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THE SCOTTISH
ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB

Scottish
Bird News

DECEMBER 1998
ISSN 0268-3199

No. 52

Edited by Stan da Prato
Assisted by Sylvia Laing and
Joan Wilcox .

The Firth of Clyde

Firths and sea lochs are major features of the Scottish landscape. Many have imponanFwildHf&populations. Scottish Natural
Heritage has, in recent years, recognised the importance of Scottish Firths through its Focus on Firths initiative and through
its publication Firths in SNH Scotland’s Living Landscapes series in July 1997. The Focus on Firths is a voluntary Scotland wide
initiative set up by SNH to promote the integrated management of the natural resources of all 5 of the major Scottish Firths,
Moray, Tay, Forth, Clyde and Solway, and to safeguard their future.

Ornithological interest

To date, the ornithological interest of
Scottish firths has largely been focused
on the east coast, and the SOC has
recently played host to several papers
and reports outlining bird populations and
their significance, eg Tay (N Elkins & B M
Lynch 1997 Waterfowl counts on the Tay
Estuary 1985-1995 Scottish Birds 19:36-
54), Forth (SBN 49 March 1998) and
Moray, (R J Evans 1998 Numbers of
wintering seaducks, divers and grebes in
the Moray Firth 1977-1995 Scottish Birds
19:206-222). These represent the results
of sustained observations over a long
period of time, combining amateur work
with professional contract surveys.

In contrast, the Firth of Clyde has received
comparatively little ornithological attention.
Few birdwatchers view the Firth of Clyde
as an entity, and traditional allegiances
are reflected and reinforced by the current
bird recording areas: Ayrshire, inner Clyde,
Argyll, Arran, Clyde Islands etc.
Recognition of the Firth of Clyde as an
important ornithological area will only take
place once a period of concerted and
coordinated recording effort is published.

Monitoring

This is not to say that no monitoring is
taking place. WeBs coverage is growing.
The Clyde estuary has been monitored for
nearly 30 years, through the coordination
of lain Gibson, Roger Broad and now Jim
and Val Wilson. The Ayrshire coast is also
now well covered during the winter months
by Brian Orr and his team. Outside of
these areas, there are small pockets of
regular coverage, such as Lochgilp by

Red-throated Diver

Simon Lawrence, Great Cumbrae by John
Allan, parts of the Arran coast coordinated
through Audrey Walters and Duncan
Stevenson, and parts of eastern Cowal
through Nigel Scriven and Ben Ross.
However, in many cases the counting
season needs to be extended and these
counts need to be coordinated and the
results collated into a Firth of Clyde context.
There is also a very real need to begin
filling the major gaps in regular WeBs
coverage, such as the Kyles of Bute, the
Bute coastline, Loch Riddon, the rest of
Arran, Otter Ferry and other parts of Loch
Fyne, East Kintyre and Campbeltown
Loch. However, this will require the
mobilisation of local birdwatchers in Argyll,
Bute and Arran, supplemented by
contributions from visiting birdwatchers.
In addition to WeBs, there has been some
breeding regular seabird monitoring by
the Clyde Ringing Group (Sanda) Glasgow
University (Ailsa Craig) RSPB (Horse
Island) and SNH (Little Cumbrae), but this
has been on selected species, with few
comprehensive surveys. The last

Wiliiam Paton

summaries of the seabirds of the Firth of
Clyde were published in the mid 1980s (P
Monaghan & B Zonfrillo 1986 Population
dynamics of seabirds in the Firth of Clyde,
Proceeding of the Royal Society of
Edinburgh 90B, 363-375) and in the early
1 990s in C Lloyd, M Tasker & K Partridge
1991 Status of Seabirds Poyser, London.
Again, more complete and coordinated
monitoring is required.

As an example, in September 1997 a
network of 31 people counted Eiders
throughout the entire Firth of Clyde over a
period of 1 0 days. Coverage was achieved
for approximately 80% of the coastline
and an impressive 19,500 birds were
recorded. On this basis, more than 1 in 5
of British Eiders were in the Firth of Clyde
at that time. This population is close to the
20,000 threshold for international
importance If this and similar widescale
monitoring takes place for at least 5 years
it is likely that internationally important
population figures will be found for many
species.

1

Another example, gleaned from Ayrshire
and Clyde bird reports and the WeBs
summary, shows that during the last 2
days of March 1996, there were probably
at least 500 Red-throated Divers in Firth
of Clyde waters.

A brief review of recent local bird reports
and WeBs summaries suggests that the
species shown in the table could achieve
national or international significance.

The focus for future monitoring and
assessment should be through the Clyde
Estuary Forum, supported by SNH and
RSPB (amongst others), which could help
to coordinate voluntary efforts and to seek
support for professional contract surveys.

International

Non breeding

Slavonian Grebe
Eider

Red-breasted Merganser

Oystercatcher

Ringed Plover

Redshank

Curlew

Turnstone

Black-headed Gull

Common Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Herring Gull

Breeding

Gannet

Lesser Black-backed Gull

The SOC should offer encouragement to
the Forum. Currently there is no Project
Officerforthe Clyde, but further information
can be sought from Clyde Estuary Forum,
c/o Scottish Natural Heritage, Caspian
House, 2 Mariner Court, 8 South Avenue,
Clydebank Business Park, Clydebank
G81 2NR or from the Glasgow & Clyde
Valley Structure Plan Team, 10
Killermount Street, Glasgow G2 3NW.

However, if it is acceptable to throw the
ball into the Clyde Estuary Forum court for
coordination, then we in the SOC and
other similar groups in the west of Scotland
must be prepared to pick up that ball when
it is thrown back to us for fieldworker
support.

National

Non breeding

Red-throated Diver

Black-throated Diver

Little Grebe

Great Crested Grebe

Cormorant

Shag

Grey Heron

Mute Swan

Shelduck

Wiqeon

Teal

Scaup

Goldeneye

Golden Plover

Purple Sandpiper

If anybody is interested in participating in
coordinated fieldwork in the Firth of Clyde
please contact me at 73 Stewart Street,
Carluke ML8 5BY (01555 750719) in the
interim.

Pylon casualties within
the Clyde Valley

Since the late 1 980s, an alarming number
of birds have been reported striking power
lines running at right angles between the
RSPB reserves of Barons Haugh and
Merryton in the Clyde Valley. Both sites
attract a wealth of wildfowl and water birds
to the area.

However, the ‘obstruction’ of these cables
has led to the deaths of up to 250 birds (of
26 different species) which have been
found beneath the cables since 1989.
With regular flooding in the area washing
corpses away and the occasional Fox
lifting freshly dead birds, one can hazard
a guess that the true figures are higherr
but unknown.

Much easier to find, though, were both
Whooper and Mute Swans which have
been particularly vulnerable to pylon
strikes here. Indeed, within a 4 winter
monitoring period (1989-1993), a total of
41 swan corpses were found. Others will
have been washed away unnoticed during
high flood periods, but alone, the figure
within that relatively short period of time
gave cause for concern.

Owing to the national importance of
Whooper Swans and frequent occurrence
of Mute Swans at these sites, it was
deemed necessary to investigate the
factors which caused such strikes with the
intention of identifying any preventative
measures.

Observations of flight paths of all species
flying up and down the valley were made
during this period to identify the effect of
the power line ‘obstruction’. In most cases,
all species made an attempt (sometimes
repeatedly) to clear the top earth wire
being of a thinner width to that of the live
conductor cables.

Regarding Whooper Swans, however,
frequent observations highlighted that their
approach to the power cables were met
with some uncertainty, almost a
disorientation of how to negotiate such an
obstruction. Mute Swans showed no
distinct pattern - some flew precariously
under, over and through the cables.
Whoopers, always attempted to go over
the power lines, accompanied by
increased vocalisation as they drew nearer
to the pylons.

Increased vocalisation could suggest
stress perhaps. It could be argued that,
owing to a swans’ poor forward vision,
they are attempting to clearthe uppermost

Chris Waltho, Clyde Branch

Eider David Hassell

2

live conductor cable only to realise that an
additional thinner and less visible earth
wire exists causing a panic reaction.
Furthermore, owing to a relatively large
body mass, a swan flying at 30-50mph
with minimal agility has little chance of
avoiding such a hazardous feature.

Indeed, as mirrored in studies elsewhere,
the conclusion of the Merryton/Barons
Haugh ‘hotspot’ suggests that the earth
wire is the contributory factor to causing
most bird strikes.

Regular discussions with the RSPB and
Scottish Power during this period led to
action being undertaken by the electricity
company to increase the width of the
earth wire in the summer of 1 993. Despite
suggestions to fit either light weight ‘day-
glo’ balls or other marker devices such as
ribbons etc, Scottish Power entered the
technological stakes by wrapping a fibre
optic cable round the earth wire to increase
the diameter from 1 9mm to 31 mm. Thus
telephone signals can now be transmitted
along the same routes as electricity! An
article to this effect was in the Evening
Times , 12 September 1994.

It was hoped that this positive response
from Scottish Power would prove
beneficial and that a new phase of
monitoring would produce positive results.
At the time, I had expressed cautious
optimism. However, it was emphasised
that, should the problem still exist, Scottish
Power would continue to remain
sympathetic to this sensitive site and that
the company would endeavour to identify
a satisfactorysolution.

Five winter periods have now passed and
results have been produced for readers to
draw their own conclusions.

Summary of bird casualties

Figure 1 shows the total of bird casualties
per annum involving 26 species. In most
cases, casualties other than swans were
predominantly medium sized birds such
as gulls and wildfowl, waders (Curlew &
Lapwing), several Coots and the odd
pigeon. Detecting smaller birds beneath
the pylons presents its own difficulty but a
Blackbird, Song Thrush and Redwing were
found. Four Herons and 3 Cormorants
represented the larger species found.

Figure 2 shows the total swan strikes per
winter season from October - April. Three
swan strikes were noted outside the ‘strike’
period. Similar to the previous graph, a
reduction of strikes following the
introduction of the increased diameter
width is indicated but, interestingly, the

Whooper Swan

Figure 1 Annual comparison of bird
strikes (n=239)

x - Period when earth
wire diameter was increased.

graph clearly shows a reduction of
casualties found, a 51% drop since the
earth wire diameter increase. However,
other contributory factors should also be
considered before a conclusion is drawn.
Firstly, regular flooding not only washes
away corpses but also prevents site
inspection to the ‘impact’ area; secondly,
refraining from visiting the site to avoid
disturbance to all wildfowl and other bird
species; and lastly, irregular visits by myself
due to changing circumstances (ie studies)
from autumn 1993 - spring 1996.

Indeed, the last factor is untimely allowing
the reader to believe that the installation of
the fibre optic cable around the earth wire
in June 1 993 may have created a positive
effct - an unfortunate coincidence.

Figure 2 Total swan strikes per winter
season Oct - Apr (n =63)

wire diameter was increased.

Stan da Prato

latter 2 winter periods, when normal
monitoring was resumed, does seem to
demonstrate that a positive effect has
been gained.

Figure 3 shows a breakdown of casualties
per swan species. Remains found beyond
identification have been placed into the
swan sp category (fox predated).

It could be argued that the 56% reduction
in Whooper Swan mortalities since 1993
may well be attributable to the earth wire
diameter increase. As stated earlier,
Whoopers have demonstrated their
preference to clear the top earth wire and,
with fewer strikes now being recorded
since this date, does seem to suggest that
the cable is more visible during flight
approach.

However, in Mute Swans, a slight reduction
of 30% since 1993 does not yet seem to
suggest a favourable conclusion. Strikes
involving this species are more likely from
autumn onwards as post breeding
dispersal becomes more evident.
Movement is also increased when ponds
freeze over and birds are forced to search
for alternative waters. Such birds are then
very vulnerable to strikes owing to their
unfamiliarity with landmarks and
surroundings, unlike Whoopers, which
gradually become ‘conditioned’ as winter
progresses as they pass over the cables,
twice daily to feed at Merryton and return
to Barons Haugh to roost.

No change, however, was noted in the
amount of unidentifiable remains of swans
since 1993. Obviously, the true identity of
birds within this category would provide a
clear picture of which species is the most
vulnerable. Owing to the precarious
approaches observed by Mute Swans the
speculation is that this species is a more
likely casulaty.

3

Figure 3 Winter season comparisons of swan strikes (Oct - Apr)

• 1 '‘"■- -1 — i , i waata., ..numEra?

1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 ' 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98

jji|II|j/Vihoope(^Swar^Jlllll]]Mute^Swar^^^i^^Sw^^^p^^

X - indicates the period when the earth wire
diameter was increased

First glance indicates a favourable comprison since 1993. The number of casualties
recorded in the ‘unidentified’ (swan sp) category could well relate to Mute Swan thus
presenting no positive evidence for this species at this site here. Whooper Swan strikes
have certainly reduced which indicates that the earth wire diameter increase has made
some effect. However, with strikes still occurring involving both species at this site, it
seems the ideal solution has not yet been achieved.

Conclusion

Overall, the effect of the earth wire diameter
increase has produced a 35% reduction in
swan strikes since 1993.

The reduction in Whooper Swan mortality
since then may be regarded as a welcome
outcome but strikes of this species still
occur. The outcome for Mute Swans
remains inconclusive. Their approach to
the pylons suggests that this species
remains vulnerable to striking cables. This
report therefore confirms that swans are
still vulnerable to strikes, suggesting that
the Merryton/Barons Haugh site has not
yet achieved an ideal solution.

By no means is this research complete,
another winter period approaches to offer
the opportunity of continued monitoring at
this now well documented ‘hotspot’.

lain English

Secretary of State backs
efforts to reduce
persecution

Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar has
thrown his weight behind efforts to reduce
the illegal persecution of birds of prey,
birds which he says are national assets.

Mr Dewar was visiting the Scottish Wildlife
and Countryside Fair at the RSPB’s Vane
Farm reserve where he launched the
damning report The Illegal Persecution of
Raptors in Scotland originally published in
Scottish Birds.

He described the illegal persecution of
Golden Eagles and Peregrines as “a
national disgrace”.

“The Government is committed to
strengthening protection for wildlife and in
due course the Scottish Parliament will
consider proposals from the Partnership
Against Wildlife Crime, which includes the
police, Customs and Excise, Scottish
Natural Heritage, the RSPB and other
conservation bodies.”

The report, prepared by the Scottish Raptor
Study Groups, outlines the massive scale
of such illegal activities. Raptor worker
Keith Brockie said Peregrines were
regularly persecuted in both Perthshire
and Angus, butfinding evidence orproving
persecution is difficult, as those
responsible are skilful at concealing it.

“But where 2 estates in the same area
have consistently different breeding
success rates in neighbouring glens,
something is wrong,” he said. Often it is
only statistics like these which show up
illegal human interference.

Peregrine

“We had hoped things would improve, but
this year persecution has been worse
than ever,” Keith said later.

Visiting the police wildlife officers’
exhibition at the Fair, Mr Dewar spoke of
public disapproval of such activities and
stressed the role of public opinion in making
it clear to those responsible that their
actions would not be tolerated.

“The Government and no doubt the
Scottish Parliament, will take all possible
steps to eliminate persecution.” The
Secretary of State’s comments echo those
of the Scottish Office Minister responsible
for the Environment. In the Forward to
Counting the Cost, a glossy and attractive
publication which will take the results of
the Raptor Study Group forward to a wider
audience, Lord Sewel said “Scotland’s
wonderfully diverse wildlife is a national
treasure, and wildlife crime is a crime
against us all. It is particularly despicable
when it takes the form of the illegal
persecution of magnificent birds of prey,
which give pleasure to thousands.”

“We are all aware, sadly, of individual
incidents of wildlife crime in Scotland,
such as the theft of eggs and the shooting,
trapping or poisoning of birds of prey.
Successful prosecution of these crimes
arouses considerable publicity and quite
justified outrage against the perpetrators.
The scale of illegal persecution against
some of our birds of prey is sufficient to
limit the geographical range of the species
concerned in several areas of Scotland.
The illegal persecution of raptors in many
parts of Scotland is widespread. In some
areas, persecution rather than lack of
suitable habitat is the main reason why
birds of prey are scarce or non-existent.”

“I regard it as a national disgrace that
illegal persecution is still taking place on
such a scale and the Government will
continue to take all steps within its power
to reduce and eliminate it.”

William Paton

4

Plansfor Cairngorms and
Loch Lomond national
parks

According to Magnus Magnusson
Chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage
there will be 2 national parks up and
running in Scotland by 2005. Launching a
detailed proposal to establish the first parks
around Loch Lomond and in the
Cairngorms, Magnus said he thought they
would be given the go ahead. Plans for
creating 2 nature conservation and cultrual
heritage zones costing more than £5 million
each yearto run have been set out by SNH
who want them run independent authorities
with statutory powers to influence planning,
housing, economic development and rural
land use. The final decision on national
parks will be made by the Scottish
Parliament.

The establishment of national parks would
finally bring Scotland into line with almost
every other country in the world. Their
absence has been an embarrassment,
especially since the man credited with the
original idea of national parks was a Scot,
John Muir.

There is emphasis in SNH’s proposals on
the need for community involvement in
the national park authorities. It suggests
that up to two thirds of the bodies should
be community councillors and local
authority appointees.

Under the SNH plan the park bodies will
not take powers from councils or national
bodies, but will replace voluntary
agreements involoving, for example, the
Cairngorms Partnership, with ones based
on statutory authority.

The parks would be tailored to suit their
surroundings. The proposal for the Loch
Lomond and Trossachs park envisages
enhanced powers for controlling the growth
of marine traffic on the loch, while the
Cairngorms park would have special
responsibility over efforts to control deer
numbers. SNH believes at least 75% of
resources should come from that source.
Highland Council, which has been
opposed to national parks, seems
prepared to accept the SNH proposal. Its
convener, Peter Peacock, who sits on the
main SNH board, said the
recommendations took account of many
of the worries of the local authorities and
communities. The council will also be
reassured that planning pwoers will
continue to rest in the democratic control
of councils and that additional money will
be needed which should be primarily

funded by the nation as a whole.’

However, Councillor Michael Foxley,
chairman of the council’s land and
environment committee, said ‘I am
disappointed that the needs and interests
of the wider Highlands are not fully covered
by this consultation document. ‘We believe
the Highlands as a whole is an area of
outstanding natural and cultrual heritage
value which needs special recognition
and support’.

Funds will help locals bid
for estates

At the Labour Party Conference plans
were announced for a fund worth up to
£150 million which could be used by local
communities and conservationists to buy
Highland estates such as Knoydart. This
follows controversies over attempts by
local communities and pressure groups to
buy Highland estates like Glen Feshie in
the Cairngorms, Knoydart or the Isle of

Eigg.

Bids backed by groups such as the World
Wide Fund for Nature to buy Glen Feshie
and Knoydart earlier this year failed mainly
because they could not raise enough cash
and private buyers stepped in.

The bid for Glen Feshie was given public
backing by the Scottish environment
minister, Lord Sewel, and Scottish Natural
Heritage, as part of the Government
initiative to support community land
purchases across the Highlands.
However, it is thought that National
Heritage Lottery Fund board members did
not want to spend millions more in Scotland
because public funds had already been
used to buy Mar Lodge for the National
Trust for Scotland.

The Isle of Eigg was bought by the local
community for £1.5 million last year only
after years of controversy. Media sources
also say that the Culture Secretary, Chris
Smith, a keen hill walker, has won Cabinet
support to allocate funds which could be
used to buy important estates.

Ministers have already announced that
the bulk of the New Opportunities Fund
will be dedicated to health and education
projects, with bids for money overseen by
the Lotteries Board. The new fund will
also allow local people to bid for money for
local projects, which could include local
parks, wildlife reserves or bringing estates
into community ownership.

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the Optical Experts

The SOC New Year Bird Count 1998

Firstly I would like to apologise for the brevity of this article. 1998 has been a rather hectic year for me, I became editor of the
Lothian Bird Report among other things. This has meant that I have been unable to give the NYBC my full attention and this
article, is just a sketch of what happened in the 1998 count. I hope to be able to prepare a fuller article next year as we move
towards the New Year Bird Count 2000.

Thank you to everyone who took part
despite the horrendous weather that
greeted 1998. A total of 141 species were
seen by 83 counters who covered 84
tetrads. Some counters shared the
counting with others while a few hardy
souls counted more than one tetrad. The
most species seen in any single tetrad
was 78 in a Fife coastal tetrad. No one was
unlucky enough to see no birds and the
lowest count from any tetrad was 5 species.
Lothian had more species seen on the
count than any other area but here there
were 19 tetrads covered varying from
upland reservoirs to Musselburgh
Lagoons. Shetland had the lowest total of
any area where there was a counter but
the solitary counter was counting on the
farthest north island of Unst.

Starling

David Mitchell

This table shows the number of tetrads,
counters and species observed for each
area.

Area Tetrads Counters Tot spp

Borders

6

5

69

D&G

4

4

58

Ayr

3

4

67

Lothian

19

16

101

Fife

5

6

97

Forth

2

3

45

Clyde

6

6

50

Argyll

1

1

28

P&K

6

5

52

A&D

3

3

64

North East

7

12

64

M&N

1

1

32

Highland

14

12

95

Caithness

3

3

53

O. Heb

2

2

59

Orkney

0

0

0

Shetland

1

1

12

Total

83

84

141

The 10 most numerous species on the
count in 1998.

Nos

Species

1

6364

Woodpigeon

2

5786

Black-headed Gull

3

4029

Herring Gull

4

4022

Rook

5

3081

Starling

6

2258

Oystercatcher

7

2128

Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove

8

1972

Jackdaw

9

1884

Chaffinch

10

1788

Common Gull

As can be seen these are all conspicuous
social species which are common on
agricultural land and other open spaces.
None of the big goose roosts were counted
in 1 998 so there are no wildfowl in the top
ten.

The 10 most widespread species as
recorded by the New Year Bird Count
1998.

Species

No of teti

1

Blackbird

77

2

Carrion/Hooded Crow 75

3

Chaffinch

73

4

Woodpigeon

72

5

Blue Tit

66

6

Robin

65

7

Great Tit

62

8

Starling

58

9

Wren

56

10

Coal Tit

54

Only 3 species which are among the 10
most numerous species are in the list of
the 10 most widespread species. These
are the Woodpigeon, Starling and
Chaffinch. It is notable that all 3 of the
common woodland tits are in this list of
widespread birds and all of these species
could be regarded as garden birds, le
birds which have adapted to human
influences on the countryside and which
can survive in towns.

visitors are not as numerous or
widespread. Other species which are
regarded as residents would appear to
largely desert Scotland in winter. An
example is the Skylark which was recorded
in a mere 12 tetrads, surely a result of
birds moving to the south.

Some birds are naturally rare so there are
very few records of large raptors such as
Red Kite or Golden Eagle. The most
widespread raptor was the Common
Buzzard, recorded in 43 tetrads. This is a
reflection of the Buzzard’s recent increase
and range expansion into eastern
Scotland. Hopefully it won’t be too long
before the Red Kite shows a similar trend.

Birds new to the count this year included
the Musselburgh Desert Wheatear which
hung on into the New Year. In Fife, the
Surf Scoters put in their annual appearance
but Smew, Bewick’s Swan and Canada
Goose were not reported. Not counting
Canada Geese may be something of a
blessing but it was sad to find no count
forms which recorded Corn Buntings.

Common Crossbills were reported from
more tetrads this year following 1997’s
invasion. The only Iceland and Glaucous
Gulls were in the Western Isles and Little
Auks were reported from Islay and the
Uists.

All of the most numerous and widespread
species are resident in Scotland although
their numbers are boosted by birds which
stay in Scotland over winter. True winter

I hope to present a fuller treatment of the
NYBC next year so please take part and
use the form enclosed with this issue of
SBN.

David Kelly

6

ISLANDS OF THE NORTH
- A MIDSUMMER ODYSSEY

3-17 June 1999

The National Trust for Scotland Annual Cruise
Leaving from and returning to Leith

Scottish Ornithologists: Check this out!

Don't miss a unique opportunity to enjoy some
Scotland's finest, and most remote and
inaccessible, sea-bird colonies in the unrivalled
comfort of the Black Prince.

We shall be visiting
St Kilda
North Rona
Sula Sgeir
Orkney (Hoy)

Shetland (Unst)
and Fair Isle

But that's not all: we shall then travel on to Iceland and the Faroes, offering
opportunities to see the world's largest puffin colony, nesting whooper swans
and other exciting wildfowl, hopefully including harlequin duck and Barrow's
goldeneye at its only European breeding station.

Our cruise will be accompanied by renowned birdwatchers, geologists,
archaeologists and historians.

If you don't want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity to observe more
seabirds than you thought existed , contact

Cruise Office, The National Trust for Scotland,

5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DU
Tel (0131) 243 9333/4

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Biodiversity in Glasgow

At the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, 150 countries, including the UK, agreed to protect biological diversity. A number
of organisations, both governmental and non governmental, have given priority to this issue and the UK Government has
recommended that Local Biodiversity Action Plans should be produced. In the following article lain Gibson, SOC Recorder and
Glasgow’s Conservation Officer, describes recent progress in the City of Glasgow.

Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs)
are essentially about nature conservation.
However, within a densely populated and
thriving business community like the City
of Glasgow it is especially important that
the green network of parks, open spaces
and countryside is protected and
enhanced. As well as helping wildlife, this
enhances the quality of life for those who
live or work in the city, and an improved
environment is regarded by the Council to
be an important factor in encouraging
economic development and regeneration.

Commitment

In 1989 Glasgow City Council formulated
a Wildlife and Nature Conservation Policy
Statement, following the completion of a
habitat survey which helped to identify
Sites of Importance for Nature
Conservation (SINCs) throughout the city.

Most people know that Glasgow is
renowned for its heritage of fine parks but
many are surprised to learn that about one
quarter of all land within the city boundary
is actually countryside. Some 79 SINCs
are currently recognised by the Council,
40 of which are considered to be of city
wide importance. The remaining sites are
recognised as locally valuable.

A wide range of habitats is represented,
including reedbeds, raised bog,
seminatural woodland and neutral
grassland. Not all are in urban fringe or
countryside, some being relict sites within
the built environment, others in parks.
There are 5 Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) in the City - Fossil Grove
(Victoria Park), Possil Marsh (an SWT
reserve), Bishop Loch (in Greater
Easterhouse), the seminatural woodlands
of the Cart and Kittoch Valley, and a
geological site at Waulkmill Glen.

In 1998 Glasgow’s Environment Strategy
identified requirements for the production
of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan, with
the Council playing a lead role in bringing
together and involving interested parties
and community representatives. A steering
group consists of council officers and
representatives of organisations including
RSPB, SWT and FWAG (Farming and
Wildlife Advisory Group).

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan identifies
a range of key habitats and species which
require action plans or monitoring
programmes. There are 2 lists of globally
threatened or declining species - the
priority list of species for which costed
action plans have been (or are being)
prepared, and a long list of species which
require continued monitoring.

In addition the UK’s leading non
governmental bird conservation
organisations have produced a document
Species of Conservation Concern which
identifies bird species which are threatened
within a UK context. Various criteria are
adopted, for example a rapid decline in
population or a rapid contraction of range
merits inclusion in the red list (requiring
urgent conservation action), whilst species
in moderate decline are amber listed. Even
traditionally common birds like Skylark,
Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting are red
listed, their populations having declined
by 50% or more during the preceding 25
year period.

Birds are well recorded in Glasgow, thanks
mainly to the SOC and the Clyde Bird
Report. Information on other animals is
not so comprehensive. Nevertheless,
endangered mammals such as Water Vole
and European Otter, fish such as Bullhead
and Atlantic Salmon, and butterflies such
as the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, have
all been recorded on sites within the city.
The Local Action Plan aims to ensure that
Glasgow’s biodiversity is both protected
and enhanced. Public consultation in 1 998
led to an encouraging response from many

individuals and organisations, including
strong support from the Chamber of
Commerce and the Health Trusts, and of
course, the Clyde Branch of SOC! It is
encouraging that such a healthy cross
section of the community cares about the
quality of the local environment and its
wildlife.

Implementation

Scottish Officer Minister Lord Sewell, on 4
December 1997, said that he regarded
Local Biodiversity Actions Plans as ‘a vital
mechanism for implementing the
Government’s Biodiversity objectives.’ The
City Council, with support from the RSPB,
SWT and Clyde Branch SOC, is already
taking steps to implement some of the
LBAP objectives. Its Environment Group
(Planning) and Conservation Section
(Land Services) are promoting biodiversity
initiatives on council owned land, primarily
in parks. These include native tree
plantations, wildflower meadows and new
wetland habitats, and Local Nature
Reserves at Bishop Loch, Hogganfield
Loch and Robroyston Park. Much of the
work is being implemented by the Council
and SNH supported Countryside around
Towns projects, such as the Kelvin Valley
Countryside Project.

The UK Action Plan recommends that
appropriate key habitats and threatened
species should be targeted for priority
treatment. In Glasgow it has been decided
initially to take special action for the wetland
and neutral grassland habitats, as well as
3 animal species - the Small Pearl-

8

bordered Fritillary, the Water Vole and the
Reed Bunting.

Glasgow’s contribution to biodiversity
extends beyond the city. A wetland nature
reserve is being developed beside the
Council’s waste landfill site at East Kilbride.
This involves a partnership with the
Scottish Wildlife Trust, who will carry out
management of the 12 hectare reserve. A
local SOC member, Bob Lambie, is a key
member of the management committee,
as the marsh has been his local patch for
many years. Exciting opportunities are
opened up by the landfill tax credit system,
from which funds will be used to implement
the management plan. This will diversify
wetland habitat in the marsh, whilst
protecting its most valuable botanical
features. Ponds will be excavated for
breeding waterfowl, and it is hoped to
graze cattle on part of the site to improve
the habitat for breeding waders.

The City Council is also working in
partnership with SWT on a project entitled
Glasgow’s Wildlife Heritage. This project
will involve survey work on SINCs, a
selective programme of practical
management work, and educational
activities to help achieve the Council’s
objective of raising awareness of wildlife
and environmental issues. Part of SWTs
funding for this project has also been
provided using landfill tax credits.

Hogganfield Park Local Nature Reserve

On Friday 20 March 1998, Frank
McAveety, the leader of Glasgow City
Council, announced the creation of
Glasgow’s second Local Nature Reserve
at Hogganfield Park. It is seen as a prime
contribution to the City’s action for
biodiversity.

The main feature of the new Local Nature
Reserve (LNR) is Hogganfield Loch, a
shallow loch extending to just over 21
hectares of open water, with a large
wooded island. Originally created in the
late 19th century, construction of stone
embankments around most of the loch
largely prevented the establishment of
emergent vegetation, although to remedy
this there are proposals to create reedbeds
along the eastern shore of the loch.

Over many years waterfowl numbers were
somewhat suppressed by boating activities
and the control of aquatic plants. For
example, Great Crested Grebes did not
begin to breed at the loch until as recently
as 1988. The late 1980s saw a decline in
boating, and consequently waterfowl
numbers increased. In 1989, the City
Council designated the park as a Site of
Importance for Nature Conservation. The
loch is now a popular haunt of local
birdwatchers and other naturalists. It
presents ideal opportunities for local
outings by SOC, YOC and other interested
groups, and a 2 kilometre path around the
loch provides a route which is ideal for
walkers and wheelchair users.

Many birds have become used to the
presence of humans, and even normally
wary species like Whooper Swan,
Goldeneye and Goosander can afford
excellent views. The Clyde SOC
participates in an annual birdwatching day
organised by the Countryside Rangers.
The sight of over 100 Goosanders fishing
as a communal flock can be quite
spectacular, and during the past few
winters, up to 4 redhead Smews have also
been entertaining birdwatchers by fishing
only a few metres off the car park. This
species was a natural choice for the LNR
logo.

Hogganfield Loch is one of the top wintering
waterfowl sites in the Clyde area. It is
particularly important for Little Grebe (up
to 56 in autumn), Mute Swan (a moult flock
of 150 birds), Canada Goose (maximum
count at roost 178 birds), Pochard (max
count 260), Tufted Duck (max count 303),
Goldeneye (max count 68), Goosander
(max count 185 in November 1995 - a
nationally important concentration), Ruddy
Duck (38 in 1997/98, the only wintering
flock in Scotland), and Coot (max count
468).

Four pairs of Little Grebes and one or 2
pairs of Great Crested Grebes now breed
regularly at the loch, building their nests
mainly on the overhanging branches of
Crack Willows around the island.

Less common species appear from time
to time, like the American Wigeon which
spent the winter of 1996/97 commuting
between Hogganfield Loch and Springburn
Park Pond. The marsh on the eastern side
of the park supports Jack Snipe and
sometimes Stonechat in winter. Other
recent sightings at the loch have included
a Black-necked Grebe in 1995, a Little
Ringed Plover in 1 996, and a White-winged
Black Tern in September 1 997. Woodland
visitors have included Pied Flycatcher and
Lesser Whitethroat. The LNR’s bird list
currently stands at an impressive tally of
125 species.

/ \

Bird watching on the
Isle of Eigg

Over 186 species of bird recorded
Resident SWT warden
Area of Natinal Scenic Beauty
with 3 SSSIs, magnificent scenery, sea
cliffs, sandy beaches, incredible
diversity of habitat and abundant
wildlife.

THE GLEBE BARN

The ideal base for individuals or
groups of up to 24.

Inexpensive, comfortable
accommodation available in varied
rooms & dormitories sleeping 2-8.

Further details contact

Karen & Simon Helliwell
Cleadale,

Isle of Eigg PH42 4RL
Tel/Fax: 01687 482417
e-mail:

glebebarneigg@compuserve.com J

y

Goosander

Mike Ashley

\

9

There is, of course, more to the reserve
than its birds. Grasslands on the eastern
side of the park are rich in wild flowers and
provide habitat for various mammals,
including occasional Roe Deer, as well as
many insects. Management of the
grassland specifically caters for butterfly
conservaton, although birds also benefit -
breeding Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and
Grey Partridge ae unusual in an urgban
context.

New wetlands have been excavated on
the eastern side of the park, and other
projects are involving local schools in the
creation of wildflower meadows and an
oak woodland. Eventually the City Council,
in association with The Kelvin Valley
Countryside Project, hopes to create a
long distance footpath link between
Hogganfield Park and Glasgow’s other
LNR, which is at Bishop Loch in
Easterhouse.

Glasgow’s Wildlife@ CD-ROM

A CD-ROM, Glasgow’s Wildlife has been
produced to assist schools with
environmental education and to raise
awareness of the city’s wildlife. The
interactive CD-ROM focuses on the 35
most important Sites of Importance for
Nature Conservation. It provides illustrated
information on their location, habitats,
species and other useful facts relating to
access and educational opportunities.

Further information about the Hogganfield
LNR , or to obtain a free copy of the CD-
ROM (which runs on either windows 95 or
Mac), contact The Conservation Officer,
Glasgow City Council, Parks and
Recreation, 37 High Street, Glasgow G1
1LX. (telephone 014 1 287 3753 or e-mail:
iain.gibson@pandr.glasgow.gov.uk).

lain Gibson

Seabird 2000

Seabird 2000 is a major new national
initiative to census all breeding seabirds
in Britain and Ireland. The project is a
partnership between the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC), the
statutory nature conservation country
agencies, RSPB, the Seabird Group,
Shetland Oil Terminal Environmental
Advisory Group, the National Parks &
Wildlife Service (Ireland) and Birdwatch
Ireland. The aim of Seabird 2000 is to
obtain, as accurately as possible, an
estimate of the populations and
distributions of each of the 24 species of
seabird which regularly breed in Britain
and Ireland. Both countries hold

internationally important numbers of
seabirds. If these populations are to be
effectively conserved, it isimportant to
accurately update our knowledge of their
size and distribution.

The 2 main priorities for Seabird 2000 are,
to resurvey all those sites which were
covered in the last census and to expand
coverage to sites which were not sjurveyed
in the last census and which may not have
been surveyed for almost 30 years since
Operation Seafarer. In doing so, we would
hope to improve our current knowledge of
number and distributions of species such
as petrels and shearwaters, which, due to
inherent survey problems, is very
incomplete.

This is a huge task, particularly in Scotland,
where the majority of British seabirds
breed. Seabird 2000 would not be possible
without the efforts of dedicated volunteers
and would benefit greatly from the input of
SOC members.

Guillemots at Hermaness

The census work will take place between

1999 and 2001, commencing in April in
order to count Black Guillemots and then
continuing from mid May to late June
when all other species will be counted. We
aim to count all targeted colonies once
during the 3 year period. The largest
coastal colonies will be given priority in
1999, while in 2000, we aim to count all
tern colonies. We would like to stress that
living adjacent to the coast is not a
prerequisite for becoming involved with
Seabird 2000 there are many inland
coloniesof gulls andterns, including urban
rooftop gull colonies, which need to be
included in the census.

Anyone who wishes to take part in Seabird

2000 should contact Dr Ian Mitchell at
the Seabirds and Cetaceans Branch,
JNCC, Dunnett House, 7 Thistle Lane,
Aberdeen AB1 0 1 UZ; fax: 01 224 621 488;
e-mail: mitche l@jncc.gov.uk

The Isle of May in 1998

April and May, with the exception of a
Richards Pipit, were relatively quiet but
June produced some fine late spring
migration with Short-toed Larks, 2 Thrush
Nightingales and 2 Red-backed Shrikes
being recorded onl June, Marsh Warbler
on the 6th and Rustic Bunting and Quail on
the 1 5th.

Seabirds had an indifferent breeding
season with early Shag nests washed out
by easterly gales in April. Many Shags
relaid and a few were still feeding young in
late August. Kittiwakes had a very poor
season.

August proved to be quiet for migration,
though a Barred Warbler was caught and
ringed. In late August a further Icelandic
Merlin was ringed, as was a Short-eared
Owl which was mist netted. A Common
Sandpiper was an unusual ringing species
for the island.

Bobby Tulloch
One of the more interesting features of the
autumn was one of the local fishing boats
hitting the island just below the Low Light.
The boat must have been very well built
and appeared to suffer no obvious damage
after the incident. Somebody had misset
the automatic pilot. The crew seemed
very surprised when they came on deck!

The May benefited from all the summer
rain with more than adequate water
supplies forthe Low Light. The vegetation
in the traps has grown extremely well and
should provide good cover for migrants in
due course.

With strong westerly winds throughout
July and August, Storm Petrel ringing was
relatively unproductive and Manx
Shearwaters were only heard
intermittently.

10

A change to more easterly weather in
September led to many more migrants
including an Ortolan Bunting, Wryneck,
250 Pied Flycatchers, 100 Garden
Warblers and 80 Redstarts on 16
September.

Anyone interested in staying on the Island
should contact. Mike Martin, 2 Manse
Park, Uphall, West Lothian EH 52 6NX.
Tel 01506 855285 for further details.

Ian Darling

Dipper feeding in sea

While on a visit to the Isle of Skye, about
noon on Sunday 1 1 October 1 998 my wife
and I were birdwatching on the shore of
Broadford Bay from the car park situated
about 1 70 metres east of the mouth of the
Broadford River when we were surprised
to see a Dipper flying past us westwards
along the sea shore. The bird alighted
some 20 metres from us on the pebble
shore then moved into the sea where it
began feeding, dipping its head under the
water but not totally immersing itself. This
continued for some 10 minutes or so and
from its movements the bird appeared to
be turning over the pebbles to find its prey.
Eventually it flew off westwards and passed
under the road bridge, which is about 50
metres from the river mouth and the tidal
limit.

The weather was fine with good visibility
and the tide was almost at its highest. The
sea was calm with little or no swell. There
had, however, been heavy rain during the
night and the Broadford River was in a
moderate spate with only slight
discoloration by peat. Late on the
afternoon of the next day, when the river
was back to its normal level, a Dipper was
in its more normal habitat of the fast flowing
and relatively shallow river a few metres
up-stream of the road bridge.

According to all the literature the Dipper is
confined to fast moving rivers or streams,
with the possible exception that they
‘occupy winter territories from October,
sometimes on loch shores, and have
frequently been watched feeding beneath
ice’ (Thom. Birds In Scotland 1986). As
the sea rarely if ever freezes on the west
coast of Scotland this would imply that
‘loch shores’ means fresh water lochs and
not sea lochs.

Angus Smith

Great Skua attacking
Sandwich Tern

At 1745 hours on Sunday 9 August 1998
on the Firth of Clyde at Cloch Point, my
attention was drawn to a flurry of activity
approximately 400 metres from the
Renfrewshire shore. On investigation by
telescope I saw an adult Great Skua
attacking a Sandwich Tern. The tern
seemed unable to rise from the surface of
the water and it appeared that the skua
was pecking at its head repeatedly. After
about 2 minutes of this treatment the skua
appeared to be holding the tern under the
surface of the water and the tern ceased to
struggle. I imagine at this point it was dead
or near to death. The skua proceeded to
pluck the tern. I watched the skua slowly
drift with the tide for over 30 minutes while
tearing at the body of the tern.

Great Skua chasing tern Barry Larking

Avian predation on guii
and tern chicks

On 29 June 1998 whilst monitoring the
tern colony at the Talisman Energy oil
terminal at Nigg in Easter Ross I watched
a few Common Terns repeatedly swooping
at a clump of Dockens. This continued for
about 5 minutes when suddenly a Crow
rushed out, grabbed a nearby chick and
pulled it back into the Dockens. The
disturbed terns swooped down and tried
to mob the Crow but it was quite safe from
them under the tall plants. Quickly the
colony settled down, with birds returning
to incubate just a metre or 2 away from the
Crow, leaving only a few birds to continue
mobbing.

The next day we were ringing chicks in the
colony and I located the remains of 3 partly
consumed chicks under the patch of
Dockens. On a return visit on 14 July I
found several similar groups of partly eaten
chicks under other groups of Dockens and

Thistles where the Crow had obviously
used the same method.

On the same day I watched a Buzzard
using a similar technique in the terminal in
a Common Gull colony. When disturbed
the Common Gull chicks hid against a wire
mesh fence about 2.5m high. The Buzzard
had caught one of these chicks and was
plucking it. The gulls were trying to swoop
at the Buzzard and hit it but could not as it
was hard up against the fence. The
Buzzard had obviously employed this
technique before as I found 4 plucked
chicks up against the fence.

Despite this predation both the gulls and
terns had their most productive breeding
season of the 1990’s with the Common
Terns rearing 1.0 young per pair and the
Common Gulls 1 .2 young per pair. I would
like to thank Talisman Energy for allowing
access to the terminal and for providing
financial support towards the monitoring
work of the Highland Ringing Group.

Bob Swann

Black Grouse lekking
during the middle of the
day

On 25 April 1998, a warm dry and clear
spring day, at 1315hrs in Glen Roy,
Highland, my attention was drawn to the
characteristic bubbling and hissing sounds
made by displaying Black Grouse. A check
of an adjacent lek site revealed 5 males
and one female in full courtship. Although
I have previously witnessed Black Grouse
lekking at this, and other, arenas in mid
morning, as well as in the early morning
and late evening, I had not before seen
such vigorous activity in the middle of the
day. Witherby (1947 The Handbook of
British Birds) wrote that ‘at least at some
leks birds display almost throughout the
day’. More recent standard works such as
the 2 breeding atlases refer only to lekking
in the early morning while BWP states that
Black Grouse assemble at both dawn and
dusk and that in Britain lekking occurs in
the morning and evening.

Dominic Sargent

Dr Adam Watson has commented that it is
not uncommon for Black Grouse to lek
around the middle of the day, especially
from late April to early May when the
females are fertile and especially if a female
is present at the lek. All the grouse species
display more vigorously and frequently in
early morning and evening, especially
dawn and dusk, but can be seen doing so
at any time of day.

11

Late nesting flycatcher

Don Smtih

I have a nesting box on the east wall of my
house which for many years has been
used by Spotted Flycatchers. In
exceptional years flycatchers have nested
simultaneously on both sides of the house.
The first sighting each year has been
around 15 May.

This year a single bird was seen on 1 8 May
but a pair was not established in the nesting
box until mid June. In due course the pair
were seen to be feeding chicks. The poor
summer weather with so much rain
frequently made conditions very difficult
for the birds trying to catch insects for the
fledglings.

On 1 2/1 3 July there was continuous heavy
rain and it was apparent that the parent
birdswere unabletofeedtheiryoung. The
following day ( 1 4 July) I checked the nesting
box which had apparently been deserted.
There were 4 chicks, all dead. Two were
well advanced and feathered, the other 2
being very much retarded and poorly
developed. I removed the corpses which
at that stage showed no obvious sign of
decomposition or scavenging insects.

A few days later a pair of Spotted
Flycatchers (the same pair?} took
possession of the nesting box and gave
every indication that a fresh clutch of eggs
was laid. In due course young could be
seen being fed and this continued until 23
August when the fledglings left the nesting
box.

I have never been aware of more than one
brood being raised and the nesting box
has always been vacated by early July. It
would be interesting to know if the
exceptionally poor summer weather has
caused other instances of unusual
behaviour.

Duncan McDougall

Short-eared Owl

Loch of Mey hide

For several years the members of
Caithness SOC have wanted to build a
bird hide on the edge of the Loch of Mey
because of the wealth of birdlife and the
need to reduce conflict between land
owners and birdwatch. The loch was
recently designated as a Special
Protection Area and Ramsarsite qualifying
for this designation through the wintering
populations of Greenland White-fronted
Geese, Whooper Swans and a variety of
ducks, breeding waterfowl and waders.
Short-eared Owls and Hen Harriers use
the surrounding moorland. Eventually we
d access from a local farmer and set about
the task of funding the project. This came
from a variety of sou rces(1 1 in all) including
enterprise companies, wildlife groups and
local hotels, not forgetting SOC
Headquarters. Members of the Caithness
SOC and Highland Council RangerService
provided some of the labour.

By mid July both the hide and disabled
access were completed despite some
anxious moments due to wet weather and
ground conditions and we would like to
invite SOC members to make use of the
hide. The hide has been called the James
Maclntye Gunn Memorial Hide. This is in
recognition of one of the founding members
of the Caithness Branch of the SOC whose
interest in ornithology and natural history
goes back to his childhood. Jimmy died
on 9 May 1998. The loch is on the north
Caithness coast west of the village of
Mey. The grid reference of the hide is ND
282738.

We would like to thank the following
contributors: Caithness and Sutherland
Enterprise, Leader, Scottish Natural
Heritage, Fieldfare Trust, SOC HO, SOC
Inverness Branch, East Sutherland Bird

Club, RSPB, Northern Studies Group,
Highland Council, Castle Arms Hotel
(Mey).

Unusual display by
Hooded Crow

On 7 September 1 998 1 watched a Hooded
Crow on my rooftop give a most “discorvid"
display. Similar to that by a Herring Gull
illustrated in Figure 63c on page 745 of the
Birds of the Western PalearcticW comprised
a jerk of the head forward then downwards
until the bill touched the breast,
accompanied by a snap of the bill and a
low dovelike coo. This it repeated several
times before flying off.

A Hooded Crow, probably the same one,
has been in the habit recently of roosting
on a neighbour’s roof, shared by a pair of
Herring Gulls, which in the spring displayed
in this manner. Is it possibly a case of
mimicry in a species not noted for such
behaviour?

I have not been able to find any reference
to this display in the account of the species
in the Handbook.

Peter Cunningham

12

RSPB/SOC Lowland
breeding wader survey of
mainland Scotland 1997

SOC members may rememberthe Lowland
breeding wader survey undertaken by the
RSPB and SOC back in 1992 and 1993.
This revealed the importance of Scottish
lowland farmland in maintianing a very
large proportion of the UK’s populations of
lowland breeding waders: full details were
published in Scottish Birds (O’Brien 1996.
18: 231-241). Widespread concern have
been expressed about declines in these
wader populations since 1992/93, and
these led the RSPB and SOC to instigate
a repeat survey, of both the random one
kilometre squares, and a selection of “key”
wader sites in 1997 and 1998.

In 1997, RSPB staff re surveyed 219
random squares in mainland Scotland
(which were surveyed in 1992,) and the
results from these are presented in Table
1.

These results show that there were no
significant changes in the numbers of
Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher,
Redshank and Snipe across mainland

Scotland between 1992 and 1997. To be
honest, this is surprising news, and is
contrary to most people’s perceptions of
what was going on in their local area. With
caution, we can say that this is good news,
the declines recorded in England and
Wales have not occurred in Scotland. The
Scottish lowlands still hold a significant
part of the UK population of lowland
breeding waders. However, we can see
from the table that there is a large amount
of between site variation for most wader
species (difference between lower and
upper 95% confidence limits), so that we
may not detect small declines. The
declines in Lapwing and Snipe are,
however, of concern and we feel it is
important to contine to monitor lowland
wader populations.

The next steps in the 1997-98 survey are
to look at the changes which have occurred
at the key sites surveyed by SOC
members, to see whether the best sites for
birds are holding their own in the way the
wider countryside has, and to input and
analyse the date for the random squares
surveyed in the northern Isles and northern
England in 1998. When this is complete,
we should have a good picture of the
changing prospects of Scotlands’ lowalnds
waders.

Cairngorm Funicular On
27 October 1998

Lord Nimmo-Smith dismissed the petition
by WWF/RSPB. The conservation side
was disappointed that his opinion went
against them on all counts. As this issue of
SBN went to the printers we learn that
WWF/RSPB have decided not to try to
take the case any further.

Congratulations, Donald!

On 28 June this year Donald Watson
celebrated his 80,h birthday. He and Joan
marked the occasion by hosting a very
enjoyable party for relatives and friends.
To their delight all their 4 children were
able to be present - Jeff from the Black
Isle, Kate from California, with Pam and
Louise up from ‘the deep south’, plus all
the 3 grandchildren.

In his speech Donald’s brother Eric recalled
how Donald had had a passion for birds
from childhood and that by the age of 9 he
had begun to draw birds from life,
eventually becoming years later a founder
member of the Society of Wildlife Artists.
Eric also recalled how, when out in the
field, Donald had always been totally
impervious to the cold and to hunger, and
totally oblivious of the time, as some of us
can testify! With some thousands of
paintings and drawings to his credit, as
well as several books on birds, Donald
continues to paint to this day.

Whilst still at school Donald became a
founder member of the SOC, eventually
becoming President oftheClubfrom 1969-
1972. He was elected an Honorary
Member in 1980 and Honorary Club
President in 1986.

At the Stewartry AGM this year the branch
members unanimously bestowed upon
him the position of Honorary Branch
Chairman. Congratulations on your 80th
birthday Donald. The Stewartry Branch
members hope that you and Joan have
many more happy years together watching
birds and butterflies, with many more
paintings to follow.

Joan Howie

Oystercatcher John Chapman

Table 1 Wader trends on random squares in Scottish lowlands 1992-1997

Mainland Scotland 219 sites

1992

1997

% change

lower 95%
con limit

upper 95%
con limit

Curlew

305

332

8.85

-3.89

24.14

Lapwing

494.5

429.5

-13.14

-29.71

7.35

Oystercatcher

423

445

5.20

-7.13

19.87

Redshank

29.5

32

8.47

-41.25

100

Snipe

96

77

-19.79

-43.18

13.43

Andy Tharme

13

AWSG NW Australia
Wader and Tern
Expedition 1998

Members of the Highland Ringing Group
spent this summer with an Australian
Wader Study Group expedition to north
west Australia. Ringing (banding) in
Australia has its surprises. When we
caught 2 Common Redshank on 28
August, some 40 ringers fell about in
excitement while the 3 of us from Scotland
looked on with mild affection and boredom;
after all, Highland Ringing Group regularly
catch over half the British total for this
species each year. The difference was
that the other 40 ringers were Asians or
Aussies and the catch was on 80 Mile
Beach in NW Australia, a location so
remote that not even a vapour trail
disturbed the sky.

At around 18°south and well inside the
Tropic of Capricorn, Roebuck Bay and 80
Mile Beach have the third highest tidal
range in the world. The daily temperature
ranged from 30 to 38°C during our stay at
the end of the Australian winter.

On the bird front, we found ourselves
wondering why 80 English twitchers got
booked speeding on the A9 for the
Burghead Tattler. Our very first catch at
80 Mile Beach netted 11 Tattlers out of
1 1 1 birds, with another 45 the next day in
a catch of 472 which included 30 Terek
Sandpipers. One of these Tereks was
also a spectacular success for the
expedition: with Korean television filming
us, one of the Koreans on the multinational
expedition extracted a Korean banded
Terek which he had marked himself last
September in Korea, an incredible
coincidence.

Whales breaching and Green Turtles
mating, and counting 1200 Lesser
Frigatebird nestlings, countless Brown
Boobies just fledging, and Common
Noddies and Bridled Terns settling down
to nest, within 2 hours of landing on West
Island we found a non breeding flock of
30,000 Roseate Terns. This represents
some 10% of the known world population
and immediately triples the known
Australasian population.

In 21 days the three of us saw 195 new
species, including many endemics, mainly
with the expert assistance of fellow
expedition member Jonny Schoenjohn
who is just establishing as a bird guide in
NW Australia, (tel . 61 08 9192 7707 or
fax. 7708). In spite of his Teutonic origins
he has a great sense of humour and
speaks colloquial Scottish exceptionally
well after Simon’s one to one tuition.

This expedition was a 13 week project in
tropical NW Australia to collect data on
waders and terns using the East Asian
flyway as they arrived back in Australia for
the northern hemisphere winter.

Highland RG and the SOC were well
represented with Scots present for all but
the initial 2 weeks of the expedition, after
an invitation to join them from co-leader Dr
Clive Minton. As well as the authors,
Henry Robb from T ay RG, Brian and Simon
Etheridge and Jacquie Heaton all took
part, and the Highland connection was
completed by ex Orcadian and
Aberdonian, Agnes Gleeson, who looked
after the Scottish migrants on passage
through Perth with true Scottish hospitality.

The expedition operated from 3 centres:
Broome Bird Observatory and Roebuck
Bay; 80 Mile Beach - actually nearer 90
where the tide rolls out for at least 2 km
and the mud supports a wader density of
at least 2000 per km2; and Port Headland
Saltworks.

The most astonishing feature for us as
Scottish birders was the sheer variety of
species taken in each catch. Our largest
catch contained 15 wader species, most
of which would make a red letter day for
any British birder.

One of our most commonly caught and
seen waders was Great Knot. When Clive
Minton started the NW Australia
Expeditions in 1982, the Great Knot was
considered a threatened species with an
estimated population of 4000 to 6000
individuals. The initial counts at Roebuck
Bay and 80 Mile Beach transformed it into
one of the most abundant waders in the
world at 300k+. The story has been
repeated on the current expedition with a
discovery which will stagger the members
who faithfully guard the Firth of Forth
Roseate Terns. Until 1 September it was
believed that the total number of Roseate
Terns in Australasia was 8000. We
chartered a boat for a 2 day trip to the
Lacepede Islands off Cape Leveque.
Setting aside fantastic views of Humpback

Acknowledgement must be made to Dr
Rosalind Jessop, Humphrey Sitters and
Clive Minton who organised and led the
expedition and without whom we would
not have been there, and to the many
good friends we made such as lain and
Sandy Stewart, 3 generations ago ex Glen
Lyon and now of South Australia, who
made it 3 weeks to remember for the rest
of us. NWA’98 was breaking new ground
daily with the scientific understanding of
waders in the East Asian flyways. As for
the other birds, the books hardly do them
justice. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen
a Rainbow Lorikeet in the feather, and you
wouldn’t believe the colour in Red Backed,
Purple Crowned, White Winged Blue or
Variegated Fairy Wrens. Even the names
are unbelievable.

Simon Foster , Gemma Insley and
Hugh Insley somewhere near
Singapore 5/9/98

14

REVIEWS

Pittas of the World. 1998. Edited by
Johannes Erritzoe. Lutterworth Press.
240pp. £30 ISBN 0 7188 2961 1.

This appears to be a thorough review of
present knowledge of the 30 species, each
receiving at least 4 large double column
pages, with many references, including
notes of museums having specimens.
There is also a 22 page general
introduction and 32 colour plates.
Essential, but only for those with a serious
interest.

John Law

The Nuthatches by Erik Matthysen,
illustrated by David Quinn. Published by
Poyser 1998. £24.95. 315pp. ISBN 0
85661 101 8.

This new Poyser book on Nuthatches is,
as we have come to expect of books from
that publisher, a pleasure to pick up and
browse through. With numerous line
drawings, maps, graphs and photographs
spread throughout the text, and chapters
of a manageable length for one sitting, the
reader is enticed to read further and I
quickly found myself absorbed. The line
illustrations by David Quinn are excellent
and a real asset to the book, as is the
colour frontispiece by the same illustrator
showing 4 exotic species. The work proves
to be well referenced, but the reference to
Scotland’s birds is already well out of
date, as it mentions only the first successful
breeding in 1989 (page 159).

Most of the book concentrates on the
Eurasian Nuthatch which we find is now a
well studied species. Much of the work
has been done by the author in his native
Belgium. He almost became a snail
specialist but chose instead the territorial
behaviour of Eurasian Nuthatches for his
dissertation subject in 1982. The other 23
species are covered in less detail, but
sufficient to encourage birders to travel
abroad to seek some of them out. One of
them, the Algerian Nuthatch, was not
described until 1976 and the tale of its
discovery make fascinating reading. This
is not an identification book, this being
covered by the recent Christopher Helm
book, also illustrated by David Quinn.

With the recent spread of ‘our’ Nuthatch
into Scotland, I was keen to read about the
dispersal of this species, traditionally
thought of as sedentary. In fact young
birds move out of their natal territories a
few weeks after fledging and there is a
second period of dispersal in August and
September. Although many birds do not
move far, the median dispersal noted is

between 3 and 10km, and there have
been 17 recoveries of over 100km. As the
species requires a minimum of lha of
good quality (preferably oak) woodland
for a territory, and small woodlands must
be over 1 ,5ha with the right tree mix to be
colonised, it is not surprising the birds in
Borders have now been recorded in
widespread locations and now are showing
signs of colonising other regions.
Nuthatches will use beech woods for mast,
but need other mature trees, especially
oaks with their high arthropod populations
in the rough bark, to establish reasonable
population densities.

1 recommend this book to everyone
interested in woodland birds, there is much
to be learnt within its pages.

Mark Holling

One Season in the Taiga by Vadim
Ryabitsev, translated byGH Harper. 1 998.
Published by Russian Nature Press,
Edinburgh. 179pp. ISBN0-9532990-0-7

Against the background of concern for the
diminishing tropical rain forests, it is easy
to forget the Taiga, the vast northern forest
of the Eurasian landmass stretching from
Scandinavia in the west to the Bering
Straits in the east.

The book is the story of this wilderness
and is also a splendid description of a
scientific study of the comparative ecology
of the Willow Warbler and Arctic Warbler,

2 physically similar species with different
wintering grounds but overlapping
breeding ranges. The methodology is
explained in some detail and provides
interesting insights into the world of
practical field ornithology. The line of
research, with its strong emphasis on
interspecific territorial behaviour and
convergent evolution, is well explained.

The author and his colleague had the
luxury of being able to choose a study
area virtually unaffected by the impact of
man, and settled on the Kozhim river on
the western watershed of the Northern
Urals, close to the Arctic Circle. Such
human habitation as exists is still referred
to as ‘settlements’.

Interspersed with descriptions of fieldwork,
are observations on the myriad insect,
bird and animal life, including encounters
with Elk and Brown Bear, so that as the
book progresses, he skilfully paints a
detailed picture of this fascinating northern
forest.

The text is well illustrated with drawings by
the author, and notes explaining Russian

terms and identifying incidental species
are grouped at the end of the text. Geoffrey
Harper’s translation is fluent and natural
and adds enormously to the pleasure of
reading this fascinating, informative and
amusing account of an ornithologist’s
working season.

As with other natural forests, the Taiga is
now increasingly threatened by pollution
and commercial activities. This book is a
timely reminder of the need to protect this
important remaining wilderness.

Jim Mattocks

The book is available by sending a cheque for
£10 plus £1 postage and packing (payable to G
H Harper) to G H Harper, 19/3 Warriston Hoad,
Edinburgh EH7 4HD

The Birds of Paradise by Clifford B Firth
and Bruce M Beehler. Oxford 1998. 613pp
15 colour plates £50. ISBN 854 8532

The first part of this book, another in the
Oxford bird Families of the World series,
provides a comprehensive and
scientifically accurate overview of the
biology, ecology and history of the Birds of
Paradise group, written so as to be
interesting to the lay reader as well as the
scientist. The role of the birds of paradise
in human culture and tradtion is explored
and the final chapter discusses issues of
conservation and threats to the survival of
these birds. There are many illustrations
by William T Cooper and a Foreward by
Sir David Attenborough. The book is an
authoritative work of reference.

Joan Wilcox

Other books received

Titmice and Owls both by Keith Graham.

Species History in Scotland by R A

Lambert

An Inhabited Solitude: Scotland, Land
& People. J McCarthy

LIBRARY NEWS

The Waterston Library has received
substantial grants for binding back runs of
many of the journals it holds. The Club is
happy to acknowledge the assistance of
The British Library through its scheme of
grants for cataloguing and preservation,
from which 2 payments have been made,
and also that of the Russell Trust. The
Club has made a comparable contribution
from its own Library Fund. All this has
enabled us to bind several hundred
volumes, many of them in fragile condition,
of a variety of British and overseas journals.

15

REQUESTS

Darvic ringed Oystercatchers
See SBN 50

Colour ringed Shags
See SBN 50

Breeding origins of Scottish
Barnacle Geese - DNA samples
required
See SBN 51

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylags bearing dye marks,
darvic rings or neck collars, together with
details of colours and letters seen, no
matter how incomplete, should be sent to:

Bob Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain,
Ross-shire I VI 9 UR (01862 894329).

This is DJ - collars should be read
from the bottom up.

Reed Warblers in Scotland

I am carrying out a review of possible
breeding records for Reed Warblers in
Scotland. If anyone has any records of a
bird/birds in suitable habitat then please
get in touch with me. I am particularly
interested in hearing of any records in July
or August. All contributions will be
acknowledged in publication. Derek
Robertson, Woodlands, Bandrum, nr
Carnock, Fife KYI 29HR. (01 383 852997)

Photo credit

The photograph of the ornithologists on
the Isle of May in the last issue of SBN on
page 8 was wrongly credited to Keith
Brockie. It should have read Bernard
Zonfrillo. We apologise to Bernie.

1997 Spring Conference

We would like to apologise to the SOC
Clyde branch for ommitting to print a
review of this very successful conference.

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAE for current list and prices to:- Vanellus
Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114) 266362

SOC NOTICES

200 Club

Winners in the third quarter of 1998 were:

July - 1st £30 N Elkins, Cupar; 2nd £20 A J
Smith, Selkirk; 3'd £10 E M Forrester, Ayr.
August - 1st £50 A M Insh, Hamilton; 2nd
£30 C McLellan, Peebles; 3rd £20 S M
Taylor, St Andrews; 4lh £10 G G Sheppard,
Stranraer.

September - 1st £30 R D Murray,
Eddleston; 2nd £20 P C Wood, Newstead;
3rd £10 K S Macgregor, Edinburgh.

We are nearly there! In response to the
note in SBN 49, 13 new members joined
(or took out a second membership) and at
the time of writing (mid-September) we
now have 194 members. For the
mathematically meticulous, 4 did not
renew. We hope to recruit more at the
Conference, but if you can help to break
the 200 barrier please send me a cheque
for £6, payable to “SOC 200 Club”, and
this will cover the rest of our year. Details
of spending in the 200 Club’s 1 0m year will
be given in the next SBN, but with the
increase in membership we can give the
SOC more and there will be more prizes.
Thank you all for your continued support.

Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire
TD6 9NL (01896 822176).

Scottish Birds Records Committee
election of new member

In 1 990 SBRC commenced a rotation with
one member new retiring annually. Eric
Meek is due to stand down at the end of
this year and to fill the vacancy the
Committee is nominating Martin Gray, who
also lives in Orkney. Martin is an active
birder, who in addition to watching birds
within the Northern Isle, regularly travels
abroad and he has built up a considerable
reputation as a finder of rare gulls.

Further nominations to fill the vacancy are
invited and should be submitted to me by
15 January 1999, being signed by both a
proposer and a seconder who must both
be SOC members.

Scottish Bird News

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. It is published
4 times a year at the beginning of March,
June, September and December. Articles
and notices need to be sent to the Secretary
at 21 Regent Terrace no later than 5
weeks before publication. The magazine
acts as a channel of communication for
SOC members and to disseminate
information relevant to Scotland’s birdlife.
The views expressed in articles in Scottish
Bird News are not necessarily the policy of
the SOC. Contributors should note, that
material has to be edited',; often at short
notice, and it is not practical to let authors
see these changes in advance of
publication. The SOC also publishes the
journal Scottish Birds which publishes
original papers and notes on Scottish
ornithology and the Scottish Bird Report.
For details of these publications and
membership contact the Secretary at 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT.

South East Scotland
Discussion Group 1998/99

The South East Scotland Discussion
Group meets monthly in the Library at 21
Regent Terrace at 7.30pm. The dates for
1 999 are: January 6; February 3; March 3;
April 7; September 1 ; October6; November
3; and December 1. All SOC members
welcome.

1998 Photographic competition
winners

1 Sam Alexander - Adult male Bluethroat
at Rattray Head

2 Edmund Fellowes - Adult male Peregrine
in south west Scotland

3 Dennis Johnson - young Tawny Owl in
Glenmore.

A copy of the winning photograph will
appear in the March issue of SBN along
with the report of yet another successful
SOC Conference on Speyside. The 1999
Spring Conference is to be held at The
Battleby Centre, Perth and a booking form
and programme are enclosed with this
mailing.

If there should be more than one
nomination, a postal ballot will take place,
in which all SOC local recorders will be
eligible to vote.

Ron Forrester, Secretary SBRC, 31
Argyle Terrace, Rothesay, Isle of Bute
PA20 0BD.

Thanks to

Once again, many thanks to the volunteers
who came in to Regent Terrace to assist in
sending out the September mailing. They
were: Ian Craig, Joan Wilcox, Keith

Macgregor, John & Elisabeth Law, Bob &
Betty Smith, Rosemary Davidson, Noreen
Stabler and John Davies.

16

Scottish Ornithologists’ Club . 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. Tel 0131 556 6042 Fax 0131 558 9947

THE SCOTTISH
ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB

Scottish
Bird News

MARCH 1999
ISSN 0268-319

Stan

Edited b;
Assisted
Joan Wilcox

Sylvia

SOC Conference 1998

The 62nd Annual Conference was again held on Speyside in the Balavil Sport Hotel, Newtonmore. 180 members attended the
Conference including 94 who stayed at the hotel which was fully booked by the SOC. For those who could not attend as well
as those who did but may have missed some of the proceedings - the combined effects of Highland air and alcohol being what
they are - Alistair Duncan has provided us with a summary of the weekend.

Friday evening

I always know when I’m in Newtonmore by
the noise of the Jackdaws. Is anyone
working on these birds? Back to the
Balavil for the conference. Lovely weekend
with superb views of Creag Mor with a
dusting of snow skirted by dark green Scots
Pines and yellowing Birches. But, to
business. The conference got off to a great
start on Friday evening. Alan Vittery gave
an excellent talk on the birds of Sutherland.
He moved up there 8 years ago and had
the good fortune to get a house on what he
called the Brora bypass. His house is on a
major flightline for birds moving south from
Scandinavia and Iceland. As a result, at
migration time he has thousands of birds
such as thrushes passing over and has
recorded 18 species of diurnal raptor. He
also showed some weather maps
illustrating the ideal conditions, occluded
fronts, etc which provide ideal conditions
for migrants. In all, a talk which I thought
was going to be a bit twitchy turned out to
be very informative. I don’t think anyone
won the copy of the book he offered as a
prize for correctly guessing the 1 8 species
of diurnal raptor he has recorded in Brora.

Apart from the bar

For the second half of the evening we had
a choice, apart from the bar. Stay in the
room for the usual slide competition or
move through to a session by the History
Working Group. On the basis that I have
seen many slide competitions over the
years, I went to the History Working Group
and I am glad I did. The group are engaged
in recording the history of the SOC. One of
the methods is by interviewing older
members of the club for their
reminiscences. So if you are over 95 watch

SOC Photographic Competition winner - adult male Bluethroat Sam Alexander

outfor John Arnott, theTorqeumadaof the
history group. Most interestingly they had
a recording of a talk which the late Maury
Meiklejohn gave to the conference at
Dunblane in 1968. We listened to about
1 0 minutes of this and it was just great to
hear his vibrant voice recounting
anecdotes of famous ornithologists he
had known. I found this particularly
fascinating as I was at that conference
and can recall clearly seeing this great old
man sitting on the stage at Dunblane. He
just spoke, reminiscing, for about an hour
and held the whole audience in the palm of
his hand with, as he called it, his
anecdotage. I was pleased, of course, to
hear later that the slide competition had
been won by an Aberdeen member, Sam
Alexander. Well done, Sam.

Saturday morning

measures to be taken in managing grouse
moors (see page 8). This is in the wake of
the Langholm Project. It will be interesting
to see how this is received by the grouse
moor managers.

Roger Broad gave a history of the Sea
Eagle introduction project. He showed
how, following the initial introductions, the
state of play by the late eighties was that
there were too few breeding adults
surviving to sustain the project.
Consequently, in 1 993 a second phase of
introductions was started. Is the Sea Eagle
established and likely to increase in
Scotland now? We cannot be sure.
Currently there are 12 territory holding
pairs after 24 years of introductions.
However, the number of young fledged
each year is increasing slowly so we must
be optimistic.

On Saturday morning Colin Galbraith
started the programme with a talk on what
SNH does for birds. Among other things
he covered the current thorny issue of
birds of prey, pointing out that SNH has
just issued a publication recommending

Ian Bainbridge stood in for Mark Hancock
and spoke on the results of the recent
winter Farmland Survey. He covered the
winter distribution of Red List passerines,
eg Skylark and Corn Bunting, and how
these species utilised farmland in winter.

1

Interesting for me was the fact that north
east Scotland holds more of these birds
per square than other areas of Scotland.
Results showed that stubble fields and
neep fields are important for these birds.
Indeed weedy neep fields are best and
hold 5 times as many birds as other fields.
Not sure what this says about fields in the
north east!

Hugh Insley described his Common Gull
work. He monitors 3 colonies, following
clutches from laying to fledging. He lost
virtually a whole colony to Mink and almost
lostanotherto egg collecting. When Hugh
challenged the person he saw picking up
the eggs, he said he was intending making
an omelette. High pointed out that, as the
birds are a protected species, the omelette
would cost about £6000 in fines! The eggs
were put back.

Andy Tharme wound up the session. He is
the only speaker I have known whose age
was given in the introduction. He is very
young. He spoke on the repeat of the
Lowland Breeding Wader Survey.
Essentially this showed that the
populations of some waders, such as
Oystercatchers, have gone up, and some
like Lapwings have gone down. These
changes appear, in part at least, to be due
to changes in farming practice. Less
grazing, for instance, leads to less waders.

Afternoon

The late afternoon session was started off
by Malcolm Ogilvie. Is there a problem
with geese and farming? Malcolm gave an
emphatic yes. He would give us some
reasons but no solutions.

Geese have been seen as a problem for a
long time and we were given a quote from
Harvie-Brown and Buckley (1892) to this
effect. Geese have always wintered in
Scotland but their numbers have greatly
increased due firstly to changes in land
use, ie more land cleared and more crops,
and secondly, the effectiveness of
protection measures both here and on the
breeding grounds. Counts of Pink-feet,
organised by Slimbridge from 1 952, show
that numbers remained fairly low and
stable until 1984 when the dramatic
increase started - just when Malcolm, who
organised the counts, left. Damage to
farmland, direct and indirect, can be clearly
seen. Solutions have included scaring,
which has to be sustained and constantly
changed; payments, which are expensive;
sacrificial crops, used at Strathbeg.
Malcolm suggested ecotourism, but goose
numbers are a problem we will have to
tackle.

at Thomson is a most enthusiastic speaker
and spoke next on the Flow Country. The
RSPB bought Forsinard in the flow country
“the middle of nowhere, in Scotland, which
is at the edge of nowhere". It was realised
that the trees planted there were quite
inappropriate so they have been felled, all
the drains dug over the years have been
blocked to restore the flooding, some paths
have been made to allow limited access
and cameras have been set up at Hen
Harrier nests and the pictures beamed to
the visitor centre. It certainly sounds a
great place to visit, especially on
International Bog Day which is held every
year!

Greenshank RSPB

The Dinner

The Annual Dinner is not such a formal
affair as it used to be. Malcolm Ogilvie
was called on to entertain us and toast the
club. As usual he was excellent. His bird
jokes were of the Christmas cracker variety
but were meant to be. I don’t know what
Malcolm’s politics are but the leaked
document he described to us where it was
proposed that all the RSPB’s funds in
Scotland are to be sequestered and given
to the SOC along with their Scottish
membership, was sufficient incentive to
push my vote in a particular direction!

Sunday

On Sunday morning Hugh Clark spoke on
his Twite study. As a ringer, I had heard of
Hugh Clark but nobody told me he was
such an amusing speaker. As for the T wite,
Hugh has ringed about 900 and had 4
recoveries. I hand it to him for sheer
doggedness. In sum, Twite like weedy

neep fields (remember them) where they
feed on the Charlock. The paucity of
recoveries means that Hugh is still not
clear where they come from although he
suspects a Scandinavian connection.

Paul Thomson spoke on the seals and
whales of the Moray Firth. The seals are
radio tagged to look at their movements
and their faeces are collected, also to look
at their movements (author's pun notours,
Eds). They eat mainly Sand Eels (doesn’t
everything) followed by Octopus and
Squid. The Firth holds about 130 Bottle-
nosed Dolphins and following those with
recognisable marks has revealed that they
are not sedentary but move up and down
the coast between the Moray Firth and the
Fife coast.

Richard Evans followed on the importance
of the Moray Firth for waterfowl. The Moray
Firth is the most northerly estuary in the
UK and holds significant numbers of
wildfowl. For example, in winter it holds
69% of the UK population of Red-breasted
Merganser and 4% of the European
population of Redshank. This area is
obviously well worth looking after and
there are some threats. The oil industry
has not been a problem, so far, but habitat
loss, eg at Longman, has been.

Bob Swann talked on Greylag Geese: site
faithful or not? Bob said that they, Highland
Ringing Group, decided to work on
Greylags because they were largely
neglected, “farmyard things which no one
is interested in”. Since 1992 HRG have
caught and ringed 1 600, fitted neck collars
on many of them and dyed their rear ends
yellow. One shooter thought he had shot
a species new to science! The results of
the study show that these birds are not at
all site faithful. Although Greylags may
always be present in an area there are
different birds moving through all the time.

The last speaker was Brian Etheridge who
outlined the Red Kite reintroduction
programme. Despite the deaths of some
birds due to poisoning, this has been a
success story. By the year 2015 it is
estimated that the population will be about
1 000 allowing about 20 Scottish bred birds
per year to be reintroduced elsewhere in
the UK.

I found this to be a most enjoyable
conference even though I had to attend all
the talks, stay awake and take notes. A
friend confided that he had not been
“favourably taken” by the programme
beforehand but he had really enjoyed the
conference and will be back next year. So
will I.

Alistair Duncan

2

Mixed fortunes for
Corncrakes

The Corncrake, one of Britain’s most
threatened birds, has had a year of mixed
fortunes, This summer saw the fourth full
census of Corncrakes in Britain, combined
with the annual monitoring of numbers in
the core area on Scottish islands. The
population of calling male Corncrakes in
Britain increased by 23%, from 480 to
589, since the last full census in 1 993. The
increase was widely spread, with most
Scottish island groups, the mainland of
Scotland and England showing increases.

Previous surveys of Corncrakes have
shown a continuing decline. Numbers
declined by 1 7% between 1 988 and 1 993.
This welcome change in population trends
coincides with a period in which special
conservation measures have been applied
to increase the survival and breeding
success of Corncrakes.

However, the good news has to be
balanced against a decline by 15% since
1997 in monitored core Scottish areas.
Areas showing declines compared with
1 997 were Lewis (down 33%), Barra (down
37%) and Skye (down 48%). However,
there were increases in Corncrakes on
Colonsay, Oronsay and Iona, and the
species returned to the islands of Canna
and Mull for the first time since 1 994. The
National Trust of Scotland who manage
Canna and Iona have made progress with
Corncrake management and the birds
have responded. Numbers showed little
change in several other areas, including
the strongholds of Tiree and the Uists, so
the overall picture for the population
remains optimistic.

Ayrshire Branch in action

This account of efforts to protect an
important habitat is of interest in itself and
also a good example of how to go about
defending a site.

There is currently a proposal to create a
landraise waste disposal development at
the Bogside Flats in Irvine. The
development would entail access road
extension, a new bridge across the
Garnock, flood defence reinforcement, a
leachate treatment plant with an outflow
into the estuary and sand quarry. This
development would handle a range of
material including industrial waste, soils,
rubble and garden waste. It is expected
that organic waste would be included. The
landraise would operate for 25 years. It
would be adjacent to the Garnock Estuary,
and would partly enclose an area of pools,
scrub and wetland on the Flats. The
development is proposed for an area
adjacent to, and upstream of a Site of
Special Scientific Interest. Bogside Flats
is the only extensive expanse of saltmarsh
and mudflats between the Clyde and the
Solway. The saltmarsh is the best example
of this habitat in Ayrshire.

Ornithological importance

The Bogside area is important for breeding,
wintering and migrating populations.
Although the Water Rail is notoriously
difficult to census, this is the species of
most concern. The British population was
estimated in 1993 to be 450-900 pairs.
This means that the 13 or so pairs at
Bogside may represent 2% of the British
population.

About 45 other species of birds breed on
the site, including 5 red listed and 10
amber listed species. The numbers of
breeding pairs of Moorhen, Reed Bunting,
Grasshopper and Sedge Warblers,
Whitethroat and Snipe are also important
in an Ayrshire context. Although just
outside the proposed development site,
the heronry on the Ardeer Peninsular could
also be subject of disturbance. This is
much the largest colony of Grey Heron in
Ayrshire, comprising nearly half of the
known nests in the county. Because of
their position at the top of the aquatic food
chain, Herons would also be especially at
risk from toxic chemicals if leachate from
the site escaped into the River Garnock.
The tidal mud flats on the Garnock are the
most important example of this habitat
between the Clyde and the Solway. The
flats could be threatened by pollution from
leachate from the landraise and possibly
by hydrological changes resulting from
the new access bridge.

Wetland bird surveys in the area have
shown that counts of both Lapwing and
Golden Plover can exceed 1000 birds.
Other waders whose counts can reach
several hundred are Oystercatcher, Dunlin,
Curlew, Redshank and Turnstone.
Because some of these species are mainly
present as passage migrants, individual
birds may only be in an area for a short
period. Thus the total number of individuals
actually using the area may be several
times greater than the highest one day
count. WeBS counts of wintering wildfowl
show that numbers of Wigeon, Teal,
Mallard and Eider in the area normally
reach several hundreds. Concentrations
of Red-breasted Merganser often
approach 100.

Other concerns

Conservationists are also concerned over
the risks to local ecosystems posed by
dust from dumping operations and the
possibility of untreated leachate escaping
from the landraise site. During the 25
years it will take to fill the landraise on this
rather windy site, a large amount of dust is
bound to be released into the surrounding
area and will settle on soils, water and the
mud flats as well as contaminating
vegetation. Although it is planned to collect
and treat all the leachate from the landraise,
the nature of the site makes it doubtful
whether this can be done reliably. The
proposal also refers to the possibility of
having to ‘polish’ the effluent after primary
treatment by the use of reed beds. The
fact that reedbed treatment may or may
not be necessary suggests that there is
uncertainty about the nature and treatability
of the leachate.

Water Rail P J Newman

3

The location and nature of the site also
leads to doubts about the reliability of
leachate containment. There are extensive
old mine workings under the site. With a
million tonnes of waste to be dumped over
the 25 year period there must be a
significant risk of a collapse in these old
mine workings leading to leakage of
untreated leachate into groundwater.
Another concern over leachate arises from
the proximity of the site to the High Tide
Line. We appear to be entering a period of
unpredictable weather and there are
predictions that sea levels could rise due
to global warming. In these circumstances
low level coastal sites such as this are not
suitable for waste disposal.

Coalition

A meeting was held at Lochwinnoch on 28
July at which Duncan Orr-Ewing of the
RSPB gave a presentation to several local
conservation groups. All present
expressed opposition to the proposals. It
was agreed to form a loose coalition of
parties opposed to the development.

The aims of the coalition are that the
landraise site should be established as a
Local Nature Reserve. A strategic plan for
the conservation and promotion of the
estuary should be developed by North
Ayrshire Council.

Protest methods

Letters of concern can be of great
assistance in the current political climate.
Key points included

Why were the public not consulted over a
change in waste management strategy?
Why does North Ayrshire have no Waste
Management Strategy?

The meeting agreed that it would be
valuable if as many people as possible
wrote letters to:

Their local MP perhaps requesting that he
question the Secretary of State for Scotland
The Secretary of State for Scotland
Local councillors, for people who live in the
area

The Planning Department of North Ayrshire
Council

The Chief Executive, NAC.

To prevent letters receiving only standard
replies and therefore having little impact
always ask a question. These can be
about any aspect that interests the writer.
For example: “I don’t think correct

procedure has been followed. Can you tell
me what the correct procedure is?” Also
be positive and recommend that the site
should be given Listed Wildlife Sites and
possibly SSSI status. Stress that careful

development to provide access to the site
with minimal disturbance to wildlife could
provide recreation for local people and an
excellent educational resource for future
generations of school children.

Public awareness

To raise awareness of the value of the site
RSPB organised a ‘showing people birds’
event in January. Local birders were
encouraged to help others see the birds
and stress the issues involved.

Outcome

The proposals were sent to the Scottish
Office several months ago but the hearing
has been postponed about 4 times. A
further hearing is due to take place in
March.

Licences to shoot
Barnacle Geese on Islay
challenged

The RSPB and the Wildfowl & Wetlands
Trust have challenged the Scottish Office
decision to issue licences to kill and scare
Barnacle Geese within Special Protection
Areas refuge zones on Islay. The 2
organisations have decided to take legal
action to stop these licences because
they believe they contravene EU law. This
situation has arisen because SNH has
decided not to continue special payments

Barnacle Geese

to farmers in these SPAs, which were
established to protect geese on Islay. This
leaves the farmers with the choice of either
accepting lower payments under the Islay
Voluntary Goose Management Scheme
which provides £10 per goose to farmers,
or applying for the licences to shoot the
geese. Six farmers applied to the Scottish
Office for licences and on 27 November
1998 2 were granted and 4 refused. A
temporary suspension of the licences was
granted to RSPB and WWT in the Edinburgh
Court of Session in December prior to a full
hearing in February, after the licences will
have expired. The licences were therefore
not used and no geese were shot.

Both the RSPB and WWT emphasise that
their quarrel is not with the farmers
concerned. Stuart Housden, Director RSPB
Scotland, said: ”We sympathise with the
farmers, but we believe that issuing these
licences will not solve the problem. The
Government’s own National Goose Forum
was well on the way towards reaching a
consensus on how to manage goose
problems across Scotland. The status quo
should have been maintained, to allow the
Forum to complete its work. We do not
believe it is lawful or rational to license the
killing of protected geese inside areas
specially established to protect them.

One of the licensed areas is, we understand,
adjacent to the RSPB reserve at Loch
Gruinart. Visitors to this reserve also inject
£346,000 per year into the Islay economy.
Scaring and shooting alongside the reserve
will disturb most of the geese, which is
what most visitors come to see.”

Bobby Smith

4

Lesser Black-backed Gull Stan da Prato

Capercaillie strike a
chord for the Horse of the
Woods

The tenth year of management at the
RSPB’s Abernethy Forest Nature Reserve
saw the removal of the last 1 00 metres of
deerfence with the help of Karen Matheson
and Donald Shaw of the well known band
Capercaillie and local children.

During the last 25 years the Scottish
population of Capercaillie, whose name
originates in the Gaelic Capull coille or
horse of the woods, apparently due to the
last part of the male’s display call
resembling the neigh of a horse, has
declined dramatically. The latest survey
conducted between 1992-94 gave a
population estimate of only 2,200 birds.
Concern for the species survival has
resulted in a voluntary shooting ban. One
of the main reasons for the decline is that
birds collide with deer fences. During the
last 1 0 years the RSPB has been removing
all the fences from the forest.

In many forests, deer fences can cause
serious problems for some birds with up to
32% of Black Grouse and Capercaillie
killed each year. In addition to removing
fences the RSPB is working closely with
forest managers and other conservation
bodies on experimental grouse friendly
fences. The idea behind such fences is
thatthey will keep deer out but significantly
reduce bird strikes for example by adding
markers to the fence to make them more
visible.

Several other factors are responsible for
the demise of this_bird. Fragmentation of
habitat and poor breeding success have
led to insufficient chicks being reared.
Wet summers have also resulted in very
few Capercaillie chicks surviving. While
forest managers and conservationists
have no influence over the weather, the
problem of fence strikes is one which can
certainly be tackled.

Females top the pecking
order in gull survival

In a study whose initial results have
fascinated the media, scientists at
Glasgow University have discovered that
Lesser Black-backed Gulls are producing
a new breed of female “superchicks”
because the males are not tough enough
to survive. After studying the Lesser Black-
backed Gulls on an island off the Cumbrian
coast the Department of Environmental
and Evolutionary Biology concluded that
starving gulls are more likely to produce
female chicks because they are easier to
look after and more resilient. Male gulls
are less likely to survive under extreme
conditions and, therefore, more difficult to
rear.

Team leader Dr Richard Griffiths, said “It
appears that female gulls are
subconsciously influencing the sex of their
offspring because they don’t trust male
chicks’ ability to survive in the wild. To
date it had been thought that sex selection
was an entirely random business, this
indicates this is not the case.”

Scientists on Walney removed recently
laid eggs, which were then replaced by
the gulls. They found that, by giving extra
food to the gulls to help them cope with the
strain of laying replacements, they
ensured a 50/50 ratio of female births to
males. However, others who were denied
extra food remained undernourished and
were found to be 80% more likely to give
birth to a female chick.

The commercial implications of the find
are huge and chicken farmers are studying
the findings closely. Chicken farmers
require only females for egg production
and kill male chicks. If developed, the
findings of the Glasgow team could
potentially end the killing of males.

Despite the breakthrough no one can
explain fully why the ratio of female births
increased under stressful conditions.

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5

Red Kites nest in central
Scotland

Following their extermination by man at
the end of the nineteenth century, Red
Kites have been reintroduced to Northern
Scotland from Sweden since 1989 and to
central Scotland from Germany since
1996. They began nesting in Northern
Scotland in 1992, and in 1998 20 pairs
raised 44 young there. During 1998 Red
Kites nested in Central Scotland for the
first time this century.

Two pairs of kites raised a total of 5 young
in Central Scotland in 1998, a significant
step towards restoring these birds to their
original natural range. Before long their
aerobatic flight should soon become
familiar to people throughout Scotland.

Red Kites pose no threat to farming or
sporting interests, their principal food being
Rabbits. Birds carry wing tags, and any
sightings of these should be reported to

the RSPB Glasgow office on 0141 945
5224.

Dunblane Buzzards
poisoned

Three Buzzards found poisoned near
Dunblane are the subject of continuing
enquiries by the Police and Scottish
Agriculture Department officials. Tests
have revealed that all 3 birds were victims
of the illegally used poison
Alphachloralose, one of the most
frequently used poisons against birds of
prey. All the birds were found over a 6 day
period close to the same woodland in mid
November. Two of the Buzzards died as a
result of ingesting the poison while a third,
found alive but very ill, is currently in
veterinary care.

Scotland experiences a disproportionate
amount of illegal poisoning compared to
the rest of the UK and 1998 has been a
particularly bad year. The RSPB is so far
aware of 21 Buzzards killed in 13 separate
poisoning incidents. In addition 4 Red
Kites, 2 Peregrines, 2 Golden Eagles and
a Hen Harrier have also died as a result of
illegally used poisons.

These crimes often go undetected and
identifying those responsible is extremely
difficult. Only one successful prosecution
had resulted so far in 1998 when a
gamekeeper on Cabrach Estate in
Grampian was convicted for having a
poisoned Peregrine and a container of
poison in his possession.

Peregrine with chicks

SOC member disowned

A Dutch member has been struck off the
SOC membership list following his
conviction in January at Inverness Sheriff
Court. Wilhelmus Enzlin wasfined £2000,
which was to be paid from existing bail
money of £3000. He also had his vehicle
and £4000 in cash seized at the time of his
arrest in May 1998, after admitting trying
to purchase 1 6 Scottish wild bred Peregrine
chicks. The court heard how Enzlin had
written to 2 men at Brora and Aviemore
and had arranged a meeting to purchase
the birds. When no birds were produced
the accused realised he had walked into a
trap set by Scottish and Dutch police along
with RSPB investigators. This is the first
case of this kind in Scotland under the
COTES (Control of Trade in Endangered
Species) Regulations 1997.

Dave Dick the RSPB’s investigations
officer in Scotland added “Every year
Peregrine nests in Scotland are robbed of
eggs and young to supply the illegal
falconry trade. A successful prosecution,
such as this case under COTES, is an
important deterrent to those involved and
a tremendous boost for the many people
who protect Peregrine sites throughout
Scotland”.

Stolen Scottish birds fly
home

Two young Peregrines stolen as eggs
from a nest in the North of Scotland last
May have been brought back to Scotland.
Work by German Customs officials in
Cologne and RSPB revealed that these

Jim Young

birds are part of the illegal international
trade in wild birds for falconry. Scottish
wild born Peregrines are highly prized for
falconry and previous cases involving
smuggled eggs and chicks sold to German
nationals suggest that they may have a
value of over £1 000 per bird. DNA testing
of these birds in Germany revealed that
they had been falsely registered as captive
bred. Two people are currently under
investigation in Germany and enquiries
are continuing to identify others who may
be involved.

Dave Dick, of RSPB, has called for stronger
penalties to protect Scottish wildlife: “The
advances in the use of DNA testing are
helping to detect stolen birds, but stronger
penalties including custodial sentences
must be introduced to help eliminate the
trade in Scottish wild birds. If found guilty
in Germany those involved face up to 5
years in prison and unlimited fines. This is
in sharp contrast to the current maximum
fine of £5,000 allowed under the British
Wildlife and Countryside Act.” Although
relatively few nest robberies of birds of
prey were detected in 1998, a proven
demand for Scottish wild born birds is a
serious and continuing risk to the wild
population. Valuable work by the Raptor
Study Groups helps monitor these birds in
areas of high risk. They are supported by
a network of specially trained Police
Wildlife Liaison Officers.

After arriving at Edinburgh Airport, courtesy
of a U PS flight, these birds were transferred
to the Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie,
who will house the birds during
assessments to determine if they can be
released or are too tame.

