. it can even show a tail band Western Birds 29: 63-64), but at present only classic individuals are likely to be accepted. British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 581 Rogers et al. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides L. g. kumlieni (0, 71, 7) Cambridgeshire Ouse Washes, adult, 1st January (R. G. Newell). Milton, adult, 1st February, photo. (R. G. Newell et al.). Cornwall Hayle, adult, intermittently, 7th-26th February (R. James, R A. Rutter, L. P. Williams et al.). Camel Estuary, adult, 21st February to 1st March (S. M. Christophers et al.). Gower Swansea, adult, 15th December to at least 16th January 1999 (R. J. Howells, P. R. & S. L. Murray et al.). Kent Cliffe, adult, 1st January (R. C. Peters, A. Pocock et al.). Outer Hebrides See 1997 Outer Hebrides below. Pembrokeshire Llys-y-fran Reservoir, first-winter, lst-5th February (D. J. Astins et al.). 1996 Durham Gateshead, third- winter/ third-summer, 5th February (S. C. Votier). 1996 Shetland Tingwall, second-summer, 12th June (F. J. Maroevic, M. Mellor). 1996 Suffolk Minsmere, adult, 28th December (C. A. Buttle, D. Fairhurst, B. Robson et al.). 1997 Essex/Greater London Rainham Marsh, adult, 13th December (M. K. Dennis). 1997 Greater London See 1997 Essex / Greater London above. 1997 Outer Hebrides Stornoway, adult, 13th December to 14th April 1998, photo. (R. D. Wemyss). IRELAND 1994 Cork Ballymacoda, adult, 26th January; same, Ballycotton, 6th February (Irish Birds 6: 303). 1994 Kerry Blennerville, adult, 8th March (Brit. Birds 91: 481), to 27th March (Irish Birds 6: 303). 1996 Galway Galway Tip, first-winter, lst-2nd January (Irish Birds 6: 303). 1997 Antrim North Foreshore Tip, second-winters, 5th March, two, 7th, one or other to 28th (per G. Gordon). 1997 Donegal Killybegs, first-winter, 26th December (Irish Birds 6: 303). 1997 Wexford Killurin Tip, first-winter, 20th-21st February; second-winter, 4th March (Irish Birds 6: 303). (Canada; winters North America) Records of this subspecies will no longer be considered by the Committee as from 1st January 1999, for reasons explained by Prof. Colin Bradshaw (Brit. Birds 92: 113-114). One was that it remains unclear where the boundaries of this taxon lie with respect to both Iceland L. g. glaucoides and Thayer's L. g. thayeri Gulls. An interesting input to this taxonomic and identification nightmare is provided by Steve Howell's paper 'Shades of gray: the catch 22 of Thayer's Gull' ( Birder's Journal 7: 6, 305-309). Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea (2, 80, 3) Cornwall Maenporth, adult, 25th January; same, Swanpool, Falmouth, 25th-31st (Dr G. W. Davies, A. R. Pay et al.). Shetland Lerwick, then Tingwall, adult, 16th January to at least 5th May, photo. (P. V. Harvey et al.). IRELAND Antrim Black Head, Belfast Lough, second- winter, 8th February (per G. Gordon); also in Down. Down Briggs Rock, Belfast Lough, second-winter, 9th-12th February (per G. Gordon); same as Antrim above. 1995 Cork Cape Clear Island, adult, 24th February (Irish Birds 6: 303). 1995 Galway Galway Docks, adult, 27th January to 1st February (Brit Birds 91: 481), to 2nd February (Irish Birds 6: 303). 1997 Dublin Bullock Harbour, adult, 15th February to 29th March (Irish Birds 6: 303). (Arctic) The 110-day stay of the Shetland bird was exceeded only by one which remained at Thurso, Caithness, from 20th November 1983 to 16th May 1984. Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea (76, 41, 2) Glamorgan Aberthaw, first-winter, 2nd January, photo. (S. P. Hinton et al). Highland Inverpolly, Wester Ross, first-winter, 7th December, photo. (S. Edwards, D. Mainland). (Arctic) The Glamorgan bird was presumably blown into the Bristol Channel by the severe westerly gales which deposited many other seabirds far up the Severn Estuary in the first few days of January. This was the third record for the Bristol Channel in recent years. 582 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (30, 219, 6) Caernarfonshire Bardsey, 28th May, 1st June (L. Humpage, S. D. Stansfield). Norfolk Hickling and Breydon, 2nd, 4th-6th, 10th August (J. Harris, I. Smith, S. Smith et al.). Northamptonshire Ditchford and Stanwick Gravel-pits, 1st August (N. M. Butler, S. P. Fisher); same, Earls Barton Gravel-pits, 1st (P. Britten et al.); also in East Yorkshire, below. Nottinghamshire Lound Gravel-pits, 3rd July, photo. (P. Palmer et al.); also in East and South Yorkshire. Orkney Papa Westray, 16th April (S. D. Wellock). Suffolk Sizewell, 5th July (D. Thurlow). Yorkshire, East Beacon Ponds, Kilnsea, 27th June (L. J. Degnan, N. Pickering et al.); also in Notting- hamshire, South Yorkshire. Tophill Low, 3rd August (A. Hutt, F. X. Moffatt); presumed same as N orthamptonsJiire . Yorkshire, South Thome Moors, 21st June (M. Limbert, J. M. & P. C. Rowarth); Thryburgh Reservoir, 2nd July (P. Burke); both presumed same as Kilnsea, East Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire. 1996 Kent Stodmarsh and Hersden, 15th June (D. C. Gilbert et al.). 1997 Cornwall Hayle, first-winter, 1st August (R. Addison). 1997 Gower Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, 6th-8th August (M. Bailey-Wood, G. F. Thomas); presumed same as Kenfig, Glamorgan, 6th (Brit. Birds 91: 482). 1997 Norfolk Breydon, 30th July (Brit. Birds 91: 482); also at Burgh Castle in recording area of Suffolk. 1997 Suffolk See 1997 Norfolk above. (Almost cosmopolitan, except South America; European populations winter Africa) The Committee takes the view that, in view of the time-lapse involved, two individuals visited Yorkshire, as well as other counties. It also seems clear, from the details of dates listed, that the Norfolk bird was additional, as was that in Suffolk. A report that the Norfolk bird was at Bawdsey, Suffolk, on 11th August has yet to be dealt with. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis (0, 7, 1) Sussex, East Rye, 4th May (P. M. Troake). (North and East Africa, east to Australia) The timing and location recall records from Kent and East Sussex in 1989 which were attributed to 'Elsie', the famous Fame Islands bird which had been recorded there each summer since 1984. As she was, sadly, not seen this summer, it seems likely that this year's bird was not she. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus (20, 105, 1) Essex East Tilbury, 26th July (A. J. A. Dally). IRELAND 1994 Waterford Dungarvan, adult, 24th-30th April (Irish Birds 6: 304). 1997 Wexford Tacumshin, 11th May; same. Lady's Island Lake, llth-18th (Irish Birds 6: 304). (South Eurasia, Africa and Australia; European population winters Africa) A typical record in terms of location and date. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (50, 684, 9) Anglesey Llyn Traffwll, juvenile, 8th-14th September (K. G. Croft, I. Higginson, R. Pritchard et al.). Dorset Portland Bill, juvenile, 26th July (M. Cade). Gloucestershire/Wiltshire Cotswold Water Park, juvenile, 22nd-30th August, photo. (N. Pleass et al.). Kent Oare Marshes, juvenile, 6th September (A. Parker, J. E. Tilbrook). Norfolk Cley, adult, 30th-31st July, photo. (B. J. Burton et al.); same, Titchwell, 31st (P. Bradley per G. E. Dunmore). Somerset Cheddar Reservoir, juvenile, 15th-18th September (D. Buckingham et al.). Steart, juvenile, 18th September (B. D. Gibbs, R. Musgrove). Sussex, West Chichester Gravel-pits, juvenile, 15th-21st September (A. House, A. R. Kitson, R. Pulley et al.). Wiltshire See Gloucestershire /Wiltshire above. Yorkshire, South Old Moor Wetlands, adult, 2nd August (S. C. Renouf, D- M. Waddington et al.). 1996 Lincolnshire Covenham Reservoir, second-summer, 2nd June (K. Atkin, K. E. Wilson et al.). 1996 Oxfordshire Farmoor Reservoir, juvenile, 24th August (Brit. Birds 91: 495), to at least 26th (M. J. Palmer et al). British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 583 Rogers et at.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 1997 Essex Hanningfield Reservoir, juvenile, 3rd-4th September (K. Barratt, C. Barton, J. T. Smith et al.). 1997 Kent Cliffe, adult, 23rd June (Brit. Birds 91: 495), was 23rd August; now presumed same as Stod- marsh, 24th (Brit. Birds 91: 495). 1997 Orkney North Ronaldsay, juvenile, 28th August (R. McGregor, S. D. Stansfield). IRELAND 1997 Louth Cruisetown Strand, two adults, 13th July (Irish Birds 6: 304). 1997 Wexford Tacumshin, adult, 14th-17th August (Irish Birds 6: 304). (Southeast Europe, Asia and Africa; European population winters Africa) None in spring, but a fairly typical autumn passage, including a nice influx of juveniles in September. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius (6, 33, 1) Devon Dawlish Warren, adult, 22nd February (S. Tonkin et al.). (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) The first since 1995 and on an exceptionally early date, although not completely without precedent as one was found dead in Co. Kerry in February 1918. The ageing, identification and summary of occurrences of this species were dealt with by P. G. Lansdown on behalf of the Rarities Committee (Brit. Birds 88: 141-149). Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops (64, 25, 1) Clyde Near Beith, taken into care, injured, 20th May, released in good health, 12th June, photo. (A. & G. Christie, I. P. Gibson et al.). (South Europe, Russia, West Asia and Northwest Africa; winters Africa) Upon release in front of an admiring crowd after its successful rehabilitation, it promptly disappeared, never to be relocated. Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca (many, 126, 1) Moray & Nairn Ben Macdui area, 2nd August (G. N. Brind). 1996 Highland Strathrory, Ross & Cromarty, 12th November (C. Leslie). (Circumpolar Arctic; disperses south in some winters) Away from the Northern Isles, the Ben Macdui and Cairngorm plateau is the most favoured locality for this beautiful, almost ghostly creature. 246. Male Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor , St Agnes, Scilly, 10th September 1998 (R. J. Hathway) 584 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 7 247. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, St Agnes, Scilly, 17th May 1998 ( Bryan Thomas) Hawk Owl Surnia ulula (8, 2, 0) 1959 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Chipping, 13th September (Brit. Birds 53: 421, 446), now considered inadequately documented. (Boreal forests of Eurasia and North America) With this doubtful identification having been brought to our attention by the county records committee, just two post-1958 accepted records remain of this highly sought-after species. Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor (3, 11, 2) Scilly St Agnes, cf, 9th-13th September, dead, 14th, photo. (F. D. G. Hicks, N. Wheatley et a/.)(plate 246). St Mary's, 9 or first-winter, 12th-20th September, photo. (A. M. Broome, A. & Mrs L. Roberts, W. Rogers et al.). (North and Central America; winters South America) The highlight of the ornithological year for many observers. Scilly remains the place to see this often diurnal nightjar, the last being a juvenile on Tresco in September 1989. The St Mary's bird performed wonderfully, often hawking over the Borough Farm /Green Lane area in bright sunshine. This is the first recent multiple occurrence, but a record of two together on St Agnes, Scilly, in September /October 1955 is currently under review. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus (0, 11, 3) Derbyshire Wellington Gravel-pits, 3rd August (J. A. Eaton, R. O. Hutchinson, M. P. Radford et al.). Kent Cliffe, 25th May (A. M. Hanby et al.). Scilly St Agnes, 17th May, photo. (D. Page et a/.)(plate 247). (Northwest Africa and Iberia to southern Iran; winters Africa) The highest total since the three in November 1984. Could the Kent and Scilly birds have been one and the same? That in Derbyshire was the second to have been encountered in August, hot on the heels of the one in Norfolk in 1997. This remains an erratic and very rare species of which a long-stayer would be most welcome. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba (150, 395, 25) Avon Chew Valley Lake, 18th February (D. J. Angell). Cambridgeshire March, recently dead, 5th March, photo., skin retained by R. I. Allison (D. & M. Brad- shaw). Little Paxton, 11th May (M. L. Hawkes). Wicken Fen, 7th June (P. & W. Miles). Bainton, 19th July (M. Murray). Carmarthenshire Llanelli, 26th April (I. K. Morgan et al.). Cheshire Budworth Mere, 4th March (J. Walsh). Hoylake area, 23rd April (Dr J. E. Turner). Cornwall Marazion, 2nd April (P. A. Fraser). Nanjizal, 8th May (J. Summers). Lizard, 9th May (P. L. Stubbs). Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire Bennerley Marsh, 1st September (K. Tomlinson). Devon Start Point, 13th May (J. R. Hopkins). Dorset Portland Bill, two, 11th May (M. Cade, R. Newton et al.); another, 13th (P. Green). Hengistbury Head, 5th September (D. N. Smith). British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 585 Rogers et al .: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, 27th May (S. Rodwell). Nottinghamshire See Derbyshire/ Nottinghamshire above. Wight Brading Marsh, 6th-8th May (N. Boynton, J. C. Gloyn et al.). Yorkshire, East Spurn, 7th June (A. Dawson, D. R. Middleton et al.)-, another, 8th (D. R Boyle); 21st June (D. P. Boyle, J. Hamilton, A. Hutt et al.); 21st July (R. Bolton, D. P. Boyle). Blacktoft Sands, 5th April (N. Carter, A. Forsyth, E. Ward). 1996 Lincolnshire Skegness, 19th May (K. Durose). IRELAND Down Orlock Head, 23rd June (per G. Gordon). 1997 Down St John's Point, 4th May ( Irish Birds 6: 305; Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1997: 75). 1997 Dublin Malahide, 23rd-26th March (Irish Birds 6: 305). (South Eurasia, Northwest and East Africa; winters Africa) A typical showing, with a broad spread of records throughout the spring and summer. March and early April occur- rences have been regular, but that in Avon in February is without precedent. Little Swift Apus affinis (0, 13, 3) Cleveland Boulby Cliffs, 10th May (M. A. Blick, S. Farish). Cornwall Porthgwarra, 10th May (D. S. Flumm et al.). Lincolnshire Barton-on-Humber, 26th June, photo. (G. P. Catley et al.). (Africa, Middle East and South Asia) With just ten records from the first in 1967 to 1996, the recent surge, with three in both 1997 and 1998, is rather puzzling. The Barton-on- Humber individual stayed for several hours, enabling many observers to catch up with this distinctive small swift. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica (7, 314, 8) Cornwall Millbrook, Ist-lOth March, photo. (J. Tidball et al.). Devon Beesands, 3rd May (P. Sanders). Dorset Hengistbury Head, 26th February (S. Simmonds). Lodmoor, 25th April, photo. (P. & Mrs C. Leigh et al.). Durham Whitburn, 31st May (P. Cook). Kent Dungeness, 12th May (D. Walker). Lothian Skateraw, 30th May (A. Brown, M. Griffin). Pembrokeshire Bosherston Ponds, at least 20th-23rd February, photo. (A. S. Wraithmell et al.). IRELAND 1997 Wexford North Slob, 27th October (Irish Birds 6: 305). (Southern and Eastern Eurasia and Africa; European population winters Africa) Disap- pointingly, at least ten other occurrences, including two more in February, were not submitted in time for inclusion in this report. It is a matter of record that late-winter/early- spring records are becoming more regular, but why should this be so? Blyth's Pipit Anthus godleivskii (1, 6, 2) Dorset Portland Bill, two, 22nd-24th November, one to 6th December, both trapped 22nd, photo. (M. Cade, P. A. Coe, J. A. Lucas, G. Walbridge et al.) (plate 25). (Southern Siberia, China and Northeastern India; winters India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands) The first multiple occurrence, enabling further clarification of the field characters to be made. Any observer who thinks that this species is easy to identify should refer to the salutary letter from Martin Gray (Brit. Birds 89: 144-146). All claims will continue to receive the most stringent examination by the Committee, and only those with full plumage and structural characters, together with properly described calls, have any prospect of acceptance. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni (1, 207, 1) Scilly St Mary's, 20th-23rd October, photo. (J. Baker, J. A. Hobson, C. J. McCarthy et al.). 1994 Essex Pitsea, 13th January to 26th February (Brit. Birds 88: 529), to 2nd April. 586 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 1994 Yorkshire, East Flamborough Head, 22nd-23rd September (V. A. Lister, J. McLoughlin). (Northeast Russia to Central and East Asia; winters Southeast Asia) A disappointing year, almost identical to 1983, when the only record was also in Scilly, on 21st October. Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi (13, 51, 3) Shetland Fair Isle, 24th-26th September, photo. (C. A. Holt, T. Warrick et al.); lst-6th October (Dr P. S. Crockett, C. A. Holt, S. J. Turner et al.). Fetlar, 8th October (J. & T. G. Davies). (Northeast Russia to Central and East Asia; winters Southeast Asia) Despite a recent scat- tering of records on mainland Britain, Shetland, particularly Fair Isle, retains a near-monopoly of this tiger-striped pipit. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus (30, 343, 18) Cleveland South Gare, 25th September (N. A. Preston). Cornwall Nanjizal, 3rd October (K. A. Wilson). The Lizard, 18th October (R. C. James, A. R. Pay). Dorset Weston, Portland, 14th October (P. A. Coe, G. Walbridge). Fife Fife Ness, 5th September (J. L. S. Cobb, A. W. Lauder). Greater London Beddington Sewage-farm, 3rd October (J. Allan, G. Messenbird, A. Pearson). Kent St Margaret's, 10th October (I. P. Hodgson, T. Morgan). Norfolk Brancaster, 14th May (R. Q. Skeen); presumed same, Scolt Head, 14th (N. M. Lawton). West Runton, 9th October (M. D. Crewe); possibly same, Sheringham, 10th (M. Webster, T. Wright). Outer Hebrides North Rona, 4th June (C. J. Camphuysen, M. Gray et al.). Scilly St Agnes, 5th-7th October (M. Hepple, T. M. Melling, K. A. & K. D. Shaw et al.). St Mary's, 19th- 21st October (J. Atkinson, C. W. Melgar, I. J. Whitcomb et al.); presumed same, Tresco, 21st (R. M. Fray, A. J. Mackay et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, 5th-12th June, trapped 8th (Dr H. & Dr P. E. Baker, C. A. Holt et al.); lst-2nd October (C. A. Holt, S. J. Turner et al.). Yorkshire, East Kilnsea, 27th September; same. Spurn, 27th-28th (G. E. Dobbs, D. R. Middleton, R. Swales et al.). Spurn, another two, 28th (C. J. Bishop, N. A. Chambers, P. I. Davison et al.); 1st October (D. P. Boyle, A. Hutt, M. F. Stoyle et al); presumed same as 27th-28th. 1988 Scilly St Mary's, 3rd October (J. McLoughlin, W. Simpson). 1992 Yorkshire, East Sammy's Point, Easington (then Humberside), 23rd May (Brit. Birds 89: 513), present 22nd-26th (per L. J. Degnan). 1997 Devon Lundy, 5th May (R. J. Campey). IRELAND 1994 Wexford Tacumshin, first-winter, 24th-30th October (Irish Birds 6: 306). 1997 Cork Dursey Island, 17th October; 21st October (Irish Birds 6: 306). (Arctic Eurasia; winters India and Africa) An above-average showing this year. Some claims of this species continue to be problematic, although it is pleasing to note that observers are starting to make improved efforts to describe the callnote, evidently paying much closer attention to this whilst actually on the spot. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flav a Black-headed race M. f feldegg (0, 6, 1) Caernarfonshire Conwy, O', 8th-9th May, photo. (I. Higginson et al). (Balkans east to Afghanistan and Iran; winters Northwestern India and East Africa) Sepa- ration of this race from the not always typically grey-headed race thunbergi is rarely straightforward. Very careful observation of plumage details and calls is essential, despite the bird's apparently distinctive appearance. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (2, 111, 5) Devon Lundy, first-winter, trapped 6th August, photo. (R. Duncan, D. KightleyXplates 248 & 249). Northeast Scotland Girdleness, first-winter, 22nd-25th September (S. A. Reeves, A. Webb et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, 3rd September (C. A. Holt, N. J. Riddiford et al.). Baltasound, Unst, first- winter, 6th-7th September (H. J. Burgess, M. G. Pennington, S. C. Votier). Quendale, British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 587 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 juvenile /first-winter, 13th-14th September, photo. (P. V. Harvey, S. C. Votier et al.). 1997 Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-winter, 26th-28th September (Brit. Birds 91: 500), full dates, 25th September to 7th October. 1997 Warwickshire Brandon Marsh, $, 18th May (A. Archer, L. Berry, J. M. Rushforth et al.). (Northeast and East Russia, West Siberia, West and Central Asia; winters southern and Southwest Asia) A late August /early September pattern is well established, but a first- winter bird as early as 6th August is without precedent. The 1997 Warwickshire record, which was left out of last year's report in error, was on the same date as that at Eyebrook Reservoir, Leicestershire, in 1991. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia (2, 126, 8) Fife Isle of May, 29th May to 1st June, trapped 29th; first-summer, 30th May to 1st June, trapped 30th, photo. (J. Burgess, A. D. Keates et a/.)(plates 250-252). Shetland Fair Isle, adult, 10th-15th May, trapped 10th (Dr P. E. Baker, J. M. Reid et al.); first-summer, 12th May (R. Mitchell, J. M. Reid et al.); first-summer, lst-23rd June, trapped 1st, photo. (J. M. Reid, S. J. Turner et a/.)(plates 253-255); first-summer, 5th June (J. M. Reid et al.). Whalsay, first-winter, trapped 10th September (J. L. Irvine, Dr B. Marshall et al.). Sussex, East Icklesham, trapped 11th September, photo. (P. Jones, T. Squire, J. Willsher). (Scandinavia, East Europe and West Asia; winters Africa) A typical cast, with the excep- tion of the Sussex record which was some way from this species' more usual East Coast localities. Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus (3, 14, 3) Kent St Margaret's, 9 or first-winter cf, 18th-19th October, photo. (S. Carter, N. L. Jarman et al.). Northeast Scotland Foveran Bushes, Ythan Estuary, cf, 27th-28th September, trapped 27th, photo. (P. Cosgrove, J. Farquhar, M. Smits et a/.)(plates 256 & 257), on page 590. Northumberland Fame Islands, cf, 25th September (M. L. Cornish et al.) (fig. 5, on page 590). 250-252. Top and centre left, on page 589, first-summer Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia , Isle of May, Fife, 30th May 1998 (J. Burgess ) 253-255. Centre right and bottom, on page 589, first-summer Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia , Fair Isle, Shetland, 1st June 1998 (Jane M. Reid) 588 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.\ Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 589 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 (Northeast Europe across Asia to Japan; winters Southeast Asia) The geographical pattern of occurrence continues to expand for this gorgeous chat, with the late September to early November period still the best time for it to be found. Three in one autumn goes one better than the two in East Anglia in October 1994. — — ''"■vjiun - BLUE toAJr EVBONc*. shob. r Heeote -c/kg Ate &WCK B/U- 1 Par -coveans SAOCONISH OLOe ,SAmG AS Set MS BRdKSft ON cones, SmphAsisiNC B««c. B ms«T ,«Wn3»K'aM TW“'«S AMO esmAlO ^ »MT ee ANO THAN CBccON ,^wg^?mc^G/-P>AU3 tb®*‘p THfcoAT eoiTH FAoec. C€rMTf2eS AND Qrr^_ „ 5,06 OC= THROAT TANSeaWe COMPACT HOUNOEO HEAD OUT* SHOUT NeeOLE BILL, It&YII NlSCGNT *> sunpe CP REO-steAsrBc cv/ccravt S'ZOtOMlSH BUIE Exr BMOIWC FROh" rriANTte onto Bn&tsr And acon C 7t>E <5F PLANKS. ffHOrt-T osATBASnUO u>Hrre supeccuLum, NAfirU=u>iMG TOCO ARCS B'W-, pjot cnoire meSTi NG Oyjerz sput bv NAKttau3 &AfOD4»P 0<= ^OtCOBAnou OP tocEHSAC DARK BLUISH -etOUiW NtANtte. SOBuiNefL 7 WAN SCAPucAOS and nrppf Amazing brush r 'ohansp Flanks, Gx-tensiuG aind Elliptical shapeo MBAr <=ceam eoc.es 0erioew EAeoaofccr; aivd THBORT FADED ' TAN6ERINE' OPAHCe TKACAT QBlNIS tAHlT&l TOUASLDS CENTRE D*nx k^gtaluc. blob scaculahs e ochug cooee.rs FBtZMiMO 3haped Bm&Hrea- Blue patch* ON e, -mec Sloe ^ Q4^K -TEZTIAUS CON TOASTING DAtUc r BAY" BROLON Pizinwtzies qah eeoioN torr* 1 Boees ^ PARK 'METALLIC &LUB’ FAIL, 'FL'f SALUTING FROM BEHIND ! CONnpsjf^ r-SAfc*tO- OSH ire UN-peeTAiL COtfERTS arnNtT^i'Tir UKOE&TAIL, erCAincASn»lc ® Av* Brccx«3«0 TEenwB MAPS ©■CXOKXSK-Ouue, BU.ER -n*A* AAANTtE ^ T*/V*' FeotOMER iv»amt?p »««aHrEa Buos ocApuoNt/'ccKjeer WTCKBS. 6C£5 SEAS Nr TKAM KurvrP BeGHTE*. It Ktuee tka«.> map® ^‘Zjo“t ' Erfiaac.' Bios (tc-wP mOS'"r SioEOM BlCO oakk. wcr/mc Buje t Figure 5. Male Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, Fame Islands, 25th September 1998 (Af. L. Cornish ) 256 & 257. Male Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, Foveran Bushes, Ythan Estuary, Northeast Scotland, September 1998 (/? Cosgrove) 590 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata Eastern races S. t. maura/stejnegeri (1, 260, 11) Ayrshire Tumberry, 9 or first-winter, 26th September (R. H. Hogg). Dorset Portland Bill, 9 or first-winter, 17th-18th October (M. Jenkins, C. Trott, G. Walbridge et al.). Norfolk Mundesley, first-summer cf, 4th May (M. Fiszer et al.). Stiffkey and Warham Greens, 9 or first- winter, 7th-13th October, photo. (D. J. Holman, J. R. Williamson et al.). Northumberland Cresswell, 9 °r first-winter, 2nd-8th October, photo. (S. Sexton, S. Taylor et al.). Hauxley, 9 or first-winter, 19th-26th October (M. A. Eaton). Shetland Bressay, 9 or first-winter, 3rd October (P. Goddard). Sandwick, 9 or first-winter, 24th October (P. M. Ellis). Spiggie, 9 or first- winter, 24th-25th October (P. V. Harvey et al.). Sussex, East Rye, 9 or first-winter, 29th October, photo. (P. M. Troake et o/.)(plate 258). Yorkshire, North Filey Brigg, first-winter cf, 8th-llth October, photo. (P. Mountain et al.). 1996 Orkney Sanday, 9 or first-winter, 20th September (K. Durose). (White Sea across Siberia; winters Iran, Southeast Asia, Borneo) A welcome return to form after two relatively lean years. Unusually in the realm of rare-bird identification, it is the spring adult male which is the most difficult to identify satisfactorily. 258. Female or first-winter Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata of race mauralstejnegeri, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, East Sussex, 29th October 1998 {Paul Troake) Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (1, 13, 3) Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, 20th-29th September, photo. (P. S. & R. Crockett, I. Gordon, C. A. Holt et al). Suffolk Southwold, first-winter, 1st October (J. M. Cawston et al.); presumed same, Minsmere, 4th (P. Green, A. Johnson, B. J. Small et al.). Yorkshire, North Whitby, age uncertain, 26th September (J. A. Beaumont, R. S. Slack). (South and Central Eurasia from Russia and Turkey eastwards; winters Northeast and East Africa and from Arabia eastwards to Central India) Despite all that has been written on the separation from pale individuals of Northern Wheatear O. oenanthe, this species remains a difficult one to get right, and it could be that the problems surrounding its identification are clouding its true status as a vagrant. The best source of reference remains 'Field identifi- cation of West Palearctic wheatears' by Peter Clement (Brit. Birds 80: 137-157, 187-238). Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka (3, 36, 2) Northumberland Tynemouth, first-winter 9/ 8th-14th December, photo. (M. P. Carruthers et al.) (plate 34). Yorkshire, East Spurn, cf, 2nd-5th October, photo. (R. A. Frost, M. E. Taylor et al.). (Southeast Europe and South-central Asia; winters East Africa) A typical showing of a British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 591 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 species which has become almost annual during the last two decades. The Northumberland record echoes that in Devon on 4th-6th December 1983. This survival in a Northeast December was undoubtedly aided by its finder, Mary Carruthers, who regularly fed it. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica (15, 43, 1) Dorset Winspit, $, O. h. hispanica, 16th May (M. Anderson, A. Blunden, J. Young et al.) (fig. 6). 1997 Essex Writtle, Chelmsford, cf , race uncertain, 3rd May (W. Angell). IRELAND 1997 Wexford Great Saltee Island, first- year cf, race uncertain, 22nd May ( Irish Birds 6: 307). (Southern Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia, also Iran; winters West Africa) Observers keen to see this species need to be quick off the mark, as short stays are the norm. Possible racial attribution of a number of past records is shortly to be investi- gated. Figure 6. Female Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica of nominate race, Winspit, Dorset, May 1998 ( Simon Patient) Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti (11, 61, 1) Lothian Musselburgh, 9, since 1st December 1997 to 4th January (Brit. Birds 91: 503). Yorkshire, East Flamborough Head, cf, 5th-6th April (P. A. Lassey et al.). IRELAND 1997 Wexford Rosslare Harbour, first-year cf, 2nd-15th December (Irish Birds 6: 307). (North Africa, Northwest Arabia, east to Mongolia; winters Saharan Africa, Arabia and Pakistan) After the flood of records in 1997, this year sees a return to normality. Spring records are uncommon, but one on St Agnes, Scilly, during 23rd-30th March 1976 was even earlier than this year's bird in East Yorkshire. Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis (6, 22, 0) 1996 Sussex, East/West Locality withheld, 9, 19th-20th May (Brit. Birds 90: 496), was in West Sussex. (Northwest Africa and southern Europe east to Mongolia; winters Sahel zone of Africa to Kenya) No records this year. White's Thrush Zoothera dauma (30, 20, 2) Lothian Ormiston Hall, first-winter cf, recently dead at window, 12th October, photo. (J. Busby per I. J. Andrews). Outer Hebrides Tolsta, Lewis, 14th to at least 26th October, photo. (A. & Mrs A. M. Henderson et al.) (plate 12). (Northern and Central Siberia; winters southern India and Southeast Asia) The pho- tographs of the Lewis bird were positively mouth-watering (e.g. plate 12). No clear pattern of occurrence is emerging, although northern locations in autumn are favoured. A record of 592 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 one shot at Langley, Essex, in January 1894 (Christie, A. M., Birds of Essex, Supplement, 1902), has been added to the statistics. Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus (0, 6, 1) Shetland Fetlar, 30th April to 1st May (J. & T. G. Davies). (North America; winters southern USA south to Guatemala) Although often associated with October, it is worth remembering that the first for Britain was on Fair Isle on 2nd June 1975. Could both these spring records be due to 'overshooting' from Northeast America, as proposed by Keith Vinicombe in the excellent Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland: a photographic record (1996)? Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus (1, 42, 1) Cornwall St Ives, first-winter, recently dead, 23rd October, photo., specimen retained by N. J. Hallam (N. J. Hallam, Mrs D. Hill). (North America and eastern Siberia; winters eastern USA, West Indies and Central America) A sad end, but a typical date for a vagrant associated with fast-moving October Atlantic depressions. It is therefore not surprising that the Southwest, and especially Scilly, remains the most frequent point of arrival. Veery Catharus fuscescens (0, 4, 0) 1995 Outer Hebrides Newton, South Uist, 20th-22nd October (Brit. Birds 90: 497), to 28th. 1997 Devon Lundy, trapped 14th May, photo. (R. J. Campey, M. Gade, S. Wing et al.). (North America; winters Central and northern South America) Remarkably, the second record for that splendid island, Lundy, the other being in autumn 1987. See the comment under Hermit Thrush (above) concerning spring vagrants. Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis (3, 40, 2) Berkshire Maidenhead, cf, T. r. atrogularis, probably first-winter, 26th December to 1999, photo. (B. D. Clews, B. Pavey et al.). Norfolk Snettisham, 9/ T. r. atrogularis, 25th-28th April, photo. (G. Woodburn et al.). (Central Asia; winters northern India and China) For this now almost annual visitor, a clear pattern is now emerging of autumn coastal arrivals, inland wintering and spring coastal departures. It may be that they travel with visiting flocks of Fieldfares T. pilaris. The statistics given above include the one record of the red-throated nominate race. 259. Male American Robin Turdus migratorius, probably first-winter, St Agnes, Scilly, October 1998 (Nigel Bean ) British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 593 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 American Robin Turdus migratorius (11, 20, 1) Scilly St Agnes & Gugh, cj, probably first-winter, 26th-28th October, photo. (M. A. Croose, A. Jayne et flZ.)(plate 259). (North America; winters USA south to Guatemala) The third for Scilly, all on St Agnes. This one arrived in the wake of a westerly storm just after the majority of observers had left the islands. As the last twitchable one was in Northeast Scotland in December 1988, many promptly returned to feast their eyes on this one. Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (3, 18, 4) Shetland Fair Isle, four: first-winter, trapped 30th September (A. J. Bull, N. J. Riddiford, C. Turner et al.); first-winter, lst-3rd October, trapped 1st, photo. (Dr P. E. Baker, A. M. Stoddart et a/. ((plates 209 & 210); first-winter, 3rd-6th October, trapped 3rd (J. G. Brown, C. A. Holt, F. J. Maroevic et al.); 8th October (M. A. Newell). (Western Siberia and Central Asia to Japan; winters India and Southeast Asia) Even by Fair Isle standards, four in one autumn is truly staggering. Shetland retains its near-monopoly on this major rarity, so, for anybody hoping to see one, that must be the place to go. Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata (9, 65, 6) Shetland Norwick, Unst, 21st-22nd September (P. A. Harris, P. V. Harvey). Fair Isle, five: first-winter, trapped 26th September, photo. (Dr P. E. Baker, A. Bridges et al.); first-winter, trapped 27th September, photo. (Dr P. E. & Dr H. Baker); probably first-winter, trapped 29th September, photo. (Dr P. E. Baker, C. A. Holt, M. R. W. Sell et al.); 5th October (C. A. Holt, P. Macklam et al.); 6th-10th October, trapped 6th, photo. (A. J. Bull et al.). (East Eurasia from Central Russia to northern Japan; winters Philippines and Southeast Asia) Six in one autumn is without precedent, far exceeding the three, all on Fair Isle, in 1982. Confusion with Grasshopper Warbler L. naevia still arises on an almost annual basis and careful attention to plumage features is needed for a firm identification (see Brit. Birds 85: 62-78; 88: 430-438). River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis (0, 28, 1) Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, in song, 29th May (K. Durose et al.). (Central and Eastern Europe and West-central Asia; winters southeastern Africa) The recent increase in occurrences of singing males in both spring and summer surely corre- sponds with the spread in Northern Europe. Could it be just a matter of time before a breeding attempt is made in Britain? Silent females may well be going undetected. 260. First-winter Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum , Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, October 1997 (Gary Bellingham) 594 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 261 & 262. Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida, St Agnes, Scilly, October 1998 ( Iain H. Leach ) Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon (8, 1, 0) 1979 Sussex, East Angmering, 18th August (Brit. Birds 73: 522), now considered inadequately docu- mented. (Mediterranean region, eastern Europe and Southwest Asia) As past records of this species are regarded with a degree of scepticism in some quarters, an article dealing with identification and the provenance of earlier records will shortly be published in British Birds. Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum (9, 28, 0) 1997 Yorkshire, East Flamborough Head, first-winter, 21st-24th October, trapped 21st, photo. (P. A. Lassey, J. M. & N. A. Pearson, D. A. Rushforth et aZ.)(plate 260). (Eurasia eastwards from Finland; winters India and Sri Lanka) Despite what has been written about the identification of this species, claimants should remember that potential pitfalls still abound, particularly in respect of field observations. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus (23, 176, 8) Kent Dungeness, 4th-5th October (R. J. Price et al.). Norfolk Berney Marshes, c f and one other, 26th May (P. R. Allard et al.). Northumberland Tynemouth, 12th-14th May (M. P. Carruthers et al.); another, 31st (M. P. Carruthers). Pembrokeshire Skomer, 21st May (N. A. Littlewood, M. S. Wallen et al.). Suffolk Levington, trapped 16th May, photo. (P. Newton, S. Rackman et al.). Sussex, East Rye, 8th May (Dr B. J. Yates et al.). 1997 Borders Mire Loch, St Abbs, lst-6th June (T. Reid et al.). 1997 Norfolk Burnham Norton, in song, 18th-19th May (V. Eve et al.). (Europe, Southwest and East Asia and North Africa; winters Africa) An altogether to-be- expected appearance of the grumpy giant songster, although the successive records in Northumberland were noteworthy, as was the possible pair in Norfolk. The two belated 1997 records take the total for that year to normal proportions. Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida (0, 11, 1) Scilly St Agnes, 24th September to 8th October, photo. (D. Page et a/.)