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Scottish Birds
The Journal of The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Or Edited by
ANDREW T. MACMILLAN, 1970 AND
TOM DELANEY, 1971 with the assistance of
D. G. ANDREW
Volume 6
1970 - 1971
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
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THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Volume 6 No 1 SPRING 1970 Price 10s
John Gooders watching Tawny Eagles inThebes
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Set amidst mountain and moor- land scenery, the Boat Hotel, with its reputation for comfort and good food, is an ideal centre for study- ing birds—the Ospreys at Loch Garten are only three miles away, and this is the country for Crested Tit, Crossbill, Capercaillie and much besides. Also ideal for photography, fishing and climbing. 18-hole golf course 2 minutes from hotel. Per- mits available for the river Spey. Under ownership of Mr and Mrs James Harris. Reduced rates for children when sharing room.
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IMIVPGHNPP) QP) pg}.
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Please write to Mrs C. Arm- strong for terms.
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BN Tel. 031-556 5624
SCOTTISH BIRDS
21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
Contents of Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 1970
Page
Editorial ais ae) set ai oi 1 BTO Ornithological ‘Atlas 1968- 72 Bk ae 3 Goose studies at Loch Leven in 1967/68. By 1. Newton a
C. R. G. Campbell (plates 2-3)... ae 5 Winter home range and feeding habits of a Great Grey Shrike
in Morayshire. By R. Hewson (plates 1, 4). Notes on a
Great Grey Shrike wintering in Lanarkshire (K. C. R. Halliday).
Notes on — feeding behaviour of a apne Great Eey
Shrike (R, J. Tulloch) one ; see 18 Short Notes
Black-necked Grebes nesting in Selkirkshire (A. J. Smith)... 26
Black-browed Albatross in Orkney (K. & M. Janich, N. van Swelm) 26
Purple Heron at Fair Isle (R. H. Dennis) os 27
Green-winged Teal in Fife (K. C, R. & H. S. C. Halliday,
J. M. McFarlane) a 28 Blue-winged Teal in Outer Hebrides (A. mR . ,MoGregor)_ vai 28 Ring-necked Duck in Aberdeenshire (M. J. H. Cook) ... Be, 33 Escaped American Red-tailed Hawk orien with Buzzard
in Midlothian (J. B. Murray) ree 34 Kites in Angus (G. Stephen) ante Hh oi fe 37 Black Kite in Orkney (E. Balfour) Rs nae s. 38 Red-footed Falcon in Shetland (R. J. Tulloch) Ee a 39 Long-billed Dowitcher in Dunbartonshire (R. J. W. Shaw) Eas 40 Dowitcher in Inner Hebrides (C. S. Tait) me 41 Marsh Sandpiper in Shetland (D. Coutts) ABS ies a 42 Sabine’s Gull in Ross-shire (R. A. Hume) a sea a 43 Behaviour of migrant Black Terns (B. P. Bower) oe 44, White-winged Black Tern in East Lothian (R. M. Curber) soe 4s: Gull-billed Terns in Stirlingshire (C. S. Tait)... re 45 Three Bee-eaters in Fair Isle and Shetland (R. a Dennis) <a 46 Rollers in Aberdeenshire and Kirkcudbrightshire (C. J. &
F. C. Feare, D. E. B, Lloyd, T. Johnson-Ferguson; A. M.
Chorley, J. Clifford) ae 47 Aquatic Warblers in Fair Isle and Shetland (R. ‘H. Dennis;
R. J, Tulloch) is 48 Water Pipits in Scotland (M. ice Wilson; M. A. Macdonald;
R. Macgregor) : ae 50 Lesser Grey Shrike in North Argyll ee E. Dix) aoe rf 53 Slate-coloured Junco in Shetland (I. S. Robertson) _... as 53
Obituary—Len Fullerton ee = eee set = ee 54 Enquiries soe Rae Ree Fig: at 55 The Scottish Oraitholosists? Club 44 a0 ae ea a 56
Edited by A. T. Macmillan, 12 Abinger Gardens, Edinburgh, EH12 6DE
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 6 No. 1 Spring 1970
Edited by A. T. Macmillan, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
Oil. It almost happened.
Valerie Thom’s paper on duck wintering in Scotland was published in Scottish Birds just before Christmas. It warned of the extreme vulnerability of Scaup at Leith to any oil pol- lution there. Within days, with some 37,000 Scaup, 4000 Gol- deneye, 3600 Eiders, very high numbers indeed, between Granton and Joppa, a dangerous oil slick appeared in the area, and outlying ducks began to be fouled by it.
By luck—and no thanks to any preplanning or regular or- ganisation—the danger passed. A few hundred, maybe a thousand, ducks died; not the whole Scaup population of Ice- land; not 40,000 to 50,000 ducks gathered for slaughter in one closely-packed ghetto.
No one seems to know where the pollution (light fuel oil) came from. Who was to blame? No one knows. Nothing can be proved. Who was responsible for doing something? No one knew; they held a conference to find out.
In 1968, local authorities were advised to appoint oil pollu- tion officers. Many have done so, but their responsibilities seem to be mainly concerned with oil close inshore or on the beaches. Oil slicks at sea are evidently the concern of the Board of Trade; and it can be a little difficult to persuade that body to go and look for them when it is only oiled birds that are washed up on the shore. The basic data must be sup- plied by others if anything effective is to be done quickly.
As 1970 opened, birdwatchers breathed again. Yet ere a week was out more oiled birds were being reported along the east coast. By the middle of January nearly 1000 badly oiled birds had been destroyed, and many more seen—mainly auks, but also substantial numbers of Eiders, Common Scoters, divers and other species, evidently victims of at least two further incidents. Heavy fuel oil was identified in East Lothian; and a quite different type in the Tentsmuir area, where Eiders were involved for the second time within two years. The mystery is that very little oil has come ashore, and no trace of an oil slick has been seen anywhere; but the birds have suffered in large numbers.
2 EDITORIAL 6(1)
Three incidents off one short stretch of coast in one month, and near disaster at one absolutely vital wildfowl haunt—will we ever learn? And what is being done about it?
One most important task is to get every incident fully doc- umented, and quickly; to record numbers of lightly oiled, heavily oiled, and dead birds, day by day, whenever and wherever oiling occurs. The RSPB and the Seabird Group plan to enlist local helpers to be responsible for stretches of coast all round the country. At the first sign of oiling these people would arrange for volunteers from the public and from all the various natural history societies to go out and look for the birds. If you are able to act as a local organiser or to help in any way please get in touch with the RSPB Scottish Office, 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BN, where you may also get copies of a most valuable booklet on Oiled birds—what to do, prepared by the various organisations concerned with birds and oil pollution.
(Postscript. Even as these paragraphs were in press there came news of further trouble. Large numbers of fouled birds continued to be washed up, mainly in the Tay area, while the Board of Trade in Scotland announ- ced that it would be far too costly to mount an air search for the oil out at sea. With some 4000 already involved in this incident, the number of oiled birds dead or destroyed on the east coast of Scotland exceeded 7000 by the end of January. In a letter to the Scotsman, representatives of the RSPB, the SSPCA and kindred bodies, and the SWT, described their fruitless attempt to interest the Board of Trade in arranging an air search for the oil, at a time when it might have been dealt with well out at sea. They had pointed out that there would in fact be no extra cost to the taxpayer in fitting a search for the oil into the routine training flights carried out in any event by the RAF. But evidently this sort of interdepartmental cooperation did not commend itself to the Board of Trade, and nothing happened. Finally, in desperation, the voluntary bodies themselves made enquiries from the RAF and the Ministry of Defence, who were most helpful and glad to cooperate, locating the oil without difficulty next day, now broken up into a number of patches by recent gales.
It is to be hoped that this dismal saga will not be repeated, and that proper arrangements will be made to take note of oiled birds as an indication of oil pollution at sea. As we write (on 2nd February), the last has not been heard of this, nor of the oil, which has been drifting about and coming ashore in the Tay area and now between Aberdeen and Peterhead, especially in Cruden Bay).
Current literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes :
The Edinburgh Natural History Society News-Letter. Centen- ary Year. 1969.
Loch Leven, 1968. I. K. Marshall & C. R. G. Campbell, 1969. Wildfowl 20: 154-155.
The migration of the Goldeneye in north-west Europe. L. Nils- son, 1969. Wildfowl 20: 112-118.
Geese at Loch Leven. I. Newton & C. R. G. Campbell, 1969. Wildfowl 20: 155.
1970 EDITORIAL 3
Weights and measurements of Greylag Geese in Scotland. G. V. T. Matthews & C. R. G. Campbell, 1969. Wildfowl 20: 86-93.
Greylag Geese at Loch Druidibeg. I. Newton, 1969. Wildfowl 20: 156.
Changes in the British-wintering population of the Pink-footed Goose from 1950 to 1957. H. Boyd & M. A. Ogilvie, 1969. Wildfowl 20: 33-46.
The status of the Canada Goose in Britain, 1967-69. M. A. Ogilvie, 1969. Wildfowl 20: 79-85.
Scarce migrants in Britain and Ireland during 1958-67. Part 2. Melodious Warbler, iIcterine Warbler and Woodchat Shrike. J. T. R. Sharrock, 1969. Brit. Birds 62: 300-315.
BTO Ornithological Atlas 1968-72
It is not very difficult to encourage people to help with a project that has been well thought out, is within the scope of any birdwatcher who can identify species and knows or can learn how to recognise the more obvious facets of breeding behaviour, and which has the backing of the SOC Council. It is a pleasure, as well as a duty, to thank wholeheartedly all who are contributing in various ways.
It is equally important, and a great deal more difficult, to report back what has been achieved so far. In terms of species, one cannot at this stage do more than indicate the wide breeding records of some passer- ine species such as Redwing, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher; with Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat, whose numbers apparently suffered a sharp reduction in 1969, these will all be worth careful attention in 1970.
In area coverage, combined 1968-69 results by the end of 1969 showed records in a total of 761 10-km squares out of nearly 1100—214 squares with 1-25 species, 220 with 26-50 species, 226 with 51-75 species, and 101 with 76 or more species. This is a real achievement after only two years, particularly as it excludes a fair number of cards from two major areas not actually received by 3lst December 1969. It is not possible to get more up-to-date information into this issue of Scottish Birds, zouen Dr Sharrock hopes to embody it in a 1970 number of BTO
ews.
With the wide variety of habitats in Scotland, often within the com- pass of each 10-km square, we expect a total of 80-100 species breeding in many squares, or 120 or more in a slightly larger area. The challenge for 1970 is therefore to improve the species total in local squares to class 3 or at least class 2 status, as well as to record as much as pos- sible in areas with no resident birdwatchers. In the latter case, the only safe assumption is that nothing has been recorded so far, and this applies particularly to most of Lanarkshire, Arran, mainland Argyll, Jura, Mull and the smaller islands around, mainland Inverness-shire, all but East and NW Ross, and most of Sutherland. Help from visitors is also needed in Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Lewis, Harris, Orkney and Shetland (particularly the two mainland counties). Since it is impossible to list which areas within these regions have been surveyed, it would be most helpful, to save duplication, for visitors to get in touch be- forehand with the local organiser.
Apart from those which are difficult to find, many species such as
4 BTO ORNITHOLOGICAL ATLAS 6(1)
Gannets, Herons, predators and Swifts get their food far from the nest area; while gulls, in particular, may be present as non-breeders in al- most any situation. Especial care is clearly needed in recording these, both for the sake of accuracy and to reduce the extra paperwork caused by having to query doubtful records.
In squares in the Highlands, full coverage will require much walking
Atlas coverage 1968-69. This map shows the number of species which have been found in each 10-km square. Even though the potential number of species in each square depends to a great extent on the variety of habitats within the square, the map gives a good indication of the degree of Atlas cover achieved in the first two years of this five-year project. If you can help with this ambitious venture to map the breeding birds of Britain and Ireland, please contact the Scottish Coordinator. C. G. Headlam, Foulis Mains, Evanton, Ross-shire, or one of the local organisers, who will supply full details.
1970 BTO ORNITHOLOGICAL ATLAS 5
over large areas with very few species well scattered. But each patch of different habitat will have its representative species and possibly some suprises. In the barer areas, each small group of scrub trees or bit of marsh may be like an oasis in the surrounding moorland and hill country. Even short stops by the roadside in the Highlands may not only produce very useful Atlas records, but also show up significant differ- ences between one patch of birch or other scrub and the next, like the faunal differences between one desert oasis and another.
C. G. HEADLAM. Foulis Mains, Evanton, Ross-shire.
Berwick, Roxburgh, Selkirk D. R. Grant has moved out of this area gee tbe new organiser is Dr J. I. Meikle, Bridgeheugh, Lindean, Gala- shiels.
Goose studies at Loch Leven in 1967/68
I. NEWTON and C. R. G. CAMPBELL
Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, EH9 2AS, and Wildfowl Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester
(Plates 2-3) Introduction
Each winter several thousand Grey Lag Anser anser and Pink-footed Geese Anser brachyrhynchus (=A. arvensis brachyrhynchus) roost on Loch Leven (Kinross) and feed on the surrounding farmland. This paper describes the general behaviour and feeding habits of these birds in the winter of 1967/68. It forms part of a longterm study aimed to give a sounder ecological basis to the conservation of these birds in Britain. The numbers of both species in Scotland have in- creased greatly in the past twenty years, each now exceeding 60,000 individuals (Wildfowl Trust counts), and as_ these birds feed exclusively on farmland they are causing increas- ing concern among farmers, an aspect studied in detail by Kear (1962, 1963, 1963a, 1965 and in press). In planning our work we have benefitted from discussions with Dr J. Kedar and from an earlier pilot study made in various parts of Scot- land by H. Boyd, C. R. G. Campbell, Miss V. M. Thom and W. Brotherston.
An area of about 8.5 square miles of farmland around Loch Leven includes most of the feeding grounds of the geese, and contains over 300 fields, all visible from roads and tracks. We mapped this area in September to show the crops avail- able in each field when the birds arrived, and thereafter once each month until April to show any changes that had taken place. We also covered the area at least four times each week by car, noting the location, size and species composition of all goose flocks encountered, the fields being numbered for
6 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 6(1)
ease of recording. These circuits were made in the mornings when movements by the geese were minimal. It was usually possible to tell what the birds were eating from their beha- viour and from their droppings, but in addition some were shot for analyses of their gut contents. Finally we counted the geese roosting on the loch at least once each week in dawn flight. A total of 172 circuits was made during the season, each lasting 3-4 hours, and 36 dawn counts.
Numbers and behaviour
Ringing has shown that the Pinkfeet come from Iceland and Greenland and the Greylag from Iceland; apparently these populations winter entirely within the British Isles, mostly in Scotland.
The majority of Pinkfeet normally arrive in Britain each year at the end of September and in early October, and the birds appear over almost their whole wintering range on the day of the first big influx. Those coming to Loch Leven in 1967 began to glide in while still at about 2000 feet and more than a mile from the water; at the same time, other flocks flew over at greater height, ignoring those below. The birds arrived by day, mostly in flocks of 10-100 individuals; and also by night.
The peak population of 7000 Pinkfeet was reached in only six days from 29th September, but 6000 of these arrived within three days from 2nd October. The birds assembled on a mud- bank, covered by a few inches of water, off the north side of the largest island (St Serf’s). On first alighting they drank a good deal, but then spent many hours sleeping, standing on one leg in the shallow water. At times they also waded into deeper water, splashed and preened for long periods. Single juveniles flew around calling, apparently seeking their parents; and if they walked through the flock they were chivvied con- tinually by other birds. For the most part, however, the family groups were maintained.
A boat on the loch, an aeroplane or a Short-eared Owl flying over was enough to put up the whole flock, which circled once or twice before settling again. Otherwise the birds were in- itially rather tame towards people; but this changed as soon as they had been shot at, a few days after arriving.
The birds fed very little on the first day, and then only des- ultorily on the rough grass of the island; probably most birds took no food at all at this stage. At dawn the next day they began to feed in the large fields near the edge of the loch (East Brackley farm being the traditional area), and in an- other day or two in more distant fields as well. Their first feeds at several miles from the loch were preceded by long circling flights over the surrounding terrain. Often the birds used a particular field as a base from which, as the days passed, they extended their range in certain directions. One
1970 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN Z|
particularly large field at Kinglassie has apparently been used in this way for several years. Within two or three weeks after their arrival the Pinkfeet had established a routine, with flight lines to several distant feeding areas.
The majority of Greylag normally arrive in Britain each year around mid October. Their arrival at Loch Leven is un- remarkable because their numbers increase only slowly to a peak in January, and most of the birds have presumably spent some time elsewhere in Scotland before reaching us. In 1967 the first few arrived at the same time as the first Pinkfeet, but these were probably birds which had been caught up in the Pinkfoot flocks. The numbers did not begin to increase until after mid October, when the birds formed discrete flocks, though sometimes feeding in the same fields as Pinkfeet.
In most circumstances Pinkfeet remained closer to one an- other and moved more rapidly while feeding than did Grey- lag, which often scattered widely over familiar ground. Pink- feet also fed in much larger flocks (sometimes more than 2000 birds) than did Greylag, but the flocks of both species tended to become smaller as the season progressed. Also, at the start of the season large numbers of geese often remained in a single field throughout a day, and for several successive days, but in late winter they used several fields each day, often spending no more than an hour in each.
The dawn flight from the loch each day began soon after sunrise; on bright clear mornings the departure usually took less than an hour, but on dull or misty mornings it began later and took longer, and under these conditions most birds settled to feed near the loch. Either way, the majority of Pinkfeet left before the majority of Greylag. On most days, after feeding for an hour or two, parties of birds of both species began to return to the loch to drink, bathe and rest. They would move back to the fields later, producing a continual movement be- tween the loch and different feeding flocks. On the whole, however, Greylag spent more time on the water than did Pink- feet, which more often remained on or near their feeding grounds. The Pinkfeet also had regular rest places, on hillsides or other places giving a wide view. But both species returned to the loch around dusk, the majority of Greylag arriving up to an hour earlier than the majority of Pinkfeet, often at lower altitude. The two species roosted in separate areas, which varied according to the direction of the wind.
On moonlight nights the birds moved between the loch and the fields and sometimes apparently spent the whole night in the fields. This seemed more frequent among Pinkfeet than Greylag, and more frequent in both species in the latter half of the season than in the first half.
The results of the dawn counts are shown in fig. 1. At all
GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN
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1970 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 9
times except around full moons (which are marked) they pro- bably represent the total geese in the Loch Leven area. The numbers of Pinkfeet declined rapidly from the peak in early October, showing that some birds used Loch Leven as a stag- ing post en route to other areas. Their numbers remained at 1000-1500 in November, then increased to over 6000 in Jan- uary, and declined thereafter with large fluctuations; the last birds were seen on Ist May. The numbers of Greylag reached over 4000 in January, and declined thereafter, the last birds being seen on 24th April. The most geese (both species) pres- ent at any one time was 10,500 in late January. A roughly similar pattern had been followed in 1966/67, with the Pink- feet reaching peak numbers in October and the Greylag in January; but in 1966 the Pinkfeet reached 12,000 in autumn, about a fifth of the total wintering in Britain that year.
As may be seen from fig. 1, when the whole surface of the loch froze in early January fewer birds were counted there, but since this also coincided with a full moon the birds might have remained in the fields. Those using the loch roosted in their usual areas; on the first morning, the separate piles of droppings on the ice showed where each bird had stood, but after several days their droppings had accumulated to form a compressed layer more than an inch thick. Two periods of snow in February were accompanied by more pronounced declines, through birds of both species leaving the area com- pletely. In only one of these periods was the loch frozen, and then only for part of the time. After the thaw on both occa- sions the numbers soon increased again. Thus many birds left the area temporarily while their feeding grounds were covered, but it is not certain whether they left when the water was frozen and the feeding grounds remained open. These findings may not, of course, be generally applicable, but at least they pe to explain some of the fluctuations observed at Loch
even.
In six ‘shooting weeks’, between October and January, the geese were much disturbed, but fewer than 200 were killed (as they flew on and off the loch), a negligible proportion of the total present. After some shoots the numbers declined and after others they rose (fig. 1), so probably shooting had no important effect on the numbers of geese using the loch in this winter, though the same conclusion might not have held for smaller waters or where disturbance was greater.
The departure of the geese on spring migration was less ob- vious than their arrival in autumn. In both species the depar- ture was spread over at least a month, with numbers on the loch fluctuating greatly from night to night, suggesting that some birds used it as a staging post, as in autumn. Only one es of 2000 Pinkfeet was actually seen to leave, and that was at dawn.
10 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 6(1)
In addition to the main species, the following geese were seen: Greenland White-fronted Goose A. albifrons flavirostris. Adult 25th October (on barley stubble with Pinkfeet), and on 20th- 22nd January (Scot. Birds 5: 315).
Snow Goose A. caerulescens. Four adults 22nd and 23rd Jan- uary (on pasture and old potato field with Pinkfeet) and on 14th and 27th February (on pasture with Greylag); two 5th and 6th March (on old potato field with Pinkfeet). Presumed escapes (Scot. Birds 5: 316).
Ross’s Goose A. rossii. Adult 4th, 5th and 10th October (on barley and oat stubble and St Serf’s Island with Pinkfeet). Presumed escape.
Pale-breasted Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota. One 3rd Nov- ember (on barley stubble with Greylag), and one 14th-18th January (Scot. Birds 5: 316).
Barnacle Goose B. leucopsis. Two 4th March (on barley stubble with Greylag); four 5th and 12th March (on grass with Pink- feet); three 11th April (on grass with Pinkfeet).
Finally it is worth noting that the arrival of Pinkfeet at Loch Leven in 1967 was similar to that described by Millais (1901) in 1883, except that then the peak population was only 2000-3000. ‘“‘These great flocks always remain for a few days on Loch Leven, and then away they go, distributing themselves in favourite localities throughout the south-east of Scotland— all except five or six hundred, which remain on the lake until the following spring. They are nearly all pink-footed geese, with a few graylags and bean.” The numbers of both Pinkfeet and Greylag are now much greater, and the Bean Geese have gone altogether. In Millais’s time St Serf’s was apparently the favoured feeding area, but the amount of farmland round the loch was less than now and the disturbance probably greater.
Crops and agricultural procedure in the study area
About half the study area consisted of grassland of various types, about a third of cereal crops and the rest of potatoes and turnips. Over half the cereal crops were barley, the rest mostly oats, with a little winter wheat. Some fields had re- mained as pasture for many years, but on most fields crop rotation was practised; it was usual to undersow some of the barley fields with grass, and to sow the next year’s corn either in autumn or in spring, so that some fields yielded two ‘crops’ of use to geese in the same season. The birds ate almost any green or root crop available, and we added nothing important to the foods listed by Kear (1963a).
Grass. Generally, the older the sward, the poorer the graz- ing; old rough pastures consist mostly of grass species which are poor in nutrients and difficult to digest, whereas areas re-
1970 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 11
seeded in the previous year consist almost entirely of grass species that are rich in nutrients and easy to digest. Like other animals, geese prefer the recent growth.
All types of grassland, from rough old pastures to fresh growing swards, were available in the study area and used by both species throughout their stay. Grass of all types grew to some extent during the first few weeks after the geese ar- rived, but appeared to stop with the first severe frosts in Nov- ember. Then the birds gradually ate it down until, on their favourite fields, very little greenery remained by late winter. Only in the few weeks before the birds left in April was there much fresh growth.
In March and April some geese came into direct competition with domestic stock by selectively grazing those fields of young grass which had been fertilised to provide the ‘early bite’ for lambing ewes and the cattle which were turned out at this time. This problem did not arise where such fields were near to steadings, where geese were reluctant to feed.
Growing cereals. Some wheat and barley were sown in autumn, but most in spring, and were thus available to geese chiefly for two to three months. Around Loch Leven, geese fed from growing cereals only in the spring.
Potatoes. Geese visited potato fields for tubers left on the surface after the crop had been lifted in October or Novem- ber, and later for any other tubers that had been exposed by rain or frost, or turned up with subsequent cultivation, Also, as any flood pools dried out, the birds probed for potatoes in the soft ground, apparently at random. By late March, however, all had been eaten. The geese scraped off slivers up to an inch in length using the nail on the bill and, as shown by analyses of the gut contents, took in a good deal of earth at the same time. Outside our area some potatoes remained unharvested, and Greylags fed from these after the tops had rotted and the tubers had been exposed by rain. A late harvest results in many more tubers than usual rotting in the ground and hence increases the number later available to geese.
Turnips. Some turnips were lifted in the autumn, but others were left in the fields for outwintered sheep, and were thus available for six of the seven months that the geese remained. Turnips formed a major part of the Greylags’ diet, but chiefly When other foods were covered by snow. The birds would then walk among sheep to feed, and would also take turnips put out for sheep in other fields. The extent of the loss to the farmer seemed to depend mainly on how long the snow lasted. Only once were Pinkfeet seen to eat turnips; and they took only the small pieces of skin discarded by Greylags and sheep.
Stubble. Geese visited cereal fields after the harvest to eat spilled grains and discarded seed heads off the ground, The
12 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 6(1)
burning of unwanted straw in the fields was helpful to the geese, for the fire moved too quickly to destroy the grains themselves but exposed them and made them more visible against the charred ground. The geese did not fly into standing corn, but sometimes removed seed heads from plants flattened by wind and rain*. This was not observed in the study area, but almost all the cereal fields had been cut before the geese arrived. Spilled grain remained available on the ground only until December or January, by which time the stubbles had either been ploughed or the grain had been eaten or had sprouted. After this time, though, geese visited stubble fields for grass.
In 1967 more grain was shed naturally from barley than from oats or wheat, and the spillage in any one field seemed to depend chiefly on the amount the crop was flattened and on ‘the efficiency of the harvesting machinery, but also on the wind around harvest time and the interval between ripening and harvest.
Freshly-sown fields. Both species visited freshly-sown fields to pick up grain spilled on the soil surface. Often they fed in such fields for only a few hours on the day following sowing. They did not probe for grain, which was anyway drilled too ‘deep for them. We had no indication that plant roots were eaten as well, and if these were regular in the diet the birds should also have fed in freshly ploughed fields, which they did not (unless these fields had held potatoes).
Bill structure and feeding behaviour
The bills of both species have serrated edges for cutting the leaves and shoots of plants, and a nail on the end of the upper mandible for gouging out pieces of roots and tubers. While grazing, geese walk slowly forward and shear off grass with the side of the bill, eating leaves of clover and other plants at the same time. Although they selected certain swards on which to feed, once on a sward their habit of plucking several leaves at a time limited the extent to which they could feed selectively, and analyses of gut contents showed that birds normally ate some dead brown stems along with fresh green ones. Presumably it is more efficient to graze in this way and take in some unwanted material than to eat only the fresh growth, which would entail picking leaves individually. But this is not to imply that they are completely unselective.
Both species eat the seed heads of cereals and grasses, but neither can efficiently separate grain from husk and both nor-
*W. Brotherston told us that 1000 Pinkfeet near Gladhouse Reservoir flew into standing corn a few days after their arrival in 1967, beginning to feed in the middle of the field and eventually flattening 2-3 acres. So far as is known, the crop had not been laid beforehand. In some previous years geese had occasion- ally entered fields left unharvested, but began by walking in from the edges.
1970 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 13
mally bite off and swallow parts of whole seed heads, except those of oats, where the grains can be picked individually. Fallen grains are also picked singly off the ground. The birds also probe into soft mud and pull out roots, as mentioned, and break into grass tussocks to get the stolons. This is especially true of the Greylag.
The bill of the Greylag is longer and more powerful and has a harder nail than that of the Pinkfoot, and on agricultural land this is reflected in a greater proportion of roots and tubers in the Greylag’s diet. Also, as shown from shot birds, Pinkfeet prefer soft potatoes, whereas Greylag will eat hard ones as well, and only Greylag can deal efficiently with such hard material as turnips.
Food around Loch Leven
Seasonal changes in the diet of the geese kept step with seasonal changes in the foods available; grass was eaten by
Table 1. Feeding places of geese in relation to those available (data collected during periods of snow are excluded)
Grey Lag Goose Pink-footed Goose
Fields Feeding Index of Feeding Index of available records preference records preference
January 1968 Old grass 43 21 0.5 54 hs} New grass (of
previous year) 12 15 0.1 8 0.7 Barley stubble 14 29 2.1 34 2.4 Oat stubble 10 1.5 0.2 0 0 Wheat stubble 1.5 0 0 0 0 Potatoes 11 38 3.5 3 0.3 Turnips 7 0 0 0 0 Growing corn 1.5 9 6.0 1 0.7 February 1968 Old grass 45 32 0.7 47.5 1.1 New grass (of
previous year) 15 13 0.9 10 0.7 Barley stubble 11 26 2.4 27 2.5 Oat stubble 7 2 0.3 14 2.0 Wheat stubble 1 0 0 0 0 Potatoes 11 16 1.5 1 0.1 Turnips 8 11 1.4 0.5 0.1 Growing corn Z 0 0 )
Note, In January 211 fields offered feeding to geese and in February 181, ploughing accounting for the drop. Taking each goose feeding in a field as a separate record, there were 5570 feeding records for Grey Lag and 4920 for Pinkfeet in January, and 14,050 and 11,660 respectively in Feb- ruary. Fields available with each type of feeding are expressed as a percentage of the total number of fields offering feeding each month; feeding records from each type of field are expressed as a percentage of the total feeding records for the same month. Dividing the first figure into the second gives an index of preference showing whether such fields are used more (index over 1) or less (index under 1) than in proportion to their numbers.
14 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 6(1) GREYLAG PINKFOOT
% feeding records
% feeding records
2 g 2 sk 2, ® 2 of E43 Old Grass (Il) New Grass EJ Stubble [_] Potato ii Turnip EB Growing Corn
Fie. 2. Feeding places of Loch Leven geese at different times of the winter; the birds fed also from freshly sown fields, but too infre- quently to show here, Taking each goose feeding in a field as a separate feeding record, the total numbers of feeding records in the successive periods were, for the Greylag 9040, 21,100 and 10,180, and for the Pinkfoot 37,370, 20,300 and 1110.
both species throughout their stay, but more towards spring, grain was eaten mostly in the autumn, potatoes mostly in autumn, winter and early spring, and growing corn mostly in late spring (fig. 2). However, potatoes and turnips together ‘provided nearly a third of our records for Greylag, but less
1970 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 15
than a ninth for Pinkfeet, which ate more grass. When the ground was covered by snow, Pinkfeet fed mainly on rough grassland, from protruding tussocks, and Greylag largely on turnips. Thus the diets of the two species around Loch Leven differed mainly in the proportions of the various foods eaten, rather than in the types of food. Turnips were the only food which provided a large part of the diet of one species and hardly any of the other.
To what extent do geese select their feeding places, rather than exploit a random sample of what is available in their favoured areas ? This has been examined in table 1 by com- paring (a) the percentage composition of the fields available in particular months with (b) the percentage composition of the feeding records obtained in the same months. The index (b)/(a) reflects the degree of preference for particular types of field; an index of 1 indicates that the geese are using such fields in relation to their availability in the study area, more than 1 that they are preferring these fieids to others, less than 1 that they are spending less time on them than would be ex- pected from their availability in the area, and 0 that they are avoiding them altogether. Data are given only for those months for which we have most records; periods with snow cover are excluded.
In January Greylags showed a preference for fields of growing corn, old potatoes and barley stubble, but also fed from permanent and new pastures and oat stubble (though less than would be expected from the proportion of these fields in the area), and avoided altogether wheat stubble (of which there was little anyway) and turnips. In the same month, Pinkfeet preferred barley stubble and permanent pasture, fed off new pastures, growing corn and potatoes less than would be expected on their availability, and avoided altogether oat and wheat stubble and turnips. Roughly similar results were obtained in February, except that Greylag favoured turnips and avoided growing corn, and Pinkfeet favoured oat stubble, fed a little on turnips and avoided growing corn. The two species thus differed in some of their preferences and at least with the more important foods were roughly consistent in the two months.
Behaviour elsewhere in Scotland
The two species differ more in their ecology than the above analysis would suggest. Loch Leven is one of about seven places in Britain where large numbers of both species regular- ly feed and roost together. Elsewhere, as we shall substantiate in a later paper, differences in roosting and flighting behaviour reduce the extent to which the two species are brought onto the same feeding grounds. In general Pinkfeet prefer large expanses of water or estuaries for roosting, and large open
16 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 6(1)
areas for feeding; they regularly fly more than five miles from their roosts to feed (see also Brotherston 1964). Greylag, on the other hand, roost on small as well as on large waters, and feed in smaller fields and nearer trees than Pinkfeet; they rarely feed more than two miles from their roosts. However, we cannot tell whether these differences are inherent in the two species or whether they result incidentally from the great- er wariness of the Pinkfoot. This alone might account for this species’ particular choice of roosting and feeding places, and its greater reluctance to change from traditional sites; in which case it might be expected to behave more like the Greylag if shooting were less. Either way, the present result of these ecological differences is that, despite the similar diets of the two species, less than one quarter of the total goose country in Perthshire is occupied by both species together, the rest by only one (see Thom & Murray 1966).
Discussion
When the geese are eating waste grain and potatoes, which form a large part of their diet, they are causing no loss to the farmer. In fact by removing potato tubers the geese check the spread of disease from one crop to the next. The effect of their feeding on grass in winter is difficult to assess, but presum- ably this is more detrimental in the south of Scotland, where domestic stock are often outwintered, than in the north, where stock are often taken off the fields in winter (or are merely ‘housed’ there and fed extra food). In the Loch Leven area few farmers complained of geese at this season. The grazing of growing corn does not apparently reduce the yield of either straw or grain, even when the plants are grazed to the ground (Kear 1965 and in press). It is not yet possible to say how much this grazing delays the harvest, but the date of ripening depends on so many other factors that in most years the effect of the geese is probably negligible. Whether geese also cause damage by puddling in wet weather, so that the soil surface of cereal fields hardens, reducing aeration, is also uncertain, but Kear has shown that a poor crop does not necessarily fol- low from this activity. None of the fields in our area was badly puddled. And again, few farmers complained of damage to growing corn.
The chief conflicts arose when the Greylag ate turnips in midwinter, and when both species ate the ‘early bite’ in spring. Thus about 6% of the total feeding of both species brought them into serious conflict with agriculture (this being the proportion of time spent on these crops over the winter as a whole), remarkably little considering that they feed entirely on farmland. On the other hand, their feeding is concentrated, and only a few days are needed for a flock to eat down a field
1970 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 17
of turnips or of fresh grass, involving substantial loss to the individual farmer.
The results given here refer to a single winter at Loch Leven, however, and the diet varies in different localities and in diff- erent years, according chiefly to the amount of grain spilled and the completeness of the potato harvest, more grass being eaten in years when these foods are scarce. It is by studying these annual and regional differences that we hope to define more precisely the conditions under which severe damage oc- curs, and perhaps suggest ways in which it might be reduced. One aim is to find out how a large goose population can be maintained with the minimal conflict with agriculture. Already it has become apparent that farmers complain about Pinkfeet less than about Greylag, and that the two species present different conservation problems. The tendency of Greylag to feed near their roosts means that damage is often heavily localised, so that the brunt is borne by individual landowners, on whose goodwill the protection of the birds depends. The Pinkfoot is different; its natural wariness makes it more diffi- cult to shoot, but more prone to disturbance. On the whole, Pinkfeet roost in less accessible (and hence more secure) sites than Greylags, and range more widely to feed, so that any damage they may do is spread over a wider area, and shared among several landowners. Any reserve established for Grey- lag should ideally include an area of feeding around the roost, but for Pinkfeet this is less important. If either species is in need of protection, this need at present is greater for the Grey- lag, not because its population is smaller, but because its feed- ing and roosting habits make it more vulnerable.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to Dr D. Jenkins (Nature Conservancy) and Dr G. V. T. Matthews (Wildfowl Trust) for encouragement and discussion; to these two, H. Boyd, W. Brotherston, Dr J. Kear, Dr M. Owen, and Miss V. M. Thom for their comments on the manuscript; to D. McK. Scott for drawing the diagrams; to J. B. A. Rochard (Department of Agriculture) for helpful discussion and notes; and not least to J. H. Swan and A. Allison for help with the counts.
Summary
The general behaviour and feeding habits of Grey Lag and Pink-footed Geese on farmland around Loch Leven (Kinross) in the winter of 1967/68 are described.
The majority of Pinkfeet arrived by day and night within 72 hours from 2nd October, and on the day of their arrival rested mostly and fed little or not at all. They reached a peak of 7000 on 5th October. Greylag arrived about a fortnight later, and increased to more than 4000 in Jan- uary. The greatest number of geese present at any one time was 10,500 in late January. Both species had gone by early May.
18 GOOSE STUDIES AT LOCH LEVEN 6(1)
The two species ate almost every type of crop available in the study area, though neither selected food in proportion to its availability. Grass was eaten by both throughout their stay; spilled grain mainly in autumn; potatoes mainly in autumn, winter and early spring; and growing corn mainly in late spring. The species differed in the proportions of these various foods they ate. The Greylag has a larger bill and ate more root crops, turnips forming its main food in times of snow. The chief con- flicts with agriculture arose when Greylag ate turnips in winter, and when both species ate young grass in spring.
Loch Leven is one of about seven piaces in Britain where both species occur together in large numbers. Elsewhere, differences in roosting and flighting behaviour reduce the extent to which the two species share common feeding grounds, Pinkfeet prefer large waters or estuaries for roosting, and large open areas for feeding; they regularly fly more than five miles from their roosts to feed. Greylag roost on small as well as on large waters, and feed in smaller fields and nearer trees than Pink- feet; they rarely feed more than two miles from their roosts. These ecolog- ical differences might, however, be explained by the greater wariness of the Pinkfoot and thus be imposed by man’s hunting.
References
BROTHERSTON, W. 1964. The numbers and behaviour of geese in the Lothians and Berwickshire. Ann. Rep. Wildfowl Trust 15: 57-70.
KEaAR, J. 1962. Feeding habits of the Grey Lag Goose Anser anser on the Island of Bute. Scot. Birds 2: 255-259.
KEAR, J. 1965. The history of potato-eating by wildfowl in Britain. Ann. Rep. Wildfowl Trust 14: 54-65.
KEAR, J. 1965a. Wildfowl and Agriculture. In Wildfowl in Britain. Nat. Cons, Mon. No. 3: 315-328.
KEAR, J. 1965. The assessment of goose damage by grazing trials. Trans. Int. Union Game Biol. 6: 5353-3359.
KEAR, J. In press. The experimental assessment of goose damage to agricultural crops. Biol. Conserv. 2.
MILLAIS, J. G. 1901. The Wildfowler in Scotland. London.
THom, V. M. & MurRRaAy, C. 1966. Grey geese in Perthshire. Trans. Proc. Perth. Soc. Nat. Sci. 11: 58-42.
Winter home range and feeding habits of a Great Grey Shrike in Morayshire
RAYMOND HEWSON (Plates 1, 4)
Mester (1965) has described winter territories of the Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor in Germany. Each one occupied areas of 100 to 150 acres of pastures and marshy ground on both sides of the River Ruhr. Territorial limits were indicated by regularly used perches, but the territories were not imme- diately adjacent to one another. A similar area was occupied by a male Great Grey Shrike near Fochabers, Morayshire, from December 1967 to April 1968. It was regularly seen by several observers. Fourteen pellets were collected from be- nea the shrike’s hunting perches and these have been ana- ysed.
1970 GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN MORAYSHIRE 19
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small scots pine dense tall conifers .°. alderand willow 3% home range = —
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On the east bank of the River Spey the bird’s home range consisted of fairly recently planted small conifers, and on the west bank dense alder and willow, with a shrub layer of gorse and broom and thickets of birch and willow. On the east side the low conifers were bounded by taller dense plantations not used for hunting by the shrike, while the open ground near the river enabled the bird to be seen in the trees on the opposite bank. The home range occupied about 95 acres, measured by mapping the hunting posts around the perimeter. Robson (1954) implied that a home range in Westmorland measured about 880 yards x 400 yards, which is about 73 acres, but he stated on the previous page that the area was 35 acres. No other information is available on the size of the home range of shrikes wintering in Britain.
Within the Fochabers home range the vegetation differed greatly on opposite banks of the river, affecting the prey species available and the shrike’s hunting methods. On the east side of the river trees—mainly Scots pine P. sylvestris— were planted on strips of ground about a yard wide separated
20 GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN MORAYSHIRE 6(1)
by drainage ditches a foot deep and 18 inches wide. Large numbers of field voles Microtus agrestis lived in the coarse grass in and around these ditches. The abundance of vole runs, droppings and latrines, and the amount of grass stems bitten through, indicated a peak population, which also occurred nearby in Banffshire during the winter of 1967/68. In October 1968 voles were much less numerous than in the previous winter in the area formerly occupied by the shrike.
Hunting methods
In the open eastern part of the home range the shrike used perches in sycamore and ash at heights of five to 25 feet but generally above 12 feet. These trees grew along the river bank at the edge of the vole-inhabited ground, but the shrike also perched on scrubby alders about four feet high in the middle of the planted area. From those perches the shrike pounced directly to the ground, usually within ten feet of the bottom of the taller trees, and returned to the same or a nearby perch.
On the west bank of the Spey the shrike perched on the top- most branches of alders or willows at 20 to 30 feet. From these it made short flights along and among the thickets, not unlike the hunting flight of a Sparrowhawk, swooping down initially from its high perch and rising at the end to a different perch. The dense trees and shrub layer prevented it from pouncing on voles except in a few grassy patches, and the hunting flight was obviously directed against birds which might be caught by surprise rather than by flying down.
Duckels (1968) has described an interesting case of a Great Grey Shrike descending into brambies after a Stonechat which flew out and was pursued and killed. Dr R. Richter saw an unsuccessful pursuit of a Chaffinch at Fochabers. Although Robson (1954) found Blue Tit, Fieldfare and Skylark among prey remains of a Great Grey Shrike wintering in Northum- berland, and more recently Glue (1968) found remains of six small birds, eight small mammals, one reptile and various in- vertebrates in shrike pellets in Hampshire, Mester (1965) gave an extensive review of prey and hunting methods and found that unsuccessful pursuits of birds were common. Boyd (1957) found that a Great Grey Shrike in Cheshire regularly dropped from its perch into long grass and apparently ate its prey there, which suggests that this would be small rodents or in- sects. The Fochabers shrike regularly crossed the river and, in my experience of a few hours watching, spent more time on hunting posts on the east side than elsewhere, presumably hunting voles.
As Mester (1965) found opinion divided as to the mobbing of Great Grey Shrikes by small passerines it seems worth re- cording that a Great Grey Shrike on the Balloch Hill, Keith, in October 1964 was repeatedly mobbed by tits and could be
1970 GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN MORAYSHIRE 21
located by the disturbance it caused among these birds. Two other Great Grey Shrikes which I watched for fairly brief per- iods in Inverness-shire and Kincardineshire were not mobbed in this way, but N. Picozzi (pers. comm.) saw the Kincardine- shire shrike being mobbed by tits.
Regarding winter territory, Lack (1968) has pointed out the advantage to birds such as shrikes of a territory which ensures the isolation advantageous to their solitary way of hunting. The Fochabers area was not defended and the shrike was not heard singing so that this should perhaps be regarded as a home range rather than a territory. Similarly, although some of the shrikes studied by Mester sang, their “territories” did not adjoin those of their neighbours and there was no refer- ence to territorial defence. However, the Fochabers shrike occupied a similar area of ground, which may have been re- lated to the abundance of prey or other unknown factors. The term “home range” is more familiar to mammalogists and means the area in which an animal finds food, shelter and con- ditions suitable for breeding. It is not defended against other animals of the same species. Territory, on the other hand, im- plies a defended area.
Food
Fourteen pellets (plate 4) were collected in March 1968 from beneath the shrike’s hunting perches on the east bank of the Spey. They were grey and fibrous, rather loosely knit together, and externally showed much small mammal hair and mandibles and other bony fragments of small rodents. The size was rather variable, ranging from 40mm x 19mm down to 15mm x 12mm and 17mm x 14mm. Mean size was 25mm x 14mm, the lesser measurement, presumably related to the size of the oesophagus, varying only between 12 and 16mm, ex- cept for one large pellet at 19mm. For comparison, pellets of Kestrel measured by Blue (1967) averaged 35 x 15, by Simms (1961) 34 x 14, and by Davis (1960) 31 x 11.
Analysis of 12 pellets showed the remains of 5 field voles, 1 small bird and several invertebrates, probably beetles. Using conversion factors based on a 20gm rodent as standard and relating other prey to this (see e.g. Fairley 1967) 83% by weight of the shrike’s food was field vole and 17% bird, with a trace of invertebrate prey, but the pellet sample was too small for accurate assessments. See also p. 25.
The mammal remains were rather small, with the crania broken into fragments about 6mm across, but the jawbones were intact and were used to identify the prey. Bayer (1950) analysed 139 pellets of Great Grey Shrikes from southern Ger- many between autumn and the end of January and found the remains of 76 voles Microtus, 124 insects, especially beetles and earwigs, and one small unidentified bird; much the greater
22 GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN MORAYSHIRE 6(1)
part of the weight of food consisted of voles. Similarly the Great Grey Shrike invades eastern North America about every fourth year during years when voles and mice are at peak populations (Lack 1954).
It is possible that the Great Grey Shrike’s pursuit of birds, being much more obvious than the long periods of inactivity involved in waiting to pounce on voles, has attracted more attention and may have given rise, for example, to the Hand- book reference to Great Grey Shrike prey as “largely small birds.”
Acknowledgmenis
Iam much indebted to E. Thomas and Dr R. Richter for ad- ditional information on hunting methods, perches and the locations of the shrike, to M. Macpherson for information on areas planted with trees, and to Dr Adam Watson for his comments on a draft of this paper.
References
BayveER, D. 1950. Uber die Ernahrung des Raubwiirgers in Herbst und Winter. Kosmos 46: 523 (cited by Mester 1965).
Boyp, A. W. 1957. Return of Great Grey Shrike to winter territory. Brit. Birds 50: 271-272.
Davis, T. A. W. 1960. Kestrel pellets at a winter roost.. Brit. Birds 53: 281-284.
DuckEts, A. S. 1968. Great Grey Shrike chasing and catching Stonechat in the air. Brit. Birds 61: 1356.
FarrueEy, J. S. 1967. Food of Long-eared Owls in north-east Ireland. Brit. Birds 60: 150-155.
GLUE, D. E. 1967. Prey taken by the Barn Owl in England and Wales. Bird Study 14: 169-183.
GLUE, D. E. 1968. Prey taken by Great Grey Shrike in Hampshire Brit. Birds 61: 468.
Lack, D. 1954. The Natural Regulation of Animal Numbers. London.
Laok, D. 1968. Ecological Adaptations for Breeding in Birds. London.
MeEsTER, H. 1965. Feeding habits of the Great Grey Shrike in winter Brit. Birds 58: 575-385.
Rosson, R. W. 1954. On the Great Grey Shrike in North Westmorland. Northw. Nat. 2: 365-566.
Simms, C. 1961. Indications of the food of the Kestrel in upland districts of York- Shire. Bird Study 8: 148-151.
WiTHERBY, H. F., JOURDAIN, F. C. R., TICEHURST, N. F, & TuOcKER, B. W. 1958-41, The Handbook of British Birds. London,
(In view of the happy coincidence of having several con- tributions on the Great Grey Shrike at one time we are includ- ing two notes below which would otherwise have gone in the Short Notes section.—ED.)
Notes on a Great Grey Shrike wintering in Lanarkshire
From 26th December 1967 to 6th March 1968 my family and I regularly watched a Great Grey Shrike which frequented an area about two miles long and half-a-mile wide on the north side of the Clyde opposite Hamilton Low Parks. This is an
1970 GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN MORAYSHIRE 23
area of coarse grass and boggy ground, with hawthorns scat- tered on hilly slopes and a dense belt of willows at the eastern end. A few old oaks grow at one edge of a small level field containing scattered hawthorn bushes and trees, and the shrike lived in this area during the last six weeks of its stay. It was conspicuous at a great distance owing to its almost invariable habit of perching on the very top of a bush or tree. A dead branch on the largest oak was a favourite perch. Against a dark background it appeared largely white, and at a distance often seemed suspended in mid-air when its perch was invisible. Its silhouette and frequent downward tail-flick- ing were very distinctive. When perching it often turned to face in the opposite direction, with much swaying and tail- flicking, as if it found this movement difficult. Occasionally it would turn in a compiete circle, again looking somewhat in- ebriated. Kestrels hunted the area regularly, but they, and a Sparrowhawk which once perched only 20 yards from the shrike, caused it as little concern as did nearby humans.
Its flight was usually the same—swooping down to ground level, where it occasionally landed, and sweeping up to the top of a bush. The only time when this varied was when it chased a bird directly, sometimes into the middle of a haw- thorn. Once we disturbed it eating a Chaffinch about four feet up in a hawthorn bush. The finch was wedged quite firmly be- tween two branches and had been gutted. When we retired about 100 yards the shrike returned and flew off with the re- mains in its claws. We found another part of what was pro- bably the same Chaffinch about 100 yards away, this time im- paled on a thorn in the heart of a hawthorn, about two feet off the ground.
During late February the shrike was obviously feeding well, judging by the frequency of its droppings and the abundance of small passerines in the area. On one occasion, while we were approaching its larder, the shrike flew down into the hawthorn, about 20 yards from us, and immediately flew out again carrying a vole in its beak. When we last saw the bird, ion 6th March 1968, it was carrying a frog in its feet into a hawthorn, where it sat eating it about five feet up. After 20 minutes it flew off with the remains of the frog. During our observations of this bird we only twice saw it disgorge a pellet.
We heard the shrike singing on four dates in late February, when the song was very varied, being at times repetitive (a whispered too-ee, too-ee), liquid or rasping. On Ist March the song was noticeably louder and even more varied. It appeared to mimic Rook, Lapwing and Blackbird, and also frequently interspersed its own short, bubbling crescendo or short rasp. A short snatch of song was heard on 2nd March.
KENNETH C. R. HALLIDAY.
24 GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN MORAYSHIRE 6(1)
Notes on the feeding behaviour of a captive Great Grey Shrike
In October 1968 I was given a Great Grey Shrike which had a damaged wing. I kept it for ten days, first in a bird cage and later in a large wire-fronted box (plate 1). After only one day the bird settled down and took food readily, occasionally even grabbing it from me, and made no attempt to escape.
I fed it on mice and on small birds brought to me by local schoolchildren. The latter were available in Some numbers, as heavy migration was in progress at the time and many small birds were being killed or maimed by cats, flying into tele- phone wires and so on. The shrike was willing to tackle dead prey up to Redwing size. The only live prey offered was earth- worms, which the bird took after seeing them crawling on the floor of its cage.
During the second day in captivity the shrike immediately pounced on a dead Brambling which I put in the small cage. It then hopped up onto the high central perch, carrying the prey, and stared intently all round the cage before hopping down to the floor, where it commenced flinging the Bram- bling’s body (which it held by the head) over one of the low perches an inch from the end of the cage. Having thrown the body over the perch it would drag it along to the end, obvious- ly trying to wedge it in, but it continued to fail in this man- oeuvre until I altered one end of the perch to form a crotch with the end of the cage. After one or two attempts the shrike was then able to wedge the Brambling in position, and only then did it commence to tear off pieces and eat.
I later made some experiments and found that unless a possible wedging place was provided the shrike was unable to eat prey which was too large to be swallowed whole. Such prey was usually dragged round and round the cage with a succession of backward jerks. Compared with a true bird of prey or a Crow the shrike showed little ability at holding down large prey with one foot.
Later, in the larger cage, I provided part of a bush and spiked some of the twigs with sharp nails, but I saw no delib- erate attempt to use the nails as thorns to impale prey. Usually the shrike used a branch a little higher than the one on which it was perched, getting the body of the prey across it and dragging it along towards a crotch. If in the process the body caught on a nail this was good enough, but if not it was dragged on to the crotch and if possible jammed there. The bird then hopped to a lower twig and started to pull pieces off and eat. When the bird had eaten enough, or when after repeated meals only the skin was left, the prey remains were left hanging and ignored. A mouse, with its relatively thicker neck, was much more difficult to wedge securely than a bird, and I noticed that if no suitable ‘jamming places’ were avail-
1970 GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN MORAYSHIRE 25
able the shrike was simply unable to pierce a mouse’s skin, and after a time would give up trying.
These observations show clearly that without ‘jamming places’ of some sort, a shrike finds it difficult, if not imposs- ible, to deal with prey of a certain size. Wedged or impaled prey may not necessarily mean the formation of a ‘larder’ by a Great Grey Shrike, though prey storage of this kind is well known in this species.
R. J. TULLOCH.
(While these three accounts were being prepared for pub- lication, an important paper, ‘The impaling of prey by shrikes”’ by G. Beven and M. D. England, appeared (Brit. Birds 62: 192- 199). It includes details of impaling techniques and describes the use of larders by this species. Further observations on lar- ders and hunting techniques appear in the same issue (62: 203-204) in a short note on “Feeding behaviour of Great Grey Shrike in North Africa” by K. E. L. Simmons. Numerous ac- counts of hunting methods of Great Grey Shrikes, including the chasing of birds in flight, appear in the literature, but little mention seems to have been made of the actual process by which prey is killed. Mester (Brit. Birds 58: 375-383) quotes Naumann (Naturgeschichte der Végel Mitteleuropas, 1905) as Saying prey is seized in feet and bill together, and Cade (Wil- son Bull. 74: 386-408) as saying that prey of the Northern Shrike, the North American race of this species, is seized by the feet from the side and killed by a bite in the neck in hawk fashion. In The Living Bird, the Sixth Annual Report of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology (1967), Cade, in his paper “Ecological and behavioural aspects of predation by the Nor- thern Shrike’, states that small birds are usually caught in the feet, but are occasionally struck down first with the bill. Rod- ents are always attacked with the bill and picked up in the feet. Small prey is carried in the bill, larger prey in the feet. Attacks may be launched from 200 yards or more, and bumblebees were spotted at 100 yards. Vertebrate prey is killed by a series of hard bites which sever the cervical verte- brae or damage the nerve cord. Shrikes’ bills bear a tomial tooth similar to that of falcons which, it is suggested, plays an important part in efficacy of killing via the neck. Readers who are interested in falconry may be surprised to learn that some of the experiments described in this paper were carried out flying Northern Shrikes from the fist.—ED.)
Postscript. Dr G. D. Morison identified the insect prey remains from the Spey bird (p. 21) as (1) Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, one black and yellowish, about 15 mm long, reduced to over 18 fragments including left forewing, (2) Diptera, Cyclorrhapha, Clayptratae, specimens little smaller than house-fly, one right and one left forewing from possibly two speci- mens of same species, (3) fragments of cuticle of three insects, probably under 10 mm long, possibly beetles.
26 SHORT NOTES 6(1) Short Notes
Black-necked Grebes nesting in Selkirkshire
When taking part in the Great Crested Grebe census on 30th May 1965 Lt.-Col. and Mrs Linehan discovered a pair of Black-necked Grebes on a new sheet of water formed by the damming of the outlet of a marsh in Selkirkshire. Capt. W. S. Medlicott watched them build two nests within an hour on 3lst May, pulling up weed from below the surface, and on 4th June he saw two eggs in the second nest, material being added by both birds but arranged by the female only. Dr J. Meikle also took part in observations.
I first saw the nest, which was in full view in open water, on 9th June, when the female was incubating and material was still being added. On the 16th, after a night of heavy rain and high wind. the water level had risen and the nest was almost awash. The grebes were paying little attention to it, and were preening and bathing together. By the 18th they were already prospecting for another nest site, and the female twice jumped onto a submerged eminence and stood with neck held low, avparently considering its possibilities. Another nest was completed here by 27th June and she was again incubating, which she continued to do until 29th July when it was obvious that the eggs were infertile.
The previous night was one of very heavy rain and once again the water rose, At 3 p.m. both birds were repairing the nest, which was just visible, but by 7 p.m. it was sub- merged and finally abandoned. The grebes were last seen on 2ist August.
This is believed to be the first record of the Black-necked Grebe in the county. ARTHUR J. SMITH.
Black-browed Albatross in Orkney
On 13th August 1969 at about 1530 hrs from the deck of the ferry boat St Ola, while sailing from Scrabster to Strom- ness, we observed a Black-browed Albatross off the island of Hoy flying from NW to SE and passing the ship at about 200 yards. It was very large and flew low over the sea, now and then gliding. The head, rump and underparts were white; the mantle, including the upper surface of the wings, and the tail were blackish or dark brown; the bill was large and yel- low, and a small dark stripe through the eye was plainly seen. It had the appearance of a huge Fulmar with long nar-
1970 SHORT NOTES 27
‘Tow wings and a heavy-looking head. The tail was short and square-ended. K, Janicu, M. Janicu, N. van SwELo.
(Apart from the recent series of Firth of Forth/Bass Rock sightings, this is the first Scottish albatross to be specifically identified, though the two earlier records (Orkney 18th July 1894 and Fair Isle 14th May 1949) were probably Black-brow- ed too.—Eb.)
Purple Heron at Fair Isle
Gordon J. Barnes saw a Purple Heron fly low over his croft on Fair Isle at 1230 hrs BST on 2nd May 1969. He informed us and we saw it a little later in marshy fields at the south end of the island. We had good views of it, at ranges down to fifty yards. as it stood rather hunched up and miserable looking in a ditch, and also in the air. Like the bird I saw at Fair Isle in 1965 it was easily distinguished from a Heron in flight by its pale brownish grey wings with black ends, its smaller size, its comparatively larger feet and the narrow but very bulging neck. On the ground we noted that the back was grey and brown, the scapulars rather golden, the carpal patch rufous, the head buffish with the crown bluish-black and the chin nearly white; the neck and throat were buff with black streaks down the front of the neck; the rest of the underparts were buffish-brown and the tail was dark: the bill was orange-brown and the legs greenish-brown with paler, more orange, feet.
It was seen that afternoon in the same fields and also on drd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th May. The next sighting was in rock pools near the South Lighthouse on 15th May, and with a telescope it was seen that the bird was ringed. It was trapped in a mistnet before breakfast on 16th May and found to be wearing an Arnhem ring. The bird was examined at the observatory, reringed with a British ring, and released. It was seen at the south end, -ut not every day, until 3lst May. During its stay it was seen catching eels in the ditches as well as small fish from the rock pools. It was seen by many people, including K. Armstrong and Mrs M. T. Dennis, dur- ing its stay on the island.
The Dutch ringing office informed us that the bird had been ringed as a pullus on 17th June 1967 at Noorden (Zuid Holland) 52°10’N, 4°50’E. On 16th May it weighed 867.5 gms and its measurements (in mm) were wing 340, bill 117, tarsus 118 and tail 131.
Detailed description. Forehead and crown grey-black, bluish above bill; back of neck rufous-grey with some black streaks: sides of head and neck buff with chestnut; chin and upper throat’ off- white;
28 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
neck and breast whitish-buff with black and buff streaks; belly and under tail-coverts mixture of buff, rufous and grey-brown; underwing grey, the coverts tipped dark chestnut; tibia feathers chestnut-buff. Upperparts dark oily grey-brown, greenish sheen on most feathers, some tipped buff; rump and upper tail-coverts greyish-black with green oily sheen; scapulars same as mantle but some buff and orange- chestnut feathers; primaries and primary coverts blue-black (outer 4 primaries and outer 3 coverts old feathers); secondaries paler and greyer; greater coverts grey with buff-orange outer webs; median and lesser coverts grey-brown broadly edged rufous; bill and face yellow- orange, greener around eye, bill darker along top of upper mandible; legs and feet dark brown in front but yellow-orange from behind and on bare part of tibia; iris whitish-yellow, slightly reddish round the
edge. R. H. DENNIS.