6

Unusual Carrion Crow
behaviour

Reading Peter Cunningham’s account of
‘discorvid’ behaviour (SBN Dec ’98 -
Unusual display by Hooded Crow) brought
to mind an incident involving a Carrion
Crow perched atop a neighbour’s TV aerial
in Melrose early one July morning last
year. It performed this same behaviour 3
or 4 times before it grew uneasy at my
open mouthed stare and flew off. No
Herring Gulls frequent our small village so
the source of this behaviour is even more
mysterious.

Timothy Chamberlain

Ythan fails to gain
protection

The Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire,
supports internationally important numbers
of breeding Sandwich Terns and wintering
Pink-footed Geese, together with important
numbers of breeding Eiders, Common and
Little Terns and wintering Eiders and
Redshanks. The Ythan catchment area is
over 68,000 hectares of which 95% is
under intensive farmland. However, the
Scottish Office has failed to designate the
Ythan Estuary as a Nitrate Vulnerable
Zone (NVZ) opting instead to continue
researching the impacts of nitrate pollution
on the area.

Nitrate pollution in the Ythan is evident by
the dense and widespread growth of the
fast growing weed Enteromorpha which
blankets the mudflats in the spring and
summer. The growth of these algal mats
has in turn reduced the number of shrimp
like Corophium , which is the primary food
source for many of the fish and wading
birds living in the estuary. Compared to
other North East Rivers the Ythan has a
high concentration of nitrate discharging
into the estuary (30-40 milligrams per litre)
and over the last 30 years the winter
concentrations of nitrates have seen a 3-
fold increase.

Despite the fact that 30 years of scientific
research has provided strong evidence of
nitrate pollution, primarily from agriculture,
Lord Sewel, the Scottish Office Agriculture
Minister, has said “Existing evidence on
whether the Ythan estuary is subject to
eutrophication (the enrichment of water by
nitrogen compounds) is still not conclusive
and so I have decided, for the moment, not
to designate the Ythan catchment as a
Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.

Are St Kilda Puffins again
under stress?

St Kilda once had one of the world’s largest
Puffin colonies. By the time of Operation
Seafarer in 1969, it appeared that numbers
were greatly reduced, but even so there
were probably 300,000 pairs In the 1 970s
Mike Harris (ITE) conducted a detailed
study into Puffins on St Kilda and concluded
that the decline had ceased and that it had
probably been caused by changes in
oceanographic conditions adversely
influencing the birds’ food supply.

Although St Kilda has many attractions it is
an extremely difficult place on which to
carry out scientific study due to its isolation,
adverse weather and the rugged terrain.
However, directly opposite and one mile
from the island of Dun, with its 40,000
pairs of Puffins, is a thriving army camp.
At fledging, young Puffins are attracted to
lights and low frequency sounds such as
generator engines and juveniles from Dun
are regularly found around the camp. Since
1 973 most individuals have been collected
and usually (7727 birds) weighed before
release. In a recent paper in Bird Study
(45:37-374), Mike Harris and Sarah
Wanless of ITE and Stuart Murray (NTS/
SNH) report on an analysis of these
weights.

There was a significant decline in annual

fledgling weights between 1 973 and 1 976,
such that at the end of the study juveniles
were, on average, 1 5% lighter than at the
start. There were 4 particularly bad years
(1985, 1989, 1993 and 1996) when
juveniles were exceptionally thin with
average weights of less than 200g which
compares with 250-270 in good years.
The authors, helped by other NTS/SNH
wardens, were able to measure breeding
success directly by regularly checking
burrows on Dun in 1 0 years. There was
a highly significant positive relationship
between breeding success and the weight
of the juveniles caught at the camp on
Hirta. Thus, breeding success appears to
have also declined overthe period. Despite
many years field work on Puffins there is
still no direct evidence that survival after
fledging is related to weight at fledging at
either the individual or the annual level.
However, it would not be unexpected if in
years when fledgling weights were very
low few young survive to join the population
subsequently. In summary, it appears as
though Puffins on St Kilda are now rearing
fewer, and lighter, chicks than they did 20-
30 years ago. At least in part, current poor
breeding seems to be associated with
warmer sea conditions in the pre breeding
period. Global warming may not be to the
liking of Fratercula arctica. It will be
interesting how many Puffins Seabird 2000
finds on Dun.

Mike Harris

Puffins Bobby Smith

7

Grouse moor management

The Moorland Working Group (MWG) was established by Scottish Natural Heritage in November 1997 to develop moorland
management proposals for grouse moors in Scotland. It has members from the Buccleuch Estates, Game Conservancy Trust,
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scottish Grouse Research Trust, Scottish Landowners ’
Federation, the Scottish Office and SNH. It has now made recommendations in a booklet Good Practice for Grouse Moor
Management, which has been sent to the Government and its agencies, major grouse moor estates in Scotland and all
representative bodies dealing with grouse moors.

William Brotherston

The Working Group recognises the
importance of well managed grouse moors
in Scotland. These areas support an
internationally important array of habitats,
invertebrates and birds. There are wider
scenic and amenity values associated with
these moors, which are part of the beauty
of Scotland. There has been a long
tradition of management of grouse moors.
Provided grouse moors are actively
managed they should sustain many jobs
in rural areas which are largely
unsubsidised by the public purse.

Broad principles

The MWG wishes to see improvements in
the overall standards of moorland
management, mainly on areas managed
for sheep and deer, but also over the land
which is managed for Red Grouse. Almost
a quarter of Scotland’s Heather has been
lost since the 1 940s, with most of this loss
attributed to forestry and agricultural
intensification, particularly heavy grazing
and lack of active shepherding. Too
much of the remaining Heather dominated
land is heavily grazed and/or poorly
burned. Asa result, the natural productivity
of the land is reduced and its biodiversity
and amenity diminished. It will take a long
period of sustained effort to restore the
quality of our moorland.

Management

The MWG acknowledges the importance
of targeted rotational burning to maintain
a diversity of Heather cover. The first
priority is to burn a sufficient amount of
land to encourage a mixture of young,
intermediate and mature Heather. Burning
in large strips is best to break up large
uniform areas which have not been burned
for a long time. Small patch burning is the
second priority and should be applied so
that all of the moor is burned within a 15-
20 year period.

Certain areas should not be burned
because of serious fire hazards or the
sensitivity of particular habitats, notably
wind clipped Heather on exposed summits
and ridges, steep slopes and very broken
ground where fires would be difficult to

Red Grouse

control and damp ground. Areas of Juniper
and other scrub are very sensitive to
burning, though fires can be used to
encourage good seedbed conditions to
help regeneration. A few of the tallest
patches of Heather, which provide nesting
cover for Merlins and Hen Harriers, should
be left as should areas close to
regenerating woodland or to other fire
risks.

Cutting is an alternative to burning and is
not weather dependent. A tractor can cut
3-4 hectares per day. Cutting with a flail
or swipe may be used where burning is
difficult or dangerous. It is, however,
slower and more expensive than burning.

The Government has announced the
merger of the Countryside Premium
Scheme (CPS) and Environmentally
Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in Scotland, and
that a new scheme will be launched in the
spring of 2000.

The MWG recommends funding under
CPS/ESAs and the merged scheme for
muirburn or cutting where appropriate to
support grouse moor management. Well
practised grouse moor management
requires a large number of fires and this
needs a heavy labour input. Advancement
of the start of the burning season from 1
October to 1 September to extend the
amount of time available for sensitive
muirburn is recommended.

Shepherds

It is desirable to have active shepherding
of sheep on moorland areas. However,
this is not essential if there is a good
burning regime and the numbers of sheep
are not high and they are appropriately
distributed. Sheep can account for heavy
losses of Heather on the lower reaches of
moorland estates, particularly around
areas where food is provided in winter.
Feeding stations should be moved at least
250 metres every 3 weeks.

Both sheep and grouse take Heather shoot
tips which also provide important food for
insects which are in turn an important food
for Red Grouse and Black Grouse chicks.
Not more than 40% of the Heather’s yearly
growth should be removed by grazing
animals.

Appropriate densities of sheep benefit
grouse moors by helping to maintain a
diversity of dwarf shrub vegetation. Over
winter feeding on grassland rather than on
moorland and the use of sheds for shelter
reduce sheep impacts on Heather.

The MWG recommends incentives to
encourage reductions in sheep densities,
increased funding for fencing to contain
and manage sheep around moorland
edges, increased funding for active
shepherding, support forfarmers who take
ewes from moorland areas to be over

8

wintered on grasslands (eg contributions
to transport and rental costs) and support
for the construction of sheds so that farmers
can inwinter their sheep.

Integrated deer management

The MWG supports the Deer Commission
for Scotland in its efforts to reduce the
impacts of Red and Sika Deer. The MWG
recognises that deer numbers remain so
high on some grouse moors that dwarf
shrub losses occur. Furthermore, the
risks of tick borne diseases in grouse can
be high in places where there are large
numbers of deer in summer.

Predator control

Legal predator control may benefit many
upland birds. Fox and crow control is
considered to be important and is regarded
as an integral part of grouse moor
management. The RSPB and GCT are
researching this issue. There are various
well established legal means for the
humane control of predator, eg Larsen
Traps and free running snares.

Managing and protecting raptors

The MWG wants to see the cessation of all
illegal persecution of birds and mammals.
Several new methods are currently being
tested to mitigate the impacts of birds of
prey on Red Grouse stocks. An initial trial
at Langholm, using alternative dead prey
for Hen Harriers, has reduced the impact
of harriers on Red Grouse numbers,
particularly in late spring and summer.
The wider applicability of this trial has yet
to be tested. Provided that these
alternative prey are supplied without
disturbing harriers at the nest and provided
that any prey remaining are disposed of,
the practice is legal. An SNH guide to this
practice is being produced.

Some grouse moor managers put out
dovecots to provide alternative food for
Peregrines. The effect of this technique
on grouse bags has not yet been
scientifically tested. The MWG and 9
supporting organisations have jointly
pledged to “oppose all illegal practices,
not least the persecution of birds of prey,
and encourage adherence to wildlife and
countryside legislation”.

Tick and disease control

Sheep, deer and hares are significant hosts
for sheep ticks which transmit various virus
diseases, notably Louping III from which
up to 80% of infected grouse chicks
die. Heavy grazing by sheep and deer

can result in the replacement of Heather
by an unpalatable, thick grassy layer which
harbours more ticks and therefore
increases the transmission of the virus to
grouse. Moorland managers are urged to
discuss with shepherds how they vaccinate
against Louping III and to obtain veterinary
advice. If sheep are regularly dipped, their
presence on the hill can be beneficial in
lowering tick numbers.

The Strongyle Worm is the other significant
cause of disease in grouse. This worm is
a major cause of population cycles in
grouse and can cause regular and large
scale reductions in grouse numbers.
Grouse can be dosed directly prior to
breeding or indirectly by applying
medicated grit.

Bracken control

Bracken control on grouse moors is
necessary to safeguard other more
valuable habitats which may be shaded
out or swamped by its litter. Control is
also needed to safeguard valuable grazing
and to reduce the displacement of sheep
and deer onto more valuable and
vulnerable habitats, to facilitate
shepherding and gathering and to reduce
the risk of certain diseases. However,
Bracken on the grassy fringes of moorland
can support a distinctive range of nesting
bird species.

There are 2 main approaches to the control
of Bracken. Physical control involves the
cutting or crushing of growing fronds so
that the surviving rhizomes are gradually
starved. Cutting should be done for at
least 3 successive years. The other
method of control requires treatment with
Asulam or Glyphosate. Asulam is
preferable, being more specific, and is

best applied in mid July/late August,
preferably during a dry period.

Other habitats

Scrub and native woodland add to the
diversity of habitats on an estate and
make a significant contribution to the
complement of plants, birds and other
animals. There is scope for diversifying
game interests, for example by
encouraging Black Grouse. Such habitat
creation around the grouse moor edge
should result in more prey being available
throughout spring and summer to divert
birds of prey from grouse.

Wet flushes are vital feeding areas for
waders and grouse, particularly for young
chicks. Established drains on moors can
be blocked to create additional pools or
wet areas. It is important not to damage
existing flushes as these are much used
by grouse broods.

Heather restoration and regeneration

The restoration of Heather from grassy
areas from which it has been lost is
important; however, it is much more cost
effective to prevent its loss in the first
place. Where no Heather seed bank
remains, seed needs to be collected and
introduced. Forestry, hill farming and other
agricultural and amenity interests can
influence adjoining grouse moor interests.
Moorland managers should have careful
regard for these, notably the impacts of
forestry on muirburn and pest control
programmes.

Good Practice for Grouse Moor
Management - a publication from the
Moorland Working Group, c/o SNH, 2
Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP

Aggressive display by Blackcock Bobby Smith

9

The Cairngorms in the 1950s

The whole point about bird watching is to go out and enjoy seeing wild birds. However, as time passes these transient
experiences if written down can convey a useful picture particularly for those who were not there at the time. A good example
of this is John Burton’s account of a youthful expedition to Speyside over 40 years ago.

It was Harold Lapworth, Nuneaton Bird
Club’s first secretary, who inspired me to
keep a birdwatching notebook. Harold, a
pragmatist by profession, was a meticulous
notetaker, and at the conclusion of every
field meeting he made sure that time was
available for us to discuss our sightings
and compile a species list.

Later, when I joined the Junior Bird
Recorder’s Club, known today as the YOC,
recording was paramount. Four times a
year members received recording sheets
and the resulting JBRC Annual Report
might even contain some records followed
by your initials. I still have my notebooks,
and for me they represent a mixture of
interesting, nostalgic and at times bizarre
reading. An early entry gives details of a
male Black Redstart perched on the roof of
the school gym. Another records details of
a visit to Overstrand in Norfolk to see
Britain’s first Collared Doves. In view of
their subsequent increase, perhaps I
should have saved my money.

Recently, I came across details of a visit to
the Cairngorms made in the 1950s, and
this set me thinking how Aviemore and the
Cairngorms have changed since the
building of the Aviemore Centre.

Another world

In those days, to an English birdwatcher,
the Cairngorms represented another
world; a place where Dotterel, Golden
Eagle and Crested Tit could be found, the
place for a once in a lifetime visit. So it was
with a great sense of anticipation that after
12 months’ hard saving, 3 teenagers,
T revor Collett, John Wagstaff and myself,
boarded the overnight London to Inverness
train at Nuneaton bound for Aviemore. At
10 o’clock the following morning we were
standing in the rain on Aviemore station
but within 15 minutes, we had our first
Crested Tits. The few hotels in Aviemore
were completely outwith our price range,
but Mrs Stephens at Craiggowrie Guest
House offered full board for 4 guineas a
week. Despite having virtually no sleep
during the journey, we dumped our bags
in Craiggowrie, collected our hire bikes
and cycled off into the rain.

Capercaillie was high on our wanted list,
and it was not difficult (changed days,
indeed, Ed). Climbing over the wall where
the Centre now stands and walking up into

Two young Crossbills, bills not yet crossed

the forest, we soon flushed 2 females, but
the day ended on a sour note when we
came upon the remains of another female
caught in a gin trap. We found other
Capercaillie at Blackpark and Whitewall.

Mrs Stephens was the sort of landlady
who stood no nonsense, although she did
make clothes drying facilities available,
which we used daily. The food was plain
and the portions minuscule, so much so
that we were forced to hang back after
breakfast in the hope of collecting the odd
roll or slice of toast left behind by the other
guests. The daily packed lunch was
predictable, one scone and 3 rhubarb jam
sandwiches. We fantasised that the
shelves of the pantry groaned under the
weight of hundreds of pots of rhubarb jam
of different vintages.

Where the River Druie flows into the Spey
there was a marshy field, which I think is a
fish farm today. Here, we estimated were
up to 3 pairs of Corncrake and, with the aid
of notched rib bones, we were able to lure
the birds to within a few feet (note this
would now be illegal without a licence).

Unforgetable

Our first visit to Loch Morlich was
unforgettable. Just offshore swam 9
Common Scoters (3 males and 6 females
according to my notebook). A pair of
Greenshanks was displaying by the inlet.
On the far side, perched on a dead tree,
was an Osprey which was joined after a
short time by a second. Later in the holiday
we watched one of these birds fishing on

Bobby Smith

Loch Pityoulish and we even checked out
the traditional nest site on Loch an Eilean.

The road from Coylumbridge to Loch
Morlich was little more than a dry stream,
so it came as no great surprise when the
front wheel of TC’s cycle disintegrated,
fortunately slowly. The hirer replaced the
machine without question.

Crossbills proved difficult, particularly as
we were not familiar with the call, but we
eventually tracked down a family party
near Coylumbridge. Such was the
camaraderie amongst birdwatchers in
those days that we had no qualms about
striding upto the front doorof the legendary
Desmond Nethersole-Thompson to ask
for information.

Over Creag nan Gall we spotted our first
Peregrine and later the same morning
found a Ring Ouzel’s nest containing 4
young, which were just at the right stage
for us to ring. The day’s piece de resistance
was to look over a cliff face to see a
Golden Eagle below. (Today we would be
fined for such irresponsibility!)

Loch Ruthven, we were told, was the
place for Slavonian Grebes. This involved
taking the train from Aviemore to Daviot
with the cycles in the guard’s van, and
then 10 miles by road to Loch Ruthven.
The Slavonian Grebes were very confiding,
but a real bonus was a pair of Black-
throated Divers with 2 young. We spent so
long taking turns to use the telescope (4
foot of brass and leather) that we almost
missed our return train.

10

Social event

In Aviemore, the big social event each
week was the Friday dance in the village
hall. However, it came as a surprise when
the breakfast waitress, who had treated
us with a mixture of curiosity and
amusement, asked if would be going. The
thought horrified us. With only 20 hours of
daylight for birdwatching per day, dancing
was a low priority. We declined!

One day, we cycled into the hills above
Duthill. At a cliff face, a passing Raven was
seen off by a pair of Peregrines. On
the moors were nesting Golden Plover,
Dunlin and Short-eared Owl, but the day’s
star bird was a male Hen Harrier, another
new species. They were then just starting
to expand their range as persecution was
reduced.

Panic

At the start of the second week, there was
panic in the air. We hadn’t seen a Dotterel
yet, and every morning the tops of the
Cairngorms had been shrouded in mist. In
desperation, we walked up to the Wells of
Dee via Glen Einich in low cloud and
drizzle. This produced nothing except wet
clothes for Mrs Stephen’s airing cupboard.
We cycled to Achlean with the idea of
going up Cam Ban Mor, but, after walking
for about 30 minutes, the rain drove us
back, and we took shelter in a boat house
by Loch Insh. Was it any wonder that JW
went down with pneumonia on returning
home? Two more attempts were made
walking along the Lairig Ghru and up over
Sron na Lairige, but, although we had
great views of our first Ptarmigan, there
were no Dotterel. All too soon, we were on
the train heading for Nuneaton with great
satisfaction. We felt we had pushed back
the barriers of science and had only missed
out on one species.

According to my notebook, it was 5 years
later that TC and myself returned to
Aviemore. JW, having been caught by
National Service, was busy adding new
species to the Cyprus list, in between
keeping an eye on Archbishop Makarios.

This time, we arrived in the luxury of a Ford
Popular, and our first expedition was to
Cam ban Mor.

John Burton

This article first appeared in the Ayrshire
Branch newsletterThe Stonechat. We are
always interested to see branch
newsletters with a view to sharing features
of general interest with the wider SOC
membership.

Special Protection Areas

Two more Special Protection Areas under
the EU Wild Birds Directive have been
declared. One is the Kintyre Goose
roosts on the Kintyre peninsula, which is a
wintering area for internationally important
numbers of Greenland White-fronted
Geese. The site has also been classified
as a wetland of international importance
under the Ramsar Convention. The other
is Ben Wyvis, a mountain area north of
Inverness, which supports important
numbers of breeding Dotterel.

Hen Harrier proposals

The Game Conservancy T rust’s proposals
for Hen Harrier conservation in the United
Kingdom were launched last autumn prior
to the Moorland Summit in Scotland.
They propose 3 initiatives:

Translocation - Starting new breeding
groups of harriers by releasing young birds
into suitable habitats where harriers have
lived previously

Quota System - Grouse moor owners
would be required to support a set number
of breeding harriers each year. Numbers
above this quota could be limited by egg
removal. This could enable many more
harriers to live on grouse moors safely
Diversionary Feeding - Hen harriers are
fed by humans to limit the amount of
grouse they eat.

The issues have already been discussed
in SBN 49. The Trust accepts that
translocation would not work on its own in
reducing predation on grouse and the
consequent illegal killing of Hen Harriers.

Simon Thirgood, the T rust’s head of raptor
research, thinks that integrating all 3
methods offers the best hope to increase
Hen Harrier populations and stop illegal
killing. The trust estimates that the quota
system could more than double Hen Harrier
numbers within a decade, because moor
owners and gamekeepers would accept
the obligation to protect breeding Hen
Harriers at numbers compatible with a
reasonable amount of grouse for shooting.
Despite protection under the Wildlife &
Countryside Act, no successful
prosecution for killing Hen Harriers has
ever been brought in Scotland. Hen

Harriers are frequently shot and their nests
destroyed and eggs crushed. Between
1 988 and 1 995, RSPB research indicated
that up to 1 5% of females were killed each
year.

The full report Hen Harrier Translocation
as a Conservation Tool in the United
Kingdom - a Feasibility Study by Mark
Watson The Game Conservancy Trust is
in the Waterston Library.

Protective behaviour of
Mallard drakes

Some croft land near me is usually flooded
in the spring and used for breeding by
Mallards. Normally they spent some time
in my garden but ignore my small (2.0 x
2.5m) pond. They usually disappear to the
river 400m away before the young fledge.
This year a drake and 2 ducks appeared
together in April, shortly followed
separately by a further 2 drakes and
another duck. The first duck to hatch its
eggs had 9 ducklings, while a week later
another had 8. The duck brood of 9
ducklings was gradually reduced to 5. At
this point 2 drakes and a duck which
seemed to have no young of its own
began to accompany the brood. Extensive
use was made of my pond, which was
encircled by the 2 ducks and 2 drakes
whenever the 5 young were in the pond.
The drakes were observed attacking
Herring Gulls that approached within 3-
5m of the young. As soon as the young
were old enough ie about 4 weeks and
before fledging, the entire group
disappeared, presumably to the River
Brora, 400m away.

Throughout this time the duck with 8 young
continued to rear them on her own, also
making extensive use of my pond.
Although she received no assistance from
the other ducks and drakes she succeeded
in rearing all 8 ducklings. They were
observed to be well guarded by the mother
which attacked Herring Gulls and a cat.
On one occasion the mother was observed
to drag an adult Herring Gull about 20m,
holding it by the neck. Also she attacked
drakes if they approached. This group
continued to use my pond until after the
young had fledged. The young then
gradually disappeared. The mother and 2
of the young left at the beginning of August.
The third drake ignored all the others
apart from mating attempts with all 3 ducks
whenever it saw a chance.

A J Davenport

11

Red-necked Phalarope in
Central Perthshire in 1 944
&1945

During the summer term of 1944 Loch
Moraig (NN 907666) was visited by myself
and some of my contemporaries on several
occasions. On at least 2 such visits a
single Red-necked Phalarope was
observed near the northern end of the
loch. Each time the bird was seen feeding
on the water near the shore and on short
flights. It was clearly disturbed by human
presence and became quite agitated. We
strongly suspected breeding. However,
definitive proof was not obtained. During
the 1945 summer term a further sighting
of a single individual was obtained, but
again without proof of breeding. On no
occasion was a pair seen together. Each
time our impression was that we were
observing a female, though we were never
really sure about this. Our inference was
that a male might be incubating a clutch or
perhaps have very small young concealed
in the vegetation. At that time the vegetation
was predominantly Heather except on the
very wet areas of marsh/bog. Only 3 of my
contemporaries were party to the
information and considerable care was
taken to maintain secrecy, since there
were a couple of our fellow pupils known
to be interested in egg collecting.

I was occasionally able to revisit Loch
Moraig in summer in later years. On each
occasion in 1 950, 1 951 & 1 958 no further
phalarope sightings were obtained. For
instance, on 10 July 1950 numerous
Curlew and Oystercatchers were recorded
and several pairs of both Common
Sandpipers and Redshank. Little Grebe,
Gadwall and Tufted Duck were present.

On 2 occasions I was able to take my
father, the late H G Hurrell, to the area
when he visited from Devon and on 3 July
1944 we enjoyed a good view of a single
phalarope. A visit in 1945 was probably
too late in the year and no phalaropes
were seen.

Leonard Hurrell

Baxter and Rintoul record breeding by this
species on Rannoch moor around 1830.

Although breeding was not proved in this
case such records can be useful and
should be passed to the Rare Breeding
Birds Panel (as this has been) normally
via the local recorder. Members are
reminded of the law relating to Schedule 1
species.

ATwite by any other name

Over the past 7 or so years we have
carried out a number of studies into the
biology of the Twite, concentrating
particularly on their behaviour, habitats
and status in the winter months. One of
the things that became clear during the
course of this work was that a lot of people
who are not birdwatchers think that the
Twites' name is .. well... rather ridiculous.
By implication anyone interested in Twites
or their conservation is.... er.... A bit of a
twit, or a twitcher, or both.

There is, of course, a serious point to all
this. The names of a species can have an
effect on how it is viewed by the public,
and this in turn can affect how that species
is conserved. An obvious example is the
Monkey-eating Eagle, a species blessed
with a highly descriptive but very ugly
name. It lives in the Philippines and to help
its conservation, as it is endangered, and
to make people in its native range have
more pride in it, it has been renamed the
Philippine Eagle or even the Great
Philippine Eagle.

Back to the T wite. We know that in Scotland
in the non breeding season Twites are
particularly dependent on agricultural
habitats, especially weedy turnip fields,
and that persuading farmers and crofters
not to be too enthusiastic at clearing the
weeds from their crops is likely to be
important to the species’ future fortunes.
As with the Monkey-eating Eagle it is
important that such people have a sense
of involvement with, and thus a sense of
ownership of, the Twite, and its name
seems to beanimpedimenttothis. Imagine
trying to get a crofter or farmer to put up a
notice saying that his fields are “Twite
friendly". He is in danger of becoming a
laughing stock.

So what alternative name might we choose
for the Twite? There are several traditional
local names in Scotland, most being
variations on Lintie: Untie itself, Heather
Untie, Hill Lintie, Yellow-neb Lintie as well
as Mountain Linnet and Lintwhite, the
latter being the names used by Burns.
Lintie is simple and has a good ring to it,
but has the drawback of being a synonym
forthe Linnet. Our preference is for Heather
Lintie, which also trips easily off the tongue
and should be seen by non birdwatchers
as ‘friendly’, poetic even.

We are keen that everything possible is
done to ensure that the Twite is conserved
in Britain, and believe strongly that there is
a case for changing its name to help
this. In many respects it is rather an

anonymous little brown bird; it urgently
needs something to make it more familiar
and friendly, and we believe that a change
of name might be one way of achieving
this. We welcome view from other
birdwatchers and conservationists.

Hugh Clark & Robin Sellers

Perhaps it would have to be Heather Linnet in
English? This idea is an interesting one and
could be extended. For example, the Knot is
possibly even more in need of a name change.
Other names that might be thought in need of
revision though for widely different reasons,
include Shag and anything that is called common
since it is bound to be uncommon somewhere.
However changing birds’ names is a
controversial process as became very evident
when British Birds published its revised list with
names such as Northern Wheatear which many
people still refuse to use.

Tawny Owl David Mitchell

Unusual choice of nest
site by a Tawny Owl

On 8 May 1 998 I made my first visit of the
year to the Altnaharra area as part of a
fieldwork contract with RSPB. On calling
in at the caravan site at Grumore, Loch
Naver to see John and Brenda Lunn, they
informed me of an unusual choice of nest
site by a Tawny Owl. According to the
river manager in Strathnaver, Bill Drury,
the bird had chosen to nest on the
corrugated iron sheeting roof of a shed,
hard up against the wall of his house at
Ceann-na-Coille, near Syre. The roof
sloped at an angle of approximately 25
degrees and had an open aspect facing a
small Lodgepole Pine plantation
approximately 80m away. When disturbed
the owl would fly to this plantation and
return to the ‘nest’ afteraround 1 0 minutes.
They had first visited the site on 26 April,
when the bird was seen sitting alongside
a single egg, a second egg having
previously rolled off the roof. The remaining
egg apparently rolled off the roof a few
days later, but the owl continued to sit in
the same place daily until at least 1 0 June.

David Butterfield

12

Come and immerse yourself
in the sights, sounds
and smells of the Solway
yager- and meet its many
^ uruQue inhabitants at this
exciting new exhibition.

Exhibition

Until Sunday 9th May 1999

-a*

TULLIE HOUSE

MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

CASTLE STREET • CARLISLE
TELEPHONE (01228) 534781

CARLISLE

CITY-COUNCIL

TV/LLIE

house

Wildlife of the Solway

A new exhibition at Tullie House Museum
in Carlisle was officially opened by David
Bellamy in November. Entitled the Wildlife
of the Solway, this temporary exhibition
runs until 9 May 1999.

The Solway Firth is the third largest estuary
in Britain and is a very important wildlife
site, not just for its hundreds of thousands
of visiting birds but also for many other
creatures and habitats. The Solway
mosses comprise some 60% of the
remaining intact raised bogs in England.
They are of great importance for their
specialised wildlife such as the Large
Heath Butterfly, Bog Rosemary and White-
faced Dragonfly; 10% of the British
population of Natterjack Toads occur on
the Solway and 21 species of bird are
present in nationally or internationally
important numbers.

But how many people really appreciate
the splendour and importance of this
natural resource? Recently many
interested individuals and organisations
around the estuary combined to form the

Solway Firth Partnership and a review and
strategy for the Firth have been produced.
One of the issues raised is the lack of
public knowledge regarding the importance
of the wildlife and the countryside of the
Solway.

With this exhibition Tullie House Museum
hopes to help raise peoples’ awareness
and appreciation of the Solway, its wildlife
and some of the concerns for its future well
being. The displays explore the geological
foundations of the Solway, the glacial
topography leading to the formation of the
peat mosses and the wildlife habitats of
peat bogs, saltmarsh, mudflats, sand
dunes and sea cliffs that surround the
Firth.

Designed to interest children and family
groups, as well as birdwatchers and
naturalists, the exhibition includes a giant
turtle, a sea cliff complete with nesting sea
birds, a seal cave and a 2.5 metre long
tuna fish stranded at Silloth in 1 891 .

Tullie House is open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
and Sunday 12 noon-5pm. Adults £3.75
Concessions £2.75/£2.25. Family Ticket
£12.00 Telephone 01228 534781

Kestrel survey

There are an estimated 52,000 pairs of
Kestrels in the UK, although numbers may
have declined by as much as 35%
over the last 25 years. Kestrels are
familiar largely as they are so often seen
hunting beside roads, but their numbers
are falling because of a range of factors,
including lack of voles, the Kestrel’s main
prey. The YOC are now launching a
survey - details and forms from YOC at
The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SGI 9
2DL.

Planning Guideline

New National Planning Policy Guidelines
on Natural Heritage (NPPG) were
launched in January. The NPPG highlights
not only the importance of protecting
wildlife sites but emphasises that the
protection of wildlife and habitats must
extend beyond the confines of specific
designated sites. This guidance is of
particular importance for species such as
the Golden Eagle which requires large
territories which are difficult to protect with
designations.

13

Hen Goshawk Arthur Gilpin

Concern for Pink-footed
Geese

It is likely that many people look forward to
the sound of Pinkfeet arriving in autumn
and they enliven our birdwatching during
the dark winter days. However as spring
approaches they head off back to Iceland
and their vast breeding grounds. The key
site is Thjorsarver, whose importance was
discovered by James Fisher, Finnur
Gudmundsson and Peter Scott back in the
1950s. During the early 1960s and 70s
plans to turn the area into a vast
hydroelectric reservoir were defeated by
international condemnation. Needless to
say the Icelandic electricity company
Landsvirkjun are again arguing that a big
hydro electric scheme with a aluminium
smelting works is just what is needed to
save the rural communities.

At the moment the Icelandic government
is considering whether flooding the main
breeding site of the bulk of the worlds
population of Pinkfeet requires an
environmental impact assessment. If you
think it does, and you would like to see our
geese back in future years they you may
wish to let your feeling by known to the
Icelandic Ambassador, Icelandic
Embassy, No 1 Eton Terrace, London
SW1.

REVIEWS

The Breeding Birds of South East
Scotland. R Murray, M Holling, HDott& P
Vandome. 1998. Scottish Ornithologists’
Club, Edinburgh ISBN 0 9512139 11.
£31.95.

This publication has rightly received the
plaudits of the ornithological press and a
summary by one of the authors featured in
SBN in June 1998. First impressions of
this book give a feeling of quality, from the
solid covers to the smartly packaged text.
Indeed, the whole product is finished to an
exceptionally high standard, and more
than stands comparison with some of the
English regional atlases as well as the 2
major national breeding birds atlases. The
information obtained by SOC members
during the 2 previous national projects of
1 968-72 and 1 998-94 is put to good use in
this book since comparative distribution
maps for those periods are conveniently
placed below the current regional map,
allowing the reader immediate
comparison.

The first part of the atlas deals with the
more straightforward factors affecting bird
distribution in the area, such as habitat

types, this section reinforced by a splendid
series of colour aerial photograph
highlighting the diversity encountered by
the 250 fieldworkers. Further backed by
detailed maps, the different habitats are
summarised, offering a broad outline of
the main species likely to be encountered
within each. One minor quibble with this
part is the location of the section on Climate.
Sandwiched between habitat descriptions
of Wetlands and Agriculture, the
importance of such a dynamic factor
appears a bit lost and might have been
better dealt with separately. One section I
enjoyed greatly was the Discussion,
Methodology and Fieldwork section which
suggested reasons for major changes in
distribution of the birds of South East
Scotland. Combined with a realistic
appraisal of any inaccuracies likely to
have occurred in the compilation of such a
mass of records, this part did nevertheless
highlight some of the doubts expressed
over recent atlas methodology. Many
would be authors of atlases must envy the
formidable IT expertise of Peter Vandome.

As for the species accounts, which I
suspect will be the main reason for most
people buying this book, these are quite
excellent. Each account draws on the vast
wealth of experience accumulated over
the years by fieldworkers both specialised
and general, and additions to the
distribution maps such as population
counts, comparison with national figures,
altitudinal distribution and habitat
preference are often presented in clear,
graphic form. Perhaps one major
advantage which this type of atlas has
over a national one lies in the detail
affordable to the map maker. Each map
shows shaded land above 200 metres
and includes all the main watercourses,
allowing easy location of areas within the
region. Here one is immediately able to
relate both comments in the text and
impressions from graphs to the patterns
displayed on the species maps.

The careful and methodical layout of each
species description takes account of the
varying interpretations likely to be directed
towards them, with rare breeders such as
Goshawk, problem species like Yellow
Wagtail and tricky species like Willow Tit
being sensitively handled. Even non
breeding species such as Goldeneye are
well documented - it wouldn’t dare nest
on the English side! Increasing species
like Buzzard and Lesser Black-backed
Gull pinpoint some interesting trends in
both avian and human behaviour, whilst
the fate of birds like the Corn Bunting will
be all too familiar to many. The real value
of the Borders hills can scarcely by
guessed at via the national atlases, when
it comes to breeding species such as
Lapwing, Golden Ploverand Curlew, whilst
questions about the methodology
employed by the New Atlas are raised by
species such as Chiffchaff. Throughout
the species accounts, the appearance of
the text is beautifully enlivened by the
artwork, particularly that of Steven Brown.

Appendices, dealing with individual
species work, complement the main text
in a book which is bursting with information.
Personally, and perhaps a bit unfairly, I
thought it rendered the New Atlas almost
completely obsolete as a source of local
information. As a conservation tool, it will
serve the needs of South east Scotland
extremely well. For most of us though, it’s
simply a wonderful example of a well
written mine of information which is hard
to lay down. If you’ve not already got a
copy, you’ve really got to ask yourself why
not!

Angus Hogg

Our policy on book reviews is to keep them
relatively short to fit within an aver-
age of one page per issue of SBN. How-
ever, where the book is of particular im-
portance to Scottish ornithology longer
reviews are appropriate as in this case.

14

Belize and Northern Guatemala - The
Ecotravellers’ Wildlife Guide by Les

Beletsky. Paperback published by
Academic Press 1999. 487pp. ISBN 0-
12-084811-2. £19.95

This book is aimed at environmentally
conscious travellers. It includes chapters
on the habitats, parks and reserves of
Belize and Northern Guatemala ie the
area between Belize and Mexico known
as The Peten and on environmental threats
and conservation issues. These are
followed by chapters on the Amphibians,
Reptiles, Birds, Mammals and Marine Life
which a visitor may encounter, together
with good identification plates in colour,
with narrative alongside giving brief
identification details, the habitat and likely
districts in which the species might be
found. The section on Habitats includes
drawings of the leaves and fruits of some
common trees and plants. There are some
habitat photographs at the end. The author
did not attempt to cover every species and
visitors interested in plants, butterflies and
moths or insects would need other
literature. A very useful general guide
nevertheless.

Joan Wilcox

Costa Rica - The Ecotravellers ’ Wildlife
Guide by Les Beletsky. Paperback
published by Academic Press 1998 426
pp. ISBN 0-12-084810-4. £19.95

This Wildlife Guide follows a similar format
to the Ecotravellers’ Wildlife Guide on
Belize & Northern Guatemala, see
separate review. A good all-round guide
but not all the birds which would be found
on a specialised bird tour are included.

Joan Wilcox

A Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka by G

M Henry. Third Edition 1998: revised and
enlarged by TW Hoffmann, D Warakogoda
& U Ekanayake. Oxford University Press:
Delhi, 489 pp. ISBN 0 19 563813 1 £25

Henry’s A Guide to the Birds of Ceylon ,
was first published in Oxford in 1955. A.
second edition, which was essentially a
reprint of the first edition with an updating
appendix, was produced locally in Kandy
in 1971 . It has remained the only volume
to cover in any detail all the birds of Sri
Lanka. This 1998 third edition, published
by OUP (Delhi) has been extensively
revised by 3 of the most experienced
ornithologists active in Sri Lanka today.
The classic illustrations of GM Henry are

retained in their original form, and 2
additional colour plates and 6 line drawings
by Bruce Henry, the son of the author,
have been added. The list of species
included has been extended and the text
has been brought up to date, especially in
describing the distribution of species. This
is not a typical modern field guide to be
used simply for identification purposes; it
is much more. Numerous field guides to
birds of the Indian sub continent exist, and
these can be used for Sri Lanka. However,
a copy of Henry is an essential travelling
companion for birders visiting Sri Lanka
who want to achieve more than a tick list.
Despite the troubles that have existed in
the north of the island for several years,
Sri Lanka must be placed highly on
anyone’s list of places to visit. It is certainly
the jewel off the tip of India with its rich
birdlife, diverse habitats, beautiful scenery
and most friendly people.

Ian R Poxton

Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific
and American Golden Plovers and Grey
Plover by Ingvar Byrkjedal and Des
Thompson. Published by T andADPoyser
Ltd. 1998. 422pp. ISBN 0-85661-109-3.
£28

The latest addition to the Poyser series is
on the 4 species of ‘tundra plover’ in the
genus Pluvialis The enthusiasm of the
authors for their subject is translated into
a fast-moving, well illustrated, delightfully
descriptive and lively text which drags the
reader out into the field to witness, as at
firsthand, the behaviour of these wonderful
birds. As would be expected, the breeding
biology of the birds is covered in some
depth, with much information which has
never been published or easily accessible
before. In contrast, coverage outside the
breeding season, which may only last 2
months for northern birds, receives less
substantial treatment. Behaviour and
ecology of the Eurasian Golden Plover in
the non breeding season gets less than 4
sides of text! This is clearly inadequate,
and reflects not only the interests and field
studies of the authors, but also the fact
that much of the relevant information about
these species is still not known.

The book is packed with information, and
a full picture of 4 species of plover, their
historical and ecological relationships, their
similarities to each other and their
idiosyncrasies. The idiosyncrasies of the
authors come through - for their studies of
migration strategies they persuaded the
world’s museums to photograph over 3000
dead plovers! A 3 degree global

temperature rise could wipe out the lichen/
moss tundra on which the Grey Plover
breeds - clearly those people who deny
that global warming is happening, or think
there is nothing we can do about it, are
taking a very risky line A hugely interesting
book, with particular relevance for Scottish
ornithologists.

Martin Collinson

Fish eating Birds and Salmonids in
Scotland an important report has just been
published by the Scottish Office - a full
summary will be published in the June
issue of SBN.

REQUESTS

Darvic ringed Oystercatchers
See SBN 50

Colour ringed Shags
See SBN 50

Breeding origins of Scottish Barnacle
Geese - DNA samples required
See SBN 51

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylags bearing dye marks,
darvic rings or neck collars, together with
details of colours and letters seen, no
matter how incomplete, should be sent to:

Bob Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain,
Ross-shire IV19 1 JR (01862 894329).

This is DJ - collars should be read
from the bottom up.

Reed Warblers in Scotland

I am carrying out a review of possible
breeding records for Reed Warblers in
Scotland. If anyone has any records of a
bird/birds in suitable habitat then please
get in touch with me. I am particularly
interested in hearing of any records in July
or August. All contributions will be
acknowledged in publication. Derek
Robertson, Woodlands, Bandrum, nr
Carnock, Fife KYI 29HR. (01 383 852997)

15

SOC NOTICES

Sylvia Laing

Our hard working Secretary has to go into
hospital from late February for what we
expect to be a routine operation and is
unlikely to be back in Regent Terrace until
late April.

A number of volunteers (see below) have
kindly offered to assist the club during
Sylvia’s absence but there may be some
delay in responding to enquiries:
Membership: Sue Goode and Joan Wilcox;
Winter programme: Frank Hamilton;

Annual Conference programme: Ian
Darling; Publications: Joan Wilcox;
Accounts: Peter Vandome; General

enquiries: Ian Darling and others. The
Library will continue as normal with the
help of John Law, Keith Macgregor, John
Davies, Roger Brewer, John Ballantyne,
Sue Goode and Hetty Harper.

We all send Sylvia our very best wishes for
a speedy recovery.

Stewartry Branch

Would members please note that the AGM
& Member’s night has been brought
forward to 1 April 1999.

Perth and Kinross Recorder

Please note the new address for Ron
Youngman the recorder for Perth and
Kinross. His address is Blairchroisk
Cottage, Ballinluig, Pitlochry,
Perthshire PH9 ONE

Seabird 2000

Seabird 2000 is a major new initiative to
census all breeding seabirds in Britain
and Ireland. The aim is to census all 24
species of seabird regularly breeding in
Britain and Ireland.

Both countries hold internationally
important populations of seabirds, and it
therefore important that we know the
distribution and numbers involved in order
that temporal changes and causes may
be identified. If you are interested in taking
part please contact Dr Ian Mitchell, JNCC,
Seabirds & Cetaceans Team, Dunnet
House, 7 Thistle Place, Aberdeen AB10
1 UZ. Fax 01224 621488; Email:
mitche_i@jncc.gov.uk

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAEforcurrentlistandpricesto:-Vanellus

Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114) 266362

200 Club reaches 200!

Well done - we made it! At the Conference

8 members joined and we now (December
1 998) have 202 members, so not only has
the SOC benefited but the number and
size of prizes will be greater this year.
Already there was an extra £50 in August
and the top prize in November was
increased from £1 00 to £1 50. For our 1 0th
year, ending in May, we will have been
able to give the SOC £1 200, with a similar
sum being returned in prizes. This means
that in the 10 years since the 200 Club
started its members’ support will have
helped the SOC by £9500 -a remarkable
sum which Council readily acknowledges
in its Annual Reports. Thank you all.
Details of how money was donated to the
SOC this year will be published later.

Reminder notices for renewal of
membership of our 1 1th year, starting on 1
June, will be sent in April to existing
members who do not pay a standing order.

New members are always welcome, and
we must recruit some to replace the few
who do not continue their membership.
Having reached 200 we want to keep it
there! If you would like to join, or take out
another membership, please write to me
enclosing a cheque for £12, payable to
‘SOC 200 Club’. The annual subscription
never increases! This will cover the 12
months from June 1 and will be
acknowledged.

If you have not yet won a prize, don’t
despair! In 1 0 years 393 prizes will have
been given outto members, totalling £9500
- you have roughly a 1 in 4 chance of
winning which is far better than the lottery!!
Please continue to support the SOC and
you may yet be a lucky winner.

Winners in the fourth quarter of 1998
were:-

October - 1 st £30 J B Lambie, Drummore;
2nd £20 T D Dobson, Galashiels; 3rd £10
LD Maciver, Stornoway
November - 1st £150 P W Sandeman,
Killin; 2nd £75 Dr E Tennant, Glasgow; 3rd
£50 S Laing, Perth; 4,h £30 N Stabler,
lnveresk;5lh£20S McCulloch, Edinburgh;
6th £10 P Collett, Thurso
December - 1st £30 B Etheridge, Avoch;
2nd £20 R Smith, Lockerbie; 3rd £10 E
MacGregor, East Linton

Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire
TD6 9NH (01896 822176)

Scottish Bird News

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of
the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. It is
published 4timesayearat the beginning
of March, June, September and
December. Articles and notices need
to be sent to the Secretary at 21 Regent
Terrace no later than 5 weeks before
publication. The magazine acts as a
channel of communication for SOC
members and to disseminate
information relevant to Scotland’s
birdlife. The views expressed in articles
in Scottish Bird News are not necessarily
the policy of the SOC. Contributors
should note that material has to be
edited, often at short notice, and it is not
practical to let authors see these
changes in advance of publication. The
SOC also publishes the journal Scottish
Birds which publishes original papers
and notes on Scottish ornithology and
the Scottish Bird Report. For details of
these publications and membership
contact the Secretary at 21 Regent
\Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. ^

Dates for first of the 1999/2000
winter meetings

Ayrshire 15 Sept; Borders, 6 Sept;
Caithness 8 Sept; Dumfries 15 Sept; Fife

15 Sept; Grampian 6 Sept; Highland 7
Sept; Lothian 14 Sept; Orkney 9 Sept;
Stewartry 1 6 Sept; Stirling 1 6 Sept; Tayside

16 Sept; West Galloway 14 Sept.

Dr Algirdas Knystautas is doing a short
tour in Scotland in November and will give
a lecture in Ayr on 1 November; Dumfries
2 November; Fife 3 November and Lothian
4 November. Further details will be
available in due course.

1999 Annual Conference

The 1999 Annual Conference will be held
at the Balavil Sport Hotel, Newtonmore
over the weekend 29/31 October 1999.
Further details will be sent with the
September mailing.

Thanks to

Once again, many thanks to the volunteers
who came in to Regent T errace to assist in
sending out the December mailing. They
were: Cath Craig, Joan Wilcox, Keith

Macgregor, Elisabeth Law, Bob & Betty
Smith, Rosemary Davidson, Noreen
Stabler, Angus and Chris Smith, John
Davies. Fleur Mattocks.

16

Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. Tel 0131 556 6042 Fax 0131 558 9947

v—

o

9^

THE SCOTTISH
ORNITHOLOGISTS9 CLUB

Scottish
Bird News

JUNE 1999
ISSN 0268-319

Edited by Stan
Assisted by Joan

Scotland’s Parliament and Scotland’s birds

As this issue of SBN goes to the printer the elections for Scotland’s first parliament for 300 years have just been
held. By the time you read this the MSPs will be in place even though not in their new building which is still under
construction a few minutes as the town pigeon flies from 21 Regent Terrace.

Does it matter?

The question here refers to birds and the
SOC not other aspects of Scottish life.

After much media attention the voting
figures were significantly below those
reached in General Elections though better
than those normally recorded when local
councils are involved. Despite speculation
that the wet weather on polling day
depressed the turnout, it is more realistic
to accept that many Scots are unsure of
the new system and not entirely convinced
of its value.

The fact that for the first time ever a Green
MR was successful in a Parliamentary
election in Britain shows what can happen
with a different voting system. However,
not all ornithologists will feel that voting
Green is automatically the best way to
advance conservation.

Even those political parties who opposed
devolution took the view that they had to
become involved in the Parliament and
campaigned accordingly. It is important
that ornithologists, whatever their political
interests, take an interest in the new body
because other players in the field of
environmental policy most certainly are.
Also, given that devolution is meant to be
about moving decision making from
London to Edinburgh and, by implication,
towards more local levels, there are already
increasing demands for local communities
to have more say over conservation issues.
This is a reasonable principle but in practice
it can mean certain short term interests
getting their way at the expense of the
longer term and national or even
international priorities.

Tree Sparrow feeding young

Pressure and influence

A disturbing feature of recent years has

Jim Young

been the increasingly aggressive and
intolerant attitude of a number of parties
with outdoor interests in conservation.
Some shooters, anglers, pigeon fanciers

1

Summer sandeel consumption by seabirds breeding
in the Firth of Forth

as well as some farmers and landowners
have expressed views on such matters as
the protection of birds of prey and access
to land, which, if accepted by legislators
and government, will set conservation back
in the country. Often the views are based
on ‘practical experience’ which is
contrasted with ‘conservation’ and even
‘science’ as though these had become
rather dirty words. The vein of intolerance
which lies behind all this reflects some
genuine problems and fears such as the
decline in farm incomes but also a degree
of bluster by people who do not want to
face facts. Faced with this, it is essential
that conservationists are prepared and
able to put their views across to the media
and decision makers. This may seem
obvious but it is worrying that even
professional conservationists too often
seem to be outflanked by more streetwise
lobbyists. There are many positive things
to report such as the beneficial effect
conservation can have on jobs (see page
3) but such messages do not always make
the headlines they should. Not that
headlines are necessarily a measure of
influence - behind the scenes lobbying of
various forms can often be the most
effective method of reaching the people
who take important decisions. However,
to do this requires skill, resources and a
good grasp of essential facts.

Facts and figures

These must be the basis of the SOC’s
contribution to conservation. SOC does
not have the resources to employ
professional lobbyists and public relations
people or to buy large nature reserves nor
do we need to, given the existence of
RSPBandSWT. However, we do have a
role as coordinator and publisher of
information on what is actually happening
to Scotland’s wild birds. It is vital that we
build on this and bring it to the attention of
those who make decisions and their
advisers. In so doing we can also address
some of the concerns about the future of
the Club expressed elsewhere in this issue

Stan da Prato

Harriers again

SNH has published a booklet on behalf of
the Moorland Working Group based on
trails of supplementary feeding at Hen
Harrier nests at Langholm which has
been sent to over 200 estates. The
convenor of the Scottish Landowners
Federation has welcomed the booklet but
the chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers
Association is quoted in the media as
being ‘very sceptical’.

The industrial fishery for sandeels is
currently the largest single species fishery
in the North Sea and this species is also the
main food of many seabirds breeding in
colonies in this area. It has been suggested
that inshore sandeel fisheries could have
adverse consequences for local seabird
populations. One potential area of concern
is the fishing grounds on the banks (Wee
Bankie and Marr Bank) which lie
approximately 40 km off the entrance to the
Firth of Forth, well within the feeding range
of many seabirds breeding at colonies in
and around the Firth of Forth. For the last
2 summers an EU funded project - Effects
of Large scale Industrial Fisheries on Non
Target Species (ELIFONTS) - has been
looking in detail at, amongst other things,
the food needs of the birds, seals and
largerfish living in the area. Sarah Wanless
and Mike Harris (ITE, Banchory) and Simon
Greenstreet (FRS Marine Laboratory,
Aberdeen) have, in a paper published in
ICES Journal of Marine Science (1998,
55:1141-1151), come up with the first
assessments of how many sandeels the
seabirds eat during the summer.

Using counts of birds at colonies, local
dietary information and breeding success,
they constructed a bioenergetics model
which estimated that the total of 154,000
pairs of the 8 species of seabird which fed
on sandeels consumed 6,000-17,000
tonnes of sandeels during each of the
summers of 1 996 and 1 997. The majority

of the fish were at least one year old.
Distributions of birds at sea recorded during
a systematic survey during the breeding
season demonstrated that the Wee Bankie
was an important feeding area for
Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake and to
a lesser extent Puffin, indicating that the
exploitation of sandeels by these species
shows strong spatial overlap with the
industrial fishery. In contrast, Shags and
Common/Arctic Terns showed
predominantly inshore distributions while
the Gannet probably fed mainly outside
the area surveyed. Species specific
comparisons of the estimated size of the
observed at sea populations with those
predicted from the number of individuals
associated with colonies in the area
suggests that during the chick rearing
period a high proportion of the Firth of
Forth Guillemot population was feeding in
the surveyed area. However, for the other
species the number observed at sea was
consistently lower than predicted.

The size of the sandeel stock associated
with the Wee Bankie is currently unknown.
Comparison of the size of the annual
catch of the fishery and the amount taken
by seabirds indicates that in most years
the former has been consistently higher
than the latter. Thus the potential for the
fishery to affect seabirds is likely to be
greater than the converse.

Mike Harris

Puffin and Guillemot

M Hayes

Conservation helps to
underpin jobs

Conservation of Scotland’s natural
environment plays a significant role in
supporting rural development. Scottish
Natural Heritage has estimated that about
£135 million of public money is spent
annually on conservation management of
land or on helping people to understand
and enjoy wildlife and the countryside.
This helps to support over 8,000 jobs,
some 40% of which are in rural areas.

According to George Campbell, North
Scotland Manager for RSPB, if Scotland
isto maintain and enhance its rich habitats
and wildlife, this will require more
involvement from local people, more
positive management and more money.
The notion that conservation does not
support jobs is a nonsense. In the
Highlands and Islands alone the number
of jobs sustained by the natural
environment has doubled in the last 10
years and is still increasing. People living
and working in rural Scotland should not
fear conservation but welcome it. RSPB
Scotland spends over £2.5 million a year
on nature reserves in Scotland, creating
employment both directly through staff
and indirectly through the use of local
contractors and services. Many reserves

also provide grazing for local landowners,
crofters and farmers. Almost half a million
people visit RSPB reserves annually,
supporting many more local jobs.

The various ways in which the natural
heritage helps generate employment in
Scotland, particularly in rural areas, are
summarised in a booklet Jobs and the
Natural Heritage produced by Scottish
Natural Heritage. The booklet shows that
tourists participating in hill walking generate
£257 million (15%oftotaltouristexpenditure
in Scotland), supporting about 9,400 full
time equivalent (FTE) jobs across Scotland,
those participating in field/nature studies
contribute a further £70 million, supporting
a further 2,600 FTE jobs, while wildlife
related tourism supports a further 6,000
FTE jobs, of which two thirds are in the
Highlands and Islands. Free copies can
be obtained from local SNH offices.

Examples include RSPB’s Forsinard Nature
Reserve in Sutherland. This reserve
supports 2 full time staff and several
seasonal staff. A recent survey by an
independent consultant estimated that
visitors to the reserve contributed £630,000
to the Caithness and Sutherland economy
in 1997. Deer management and trout
fishing on the reserve are leased locally,
providing further jobs and income. Around
1 ,600 ha of the reserve are also managed
by a local farmer.

At Abernethy Nature Reserve, Speyside,
RSPB has 6 full time staff, with up to 16
seasonal staff. The reserve, and
particularly the Osprey Centre, attracts
50,000 visitors who contribute to the local
economy. A report in 1 997 estimated that
in total over 87 FTE jobs in Badenoch &
Strathspey were supported by the reserve.

At the RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve on
Islay, a survey carried out in 1 998 estimated
that visitors spend almost £1 million per
annum on Islay, of which £311,000 is
spent during the winter months when geese
are present.

Recent estimates by RSPB Scotland and
the British Association for Shooting and
Conservation show that between them
birdwatchers and goose shooters spend a
total of £5.4 million in local economies
around Scottish goose sites, much of it in
the autumn and winter 1 off seasons’. This
expenditure supports over 100 FTE jobs.

A visitor survey in 1995 estimated that
holiday makers visiting Shetland that year
spent a total of £4.1 million, of which just
over £1 million was by those giving birdlife
as their main reason for visiting. This
supported an estimated 43 full time
equivalent jobs.

Volume 5, with more than 1600 birds depicted in 75 plates, and
close to 400 photographs, will contain more illustrations than any of
the volumes published to date.

Also, such important groups of birds, as the Owls and the Hummingbirds, will be covered in detail and with
all the species and distinctive subspecies illustrated for the first time.

Handbook of the

BIRDS OF THE WORLD

The first work to illustrate and cover in detail
ALL the species of birds in the world.

Volume 5, Barn Owls to Hummingbirds,
due July 1999

Great pre-publication offer expires 31st July 1999

See many full reviews and several sample plates, photographs and texts of the first five volumes at

http://www.hbw.coin

To receive a free 4-page colour brochure,

please contact:

Lynx Edicions

LYNX EDICIONS

Passeig de Gracia, 12 - E-08007 Barcelona, Spain
Tel. +34-93 301 07 77 Fax. +34-93 302 14 75
E-mail: lynx@hbw.com

3

Birds in a Cupar Garden

House Sparrow

David Mitchell

common species; Blackbird, Robin,
Dunnock, tits and Greenfinch fledglings
occur.

The comonest bird is the House Sparrow,
but nationally and locally it is in decline. I
used to get over 60 birds in 1 989, but now
I’m lucky to see more than 30. Numbers
peak in autumn with a smaller peak in
spring. The former period is augmented
by young birds and mid May sees the
lowest numbers. This pattern is very
different to that nationally, in which the
peak is in the breeding season and lowest
numbers in autumn. The latter is
apparently because autumn flocks prefer
farmland. Obviously my feeding stations
are considered better than farmland! The
next common species used to be Starling.
Again this has declined drastically from
my late 1 980s numbers of up to 39 at the
autumn peak to a measly 8 in recent years.
This autumn peak is also at odds with
national patterns. What worries me is that
so much money is spent on conserving
Ospreys (which are now safe and
increasing), while no one is looking after
the humble House Sparrow, which is now
becoming a conservation alert species.

It was actually the uplifting nature of the
March Newsletter which reminded me that
I had sort of promised this article to our
Editor, if only to give him (the readers,
actually) a break from his own ‘filler’. I use
the word ‘uplifting’ in its truly physical
sense. When Fiona and/or Mike delivered
my newsletter, the address label was firmly
attached to the top right corner, thereby
obscuring the last 3 letters of ‘Branch’. My
Fife Bra Newsletter was therefore eagerly
scrutinised. I was disappointed; where
were the glossy piccies, Martin? Dare I
also point out that whoever printed the
address label has ‘boobed’; the postcode
is wrong.

My garden in Cupar is secluded and
mature, covering some 500 square metres.
Some would say a better description would
be overgrown! In fact we practise a
rigorous regime of passive husbandry.
However, the birds like it and it sports
several feeders and a nice stone bird bath.
Its natural food consists of Cotoneaster
berries galore, rose hips in season, as well
as all the weed seeds which I’m supposed
to get rid of. Now and again my plum and
apple trees produce fruit which is extremely
popular and mostly leftforthe birds. Other
bushes produce seeds enjoyed by finches.
Slugs abound, while rockeries and thick
hedge bottoms provide plenty of insect
larvae and spiders. It is also free from all
chemicals. The bushes and trees also
provide cover when the cat is around,

although he is too lazy even to bother the
Blackbird when it comes into the kitchen in
summer to eat his food. We also have a
Hedgehog who eats the Blackbird’s food.

I have been counting birds now for this and
that garden bird survey on and off since
1987. Although the various successive
surveys have had slightly different
methodologies, my own counts are what is
known as raw, ie each count records actual
numbers and is then converted to whatever
records the survey demands. My records
are therefore compatible over this long
period. I say ‘my’, but it is Jean who
always starts the week off on Sunday
morning and usually provides the basis for
the week’s maximum figures. When Ian
deigns to visit us, he stands for long hours
at the kitchen window, thereby getting in
his mother’s way but also boosting the
numbers. Viv just scorns the counts but is
secretly interested and remarkably good
at identification.

I recently analysed my counts into 2
periods. The first is a 3 year spell 1 987-
90, with the second being the 4 year period
1994-98. There are differences, but
interpreting them is not easy. It is only one
small garden and one in which vegetation
has grown. Breeding birds are few. We
have had irregular breeding of House
Sparrows, Starling, Song Thrushes,
Goldfinches, House Martins and maybe
one or 2 others. The gardens in our street
are also now mature and harbour other

The Starling’s place in the abundance
stakes has been taken by the finches.
Chaffinches have increased over the years,
as they have done nationally, so that my
peak reaches now up to 16 in late winter
when natural food is scarcest. Minimum
numbers occur in Octoberforthe opposite
reason. Greenfinches are commoner
than Chaffinches in some years, but show
much variability. This probably depends
on a good breeding season, with a peak
following in the next winter. If that’s the
case, then 1994 and 1998 were poor
breeding seasons and 1997 a good one.
Similar population dynamics affect Siskins.
They have also increased over the years,
arriving in late December, peaking in
February and all gone by May. The
variation in winter feeding birds suggests
a poor breeding season in 1 995 and 1 996
and, like the Greenfinch, a very good one
in 1997.

Other species visiting in smaller numbers
have also shown some changes. Song
Thrushes are now much scarcer, with
Woodpigeons commoner. I would rather
see the former as pigeons hoover up the
seed at an alarming rate!

Like many people, I have a garden bird list;
one for the garden itself and one of birds
seen or heard from the garden. The
combined total now comes to around 74,
of which 40 have occurred in the garden.
Ourfront windows overlook the Eden valley

4

which is a flightline for many species,
including in the past Fulmars bound for
Loch Leven and the neighbouring, now
defunct, Benarty Hill Fulmar colony and
Cormorant. Goosanders can be seen in
winter and early spring flying up and down
the river, while the often flooded fields
harbour all sorts of gulls and inland waders.
When Waxwingsare here, they sometimes
visit us and in summer we have had the
occasional Lesser Whitethroat, overflying
T ree Pipit and distant reeling Grasshopper
Warbler. We have seen Buzzards steadily
increase and we enjoy watching them
soaring overhead in summer.

Some would say that garden birdwatching
is not in the same league as many other
forms of birding. Maybe not, but a long
period of recording in any habitat is of
greater value that merely watching,
although one must enjoy it of course! The
fact that there are 1 0,800 people including
over 400 in Scotland now taking part in the
BTO/CJ Wildbird foods Garden BirdWatch
scheme testifies to its appeal and the
value of that is inestimable. Why not try it
if you do not do so already? I have copies
of the handbook available; at £2 per copy
it is an incredible bargain.

Norman Elkins

This was first published in the Fife Branch
Newsletter. We are always interested in
seeing local publications since they often
contain articles that deserve a wider
audience.

Wildlife crime

In the last 1 1 years nearly 40,000 illegally
taken wild bird eggs have been seized by
police. The UK’s birds continue to suffer
despite a higher prosecution rate in recent
years. A bill with cross party support was
introduced in the House of Commons in
March by Jim Wallace, MP for Orkney and
Shetland, urging the Government to
introduce changes to the Wildlife and
Countryside Act. RSPB has called for
changes to the Act to include stronger
deterrents for wildlife crimes including
custodial sentences. Current penalties
under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
only give the courts recourse to fines which
do not deter persistent offenders.

In the last 10 years there have been 82
prosecutions brought in connection with
illegally taken wild bird eggs, some
involving the same individuals. Custodial
sentencing would also allow for penalties
such as community service. In a number
of recent Scottish cases Sheriffs have
called for these extra powers. In 1996
there were 47 confirmed incidents involving
nest robberies of either eggs or chicks. In
1 997 this had increased to 94 incidents; 75
incidents are known about in 1998. From
the egg collections police seized every
year it is clear that many nest robberies go
unreported. The rarest breeding birds are
targeted most, especially birds of prey.
Every year the nests of Ospreys, Goshawks
and Peregrines are robbed. In 1998 2
nests of the White-tailed Eagle were
robbed, threatening the success of efforts
to reintroduce these birds to Scotland.

Siskin Edmund Fellowes

Scotland' &
Tfatmot Sloice fin

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5

Scottish Birdwatchers’ Conference

The beautifully renovated buildings of the Scottish Natural Heritage headquarters at Battleby, near Perth, set in attractive, bird
filled wooded grounds, proved to be an ideal setting for the 1999 Scottish Birdwatchers’ Conference and over 165 participants
from all over Scotland and as far afield as Hereford gathered in bright early spring sunshine for the event. We were able, after
registration, to enjoy welcome hot refreshments and home baking and to explore the exhibitions, displays by local artists and
stalls selling birdwatching equipment and accessories, before being called into the magnificent auditorium for the first session.

Upland birds

The theme of the conference this year was
Upland Birds. This was very appropriate
as, although the uplands and their birds
have changed over the centuries, they are
under more pressure today -from farming,
forestry, shooting and recreational interests
-than ever before. More change may be
on the way with reform of the common
agricultural policy of the EU, the new
Scottish Parliament putting land reform on
the political agenda, and the potential threat
from global warming.

Nocturnal Wigeon

The 8 speakers gave an excellent overview
of the changing face of the uplands and
their birds, from the floors of the glens to
the high tops. Judy Duncan began the first
session with a highly entertaining account
of her studies of a breeding colony of
Wigeon, discovered serendipitously in Glen
Clunie. Up to 15 pairs were present in
some years, and the birds showed strong
site fidelity and had good breeding success,
despite losses to predators and adverse
weather conditions. Nests had been
difficult to find because the birds were
most active after dark to avoid disturbance
from traffic. Despite strenuous efforts
only a limited number of birds - 7 females
and 70 ducklings - have been ringed and
the only clue to the birds’ winter quarters
was from a ring recovered from a female
shot (and presumably eaten) in Norfolk.

Scrub

Simon Gillings of the British Trust for
Ornithology talked about the birds of upland
scrub. One of the major problems of the
uplands is the high and increasing intensity
of grazing which leads to the spread of
grassland, and an impoverished bird
community. Reduced grazing results in a
return of heather and trees and an increase
in bird numbers and diversity. Moorland
species such as Meadow Pipits decline to
be replaced by Whinchats, Tree Pipits,
Willow Warblers, Chaffinches and,
eventually, Redstarts and Treecreepers
as woodland matures. Overall, increased

Wigeon

woodland and scrub would in the long term
benefit woodland birds including Black
Grouse and Capercaillie, while the greatest
negative effect would be on carrion feeders.

Ospreys

The second session began with a talk by
Keith Brockie on Tayside Ospreys which,
having been once exterminated through
human persecution, had recolonised
Perthshire in 1968. By 1998 there were 41
pairs, despite continuing persecution by
egg collectors.

Keith described the efforts made to protect
the birds over the years, from lopping
limbs from nest trees to the use of razor
wire, round the clock military surveillance
and movement of nests. He said that the
prospects for Ospreys were now good,
and predicted further expansion in range
and in numbers, perhaps to more than 1 00
pairs in Perthshire in the near future. Much
of the credit for this success must be due
to the protection the birds have received
over the years from persecution and from
themselves, given their seeming proclivity
for building substandard nests in vulnerable
locations.

Photographer not known

Hamers

In contrast, Innes Sim had a less happy
story to tell. The preliminary results of a
survey of Hen Harriers throughout the UK
indicated that in England and Wales
numbers were low but stable, in Northern
Ireland and the Isle of Man numbers were
increasing and in Scotland numbers were
overall stable. This, however, masked
different trends around the country. There
was a slight increase in southern Scotland,
decline in north and central Scotland, and
a considerable decline in the species
stronghold in Orkney. Hen Harriers breed
on heather moorland and young
plantations, and persecution is widespread
and is implicated as a major factor behind
the decline. Both breeding success and
female survival are low on grouse moors
compared with other habitats. The decline
on Orkney is as yet unexplained as there
Harriers are not molested.

Following the talks on 2 raptors
experiencing very different fortunes, but
both subject to continuing persecution,
Patrick Stirling-Aird made a brief but
eloquent presentation, describing how
government and conservation agencies
were under pressure to dilute protection

6

for raptors, perhaps as a quid pro quo for
acquiescence in land reform which might
be proposed by the next parliament. He
urged individuals and Scottish
Ornithologists’ Club branches to support
other conservation organisations and to
express their support for continued
protection through the media and directly
to the government.

Food for thought

Having been given food for thought, we all
trooped off to lunch. Despite the difficulties
in feeding everyone within one hour, we all
eventually enjoyed a delicious buffet and
returned refreshed for the afternoon
sessions.

Chris Rollie, talking about Ravens in South
West Scotland, began by demonstrating
his deep knowledge of and affection for his
subject, by reading a number of excerpts
from the literature concerning the bird, and
then impressed with his imitations of Raven
calls. He then went on to describe how
this formerly widespread species had
suffered in the past through persecution,
and, in the uplands, widespread
afforestation. Populations are now

increasing in the uplands, with a decline in
persecution and maturing forests bringing
an increase in food supplies, in the form of
dead deer, goats and Rabbits.

Smaller birds

Dave Arthur spoke about his studies of
Ring Ouzels in the Angus Glens, giving an
overview of the species range and
geographical variation, and describing this
scarce and delightful bird’s migration,
feeding and nesting behaviour.

Survey work

Richard Bashford of the British Trust for
Ornithology then described the new
Breeding Bird Survey. The Common Bird
Census had provided a mass of valuable
data over the years but had some
drawbacks. It was very time consuming,
only covered woodland and farmland
habitat and, because the sites were chosen
by observers, had a strong bias towards
the south east of Britain, where the majority
of the population lives.

The Breeding Bird Survey is simpler to
carry out. Because the survey squares

are randomly allocated, a much wider range
of habitats are covered and there is a
better geographical spread with 300 out of
2700 squares in Scotland. Adequate data
could be obtained for many widespread
upland species for the first time, although
very local orthinly distributed species such
as Golden Eagle, Dotterel and Ptarmigan
would still need to be the subject of
specialist studies.

Ptarmigan

Just such a study was then described by
Stuart Rae, who showed his enthusiasm
and affection for Ptarmigan by boldly stating
that they were even better than Ravens.
His talk, illustrated by stunning
photography, described the birds ‘unique
3 annual plumages, their food and habitat
requirements and breeding behaviour. He
urged everyone to get to know them better,
not just to make one annual pilgrimage to
the high tops for a year tick.

Collaboration for conservation

In his closing remarks Dr Jeremy
Greenwood called for closer collaboration
between different conservation
organisations. The British Trust for
Ornithology could provide scientific
knowledge, the Scottish Ornithologists’
Club local groups and focus and the Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds action
for birds. There are new opportunities
now that the government has included the
health of wild bird populations in its indices
of sustainable development.

Scotland has 3 globally threatened species
- Red Kite, White-tailed Sea Eagle and
Corncrake, and many other internationally
important bird populations. Scotland has
32% of the UK land area, but only 9% of its
people, most of them concentrated in the
central belt. Scots form 7% of the
membership of the BTO, but 1 6% of British
ringers, indicating a higher degree of
participation in active ornithology except,
for some reason, in the Garden Bird Survey.
He said that the BTO in Scotland was
determined to ensure more coverage of
Scottish birds and to pay more attention to
Scottish priorities and he hoped that the
proposed movement of a BTO presence in
Scotland into joint offices at SOC
headquarters would be of maximum
advantage to Scottish birds.

James Whitelaw

The SOC Annual Conference is to be held
at the Balavil Sport Hotel, Newtonmore
over the weekend 29th/3 1 st October 1 999.

Ring Ouzel Brian Turner

7

Debate on the future of the SOC

I have noted with interest that there has
been no reaction to Rob Lambert’s editorial
to the November 1997 edition of the Fife
newsletter, in which he took the SOC to
task for not taking ‘practical conservation
steps’ and for opting out of the ‘rising tide
of green consciousness’. He also
compares the SOC with other
organisations and measures our ‘health’
by the size of our membership: 2,400 as
compared, for instance, with the RSPB in
Scotland at nearly 53,000. But he is not
comparing like with like. The SOC was
founded as, and still is, a club. It is not,
and never was intended to be, a ‘nature
conservation charity’.

A membership leaflet defines the club
thus: “The SOC was formed in 1 936 with
the aim of encouraging ornithology in
Scotland”. The Constitution lists 6
objectives, the first of which sets the tone:
‘to encourage and direct the study of
Scottish ornithology in all its branches’.
The other objectives are stated as
coordination; cooperation between field
and indoor workers; promotion of research;
holding meetings for ‘papers to be read,
films exhibited and discussions held’;
publishing of statistics and information and
appointing of official recorders for all areas
of Scotland. The only stated objective
with a conservation purpose is ‘d) to
encourage the protection of the rarer
Scottish breeding birds by such means as
may be appropriate’.

Those of us who have grown up with the
SOC, in my case of over 50 years now,
also value very much the other meaning of
the word ‘club’, which is a convivial meeting
of like minded naturalists who share a
common love of wild places and their bird
life, and who talk the same language about
field observations and the excitement of
watching the behaviour of the commonest
birds in depth and hunting for the rarities
which adds spice to our lives. It is a
specialist interest and it needs a club to
bring together those who delight in birds
for whatever reason to share their
enthusiasm. Of course, the majority of
members are aware of the threats to birdlife
and concerned to play a part in bird
protection but that is not and never has
been the purpose of the ‘club’, nor should
it be. The most valuable contribution any
expert can make to conservation is to
know what he or she is talking about as a
matter of first hand experience and

observation, from practice not theory. The
SOC within its stated objectives and
constitution possibly makes a stronger
and more meaningful contribution to the
conservation of birds in Scotland by
providing accurate and well founded facts
about the status of our birds than the
53,000 members of the RSPB ever will,
however sincere and heartfelt their love of
birds for their own sake.

Perhaps it is worth quoting from the Club
Policy Review, chaired by John Arnott in
July 1986: “It was agreed that the main
object of the Club should be to provide for
the needs of all birdwatchers in Scotland
in a way which was attractive to them, and
to a greater extent than it is doing at
present.... It was agreed that the club
should seek to increase the number of
members, particularly among the young.”

Rob Lambert is right to draw attention to
this aspect of the club's activities and to
the need to sell ourselves. But as what?
As serious ornithologists or as twitchers
whose passion for rarities and little else
contributes nothing to our fundamental

knowledge of the threats and dangers
towards our birdlife? I too love the
excitement of rare birds and have been
known to encourage even a wild (Bean)
goose chase; but in environmental terms
it is a shocking example of wasted effort
and petrol. Perhaps a more meaningful
explanation of the failure of the SOC to
expand is because so many birdwatchers
are not really interested in birds as part of
our heritage and an essential component
of our ecology but as props to their egos.
We must not confuse ‘birding’ with
‘ornithology’. Birding is an indulgence but
our club exists to foster something a lot
more valuable and a lot less selfish. If the
club can focus on promoting real
birdwatching at every level, and especially
the invaluable work done by the Atlas and
similar surveys, then there is also room for
a bit of fun and self indulgence. But the
vision Rob calls for surely includes an
understanding that ticklists may be good
for improving our identification skills but
our obsession with rarities is of little
relevance for conservation.

Christopher Mylne

Dear Chris,

You are the only respondent so far to my
debate on the future of the SOC. Let me
explain what I sought to do. I wanted to

Barnacle Geese and Snow Goose

M Owen

Forestry Commission

make a statement from younger SOC
members, 30 and under, about the health
of the club in the late 1 990s and a vision for
the twenty first century. One key issue
that worries me is membership recruitment.
The Fife Branch is lucky to bring in one
student member a year and, sadly, this
guarantees that the SOC keeps on getting
older. The vision of 1 936 that set up the
club is too narrow for us to take into the
next century. It is no use remaining ‘a jolly
old club’ that merely ‘promotes ornithology’.
In fact, we need to rewrite the constitution
and redefine our aims and objectives. We
have to do something or the SOC will
perish in the next 40 years. I do feel that
the SOC needs to own small reserves,
build hides, set up nature trails, speak out
publicly on conservation issues at the local
and national level, etc. so that members
can be recruited because they feel that
they are getting something tangible for
their subscription. Scottish Birds is
excellent but what popular appeal does it
have? If we do not have new membership
subscriptions coming in, the SOC will not
survive. I sense we can change without
compromising our founding objectives.
Part of the solution lies in that dreadful
phrase PR. How we publicise and sell
ourselves is key and we do this poorly at
present. We are not in the public eye as
we need to be!. Our present membership
level is a desperately poor reflection of our
potential vitality, when compared with other
Scottish based trusts and clubs of a similar
nature. SOC total membership in March
1997 was 2,244; by March 1998 it had
fallen to 2, 1 77. Look at youth membership
and you see our future crisis. In 1 997 the
SOC held just 58 Junior/Student members;
a year later this figure had fallen to 46! In
late 1997 YOC in Scotland had 13,292
members. Over 1 997-98 all categories of
SOC membershipfell, save one, Pensioner
membership. I have nothing but good
wishes for the SOC but over the 1 1 years
of my membership I have watched it fall
into a deep decline. How can we halt this?

Rob Lambert

This has been abstracted from the Fife
Branch Newsletter as the 2 contributions
deal with important points. However, it is
worth bearing in mind that these concerns
have been aired in these pages and
throughout the Club over many years.
Your editor has sat through many of them
including the Club Policy Review referred
to by Chris Mylne. Experience
demonstrates that any voluntary
organisation will thrive or decline according
to the input it gets from its members. Chris
is right to emphasise that the SOC is a

Capercaillie

Club but that does not mean that we can
be comfortable with the membership
figures. However, attempts to expand
which rely on rewriting the constitution,
setting up committees or whatever will not
achieve anything unless people
themselves want to do things that will
attract more members. By all means
experiment, set up local hides, etc but do
not expect this to be done for you - we have
one full time staff member who is currently
recovering from an operation, some part
time help and a small number of volunteers
to produce the publications, arrange
conferences and programmes and run the
office and library. If you want the SOC to
expand go out and make it happen.

Stan da Prato

Islay goose shooting

licence

Lord Sewel has decided to eject the RSPB
and the WWT from the National Goose
Forum which is considering options for
managing the impact of geese on farmland
and aiming to draw up a new compensation
system. (See March 1 999 SBN)

Horse of the Woods

In SBN March 1 999 it was suggested that
the Gaelic nameforthe Capercaillie derived
from the horse like neighing of the last part
of its display call. Many years ago I had
occasion to do extensive research into all
aspects of this magnificent bird, of which
my personal experience remains minimal.
The results were published in British Birds
51:1 89-1 92 from which I quote:

“The name is derived directly from the
Gaelic capull- horse, coille = of the wood.
The horse element may seem out of place,
but is probably used in a figurative sense
meaning big cf Horseradish and horse
lark, the latter a local name for the Corn
Bunting Emberiza calandra. Curiously
enough, a similar figurative use appears in
the scientific name urogallus, urus= bull,
gallus - cock, a parallel in English being
found in the name Bullfinch.

It would require a very learned Gaelic
scholar to say which of these 2 derivations
was the more likely.

Dougal Andrew

9

REVIEWS

The Complete Illustrated Check List of
the Birds of the World by Tim Westoll.
GUnger Publications 1998 784 pp. ISBN
0-9533367-0-0 £39.99

This book claims to be the “most
comprehensive and concise visual guide
to every known species of the birds of the
world”. This is a mammoth undertaking
and, with 367 full colour plates and over
10,000 species and subspecies listed on
its 784 pages, the author has clearly put a
great deal of effort into this work.
Unfortunately the result does not reflect
this. The choice of species seems to be
somewhat arbitrary and does not always
match current thinking, which makes it
potentially misleading. The sequence in
which they are presented is the Basel
sequence of families which differs from
the usual Voous order and there is no
index of English names. This area is
currently a bit of a minefield in ornithology,
so it is a brave person indeed who publishes
such a list independently in this way. The
idea of illustrating all species is a
commendable one, for even a thumbnail
sketch can give an impression of a species.
This has been achieved but, sadly, a lot of
species look much the same - same
outline, same proportions, same colours -
and in many groups the head is too large,
especially the birds of prey and small
passerines. Others, such as the plate of
divers and grebes, are rather comical.

Sadly Tim Westoll died in February this
year at the age of 80. He had spent 30
years on this book. I am impressed by his
commitment and stamina but feel unable
to recommend this book either to dedicated
listers or to novices.

Mark Holling

New World Blackbirds - The Icterids by

Alvaro Jaramillo and Peter Burke. Helm
Identification Guides. Christopher Helm
1999. 431 pp. ISBN 0-7136-4333-1 £35.

Another in the now familiar Helm
Identification Guide series, this book covers
the 103 members of the family Icteridae.
All the species are found only in the
Americas, with a small number, such as
the Baltimore Oriole and the Bobolink,
having been recorded as vagrants in
Britain. Most SOC members will, therefore,
not find much to interest them in this book,
although the quality of the illustrations and
the depth of information included in the
text is up to the usual high standard now
expected of the series. Recommended,
but for those with a special interest only.

Mark Holling

The Raptors of Europe and The Middle
East. A Handbook of Field Identification

by Dick Forsman. T 8 A D Poyser 1999
ISBN 0-85661-0989-4 £29.95

If you have ever felt the frustration of
having quite good views of raptors in such
places as Eastern Europe and the Middle
East and still been uncertain if you have
identified them correctly, this could be the
book to carry on your next field trip to such
areas. Dick Forsman has drawn on his
own and other raptor enthusiasts great
experience to produce another very good
Poyser.

You will need to be reasonably strong as
the high gloss quality paper needed for the
reproduction of the very many high quality
photographs and around 6-10 pages of
text for each species results in a
heavyweight field guide. For example
Birds of Europe by Lars Jonsson covering
most bird species in a similar geographical
area weighs in at 900 gms compared to
this book covering only raptors at 1400
gms.

Honey Buzzard Ayrshire Bird Report

The format seems very user friendly and
the text concentrates on field
characteristics such as plumage and shape
and seems particularly useful in focusing
on confusion species. Identification is
aided by including a large number of
superb photographs each illustrating some
particular identification feature referred to
in the text. An exception to this is Spanish
Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti which is
rather poorly illustrated (4 photographs)
compared with Eastern Imperial Eagle
Aquila heliaca (22 photographs).

Moult sequence, ageing and sexing and
the many colour morphs are described
and illustrated. Much of the information
has been gleaned by Forsman from skins
and by studying trapped birds and any
ringer anticipating a raptor catching
expedition will find this text invaluable.

This book is not simply a fieldguide,
containing as it does a lot of other very
interesting information as well as an
extensive bibliography. Be careful as you
could well find that you miss the raptor
overhead as you become engrossed in
the text!

Alan Heavisides

A Naturalist’s Shetland by J Laughton
Johnston. T & AD Poyser 1 999 506 pp.
ISBN 0-85661-105-0 £27.95

This is an excellent book! Coming from
the Poyser stable it is superbly produced
and a joy to use; but even more importantly ,
the book is beautifully balanced. Clearly
written by someone who loves Shetland,
Laughton Johnston covers all aspects in
an easy style which encompasses a
tremendous amount of fascinating material.
Out of 506 pages, nearly 200 at the back
coveran extensive bibliography; listall the
birds, mammals, insects and plants as
well as more obscure taxa; suggest 100
places to visit when on holiday in Shetland,
and include a glossary of local words which
are used extensively throughout the book.
Excellent.

The main part of the book covers the
geology, man’s colonization and its effects
on the soil, vegetation and landuse,
followed by chapters on fishing, seabirds,
Fair Isle, Shetland naturalists, the coming
of oil and finally suggestions as to what the
future may hold via sustainability.

The photographs have been very carefully
chosen, many showing the changes that
have occurred while John Busby’s
drawings are most evocative and, for me,
add much to this book. If you have ever
visited and enjoyed Shetland, are planning
to visit, or want a good read about a
fascinating group of islands and its people,
then buy this book. You will not be
disappointed.

Frank Hamilton

The Birds of Prey of Australia - a field
guide by Stephen Debus. OUP Melbourne
1 998. 1 52 pp ISBN 0 1 9 550624 3 £1 1 .95

Although it is pocket sized, unlike many
recent publications purporting to be field
guides, this one fails to match the expected
requirements in other ways. Each of the
26 species described has about 4 or 5
pages of text which includes sketches of
flight silhouettes, display attitudes, and
accounts of behaviour and breeding
biology. In addition to photographs,
excellent full page plates show paintings
of underside, upperside and perched views
of juvenile, immature and adult plumages
for all the Australian raptors. Sadly, the
text and illustrations are seldom near to
each other and are not cross referenced in
either location. There is no index.
Consequently as a field guide it would be
frustrating to use.

Neville Crowther

10

Letter to the Editor

The other day in early March a Blackcap
was singing in the Gullane Sea Buckthorn
bushes where you used to hang your mist
nets and your nice wife used to feed my
dog. These are the things that one does
not forget!

Do u gal Andrew

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAE for current list and prices to:- Vanellus
Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114) 2664362

REQUESTS

Millennium Seabird Survey

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee
(JNCC) in conjunction with the RSPB, has
launched the start of the third national
seabird census (Seabird 2000). The aim
is to provide a comprehensive and accurate
account of the status of breeding seabirds
in Britain and Ireland. New surveying
techniques to be used during the project
should improve current knowledge of
seabird species which are difficult to
monitor, including the British population of
Storm Petrels, for which current estimates
range from 70,000 to 250,000 pairs.

Seabird 2000 will run from April 1999 to
July 2001 and be carried out by a
combination of regional coordinators
working with skilled volunteers and experts
from the funding partners.

Anyone interested in taking part should
contact Seabird 2000 Project
Coordinator, Dr Ian Mitchell, telephone
01224 655717 for further information.

Fauna of Britain Project

The objective of this project is to discover
and chronicle the many ways in which the
wild animal life of Britain has become
interwoven with human culture, history
and folklore. It will embrace all animals
groups, including insects, fish, birds,
mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The
kind of information being sought is:

Do you know about particular customs,
festivals or traditions that celebrate or mark
individual types of animal?

Does a local ceremony or tradition involve
animals in some other way?

Have individual animals or groups of
animals achieved fame and passed into
local folklore or perhaps even inspired
literature, music or poetry?

Is your town or village named after a
particular animal and do you know why or
when the name originated?

Is there an animal named after the place
where you live, like the Dartford Warbler?
Does the coat of arms of your local town or
region include a wild animal?

Are particular animals known locally by
special, regional names?

Please contact: Fauna of Britain, PO
Box 392, Twickenham TW1 1XQ or
e-mail on: fauna@ham!yn.co.uk.

You can find more information regarding
this study by visiting the webs page at
www.hamlyn.co.uk/fauna.

Please send all information typed, if
possible, and give as much detail as you
can. Do not forget to include your name,
address, contact number and e-mail
address, if you have one. All your
contributions are welcome and every
organisation involved will be credited in
the book.

Migration through the Strait of
Gibraltar monitoring scheme

The Strait of Gibraltar is the most important
bottle neck for central and western
European migratory birds crossing the
Mediterranean. This area is specially
important for soaring birds such as storks,
vultures and eagles.

The Regional Government of Andalucia is
funding for a period of 5 years, the
monitoring of autumn migration of soaring
birds. Coordination of field work is done
by the Spanish partner of BirdLife
International (Sociedad Espanola de
Ornitologia).

From mid July to mid October different
observatories are placed along the Spanish
migration front of the Strait of Gibraltar
each year and volunteers are needed to
cover them. Volunteers will be selected
according to their own experience, time
and knowledge. Food and accom-
modation will be fully covered by the Junta
de Andalucia and minimum periods of 12
or 15 days of stay are required.

Volunteers will be asked for a brief cv (not
necessary for participants in previous
MIGRES campaigns) and details about
preferred dates. For registration and
information:

Programa MIGRES, Sociedad Espanola
de Ornitologia, C/Miguel Bravo Ferrer,
25 bajo, E-41005 Sevilla. Phone & fax:
+34 95 464 42 94. E-mail:

migres@seo.org.

Programa MIGRES, Huerta Grande,
Parque Natural Los Alcornocales, Ctra.
Nacional N-340, km 96. Phone: +34 956
67 91 61.,

Also by e-mail from the local environmental
administration Delegacion Provincial de
la Consejeria de Medio Ambiente en
Cadiz:sv.e.ca@cma.junta-
andalucia.es.

Darvic ringed Oystercatchers
See SBN 50

Colour ringed Shags
See SBN 50

Breeding origins of Scottish Barnacle
Geese - DNA samples required
See SBN 51

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylags bearing dye marks,
darvic rings or neck collars, together with
details of colours and letters seen, no
matter how incomplete, should be sent to:

Bob Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain,
Ross-shire IV19 UR (01862 894329).

This is DJ - collars should be read
from the bottom up.

Reed Warblers in Scotland

I am carrying out a review of possible
breeding records for Reed Warblers in
Scotland. If anyone has any records of a
bird/birds in suitable habitat then please
get in touch with me. I am particularly
interested in hearing of any records in July
or August. All contributions will be
acknowledged in publication. Derek
Robertson, Woodlands, Bandrum, nr
Carnock, Fife KYI 2 9HR. (01 383 852997)

11

SOC NOTICES

200 Club

Winners in the first quarter of 1 999 were:-

January- 1st £30 Mrs S Craig, Falkirk; 2nd
£20 Mrs S N Denney, Glasgow; 3rd £10 R
C Welland, Dunbarton

February - 1st £50 J H Ballantyne,
Edinburgh; 2nd £30 Dr K C R Halliday, New
Galloway; 3rd £20 Mrs N Stabler, Inveresk;
4th £10 D Mackenzie, Peterhead.

March - 1st £30 not claimed; donated to
200 Club funds; 2nd £25 Miss R M Glen,
Edinburgh; 3rd £20 R M Sellers, Nailsworth,
Glos.; 4th £10 Dr M C Keith, Edinburgh.

All who rejoined on 1 June for the 200
Club’s eleventh year are very warmly
thanked fortheircontinued support, which
is very gratefully acknowledged by Council.
Only some £90 was spent in the past year,
on repairs to the Club’s projector and a
stand, and for a new door in the lower
library. The rest has been retained in the
200 Club account until the SOC ask for it.
For information about joining the 200 Club,
please contact me, Daphne Peirse-
Duncombe at Rosebank, Gattonside,
Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 9NH
(01896 822176).

SOC - Ayrshire Branch trips

Thank you for advertising our trip to Sri
Lanka. This worked exceptionally well
and helped to increase numbers for this
tour to 17. We could, in fact, have taken
more people, but we felt this was a
reasonable maximum. There is always
the possibility of a second trip of course.
So, apart from our Ayrshire members, we
have now added SOC members from
Broughty Ferry, Loanhead, Jedburgh, New
Galloway and Croydon to the list of those
travelling with us. May I ask you to
mention ourforthcoming Branch trips which
other members may well be interested in.
We are hoping to get as many participants
as possible locally, by bringing together
people from other birdwatching groups in
the area.