(plates 261 & 262). The following records have now been reassessed by the Committee and are no longer considered acceptable, the decisions in respect of those in 1951 and 1956 having been con- firmed by the BOURC: 1951 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, 23rd September to 3rd October (Brit. Birds 46: 191-192, plate 27). 1956 Dorset Portland Bill, 16th August (Brit. Birds 53: 312-313). British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 595 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 1962 Dorset Portland Bill, 5th September (Brit. Birds 56: 405). 1967 Dorset Portland Bill, 27th August (Brit. Birds 62: 490). 1968 Cornwall Porthgwarra, 14th September (Brit. Birds 62: 478). 1976 Yorkshire, East Flamborough Head, 22nd October (Brit. Birds 71: 520). (Iberia and North Africa and the Balkans east to Pakistan and Kazakhstan; winters Africa) As with the 1984 and 1985 birds, also in Scilly, this individual performed very obligingly for its many admirers, displaying the full suite of structural, plumage, vocal and behavioural features which are now well-documented. The paper by Hadoram Shirihai, David A. Christie and Alan Harris (Brit. Birds 89: 114-138) summarises the latest criteria for identifica- tion of Hippolais warblers. The outcome of the review of past records confirms that this is indeed a very rare species in Britain. The figures given above include three past records in Ireland. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata (1, 69, 6) Argyll Balemartine, Tiree, 20th September (M. & Mrs R. Williamson). Shetland No Ness, near Sandwick, 3rd-7th September (P. V. Harvey, D. Vaughan et al.). Scatness, 5th- 13th September, photo. (I. Fisher, P. V. Harvey, Dr R. Riddington et al.). Fetlar, 9th-10th September (J. & T. G. Davies, D. Houghton, M. Smith). Out Skerries, 14th September, photo. (S. J. Dodgson, E. Tait); 29th September to 2nd October, trapped 29th, video., photo. (S. J. Dodgson, E. Tait). (Northwest Russia east to Mongolia and south to Iran; winters India) The Tiree individual is the first record for western Scotland. The species has yet to be found in Ireland. The pos- sible racial attribution of the second Out Skerries individual this year is currently under investigation. This species is perhaps easier to identify in the field than it is to convey con- vincingly on paper. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata (0, 2, 0) 1997 Suffolk Landguard, cf, 20th April to 2nd May (Brit. Birds 91: 506), first date, 26th. (Southwest Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Madeira, Canary and Cape Verde Islands; winters northern Sahara and Northwest Africa) The specific problems of separation from Common Whitethroat S. communis and first-winter female Subalpine Warbler S. cantillans were discussed by Hadoram Shirihai, Alan Harris and David Cottridge (Brit. Birds 84: 423- 430) and further clarified by Brian Small (Brit. Birds 89: 275-280). Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans (12, 403, 15) Borders St Abb's Head, cf, 30th May to 6th June, photo. (E. Forbes, A. Henderson et al.). Caernarfonshire Bardsey, cf, 24th May (W. Earp, S. D. Stansfield et al.). Cornwall Nanjizal, first-summer cf, trapped 17th May, photo. (K. A. Wilson). Kent Dungeness, first-winter cf, 3rd-4th November (W. Attridge et al.). Northeast Scotland Girdle Ness, $ or first-winter cf, 30th April (C. Barton, K. Gillon et al.). Orkney Deerness, cf, 26th-27th May (K. E. Hague et al.). Scilly St Mary's, cf, age uncertain, 17th May (R A. Stancliffe). Shetland Fetlar, cf, 16th May (J. & T. G. Davies). Fair Isle, cf, 22nd May (C. A. Holt, S. J. Turner). Out Skerries, cf, age uncertain, 29th-30th May, photo. (S. J. Dodgson et al.). Noss, cf, 22nd June (J. G. Brown). Quendale, first-winter cf, 6th-8th September (I. Fisher, P. V. Harvey, Dr R. Riddington et al.). Yorkshire, East Spurn, cf, 12th-13th May, photo. (M. J. Pilsworth et al.); cf, age uncertain, 27th Sep- tember to 8th October, trapped 29th, photo. (D. P. Boyle et n/.)(plate 263); first-winter, 28th September (N. P. Whitehouse). 1995 Devon Lundy, age/ sex uncertain, 14th May (R. J. Campey). 1997 Devon Lundy, cf, 15th-16th June (D. Nevitt). (South Europe, West Turkey and Northwest Africa; winters northern and West Africa) A typical showing. By far the majority of spring records refer to males; is this merely because they are more conspicuous, or because they are more liable to overshoot than are females or are looking for unchallenged territories to occupy? 596 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.-. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 263. Male Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans, Spurn, East Yorkshire, September 1998 ( Iain H. Leach) Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melartocephala (1, 52, 1) Shetland Sumburgh, $ or first-summer cT, 10th May, photo. (M. Mel lor, G. Petrie, G. Robertson et al.). (Southern Europe, Middle East and North Africa) Last year, 1997, was the first blank year in a decade during which records reached a peak of eight in 1992. Such an easy species to pass by unless it happens to take flight or announce its presence vocally. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (13, 313, 7) Norfolk Blakeney Point, 30th May (K. Murray, T. Wilson et al.). North Lopham, in song, 1st June (D. R. Moore). Orkney North Ronaldsay, 14th-20th August, trapped 14th (P. Brown, A. E. Duncan et al.). Scilly St Agnes, in song, lst-5th June, photo. (G. M. Cook, N. Wheatley et al.)( plate 264). Shetland Norwick, Unst, first-winter, 3rd-8th September (W. Dickson, M. G. Pennington, S. C. Votier et al.). Boddam, first-winter, 9th-10th September (P. V. Harvey, Dr R. Riddington, J. Stertning et al.). Yorkshire, East Flamborough Head, 3rd-4th September (P. A. Lassey et al.). 1996 Kent Margate, 6th-7th September (D. C. Gilbert, N. Faulkner et al.). IRELAND 1997 Cork Ballycotton, first-winter, 22nd-25th September ( Irish Birds 6: 308). (Europe east from northern Germany; winters Pakistan, India and Indochina) The late- spring occurrence pattern continues, followed by a totally expected August/early September scatter. The inland record in Norfolk in spring has only one precedent, that of a singing male at Aberfeldy, Perth & Kinross (then Tayside), in May-June 1983 (Brit. Birds 81: 583). Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (19, 212, 3) Norfolk Near Eccles-on-Sea, 29th September (N. Bowman, M. Fiszer, A. J. Kane et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, 29th-30th August, photo. (C. A. Holt, R. Proctor, G. Taylor et «/.)(plate 265). Quendale, first-winter, 13th-14th September, photo. (P. V. Harvey, S. C. Votier et al.). (Northern Fennoscandia east to Alaska; winters Southeast Asia) Another disappointing year, for no apparent reason. British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 597 Rogers et ale. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei (0, 28, 2) Cornwall Church Cove, The Lizard, 22nd-23rd November (M. Tunmore et al.). Kent St Margaret's, 2nd-3rd November (I. P. Hodgson, C. Johnson, D. Wrathall et al.). 1997 Wight Alum Bay, 13th-15th November (I. Ridett, D. Swensson et al.). (From Sayan and Altai mountains south to the Northwest Himalayas; winters mainly Indian Subcontinent from Pakistan to Bangladesh) The nowadays expected November occurrences. Clearly, any bird resembling a 'Yellow-browed Warbler' in that month is worthy of closer scrutiny. Visual features and vocal characters have become increasingly clear in recent years (Brit. Birds 92: 96-100), and records may now be expected annually. Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schivarzi (1, 172, 1) Scilly St Agnes, 1st November (M. Hicks, N. Wheatley et al.). 1997 Yorkshire, East Spurn, 19th-20th October (Brit. Birds 91: 508), 19th only. (Central and East Asia; winters Southeast Asia) A disappointing showing and the first blank October since 1983. The Committee regularly sees examples of confusion between this species and the next. Observers are urged to concentrate on the structural and vocal charac- teristics, as well as plumage features. The 1987 paper by Steve Madge remains the identification benchmark (Brit. Birds 80: 595-603). Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (1, 190, 7) Cornwall Sennen, 23rd November (M. D. Wallace). Dorset Lodmoor, 23rd January to at least 18th March (D. J. Chown, J. Stirling et al.). Abbotsbury, 4th-7th November (S. A. Groves et al.). Norfolk Holkham Meals, llth-12th October (A. M. Stoddart et al.). Stiffkey, 17th-18th November (D. J. Holman, J. B. Kemp et al.). Northumberland Tynemouth, 9th October (A. S. Jack). Bamburgh, 4th-6th November (M. S. Hodgson et al.). 1997 Kent North Foreland, 17th-18th October (F. Solly, B. E. Wright et al.). 1997 Scilly Tresco, 22nd October (P. V. Hayman et al.). (Central and northeastern to southern Asia; winters northern India and Southeast Asia) This species continues to outpace Radde's Warbler P. schwarzi. The recent trend of singles wintering in southern England is continued by the one at Lodmoor, Dorset. 264. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides, St 265. First-winter Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus Agnes, Scilly, lst-5th June 1998 ( Garry M. Cook) borealis , Fair Isle, Shetland, August 1998 (Ian Fisher) 598 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli (3, 52, 0) 1974 Norfolk, 1989 Norfolk, 1995 Shetland See 1974, 1989, 1995 Western /Eastern Bonelli's Warbler below. (Central, western and southern Europe and Northwest Africa; winters in tropical West Africa) A paper on the separation of this and the recently split Eastern Bonelli's Warbler P. orientalis has recently been published (Brit. Birds 92: 524-531). Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis (0, 2, 1) Shetland Sumburgh, 27th-28th August; same, Grutness, 29th to 5th September, photo. (S. Croft, I. Dillon, J. N. Dymond, P. V. Harvey et al). (Southeast Europe and Asia Minor; winters Sudan) An article by Paul Harvey describing the circumstances and identification of this particular individual, the first record for Scot- land, has already been published ( Birding Scotland 1: 154-159). As that article stressed, even when trapped, this species and its Western counterpart P. bonelli can still give real identifica- tion problems. It has to be said that the date of this occurrence also serves as a warning. Western/Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli/ orientalis (3, 140, 2) Shetland Noss, 22nd August (J. G. Brown, A. Upton). 1974 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, 30th August to 2nd September (Brit. Birds 68: 327), now accepted as Western P. bonelli. 1989 Norfolk Holkham Meals, 10th-17th September (Brit. Birds 83: 485), now accepted as Western P. bonelli. 1995 Shetland Sumburgh, 13th-18th September, trapped 16th, photo. (Brit. Birds 89: 520, plate 168), now accepted as Western P. bonelli. 1997 Shetland Lerwick, first-winter, 23rd September, photo. (M. Ponsford, K. E. Vinicombe et al.). The 1997 Shetland individual may well have been orientalis , but unfortunately this was not proved beyond reasonable doubt. Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis (2, 18, 1) Shetland Fair Isle, cf, 28th May (C. A. Holt, J. M. Reid, S. J. Turner et al.). (Central and Southeast Europe and western Russia; winters Africa) Identification of any- thing but the most straightforward spring males remains a severe test; to convince any records committee, observers need to undertake a critical and detailed examination of rele- vant plumage features. Reference should be made to the three-part paper by Krister Mild (Birding World 7: 139-151, 231-240, 325-334). Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla (0, 18, 1) Kent Dungeness, 30th-31st March, trapped 30th, 31st (W. Abridge, P. M. Howlett, D. Walker et al.). (Central and South Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa) Not surprisingly, Kent, and particularly Dungeness, being so close to the Continent, retains its virtual monopoly of this difficult-to-identify species. Following the pioneering paper by C. J. Mead and D. I. M. Wallace (Brit. Birds 69: 117- 131), further clarification was provided by Simon Harrap (Birding World 5: 10-16), but the reality remains that this is one of the most difficult species to tackle. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus (0, 132, 8) Dorset Lychett Bay, Poole Harbour, cf, 20th January to 13th February, photo. (N. Douglas, C. Whit- boume et al.). Kent Dungeness, cf, since 6th November 1997 to at least 19th February, possibly to 14th March (Brit. Birds 91: 510); possibly same, 20th November to at least 14th March 1999 (R. J. Price et al.); another cf, 20th October only (R. J. Price et al.). Norfolk Titchwell, cf, intermittently, 1st January to 4th April, photo. (J. V. & Mrs S. J. Bhalerao et British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 599 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 «/.)( plate 266); same. Holme, 14th- 18th February (G. F. Hibberd, H. D. & S. C. Matthews). Hickling, 8th March (A. Beaumont); three, 12th December (S. E. Linsell). Somerset Berrow, ($ , 9 and one other, 1st February (A. Payne et al.y, presumed same as 14th-21st December 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 510). 1997 Essex Cudmore Grove, $ or first-winter, lst-5th November (D. Urquhart et al.). 1997 Norfolk Hickling, C f and three others, 20th December (Brit. Birds 91: 510), site was Duck Broad, Heigham Sound. 1997 Suffolk Trimley Marshes, two juveniles, since 20th November 1996 (Brit. Birds 90: 503), to 26th March. (Western Europe to Manchuria; mainly resident, occasionally dispersive or eruptive) The evident attrac- tion to nicely reeded habitats in southern England continues unabated, and it must surely be only a matter of time before this delightful if often unobtru- sive bird becomes a British breeding species, the predicted rise in sea-levels permitting. In the Channel Islands, a male and one other at Grou- ville Marsh, Jersey, were noted during 15th-28th March, the male being trapped on 22nd. 266. Male Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus , Titchwell, Norfolk, winter 1998 (Robin Chittenden) Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus (1, 49, 1) Anglesey Cemlyn Bay, 9, age uncertain, 2nd July to 8th August, photo. (S. Culley, R. Pritchard et al.). (South Asia to China; winters Northeast Africa) The sight of this bird was enjoyed by many, but, despite its long stay, it remained impossible to establish whether the bird was in its second calendar year or was older. Further detailed work is required to elucidate the complexities of this group of shrikes. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor (32, 125, 1) Pembrokeshire Carnhedryn, 22nd September (O. Roberts et al.). IRELAND 1962 Cork Cape Clear Island, first-year, 14th-26th September (Brit. Birds 90: 504), now reviewed and accepted as Woodchat Shrike L. senator (Irish Birds 6: 309). (Southern and eastern Europe and Southwest Asia; winters East and South Africa) This continues the sequence of annual occurrences since 1963. 600 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al. : Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis L. m. pallidirostris (1, 14, 0) 1996 Essex Holland-on-Sea, first-winter L. m. pallidirostris, 18th-23rd November (Brit. Birds 90: 504), to at least 4th December. (North Africa across the Middle East and Arabia eastwards to India and Southern Asia; mainly sedentary, but southern Asian population winters south to Sudan, northern Ethiopia and Somalia) After records in both 1996 and 1997, a blank year is hardly surprising given the mainly sedentary nature of this species as a whole, although this partially migratory form is undoubtedly attracting the attention of those who consider it worthy of distinct species status. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator IRELAND 1962 Cork Cape Clear Island, first-year, 14th-26th September, previously accepted as Lesser Grey Shrike L. minor ( Irish Birds 6: 309). (West, Central and southern Europe, Southwest Asia and North Africa; winters North and West Africa) This species ceased to be considered by this Committee at the end of 1990. Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes (45, 354, 1) Kent Kingsdown, 6th-7th September (R J. Chantler et «Z.)(plate 267). 1968 Caernarfonshire Beddgelert, 27th August (R. & Mrs E. G. Pritchard et al.). (Eurasia from Scandinavia and the Alps to Kamchatka and China) The 1968 Caernarfon- shire record complements the two birds in Carmarthenshire also in August of that year. A repeat of the 1968 invasion would be most welcome. Reports of sometimes more than one feeding at suburban bird tables continue to bemuse this Committee. 267. Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes, Kingsdown, Kent, September 1998 ( Chris Bond) Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus (160, 343, 11) Argyll Between Ruaig and Caoles, Tiree, juvenile, 28th August (A. J. Leitch). Cambridgeshire Little Paxton, juvenile, 3rd September (M. L. Hawkes). Glamorgan Caerphilly, adult, 18th-19th June (N. Davies, D. Whitefoot et al.). Gower Mumbles, juvenile, 13th-30th November, photo. (Mrs R. McNamara, R. H. A. Taylor et al.). Hampshire Andover, juvenile, 18th-28th November, photo. (L. F. Weatherley et al.). Lothian Skateraw, adult, 30th May to 5th June, photo. (A. Brown, M. Griffin et al.). Norfolk Beeston, adult, since 15th November 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 511), to at least 14th February. Diss, British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 601 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 adult, in song, 10th March to 4th April, photo. (J. H. Marchant, A. J. Musgrove et al.); presumed same as Beeston. Northamptonshire Woodford Halse, adult, 14th-22nd September, photo. (M. Adkins, I. Dobson et al.). Northeast Scotland Portknockie, adult, 17th-19th October, video. (Mr & Mrs Evans per M. J. H. Cook). Scilly St Agnes, juvenile, lst-17th September (N. Wheatley et al.). Shetland Fetlar, juvenile, 14th-17th September (J. & T. G. Davies). 1996 Highland Portree, Skye, adult, 7th-9th August, photo. (Mrs R. Macdonald). 1997 Cornwall Porthgwarra, adult, 17th June (J. F. Ryan). 1997 Essex Stamboume, adult, 4th August (Mrs C. McShane). 1997 Greater London Battersea, adult, 27th July to 15th August, photo. (B. Mist). IRELAND 1996 Donegal Malin Head, juvenile, 22nd-23rd September (Irish Birds 6: 309). 1997 Donegal Tory Island, first-year, 10th-27th September (Irish Birds 6: 309). (Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia; winters India) Juveniles in late August and early September, although not without precedent, remain worthy of note. Records of this species show no signs of diminishing. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis (0, 6, 0) Cumbria Waterside, cf, since 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 512), to 13th December. (Iberia, Northwest Africa, Sardinia and the Balkans east to Southwest Asia; mainly resi- dent) The obliging presence of this bird over such a long period has enabled all interested observers to catch up with a species which seems certain to remain a major rarity. This soli- tary fellow seems to have been destined to death in exile unless it caught a boat back home. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus (1, 110, 2) Caernarfonshire Bardsey, dead at lighthouse, 19th September (D. Arming, S. D. Stansfield). Cornwall Loe Pool, 3rd-7th November (T. Raven et al.). IRELAND 1995 Cork Inch Bay, 8th-9th October ( Irish Birds 6: 309). (North America; winters Cuba and northern South America) Two rather typical records of this, the commonest of transatlantic passerine vagrants. Although it has occurred on the East Coast, the Southwest, and especially Cornwall, is the most regular port of call. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni (30, 719, 2) Shetland Out Skerries, C. h. hornemanni, 29th September to 2nd October, trapped, not ringed, photo. (S. J. Dodgson, E. Tait). Fair Isle, 7th October (A. J. Bull, C. A. Holt, S. J. Turner). 1991 Outer Hebrides North Locheynort, South Uist, 19th October (T. J. Dix, W. D. Oldham). 1996 Yorkshire, North Fewston, 31st March (K. Moir). 1997 Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-winter, 15th October (D. Arming, S. D. Stansfield et al.). (Circumpolar Arctic; spreads erratically south in winter) The Out Skerries record was rel- atively early for a species normally associated with the October, November and winter period. It needs to be remembered that this is yet another species which can pose identifica- tion problems and even a classic 'snowball' needs to be fully described. The benchmark paper remains 'Identification of Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes' by Peter Lans- down, Nick Riddiford & Alan Knox (Brit. Birds 84: 41-56). An account of the 1995/96 invasion and an identification update are scheduled for publication in British Birds shortly. Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera (40, 80, 2) Gloucestershire Near Parkend, $, 15th February to at least 8th March, photo. (R. C. Curtis, A. H. Eveleigh, A. M. Heaven, D. Murdoch et n/.)(plate 049). Norfolk Sandringham, first-summer $, 24th May (A. D. Kettle); present, 23rd-24th. 1984 Hampshire Slufter's Inclosure, cf, 14th to at least 21st March (Brit. Birds 82: 556), identification no longer supported by P. Combridge; record remains accepted. 602 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et at.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 268. Female Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera, near Parkend, Gloucestershire, February 1998 ( George Reszeter ) (Northeast Europe, North-central Asia, northern America and Hispaniola; winters south and west of breeding range) As with other irruptive species, this remains sporadic and unpredictable in occurrence, presumably dependent on the available food resource during autumn and winter in its northern forest home. Confusion has arisen over the years with Common Crossbill L. curvirostra which can also show wingbar and tertial marking, so it is essential to note structural as well as plumage details. Summer Tanager Piranga rubra (1, 0, 0) 1957 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, first-winter cf, llth-25th September (Brit. Birds 48: 145-147; Ibis 1956: 155), now transferred from Category B to Category A ( Ibis 141: 177). (Southern USA; winters Mexico to northern South America) White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis (1, 20, 1) Shetland Noss, 8th June (J. G. Brown, A. Upton, S. C. Votier et al). (North America) Six of Shetland's eight records of this species have been in May-June, so this one can be said to be typical in place and time. 269. Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis, probably first-winter, Vicar’s Cross, Chester, Cheshire, 27th January 1998 (George Reszeter) British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 603 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis (1, 20, 0) Cheshire Vicar's Cross, since 15th December 1997 to 19th April (Brit. Birds 91: 513), photo, (plate 269). (North America) If you live in the suburbs and hope one day to find a real rarity in your garden, this species could provide the answer to your dreams. So keep putting out the crumbs. Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos (2, 34, 1) Shetland Fair Isle, $, 8th-llth October (C. A. Holt, S. J. Turner et al.). (Urals, across Asia to Sakhalin; winters Middle East, India and China) The clouds which once hung over the identification of other than an adult male have now largely dispersed, but the spectre of hybrids with Yellowhammer E. citrinella still stalks the scene. A pattern of late-winter/early-spring and October /November occurrences is now becoming well estab- lished. Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys (0, 4, 1) Orkney Hoy, 4th-5th May, photo. (K. Fairclough, M. Gray et al.). (Northeast Asia and east China; winters southeast China) The first in spring, the second for Orkney and one of the major surprises of the year, not least for its fortunate finder. Now, with three in the space of only seven years, can it be merely a matter of increasing observer- coverage or has there been a change in range or migratory pattern? Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica (34, 342, 38) Cleveland Coatham Marsh, 6th October, photo. (M. A. Blick, S. Farish et al.). Dorset Southwell, Portland, 18th-19th October (P. A. Coe, G. Walbridge et al.). Fife Isle of May, cf, 15th June (J. M. Wilson et al.). Norfolk Stiffkey Fen, 4th October (P. Bullett, M. L. Hawkes, R. Hughes). Northumberland Holy Island, 24th-25th September (M. J. H. Denny, Dr M. J. Whittingham et al.). Low Hauxley, 27th September (M. J. Carr). Orkney North Ronaldsay, cf, 8th June (P. A. Brown, G. Hamilton et al); 28th September; possibly same, trapped 29th (Dr K. F. Woodbridge et al). Scilly St Mary's, llth-14th October, photo. (J. C. Headon et a/.)(plate 270). Shetland Fair Isle, at least nine, 24th September to 13th October, including five, 25th to 2nd, six, 28th- 29th, first-winter cf, trapped 3rd (Dr P. E. Baker, A. J. Bull, C. A. Holt, S. J. Turner et al.). Bressay, 270. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica , St Mary’s, Scilly, October 1 998 ( Iain H. Leach) 271. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica, Spurn, East Yorkshire, September 1998 (Iain H. Leach) 604 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 26th-29th September (P. Goddard, J. A. Wheeler). Swining, 27th-30th September (N. Milligan et al.). Fetlar, 28th September (J. & T. G. Davies). Sandwick, 29th September (K. Osborn). Quendale, two, 29th- 30th September, one to 3rd October (P. A. A. Baxter, H. I. Scott, K. Osborn et al.). Out Skerries, 29th-30th September, photo. (S. ]. Dodgson, E. Tait). Skaw, Whalsay, 27th September (J. L. Irvine, Dr B. Marshall). Symbister, Whalsay, three, 27th September to 1st October (C. Barton, Dr B. Marshall, C. Simpson). Newpark, Whalsay, 1st October (C. Barton, G. M. Buchanan, R. A. Mavor et al.). Near Hamister, Whalsay, 2nd-3rd October (G. Barton, R. A. Mavor, C. Pollock et al.). Yorkshire, East Flamborough Head, 30th May (A. Ford, B. Richards); 3rd-5th October (I. Forsyth, F. X. Moffatt et al.). Spurn, two, 25th-29th September, one to 30th, photo. (N. A. Bell, L. J. Degnan, E. Williams et flZ.)(plate 052). Sammy's Point, Easington, 3rd October (A. Archer, D. J. Standring). Yorkshire, North Whitestone Point, Whitby, 3rd-7th October (T. J. Barker, J. B. & Mrs B. Beaumont, R. S. Slack). 272 & 273. First-winter male Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus, Bryher, Scilly, October 1998 {Nigel Bean) British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 605 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 IRELAND 1997 Cork Dursey Island, 19th October (Irish Birds 6: 310). (Northeast Europe across to North Asia; winters Turkestan to China and Japan) The pro- portion of spring records was far below the norm, but it was an excellent autumn, particularly in Shetland. June records, on North Ronaldsay and the Isle of May, are particu- larly noteworthy. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (10, 188, 3) Orkney North Ronaldsay, 9 or first-winter, 5th September (A. E. Duncan, M. Gray). Shetland Fair Isle, $ or first-winter, 5th-llth September (Dr H. Baker, S. J. Turner et al.). Grutness, 9 or first-winter, 13th-14th September (R V. Harvey, S. C. Votier et al.). 1997 Fife Fife Ness, 9 or first-winter, 18th October (A. Henderson, W. McBay, S. L. Rivers et al.). (Northern Europe across northern Asia; winters India and Southeast Asia) Although once considered a Fair Isle speciality, the recent trend has been towards a wider geographical spread. Even so, as these records confirm, the Northern Isles in early autumn are still the most likely bet. Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala (9, 132, 1) Essex Two Tree Island, in song, 13th May (Mrs J. Akib). 1995 Caernarfonshire Aberdaron, first-summer cf, 5th June (R. H. Bonser et al.); present, 2nd to 5th, photo. 1997 Devon Lundy, cf, 15th-16th July (J. Hutchinson, R. Marshall). 1997 Dorset Durlston Country Park, cf, 23rd June (J. Copp, R. J. H. Murray). IRELAND 1997 Donegal Tory Island, cf, 21st-27th July (Irish Birds 6: 310). 1997 Dublin Rockabill, cf, 4th July (Irish Birds 6: 310). (Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia; winters India) Separation in the field of females and first-winters from those of Red-headed Bunting E. bruniceps seems to remain at best dif- ficult and at worst well-nigh impossible. If confronted with one, it is essential that the closest scrutiny be paid to bill size and shape, primary projection and even the subtlest of plumage features. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus (0, 24, 1) Scilly Bryher, first-winter cf, 30th October to 1st November, photo. (Dr S. & Mrs E. O'Donnell et aZ.Xplates 272 & 273). (North America; winters Central America to Peru) As the number of records in Scilly con- tinues to increase, that at Bridlington, East Yorkshire, in 1991 seems all the more remarkable, although the winter one in Essex in 1975/76 should not be forgotten. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea (0, 2, 0) (North America; winters Mexico and South America) This species has now been formally admitted to Category A on the British List by virtue of the record of a first-winter male on Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire, on 18th-26th October 1996 (Brit. Birds 90: 517, plate 189). Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus (0, 20, 1) Shetland Durigarth, 28th September to 5th October, photo. (K. Osborn, G. Peplow et al.). (North America; winters Peru to southern Brazil and northern Argentina) Shetland and Scilly retain their near-monopoly, with late September to mid October clearly the optimum period. Indeed, those in Scilly in 1976 and in the Outer Hebrides in 1986 also first revealed their presence on 28th September. Despite its distinctive appearance, this is often a difficult bird to locate, so a weedy-field stakeout in Scilly at the right time of year might well prove worthwhile. 606 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al.: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 Appendix 1. Category D species accepted (see Ibis 136: 253) Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber P. r. roseus (-, 9, 0) Kent Cliffe, since 1997 (Brit. Birds 91: 515), to 11th February (P. Larkin et al.). 1997 Norfolk Titchwell, 3rd August (M. L. Hawkes); present 30th July to 14th August. (Old World race P. r. roseus breeds Mediterranean area, Africa eastward to India) Falcated Duck Anas falcata (0, 14, 1) Clyde Merryton Haugh, cf, 8th-15th March, 1st November to 24th May 1999 (A. I. English et al.). (Eastern Siberia; winters North India, Japan, Korea) Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris (0, 10, 1) Greater London Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, 15th May to 7th June (C. Lamsdell). (Mediterranean region of Europe, North Africa and Middle East; winters locally or south to Central and West Africa) Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (0, 3, 0) 1995 Lincolnshire Kirkby-on-Bain, 22nd April (P. D. Hyde). (Eastern Europe eastwards to Siberia, south to Iran; winters Southeast Europe, South Asia from Turkey to China, East Africa) Appendix 2. List of records not accepted This list contains all current records not accepted after circulation to the Committee. It does not include a) those withdrawn by the observer(s) without circulation, after discussion with the Hon. Secretary; b) those which, even if circulated, were not attributed by the observer(s) to any definite species; c) those mentioned in 'Recent reports' in this journal if full details were unobtainable; or d) certain escapes. In the vast majority of cases, the record was not accepted because we were not convinced that the identification was fully established; only in a very few cases were we satisfied that a mistake had been made. 1998 Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii Sizewell, Suffolk, 12th July. Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis Sheringham, Norfolk, 11th September. Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Martin Mere, Lancashire & North Merseyside, 15th April. Night Heron Keyhaven, Hampshire, 9th October. Great White Egret Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, 23rd February; Breydon, Norfolk, 19th May; Bardsey, Caernarfonshire, 3rd July. Black Stork Caine, Wiltshire, three, 24th July. Lesser White-fronted Goose Kercock, Perth & Kinross, 15th November. American Wigeon Loch Leathan, Skye, Highland, 11th May; near Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, 12th December. Black Kite Mayday Farm, Suffolk, 22nd March; Lower Test Marshes, Hampshire, 18th April; Edmonthorpe, Leicestershire, 19th April; Loughborough, Leices- tershire, 25th April; Dunstone Cross, Devon, 2nd May; Bere Alston, Devon, 4th May; near Corby Golf Course, Northamptonshire, 16th May; Deenethorpe, Northamptonshire, 12th June, 24th June; Lower Stow Bedon, Norfolk, 24th June; Warnford area, Hampshire, 5th July; near Llanegryn, Meirionydd, 19th July; Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, 1st October. Red-footed Falcon East Prawle, Devon, 3rd May; St Austell, Cornwall, 18th May; Mynydd Mawr, Caernarfonshire, 6th June; Wandsworth Common, Greater London, 30th June; Tetney Marsh, Lincolnshire, 17th October. Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae Gwer- naffield, Flintshire, 11th June. Gyr Falcon Beesands, Devon, two, 25th April; Orfordness, Suffolk, 6th September; Cobbinshaw Reservoir, Lothian, 5th October. Semipalmated Sandpiper Oare Marshes, Kent, 30th September to 1st October. White-rumped Sandpiper Snettisham, Norfolk, 8th July; Dorman's Pool, Cleveland, 4th September. Broad-billed Sandpiper Westray, Orkney, 3rd June. Stilt Sandpiper Steart, Somerset, 27th September. Upland Sandpiper Nanjizal, Cornwall, 27th September. Lesser Yel- lowlegs Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, 17th February; Maenporth, Cornwall, 21st-22nd September. Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus Sizewell, Suffolk, 2nd January; Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, 12th British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 607 Rogers et al Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 January. Laughing Gull Bartley Reservoir, West Midlands, 1st January; Sennen Cove, Cornwall, 21st July. Franklin's Gull Northam Burrows, Devon, 28th December. Bonaparte's Gull Cliffe, Kent, 23rd May, 24th May. Ross's Gull Leven/Methil, Fife, 3rd January. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Stanpit Marsh, Dorset, 10th October. Caspian Tern Harrington, Cumbria, 3rd August. White-winged Black Tern Burry Inlet, Gower, 30th May; Wilstone Reservoir, Hertfordshire, two, 3rd September; Dosthill, Warwickshire, 6th September. Snowy Owl Rossmorran, Fife, 4th January; Burwick, South Ronaldsay, Orkney, 17th June. Pallid Swift Chew Valley Lake, Avon, 11th June; Ossett, West Yorkshire, 8th August. Alpine Swift Godshill, Isle of Wight, 28th April; Oxwich, Gower, 30th April; Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, 25th May. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer Stronsay, Orkney, 15th May. Little Swift Old Hall Marshes, Essex, 29th May. European Roller Coracias garrulus Tigh na Bruaich, Argyll, 17th August. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Pett Level, East Sussex, 10th May. Red-rumped Swallow Buckton, East Yorkshire, 5th September. Pechora Pipit Sandbach, Cheshire, 13th April; Deerness, Orkney, 10th October. Red-throated Pipit Penygarreg Reservoir, Radnorshire, 31st March; Cley, Norfolk, 12th May. Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens Handa Island, Highland, 5th May. Yellow Wagtail M. f. feldegg Rattray Head, Northeast Scotland, 12th July, 6th August. Common Stonechat S. t. manra/stejnegeri Fair Isle, Shetland, 30th April; Minsmere, Suffolk, 6th September. Isabelline Wheatear Ardmore Point, Clyde, 26th September; Easington, East Yorkshire, 11th October; Dunkery Beacon, Somerset, 16th November. Pied Wheatear West Runton, Norfolk, 12th-13th November. Black-eared Wheatear Kirk- bean, Dumfries & Galloway, 15th May; Skomer, Pembrokeshire, 4th June; Needwood Airport, Staffordshire, 10th October. Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, 5th October. Dark-throated Thrush Penrith, Cumbria, 19th September. Blyth's Reed Warbler Hartlepool Headland, Cleveland, 25th September. Booted Warbler Fair Isle, Shetland, 28th-31st August; East Fleet, Dorset, 29th September; Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, 2nd-4th October. Subalpine Warbler Sammy's Point, Easington, East Yorkshire, 30th September. Arctic Warbler Walberswick, Suffolk, lOth-llth October. Western Bonelli's Warbler Wembury, Devon, llth-14th August. Short-toed Treecreeper Flat Holm, Glamorgan, 3rd July; Quorn, Leicestershire, 19th September. Nutcracker Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, 8th February; Hopton Bank, Shropshire, 8th December. Rosy Starling The Lizard, Cornwall, 18th May; Haydock, Lancashire & North Merseyside, mid September. Two-barred Crossbill Pennington Marshes, Hampshire, 22nd November. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus Waxham, Norfolk, 5th July. Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 2nd February. Yellow-ramped Warbler Dendroica coronata Marden Quarry, Northumberland, 1st November. Pine Bunting Bembridge, Isle of Wight, 29th December. 