(There are five previous Scottish records, a young @ shot East Lothian, 21st October 1872, one shot Aberdeenshire 29th October 1872, a young o& shot Caithness 16th September 1907, one seen Berwickshire 8th April 1917, and one seen Fair Isle 17th-22nd June 1965.—EbD.)
Green-winged Teal in Fife
On 12th October 1968, a day of gale-force southwest winds and heavy rain showers, we spent about 40 minutes in the hide at Morton Lochs, Fife, watching a large assembly of Mallard, Wigeon, Pintail and Teal.
We located two drake Green-winged Teal a few yards apart. Both were very similar to drake Teal in every way, but showed a distinct vertical white line in front of a broad green wing-patch rather than the common bird’s horizontal white line above the wing.
K. C. R. Hatnumay, B.S: Ce BaAnemay JESSIE M., McFar.ane.
(This is the first record of this American race for Tay, and the 11th for Scotland. Ten of these have been recorded since 1952, and all have been drakes.—ED.)
Blue-winged Teal in Outer Hebrides
On 29th April 1968 I found a drake Blue-winged Teal at Loch nam Feithean in North Uist. It tended to associate with a pair of Shoveler feeding on the loch, but it was gone next afternoon.
At first sight, at about 150 yards, it was like a small Gad- wall, with the same grey flarks and black stern, but there the resemblance ended. It showed two very conspicuous white marks, one crescent-shaped in front of the eye, and the other a patch on the flanks just in front of the black stern, rather like a Wigeon. In flight the powder-blue patches
PLATE 1. Injured Great Grey Shrike, Shetlan tober 1968 (see Photograph by R. J. I
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32
1970 SHORT NOTES 33
on the upper wing-coverts were very striking, and later, when it was in eclipse plumage, this was the only way to identify it. I asked C. MacDonald, a local crofter, to corrobor- ate my observation, which he did by checking the various points as I read from the Field Guide.
With G. A. Williams I saw what was probably the same bird on the same loch on 14th June, and later that day it was seen by Drs W. J. Eggeling, J. Morton Boyd, M. E, D. Poore and I. Newton, all from the Nature Conservancy, It was still there two days later. Some visitors saw it on Loch na Reivil on 3lst July and 8th August, and I saw it on the 9th with a flock of about 40 Shoveler, and finally on the 16th with the same flock. I can only conclude that this bird spent the whole summer on these lochs at Balranald Reserve. From 3ist July onwards it was in eclipse plumage.
A. R. McGrecor.
(Three of the five previous Scottish records of this North American duck are also from the Outer Hebrides: a female shot on 10th November 1927, a pair (one shot) on 6th Septem- ber 1940, and two shot (a female and a probable young bird) on 18th October 1950 (Birds of Scotland; Scot. Nat. 1951: 191). The others were an adult female shot in Dumfriesshire in 1858 (Naturalist 1858: 168), and an adult male in Orkney on 10th November 1966 (Scot. Birds 4: 503). The present record is the first in summer, which, together with the bird’s long stay, must make one wonder whether it originated in captivity.—ED.)
Ring-necked Duck in Aberdeenshire
On the afternoon of 16th February 1969 while making one of my regular duck counts on the Don estuary, north of Aber- deen, I noticed a strange duck on the edge of a small group of Tufted Duck. It was constantly more watchful than the Tuft- ed, often with its head raised alertly. The light was excellent and I watched the bird on the water for 20 minutes from 50- 100 yards and then went to find another observer, who un- fortunately could not come until the next morning, by which time the bird could not be found.
It was readily identified as a drake Ring-necked Duck. Pos- sibly it was wintering in the area, for the date on which it Was seen was in the middle of a severe freeze-up which had brought 120 Tufted Duck to the estuary, where they are sel- dom seen except in hard weather.
The bird resembled a drake Tufted Duck, being of a sim- ilar size or slightly larger, but with noticeably darker flanks —pale slate-grey at the back, paling towards the shoulder region, where they were almost white. The head was glossy
34 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
black with a noticeably high crown and a marked concavity at the nape, quite unlike the accompanying Tufted drakes. There was no crest, whereas those of the Tufted Drakes were plainly visible, ruffled in the breeze, The bill was blue-grey with an indistinct white ring round the base, and the tip dark with a broad white subterminal band.
M. ii H. Coox.
(The only previous Scottish record of this American species is of a drake in South Inverness-shire during January 1963 (Scot, Birds 2: 476).—Ep.)
Escaped American Red-tailed Hawk nesting with Buzzard in Midlothian
On the evening of the big gale in January 1968 a young falconer lost his immature female American Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis, imported from western North Am- erica the previous autumn, in the vicinity of Esperton Quarry near Gorebridge. At this time it was very tame and was photographed and filmed by at least one person. It was even reported that the local butcher used to feed it from his van. The faleconer tried unsuccessfully for some time to recapture it but eventually gave up and so the hawk remained free.
I was told in early June, but by this time it was much more elusive, since the trees were in full foliage and the bird had extended its hunting area, During my numerous visits to the area I was lucky enough to get some good sightings, and on one occasion called it down to circle about 15 feet above me, but it was not really hungry and it ignored my lure and flew off. By mid July it had moulted out of immature plum- age and now had the rich, chestnut-coloured tail of the adult. I had by this time tried all the usual methods of catching it but it was never hungry enough to be tempted into the various traps. It eventually moved out of the area and I gave up the search.
I had one secondhand report of it being seen in the com- pany of a common Buzzard Buteo buteo near Broughton, Peeblesshire, in October 1968.
I next heard of the bird in May 1969 when the gamekeeper I had met the previous year came to tell me that it was again in territory on a neighbouring estate, along with a Buzzard, My first encounter with her in 1969, on 30th May at 9 p.m., showed a complete change in her character. In- stead of keeping away, she circled over us screaming as she flew. I had never heard her call before and was amazed at its harshness. Her flight was just like a Buzzard’s but with much more vigorous wingheats and a surprising turn of
1970 SHORT NOTES 35
speed for a bird of her size. The main events of the next few days are as follows.
3lst May, 8.15 p.m. Torrential rain. Watched her hunting for a short time between squalls. She was obviously hungry but the weather conditions forced her to abandon hunting that night. Set up cage trap.
Ist June, 4.30 p.m. Beautiful afternoon. Watched her soar- ing at a great height being pestered all the time by two Carrion Crows which she easily dodged time and time again. A male Buzzard appeared and as they circled together it was easy to compare their size, the Red-tail being a much bigger bird and a much stronger flier. She pitched into a tree, and when we flushed her we found that she had been on a nest. This was easily examined from a vantage point on the hillside but we could not see anything in it. I then closed the trap and left the area.
3rd June, 8.30 p.m. After we had made sure that the birds were not in the vicinity, the tree was climbed and the nest was found to contain four eggs, one at least of them chip- ping. The shell had a small crack and the bill of the chick could be seen moving within the exposed membrane. There was every sign that the chick would be hatched sometime in the early morning. We decided to leave our next visit for a few days so that there would be no chance of disturbance at this critical period.
10th June, 8.30 p.m. No sign of adults and so again climbed the tree. The nest was empty but for broken eggshells and it looked as though it had been robbed by Crows.
14th June, 3 p.m. Both hawks seen in the area but they kept well away, Rook-scarers set up nearby possibly fright- ening them.
From then on she was seen less frequently as she widened her territory. I must stress that the failure of the nest was not due to human interference. With the exception of the evening we examined the eggs, when we knew the female was hunting in another area, all observations were carried out well away from the nest. The female was well accustom- ed to people, as local farmers and gamekeepers were often quite close to the nest and there were innumerable fishermen passing virtually underneath as she brooded, In addition to all these factors, she herself had been a tame, trained hawk and so was quite used to seeing people at very close quarters.
My explanation for the failure is that the male was only seen infrequently, and never either hunting or with prey, and the onus of breadwinning was left to the female. Con- sequently she was off the nest for long periods, leaving it an easy target for marauding Crows. At this time the tree
36 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
itself had very little foliage, which made the nest partic- ularly conspicuous from the air.
Identification of both birds was positive. Both were broad- winged hawks adapted for soaring flight. The Buzzard male was of the pale-breasted form and was more grey than brown. The tail was banded in the typical pattern, but two centre tail feathers were missing, giving him a kitelike ap- pearance. His call was unmistakeably that of a common Buzzard.
The female was easily recognised by her larger size, her tail rich chestnut above and pale, almost pinkish, below, and by her harsh scream. She was extremely rufous on the breast and belly, so that it was possible to identify her with a fair degree of certainty as the western race Buteo jamaicensis calurus.
Hunting habits of the female showed two distinct forms. One was by close quartering of the ground at treetop height followed by a stoop at the quarry. The more common meth- od was to take up a stance in a tree and sit there motionless before swooping down on any unsuspecting prey which came near her perch. This is very much the way in which a Goshawk hunts.
Prey included young rabbits, of which bits were found under perching places, The remains of an adult Curlew were found 20 feet up in an oak tree about 100 yards from the nest, Over the past two seasons the female has gone for a Mallard drake, which she hit hard but failed to kill, Pheas- ant poults, domestic poultry and young rabbits. The latter seem to form her staple diet owing to their abundance and the ease with which they can be caught.
The nest was some 45 feet up in the fork of an oak tree, and was a large affair about 34-4 feet across, with a nest cup about 12 inches across and 3 inches deep on one side of the main structure, leaving a large platform at the other side. This bulky nest was strongly built with twigs and fairly hefty sticks and the cup was lined with fresh green shoots OF Fit:
The oak was about 10 feet from a small burn flowing through a steep-sided valley. One bank of this valley was thickly covered with mature woodland and the other was steep, rough pasture with scattered birches and large clumps of gorse. The hawk had four favourite perches apart from the nest tree. The first was a tall pine about half a mile from the nest. It was on top of the valley ridge and dominated the surrounding landscape. The second was a large fir 100 yards up the slope from the nest, again affording an excellent van- tage point and from which she obviously collected the mat- eria] for lining the nest cup. The other perches were in two
1970 SHORT NOTES 37
large beeches within 300 yards of the nest, one on either side of it. When she used these trees she was extremely conspic- uous, her red plumage contrasting with the bright green foliage. The eggs were slightly larger and more rounded than those of a Buzzard and quite unlike eggs of that species. They were devoid of any brown markings and were a dirty off-white colour, but on close inspection they showed a pec- uliar greenish, marbled effect all over. The broken remains of the shells are now in the Royal Scottish Museum, I be- lieve that at least one of them had hatched before disaster struck, as with them in the nest were a few small, white, downy tufts such as are found on a nestling hawk.
Although only once certainly flushed from the nest the female was frequently seen in close proximity to it and appeared to come from it when flying to attack me or the farmer on different occasions, which she did if approached down the hillside though ignoring people walking along the burn. Only the one, easily recognised, Buzzard was ever seen, and the species is normally an infrequent visitor to the area.
I have not given the exact location of the nest but it is known to the editor and others. As most people will realise, this bird is a potential threat to game and poultry, and efforts to recapture it will continue, both for this reason and be- cause it is a valuable falconer’s bird and an alien to our avifauna, At the time of writing, in the autumn of 1969, the Red-tailed Hawk is still in the area. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who can supply any information about it or its mate, at the Royal Scottish Museum, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. Those who have seen the birds include W. T. P. Stout, M. J. Everett, J. Reddington, W. Tait, B, King, J. Ar- nott, I, Hutchinson, P, Howard, W. Brotherston, L. Young, R. W. J. and Mrs E. M. Smith.
| JOHN B. Murray.
Kites in Angus
On 15th April 1969, in the evening, I was birdwatching with my wife at Kinnaber, near Montrose, looking for the nest of a pair of Sparrowhawks we had seen, We spotted what we thought were the male and his mate on the bran- ches of a beech tree, but as we advanced cautiously it be- came clear that though they were raptors they were not the ones we were looking for. At about 60 feet the two birds flew off together some 40 feet over our heads in seemingly effort- less flight, soaring swiftly upwards and then moving away in a sort of gentle gliding flight quite unlike anything I had seen before and with very distinct strong wingbeats, as if they were not taxing themselves to the full.
38 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
They were instantly recognisable as Kites from their dis- tinctly forked tails, the fork at times extending some three- quarters of the length of the tail. One bird was a little small- er than the other, but in shape and colour they were the same.
The forked tails were visible but less obvious when the birds were perched. They were golden reddish-brown with dark brown markings on the feathers, and their heads were light in colour, but not as light as in any of the illustrations I have seen in bird books, The tails seemed darker than the body. The yellow legs and feet were unieathered, As the perch hung over the North Esk it was not possible to get a view from the front. In flight the underside of the wings was dark on the leading edge and light on the trailing edge, with white patches at the base of the primaries; the wingtips were dark.
I am familiar with the local raptors and others elsewhere but these were quite new to me. I am absolutely certain they were Kites.
GRAHAM STEPHEN.
(Mr Stephen has submitted sketches showing the slender angular siihouettes and deeply torked tails ot the birds in flight, and their upright stance.
There were only two satisfactory records of the Kite in Scotland from 1920 to 1968, yet for 1969 we have already noted two others (Scot. Birds 9: 381) and there was a “spate” of records in England about the same time, including two together in Noriolk on 16th April (Brit. Birds 62: 248).—Eb.)
Black Kite in Orkney
While in Rousay on 15th May 1968 I observed a big dark bird of prey wheeling gracefully over Trumland valiey. It Was circling and gliding to and fro fairly high up, with a shallow-forked tail that became more or less square when fully spread; the bird was a dark silhouette and its colours could not be seen properly, but I had no doubt it was a Black Kite, a species I previously watched for a considerable time when one was present in Orkney on 18th and 19th May 1966 before moving to Shetland.
As so often with visiting raptors the bird was being mob- bed by a male Hen Harrier, whose mate was incubating in the valley below, and quite soon it was escorted round the shoulder of the hill and out of sight. The distance and the angle of the sun made it just about impossible to see any un- derwing pattern, but the whole plumage appeared to be fairly uniform dark brown. It was a big bird compared with
1970 SHORT NOTES 39
the Hen Harriers, and its actions and attitude in flight were the same as the one I watched in 1966 (and it was definitely not a dark Marsh Harrier, a rarity in Orkney but which I have seen elsewhere).
This is only the third Scottish record of the Black Kite (see Scot, Birds 4: 296).
+ : .
E;. BALFOUR. Red-footed Faicon in Shetland
On 3list May 1969 Mrs Rita Leask, who lives on a croft at Hamnavoe, on the south side of Yell, telephoned to tell me that a strange bird had arrived the evening betore and was still there. Her preliminary description suggested Cuckoo, apart from a hooked beak. I lost no time in getting there, to confirm that it was a Red-footed Falcon, and by its plumage a first-year male.
It seemed tired and rather tame, sitting hunched on a peat stack 20 yards from the croft house Every now and again it would bestir itself to fly either to a new vantage point (fence post, outhouse roof, turf wall, telegraph pole) or to pick some- thing from the ground. It would allow approach to 30 feet be- fore flying off, and I managed to get some photographs. Mr Leask jokingly suggested I throw it a worm, and his little boy immediately went off to dig some up. I carefully approached the falcon and flicked a worm out onto the grass. To my surprise it bobbed its head a few times then swooped at the worm, only taking fright at the last moment, This en- couraged me to try a ‘ruler-flicking’ method to get the worms farther away from me, and this was successful, the bird thereafter readily accepting worms. After a day or two, how- ever, it got less approachable and looked obviously fitter, due mainly, I am sure, to the quantities of worms fed to it several times a day by the Leask family. It was last seen about 9th or 10th June.
It was not a markedly crepuscular feeder, although it would often disappear for a few hours during the height of the day. Size appeared about the same as a female Merlin, but its flight was more like a Kestrel, less dashing than a Merlin; but comparison was difficult because the bird rarely flew more than a few yards, and then in among houses and walls.
Description Head, upperparts and underparts a rather dirty mottled blue-grey, darker on mantle and round eye, with rather ill-defined moustache, most feathers showing darker shafts; some mottled pale or buffish markings formed an indistinct collar, with pale on chin and a small amount on forehead; centre tail feathers dark brownish-grey, outer ones with buffish barring; primaries and secondaries dark brownish-grey, with barring on secondaries and inner webs of prim- aries; upper wing coverts distinctly brownish mottled; lower belly and tibia feathers and under tail-coverts reddish-chestnut; legs and feet
40 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
orange; bill leaden with darker tip and orange cere; eye dark with
orange orbital ring. R. J. TuLLocu.
(This species has now been recorded in Scotland on 15 oc- casions (11 since 1940), nine times in spring (6th May-21st June), once on 22nd July, three times in autumn (11th Aug- ust-8th October) and twice in November (though it seems doubtful whether wild birds would occur so late), This is the second Shetland record.—EDb.)
Long-billed Dowitcher in Dunbartonshire
At 11.30 am. on 2nd May 1969 on the west bank of the Endrick at Loch Lomond I heard the call of a bird I did not know. It was flying with a Redshank and was about the same size, but of heavier build and with a snipe-like bill, I noticed some rusty patches on the underparts and a long white mark up the back.
I concluded that the bird was a dowitcher, and eventually managed to get within 30 yards of it in good light to make a detailed description and watch it in the company of a Black-tailed Godwit for about an hour. It never strayed far from the pools between the marsh and the open sandbanks, and when flushed it would climb to a height and circle be- fore landing back at a pool near the bank. Its flight was like a snipe in slow motion; it flew with its bill at a low angle and its feet did not protrude beyond its tail. It fed in a quick ‘pile-driving’ manner, up to its flanks in water. I noted its call as a long high metallic keeec; when flushed it usually repeated this note three times, occasionally four times.
From these notes and the following plumage description I identified the bird as a Long-billed Dowitcher.
Crown chestnut but not dark enough to give any capped appearance over brown eyestripe and white superciliary; nape and back streaked chestnut; tail fan-shaped and barred black (more black than white); upper part of tail white, stretching up rump and lower back in long white line; wings silvery grey, leading edges of primaries black, some white on rear edges of primaries and secondaries; throat and breast with rusty blotches evenly distributed on white background; belly and flanks mostly white, with a few rust-coloured blotches; lower belly white; under tail-coverts white towards front, with small black bars on white background on rear half; bill long, thin and snipe-like; legs dark green.
I returned on the evening of 3rd May but could find neither the dowitcher nor the godwit again. Rosert J. W. SHAw.
(This record has a special interest because it was possible to identify the species of dowitcher, the bird being accepted as a Long-billed Dowitcher by the Rarities Committee, For
1970 SHORT NOTES 41
a recent discussion of the problems see Brit. Birds 61: 366- 372. There is one certain previous record of the Long-billed Dowitcher in Scotland (see Brit. Birds 54: 346; Scot. Birds 2: 196); indeterminate records, of one species or the other, in- clude a recent one from Dunbartonshire (Scot, Birds 3: 255). —ED.)
Dowitcher in Inner Hebrides
On 6th October 1969 at Loch Phuill, Tiree, I had counted 7 Curlew, 40 Lapwing, 200 Golden Plover, 20 Redshank, 8 Turnstone and 70 Ringed Plover on the loch side when a light aeroplane flew over and put up the birds. As they began to settle again I noticed head-on a larger grey bird with no apparent markings about to land at the edge of the water with a small party of Ringed Plover. As it landed I saw it was like a large snipe. I watched it for 14 hours at down to 40 yards with binoculars and telescope and identified it as a dowitcher.
It fed with the other waders but seemed to prefer the com- pany of the Ringed Plovers, being buffeted at times by Gol- den Plover and Dunlin, when it would give a rapid flap of its wings and carry on feeding. The water was high and covered grass grazed by sheep and cattle, the grass being saturated for 50 yards back from the edge. The dowitcher kept close to the water’s edge or round pools in the grass and it would stand for minutes in one spot feeding from one small patch with very little head movement.
It was slightly smaller in body than a Redshank, with shorter legs, which were hidden in grass where the Red- shank’s legs could be seen. Once when an alarm call was heard it became erect and looked more like a Redshank or a Ruff. After taking detailed notes I flushed it twice with the Ringed Plover and got good views of the wings, back and tail in flight. It rose only a few feet and landed 40 yards away to continue feeding, and it was still there when I left. I saw it again on the 8th, when it was less approachable and fed over a wider area, but I could not find it on the 9th. The following plumage description is compiled from my notes:
Head, neck, breast, flanks and back uniform light grey, with long bold near-white stripe over eye, and crown slightly darker grey; end of tail apparently barred light and dark; rump white, extending down onto tail and up back; belly white; wings light grey above, with darker mottling and tinged brown, and narrow white trailing edge to inner half; bill long and snipe-like, but heavier, dark coloured but paler at base; legs short, light greenish (grass) colour.
€. S., Tarr:
(These are the ninth and tenth records of dowitchers in scotland, including the first for the Inner Hebrides; there are two nineteenth century records and eight modern ones
42 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
(1958-69), all of uncertain species except for single Long- billed Dowitchers in September 1867 and May 1969. There are now two May records; and the others fall between 15th Aug- ust and 20th November, but some of the birds stayed for con- siderable periods, and the latest date on which one has been first discovered is 20th October.—Eb.)
Marsh Sandpiper in Shetland
On 4th May 1969 Robert Duthie told me he had just seen a Marsh Sandpiper at Strand Loch, Gott. He had noted how the bird looked smaller than two Redshanks with which it was feeding in the rocky shallows of the loch. He said the bird had extraordinarily long legs; yet it still stood smaller than the Redshanks and looked slimmer.
I later found the bird without difficulty—it looked so much paler and greyer than the darker fawnish colour of the Red- shanks. It never bobbed as it walked through the water but often waded quite deep, following the shore for a hundred yards or so then turning back again, Once it caught a tiny fish, which was stolen from it by a Black-headed Gull.
When I flushed the Marsh Sandpiper, its wings, which were a darker fawnish-grey than the rest of the bird, now looked browner, and very long and narrow. The wingbeats were jerky, in twos, and the wings were very curved downwards. The feet came far beyond the whitish tail, the white extend- ing well up between the wings in a point, The bird looked entirely white from below. Before it touched down, the legs hung downwards and out in rather an ungainly way. It ran a step or two as it came to a halt.
Using a 40x telescope I was able to watch the bird at dis- tances down to 15 yards, and on three consecutive days, 4th- 6th May, and to take some rather distant photographs.
Description General impression was of a very pale grey bird, almost white below; head, neck and mantle pale grey; very pale grey down throat to only slightly darker breast band; underparts white from there back; white of tail, which had very faint barring near tip, ex- tended up over rump into a point well up between wings; wings fawnish-grey, a little darker than mantle, the coverts darker still, with primaries looking almost black on folded wing; a few dark feathers scattered through wing coverts and scapulars; bill thin, par- ticularly towards tip, very long and blackish, with slight uptilt; legs very long, thin and dark green; eye very dark, with slight orbital ring.
DENNIS COUTTS.
(The Marsh Sandpiper breeds in southeast Europe and east- wards across Asia. The only previous Scottish record is of one seen in Caithness on 3rd-5th September 1966 (Scot, Birds 4: 557).—Eb.)
1970 SHORT NOTES 43
Sabine’s Gull in Ross-shire
On 3rd August 1969 at Craigton Point, North Kessock, on the Black Isle, J, Thorogood and I noticed a small, darkish gull with a neat, delicate appearance swimming about 50 yards offshore. We watched as it floated on the rapid current past the point where we were sitting. It sat on the surface of the water, pecking at floating material and drifting back- wards on the rapid tide, but on reaching a certain point it took off and flew forward to alight on the water and start floating backwards again. This sequence was repeated sever- al times, and we had good views of the bird for three or four minutes, both on the water and in the air.
About the size of a Black-headed Gull, it was more deli- cately shaped, with a slender neck and small-headed appear- ance. In flight the textbook wing pattern at once identified it as a Sabine’s Gull. Its actions were graceful, with a buoyant, rather tern-like flight. The fork in the tail was visible but not obvious. Plumage details were:
Forehead and lores white; rest of head mottled grey, darkest on crown and behind eye; nape whitish, mottled grey; neck white with dark collar behind, extending down in curved b!lackish-brown mark to sides of breast; mantle grey (darker than Kittiwake, nearing Lesser Black-backed Gull); closed primaries black, with row of neat white spots, quite unlike Kittiwake or Black-headed Gull; underparts whitish; in flight, forked tail white with small black marks near tip when seen from below; wing pattern very obvious, outer primaries black, some with small white spots near tip, forewing triangle mid-grey, hindwing triangle white, forming smart, neat pattern rather like juvenile Kitti- wake but darker on forewing, more clear-cut, and completely lacking any black diagonal bar; legs dark; bill blackish. Some of these points are illustrated in the sketches reproduced here.
R. A. HuMeE.
(Through N, Picozzi we referred this record to R. Khan,
AA SHORT NOTES 6(1)
who has extensive experience of Sabine’s Gull in Cornwall, where he has seen about 70 in recent years. He commented that he had never seen this stage of plumage, with spots un- der the tail and shading (not an effect of the light) on the neck, but the record was entirely convincing, and the feed- ing behaviour typical of the species. It would be a one-year- old bird.
Though there are some 13 previous satisfactory records of this arctic gull in Scotland, all but three were before the 1914-18 war. This is the first for the Moray Basin.—Ep.)
Behaviour of migrant Black Terns
While watching from my house beside Kirk Loch, Loch- maben, Dumfriesshire, on the morning of 3rd May 1969 I saw a Black Tern feeding among Swifts, Swallows and mar- tins. It was a darkish bird, smaller than the Black-headed Gulls which were also present and occasionally mobbed it, with a grey-black body, narrow mid-grey wings and a dis- tinctive white patch below a short square tail, The bird was still there when I left in the early afternoon.
On my return that evening I was delighted to find three Black Terns feeding over the loch. My wife and I rowed out to them in our small boat. They took very little notice of us, and we were able to study them closely and take a little cine film at 10-15 yards.
They were flying level about 10-15 feet above the water, looking down, and would “fall out of the sky” to catch flies just above the water without ever touching the surface. Wé watched them for about 45 minutes as they covered an area about 150 yards in diameter, keeping quite well separated, and occasionally calling gently kip or kit. Then one of them suddenly called much more stridently keep, and they came together; their pattern of behaviour now altered significantly. They remained together, and instead of flying down close to the water repeatedly splashed in for three or four seconds at a time, even submerging completely, always in concert. This continued for about five minutes, with much calling, be- fore they rose high in the air and flew off to the southeast.
It seems that this combined display was a preliminary to their departure.
B. P. Bower.
White-winged Black Tern in East Lothian
On 27th June 1969 in bright clear conditions, with tele- scope and binoculars, I watched an adult White-winged
1970 SHORT NOTES 45
Black Tern in flight for about half an hour from North Ber- wick Golf Course, at ranges down to 100 yards, generally low over the sea and sometimes against the background of the distant Bass Rock. Kittiwakes and Common Terns were there for comparison, and also fishing Sandwich Terns, which were often close and at which it sometimes swooped.
It was a small tern, only about two-thirds as big as the Sandwich Terns, and much slighter and looking very dark compared with their snowy white plumage. It was very quick on the wing, beating up and down a stretch of sea but not diving, Once it climbed quickly and appeared to catch something in the air.
The wings looked white both above and below; the under- parts, from the small dark beak to the belly, appeared black, clearly defined from white beneath the tail; the rump look- ed white, and the upper side of the tail definitely so at cer- tain angles, but as the bird kept mainly at eye level it was difficult to see the back clearly. The tail was slightly fanned in one view, but generally square-cut when seen from the side, with no visible forking.
I have previously seen breeding adults abroad, and also adults and an immature in England.
R. M. CurRBErR.
(This seems to be the seventh Scottish record, all of them since 1964, and the first for the south of Scotland (Scot. Birds 5: 30); the dates are from 7th May to 13th July.—Eb.)
Gull-billed Terns in Stirlingshire
Two Gull-billed Terns appeared over a pond in grazing land close to the shore at Skinflats on 6th September 1969 and stayed for an hour, before moving east along the Firth of Forth. Good views were had with telescope and binoculars.
In stalling flight about 12 feet above the water one would drop to the surface, scooping it up with its bill and breaking the water with its belly, then rising a few inches it would move forward, repeating the action three or four times be- fore returning to 12 feet; in this way they covered about 60 yards across the pool from west to east before returning to start again. The birds stayed together, and twice both stopped to rest on posts in the pool, Twice one rose high in the air and disappeared inland, only to return some minutes later.
No other terns were there for comparison, but the birds showed smaller than a passing Black-headed Gull. I have previous experience of this species abroad in the breeding season.
The following plumage description is compiled from my notes:
46 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
Forehead and back of head black, also encircling eyes; mantle light grey; tail near-white, short and deeply incurved; wings broad for a tern, with primaries partly dark, giving a streaked appearance near wingtips in flight; underparts very white; short, stout black bill; legs dullish black and noticeably long for a tern.
C. S. Tarr.
(This is the fifth Scottish record (see Scot. Birds 5: 285), the first for Stirlingshire and the first involving more than one bird. The three autumn records are closely grouped be- tween 3rd and 11th September, and all from Forth.—Ep.)
Three Bee-eaters in Fair Isle and Shetland
At 2000 hrs BST on 7th July 1969 I stopped to speak to Gordon Barnes, who was staring skywards with his binocu- lars at three birds which were uttering an unusual call that he did not know. I recognised this prruik call as that of a Bee-eater. Soon the birds came closer and we saw their brilliant colours. At this stage they were flying at about 1000 feet in a most erratic manner, and after we had followed them with binoculars for about ten minutes they disappear- ed over the south end of Fair Isle. Fifteen minutes later I discovered all three perched on telephone wires near the shop, and nearly everyone on the island had excellent views of them that evening or on the following two days. They left Fair Isle at 1100 hrs BST on 9th July in a northerly direc tion.
They were unmistakable birds with yellow and chestnut upperparts; the head was darker with a paler forehead, the yellow throat was bordered with black, and the underparts were bright blue-green; the wings and tail were blue-green, with projecting centre tail feathers; the bill was long, dark and curved; the eye was red. One bird was slightly larger and longer than the other two and it was more brightly coloured. This male bird often flew up calling above the two females, which stayed perched on a fence or telephone wire. We also noted that the male was usually with one of the females, while the extra female was often a little way away and was sometimes separated from the pair by a hundred yards or so. This same behaviour was noted from three Bee- eaters seen in Shetland from 9th July, and it seems certain they were the same party.
Most of their time on Fair Isle was spent perching on fences or telephone wires surrounding marshy fields with plenty of flowers, and we saw them catching bumble bees over these flowers. The one previous Fair Isle record was on 13th June 1966.
R. H. Dennis.
1970 SHORT NOTES 47
(Dennis Coutts has sent us details of the Shetland sighting. The three birds were first noted, at Stromfirth, Weisdale, at 10.30 p.m. on 9th July, 113 hours after being seen leaving Fair Isle some 55 miles to the south. One was a little bigger and brighter than the others and tended to sit with one of them. About 10.30 p.m. on 12th July they circled high in the sky and disappeared.—ED.)
Rollers in Aberdeenshire and Kirkcudbrightshire
On 8th July 1969 we were told of a strange turquoise bird
with a brown back which had been seen daily since 28th June at Richmond, near Peterhead. From the description given by the farmer the bird appeared to be a Roller, and later that day we had good views and were able to confirm the identification. The bird was slightly larger than a Blackbird. At rest on a fence post it seemed squat and dumpy, the head resem- bling a Jay’s; in flight (which was like a Woodpigeon’s or a Cuckoo’s) it appeared much sleeker, but it was reluctant to fly. When it was sitting, the feathers were fluffed, giving it a fat appearance, and hiding the legs, The head and upper breast were turquoise, with a black line through the eye giving an indented appearance); mantle cinnamon-orange, with dark blue rump visible between crossed wings; breast and belly grey-blue, with slight pink suffusion on flanks; under tail-coverts blue-green; outer primaries all black, inner ones black with brown tips; heavy bill, dark horn, paler at base; a brief view of the legs suggested they were yellowish.
C. J. FEARE, F. C. FEarE, D. E. B, Lioyp, T, JOHNSON-FERGUSON.
On 10th August 1969 we watched a Roller by the road just west of New Galloway, and we saw it there again several times up to the 14th. It was a bit smaller than a Kestrel and looked rather like one as it perched upright on the telegraph wires with its longish tail hanging down. It would drop to the ground with its rounded wings spread out, then return to the wire, once definitely with an insect. We also saw it flying low over the hillside.
The plumage was unmistakable: bright chestnut back and blue-grey wings in flight; with bright saxe-blue on body and tail as well as wings; and its greyish bill straight and heavy. In certain lights, however, the bright colours were muted and the wings looked slate-grey.
AuicE M. CHoRLEY, JOYCE CLIFFORD.
48 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
Aquatic Warblers in Fair Isle and Shetland
Aquatic Warblers are difficult birds to see because they skulk in thick cover, such as fields of corn and patches of long grass and reeds on Fair Isle. In 1969 the amazing total of five individuals occurred there between 14th and 17th August, and four were trapped and ringed.
P. J. B. Slater discovered the first in a ditch near Pund on the 14th, and shortly afterwards we trapped it in a mistnet. It was ringed, weighed and measured at the observatory and detailed plumage notes and photographs were taken. Next day J. A. Ginnever found a similar bird in a reedy ditch at Schoolton, and when we mistnetted it we found it was a new bird. Later in the afternoon N. J. Collar found a third one in a field of potatoes at Stoneybreck, and this was also mist- netted. On the 16th a fourth Aquatic Warbler was caught in the Gully and one of the other birds was retrapped. On the 17th three were seen: one a ringed bird from the 15th; one not seen well enough to tell whether it was ringed; and an un- ae bird seen by A. J. Parrott, None was seen after the 17th.
All were first-year birds and very similar in plumage; a detailed description was taken of the first, and the others were compared with it and closely resembled it:
Head distinctly patterned by bright yellow-buff stripes from bill, over and behind eye, and down centre of crown; sides of crown black, feathers slightly tipped yellow-buff; whole upperparts tawny- buff streaked black, streaks on mantle being prominent and those on rump and upper tail-coverts narrower and long; forehead gingery, and lores greyish; ear coverts darker grey-buff; underparts yellow- buff, palest on belly, with fine black shaft streaks on feathers of flanks and sides of breast; underwing white; wing feathers brown with wide tawny-buff fringes; wing coverts and tertials rather like mantle; tail feathers brown with wide brown-buff fringes and shafts nearly black; upper mandible dark horn with pale tip and cutting edge, and lower mandible pinkish-horn with grey tip; legs pinkish- flesh, feet yellower; iris brown; three rictal bristles.
Weights (gm) and measurements (mm) of the ringed birds were:
Date Ring No. Wing Bill Tarsus Tail Weight 14 Aug HX86510 64 124 21 49 10.2 15 Aug HX86515 61 134 21 46 11.9 15 Aug HX86516 64 13 19 43 10.1 16 Aug HX86524 64 13 Z| 49 12.2
All four had the third primary emarginated on the outer web, and the wing formulae, in the same order as above, were:
1970 SHORT NOTES 49
Ist 2nd 3rd Ath 5th 6th 7th 8th from primary from third primary - longest in each: bird
coverts — — —— —- —- —5 —-§ —10 —12 a = == a; wg 6) 710 = oe = Sos =F = a9e 1 3 4 oss eG Pe, R. H. DENNIS
For most of the first half of August 1969 the weather in Shetland was dominated by high pressure over Scandinavia and the Continent, giving mild fine weather with the wind mostly between south and east. Though there was a fair passage of waders, few passerine migrants showed up until about the 12th. when a trickle of smaller birds included Barred, Garden, Willow, Icterine and Wood Warblers. On the 17th I spent the day on Out Skerries, where I found a scatter- ing of most of these species plus a few Whinchats and two Fieldfares.
While walking past a field of potatoes I was attracted by an unusual bird call, a sharp, quite loud tzak tzak with a de- cided scolding quality to it. In a few moments I saw the bird’s head peering from the potato shaws, and at once the clear buffish-white centre on the otherwise Sedge Warbler head told me it was an Aquatic Warbler, a svecies I had previously seen in Fair Isle, both in the field and in the hand.
Later with Roy Mead I had good views of the bird, inclu- ding the streaked rump, and was in no doubt as to its iden- tity. We flushed it several times and it always returned to a potato patch in preference to oats nearby. Nearly always it betrayed its presence by the hard call note, which once nearly developed into a stutter.
Description Size, general appearance and behaviour similar to Sedge Warbler; general colour warm brown above, with quite prom- inent streaking on back and rump and paler edgings to wing feathers; tail rounded and same brown with paler edgings; underparts pale buffish with faint streaking on breast; head boldly streaked, with buffish-white supercilium surmounted by dark band, the head clearly
divided up centre of crown by another pale buffish-white band; bill brownish; legs pale.
I can find no reference to this species in Shetland except at
Fair Isle. R. J. TULLOCH.
(Aquatic Warblers have been noted previously in Scotland between 11th August and 4th (once 23rd) October in 11 years since 1914, nine times at Fair Isle (Fair Isle and its Birds; Brit. Birds 59: 294) and six times at the Isle of May (The Isle of May; Scot. Birds 1: 356, 357; 4: 356; 5: 10), but no more than three birds in any year, and only in 1956 and 1960 at both islands in the same autumn.—ED.)
50. SHORT NOTES 6(1) Water Pipits in Scotland
On 3lst March 1968 I had brief views of a bird which I thought was a Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta on the grassy bank of the Peffer Burn at Aberlady Bay, East Lothian. It was larger than nearby Meadow Pipits and noticeably grey- brown on the mantle (“very grey upperparts”), with a prom- inent whitish superciliary, and very pale off-white under- parts showing little or no streaking. The legs and outer tail feathers were not seen well. It gave a single wheet or tseep call, quite loud, in flight. There was a strong southwest move- ment of Meadow Pipits from a northeast or easterly direc- tion at Aberlady that day and on the coast as I walked to- wards Fidra; the birds were flying low into a moderate SW wind.
A week later on 7th April I had much better views of the bird on the muddy and grassy banks of this small tidal burn 10 yards from the road. It was rather shy, not allowing me to approach closer than 20 yards. It fed on the mud, once close to a Pied Wagtail, which chased it away. The pipit seemed to flick its wings as it made short flights, so that it appeared to flutter from one place to another. I noted its very pale general appearance at a distance, especially about the head; grey-brown on mantle; darker tail with white outer feathers; two pale wing-bars; off-white breast and belly, even paler on throat, with no sign of any streaking; grey- white on sides of neck and breast; eyestripe prominent; legs apparently dark; single call note.
I know the Water Pipit well from winter and spring ob- servations in Somerset, and also at a sewage farm in Berlin, and as a breeding species in the French Alps.
MicHAEL G. WILSON.
On 31st March 1969 I spent about an hour watching and taking notes on a pipit on the shore between the Aberlady Bay sandspit and Gullane Point. It was feeding among drift- wood and on the tideline as I watched it at distances down to 20 yards, It was very wary, not allowing a close approach, and when flushed it invariably called—the same syllabifica- tion as a Rock Pipit A. s. petrosus but noticeably higher pitched, less flat and more drawn out. It was clearly attached to this stretch of beach, only leaving it once or twice to double back high over the sand dunes, and soon returning to the same place.
It first attracted attention by its very pale appearance, with grey head, dark cheek and pale eyestripe, plus pinkish breast, reminiscent of a Wheatear, and in some ways of a
| 1970 SHORT NOTES 51 |
Yellow Wagtail. The following description is compiled from _ my notes:
Size and shape as Rock Pipit in flight but seemed slightly longer and slimmer on ground; rather long bill and steep forehead; crown, forehead and nape grey-brown, slightly greyer than back; prominent off-white curved supercilium, noticeable from more than 20 yards even without binoculars; cheeks and ear coverts darker; back and wings pale grey-brown with a few faint darker streaks, very hard to see; wings perhaps slightly darker; lesser and median coverts tipped off-white, forming two conspicuous bars on closed wing; prom- inent pale patch on closed primaries; tail dark with off-white outer feathers, much paler than Rock Pipit but not pure white; chin grey- white; breast pale grey with patches of faint streaking on either side of upper breast, joined by very thin line of streaks; flanks with a few rather heavy streaks; delicate pinkish flush on breast, very obvious from side but not from front; belly white; legs apparently quite black.
I spent about half an hour getting good views of the tail against various backgrounds, since I understood that this Was an important racial distinction. Though the outer feath- ers often appeared white in flight, careful watching confir- med that they were distinctly grey, but much whiter than a Rock Pipit’s; I did not note the extent of the white. From this I tentatively identified the bird as a Scandinavian Rock Pipit A, s. littoralis, which the habitat tended to confirm.
Murpo A. MAcDoNnaLp.
On 2nd April 1969 Paul Johnston and I were at the sand- spit at Aberlady Bay at about 7 a.m. and located what was almost certainly the same pipit seen by M. A. Macdonald two days earlier.
It was calling seep seep seep seep from the ground, remin- iscent of the song flight of British pipits. The first thing to strike us was the pale rosy-buff colour of the breast, merging into a whitish area on the throat and chin. When the bird faced us a smal] area of darkish spots was noted bunched together in the middle of the breast, but this was not visible from the side. This pattern differed from that noted by M. A. Macdonald. and the way the feathers were lying may have affected the appearance of the darkish markings, A quite noticeable whitish stripe ran back from just above the eye towards the ear coverts. The pale chin and throat reminded us of a Whitethroat.
We noted the head and back as fairly uniform brownish grey, more brown than grey; but Alan Leitch, who saw the bird later, in sunlight, thought the head and back were dis- tinctly more grey than brown, On the ground the outer tail feathers could not be seen, but in flight they were distinctly white. The wings appeared to be slightly darker than the back and there were two wing-bars. Bill and legs seemed to
52 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
be dark brown. When flushed the bird flew up with a seep like a Meadow Pipit and landed on rocks near Gullane Point. When flushed again it flew back to the original spot.
I examined specimens of the various races of Rock Pipit in the Royal Scottish Museum. The Water Pipits were grey- ish on the back and had the whole outer web of the outer tail feathers white; Scandinavian Rock Pipits (none of them in spring plumage) had a conspicuous oblong patch of white near the tip of the outer web of these feathers, shading to smoke-grey further up the feathers, but showed almost as much white as a Water Pipit when the tails were slightly spread out.
The brownish back of our bird and the seashore habitat suggested that it was a Scandinavian Rock Pipit A. s, littor- alis.
R. MacGRecor.
(On the best current assessment both the 1968 and 1969 birds are thought to be Water Pipits A. s. spinoletta, but it is possible that revised criteria based on further study in the field may upset this judgment in the future, especially as dates and place are at least equally suitable for Scandin- avian Rock Pipits A. s, littoralis. Separating the two races in the field is not easy, and helpful published information is hard to find. The Water Pipit A. s. spinoletta is a central Eur- Oopean mountain bird (a different race from the American Water Pipit A. s. rubescens) whereas littoralis and petrosus are coastal birds. In recent years, spinoletta has been found to winter in small numbers (over 80 birds in some winters) in lowland England, mainly in freshwater habitats, usually inland but often coastal; but there have been no definite rec- ords for Scotland, whereas littoralis is known to occur and probably does so commonly.
We referred both records to K. Williamson, author in 1965 of ‘Moult and its relation to taxonomy in Rock and Water Pipits’ (Brit. Birds 58: 493-504), and to I. G. Johnson, author and investigator of ‘Water Pipits wintering on watercress beds’ (Brit. Birds 59: 552-554). They accept the 1968 bird as spinoletta, rather than littoralis, on the basis of the off- white breast and belly with no sign of any streaking, the whitish eyestripe, the two pale wing-bars, and the observer’s considerable experience of the race. The March 1969 bird is accepted as spinoletta on the colour of the underparts (no littoralis has white belly or pale grey breast, but always yel- lowish unless in breeding plumage, when it certainly does not have a delicate pinkish flush), and also the pattern of streaking and the conspicuous eyestripe and wing-bars; evi- dence of the tail feathers is not considered conclusive in
1970 SHORT NOTES 53
this record. Of presumably the same bird in April 1969 they _ say that no littoralis has so few streaks and that the wing- bars and eyestripe as well as the colour of the underparts - and the pure white outer tail feathers all confirm spinoletta.
There are two records probably of littoralis at Fair Isle in autumn (November), when it is virtually indistinguishable from the local petrosus (Brit. Birds 58: 499), and there is one record of a pwilus ringed in Norway and recovered in Fife in midwinter which must be referable to this race (Brit. Birds 55: 554). Spring records of littoralis have been pub- lished for Fair Isle 16th May 1911 (Studies in Bird Migration 2: 123), Orkney 9th May 1912 (Rep. Scot. Orn, 1912: 43), Fair Isle 22nd May 1912 (Scot, Nat. 1913: 7) and 24th-25th May 1951 (Fair Isle Bird Obs. Bull, 1(2): 4), Fife 14th March 1965 (Scot. Birds 4: 100), and the Isle of May 27th May 1965 (Scot. Birds 4: 100); one record of spinoletta in Shetland 8th-9th May 1950 (Birds and Mammals of Shetland p. 138) was Claimed but not fully accepted at the time (Scot, Nat. 1957: 42). Although reassessment of these records may be desirable it seems unduly risky to attempt it in the present state of knowledge.
I. G. Johnson most kindly showed us his preliminary draft of a paper on Water Pipits, and we are grateful to him and K. Williamson for help with these records.—Eb.)
Lesser Grey Shrike in North Argyll
On ist June 1969 my wife and I identified a Lesser Grey Shrike on the edge of Kentra Moss, an extensive peat bog by the River Shiel on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, The shrike outline was obvious as it sat on a gorse bush, and in flight white markings showed on the wings. We took particular note of the solid black band through the eye extending broad- ly across the forehead with no white edging above it. The bird had also a noticeable rosy flush on the breast.
RR, if, Drx.
(This is the first record for the Argyll faunal area.—EDb.)
Slate-coloured Junco in Shetland
While looking for spring migrants on Out Skerries on 7th May 1969 I came on a small greyish bird with white outer tail feathers. These were extremely conspicuous, especially when the bird flicked its tail, which it did quite often. As it was entirely new to me I took detailed notes, from which I identified it as a Slate-coloured Junco. It fed on small] insects and seeds in the short grass, where it spent most of the day, and also among boulders on the shore. When alarmed it
54 SHORT NOTES 6(1)
called a sharp tchick, and when flushed tchick-tchick. It was in immaculate plumage and flew strongly for distances up to 300 yards. I was unable to catch it, and next day it had gone.
Description. Slightly larger than Pied Flycatcher (present), but ap- peared slimmer, with tail longer in proportion. Dark grey head notice- ably rounded, with pale pink finch bill; mantle, back, rump and centre of tail also dark grey; outer tail feathers white and extremely conspic- uous; throat, neck and upper breast dark grey, sharply contrasted with pure white on lower breast and belly; under tail-coverts and flanks dark grey; wing coverts grey and flight feathers dull brownish (looking grey in certain lights when seen from a distance); legs concealed by grass but thought to be pale flesh.
I. S. RoBERTSON.
(As this species does escape from captivity one may only speculate whether this bird found its way naturally across the Atlantic; there is no evidence to the contrary, and some in favour. Records from Foula at the same time of year—lst May 1966 (Brit. Birds 60: 332) and 10th May 1967 (Brit, Birds 61: 358)—have not yet been published in detail] as we have for some time hoped to get a full account of recent observa- tions there. These are the only Scottish records.—Eb.)
Obituary
LEN FULLERTON
Many members of the SOC will remember the cover designs of Scottish Birds before the Crested Tit was adopted. Examples of these were the pair of Red-breasted Mergansers in flight, the Whimbrel and Leach’s Petrel. They were the work of Len Fullerton, who died suddenly on 16th August 1969, aged 60.
Len was a free-lance artist and a dedicated naturalist. His lifelong interest in birds began at an early age to expand to include the various environments in which the birds were found, and he became extremely knowledgeable about mam- mals and about plants and insect life. Although ornithology remained his consuming interest, these other branches of nat- ural history were represented in his artistic work. A great part of this work was concerned with book illustration, of which members are likely to have seen examples. His presentation was simple, natural and appealing.
He contributed a weekly illustrated feature ‘Seen out of Doors’ to the Bulletin for ten years. This series evoked con- siderable interest among the readers and led to constant cor- respondence with schools and with individuals.
From 1960 till his death, Len gave lectures in Dundee Museum on ‘Field Studies’ to adult education classes, and when Dundee Museum Club was founded in 1955 he was the
1970 OBITUARY 55
natural choice for giving talks to create interest in the envir- onmental side of the club’s activities.
He was Honorary Warden of Tentsmuir for some years, and in that capacity conducted many groups from schools and universities round Tentsmuir. He was for many years an in- valuable member of Dundee Naturalists’ Society, of which he was president for several years.
Len’s greatest service, for which he will be gratefully remembered by so many, was in communication. He was in constant demand as a lecturer, particularly on birds, in many parts of Scotland. He was equally popular with young people and with adults. He had the gift, not only of arousing intense interest, but of communicating his own enthusiasm to others. His warmth and friendliness evoked an instant response from all those to whom he gave his time so ungrudgingly. His method of presentation was simple and informal and the inter- est of his material was enhanced by the personal appeal of the man himself.
In the course of his life he made innumerable friends who owed the kindling of their interest in, and concern for their natural environment, to him. Evidence of this is the fact that a committee has been formed to decide on a suitable memorial to him, and already the memorial fund has received generous contributions.
Our sympathy is extended to his widow and his three daughters. F, D. GRAHAM.
Enquiries
Operation Seafarer. Very good coverage of both the Scottish mainland and island coasts was achieved by the many obser- vers who made such stalwart efforts during the 1969 breeding season. However, for one reason or other, some sections could not be covered, and the Seabird Group hopes that arrange- ments can be made for these to be visited during 1970. Some of these areas may not contain many seabirds, but they still have to be surveyed. At the same time as looking for seabirds, an observer can of course obtain valuable information for the BTO Atlas project.
Among the areas for which observers are still required are parts of Shetland, chiefly on Mainland, and here one’s own transport is essential. In the Outer Hebrides small sections of coast in the south of Lewis, Harris and South Uist still require examination. Of the mainland, still to be covered there are small sections in Sutherland, Wester Ross, West Inverness and Argyll. A number of islands, mostly small, also require attention during 1970 in order to complete the survey. Among the larger islands where more work is needed are South Rona
56 ENQUIRIES 6(1)
and Raasay, Coll, Jura and small sections of Skye.
As in 1969, the Seabird Group will be giving small grants to observers working in remote regions where travel ex- penses are high. The Group is greatly indebted to the Scot- tish Ornithologists’ Club for a generous grant of £100 towards observers’ grants in Scotland during 1970.
Anyone having outstanding records for 1969, or who can assist in the completion of the Seafarer survey during 1970, is asked to write at an early date to the Seafarer organiser, David Saunders, Tom the Keeper’s, Marloes, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire (tel. Dale 202).
Photographs of seabird colonies. The Seabird Group is an- xious to obtain copies of photographs of seabird breeding colonies to provide a permanent record of numbers present during the period of the ‘Seafarer’ census in 1969, and to provide evidence of change. Besides this modern material old photographs would also be most welcome even if the date is not exactly known. Those which show a whole colony or an easily definable part of it are most valuable, especially if full details of the year and locality were recorded, but un- known sites may be identifiable if they show distinguishing features. If negatives, prints or transparencies are sent for examination they will be copied where appropriate and re- turned to their owner as soon as possible. Items for examin- ation should be sent to the Seafarer organiser, David Saun- ders (address as above).
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND COVENANTS An Important Notice
Members have been notified (Scottish Birds 5: 478) that, owing to rising costs, the Club decided at the Annual General Meeting on 25th October 1969 to increase the annual subscription rates as follows—Membership, from 25s to 40s; Joint Membership, from 40s to 60s; Junior Membership, from 7/6d to 10s. Life Membership subscriptions remain at £50 and £75. For Scottish Birds alone the subscription is now 40s.
The new rates, which were applicable to all new Members from Ist November 1969, will apply to existing Members at the start of the new Session on Ist October 1970.
Banker’s Orders All Members who pay their subscription by Banker’s Order will receive a new form, which they will be asked to complete at the new subscription rate. This form will automatically cancel any pre- vious order held by the Bank, and it is hoped by this means to make the change with the minimum of trouble to our Members.
Deeds of Covenant Members who have signed a Deed of Covenant which has not completed the seven years by October 1970, will be asked if they will consider signing a new Deed to replace the old one, thus enabling the Club to reclaim Tax on the whole of the new subscription instead of on part only. The Inland Revenue office has confirmed that a new Deed can replace the earlier one, and if Members are willing to do this, the income will be of immense help to the Club.
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 57
We would like, once again, to invite all Members who pay income tax at the full rate to sign a Deed of Covenant, to help augment our income at no extra cost to themselves. We can reclaim 28/1d on the 40s sub- scription and 42/2d on the joint subscription of 60s. Please write and ask us for a Covenant form.
Because of the considerable work involved in making these changes, the forms are being sent out early for completion. It will be most helpful if Members will kindly return them to us as soon as possible.
WEEKEND EXCURSION TO SPEYSIDE
A weekend excursion has been arranged from Friday 22nd May to ey a May 1970. The local organisers are Douglas Weir and James acGeoc
Special weekend terms have been arranged with the Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore (opposite the station), as follows:
Friday, 22nd—Bed and Breakfast £2 0 0 Saturday 23rd—Packed Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast 3 5 O Sunday, 24th—Packed Lunch a On7), 6
£0712 46
Service charge 10% extra.
Members should inform the Hotel in advance if they require dinner on Friday night (extra). Soup and Salad can be provided (extra) for those arriving late by car or travelling on the train from the South due at Aviemore at 8.38 p.m. Please let the Management know your require- ments when booking.
Members may bring guests and should book direct with the Manager, Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, inverness-shire (tel. 233), notifying him that they are attending the Club excursion. Information about alternative ac- commodation can be obtained by writing to James MacGeoch, c/o Spey Valley Tourist Organisation, Aviemore.
Excursions to the major wildlife habitats in the Cairngorms and Spey- side will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and ornithological talks on research and conservation will be given in the Cairngorm Hotel ball- room on Saturday evening. A show of slides will be given on Friday
evening. SUMMER EXCURSIONS Important Notes
1. Members may attend excursions of any Branch in addition to those arranged by the Branch they attend regularly.
2. Where transport is by private car please inform the organisers if you can bring a car and how many spare seats are available. All petrol expenses will be shared.
3. Please inform the organiser in good time if you are prevented from attending an excursion where special hire of boats or buses is involved. Failure to turn up may mean you are asked to pay for the place to avoid additional expense for the rest of the party.
4. Please bring meals as indicated (in brackets) below.
ABERDEEN
For all excursions, please notify Miss F. J. Greig, 9 Ashgrove Road, Aberdeen, AB2 5AE (tel. 40241, Ext. Old Aberdeen 342, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), one week in advance.
May. CULBIN FOREST. It is hoped to arrange a visit one Sunday in May. Please contact Miss Greig for details.
58 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(1)
Sunday 23rd August. YTHAN ESTUARY AND LOCHS. Meet Culterty 10.30 a.m. (lunch).
Sunday 18th October. LOCH STRATHBEG (lunch).
AYR
Saturday 2nd May. CULZEAN CASTLE, MAYBOLE (by kind permission of the National Trust for Scotland. Leader: S. L. Hunter. Meet Welling- ton Square, Ayr, 2 p.m. or car park, Culzean Castle, 2.30 p.m. (tea).
Sunday 3lst May. DRUMLANRIG CASTLE, THORNHILL, DUMFRIES (by kind permission of the Duke of Buccleuch). Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 1 p.m. or entrance to Queens Drive (off main road), Drumlanrig Castle, 2.30 p.m. (tea). Contact Dr M. E. Castle, 9 Finlas Avenue, Ayr (tel. Alloway 41828) if further information required.
Saturday 6th June. AILSA CRAIG. Leader: T. B. Kay. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 9 a.m. or Girvan Harbour 10 a.m. Boat fare about £1.10.0. Members must book by 30th May at the latest. Applications to Dr M. E. Castle (address above) (lunch).
Wednesday 24th June. AUCHINCRUIVE ESTATE (by kind permission of Professor J. S. Hall, The West of Scotland Agricultural College). Lead- er: Dr M. E. Castle. Meet at the drive near the bus shelter at the main gates of the College on the Mauchline road, 7 p.m. prompt.
Saturday 29th August. FAIRLIE FLATS. Leader: R. M. Ramage. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 1 p.m., or on road in front of Hunterston Nuclear Power Station 2 p.m. (tea).
Saturday 12th September. LOCH OF THE LOWES, NEW CUMNOCK. Leader: Dr J. Begg. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 1 p.m. (tea).
DUMFRIES
Saturday 16th May. GILCHRISTLAND, CLOSEBURN, by kind permission of Sir Arthur B. Duncan, who will personally lead the excursion. Meet Ewart Library, Dumfries, 2 p.m.
Sunday 5th July. MULL OF GALLOWAY. Leader: A. D. Watson. Meet Ewart Library, Dumfries, 9.30 a.m.
Sunday 13th September, ABERLADY BAY. Leader: R. T. Smith. Meet Ewart Library, Dumfries, 9 a.m.
DUNDEE All excursions by private cars, leaving City Square, Dundee, 9 a.m.
except for 15th/18th May.
Friday 15th to Monday 18th May. WHITEBRIDGE HOTEL, INVERNESS- SHIRE. Weekend excursion. Details can be obtained from the Branch Secretary, Miss J. Stirling, 2 Johnston Avenue, Dundee.
Sunday 3lst May. KILCONQUHAR LOCH.
Sunday 21st June. AMULREE DISTRICT for Blackcock.
Sunday 12th July. YTHAN ESTUARY.
Sunday 23rd August. MONTROSE BASIN AND SCURDYNESS.
Sunday 27th September. FIFE NESS.
EDINBURGH
Saturday 25th April. ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader: K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2.30 p.m. (tea).
Sunday 26th April. FLANDERS MOSS AND ENDRICK MARSHES. Lead- er: John Murray. Excursion by private bus leaving Edinburgh from square behind National Gallery at 9.30 a.m., returning 7.30 p.m. approx. (lunch). Stop for high tea on return journey. Cost of bus 13s approx. and high tea 10s approx. Application by 4th April to John Murray, Royal Scottish Museum, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EHI1 1JF.
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 59
Saturday 6th June. ISLE OF MAY (numbers limited to 24). Leader: Alas- tair Macdonald. Excursion by private cars. Meet at Middle Pier, An- struther, 10.45 a.m. prompt (lunch and tea). Cost of boat approx. 15s. Application by 30th May to J. A. Stewart (address above) stating number of seats available and required.