Here are the forthcoming events:

Day trip to the Scottish Wildlife and
Countryside Fair at Vane Farm,
Saturday 4 September 1999. Coach
leaves Ardrossan 07.20 and will collect en
route to Ayr (08.00) and then on to Vane
Farm for 1 0.30 hours with a coffee stop en
route. Depart 16.30 for a shoreline walk
at South Queensferry, towards Cramond,

followed by a pub meal in South
Queensferry. Back in Ayr for around
21.00 hours and then Ardrossan. Can
collect at other points en route, such as
Kilmarnock, East Kilbride, Hamilton.

Cost £1 2.50 for the coach plus £4 entry to
the Fair, plus pub meal. Cost of transport
depends on pick up point.

October School Holiday*, Saturday 9 to
Saturday 1 6 October 1 999. Late autumn
migration in Cyprus. One week
birdwatching and sightseeing on
Aphrodite’s Isle with Angus Hogg. Tour
arranged by Tony and Gerda Scott. The
cost of £650 will include coach connection
to Manchester Airport from Ayrshire,
arriving forthe 15.20 hours flight to Paphos.
Return flights, all transport provided by
Oberon Excursions Ltd on the island of
Cyprus. Bed and breakfast at the Marion
Hotel in Polis for 3 nights and the King’s
Hotel in Paphos for 4 nights. Picnic
lunches included. (Those travelling to
Manchester from other areas would have
the cost of the coach deducted, making
the fare ca £610.)

Visiting the Akamas Peninsula, Latchi,
Paphos Hill Villages, Avgas Gorge, Lara
Bay, Ayios Yeorios, Paphos Headland,
The Mosaic Houses and Tombs of -the
Kings, Phassouri Marsh, Akrotiri Salt Lake,
Griffon Vultures at Kensington Cliffs,
Temple of Apollo, Ancient Kourion,
Asprokremnos Dam, T roodhos and Pitsilia
Villages. There will be alternative trips
offered most days for those who wish to
see something in addition to birds. Angus
will be leading the bird trips daily and either
Tony or Gerda will be doing the Classical
Tours.

Those interested in any of the outings
should telephone Tony or Gerda Scott
on 01292 281085 or write to them at 4
Hilltop Place, Ayr KA7 3PB for a full
itinerary. Early booking would be
appreciated due to scarcity of flights.
E-mail; das.in.touch@zetnet.co.uk.

For the Year 2000 we are organising a
weekend in Dublin, A mix of city life and
birdwatching in the area by coach but with
flights to Dublin itself from Prestwick. This
is due to take place at the February half
term.

Tony and Gerda Scott

* N ote : School holidays vary from council
to council so check with your local schools
if your holidays are linked to the school
terms.

Editor

Scottish Bird News

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of
the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. It is
published 4 times a year at the beginning
of March, June, September and
December. Articles and notices need to
be sent to the Secretary at 21 Regent
Terrace no later than 5 weeks before
publication. The magazine acts as a
channel of communication for SOC
members and to disseminate information
relevant to Scotland’s birdlife. The views
expressed in articles in Scottish Bird
News are not necessarily the policy of
the SOC. Contributors should note that
material has to be edited, often at short
notice, and it is not practical to let authors
see these changes in advance of
publication. The SOC also publishes
the journal Scottish Birds which
publishes original papers and notes on
Scottish ornithology and the Scottish
Bird Report. For details of these
publications and membership contact
the Secretary at 21 Regent Terrace,
VEdinburgh EH7 5BT.

Thanks

I would like to express sincere thanks to all
members who very kindly sent good wishes
following my recent operation, I would also
like to thank all the volunteers too numerous
to mention who have struggled to look
after the office during my absence. Many
thanks once again.

Sylvia Laing

Publications

This issue of SBN is 12 rather than the
usual 1 6 pages. This is linked to Sylvia’s
absence as much of our material has to be
chased up and the volunteers who have
been holding the fort have not been able to
do all that Sylvia normally does, despite
heroic efforts especially by Joan Wilcox
who has done all the word processing.
Members could help by sending in more
contributions though please note we have
to edit these often at quite short notice.

Scottish Birds, June 1 999 is being prepared
but will be issued with the next issue of
SBA/in August/September.

Thanks to

Once again, many thanksto the volunteers
who came in to Regent T errace to assist in
sending out the March mailing. They
were: Keith Macgregor, Elisabeth Law,

Bob & Betty Smith, Rosemary Davidson,
Noreen Stabler, Angus and Chris Smith,
John Davies. Neville Crowther, Ethel
Russell, Roger Brewer, John Law and Sue
Goode.

12

Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. Tel 0131 556 6042 Fax 0131 558 9947

THE SCOTTISH
ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB

Scottish

Bird

SEPTEMBER 1999 No. 55
ISSN 0268-3199

Edited by Stan da Prato
Assisted by Sylvia Laing and
Joan Wilcox

The 1999 breeding season in Scotland

The weather

Details of spring and early summer
weather were kindly provided by our
resident weather man, Norman Elkins.
April was warmer than normal for the
whole country (1°C above normal). It was
dry in the east but wetter and windier in
the west. Sunshine was average in most
areas. Winds were generally from the
south west with a northerly spell in mid
month and easterlies in the last week. May
was again warmer than normal although
wetter in most areas, especially in the
west, but drier in north east Scotland.
Sunshine was close to normal. Winds
were predominately easterly except for the
fourth week. June temperatures and
sunshine were both near normal in the
east but lower than normal in the west. It
was wetter than average in most areas,
especially north west Scotland.

Small birds

Reports from a number of areas indicate
that Spotted Flycatchers bred in higher
numbers this year, after several years of
decline.

A study area in central Scotland for Pied
Flycatchers and Redstarts showed that
both species have had the poorest season
since the study began 25 years ago, with
many complete broods dying. Adults
appeared to have had difficulty in feeding
young, This was also noted in the
southwest of Scotland. Redstarts in the
same area were down by 30%. However,
fledging success for those that were
successful appeared to be reasonable,
with above average numbers being
recorded in Easter Ross. Predation by

Song Thrush

Great Spotted Woodpeckers was also
noted for both species. A number of reports
suggest an increase in the numbers of
some summer migrants although Willow
and Wood Warblers suffered increased
predation at nests. Reed Warblers are now
being reported from several lochs in
southwest Scotland.

Meadow Pipits appear to be down in a
number of areas. Tree Pipits may be
increasing around Inverness. Several
pairs of Stonechats have been reported
from parts of the Moorfoots. A further
survey of Twites in Orkney confirmed a
continued decline in the species.

Nuthatches have been recorded for the
first time in one CBC plot in Midlothian,
and continue to increase around
Innerleithen and Jedburgh.

Jim Young

A welcome increase in the number of Song
Thrushes has been recorded in many
parts of Scotland, also in decline overall
in the UK, Skylarks may be on the
increase. A long running nest box study
of Tree Sparrows in Perthshire reported
numbers down on 98 with only 3 third
broods being recorded at this stage, while
Easter Ross still has a healthy population.
The increase in House Sparrows which
started about 5 years ago in the southwest
continues. Goldfinch numbers continue to
increase in a lot of areas. Bullfinches
appear to have been reasonably
successful in parts of Perthshire. A
possible eruption of Crossbills was noted
in late June with large numbers around in
small coastal woods in Easter Ross.

Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Green
Woodpeckers were in good numbers in
several areas.

This popular feature is put together at ultra short notice in mid July and relies on the first impressions of some
members; it is not a definitive account. As in previous years we stress that this article is no substitute for the
many detailed analyses that will provide a more accurate picture. The results of the Breeding Bird Survey from
1994-98 appear on page 3.

1

House Martins bred in good numbers in
some areas. Swifts were down in parts of
Edinburgh. A late season would appear to
be normal for Swallows but overall
numbers are reported to be fairly high.
Nightjars remain stable or have slightly
increased in south west Scotland.

Water birds and waders

There were numerous reports of a poor
season for most waders. Breeding
success at Vane Farm was not as good
as 1998 though numbers of Lapwings
increased from 23 to 32 pairs, Snipe from
6 to 11 pairs and Redshank from 4 to 5, In
south west Scotland, Curlews were
recorded leaving breeding areas before
the end of June with many nests lost
during a very wet spell. However, this
seems to have benefited Snipe with birds
still displaying into July.

A man has been charged in the Outer
Hebrides for allegedly disturbing one of the
few pairs of nesting Red-necked
Phalaropes.

Mandarin Ducks are still increasing in
Highland. In Orkney, Pochard, Pintail and
Gadwall are all reported to have bred on
some islands for the first time. Mute Swans
are still increasing at more upland sites in
the Borders. A number of Mallard broods
were lost early in the season; late broods
are now starting to appear.

Many old Grey Wagtail sites have been
reoccupied in one area and Dippers
appear to have done extremely well.

A survey of Water Rails in the Borders has
been extremely successful and has
revealed at least 100 territories.

The only report of Little Grebes was of a
brood that must have hatched in mid April
and had fledged by mid June. Inland
Common and Black-headed Gull colonies
have been badly hit by the cold wet
weather in parts of Scotland with many
chicks dying before fledging.

Predators

Buzzard nests appear to have had more
failures than normal with some broods
being 2-3 weeks late although overall
impressions are that Buzzards are still
increasing throughout most of Scotland.
Persecution is still a major problem in
several areas particularly with Hen
Harriers. A further decrease has been
reported from Orkney although breeding
success among those that did breed was
up on 1998. Harriers on North Uist and

Benbecula appear to be doing alright,
however a complete absence on South
Uist is causing concern. Merlin had a
mixed season with below average
occupation recorded from some areas..
Peregrines have had a very poor season
in most areas. One almost successful
brood was suspected of being eaten by
Pine Martens. Kestrels had a late start to
the breeding season. Golden Eagles had
an average season in some areas. Osprey
pairs continued to increase in Tayside but
poor weather has resulted in a 44% nest
failure rate, however an average of 2.2
young per successful nest has so far been
recorded, with 4 pairs now nesting on
pylons and another pair which had
previously nested in a tree now using an

Osprey nest between 2 electricity poles
Keith Brockie

electricity pole. Egg collectors still pose
problems in some areas.

Owls had a season of mixed fortunes.
Vole populations were low over the winter
in the south west but increasing numbers
suggest Barn Owls may yet have a
reasonable season. Tawny Owls on the
other hand appear to have been badly hit
in most areas with low occupation rates
and small clutch sizes. Short-eared Owls
were seen early in the season in south
Scotland but have since disappeared, and
numbers are well down on ‘97 and ‘98 in
Orkney. One pair of Long-eared Owls bred
successfully in the Western Isles.

While Ravens continue to increase in
south west Scotland a nest of young was
shot in North Uist and below average
success recorded in central Scotland and
west Perthshire. Hooded Crows on South
Uist continue to be heavily persecuted.
Magpies continue to spread into south
Ayrshire.

Seabirds

In the north of Scotland it was noted that
Herring, Great Black-backed Gulls and
Shags were approximately 2 to 3 weeks
later than normal and evidence suggests

a drop in numbers. In Orkney, seabird
numbers at this stage would appear to be
reasonable. The number of Shag nests on
Inchkeith in the Firth of Forth increased
during 1999.

Shags, Auks and Kittiwakes continue to
increase in Easter Ross but poor breeding
success is reported; some were still
incubating into the second week of June
in some areas. Fulmars continue to
decline in some areas of north east
Scotland.

The population of Puffins on the Shiants
may now be greater than that of St Kilda.

Mink are having a devastating effect on
the Arctic Tern colonies in the Outer
Hebrides. The fourth breeding record of
Sandwich Terns in the Outer Hebrides is
of one pair in with a Common Tern colony.
An aerial count of roof nesting Herring
Gulls at Inverness in mid June revealed
just over 100 pairs, less than half the
number counted 4 years ago.

In the Western Isles Eider appear to have
had a reasonable season; this was also
noted in the north of Scotland.

Gamebirds

Black Grouse numbers at a number of
known leks continued to drop. A report
from west Perthshire indicates that Red
Grouse, despite having come through the
winter in reasonable numbers, have not
had a good breeding season.

One walker reported many Ptarmigan
broods in the east Cairngorms.

This article has been put together with the
help of a large number of fieldworkers and
recorders who have taken the trouble at a
very busy time of year to fill us in on their
observations. This year we would like to
thank Keith Brockie, Tom Dougall, Norman
Elkins, Sandra Hacker, Cliff Henty, Angus
Hogg, Mark Holling, Hugh Insley, Alex
Joss, Sylvia Laing, Donnie Macdonald,
Eric Meek, Ray Murray, Brian Neath, Ian
Poxton, Brian Rabbitts, Gordon Riddle,
Henry Robb, Dominic Sargent, Geoff
Shaw, Ken Shaw, Patrick Stirling-Aird, Bob
Smith, Bobby Smith and Bob Swann.

Footnote: The photo of the Osprey nest
which illustrates this article was
unfortunately struck by lightning at
2000hrs on 1 August with the loss of at
least one chick.

Sylvia Laing

2

The BBS perspective on Scottish breeding birds 1994-1998

The new BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) annual report was published this month and goes to all volunteers taking
part in the scheme. Although the report details the progress and results of the scheme for the whole UK, the design of the BBS
allows specific data to be selected from different countries or habitats. We are now able to report on Scottish population changes
alongside those for the UK.

Since the BBS began in 1994 more and
more people have taken part and now
around 2300 1 xl km squares are surveyed
each year. In Scotland, over 300 squares
are surveyed annually, allowing us to look
at population changes in many common
and widespread Scottish birds.

The table lists 60 species recorded in more
than 20 squares. The more squares a
species is recorded in, the more accurately
we can monitor them. As we gather more
data from the same squares, population
trends for most common birds should
become apparent. The figures in the table
should be treated as preliminary because
the confidence limits for species recorded
in less that 100 squares are often quite
large. These changes are mainly due to
annual difference in environmental
conditions such as cold or wet weather.
Significant differences were found for only
3 species, increases for Wren and Robin
and a decrease for Blue Tit. By far the best
way of using this data is to identify the long
term trends just starting to appear after 5
years of the survey.

Looking at the table in detail, the wide
range of species covered by the BBS
suggests that the survey is not only
successful in covering a variety of habitats,
but is providing much needed information
about Scottish birds. For some species,
population trends in Scotland mirror those
for the UK as a whole. These include
significant declines in Oystercatcher,
Lapwing and Black-headed Gull and a
significant increase in Red Grouse. In
other species, such as Pheasant and
Wood Pigeon, Scottish populations are
doing worse than those in other parts of
the UK.

The breeding season report in SBN 47
mentioned that Cuckoo numbers
appeared to be high in 1997. The results
from the Scottish BBS confirm the
increasing trend for Cuckoos in Scotland,
which contrasts with their significant
decline in the UK as a whole, although we
will have to wait a few years to see if this
apparent increase in Scotland becomes
significant. By selecting the BBS survey
squares at random, a good number are
located in the uplands. We hope this will
enable us to get a handle on the

Population changes in breeding birds in Scotland for species recorded
in 20 or more BBS squares for 1997-98 and 1994-98. Asterisks denote
statistically significant changes.

Species

Sample

Change

1997-98

Change

1994-98

Grey Heron

37

-17

61*

Mallard

79

5

14

Buzzard

84

22

12

Kestrel

44

44

-15

Red Grouse

60

33

44*

Grey Partridge

26

8

67

Pheasant

95

-3

-22*

Oystercatcher

113

5

-18*

Golden Plover

51

7

4

Lapwing

83

-6

-28*

Snipe

55

22

32

Curlew

124

8

-10

Redshank

21

-17

-19

Common Sandpiper

38

6

2

Black-headed Gull

74

-24

-58*

Common Gull

70

-14

0

Lesser Black-backed Gull

56

-32

38

Herring Gull

95

-1

30

Feral Pigeon

47

32

29

Wood Pigeon

149

-4

-21*

Collared Dove

33

46

0

Cuckoo

69

1

13

Swift

36

44

-28

Skylark

195

-6

4

Swallow

122

34

1

House Martin

35

-15

111*

Tree Pipit

27

10

51*

Meadow Pipit

206

11

7

Grey Wagtail

22

114

-29

Pied Wagtail

113

39

46*

Wren

170

75*

84*

Dunnock

90

23

33*

Robin

146

47*

22*

Wheatear

78

11

65*

Blackbird

135

21

-3

Song Thrush

123

34

17

Mistle Thrush

56

48

28

Sedge Warbler

45

-16

-4

Whitethroat

50

21

25

Blackcap

22

31

83*

Willow Warbler

176

11

65*

Goldcrest

70

17

91*

Coal Tit

98

8

36*

Blue Tit

111

-37*

-16

Great Tit

96

-2

33*

Magpie

29

-5

47

Jackdaw

84

6

15

Rook

95

69

65*

Carrion Crow

143

-10

-4

Raven

40

48

42

3

Linnet at the nest

Starling 111

House Sparrow 68

Chaffinch 190

Greenfinch 73

Goldfinch 51

Siskin 61

Linnet 72

Bullfinch 28

Yellowhammer 82

Reed Bunting 38

populations of upland species such as
Meadow Pipit and Skylark. At present,
both species are recorded from an
excellent number of squares so we can
be confident with the results showing
counts of both to be stable. For the
Skylark, this contrasts with the significant
decline across the UK as a whole. Last
year’s SBN report suggested that Willow
Warbler were doing well in Scotland. This
is borne out by BBS results in Scotland
and the UK. Another species, the Song
Thrush, appears to be faring better in
Scotland than in the rest of the UK, but it
is a little too early to be confident in these
results. Other results from Scotland that
contrast with those from the UK include
trends for Starling, Linnet and Bullfinch
which appear to be doing well in Scotland
but are declining significantly across the
UK.

Thanks to the tremendous interest in the
Scottish BBS and support among
birdwatchers, we are able to produce the
important results outlined here. It is vital
that we maintain this level of coverage if
we are to continue to collect this valuable
data for Scotland’s birds. At present
around 50% of all BBS squares issued in

52

49*

6

-3

9

21*

-8

12

-28

6

-24

3

18

60*

76

202*

-2

-7

27

17

Scotland are covered meaning that there
are many spare squares that we are keen
to find volunteers for. We realise that the
random nature of square selection means
that some of these may be too remote to
reach but we are keen that all accessible
squares are covered. Since the scheme
began, RSPB professional fieldworkers
have covered around 15% of all Scottish
squares, particularly in the remoter parts
of the Highlands. In recent years, we have
been successful in finding fieldworkers for
these squares but our main concern
following the 1 998 season is the cessation
of funding to hire fieldworkers. This
support was provided for the first 5 years
of the survey, to give time for the BBS to
be promoted to potential volunteers. We
are very keen to hear from potential
volunteers in these areas.

As one would expect, most support comes
from the well populated areas of Scotland
but there are a good number of volunteers
taking part in more remote areas. The
SOC is a strong supporter of the BBS and
we would like to take this opportunity to
thank all members for their help in making
the survey such a success.

Jim Young

If you would like to help please contact

Richard Bashford, BTO, The Nunnery,
Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. Tel 01842
750050, Fax 01842 750030, or e-mail
r.bashford@bto.org

Hen Harrier survey

In June the results of the 1 998 Hen Harrier
survey were published. This work was
carried out by a number of organisations.
Although organised by the RSPB in
Scotland, it was instigated by the
Government’s Raptor Working Group. A
comparison with previous surveys
between 1988 and 1994 shows that
despite harrier numbers in Orkney
showing significant declines those for the
rest of Scotland showed little change. This
survey clearly shows that overall Hen
Harrier numbers are not increasing in
Scotland contrary to some suggestions.
The decline in the harrier population in
Orkney is worrying, and the RSPB is
jointly funding research with ITE and
Aberdeen University to examine the
reasons for this. It could be related to a
reduction in number of Orkney voles due
to the loss of grassland. In Orkney it was
thought to be voles which are the key prey
items for harriers.

Hen Harrier (prs)

1998

1988-94

Orkney

34

71

Scotland

402

408

England

19

18

Wales

28

27

N Ireland

38

10

UK Total

521

534

4

Substitute feeding of Hen Harriers on grouse moors

During the spring and summer of 1998
Hen Harriers on Langholm Moor were the
subject of a study in which they were
provided with substitute food in an attempt
to divert them from preying on grouse.
Initial results are encouraging, and
published by the Moorland Working
Group.

Male harriers start returning to the
breeding grounds in good weather from
March. Once territories have been
established it should be possible to erect
suitable perchs near the centre of each
territory on which to place the substitute
food. In summer, this perch should be
moved to around 20 metres from the nest.

Two types of carrion were placed on these
perches daily: day old poultry chicks
weighing about 40grams and white rats
weighing 160grams. These 2 foods differ
in calorific values with the rat being
nutritionally the better. At Langholm, the
harriers seemed to prefer poultry chicks
although dangers with this type of food
mean that any uneaten food must be
removed the following day. It may be
possible in some areas to use wild rabbits;
these should not have been shot as the
risk of lead ingestion could have serious
implications for the harriers. It is also illegal
to provide live prey.

On average the male feeds the female 3
times a day with offerings such as vole or
Meadow Pipit each weighing between 25-
40grams. Studies of captive birds show

that they consume 19% of their body
weight per day. An average female in the
spring would require approximately
1 50grams of food per day. However once
she has started to incubate feeding should
be suspended partly to prevent the
attraction of other predators to the area. It
should also be noted that corvids will take
advantage of this unnatural food supply,
and therefore the amount of feeding
should be increased to account for this.
Most harriers take substitute food either
early in the morning or just before roosting
at dusk.

After the chicks have hatched substitute
food should again be put out in increasing
amounts over the next 5 weeks to
minimise the number of grouse chicks
taken. It was noted at Langholm that male
birds continued to deliver wild prey to the
nest although this was rarely grouse. If
feeding was not carried out in the spring,
there is a strong possibility that summer
feeding alone will be less successful. At
Langholm, birds which had been fed in the
spring took 88% of the food items back to
the nest whereas harriers that were not
fed in spring only took 56% back to the
nest. Food requirements of harrier broods
vary according to age and number of
young. If feeding is continued beyond 5
weeks it could lead to the young birds
staying in the areas for longer before
dispersing.

The booklet Substitute feeding of Hen
Harriers on Grouse Moors; a practical
guide is in the SOC Waterston Library.

'Kcrfunat (Ztuyice fan

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5

Fish eating birds and fisheries

Dave Carss and Mick Marquiss of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology discuss some of the main findings of a
recent Scottish Office report detailing research into fish eating birds and Salmonids in Scotland undertaken by
ITE, Banchory and the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory (FFL), Faskally.

Controvesy

Many readers of SBA/will be aware of the
controversy surrounding fish eating birds
and fisheries and the common perception
that birds are damaging to fisheries. In
Scotland this debate is sharply focused on
the Atlantic Salmon, due to its decline.
Such a decline should trouble us all. The
Salmon is seen by many as an indicator
of the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Salmon related income, often vital to rural
economies, can be measured in millions
of pounds, and the leaping Salmon is
recognised, like the thistle, as a Scottish
icon throughout the world. Goosanders,
Red-breasted Mergansers and Great
Cormorants too are part of our natural
heritage and are regarded by
birdwatchers, and the public alike, as an
integral part of Scotland’s aquatic habitats.

Licences

In his foreword to the report, Dick Shelton,
Officer in Charge, FFL gives a succinct
overview of the Scottish situation. Here,
as elsewhere, bird predation is widely
believed to be one of the factors reducing
the numbers of fish available for
subsequent exploitation. All 3 species of
bird are protected under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act but may be shot under
licence from the Scottish Office for the
purpose of preventing serious damage to
fisheries. Licences, currently only granted
where alternative non lethal methods are
unsuccessful or impractical, are issued on
2 premises. First, that sectors of the fish
population preyed upon by birds have
limited capacity to compensate for losses
through density dependent changes in the
growth and survival of the remaining fish.
Second, that all 3 birds species have a
value of their own and that shooting be
organised so that fishery resources are
protected adequately but with due regard
to the conservation status of the birds.

Constraints

The foreword also provides a useful
definition: for species with such a high unit
value as Atlantic Salmon, any
uncompensated losses may be regarded

Sawbills

as ‘serious’. For migratory fish, such as
Salmon and Sea Trout, habitat constraints
during the freshwater phase of the life
cycle (the fry, parr and smolt stages) set
upper limits on their numbers. Whether this
limit is reached depends on both the
number of adults returning to spawn and
the fate of their progeny in freshwater. The
capacity for compensation is diminished
as juvenile life proceeds and is probably
lost entirely by the smolt stage when young
fish enter the sea. Large parr are thought
to be most vulnerable to predation when
they undergo migratory movements in
autumn and early winter and smolts during
their seaward migration in spring.

It is obvious that the key questions are:
How many birds are there? What species,
sizes and quantity of fish do they eat? How
many fish are there? What is the size and
structure of their population and the likely
consequence of bird predation? The report
attempts to answer these questions, most
specifically for sawbill ducks and Salmon.

Bird abundance and diet

The abundance of sawbill ducks was
measured by ITE on the Rivers Dee
(Aberdeenshire) and North Esk. Birds
were most abundant on the lower section
in winter, on the upper mainstem and lower

tributaries in spring, and on the mainstem
duckling nursery areas in mid summer.
Between 1987-94, the spring numbers of
both species declined on both rivers,
probably as a result of less food in
wintering areas elsewhere. Summer
duckling numbers varied more than
twofold, apparently reflecting duckling
survival during the week after hatching.
Wintering numbers on rivers were lower
than at other times of year but were
remarkably similar over all years.

Bird diet was assessed from the stomach
contents of over 1500 birds shot under
licences by fisheries managers (1990-96)
and forwarded to ITE for analysis. Sawbills
and Cormorants are generalist predators;
their diet throughout Scotland is diverse
and varies between seasons and sites.
Although they most commonly took Brown
Trout, Salmon parr, Eels and Minnows,
other species sometimes predominated:
Three spined Stickleback, Stone Loach,
Lamprey and Flounder (taken by
Mergansers), Lamprey, Stone Loach and
Frogs (Goosanders), Grayling, Roach and
Flounder (Cormorants on rivers), and
Perch and Rainbow Trout (Cormorants on
stillwaters).

A major finding was that, in the north, the
diet of all 3 birds was less diverse with a
greater proportion of Salmon than in the
south. In winter and spring, Red-breasted
Merganser diet averaged about 30%
Salmon by mass on southern rivers and
56% in the north. Equivalent figures for
Goosanders were 9% and 41%, and for
Cormorants, less than 1% and 18%.
Interestingly, although Trout was a greater
dietary component than Salmon in all 3
birds, its proportion showed no discernible
latitudinal trend.

The work also dispels the myth that birds
take mostly Salmon smolts. The Salmon
taken by Mergansers averaged 83mm,
less than that for Goosanders (92mm) and
Cormorants (101mm), suggesting that
most were parr. This finding has important
implications for estimates of the impact of
predation on fish populations.

Fish consumption and impact

It was possible to calculate the
consumption of Salmon on the Dee and
North Esk using bird abundance and
dietary data, in conjunction with published
estimates of their daily food intake. The
numbers of Salmon consumed by ducks
were then compared with the best
available data on Salmon densities
provided by FFL. This suggested that, at
the highest observed densities, sawbills
could consume up to 0.3% of the Salmon

standing stock per day on narrow (<30m)
river sections and 2.4% on wider sections.

While the report’s authors agree that,
under some circumstances, fish eating
birds can consume large numbers of Trout
and Salmon, estimates of impact remain
unrealistic; the calculations imply that
sawbills on the Dee in summer would
remove all the Salmon within 2 months.
As this clearly does not happen, either the
estimates of consumption are too high
and/or the estimates of Salmon stocks are
too low, or the Salmon population is
somehow able to compensate for this
apparently high level of predation.

In the report, John Armstrong, Ross
Gardiner (FFL) and Bob Laughton (Spey
District Fishery Board) review recent
studies and suggest that there may be little
scope for Salmonid populations to
compensate for losses of parr and smolts.
John and colleagues set out to investigate
experimentally one element of potential
compensation in Salmon parr the
recolonisation after severe population
depletion. Their experiments, lasting 4 to
6 weeks, involved the removal of Salmon
by electrofishing. Recolonisation averaged
21 % (range 7 to 54%) by comparison with
Salmon densities in undepleted areas
nearby.

Where now?

At this point, it should be obvious to
everyone that the question of whether bird
predation affects fish population, and
ultimately catches, has Tardis like
qualities. On the outside, a simple enough
question but inside, a mind boggling
complexity requiring further information on
the numbers of fish in the mainstems of
rivers and compensatory mechanisms that
may operate to deal with the effects of
predation. The report suggests that large
scale exclusion experiments could be a
practical means of directly estimating the
impact of sawbills on populations of
Salmon parr in some rivers during
summer. To this end, the authors
recommend the interactive use of
modelling and experiment as a powerful
procedure for developing our
understanding of fish population dynamics
- the real heart of the fish eating birds/
fisheries debate.

Dave Carss and Mick Marquiss

Fish eating Birds and Salmonids in
Scotland (ISBN 0 7480 7232 2) is
published by the Scottish Office. To obtain
a copy please contact Joy Dunn at

Pentland House, 47 Robb’s Loan,
Edinburgh. EH 14 1TY (tel 0131 244
6229) or consult the Scottish Office
WebSite, www.scotland.gov.uk. A copy
is also in the SOC Waterston Library.

7

The Bass Rock and the Scottish Seabird Centre

If St Baldred, the 6th century recluse of
the Bass Rock, could see the millennial
version! The Bass Rock, a saint’s retreat,
military bastion, covenanters’ prison, locus
classicus for the noble Gannet and,
through its lighthouse, eventual guardian
of the Firth of Forth, is set fair to become
the focus of Scotland’s first Seabird Centre
which, if all goes well, may even become
the most technologically advanced in the
world.

Changes

It is fewer than 50 years since I became
enmeshed in the Bass Gannets and in that
short span the changes on the Rock have
been as monumental as those which
occurred in the previous century and even
in the 300 years before that. In a way,
these 3 periods (50, 100 and 450 years
ago) encapsulate much of the history of
this plug of basalt, mate to its mainland
companion, North Berwick Law, and a
chain of others across the Lothian plain.
The 16th century found the Bass, already
an ancient stronghold, fortified with
cannon, intensively cultivated in parts, its
Gannets carefully exploited for food
(“amongst our viands I must not forget the
soleand goose, a most delicate fowl”),
feathers (almost 300 Gannets were
needed to stuff one feather bed!) and fat
(“they make an excellent oyle called the
gibanistick which is exceedingly good for
healing anie sore”). By then this austere
crag had already entranced naturalists,
kings and historians. By 1850, the Rock,
already nearly 1 50 years in the possession
of the Dalrymples who still own it, had
been long defortified (1701) and the
centuries of exploitation of Gannets were
drawing to a close. Demand for ‘gugas’
had declined well before the Wild Birds
Protection Act. Then came the building of
the lighthouse in 1903 and nearly a
century’s custodianship by Her Majesty's
Commissioners of Northern Lights. Order
reigned and the Rock was spick and span.
The Gannets knew their place and this
was largely on the cliffs. In the heyday of
the Bass as a famous light, when the
keepers cooked on a coal fired range, kept
food in a limed hanging larder and lead
lined storage bins, bathed in a galvanised
tub and read by paraffin lamps, my wife
and I had the rare privilege of living for 3
years in the ruined chapel half way up the
Bass. Shortly afterward - I almost wrote
“all hell broke loose" but what I should say
is - the Rock entered the modern age,

The Bass Rock in 1986

which may amount to the same thing.
Television, refrigeration, formica and
plastic, relief by helicopter and finally,
automation of the light, arrived. When the
keepers left in 1988 and as the Gannets
continued to increase, the Rock soon
reverted to a more natural state, a process
which continues. Indeed the old Rock is
rapidly being denuded of its turf and topsoil
as the Gannets spread and this is
cascading down the slope and piling up
on the patch and in the courtyard.

Increases

The Bass has long shared with one or 2
other Gannetries, notably St Kilda and the
Canadian Great Bird of Bird Rocks in
Magdalen Islands (at one time the largest
of all Gannetries) the distinction of being
the most famous in the world. It was the
first to be mentioned in the literature
(perhaps 6th century) and now could well
be the largest single rock Gannetry.
Grassholm may be pushing a bit, but Ailsa
lies well astern. In my short time the Bass
population has increased from 6-8,000
apparently occupied sites, which is nearly
the same thing as pairs, in 1 962, to 1 3,500
(1977), 21,600 (1985) and 30-40,000
(1994) which was the last count. This most
recent estimate (already well out of date)
has the inevitably large margin of possible
error. The lower of the 2 figures excluded
the large number of pre breeders, most of
which should not be included in the
category of ‘apparently occupied sites’

Bryan Nelson

though it is difficult to disentangle them.
Largely due to them, the count can vary
by thousands within a few days. The
dramatic spread has taken breeding birds
from the top of the northwest cliffs to the
very summit of the Rock. Spreading from
the east side, they have blanketed the
ground and would long ago have covered
the concrete path and continued upwards
to meet their fellows from the northwest
but for human traffic. Gannets are also
proceeding apace down the crags towards
the chapel to join up with the group directly
behind the lighthouse. This latter
numbered 1 0 pairs in 1 961 and is now well
1 over 1,000 strong and besieging the
entrance to the chapel. They confront the
visitor a mere foot from the edge of the
path. The east flats above the lighthouse,
with no Gannets in the early 1960s, are
now blanketed. Most of the gully headland,
not long ago covered in turf and the
Dalrymples’ favourite picnic spot, has now
been taken over, though many of them are
still pre breeders. Even the low rocks by
the inner landing, for long the preserve of
Guillemots and Shags, are rapidly being
colonised. The south slope below the
battlements is still free but old records say
it once held over 300 pairs and no doubt it
will do so again. From North Berwick and
Tantallon the Rock appears to be well nigh
covered, apart from a wide and variable
strip roughly bordering the path. Most of
the Gannets between the top of the path
and the summit cairn are not yet breeding.
Many are 2 or 3 year olds, which come

8

and go. Other are pre breeders
establishing a definitive site in the season
before breeding for the first time.

This steady increase has been largely
fuelled by the output of the Bass itself
rather than by the large scale immigration
which has characterised some other
Gannetries at certain stages of their
growth. In turn, output has rested on
consistently high breeding success, itself
predicated on the reliable source of food
which the Gannet’s far foraging, deep
diving and wide prey spectrum ensures.
Bass Gannets have been remarkably free
from the lean years suffered by some other
Bass seabirds, such as Kittiwake and
Shag.

Other seabirds

In addition to Gannets, the Bass is home
to Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins, Fulmars,
Shags (no Cormorants), Kittiwakes,
Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backs (and
now a few unwelcome Great Black-backs
which are snatching some Guillemot
chicks) and Eiders. The fortunes of almost
all these have changed over the years.
Herring Gulls have declined markedly.
They were displaced in hundreds from the
north west slopes which are now covered
by some 4,000 pairs of Gannets. They are
increasingly being ousted from the summit
area and the south facing escarpment
above the chapel. The area in and around
the garrison garden has remained a
stronghold and it will be interesting to see
if the Gannets can tolerate this sheltered
hollow, which will be difficult for take off.
The garden area is the main stronghold
of the Lesser Black-backed Gull. The
Greaters (3 pairs) are by the garden, near
to the chapel and near the inner landing.
Kittiwakes are markedly down on their
previous high. For many years they have
produced fewer young than normal - in
some years hardly any. It is difficult to know
how the Puffins are faring. There have
never been many in the battlements, their
only present nesting area, and one rarely
sees more than 10 or 15 at a time.
Guillemots seem to be holding their own
in the east caves and have recently
increased at the base of the east cliffs.
However .Gannets are encroaching on the
inner landing area which was a Guillemot
stronghold. Razorbills are mainly on the
cliffs of Cable Gully and around the inner
landing but have never been abundant.
Shags are hugely down on their previous
highs - absent from the base of the east
cliffs, where once there were scores and
many fewer on the inner landing stack.
Fulmars have increased slowly over the
years but probably still number no more

than 50 or 60 pairs, although it is becoming
more difficult to view their main area which
is the east side of the gully. One to 3 pairs
of Eider breed every year and Mallard
occasionally.

There are few other species; Rock Pipit,
Pied Wagtail, Starling, Hedge Sparrow and
Feral Pigeon regularly breed. As on the
Isle of May, landfalls of autumn migrants
may be massive and often include rarities.

Live pictures

The Bass, Fidra and other bird islands lie
but a gull’s glide from North Berwick. The
idea of relaying live seabird pictures from
these haunts back to a Seabird Centre in
North Berwick came originally from a local
man, Bill Gardner, who had designed the
computer graphic systems for the BBC’s
weather forecasts. It chimed with the times
and was eventually conceived as a
Millennium Project (the original application
was Gardner’s). The Millennium

Gannets .

Commission’s agreement to part fund the
project to the tune of £1,000,000 left a
shortfall of around £2,000,000, most of
which has been raised. The project (a
charity) is directed by a Board chaired by
Rear Admiral Neil Rankin and comprising
Hew Dalrymple (heir to the Bass), Bill
Gardner, David Minns of the RSPB, Sandy
Grant Gordon, Susan Watson
representing LEEL, Peter Collins of East
Lothian Council and me as the seabird
man. Tom Brock, an Aberdeen zoology
graduate, has recently been appointed as
the first Director of the Centre. Both LEEL
and ELCL are generous supporters of the
Centre and substantial help has been
received from Haulwaste Ltd and the Bank
of Scotland.

Scottish Natural Heritage are represented
on the design and development sub
committee and are contributing funds and
suggestions. The Seabird Centre building,
now under construction, looks out to the
Bass Rock from Anchor Green. It has been

Bryan Nelson

9

imaginatively designed by local architects
to suggest a somewhat truncated
Gannet’s head. Its stone, copper and
bronze exterior will, it is hoped, resist the
worst that a winter sea whipped up by a
north easterly gale, can throw at it. The
interior, on 2 levels, will be dominated by
a large model of the Bass but the beating
heart will be the high tech stuff. The visitor
should be able to see and interact with live
visual and documentary material at
different levels of complexity. The live
material will come from a link to video
cameras on the Bass Rock and the RSPB
island of Fidra. The challenge is
considerable, given the lack of power on
the islands and the inhospitable conditions
but the rewards and potential of live,
unedited material are immense.

The aim is to attract the widest possible
range of visitors and to bring them back
time and again to explore in more depth.
To interest a 5 or 6 year old and an
advanced university student of biology is
no mean task, but that is our aim, for there
is huge educational potential here. That
is why we must provide indepth material.
To this end there will be more than just
the live cameras and stunning portraits.
For example, visitors will want to know
where seabirds breed in Scotland, how
they conduct their lives, how they find a
mate and rear their young, what their
problems are and how man affects them.
If the Scottish Seabird Centre is to live up
to its name, they should be able to ask
these and other questions about any
seabird breeding in Scotland, including
those such as shearwaters, petrels and
skuas which do not breed in the Forth
area, thought they occur on passage. This
will require a wide and growing data base.

The visual displays will be wide ranging
and imaginative and, where possible
‘hands on’. The small theatre will screen
films and slides. More peripherally but still
important will be the shop and restaurant.
The latter should provide a uniquely
attractive venue. In winter, when the Bass
and other islands lie dormant, there will
be the shore birds and inshore sea ducks
to excite interest. It may be possible to use
the live cameras here, too, for it is hoped
that the Centre will be a year round
attraction.

In this innovative manner the aesthetic
attractions and educational potential of
these seabirds islands, so near to the
Scottish capital, yet still wild and unspoilt,
will be harnessed for the good of seabirds
themselves. The more people understand
the more they will care.

Bryan Nelson

Red Kites in central
Scotland

For the first time in over 120 years Red
Kites have successfully bred in central
Scotland. In 1998 2 pairs successfully
raised 5 young.

Up to 1 998, 57 young Red Kites have been
released in central Scotland and it is hoped
to release a further 40 birds in the area
before the end of this phase of the release
programme in 2000. The survival rate for
first year birds from the central Scotland
release scheme compares favourably to
that of the north Scotland scheme. It is
believed that the majority of kite mortality
occurs during dispersal from the natal site,
however, as the population increases, it
is noted that fewer kites disperse during
their first winter, but it is a possibility that
as the population increases further in the
coming years that young birds may be
forced to move in search of food due to
the increased competition from older birds
in the core area.

It has unfortunately been confirmed that

Bass Rock in 1996

poisoning is the biggest single threat to
Red Kites in the UK as a whole. Five birds
from the central Scotland release have
been recorded dead since 1996, 2 of
which were confirmed poisoning, one
suspected poisoning and 2 others from
unknown causes. The RSPB would like
to stress that the majority of gamekeepers
and farmers within the release site areas
have been extremely cooperative as the
survival figures demonstrate. It is
suspected that most kite poisonings occur
on estates away from the breeding areas,
where staff are not familiar with the birds
and may be trying to poison Foxes, Crows
and other birds of prey illegally.

From mid October up to 31 birds attended
a roost on occasions, 15 of them having
just been released in July and August.
Four wild bred young, 2 of which are from
the north of Scotland, are also seen to
frequent this roost on a regular basis.

The RSPB relies heavily on members of
the public to report sightings of Red Kites
so if you do see one please get in touch
with the nearest RSPB office.

Bryan Nelson

10

Tay Estuary

A planning application to extend the
Riverside landfill site on the Tay Estuary
at Dundee was deferred for 6 months by
Dundee City Councils’ Environment and
Consumer Protection Committee. The
development would have been on a
proposed Special Protection Area (SPA)
under the European Birds Directive. The
Riverside area, which is within the SPA,
often holds several hundred birds whose
numbers are of national or international
importance in the Tay/Eden estuary areas.
This site is also a major high tide roost for
many species of waders including Bar-
tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Redshank. The
local Tayside conservation officer for the
RSPB was more than pleased that this
plan had been set aside for the next 6
months. Up to 25% of the UK's estuarine
habitats have already been destroyed and
cannot afford to lose this valuable habitat
which is in international terms one of the
most important bird habitats in the UK.

Scotland’s wetlands

Wetlands across Scotland are still under
threat despite many having special
designations. At the People and Wetlands
- The Vital Link Conference in Costa Rica
calls were made to the UK Government
to impose its record on wetland protection.
Since the first UK Ramsar sites were
identified in 1976 another 40 sites have
been designated in Scotland alone. A
spokesman for the RSPB commented that
Ramsar sites are the very best wetland
areas we have but protection by name
alone is not enough. We must ensure
these sites are granted levels of protection
that they deserve and that they are
managed correctly. Our estuaries, lochs
and peatlands continue to suffer a range
of threats from unregulated hand raking
of cockles in the Solway firth to landfill and
mining operations on the Tay and Forth
estuaries.

The Ythan estuary has experienced
problems for many years from artificial
enrichment from fertiliser run off. Some
peatland habitats are now receiving proper
management and positive mearsures are
being taken in Caithness and Sutherland
with the establishment of the Peatland
Management Scheme which offers to pay
those who have agreed to manage their
land in an environmentally friendly
manner. A number of designated Scottish
Ramsar sites are at risk affecting mainly
wading birds but in the case of the Lewis
peatlands Red-throated Divers are also at
risk through muirburn and overgrazing.

Redshanks and Knot

Arthur Gilpin

Birds in a Border garden

Norman Elkins article in SBN 54 was, as
one would expect from him, extremely
interesting. It also made me think that I
don’t keep enough records!!

Like Norman I have been recording for
various BTO surveys the birds in my
garden. My ‘patch’ is much smaller than
his being only 150 square metres and,
though I also started doing these surveys
in 1 987, 1 moved from Kent to the Borders
in 1990. In Kent I lived in the middle of a
town of 35,000, but in a small oasis with a
tennis court’s worth of woodland and
stream between the houses, where Snipe
were not uncommon if the weather was
cold, for the spring in the garden did not
freeze till well below zero. Chiffchaffs were
regular, arriving mid March, while I have
still to hear one from my Borders garden.
Blackcap nested and Lesser Spotted
Woodpeckers were as regular as their
bigger cousins. They tried to nest in a dead
fruit tree 10 metres from the back door;
unfortunately it was next door and a
garage was to be built. I dug a hole for it
in my garden (2 yards away) and arranged
with the workmen to shift it into the hole,
but that night when I returned from work I
discovered they had burnt it! The birds
never came to the hanging nuts, but the
bird I miss here - the Nuthatch - was
regular; sometimes a pair would come
together.

When I am short of Siskins up here during
the winter, I think of them down in Kent
visiting the feeders there, for there they
were only winter visitors and would leave
at the end of February or the beginning of
March. Their cousins the Lesser Redpolls
were with us throughout the year though I
never found a nest on our land. Especially
during snow they would come to the Alder
catkins, but never to the table. Up here I
have only recorded 2 and one was on the
bird table.

One of the biggest differences are the
Chaffinches. In Kent there never seemed
to be more than a pair. They stayed in the
wood and only very occasionally came to
food put out and then only on the ground,
as the Dunnocks did. Here in the Borders
I have a flock; during the winter it
sometimes reaches over 100 feeding in
the garden. Greenfinches appeared in
both gardens - in small parties in Kent: but
in greater numbers up here.

One of the joys up here is the Willow
Warbler. In spring they rarely come into
the garden. But come the third week of
July till the second week of August and
there will hardly be a day without a visit,
sometimes 2 or 3. They are nearly always
young birds, obviously attracted by the
other birds in the garden and are often very
tame taking insects off the Sedum
spectabile just a yard from the patio
windows, so their ‘yellow wellies’ are very
visible.

11

The garden here is surrounded by
farmland, mainly grazing fields with small
woods quite close. The sound of
Oystercatchers and Curlews in spring
gives a very different flavour to Kent.
Fieldfares and Redwings tend to pass
through, while in Kent the latter liked the
Holly berries. Single Whinchat, Wheatear
and Whitethroat have visited, plus 2 years
ago I filmed Turtle Dove in the garden.
Meadow Pipits often pause on their way
to the hills in spring or when driven down
again by snow. Goldfinches are

newcomers to the nuts and have obviously
learnt the ropes elsewhere.

Predators were few in Kent; Grey Squirrels
Magpies and Jays. In the Borders we
generally have a regular Sparrowhawk,
though usually only during the winter. He
or she is generally an immature bird.
However, Goshawk has nested not far
away, but is seldom seen more than 2 or
3 times a year, thought it has been into
the garden - when the camera was out of
action!

This year’s joy has been the Great Spotted
Woodpecker. We have had up to 3 birds
in the garden at once; the male has been
regularly feeding a chick and is seldom
worried by us inside the house 10 feet
away. I have not been able to prove it, but
I believe there is in fact more than one
family. Two males were seen, but not 2
females at once, and only one young in
the garden. There has been much chasing
but recently both male and female have
hardly been away from the nuts all day.
The young must be grossly over weight!

Michael Bickmore

Scottish Parliamentary
Briefings

Scottish Wildlife and Countryside Link, the
liaison body for Scotland’s voluntary sector
environmental organisations publishes
Parliamentary Briefings. The current
volume for 1999 is No2, issues in March
and April covered the proposed
arrangements for the working of the
Parliament. Issue 5 records the
announcement of the legislative
programme, which will include bills on land
reform, feudal tenure and National Parks.

The Briefings record the membership of
committees, including the assignment of
Robin Harper, Green Party to the
Environment and Transport Committee.
Other committees established include one
for Rural Affairs. Access to MSPs can be
arranged through the Scottish Parliament
Information Centre (SPICe), Edinburgh,
EH99 1 SP. If you would like the Parliament
HQ Reference Library to contain
information about your environmental
NGO or hold information on issues
relevant to the Scottish Parliament then
send it in. The old Scottish Office
Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries
Department has changed its name to the
Rural Affairs Department. A Ministerial
Committee reporting to the Cabinet has
been established to help integrate rural
issues with other policy areas and further
the economic, environmental and social
development of rural Scotland. Ross
Finnie, MSP, has been appointed as the
Minister for Rural Affairs responsible for
policy development in agriculture, fisheries
and forestry. Sarah Boyack is the new
Minister of Transport (and co-author with
Dr Jeremy Raemaekers of a Link Report
Scottish Environment Audits No 3,
Planning & sustainable development).

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Bobby Smith

For further information about the activities

of Scottish Environment Link contact;
Link at 2 Grosvenor House, Shore Road,
Perth, PH2 8DB Tel: 01738 630804

12

Barbels, Bulbuls and Brahminy Kites Ayrshire SOC in Sri Lanka

It’s fun going to places that your local
doctor can’t locate on the map. For the
benefit of anyone else who might try to
inoculate you against Yellow Fever and
Paraguayan Influenza, Sri Lanka is off the
south east Coast of India. The trip was an
introduction to Sri Lanka, with an emphasis
on birds. The itinerary was planned to
include each of the different Sri Lanka
habitats, dry or wet, low or high. Locations
visited were based on birding lore, gleaned
from the Oriental Bird Club Sri Lanka
supplement and from personal
experience. The bird names used follow
Kotagama and Fernando’s Field Guide to
the Birds of Sri Lanka. The 1 7 participants
represented a broad spectrum of age and
experience and the balance of birds, tea
factories, spice gardens, temples and
curries was very successful.

Our guide for the fortnight, George
Samaratunga, greeted us in Colombo.
Our first stop was at Kurunegala where
we heard Asian Koel calling. As we sipped
a cool drink by the tank (Sri Lankan for
reservoir), we watched Indian Pond
Herons and Whiskered Terns in good
numbers. On our journey to Dambulla we
saw White-throated Kingfisher and Cattle
Egret. Both of these species were almost
everywhere.

We stayed at the Kandalama Hotel, about
8 km east of Dambulla, on the edge of a
large tank and surrounded by scrub jungle.
The dawn chorus was truly magnificent
with the barbets ringing chimes and the
melodious calls of the Black-hooded Oriole
echoing from the jungle, not to mention
the screams of the Toque Monkeys. The
views from the hotel were stunning, with
the great mass of the Sigirya Rock
Fortress in the distance. The hotel has
now been covered in creepers and hidden
by trees. Geoffrey Bawa, a famous Sri
Lankan architect, created the structure to
merge with nature and enable visitors to
encounter birds and wildlife at close
quarters. Black-crested and White-browed
Bulbuls were soon ticked off.

The 4 nights at the Kandalama Hotel
passed quickly before we moved to the
ancient capital of the hill country, Kandy.
We made a late afternoon visit to the oldest
nature reserve on the island, the
Udawattakele Sanctuary. Access to this
remnant, secondary rainforest is from a
city street and this ancient ‘park’ contains
some of the oldest and tallest trees in Sri

Lanka. Bird life was abundant although
difficult to see high in the canopy.

Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens near
Kandy are a paradise of exotic plants and
trees and home for a colony of Fruit Bats.
Thousands soar and swoop above the
trees. On the hill road to Nuwara Eliya
there are many tea estates with exotic
names such as Sanquhar, Edinburgh or
Melfort. Lunch at the nearby Ramboda
Falls Hotel was interrupted when a
magnificent Black Eagle appeared. We
drove slowly and carefully over the
Ramboda Pass, reaching 2000 m, where
the air became noticeably cooler and fields
contained recognisable crops of swedes
and potatoes, runner beans and
cauliflower. We were in the excolonial
homelands, where Government officials
and their families had imported
Aberdeenshire granite for their baronial
mansions. Our destination that night was
the Tea Factory Hotel, near Kandapola,
complete with the Goatfell Bar.

We later moved down to the plains and
the dry zone at Wellawaya. There, the
hotel is situated next to a lagoon with
breeding Black-winged Stilts. We travelled
by jeep to the Bundala National Park. This
is a ‘must visit’ location of extensive, dense
coastal scrub surrounding lagoons and
salt pans. The Peacocks there were truly
wild birds. An afternoon was spent at
Tissamharama and Wirawila Tissa Bird
Sanctuary, an area of woods and reed

Black-winged Stilt David Mitchell

beds. Little and Indian Cormorant colonies
were abundant

On another afternoon we drove to the
Yala-Ruhunu National Park. This vast
area, on the eastern side of the island, is

open, dry scrub, interspersed with wooded
lagoons and impressive rock formations.

Leaving Hambantota we travelled to the
Uda Walawe National Park. The Park is
lush grassland interspersed with Teak
trees. Uda Walawe is renowned for
raptors. Brahminy Kite were seen clearly.

The best birding in the Sinharaja
Rainforest was from the access roads.
Those who lingered longest got the best
views. Our route took us along the A8 via
Ingiriya to Horana towards Moratuwa and
the urban reserve of Bellanawila Attidiya
Sanctuary. These wetlands lie to the south
east of Colombo and very close to Mount
Lavinia. Our last full day in Sri Lanka was
spent in the Muthurajawela Marshes.

There were no mishaps and everyone
thoroughly enjoyed the birding and cultural
experience.

Access to several of Sri Lanka’s National
Parks and Bird Sanctuaries is by hired
jeeps accompanied by trackers who are
not compulsory but hard to refuse. Most
jeeps were open topped, but occasional
closed vehicles were very frustrating and
restraining. Trackers can be useful or
useless. Few have binoculars, but they
are accurate on their calls. Weather
conditions were hot and sticky, although
not too unpleasant. The Hill Country is
always a little cooler and less humid.

Our final checklist for the fortnight 24/3 -
7/4/99 stood at a healthy 210 species.

Tony and Gerda Scott assisted by
Keith Martin and Jim Thomson

Keith Martin has produced a full report with
all bird species seen in Sri Lanka. The
complete list of sightings is on the Internet
at Urs Geisers trip report site: http://
www.xnet.comlugeiser/Birds/TripReports/
TripReports.html

Future Tours:

Tony and Gerda Scott, 4 Hilltop Place,
Ayr, KA7 3PB (Tel &Fax 01292 281085
Email: in.touch@zetnet.co.uk are

organising a trip to Cyprus in 9 - 16
October, 1999 (Leader: Angus Hogg).
There are still places available. They also
intend to organise a second bird watching
tour to Sri Lanka and will be pleased to
receive registrations of interest.

13

REVIEWS

Collins Bird Guide by K Mullarney, Lars
Svensson, D Zetterstrom and P J Grant.
Harper Collins 1999. 392pp.

ISBN 0-00-21 9728-6.. £24.99.

Here we have an authoritatively written
and illustrated guide which has to be the
new leader in its field full of detailed
information backed up by an excellent
range of pictures covering virtually every
plumage and feature of each species.
Though the pictures of the larger birds are
on the small side, as is the print, the
illustrations become larger as the birds get
smaller so bringing out the necessary
detail. The book is on the heavy side,
probably unavoidable with the amount of
coverage, and no doubt a soft cover
version will follow. Though many of us may
have a surplus of guides this one
becomes a necessary addition and a
landmark that will be very difficult to better.

Keith Macgregor

Birds of the Wetlands by James
Hancock. Academic Press, London. 1999.
176pp. ISBN 0-12-322727-5. £24.95.

This book offers a personal account of
places that the author has visited. It was
originally published in 1985, but has been
substantially enlarged with some new
chapters and a whole new set of
photographs. Chapters cover key wetland
sites in the Americas, Africa, India (3 sites),
China, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Spain
and Iceland.

One of the main attractions of the book,
has to be the photographs, all taken by
the author and they are a joy to look
through. My only disappointment was the
photograph of Little Ringed Plover shown
in the Japan chapter - this is not the
species we know here, so it may be a case
of confusing different English names used
in other countries. I hope this is the only
one to be so affected.

Mark Moiling

Population Limitation in Birds by Ian

Newton. Academic Press. 1998. 597pp
ISBN 0-12-517366-0 Hardback £49.95.
Paperback £29.95.

This book will be of tremendous interest
and value to students, their lecturers, and
field ornithologists, both amateur and
professional, as a major source of
information on bird populations,
intelligently catalogued and clearly
interpreted by one of the world’s foremost
ornithologists.

The book’s 15 chapters are presented in
4 sections. First, a preview on bird
numbers, how they are counted, their
population trends and an introduction to
the factors affecting them. Second a
series of chapters on how bird behaviour
can limit populations, with chapters on
social systems and status, habitat and
density regulation, territorial behaviour,
density dependence and the effects of
habitat fragmentation.. The third section
deals with ‘natural limiting factors’, such
as food supply, nest sites, predators,
parasites and weather, concluding with a
chapter on the interactions between
different limiting factors, reminding us all
how easy it is to consider factors affecting
birds in isolation rather than in
combination. Throughout, Newton uses
key papers to illustrate his points, making
excellent use of new work such as that by
Gill ef a/on Pink-footed Geese feeding and
disturbance, or Gosler on the fascinating
relationships between the body weight of
tits and the presence or absence of
Sparrowhawks in Wytham Woods.
Another invaluable feature is Newton’s
ability to summarise a range of studies in
a single comprehensive table, for
example, a summary of studies on the
effects of winter food provision on breeding
densities of birds around the world, or of
large scale pesticide mortalities.

The fourth section covers the effects of
man on birds, hunting and pest control,
pesticides and pollutants and finally, a
chapter on extinctions, including some
predictions. Newton concludes that: “The
futures of many organisms are likely to
depend increasingly on the numbers and
activities of people, and unless action is
taken to prevent it, extinction rates could
increase greatly in the coming years.”

Ian Bainbridge

Helm Identification Guides - Tracks and
Signs of the birds of Britain and Europe

by R Brown, J Ferguson, M Lawrence and
D Lees. Christopher Helm, A & C Black,
London. 1999. 232pp.

ISBN 0-7136-5208-X. £17.99.

This is the paperback version of the book
first published in hardback in 1987, with
no revision. I have found it pretty
comprehensive for eg feathers of British
birds, but it is not exhaustive. That said, it
is a book that should find a place in many
a collection and the paperback version
gives the opportunity to obtain it at a more
accessible price.

Oonagh McGarry

Modern Wildlife Painting by Nicholas
Hammond. Pica Press. 1999. 240pp.
ISBN 1-873403-55-0. Hardback £35.

In this very readable book the history and
development of modern wildlife painting
has been explored and analysed in 8
chapters. Predictably the author has
concentrated on bird art with a few notable
exceptions. The illustrators of field guides
even get their own chapter which is
justifiable in this age of worldwide birding
when an accurate picture is so essential
for correct identification.

The book is beautifully illustrated with over
1 40 colour plates. I have to say that some
of the plates chosen to represent a
particular artist’s style could have been
improved upon, but this probably reflected
what was available to the author at the
time. I was pleased to see that our own
club members were well represented with
plates by Donald Watson, Keith Brockie
and an impressive cover by John Busby.

David Clugston

Helm Identification Guides - Crows &
Jays by S Madge and H Burn.
Christopher Helm, A & C Black, London.
1999. 192pp. ISBN 0-7136-5207-1.
£16.99.

This second paperback edition appears
unchanged from the first except for half a
page of additional information on the
Mariana Crow and the Fan Tailed Raven.

John Law

Where to watch birds in North & East
Spain by M Rebane. Christopher Helm.
1999. 295pp. ISBN 0-7136-4700-0.
£14.99

This guide follows the now well known
pattern set in the previous 22 publications
in this series and covers a large area of
Spain much of which has valuable and
varied ornithological interest. Indeed we
are told that in the area described thare
are 40 different species of European
conservation concern.

Site descriptions and maps of the most
important areas are comprehensive with
useful access, timing and species
information. Especially handy are the
regional maps numbering the sites, of
which 177 are noted, this making it easy
to plan a releant route in advance.

Spain as a country is ornithologically
superb and this guide should be an
essential purchase for anybody
contemplating a visit. It will serve them
well.

Keith Macgregor

14

Scottish Wildlife Trust,
and the RSPB

SWT has announced the appointment of
Steve Sankey as its new Chief Executive
commencing in July, 1 999. Mr Sankey was
previously Head of Policy and Advisory for
Scotland for the Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds.

Fiona Newcombe has been appointed as
Agricultural Policy Officer with RSPB
Scotland, to work with Jeremy Roberts,
and focus initially on the new all Scotland
agri environment scheme, progress on
Agenda 2000 and the promotion of
outcomes from their cattle and
conservation seminars.

Dead garden birds

Dr. Tom Pennycott, SAC Auchincruive, has
been looking at the deaths of garden birds
caused by the bacterium, E Coli. Further
information about his investigations can
be obtained from him on 01292 520318

Misidentification

We would like to apologise to M Owen for
the caption to the picture on page 8 of the
June issue of SBN, the bird was as some
of you pointed out not a Snow Goose but
an albino Barnacle Goose.

Chris Smout has given us an entertaining
account of an event back around 1960
when at Fala Flow in the company of D I
M Wallace and James Ferguson-Lees a
strange white goose flew up with a flock
of Pink-feet. He cried out ‘a white goose’
meaning to have said ‘a Snow Goose’.
‘Yes,’ came the reply from James F-L ‘an
obvious albino’ as it flapped its pure white
wings without the diagnostic black tips.

Scottish Wildlife &
Countryside Fair

The 1999 Scottish Wildlife & Countryside
Fair will take place at the RSPB Vane Farm
Nature Reserve nr Kinross over the
weekend 4-5 September 1999. The SOC
will as usual have a stand and we look
forward to seeing you.

BOURC

Dr Tim Melling has been appointed
Secretary to the BOU Records Committee.
He will replace Ian Dawson who has
retired after 11 years on the Committee
the last 3 as its Secretary.

Tim gained his PhD studying the
population genetics of the Large Heath
Butterfly. He is currently a Conservation
Officer with the RSPB's north west
England office, and his modest claim to
fame was coming second in the first radio
series Wildbrain.

Eric Meek replaces Richard Porter on the
Records Committee. Eric is the RSPB’s
Orkney Officer and has been involved in
studies on breeding birds and migration.
He is co author of the Orkney Bird Report,
and has just completed 5 years service
on the Scottish Birds Records Committee.
His experience in ornithology at home and
abroad will be invaluable to the committee.

Swifts Bruce Forrester

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides

SAE for current list and prices to:-

Vanellus Presentations, 44 Southgrove
Road, Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114)
2664362

REQUESTS

Have you heard any Corncrakes?

The distinctive rasping crek crek of the
Corncrake was once a familiar sound in
many parts of Britain and with the help of
the Corncrake Initiative may once again
be a possibility. Last summer saw the
fourth full census of Corncrakes in Britain,
Between 1993 and 1997 Corncrake
numbers in core areas of the western isles
numbers increased from 446 pairs to 637
pairs. However, in 1998 the number of
calling males in the core areas declined
to 589 birds recorded. More work is
required if the Corncrake is to have a
secure future in Scotland so if you happen
to hear a Corncrake and think it maybe
from a new area please contact the RSPB,
Etive House, Beechwood Park,
Inverness. (Tel 01463 715000).

Under the Corncrake Initiative crofters are
eligible for payments if Corncrakes are
present on their land.

Concern for Swifts

The aims of Concern for Swifts (Scotland)
are

*to raise awareness of the need to retain
Swift nest sites in our towns and cities,

* to achieve conservation of their nest sites
through negotiation with local authorities,
private sector house/building owners and
conservation organisations.

* to produce a range of design details
suitable for incorporatin into different styles
of building - old and new.

In order to do this effectively, we need to
know where there are Swift populations.

By the time you read this, the Swifts will
by away for this year, but should still be
fresh in your memories. So, if you know
of a Swift colony or of a current survey,
please let us know. If you know of a
building which is being renovated or
demolished and where Swifts nest, also if
you know of anyone taking action to
conserve the Swift populations please let
us know.

Concern for Swifts (Scotland), Clare
Darlaston, 287 Onslow Drive,
Dennistoun, Glasgow G31 2QG.

Tel 0141 554 8262.

Dame ringed Oystercatchers

See SBN 50

Colour ringed Shags

See SBN 50

Reed Warblers in Scotland

See SBN 54

15

SOC NOTICES

New recorder for Lothian

Scottish Bird News

With this issue

Enclosed with this issue are Scottish Birds,
the Index to Volume 19, the Scottish Bird
Report, winter meetings programme,
winter excursions, Report of Council/
Accounts, Conference programme and
booking form and the new Direct Debit
form with letter attached.

I urge all members to pay their subscription
by Direct Debit. It really makes a huge
difference to the time spent at 21 Regent
Terrace processing subscriptions.

Ian Darling, President

200 Club

Winners in the second quarter of 1999
were:-

April - 1st £30 M Bickmore, Selkirk; 2nd
£20 R Glen, Edinburgh; 3rd £10 N
Henderson, Edinburgh.

May - 1st £50 S Jackson, Falmouth; 2nd
£30 A Maciver, Falkirk; 3rd £20 D Jenkins,
Aboyne, 4th £10 J Jacobs, Kirkcudbright.
June - 1st £30 W Paterson, Gullane; 2nd
£20 D Maciver, Stornoway; 3rd £10 J
Maxwell, Hamilton.

In the 200 Club’s 10th year, which ended
on 31 May, 45 members won prizes
totalling £1 220 (both figures a record) and
the SOC benefited similarly. All who
continue to support the 200 Club are very
warmly thanked. Any SOC member, over
18, wishing to join now for the rest of the
“year” can send me a cheque for £9,
payable to “SOC 200 Club”, which will be
gratefully acknowledged by Daphne
Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire
TD6 9NH (01896 822176).

1999 Scottish Ringers’ Conference

The 1 999 conference will be hosted by the
Tay Ringing Group and will be held at the
Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar from 12-14
November 1 999. For further details please
send sae to Shirley Millar, Edenvale
Cottage, Lydox Cottages, Dairsie,
Cupar, Fife KYI 5 4RN.

Spring 2000 SOC/BTO Confer-
ence

The 3 south west Scotland branches are
joining forces to organise the 2000 spring
conference, which will be held on 1 1 March
2000. The venue will be announced
shortly.

With effect from 1 January 2000 Ian
Andrews will be stepping down as recorder
for Lothian. Ian has been the recorder for
1 5 years, with a short break while working
in Jordan. In that time he has written The
Birds of the Lothians and The Birds of the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as well as
editing early editions of the Lothian Bird
Report and Birdwatching Sites in the
Lothians. Ian now wants to spend more
time pursuing other interest, including
writing, and feels that now is the right time
to step down. He will continue to help with
the bird report and with record
assessment. The Lothian Branch is
grateful for all the work Ian has put in over
the last 15 years.

David Kelly will be stepping into the role
of recorder and with start with the 1999
records. From 1 January 2000 all records
should be sent to David Kelly, 149 High
Street, Prestonpans, East Lothian EH32
9AX. Tel 01875 810827. E mail dj
kelly@lineone.net.

Scottish Birds Records Committee
Election of new member

Since 1990 one member of SBRC has
retired annually. Pete Gordon is due to
stand down at the end of this year and to
fill the vacancy the Committee is
nominating Dougie Dickson, who lives in
Glenrothes, Fife. Dougie has been an
active birder for over 20 years, seeing all
but 2 species on the SBRC list and having
made over 20 foreign trips to 6 continents
in search of birds. He has been the local
recorder for Fife since 1984.

Further nominations to fill the vacancy are ~
invited and should be submitted to me by
31 October, being signed by both a
proposer and seconder who must both be
SOC members. If there should be more
than one nomination, a postal ballot will
take place, in which all SOC Local
Recorders will be eligible to vote.

Ron Forrester, Secretary, SBRC, 31
Argyle Terrace, Rothesay, Isle of Bute
PA20 0BD.

Photographic competition

Entries for this year’s competiton should
be sent to 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh
no later than 1 October 1999. Subjects
must be wild birds photographed in
Scotland with the appropriate licences as
required. They should be clearly marked
with the photographers name, the species
and locality. All entries will be returned as
soon as possible after the conference.

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. It is published
4 times a year at the beginning of March,
June, September and December. Articles
and notices need to be sent to the Secretary
at 21 Regent Terrace no later than 5
weeks before publication. The magazine
acts as a channel of communication for
SOC members and to disseminate
information relevant to Scotland’s birdlife.
The views expressed in articles in Scottish
Bird News are not necessarily the policy of
the SOC. Contributors should note that
material has to be edited, often at short
notice, and it is not practical to let authors
see these changes in advance of
publication. The SOC also publishes the
journal Scottish Birds which publishes
original papers and notes on Scottish
ornithology and the Scottish Bird Report.
For details of these publications and
membership contact the Secretary at:

21 RegentTerrace, Edinburgh EH75BT.

Endowment Fund Grants

Summaries of reports from the 1998
grants will be published in due course.

The Research and Surveys Committee
awarded grants for 1 999 to Alistair Duncan
and Raymond Duncan to continue their
study of urban Oystercatchers in
Aberdeen; to the Treshnish Auk Ringing
Group for work on seabirds on the
Treshnish Islands; to Geoff Sheppard, for
Barn Owl studies in Dumfries and
Galloway; to Andrew Ramsay, for Manx
Shearwater studies on Rum and to Allan
and Lyndesay Brown for Mute Swan
studies in Fife and Lothian.

If you would like to apply for a grant for
2000 to assist with a particular study
please ask for an application form from
SOC, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh
EH7 5BT. All completed applications must
be received by 31 October 1999.
Particular emphasis will be made to grants
involving voluntary work associated with
Seabird 2000.

Thanks

Once again may we thank the many
volunteers who gave assistance in the
office during Sylvias absence, and also
to those who came in to pack and send
out the June mailing. If you would like to
assist with this task please contact Sylvia
at the SOC office on 0131 556 6042 for
details.

16

THE SCOTTISH
ORNITHOLOGISTS9 CLUB

Scottish
Bird News

DECEMBER 1999 No. 56
ISSN 0268-3199

Edited by Stan da Prato
Assisted by Ian Andrews,
Sylvia Laing and
Michael Osborne

Millennium Make Over

By the time you read this it is likely that some of the changes that are part of the ongoing revie^oLUjeClub’s future will be
underway. Council has recently agreed a number of exciting ventures which it is envisaged /mi projeSftthG. Club into the
future and help attract a wider membership.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler

The Club’s headquarters

There were a number of useful
contributions from the floor at the AGM in
Newtonmore regarding the ongoing
debate about our headquarters - its
location and raison d’etre. A move from
21 Regent Terrace has not been ruled out
(far from it) and I would like to hear your
views on this and related topics. For
example, is there a site/location/property
out there that would fulfil all the
requirements of accessibility and
functionality? I am also looking for your
help. I would like to set up a register of
members with specific areas of expertise
that would be useful, particularly in terms
of the property options under discussion.

I would welcome your thoughts and/or
offers of help. Write to me at our current
headquarters or e-mail me at the
e-mail address below or at
brian.downingdesign@talk21.com.

The Club’s logo

Keith Brockie's excellent Crested Tit
emblem has successfully publicised the
Club since 1985. Now is an opportune
time for the club to follow recent trends in
many other similar organisations and
adopt a more stylised logo. The new logo
is designed to have as much graphic
impact at both the small and the large
scale and will be used on all our
promotional material from now on.
Retaining the theme of a Crested Tit,
Council has chosen the design opposite
which will, when appropriate, be used in
every aspect of the corporate image of the
Club.

The Club’s name

The debate which followed last year’s
AGM left Council in no doubt that the
majority of club members were reluctant

to drastically change the Club’s name.
However, the decision has been taken to
encourage wider use of the abbreviation
“the SOC” in preference to our full title.
Both the logo and the name will be phased
into all the Club’s publications in due
course.

The Club’s web site

We are all becoming increasingly exposed
to the concept of the World Wide Web (the
Internet) and its uses, whether it be
through the media, schools, work or simply
personal curiosity. Certainly an increasing

number of Club members (and
prospective members) have access to the
Internet and use it as a means to find
information and to communicate. The
advantages of the Club having a presence
on the Internet are many and varied, but
its principal benefit is to advertise the Club
to a world wide audience of computer
users and ultimately draw in new
members. The web site was launched on
1 December and has the address http://
www.the-soc.org.uk. It contains
information about the Club, branches,
local recorders and much, much more. A
weekly summary of bird news provided by
Birdline Scotland (see page 2) would also
be available to members. Each issue of
SB/V will publish the passwords necessary
to gain access to this part of the web site
for the following 3 months (the current
passwords are ‘red’ and ‘kite’). The
intention is to keep our web site exciting
and up to date and worth a regular visit by
both members and non members alike. To
maintain its appeal the web site will have
to evolve continually, and new ideas will
be incorporated in due course. Additional
input and ideas from members are
particularly welcomed. These can be sent

1

or e-mailed to HQ. For example, the web
site is likely to be looked at by visitors
planning to come to Scotland, and this is
a sector not catered for at present (eg local
sites, contacts and advice). There are links
within the site to other environmental
organisations. Why not have a look at the
site, and tell others about it. New members
can actually join via the site! I would take
this opportunity to thank Ian Andrews for
all his work with the web site and the new
logo.

E-mail for HQ

In addition to mail, phone and fax, the
Secretary can now be e-mailed on
mail@the-soc.org.uk. The use of e-mail
is both less expensive and more
immediate. It is envisaged that each of the
branches should have a contact e-mail
address to allow for the distribution of
information and the collection of members
views, particularly with regard to the
current issues under review at Council and
Management Committee. The individual
member with access to e-mail will be able
to play a more active role in such
discussions.

Link with Birdline Scotland

Birdline Scotland will be familiar to many
members as a source of recent Scottish
bird news. As of 1 Decemberl 999, Birdline
Scotland and the SOC will be cooperating
in many matters, particularly the
dissemination of bird information and
advertising. BLS will be providing
summaries for SBA/and our web site, and

it is envisaged that the link will assure a
more comprehensive recording of
Scotland’s birds. Members’ sightings of
less common as well as rare birds are
welcomed for inclusion in the BLS
messages and summaries, but the current
system of sending records to the Local
Recorders should continue unchanged.

Brian Downing
President

2J

■he SOC - Scotland's Irii’d club - Microsoft Internet

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So£B!£hL
. Emdlrne S

EH7 5ei, Scotland
Tel 0131-556 6042
Fa* 0131.658 3347

SOC Publications
SOC Branches
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Bird Recording in Scotland
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Recent bird sightings
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Links to other bird related sites
Alphabetic index to our site

This web site has been designed for use with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and Netscape Navigator 4.5

Any comments relating to the site should be addressed to ian@andrewsi freesetve co uk T j

http://www. the-soc. org. uk

The SOC web site, launched on 1 December, contains information
about the club and its activities under the following headings: about
the SOC, membership, publications, branches, conferences,
library, news, surveys, local recorders, SBRC, the Scottish List,
Birdline Scotland, recent bird sightings, where to birdwafch (still
under construction) and links to other sites. These, and many other
pages are accessible from our home page (see left) or a
comprehensive A-Z index. There is scope for considerable
expansion and any suggestions or offers of articles, photos etc
are welcomed. Please contact: Ian Andrews, 39 Clayknowes
Drive, Musselburgh EH21 6UW or e-mail him at
ian@andrewsi.freeserve.co.uk

iei

My Computet

Waxwing David Gowans

To keep uptodate on the predicted Waxwing invasion, you can
contact Birdline Scotland (see above right)

2

Persecution continues to affect Scotland’s birds

Some of Scotland’s rarest birds are still
being persecuted in Scotland. A report
from RSPB Scotland shows an increase
in the shooting and destruction of birds of
prey, including Golden Eagles, Hen
Harriers, Red Kites and White-tailed
Eagles. A total of 263 reports alleging
offences against wild birds were received
during 1 998. Over half of these concerned
the persecution of birds of prey. Confirmed
poisoning incidents included 4 cases
where Red Kites were illegally killed. The
Hen Harrier is also being heavily
persecuted on some grouse moors and is
scarce or absent from large areas of
suitable breeding habitat.

RSPB accepts that many landowners and
their staff are doing their bit to help
conserve wildlife. Unfortunately, a

Peregrine Ayrshire Bird Report

Poison incidents confirmed by analysis in 1998

Poison

Victim(s)

Bait(s)

Date

Location

A/chloralose

Red Kite

January

Black Isle

Carbofuran

Buzzard

February

Aberfeldy

Carbofuran

Buzzard

February

St Andrews

Carbofuran

Peregrine

February

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Buzzard

Rabbit

February

Tomatin

Carbofuran

5 Rabbits

February

Cabrach

A/chloralose

Red Kite

February

Black Isle

Carbofuran

Buzzard

March

Bonar Bridge

A/chloralose

Red Kite

March

Crieff

Carbofuran

Red Kite

March

Tomatin

Carbofuran

Buzzard

March

Tomatin

Carbofuran

6 Buzzards

March

Tomatin

Carbofuran

6 Foxes

Dog

March

Gorebridge

Carbofuran

Buzzard

April

Comrie

Carbofuran

Hen Harrier

April

Glespin

Carbofuran

Buzzard

2 Rabbits

Wood Pigeon

April

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Hare, Pigeon

April

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Hare

April

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Gt Black-backed

2 Red Grouse

Gull

Pigeon

April

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Buzzard

Carrion Crow

April

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Dog

April

Turnalt

Carbofuran

Red Grouse

Wood Pigeon

May

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Stoat

3 Red Grouse

3 Rabbits

May

Cabrach

Carbofuran

2 Wood Pigeons

May

Cabrach

Carbofuran

Golden Eagle

May

Garrogie

A/chloralose

Peregrine

May

Achentoul

Carbofuran

Red Grouse

May

Achentoul

Carbofuran

Golden Eagle

Hare

June

Turnalt

A/chloralose

Buzzard

September

Sanquhar

A/chloralose

Buzzard

October

Culzean

A/chloralose

3 Buzzards

November

Dunblane

A/chloralose

2 Buzzards

Rabbit

November

Ballindalloch

a/chloralose

Buzzard

November

Ballindalloch

Carbofuran

Buzzard

Grouse

November

Glen Almond

Source: SASA (analysis), Raptor Study Groups, SSPCA, Police, SERAD (then SOAEFD) & RSPB

Raptor persecution and poison-
ing during 1998

significant minority continue to ignore the
law and persecute some of our most
dramatic species. Much of this crime
occurs in upland areas managed for game
shooting. At a time when estates are
looking for public sympathy, all of them
should work with, not against, the public
interest. Conservationists hope the
Scottish Parliament will introduce tougher
penalties to deter wildlife crime. Earlier this
year, in a speech to formally open the new
Osprey Centre at Loch Garten, Deputy
First Minister, Jim Wallace, MSP, backed
calls for custodial sentences for persistent
offenders All wild bird crime incidents
should be reported to local Wildlife Liaison
Officers or to the RSPB.

Recent research by the Scottish Tourist
Board has indicated that 40% of Western
European visitors to Scotland identified
wildlife as something that influenced their
decision to visit. Until 10 years ago Red
Kites were extinct in Scotland and returned
as a result of a reintroduction programme
carried out jointly by Scottish Natural
Heritage and the RSPB. This year, some
30 pairs of kites attempted to breed. There
are only 20 territorial pairs of White-tailed
Eagles in Scotland: 6 pairs were
successful this year, compared with none
in 1998.

In the report, RSPB acknowledge the
contribution of professional and amateur
fieldworkers in the fight against wildlife
crime, as well as those landowners who
allow access to their estates to enable
important wildlife survey work to continue.
The Scottish Raptor Study Groups
continue monitoring schemes which
contribute so much to raptor conservation.

3

Corncrakes may be
exported

English Nature has applied to Scottish
Natural Heritage, its sister body, for a
licence to export 10 Corncrake chicks.

The bold rescue plan for the diminishing
Corncrake population in England, where
only 6 birds remain involves taking birds
from Scotland to a breeder in Germany to
eventually produce 100 chicks for
England. Corncrakes are one of the
country’s most threatened species and are
now confined to some Scottish Islands.
Their demise has been attributed to
intensive farming which has decimated
their traditional nesting sites in fields of
long grass.

Numbers have recently risen again after
a Corncrake friendly farming initiative in
the Hebrides and in Orkney, where
harvesting is delayed.

The value of wild geese

Bird watchers and goose shooters spend
an estimated total of £5.4 million per year
in local economies around the main
Scottish goose sites. In turn, this supports
more than 1 00 full-time equivalent jobs. A
new leaflet from RSPB Scotland and the
British Association of Shooting and
Conservation, Geese and the Local
Economy, summarises a report produced
for the Government’s National Goose
Forum.

On Islay, for example, expenditure by
visitors coming to watch geese is
estimated to add £269,000 - £346,000 to
the local economy each winter. Other
conservation related tourism spending
increases this figure to close to £1 million.
The estimate of damage done by geese
to crops on Islay is £337,000 - £788,000
per year outside Special Sites, within
which Government may offer farmers
compensation. However, the tourism
benefits that geese can bring are often not
received by farmers.

These data show that compensating
farmers for having large numbers of geese
on their land can bring public benefits
although there is a need for better
mechanisms to link the income which
geese can bring with those who carry the
costs.

Lottery money to provide
cowpats

Lottery money is to be used to secure the
future of the Chough after the population
in Scotland fell to a perilously low 132
breeding birds. Choughs have declined
markedly on Islay where in 1982 there
were 61 pairs, compared with 49 today.
Islay represents a stronghold for the bird
because there are thought to be only 66
pairs in Scotland.

A programme on Islay aims to bring the
Chough back from the edge by providing
them with more cow pats. The decline in
the species has been caused by the crisis
in the farming industry in the last decade.
The RSPB was awarded a grant by the
Heritage Lottery Fund to buy a strip of
coastline on the island which is important
for Choughs.

Choughs feed mainly on invertebrates
which they extract from cow pats, and in
the last 12 years the population of
Choughs has plummeted mainly due to
changes in farming practices, which have
meant fewer cows grazing in the area and,
therefore, fewer cow pats.

When Upper Killeyan came on the market
after its previous owner decided to leave
the industry, it became apparent that no
farmers were prepared to bid for the land.
The RSPB moved quickly to acquire the
property which it will stock with beasts from
its farm at Gruinart as well as cattle
belonging to a local farmer, George
Ferguson, who has farmed in the area
since 1991. A spokesman for the RSPB
added ‘Choughs natural home is on cliffs
but they also associated with the roofs of
old buildings. As part of the programme

Steven Brown

3

we will improving access for them to
disused buildings. We will also be looking
at the dune system because as well as
eating insects from cow pats, they like the
short grass which grows on the sand’.

Mike Peacock, the RSPB’s Reserves
Manager on Islay said “The decline has
been worrying but we hope that this new
reserve will help to restore this threatened
bird species to its former numbers”.

Black Grouse

Black Grouse and Heather are included
in the latest and final tranche of UK
Biodiversity Action Plans. Michael
Meacher, the Westminster Environment
Minister, added 41 species and 21 natural
habitats, taking the total numbers to 391
and 45 respectively, to the government’s
action plans for saving the country’s most
endangered species and habitats.

Of particular interest to Scotland is the plan
to restore 3 million hectares of upland
heath and moorland. Heather, is
synonymous with Scotland, but has
suffered greatly in recent decades due to
over grazing, gains by forestry and the
spread of Bracken. This loss has
threatened the survival of a number of
Scotland’s upland wildlife species. The
Black Grouse, Britains fastest declining
bird, is also included in the latest plans.
Numbers of Black Grouse in Britain - the
vast majority of which are found in
Scotland - have declined by 75% in the
last 10 years. Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB
Conservation Director, said ‘This plan
provides clear targets and objectives to
help Black Grouse, but it will fail unless
the governments agriculture departments
address the problems of overgrazing.
There are too many sheep in the uplands’.
Scottish Natural Heritage has expressed
confidence in the plans. However, the
Department of the Environment, Transport
and the Regions said that Mr Meacher had
announced no new money and that the
budgets of English Nature and SNH
already had provision for spending on
biodiversity.

Carrifran Valley

The Peebles based Wildwood Group plan
to buy and to restore Carrifran Valley in
Dumfriesshire to the condition it was in
6000 years ago, and in the last 2 years
have raised £1 million towards the project.

Six thousand years ago Wolves, Boar and
Wild Ox lived in the valley but now only
sheep graze the slopes near Moffat where
the group aims to recreate a woodland.

4

They want to go back to the time at the
start of the Neolithic before man began to
have an impact on the landscape.
Thousands of native trees from the
Carrifran area are now being grown in
nurseries.

Philip Ashmole a retired University lecturer
said ‘what man and his grazing animals
did to this valley and similar areas of
Scotland over the centuries is almost as
bad as what people are doing to the
tropical rain forests now. Our feeling is
that there should be a place in Scotland
where people can bring their children in
100 years time to see what it would have
been like if man had not intervened’.

CSimate threat to
mountains and wildlife

New research predicts alpine plants and
bird species could be lost earlier than first
thought. By 2050 alpine plants will have
begun to die out and birds such as the
Snow Bunting and Ptarmigan will be in
retreat. Scottish Natural Heritage has said
it will have to revise its climate change
model for Scotland because of the new
evidence. The predictions for accelerating
global warming come from a recent study
of the vegetation in Norway’s mountains.
The mountains of Norway are similar to
the Cairngorms and a more accurate
comparison, has uncovered notes on the
distribution of upland plants on Norway’s
mountains compiled 60 years ago when
the average annual temperature was
about 1 °C lower than today. By comparing
them with plants found in the same
locations now, Prof Birks has been able
to provide the most accurate prediction yet
of what is likely to happen in the next 50
to 100 years when temperatures are
expected to rise by the same amount
again. “We have found that the latitudinal
ranges of many plants have migrated
upwards by 200-300 metres in just 60
years. Willow scrub and Heather are
extending upwards as the temperatures
rise, but the alpine plants at the very tops
of mountains have nowhere to go”. The
same situation applies in Scotland.
Species such as Drooping Saxifrage,
Tufted Saxifrage and Crowberry will soon
disappear from Scottish mountains tops,
he predicts.

Des Thompson, the principal uplands
adviser for SNH, said several bird species
already in decline will soon be on the brink
of extinction. In 50 years he predicts
breeding pairs of Ptarmigan will fall from
10,000 to 1,000 and Dotterel from 840
pairs to less than 50.

Raptors and homing
pigeons

At the time of the Scottish Parliament
elections, pigeon enthusiasts were
encouraged to write to prospective MSPs
seeking a change in the law to allow
raptors that kill (or frighten?) homing
pigeons, to be culled. I wrote to most of
the Ayrshire candidates, on behalf of the
Branch, to let them know that we don’t
agree with this view, and that a return to
the persecution of raptors would be very
unpopular. However, local MSP Phil Gallie
has been persuaded by the pigeon lobby
that increases in raptors numbers have
caused the recent declines in populations
of many songbirds. I am trying to convince
him of the fallacy of this argument, but I
don’t know how many other MSPs are
receiving similar pressure from the pigeon
fraternity.

At the moment, the focus of attack seems
to be Sparrowhawks, though any
concession on these would almost
certainly bring Peregrines into the firing
line - probably literally. It is claimed that
some hawks have taken to hanging
around pigeon lofts and attacking, or
scattering, the birds when they are let out.
MSPs are also being told of the results of
the Langholm studies on Hen Harriers and
Red Grouse as evidence of the need to
cull raptors. We are all going to have to
be prepared to speak up on this matter.
Pigeon owners are likely to paint the
picture as black as possible and we have
to try to put things back into perspective.
It is easy but wrong to blame raptor attacks
for every lost bird. It seems to me that the
main arguments are:

• Interference with a few people’s hobby
is not a justification for trying to remove
the top rung of the food chain;

• There must be ways of reducing pi-
geon losses without actually killing raptors;

• Any relaxation of protection of
Sparrowhawks could lead to a general free
for all against other rarer raptors.

Reductions in songbird populations are
mainly the result of the spread of the
human population and changes in
agricultural practice, not the recovery of
raptor populations. Song birds evolved
over long periods of time to coexist with
birds of prey.

This argument is going to rumble on for
some time. We had better be ready for it.

Roger Hissett,
Conservation Officer, Ayr Branch

/ch<

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5

Environmental payments

RSPB figures show that the UK is near
the bottom of the league of national agri-
environmental payments, a figure reached
by dividing total environmental payments
to farmers by the farmed land area, and
Scotland is the lowest in the UK.

Austria, for example, gets 140 euros per
hectare, Finland more than 100 euros,
Ireland, Italy and Germany about 40 euros
and the UK 8 euros. Within the UK, almost
£70 million a year has been allocated to
England, £22 million to Scotland and £16
million to Wales. There is also a ceiling on
individual payments in Scotland. A farm
or croft in the Western Isles meeting all
the necessary agri-environmental scheme
conditions could qualify for a maximum
payment of £7,000 a year; a similar farm
in the Lake District could be worth up to
£34,000.

The RSPB Scottish Director, Stuart
Housden, speaking at a press conference
on Woodhead Farm, Midlothian, to
introduce the RSPB’s booklet The Future
of Livestock Farming in Scotland said ‘The
Scottish Parliament has the chance to
make a difference by giving more farmers
the chance to take part, removing the
ceiling and increasing the payments.

Production based subsidies have
encouraged farmers to drain wetlands and
overgraze moorland, but still farming is in
crisis. Farming and environmental
interests must work together to influence
the system of support for Scottish farming’.
The aim must be to at least get level with
Ireland where 48,000 of the 150,000
farmers benefited from the scheme. In
Scotland, where there have been many
disappointed applicants for the existing
environmentally sensitive area and
premium schemes, the participation rate
is about 6,000 farmers out of an estimated
32,000.

North American waders
in Scotland in autumn
1999, a record influx

Record numbers of North American
waders were seen in Scotland this autumn
with the influx centred around several
fast moving Atlantic depressions in early
September In total between 8 August and
31 October there were at least 65
individuals of 8 species recorded. The
following is a brief summary of this influx.

Semi-palmated Sandpiper Alex Barter

Distribution of North American waders in
autumn 1999. (largest dot = 9, smallest =
1).

The standout record is obviously the
Juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher at
Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire from 11-24
September, which was refound in Teesside
on 29 September. The main event, though,
was the remarkable influx of Semi-
palmated Sandpipers with an adult
reported on Stronsay on 1 2-1 3 August, at
least 12 seen between the 4-23
September and at least 7 on the Outer
Hebrides , 2+ on Islay and 2+ on Tiree
also. A juvenile at Port Logan,
Wigtownshire on the 18-23 September is
the first record for the Scottish mainland .
There had only been 4 accepted records
for Scotland prior to this influx - the first of
which was as recent as 1 992 . There were
also record numbers of Pectoral
Sandpipers and American Golden Plovers
seen with no fewer than 29 of the former
and 10 of the latter reported, somewhat
surprisingly only 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers were reported, on Lewis and
Islay in early September. Also on Islay
there was a juvenile Baird's Sandpiper
from 5-21 September with 3 others seen
on the Outer Hebrides whilst the 3 White-
rumped Sandpiper reports were all from
there. Finally 2 Lesser Yellowlegs were
seen at Tyninghame, Lothian, 26
September -10 October and Birsay,
Orkney 26-27 October.