1997 Bulwer's Petrel Calf of Man, Isle of Man, 13th September. Little Shearwater Calf of Man, Isle of Man, 29th August. Night Heron Near Chattisham, Suffolk, 20th May. Great White Egret Llanmorlais, Gower, 1st October. Lesser White-fronted Goose Near Tophill Low, East Yorkshire, 23rd November. Red-footed Falcon Hayling Island, Hampshire, 5th May; Gaitbarrow, Lancashire & North Merseyside, 23rd May. Pacific Golden Plover Upton, Cheshire, 4th-6th March. Stilt Sandpiper Needs Ore Point, Hampshire, 5th December. Wilson's Phalarope Thornton Moor Reservoir, North Yorkshire, 20th Sep- tember. South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki Sea area Hebrides, 19th September. Laughing Gull Caistron, Northumberland, 17th October. Gull-billed Tern Pegwell Bay, Kent, 26th May; Thorness Bay, Isle of Wight, 8th September. Whiskered Tern Titchwell, Norfolk, 29th May. Yellow Wagtail M. f. lutea Tresco, Scilly, 18th April. Pied Wheatear Allhallows, Kent, 18th October. Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Cleadon Hills, Durham, 24th September. Nutcracker Strathnaver, Highland, two, 24th August; Rousham, Oxfordshire, 4th October. Rosy Starling Lundy, Devon, 31st July. Two-barred Crossbill Kergord, Shetland, 6th July. Trumpeter Finch Whitby, North Yorkshire, 27th May. 1996 Yellow Wagtail M. /. feldegg Sewardstone, Essex, 5th May. Common Stonechat S. t. maura/stej- negeri Hoo Peninsula, Kent, 2nd November. Isabelline Wheatear St Mary's, Scilly, 13th August. Arctic Redpoll Lindley Wood Reservoir, North Yorkshire, 8th April. 1995 Red-footed Falcon Bucklebury, Berkshire, 5th July. Iceland Gull L. g. kumlieni Bruichladdich, Islay, Argyll, 18th-23rd February; Holywell Pond, Northumberland, 9th December. 1994 Little Shearwater Girdle Ness, Northeast Scotland, 1st September. Franklin's Gull Porlock Bay, Somerset, 13th October. Appendix 3. List of records not accepted but identification proved This list provides a permanent record of those occurrences which, usually on the grounds of likely escape from captivity, find no place in any category, but which may, at some future date, merit further 608 British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 Rogers et al .: Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998 consideration. It does not include (a) any record of a species for which natural vagrancy is wholly unlikely or (b) those records of presumed escapes already mentioned in the main text of this or earlier Reports. The decisions have been taken by this Committee unless otherwise shown. Pallas's Rosefinch Carpodacus roseus East Newton, Aldbrough, East Yorkshire, 4th-6th May 1997. Long- tailed Rosefinch Uragus sibiricus Portland Bill, Dorset, first-summer cf, 16th August to 22nd September. Appendix 4. List of records remaining under consideration This list is not intended to be complete. Some decisions may have been arrived at and notified to County Recorders /observers prior to the publication of this Report. 1998 American Wigeon Otmoor, Oxfordshire, 23rd February. Red-footed Falcon Icklesham, East Sussex, 12th September. Saker Falcon Unst, Shetland, 10th January. American Golden Plover Langness, Isle of Man, 25th-26th May. Lesser Yellowlegs Icklesham, East Sussex, 3rd October. Spotted Sandpiper South Walney, Cumbria, 27th September. Herring Gull L. a. smithsonianus Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, lst-4th April. Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri Devoran, Cornwall, 5th November. Thrush Nightingale Wells, Norfolk, 29th September. Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Skegness, Lincolnshire, 2nd October. Greenish Warbler Whitby, North Yorkshire, 4th September. Radde's Warbler Seaton Hole, Devon, 14th- 15th November. Lesser Grey Shrike Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, 4th-8th August. Arctic Redpoll Shibdon Pond, Durham, 11th January. White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Middle Hope Nature Reserve, Avon, 15th November. Black-headed Bunting North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 27th-28th Sep- tember. 1997 Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Cove Bottom, Suffolk, 7th May. Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii Portreath, Cornwall, 31st December. Herring Gull L. a. smithsonianus Walthamstow, Greater London, 27th December. Pacific Swift Apus pacificus St Mary's, Scilly, 23rd September. European Roller Ventnor, Isle of Wight, 9th June. Red-throated Pipit St Mary's, Scilly, 10th October (Brit. Birds 91: 517). Black- eared Wheatear North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 10th November. Blyth's Reed Warbler Unst, Shetland, 16th September to 2nd October. Radde's Warbler St Agnes, Scilly, 18th-19th October (Brit. Birds 91: 517). 1996 Madeira/Cape Verde Petrel Pendeen, Cornwall, 24th August (Brit. Birds 91: 527); Cley, Norfolk, 13th September. Greenish Warbler Prawle Point, Devon, 24th September (Brit. Birds 91: 517). 1995 American Wigeon Leighton Moss, Lancashire & North Merseyside, 6th-16th October (Brit. Birds 91: 517). Semipalmated Sandpiper South Huish, Devon, 8th-9th October (Brit. Birds 91: 517). Black- eared Wheatear Great Orme's Head, Caernarfonshire, 20th October (Brit. Birds 91: 517). 1993 South Polar Skua Sea area Sole, 26th August (Brit. Birds 91: 517). Hume's Warbler Bridlington, East Yorkshire, 11th February (Brit. Birds 91: 517). 1988 Blyth's Pipit Fair Isle, Shetland, 13th-22nd October. 1985 Collared Flycatcher Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 12th-13th May (Brit. Birds 91: 517) Looking back One-hundred years ago 'There is a point in connection with the song of birds which I have not seen mentioned, although it must have been noticed by many who are interested in ornithology; it is the dif- ferences in the note, or rather the tone of the note, of a bird, in different parts of the United Kingdom. I have observed a great difference in this way in the North of Scotland as com- pared with Worcestershire, and again between the birds here [in northwest Ireland] and in Worcestershire. The difference seems to exist more among the birds that are resi- dent during the year... The difference is most noticeable in the note of the Chaffinch [Fringilla coelebs], Greenfinch [Carduelis chloris], Hedge-sparrow [Prunella modularis], and Wren [Troglodytes troglodytes] . . . Probably it is the climate that has some effect, the same way as it does on the human voice; but it is a point that will take a great deal of clearing up, and I shall be glad to learn the opinion of more observant naturalists than myself.' ( Zoologist 3 (fourth series): 484-485, November 1899) British Birds 92: 554-609, November 1999 609 Letter Moult of South Polar Skua F. L. L. Tombeur's note on a pale Great Skua Catharacta skua in Iceland (Brit. Birds 92: 164-165) requires further comment. Judging by the 'normal' bird, it looks to me as though the photographs, as well as one of the birds, are also pale. Allowing for this, I would also have identified the 'odd' individual as a pale Great Skua, because of its streaky back and, especially, the con- trasting dark wingtips, whereas South Polar Skuas C. maccormicki are normally rather uniformly marked until they start to moult. Some other points appear to require repetition. My own curiosity about the plumage of South Polar Skua was origi- nally aroused because, at sea in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean and far from the breeding places, I saw some large skuas in a mottled plumage not described in any books or found in any museum collections I have seen. The nearest approach is in an account of migrants collected off Japan by Nagahisa Kuroda ( Misc . Rep. Yamashina's Inst. Orn. Zool. 3: 212-217), which seems worth quoting: 'Murphy [1936, Oceanic Birds of South America ] describes maccormicki as charac- terised by conspicuous yellow or "golden" hackles on the neck. But, in Japanese speci- mens the fresh feathers never have such golden hackles or shaft streaks... only in old feathers worn white, a whitish shaft streak occurs. Possibly Antarctic specimens are in more or less worn plumage. Matsu- daira has even kept a live bird obtained in Sagami Bay. This bird, he reports, moulted from late August till September, but only the head turned to blackish-brown in the new plumage. '[Japanese maccormicki specimens are] generally pale, head and underparts light greyish chocolate brown, including the neck. There are no golden or pale shafts on the hind-neck, except whitish ones on worn feathers which finally become entirely white. The back is dark sepia brown with buffish shaft streaks on worn feathers. Wings and tail dark, but not black... May birds... have many neck feathers completely worn white which may also be found scattered on the breast and flanks where new feathers are replacing them. New feathers are also growing on the sides of the head. The white feathers decrease in June specimens, and in a spec- imen in late July there are no more white feathers on the head or underparts, only a few white ones remaining on the hind neck. The upper mantle is in moult, some new feathers being in sheath, but the scapulars and lower back are still in worn old plumage. Only the secondaries are new in all specimens, while 5 or 6 outer pri- maries, not counting the small outermost one, are old, and the inner ones are growing in the sheath. But there is varia- tion, since in a late July specimen the outer seven primaries are old, and the next one just growing. '[A] melanotic specimen... obtained in late May had acquired almost completely new feathers, even the primaries and tail, although there are scattered old feathers on the neck to scapulars and wing coverts - the small wing coverts seem to be old - [with] some new feathers in sheath. Appar- ently old feathers never become worn white even on the neck and are indistin- guishable from newly grown ones.' Certain points may be made. The birds were presumably South Polar Skuas (because no other large skua has yet been proved to visit the North Pacific), but immature (since the adults have appar- ently not yet been shown to cross the equator), which may explain their lack of pale hackles. It would appear that pale birds, which are commoner in the Pacific sector of the World Ocean, were moulting 610 British Birds 92: 610-61 1, November 1999 Letter late into considerably darker fresh plumage, although this is still difficult to confirm in the absence of comparable spec- imens elsewhere. If faded, pale South Polar Skuas moult into darker fresh plumage, this may help to explain the pale ring alleged to occur around the base of the bill of some individ- uals off the east coast of North America (which I have failed to see elsewhere or to find in museum specimens, and which W. F. Curtis and I should have discussed before in Brit. Birds 87: 289-298): it may be due to the persistence of the last old, pale feathers around the base of the bill when the rest of the plumage has been replaced by new, dark feathers. This also implies that the skuas may often carry out much of the moult earlier in the Atlantic - as in the case of Kuroda's dark bird of the Atlantic type - before they cross the equator, than in the Pacific, since we saw what were apparently moulting South Polar Skuas in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, though some are also known to complete the moult in the North Atlantic. W. R. P. Bourne 3 Contlaw Place, Milltimber, Aberdeen AB13 ODS Recent BBRC decisions ZEISS This monthly listing of the most recent decisions by the British Birds Rarities Committee is not intended to be comprehensive or in any way to replace the annual 'Report on rare birds in Great Britain'. The records listed are mostly those of the rarest species or those of special interest for other reasons. All records refer to 1999 unless stated otherwise. ACCEPTED: Pied-billed Grebe Podi- lymbus podiceps Llangorse Lake (Breconshire), 15th January to 7th Feb- ruary; Thompson Water (Norfolk), 31st March to 12th May. Canvasback Aythya valisineria Abberton Reservoir (Essex), 6th- 16th April. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis St Ives (Cambridgeshire), two, 7th March to 10th April. American Coot Fulica americana South Walney (Cumbria), 17th April. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus Frodsham (Cheshire), 6th-19th May. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Frodsham (Cheshire) 26th-27th April; Conwy (Caernarfonshire), 29th April to 3rd May. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Sheringham, Cley and Blakeney Point area (Norfolk), 18th April to 24th June. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei Grove Ferry and Monk's Wall (Kent), 5th-8th May. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Chichester Gravel-pits (West Sussex), 7th-9th July. Whiskered Tern Chli- donias hybridus Rockland Broad (Norfolk), 7th-10th May. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clam- ator glandarius Waxham area (Norfolk), 28th March. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Swithland Reservoir (Leicester- shire), 17th April; presumed same, Pugney's and Angler's Country Parks (West Yorkshire), 18th April. M. ]. Rogers, Secretary, BBRC, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Tozvednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Looking back One-hundred years ago 'The Nightingale ( Daulias luscinia) [Luscinia megarhynchos]. I never once met with this bird in Herefordshire, and it is certainly not in the habit of singing at my doors in Leicestershire, though in most years it turns up in comparative abun- dance in a district with which I am very familiar - I refer to Maidwell, in Northamptonshire... The best Nightingale year, so to designate it, I remember in Leicestershire was in 1893.' (Zoolo- gist 3 (fourth series): 507, November 1899) British Birds 92: 611, November 1999 611 Note Black-headed Gull WITH BLACK BILL On 8th March 1998, near Cliffe, Kent, I came across a first-winter Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus with an apparently all-black bill. Closer examination revealed a small area of reddish-black near the gape, but otherwise the bill was entirely black, thus resembling that of Bonaparte's Gull L. Philadelphia. Depending on the angle of view, the upperparts looked similar to or darker than those of accompanying Black- headed Gulls; the size was that of the latter; and the upperwing, underwing and head patterns were as on a normal first- winter Black-headed. Interestingly, the legs were a darker red than normally shown by first-winter Black-headed Gulls. The same (or a similar) individual was present until 19th June 1998, when its appearance had not altered. I can find no reference to a Black-headed Gull with an all-black bill. First-winters usually have a flesh-coloured bill, becoming more orange in the first summer. Request ‘European news’ COMPILER REQUIRED By those who use its information, the six- monthly feature 'European news', is recognised as a unique and invaluable ref- erence source for everything from range and status changes to records of rare vagrants throughout the whole continent of Europe (and some surrounding coun- tries). It is not merely a collection of interesting snippets, of ephemeral interest, but a reliable database for current informa- tion and long-term reference purposes. Collation of records - submitted by over 40 nationally appointed correspondents and extracted from reports in every Euro- pean ornithological journal - needs to be with a darker tip (Grant, 1982, Gulls: a guide to identification). Indeed, a black bill is often cited as one of the distinguishing fea- tures of Bonaparte's Gull, an individual of which appeared at the same locality in May 1998, when the presence of the black- billed Black-headed Gull apparently caused some confusion (T. P. Laws, ver- bally). Paul Larkin 187 Doums Road, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DAI 3 9HF EDITORIAL COMMENT It is not generally realised just how much variation exists among individuals of the same species. Since a black bill is not quoted by either Grant (1982) or BWP (vol. 3) as a potential character of any age of Black-headed Gull, however, this observa- tion serves to emphasise the importance of noting all relevant characters before identi- fying rarer species. meticulous, and is very time-consuming, as are the essential checks against previously published information. The present compiler has carried out this task for the past 23 years, but now wishes to hand over to an enthusiastic (but equally meticulous) successor. Knowledge of and interest in European bird distribu- tions are essential, as is basic computer literacy (most data now arrive by e-mail). BB will provide the necessary back-up ser- vices, and will refund postal and other expenses, but the work is unpaid. Anyone interested in taking responsi- bility for this fascinating task should contact Tim Sharrock by e-mail at editor@britishbirds.co.uk 612 British Birds 92: 612, November 1999 Monthly Marathon Sooner or later, an immature large gull Lams was bound to feature in this competi- tion (plate 181, repeated here as plate 274). Participants who do not have the advan- tage of an innate interest in trying to understand the labyrinthine complexities of large gull identification had a choice to make: (1) give up and wait until the next round commences, or (2) devote a bit of time to studying the local immature large gulls, ideally with copies of the excellent papers by Martin Garner, David Quinn and Bob Glover on the identification of Yellow- legged Gulls (Brit. Birds 90: 25-62, 369-383) close to hand, in the hope that the solution would emerge. The bird's build and proportions clearly suggest that this is one of the larger gulls (i.e. the size of Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus or larger). The virtually all-dark bill and the barred greater wing-coverts, among other things, eliminate any possi- bility of its being a young Great Black-headed Gull L. ichthyaetus, which leaves Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull L. argentatus and Yellow-legged Gull L. cachinnans (in all its various guises) in the frame. The dense and regular pattern on the wing- coverts corresponds best with juvenile plumage, while the compara- tively large, pale and more-barred scapulars indicate that the bird has acquired first-winter plumage. All the candidates are basically similar at this stage, and it is often difficult, and some- times impossible, to identify individual birds conclusively without a series of pho- tographs showing the pattern of the open wing, tail, profile of the head and bill, and size and shape compared with similar rela- tives of known identity. In this case, however, we can try. It is difficult to ignore the apparent weight and cleaver-like shape of the bill, reminiscent of Great Black- backed Gull, but the rather boldly spotted hind-crown and nape, the apparently solidly dark-centred innermost greater coverts and the very limited extent of the pale tertial-tips do not suit that species. In fact, the lack of more-obvious pale mark- ings on the innermost two or three greater coverts and the tertials suggests that it is not a Herring Gull either, narrowing the choice to Lesser Black-backed or Yellow- legged Gull. 'Classic' examples of these 274. First-winter Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans of the race atlantis, Canary Islands, September 1995 (R.J Chandler ) British Birds 92: 613-614, November 1999 613 Monthly Marathon 275. ‘Monthly Marathon’. Photo no. 159. Eighth stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 320), then send your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th December 1999. two may be rather easily identified, but, owing to the extent of individual and geo- graphical variation, there is considerable overlap in most plumage features. Correct identification of difficult birds requires careful assessment of a range of subtle characters. Happily, however, this indi- vidual appears to be one of the more distinctive examples. It is unlikely that a first-winter Lesser Black-backed could ever exhibit such a heavy and sharply con- toured bill as this; the long-looking legs, rather pale first-winter scapulars and the general bulk of the bird are further pointers to its being a Yellow-legged Gull. Precisely which 'type' of Yellow-legged Gull is another question, but not one that needs to be addressed for the purposes of this competition. There is little doubt that, in the near future, the consensus view on Yellow-legged Gull taxonomy will be that a number of taxa currently being studied will be recognised as full species. At the very least, we should, wherever possible, draw a distinction between eastern ( cachin - nans) and western ( michahellis ) forms. The mystery bird shows the stout bill, dark eye- patch and coarsely chequered greater coverts characteristic of michahellis. As to which population of michahellis it might be, we derive a stronger clue from the volcanic terrain, suggesting the Canary Islands, than from anything to do with the bird's appearance. The boding in my first paragraph in September (Brit. Birds 92: 488) has come to pass. After five stages of this current Marathon, 32 entrants had a 100% record, with five correct answers in succession. Now, after the sixth, 19 have slipped up and only 13 remain: Nick Barlow (Coventry), Alex Barter (Wolverhampton), David Bywater (Scarborough), Steve Dodgson (Cumbria), A. G. Duff (Somerset), Andrew Farr (Bournemouth), Paul French (Wolverhampton), Diederik Kok (Nether- lands), Peter Lansdown (Cardiff), Steve Mann (Nottinghamshire), Richard Patient (Cambridge), Andy Stoddart (Norfolk) and Peter Sunesen (Denmark). There are several other competitors with sequences of five or four correct answers. Answers given were: Great Black- backed Gull (41%), Yellow-legged Gull (31%), Lesser Black-backed Gull (18%) and Herring Gull (10%). Killian Mullarney For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF, or telephone 01767 682969. 614 British Birds 92: 613-614, November 1999 News and comment Compiled by Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of British Birds. New President for SEO/BirdLife Spanish 'European news' correspondent. Prof. Eduardo de Juana Aranzana, is the new President of La Sociedad Espahola de Ornitologia, taking over from another long-time friend of BB, Prof. Francisco Purroy, editor of the Atlas de las Aves de Espana 1975-1995 (1997, reviewed Brit. Birds 92: 168) (La Garcilla 103: 49, 50). 276. Incoming and outgoing Presidents of La Sociedad Espanola de Ornitologia/BirdLife: Prof. Eduardo de Juana A. (left) and Prof. Francisco Purroy. Mystery photographs competitions In a traditional five-print BB mystery photographs competition at a well- attended Bucks Bird Club/BTO One-day Conference, not one of the 100 partici- pants managed to identify a first-winter Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides, but the joint winners, with four out of five right, were Pat Martin of Newbury & District Ornithological Club and Mike Wallen of the Bucks Bird Club. A 50-slide BB mystery photographs competition at a Bedfordshire Bird Club meeting brought success and a bottle of champagne to Martin Palmer & Steve Williams (72%) and second place and a bottle of whisky for Simon Knight & Barry Nightingale (71%), with additional book prizes presented by Stuart Winter and Peter Wilkinson. BB would be delighted to hear from any bird club meetings organiser who would like to promote the journal in either of these ways at one of their meetings. Books and peanuts If you want to obtain your books from BB BookShop or from Subbuteo Books and your peanuts from CJ Wildbird Foods, you will soon be able to buy them together. After establishing one of the most suc- cessful specialist book suppliers in Britain, Peter & Marie Rathbone have decided to 'retire' once again. From 1st January 2000, Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd is to be sold to CJ Wildbird Foods Ltd of Shrewsbury. For the time being, all book sales will continue to be handled from the existing Subbuteo address, as will all sales through BB BookShop. 'CJ' was at the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time this year, and the centre-piece of its stand was a giant, 2-m-tall bird- feeder. A lot of bird books would fit into that. Recorder changes • Hertfordshire: Rob Young's address is now 37 Barkus Way, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3RD. • As well as being Recorder for Inverness-shire and Ross-shire (Brit. Birds 92: 257), Colin Crooke (6 George Street, Avoch, Ross-shire IV9 8PU) is also Recorder for Sutherland. British Birds 92: 615, November 1999 615 Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale & Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers 6th September to 10th October 1999. Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis St Mary's (Scilly), 18th September. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Potential first for Britain & Ireland: all the main Isles of Scilly, 7th-10th October. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Five in late September, in Co. Cork, Co. Kerry, Co. Londonderry, Co. Wexford and Co. Wicklow. Pacific Golden Plover P. fulva Stronsay (Orkney), 30th Sep- tember. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Totals in September of 16 in Ireland, ten in Scotland, two in England and one in Wales. White-rumped Sandpiper C. fusci- collis Totals of five in Ireland, two in Scotland, one in England and one in Wales. Baird's Sandpiper C. bairdii Totals of five in Ireland, two in England and one in Scotland. Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos About 12 in Ireland, including four together at Lough Beg (Co. Londonderry) on 24th September. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper C. acuminata Grove Ferry (Kent), 8th September; Foulness (Essex), llth-12th September. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngite s subruficollis Up to seven at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), 9th-12th Sep- tember. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Rosehearty Bay, near Fraserburgh (Grampian), llth-24th Sep- tember; presumed same, Greenabella Marsh /Seal Sands /South Gare (Cleveland), 29th September to 10th October. Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda St Mary's, 7th-10th October; St Martin's (Scilly), 10th October. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Two in England, one in Scotland and one in Ireland. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Plymouth (Devon), 3rd-4th October. Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Point of Ayr (Isle of Man), 20th-21st September; Blacktoft Sands (East Yorkshire), 2nd October. Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan Gor- manstown (Co. Meath), 30th September to 3rd October. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Cot Valley (Cornwall), 10th October. Common Nighthawk Chordeile s minor St Agnes (Scilly), 22nd September, same, St Mary's, 23rd September. Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii Happisburgh (Norfolk), 25th-29th September. Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka Happisburgh, 2nd October. White's Thrush Zoothera dauma St Agnes, 6th-10th October. Siberian Thrush Z. s ibirica Gugh (Scilly), 5th-8th October. Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola Foula (Shetland), 23rd September. Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola Fair Isle (Shetland), 22nd-23rd September. Blyth's Reed Warbler A. dumetorum Fair Isle, 26th-29th September, with two on 28th. Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 27th September to 9th October. Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi Fame Islands (Northumberland), 28th September; Tresco (Scilly), 6th-7th October; St Agnes, 6th-8th October. Dusky Warbler P. fuscatus North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 21st September; Rattray Head (Grampian), 27th September. Western Bonelli's Warbler P. bonelli Sandwich Bay (Kent), 30th September. (Also, two Bonelli's warblers in Ireland: Galley Head, Co. Cork, in late September and Dunquin, Co. Kerry, on 3rd October.) Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Fetlar (Shetland), 16th-19th September. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni Whalsay (Shetland), 29th September; poten- tial first for Ireland: Dursey Island (Co. Cork), 4th-5th October; North Ronaldsay, 6th-10th October. Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera Whalsay, 26th September. Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Bryher (Scilly), 28th September. >Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Birds. call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/ min cheap rate; 41p/ min other times; including VAT) 616 British Birds 92: 616, November 1999 BB BookShop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. All correspondence concerning the BB BookShop should be addressed to BB BookShop, c/o Subbuteo NHB Ltd, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW, United Kingdom. Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-98’ (listed in full in British Birds January 1999) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. (Please note: 1986 Shorebirds (1998 reprint), 1988 Wildfowl (1999 reprint) & 1992 Kingfishers all now £29.99. 1987 Atlas ofWintering Birds is currently out of print) Book of the Month Konig, Weick & Becking Owls: A Guide to the Owls of the World (Pica Press) 64 colour plates, maps & sonograms Special Offers Beehler, Pratt & Zimmerman Birds of New Guinea (Princeton UP) Ehrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook (O UP) Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (HarperCollins) Hilty & Brown A Guide to the Birds of Colombia (Princeton UP) Meyer de Schauensee & Phelps A Guide to the Birds of Venezuela (Princeton UP) Snow (ed.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic 2-volume Concise Edition (OUP) New this Month Beletsky Tropical Mexico: The Ecotraveller’s Wildlife Guide (Academic Press) Paperback Doughty, Day & Plant Field Guide to the Birds of the Solomons, Vanuatu & New Caledonia (Helm) Paperback Fuller The Great Auk (Fuller) Inskipp, Inskipp & Gnmmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan Paperback Saccm, Ruegg & Laesser Where to Watch Birds in Switzerland (Helm) Paperback Coming Soon - Order Now Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) NOW DUE NOVEMBER Kennedy, Gonzales, Dickinson, Miranda & Fisher A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines (OUP) DUE MARCH 2000 MacKinnon & Phillipps A Field Guide to the Birds of China (OUP) DUE MARCH 2000 Paperback (was £35) (was £8.95) (usually £50.00) Paperback (was £ 40 ) Paperback (was £35) (was £150.00) £35.00 □ £27.50 £5.00 ?8.00 “29.50 '29.50 '99.00 Paperback Paperback Hardback Paperback Hardback £35.99 □ Hardback Ranft & Konig Owls: Double CD DUE SPRING 2000 Robson An Identification Guide to the Birds of South East Asia (New Holland) DUE AUTUMN Short & Home Toucans, Barbets and Honeyguides (OUP) DUE MARCH 2000 Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover Baker Warblers erf Europe, Asia and North Africa (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic Brown, Ferguson, Lawrence & Lees Tracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain & Europe (Helm) Paperback Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic (OUP) volumes 1-7, 9 - £90 each volume 8 - £95 O. vol. 1 □ vol.2 D vol.3 □ vol.4 □ vol.5 □ vol.6 1Z| vol.7 □ vol.8 □ vol 9 Hagemetjer & Blair The EECC Atlas of European Breeding BiVdsTPoyser) Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird identification (Macmillan) Jonsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback Hardback Kightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HarperCollins) Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5th EDITION (HarperCollins) Rebane Where to Watch Birds in North and East Spain (Helm) Paperback Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling Birds of Norfolk (Pica Press) van den Berg & Bosman Rare Birds of the Netherlands (Pica Press) North America Griggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Pranty A Birder’s Guide to Florida (ABA) Pyle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) South & Central America & Caribbean de la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) ffiench A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback Howell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback Paperback Raffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) Ridgelv & Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) Stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) vol. 1 £70.00 □ vol.2 Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, Barlow, Wacher & Disley A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal (Pica Press) Garbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) Gatter Birds of Liberia (Pica Press) Hams, Shirihai & Christie The Macmillan Birder’s Guide to European & Middle Eastern Birds (Macmillan) (24.99 £l4.99 £l4.99 ^35.00 £30.00 £16.99 £12.99 £21.00 £27.95 £25.95 £18.50 £19.99 £32.00 £19.99 £35.00 £70.00 £40.00 £26.00 £30.00 £40.00 £17.99 Keith, Urban & Fry The Birds of Africa (Academic) Volumes: 1 £85 Q 2 £85 □ 3 £85 Q 4 £85 Q 5 £99.00 Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands (New Holland) £19.99 Kingdon The Kingaon Field Guide to African Mammals (Academic Press) £29.95 Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) £28.00 Porter, Christensen & Schiermacker-Hansen Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) £29.95 Richardson & Aspinall The Shell Guide to the United Arab Emirates (Hobbv) Paperback £10.00 Sinclair, Hockey &Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) £19.99 Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) £17.99 van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback £19.99 van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback £16.99 Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helm) £40.00 Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Field Guide to the Birds of Kenya and North. 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Postcode: 1 word; telephone number: 2 words; e-mail address: 2 words. Minimum 15 words. Semi-display: Mono. £15.00 per see (width 40mm) or £32.00 per dec (width 85mm). Four colour. £22.00 per sec. Minumum 2cm. Series: 5% discount for 6, 10% discount for 12. Copy deadline: 10th of month preceeding publication. Publication date: 1st of month. Contact: Sandra J. Swift, British Birds Advertising Sales, 17 Rectory Close, Wendlebury, Oxon OX6 8PG. Tel: 01869 244447. Fax: 01869 245533. E-mail sandra@brihshbirds.co.uk Books bird books bought and sold. Send A5 s.a.e. for catalogue. Visit our shop and see our extensive collection. Hawkridge Books, The Cruck Bam, Cross St, Castleton, Derbyshire S30 2WH. Tel: 01433 621999. Fax: 01433 621862 (BB078) RARE AND OUT OF PRINT books on Ornithology. Isabelline Books. Tel: 01392 201296. Fax: 201663 ^ ^ „c£> ,c£> Figure 3. Numbers of presumed ‘new’ Common Teals Anas crecca of the Nearctic race A. c. carolinensis in Britain each year during 1958-97. Note the long-term increase. Most were first seen in winter and spring: during 20th March to 8th May, singles on six during 8th January to 3rd March, eight 24th May, 15th June, 22nd October and British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 623 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 10th November, and four during 7th-28th Teals continue their long-term increase, as December. With the 22 in 1997, the annual shown in fig. 3. totals of presumed 'new' Green-winged Red-crested Pochard Nett a rufina In 1997, Red-crested Pochards were observed in 34 counties in England, four in Scotland and three in Wales. Excluding the resident breeding population at Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire/ Wiltshire, which reached a peak of 46 individuals in August, Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire together accounted for 36% of those recorded. The biggest counts away from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire were ten at Rutland Water, Leicestershire, in November and December, seven at Stur- minster Marshall, Dorset, in December, seven at Fen Drayton Gravel-pits, Hunt- ingdonshire, in December, seven at Yarnton, Oxfordshire, in November and December, six at Eyebrook Reservoir, Leicestershire, in December and five at Thrapston Gravel-pits, Northamptonshire, in February. Both at a local level and nationally, wan- dering and returning individuals, feral birds and suspected escapes from captivity make an annual assessment of numbers of genuine visitors extremely difficult. The scarce migrants database currently con- tains Red-crested Pochard records for the 12 years 1986-97. The species will not be included in the scarce migrants report after this year and we shall no longer be requesting records from county recorders, but anyone wishing to analyse those records which are currently held on file is welcome so to do. Remg-necked Duck Aythya collaris Including suspected returning individuals, which are excluded from the above table. Ring-necked Ducks were seen in 1997 in 11 counties. Of the nine presumed 'new' indi- viduals, two were in Hampshire and singles were observed in a further seven counties. There were five 'new' birds in southern England (in Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and Greater London) and three elsewhere in England. There was one Scottish record, in Argyll. The arrival of these birds was spread through winter, spring and autumn: three from 31st January to 7th March, three from 16th April to 2nd May and three from 25th September to 23rd October. The annual averages for selected periods were one during 1958-76, 22 during 1977- 80, ten during 1981-87, 18 during 1988-90 and ten during 1991-97. This pattern, into which 1997's nine 'new' Ring-necked Ducks fit neatly, is illustrated in fig. 4. 