Sunday 7th June. THE HIRSELCOLDSTREAM (by kind permission of Sir Alec Douglas-Home). Excursion by private cars, leaving Edinburgh from square behind National Gallery 10.30 a.m. for Hirsel at 12 noon (lunch and tea). Applications by 23rd May to J. A. Stewart, 109 Green- bank Crescent, Edinburgh, EH10 5TA (tel. 031-447 4210), stating num- ber of seats available and required.
Saturday 13th June. ST ABBS HEAD. Joint excursion with Scottish Wild- life Trust. Leader: L. W. G. Alexander. Excursion by private cars. Meet at St Abbs Head at 1 p.m. (lunch and tea). Applications by 30th May to L. W. G. Alexander, 3 Barnton Gardens, Edinburgh, EH4 6AF, stat- ing number of seats available or required.
Saturday 11th July. BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamil- ton-Dalrymple). Leader: J. H. B. Munro, Numbers limited to 12. Boat leaves North Berwick Harbour 2.30 p.m. prompt, returning about 7 p.m. (tea). Cost of boat approx. 12s. Applications by 27th June to Mrs J. H. B. Munro, 9 Capelaw Road, Edinburgh, EH13 OHG, (tel. 031-441 2381).
Saturday 19th September. ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader: K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2.30 p.m. (tea).
GLASGOW
Saturday 6th June. COATBRIDGE DISTRICT. Survey of area for BTO Atlas (Square NS 76). Applications by 23rd May (with s.a.e.) to Dennis Norden, 1240 Argyle Street, Glasgow C.3. Please state if car seats available.
Saturday 13th June. AILSA CRAIG. Boat limited to 12 passengers. Leave Girvan Harbour 10.30 a.m. (lunch and tea). Applications (with s.ae.) by 30th May to John Mitchell, 22 Muirpark Way, Drymen, by Glasgow. Boat fare £1.10.0 to be sent with application.
Saturday 20th June. LOCHWINNOCH. Survey of area for BTO Atlas (Square NS35). Applications (with s.a.e.) by 6th June to Wallace H. Wild, Dundaraich Cottage, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire. Please state if spare car seats available.
Sunday 21st June. BALLANTRAE. Applications (with s.a.e.) by 6th June to Ronald Jeffrey, 16 Greenlaw Avenue, Paisley, Renfrewshire. Please state if car seats available.
Saturday 27th June. HORSE ISLAND (by kind permission of the RSPB). Boat leaves Ardrossan 2.30 p.m. (tea). Application (with s.a.e) by 10th June to Lindsay Ogilvy, 15 Broomley Drive, Giffnock, Glasgow. Boat fare 5s to be sent with application.
Sunday 28th June. BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamil- ton-Dalrymple). Boats leave North Berwick at 12.30 and 1.30 p.m. (lunch and tea). Applications (with s.a.e.) to Muriel Draper, 6 South- ey, Due, Blanefield, by Glasgow. Boat fare 14s to be sent with ap- plication.
INVERNESS
_ Excursions by private car except where shown. Applications to Outings Secretary, Mrs W. Morrison, 83 Dochfour Drive, Inverness (tel. 32666).
Sunday 10th May. CROMARTY AND THE LUTON. Leader: C. G. Head- lam. Leave Station Square, Inverness, 10 a.m. (lunch and tea). Boat to carry 12 will be hired for trip to sea cliffs. Remainder ashore.
Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May. SPEYSIDE WEEKEND. See special notice above.
Saturday 6th June SPEYSIDE. Joint European Conservation Year Meet- ing with Inverness Field Club and Inverness Botany Group. Arrange-
60 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(1)
ments with Nature Conservancy, Aviemore. Coaches will leave Inver- ness approx. 9 a.m. (lunch and tea). Details later from Outings Sec- retary.
Sunday 14th June. NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND PROPERTY, TORRIDON, Leader: Lea MacNally, Trust Warden. Meet at Station Square, Inverness, 9.30 a.m. (lunch and tea).
ST ANDREWS
Applications, not later than one week before each excursion, to Miss M. M. Spires, 4 Kinburn Place, St Andrews (tel. 033-481 3523).
Saturday 9th May. KILCONQUHAR LOCH (by kind permission of Elie Estates). Meet North Lodge, 2.30 p.m.
Sunday 7th June. ISLE OF MAY. Numbers limited. Excursion Members will De ie of the time of departure from Anstruther harbour (lunch and tea).
Saturday 13th June. RED HEAD. Cars leave St Andrews bus station 2 p.m.
Sunday 21st June. AN ANGUS GLEN. Cars leave St Andrews bus station 9.30 a.m. (lunch and tea).
Saturday 4th July. TENTSMUIR. Cars leave St Andrews bus station 2 p.m.
STIRLING
Applications, giving as much notice as possible, to Henry Robb, 27 Victoria Place, Stirling (tel. 0786 3618).
Saturday 25th April. TROSSACHS. BTO Atlas. Meet Albert Hall, Stirling, 9 a.m, or Thornhill Cross 9.20 a.m.
Saturday 9th May. LOCH LINTRATHEN, LOCH RESCOBIE AND AR- BROATH CLIFFS. Meet Albert Hall, Stirling, 9.30 a.m.
Sunday 17th May. THE BRAES, SLAMANNAN. BTO Atlas. Meet Albert Bek Stirling, 9 a.m. or Falkirk Ice Rink (Falkirk-Grangemouth road)
.30 a.m.
Saturday 13th June. CALLANDER. BTO Atlas. Meet Albert Hall, Stirling, 9 a.m. or The Square, Callander, 9.30 a.m.
Saturday 27th June. LOCH VENNACHER. BTO Atlas. Meet Albert Hall, Stirling, 9 a.m. or Thornhill Cross 9.20 a.m.
Saturday 25th July. CALLANDER. BTO Atlas. Meet Albert Hall, Stirling, 9 a.m. or The Square, Callander, 9.30 a.m.
Wednesday 19th August. SKINFLATS (waders). Meet Dutch Inn, Skin-
flats, 7 p.m. GLASGOW BRANCH BUFFET SUPPER
- An informal social evening and buffet supper is to be held by the Glasgow Branch on Monday 23rd March 1970, at 7.30 p.m., in the Woolf- son Hall, Garscube Estate, Maryhill Road, Glasgow (by kind permission of the Warden). Tickets, price 12/6d, obtainable from the Branch Secret- ary, Mrs Muriel Draper, 6 Southview Drive, Blanefield, by Glasgow, by
17th March: EDINBURGH BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER
The Annual Dinner of the Edinburgh Branch will be held in the Fellows Restaurant, Zoological Park, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, 15th April 1970, at 7 for 7.30 p.m. Tickets 32/6d available from John Murray, Royal Scottish Museum, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, by 4th April 1970. Numbers limited.
FALSTERBO BIRD STATION, SWEDEN
Members visiting Sweden may be interested to know about the Fal- sterbo Bird Station. Falsterbo is situated at the most southwesterly point of the Scandinavian peninsula, and is the scene of a unique raptor migra- tion each autumn. Accommodation is available at the Bird Station at SKr.8 per night, with reductions for Members of the Swedish Ornith- ological Society. There are cooking facilities at the station and restaurants nearby. All enquiries and bookings should be sent to Gunnar Roos, Falk- vagen 21, S-230 10 Skanor, Sweden.
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on their own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Andrew T. Macmillan, 12 Abinger Gardens, Edinburgh 12. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated.
2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for ee Mies All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready.
3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, es- pecially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will nor- mally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost.
4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these.
5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining.
Dick, G. & Porter, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1 :329. Eaaetine, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London.
6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee ([bis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the Internationa! Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99 :369). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets.
7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as “Dr” and “St”.
8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory.
9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type.
10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints.
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THE SCOTTISH FIELD STUDIES ASSOCIATION
KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE
JK INDROGAN provides comfortable accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £13.10.0. Members of local Natural History groups or Scientific Societies may be eligible for bursaries valued at £3 made available by the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust.
The programme for 1970 includes courses for adults in a variety of
subjects including :— Birds Freshwater Ecology Mountain Flowers Nature into Art Wild Flowers Mammals Mountain & Moorland Ecology Rocks and Minerals Surveying and Mapmaking Soils and Land Use
Natural History of Roadside Verges
Natural History of the Highlands Fungi
All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie,
Perthshire.
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FOR HIRE
We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 7s 6d per night’s hire. Birds are group- ed according to their natural habitats.
W. COWEN, Keswick
"HE visitor can see huge sea-bird colonies of Puffins,
Gannets, Razorbills and Guillemots ... can have spec- tacular close-up views of Great and Arctic Skuas...and during the May and September migrations could see practically anything in
THE SHETLAND ISLANDS
For expert advice on local birds contact: Robert J. Tulloch, R.S.P.B. Shetland Representative, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland.
For information regarding accommodation, transport, etc. contact : Information Centre, Shetland Tourist Organ- isation, LERWICK, Shetland.
ISLAY
‘The Bird-Watchers’ Paradise’
For stimulating ornithological experience nothing can beat Islay
Orkney and Shetland
@ in late spring. There is an astonish- A - ea ¥ ing variety of bird habitat. Not long E care ISe or ago ninety-seven different birds fe gi a i
were seen in two days and that in ir waite ers the depths of winter! The island is! ¢ryise to these enchanting
the principal wintering resort, ] islands from Leith or Aberdeen possibly in the world, of the
Barnacle Goose. It is also the iast Scottish stronghold of the Chough.
For Ornithological Brochure}:
write to Mid Argyll, Kintyre & Islay Tourist Association, Tarbert, Argyll.
Visit the fantastic seabird colonies - see Arctic terns, skuas, phalaropes and many others. Wonderful scenery. Modern ships and comfortable hotels. From 4 to 13 days for about £19 to £48.
Send for free colour brochure
for full details to Dept 15 Matthews’ Quay Aberdeen ABS 8DL
Telephone 0224 29111
North of Scotland. Orkney & Shetland. Shipping Co Ltd.
ORNITHOLIDAYS ...,.
(WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE)
Holidays organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers
1970 It is our pleasure to detail our programme of birdwatch- ing holidays for 1970. Once again we shall be including most of the areas which are well-known to us from previous years and in addition we are featuring exciting ornithological safaris to East Africa.
EAST AFRICA Ornithological safari departing April 11th (two weeks’ duration). Cost £304.
EAST AFRICA Ornithological safari in conjunction with Swans. Departure March 4th. Cost 465 gns.
LAKE NEUSIEDL Our 1970 programme will feature spring and autumn parties as in past years. This is a superb area with a large element of bird-life peculiar to eastern Europe. Breeding Great White Herons, Marsh Sandpipers on passage and migrating raptors make this a memorable holiday. Departure dates April 26th and August 30th.
MAJORCA Spring and autumn parties to this beautiful island will depart April 19th and September 27th. Raptors recorded in 1969 included Saker’s Falcon, Eleonora’s Falcon, Red Kite.
THE CAMARGUE One departure only on May 4th to this area famed for its birdlife and the unique atmosphere of its lagoons 3nd marshes.
SPAIN A connoisseur’s holiday east of the Guadalquivir. Two de- partures; spring party April 6th; autumn party September 28th.
ISLES OF SCILLY Once again we are featuring these delightful islands in our programme. Departure dates from Penzance May 9th, September 12th, 19th and 26th, October 3rd.
FARNE ISLAND & BASS ROCK A delightful holiday studying hill-birds typical of the North country. Maximum number ten therefore early registration desirable. Date May 30th.
ORKNEY & SHETLAND Departure from London and other air- ports June 6th. Number strictly limited to sixteen persons.
1970 HANDBOOK available. Send 4d stamp to:
LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY ORNITHOLIDAYS
44 Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis, Sussex (Tel. 4513) Affiliated Member Association of British Travel Agents
Perfect Alignment and the Ornithologist
The correct alignment of your binoc- ular is of paramount importance and you can be sure that any binocular purchased from us has undergone strin- gent tests in our own workshops.
‘Alignment’ and a hundred-and-one other points of interest to the binocular user are discussed in our new booklet ‘Tell Me Mr Frank’, a copy (together with our illustrated catalogue) will be sent post free to readers of ‘Scottish
Birds’.
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BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
1 i ~'4'ume 6 No 2 SUMMER 1970 Price 10s
SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969
John Gooders watching Tawny Eagles inThebes
Mr. John Gooders, the celebrated ornithologist and Editor of ‘Birds of the World’, is seen using his new Zeiss 10 x 40B binoculars.
Mr. Gooders writes:
“T stare through binoculars all day long for weeks on end without eyestrain -—try that with any binoculars other than West German Zeiss. The 10 x 40B meets all my other needs too; high twilight power for birds at dawn and dusk, superb resolution for feather by feather examination, and wide field of view. With no external moving parts they stand the rough treatment that studying birds in marsh, snow and desert involves —I can even use them with sunglasses without losing performance. Zeiss binoculars are not cheap — but they are recognised as the best by every ornithologist I know. The
10 x 40B is the perfect glass for birdwatching”:
Details from the sole UK agents for Carl Zeiss, West Germany.
Degenhardt & Co. Ltd., Carl Zeiss House, 31/36 Foley Street, London WIP 8AP. Tel ephone 01-636 8050 (15 lines)
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The RSPB now maintains 10 Reserves in Scotland and employs regional representatives in Shetland and Orkney.
BUT MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE—WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BN Tel. 031-556 5624
CRESTED TITS IN THE CAR PARK OSPREYS IN THE AUDITORIUM
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Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first class service.
Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting inland moorland, mountain and forest areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild birds.
Illustrated brochure of hotel gladly sent on request.
Proprietors : Irene and Stuart Thomson Telephone Dornoch 216
ISLAY
‘The Bird-Watchers’ Paradise’
For stimulating ornithological experience nothing can beat Islay in late spring. There is an astonish- ing variety of bird habitat. Not long ago ninety-seven different birds were seen in two days and that in the depths of winter! The island is the principal wintering — resort, possibly in the world, of the Barnacle Goose. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the Chough.
For Ornithological Brochure
write to Mid Argyll, Kintyre
& Islay Tourist Association, Tarbert, Argyll.
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
Contents of Volume 6, Number 2, Summer 1970
Page
Editorial . : ae 61
Scottish Bird Report 1969. at A. T. Macmillan Bales 5- > AP 62 Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Bevo
for 1969. by Nancy J. Gordon ... =e +) ae li29
Enquiries ae AS ats ug BF eee VST
The Scottish ane Club ts ae Ae ei peteeaa 18 7/
LOST—Bound volumes of ‘Scottish Birds’ —an urgent appeal for help
There has been an unfortunate muddle in the binding of copies of volume 5 of Scottish Birds. As a result, the editor has received back from the binder someone else’s volumes; his own personal volume and the editorial copy have both been lost. It seems that other people have also received the wrong copies. If you had volume 5 bound, will you please check that you have received back your own copy (annotated or unmarked, as the case may be). The editor’s and editorial copies are both annotated and may be recognised from the fact that at the top of the editorial page of each issue the date of receipt is written into the heading in ink. If you have got the wrong copy it would be very much appreciated if you would let the club secretary or the editor know so that matters may be put right. In particular, the editors are very anxious to recover their copies, these being in a sense the tools of their trade.
Edited by A. T. Macmillan, 12 Abinger Gardens, Edinburgh, EH12 6DE
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 6 No. 2 Summer 1970
Edited by A. T. Macmillan, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
New editor. Many readers will know that the SOC has been seeking a new editor for Scottish Birds. It can be very reward- ing and satisfying to be responsible for such a journal, even if one’s principal function is often to remain unobtrusively in the background easing other people’s work into print. But it calls also for a great deal of spare time, something that gets progressively scarcer as the responsibilities and demands of a growing family crowd upon one. Thus it was, with consider- able regret, that we eventually bowed to the inevitable, asking that the Council should appoint a new editor and allow us to slip into retirement. In Tom Delaney they have found a most enthusiastic and experienced successor. In the coming months he will be picking up the threads of the work, with a view to taking over completely before the end of the year. We trust he will find his time in office as worthwhile as we always have; we appeal to all Scottish ornithologists to give him their fullest support in a difficult job; and we wish him every success with it.
SOC subscriptions. As approved last year and detailed in the spring issue (Scot. Birds 6: 56), SOC membership sub- scriptions go up this autumn (except for those who have joined the club since lst November 1969 and are already on the new scale) by relatively modest amounts considering the extraordinary length of time since the previous rise, the pres- ent level of subscriptions to other organisations, and the bene- fits of membership. We sincerely hope no one will grudge the small extra cost. What has made it possible to continue so long at the old level has been the club’s steadily expanding membership; the clear moral is that it is in everyone’s interest to be on the lookout for potential new members at all times (descriptive leaflets and application forms may be had from the club secretary). The other painless way to help offset ris- ing costs is by buying all one’s new bird books from the SOC Bird Bookshop (at no extra cost, as the bookshop pays the postage).
(To smooth the way for the collection of subscriptions in the autumn
everyone with a banker’s order or deed of covenant has been approached with a request to revise it in line with the new arrangements. Most
62 EDITORIAL 6(2)
people have now done so, but apparently some members have not yet responded; it would be thoughtful if they did so now, and thus saved the club secretariat the most tedious work of writing about small un- paid balances of 1970/71 subscriptions.)
Scottish Bird Report 1969
Compiled by ANDREW T. MACMILLAN
(Plates 5-8)
This 1969 report follows that for 1968 (Scot. Birds 5: 302- 356), the first of a new series, and it is compiled on the same principles, though working out somewhat longer. We are sorry for its late appearance, a product basically of the very large volume of material handled.
What we have tried to produce, so far as the information is available, is an unbiased record of changes in status and of the year’s patterns of migration. Much of what is included may be felt to make heavy reading, but we firmly believe that its value as a source of reference will continue to grow as succeeding reports become available for comparison. We have not usually attempted to define the ordinary status of a species (for which see mainly Rintoul & Baxter The Birds of Scotland 1953), because of the difficulty of covering so large and varied an area as Scotland in a line or two, but the text should indi- cate clearly which species breed in Scotand.
Time does not permit us to prepare a day-by-day account of the year, nor have we the capacity to consider its outstanding features in relation to the weather. We have thought it more important to concentrate on getting the material sorted and published, in a single species list, so that those who wish to rearrange and analise it may be provided with the basic data from which to work. As before, the most continuous series of records comes from Fair Isle; there is also a nice tie-up with Shetland material this year, often from several islands at once, with migration simultaneously recorded in some detail on Fetlar, Whalsay, Out Skerries, Unst, Foula and elsewhere. Good cover was obtained along the east coast, from Orkney, Aberdeen, East Fife, the Isle of May and elsewhere; and also substantial volumes of material from Speyside, Kinross, Dum- fries, Kirkcudbright, as well as more locally elsewhere.
Emphasis in the report is on the commoner birds, and on distribution and migration rather than behaviour, but all species known to have occurred during the year are listed, including some interesting escaped cage birds. Rarities within the scope of the British Birds Rarities Committee have been accepted by the committee unless noted as still subject to a
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 63
decision. So far as possible, all other records have also been vetted, particularly those that seem most unusual, but it is unlikely that no bad ones have slipped into the report. There is also a risk of transcription errors as details move from ob- server to recorder to compiler to printer, and we will be glad to learn of anything to be corrected next year. Some addi- tions and corrections for 1968 are given at the end of this report.
Various ringing recoveries have been quoted, rather hap- hazardly, where we received details and thought them of special interest, but it is not really practicable to obtain and use all the interesting information of this kind that accumu- lates each year. We would suggest reading the regular ringing reports in British Birds in conjunction with these Scottish Bird Reports for a full picture of what has been happening in Scot- land during the year.
Although we have no wish to discourage readers from work-
ing their own way right through the report, it is perhaps appro- priate to mention some of the more interesting occurrences during the year; 292 full species are mentioned in the species list, 18 more than for 1968. _ About eight pairs of Ospreys had nests in 1969, four laying, and rearing six young. Wrynecks bred for the first time, at at least three sites, but neither Bluethroat nor Little Ringed Plover did so this year. Three more nesting pairs of Fieldfares in the north brought the Scottish total to at least five, and many Redwings bred, in known and new localities. Wood Sandpipers were scarce in summer and they and the south Scotland Black-tailed Godwits may not have bred, while num- bers of Red-necked Phalaropes were down by half. Snowy Owls nested for the third year on Fetlar but reared only one chick, and Fair Isle lost its introduced White-tailed Eagles. Operation Seafarer, among other finds, discovered a new gan- netry on the Flannans.
Passerine summer visitors were often late in arriving, and scarce, especially Whitethroats. Passage in early May included spectacular arrivals at Fair Isle on the 3rd—45 Wrynecks, 1500 Tree Pipits and 32 Ortolan Buntings. The Black-browed Alba- tross was back at the Bass Rock for a third summer, but much more briefly, and probably accounted for sightings elsewhere. Great numbers of Sooty Shearwaters (up to 1000 in a day) were recorded on autumn passage in Orkney, and there was a big movement of Kittiwakes off the Aberdeen coast; it was a good autumn for Little Stints and, especially, Curlew Sand- pipers, and Redwing passage in mid Octobjer was exception- ally heavy. Waxwings fortunately gave us a miss this year, but there were huge influxes of large northern gulls at Fair Isle in late-autumn storms, including up to 300 Glaucous Gulls
64 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
(mostly adults) on 24th November, and large numbers also in Shetland.
Sincere thanks are due to all who have contributed to this report, whether with notes or photographs or by acting as local recorders. At the latest count, over 510 contributors are listed in the key to their initials; about half of the 450 contri- butors to the 1968 report feature again this year, but not far short of 300 appear for the first time. The increased number makes it progressively more awkward to separate those with only one Christian name, and the problem is even spreading to those with more (we have three RSBs this time). The local recorders bear the brunt of collecting and sorting the records, and without their very considerable efforts no report would be possible. Unfortunately, this year, records were sent in less promptly than last, which led to severe delays and increased the burden on local recorders. May we appeal for all 1970 records to be sent promptly. Much bird activity is on the wane after October (migration is largely over for the year), and it would help greatly to have all records for the first 10 months of the year sent in during November; local recorders are then able to get ahead sorting and checking them while they have time, so that all that has to be done in January is to add the few records for November and December. Rarities should of course continue to be submitted as early as possible without waiting for the end of the year.
In compiling the report we have again been very terse, to keep within a reasonable number of pages, and we have ab- breviated months, counties and other words, and omitted most qualifications such as ‘“‘near’ and ‘about’. References in the form (5: 302) are to the pages of Scottish Birds. English and scientific nomenclature follows the same rules as last year (5: 304), and an asterisk indicates that all known records are in- cluded.
Local recorders for 1970
Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland.
Fair Isle R. H. Dennis, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland.
Orkney E. Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney.
Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) W. A. J. Cunningham, Aros, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Bonhard Place, Bo’ness, West Lothian.
Caithness D. M. Stark, 2 Harland Road, Castletown, Thurso, Caithness.
Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. Macdonald, Elmbank, Dor- noch, Sutherland.
Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness.
Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) Hon. D. N. Weir, English Charlie’s, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire.
Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Portsoy, Banffshire, AB4 2NT.
Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire N. Picozzi, Nature Conservancy, Blackhall, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB3 3PS, and W. Murray, Cul-
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 65
terty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB4 OAA.
coun Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin,
gus.
Perthshire Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth.
Kinross-shire J. H. Swan, Vane Farm Reserve, Kinross.
Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS.
Fife (east of A90) D. W. Oliver, 4 Lawview Cottages, Abercrombie, St Monance, Fife.
Fife (west of A90), Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire T. D. H. Merrie, West Faerwood, Stirling Road, Dollar, Clackmannanshire.
een Dr T. C. Smout, 19 South Gillsland Road, Edinburgh EH10
Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Ter- race, Loanhead, Midlothian.
East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh EH10 4NY.
Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk.
Clyde faunal area, North Argyllshire, Skye, Inner Hebrides Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, 16 Athole Gardens, Glasgow W2.
Dumfriesshire J. G. Young, Benvannoch, Glencaple, Dumfriesshire.
Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Boundaries are shown in ‘The Birds of Scotland’. Note that Skye ea ee Hebrides are treated separately from the counties in which they lie.
Key to observers’ initials
D. Y. Abbey, A. F. Airey, A. Allison (AA), A. Anderson (AAn), D. R. Anderson, J. A. Anderson, Mrs M. D. Anderson, W. Anderson (WAn), D. G. Andrew, J. S. Annand, J. H. Armstrong, K. Armstrong, W. Arthur (WAr), I. C. Audsley, W. Austin (WA).
R. S. Bailey (RSBy), R. S. Baillie (RSB), D. J. Bain, W. Bain (WBa), E. Balfour (EB), J. Ballantyne (JB), Dr D. A. Bannerman, Mrs W. M. Banner- man, D. Barbour (DB), G. J. Barnes, S. Barnes, Miss P. G. T. Baxter, E. Beaddie (EBd), J. M. Beattie (JMB), A. A. Bell, E. Bell (EBe), J. Bissett (JBi), A. Black, H. Blakeney (HBI), R. M. Blindell, H. Boase (HBo), B. P. Bower, T. Boyd, W. R. Brackenridge, W. Brawls (WBr), D. M. Bremner, Dr K. Brewster (KBr), R. S. Brookes (RSBr), D. Brooks (DBr), W. Brother- ston (WB), H. Brown (HBr), E. Bruce (EBr), K. Bruce (KB), J. Buchan (JBu), H. O. Bunce, H. Burton (HB), J. L. Burton, Miss G. M. Bush, J. M. Butterworth (JMBu), J. S. Byres.
R. G. Caldow, E. D. Cameron, T. M. Cameron (TMC), A. Campbell (ACa), Dr B. Campbell, C. A. B. Campbell, C. R. G. Campbell, L. H. Campbell, L. N. Campbell, Miss M. Campbell of Kilberry, D. Carnduff (DCa), G. Chaloner, N. Charles, R. A. Cheke, Gen. Sir P. Christison, Miss A. M. Chorley, P. J. Clark, T. M. Clegg (TMCl), Miss J. Clifford (JC), D. L. Clugston, Col. J. C. Cockburn, N. J. Collar, M. J. H. Cook, A. B. Cooper, D. Cooper (DCo), W. Cooper (WC), J. Corbert (JCo), C. N. L. Cowper, D. Coutts (DC), J. M. Cowan, A. Cowieson (AC), H. G. Cree, G. M. Crighton, J. Crompton (JCr), W. J. I. Crowther, Miss E. Cubitt, Dr & Mrs W. Cunningham (WCu), W. A. J. Cunningham, R. M. Curber, J. Currie (JC), ELOC (Eskdale & Liddesdale Ornithological Club per KB and RES).
F. Dalziel, K. de Groot, Col. M. T. de Klee, T. Delaney (TD), R. H. Dennis, A. Derks, E. Dicerbo, H. Dickinson (HD), R. C. Dickson, W. Dickson (WDi), Mr & Mrs R. E. Dix, T. Dobson (TDo), Miss J. Donnan (JDn), J. Douglas (JDo), Dr I. T. Draper, Mrs M. M. Draper, J. Dunbar
66 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
(JD), B. S. Duncan, H. Dunk (HDu), W. Dunlop (WD), Dr G. M. Dunnet, R. Duthie, J. N. Dymond.
K. East, R. Eddie (RE), J. Edelsten, P. Edwards, Dr W. J. Eggeling, N. Elkins, D. Emslie-Smith, Sir R. Erskine-Hill, B. Etheridge, T. L. Evans, T. H. Evanson, M. J. Everett, R. Ewan (REw).
D. J. Farquharson, J. Faulkner (JFa), Dr C. J. Feare, Mrs F. C. Feare, E. Fellowes, D. Fleming, A. Forbes-Leith, J. Forrest (JFo), J. E. Forrest, J. Forster (JF), L. Fortune, R. Fotheringham (RFo), G. French, Dr C. H. Fry, R. Furness (RF), Wing Cdr. R. J. Fursman.
A. B. Gavin, Mrs M. Gear, J. E. Gibbs, A. Gibson (AG), R. H. Gibson, I. Gibson, Dr J. A. Gibson (JAGi), J. A. Ginnever (JAG), D. Glass, A. G. Gordon, Miss N. J. Gordon, S. Gordon, J. Graham (JGr), D. R. Grant, Mrs J. A. R. Grant, Lt.-Col. J. P. Grant, Dr J. Grant-Roger, M. E. Green- halgh, D. C. Greig, A. Grewar (AGr), J. F. Griffin, W. Groundwater, Miss P. Grundy, J. Gunn (JG), G. H. Gush, Mrs S. H. Guy, NSRG (North Sol- way Ringing Group per JFY), TRG (Tay Ringing Group: HBr, JD, DWO, GO, RWS).
C. Halliday, Mrs H. S. C. Halliday, Dr K. C. R. Halliday, Mrs E. Ham- ilton, F. D. Hamilton, G. Hardie (GH), P. A. Hardie, Mrs A. R. Harding, D. Harris (DHa), G. L. Harvey, Mrs M. Harvey (MHa), M. I. Harvey, D. Hasdell (DH), C. G. Headlam, Cpl. A. J. Heath, G. S. Heddon, J. Hender- son (JH), T. Henderson (TH), J. H. Hendrie, A. Henry, R. Hewson, G. Hogg (GHo), J. G. Holbourn, E. G. Holt, Hon. H. D. Home, S. E. Hood, J. A. D. Hope, W. Horne, A. H. D. Horner, T. Hourston (THo), Miss J. Howie (JHo), D. C. Hulme, R. A. Hume, E. N. Hunter, Miss R. S. Hunter, M. Hutcheson (MH).
L. R. Inkster, J. A. Irvine, L. Irvine, P. S. Irvine, D. C. Irving, Mrs R. Isbister, T. Isbister.
A. F. Jacobs, Mrs E. James, P. James (PJ), K. Janich, M. Janich, R. Jarman, R. A. Jeffrey, Dr D. Jenkins, P. Johnson (PJo), T. Johnson-Fer- guson, I. R. Johnston, D. V. Jones, T. H. Jorgensen, G. D. Joy.
R. H. Kerbes, W. M. Kerr, J. Kidd (JK), Miss E. Kiddie, P. K. Kinnear, J. Kirby (JKi), D. B. Kirke, C. A. E. Kirtland, J. P. Knowles, A. Knox.
R. Lambie (RL), G. J. Langsbury, P. A. Lassey, D. J. Law, D. Lawson, P. S. Leask, Mrs R. Leask (RLe), Mrs A. D. F. Leishman, A. F. Leitch, Col. & Mrs J. D. G. Linehan, D. E. B. Lloyd, B. Lloyd-Evans, T. A. Locke, Lt.-Col. W. M. Logan-Home, J. A. Love, B. Lowe, J. Lowe, Miss E. Lyell, I. H. J. Lyster.
E. McBay, J. McCubbin, R. McCulloch, A. Macdonald, D. Macdonald, M. A. Macdonald, Mrs M. K. Macduff-Duncan, Miss J. M. McFarlane, J. MacGeoch (JMcG), D. B. McGinn, D. McGregor, Mrs J. McGregor (JMcGr), Mrs J. M. McGregor, K. S. Macgregor, R. K. Macgregor, R. MacIntyre, D. McKay, C. J. Mackenzie-Grieve, I. McLachlan (IMcLa), J. McLaurin, I. Maclean (IMcL), R. MacLennan, D. McLeod, T. G. McLeod, A. T. Mac- millan, Dr P. McMorran, G. McMurdo, L. MacNally, L. Macpherson, Miss S. M. Macpherson, Mrs D. MacRobert.
P. Mackie, Mile. R. Magnin (RMa), E. J. Maguire, A. R. Mainwood (ARM), R. Mann (RM), K. Marcus (KMa), A. Marks, M. Marquiss (MM), F. Marr, B. Marshall, I. K. Marshall, J. Marshall (JMa), Mrs M. Marshall (MMr), J. H. A. Martin, W. Matheson (WMa), P. J. Mawby, J. Maxwell (JM), Miss M. Maxwell (MMa), A. R. Mead (ARMe), Capt. W. S. Medli- cott, J. Meikle (JMe), Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, K. Melhuish (KM), J. K. R. Melrose, T. D. H. Merrie, D. Middleton (DM), R. H. Miller, A. Miller-Mundy, D. Mitchell (DMi), J. Mitchell (JMi), Rev. R. I. Mitchell, C. M. Morrison, W. M. Morrison, J. Moss (JMo), J. D. Mounsey, Mrs M. MND: (MMo), J. H. B. Munro, J. B. Murray, R. O. Murray, W. Murray WM).
J. A. S. Newman, Dr I. Newton, A. Nicholson (ANi), A. Nicoll (AN),
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 67
M. Nicoll, Mrs J. Nicolson, R. G. Nisbet, Mrs A. Noltie (ANo), D. J. Nor- den.
M. A. Ogilvie, A. Oliver, G. Oliver, J. Oliver, D. W. Oliver, R. Osbourne, H. Ostroznik.
C. E. Palmar, C. Park, D. T. Parkin, A. J. Parrott, J. L. F. Parslow, J. Parsons (JP), G. L. A. Patrick, Dr I. J. Patterson, Mrs S. J. Patterson, J. Pearce (JPe), B. Philp, N. Picozzi, J. Porter (JPo), R. W. Powell, A. Pringle.
Dr B. B. Rae, Dr R. J. H. Raines, Mrs I. Rainier, R. M. Ramage, A. D. K. Ramsay, W. H. Rankin, Dr D. A. Ratcliffe, J. A. Ratter, J. Rattray (Jk), G. A. Richards, W. K. Richmond, J. Riddoch (JRi), A. Robb (AR), Mrs H. N. Robb, E. L. Roberts, S. Roberts, Dr D. Robertson, I. S. Robertson, J. Robertson (JRo), T. D. Rodgers, M. Romer (MRo), A. M. Ross, Miss D. E. oy i diaea - Roxburgh, Dr M. Rusk (MR), A. Russell (ARu), H. M. Russell,
. Russell.
Mrs S. Sampson, G. L. Sandeman, Miss M. L. S. Sandeman, D. R. Saunders, Mrs M. A. Scott, P. Scott (PSc), A. Seymour (AS), R. Shand (RS), Mrs A. F. W. Sharp, R. Shaw (RSh), R. J. W. Shaw, D. C. Shenton, C. Simpson (CSi), J. H. Simpson (JHSi), J. C. Sinclair, M. Sinclair (MS), W. A. Sinclair, D. Skilling (DSk), J. Skilling (JS), Dr P. J. B. Slater, A. Smith (ASm), A. J. Smith, Cdr. D. Smith (DSm), Mrs E. M. Smith, H. D. Smith, M. Smith (MSm), Mrs M. D. Smith, P. Smith (PS), Dr P. H. Smith, R. E. Smith, R. T. Smith, R. W. J. Smith, Mrs M. P. Smout, Dr T. C. Smout, D. Stalker (DS), D. M. Stark, J. N. Stedman, Mr & Mrs G. Stephen (GSt), A. N. Stephens, A. G. Stewart, Mrs C. Stewart (CS), I. F. Stewart, J. Stewart (JSt), D. J. Steventon, R. Straiton (RSt), G. Summers (GS), R. W. Summers, I. S. Suttie, J. H. Swan (JHS).
C. S. Tait, G. K. Taylor, Mr & Mrs V. Taylor, Miss V. M. Thom, T. Thomason, D. Thompson, E. Thompson, F. F. E. Thomson, J. Thomson (JTm), I. Thornber, J. Thorogood (JTh), D. A. Tindal, Miss B. Todd, J. Todd (JT), R. B. Tozer, Mrs M. Traill-Clouston, R. J. Tulloch, B. S. Turner.
B. Unwin, D. Urquhart, L. A. Urquhart. N. van Swelm, W. Veitch, J. D. R. Vernon.
I. Waddington (IWa), J. Wagstaff (JWg), J. Walker (JWa), R. Walker (RW), D. I. M. Waliace, W. W. Wardrop, I. Wares (IW), C. N. Warren, E. Warren, Dr A. Watson (AWa), A. D. Watson, A. J. Watson, J. Watt (JW), C. R. Wedgwood, Hon. D. N. Weir, T. Weir, Count H. G. Westarp, I. S. Wheatley, G. T. White, Mrs J. A. Whyte, E. J. Williams (EJWi), M. Williams (MW), A. Williamson (AW), Miss M. Williamson (MWi), S. Williamson, W. Williamson (WWi), D. P. Willis, G. Wilmett, C. Wilson, J. Wilson (JWi), M. G. Wilson, Lt.-Cdr. R. Wilson (RWi), W. Wilson WW), E. J. Wiseman (EJW), K. Wood, D. B. Wooldridge, W. C. Wright, Prof. V. C. Wynne-Edwards.
Dr E. I. Young, J. A. Young, J. F. Young, J. G. Young, L. Young. B. Zonfrillo, P. Zwitzer.
Species List
Great Northern Diver Gavia immer. Pre-migration moulting parties in usual Shet places included 24 Mid Yell 1 May and 45 Quendale Bay 11 May (15 on 21st) (RJT); 18 were at Rattray Head, Aber, 12 May (MW). July records away from N and NW: 2 Lunan Bay, Angus, 3rd (GMC); 6 Tiree lst-2nd (MJE, JGr). First post-breeding family party Fetlar 18 Aug (ARM); first of autumn at Fair Isle 28th and 31 Aug (RHD).
*White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii. One dead Aberdeen 24 Mar (BBR), first for Dee; 1 Whalsay, Shet, 4-7 May (WAr, JHSi); both subject to acceptance by the Rarities Committee.
68 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica. No reported changes in breeding status. First of autumn: 5 Gullane Pt, E Loth, 16 Aug (JMo). Others in- cluded : 1 West Voe of Skellister, Shet, where few records, 3-10 Sep (DC, JHSi); W Ross, 25 Opinan Bay and 10 Red Pt, 6 Sep (substantial num- bers evidently frequent this coast, where it is commonest diver in autumn and winter) (ENH); 10 Sands of Forvie, Aber, 1 Nov (MJHC). Inland winter : 1 Black Loch, Lochinch, Wig, 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW, AJW, JGY).
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata. Apparently increasing N Suth (EGH). As 1967/68, some in winter Shet, mainly tidal streams between islands, moving to voes late Feb/early Mar, 20 Weisdale Voe 27 Feb (DC, RJT). Oiled birds included singles inland: L Leven, Kinross, 27 Jan in poor condition (AA, JHS); Kilconquhar Loch, Fife, 23 Mar obviously distressed (DWO); Rosebery Reservoir, Midl, also 23 Mar, dead (RWJS).
12 Oldshoremore Bay, W Suth, 16 June (DRS). Small passage late Aug/early Sep Tarbat Ness, E Ross (CJMcK-G). Peak 74 Montrose, An- gus, 30 Sep (GMC). Inland: 1 Yetholm, Rox, 27 Oct after SW gales (RSB); 1 Craigmaddie Reservoir, W Stir, 15 Nov (RGN, DJN).
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Breeding success poor in Gallo- way (ADW, JGY); but some indication of increase Tweed, breeding Fruid Reservoir, Peeb, where eggs left by falling water level (LAU), successfully Lindean Reservoir, Selkirk (AJS), and Alemoor Reservoir, Rox (JB); slight increase Kilconquhar, Fife, but no success (DWO), and at Morton Lochs 24 birds 30 Mar led to 5 prs breeding but only 1 young fledged (CST); 2 L Leven, Kinross, again failed to breed (AA, JHS); pr with young Ardnave Loch, Islay, June, first breeding I Heb (DJS).
At Leith, Midl, 500 early Jan (RWJS), 1100 on 8 Mar (DGA), 500 on 8 Dec (DLC). 1 Fair Isle 8-20 May, first there for 11 yrs (RHD), same time as 1 Calfirth, Shet, where rare, 16 May (DC); 1 close inshore St Kilda 30 June (LNOC), first record; 2 Corpach July (RAH), first for S Inv. Back on L Arthur, Kirk, 25 Jan (RBT); 1 Gladhouse, Midl, 26th (then frozen out till 30 Mar) (DGA). On sea, 1 Sandhead, Wig, by 12 June (RCD), 6 Lunan Bay, Angus, 19 June (GMC); but 1 still inland L Ken, Kirk, 21 Nov (ADW). Small influx L Leven, Kinross, late summer, maxi- mum 8 on 19 Sep (AA, JHS). At Musselburgh, Midl, 24 on 6 Aug, rose to 95 on 13 Sep, but fewer Oct (JB, DIMW).
*Red-necked Grebe Podiceps griseigena. No spring records, though usually more then than autumn. Recorded 9 Aug onwards thus: Ork, 1 S Ronaldsay 19 Oct (EJWi); Aber, 2 Br of Don 22 Oct-1 Nov (MAMcD); Midl, 5 Musselburgh 22 Oct (DIMW); E Loth, 1 Gullane Pt 9 Aug, 2 on 16 Aug, 1-2 on 7 dates to 8 Nov (JADH, DCS, EMS, RWJS), 2 Gosford Bay 12 Sep, 6 Dec (DJ, DCS); Wig, 1 S of the Wig, L Ryan, 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW, AJW, JGY).
Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus. First 8 on breeding loch E Inv 23 Mar (THJ), maximum 41 on nearby loch 18 Oct (MIH); first at Caith breeding loch 7 Apr, peak 12 on 13 June (DG).
Inland winter: 1 L Voil, Perth, 26 Jan (TCS). Spring Shet Mainland : 3 on 16 Feb, 6 on 27 Feb, 14 on 26 Mar (DOC), last 9 on 14 Apr (PKK); also 1 Kilconquhar, Fife, 5 Apr (DWO). Autumn: 1 L Leven, Kinross, 6 Aug (AA, JHS); first L Spiggie, Shet, 28 Aug (DC).
*Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. At E of two established col- onies in central lowlands first bird 2 Mar, 2 on 23rd, 7 on 2 Apr, 11 on 14th, fair to good success, 3 broods seen 30 June. No report from other ae ‘ah pr with up to 3 chicks 29 June-20 Aug at site between other two anon).
Early months: 12 Soleburn, L Ryan, Wig, 18 Jan most there since 22 seen from ferry in 1965 (RCD); 1 Southerness, Kirk, 2 Mar (AAB, DLC, RJHR). Others from 17 Aug: S Inv, 1 Arisaig 5 Oct on sea with Little Grebes (DNW); Skye, 1 Teangue 20 Aug (MPS); Midl, 1 Gladhouse 17th
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 69
and 31 Aug, 1 Cobbinshaw 18 Oct (EMS, RWJS), 1 Newhaven 25 Dec (TD); E Loth, 2 Gullane Pt 11 Oct (MFMM); Rox, 1 Hoselaw Loch Nov- Dec (RSB); Wig, 6 between Stranraer and the Wig 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW, AJW, JGY).
Little Grebe Podiceps ruficollis. None Yetholm Loch, Rox, though reg- ular breeder 1967 and earlier (RSB). In E Loth bred Aberlady for first time (MJE). Good numbers reared Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO), though little success L Leven, Kinross (JHS). Fewer Balranald, N Uist (DH), and Lewis (WAJC) than 1968. Most breeders back at Kilconquhar 23 Mar (DWO); first back L Garten, E Inv, that day (HB). Also, on passage, 3 Boddam, Shet, 23 Mar (RJT); then singles, Tresta, Shet, 25 Mar (DC), Fair Isle 8 Apr, 11 May (RHD), Whalsay, Shet, 21 May (JHSi). One on sea L. Shieldaig, W Ross, by 16 July (ENH); 1 Sei Water, Shet, 24 July (DC). Common on sea Arisaig, S Inv, 5 Oct (DNW); other reports of small winter numbers on coast E Inv, S Inv, Midl, E Stir, Renf, Ayr.
*Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophrys. Bass Rock bird there for third summer: seen 6 mls off St Abbs Head, Ber, 28 Feb (DMcL); only 4 sightings at Bass, 10 Apr-3 May (FM); probably same bird Elie Ness 23 Aug (ITD, MMD), first record S Fife. One Hoy 13 Aug (6: 26) (KJ, MJ, NvS), first for Ork and the first specifically identified albatross outwith the Forth.
*Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. No reports from breeding is-
lands. One caught at night Fair Isle 31 July, 1 on crossing 23 Sep (RHD). One dead in seabird wreck Doonfoot 30 Sep noted as first in Ayr for 17 yrs (GAR); 1 dead Dounreay, Caith, 1 Oct (PJ).
Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. Over 1700 mistnetted Fetlar, Shet, included 51 ringed there 1968 (and 1 from 1966), 5 from Foula (1967-68) and 3 from Fair Isle (1967-68) (ARM). Seen on Fair Isle crossing 27 May- 1 Oct, first ashore 21 June (RHD). Regular Thurso Bay, Caith, in summer, even in fine weather (PJ, DMS). One dead on beach Usan, Angus, 6 Apr (GMC); 1 alive by coastal house Strath, W Ross, 16 Oct after SW gale (ENH); 1 Ardnamurchan lighthouse, N Arg, overnight 24 Oct (JC).
Manx Shearwater Procellaria puffinus. Little data on island colonies, but up to 150 frequently offshore at dusk near Fetlar, Shet, colony (ARM). Small numbers apparently bred Hoy, the one Ork site, and breeding suspected Westray (EB).
Usual summer records outer Firth of Forth; 50, 6, 11 Isle of May 12-14 Sep (AFL); 32 noted from ship to Leith, Midl, 13 Sep (JMo); 13 flew E 27 Sep Burntisland, Fife (JMC). Flying N at Rattray Head, Aber, from 15/hr on 18 Apr to 21/hr on 22 Aug and 58/hr on 24th (MW); also 16 Collieston, Aber, 29 July, and a few there and Buchan Ness 3-4 Aug (LHC, JAL, BP); E Ross, 17 Chanonry Pt 2 Aug (RAH), 4 N at Tarbat Ness 3 Sep (CJMcK-G); Caith, 25 N at Noss Head 23 July (DMS); Ork, 10 passing Brough of Birsay 10 Sep (EJWi); W Suth, where few records, 3 N at Stoer Pt 30 Aug (CJMcK-G). In SW 25 noted 2 mls off Portpat- rick, Wig, 16 July (JFG). Very late bird flying N off Red Head, Angus, 7 Dec (MN).
Good description provided of Balearic Shearwater P. p. mauretanicus flying S at Fife Ness 18 Aug and 3 N on 19th (MEG, PAL, PHS); there is one previous Scottish record (Scot. Nat. 1916: 249)—a bird shot in the Forth 19 Aug 1874—and there was one 65 mls W of S Uist on 10 Sep 1966 (Ibis 110: 3).
*Great Shearwater Procellaria gravis. Several Rockall area, a usual haunt, 10 Nov, late date (RWi). Otherwise 16 July-5 Aug thus: 3 with ‘Manx 2 mls W of Portpatrick, Wig, 16 July (JFG); 3 with Manx off Tarbert, L. Fyne, 24 July (MLSS), first for S Arg; 1 off Foula, Shet, 28 July (PKK); 8 N at Rattray Head, Aber, in 14 hrs 3 Aug, 2 N on 5th (MW).
*Sooty Shearwater Procellaria griseus. Early one Fair Isle crossing 2
70 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(2)
May (RHD); otherwise 15 July-29 Oct. Spectacular numbers Dennis Head, Ork, sea watches Sep 7th (990), 9th (180), 10th (515), 11th (650), 12th (170), 13th (940), 15th (700), 21st (200), 22nd (800-1000 feeding all day, up to 600-800 at once), 23rd (780, all day round Seal Skerry), 28th (550), under 30 daily in early Oct declined to last 4 on 29th, great maj- ority flying W except when feeding (BSD, DVJ, EJW, DBW). Elsewhere : Shet, offshore late July and Aug (per RJT), reports from Whalsay boats 20-31 Aug (JHSi); Fair Isle, from 15 July, 159 passed island 13 Aug-26 Sep, peaks Aug 15th (21), 16th (17), 23rd (45), 24th (25), 28th (43), rather few on crossing but 5 on 2 Sep and late one 21 Oct (RHD); Ork, 49 W in 3 hrs Brough of Birsay 6 Sep, 22 E on 13 Sep (EJWi); Aber, 2 Buchan Ness 3 Aug (LHC, JAL, BP), 1 N at Collieston 6 Sep (NP), and at Rattray Head 12 N/hr 22 Aug, 26 N/hr 23 Aug, 2 N/hr 29 Sep (MW); Angus, 1 N at Arbroath 23 Aug (MN); Fife Ness, 3 N 15 Aug, 2 N 18th, 3 N 19th, 3 N 23rd, 1 N 29th, 4 N and 1 S 30th, 1 N 15 Sep (AGG, MEG, JADH, PAL, DWO, PHS); Isle of May, Sep 12th (1), 13th (7), 15th (2), 25th-26th (1) (AFL, RKMcG); W Loth, 8 flew up Forth at Hound Pt 18 Oct (RMB), first for county. Only records from W coast: 1 Reiff, W Ross, 7 Aug (RAH); 1 dead Uig, O Heb, 8 Oct (WAJC).
Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. Continues increase Shet, e.g. 12,000-13,000 prs Fetlar (ARM, RJT); increasing and spreading O Heb (WAJC); bred new site Munlochy Bay, E Ross (MKMcD-D); increase to 46 prs Isle of May (30 in 1968) (NJG). Pre-laying dispersal Fair Isle 7-25 May (RHD). Young birds wrecked Caith 1 Sep after violent gale, 50 (24 alive) on Dunnet beach (PJ).
Movement 200 N at Arbroath, Angus, 22 Feb (MN); 220 N at Fife Ness in 14 hrs 30 Aug (AGG); large movements N at Rattray Head, Aber, 22-23 Aug, peaks 1110/hr 22nd, 1563/hr 23rd (MW). W Ross movement 1-3 Sep along N shore Greenstone Pt, 25/hr on 3rd, from direction of Priest Island to headland N of Mellon Udrigle, coasting round Green- stone Pt to SW (JADH).
Inland: Benarty Crags, Kinross, 1 on 14 Apr, 2-4 on 25 Apr-5 July, ‘with 5 on 3 dates from 22 June (AA, JHS); E Stir, 1 over Falkirk 10 July (MH); Midl, 1 Arthur’s Seat 15 Apr (RM), 1 in York Pl, Edinburgh, 27 June (DGA). Blue-phase birds: 1 at Girvan colony, Ayr, 1 Feb (JTm); 1 flying S at Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 3 Sep (CJMcK-G).
Gannet Sula bassana. Small colony (under 20 nests) found Flannans, may have existed before 1969 (WC). Hermaness, Shet, colony continues to grow, with new group of about a dozen nests Toolie (RJT). At Fair Isle 3 on Sheep Rock late June and 4 on stack off Hoini 1 July were first healthy adults the warden had seen ashore (RHD). On 22 Feb 125 flew N at Arbroath, Angus (MN); in 3 hrs on 13 Sep 190 flew E at Brough of Birsay, Ork (EJWi). An adult well inland was picked up undamaged near Dunning, Perth, in mid June (JMa).
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Changes compared with 1968 survey (5 : 369): Kirk, 17 nests Meikle Ross 19 May (12 in 1968) (DSk), 2 nests Balcarry Pt, not certainly used since 1956, and 4 Hestan Island, used only 1962 (JGY); Wig, only 18 nests on ‘Hippo’, but increase to 64 on neighbouring cliffs near Garlieston (RHM); increase Clyde, 10 nests Ailsa Craig, Ayr, where 1-3 recently, and 16 Little Cumbrae, Bute (JAGi); W Ross, new colonies, 23 prs Longa Island off Gairloch (DRS), 20-30 nests still in Aug on Eilean Mullagrach (new one of Summer Isles) (WJE), 12-13 mests Rudha Duilich, NW of Achnahaird Bay, and 2 nests 1 ml NW (GMB); Caith, numbers apparently made good (after drop in 1968), with new parts of cliff at Ord used (DMS); Moray, pr bred Primrose Bay, Covesea, where reported also 1962 (DSm); Ber, nested Fast Castle, only fone recent record for county (DMcD); O Heb, perhaps 30-50 nests Stockay colony 1968 (WJE), new colony Shillay, Sound of Harris, at
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 71
least 100 nests 1967 and 1968 (WJE); also at least 4 very small colonies (2 Shet, 2 off Skye) found by Operation Seafarer (DRS).
Spring movement Fair Isle 25 Mar-8 May (maximum 4), autumn 3 Aug- 25 Oct, mainly 31 Aug-21 Sep, peaks 20-40 on 31 Aug, 3rd, 9th, 11th 13th, 14th, 21 Sep, 1 Oct, and 47 on 2 Oct (RHD). High autumn num- bers upper Forth, maximum 70 Skinflats, E Stir, 29 Sep (DS). Other Forth counts: 160 Hound Pt, W Loth, 16 Feb (TCS); 200 off Cramond WoO) Oct (DIMW); up to 300/hr moving Fife Ness some days Dec
Inland: E Inv, usual mainly imm birds Speyside 16 Apr-20 May and Sep-Oct (DNW); Moray, minor influx 24, mostly imm, 15-24 Mar (THJ); ‘Kinross, maximum L Leven 20 on 20 Jan (JL), 24 on 28 Mar (WW); Mid], ‘with very low water 2 Gladhouse 31 Aug increased to 30 on 19 Oct (DGA, EMS, RWJS).
Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Small colonies between Ethie and S Sutor (MR), first breeding in E Ross; increase to 880 nests (800 in 1968) Isle of May (NJG); 4 nests Meikle Ross, Kirk, where few proven breeding records (NSRG). Started laying about 10 Apr Shet (RJT), though not till late May (very late) Isle of May (NJG); half-grown young still in Shet nests 24 Sep (ARM), an indication of the protracted breeding season of the species. Emigration from Fair Isle from late Aug, especially on 24th (RHD). Ten oiled on 2 mls beach Fife Ness 29 Mar (DWO). Three 20 Dec on Nith at Glencaple, Dumf, where scarce winter visitor (JGY).
Heron Ardea cinerea. Increased, at least 24 nests, and good breeding season Dalskaith, Wig (BST); slight increase small colony Carsphairn, Kirk (ADW); Endrick, W Stir, colony up from 19 to 22 nests (TMC, JMi); more sightings, though only one colony, Rox (RSB); colony formed with 3 prs 1960 Byrescleugh, Longformacus, Ber, increased against trend in SE Scotland to 15 prs 1969 (AC); nest Mountblairy, Banff, new site (AFWS); little-known colony near Boat of Garten, E Inv, over 30 prs nesting in two groups (mostly successful in large group, none so in small- er one), average 2.9-3.1 young fledged from successful nests (DNW); but decreased Ork, with only 2 nests on cliffs Lyra Geo, Yesnaby (EB); and much poorer breeding season than usual Dumf (JGY).
Fair Isle passage to 19 May and from 5 July, mainly from 23 July, peaks 10-13 on 26th and 31 July, 5th and 29 Aug, 17 Sep and 2 Oct, only stragglers after 9 Oct (RHD); Isle of May maximum 9 on 18 Sep (RWS). In Midl, low water brought unusual number to Gladhouse, 9 on 5 Oct, increasing to 21 on 11 Nov (DGA, EMS, RWJS), and Glencorse, 6 on 25 — ty on 13 Nov (RMB). There were 26 at Lintrathen, Angus, on 9 Nov
*Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. 1 Fair Isle 2-31 May had been ringed as 1967 chick in Holland (6: 27) (RHD), 6th Scottish record.
*Little Egret Egretta garzetta. 4 Lochdonhead, Mull, 12 Oct-20 Nov (when 3 only), probably later (MTdK, GSH, JWi), first for Argyll faunal area and N Arg; 1 Dunblane 26 Oct (MMa, DER), first for Forth and S Perth; 1 found dead (now in Glasgow Museum) L Portain, N Uist, O Heb, 29 Oct (RMcL per CEP).
*Bittern Botaurus stellaris. One frequented garden pond and bamboos Kilmacolm, Renf, 23 Jan-2 Feb, seeming rather poorly (JDo, DMcR). In Dumf, singles Caerlaverock during Aug (per ELR), Lochmaben 27 Sep (HO), and Br of Ae 18th and 20 Oct (CH, HO).
*White Stork Ciconia ciconia. Full-winged ad Milltimber and Balmedie, Aber, 15-20 Apr (REw, AR, JRo). ee econbill Platalea leucorodia. Ad Morton Lochs 2 Apr (PJC), first for
ife.
*Flamingo sp. Presumed escazcs. Dingy off-white bird with no red plumage (perhaps 2, but not seen together) all summer from 18 May at
72 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
Norton, S Harris (RMcl, IMcL), and 2 L Bee, S Uist, July (per DH). Two escapes from Edinburgh Zoo (said to be Chilean Phoenicopterus chilensis) fed Musselburgh lagoons, Midl, from end Apr to early Oct, though one or both often away (RWJS), probably accounting for Chilean at Grange- mouth Docks, E Stir, 16-19 Aug (MH, DCS). Chilean bird Balmedie beach, Aber, and Ythan estuary 25 Aug (GMD, CHF, WM).
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. Good breeding season Kirk/Dumf re- flected in high autumn/early winter numbers in many places, and at least 870 moulted Blackshaw Bank by 4 June (ADW, JGY); breeding numbers well above average Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO), but 1968 breeding not repeated on Isle of May (NJG), and poor breeding season L Leven, Kinross, with wet conditions throughout May and poor survival of duck- lings (AA, JHS).
Small spring movement Fair Isle from 28 Feb, peak 6 on 17 Mar, in autumn from 4 Sep, mainly Oct-Nov, peaks 5 on 29 Sep, 17 on 22 Oct, 10 on 25 Oct and 25 Nov (RHD); E Ross, autumn numbers above average Cromarty Firth (CGH); Kinross, L Leven built up from late July to over 3000 mid Sep, and constantly over 2000 thereafter, with 2650 on 16 Nov, highest winter numbers for many years (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS); Midl, Gladhouse increased from 65 mid Aug to 1000 by 7 Sep, another influx to 2000 in first half Oct (DGA, EMS, RWJS). In Dumf, Wildfowl Count waters give poor idea of very large winter population, with 300 shot from one evening flight of 4000 over a group of ponds that are never counted, and up to 2000 regularly on flooded parts of Lochar Moss in late Dec (EBd, EBe, HO, JWg, JGY).
An ad @ ringed L Leven 21 May 1969 was recovered 235 mls SW in Co Westmeath, Eire, on 1 Dec (JHS).
Teal Anas crecca. No reported changes in breeding status; good breed- ing season Kirk, where spring peak (early Apr) was late (ADW). Small passage Fair Isle 12 Apr-28 May and 12 Aug-5 Nov, with 11 on 20 Sep, 8 on 21 Oct (RHD); E Ross early autumn counts Cromarty Firth higher than usual (CGH), and exceptional 1000 Skibo estuary, SE Suth, 10 Oct (DMcD); slow build-up L Leven, Kinross, from early Aug to 777 on 8 Oct (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS); Moorfoot reservoirs total doubled to 400 in last wk Sep (DGA, EMS, RWJS); scarce on shore Dumf Sep but 1500 on Nith estuary by early Nov (JGY); exceptionally high autumn peak 500 L Ken, Kirk, occurred early (mid Oct) (ADW), and numbers above usual in early autumn in lower Dee valley (EBd). Jan influx to Yetholm area, Rox, 94 Yetholm Loch, 70 Hoselaw Loch, 70 Clinton Bog (RSB).