Angus Murray

6

Recent Reports August
to October : a review of
autumn 1999

The 2 potential British firsts seen in
Scotland in autumn 1999 could not be
more contrasting. One had been expected
for a long time, the other was completely
unexpected; one was seen by an
estimated 1000 people, the other was
seen by one observer on the remotest of
all Scottish islands. The first one is, of
course, the juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher
which graced Rosehearty beach,
Aberdeenshire from 11-24 September.
The second is an Olive-tree Warbler, which
was seen by the warden on St Kilda at the
end of August. Whilst it would seem to be
an unlikely vagrant this east
Mediterranean species is the most
distinctive Hippolais species. The bird on
St Kilda was seen and described well and
there are records from Germany and
Sweden. Time will tell.

The other main rarity, on 9 August, was
Scotland’s first Royal Tern in East Lothian.
Initially seen at Thorntonloch, the bird, an
adult winter, was relocated at Musselburgh
where it was present until dusk, though
not at dawn on the 10 August, much to
the chagrin of many. There were record
numbers of Sandwich Terns, perhaps up
to 5000, in the Musselburgh area at the
time while on the Fife side, between 27
August and 3 September there were 6
days when over a 100 Black Terns were
counted flying west past Kinghorn. With
only small numbers seen elsewhere in
Scotland it is hard to believe that a
passage of birds was taking place, a
sizeable feeding flock seems more likely.
What can be said is that the previous
Scottish record count for the species of
19 was certainly surpassed.

On the whole seawatchers commented on
a poor season though there were good
numbers of Pomarine Skuas, mostly
juveniles, seen in October. The standout
seabird record was the feeding group of
70 Great Shearwaters seen cl 0km north
of Coll on 3 October. Amongst wildfowl a
female Black Duck was at Loch Fleet from
26 October (the first record for
Sutherland), an immature male Harlequin
Duck was on Fair Isle on 15 October (the
second record for the island), up to 1 8 Surf
Scoters seen was a good showing and the
central Scotland Taiga Bean Goose flock
is at its highest ever level with 176 birds
seen in October. Hobbies appear to be
getting commoner in Scotland with 11
reports this autumn. Outwith the Nearctic
invasion it was not a great autumn for the

Isabelline Shrike

scarcer wader species, though c500
Curlew Sandpipers were reported, with a
marked influx from 21 September onwards
with record counts in both Ayrshire and
Argyll. In what has been a fantastic year
in Argyll 2 other potential county firsts were
seen in September on Tiree a White-
winged Black Tern and a Red-rumped
Swallow. Fair Isle also managed to add a
new species to its list this September but
for those staying at the observatory at the
time it was neither a hoped for nor
expected species. The bird was a
Kingfisher fishing the rock pools at the
south lighthouse. Nearby, on North
Ronaldsay during a purple patch in late
September, an Aquatic Warbler on 21-22
September was the first record for Orkney.

Most observers commented on a
comparatively poor August and
September for passerine rarities and
scarcities though in September on
Shetland there was a Pallas’s
Grasshopper Warbler on Foula on the 23rd,
and on Fair Isle a Paddyfield Warbler was
seen on the 22/23rd with 2 different Blyth’s
Reed Warblers present on 26-29
September. Scarcity numbers were
generally down on recent Scottish autumn
totals eg the 80 Barred Warblers and 65
Yellow-browed Warblers reported
throughout the period were the lowest
autumn totals in Scotland since 1 993 and
1995 respectively. One scarcity which did
show up well was Ortolan Bunting with cl 5
seen including 2 mainland records at
Aberdeen and Angus in September. In
contrast to last autumn only 2 Rustic
Buntings and 2 Little Buntings were seen
whilst the fact that a Myrtle Warbler and a
Melodious Warbler managed to find
themselves together in the same
plantation at Grogarry on South Uist on
17 October sums up the magic of
migration. The period of easterly winds
from the 15-25 October resulted in good
numbers of migrants, both common and
rare, and will probably be the part of
autumn 1999 which will linger longest in
most memories.

Frank Golding
The stars amongst the rarities seen in this
period were the 2 Red-flanked Bluetails
at Scatness, Shetland on 16-1 7th and St
Abbs Head on 16-19 October. This was
the start of a purple patch in the Borders
with a Firecrest and 2 Pallas’s Warblers
at St Abbs (13 Pallas’s were seen
throughout Scotland in October) and at
nearby Burnmouth an Isabelline Shrike
was present from 24-31 October. Nine
incredibly fortunate observers looking for
the Shrike here on the 25th “jammed in"
on a Pallid Swift flying up and down the
dean here for an hour in the afternoon
before it was unceremoniously taken by a
Sparrowhawk leaving everyone present
with a sense of incredulity. This amazing
record is the second for Scotland after a
late October Orkney record in 1996,
though this autumn it was one of an
unprecedented influx with at least another
12 reported from the east coast of
England. Other rarities in the 15-25
October period included 3 Lanceolated
Warblers, a Black-throated Thrush and a
Radde’s Warbler all on Shetland, a Dusky
Warbler on Orkney (2 had also been seen
in late September on Orkney and in
Aberdeenshire), and a Lesser Grey Shrike
in Fife. Four rare wheatears were also
seen with a Desert reported on St Kilda
on the 20th, probable female Eastern
Black-eared on Orkney on 1 6lh and 2 male
Pied seen on Orkney and in
Aberdeenshire. Also in this period there
were good numbers of Blackcaps and
eastern race Chiffchaffs seen as well as
an influx of ‘northern’ Bullfinches and
Great-spotted Woodpeckers into the
northern isles with a few Greenland and
Arctic Redpolls also seen. By the end of
October Waxwings had been seen at
several locations.

Angus Murray

In the first week of November highlights
included a Greater Yellowlegs on the Outer
Hebrides, and a male Harlequin Duck and
a Lesser White-fronted Goose in
Aberdeenshire.

7

Branch Newsletters

Several branches produce newsletters for
local distribution, often at branch meetings.
We receive copies at 21 Regent Terrace
and these are placed in te Club Library.
They are also scanned by the Editor for
items to include in SBN. Some extracts
accompany this article.

It is interesting to see how different
branches approach the production of
newsletters. Fife is now on No 72, a 4 page
folded sheet with diary dates, local
sightings, information from the Chairman
and Secretary, accounts of outings and a
scurrilous letters page which we have
reproduced. Ayr publish The Stonechat
and the latest edition runs to 12 pages, it
has regular features such as a diary, and
coverage of local conservation issues, see
page 5, plus other less serious articles.
Highland Bird News , carries the same sort
of regular features as Fife and Ayr, though
in a different format.

We are always happy to see copies of
branch newsletters so please send them
to Sylvia at 21 Regent Terrace. If anyone
who produces a local newsletter would like
to share their tips with members from other
areas we will happily publish the
information.

Editor

Extracts from Fife Branch

North Uist

Thirteen members of Fife Branch set off
for North Uist on 28 May. We were a
motley lot (apart from the 23% of us who
were called Alison!): some of us had even
been to the Uists before, others had not
and were keen, desperate even, to see
the crakin’ critturs. The weather was not
promising as we made our way from Fife
and it was still raining when we assembled
in Uig. The crossing was reasonably
sheltered on the port side of the ferry and
most people saw the commoner seabirds
with a few Manx Shearwaters, Arctic
Skuas, the odd Storm Petrel and Black
Guillemot.

Saturday was drier but not much warmer
as we set out on a circular tour of North
Uist, including a trip over the new
causeway to neighbouring Bernerary its
fascinating ruins and conversions of old
black houses. Most of the day was on
North Uist itself with the RSPB reserve, at
Balranald, the centrepiece. Breeding
waders were everywhere, some other
highlights included a Great Northern Diver

in summer plumage, 3 Barnacle Geese,
Little Tern, Short-eared Owl and Raven.
And Corncrakes? We heard birds calling
in several places, mainly at Balranald, but
it wasn’t until we were returning from a spot
of sea watching there, that one showed
itself. We first heard it calling from a small
field adjoining the RSPB visitor centre and
then AllisterTodd mentioned casually that
he had it in his telescope. A certain
member of the group, anticipating the
fulfilment of a lifelong ambition dived for
the telescope, almost knocking it over in
her excitement, but eventually she and
everyone else had reasonable views of the
bird’s head at least!

The improvement in the weather continued
on Sunday when it became positively hot,
at least out of the wind. Back to Balranald
where, after a brief fly past by a flock of 6
Whimbrels, we were treated to superb
views of 3 Corncrakes. ‘Our’ bird was
calling away when another 2 flew into his
patch: some territorial disputes followed,
during which all 3 could be seen running
along a fence line. Even the most
Corncrake deprived amongst us were
happy! The return crossing was flat calm;
several cetaceans were seen, the
mountains of Skye were superb. All a very
fitting end to successful weekend.

Dear Sir,

Reference the Brigadier’s formal togs plan:
not a bad idea and certainly better than
the proposal a few years ago by Stewart
Nielson to set up a 'Birding in the Buff
chapter of Fife SOC. I understand that a
combination of cold weather, gorse and
stinging nettles left its mark. It is also
rumoured that a certain barbed wire fence
left an impression on some members who
never got over it.

As we approach a new episode in
Scotland’s history it would surely be
appropriate to revert to the kilt for bird
watching and I understand that a formal
approach has been made to the Plaid
Finder Pursuivant, or whoever it is
responsible for approving such things in
the Scottish Parliament, for a Fife
Twitching Tartan which can be worn by any
Fife affiliated birdwatcher. The suggested
design is most pleasing with red, blue and
yellow lines, running with the weft and the
weave, set on a field of green. However,
close inspection shows that the lines are
cleverly composed of tiny motifs strung
together. Red is made up of telescope
tripods erect, blue is made up of Ruddy
Duck bills agape, and yellow is a montage
of SOC committee members aghast.

Yours sincerely,
Edwina Goosefoot-Trefoil
Bo’ ness

Donald Stewart

Ruddy Duck

David Mitchell

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am concerned about the increasing
irreverence in the Fife Branch SOC
Newsletter. I fought for Queen and Country
and expect certain standards to be
maintained in the company I keep and the
organisations to which I subscribe. In an
attempt to prevent this decline, at the
Branch AGM next April I propose putting
forward a motion that all members should
wear tweed jackets and either a kilt or
moleskin trousers except the ladies (God
bless 'em) who should wear the same if
they desire, although a frock in either
sailcloth or gabardine would be a perfectly
acceptable alternative.

I am yours etc.

Brigadier Chris 'Chunky' Marmalade

Glen Auld Farg

Dear Sir,

I wonder if your readers can help. I am
undertaking research into human
interaction within bird watching hides of
Fife for a PhD as an external student of
the University of Auchtermuchty. I am
particularly interested in episodes of what
I call ‘hide rage’. A classic example is
where people in the hide have to shuffle
and jockey for position to see an
interesting bird, but one person at the front
refuses to adjust his position (it’s always
a male) to let others get a good view. I am
told a clash of tripod legs is inevitable and
can lead to exchanges of opinion about
parentage etc.

The exact opposite, where the hide door
is opened in an aggressive manner and
the newcomer fails to be intimidated by

8

the territorial claims of the occupants, can
also lead to confrontation. Other causes
of hide rage are thought to include opening
a window on the wrong side and talking
loudly while approaching the hide and then
continuing the chatter inside. However, the
highest levels of rage are thought to be
induced by the uncommunicative lone
birder who gets up to leave the hide at
midday and then calmly writes in the
logbook that an amazing rarity had been
visible from 0900 to 1145. It is rumoured
that such behaviour has resulted in threats
of punishment beatings by the Provisional
RSPB. Please send details of incidents of
hide rage to me so that we can begin to
get a true picture of birding in Fife.

Yours ever
‘Bluter’ McPhadden
Barlinne

Extracts from Highland Branch

After the AGM (April, 1999)

A day of socialising - and pouring rain -
and on to Arrochar, another brilliant
Forestry Commission site on Loch Long,
with Eiders all around. The 21 st was a day
of continuous heavy rain, stair rods, but
we found a wonderful seafood shop near
Strachan and an Iceland Gull at Inveraray.
Otter Ferry appeared a lovely area, but
best explored in dry weather.

It was still raining the next morning.
Enough was enough and we headed back
east to find Perth dry! Change of plan;
continue North East to the Ythan. A long
drive, but brilliant when we got there.
Loads of waders and the King Eider!
Thousands of Pink-footed Geese and one
Barnacle, but what damage were they
inflicting on the crops?

David Galloway

Birding on the Stoerhead Peninsula

Nothing seemed to be happening apart
from a party of young Shags splashing in
the sea below. Then Gannets began to
arrive. By this time I had been joined by a
very knowledgeable friend who had come
across from the East Coast in the hope of
seeing Minke Whales. We were lucky and
from then on I had the use of his scope.
Yes, a Minke Whale kept surfacing and
blowing. This attracted a huge raft of
Gannets, all hopeful of catching the fish
the whale had scared off.

Betty Mathieson

The Evening Chorus

We drove through town making for Essich
which signifies a ‘water fall’ or ‘rapidly

falling stream’. Just before Allt Morthere
is a lochan, colonised by Black-headed
Gulls. Meadow Pipits, said to be our most
common breeding passerines, were much
in evidences Short-eared Owl was
spotted alighting on a fence. Almost
immediately we were fortunate to hear the
undulating bubble of Black Grouse. We
detected the lek and counted 8 males all
of whom were anxiously eager to out
perform the others in their jostling priapic
tryst in order to impress females.

Donald Mackay

The Weekend to Eigg that wasn’t

The wind was picking up and ripping off
young Oak shoots so that the road was
green. We parked at the lighthouseat
Ardnamurchan Point and hid in the coffee
shop until the worst of the weather passed;
thunder rumbled and hail sped horizontally
passed the window. We braved the
elements and walked to the far side of the
lighthouse, beside the foghorn. The sea
was crashing on to the rocks with spray
flying high in the air. Despite this, we had
a good variety of seabirds. We could see
another shower approaching, so left our
wee bit of shelter and ran back to the cars.
Some members then headed for home,
while others had an enjoyable weekend
albeit not on Eigg.

Extract from Ayr Branch

Definition of Twitcher

Bird droppings on your car windscreen do
not make you unhappy because you have
to clean them off, but because you

recognise them as the work of a Daurian
Jackdaw, and you haven’t got it on your
life list.

Someone yells “Duck!” and you look up
and shout “Where?”.

Your spouse says “It’s either me or the
birds” and you have to think about it.

Your children have not had new shoes in
two years, but you own a Swarovski.

Anon - Ayrshire SOC Member

Landing on Ailsa Craig

Sitting in Jim’s car, on my way to Girvan,
for my fourth attempt at ticking Ailsa Craig,

1 couldn’t help but think back to my
previous attempts.

My first try was probably the most
memorable. I had travelled down to Girvan
full of hope only to be told on the quayside
“We’re not going”. The weather was
against us. What a disappointment.
However, we quickly decided we would go
to the Wood of Cree instead. Driving out
of Girvan, thinking ‘Well, at least it won’t
be a wasted day', my clutch cable
snapped. So instead of Wood of Cree it
was RAC.

My second attempt was not so dramatic.
A phone call the night before to say ‘We’re
not going - the weather is against us!’

My third attempt was an action replay of
the second. Only, this time, not to be
disappointed we went to a very windy Mull
of Galloway for a great day’s birding.

On the quayside, the skipper’s helper took
great delight in telling us of the beautiful
day he had yesterday and how calm it had
been; but he wasn’t sure of today. At last
a decision, we were going, but the landing
was very doubtful. I could hardly believe it
- I was on my way! As we approached
Ailsa Craig, it looked great. We sailed
round the island. It was more than I had
expected, with its rugged rock formation
and its birds. As we approached the
landing jetty we were being tossed about.
No way we were going to land, but we went
round again as a bonus. We approached
the jetty again, the sea had calmed and
the Glorious sailed right in. Could it be
true? Yes, Ronnie had landed. After a great

2 hours on the island it was back to the
high seas. At last we sailed into Girvan,
soaked and cold, but nothing a fish supper
couldn’t sort out. What a day!

Ronnie Coombes

9

Goose catching in Iceland: in the footsteps of Scott

In the early 1950s the Wildfowl Trust under the supervision of Peter Scott began a large scale ringing project on geese. This
involved many large rocket net catches of Greylags and Pinkfeet in Scotland. Scott followed this up in 1951 and 1953 with
visits to Iceland, particularly [jjorsarver in central Iceland, where large numbers of flightless Pink-footed Geese were caught
on their breeding grounds. This project was very successful and resulted in a vast number of ringing recoveries, showing
the movement of the geese between their wintering and breeding grounds. As a result of this, interest in ringing grey geese
waned.

Barnacle Geese in round up pen in south Iceland Bob Swann

Changes

Since the early 1950s things have
changed a lot. Goose populations,
generally, have increased dramatically and
this has resulted in changes in breeding
and wintering distribution. In the mid 1 980s
the WWT started a ringing programme on
Pink-footed Geese, marking them with
metal rings and numbered plastic leg rings
so that they could be read by a telescope
in the field. In 1992 the Highland Ringing
Group in conjunction with the WWT began
catching Greylag Geese at Loch Eye in
easter Ross. These birds were BTO
ringed, given a plastic leg ring or neck
collar and dyed yellow on their tail coverts
in order to gather information about
movements and survival rates. During the
1990s it had become clear that although
Pink-footed Goose populations remained
very high, the Greylag Goose population
had peaked in 1 993 and was now showing
signs of decline.

Licences

Iceland, despite being a small country, is
a very forward thinking one. Hunting has
long been a traditional pastime.
Nowadays, before getting a licence to
hunt, a potential hunter has to attend 2
different 4 hour lectures, one on guns and
the other on bird identification, countryside
laws and conservation issues and then
pass 2 examinations before obtaining the
licence. The licence has to be renewed
each year for a fee and with a list of how
many and of what species were shot
during the year. The money raised from
these licences is used to support research
into quarry species. It was from this source
that Amor Sigfusson, from the Icelandic
Institute of Natural History, obtained
finance for a 5 year ringing project (which
started in 1996) to investigate movements,
survival and breeding performance of
Pink-footed and Greylag Geese in Iceland.
It was hoped that this, in conjunction with
the work being carried out in Britain, would
reveal amongst other things why Greylag
Geese populations were now declining.

Due to my involvement with the Greylag
Goose study in Scotland I was invited to
join the Institute’s team to help them catch
and mark the geese in the summer of
1999. On arrival in Reykjavik I was met
by Amor and Richard Hearn from the
WWT and, with the rest of the team, we
headed to south Iceland after Greylags.
The south of Iceland consists of a very
wide, flat coastal plain. Much of it is
‘sandur’, large areas of sands and gravel
deposited by vast complex glacial rivers,
flowing out from the nearby ice caps. It is
on coastal and riverine marshes adjacent
to these rivers that Greylags nest. Being
flightless and very vulnerable at this time
of year the family parties were massing
together adjacent to coastal lagoons or by
fast flowing channels. In such open flat
country they could easily spot us coming
and quickly make their way onto water and
to safety. After 3 days we had only caught
one gosling and it was too small to ring!
The hay fields in the south were full of

waders: Redshank, Whimbrel,

Oystercatcher, Snipe and Black-tailed
Godwits. Whilst on the Sandurs Ringed
Plovers and Arctic Terns and even Red-
throated Divers nested amongst the Great
Skuas.

Barnacle Geese

About 10 years ago Barnacle Geese had
been reported as summering and possibly
breeding in south Iceland. Arnor had
received information that a small moulting
flock on a moraine dammed lake close to
one of the glaciers. We found the birds,
48 adults and 16 goslings, and managed,
with the use of a farmers home made boat
consisting of bits of aircraft fuselage and
buoys, to coax the geese out of the water
and into a hastily built pen. We caught 52
of them, the first ever catch of this species
in Iceland, and marked them with blue
darvik leg rings with white letters. We now
wait expectantly to see where they are

10

going to turn up in winter. Are they from
the Greenland population and will they be
found on Islay or are the lost Spitsbergen
birds, which will turn up on the Solway?
Keep your eyes peeled this winter!

Birds and blackflies

We decided to move on to north east
Iceland, where Arnor knew it would be
easier to catch the geese. The area around
Eglisstadir is a bit like parts of the north
west Highlands with low rocky ridges
separated by hollows with lakes and
marshes, where the geese grazed. We
could use the ridges to creep up on the
geese before making a mad dash to try
and catch them in hand nets. This
technique worked very well. Many of the
geese, realising they could not escape to
water, hid amongst the low willow scrub
where we could easily find them. In this
way in 3 days we caught 250 Greylags,
106 adults, 144 goslings. All were metal
ringed and fitted with either a neck collar
or a green darvik leg ring with 3 letters on
it. We became celebrities, being filmed and
interviewed for the national news on
Icelandic TV. However, due to the swarms
of blackflies, I preferred to remain
anonymous with my midge net on, rather
than have the glory of national recognition
on TV! The surrounding marshes and
pools were rich in bird life. Whimbrels and
Golden Plovers were calling incessantly.
The pools were occupied by Red-throated
Divers with their chicks, little groups of
spinning Red-necked Phalaropes and the
occasional pair of Slavonian Grebes. Over
head the alarm calls of a pair of Arctic
Skuas alerted us to a passing Gyr Falcon.
Time was getting short so we headed back
to Reykjavik along the northern route.
Passing through spectacular scenery;
large wide straths, flat barren plateaux,
lava flows adjacent to hot springs and
boiling mud pots we reached the fabled
Lake Myvatn. Myvatn is a very large low
lying lake with numerous islands
surrounded by farmland and, in the north,
large lava flows and volcanic cones. It is
full of duck and from the roads you can
get spectacular views of Scaup, Long-
tailed Duck and Common Scoters, along
with Icelandic specialities like Great
Northern Diver and Barrow’s Goldeneye.
Whilst on the lakes main outflow, the River
Laxa, we had superb views of female
Harlequin Ducks, the males having
already departed to their coastal moulting
grounds.

Catching Pinkfeet

We had a day in Reykjavik to recover
before the next phase of our trip - to
rijorsarver. We were to be the first group

allowed into this fabled green oasis to
catch Pinkfeet since Scott’s expeditions in
the early 1950s. Even the Icelanders on
the trip were excited by the prospect as
being a difficult area to get to only a few of
them had ever visited it. The area is only
accessible along tortuous 4x4 vehicle
tracks along which we had to negotiate
deep gullies, fast flowing glacial rivers, old
lava fields and melting snow patches. To
make matters worse low cloud in places
hindered our progress as we tried to spot
the wooden posts marking the track. It took
us over 5 hours but we eventually made it
to our bothy base. The next morning we
woke up to a hot, sunny glorious day and
made our first tentative steps into
Fljbrsarver. The whole area lies below the
Hofsjokull icecap. It is composed of low
lying pools and marshes heavily vegetated
but interspersed between low gravel
ridges and glacial river channels. The
whole area is surrounded by a great barren
lava desert, hence the term oasis that
Scott used for it. We did an initial recce
and managed to catch 35 Pinkfeet and
headed back to make plans. Scott had
found that if you can surround a marsh
the grazing geese, on being disturbed, will
head for the highest point such as a gravel
hill where they gather in flocks to see what
is going on. Over the next 3 days we tried
this technique. It proved very successful
with catches of 211, 302 and 484 birds.
Overall we ringed 524 goslings and 486
adults and also caught 2 birds that had
been ringed at Loch Leven. It was,
however, hard work. There is a strict policy
in Iceland of not driving off track so we
had to go by foot everywhere in
rijorsarver. This meant long walks, often
through bogs or up to our waists in very
fast flowing and at times exceptionally cold
glacial rivers. However the weather
remained superb and at the end of it there
was always a flock of geese waiting for us

on the hill top. Snow Buntings, Golden
Plovers, Dunlin and Purple Sandpipers
kept us company whilst the surrounding
scenery of mountain, glacier and river was
quite superb.

Scott had ringed just over 1000 birds at
rijorsarver in 3 weeks in 1951, but used
Icelandic ponies to help surround the
geese. We also did over 1000 in 4 days,
but on foot, so we were delighted with our
efforts. We caught on 3 of the hills that
Scott had caught on. Unfortunately due to
lack of time, and rings, we did not go to
the areas further east where Scott’s 1 953
expedition had even larger catches.

Success

The 1999 Icelandic Institute of Natural
History goose ringing expedition was the
most successful so far of the series,
marking over 1 300 geese. This means that
this year in Scotland a high percentage of
geese will carry either a plastic leg ring or
neck collar. These can be read, with a
telescope, from the bottom up and should
be reported to me or WWT, see notes at
back of this newsletter. Iceland is a
fantastic country, with superb and varied
scenery and rich and abundant bird life.

There is also a strong environmental
movement. Once again some of the main
breeding and particularly moulting grounds
of the geese are under threat from
proposed hydro power schemes. These
plans are being opposed. It is the hard
facts that are generated from expeditions
like this and from the data collected by long
term goose counters and ring readers that
will form the backbone to the objections
to these proposals. Please help us by
checking any flocks you see for marked
birds.

Bob Swann

11

Wildfowl legislation - an historical review

The laws relating to the pursuit of wild mammals and birds in Britain date back to at least 1124. Initially these were largely to
protect the hunting aspirations, including falconry, of the landed gentry and persisted largely unaltered up to the Victorian
era of 1819-1901. Such early legislation only represented a small and restricted list of species considered as ‘game’, and
there was little or no heed given to the conservation requirements of other species .

Teal David Mitchell

In Scotland it was not until James II
decreed, in 1457, ‘No one to destroy the
nests of “ pertriks , pluvars, wilde duks" or
other wild fowl fit for food, or to kill the birds
in moulting time’ that any consideration
was given to the protection of species
other than game.

Some of these early laws remain extant,
though the penalties incurred for breaking
them, which included the death penalty,
amputation, imprisonment, transportation
or being confined to the local stocks, have
unfortunately been rescinded!

Queen Anne, in 1707, decreed that: ‘any
common fowlers found in any place with
guns or nets , without permission shall be
sent abroad as recruits’

Legislation

The first legislation to govern the
exploitation of all birds throughout Britain
was the Wild Birds Protection Act of 1 880.
For the first time this provided a measure
of protection to many species not
specifically designated as game, at least
in the provision of a close season. On a
national basis this close season was
decreed as covering the period between
2 March to 31 July. In a following
amendment to the Act in 1886, the then
regional administrations, the County
Councils, were given added powers to
either lengthen or shorten the season. In
addition they had the authority to declare
local bye laws without recourse to any
Secretary of State to give any particular
species regional protection

In effect this also put an onus on the local
hunters, if they were to remain within the
law they had to be aware of the different
circumstances pertaining to the shooting
dates and the species that were legal
quarry. This was particularly difficult on
the Solway estuary, where not only did
county boundaries meet but national ones
too.

Other additions and amendments to the
1 880-1886 Act were made during the early
part of the 20th century. In general the
coastal wildfowler could either shoot or net
all species of ducks, geese or waders, with

the exception of the Shelduck, during the
period 1 August to 1 March provided they
were not protected by a local bylaw. Thus,
although ducks and waders were
protected by a designated close season,
wild geese were not; they could be shot
or netted at any time of year, provided that
the land owner’s permission was received.

In an attempt to clarify the situation a new
Act was introduced - The Wild Birds
(Ducks and Geese) Protection Act, 1939.
This laid down a new hunting season from ~
12 August to 31 January, with powers for
County Councils to extend the period to
20 February in coastal areas. No attempt
was made to limit the quarry list, thus it
remained legal to kill any duck or goose,
however rare, provided it was in season
and not the subject of any local bylaw.

There then followed the enactment of the
Protection of Birds Act, 1954, which it
contained several significant changes. The
shooting season was altered once more
to the period 1 September to 31 January,
extended to the 20 February, below the
high tide mark. In addition, and for the
first time, the new Act decreed both a
national list of quarry species and local
variations were no longer permitted. This
Act also made provision for the
establishment of sanctuaries and for
controlling the methods used to kill or take
birds. By this action all reasonable local
confusion was removed and flight netting

was legally ended. In addition, it
introduced the concept of licences to
permit individuals to carry out activities
otherwise prohibited by law. Further, it
made provision for special protection of
quarry species, mainly wildfowl and
waders, during periods of severe weather.

In 1967, an amendment to this 1954 Act,
prohibited the sale of dead wild geese.
This was the result of sustained political
lobbying by wildfowlers themselves,
especially those based in central Scotland,
alarmed at the huge bags being killed by
commercial gunners in Perthshire, Fife
and Angus. At times a few so called
‘guides’ were allowing the use of rifles fitted
with telescopic sights and sound
moderators pers obs. In the main, the
huge, unacceptable kills were made by
local market hunters.

In 1981, completely new legislation was
enacted following the UK’s entry into the
European Economic Community in 1972.
During the mid 1970s protracted
negotiations took place within the
Community in an attempt to rationalise the
laws relating to the protection of European
wildlife. Within the UK this resulted in the
Wildfowl and Countryside Act, 1981. For
the wildfowler, this meant the removal from
the quarry list of the Curlew and the
Redshank and a reduction in the quarry
list, to include only 4 goose species (3 in
Scotland), 9 duck species and the wader
list reduced to a total of 3.

12

Although wildfowlers contested the loss of
the Curlew and Redshank, the British
breeding population of both had declined
dramatically and has continued to do so
despite full protection. However, in a quite
remarkable and unfair contradiction,
certainly to the sporting coastal gunner,
another wader species, the Golden Plover,
which similarly was and still is in decline,
was retained. This was due largely to the
influence of a few totally irresponsible but
influential Peers, who considered the bird
a delicacy and essential to be shot at
during “boring lulls in grouse shooting". In
a sport where participants have long been
more representative of local working
people and thus in the lower income
brackets, this was inexcusable.
Wildfowling often provided the only entre
to the whole sphere of sporting shooting,
that would otherwise be denied to them.

Thus in the century between the initial Wild
Birds Protection Act 1 880 and the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1 981 the list of quarry
species available to the hunter has been
reduced from over 200 species to the
present 35, this total including species
designated as either game or the so called
pests.

Pest species

Within the period one bird has been added
to the pest list, the Collared Dove. First
recorded breeding in Lincolnshire in 1955,
and in Scotland by 1 957, it had by the mid
1960s, bred as far north as Shetland and
as far west as the Outer Hebrides It was
transferred from the specially protected to
the pest category in 1967, only a decade
following its first breeding in Britain.

The 1981 Act further reduced the list of
pest species which may be killed by
authorized persons, ie landowner or
occupier or person with the landowners
permission, at all times removing from it
the Cormorant, Goosander, Red-breasted
Merganser, Rock Dove and Stock Dove
and replacing orders relating to Raven and
Barnacle Goose in specified areas. Thus
all the strictly marine ducks, like the
scoters, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup and
Eider were fully protected as were all but
3 waders and 4 geese (3 in Scotland). As
in the previous Act, provision has been
retained for the issue of licences to allow
otherwise prohibited actions to be taken
for specified purposes. Licences for killing
birds in order to prevent damage to crops
or fisheries may be issued by the Scottish
Office, Agriculture, Environment and
Fisheries Department (SOAEFD) and, in
England, by the, Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food.

Birds most likely to be involved in licence
procedures are geese, Cormorants, the
saw billed ducks and the Grey Heron. The
latter can be readily discouraged from
taking fish by much less draconian
measures and scientific proof is not
conclusive, regarding the effects of the
other fish eating birds. Not withstanding,
in the 14 month period up to December
1983, 347 Goosanders and 523 Red-
breasted Mergansers, were reported to
have been killed in Scotland under licence.

Licences to take birds by netting for
scientific research, ie to catch and release
during ringing studies, are required from
the Department of the Environment and
the British Trust for Ornithology. The list
of wildfowl and waders that may now be
legally hunted in Britain, outwith the close
season, are: Mallard, Teal, Pintail,
Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Wigeon,
Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose,
Pink-footed Goose, European White-
fronted Goose, (England and Wales only)
Canada Goose, Golden Plover, Common
Snipe and Woodcock.

SOC Photographic Competition winner
Snipe Dennis Johnson

Enforcement

Since the law makes it an offence to harm
these species enforcement is in the hands
of the police and the procurator fiscal in
Scotland. Where there are reasonable
grounds for suspecting that an offence has
taken place, the police have wide powers
to stop, search and arrest people to enter
land to seize evidence and to enter
premises. If anyone observes anything
suspicious, for example a protected bird
that appears to have been shot poisoned
or being netted, one should inform the

police as soon as possible. Very
substantial fines can be imposed on
anyone found guilty of these offences and
in some circumstances offenders may
receive a custodial sentence.

Wildfowling

In conclusion I feel sympathy is due to the
coastal wildfowlers. Over the years they
have lost out due to the revisions of the
various Acts. There is little evidence to
support claims that organised and
controlled coastal wildfowling is at all
responsible for the very obvious decline
in British breeding ducks and waders nor
in the declining numbers of immigrant
quarry species. Punt gunning is frequently
cited as particularly destructive of wildfowl
populations, but only 5 professional
hunters were alive prior to 1940, the few
amateur or part time fowlers that did or
currently participate do not kill significant
numbers (Allison, Blackett & Young, The
Scottish Sporting Gazette No 18 1998).

Quite rightly, conservationists and wild
fowlers are now very concerned about the
decline in numbers of some resident and
immigrant ducks and waders, and one can
only hope that it will only be a matter of
time before pressure is mounted, to seek
added protection for Teal, Pintail, Gadwall,
Golden Plover, Common Snipe and
Woodcock.

There is little doubt that the massive
decreases noted in populations of ducks
and waders is a direct result of diminishing
habitat, together with a pronounced
reduction in land and water quality.
Unfortunately the drive towards increased
and cheaper food production, which this
country undoubtedly enjoys, has led
agriculturalist to over exploit the
environment. Grant aided hill and lowland
drainage schemes as well as reducing
habitat, have impacted on invertebrate
populations important to both young and
adult birds as a food source. In addition,
insecticides and pesticides associated
with extensive arable farming have
compromised many once diverse
ecosystems. Intensive cereal and grass
production have contributed to the
numbers of some species of wintering
geese reaching localised pest proportions
though indigenous game species,
especially the Grey Partridge have
crashed.

Ironically recognised pests such as
Rabbits, crows, gulls and Wood Pigeons
also continue to increase.

John Young

13

The BTO in Scotland

BTO members in Scotland have been
advised of the BTO’s new Scottish
development and have been asked to help
in finding a suitable candidate for the
position of head of BTO in Scotland. This
challenging opportunity for a person with
outstanding drive and the ability to make
a major contribution to the development
of Scottish ornithology and conservation
was advertised in October 1999.

The BTO in Scotland will be established
in the form of an office in Edinburgh, in
the early months of 2000, in the premises
of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, initially
staffed by a full time head and a part time
secretary.

The aims of the BTO in Scotland initiative
are to, ensure that the work of BTO in
Scotland is focused on Scottish priorities;
increase the coverage of current
ornithological surveys in Scotland;
Increase the quantity of ornithological
survey and research work in Scotland;
organise the 2001 Peregrine Survey and
increase the support for the long term work
of the BTO in Scotland.

Initial funding for the initiative has been
provided by BTO, Scottish Natural
Heritage and by the Esmee Fairbairn
Charitable Trust. The BTO will also seek
support from Scottish charitable trusts and
businesses to maintain the momentum of
the initiative. It is anticipated that within
3-5 years, BTO in Scotland will have
scientific, survey organisation and
membership development capacity
requiring at least 4 staff.

Jeremy Greenwood

drainage of wet meadows goes on apace.
What has been the effect of these and
many other changes upon our wildlife?

Chris Rollie, always so enthusiastic, will
set the scene. The story of a new breeding
bird to the region will follow. Hear how the
entire Svalbard Goose population, once
down to less than 1,000, now numbers
well over 20,000. Is the region still one of
the UK’s strongholds for the Barn Owl?
The worrying loss of so many farmland
birds elsewhere will be compared with the
way the WWT and the RSPB are running
their farms for the benefit of wildlife. Has
conifer afforestation given us more gains
than losses of bird species? Ian Newton
will round off the conference on one of the
longest running UK studies of a bird of
prey.

We hope to see you all at the Barony
College, Parkgate, Dumfries on Saturday
11 March 2000.

Joan Howie

Further west the coast at Carsethorn and
Southerness are amongst the best places
to see really large flocks of wintering
waders. Over 15 species occur, including
nationally important numbers of
Oystercatchers. A small flock of Purple
Sandpipers haunts the rocks off
Southerness lighthouse. Large rafts of
Scaup are usually on the sea off
Carsethorn. No one should go home
without a visit to the RSPB Mersehead
Reserve that has at least 10 species of
wintering duck, finch flocks, waders and
thousands of geese. Dumfries and
Galloway is a marvellous area for
predators, with Caerlaverock and
Mersehead usually producing hunting Hen
Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawks,
Buzzards, Kestrels and Barn Owls. To see
our flock of Greenland White-fronted
Geese head up the west side of Loch Ken.
We hope some of our visitors will be able
to combine an enjoyable conference with
some exciting birdwatching.

Joan Howie

SOC/BTO birdwatchers’
conference

It is rather fitting that 10 years after the
Dumfries Branch last hosted this
conference it is returning to South West
Scotland. This time, the region’s 3
branches, West Galloway, Stewartry and
Dumfries, are the joint hosts with the
theme “Changes in Bird Populations”.

The region consists of the 3 counties of
Wigtownshire, the Stewartry of
Kirkcudbright and Dumfriesshire, and has
the doubtful honour of having had the
highest percentage of changes in land use
in Scotland since the 1 940s. Over 25% of
the region is now under trees, of which
93% are coniferous, and seas of sterile
silage fields multiply annually whilst

March birdwatching in
Dumfries and Galloway

Why come to the South West just to attend
a conference? Why not come for the
weekend or, better still, even longer? This
is undoubtedly one of the best times of
the year for birdwatching in this area.
Although there will not be any organised
excursions, several local birdwatchers
should be on hand at some sites to show
conference delegates around.

You cannot possibly come down to this
region without visiting the WWT
Caerlaverock Reserve where you will see
large numbers of wintering duck and
geese. Including possibly as many as
20,000 Barnacle Geese. A Barn Owl
hunting in daylight could be a highlight.

Never mind the quality

The launch of the first Scottish branch of
the Swedish furniture giants, IKEA, near
Edinburgh recently included some
regrettable stereotypes of life in Scotland
on the part of their advertisers who were
roundly criticised for denigrating Harris
Tweed as old fashioned and
uncomfortable. They seem to be even
more ill informed on the wildlife front. A
radio advert based on the ‘sounds of
Scotland’ included the ‘shrill cry of the
Golden Eagle’, which will surprise all those
who know how silent these birds usually
are. It seems the advertisers like many
tourists can’t tell the difference between
Golden Eagles and Buzzards.

14

It’s October, so it must be Cyprus

On the morning of Saturday 9 October
another one of Tony Scott’s SOC trips set
off for Cyprus, with myself as bird leader.
Arriving late in the evening at Paphos, we
were met by our Cypriot hosts, Ali and
Kathleen Agathocleous, before being
driven to the C&A apartments in Polis (No,
not that C&A!nor does Polis mean in
Cyrpus what it does in Glasgow!).

Next morning was spent scouring the
bushes and fields between the apartments
and the beach and, with some thundery
weather in the offing, a big flock of 200
Alpine Swifts came through along with the
first Eleonora’s Falcon. In the afternoon
we had good views of a juvenile White-
winged Black Tern and some of the party
saw their first Cyprus Warbler.

Early morning on the 11lh was spent locally
looking for migrants. The afternoon drive
to Aphrodite’s Bath was punctuated by a
fairly rapid stop en route to see 4 Great
White Egrets and a large flock of 200
Garganeys disturbed by a passing boat.
A sunny evening stroll on the seaward side
of Polis gave good views of Hobby and
Black Francolin for a few of the party.

Another early outing on the following
morning provided Black Francolin for ‘all’
(sighs of relief!) along with close
encounters with Fan-tailed Warblers.
During the early afternoon, Ali took us to
a spot near Ineia to look for raptors but
we had to make do with a Common Crane
instead. However, more soon followed,
with a splendid male Finsch’s Wheatear,
a juvenile Montagu’s Harrier, and excellent
views of Tawny Pipits. Two adult Bonelli’s
Eagles above the Avgas Gorge put in a
spectacular display for us later on. An

exploration of this gorge produced the
peculiar sounds of both Little Owl and Fruit
Bat! before more people in the group
caught up with Cyprus Warbler.

The morning of the 13th found us at our
second location, in Paphos, and the early
part of the day was spent looking for and
finding up to 3 Greater Sand Plovers near
the lighthouse. An afternoon trip to
Asprokremnos Dam gave great views of
a male Bluethroat, followed by a stunning
Little Owl and another White-winged Black
Tern, 2 Eleonora’s Falcons and our first
Blue Rock Thrush.

Perhaps the best day of the trip was the
14th when those of us still struggling to
catch up with Cyprus Warbler were
rewarded by views of a male at Aphrodite's
Birthplace. Phassouri marshes, dry though
they were, still held 3 Montagu’s Harriers,
almost within touching distance, 3 Marsh
Harriers, a beautiful Roller, even more
Hobbies and a young Lesser Grey Shrike.
Kensington Cliffs were visited on the way
back, and what an end to the day! Although
we only saw one roosting Griffon Vulture,
the sky was full of adult and juvenile
Eleonora’s Falcons putting on
breathtaking aerial displays.

Our last day was undertaken at a leisurely
pace with a trip into the mountains. Cyprus
Coal Tit put on a good show for us, along
with a few Serins and a Montpelier Snake,
at a respectable distance. Cypriots know
how to eat and drink well and lunch filled
most of the rest of the day, with a huge
meal at Alona followed, by those still able
to walk with strange high altitude species
like Robin and Wren!

Our departure on the morning of the 16th
was made more bearable by our second
Roller at the entrance to the airport.
Arriving back at Manchester at 1 5.30, the
weather was still pleasant but the sounds
of approaching winter could be heard in
the night skies above Carlisle as several
Redwings called overhead.

Angus Hogg

Offshore bird bonanza

A reward for regular watching, both on and
offshore, is that from time to time you get
a run of birds out of the ordinary. This is
well illustrated by Lenny Simpson. ‘As is
usually the case with the rarer birds, an
east or south easterly wind was blowing
when many of the following species were
found. The story starts on 7 May on the
‘Maersk Curlew’ platform when a female
Red-footed Falcon was on the helideck
and, as I approached, I noticed a Merlin
and a Kestrel nearby. The next day, a male
Kestrel joined these 3! Also on the 8th, I
saw a Hoopoe from the TV lounge and on
going down to get a better view, found 2
Shore Larks. July can be a quiet month,
but on the 21st I found an adult Sabine’s
Gull and a Little Tern. Southerly winds on
the 6,h September produced a Goshawk
and Lesser Whitethroat. South easterlies
again on the 15th September brought a
possible Black-eared Wheatear, which
was taken by a Sparrowhawk as I
watched! The highlight came on the 16th
when a Red-throated Pipit walked towards
me and hopped onto my hand!
Unfortunately it died later, and the corpse
is now at Culterty’.

Lesser Whitethroat Ayrshire Bird Report

Whilst Lenny has submitted descriptions
for all the above if accepted, the Red-
footed Falcon, Black-eared Wheatear and
Red-throated Pipit will constitute 3 new
offshore records.

Extracted from The Fulmar

The ‘Maersk Curlew’ platform lies 225km
due east of Montrose. Eds

15

REVIEWS

Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol
5 Barn Owls to Hummingbirds by Josep
del Hoyoetal. Lynx Edicions 1999. 759pp.
ISBN 84-87334-25-3 £110

This is arguably the most important of all
the volumes to be published, as it contains
the impressive hummingbird family, with
328 species, the second largest family in
the avian world. Surprisingly, no in depth
monograph had been published of this
important family. For the first time the
complete range of this family in all their
eloquent and gaudy plumes are depicted
in clear pictorial forms that are an aid to
identification.

Within the same volume, we also have the
popular owls, the mystical nightjars and
the elusive swifts. Taxonomic
advancements in knowledge of the small
South American owls in recent years
created more confusion than clarification,
but this complicated group is clearly laid
out in this work. As in previous volumes
the standard of photography is of the
highest level.

It is difficult to find fault with this as with
the other volumes. Perhaps though more
recognition could have been given to the
south-east Brazilian race of Glittering-
throated Emerald Polyerata fimbriata
tephrocephala which although similar in
plumage to the nominate form is markedly
larger, to the point of appearing a different
species. This is mentioned in the text but
could have been emphasised pictorially.

If you birdwatch globally, this set is a must.

Bruce Forrester

Dictionary of Bird Artists of the World

by Christine E Jackson , 1999. Antique
Collectors' Club. 550 pp. £45 hardback.
ISBN 1-85149-203-8

This monumental volume is the sixth major
title from an acknowledged expert in bird
art. With over 4000 entries for artists world-
wide, excluding contemporary artists, it
appears to be very comprehensive. The
author provides dates and bibliography.
Some 200 paintings and illustrations are
reproduced in colour and black and white
prints. An appendix provides a survey of
each country’s major bird artists as well
as a list of artists for each nation. This is
an absolute mine of information for serious
students of bird art and an invaluable
source reference for the collectors.

David Clugston

Uova e nidi degli uccelli d’ Italia by A I do

Pazzuconi. Published by Calderini,
Bologna, Italy, 1997. 655pp. ISBN 88-
8219-014-5. Hardback It.L 85,000

Although written in Italian, clear headings
and terminology make it easy to follow.
Each of the 256 species covered is given
a 2 page spread, detailing distribution,
habitat, nest placement, nest, eggs,
breeding period, clutch size and
incubation. A table provides biometrical
data on shell length and breath, fresh
weight and eggshell weight; additionally,
means and standard deviations are
provided. The species descriptions also
include good photographs of the eggs or
nest in situ. There is also a comprehensive
bibliography and indices to scientific,
Italian, German, English and French
names. The 95 egg plates are outstanding.

This book calls to mind Wolfgang
Makatsch’s Die Eier der Vogel Europas
(1974-76), for long a standard reference
work for European birds eggs. In
comparison with Uova e nidi, the former
now seems very dated and I believe that
Aldo Pazzuconi has shown the way ahead
for literature on this rather neglected area
of ornithology. This is a beautifully
produced book and I would recommend it
to anyone with an interest in the subject.

Bob McGowan

Heron David Mitchell

Herons and Egrets of the World - A
Photographic Journey by James
Hancock 208pp. Academic Press 1999.
Paperback £24.95. ISBN 0-12-322725-9

In this book, the only complete review of
the world’s herons currently in print, James
Hancock distils his knowledge into a
concise review of all 47 species and
recognised sub species. The text
comprises a thumbnail sketch and
descriptions of the appearance,
distribution conservation status, feeding
and breeding ecology of each species.
Over 150 wonderful colour photographs,
most by the author, show all the
recognisable forms of each species,
illustrating the variety and beauty of these
birds. This book contains brief notes, a few
excellent photographs and a small scale
distribution map of each species.

John Law

In Search of Ross’s Gull by Michael
Densley 1999. Peregrine Books, 268 pp.
£34.95 hardback. ISBN 09-520268-6-4.

Few birds excite birdwatchers more than
Ross’s Gull; whenever and wherever they
appear they are eagerly watched. The
author has had a life long passion for this
enigmatic species and the fruits of his
research and travels are documented in
this well laid out volume.

The book is packed with detail, not only
on the biology, seasonal distribution and
movements of the bird but with a wealth
of data on the many other species in
Alaska and Siberia. It is well illustrated with
80 colour photographs and several maps.
An extensive bibliography and index
completes the book.

1 warmly recommend this book to the
collectors of bird monographs, gull
enthusiasts and interested naturalists.

David Clugston

The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula

by David R Wells. Volume 1: Non
Passerines. Academic Press. 1999. 648
pages. ISBN 0-12-7-742961-1 Hardback
£65.00

This mighty tome represents the first of a

2 volume set covering the birds of southern
Thailand, peninsular Malaysia and
associated island archipelagos. In all
some 385 of the 680 species are dealt
with. It follows the usual format with a very
good introductory chapter describing the
review area, habitat categories and
species assemblages. The species
accounts are well laid out and include
distribution range maps. For many species
much still remains to be discovered. A
centre section contains the 69 full colour
plates by 8 different artists. To my eye they
are variable in quality and more
reminiscent of the old handbook style.

This is a scholarly work and a great
advance on anything so far produced for
this important area. The book is an
invaluable reference and should be an
essential addition to any serious
ornithological library.

David Clugston

Where to watch birds in Mexico by

Steve N G Howell. 1 999. Christopher Helm
(A&C Black), London. 365 pp. Paperback
£19.99 ISBN 0-7136-5087-7

This further addition to the Helm series of
birdwatching in different countries provides

16

an excellent and detailed guide to birding
in Mexico. After a valuable introduction on
when, where and how to visit Mexico, the
guide divides the country into 14 areas,
each with a characteristic climate and
avifauna. Within each area, up to 1 2 sites
are described, most with a full list of the
birds to be expected and many with maps
showing where the specialities might be
found. The lists are mouth-watering and
these make a visit to Mexico a ‘must’ on
my wish list of places to go bird-watching.

Ray Murray

Island Eagles - 20 years observing
Golden Eagles on the Isle of Skye by

Ken Crane and Kate Nellist. 142pp
Cartwheeling Press. Paperback £10.00
ISBN 0-9536033-0.

This is one of those rare books written by
enthusiasts and absolutely full of personal
observations collected in the field. No
matter how bad the weather, they would
be out in the mountains watching their
favourite birds. To know 11 eagles of at

least 20 years of age is quite amazing. To
have personally observed 26 successful
hunts by eagles is a sure sign of dedicated
fieldwork.

This book is a tribute to their long hours in
the field and to their love and concern for
Golden Eagles.

Sylvia Laing

Rare Birds of the Netherlands by Arno ud
B van den Berg and Cecilia A W Bosnian
Pica press, 1999. 397pp. ISBN 90-74345-
13-1. Hardback £30

This book impresses immediately on
opening and first thoughts are quickly
confirmed by the clarity of presentation
and comprehensive cover of the 468
species recorded over 2 centuries in the
Netherlands. Though the book obviously
concentrates on the rarer birds, all species
are included, with brief notes and seasonal
bar charts for those considered as regular
or common.

Keith Macgregor

I was interested to read in SBN September
1999 of the new Collins Bird Guide by
Mullarney et at. Your reviewer may not
have noticed an error in the index of this
book, in that there is no entry for Tern,
with all species of Tern and Teal mixed
together under the heading Teal. I have
written to Harper Collins, the publishers
of the books, and await their comments.

R B Napier

The Fulmar Web site

The Fulmar \s the bulletin of the North Sea
Bird Club and has its own web site at http:/
/www.abdn.ac.uk/nsbc/. The office of the

Secretary, Mark Thomson, is at 67 - 72,
Regent Quay, Aberdeen.

The Game Conservancy Trust Web
site

The Trust has recently relaunched its web
site. You can visit the site at http://
www.game-conservancy.org.uk/

ISLE OF TIREE- HYNISH CENTRE

Discover the fascinating island of Tiree!

Corncrakes, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Orchids, Otters, Seals.

Dramatic coastal scenery, gentle walks.

Local history talks & archive. Pony trekking. Cycling, Golf (9 holes). Ceilidh evenings.

Twin or bunk rooms for groups of up to 32.

In house catering. Self drive minibus available. Large communal rooms and hall.
Sailings from Oban (call 0990 650000) - Flights from Glasgow (call 0345 222111)

The Hynish Centre lies within some areas with unique natural history. Otters frequent the adjacent rocky coastlines
and freshwaters. In May and June, the rasping call of the Corncrake, one of Europe’s rarest birds, can be heard from
the open windows of the Centre. Throughout the summer the surrounding pastures are rich in orchids. The Common
Spotted Orchid is ubiquitous but, for the specialist, there are Early Purple, Pyramidal, Lesser Butterfly and Frog
Orchids to be hunted down through the summer. Buzzards raise their young from an eyrie on the overlooking hill and
Peregrine Falcons feed their young on Rock Doves that roost in the deep caves of Ceann a’ Mhara. These cliffs are
also home for hundreds of seabirds such as Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes. Nearby, in the late summer, Grayling
Butterflies are found in sheltered glades sunning themselves on the warm rocks. However, perhaps one of the most
spectacular scenes is the flowering of the machair (rich seaside grasslands) in May and June when the pasture turns
brilliant yellow with a continuous carpet of Buttercups and when the Ragged Robin blooms in the marshes.The resource
offered by Hynish is unique, an opportunity to exploit the fascinating environment of Tiree for fieldwork. The new
annex, Morton Boyd House, is now available. It provides a modern hall/ workshop/ conference area fully heated with
electricity, workbenches and a separate shower/ toilet block. An additional level of superior accommodation is provided,
which can be used by group leaders (2 twin rooms). Also disabled bathroom facilities/ ground floor rooms have been
added and the possibility of a package of mixed self-catering and catered accommodation gives maximum price
flexibility. Named after the eminent Hebridean ecologist, Morton Boyd House is a comfortably fitted converted smithy
opening onto a small sandy beach in an area of remarkable natural heritage and beauty. There is a modern, fully
equipped kitchen. An old forge forms the centrepiece to a comfortably fitted living room with TV, video and stereo. The
Hebridean Trust (reg. Charity No. 285629), designed and manages the property with both the active and less able in
mind.

ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS 01879 220726 ADMIN 01865 311468

17

LETTERS

St John’s Town of Dairy
Kirkcudbrightshire

With the prospect of the SOC moving from
its home for the past 40 years in 2 1 Regent
Terrace we have the chance to become a
truly Scottish Club. For many of us in the
far flung corners of Scotland the Club has
often appeared to be much too Edinburgh
orientated and, at times, to be run by the
‘Edinburgh Mafia’. The E O C ?!

The Equal Opportunities Commission?
Ed.

Let us grasp this opportunity to move to a
more central location. We would require
to be on both a bus and a train route and
close to the central road artery, the A9.
Stirling, Dunblane? A central location,
such as Perth, where there is no SOC
branch, would be an added challenge.
With the SOC headquarters on their
doorstep any town should be able to build
up a thriving branch which should then be
able to provide the volunteers always
required by head office.

With today’s modern communications
there is no need to remain ‘off centre’ in
Edinburgh. Let us become a truly Scottish
club as opposed to an Edinburgh biased
one. This is an opportunity to obtain a real
headquarters which members from the
north, the south, the west and, not least
from the east (Edinburgh) can all reach
with as near equal ease as possible.

Yours with regretful thoughts of leaving
Regent Terrace but with hope of a more
central future,

Or

Yours with a sorry heart of leaving number
21 but with hopes of moving to the heart
of Scotland!

Joan Howie

with Chris Mylne that the SOC is not a
nature conservation charity and we
certainly do not have the resources, nor
the will I imagine, to set up the nature trails,
hides, etc. that Rob Lambert would like to
see. That kind of work is the responsibility
of organisations such as SNH, the RSPB
and SWT. However, the SOC certainly
should take an advisory role in such
matters and help guide these
organisations in identifying areas of
concern and designing management
plans.

On the other hand, I certainly don’t want
to see SOC remain a ‘jolly old club’ either.
We do need to improve the SOC's image
somehow. In my view, our very name
provides direction - we are not about bird
watching, birding or twitching, our interest
in ornithology - the scientific study of birds,
unites us!

I believe the greatest ambassadors for any
scientific organisation are its publications.
Scottish Bird News is very good and I look
forward to its arrival. The Scottish Bird
Report is clearly a valuable and important
record of observations. Scottish Birds,
however, has deteriorated somewhat in
the 1 5 or so years I have been a member.
Just think of the number of errata and
serious printing problems we have seen
in previous years. This is clearly no one
person's fault and I do not intend to criticise
particular individuals. I recognise that
editors and their support staff have a
difficult and arduous enough task! Scottish
Birds provides a wonderful forum with a
strong tradition of enabling non
professional ornithologists to publish their
work. This will have greater impact if it is
published in a journal with a solid scientific
reputation that is not constantly beset with
errors and printing problems.

This is certainly not impossible for a small
organisation such as the SOC. Look at the
Seabird Group and Dutch Seabird Group’s
combined new journal Atlantic Seabirds tor
an example of high quality science, clearly

written, well illustrated and neatly
packaged.

However, just as our editor pointed out in
comments in SBN 54, such advances can
only be made if the membership is keen
enough to make it happen. I hope through
open discussion, we can both recognise
our limitations and build upon our
strengths. We must move into the next
Millennium with a clear view of our past
contribution and our future goals in
Scottish ornithology and in nature
conservation generally.

I look forward to reading other views on
this matter in SBN.

Ian Stenhouse

We understand that the comments about
Scottish Birds refer not to content, which
is now subject to refereeing (not always
the case in the past), but to printing
problems, presentation and errata. It
would be interesting to know if other
readers feel that there is a serious problem
over Scottish Birds; the feedback we
receive is generally favourable within the
context of our limited resources. The
acceptance rate is the highest we know
for any ornithological journal.

The printer has recently been changed
and information on printing costs are in
the Club's Annual Report. Available
evidence suggests that SBN is more
important than SB from the point of view
of most members and as a possible
recruitment method. However, the points
usually raised about membership need
to address fact that organisations with
bigger memberships are seen as providing
specific services to their members, notably
entrance to reserves, which the SOC does
not. We are always interested to see other
examples of small circulation journals and
newsletters. However the ones that we are
most often compared to ie Bird Study and
BTO News have rather more resources
than SOC publications.

Eds

St John’s, Newfoundland
Canada

I am surprised to see that there were no
further replies to the communication
between Rob Lambert and Chris Mylne
SBN 54 regarding the long term decline
in the membership of the SOC. Perhaps I
shouldn’t be, given that No. 55 has lost the
word ‘news’ from the regular SBN title
banner! Anyway, since no one else has
cared to comment, I’ll throw in my own 2
penneth worth ...

Much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree

Whooper Swan

Sam Alexander

18

REQUESTS

Darvic ringed Oystercatchers

As part of a long term study of Aberdeen’s
roof nesting Oystercatchers, we are fitting
the birds with Darvic rings on the left leg.
These rings are white or yellow and bear
a unique combination of a letter and 2
digits, eg A26, reading down the leg. We
would be grateful for any sightings, even
incomplete ones, and can provide a
prompt history. Please inform either:
Alistair Duncan, 12 Cairncry Avenue,
Aberdeen AB16 5DS (01224 483717) or
Raymond Duncan, 86 Broadfold Drive,
Aberdeen AB23 8PP (01224 823184).

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylags bearing dye marks,
darvic rings or neck collars, together with
details of colours and letters seen, no
matter how incomplete, should be sent to:

Bob Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain,
Ross-shire IV19 1 JR (01862 894329).

This is DJ - collars should be read from
the bottom up.

Neck collared Whooper Swans

Since 1990 Whooper Swans have been
marked in Germany using yellow neck
collars. Up to spring, 1 999 cl 00 individual
birds had been marked with yellow neck
collars. Please send sightings including
site (country, area, coordinates), date, size
of group, partner of the bird sighted,
number of offspring of the pair, and habitat
to: Axel Degen, Tannenburgstr. 11, D-
49084 Osnabrueck, Germany. Email:
Axel-Degen@t-online.de

Neck collared White-fronted Geese

In 1 998 the University of Osnabruck (Dept
of Ethology, Goose Research Group) in
cooperation with IBN-DLO, started putting
black neck collars with white codes on
White-fronted Geese. These are similar to

the ones used on Greylags in Scandinavia.
They are composed of one big upright
letter and 2 smaller numbers below
arranged at a right angle.

Please send any information of sightings
(country, area, co-ordinates), date, size of
group, partner of bird sighted, number of
offspring of the pair, and habitat, to;

Prof Dr Hans-Heiner Bergman,
University of Osnabrueck, AG
Ganseforschung, Barbarastr. 11, D-
49069 Osnabrueck, Germany.Email:
bergmann@biologie.uni-osnabrueck.de.
Further information can be seen at http://
members.aol.com/Kruckenbrg/

White-fronted Goose Steven Brown

Annual General Meeting

The SOC’s 63rd AGM was held at the
Balavil Sport Hotel, Newtonmore on 30
October, 1 999. After apologies for absence
the Minutes of the 62nd AGM held in 1 998
were approved, with no matters arising.
Both the Annual Report and the Annual
Accounts for 1 998-99 were approved. The
Treasurer reported that many members
had joined the Direct Debit scheme for
subscription payments and he hoped more
would do so.

After serving for an extra year, making 3
in all, Ian Darling retired as President.
Brian Downing was then elected as the
new President, with Ian Andrews as Vice
President. Peter Vandome was re-elected
as Treasurer. Two Council Members , Joan
Howie and Bob Swann retired and were
replaced by Bruce Lynch and Clive
Walton. Two very long standing members
of the SOC then had the honour of
nominating and seconding the usual
appointment of A W Scotland as Auditor.

Under Item 11, Any Other Business, Ian
Darling outlined the position regarding the
Club’s premises for the past 40 years at
21 , Regent Terrace. He listed reasons for
staying and reasons for leaving and
explained that without the rent from the
upper 2 floors, now that the RSPB had
moved, there would be a gap in the
accounts. He said “there is no time scale
for making a decision, no deadline, but the

sooner the question is tackled the better”.
The current value of the property is
estimated at £400-450,000. A member
said that before any decisions to sell No
21 and to replace it, the Club should
decide as the first priority where we should
move to. The Library was a unique
resource, but sadly underused. However,
the opinion was that it must remain with
the Club. Ian Darling explained that the
future of the Club’s premises would be a
Council decision, supported by the
Management Committee.

Finally, Brian Downing paid tribute to our
popular and efficient past President, Ian
Darling, and thanked him for all his hard
work. The Club Secretary, Sylvia Laing,
was also thanked for all her efforts over
the past year.

Joan Howie

Butterfly records for the New
Millennium Atlas

Members who were at Annual Conference
in Newtonmore had the opportunity to
collect recording forms to allow them to
submit records for inclusion in the new
Butterfly Atlas, on schedule for publication
in autumn, 2000. All records have to be
submitted, processed and checked by the
end of December, 1999 so if you want to
your name and records to be included you
will need to get a move on. If you miss the
deadline please still send in your records
for 1995-1999. Now that we have a
national database it will be constantly
updated and past records can always be
added. Please send yours records directly
to Richard Sutcliffe, Kelvingrove
Museum, Glasgow, G3 8AG. Richard or
I can supply additional copies of the
recording form. Pete Kinnear, 20 East
Queen Street, Newport-on-Tay DD6
8AY. 01382 541383

Small Copper Butterfly David Mitchell

19

SOC NOTICES

200 Club

Winners in the third quarter of 1 999 were:

July - 1st £30 R Caine, Eyemouth; 2nd £20
A Sprott, Bonnyrigg; 3rd £10 F Hamilton,
Longniddry.

August - 1 st £50 F Hewlett, West Calder;
2nd £30 S Howe, Torphins; 3rd £20 D
Clugston, Barrhead; 4lh £10 J Wills,
Inverurie.

September - 1sl £30 N Grist, Glasgow;
2nd £20 S Taylor, St. Andrews; 3rd £10 R
Cowper, Edinburgh.

You can always join the 200 Club, if you
are over 1 8. If you join now please send a
cheque for £6, payable to the ‘SOC 200
Club’ and this will cover the rest of our
’year’ until 31 May 2000; It will be
acknowledged with thanks.

Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire
TD6 9NH (01896) 822176

Scottish Birds

The Editorial Committee agreed to change
Scottish Birds from a 4 issue volume to a
2 issue volume after the publication of
Volume 20:2 in December 1999. Scottish
Birds continues to publish papers relevant
to Scottish ornithology, particularly on the
numbers and distributions of Scottish
birds. We have a policy of helping
inexperienced authors. However we do
often have to ask authors to alter their
papers or reduce them to notes. For
further advice contact the Editor.

Raptor Round Up

It is hoped to produce a double issue in
2000 covering the years 1 998 and 1 999 if
funding can be obtained.

SOC Web site

As you will see at the front of this issue
the SOC has now launched its Web site
http://www.the-soc.org.uk at the
begining of December. Ian Andrews our
new Vice-President has agreed to be the
editor of the Web site, and has been ap-
pointed to the Editorial Committee. We
also thank Ian for his assistance with this
issue of SBN.

Appeal for speakers for branch
programmes

The arrangements for compiling the
programme of winter lectures for Branches
has been discussed by the Management

Committee, following a request from
Council that they should consider
improvements to the procedure. It has
been agreed that HQ will continue to try
and provide a ‘big name’ speaker each
year. A small sub committee will be formed
to identify other potential speakers.
Members and branches are asked to
submit names of likely individuals who can
be approached for the 2000/2001 winter
season.

South East Scotland Discussion
Group - dates for 2000

The South East Scotland Discussion
Group meets regularly on the first
Wednesday of the winter months (except
January), in the Waterston Library, Regent
Terrace, Edinburgh at 7.30 pm to consider
reports of and arrangements for survey
work, and other matters of conservation
interest. Any member of the Club is
welcome to attend. There is no charge for
admission, although a silver collection is
taken for refreshments. The current
Chairman of the Group is Mark Holling
(0131 446 9098 - evenings) whom you
should contact if you wish to bring any
particular item to the attention of the
Group. Dates of meetings are:

Scottish Bird News

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. It is published
4 times a year at the beginning of March,
June, September and December. Articles
and notices need to be sent to the Secretary
at 21 Regent Terrace no later than 5
weeks before publication. The magazine
acts as a channel of communication for
SOC members and to disseminate
information relevant to Scotland’s birdlife.
The views expressed in articles in Scottish
Bird News are not necessarily the policy of
the SOC. Contributors should note that
material has to be edited, often at short
notice, and it is not practical to let authors
see these changes in advance of
publication. The SOC also publishes the
journal Scottish Birds which publishes
original papers and notes on Scottish
ornithology and the Scottish Bird Report.
For details of these publications and
membership contact the Secretary at:

21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT.

FOR SALE

12 January, 2000 (one week later than
usual due to the Millennium celebrations);
2 February, 2000; 1 March, 2000; 5 April,
2000; 6 September, 2000; 4 October,
2000; 1 November, 2000 and 6
December, 2000.

Birds - Original colour slides

SAE for current list and prices to:-

Vanellus Presentations, 44 Southgrove
Road, Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114)
2664362.

Bob Lambie

Members will be saddened to hear of the
death of Bob Lambie in October. Bob was
an active member of the Clyde Branch, a
regular on the lecture circuit and his award
winning photographs were always much
admired. Sincere condolences go to his
wife Una from his many friends. An
obituary will appear in Scottish Birds.

Gerard Samdeman

The death of Gerry Sandeman, a founder
member of the SOC, occurred in
November 1999. Our condolences go to
Peggy and the family. A full obituary will
appear in the Summer 2000 Scottish
Birds.

Thanks

Once again may we thank the many
volunteers who give assistance in the
office, and also to those who came in to
pack and send out the September
mailing. If you would like to assist with this
task please contact Sylvia at the SOC
office on 0131 556 6042 for details.

1998 Dumfries and Galloway Bird
Report is now available from Joan Howie,
60 Main Street, St John’s Town of Dairy,
Castle Douglas. Price £2.90 including
post and packing.

1998 Lothian Bird Report is now avail-
able from David Kelly, 149 High Street,
Prestonpans, East Lothian EH32 9AX.

Price £7.50 including post and packing.
David’s correct Email address is d-

kelly@lineone.net

Lateness of these publications

Due to increased professional work for
your Editor, Stan da Prato, and the extra
workload of your Secretary, work on the
publications has necessarily fallen behind
schedule. At time of writing it is hoped to
distribute before Christmas but if printing
is delayed distribution will be in the week
beginning 10 January 2000.

20

Sfctfttish Bird News

Publications and progress

The whole point of this magazine is to publish information and ideas about Scotland's birds and not printing methods and costs. This
issue has been a particularly difficult one to edit due to the large amount of material, especially on conservation issues. Several
interesting items have had to be held over despite a 20 page issue. At the same time several changes and developments in our
publications require some further explanation.

Fair Isle Wren Tim Loseby

This wren, of the subspecies fridariensis, was photographed on Fair Isle by Tim Loseby, and
featured in his superbly illustrated talk ' Fair Isle and its birds' given to the northern branches in
March. SBRC is currently compiling a list of subspecies occurring in Scotland, which is now in
draft form. The Fair Isle Wren is one of our 4 island forms, and is arguably one of Scotland's
rarest birds.

The good old days?

Some members will remember the days
when the club had the one publication,
Scottish Birds. It covered everything from
important papers through bird reports and
recording to rarity descriptions and club
activities. When reviewing what we do now
it is worth having a look at Scottish Birds prior
to 1986 when Scottish Bird News was
introduced and the Scottish Bird Report
became a separate publication. The good
old days were just that in the sense that the
club has always had companionship and an
informal atmosphere as one of its strengths
but by the standards of the 1 980s the SOC
was well behind the times.

However the old Scottish Birds had one
distinct advantage; it was typeset by the
printer. Nowadays we have a greatly
expanded range of publications which, to
save money, are put together in house by
desktop publishing. All we pay the printer
for is scanning in the pictures and running
off the magazines. Improvements in printing
now mean that developments that we could
not entertain due to our small print run of
2,700 copies, such as colour, can now be
introduced. At the same time we have to
face the reality that we have no significant
income from advertising or sponsorship from
public funds. Also, our publications are
produced by too few volunteers and in ways
which currently place too great a workload
on the SOC's one member of staff.

Our current publications and what they need
to sustain and develop them are:

The new web site

The newest is mentioned first because Ian
Andrews has demonstrated how much a
volunteer can achieve even within the club's
modest resources. If you haven't visited it
yet, perhaps because you have no Internet
facility, try to persuade someone to show
you. The site advertises the SOC and its
activities as well as providing up dated
information on recent sightings, where to
watch birds in Scotland etc. It has happened
through Ian's hard work and expertise

coupled with important contributions from
Angus Murray of Birdline Scotland. The web
site needs contributions as outlined by Ian
on page 2.

Scottish Bird News

This magazine has also benefited from Ian's
input and reductions in printing costs that
now allow us to print some pages in colour.
Feedback from members suggests that variety
is appreciated with a mix of 'heavyweight'
conservation issues through to activities of
branches and members. Please remember
we can only print what people send us or
bring to our attention.

SBN needs an editor or, better still, a team
who can word process material, which at
present has to be typed in by Sylvia, as well
as locate the many interesting things
happening in Scottish ornithology which are
talked about at conferences, club meetings
etc.

Scottish Bird Report

Ray Murray has devoted a tremendous input

of time to this; word processing alone must
take up hours of his time. He hopes to
continue developing SBR with more short
articles and summary tables given the
amount of material available and the impact
of the local bird reports which did not exist
when the SBR was started. The aim is to
publish SBR in June rather than September.

To effect these changes some assistance is still
needed wtih the compilation of the species
texts. Anyone prepared to handle short
sections of the report eg 4-6pages would be
welcomed. Photographs of birds taken during
the year in question would also be welcomed
- not only of rarities but also of commoner
species.

Scottish Birds

The Club's journal is published twice per year
with an emphasis on the numbers and
distribution of Scotland's birds and the
factors that influence these. The current
editor's policy is outlined inside the back
cover of the latest issue, an 'amateur friendly'
refereed journal which only publishes
original material.

What Scottish Birds needs is an editor,
preferably an amateur or sympathetic
professional, who is in touch with current
fieldwork in Scotland and who regularly
publishes in other journals. As with SBN it
would help if the SB editor were computer
literate.

Raptor Round Up

This annual publication grew out of a regular
series in SBN in response to fieldworkers'
requests. It now needs to secure financial
funding for the futur, and assistance in
producing the report.

Remuneration

Currently there is provision for honoraria for
the editors of SBN, SB and SBR; some do
not claim these modest amounts. We try to
recognise the help given by others through
book tokens or the occasional free
conference.

There is certainly no danger of anyone
becoming rich doing things for the SOC -
but there is a danger that the range of
publications cannot be maintained and
modernised without more input from among
the membership.

Changes to SBN

Members will notice that we have
introduced colour to this issue and have
altered the front and back pages to
incorporate the new logo and design.

Stan da Prato

Web site update

Since its launch in December, the SOC web
site has already undergone several changes.
It is my aim to regularly update and expand
the web site's content and to draw attention
to these changes in SBN.

Branches

All branches have been invited to contribute
material. Some branches are looking into
ways of making their newsletters available
through the site, and other branch
contributions are welcomed; see also Where
to birdwatch, below.

The Waterston Library

A full list of duplicate books and journals
currently offered for sale is now available on
line.

Recent bird sightings and photos

A major contribution to the site is a weekly
updated page of bird news written by Angus
Murray of Birdline Scotland. The most up to
date page is now only available to members
by using the password given on the back

page of this SBN. Members are invited to
phone in their bird news to Birdline on
01292-611994. Angus can also now be e-
mailed on angus@birdline.fsnet.co.uk.
Members are also invited to submit their
photographs for inclusion on the web site
and in SBN.

BIRDLINE SCOTLAND

In cooperation with the SOC

0891 700234

jjn

Bringing you
the latest
news from
Borders to
Shetland

Please phone any rows into the 24 hour hotline:
01292 611994

* This is a Premium Rate number

Where to birdwatch in Scotland

This popular section is expanding rapidly. A
number of articles are now on line - some
have been taken from recent SBN articles,
whilst others have been made available by
Birding Scotland magazine. Other site guides
are being prepared through branches or have
already been offered.

Finally, a simple word search facility has been
added to the A-Z Index page. This produces
a 'search engine' type list of all the pages on
the site containing a particular word.

The feedback about the web site has been
overwhelmingly favourable and I would like
thank everyone who has contributed
material and comments. However, its future
success relies on regular contributions and
updates, so if you would like to offer some
material, please contact me to discuss the
easiest way to submit it.

News and updated items are always
welcomed, and it is worth remembering that
the web site is an ideal place to cheaply
publish club, branch or even an individual's
work - whether it be a news item, survey
write up, local report or photograph.
Members with Internet skills may also like
to help so that we can tackle more ambitions
projects in the future.

Ian Andrews, web site co-ordinator
e-mail: ian@andrewsi. freeserve. co. uk

The environment in politics

The third national conference of Scottish
Environment Link was held in Edinburgh last
month. The SOC is a member of Scottish
Environment Link with Frank Hamilton as
our representative. Seven months into the
new Parliament, time and place were
appropriate for a clay grappling with the topic
of The Environment in Politics. A 13 page
report is in the library, space does not permit

us to print a summary in this issue but we
shall try to do so later. The report is available
from LINK free, on receipt of a stamped
( 4 0 p ) addressed A4 envelope, or
electronically. Please contact:

Scottish Environment LINK, 2 Grosvenor
House, Shore Road, Perth PH2 BBD. Tel.
01738 630804, Fax 01738 643290; Email:

Website:

Scotland loses out on green
money compared to rest of UK
and Europe

Recent research by RSPB Scotland shows
how badly disadvantaged farmers and
crofters in Scotland are compared to those
in the rest of the UK and Europe due to the
low availability of funding for environmental
programmes. Not only is Scotland's agri
environment budget much lower per hectare
of agricultural land than offered elsewhere
in the UK but the Scottish Executive also
limits the amount payable per farm or croft.
Such limits are not found in other parts of
the UK. The budget for the UK as a whole is
dismal compared to the support for these
environment programmes elsewhere in
Europe. Ireland, for example, has a pro rata
budget nearly 4 times larger than the UK.
Over 40,000 farmers in Ireland, nearly one
third of the total, enjoy environment funding
compared to only 6,000 farmers and crofters
in Scotland.

Corncrakes and Water Rail in
Caithness and Sutherland

At least 8 Corncrakes were recorded calling
in the Durness area and as many as 12 in
Caithness, the highest number recorded for
years. Following local media coverage,
many people reported calling Corncrakes to
the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage. Pat
Thompson, RSPB Scotland Conservation
Officer for Caithness and Sutherland, was
delighted with the response from crofters,
farmers and the general public. In 1999 4
crofter/farmers received just under £1,000
each in support payments through the
Corncrake Initiative. Elsewhere in Scotland,
Corncrake numbers were slightly up on 1 998
with an estimated 566 calling birds in
Scotland. The latest information about
Corncrakes is available in a colour booklet
from Scottish Natural Heritage,
Publications, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth,
PHI 3EW, price £3.95.

RSPB survey work also confirmed that
Caithness is important for one of Scotland's
rarest breeding birds, the Water Rail, a
minimum of 12 being recorded on a single
evening at a total of 3 wetland sites.

2

Birds as indicators of the quality of life

This summary article is based on the State of the UK's Birds - 1999. The first in a series of annual reports summarising the fortunes
of bird populations in the UK, it covers all species but in its first year focuses on breeding birds of greatest conservation concern and
others which are well monitored.

Wherever possible, population trends are for
the whole of the UK and cover the period
1970-99. The report begins with the UK
Government's Quality of Life bird indicator
published by the Department of the
Environment, Transport and the Regions.
This provides a measure of the health of the
environment by summarising trends in the
numbers of common breeding birds. It then
considers the species which are priorities in
the UK Government's Biodiversity Action
Plan.

Quality of life

In May 1 999 the Government published the
White Paper A Better Quality of Life which
contains 1 50 indicators of the sustainability
of lifestyles in the UK. Within these is a set
of 1 4 annually updated 'headline' indicators,
including a wildlife indicator based on
population trends of breeding birds. These
and other indicators are also being
considered by the devolved executives in
Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The publication of a wildlife indicator among
more familiar economic and social indicators
shows that the Government has recognised
the importance of biodiversity. Birds have
been chosen partly because the data are so
good, but also because their widespread
distribution across the UK allows them to
be used as barometers of change in the wider
environment. Birds also have a wide appeal
and, through expenditure associated with
birdwatching, can contribute substantially to
local economies.

The wild bird indicator summarises
information on the status of nearly 140
breeding species over the last 30 years. The
data come from a range of sources, notably
the Common Bird Census. Although the
index for all common birds rose slightly up
to the mid 1 970s, during which time resident
birds recovered from the cold winters of the
early 1 960s, the pattern from then on is a
shallow decline. The common bird index has
fallen by around 7% from the mid 1 970s to
1998. Looking in more detail, some
woodland birds show a slow but steady drop
in numbers since the mid 1970s and
farmland birds have been in steep decline
over the same period. There is growing
acceptance that the declines among
farmland birds have been driven by
agricultural intensification.

Biodiversity Action Plan species

In its Biodiversity Action Plan, the UK
Government has included 25 species of

breeding birds which are either globally
threatened or which have declined by more
than 50% in the last 25 years. The population
trends for 10 widespread BAP species all
show steady and alarming declines, mostly
starting in the mid 1 970s. Declines coincided
with a period of rapid intensification in
farming, with increases in the use of
pesticides and chemical fertilisers, removal
of hedgerows and changes in the timing and
methods of cultivation. Although differing in
detail, the BAP targets for these species all
require a halt in downward trends. Unless
there are dramatic changes it is unlikely that
targets will be met for any of these species.

A 30 year study of Grey Partridges has shown
that the indirect effects of pesticides on
chicks food have been one of the major
causes of their decline. A UK wide survey of
Skylarks in 1 997 estimated there to be about
one million pairs left, down from 2 million
in 1 990, 50% of which were on arable land,
where they nest in crops with short and
sparse vegetation. The switch from spring to
autumn sowing of cereals means that, by the
end of May, crops are unsuitable for nesting,
reducing the number of chicks produced in
a season.

Chick production, probably due to lack of
food, also appears to be a problem for Song
Thrushes which make fewer nesting attempts

in arable areas where the population is
declining than in more mixed farmland.
Once they leave the nest, fledglings are now
less likely to survive to adulthood than they
were a few decades ago, again probably due
to food shortages. Spotted Flycatchers are
closely associated with woodlands and their
decline points to a growing problem for birds
in this habitat. Tree Sparrows depend on nest
holes in trees and may have been affected
by hedgerow loss and Dutch Elm Disease,
as well as reduced summer and winter food
caused by changes in agriculture.

Linnets may have been particularly affected
by herbicides which have destroyed the
weeds on which they once fed their young,
though increased cultivation of Rape may
have temporarily compensated for this loss.
Shortages of food resulting from the use of
pesticides reduces the productivity of Corn
Buntings and may be a key factor in their
continuing down turn. Reed Buntings are
suffering from lower survival in their first year
of life, probably because of a lack of food in
winter. Bullfinches depend on woodland and
well developed hedges for nesting and
feeding, and may have been affected by loss
and degradation of hedges and tall scrubs.

In general farmland birds have been affected
by the loss of winter food, particularly weed
seeds and spilt grain, the loss of stubbles and

Bullfinches feeding young

3

overwinter fallows as a result of autumn
sowing and the general tidying up of
farmland. Where stubbles and other weedy
habitats have been allowed to persist eg
through set aside, winter flocks of birds soon
demonstrate their importance.

Rare species

There is no doubt that the Common Scoter
has declined since 1 970, mainly due to the
loss of the breeding population in Northern
Ireland. The remaining population in
Scotland seems to be stable and, with 95
pairs in 1995 when last fully surveyed, it
remains vulnerable to deteriorating water
quality caused by land use changes. Shetland
is the stronghold for Red-necked Phalaropes
with 21 breeding males in 1 999 and remains
so only as result of current management work
on nature reserves. The Corncrake was
found throughout the UK in the 1 9th century
but by 1993 there were only 489 singing
males, mainly in the Hebrides. The decline
was caused by mechanisation and earlier
dates of mowing of hay and silage, and by
the loss of suitable cover in spring and
autumn. The population in 1999 was
estimated at 620 males a 27% increase since
1 993. This upturn results from schemes that
promote Corncrake friendly mowing
methods, the establishment of suitable
habitat on farms and crofts, and the
acquisition and management of reserves.
The Corncrake is a success story and has
already surpassed its BAP target.

The steep decline in Roseate Terns (61 pairs
in 1 999) has been partially offset by increases
at the flourishing colony on Rockabill Island
in the Irish Republic. Breeding now occurs
at only a handful of UK sites, including the
Firth of Forth, where numbers are small and
well below the BAP target. Recovery is
probably dependent on what happens at
Rockabill.

The rapidly deteriorating status of
Capercaillie and Black Crouse is extremely
worrying. Over 5 or 6 years Capercaillies
have declined by more than 50% to 1070
adults in 1 998-99 and Black Crouse by about
75% to 6,500 males in 1 995-96. A series of
wet summers, compounded by Fox and
Crow predation, has reduced breeding
success, but the main reason for decline is
habitat loss and deterioration, particularly
through overgrazing of their woodland and
marginal upland habitats. Collision with deer
fences poses a further threat. The BAP target
for the Black Grouse is to maintain its
population at the 1 996 level and this could
be achieved if appropriate management is
employed on a large scale. The future of the
Capercaillie, which was introduced back to
Scotland in the 19fh century following its
extinction in the 1 8th, looks bleak. The pace
of its recent decline means that the BAP
target of 20,000 adults by 2010 is simply
unrealistic - halting the decline will be a
major challenge.

Nesting Sandwich Terns Sandy Tewnion

UK populations trends of widespread and common birds

Trend 1970-98 Reliability Red List candidates

Redpoll

-92

3

X

Tree SparrowBAP

-87

Corn BuntingBAP

-85

2

Grey PartridgeBAP

-82

Turtle DoveBAP

-77

Snipe

-74

3

X

Grasshopper Warbler

-73

2,4

X

Woodcock

-70

3

X

Marsh Tit

-69

X

Spotted FlycatcherBAP

-68

Willow Tit

-63

X

Tree Pipit

-62

3

X

Redshank

-60

3

X

Starling

-58

X

House Sparrow

-58

1,5

X

Song ThrushBAP

-55

Lapwing

-52

3

X

SkylarkBAP

-52

Reed BuntingBAP

-52

Sedge Warbler

-45

3

Yellowhammer

-43

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

-42

2,3

BullfinchBAP

-40

Grey Wagtail

-39

3

LinnetBAP

-38

Tawny Owl

-30

3

Blackbird

-29

Curlew

-28

3

Moorhen

-26

Willow Warbler

-23

Dunnock

-21

Mistle Thrush

-21

Meadow Pipit

-20

3

Kestrel

-17

Swallow

-16

Common Sandpiper

-14

Yellow Wagtail

-13

2

Cuckoo

-12

Red-legged Partridge

-6

Dipper

-6

Jay

-4

Treecreeper

-2

Greenfinch

-2

House Martin

-1

4

Goldcrest

0

Goldfinch

10

Coot

17

Little Owl

17

Lesser Whitethroat

17

Kingfisher

20

Chiffchaff

26

Redstart

30

Chaffinch

30

Whitethroat

34

Carden Warbler

35

Blue Tit

35

Pied Wagtail

39

Robin

42

Coal Tit

55

Great Tit

57

Long-tailed Tit

61

Pheasant

65

Wren

69

Mallard

82

Green Woodpecker

92

Magpie

113

Nuthatch

118

Carrion Crow

120

Stock Dove

140

Jackdaw

148

Blackcap

155

Great Spotted Woodpecker

161

Sparrowhawk

162

Reed Warbler

194

Wood pigeon

201

Buzzard

224

Collared Dove

782

ing began in 1975.

A survey of Choughs in Scotland in 1998
located up to 66 breeding pairs, plus at least
52 non breeding birds. Islay held 49 breeding
pairs, with 1 4 on Colonsay and Oronsay, and
single pairs on Jura, Mull and the Mull of
Calloway. Numbers of breeding pairs have
declined by 37% in Scotland and by 48%
on Islay since 1986. This decline, together
with losses from the population in Wales
and just 2 pairs in Northern Ireland, means
that urgent action will be required if the
Chough is not to join the Red List.

Grasshopper Warblers appear to have
declined by more than 70% over recent
decades, though the reliability of this data is
questionable.

Trends in other species

Trends in the breeding populations of species
that are not BAP listed are divided into those
that are declining and those that are
increasing in numbers.

Declining birds

Two familiar birds, the Starling and House
Sparrow, which make extensive use of

4

3

3

1,3

3

4

4

3

1

1

1,3

farmland in some areas, have declined by
more that 50% and are candidates for red
listing and BAP status, although little is known
about their urban populations. Close on their
heels, is the Yellowhammer, which is heading
for extinction in Northern Ireland.

Some woodland birds are beginning to fall
in numbers, although the causes are
unknown. Marsh Tit and Willow Tit have
declined by over 60%. Redpolls and Tree
Pipits show similar signs of population
crashes, the true extent of which is not
known.

Waders

Partly because of a lack of information, no
wader species are included on the priority
list. Several waders are declining. Numbers
of Woodcock, Snipe and Redshank have
fallen by more than 50%; these trends are
not necessarily representative for the overall
population though numbers of Redshanks
breeding on saltmarsh, which holds 45% of
the population, fell by 23% during 1 985-96.
A survey of breeding Lapwings in England
and Wales in 1987 and repeated in 1998
showed that numbers have nearly halved.

Similar surveys on mainland Scotland in

1 997 showed a 1 3% decline in only 5 years.
These declines have been caused by the loss
of mixed farming, and the switch from spring
to autumn sowing. Lapwings are unable to
nest in earlier maturing crops and the
conversion of rough grazing to improved
grassland also affects them.

Comparable UK wide data are not available
for other widespread waders but an
increasing number of local surveys are
revealing declines, where land drainage,
other agricultural changes and predation are
implicated. For example, the machair and
wet pastures of the Outer Hebrides are
among the most important areas for breeding
waders in western Europe. In 1983, 17,000
pairs of waders were present. Surveys in the
last few years have shown 60% declines in
Dunlin, Redshank and Snipe on some
islands, attributed mainly to egg predation
by introduced Hedgehogs.

Seabirds

Although most seabirds are thought to be
doing reasonably well and will be fully
censused during Seabird 2000, terns are
becoming an increasing focus of concern.
The Little Tern population of 1,700 pairs in

1998 is at a new low, having declined by
nearly 40% since 1975. The Sandwich Tern
has declined from its peak of 18,000 pairs
in 1988 to 13,500-14,000 pairs a decade
later.

Birds of prey

In marked contrast to most other birds of
prey, and despite there being plenty of
suitable habitat, the population of Hen
Harriers has failed to increase with 534 pairs
in 1988-89 and 521 in 1998. Numbers
continue to be depressed in moorland areas
due to the illegal persecution associated with
management for grouse shooting. The Barn
Owl is thought to have experienced a
dramatic decline from more than 12,000
pairs in the 1930s to around 4,500 pairs in
the 1980s, resulting from changes in
agriculture reducing food supplies and
nesting opportunities.

Increasing birds

A total of 1 9 common and widespread
species have more than doubled in numbers
in recent times. Large increases in the
numbers of breeding Mallards and Pheasants
may be due to releases by wildfowlers and
gamekeepers rather than a natural increase,
although Mallard numbers are falling in
winter. Buzzard numbers have increased,
probably due to reduced persecution.
Sparrowhawk populations have recovered,
strongly from pesticide effects during the
1 960s, although there are signs of a recent
downturn.

Trend: Percentage population change over the 29 years 1970-98 from the BTO Common
Bird Census or Waterways Bird Survey.

Reliability: 1) Small sample size in early years of the period, 2) Small sample size in the
later year of the period, 3) Trends may not be representative of the whole of the UK, 4) The
species shows very large natural fluctuations from year to year. 5) Flouse Sparrow monitor-

5

Willow Warblers appear to have recovered
from a sharp decline in the 1 980s. Increases
in Wrens and Long-tailed Tits are largely the
result of recovery from severe winters in the
1960s. Both are prone to wide fluctuations
from year to year, driven by cold weather.
Other species that have increased by more
than 50% since 1 970 include Great Spotted
and Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Magpie,
Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blackcap, Great Tit
and Coal Tit. Climate change may account
for northward expansion for the
woodpeckers, Nuthatch and Blackcap and
reduced persecution and habitat changes
may have favoured the crows. The expansion
of garden feeding may well be a factor for
some species, boosting their survival at
critical times of the year.

Raptors

The rising trends of 5 species of raptors, red
listed because of historical declines brought
about by human persecution, are a real
success story. Marsh Harriers, 147 pairs in
1997, and Osprey, 130 pairs in 1998, have
both recolonised the UK as a result of nest
protection on and off nature reserves. The
growth in the Red Kite population was
boosted by successful introductions in
England and Scotland, with 295 pairs in the
UK in 1 999. The slow but steady increase in
White-tailed Eagles to 18 pairs in 1999 is
the result of a programme in Scotland,
backed up by nest protection to combat egg
collectors. Merlin numbers appear to have
more than doubled from 600 pairs in 1 983-
84 to 1,300 in 1993-94, partly because of
increased survey effort, but more importantly
because of continued recovery from
pesticide contamination in the 1960s and
1970s, and their increased use of conifer
plantations as nesting sites.

Winners and losers

These figures demonstrate the plight of some
common farmland and woodland birds but
it is obvious that many common birds must
be doing rather well for the overall index to
be declining only slowly. Indeed, trends
among common birds which do not depend
on farms or woods are generally upwards.
Populations of some rare species have on
average more than doubled in size since
1970, with Black-necked Grebes, Marsh
Harriers, Avocets and Golden Orioles, to
name but a few, all having increased
markedly.