624 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser et al.\ Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Figure 4. Numbers of presumed ‘new’ Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris in Britain each year during 1958-97. Note the influxes in 1977-80 and 1988-90. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca There were records in 1997 from ten coun- ties, although three of these held only birds that are presumed to have returned from previous years, which are excluded from the above table. Of the ten presumed 'new' individuals, two were seen in Essex, Leicestershire and Norfolk, while singles appeared in Buckinghamshire, Devon, Northamptonshire and Scilly. Most were found in winter and during the passage periods: one on 22nd January, two from 1 1 th - 1 8th May, one on 1st August, three from 14th September to 19th October and three from 22nd November to 23rd December. The figure of ten new arrivals in 1997 equalled the annual average for 1988-96, but fell well below the 27 in 1987 and 20 in 1986. As a result of the continuing low numbers each year, the British Birds Rarities Committee added Ferruginous Duck to its list with effect from 1st January 1999 (Brit. Birds 92: 113- 114). Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 625 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Of the 22 individuals thought to be newly arrived in Britain in 1997, 14 were seen in Scotland, including five in Argyll, three in Fife and two in both Moray & Nairn and the Outer Hebrides. A total of five appeared in England, including two in Norfolk, and three were recorded in Wales. This distribution is shown in fig. 5. Surf Scoters were observed in 15 coun- ties, although two of these held only birds thought to be returning from previous years; such birds are excluded from the above table. The prime localities were Ronachan Point, Argyll, where five were discovered on 2nd May; Largo Bay, Fife, where there were five during the year; and St Andrew's Bay, Fife, and Burghead Bay, Moray & Nairn, at both of which three were seen during the year. Most of the 'new' birds were first observed in spring and autumn: one on 14th February, ten from 20th March to 2nd May, one on 4th July, five from 21st Sep- tember to 11th October and five from 26th October to 9th November. The 1997 total of 22 'new' Surf Scoters is exceeded only by the 24 in 1989, and represents a sudden upsurge in numbers following three poor years. The long-term trend continues to be one of steady increase. Figure 5. Distribution of presumed ‘new’ Surf Scoters Melanitta perspicillata in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the high numbers in Scotland. i European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus Birds recorded at known breeding locali- ties are excluded from the statistics. In 1997, 88 individuals were seen: 84 in England, three in Scotland and one in Wales. Of the English birds, there were 19 in both Kent and Dorset and ten in Norfolk. The Scottish records included one as far north as Baltasound, Unst, Shetland: 626 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 4 • 1-3 • 4, • „ 7?Pb Figure 6. Distribution of European Honey-buz- zards Pernis apivorus away from known breeding sites in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the usual southerly and easterly distribution. it was the first for that island during the period of study. The usual southerly and easterly distrib- ution was again evident in 1997, as illustrated in fig. 6. Following the first, at Par Beach, Corn- wall, on 27th April, there were 29 from 10th May to 6th June, five from 14th-24th June, five from 4th-12th July and 47 from 22nd July to 2nd October, with the last at Bere Regis, Dorset, on 18th October. The 1997 total of 88 European Honey- buzzards away from known nesting areas was the lowest number in a year since 1991, although it was only slightly lower than the annual average for 1986-96, of 92. Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus Number of individuals in 1978-1996 78-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 387 26 16 235 75 50 Number of individuals in 1997 43 Number of individuals in 1978-97 832 Excluding birds remaining from 1996, 43 were seen in 1997, of which 33 were in England, nine were in Scotland and one was in Wales. There were 12 in Norfolk, five in both Durham and Northumberland, three in Shetland, two in both Hampshire and Suffolk and singles in a further 14 counties. Of the 43, 35 (81%) were recorded in the eastern half of Britain. The seasonal distribution was fairly typical, with 21 first seen from 1st January to 10th April and 17 from 15th October to 27th December. Between these two periods, there were five recorded: one on 22nd April at Barnsfield Heath, Dorset, three on 10th May, at Kirkbean in Dumfries & Gal- loway, Holkham in Norfolk and Llys-y-fran in Pembrokeshire, and one on 17th September, at Moss, Tiree, Argyll. Although the annual total of 43 'new' Rough-legged Buzzards was low by recent standards, it was a little higher than the annual average for 1978-97, of 42. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Number of individuals in 1986-1996 86-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 373 37 54 34 117 70 Number of individuals in 1997 33 Number of individuals in 1986-97 718 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 627 Fraser etal Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 In 1997, 27 Spotted Crakes were recorded in England, four in Scotland and two in Wales. There were six in Cambridgeshire, four in both Cornwall and Hampshire, two in Berkshire, Norfolk, Shetland and Som- erset, and singles in a further 11 counties, including Fife, Highland, Ceredigion and Eastern Glamorgan. There was one on 13th January, at Westhay Moor, Somerset. After the next. on 22nd April, there were ten from 13th May to 3rd July, 18 from 4th August to 28th September and singles on 22nd and 26th October and 2nd November. The peak of 13 individuals from 17th August to 6th September is illustrated in fig. 7. The 1997 total of 33 Spotted Crakes was the lowest number seen in a year since national records collation began in 1986. Figure 7. Numbers of Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana in Britain in each week in 1997. Note the peak numbers from mid August to early September. Common Crane Grus grus Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1,576 15 12 42 36 49 Number of individuals in 1997 39 Number of individuals in 1958-97 1,769 Only 'new' individuals are included in the statistics, so the small, resident population in East Anglia is excluded. In 1997, 22 were seen in England and 16 in Scotland, while one was recorded in Wales. There were six in Norfolk and Shetland, five in Orkney, 628 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Figure 8. Distribution of presumed newly arrived Common Cranes Grus grus in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the concentra- tions in northern Scotland and eastern England. four in Essex, three in Cambridgeshire and two in Highland, Northeast Scotland and East Yorkshire. Singles were seen in a further nine counties, including the Outer Hebrides and Anglesey. This distribution is shown in fig. 8. Parties of four were recorded in Orkney and Shetland in May, while three were observed in Norfolk in March and in Cam- bridgeshire and Norfolk in April. Most arrived in spring: four on 25th March, 14 from 19th-24th April, 16 from 2nd May to 8th June, three from 27th July to 25th August and singles on 28th September and 3rd November. Although the average number of Common Cranes each year from 1958-97 is 44, excluding the invasion years of 1963, 1982 and 1985 reduces the average to just 21, so the 39 in 1997 is a good 'non- invasion' year total, as were the annual totals for the previous three years. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus All of the 19 Kentish Plovers recorded in 1997 were observed in England, where 15 were seen along the South Coast: there were five in Sussex, four in Devon, three in Dorset, two in Kent and singles in Corn- wall, Derbyshire, Norfolk, Northumberland and Nottinghamshire. The record in Nottinghamshire is the first for that county in the period of national collation, while the Derbyshire record is that county's third. Surprisingly, Kentish Plovers remain rare in Hampshire, where there has been only one since 1987. There were 13 in spring, comprising three first seen from 7th-10th April, seven from 25th April to 15th May and three from 3rd-12th June. The six in autumn all arrived during the four days from 4th-7th August. As in 1996, there were no sightings in September. There were only two records of two birds: at Greatstone, Kent, on 5th August and Dawlish Warren, Devon, from 6th-12th August. The 19 Kentish Plovers in 1997 was the lowest annual total since before records began to be collated on a national scale in 1986. British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 629 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Norfolk's contribution to the 1997 total of 76 individuals was a massive 29 (38%). Elsewhere, there were five in Suffolk, four in Kent, Lincolnshire and Northeast Scot- land, three in Dorset, Leicestershire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, two in Northumberland, Nottinghamshire and Somerset and singles in a further 12 coun- ties, including Shetland, as illustrated in fig. 9. Not surprisingly, the highest numbers at a single locality on one day were in Norfolk: four at Berney Marshes from 3rd- 7th May, four at Cley from 16th-17th May, three at Salthouse from 4th-10th May and three at Berney Marshes on 1st June. Of the 76, 70 were in England and six in Scotland. The seasonal pattern of occurrence was typical: there was one on 25th April at the Cotswold Water Park, in Gloucestershire; 49 were first seen during 3rd May to 12th June; 25 first appeared during 15th July to 11th September; and there was one on Figure 9. Distribution of Temminck’s Stints Calidris temminckii in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the prominence of Norfolk. 16th-17th September at Devoran Creek, Cornwall. Although the total of 76 Tem- minck's Stints in 1997 was an improvement on the 59 in 1996, it was otherwise the lowest number seen in a year since 1983. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Number of individuals in 1968-1996 68-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1,257 64 33 47 58 58 Number of individuals in 1997 34 Number of individuals in 1968-97 1,551 Annual maxima 1968-1997 1984 1983 1988 1982 131 89 84 80 Annual averages 1968-1997 68-79 80-89 90-97 40 70 47 Annual average 1968-97 52 630 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Of the 34 Pectoral Sandpipers recorded in Britain in 1997, 24 were seen in England, eight in Scotland and two in Wales. There were four in Norfolk, three in Orkney and two in Cleveland, Hampshire, Scilly, Shet- Figure 10. Distribution of Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the wide scatter of records and the lack of westerly bias in the distribution. Of the 14 in 1997, three were in Shetland and two in Cornwall, Norfolk and North- east Scotland, with singles in Durham, Essex, the Outer Hebrides, Pembrokeshire and Suffolk; this species is clearly attracted to some of Britain's extremities. The only multiple record concerned two at Whinnyfold, Northeast Scotland, on 27th September. The seasonal distribution of arrival dates showed the customary Sep- tember bias: singles were found on 7th May, at Rainton Meadows, Durham, then land and Sussex. Singles were recorded in 17 other counties, including Ceredigion and Meirionnydd. This wide scatter of records, with no evidence of a bias towards an anticipated westerly distribution, is shown in fig. 10. The only multiple record concerned two on Tresco, Scilly, from 4th-12th September. As usual, most were in August and Sep- tember: four were first seen from 2nd-22nd May, with singles on 2nd and 9th June and 6th July; five first appeared during 29th July to 4th August, with 18 during 26th August to 19th September and three during 26th-27th September. The last was on the surprisingly early date of 4th October, on North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Only 33 Pectoral Sandpipers were recorded in 1986 and 1993; the 34 in 1997 was the third-lowest annual total since 1972. At 47, the annual average during the 1990s to date is well below that for the 1980s, which was 70. on 5th June, 27th July and 16th and 20th August; seven were discovered during 5th- 27th September; one was first seen on 6th October; and the last was at Davidstowe Airfield and Crowdy Reservoir, Cornwall, on 17th-18th October. Though the total of 14 Buff-breasted Sandpipers in Britain in 1997 equals the annual average for 1958-96, the average number each year has fallen from 21 in the 1970s to 19 in the 1980s and then to 16 in the 1990s to date. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 442 8 13 20 14 34 Number of individuals in 1997 14 Number of individuals in 1958-97 545 Annual maxima 1958-1997 1977 1975 1996 1980 54 48 34 30 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 3 21 19 16 Annual average 1958-97 14 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 631 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Excluding those at breeding localities, most of the records in 1997 were, as usual, in East Coast counties and on the Northern Isles: there were four in East Yorkshire, three in Orkney, two in both Cleveland and Kent and singles in Lothian, Norfolk, Northumberland and Shetland; singles were also seen in Cornwall and Scilly. Although numbers in 1997 were small, the typical seasonal distribution pattern, of most in September and a significant influx in June, was again evident. Following the first, on 28th May, in Crow Sound, Scilly, four were found from 2nd-16th June, with singles on 28th June and 11th July; seven were first seen from 29th August to 19th September; and the last ones were discov- ered on 30th September and 7th October and on 13th October, at Hornsea, East Yorkshire. The 1997 total of 17 Red-necked Phalaropes was the lowest number seen in a year since before national records colla- tion began in 1986; the species' general decline since 1986 is shown in fig. 11. Figure 11. Numbers of Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus away from breeding localities in Britain each year during 1986-97. Note the general decline. Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius 632 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Of the year's 151 individuals, 131 were seen in England, where there were 30 in Cornwall, 22 in Norfolk, 14 in Dorset, 13 in East Yorkshire, 12 in Devon, ten in Scilly, five in Avon, four in both Somerset and Suffolk, three in Kent, two in both Cheshire and Nottinghamshire and singles in a further ten counties. In Wales, there were 11, with ten in Pembrokeshire and one in Ceredigion, while there were only nine in Scotland, with two in the Outer Hebrides and singles in seven other counties. With 86 in Southwest England and Southwest Wales, and 46 in English east coast coun- ties, the distribution of Grey Phalaropes in 1997 echoed that of previous years. There were two on 2nd January and singles were discovered on 20th January, 9th and 13th February and 3rd August. The remaining 145 birds were all recorded from 22nd August to the end of the year. Exact dates are known for 135 of these: 28 were in August, 35 in September, 55 in October, eight in November and nine in December. The average number of Grey Phalaropes during 1992-97 (145) is less than half of the annual average for 1987-91, which was 319. This decrease in numbers is illustrated in fig. 12. 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Figure 12. Numbers of Grey Phalaropes Phalaropus fulicarius in Britain each year during 1986-97. Note the lower numbers since 1991. Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini Annual maxima 1968-1997 1987 1997 1988 1983 710 383 346 287 Annual averages 1968-1997 68-79 80-89 90-97 51 202 135 Annual average 1968-97 124 There was a widespread influx of Sabine's Gulls in 1997, when 278 were seen in England, 55 in Wales and 50 in Scotland. In England, double figures were seen in five counties: Cornwall (95), East Yorkshire (43), Norfolk (28), Kent (18) and Devon (14). In Wales, 44 were seen in Pem- brokeshire and four in Caernarfonshire; in Scotland, 14 were in Highland. This unusu- ally scattered distribution, with records from a total of 47 counties, including several inland ones, is shown in fig. 13. British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 633 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Figure 13. Distribution of Sabine’s Gulls Larus sabini in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the widespread distribution, the inland occur- rences and the concentrations in Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, East Yorkshire and Norfolk. Of the 86 Ring-billed Gulls considered to be newly arrived in Britain in 1997, 58 were in England, 24 were in Wales and four were in Scotland. Cornwall was the most favoured county, with 17, followed by Glamorgan (13), Devon (12), Pem- brokeshire and Dorset (8), Gloucestershire and Merseyside (3) and Cheshire, Greater London, Northumberland and Scilly (2 each). Singles were seen in another 14 counties including Caernarfonshire, Ceredigion, Flintshire, Argyll, Highland, Northeast Scotland and Shetland. Of the new birds, 61 (71%) were found in the Southwest. Most of these birds were seen in the first four months of the year, with 15 in January, 11 in February, 14 in March and 16 in April. This period accounted for 56 (65%) of the Following singles on 5th April, at the Taff/Ely Estuary, Eastern Glamorgan, and 31st July, in Merseyside, there were two on 1st August, in Cornwall, then 375 during 11th August to 25th October, singles on 6th, 9th and 11th November, in East Yorkshire, the Isle of Wight and Hampshire respec- tively, and one on 22nd December, at Hope's Nose, Devon. Since Sabine's Gull records were first collated on a national scale in 1968, only the 1987 total of 710 exceeded the 383 in 1997, and in only two further years were over 200 individuals seen. Nevertheless, the average number each year in the 1990s to date (135) remains lower than the annual average for the 1980s, which was 202. year's total. As for the rest of the year, there were three in May, three in June, two in August, three in September, three in October, six in November and ten in December. In 1997, there were 19 first- winters, 13 first-summers, 13 second-years and 34 adults, with seven of the 86 individuals not aged. The numbers of first-winters each year from 1993-97 were generally lower than those from 1990-92, as shown in fig. 14. The annual average of 72 presumed 'new' Ring-billed Gulls each year from 1993-97 was also lower than the number seen each year during 1990-92, which was 92, though the 86 in 1997 represented the third-highest annual total ever, as illus- trated in fig. 15. Ring-billed Gull Larus delaivarensis Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 679 103 62 65 80 66 Number of individuals in 1997 86 Annual maxima 1958-1997 1992 1990 1997 1995 103 94 86 80 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 0 4 47 79 Number of individuals in 1958-97 1,141 Annual average 1958-97 29 634 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 A 3 A'* A'O 0>' OY OY A A A* ’ A S? >$> Figure 14. Numbers of first-winter Ring-billed Gulls Larus delawarensis in Britain each year since records began in 1973. Note the lower numbers since 1992. Figure 15. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Ring-billed Gulls Larus delawarensis in Britain each year since records began in 1973. Note the increases in 1981, 1982 and 1990 and the prominence of 1990, 1992 and 1997. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 396 25 20 15 39 14 Number of individuals in 1997 132 Number of individuals in 1958-97 641 Annual maxima 1958-1997 1997 1991 1995 1987 132 71 39 36 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 4 6 20 41 Annual average 1958-97 16 In an unprecedented influx, 123 European Bee-eaters were seen in England, seven in Scotland and two in Wales. Of those in England, 24 were seen in Durham (14 of which were possibly seen earlier in East Yorkshire), 24 in East Yorkshire, 15 in British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 635 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Essex, 11 in Kent, ten in Scilly (one of which flew from Cornwall), eight in Corn- wall, seven in Dorset, six in Buckinghamshire, four in Surrey, two in Gloucestershire, Norfolk and Somerset and singles in a further nine counties. In Scot- land, there were three in Highland and singles in Fife, Northeast Scotland, Orkney and Shetland. The two Welsh records were in Caernarfonshire and Pembrokeshire. The largest group was one of 14, in Durham. There were groups of 12 in Essex, ten in East Yorkshire (which began as a party of nine), nine in Scilly, six in Dorset, Durham and Kent and five in both Buck- inghamshire and Cornwall. Following one on 1st May, at Porlock Hill, Somerset, 50 were first seen during 9th May to 3rd June, 15 from 12th-24th June, 15 from 5th-28th July, 49 from 7th- 24th August and singles on 6th and 8th September. The dates of the two main arrival periods were typical. The 1997 total of 132 European Bee-eaters was the highest number seen in a year in Britain since records began. It exceeded the 71 in 1991 and was more than three times as many as the previous second-highest total of 39 in 1995. Fig. 16 shows the generally higher numbers from 1981 onwards and the prominence of 1991 and 1997. Figure 16. Numbers of European Bee-eaters Merops apiaster in Britain each year during 1958-97. Note the higher numbers from 1981 onwards and the prominence of 1991 and 1997. Hoopoe Upupa epops Number of individuals in 1968-1996 68-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 2,987 151 154 93 112 148 Number of individuals in 1997 102 Number of individuals in 1968-97 3,747 Annual maxima 1968-1997 1968 1980 1977 1988 218 188 178 167 Annual averages 1968-1997 68-79 80-89 90-97 118 133 125 Annual average 1968-97 125 Of the 102 Hoopoes recorded in Britain in 1997, 85 were seen in England, ten in Wales and seven in Scotland. Of those in England, 19 were in Cornwall, 12 in Scilly, six in Dorset, five in Hampshire, four in Devon, Suffolk and the Isle of Wight, three in Kent and one or two in a further 19 counties. In Wales, there were five in Pern- 636 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 brokeshire and two in both Caernarfon- shire and Glamorgan, with one in Ceredigion. In Scotland, two were seen in Orkney and there were singles in five other counties. Although there was a liberal scat- tering of Hoopoes across Britain, most were seen in the English South Coast coun- ties, with the Southwest especially prominent, as usual. The only multiple occurrences were in Scilly, where there were three on St Agnes on 10th April, with two there on 8th and 9th April, and two on St Mary's on 2nd May. Following the discovery of one on 28th February, at Durlston Country Park, Dorset, five arrived during lst-29th March, 70 from 30th March to 19th May, eight from 25th May to 21st June, two from Ist-lOth July, six in August, three in September, three in October and four in November, including one which remained at Barn- staple, Devon, from 15th November to the year's end. The late March to mid May influx and the otherwise widespread arrival dates are illustrated in fig. 17; the year's seasonal distribution was fairly typical, although the customary small influx in September and early October was lacking. With a total of 102 Hoopoes in Britain, 1997 was a below-average year; during the previous ten years, only 1994, with 93 individuals, had a lower total. II ilLi ILull J [ T I ■iMIm ■ , ■ ■ 1 B lr |,i, ll — , — Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 17. Numbers of Hoopoes Upupa epops in Britain in each week in 1997. Note the significant influx in spring, with the peak during 9th- 15th April. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Annual maxima 1986-1997 1987 1988 1995 354 314 314 Annual averages 1986-1997 86-89 90-97 311 248 Annual average 1986-97 269 England's share of the 271 Wrynecks in Britain in 1997 was 178 (66%). Of these, 40 were in Scilly, 27 in Cornwall, 19 in Kent, 14 in Norfolk, 11 in Dorset, ten in Sussex, eight in Devon, seven in Hampshire, five in East Yorkshire and one to four in a further 20 counties, including several inland. The 45 in Shetland was the largest county total British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 637 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Figure 18. Distribution of Wrynecks Jynx torquilla in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the high numbers in the far northeastern and southwestern counties. in Britain, while the remainder of Scot- land's 82 birds were seen in Orkney (26), Fife and Highland (both 4), Borders (2) and Northeast Scotland (1). In Wales, there were 11, of which five were in Pem- There were seven Short-toed Larks in Scilly, five in Norfolk, three in Orkney, two in Shetland, Suffolk and East Yorkshire, and singles in Cleveland, Cornwall, Dorset, Essex and Kent. In 1997, as in previous years, the species showed a firm preference for coastal localities and islands. The year's only multiple occurrence concerned two at Overstrand, Norfolk, from 30th September to 12th October. The first for the year was on 9th April, on Tresco, Scilly, and was fol- lowed by 16 arrivals during 30th April to 8th June, one on 29th June, four from 29th August to 7th September, three from 26th- 30th September and one on 29th October, at brokeshire, three in Caernarfonshire and singles in Breconshire, West Glamorgan and Gwent. Shetland, Orkney, Scilly and Cornwall combined to account for more than half of the year's birds. The impor- tance of Britain's extremities for this species, as well as the relatively high pro- portion (for a migratory landbird) occurring inland, is shown in fig. 18. There were singles on 2nd February, in Scilly, 12th March, in Wiltshire, and 22nd March, in Cornwall, followed by 42 arrivals during 3rd April to 2nd June and singles found on 15th and 30th June, 21st and 27th July and 5th and 11th August. There were then 220 discovered during 17th August to 26th October, comprising 92 in August, 101 in September and 27 in October. The seasonal distribution of Wry- necks in Britain in 1997 was typical, and the year's total, 271, was very close to the annual average for 1986-96, of 269. Salthouse, Norfolk. Although the late- April to early-June and September influxes echoed the arrival pattern of individuals in previous years, the first three in autumn were unusually early and, surprisingly, there was only one newcomer in October. The recent trend of numbers in spring exceeding those in autumn continued: of the 40 years 1958-97, only in five (1974, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997) was this the case. The 1997 total of 26 Short-toed Larks was more than the number seen in any year before 1991, and it contributed to main- taining the annual average for the 1990s to date at more than double that for the 1980s. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 638 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Including those remaining from the latter part of 1996, approximately 246 Horned Larks were recorded in Britain in the first half of 1997. There were about 85 in Norfolk, about 70 in Lincolnshire, about 20 in Suffolk, about 15 in Kent, 13 in Shetland, about ten in East Yorkshire, seven in North Yorkshire, six in Northumberland and four or fewer in a further six counties in England and in Fife, Northeast Scotland, Orkney and Caernarfonshire. Only monthly or seasonal totals were available from some counties where there were unusually high numbers of Horned Larks in 1997, so a detailed seasonal analysis was not possible. One on 5th June, on Foula, Shetland, was, however, probably the last individual in spring, while one on 21st September, on the Isle of May, Fife, was probably the first arrival of the autumn. In the second half of 1997, there were approximately 257 arrivals, with about 80 in Norfolk, about 40 in East Yorkshire, about 35 in Lincolnshire, about 25 in Suffolk, about 17 in Essex, about 15 in Kent, about ten in Northumberland, nine in Sussex and four or fewer in nine other counties in England and three each in Scot- land and Wales. In common with some other long- staying winter visitors, Horned Larks undoubtedly move both within and between counties. As a result, annual assessment of the size of Britain's win- tering population is far from easy. Nevertheless, it is clear that there were many more Horned Larks in Britain in both 1996 and 1997 than there were in any year during 1987-95. Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Annual maxima 1958-1997 1994 1995 1988 1968 338 157 144 141 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 34 51 65 133 Annual average 1958-97 66 Of the 90 Richard's Pipits in Britain in 1997, 18 were in Norfolk, 16 in Scilly, ten in Shet- land, seven in both Cornwall and East Yorkshire, five in both Dorset and Orkney, four in Somerset, three in Northeast Scot- land and one or two in a further 11 counties, as shown in fig. 19. As is normal, most were observed in the Southwest, on the East Coast and on the Figure 19. Distribution of Richard’s Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the prominence of the Southwest, the East Coast and the Northern Isles. • 1-3 $ // ^ 4-6 • 7.9 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 639 Fraser et al.\ Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Northern Isles. There were three on Fair Isle, Shetland, on 27th September and records of two in Norfolk, Scilly, Shetland and East Yorkshire. Following one on 19th April, at Trevose FFead, Cornwall, five arrived during 25th April to 5th May and there was one on 2Gth May, at Girdleness, Northeast Scotland. Single juveniles on 10th August and from 17th to 23rd August, both at Steart, Somerset, were most unusual. The main arrival, involving 79 individuals, took place from 24th Sep- tember to 6th November, and the last apparent newcomers were singles on 19th November, at Weybourne, Norfolk, and on 20th-21st November, at Spurn, East York- shire. Richard's Pipits have recently become decidedly less scarce than previ- ously in spring: only 26 were recorded in the 31 years 1958-88, an annual average of one, while the total in the nine years 1989- 97 was 48, an average of five per year. Although the total of 90 Richard's Pipits in 1997 was low compared with the annual average of 139 for 1990-96, it exceeded the averages per year for each of the previous three decades. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 845 57 44 21 35 20 Number of individuals in 1997 27 Annual maxima 1958-1997 1992 1983 1977 1993 57 56 45 44 Number of individuals in 1958-97 1,049 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 13 27 36 34 Annual average 1958-97 26 The customary distribution, with most Tawny Pipits appearing in South Coast counties and in East Anglia, was again evident in 1997, when there were 12 in Scilly, four in Dorset, two in both Cornwall and Norfolk and singles in Kent, Suffolk and Sussex. In addition, however, there were singles farther north, in East York- shire, Cleveland, Northumberland and Fife, as shown in fig. 20. The only multiple occurrence concerned two on St Agnes, Scilly, on 25th September. The arrival dates in 1997 were typical, with four during lst-8th May, singles on 18th, 21st and 30th May, 1st June and 6th and 18th August, three during 2nd-6th Sep- tember, singles on 14th and 18th September, 11 from 24th September to 10th October and one on 23rd October, at Easton, Portland, Dorset. Although the 1997 total of 27 Tawny Pipits was similar to the annual average for 1958-96 (26), it was low compared with recent years: during 1983-96, the average number seen in a year was 38. Figure 20. Distribution of Tawny Pipits Anthus campestris in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the prominence of Scilly and the chain of records on the East Coast north to Fife. 640 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.\ Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Scotland's share of the 80 Bluethroats in Britain in 1997 was 57 (71%), with 21 in Shetland, 19 in Orkney, ten in Fife, six in Northeast Scotland and one in Lothian. There were 20 in England: nine in Northumberland, three in Dorset, two in Norfolk and singles in six other counties. Only three reached Wales: two in Caernar- Figure 21. Distribution of Bluethroats Luscinia svecica in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the prominence of the Northern Isles. fonshire and one in Anglesey. The distribu- tion of Bluethroats in 1997, which includes the customary prominence of the Northern Isles, is illustrated in fig. 21. There was one on 11th April, at Port- land, Dorset, followed by six on 5th May, three first seen from 10th-13th May, 50 from 16th-24th May, one on 27th May, three from lst-6th June, singles on 22nd July, 3rd August and 11th September, four from 26th-30th September, eight from 12th October to 1st November and one on 9th November, at Conwy, Caernarfonshire. There were, thus, 64 in spring and 16 in autumn; 1991 was the last year in which the number observed in autumn exceeded that recorded in spring. The 1997 total of 80 Bluethroats was the lowest number seen in a year since 1991, and fell well short of the annual average for the period 1968-96, which was 136. In only one year (1982), since national records collation began for this species in 1968, were fewer individuals seen in autumn than in 1997. Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 641 Fraser et al.\ Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 In 1997, we were notified of only six Savi's Warblers; one further record is in the hands of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. All six were in eastern England and were seen singly: on 13th April at Icklesham, Sussex, from 29th April to 25th May at Whitecast Marsh, Suffolk, from 1 Oth- 1 1 th May at Attenborough, Nottinghamshire, on 17th May at Grove Ferry, Kent, from 4th-8th June on the Nene Washes, Cambridgeshire, and from 6th-9th June at Staveley, North Yorkshire. There were only three recorded during 1958-64 and 569 during 1965-97, when numbers built up to a peak of 38 individ- uals in 1980 then decreased to the 1997 total of six, which was the fewest in a year since 1967. The rise and fall of Savi's Warbler in Britain from 1958-97 is shown in fig. 22. As a result of the recent decline, the British Birds Rarities Committee added Savi's Warbler to its list with effect from 1st January 1999 (Brit. Birds 92: 113-114). Figure 22. Numbers of Savi’s Warblers Locustella luscinioides in Britain each year during 1958-97. Note the increase in numbers from none in 1958 to a peak of 38 in 1980, followed by a decline to just six in 1997. Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 856 50 32 50 49 33 Number of Number of individuals in individuals in 1997 1958-97 39 1,109 All but two of the 39 Aquatic Warblers in 1997 were seen either in English South Coast counties or in South Wales, with 16 in Dorset, seven in Sussex, five in Corn- wall, three in Hampshire, two in Glamorgan and singles in Breconshire, Devon, Gwent, Scilly, Shetland and East Yorkshire. Multiple occurrences included five at West Bexington, Dorset, on 11th August and three at Keysworth, Dorset, on the same date. The apparent arrival dates were typical, with 26 during 4th-15th 642 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 August, nine from 20th-28th August and four from 4th-13th September. Although the number of Aquatic Warblers in 1997 (39) was lower than the annual totals in five of the previous seven years, it exceeded the totals in each of the 13 years 1977-89, as illustrated in fig. 23. Figure 23. Numbers of Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus paludicola in Britain each year during 1958-97. Note the clusters of high annual totals during 1972-76 and 1990-95. Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Annual maxima 1986-1997 1992 1994 1996 102 72 58 Annual averages 1986-1997 86-89 90-97 32 61 Annual average 1986-97 52 Excluding individuals at known breeding sites, 57 Marsh Warblers were recorded in Britain in 1997. Of these, 34 were in England and 23 in Scotland. Shetland was the most favoured county, with 14; there were five in Scilly, four in Norfolk and Sussex, three in Kent, Fife, Orkney and Suffolk, two in Nottinghamshire and singles in a further 16 counties. This mainly easterly distribution is shown in fig. 24. As usual, most individuals were first seen in late May and the first half of June: there were 42 during 16th May to 17th June, three from 2nd-5th July, eight from 10th-31st August, singles on 22nd and 26th September and two on 22nd October, at Figure 24. Distribution of Marsh Warblers Acro- cephalus palustris in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the mainly easterly pattern of occur- rence and the prominence of the Northern Isles. British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 643 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Higher Newford, St Mary's, Scilly, and at Icklesham, Sussex. The 1997 total of 57 Marsh Warblers is close to the annual average for 1990-96, of 62. More were seen in autumn in 1997 than in any other autumn since national records collation for this species began in 1986, as illustrated in fig. 25. Figure 25. Numbers of Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris in Britain and Ireland in autumn each year during 1986-97. Note the general increase throughout the period and the peak in 1997. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina Scotland's share of the 286 Icterine War- blers in Britain in 1997 was 156 (55%), with 99 in Shetland, 35 in Orkney, 12 in Fife, eight in Northeast Scotland and singles in Borders and the Outer Hebrides. There were 119 in England, comprising 25 in Scilly, 21 in East Yorkshire, 17 in Northum- berland, 11 in both Dorset and Norfolk, seven in Suffolk, six in Kent, four in Devon, three in Cornwall, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire, two in Cleveland, Durham and Sussex and singles in Buck- inghamshire and Warwickshire. Only 11 reached Wales: nine in Pembrokeshire and two in Caernarfonshire. There were 19 Icterine Warblers in spring, 18 of which arrived during 20th Figure 27. Distribution of Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina in each county in Britain during 1968-97 and in Ireland during 1968-96. Note the significance of Shetland, Norfolk, East Yorkshire and Scilly, and the British East Coast generally. 644 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 350 .1 S IT , i ll I Ini ll Li! flL, 1 I 1 lllllll Hill All 111 1 A^ /\\ A^* N°P N ^ # N# Jp ^ $ p Figure 26. Numbers of Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina in Britain each year during 1968-97. Note the high total in 1992, which was due to an exceptional spring influx, and the high total in 1997, which was due to an exceptional autumn influx. May to 15th June, and one on 25th June. In autumn there were 267, with one on 31st July and the remainder first seen from 6th August to 1st October. As a result of this exceptional influx, more Icterine Warblers were recorded in 1997 than in any other year since before records collation for this species began in 1968, as shown in fig. 26. Over 100 more individuals were seen in autumn in 1997 than in any other year during the study period, while over 100 more were seen in spring in 1992 than in any other year during 1968-97. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta There were 22 Melodious Warblers in Britain in 1997: eight in Scilly, four in both Dorset and Kent and singles in Caernarfon- shire, Cornwall, the Outer Hebrides, Suffolk, Sussex and the Isle of Wight. The species' traditional southerly and south- westerly distribution, from North Wales anti-clockwise around the coast to Suffolk, was very much in evidence again in 1997. The exception, an individual at Snishival, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, on 29th May, was particularly noteworthy. The only multiple record was of two at Dungeness, Kent, on 31st August; both were trapped. The 29th May individual was the year's first, followed by singles found on 11th and 14th June and 5th July, three from 24th-27th July, three from 8th-14th August, seven from 22nd August to 3rd September, two from 13th-14th September, two on 24th September and the last on 31st October, at British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 645 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Figure 28. Numbers of Melodious Warblers Hippolais polyglotta in Britain each year during 1968-97. Note the low totals in four recent years: 1989, 1991, 1995 and 1997. Figure 29. Distribution of Melodious Warblers Hippolais polyglotta in each county in Britain during 1968-97 and in Ireland during 1968-96. Note the importance of the Southwest. Lower Moors, St Mary's, Scilly. The normal peak arrival dates are during the ten weeks from 6th August to 14th October; in 1997, there were no new arrivals noted during the last 20 days of this period. The last year in which there were fewer in autumn than the 18 in 1997 was 1971, and the last year when there were fewer in a year than the 22 in 1997 was 1975. Despite the 58 Melodious War- blers in 1996, the average number per year in the 1990s to date is 33, compared with annual averages of 39 in the 1980s and 36 in the second half of the 1970s; fig. 28 shows the annual totals during 1968-97. Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Of the 145 Barred Warblers recorded in 1997, 83 (57%) were found in Scotland, with 47 in Orkney, 24 in Shetland, seven in Northeast Scotland and one or two in a further four counties. The other 62 were seen in England, with 14 in East Yorkshire, 12 in Norfolk, four in Devon, Northumber- land, Suffolk and Sussex, three in 646 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 • • 1-6 25-30 37-42 43^18 Figure 30. Distribution of Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the high numbers in the Northern Isles. Cleveland, Durham and Lancashire and one or two in a further seven counties. Fig. 30 illustrates the scatter of records in 1997, and highlights the traditional Scottish stronghold of the Northern Isles, unusually this year with more records in Orkney than in Shetland, and the normal prominence in England of East Yorkshire and Norfolk. Barred Warblers are rare in spring, but, in 1997, there were three singles in June: on 6th, 8th-9th and 22nd-23rd, all on Fair Isle, Shetland. These constitute the eleventh to thirteenth spring records for Britain since national collation began for this species in 1968. In autumn, 86 were found during 7th August to 12th September, 30 from 17th- 28th September, five from lst-7th October and 20 from llth-30th October, with the last individual being seen on 11th November, in Hampshire. Although the 1997 total of 145 Barred Warblers was over- shadowed by the very high numbers in each of the previous three years, it exceeded the annual totals in all but two of the 16 years 1978-93. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Figure 31. Distribution of Pallas’s Leaf Warblers Phylloscopus proregulus in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the prominence of the East Coast and Scilly. There was an unprecedented number of Pallas's Leaf Warblers in Britain in 1997, which was one of the highlights of the year. Of the 170 recorded, 38 were in Scilly, 24 in East Yorkshire, 22 in Norfolk, 21 in Kent, nine in Devon, seven in both Borders and Cornwall, six in Suffolk, five in Dorset, four in Caernarfonshire, Essex and Lin- colnshire, three in Sussex and one or two in a further 11 counties, as illustrated in fig. 31. The distribution, with most in South and East Coast counties, was typical. Following the first, on 7th October, at Sumburgh, Shetland, there were 155 arrivals during 14th October to 6th November, including 27 on 22nd October, British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 647 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 and 13 arrivals from 9th-27th November, with the last one appearing from 16th-23rd December at Ventnor, Isle of Wight. Tradi- tionally, most arrive during the last three weeks of October and the first half of November. The 1997 total of 170 Pallas's Leaf Warblers was the highest-ever annual total. The species' dramatic increase as a migrant to Britain, with only four individ- uals before 1960 and annual averages of three in the 1960s, nine in the 1970s, 39 in the 1980s and 80 in the 1990s to date, is illustrated in fig. 32. Figure 32. Numbers of Pallas’s Leaf Warblers Phylloscopus proregulus in Britain each year during 1958- 97. Note the general increase and the four major influxes, in 1982, 1994, 1996 and 1997. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Number of individuals in 1968-1996 68-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 4,595 389 333 437 211 409 Number of individuals in 1997 349 Number of individuals in 1968-97 6,723 Annual maxima 1968-1997 1988 1985 1986 1994 739 542 496 437 Annual averages 1968-1997 68-79 80-89 90-97 72 320 333 Annual average 1968-97 224 England's share of the 349 Yellow-browed Warblers recorded in Britain in 1997 was 262 (75%), with 46 in Scilly, 45 in East York- shire, 36 in Cornwall, 35 in Norfolk, 21 in Dorset, 20 in Kent, ten in Northumberland, seven in Devon, North Yorkshire and Suffolk, six in Lincolnshire, five in Cleve- land and one to three in a further ten counties. Of the 83 found in Scotland, 55 were in Shetland, 13 in Orkney, seven in Borders, three in both Fife and Northeast Scotland and two in the Outer Hebrides. Just four reached Wales: two in Caernar- fonshire and singles in Flintshire and Pembrokeshire. The importance of the Southwest, the East Coast and the Northern Isles for this species in 1997 is shown in fig. 33. The year's first was on 13th September, at Durlston Country Park, Dorset; the main arrival period was during 24th September to 3rd November, when 332 appeared. A further seven were discovered during 7th- 12th November, with six more from 648 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Figure 33. Distribution of Yellow-browed War- blers Phylloscopus inornatus in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the prominence of Shet- land, Scilly, East Yorkshire, Cornwall and Norfolk compared with the small number of individuals that reach western Britain north of the South Coast. 19th-24th November and two on 15th December, at Ventnor, Isle of Wight (where a Pallas's Leaf Warbler P. proregulus appeared the next day). The last was found on 27th December at St Ives, Cornwall. The main influx began about a week later than usual. The 1997 total of 349 Yellow-browed Warblers maintained the high numbers first experienced in 1984. The annual average during 1968-83 was 81, with numbers each year varying from 27 to 181, while that during 1984-97 was 387, with annual totals ranging from 211 to 739. Fig. 34 shows the different levels of occurrence in the two periods. Figure 34. Numbers of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus in Britain each year during 1968- 97. Note the abrupt increase in numbers in 1984 to a new level that has since been maintained. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Scilly, with nine Red-breasted Flycatchers with seven, and Norfolk, with five, were, in 1997, Shetland and East Yorkshire, each as usual, the most favoured counties; there British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 649 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 were also two in Cornwall, Dorset, Durham, Kent, Northumberland and the Outer Hebrides, and singles in Highland, Lincolnshire and Orkney. The only mul- tiple records concerned two at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, on 27th September and two at Holy Vale, St Mary's, Scilly, from 25th-28th October. There were singles discovered on 25th April, at North Lee, Outer Hebrides, and 2nd May, with three from 30th May to 9th June, three from 23rd August to 6th Sep- tember and 35 from 19th September to 8th November, when one appeared on Holy Island, Northumberland. There were con- centrations of 12 found during 24th-29th September and 12 during 20th-27th October; the seasonal distribution is shown in fig. 35. The 1997 total of 43 Red-breasted Fly- catchers was the lowest annual total since 1974, and the last year in which there were fewer in autumn was 1970. 1 II ll III 1 m T u an Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 35. Numbers of Red-breasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva in Britain in each week in 1997. Note the peak numbers in late September and late October. Golden Oriole Oriolns oriolus Excluding those at known breeding sites, there were 157 Golden Orioles in Britain in 1997. They were scattered widely, as shown in fig. 36, although 95 were found in just four counties, with 48 in Scilly, 20 in Cornwall, 17 in Kent and ten in Norfolk. There were also four in Devon, Dorset, Sussex and East Yorkshire and one to three in 30 other counties. In 1997, as in the majority of years, most were seen in Scilly. The earliest individual was on 27th April, at Havengore Island, Essex, and it was quickly followed by the year's main influx, as 145 appeared during 1st May to 14th June. There were three found during 28th-29th June, with singles discovered on 650 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Figure 36. Distribution of Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the wide scatter of records and the promi- nence of Scilly. 4th, 6th, 20th and 22nd July, two on 25th August, one on 14th September and the last one on 19th October, which, like the first, was in Essex, this time at Coney Hall. Usually, most arrive during May and the first week of June, so the seasonal distribu- tion in 1997 was fairly typical. The total of 157 Golden Orioles was the third-highest annual total since before national records collation began in 1968; the five most pro- ductive years during the last 30 have all occurred in the 1990s, as illustrated in fig. 37. With annual averages of 48 during 1968-79, 84 in the 1980s and 140 in the 1990s to date, the species is clearly increasing as a migrant to Britain. 9^n ?nn iso inn - 50 - -■iin.i 1 Ullllll II it i a’o Vb qO ofV qP O?5 rvU r> c&> A A1 A A ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Figure 37. Numbers of Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus in Britain each year during 1968-97. Note the general increase throughout the period. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Number of individuals in 1986-1996 86-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1,281 362 179 209 220 268 Number of Number of individuals in individuals in 1997 1986-97 302 2,821 Annual maxima 1986-1997 1988 1992 1997 423 362 302 Annual averages 1986-1997 86-89 90-97 255 225 Annual average 1986-97 235 Scotland's share of the 302 Red-backed Shrikes recorded in Britain in 1997 was 159 (53%), with 75 in Shetland, 45 in Orkney, 25 in Fife, five in Highland, four in Lothian, three in Northeast Scotland and singles in the Outer Hebrides and Perthshire. There British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 651 Fraser etal.\ Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 were 138 seen in England, with 26 in Norfolk, 24 in Northumberland, 17 in East Yorkshire, 15 in Kent, 12 in Suffolk, seven in Sussex, six in both Devon and Durham, five in Cornwall, four in Scilly, three in Essex and one or two in a further ten coun- ties. Only five were found in Wales: three in Pembrokeshire and singles in Caernar- fonshire and Flintshire. Following one on 8th May, on the Isle of May, Fife, the main influx took place during 10th May to 19th June, when 227 arrived; the majority of these appeared during 16th-26th May. There were eight on scattered dates from 28th June to 1st Figure 38. Distribution of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio in each county in Britain in spring 1997. Note the prominence of the Northern Isles and the generally northeastern distribution. August, then 63 were found from 8th August to 2nd October, with late individ- uals first seen on 10th, 25th and 26th October. In spring, most were seen on the Northern Isles and in the Northeast, while the Southeast attracted most during the smaller autumn passage, as illustrated in figs. 38 and 39. Many more Red-backed Shrikes were seen in spring in 1997 than in any of the previous four years, but fewer individuals were recorded in autumn than in any of the previous five years. The 1997 total of 302 Red-backed Shrikes was the highest annual total since 1992, as shown in fig. 40. Figure 39. Distribution of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio in each county in Britain in autumn 1997. Note the prominence of Shetland and the generally southeastern distribution. Figure 40. Numbers of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio in Britain each year during 1986-97. Note the steady increase since 1993. 652 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain tn 1997 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Number of individuals in 1986-1996 86-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 842 131 129 115 87 63 Number of individuals in 1997 56 Annual maxima 1986-1997 1990 1991 1988 160 160 142 Number of individuals in 1986-97 1,423 Annual averages 1986-1997 86-89 90-97 131 113 Annual average 1986-97 119 Figure 41. Distribution of Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the clusters of records and the absence of records from some traditional areas. There were 56 presumed newly arrived Great Grey Shrikes in Britain in 1997. Of these, 44 were in England, with seven in Sussex, four in both Hampshire and Norfolk, three in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Wiltshire, two in East Yorkshire, Essex, Kent, Nottinghamshire and South York- shire, and singles in a further ten counties. There were seven in Scotland, comprising two in both Highland and Shetland and singles in three other counties. In Wales, there were five, with two in Breconshire and singles in a further three counties. This mainly southeasterly distribution is illustrated in fig. 41. There were five arrivals during 2nd-19th January, four from 7th-16th February, eight from lst-13th March and four from 29th March to 4th April, with one from 13th- 15th April at Matley Heath, Hampshire. The first of the autumn was found on 2nd Figure 42. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor in Britain each year during 1986-97. Note the decline since the peak in 1990-91. British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 653 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 October, at Dartford Marsh, Kent, and was followed by the discovery of further singles on 4th and 7th October. There were then 23 from 15th October to 16th November, one on 23rd November, four from 29th November to 4th December, two on 14th December and one on 21st December. The peak arrival time in 1997, from mid October to mid November, was typical. The 1997 total of 56 'new' Great Grey Shrikes is the lowest annual total since before the collation of records for this species began on a national scale in 1986. The species' continuing decline is shown in fig. 42. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 458 13 24 19 27 19 Number of Number of individuals in individuals in 1997 1958-97 36 596 Annual maxima 1958-1997 1997 1995 1988 1986 36 27 26 25 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 12 13 16 21 Annual average 1958-97 15 In 1997, there were five Woodchat Shrikes in Cornwall, four in both Devon and Norfolk, three in both Cumbria and Dorset, two in both Scilly and Shetland and singles in 13 other counties, as shown in fig. 43. The year's first was found on 20th April, at Winterton, Norfolk, and was followed by further singles discovered on 23rd April Figure 43. (Right) Distribution of Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the species’ traditional stronghold in the Southwest. Figure 44. Numbers of Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator in Britain each year during 1958-97. Note the record-breaking numbers in 1986, 1988, 1995 and 1997. 654 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 and 1st and 5th May; 16 were first seen during 12th May to 3rd June; two appeared on 13th June and four were found from 25th June to 8th July. There were four from 9th-17th August and singles appeared on 30th August, 13th, 14th and 27th Sep- tember and 6th and 7th October, the last individual being discovered on Foula, Shetland. Although neither the spring nor the autumn passage was exceptional, 1997 was the first year in which good numbers were seen at both seasons. As a result, the 1997 total of 36 Woodchat Shrikes was the highest number ever recorded in Britain in a year; the annual totals for 1958-97 are shown in fig. 44. European Serin Serinus serinus Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 793 40 71 80 64 98 Number of individuals in 1997 75 Number of individuals in 1958-97 1,221 Annual maxima 1958-1997 1996 1994 1997 1993 98 80 75 71 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 8 19 37 70 Annual average 1958-97 31 Of the 75 European Serins recorded in Britain in 1997, 22 were in Dorset, 18 in Kent, eight in Sussex, five in the Isle of Wight, four in Cornwall, Devon and Scilly, three in Suffolk, two in Norfolk and singles in a further five counties. The prominence of the South Coast counties, in which 67 of the 75 individuals were seen, is illustrated in fig. 45. The species is still a major rarity in Scotland. There were records of two together at Portland Bill in Dorset, Dungeness in Kent and Thorney in Sussex, all in April. Fol- lowing singles discovered on 16th January, 28th February and 16th March, 50 were found during 22nd March to 6th May and ten from 15th-26th May. Further singles appeared on 8th and 16th July, 2nd and 17th August and 13th September, while four were first seen from 10th-18th October and the last ones were found on 29th October and 1st and 18th November. From the beginning of April to mid May is tradi- tionally when most occur. The 1997 total of 75 European Serins is the third-highest annual total; the seven highest annual totals have all been in the 1990s. The annual averages have increased from eight in 1958-69 to 19 in the 1970s, 37 in the 1980s and 70 in the 1990s to date. Figure 45. Distribution of European Serins Serinus serinus in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the prominence of the South Coast. British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 655 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Annual maxima 1958-1997 1992 1995 1997 1996 242 179 160 152 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 10 37 76 150 Annual average 1958-97 61 Although 100 (63%) of the 160 Common Rosefinches seen in Britain in 1997 appeared in the Northern Isles, conforming to the established pattern, there was a wide scatter of records. In Scotland, in addition to 81 in Shetland and 19 in Orkney, there were six in Fife, three in the Outer Hebrides and singles in Highland and Northeast Scotland. Elsewhere, there were eight in both East Yorkshire and Scilly, six in Devon, five in Northumberland, four in both Norfolk and Pembrokeshire, two in Cornwall, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and Suffolk, and singles in Cleveland, Dorset, Greater London, Hertfordshire, The bulk of the passage in both spring and autumn occurred on typical dates, although fewer were seen in spring than in four of the five previous years, while the number in autumn was the highest ever recorded at that season. The 1997 total of 160 Common Rosefinches maintained the unbroken sequence of high annual totals, which began Kent and Sussex. The year's first was on 6th May, in Lerwick, Shetland, then 44 were found during 18th May to 15th June, followed by one on 23rd June and five from 6th-26th July. After one appeared on 12th August, on Fair Isle, Shetland, the main influx took place during 16th August to 14th October, and involved 103 individ- uals; four more were found from 19th-27th October and the last was discovered on 30th November, at Strumble Head, Pem- brokeshire. The seasonal distribution of the 152 individuals for which precise dates are known is shown in fig. 46. in 1992. Numbers have increased throughout the study period, with annual averages of ten in the 1960s, 37 in the 1970s, 76 in the 1980s and 150 in the 1990s to date. The history of this species in Britain and Ireland during 1869-1996 was documented and discussed by D. I. M. Wallace recently (Brit. Birds 92: 445-471). Figure 46. Numbers of Common Rosefinches Carpodacus erythrinus in Britain in each week in 1997. Note the influxes from mid May to mid June and from mid August to mid October. 656 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana Number of individuals in 1968-1996 68-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1,285 85 79 61 89 118 Number of individuals in 1997 68 Number of individuals in 1968-97 1,785 Annual maxima 1968-1997 1996 1969 1995 1992 118 114 89 85 Annual averages 1968-1997 68-79 80-89 90-97 53 58 72 Annual average 1968-97 60 In 1997, there were 22 Ortolan Buntings in Scilly, nine in Shetland, eight in both Corn- wall and Dorset, five in East Yorkshire, three in both Norfolk and Suffolk and Figure 47. Distribution of Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana in each county in Britain in 1997. Note the high numbers in the Southwest. singles in a further ten counties, as illus- trated in fig. 47. Traditionally, most have been recorded in Shetland, followed, in descending order, by Dorset, Scilly and Cornwall. The first in spring was on 30th April, at Eccles, Norfolk; then there were two on 3rd May, and singles on 10th, 14th and 27th May and 6th and 7th June. Following one on 13th August, at Durlston Country Park, Dorset, 56 appeared during 21st August to 3rd October, including nine on 11th Sep- tember, and three were found from 14th-18th October. Largely because only eight individuals were seen in spring, fewer Ortolan Buntings were recorded in 1997 as a whole than in four of the pre- vious five years. Nevertheless, the year's total of 68 was higher than the annual average for 1968-96, of 59. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Number of individuals in 1958-1996 58-91 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 454 19 45 33 34 30 Number of individuals in 1997 17 Number of individuals in 1958-97 632 Annual maxima 1958-1997 1989 1993 1987 1984 47 45 42 41 Annual averages 1958-1997 58-69 70-79 80-89 90-97 5 10 24 29 Annual average 1958-97 16 There were 17 Little Buntings in Britain in 1997: five in Scilly, three in Shetland, two in Devon and singles in Avon, East Yorkshire, Norfolk, Northeast Scotland, Northumber- land, Orkney and Somerset. The first of the year was discovered on 27th January, at British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 657 Fraser etal.: Scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997 South Milton Ley, Devon, and three appeared during 2nd-30th April. In autumn, there was one on 1st September, followed by eight first seen during 24th September to 22nd October and singles which arrived on 1st and 8th November. There were further singles on 25th November, at Higher Moors, St Mary's, Scilly, and from 27th December to the end of the year in a suburban garden in Redland, Bristol, Avon. With only three individuals in Shetland, which is the species' traditional stronghold in Britain, and only two arrivals in the first two weeks of October, which is the species' tra- ditional peak time, the annual total was a lowly 17. The last year in which there were fewer Little Buntings was 1983, as shown in fig. 48. Figure 48. Numbers of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla in Britain each year during 1958-97. Note the generally higher numbers since 1984, but the low (under 20) totals in three of these years, including 1997. Acknowledgments First and foremost, the three authors wish to thank most sincerely the County and Regional Recorders and their assistants for providing such detailed information for 1997 and for supplying additional records for past years where relevant. Without the Recorders and their ready co-operation, this report would not have been possible. We are also very grateful for the assistance and advice given by Ian Dawson, Jon Green, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Mike Shrubb and the Welsh Ornithological Society. Authors Peter A. Fraser, Peter G. Lansdown and Michael J. Rogers, c/o 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ A Recent BBRC decisions ZEISS This monthly listing of the most recent decisions by the British Birds Rarities Committee is not intended to be comprehensive or in any way to replace the annual 'Report on rare birds in Great Britain'. The records listed are mostly those of the rarest species, or those of special interest for other reasons. All records refer to 1999 unless stated otherwise. ACCEPTED: Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps St Mary's (Scilly), 17th- 20th March. Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla Grove Ferry (Kent), 6th June to 20th July. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus St Mary's (Scilly), llth-23rd April. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Cotswold Water Park (Wiltshire), 27th June to 4th July. Collared Flycatcher Ficadula albicollis Cove, Aberdeen (Northeast Scotland), 30th April to 1st May. Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Fair Isle (Shetland), 3rd-5th June. 658 British Birds 92: 618-658, December 1999 Azure-winged Magpies Cyanopica cyanus ( Bruce Pearson) Bird bones and biogeography Iberian Azure-winged Magpies come in FROM THE COLD Joanne H. Cooper and K. H. Voous ABSTRACT Is the Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus an alien in Portugal and Spain, introduced from China a few centuries ago by spice traders, or a relic surviving from a formerly much more widespread natural population? Now, archaeological examination of cave deposits in Gibraltar has provided the answer. The Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus has become famous for pro- viding one of the most extreme examples of disjunct distribution among birds. It is found in eastern Asia, primarily across China, Japan and Korea, and in western Europe, in the Iberian peninsula (Voous 1960; Goodwin 1986). The origin of the Iberian population has been the subject of much speculation, but two main hypotheses emerged. The first was that the species had been introduced into Iberia by sixteenth-century Portuguese sailors returning from voyages in the Far East British Birds 92: 659-665, December 1999 659 Cooper & Voous: Iberian Azure-winged Magpies come in from the cold Figure 1. Distribution of Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus in Iberia, combining the Portuguese and Spanish atlas data from Rufino (1989) and Purroy (1997), by permission of Rui Rufino & CEMPA, and of Lynx Edicions. (Dos Santos 1968; Sacarrao 1974; Tyrberg 1998). The alternative was that the Iberian population was the relict of a once-contin- uous population across the Palearctic, isolated in a refugium during the last glacial period (about 125,000-10,000 years ago) (Sacarrao 1974; Harrison 1982; Goodwin 1986). Fossil remains of the species had been found in China (Tyrberg 1998), but no conclusive evidence was forthcoming to confirm either hypothesis, and the mystery persisted. In 1994, The Natural History Museum and the Gibraltar Museum launched a major collaborative research initiative, the Gibraltar Cave Project. Continuing a long tradition of archaeological and palaeonto- logical exploration in Gibraltar, the Project's primary interest lay in the occupa- tion of the Rock by Neanderthal Man Homo neanderthalensis and Anatomically Modern Humans H. sapiens some 60,000-25,000 years ago (Barton et al. 1999). The Project drew together a wide range of specialists, and I (JHC) was lucky enough to join the team to work on the bird remains for my doctorate. I was to look at specimens from four cave sites, two of which (Ibex Cave and Vanguard Cave) had never before been seriously excavated. The other two (Devil's Tower Rock Shelter and Gorham's Cave), had been explored and were in fact rather famous for their archaeological contents, including a Neanderthal child's skull from Devil's Tower. Additionally, these sites had already yielded unusually rich and diverse collections of bird remains, with a total of 56 species found (Bate 1928; Eastham 1968). In palaeornithological circles, Gibraltar was already known as some- where special1. 1 At the time of writing this paper, the combined total of the bird-species list for the four sites stands at about 130 species, making the Gibraltar bird assemblages some of the richest and most diverse known in the Western Palearctic (Cooper unpublished data). 660 British Birds 92: 659-665, December 1999 Cooper & Voous: Iberian Azure-winged Magpies come in from the cold m *17 AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE Figure 2. World distribution of Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus (from Voous 1960). From a very early stage in my research, I was aware of the Azure-winged Magpie question and I think that both Dr Clive Fin- layson, Director of the Gibraltar Museum, and I harboured a sneaking suspicion that, if Pleistocene remains of the species were to be found anywhere in Iberia, then the Gibraltar caves had to be amongst the favourites of possible sites. So, when, in November 1997, I put another passerine humerus from Vanguard Cave under my microscope and found myself examining an immature individual from a previously unencountered species, an Azure-winged Magpie was one of the first specimens I pulled out for comparison. I could not quite believe what I was looking at, but there it was. This, however, was one identification of which I had to be absolutely certain, so it was only after I had made detailed comparisons of the fossil with a range of other small crows that the identity of the find could be con- firmed, a couple of days later, as Azure-winged Magpie. By then, a second, but less-well-preserved, specimen had emerged from another sample, this time from Gorham's Cave. Two sites, two indi- viduals - but were they definitely Pleistocene in age? Examination of the data records for the excavations showed that both specimens had indeed come from Pleistocene sedi- ments, and were not from disturbed 277. Azure-winged Magpies Cyanopica cyanus , Portugal, May 1988 ( Kevin Carlson ) British Birds 92: 659-665, December 1999 661 Cooper & Voous: Iberian Azure-winged Magpies come in from the cold horizons where modern bones have been mixed with older material. In Vanguard Cave, charcoal in the unit which had pro- duced the first specimen had been radiocarbon-dated to over 44,100 years old; in Gorham's Cave, the Azure-winged Magpie shared its unit with evidence of Neanderthal occupation, including hearths and stone tools. I was as certain as I could be that the Gibraltar specimens were indeed evidence of a Pleistocene Iberian population, thus refuting the introduction hypothesis and proving the relict hypoth- esis. The formal description of the finds will appear shortly in Ibis (Cooper in press), but, following a brief presentation at the British Ornithologists' Club (Cooper 1998), 278-279. Azure-winged Magpies Cyanopica cyanus, Portugal, May 1988 ( Kevin Carlson ) 662 British Birds 92: 659-665, December 1999 Cooper & Voous: Iberian Azure-winged Magpies come in from the cold word of the finds is already out and about and, amongst other places (Rank 1999; Rooke 1999), has even made an appearance in an Internet chat room. These finds (and I hope there will be more, and not just in Iberia) are, however, just the beginning; understanding their full biogeographic and taxonomic significance should keep minds occupied for some while yet. JHC ZOOGEOGRAPHICAL COMMENTS Accepting the identification by Joanne Cooper of the subfossil bones (humeri) from the caves in Gibraltar as Azure- winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus to be correct, her discovery described above is among the most exciting pieces of palaeo- geographical news in recent years. Alternatively, these bones could have represented a so-far unknown species of crow (Corvidae), or have originated from the better-known Siberian Jay Perisoreus infaustus. Cyanopica does not figure among the neospecies of Garrulinae from the Pleistocene and Holocene of Europe listed by Brodkorb (1978) and since. We now, however, know that the Azure-winged Magpie must have lived for at least 44,000 years in the Iberian Penin- sula, though it is now absent from the Gibraltar area proper (fig. 1). The highly disjunct range of the Azure- winged Magpie, with a distributional gap of about 9,000 km (fig. 2), is in itself not the most remarkable aspect of the story. Instead, the fact that eastern and western birds look so much alike is exceptional. Therefore, the theory of an artificial, man- induced origin of the small West Mediterranean population was logical (Goodwin 1975, 1976; and above). I find in my files a discussion with P. K. Kinnear ( in litt.) as far back as 1975, who intended to write a note for British Birds on the possi- bility of Portuguese and/or Spanish seafarers having taken Azure-winged Magpies back from China. Dr Santos Junior (University do Porto, Portugal) also wrote to me on this subject even earlier, in 280. Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus , China, May 1993 ( Colin Bradshaw ) 1972. Evidently, in my replies, I had my doubts, as there are other, similar examples of this type of range-disjunction. Among birds, the taxonomy and distrib- ution of the European Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus and the Taiwanese Flamecrest R. goodfellowi could be mentioned in this respect (Stegmann 1938; Voous 1960; Des- fayes 1965; Glutz von Blotzheim & Bauer 1991). Geographically slightly less extreme are the small nuthatches of the Holarctic Sitta canadensis group, with disrupted East Asiatic Snowy-browed Nuthatch S. villosa, Middle Eastern Kriiper's Nuthatch S. krueperi and West Mediterranean Corsican Nuthatch S. whiteheadi and Algerian Nuthatch S. ledanti (Voous & van Marie 1953). West European ornithologists have not shown special interest in the Cyanopica case. Russian ornithologists, on the other hand, seem to have been fascinated by this and other range-disjunctions. Stegmann (1938), in his famous treatise on the geog- raphy of the bird fauna of the USSR, mentioned the Azure-winged Magpie in detail among 49 other examples of Chinese faunal types in the Siberian fauna. Distribution maps of the above men- British Birds 92: 659-665, December 1999 663 Cooper & Voous: Iberian Azure-winged Magpies come in from the cold 281. Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus, Japan ( T. Ishii) tioned species have been provided by Stegmann (1938), Voous (I960), Udvardy (1964), Goodwin (1976), Matyushkin (1976), Perrins & Brooks (1994). Examples of range-disjunctions in Eurasia from among monkeys, amphib- ians, freshwater fishes and insects are mentioned and discussed by Reinig (1937), de Beaufort (1951) and Udvardy (1964). In these cases, however, the morphological similarities between eastern and western representatives are less striking than in the Azure-winged Magpies. The history of these species may date farther back. Habitat changes and destructions caused by Pleistocene glaciations and periglacial climates have been mentioned as the way by which the present conti- nental range disjunctions have been brought about. In the case of the Azure- winged Magpie, proof of this theory could be accepted if subfossil or fossil remains had been unearthed in geographically intermediate regions, such as Italy, South- east Europe or West-Central Asia. Thus, although a lot seems to have been solved by the discovery made by Joanne Cooper, additional questions as to the history of the Azure-winged Magpie and the fauna to which it belongs remain, and probably will remain for a long time to come. In Iberia, the species may be in a slow but steady process of expansion, though in Portugal there may have been some local declines (Dr Eduardo de Juana in litt.; Rui Rufino in litt.). KHV Acknowledgments The work of JHC was funded by a Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) Studentship and the Department of Geology, RHUL, together with the support of the Zoology and Palaeontology Depart- ments of The Natural History Museum, London, and the Department of Geog- raphy, RHUL. We are grateful to Dr Andrew G. Gosler, the Editor of Ibis, for granting permission for this account to appear in British Birds prior to publication of the main paper in Ibis. Permission to reproduce the breeding bird atlas data from Rufino (1989) and Purroy (1997), combined in fig. 1, was kindly given by Rui Rufino & CEMPA and by Lynx Edicions, respectively. The following people were most helpful in the search for photographs of one of the eastern races: Mark Beaman, Dr Colin Bradshaw, the BBC Picture Library, Geoff Carey, Dr Kevin Carlson, Chew Yen Fook, Robin Chittenden, David Cottridge, Paul Doherty, the Frank Lane Picture Agency, Alan Harris, Jo Hemmings, Nigel Hicks, David Hosking, T. Ishii, Paul Leader, Raven Nightshade, Ken Scriven, T. Shiota, Simba Chan, Morten Strange, David Tipling, and, especially, Ray Tipper, who went to consid- erable trouble on our behalf. We are also grateful to Ian Dawson, who assisted with the references. 664 British Birds 92: 659-665, December 1999 Cooper & Voous: Iberian Azure-winged Magpies come in from the cold References Barton, R. N. E., Currant, A., Fernandez-Jalvo,Y., Finlayson, J. C., Goldberg, R, Macphail, R., Pettitt, P. B., & Stringer, C. B. 1999. Gibraltar Neanderthals and results of recent excavations in Gorham’s, Vanguard and Ibex Caves. Antiquity 73: 13-23. Bate, D. M. A. 1928. The animal remains. In: Garrod, D. A. E., Dudley-Buxton, L. H., Elliot Smith, G.j & Bate, D. M. A. Excavation of a Mousterian rock shelter at Devil’s Tower, Gibraltar. J. Roy. Anthropological Inst. 58: 92- 110. Brodkorb, P. 1978. Catalogue of Fossil Birds 5. Bull. Florida State Mus. Biol. Sci. 23 (3): 139- 228. Cooper, J. H. 1998. Cyanopica - a mystery solved (abstract). Bull. BOC 118: 135. In press. First fossil record of Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus in Europe. Ibis. de Beaufort, L. F. 1951. Zoogeography of the Land and Inland Waters. London. Desfayes, M. 1965. Biosystematic note on the genus Regulus. Ardea 53: 82. Dos Santos, J. R. 1968. The colony of Azure- winged Magpie in the Barca d’Alva region. Cyanopica 1: 1-28. Eastham, A. 1968. The avifauna of Gorham’s Cave, Gibraltar. Bull. Inst. Archaeology, Lond. 7: 37-42. Glutz von Blotzheim, U. N., & Bauer, K. M. 1991. Handbuch der Vogel Mitteleuropas. vol. 12. Wiesbaden. Goodwin, D. 1975. Studies of less familiar birds 178 Azure-winged Magpie. Brit. Birds 68: 484- 488. 1976; 1986. Crows of the World. Ithaca; London. Harrison, C. 1982. Atlas of the Birds of the Western Palaearctic. Glasgow. Madge, S., & Burn, H. 1994. Crows and Jays. London. Matyushkin, E. N. 1976. European-East-Asian break between the ranges of terrestrial vertebrates. Zoologicheskij Zhurnal 55: 1277- 1291. [In Russian, English summary p. 1291.] Perrins, C. M., & Brooks, D. J. (eds.) 1994. Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 8. Oxford & New York. Purroy, F. J. 1997. Atlas de las Aves de Espaha (1975-1995). Barcelona. Rank, M. 1999. Discoveries: magpies all over. BBC Wildlife 17(3): 60. Reinig, W. F. 1937. Die Holarktis. Jena. Rooke, S. 1999. A relic uncovered. Birdwatch 86: 24-25. Rufmo, R. 1989. Atlas das Aves que Nidificam em Portugal Continental. Lisboa. Sacarrao, G. F. 1974. Acerca de alguns aspectos problematicos da geografica de Cyanopica cyanus (Pall.)(Aves-Corvidae). Estudos Sobre a Fauna Portuguesa 1: 1-88. Stegmann, B. 1938. Grundziige der ornithogeographischen Gliederung des palaarktischen Gebietes. Faune de I’URSS. Oiseaux. vol. 1 (2): 1-157. Moscow & Leningrad. [In Russian and German.] Tyrberg, T. 1998. Pleistocene birds of the Palearctic: a catalogue. Publications of the Nuttall Orn. Club , no. 27. Udvardy, M. D. F. 1964. Dynamic Zoogeography. New York. Voous, K. H. 1960. Atlas of European Birds. Edinburgh. & van Marie, J. G. 1953. The distributional history of the Nuthatch, Sitta europaea L. Ardea 41: 1-68. Authors Joanne H. Cooper, Bird Group, Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP Prof. Dr K. H. Voous, vd Duyn Van Maas- damlaan 28, Huizen-N.H., Netherlands A Announcement XXIII International Ornithological Congress, Beijing, China, August 2002 The XXIII International Ornithological Congress will be held in Beijing, China, during 1 1 th- 1 7th August 2002. The following officers have been elected: Honorary President, Professor Ernst Sutter (Switzerland); President, Pro- fessor Walter Bock (USA, e-mail: wb4@columbia.edu); Vice President, Pro- fessor Jacques Blondel (France, e-mail: blondel@cefe.cnrs-mop.fr); Secretary- General, Professor Xu Weishu (China, e-mail: s-g@ioc.org.cn); Assistant Secretary- General, The Honorable Liu Feng (China, e-mail: liufeng® public.bta.net.cn); Secre- tary of the International Ornithological Committee, Dr Dominique G. Homberger (USA, e-mail: zodhomb@lsu.edu). The Scientific Program Committee for British Birds 92: 659-665, December 1999 665 Announcement the XXIII International Ornithological Con- gress has been appointed under the chairmanship of Dr Fernando Spina (Isti- tuto Nazionale per la Fauna Selvatica, Via Ca' Fornacetta 9, 1-40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; phone: +39-051-65-12-111; fax: +39-051-79-66-28; e-mail: infsioc@ iper- bole.bologna.it). It includes the following members: Dr Alexander V. Andreev (Russia, email: ted@actor.ru); Professor Ding Changqing (China, e-mail: dingcq@ panda.ioz.ac.cn); Professor Patricia Gowaty (USA, e-mail: gowaty@ecology.uga.edu); Professor Zheng Guangmei (China, e-mail: zhenggm@ bnu.edu.cn); Dr Hiroyoshi Higuchi (Japan, e-mail: higuchi@uf.a.u- tokyo.ac.jp); Dr Lukas Jenni (Switzerland, e-mail: jennil@orninst.ch); Professor Marek Konarzewski (Poland, e-mail: marekk@ cksr.ac.bialystok.pl); Dr Theunis Piersma (The Netherlands, e-mail: theunis@nioz.nl); Professor Pilar Pooswald (Thailand, e-mail: scpps@ mucc.mahidol.ac.th); Dr Richard Schodde (Australia, e-mail: Richard. Schodde® dwe.csiro.au); Dr Lucia Liu Sev- eringhaus (China, e-mail: zolls@gate.sinica. edu.tw); Professor Hans Winkler (Austria, e-mail: H.Winkler@klivv.oeaw.ac.at), Pro- fessor Zhang Zhengwang (China, e-mail: zzw@ bnu.edu.cn); in addition to the Presi- dent, the Secretary-General and the Secretary. General information on the Congress can be obtained via e-mail: infocenter@ioc.org.cn, or via the internet at http:/ / www.ioc.org.cn; information about the IOC can also be obtained from our new home page at http: / / www.nmnh.si.edu/ BIRDNET/IOC. All enquiries about the scientific pro- gramme of the XXIII Congress, as well as comments and suggestions for the general program, plenary lectures, and symposia and round table discussions should be sent to Dr Fernando Spina. All interested ornithologists are invited and urged strongly to submit proposals for symposia and for plenary speakers. Pro- posals for plenary speakers should include the name and address (including e-mail address) of the proposed speaker, and a statement of the possible topic and why the person was proposed. Symposia proposals should include a title, a statement on the expected content of the symposium (not exceeding 1,800 characters), suggested symposia speakers (maximum five, including postal and e-mail addresses), the suggested conveners (a primary convener and a co-convener, including their full postal and e-mail addresses). We strongly encourage use of the internet to submit proposals. The statements on symposia contents should preferably be sent as rich text format (*.rtf) files. It is urged that con- tributors in each symposium be as international as possible. Round Table Dis- cussions can also be proposed at this time, although there will be a subsequent call for proposals for RTDs and for contributed papers. All proposals should reach the Chair of the Committee before the end of April 2000. Proposals can also be sent to indi- vidual members of the Committee, but, in this case, submission should be earlier so that the proposal can be forwarded to the Chair. We look forward to a fruitful meeting in Beijing in the year 2002. Walter J. Bock Professor of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA Looking back One-hundred years ago 'The chief ornithological feature of the year in this district [near Bradford, West York- shire] has been the immense number of Song-Thrushes (Turdus musicus) [T. philomelos] which have bred, in marked contrast to the years 1880 and 1881.' ( Zoologist 3 (fourth series): 554, December 1899) 666 British Birds 92: 666, December 1999 The ornithological year 1998 - PART TWO Barry Nightingale and Keith Allsopp Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica {Alan Harris ) Part One of this summary of ornithological events in Britain and Ireland in the year 1998 (Brit. Birds 92: 354-361) covered the commoner species - all those not on the British Birds Rarities Committee's list - and will henceforth be referred to merely as 'Part One'. This summary, Tart Two', covers the highlights and patterns for all the rarer species (which are highlighted by bold type). Only fully accepted records are included (see Brit. Birds 92: 554-609). Part Two covers the whole of the United Kingdom, but excludes records from the Republic of Ireland, for which details are not yet available from the Irish Rare Birds Committee. A PROMISING START It was the warmest January since 1993. Rainfall was about 30% above normal, and sunshine was above average. In general, it was mild, but stormy, turning drier and colder during the last third. The start of 1998 offered much to satisfy the avid year-listers, with Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps in Greater London, two Great White Egrets Egretta alba, a Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti in Lothian, several Penduline Tits Remiz pen- dulinus (plate 266), Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus and Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis (plate 269), all lingering from 1997. Among the long-stayers were the Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, a Norfolk resi- dent since 1993, and the Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis in Cumbria, there since 1996. North American ducks were also in evidence, with three American Wigeons Anas americana, the Canvasback Aythya val- isineria at Welney (Norfolk) (plate 232) and the Bufflehead Bucephala albeola in Suffolk (plate 233). The pagers were set buzzing on 2nd January by the first 'new rarity' of the year, an Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea in Glam- organ, which stayed for just one day, and then another Great White Egret on 9th January, in Hampshire, the first of 11 new arrivals of this species during 1998. A Laughing Gull Earns atricilla, formerly a British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 667 Nightingale & Allsopp:The ornithological year 1998 Great White Egret Egretta alba ( Mike Langman ) major rarity, at Bude (Cornwall) on 11th January, was the first of five for the year, likewise a Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis in Kent on 16th January, the first of 11, and a Bona- parte's Gull Larus Philadelphia in Cornwall, on 17th January, the first of eight. The year's three Ross's Gulls Rhodostethia rosea, all singles, were at Tingwall (Shetland) on 16th January, staying into May, in Corn- wall, staying during 25th-31st January, and on Belfast Lough (Co. Antrim and Co. Down) during 8th-l2th February. The western half of Britain seemed to dominate proceedings at this time, with a Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus at Slimbridge (Gloucestershire) for much of February (plate 230), a Two-barred Cross- bill Loxia leucoptera in Gloucestershire (plate 268) which stayed into March, a White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii off Corn- wall on 19th February, an Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba at Chew Valley Lake (Avon) on 18th February followed by a very early Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica in Pembrokeshire on 20th, with another in Dorset on 26th February, and a Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius in Devon on 22nd February. The middle third of February was rather warm and sunny, with temperatures at 850 mbar reaching 8°C, and for Central England there have been only two warmer Febru- arys since records began. No doubt this encouraged the aerial feeders to move up from southern climes. March was another mild month, but was mostly cloudy and wet, and, indeed, it was a gloomy month over the whole of the UK. Two much-sought-after raptors arrived mid-month, with a Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus on North Uist (Outer Flebrides) on 12th, staying until April, and an early Black Kite Milvus migrans in the West Midlands on 17th, which typically moved on quickly. The spotlight then moved back to southwest England with a Cattle Egret in Dorset on 19th, and another at Berrow (Somerset) on 21st, the latter arriving on the same day as a Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus at Slapton Ley (Devon). A surge of unusually warm southerly winds during 27th-30th March brought a good fall of common migrants to Dunge- ness (Kent) (see Part One, page 355), and then a Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla on 30th, confirming this site's virtual monopoly of the species. The next day saw perhaps one of the least unex- pected arrivals, with the Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus reappearing at Dawlish Warren (Devon). It stayed until 10th May. April was exceptionally wet, and depressions dominated throughout the month. It was the coldest April since 1989, and over England and Wales it was the wettest since 1818, and in eastern England the dullest since 1966. A Desert Wheatear, a rare spring record, brightened the day at Flamborough Plead (East Yorkshire) on 5th, and was followed by a Gyr Falcon, which strayed across the Devon /Cornwall county boundary during 6th-9th April. A Caspian 668 British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 Nightingale & Allsopp:The ornithological year 1998 Tern Sterna caspia on 16th April on Papa Westray (Orkney) was less accessible, but there were five more to come in 1998. The discovery in Norfolk of a Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis of the commoner black-throated race atrogularis at Snet- tisham on 25th, and a Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides at Pensthorpe on 26th April (plates 227 & 228) coincided with a heavy influx of the Greenland race of Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa into that county. Farther north, a very unusual spring find was a Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus on Fetlar (Shet- land) on 30th April, the only record for the year, but a Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantil- lans at Girdleness (Northeast Scotland) on the same day was followed by another ten during May and June. An exciting May High pressure dominated May's weather until 25th; it was dry and quite sunny. A southerly airstream brought ground tem- peratures of over 20°C on many days, and in the airspace used by aerial feeders it exceeded 15°C during the first half of the month. An Alpine Swift at Brading (Isle of Wight) on 6th May, already the year's eighth, preceded another eight in May, all no doubt enjoying the ideal feeding condi- tions. There were to be a further six by the end of September and this compares to an average of less than ten annual occurrences of Alpine Swift during the last 40 years. A Black Kite at Sancreed (Cornwall) on 2iad was the first of 13 during May. A Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus at Shellness (Kent) on 5th May (plate 240) arrived on the same day as the only large fall of the month at Duiageness, and stayed until 10th May, proving very popular, and there was another at Stanpit (Dorset), which stayed for four days from 13th-16th May. With southerly winds from 8th May, very warm and humid weather brought a veritable rush of rarities. On 8th May, a Black Stork Ciconia nigra arrived in West Sussex and a Great Reed Warbler Acro- cephalns arundinaceus in East Sussex, the first of seven in May, to be followed the next day by a Black-winged Stilt in Cam- bridgeshire and a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia at Eyebrook Reservoir (Leicestershire). Another fusion of Nearctic and southern European birds around 10th- 11th May included two Little Swifts Apus affinis, in Cleveland and Cornwall, a Sar- dinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala and a Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia in Shetland (there were six of this last species in Scotland in May-June, plates 250-255), a Cattle Egret in Greater London, and a Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan (plates 243 & 244), the latter briefly teaming up with a Laughing Gull at Titchwell (Norfolk) (plate 241). Remarkably, both gulls were later seen at Kirkby-on-Bain (Lincolnshire), Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus ( Mike Langman) British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 669 Nightingale & Allsopp:The ornithological year 1998 though not simultaneously. The Franklin's Gull was last seen on 15th May at Hillwell (Shetland), a site frequented by another Laughing Gull which had stayed in the area from March through to August. Also in May, there were two Bonaparte's Gulls in Anglesey and one in Kent (plate 245). A Great Snipe Gallincigo media at Holkham (Norfolk) on 12th May did not stay, and was the only one of the spring, but a Red-rumped Swallow at Dungeness on the same day was already the sixth for the year. A White-billed Diver at Unst (Shetland) on 15th May, and another at Vatersay (Outer Hebrides) on 17th sand- wiched more southern visitors - a Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertimis in Suffolk and a Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica of the western race his- panica in Dorset, both on 16th. Inaccessible to most observers was a Pallid Swift Apus pallidus on St Agnes on 17th May (plate 247), the first for Scilly, but a Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops, a road casualty near Beith (Clyde) on 20th May, was later released from care in front of an apprecia- tive audience of about 300 birders. Another Pallid Swift, at Cliffe (Kent), on 25th May performed all too briefly, the same county attracting three Black-winged Stilts, at Elmley, on 26th. On that day, too, a River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis was found singing at Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire), arriving on a day when not very much else did there. A DULL SUMMER, BUT SOME EXCELLENT BIRDS June was dull and very wet, with low pres- sure dominating the month's weather. Brief spells of warm air from the south brought some relief around 6th, and during 19th- 24th. From a rarities point of view, June was also largely uneventful, but was illu- minated by some real stars, with Pied-billed Grebes at Stirling (Forth Area) during 3rd-7th, and Mull (Argyll) on 8th, and a White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis at Noss (Shetland), also on 8th. The last week of June saw no rest from the unsettled weather, with all areas recording frequent heavy showers and thunder. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the month went out in style, with an Alpine Swift in Co. Down on 23rd, yet another Little Swift, in Lincolnshire on 26th, enabling many observers to catch up with that species, a Squacco Heron in Notting- hamshire on 27th and three Cattle Egrets in Kent on 28th. July was changeable, with frequent rain and a lack of sunshine, although mean temperatures were close to the long-term normal. The first week brought northerly winds to Britain, which coincided with the arrival of three major rarities, all of which were to be long-stayers. An Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus on Anglesey from 2nd July until 8th August was the second for that island, after the first in 1985. A Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva at Buckenham (Norfolk) on 4th July stayed to 25th July and was widely admired, but no more so than a Black Stork found on the Ythan Estuary (Northeast Scotland) on 3rd July, which touched down in Northumber- land, before settling in Suffolk from 12th August to 12th September (plate 229), when it was last seen flying out to sea. From about 6th July, a flow of air from Greenland brought a northwesterly, then a westerly flow across Britain, and, with it, cloud and heavy rain. A White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis at Breydon (Norfolk) on 6th July was the first of five in July, with another six in August. August, and more Americans Mean temperatures in August were about average, and it was another dull month in the North and West, but notably sunny in the Southeast. There were longer periods of settled weather than we had seen in either June or July. A Pallid Swift, in Der- byshire on 3rd August, was the third of the year, and a Blue-winged Teal Anas discors at Dungeness on 6th August was the first of nine. A first-winter Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola on Lundy on 6th August (plates 248 & 249) was very early; had it 670 British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 Nightingale & Allsopp:The ornithological year 1998 perhaps been reared in Western Europe? A depression which had developed over Labrador on 17th August then crossed the north Atlantic to Britain in just two days, bringing blustery winds, and then several more depressions gave plenty of opportu- nities for birds to cross the Atlantic rather quickly. A Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii in Nottinghamshire on 19th August was followed by another in Dorset on 24th, and a Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor at Tywyn (Meirionethshire) on 27th August was the only one in 1998. A ridge of high pressure developed across Britain from 27th onwards, and the last few days of August were mostly dry and sunny. An Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis on Fair Isle (Shetland) on 29th August (plate 265) was the first of three, with others at Quen- dale (Shetland) and in Norfolk, but they were typically outnumbered by Greenish Warblers P. trochiloides, of which there were seven. Scotland attracts EASTERLY VAGRANTS September was warm in all areas, owing to a dominance of southwesterly and southerly winds. The first fall of the autumn on Fair Isle occurred on 3rd and included a Great Snipe, to be followed by five more during the autumn (plate 238), all except one in the Northern Isles, and a Citrine Wagtail, which was followed by three more in September, with none farther south than Girdleness. A Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata at No Ness (Shetland), also on 3rd, was the first of six in Sep- tember, with five of those in Shetland and one in Argyll, and a Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus on 5th September, at Fife Ness (Fife), the first of 14 more widely scat- tered individuals during the autumn. The year's only Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocat- actes appeared in Kent on 6th (plate 267). Waders, seabirds and NIGHTHAWKS TWO Good numbers of Little Stints Calidris minuta and Curlew Sandpipers C. ferrug- inea in the first half of September (see Part One, page 359) coincided with another Terek Sandpiper, in Suffolk on 6th Sep- tember, and an American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica at Saltend (East York- shire) on 8th September, the first of 11 during the autumn. During 6th-9th, a dis- turbed southwesterly flow affected Britain, with a vigorous depression, the aftermath of 'Hurricane Danielle', centred off western Scotland. With troughs around its southern flank came high winds and thundery rain, and a whole string of depressions tracking in from the west. Two Common Nighthawks Chordeiles minor in Scilly were most welcome, a male being widely admired on St Agnes from 9th (plate 246), until it was found dead on 14th September, and a female on St Mary's from 12th-20th September, enabling many to catch up with this enigmatic species. Following the duo on St Agnes in 1955, this double arrival was not unprecedented, but certainly not anticipated. Seawatching in the first half of Sep- tember was exciting too, with good numbers of the large shearwaters Calonec- tris/Puffinus and Sabine's Gulls Lams sabini appearing off the headlands (see Part One, pages 357-358). Two good finds amongst them were single Wilson's Storm- petrels Oceanites oceanicus, off Newquay (Cornwall) on 10th September and off Strumble Head (Pembrokeshire) on 11th, the latter a repeat of the September 1997 record. Two Thrush Nightingales, at Whalsay (Shetland) on 10th and Icklesham (East Sussex) on 11th September, both trapped, were the seventh and eighth of the year. In parallel with the excitement in Scilly, more Nearctic waders were arriving. A Baird's Sandpiper at Davidstowe Airfield (Cornwall) on 11th September was fol- lowed by three more by 24th September. A Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla at Chichester Gravel-pits (West Sussex) on 12th September arrived simultaneously with a good fall of landbird migrants in Sussex, including Red-backed Shrike British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 671 Nightingale & Allsopp:The ornithological year 1998 Lanins collurio, Wryneck Jynx torquilla, Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria and Yellow- browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus. An Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda at Sancreed on 18th September was not so co- operative as some have been, and a Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus found dead on Bardsey on 19th September even less so. Dream time for Fair Isle From 20th September onwards, there were arrivals of some classic eastern vagrants. A high north of Iceland moved northeast, and an easterly flow on its southern flank crossed Scandinavia into Britain, bringing fog and low cloud to many eastern dis- tricts. An Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina on Fair Isle on 20th was the first- ever there, and heralded a real purple patch for the island, and for Shetland in general. A Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata on Unst on 21st, a Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi on Fair Isle and an obliging Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida on St Agnes (plates 261 & 262), both found on 24th, with the latter staying until 8th October, set the pulses racing. Over the past 40 years, about eight Rustic Buntings Emberiza rustica have occurred each year on average, so numbers in 1998 were quite remarkable (see fig. 1). At least nine were on Fair Isle from 24th September onwards, with 16 elsewhere before the end of the month (plate 271), including six on 27th, with another seven arriving by 6th October. All were found along the east coast of England or in the Northern Isles, with only two later records elsewhere, in Scilly on 11th October (plate 270) and at Portland on 18th October. A Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus on the Fame Islands (Northumberland) on 25th Sep- tember was followed by another, on the Ythan Estuary on 27th (plates 256 & 257), an Isabelline Wheatear at Whitby (East Yorkshire) on 26th and the first of five Lanceolated Warblers on Fair Isle during 26th September to 6th October, arriving there with a Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla and three Richard's Pipits Anthus novaesee- landiae. A brief interlude of American celebrities involved a Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri in Orkney and a Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus in Shetland, both on 28th September. Four Pallas's Grasshopper Warblers Locustella certhiola on Fair Isle, during the nine-day period from 30th September to 8th October (plates 209 & 210), and a Pechora Pipit there on 1st October together with a Red-throated Pipit and three Short- toed Larks Calandrella brachydactyla, a Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka at Spurn (East Yorkshire) on 2nd, accompanied by a host of scarce migrants, and a Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax at Sumburgh (Shet- land) on 4th opened up October's account in real style. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (John Gale ) 672 British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 Nightingale & Allsopp:The ornithological year 1998 The turn of SOUTHEAST ENGLAND Northeasterly winds blew during the first week of October, but thereafter southwest- erlies and westerlies dominated the weather. It was very wet, with some flooding, and many local rainfall records were broken. Frontal conditions were set almost per- manently across the East Anglian region until 8th October, and there was much rain, in particular overnight on 5th /6th. Consid- ering the huge numbers of common migrants that arrived in southeast England during lst-7th October (see Part One, pages 359-360), there were relatively few rarities. An Isabelline Wheatear in Suffolk on 1st, a Great Reed Warbler at Dungeness and a Rustic Bunting in Norfolk, both on 4th, and three Red-throated Pipits, in Greater London, Kent and Norfolk during 3rd-10th October, were good finds. It was, however, non-passerine rarities that created some considerable excitement in Kent for a few days, with a White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla at Graveney Marshes on 7th-8th October, a Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius there from 8th- 19th, with, remarkably, another at nearby Capel Fleet from 10th October to 1st November. Dusky Warblers Phylloscopus fuscatus arrived, too, at Tynemouth (Northum- berland) on 9th and Holkham Meals on 11th October, and two White's Thrushes Zoothera dauma, the first found dead beneath a window in Lothian on 12th October, but the other lingering on Lewis (Outer Hebrides) during 14th-26th October (plate 12). The year's third Red-flanked Bluetail appeared, at St Mar- garet's (Kent) on 18th October, at the same time as a huge influx of Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris along the east coast of England (see Part One, page 360). ... AND SCILLY STRIKES BACK Southwestern Britain, and Scilly in partic- ular, had, so far, had a quiet October, but an Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni on St Mary's on 20th was the start of an exciting period. A developing wave depression, starting off the eastern Amer- ican seaboard on 22nd, deepened on 23rd and moved at speed to reach Britain on 24th October. Frequent and prolonged rain over western Britain, with severe flooding in some parts, and very strong winds, including a gust of 87 mph at Portland, typified the weather until early November. A recently dead Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus at St Ives (Cornwall) on 23rd October, an American Robin Turdus migratorius on St Agnes on 26th-28th (plate 259) and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus on Bryher (Scilly) from 30th October to 1st November (plates Figure 1. Distribution by vice-counties of Rustic Buntings Emberiza rustica during autumn 1998 0 courtesy P. A. Fraser). Records for the Republic of Ireland, if any, are not included. British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 673 Nightingale & Allsopp:The ornithological year 1998 272 & 273) were the most obvious results. Somehow, a Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi battled against the flow and reached St Agnes on 1st November. Amaz- ingly, these records of the last five species mentioned, were the only ones of the year anywhere in Britain. By contrast, Terek Sandpipers in Findhorn Bay (Moray & Nairn) from 29th-31st October, and at Ardmore Point (Clyde) on 31st October were the fourth and fifth of the year of this once extreme rarity. Considering that the first British record of Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis was as recent as 1987, a mul- tiple arrival was notable, with three at Loch of Spiggie (Shetland) on 1st November, another on Islay (Argyll) on 6th November, and then in December two in Cornwall and another in Orkney. A Sub- alpine Warbler at Dungeness and a Red-eyed Vireo at Loe Pool (Cornwall), both on 3rd November, with the latter staying until 7th November, were atypi- cally late, but a Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei at St Margaret's on 2nd - what a year that locality had! - and Dusky Warblers in Dorset and Northum- berland on 4th November were about on schedule. Winter, and late arrivals November was cold, and in southern England and the Midlands rather dry, but the western areas that had suffered flooding during October saw no respite in the early part of the month. Severe frosts were noted, and on three nights in Scot- land temperatures dropped to -10°C, and it was not until 24th November that milder weather returned. Two transatlantic visitors, a Pied-billed Grebe at Nanjizal (Cornwall) on 5th November and a Bufflehead at Roadford Reservoir (Devon) on 20th November, both stayed into 1999. Another Hume's Warbler, in Cornwall on 22nd November, was found on the same day as two Blyth's Pipits Anthus godlewskii at Portland Bill, one staying until 6th December. The last two Great White Egrets of the year appeared in Co. Down and in Devon on 25th and 26th November. December was changeable, and at times was very mild, with a westerly airflow dominating the middle third of the month. Rainfall was above average for much of Britain, and sunshine was near or rather below average. For those seeking rarities, there was a quiet spell until 7th December, when an Ivory Gull was found at Inver- polly (Highland) and a Pied Wheatear in Northumberland the next day. A Red- breasted Goose Branta ruficollis at Kercock (Perth & Kinross) on 13th December was the fourth of the year, and a Dark-throated Thrush on 26th December at Maidenhead (Berkshire) stayed into 1999, as did an American Black Duck Anas rubripes, the year's third, found on the Camel Estuary (Cornwall) on 27th. So ended another exciting year, and, although some expected species were thin on the ground, several former major rari- ties showed in force: Pied-billed Grebes, Cattle Egrets, Great White Egrets, Lesser Scaups, Terek Sandpipers and Pallas's Grasshopper Warblers. Others, too, showed great consideration by lingering: Black Stork, Gyr Falcon, Semipalmated Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Sociable Lapwings, Common Nighthawks and White's Thrush; all provided ample oppor- tunity to be added to many a life list. Acknowledgments We are grateful to the British Birds Rarities Committee, and especially its Secretary, Mike Rogers, and to the Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association, and especially its Records Secretary, George Gordon, for complete information on accepted major rarities in the United Kingdom. Authors Barry Nightingale, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Keith Allsopp, 137 Redbridge, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes MK14 6DL £ 674 British Birds 92: 667-674, December 1999 Young Ornithologists of the Year This competi- tion requires entrants to submit their field notebook (or, in most cases, note- books) for the current year, as well as any other more per- manent records of fieldwork. The aim is to encourage the accurate reporting of obser- vations, so that today's young birders become the active BTO and local bird club members (or, perhaps, even BTO, RSPB or Wildlife Trust staff) of the future. The standard of the winning entries was as high this year as in other recent years, but the number of entries was lower than in 1998, and there was not a single entry in the senior age-group (18-21 years). It seems that the birdwatcher's notebook has become unfashionable. To quote a former Warden of Fair Isle Bird Observatory and the current Curator of the Shetland Biolog- ical Records Centre, Dr Roger Riddington: ' . . . the number of birders who rarely carry or never use a notebook astonishes me. When I'm chasing up species descriptions it irritates me no end that someone has found a Great Snipe [Gallinago media] (for example) but hasn't taken any notes on it' ( Bird Watching, October 1999, page 113). Hear! Hear! We hope that this competition will help to encourage at least some young birders to do better than their elders in this respect. The winners and runners-up this year were as follows: INTERMEDIATE 15-17 years 1st Jeremy Bird (16) Kent (91%) 2nd Robert Martin (17) Nottingham (73%) JUNIOR 14 and under 1st Matthew Slaymaker (14) Milton Keynes (84%) 2nd Saul Cowen (14) Wiltshire (67%) Sponsored by Brasher Boot Co. BTO Christopher Helm Hamlyn HarperCollins New Holland PanMacmillan Pica Press T. & A. D. Poyser Swarovski WildWings To quote the judges, Jeremy Bird's four field notebooks included 'excellent written notes' and 'sketches of what the birds were actually doing'. He was a much-travelled observer, but nevertheless included obser- vations and descriptions of common as well as rare birds. Rob Martin's three note- books included sketches of birds in the field which were 'very good, neat and "clean"'. Matthew Slaymaker's enthusiasm came across in his five notebooks, which included Tots of extra remarks and field sketches', with 'observations of common birds even on days when he "twitched" rarities'. Saul Cowen's notes mostly com- prised lists, but with a commentary indi- cating the birds' activities or habitats. Some examples of pages from the winners' and runners-up's field notebooks are shown overleaf. The 2000 competition is open to anyone living in Britain and Ireland who will be aged under 22 on the closing date of 1st September 2000. Entrants just need to send their field notebook(s), and any other records which they keep, together with a note of their date of birth and a suitable SAE for the return of their entry. We hope that anyone knowing an enthusiastic and talented young birder will encourage him or her to use a field note- British Birds 92: 675-677, December 1999 675 Young Ornithologists of the Year book and to submit it for this competition, which carries an astonishing array of prizes, courtesy of the 11 co-sponsors. The major senior prize in 2000 will be a pair of Swarovski 10x42EL binoculars. /. T. R. Sharrock (BB), Adam Rowlands (BBRC), B. A. E. Marr (BOU), Jeff Baker (BTO), Robert Gillmor (SWLA) and David Chandler (YOC), do Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Mr ccyzs . d 3 C- — ' L r [ — * \z IfD J veJ- \K j 2 er,-. \ r I $ <5S\ si'. or--'' [J J"T — -C5cF^-- ‘jT^ I J(/,A-A.oe^ *7 ^ O' ' |2 ^•(1 ^6^ *xt( Coe-D Psfx (cAi k^uu, per^&r^^rv^ ^ och .. bl 4 V . ~ ■ C '^S . 