*Garganey Anas querquedula. Spring: 3 Endrick mouth, L Lomond, 15 Mar (AGG); 2 3 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 24 Apr (JGY); pr Possil Marsh, Glasgow, 24 May (DJN). Autumn: pr Barr Loch, Renf, 14-28 Aug (IG, RAJ, GTW), with extra ¢ 28 Aug (DLC); d Rosslynlea Reservoir, Midl, 31 Aug-7 Sep (DGA, EMS, RWJS).
Gadwall Anas strepera. Reasonable breeding season at main centre L Leven, Kinross, arriving from late Mar, highest count 36 on 4 Sep, less than 5 after 31 Oct (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS); probably bred E Fife at Cameron and/or Kilconquhar, where 8 on 29 June (RBT) and still 4 as late as 16 Nov (DWO); bred Sanday (EB), first time in Ork; 2 broods Balranald, O Heb, July (cf. 5: 315) (DH).
Very small numbers winter on Edinburgh lochs. First record for Islay was ¢ at mouth of R Sorn, Bridgend, 16 Feb (MFMM). Spring: pr Tyn- inghame, E Loth, 4 May (TB, EMS, RWJS); 4-5 in May-June at Skinflats (MH), first for E Stir; 2 Hillwell Loch 8th and 26 Apr, d Garth Ness 4 May, both Shet (PKK). Autumn: 3 Uig, O Heb, 5 Sep (EC, EK); 2 Black- dog, Aber, 1 Oct (WMM); ° Barr Loch, Renf, 25 Sep (RAJ); 9 near Dee estuary, Kirk, 27 Sep (JS). Winter (Nov-Dec) : Ork, ¢ shot near Kirkwall 28 Dec (EB); SE Suth, 2 Dornoch 15 Nov, 13 Dec (DMcD); Dunb/W Stir, 2 Endrick 3 Dec (HGC); Lan, ¢ Hogganfield Loch 16 Nov (RGN, DJN);
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 73
Dumf, 6 shot Sep-20 Nov Lochar Moss (JGY), ¢ shot Village of Ae 22 Nov (HO), 1 Caerlaverock 9 Nov (ELOC); Kirk, 3 shot Lochrutton 27 Nov (JGY); Wig, 2 2° L Elrig 16 Nov (RHM).
Wigeon Anas penelope. Scattered breeding Ettrick/Ale complex (Tweed faunal area) indicates continued breeding S of L Leven, Kinross (see 5: 312) (JLFP), where breeding season poor (JHS). Slight increase in small Ork breeding population (EB). Pr bred Balranald, O Heb (DH).
Last 240 Glencaple, Dumf, 4 May (JGY); main exodus Moorfoots, Midl, 23 Mar-6 Apr (DGA, EMS, RWJS); over 1200 L Leven, Kinross, late Feb decreased to breeding population by mid Apr (JHS); small spring passage Fair Isle to 15 May (RHD). Autumn movements there sporadically 13 Aug-25 Nov, 26 on 22 Oct (RHD); slow to build-up L Leven, only 58 on 8 Oct, more after that, and 725 from 15 Dec (AA, CRGC, JHS); first 3 Moorfoots 23 Aug, slow increase from 50 on 21 Sep to 200 on 2 Nov (DGA, EMS, RWJS); widespread Dumf in small numbers by 1 Sep, in- creased to 2000 on Nith estuary by 18 Sep (EBe, JGY).
Pintail Anas acuta. No definite proof of breeding anywhere in Scot- land, even Kirk, where 5 prs 1968 (5: 312) (ADW). Small spring move- ment Shet, 8 at 4 localities 1-8 May (DC, ARM, RJT). Summer: O Heb, pr Balranald 27 May, ¢ 19 June (DH), 2° Lewis 24 June (TDR). Scattered autumn (from late Aug) and winter records, odd birds and small parties. Autumn build-up: Kinross, L Leven, 2 on 10 Sep, rose to 16 by 1 Oct (AA, JHS); Midl, first Gladhouse 31 Aug, maximum 9 on 2 Nov (DGA, EMS, RWJS); E Loth, maximum Tyninghame 9 on 24 Aug (TB, EMS, RWJS). Winter counts: E Inv, maximum 164 Longman Bay 9 Feb (MR); Angus, about 100 usually Montrose Basin (GMC); E Stir, Skinflats- Grangemouth, maximum 60 spring (DF, MH), 120 autumn (DS); Renf, maximum 42 Longheugh Pt 19 Oct, only half normal (IG); Kirk, 100 L Ken 2 Jan, still over 50 on 4 Apr (ADW); Dumf/Kirk, 1700 maximum Drumburn 22 Sep (JT, ADW), Drumburn/Carsethorn flock regularly flighted to Caerlaverock, and flight of 3000 ducks 14 Nov included 1700 Pintail with 700 Mallard, 400 Wigeon and 200 Teal (HO, JGY).
Shoveler Spatula clypeata. Breeders back 7 Apr Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO), and from early Apr L Leven, Kinross, where breeding poor (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS). Drake near Badachro 2-9 May, 2nd record W Ross (see 5: 312) (ENH); about same time, small movement indicated by ¢d Fair Isle 26 Apr (RHD) and Shet records from Unst 28 Apr (ET) and Hillwell 4 May (2) and 7 May (3) (DC, PKK). Usual influx late June/ early July Kilcongquhar, Fife, peaking at 300 about mid July (DWO). Autumn/winter counts: Angus, 100 Forfar Loch 8 Oct (GMC); Perth, autumn peak Stormont 45 on 14 Sep, lower than last few yrs (5: 312) (VMT); Kinross, following pattern of recent autumns, build-up again small, peak 48 on 1 Oct (JHS); E Stir, peak 22 Grangemouth docks 8 Dec (DF); Midl, peak 56 Duddingston 24 Sep (DRA); Rox, peak over 100 Hoselaw Loch by Nov (RSB); Dumf, peak 400-450 at low tide Priestfield- Powfoot by 21 Dec, such numbers probably annual but not always on Scottish side (RTS, JGY); Kirk, peak 60 L Ken 13 Oct (ADW). ee Duck Aix galericulata. Feral flock still in Perth (5: 312)
Scaup Aythya marila. Pr bred W Mainland, Ork (EB); pr bred Balran- ald, O Heb (DH). Other May-Aug records: Ber, ¢ St Abbs Loch 3 May (KSMcG); Peeb, 2 dd Portmore 27 July, 3 Aug (DGA, EMS, RWJS); W Ross, ¢ L Coulin (inland) 17 May (JAW); W Suth, first record, 4 Handa 8 May (MJE); Caith, © Dunnet 4 June (JARG); Shet, ¢ Clickhimin to 3 June (DC), ¢ Foula 5 May-8 June (JGH), pr Fetlar 21-22 June (ARM). Inland (not already noted) : Midl, 2 Gladhouse 21 Dec (RWJS); Kinross, 3 L Leven 21 Jan, 1st-W ¢ shot 26 Nov, and another 8 Dec (AA, JHS); Fife, 1 Kilconquhar 19 Jan, 3 on 14 Dec (DWO), 1 Otterston, Aberdour, 8 Feb (TGMcL).
74 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
Autumn return: 17 Aug, 1 Collieston, Aber (WM, AR); 31 Aug, @ Old Findhorn Bar, Nairn (JE); 6 Sep, 8 at Isle of May (ADW). Winter counts : Angus, 200 Broughty Castle 22 Jan (TMCl); E Stir, 40 Skinflats 24 Dec (DF); W Loth, 500 Cramond 15 Mar (TCS); Fife, record 700 Largo Bay 25 Dec, 250 sitting on beach, many oiled (PGTB); Midl, 30,000 Seafield early Jan, down to 17,000 on 19 Jan, 10,000 by 2 Feb, 48 on 11 Oct, up to 6000 by 23 Nov, 20,000 by 7 Dec, 35,000 on 21 Dec (DGA, JB); Dunf, 300 maximum Waterfoot, Annan, 2 Nov (RTS); Kirk, Jan/Feb and Nov/ Dec maxima 200/300 Carsethorn/Port o’ Warren (JGY), and similar situation Wig, in Luce Bay and L Ryan (WBr, ADW, JGY).
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Breeding strength rather low at main Kirk/Wig haunts but bred at new site Kirk (ADW, JGY); nest and 6 eggs Mountblairy 18 May (JE), first breeding Banff; small Shet breeding pop- ulation increasing and pr bred Fetlar (4 young) for first time (ARM, (RD Most winter birds left Shet by about 4 May; arrivals during Oct
Counts: Angus, 55 on sea Stannergate, Dundee, 10 Feb (TMC); Kin- ross, L Leven peak 2500 from 6 Aug to mid Sep, rapid drop below 1000 by 1 Oct and under 200 by 8 Oct (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS); Fife, Kilcon- quhar peaks 944 on 19 Jan and 1134 on 14 Dec, rather below normal, but 800 on sea Methil 19 Jan (DWO); W Loth, record 125 on sea Cramond 15 Feb (TCS). Summer occurrence near L Hourn (per DNW), first record for W Inv. In the Forth: ¢ off Inchmickery 19 June (MJE); 2 Isle of May 18 Sep, only 3rd yr noted there (NJG).
Many caught L Leven continue to be recovered SW in Ireland Sep/ Dec, but there are also recoveries (of birds ringed as juvs) from Essex about 10 May 1969 (ringed 18.8.68), Co Durham 20 Sep 1969 (29.8.69), Lincolnshire 22 Nov 1969 (17.9.69), and from Finland 17 May 1969 18.9.67), Norway 25 Aug 1969 (12.8.68), Sweden 28 Sep 1969 (23.9.68), France 18 Dec 1969 (4.9.69) and Portugal 9 Nov 1969 (24.8.69) (JHS).
*Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris. 1 Don estuary 16 Feb (6: 33) (MJHC), first for Dee and Aber, and 2nd Scottish record.
Pochard Aythya ferina. Present Ork all summer but no sure news of breeding (EB); otherwise bred same counties as 1968 (5: 313); pr Shet (does not breed) on Fetlar 12-18 May (ARM). Moulting flocks of over 70 L Ashie, E Inv, 18 July (RAH), and 26 dd L Scarmclete, Caith, 22 June (DMS); 73 L Leven (none breed), Kinross, 13 June, rose to 110 on 24 June then dwindled, fresh influx from late July (JHS).
3000 Duddingston, Midl, 3 Mar down to 300 on 26th (DRA), peak 4400 on 23 Nov (DGA); main arrival Moorfoots end Sep (45), with excep- tional 100 most of Nov (DGA, EMS, RWJS); L Leven peak 550 on 21 Sep, much below past 3 yrs, 250-450 Oct-Nov, then rapid drop (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS); Fife, Kilconquhar peak only 1075 on 14 Dec, but often 200 on sea Methil to make it up (DWO). Other peaks : 123 L Brow, Shet, Jan (PKK); 130 Woodend Loch, Lan, 26 Jan (DJN), and 85 Fannyside Loch, Dunb, 8 Nov (JB), large counts for Clyde; 120 maximum Dumf, Priestfield-Powfoot (JGY).
Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. Usual non-breeders summer: Wig, 2 all summer Mochrum, 2 dd and 2 July L Ochiltree (JGY); Midl, last d (imm) Moorfoots 22 June (RWJS); S Fife, up to 3 Kilconquhar through summer (DWO); Kinross, some L Leven all months (JHS); Aber, ¢ Sands of Forvie, 22 June (JF); E Inv, summered at least 3 Speyside localities with displaying pr at one (DNW); Ork, ¢ Loch of Stenness 5 July (EJWi); Fair Isle, last ¢ 4-6 June (RHD); Shet, dull-plumaged pr Spiggie 20 June (DC).
Spring: Kinross, up to 350 L Leven Jan, then from break-up of ice in late Feb build-up to 727 on 21 Mar (most in 3 yrs), down to 243 by 6 Apr (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS); Fife, peak Kilconquhar 800 roosting 2
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 75
Apr, large numbers to mid Apr, another increase 10 May (DWO); Midl, 2500 Seafield over winter, 4000 on 22 Mar (DGA), late leaving Moorfoots, 135 on 30 Mar was most ever, 110 on 13 Apr, 32 on 4 May (DGA, EMS, RWJS); Kirk, cold spring delayed departure, 30 still L Ken Apr and a few in early May (ADW). Autumn: E Ross, 2 Tain 24 Aug (CJMcK-G), but elsewhere later; Shet, main arrival mid Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 1 on 7 Oct, a few from 23 Oct (RHD); E Ross, build-up from late Oct to usual 250 Invergordon despite construction work on aluminium plant (CGH); E Inv, late arrival Speyside, numbers low till last wk Oct (HB, DNW); Kinross, a few L Leven Sep, main influx early Oct, 60 on 8 Oct, peak 377 on 16 Nov (AA, CRGC, JHS); Fife, peak on sea Methil only 300 on 16 Nov, but almost as many Kilconquhar (DWO); Midl, arrived Moorfoots 21 Sep, 5 on 19 Oct rose to 55 on 26 Oct, and from 60 on 2 Nov to 110 on 9 Nov (DGA, EMS, RWJS), 2500 Seafield by 23 Nov (DGA); Lan, 90 Fannyside 8 Nov (JB); Kirk, first arrivals early Oct, mainly imms till later (ADW).
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. Summer: W Suth, pr Oldshore- more Bay 25 June (JB); Shet, gd Mid Yell 7 June (RJT), imm ¢ Strand Loch 20 June (DLC), 1 Hillwell 17 July (PKK).
Rather scarcer than usual Shet winter 1968/69, larger numbers 1969/ 70 (RJT). E coast peaks : Musselburgh, Midl, 60 on 15 Feb (EMS, RWJS); 40 Methil, Fife, 19 Jan (DWO), and 80 St Andrews, Fife, 1 Jan (JARG); 80 Balgownie, Aber, 30 Nov (MM); 500 Spey Bay, Moray, 26 Apr (JMB); 110 Castlehill, Caith, also 26 Apr (DMS). Departure: last 2 Ythan, Aber, 12 May (AR); ¢ Fair Isle 4-9 May (RHD); last Fetlar, Shet, 17 May (ARM). Return: first Hascosay, Shet, 30 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle from 2 Oct (RHD). Clyde and Solway, where scarce: Renf, 1 Castle Semple Loch 7-13 Dec (ITD, MMD, AGG); Ayr, 23 off Irvine 29 Dec, large number for Clyde (AGS), 1 Trabboch Loch 24 Oct-2 Nov, 2 Martnaham Loch 9- 15 Nov, with 3 on 16th (PM); Wig, 2 L Ryan 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW, AJW, JGY); Kirk, ¢ Southerness 5 Feb (JGY); Dumf, 1 Waterfoot, Annan, 6 Apr (JDn). Others inland: 2 Kilconquhar, Fife, 4 Oct (PGTB); 1 Cobbin- shaw, Midl, 8 Nov (TB, EMS, RWJS); 1 Portmore, Peeb, 5-26 Oct (DGA, EMS, RWJS).
Common Scoter Melanitta nigra. Little information from breeding areas: ¢ at Wig loch July (JGY); pr arrived on a loch in Yell, Shet, 30 Apr (same date as 1968), up to 6 later, may have bred (RJT); odd birds noted summer Caith and Ork (Swona). Summer moult flocks Wig: 400 Wigtown Bay July, 55 Luce Bay July (per JGY). Other counts: SE Suth, 3000 scoters (possibly more Velvet than Common) 6-18 Oct between Dornoch and Embo, where such numbers very infrequent (DMcD); Wig, 1300 Luce Bay 3 Aug was highest count for years (RCD).
Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca. For large numbers SE Suth 6-18 Oct see Common Scoter. In unusual areas: 2 Tokavaig 18 Aug (MPS), first for Skye; 1 Cramond Island, Forth, reported as first there since war (DIMW); 1 Port William, Wig, in harbour for a wk from 24 Dec (GW).
*Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata. 1 Echnaloch Bay, Burray, 16 Nov (MT-C), subject to description and acceptance by Rarities Committee.
Eider Somateria mollissima. Good numbers reared Tentsmuir, N Fife, despite fast growing Herring Gull colony (DWO), and likewise increased Isle of May (NJG). ‘‘At Kyleakin lighthouse islands, on one small island, artificial drinking pools, coloured plastic windmills, flags, strips of bun- ting, bells, installed 1967/68. Nests thought to average about 20 pre- viously. In 1968 rafts of up to 500 birds and 275 apparently 1968 nests counted. The future of this Eider farming project now uncertain follow- ing death of its sponsor, G. Maxwell” (DNW). Few breed Wig but moult- ing flock L Ryan increased from 42 on 27 June to 500 on 13 July (RCD).
Seafield winter counts: 850 on 9 Nov, 1500 on 23 Nov (DGA), 2500 on 10 Dec (RMB), and at least 3600 off Midl coast 27 Dec (DGA). Winter
76 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
flock of 500 on 24 Dec Eilean na Creighe Duibhe, W Ross (ENH).
*King Eider Somateria spectabilis. ¢ Ronas Voe, Shet, 18 Apr-7 May (DC); another ¢ Scalloway 24 May-25 June, with @ there 30 May-9 June (DC, RHD).
Goosander Mergus merganser. Bred 30 Dumf localities (JM, JGY); but less good breeding season than 1968 in Kirk suggested by post- breeding flock of only 20 9/imm birds (against 61) L Ken (ADW).
One 15th and 2 on 16 Feb Bridgend, first for Islay (MFMM). Counts in early months: Kirk, 20 L Ken 19 Jan (ADW); Dumf, 37 Lochmaben 18 Jan (RTS); Midl, Moorfoots peak 22 on 12 Jan (RWJS); Fife, 30 Morton Lochs 16 Mar (JDM); Kinross, good number L Leven from 1 Jan, 66 on 12 Jan, peak after thaw 122 on 12 Mar, decreasing from late Mar, last 23 Apr (AA, CRGC, JHS); Shet, after unusual Dec 1968 influx (5: 314) many notes Jan-Apr (RJT). Last dates: Midl, 4 Moorfoots 4 May (RWJS); Shet, 1 Clickhimin 4 May, 1 Strand 5 May (DC); Caith, 6 L Caluim 11 May (DG); Fair Isle, d on 29 May (RHD).
Autumn: 32 Talla Reservoir, Peeb, 2 Aug (JB), and 350 at Ythan mouth, Aber, 16 Aug (GMD), were first substantial counts; apparently none Beauly Firth before flock 500 on 14 Dec (MIH); small arrival L Leven, Kinross, from early Oct, no large numbers till 80 on 4 Dec, rising to 162 on 7-9 Dec, still 100 on 3lst (AA, JHS); arrived Moorfoots, Midl, 26 Oct, 20 passing through on 23 Nov (RWJS). Other counts: Aber, 50 L of Skene 7 Dec (ADKR); Rox, 21 Alemoor 14 Dec (JB); 6 over Leith Docks 25 Dec (TD).
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. No reported changes in breeding status. Present Speyside, E Inv, 2nd wk Apr to early Sep (HB). Fair Isle autumn passage 12 days 7 Oct-14 Nov (3-4 on 21-22 Oct) (RHD). Counts: Wig, 200 from steamer L Ryan 23 Sep (RTS), 100 from shore 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW, AJW, JGY); Kirk, 400 Nith-Southerness Jan-Feb and Nov-Dec (JGY); Midl, 60 Granton early Feb (RF), no autumn num- bers Musselburgh till 75 on 4 Oct (JB), 134 on 22 Oct (DIMW); Fife, some passage Fife Ness Aug (DWO), high count for area 80 Lundin Links 24 Sep (PGTB), 96 Burntisland 6 Oct (JMC); E Inv, 34 Beauly Firth 12 Jan, rose to 200 by 18 Jan (MIH); E Ross, 110 Evanton 23 Feb, 80 there 27 Nov, 100 Dingwall-Evanton 14 Dec (CGH); SE Suth, 250 Embo 6 Sep (DMcD); N Suth, moulting flock 156 already Tongue Bay 14 July (DG); S Inv, 267 Inversanda, L Linnhe, 2 Aug, still 51 on 14 Sep (JASN). In- land winter: Ayr/Renf, 1 Barcraigs Reservoir 30 Nov (DLC); Glasgow, 2 Possil Loch 11 Jan (DJN); Midl, 3 Glencorse 13-16 Nov (RMB, DM); Kin- ross, 2 L Leven 4 Mar (CRGC), 2 2 2 26 Nov (AA).
*Smew Mergus albellus. Winter (redheads unless specified) to 2 Apr and from 30 Nov (one autumn record 13 Oct): Kirk, 1 Earlston Loch 25 Dec (ADW, AJW); Renf, 2 Barr Loch 5 Jan (RAJ), 1 on 18 Jan (DCS), 2 Castle Semple Loch 10 Jan (DLC), 1 on 7th and 13 Dec, 1 Rowbank 30 Nov (IG, RAJ); Rox, 1 Hoselaw 2 Apr (JDGL); Mid], 1 Glencorse 16 Feb (MJE), ad ¢ Gladhouse 23 Mar (EMS, RWJS); W Loth, pr Morton Reservoir, Broxburn, first half Feb (per MJE); S Fife, 1 Kilconquhar 30 Mar (PGTB); Aber, lst-W ¢ Br of Don 30 Nov-3 Dec (MAMcD); Moray, 1 L na Bo 5 Jan-22 Mar (JMB), 1 L Spynie 13 Oct (per AP); E Ross, 1 Balnagowan River 20 Dec (per CGH).
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. Good breeding season inland L Leven, ‘Kinross, 38 fledged (broods 5-13), maximum count 42 on 9 July, ads gone by end Aug (AA, CRGC, IKM, JHS). Pr flying along edge of big wood as though prospecting for nest site Lake of Menteith, Perth, 20 Apr (MFMM). At least 1 pr bred Isle of May, where does so sporadically (NJG). Little comment on coastal breeding, but 60 young Aberlady, E Loth, July (KSMcG), and 189 unfledged Findhorn Bay, Moray, 5 July (BE).
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 77
Counts: Dumf, 1200 Caerlaverock-Annan 14 Dec (JGY); E Stir, 1000 Skinflats 13 Dec (DF); N Perth, spring peak 227 Invergowrie 19 May (HBo); Angus, 337 Montrose Basin 13 July (GMC); E Inv, 24 Longman Bay 14 Sep, all juvs (MR), ads returning from mid Oct, 69 on 14 Dec (EIY); E Ross, 298 Munlochy Bay 19 Jan (MIH); Fair Isle, 8 on 29 May was peak, also 4 on 10 May, 5 on 3 June (RHD); Shet, first back from moulting grounds were 2 Virkie 18 Dec and 9 on 22nd (WH). Inland: Renf, juv Barr Loch 6 Sep (IG, RAJ); Midl, 2 ads Gladhouse 17 Aug (EMS, RWJS); E Inv, 1 Kincraig 26 Mar (AF-L).
Grey Lag Goose Anser anser. Little change large Galloway population (about 1000 birds in post-moult period), decreased one Wig site (JGY), but 3 nests successful at new Kirk site where young introduced 1967 and other birds apparently came 1969 (ADW). Pinioned flock released L Laggan, S Inv, by Ardverekie estate (GC). Caith population unchanged, about 60 prs (DG, DMS); also bred N Suth, W Ross and elsewhere, and 55 prs L Druidibeg, O Heb (IN).
Spring and departure: Dumf, last Glencaple 1 May (though pair Lochar Moss, possibly feral, June); Rox, 1 apparently unringed Hoselaw till 8 June (RSB); Ber, 200 Coldstream area Jan (HDH), 250 Coldingham Moor 4 Apr (CNW, EW), unusual areas; Kinross, 3500 peak L Leven 5 Feb, dropped Apr to 122 on 30th, last 4 on 15th May (3 summered but did not breed) (AA, CRGC, JHS); Perth, still 23 Kingoodie 26 Apr (VMT); E Inv, Speyside passage from 150 arriving Insh 21 Mar, throughout Apr to 4 May (HB, DNW); Moray, 150 Findhorn 18 Apr (BE), 8 Spey Mouth 27 Apr (JMB); Banff, 70 N over Troup Head 23 Apr (JE); E Ross, passing over Evanton 17th-18th and 25-26 Apr (CGH).
Protracted ill-defined autumn passage from about 22 Sep: Shet, most geese heard passing 25 Sep to early Nov were Greylag (RJT); Fair Isle, heard at night 16 Sep, 1-3 early Oct, heavy passage 20 Oct (100), 21 Oct (40 and many on crossing), small numbers to 25 Oct (17), stragglers to 27 Nov (RHD); Ork, small parties passing N Ronaldsay several days from 25 Sep, 10 landed 19 Oct, 28 on 25 Oct (EJW), 26 back L Harray 16 Nov (EB); Caith, 200 L Heilan 25 Oct (DG); E Ross, passing Evanton Ist-2nd and 10-11 Oct (CGH); Moray, 60 W over Kinloss 22 Sep (BE); E Inv, passage late and prolonged Spey, with low peak numbers, mainly 2nd wk Oct, on to at least 2nd wk Dec (HB, DNW); Aber, 10 Meikle Loch of Slains 14 Sep (AR), 23 Newburgh 22 Sep (BP), 200 Skene 19 Oct (AR), also 2 (local birds) Strathbeg 29 Aug (MW); Angus, 25 W over Brechin 22 Sep (GMC); Kinross, 2 on 27 Sep, 20 on 29 Sep, very slow build-up to 733 by 29 Oct, then larger numbers, peak 2500 reached 26 Nov (AA, CRGC, JHS); Fife, first 2 Lundin Links 27 Sep (PGTB); E Stir, maximum 109 Skinflats 23 Oct (MH); Midl, first Gladhouse 5 Oct (RWJS); Rox, return to Hoselaw from 28 Sep, building to 440 by Nov (RSB); Ayr, up to 40 Hunterston 12 Nov-31 Dec, first regular flock for 4 yrs (JLB); Dumf, number insignificant until 700 in mid Dec (HO, JGY).
Annual count 9 Nov in appalling conditions 62,000 (much as 1968), all but 1400 in Scotland; abnormal distribution, partly owing to fine sum- mer, good harvest and consequent lack of spilt barley in E central Scot- land; much reduced numbers Perth (18,500 against 31,000) and Bute, and increased numbers Aber and Midl, were biggest numerical changes (over 2000 each); 21.2% were young birds, similar to 1965 and 1966, much above poor 1967 and 1968 figures, but brood size rather low at 1.9; bad weather and some later arrivals probably kept total on low side (MAO).
White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. European race A. a. albifrons: 1 with Greylag at Dunragit, Wig, 4 Jan (ADW); 1 shot L Leven, Kin- ross, 9 Jan (JHS); 34 closely observed (pink bills, lightly marked on belly), Slains estate, Aber, 15 Nov (WM); family party 4 with Pinkfeet at Caerlaverock, Dumf, 30 Dec (PSc); first records of this race in Wig, Dee
78 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(2)
and Aber. Others unspecified unless marked G for Greenland race A. a. flavirostris.
Departure late Apr: last 200 G at L Ken, Kirk, 25 Apr (ADW)); last G at Moor of Genoch, Wig, 26 Apr (RCD); 1 G at Newburgh, N Fife, 25 Apr (VMT); Caith, last 62 G on 27 Apr (PJ); Ork, 70 Birsay 5 Apr (EB); O Heb, 1 G at Balranald 25 June (DH, MFMM).
Ad G back 29 Sep L Leven, Kinross (JHS). Other arrivals: O Heb, 2 G Ness 10 Oct (WAJC); Caith, 24 G Forss 19 Oct, 300 L Killiminster 9 Nov is largest flock in recent years (DMS); E Ross, 13 L Eye 14 Oct, 70 on 9 Nov (CGH); Aber, 2 Rattray and 1 G Strathbeg 6 Nov (MW); N Perth, 4 G Dunning 8 Nov (VMT); Kinross, imm G shot L Leven 25 Oct, 2 ad and 4 imm G on 3 Nov (AA, CRGC, JHS); Midl, 28 SW over Glad- house 26 Oct, 10 on 9 Nov (EMS, RWJS); I Heb, 8 ad and 20 imm G on Tiree 9 Oct (CST); Dunb/W Stir, 33 Endrick mouth 5 Nov to year end (JMi); arrival L Ken, Kirk, from about 20 Oct (ADW), and first 51 Moor of Genoch, Wig, same day (RCD), never over 300 L Ken (rather low), but 200 Moor of Genoch 2 Nov was observer’s highest count there; only 5% or fewer young birds in several Oct-Dec counts L Ken and at Moor of Genoch Nov (RCD, ADW). Sundry winter records include odd G birds S Fife (PGTB, DWO), the first recorded there, 1 G Gadloch, Lan, 16 Feb (BZ), and 11 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 14 Jan (RES, JGY).
*Bean Goose Anser arvensis arvensis. Castle Douglas, Kirk, 15 inter- mittently 1 Jan-2 Mar (AAB, DLC, RJHR, ADW); 3 back by 3 Dec, early compared with recent years, perhaps to do with widespread cold spell in NW Europe from late Nov, some increase by year end (ADW); 3 on 3 Jan and 2 on 11 Jan Caerlaverock, Dumf, where evidently stop at times on Blackshaw Bank (in relatively recent years largest flock 30-40 in 1929 when 7 shot, since when reliable reports of 14 single birds shot) (per JGY). At Endrick mouth, L Lomond, 7 from 26 Nov (RSh); but none reported Aber 1969.
Pink-footed Goose Anser arvensis brachyrhynchus. Spring : Dumf, main departure Nith by 10 Apr, but 153 Caerlaverock 19 May (JGY); Kinross, reneral decrease L Leven from early Apr but minor peak 2350 on 30 Apr (birds passing through), rapid fall to last 80 on 11 May (JHS); last 16 over Perth 14 May (VMT); E Inv, usual late Apr/early May Speyside passage, especially 1-4 May (DNW); E Ross, large movement Evanton 29 Apr-1 May and 5-10 May, apparently held up by weather, roosting on sandbanks where not usually seen (CGH); O Heb, 2 Stornoway 20 Apr (RMclI). Summer: Midl, 6 Fala 3-4 June (WB); Kinross, 2 pricked birds summered L Leven (JHS).
Autumn (rather early): at main arrival point L Leven, Kinross, 6 on 4 Sep, few till 40 on 21 Sep, influx 2000 on 22 Sep, fluctuating numbers (arriving and departing) till 9000 on 27 Sep and peak 10,200 on 1 Oct, dropping to high end-of-Oct total of 3560 on 29th, increasing early Nov to 5250 on 5th (AA, CRGC, JHS). Other records fit this picture: Shet, only flock 5 L Spiggie 28 Sep (DC); Fair Isle, a few, especially 26 Sep- 2 Oct (RHD); Ork, 1 N Ronaldsay 26 Sep, 20 on 20 Oct (EJW); Caith, 170 L Calder 25 Sep (DG), passage 25-27 Sep (DG, PMcM); E Ross, pass- age Evanton 10-11 Oct, 2500 fogbound Edderton 19-21 Oct (CGH); E Inv, 50 over Inverness 22 Sep (JAL) and others 11 Oct (JMcG), first Speyside 23 Sep (RMcC), 20 on Inv/Perth border 26 Sep (DNW); Aber, 14 Rattray 22 Sep (MW), 170 Newburgh 26 Sep (BP), 150 Aberdeen 21 Oct (AR); N Kinc, 35 Glen Dye 25 Sep, 660 on 26th, over 900 flew SSW over Kerloch in 2 hrs 26 Sep (NP); Perth, arrivals 22-24 Sep (VMT); Fife, 50 Cupar 15 Sep, quite a few by end of month (DWO); Midl, 80 Middleton 5 Sep (RW), arrivals in wk 21-28 Sep (per RWJS); Dumf, 12 on 14 Sep, 200 by 17 Sep, 2000 by 22 Sep, 7000 on Nith estuary by 1 Oct, then rapid fall to 2200 mid Nov-Dec (JGY).
In appalling conditions 74,000 counted nationally 9 Nov (9000 up on
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 79
1968), 64,000 of them in Scotland (count affected by same factors as Greylag), with increases of over 2000 in Angus/Kinc, Fife, Kinross, Ber, Peeb and Dumf, and huge shortage (the only one exceeding 2000) in Perth (7000 birds compared with 25,000 in i968); moderately good season, with 24.4% young birds and mean brood 2.2, a great advance on 1967 and 1968 and above the 1962-66 average); total back in line with 20-year longterm growth line, but grave fears expressed at threat to flood breed- ing grounds in Iceland for a hydro-electric project (MAO).
*Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. Presumed escapes: Dumf, 1 from 1968 (5: 316) Caerlaverock to 14 Jan, evidently Lesser (JGY); Kirk, 1 (probably Dumf bird) Southerness/Carruchan 19 Jan-8 Feb, considered to be Lesser (JGY); Midl, 2 Middleton 1 Oct (JWa), 1 (probably different) Middleton/Gladhouse 4-9 Oct (WB, EH, MMo, EMS, RWJS, LY); Fife, 2 Morton Lochs 16 Mar (JDM), 4 N of Inverkeithing much of Nov (AS); Kinross, 1 L Leven 15 Feb, 2 on 29 Sep (1 possibly Ross’s Goose Anser rossii on short stubby bill), one 1 Oct-20 Nov (AA, CRGC, JHS); O Heb, 1 L Erisort, Lewis, 9 June (RMclI, IMcL).
*Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus. 2 Swona, Ork, 11 May, presumed es- capes (EB, TMC).
*Brent Goose Branta bernicla. Dark-breasted B. b. bernicla: Shet, 2 Unst 23-24 Mar (MS), 1 Bressay 12 Dec (GH); Ork, 1 N Ronaldsay 11th, 12th, 15th, 19 Oct (EJW, DBW); Banff, 9 Portgordon 23 Mar (JMB); Aber, 1 Rattray 6 Nov (MW); Angus, 3 West Haven, Carnoustie, 22 Mar (TMC1); Fife, 1 Morton Lochs with Pinkfeet 26 Jan (CST). Note 3 records (14 birds) 22-24 Mar.
Pale;breasted B. b. hrota: Fair Isle, 2 on 16 Mar, first since 1963 (RHD); Aber, 1 Ythan 19 Oct (MAMcD); Kinross, 1 L Leven 15 Oct, 29 Nov, 13 Dec (CRGC, JHS).
Also 4, race not known, Isle of May 29 Oct (IFS).
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis. Last 270 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 22 Apr (JGY). In NW, 60 on Summer Isles, W Ross, 17 Apr (DCH); and flock Stornoway, O Heb, 24 Apr (RMcI).
Return to Caerlaverock : 10 on 25 Sep (ELR), 1700 by 16 Oct, 2200 on 18th, 4000-4200 on 3 dates Nov (JGY) and once Dec (RHK), midwinter average 2000 suggesting dispersal or onward passage, evidently reason- able Spitsbergen breeding season, with 27.3% young and 2.6 average brood (JGY). Most arrivals Oct: Shet/Fair Isle, 5 records (19 birds) 7th- 23rd (RHD, WDi, ARM, ISR, JHSi); Aber, 45 Br of Don 8th, 15 Torry 12th (MAMcD); Angus, most unusual passage S at Usan on 9th (18), llth (14), 12th (44) (GMC), and Arbroath 7th (1), 11th (215), 12th (15) (MN); E Stir, 3 Skinflats 9th, 7 with Pinkfeet between Arnprior and Menteith 19th (DS); Midl, 10 SW over Gladhouse 11th, 4 on 19th (DGA); E Loth, 30 Tyninghame 7th (AFA). But first 100 of autumn not at Stornoway until 10 Nov (WAJC). Odd birds and small parties widely reported out- side main winter areas, maximum 19 L Leven, Kinross, 16th Feb (AA, CRGC, JHS).
Canada Goose Branta canadensis. Slight increase Dumf feral breeding population, and 50-70 regular Oct-Nov Browell (EBd); in Wig (breeds) 46 Wigtown Merse 5 Aug (RCD). Goose eggs robbed from 2 nests Ness Islands, E Inv, were almost certainly this species (per DNW); there is no Moray Basin breeding record.
Counts of Beauly Firth, E Inv, moulting flock of Yorkshire birds: 21 June 112 (GS), 26 June 127 (DCH), 21 July and 4 Aug 300 (EIY), 10 Aug 282, 23 Aug 10, 14 Sep 0 (MIH). Probably associated records: geese low over Inverness 2-3 a.m. 20 Aug (JMcG, WAS); 35 L Leven, Kinross, 21 Aug (BL, WW), 2 flying S on 22 Aug (also 7 there 30 Aug-28 Sep) (AA, CRGC, JHS); 20 geese flew S over Edinburgh 23 Aug (though reported as Pinkfeet, which does not fit); 15 on Gladhouse, Midl, 23 Aug (EMS,
80 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
RWJS), were at Tyninghame, E Loth, on 24 Aug (also 14 on 30 Aug, 2 on 7 Sep) (RWJS). Eight flying N over L Leven 4 June may have been on way to Beauly Firth (JHS), but also Angus record of 17 on new Backwater Reservoir (near Lintrathen) mid June, 9 Invergowrie 23 July, 15 Dundee airstrip Aug-Sep, where 6 on 9 Oct and some stayed to end Oct (HBo). Other records: 1 Harris Apr (AM-M), 2 Balranald 25 June (DH), both O Heb; small party overnight L Garten, E Inv, late Sep (HB); 1 Kinnaird, Angus, 4 Nov (JD); 1 Braco, Perth, 5 Jan (VMT); 2 Fife Ness 28 Aug (DWO, AS).
Bird of medium-sized race Islay 17 Feb (5: 466) (MFMM). Small one with Greenland Whitefronts, size no larger and perhaps smaller than basay New Galloway area, Kirk, Feb-Mar (AAB, DLC, IN, RJHR, ADW,
Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Bred 3 sites Banff, where few breeding rec- ords (EBr, AFWS, CSi); brood reared Kilconquhar, Fife, for first time in several years (usually die when three-quarters grown) (DWO).
Maximum Stranraer harbour-L Ryan, Wig, 100—more than previous years (JAY). Badly oiled ad ashore Fair Isle 28 Dec, first definite dated record there (RHD); 75 medium-badly oiled Invergorden, E Ross, autumn, oil persisting to year end (CGH); 25 contaminated with fuel oil, mixed with spent maize on which they feed, Ben Nevis distillery, S Inv, Oct- Nov (DNW).
Whooper Swan Cygnus cvgnus. No breeding records. Unusually large numbers, 377 on 11 Jan in Ednam/Eccles area, Ber (WML-H), and also large flock 200 Coldstream area Jan (HDH). In E Loth, Drem/Aberlady/ Gosford now regular winter haunt (up to 19 in Jan-Mar, 11 in Nov- Dec) where only occasional 5-10 yrs ago (WB, DJ). Maximum 34 Isle- steps, Kirk, 2 Jan is much less than 1968 (JGY).
Departure: Kirk, last 11 flew N over Dalry 2 Apr (ADW); Kinross, last 2 L Leven 6 Apr (JHS); Aber, 1 Auchlossan 8 May (RSBy); E Inv, few Speyside Jan-Feb, but 50 by 21 Mar, last 2 on Perth border 11 May (DNW), last 2 L Laide 27 Apr (MIH); E Ross, 3 Achanalt 13 Apr, 4 L Droma 13 Apr, 1 Nigg 18 Apr (DCH); O Heb, 4 Stornoway 27 Apr (RMclI); Ork, 25 on 9 Apr (EB); Fair Isle, about 15 in all, only 1 (on 1 May) after end Mar (RHD); Shet, left early Apr, last 5 Spiggie 8th (PKK), 2 Fetlar 11th (ARM). Odd summer records: 2 Aber, 2 E Inv (1 Newtonmore and Spey Dam, 3 crocks Beauly Firth), 1 E Ross, 1 Caith, 1 I Heb (6 Tiree early July), 1 O Heb.
Return mainly from 26 Sep: Shet, arrived Fetlar (8) (ARM) and Spiggie (5) (DC) 28 Sep, normal build-up, distinctly more juvs than 1968 (RJT); Fair Isle, 5 on 1 Oct, passage from 23 Oct (18) to 30th (11), fewer to 27 Dec (8), 18 of 35 birds aged were 1st-W (RHD); Ork, 7 imms N Ron- aldsay 21 Oct, 13 on 30th (EJW); Caith, 5 on 27 Sep, building up to 118 Murza 23 Nov (DMS); O Heb, first Stornoway 26 Sep (RMclI); W Ross, 4 Torridon 27 Sep (JAW); E Ross, 10 Dalmore, Cromarty Firth, 13 Oct, 17 Edderton 14 Oct, appreciably more juvs than 1968 (CGH); E Inv, 10 (5 juvs) L Mhor 5 Oct (MR), first Speyside 29 Oct (late) and very few juvs (HB, DNW); Moray, 14 Findhorn 27 Sep (BE); N Kinc, 1 Nigg 30 Sep (HNR); Kinross, 1 L Leven 15 Sep, mainly from 29 Sep (35 passed), slow build-up until leapt to 358 by 10 Nov, down to 10 by year end, 19%-20% juvs (7%-8% in 1968) in counts of 198-245 (AA, CRGC, JHS); Midl, 6 Cobbinshaw 18 Oct (EMS, RWJS), 5 Musselburgh 22 Oct (DIMW), SW gale brought unprecedented 31 to Moorfoots on 2 Nov (DGA); Rox, pr arrived Yetholm 26 Oct (RSB); Kirk, 26 L Ken 29 Oct (IHA), 33 Br of Dee 30 Oct included 8 young birds (AFA), juvs much more numerous than 1968, average 20%, best counts 16/56 (ADW). None L Ryan or L Connel, Wig, 31 Dec, where reduced 1968 after many died 1967 (JKRM, ADW, AJW, JGY).
*Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus. Only spring record, 5 Endrick
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 81
mouth, L Lomond, 18 Jan (DS). Autumn from 27 Oct, mainly Dec: Shet, 2 Skerries 27 Oct (ISR), 1 Whalsay from about then (JHSi); Caith, 9 Castletown 21 Dec (PMcM); Aber, 3 ads Strathbeg 10 Dec (MM); Midl, 18 Rosslynlea Reservoir 7 Dec, evidently first record for Moorfoots (EMS, RWJS); Lan, 1 Hamilton 23 Nov (RGN); Kirk, 2 ads L Ken 14 Dec (ELR), 2 ads (probably same) on flooded pasture New Galloway with Whoopers 28 Dec (ADW, AJW).
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaétos. In 1964-68, from 363 active nests, the RSPB survey recorded 210 young fledged out of 179 successful nests; partial 1969 data shows that from 44 active nests at least 28 prs reared young (per MJE). In SW Scotland 1 pr probably did not lay (one bird imm), 1 pr failed, and 2 prs reared single young (ARu, ADW). In general no gloomy reports, and successful breeding recorded in various places. Imms wander, and single ones outwith breeding range were: Ork, Sten- ness Hills 28 May, Rousay 11 Nov (EB); Ber, Longformacus area, 20 Aug- 14 Sep, first for county though not for SE Scotland (WV per AC); Wig, flying S near Stranraer 6 Dec (DCI).
*Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga. 1 Isle of May 18 Sep (PJo, AFL, RKMcG, RWS), first Scottish record, possibly an escape, subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee (it is not certain that the description rules out Lesser Spotted Eagle A. pomarina).
Buzzard Buteo buteo. In Speyside, E Inv, probably just over half of 35 territorial prs Kingussie/Boat of Garten bred, nearly all rearing good broods (2.5 young per successful nest) (DNW). Bred Aberlour, Banff, a county for which there is a lack of recent breeding records (SR). Nested Midl, for first time, with escaped American Red-tailed Hawk B. jamaicen- sis (a d, as it now appears) (6: 34) (JBM). Chick ringed Beauly, E Inv, caught Speyside 11 Nov same year; 7 chicks ringed Speyside since 1966 show random lst-W dispersal averaging 24 mls (DNW); Dumf chicks recovered Wig (where few records) and Lan (NSRG). Increased records Mid! : regular Moorfoots (WB), 6 soaring with Red-tailed Hawk 12 Oct, all but it passing on E (ABC).
Singles, Shet, Gott 27 Apr (DC, RJT), Unst 4 dates 6 May-24 June (MS), Fair Isle 18-24 Dec (RHD), about time of 2-3 sightings W Mainland of Ork (1-2 prs breed Ork) (EB). A few scattered spring and autumn non- breeding records in eastern lowlands, most being 7 Glenesk, Angus, 27 Sep (GMC).
*Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus. Singles (5, in N) : E Inv, Dalwhin- nie 22 Feb (RSt), Kingussie 20 Dec (dived at decoy B. buteo) (DNW); Caith, Lochend 29 Mar (DG), L Watten 23 Nov (PMcM, DMS); Fair Isle 6 May (RHD).
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Marked increase lower Speyside (AP); increased or encouraging number of records Angus (10) (GMC), Midl (though numbers still small) (RWJS); widespread in maturing conifers, but also in hardwoods, Kirk, and continuing increase, though still fre- quently illegally shot or trapped (ADW, JGY); estimated 130-150 prs breeding Dumf at about a pr per 500 acres of woodland—of 84 territorial prs, 63 nests found, average clutch 4.1, 38 failed, 66 young (HO, JGY). 2 Yetholm, Rox, 1 Sep was first there in 12 yrs (RSB).
Fair Isle had 1-3 migrants on 23 days 7 Apr-1 June, 5 on 6 May, and singles 15 days 31 Aug-30 Nov (RHD); Shet, d and 2 Kergord 23 Feb- end Mar may have wintered (DC, RD, PKK, RJT), and about a dozen other records fitting Fair Isle pattern, as also half-a-dozen Ork and 3 Isle of May.
*Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. In the more N of two areas where now regularly recorded, small numbers noted from early 1950s (rarely in winter), annual since 1964, display and territorial behaviour but no proof of breeding, some (possibly all) records refer to released birds (anon). Single spring and autumn records in other area 1969 but no suggestion
82 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
of breeding (anon). Single ¢ Kergord, Shet, 23-26 Feb (DC); 2 Aberlady 31 Mar (5 : 380) (MAMcD), first for E Loth.
*Kite Milvus milvus. Three records (spring), after only two in 49 years, at same time as spate of English records (Brit. Birds 62: 248): 19 Mar, Scourie, W Suth (5: 381) (ABC); 15 Apr, 2 Kinnaber, Angus (6: 37) (GSt); 26 Apr, Benarty Hills, Kinross (5 : 381) (JHS).
*White-tailed Eagie Haliaétus albicilla. 2 92 and 1 6d overwintered Fair Isle after 1968 introduction; 1 @ evidently left island 3rd wk Apr; remaining pr started killing ad Fulmars in May, but @ evidently left island 2nd wk June; ¢ found soiled with Fulmar oil late Aug, probably died Sep-Oct (RHD). Only possible sighting elsewhere, very large raptor said to have been seen carrying rabbit near Vidlin, Shet, 26 Apr, and similar unsatisfactory report of bird flying from Whalsay towards Vidlin a few days previously (per RJT).
*Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus. Exceptionally many (7), 5 May-12 June, for first time in recent years reflecting something of spring migra- tion on Continent: Fair Isle, 4 singles, May 5th, 27th, 29th, June ist-2nd, 4th (RHD); Shet, 1 Fetlar 12 June (ARM, ISR); Ork, 1 Lyde 10 May, 1 fairly fresh dead (spattered with fishy oil) Copinsay 8 June (EB).
*Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Pr summered May-25 July on marsh were 1966 pr first appeared (5: 25), but evidently did not breed (5: 466) (anon). Single 29 Fair Isle 25 May, 16 June (RHD); imm Lewis 2 Sep (AJF), first for O Heb faunal area.
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Near normal number of nests Ork but increased incidence of bigamy owing to shortage of dd (EB); usual breeding numbers SW Scotland but less successful than 1968, probably owing to bad spring weather (RCD, ELR, ADW); 3 young reared Islay (DJS), the I Heb not being a particular stronghold of the species.
N of breeding range: Fair Isle, imm 18 Sep-8 Oct (RHD); Shet, 1 Wester Quarff 23 June, 14 July (DC), 1 Whalsay 19 Oct (JHSi). Scattered autumn/ winter records SE Scotland (Kinross, Fife, Midl, Ber); widespread and quite numerous in winter in SW.
*Osprey Pandion haliaetus. None Speyside, E Inv, till 3 Apr, but 2 prs building and ¢ ata 3rd site by 6th; 2 young reared L Garten; at 2nd site (used 1967, 1968) same ringed 92 as 1968 laid 3 eggs, did not hatch; a presumably young pr arrived at 3rd site May, after first bird left, built and lined nest but did not lay, though ° still brooded nest as late as 29 Aug (HB, DNW). At “third” Scottish site, first used 1967, 2 young reared from 3 eggs; at nearby 1968 eyrie (no eggs 1968) 2 young fledged; and a 3rd pr may have built a little further W (DNW). At 5th 1968 site (5 : 319) eyrie built-up late in season but no eggs laid (DNW). At Loch of Lowes, N Perth, bought early in 1969 for quite other reasons by Scottish Wild- life Trust, pr (probably imm) built eyrie July-Aug but did not lay; a public hide is being put up at this very public site (VMT, SWT Newsletter 15: 8). Thus 1969 saw a total of some 8 prs with nests, 4 prs laying (the others probably imm), and 6 young reared.
Speyside birds gone by lst wk Sep, but presumed passage birds build- ing there at another site 30 Aug, and one seen 3rd wk Sep (HB, DNW). Widespread reports elsewhere (certainly incomplete) mid Apr-mid Oct, especially May-early June and in N and E (singles unless stated) : Dumf, 2 Closeburn 17 Apr (EBd, JGY); Dunb/W Stir, Endrick mouth 14 June, 13 July, 18 Oct (JMi, CEP, DS, IWa); I Heb, Islay May-June (MJE, DJS); N Arg, L Ternait, Morvern, 7 June (IT), West L Tarbert 3 Aug (CABC); Rox, Tweed at Rutherford June (per AJS); Selk, Bowhill 16 June (AJS), Ettrick, June (per AJS); Peeb, Leithen valley 2 May (DCG); Isle of May, 27 June (JP), 18 Sep (AFL); Angus, Rescobie 25-26 Apr (GMC, MN); Banff, 2 Convals 18 Sep (PC); E Ross, 1 Rosque 20 May (ENH); W Ross, 2 L Clair, Glen Torridon, 18 May (DCH), Kinlochewe/Torridon 19th, 20th, 29
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 83
May (ENH), Rubba Coigeach 10 June (DRS), Torridon 22 June, Apple- cross 14 Aug (JAW); W Suth, Handa 5 May (MJE), Laxford Br 11 July (per MJE); N Suth, L Naver 15 June (JCC); Caith, Forss/L Caluim from 4 May (DMS); O Heb, Druidibeg, S Uist, 29 May (DH); Fair Isle, 4-5 May, 22nd, 30 May, 17 Sep (4 in all) (RHD); Shet, Ronas Voe 23 Apr (PKK), Virkie (WH) and Basta Voe, Yell, 4 May (AW), L Spiggie (DC) and Whal- say 5 May (JHSi), Herra, Yell, 7 May (ARM, RJT), North Roe and Out Skerries 8 May (ISR), Virkie 9 May (GDJ), L Watlee, Unst (MS) and Out Skerries 10 May (ISR), Basta Voe 16 May (RJT), L Spiggie 22 May (DC), and Foula 19 Sep (JGH); one visited F.R.S. Explorer 13 June 25 mls NE of Flugga, Unst (JHAM).
*Hobby Falco subbuteo. 1 Fair Isle 6 May (RHD). Present at least two Speyside, E Inv, localities for a time from about 20 June, one, catching young Swallows 29 July, present to mid Aug, but no suggestion of dis- play or breeding (HB, DNW).
Peregrine Falco peregrinus. Situation improving generally. Northern Isles: 3 flew from one Shet eyrie (DC); 1 reared from 2 prs Fair Isle, as in 1968 (RHD); probably a dozen prs attempting to breed Ork but less than half reared young (EB). At least 3 broods reared Caith (CMS). Continues recovery E Inv, also in W of county: 5 widely separated tradi- tional sites held birds for first time, so far as known, since late 1950s/ early 1960s, broods reared at three; 2 99 shot just before laying were replaced in under 2 wks by an ad (successful) and a lst-W bird (did not lay) (DNW). Distraction display was noted at an apparently new Perth site (VMT). 2 Gladhouse, Midl, 5 Oct was first there for many years (EMS, RWJS). Successful eyries reported Ayr (WRB) and Islay (DJS). Marked improvement on 1968 in Dumf, 7 prs (4 rearing young) (JM, WM, HO, JGY), and improved good breeding results Galloway, especially in hills, despite severe pressure from photographers and others (DAR, RR, ARu, ADW).
Merlin Falco columbarius. More known Shet breeding prs than 1968 (RJT), and slightly increased breeding stock (quite successful) Ork (EB). First back Speyside, E Inv, 7 Mar (HBl).
Single migrants (7) Fair Isle 26 Mar-27 May; autumn from 22 Aug, peaks 4 on 11 Sep, 5 on 27th, 4 on 19 Oct and 5th, 10th, 20 Nov ‘RHD); several N Ronaldsay, Ork, Oct (EJW); 1 flew in from sea Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 29 Aug (CJMcK-G); 1 Ythan 22 Aug, several others Aber coast to 25 Oct (RSBy, MJHC, JD, JAL, BP); only one in autumn Isle of May (NJG), and distinctly fewer than usual Fife Ness (DWO). One in Edin- burgh at Dunsappie 7 Dec (DGA).
*Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus. Ad @2 trapped Isle of May 5-12 May (DJN), first for island and earliest Scottish date by one day; I1st-Y co Yell, Shet, 30 May to about 9 June (6: 39) (RLe, RJT).
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Very poor season Dumf, many territorial prs not attempting to breed (?voles scarce) (KB, HO, JFY); not so many young reared Kirk as 1968 (ARu), and ground nest among Herring Gulls, Heston Island, not a success (DSk, JGY); but numbers much as usual most areas, and good breeding season Kinross (JHS).
Spring: Shet, scattered passage, probably scarcer than usual, 12 re- ports 22 Apr-19 May (RJT); Fair Isle, passage 19 Apr-5 June, mostly 1-2 but 4 on 22 Apr, 8 on 6 May (RHD). Autumn: Shet, 1 on 24 July, a few Aug, a dozen Sep, one 23 Nov (RJT); Fair Isle, 1 on 5-6 July, passage 30 July-19 Oct, 1-3 most days, 4 on 17-20 Sep, late ones to 20 Dec (1 win- tered 1968/69) (RHD); obvious influx Fife Ness area mid Sep, at least 14 there after E winds (DWO); no fewer than 31 Isle of May 18 Sep {AFL); 6 Mull of Galloway, Wig, 17 Aug (JCS).
Red Grouse Lagopus scoticus. Most reports “no change’; but “shooting improved” Caith (DMS); great breeding success (dry spring) Islay,
84 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(2)
where much more conspicuous than usual in following winter (MFMM); estate game records show 1969 was best season in Stranraer area, Wig, since 1931 (DL); but except for isolated moors on higher grounds it was worst season in Dumf for some years (NSRG); and a “generally poor shooting season’’ on Speyside (DNW).
Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus. In E Inv numbers and breeding perfor- mance generally high in Monadliaths and low in Cairngorms (DNW). Further attempted introduction in S Lan with Braemar eggs failed (JGY).
Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix. Slow increase in woods near Tain, E Ross, but numbers small (CJMcK-G); no other changes reported.
Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. Generally good breeding season Spey- side, E Inv (DNW).
*Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. No notes on Perth feral popula- tion.
Partridge Perdix perdix. Remarks on good breeding season (dry spring) or some increase in numbers W:g (RCD, ADW), Kirk (ADW), Dumf (one of best breeding seasons for 5-6 yrs) (JM, HO, JFY), I Heb (Islay) (MFMM), E Loth (KSMcG), Kinross (AA, JHS), E Fife (DWO), Speyside, E Inv (DNW), E Ross (CGH), Caith (DMS); but numbers still very slow to recover in Midl (RWJS) and E Fife (DWO).
*Quail Coturnix coturnix. Breeding not proved; ad @ killed on road Pityoulish, E Inv, 2 July would probably have laid within a wk (ova up to 11 mm) (TLE, IHJL). Spring/summer: Kirk, 1 calling Troqueer 5 May (WA); Isle of May, 1 caught 24-27 May (RAJ); Angus, calling Cantsmill, Airlie, 29 May, 13-18 July (probably 3 on 13th), 17-18 Aug, and juv shot 7 Oct (DAT); Fair Isle, 1 dead under wires 24 May, 1 on 19 June, 1 calling 30th, 1 on 6 July, 1 killed by cat 28 July (RHD); Shet, 1 Fetlar 24-25 May (ARM), 1 Foula 1 Aug (JGH). One of 5 shot Elgin, Moray, 14 Oct, identified by VCW-E (DR).
Situation confused by Percolin, sometimes described as hybrid, but evidently just a very dark form of Quail, migratory and with similar call and interbreeds with Quail. Under development for some years, as poultry, rather than game. Imported from Italy, they breed easily and rapidly, laying almost like hens, and many people have them. Midl : nest Upper Keith with 13 eggs had only dead young at end of July; ad and 2 flying young Fala Hill 9 Sep; family party 12 Gorebridge Oct, possibly too late for ordinary Quail (JBM, LY).
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. Exceptionally productive season for wild-bred birds Dumf (NSRG); small numbers still breeding Ork and Shet (EB, RJT).
*Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus. Feral population still present Kirk, no obvious change (ADW).
*Crane Grus grus. About 10 birds, more than any previous year, most 19 Mar-28 June, two 14 Aug-early Sep: E Loth, 1 Aberlady 14 Aug (RMa), first for Forth; N Fife, 2 Leuchars 19-30 Mar (DWO, MSm, CRW), 3 others Peat Inn 22 Mar (per DWO), and 3 (probably same) Boarhills 24 Mar-1 Apr (AO, GO, JO); 1 Oldshoremore 20-28 June (JB, GLH, MW), first for W Suth; Ork, 1 Stronsay for at least 10 days from 20 May (RFo), 1 L of Swannay 20 Aug to about 6 Sep (EB, EJWi); Shet, 1 N Unst 30 May-4 June (BC, MS, RJT).
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. Little data on breeding; calling summer at 7 breeding localities Dumf (NSRG), and calling or likely breeding noted also Kirk (LAU, ADW), Ayr (WRB), Renf (MJE), S Fife (DWO), E Inv (DNW), Moray (DSm).
Winter records in S Scotland and many eastern counties N to Fair Isle and Shet, even to N Unst (MS). Spring: E Loth, 1 Aberlady 17 Apr (JADH); S Fife, 1 living under caravans Fife Ness 23 Apr after easterly
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 85
gales (DWO); Fair Isle, 21st, 23rd, 28 Mar, 13 May (RHD). Autumn: Fair Isle, 13th, 19th, 22 Sep, and 1-2 on 11 days 10 Oct-11 Nov (RHD); E Inv, 1 Lentran 3 Aug (MIH); Angus, 2 Montrose Basin 24 Aug (JD); E Loth, 1 Tyninghame 3 Aug (DM).