Number of breeding species

The number of breeding species in the UK
is increasing, with nearly 40 more species
breeding at the end of the 20lh century than
at the beginning of the 19th. One third of
these species were introduced by people,
but the remaining increase results from
natural colonisation. In the last 30 years there
has been a net increase of 4 species per
decade. Goldeneye, Purple Sandpiper and

Green Woodpecker Bobby Smith

Cetti's Warbler have all colonised since 1 970
and Little Egret as recently as 1996. The
reasons for the increases are unclear, but the
greater number of birdwatchers searching for
birds, the better protection of nests from egg
collectors and climate change are all likely
to have contributed.

Some conclusions

Although the state of the UK's breeding bird
populations is by no means all doom and
gloom, overall progress towards achieving
the BAP targets, one of the measures of the
Government's success in fulfilling its
biodiversity obligations, is not satisfactory.
Less than 25% of the BAP species are likely
to meet their short or medium term targets.
To date, major bird conservation successes
all involve rare or scarce species.

Much of this success is a consequence of
conservation effort. At the end of the 20th
century bird conservation has demonstrated
that action targeted at rare species can be
extremely successful. It remains to be seen
whether equal success can be achieved for
other priority species such as Bittern,
Capercaillie and Black Grouse.

A copy of the RSPB, BTO report State of the
UK's Birds - 7 999 is in the Waterston Library.

National Goose Forum
Report

The objective of the National Goose Forum
was to propose a new national policy
framework to mange the interaction

between Scotland's goose populations and
agricultural interests. After 2 years work and
some controversy, when RSPB and WWT
were expelled following a 'breach of
confidence' associated with the Judicial
Review at the issuing of licences to shoot
Barnacle Geese on SPAs on Islay in 1999 (a
case taken by RSPB and WWT), the report
was published in late February. The Scottish
Executive has to consider the
recommendations in the report and how
these might be implemented. Before coming
to the decisions on how the National Policy
Framework should be taken forward they say
they would like to hear the views of the wider
public on what is proposed. Arrangements
have also been made to make all Goose
Forum papers and minutes of all meetings
available on the Scottish Executive website
at http:/www.scotland. gov.uk.

The aim is to have a policy framework in
place for the winter of 2000/01 . This means
any member wishing to submit their views
should do so by 10 April 2000. During this
period, the report is to be considered by the
relevant committees of the Scottish
Parliament.

Background

Wild geese are an important part of
Scotland's natural heritage. The wildlife
spectacle that they provide is valued by many
of us. However, in recent decades the
numbers of some species have been
increasing, and for this and other reasons
damage to agricultural crops occurs in certain
areas of Scotland. Most farmers affected by
large numbers of geese regard them as pests.

Success story

Although some farmers are adversely
affected by increasing numbers, there can
be beneficial consequences for tourism,
especially in rural communities, where
wildfowlers and birdwatchers bring benefits
to the local economy. Benefits, however,
often do not go to the affected farmers.

A more flexible approach is desirable,
including sustainable farming supporting a
range of wildlife, sustainable harvesting of
goose populations where scientific evidence
supports this and a balance between geese
and other wildlife interests. Current
legislation is at times seen as an obstacle to
such an approach.

Summary of recommendations

A copy of the recommendations can be sent
out to members on receipt of an A4 size
stamped addressed envelope. A copy of the
Policy Report and Recommendations of the
National Goose Forum, published by the
Scottish Executive, is in the Waterston Library.

6

Results from Constant Effort Site monitoring in Fife and Lothian

This report covers the 1999 breeding season, drawing on the results of ringing at Constant Effort Sites (CES) spread throughout Fife
and also Alan Hilton's West Lothian site. Constant Effort Sites operate to strict rules to ensure standardisation of catching effort
between years by regulating the timing, amount of netting and length of each visit to the designated site. This standardisation of effort
allows meaningful comparison of data between years and between sites.

Male Redpoll feeding female on the nest Brian Turner

Table 1 : Combined totals and % change at 5 CES sites in Fife and Lothian

Juvenile

%Change

Adult %Change

1 998/99

1998/99

1997 1998

1999

1997 1998 1999

Five CES sites provided data for this analysis.
The southernmost was near Edinburgh
Airport (Alan Hilton) in Lothian. This is a long
running scrubland site. The next site is at
Rosyth (Derek Robertson) and is a mixed wet
scrub and reedbed site. Kippo (Jim Cobb)
and West Quarry Braes (Chris Broome) are
in the East Neuk of Fife. The former is a highly
productive mixed habitat; the latter is a very
recently established area of scrub in an
exposed site that produces very few birds.
The most northerly site is Morton Lochs
(Shirley Millar and Les Hatton) near Tayport.
This is a site dominated by Willow scrub and
encroaching Gorse, with a relatively poor
avifauna. Data from additional CES sites
throughout Scotland and one site near
Carlisle were also made available for
comparative purposes.

Results

Table 1 lists the total combined catch of both
juveniles and adults at the 5 CES sites. Data
for 1997-1999 are presented, and the
percentage change between 1 998 and 1 999
for each species is given. It should be noted
that, despite combination of the 5 CES data
sets, some birds occurred at such low
densities that statistical analysis is extremely
difficult. In addition, small sample sizes need
to be borne in mind when looking at
apparently massive percentage changes. For
example adult Chiffchaffs declined by 500%,
which actually means we only caught one
adult in 1999, compared to 6 in 1998!

For juvenile captures only 4 species showed
a decline in numbers, and 20 increased in
comparison to 1998. There were notable
increases in resident insectivores such as
Wren, Robin and Song Thrush. After the
appalling 1998 breeding season, there was
a modest recovery in the number of young
titmice produced, although this was not
shared by Long-tailed Tit. One species
which appears to have done particularly well
during 1999, with statistically significant
increases in juvenile numbers, is the
Goldcrest. The 2 warbler species which are
caught in reasonable numbers on the
combined CES sites, Sedge Warbler and
Willow Warbler, demonstrated differing
fortunes. Willow Warbler juvenile numbers
and, to a lesser extent, adults, showed a
strongly downward trend of over 50% Sedge
Warblers appear to have had a good adult
return rate and a modest increase in
juveniles.

The caveat concerning small sample sizes is
repeated for the finches and buntings, with

Wren

86

66

104

Dun nock

53

29

64

Robin

119

97

132

Blackbird

40

47

50

Song Thrush

22

12

26

Sedge Warbler

60

19

22

Whitethroat

28

17

14

Garden Warbler

10

5

5

Blackcap

30

14

20

Chiffchaff

4

6

3

Willow Warbler

499

374

242

Goldcrest

95

45

195

Long-tailed Tit

38

19

18

Coal Tit

59

22

31

Blue Tit

195

29

47

Great Tit

56

16

21

Treecreeper

17

4

8

Chaffinch

52

9

24

Greenfinch

8

1

1

Goldfinch

3

2

2

Redpoll

14

1

8

Bullfinch

35

16

31

Yellowhammer

3

4

0

Reed Bunting

1

2

3

36.5

40

41

55

25.5

54.7

46

46

82

43.9

26.5

31

33

33

0.0

6.0

58

44

70

37.1

53.8

16

39

36

-8.3

13.6

55

27

52

48.1

-21.4

23

15

13

-15.4

0.0

9

7

9

22.2

30.0

8

11

11

0.0

-100.0

0

6

1

-500.0

-54.5

223

260

217

-19.8

76.9

13

7

12

41.7

-5.6

24

4

4

0.0

29.0

18

14

6

-133.3

38.3

50

35

24

-45.8

23.8

30

27

11

-145.5

50.0

6

4

4

0.0

62.5

66

59

45

-31.1

0.0

11

4

4

0.0

0.0

13

3

11

72.7

87.5

15

4

7

42.9

48.4

37

27

33

18.2

-

10

8

7

-14.3

33.3

15

11

16

31.3

7

Sedge Warbler feeding young jim Young

only Chaffinch and Bullfinch being caught
in any quantity. Both these species showed
good juvenile recruitment, although again
such comparative increases reflect just how
poor the 1998 breeding season was. The
apparently large percentage gains for the
increasingly scarce Redpoll are derived from
a difference between catching one juvenile
in 1998, as compared to 8 in 1999!
Worryingly, no young Yellowhammers were
caught at all.

Adults

Only 10 species recorded an increase in
adult numbers, with Wren, Dunnock and
Blackbird, together with the finches and
Reed Bunting doing well. Whitethroats
continued their decline. While good
numbers of Sedge Warblers arrived back to
breed, Chiffchaff declined, although sample
sizes were very small. Fewer adult Willow
Warblers were caught, but it was adult
titmice that showed the poorest recruitment
rates. Amongst the finches and buntings most
species showed an increase in adult birds,
particularly Goldfinch and Redpoll.
Yellowhammer is a cause for concern,
becoming increasingly scarce on the CES
plots.

Some thoughts

1999 was a generally warm and wet year,
and provided considerably improved
breeding conditions. It is likely that such
conditions played a major part in the general
improvement in juvenile production for most
of the 24 species covered by the CES.

While it is gratifying to see an increase in
juvenile production for 20 of the 24 species
some of these increases look less convincing
when set against the 1997 totals, particularly
for some species of warbler, titmice and
finches. The impact of 1 998 was to seriously
depress populations of titmice, and this led
to poor recruitment into the potential
breeding population, possibly coupled with
poor overwinter survival. Those titmice that
did survive to breed in 1 999 appear to have
had good productivity, but the overall
reduction of the breeding population to such
a low base means that juvenile Blue Tit
numbers in 1999 were only 24% of the 1997
juvenile totals.

It is interesting to contrast this with the rapid
rebound of resident insectivores such as
Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and Song
Thrush, some may be short distance migrants
Ed. The mild winters have clearly helped
these species. For most of these species both
adult and juvenile numbers exceeded the
1997 totals.

The massive increase in Goldcrest numbers
may be linked to an abundance of prey in
conifers. Sedge Warbler adult numbers
appear to have returned to their 1 997 level,
suggesting better survival. The modest

increase in juvenile production is still
considerably down on 1 997, suggesting the
wet spring and summer were not so helpful
for this species. Wet spring and summer
weather may have affected Willow Warblers
which nest on the ground. Jim Cobb has
suggested that declines in juveniles were due
almost entirely to poor cohorts of birds
moving through from further north. As 1999
results for Highland CES sites suggest lower
numbers of adults returning, but increased
numbers of juveniles being produced, it may
be that more birds opted to migrate along
the west coast. It is interesting to note that
CES sites based on the Solway and Clyde
reported increases in juvenile captures of
1 04% and 1 1 8% respectively.

It would be useful to gain a better
understanding of the proportion of juvenile
Willow Warblers produced on sites relative
to the proportion passing through. To this
end Jim Cobb has proposed that contributors
differentiate between juvenile Willow
Warblers caught before and after 21st July
(26th July in Highland).

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to all those who contributed
CES data, not only from the Fife and Lothian
sites, but also from the other Scottish CES
sites including Mains of Auchenfranco (Ken
Bruce, North Solway Ringing Group), St Abbs
(Alan Kerr), Carlisle (Rob Shaw), Loch Eye &
Strathrory Glen (Bob Swann & David Grieve
of Highland Ringing Group) and North
Haugh (lain Livingstone, Clyde Ringing
Group). Particular thanks are due to Jim
Cobb for collating all the data.

Les Hatton and Shirley Millar

Scottish Black Grouse

The south Scotland Black Grouse newsletter
has expanded to cover the whole of
Scotland. It is an open forum for everyone
who has an interest in Black Grouse and their
conservation. If any readers would like a
copy of this issue which is summarised here
they should contact the Glasgow Office of
RSPB Scotland.

Fences and Black Grouse

It is becoming increasingly clear that fence
strikes are a significant cause of mortality in
some Black Grouse populations. Surveys in
the northeast Highlands showed that for
every 10km of deer fences in native
Pinewood, an average of 3-4 Black Grouse,
and 17-30 Capercaillie are killed through
collisions each year. Within and around
plantation woodland the average figure is 1 -
2 Black Grouse and 0.7 Capercaillie. The
only long term way to make deer fences
unnecessary is to reduce deer populations
to a level at which grazing does not prevent
the establishment of young trees. This has
been RSPB Scotland's approach at
Abernethy. However, in the short and
medium term RSPB Scotland recommends
that fences should:

Not run through forest (though in
certain closed canopy plantations a deer
fence would be better in the forest than
outside it).

Avoid feeding areas
Avoid lek sites
Avoid flight lines

Be marked to make them more visible
Be removed after young trees became
established (usually 15-20 years)

8

Marking methods

Even appropriately marked fences still kill
Black Crouse and Capercaillie. In an
experiment, deer fences were marked with
25cm wide strips of orange plastic barrier
netting. The average collision rate for Black
Grouse was reduced by 91% and for
Capercaillie by 64%. However, some have
concerns over the unsightly impact of orange
barrier netting. It is possible that other
methods, such as using wooden fences of
fitting wooden 'droppers' onto wire fences,
marking with black plastic barrier netting or
using horizontal, leaning or inverted L-
shaped fences might be as effective as orange
plastic barrier netting. A range of designs are
being tested thanks to FC Challenge funding
at the Abernethy Forest Reserve, on a fence
that runs between 2 lek sites. In 16 months,
however, no collisions were recorded from
the experimentally marked section.

Black Grouse numbers in Lothian and
Borders

The Black Grouse population of Lothian and
Borders was recently estimated at over 500
lekking males, making this part of Scotland
a region of very high importance for the
species. Monitoring of lekking males at 23
key sites in the region was started ini 998.
The total number of males at these sites was
86 in 1 998 but only 55 in 1 999. Average lek
size decreased between the 2 years from 3.7
in 1 998 to 2.4 in 1 999. Whether this is part
of a long term local decline at these sites of
just an annual fluctuation, caused perhaps
by poor weather in spring 1998 is as yet
unknown. Monitoring will continue and be
expanded to include more sites, and
volunteers willing to assist with counts would
be welcome.

Tayside Black Grouse recovery project

This project monitors a series of sites, where
different factors known to influence Black
Grouse are investigated. Despite a poor
breeding season in 1998, numbers of leks in
the region in Spring 1999 were similar to
the previous year. Breeding success on the
16 sites monitored in 1999 was 2.9 chicks

per hen, which is high compared to results
from elsewhere.

Black Grouse in and around Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park in 1999

The population in and around the Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park was estimated as 60-
70 males in the late 1 990s. In April and May
1999 sites where Black Crouse had been
reported between 1996 and 1998 were
visited. Much of the existing data was
imprecisely located and snow prevented
access to some sites, making direct
comparison difficult; 16 sites were visited
and only 1 6 birds recorded. One site held 6
males in 1996 and only 2 in 1999, and
another had 14-15 males in 1996 and only
2 in 1999.

Black Grouse at Abernethy Forest Nature
Reserve

Black Grouse have been monitored at
Abernethy since 1989 with brood and lek
counts as the main indicators. Large scale
reduction in grazing pressures also began at
this time, although it was not until 1 992-93
that deer reduction, sheep removal,
plantation restructuring and fence removal
began to have a significant effect on the
habitat. The numbers of lekking cocks rose
from 49 in 1991 to 190 in 1997. Over the
past 10 years or so, some 30km of internal
deer fence and 14km of stock fence have
been removed from the forest. In addition,
8km of deer fence has been reduced to stock
fence height.

Worryingly, 1 999 has been another poor year
for Black Crouse breeding productivity at
Abernethy. During annual brood counts
conducted over a wide part of the reserve a
sample of 1 5 greyhens gave 1 .2 chicks/hen.
While marginally up form 1997 and 1998
(0.7 and 1/hen) this year's productivity may
again be insufficient to maintain the reserve
population. From the heady heights of 190
cocks at 13 locations in 1997, numbers of
cocks have fallen over the past 3 years. While
this decline was anticipated due to recent
poor chick recruitment, the field layer
recovery phase, associated with recent

grazing control, may be slowing clown. Many
workers are aware of the positive response
to productivity when grazing pressures are
alleviated and some suggest that this
honeymoon response tails off after about 7
years. Another theory is that dense ground
vegetation with a corresponding lack of open
bare ground as a component of the habitat
may reduce productivity. This is likely to be
more valid during prolonged wet periods.
An experiment at Abernethy is being planned
over the next 5 years to test what impact
developing ground vegetation has on
regeneration.

Personal View from John Cowan, Scottish
Gamekeepers Association

I would like to offer some suggestions for
discussion:

Predator control should be addressed
following results of a Game Conservancy
Trust trial involving the radio tracking of 20
Black Grouse juveniles. Within a month 1 1
had been killed; 6 by Stoats and 3 by raptors.

I feel that a localised tunnel trapping
campaign in the vicinity of leks should be
tried to see if any beneficial effects can be
achieved. This should be accompanied by a
reduction in Fox density and Corvid numbers
if this has not already happened.

When one talks to older keepers and farmers
about Blackcock they recollect visiting
cornfields which adjoined the moors. Black
Grouse perched on the stooks and fed on
the stubbles. How important to the Black
Grouse was this feeding? Could the absence
of feeding explain the low fertility rates in
Black Grouse due simply to lack of nutrition?
If this is true some method should be found
of feeding birds, especially through the late
winter and early spring, to replace cornfields
on marginal ground where they no longer
exist.

If artiificial rearing is to be needed in future
we must start now to perfect techniques in
egg production, rearing and release. I would
suggest that releases are made to areas which
contain suitable habitat, but very few Black
Grouse. The successful release of gamebirds
into the wild only occurs when the released
birds cannot be distinguished from true wild
ones. This can be difficult to achieve and
advice from gamekeepers would be useful
as many teething troubles could be avoided.

I wish the Black Grouse recovery project
every success. I feel success will be difficult
to achieve but is possible if an open mind is
kept and all avenues are explored
thoroughly, and a wide variety of
management and habitat improvements
tried.

Scottish Black Grouse Newsletter, RSPB
Scotland, South and West Scotland Office,
Unit 3.1, W Scotland Science Park, Kelvin
Campus, Glasgow G20 0SP.

Blackcock displaying Bobby Smith

9

UK Raptor Working Group Report

The background to this has been covered in several issues of SBN. The report was published in February. Here are its main
conclusions. The working group's terms of reference were to consider the population and status of birds of prey; identify species
alleged to be causing problems; identify, in particular, the impact of such species on game birds and moorland management and on
racing pigeons; identify gaps in research and future needs and identify possible sources of funding; and consider statutory and other
mechanisms for the resolution of problems.

Status of birds of prey

The UK has international obligations for the
conservation of its bird of prey populations:
11 of the 16 UK species are listed as UK
Red Data birds. Whilst some species have
recovered from earlier declines caused by
killing by man, which has been completely
illegal since 1954, or by the effects of
pesticides, most have not yet fully recovered
their former range or numbers. Two species,
Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, are known to be
declining nationally.

There is good information on numbers of all
British raptors with monitoring in place. The
intensity of bird surveys in the UK in
unparalleled in the world. This enabled the
group to make objective assessments of bird
of prey populations and the problems
attributed to them.

In the 4 years since the establishment of the
working group in 1 995, there have been 371
confirmed reported incidents in Britain of
illegal killing of raptors. These reported
incidents probably reflect only a very small
proportion of the total incidents that actually
occurred. There is evidence that this activity
has limited both the distribution and number
of Hen Harriers, Golden Eagles and Red Kites
The number of incidents relative to national
population size is greatest for Hen Harrier,
followed by Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle and
Peregrine. Hen Harriers are at risk of
extinction as a breeding species in England.
In both England and Scotland there is strong
evidence of illegal killing on grouse moors.

The report recommends enhanced
enforcement of existing legislation to
eliminate illegal killing of birds of prey. Legal
measures alone, however, are unlikely to
solve these problems.

Birds of prey and grouse moors

A fundamental issue is the loss of nearly a
quarter of all Heather moorland in Scotland
in just 40 years. In the light of the importance
of grouse moors for the rural economy, as
well as for nature conservation and wildlife,
there is a need to restore the quality and
extent of Heather moorland. Over the last
50 years Scottish, but not English, grouse
bags have declined. In the last 10 years,
grouse densities on monitored moors have
not declined in either country. Since 1950,
127 Heather moors in Scotland - 30% of
the total - have ceased to be managed for

A healthy brood of Hen Harriers

sport shooting of Red Grouse. Widespread
overgrazing in the uplands, especially by
sheep but also by Red Deer, has had major
impacts on many Heather moors. A variety
of factors point to grouse moors in Scotland
being less intensively managed and of lower
viability than those in England.

In many areas grouse bags have shown a long
term decline for much of this century for
reasons unconnected with raptors. These are
linked to quality and quantity of habitat and
intensity of moorland management. The
current low level of grouse in some areas is
such as to reduce significantly the viability
of driven grouse shooting on some moors.
After 1 990 at Langholm, Red Grouse stocks
were significantly reduced by raptor
predation at a time when grouse stocks were
low and raptor densities were high. This
affected Red Grouse bags and, subsequent
to the study, spring densities at Langholm
were reduced and driven grouse shooting
suspended. To what extent this pattern
would be repeated on other moors is not
known. The fear that this would be a
widespread pattern fuels much of the
persistent illegal killing of birds of prey. Such
concerns are a major impediment to the
development of the active partnerships that
are urgently need between conservationists
and others living and working in the uplands.

Sylvia Laing

Solutions

The group suggests that much of the long
term solution to the current problems faced
by grouse moor owners lies in the need to
restore and enhance the extent and quality
of Heather moorland. A new specific
incentive scheme for Heather moorland
would be ideal; however the refocusing of
existing schemes to include additional
elements that encourage good moorland
management is a more realistic short term
objective.

Diversionary feeding of birds of prey is within
the law provided there is no disturbance to
the birds of prey. Results of trials in Scotland,
involving the feeding of Hen Harriers in 1 998
and 1999 were successful and diversionary
feeding is a technique that should be widely
promoted as a means of reducing Hen
Harrier predation on Red Grouse during
critical periods. Trials of diversionary feeding
of Peregrines on grouse moors should be
undertaken.

The EU Wild Birds Directive allows lethal
control as a legal option only in particular
circumstances. In the current circumstances,
where not all other satisfactory solutions to
conflicts have been tried, the working group

10

has ruled out lethal control of raptors.
Conservationists, grouse moor owners and
gamekeepers should realise that they share
many common objectives. There are many
clear signs of this common thinking
developing within the Moorland Working
Group in Scotland. On Heather moorland
there is the potential to integrate the
management of grouse with the conservation
of the natural environment.

Birds of prey and racing pigeons

The Sparrowhawk and Peregrine are the 2
species that most frequently interact with
racing pigeons. Goshawks also occasionally
kill pigeons. Raptors sometimes kill pigeons
whilst training and racing, or while exercising
around lofts. Evidence of the circumstances
and scale of losses to raptors has been
obtained by a commissioned research
project, together with surveys undertaken by
the Scottish Homing Union and the Royal
Pigeon Racing Association.

Losses to raptors are just one cause of the
mortality of racing pigeons and pigeon
fanciers accept that their sport carries a
degree of risk from attacks by predators.
Accordingly, data and information on the
different causes of failure of pigeons to return
to lofts will be important in the development
of a strategy to resolve problems.

The group has concluded that there is a clear
need for the development, testing and
evaluation of the effectiveness of deterrents
at the loft and during the training and racing
of pigeons. It is clear that no single technique
will solve these problems since they are
caused by several species of raptor, and their
intensity varies in different places and
different times.

Two healthy Peregrine chicks

Priority should be give to understanding the
causes of straying during racing, especially
for young birds. Minimising straying is likely
to be the single most effective way of
enhancing pigeon return rates.
Consideration should also be given to
delaying the start of the 'old bird' racing
season in order to avoid the current
coincidence with the start of the Peregrine's
breeding season, as well as to reorganising
race routes, especially for young bird racing,
in an attempt to establish 'flight corridors'
and reduce the current complexity of north/
south and east/west crossovers in the
flightpaths of pigeons during racing.

Birds of prey and lowland gamebirds

Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Tawny Owl and
Goshawk have been identified as preying on
Pheasants and Partridges. However, in the
context of the total number of gamebirds
released, losses are minimal. There are
localised problems particularly related to
predation around Pheasant release pens. The
group has initiated work to enable game and
conservation bodies jointly to disseminate
clear advice on best practice. The study will
report in 2000.

Birds of prey and songbirds

It has been suggested that they recovery of
some birds of prey has caused declines in
formerly common farmland birds. Although
the declines of many formerly common
songbirds have coincided with the recovery
of Sparrowhawks the working group has
concluded that there is no evidence that
birds of prey have affected population levels
of British songbirds. These declines are a
consequence of changing types of lowland
agriculture (see pages 3-6 of this issue).

Dave Dick

The issues raised by raptor predation remain
contentious and will not be resolved easily.
The working group considers that we need
better education, a public awareness of the
problems and a focus on best practice by
those concerned with management of
gamebirds and racing pigeons. Compatibility
between conservation and game
management cannot be left to evolve by
default: it must continue to develop by
design.

A copy of the UK Raptor Working Group
Report is in the Waterston Library, and copies
are available from Fiona MacTaggart,
Scottish Natural Heritage, Tel 0131 554
9797. An electronic version is available in
PDF format via JNCC's website, http:/
www.jncc.gov.uk

Golden Eagle Stuart Rae

Sparrowhawk encounter

About half a mile east of Inverlochlarig in
October we heard squawking coming from
a bush beside the road. Stopping beside it
we saw a Sparrowhawk holding a Jay in a
small stream. The hawk, while itself semi
submerged in the stream, was holding the
Jay's head under the water with its claws as
if to drown it which it eventually succeeded
in doing. We were only about 2 metres
away from the action, watching from the car,
with the hawk looking straight at us. Once
the Jay had stopped struggling, the
Sparrowhawk flew off leaving its prey in the
stream. About 2 hours later we returned to
the site to find the Jay's feathers beside the
stream. Clearly the hawk had returned to
feed once we had left. We suspect this is
the same Sparrowhawk that has been found
at least twice recently in the Inverlochlarig
hen house, terrorising sparrows.

Malcolm MacNaughton

Drowning was probably a consequence of
the Sparrowhawk catching the Jay over a
stream, using its standard hunting method
rather than deliberately taking the prey into
water. Eds.

11

Twenty fifth Scottish
Ringers' Conference
Braemar 1999

The first Scottish Ringer's Conference was a
salubrious affair, opened by the Lord Provost
of Perth in his full regalia, and hosting serious
discussions and presentations by some of the
finest minds in Scottish ornithology. It all
went downhill from there.

A gatecrashed wedding; the food fight; a
dead deer in the bath; those incidents with
the fire extinguishers; the sword fight, with
real swords; snowballs flung through the bar
and onto the passing police Land Rover; an
impromptu cracker eating competition and
a Sea Eagle that flew over and practically

perched on the hotel the organisers of

the 25th Scottish Ringers' Conference knew
that anything they arranged would come as
something of an anticlimax to the goings on
of the previous 24 years.

As organisers of that first conference in Perth,
the Tay Ringing Group also hosted the 25th
conference at the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar
where the event has settled in recent years.
As ever, Friday evening was a chance to catch
up on acquaintances, to meet new faces and
to drop in and out on the series of informal
slide talks, this year featuring the life and
times of various ringing groups.

The programme had been designed to mix
the light and the serious, a balance that the
heavier headed of us appreciated on
Saturday morning when a welcome was
given by Henry Robb, who had chaired part
of that first conference 24 years before. The
first talk by Mike Toms gave an overview of
the value of Scottish ringing. The following

presentation by Mick Marquiss looked back
at the past 24 years and gave a view from
the ringers' perspective of how times had
changed and the strengths of ringing in
Scotland. The 2 following talks highlighted
some of these strengths: long term studies,
carried out by enthusiastic volunteers. Jim
Cobb described detailed research on
dispersal of Willow Warblers as part of his
long running studies at Kippo. Clive Walton
talked with real enthusiasm about his studies
of Reed Buntings, centred on his ringing site
in West Lothian, but drawing on a network
of other ringers in the Tay-Forth area who
were colour ringing birds for his project.

Mike Steward's afternoon talk on forest
design and birds portrayed the conservation
and planning involved in forest management
and his extensive Barn Owl ringing project.
Steve Moyes followed by giving an up to date
account of the birds and ringing projects
carried out in the Tay Reedbeds, where rare,
and interesting species now abound. A
feature of this year's conference was the
contribution of many Scottish Ringing
Groups who contributed displays and, in the
case of Grampian, entertainment on the
Saturday night by presenting the second, and
quite possibly last, of their infamous "Have
I Got Birds For You" quiz show. Mere words
cannot paint a picture of the proceedings
but photographs were taken and Chris
Wernham will be paying hush money for the
rest of her life.

For those who survived Saturday night, the
talks by Chris Wernham on dispersal of
Scottish Cormorants and Alan Lauder on the
Cormorants of Loch Leven were fascinating
and showed the value of well researched
studies on both the local and national scale.
Amur Sigfusson had travelled from Iceland

to deliver an intriguing account of the
management of geese in his homeland and
the importance attached to the new shooting
licences in continuing research and
management. The following talk from Colin
Sheddon, of Scottish BASC, described the
situation in Scotland and the importance of
collaborative research by wildfowling
interests and ringers.

Closing remarks by Jeremy Greenwood for
the BTO highlighted the developing nature
of the Ringing Scheme in Scotland. With new
training procedures and research strategies
it is up to Scottish ringers to ensure that the
scheme develops in ways that benefit
research and conservation and takes account
of the particular interests of ornithologists in
Scotland. The setting up of a new BTO office
in Edinburgh should help to see that this
happens. Henry Robb thanked all those
concerned and presented gifts to Bob Swann
and Skits Rae, who had both attended all
25 conferences. The whole weekend went
extremely well, partly due to the huge
ammount of work put in by many members
of the Tay, and other, ringing groups, but also
due to the good humour and good company
of those attending.

The next conference will be hosted by the
Lothian Ringing Group on the 17-19.
November 2000 at Braemar. Enquiries to

Mark Cubitt, 12 Burgh Mills Lane.
Linlithgow. EH49 7TA.

Copies of the group photograph below are
available from the Tay Ringing Group, c/o
Derek Robertson, Woodlands, Bandrum,
nr. Carnock, Fife KYI 2 9HR enclosing a
cheque for £5 made out to "Tay Ringing
Group". Profits will go to the Scottish Raptor
Study Group.

Derek Robertson

Delegates who attended the 25th Scottish Ringers' Conference at Braemar, 1999.

Stuart Rae

12

Musselburgh Lagoons

The birdwatching interest of this site has
been the subject of articles in SBN 7
September 1987 by Ian Andrews and 5BN
43 in September 1996 by David Kelly. Bob
Furness described the effects of the lagoons
on waders in SB 7:6. Since then there have
been a number of improvements which were
completed in December 1999. The lagoons
behind the new seawall have been slowly
filled in with ash from the nearby coal fired
power station at Cockenzie. When the
lagoons are full, they are landscaped and
handed over to East Lothian Council to
manage as an amenity facility. A large
recreational pond is used for canoeing,
boating and model yachting, while 6 shallow
clay lined pools are set aside as a bird
reserve. It is these pools that have been the
scene of recent developments.

Towards the end of 1998 RSPB Scotland
received a substantial sum of money from
Scottish Power through the Landfill Tax
Credit Scheme. This money was then used
to make some major improvements to the
site. Individual pipes were laid to each of
the 6 pools from a main control unit that
can be operated without any disturbance to
the wildlife. At the same time, exit sluices
were put into all the pools thus allowing total
hydrological control of the site. The next
stage in the project was to build 3
birdwatching hides overlooking the pools
with a network of footpaths linking them to
the existing car park. Due to potential
problems with vandalism, these hides were
constructed of brick and concrete without
any roofs. The hides are partially built into
the bunds surrounding the pools to reduce
the visual impact of the structures on the
surrounding landscape and to provide more

shelter from the elements. All the hides and
footpaths are fully accessible to wheelchairs
and prams. To complete the project, onsite
interpretation was provided with the
installation of 4 large information boards, 2
in the vicinity of the pools and 2 along the
adjacent seawall. An information leaflet has
also been produced.

Musselburgh is one of Scotland's premier
birdwatching sites. Over 220 bird species
have already been recorded there, including
Scotland's first Royal Tern in August 1999
and other rarities such as Western Sandpiper,
Buff-breasted Sandpiper, White-rumped
Sandpiper, Forster's Tern, Bonaparte's Gull
and Desert Wheatear. It is now possible to
sit in relative comfort and watch the birdlife
on the pools without causing any
disturbance. Water levels can be carefully
manipulated for the benefit of passage and
breeding birds. The project has been an
excellent example of a partnership involving
Scottish Power, East Lothian Council and
RSPB Scotland using the Landfill Tax Credit
Scheme to enhance the environment.

Visitors to Levenhall Links are welcome
throughout the year and the hides are open
at all times. Vehicular access to the main car
park on the site if off the B1 348 Musselburgh
to Prestonpans road about 1km east of
Levenhall roundabout. Alternatively
pedestrians can enter the site from either
Goosegreen and the mouth of the River Esk
or Morrison's Haven at Prestongrange.

Mike Trubridge

Recent developments are to be
recommended. The next goal must be to
secure the future of the nationally important
roost site at the lagoons. Eds

A general view of the hides and lagoons at Musselburgh. Mike Trubridge

Scotland' &

TlaXmal Sludce

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13

Branch Newsletters

Fife

Noting that the editorial assistant's abiding
image of his trip to Ghana was a rubbish tip
in Mole led me to consider what other
recreational activity allows people to see
such a wide array of municipal refuse tips,
water treatment plants, sewage settling tanks
and other sites of beautiful functionality, all
at close quarters too. Let me recount a recent
exchange in the editorial home after a recent
outing:

Assistant 'Did you see the female Blackcap
on the Templewood Hawksley MKVIII sludge
cutter ?'

Editor 'Surely that wasn't a T H McVIII, the
under gantry cover plates were polished
aluminium and not galvanised steel. I think
it must have been a Hesketh bog slicer 27B,
and a first winter at that because there were
no signs of oxidation of the exposed metal
parts and the maintenance stickers were
obviously new.'

Assistant 'If that's the case that would make
it a first for Scotland because the Hesketh
manufacturing grounds are in Hungary and,
until now, the farthest west they have been
seen is the Texel Sewage Treatment Plant in
the Netherlands.'

You might smirk, but we will be laughing all
the way to the bank when we start to make
millions with Dean's Guide to Western
Palearctic Water Treatment Equipment. Keep
a look out for Volume 1, filter beds to
maceration units , due out next millennium.

Martin Dean

Highland pressure!

For some every day in December is one
further step towards failure, another
opportunity to improve oneself missed. Yes,
I'm talking about listing - especially year
listing. Have the hopes for 1999 been
fulfilled? Have I got the longest year list of
my life? Can I hit the target of 200 birds in
Scotland in a year? Does anybody care? Yes,
we listers do. It's a curse, no doubt, but a
lister's gotta do what a lister's gotta do. Tick.

Tuesday 7 December 1999 and I'm on 199
for Scotland. The target was 200.
Complacency, I blame complacency. Took
my eye off the ball. Before you know it,
there's hardly more than a handful of
opportunities left in 1999 to get those
awkward species. A man who calls himself a
birder hasn't managed to clock a single Corn
Bunting, White-fronted Goose, Little Auk,
not a yaffle of a Green Woodie, Bean Goose?
Ha, ha. Merlin - acute embarrassment factor
there. Long-tailed Skua - gone. Long-eared
and Barn Owl - 1 think not. Shrike, and shrike
- I could shriek about shrikes. And for one
who calls himself a seawatcher, why no
petrels? This man needs help, and he needs
it quickly.

Greater Sand Plover, Pied Wheatear, Lesser
Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher, they are
all very well, but no Glaucous Gull? Yes, a
Longman habitue and no Glauc. I need to
lie down, it's all too much. I don't think I
can cope. Is there any consolation? Ah yes.
On 1 January 2000 it's a whole new list! ! ! ! !

Anon

Fair Isle and its solitary bird

There has recently been published The
Journals of Sir Randall Philip, OBE, QC,
covering the years 1947-57. In 1948 he
was appointed Sheriff Principal of Renfrew
and Argyll and thereby became ex officio a
Commissioner of Northern Lights. He
proved to be an assiduous participator in the
legendary annual cruises with which those
luminaries fulfilled their responsibilities of
inspecting even the most remote Scottish
lighthouses and in his Journals he described
at length his first such cruise up the east side
of Scotland in July 1949. This contains much
of interest- and also at pi 29 one memorable
gaucherie "Fair Isle is now a bird sanctuary
owned by Mr Waterston of Edinburgh and
one Nightingale has been seen on it".

Dougal Andrew

The new BTO Scottish Office

By the time you read this the SOC will have
a new neighbour. The BTO are currently
establishing their new Scottish Office upstairs
at 21 Regent Terrace.

Why a Scottish office?

Scotland is the biggest UK country after
England and the one whose natural history
is most different from the rest. It hold all or
mostofthe UKpopulation of Sea Eaglesand
Corncrakes and is the key area in the UK for
23 of the 1 75 species listed on the EU Birds
Directive. Yet to cover these important birds
in an area comprising 32% of the UK, there
is only 9% of the UK's human population.
Most people are concentrated in a few
conurbations, with vast areas scarcely
populated, remote, and inaccessible.

Birdwatchers in Scotland display a level of
activity that belies their relatively small
numbers. Numbers of birds ringed, coverage
of surveys, numbers of nest record cards -
almost any measure of participation in BTO
work that you care to name - are well above
the 9% that one would expect on the basis
of population alone. Having staff based in
Scotland will be one way of encouraging
greater participation by Scottish
birdwatchers in both Scottish and UK wide
BTO surveys. The BTO Scotland staff can also
ensure that the work the Trust does is not
just related to the priorities of the UK as a
whole but is also focused on the priorities
of Scotland, with a landscape and wildlife

so different from the rest of the UK.

Staff based in Scotland, will be in a much
better position to build collaborative
partnerships for our work, which can mean
so much in terms of bringing BTO's
ornithological expertise together with that
of researchers in other disciplines. And, of
course, to underpin our projects we have to
find funds. Funding that originates in
Scotland, is likely to be easier to obtain from
the office of BTO Scotland than from our
HQ in England. The office will be staffed
initially by a Head of BTO in Scotland and a
secretary but with the intention of sustained
growth over the next several years.

The SOC, is providing space in its own offices
in Edinburgh. The RSPB and the Scottish
Wildlife Trust have been generous with
advice. Scottish Natural Heritage has
awarded a grant of £45,000 to go with
£67,500 from the Esmee Fairburn Charitable
Trust and £60,000 of BTO's own funds, to
make up a funding package that will launch
the enterprise.

The new head of BTO Scotland
Alan Lauder

Alan Lauder took up his post as Head of BTO
Scotland on 28 February. A Scottish birder
for more than 20 years, Alan brings a great
deal of commitment and enthusiasm to the
post, tie comes from a 9 year stint with SNH,
first as manager of Loch Leven and Rannoch
Moor NNRs, then as an Area Officer in
Tayside and Clackmannanshire. He is a
graduate of Stirling University and prior to
SNH also worked for BASC and NTS. Alan is
an avid ringer, particularly of wildfowl,
seabirds and passerines and has a range of
both professional and personal research
interests include studies of duck and goose
feeding, Cormorants and fisheries and
seabirds. Alan is currently studying the
survival of Tufted Duck ducklings as a part
time MPhil at St Andrews University.

14

Aggressive corvids

On 17 November 1995 I was working in
Musselburgh, Lothian, I looked out of the
window onto the flat roof of the building
below to see 5 Crows harassing a Black-
headed Cull which was spread eagled with
its wing stretched out across the roof. Three
of the Crows were onlookers, the other 2
being the protagonists. There appeared to
be something wrong with the gull. It
crouched low to the surface of the roof,
keeping its bill pointed towards the nearer
of the Crows. When a Crow stood behind
it, the gull twisted its head round with its bill
open, apparently ready to defend itself. The
other Crow was able to take advantage of
this diversion. Twice it picked up the wing
tip nearest it and dragged the gull across the
roof. The other Crow joined it on one
occasion and they both dragged the bird
away from the edge of the roof. The other
3 Crows stayed close to the action.

After about 3 minutes, the gull was dragged
back to the edge of the roof. One of the
Crows stood on the edge of an outstretched
wing and pecked down hard at the bone
between its feet. After 1 0 to 15 pecks it
was disturbed when it saw me. At this point
the gull attempted to fly but the Crow
grabbed the tip of its wing as it took off. The
gull lost its balance and fell to the grass below.
All 5 Crows flew down after it. By now my
colleagues wanted the gull rescued. I went
down and took it in. The Crows moved
away as I approached. I was told that during
the time I had taken to go downstairs, the
Crows had been continually attacking the
gull.

An SSPCA Officer took the gull to recuperate.
He could see nothing wrong with its legs or
wings. He presumed that the bird was weak
from hunger and the windy weather and
thought that the Crows had detected this and
tried to take advantage.

Peter Gossip

This sort of behaviour by Crows is quite
common though not always seen so close to
human observers. Eds.

LIBRARY NEWS

Librarian

At the end of December John Law, our
Librarian for the past 4 years, stood down at
the end of his agreed term of office. Many
new ideas and innovations were introduced
and the library funds have shown a healthy
balance due to his vigorous pursuit of any
selling opportunities. The Club and Library
Committee wish to thank him for all his work
and dedication during this period. We are
not losing John as he joins the small band of
helpers which deals with many aspects of
running the library.

We welcome another John! John Davies took
over as Librarian from 1 January 2000. He is
Welsh by birth but has lived in Edinburgh
for 37years, and considers himself effectively
Scottish. He retired from the Civil Service in
1998. He started out 40 years ago
programming computers, when they were
very different from modern machines. In due
course he moved on to other things but his
background is enough to allow him to feel
able to tackle putting the library card index
onto a database. Once complete this will be
of considerable benefit to library users.

He has been a member of the SOC for a
number of years, and considers himself a
fairly typical amateur bird watcher. His last
3 working years were spent at the Scottish
Office in Leith, with a desk looking out over
the docks. The remarkable variety of bird
life seen was a major distraction at times.
He has been working as a library volunteer
for 1 8months and is looking forward to being
Librarian in 'the best ornithological library
in Scotland'.

David Clugston

REVIEWS

A Source Book for Biological Recording in
Scotland by A-M Smout and D Mellor.
Published by BRISC. 7 999. 7 69pp.
Obtainable from BRISC , c/o Chesterhill, Shore
Road, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3DZ e-mail:
AMSmout@aol.com.

This information packed book is a valuable
source of reference on every aspect of
biological recording in Scotland.
Introductory chapters deal with the
collection, processing and use of data, and
emphasise the importance of data exchange.
It also gives information about the exciting
National Biodiversity Network (NBN) and
lists the Local Record Centres and National
Recording Schemes, including the SOC's
Local Recorders' Network. If you are looking
for any sort of biological data or wanting to
know who to report any wildlife sighting to,
this book should be your starting point.

Ian Andrews

A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe,
the Middle East and North Africa by William
S Clark. Oxford University Press. 7 999. 377
pp. ISBN 0-19854661-0. £25.

This compact guide fully covers all the raptors
to be found in the titled areas with paintings
of each including all variations and
comparative plumages plus a wide selection
of colour photographs. These are
complemented by a generous descriptive
text which includes clear large scale
distribution maps. The illustrations, while
good, seem sometimes too brightly coloured

and fine detailed, features which in this range
of species are rarely seen well in the field.
The layout, however, is not ideal for a field
guide with main text and pictures in 3
separate sections. Pricing for a paperback
is on the high side and the guide will have
to compete with the growing selection of
others on the market today.

Keith MacGregor

Rothiemurchus - Nature and People on a
Highland Estate 1500-2000 T C Smout &
R A Lambert (eds) Scottish Cultural Press
7999. 760pp. ISBN L -8401 7-033-6 £9.99.

This book, based on a day conference held
to mark the bicentenary of Memoirs of a
Highland Lady, contains social, literary and
architectural as well as natural history. Even
so, there are chapters on birds and
mammals, nature and sport, the woodlands
and the forest ecology by Roy Dennis, R A
Lambert, T C Smout and P R Ratcliffe. The
price is not unreasonable and the book will
appeal to most people who have ever
enjoyed a visit to Rothiemurchus.

John Law

Scotland's Nature in Trust - The National
Trust for Scotland and its Wildlife and
Crofting Management by J Laughton
Johnston. T & A D Poyser. 7 999. 266pp.
ISBN 0-85661-122-0 £27.95.

This book deals with environmental
management by the National Trust for
Scotland, now the second largest private
landowner in Scotland, of the natural
heritage at 10 of its properties north of the
Highland Boundary Fault. These include
Ben Lawers, Canna, Torridon, Mar Lodge
Estate and Fair Isle as well as St Kilda, which
is currently managed for the Trust by SNH.
During 1 998-99 the author visited many of
the Trust's properties in the Highlands and
Islands, interviewing staff and perusing
Management Plans.

The opening chapter outlines some current
countryside management issues. The author
then describes in separate chapters each of
the 10 properties, the natural heritage,
conservation problems encountered and
action being taken. Each chapter includes
a map of the site with colour photographs
and illustrations by John Busby. The final
chapter gives the author's view of the future.
The author points out that the Trust has only
recently recognised the need for active
conservation of the environment at these
properties. The layout of the book allows
the reader to concentrate on a particular
property but the book is worth reading in its
entirety, especially as most sites have
interesting bird populations.

Joan Wilcox

15

The Great Auk by Errol Fuller, 1 999. 448 pp.
ISBN 0-9533553-0-6. £45.

This is a beautifully produced book with
many illustrations about a large bird which
none of us has, or will ever have, on our
lifelist. It is by a man who spent 6 years
researching the literature, and the known
specimens. If you want a guide to what is
known about the Carefowl, this is the place
to look, though at 2.8kg it is easier to handle
on a table than on your lap. You will find a
comprehensive bibliography, and a page or
2, usually with illustration, of each known
stuffed bird (78 + 2/3 destroyed) and egg
(75 + 2 destroyed) - history, references and
present location. In Scotland there are birds
in the National Museum in Edinburgh and
in Kelvingrove, butthatwhich used to belong
to the Malcolms of Poltalloch is in Cardiff
and the Papa Westray bird is in Tring. Mr
Fuller, naturally, has one himself, Hoppa's
Auk. As to eggs, there is one in Aberdeen
and 2 each in Edinburgh and Inverness, with
a further 8 currently in the possession of Dr
Jack Gibson. If these random bits of
information have roused your curiosity then
you will want to consider adding this book
to your library.

John Davies

Owls: A Guide to the Owls of the World

by C Konig, F Weick and J-H Becking. Pica
Press. 7 999. 464pp 64 plates, 272 species
and maps. ISBN 1-873403-74-7. £35.

The plates and species accounts form the
impressive core of this book and the device
of numbering each species makes cross
referring between the 2 very easy; a simple
device that should be utilised elsewhere.
The plates feature good artwork but more
flight illustrations would be useful. Some
appear very crowded and others have erratic
and unhelpful arrangements of species on
the pages. Great emphasis is laid on
vocalisations for identification but strangely
the accompanying double CD covering over
80% of the world's species is only briefly
mentioned in the Introduction. There are
inconsistencies in some identification
information, especially for similar species eg
Long-eared and Short-eared Owls, with key
differences scattered in different parts of the
accounts. Place names for both maps and
distribution text at times need more
information to elucidate where in the world
they are, particularly the more obscure island
groups. Six errata are listed but I found a
few more errors and some typos.
Notwithstanding these reservations, some of
which may be an inevitable result of the
wealth of information compressed into a
single volume, I know of no serious rival for
the subject and recommend this work as
indispensable for any one with a serious
interest in owls.

Trevor Smith

LETTERS

Dear Brian and Sylvia

Congratulations on an improved SBN, the
welcome return of Recent Reports, much
better photographic reproduction and an
excellent SOC website.

There are a few comments on SBN I hope
to let you have soon, but there is one very
easy change that would improve the flow of
narrative - ie to use words rather than
numerals for the numbers 1 to 1 2, except in
lists, counts, tables, etc. I know a good few
members who find the present style most
irritating. I read many journals, including
New Scientist and British Birds, and, as far
as I can see, SOC is the only one which
adopts this style.

We also need to get rid of the ridiculous rule
banning the use of hyphens, which has even
led to the term "seminatural" (which should
NOT be hyphenated), edited in recent Club
publications as 2 separate words, "semi
natural", presumably due to the author
mistakenly hyphenating the word in the first
instance. To be fair, this error has recently
been perpetuated by both SNH and RSPB
in biodiversity documents. Stan's excuse that
language is always evolving does not hold
water on the hyphen issue, particularly as
we seem to be the only ones resisting the
tide!

lain Gibson

We do use words for 'one' and for numbers
when they appear at the start of sentences.
Hyphens are not banned because in some
cases, eg Black-headed Gull, they are
essential. I know many readers would agree
with Iain's points but the fact is that there is
no one generally accepted convention for
these and other matters that editors have to
deal with, such as the ways in which
references are laid out or whether to use
capitals for English names etc. I know
because when I became involved in editing I
compared British Birds, Bird Study, Ibis etc
with what Scottish Birds did then and found
differences. I also found that Scottish Birds
had changed its approach to some of these
points over the years. I therefore went for the
simplest possible system which I still think
will eventually become the norm. Language
and print conventions are not static. Current
practice in school and college courses in
typing is to use numerals, not words, for most
numbers.

Canute da Prato

Dear Sir

The SOC was a major influence in fostering
my interest in birds as a schoolboy, and
played a big part in the development of my
interest from schoolboy birdwatching to a
professional career in ornithology. This seems
to me to be one of the most useful functions
for the SOC, and I would be very sorry to
see future generations of Scottish youth

unable to benefit from the encouragement
and guidance previously provided by the
club. Membership issues and club activities
certainly need attention, and I hope that
members will do something about that, but
here I'm going to concentrate on my
perception of the problems of the club's
publications as I see those as matters that
are not so difficult to resolve.

I would hope that the editors of Scottish Birds
have a clear view of the function of that
publication, but the comments in the
response of SBN 'Eds' to Ian Stenhouse's
letter in Dec 1999 SBN make me wonder.
EJaving the highest acceptance rate of any
ornithological journal is not a matter for
boasting, but implies that the journal now
receives very little material. Perhaps potential
authors are being put off by recent poor
standards of production. So should we scrap
the journal? Definitely not. It has a very
important role. One of the most important
publications in bird conservation in the UK
is Gibbons et al 1993 The New Atlas of
Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 7 988-
1991 . This is used as a cornerstone of bird
conservation policy by JNCC, SNH, RSPB
etc. I counted the number of references cited
in that book in different 'scientific journals'
(over 70 journals were cited). These were
ranked as follows: Bird Study (1 35 citations),
British Birds (81 ), Ibis (63), Scottish Birds (28),
Ornis Scandinavica (27), J Animal Ecology
(25), J Applied Ecology (1 9), Irish Birds (1 7),
Biological Conservation (14), Journal of
Zoology (10), Ardea (10), Wildfowl (8), BTO
News (7), Animal Behaviour (7), Ringing &
Migration (5). No local bird report in the UK
scored more than 3 (well done Argyll Bird
Report). The Scottish Bird Report was cited
only twice, this itself may be a statistic worth
further discussion and SBN once. So Scottish
Birds has a performance that is highly
creditable on this criterion, ranking fourth
of all journals. It seems to me that this clearly
indicates its role. It is a journal that can
document the populations and status of birds
in Scotland, and the changes in these as a
result of changing environmental conditions
- especially such important influences as
farming practice, fisheries or global climate
change. SOC should promote that role for
the journal, and to do so should actively
encourage potential authors to contribute
relevant papers, and should strive to ensure
that the published journal is free of errors
and production imperfections that have
certainly tarnished its image in recent years.

SBN is already very good and I always enjoy
reading it but I can suggest 2 ways to improve
it. First, proof reading. As well as obvious
typos and even incorrect banners, it comes
across as less than professional when a
request for butterfly records to be sent before
the end of 1999 is not circulated until the
month after the deadline. Secondly, there
seems to be a tendency for the same folk to
contribute articles to SBN issue after issue.
I'm sure that this is partly because others

16

cannot get round to writing. But there must
be lots of interesting ornithology going on in
Scotland that is never reported in SBN. Surely
there is more chance of getting text about
these if it is solicited! I have yet to be asked
who has interesting work that could be
reported in SBN. I know I should take the
initiative but like most people I don't find
the time. Perhaps SB and SBN need wider
editorial panels to seek suitable material from
more diverse sources around Scotland. Many
other groups produce Newsletters, and SBN
could gain from reading those and reviewing
some of their content. I know for example
that there is only a small overlap between
memberships of SOC and The Seabird
Croup. Yet material in the Seabird Croup
Newsletter (edited in Scotland) never gets
coverage in SBN even though much of it
originates from work on Scottish seabirds!
The folk who have worked hard to produce
SB and SBN are to be commended for their
efforts, but they could gain from more help,
and an effort needs to be made to spread
the load to improve quality. My criticism is
of those, like me, who have left all the work
to the few.

Bob Furness
Tarhet, Dunbartonshire

I read this with considerable interest as it
contains constructive comment in the useful
analysis of how often Scottish Birds is referred
to compared to other journals.

However, other parts of the letter are based
on the misconception that the journal is
struggling for material and therefore has
somehow lowered its standards. Our policy
is to be as sympathetic as possible to club
members who offer us papers provided they
are original contributions to our knowledge
of Scottish birds. This often means that
material has to be heavily edited, papers are
often pruned into notes and some items
submitted to Scottish Birds may only be
published in Scottish Bird News. This policy
has been endorsed by both the Editorial
Committee and the Council. If Scottish Birds
was edited in the same way as journals that
cater largely for professional scientists then
we would undoubtedly find that the flow of
papers from amateurs would reduce; this has
happened in the past.

I entirely agree that Scottish Birds should
concentrate on the distribution of birds within
Scotland and factors relevant to this and
suggest that the contents page of any recent
issue confirms this.

I am surprised that Bob, who has helped
produce Scottish Birds in the past, and knows
the problems we had then, should subscribe
to the view that the journal has deteriorated
recently, though I agree we have had some
printing and proof reading problems. I do not
agree that we should solicit material for SB
but my successor may wish to take up the
idea.

We have clear guidelines for Scottish Birds
within an overall publications policy which
we did not have in the past. These are:

7 The journal only publishes original
material on Scottish birds. All other
material goes into Scottish Bird News with
one exception.

2 Obituaries all go into Scottish Birds as the
twin track approach of some in Scottish
Birds and some in Scottish Bird News was
unworkable and hurtful to some
members.

3 The Editorial Panel has 5 members:
Professor D Jenkins, Dr J B Nelson, Dr I
Bainbridge, Dr M Marquiss and R Swann
with Dr M A Ogilvie as Chairman of the
Editorial Committee. They have a wide
range of expertise. In addition
independent referees are used when
appropriate.

Scottish Bird News definitely needs more
input and we will be delighted if more people
contribute, whether on seabirds or anything
else. However, we do rely on people sending
the material to us - we do not have the time
to go out and look for it. We have said this
sort of thing rather often and would love to
see our names less often in the magazine -
we often do not sign all we write but have
received complaints about this as well!

Several new bird magazines are on the market
while others, including British Birds and Bird
Study, have been extensively and expensively
revamped. We are working on changes to
Scottish Birds and Scottish Bird News but
without a substantial injection of cash cannot
produce a glossy full colour magazine on our
members' contributions.

Stan da Prato

Dear Sir

Conservation status of Golden Eagle

Most sources quote a UK population size of
about 420 pairs of Golden Eagles but usually
fail to note that, in 1 992, only 11 9 of these
reared young. At a time of continuing
persecution and pressure to limit raptor
numbers would it not be best if summaries
differentiated between breeding and non
breeding pairs?

The Golden Eagle is Amber listed as a species
of only medium conservation concern, due
to its European status, even though it meets
criteria relevant to the Red list of high
concern. These are 1) a population decline
during 1800-1995 from c550-420 pairs and
2) it is a rare breeder with a 5 year mean of
200-300 breeding pairs per year, all data
from Birds of Prey in the UK: Back from the
Brink. BTO et a\ 1999. I find this surprising
given the known level and effects of
persecution in some areas. Given the
species' decline in fringe areas such as the
south and east, and the 72% breeding failure

in 1 992, is it not time to recognise that the
Golden Eagle is a species of high
conservation concern?

The failure to distinguish territorial from
breeding pairs gives a false impression of
population strength. The species range
expansion into Northern Ireland and
northern England during the 1950s implies
a larger base population than was thought
and its retreat from these areas suggests a
population decline. While the similarity in
the results of the 2 national surveys has been
taken as a sign of stability it could well hide
a slow decline if the total figure includes a
large number of pairs occupying non viable
territories.

It seems likely that 1999 was another poor
breeding season. I feel that the Golden Eagle
has been side lined in recent years with the
causes of local declines 'known' to be
persecution and habitat changes but it seems
to be forgotten that the sum of local declines
is a national decline.

David Walker,
Penrith

Help Capercaillie and Black Grouse

In Britain as a whole, Black Grouse numbers
have fallen by 75% in 1 0 years, while Caper
has achieved rarity status - only about 1 000
birds left from a population that in its heyday
probably numbered over 20,000.

With all this in mind, the SOC has aligned
itself with other conservation bodies and
birdwatching tour companies in backing a
newly drawn up Code of Conduct for grouse
watchers. The Code is available free (but
enclose SAE) from RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy,
Beds SGI 8 2DL, or via the RSPB website
www.rspb.ork.uk - but its main tips are as
follows:

* Consider looking for Capercaillie and

BlackCrouse in autumn and winter,
when numbers are highest and also
when lekking is less important for
productivity.

* Avoid looking for Caper leksatdawn for

the time being. Hopefully,
arrangements to view at least one on a
nature reserve may be possible this year.

* Watch from a car wherever possible; stay

in the car and do not start up until the
birds have gone.

* Stay on forest tracks and paths. Do not

wander in the Heather and Blaeberry
to flush birds, especially in spring when
they have vulnerable young.

Julian Hughes

17

SUMMER COURSES
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For details of courses in

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GEOLOGY, BASKETRY & PAINTING

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THE GLEBE BARN
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01687 482417

Environmental studies in Glasgow and
the West of Scotland

Are you interested in learning more about
the environment, ecology or the natural
history of Scottish birds, mammals and
plants? If so, the Department of Adult &
Continuing Education (DACE) at the
University of Glasgow would like to hear
from you. DACE is part of the Faculty of
Education and provides part time courses
for the wider community. Courses are given
in science, archaeology, arts and languages.
We are currently expanding our programme
of part time environmental studies in
Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Courses
will involve lectures, study days, residential
and non residential field excursions. We
would like to know of topics that you may
be interested in studying. We would also
like to hear from those of you who may have
experience of teaching environmental
studies and would be interested in becoming
a part time tutor.

Please contact Dr Dominic McCafferty at
the Department of Adult and Continuing
Education, University of Glasgow, 59
Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LW. Tel:
0141 330 4394 email

d.mccafferty@educ.gla.ac.uk

SOC NOTICES

Bequest

The sad death of Gerard Sandeman, a
founder member of the SOC, occurred last
November. Before he died he had arranged
that his notebooks which cover a lifelong
interest in Scottish birds, particularly in the
Lothians, should be given to the Club. These
have now been added to our archive section.
He also bequeathed his bird books to the
library. Our thanks are due to his wife Peggy.

David Clugston

200 Club

Winners in the fourth quarter of 1 999 were:

October - 1st £30 A Sprott, Bonnyrigg; 2nd
£20 A McNeill, Stirling; 3rd £10 W Taylor,
Auldgarth.

November - 1 st £1 50 M Nicoll, Tayport; 2nd
£75 M Lennox, Melrose; 3rd £50 R Craig,
Peebles; 4th £30 S Howe, Torphins; 5th £20
H Harper, Edinburgh; 6th £10 N Elkins,
Cupar.

December - 1st £50 M Everett, Huntingdon;
2nd £30 V Tulloch, Gigha; 3rd £20 S
McCulloch, Edinburgh; 4th £10 D Boomer,
Cheshire.

Well done and thank you to all 200 Club
supporters. We maintained the 200
members achieved last year. At the time of
writing in late January a decision about the
location of our Headquarters and Offices has
still to be made. Where-ever we are, there
will always be a need to maintain the
decoration and refurbishment of the building
we occupy. These were the aims of the 200
Club when it was originally authorized by
Council at the end of 1988, with the first
draw being made in June 1989. Such has
been its popularity that in its first 1 1 years to
May 2000 it has raised almost £1 1,000 for
the SOC, with a similar sum being returned
in prizes to 200 Club members.

The 200 Club's twelfth year starts on 1 June.
Reminder notices for those who do not pay
by standing order will be sent to existing
members in April. Remember that this is an
annual subscription that never increases, so
your continuted support will be much
appreciated. If you would like to join, please
send me a cheque for £1 2, payable to 'SOC
200 Club'. This will cover the 12 months
from 1 June and will be acknowledged. The
only conditions are that you must by an SOC
member and over 1 8. Some 45 prizes are
given each year with sums varying from £1 50
to £1 0. Please contact me if you want further
information.

Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6
9NH (01896) 822176.

Appeal for speakers for branch
programmes

The arrangements for compiling the
programme of winter lectures for Branches
has been discussed by the Management
Committee, following a request from Council
that they should consider improvements to
the procedure. It has been agreed that HQ
will continue to try and provide a 'big name'
speaker each year. A small sub committee
will be formed to identify other potential
speakers. Members and branches are asked
to submit names of likely individuals who
can be approached for the 2000/2001 winter
season.

Isle of May Bird Observatory

This year there are still weeks available to
book in April-May and July-October when
spectacular falls of birds can occur. Weeks
are also available in the summer, when the
island is teeming with breeding seabirds, and
in the October period when the Grey Seals
come ashore to pup. Although priority is
given to bookings of a week or more,
weekend or part week bookings can be
made under special circumstances.

Recent highlights have included Two-barred
Crossbill, Tawny Pipit, Richard's Pipit and
Melodious Warbler and last year's finds were
Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas's Warbler and
Thrush Nightingale.

A week spent at this historic observatory is a
unique experience and enquiries can be
made to the Hon Bookings Secretary Mike
Martin, 2 Manse Park, Uphall, W Lothian
EH52 6NX.

Thanks

Once again may we thank the many
volunteers who give assistance in the office,
and also to those who came in to pack and
send out the December mailing. If you
would like to assist with this task please
contact Sylvia at the SOC office on 0131
556 6042 for details.

Future management at Insh Marshes

In the autumn RSPB Scotland held public
meetings in Kincraig and Kingussie to discuss
the management at Insh Marshes Nature
Reserve over the next 5 years and a
representative from each community has
agreed to assist with the development of the
new management plan for the site. Their
contact details are: Mr Alasdair Macleod,
Carn Ban Kincraig, PH21 1 NU: Tel 01540
651 313. and Mr Gordon MacPherson, 3
Cluny Terrace, Kingussie: Tel. 01540
662275.

A draft of the 5 year management plan will
be drawn up and available for comment
towards the end of the year.

18

History of bird netting

An 88 page illustrated report by John Young
and sponsored by Angus College is available

from : Ken Bruce, Mallaig, Wellington
Street, Glencaple, Dumfries DG1 4RA. Tel
01387 770336. Price £3.50 inc p&p. All
revenue is to be donated to promote
conservation in birds through ringing.

REQUESTS

Colour photos wanted

Neck collared Whooper Swans

Since 1990 Whooper Swans have been
marked in Germany using yellow neck
collars. Up to spring 1999 cl 00 individual
birds had been marked with yellow neck
collars. Please send sightings including site
(country, area, coordinates), date, size of
group, partner of the bird sighted, number
of offspring of the pair, and habitat to: Axel
Degen, Tannenburgstr. 11, D-49084
Osnabrueck, Germany. Email: Axel-
Degen@t-online.de

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAE for current list and prices to: Vamellus
Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114) 2664362.

SOC car stickers

Ian Andrews has also designed a smart new
car sticker featuring the Club's new logo.
These can be purchased from SOC, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, at

50pence each plus a second class stamp.

As you will see we have introduced colour
into this issue of 5BN as explained on the
front page. Unfortunately, most of the stock
of photographs held in Regent Terrace is
black and white, so perhaps some of you
would like to donate good colour
photographs which can then be used in our
publictions. As always photographers are
acknowledged.

Darvic ringed Oystercatchers

As part of a long term study of Aberdeen's
roof nesting Oystercatchers, we are fitting
the birds with Darvic rings on the left leg.
These rings are white or yellow and bear a
unique combination of a letter and 2 digits,
egA26, reading down the leg. We would be
grateful for any sightings, even incomplete
ones, and can provide a prompt history.
Please inform either: Alistair Duncan, 12
Cairncry Avenue, Aberdeen AB16 5DS
(01224 483717) or Raymond Duncan, 86
Broadfold Drive, Aberdeen AB23 8PP
(01224 823184).

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylags bearing dye marks,
darvic rings or neck collars, together with
details of colours and letters seen, no matter
how incomplete, should be sent to: Bob

Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain, Ross-
shire IV19 1JR (01862 894329).

This is DJ - collars should he read from
the bottom up.

Neck collared White-fronted Geese

In 1998 the University of Osnabruck (Dept
of Ethology, Goose Research Group) in
cooperation with IBN-DLO, started putting
black neck collars with white codes on
White-fronted Geese. These are similar to
the ones used on Greylags in Scandinavia.
They are composed of one big upright letter
and 2 smaller numbers below arranged at a
right angle.

Please send any information of sightings
(country, area, coordinates), date, size of
group, partner of bird sighted, number of
offspring of the pair, and habitat, to; Prof
Dr Hans-Heiner Bergman, University of
Osnabrueck, AG Ganseforschung,
Barbarastr. 11, D-49069 Osnabrueck,
Germany. Email: bergmann@biologie.uni-
osnabrueck.de. Further information can be
seen at http://members.aoI.com/
Kruckenbrg/

Ring Ouzel study group

Birders across the UK are being asked to look
out for ringed Ring Ouzels this spring and
summer, as part of an effort to discover more
about this declining upland bird. Ring Ouzels
in England and Scotland have been colour
ringed during the last 2 years and
birdwatchers are asked to report any
sightings during migration, the breeding
season and, particularly in late summer, since
almost nothing is known about where Ring
Ouzels spend the 8 weeks before southward
migration. Colour combinations and
locations (6 figure grid reference if possible)
should be sent to Ring Ouzel Study Group,
c/o Julian Hughes, RSPB, The Lodge,
Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL, or e-mail
ringouzel@hotmail.com

Edinburgh Swift survey

Please send in your records of Swifts in
Edinburgh, especially screaming parties and
nests, to Ian Andrews, 39 Clayknowes
Drive, Musselburgh EH21 6UW. This
survey is organised by the SOC in
cooperation with the Edinburgh Biodiversity
Partnership.

Recent Reports
December 1 999-February
2000 a review of winter
1 999-2000.

One outstanding November record is the first
winter Mourning Dove present at Carinish,
North Uist from the 1 3-1 5 November when
it was assumed to have died overnight. It
capped a tremendous year on the Outer
Hebrides and will be the first Scottish record
and only the second British record, after one
on the Isle of Man in October 1989, if
accepted.

There is no doubt that the main event of the
winter was the Iceland Gull influx, which
produced the largest numbers since 1993.
Numbers were good in December with c50
reported though the peak numbers occurred
in February with a minimum of 200 seen.
As has been the case for a lot of the last 20
years the totals for Iceland Gull exceeded
those for Glaucous Gull, with in February
the ratio being 4:1 in favour of Iceland with
approximately 50 reported Glaucous. Seven
sites held counts of 8 or more Icelands, all
of which were in the northwest, with the
largest counts being 22 in Stornoway harbour
on the 1 March, 18 at Mallaig in the last
week of February and 1 5 in Lerwick harbour
in the last week of February also. It was also
the best year ever for the species in the Clyde
area with possibly up to 40 individuals
reported. Amongst this influx no less than
1 1 Kumlien's Gulls were reported - a record
showing. Two Ross's Gulls were reported,
adults seen briefly on Unst and at Ullapool
in January and February respectively whilst
the 2 sightings of a first winter Ivory Gull in
January may relate to the same bird, on Lewis
from at least the 1 0-1 8 January and on Islay
from the 23-24 January. Elsewhere amongst
gulls 2 Yellow-legged Gulls were reported
in January and February, 5 Ring-billed Gulls
were seen and 14 Mediterranean Gulls
were reported including a Belgian colour
ringed bird in Ayrshire adding to the
Hungarian, French and Dutch ringed birds
seen previously in Scotland.

19

The Pied-billed Grebe was on Benbecula
from 28 November-11 December (the
seventh record for Scotland) Also on
Benbecula the Greater Yeilowlegs remained
throughout though proved very elusive.
Other wintering waders included a
Whimbrel in Ayrshire, 2 Common
Sandpipers (in Argyll and Renfrewshire), 2
Spotted Redshanks at WWT Caerlaverock
and 8 Green Sandpipers. A Black-necked
Grebe at Sumburgh on the 1 6 February was
only the sixth Shetland record whilst gales
in early January produced several interesting
seabird records. These included 2 Grey
Phalaropes on the 3 January at Fraserburgh
and Brora, a Balearic Shearwater at
Saltcoats on the 1 2 January and 5 Pomarine
Skua reports (with' 9 additional birds
reported in December)/ Also unseasonahYas^'
the Glossy Ibis orr Papa Westr^y on 5-6
January with presumably th^Nsame bj'r^'
responsible for the sighting at''v§t. Fergus/'
Aberdeenshire on the 7lanuary. . "A

Amongst wildfowl the centol Scotland T^iga '/
Bean Goose flock reached its* higher-level
ever with 188 birds seen. A colour ringed
adult Lesser White-fronted Goose was
amongst the Solway Barnacles from at least
the 1 0 January. It is thought to be most likely
from the Swedish feral reintroduction
scheme many of which winter amongst
Barnacles in the Netherlands. It was a record
breaking winter in Scotland for Green-
winged Teal with 1 6 drakes reported whilst
a comparable showing was attained by
American Wigeon with 7 drakes seen
including 3 on east Mainland Orkney all in
discreet Eurasian Wigeon flocks. The female
Black Duck continued to reside at Loch Fleet
paired up to a Mallard, the only Ring-
necked Ducks seen were 2 females on
Benbecula whilst the 2 King Eiders seen
were on Shetland on the 23 February and

the usual drake at Tayport, Fife from the 23
January and then on the Ythan Estuary from
the 2 March.

Five white morph Gyr Falcons were
reported from the 3 February onwards, 2
on Shetland including one on Fair Isle from
the 3-1 6 February, one on Orkney, one on
the Outer Hebrides and a third calendar year
female which was found exhausted on a
fixed vessel west of Shetland on the 3 March,
taken into care in Aberdeenshire and then
released in Glen Lui, Deeside on the 10
March to an assembled appreciative
gathering of cl 00 people. It was last seen
heading high over the hills in the glen in a
NNE direction, to be ever seen again? A bird
. '.fdl^J^ed at the Lecht in the 1 970s in similar
cfrcumstanfe^s was present in the area for
/around 2 months afterwards. Only 2 Rough-
I egged; Buzzards, reported briefly in
Highland and-' Borders in February, was a
'T i^pjewbat-cfismal showing whilst only small
i*/ffum’berS of Little Auks were seen this winter
Fe in Scotland, the best numbers being on the
Outer Hebrides.

The 3 Shore Larks reported were all in
Lothian whilst it was the best winter in
Scotland for Waxwings since 1996/7 with
numbers peaking in December before tailing
off. The 5 Great Grey Shrikes reported
represents a reasonable showing whilst all 4
Arctic Redpolls reported were in Caithness
and Sutherland. The largest numbers of
Snow Buntings seen were on the Black Isle
with an exceptional flock of c2000 birds
reported there on the 19 December. It was
yet another dire winter for Lapland Buntings
unfortunately a situation that is now the
norm. It has been a very good winter for
Twite in Lothian with 400 at Whiteadder on
2 January, a record count.

Angus Murray

First winter Iceland Cull, Oban harbour. February 2000 Sandy McNeil

Part of an unusually large influx of Iceland Culls to the north and west early in 2000 see pi 9.

ISBN 0268-3199

Scottish

Bird

News

Edited by

Stan da Prato
Assisted by

Ian Andrews and
Sylvia. Lai ng

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
SOC. It acts as a channel of communication
for SOC members and disseminates
information relevant to Scotland's birdlife. It
is published 4 times a year at the beginning
of March, June, September and December.
Articles and notices are welcomed and
should be sent to the Secretary at 21 Regent
Terrace no later than 5 weeks before
publication. The views expressed are not
necessarily the policy of the SOC.
Contributors should note that material has
to be edited, often at short notice, and it is
not practical to let authors see these changes
in advance of publication.

The

SOC

21 Regent Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 5BT

phone 0131-556 6042
fax 0131-558 9947
e-mail mail@the-soc. org.uk
web site www.the-soc.org.uk

The Scottish Ornithologists' Club was
established in 1936. Now in its 64th year,
the SOC has 2250 members and 14
branches around Scotland. It plays a
central role in Scottish birdwatching,
bringing together amateur bird watchers,
keen birders and research ornithologists
with the aims of documenting, studying
and, not least, enjoying Scotland's varied
birdlife. Above all the SOC is a club, relying
heavily on keen volunteers and the support
of its membership.

Headquarters provide central publications,
including our journal Scottish Birds and the
Scottish Bird Report and an annual
conference, and 21 Regent Terrace houses
the largest library of bird literature in
Scotland. The network of 14 branches
organises field meetings, a winter
programme of talks and social events.

The SOC also supports the Local
Recorders' Network and the Scottish Birds
Records Committee. The latter maintains
the official Scottish List on behalf of the
Club.

More information can be found on our
web site.

passwords to access
members' web pages

'golden' & 'eagle'

20

^[yU L-

(_pQO

SMSM5

Scottish [Bird News

THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE SOC No 58 June 2000

Property matters

At the May meeting of Council, it was agreed that I should put together a few words to bring members up to date regarding Club
Headquarter/Scottish Centre for Ornithology issues. Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of the following motion at its meeting in
November last year- " That a group be formed to find and cost a financially viable alternative location identified for a Scottish Centre
for Ornithology which will offer opportunities for the development of the SOC in the future". This followed a realisation that, in the
absence of further rental income, the Club would soon be eating into its savings to maintain membership benefits. A move to a new
site could bring with it improvements in facilities, decrease in running costs, wider accessibility, new partnerships and, along with
other changes, help widen the appeal of the Club. The possibility of adopting a location adjacent to a wildlife site was raised, as were
the advantages of an energy-saving building.

A Working Group was formed and has now
met on a number of occasions. The search
has focussed on 2 general areas, chosen on
the basis of proximity to roads, rail and
centres of population. Currently a site in
Linlithgow is being actively pursued. The
Bridge of Allan area and, in particular, the
University of Stirling Campus has also been
looked at. Discussions have taken place with
a firm of Chartered Surveyors in the area
and with the University's Estates and
Buildings Section. The major problem with
the University is that it has a policy of leasing,
rather than selling, ground. One or 2 sites in
the Stirling area have been investigated and
dismissed as impractical. In addition, fruitful
discussions have taken place with Stirling and
West Lothian Planning Authorities.

Here is your chance to help, if you know
anyone in the Bridge of Allan area with
ground (approximately 0.5 acres) that might
suit our purposes, please let me know.
Consideration would also be given to
property suitable for conversion and/or
extension.

The Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, FIBOT,
has an involvement in a potential move
through the wording of the Trust Document
by which 21 Regent Terrace is held, and a
meeting was convened at Vane Farm. A wide
ranging discussion took place, during which
FIBOT expressed some concern regarding
the possible move from Edinburgh and
SOC's current financial position in light of
the loss of lease income. It was agreed that
each party would provide their
interpretation of a Scottish Centre for
Ornithology. Following discussion at Council,
a distillation of 2 very similar definitions
prepared by Ian Andrews and Peter
Vandome, a definition has been submitted.
FIBOT will be kept informed of the evolving
situation.

An approach has been made to a number
of like-minded organisations with a view to
finding potential leasees of accommodation
outside Edinburgh. Despite the specific
wording of the resolution and the various
reports prepared for Council by Ian Darling
and myself, the viability of 21 Regent Terrace
is also being further tested.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity
to thank ail those individuals and branches
that have taken the time to write to me
expressing their views. The overall
impression I get, in line with the vote taken
at Council, is that the time is right for a move.
While it is taking a good deal longer to
organise than I expected, I personally still
consider a move to be the correct option
for us. Your views on this and related matters

A migrant Dotterel on Tinto Hill, Lanarkshire in May 2000. See Recent Reports on

pages 11-12 Mark Darling

m 2 9 2000

LlBR ARIES

are still welcome.

Brian Downing
President

1

The Songbird Survival Action Group

The precipitous decline in populations of many songbirds since the mid-1970s is a
concern to everyone with any interest in the UK environment. In many ways, any
organisation which attempts to draw attention to this decline, and tries to get
something done about it, is to be welcomed. The Songbird Survival Action Group
(SSAG) is such an organisation. It differs from other conservation organisations,
however, in maintaining that a principle cause in the decline of songbirds is the
increasing numbers of certain raptors, in particular the Peregrine and Sparrowhawk,
and is lobbying to allow sensitive control of their populations to aid the recovery of
songbirds. They want to return the populations of all birds to early 1970s levels.

Most SOC members will already be familiar
with at least some of the major papers and
studies which have examined the causes of
declines in farmland birds, and those which
have examined whether there is a role for
raptors in limiting the population of
songbirds. The Report of the UK Raptor
Working Group (2000) listed over 15 such
studies, all of which have failed to implicate
raptors in the decline, and concluded that
changes in agricultural practices have been
the primary cause of the disappearance of
songbirds.

Personal communication with founder
members of the SSAG has shown that they
believe these studies to be flawed and
unreliable. Furthermore, they accuse the
authors of these reports, and the BTO and
RSPB, of being disingenuous, deliberately
misleading the public and politicians in order
to protect raptors at the expense of small
birds. Indeed, members of the SSAG have
to believe this, since they seem to 'know'
that raptors are the causes of songbird
decline. (Although they claim to have
researched this, they produce no proper
evidence). They want, as do us all, more
research to be done. However, one gets the
feeling that any research which does not
blame raptors for killing all the songbirds will
also be dismissed as flawed - for they
preempt the results of any future research
by asking that The Government must then
be persuaded to relax the laws protecting
some predators.

The level of ignorance about basic
ornithology among some members of the
SSAG is staggering. One of their assertions
is that the Red Kite re-introduction
programme will place a further burden on
songbirds, and they want it stopped. The
reintroduced kites in England seem to eat,
almost entirely, carrion, but will take the
occasional fledgling Woodpigeon (hardly a
source of concern to farmers!). What this
suggests is that the SSAG is primarily an anti-
raptor organisation, rather than being pro-
songbird.

Anti-raptor arguments are common within
the pages of the Scottish press, and have
been answered with some assiduity by
members of the public and the conservation
organisations. But it would be a mistake to
write the SSAG off. Although somewhat
evasive about their affiliations, early

publications by the SSAG gave the names of
some, presumably founder, members who
could be contacted for further information.
The Scottish contact is one Linda Brooks.
Although the publicity sheet did not mention
this, she is the Secretary of the Scottish
Homing Union, and a co-author of the anti-
raptor Save our Sport document. Other
founder members are Snowy Jeffs, another
pigeon fancier, and Gavin Morris, a Suffolk
smallholder who keeps free range chickens.
It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the
SSAG is a coalition of anti raptor people who
are trying a new and roundabout route to
achieve the legalisation of raptor
persecution.

If anyone were to cynically create an
organisation aimed at subverting public
sentimentality and ignorance in order to
achieve an ulterior aim, they could do little
better than the current SSAG setup. Whilst
I am not suggesting that the SSAG is so
cynical (clearly we are all concerned about
songbirds), its members seem intelligent and
determined to prove that raptors should be
controlled. They have and will continue to
analyse and criticise all the literature on the
subject, and will pounce on any apparent
inaccuracies or inconsistencies. It is up to
the rest of us to avoid glib statements and
sound-bites, 'raptors are off the hook',
'raptors have no effect on songbirds' etc, and
to keep up with all the available research.
This research has suggested that the declines
of songbirds and other farmland birds is
primarily due to land management, but this
is not the end of the matter, not the last line,
and more research needs to be done.
Members of the SOC will participate in this
research, and support the other conservation
organisations in making the prejudices and
arrogance shown by the SSAG an
irrelevance.

Martin Collinson

Goldeneye hazards - Loch Tay

Goldeneyes winter on Loch Tay, but by April
only a few pairs of potential breeders remain.
The first record of breeding was the sighting
of a duck with 6 young on 23 May 1995
from the south side of the Loch. Since then
3 nestboxes have been sited, 2 on the north
shore and one on the south. In 1997, one
duck used a box but it was not until 1998
that a duck laid 4 eggs and reared 2 young.
1 999 was blank but one box contained down
and this year, on 28 April a box was examined
which contained 8 warm eggs, the duck
being on the water. The box was again
checked on 1 May, but the eggs were cold,
although 2 ducks and 1 drake were seen
around. By 6 May the box was deserted. It
is assumed that the continuous disturbance
of sail boats, accompanied by frequent visits
from the Edinburgh University Centre speed
boat caused the desertion of the nest - the
duck needs to feed and the presence of so
many boats in the vicinity has kept the birds
away.

Pat Sandeman
Sparrowhawk behaviour

One morning in early April, we were
surprised to see a male Sparrowhawk
apparently trying to eat peanuts on the
hanging 'squirrel proof' feeder. Closer
observation showed that the bird was in
some difficulty, flapping wildly and
apparently trying to release itself from the
wires. We assumed that it had made a
swoop at a feeding passerine, missed and
collided with the cage. After a few seconds
it managed to get free and sat on the ground
(looking rather sheepish!) for about a minute
before flying off, apparently no worse for the
experience. It would be interesting to know
if anyone else has observed anything similar.

Fay and Ian Pascoe

I was interested to see the short article,
'Sparrowhawk encounter', on page

I I of SBN 57, in which a Sparrowhawk was
reported drowning a Jay. Although
unusual, this behaviour has been described
previously. British Birds 90:524-525, for
example, contains 4 Behaviour Notes,
describing Sparrowhawks drowning Jay,
Magpie, Starling and Corn Bunting. In all
cases, the prey was deliberately brought to
water in order to be drowned!

Martin Collinson

Song Thrush

David Mitchell

2

Spring Conference

Christine Dugeom of the Barony College welcomed over 200 SOC/BIO members to the 2000 Spring Conference. Chris Rollie, the
RSPB's South-west Scotland Conservation Officer, got the conference off to a cracking start with an informative and well illustrated
talk on the impact of agriculture and forestry on bird populations in Dumfries and Galloway. The region has suffered the greatest
changes in land use of any in the UK. Starting on high ground we heard of the damage done by a prolific population of wild goats on
the, now small, numbers of breeding Golden Plover and Dotterel. When one hears that 25% of Dumfries and Galloway is covered in
forestry and that 63% of the heather moorland has vanished, no wonder some bird populations have suffered! Black Grouse did well
when the forestry was young but not as the trees matured. A restructuring programme with Forest Enterprise hopes to reverse the
trend. Buzzards, however, continue to expand, and Song Thrushes do very well along the forest edges, compared to much of the UK.
Eighty percent of Scotland's Nightjars occur in Dumfries and Galloway. The increase in sheep numbers and subsequent overgrazing
has not helped species like Red Grouse, Hen Harrier and Curlew.

Ken Bruce, of the North Solway Ringing
Group, told us of the discovery in 1 993 of a
pair of breeding Reed Warblers near
Dumfries. Since then about 5-7 pairs appear
to be breeding annually. Up to 29 birds have
been trapped and ringed, with a single
recovery from Rutland. It would seem likely
that this new colonisation was the result of
the spread of birds across the Solway from
Cumbria. New and potential breeding sites
have been located in reed beds along the
River Nith, near Caerlaverock, at Woodhall
and Lochmaben.

Andy Wilson, BTO Research Ecologist,
started his talk by discussing the population
reductions experienced in recent years by
so many common birds, before
concentrating on Skylark and Lapwing. The
numbers of both species in England and
Wales has reduced dramatically since the
mid 70s. Possible causes relate to changes
in farming practices. Among these were
increases in agricultural intensity, a loss of
mixed farms, a switch to winter sown cereals,
and improved drainage. Although the
picture was depressing, there were some
hopeful signs; the experience with Stone
Curlews, which had increased in England in
recent years, showed what could be done
in partnership with farmers.

Jack Fleming, Agricultural Adviser in Scotland
for RSPB, followed. Jack was himself a
farmer, a point he stressed when talking to
farmers. RSPB's current aim was to seek
ways of intervening to help overwintering
passerines. Although more efficient farming
appeared to imply less suitable winter
feeding, possible solutions could be
identified. Many farmers were sympathetic
and could be persuaded to leave a small
patch, say “ acre, for birds. If each farmer
would do so, improvements to the situation
could be made. However, the proposed new
EU subsidy rules on field margins could prove
difficult. In summary, he said that it was
important that land should be actively
managed in an environmentally sensitive
way, and gave examples of how this could
be done. He stressed that there was no
single solution, a combination of actions was
needed.

After lunch Donald Watson, an SOC founder
member and well known artist, gave a
humorous account of some local
ornithologists in the early days of the Club.

Nightjar with chick

Geoff Shaw, Chief Ranger for Forest
Enterprise, followed, giving an account of
bird changes in the Galloway Forests, listing
winners and losers. There are currently 1 80
species, of which 110 breed. In dividing the
area into habitat types, species such as
Peregrine and Dotterel had not been
affected, though Ring Ouzel and Golden
Plover had declined. Species such as Ravens
and Buzzards had shown the greatest
increase. Water birds had seen little change
though Dippers had been losers due to
acidification of water, and Grey Wagtail a
winner following clear felling. Red Grouse
had declined greatly due to heather loss,
increased grazing and tree planting; Curlew,
Dunlin and Snipe had also decreased. Hen
Harrier and Short-eared Owl numbers had
initially increased due to the larger vole
population, but decreased again as the trees
grew larger. Meadow Pipit numbers had
similarly been affected. Tree-nesting Merlins
were also losers. There had been
considerable changes in forest species, both
within the forests and at their edges. Within
forests, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Great
Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Bullfinch
and Redpoll had been losers, while
Goldcrest, Crossbill and Goshawk were
winners. On the forest edge 50 species now
bred. Barn Owl, Nightjar, Woodcock and
Song Thrush had all been winners. In
conclusion, he noted that, while the number
of species had not changed, individual
species had been affected by changes in land
use.

Dr Richard Phillips, Research Ecologist from

Edmund Fellowes

the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, then
discussed research on Barnacle Geese on the
Solway between 1 948 and 2000. Solway
numbers had increased from 3/400 in 1948
to over 24,000 this year. The increase had
been greatest in the past 30 years due to
greater protection, with a ban on shooting,
the establishment of the WWT Reserve at
Caerlaverock and greater protection in the
breeding areas. Seventy eight percent now
feed on agricultural land rather than
saltmarshes. Although the species' survival
rate of 90-95% was very good, it had been
noted in research in 1978/81 that very few
chicks returned from the Svalbard colonies,
possibly due to Arctic Foxes. Some 9000
birds have been ringed and radio-tracking
has been started. It is hoped to gain a greater
insight into the reasons for the increase in
total numbers arriving each winter on the
Solway, while the proportion of juveniles
decreases.

After coffee Geoff Sheppard gave an insight
into the Barn Owl population of Dumfries
and Galloway. It was a pleasure to hear and
see the account of their survival in Scotland's
south-west corner delivered by an enthusiast
so knowledgeable of their distribution and
behaviour at first hand. Accompanied by
slides of high quality, often taken in the
restrictive conditions of their nest sites, and
delivered with wit, the lecture gave a clear
account of the life histories of different Barn
Owl pairs in a variety of situations.

The final speaker of the day was Professor
Ian Newton. His 30 year study of breeding

3

Sparrowhawks in Dumfriesshire left no doubt
as to his personal experience of working with
these birds. Ian's professionalism enabled us
to understand the complex analysis such
quantities of data generated. One was left
to wonder at the variation in numbers of
offspring raised, with only 22% of offspring
in any year surviving to breeding age.

Catering arrangements were well organised,
and an excellent cold buffet lunch, which
included delicious homemade sweets, went
down a treat.

A selection of local conservation projects and
and excellent display by local photographers
all enhanced the venue.

Thanks are due to our 3 south-west branches
for an excellent conference. Well done, the
Dumfries, Stewarty and West Calloway SOC
branches!

This article has been put together from reports
received from David Clugston, John Davies,
Alastair Peirse-Duncombe and Tom & Biddy
Gray.

Scotland's seabirds snagged by marine litter

Unfortunately in this hustling, bustling convenience age, a pristine, litter-free beach is a rare sight along Scotland's otherwise stunning
coastline. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) annual Beachwatch coastal litter survey reported an average of 1819 items per km
of Scottish coast in 1999. The same is true the world over, as our planet's shores and seas succumb to a man-made tide of marine
garbage. It is estimated that the weight of garbage dumped into the world's seas annually is treble the weight of fish removed from it.

Not only is marine litter above and below
the sea aesthetically unsightly, it is hazardous
to those who work on the sea, and poses a
deadly threat to all marine life. It is
impossible to assess the full impact of marine
litter on ocean going birds, or indeed any of
our marine life. The limited research being
undertaken has been restricted to land-based
observations.

One million seabirds are estimated to die
every year from entanglement in, or
ingestion of, plastics.

Entanglement

Nylon fishing nets and fishing line, plastic
bags, strapping bands and 6-pack carriers
adrift at sea or washed ashore entangle
marine life. Of around 1 36 species of marine
vertebrate reported worldwide entangled in
marine debris, seabirds have the dubious
distinction of being most represented,
accounting for 51 species.

Entangling can adversely affect seabirds and
other marine life as follows:

* Fishing nets trap and immobilise
seabirds, killing them by drowning, starvation
or impeding their escape from predators.

* Smaller plastic items increase the drag
of seabirds, reducing their efficiency when
foraging for food and evading predators.

* Small items snagged ashore or on the
seabed ensnare seabirds and other life,
resulting in starvation or drowning.

* If marine litter becomes tightly bound
around the afflicted animal, it restricts growth
and can cut off circulation to wings, legs and
head. This is particularly poignant when
plastic items, inadvertently collected as
nesting material, entangle fledglings. Gannet
chicks have been known to suffer such an
ignominious fate.