4 c/ , , j fcrKL. Wft t'r& r VW, • Jt e„ fwCy lOXo' Ttrc^r, jlWCf **£'1/ ' ^ ? •''0-6 tifiS WL, 0*\ Jeremy Bird (Intermediate winner) 1W T yi c>lry<,e.d' \JC~ry ^Lc-^<^Igj\c Ahs c^iaI^ aJr- c-^OO^d^ r«^^r -- P$ jt/kytL u4 CLl CTZt '5 ^ ^ eaoC . ■ o-t, c. reaihy «-«J/ UcJot*^ La^uA.f *^ecy . j IA91" ^ > wvvJcHtxi Jy l^Oc ©j jA*v> d?\no O'* e^e. -{ ©L&_rt_ 4r^*/ i ©«> uek>^. - h>o U^, b&i. v^/<^ iA^&o(c) fi>n,cz. ^^c-/c iuvici Kc. bb*-£- ('llslce^ yt>Ur c^ejr ^ tL^^Lculo^) oj - pynkj&h „ \*/.4& bd. o*^- Ce^cdtst™ h&ol'&J /a>^ £0> weM ^-v f if e^yc/ . ^?uej~^JX Yej ■ ^ t dui /-^n c /■“•vcs biS~ &- cTc-( <5oie_ ct^pre p^Oft f J fr4e^t _wi l-o «>- P o *- ce-Cccvr^ 0uii , \rj['s)eA St /o^t^ Uje.d.e} j \^uM_ ; tioUe. fr - . 5ol>J lAylv^Tii (yiocM- on P[0 ( rt^or 6i'^ CryLy °^ej' vdbJm. ajvn , pe_r/tz> owJ^jr- i^ei? Ltc. — ^fC^? ,u*n'JC_r l-lwo wi-^e WaJ tr>n^ «iA (-^«. w#t^ ClL&nj < fL^c. u-U>e . Vs-^ Cjoad tooh+~- zjujJ , [*uC4^jiy pIOL©n (r+JJ. , to Robert Martin (Intermediate second) 676 British Birds 92: 675-677, December 1999 Young Ornithologists of the Year ! Scszsi-y , c (oudtj/ (fep^. 1 f«£Q- 1 GiO*& y / /£&c>Zre/, 1 d* ^fnr/tldfcU'K' ^ -f Z_6 ^xdfe /)vddy TdaJLlaecLi^ To-feed f&cJno~d dhcudLgj' Tk&l, CcuL-joMj dooT . ^icSf^JSl (y/ C Lfu GrM%j &reuj(a^ 6oW/ /-/u4 ,&/?/!.. dac-^clo^ jy C. CroisSj flcok^ Haof* fe'Stgj/j/icj/ i AZisqfesfa |^ 6^? /~/e^v iSy / - | <3°d^LdcsL5/ / Giotci/tixck, \ Ifeackt 'frcto/ do~f I r'^ Z7^T- iWoccb iqfijOO/ I i broi^ ^oodlpsck^y ^ Matthew Slaymaker (Junior winner) Pochorch A*A^cd> «S*E ■ K 3e ndJu^Q head ojfe feot f AM, i» f®r tfi. -4' >«£* <» J *» I&- <& ' o «Lli L- -4*^1 :aJ> |y j«. / rtsAM^ . iy Ur-Q^J- o b*M- Wi" 0 JH 0 r,-,v/ aCidss j-ulo^y — k vr'-C VU :o/\ r^-l kj ^,a^. ^rtKil* J-& LdV. - 3 ^ .H 2 ^Vip fc <\ 2 >VN{\ UyOU^Ly .,yrLf^ iWt fT~'?r'' J322 I flVo&k cW lAinrAJec^ Sp he.... GrPcaJhgo 0 2 C/Jac-, 7 feA 'T vj' Lala O^c^oiai^ i[wki<^ "d VidiilS. ^5> W°^p IS!?! ■ I Course f-,J-X j^Ji jT^J-7 ' ‘ d dej° ^-.st^s. Gyr, accepted records, 569 — ■ — > Lanner, European news, 285 , Peregrine, British breeding records in 1996, 137; European news, 285; photo- graph, 304, plate 87; British breeding records in 1997, 408 , Red-footed, European news, 69, 285; accepted records, 569 Farinha, Joao Carlos, European news, 278-300 Fellowes, Edmund, 3rd place. Bird Photograph of the Year 1999, of Peregrine Falcon, 304, plate 87 Fentiman, C., see Wilson, T. G. Ferguson, David, letter on single-observer first-for-Britain records, 483-4 Ficedula albicollis, see Flycatcher, Collared hypoleuca, see Flycatcher, Pied parva, see Flycatcher, Red-breasted semitorquata, see Flycatcher, Semi-collared Field characters: Pink-footed Goose, 380-1, plate 143; Dotterel, 434, plate 159; Sooty Gull, 488-9, plate 180; Yellow-legged Gull, 613-14, plate 274; Egyptian Nightjar, 155- 61, plate 28; European and Red-necked Nightjars, 194-6, 362-4, plates 43-6, 128-33; Bar-tailed Desert Lark, 380, plate 142; Short-toed and Lesser Short-toed Larks, 308-12, plates 94-102; Lesser Short-toed Lark, 682, plate 282; Sky Lark, 169, plate 31; Berthelot's Pipit, 545, plate 216; Dark- throated Thrush, 40-46, plates 4-6; Paddyfield Warbler, 477-9, plates 177-8; Booted Warbler, 477-9, plates 174-6; Hume's Warbler, 96-100, plates 18-20; Common Rosefinch, 112-3, 469-71, plate 23; Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, 524-31, plates 190-206, and colour plate Fieldfare, British breeding records in 1996, 148; unusually aggressive defence of food source, 371; British breeding records in 1997, 421-2 Finch, Trumpeter, European news, 81 Firecrest, European news, 80; British breeding records in 1996, 151; summary for 1998, 355; British breeding records in 1997, 424-5 Fisher, David, short review, 202; identification of Marsh Sandpiper, 272-3, plate 74; identi- fication of Dotterel, 434, plate 159 Fisher, Ian, photographs of Common Rosefinch, 449, 464, plates 169, 172-3; of Arctic Warbler, 598, plate 265 Flamingo, Greater, European news, 280 Flycatcher, Collared, European news, 80; pho- tographs, 383, 439, plates 148, 162; accept- ed records, 599 , Pied, three dead in nestbox with Common Redstart, 259 , Red-breasted, numbers in Britain in 1996, 30; numbers in Britain in 1997, 649-50 , Semi-collared, European news, 298 , Spotted, communal flycatching, 372 Food and feeding behaviour: Little Egret and Red-breasted Merganser, 365; Grey Heron, 679; Hen Harrier, 485-6; Common Kestrel, 366; Moorhen, 204, 313; White-winged Black Tern, 169; Fieldfare, 371; Spotted Flycatcher, 372 Fournet, Thierry, photographs of Blyth's Pipit, 294, plates 83-4 Fowler, Tom, photograph of European Nightjar, 195, plate 44 Fox, Richard, butterflies for new millennium, 193, plate 42 Fraser, Peter A., et al., report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1996, 3-35, plates 1-2; report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1997, 618-58 Fringilla coelebs, see Chaffinch montifringilla, see Brambling From the Rarities Committee's files: Booted Warblers with long supercilia: the 1976 Fair Isle bird, 477-9, plates 174-8 Frost, R. A., photograph of European Honey- buzzard, 342, plate 120 Fulica americana, see Coot, American atra, see Coot, Common Fulmar, summary for 1998, 358 Fulmarus glacialis, see Fulmar Gadwall, British breeding records in 1996, 127-8; summary for 1998, 355; British breeding records in 1997, 397 Gallinago gallinago, see Snipe, Common media, see Snipe, Great stenura, see Snipe, Pintail Gallinula chloropus, see Moorhen Gannet, Northern, European news, 65; sum- mary for 1998, 358 Garganey, British breeding records in 1996, 128-9; British breeding records in 1997, 398-9 Garrulus glandarius, see Jay, Eurasian Gavia adamsii, see Diver, White-billed arctica, see Diver, Black-throated British Birds Index to volume 92 695 immer, see Diver, Great Northern — — stellata, see Diver, Red-throated Geister, Iztok, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Geothlypis trichas, see Yellowthroat, Common Gibbons, David, conservation research news, 533 Gillings, Simon, and Wilson, Andy, wintering farmland birds, 532 Gillmor, Robert, photograph of judges of Bird Illustrator of the Year 1999, 315, plate 103; review of Greenhalf: Towards the Sea, 680 — — > > et al., Bird Illustrator of the Year 1999, 347-53 > , see Sharrock, ]. T. R., et al. Glareola nordmanni, see Pratincole, Black- winged pratincola, see Pratincole, Collared Glaucidium passerinum, see Owl, Pygmy Godwit, Black-tailed, British breeding records in 1996, 141-2; European news, 289; sum- mary for 1998, 355-6; British breeding records in 1997, 413-4 Goldcrest, photograph, 305, plate 89; summary for 1998, 360 Goldeneye, Barrow's, European news, 283 , Common, British breeding records in 1996, 130; European news, 283; British breeding records in 1997, 400-1 Goldfinch, European news, 299 Goosander, European news, 284 Goose, Bar-headed, British breeding records in 1996, 178; European news, 281; British breeding records in 1997, 473 , Barnacle, European news, 66, 281; British breeding records in 1996, 178-9; British breeding records in 1997, 474 , Bean, European news, 281 , Brent, European news, 66, 281-2, plate 81; photograph of B. b. nigricans, 217, plate 49; accepted records of B. b. nigricans, 562 , Canada, photograph, 218, plate 54; European news, 281 , Egyptian, British breeding records in 1996, 179; British breeding records in 1997, 474 , Greylag, summary for 1998, 360 , Lesser White-fronted, European news, 281; accepted records, 561-2, plate 230 , Pink-footed, European news, 281; identi- fication, 380-1, plate 143; British breeding records in 1997, 473 , Red-breasted, European news, 66, 282; accepted records, 563 — , Snow, European news, 66; British breed- ing records in 1996, 178; British breeding records in 1997, 474 — , White-fronted, British breeding records in 1996, 178; European news, 281; British breeding records in 1997, 473 Gorban, Igor, European news, 278-300 Goshawk, Northern, British breeding records in 1996, 134; British breeding records in 1997, 405 Grebe, Black-necked, European news, 64; British breeding records in 1996, 125; sum- mary for 1998, 355; British breeding records in 1997, 394-5 , Great Crested, feeding behaviour exploit- ed by White-winged Black Tern, 369 — - — > Pied-billed, photograph, 217, plate 51; European news, 278; accepted records, 557 , Red-necked, British breeding records in 1996, 124; British breeding records in 1997, 394 , Slavonian, European news, 64; British breeding records in 1996, 125; summary for 1998, 360-1; British breeding records in 1997, 394 Greenfinch, European news, 81; photograph, 305, plate 88 Greenshank, British breeding records in 1996, 142; European news, 289; British breeding records in 1997, 414; photograph, 496, plate 186 Griffiths, Robin, letter on Barn Swallow giving specific alarm call for Hobby, 51 Grosbeak, Pine, European news, 81, 299 , Rose-breasted, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; accepted records, 605-6, plates 272-3 Grus grus, see Crane, Common Grussu, Marcello, status and breeding ecology of the Purple Swamp-hen in Italy, 183-92, plates 36-41 Guillemot, Black, summary for 1998, 360 , Briinnich's, European news, 291 , Common, European news, 74 Gulklett, Marita, photograph of European Storm-petrel, 484, plate 179 Gull, Black-headed, European news, 291; with black bill, 612 , Bonaparte's, European news, 73, 290; accepted records, 580-1, plate 245 , Common, European news, 291 , Franklin's, European news, 290; accepted records, 579-80, plates 242-4 , Glaucous- winged, European news, 73 •, Great Black-headed, European news, 290 , Herring, photographs of L. a. smithsoni- anus, 536, plates 211-3; accepted records of l. a. smithsonianus, 581 , Iceland, European news, 74, 291; accept- ed records, 582 , Ivory, accepted records, 582 , Laughing, European news, 72-3, 290; photographs, 322, 440, plates 105, 163; 696 British Birds Index to volume 92 accepted records, 579, plate 241 , Lesser Black-backed, European news, 291 , Mediterranean, European news, 72, 290; British breeding records in 1996, 143; British breeding records in 1997, 414-5 , Ring-billed, numbers in Britain in 1996, 17; European news, 73, 291; photographs, 171, 324, plates 33, 113; numbers in Britain in 1997, 634-5 ■, Ross's, European news, 74, 291; accepted records, 582 , Sabine's, numbers in Britain in 1996, 16- 17; European news, 290; summary for 1998, 358; photograph, 551, plate 221; num- bers in Britain in 1997, 633-4 , Slender-billed, European news, 73; pho- tograph, 324, plate 112 , Sooty, identification, 488-9, plate 180 , Yellow-legged, European news, 73, 291, plate 15; photograph, 217, plate 50; British breeding records in 1997, 415; identifica- tion of, 613-14, plate 274 Gustin, Marco, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Gypaetus barbatus, see Lammergeier Gyps fulvus, see Vulture, Griffon rueppellii, see Vulture, Rilppell's Habitat, recording of, 386-8 Haliaetus albicilla, see Eagle, White-tailed Halley, Axel, photograph of Rough-legged Buzzard, 214, plate 47; of Wilson's Storm- petrel, 306, plate 91; of Bar-tailed Desert Lark, 380, plate 142 Hamblin, Tony, winner. Bird Photograph of the Year 1999, of Little Owl, 302, plate 85, award presentation, 548, plate 218; photo- graph of Goldcrest, 305, plate 89 Handrinos, George I., European news, 64-82, 278-300 Harding, Matthew, short review, 265 Harrier, Hen, proposal for translocation, 107; British breeding records in 1996, 133; European news, 284; British breeding records in 1997, 404; 'hedge-hopping' behaviour, 485-6 , Marsh, British breeding records in 1996, 132-3; European news, 284; British breed- ing records in 1997, 403-4 , Montagu's, British breeding records in 1996, 133-4; European news, 284; British breeding records in 1997, 404-5 , Pallid, European news, 69 Harriman, John, photograph of Hume's Waibler, 100, plate 20; of Brent Goose, 217, plate 49; of Lesser Short-toed Lark, 309, plate 97; of Red-throated Pipit, 382, plate 147; of Long-tailed Rosefinch, 500, plate 189; of Blue-winged Teal, 564, plate 231 Harris, Alan, see Gillmor, Robert, et al. Harrop, A. H. J., see Vinicombe, K. E. Hart, R. C., photographs of Booted Warbler, 478, plates 175-6 Harvey, Paul, and Bradshaw, Colin, Booted Warblers with long supercilia: the 1976 Fair Isle bird, 477-9, plates 174-8 Hathway, R. J., photograph of Common Nighthawk, 584, plate 246 Hatton, D. H., photograph of Collared Flycatcher, 439, plate 162 Hawfinch, European news, 81 Hearn, Peter, see Sharrock, J. T. R., et al. Henderson, Anne Marie, photograph of White's Thrush, 60, plate 12 Heron, Great Blue, European news, 280 , Grey, following fishing boats and diving for discarded fish, 679; large concentration feeding on dead fish, 679 , Night, British breeding records in 1996, 177-8; European news, 279; British breed- ing records in 1997, 395-6; accepted records, 558 , Purple, numbers in Britain in 1996, 6; European news, 280; photograph, 496, plate 185; numbers in Britain in 1997, 621 , Squacco, European news, 65; accepted records, 558-9, plates 227-8 Hieraaetus pennatus, see Eagle, Booted Himantopus himantopus, see Stilt, Black-winged Hippolais caligata, see Warbler, Booted — — icterina, see Warbler, Icterine pallida, see Warbler, Olivaceous — — polyglotta, see Warbler, Melodious Hirundapus caudacutus, see Needletail, White- throated Hirundo daurica, see Swallow, Red-rumped pyrrhonota, see Swallow, Cliff rustica, see Swallow, Barn Hobby, Barn Swallow giving specific alarm call for, 51; British breeding records in 1996, 136; European news, 285; British breeding records in 1997, 407-8 Hogg, Angus, photograph of Common Rosefinch, 455, plate 171 Holloway, J., letter on Ruddy Shelducks in northwest Europe, 106 Holman, David, review of Griggs: Collins Pocket Guide Birds of North America, 199 Holt, Paul, identification of Sky Lark, 169, plate 31; review of Doherty & Oddie: Eastern rarities: the birds of Beidaihe (Video), 197; of Grewal & Pfister: A Photographic Guide to Birds of the Himalayas, 361; identifi- cation of Lesser Short-toed Lark, 682, plate 282 Honey-buzzard, European, numbers in Britain in 1996, 9; British breeding records in 1996, British Birds Index to volume 92 697 131; breeding in Britain, 326-45, plates 1 14- 21; British breeding records in 1997, 401; numbers in Britain in 1997, 626-7 Honorary Subscriber, Malcolm Ogilvie, 548 Hoopoe, numbers in Britain in 1996, 18-19, plate 2; European news, 75; British breed- ing records in 1996, 147; summary for 1998, 355, 357-8, plate 125; British summer- ing records in 1997, 419; numbers in Britain in 1997, 636-7 Hopkins, Paul, photograph of Ruddy Shelduck, 253, plate 71 Hosking, David, see Chittenden, Robin, et al. , Eric, photograph of Red-necked Nightjar, 194, plate 43; of Wryneck, 443, plate 167 Hughes, Julian, review of Haufner & Andreev: Das Sichelhuhn, 319-20 Hylocichla mustelina, see Thrush, Wood Iankov, Petar, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Ibis, Glossy, European news, 66; accepted records, 561 , Sacred, European news, 66, 280 Icterus galbula, see Oriole, Baltimore Ishii, T., photograph of Azure-winged Magpie, 664, plate 281 lxobrychus minutus, see Bittern, Little Jabekk, Runar, European news, 64-82 Jackdaw, Daurian, European news, 80-1 , Eurasian, European news, 298 Jackson, Bill, photograph of Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, 527, plates 193; of Western Bonelli's Warbler, 528, plates 194-6 Jay, Eurasian, with abnormal mandible, 370-1, plate 140 Jensen, Jens-Kjeld, letter on European Storm- petrels losing toes through disease, 484, plate 179 Junco, Dark-eyed, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; accepted records, 603-4, plate 269 Junco hyemalis, see Junco, Dark-eyed Jynx torcjuilla, see Wryneck Kennerley, Pete, photograph of Booted Warbler, 477, plate 174 Kestrel, Common, photograph, 307, plate 92; feeding on carrion, 366-7 , Lesser, European news, 285 Kightley, D., photographs of Citrine Wagtail, 588, plates 248-9 Kilgour, Reston, photograph of Lesser Yellowlegs, 276, plate 80; of Wryneck, 358, plate 126; of Black Stork, 561, plate 229 Kingfisher, Belted, European news, 75, 292 — , Common, European news, 75; British breeding records in 1996, 145; British breeding records in 1997, 418-19 Kitching, Martin S., and Barratt, Sarah L., unusually aggressive defence of food source by Fieldfare, 371 Kite, Black, accepted records, 568 , Black-shouldered, European news, 68, 284 , Red, pesticide problems, 56; European news, 68; British breeding records in 1996, 131-2; British breeding records in 1997, 401-3 , Swallow-tailed, European news, 68 Knight, S., photograph of Hume's Warbler, 98, plate 18 Konrad, Volker, photograph of Pink-footed Goose, 381, plate 143 Kralj, Jelena, European news, 278-300 Kurlavicius, Petras, European news, 278-300 Lafontaine, Rene-Marie, European news, 278- 300 Lagopus mutus, see Ptarmigan Lammergeier, European news, 69 Lane, Mike, photographs of White-headed Duck, 223, plates 61-2; 2nd place. Bird Photograph of the Year 1999, of Temminck's Stint, 303, plate 86, award presentation, 548, plate 218; photograph of Short-toed Lark, 310, plate 98; of Western Bonelli's Warbler, 531, plates 205-6 Langsbury, Gordon, photograph of Marsh Sandpiper, 273, plate 74 Lanius collurio, see Shrike, Red-backed excubitor, see Shrike, Great Grey excurbitorius, see Shrike, Grey-backed Fiscal isabellinus, see Shrike, Isabelline meridionalis, see Shrike, Southern Grey minor, see Shrike, Lesser Grey schach, see Shrike, Long-tailed senator, see Shrike, Woodchat Lansdown, Peter, separation of European and Red-necked Nightjars, 194-6, 362-4, plates 43-6, 128-33; comparison of Short-toed and Lesser Short-toed Larks, 308-12, plates 94- 102; review of Winkler: Avifauna der Schweiz, 544 , , see Fraser, Peter A., et al. Lapwing, Masked, European news, 70 , Northern, resting on urban roof, 368 , Sociable, European news, 70, 287; accept- ed records, 572 , White-tailed, European news, 70-1, 287, plate 14 Lark, Bar-tailed Desert, identification, 380, plate 142 , Bimaculated, European news, 293 , Black, European news, 75 698 British Birds Index to volume 92 > Calandra, European news, 75 , Hoopoe, European news, 293 , Horned, numbers in Britain in 1996, 21-2; European news, 293; summary for 1998, 354-5, 360, 673; British summering records in 1997, 420; numbers in Britain in 1997, 639 , Lesser Short-toed, comparison with Short-toed Lark, 308-12, plates 95, 97, 100, 102 , Short-toed, numbers in Britain in 1996, 20-1; European news, 75; comparison with Lesser Short-toed Lark, 308-12, plates 94, 96, 98-9, 101; photograph, 322, plate 107; numbers in Britain in 1997, 638; summary for 1998, 672; identification, 682, plate 282 , Sky, identification, 169, plate 31; European news, 293 , White-winged, European news, 293 , Wood, European news, 76; British breed- ing records in 1996, 147; British breeding records in 1997, 420 Larkin, Paul, Black-headed Gull with black bill, 612 Lams argentatus, see Gull, Herring atricilla, see Gull, Laughing cachinnans, see Gull, Yellow-legged canus, see Gull, Common delawarensis, see Gull, Ring-billed fascus, see Gull, Lesser Black-backed genei, see Gull, Slender-billed glaucescens, see Gull, Glaucous-winged glaucoides, see Gull, Iceland hemprichii, see Gull, Sooty ichthyaetus, see Gull, Great Black-headed melanocephalus, see Gull, Mediterranean Philadelphia, see Gull, Bonaparte's pipixcan, see Gull, Franklin's ridibundus, see Gull, Black-headed sabini, see Gull, Sabine's Leach, Iain H., photograph of Canada Goose, 218, plate 54; of Ruddy Shelduck, 233, plate 66; of Lesser Scaup, 274, plate 76; of Crag Martin, 322, plate 106; of Short-toed Lark, 322, plate 107; of White Stork, 323, plate 108; of Lesser Scaup, 323, plate 109; of Pectoral Sandpiper, 496, plate 187; win- ner, Carl Zeiss Award 1999, photographs of Lesser Sand Plover, 534-6, plates 207-8; of Squacco Heron, 559, plate 227; of Lesser White-fronted Goose, 562, plate 230; of Canvasback, 566, plate 232; of Collared Pratincole, 570, plates 234-5; of American Golden Plover, 571, plate 237; of Terek Sandpiper, 578, plate 240; of Laughing Gull, 579, plate 241; of Franklin's Gull, 580, plates 243-4; of Olivaceous Warbler, 595, plates 261-2; of Subalpine Warbler, 597, plate 263; of Rustic Bunting, 604, plates 270-1; of Least Sandpiper, 686, plate 286; of Bobolink, 687, plate 293; of Red-flanked Bluetail, 688, plate 295 Leonard, Pete, letter on unseen rarities, 486 Leslie, Roderick, review of Ranft & Cleere: A Sound Guide to Nightjars & Related Nightbirds (CD), 319 Lewington, Ian, colour plate of Bonelli's warblers, 525 Lewis, J. M. S., see Roberts, S. J., et al. Lilleleht, Vilju, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Limicola falcinellus, see Sandpiper, Broad-billed Limnodromus griseus, see Dowitcher, Short- billed scolopaceus, see Dowitcher, Long-billed scolopaceus / griseus, see Dowitcher, Long- billed / Short-billed Limosa limosa, see Godwit, Black-tailed Lind, Antti J., photograph of Dotterel, 434, plate 159 Lindroos, Tom, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Linnet, European news, 299 , Yemen, European news, 299 Locustella certhiola, see Warbler, Pallas's Grasshopper fluviatilis, see Warbler, River ■ — — lanceolata, see Warbler, Lanceolated luscinioides, see Warbler, Savi's Longspur, Lapland, British summering records in 1997, 427 Looking back: 50; 82; 154; 175; 258; 313; 444; 503; 523; 609; 611; 666 Lophodytes cucullatus, see Merganser, Hooded Lophura nycthemera, see Pheasant, Silver Lorenzo, Juan Antonio, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Loseby, Tim, photographs of Paddyfield Warbler, 479, plates 177-8 Loxia curvirostra, see Crossbill, Common leucoptera, see Crossbill, Two-barred pytyopsittacus, see Crossbill, Parrot scotica, see Crossbill, Scottish Lullula arborea, see Lark, Wood Lunn, J., Northern Lapwings resting on urban roof, 368 Luscinia luscinia, see Nightingale, Thrush svecica, see Bluethroat Lymnocryptes minimus, see Snipe, Jack Magpie, Azure-winged, Iberian birds come in from the cold - bird bones and biogeogra- phy, 659-65, plates 277-81 Magyar, Gabor, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Mallard, European news, 282 Malpass, Mike, photograph of Great Grey Shrike, 275, plate 78; of Caspian Tern, 495, plate 183; of Sabine's Gull, 551, plate 221 British Birds Index to volume 92 699 Marchant, John, European news, 64-82, 278- 300; review of Byrkjedal & Thompson: Tundra Plovers: the Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plovers, 263 , , see Sharrock, J. T. R., et al. Marmaronetta angustirostris, see Teal, Marbled Marr, Tony, response to letter on Britain & Ireland as an ornithological unit, 213-14; further letter, 540 -, , see Sharrock, J. T. R., et al. Martin, Crag, European news, 293; photo- graph, 322, plate 106 Plain, European news, 76, 293 Martin, John, review of Purroy: Atlas de las Aves de Espaha (1975-1995), 168 , , see Sharrock, J. T. R., et al. Mathieson, K., House Sparrows with yellow markings, 259, plate 72 McDonnell, Mike, photograph of Yellow- legged Gull, 217, plate 50; of Pied-billed Grebe, 217, plate 51; of Forster's Tern, 218, plate 52; of European Serin, 219, plate 55; of Ruddy Shelduck, 252, plate 70; of Iberian Chiffchaff, 324, plate 111; of Slender-billed Gull, 324, plate 112; of Marsh Warbler, 383, plate 149; of Baillon's Crake, 440, plate 164; of Forster's Tern, 440, plate 165; of Purple Heron, 496, plate 185; of Marsh Sandpiper and Greenshank, 496, plate 186; of Spotted Crake, 551, plate 220; of Gull-billed Tern, 551, plate 223; of Red-backed Shrike, 552, plate 224; of White-rumped Sandpiper, 552, plate 225; of Ruddy Shelduck 552, plate 226 McGeehan, Anthony, letter on Britain & Ireland as an ornithological unit, 212-13 , , see Nightingale, Barry McKee, Michael, 2nd place, Carl Zeiss Award 1999, photographs of Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler, 534-6, plates 209-10; of Great Snipe, 576, plate 238 Mearns, Barbara, review of Densley: In Search of Ross's Gull, 681 Melanitta fusca, see Scoter, Velvet nigra, see Scoter, Common perspicillata, see Scoter, Surf Melanocorypha bimaculata, see Lark, Bimaculated calandra, see Lark, Calandra leucoptera, see Lark, White-winged yeltoniensis, see Lark, Black Meloni, Roberto, photographs of Purple Swamp-hen, 187-91, plates 36, 38-9, 41 Melospiza melodia, see Sparrow, Song Merganser, Hooded, European news, 68 — , Red-breasted, feeding relationship with Little Egrets, 365 Mergellus albellus, see Smew Mergus merganser, see Goosander senator, see Merganser, Red-breasted Merlin, British breeding records in 1996, 136; British breeding records in 1997, 406-7. Merops apiaster, see Bee-eater, European superciliosus, see Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked Micropalama himantopus, see Sandpiper, Stilt Miliaria calandra, see Bunting, Corn Milne, Paul, European news, 64-82, 278-300; letter on Britain & Ireland as an ornitho- logical unit, 429-30 Milvus migrans, see Kite, Black milvus, see Kite, Red Mimus polyglottos, see Mockingbird, Northern Mitchell, Andy, review of Raffaele et al.: Birds of the West Indies, 263 Mitchell, P. Ian, Twenty-first century seabirds, 36-9 Mniotilta varia, see Warbler, Black-and-white Mockingbird, Northern, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Molothrus ater, see Cowbird, Brown-headed Monthly M arathon: 10: 10, plate 7; 10: 11, plate 22; 10: 12, plate 32; 11: 1, plate 48; 11: 2, plate 75; 11: 3, plate 104; 11:4, plate 144; 11: 5, plate 160; 11: 6, plate 181; 11: 7, plate 217; 11: 8, plate 275; 11: 9, plate 683 Monticola saxatilis, see Thrush, Rock Moore, Derek, review of Westoll: The Complete Illustrated Check List of the Birds of the World, 199; short review, 200 , , see Sharrock, J. T. R., et al. Moorhen, drinking liquid goose faeces, 204; feeding on soft excrement of gulls, 313; let- ter on feeding on gull excrement, 541, plate 214 Morus bassanus, see Gannet, Northern Moscrop, C. S., three Pied Flycatchers and a Common Redstart dead in the same nest- box, 259 Motacilla alba, see Wagtail, Pied citreola, see Wagtail, Citrine flava, see Wagtail, Yellow Mudd, Keith R., female Blackbird sitting on imaginary nest on lawn, 369-70, plate 138 Mullarney, Killian, identification of Rough- legged Buzzard, 214-15, plate 47; of Sooty Gull, 488-9, plate 180; of Yellow-legged Gull, 613-1 4, plate 274 Murrelet, Marbled, European news, 291; letter on occurrence in Switzerland, 678 Muscicapa striata, see Flycatcher, Spotted Mycteria ibis, see Stork, Yellow-billed Myiopsitta monachus, see Parakeet, Monk Needletail, White-throated, European news, 75 Netta erythropthalma, see Pochard, Southern 700 British Birds Index to volume 92 rufina, see Pochard, Red-crested New to Britain and Ireland: Red-throated Thrush, 40-46, plates 3-6; Hume's Warbler, 96-100, plates 18-20; letters, 212, 483-4; 'Soft-plumaged Petrel', 504-18; Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, 519-23 News and comment, 56- 7; 107-111, plate 21; 167-8; 205-11; 266-72; 315-1 8, plate 103; 375-9; 435-8; 490-3; 547-9, plates 218-9; 615; 683-4, plate 284 Nighthawk, Common, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; European news, 292; accepted records, 584-5, plate 246 Nightingale, Barry, the ornithological year 1998 part one, 354-61, plates 122-7 , , and Allsopp, Keith, the ornithologi- cal year 1998 part two, 667-74 , , and McGeehan, Andrew, see Recent reports Nightingale, Thrush, accepted records, 588-9, plates 250-5 Nightjar, Egyptian, in Dorset: the second British record, 155-61, plate 28 , European, separation from Red-necked Nightjar, 194-6, 362-3, plates 43, 45 , Red-necked, separation from European Nightjar, 194-6, 362-3, plates 44, 46, 128-33; European news, 292 Nikiforov, Michael E., European news, 64-82, 278-300 Norton, David, winner 'British Birds' Young Photographer of the Year 1999, of Mute Swan, 307, plate 93, award presentation, 548, plate 218 Nucifraga caryocatactes, see Nutcracker Numenius phaeopus, see Whimbrel tenuirostris, see Curlew, Slender-billed Nurney, Dave, colour paintings of Egyptian Nightjar, 160-1, figures 4-5 Nutcracker, European news, 80, 298; accepted records, 601, plate 267 Nuthatch, European, European news, 80 , Red-breasted, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Nyctea scandiaca, see Owl, Snowy Nycticorax nycticorax, see Heron, Night Nye, David, photograph of Hume's Warbler, 99, plate 19; of Ring-billed Gull, 324, plate 113; of Laughing Gull, 440, plate 163; of Pallid Swift, 686, plate 288 Obituary: Michael J. Seago, 683, plate 285 Oceanites oceanicus, see Storm-petrel, Wilson's Oceanodroma castro, see Storm-petrel, Madeiran leucorhoa, see Storm-petrel, Leach's monorhis, see Storm-petrel, Swinhoe's Oddie, Bill, review of Hammond: Modern Wildlife Painting, 264 Oena capensis, see Dove, Namaqua Oenanthe deserti, see Wheatear, Desert hispanica, see Wheatear, Black-eared isabellina, see Wheatear, Isabelline oenanthe, see Wheatear, Northern pleschanka, see Wheatear, Pied Ogilvie, Malcolm, made Honorary Subscriber, 548 , , and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1996, 120-54; non-native birds breeding in the United Kingdom in 1996, 176-82; rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1997, 389-428; non-native birds breeding in the United Kingdom in 1997, 472-6 Oriole, Baltimore, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Golden, numbers in Britain in 1996, 30-1; British breeding records in 1996, 151; British breeding records in 1997, 425; num- bers in Britain in 1997, 650-1 Oriolus oriolus, see Oriole, Golden Ornithology, commercialisation of, 260-1 Orr, Norman, egg-burying behaviour of Kentish Plovers, 367-8, plates 135-6 Osprey, British breeding records in 1996, 135; British breeding records in 1997, 406 Otus scops, see Owl, Eurasian Scops Ouwerkerk, Arie, photograph of Basra Reed Warbler, 78, plate 17 Ouzel, Ring, European news, 77; summary for 1998, 355-6, 360 Ovenbird, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Owl, Barn, British breeding records in 1996, 144-5; European news, 292; British breed- ing records in 1997, 416-18 — , Eagle, European news, 74-5; British breeding records in 1996, 182; British breeding records in 1997, 476 , Eurasian Scops, European news, 292; accepted records, 584 , Hawk, accepted records, 585 , Little, photograph, 302, plate 85 , Marsh, European news, 75 , Short-eared, European news, 292 — — •, Snowy, British summering records in 1997, 418; accepted records, 584 Oxyura jamaicensis, see Duck, Ruddy leucocephala, see Duck, White-headed Page, Doug, identification of Bonelli's warblers, 524-31, plates 190-206 and colour plate Pagophila eburnea, see Gull, Ivory Pandion haliaetus, see Osprey biarmicus, see Tit, Bearded Parakeet, Alexandrine, British breeding British Birds Index to volume 92 701 records in 1997, 476 > Monk, European news, 74; British breed- ing records in 1996, 182; British breeding records in 1997, 476 , Rose-ringed, European news, 74, 292; British breeding records in 1996, 181-2, plate 35; summary for 1998, 361; British breeding records in 1997, 476 Partridge, Grey, action plan in the United Kingdom, 107 Panda americana, see Parula, Northern Parula, Northern, European news, 81; records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Pams caeruleus, see Tit, Blue cyanus, see Tit, Azure montanus, see Tit, Willow palustris, see Tit, Marsh Passer domesticus, see Sparrow, House hispaniolensis, see Sparrow, Spanish Passerina cyanea, see Bunting, Indigo Patient, Simon, winner, Richard Richardson Award 1999, 347-53, award presentation, 548, plate 219 Pattinson, Jim, photograph of Lesser Sand Plover, 571, plate 236 Pearson, Bruce, see Gillmor, Robert, et al. Pelagodwma marina, see Storm-petrel, White- faced Pelecanus crispus, see Pelican, Dalmatian — — onocrotalus, see Pelican, White rufescens, see Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Dalmatian, letters on re-establishment, 50, 106 , Pink-backed, European news, 65 , White, European news, 279 Perdix perdix, see Partridge, Grey Pernis apworus, see Honey-buzzard, European Perrins, C. M., see Absolom, Alan, F. Petrel, Bulwer's, European news, 65, 279; with missing limb, 485 , Cape Verde, European news, 64 , Madeira / Cape Verde, European news, 278; accepted records, 557 , Soft-plumaged superspecies, Britain and Ireland's first - an historical and personal perspective, 504-18 Petty, Alan, photograph of Greenfinch, 305, plate 88 Petursson, Gunnlauger, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Phaethon aethereus, see Tropicbird, Red-billed Phalacrocorax aristotelis, see Shag carbo, see Cormorant, Great pygnieus, see Cormorant, Pygmy Phalan, Ben, photograph of Common Rosefinch, 113, plate 23 Phalarope, Grey, numbers in Britain in 1996, 15-16; numbers in Britain in 1997, 632-3 , Red-necked, numbers in Britain in 1996, 15; British breeding records in 1996, 143; British breeding records in 1997, 414; num- bers in Britain in 1997, 632 , Wilson's, European news, 72, 290; accept- ed records, 578 Phalaropus fulicarius, see Phalarope, Grey lobatus, see Phalarope, Red-necked tricolor, see Phalarope, Wilson's Pheasant, Golden, British breeding records in 1996, 180-1; British breeding records in 1997, 475 , Lady Amherst's, British breeding records in 1996, 18; British breeding records in 1997, 475-6 ■, Reeves's, British breeding records in 1996, 180 , Silver, British breeding records in 1996, 180 Pheucticus ludovicianus, see Grosbeak, Rose- breasted Philomachus pugnax, see Ruff Phoebe, Eastern, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Phoenicopterus ruber, see Flamingo, Greater Phoenicurus auroreus, see Redstart, Daurian frontalis, see Redstart, Blue-fronted ochruros, see Redstart, Black phoenicurus, see Redstart, Common Phylloscopus bonelli, see Warbler, Western Bonelli's bonelli/orientalis, see Warbler, Western /Eastern Bonelli's borealis, see Warbler, Arctic brehmii, see Chiffchaff, Iberian collybita, see Chiffchaff, Common fuscatus, see Warbler, Dusky humei, see Warbler, Hume's inornatus, see Warbler, Yellow-browed orientalis, see Warbler, Eastern Bonelli's proregulus, see Warbler, Pallas's Leaf schwarzi, see Warbler, Radde's s indianus, see Chiffchaff, Mountain — — trochiloides, see Warbler, Greenish trochilus, see Warbler, Willow Pigeon, Wood, letter on feeding on gull excre- ment, 541 Pinicola enucleator, see Grosbeak, Pine Pintail, Northern, British breeding records in 1996, 