*Spotted Crake Porzana porzana. No breeding records. Arrived W Suth site for 4th yr (see 5: 320) 9 May, calling to 21 May, and again 18 June- 4 July and 16 July, but just one bird (per DMcD). Others: Dumf, calling Lochar Moss 2nd, 6th, 7 July (NSRG); Renf, 1 seen Barr Loch 28 Aug, 3rd and 7 Sep (RGC, DLC, IG, RAJ); Aber, 1 calling Dinnet late May- early June (per NP); E Inv, passage birds calling L Mallachie 24 May (HB), Insh marshes 4 June (per NP); Shet, 1 calling and seen Scalloway 16-29 June at least (DC, RD), 1 Grutness 10 Aug (DC).
Corncrake Crex crex. Over 25 calling Dumf (by 8 June) (NSRG); bred Comrie, N Perth (AH), and present summer in 6 other areas of Perth (EDC, THE, TDHM, KW); 4 calling Brechin area, Angus, and young seen at two sites nearby (AB, GMC, JRi); but none Lochgilphead, Arg (IR); becoming scarce Gairloch area, W Ross (ENH), and not heard Ardelve, where present 1968 (GJL); none heard, for first time in 10 yrs, Altnahara area, N Suth, May-June (EGH).
Arrival: 14-15 Apr, early bird Fetlar, Shet (ARM); 28 Apr, 1 Lundin Links, S Fife (PGTB); 29 Apr, 1 Gordonstoun, Moray (THJ); 1 May, first Fair Isle (then 2 on 7th, 3 on 11th) (RHD); 4 May, 1 Torry, Aber (MAMcD); 6 May, 1 Isle of May (to 11th) (AMcD), heard Murkle, Caith (ACa); 8 May, 1 Kilconquhar, S Fife (to 13th) (DWO); 11 May, 1 Unst, Shet (to end of month) (MS); 12 May, first O Heb, N Uist (WAJC). Other summer records in SE from Selk (1) (AJS), Peeb (2) (JHH, ADFL), Fife (2) (DWO, PS), E Stir (8) (JBi, MDS). Autumn: 1 Fair Isle 22 Sep (RHD); ad freshly dead on road Kirkcolm, Wig, 28 Oct, late date (IHA).
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. No status changes reported. Ad with 2 small downy chicks 21 Jan, Haddington, E Loth; the species does, rarely, breed in winter (per RWJS). Fair Isle, 1-3 on 14 days 17 Apr-1l May; small passage (up to 3 a day) 10 Oct-7 Nov (RHD).
Coot Fulica atra. No reported changes in breeding status. Post-breed- ing flock L Leven, Kinross, built up in Aug to 252 on 4 Sep, then de- clined steadily to 10 by year end (AA, JHS). Other counts: Ork, flock 75 L of Bosquoy Oct-Nov moved to nearby Harray Loch in Dec (EB); E Ross, 230 L Eye 4 Oct (DMcD, WAS); N Perth, 620 L Clunie 16 Nov (VMT); Selk, 65 St Mary’s Loch 14 Dec (JB); Rox, Yetholm Loch peak 260 end Aug (RSB), Alemoor Loch peak also 260 on 19 Oct (JB). One on sea Cramond, W Loth, 15 Feb (TCS).
Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. Return to breeding territories : Dumf, by 3 Mar (inland) (JGY); Rox, Yetholm Loch 23 Feb (RSB); Kin- ross, built up Mar to flocks of 20-30 L Leven by end of month, then dispersing to breeding grounds, build-up again from mid July to flocks 20-60, most gone by end of Aug (AA, JHS); E Inv, Speyside first flocks 8 Mar (DNW); Fair Isle, mainly from 3 Mar (and most away early Aug) (RHD); Shet, mainly Mar, and gone by end Aug (RJT). Many seem to have (eG ye clutches Altnahara, N Suth, where several still on eggs 15 June EGH).
Flock migrating down Great Glen, E Inv, 15 July, a usual date : inland Forth-Solway passage noted Gladhouse, Midl, 20 July (45)-26 Aug (DGA, EMS, RWJS). Large packs as usual inner Solway by 4 Nov, when 15,000 Gretna-Caerlaverock, Dumf (JGY).
*Sociable Plover Chettusia gregaria. 1 Eday for about a wk around 15 Jan (5: 467) (JSB), 3rd Scottish and Ork record.
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Breeding numbers slowly recovering Ork (EB); again breeding commonly O Heb after almost disappearing (WAJC); slight increase Kinross (AA, JHS); good numbers bred Fife but very few
86 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(2)
reared (owing to cold damp early-spring ?) (DWO); good numbers bred in parts of Moorfoots, Mid], but still well below pre-1963 level in most parts (WB). Many first nests lost Kirk in severe weather (ADW), and most broods 14 days later than average Altnahara area, N Suth (EGH). First back Speyside, E Inv, 8 Mar (DNW), and on Caith breeding terri- tory 27 Feb (DMS); first spring arrivals Yell and Whalsay, Shet, 15 Mar (RJT, JHSi).
Main spring arrival Fair Isle from last wk Feb, peaks 17-18 Mar (50), 22 Mar (60), 7 Apr (55), 19 Apr (38), 28 May (23); return passage 9-25 June and especially 31 July-5 Nov, main peaks 13-14 Aug (82, 25), 6 Oct (30), 19th-20th (90, 50) and 22-23 Oct (50, 30) (RHD); Caith numbers very high Oct-Dec, estimated 10,000 (DMS); 2500 in L Leven area, Kin- ross, 17 Oct (DIMW). Flocks 20-50 already by shore Dumf 20 June, large numbers inner Solway by 17 Sep and peak of 12,000 Gretna-Caerlaverock mid Nov (JGY). Weather movements 2 Feb: 600 SW over Gladhouse, Midl, and 350 SW over Portmore, Peeb (EMS, RWJS).
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. Using wartime concrete founda- tions for nest sites on Wig moorland plateau, possibly new area for in- land breeding (RCD); 4 prs bred Endrick, L Lomond, the first for several years (JMi); fair numbers breed still East Neuk of Fife but very low success owing to disturbance by bathers at site after site (DWO).
Return to Fair Isle (one local bird wintered) from 16 Mar, spring peaks 14th (12) and 17 May (8) (RHD); record count 2000 Tyninghame, E Loth, 18 May (TB, EMS, RWJS); inland peak Endrick mouth 34 on 4 May (JMi). 1 St Kilda 30 June (LNC). Autumn passage Fair Isle 23 July-1 Oct, peaks Aug 8th (20), 15th-16th (25, 70), i8th-20th (40, 80, 50), 23rd (50), Sep 9th-llth (24, 40, 30), 21st (25) (RHD); passage Midl, Gladhouse peaks Aug 13th (13), 20th (20), last 28 Sep (DGA, EMS, RWJS), Musselburgh Gory” (200), 18 Sep (105) (JB); 300 Caerlaverock, Dumf, by 14 Aug J :
*Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. Clyde 1968 breeding site over- grown and unsuitable (DS). 1 Fair Isle 20 July (DBr, JAG).
Grey Plover Charadrius squatarola. Furthest N in winter, 1 Embo, SE Suth, 3 Jan (DMcD); 1 Nigg Bay 30 Jan (AR), first for N Kinc. In Clyde, where very scarce, noted Ayr (the most usual division), 1 Prestwick 15 Feb, and Doonfoot and Heads of Ayr 27 Dec (WRB). Autumn: Fair Isle, singles 28-30 July (very early), 8-9 Aug, 25 Aug, 17 Sep (RHD); Shet, 1 Whalsay 18 Sep (JHSi), 1 Foula 2-4 Oct (JGH); Dumf, several 19-22 Aug (2 Glencaple 19th, 1 Caerlaverock 21st, 2 Powfoot 22nd) (JGY). 1 Stornoway, O Heb, 26 Oct (WAJC).
Golden Plover Charadrius apricarius. Adverse weather prevented some prs laying at usual time Kirk, where afforestation threatens further re- duction of main breeding areas (JSt, ADW); most broods 14 days late Alnahara, N Suth (EGH). Not recorded on territory Speyside, E Inv, until 26 Mar (DNW); first eggs Shet, Fetlar 17 Apr (ARM).
Spring passage: Dumf, 300 Northern form Ch. a. altifrons Thornhill 28 Apr (JM); Midl, 120 Northern at Gladhouse 9 Mar, 600 on 27 Apr, still 40 on 11 May (DGA, EMS, RWJS); Fair Isle, 9-28 Mar and 6 Apr-7 June, peaks 16-17 Mar (15, 20), 21-22 Apr (18), 4 May (11), 9 May (18) (RHD). Post-breeding flocks: Shet, Skerries from 14 July (ISR); 26 Kingoodie, N Perth, 15 July (HBo). Autumn passage and winter: Fair Isle, 12 July-24 Oct, mainly Aug-Sep, peaks Aug 8th (50), 11th (47), Sep 10th-16th (70- 100 daily), 2lst (50), 26th (46), Oct 13th (75), 19th (35) (RHD); Caith, Oct-Dec numbers smaller than usual (DMS); Moray, 400 Findhorn 2 Nov (BE); Perth, 550 Powgavie 9 Aug (VMT); Kinross, 1-3 noted 6 Aug-25 Sep, 45 on 26 Sep, 30 on 16 Oct, but no big build-up (AA, JHS); E Stir, maxi- mum Skinflats-Kincardine Br 2200 on 11 Oct (DIMW); W Loth, 800 Cram- ond 28 Oct in open weather, a record count (DIMW); Midl, Moorfoots had 50, 100, 200 on Aug 10th, 17th, 23rd, still 200 on 19 Oct, 600 on 9
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 87
Nov (DGA, EMS, RWJS); peak Inchinnan, Renf, 600 on 24 Dec (IG); Dumf, first on shore Caerlaverock 14 Aug (320), increasing to known 6000 Gretna-Glencaple 17 Nov (JGY); Wig, first 100 Luce Bay 23 Aug, peak 1000 there 11 Oct (RCD).
*Dotterel Charadrius morinellus. Breeding S to Tay faunal area but little information; 12 on one Cairngorm hill 15 May, display noted from 30 May (JCr, TAL, DNW). None reported on migration.
Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Spring passage: O Heb, 14 Stornoway 11 May (RMclI); Fair Isle, to 22 May (RHD); Shet, departures May (RJT); but usual non-breeding birds in summer. Autumn: Shet, arrivals July- Aug (RJT); Fair Isle, from 18 July (RHD); E Inv, first Beauly Firth 4 Aug (MIH); Kinross, 2 inland L Leven 29 July (AA, JHS), first for county; Midl, Musselburgh 50-100 Aug-mid Oct, peaks 19 Aug (215), 18 Sep (150) (JB), 22 Oct (125) (DIMW), and 200 Inchmickery 21 Sep (JPK). Others inland : Gladhouse, Mid], ad 8 Aug, imm 26 Aug (EMS, RWJS); Barr Loch, Renf, 2 on 26 Aug and 20 Sep (IG, RAJ, GTW).
*Dowitcher Limnodromus sp. Long-billed Dowitcher L. scolopaceus. L Lomond, Dunb, 2 May (6: 40) (RJWS), only the 2nd specific identification in Scotland and first of species for Clyde. Dowitcher sp. Tiree 6-8 Oct (6 : 41) (CST), first of either species in I Heb. Dowitcher sp. Nith estuary es (Brit. Birds 62: 454) (MRo), first of either species in Solway and
Snipe Gallinago gallinago. No reported changes in breeding status. After only odd records, breeding numbers built up fairly quickly during Mar at L Leven, Kinross (JHS). Late brood of small young Craigdens, Kirk, 13 Aug (JMcC).
Autumn: Fair Isle, passage from early Aug, peaks 15 Aug (8), 18 Aug (13), 17 Sep (16), 10th and 22 Oct (30) (RHD); N Suth, 26 in marsh Dur- ness 5 Oct (DMcD, WAS); Kinross, freauent parties 10-25 in Aug, steadily dropping to early Nov (AA, JHS); Midl, 50-70 Gladhouse 20 July-7 Sep, then sharp drop, 50 appeared 26 Oct-2 Nov Rosslynlea Reservoir (DGA, EMS, RWJS); Dumf, widespread large numbers a feature of inland waters in autumn, trips 40-50 common, 170-200 one area near Dumfries Oct-Nov, eae by mid Dec (EBd, CH, JMe, HO); Wig, 41 Luce area 11 Oct
D). *Great Snipe Gallinago media. 1 Fair Isle 23 Sep (RHD).
Jack Snipe Limnocryptes minimus. Scattered winter records as far N as Fair Isle. Only two dated spring records after Mar: singles Skerries, Shet, § May (ISR), and Fair Isle 10 May (RHD). Very early autumn record L Leven, Kinross, 14 Aug (JHS). Autumn passage from 15 Sep, mainly Oct: Shet, 1 Fetlar 3rd and 10 Oct (ARM), passage Skerries 13-28 Oct (ISR); Fair Isle, small numbers 15 Sep-20 Oct, peak 8 Oct (8), singles 30 Oct, 13 Nov (RHD); Ork, 2 N Ronaldsay 11th and 14 Oct (EJW); Isle of May, 1 on 11-12 Oct (NJG); Midl, 10 Cobbinshaw 18 Oct, some lingering (EMS, RWJS), 1 Gladhouse from 26 Oct (to 21 Dec) (DGA, EMS, RW3JS); Renf, Paisley Moss peak 9 on 12 Oct (IG); Dumf, odd birds various places mid Oct (NSRG).
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola. No reported changes in breeding status; but good breeding season Dumf and Kirk, with substantial autumn/win- ter numbers (30 Kirkconnell Flow Sep-Oct) (NSRG, JGY). Spring mig- rants: Fife, 2 Kingsbarns, 1 Fife Ness 23 Apr, 1 there 7 May (DWO); Fair Isle, mainly 7-8 Apr (7, 8) and 25-26 Apr (25, 6) (RHD); Shet, 1-3 Fetlar 8 dates 24 Apr-24 May (ARM). Autumn: Shet, several Skerries and Fetlar 13-24 Oct (ARM, ISR); Fair Isle, 13 Oct-11 Nov, rather scarce, peaks 23 Oct (15), 3 Nov (50), 5-6 Nov (20) (RHD); Ork, 1 N Ronaldsay 2-3 Nov (EJW); Aber, 1 Collieston 8 Nov (MJHC); Midl, 1 Cramond Is- land 15 Nov (TCS).
Curlew Numenius arquata. Breeding density increased in parts of Dumf
88 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
(JGY); very common and still spreading Caith (DMS); bred Lochs, Lewis, (IMcL), and seems to be increasing as breeding species O Heb, where first bred 1965 (WAJC). Upland breeding late Kirk (JSt, ADW).
L Leven, Kinross, winter flock 300 through Jan, rather few Feb, up to 140 by late Mar, 165 on 2 Apr, then dispersed to breed; build-up from late June, over 1000 late July-mid Aug, steadily declining to under 100 by year end (AA, JHS). First Speyside, E Inv, 8 Mar (DNW). Spring passage : Fair Isle, Apr-May, peaks 13 Apr (15), 19 Apr (27), 5 May (10); return there from 22 June (6), 25-26 June (20), mainly to mid Sep (RHD). Aut- umn: 35 over Inverness down Great Glen 7 July (WMM); post-breeding flocks Priestside, Dumf, by 7 July, increased to 600 Caerlaverock by 30 Aug, and by 17 Sep notable flight over Drumburn, Kirk, of 2700-3000 (KB, HO, JGY); 700 Cramond, W Loth, 27 Sep, record for area (TCS), but E Loth coastal numbers down if anything (KSMcG); possibly several thousand Grange of Cree, Wigtown Bay, 16 Nov (CABC). Still 14 inland Yetholm, Rox, 30 Nov, 2 on 13 Dec (RSB).
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. Recently increased Shet, one or two new areas colonised (RJT); did not breed Eday, Ork, area devastated by fire (see 5 : 322) (EB).
Spring: 11 Apr, 21 Caerlaverock, Dumf (WA); 14 Apr, 1 Unst, Shet (MS); 18 Apr, start of Fair Isle passage (but mainly from 10 May, with 8 on 15 May) (RHD); 19 Apr, 2 Stornoway, O Heb (WAJC); 24 Apr, 100 flew N at Scalloway, Shet (RD), and first Fetlar next day (ARM). Quite a few passed low over Dalry, Kirk, just after midnight 14 May in thick mist (ADW); and 2 had been over Selkirk late on 9 May (AJS); also re- corded 3 places Aber 8-11 May (RSBy, MAMcD).
Leaving Shet by mid Aug (few after 13 Sep) (RJT); Fair Isle passage from 24 July, mainly 2-20 Aug, last 26 Sep, peaks Aug 2nd-3rd (7), 5th (9) (RHD). Early autumn bird Largo Bay, Fife, 3 July (DWO); small num- bers Aber from 20 July (NE, JAL), Kinross from 27 July (JHS), but 71 Findhorn, Moray, 31 July (BE). Marked passage Dumf most nights 17 Aug-20 Sep (WA, JKRM, DSk). Last dates: 1 Arisaig, S Inv, 4 Oct (DNW); 1 Isle of May 11-12 Oct (JGY).
*Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. A few summered and 1 pr probably bred Shet (RJT); 5 at S Scotland site 4 Apr, 3 in May, but not possible ‘to check later and, as drier than usual, breeding may not have been attempted (anon). Winter: N Fife, up to 20 on Eden “in spring” but win- ter counts not quoted, peak later months was only 47 on 26 Oct (DWO, CST); E Stir, 1 Skinflats 2 Feb, 7th and 13 Dec (DF, MH); W Loth, 1 ‘Cramond 1 Mar (TCS); Midl, 1-2 wintered both ends of year Seafield (KSMcG, MFMM, THJ); Ayr, 1 Barassie 23 Mar, 7 Apr (WRB). See also E Loth autumn records.
Spring passage 15 Apr-20 May, mainly 27 Apr-17 May (1 in June): Endrick mouth, L Lomond, 22 on 27 Apr, 1 on 2 May (TMC, RJWS); E Loth, 1 Aberlady 7 May, 2 on 17th (KSMcG, MFMM); E Stir, 3 Skin- flats 14 May, 2 on 16th, 1 on 17th (DF, MH); Kinross, 1 L Leven 13 June (CRGC, JHS); Angus, 2 Montrose 15 Apr (GMC); Shet, 1 Fetlar 4th and 20 May (ARM), 1 Westsandwick 4 May (RJT), 1 Hillwell 4 May (DQ), 2 L Asta 16 May (RD).
Autumn passage 20 July-20 Oct: Shet, 3 Fetlar 11 Aug (ARM); Fair Isle, 1 on 7-10 Aug (RHD); O Heb, 1 Flannans 22 July, 2 on 6 Aug, 1 on 16th (RWP), 1 Stornoway 26 July (TDR); E Inv, 4 Beauly Firth 4 Aug, 1 on 7 Aug and 14 Sep (MIH); Aber, 1 Auchlossan Loch 5 Aug (RSBy), 1 Slains Pool 15 Sep, 7 on 18th, 1 on 21st (JAL, WM, BP, AR), 2 Cruden Bay 5 Sep (MW); Angus, 1 Montrose Basin 14 Sep, 3 on 16 Sep, 1 on 5 Oct, 3 on 9th (GMC); Perth, 2 Kingoodie 18 Sep and 20 Oct (HBo); Kin- ross, 1 L Leven 23 July (CRGC, JHS); E Stir, 12 Skinflats 26-27 July, 4 on 17 Aug, 11 on 19th and 23-24 Aug, 7 on 1 Sep (DF, MH); E Loth, 2 Barns Ness 7 Sep (CNLC), 2 Aberlady 13 Sep and 5 Oct, 1 frequently
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 89
20 Sep-31 Dec, most continuous stay there yet (RF, DJ, KSMcG); Endrick mouth, 1 on 24 Sep (JMi); Renf, 4 Barr Loch 24 July, 1 on 13 Sep (RGC), 1 on 15-17 Sep, 2 on 20th, 4 on 21st (IG, RAJ); Ayr, 12 Hunterston 7 Aug (JLB); Kirk, 7 Nith estuary 20 July, increased to 50 by 3 Aug, peak 72 on 6 Aug (JGY), also Carsethorn (same birds?) from 9 Aug, 58 on 24th (JDn, JKRM); Nith birds also noted Dumf shore (JGY); 3 Wigtown Merse 5 Aug (RCD, JFG).
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. Two wintered as far N as Unst, Shet (MS). Spring singles to 6 June Shet (ARM), and 4 autumn records 2-28 Aug (DC, ISR, JHSi). Little information on migration, but Priest- side, Dumf, flock peaked in late Oct as usual, at about 3000, the largest Solway concentration (JGY). Inland: 1 Cowden Loch, Comrie, N Perth, 25 Apr (VMT); 1 Endrick mouth 5 Apr (TDHM, JMi), and 2 there in W Stir 3-4 May (RGC, JMi).
*Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. Singles unless stated. Winter: Lan, wintered Merryton Farm, Hamilton, to 7 Apr, back 19 July (DS); Rox, Bowmont, Yetholm, 11 Jan-1 Feb, return 30 Nov (RSB), Northfield Farm 22 Feb (DRG); E Loth, Tyninghame to 2 Mar, and Nov-Dec (TB, RWJS); S Fife, near Kilconquhar 23 Feb (DWO, GO).
Spring 22 Apr-4 June: Ber, St Abbs 3 May (RKMcG); Isle of May, 22 Apr (DJF), 3-8 May (1-2 daily), 29 May (JP); N Perth, Cowden Loch, Comrie, 22 Apr (RMR); N Suth, Balnakeil 11 May (DCH); Fair Isle, 23rd and 26 Apr, 4-5 May (4), 6 May (6), 1-2 to 15 May, 4 June (RHD); Shet, ase 24 Apr, 6-7 May, 8 May (2) (ARM), Skerries 5th, 6th and 8 May
Autumn 28 July-14 Sep (also 13 July, 10th and 18 Oct): Shet, Fetlar 9- 12 Aug (2 on 11th), 16 Aug (ARM), Yell 16 Aug (DC), Mainland 27 Aug (PKK); Fair Isle, 28 July, 31 July-2 Aug (5, 3, 4), 13 Aug (8) and 11 other dates Aug, also 14 Sep (RHD); Ork, a few Isbister Oyce and L of Brockan 5-13 Aug (EB); E Inv/N Perth boundary, L an Duin, E of A9, early Sep (RMcC); Aber, Ythan 12 Aug (JAL); Angus, Montrose 11-12 Aug, 17 Aug (2) (GMC, MN), West Haven 13 Aug (TMC1), Lintrathen 20th (2) and 24 Aug (2), 4 Sep (GMC); E Stir, Skinflats 30 Aug, 11 Sep (MH); S Fife, Largo Bay 13 July (2) (DWO), Kilconquhar 12 Aug (DBMcG, HDS); Isle of May, 14th and 17 Aug (JH); Midl, Gladhouse 13 Aug, Cob- binshaw 18 Oct (EMS, RWJS); E Loth, Tyninghame 10 Aug-7 Sep (RWJS), Aberlady 16-17 Aug, 13 Sep, 10 Oct (TB, MJE, JADH, DJ, RWJS); Rox, 2 Yetholm 31 Aug-7 Sep (RSB); Peeb, 1 Biggar 21 Aug (RSH); Endrick mouth 12 Sep (TW); Renf, Barr Loch 17 Aug-7 Sep (IG, RAJ); Lan, Quoth- quhan 30 Aug (RE-H); Dumf, Glencaple 8-17 Aug (WA, JGY), 3 Caer- laverock 4-12 Sep (JGY), Keir 5-10 Sep (JFY); Kirk, Islesteps 14 Aug (JGY); Wig, Mull of Galloway 17 Aug (JCS).
*Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. No reports of breeding in 1969. No birds at main E Inv breeding site (5: 323), but singles at two other loc- alities, 26 May and 24 June (TAL, NP); Perth sites and perhaps some of Suth sites not checked.
Singles spring 27 Apr-1 June: Arg, L Ba 30 May, 1 June (WML-H); Caith, L Thulachan 18 May (DMS), first for county; Fair Isle, Apr 27th, 29th, May 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 24th-25th (2), 26th, 28th (3), 3lst (RHD); Shet, Skerries 11-12 May (ISR, RJT), Scalloway 26 May (DC). Autumn 27 July-12 Oct: Shet, Fetlar 5-7 Aug (ARM); Fair Isle 16-17 Aug (RHD); Aber, Slains Loch, Newburgh, 20 Sep (WM); N Fife, Eden estuary 30 Sep, 12 Oct (AGG, DWO); Midl, Gladhouse 8-13 Aug (DGA, EMS, RWJS); Renf, R Cart, Inchinnan, 27 July (DLC), Paisley Moss 29 Sep-1 Oct (IG); Lan, Bothwell Br 9 Aug (DS).
Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. No reported changes in breed- ing status. Spring arrival: 12 Apr, Glencorse, Mid! (ADKR); 14 Apr, Cleish, Kinross (JK); 17 Apr, Yetholm, Rox (RSB); 19 Apr, Scaur Water, Dumf (ARH), but not widespread in county till 1 May (JGY); 20 Apr,
90 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
Selkirk (AJS), L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHS); 21 Apr, 2 Gladhouse, Midl (DGA, EMS, RWJS), 3 Brechin, Angus (GMC); 22 Apr, 2 Dee estuary, Kirk (ADW), Comrie, N Perth (RMR), Foula, Shet (JGH); 23 Apr, St Abbs, Ber (RKMcG), Little L Shieldaig, W Ross (ENH). Passage: Fair Isle, 3-31 May, peaks 3-6 May (5, 10, 25 record day’s total, 10) and 8-10 May (12), a few to 16 June (RHD); Shet, probably more than usual 25 Apr-27 May, mainly 4-15 May, up to 6 Mainland 4 May, 5 Fetlar 15 May (DC, PKK, ARM, ISR, MS).
Autumn: Shet, a few 30 July-17 Aug Whalsay and Fetlar (ARM, JHSi); Fair Isle, small passage 31 July-20 Aug (9 on 17 Aug), singles 27 Aug, 16 Sep (RHD); further S, peak numbers round 13 July, Fife (DWO), and return passage on shore Dumf noted July, and very marked by 8 Aug (WA, JGY). Last dates : 5 Oct, Gladhouse, Midl (DGA, EMS, RWJS); 12 Oct, 2 Aberlady, E Loth (THJ); 16 Oct, Spey Mouth, Moray (JMB); 17 Oct, Kinnaird Park, Angus (JD); very late bird 16 Nov R Cart, Inch- innan, Renf (IG).
Redshank Tringa totanus. Still increasing Shet, especially N isles (RJT); increasing R Mudale, N Suth, 5 prs May-June (EGH); thought to be in- creasing in wet upland areas Dumf (JGY). Breeding birds arrived: Spey- side, E Inv, 21 Mar (HB, DNW); Kinross, late Mar (JHS); Midl uplands, Gladhouse, 23 Mar (DGA, EMS, RWJS).
Over 50, more than usual, muddy lagoons L Ken, Kirk, 4 Apr (ADW); spring peak Kingoodie, N Perth, 1000 on 14 Apr (HBo). Autumn passage : Fair Isle, from 26 June, mainly from 24 July, 80 on 18 Aug (RHD); Shet, arrivals Skerries on 27 July (ISR); W Ross, 25 Shieldaig Bay 13 July, largest flock in area yet (ENH). Iceland immigrants to Nith, Dumf, 1200 by 27 Aug, 2000 Carsethorn-Drumburn mid Dec (JGY). Of several hun- dred trapped and measured Fife in midwinter most were certainly Iceland ee os t. robusta (TRG). Up to 6 inland Yetholm, Rox, Dec (cf. 5: 324)
One trapped Earlsferry, Fife, 14 July 1969, dead Scheveningen, Zuid- Holland, 2 Jan 1970; Glen Clova, Angus, 1969 chick killed Finistere, France, 15 Nov (TRG).
*Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. Singles unless stated. Winter: E Loth, Tyninghame 26 Jan (TB, EMS, RWJS); Ayr, Barassie 26 Jan (LAU), 2 Mar (KCRH, HSCH), Doonfoot 4 Jan-27 Apr, 25th and 27 Dec (AGS, WRB). Spring from 18 Apr: Kirk, Dee estuary 22 Apr (ADW); Dumf, 6 Caerlaverock 18 Apr (JGY); Aber, Balmedie 11 May (MAMcD); late ones, Hamilton, Lan, 22 June (KCRH, HSCH), and Sanday, Ork, 25 June (JMBu).
Autumn 20 July-23 Nov, mainly Sep: Shet, Whalsay 6 Aug (JHSi), Haaf Gruney 16 Aug (DC, RJT); Ork, Shapinsay 2-9 Sep (MAMcD), N Ronaldsay 14 Oct (EJW); Caith, 3 L of Mey 7 Sep, 2 on 14th (PJ); Moray, 2 Findhorn 24 Aug (BE); Aber, Forvie Aug 17th (4), Sep 9th, 12th (8), 15th (2), 18th (5), 24th (3) (TJ-F, DEBL, WMM, WM, AR); Angus, Mont- rose Aug 27th, Sep 7th, 14th, 19th, 21st (3), Oct 26th (GMC), Barnhill 7 Nov (JKRM); E Stir, Skinflats 7 dates 13 Aug-23 Nov (MH); Fife, Eden estuary 6th, 25th, 27 Sep, 12 Oct (AGG, GO, RWS), Fife Ness 18 Sep (DWO); Midl, Gladhouse 3 Aug (EMS, RWJS); E Loth, Tyninghame 10 Aug, 28 Sep (TB, EMS, RWJS), Aberlady 10 Oct, 8 Nov (KSMcG, MFMM); Endrick mouth 19 Sep (TW); Renf, Barr Loch 20 July-7 Sep, 2 on 3-4 Sep (IG, RAJ); Ayr, Doonfoot 15 Oct (AGS); Dumf, Annan 14 Sep (RTS), 8 Stanhope, 2 Caerlaverock, 2 Glencaple 19-21 Sep (JGY); Wig, 2 Luce estuary 5 Sep, 12 Wigtown Merse 14 Sep, 15 on 12 Oct (RCD), 5 L Ryan 19 Oct (JFG).
Greenshank Tringa nebularia. No reported changes in breeding status. Most broods in Altnahara area, N Suth, 14 days later than average (EGH). Winter: Wig, 3 Luce Bay 1968/69 (RCD); Ayr, Doonfoot 22 Feb-27 Apr and Dec (WRB); N Fife, Boarhills 9 Jan (RAC); last L Linnhe 13 Dec
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 91
(JASN); E Inv, 4 Longman Bay 15 Dec (WMM); W Ross, wintered Torri- don (JAW).
Spring return: 1 Apr, Badachro, W Ross (ENH), mainly from 8 Apr Torridon (JAW); 6 Apr, Speyside, E Inv (JPo); 7 Apr, 5 Uig, O Heb (IMcL). Passage: Fair Isle, 1-2 on 11 days 30 Apr-30 May (RHD); Shet, noted several places 4-7 May (DC, PKK, ISR).
Autumn movements 26 July-22 Oct, small numbers, but 12 Findhorn, Moray, 30 July (BE), 7 Glencaple, 14 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 30 Aug (JGY), 10 Piitanton estuary, Luce Bay, Wig, 14 Sep (ADW).
*Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis. 1 Strand Loch, Gott, 46 May (©: 42) (DC, RD), 2nd Scottish record and first for Shet faunal area.
Knot Calidris canutus. Only Shet spring passage was flock 200 Virkie for 2 hrs 14 May (DC). Autumn: Shet, 1 Fetiar 20 July (ARM), first num- bers 260 Virkie 29 July (WH), many parties then; Fair Isle, very strong passage, especially ads in summer plumage, July 21st (1), 23rd (14), 27th (15), 29th (90), up to 20-30 to Aug 7th, 8th (48), 9th (record total 100), 10th-12th (80, 70, 25), 18th (28), then fewer, last 3 Oct (RHD); E Inv, first 25 Inverness 7 Aug (MIH); banff, 460 on 10 Aug (JE); Aber, 50 Ythan 20 July, 350 on 5 Aug (JAL). Counts: Caith, more Oct-Nov than 1968 (PMcM); E Ross, 5000 Udale Bay 18 Jan (CGH); E Stir, Skinflats maxi- mum 3000 on 14 Dec (MH); W Loth, very scarce before Christmas on Almond estuary, peak 500 on 20 Dec where usually thousands from Oct (TCS); Midi, 2000 Musselburgh 29 Nov, 28 Dec (JB, EMS, RWJS); Kirk, winter flock Carsethorn-Drumburn-Southerness less than former years, never over 6000 (JGY). Inland: Dunb, 1 Endrick mouth 3 May (MFMM™), 1 on 14 Sep (DS); Midl, 1 Gladhouse on 23 Aug, 2 on 30-31 Aug (EMS, RW4JS); Kinross, 1 L Leven 29 July, 2 on 6 Aug (AA, JHS).
Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima. Fife Ness peak late Mar (DWO); Fair isle passage 4-18 May (RHD), and Fetlar, Shet, last on 19 May (ARM); still 11 Southerness, Kirk, 15 May (JGY); left Isle of May 27 May (NJG). Return: 7 Scar Rocks, Wig, 12 July (JGY); Isle of May 14 July (NJG); Fair Isle from 18 July onwards, scarcer than usual, maximum 34 (RHD); but Caith numbers more than 1968 (PMcM). Peak counts: 150 N Ronaldsay, Ork, 25 Oct (EJW); 121 Banff 12 Dec (JE). One inland, wholly exceptional, R Cart, Inchinnan, Renf, 3 Nov after gales and heavy rain
*Little Stint Calidris minuta. Singles unless stated. Fair number, autumn only, dates 13 July, 27 July-1 Aug, 16-20 Aug, 28 Aug-30 Sep, a few to 18 Oct: Shet, Skerries 31 Aug (ISR), Fetlar 5-10 Sep (ARM); Fair Isle, 29-31 Aug, small numbers 18 days Sep, 3 on 18th and 24th, 4 on 25th- 26th, one 11-15 Oct (RHD); Ork, 7 Birsay Bay 15 Sep (EJWi); O Heb, Lewis 31 Aug (AFJ); Aber, Ythan/Forvie 29-30 July (9, 23), 31 Aug, 21 Sep (2) (LHC, WM, BP, AR); Angus, 2 West Haven 27 July (TMCl), Mont- rose 13 July, 9 Sep (3) (GMC), Elliot 13 Sep (MN), N Esk mouth 2 Sep, 16 Sep (3), 7 Oct (GMC); E Stir, maximum Grangemouth Docks 6 on 6 Sep (AHG, DCS), Grangemouth sewage works (said to be in W Loth) Sep 12th, 24th, 26th (2) (DF); Fife, Eden estuary Sep 21st (2), 27th (GO, RSW), Fife Ness 16-20 Aug, 2 on 17th (MEG, PAL, PHS), 18 Sep (2) (DWO); Midl, Musselburgh Sep 13th, 18th (8) (JB), 6 Gladhouse 14 Sep, 9 on 21st (DGA, EMS, RWJS), Cobbinshaw 18 Oct (EMS, RWJS); E Loth, Aberlady Aug Ist, 28th, Sep 13th, 27th (2) (FDH, DJ, KSMcG, EMS, RWJS, JDRV), Barns Ness 21 Sep (3) (KSMcG), Tyninghame Aug 30th, Sep 7th (2), 14th (23), 28th (5), Oct 12th (MFMM, RWJS); Dunb, Endrick mouth 19 Sep (TW); Renf, 5 Lochgoin 14 Sep, 5 Dunwan Dam 21 Sep (LAU), 2 Barr Loch 15-17 Sep, 4 on 18th, 1 on 24th (KCRH, HSCH, IG, RAJ).
*White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis. 1 N Ronaldsay 31 Oct (DBW), 5th Scottish record and first for Ork.
92 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
*Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos. 1 Paisley Moss and R Cart 12- 19 Oct (RGC, IG, RAJ), first for Renf.
Dunlin Calidris alpina. Improved breeding season Dumf, two new loc- alities (WD), but unsuccessful at sea level Caerlaverock (JGY); bred Endrick mouth, L Lomond, for first time in several years (JMi). Spring: N Perth, last real flock Kingoodie 200 on 1 Apr (HBo); Fair Isle, main passage 26 Apr-3l1 May, 10 on 16 May (RHD); Shet, arrival from 30 Apr (RJT). Autumn: Shet, gathering on shore from early July, many gone by mid Aug (RJT); Fair Isle, mainly 27 June-27 Sep, especially 15 July-end Aug, peak 19-20 Aug (45, 40) (RHD); Ork, passage from about 6 Aug (EB); Midl, Gladhouse passage began with 25 on 20 July (DGA, EMS, RWJS); Dumf, protracted migration to Nith estuary, flocks 50-60 by 14 Aug, build-up to 4000 by 12 Nov (JGY); Caith numbers at year end less than 1968 (PMcM).
Of 2000 just arrived Eden estuary, N Fife, 25 Sep, 25 measured were Northern C. a. alpina (the usual immigrant race); similar influx of this race to E Fife beaches 12 Oct (TRG).
*Curlew Sandpiper Calidris testacea. None spring. Heavy autumn pas- sage 6 Aug-12 Oct, mainly 16 Aug-28 Sep: Ork, 5 Isbister Oyce 7 Sep, 8 on 10th (EB), 1 Shapinsay 3-9 Sep (MAMcD); Caith, 1 L of Mey 14 Sep (PJ); E Ross, 4 Tain 28 Aug (CJMcK-G); 3 Nairn end of Old Findhorn Bar 31 Aug (JE, DBMcG), first for county; Aber, Ythan/Forvie 20 on 16 Aug, 1 on 31st, 3 on 15 Sep, 35 on 18th were only counts (LHC, JAL, WM, BP); Angus, 3 Montrose 27 Aug, 6 on 9 Sep, 9 on 14th, 3 on 2l1st, 2 on 9 Oct (GMC); Fife, 24 Eden estuary 24 Aug, 11 on 5 Sep, 1 on 6th, 6 on 2lst, 2 on 25th, 7 on 27th (GO, RWS, CST), 1 Fife Ness 3rd, 9th, 18 Sep, 2 on 12 Oct (PGTB, DWO); E Stir, 6 Skinflats 30 Aug, 12 on 31st, 1 on 3 Sep, 15 on 13th, 5 Grangemouth Docks 6 Sep, 2 on 7th (DF, MH), and 65 Grangemouth sewage works (said to be W Loth) 12 Sep, 10 on 19th, 12 on 21st and 24th, 18 on 26th (DF); Midl, 9 Musselburgh 31 Aug, 2 on 6 Sep, 1 on 13th, 20 on 18th (JB), 1 Gladhouse 30-31 Aug (EMS, RWJS); E Loth, 2 Aberlady 23 Aug, 25 on 28th, 1 on 13 Sep (DJ. KSMcG), 2 Tyn- linghame 24 Aug, 100 on 30th, 7 on 7 Sep, 2 on 14th, 3 on 18th, 1 on 28th (TB, TD, EMS, RWJS), 9 Barns Ness 7 Sep (KSMcG); I Heb, 1 L Gruinart, Islay, 17 Aug (AHG); N Arg, 1 Rhunahaorine Pt, Kintyre, 9 Sep (DRG); Dunb, 2 Endrick mouth 12 Sep (TW); Renf, 20 Langbank 28 Aug (DLC); Ayr, singles Prestwick 6 Aug (AGS), Barassie 6-7 Sep (RGC, IG, RAJ); Dumf, 7 Glencaple 2-17 Sep (JMMcG, JGY), 3 Browhouses 7 Sep (RTS), 2 Caerlaverock 8 Sep (JGY); Wig, 1 Wigtown Bay 14 Sep, 1 Luce Bay 27 Sep (RCD).
Sanderling Crocethia alba. Spring departure: Aber, 54 Ythan 1 Mar, 50 Br of Don 13 Apr (MAMcD); S Inv, 2 Corpach 8 May (JASN); Caith, 25 Dunnet 29 May (JARG); O Heb, 1 Stornoway 25 May (RMclI); Shet, 1 Fetlar 6 May (ARM). No summer records.
Autumn/winter from 17 July: Fair Isle, passage 17 July-24 Sep, mainly 30 July-22 Aug and 11-18 Sep, with 20 on 17 Sep (RHD); Shet, 11 Fetlar 29 July (ARM), most reports 4 Aug-20 Oct (RJT); Ork, 120 N Ronaldsay 25 Sep, 130 on 24 Oct (EJW); O Heb, 1 Stornoway 27 July, 10 on 30 Aug (RMcI); Caith, Sep-Oct numbers well up, flocks of 30 quite frequent (PJ, PMcM, DMS); N Suth, 14 Balnakeil 20 July, 30 on 6 Aug (DCH); W Ross, up to 40 Red Pt Aug (ENH); Nairn, 9 Old Findhorn Bar 31 Aug, first for county (JE, DBMcG); Banff, 20 Portgordon 24 July (JMB); Aber, 2 Ythan 24 July, 15 Forvie 29th (JAL); E Stir, 7 Skinflats, where rare, 19 Aug, 4 Grangemouth Docks 13 Sep (DF, MH). Inland singles : Dunb, Endrick 24 Apr (DS); Midl, Gladhouse, 20 July, 3 Aug (EMS, RWJS).
Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Again wintered Aberlady/Drem, E Loth, Jan-30 Mar, maximum 19, and also at end of year, maximum 13 on 28 Dec (DJ, KSMcG); 7 following plough W Fenton, E Loth, 30 Dec (DJ); still 3 Skinflats, E Stir, 20 Dec (DF, MH). Spring: N Fife, good numbers
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 93
Eden estuary, peak 5 on 4 Apr (DWO); N Kinc, 1 Girdle Ness 4 May (ADKR), first for N Kinc; Fair Isle, ¢ 5-8 May (RHD).
Autumn, 3 areas July (from 16th), mainly 10 Aug-16 Oct, last 9 Nov; listed are first and last records, details of passage, and flocks of 10 or more ; Shet, four areas 11-26 Aug (DC, ARM, ISR, JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, 1 on 23 July, others 5 Aug-27 Sep, 8 on 12 Aug (RHD); Moray, 10 Spey Mouth 13 Sep (DBMcG); E Stir, peak 15 Skinflats 22 Aug (DF, MH); Midl, very poor passage Gladhouse, 1-2 on 7 days 8 Aug-9 Nov (DGA, EMS, RWJS); Rox, 1 Alemoor Reservoir 10 Aug (JADH), first for county; Renf, first 3 Barr Loch 23 July (TD, MMD); Dumf, 2 Caerlaverock 16 July, 12 on 5 Sep, rose to 20 by 20 Sep, 40 by 22nd following rain from W, down to 20 on 26th, last 2 on 16 Oct (JGY).
*Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. 1 Newburgh, Aber, 23-26 Mar (WM, AR), first for Dee. 1 Lossiemouth, Moray, 17 May (BT), first for Moray Basin.
*Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius. Three singles: Brough, Caith, 18 Sep (AB); Longman Bay 23 Nov (DBMcG, MR), first for E Inv; Gullane Bay, E Loth, 8 Nov (DCS). Also 4 unidentified phalaropes on sea An- struther, S Fife, 13 Oct (NSRG).
*Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus. Breeding population (say 24-36 prs) only about half that of 1968; only one bird at southernmost site (2 prs 1968) and Shet breeding restricted to one island (MJE). Early bird Fetlar 11 May, 2 on 14th, few more till build-up in 2nd wk June, fewer prs than usual, first chicks 27 June, few birds left a month later, last on 11 Aug (ARM, RJT).
1 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 6-15 July (per ELR). Autumn: 1 Virkie, Shet, 28 Sep (DC, JND); 1 Eadale Sound, N Arg, also 28 Sep, during SW gales (JLB). See also under Grey Phalarope.
Great Skua Catharacta skua. Still expanding territory Foula, Shet, 1100-1200 prs; first 26 Mar, many ashore by end Mar (JGH). First Fetlar and Unst 4 Apr (ARM, MS); Fair Isle 1 Apr (1), next 5th, 3 on 11th, 6 on 12th, 10 on 15th, 20 on 16th (RHD); Ork, continuing to increase and spread (EB); O Heb, at Gress 17 Apr (RMclI), 12 prs bred Lewis, 2 prs (1 with eggs) N Rona 14 June (WAJC); St Kilda, increase to about a dozen prs (9 nests) (Birds 3: 42); Caith, no success with nests (DMS); W Suth, 2 prs with eggs Handa (DMcD). Spring passage Rattray, Aber, 18-27 Apr (MW), but 1 at sea off Aberdeen 11 Mar (RSBy).
Autumn: Shet, numbers decreased Sep-Oct, late ones Fetlar 9 Nov (ARM), Hascosay 10 Dec (RJT), pr still defending territory and unfledged chick Foula last wk Oct, and very late one 20 Dec (JGH); Fair Isle, emi- gration from 9 Aug, noticeable passage over island to NW 15 Sep, down to 4 by 22 Sep, but influx 20 on 25th-26th, fluctuating to mid Oct, strag- glers to 3lst (RHD). On E coast: Aber, first 2 Newburgh 29 July, 11 there and 6 Buchan Ness 3 Aug (LHC, JAL, BP), passage Rattray 29 July-8 Oct, ¢/hr N 22nd and 24 Aug, 1 on 2 Nov, 2 on 16th, 1 Br of Don 30 Nov (MW); Angus, peak 6 Usan 29 Aug (GMC); Fife, peak 8 from boat off Anstruther 10 Oct (NSRG); E Stir, 1 Skinflats 2 Nov (MH).
*Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. Singles, 2 spring records 28 May-25 June, more autumn 18 Aug and 14 Sep-15 Nov: Shet, off Sum- burgh 28 May (PKK), at Scalloway 17-25 June (DC, RD, RJT), Whalsay 16 Oct (2), 19th, 21st (2), 28th (JHSi), Skerries 8 Nov (ISR); Fair Isle, flew S 17 Sep (RHD); Ork, 2 Dennis Head 8th and 10 Oct (DBW); Aber, flew S Rattray Head 29 Sep (MW), ad Forvie 25 Oct (MJHC); E Stir, Skinflats 15 Nov (MH); E Loth, imm Tyninghame 14 Sep (RWJS); Arran, ad off NE 18 Aug (DCo).
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. Small new colony Caith (MW); pr bred for first recorded time Skerries, Shet (ISR); Fair Isle, 1 seen 10 Apr, arrived calling 19th, 8 on 26th, 25 on 28th, full strength early May,
94 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
population probably still increasing, some 180 prs with good breeding success (RHD); first back Fetlar 19 Apr (ARM). A few passing Rattray, Aber, 20 Apr-7 May (MW).
Dispersing Shet Aug-Sep (RJT); decrease Fair Isle from 16 Aug, 20 on 5 Sep down to 2 on 13th, last 19th, 2 on crossing 2 Oct (RHD); E Ross, light passage late Aug/early Sep Tarbat Ness, maximum 10/hr 27 Aug (CJMcK-G); Aber, up to 4 Ythan and elsewhere 3-26 Aug (LHC, JAL, BP), at Rattray Head 5 N and 11 S in an hour 22 Aug, 28 S in an hour 23 Aug, 13 N in a half-hour 24 Aug, 1 N on 2 Nov (MW); Angus, com- mon Aug-Oct, maximum 30 Usan 28 Sep (GMC); Fife, from early Aug, but maximum only 4 Burntisland 21 Sep (JMC); E Stir, rather scarce and late Skinflats area, 5 Grangemouth 6 Sep (AHG, DCS), 1 on 15 Nov (MH); W Loth, 1 Dalmeny 16 Oct, 1-3 Cramond 24th and 28 Oct (DIMW); Midl, Musselburgh 15 Aug-4 Oct, 6 on 23 Aug (JB); E Loth, less than usual in autumn Aberlady (KSMcG).
*Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus. Ad spent short time in Arctic Skua colony Fair Isle 5 June until the others chased it off (RHD). Singles Shet, Unst 10 June (HDu), Selivoe 12 June (HGW), Whalsay 12 Aug (JHSi); 1 S at Fife Ness 18 Aug (MEG, PAL, PHS).
*Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea. Imm Shet, at Ollaberry, Mainland, 6 Nov (SW), and at Basta Voe, Yell, on 8th (RJT). One seen from scallop boat between Ardnamurchan Pt, N Arg, and Coll about 30 Nov (LRI).
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus. One of Isles of Fleet, Kirk, with 41 nests, probably largest Solway colony (RHM). Breeding birds displaying in territory Fair Isle from 26 Mar (RHD).
Hundreds passing N at Rattray Head, Aber, 7-11 Feb (MW). Record count 800 Aberlady, E Loth, 18 Oct (DJ). Very large flocks ashore Fair Isle in strong weather 15-17 Nov (5000, 4000, 1000), 24-25 Nov (5000, 2000), 8-10 Dec (2000, 1000, 1000), 18th and 20 Dec (500) (RHD).
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. Increased breeding numbers Isles of Fleet, Kirk (RHM); increasing Isle of May, estimated 2000 prs (JP); breeding numbers and success rather low Fair Isle (RHD).
Winter: Dumf, only 2 (least for several years) wintered Glencaple (JGY); E Loth, 1 Aberlady 10 Jan (MFMM); Midl, 1 Lochend 23 Nov, 21 Dec, British race (DGA); W Loth, 1 Cramond 15 Feb (TCS). Spring re- turn: 1 Mar, Aberlady, E Loth (DJ), possibly a wintering bird; 9 Mar, Lewis, O Heb (WAJC); 16 Mar, 1 Burntisland and 1 Pittenweem, Fife (JMC, DWO); 20 Mar, 35 back Nith estuary, Dumf (JGY); 23 Mar, 1 Mid Yell and 1 Fetlar, quite early for Shet (ARM, RJT); 27 Mar, Dunnet, Caith (PMcM); but first 15 not at Fair Isle till 13 Apr (RHD). Autumn: flock 200 ads Thurso Bay, Caith, 20 July (DMS); Fair Isle numbers low by 20 Aug, last 20 Sep (RHD); last Gullane, E Loth, 11 Oct (KSMcG); 1 Ken- more, Perth, 26 Oct (TCS).
Scandinavian birds L. f. fuscus: 1 Fair Isle 30 Apr-5 May (RHD); 2 Whalsay, Shet, 12 Aug (JHSi); 2 West Ferry, Angus, 29 Sep (TMC)).
Herring Gull Larus argentatus. Still increasing Isle of May, estimated 15,000 prs (JP); big increase Tentsmuir, N Fife, to 50 prs and others scattered about (DWO); up from 2 to 7 prs L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHS). A few prs continue to breed on Inverness roofs (MR). Breeding seemed late Caith, where nested in cultivated fields Brough, having been dis- placed from cliffs by Fulmars (DMS).
Thousands moving N at Rattray Head, Aber, 7-11 Feb (MW); 50,000 gulls flighting over Lochar estuary, Dumf, in Dec to roost on Blackshaw Bank were mainly this species (AFA). Late-summer increase L Leven, Kinross, slow to materialise, only 5000 against 10,000-20,000 other years (AA, JHS). Rather scarce Fair Isle in early months (maximum 100), but
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 95
very large numbers sheltered on island during storms 15-17 Nov (5000, 4000, 1000), 24 Nov (8000—even islanders remarked on this largest ever count), 8-10 Dec (4000, 2000, 2000), 18 Dec (1000), 20 Dec (1500); came from offshore fishing fleets and mostly ads of northern origin, noticeably bigger than local birds, some as big as Great Blackbacks and with dark grey mantles and very dusky heads (RHD). Probable Scandinavian bird L. a. omissus 19 Jan Br of Don, Aber (MAMcD). Still an albino Storno- way, O Heb (WAJC); albino on Carrick in Glasgow thought to be 2°, seen displaying to another Herring Gull 8 Apr, these being last 2 to leave the area, back 6 Oct (RGC); also 2 albinos Caith (DMS).
Common Guli Larus canus. No reported changes in breeding status. Hundreds passing N at Rattray Head, Aber, 7-11 Feb, and passing S on 9 May for 6 hrs from dawn, 2400/hr (MW); movement Inverness area 27 Feb-15 June (MR). Fair Isle passage from 15 Mar (20), 30 on 19th, scarcer till 18-25 Apr (20, 500, 100, 100, 300, 400, 300, 200), 150 on 6 May, 100 to 9th (RHD); unusually heavy passage Shet, 23-26 Apr, hun- dreds S over Mid Yell 24th (RJT), 600 Fetlar 25th (ARM), 1000 Whalsay 26th (JHSi), largest flock of gulls ever seen resting on Skerries in late Apr (ISR). Autumn passage Fair Isle from 26-27 July (700, 300), 31 July- 3 Aug (2000, 450, 250, 250), 8th (250), 11th-14th (300, record 4000, 1000, 200), Sep maximum 180 on 12th, Oct 400 on 23rd-24th (RHD).
One of several dead St Andrews 31 Dec had been ringed as a chick near Kingisepp, Estonia, on 4 June 1968 (TRG).
*Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus. Shet: usual scatter of mostly imms
in first 4-5 months, odd imms summer; unprecedented arrival during per- sistent northerly gales in late autumn, headland flocks of gulls contain- ing a high proportion of Glaucous—about 100, many of them ad, Fetlar 28 Nov (but to and fro movement between boats and bathing lochs made estimates difficult), and as many as 1 in 60 gulls seen from fishing boat 10 Nov was Glaucous (RJT). Fair Isle: 1-3 on 17 dates Jan-22 July; autumn ads 8th, 22nd, 27 Oct, juv 29th; unprecedented Nov invasion with other gulls in storm 15 Nov, when at least 50, next day 75 (more ads than imms), dropping thereafter, but over 300 (two-thirds ad) ar- rived 24 Nov with return of big gulls, down to 100 on 25th and maxi- mum 10 thereafter until 8-10 Dec (50, 25, 20); easily largest numbers ever on Fair Isle, and preponderance of ads unusual (RHD). No reflection of these numbers elsewhere.
Summer (June-Aug) elsewhere : Ork, 1 Stronsay Great Blackback colony June (JMBu), ad Kirkwall 8 July (MAMcD); Angus, 1 West Haven 9th and 13 Aug (TMCl); E Loth, imm Whitekirk 20 June (JMo). Records other months: Ork (small numbers), O Heb (scarcer recently, 2), Caith (small numbers), SE Suth (2), E Inv (2), Aber (8), N Kinc (1), Angus (3), E Loth (6), Skye (1), Ayr (3), Wig (1 Stranraer 10 May) (RCD).
*Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides. All sub-adults or imms unless stated. Shet : usual few imms early in year, especially Lerwick and Scalloway (where 1 on 9 June), more than usual Nov-Dec after persistent N gales in late autumn (RJT); Fair Isle, ad 16th and 24 Nov (RHD); O Heb, 1 Stornoway 19 Mar (WAJC), 1 Benbecula 8 July (DH); Caith, 1 Wick 30 Mar (RS), 1 Scrabster 27 Dec (DMS); E Inv, 1 Inverness 8 Feb, 28 Feb, 17 Mar (MIH), 1 Clachnaharry 1 Apr (JAL); Aber, 1 Br of Don 15-19 Jan (MAMcD), 1 at sea off Aberdeen 11 Mar (RSBy), ad Aberdeen 20 Mar, Ist- W next day (MJHC, WM), 2 Torry 3-4 May, 1 Br of Don 31 May (MAMcD); S Fife, 1 flying up Forth at Fife Ness 20 Sep (AGG); Midl, 1 inland Duddingston 29 Mar (DRA); 1 Ayr harbour 28th and 30 Nov (RGC, IG,
*Little Gull Larus minutus. Main area: N Perth/Angus, reported every month, peak Apr/May and Aug/Sept, peak Invergowrie Bay 27 Apr (114), 6 May (149), 9th (168), 11th (70) (HBo); Fife, 22 Feb-13 Oct, probably present all year, back Kilconquhar late July, 5 on 2 Aug, 150 on 15th,
96 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
369 on 20th, still large numbers 29 Aug but only 5 on 30th and odd ones later (PGTB, MEG, JADH, DWO, RBT), 24 Boarhills 10 July (GO), also St Andrews, Fife Ness, Largo Bay/Leven, maximum 17 Lundin Links 22 Sep (PGTB).
Elsewhere : Shet, imm Unst 10 June (HDu), 4 on 17th (PG), 1 Grutness 4 Nov (per RJT); Fair Isle, 1 N on 4 Apr, 1 flew over 3 Dec (RHD); Ork, ad Sandside Bay, Deerness, 20 Sep (EJWi); O Heb, ad Balranald 1 July (DH); N Kinc, ad Girdle Ness 18 Sep (RSBy), 1 Nigg Bay 25 Sep (HNR), 1 Aberdeen 3-4 Oct (MJHC, WMM); Isle of May, 1 on 19 Sep (AFL); Kinross, L Leven l1st-Y 5 May, 24-25 June (AA, JHS), imm 7 Aug (NC, KE); E Stir, 1 Skinflats 1 July (DF, MH); W Loth, 1 Dalmeny 15 Mar (TCS), first for county; Midl, lst-Y Gladhouse 16 June (DGA); E Loth, imm Aberlady 16 Aug (JADH), ad 12 Oct (RMB), 1 Tyninghame 24 Aug (TB, EMS, RWJS); S Arg, imm at kipper factory Inverneil, L Fyne, 20-22 Aug (MC); Dunb, 1 R Leven 8 Feb (DJL); Renf, imm Portencross 28 July (JLB); Ayr, 3 Ayr harbour 31 Aug (CEP), imm Doonfoot 20-25 Aug, 18- 19 Sep (WRB).
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus. Increases 2 small colonies Kirk (ADW); another good year Dumf (NSRG); over 7400 nests L Leven, Kin- ross, late May (AA, JHS); 3 small new colonies found Caith (DMS), and 1 N Suth (EGH). Arrival Speyside, E Inv, notably late, first 21 Mar (DNW). Numerous recoveries of Dumf chicks indicate random dispersal (NSRG); 1969 Rowbank, Renf, chick controlled Co Kerry 5 Jan 1970 (RAJ); year- old bird Dumbarton 22 June had been ringed as chick in Jutland (JMi). Spring passage Fair Isle 14-27 Mar (30 on 19-20 Mar) and 5 Apr; return from July, first juvs 14th (RHD).
*Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini. Year-old bird Craigton Pt, E Ross, 3 Aug (6 : 43) (RAH, JTh), first for Moray Basin.
*Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea. One flying round fishing boat between Fetlar and Whalsay 22 Oct (JAI, LI, PSI), 2nd Scottish and Shet record.
Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. Increase to 36 nests Meikle Ross, Kirk (DSk, JGY); colony of 10,000 prs found Bach-Ailean, Caith (PJ, DMS), ranking in first half-dozen or so in Scotland (Bird Study 10: 149); contin- ued increase Fair Isle (RHD); increased many places Shet, and little evi- dence of serious depredations by Great Skuas claimed by some commen- tators (RJT). First back Clett Rock, Caith, 20 Mar (KM); first Fair Isle 3 Mar, regularly from 18th, building from 5 May, decreasing from 22 July, last ashore 17 Aug, except 45 on 3 Sep (RHD). Autumn movements : Fair Isle, passage first wk Oct (RHD); Moray, 500 (30% juv) Findhorn 19 Oct (BE); Aber, northward movement Rattray Head 29 Oct into 38-40 knot NW wind, estimated 30,000/hr, birds appearing like white ribbon for quite a time (MW); E Loth, 1400 Tyninghame 2 Aug, 3000 moving NW up coast there in 2 hrs 16 Nov (TB, EMS, RWJS), 5000 (50% imm) mov- ing up Forth at N Berwick in 3 hrs 2 Nov (RMB). Inland: Midl, imm Dalkeith 18 Mar (CNLC), 1 dead (oily) Roseberry Reservoir 6 Apr (RWJS).