Available evidence suggests that ingestion of
marine litter has afflicted even more marine
species than entanglement.

Ingestion

Of the world's 312 seabird species, more
than a third are known to have ingested
plastic. In some species of seabird, almost
100% of the population ingest marine litter.
Of equal concern is the apparent inability
of seabirds to excrete plastics, there being a
marked absence of debris from droppings.

But why do seabirds eat marine litter, and
plastics in particular? They often confuse
small plastic pellets with fish-eggs and
plankton, ingest plastics with other food and
even feed them to their hapless chicks. Once
ingested the marine litter has four principal
adverse affects:

* Physically damaging the digestive tract
(scarring, ulceration and occasional
penetration into the body cavity) leading to
infection, starvation and death.

* Mechanically blocking the passage of
food, resulting in starvation and death.

* Impairing foraging efficiency due to an
artificial sensation of satiation or from
impaired digestive function.

* Releasing toxins due to erosion of the
debris within the gut or from absorption of
contaminants on the surface of the ingested
debris.

Puffins in the North Sea have been found
with balls of elastic thread in their stomachs,
presumably after mistaking them for Sand
Eels. Plastic consistently tops the marine litter
league as the most common item recorded
during Beachwatch.

Sources of marine litter

Although marine litter afflicts beaches and
marine life close to home, it is an
international problem. Ocean currents carry
debris thousands of miles across the globe.
In one example, coded and dated multi-
coloured plastic bracelets from Canadian
lobster fisheries have been recorded on the
coasts of Ireland, western Scotland and
eastern Shetland . Where else does it come
from?

4

* Ocean-based sources of marine debris
include commercial shipping, fishing vessels,
cruise liners, military fleets, research vessels,
ferries, tugboats and barges, offshore oil and
gas platforms and recreational boats. A 1 982
survey estimated that the world's fleet of
vessels (excluding fishing vessels) dumped
at least 4.8 million metal, 450,000 plastic
and 300,000 glass containers into the sea
every day .

* Sewage-related debris consists of cotton
bud sticks, sanitary towels, backing strips,
tampons, nappies, condoms, razor blades,
toilet fresheners and of course human waste,
through sewage outfalls discharging raw or
inadequately treated sewage.

* Land-based sources include litter carried
to sea via drains, rivers and storm water
systems, recreational beach users, fly tipping,
agriculture, local businesses, including
holiday parks and fast-food outlets, and
unprotected landfill sites.

What can be done?

How can we help stem the ever-tightening
world wide web of marine litter?

As recorded during Beachwatch 1999,
recreation was the single greatest source of
litter on Scotland's beaches last year. If we
all took our litter home and disposed of it
appropriately, a third of the problem would
be eradicated immediately. Even when
hundreds of miles from the sea, we can help
marine wildlife by bagging and binning
cotton buds, sanitary products, razor blades,
air fresheners and nappies instead of treating
the toilet like a wet waste basket.

If you live near the sea and want to take a
proactive stance against marine litter, why
not organise or volunteer in a Marine
Conservation Society Beachwatch or Adopt-
a-Beach project?

Launched with the support of Readers Digest
in 1993, Beachwatch is a UK-wide coastal
survey. Data from local clean-ups is collated
and provides a 'snapshot' of the amount of
litter dropped or washed up around Britain's
coastline. Adopt-a-Beach was launched
following the success of Beachwatch. In
addition to the September Beachwatch
survey, Adopt-a-Beach participants conduct
surveys in winter, spring and summer to
provide a year-round picture of UK marine
litter distribution.

The information gathered by dedicated
Beachwatch and Adopt-a-Beach volunteers
can be used by MCS to target the main
problem areas.

To find our more about the work of the MCS
in Scotland please contact Calum Duncan
on 0131 226 6360 or email

rncs.scotland@care4free.net.

LETTERS

Dear Sir

There is some very odd mathematics in the
report on 'Results from Constant Effort Site
monitoring in Fife and Lothian' SBN 57:7-8.
The number of adult Chiffchaffs ringed
cannot drop 500% between one year and
the next, when 100% are gone that is the
end. As just one was ringed instead of 6 that
is down 83%, not 500% (which would be a
fall of 30, to minus 24). Most of the
percentages in Table 1 are wrong, because
they have been calculated by dividing by the
number ringed in 1 999 instead of 1 998. The
percentage change from 1998 to 1999
should be calculated as 100 (1999 minus
1998) divided by 1998. I append a
recalculated version of the table, showing
some dramatic difference in the percentages.

Andrew Macmillan

Dear Mr Macmillan

The editor kindly passed on your letter
concerning the above article to us as authors
of the piece. Many thanks for taking the time
and trouble to identify the problem with the
figures and for providing both a corrected
version and, more importantly, the correct
formula for analysing the data. We had

inadvertently used an incorrect formula in
the spreadsheet analysis but, as non-
scientists and amateur fieldworkers, we do
find the data analysis the hardest part of
writing up the results, and can use all the
mathematical help we get. Although the
corrected formula does alter the
percentages, the trends illustrated by the
new figures remain broadly similar, and as
such we believe the papers main points
remain valid, which is a relief.

One of the key things we struggled with in
preparing the paper was attempting to find
a way of identifying when a change was
statistically significant. Despite reference to
a variety of statistical handbooks, including
the BTO Guide to Statistics for Ornithologists,
we really could not grasp how this could be
done. We feel it would have been helpful if
Table 1 could have identified which
percentage changes were statistically
significant. If you have any advice on how
this might be achieved we would be very
happy to hear it.

It is our hope to repeat this article on an
annual basis, and once again we thank you
for your help bringing attention to the
problems within the data analysis at this early
stage. Dodgy mathematics aside, we hope
you enjoyed the article.

Les Hatton & Shirley Millar

Correction to Table 1: Combined totals and % change at 5 CES sites in Fife and Lothian

Juvenile

%Change

Adult

%Change

1 998/99

1 998/99

1997

1998

1999

1997

1998

1999

Wren

86

66

104

57.6

40

41

55

34.1

Dunnock

53

29

64

120.7

46

46

82

78.3

Robin

119

97

132

36.1

31

33

33

0.0

Blackbird

40

47

50

6.4

58

44

70

59.1

Song Thrush

22

12

26

116.7

16

39

36

-7.7

Sedge Warbler

60

19

22

15.8

55

27

52

92.6

Whitethroat

28

17

14

-17.6

23

15

13

-13.3

Garden Warbler

10

5

5

0.0

9

7

9

28.6

Blackcap

30

14

20

42.9

8

11

11

0.0

Chiffchaff

4

6

3

-50.0

0

6

1

-83.3

Willow Warbler

499

374

242

-35.3

223

260

217

-16.5

Goldcrest

95

45

195

333.3

13

7

12

71.4

Long-tailed Tit

38

19

18

-5.3

24

4

4

0.0

Coal Tit

59

22

31

40.9

18

14

6

-57.1

Blue Tit

195

29

47

62.1

50

35

24

-31.4

Great Tit

56

16

21

31.3

30

27

1 1

-59.3

Treecreeper

1 7

4

8

100.0

6

4

4

0.0

Chaffinch

52

9

24

166.7

66

59

45

-23.7

Greenfinch

8

1

1

0.0

1 1

4

4

0.0

Goldfinch

3

2

2

0.0

13

3

11

266.7

Redpoll

14

1

8

700.0

15

4

7

75.0

Bullfinch

35

16

31

93.8

37

27

33

22.2

Yellowhammer

3

4

0

-100.0

10

8

7

-12.5

Reed Bunting

1

2

3

50.0

15

11

16

45.5

5

Fifty years of bird watching in the Outer Hebrides

When I first set foot on Lewis on the May Holiday of 1949, to take up a post in Stornoway at an Office of Customs & Excise, my pre-
war interest in birds after 6 years at sea in the Navy and 3 dodging about Britain, had somewhat declined. It soon revived when I
found that very little interest seemed to be taken in the local natural history and that a niche appeared to be vacant for the likes of
me. I soon teamed up with others such as Bobby Macintyre, the late lain Maclean, the late Willie Matheson, the late Allan Smith
(Ness), John M. Macleod (Ness) and the late Sandy Darling, another incomer like myself.

I joined the Scottish Ornithologists' Club and
was persuaded by its President, George
Waterston, to undertake the Local
Recorder's job for the Outer Hebrides,
becoming part of a nationwide organisation
newly set up to record the changing status
of birds throughout Scotland. This involved
recording my own observations and those
of my colleagues, visiting birdwatchers and
local observers. Eventually I was approached
by the editor of the Stornoway Gazette, Sam
Longbotham, to write a regular piece for the
paper which enabled me to tell readers what
was going on in local natural history. This
became a two-way channel used by readers
to alert me to their own discoveries and,
even as I write this in the year 2000, a letter
from a stranger addressed to me care of the
Gazette has arrived to tell me about a rare
Ivory Gull he had found.

Amongst Scottish ornithological literature
only one book was concerned solely with
the birds of the Outer Hebrides. Harvie-
Brown and Buckley's A Vertebrate Fauna of
the Outer Hebrides (1 888) and it was long
out of print and date. I made friends with
Dr James W Campbell who had spent a
lifetime amassing a record of all thatwasthen
known of our birds with a viewto publication
but his death supervened. His son, Dr
Lennox Campbell, kindly lent me these
voluminous and invaluable notes which I
hope will find an editor and publisher
sometime. A copy has been lodged in the
local library.

By the late seventies I was becoming
overwhelmed by the spate of incoming
information and enquiries and decided to
set down what I knew in a book. This, of
course, only exacerbated the problem.
However, the number of lasting friendships
I made more than compensated. I may be

accused of "name dropping" but I must
mention a few of these ornithological friends
from whom I learned so much about the
Hebridean birds in particular. Maury
Meiklejohn, Professor of Italian at Glasgow
University, was one whose incomparable
learning and zestful company I enjoyed
during his frequent visits. Vero Wynne-
Edwards was Professor of Zoology at
Aberdeen and kindly wrote a foreword to
my guide to our birds. Much encouragement
was given by, for example, Dr George
Waterston, Dr WRP Bourne, Dr Joe Eggeling,
Dr David Bannerman, Dr Maeve Rusk,
Charles Palmar and Colin Brown, the then
NCC Warden in South Uist. Birds also
brought me the privilege of meeting the likes
of James Fisher and Roger Tory Peterson and
of corresponding with other ornithologists
overseas. In 1979 Morton Boyd asked me
to contribute to a seminar in Edinburgh on
The Natural Environment of the Outer
Hebrides, under the aegis of The Royal
Society, with a talk on the terrestrial birds
and raptors of the Outer Hebrides.

About 1978 the need was felt for a local
organisation to coordinate the study of birds
in the Outer Hebrides, so Stewart Angus and
myself founded the Western Isles Natural
History Society, which still functions but with
a wider remit.

Dunlin Fred Westcott

6

Inchgarth Nature Reserve - a first for the SOC

What started out as a great idea by David Landsman has now been turned into reality
by the Grampian Branch. Question - where would you find the SOC's first nature
reserve? Answer - on the outskirts of Aberdeen, next to Inchgarth Reservoir at Cults
and beside the River Dee. Inchgarth Nature Reserve is an area of wet grassland, some
14 hectares. It became a reserve in March 1998.

Adult male Bluethroat on Fair Isle

Hywel Maggs

For various reasons, not the least of which
are the vast improvement in inter-island
communications the Long Island has become
a much more popular destination for
birdwatchers and other visitors. Gone are
the days of intrepid pioneers coping with
primitive transport and widely scattered
accommodation. Once upon a time I was
carried on a man's back across part of the
North Ford when I miscalculated the ebb
tide. I have found myself bound for Glasgow
as a guest of BEA, in the Excelsior Hotel when
the plane could not land at Benbecula owing
to strong winds. Similar conditions prevented
the inter-island ferry once from berthing at
Castlebay and I spent the night in Oban.
Further, the increasing sophistication of
optical aids and field guides has enabled ever
more expert observers to pick up rarities
formerly overlooked by the few spare-time
watchers of those days.

In my young days professional ornithologists
in the Outer Hebrides comprised solitary
representatives of the NCC and RSPB in the
Uists and, later, of the NCC in Stornoway.
Now, we amateurs are vastly outnumbered,
especially in the Uists, but can still play a
useful part in the accumulation of
knowledge.

W Cunningham, Aros, 7 0 Barony Square
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

There are many areas of grassland alongside
the Dee, most of which flood at times.
Inchgarth is almost the last of these before
the river enters the sea. Historically both
cropped and grazed, in the 1980s part of
the area was used as a site camp during the
construction of the nearby reservoir. This led
to soil compaction, disturbance, and the
creation of a small pool. When the site was
vacated, low intensity cattle grazing
continued, gradually becoming more and
more infrequent. In the late 1 980s and early
1990s, the conditions were excellent for
birds, with a wide of range of species being
recorded, including rarities such as Little
Egret, Barnacle Goose, Garganey, Avocetand
Lesser Yellowlegs. Since then the area has
become much more rank, though it is still
wet. Over 90 species have been recorded.
At present large numbers of Snipe and a few
Jack Snipe winter on the reserve, together
with some ducks, and in summer Skylark,
Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler and Moorhen
breed. Lapwing once bred but do not do so
now. Nearby scrub and woodland hold a
wide range of warblers. The whole area is
both visually attractive and good for birds.

The reserve is owned by the North of
Scotland Water Authority (NoSWA), and has
now been leased to the SOC for 1 0 years.
Grampian Branch have taken on full
responsibility for its management, the main
aim being to ensure that the grassland is
grazed properly. We have so far renewed
the fence round the entire site, with grant
aid from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and
the Aberdeen Countryside Project (ACP).

The rushes and rank grass have been topped
by a contractor, paid for by funds raised by
local birders through the annual bird race.
We have let the grazing to a local farmer
and hope now that the rank grassland will
be grazed down and trampled, so creating
the right conditions for breeding and passage
waders. In future years, a grazing regime
appropriate for breeding waders will be
introduced (when we have some!). Grazing
should also improve the botanical diversity
and enhance the site for invertebrates. In
time, we may try to increase the wet area or
create new wetland features. It is intended
to sow a cover-crop over a small area to
encourage seed-eating passerines.

Public access is possible all round the edges
of the reserve, and we plan to improve
viewing facilities through the provision of
simple screens, to encourage birdwatchers
to visit and record what they see, and intend
to do our best to ensure that the local
community are fully aware of our
management and support us. The Inchgarth
reserve can be accessed on foot from the
entrance to the reservoir at NJ899027 (on
Inchgarth Road). Please park with
consideration.

We are very grateful to NoSWA, SNH, ACP
and numerous local SOC members for their
support. Further developments at Inchgarth
reserve will be reported in future issues of
SBN.

Ian Francis on behalf of the SOC Grampian
Branch committee: email ifnp&dara. co.uk

The SOC Grampian Branch Inchgarth Reserve near Aberdeen (in the foreground)

David Bain

7

Black Eagle studies in the Matobo Hills

in July 1999 I travelled to Bulawayo to observe and help with the Matobo Hills Black Eagle Study as my second RSPB sabbatical
project. This was a fascinating visit, not only for the spectacular and "exotic" location of the study but also due to the many parallels
with Raptor Study Group work in Scotland. Black Eagles are like our own native Golden Eagle and I was struck by their behavioural
similarities, although observing displaying Black Eagles from the summit of a granite inselberg in the sun, while watching a noisy
troop of Baboons plundering their way through dry bush 500 feet below, may have the edge on snatched sightings of a sky dancing
Golden Eagle above a flock of soggy sheep in west Perthshire - through a sleet shower ! A small, dedicated band of raptor workers,
amateurs and professionals, of all ages and backgrounds have been working away for years to the produce information that is
becoming increasingly vital to the conservation of many birds of prey - sounds familiar? The final link was the addition of recent
access problems and bureaucratic and organizational infighting - I felt quite at home! However, there are good reasons for optimism
with the future of these eagles, perhaps in contrast to the plight of our own still persecuted Golden Eagles. The enthusiasm for
conservation shown by teachers and pupils at schools in the communal lands around Matobos. Unlike the killing grounds of the west
Grampians, the Monadhliadhs and other Scottish moorlands, these birds live in an area where man has no desire to destroy what is
perhaps the most impressive symbol of the land.

The Matobo Hills have long been known for
their rich diversity of raptor species, and can
boast a total of 32 breeding species out of a
total of 50 so far recorded in the area. The
hills cover an area of Matabeleland south,
approximately 1 00 km long by 30 km wide,
the area being made up largely of granite
formations, some being large domed
inselbergs (or whalebacks), while other hills
form large "jumbles" of rock with boulder
strewn slopes running down into densely
wooded gullies and vlei areas.

Of the many raptor species, the Black Eagle
is undoubtedly the most studied. The species
occurs here in a density found nowhere else,
due to the abundance of nesting sites, and
its staple prey, the Rock Hyrax and Yellow-
spotted Hyrax. The Matobo Black Eagles
have been the subject of study since 1963
and a monograph on the species written by
Valerie Gargett was published in 1990. This
survey has now entered its 36th year of
formal study. Since 1984, the Black Eagle
survey has focused mainly on the breeding
of the Black Eagles within a 420 km2 area,
falling mainly in protected National Park and
surrounding commercial farmland. Breeding
success in this area has been monitored on
a yearly basis and all data collected published
in a year-end report. The importance of the
continuation of this longterm study has now
become evident, as a 40% drop in the
number of breeding pairs has been noticed
over the past 20 years. The question has now
arisen as to the reason for this decline. Is
this a natural decline or has it been caused
by another factor?

As the Black Eagle is a very visible species at
the top of its food chain, it is an important
bioindicator. If the Black Eagle has shown
signs of decline, then it is a warning that all
is not well in this ecosystem. The most likely
reason for the Black Eagles' decline has been
attributed to the devastating droughts of the
past 2 decades, which caused a dramatic
drop in Hyrax numbers. This in turn would
have adversely affected the Black Eagle,
which is almost wholly dependant on these
animals as a food source (up to 98% of prey
taken). Hyraxes have a gestation period of 7
months and are dependent on rainfall to
produce regrowth of food source. Their
ability to recover has been retarded, in

degraded communal land. Another possible
factor contributing towards a decline in
numbers of breeding eagles could be related
to the survival of immature birds. If fewer
young birds are surviving then there would
be less single adult birds available, 3°-4
years later, when these eagles should have
reached maturity. In the 1 970s an adult bird
lost from a pair would be replaced within a
few weeks, while in 1992, a single bird was
observed holding territory for 9 months
before being able to attract a mate.

In order to investigate further these factors,
new projects were initiated in 1 995. The first
of these projects involved the radio tracking
of immature Black Eagles in an attempt to
understand better their movements after
fledging. Nine radio transmitters were fixed
by means of a harness to the backs of
juveniles, a short while before fledging. From
this, and data collected from other methods
of marking, it has been ascertained that
juveniles appear to use channels through the
Matopos - grassy areas accommodating non-
resident pairs which run roughly north-west
to south-east. Young birds are forced into
these areas by resident pairs which defend
their territories. It now appears as though
immature birds will leave the central area of
the Matopos and be forced via these
channels into less suitable areas such as
communal land. Here there are fewer

breeding pairs of eagles, but less food, and
conflict with humans can occur when
poultry, livestock and Hyraxes are taken as
prey. A record of a ringed juvenile killed
whilst taking poultry, has been made.
Another factor is that juveniles are attracted
to carrion, and 2 records exist of birds being
caught in gin traps set for problem animals
in farmland; these are however, not often
used. The effect of power lines on juvenile
survival are not yet known.

As the involvement of the local people who
live in areas surrounding the National Park
is of vital importance to the well being of
the ecosystem, it was realised that this matter
needed to be addressed. The Department
of National Parks and Wildlife Management,
Ornithological Research Unit has taken on
this task, and a motorcycle was acquired in
order for a scout, Ngoni Chiweshe, to travel
around these areas.

This project, which is ongoing, targets mainly
primary and secondary schools, and to date
thousands of children have been given an
insight into conservation. Youngsters are
encouraged to form wildlife clubs, and trips
have been arranged for them to visit the
nearby National Park to experience first hand
what they have been taught. Chiefs and
N'angas (traditional healers) are also
consulted in order to understand better the

Black Eagle with chicks Dave Dick

8

situation in the communal areas. An
important factor being investigated is the
exploitation of the Hyrax (dassie) which is
trapped extensively for its pelt as well as for
its meat and is used to make curios and
carosses. Hyrax numbers have dropped
drastically in most communal areas around
the park and in some areas none at all are
seen, likewise the Black Eagle. It has been
interesting to note that Coat fur is now used
on curios previously made from dassie pelts
and that carosses are hardly ever seen, due
to the lack of available animals. (A single
caross is made up of the pelts of as many as
80 dassies).

Hyraxes are monitored at sample sites in all
areas. These sites are visited in April/May at
sunrise, when basking animals are easily
counted. This project is also ongoing and
provides valuable data as to the status of the
population, which has shown signs of an
increase over the past few years.

Prey remains are also collected from below
nests in all landuse categories. These remains
are analysed and it has been found that
communal land eagles are forced to expand
their prey base and have become
opportunists. Prey such as Plated Lizards and
Tortoises as well as the odd domestic animal
have been recorded.

Through sponsorship, generated by various
donors to the newly formed Zimbabwe
Raptor Research Croup, the Black Eagle
Survey has now expanded into a
comprehensive study of the eagles, the
Hyrax and the ecosystem. Team members
are now active in monitoring Black Eagle and
other raptor territories in the communal
lands, as well as the areas where species such
as the Lanner and Peregrine have taken over
many of the derelict Black Eagle nest sites,
and raptors such as the Augur Buzzard are
thriving on the increased rodent population
associated with human habitation. In
addition, records of Black Eagle sightings and
nests are collected on a national scale. A
possible link with the Botswano population
is being investigated, as juveniles from the
Matopos may be able to reach the Limpopo,
Soutpansbergand even the Magaliesberg via
this route. Raptor research and conservation
is alive and well in Zimbabwe!

Warren Goodwin PO Box AC 592, Ascot,
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

REVIEWS

In Search of Birds in Wales by Brian O'Shea.
Published privately by Skylark Books. 2000.
147pp. ISBN 0-95381 1 5-0-6. Obtainable
from Skylark Books, Ty-Nant, Dyffryn, Llanilar,
Aberystwyth SY23 4PF. £7.95 incl. p&p.

A lively and accurate text describing birds in
the Welsh countryside, in the style of Jim
Flegg. Good background information for
those with a general interest in the subject.
There are some nice black and white
illustrations, and some poor colour paintings.

Martin Collinson

Birds and Boys at Sedbergh: One Hundred
Years of Watching and Recording Birds at
Sedbergh School, Cumbria by Ingram
Cleasby. 1999. Available from the OS
Secretary, The Bursary, Sedbergh, Cumbria ,
LA 10 5RY. 149pp. £11.50 incl. Postage.

This attractively produced book is a valuable
source of information on the birds of this
upland district of north-west England. The
Ornithological Society of Sedbergh School
has long had a reputation as a training ground
for future ornithologists, including some who
became active members of the SOC, notably
Chris Mylne and Andrew Macmillan. The
book contains a preface by Max Nicholson,
another old Sedberghian. There are chapters
on breeding birds, raptors, wildfowl and
surveys. An example of the value of
conducting surveys over a long time span is
the Ring Ouzel, where it is shown that they
have suffered a drastic decline since the
1960s. I was impressed by Andrew
Macmillan's method of finding Meadow Pipit
nests when time is limited to a few hours in
the afternoon*. There is a useful status list
of species in the Dedbergh area at the end
of the book.

John Ballantyne

* 'It may be noted that although the nests
open downhill, the best way to put the bird
up under your feet when looking for nests is
to run down the hill'. (p89)

Other books received

Isles of the West by Ian Mitchell 1 999.
Canongate. ISBN 0-86241 0-878-X. £9.99

Ian Willis Exhibition ^

( Bird Books \

20th July - 6th August

We have either Got it or can Get it

Catalogue available 1 July

If good we will Buy it

Ian & Angela Langford

Ian & Angela Langford

Bookcorner

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Wigtown

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9

REQUESTS

Request for Redshank remains

As part of a study to estimate the relative
proportions of Icelandic and Scottish
Redshank overwintering on Scottish
estuaries, I am looking for Redshank corpses
for strontium isotope analysis. I hope to
obtain latitudinally specific signals from the
bones of Redshank thus allowing me to
identify their race, but to do this I need a
sample of Redshank corpses ( ra pto r/road kills)
from the Scottish breeding population and
the Scottish overwintering population. If any
SOC members come across any Redshank
remains on their travels (condition not
important) I would be very grateful if they
could contact me: Rhys Bullman, Forth
Estuary Ecology Group, Institute of
Biological Sciences, University of Stirling.
FK9 4 LA (01 786 467755 Ext: 781 6) or email
rhys.bullman@stir.ac.uk

Edinburgh Swift survey

Please send in your records of Swifts in
Edinburgh and the Lothians, especially
screaming parties and nests, to Ian Andrews,
39 Clayknowes Drive, Musselburgh EH21
6UW. This survey is organised by the SOC
in cooperation with the Edinburgh
Biodiversity Partnership. Details can be
found on SOC website (under surveys)

Ring Ouzel study group

Birders across the UK are being asked to look
out for ringed Ring Ouzels this spring and
summer, as part of an effort to discover more
about this declining upland bird. Ring Ouzels
in England and Scotland have been colour
ringed during the last 2 years and
birdwatchers are asked to report any
sightings during migration, the breeding
season, and particularly in late summer, since
almost nothing is known about where Ring
Ouzels spend the 8 weeks before southward
migration. Colour combinations and
locations (6 figure grid reference if possible)
should be sent to Ring Ouzel Study Group,
c/o Julian Hughes, RSPB, The Lodge,
Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL, or e-mail
ringouzel@hotmail.com

Darvic ringed Oystercatchers

As part of a long term study of Aberdeen's
roof nesting Oystercatchers, we are fitting
the birds with Darvic rings on the left leg.
These rings are white or yellow and bear a
unique combination of a letter and 2 digits,
eg A26, reading down the leg. We would be
grateful for any sightings, even incomplete
ones, and can provide a prompt history.
Please inform either: Alistair Duncan, 12
Cairncry Avenue, Aberdeen AB16 5DS
(01224 483717) or Raymond Duncan, 86
Broadfold Drive, Aberdeen AB23 8PP
(01224 823184).

Colour ringed Dunlin

Since 1997 we have been colour ringing
breeding adult and pullus Dunlin at various
locations in Orkney. All birds ringed as adults
are identifiable as individuals. On the right
leg there is a yellow colour ring above the
knee, and two colour rings below the knee.
The left leg has a colour ring above the BTO
metal ring. The chicks also have a yellow
colour ring above the knee on the right leg
and the left leg has a colour ring above the
BTO metal ring. Birds ringed as chicks are
only identifiable as to the year in which they
were ringed. Even if the combinations are
incomplete, we would be grateful for all
sightings of birds that have a YELLOW colour
ring above the knee on the right leg. All
sightings should be sent to either Stuart
Williams Crafty, Firth, Orkney KW17 2ES
Tel: 0185676 1742 email

Stuart@gavia.freeserve.co.uk, or Jim
Williams, Fairholm, Finstown, Orkney
KW1 7 2EQ Tel: 0185676 1317

Acknowledgement will be sent along with
full history of the bird.

Colour photos wanted

As you will see we have introduced colour
into SBN. Unfortunately, most of the stock
of photographs held in Regent Terrace is
black and white, so perhaps some of you
would like to donate good colour
photographs which can then be used in our
publications. As always, photographers are
acknowledged.

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAE for current list and prices to: Vanellus
Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield SI 0 2NQ Tel (01 1 4) 2664362.

SOC car stickers

Ian Andrews has designed a smart new car
sticker featuring the Club's new logo. These
can be purchased from SOC, 21 Regent
Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, at 50pence
each plus a second class stamp.

North Sea Bird Club

To mark 21 years since the founding of the
Club an Open Day will be held on Saturday
3 September at Culterty Field Station,
Newburgh near Ellon Aberdeenshire. The
field centre is adjacent to the Ythan estuary.
There will be a short illustrated talk and
displays covering the many records of birds,
insects, cetaceans and other sea life that has
been reported over 21 years. Feel free to
drop in and have some refreshments and
take the opportunity to look over the estuary.
Further details can be obtained from Andrew
Thorpe, The Recorder on 01224-789631
or e-mail nsbc@abdn.ac.uk

SOC NOTICES

Publications

As you will notice Stan da Prato has not
edited this issue of SBN. Following our front
page article in the last issue only one person
has come forward to offer assistance with
any of the publications. Unfortunately this
has meant that this issue of SBN has had to
be reduced to 1 2 pages. We would however
like to thank Martin Collinson for his offer of
help and thank him for taking on this issue
at short notice. Members should note that
unless further assistance is forthcoming soon
future publications will have to be reduced
in size or be published late.

200 Club

Winners in the first quarter of 2000 were:
January 1st £30 D Donnelly, Hamilton; 2nd
£20 T Hartland, Peebles; 3rd £10 M
MacIntyre, St. Andrews.

February 1st £30 P Slater, St. Andrews; 2nd
£25 D Maciver, Stornoway; 3rd £20 M
Gibson, Galashiels; 4th £10 Mrs J. Denney,
Glasgow

March 1st £50 A Buckham, Galashiels; 2nd
£30 N Stabler, Inveresk; 3rd £20 D Stark,
Thurso; 4th £1 0 G Rennie, Carluke

All who rejoined on 1 June for the 200 Club's
twelfth year are warmly thanked for their
continued support, which is very gratefully
acknowledged by Council. If you are not
yet a member, and would like to join now,
please contact me for further information.
Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6
9NH (01896) 822176

Scottish Birds Records Committee

Election of new member and change of
address for SBRC Secretary

Since 1 990 one member of SBRC has retired
annually by rotation. Kevin Osborne is due
to stand down at the end of this year and to
fill the vacancy the Committee is nominating
Dr Roger Riddington. Roger was Warden
on Fair Isle from 1994-1997 and now lives
on Mainland, Shetland. He is primarily
interested in migration during spring and
autumn and seabirds during the summer. He
has much experience of Scottish rare birds,
having seen all of the species on the SBRC
List, and we believe his knowledge would
be an asset to our committee. Further
nominations to fill the vacancy are invited
and should be submitted to me by 31 August,
signed by both a proposer and seconder who
must both be SOC members. If there is more
than one nomination, a postal ballot will take
place, in which all SOC Local Recorders will
be eligible to vote. Ron Forrester, Secretary,
SBRC, The Gables, Eastlands Road,
Rothesay, Isle of Bute PA20 9JZ.

10

Changes to recording network
North East Scotland

Andy Thorpe is now sole recorder for NE
Scotland. His address is 30 Monearn
Gardens, Milltimber, Aberdeen. Tel.
01224 733296. Richard Schofield has taken
over as Chair of the local rarities committee.
His address is 89 Menzies Road, Aberdeen.

Angus and Dundee

Dan Carmichael has taken over as recorder
for Angus and Dundee. His address is 2a

Reres Road, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5
2QA.

Isle of May

lain English has taken over as recorder for
the Isle of May. His address is 21 Grant
Court, Avon Grove, Hamilton, South
Lanarkshire ML3 7UT. Tel. 01698 891 788.

Retiring recorders, Andy Webb, Mike Nicoll
and Ian Darling are all thanked for their
invaluable contributions over the years.

Annual Conference 2000

This year's annual conference will be held
atthe Balavil Sport Hotel, Newtonmore, over
the weekend 3/5 November. The full
programme and booking form will be sent
out with the September mailing.

2000/2001 Winter programme

Dates for the September meetings of
Branches are as follows, Ayrshire& Dumfries

- 20 Sept; Borders - 11 Sept; Caithness &
Fife - 1 3 Sept; Grampian - 4 Sept; Highland

- 12 Sept; Stewartry - 21 Sept; Stirling &
Tayside - 1 4 Sept; West Galloway - 1 9 Sept.

Scottish Wildlife and Countryside
Fair, Vane Farm.

The SOC will again have a stand at this year's
fair and offers of help over the weekend 2/3
September will be welcomed. Please contact

Sylvia at the SOC on 01 31 556 6042 if you

can help.

Nominations for Council

Nominations for 2 new council members are
required to replace Derrick Warner and Ron
Youngman. Nomination should be made in
writing with a proposer and seconder and
should be sent to The Secretary, SOC, 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT no
later than 31 July 2000.

The BTO Peregrine Appeal

It is now 10 years since the last Peregrine
survey which showed that Peregrines were
spreading into new habitats with numbers
reaching an all-time high of 1,265 pairs.
However, the 1 991 survey showed worrying
declines in the north and west of Scotland
with numbers down by 25% since 1 981 . The

reasons for these declines are unclear.
Possible causes include accumulation of
pollutants and a decline in fertility of the
land, limiting prey numbers in moorland
areas. The recently published Report of the
UK Raptor Working Group has been well
received and includes 25 recommendations
agreed by conservationists, game interests
and pigeon racing organisations. It stresses
the need to investigate why the Peregrine
population is declining in the Scottish
Highlands. The SOC is joining forces with
the BTO, Raptor Study Groups, RSPB and
various conservation agencies to survey
breeding Peregrines in the UK during 2001 .
Alan Lauder, Head of BTO Scotland will be
co-ordinating the survey along with Derek
Ratcliffe and Humphrey Crick. If you are a
keen Peregrine fieldworker and would like
to take part in the study, please contact your
BTO Regional Representative or Alan at BTO
Scotland, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh
EH7 5BT. Tel 0131 558 8009.

BTO - SOC Secretarial appointment

Further to the opening of the BTO's new
Scottish Office, Helen Cameron took up her
post as part time secretary on 4 April. Helen
is also providing invaluable and much
needed assistance in the SOC office on a
part-time basis. Helen's keen interest in
conservation and natural history stand her
in good stead to provide valuable support
to both organisations. Helen worked as a
secretary before embarking on a degree in
Botany. She has recently returned from
Morocco where she was involved in a
captive-breeding programme of Houbara
Bustard.

We welcome Helen to the SOC.

BIRDLINE SCOTLAND

In cooperation with the SOC

09068 700234

iM'i Bringing you
the latest
news from
Borders to
Shetland

Please phone any news into the 24 hour hotline:

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Recent Reports

April-June - a review of spring 2000

If there was one word that summed up east
coast falls this spring it would be non-
existent, whilst if there was one word that
summed up arrival dates for common
migrants it would be early eg a Lesser
Whitethroat at Kilminning on the 22 April
was the earliest ever in Fife. Rarities too were
early, with a Blyth's Reed Warbler on Fair

Isle on the 1 5 May the earliest ever recorded
in Britain. A more typical June record
followed on Fair Isle of a bird trapped on
the 1 1 th and still present the next day, whilst
mainland Scotland's spring highlight
occurred in the form of a singing bird present
near Nigg Ferry (Highland) from the 7th. This
superb find proved a real star with the bird,
when singing early morning, sitting out in
the open on an exposed perch on its chosen
heavily vegetated slope, easily viewable to
its many admirers on the beach below. It
was also the long overdue first record of
Blyth's Reed Warbler for mainland Scotland.
Fair Isle though was the place to be this
spring, with a second for Scotland occurring
there in the shape of a Dartford Warbler
on the 29 April-1 May. The previous Scottish
record was at St. Abbs Head on the 1 8 May
1983. Also this year on Fair Isle, for the
second year running, a Calandra Lark was
seen on the 13 May, fourth record for
Scotland, whilst also in May there a Siberian
Stonechat was seen on the 16th. The only
reports of Short-toed Lark, Great Grey
Shrike and Ortolan Bunting were there with
singles on the 25 May, 1 9-20 April and 1 5-
17 May respectively. A Red-rumped
Swallow was present there on the 1 1 May,
presumably the same bird present on
Shetland south mainland on the 8-10 and
possibly the bird present on Orkney
mainland on the 12th. Another was seen in
Borders, at Hule Moss, on the 4 June. Half
of the 10 Subalpine Warblers were seen
on Fair Isle including one on the 20 April,
the earliest ever on Shetland. Four of the
remaining 5 were also on Shetland, the other
being a singing male on the Isle of Eigg on
the 29-30 April. A Thrush Nightingale was
seen on Fair Isle on the 4 June whilst the
only definite Nightingale was on Barra on
the 3-6 May (fourth Outer Hebrides record).
Elsewhere amongst scarcities 5 Hoopoes
were seen between the 27April-29May, only
6 Wrynecks were seen from the 30 April
onwards (though including one in Ayrshire
on the 7 May), only 8 Turtle Doves were
noted and 35+ Bluethroats were reported
from the 7 May, all red-spotted and mostly
on Fair Isle, though only the second
Renfrewshire record occurred in the form
of a male at Muirshiel Country Park on the
21 May. The previous county record was a
male white-spotted in 1 996. A Water Pipit
in Fife from the 18 March-9 April was
surprisingly only the third county record.
Four Marsh Warblers were seen on Shetland
from the 31 May and Icterine Warblers
were recorded from 13-31 May with only
11 seen, none of which were on the
mainland. Only 5 migrant Reed Warblers
were seen, though one of these, a bird on
Fair Isle on the 1 5-1 6 June was trapped on
its first day and was off the eastern race
fuscus. Mirroring last year's Desert Lesser
Whitethroat on Fair Isle in June, this form,
known as Caspian Reed Warbler, is
considered a full species by some authorities.
A Firecrest was atCollieston (Aberdeenshire)
on 24-28 April whilst perhaps showing up

11

best amongst the scarcities, 36 Red-backed
Shrikes were seen from the 27 May, with
mainland Scotland records from
Aberdeenshire and Borders. The only Red-
breasted Flycatcher reported was a male
on Hoy (Orkney) on the early date of 19
April. Seven Golden Orioles were seen
including 2 in Highland in June, whilst a
disappointing 11 Common Rosefinches
were seen from the 26 May including 2 in
Borders and 3 in Highland. There was a
significant influx of Hawfinches in mid-April,
with 35 migrants noted in the whole period.
Typical June rarities occurred in the form of
the 3 Black-headed Buntings reported
between the 8-1 8th and the 3 or 4 Rose-
coloured Starlings seen from the 8th.

If the passerine rarities and scarcities were,
on the whole, disappointing it was quite a
good spring for herons and their allies. Two
or 3 Great White Egrets were seen with 2
reports from Tiree on the 18 May and 18
June (fourth - fifth Argyll records if accepted
as different) and one at RSPB Loch of
Strathbeg on the 7 June (fourth
Aberdeenshire record). Five Little Egrets
were reported from 28 April, a Purple Heron
was reported at Ardmore Point
(Dunbartonshire) on the 1 May and 2
Bitterns were reported, from Papa Westray
on the 3 May (only the third Orkney record)
and Rattray Head (Aberdeenshire) on the 1 6
May. A Black Stork was reported from Mull
on the 16 May (first record for Argyll if
accepted) whilst 4 White Storks were
reported - 2 flyovers in April in Angus and
Perthshire, an elusive individual on Speyside
from 14 May-7 June and one near
Fraserburgh on the 19 May. There was a
superb showing by Common Crane with at
least 20 seen throughout the period. There
was a similarly good showing by White-
billed Diver with no fewer than 6 reported
from the 6 April whilst a Pied-billed Grebe
at Loch Osgaig on 24-25 April is the first
record for Highland and eighth for Scotland.

Around 65 Garganey were seen in the
period, with 7 at the RSPB Loch of Strathbeg

reserve in May the largest count. Amongst
raptors the highlights included a Black Kite
reported over Banchory on the 28 April (third
Aberdeenshire record if accepted) and the
3 Montagu's Harriers seen between the 1 5-
18 May in Lothian, Aberdeenshire and on
the Outer Hebrides. The 2 reports of Snowy
Owl from North and South Uist in May
confirm the Outer Hebrides as the place now
to try and see this species in Britain, whilst
the long staying Greater Yellowlegs on
Benbecula was finally last seen on the 7 May.
The undoubted wader highlight in Scottish
terms was the Stone Curlew at Inver
(Highland) from the 1 8-22 May. Two Broad-
billed Sandpipers were seen, on the Ythan
Estuary from 3-6 May (earliest ever Scottish
record) and at the Endrick Mouth on the 1 6-
17 May (first record for the Clyde area).
American waders showed up in the form of
Pectoral Sandpipers at WWT Caerlaverock
on 28 April-9 May and on Islay on the 1 1
May, and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on
Fetlar on 30 May. A typical scattering of
migrant Dotterel were reported, but
disappointingly, only 3 Little Ringed Plovers
were seen.

The Long-tailed and Pomarine Skua

passage was comparatively disappointing this
year with the best numbers past North Uist
on the 1 7-23 when 1 2 Long-taileds and 1 63
Pomarines were seen whilst 41 Long-taileds
and 1 1 Pomarines passed Wats Ness,
Shetland on the 1 8lh with 11 further
Pomarines off there the next day. Three
White-winged Black Terns were reported
in June, at Carnbee Reservoir on the 5-7th
(third Fife record), on North Uist on the 8-
14th (third Outer Hebrides record and first
for 33 years) and off Fetlar on the 1 9th whilst
amazingly no Black Terns were seen in
Scotland this spring.

In April there were record counts of Black-
tailed Godwit in both Lothian and Borders,
59 at Musselburgh on 25th and 26 near
Bemersyde on 26th respectively whilst 31
Common Scoter off West Ferry on 24 April
was a Renfrewshire record count.

Angus Murray

ISBN 0268-3199

Scottish

Bird

News

Edited by

Martin Collinson
Assisted by
Ian Andrews, Helen
Cameron and
Sylvia Laing

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
SOC. It acts as a channel of communication
for SOC members and disseminates
information relevant to Scotland's birdlife. It
is published 4 times a year at the beginning
of March, June, September and December.
Articles and notices are welcomed and
should be sent to the Secretary at 21 Regent
Terrace no later than 5 weeks before
publication. The views expressed are not
necessarily the policy of the SOC.
Contributors should note that material has
to be edited, often at short notice, and it is
not practical to let authors see these changes
in advance of publication.

The

SOC

21 Regent Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 5BT

phone 0131-556 6042
fax 0131-558 9947
e-mail mail@the-soc.org.uk
web site www.the-soc.org.uk

The Scottish Ornithologists1 Club was
established in 1936. Now in its 64th year,
the SOC has 2250 members and 14
branches around Scotland. It plays a
central role in Scottish birdwatching,
bringing together amateur bird watchers,
keen birders and research ornithologists
with the aims of documenting, studying
and, not least, enjoying Scotland's varied
birdlife. Above all the SOC is a club, relying
heavily on keen volunteers and the support
of its membership.

Headquarters provide central publications,
including our journal Scottish Birds and the
Scottish Bird Report and an annual
conference, and 21 Regent Terrace houses
the largest library of bird literature in
Scotland. The network of 14 branches
organises field meetings, a winter
programme of talks and social events.

The SOC also supports the Local
Recorders' Network and the Scottish Birds
Records Committee. The latter maintains
the official Scottish List on behalf of the
Club.

More information can be found on our
web site.

passwords to access
members' web pages

'loch' & 'garterT

7 st year Sub Alpine Warbler near plantation on Fair Isle Hywel Maggs

12

Bird News

Spoonbills Create a Stir

^-VTHSOfi^0 59 SeP* 2000

OCT 1 6 2000 J

Mersehead RSPB Reserve had its first ever record of Spoonbill on 21 June, when an adult bird in full summer plumage graced the
wetland, staying until 25 June. To our amazement another 2 adult birds in summer plumage turned up on the wetland on 4 July, but
little did we know how much of a stir these birds would create in the birding world over the ensuing weeks !

The first date

For the first few clays of their stay at
Mersehead, the 2 birds behaved as most
visiting Spoonbills do, roosting and only
occasionally feeding for much of the daylight
hours, with increased feeding activity at dusk
and dawn. During this time it was noticed
that one of the birds had a yellow darvic
ring on its right leg, and although the
inscription was indecipherable to begin
with, the colour of the ring was sufficient to
pin down its origins to the Netherlands, the
location of the nearest breeding colony of
Spoonbills to Scotland.

After about 4 days, the behaviour of the
Spoonbills began to change. They spent
more time feeding and preening during the
day and there were the first signs of courtship
display, confirming that the 2 birds were
indeed a pair.

Courtship

Over their first weekend on the Reserve, the
courtship displays intensified and became
more elaborate, with the birds mutually
preening, bill clapping/fencing and most
spectacularly of all, synchronised flying! It
was during this time that the pair retreated
towards the back of the wetland fields, near
the Beck Burn and started to stand on rush
clumps during their displaying. Soon the
birds were flattening a particularly large
clump of rushes and fashioning a nesting
platform, by delicately pulling the strands
of rush over from the perimeter to the centre
of the clump. They were never without
enthralled spectators, be it human visitors
watching from the hide or the group of Grey
Herons which stood around them almost all
of the time. Unfortunately the Grey Herons
became increasingly aggressive towards the
Spoonbills and may have been the reason
why the birds did not progress to the egg-
laying stage, although on the day that they
temporarily left the Reserve (absent between
15-17 July), the presumed female seemed
to be sitting on their favoured rush clump.
During their absence, examination of all 4
of the nesting platforms built, showed no
evidence of any egg-laying activity.

Spoonbills in flight Craig White

New arrival!

Much to our surprise, the Spoonbill story was
not over, with the pair returning to
Mersehead on 18 July and being joined by
an adult Little Egret on 20 July. However,
since this date they have not necessarily
stayed on the wetland all day, probably going
off to feed somewhere on the Solway,
although their daytime location has never
been identified.

The arrival of the Spoonbills and their
subsequent courtship displays and nesting

Lapwing (see breeding report on page 8-9)

attempt certainly captured everyone's
imagination, with over 3,400 visitors to the
Reserve in July and press coverage on Border
ITV, Radio stations 3, 4 and 5 and many
column inches in national and local
newspapers.

Although Spoonbills have been seen
copulating in Scotland within the last
decade, it is thought that this is the first time
that they have made a nesting attempt.

At the time of writing, 8 August, they are
still present at Mersehead RSPB Reserve,
engaging in brief courtship displays and often
roosting on the nest platforms, but it is

obvious the nesting attempt is over for

this year?!

Stop Press: The yellow darvic ring on one of
the Spoonbills has finally been seen as 3Z.
Watch out in a future SBN for an update on
the Spoonbills exact origins!

Dave Fairlamb

Fred Westcott

1

2000

b'

. -r july 2000 was a glorious day as I was met at Keflavik Airport by Arnonr Sigfusson of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
I had been invited once again to Iceland to participate in the final year of the institutes 5 year Grey Goose study. The aim as usual
was to catch and mark Greylag Geese during the first week and the Pink-footed during the second week. Most of the Greylags
marked so far have been in Eastern Iceland, the plan this year was to try and mark a sample in the north of Iceland.

After a day of shopping, sorting our
equipment, packing vehicles we were off to
the north. We were to be based in a very
well equipped community hall at Hunaver,
a small agricultural community, at the head
of Langadalur in Austru-Hunavatnssysla.
Hunaver was situated between 2 large
'straths' both with good populations of
breeding geese, so proved to be and ideal
central location.

Locating the goose flocks

The first day in the north was spent recceing
to try and locate where the goose flocks were
feeding and which ones might be catchable.
It also was an opportunity to see the area
and its rich bird life. In the good weather
the farmers were busy cutting hay. There
are hayfields everywhere, mostly on the
valley bottoms but even on islands in rivers
and half way up hillsides. They were full of
waders, especially Golden Plover, Whimbrel,
Redshank, Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit.
We watched an Arctic Skua catch a recently
fledged young Redshank which it then
proceeded to pluck alive! Mother nature at
its cruellest. The massive expansion in the
number of hayfields in these areas over the
last 30 years must have also greatly benefited
the geese, which use them in spring and
autumn. Roadside ditches and pools held
broods of Mallard, Teal and Wigeon, whilst
Tufted Duck, Scaup, Whooper Swans and
Slavonian Grebes were present on the larger
lakes. On the more vegetated parts of the
wider river flood plains were lots of families
of geese.

Planning tactics

Over the next few days we targeted different
goose flocks. In Langadalur and
neighbouring Skagafjordur it was just a case
of using the 4X4 vehicles to drive as close as
possible to the flocks and then chase them,
catching the flightless birds in large hand
nets. The Langadalur birds were more
approachable than those eastern Iceland.
This was probably due to the fact that the
river was an important salmon fishing river
and the geese were used to the fisherman
driving up and down the flood plain. On
one occasion in Skagafjordur we had superb
views of a large female Gyr Falcon hunting
across the flood plain. It flew into the strong
headwind, rising up and hovering briefly as
it craned its long neck searching the marsh
below for young goslings or waders - an
impressive bird.

For the larger flocks we needed a different
technique. We used corrals made out of

Greylag Goose family at Blondous

nets. At Flodid, a very shallow lake just south
of Blondous, we located a flock of 200
Greylags along with 90 moulting Whooper
Swans and a Great Northern Diver. We set
up a corral on the shore, with a 200m lead
arm jutting out into the lake. We moved
the flock into the water, then sent people
out to wade across the lake (it was only knee
deep) to guide the flock towards the nets. It
was very successful - we caught 1 77. We
also used a similar technique at Blondous
itself. Here a large flock of Greylags feeding
on the river estuary close to the town were
fairly used to people. We managed to get
between the geese and the river and ease
them up into a corral. Another large catch
of 1 1 8, only 4 fliers escaped.

In all we had caught 358 Greylags in the first
week. A great success. Traditionally in
Iceland the Greylag breeds on the lowlands
and the Pinkfoot in the highlands. As the
Pinkfoot population has grown over the last
20 years or so birds have moved down and
started to colonise some of these northern
'straths' so that are now breeding close to
Greylags. We located some of these flocks
in Skagafjordur and managed to catch 125.
These are the first lowland Pinks to be
marked in Iceland and it will be interesting
to compare their survival rates with the
upland birds.

Heading for the interior

Week 2 and we headed up into the interior

Bob Swann

on another hot, glorious sunny day. Our
destination Eyvindarstadaheida an upland
area lying to the north of the Hofsjokull
icecap. This is an area where Pinkfeet had
been caught in 1 996 and 1 997. On the way
up we saw and caught two female Harlequin
ducks. They were colour ringed as part of a
project in Iceland on this species. These
uplands had high densities of Golden Plover,
Dunlin and Ptarmigan. We stayed in a
remote bothy, which we shared with some
Icelandic farmers who were driving their
ponies to high summer pastures. They were
in good form and a ceilidh was soon in full
swing where, amongst other songs, we had
renditions of both Ten green bottles and Aulcl
Lang Syne simultaneously in English and
Icelandic.

Catching Pinkfeet

The following morning saw a later than usual
start! Pinkfoot are caught by using low ridges
to try and surround a marsh and then, at a
given time, everyone walks towards a low
hill in the marsh. The geese when disturbed
tend to head for these hills walk up them
and look around to see what is going on.
You never actually know till you get up on
the hill many birds you've got. Once there
you surround the birds, whilst a corral is
hastily built and the geese driven into it. On
this occasion we were amazed to see we
had caught 454 birds (almost double what
had been previously caught at this site). It
took us three hours to process them before

2

releasing them altogether so that the families
could regroup (which they do surprisingly
quickly). As we were processing them we
noticed some activity on a neighbouring hill
top. An adult Arctic Fox had arrived back at
its den and had enticed the 4 large cubs out.
As we processed the geese they kept us
entertained as they gambled about and
fought with each other. Before we left we
went over to examine the den. It was
covered in the remains of goslings and a few
adult geese. Many of the goslings were
uneaten. Possibly to be stored for the winter?
The cubs growled underneath as we walked
over their den. A magic experience.

Heading for Pjorsarver

The next day we headed south, passed the
hot springs at Hveravellir, then along a
tortuous 4X4 track through boulder fields,
lava flows and across meltwater river 'til we
reached our final destination at Pjorsarver
to the south of Hofsjokull. This was where
Peter Scott had large catches of Pinkfeet in
1951 and 1953 and where we had caught
over 1000 birds in 1999. The idea was to
repeat our 1999 catches in order to mark
more birds and see how many of last year's
birds we could retrap. The weather was a
lot cooler than last year, but this had one
major advantage, the meltwater streams
were a lot lower and easier to wade across.
The procedure as the same as last year
surround a marsh and at a given time move
in towards a low hill. The marshes are full
of geese, but not a lot else. A few waders,
including Purple Sandpiper and Red-necked
Phalarope, the odd Snow Bunting but a pair
of Gyr Falcons livened up many of the long
trecks. In all, in 3 days, we had 3 catches
totalling 753 new birds, but only 20 retraps

from last year, probably an indication of the
huge numbers of geese that breed in this
area. This brought the grand total of Pinkfeet
caught during the entire trip to 1 378.

All the geese caught were ringed and most
were marked with either plastic ring or grey
neck collar. This means with the large
numbers marked last year and the additional
birds marked by the Highland Ringing Group
at Loch Eye there will be a lot of marked
birds to look out for in flocks in Scotland
this winter. These sightings are very
important. The aim is to use them to work
out and compare survival rates between
Greylags, upland Pinkfeet and lowland
Pinkfeet. At present the Icelandic population
of Greylags is in decline. This appears to be
due to unsustainable commercial shooting
in Iceland. The information from this study
can be used by the Icelandic Institute of
Natural History to advise the Icelandic
government to put restrictions on
commercial shooting of Greylags in Iceland
to make the harvest more sustainable. All
records are valuable. Letters on collars and
leg rings should be read from the bottom
up. Sightings should be sent to me Bob
Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain. IV19 1JR.
Tel: 01862 894329. Email:

Bob.Swann@hcs.uhi.ac.uk and these will
be acknowledged and ringing details and
details of any subsequent sightings will be
sent to each observer.

Finally I am indebted to the SOC
endowment fund for a grant towards the cost
of my travel expenses to Iceland and I would
like to thank all the Icelanders I met for their
kindness, hospitality and good company.

Bob Swann

Pinkfeet Geese being rounded Bob Swann

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3

The BOU

The British Ornithologists' Union is one of
the world's oldest ornithological societies,
and it main function is to 'promote
ornithology within the scientific and
birdwatching communities'. This is achieved
primarily by the BOU's quarterly journal Ibis
and is one of the world's leading journals
which includes original research reports on
the systematic, ecology, physiology,
behaviour, anatomy and conservation of
birds. The BOU also organises conferences,
seminars, meetings and expeditions and
awards grants annually to assist with travel
and equipment associated with
ornithological research projects and student
sponsorship.

The British list

For over 1 00 years the BOU has maintained
a list of birds that have been recorded in
Britain. This is undertaken by the BOU's
Records Committee (BOURC), which
periodically publishes up-to-date checklists
incorporating changes, these are published
annually in Ibis.

In 1997 the BOURC liaised with the Joint
Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) to
revise the categories used in the British List.
The JNCC has adopted the list for decisions
concerning the status of birds in Britain in
relation to the Wildlife and Countryside Act
1981.

Responsibility for the British list lies with the
BOURC. The Northern Ireland Birdwatching
Association (NIBA) maintains the list for
Northern Ireland, which has different
legislation. The Isle of Man also maintains
its own list. Species recorded from the
Republic of Ireland do not form part of the
British List.

The role of the BOURC

Records of birds new to Britain are passed
to the BOURC by the British Rarities
Committee (BBRC) after they have examined
them. The BOURC prepares a file
summarising the record, this file also contains
original descriptions and supporting
documentation, including BBRC comments,
correspondence from independent
specialists, an analysis of the captive status
of the species and its escape likelihood and
extracts from books and journals referring
to migration and vagrancy patterns. Records
are circulated by post and require
unanimous agreement on identification and
at least a two-thirds majority on
categorisation.

The committee also studies taxonomic
advances and initiates research into this field.
Information on feral populations is
monitored, and reviews are undertaken of
older records. Anyone can ask for old or
rejected records to be reviewed by the

BOURC if they provide fresh evidence to
justify re-examination. This is time
consuming work, particularly when it
involves detailed research or discussions with
experts.

Publication of BOURC decisions

The BOURC publishes regular reports in Ibis.
As few birders regularly see Ibis, information
is press-released to the main birding
magazines, who also receive pre-publication
copies of Ibis reports. The magazines use
some of this information as the basis for news
items or articles, but much of the BOURC's
work goes unreported. BOURC members
occasionally write longer papers on species
reviews and decisions for publication in the
birding magazines. Decisions are notified to
appropriate recorders and original observers.

The BOURC commitment

The BOURC undertakes;

• To maintain the scientific accuracy and
integrity of the BOU list of British birds
by admitting only those species and
subspecies that have been identified
beyond reasonable doubt, and whose
origin is considered to be in accordance
with the relevant BOURC categories

• To ensure that all the evidence for
identification and the circumstances
surrounding the occurrence of potential
new species or subspecies are
examined thoroughly, fairly and
objectively, calling upon external expert
opinion where appropriate.

• To ensure that any new evidence which
is submitted, or which comes to light,
that might affect the identification or
categorisation of any existing record is
reviewed thoroughly, fairly and
objectively.

• To ensure that all records are dealt with
as speedily as practicable, but not so
that this in any way prejudices the need
for thorough and comprehensive

examination of the evidence.

• To attempt to answer any questions
about it decisions fully and fairly, stating
the reasons for these decisions.

• So far as is practicable, to consult with
the observers where new evident
suggest that a record might no longer
be acceptable. The view of the
observers will be taken into
consideration in any final decision.

The current members are Tony Marr
(Chairman), Tim Melling (Secretary), Colin
Bradshaw (BBRC Chairman), Paul Harvey,
Alan Knox, Ian Lewington, Eric Meek, Tony
Prater, and Roger Wilkinson. Ken Shaw
retired in April and Alan Knox is due to retire
in 2001.

Wildlife photographer
convicted of egg theft

Liverpool Magistrates Court convicted
Dennis Green, a well known wildlife
photographer, in June of this year. He was
found guilty of 13 charges of illegally
possessing eggs, stuffed birds and equipment
to commit offences under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1 981 . Considering that Mr
Green abused his position of trust, and his
convictions included the robbing of at least
2 Osprey nests from Scotland, it was
disappointing that he received a conditional
discharge. As Dave Dick, RSPB Scotland
Senior Investigations Officer, stated 'In order
for the general public to take wildlife crime
seriously, courts have to be consistent in their
sentencing.' Mr Green's case is only one of
many that have been brought to the attention
of the courts this year. Surely the time has
come for the toughening of sentences in
relation to wildlife crime, and for the law to
be changed to allow the courts the option
of custodial sentences for such crimes against
our wildlife.

Golden Eagle with chick Brian Turner

4

Corn Bunting

GM seed

In May the RSPB discovered that genetically
modified oilseed rape had been planted at
7 sites in Orkney. The RSPB has been running
schemes, in conjunction with farmers, to
plant crops which are highly beneficial to
birds at 11 key sites including land owned
by the RSPB at Durkadale. The scheme
involved distributing seeds to farmers for
planting in order to provide food the birds
during the winter. RSPB now plan to plough
in all of these crops to try and ensure that
pollen and seed is not passed on. All
unplanted seed is to be destroyed.

Concern over the environmental impact of
GM crops has led to the RSPB sitting on a
scientific steering committee which overseas
farm trials. Dr Martin Auld, the East Scotland
Regional Manager for the RSPB, said: 'We
are shocked and angry that we have been
supplied with genetically modified seed. We
have decided to take a highly precautionary
approach in this matter and the project
cannot continue. We are enormously
saddened that this mistake has resulted in
us having to plough up crops that birds need
to survive the next winter.'

Decline of Corncrake in Lewis

A census conducted last year by RSPB
Scotland found that Corncrakes in Lewis had
declined to their lowest level in over 10
years. The reasons for this dramatic decline
are not fully understood but may be partly
due to a reduction in the amount of early
cover available during May. The Corncrake
is a ground nesting laird that depends on
plenty of cover for breeding. It most
commonly reveals itself by its distinctive crek
crek call, and can be heard singing at dawn,

Mike Ashley

dusk and most insistently between midnight
and 3 am. The RSPB would like anyone who
has records of calling Corncrakes in Lewis
or Harris for this year to contact Alison
Rothwell Tel: 01851 672490 Or Peigi-
Mairi Nicholson Tel: 01851 820546.
Payments may be available, under the
Corncrake Initiative, to landowners who
support 'Corncrake friendly' grassland
management, and are prepared to cut the
crop after 31 July in a Corncrake friendly
way. A Corncrake Newsletter, produced
annually by the RSPB on behalf of the
Biodiversity Group gives details on the
results of the census and active management
for Corncrakes throughout Scotland. Lree
copies are available from Alison Rothwell.

Rat poisoning suspected as
young Kites die

Until 10 years ago Red Kites were extinct in
Scotland and only returned thanks to a
reintroduction programme carried out jointly
by SNH and the RSPB. Last year 34 breeding
pairs were located in Scotland; 30 of them
were in the Highlands. This year was a
record breaking year with an unprecedented
39 pairs of Red Kites laying eggs in Scotland
and a total of 84 chicks fledging. This was a
significant increase on last year's figures, a
true testimony to the many people who have
assisted with the project. This summer the
North Kessock Tourist Information Centre,
on the Black Isle, 1 mile north of Inverness,
was receiving live pictures from one of these
nests. An RSPB Scotland Information
Warden was on hand at the Centre to
interpret the pictures and provide
information about the Kites and to promote
the spectacular wildlife of the Highlands in
general.

Sadly, this summer saw the needless death
of a brood of 2 young Red Kites. Local RSPB
staff found the 5-week-old chicks in a nest
in the outskirts of Muir of Ord (Ross-shire).
They were in a weak condition, coughing
up blood and their bodies were covered in
blood, which was leaking from their feathers.
These signs are consistent with poisoning
from an anti-coagulant rodenticide.
Attempts to save the young birds by local
veterinary staff were in vain and they died
in convulsions. It is likely that the chicks
died accidentally after they were fed
poisoned rats by their parents.

hollowing this incident, RSPB Scotland is
urging anyone who lives in areas where Kites
nest not to use rodenticides at this time of
year. If this is not possible, then it would be
a great help if the following precautions were
adhered to:

1 If possible, use warfarin rather than an
anti-coagulant rodenticide.

2 Carefully follow the instructions
accompanying any poison used.

3 Collect and bury/incinerate all rats and
mice which are killed.

4 Ensure that none of the rodenticide can
reach an external source.

Red Kites are particularly prone to poisoning
because they are efficient scavengers, often
foraging close to farm buildings where
rodenticides are commonly used. There is
no evidence that rats in the north of Scotland
have developed an immunity to warfarin.
The use of warfarin poses much less of a
threat to Red Kites than the use of anti-
coagulant rodenticides that are 100-600
times more toxic.

British Trust for Ornithology -
Peregrine Appeal Update

As you saw in the last issue of SBN, and the
flyer included, BTO Scotland is running a
Peregrine Appeal in order to fund the 2001
National Peregrine Survey. So far they have
raised £1 9,21 5. Many thanks to those who
have contributed. However, they
desperately need to raise £32,000 alongside
money already raised in order to run the
survey and carry out the subsequent analysis.
Any further donations at this time, would
be gratefully received. Please send donations
to BTO Scotland, 21 Regent Terrace,
Edinburgh. EH7 5BT.

Colour photos URGENTLY

required

As you will see we have introduced colour
into SBN. If you would like to see your
photographs grace future SBN's please send
your slides or prints - or copy them onto a
CD/Zip disc - to Sylvia at 21 Regent Terrace,
Edinburgh EH7 5BT. As always,
photographers will be acknowledged. . We
look forward to receiving some soon.

5

Flgg trip - May 2000

Highland Branch members enjoyed a short
trip to Eigg in May 2000. The weather gods
smiled this time and 18 of us met on the
pier at Arisaig on a lovely sunny spring
morning. There were several other
passengers on the Shearwater, including a
band - more of them later.

Out in the open sea, we saw Cormorants,
Guillemots, Razorbills, a Puffin and a large
raft of Manx Shearwaters drifting ahead of
us. The shearwaters took off and swirled
round effortlessly, skimming over the waves
before settling down again on the sea,
waiting to head back to their burrows at
dusk. This is always a lovely sight and one
which is not all that common between
Arisaig and Eigg - usually they hang around
Rum. As we approached the pier on Eigg,
Eiders, mostly male, were cooing away and
a Red-throated Diver, Black Guillemots and
an Arctic Tern were seen.

We were staying at the Glebe Barn, and most
of us walked the mile or so round the bay
and up the hill togetthere. It was wonderful
to listen to the Skylarks, Song Thrushes,
Wrens, Willow Warblers, Chaffinches and
Cuckoos. We had our picnic lunch and set
off towards the Sgurr of Eigg - a volcanic plug
rising to 393 m at the west end of the island.
It is a very distinctive landmark, and most of
us wanted to climb it. The views were
magnificent, with the hills of Skye and Rum
to the north and the Ardnamurchan
peninsula to the south. Red Grouse, a
Peregrine and a Great Skua were added to
the list but, to the 1 3 of us that climbed to
the top, it was the view, the wonderful wild
flowers and the amazing rock formations that

stood out in our minds. We got back to the
Glebe about 7 pm and cooked tea.
Afterwards, while most people relaxed in the
lounge, 5 of us headed back down to the
pier cafe ceilidh to listen to the band that
had come over on the boat with us. We
met John Chester, the SWT representative
on the island, and arranged to meet him in
the morning.

Shorts and t-shirts again next day, on a
glorious morning. John came and we setoff
across the island, heading for Laig Bay. En
route we had wonderful views of Willow
Warblers, Whitethroats and Whinchats. We
took a wee path to the left through the most
marvellous wildflower meadows - Primroses,
Bluebells, Orchids, Tormentil, Daisies,
Buttercups, curling fronds of Bracken and
lots more. A pair of Twite sat on the fence
beside the beach, several Brown Trout glided
in and out of the shadows of the burn,
Ringed Plover ran around the shore and a
Grey Wagtail flitted atthe mouth of the burn
- idyllic! We sat on the beach eating an early
lunch and watching a Great Northern Diver
in superb plumage, 2 Red-throated Divers,
Shags, Black Guillemots, Oystercatchers,
Common Sandpipers and Swallows.

We headed inland to a good reedbed and
were rewarded with super views of Sedge
Warblers and Reed Buntings, while a few
saw Snipe. Seven of us set off up the very
steep slope to the top of the cliffs. Marvellous
views again on top, and a Kestrel appeared
from the other side before gliding off. The
flowers were out of this world: Mountain
Avens, Pyramidal Bugle, Wild Strawberries,
Lousewort, Cuckoo Flower and Globeflower
to name a few. Away high on the clifftop,
where Manx Shearwaters have their
burrows, it was like an alpine garden. John

took us past a Raven's nest with 5 large
chicks almost ready to fly, before heading
down a steep gully to the road. By this time
we were going to be late for dinner, so we
hurried back.

After a wonderful meal, John and a friend
joined us for another impromptu ceilidh.
We meandered back to the barn as
Woodcock patrolled their territories, for a
good blether and a few laughs before retiring
to bed, exhausted but happy.

The next day was not such good weather - a
few clouds around! We got good views of
the Wood Warbler below the barn, hearing
Chiffchaff and Blackcap. It was a wonderful
wood, full of flowers and birdsong. Down
at the shore, we saw Red-breasted
Mergansers, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a
Curlew and a Cormorant diving in a foot of
water. We met John at the pier and headed
towards the lodge with its neglected garden
full of exotic plants such as the Chile Flame
Tree. A Spotted Flycatcher flitted among the
treetops and a pair of Bullfinches showed
off in the sun. Some of us then set off for
the caves to the west of the pier. We
scrambled into the 'Massacre Cave' - 400
people were murdered there when they hid
from their enemies from Skye, who lit a huge
fire and smothered all those in the cave.

We met up with the rest of the party at the
pier, said a last goodbye to John and
clambered aboard. We arrived back in
Arisaig a little tired but absolutely delighted
with a wonderful bird watching and flower
spotting weekend. We saw 76 species of
bird - well done to everyone. We can
certainly recommend the island and Glebe
Barn to anyone who wants to visit Eigg.

Janet Crummy

Manx Shearwater

Don Smith

Bird Challenge 2000

Choughs and cow pats

Water Rail dumped on

The Islay RSPB Newsletter for Summer 2000
reports on a new study to investigate the
long-term effects of broad-band insecticides
such as avermectins on the arthropods which
develop in cow pats and sheep dung. For a
young Chough, a cow pat is the equivalent
of the Corner Shop, and these are one of
their most important food sources through
the winter.

Some of the cattle at Loch Cruinart RSPB
reserve have been dosed with avermectin,
and some not. Cow pats from known cows
will be marked and core samples taken at
different stages to record the grubs and
wigglies within. The project is likely to form
the basis of a PhD study and has wider
implications than the impact on Choughs.
Many other species benefit from cow pats,
not least the insects which inhabit them,
many insect-eating birds such as Swallows,
and some bat species also rely on insects in
cattle-grazed pasture.

A decision was made by Scottish ministers
in July this year to give the go-ahead for
North Ayrshire Council to dump a million
tonnes of waste on Bogside, a sensitive
nature conservation area near Irvine. The
development of the 133 hectare 'landraise'
site will destroy the wetland habitat where a
nationally important population of Water
Rail is to be found and will also disturb Otters
and Water Voles through the destruction of
their habitat. The proposed site forms part
of a network of nationally and locally
protected areas and holds the only significant
area of estuarine habitat between the Solway
and the Clyde, providing habitats for
wintering and breeding birds and is a staging
area for migratory species. The operation
of the 'landraise' in this area will result in
the adjacent SSSI being subject to
disturbance by humans and vehicles with
associated Rats, Foxes, gulls and other
predators. RSPB Scotland has condemned
this decision and has urged the Council to
consider all possible alternatives.

Tree Sparrow Steven Brown

Business sites present some excellent
birdwatching opportunities. To prove this
point, the BTO has teamed up with Tarmac
to find the company sites richest in birdlife.
During the course of the year, birdwatchers
will record the birds seen on commercial
sites across the United Kingdom, varying
from printing works to a North Sea gas
terminal.

This Bird Challenge aims to encourage firms
to promote biodiversity on business and
industrial sites and to recognise firms which
make sites more attractive to birds.

There are 4 Scottish sites competing in the
2000 Challenge, at St Fergus, on Islay, in
Dumfries and Galloway, and in Lothian.

The 2 inland sites, the Melville Landfill Site
and Craignair Quarry both belong to the
sponsors, Tarmac. Melville, part of the new
Environmental Services division started the
year well, noting species such as Buzzard,
Goldeneye, Grey Partridge (a species of
conservation concern) and several pairs of
Skylark. Craignair Quarry has breeding
Peregrines, Raven and over 20 resident
passerine species.

Staff at Total Fina's St Fergus Gas Terminal
have been working with St Fergus Primary
School, together with the Buchan
Countryside Group to establish a wildlife
garden. Pupils were involved from the
planning stage through to tree planting.
Breeding birds on the terminal site include
Fulmar, Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Tree
Sparrow. Up to 50 of these declining farm
bird were present on the site.

Ardbeg Distillery on Islay joined the
Challenge late but aroused much interest.
Several staff from Thetford consider it
essential to carry out a field visit!

The BTO Business Sites Challenge recognises
the fact that some businesses are already
saving corners of their sites for birds and
encourages more so to do. The Challenge
happens every 2 years. A report on the year
2000 will be produced for the awards
ceremony next summer.

Graham Appleton

Chough

Merlin conjured up on screen

RSPB Scotland succeeded in bringing a little
bit of magic into the lives of visitors to their
Nature Reserve at Forsinard in Sutherland.
The Merlin, Europe's smallest falcon, is
thought to be declining in numbers in the
U K, but visitors to the Peatland Visitor Centre
were able to watch live pictures of a Merlin's
nest. Information Wardens were on hand
to interpret the pictures as well as promote
the spectacular wildlife and other facilities
that Sutherland and Caithness has to offer.
The clutch of 3 eggs started to hatch on the
3 July, with the chicks remaining in the nest
of a further 3 weeks. The facility at Forsinard
guaranteed spectacular live pictures of this
beautiful but elusive bird and its young
without disturbing them - well worth a visit
next breeding season!

Martin Withers

World's first Sea Eagle viewing
project - the Aros Centre

A Sea Eagle viewing project has been
developed by a local partnership of Aros
(Isle of Skye) Ltd., RSPB Scotland, SNH, The
Highland Council and Skye & Lochalsh
Enterprise. The project is also supported
by Forest Enterprise, a local landowner and
a Crofting Township. The overall cost of
establishing the project was approximately
£30,000 and has included the appointment
by RSPB Scotland of a new seaso> ai
Information Warden who is based at the
Aros Centre.

Cailean Maclean, one of the Directors of
Aros (Isle of Skye) Ltd said: 'We are thrilled
to be able to host this unique facililty. Skye
is the ancestral home of Sea Eagles in
Scotland and it therefore seems fitting that
the island has been able to secure this.'

7

A review of the 2090 breeding season

As usual this article is put together at very short notice and relies on the first impressions of some members; it is not a definitive
account. Generally speaking 2000 was the third successive poor breeding season for many birds and is now beginning to have an
effect on some species notably tits, Grey Wagtail, waders and some finches especially Linnet and Redpoll. Black-headed Gulls are now
almost extinct in Ross and Sutherland. Drought conditions on Coll have had an effect on many birds which regularly nest on the
machair. Summer migrants appeared to be slightly later in arriving in many areas and once again cold, wet unsettled weather in E
Ross reduced breeding success for many species.

Eider

North Sutor did very well with Cormorants
and Shags reasonably well, the Kittiwake
colony fared very badly as usual.

Predators

General impressions from around Scotland
are that Buzzard are continuing to do well
and are expanding into new areas. Kestrels
appeared to do well throughout Scotland
and in the Ayrshire study area 14 clutches
of 6 eggs and one of 7 were recorded. Of 5
Goshawk nests in Dumfriesshire a ratio of
10 females to 2 males was noted and in
Sparrowhawk out of 10 nests a bias of 14

The weather

A number of contributors to this article
commented on the reasonably good weather
in late April to early May and then the very
cold, wet spell from late May to mid June.
The severe gales on 13 June affected many
parts of Scotland and some seabird colonies
lost most of their young birds.

Waders and water birds

Many waders and water birds appeared to
have mixed fortunes over the 2000 breeding
season with some areas particularly the
Western Isles and Orkney reporting a good
breeding season. In Caithness first clutches
mostly failed with re-lays more successful,
particularly of Lapwing. A site in Ayrshire
which held 20 pairs of Lapwing reported that
all the young perished during the dry hot
weather in May and in Dumfriesshire a
decline in Lapwing numbers of agricultural
land was noted. Some evidence of predation
by Common Gulls on Ringed Plover in the
Uists was noted. In Orkney Dunlin and
iolden Plover appear to have fledged good
mbers of young. A very poor year for
Mute Swan on Tiree with only 9 cygnets from
8 breeding pairs noted. Very few broods of
Mallard were noted in the Moorfoots while
good breeding success was noted in E Ross
and parts of Sutherland. Dippers appear to
have suffered during the prolonged wet spell
in late April with many nests being washed
out. In Argyllshire only 2 pairs of Black-
throated Divers successfully reared young
from 10 pairs checked. Eider have on the
whole had a very poor year with only c200
young surviving at Forvie compared toc600
in 1 999 and only one brood of 3 being seen

Kittiwake

on the Eden Estuary. Early breeding wildfowl
notably Mallard and Gadwall did well at Loch
Leven and Great Crested Grebe had a good
year with c50pairs producing an average of
over 2 young per pair.

Seabirds

Seabirds have also had mixed fortunes, with
a lot of failures in part due to the severe gales
in mid June, however on the Isle of May it
was noted that thousands of healthy
Kittiwake chicks fledged. This may be partly
due to the closure of the Wee Bankie Sandeel
Fishery although it is really too early to say
for definite . On Tiree it was noted that
Fulmar, Shag, Common Gull, Lesser Black-
backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull,
Arctic and Common Tern and Guillemot had
all increased since the 1978/88 seabird
survey. The Sandwich Tern colony at Loch
of Strath beg was washed out during the April
floods, however at the nearby Sands of
Forvie 700+ chicks were ringed. Auks at

females to 4 males was noted. Golden Eagle
on the Western Isles fared reasonably well
despite 2 eyries being robbed, however in
Central Region out of 6 home territories
checked only one pair reared young.
Peregrine are still one of the main targets

Skylark

8

Arctic Tern

for egg collectors and the black market
falconry trade, however in Angus an average
of 2 young per successful pair fledged; in
Central Region and W Perthshire 14
successful pairs reared a total of 27 young.
Hen Harrier also continue to be the victims
of persecution in many areas although a pair
did manage to rear young in Angus this year
and on Orkney they had their best season
for many years. Merlin in the Lothian and

Barn Owl

Border regions of Scotland fledged more
young than last year, and the first successful
breeding record from Barra was noted. A
good site occupancy for Osprey was noted
in Aberdeenshire with cl chick per pair
fledged and Red Kite in northern Scotland
had their best year yet with 30 out of 32
pairs rearing a total of 74 young.

Good vole numbers in some parts of Lothian
and Borders meant that Short-eared Owls
were more numerous this year, this could
not be said for the Galloway Forest Park were
very few Short-eared Owls were noted.
Tawny Owls suffered from predation by Pine
Martin in E Ross, while in central and W
Perthshire they had a very poor season. Barn
Owl in the Galloway Forest Park had an
excellent year with many broods of 5 and 6
young being recorded.

Gamebirds

Accounts from some areas would suggest
that Red Grouse have had a reasonably good
year although not many large broods were
noted during an upland survey in NE
Scotland. Black Grouse on the other hand
continue to decline in most areas.

Summer migrants and passerines

One success story is that Corncrake numbers
continue to increase on the Western Isles.
The future looks bleak for Corn Bunting in
Argyll and Ayrshire with no singing males
being recorded this year on Tiree, there were
85 in 1977, however Skylark numbers were
estimated at between 150 and 180 singing
males. Most warblers except perhaps Sedge
Warbler appear to have had a poor season
in some areas despite the fact that they were
later in producing first broods, and at a study
site in Dumfriesshire 17 juvenile Reed
Warblers have so far been ringed. Willow
Warbler in Fife were variable with apparently
low success in the east and at least moderate
success in the west of the county. A
continued increase in the number of

Stonechat

Stonechats was noted in most areas while a
decrease in Whinchats was noted. Wheatear
numbers also appeared down in some areas

and on the whole had a poor year. Twite
were noted in good numbers in a few areas
and Meadow Pipit have had a reasonable
season. Ring Ouzel numbers in the
Lammermuirs appeared low again this year,
but at a study area in Angus they appear to
have had a good season despite cl 5 second
broods being predated. Pied Flycatchers
have had their worst year for c29 years and
predation by Great Spotted Woodpeckers
is a severe problem at a study site in Central
Scotland. A rare record of Long-tailed Tits
breeding in Stornoway Woods was
unfortunately unsuccessful. Thrushes and

Rook

most finches in particular Goldfinches have
had a good year while Blue and Great Tits
appeared to have suffered. Hirundines and
in particular Sand Martins appear to have
done well, despite some first broods being
affected by the poor weather. At Culzean
Country Park a nest box scheme for Swifts
reported that 9 out of 1 1 boxes put up were
occupied and most pairs reared 2 young.
Cuckoos were reported in good numbers in
southwest Scotland, Fife and Perthshire.

Corvids

Out of 1 5 Raven territories recorded as being
occupied 11 pairs are known to have
successfully reared young. Four Rookeries
in the Stirling area totalled 302 nests; a
decrease of 8% since 1 999.

Contributors

We would like to thank the following people
for taking the time to report their findings to
us which then enables us to put together this
article. Dave Arthur, Ken Bruce, Dave
Butterfield, Paul Daw, Tom Dougall, Alison
Duncan, Brian Etheridge, Ian Francis, Pete
Gordon, Mike Harris, Les Hatton, Alan
Heavisides, Cliff Henty, Angus Hogg, Alex
Joss, Sylvia Laing, Alan Lauder, Ron Lawk
Alan Leitch, Shirley Millar, Ian Poxton, Bi ■ i
Rabbitts, Gordon Riddle, Henry Robb,
Derek Robertson, Chris Rollie, Geoff Shaw,
Ken Shaw, Patrick Stirling-Aird, Bob Swann,
Andy Thorpe, Sarah Wanless, Jim Williams
and Kevin Woodbridge. All photographs on
this page have been supplied by Fred
Westoctt.

Sylvia Laing.

9

Annual Conference 29 to 31 October 1999

Another very successful SOC Annual Conference in every way - the autumn colours on the drive north and in Strathspey itself were as
always spectacular; the pleasure of greeting old friends, some not seen for 12 months or more; the general atmosphere as usual
convivial; the speakers were good; and not least the staff of the Balavil Hotel at Newtonmore were as usual friendly and helpful. All
these and more made for a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. It is always good to be welcomed at the registration desks by the same old
friendly faces - sorry about the word 'old', it seems to be too apt nowadays! Nothing against the same old faces (sorry again), they
have down stalwart service for the Club over the years. But where are the new 'younger' band of volunteers? Those who should by
now be taking over the not very onerous tasks at conferences and other events. The future of the Club depends so much on new
volunteers coming forward to help the Club and its Secretary.

Gannets Bobby Tulloch

Flying start

On Friday the conference got off to a flying
start (always a good idea when speaking
about birds!) When Eric Meek (RSPB) spoke
with enthusiasm on wonderful Orkney and
its birds. The evening closed with some
slides shown by members and with the
Photographic competition which was won
by Dennis Johnson.

Optimistic outlook

On Saturday morning Stuart Housden,
Director of RSPB, Scotland, started
proceedings with an optimistic view of the
future for birds and was followed by Cordon
Riddles' excellent update on his 25 years of
studying Kestrels in Ayrshire. Normally the
main food of this raptor is the Short-tailed
Vole but one forestry site contained remains
of a very unusual item of prey - the green
feathers of a Budgie!

After the break Ron Summers, spoke on the
Slavonian Grebe in Scotland. Present
i anagement work at Loch Ruthven is aimed
at increasing sedge and Willow cover to help

to protect nesting birds. Dave Carse, then
gave us a talk on fish-eating birds and
salmonids in Scotland which seemed to
prove that sawbills are not adversely affecting
returning fish numbers to the extent it was
previously believed.

A very welcome change to the programme
nowadays is the ending of the Saturday
morning session at noon thus allowing the
afternoon to be spent in the fresh air (usually
very fresh at this time of year!) walking and
birdwatching. In the late afternoon Charlie
Self, gave us an update on the Corncrakes
of Coll with the good news that the 6
"singing" males on the reserve when it was
purchased have now risen to 23. Ian
Mitchell followed with Seabird 2000 using
St.Kilda and its magnificent cliff colonies of
seabirds as encouragement for volunteers to
partake in the forthcoming census.

Evening entertainment

After a fairly speedy AGM came the Annual
Dinner (very informal nowadays) which was
rounded off by an amusing speech by Dick
Balharry. The next item on the Agenda read

"Entertainment". Somehow this after dinner
slot is not quite right yet. Very few took the
floor for dancing. Even the Dumfries
Chairman in "full breeding plumage" did not
encourage many to participate. Mind you
if all those crammed into room 4 after the
dinner for drinks and chat had been on the
dance floor there would not have been room
to move!

A ratty problem!

Sunday began with Bernie Zonfrillo from
Glasgow (in a suit!) telling the story of the
eradication of rats from Ailsa Craig, the
ringing of the Gannets, which started in
1923, followed with birds on farmland on
East Lothian where closer links are being
forged with the farmers and FWAG is
advising on how to improve farmland
habitat.

A change from birds

A welcome innovation followed the coffee
break when Mike Scott had a non-
ornithological topic to discuss, the work of
Plantlife in Scotland. Hopefully this idea of
a talk on another aspect of natural history
will be continued at future conference. John
Wills then told the story of Inchgarth, the
first SOC reserve, which has been leased for
1 0 years until 2008 and is probably the most
northerly site for breeding Lesser
Whitethroat.

The future for birds in Scotland

And, last but not least, Jeremy Greenwood
(Director BTO) in his usual enthusiastic
manner gave the closing talk on the history
of that organisation and its plans for an officer
based in Scotland. BTO membership in the
UK is over 11,000 but Scotland only has
about 800 of these members. It is hoped to
increase membership here through close
liaison with the SOC who are providing
office accommodation for this new Scottish
post.

Thus ended another thoroughly enjoyable
conference. What treats are in store for us
when we meet again at Newtonmore from
3 - 5 November 2000?

Joan Howe

10

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2000 Annual Conference

A lively mix of speakers is expected to make
this autumn's conference a particularly
popular event. I suggest you book early!

As a new venture, we are flying in a foreign
speaker. Klaus Mailing Olsen from Denmark
is an authoritative speaker who will share
his skill and enthusiasm for gull (skua and
tern) identification in a key lecture. Other
speakers will add to the 'Identification and
Migration' theme of this year's conference.
Dennis Coutts has not only seen more
species in Scotland than most (if not all), but
he is also a renowned wildlife photographer.
His Friday evening talk on 'Flying via
Shetland - vagrants' will give us a rare chance
to see some of his collection of superb slides.
Norman Elkins, the author of Weather and
Migration' will hopefully give us some hints
on how to interpret the weather charts with
bird migration in mind. Chris Wernham will
talk on the BTO's exciting, forthcoming
'Migration Atlas' and Andy Thorpe will share
some experiences from the North Sea Bird
Club's 21 -year history. 'Migrants - a county
perspective' is the title of Ken Shaw's talk.

Taxonomic changes have become a frequent
topic of conversation these days, but how
many of us actually know what the key issues
actually are? Martin Collmson, a member
of the BOURC's Taxonomic Sub-committee,
is well qualified to give us'The Rough Guide
to Taxonomy'. I suspect that Ron Summer's
talk on the Crossbill situation in Scotland may
also raise a few taxonomic questions!

Other research projects to be covered are
the on-going Ring Ouzel study in the
Moorfoot Hills and Glen Esk (Ian Burfield)
and a talk by the Treshnish Isles Auk ringing
Group.

Last, but by no means least, I would
encourage members to attend Ian Wallace's
talk on the Common Rosefinch - a species
that has been on the verge of colonising
Scotland for some time now.

If you have never been to a conference
before - why not come along and take part
in the dub's main social event of the year. If
you have been before, I suspect you will have
completed your registration from already!

Ian Andrews

Scottish Crossbill - the
beginning of the end, or the end
of the beginning?

The NERC Annual Report (http://
www.nerc.ac.uk) contains a paragraph on
the results of a genetic investigation of
crossbills in the Highlands. 'The Scottish

Crossbill, thought to be Britain's only
endemic bird, is indistinguishable genetically
from the Common Crossbill and the Parrot
Crossbill, and probably interbreeds with
them.' The field of crossbill research is
hotting up.... A reminder that Ron Summers
will be speaking about them at the Annual
Conference.

Web site update

Our web site continues to be visited by
hundreds of internet users from Scotland and
around the world. Its content is being kept
up-to-date as much as possible, but this relies
heavily on members' input. The Recent
Reports section continues to be added to
weekly by Angus Murray (Birdline Scotland)
and many new photographs have been
added. Avery popular table of first dates for
arriving migrants was frequently updated in
spring.

Ayr Branch have taken on the production
and maintenance of their own branch web

pages (within the SOC's site) - and volunteers
from other branches may like to follow their
example.

Keith Naylor had kindly allowed us to use
his index of Scottish Birds volumes 1 -21 , and
his compilation of Scottish rarities records
will hopefully be added soon. This list has
already been used to produce a draft listing
(subject to SBRC approval) of all records of
species which have occurred up to 20 times
in Scotland.

Web users were able to see the list of 2000
Annual Conference speakers as soon as they
were confirmed, and details of the Spring
Conference at Galashiels will also be
publicised on the web.

New links are being added on a regular basis.
The volume of information now available on-
line is hard to comprehend - at least our links
page gives a few hints on where to start.

Ian Andrews

11

LETTERS

Dear Sir,

An incident illustrating how pelleted Salmon
feed can enter the natural food chain
through inefficient commercial practice.

On Monday 26 June 2000 between about
1245 and 1330 hrs I arrived at the Kyle of
Lochalsh pier alongside the railway to
photograph the Skye Bridge. I noticed 2
newly arrived lorries loaded with plastic sacks
of fish-feed on pallets. These had
presumably been covered during transit and
while I was concentrating on my
photography were being prepared for
transfer by fork-lift truck to a waiting coastal
freighter moored at the end of the pier. I
was suddenly aware of a huge influx of gulls
and a tremendous increase in noise and
activity as upwards of 1 00 gulls, mostly adult
Herring Culls with some juveniles as well as
some adult Greater and Lesser Black-backs,
settled onto the top of the consignment and
started to tear vigorously at the plastic covers.
Within minutes most of the sacks had been
punctured as more and more birds piled in
to the feast and started gorging themselves
on beakfuls of highly nutritious, protein-rich
salmon-feed which was by this time spilling
down the sides of the lorry onto the platform
of the vehicle and onto the road around it.

The birds were very bold and determined,
continuing to feed both while I approached
right up to the vehicle with my camera, and
even while the fork-lift truck drove up,
engaged with a pallet and lifted it with the
gulls still feeding off the top sacks. It seemed
quite clear that this was not the first time
this food source had been tapped as the
attack by the gulls was immediate and very
efficient as soon as the load was open to
them. I have no doubt it is a regular
occurrence and that the gulls were just
waiting at the appropriate time of the day
learned from previous experience. There
were four of five workmen involved in the
job, including the tow drivers of the lorries
as well as the fork-lift truck driver, but during
the next twenty minutes or so while the
pallets on one lorry were slowly collected
one by one (those with the stacks of
vulnerable sack last!) and transferred to the
waiting ship's crane - necessarily a rather
slow process - nobody lifted a finger to
protect the cargo or deter the predatory gulls
while they systematically half-emptied all the
top sacks of the load.

A simple answer to the problem would have
been one tarpaulin left on top of the load
and gradually moved as the pallets were
loaded; but nobody seemed in the slightest
bit concerned to protect the salmon farm's
interests, least of all the fork-lift truck driver
or the crane operator who must have been
aware they were loading heavily damaged
goods onto the ship. Many kilograms of feed

must have been lost in the hectic scramble
for easy pickings by the gulls. The sacks were
labelled 'TROUW Aquaculture SALMON
DIETS' and contained small, black, round
pellets, a sample of which was taken for
submission to Friends of the Earth Scotland
who are currently researching the use offish-
feeds containing the illegal toxin Ivomectin
or its illegal successor which some claim is
almost as dangerous.

Chris Mylne, Mains House, Linlithgow,
West Lothian EH49 6QA.