128; British breeding records in 1997, 398 Pipit, Berthelot's, identification, 545-6, plate 216 , Blyth's, European news, 76, 293-4, plates 83-4; photograph, 116, plate 25; accepted records, 586 , Buff-bellied, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; European news, 294 702 British Birds Index to volume 92 , Meadow, summary for 1998, 360 , Olive-backed, European news, 76, 294; accepted records, 586-7 •, Pechora, accepted records, 587 , Red-throated, European news, 294; pho- tograph, 382, plate 147; accepted records, 587 , Richard's, numbers in Britain in 1996, 22; European news, 76, 293; numbers in Britain in 1997, 639-40; summary for 1998, 672 > Tawny, numbers in Britain in 1996, 23; numbers in Britain in 1997, 640 Piranga olivacea, see Tanager, Scarlet rubra, see Tanager, Summer PJC Award 1999, 347-53, award presentation, 548, plate 219 Platalea leucorodia, see Spoonbill, Eurasian Plectrophenax nivalis, see Bunting, Snow Plegadis falcinellus, see Ibis, Glossy Plover, American Golden, photograph, 58, plate 8; European news, 70, 286; accepted records, 571-2, plate 237 > American /Pacific Golden, European news, 286-7; accepted records, 572 , Caspian, European news, 70, 286 , Greater Sand, European news, 70; photo- graphs, 382, 534-5, plates 146, 207-8 , Kentish, numbers in Britain in 1996, 11- 12; European news, 70, 286; egg-burying behaviour, 367-8, plates 135-7; numbers in Britain in 1997, 629 , Killdeer, European news, 286 , Lesser Sand, European news, 70, 286; accepted records, 570-1, plate 236 , Little Ringed, British breeding records in 1996, 140; British breeding records in 1997, 412 , Pacific Golden, European news, 70, 286; accepted records, 572 , Semipalmated, European news, 70; accepted records, 570 Pluvialis dominica, see Plover, American Golden dominical fidva, see Plover, American/ Pacific Golden fulva, see Plover, Pacific Golden Pochard, Common, British breeding records in 1996, 129-30; summary for 1998, 355; British breeding records in 1997, 399-400 , Red-crested, numbers in Britain in 1996, 7-8, plate 1; British breeding records in 1996, 180; European news, 283; British breeding records in 1997, 475; numbers in Britain in 1997, 624 , Southern, European news, 67, plate 13 Podiceps auritus, see Grebe, Slavonian cristatus, see Grebe, Great Crested grisegena, see Grebe, Red-necked nigricollis, see Grebe, Black-necked Podilymbus podiceps, see Grebe, Pied-billed Population changes, causes of, 442-4, plates 166-7; letter, 678 Porphyrio porphyria, see Swamp-hen, Purple Porter, Richard, review of Clark & Yosef: In- hand Identification Guide to Palearctic Raptors, 102; of Forsman: The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: a handbook of field identification, 480 Porzana Carolina, see Crake, Sora marginalis, see Crake, Striped parva, see Crake, Little porzana, see Crake, Spotted pusilla, see Crake, Baillon's Powell, Rosemary, winner, PJC Award 1999, 347-53, award presentation, 548, plate 219 Pranty, Bill, letter on origin of the Florida Purple Swamp-hens, 540 Prasad, Anand, letter on organic farming, 487 Pratincole, Black-winged, European news, 286; photographs, 495, 551, plates 184, 222 , Collared, accepted records, 570, plates 234-5 Preddy, Steve, letter on the species-concepts debate, 261-2 Prunella atrogularis, see Accentor, Black-throated modularis, see Accentor, Hedge montanella, see Accentor, Siberian Prytherch, Robin, review of Pemberton: The Birdwatcher's Yearbook and Diary 1999, 104; of Rowlands et al.: The Birds of St Helena, 104 Psittacula eupatria, see Parakeet, Alexandrine krameri, see Parakeet, Rose-ringed Ptarmigan, European news, 285 Pterodroma feae, see Petrel, Cape Verde madeira/feae, see Petrel, Madeira / Cape Verde madeira/ mollis/ feae, see Petrel, Soft- plumaged superspecies Ptyonoprogne rupestris, see Martin, Crag Puffinus assimilis, see Shearwater, Little gravis, see Shearwater, Great griseus, see Shearwater, Sooty mauretanicus, see Shearwater, Balearic puffinus, see Shearwater, Manx Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, see Chough, Red- billed Quail, Common, European news, 69; British breeding records in 1996, 137-8; British breeding records in 1997, 408-9 Radford, Philip, short review, 201 Rail, Water, killing and eating wader, 204 . Rallus aquaticus, see Rail, Water Rare Breeding Birds Panel, announcement, 345-6 British Birds Index to volume 92 703 , see Ogilvie, Malcolm Rarities Committee, recent decisions, 60, 116, 170, 220, 276, 384, 611, 658; announcements and news, 113-14, 172, 216, 314, 373-4, 494, 546; photograph of committee, 374, plate 141 Rasmussen, Brian, European news, 64-82, 278- 300 Raven, Common, European news, 299 Razorbill, European news, 74 Recent reports: 58-60, plates 8-12; 115-16, plate 24-5; 171, plates 33-4; 216-20, plates 49-58; 274-6, plates 76-80; 321-4, plates 105-113; 382-4, plates 145-153; 439-40, plates 161-6; 494-6, plates 182-8; 550-2, plates 220-7; 616; 684-8, plates 285-294 Recurvirostra avosetta, see Avocet Redhead, European news, 68 Redman, Nigel, review of Gooders: Collins Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe, 48; of Sterry: Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe, 48; of Kazmierczak & Singh: A Birdwatchers' Guide to India, 542-3 Redpoll, Arctic, European news, 81; accepted records, 602 — , Common, European news, 81 Redstart, American, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Black, British breeding records in 1996, 148; summary for 1998, 355; British breed- ing records in 1997, 421 , Blue-fronted, European news, 76-7 , Common, dead in nestbox with three Pied Flycatchers, 259; summary for 1998, 355, 360 , Daurian, European news, 295 Redwing, European news, 78; British breeding records in 1996, 148-9; British breeding records in 1997, 422 Regulus ignicapillus, see Firecrest regulus, see Goldcrest Reid, Jane M., photographs of Thrush Nightingale, 589, plates 250-2 Remiz pendulinus, see Tit, Penduline Request: swift and hirundine corpses, 300; European news compiler wanted, 612 Reszeter, George, photograph of Common Snipe of race G. g. delicata, 59, plate 10; of Dark-throated Thrush, 115, plate 24; of Blyth's Pipit, 1 16, plate 25; of Short-toed Lark, 308-11, plates 94, 96, 99, 101; of Spectacled Warbler, 383, plate 150; of Elegant Tern, 495, plate 182; of Black- winged Pratincole, 551, plate 222; of Two- barred Crossbill, 603, plate 268; of Dark- eyed Junco, 603, plate 269 Reviews Ash & Miskell: Birds of Somalia, 47 Beaman & Madge: The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, 101 Beletsky: Belize and Northern Guatemala: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide, 319 Beletsky: Costa Rica: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide, 480 Byrkjedal & Thompson: Tundra Plovers: the Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plovers, 263 Clark & Yosef: In-hand Identification Guide to Palearctic Raptors, 102 Densley: In Search of Ross's Gull, 681 Doherty & Oddie: Eastern Rarities: the birds of Beidaihe (Video), 197 Doherty & Oddie: The Warblers of Britain & Europe (Video), 48-9 Feare & Craig: Starlings and Mynas, 103-4 Forsman: The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: a handbook of field identification, 480 Gooders: Collins Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe, 48 Greenhalf: Towards the Sea, 680 Grewal & Pfister: A Photographic Guide to Birds of the Himalayas, 361 Griggs: Collins Pocket Guide Birds of North America, 199 Grimmett et al Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, 102-3 Hammond: Modern Wildlife Painting, 264 Haufner & Andreev: Das Sichelhuhn, 319-20 Kazmierczak & Singh: A Birdwatchers' Guide to India, 542-3 Lambert: Specie s History in Scotland: intro- ductions and extinctions since the Ice Age, 49- 50 Newman: Newman's Birds of Southern Africa, 198 Newton: Population Limitation in Birds, 543 Pemberton: The Birdwatcher's Yearbook and Diary 1999, 104 Precigout: Atlas des Oiseaux Hivernants de Charente, 544 Purroy: Atlas de las Aves de Espaha (1975- 1995), 168 Raffaele et al.: Birds of the West Indies, 263 Ranft & Cleere: A Sound Guide to Nightjars and Related Nightbirds (CD), 319 Rowlands et al.: The Birds of St Helena, 104 Shackleton: Keith Shackleton: an autobiogra- phy in paintings, 433 Snook: Birds of the New Forest: a visitor's guide, 198 Sterry: Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe, 48 Svensson & Grant: Collins Bird Guide, 432-3 Taylor & van Perlo: Rails: a guide to the 704 British Birds Index to volume 92 rails, crakes, gallinules and coots of the World, 542 Wells: The Birds of the Thai Peninsula, 680 Westoll: The Complete Illustrated Check List of the Birds of the World, 199 Winkler: Avifauna der Schweiz, 544 Short reviews: Addison, 202; Aksakov, 201; Delany, 201; Doherty & Oddie, 264, 265; Enticott & Tipling, 104; Erritzoe & Erritzoe, 201; Harrison & Castell, 202; Magyar et ai, 200; Metzmacher, 202; Pizzey & Knight, 202; Rohde, 200; Rudd, 202; Ryabitsev, 201; Scott, 50; Vaughan, 265; Yosef & Lohrer, 200 Rhodostethia rosea, see Gull, Ross's Richard Richardson Award 1999, 347-53, award presentation, 548, plate 219 Richardson, Wayne, photograph of Common Kestrel, 307, plate 92 Riddington, R., photographs of Western Bonelli's Warbler, 529, plates 199-201 Riparia paludicola, see Martin, Plain Roberts, S. }., et al., breeding European Honey- buzzards in Britain, 326-45, plates 114-21 Robin, American, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; accepted records, 593-4, plate 259 , summary for 1998, 359-60 Rogers, M. J., and the Rarities Committee, report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998, 554-609, plates 227-73 , ,see Fraser, Peter A., et al. , ,see Sharrock, J. T. R., et al. Rooke, Steve, identification of Common Rosefinch, 112-13, plate 23; identification of Bar-tailed Desert Lark, 380, plate 142; iden- tification of Pink-footed Goose, 380-1, plate 143; identification of Berthelot's Pipit, 545, plate 216 Rosefinch, Common, numbers in Britain in 1996, 33-4; photograph, 113, plate 23; British summering records in 1996, 153; British breeding records in 1997, 427; histo- ry in Britain and Ireland, 445-71, plates 168-73; numbers in Britain in 1997, 656 , Long-tailed, European news, 299; range extension into the Western Palearctic, 498- 503, plate 189; European records, 502-3 Rowlands, Adam, see Sharrock, J. T. R., et al. Ruff, British breeding records in 1996, 141; British breeding records in 1997, 413 Ruttledge, Major Robin, celebrates 100th birth- day, 549 Ryabitsev, V. K., and Wilson, M. G., range expansion of Long-tailed Rosefinch into the Western Palearctic, 498-503, plate 189 Sadler, A. E., European news, 64-82, 278-300 Sandpiper, Baird's, European news, 287; accepted records, 575 , Broad-billed, photograph, 384, plate 152; accepted records, 575 , Buff-breasted, numbers in Britain in 1996, 14-15; European news, 288-9; photo- graph, 440, plate 166; numbers in Britain in 1997, 631 , Common, European news, 290 , Curlew, summary for 1998, 359, 671 , Green, European news, 72; British breed- ing records in 1996, 142 > Least, accepted records, 572; photograph, 686, plate 286 , Marsh, photographs, 273, 496, plates 74, 186; accepted records, 576 — — •, Pectoral, numbers in Britain in 1996, 13- 14; European news, 71, 287-8; photograph, 496, plate 187; numbers in Britain in 1997, 630-1 , Purple, British breeding records in 1996, 141; British breeding records in 1997, 413 •, Semipalmated, European news, 70, 287; accepted records, 572 ■, Sharp-tailed, European news, 288, plate 82; accepted records, 575 , Spotted, European news, 72, 290; accept- ed records, 578 , Stilt, European news, 288; accepted records, 575 — — > Terek, European news, 72, 289; photo- graph, 383, plate 151; accepted records, 578, plate 240 , Upland, accepted records, 576 , Western, European news, 287; accepted records, 572 , White-rumped, European news, 71, 287; photograph, 552, plate 225; accepted records, 574 , Wood, British breeding records in 1996, 142; British breeding records in 1997, 414 Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Saxicola caprata, see Stonechat, Pied torquata, see Stonechat, Common Sayornis phoebe, see Phoebe, Eastern Scaup, Greater, British summering records in 1996, 130; British breeding records in 1997, 400 , Lesser, European news, 68, 283; photo- graph, 274, 323, plates 76, 108; accepted records, 566-7 Scoter, Common, British breeding records in 1996, 130; European news, 283; British breeding records in 1997, 400; accepted records of M. n. americana, 567-8 : , Surf, numbers in Britain in 1996, 9; num- bers in Britain in 1997, 625-6 British Birds Index to volume 92 705 > Velvet, European news, 68, 283 Scott, Bob, see Clement, Peter , , see Dickson, Wendy Seabirds, plans for census in year 2000, 36-9 Seago, Michael }., obituary, 683, plate 85 Seiurus motacilla, see Waterthrush, Louisiana — — noveboracensis, see Waterthrush, Northern Serin, European, numbers in Britain in 1996, 32-3; European news, 81; British breeding records in 1996, 152; photograph, 219, plate 55; summary for 1998, 355; British sum- mering records in 1997, 426; numbers in Britain in 1997, 655 Serimis serinus, see Serin, European Setophaga ruticilla, see Redstart, American Shackleton, Keith, see Gillmor, Robert, et al. Shag, European news, 65, 279 Sharrock, J. T. R., review of Doherty & Oddie: The Warblers of Britain & Europe. Bird Images Video Guide, 48-9; Britain & Ireland as an ornithological unit, 62-3; short reviews, 201-2; photograph of Rarities Committee, 374, plate 141; what, no running water?: habitat recording, 386-8; panic ye not: causes of bird population changes, 442-4, plates 166-7; European records of Long- tailed Rosefinch, 502-3; review of Precigout: Atlas des Oiseaux Hivernants de Charente, 544 , , et al., Best Bird Book of the Year 1999, 537-9 , , et al., 'British Birds' Best Annual Bird Report Awards, 162-3 , , et al., Young Ornithologists of the Year 1999, 675-7 , , see Chittenden, Robin, et al. , , see Gillmor, Robert, et al. Shearwater, Balearic, numbers in Britain in 1996, 5; summary for 1998, 357-8; numbers in Britain in 1997, 620-1 , Cory's, numbers in Britain in 1996, 5; summary for 1998, 357; numbers in Britain in 1997, 620 , Great, European news, 279; summary for 1998, 357-8 , Little, European news, 65, 279 , Manx, summary for 1998, 357 > Sooty, summary for 1998, 357-8 Shelduck, Cape, British breeding records in 1997, 474 , Common, European news, 66 , Ruddy, numbers in Britain in 1996, 7; European news, 66, 282; status in north- west Europe, 106; British breeding records in 1996, 179; in Britain and Ireland, 1986- 94, 225-55, plates 63-71; British breeding records in 1997, 474; in the Americas, 486- 7; photograph, 552, plate 226; numbers in Britain in 1997, 622-3 Shirihai, Hadoram, European news, 64-82, 278- 300; photograph of Southern Pochard, 67, plate 13; of Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, 527, plates 190-2 Shoveler, Northern, European news, 283 Shrike, Great Grey, numbers in Britain in 1996, 32; photograph, 275, plate 78; European news, 298; summary for 1998, 354-5, 360; numbers in Britain in 1997, 653-4 , Isabelline, European news, 80; accepted records, 600; photograph, 687, plate 289 , Lesser Grey, accepted records, 600 , Long-tailed, European news, 80 , Red-backed, numbers in Britain in 1996, 31; British summering records in 1996, 152; European news, 298; British breeding records in 1997, 425-6; photograph, 552, plate 224; numbers in Britain in 1997, 651-2; summary for 1998, 671-2 •, Southern Grey, European news, 80, 298; accepted records, 601 , Woodchat, numbers in Britain in 1996, 32; photograph, 496, plate 188; accepted records, 601; numbers in Britain in 1997, 654-5 Sikora, Arkadiusz, photograph of Brent Goose B. b. nigricans, 281, plate 81 Simpson, Bill, letter on Britain & Ireland as an ornithological unit, 428-9 Siskin, summary for 1998, 360 Sitta canadensis, see Nuthatch, Red-breasted europaea, see Nuthatch, European Skua, Arctic, European news, 72, 290 , Great, plumage variation, 164-5, plates 29-30; European news, 290 , Long-tailed, photograph, 552, plate 227 , Pomarine, European news, 72; summary for 1998, 356 , South Polar, letter on moult, 610-11 Slaymaker, Matthew, Junior winner. Young Ornithologists of the Year, 1999, 675-7 Smew, summary for 1998, 355 Smith, Brian, Wood, Simon D., and Cox, Simon, Red-throated Thrush in Essex: new to Britain and Ireland, 40-46, plates 3-6 Snipe, Common, photographs of G. g. delicata, 59, plates 9-11 , Great, European news, 72, 289; accepted records, 575-6, plate 238 , Jack, photograph, 59, plate 9 , Pintail, European news, 72, 289 Soden, Graham, photograph of Dark-throated Thrush, 44, plate 4 Somateria mollissima, see Eider, Common spectabilis, see Eider, King Sorensen, Soren, European news, 278-300 Sparrow, House, European news, 81, 299; with 706 British Birds Index to volume 92 yellow markings, 259, plate 72 , Lark, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Savannah, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Song, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Spanish, European news, 299; accepted records, 602 , White-crowned, European news, 81; records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , White-throated, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; accepted records, 603 Sparrowhawk, Levant, European news, 284 Species-concepts, 261-2 Sphyrapicus varius, see Sapsucker, Yellow-bel- lied Spoonbill, Eurasian, numbers in Britain in 1996, 6-7; European news, 66, 280; British summering records in 1996, 126; photo- graph, 219, plate 56; British summering records in 1997, 396; numbers in Britain in 1997, 622 Starling, Rosy, accepted records, 601-2 Stastny, Karel, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Stawarczyk, Tadeusz, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Steiof, Klemens, Water Rail killing and eating wader, 204 Stercorarius longicaudus, see Skua, Long-tailed parasiticus, see Skua, Arctic pomarinus, see Skua, Pomarine Sterna albifrons, see Tern, Little bengalensis, see Tern, Lesser Crested caspia, see Tern, Caspian dougallii, see Tern, Roseate elegans, see Tern, Elegant forsteri, see Tern, Forster's fuscata, see Tern, Sooty fuscata/ anaethetus, see Tern, Sooty/Bridled nilotica, see Tern, Gull-billed paradisaea, see Tern, Arche sandvicensis, see Tern, Sandwich Stilt, Black-winged, European news, 70, 286; British summering record in 1996, 139; British summering records in 1997, 410; accepted records, 569 Stint, Little, European news, 71; summary for 1998, 359, 671 , Red-necked, European news, 70-1 , Temminck's, numbers in Britain in 1996, 12-13; British breeding records in 1996, 140-1; photograph, 303, plate 86; summary for 1998, 355, plate 122; British breeding records in 1997, 412; numbers in Britain in 1997, 630 Stone, Keith, photograph of Ruddy Shelduck, 242, plate 68; of Woodchat Shrike, 496, plate 188; of Franklin's Gull, 580, plate 242 Stonechat, Common, European news, 77, 295; accepted records of S. t. maura/stejnegeri, 591, plate 258 , Pied, European news, 77 Stone-curlew, British breeding records in 1996, 139-40; European news, 286; British breed- ing records in 1997, 411 Stork, Black, European news, 65-6, 280; with white tail, 164; accepted records, 560-1, plate 229 , White, numbers in Britain in 1996, 6; European news, 66; with white tail, 164; photograph, 323, plate 108; numbers in Britain in 1997, 621-2 , Yellow-billed, European news, 280 Storm-petrel, Leach's, European news, 279 , Madeiran, with missing limbs, 485 , Swinhoe's, European news, 279; with missing limb, 485 , White-faced, European news, 279; photo- graph, 306, plate 91 , Wilson's, accepted records, 557 Strangeman, P. letter on Wood Pigeons feed- ing on gull excrement, 541 Streptopelia orientalis, see Dove, Oriental Turtle senegalensis, see Dove, Laughing Sturnus roseus, see Starling, Rosy Subspecies, 118-19, plates 26-7 Suetens, Willy, photographs of Red-necked Nightjar, 362-3, plates 128-30 Sula leucogaster, see Booby, Brown Sultana, Joe, European news, 64-82, 278-300 Summers-Smith, J. Denis, letter on use of data by British Trust for Ornithology, 678 Svenson, Lars, letter on the Kazakh 'mystery warblers' once again, 481-2 Swallow, Barn, giving specific alarm call for Hobby, 51-52; specific predator recognition and reactions, 52; European news, 293 , Cliff, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Red-rumped, European news, 293; accepted records, 586 , Tree, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Swamp-hen, Purple, status and breeding ecol- ogy in Italy, 183-92, plates 36-41; in Florida, 167; letter on origin of the Florida birds, 540 Swan, Black, British breeding records in 1996, 178; European news, 280-1; British breed- ing records in 1997, 473 , Mute, European news, 280; photograph, 307, plate 93; double-brooded, 365-6 , Trumpeter, British breeding records in British Birds Index to volume 92 707 1997, 473 > Tundra, European news, 66, 281; accept- ed records, 561 , Whooper, British breeding records in 1996, 127, 178; British breeding records in 1997, 396; British breeding records in 1997, 473 Swift, Alpine, European news, 292; accepted records, 585-6 , Chimney, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Little, European news, 292; accepted records, 586 , Pallid, European news, 75, 292; accepted records, 585, plate 247; photograph, 686, plate 288 Sylvia atricapilla, see Blackcap borin, see Warbler, Garden cantillans, see Warbler, Subalpine conspicillata, see Warbler, Spectacled curruca, see Whitethroat, Lesser hortensis, see Warbler, Orphean melanocephala , see Warbler, Sardinian mystacea, see Warbler, Menetries's nana, see Warbler, Desert nisoria, see Warbler, Barred sarda, see Warbler, Marmora's undata, see Warbler, Dartford Syrmaticus reevesii, see Pheasant, Reeves's Tachycineta bicolor, see Swallow, Tree Tachymarptis melba, see Swift, Alpine Tadorna cana, see Shelduck, Cape ferruginea, see Shelduck, Ruddy tadorna, see Shelduck, Common Tanager, Scarlet, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Summer, re-categorisation of 1957 record, 603 Tarsiger cyanurus, see Bluetail, Red-flanked Tate, Alan, photograph of Laughing Gull, 322, plate 105; of Black-winged Pratincole, 495, plate 184; of Bonaparte's Gull, 581, plate 245; of Booted Eagle, 686, plate 287; of Paddyfield Warbler, 687, plate 292 Taylor, Moss, Blackbird and Eurasian Jay with abnormal mandibles, 370-1, plates 139-40 Teal, Baikal, European news, 282 , Blue-winged, European news, 67, 283; British breeding record in 1996, 180; British breeding record in 1997, 475; accepted records, 564-6, plate 231 , Common, numbers of A. c. carolinensis in Britain in 1996, 7; European news, 67, 282; numbers of A. c. carolinensis in Britain in 1997, 623-4 , Marbled, European news, 67 Tern, Arctic, European news, 74; summary for 1998, 356 , Black, summary for 1998, 356-7 , Caspian, European news, 74; photo- graph, 495, plate 183; accepted records, 583 , Elegant, European news, 74; photograph, 495, plate 182 , Forster's, photograph, 218, 440, plates 52, 165 , Gull-billed, photograph, 551, plate 223 , Lesser Crested, European news, 74; British breeding record with Sandwich Tern in 1996, 143; British breeding record with Sandwich Tern in 1997, 415; accepted records, 583 , Little, European news, 74; British breed- ing records in 1996, 144; British breeding records in 1997, 416 , Roseate, British breeding records in 1996, 143-4; British breeding records in 1997, 415-16 , Sandwich, European news, 74; British breeding record with Lesser Crested Tern in 1996, 143; British breeding record with Lesser Crested Tern in 1997, 415 , Sooty, European news, 74 , Whiskered, European news, 74, 291; accepted records, 583 , White-winged Black, European news, 291; exploiting feeding behaviour of Great Crested Grebes, 369; accepted records, 583-4 Tetrax tetrax, see Bustard, Little Thevenot, Michel, European news, 64-82, 278- 300 Thomas, Bryan, photograph of Terek Sandpiper, 383, plate 151; 3rd place, Carl Zeiss Award 1999, photographs of Herring Gull of race L. a. smithsonianus, 534-6, plates 211-13; of Pallid Swift, 585, plate 247 Threskiornis aethiopicus, see Ibis, Sacred Thrush, Dark-throated, red-throated race, new to Britain and Ireland, 40-46, plates 3-6; European news, 78, 296; photograph, 115, plate 24; breeding range, 165-6; accepted records, 593 , Dusky, European news, 78, 296 , Eyebrowed, European news, 296 , Grey-backed, European news, 77 , Grey-cheeked, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; accepted records, 593 , Hermit, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; accepted records, 593 , Rock, European news, 77, plate 16; accepted records, 592 , Song, summary for 1998, 360 , Swainson's, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; European news, 296 , White's, photograph, 60, plate 12; 708 British Birds Index to volume 92 European news, 77, 296; accepted records, 592-3 , Wood, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Tichodroma muraria, see Wallcreeper Tidman, Roger, photograph of European Nightjar, 196, plate 45; of Western Bonelli's Warbler, 530, plate 204 Tipling, David, photograph of Rose-ringed Parakeet, 181, plate 35; of Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 687, plate 291; of Radde's Warbler, 688, plate 294 Tipper, Ray, photographs of Lesser Short-toed Lark, 308, 311, plates 95, 102 Tit, Azure, European news, 298 , Bearded, European news, 80; British breeding records in 1996, 151; summary for 1998, 360; British breeding records in 1997, 425 , Blue, deception by, 262 , Marsh, European news, 80 , Penduline, accepted records, 599-600, plate 266 , Willow, European news, 80 Tombeur, F. L. L., plumage variation of Great Skua, 164-5, plates 29-30 Treecreeper, Short-toed, accepted records, 599 Tringa flavipes, see Yellowlegs, Lesser glareola, see Sandpiper, Wood nebularia, see Greenshank ochropus, see Sandpiper, Green stagnatilis, see Sandpiper, Marsh Troake, Paul, photograph of Common Stonechat of race S. t. maura/stejnegeri, 591, plate 258 Tropicbird, Red-billed, re-categorisation of 1953 record, 558 Tryngites subruficollis, see Sandpiper, Buff- breasted Turdus hortulorum, see Thrush, Grey-backed iliacus, see Redwing merula, see Blackbird migratorius, see Robin, American naumanni, see Thrush, Dusky obscurus, see Thrush, Eyebrowed pkilomelos, see Thrush, Song pilaris, see Fieldfare ruficollis, see Thrush, Dark-throated torquatus, see Ouzel, Ring Turnstone, European news, 72 Tyler, Stephanie, ]., review of Ash & Miskell: Birds of Somalia, 47 Tyrberg, Tommy, European news, 64-82, 278- 300 Tyto alba, see Owl, Barn Ullman, Magnus, Black Stork with white tail, 164 Upupa epops, see Hoopoe Uragus sibiricus, see Rosefinch, Long-tailed Uria aalge, see Guillemot, Common lonwia, see Guillemot, Briinnich's van den Berg, Arnoud, European news, 64-82, 278-300; photograph of White-tailed Lapwing, 71, plate 14; of Yellow-legged Gull, 73, plate 15; of Rock Thrush, 77, plate 16; of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 288, plate 82 Vanellus gregarius, see Lapwing, Sociable leucurus, see Lapwing, White-tailed miles, see Lapwing, Masked vanellus, see Lapwing, Northern Veery, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987- 96, 83-95; accepted records, 593 Vermivora chrysoptera, see Warbler, Golden- winged peregrina, see Warbler, Tennessee Vinicombe, K. E., review of Svensson & Grant: Collins Bird Guide, 432-3 , •, and Harrop, A. H. ]., Ruddy Shelducks in Britain and Ireland, 1986-94, 225-55, plates 63-71 Vireo flavifrons, see Vireo, Yellow-throated olivaceus, see Vireo, Red-eyed philadelphicus, see Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Philadelphia, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Red-eyed, European news, 81, 299; records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; accepted records, 602 , Yellow-throated, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Voice: Corn Bunting, 372 Volet, Bernard, letter on Marbled Murrelet in Switzerland, 678 Voous, K. H., see Cooper, Joanne H. Vulture, Griffon, European news, 69 ■, Riippell's, European news, 284 Wagstaff, H. G., photograph of Red-backed Shrike, 442, plate 166 Wagtail, Citrine, European news, 76, 294-5; accepted records, 587-8, plates 248-9 , Pied, British breeding record of M. a. alba in 1997, 421 , Yellow, European news, 76, 294; summa- ry for 1998, 357; accepted record of M. f. feldegg, 587 Walbridge, Grahame, Egyptian Nightjar in Dorset: the second British record, 155-61, plate 28 Wallace, D. I. M., letter on specific predator recognition and reactions of Barn Swallows, 52; review of Beaman & Madge: The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, 101; short review. British Birds Index to volume 92 709 265; history of the Common Rosefinch in Britain and Ireland, 1869-1996, 445-71, plates 168-73; review of Taylor & van Perlo: Rails: a guide to the rails, crakes, gallinules and coots of the World, 542 Wallcreeper, European news, 298 Walsh, Peter, photograph of Ruddy Shelduck, 251, plate 69 Warbler, Aquatic, numbers in Britain in 1996, 24-5; European news, 296; numbers in Britain in 1997, 642-3 , Arctic, European news, 297; accepted records, 597-8, plate 265 , Barred, numbers in Britain in 1996, 27-8; numbers in Britain in 1997, 646-7; summa- ry for 1998, 672 , Basra Reed, European news, 78, plate 17 , Bay-breasted, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Black-and-white, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Blackburnian, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Blackpoll, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Blyth's Reed, European news, 296; accepted records, 594-5, plate 260 , Booted, European news, 78, 296; with long supercilia: the 1976 Fair Isle bird, 477-9, plate 174-8; accepted records, 596 , Cetti's, European news, 78, 296; British breeding records in 1996, 149; British breeding records in 1997, 422 , Chestnut-sided, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Dartford, British breeding records in 1996, 150-51; European news, 297; British breeding records in 1997, 424 , Desert, European news, 79 , Dusky, European news, 79-80, 298; accepted records, 598 , Eastern Bonelli's, European news, 80; new to Britain and Ireland, 519-23; identifi- cation, 524-31, plates 190-93, and colour plate; accepted records, 599 , Garden, summary for 1998, 356 , Golden-winged, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Great Reed, British summering records in 1996, 150; European news, 296; British summering records in 1997, 423-4; accept- ed records, 595 , Greenish, European news, 297; accepted records, 597-8, plate 264 , Hooded, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Hume's, European news, 79, 297; in Sussex: new to Britain and Ireland, 96-100, plates 18-20; accepted records, 598 , Icterine, numbers in Britain in 1996, 26; British summering records in 1996, 150; numbers in Britain in 1997, 644-5 , Lanceolated, accepted records, 594 , Marmora's, European news, 297 , Marsh, numbers in Britain in 1996, 25-6; British breeding records in 1996, 150; European news, 296; photograph, 383, plate 149; British breeding records in 1997, 423; numbers in Britain in 1997, 643-4 , Melodious, numbers in Britain in 1996, 27; numbers in Britain in 1997, 645-6 , Menetries's, European news, 297 > Moustached, accepted records, 595 — — , Olivaceous, European news, 296; accept- ed records, 595-6, plates 261-2 > Orphean, European news, 79; old British breeding record questioned, 523 , Paddyfield, European news, 78, 296; identification, 477-9, plates 177-8; photo- graph, 687, plate 292 •, Pallas's Grasshopper, European news, 296; photographs, 535, plates 209-10; accepted records, 594 , Pallas's Leaf, numbers in Britain in 1996, 28-9; European news, 79, 297; summary for 1998, 360; numbers in Britain in 1997, 647-8; photograph, 687, plate 290 , Radde's, European news, 79, 298; accept- ed records, 598; photograph, 688, plate 294 , River, British summering records in 1996, 149; European news, 296; British summer- ing records in 1997, 423; accepted records, 594 , Sardinian, European news, 78-9, 297; accepted records, 597 , Savi's, numbers in Britain in 1996, 24; British summering records in 1996, 149-50; British summering records in 1997, 423; numbers in Britain in 1997, 641-2 , Sedge, European news, 296; nesting in rape crops, 371 , Spectacled, photograph, 383, plate 150; accepted records, 596 , Subalpine, European news, 78, 297; British summering records in 1997, 424; accepted records, 596-7, plate 263 -, Tennessee, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 , Western Bonelli's, accepted records, 599 , Western /Eastern Bonelli's, European news, 80; identification of Bonelli's warblers, 524-31, plates 194-201, 203-6, and colour plate; accepted records, 599 •, Willow, identification of the 'Maasvlakte' warbler, 166; summary for 1998, 355-6 ■, Yellow, records in Britain and Ireland in 710 British Birds Index to volume 92 1987-96, 83-95; European news, 299 , Yellow-browed, numbers in Britain in 1996, 29; European news, 79; summary for 1998, 360, 672; numbers in Britain in 1997, 648-9 , Yellow-rumped, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95; European news, 299 Warden, D., Chaffinch re-laying in same nest, 260 Waterthrush, Louisiana, European news, 300 , Northern, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Watkins, Gareth, Moorhen drinking liquid goose faeces, 204 Waxwing, Bohemian, European news, 76, 295 Weston, Mike, photograph of Common Rosefinch, 454, plate 170 Wheatear, Black-eared, European news, 77, 295; accepted records, 592 , Desert, European news, 77, 295-6; accept- ed records, 592 , Isabelline, European news, 295; accepted records, 591 , Northern, summary for 1998, 355-6, 359- 60, 669, plate 127 , Pied, European news, 77, 295; photo- graph, 172, plate 34; accepted records, 591-2 Whimbrel, British breeding records in 1996, 142; British breeding records in 1997, 414 Whitehall, Barrie, feeding relationships between Little Egrets and Red-breasted Mergansers, 365; White-winged Black Terns exploiting feeding behaviour of Great Crested Grebes, 138 Whitethroat, Lesser, summary for 1998, 356 Wigeon, American, European news, 67, 282; accepted records, 563-4 , Eurasian, British breeding records in 1996, 127; British breeding records in 1997, 393 Wilkinson, Peter, photograph of winners of Young Ornithologists of the Year 1998, 111, plate 21 Willet, European news, 290 Williams, I. T., see Roberts, S. J., et al. Wilson, Andy, see Gillings, Simon Wilson, M. G., letter on breeding range of Dark-throated Thrush, 165-6 , , see Ryabitsev, V. K. Wilson, Rob, photograph of Ruddy Shelduck, 231, plate 64; of prizewinners of Bird Photograph of the Year 1999, 548, plate 218; of prizewinners of Bird Illustrator of the Year 1999, 548, plate 219 Wilson, T. G., and Fentiman, C., Eastern Bonelli's Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland, 519-23 Wilsonia citrina, see Warbler, Hooded Wood, Simon D., see Smith, Brian, et al. Woodcock, Martin, review of Newman: Newman's Birds of Southern Africa, 198 Woodpecker, Black, European news, 75 , Middle Spotted, European news, 75, 293 , Syrian, European news, 292 , White-backed, European news, 75 Wright, John, 3rd place. Bird Illustrator of the Year 1999, 347-53 Wryneck, numbers in Britain in 1996, 19-20; British summering records in 1996, 147; summary for 1998, 357-8, 672, plate 126; British breeding records in 1997, 419-20; numbers in Britain in 1997, 637-8 Xenus cinereus, see Sandpiper, Terek Yellowlegs, Lesser, European news, 72, 289; photographs, 218, 276, plates 53, 80; accepted records, 577, plate 239 Yellowthroat, Common, records in Britain and Ireland in 1987-96, 83-95 Young Ornithologists of the Year, 1998 award presentation. 111, plate 21; 1999 winners, 675-7 Young, Steve, photograph of Lesser Yellowlegs, 218, plate 53; of Cattle Egret, 219, plate 57; of Great Bittern, 220, plate 58; of Ruddy Shelduck, 229, plate 63; of Broad-billed Sandpiper, 384, plate 152 Zbinden, N., European news, 64-82, 278-300 Zino, Francis, letter on Madeiran seabirds and missing limbs, 485 Zonfrillo, Bernard, letter on Moorhens and Common Coot feeding on gull excrement, 541, plates 214-15 Zonotrichia albicollis, see Sparrow, White-throat- ed leucophrys, see Sparrow, White-crowned Zoothera dauma, see Thrush, White's British Birds Index to volume 92 711 List of line-drawings PAGES 3 Short-toed Lark (Dan Powell) 4 European Serin ( Stephanie L. Thorpe) 5 Balearic Shearwater ( Max Andrews) 22 Horned Lark ( Dan Powell) 36 Northern Gannets and Kitti wakes ( Massimiliano Lipperi) 40 Red-throated Thrush (Alan Harris ) 83 Black-and-white Warbler (Stephanie L. Thorpe) 96 Hume's Warbler (David Quinn) 120 Peregrine Falcon (Stuart Brocklehurst) 134 Montagu's Harriers (Donald Watson) 155 Egyptian Nightjar ( Dave Nurney) 176 Golden Pheasants (Dan Powell) 183 Purple Swamp-hen (Mike Langman ) 225 Ruddy Shelducks (Tony Broome) 326 European Honey-buzzards (S. /. Roberts) European Honey-buzzards (Dan Powell) Ring Ouzels (Ernest Leahy) Little Bittern (Alan Harris) Common Rosefinches (D. I. M. Wallace) Red-crested Pochards ( Rosemary Powell) Long-tailed Rosefinches (Dan Powell) Cape Verde Petrel (Keith Shackleton) Eastern Bonelli's Warbler (Ren Hathway) Eastern Bonelli's Warbler (Ian Lewington) Grey Partridges (Dan Cole) European Bee-eaters (Brin Edwards) Azure-winged Magpies (Bruce Pearson) Rustic Bunting (Alan Harris) Great White Egret (Mike Langman) Terek Sandpiper ( Mike Langman) Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler (John Gale) 346 354 389 445 472 498 504 519 524 532 618 659 667 668 669 672 712 British Birds Index to volume 92 Riley Dunn &. Wilson Ltd EXPERT CONSERVATORS & BOOKBINDERS