*Black Tern Chlidonias niger. Singles unless number noted. Spring (17) 3-31 May and 22 June, especially 3-11 May: Dumf, 3 Lothmaben 3 May (BPB), R Esk 5 May (ELOC); E Loth, Aberlady 4 May (GHo), 2 on 5th (KSMcG); Midl, Gladhouse 25 May (EMS, RWJS); E Stir, 3 Skinflats 4-11 May (MH, TDHM); N Fife, Lindores 6 May (WCu); Angus, Forfar Loch 6 May (GMC), Rescobie 11 May (PAH); Aber, Ythan 22 June (JF); E Inv, Insh 10 May (HB, JHo); Moray, Spey Mouth 31 May, 22 June (JMB).
Autumn (about 20) 27 July-26 Oct, mainly 9-31 Aug: Angus, Montrose Basin 10 Aug (GMC), Forfar Loch 13 Aug (HBo), Arbroath 11th and 20
Sep (MN); E Stir, Skinflats 23 Aug (3), 24th, 27th, 28th, 2 on 31 Aug (MH, TDHM); E Loth, 6 Aberlady 9 Aug (EMS, RWJS), juv Peffer Sands, Whitekirk, 27 July (TB, EMS, RWJS); Renf, Barr Loch 9th, 11th, 17 Aug (RGC, IG, RAJ), Castle Semple Loch 14 Sep, 25-26 Oct (AHG, JMcL, DJN).
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 97
*White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus. 1 N Berwick 27 June (6: a first for Forth and E Loth and 7th Scottish record (all since :
*Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica. 2 Skinflats 6 Sep (6: 45) (CST), first for E Stir and 5th Scottish record.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Breeding status: Wig, 18 prs re-estab- lished Mochrum after 5 yrs absence (JGY), but Dunskey site deserted (ADW); Kirk, few bred Kirkconnell Merse compared with 1968 (JGY); Renf, largest colony (50 nests) reared no young (IG, RAJ); E Loth, 250 prs bred Aberlady, most since at least 1946 (KSMcG); Kinross, 68 nests L Leven against 85 in 1968, poor breeding season (AA, JHS); N Fife, after no chicks in 1968, Tentsmuir numbers greatly reduced, and few reared 1969 either (DWO); E Inv, 4 new inland colonies in Spey/L Ericht area held 6 prs in all (DNW).
Arrival: 18 Apr, 3 ‘Comic’ Rattray, Aber (MW); 23 Apr, 10 Kirkcon- nell Merse, Kirk (JGY), Fife Ness (DWO); 29 Apr, 2 R Ness, E Inv (MIH). Last dates : 21 Oct, still offshore Midl (DIMW); 22 Oct, ‘Comic’ Forvie, Aber (AK); 1 Nov, 1 Carsethorn, Kirk (JKRM); 2 Nov, ‘Comic’ Tyning- hame, E Loth (RWJS); 3 Nov, ‘Comic’ Kirkcaldy, Fife (JMC); 9 Nov, ‘Comic’ Leith, Mid] (DGA).
Arctic Tern Sterna macrura. As with Common Tern, breeding num- bers greatly reduced and little success Tentsmuir, N Fife (DWO). Arrival : 23 Apr, 1 Spey Bay, Moray (JMB); 26 Apr, first ‘Comics’ Dunnet, Caith (DMS); 27 Apr, 2 Kirkconnell Merse, Kirk (JGY). Fair Isle passage from 17 May through June (RHD). At Stornoway, O Heb, colony from 25 May (RMclI). Last dates: 17 Oct, 1 Musselburgh, Mid] (DIMW); 25 Oct, late ‘Comic’ at Fair Isle (RHD).
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii. Only 20-50 prs Inchmickery 19-20 June (cf. 5: 333) (MJE, RWJS), but 50 prs breeding Fidra 14 June (RWJS), and 6 nests St Baldred’s Boat, E Loth, 21 June (GLS). Pr tried to breed N Fife (DWO). Up to 3 prs mid June carrying fish and displaying at Arctic Tern colony Sanday (JMBu), first record for Ork. Pr off Ard an Runair, Balranald, May (DH), first for O Heb faunal area. Some days = 50/hr moving N at Fife Ness (DWO); 2 Findhorn, Moray, 29 July
Little Tern Sterna altifrons. New colony 3 prs Rattray, Aber (MW). First Aberlady, E Loth, 26 Apr (KSMcG); then 2 Stornoway, O Heb, 11 May (RMclI); 2 Br of Don, Aber, 14 May (MAMcD); 1 Southerness, Kirk, 15 May (JGY); 4 Largo Bay, Fife, 18 May (PGTB). A very late bird was at Forvie, Aber, on 22 Oct (AK).
Sandwich Tern Sierna sandvicensis. Did not attempt breeding Tents- muir, N Fife, this year after 500 prs failed 1968 (5: 333) (DWO); fair numbers Caith in summer but still no colony found (DMS).
Exceptionally early one Whalsay, Shet, 17-18 Mar (JHSi). Other first dates (latish) : 7 Apr, first Fife Ness (many 9th) (GO), 3 Findhorn, Moray (DB); 16 Apr, N Berwick, E Loth (DYA); 18 Apr, 60 N at Rattray, Aber (MW); 20 Apr, Ackergill, Caith (JARG). Last: 1 Scrabster, Caith, 19 Oct (PMcM); 4 Gosford, E Loth, same day (KSMcG). Inland: 2 Endrick mouth, Dunb, 1 June (JMi, RSh).
Razorbill Alca torda. No reported changes in breeding status. First ashore Fair Isle 3 Mar, regularly from 21 Mar, continuously from 2 Apr, decrease from 12 July, few left 24th, last ashore 3lst (RHD); and few seen after July dispersal Shet except at sea (RJT). Back at Dunnet Head, Caith, 5 Jan and again 19 Dec (CW). Some 40 Razorbills and Guillemots off Cramond/Dalmeny shore on 24 Oct (DIMW) and 20 Dec (TCS), more than for years. A few hundreds affected by W coast autumn seabird wreck (see Guillemot) (AGS); a few wrecked or oiled E Ross (MKMcD-D) and E ‘Stir (MH) Feb/Mar; affected by oil Fife towards year end (DWO). A
98 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
chick ringed Hermaness, Shet, 5 July 1967 shot Faeroes 20 May 1969 (EF).
*Little Auk Plautus alle. One “freshly dead” Findhorn, Moray, 4 July (BE). Otherwise Jan-May, Sep-Dec. Numerous Shet 1968/69 and 1969/70, most gone 11-18 Feb (RJT), first Skerries 3 Sep (ISR), main arrival Oct- Nov (RJT); Fair Isle, 30 on crossing 15 Jan, 50 on 22 Jan, 20 on 4 Nov, 500 on 11 Nov, 100 on 20 Nov, 100 off island 6 Dec, Nov/Dec numbers much above usual and more at island end of crossing than usual (RHD). Elsewhere : Ork, 2 inland late Dec, slightly oiled (EB); O Heb, 2 Stornoway 9 Mar (WMa); Caith, singles dead 2 Jan, 2 Feb (DMS), 3 Thurso 16 Feb (GF); E Ross, 1 Avoch 17 Feb, 1 Invergordon 25 Feb (CGH); Aber, 8 dead 23 Feb-31 May Aberdeen-Br of Don (DB, MJHC, MAMcD); N Kinc, 1 Stonehaven 14 Feb, dead 15th (AR); S Kinc/Angus, 11 dead on shore (10 Angus) 14 Jan-26 Apr, 5 East Haven 26 Dec (MN); Perth, inland, 1 dead (oiled) Dunning 25 Feb (MMr), 1 alive and active Glen Farg 14 Dec (per JHS); Fife, a few early in year, 4 dead 8-23 Mar, 3 longer dead 4 Apr-3 May, Tentsmuir, St Andrews, Fife Ness, Kirkcaldy (RAC, JMC, DWO, GO), 1 dead Fife Ness 8 Dec (JARG); E Stir, 2 dead Skinflats Feb/Mar (MH); W Loth, 1 dead Dalmeny 15 Mar (TCS); Midl, 2 dead (oiled) Portobello 23 Mar, 1 on 12 Apr (MJE), 1 dead inland Inverleith 24 Nov (DMcG); Renf, 1 inland Castle Semple Loch 24 Nov (AGG).
Guillemot Uria aalge. Possible increase Isle of May, estimated 4000- 5000 prs (NJG). Many ashore Fair Isle 22-28 Jan, 5th and 26-27 Feb, good numbers from 3 Mar, continuously from 20 Mar, breeding numbers still increasing, dispersal from 12 July, few left 28th, last ashore 4 Aug, but many on crossing 21 Oct, and back on ledges 8th, 12th, 26 Nov, 3rd, 24th- 28th, 30 Dec (RHD); also visiting ledges Shet from Dec (RJT); first on Clett Rock, Caith, 4 Jan (KM), at Dunnet Head 19 Dec (CW). Bred L Hourn (AHDH), first breeding for W Inv.
Species hardest hit (90% of birds found) in W coast wreck in late Sep and Oct (after severe gales 22nd and 27-28 Sep) with approaching 10,000 found dead from inner Solway Firth to L Linnhe, heaviest mortality on Ayr coast, ringing recoveries U. a. albionis, mainly from SW Welsh breeding colonies (AGS). Associated inland records: Perth, 1 Pitlochry 28 Sep (DWO), 1 L Dochart 30 Sep (RMR), and several others reported in these areas at the time; W Stir/Dunb, 3 Endrick mouth 22 Sep (after 104 mph gale) stayed for 2 wks, 1 Croftamie, Dunb, same day a few miles away (JMi, TW), includes first for W Stir; Dumf, windblown birds Moffat and Langholm 24-30 Dec (ELOC, ED). Unusual numbers Luce Bay, Wig, Nov (RHM, AGS, JGY); 40 Razorbills and Guillemots off Dalmeny, W Loth, 24 Oct (DIMW) and 20 Dec (TCS) was more than for years.
Bad oiling Fair Isle early Mar, 25 dead or dying on Ist, another 25 by 2nd, all very thin, in winter plumage and evidently not local birds (RHD); at Tentsmuir, N Fife, 20 oiled in 2 mls 29 Mar, thick black oil coming in, and many died in oil in last wks of year (DWO).
*Briinnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia. One decomposing L _ Caolisport, Knapdale, 11 Oct (RKMcG), first for Arg faunal area and N Arg, and 3rd Scottish record.
Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. Bred again (4:573) Meikle Ross, Kirk, nest and 2 eggs seen (HO, DSk, JGY); pr bred Portsoy, first recent breeding record for Banff (JE, DBMcG). Display Fair Isle from 26 Mar, rather low breeding success (RHD). S of breeding range on E coast: 1 dead (oiled) Burntisland, Fife, 9 Mar (JMC); 1 off Inchkeith 15 June (EMS, RWJS); 1 Isle of May 19 Aug (AFL).
Puffin Fratercula arctica. More than usual round Mull of Galloway, Wig, in July, where no recent breeding records (DAB, WMB); noted with holes in new areas Inchkeith 15 June (EMS, RWJS); still increasing Isle of May (NJG). First ashore Fair Isle 4-7 Apr, more 10-11 Apr, continu- ously from 14 Apr (full numbers 15th), decrease 16 July, few left 17 Aug though last still bringing fish to young 26 Aug, last ashore 28th
PLATE 5. (a) Crane, two flight shots, Shetland, 50 May-4 June 1969; about 9 others were recorded in Scotland in 1969, more than in any previous year. Photograph by R. J. Tulloch
(b) Marsh Sandpiper (with Black-headed Gull), Shetland, 4-6 May 1969, only the second Scottish record (Scot. Birds 6: 42). Photograph by Dennis Coutts
S
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PLATE 6. (a) King Eider, drake with pair of common Hider, Ronas Voe 18 April- 7 May 1969, an almost annual visitor to Shetland in recent years. Photograph by Dennis Coutts
(b) Ortolan Bunting, Skerries, May 1969, one of exceptional numbers in Shetland and Fair Isle early in the month. Photograph by R. J. Tullocn
errs WW
PLATE 7. (a) Pomarine Skua, Scalloway, Shetland, a bird which was present 17-25 June 1969.
(b) Red-footed Falcon, first-year male on Yell, Shetiand, 30 May to about 9 June
1959 (Scot. Birds (6: 59). Photographs by R. J. Tulloch
PLATE 3G.
Scalloway
Long-eared Shetland,
Owl, one
of
during the
SE SRK
W ~)
up to nine which roosted regularly in gardens in winter months of 1969 and previously. Photograph by R. J. Tulloch
102
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 103
(RHD). 1 Chanonry Pt 2 Aug (RAH), first for E Ross.
Wreck, probably mid Mar, Tentsmuir, Fife, 25 in 2 mls in early Apr had been dead some time, quite a few unoiled (DWO).
*Pallas’s Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus. 1 Foula, Shet, 26-31 May (MG, JGH), one of several 1969 reports of this now exceedingly rare immigrant to Britain (Brit. Birds 62 : 453).
Stock Dove Columba oenas. No reported changes in breeding status.
Rock Dove Columba livia. Spring and summer numbers and autumn flocks a little down on recent years Fair Isle, maxima 17 in Jan, 20 on 22 Apr, 14 thereafter, 34 on 30 Sep (RHD).
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus. No reported changes in breeding status. Unusually large flocks Caith in Dec, 400 Scrabster 14th (DG); _.Kinross, “flocks of 500-1000 with roosts of over 10,000” (AA, JHS). Spring passage Fair Isle mainly 9 Apr-28 June, peak 16 on 25 Apr (RHD). - wo) found Fife apparently poisoned, unable to stand, during year *Turtle Dove Sireptopelia turtur. No report on Ber breeding population. Records (singles unless noted) 4 May to about 4 Oct, mainly 19 May-20 June, 5 Aug-4 Oct, commonest Shet/Fair Isle: Dumf, Dunscore 27 May (ARH); Dunb, Tarbet 7 June (JNS); I Heb, Port Ellen, Islay, with Col- lared Doves 2 June (SHG); Selk, injured one near Ettrickbridge 25 June (DMi), first for county; E Loth, Aberlady 15 July (MJE); E Stir, Falkirk with Collared Doves 29 May (MH); Isle of May, 10 May (AMcD), 24-26 May (RAJ), 20 June (JP); Fife Ness 10 May (DWO); Angus, Montrose 19 May (JD), Usan 1 June (GMC), Barry 9 Aug (TMC1); N Kinc, Greg Ness 18 Sep (RSBy), first for division; Aber, Rattray Head 19 June (MW); E Inv, Boat of Garten June (HB, TLE); W Suth, Sandwood 8 June (DCH); Caith, 2 Wick 7 Sep (IW); Ork, N Ronaldsay most days 25 Sep-4 Oct (EJW); Fair Isle, passage 4 May-28 June, mainly 1-2, but 3, 4, 3 on 28, 30, 31 May, 8 on 6 June, 3 on 7th, 6 on 9th, 3 on 10-13 June, autumn 5-24 Aug, singles 8 days, 2 on 17-18 Aug (RHD); Shet, Foula 26 May, 3 on 27th, 1 to 31st, 3 on 7 June (JGH), Skerries 29 May (ISR), Scalloway 2 on 20 June, 1 on 25th (DLC), Helendale 20 July (DC), Fetlar 12 Aug, 18-20 Aug, 6 Sep (ARM), Skerries 13th, 17th, 21 Sep (ISR), Helendale 23rd and 25 Sep, 2 Oct (DC).
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocio. Still spreading, though little in- crease in some areas: Wig, increased, flock 80 near Mull of Galloway 17 Aug (JCS), well established Newton Stewart-Minnigaff (CABC), first breeding Kirk, where still very scarce in upland parts (just odd birds in spring) (ADW); Dumf, bred Thornhill (JM), numerous Dumfries (JGY), probably extended to Sanquhar (WD); general and common where there are trees in Clyde and west (MFMM), 32 at farm Iona in Aug (AMcD), though not yet recorded breeding N Arg; E Loth, probably still increasing (KSMcG); Midl, 2 Kirknewton 24 June, new locality (DBK); E Stir, noted Falkirk 29 May (MH), first record for division; Perth, breeding season records 6 localities (VMT); Angus, still increasing (GMC); Aber, increase Rattray (breeding not proved) (MW), noted July Braemar for first time (per JF); Banff, spread to Sandend (JE); Inv, bred or probably did so in S Inv at Arisaig, Corpach and Fort William, and in E Inv at Fort Augustus, Laggan Br, Kingussie, Kincraig, Boat of Garten, Nethybridge and Dal- whinnie (DNW), commonest Corpach/Fort William where 55 at distillery outfall Lochy Br 21 Nov (JASN), and bird recovered there from Cheshire (DNW); E Ross, increase Muir of Ord (DCH); W Ross, increase Gairloch (ENH), and noted Polglass (1), Poolewe (4), Torridon (2), Dornie Br (2), Laide (1) (DJB, JADH, DCH, DRS, JAW); N Suth, up to 5 Altnahara May-June appeared to be nesting (there is no breeding record) (EGH); Caith, increasing slowly (DMS); Ork, probably still increasing and spread- ing a little (EB); Shet, residents still mainly confined to Lerwick and Scalloway (RJT).
104 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
Migrants : Isle of May, 4 between 11th and 24 May (JP); St Kilda, up to 16 at once (Birds 3: 42); Fair Isle, passage from 12 May, singles 3 days, then 2 on 22 May, 5 on 26th, further peaks 6 on 7-8 June, 8 on 14th, up to 3-4 in summer (not breeding), last regularly seen 4 on 6 Aug, 1 on 7th, straggler 19th (RHD); Shet, increasingly frequent Foula in summer, maximum 5 on 7 June (JGH).
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Best numbers for years in Moorfoots, Midl, and brown @ seen Gladhouse from 11 May (WB, EMS, RWJS); very scarce N Suth this year May-June (EGH); more than usual heard Shet, where few breed (RJT).
Arrival: 18 Apr, Strathtay, Perth (THE); 25 Apr, Glenesk, Angus (GMC), Fort William, S Inv (JASN); 26 Apr, Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh (CS), Stornoway, O Heb (RMclI); 27 Apr, Yetholm, Rox (RSB), Selkirk (AJS); 30 Apr, Keir, Dumf (JFY), Kinross (JHS); 1 May, Gairloch, W Ross (ENH); but not till 3 May New Galloway, Kirk (ADW); 4 May, Kil- conquhar, Fife (DWO), Newburgh, Aber (WM); and Shet from 9 May (RJT). Passage Fair Isle 3 May-24 June, mainly 6-17 May and 26-30 May, 5 on 7 May, 6 on 8th, 4 on 28th; autumn Aug Ist (1), 13th (2) and 16th (1) (RHD). Last dates: W Ross, Poolewe 14 Sep, Gairloch 16 Sep (ENH).
*Barn Owl Tyio alba. All reports given, as distribution not well defined : Kirk, absent from some known sites, pr Shambellie all summer did not breed for first time in recent years, rather fewer than usual Oct-Dec (DCo, ADW); Dumf, widespread, 24 chicks ringed (NSRG); Ayr, 2 prs W Kilbride (JLB); Lan, 5 in one tree Hamilton 16 Nov (KCRH, HSCH); Glasgow, Possil Marsh (DJN); Dumbarton (DJL); bred Endrick mouth (HSCH, JMi); I Heb, Island House, Islay (DJS); Midl, bred Rosslyn (per JMo), noted Crighton Castle, Middleton, and Pathhead (ABC); Fife, noted Crail, St Monance, Colinsburgh (DWO); Kinross, 1 Leven- burgh 11 Oct (JFo); Perth, breeding season reports Crieff (BP), Blair Atholl (KW), four 10-km squares in SW of county (TDHM), and Dec at Br of Earn (EJM) and Almondbank (VMT); Angus, 1 Brechin 29 Sep (AGr), 1 Montrose 14 Oct (JD); Aber, pr Newburgh summer, and others reported (WM), 1 wintered Crimond 1968/69 (MW); E Inv, odd records two Inverness areas (MIH); E Ross, not as scarce as suggested by few 1968 records (5: 336), at least 4 breeding prs Dingwall/Evanton, and others reported there and on Nigg Hill (CGH), also Udale Bay (per MKMcD-D).
*Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca. Bred for 3rd yr Fetlar, first egg probably 10 May, 6 laid, 4 hatched, 1 died in nest and 2 later; ads and chick still
- on island 30 Dec, with 3 others (believed to be 2 imm @& 9, possibly from
previous broods, and another ad <), seen every month (RJT). Elsewhere Shet : Unst, ¢ 20-29 Apr, two 3-5 May, one 11 May, probable 2 30 May (MS); Yell, 1 Aywick 15 Feb (DT); Mainland, 1 Ronas Hill 27 Mar (per ANi), imm 92 and ad ¢ there 21 June (DC). Also ¢ Fair Isle 20 May (GJB, SB), 2 1 June (KdG, RHD).
*Little Owl Athene noctua. One in deep valley near Tarbet, Mull of Galloway, Wig, 25 Aug (JCS). One, occasionally 2, Moffat, Dumf, 24 July-14 Aug (per ED); 1 near Canonbie 17 Dec (ELOC); 1 Caerlaverock and Glencaple 24-30 Dec (JGY). One seen several times Nov at Kirk Yetholm, Rox, confirms 1968 sound identification (5: 336) (RSB). Bred again Borthwick, Midl (see 5: 287) (ISW per WB).
Tawny Owl Strix aluco. Widespread but no changes noted. Breeding Altnahara, N Suth, where possibly rare (EGH). Vagrant Ness, Lewis, O Heb, in Nov (ASm).
Long-eared Owl Asio otus. No reported changes in breeding status. Up to 9 roosted regularly in Scalloway, Shet, Jan-Mar, dispersing to hill territories Apr and returning to garden roosts from July; other Shet records, Yell (RJT), Skerries 23-24 Oct (ISR), Whalsay 19th, 21 Oct (JHSi). Fair Isle, 5 singles 4 Apr-11 May; a very few autumn/winter, 4
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 105
on 29 Nov (RHD). Four recoveries (2 in 1969) of Ist-Y birds ringed Speyside, E Inv, were only 1-20 mls from where hatched (DNW).
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus. Breeding numbers less than previous years Wig (RCD); breeding fairly plentifully Kirk but down on 1968 in some areas (ADW), and scarcity noted in lowland areas in autumn/ winter (JKRM, HMR); very poor breeding season Dumf and fewer winter records on lower ground (NSRG); much less frequent Midl than recent years (RWJS). First spring record Strathspey 10 Apr (JR). Shet, 10 spring records 23 Apr-l1 June, including one 10 mls off Sumburgh Head 13 May (PKK, JKi, ARM, MS), 1 Fetlar 3 Sep, and various others 20-25 Oct, in- cluding 10 Skerries 24 Oct (DC, ARM, ISR). Singles Fair Isle 9 May, 3 ap me 15 autumn 2 Oct-30 Dec, especially 19-30 Oct, with 5 on 23rd
*Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. One heard in long-established Kirk haunt New Galloway 29 June (KBr, ADW), but no comment from Ayr, and no breeding records (though doubtless bred). Singles: ¢ Fair Isle 12 = a Fetlar, Shet, 9 Aug (per ARM); 2 Canonbie, Dumf, 18 Aug
Swift Apus apus. Numbers up in Thurso, Caith (cf. 5: 337) (PMcM). Arrival: 26 Apr, 1 Arbroath, Angus (MN); 27 Apr, 1 Gladhouse, Midl (EMS); 28 Apr, 1 L Leven, Kinross (JHS); 2 May, first Shet (RJT); 3 May, 3 Lochmaben, Dumf (RTS); 4 May, Yetholm, Rox (RSB). Generally late : first Kirk 14 May Dalry (ADW) and Kirkcudbright (LF); not widespread Dumf till 12 May (JGY); first Kilconquhar, Fife, 7 May were very late, slow to consolidate owing to cold wet weather (DWO); small numbers L Leven till 12 May (30), 14th (100), building-up to 16th (500) and several days 100-250 (AA, JHS); first Perth 7 May (EJ), main arrival 13- 14 May (VMT); first Fair Isle 9 May, passage 23 May-30 June, especially 26 May-1 June, 8th and 27 June (RHD), with passage Shet also 28-31 May (RJT).
Several large feeding movements L Leven June of 300-500, and over 1000 on 18th, 22nd, 23rd; migrants there mainly 18 July-6 Aug, peaks a little below 1968, 50-250 usual, over 500 on 18th and 26 July (AA, JHS). Fair numbers Shet 17-26 July (23 Fetlar 24th) to 21 Sep (ARM, RJT), late one Whalsay 18 Oct (JHSi). Summer movements Fair Isle all July, but mainly after 14 July (20), with 40 on 23rd, 13 on 31st, last 14 Sep (RHD). Other movements: 63 S at Noss Head, Caith, 23 June (RS); 45 Rendall, Ork, 23 July (EB); usual large flocks over high ground and Lochmaben lochs, Dumf, July-mid Aug (NSRG). Other last dates: 21 Sep, St Abbs, Ber, and Barns Ness, E Loth (KSMcG); 28 Sep, Usan, Angus (GMC); see also dates to 18 Oct above.
*Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Slow improvement continues Dumf, seen 6 localities June, 3 nests (NSRG); 1 Newton Stewart, Kirk, late May pos- sibly bred (IHA); 3 Ettrickbridge, Selk, and other sightings Ettrick and Tweed indicate a return to area (AJS). Other records: Dunb/W Stir, Milngavie 24 Feb-5 Mar (RE, RGN, DJN); Arran, Brodick 6 Sep (WWW); I Heb, R Sorn, Islay, 2 Apr (RO); Midl, Water of Leith bird (5: 337) last seen 19 Jan (TB, MJE); Isle of May, 2 Sep (ADW), first since 1954; N Perth, Kindrogan, Strathardle, 21 July (per RSBr); Angus, R Lunan 3 Sep, first in county for several years (SS).
*Bee-eater Merops apiaster. Five in N Isles: Ork, 1 freshly dead San- day 25 May (WG, IHJL), 1 Skaill, Westray, 29-30 May (MAS); Fair Isle, three 7-9 July (GJB, RHD), and same 3 birds Weisdale, Shet, 9-12 July (6 : 46) (DC).
*Roller Coracias garrulus. Three singles: Skaill Forest, Caith, 19-24 June (JG, PJ, PMcM, DMS); Peterhead, Aber, 28 June-8 July (6: 47) (CJF, FCF, DEBL); New Galloway, Kirk, 10-14 Aug (6: 47) (AMC, JCl).
*Hoopoe Upupa epops. Eight spring (22 Apr-13 June, especially about
106 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
4 May), one autumn (12-20 Sep): N Arg, L Sunart 13 June (ICA); Ber, Duns early May (JCo per AC); S Kinc, Johnshaven 12-16 Sep (EMcB), 19-20 Sep (WBa); N Kinc, picked up weak 22 Apr (died 25th) Stone- haven (WBa); Aber, Torry 4 May (MAMcD, ADKR); Banff 13 May (AFWS); Ork, Burray 4 May (per EB); Shet, Sumburgh 4-11 May (DC), Whalsay 18-20 May (JHSi).
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. None Yetholm, Rox, where decline began 3 yrs ago (RSB); in Selk nested Yarrow (RF) but numbers much reduced in county (AJS); noted Tyninghame, E Loth, Jan-Feb, but no sign of increase (EMS, RWJS). Various records upper Forth and Perth (TDHM, VMT), and odd birds Lan (DJN), Midl (including first Glad- house since 1963) (RWJS), S Fife (2 juvs Burntisland (cf. 1968) 7-11 Aug) (TMC). Furthest N were: N Arg, 2 Kilberry, Tarbert, June (MC); Angus (first recorded 1968), 1 Glamis 20 Apr (CMM).
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major. More frequently noted Dalry-New Galloway, Kirk, than 1968 (LAU, ADW, JGY); numbers down, only 2 sightings, Yetholm, Rox (RSB); still no recent W Loth records (TCS), and only 1 report Mid] (RWJS), but holding its own E Loth (KSMcG); virtually absent over much of E Fife (recorded only 3 places) (DWO); increasing Gairloch area, W Ross (ENH).
Most of the following records reflect the strong invasion of Northern birds D. m. major in autumn 1968: Isle of May, Northern 9 trapped 17 May (DJL, JHBM); O Heb, 1 Stornoway 29 Apr (TDR); Caith, odd birds and parties of 2-3 all over county Jan-Mar, last 3 Wick 28 May, no evidence of attempted breeding (DMS); Ork, a few wintered and were noted at Binscarth (1), Woodwick (2), Rousay (1) and Stromness (1) until late Apr (EB); Fair Isle, 2 9¢ 28 May, 3 on 3lst (RHD); Shet, singles Whalsay 15 May (JHSi), Kergord 30 May (JKi) and 3-5 June (DU).
*Wryneck Jynx torquilla. A spate of summer records produced the first three Scottish breeding records (see also 1: 120). At least 5 territorial ‘prs Speyside, E Inv, first noted 30 May, nests of 3 prs found, all suc- cessful (BL-E, DNW). Two calling L Tulla, N Arg, end of May-2 June (TW); 1 calling in very suitable new locality Strachan, N Kinc, 20 May-6 June (NP), first record for division; 1 singing in small glen some miles SE of Inverness with Scandinavian-type habitat 16 June (DLC, RJHR); in E Ross 2 do calling Lochluichart 22 May (CAEK), and ¢ seen and heard daily 29 May-9 June, another answering on 8 June, Muir of Ord (DCH).
Exceptional spring numbers 3-8 May, a few to 6 June: Ber, 7 St Abbs 3 May (RKMcG); E Loth, 1 Barns Ness 3rd and 5 May (RKMcG, EMS, RW9JS); Isle of May, 3-11 May (3, 5, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1) (JP); Fife Ness, 4 on 4 May, present to 7th (2), 8th (1) (PGTB, DWO); Angus, 2 Arbroath 8 May (MN), 1 dead Usan 27 May (GMC); Aber, 2 Torry and 1 Newburgh 4 May, 2 Forvie 7th (MAMcD, WM, NP, ADKR); N Suth, 1 Strathmore 15 May (DCH), first for division; Ork, singles Toab 5 May (EJWi), Rousay 7 May and Sanday 7 May (KMa, DMcK); Fair Isle, massive arrival of 45 on afternoon of 3 May (previous best since 1948 was 12), then 4th (25), 5th (15), 6th (10), many found dead rather than leaving island, stragglers 9th, 1 on 21 May, 26th-28th, 2 on 30th, 1 on 31st, 1 on 6 June (RHD); Shet, Whalsay 4 on 4 May, 5 on 5th, 1 on 6th and 8th (JHSi), Sumburgh 1 on 4 May (DC), Skerries 12 on 5 May, 10 on 6th, 1 on 7th, 4 on 8th (ISR), Fetlar 1 on 6-7 May (ARM).
Autumn quieter 19 Aug-27 Sep: Shet, 1 Fetlar 19 Aug (ARM); Fair Isle, singles 4th, 14th-15th, 17-18 Sep, 2 on 19th (RHD); Fife Ness, 2 on 18 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, 17-20 Sep (1, 3, 1, 2) (AFL), late one 26-27 joes (GLAP); E Loth, 1 Barns Ness 18 Sep (TD); N Arg, 1 L Awe 28 Aug THJ).
*Short-toed Lark Calandrella cinerea. Singles Fair Isle 3 June (GJB) and 30 Sep (RHD); 1 Whalsay, Shet, 14th and 18 Oct (JHSi).
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 107
*Woodlark Lullula arborea. The Fair Isle ringed bird from 11 Nov 1968 (5: 338) heard singing from 23 Jan, last seen 5 Mar; other singles there 20 Mar, 7-13 Apr, 7th and 28 Oct (RHD); singles Whalsay, Shet, 21st and 24 Apr, 2 May (JHSi).
Skylark Alauda arvensis. No reported changes in breeding status. Arrival of migrants Fair Isle from 26 Feb, peaks Mar 2nd (75), 4th (40), 20th-27th (50, 80, 500, 400, 300, 200, 200, 250), further increases lst and 5 Apr, 3 May; autumn movement 14 Sep through Oct, numbers low after 3rd wk Nov (RHD). Other numbers: Aber, 1000/hr S at Br of Don 2 Feb in cold weather movement (MAMcD); Dumf, 300 on passage San- quhar 17 Apr (AB, WW/i); E Stir, large movement Skinflats 29 Nov, up to 1500 (DF).
*Shore Lark Eremophila alpesiris. 1 Fair Isle 28 May (RHD); 2 Skerries, Shet, 19 Oct, 1 on 25th, 2 on 26th, 1 on 27th (ISR); 1 Isle of May 25 Oct (BM, BU).
Swallow Hirundo rustica. More plentiful than usual on Kirk hill farms (ARu); Yetholm, Rox, breeding numbers only a quatrer of 1968’s (RSB); E Fife numbers reduced, very much so on some farms (DWO); decrease at several Kinross sites, but good breeding season (JHS).
Arrival: 9 Apr, isolated record Fife Ness (DBMcG), 16 days before next in county; 13 Apr, Kirkcudbright (LF); 17 Apr, Yetholm and Kelso, Rox (RSB); 18 Apr, L Leven, Kinross (JHS); 19 Apr, Southerness, Kirk (JT); 20 Apr, Rait, Perth (IMcLa), Rescobie, Angus (JD); 23 Apr, Keir, Dumf (JFY); 24 Apr, main arrival Perth 24th-25th (VMT), Fair Isle (RHD); 25 Apr, N Berwick, E Loth (DYA), Cupar (DWO) and Lundin Links, Fife (PGTB); 26 Apr, Strachan, N Kinc (NP), Fort William, S Inv (JC), Stornoway, O Heb (RMclI). Better numbers: Dumf, large arrival 1 May (JGY); Fife, general movement 29 Apr halted by cold weather in early May (DWO); Kinross, light passage L Leven (maximum only 150-200 hirundines) a few days in mid May (AA, JHS); E Inv, none Speyside till 11 May (HB); Fair Isle passage to 27 June, mainly from 21 May, 22nd (25), 24th (50), 25th-26th (75), 28th-29th (50), 30th (80) (RHD); Shet, from 30 Apr (ARM), mainly 26-29 May, up to 50 a day, 100 Virkie 29 May (RJT).
Autumn: Shet, small passage mainly 16-30 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle, mainly 18-29 Sep, 10 on 18th, 16 on 19th (RHD); E Ross, 300 in 15 mins Tarbat Ness 29 Aug (CJMcK-G); Kinross, L Leven movement from about 20 Aug (100 hirundines), 22nd (500), 24th (200) (AA, JHS); Dumf, large movement 19-28 Sep, at least 3000 Caerlaverock parish (JGY). Numbers stayed late in Fife, 50 Swallows and House Martins St Andrews 2 Nov (DWO). Other Nov records : ist, Castlehill, Caith (DMS), Garlieston, Wig (IHA); 2nd, L Mhor, E Inv (MR); 8th, Kingoodie, Perth (HBo); 9th, East Haven, Angus (JKRM). A late brood near Dingwall, E Ross, fledged about 22 Sep (CGH).
House Martin Delichon urbica. In Kirk, Clatteringshaws Dam colony increased (ARu, ADW), that at W Shambellie much reduced (DCo); more than usual Yetholm, Rox, following second wave of birds in late June (RSB); still breeding Melville St, central Edinburgh, pr feeding young 9 Sep (JB, ATM); in Banff, absent 2 cliff sites Portsoy but Knock colony increased (JE); pr nested Finstown, Ork, where not regular (EB).
Arrival: 20 Apr, 2 Kinnaird Lake, Angus (JD); 21 Apr, 20 Kelso, Rox (RSB); 23 Apr, Luffness, E Loth (DJ), 2 St Andrews, Fife (DWO), Crieff, Perth (IMcLa); 25 Apr, Keir, Dumf (JM); 28 Apr, L Leven, Kinross (JHS). ‘More recorded from 3 May, including: Isle of May from 4 May (JP); Kinross, similar passage to Swallow in mid May (JHS); first in various places Caith 4 May, many all over county by 5th, down to normal level 7th (DMS); first O Heb 3 May Stornoway, 14 there on 26 May (TDR); Fair Isle passage 3 May-2 July, peaks of 20-60 on May 5th, 12th, 15th, 26th,
108 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
27th, 29th, June Ist, 2nd, 14th, 20th and July 2nd (RHD); considerable passage Shet from 4 May, gap 13-26 May, then good movement to 3lst, 70 Fetlar 27th, 80 Skerries 29th (ARM, ISR, RJT).
Autumn: L Leven passage 20-24 Aug as for Swallow, but also some House Martins alone, including 26 Aug (80), 5 Sep (55) and 12 Sep (33) (AA, JHS); up to 500 Yetholm, Rox, 5 Sep (RSB); large numbers in hirundine movement on Nith estuary, Dumf, 19-28 Sep, 150 seen to roost in grass on merse on 22nd (JGY). Late departure from Fife : good numbers ‘St Andrews 2 Nov, as for Swallow (DWO); 1 Lundin Links 9 Nov (PGTB), 5 St Andrews 10 Nov (JMMcF).
Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Breeding numbers reduced Kinross (JHS); greatly so in E Fife (DWO); very scarce Caith (DMS).
Arrival: 4 Apr (late first date), 2 Edinburgh (MAMcD); no more till 8 Apr, Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD), 4 L Marlee, Perth (HBo); 9 Apr, Morton Lochs (RWS), but no others Fife until 24th (DWO); 10 Apr, 100 Lochmaben, Dumf (RTS), 1 Montrose, Angus (GMC). Widespread Dumf 20 Apr (JGY), when first Lochy Br, Inv (JASN); but first records Rox, Kinross, Aber and Moray not till 23-26 Apr (RSB, JMB, AR, JHS); first Spey, E Inv, 11 May (HB); scattered Shet reports 4 May-10 June (RJT); Fair Isle 13 May and 24 May-25 June, 8 on 26 May, 5 on 27th, record 28 on 28th, 8 on 29th, 6 on 1 June and 5 on 13th (RHD). Second wave Yetholm, Rox, mid July (RSB).
A few Fair Isle 28 Aug-21 Sep (RHD); at least 2000 hawking over mud Caerlaverock, Dumf, 20 Sep as they moved across Solway (JGY). Last dates : 3 Oct, Isle of May (RAJ); 6 Oct, Elliot, Angus (MN).
One trapped Lac de Guiers, Senegal, 3 Mar had been ringed as a juv in Kirk in 1966 (GHG), and another there on 16 Mar had been ringed as an ad at Glasgow on 5 June 1966 (RAJ).
*Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus. Recorded (7) 24 May-5 July: I Heb, lst-Y 3 Tiree 27 May (JEG); E Stir, pr Airth, 2 3rd and 5 June, ¢ on 4th (WAn, AD, TDHM), cf. 1968 pr (5: 339); Isle of May, 2 14 June (AMcD); Angus, d Kinnell 27 May (JD); Fair Isle, tired 9 24 May (RHD); Shet, lst-Y ¢ Fetlar 25 June-5 July (ARM).
Raven Corvus corax. Seems to be increasing Caith (DMS); 2 Forres 9 May, first time there (BE); 2 over Grangemouth, E Stir, 20 Mar (TDHM); 1 Aberlady (first there), E Loth, 29 Dec (ROM). No noticeable spring influxes Fair Isle (RHD); 1 Isle of May 1 Sep (PJM).
Crow Corvus corone. Hooded Crows C. c. cornix much scarcer E Loth in late 1960s than previously (RWJS); odd ones noted E Loth, S Fife, Isle of May, including 3 there 10 May (AMcD); birds with some grey still fairly frequent Kirk but no pure Hoodies (ADW); proportion of Hooded or mainly Hooded still increasing Speyside, E Inv, and hybrids of widely different colour fledge from same nests (DNW).
40 Carrion Crows C. c. corone 9 Mar was unusual number at Gladhouse, Midl (EMS, RWJS); 21 Carrion on Isle of May on 10 May (AMcD); 1 Carrion resident Fair Isle and probably bred with a Hoodie, also 3 migrant Carrion 26 Apr and 6 on 2 June, hybrid 25 May-26 Sep and another 3 Aug (RHD).
Rook Corvus frugilegus. No reported status changes. Fair Isle migrants : peak 5 on 25 Apr, 6 on 28th, odd birds other times (RHD). As in 1968, Rooks were a feature of Dumf high ground and saltmarshes in July, also foraging on high-tide wrack Feb (JGY); at New Luce, Wig, in Aug parties were feeding on moorland (RCD), a regular late-summer habit in Kirk (ADW). Of 516 trapped Feb-Mar Lockerbie, Dumf, 16% were lst-W (NSRG, RTS). Pr bred successfully at second attempt 100 yds from Helensburgh rookery on chimney pot, owing to the fortunate chance that the occupant of the house was ill in bed (MDA).
Jackdaw Corvus monedula. No reported changes in breeding status.
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 109
Migrants: Isle of May, 1 on 10 May (AMcD); Fair Isle, singles 30 Mar, 27 May, autumn flock 23 Oct (5) increased to 12 on 24th, 14 on 26th, dropping from 13 to 9 in early Nov, but rest staying on (RHD); Fetlar, Shet, 3 migrants 29 Oct, 7 on 30th, 2 on 3lst (ARM).
Magpie Pica pica. Increasing in forested upland areas Kirk (ADW); and also E Ross, chiefly up Strathardle at head of Alness River (CGH). Odd oS noted Mid Coull, Angus, 18 Sep (GMC), Rafford, Moray, 23 May
Jay Garrulus glandarius. Spreading to new areas Kirk as conifers grow (ARu); as many as 120-150 prs estimated Forest of Ae, Dumf (HO, JGY); often seen Tentsmuir, N Fife (DWO), and a few prs in S Kinross (JHS), but fairly common Perth and Angus. Odd records: N Kinc, 2 Banchory 10 Oct (NP), 2 Strachan 5 Nov (WM); Aber, 3 Glen Taner 17 Sep, where known since 1957 but numbers small (NP); E Ross, 1 dead Strathpeffer 2 July (DCH).
*Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. Again no reports on small breeding populations.
Great Tit Parus major. Scarce Caith, where usually regular though sparse in larger woods (DMS). Low winter numbers Dalry, Kirk, at garden food (5: 340) continued, but numerous at nearby beechmast (ADW).
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus. No reported changes in breeding status. Three migrants Binscarth, Ork, 14 May (TMC)).
Coal Tit Parus ater. Though present Stornoway Woods, O Heb, breed- ing not confirmed in 1969 (WAJC); otherwise little comment on breeding status.
Crested Tit Parus cristatus. Outside Speyside stronghold, numbers slightly down on 1968 at Heathmount, Tain, E Ross (CJMcK-G).
*Marsh Tit Parus palustris. No report on Ber population; 3 prs in ter- ritory Yetholm, Rox, but breeding not proved (RSB).
*Willow Tit Parus montanus. Not recorded outside Clyde/Solway range; 7 prs at Fountain Glen alone, indicating its strength in Dumf, where it favours wet birch woodland (NSRG); clearly good breeding season Kirk, 8-10 nests Kirkconnell Flow, also usual Ken valley places, and probably equally common in suitable habitat Wig (HD, ADW, JGY).
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Good numbers noted Kirk (CABC, ADW); quite good numbers E Loth (KSMcG); apparently in good numbers Midl (RWJS); but Kinross flocks only 1-10 (10-20 in 1968) suggesting poor breeding season there (JHS). Up to 8 daily Isle of May 26-31 Oct (IFS); party 5 at Binscarth and at Stenady, Finstown, 28-29 Oct, reported as British race, 2nd Ork record (EJWi); also 5 Kyle of Tongue, N Suth, 6 Oct (DG); and 15 Reay, Caith, for a few days round 25 Dec (JFa).
*Nuthatch Sitta europaea. One at window ledge 25 Feb at same Kirk locality as 1966 (4: 450) (ABG); also at Kirkconnell Flow, not far distant, 3 Feb at two places and 6 Apr at one, possibly all same bird, not found again despite intensive search (JGY).
Treecreeper Cerihia familiaris. Numbers apparently below average E Loth (DYA, KSMcG), but increasing steadily Fife (DWO); otherwise no comment on this quite common species.
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Numbers lower than most recent years Fair Isle, probably caused by severe winter (RHD); but no other sugges- tion of anything but good numbers.
Dipper Cinclus cinclus. One 23-24 June in suitable breeding habitat Hoy, Ork (DRS), where has not nested for 30 yrs (5: 100). 3 Tyninghame, E Loth, Nov were first for that locality (RWJS). One of 1968 Black- bellied birds C. c. cinclus (5: 341) stayed Fair Isle to 10 Feb (RHD).
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus. Probably increasing Kirk with
110 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
spread of forest (ADW), and may be increasing slightly E Fife (DWO). Small numbers of migrants Fair Isle (maximum 4) 26 Feb-27 Mar, fewer 18 Apr-17 May (RHD). Autumn flocks: Perth, 80 Dunkeld 23 Aug (SEH); Kinross, parties 10-20 feeding on blaeberries Aug-Sep (JHS); Kirk, usual flocks on hills and in young forest July onwards, when gardens mainly Ont CHO) (ADW); Dumf, large flocks, up to 300 Shieldhill, feature of mid
ct A
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Nest with 6 eggs in fir tree Shet Mainland 28 May, well-feathered young in it later (DC); young fledged from nest found on 14 June with 6 eggs in small sycamore tree Unst (MS); pr reared 3 young on Ork Mainland 8 mis from 1967 site (5: 31) in heather in side of ditch, beginning to fly 1 Aug (EB); at least 3rd, 4th and 5th Scottish breeding records, all from N Isles. At Slains, Newburgh, Aber, 1 sum- mered Apr-Aug, not singing nor in breeding habitat (WM, IJP).
Spring, mainly 22 Apr-15 May but earlier in SW: Dumf, notable move- ment on wide front 17 Mar and 12-17 Apr (JM, JFY, JGY); Rox, 3000 at communal roost Yetholm 20 Apr, left 25 Apr (RSB); Midi, big numbers (300) Temple 21 Apr (DGA); migrants Fife Ness 23 Apr-8 May (25), last 10th (DWO); Isle of May, high spring numbers 22 Apr (200) (DJF), 3 May (100), 4 May (150), 8 May (100) (JP); odd ones Angus (JD), N Kinc (AR), 8-11 May; E Inv, Spey passage 8 Mar through Apr (DNW); Fair Isle passage 22 Apr (50)-22 May, peaks Apr 24th-27th (200, 1200, 300, 300) 29th (400), up to 300 to 9 May (400), decreasing to 250 on 10th May, 160 on 15th (RHD); Shet, movement from 22 Apr, Foula 25-26 Apr (800) \JGH), Fetlar 25 Apr (800), 4 May (400), 8 May (800), 10 May (1000) (ARM), Whalsay 25 Apr (1000), 4 May (350), 13 May (100) (JHSi), Sker- ries (not watched Apr) 5 May (600), 10 May (1000) (ISR). Last dates (June): 1 St Abbs, Ber, lst (RWJS); last Isle of May on 11th (JP); strag- glers Fair Isle to 9th (RHD); 1 Dales Voe, Shet, 20th (DLC).
Autumn early birds: Fair Isle first 2 Aug, maximum 4 on 19th, maxi- mum 11 in Sep (RHD); Isle of May, 1 on 17 Aug (JH); E Inv, 2 Rothie- murchus 4 Sep (NP, DNW); Fife, first 18 Sep (DWO); Rox, first 15 Sep (RSB).
Main arrival, especially 22-26 Oct : Shet, scarcely any till 12 Oct, con- siderable passage to end of Oct, peaks 500 Fetlar 23rd (ARM), 700 Sker- ries 23rd (ISR), 300 Unst 23rd (MS), 100 Whalsay 25th (JHSi); Fair Isle, very few in first half Oct, peaks 20th (150), 22nd (500), 23rd (600), 100- 300 to 3lst, decrease Nov from 200 first wk to 100 on 8th, but late passage Dec 21st (50), 22nd (75), 29th (150), 30th-3lst (200) (RHD); Ork, estimated fall of 20,000 N Ronaldsay 22 Oct (EJW); E Inv, mainly 3rd wk Oct Spey- side (DNW); S Inv, peak Corpach 24-26 Oct (JC, JASN); Kinross, mainly 25-26 Oct (250, 500) (JHS); Midl, first Moorfoot movement (80) 26 Oct (EMS, RWJS); Wig, few before late Oct, 400 Whithorn 28th (AFA), But maximum only 30 during 18-31 Oct Isle of May (NJG), and very few Fife Ness (DWO, ASm); few Rox till 22 Nov (RSB); absent Dumf from first flocks of Redwing (not paralleled for at least 7 yrs) and no large flocks till 500 Caerlaverock 17 Nov; 5000 passed SSW there in 2 hrs 17 Dec in blizzard, the largest movement ever seen by the observer (JGY).
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos. More than usual bred Caith (DMS); many first broods lost Fife in cold, wet early-spring (DWO). Some Spey- side, E Inv, passage last wk Mar (DNW); Fair Isle 24 Feb-30 May, mainly 15-30 Mar (25 on 16th) and 22 Apr-13 May, peaks 22-23 Apr (100), 24th (250), 3-4 May (150) (RHD); Shet, a few 12-17 Feb and Mar, mainly from 22 Apr, peaks Fetlar 25 Apr (200), 5 May (80), and similarly other islands (ARM, RJT).
Autumn : Shet, mainly from 6 Oct, 100 Fetlar 13th (ARM), 300 Skerries 13th, 19th, 23rd (ISR); Fair Isle, 14 Sep-4 Dec, mainly 18-27 Sep (20 on 19th, 21st) and 13 Oct-3 Nov, peaks Oct 13th (150), 19th (200), 23rd-25th (500, 200, 100) (RHD); E Inv, passage Speyside heaviest 3rd wk Oct
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 11]
(DNW); Aber, many arrived Rattray Head 19-20 Oct (MW).
Redwing Turdus musicus. Probably breeding in many more places than reported, and well established N Scotland; 6 breeding prs located in area where 15 in 1968 (5: 342), but less searching done (anon); breeding con- firmed NW Ross and W Suth in 1969 (per CGH); in N Suth singing 25 May-8 June at central site where nested 1967 and seen 1968, second bird singing in area 8-11 June, singing Strathnaver 9 June where pr _ later feeding at least 3 newly fledged young, and at least 2 newly fledged young being fed some miles away at L Naver 14 June; also ad Strathbrora, SE Suth, 8 June (EGH); E Ross, birds singing and taking food regularly to wooded hillside some miles W of Dingwall 1 June (HOB), and breed- ing confirmed at a second site (per CGH)—though previous breeding records have not been ascribed to E Ross, those published in Brit. Birds 52: 315; 53: 358 and Scot. Birds 1 : 454; 2: 441 also refer to that division (DMcD); E Inv, at least 3 nests (and young) at new locality in a glen some miles W of L Ness (per MR), young fledged near Fort Augustus from nest that had 4 eggs on 7 May (LMcN), nest, fledged young and anxious adults late May Glen Quoich (Glen Garry) where ad roosted all spring on window ledge (LMcN), only 3 singing birds Speyside, one breeding successfully in known breeding locality (DNW); Moray, pr seen early May and one flushed off eggs Elgin (DSm). i
Spring, mainly 22-26 Apr: Isle of May, last 3 May (JP); trickle Fife Ness, maximum 6 on 23 Apr (DWO); first Spey, E Inv, 16 Mar, passage through Apr (DNW); small passage Fair Isle 16 Mar-6 May, mainly 22-25 Aor (30, 40, 75, 50) (RHD); slight passage Shet from 22 Apr, 20 Whalsay 25 Apr (JHSi), 20 Fetlar 26 Apr (ARM), 20 Foula 26 Apr (JGH).
Autumn, very heavy movements about 12th, 19th and 23 Oct: Shet, large passage from about 3 Oct, Fetlar Oct 6th (70), 12th (600), 13th (1300), 23rd (2000) (ARM), Skerries Oct 12th (1500), 18th (400), 24th (600) (ISR), Unst Oct 12th (100), 23rd (200) (MS), Whalsay Oct 19th (1000) (JHSi), Foula immense Oct movement of 10.000-15,000 (JGH); Fair Isle, a few from 19 Sep, passage from 2 Oct, mainly from 6th, far more than in recent years, Oct 10th-31st (50, 600, 6000. 6000 many new, 200, 1000, 500, 500, 500, 6000, 1000, 500, 3009, 9000, 3000, 1000, 500, 500, 500, 500, 400, 300), 200 in 1st wk Nov, then fewer (RHD); Ork, a few from 3 Oct N Ronaldsay, fairly large fall 13 Oct, another 3000 on 22 Oct, estimated 20,000 on 23rd, migration on huge scale (EJW, DBW); O Heb, 1 Uig 3 Sep (EC, EK), first flock Lewis 12 Oct (WAJC); Caith, heard nightly 15-18 Oct, small parties most places by 19th, noticeable increase by 1100 hrs in fine weather, thousands arriving, county swarming with Redwings moving S by mid afternoon, most gone 20th but new ones ar- riving, movement noticeable S to Aviemore on 23rd and in Fife 24th, also noted from 18 Oct Sule Skerry and as far W as Cape Wrath, trapped Caith birds were Scandinavian and in good condition (DMS); heavy aut- umn migration in Oct also noted E Ross (CGH), W Ross (ENH), E Inv (MIH); Aber, 1000 in 3 hrs in from sea Rattray 18 Oct (JD), many arrived 19-20 Oct (MW); N Perth, marked movement 950 S in 14 hrs Dunblane 25 Oct (DIMW); exceptional numbers Airlie, Angus, Oct (DAT); Kinross, first 12 on 6 Oct, 160 W on 12th, mainly 24-26 Oct (500, 500, 150), largest movement in 3 autumns, numbers high to mid Nov (AA, JHS); Fife, mas- sive, protracted arrival, heavy passage over St Andrews 11 Oct (foggy night with E winds), 400/hr arriving Fife Ness 12th, heavy passage rest of Oct (DWO, ASm); Midl, big movement over Gladhouse at dusk 11 Oct, and continued Edinburgh and Aberlady, E Loth, on 12th (DGA); Rox, arrived 20 Sep Yetholm but mainly (800) 12 Oct (RSB); Dumf, arriving 13 Oct with flocks of 70-150 up to 30 Oct, when widely distributed (JKRM, DSk, JS, JGY); Kirk and Wig, large arrivals from 13 Oct, far bigger flocks than last few years (IHA, ADW).
Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus. Probably at least 2 prs Hoy, Ork, where
112 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
breeding is only occasional (EB); no other status changes reported.
Only one Mar record, 2 Moorfoots, Midl, 30th (WB). Other arrivals (very late): 5 Apr, Moffat (LF), but no more in Dumf until 15th; 7 Apr, 1 Rowbank, Renf (HGC); 9 Apr, 3 Glen Clova, Angus (GMC); 12 Apr, first Speyside, E Inv (DNW); 15 Apr, Scaur Glen, Dumf (ARH); 20 Apr, 3 Megget, Selk (AJS). No Apr dates in some counties, but passage last wk Apr and early May : Dumf, widespread 12 localities by 27 Apr (NSRG); Ber, 1 St Abbs 23 Apr (RKMcG); 1 Fife Ness 23 Apr (DWO); Fair Isle, 21 Apr-4 June, mainly 24 Apr-12 May, peak 35 on 24 Apr, record 300 arrived 3 May, dropping to 75 by 7-8 May (RHD); Shet, fair numbers, peaks Fetlar 25 Apr (20), 4 May (150), few after 11th (ARM), Whalsay 24 Apr (20), 5 May (20) (JHSi), Skerries 5-6 May (100, 120), 10 May (150) (ISR); elsewhere odd migrants 3-7 May in Ber (DIMW), E Loth (RWJS), Aber (MAMcD, NP), Ork (EB), with 60 Isle of May 4-6 May (JP), and 9 Fife Ness from 3 May after E winds (DWO).
Scarce autumn: Shet, a few, mainly 17-25 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 3 on 18 Sep, small numbers 5-26 Oct (15 on 19th, 30 on 23rd), 1 on 3 Nov ); odd migrants noted 19-25 Oct in Ork (EJW), Aber (MAMcD), Angus (MN), Ber (DIMW); apart from Fair Isle, only Nov record was a late bird at Fife Ness on 28th (JARG).
Blackbird Turdus merula. No reported changes in breeding status. Spring : Fife, good passage 4-10 May (DWO); Fair Isle, scarce, peaks only 35-40 on 7 Apr, 25 Apr, 3 May (RHD); Shet, some arrived Fetlar around 22 Apr (ARM). Autumn: Shet, first arrivals Skerries 12 Oct, 400 on 13th (ISR); Fair Isle, from 10 Oct, mainly 13 Oct-9 Nov, peaks Oct 13th (300), 15th (300), 18th (300), 19th-21st (1000), 22nd-27th (500, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 500), and late movement Dec 20th-2I1st (100), 22nd (150), 31st (100) (RHD); Ork, considerable movement N Ronaldsay Oct 13th (33), 23rd (200), 24th (300) (EJW); Aber, 100 in from sea in 3 hrs 18 Oct Rattray (JD), arrivals 19th-20th (MW); Fife, a few from 12 Oct, main arrival to- wards end of Oct (later than usual) and numbers below usual (DWO); very light autumn passage, no more than 200 a day, Isle of May (NJG). Earlier, distinct SW passage 14-20 Aug Dumf with lst-W dd much in evidence; also 17-30 Dec, when ad dd more obvious (NSRG), 300 coun- ted from car Dumfries-Glencaple 27 Dec (JGY).
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Fewer than usual E Loth (KSMcG); no other comments on status. Arrivals, generally late: 15 Mar (isolated rec- ord), ¢ Southerness, Kirk (WA); 23 Mar, Virkie, 3 wks before next Shet record (WH); 29 Mar, Fife Ness (DWO); 30 Mar, Moffat, Dumf (WM); 4 Apr, St Abbs, Ber (CNW), 3 Moorfoots, Mid! (WB), widespread Kirk by lst wk Apr (ADW); 5 Apr, Isle of May (MJE), 2 Arbroath, Angus (MN), Spey, E Inv (DNW); 6 Apr, Thornhill, Dumf (JFY), Stornoway, O Heb (RMclI). Later records : Dumf, not widespread until 20 Apr (JGY); Isle of May, 200 on 4 May (JP); 10 Fife Ness by 9 Apr (GO) but slow to con- solidate owing to cold spells (DWO); Perth, first 18 Apr (THE) but main arrival from 26 Apr (VMT); Banff, passage 20 Boyndie airfield 6 May (JE); Ork, fairly numerous early May, 200 in one area of S Ronaldsay 5th (EJWi); Fair Isle, 9 Apr (6), 11th (20), fewer 12-17 Apr, then 18th- 22nd (15, 25, 30, 50, 150), 200 on 26th, further increases to 3 May, Green- land birds 19-21 May (RHD).