Library news and reviews

News from the Waterston Library

SBN readers may be aware that a computer
was acquired for the Library last year. The
first task for this machine was
computerisation of the card indexes of books
and journals. This has now been completed:
there are (at time of writing) 3,751 books,
with 2887 authors, held in the Library.
Copies of 41 6 journals are also held, about
half of which are current. There is a small
lending section of 280 books, and copies of
5 journals. Use of the Library, by SOC
members and others, is always welcome.
Intending users should ring Regent Terrace
to arrange a time to visit. If you wish to
make contact outwith office hours I can be
phoned at home if necessary (0131 441
2675).

The Library is staffed by volunteer helpers,
who come in to Regent Terrace for a few
hours a week and can be available to provide
advice and assistance to users, either in
person or over the telephone. Anyone
staying in or close to Edinburgh who has a
few hours to spare on a regular basis and
who would like to help in this way should
contact me - either at Regent Terrace or at
home. One of the helpers until recently has
been Hetty Harper, whose late husband, Bill,
will be remembered by many as Librarian
for many years. Unfortunately Hetty has
been none too well recently and has had to
give up coming in to the Library on Friday
mornings. I am sure all SBN readers will
join in sending her good wishes.

The Library claims to be 'the best
ornithological library in Scotland'. One
reason why this is so is that it has benefited
over the years from many generous legacies
and donations of books (including, for
example, from William Brotherston - see.
below). If your own collection of bird books,
or indeed books about nature in general, is
now taking up too much space, please
consider donating the surplus to the Library.
Books acquired in this way that are
duplicates of those already in the collection
are sold (eg at Conference) and the proceeds
used for buying new books.

John G Davies, Librarian

Hawaii -The Ecotraveller's Wildlife Guide

by Les Beletsky. Published by Academic Press.
2000. 416pp. ISBN 0-12-084813-9.
£19.95 (pbk).

The enthusiasm of the author clearly comes
through in this book. If you were heading
off to Hawaii it would be an invaluable
companion - helping you to identify all the
types of Flora and Fauna that you would be
likely to encounter. If you are contemplating
a visit Hawaii, this book is sure to make up
your mind up for you! A book both suitable
for beginners and for those more
experienced in the field of ecology. It is
obviously well thought out and is well-
illustrated, taking a broad view of the
attributes of the Hawaiian Isles -Ecotourism,
Conservation, Geography & Climate, Parks
& Reserves, Flora and Fauna to name but a
few. While a guide to each individual
species is impossible, an enlightening
explanation of much to interest any visitor
to the Hawaiian Islands is clearly presented,
with excellent photographic plates for quick
and easy reference. For those requiring a
more in depth reference to various aspects
of Hawaiian ecology there is a section on
references and additional reading.

Helen Cameron

Birdwatching Sites in the Highlands. RSPB
Highland Members' Group 56 pages, 4 maps,
50 line drawings. £2.50 (£3.00 incl. P&P).
ISBN 1 901930 22 X (pbk).

This site guide has been produced by the
RSPB Highland Members' Croup and is a
compact, well-produced booklet detailing
44 locations divided among four regions:
Inverness Area & East Highland, Northern
Highland, South Highland, West & Central
Highland. Although 18 of the sites are within
the smallest region (Inverness Area and East
Highland), this reflects the authors' wish to
represent areas within a comfortable drive
from Inverness and in no way diminishes the
appeal of the guide, with the remaining 26
sites spread fairly evenly among the other
areas. Although some of the sites are
duplicated in Madders' and Welstead's
Where to Watch Birds in Scotland, there is
relatively little overlap and so the guide is
complementary to that volume. There are
some perhaps surprising omissions, with
information describing the RSPB's Abernethy
Forest limited to the Loch Garten Osprey
Centre and no mention of the Cairngorm
plateau. However, the greater promotion
of less familiar sites is likely to beneficial for
improved general awareness of the rich
diversity of the Highlands, and to the
Flighlands economy as a whole. In addition,
there are undoubtedly other good sites
waiting to be discovered so this volume may
stimulate further ornithological coverage.

Detailed access instructions in bold type
allow for quick reference but are primarily

12

for those with their own transport and a road
atlas is recommended. Public transport
information is listed for some sites and useful
contact numbers are listed. It should be
noted that some places may be temporarily
closed to visitors for one reason or another.
A short description of each site describes the
habitat and its attractions, with some site
combinations also suggested. Additional
information is available regarding reserve
summer events and guided walks
programmes, other local visitors' guides,
suggested wildlife cruise operators,
exhibitions, restaurants and a distillery.
Although most sites are close to roads, some
walking is recommended in order to take
full advantage of the area. Codes of conduct
for driving, access and hill walking are
included, while other information covers the
rapidly-declining Capercaillie and Black
Crouse, disturbance (including photography)
of other specially protected species, as well
as procedural advice for wildife crime
reporting such as egg collecting and where
to send records of bird sightings.

This guide is a very attractive and useful
reference, illustrated copiously by John
Busby, Dan Powell and local artist lain
Sarjeant, with basic maps of the four regions
showing the distribution of sites by John
Tasker. The summary of sites is at the end of
the booklet in alphabetical order, though I
feel that a more comprehensive contents
page listing sites by region would have been
more helpful. A summary at the back may
have been more useful for listing the sites at
which particular species, such as Crested Tit,
could be seen.

However, this guide is thoroughly recom-
mended for those living in and those visiting
the Highlands, and all those with an interest
in the Highlands and its wildlife. Funds
raised by sales of the booklet will allow grants
to be made to RSPB approved projects and
to local groups involved with environmental
projects.

Boh Dawson

The State of the Nations' Birds. Chris Mead,
Whittet Books , 2000, ISBN 1-873580-45-2,
£12.99

This new book by retired BTO veteran Chris
Mead provides a snapshot of the status of
all Britain's breeding birds at the start of this
new century. After a review of how our birds
are censused, 6 broad habitat types are
described in some detail giving a taste of past
and current conservation issues. There are
similar chapters on climate and weather, and
persecution and protection. The main
attraction of the book though is the species
accounts section, which gives a snappy
summary of the status of all our breeding
species (over 200), complete with population
estimates for Britain and for Europe. Using
symbols, there is an indication of whether
numbers are increasing or decreasing, and
what the future may hold. There is even an
indicator of how likely you are to see the
species.

The book has already received favourable
reviews and given the scope and background
of the author, it is a book that all SOC
members should at least take a look at. It is
more accessible than the various national
Atlases and BTO survey reports it derives
much of its data from, and presents a lot of
information all in one handy paperback
book, at a reasonable price.

The source of the data is sound, mainly the
national Atlases (sadly no local Atlases nor
Bird Reports), BTO surveys and Rare
Breeding Bird Panel reports. The
introductory chapters are interesting to read
but will offer little to conservation-minded
birdwatchers, although I was fascinated
(indeed shocked) to learn that 30-60 million
birds die each year as a result of collisions
with cars, although there is no indication
where this figure comes from.

Chris has a very chatty written style, which
might appeal to some but which I found a
little informal. It is written as if Chris were
giving you a lecture today, fine at the time,
but with the consequence that many
comments will date quickly. The information
presented is often clearly a personal view,
not necessarily scientifically proven, and
which you might find you disagree with.

On the topical issue of raptor persecution, I
feel that Chris does not fully appreciate the
problems we have here in Scotland. The
prospects for Hen Harriers are described as
good, and the description of Sparrowhawk
population change is all to do with the
impact of pesticides in the 1950s and 1960s,
largely history now of course. There is no
reference here to the current controversy of
how Sparrowhawks and Peregrines are
alleged to cause population declines in
gamebirds, pigeons and songbirds. In the
Persecution and Protection chapter, illegal
raptor persecution by gamekeepers is almost
dismissed. The opportunity to present a
scientifically-based summary in popular
language has been missed here.

Sadly the book is marred by shoddy editing.

I found a gross over-use of hyphens and
exclamation marks and some clumsy
sentence constructions. With so many, this
quickly becomes infuriating. Maybe I'm a
niggler, but Chris also falls into the all too
frequent trap of using "dependant" when the
word required should have been
"dependent", making nonsense of the
sentence. There are a few typographical
errors too. There is even an ornithological
inaccuracy. Drawings of Gannets flying,
diving or coming out of the water, are used
to indicate the changing fortunes of species.
In the key for the species accounts though,
these birds are referred to as gulls!

The State of the Nations' Birds could have
been a useful reference book, but it is best
taken as light reading with pointers to the

more reliable original texts. I recommend
that you pick up a copy and glance through
the pages yourself. You will quickly get a feel
of whether you would learn something from
the book and whether you could cope with
the style of writing. Personally, I will stick to
my well-thumbed Atlases and Bird Reports.

Mark Moiling

William Brotherson, SCC (191 3-1981 )

William Brotherson was born in Edinburgh
in 1913, and educated at George Watson's
College. He studied law at Edinburgh
University, at the same time as serving an
apprenticeship to become a lawyer. He
graduated in 1 934 and then practised as joint
and later sole partner of a legal firm
specialising in Supreme Court work. He
served in the British Army throughout the
Middle East during World War Two, where
he was able to combine his interests in
photography, middle eastern culture and
history, and ornithology.

The Collection consists of almost 1400
photographic prints, the negatives of which
relate to those prints, 700 lantern slides, and
numerous manuscript notebooks, diaries
and printed ephemera, all closely related to
his period spent in the Middle East.

The William Brotherson Collection was given
to Edinburgh University Library in 1999,
thorugh the generosity of his family. After
conservation work has been completed, the
collection will be available for consultation
in the Special Collections Department.

REQUESTS

Edinburgh Swift survey

Please send in your records of Swifts in
Edinburgh and the Lothians, especially
screaming parties and nests, to lam Andrews,
39 Clayknowes Drive, Musselburgh EH21
6UW. This survey is organised by the SOC
in cooperation with the Edinburgh
Biodiversity Partnership. Details can be
found on SOC website (under surveys)

Darvic ringed Oystercatchers

As part of a long term study of Aberdeen's
roof nesting Oystercatchers, we are fitting
the birds with Darvic rings on the left leg.
These rings are white or yellow and bear a
unique combination of a letter and 2 digits,
eg A26, reading down the leg. We would be
grateful for any sightings, even incomplete
ones, and can provide a prompt history.
Please inform either: Alistair Duncan, 12
Cairncry Avenue, Aberdeen AB16 5DS
(01224 483717) or Raymond Duncan, 86
Broadfold Drive, Aberdeen AB23 8PP
(01224 823184).

13

Request for Redshank remains

As part of a study to estimate the relative
proportions of Icelandic and Scottish
Redshank overwintering on Scottish
estuaries, I am looking for Redshank corpses
for strontium isotope analysis. I hope to
obtain latitudinally specific signals from the
bones of Redshank thus allowing me to
identify their race, but to do this I need a
sample of Redshank corpses ( raptor/ road kills)
from the Scottish breeding population and
the Scottish overwintering population. If any
SOC members come across any Redshank
remains on their travels (condition not
important) I would be very grateful if they
could contact me: Rhys Bullman, Forth
Estuary Ecology Group, Institute of
Biological Sciences, University of Stirling.
FK9 4 LA (01 786 467755 Ext: 781 6) or email
rhys.bullman@stir.ac.uk

Colour ringed Dunlin

Since 1997 we have been colour ringing
breeding adult and pullus Dunlin at various
locations in Orkney. All birds ringed as adults
are identifiable as individuals. On the right
leg there is a yellow colour ring above the
knee, and two colour rings below the knee.
The left leg has a colour ring above the BTO
metal ring. The chicks also have a yellow
colour ring above the knee on the right leg
and the left leg has a colour ring above the
BTO metal ring. Birds ringed as chicks are
only identifiable as to the year in which they
were ringed. Even if the combinations are
incomplete, we would be grateful for all
sightings of birds that have a YELLOW colour
ring above the knee on the right leg. All
sightings should be sent to either Stuart
Williams Crafty, Firth, Orkney KW17 2ES
Tel: 0185676 1742 email

Stuart@gavia.freeserve.co.uk, or Jim
Williams, Fairholm, Finstown, Orkney
KW1 7 2EQ Tel: 0185676 1317

Acknowledgement will be sent along with
full history of the bird.

Ring Ouzel study group

Birders across the UK are being asked to look
out for ringed Ring Ouzels this spring and
summer, as part of an effort to discover more
about this declining upland bird. Ring Ouzels
in England and Scotland have been colour
ringed during the last 2 years and
birdwatchers are asked to report any
sightings during migration, the breeding
season, and particularly in late summer, since
almost nothing is known about where Ring
Ouzels spend the 8 weeks before southward
migration. Colour combinations and
locations (6 figure grid reference if possible)
should be sent to Ring Ouzel Study Group,
c/o Julian Hughes, RSPB, The Lodge,
Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL, or e-mail
ringouzel@hotmail.com

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylags bearing dye marks,
darvic rings or neck collars, together with
details of colours and letters seen, no matter
how incomplete, should be sent to: Bob

Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain, Ross-
shire IV19 1JR Tel: 01862 894329 email
Bob.Swann@hcs.uhi.ac.uk.

This is DJ - collars should be read from
the bottom up.

NOTICES

Change to BTO Regional Network

July this year saw Andy Wight recruited as
Regional Representative for Perthshire. Elis
address is: Sunshine Cottage, 2 North
Green, Spittalfield, Perthshire. PHI 4JT.

Andy fills an important gap in coverage and
his addition to the network is extremely valu-
able. Andy would be particularly keen to
hear from any volunteers willing to take up
a BBS, WBBS or WFBS square within
Perthshire or from those with interest in car-
rying out any other BTO surveys.

There are a number of other areas, particlarly
in the west and north of Scotland that re-
quire Regional Representatives. If you are
interested in becoming an "RR" please con-
tact Alan Lauder, Head of BTO Scotland,
21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5BT.
Tel: 0131 558 8009. Email:

alan.lauder@bto.org.

New Editor for British Birds

Tim Sharrock will be retiring in early
December, and it is therefore necessary to
appoint a new Editor for British Birds. This
is an exciting opportunity for a person with
a passion for ornithology and birding to help
shape the future of the journal. If you are
interested and think you have the necessary
drive, skills and enthusiasm for this
challenging role and an ability to relate to
and motivate people, please write for further
details (enclosing a SAE) to Dr Richard
Chandler, 2 Rusland Avenue, Orpington,
Kent BR6 8AU.

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAE for current list and prices to: Vanellus
Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114) 2664362.

SOC car stickers

Ian Andrews has designed a smart new car
sticker featuring the Club's new logo. These
can be purchased from SOC, 21 Regent
Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, at 50pence
each plus a second class stamp.

SOC NOTICES

With this issue

Enclosed with this issue are the Scottish Bird
Report, winter meetings programme, winter
excursions, Report of Council/Accounts,
Conference programme and booking form
(see page 1 1 for details of speakers) and for
members who still pay by means other than
Direct Debit a Renewal Notice and Direct
Debit Form.

We urge all members to pay their
subscription by Direct Debit, as this makes
a huge difference to the time spent at 21
Regent Terrace processing subscriptions.

2000 Scottish Ringers' Conference

The 2000 conference will be hosted by the
Lothian Ringing Group and will be held at
the Fife Arms Elotel, Braemar over the
weekend 1 7-1 9 November 2000. For further
detail please send sae to Alan Leitch, 2
Burgess Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2BD.

Thanks

Thanks are once again due to the volunteers
who give assistance in the office, and also
those who came in to assist in despatching
the June mailing. If you would like to help
with this task please contact Sylvia at the
SOC office on 0131 556 6042 for details.

Photographic competition

Entries for this year's competition should be
sent to 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7

5BT no later than 2 October 2000. Subjects
must be live wild birds photographed in
Scotland and with the appropriate licences
as required. They should be clearly marked
with the photographers name, the species
and locality. All entries will be returned as
soon as possible after the conference.

2001 SOC/BTO Birdwatchers' Conference

Borders branch of the SOC are organising
the 2001 spring conference which will be
held on 1 7 March 2001 at the Heriot Watt
University, Galashiels. Details of speakers
and booking form will appear with the next
issue of SBN.

14

BIRDLINE SCOTLAND

In cooperation with the SOC

09068 700234

. ..

r.-N

■‘iS pl .w*V

_ „ (Vpi'n

.. - ,r.^rfr

^ '■'‘rJS -S-ift

Bringing you
the latest

news from
Borders to
Shetland

Please phone any news into the 24 hour hotline:

01 292 6 1 S 994

* This is a Premium Rate number

200 Club

Winners in the second quarter of 2000 were:

April - 1 st £30 P Barrie, Edinburgh; 2nd £25 P
Speak, Edinburgh; 3rd £20 R Caine,
Eyemouth; 4th £10 D Boddington,
Herefordshire.

May - 1 st £50 D Shepherd, Dundee; 2nd £30
D Rowling, Blebo Craigs; 3rd £20 S Denney,
Glasgow; 4th £10 M Ross, Melrose.

June - 1st £30 M Kerrod, Bowden; 2nd £20 P
Sandeman, Killin; 3rd £10 M K Ingham,
Edinburgh.

At the end of the 200 Club's 1 1 th year, on 31
May 2000, 45 members had won £1245 in
prizes (a record sum). All members of the
200 Club are warmly thanked for their
continued support. Any SOC member, over
1 8, who would like to join now for the rest
of the year can send me a cheque for £9,
payable to 'SOC 200 Club', which will be
gratefully acknowledged. With a few
members not re-joining, there are some
spare number to fill up to 200 again, so
please help us to maintain our target number.
Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6
9NH (01896 822176).

Recent Reports
mid JUNE - mid AUGUST
2000.

diagnostic cher-wit call throughout its stay.
There are only 2 other British records of this
North American equivalent of the Ringed
Plover.

Scottish Bird News

The SOC would like to express their sincere
thanks to Dr Stan da Prato for the amount
of time and effort he has put into editing
Scottish Bird News over the last 5 years.
Many members may not realise the amount
of time producing SBN takes and we are very
grateful to him. We are however pleased to
point out that Stan has agreed to continue
as Editor for Scottish Birds for the time being.,
and this is greatly appreciated.
Contributions from members and branches
for SBN will continue to be dealt with
through 21 Regent Terrace.

Wanted for SBN

'The Best of Days, The Worst of Days....'

Extracts from your notebooks/logs or journals
which describe your best (or worst) days out
in the field. Doesn't have to be about
Scotland, but the more Scottish submissions
we get, the better. Articles should aim to be
about 1 page of SBN, about 1 800 to 2000
words. Please send them to the Editor at 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, email
mail@the-soc.org.uk, fax 0131 558 9947.

Bird Books

We have either Got it or can Get it
If good we will Buy it
Ian & Angela Langford
Bookcorner
Wigtown
DG8 9HQ
01988-402010

In what seemed most of the time to be largely
a quiet period there were reports of some
fantastically rare birds with no fewer than 4
potential firsts for Scotland seen as well as a
second for Scotland. Orkney hit a purple
patch at the end of June when a female
Canvasback and a pale morph Booted Eagle
were seen, both potential Scottish firsts. The
Canvasback was on the Loch of Rummie,
Sanday on the 21-23 June, an adult summer
White-winged Black Tern also present on
the loch at the same time. There is a previous
June Orkney record which was considered
a definite escape whilst, if this record is
accepted, it will be the first female to be so
in Britain. The Eagle flew north over North
Ronaldsay on the 22 June and follows on
from a series of sightings since February of
last year - possibly the same pale morph bird
throughout Ireland and England. As is the
case in most summers intensive Storm Petrel
tape luring sessions took place throughout
Scotland, with most birds caught as usual
on Fair Isle and North Ronaldsay though
ringers at Cove (Aberdeenshire) took the star
prize this year with Scotland's first Swinhoe's
Petrel caught overnight on the 5 August. This
is only the fourth record for Britain - the
previous 3 all having been caught at
Tynemouth (Northumberland) between
1989-1994. There are several other
European records of this species, formerly
only known to breed in the Northwest Pacific
and wintering in the Indian Ocean, other
birds this year have been caught in Norway
and Ireland. The final Scottish "first" of the
summer is the Semipalmated Plover seen
at Uisaed Point (Argyll) on the 5 July. The
bird was only seen briefly but gave the

It was a good summer for North American
waders, no fewer than 9 Pectoral
Sandpipers were seen between the 25 June
- 13 August, 2 or 3 White-rumped
Sandpipers were seen on Orkney and
Shetland during July and an adult was at Loch
Gruinart, Islay on 1 3 August whilst a summer
plumaged Long-billed Dowitcher was on
the Ythan Estuary (Aberdeenshire) on 4-15
August. An adult summer plumaged Red-
necked Stint was at Pool of Virkie (Shetland)
on 18-21 July (only the second Scottish
record after a freshly dead juvenile on Fair
Isle on 31 Aug 1994). All the other British
records have been of midsummer adults. A
Pacific Golden Plover was at Peninerine,
South Uist on 31 July - first Outer Hebrides
record if accepted whilst 2 Red-necked
Phalaropes were seen at Uisaed Point on
the 6 Aug (with one on Fair Isle on 16 July)
and an adult Little Ringed Plover at
Musselburgh on the 2 July was followed by
3 juveniles seen at Kingston (Moray) in early
August. Amongst the scarcer waders Wood
Sandpiper showed up well with 22 seen in
July and August whilst unspectacular
numbers of Green Sandpiper were seen
with 8 at Montrose Basin on the 7 Aug being
the largest count. Of the 15 Spotted
Redshanks reported 6 at Dun's Dish (Angu
on the 23 Aug was the largest count, 9 Little
Stints were reported and 20 Curlew
Sandpipers were seen with the first juveniles
reported from the 1 6 August. Sea watching
on the whole was uninspiring with
Shearwaters, only 2 Cory's being reported
and c60 Sootys reported from the 3 July,
though reports of Balearic Shearwaters
continue to increase, this species is now seen

15

Red-necked Stint

routinely in certain parts of Scotland from
mid August onwards, 1 4 were seen from the

5 Aug mainly in Ayrshire and Argyll. Twenty
two Pomarine Skuas were reported in July
and Aug whilst also in Aug 14 Long-tailed
Skuas were seen from the 9 Aug all apart
from 4 being adults. Eight Black Terns were
seen whilst a Gull-billed Tern was at Loch
Bee, South Uist on 14-16 July with
presumably the same bird nearby on the
South Ford on 1 3 August. The only previous
Outer Hebrides record was also on South
Uist in May 1 987. Also on South Uist an adult
Sabine's Gull was off Ardivachar Point on
20 Aug, whilst 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls
were seen in Aberdeenshire during July and
Aug, a first summer Ross's Gull was on
Stronsay (Orkney) on the 25 June and of the

6 Mediterranean Gulls reported one was a
juvenile at Leven (Fife) from the 5 Aug - only
the third bird to be seen in full juvenile
plumage in Scotland.

A female Red-footed Falcon was reported
at Duthie Park, Aberdeen on the 16 July
while at least one Hobby summered on
Speyside, and for the second year running
at least one bird was seen at Vane Farm
RSPB, Loch Leven from the 2 August. Also
on Speyside Spotted Crake were confirmed
breeding at RSPB Insh Marshes with a nest
found containing 17 eggs, 14 of which
hatched. Five Common Cranes were seen
in the period including a summering bird at
RSPB Loch of Strathbeg whilst 2 Spoonbills
summered on the Ythan Estuary, with up to
2 birds also present throughout at RSPB
Mersehead (Dumfries and Calloway) where
a Little Egret was also present from the 20
July.

A Bee-eater was in the Thrumster area
(Caithness) on the 29-30 July - the third
county record whilst a belated item from
Caithness concerns a county first in the shape
of a Dark-eyed Junco near John o' Groats
in the last week of April. Most of the British

Dennis Coutts

records of the species are in April and early
May. Two classic Fair Isle August rarities
occurred in the form of a juvenile Citrine
Wagtail there on the 14-16 Aug and a
Greenish Warbler on the 1 9 Aug whilst the
only Wryneck seen was there on the 1 4 Aug
and 4 Barred Warblers were seen on
Shetland from the 17 August. Four adult
Rose-coloured Starlings were seen from
mid June onwards, 3 on Shetland and one

juvenile Mediterranean Gull Alan Lauder

in Moray, whilst a male Black-headed
Bunting was at Norwick, Unst from the 6
July-1 August. Finally in July a Red-backed
Shrike was seen on Fair Isle on the 3 July
with a Common Rosefinch there on the 28
July and a Marsh Warbler at Quendale,
Shetland on the 1 2 July with one on Fair Isle
on the 1 9 August.

Angus Murray

Gull-billed Tern Ken Shaw

ISBN 0268-3199

Scottish

Bird

News

Edited by

Martin Collinson
Assisted by

Ian Andrews, Helen
Cameron and
Sylvia Laing

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
SOC. It acts as a channel of communication
for SOC members and disseminates
information relevant to Scotland's birdlife. It
is published 4 times a year at the beginning
of March, June, September and December.
Articles and notices are welcomed and
should be sent to the Secretary at 21 Regent
Terrace no later than 5 weeks before
publication. The views expressed are not
necessarily the policy of the SOC.
Contributors should note that material has
to be edited, often at short notice, and it is
not practical to let authors see these changes
in advance of publication.

The

SOC

21 Regent Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 5BT

phone 0131-556 6042
fax 0131-558 9947
e-mail mail@the-soc.org.uk
web site www.the-soc.org.uk

The Scottish Ornithologists' Club was
established in 1936. Now in its 64th year,
the SOC has 2250 members and 14
branches around Scotland. It plays a
central role in Scottish birdwatching,
bringing together amateur bird watchers,
keen birders and research ornithologists
with the aims of documenting, studying
and, not least, enjoying Scotland's varied
birdlife. Above all the SOC is a club, relying
heavily on keen volunteers and the support
of its membership.

Headquarters provide central publications,
including our journal Scottish Birds and the
Scottish Bird Report and an annual
conference, and 21 Regent Terrace houses
the largest library of bird literature in
Scotland. The network of 14 branches
organises field meetings, a winter
programme of talks and social events.

The SOC also supports the Local
Recorders' Network and the Scottish Birds
Records Committee. The latter maintains
the official Scottish List on behalf of the
Club.

More information can be found on our
web site.

passwords to access
members' web pages

'snowy' & 'owl'

16

^1/ (JLs

(j ?9C

Scottish Bird

THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE SOC

Hallyards Tree Sparrow Project, 2000

News

The Tree Sparrow Passer montanus has declined by 85% in the UK in the last 25 years (see Hilton, 2000). As a result, in 1999, as part
of the Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership, a nest box scheme specifically targeting Tree Sparrows was initiated at Hallyards Wood and
Hallyards Farm near Kirkliston with the assistance of City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) Planning Department.

Study Area

The 2 sites, connected by a short lane, are
sandwiched between the River Almond to
the north and Edinburgh Airport to the south.
Hallyards Wood, owned by CEC, comprises
approximately 4 hectares of deciduous
woodland. The east side of the wood
consists of mainly coppiced Sycamore
approximately 8-10 metres high. The
ground is extremely damp due to the
subsidence of old mine workings and
supports Marsh Marigold and similar plants.
The remainder of the wood comprises of
mature Sycamore, Ash, Elm, and Birch.
Elder and Hawthorn are also common.
Snowberry makes up much of the ground
cover.

Hallyards Farm has long been associated
with free-range pigs. Cereal crops are also
grown and a large stable block ensures that
many fields are given over to pony grazing.
In addition, the gardens of the farmhouse
and surrounding cottages are large with
mature Sycamore, Lime, Horse Chestnut,
Beech, Copper Beech and Elm.

Methods

In 1 999, 1 0 standard nest boxes with 30 mm
diameter holes were erected along the
eastern edge of the wood, facing on to a pig
field. Of these, only 2 went on to be used
by Tree Sparrows although a further 6
showed signs of Tree Sparrow nest building
(straw lining etc). Great Tits occupied the
other 2 boxes. A further 4 boxes were
erected on roadside Sycamores within the
farm complex. Nests were built in all 4 but
eggs were laid in only 2.

In all, 46 chicks fledged from 10 nesting
attempts. All the chicks were ringed under
licence and 2 were subsequently retrapped
in late February 2000 in a catch of 25 Tree
Sparrows from a flock of approximately 60
wintering on the farm.

In winter 99/00 the project appeared to be
in jeopardy when CEC Recreation

Department announced it was to clear-fell
Hallyards Wood under pressure from
Edinburgh Airport. Many different reasons
were bandied about with the most plausible
being that the wood was causing distortion
on radar images:

All 10 boxes on the wood's eastern edge
were taken down on 26/2/00. As old diseased
elms in one of the farm gardens were being
felled at the time, it was decided to site them
all on other tree species in that general area
in the hope that they would replace natural
hole sites that may have been lost.

The boxes, including the 4 already up at the
farm, were erected at heights of between 3
and 5 metres on Sycamore (6), Lime (2),
Horse Chestnut (2), Beech (2), Copper Beech
(one) and Ash (one). The majority were
positioned with the hole facing between
north and east. The distance between boxes
varied from 3 to 40 metres, with an average
of 1 0 metres separating them.

2000 Breeding Season

First egg dates and clutch sizes were obtained
by visiting the nests at 5 -day intervals. As
Tree Sparrows are prone to desertion if overly
disturbed, once the first egg date had been
established (retrospectively if necessary) and
the clutch size was known, the nests were
not visited again until the chicks were a
suitable size to ring (8-10 days). Bethune
(1 961 ) suggests incubation commences with
the laying of the penultimate egg. Summers-
Smith (1 995) cites a modal incubation period
of 1 2 days and fledging occurring at 1 5 days.
These values have been used as the basis to
calculate incubation, hatching and fledging
dates. Intervals between fledging and the
commencement of the next clutch are also
based on these criteria.

Nestling Mortality

In the first clutches, every chick that hatched
went on to fledge successfully and only 3
died before fledging in the second broods.
In the third clutches 1 3 of the 15 chicks died
shortly after hatching. Very heavy rain on 2/
3 August was probably the main reason for
this. The adults would have had to spend a
great deal of time searching for insect food
for the young in these conditions. The longer
the adults spent away from the nest the more
likely the chicks were to chill. In addition,
one chick (from Box 1) was killed by a cat
on 1 6/6/00, 6 days after leaving the nest.

Colour-ringing

All the chicks were fitted with a metal British
Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ring and up to 2
plastic colour rings in combinations that
allow individual identification of each bird.
Colours used were red, orange, yellow,
white, light blue, dark green and mauve. It
is hoped to follow up on the fortunes of the
nestlings during the winter should they join
any local flocks.

It is also hoped to catch as many of the adults
as possible over the winter in order to colour-
ring them as well. This will allow us to

1

Table 1 . Box usage throughout the 2000 breeding season.

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2

Infertile eggs **lnterval between fledging and start of next clutch ***Chicks dead in nest ****Eggs predated before full clutch known
**** Infertile and fertile eggs

Table 2 summarises the 2000 breeding season at Hallyards:

1st clutch (n = 1 0)

2nd clutch (n = 10*)

3rd clutch (n = 5)

Total clutches

(n = 25)

1st egg

4 May - 1 1 May

1 2 June - 26 June

17 July - 21 July

Mean interval between clutches

9.9 days

5.3 days

Mean clutch size

5.0

4.6

4.8

4.8

Mode

5

5

5

5

Range

4 - 6

2 - 7

4 - 5

2 - 7

Total eggs

50

46

24

120

Projected hatch dates

20 May - 25 May

26 June - 8 July

1 Aug - 4 Aug

Total hatched

38

42

15

95

% hatched

76.0

91.3

62.5

79.2

Total fledged

38

39

2

79

% fledged (eggs)

76.0

84.8

8.3

65.8

% fledged (hatched)

100.0

92.9

13.3

83.2

Mean fledged

3.8

3.9

0.4

3.2

Total infertile eggs

12

4

7

23

% infertile eggs

24.0

8.7

29.2

19.2

Clutches with infertile eggs

6

2

5

13

Fertile eggs failing to hatch

0

0

2

2

Total deaths before fledging

0

3

13

16

% deaths before fledging

0.0

7.1

86.7

16.8

Projected fledging date

4 June - 1 0 June

12 July - 24 July

1 6 Aug - 1 9 Aug

*excludes Box 3 where eggs vanished before full clutch size known

determine which birds use each box next
breeding season and whether the same
males and females are involved in each
clutch. Work currently being undertaken at
Rutland Water in England would suggest that
it is not always the same female in
consecutive clutches.

Colony size

From Table 1 we can tell that at least eleven
pairs of Tree Sparrow were present. Another
pair was noted feeding young in a nest in a
hole in a cemented stone wall on 3 July,
during the second clutches, taking the
number of pairs to at least a dozen. It is
very likely that there were even more pairs
using "natural" holes but this species is so
secretive during nesting (pers obs.) that they
were overlooked. This should be borne in
mind during any future breeding censuses.

2001 and beyond.

Given the success in attracting Tree Sparrows
to the nest boxes, it is hoped to erect more
in 2001 both at Hallyards and further afield.
Winter 2000/2001 will be spent looking for
suitable sites between Kirkliston and
Dalmeny/South Queensferry.

Acknowledgements

All the residents of Hallyards, particularly the
Woods, the Bairds and the Murphys, gave
their support to the project; granting access
to gardens, lending ladders, providing
refreshments etc. Dave Jamieson, formerly
of CEC Planning Department, arranged
delivery of the nest boxes from the
Countryside Ranger Centre at the Hermitage
of Braid, Edinburgh. Simon Burton, Andy

Coates and Clive Walton helped with the
fieldwork. Rob Campbell not only helped
with the fieldwork but also gave up a lot of
his free time helping to erect the boxes in
the first place and subsequently re-siting
them. Tom Dougall improved an earlier
draft.

References

Hilton, A. 2000. Pp 86-87 in The
Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan. The
Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership.
Bethune, G. 1 961 . Notes sur le Moineau
t’riquet, Passer montanus (L.) Gerfaut 51 :
387-398.

Summers-Smith, J. D. 1 995. The Tree
Sparrow. Private. Cleveland. Summers-
Smith.

Sightings of colour-ringed Tree Sparrows

If you do happen to spot a Tree Sparrow
with colour rings, please note the colours,
where they were positioned (e.g., right leg:
red over yellow plastic, left leg: metal ring),
place and date. Sightings can be reported
to me at the address below.

Nest box appeal

The Countryside Ranger Centre's sawmill
was closed during 2000 so will be unable to
supply nest boxes in future. If you know of
anyone who could donate nest boxes or
suitable timber to the project I would be
delighted to hear from them. All assistance
will be acknowledged.

Alan Hilton
4 Arrol Place,

South Queensferry
Lothian
EH30 9QB
0131 319 1631

3

Scottis Birds Records Committee

Ene h Names

fhere has been considerable debate in recent years concerning the use of English names for our birds. On the one hand there have been
the traditionalists who wished to retain historic names and on the other those who prefer to see a standardisation throughout the world.
The Records Committee of the British Ornithologists' Union (BOURC) are responsible for maintaining the British List and in 1992 they
made substantial changes to the English names appearing on the list. This was done in the belief that the desirability for unambiguous
English names was widely recognised, particularly given the ease of foreign travel and the great increase in books and television programmes
about birds throughout the world. Following the changes made by BOURC, much discussion took place, but most of the new English
names appear now to be widely accepted. Whilst it is normal practice for birdwatchers to 'colloquially' use old names in conversation
(e.g. Eider, Scaup) most serious ornithological publications and journals are now using either BOURC names (e.g. Common Eider,
Greater Scaup) or something similar.

The members of SBRC have now
unanimously agreed to adopt the English
names appearing in the British List for the
Scottish List. This decision has not been taken
lightly, bearing in mind the historical and
cultural association of many names and the
disruption that follows extensive changes.
However there are many advantages in
following BOURC in the use of English
names. These can be summarised as follows

♦ Unambiguous English names are
important in national checklists.

♦ Scottish birdwatchers travel widely and
are aware of problems caused by
parochial attitudes in foreign countries
and the difficulties caused by different
English names being used for the same
species, or identical English names
being used for more than one species.
We wish to set our own house in order.

♦ The argument that Latin names are
unique is valid, but most birdwatchers
know only a fraction of the ten thousand
Latin names used for the world's birds.

♦ The Scottish List follows the British List
in all other respects including use of
Latin names, species taxonomy,
sequence and classification.

♦ Many of the names now considered to
be traditional would have been radical
only fifty years ago when such names
as Eversmann's Warbler and
Pomatorhine Skua were in common
usage. It is therefore not a serious option
to never make changes.

The new names are to be adopted from 1
January 2001. They now appear on the
Club's web site and will be used in all future
versions of the Scottish List.

Subspecies

We are now well advanced with the
production of a list of subspecies recorded
in Scotland and this is expected to appear
in Scottish Birds during 2001 . A provisional
list will appear on the Club's web site by the
end of December and we would welcome
any comments in connection with the
accuracy of this list (either errors or
omissions), which should if possible be sent
to me by the end of February.

SBRC List

The British Birds Rarities Committee is
responsible for the acceptance of records of
species that are rare in Britain. There are a
number of additional species which are rare
in Scotland, and SBRC are responsible for
deciding those that require to be
authenticated by the submission of written
descriptions. The SBRC list of species is
reviewed from time to time and has recently
been revised, with the amended version
expected to remain in place for the next
three years.

The Scottish Bird Report will only include
records of the above species if they have
been accepted by either SBRC or a local
records committee. Assessment of a record
can only take place by a committee if a full

written description is provided by the
observer. This should be submitted by the
observer to the Local Recorder.

* A dispensation has been granted

to the Local Recorders in Shetland
& Orkney that records of species
marked with this symbol can be
accepted at their discretion without
full written descriptions. A similar
dispensation has been granted to
the Argyll Local Recorder in
respect of Balearic Shearwater.

In addition to the above, all records of sub-
species recorded in Scotland on twenty or
fewer occasions, should be examined by
either BBRC or SBRC. All 'new' pre-1950
records of species appearing on the BBRC
List require to be accepted by SBRC.

Common Eider, in accordance with the BOURC

A D Johnson

4

SBRC List 2001-2003

KEY

UPPER CASE (BLOCK CAPITALS): SBRC would prefer to receive all records.

Lower case: These should normally be dealt with locally if a local records committee exists,
but should be submitted to SBRC if there is no local committee.

CORY'S SHEARWATER
GREAT SHEARWATER
Balearic Shearwater
Little Egret
PURPLE HERON
White Stork
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Surf Scoter (females only)
European Honey-buzzard*
MONTAGU'S HARRIER
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD
Eurasian Hobby*

Common Crane*
STONE-CURLEW
Little (Ringed) Plover
KENTISH PLOVER
Pectoral Sandpiper*
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Sabine's Gull
RING-BILLED GULL
HERRING GULL (yellow-legged
Races MICHAHELLI5 and
CACHINNANS )

European Bee-eater
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER
GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK
WOOD LARK
Richard's Pipit*

TAWNY PIPIT
WATER PIPIT

COMMON NIGHTINGALE
CETTI'S WARBLER
AQUATIC WARBLER
MARSH WARBLER
Icterine Warbler*

MELODIOUS WARBLER
DARTFORD WARBLER
Barred Warbler*

Pallas's Leaf Warbler*

Fi recrest

Red-breasted Flycatcher*
WOODCHAT SHRIKE
EUROPEAN SERIN
Common Rosefinch
CIRL BUNTING
ORTOLAN BUNTING*

LITTLE BUNTING

Ron Forrester

Secretary, Scottish Birds Records Committee,

The Gables, Eastlands Road, Rothesay, Isle of Bute PA20 9JZ

Twite Movements in Scotland

The research paper produced by H Clark &
R M Sellers in Scottish Birds Winter 1998 is
of much interest.

The species is comparatively scarce in the
Upland Central areas of Scotland's moors
and glens and I have noticed decreasing
numbers of breeding pairs throughout North
and South Loch Tay and Glen Dochart,
Lochay and Lyon. This is possibly partly
due to extra land being planted by conifer
blankets and more stock of sheep and cattle
placed on grazing ground.

At the end of June I began to look out for
breeding pair with young and in Glen Lochay
found 2 pairs each with 4 young, being fed
on the ground, interrupted with short flights
to perch on fences. By the end of the first
week in July, the birds had flown, presumably
to join up with a local flock. I found such a
local flock of 100+ birds higher up the hill
by the large quarry on the Tarmachan range
in September 1 997 and this year saw a flock
of 50+ birds feeding by the roadside in north
Argyll on 30 September.

Their sudden flight and wheelings are
attractive and characteristic of the species
and often they perch closely packed together

on fence lines. Where do they go next? Does
the weather and shorter daylight effect them
and restrict their feeding?

In hard weather I have seen small flocks of
40/50 Twites in fields at Strath Tay and near
Fortingall but only near turnip fields where
the weeds have seeds suitable for feeding.
In early spring, larger flocks of 500+ birds
have been located on ploughed fields in the
Carse of Lecropt, Stirling and again on grain
fields where Wigeon were grazing at
Cambesmore, Callander.

The subject matter is of continual interest.

Pat W Sandeman

%xtuvit (Zkoice fan

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5

Feeding behaviour of Carrion Crow on juvenile Starling

At 1020hrs on the 1 9 May 2000, when looking into an area of landscaped grass to the rear of
r house, my attention was drawn to a frenzied congregation of approximately 30 juvenile
nd adult Starlings Sturnus vulgaris which were uttering alarm calls and flying erratically into
and around trees at the edge of the field. A large Carrion Crow Corvus corone close to the site
of the Starling activity was indeed the focus of attention as it appeared to have killed a juvenile
Starling.

With a telescope, I observed that the dead
Starling was being carried around in the bill
of the corvid. The Carrion Crow then
dropped its prey and began to stab it with
its bill, apparently to dismember it. Over the
next 3 to 4 minutes, this activity was
maintained, enablingthe crow to completely
remove one of the Starling's wings and an
area of feathers. The Carrion Crow was
clearly seen to be feeding on meat from the
bird's breast.

Possibly the most interesting behavioural
aspect of this macabre episode occurred
after the Carrion Crow had removed the
Starling's head. Momentarily, the remains of
the kill was left and the corvid hopped a
distance of approximately 6 to 7 metres with
the head in its bill, deposited it behind a tuft
of grass, then hopped back to its meal. After
some 15 minutes (by which time most of
the Starling had been eaten) it flew away with
gaping throat, presumably to return to its
young. Indeed, the literature (Coombs F
1978, The Crows, B T Batsford Ltd) states
that such fresh meat is an important source
of fluids for the young.

I was later told about a juvenile Blackbird
Turdus merula which was killed by a Carrion
Crow and carried off from the same site at
which this incident occurred on 6 May 1 999.

fames Towell

Editor's notes on James Towill's ' Crow
eating Starling' letter.

Although the predatory behaviour of Crows
is well known, everybody likes a gruesome
murder! By coincidence, I recorded a near-
identical incident 3 years, almost to the day,
earlier, outside my house in Winchburgh,
West Lothian.

'22nd May 1997:

Unsavoury scenes outside the living room
window this morning. As I was chewing
determinedly at my Bran Flakes, I heard an
awful commotion outside. Looking out, I saw
a Crow holding a newly fledged juvenile
Starling (first of the year) in its bill. The
Starling was flapping its wings madly, trying
to escape, but to no avail. At least 30 Starlings
crowded round, mobbing the Crow and
making plenty of noise. The Crow flew off
to the rooftop opposite where, to the chagrin
of the Starling, it dispatched the juvenile with
a single blow to the head. Feathers scattered
everywhere as it plucked the Starling's breast,
and it was not long before bits of entrails
were going into the Crow's crop or
alternately, spilling down the roof. The
Starling's head came off and rolled down the
tiles into gutter, where a Jackdaw got it!

Other birds were hardly sympathetic - the
local House Sparrows were scurrying around
collecting stray feathers for their own nests.
It looked like the juvenile Starling was being
recycled around the estate! The pair of
Woodpigeons from the Cypresses, perhaps
curious, flew onto the roof to rubber-neck
the whole incident.'.

Appeal for records of some common
breeding species

A major part of the national Biodiversity
initiative is a requirement that district
councils produce action plans for the
conservation of species considered to be in
decline or of some special importance.
These plans depend on knowledge of local
distribution and in many cases the existing
information is unsatisfactory.

It is noted that some records are
understandably biased towards areas where
observers live or visit regularly but that little
information is sent in about the breeding
distribution of widespread species - this is
understandable since such records are
unlikely to be quoted in the annual bird
report. So the paradox results that we have
quite systematic reporting of Grasshopper
Warbler but nothing on Song Thrush or
Yellowhammer unless someone is doing a
special study, such as a Common Bird Census
of a local area.

How you can help: Species marked as being
of special conservation concern locally
include: Grey Wagtail, Skylark, Song Thrush,
Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Sparrow, Linnet,
Reed Bunting; also relevant are Kestrel,
Green Woodpecker, Wood Warbler, Starling,
House Sparrow, Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch
and Yellowhammer.

You may already have written notes for this
year (2000) on some of these species. I
should like to receive such records,
preferably on the standard BTO record cards.
For other species whose status during the
breeding season is known, although no
particular notes have been made, it ispossible
to fill in a card as follows:

Date column: ignore Day & Month just say
"spring" or "summer".

Location: Place name & Grid reference to
the appropriate 1km square (eg Tillicoultry
NS9292).

Notes and comments: it is important, as in
the two previous national mapping surveys,
to distinguish possible breeding (b) from
probable or confirmed breeding (B).

Up to 10 records for any particular species
can go on a single card; no need to fill in full
address on more than one card per year!
Next year we should be able to produce
sample maps on the CARSE system so all data
will be useful. Please search your memories
for this spring and summer. I am searching
existing cards back to 1995, so any records
you have back to this year are welcome.
Cards can be returned to me directly.

Cliff Henty 7b Coneyhill Road, Bridge of
Allan FK9 4EL.

D Mitchell

6

Living on the Edge - Birds 2000

118th meeting of the American Ornithologists' Union in conjunction with the 19th annual
meeting of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists and the British Ornithologists' Union.
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada August 14-19,
2000

The first joint meeting of the AOU, the SCO
and the BOU convened on the 14th of
August 2000 in St. John's, Newfoundland,
Canada. Memorial University of
Newfoundland hosted a six-day marathon
of plenaries, symposia, presentations,
workshops, committee meetings, field trips,
film viewings and discussions. Under the
banner of LIVING ON THE EDGE - BIRDS
2000, the conference was designed to
explore the general theme of 'edges', and
all at the edge of the new millennium of
course! St. John's holds the title of the oldest
city in North America and, perched on the
edge of the North-west Atlantic, as far east
as one can go on the continent, provided
the perfect venue for such a theme.
Throughout the week, delegates enjoyed the
night life of St. John's with a boisterous
traditional music scene and many fine pubs
and restaurants to choose from.

More than 700 delegates, from five
continents, attended the conference, which
hosted more than 300 oral presentations and
100 poster presentations. The list included
participants from all over North America, as
well as many European countries, and some
from as far away as Japan and Australia.
Given the maritime location, and the
conference theme, the programme showed
a strong seabird component, with
considerable input from the UK, especially
Scotland. Each day of the meeting began
with a plenary speaker who generally
reviewed research to date on a particular
topic and set the stage for the following
symposium. Delegates had the option of
attending the symposia or one of three
concurrent oral presentation sessions. The
afternoons were generally taken up with four
concurrent oral presentation sessions each
day.

In a week of blistering heat, extremely
uncharacteristic of Newfoundland, the
conference kicked off on the 14th with a
day of workshops on a range of topics,
including 'Ringing in the 21st Century',
'Conservation of Colonial Waterbirds' and
'Effects of Oil Pollution'. The workshops were
followed by a 'Newfoundland Night'
reception, an evening of welcome with local
entertainers and culinary delights of the
region, such as cod tongues. In addition,
there were showings of the Canadian Coast
Guard video 'No Second Chance' on the
problem of oiled seabirds, and the BBC/
National Geographic production 'People of
the Sea', a wonderful exploration of the
North-west Atlantic ecosystem filmed
entirely in and around Newfoundland.

On the 1 5th, the conference proper opened
with a plenary lecture by Ian Newton,
President of the BOU, on the subject of
'Population Limitation in Birds', which
outlined their relevance for conservation and
primed us for a symposium on 'Long-term
Population Studies'. This symposium
included presentations by Andrew Evans
(RSPB) on Cirl Buntings and the recovery
programme which aimed to recreate habitat
in the wider countryside, and by Christopher
Perrins (Edward Grey Institute, Oxford) on
tit populations and ecosystem changes
affecting woodland birds. The programme
was opened on the 1 6th with a plenary by
Susan Hannon (University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Canada) entitled 'Fragmentation
Research in the Boreal Forest' which outlined
pressures on the boreal forests of North
America and the challenges faced in the
conservation of woodland birds. This set the
stage for a symposium on 'Fragmented
Ecosystems - Conservation Risks and
Strategies'. In the presentation sessions we
heard from Keith Hamer (Durham
University) on nestling obesity and the
patterns of food provisioning in petrels.

The 1 7th was a free day, and many of the
delegates enjoyed field trips to the Witless
Bay and Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserves.
Despite the thick fog along the coast, Atlantic
Puffins, Common Guillemots, Razorbills,
Black-legged Kittiwakes, an occasional
Humpback Whale and a pod of Killer
Whales (a rare sight in these parts)
entertained those who took the short bus
ride and boat trips to Gull Island in Witless
Bay. Braver souls who ventured out on the
long bus ride to Cape St. Mary's were treated
to fine views of Northern Gannets on the
Cape's spectacular sea stack, known as 'Bird
Rock'. Although none of these species will
be unfamiliar to readers of 5BN, they were
much appreciated by the many delegates
who live far from the Atlantic coast, some of
whom had never seen the Atlantic before!

After this rejuvenating pause for fresh air, we
leaped back into the scientific programme
on the 1 8th with an opening plenary by Fred
Cooke (Simon Fraser University, BC, Canada)
entitled 'To Cull or Not to Cull: That is the
Question', which explored conservation/
management questions in avian ecology,
particularly the case of dramatically
increasing Snow Goose populations. This
paved the way for a symposium entitled 'Are
Humans Edging Out Birds? - Conflicts and
Resolutions'. This symposium included
presentations by Chris Feare (Wild Wings,
Haslemere) on establishing sustainable
harvests and monitoring of Sooty Terns in
the Seychelles, and by Rhys Green (RSPB)

on attempts to limit intensification of
agricultural practices and prevent further
declines in farmland-dependent birds. Of
note in the afternoon sessions were fine
presentations by Francis Daunt, who
described the outcome of an experimental
investigation of age-specific reproduction
performance in Shags, and Suzanne Finney,
who explained the results of an experimental
test of two gull control strategies and their
effects on gull-puffin interactions, both of
Glasgow University. The last day, the 19th,
started with a fascinating plenary by John
Croxall (British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge)
entitled 'Seabird Ranges and Oceanic
Habitats - Remote Tracking in the Service of
Marine Conservation', in which he outlined
the type of information gained in recentyears
via the technological revolution in satellite
telemetry . This certainly got the braincells
working again for the symposium on 'Birds
Foraging at Sea - Performance Indicators of
Prey and Oceanographic Changes'. The
symposium included presentations by Sarah
Wanless (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology,
Banchory) on the at-sea activity of Kittiwakes
and Guillemots in an area of the North Sea
exploited by a sandeel fishery, and by Keith
Hamer who detailed information on foraging
and food provisioning strategies of Northern
Gannets gained by satellite tracking.

The conference ended with a banquet (with
at least one kilt in evidence) and the
traditional speeches and thanks. Dr. Jamie
Smith was honoured by the Society of
Canadian Ornithologists with the Doris
Heustis Speirs Award. Jamie, who was born
on the Isle of Bute (1944) and graduated in
Zoology from Edinburgh University (1967),
is a well-established faculty member at the
University of British Columbia . The award
recognised Jamie's significant contribution to
ornithology, particularly his long-term studies
of population dynamics in Song Sparrows
and their interactions with the brood
parasite, the Brown-headed Cowbird. Frank
Gill, President of the AOU, thanked the
committees involved in preparing and
organising the meeting, particularly Dr. Bill
Montevecchi of Memorial University, the
driving force behind the St. John's meeting.
Bill, his support staff and a broad-based local
committee, co-chaired by Dr. Jim
Carscadden (Dept, of Fisheries & Oceans,
St. John's) and John Maunder
(Newfoundland Museum), did a wonderful
job with what was praised by many as the
"best ever" ornithological meeting they had
attended! In its closing, the meeting was
considered a great success, with many
delegates promising that it wouldn't be long
until they visited Newfoundland again.

We look forward to seeing them!

lain J. Stenhouse, Memorial University, St.

John's, Newfoundland.

7

The Scottish Breeding Bird Survey

The J/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is an annual line transect survey of birds, organised by the BTO, that has been running
si e 1994. The aim of the survey is to monitor the populations of our more common birds by enlisting the help of volunteer birdwatchers,
o survey one (or more) 1 km squares every year. The BBS covers the whole of the UK but is designed so that the results can be broken
down for different geographical areas, habitats or species. In this way, the survey is able to report on the population changes for many of
Scotland's common birds.

The results displayed here are for the 57
species of bird that were found in at least
30 BBS squares annually, from 1 994 to 1 999.
The between-year change (1998-99) gives
us an indication of the previous year's
breeding performance and the effects of
recent weather conditions. The longer-term
trend (1994-99) is a better indication of
overall population change due to factors such
as changes in habitat quality and other
human-related influences, although ideally
more years of data are needed to confirm
these patterns. Those species increasing or
decreasing significantly are marked with an
asterisk. Non-significant results offer an
indication of each species' fortunes, but the
data are too variable or the sample size is
too small. Nine species decreased
significantly, including four waders
(Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew and
Golden Plover) as well as Pheasant and
Black-headed Gull. Kestrel, Skylark and
Meadow Pipit also declined, mirroring the
results across the UK. Twelve species
increased significantly including Buzzard,
Red Grouse and Feral Pigeon. The fortunes
of the latter species may not surprise many
people but we actually know very little about
this species since it is largely ignored by
birdwatchers and surveys alike. Nonetheless,
it is clearly important to monitor all species
(wild or not) especially when this might have
a bearing on the populations of other birds.
Among the other increasing species, several
are small birds such as Robin, Wren,
Goldcrest and Great Tit that are benefiting
from recent relatively mild winters. Migrant
breeders such as Sedge Warbler, Willow
Warbler and House Martin also appear to
be faring well, the latter particularly so.

Monitoring populations of breeding birds is
the first step in the conservation process that
allows us to identify increases or decreases
and help target research. One important
feature of the BBS is that we are able to
compare results from different habitats and
regions. If a species is faring better in one
part of the country than another, this could
mean that conditions have become more
favourable, for breeding success or for
survival. For example, House Martin, Willow
Warbler and Reed Bunting appear to be
faring much better in Scotland than in other
parts of the UK. Willow Warblers could well
be benefiting from the amounts of suitable
nesting habitat such as young forestry. As
more data are collected each year, we hope
to be able to provide useful information for
conservation efforts.

The quality of the survey results depends on

Tablel. Species recorded in at least 30 squares
in Scotland over the period 1994 to 1999. The
figures presented are the percentage changes in
population levels for 1998-1999, and 1994 to
1999, marked with an asterisk where significant
at a 5% level.

Species Sample Change Change

98-99

94-99

Grey Heron

40

10

83*

Mallard

85

53

73*

Buzzard

89

5

44*

Kestrel

42

-55

-61*

Red Grouse

61

-7

46*

Pheasant

99

-16

-27*

Oystercatcher

118

-1

-54*

Golden Plover

49

-35

-33*

Lapwing

87

-8

-34*

Snipe

55

18

39

Curlew

125

-6

-18*

Common Sandpiper

38

-34

-30

Black-headed Gull

75

5

-59*

Common Gull

69

-18

-16

Lesser Black-backed

Gull

58

-22

3

Herring Gull

98

-14

6

Great Black-backed

Gull

35

4

41

Feral Pigeon

51

19

44*

Wood Pigeon

156

13

-7

Collared Dove

35

-25

-16

Cuckoo

68

-27

-10

Swift

40

-3

-28

Skylark

194

-19

-13*

Swallow

128

7

1

House Martin

41

112

375*

Meadow Pipit

205

-24*

-17*

Pied Wagtail

116

1

23

Wren

175

1

60*

Dunnock

97

-19

9

Robin

150

-6

17*

Whinchat

33

-11

2

Wheatear

78

-41*

-2

Blackbird

142

7

4

Song Thrush

128

21

20

Mistle Thrush

57

-9

29

Sedge warbler

49

34

39*

Whitethroat

53

-20

3

Willow Warbler

176

-16

43*

Goldcrest

69

-10

87*

Coal Tit

97

-34

-10

Blue Tit

118

6

9

Great Tit

102

-12

31*

Magpie

31

-29

19

Jackdaw

90

-3

4

Rook

98

-6

-6

Carrion Crow

147

0

2

Raven

40

-16

19

Starling

117

8

22

House Sparrow

72

9

9

Chaffinch

192

-8

1

Greenfinch

79

11

30

Goldfinch

55

-6

1

Siskin

58

-2

-6

Linnet

75

-35

1

Lesser Redpoll

38

-16

-9

Yellowhammer

86

-7

-13

Reed Bunting

39

23

40

Wren on Speyside. This delightful photograph taken by Eric McCabe won first prize in the
Photographich Competiton at the 2000 SOC Annual Conference.

8

Black Grouse lekking. Numbers of Black Grouse lekking In the Forest of Birse, Aberdeenshire
have remained stable at 76 birds over the last 2 breeding seasons. Dennis Johnson

the level of coverage. We are fortunate to
have so many volunteer birdwatchers in
Scotland to make this sort of survey possible.
Coverage is excellent in many areas but,
following the cessation of funding for
professional fieldworkers in 1999, parts of
the far north are not covered. Despite the
tremendous effort by our BBS Regional
Organisers and volunteers, the total number
of squares covered has dropped to 267 in
1999 from 307 in 1998. This was not
altogether unexpected since many of the
squares in question are extremely remote.
There are, however, a good number of
squares in more accessible areas for which
we are keen to find volunteers.

Our thanks go to all volunteers involved with
the Scottish BBS many of whom are SOC
members. However, in order to maintain
and improve this important work, we would
be grateful to hear from more volunteers. If
you would like to help, please contact
Richard Bashford, BTO, The Nunnery,
Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU Tel (01842)
750050, Fax (01842) 750030 or email
bbs@bto.org

Richard Bashford

Monitoring bird numbers
in the Forest of Birse,
Aberdeenshire, in 2000

Counts of breeding birds in the upper Feugh,
reported for 1987-99 by Jenkins & Watson
Scottish Birds 20:81-93 continued in 2000
with the same observer (DJ), area and
methods.

In 2000, Shaila Rao found nests or nest sites
of Lapwings and Oystercatchers on area M-
O, checking DJ's long-distance counts. The
2 agreed exactly for Lapwings, with 1 3 pairs.
Nine clutches found all hatched; they were
in rough or boggy ground around the edge
of the pasture in places little affected by
agriculture. Another 4 on Q were disturbed
by scarifying and liming while nesting. DJ's
Oystercatcher counts exceeded the nest
counts, because several pairs did not nest
or failed early. Each week he saw groups of
up to 6-8 in addition to birds on 4 mid-field
or roadside nests/sites at M-O and at another
site at Q, and no known clutch hatched. He
saw 14 adults at M-O in mid August, which
is late (most leave Deeside by mid July), so
some may have re-nested after the study
period ended on 30 June.

In 1987-99 a Common Gull colony on the
study area became extinct, and Goosanders,
Oystercatchers and Cuckoos declined
significantly (Jenkins & Watson 1999).
Goosanders and Cuckoos have continued
to decline, with no Goosander pair seen and
only one Cuckoo singing persistently (Table
1). No Tree Pipit or Yellowhammer bred in
2000. The Yellowhammer decline may be

more widespread, because from roads and
tracks DJ hears only one singing in the
Finzean area lower down Feughside where
they were widespread in the mid 1990s.

In 1987-99, 10 species increased
significantly (Jenkins &Watson 1999). With
2000 data included, this result was
maintained, and in addition Wrens and
Linnets (P<0.05) and Sand Martins(P<0.02)
increased significantly over the study years.
Lapwings recovered from a decrease since
1997. A new Black-headed Gull colony
formed on moorland by Q. A Common Gull
colony on Lamahip, a hill north of the study
area, increased greatly, and a few Herring
Gulls, recorded since the early 1990s
summered.

Lekking Blackcocks numbered 37 on the
study area in 1 987, but only 1 6 in 1 999 and
2000. However, the 37 included a
temporary lek of 1 1 cocks at M-O, which
declined to 3 in 1988-92, then 2, and
eventually one or none. In the early to mid
90s, apparently new leks were found on
nearby Lamahip, with 7 and 10 cocks in
2000. Hence the local population is thought
to be stable.

We thank Ballogie head keeper, George
Nicol and Robin Callander for information
on Blackcock and Common Gull, Shaila Rao
for finding wader nests, and Forest of Birse
Estate for a grant towards expenses.

For species not listed, no birds were seen in
either year.

Table 1 Number of territories, based on number
of singing passerines, lekking Blackcock, duck
pairs and gulls nests to the nearest 5.

Mallard

1999

3

2000

3

Goosander

2

0

Black Grouse

16

16

Oystercatcher

7

10

Lapwing

11

17

Curlew

11

12

Common Sandpiper

0

2

Black-headed Gull

10

80

Woodpigeon

9

13

Cuckoo

2

1

Sand Martin

6

40

Swallow

6

8

Tree Pipit

23

27

Meadow Pipit

23

27

Grey Wagtail

1 1

13

Pied Wagtail

13

16

Dipper

9

5

Wren

92

99

Dunnock

24

28

Robin

76

71

Redstart

5

4

Whinchat

13

18

Stonechat

5

5

Blackbird

3

4

Song Thrush

28

20

Mistle Thrush

12

8

Chiffchaff

1

0

Willow Warbler

106

87

Spotted Flycatcher

16

10

Long-tailed Tit

1

3

Blue Tit

16

15

Great Tit

22

13

Treecreeper

14

15

Starling

2

6

House Sparrow

2

1

Chaffinch

110

92

Linnet

10

12

Yellowhammer

5

0

David Jenkins & Adam Watson

9

Inchgarth Nature Reserve

in 2000

S Timer 2000 saw the start of serious
management work at Inchgarth - not by
people, but by cattle. Up to 1 1 cows and 5
calves spent from June to September grazing
down the rank grass, trampling the rushes
and generally creating muddy edges to the
pool. The photograph shows some of the
Highland cows used by the local farmer, and
they seemed to enjoy being there; they
certainly looked the part. We could probably
have used even more cattle, since there was
a great deal of remedial grazing to be done.
But the reserve is looking in much better
shape than it did a year ago.

The pool held water well throughout the
summer and was used a great deal by small
numbers of Mallard, Teal and Moorhen.
Herons were frequent visitors in early spring,
feeding on spawning frogs. We have been
monitoring the change in water levels to help
understand the natural fluctuations in this
floodplain grassland.

No waders bred this year, though a pair of
Redshanks showed interest early in the
season. Other breeding birds included Reed
Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Whitethroat and
Sedge Warbler, and a range of butterflies and
dragonflies was seen. Wader and duck
numbers should now be building up for the
winter, and we expect to see lots of Common
Snipe and some Jack Snipe as the season
progresses. We plan to fence off a small
corner of the reserve and sow a wild bird
cover crop. This will be about an acre,
comprising a mixture of cereals, rape, kale,
mustard and weeds, designed to attract seed-
eating birds. It should be ready for
consumption by winter 2001 -2002, so watch
this space!

[See SBN 58 for an introduction to the reserve)

Ian Francis

on behalf of the SOC Grampian Branch

Highland cows grazing the pool vegetation at Inchgarth Reserve.

Ian Francis

Mote Swan Census 2001

A national census of the Mute Swan
population in Great Britain is to take place
in spring 2001. This census will update
information from the last survey in 1990
(. Scottish Birds 17:2, December 1993) and,
as with previous surveys, will specifically seek
to determine the size of the population and
identify its territorial, breeding and non-
breeding components.

As in 1 983 and 1 990, we are co-ordinating
the Scottish part of the census, which is being

jointly organised by WWT, BTO, SOC and
the Swan Study Group (SSG). Survey
methods will be similar to previous surveys,
requiring observers to record the numbers
of territorial and breeding pairs (in April/May)
and the size of the non-breeding flocks (in
mid-April) in 10-km squares of the national
grid. We hope to obtain as full coverage of
Scotland as possible but WWT/BTO are also
devising a sampling strategy based on
coverage of key 10-km squares known to
hold large numbers of swans and where
coverage can be guaranteed, in addition to
a random sample of other 10-km squares.

Fuller details of the survey and names of local
organisers will appear in the Spring 2001
edition of SBN but we would be delighted
to hear from anyone who may be interested
in helping with the survey in their area. We
will pass details on to the relevant local
organiser. Indeed we will be especially
interested to learn of sites which hold flocks
in April to ensure that these sites are covered
in 2001 . We know from our own long-term
studies in Lothians and Fife that the Mute
Swan population has increased considerably
in those areas since 1990, with a number
of new flock sites established. The 2001
census will provide the opportunity to assess
whether such growth and expansion into
new areas or habitats has occurred
elsewhere in Scotland.

Even if you cannot help directly by covering
a specific 10-km square, any records of
territorial or breeding pairs and April flocks
of Mute Swans recorded from anywhere in
Scotland in 2001 will be gratefully received.

Allan & Lyndesay Brown,
67 Watt's Gardens,
Cupar, Fife KYI 5 4UG
Tel: 01334 656804
e-mail:swans@allanwbrown.co.uk

Gathering of Swans Fred Wescott

10

Eagle Owls

Although all occurrences of Eagle Owl in
Britain are assumed (or proven) to relate to
escapees, there is increasing evidence that
the species may be increasing as a feral
breeder. The effect on our native fauna if it
were to be established are uncertain, but
Eagle Owls have a ferocious reputation for
eating birds and mammals as large as a wild
boar, and for clearing all other species of owl

Range of Eagle Owl in the Western Palearctic

out of their territories. The recent report of
the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (Ogilvie et al.
(2000) Non-native birds breeding in the
United Kingdom in 1998. Brit. Birds 93,
428-433) reports that an adult called
throughout January 1 998 at a locality where
a nest scrape was made in 1 997). Much to
the consternation of local dog walkers, an
escaped Eagle Owl took up residence at
Newburgh Quarry, Fife, in 1999 (Fife Bird
Report), and there are now estimated to be

about 20 birds at large in Britain. 1 998 was
the third year running that a pair bred
successfully in northern England (fledging
two young). If the Eagle Owl was ever a
native bird, it appears not to have
recolonised after the glaciations; many
ornithologists, including Chris Mead, have
stated that the extant British birds should be
trapped or killed before they get the chance
to do any real harm.

Is it possible that any of the birds have
reached Britain naturally? They are largely
regarded as sedentary in Europe, although
several significant movements of more than
200 km are recorded in BWP and 50% of
young birds in Norway are recovered more
than 75 km from their birthplace. Clearly,
vagrancy to Britain is not altogether unlikely,
but, even allowing for under-recording of
nocturnal species, the lack of records at
coastal observatories sugggests that it is not
occurring regularly. Perhaps the Eagle Owl
is destined to be another Black Woodpecker,
forever knocking at the door of the British
list? That is, unless the feral birds become
self-supporting.

(figure of range of Eagle Owl showing
proximity to Scotland)

World Birding Conference - birders
contributing to global bird
conservation

30 March - 1 April 2001. The Hayes
Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire.
A conference hosted jointly by African Bird
Club, British Ornithologists' Union, British
Trust for Ornithology, Neotropical Bird Club
and Oriental Society of the Middle East.

Those who attended the first World Birding
Conference in 1997 will be keen to book
for a repeat programme of talks looking at
the contribution birders have made, and
continue to make, to global bird
conservation.

A programme of internationally renowned
speakers has been put together to illustrate
the contributions birders continue to make
to global bird conservation and highlight new
opportunities for today's globetrotting birder.

These include:

❖ Ian Wallace, a master of words and imagery,
will look at the contribution that
birdwatching pioneers have made to our
knowledge and to bird conservation

* Nigel Collar (BirdLife International) will offer
up challenges for those who want to make a
name for themselves by highlighting areas
of the world that remain largely unexplored
in birding and ornithological terms, and
where new species are most likely to be
occur

Marianne Dunn (BP/BirdLife) will provide an
insight to BP's Conservation Programme of
global expeditions and the benefit such
projects bring to conservation

* Will Cresswell (Oxford University) an
experienced expedition leader, will offer
practical advice on gathering data in the field
using the wonders of modern technology

* Keith Betton (African Bird Club and ABTA)
will bombard us with weird and wonderful
birds sounds from around the world

4 Stewart White (University of Glasgow) an
experienced expedition leader, will provide
practical advice on the pros and cons of
organising an expedition using his recent
expedition - Ecuador 2000 - as an example

4 Richard Ranft (The British Library National
Sound Archive) will cover different aspects
of bird sounds and their recording

4 Melanie Heath (BirdLife International) will
tell us about BirdLife's latest flagship project
- Important Bird Areas

* Robert Prys Jones (Natural History Museum
Bird Group) will illustrate the different uses
and roles museums can have for global bird
conservation

* Steve Dudley (British Ornithologists' Union)
will look at the 1 43 years the BOU has been
contributing to ornithology and global bird
conservation

* Andrew Grieve (Oriental Society of the
Middle East) will talk about a DIY survey of
the northern Red Sea

4 Guy Kirwan (Oriental Society of the Middle
East) will illustrate the challenges facing
birders and conservationists in Turkey

4 Hazell Thompson (African Bird Club) will
inform us about the conservation role ABC
plays in Africa

Chris Wernham (British Trust for Ornithology)
will tell us about the BTO's Migration Atlas
project and the importance of ringing as a
monitoring tool

4 plus other speakers and talks including
conservation work in the Neotropics
(Neotropcial Bird Club talk) and a further
look at the work of BirdLife International.

With a full programme of talks, as well as
time to explore the many other conference
attractions such as a bookshop (Subbuteo
Books), an internet bookstore (NHBS.com),
a multi-media store of CD, video and CD-
ROM titles (WildSounds), a second hand
bookshop (Second Nature),, club displays
(including ABC, BOU, BTO, NBC and
OSME), holiday companies, optics and
much, much more - the weekend looks as
if it will be as vibrant and inspiring as the
first World Birding Conference.

More information about the weekend can
be found on the WBC website -
www.wbc2.com or contact - WBC2,
c/o BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford,
Norfolk IP24 2PU
Tel: 01842 750050
Email: sue.starling@bto.org

11

2000 Bay of Biscay Cetacean & Bird
Records

A Bay of Biscay Cetacean and Bird Records
mmittee has been formed under the
auspices of ORCA (Organisation Cetacea).
Would anybody with records from this area
please send them to Cetaceans - Caroline
Still, 4 Waldeck Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR4
7PC or Birds - Dave Cray, 45 Western Park
Road, Leicester LE3 6H Q. e-mail
David.CRAY@students.dmu.ac.uk.

Written descriptions are required for Fea's
Petrel, Little Shearwater, Yelkouan
Shearwater, Bulwers Petrel, Wilson's Storm
Petrel, Madeiran Storm Petrel, all Albatrosses,
Long-tailed Skua and Roseate Tern.

Bird of Prey Persecution still at High
Levels

In October, RSPB Scotland released
'Persecution - A Review of Bird of Prey
Persecution in Scotland in 1999' - its 6th
annual report on the subject. Fourteen
confirmed poisonings were reported to the
Society during the year, with 7 other
confirmed persecution incidents, 19
probable and 44 possible persecution
incidents. The total compares favourably
with the 1 07 equivalent reports in 1 998, and
although it is hoped that this downward

trend is to continue, the news so far from
2000 is not good: Stuart Housden, Director
of RSPB Scotland, said that there have been
1 9 confirmed poisoning incidents reported,
including Golden Eagles and Red Kites
among the victims.

Sarah Boyack, Minister for Transport and
the Environment, said: 'I am pleased to
support the RSPB's publication of their
report of bird of prey persecution in
Scotland. However, I am saddened and
appalled that there is an ongoing need for
such a report. The persecution of wild birds
cannot be tolerated and I have in the past
made public my sympathy with those who
have called for greater powers to be made
available to the Courts when dealing with
individuals whose selfish actions undermine
the conservation

efforts of many. I am developing a policy
statement which will include proposals to
better protect Scotland's Natural Heritage.
I will propose measures to make life tougher
for wildlife criminals with the prospect of
custodial sentences for habitual offenders.'

(Photograph - Kestrel, one of the victims
of Bird of Prey persecution which still
persists in Scotland)

LETTERS

Dear Sir,

I have followed the correspondence by Les
Hatton, Shirley Millar and Andrew
Macmillan concerning the results of Constant
Effort Site monitoring in Fife and Lothian, in
particular, Hatton and Millar's "struggle" to
find a way of identifying statistical
significance when the BTO Guide Statistics
for Ornithologists appears to have let them
down ( Scottish Bird News 58, June 2000).

Presuming that their interpretation of
"significance" is that changes in the sample
data truly reflect changes in the wild
populations, rather than chance sampling
effects, the problem is that no "significance"
can be attached to a single observation. Thus,
6 declined to 1 , full stop. However there are
ways of assessing chance effects with larger
sets of data. For example, observations from
several successive years can be analysed by
a test for a trend by the Spearman Rank test
(BTO Stats. Guide, 2nd Edition, Section
12.6). Alternatively, rather than aggregating
the data from 5 CES sites, the five
observations from one year could be
compared with a parallel sample of 5
observations from the following year by
means of a Mann-Whitney U-test (BTO
Guide Section14.3) or even the Wilcoxon
test for matched pairs (since one site can be
matched with itself the next year), Section
14.7.

Jim Fowler

Kestrel feeding young E C Fellowes

12

REVIEWS

Orkney Nature by R j Berry, 2000. Poyser
Natural History. 308pp. ISBN 0-85661-104-
2. £24.95, hardback.

This well written and copiously illustrated
book is a reworking of Professor Berry's 'The
Natural History of Orkney' in the New Natu-
ralist series, which is now out of print. In his
introduction (or 'Apologia') he describes him-
self as the compiler of the book, and ac-
knowledges contributions from various oth-
ers, which he has worked together in a con-
sistent style. The source for the chapter on
birds, which is presumably the main inter-
est of SBN readers, is Eric Meek. This, at 33
pages the longest chapter in the book, seems
to be the best summary description avail-
able, and (like all the chapters) includes a
good bibliography. This book is produced
to Poyser's customary high standards. All
those familiar with the Orkneys will want to
look at it, and not solely for the chapter on
birds.

Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes. Tony Harris and Kim
Franklin. Christopher Helm, London (August
2000). 392 pages, 41 colour plates, 27 line
drawings, 13 figures. ISBN 0 7136 3861 3.
£35 (hardback)

This latest volume in the Helm series covers
1 1 4 species from 21 genera, representing 30
species (three genera) of the "true shrikes''
(Laniidae) and 84 species (18 genera) of the
"bush-shrikes" (Malaconotidae). The
systematic combination of shrikes and bush-
shrikes blends the more traditional view of
the Laniidae and Malaconotidae as sister
taxa, with that generated from the results
from DNA-DNA hybridisation studies. Thus,
accurate coverage of the re-assessed bush-
shrikes and their allies is provided. However,
it should be remembered that the association
of this group with the true shrikes is not as
close as previously thought (DNA work
places them in the Corvidae), while Ward's
Flycatcher and the vangas of Madagascar (the
sister tribe of the Malaconotini from DNA
work) are excluded.

The book has originated from the first
author's passion for shrikes and their allies,
with twenty years of personal experience,
particularly in southern Africa. The level of
research is reflected by the 1 086 references,
occupying 24 pages at the rear of the book.
In contrast to other Helm publications,
numbers are used as superscripts to denote
references at relevant points in the text,
though these are rather small. The
appendices deal with species limits,
relationships and comparative characters.
The scope of this book is therefore broader
than that of Lefranc & Worfolk's 1997 Pica
Press publication, which concentrated solely
on the "true shrikes". The species order
differs slightly from that volume, as do some
common names.

The introductory chapters move from a brief
history of shrikes to a general appraisal of
their characteristics and then an overview
of their classification. This in turn leads to a
detailed section emphasising the importance
of communication, both visual and acoustic,
in shrike behaviour and its inferred
importance in deciphering relationships.
The short accounts of the 21 genera that
follow, accompanied by pleasant, lively
sketches, are a delightful and concise
introduction, in particular for the bush-
shrikes, that are poorly represented in the
Western Palaearctic (just a single species,
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala).
Taxonomic uncertainties are identified, such
as the rare Mount Kupe Bush Shrike
Chlorophoneus? kupeensis from Cameroon,
which in the author's view is best treated as
the only representative of an as yet unnamed
genus. The Blackcap Bush-Shrike
Antichromus minuta is returned to its original
genus from its more recent placement within
Tchagra. The Uhehe Fiscal Lanius marwitzi
(e.g. Lefranc & Worfolk) is absorbed within
Common Fiscal, while sixteen Bads species
are listed, a complex and conservative group
representing (with Laniarius) the second-
largest genus after Lanius. The infamous Bulo
Burti Boubou is described, although the
author clearly feels that its promotion to full
species status, based primarily on DNA data,
may be premature.

Individual accounts are restricted to a
maximum of about five pages per species,
although those for the true shrikes average
nearly a page longer, presumably because
of their long-term popular appeal and
relative ease of observation. The accounts
for the Malaconotidae represent a
benchmark for a group greatly deserving of
wider appreciation, with plenty of scope for
further study. I found the emphasis on
behaviour most enjoyable, this tying in with
the author's clear dedication and also the
due respect given to birdwatchers in
discovering new aspects pertinent to our
greater understanding, whether it refers to
their classification, their behaviour or both.
The loud vocalisations of many of the
Malaconotidae, that includes many duetting
species, are often remarkable and may come
as a surprise to European birdwatchers, as
there is little familiar with which to compare
them. Melodious, piping, mournful and
ringing whistles are used, many of which are
liable to changes in pitch, tempo and
amplitude, along with husky, croaking,
slashing, whooping, guttural, bubbling,
tearing and rasping calls, not to mention bill-
clashing, tongue-clicking and wing-fripping!
These birds, though often skulking and
shade-loving, soon become enchanting and
their often stunning plumage is well worth
the wait.

The well-drawn plates are slightly
disappointing, as reproduction seems overly
dark, with the species of greatest personal
familiarity coming across as rather drab. The

darkness of the reproduction in my opinion
is further enhanced by the use of white as a
background, though the inclusion of other
features helps the artist's style take on more
life.

In short, if the reader is interested solely in
the Laniidae, then either this volume or
Lefranc and Worfolk will suffice. However,
for a broader, behaviour-based review of
these enigmatic birds and particularly the
Malaconotidae, this book is a useful if
somewhat pricey purchase.

Bob Dawson

Snipes of the Western Palearctic

The above book, a collaboration between
OMPO (Oiseaux Migrateurs du PalEarctique
Occidental) and Editions Eveil-Nature is now
available, priced FFr 190. By synthesizing
the existing bibliography and demography
of snipes, and management techniques for
their habitats, this book represents a serious
attempt to compile the existing knowledge
of these species. It will serve as a basis for
future research and the development of a
strategy for their conservation. OMPO is an
international non-governmental organisation
involved in conservation of migratory birds
and their habitats on the large biogeographic
scale in the Western Palearctic. Write to
Editions Eveil-Nature, 10 rue Evariste
Poitevin, 1 6710 Saint- Yrieix, France, email
evielnature@hotmail.com

Cuckoos, Cowbirds & Other Cheats. N B

Davies. T & AD Poyser (London) 2000. 310
pages, 8 colour plates, b+w illustrations by
David Quinn. ISBN 0-85661 -1 35-2. £24.95.

This book won the British Birds 'Bird Book
Book of the Year' competition by a mile. At
the award ceremony, Jeremy Greenwood
asserted that he had sat down and read the
book from start to finish without being able
to put it down. I had assumed that this was
a blatant, if well meaning, fib, so was
astonished to find myself similarly glued to
this amazing series of murder-mysteries. The
plots are not spoiled by our knowing the
identity of the culprits.

After a brief introduction to the variety of
birds which facultatively or opportunistically
lay their eggs in the nests of other species,
the reader is taken step-by-step through the
breeding biology of Common Cuckoos and
their hosts. At every stage, our assumptions
about their interactions are challenged and
redirected, and Davies is clearly on home
ground on subject matter which has been
the basis of his academic career. We are then
taken on a tour through a selection of the
rest of the World's cuckoos, including the
'non-evicting' versions such as the Great
Spotted Cuckoo - the similarities and
differences between their lifestyles, together
with the paradoxes and questions they raise,
are explained. Lengthy chapters on the

13

different species of cowbird, their
interactions and evolution, leave us worrying
about e apparent inevitability of an
attempted colonisation by the Brown-
hs sided Cowbird. Just when the readerthinks
there can be no more twists or surprises, we
are introduced to the Vidua finches - whose
fledglings mimic the gape patterns of their
Estrildid finch hosts, even though fledglings
with mis-matching patterns are accepted and
fed.

The quality of the writing never dips,
although some of the sparkle fades in the
sections about which, one suspects, Davies
has had less first-hand experience. You never
knew how much you didn't know.. .Why
does provisions of next-boxes for Wood
Ducks threaten local extinctions? When is it
better for a host species to accept a parasite's
egg than to reject? Who are the Mafia of the
bird world? How come that parasitic
nestlings don't imprint on their hosts? Why
do nesting Snow Geese fight off itinerant
females by then actively accept their egg?
You have to get this book - just make sure
you have clean underwear on when you start
reading, as it may by a while before you get
out of the settee.

Martin Collinson.

Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands - The
Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide by David L
Pearson & Les Beletsky. Academic Press 2000.
485pp, 96 colour plates, numerous colour
photos, figures and maps. Species and general
index. ISBN 0-12-084814-7 (pbk) £79.95.

Having recently returned from a wonderful
trip to both areas, the arrival of this book
just prior to departure could not have been
better timed. This compact and easily
portable volume follows the same format as
the earlier guides. Chapters deal with
essential topics such as the geography,
habitats, climate, parks and nature reserves.
The bulk of the book is devoted to the
species groups - Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds,
Mammals, Insects and other Arthropods. A
final chapter covers Galapagos Wildlife. The
colour plates are well drawn and generally
accurate, but naturally illustrate only a
fraction of the recorded species for this
immensely rich area. Inevitably species you
cannot recognise will not be depicted!
Having said that I would not be without this
useful guide in my day pack, particularly for
the non-avian species with which I am not
too familiar.

This is clearly a well researched and easily
read book and a very welcome additon to
this relatively new series.

David Clugston

REQUESTS

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylags bearing dye marks,
darvic rings or neck collars, together with
details of colours and letters seen, no matter
how incomplete, should be sent to: Bob

Swann, 14 St Vincent Road, Tain, Ross-
shire IV19 1JR Tel: 01862 894329 email
Bob.Swann@hcs.uhi.ac.uk.

This is DJ - collars should be read from
the bottom up.

East Sutherland Stonechats

The Highland Ringing Group Bulletin for
September reminds us to look out for colour-
ringed Stonechats over the winter. Birds
from a defined breeding area at Loch Shin
have been fitted with a combination of rings:
adults carry a white ring over metal on the
right leg, and an individual combination of
three rings on the left leg; each year's
juveniles are marked with a single year colour
on the left leg. If a bird is seen, a grid
reference and any notes on behaviour /other
birds present etc. are requested by Lyn Wells
and David Patterson. Thirteen adults were
ringed this year, and 65 pu Hi, from 1 6 active
territories (cf. 10 in 1999). It is intended to
continue the study in the summer of 2001 ,
hoping to see the return of colour-marked
individuals to the site. This should give an
indication of site-fidelity between seasons.

Colour ringed Dunlin

Since 1997 we have been colour ringing
breeding adult and pullus Dunlin at various
locations in Orkney. All birds ringed as adults
are identifiable as individuals. On the right
leg there is a yellow colour ring above the
knee, and two colour rings below the knee.
The left leg has a colour ring above the BTO
metal ring. The chicks also have a yellow
colour ring above the knee on the right leg
and the left leg has a colour ring above the
BTO metal ring. Birds ringed as chicks are
only identifiable as to the year in which they
were ringed. Even if the combinations are
incomplete, we would be grateful for all
sightings of birds that have a YELLOW colour
ring above the knee on the right leg. All
sightings should be sent to either Stuart
Williams Crafty, Firth, Orkney KW1 7 2ES
Tel: 0185676 1 742 email

Stuart@gavia.freeserve.co.uk, or Jim
Williams, Fairholm, Finstown, Orkney
KW1 7 2EQ Tel: 0185676 1317

Acknowledgement will be sent along with
full history of the bird.

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAE for current list and prices to: Vanellus
Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield SI 0 2NQ Tel (01 1 4) 2664362.

SOC car stickers

Ian Andrews has designed a smart new car
sticker featuring the Club's new logo. These
can be purchased from SOC, 21 Regent
Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, at 50pence
each plus a second class stamp.

SOC NOTICES

Thanks

Thanks are once again due to the volunteers
who give assistance in the office, and also
those who came in to assist in despatching
the June mailing. If you would like to help
with this task, please contact Sylvia at the
SOC office on 0131 556 6042 for details.

2001 SOC/BTO Birdwatchers' Conference

Borders branch of the SOC are organising
the 2001 spring conference which will be
held on 17 March 2001 at the Heriot Watt
University, Galashiels. Booking form
enclosed with this issue.

200 Club

Winners in the third quarter of 2000 were:

July - 1sr £30 D Shepherd, Dundee; 2nd £20
M Bickmore, Selkirk; 3rd £1 0 J Walker, Leeds.
August - 1st £50 C McLellan, Peebles; 2nd
£30 S Jackson, Falmouth; 3,d £20 S
McCulloch, Edinburgh; 4th £10 N Grist,
Glasgow.

September - 1st £30 S McCulloch,
Edinburgh; 2nd £20 G Riddle, Culzean; 3rd
N Grist, Glasgow.

If you are an SOC member and over 18,
you can always join the 200 Club. Join now
for £6, payable to 'SOC 200 Club', and you
will be entered for the monthly draws until
31 May 2001, the end of our 'year'. Your
cheque will be acknowledged with thanks.
Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6
9NH (01896 822176).

Bean Geese

A new web site dedicated to Bean Geese in
Scotland is now open, at http://www.bean-
geese.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk Records of
Bean Geese in Scotland would be
appreciated so that an overall picture can
be compiled. Any records from the
Slamannan Plateau should be accompanied
by a six-figure grid reference for inclusion in
the annual reports.

14

SOC Annual Conference

A full report of the 2000 Annual Conference
will appear in the next issue of SBN. However
it is with great sadness that we have to report
the tragic death of long standing SOC
member Bill Brackenridge. Bill who attended
the SOC conference on the Saturday was
tragically killed on the A9 on his way home
shortly after leaving many of his friends in
the SOC. A full obituary will appear in the
summer 2001 issue of Scottish Birds. We
understand the RSPB and SWT are accepting
donations which will be put towards a
suitable commemorative project in Bill's
memory.

On a happier note we can report that the
annual SOC photographic competition was
won this year by Eric McCabe with a superb
photo of a Wren (page 8). Gordon Yates took
2nd prize with his photo of a Chough and 3rd
prize went to Dennis Johnson with a photo
of a Red-legged Partridge. These will appear
in future issues of SBN.

Colour photographs to enhance our
publications

We would like to thank a number of
members who have very kindly sent in colour
slides and photographs for use in SOC
publications. We now have a slide scanner
as well as a flatbed scanner, so if you have
any good quality photos you think may be
of use to us, we can scan them in and return
the originals to you. Acknowledgements will
as always appear with each photograph
used.

We are also looking for a volunteer who has
the time to come into 21 Regent Terrace and
assist with scanning and cataloguing all our
photographs. If you are interested please
contact Sylvia on 01 31 556 6042 to discuss
this.

Wanted for SBN

'The Best of Days, The Worst of Days....'

Extracts from your notebooks/logs or journals
which describe your best (or worst) days out
in the field. Doesn't have to be about
Scotland, but the more Scottish submissions
we get, the better. Articles should aim to be
about 1 page of SBN, about 1 800 to 2000
words. Please send them to the Editor at 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, email
maiI@the-soc.org.uk, fax 0131 558 9947.

Bird Books

We have either Got it or can Get it
If good we will Buy it
Ian & Angela Langford
Bookcorner
Wigtown
DG8 9HQ
01988-402010

Endowment Fund Grants

Summaries of reports from 1999 will be
published in due course and members who
attended the 2000 SOC Annual Conference
will have heard from Steve Willis about the
work being done by the Treshnish Auk
Ringing Group. During 2001 a survey of all
Mute Swans will be carried out (see page 1 0
of this issue). If you would like to apply for a
grant for 2001 to assist with a particular study
please ask for an application form from SOC,
21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. All
completed applications must be received by
31 st January 2001 .

BIRDLINE SCOTLAND

In cooperation with the SOC

09068 700234

L •

Bringing you
the latest
news from
Borders to
Shetland

Please phone any news into the 24 hour hotline:
01292 61 1994

* This is a Premium Rate number

Recent Reports

August - Mid November, a

review of Autumn 2000.

In a fantastic autumn in Scotland the Outer
Hebrides arguably produced the two star
birds. An immature female Hooded
Merganser was found on North UistatOban
Trumisgarry on the 23 Oct and remained
until the 1 Nov. With all previous British
records now having been rejected due to
the escape likelihood, after a recent review,
this unringed, wary individual, which arrived
in Scotland along with good numbers of
other Nearctic wildfowl, becomes the
potential first record for Britain. The bird of

the autumn however was found on nearby
South Uist in the form of a first winter Long-
tailed Shrike at Howmore on the 3-4 Nov
(possibly present since the 27 Oct). Being
found and identified only two days after the
last sighting of the Merganser, two fortunate
cars - loads of English twitchers found
themselves in the unique situation, on the
3, of managing to see one first for Britain
whilst dipping on another. Indeed the Shrike
was only the second ever record for Europe
of the species after one in Sweden at Gotland
on the 11 June 1999. The species is
widespread throughout Asia with 9
recognised races and both these European
birds appeared to be of the highly migratory
western race erythonotus.

The Long-tailed was the star amongst an
impressive list of rare shrikes with a first
winter female Brown Shrike on Fair Isle on
21 Oct (second for Britain after one on
Shetland in 1985), an Isabelline Shrike on
Foula on 3-6 Oct, 2 Lesser Grey Shrikes on
Shetland in Sept and a Steppe Grey Shrike
on South Ronaldsay on 22 Sept- third record
for Orkney. In an impressive eastern rarity
autumn once again highlights included 14
Olive-backed Pipits (all on Shetland), seven
Citrine Wagtails all on the northern isles, a
Pied Wheatear on Shetland on 1 7 Sept, a
Black-throated Thrush on Foula on 23 Sept
where two Pallas's Grasshopper Warblers
were reported on 27-28 Sept, up to 7
Lanceolated Warblers on Shetland
including the earliest ever autumn British
record on the Out Skerries on 1 Sept and
up to 5 different on Fair Isle in Sept, an
Olivaceous Warbler at Collieston
(Aberdeenshire) on 13-22 Sept (it was of the
eastern race elaeica as were both previous
Scottish records), 7 Booted Warblers, 6
Pall as's Warblers, a Hume's Yellow-
browed Warbler in Fife at Den burn Wood
on 7-8 Nov (fifth for Scotland), 4 Radde's
Warblers and 3 Dusky Warblers were seen,
a first winter male Pine Grosbeak was at
Maywick (Shetland) on 9 Nov (second for

Andrew Stevenson

Long-tailed Shrike, South Uist. Nov 2000

15

Shetland and third for Scotland), at least
35 Little Buntings were seen from the 1 2
Sept in a fantastic showing mostly on
Shetland and 5 Yellow-breasted Buntings
were seen from the 27 Aug including the
third for Fife and second for the Outer
Hebrides. In Sept the first records for
Moray and Nairn of Wryneck and Icterine
Warbler were seen, whilst the first Reed
Warbler for Renfrewshire was at
Lochwinnoch RSPB on the 9 Sept, good
numbers of Grasshopper Warblers were
about on the northern isles with one on
Fair Isle on the 23 Oct the latest ever there,
and a Long-tailed Tit of the northern
white-headed race caudatus was on
Whalsayon 31 Oct- only the third record
for Shetland and possibly only the second
ever British record of caudatus. Nearctic
passerines also showed up reasonably well
with an early Blackpoll Warbler on Noss
(Shetland) on the 1 4 Sept, a Bobolink on
the Out Skerries on the 21-23 Sept (fourth
for Scotland), a Swainson's Thrush at
Brae on 1 2-1 3 Oct (third for Shetland), a
Grey-cheeked Thrush reported on Papa
Westray on 26 Oct (second Orkney
record) and a Red-eyed Vireo at
Stornoway on 21 Oct (second record for
the Outer Hebrides). North

American wildfowl put in a very good
showing with, as well as the Merganser,
highlights including at least 1 7 American
Wigeons seen including at least 10
together at Hillwell (Shetland) from the 9
Oct (the largest flock ever in Britain) and
good numbers of Green-winged Teals
again, including three drakes together
near Inverness in Nov. Also in Nov a
female Steller's Eider proved popular at
Hopeman (Moray) on the 16-18, the
discovery of a wing on Fetlar in 1996
aside, the first British record since the long

staying male on the Outer Hebrides
departed in 1984. North American waders
showed up well also after last autumn's
record showing with 2 Semipalmated
Sandpipers reported in Sept on South Uist
and at Aberlady Bay on the 24 (first record
for Lothian), with in Sept and Oct the Outer
Hebrides responsible for most of the four
American Golden Plovers, at 7 White-
rumped Sandpipers, 10 Pectoral
Sandpipers and 8 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers seen whilst a Baird's Sandpiper
was on South Uist in Oct and a Lesser
Yellowlegs was at Ulva Lagoons (Argyll) on
9-1 1 Oct. Other wader highlights were the
adult Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Virkie/
Scatness (Shetland) on 27 Aug-1 Sept (fourth
for Scotland), a Marsh Sandpiper at
Dingwall on 4-5 Oct (first record for
Highland) and 2 juvenile Pacific Golden
Plovers - on Fair Isle on 28 Sept-12 Oct
and Tiree on 1 2 Oct (first for Argyll).

Amongst seabirds a Little Shearwater was
seen at Uisaed Point, Kintyre on the 7 Sept
(second for Argyll) and good numbers of
Balearic Shearwaters were seen, including
in Sept the first and second records for
Moray and Nairn and the first record for Fair
Isle on the 7. Mirroring a record influx in
England in Sept at least 25 Honey Buzzards
were seen in Scotland from the 13. Gull
highlights included an adult Caspian Gull
on North Ronaldsay on the 1 4 Sept (there
are currently no accepted Scottish records)
and an adult Bonaparte's Gull at Lunan Bay
on the 2 Oct (second record for Angus). A
late juv White-winged Black Tern amazingly
managed to survive on Orkney mainland at
Newark Bay on the 1 8-20 Nov. The above
are just some of the highlights of a
memorable autumn.

Angus Murray

Lesser Yellowlegs Bill Jackson

ISBN 0268-3199

Scottish

Bird

News

Edited by

Martin Collinson
Assisted by

Ian Andrews, Helen
Cameron and
Sylvia Laing

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
SOC. It acts as a channel of communication
for SOC members and disseminates
information relevant to Scotland's birdlife. It
is published 4 times a year at the beginning
of March, June, September and December.
Articles and notices are welcomed and
should be sent to the Secretary at 21 Regent
Terrace no later than 5 weeks before
publication. The views expressed are not
necessarily the policy of the SOC.
Contributors should note that material has
to be edited, often at short notice, and it is
not practical to let authors see these changes
in advance of publication.

The

SOC

21 Regent Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 5BT

phone 0131-556 6042
fax 0131-558 9947
e-mail mail@the-soc.org.uk
web site www.the-soc.org.uk

The Scottish Ornithologists1 Club was
established in 1936. Now in its 64th year,
the SOC has 2250 members and 14
branches around Scotland. It plays a
central role in Scottish birdwatching,
bringing together amateur bird watchers,
keen birders and research ornithologists
with the aims of documenting, studying
and, not least, enjoying Scotland's varied
birdlife. Above all the SOC is a club, relying
heavily on keen volunteers and the support
of its membership.

Headquarters provide central publications,
including our journal Scottish Birds and the
Scottish Bird Report and an annual
conference, and 21 Regent Terrace houses
the largest library of bird literature in
Scotland. The network of 14 branches
organises field meetings, a winter
programme of talks and social events.

The SOC also supports the Local
Recorders' Network and the Scottish Birds
Records Committee. The latter maintains
the official Scottish List on behalf of the
Club.

More information can be found on our
web site.

passwords to access
members' web pages

'snowy' & 'owl'

16

(sQO

Scottish Bird News

'Avifaunas of Scotland' project

It is now over 100 years since Dr Harvie Brown launched his Vertebrate Faunas series. By 1935, there was a set of authoritative
treatises covering most of Scotland - all of which have remained invaluable references. A number of modern texts - ranging from
annotated checklists to professionally produced books - have been written since, but these have been produced on an ad hoc basis.
Many of these have themselves become outdated or out of print and some areas still rely on rather old synopses. Some regions are
planning to write up Atlas projects and others may be contemplating works such as this.

Some delegates at the SOC Annual Conference were lucky enough to have good views of a flock
of wintering Twite. See conference report on page 8. AD fohnson

Proposal for a new 'Avifaunas' series

It is considered that sufficient knowledge
now exists, in the form of breeding bird
atlases, Local Recorders' databases, WeBS
counts, numerous surveys etc., for a new
project to be proposed - 'that the SOC
undertakes to produce a series of
authoritative, regional avifaunas covering the
whole of Scotland, culminating in a new
‘Birds of Scotland'.

Key aspects to this project are that:

* the SOC is the lead player in the project
(possibly under the auspices of the
Editorial Committee)

* authoritative reference works are
produced

* uniformity and consistency of style and
content is maintained between areas/
volumes

* co-operation with other bodies holding
data (e.g. BTO, RSPB, SNH etc.) ensures
that the series is truly comprehensive.

Although the Harvie Brown Vertebrate
Faunas were based on faunal regions, it is
arguably only feasible now to use the current
Recording Areas. There are 22 Recording
Areas, each of which could conceivably
warrant a separate Avifauna, but this does
not preclude splitting or lumping of
Recording Areas, should this be deemed
advantageous. Smaller areas may be less
daunting and more easily tackled.
Boundaries have to be agreed.

The natural culmination of such a project
would be a new ‘Birds of Scotland',
summarising information from the
component volumes and putting it into a
national perspective.

To publish a series such as this could be
expensive. But, with modern technology
(desktop publishing software etc.), this goal
may be achievable. Without doubt,
publication would be staggered over a
considerable number of years. Another

option to be evaluated is the possibility of
publishing the project on the internet and/
or on CD. Advantages to publishing in this
manner are that it is quicker, cheaper, more
flexible and easily updated. Disadvantages
are that there would be little income and
some printed copies would inevitably be
needed. Funding is a major issue.

For such a project, which replies heavily on
volunteers and a large number of people
agreeing to make considerable
commitments, it is essential to judge support
at the earliest opportunity. The proposal was
accepted by Council in November 2000
and the Editorial Committee would now like
to open up the consultation process. Any
comments are welcome.

Ian Andrews

(ian@andrewsi.freeserve.co.uk) on behalf of
the SOC Editorial Committee 19th October
2000

Standardised English Names

In November 2000, the SBRC agreed
unanimously that the Scottish List will in
future adopt the English names used by the
BOURC in its British List. The change became
official on 1st January 2001, and SBN now
uses these standardised names. Every birder
in Britain must by now have received one
or more of the free 'Leica lists' handed out
by the BOU, containing those standardised
English names. The official Scottish List with
the standardised names can be found on
the SOC website, http://www.the-soc.org.uk

Membership Brochure

A copy of our new membership brochure is
enclosed with this SBN. Don't throw it out!
Please pass it on to someone and encourage
them to join the SOC. If you think you can
distribute more copies (at a local reserve,
meeting, tourist office etc.), please contact
Sylvia at HQ - there is no shortage of them!

1

With 200 km of coastline, 6,500 ha of mud flats, over 95,000 wintering waterfowl and
200,000 pairs of breeding seabirds, the Firth of Forth is one of the most important
wildlife areas in Britain.

Potential SPA for the Firth of Forth

Northern Fulmars arguing

The Firth of Forth is the second most
important estuarine and coastal area in
Scotland in terms of numbers of wintering
birds.

To protect the habitats for the thousands of
wintering birds the Scottish Executive has
asked SNH to consult interested parties on
the designation of a Special Protection Area
(SPA) covering approximately 95% of the
intertidal area. SPAs were introduced by the
1979 EC Wild Birds Directive and the
objectives of this document were modified
with the publication of the Flabitats and
Species Directive in 1 992. The latter directive
called for the setting up of a Europe-wide
network of the most vital areas of
conservation concern. This network, called
Natura 2000, comprises SPAs, which are
all bird sites, and Special Areas of
Conservation (SAC), which protect plants
and animals.

In most cases SPAs are also Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI), areas protected
under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
(1981). Before the current consultation the
Firth of Forth had 20 separate SSSIs; now
17 of these will be amalgamated into one
large site that includes the various sections
of the SPA which were not previously SSSI.
One other site, Fife Ness Coast, also
underpins the SPA while 2 others, Barnsmuir
Coast and St Margaret's Marsh, are
unaffected by these changes and are not
part of the SPA.

While legal protection afforded by the SPA
will only cover the wintering bird interest

A D lohnson

on the Firth of Forth and the habitats such
as saltmarsh and mudflat that support them,
the SSSI covers a wide range of habitats and
species: sand-dunes, coastal grasslands, rare
plants and rare beetles plus many others.
The thousands of breeding seabirds are
protected by the separate Forth Islands SPA
covering the Bass Rock, Craigleith and the
Isle of May among others. The SSSI also gives
protection to the many interesting geological
features that occur around the Firth of Forth,
especially on the rocky East Lothian and
Fife coasts.

European sites benefit from greater
protection against development than
ordinary SSSIs. The regulations allow for
greater scrutiny by the competent authorities
of development proposals (both on and
outwith the SPA) that might significantly
damage the bird interest. In most cases only
developments of national importance or of
overriding public benefit will be allowed to
cause significant damage.

While this outline may sound ominous to
developers and industry, it should not be
felt that this designation is a hindrance to
business, but instead it should be considered
an accolade that an internationally
important bird site can co-exist with major
industry. With the protection given by the
SPA designation, wise management and
good relations between interested parties,
the Firth of Forth can continue to provide a
home for a wide variety of species as well as
continuing to be the centre of one of the
most important industrial areas in Britain.

Global warming

Global warming is now established and
there is a chance that estuaries with large
mudflats, such as the RSPB's Skinflats nature
reserve in the inner Firth of Forth, may
become permanently submerged or eroded
by the increased wave action from rising sea
levels. The RSPB states that the problem is
twofold: first to stop global warming by
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and
second to replace the threatened mudflats
with new coastal wetlands. To investigate the
possibilities of replacing mudflats they have
joined a group of organisations to
commission a study to look at a site adjacent
to Skinflats and see if new mudflats and a
saltmarsh could be created. Watch this space
for further developments.

Acid rain affects Britain's Birds

New research published in BTO News (the
newsletter of the British Trust for
Ornithology), has been able to link changes
in the distribution of some of our breeding
birds with deposition of sulphur - mostly in
acid rain. These changes may lead to
monitoring of bird distribution as an
important means of keeping tabs on these
effects. The UK Government has spent a great
deal of money trying to minimise outputs
which result in acid rain, and has promoted
the use of ultra low sulphur fuels for cars.

The research by Dan Chamberlain and
Humphrey Crick of the BTO, and Rachel
Warren of Imperial College London, took
the results from the 2 BTO Breeding Bird
Atlases to find out whether the changes in
the distribution of birds between 1968-72
and 1988-91 were linked to acid
deposition. High levels of sulphur deposition
seem to be generally bad for Common
Redshank and White-throated Dipper.
Furthermore, these 2 species, together with
Northern Lapwing, Common Redstart and
Ring Ouzel, were less likely to have become
extinct in local areas if the amount of
sulphur being deposited had declined.
Another 2 species were more likely to have
colonised squares where this had
happened, Little Plover and Lesser
Whitethroat.

White-throated Dipper A D Johnson

2

Dumfries and Galloway Black Grouse Recovery Project

The Dumfries and Galloway Black Grouse Recovery Project has been extended by at least
a year. Detailed habitat management plans have now been drawn up for over half the leks
in the region and, as a result, a wide range of habitat improvements have been carried
out. Much of the actual groundwork has been performed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust's
Environmental Task Team based in Castle Douglas, under the leadership of John Hall.

Within both state-owned and private forests,
unnecessary fencing has been dismantled,
deer fencing has been marked, targeted
areas of conifers have been felled or thinned,
and hundreds of Birches, Rowans and
Willows have been planted where there
were few present before. The slump in the
forestry industry over recent years has
reduced the amount of money available for
conservation and, to some extent, has held
back implementation of the works proposed
in the earlier plans. Despite this, a fair
amount has already been achieved, and it
is likely that 2001 will see an expansion in
Black Grouse work. Some habitat work has
also been carried out on private farmland,
including fence removal, moorland
management and tree planting, but it has so
far proved very difficult to obtain funding to
help with proposed reductions in sheep
numbers. Most farmers who have Black
Grouse on their land are already in the ESA
scheme; nearly all of those have already
reached the scheme's funding limit, with no
further funds available to reduce sheep
numbers.

In this region much emphasis has been
placed on raising the public's awareness of
the plight of the species, through meetings,
talks, newspaper items and seminars. These
have proved very successful. The project has
received many offers to help with ground-
work. A study-group has been established
to monitor leks on private ground. Forest
Enterprise staff have been checking their leks.
Recently, the local RSPB members group
decided to 'adopt a lek', and have been out
in the field this winter, thinning out young
conifers, planting birches, marking fences
and helping with heather management in a
lek area that encompasses a young
plantation and private farmland. This exciting
development should surely be repeated
around the country.

The bird's increasing popularity is certainly
in its favour, but many people are surprised
to learn that the species is not fully protected.
There is little or no shooting in this region,
but in some other parts of Scotland they are
still shot, with apparently few records being
kept. There is still much to learn about the
species, with more questions being raised
than being answered; to continue to shoot
them at this stage is perhaps short-sighted.
There is an urgent need for an overall
country-wide strategy to save the species,
preferably with government funding.

John Adair, Dumfries and Galloway
Black Grouse Project Officer
(T his article taken from the Scottish Black
Grouse Newsletter, RSPB)

Erika

On 12 December 1999 the Erika broke in
half off the French Atlantic coast. The effects
were catastrophic, particularly for the
seabirds. A special issue of L'Oiseau, the
magazine of the French bird protection
society LPO, published at the end of last
year, looks back on the disaster.

Over 63,500 birds were collected, live or
dead, of which 2,150 (about 10% of those
rescued alive) were returned to the sea. It is
estimated that up to 200,000 more birds
died at sea and were not discovered. Of the
41,000 which were identified, over 75%
were Common Guillemots. The next 3
commonest species, and the only others
with over 1,000 found, were Black Scoter,
Razorbill and Northern Gannet. The
complete list includes some unexpected
species, such as one Eurasian Collared
Dove.

Eurasian Collared Dove. It would appear that
not only seabirds are affected by oil spills.

A D Johnson

The LPO took responsibility for co-ordinating
these efforts. Its membership is in no way
comparable to that of (say) the RSPB, and
what was achieved is most praiseworthy. The
magazine asks what is being done to prevent
similar events in the future, and includes a
table of those in the past, back to the Torrey
Canyon in 1 967. At the time I write we are
faced with yet another, Jessica, in the
Galapagos Islands. It is not a cheering
prospect.

John G Davies

White-tailed Eagle fledglings
reach 100 landmark

When the last White-tailed Eagle was killed
over Shetland more than 80 years ago,
ornithologists feared that this noble creature
would never grace the northern skies again.
However, a quarter of a century ago, the
then Nature Conservancy Council set up a
reintroduction scheme of the White-tailed
Eagle to Scotland from Norway. There are
now 19 pairs in Scotland and this year saw
the number of chicks fledged since the start
of the scheme reach 1 00. This year saw an
improvement with eight pairs successfully
raising 1 2 young compared to 6 pairs raising
1 1 young last year. However, the birds still
have a long way to go before they reach the
threshold of 50 pairs considered to be a
secure population.

One of the 'founding mothers' of Scotland's
recovering White-tailed Eagle population,
Blondie, disappeared in May last year and
her body was found later. Analysis proved
that she died from natural causes. Blondie,
with her light, sandy head plumage, was at
least 21 years old and had raised 15 chicks
in as many years. She had the prestige of
being mother to the first White-tailed Eagle
chick for more than 70 years to fly from a
Scottish nest, in Mull, in 1985.

BIRDLINE SCOTLAND

In cooperation with the SOC

09068 700234

i ’if?

,4 ».

Bringing you
the latest
news from
Borders to
Shetland

Please phone any news into the 24 hour hotline:

M ’• W. •• f

01292 611994

l: This is a Premium Rate number

3

Bird-killing in Cyprus

The year 2000 was probably the worst year ever for Cyprus's birds. Melis Charalambides, of the Cyprus Ornithological Society,
estimated that c20 million were shot or trapped on the island. Most of these birds (12-15 million) were fully protected species and
were killed using efficient and sophisticated illegal methods by organised teams of criminals for the local and international delicacy
market (estimated to be worth c£20 million). The mistaken view that trapping is a small-scale "traditional" subsistence Cypriot
pastime was laid to rest in 2000 when the lucrative trade was finally investigated and highlighted to the wider world.

The illegal trapping was widely reported in
most British daily newspapers after a number
of incidents involving birdwatchers came to
a head during the peak migration season in
September. Two British birders had a terrible
holiday in Eastern Cyprus at the end of
September. Dr Peter Cosgrove and his father
Robin witnessed the killing at first hand when
they visited the migrant hot spot at Cape
Greco National Park. On the morning of
28 September there was a fall of c20,000
birds, predominantly (protected) Spotted
Flycatchers and Red-backed Shrikes.
Within 24 hours, >95% of these birds were
dead or dying on limesticks or in mist-nets.
One of the trappers threatened to shoot the
birdwatchers for taking photographs of the
bird-killing. When the birdwatchers
retreated to their hotel, the police arrived
and questioned them for alleged spying.
Later it emerged that this was common
practice, with the trappers regularly reporting
anyone photographing the illegal killing to
the police as spies. The police confiscate
the films and the tourists are usually too
intimidated to take the matter further.

In an attempt to avoid trouble, the Cosgroves
left Cape Greco and went inland and further
along the coast. During the remainder of
their holiday, they visited 85 different
woodland and scrub sites and found
limesticks, mist-nets and traps in every site
visited. The trapping was so blatant that mist-
nets were even tied to public fences and
road signs! Competition for these migrant
bushes was so intense that none were left
vacant or available and there was evidence
of huge scale acacia plantings and watering,
just to create new sites along the coast for
killing migrants. To provide an idea of the
scale of the trade, the following figures were
provided by authorities at the British
Sovereign Base (BSB) at Dhekelia. In 1999,
367 mist nets were seized, together with a
large quantity of other poaching equipment
and 14 poachers were arrested. Up to
September 2000, 123 more nets were
seized, 1 3 poachers were arrested and many
more were reported on summons, all this
from one relatively small area.

The Cosgroves' experiences were not
isolated. Part of the new bird hide at Larnaca
was blown up by a bomb in the summer
and a British birder living in Cyprus was
attacked and beaten up when he intervened
to stop trappers killing a number of fully
protected birds on the Dhekelia BSB area
near Cape Pyla. Later in October, the same
birder was threatened with an iron bar near
Akhna Dam, also on the BSB area.

This lucrative trade has developed
dramatically in the last 3 years due to a
combination of factors. The illegal bird trade
has been swamped with cheap, good
quality mist-nets. 1 2 ft high, 40 ft long mist-
nets, imported from Italy and Japan, cost
between £5-8 each, or the equivalent
gained from selling half a dozen Common
Nightingales. Limesticks, although also
illegal, are mass-produced at a factory in
Cyprus. The efficiency of these "tools" has
recently been increased beyond recognition
by the use of cheap CD and tape-players
placed under the nets and limesticks in the
spring and autumn. The CDs and tape-
players each play different bird calls. Thus,
for example, a single trapper can
concentrate effort by using one net to target
shrikes, one for Sylvia warblers, one for
Eurasian Wrynecks and one for buntings,
with most trappers catching up to 1 00 birds
in a morning.

Spotted Flycatcher dying on a limestick,
Cyprus. Pete Cosgrove

In October, the Daily Mail paid for an RSPB
undercover investigations officer to travel to
Cyprus and witness the killing for themselves.
The trip was given a special 2 page gruesome
colour write-up on 3 November in the Daily
Mail and extensive coverage on the RSPB's
web-site. During their visit, the RSPB
estimated that up to 5 miles of mist nets
covered the Cape Greco area alone.
Perhaps more significantly, the Cypriot press
ran the story over successive weekends in
October with the Sunday Mail dedicating
the centre pages of its weekend colour
supplement to 3 stories: (1)"A massacre of
millions", (2) "The killing fields of Cape
Greco" and (3) "Cyprus simply cannot carry
on killing everybody else's birds".

Following the Sunday Mail's article, the local
Green Party issued a plea for the public to
inform both them and police about any
cases of illegal trapping they come across.
Around the same time, the Cyprus
Conservation Foundation, an NGO working
in Cyprus on conservation issues, took up
the issue in the Greek (as well as English)
press. As a result of all the adverse publicity,
a crackdown on netting and liming by the
Republic of Cyprus and Sovereign Base
Police forces in the Larnaca and Famagusta
area was reported on Cypriot television news
at the beginning of November.

One of the most interesting developments
was reported in November in the Cyprus
Mail. The powerful Cyprus Hunting
Association backed the RSPB's call for
Cyprus's entry to the EU to be blocked by
urging Brussels to make a clampdown on
limesticking and mist-netting a precondition
for Cyprus accession. The Association was
keen to improve its image by adopting a more
conservation friendly approach. This also
triggered a large rally in Paralimni, where
large numbers of local people who wanted
'traditional' liming to be allowed to
continue, demanded that the ban on mist-
nets and tape-lures be enforced properly!

Most conservationists appear to agree that a
tourist boycott would be counter-
productive, removing the economic
incentive of green tourism revenue, and
instead urged letters to be written to the
President of Cyprus, the Department of
Tourism and the Cypriot ambassador in
London. Many of the species targeted have
seen massive declines throughout Europe
and considerable efforts are now being
made across the EU to halt these declines.
These conservation measures are only likely
to succeed if significant numbers of birds
return to their breeding areas in successive
seasons. The non-compliance of the EU
Birds Directive will probably cause Cyprus
significant problems when it comes to
negotiating accession. Clearly it is
unacceptable in the 21st century to flout
international laws, render conservation
programmes across Europe ineffective, and
expect no response from other countries.
Therefore, international pressure supported
throughout the EU might yield significant
positive results. It seems likely that this story
will run and run and it will be interesting to
see what happens during the forthcoming
spring migration season.

For more information visit the RSPB's website

on www.rspb.org.uk

4

The Great Ayrshire Bird Race 2001

To fight off the excesses of New Year, the Ayrshire Branch of the SOC decided to have a bird race. This was organised and hosted by
the social convenors of the branch's "youth" division, Dave and Julie Grant. Given the recent alcoholic damage done to brain cells,
the rules were simple:

We would start at 9 am and finish at 4.30
pm from Chez Grant in Coylton. Teams must
have at least 3 members who must all see
the species for it to count. No straying outside
Ayrshire, and none of that "I heard it"
nonsense.

Three teams took part, who were named (for
the purposes of this report) as follows:

Ringers: Jim "Vice Chair" Thompson, Tony
"Logistics" Scott, Davy "Mist Net" Gray.
Amateurs: Angus "Red Wine" Hogg,
Andrew "SNH" Stevenson, Dick "White
Wine" Vernon

Juniors: Dave and Julie Grant, Kevin Waite.

The weather was mild but overcast with rain
forecast for later in the day; high tide was at
8 am. The itineraries of the 3 teams were a
closely guarded secret. The Ringers and
Amateurs had done some un-sportsmanlike
bird searching the day before, while the
Juniors concentrated on "planning" in The
Keys public house.

The Amateurs sped away with the screech
of wheel-spin as the clock chimed 9 am, with
the others taking a more laid-back style.
Post-race analysis showed an interesting
difference in strategies. The Amateurs
considered the state of the tide, prevailing
wind and accessibility of off-licences before
deciding to head for Martnaham Loch, then
Ayr and north to Fairlie. (Suspicion has it
that once a species was ticked, car horns and
shotguns were used to spoil things for
following teams: the evidence being the
strangely absent 8 Bohemian Waxwings just
10 minutes after they sped through Ayr!)

The winning team - The Amateurs - Dick
Vernon, Andrew Stevenson and Angus Hogg

The Ringers took a more southerly tack with
a greater inland emphasis. Was this too risky?
Only the final counts would tell. The Juniors
based their approach on a careful geo-
ornithological analysis. Unlike the Amateurs,
we were after Quality and not mere
Quantity. We too headed north but picked
our target sites with care. We were rewarded
by a low-level pass by a White Stork over

The Ringers - Jim Thompson, Tony Scott and
Davy Gray

Irvine. Despite the competition, our public
duty required us to phone Birdline and the
other team with a phone. Suggestions that
this was only to gloat are beneath contempt!
With the light fading and the rain falling, the
race was soon over. As expected, the
Amateurs were playing down missing out on
the White Stork with comments like "Of
course, it must be an escape!" and "Surely
you're not going to count that?" - methinks
they protest too much.

fought match: the Ringers gaining ground on
inland species only to lose it to the Amateurs
and Juniors on the coast. The final scores
were as follows: Amateurs = 91 (84 miles),
Juniors = 78 (88 miles) and Ringers = 68
(49 miles). A prize bottle of wine was
presented in a most gracious fashion by the
organiser Dave Grant to the Amateurs.

Bohemian Waxwing Dave Grant

Kevin Waite

The Grants laid on a wonderful afternoon
tea and it was down to the business of
comparing lists. This was conducted in a
serious and friendly manner as befits an SOC
meeting, although Ciconia ciconia did seem
to touch some raw nerves. It was a closely

The total cumulative number of species seen
was 98, which given the weather and time
of year is a very creditable tally for Ayrshire.
Highlights included Hen Harrier, Peregrine
Falcon, Bohemian Waxwing, Common
Greenshank, Brent Goose, Iceland Gull,
Goosander, Whooper Swan, Smew, and
Red-throated Diver. Oh, there was also that
White Stork!

Everyone thought the whole event a great
success and it is already set as an annual
event. Many other birders have expressed
interest in joining the race, and so next year
could be even better. Our thanks go to Dave
and Julie Grant for organising and hosting
the event. Details of the routes, the species
seen, can be seen on the Ayrshire Branch
website: this can be reached from the
Branches section of the SOC website.
http://www.the-soc.org.uk

Smew

5

SOC Fife Branch Trip to Northumberland, 9-1 1 June 2000

It is pleasant to report on a trip that was both enjoyable and included several noteworthy sightings. On our way south a couple of us
stopped off at Hulne Park, a mature woodland on the slopes of the River Ain. A previous SOC trip to this woodland gave us an idea of
where would be good places to birdwatch. We were soon rewarded with Spotted Flycatchers and nesting Great Tits. A Wood
Nuthatch appeared briefly. While we waited patiently for it to reappear a Eurasian Sparrowhawk flashed through the trees and a
Hawfinch obligingly sat out in the open on an adjacent tree, giving everyone excellent views of this species which has the reputation of
being very elusive. Following an agreeable walk through the woods looking at the commoner woodland species, we drove on to
Sunderland, settled into our respective guest houses and met up with other members of the party.

Next day we gathered together at 9 am, but
Brian had already done an early morning
reconnaissance, coming across some Yellow
Wagtails in a disused railway cutting and
some bird calls which he was fairly sure were
Lesser Whitethroats. These findings were
worthy of further investigation but first we
visited Low Newton Pools, about 4 miles
south of Seahouses, where we saw a variety
of ducks, gulls and terns. Impressive
numbers of both Arctic and Little Terns were
breeding there, as explained by the
enthusiastic warden and his assistants. A stop
was then made at Brian's cutting, where
Common Whitethroats, Common Linnets
and European Greenfinches were easily
seen. Donald confirmed the distinctive calls
we heard as being those of the Lesser
Whitethroat, but the 2 birds were only seen
fleetingly, hidden in the dense foliage.

After lunch was one of the highlights, for
me, of the weekend; a trip out to the Fame
Islands. Various gulls, Great Cormorants,
Common Guillemots, Seals and Cuddy
Ducks (local name for Common Eiders,
Cuddy being a corruption of Cuthbert, the
local saint) were plentiful as we made a tour
of the islands. On landing on one of the
islands we were greeted by representatives
of the National Trust who relieved us of £4
each for the privilege of landing. The other
island inhabitants, however, were not so
welcoming and they did their best to repel
us from their shores. Crack flying squadrons
of Arctic Terns were mobilised and several
direct hits were made against us, as my sore

head testified. Hundreds of Atlantic Puffins,
Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns were
easy to see and photograph, but we also
saw a few Roseate Terns thanks to some
information by one of the Wardens.

After returningto the mainland we indulged
in a spot of twitching and went off to find a
Rosy Starling, which had been reported
frequenting a garden on a housing estate in
Bedlington. As soon as we had parked in a
a side-street near the garden, the bird flew
out to met us and landed on a garage roof
just opposite. If only all birds could be so
obliging! Even that was not the end of the
day's viewing because, after our evening
meal in an Alnwick pub, we made a dusk
trip to Holburn Moss where we were
rewarded with views of both Eurasian
Woodcock and European Nightjars.

Little Grebe David Mitchell

The following morning, after revisiting to the
railway cutting for further views of Lesser
Whitethroats, our main destination was the
Northumberland Wildlife Trust site at
Hauxley, near Amble. Again we saw the 4
species of tern, plus Gadwall, Common
Pochard, Ruddy Duck, Reed Bunting, Sedge
Warbler, Grey Partridges and 2 Yellow
Wagtails. A few miles south of Hauxley is
another Trust reserve, Cresswell Pools, which
housed a variety of wildfowl, gulls and terns.
Among the many European Wigeon was
one American Wigeon with its distinctive
head markings, which showed clearly
whenever one could get the telescope to
stay steady in the strong wind. Our final
destination before the trip back to Scotland
was over to Holy Island. Not many waders
were seen on the mudflats but on the island
Lough, a reed fringed freshwater lake, were
some Ruddy Ducks, Black-necked and Little
Grebes and Bar-tailed Godwits. The route
back to the cars took us along the Straight
Lonnen, a track noted for attracting unusual
migrants, but on this occasion none were
found.

So that concluded another very successful
and enjoyable SOC trip. A wide variety of
birds were seen and most people saw at least
one new species.

Many thanks are due to Allister for organising
the itinerary.

Mike Walton

This article is taken from the Fife Branch
Newsletter

6

Sounds of Speyside on the Kenyan coast

The tide was out, stranding thousands of tiddlers in the rock pools - black and yellow
stripey ones, iridescent blue spotty ones, pinky-grey smudgey-blotched camouflaged
ones - all potential breakfast snacks for the patrolling Pied Kingfishers and Little Egrets.
But for once I was ignoring the birds, distracted by the novelty of the fishes, slowly
grazing sea hares, fierce red and green crabs and delicate jade-green coral. Until I
heard a memory-jogging sound... a regular, high-pitched peeping call, and, looking
seawards, found an Osprey in display flight. He was flying parallel with the shore, over
the shallow, sparkling waters of the reef, carrying a fish in his talons. He climbed high,
then dropped seawards, climbed again, dropped again, all the while calling to another
bird which flew out from the palm trees and joined him.

I wasn't surprised to see an Osprey, after all,
it was late October and Ospreys commonly
winter on the east coast of Africa. But why
was this bird displaying? Ospreys aren't
known to breed south of the Gulf of Aden.
And they don't winter with their mates. I
knew that, because in the early seventies I
spent many weeks as a voluntary warden at
the Loch Garten Osprey camp. Sometimes I
was there in early April when the male first
arrived, and it would be several days before
a female turned up to join him. They
certainly weren't paired on arrival. So in
Kenya I was probably watching sub-adult
birds engaging in some premature courtship
behaviour, to be practised in earnest in future
summers, some ten thousand miles or so
further north.

I stood basking in the equatorial sunshine,
listening to the urgent, familiar call,
remembering Scots Pine forest, the forward
hide, Crested Tits, cold tents, Mary Marsh's
home-cooking, washing up marathons....

But I wasn't here at Watamu as an RSPB
volunteer, I was here as A Rocha's
International Administrator, helping Colin
Jackson, an ornithologist working with A
Rocha Kenya, to lead a members' week. And
I wasn't staying at a snowy camp site, with
baths at the Nethybridge Hotel on offer once
a week. We were based at Turtle Bay Beach
Club, living in luxury, with unlimited hot
baths and showers and food and drink
available round the clock.

We'd come to learn about the A Rocha
Kenya project. So we joined Colin when he
was ringing in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, a
20 x 20 km remnant of coastal forest which
once stretched for hundreds of miles along
the coast. We saw in the hand two of the
Globally Endangered species found here:
Spotted Ground Thrush and East Coast
Akalat. But hardly any ringing studies are
being done in Kenya at the moment - the
Nairobi Ringing Group (started by Colin)
operates regularly, but here on the coast only
Colin is ringing now. A Rocha plans to
establish a field study centre here, facilitating
research, training and environmental
education. There are keen naturalists acting

as forest guides, superbly skilled at identifying
and mimicking the bird calls, eager to be
trained in research and monitoring
techniques. So much urgently needs to be
learnt. We encountered big flocks of the
endemic Clarke's Weaver in the forest - but
their breeding sites have yet to be located.
We saw the tiny Sokoke Scops Owl, its
survival threatened by illegal logging and
clearance for farmland - but nobody has
ever found its nest.

We saw many exotic birds: sci m itarbi I Is,
trogons, helmet-shrikes, sunbirds, bulbuls
and weavers. But it was the familiar birds
which excited me most. Not just the Ospreys,
but the waders at Mida Creek and Sabaki
River Mouth. Lying back in the shade of a
mangrove tree, I watched Common
Creenshanks probing in warm mud, with a
pink shimmer behind them (well you can't
focus on Greater Flamingo and Common
Greenshank at the same time, they wade at
different depths!). Grey Plover, Ringed
Plovers and Common Sandpipers flock
together with the more exotic Greater and
Lesser Sand Plovers, Terek Sandpipers and
hundreds of Little Stints.

Eurasian Curlew look different here - paler,
and longer-billed, but it's hard to study
Curlews when there are Crab Plovers about.
These are stonking black and white waders
with long, sturdy bills designed for crushing
crabs. They have strange, unwaderish habits,
nesting down burrows in colonies, like
rabbits. They don't breed here on the Kenyan
coast, where temperature are only about
30 C, but in Somalia, where the only place
to stay cool is underground. No food for the
chicks down a tunnel, so they can't feed
themselves, as wader chicks normally do,
but wait for their parents to bring food back
to them.

For a glorious blend of the familiar and the
unfamiliar, the Kenyan coast is hard to beat.
If you'd like to know more about A Rocha
Kenya or Turtle Bay Beach Club contact A
Rocha, Connansknowe, Kirkton, Dumfries,
DG1 1 SX, Phone/Fax 01387 710286, E-
mail a_rocha@compuserve.com or look at
www.arocha.org.

Barbara Mearns

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The fnvvlfy optical Experts

7

SOC Annual Conference 2000

After the usual congenial reunions around the bar on the Friday evening, delegates went through to the main room to be staggered by
a succession of wonderful images presented by Dennis Courts, the FHonorary President of the Shetland Bird Club. Through the years
we have become used to seeing Dennis' pictures in Birding World, Birding Scotland and most especially the British Birds Rarities
Committee Annual Report, but the impact of them en masse was quite staggering, considering most of us would be quite grateful just
to see the birds involved, never mind taking brilliant and crisp photos of them. The succession of mouthwatering America and Siberian
rarities was enlivened by Dennis' anecdotes, including that of the wedding where the official photographer's mind wasn't wholly on
taking pictures of the happy couple, but rather the White-throated Needletail that was bombing round the church at the time.

The Balavil Sport Hotel, Newtonmore.

This would normally be a hard act to follow
but fortunately the standards of the images
presented to the audience afterwards when
showing the results of the SOC Photographic
Competition were excellent.

Klaus Mailing Olsen

The main part of the Conference started on
Saturday morning with Klaus Mailing Olsen,
a member of the Danish Rarities Committee.
Cull taxonomy, especially the Herring Gull
complex, has recently been in a constant
state of flux as different populations have
been considered as having specific status.

Most birders are rather bemused by the
features that we are expected to look for in
trying to identify the different races/species
of Herring Gulls. Klaus concentrated his
efforts on looking at the features of just one
form, the 'Caspian Gull' Larus argentatus
cachinnans, one of the populations that we
might well expect to see in Scotland. Using
an exceptional series of photos he took us
through the main characteristics that should
be looked out for in each of the main age
plumages of the form. This is a leggy, elegant
gull with a small, angular head and long
sloping forehead and a flat crown, a long
neck and a long slender weak-looking bill.

While these features looked self-evident in
the photos I rather suspect that it wouldn't
be quite as easy when confronted with a
flock of 2,000 Herring Gulls at Dunbar
harbour in the autumn. He finished his talk
with some discussion of Kumlien's and
Slender-billed Gulls, other forms on many
birders wish-lists.

Norman Elkins, from Fife Branch, a familiar
face at many SOC conferences, then spoke
to us in his professional capacity as a
meteorologist. We are all fans of the weather
forecast. I suspect that birders form what must
be the most enthusiastic part of the weather
forecast audience, most especially in the
spring and the autumn. The shipping forecast
cannot be listened to much more avidly
than by a carload of birders, just before
dawn on an autumn morning with easterlies!

Our fascination with rarities is fuelled by the
unexpected gifts of the weather systems and
Norman told us just which aspects of the
climate that we should thank for the bounty
of that cracking Dendroica warbler or that
lovely Siberian wader. Norman then went
on to talk about the changing climate,
something of topical concern in view of the
difficulties experienced by our southern
brethren (including 2 of the speakers at the
conference) with the recent flooding. It was
refreshing to hear from an expert that Global
Warming (note the caps!) was a term much
misused by the media and that the court
was still out on the extent to which the
recent warming trend was part of the natural
variation in climate over long periods of time
or whether it was wholly man-made due to
atmospheric CO, pollution. Just as Klaus had
done, Norman presented what might have
been a very technical talk in a manner that
was clear, concise and wholly
comprehensible to lay persons.

Norman Elkins

After the morning coffee break we returned
to hear from Chris Wernham from the British
Trust for Ornithology about the soon-to-be
published BTO Migration Atlas. Compiled
from the huge database available to the BTO
after many decades of ringing returns, the
Migration Atlas will draw together not only
the ringing data, but the expertise of
acknowledged experts for each of the
species examined, with what appears to be
pretty good graphical design and computer
graphics from Poysers, the publishers. Page
mock-ups were shown, each one well laid
out and accompanied by some eye-
catching vignettes from known artists. The
BTO have recently made considerable
efforts to establish a presence in Scotland
rather than treating us as a distant northern
outpost of the UK where there are lots of
good birds.

Chris Wernham

The appointment of Alan Lauder to Head
of the BTO in Scotland is to be welcomed
and part of this process could be seen when
Chris took us through some of the species
accounts that were of particular interest to
Scotland and indeed how Scotland's
contribution to the ringing scheme as a
whole was of great importance (we pulled
more than our weight). The European
Storm-petrel pages were particularly
interesting. Chris did express a hankering
to become part of the expanded BTO
presence in Scotland. I'm sure talks like this
will make her more than welcome.

Another familiar face at these conferences
over the years Ken Shaw, of the RSPB by
occupation and the British Birds Rarities
Committee for his sins, then spoke to us
about migrants from the perspective of a
county birder. Having been intimately
involved in birding in both North-east

8

Scotland and Fife, where he now lives, Ken
related lots of stories about his favourite
migrants. Some involved perhaps his
favourite garden bird from his days on the
North-east coast, a Booted Warbler, while
others reflected his current enthusiasm in
Fife, the Mediterranean Gull, which is now
appearing in increasing numbers in
Scotland. Ken's enthusiasm for his subject
spoke volumes about what he got out of
birding, not just in pursuit of migrants but
also in terms of friends and acquaintances.

Ken Shaw

He went on to talk about the importance of
birders putting something back into birding
through working a patch and then
contributing to their local bird report, and
through that the national report. Everyone's
contribution, however small, was helpful in
building up the big picture of what was going
on at county and national level.

Lunch followed. For the rest of us, keen on
getting a Speyside goodie, it was out into the
field, grabbing a bowl of soup at the local
cafe en route. The best value appeared to
be for those that headed southwest in the
Laggan area, where up to 5 Golden Eagles
were seen in the air at once.

Left to right: Mark Holling (partly hidden),
Alan Lauder, Norman Elkins, Chris Wernham,
Martin Collinson & Paul Speak viewing Twite
from the side of the A9 just north of
Newtonmore.

Those that headed into the forested area
around Insh and Glen Feshie, in search of
Crested Tit, WesternCapercaillie and
Crossbill had less spectacular results,
although we were grateful that Klaus bagged
a crossbill that he was convinced sounded
different from the Common and Parrot
Crossbill he knows from Denmark.

After tea and cakes we settled down to listen
to Ian Burfield talking about this PhD work
on Ring Ouzel. With the recent decline in
Ring Ouzel numbers it is a bird that is starting
to slip from amber to red conservation status.
The problem is that there is a lack of
knowledge as to why it is failing. To elucidate
this decline Ian investigated the recent
puzzling variation in success between the
birds of the Angus Glens, where they thrive,
while the Moorfoots Hills population seems
to be in decline. His investigation into the
habitat parameters of the large number of
territories that he worked on (with the help
of local SOC members and using work done
by SOC local surveys conducted in the
1 980s and 1 990s) suggested that there were
few real physical differences between the 2
areas to account for the differences in
success other than land management. The
Moorfoots are badly overgrazed when
compared to the Angus Glens. He made a
number of suggestions, such as excluding
or reducing grazing within some habitats to
see if birds might return to sites where they
formerly bred.

Ian Burfield

Ian Wallace, followed with a typically
idiosyncratic talk about Common
Rosefinches. In a refreshing contrast to the
high-tech and highly colourful "Power
Point" slides that are becoming the standard
at conferences, Ian gave us a lower tech but
highly artistic presentation that combined
his hand-written tables with some of his
fantastic paintings and sketches that we are
all familiar with. He told us of the expansion
of Common Rosefinch through Europe from
the Central and Eastern Palearctic heartland
and the intermittent attempts to colonise the
British Isles. He discussed the reasons for the
current impasse, suggesting that Common
Rosefinches prefer to breed in loose
aggregations. The combined singing of
several males is necessary spur to successful
breeding and colonisation - the Viagra of
Rosefinches!

Ian Wallace

The AGM followed with the SOC President,
Brian Downing, fielding a number of
questions from the floor about the proposed
shift from Regent Terrace. However, due to
difficulties with the planning authorities,
progress getting suitable accommodation in
the Dunblane/Bridge of Allan area had been
held up and there was no definite outcome
yet in sight.

The annual dinner followed. I must remark
that Conference Dinners have improved
both in terms of the quality of the food and
more immensely with the removal of the
after-dinner speech. Things are much more
relaxed, probably even more so for those
that sit through the dinner at the top table
with sweaty palms and no appetite! The
ceilidh followed for those of that bent, the
bar for those that prefered their exercise in
the form of weight-lifting with one arm.

Klaus being introduced to the delights of a
celeidh by SOC Secretarial Assistant, Helen
Cameron.

In the morning after, the "waking-the-dead"
slot fell to Martin Collinson of the British
Birds Editorial Board and the BOU
Taxonomic Sub-committee who provided
a "Rough Guide to Taxonomy" in order to
explain the why and wherefores of splitting
and lumping. With the aid of some
marvellous graphics and the choice of some
good examples he showed how speciation
is not a cut and dried event but rather a
continuum of events within the speciation
process where it is difficult, if not impossible
in some situations, to say whether speciation
has occurred or if the populations involved

Martin Collinson

are still the same species. Martin made it
abundantly clear which side of the line he
fell when it came to the contentious attitudes
of some in Britain in adopting the PSC
(phylogenetic species concept). Despite the
fact that the current paradigm, the BSC

9

(biological species concept), was over 50
years old it was still by far the most useful
tool for studying the speciation of birds. The
main difficulty was the fact that the BSC
recognised just 2 levels of speciation, the
subspecies and species, in what was a
continuum of variation.

From a talk about the boundaries of species
and subspecies followed a talk by Ron
Summers on the speciation of crossbills in
Scotland. This was cutting-edge fieldwork
into one of the most interesting
developments in taxonomy in recent years.
Since Loxia scotica was elevated to the rank
of a full species, research has been going on
to investigate the ecology and status of the
Scottish Crossbill. It came as a great suprise
to many people when scrutiny of birds in
the field revealed not just 2 populations of
crossbills in Scotland, the Common and
Scottish Crossbill, but the fact that there were
even larger-billed birds that fit the description
of Parrot Crossbill.

Ron steered us through the reasons for
reaching these conclusions. In addition to
material on the measurements of birds in
the field that showed populations with 3
sizes of bills, there were also clear signs of
habitat differentiation between the
populations. However the best method of
telling these cryptic species apart was
undoubtedly their vocalisations, in
particular the 'chip' call familiar to anyone
who has worked crossbills. Having recorded
hundreds of birds across Scotland and
Northern England and using sonagrams and
taped calls to demonstrate the differences,
Ron gave a preview of a forthcoming paper
on the situation. Indeed taping of birds on
the conti nent suggests that the taxonomy was
also interesting elsewhere. Work on crossbill
DNA indicated that the differences between
Scottish crossbills were not as great as that
seen between other passerines but the other
evidence indicated that they were indeed
acting as good species. A case where
ecological and morphological
differentiation had moved ahead of genetic
differentiation. After Martin's talk on trying
to shoehorn a continuum of taxonomic
variation into just 2 categories, Ron's
explanation of the complexities of crossbills
was a brilliant coup.

Ron Summers

Andy Thorpe

Andy Thorpe, local recorder for North-east
Scotland, told us something of his new
responsibilities as recorder for the North Sea
Bird Club. Stretching the credulity of other
local recorders, Andy definitely stated that
he was paid to be recorder for the North
Sea Bird Club! Well sponsored by the oil
and gas industry, the NSBC has been
collecting bird records from the rigs,
production platforms and boats that are
stationed offshore. The records are
gradually being databased and Andy
showed us some of the material that has
already been analysed from the large
assembly of records. Some of the
photographs of falls of migrants on the rigs
were almost unbelievable, with ranks of
exhausted passerines bedecking the
structures, hunted by veritable flocks of
Long-eared Owls ! The North Sea Bird Club,
celebrating its 21 st birthday, has clearly come
of age.

Steve Willis took us through the delights of
landing on the remote Treshnish Islands off
the Argyll coast. Steve and other Argyll
enthusiasts land annually on the islands for
a spell of survey and ringing work. This has
allowed them to build up a detailed picture
of the island's avifauna. The rigours of
camping on the islands were interesting,
having to put up with the nocturnal girnings
of European Storm Petrel, Manx Shearwater
and worst of all, Corn Crake, all birds that
many would be quite keen to be disturbed
by at night! Compensation apparently came
at the bottom of the bottle of Grouse tucked
away behind the stove! The ringing results
were particularly interesting and showed
what a small group of people could
accomplish in a short spell of work
undertaken on an annual basis.

This most successful conference was
formally closed by Brian Downing with
thanks to the SOC staff and volunteers who
helped to make things run smoothly. The
organisers promise that lapel microphones
would be available next year to allow the
deafer members, who seem to habitually sit
at the back, to hear properly.

Ray Murray

The best of days

One of the benefits of taking early retirement
is that it gives one the opportunity to travel.
One of the benefits of travel is that it gives
one the opportunity to see new birds.

So, having freed ourselves from the shackles
of general medical practice, my wife and I
decided to travel. We went first to the West
Indies by banana boat and then round the
world on a copra boat. This article is a short,
bird-orientated account of these journeys.
Deeply hidden in what follows is a brief
description of our 'best of days' amongst
birds.

'Birds of the West Indies' by James Bond
provided all we needed to identify the birds
we saw in and around these islands. Ian
Fleming's hero was named after this author
when Fleming, in search of a name, glanced
idly at his own copy in Jamaica.

After making landfall on Barbuda we arrived
in Antigua. Offshore were several Frigate Birds
(Man O' War Birds) and the harbour of St.
John's contained many Laughing Gulls.
These are the only gulls to be found in any
number in the West Indies. Their call is like
a hearty, cackling human laugh. We saw a
Lesser Antillean Bullfinch and Brown
Pelicans on the way over to beautiful English
Harbour and then a Cattle Egret sitting on a
cow.

On passage to St. Kitts we came upon an
Audubon's Shearwater and many Brown
Boobies. The former is commoner around
Mustique and the other Grenadines. St. Kitts,
together with St. Lucia and Barbados, had
too many distractions for us to think about
birds but we had, near Soutriere in the south
of St. Lucia, a wonderful close-up view of a
Green Heron or 'Poor Joe.' This is one of
the commonest water birds of the West
Indies.

Then to Grenada where we jumped ship.
We were lucky enough to be able to stay for
a night with the hospitable Mrs. Betty
Mascoll. Her old plantation home still
contains some of the English furniture her
forebears took out with them when they
settled to cultivate sugar cane at the north
end of the island. The 'large dragonfly' I was
watching on the bougainvillaea which
covered the terrace was in fact an Antillean
Crested Humming Bird. Next morning, we
found and freed another variety, Green-
throated Carib, which was trapped between
the sashes of one of our bedroom windows.
On the outskirts of Grenada's capital, St.
George's, we saw a Carib Grackle. But sailing
time approached and the taxi driver was
not keen to stop to let us look longer. 'St.
George's is a great little town,' he said, 'but
very jammy!' (meaning traffic-jammy).

On St. Vincent, north of Mustique, Dr. Earle

10

Kirby was leaving his little museum in the
botanic garden as we arrived. He saw us
laughing at the goggle-eyed appearance of
a Bare-eyed Thrush (or Yam Bird) and kindly
spent half an hour pointing out other species.
A most charming man, he is an expert on
Caribbean birds and their calls. From the
latter he was able to deduce events such as
the arrival of a particular predator. We
identified a Tropical Mockingbird and a
Yellow-bellied Elaenia. Kirby confirmed a
Rusty-tailed Flycatcher (also known as the
St. Vincent Flycatcher) which we had seen
earlier at the famous breadfruit tree in the
gardens. This tree was the first of its kind
brought from Tahiti by Captain Bligh in a
failed attempt by the British Government to
provide food for the African slaves working
on the new St. Vincent sugar plantations.
Dr. Kirby pointed out a St. Vincent Bullfinch
saying, 'He's not in the books. This is a local
subspecies.' There is little interbreeding
among the birds of the Caribbean islands
and that only occasional and after a
hurricane.

The Bank Line runs a continuous copra and
palm oil collecting service for the UK, each
of its four ships going round the world
westwards with many interesting ports of
call. Each carries a handful of passengers.
We travelled on the 'Clydebank' and looked
forward in particular to the long, winding
crossing of the Pacific.

On the long haul to Tahiti we stood one
afternoon right in the bows enjoying the fine
weather and the steady roll induced by the
trade wind. A Brown Booby landed on the
rail just beside us and watched carefully as
the ever-present flying fish zigzagged away
from the ship. He then launched a series of
chases banking sharply after each zigzag.
Most of the chases were won by the fish and
he soon gave up.

In Fiji we had much more time and the use
of our own car. The reference book here
was 'Birds of the Fiji Bush' by Fergus Clunie
(Fiji Museum, Suva 1984). Red-vented
Bulbuls landed on the ship as we docked
and were numerous round the National
Rugby Ground. The Brown Mynah is fun at
home but not in Fiji. Introduced from India
to combat caterpillar pests on crops, they
have overbred and the incredible noise and
mess they make is now a major problem.

Our day in the delta of the Rewa river, away
to the east of Suva and beyond Nausori,
was probably our best bird day ever. A
tapioca farmer advised 'Don't leave your car.
Don't stop in villages. Too much violence.
Too much thumping the man!' and while
we thought twice before leaving we had no
problems. The delta provides many habitats
and thus a mass of birds. From these we
identified several new species. The names
were wonderful. Here was the Jungle Mynah,
the Polynesian Triller, the Golden Whistler,
the Vanikoro Broadbill, the Wood Swallow,

the Pacific Swallow and the White-rumped
Swiftlet. A magnificent Pacific Harrier flew
low over the marsh reminding us of the
Marsh Harriers of the Camargue. On the way
back to Suva we saw a Reef Heron and, out
to sea, beautiful White-tailed Tropicbirds.
That evening we ate ashore. Two varieties of
Honey Eater, the Orange-breasted and the
Wattled, were feeding in bushes in the hotel
grounds.

Bird Books

We have either Got it or can Get it
If good we will Buy it
Ian & Angela Langford
Bookcorner
Wigtown
DG8 9HQ
01988-402010

The small Fiji Museum sits in trees in its own
grounds. Many unidentified parrots fly
around these trees but Kirsty's favourite bird
of all time was unmistakable. This is the Red-
headed Parrot-finch. It is only 10 cm. in
length and very tame, looking for scraps from
visitors. It is a brilliant green with a scarlet
head, neck and rump, a real 'mini-parrot'.
Clunie's book remarks oddly 'Incompetent
observers may confuse the young of this
species with the Pink-billed Parrot-finch
which is buxom but rather vulgar-looking'!

At Lautoka in Western Fiji I in turn found my
favourite Fijian bird. This is the Red Avadavat,
a striking little bird found in flocks. It has
multiple white spots on a red background,
hence its second name of Strawberry Finch.

Our next call was at New Caledonia where
the Cagou, a flightless bird, is a national
symbol and where there were many Spotted
Fantails. In Vanuatu we saw large numbers
of White-tailed Kingfishers, many a long way
from water.

The ship's holds were now full and after a
call at Darwin, in what the locals call 'the
top end' of Australia, we passed through the
dangerous waters of Indonesia on the way
up to Singapore. We had again had a
wonderful time and the ship now had no
more calls to make. Winter was beginning
in the Northern Hemisphere and, after many
months in the warmth of the Pacific, low
temperatures did not appeal to us!

Bill Yule

Garden Birds

Good numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares
arrived in Scotland just before Christmas and
no doubt this year's excellent crop of
Hawthorn, Blackthorn and other berry-
bearing shrubs has contributed widely.
Bohemian Waxwings have also appeared
in large numbers. Several reports of large
mixed finch flocks have been reported
feeding in fields with Linseed stubble being
particularly popular.

By and large more and more birds, of more
and more species, are coming into our
gardens. We know this from the hugely
successful Garden BirdWatch scheme.

New gardens are urgently needed for this
survey, within Scotland, especially in the
rural and urban areas. The scheme costs
£10 a year, which covers the running cost
of the project. In return participants are
supplied with everything they need for
recording the weekly totals of birds, a
quarterly magazine, Bird Table, useful
discounts off quality bird food and
equipment from CJ WildBird Foods, and
expert advice to help you identify and look
after the birds in your garden. This is an
excellent opportunity to really help the birds
and at the same time contribute to scientific
conservation research.

For further information please contact:
Andrew Cannon on 01842 750050 or
email; andrew.cannon@bto.org.

Chaffinch

\ D Johnson

11

Orkney successes

Hen Harriers nesting on some Orkney
moorlands reared between 1 6-1 8 young in
2000. It was noted that 6 females had
clutches of 6 eggs and a single male was
feeding 4 of them!

The new wind turbines on Burgar Hill did
not effect 3 Red-throated Diver pairs that
chose to nest near them. In total between
1 6-20 pairs of Red-throated Divers fledged
1 1 young from the reserve.

Waders also had a good year at The Loons
and Loch of Banks with Northern Lapwing
numbers up by 29% and Eurasian Curlews
up by a quarter.

Attack of the killer Hedgehogs

The RSPB, SNH and the Scottish Executive
have started a 3 year project to assess ways
of protecting ground-nesting birds on the
Outer Hebrides from Hedgehogs. After being
introduced to South Uist in 1974,
Hedgehogs spread to Benbecula and North
Uist, now numbering at least 5000 adults.
Egg predation by Hedgehogs has been
shown to be responsible for high levels of
breeding failure of Dunlin, and the spread
of Hedgehogs has coincided with some
disastrous declines in Hebridean waders
(65% decline in Dunlin, 57% Ringed Plover,
40% Common Redshank, 40% Common
Snipe). Fencing important breeding areas
provides some protection from Hedgehogs,
but is not always entirely effective, so Nigel
Buxton, chairman of the project
management group, stated that they will
have to assess the feasibility of reducing the
number of Hedgehogs on either some or all
of the islands. Phase 1 of the Uist Wader
Project is expected to cost the participating
organisations around £300,000.

Meanwhile, the estimated cost of eradicating
American Mink from the Uists has been
estimated at £1.65 million over the next 5
years. SNH has earmarked £443,000
towards the cost of the project, which will
involve the phased eradication of Mink from
South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist. This
will allow an estimate of the amount of time
and money required for follow-up schemes
on Lewis and Harris. Mink eradication is
fundamental to the objectives of the five SPAs
on the Uists, and SNH has hence applied
for the balance of funding to be met by the
EC LIFE III fund.

Western Capercaillie breeding

success

Despite deer fences still taking a toll on the
troubled Western Capercaillie, 12 young
were reared in the Abernethy Forest study
area in 2000, and more elsewhere on the
reserve. Over the last 2 years no young had
been raised in the study area.

However, on a bleaker side, the breeding
success in 2000 is not enough to halt the
decline of the species. The RSPB continues
to press the forestry industry and estates to
remove or adept fences in key capercaillie
areas and is trying to visit estates which hold
capercaillie to offer advice, based on the
most up-to-date research.

Egg collector found guilty at
Dornoch Sheriff Court

Mark Kidd Dawson from Carlisle pled guilty
to being in possession of 2 Black-throated
Diver eggs which were illegally taken from a
nest in Sutherland in May 2000. He was
fined £1000. Pat Thompson, Conservation
Officer for the RSPB in North Scotland,
expressed his gratitude to the Northern
Constabulary for their vigilance in
apprehending egg thieves and also to the
public for the continued vigilance and
support in helping to catch these criminals.

Spotted Crake - a first nest for
Scotland

Spotted Crake is a scarce and irregular
breeding bird in Scotland. What is believed
to be the first nest ever found here was
discovered last year after radio tracking a bird
for 5 weeks on breeding territory. Fourteen
of the 1 7 eggs hatched successfully. Only one
other nest has been found in the UK in the
last 1 00 years.

Scottish Osprey falls victim to
Crocodile

When Doudou Ndong killed a crocodile
near his village, 300 km upriver in The
Gambia, he found a bird ring in its stomach
and sent the details to the return address. It
turned out that the ring belonged to a
Scottish Osprey!

The bird in question was ringed as a nestling
in 1998 by Dave Anderson on a nesting
platform at Loch Awe, Argyll. The platform,
set up by Forest Enterprise, had been used
for the first time in 1997. There are many
previous ringing recoveries of Ospreys from
West Africa, as well as records from birds
fitted with satellite transmitters - it is almost
impossible to go to The Gambia without
seeing a colour-ringed Osprey - but we can
only conjecture how this bird came to be
eaten by a Crocodile. It is feasible that it
had already died when the Croc found it,
and was scavenged, but more fun to think
of the Osprey and the Croc both going for
the same fish simultaneously.

2000 - Worst year on record for
Golden Eagles

RSPB Scotland reports that 2000 has been

the worst year on record for Golden Eagle
poisoning.

It has been confirmed that 3 Golden Eagles
were illegally poisoned in 2000 yet there
have been no prosecutions for any of these
attacks. Dave Dick, RSPB Scotland Senior
Investigations Officer, said: 'This year has
been disastrous for finding poisoned birds.
There is no question that these crimes have
been particularly targeted at Golden Eagles.
Golden Eagles are a Scottish icon and it is a
disgrace that crimes like this are still being
committed.'

Mr Dick went on: 'These 3 birds were all
found poisoned in areas traditionally good
for Golden Eagles. Sadly a large majority of
poisoning incidents take place on sporting
estates - too many for pure coincidence'

Stuart Housden, Director RSPB Scotland,
said: 'I am saddened that once again only
some owners and managers of sporting
estates have condemned this illegal activity.
This undermines the claim that they are
guardians of the countryside and lets down
the good reputation of those estates who do
conserve our natural heritage.'

REVIEWS

In Search of Nature D A Ratcliff e. Peregrine
Books , Leeds. 2000. 249pp 24 colour plates
& 24 black & white illustrations. ISBN 0-
9536543-1 7. Available from Peregrine Books
(£27 incl. p&p), 27 Hunger Hills Avenue,
Harsforth, Leeds LSI 8 5JB

Most mountain bird enthusiasts will already
have well-thumbed copies of Derek
Ratcliffe's monographs on the Peregrine and
Raven on their bookshelves. This is a more
personal book, beginning with how his
interest in wildlife was awakened over 50
years ago. From schoolboy forays by push-
bike into the countryside around his parent's
home in Carlisle, we learn that the author's
area of exploration and study was gradually
extended by bus and train (on railway lines
long since disappeared) to take in the Lake
District and the Galloway Hills. University
days at Sheffield and Bangor, a National
Service posting to the north-eastern Pennines
and subsequent employment as a research
officer with the Nature Conservancy in
Scotland, were all seized upon as further
opportunities to develop what proved to be
a lifelong passion for natural history and
nature conservation. Amongst other things,
Dr Ratcliffe allows the reader to share his
red-letter days of successful assaults on
formidable-looking nesting crags and the
discovery of hitherto unknown localities for
some of Britain's rarest montane plants and
animals. Just as he was first inspired by the
example and writing of the naturalists of
yesteryear, this new work will undoubtedly
stir the imagination of yet another generation
of upland ecologists.

John Mitchell

12

The Sibley Guide to Birds. David A Sibley.
Chanticleer Press 2000. 544pp. ISBN 0-679-
45122-6

With birders visiting North America on a
more regular basis today, the need for a
comprehensive identification guide has
become ever more pressing, especially in
view of North America's rapidly expanding
taxonomic list. Recent years have provided
some excellent efforts, following the footsteps
of the pioneering field guide work by Roger
Tory Peterson. The 5 year preparation work
by the author was time well spent since this
latest guide is a masterpiece in many ways.

The artwork is of an exceptionally high
standard, with the occasionally 'quirky'
drawings, nevertheless summing up the
character of the species e.g. Great-tailed
Grackle in flight. Much of the book's real
value lies in the depth of treatment which
each species receives in terms of regional
variations, or plumage states. Even hybrids
are well handled, with the large gulls
providing a valuable overview of the
countless possibilities guaranteed to excite
the few! With so much attention dedicated
to artwork, the text is limited and tends to
concentrate on the few salient features,
essential for identification. Useful
comparisons with similar species are offered,
and much attention is focused on calls and
song, so it's possible that the 'book-based'
birder looking for more detailed written
descriptions might find fault here. However,
each illustration also has comments with
pointers highlighting the key features of each
species, much in the manner of the Peterson
guides. Preceding each group of birds, there
are illustrations of all the species found
within it, facilitating the speed of reference
for beginners and seasoned campaigners
alike. In addition, there are wee extras such
as the flight patterns of displaying
hummingbirds and special reference to the
features of crossbills (groan) which offer as
full a treatment as one might reasonably
expect of a field guide.

It would be easy to pick holes in this book.
It's 'big' and not easily carried in the field; I
still find range maps covering such a large
land mass difficult to use; and there is
copious treatment of some recent escapees
(particularly Parrots) while other species
which have occurred in North America are
missing or merely given a brief mention e.g.
Eurasian Kestrel and Cahow. But that would
be nit-picking, since the real beauty of this
work likes in the thoroughness of its artwork.
For those of you contemplating a trip to
North America you should seriously
consider increasing the weight of your
baggage by including this book.

Angus Hogg

Introduction to vocalizations of crossbills
in north-western Europe. Magnus S Robb ,
in Dutch Birding 22(2):61 -1 07 (accompaning
CD with 75 tracks, playing time 61:56).

Six Common Crossbill types are compared
with Two-barred, Scottish and Parrot
Crossbills. Very detailed examination and
useful reference for anyone with an interest
in vocal types of crossbills. Further analysis
is planned and particularly for Scottish and
Parrot Crossbill, it would be of interest to see
how these types compare with those
described by Dr Ron Summers at the Annual
SOC conference in Newtonmore. Slowing
down these often very similar calls (tracks
63-71) yields surprising results and as the
author states, "recording equipment may
become as important for the birder
interested in crossbills as a camera is for the
serious gull-watcher".

Copies available from the Dutch Birding
Association (lepenlaan 11, 1901 ST
Castricum, Netherlands), cost £5.60. Credit
card orders by post to the above address or
by email to circulation@dutchbirding.nl ,
including details of credit card type, account
number and expiry date. Ordering details at
http://www.clutchbirding.nl.

Bob Dawson

Atlas das Aves Invernantes do Baixo
Alentejo by Congalo L. Elias, Luis M. Reino ,
Tiago Silva, Ricardo Tome & Pedro Geraldes
(Coords) Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo
das Aves 1 998. 416 pp, drawings and maps.
ISBN 972-96786-2-6 (pbk) £28.99.

Birders who visit southern Portugal mostly
remain in the Algarve. The subject of this
wintering atlas is the province to the north,
Baixo (lower) Alentejo, a relatively sparsely
populated area stretching from the Atlantic
Ocean to the Spanish border. It has large
areas of woodland in the west, while in the
east agricultural steppe predominates.
Wetland is scarce, especially in the east.
Although a breeding atlas is available for the
whole of Portugal, there were far fewer
observers to call upon to produce a national
winter atlas. A regional work was therefore
organised and this is the result. Field work
was carried out in December and January
for the three winters 1992-95. The survey
unit was the familiar 1 0 km square.

The text is in English as well as Portuguese,
with excellent translations of each
introductory chapter and all species
accounts. Each species has a clear map and
there are some fine illustrations. This is a
well-produced book and the authors are to
be congratulated. It comes highly
recommended if you happen to be
wintering in southern Portugal.

Norman Elkins

Also received:

Birds of Angola byWR J Dean (ISBN 1-803-
865-913) - BOU, Tring, £50.

This is number 18 in the BOU Checklist series
and contains the customary comprehensive
list of birds and where they might be found,
including breeding information. There are
also some photographs illustrating typical
topography.

Birdwatcher's Year Book 2001 (ISBN 0-
9533840-20) - Buckingham Press,
Peterborough, £14.

Contains all the usual information and
features, and has this year a 21st anniversary
feature on Wildlife Trusts.

THE GLEBE BARN
ISLE OF EIGG

Comfortable selfcatering accommodation
for large groups / families / individuals
Good facilites - fantastic views
also

Residential Summer Courses
Ideal base for

birdwatching, walking, photography
magnificent secenery, diverse habitat
abundant wildlife
Contact

Karen & Simon Helliwell 01687 482417
www.glebebarn.co.uk

Wanted for SBN

'The Best of Days, The Worst of Days....'

Extracts from your notebooks/logs or
journals which describe your best (or worst)
days out in the field. Doesn't have to be about
Scotland, but the more Scottish submissions
we get, the better. Articles should aim to be
about 1 page of SBN, about 1800 to 2000
words. Please send them to the Editor at 21
Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH 7 5BT, email
mail@the-soc.org.uk, fax 0131 558 9947.

FOR SALE

Birds - Original colour slides
SAE for current list and prices to: Vanellus
Presentations, 44 Southgrove Road,
Sheffield S10 2NQ Tel (0114) 2664362.

SOC car stickers

Ian Andrews has designed a smart new car
sticker featuring the Club's new logo. These
can be purchased from SOC, 21 Regent
Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, at 50 pence
each plus a second class stamp.

13

'Quicktode'

'Quicktide' is a card based system that allows
you to calculate the tide times for your local
area for the next 2 years. Available direct
from the manufacturers for £7.99 - call
Duncan Ogilvie on 01 17 9736699 for
further information, or look up the website
http://www.quicktide.co.uk

Tiree accommodation

Bird Clubs and SOC branches that are
considering going to Tiree to tick off Corn
Crakes and enjoy the legendary numbers of
breeding shorebirds might want to stay at
the Hynish Centre. The Centre is let as a
facility to groups of all ages. The 'Alan
Stevenson House' provides

accommodation for up to 24 people in 8
bunk bedrooms, while superior
accommodation for 8 is provided by the
'Morton Boyd House'. Group discounts
apply for 1 2 or more.

For booking and information, contact the
Warden - tel/fax 01879 220726, email
Ssmith4267@aol.com

Glasgow Natural History Society

are celebrating their 150lh Anniversary with
a Conference on

Alien Species - Friends or Foes?
15-16 JUNE 2001

in the

Boyd Orr Building, University of Glasgow

1 6 speakers will cover a wide range of
controversial subjects

There will be the opportunity for questions
and debate.

A reception for delegates will be hosted by
the University of Glasgow
Abstracts and a downloadable booking
form on our web site:-

www.gnhs.freeuk.com

or contact the conference secretary for a
booking form or further details

Mrs Morag C Mackinnon
71 Hillview Drive, Clarkston
Glasgow G76 7JJ

Tel 0141 638 2123 Fax 0141 557 6281
e-mail moragmac@clara.net

REQUESTS

Colour-ringed Dunlin

Since 1997 we have been colour ringing
breeding adult and pullus Dunlin at various
locations in Orkney. All birds ringed as
adults are identifiable as individuals. On
the right leg there is a yellow colour ring
above the knee, and two colour rings below
the knee. The left leg has a colour ring
above the BTO metal ring. The chicks also
have a yellow colour ring above the knee
on the right leg and the left leg has a colour
ring above the BTO metal ring. Birds ringed

as chicks are only identifiable as to the year
in which they were ringed. Even if the
combinations are incomplete, we would be
grateful for all sightings of birds that have a
YELLOW colour ring above the knee on the
right leg. All sightings should be sent to either
Stuart Williams Crafty, Firth, Orkney
KW17 2ES Tel: 0185676 1742 email
Stuart@gavia.freeserve.co.uk, or Jim
Williams, Fairholm, Finstown, Orkney
KW1 7 2EQ Tel: 0185676 1317

Acknowledgement will be sent along with
full history of the bird.

Colour marked Greylag Geese

Sightings of Greylag Geese bearing dye
marks, darvic rings or neck collars, together
with details of colours and letters seen, no
matter how incomplete, should be sent to:

Bob Swann, 1 4 St Vincent Road, Tain, Ross-
shire IV19 1JR Tel: 01862 894329 email
Bob.Swann@hcs.uhi.ac.uk.

This is DJ - collars should be read from
the bottom up.

Falkirk area Kestrel and Swift Surveys

Please send in your records of Common
Kestrels and Swifts in the Falkirk Local
Authority area, especially nest sites of both
species and screaming parties of Swifts, to
Angus Smith, 9 Braehead Grove, Bo'ness
EH51 OEG. This survey is organised by the
SOC in cooperation with Falkirk Area Local
Biodiversity Partnership. (Details can be
found on the SOC website under Surveys).

Third Conference of the European
Ornithologists' Union 22-26 August
2001

The third conference of the EOU will take
place in Groningen, The Netherlands, from
21 to 26 August 2001 . Excursions to various
wetlands will take place on 24 August. The
overall aim is to explore the biological
hurdles in the annual cycles of birds, such
as: John Croxall 'Surviving the roaring forties:
tracking foraging and migrating albatrosses
and allies', Jan van der Winden 'The odyssey
of the Black Tern: champion of a vanishing
niche?' and Eberhard Gwinner 'In search of
the clock: mechanisms , functions and
dependence on environmental conditions'.
Further details can be found on the NOU
website http://www.nou.nu

The annual meeting of the International
Wader Study Group (WSG) will be held in
the vicinity of Groningen, 31 August - 2
September 2001 . This should provide ideal
opportunities to combine 2 exciting
meetings in a single visit.

SOC NOTICES

200 Club

Winners in the third quarter of 2000 were:

July - 1sr £30 D Shepherd, Dundee; 2nd £20
M Bickmore, Selkirk; 3rd £1 0 J Walker, Leeds.
August - 1st £50 C McLellan, Peebles; 2nd
£30 S Jackson, Falmouth; 3rd £20 S
McCulloch, Edinburgh; 4th £10 N Grist,
Glasgow.

September - 1 5t £30 S McCulloch,
Edinburgh; 2nd £20 G Riddle, Culzean; 3rd
N Grist, Glasgow.

If you are an SOC member and over 18,
you can always join the 200 Club. Join now
for £6, payable to 'SOC 200 Club', and you
will be entered for the monthly draws until
31 May 2001, the end of our 'year'. Your
cheque will be acknowledged with thanks.
Daphne Peirse-Duncombe, Rosebank,
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6
9NH (01896 822176).

Nominations for Vice-President

Ian Andrews will take over the role of
President from Brian Downing at the 2001
AGM. Nominations for a new Vice-President
to replace Ian are required. Nominations
are also required for a member of Council.
Nominations should be signed by the
proposer and seconder and sent to The
Secretary, SOC, 21 Regent Terrace,
Edinburgh EH7 5BT no later than 31 July
2001.

2001 Annual Conference

The 2001 SOC Annual Conference is again
being held at the Balavil Sport Hotel,
Newtonmore, over the weekend 26-28
October 2001. Full details will be sent out
with the September mailing.

2001 -2002 Winter meetings

Dates of first meetings in the 2001-2002
winter session are as follows:

Ayrshire - 19 Sept; Borders - 10 Sept;
Caithness - 19 Sept; Clyde - 10 Sept;
Dumfries - 10 October; Fife - 12 Sept;
Grampian - 10 Sept; Highland - 11
Sept; Lothian - 1 8 Sept; Stewartry - 20 Sept;
Stirling - 13 Sept; Tayside - 13 Sept; and
West Galloway - 9 October. A full
programme will be sent out with the
September mailing.

South-east Scotland Discussion
Group

The South-east Scotland Discussion Group
meets on the first Wednesday of every month
between September and April. Topics
include recent and proposed surveys, both
local and national, plus local conservation
issues. Tea and cakes are provided towards

14

the end of the meeting, before a 'Round
Table' for recent bird sightings or news. All
members are welcome. The dates for the
remainder of 2001 are as follows; please
note that the April meeting will be on the
second Wednesday of the month - 1 1 April.
All meetings are held in the Library at 21
Regent Terrace at 1 930hrs.

Wednesday 11 April; Wednesday 5
September; Wednesday 3 October;
Wednesday 7 November and Wednesday
5 December.

Mute Swan Census 2001

As announced in the December 2000
edition of SBN a national census of Mute
Swans will take place in Spring 2001 . This
census will repeat those undertaken in 1983
and 1990, with the specific aims of
determining the size of the Mute Swan
population, quantifying the number of
territorial and breeding pairs in addition to
the number of non-territorial birds.

The census is being organised by the WWT
in association with the BTO, Swan Study
Group and the SOC, on whose behalf we
are co-ordinating the Scottish part of the
survey. Survey methods are very
straightforward, involving simply counting all
swans and noting whether or not the birds
are breeding (e.g. with a nest or a brood of
cygnets). There is an emphasis on counting
non-breeding flocks in mid-April to avoid
problems of double-counting of these
through movements between flock sites.

The survey unit is the 10 km square of the
national grid and observers will be asked to
visit all suitable habitat for Mute Swans within
their allocated square or part of a square.
Whilst we hope that full coverage can be
obtained for Scotland, some preselection
of 10 km squares has taken place after
discussion with the various local organisers.
These squares must be covered as a
minimum requirement of the survey. They
relate primarily to areas where on-going
studies of the Mute Swan can guarantee full
coverage, squares which held 50 or more
swans in the 1990 census all squares
occupied in the 1 990 census and a random
selection of other squares in the more
remote areas. It is hoped that this method
will result in counting the vast majority of
Mute Swans in Scotland.

Given that the population in our own study
area of Lothians and Fife has doubled
between 1 990 and 1 999, we anticipate that
many other parts of Scotland will show
substantial increases since 1990.
Consequently, it is likely that the species has
occupied many additional territories and
developed new flock sites in recent years,
some of these sites themselves being new
farm ponds and reservoirs not shown on
Ordnance Survey maps. All selected 10 km
squares, therefore, will require to be checked

thoroughly. In Scotland the additional
problems of remoteness of sites and lack of
observers could hinder the aim of full
coverage. Local organisers, therefore, will
greatly appreciate offers of help with the
census to ensure its success.

A list of local organisers in Scotland and the
areas for which they are responsible is
shown below; they will be able to allocate
an area to cover and provide survey forms
and instructions. Please volunteer your
services to help with the survey in your area
- even if this is just checking your local site
rather than a full 1 0 km square as such data
will be invaluable to achieving a
comprehensive survey. If you are unclear
which local organiser to contact please let
us know and we will direct you to the
relevant person. If you cannot commit to a
specific area please keep a note of any
territorial or breeding pairs and April flocks
you come across anywhere in Scotland in
2001 and send them to us for forwarding to
the responsible local organiser. All such
observations will be gratefully received.

The support and enthusiasm we have
received from local organisers suggests that
this will be the most successful Mute Swan
census in Scotland to date, but this can only
be achieved with the support of
birdwatchers in Scotland. The species has
a very high profile with the public and it is
up to birdwatchers to provide the data on
which its present status can be determined.
As there are a number of colour ringing
schemes taking place in Scotland this can
add to the interest of the survey and the value
of these studies so please record any rings
(colour and numbers/letters) you may see.

Let us hope for a successful survey and we
wait in anticipation the forthcoming results
which will be published in Scottish Birds.

Allan & Lyndesay Brown, 6 7 Watt's
Gardens, Cupar, Fife, KYI 5 4UG.

Tel: 01334 656804,

email: swans@allanbrown.co.uk.

Scottish Mute Swan Census 2001
List of Local Organisers

Aberdeenshire (with Kincardine and

Deeside): Alistair and Raymond Duncan,

86 Broadfold Drive, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen

AB23 8PR Tel 01224 823184

Alistair@cairncry.freeserve.co.uk

Angus: Ian Hutchison, 13 Eddie Avenue,

Brechin, Angus DD9 6YD. Tel 01356 624851

ian_ntbg@lineone.net

Argyll & Islands: Malcolm Ogilvie,

Glencairn, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49
7UN. Tel 01496 850218
maogilvie@indaal.demon.co.uk
Arran: Audrey Watters, "Sula",

Margnaheglish Road, Lamlash, Isle of Arran
KA27 8LE.

Ayrshire: Jim Thomson,
Sundrum@email.msn.com

Badenoch and Strathspey: Keith Duncan,
SNH Achantoul, Aviemore, Invernesshire
PH22 1QD. KEITH.DUNCAN@snh.gov.uk
Borders: Andrew Bramhall, 'Cygnus', 2
Abbotsferry Road, Tweedbank, Galashiels,
Borders TD1 3RX. Tel 01896 755326
andrew.bramhall@virgin.net
Bute: Ian Hopkins, 2 Eden Place, Rothesay,
Bute, Strathclyde, PA20 9BS.
ian@hopkins0079.freeserve.co.uk
Caithness: Stan Laybourne, Old Schoolhouse,
Harpsdale, Halkirk, Caithness KW12 6UN.

Tel 01847 841244

stanlaybourne@talk21 .com

Central (including Stirling): Neil Bielby,

56 Ochiltree, Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 0DF.
Tel 01786 823830
neil.bielby@ntlworld.com
Clyde (including Glasgow, Renfrew and
Lanark): Jim & Val Wilson, 76 Laigh Road,
Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 5EQ. Tel 0141
639 2516 jim.val@btinternet.com

Dumfries & Galloway: Steve Cooper,

WWT Eastpark, Caerlaverock, Dumfries &

Galloway, DG1 4RS. Tel 01387 770200

caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk

Fife & Kinross (with Isle of May): Allan &

Lyndesay Brown, 61 Watt's Gardens, Cupar.

Fife KYI 5 4UG. Tel 01334 656804

swans@allanwbrown.co.uk

Harris & Lewis: Peter Cunningham, 10 Barony

Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles

HS1 2TQ. Tel 01851 702423

Inverness-shire: Hugh Insley, 1 Drummond

Place, Inverness IV2 4JT. Tel 01463 230652

hugh.insley@tinyworld.co.uk

Isle of Cumbrae: Rupert Ormond, Bellevue,

Marine Parade, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae

KA28 OED. rupert.ormoncl@millport.gla.ac.uk

Lochaber: John Dye, Toad Hall, Dalnabreach,

Acharacle, Argyll PH36 4|X.

john.dye@virgin.net

Lothians: Allan & Lyndesay Brown, 61 Watt's
Gardens, Cupar, Fife KYI 5 4UG. Tel 01334
656804 swans@allanwbrown.co.uk

Moray & Nairn: Bob Proctor, 94 Reid Street,
Bishopmill, Elgin, Grampian IV30 4HH. Tel
01343 544874 abernethy@interramp.co.uk
Orkney: Eric Meek, RSPB, Smyril, Stenness,
Orkney KW16 3JX.
eric.meek@interramp.co.uk
Perthshire: Andy Wight, Sunshine Cottage, 2
North Green Spittalfield, Perth PHI 4JT. Tel
01738 710623 perth@interramp.co.uk

Ross-shire and Sutherland: David
Butterfield, 1 Calrichie Cottages, Kindeace,
Invergordon, Ross-shire IV18 OLN. Tel 01349
854434 dave.birder@freeuk.com

Rum, Eigg, Canna & Muck: Bob Swann,

14 St Vincent Road, Tain, Ross-shire IV19 1JR.
Tel 01862 894329 bob.swann@freeuk.com
Shetland: David Watson, Shetland Biological
Records Centre, 22-24 North Road, Lerwick,
Shetland ZE1 ONQ. Tel 01595 694688
sbrc@zetnet.co.uk

Uists & Benbecula: Chris Spray, Chapel View,
Hampsterley, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham
DU3 3PP Tel 01388 488526
Chris.Spray@nwl.co.uk

Thanks

Thanks are once again due to the volunteers
who give assistance in the office, and also
those who came in to assist in despatching
the June mailing. If you would like to help
with this task, please contact Sylvia at the
SOC office on 0131 556 6042 for details.

15

Recent Reports

mid November 2000 - mid February
2001 - a review of winter 2000-2001

There is no doubt whatsoever that the
main event of this winter was the
Bohemian Waxwing invasion that
produced the largest numbers since
winter 1 996-97. As always exact numbers
are almost impossible to gauge but at least
2000 birds were involved from around
21 Dec. The invasion really took off
during the first week of January with the
largest numbers along the east coast before
building up in the west from around 10
January. Good numbers were still about
into February. The largest reported counts
included 200+ at Shields Road, Glasgow
on 5 February (with a flock of 128
elsewhere in Glasgow on the same day,
possible part of the 200 + ), 150 at
Cambuslang, Glasgow on 21 January,
141 at Bridge of Don, Aberdeen on 11
February, 1 32 at Dumfries on 5 January,
114+ in Elgin from 3 February and 100
at Gilmore Park, Edinburgh on 4 January.
There were numerous other counts in the
30-80 birds range whilst 84 in Troon on
31 January is an Ayrshire record, and 24
on Islay on 29 December is an island
record. By mid Feb 106 birds had been
colour-ringed in and around Aberdeen
in an attempt to track the birds'
movements so please report any sightings.

Apart from the Waxwing influx, this winter
has certainly lacked sparkle, with
memories of a fantastic late autumn fading
fast. Two Briinnich's Guillemots on
Orkney would have lifted the gloom were
they not tide line corpses - at Scapa
Beach on 21 December and North
Ronaldsay on 29 January - whilst a white
morph Gyr Falcon was reported on North
Uistat North Ford on 9 February but not
seen again. The only other rarities were
all amongst wildfowl, with a first-winter
drake Lesser Scaup on South Uist on 27
January, a first for the Outer Hebrides and
a Red-breasted Goose with the Pink-
footed Geese in the Foch Leven/Powmill
area (Kinross) on 21-28 January. On 27
January it flew into Fife briefly and so
became the first county record! A female
Black Duck was present for its second
winter at Foch Fleet (Highland) from 10
December. Seven wintering drake
American Wigeons were reported,
including 4 on south mainland Shetland.
The good showing in recent years of
Green-winged Teal continued, with 10 +
seen, including the second and third
records for Caithness from 21 January.
Other wildfowl highlights included up to
4 presumed vagrant small-race Canada
Gee e on Islay (2 of the type parvipes and
2 of the type hutchinsii ) and 2/3 Ring-
necked Ducks, a drake between Loch
Leven and Lochore Meadows (Kinross/
Fife) from 23 December, a female at Loch
Kindar (Dumfries and Galloway) on 26

December, with presumably the same bird
at Carlingwark Loch from 11 February. Only
c25 Smew were reported with the largest
count again at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg,with
up to 5 birds present including 2 drakes.

Little Bitterns were reported in the period
from Orkney (fourth record), Fife (first record
since 1925 if accepted), Dumfries and
Galloway, Aberdeenshire and Loch
Lomond. Low numbers of Little Auks and
no Florned Larks or Lapland Longspurs
was disappointing. Contrasting starkly with
last winter white-winged gulls were present
in only low numbers with none at all in
some northern harbours, which are
normally the stronghold. The best numbers
were seen at Central Belt dumps and roosts.
Surprisingly 3 Kumlien's Gulls were seen,
on Shetland, in Moray and Lanarkshire
whilst michahelli s 'Yellow-legged Gull'
showed up reasonably well with 7 reported
including the first for Shetland at Loch of
Cliff, Unst on 10 January. Amongst a
reasonable scatter of Mediterranean Gulls,
a Belgian colour-ringed adult returned to
Barassie (Ayrshire) and an adult with a white
colour-ring (of either Belgian or Dutch origin)
was at Hogganfield Loch (Glasgow) on 10
February. Only 3 Ring-billed Gulls were
reported, though they did include the adult
again at Stromness (Orkney) - back for its
fourteenth winter. Wintering waders
included single Whimbrel in Ayrshire and
Borders, 2 Spotted Redshanks at Kinneil
(Upper Forth) and 10+ Green Sandpipers,
whilst a Grey Phalarope was seen at
Musselburgh on 30 December.

Red-breasted Goose Fred Westcott

Taking Bohemian Waxwing out of the

equation, the only scarce passerine to show
up well was Black Redstart with cl 5 seen,
mostly along the east coast. The only Water
Pipit was at Largo Bay, Fife, from 1 7
December, whilst the largest count of
Brambling reported was 200+ at Banchory
(Aberdeenshire) on 11 February. Only 2
Great Grey Shrikes were reported, on
Orkney in December and at Carron Valley
Reservoir in February whilst up to 6 Mealy
Redpolls at Lochore Meadows (Fife) in
January and February were the only ones
reported and an Arctic Redpoll was at
Stilligarry, South Uist, on 13 December
(possibly of the race hornemanni).

Angus Murray

ISBN 0268-3199

Scottish

Bird

News

Edited by

Martin Collinson
Assisted by

Ian Andrews, Helen
Cameron and
Sylvia Laing

Scottish Bird News is the magazine of the
SOC. It acts as a channel of communication
for SOC members and disseminates
information relevant to Scotland's birdlife.
It is published 4 times a year at the beginning
of March, June, September and December.
Articles and notices are welcomed and
should be sent to the Secretary at 21 Regent
Terrace no later than 5 weeks before
publication. The views expressed are not
necessarily the policy of the SOC.
Contributors should note that material has
to be edited, often at short notice, and it is
not practical to let authors see these changes
in advance of publication.

The

SOC

21 Resent Terrace
Ecfinbureh
EH75BT

phone 0131-556 6042
fax 0131-558 9947
e-mail mail@the-soc.org.uk
web site www.the-soc.org.uk

The Scottish Ornithologists' Club was
established in 1936. Now in its 65th year,
the SOC has 2250 members and 14
branches around Scotland. It plays a
central role in Scottish birdwatching,
bringing together amateur bird watchers,
keen birders and research ornithologists
with the aims of documenting, studying
and, not least, enjoying Scotland's varied
birdlife. Above all the SOC is a club,
relying heavily on keen volunteers and
the support of its membership.

Headquarters provide central
publications, including our journal
Scottish Birds and the Scottish Bird Report
and an annual conference, and 21 Regent
Terrace houses the largest library of bird
literature in Scotland. The network of 14
branches organises field meetings, a
winter programme of talks and social
events.

The SOC also supports the Local
Recorders' Network and the Scottish Birds
Records Committee. The latter maintains
the official Scottish List on behalf of the
Club.

More information can be found on our
web site.

passwords to access

members' web pages

'black' & 'grouse'

16

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