Autumn: Fair Isle, 16 Aug-25 Oct, migrants of NW origin on 6th, 9th, llth, 25-26 Sep (RHD); Ork, 50 N Ronaldsay 10 Sep, 40 on 19th (DBW); Angus, 23 Arbroath 18 Sep (MN); Isle of May, good numbers, up to 100 a day, Sep (NJG); Wig, 150 Mull of Galloway area 17 Aug (JCS). Last dates : 27 Oct, 2 Caerlaverock, Dumf (DSk, JGY); 1 Nov, Skarfskerry, Caith (AB); 2 Nov, Maryculter, N Kinc (NE); 16 Nov, Aberlady, E Loth (WME).
*Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica. ¢ 2nd-4th and 15 July, Hill
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 113
of ony Stanes, Clyth (DHa, RWJS, DMS, MW), first for N Coast and aith.
Stonechat Saxicola torquata. Breeding numbers increased in hill coun- try W of New Galloway, Kirk (ARu). Caith winter numbers continued high Jan-Mar, but scarce Oct-Dec (cf. 5: 343) (DMS). Migrants : Fair Isle, single dd 24th and 28 Mar, 2nd and 4-5 Apr, one 18 Oct (RHD); Isle of May, 9 Oct (RAJ), 20-21 Oct (BU).
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra. Continues to increase and extend into new forests Dumf (JGY); seems to be increasing Altnahara area, N Suth, or moving into newly forested areas (EGH); feeding young Barra, O Heb, where rare and local (per WAJC); possibly breeding Hoy (1 with food 24 June), Ork, where no recent proof (5: 101) (DRS); but fewer than usual Rox, keeping more to high ground (RSB); and breeding numbers below normal E Loth (KSMcG).
Arrival: 27 Apr, Yetholm, Rox (RSB); 29 Apr, 1 Fair Isle (RHD); 30 Apr, Scaur Glen, Dumf (JMcC); 2 May, start of Fair Isle passage (RHD); 3 May, Isle of May (JP), 3 Girdle Ness, N Kinc (ADKR), start of Shet passage (RJT); 4 May, quite a few Kirk (ADW), Gladhouse, Midi (DGA), fall of 10 Fife Ness (DWO), 2 Arbroath (MN). Otherwise: Dumf, not widespread till 7-10 May (JGY); Isle of May, 3 May-8 June, 40 on 9 May (JP); Aber, 11 Forvie 7 May (NP); Ork, fair numbers early May, up to 40 S Ronaldsay (EJWi); Fair Isle, passage 2 May-9 June, mainly to 30 May, with May 2nd-9th (6, 130, 90, 75, 75, 50, 50, 35) (RHD); Shet, passage mainly 3-12 May, maxima Fetlar 5th (30), 10th (30), Whalsay 5th (20), 7th (20), Skerries 5th (50), and some 29-31 May (ARM, ISR, JHSi, RJT).
Autumn : Shet, 10 Skerries 17 Aug (RJT), maximum about 18 Sep when 7 Skerries, 4 Whalsay, last Whalsay 24 Oct (ISR, JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, 6 Aug-20 Oct, small numbers, but 20 on 13th and 18 Aug, 12 on 16 Sep, 30 on 19th, 12 on 21st (RHD); almost complete absence of autumn rec- ords Fife Ness (DWO); noted Isle of May 5 Aug-18 Oct (BU); marked passage W Wig Aug-Sep, especially numerous Mull of Galloway (50 on 17 Aug) (JCS), many Kirkmaidens-Stranraer 11 Aug (HD).
Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Not as plentiful as some years Kirk/Wig (ADW); numbers down Rox (RSB); fewer than usual in sum- mer E Loth (KSMcG); strikingly scarce compared with other years Spey, E Inv (DNW); scarcer than usual in most birch and alder areas Altnahara, N Suth (EGH). In areas where breeding rare, pr apparently nesting be- tween Dalmellington and L Doon, Ayr (WRB), and, in Islay, in June, nest witb young Kildalton, pr at Ballygrant (DJS).
Arrival : 22 Apr (exceptionally late first date), Isle of May (DJF); 23 Apr, ¢ Fife Ness (DWO), Shet (RJT). Records mainly from 3 May: Dumf, not noted till 18 May (JM); Fife Ness, 2 on 3rd, 10 on 4 May, others to 10th (DWO); Isle of May, passage to 7 June (JP); Angus, 2 Arbroath 6 May (MN); N Kinc, 4 Girdle Ness 3 May (ADKR); E Inv, com- mon Speyside by 11 May (DNW); Ork, fair numbers 3-7 May (EB); Fair Isle, 3 May-23 June, mainly 3-31 May, peaks May 3rd-7th (75, 50, 40, 40, 40), 26th (12), 28th (15), 29th (40) (RHD); Shet, passage to 10 June, peaks 4-5 May and 27-29 May, Fetlar May 5th (25), 27th and 29th (80), Skerries 5th (50), 29th (20), Whalsay 4th (20) (ARM, ISR, JHSi, RJT).
Autumn (peak 17-21 Sep): Shet, passage less defined 12 Sep-8 Nov (Fetlar) (ARM, RJT), 7 Whalsay 18 Sep (JHSi), 18 Skerries 19 Sep (ISR); Fair Isle, one 14 Aug, mainly 12-30 Sep, especially 17th-21st (up to 20), last 24 Oct (RHD); Aber, 16 on one wall Cruden Bay 17 Sep (NP); Angus, 7 Arbroath 18 Sep (MN); Fife Ness, peak 30 on 17 Sep (DWO); Isle of May 14 Aug-28 Oct (JH, IFS), 200 on 18 Sep (AFL); Dumf, last Caer- laverock 25 Oct (JGY).
*Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros. Recorded 10 Apr-12 June (espec- ially 20 Apr-4 May) and 13 Aug-26 Oct, also several winter records to 23
114 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
Mar and on 3 Dec: Kirk, ¢ Southerness 26 Jan-16 Mar (KBr, JT); ¢ Ayr harbour 26 Oct (DLC); Ber, 1 St Abbs 23 Apr, 3 May (RKMcG); E Loth, 1 Tyninghame 4 May (CS), 1 Barns Ness 19 Oct (RWJS); ¢ Fife Ness 21 Sep (DWO); Angus, @ Auchmithie 2 Jan, 2 Arbroath 16 Mar, 2 22 Auchmithie 23 Mar (AN, MN); Aber, 1 Torry 17 Sep (ADKR), 1 Forvie 18 Sep (DEBL), 1 Collieston 5 Oct (DPW), ¢ Rattray 23 Oct (MW); Banff, 2 Troup Head 25 Apr (JF); Ork, 1 Skaill, Deerness, 4 May (EJWi); Fair Isle, 1-2 on 15 days 10 Apr-12 June, 1-2 on 14 days 13 Aug-14 Sep, singles 3 Oct, 3 Dec (RHD); Shet, 1 Whalsay 20 Apr, 2 on 24th, 1 on 25 Apr, 1 on 29 Oct (JHSi), 3 Fetlar 25 Apr, 2 28 Apr-3 May (ARM), S Shet Mainland 3 on 4 May (PKK), 1 Foula 5 May (JGH), 1 Sumburgh 10 May, 2 22 26 May (JW).
*Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. Isle of May, 1 trapped 15 May (AMcD).
*Bluethroat Cyanosylvia svecica. No return to E Inv breeding site. Spring 4 May-9 June: S Fife, 9 Kilconquhar 4 May (DWO), tired ¢ Red- spotted C. s. svecica Fife Ness 7-9 May (PGTB, PS, DWO); Aber, 1 White- spotted C. s. cyanecula Balmedie 9 May (WM), first of this race for Dee; Ork, 1 Red-spotted Stenness 27 May (EJWi); Fair Isle, 1-2 on 17 days 3 May-9 June (RHD); Shet, ° Skerries 5 May (ISR), 3 White-spotted there 29 May (RJT), 1 Unst 28 May (DC).
Autumn 17-29 Sep and 2 on 18-21 Oct: Shet, Skerries 2 daily 17-22 Sep, 4 on 23rd, 3 on 24th-25th (ISR), 1 Fetlar 18-25 Sep (ARM), 1 Whal- say 21 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, 1-4 on 10 days 18-29 Sep (especially 18th- 19th, 21st-25th), 1 on 18 Oct (RHD); Aber, 1 Forvie 21 Sep (JF); Angus, 9° Arbroath 19 Sep (MN); Fife Ness, 5 17 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, 4 birds (1-3 daily) 14-19 Sep (especially 17th-19th) (AFL).
Robin Erithacus rubecula. No reported changes in breeding status. Spring: Fife Ness, 30 on 23 Apr (all Continental), a few there 4 May (DWO); Aber, 3 Sands of Forvie from 7 May (NP); Fair Isle, 1 on 16 Mar, a few 5-20 Apr, 5 on 21st, 150 daily 22nd-26th, 100 on 27th, 70 on 29th, 75 on 3-4 May, many to 12th, few for rest of May, stragglers June (RHD); Shet, passage from 21 Apr to 15/20 May, peaks Fetlar 22 Apr (100), 25th-26th (150), 4 May (60) (ARM), Whalsay 22 Apr (60), 23rd (80), 25th (100) (JHSi), Skerries 5 May (60) (ISR), Foula 25-26 Apr (50) (JGH).
Autumn: Shet, trickle 17-26 Sep, small movement 18-21 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 17 Sep-11 Dec, peaks 18-19 Sep (11, 25) and 23 Oct (10) (RHD); E Ross, numbers Evanton 18th and 21 Sep (CGH); Aber, last 5 Sands of Forvie 17 Sep (NP). Earlier, dispersal noted Glencaple, Dumf, when 16 trapped 20 July-8 Aug (JGY).
*River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis. One trapped Fair Isle 16 Sep (RHD), 2nd British record (see Brit. Birds 55: 137).
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. Generally increasing, and re- corded for first time in Kinross, S Kinc, and O Heb other than St Kilda. Very plentiful in young forest Kirk (ADW); but decreased in one Dumf census area, though hitherto widespread and increasing (JGY); general increase Ayr (WRB); 3 heard June, Islay, more than usual for area (DJS); general increase reported by several observers in west (MFMM). N of Forth, mainly E coast, scattered spring/summer records: Fife, 1 reeling, but situation confused by a dozen migrants (DWO); Kinross, 2-3 reeling L Leven (AA, CRGC, JFo); Perth, 3 sites (VMT); Angus, 6 sites (GMC); S Kinc, just on border at Kinnaber 26 Apr (GMC); N Kinc, Strachan (1 day) (NP), Maryculter (12 June-1 July) (RIM); Aber, 1 Torry 3-7 May (MAMcD); Banff, 1 singing (DB); Moray, singing 4 places (JMB, BE, ISS); E Inv, Insh (NP), near Inverness (WAS); E Ross, 5 singing (3 areas) May (CGH, DCH, CAEK); SE Suth, 1 singing Dornoch (DMB); W Ross, 1 L Maree (HOB); W Suth, 1 singing Scourie 4 Aug (DPW); Caith, 1 Reay
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 115
for a few days about 12 June (JG); O Heb, 1 singing Stornoway 19-28 May (WAJC, IMcL).
Arrival : 21-22 Apr (quite early), 1 Isle of May (DJF); 23 Apr, 1 St Abbs, Ber (RKMcG); 24 Apr, first Fair Isle (RHD); 26 Apr, Moor of Gen- och, Wig (RCD), 1 Yetholm, Rox (RSB), 1 S Kinc as above (GMC); 1 May, first Dumf, where 23 reeling by 27th (NSRG), E Ross (CGH); first records many areas N to Ork and Shet 3-7 May. Migration notes: Isle of May, 1-3 on 11 days 2nd-8th and 23-28 May (JP); Fife, good fall 4 May, 3 Fife Ness, 2 Kingsbarns, others elsewhere, up to 12 in all (PGTB, DWO); Fair Isle, 24 Apr-30 May, 1-2 on 16 days, 4 on 4 May (RHD). Autumn: Shet, singles Skerries 19th and 22-23 Sep (ISR); Fair Isle, singles 15th and 22 Aug (RHD); E Loth, last Aberlady 20 Aug (KSMcG).
*Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Recorded (singles unless stated) 26-29 May, 26-27 June, 15 Aug-30 Sep, 20 Oct. Spring: Fair Isle, 26-28 May, 26-27 June (RHD); Shet, Fetlar 28 May (ARM, ARMe), Ker- gord 28 May (DC), Whalsay 28-29 May (JHSi). Autumn: Shet, Foula mid Aug (JGH), Skerries 14th and 16 Sep (ISR), Fetlar 19-20 Sep (ARM); Fair Isle, good passage Aug 15th-20th (5, 5, 3, 6, 3, 4), singles 21st, 25th, 29th-30th, Sep 3rd, 5th, 16th, 18th, 2 on 20th, 1 to 30th (RHD); Isle of May, 2 on 18 Sep (AFL), late bird 20 Oct (BU).
*Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris. Fair Isle, 3 on 26 May, 1 on 28th, 1 on 3-9 June, with another on 9th, new one llth, 2 on 12th, an- other new one 13th, at least 9 in all, the most in any year (RHD). 1 Fet- lar 27 May (ARM, PZ) is first acceptable record for rest of Shet.
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Decrease in 4 Dumf cen- sus areas (NSRG); possibly less common than usual E Loth (KSMcG); Fife breeding numbers slightly reduced at most sites (DWO); SE Suth numbers less than 20% of normal (DMcD); very scarce Caith this sum- (EB) (DMS); small numbers bred Ork, probably fewer than recent years EB).
Arrival: 29 Apr (very late), first Kilconquhar, Fife, where only 2 by 3 May owing to cold, wet weather (DWO); 3 May, Keir, Dumf (JFY), Isle of May (JP); 4 May, 1 Yetholm, Rox (RSB), Balquhidder, Perth (VMT), 1 Montrose, Angus (GMC), Fair Isle (RHD); 5 May, St Abbs, Ber (RKMcG), 2 Skerries, Shet (ISR). Otherwise: widespread Dumf by 17 May (NSRG), and many Rox same date (RSB); Isle of May, 3 May- 4 June (JP); Fair Isle, scattered records 4 May-25 June, mainly end of ‘May (4 on 24th, 28th, 10 on 30th) (RHD), when a few also at Foula, Whalsay and Fetlar (JGH, ARM, JHSi).
Autumn: Fair Isle, 1-2 on 9 days 1-20 Aug, 1 on 1 Sep and 8-9 Oct (RHD); Angus, last Montrose 19 Sep (GMC); Isle of May, 6 Aug (GKT) to 20 Sep (AFL); Wig, 10 Mull of Galloway area 17 Aug (JCS).
*Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola. 1 Skerries 17 Aug (6: 49) (ARMe, RJT), first for Shet other than Fair Isle, where no fewer than 5 recorded 14-17 Aug, 1 trapped 14th, 2 more trapped 15th, 1 trapped 16th and another still there, 3 seen (1 unringed) 17th (6: 48) (NJC, RHD, JAG, AJP, PJBS).
*Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta. One trapped Fair Isle (3rd record) 14 June, retrapped (singing) 20th (RHD).
*Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina. Spring (5), 28 May-15 June: Fair Isle, different ones 28 May, 30 May, 5 June (RHD); Shet, 1 Fetlar 31 May-3 June (ARM), 1 Spiggie 15 June (TH).
Autumn 3 Aug-15 Sep: Shet, 1 Fetlar 13 Aug (ARM), 2 Foula mid Aug (JGH), 1 Skerries 15 Sep (ISR); Fair Isle, Aug 3rd (1), 5th (2), 6th eft 2ih-20th’ (i; 3,2, 5, 7; 1,5, 4, 2); 3lst @),(RHD).
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Fewer than 1968 Dumf (NSRG); more than 1968 Yetholm, Rox (RSB); at least 9 singing Angus and 1 S Kinc May-
116 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
June (GMC); 4 summer records E Inv (MR, DNW); 1 singing N Suth 15 June (EGH).
Arrival very late: 27 Apr, Dunglass, E Loth (KSMcG); 2 May, Thorn- hill, Dumf (JM), Isle of May (JP); 3 May, 1 Fife Ness (DWO), 1 S Ron- aldsay, Ork (EJWi), first Fair Isle (RHD) and Shet (RJT). Widespread Dumf 17 May (NSRG). Migration : Isle of May, 2 May-21 June (JP); Fife, more 4 May, 3 Fife Ness, 2 Kingsbarns (DWO); Fair Isle, 3 May-17 June, mainly 24 May-8 June (7 on 26 May, 10 on 1 June, 8 on 2nd), also 2 in July (RHD); Shet, 3 May-10 June, peak about 26 May (RJT).
Autumn: Shet, 11 Sep-4 Nov, smail influx 17-26 Sep, some movement early Oct and 18-23 Oct (MS, RJT); Fair Isle, movement 12-28 Sep (16 on 17th, 20 on 18th), 6-31 Oct (8 on 6th, 18th, 12 on 19th, 23rd), and 6-14 Nov (6 on llth) (RHD); Ork, 25 Sep-18 Oct (EJWi, EJW); Fife, from 17 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, 15 Sep-29 Oct (AFL, IFS); odd passage birds Nov, last 1 Torry, Aber, 24th (per NP).
Jan-Mar: 1 Aberlady, E Loth, for 2} months to 5 Mar (DTP); 1 win- tered Butterstone, Dunkeld (per MHa), d Crieff 19 Jan (per VMT), 2 Perth 21 Mar (JSA), all Perth; 1 Oathlaw, Angus, 5 Jan-12 Feb (EL), 1 Broughty Ferry 13-31 Jan (ANo), ¢ there 14 Feb-23 Mar (DE-S, SJP); 1 Tullos, Aber, 25 Mar (HNR).
Dec: ¢ dead in house Cardross, Dunb, lst wk, presumably came down chimney (AGG); d ate chewed pineapple and chased off sparrows in Anstruther, Fife, garden at least 15th-21st (ASm, PS); 1 Bucksburn, Aber, 12th (per AAn); pr Portsoy, Banff, llth-3lst (JE), and ¢ Craigellachie 17th-29th (AP); pr Elgin, Moray, 26th-3lst (FFET).
*Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria. Records 1 Aug-12 Oct, singles unless noted otherwise: Shet, Whalsay, Aug llth, 14th, Sep 11th, 14th, 18th, 6 on 19th (JHSi), Fetlar 13 Aug, 13 Sep, 14th (2), 17th (ARM), Brae 19 Aug (DC), Skerries (about 8) 27 Aug-9 Sep (1), 10th-16th (2), 17th (8) to 19th, 1 on 5 Oct (ISR), Helendaie 23 Sep (DC); Fair Isle, very strong passage 1 Aug-12 Oct, 1-3 on 30 days, peak 9-16 Sep (6, 12, 9, 9, 4, record day with 14, 9, 4); Ork, 2 N Ronaldsay 11 Sep, 3 on 16th (DBW); Fife Ness, 2 on 18 Aug, 1 on 29th, 17 Sep (MEG, JADH, DWO); Isle of May, Aug 14th, 18th (stayed to 12 Sep), 22nd, Sep 6th (2), 9th, 14th, 16th, 18th, Oct 12th (JH, AFL, ADW, JGY); Ber, St Abbs 15 Sep (TB, EMS, RWJS).
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin. Pr fledged young Kinloss (BE), second breeding Moray (see 5: 346); singing Banavie 7 June (JASN), first record S Inv; unusual number of Spey records, singing late June Kingussie and Rothiemurchus, feeding young Kincraig (PE, DNW), second breeding record E Inv (see 5: 346).
Arrival : 23 Apr, Brechin, Angus (GMC); 27 Apr, Keir, Dumf (JFY); 4 May, Torry and Newburgh, Aber (MAMcD, WM). Not widespread Dumf till 17 May (NSRG); at least 26 singing Angus by 21 June (GMC). Spring migration : Isle of May, 10 May-3 June (AMcD, JP); Fife, very few (DWO); Fair Isle, small numbers 23 May-24 June, 10 on 28 May, 6 on 1-2 June (RHD); Shet, 5 May-3 June, mainly 24-30 May, 10 Fetlar 27 May (ARM, RJT).
Autumn: Shet, trickle from 13 Aug, minor influx from 17 Sep, last Whalsay 11 Oct (JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, 3 Aug-22 Oct, mainly 10 Aug-20 Sep, peaks 13 Aug (18), 15-19 Aug (15), 14-16 Sep (40, 20, 30), 19 Sep (25) (RHD); E Inv, almost daily (up to 3) Rothiemurchus last wk Aug and lst wk Sep, suggesting passage (DNW); Fife Ness, from 18 Aug, peak 10 on 17 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, 5 Aug-20 Oct, peaks 14 Aug (15), 18- 20 Sep (50, 100, 75) (JH, AFL).
Whitethroat Sylvia communis. Widespread (but not universal) scarcity (noted also in England) : Wig/Kirk, distinctly scarcer than usual, and did not nest in recorder’s garden for first time in 17 yrs (RCD, ADW); marked decrease Dumf census areas (JM, JFY, JGY); general shortage in west
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 117
(MFMM), where absent from many Ayr localities (WRB), and almost en- tirely absent from Endrick, W Stir/Dunb (JMi); fewer around Selkirk (AJS); E Loth breeding numbers at least halved (KSMcG); decidedly less common than usual E Stir (TDHM); Kinross numbers greatly reduced, no breeding at L Leven site which had 10 prs 1968 (JHS); virtually dis- appeared as common breeding bird E Fife (DWO); scarcer E Inv (MR); numbers a mere fraction of normal SE Suth (DMcD), none heard or seen all over Ross/Suth by one active observer (DCH), though others reported a few. But many more than usual (after second wave of birds in July) at Yetholm, Rox (RSB); more noticeable Kinloss, Moray, than previous years, with singing males where not present 1968 (BE); and numbers seemed constant in Caith (DMS).
Arrival : 25 Apr, 1 Ballinluig, Perth (THE); 29 Apr, 1 Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 1 May, Caerlaverock, Dumf (JGY). Very protracted arrival Dumf, not widespread till 17 May (JGY). Migration : Isle of May, 2 May-15 June (JP); Fair Isle, 3 May-18 June, mainly late May/early June, peaks 26 May (15), 28 May (20) (RHD); Shet, a few in early May to 6th, small move- ment from 25 May, a few in June (RJT).
Autumn: Shet, 27 Aug-2 Oct, mostly 18-26 Sep in Is and 2s (ISR, JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, 3 singles July, 3-20 Aug (5 on 15th), 17-29 Sep (3 on 18th-19th) (RHD); Fife Ness, 5 on 18 Aug (MEG, PAL, PHS) and 17 Sep (DWO, ASm); Isle of May, 29 Aug-27 Sep (GLAP, ADW); Wig, 50 is Mull of Galloway area 17 Aug (JCS). Last one 3 Oct Arbroath, Angus
*Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca. No breeding record. Singing ¢ held territory Yetholm, Rox, 17 May-20 July, same area as 1968, but no sign of 2 (RSB, AJS).
Spring 3 May-20 June: Ber, 1 St Abbs 3-4 May (TB, RKMcG, EMS, RW4JS); Isle of May, 4 May-3 June (JP); Fife Ness, 1 on 3 May and 8-10 May (DWO); N Suth, 1 singing Altnahara 27-28 May (EGH), first record for division; Fair Isle, 13 May (1), 22 May-6 June, maxima 24-25 May (4, 6), 20 June (1) (RHD); Shet, small movement late May, 5 Fetlar 26th, 2-3 to 3lst, similarly Whalsay (also 1 on 17 May) and Skerries, 1 Foula 25th (JGH, ARM, ISR, RJT).
Autumn 13 Aug-ll1 Oct: Shet, 1-2 most days 17 Sep-6 Oct Skerries, with 4 on 18 Sep and 3 on 20th (ISR), singles Whalsay 18 Sep, 21 Sep, 11 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, 13-19 Aug (maximum 3), 9-24 Sep (maximum 4), 2 on 6 Oct (RHD); Aber, singles Forvie 16 Aug, 17-18 Sep, 27 Sep (TJ-F, DEBL, NP); Fife Ness, 1 on 18 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, first 2 on 14 Aug (JH), last 2 on 22 Sep (AFL); Wig, 1 Mull of Galloway 17 Aug (JCS).
*Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans. 2 Fair Isle 13 June (RHD).
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. Caith numbers considerably down (DMS), but no other reported status changes.
Arrival: 13 Apr, Yetholm, Rox (RSB), Crieff, Perth (EH); 15 Apr, Keir, Dumf (JFY); 16 Apr, Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD); 17 Apr, Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 18 Apr, L Ken, Kirk (ADW), Banff (JE); 19 Apr, Selk (AJS), 2 L Leven, Kinross (JHS), Muir of Ord, E Ross (DCH); 20 Apr, large arrivals Dumf by this date (JGY), Tyninghame, E Loth (KSMcG), Storno- way, O Heb (IMcL). Build-up and migration: Kirk, many by 25 Apr (ADW); Dumf, widespread by 1 May (JGY); Rox, main body Yetholm arrived end Apr (RSB); Midl, big arrival 27 Apr (EMS, RWJS); Isle of May, 23 Apr (DJF), next 4 May, peak 70 on 14 May, odd records June- July (JP); Fife, general by 25 Apr after slow start, masses Kilconquhar 3 May (DWO); Perth, main arrival from 23 Apr (VMT); E Inv, Spey arriv- al last wk Apr (HB); Ork, considerable numbers in early May rush, 400 S Ronaldsay 5th, many elsewhere (EB, EJWi); Fair Isle, 23 Apr (6), small numbers till record spring fall of 400 on 3 May, 300 on 4th-5th, 250 on 6th, 200 on 7th-8th, fewer till 26 May (30) and 28-30 May (35, 40, 25),
118 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
stragglers to 24 June (RHD); Shet, first 25 Apr, large passage from 1 May, large arrival 4th (100 Fetlar, 100 Skerries), another small influx about 27 May (JGH, ARM, ISR, RJT).
Autumn: Shet, numbers generally small, from 10 Aug (30 Skerries 17th), peak around 18 Sep (ISR, RJT); Fair Isle, 6 Aug-11 Oct, mainly 13 Aug-25 Sep, peaks 13-19 Aug (120, 40, 60, 50, 50, 70, 40), 14-16 Sep (80, 50, 50) (RHD); Kinross, light passage mid July through Aug, a few Sep (JHS); Fife Ness, 30 on 18 Aug (MEG, PAL, PHS); Isle of May, from 5 Aug, up to 80 daily 13-16 Aug, up to 75 daily 18-20 Sep (NJG, JGY); Dumf, usual marked passage Applegarthtown Aug-Sep (RTS); Wig, trickle S in Mull of Galloway area 11 Aug (HD), 200 Willow/Chiffs 17th, 250 on 25th (JCS).
*Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides. One trapped Fair Isle 29 Aug, first there since 1961 (RHD).
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. No reported changes in breeding status, but one singing Arisaig in summer is first S Inv record (per DNW). Possibly outwith regular areas were birds singing in summer Almondell, W Loth (2), a county for which there are few records (JB), Cullen, Banff (2 late Apr) (JE), L Hope and Strathmore, N Suth, June (HOB, DCH).
Arrival: 18 Mar (early), 1 Pollokshields, Glasgow (DLC); no more till 4 Apr, St Abbs, Ber (CNW), first Shet (RJT); 5 Apr, Gatehouse, Kirk (ADW); 6 Apr, first Fair Isle (RHD); 8 Apr, Edinburgh (Corstorphine Hill) (AM); 9 Apr, 1 Pressmennan (KSMcG) and 1 E Linton (NJG), E Loth; 11 Apr, 1 Morton Lochs, Fife (Willow/Chiff) (GO), 1 Boat of Garten, E Inv (RJF), 1 Stornoway, O Heb (TDR). Otherwise: Dumf, not till 20 Apr (JFY) and not widely reported till mid May (NSRG); Isle of May, 2 May (10)-15 June (JP); E Inv, most in Speyside not till late May (DNW); Fair Isle, singles Apr 6th, 7th, 9th, 25th, 4 on 26th, others 1 May-7 June, maxi- ma 6 on 3 May, 4 on 29th (RHD); Shet, small passage from 4 Apr, main influx about 22 Apr-4 May, a few to 3lst (RJT).
Autumn: Shet, a few late Sep-23 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, sparse 10 Aug- 27 Sep and one 12 Oct, peaks 13 Aug (8), 14 Sep (6), 19 Sep (5) (RHD); Ork, 1-2 N Ronaldsay 26 Sep-5 Oct (EJW), 2 Finstown 21 Oct (EB); Kinc, 1 Milton Ness 7 Oct (GMC).
One winter record, Dalry, Kirk, 4 Dec (FD, ADW). One trapped Fair Isle 2 Aug after summering on cliffs had been ringed Isle of May on 22 May (RHD).
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Noticeably absent from recently established Dumf territory (NSRG); possibly unusually widespread E Inv 1969 (DNW).
Arrival: 3 May, Elie, Fife (DWO), a few Shet 3-4 May (RJT), a few Ork early May (EB); 4 May, d Newburgh, Aber (WM); 8 May, Glenarlie, Dumf (JM), first Fair Isle (RHD); 9 May, 1 L Leven, Kinross (JHS); 11 May, Brechin, Angus (GMC), Banchory, N Kinc (NP); 12 May, Gatehouse, Kirk (RBT). Otherwise: E Inv, first 13 May Rothiemurchus, common Kin- gussie/Boat of Garten by 20th (HB, DNW); O Heb, Stornoway 23 May (IMcL); Fair Isle, 5 singles 8 May-3 June (RHD); Shet, further records 27-30 May (DC, ARM, RJT).
Autumn: Shet, a few 14-27 Aug (DC, ARM); Fair Isle, 13-31 Aug (7 on 13th), 1-2 on 4 days 14 Sep-2 Oct (RHD); O Heb, 1 Flannans 15 Aug (RWP); Isle of May, 14-16 Aug (2) (JH), 31 Aug-2 Sep (1) (ADW).
*Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. 1 Skerries, Shet, 19-26 Sep (ISR); 1 trapped Fair Isle 21 Sep (RHD).
*Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus. Only 7 birds, 3-22 Oct: Shet, 1 Lerwick 3rd (DC), 1 Skerries 6th (ISR); Fair Isle, 2 on 5th (RHD); Ork, 1 trapped N Ronaldsay 6th, 1 seen 22nd (EJW); Aber, 1 Torry 12th (MAMcD).
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Goldcrest Regulus regulus. No reported changes in breeding status. Spring: small passage Fair Isle 4-30 Apr, stragglers May (RHD); Shet, 1-2 may have wintered, with Kergord records from 21 Feb (DC, PKK, RJT), a few from 6 Apr, mainly 22 Apr-5 May, and stragglers to 28th (RJT). Autumn: Shet, small numbers, mainly 16-26 Sep, 18-25 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 8 Sep-21 Oct, especially 17-21 Sep (14 on 17th, 7 on 21st) and 10 Oct (9) (RHD); Aber, a few on coast 17-21 Sep (JF, NP); S Kinc, 25 in one bush St Cyrus 20 Oct (JF); Fife Ness, poor passage, both seasons (DWO); Isle of May, mainly mid Sep, 75 on 18th (AFL).
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata. No reported changes in breeding status. Arrival: 1 May, Penpont, Dumf (JMcC); 4 May, a few Tyninghame, E Loth (RWJS), first Shet (RJT); 5 May, Kirkwall, Ork (EJWi), first Fair Isle (RHD); first noted Rox, Midl, Isle of May, Kinross, Perth and Angus 14-18 May. Main arrival Dumf 17-27 May (NSRG); main arrival Yetholm, Rox, 24 May (RSB); not widespread Kinross till early June (JHS); first Stornoway, O Heb, 23 May (WMa) and fall N Uist 27th (DH). Migration : Isle of May, 15 May-15 June (JP); Fair Isle, 5 May-28 June, mainly 9 May (8)-2 June, peaks 14 May (12), 28 May (20), 1 June (10) (RHD); Shet, small passage (up to 4 in many places) 4-15 May, much larger passage 26-31 May, 50 Fetlar 27 May, 50 Skerries 29th (ARM, ISR, RJT).
Autumn: Shet, few, but up to 5 a day Whalsay, Fetlar, Skerries 17-22 Sep (ARM, ISR, JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, scarce, 13-27 Sep (maximum 4) (RHD); Isle of May, 18 Aug-28 Sep, 30 on 19 Sep (JH, AFL, PJM); Wig, 30 Mull of Galloway area 17 Aug (JCS); also odd birds 17-29 Sep in Ork, a Perth, Fife, E Loth and Ber. Last one Kinnaird Park, Angus, 2 Oct
Pied Flycatcher Muscicapa hypoleuca. Pr Lochnaw 9 June, few Wig Summer records (AMR); Dunb/W Stir, 4 nests in boxes on E shore L Lomond, pr Inchcailloch 13 July, dd inspecting nest sites Ardlui and Inverarnan 17 May (WJIC, MFMM); only 1 ¢ Duns Castle, Ber, where 2 prs bred 1968 (AC); bred again (see 5: 349) Aberlour, Banff (DB); bred L Arkaig (RAH), first time in S Inv; unusually widespread Speyside, E Inv (HB), dd quite common Kingussie-Boat of Garten (DNW), bred Fort Augustus (RAH); ¢ carrying food Dundonnell 21 June, pr feeding young in nest Coulin, Torridon, 1 July (ENH), first breeding W Ross.
Arrival : 23 Apr, 4 Scaur Water, Dumf (ARH); 25 Apr, first Shet (RJT); 27 Apr, Penicuik (where bred), Midl (TD); 1 May, Thornhill, Dumf (JM). Records more widely spread from 3-4 May: Dumf, not widely noted till 20 May (NSRG); Ber/E Loth, several each St Abbs, Barns Ness, Tyning- hame 3-5 May (RKMcG, RWJS); Isle of May, 3 May (3)-24 May (2) (RAJ, JP); 3 Fife Ness 4 May, 1-2 till 10th (DWO); Angus, 10 Usan 7 May (GMC); Aber, 3 Newburgh 4 May (WM); Moray, ¢ Kinloss 7 May (BE); E Inv, Spey arrivals 20 May (HB); all over Caith 4-11 May (DMS); Ork, 8 (3 localities) 5 May, 4 (2 localities) 8 May (EB, EJWi); Fair Isle, 3-26 May, peaks 3rd (25), 6th (25), 1 on 5 June (RHD); Shet, a few from 25 Apr, mainly 3-13 May (40 Fetlar 5th, 30 Whalsay 4th-5th, 20 Skerries 4th-5th) (DC, ARM, ISR, JHSi, RJT).
Autumn : Shet, 1-2 about 11 Aug, small numbers 15-18 Sep, 4 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 2-3 Aug (1), 13-18 Aug (up to 4), sparse passage 11 Sep-20 Oct, 6 on 16-19 Sep and 21 Sep (RHD); Ork, a few N Ronaldsay 25 Sep-21 Oct (EJW); apparent passage Speyside, E Inv, last wk Aug/1st wk Sep (DNW); Fife Ness, peak 25 on 17 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, 13 Aug-22 Oct (JH, BU), 50 on 18 Sep (AFL); migrants noted 17-20 Sep in Aber, Angus, E Loth, Ber and Kirk.
*Red-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa parva. One spring, 29 May; about 10 autumn, 15-20 Sep, 4-6 Oct: Shet, 1 Skerries 16 Sep (ISR), 1 Fetlar 6 Oct (ARM); Fair Isle, © trapped 29 May, singles Sep 15th, 16th, 17th (2), 18th, 20th (RHD); Aber, 1 Forvie 18-20 Sep (WM); Isle of May, 1 on 19 Sep (AFL); Wig, 1 Mull of Galloway 4 Oct (DAB, WMB).
120 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
Dunnock/Hedge Sparrow Prunella modularis. No reported changes in breeding status. Passage: Aber, 4 Forvie and 2 Cruden Bay 17 Sep (NP); Fair Isle, a few to 5 Apr, 5 on 6th, 1 on 7th, strong passage 21 Apr-28 May, peaks 23-27 Apr (30, 150, 75, 40, 40), 8-9 May (25), 24 May (8), aut- umn 17 Sep-13 Nov, 14 on 21 Sep, stragglers to 1 Dec (RHD); Shet, fair passage from 23 Apr, second wave 30 Apr, more about 4-11 May, odd Snes to 17th, small autumn movement 17-26 Sep, and from 13 Oct, 1 Fetlar 8 Nov (ARM, RJT).
*Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae. Singles (4) 19 Aug-3 Nov: Fair Isle, 19 Aug, an early date (GJB) and 15-25 Oct (RHD); Ork, N Ron- aldsay 1-3 Nov (EJW); Isle of May, 18-26 Oct (BU).
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. No reported changes in breeding status, but spectacular spring numbers. Arrival (very late): 26 Apr, L Leven, Kinross (JHS), 2 Skibo, SE Suth (DMcD); 27 Apr, 1 Portmore, Peeb (EMS, RWJS); no others in Apr; 1 May, 2 Glenesk, Angus (GMC). Very large movement thereafter : E Loth, 6 Aberlady 3 May (KSMcG); Isle of May, 20 on 4 May, 50 on 10th, passage to 1 June (AMcD, JP); Fife Ness, 20 on 4 May, some till 10th (DWO); Angus, 50 passing Arbroath in 2s and 3s on 4 May (MN); Aber, 30 Torry 4 May (ADKR), 2 Forvie 7th, 10 Balmedie 8th (NP); E Inv, widespread by 11 May (DNW); Ork, unprecedented numbers early May, 300 on small part of S Ronaldsay on 5th and many elsewhere (EB, EJWi); Fair Isle, 2 on 2 May, amazing avalanche during afternoon of 3 May when 1500 arrived, dropping 4-9 May (1000, 250, 400, 200, 200, 150), down to 50 by 15th, 100 on 16th, 50 on 17th, 10-35 to 1 June, stragglers to 12 June, 1 on 28th, odd birds July (RHD); Shet, very large movement began 2 May, everywhere till 11th, 500 Fetlar 4th, 350 Whalsay 4th, thousands Sumburgh area 4th, 250 Skerries 5th, still a few towards end of May (DC, ARM, JHSi, ISR, RJT); first records 3-5 May also in Kirk, Rox and E Ross.
Autumn : Shet, a few 17-26 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle, stragglers to mid Aug, passage 14-27 Sep (12 on 18th, 25 on 19th, 20 on 20th) (RHD); E Inv, strong suggestion of passage in first half Sep (DNW); Isle of May, 27 Aug-23 Sep, up to 40 daily 17-20 Sep (AFL, PJM, GLAP); Wig, 20 Mull of Galloway area 17 Aug (JCS).
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. No reported changes in breeding status. Flocks 20-30 common L Leven, Kinross, to mid Mar, then moved to breeding grounds, flocks 50-80 regular Sep, then 10-20 to year end (AA, SHS); return to Gladhouse, Midl, 16 Mar (DGA, EMS, RWJS); to Spey- side, E Inv, 18 Mar (but scarce till lst wk Apr) (HB, DNW); to Shet on 10 Apr Fetlar, 15 Apr Yell, but main arrival second half Apr (ARM, RJT); Fair Isle, first 18 Mar, numbers from 29 Mar, build-up Apr and early May, autumn movement from 24 Aug, few after 20 Nov, last 5 Dec (RHD). The Isle of May had 1000 on 12 Sep (AFL); and 180/hr moving S at Burnt- island, Fife, on 21 Sep were in an unexpected area (JMC).
*Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. 1 Fair Isle 22 Sep (RHD).
Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta. No reported changes in breeding status. Autumn movement noted Fair Isle from 24 Aug (RHD). Inland: 1 Cob- binshaw, Midl, 18 Oct (EMS, RWJS).
A bird tentatively identified as a Water Pipit A. s. spinoletta at Aber- lady, E Loth, on 31 Mar and 2 Apr (6: 50) (MAMcD, RKMcG) would be the 2nd Scottish record.
Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba. No reported changes in breeding status of Pied Wagtail M. a. yarrelli. At least 2 prs White Wagtails M. a. alba bred Shet (RJT); ¢ of pr breeding Rothiemurchus, E Inv, was either White or White x Pied (DJ, IN, NP, DNW). 2-3 White on Handa 6-9 May (MJE) are first of race in W Suth.
Spring passage: Fair Isle, a few Pied 23 Mar-24 Apr, White 6 Apr-28 May, mainly 22 Apr-19 May, 6 on 23 Apr, 10 on 5 May, 8 on 6th (RHD);
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 121
elsewhere scattered records generally fit this pattern. Autumn: Fair Isle, 17 Aug-30 Sep (last 20 Oct), peaks 9-14 on 4 dates 22 Aug-8 Sep, 25 on 10th and 12 Sep (RHD); Inverness passage 13 Aug-16 Nov (MR); Moray, 500 Kinloss 24 Aug (BE); Rox, roost Yetholm early Sep, 150 on 12th, left by Oct (RSB); marked passage Dumf 1-20 Oct, flocks 150-200 (NSRG); usual autumn passage Kirk late Aug/early Sep (ADW).
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Good year with widespread breeding Kirk (ADW); still below pre-1963 numbers on high ground Midl (RWJS); increasing Gairloch area, W Ross (ENH); 1 Strathnaver, N Suth, 11 June was observer’s first there since 1962/63 winter (EGH); 2 prs bred Stor- noway, O Heb (cf. 5 : 350) (WAJC).
Spring passage: Aber, 1 Balmedie 8 May (NP); Fair Isle, singles 27 Apr, 7-10 May, 22-23 June (RHD). Autumn: Shet, singles Skerries 25th and 31 Oct, 1 Nov (ISR); Fair Isle, 1 on 17 Oct (RHD); Ork, 1 N Ronald- say 19 Oct (EJW); Fife Ness, ¢ 12 Oct (DWO).
‘Yellow’ Wagtail Motacilla flava. Yellow M. f. flavissima. Pr bred Mel- rose in area where present also 1968 (AJS, VT), first breeding in Tweed and Rox. Paisley Moss, Renf, breeding area has disappeared in an exten- sion of the airport runway (IG). Possibly bred E Stir, near Skinflats, 2 seen 9 May-14 Sep, and family party of 6 on 24 Aug (DF). Migrants Fair (apy 3-6 May, 2 on 9th, 1 on 10th, 2 on 25th, 4 on 29th, 1 on 16 June
Grey-headed M. f. thunbergi. Some 14 noted, 3-30 May: Ber, ¢ St Abbs 3 May (RKMcG); E Loth, ¢ Tyninghame 4 May (TB, EMS, RWJS); Aber, 2 Balmedie 8-9 May, one fairly typical of race, other most probably this race (which, like most races except feldegg, can be variable) with black crown but dark grey nape merging into black (feldegg has sharp cut-off) (CHF, WM, NP); Fair Isle, 3 dd 3-5 May, 2 on 6th, singles 9th, 21st- 22nd, 30th (RHD); Shet, 5 Fetlar 26-29 May (ARM), 5 Sumburgh 28 May (DC), 2 dc (in 8 birds) Skerries 29 May (ISR).
Blue-headed M. jf. flava. Isle of May, 1 on 6 May (JP); Fair Isle, small passage 7 May-5 June, 4 on 26 May, autumn singles probably all this race 5-11 Aug and 8 days 2-21 Sep (RHD); Shet, ¢ Sumburgh 4 May (DC), 1 Foula 25 May (JGH), 1 Fetlar 27 May (ARM), autumn as Fair Isle, 1 Fetlar 8-9 Oct, a few Skerries 12-17 Oct (ARM, ISR).
Black-headed M. f. feldegg. Male, accepted by Rarities Committee as showing characteristics of this race, Skerries 8-11 May (ISR).
Race unspecified or dubious. Spring: Ber, 2° St Abbs 5 May (RKMcG); E Loth, 4 Tyninghame 4 May (TB, EMS, RWJS); Fife Ness, d 10 May (GO, HDS); Kinross, ¢ L Leven 8 May, joined by 9° on 9th (JHS); Angus, 11 near Arbroath 1-11 May (MN), 1 Glen Prosen 21st (GMC); Shet, pass- age 1-29 May, including one resembling Spanish race M. f. iberiae on Skerries 29 May (RJT). Autumn: Ork, 1 N Ronaldsay 17 Sep (DBW); Fife Ness, ¢ and @ 21 Sep (DWO); E Loth, 1 Aberlady 5 Oct (RF); Dun, 1 Gretna 28 Aug (RTS); Kirk, 1 on Nith 6 Sep (RTS).
*Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola. 1 Fair Isle 14th and 16 Sep, first there since 1964 (RHD).
Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus. Some 15 reports of rather over 60 birds, Jan-early May; largest count 11 Speyside, E Inv, mid Feb (NP, DNW); after March recorded Crieff, N Perth (1 on 19 Apr) (JBu), Speyside (small numbers 3 Apr-5 May) (HB, DNW), and Inverness (4 on 8 Apr) (MIH,
Few in latter months, about 10 reports and some 80 birds; first were 7 Dingwall, 19 Munlochy and 30 Avoch, all E Ross and apparently all 29 Oct (PSL); only other flock was party of 12 Aviemore/Boat of Garten, E Inv, Nov-Dec (DNW).
*Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. Recorded (singles unless stated) to 16 May and from 14 Sep. Spring (about 25) : Kirk, Cairn Edward Forest
122 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
2 Mar (JPe), Gatehouse Station in Mar (CP); Dunb, Helensburgh 19 Mar (RJWS); W Loth, Torphichen 19 Jan (LMcP, SMMcP); Isle of May, 2 on 5 May, 1 stayed to 20th (JP); Fife, Thornton 6 Feb (DWO, ASm); Perth, Pitlochry 5 Jan (HBr), Glenshee 5 Apr (DF); N Kinc, Strachan 22 Jan (per NP); Aber, Mar Lodge 29 Mar (JF); W Ross, winter Glen Torridon to 23 Mar, L Coultrie 2 Mar (JAW); Caith, Yarrows 16 May (JARG); Ork, Kirk- wall 5 May (EB); Fair Isle 1-2 on 14 days 21 Apr-6 May (RHD); Shet, Fetlar 21-22 Apr (ARM), Foula 21-22 Apr, 25 Apr (JGH), Sumburgh 26 Apr (PKK).
Autumn (about 20): Shet, Whalsay 13 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, 25th and 29 Sep, 14-16 Oct (RHD); Ork, N Ronaldsay 13th and 19 Oct (EJW); Caith, Latheron 14 Sep (DMS); Banff, Ben Rinnes 17 Sep (PC); Aber, Potarch 25 Nov (JF), Torry 29 Nov (ADKR); Perth, Stanley 26 Sep, 8 Nov (IRJ), Aberfoyle 21-27 Dec (WKR); Isle of May, 2 on 12 Oct (NSRG, JGY); Ber, Duns 30 Nov (JCo); Selk, Yarrow 18 Oct (RF); Lan, Cathkin Braes 29 ea Nios RL); Dumfries 23 Nov (JKRM); Kirk, New Abbey early Dec
*Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. 1 Shiel Br, Acharacle, 1 June (6: 53) (RED), first for Argyll faunal area and N Arg.
*Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator. 1 Briewick, Shet, 29 May (MS).
*Red-backed Shrike Lanius cristatus. Passage (singles unless stated) 23 Apr, 9 May, 24 May-13 June, and 13 Aug-27 Sep. Spring: Aber, 2 Forvie 9 May (TJ-F); SE Suth, early one Colaboll, Lairg, 23 Apr (WCW); N Suth, 3 Tongue 28 May (ANS), first for division; Fair Isle, another strong spring passage 24 May-9 June, peaks 26 May (5), 30 May (10), 1-2 June (7), late one 13 June (RHD); Shet, small passage late May, 2 ° 9 25 May, ¢ 3lst Lerwick (DC), 2 Fetlar 25 May, then 27-29 May (1, 2, 1) (ARM), Whalsay 27-30 May (1, 4, 2, 1) (JHSi), Skerries 3 9 9 29 May (ISR), 1 on 1 June (PKK), Unst on May 27th (2), 29th, 31st (MS).
Autumn : Shet, Helendale 23 Sep (DC); Fair Isle, 5 13-16 Aug, juv 15- 18 Aug, another juv 19th, 1-2 on 9 days 18-27 Sep (RHD); Fife Ness, imm 18 Aug (DWO); Isle of May, imm 14-15 Aug (JH) and 18-22 Sep (AFL).
Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Smaller numbers than usual bred Fair Isle; passage there 25 Mar-2 May, 10 Oct-2 Nov, 1000 on 23 Oct (RHD). Hun- dreds at lighthouse Rattray, Aber, 19 Oct (MW). Still 10,000 roosting at Gladhouse, Midl, as late as 16 June (DGA).
*Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus. Ad Fair Isle 15-30 June (RHD, TR); 1 frequented centre of Kirkwall, Ork, through late June and July (TH), subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee, but no description yet submitted.
*Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus. 3 Fair Isle 24 Aug proved to be escaped cage bird when examined in hand (breeds western N America, winters Mexico) (RHD).
*Evening Grosbeak Hesperiphona vespertina. 3 St Kilda 26 Mar (Brit. Birds 62: 207), possibly an escape, with feathers missing from top of peneiand relatively tame (NP), not on British List, subject to acceptance
y BOU.
*Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes. No reports on status from southern breeding areas. Elsewhere: Kirk, ¢ Dalry 7-8 July (ADW); Mid], 1 Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, 4 Feb (RF), 2 Duddingston 20 Mar-12 May (DRA, JAA, DGA), 1 Redside Br, Arniston, 7 June, apparently gath- ering food for young (RWJS); Perth, 1 Kingoodie 31 May (per HBo), 2 Pitlochry 23 May (THE); Angus, 1 Kinnaird Park 29 Apr, 9 Sep (JD); St Kilda, tired migrant (Birds 3: 42), first record; Ork, 1 Binscarth wood in second half Dec (EB); Fair Isle, 2 23 Apr (RHD); Shet, 1 Unst 26 May (AJH per MS).
Greenfinch Chloris chloris. No reported changes in breeding status. Fair Isle migrants, 1 on 5 days 12-28 Apr, up to 3 on 9 days 20-29 Oct, 1 on
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 123
24 Nov and 30-31 Dec (RHD); Shet, 9 Virkie 6 Jan-9 Feb (WH), 1 Scallo- way 19 Jan (Tl), 1 Lerwick 16 Feb (PKK), 1 Unst 12 Oct (MS), 2-3 Whal- say 18-20 Oct (JHSi), 1 Fetlar 19th, 26th, 30 Oct (ARM), and Skerries 22- 27 Oct (1, 9, 9, 6, 6, 3), 3 Nov (3) (ISR).
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis. Galloway numbers above average, good breeding season (ADW), and marked increase Newton Stewart in last 2 yrs, with large flocks Blairmount Park (CABC); large numbers and widespread breeding Dumf, several nests near busy streets in Dumfries (EBd, HO), autumn/winter flocks largest for 10 yrs Upper Nithsdale (up to 240 Sanquhar), increase thought partly owing to profuse weed growth on now unscythed railway embankments (WD, GMcM, JGY); summer reports Islay (DJS) where previously only in winter (MFMM); Rox, num- bers down Yetholm, but 80 Hoselaw Loch in Oct (RSB); E Loth, small parties Tyninghame, N Berwick (up to 25) and Aberlady (up to 7) (DYA, DJ, RWJS); Midl, winter numbers good (RWJS); fairly common in small numbers N of river in upper Forth (TDHM); Kinross, 9 near L Leven 20 Oct and 20 Dec are largest numbers seen by recorder (JHS); Angus, breeding not uncommonly (GMC); N Kinc, 5 Nigg 25 Jan (AR), 1 Strachan 12 May (RH), 1-2 prs bred Banchory, 3 juvs and ad 22 Aug, 1 on 22 Dec (NP); Aber, 2 Balgownie 2 Mar (DB); Moray, 1 Fochabers 19 Feb (JMB), 19 Kinloss 21 Feb (THJ), 1 there 4 July, 30 Dec (BE); E Inv, small numbers Jan-Mar Kingussie/Boat of Garten, 50 Rothiemurchus mid Mar (JPG), a few in summer Laggan Br/Boat of Garten and small numbers there autumn/winter (DNW), 1 Longman Bay 8 Feb, 5 on 16th (MIH); E Ross, 6 imms Tarbat Ness 29 Aug (CJMcK-G); SE Suth, 21 Dornoch 23 Feb, 1 there 26 Mar (DMcD).
Siskin Carduelis spinus. Little comment on breeding status. Recorded certainly or probably breeding at sites all along Great Glen, including L Arkaig and Kinlochleven (DNW), presumably including first breeding S Inv (but see Scot. Nat. 1954: 93). Some wintered 1968/69 Speyside (and common at end of year) but others returned about last wk Mar (DNW). Flock up to 250 Glencaple, Dumf, Oct-Dec roosting in Phragmites (JMcGr, JGY); 30-40 L Ken 26 Dec, best Kirk count (JKRM); 1 Bowmore 15 Feb, observer’s first in Islay (MFMM).
Spring migrants 21 Apr-2 June and 18 June: Kinross, 2 L Leven 23-24 Apr (JHS); Isle of May, 1 on 26 May (RAJ); Ork, 4 Binscarth 5 May (EJWi); Fair Isle, small passage 22 Apr-20 May, 6 on 23 Apr, 7 on 24th, 8 on 12 May, 1 on 15-18 June (RHD); Shet, singles Mainland 21 Apr (DC) and 26 Apr (PKK), 2 Foula 26 Apr (JGH), 1 Skerries 7 May, 5 on 8th, 7 on 9th-10th, 2 on 11th (ISR), 2 Fetlar 19 May, 1 on 1 June (ARM), 1 Unst 26 May, 3 on 28th, 2 on 2 June (MS).
Autumn, mainly 6-28 Oct : Shet, 1 Fetlar 6 Oct, up to 5 on 18-27 Oct (ARM), 4 Lerwick 12 Oct (DC), 2 Skerries 13-17 Oct (ISR), 3 Whalsay 16 Oct, 8 on 18th, 12 on 19th, 2 on 20th, 4 on 23rd (JHSi); Fair Isle, 6 on 16 Sep, passage 6-24 Oct, peaks 13th (13), 20th (9), 23rd (10) (RHD); Ork, a few 13-23 Oct (EJWi, EJW); Aber, 1 Rattray 28 Oct (MW); Fife Ness, 3 on 17 Sep, 2 on 2l1st, 2 on 11 Oct (PGTB, DWO); Isle of May, 1 on 12 Oct, 7 on 13th (JGY); Kinross, 1 L Leven from 19 Sep, maximum 10 on 26 Oct (JHS).
Linnet Carduelis cannabina. Summer reports more plentiful this year Caith (DMS); but no other reported changes in breeding status. Flocks : 300 Yetholm, Rox, 6 Sep (RSB); 250 L Leven, Kinross, 15 Nov (JHS); 175 near Blairgowrie, Perth, 11 Jan (VMT); and also 13 on Inchmickery in the Forth 21 Sep (JPK).
Shet, 1 Skerries 29 May (ISR), 1 Unst 2 June (RJT); Fair Isle, 1-3 on 17 days 25 Apr-3 July, also 3-8 Aug (1), 16-17 Aug (2), movement 29 Sep- (RH Dy 8 on 5 Oct, 4 on 26th and 28th, late. singles 14th and 25 Nov
D). Twite Carduelis flavirostris. One singing N Campsies, E Stir, 15 June
124 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
(ITD, MMD); 8 Glen Clova, Angus, 13 June, 10 from 27 July to 2 Aug (AN, MN); not in Speyside, E Inv, nesting habitat till 12 Apr (DNW); fairly common but probably decreased round L Naver, N Suth (EGH); evidence of decrease in some places Shet (RJT).
The number of coastal winter flocks in Wig/Kirk suggests a local in- crease in wintering birds (CABC, RCD, ADW); Dumf, 25 Caerlaverock 20 Sep rose to 57 by 17 Nov, when 175 at Kenneth Bank (JGY); though regular on Clyde coast, 20 Castle Semple, Renf, 10 Mar are interesting (DLC); small parties in winter noted also Selk, E Loth, Midl, Kinross; and up to 75 on shore in upper Forth (MH, TDHM); 12 Caenlochan 2 Sep, unusual area, Aber/Angus/Perth (JG-R, DAR); large flocks win- tered Speyside, E Inv, Kingussie and elsewhere, possibly overlooked before (DNW); 500 Dornoch, SE Suth, 30 Nov (DMcD); more noticeable than usual Caith Oct-Dec (DMS); high winter maximum 63 Fair Isle 27 Jan, spring peak 40 on 21 Apr, autumn maxima 140 on 26 Sep, 100 on 18 Oct, 22 in Dec (RHD).
Redpoll Carduelis flammea. Lesser Redpoll C. f. disruptis still increas- ing E Loth (KSMcG); noticeable increase Altnahara and Strathnaver, N Suth (EGH).
Flocks: smaller winter numbers Midl (RWJS); maximum flock 50 Kinross (JHS); up to 50 Gairloch, W Ross, Aug (ENH); 200 Glen Lethnot, Angus, 29 Sep (GMC); 150 Kinloss, Moray, 21 Feb, apparently Mealy Redpolls C. f. flammea, in birchwoods where Lessers breed in summer (BE). Others with Mealy characteristics marked M below; also 1 Aber- lady, E Loth, 10 Jan (MFM™M).
Migrants: Isle of May, 1 (probably M) 26 May (RAJ), 2 Lessers 20 May, 1 on 1 June (JP), a few 27 Sep-22 Oct (NJG, GLAP), 12 race un- specified 29 Oct (IFS); Fair Isle, 5 May (1), 20 May (2), 3 June (M), 4-7 June (Lesser), 25 Sep (2M), small numbers 4-25 Oct mostly Greenland C. f. rostrata but a Lesser 18-19 Oct, last 1 on 20 Nov, 2 on 25th (RHD); Shet, Skerries (mainly Lesser), 6 on 8 Oct, 1 on 17th, 2 on 5-6 Nov (ISR), 20 (probably M) Unst 15-21 Oct, 2 on 11 Dec (MS), and 1 Mid Yell during Dec (RJT).
Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Very common, probably increasing, Kirk (ADW); still increasing, but within present range, E Fife (DW0O); in- creasing Gairloch, W Ross (ENH). Parties up to 30 feeding in heather above treeline to 2000 ft, E Inv, especially Cairngorms, Feb-Apr and Oct- Dec (DNW).
Fair Isle, @ 23-24 Mar, od 24-29 Apr, another ¢ 2 May, 3 3d 3rd, 2 on 4th, 1 to 8th (RHD); Shet, a few wintered Lerwick and Scalloway, odd reports Feb/Mar, 2 on 23 Apr Lerwick and Helendale (DC, PKK, RJT), 2 Virkie 16 May (WH), ¢ Fetlar 11-14 May and 28 Nov-5 Dec, with 2 29 Nov (TT).
*Scarlet Grosbeak Carpodacus erythrinus. Spring: ad ¢ Foula 31 May
(JGH), subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee. Autumn: Shet, 2 Skerries 26-27 Aug, 1 to 1 Sep, 2?/imm 17-18 Sep (ISR), 1 Fetlar 18-20 Sep (ARM); Fair Isle, 2/imm 13 Aug (earliest ever by 11 days) (KA, RHD), others Sep 16th (2), 17th (1), 19th (2), 21st-26th (1), Oct llth (1) (RHD); Isle of May, 1 on 16-17 Sep (AFL), subject to acceptance by Rar- ities Committee.
Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Small parties noted Forest of Ae, Dumf, July, when breeding began, family parties Sep/Oct, mixed flocks 40-80 regularly Nov, nests harder to find than 1968 (owing to clearance of windblown timber), two Dec nests failed with onset of very wet condi- tions (parental care has now been noted every month except June); also present Castle O’er, where probably bred; spruce crop in SW Scotland exceptionally good (HO). Pr Aug Glenmachrie, Lorn, N Arg, also nest nearby where they may have bred (there is no breeding record for the
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 125
Argyll faunal area (AMcD). Both Scottish and Continental forms com- mon throughout 1969 in Speyside, E Inv, though only Scottish proved to breed (DNW).
No signs of immigration in N, but 1 flew over Fair Isle 19 July (RHD), and skeletal remains found end Aug in Shapinsay, Ork (MAMcD).
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. No reported changes in breeding status. Oct-Dec numbers Caith caused local comment (DMS); but autumn num- bers small Isle of May (NJG); comparatively few in autumn N Ronaldsay, Ork, maxima 10 on 25 Sep, 11 caught 13 Oct (EJW); Fair Isle, a few winter, passage 4 Apr-22 May, peaks Apr 13th (10), 22nd-26th (30, 50, 75, 30, 30), 3 May (20), stragglers to 4 June, odd birds 25 July-3 Aug, passage 12 Sep-18 Nov, mainly Oct/early Nov, 40 on 13-15 Oct, 60 on 19th-20th, 40 on 28th-29th, 50 on 1 Nov, 1 on 16-17 Dec (RHD); Shet, a few parties wintered, passage 22 Apr-17 May (parties up to 30), autumn mainly from 18 Sep, still some Dec (RJT).
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. Male singing in glen some miles W of L Ness, E Inv, 31 May-30 June, evidently unmated (MIH); 1 calling Elibank, Peeb, to at least 10 June (TDo, AJS).
Spring maxima, movements and late dates: Ber, 2 St Abbs 5 May (RKMcG); Peeb, 1000 Portmore 9 Mar, 500 on 6 Apr (EMS, RWJS); E Loth, 2 Bass Rock 31 May (RWJS); Isle of May, 40 on 3 May, 60 more on 5th, last on 13th (JP); Fife, last Kingsbarns 3 May (DWO); Aber, 1 Torry 4-5 May (MAMcD); flocks up to 300 various places near Inverness to early Apr (MIH, JAL); O Heb, still a number Druidibeg 16 May (IN); Ork, fair numbers early May, 100 Binscarth 5th, 200 Finstown 9th (EJWi); Fair Isle, strong passage 10 Apr-29 May, mainly late Apr/early May, peaks 24-25 Apr (150, 80), 2-3 May (35, 500), 5 May (300), stragglers to 20 June (RHD); Shet, passage concurrent with Chaffinch (22 Apr-17 May) on sim- ilar scale, but up to 80 Whalsay, Skerries and Mainland early May (ISR, JHSi, RJT), 80 Foula 25 Apr (JGH).
Autumn arrival and numbers: Shet, fairly large flocks mid Oct, 150 Fetlar 13th (ARM), 500 Whalsay 19th (JHSi), 70 Skerries 24th (ISR); Fair Isle, 1-6 on 16-20 Sep, passage 2 Oct-18 Nov, peaks Oct 13th (150), 19th (200), 20th (300), 22nd-25th (200), odd birds 11-26 Dec (RHD); Ork, 300 Finstown 20-21 Oct (EJWi); O Heb, flock Stornoway 12 Oct (WAJC); W Ross, 1 Kishorn 4 Aug (DCa); E Inv, Speyside passage mainly Oct (HB, DNW); Aber, 6 Rattray 20 Oct (MW); Perth, large flocks Glenalmond 28 Oct (WHR); Clack, 45 Dollar 23 Nov-7 Dec (TDHM); Kinross, from 29 Sep (JHS); first Fife Ness 12 Oct (DWO), 2 on 19th exhausted (DIMW), up to 150 Crail late Dec (JARG); Isle of May, from 18 Sep (AFL), peaks 50 on 12th and 21 Oct (NJG); first E Loth 12-20 Oct, and maximum only 10 (DYA, DJ, MFMM); first Mid] 17 Oct (RW); not noted Rox till Dec (RSB); usual numbers Kirk (JKRM), but only small numbers Wig (ADW); Dumf, first Moffat 13 Oct, small flocks 100-250 regular in county Nov (NSRG), and in snowstorm 17 Dec flocks of over 1000 Lochmaben ee and Glencaple (JGY), flocks 200-300 widely reported to year end N j
Hybrid Brambling x Chaffinch 25-26 May Fair Isle probably an escape as 2 of small accompanying party of Bramblings also showed signs of having been caged (RHD).
*Slate-coloured Junco Junco hyemalis. 1 Skerries 7 May (6: 53) (ISR), 3rd Scottish and Shet record.
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra. Breeding suspected Yetholm, Rox, new locality (RSB, WSM, AJS); becoming even scarcer Ork, confined almost entirely to a few of N isles (EB); decreasing Shet (RJT). Numbers : roost up to 200 early in year Kilconquhar, Fife (TRG); notable Dumf flock 102 Kinmount 2 Feb (RTS); up to 300 in Carlingwark, Kirk, roost 8 Feb (ADW); over 100 Mull of Galloway 14 Sep (ADW). Fair Isle had
126 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
singles 26 Apr, 18th-19th and 30 Oct, 1 Nov, 25-31 Dec (RHD).
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. In Ork only a few known to breed (EB); 1 in song Altnahara, N Suth, 9 June, first seen there in 10 yrs (EGH). Shet, 1 Aywick 24 Mar (JN), 1 Fetlar 9 Apr, lst and 29 May (ARM), 1 Skerries 21 Oct, 2-3 daily 24-31 Oct, 1 on 8 Nov (ISR), 2 Whal- say 23rd and 25 Oct (JHSi), 1 Lerwick 26 Oct (DC); Fair Isle, singles 26 Jan, 11-13 May, 31 May-7 June, 14 June, 10th and 13 Oct, 4 on 19th, 2 on 20th-21st, 1 on 23rd and 3lst to 6 Nov, when 2 (RHD); Isle of May, 2 on 20 Oct (BU).
*Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. Presumed and proven escapes, 4 May-1ll June (6), and 3-19 Sep (1): Kinross, 9 L Leven 4-6 May (AA, JHS); ¢ Aberdeen 25 May (MJHC); E Inv, ¢ (behaving like escape) Lewiston 17-20 May (ASm); Fair Isle, cage birds, ¢ 4-5 June, 9 trapped 3-19 Sep (RHD); Shet, ¢ Sound, near Lerwick, 11 June (PKK), also one 4 June (JAR).
*Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola. Singles Fair Isle 14-19 Sep and 20-25 Sep, both trapped (RHD); 2 Whalsay, Shet, 1 Oct (JHSi).
*Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus. Ad 3 Muli of Galloway 17 Aug (JCS), first for Solway and Wig.
*Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana. Spring 2 May-9 June, especially 3-13 May : Isle of May, 1 on 8 June (JP); Aber, 1 Torry 3 May (MAMcD); Fair Isle, unprecedented arrival of 32 on 3 May (twice previous best day), then 4-11 May (32, 18, 23, 3, 8, 22, 30, 4), 1-2 to 18 May, 1 on 23 May and 7-9 June (RHD); Shet, unusually pronounced passage, Foula 3 in early May (RI), Whalsay May 2nd (3), 3rd (10), 4th (6), 6th (4), 9th (12), 12th- 13th (3) (JHSi), Fetlar 3 on 3 May, 13 (mostly ad 36) 4th, up to 5 to 10th, singles 12th, 13th, 15th (ARM), Yell 3 on 4 May (RJT), Mainland 4 on 4 May, 1 on 8th (DC), Skerries 6 on 5-6 May, 3 on 7th-l1th but 5 on 8th (ISR).
Autumn (only 4): Shet, 1 Fetlar 13 Sep (ARM); Fair Isle, 2 on 9 Sep, 1 to 13th (RHD); Isle of May, 1 on 18 Sep (AFL).
*Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. 1 Fair Isle 8-9 June (GJB, RJ).
*Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. 1 Skerries, Shet, 23-26 Oct, 2nd bird 24th (probably to 26th) (ISR); 1 Fair Isle 16-21 Oct (RHD).
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. Appears to have increased E Loth nee Peak 240 in Phragmites roost Glencaple, Dumf, 17 Nov-3 Dec JGY).
Spring : Isle of May, 20 on 3rd and 7 May, 10 on 9th (JP); Fair Isle, 1 on 17 Mar, 2 on 30th, passage 5 Apr-23 May, mainly 25 Apr-23 May, peaks 25 Apr (11), 3-6 May (80, 90, 80, 70), declining thereafter, 1 on 27-28 June (RHD); Shet, mainly 25 Apr-17 May with odd later birds, maxima Fetlar 6 May (15) and 15th (10) (ARM), Skerries 5-6 May (ISR), Whalsay 3-6 May (10) and 9th (40) (JHSi). Autumn: Shet, slight passage on 19 Aug (4) (DC), but most Sep-Oct, as Whalsay 15-18 Sep and various places 11-21 Oct (11 on 20th Skerries) (ISR, JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, scattered rec- ords 18 Sep-29 Oct (6 on 20 Oct) (RHD); Fife Ness, a few from 17 Sep (DWO).
*Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus. 3 Foula heard and seen 19 June- 22 July (JGH). Elsewhere recorded to 2 June and from 31 Aug: E Loth, up to 7 Aberlady Jan (MJE, DJ, KSMcG), up to 2 mid Nov onwards (DJ, ROM); Isle of May, imm 13-14 Sep (RKMcG), imm 29 Oct (BU); Angus, 1 Barnhill 20 Dec (JKRM); Aber, 9 Ythan 8 Mar (MJHC); Ork, 1 N Ron- aldsay 10 Oct (EJW); Fair Isle, Apr 3rd-4th (1), 22nd (2), 23rd (1), May Ist (1), 2nd (2), 3rd (2), singles 6th, 8th, 9th, 30th, scattered records 31 Aug-26 Oct, singles 16 days, 2-3 on 3 days, 7 on 10 Sep, 9 on 11th, 7 on 13th, 6 on 16th (RHD); Shet, Fetlar, ¢ on 14 Apr, 2 on 30th, 2 on 1 May, ¢ on 2 June (ARM), Whalsay 2 on 3 May (JHSi), Fetlar, singles 10th and 30 Sep, 2 Oct (ARM), Virkie 1 on 28 Sep (JND).
1970 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 127
Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis. Very few Cairngorms summer records, only 2 singing dd on Speyside slopes (DNW); elsewhere at least 3 singing ¢ ¢ mid June (anon).
Distinctly scarcer than usual spring Shet (maximum 35), and year-end numbers below average (RJT); very small autumn passage Isle of May (NJG); thereafter only very few in Midl (RWJS) and E Loth (KSMcG); but Nov/Dec numbers seemed larger than usual Caith (DMS).
Spring departure: 100 Brims, Caith, 9 Apr (PMcM); up to 48 Fair Isle Jan, fewer later, last one 15-16 May (RHD). Autumn, first noted 10-13 Sep in various places: Shet, 2 Fetlar 10 Sep, small parties up to 60 later (ARM); Fair Isle, passage from 10 Sep, peaks 35-45 Sep 16th, 19th, 27th, 29th, 100 or so Oct Ist, 6th, 13th, 20th, Nov 5th, 8th, and 75 on 10 Dec (RHD); Ork, counts N Ronaldsay 25 Sep (30), 1 Oct (100), 8 Oct (250), 10 Oct (200) (EJW); E Inv, first Spey 16 Oct (DNW); Moray, 2 Spey Mouth 13 Sep (JMB); 2 Banff 13 Sep (JE); Fife Ness, ¢ on 12 Sep (DWO, ASm); Isle of May, first 11 Sep (RKMcG).
House Sparrow Passer domesticus. No reported changes in breeding status. Appears to be replacing Greenfinch as common gleaner of E Fife stubble (DWO). Isle of May (2-3 most yrs), 1 on 9th and 12 May (AMcD), 1 on 29-30 Oct (IFS).
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. Evidently increasing Kirk (ADW); I Heb, seen June at Port Ellen, Islay (DJS), a record corresponding to recent expansion in Lewis (MFMM); Kinross, 100 Powmill 15 Sep (AA, JHS); Angus, 100 Boysack Mill, Inverkeilor, 1 Feb, exceptional for area (JD); S Inv, summer record Corpach, unusual (JC, JASN); small colony Eday, Ork, continues (EB).
Isle of May, a few 12-29 May (JP), 16 on 29 Oct (IFS); Fair Isle, 22-24 May (2, 2, 9), 27th (13), 2 June (8), 7th (7), down to 4 by 13th, 3 on 17th, 2 to 5 July, did not nest, 1 from 7 Aug joined by second 30 Aug, third 1 Sep-3 Nov, 1 wintered (RHD); Shet, 24 arrived Foula 25 May, 1 on 6 June (JGH), singles Unst 2 June, 29 Nov, 10-11 Dec (MS), Strand, Ler- wick, 9 Oct (DC).
1968 additions and corrections (also 1955, 1966)
This section consists of significant records which have come to light for past years; corrections of errors, whether the fault of observers, local recorders, editor or printer (and none is perfect); and further information on matters previously left in suspense, such as the acceptance or rejec- tion of particular records.
Trivial errors may be corrected, in the interests of integrity, but trivial omissions will usually be ignored. It is of little importance if a few such records are lost each year, for we see at best only a sample of the birds present at any time. There were some minor discrepancies between the 1968 Scottish Bird Report and the 1968 Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report; where our information was wrong it is corrected below, and we under- stand that the other discrepancies are being picked up in the 1969 Fair Isle Report.
1968 rarities. No decision has been given yet by the British Birds Rarities Committee on the White-billed Diver (5: 308), nor the Orkney Scarlet Grosbeak (5: 354), which has only recently been submitted to the Committee. The other rarities on which decisions were awaited have all been accepted—Blue-winged Teal (5: 311), Black Kite (5: 318), Rich- ard’s Pipit (5: 349), Woodchat Shrike (5: 352) and Scarlet Grosbeaks on Whalsay (5 : 354).
Corrections and additions to 1968 report
Black-necked Grebe (5 : 309). In 1968, at the more E of the two colonies, 1 was seen 7 Mar, rising to 3 on 23rd and 16 by 6 Apr; at least 6 prs bred with considerable success; 15, mostly juvs, still there 16 Sep, 7 on 26 Oct
128 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969 6(2)
and 1 to 15 Nov (anon). Up to 3 seen mid June and may have bred at site between other two, where they bred in 1969 (anon).
Bittern Botaurus stellaris. One shot in poor light in error Lochmaben, Dumf, Oct 1968 (per JGY).
Smew (5: 314). In line 2, for “24 Dec” read “26 Dec”.
Grey Lag Goose (5 : 315). In line 12, for “28 NW at Butt of Lewis” read “28 from NW at Barvas, Lewis’.
Pink-footed Goose (5: 316). The first at Strathbeg (line 12) were on 29 Sep (day of the great arrival), not on the 23rd.
(ig (5: 318). There were 4, not 5, spring birds on Fair Isle
ine 10).
Black-tailed Godwit (5: 322). Owing to access difficulties, breeding at the S Scotland colony was not proved in 1968, though probable; a pr was in territory at the usual site on 8 June (anon).
: Great Black-backed Gull (5: 327). In line 5, for “31 June” read ‘30 June’’.
Glaucous Gull (5: 327). In line 6, for ‘‘2lst-24th” read ‘“21st-23rd”. On p. 328, line 3, the Kyleakin bird was first noted on 22nd not 24 Apr.
Kittiwake (5 : 328). The movement at Rattray Head (line 8) was on 2nd not 5 Aug.
Little Tern (5 : 333). Hebridean Memories (1923, ch. 24) records previous nesting on S Uist, 20 prs in 1922 (SG).
Guillemot (5: 334). Cellar Head is not the only colony on the O Heb mainland other than Barra Head; there are small ones at Sheshader Pt, Tolsta Head and the Butt of Lewis (NE). diese (5: 334). The first ashore at Fair Isle was on 28th not 29 Mar
ine 4).
Turtle Dove (5: 335). The Fair Isle spring peak of 4 (line 13) was reached also on 1-2 June.
Collared Dove (5 : 335). Fair Isle records of 17 on 5-6 May, 10 on 7 May and 6 on 14 May (line 26), should all be read as the same dates in June.
Swift (5 : 337). In line 14, for ‘(23)” read “(33)”.
Raven (5: 340). Though present all summer, Ravens have not in fact been proved to breed in upper Deeside (line 6) in recent years (AWa).
Crested Tit (5: 341). The bird over Glen Cia-aig (line 4) was seen about 1 Aug.
Fieldfare (5: 342). In line 18, for “9 Sept” read “5 Sept”.
Marsh Warbler (5: 345). Add: 1 trapped Isle of May 25 May 1968 (JP); 1 seen Sanday, Ork, 22 Sep 1968 (EB); both evidently this species, but descriptions do not exclude similar Blyth’s Reed Warbler.
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta spinoletta. One Aberlady, E Loth, 31 Mar and 7 Apr 1968, tentatively identified as this race (6: 50) (MGW), would be first Scottish record.
Great Grey Shrike (5 : 351). In line 17, for ‘24-25 Apr” read ‘25-26 Apr’.
Redpoll (5: 353). In line 7, for “25 Apr” read “20 Apr’.
Chaffinech (5: 354). In line 5, omit closing bracket after ‘10’.
Black-headed Bunting (5: 355). The trapped bird was on Fair Isle.
Ortolan Bunting (5: 355). In line 2, delete “, 21st (1)”.
Reed Bunting (5: 355). In line 8, after “20 on 6th,” add “30 on 11th- 13th;”’:
Old records (1955, 1966)
Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus. The 1966 Shet record has now been with- drawn (5: 467).
Crane Grus grus. One at Ingsay, Birsay, Ork, 17 May 1955 (EB), not
previously published in any ornithological journal,
1970 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 129
Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Report for 1969
Prepared for the Observatory Committee by NANcyY J. GORDON, Honorary Secretary
The Observatory was manned for a total of 185 days be- tween 3rd April and Ist November 1969. The number of observer-nights was 765. There were two big gaps in coverage of the spring migration, but autumn was well covered, and the Observatory was manned throughout the summer.
Spring migration was heavier than usual, with good spells in late April, early, middle and late May. The main autumn movement was in mid September, notable for the number and variety of both common and rare species, and the number of raptors involved. New species recorded were a *Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga on 18th September, and an adult ° Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus 5th-12th May which was trapped. Also added to the ringing list were a Quail and a Golden Plover. Other unusual records included a Golden Oriole, a Kingfisher, a Scarlet Grosbeak and a Richard’s Pipit.
Spring
Observers were on the island 3rd-8th and 19th-24th April and 2nd May onwards.
April. The appalling weather of March probably contributed to the delay of the 1969 migration and breeding activities, and the first observers found many dead Lapwings on the island. The first migrants recorded were 20 Meadow Pipits, a few Blackbirds and the first Wheatear on 5th April, a warm hazy day. Fog closed in on 7th April for several days, too thick for many migrants even to find the island, though 200 Meadow Pipits, a Woodcock, a Hooded Crow and a Short-eared Owl passed through on the 8th. After a gap of 11 days, observers crossing on 19th April saw 2 Sandwich Terns. The first spell of cyclonic weather started on 20th April, easterly winds in- creasing in strength, bringing 4 Wheatears, 6 Bramblings and a Ring Ouzel overnight, and more Wheatears, a Black Red- start and a Grasshopper Warbler next day (21st). The trickle of Turdidae on this day was augmented next night, to 160 Fieldfares, 20 Song Thrushes, 20 Redwings, 4 Ring Ouzels and 12 Blackbirds, accompanied by 50 Robins. On the afternoon of 22nd April the spring’s first 2 Redstarts, 2 Chaffinches, a Green Sandpiper and a Reed Bunting came in. The wind re- mained east with fog and rain, bringing 30 more Robins that night, 2 Redstarts, 5 Linnets and the first Willow Warbler next day (23rd). :
*Subject to confirmation by the Rarities Committee
130 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 6(2)
May-June. Easterly winds throughout May and early June, and plenty of murky or wet days, brought some good migra- tion to the east coast observatories, especially during 2nd, 3rd and 4th May. Observers reaching the island in drizzle on 2nd May found a good mixture of migrants already present— thrushes, warblers (including a Grasshopper Warbler) and Wheatears. More birds arrived in similar weather on the 3rd: 100 Fieldfares, 40 Song Thrushes, 20 Ring Ouzels, 2 Redwings, 60 Wheatears, the spring’s first 2 Whinchats, 3 Wrynecks, the first Swallow, 2 Redstarts, the first Sedge Warbler, 4 Black- caps, 40 Chiffchaffs, the first 3 Pied Flycatchers, 40 Bramblings, 20 Reed Buntings, 2 Whitethroats, 10 Robins, 100 Meadow Pipits and a Green Sandpiper. Next day (4th) in dense fog, numbers of Turdidae increased (now 60 Ring Ouzels), also Wheatears to 200 and Wrynecks to 5; new arrivals were 2 Kestrels, 2 more Green Sandpipers, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, the first Wren, Whitethroat and House Martin, 6 Redpolls and, best of all, the island’s first Red-footed Falcon, which was trapped. The 4th also saw the beginning of a record movement of Tree Pipits, echoed elsewhere on the east coast, especially in Shetland. On the May, between 20 and 30 were recorded each day from 4th to 12th May. Many migrants departed on 5th May, but new arrivals included a Black Redstart, 2 Great Grey Shrikes, 60 Bramblings and 12 House Martins. Despite a short spell of northwest wind on 6th May, migrants continued to arrive—a Corncrake, a Yellow Wagtail, a Blue-headed Wagtail, 3 Swallows, more Whinchats, another Black Redstart and Grasshopper Warbler. A further increase on the 7th of similar content included another Corn- crake, a Whimbrel, the first Cuckoo and more Tree Pipits. House Martins, Swallows, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits reach- ed their highest spring totals around this date. As elsewhere in the country, Whitethroat numbers were very low, only one or two seen with each influx of migrants. Fog on 8th and 9th May kept many earlier migrants on the island, but more Rob- ins, Song Thrushes and Fieldfares arrived on the 8th, another Cuckoo on the 9th. The first Garden Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Turtle Dove, 21 Carrion Crows, a Jackdaw and 3 Hooded Crows came in on the 10th after the fog had lifted, but many migrants left the island. On the 11th the first 2 Swifts of the season were seen, and a Collared Dove paid a brief visit. Some Sedge Warblers, Wheatears, Tree Pipits and 5 Tree Sparrows arrived on the 12th, but the Red-footed Falcon departed after her week-long stay. More fog, rain and SW wind on 13th-14th May brought a big influx of Willow Warblers (up to 70) and Wheatears (up to 100). Three Cuckoos and a White Wagtail were seen on the 13th; and 2 Black Redstarts, the first Sand Martin, a Garden Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat on the 14th. Further falls of Willow Warblers on the 15th were ac-
1970 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 131
companied by the first two Spotted Flycatchers and a Nightin- gale. On the 17th a Great Spotted Woodpecker was trapped. There was little movement over the next few days (2 Lesser Redpolls on 20th, a few Wheatears and Whinchats on 21st and 22nd), although east winds continued to blow. However, more overcast conditions from 23rd to 27th May brought a fresh influx of migrants. The movement started with 2 Collared Doves, a late Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Redstarts, a few other warblers and thrushes; then on 24th further arrivals included a Quail, Turtle Dove, a Black Redstart, a White Wagtail, the last 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, a Blackcap, 3 Sedge Warblers and 2 Redpolls. More warblers arrived on 25th and 26th May, with the last Ring Ouzel, a Chiffchaff and a Siskin on the 26th. There was some passage of Swallows (up to 50), House Martins (up to 30) and Tree Pipits (up to 9) during the last week of May. Visibility improved on the 27th and more Blackcaps (10), Garden War- blers (8) and Willow Warblers (20) came in, and stayed during the bad weather of the 28th. A Green Sandpiper on the 29th and a Collared Dove on the 3lst were the only other arrivals for the month.
East winds blew every day for the first fortnight of June and a few late spring migrants were recorded: a Fieldfare on Ist June, also a Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, a Sedge Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher. The last Fieldfare came in on the 4th, staying till 1lth June. A few more migrants arrived on the 7th and 8th (a Redstart, a Whinchat, a White- throat, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a Spotted Flycatcher). Also seen on the 8th was an Ortolan Bunting. There was some passage of Swallows and House Martins, and one or two Sand Martins during this first ten days of June. The last Blackcap and a Turtle Dove were seen on the 20th. The final and most notable records for June were the island’s second Golden Oriole, a female, seen on 14th June by the entire SOC Excur- sion, and an Osprey on the 27th. There were no spring records of Stonechats, Yellowhammers or Snow Buntings.
Autumn
Observers were present from mid July until 8th August, 13th August to 30th September, 3rd October to 13th October, and 18th October to 1st November.
Late July and August. The only sign of movement in July was on the 26th, a day of intermittent rain, when a Green- shank, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Swifts and a Great Skua were recorded. All was quiet for the first days of August, but after a change of weather a few migrants came in—a few thrushes, a Whinchat, Wheatears and Meadow Pipits on the 5th and 6th, accompanied by numbers of butterflies (small tortoiseshells, painted ladies and red admirals) and tiger moths. The only
132 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 6(2)
Cuckoo of the autumn was seen on the 8th. There was a steady trickle of migrants from 13th to 16th August while east winds prevailed; warblers and flycatchers were the main species in- volved, and on the 14th a Barred Warbler, 15 Garden War- blers, 2 Wood Warblers, a Red-backed Shrike and a Green Sandpiper were recorded; again, butterflies abounded. A few more arrivals on 15th, 16th and 17th included more Wheat- ears and warblers, a few Redstarts and Whinchats, a Green- shank, and on the 17th another Barred Warbler, an early Field- fare and a Green Sandpiper. Winds then became westerly for the next few days, and there was only small coastal movement of terns, Swallows, Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Willow/Chiffs. A return to east winds brought a third Barred Warbler over- night on 2lst/22nd August, and a Whinchat on the 23rd. Some sea passage of Manx Shearwaters and Great Skuas was noted on the 24th and 25th when winds veered northwest. A Whimbrel was seen on the 26th, 2 alba Wagtails and 2 Tree Pipits on the 27th. A few migrants, including some Rock Pipit passage, were seen on 28th and 29th; and on the 30th a small movement of Swallows and Starlings. On the 3lst a return to east winds with some mist brought a Wood Warbler, 10 Wheatears and a Goldcrest; 8 Little Terns and 2 Sandwich Terns were seen flying north.
September. The month began auspiciously with a Raven on the Ist, and a Kingfisher on the 2nd; some sea passage (terns, skuas, shearwaters) was also recorded during the first few days, also Swallows, Starlings and Meadow Pipits. Further movements did not occur until 6th September, in east winds and rain—2 Barred Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warblers, 20 Willow/Chiffs, 35 Wheatears, a Ring Ouzel, and passage of Meadow Pipits; 8 Scaup and 9 Velvet Scoters were seen offshore. The next few days were fairly birdless, with west winds, though 3 Whinchats and a Barred Warbler arrived on the 9th, and another Barred Warbler and a Whimbrel on 10th, when winds were again easterly. The next day’s arrivals had a distinctly autumnal flavour—the first Snow Bunting, a Goldcrest, the beginning of a spell of Fieldfare and Golden Plover passage and 20 Wheatears. The 12th and 13th were quiet days of northerly winds, but passage of up to 50 Manx Shearwaters, 7 Sooty Shearwaters, several skuas, 50 terns, 1000 Meadow Pipits and 70 Swallows was noted. Also seen on the 13th was a Lapland Bunting. The 14th was a clear day with a cold northeast wind, and a number of migrants arrived —12 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Whinchats, a Barred Warbler, a Less- er Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 15 Willow Warblers and a Bluethroat; most of these departed next day. This brief lull was followed by four exciting days of the heaviest migration of 1969, when hundreds of birds of many species, including an unusually large number of raptors, poured into the island;
1970 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 133
observing and ringing were efficiently carried out by five keen observers, who somehow also found time and surplus energy to catch and ring a useful assortment of waders at night. The weather on the 16th started clear with ENE winds, and the first two arrivals were a Scarlet Grosbeak and a Barred War- bler. By midday a bank of cloud appeared and was followed by mist and drizzle; 25 Redstarts, 8 Robins, 8 Garden War- blers and 2 Spotted Flycatchers came first, then a Tree Pipit and 5 Chaffinches. On the 17th birds were arriving all day in fog and drizzle—a Sparrowhawk, a Greenshank, a Wryneck, 100 Redstarts, 2 Bluethroats, 35 Robins, 10 Garden and 30 Willow Warblers, 6 Goldcrests, 10 Pied Flycatchers, 20 Tree Pipits, 2 flava Wagtails, 3 Ruffs, 15 Golden Plovers, a Whim- brel and the first Redwing of the autumn. The movement reached a peak on the 18th, highlighted by the raptors—the island’s first *Spotted Eagle, 2 Sparrowhawks, an Osprey and a flock of more than 30 Kestrels; also another Bluethroat, 50 Garden Warblers, 200 Redstarts, 40 Pied Flycatchers, 10 Whitethroats, 10 Spotted Flycatchers, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 15 Blackcaps, 2 Wrynecks, a Red-backed Shrike, more Willow Warblers, 4 ‘Northern’ Chiffchaffs, more Goldcrests, Tree Pipits, thrushes, Robins, an Ortolan Bunting, a Snow Bunting, a Brambling, 2 Reed Warblers and a Barred Warbler. Other records included 20 Common Scoters, 2 Wig- eon and 9 Herons. Many migrants departed when the skies cleared on the 19th but a good hatch of flies in the sun detained some of them, and more Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Spotted Flycatchers came in; a Merlin was also seen. From the 20th until the end of September westerly winds persisted, sometimes gale force, and few new migrants arrived. Some sea passage was noted, and movement of Swallows, Wheat- ears and Meadow Pipits; also a few Dunlin. Other records were a Wryneck on the 26th, a Lesser Redpoll on the 27th and a Snow Bunting on the 19th.
October. The first ten days of October were very quiet, with only one day of east winds—on 5th October, when about 500 Redwings, 1000 Song Thrushes, 2 Bramblings, a Short-eared Owl and a Fieldfare passed through; next day a Greenshank and a Grey Plover were recorded; and the first Stonechat of 1969 came on the 9th (accompanied by 10 Goldcrests and a Garden Warbler). East winds and some fog over 11th and 12th October brought a fresh influx of migrants—500 Redwings on the 11th and up to 4000 passing through on the 12th, with at least 300 Blackbirds, 40 Song Thrushes, 200 Starlings and 10 Fieldfares that day. Other species included 40 Goldcrests, a Siskin, a Grey Wagtail, a Jack Snipe and a Whimbrel on the 11th; and the year’s only Mistle Thrush, 2 Redstarts, a late
*Subject to confirmation by the Rarities Committee
134 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 6(2)
Barred Warbler, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Great Grey Shrikes, a Greenfinch, 7 Siskins and 50 Bramblings on the 12th. After a few days’ gap, observers returned to the island in east wind and mist on 18th October to find many thrushes on the island (Redwings passing through) and 30 Bramblings, also a late Whinchat and a Richard’s Pipit, which stayed for a week (sec- ond record for the May). Similar weather and similar birds occurred on the 19th, with more Redwings, Blackbirds and Bramblings, a Lapland Bunting and a Woodcock. Thickening fog kept most of these migrants on the island next day, and they were joined by more Redwings, Goldcrests, Blackcaps, 3 Ring Ouzels, a Reed Warbler, a Stonechat, the year’s only Yellowhammers (2), the last 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Redstarts, and a few Robins and Wrens. Most migrants moved on as the weather cleared on the 21st, but new arrivals included the last Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher, Swallow and House Martin of the season, several flocks of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits, 4 Redpolls and 2 Reed Buntings. There was a little more visible migration on the 22nd, with Skylarks and Bramblings moving south, and Redwings and a few Fieldfares coming in over the North Sea. During the next few days, of strong west winds, the only newcomers were a Woodcock, a Hooded Crow, and on the 25th a Shore Lark. A flock of Long- tailed Tits arrived on the 26th and stayed for several days— the entire flock of 8 was trapped and ringed. A Sparrowhawk and a Woodcock were seen on the afternoon of the 27th. A small influx on the 28th included 200 Blackbirds, 20 Fieldfares and 10 Redwings passing through, a late Redstart, a Reed Bun- ting and a Snow Bunting, and next day 16 Tree Sparrows, 12 Redpolls, 2 Blackcaps, a Greenfinch and 4 Brent Geese. Little more migration was seen before the last observers left the island on 1st November.
This autumn there were fewer migrant Dunnocks and Chaf- finches than usual. No Long-eared Owls, Treecreepers, Wax- wings or Crossbills were recorded during 1969.
Unusual occurrences
*Spotted Eagle. One, 18th September. First record.
Osprey. One each, 27th June and 18th September. Ninth year of occur- rence.
Red-footed Falcon. One, 5th-12th May. First record.
Kestrel. 31 on 18th September. Largest movement on record.
Grey Plover. One, 6th October. Fifth and latest record.
Kingfisher. One, 2nd September. Fourth record and first for 16 years.
Golden Oriole. One, 14th June. Second record and first since 1913.
Raven. One, lst September. Third record.
Redstart. 100 on 17th September; 200 on 18th September. Largest move- ment on record.
Nightingale. One, 15th May. Eleventh record.
*Subject to confirmation by the Rarities Committee
1970 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 135
Spotted Flycatcher. 30 on 19th September. Largest number in one day.
Richard’s Pipit. One, 18th-26th October. Second record.
Tree Pipit. Unusually high numbers: 4th-12th May, up to 50 daily; 17th-20th September, up to 40 daily.
Ortolan Bunting. One, 8th June. Latest spring record.
Breeding populations
During 1969 Jasper Parsons concluded his work on the gull populations, but Durham University’s gull research programme will be continued for a further three years by Miss Margaret Emmerson. The gull colonies continue to expand, and the 1969 population was estimated to hold about 15,000 pairs of Herring Gulls and 2000 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Four pairs of Great Black-backed Gulls reared at least 6 young. Eider Ducks were not counted, but there were more pairs nesting and better hatching success than in 1968 (the 1967 total was 58 pairs). Despite a very late start to nesting, Shag numbers increased from 800 pairs in 1968 to 880 pairs in 1969. A count of Kittiwakes resulted in a total of 3095 nests, nearly a thous- and more than the 1966 total. Fulmars have increased slightly, 46 pairs breeding in 1969. A rough count of individual auks on the west cliffs in July revealed about 340 Razorbills and 9000 Guillemots. The Puffin nesting areas continue to spread, and there may be as many as 1500 occupied burrows in the colony now. More accurate estimates of the auk populations will be attempted in 1970. At least one pair of Shelducks bred. Oystercatcher numbers remained unchanged at about 12-15 pairs. One pair of Swallows and one pair of Blackbirds each reared broods and four pairs of Dunnocks nested.
Ringing and recoveries
3145 birds of 69 species were ringed—more species than in 1968, but less than half the total, because fewer gulls were ringed; yet it was the 4th highest total on record. Record ring- ing totals were Puffin (126), Purple Sandpiper (16), Tree Pipit (21), Ring Ouzel (21) and Redstart (191). High totals were Shag (610), Turnstone (18), Wryneck (9), Long-tailed Tit (8), Song Thrush (112), Redwing (66), Wheatear (37), Dunnock (49), Robin (167) and Blackcap (50). Only 16 Whitethroats were ringed, and no Kittiwakes, Guillemots or Razorbills. New spec- ies for the ringing list were Red-footed Falcon, Quail and Golden Plover; also ringed were 2 Sparrowhawks, a Nightin- gale and a Scarlet Grosbeak.
The total of 298 recoveries included 143 Shags, 125 Herring Gulls and 11 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Farne Island rings were found on a number of Shags in the breeding colony on the May.
The foreign recoveries and controls listed below include Shags for the first time :
136 ISLE OF MAY OBSERVATORY REPORT FOR 1969 6(2)
Ringed Recovered
Shag Pull 21. 6.68 Bray Dunes, Nord, France 3. 5.69 Shag Pull 5. 8.69 Lindesnes, Vest-Agder, Norway 26.11.69
Lesser Black-backed Gull Pull 12. 7.67 Figueira da Foz, Beira
Litoral, Portugal 1.12.68 Lesser Black-backed Gull Ad 29. 6.67 Porto de Leixoes, Doura
Litoral, Portugal 23. 8.69 Lesser Black-backed Gull Ad 29. 6.67 Bassin d’ Archachon,
Gironde, France —. 4.69 Herring Gull Pull 5. 7.67 N. Frisian Is.. Germany 1. 4.69 Herring Gull Pull 7. 7.67 Pernis, Netherlands 21. 5.69 Herring Gull Pull 25. 6.69 Langen, Osnabriick,
Germany 9.11.69 Song Thrush FG 5. 5.69 Heligoland 16. 6.69 Blackbird Ad ¢ 8. 4.662 Spikkestad, Drammen,
Norway 6. 7.68 Blackbird Ist-Y 2 21. 9.68 Ijhorst, Ouerisech
Netherlands 5. 5.69 Blackbird Ad 2 29.10.67 Tingvoll, Norway 5. 6.69 Blackbird Ad ¢ 8. 4.69 Drebak, Akershers,
Norway 7. 7.69 Blackbird Ad 2 31.10.67 Corbulla, Sligo, Eire 18. 2.69 Blackbird Ad @ 31.10.67 Ballina, Mayo, Eire 6. 1.69 Willow Warbler FG 7. 9.68 Store Faerder, Oslo-
fjord, Norway 29. 5.69 Other observations
Grey seals continue to frequent the island, and as many as 80 were counted in April 1969, three of them carrying Farne Island tags and one a Farne’s brand mark. A swim- past of at least 800 common porpoises was observed from the east coast of the island on 5th April.
At the beginning of the season the rabbit population was as high as ever, but in August myxomatosis reached the island for the third time (previous epizootics 1955-1964). The decrease first affected rabbits at the north end of the island, then spread gradually southwards, exterminating all but a few by Christmas. The surviving rabbits appear healthy.
As mentioned in the last annual report, the erosion of soil and vegetation caused by gulls, Puffins and rabbits continues to increase and spread, and it is especially noticeable around Colm’s Hole. A report on the animal communities associated with the kelp beds off the West Landing was received from D. J. Jones of Durham University; he found two species (an alga and an echinoid) which are not recorded south of the Isle of May.
The Committee is grateful to those observers who helped repair traps and carried out other tasks at the Low Light during the season; it also wishes to thank the Principal Keeper and his staff and the skippers of the Breadwinner for all their help and cooperation during the season.
1970 ENQUIRIES 137 Enquiries
Manx Shearwaters. During the next few years Manx Shear- waters will be colour-marked at Scottish colonies, each bird being dyed on the underside of one wing. Anyone seeing one of these birds should get in touch with Andrew D. K. Ramsay (4 Penicuik Road, Roslin, Midlothian), who would also like to hear from anyone who regularly observes shearwaters. The colour-marking is an attempt to locate their summer feeding grounds.
Atlas. M. J. P. Gregory, 4 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyll, is now acting as organiser for Argyll.
Wintering warblers. Unusual numbers of warblers, partic- ularly Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, were observed in the British Isles during the 1969/70 winter. A study is being made of the distribution, feeding habits and survival of these birds. Details of all observations of warblers in the months December to Feb- ruary (species, dates, numbers, location, habitat and, where possible, sex, duration of stay and foods taken) are needed by T. W. Gladwin, 99 Warren Way, Digswell, Welwyn Herts.
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
TWENTYTHIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOTEL DUNBLANE HYDRO, PERTHSHIRE
30th October to Ist November 1970 Friday 30th October .
5 to 7.30 p.m. Conference Office in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro open for
and8to9p.m. members and guests to register and collect name cards and Annual Dinner tickets.
6.15 p.m. Meeting of Council.
8.30 to 9.30 p.m. FILM AND SLIDE PROGRAMME in the Ballroom. At 9.30 p.m. details of excursions on Saturday afternoon will be given.
10 p.m. Meeting of Local Recorders.
9.30 p.m. to Lounges open for informal discussions and refreshments
midnight (late licence).
Saturday 3lst October
8.45 to 9.15 a.m. Conference Office open for registration.
9.20 a.m. Official opening of the Conference in the Ballroom. ADDRESS OF WELCOME by Mrs S. H. Maclachlan, J.P., Lady Provost of Dunblane.
9.30 a.m. LECTURE, ‘Long-range Migration” by Dr Gustaf Rude- beck, Zoological Institute, University of Lund, Sweden.
11 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
138 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(2)
11.30 a.m. LECTURE, “A History of Migration Studies” by Sir Landsborough Thomson, C.B., O.B.E., D.Sc., LL.D.
1 p.m. INTERVAL for lunch.
2 p.m. | Excursions by private cars leaving the Conference
Hotel car park. Details will be posted on the Conference notice board.
2.30 p.m. MEETING of members of the R.S.P.B. in the Ballroom, to which all members of the Club and their guests are _ invited. 6 p.m. 34th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB in the Ballroom. BUSINESS :
(1) Apologies for absence.
(2) Approval of the Minutes of the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Club held in Dunblane on 25th Octo- ber 1969 (see Scottish Birds 5: 477).
(3) Matters arising from the Minutes. (4) Report of Council for Session 33.
(5) Approval of Accounts for Session 33. (6) Appointment of Auditor.
(7) Election of new Members of Council.
The Council recommends the election of Miss M. P. Macmillan and A. T. Macmillan as new Members of Council to replace Miss V. M. Thom and William Brotherston who are due to retire by rotation.
(8) Any other competent business.
7.30 for 8 p.m. ANNUAL DINNER in the Diningroom of the Hotel Dun- blane Hydro (dress informal).
Sunday Ist November
9.30 a.m. LECTURE, “The Creation of a Wetland Habitat” by Dr Jeffery G. Harrison, M.A., F.Z.S. (Sci).
10.45 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
11.15 a.m. FILMS. “High Arctic—Bathurst Island”, and ‘Oisin”— film about birds in the Republic of Ireland.
1 p.m. INTERVAL for lunch.
2 p.m. ERE URSICNS (informal), leaving Conference Hotel car park.
Conference Office
Outwith the registration hours the Conference Office will also be open at intervals during the weekend for members to see the exhibits. A wide selection of new books from the S.O.C. Bird Bookshop will be displayed for purchase or orders. R.S.P.B. literature, Christmas cards, garden bird equipment, gramophone records and gifts will be on sale, and also a sel- ection of B.T.O. literature and Christmas cards. A display of paintings by wildlife artists will be on sale in the Exhibition room.
Film and Slide Programme
The programme from 8.30 to 9.30 p.m. on Friday evening is intended to give members and guests an opportunity of showing 2” x 2” slides or 16mm films. These must however be submitted beforehand to the Con- ference Film Committee and should be sent, by 19th October at the latest, to the Club Secretary, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. The
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 139
slides should be titled and sent with brief notes on what will be said about them, to enable the Committee to make a selection and to form a good programme. It will not be possible to show material which has not been received by this date.
INFORMATION
(1) Hotel Reservations. All reservations must be made direct. Owing to the shortage of single rooms, members are urged to make arrange- ments to share a room with a friend.
(2) Conference Post Card. It is essential that members intending to be present should complete both parts of the enclosed printed post card and send it to the Club Secretary not later than 26th October. Because of limited seating accommodation, the Council regrets that members may invite only one guest each to the Annual Dinner, and unless a booking is made beforehand a place cannot be guaranteed for either members or guests.
(3) Registration. Everyone attending the Conference must register on arrival (10s each) at the Conference Office (for opening times, see Programme). Members attending only the Annual General Meeting do not require to pay the registration fee, which covers morning coffee and incidental expenses.
(4) Annual Dinner. Tickets for. the Annual Dinner (price 33s inclusive of red or white wine or fruit cup, and of gratuities) should be pur- chased when registering. Members and guests staying in the Con- ference Hotel pay for the Annual Dinner in their inclusive hotel account, but must obtain a Dinner ticket from the Conference Office as all tickets will be collected at the Annual Dinner. No payment should be made in advance to the office in Edinburgh.
(5) Other Meals. Dinner on Friday evening is served in the Conference Hotel from 6.30 to 9 p.m. Non-residents will be able to obtain lunch on Saturday and Sunday (13s 6d) by prior arrangement with the Hotel Reception Desk.
(6) Swimming Pool. The indoor swimming pool in the Conference Hotel
ae Me available during the weekend (residents—free; non-residents s).
(7) Excursions. Members are asked to provide cars if possible and to fill their passenger seats; to avoid congestion in the car park the mini- mum number of cars will be used. Members wishing to go out on their own are particularly asked not to go out in advance of the led excursions to avoid disturbing the birds.
(8) Camping. It is hoped to make arrangements for a suitable location in the Dunblane area for those who wish to camp during the weekend. Details of these arrangements may be had from the Club Secretary.
Hotels in Dunblane
Hotel Dunblane Hydro (tel. 2551). Special Conference charge £8.10.0d, inclusive of 10% service charge, bed and all meals (except tea on Saturday afternoon) from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, after meal coffee, and the Annual Dinner (with wine or soft drinks). For less than a full day, bed and breakfast is 45/-, lunch 13/6d and dinner 21/6d, all with additional 10% service charge. Rooms with private bathroom have a supplementary charge of 10/- per person per day.
Stirling Arms Hotel (tel. 2156). Bed & Breakfast from 30/- to 35/-.
Schiehallion Hotel, Doune Road (tel. 3141). B & B from 25/- to 30/-.
Neuk Private Hotel, Doune Road (tel. 2150). B & B from 25/-.
Ardleighton Hotel (near Hotel Dunblane Hydro gates) (tel. 2273). B & B from 25/- to 30/-.
140 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(2)
Hotels in Bridge of Allan
Allan Water Hotel (tel. 2293). Bed & Breakfast from 47/6d to 65/-. Royal Hotel (tel. 2284). Bed & Breakfast from 52/6d.
Prices, except for the Conference Hotel, are provisional and should be confirmed.
RECORD PLAYER
The Club is in the process of building up a collection of bird-song rec- ords. These will be housed in the Reference Library, but at present there is no record player on which the recordings can be heard.
If any Member has a good quality record player which he would like to donate to the Club, will he please contact the Secretary.
BRANCH MEETINGS 1970/71
The Syllabus of Lectures for 1970/71 is being posted with this issue of ‘Scottish Birds’. Will Members please note that the dates of the first Meetings of Branches for next winter will be as follows:
September 24th Dundee and Stirling 29th Edinburgh and Inverness 30th Ayr, Dumfries and St Andrews
October 5th Aberdeen and Glasgow
Members attending the Ayr Branch Meeting should note that it will be held in the Memorial Hall, Ayr Academy. The venue for all other Branches remains unchanged.
AYR BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS
Ayr Branch excursions next winter will take place on the first Saturday of each month from October to April, except in January 1971 when the excursion will take place on the second Saturday. All excursions will depart from outside the County Hotel, Wellington Square, Ayr, and de- tails of the first three are given below. Details for the remaining months will be given in the next issue of ‘Scottish Birds’. If further information is required please contact the Ayr Branch Secretary.
Saturday 3rd October 1970 GLENBUCK. Depart 1 p.m. Saturday 7th November 1970 GALLOWAY. Depart 10 a.m. Saturday 5th December 1970 FAIL LOCH, TARBOLTON. Depart 1 p.m.
DUNDEE BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS
Sunday 27th September 1970 FIFE NESS (Depart 9 a.m.). Sunday 25th October EDEN ESTUARY.
Sunday 22nd November LINTRATHEN LOCH.
Sunday 20th December GLENCOVA.
All excursions leave City Square, Dundee, at 10 a.m. (except 27th September at 9 a.m.) by private cars. Those requiring transport should contact the Branch Secretary, Miss Jenny Stirling, 21 Johnston Avenue, Dundee DD3 8HE. Details for 1971 will be published in the next issue of ‘Scottish Birds’.
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
TPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and elsewhere at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest.
The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership, The Annual subscription is 40s, or 10s in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the time at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of 60s, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on Ist October annually.
‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland, The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal.
The affairs of the Club are controlled by a Council composed of the Hon. Presidents, the President, the Vice-President, the Hon. Treasurer, the Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fund, and ten other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also one Representative of each Branch Com- mittee appointed annually by the Branch.
The Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by Council, produces an annual Report on ‘Ornithological Changes in Scotland’.
_The Club tie in dark green, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be epiained by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch
ecretaries.
_ The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important journals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject.
The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre,
Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042).
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on their own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird: Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Andrew T. Macmillan, 12 Abinger Gardens, Edinburgh 12. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated.
2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for eeu All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready.
3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, es- pecially, should be typed if possible, with doubie spacing. Proofs will nor- mally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost.
4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested. we will supply 25. free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can. be obtained but a charge will be made for these.
5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics. being indicated where appropriate by underlining.
Dick, G: & PortEr, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1-329. Eeaetine, W. J..1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London.
6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 -B.0.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the Internationa) Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99:369). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets.
7. Dates should normally be in the form “Ist January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as “Dr” and “St”.
8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory.
9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type.
10, Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints.
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Set amidst mountain and moor- land scenery, the Boat Hotel, with its reputation for comfort and good food, is an ideal centre for study- ing birds—the Ospreys at Loch Garten are only three miles away, and this is the country for Crested Tit, Crossbill, Capercaillie and much besides. Also ideal for photography, fishing and climbing. 18-hole golf course 2 minutes from hotel. Per- mits available for the river Spey. Under ownership of Mr and Mrs James Harris. Reduced rates for children when sharing room.
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THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Volume 6 No. 3 AUTUMN 1970 Price 10s
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
Contents of Volume 6, Number 3, Autumn 1970
Page Editorial oe es 4 ae s ae Sian ee LAD The seabird wreck—autumn 1969. zy AGG SLOWARts <n) a 142 An oil spillage on Islay in October 1969. oe M. A. pene
& C. G. Booth Ee Soe Bee 149 Wrynecks breeding in Scotland. By H. Burton, T. he Evans
& D. N. Weir ues Sun 154 Food and feeding behaviour of the Hen Harrier in Orkney.
By E. Balfour & M. A. Macdonald _... i AR 157 Scottish birds. Photographs by W. S. Paton (plates 9- + sisi 159 Scottish winter Rook roost survey. By J. H. B. Munro .... ox. 166 Notes on the rookeries in the ae of ee in 1970.
By J. H. B. Munro a0 aft 169 Short Notes
Prey taken by Hen Harriers in winter (R. C. Dickson) Sie 171
Great Bustard at Fair Isle (R. H. Dennis) (plate 12)... ae 171
Ivory Gulls in Shetland and off North Argyll (R. J. Tulloch) wie
Ross’s Gull in Shetland (J. H. Simpson) A Es : 174
Crop contents of a Tawny Owl (M. A. Macdonald,
O. McDougall) ie 3 eae 175
Black- headed Wastail in Shetland (L S. ‘Robertson ae 176 Reviews
Bird Records of the eo Tey Area, 1961/1967. By H. Boase.
Reviewed by D. G. Andrew ms 177
Ecology and Land Use in Upland Scotland. By D. N. McVean
& J. D. Lockie. Reviewed by D. R. Grant a - ih Enquiries : se é as inte aie Ba ie 178
The Scottish cee ee Clubs 43.2 he vee Me ee 179
Edited by A. T. Macmillan, 12 Abinger Gardens, Edinburgh, EH12 6DE
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
ORNITHOLIDAYS .....
(WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE)
Holidays organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers
1971 Our programme for the coming year is now complete.
Once again we are including most of the areas which are well known to us from previous years and we are featuring in addition parties to the Channel Islands, the Outer Hebrides and the Austrian Alps.
SPAIN—A connoisseur’s holiday east of the Guadalquivir. Two departures : April 5th and September 20th.
MAJORCA—A beautiful island with outstanding birdlife. Three departures : April 18th, May 2nd and September 26th.
LAKE NEUSIEDL—A superb area which rivals the Camargue in many ways. Three parties are featured in our programme leaving London on April 25th, May 9th and August 29th. CAMARGUE—Spring parties departing London May 3rd and May 17th, will study spring migration and resident breeding species.
GUERNSEY, ALDERNEY & SARK—Departure from London and other airports on May 8th. A comprehensive tour with stays of several days on each island.
ISLES OF SCILLY—Departures from Penzance on May 15th, September 11th, 18th and 25th. A delightful area which grows in popularity each year.
ORKNEY & SHETLAND—Departure from London and other air- ports on June 5th, A first-class tour which visits most of the best bird areas in Orkney and Shetland.
FARNE ISLANDS & BASS ROCK—A very satisfying holiday in this beautiful area of Northumberland. Full programme of day- to-day excursions. Holiday commences June 19th.
NORTH UIST & BENBECULA—Departure from London and other airports on July 10th. Daily programme includes visits to Balranald etc.
ALPINE AUSTRIA (INNSBRUCK)—A small party of twelve per- sons to be based at Innsbruck in the heart of the Tirol. Easy- going exploration of mountains and river valleys. Exploration of high-level areas by use of cable cars etc. Departure beginning of August.
ICELAND—Two parties departing from London in June.
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 6 No. 3 Autumn 1970
Edited by A. T. Macmillan, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
Ducks delight. Birdwatchers may at times be regarded as odd by the unconverted. In their attraction to sewage farms and sewer outfalls, at least, their behaviour might be thought to set them apart from more normal folk, who tend to find their enjoyment of the country scene in more salubrious sur- roundings.
Recently an outcry has been heard from citizens of the Forth about the 50 million gallons of untreated sewage that Edinburgh Corporation pours into the sea daily. In spite of reassurances that salt water takes care of any risk to health, there is a not unnatural objection to the smell and to the filth and rubbish deposited on the beaches by the tide. Somewhere we heard that this was the largest volume of untreated sewage discharged into the sea anywhere in Britain; certainly it must be the worst in Scotland. Edinburgh is legally bound to do something about it by 1976, though it seems likely to take longer than that (and may even delay further the building of an opera house).
As naturalists, no less than as residents in the area, we must deplore the gross pollution of the Forth. But it cannot be entirely coincidence that increasingly huge numbers of duck winter off the shores of Edinburgh, apparently attracted by the mussel-beds there. The flocks of Scaup (up to 35,000) and Goldeneye (up to 4000), and the Pochard which flight from Duddingston to feed at Seafield at night (up to 8000) are the largest in the country. It will be most interesting to see what happens to the ducks if plans to stem the flood of crude sewage come to be. Obviously the fauna of the area will be changed, though it does seem that there will still be rich nu- trients in the water released from the sewage plant.,
Lost volumes. Despite an appeal on the contents page of the summer issue, no trace of the bound editorial copy of volume 5 has been found. If you had Scottish Birds bound by the official binder this year would you please check that you got your own copy back, and not one of the annotated editorial volumes (recognisable from the dates written on the first pages of the quarterly issues).
142 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 6(3)
The seabird wreck—autumn 1969 A. G. STEWART
During late September to November 1969 large numbers of seabirds were found dead on the west coast of Scotland, the northeast and southeast coasts of Ireland, the Isle of Man, the north coast of Wales and Anglesey, and the northwest coast of England. This incident is now sometimes called the birdkill in the Irish Sea.
Altogether, by mid November, a probable total of between 15,000 and 20,000 seabirds perished in the wreck along these coasts. This report is concerned only with records from the Scottish coasts.
The weather
During the first week of September a high-pressure ridge predominated, followed by a deep depression drifting NE over Scotland on the 7th, lasting two days, with associated troughs giving rain and moderate winds. A further complex depression moving east over northern England brought a few days of lower pressure, but then an anticyclone intensified, bringing sunny weather to Scotland.
This was followed on the 21st by a wave depression deepen- ing and moving across Scotiand and northern England, bring- ing winds up to 96 m.p.h. during the night of the 21st-22nd. With a pressure rise following, a SW airstream was main- tained until the 25th, with low cloud and rain. By the 27th the wind had veered to the NW, caused by another wave depres- sion approaching from the Atlantic and bringing a severe gale, with wind speeds of up to 103 m.p.h. recorded in Caithness as the depression moved towards Scandinavia.
October started with reasonably high pressure, giving mod- erate SW to NW winds over Scotland, though strong in the north. Lighter winds then followed from the effects of a high- pressure system over Scandinavia, with a few troughs of low pressure passing, over Scotland to give some rain and moderate south to SW winds. Then in mid October another SW gale, with winds of up to 63 m.p.h., passed over northern England and central/southern Scotland, caused by a depression moving over the country. While southern districts of England enjoyed warm sunny weather Scotland had heavy rain, but this was followed by a fine spell to the 22nd. Another unsettled period of weather then affected Scotland, bringing showers and drizzle, though day temperatures were above average for the time of year.
November opened with mild rainy weather brought by wave depressions moving south over the country, followed by colder
1970 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 143
weather with wintry showers on the 4th, and winds from the north. Intense cyclonic movement gave rise to gale-force west to NW winds by the 8th, followed by cold wintry showers and some snow in Scotland. After a high-pressure ridge passed over Scotland on the 23rd, more wave depressions brought northerly gales to all parts of the country on the 28th, with low temperatures and snow in some areas, giving way to much cloud and occasional showers of rain.
The wreck
From the later part of July until September, abnormal be- haviour of Guillemots was observed around the shores of the Irish Sea and along the west coast of Scotland. On 23rd July JASN reported Guillemots near Fort William (well up Loch Linnhe and in Loch Eil), while fishermen reported this species in large numbers approaching unusually close to their boats and feeding very close inshore in the Firth of Clyde (DM). This was also noticed off the Troon-Ayr shore during July and August (AGS). Towards the end of July large numbers of sea- birds were found dead along the north shore of the Mull of Kintyre (TMM).
A report on 21st September in the Sunday Post noted “scores” of Guillemots having “‘invaded’’ Kinlochleven, where they entered a factory and other premises, also wandering aimlessly around the streets (per JJDG).
This was followed on 25th September by a large number of exhausted seabirds getting caught in an oil patch on the sea just south of Ayr after the gale of 2lst-22nd September. Up to 1500 birds perished in this unfortunate accident, many hav- ing to be destroyed by the local SSPCA Inspector (AM).
On 28th September a dozen or so Guillemots were found dead on the east coast of Arran along with some gulls (EEG et al.). Just after this, on 29th and 30th September, the main mass of dead and exhausted seabirds was found on the Ayr- shire coast between Irvine and Ballantrae, with the heaviest concentration at Ayr and Prestwick. A reasonably accurate estimate of 6000 birds perished along a 48-mile stretch (AM, GAR, AGS), which with the 1500 oiled birds at Ayr (total 7500) gives an average of some 160 birds per mile. The Ayr-Prestwick shore itself had an average of about 300 birds per mile, with bodies piled up to a depth of 5 or 6 feet against the Prestwick bathing Jake and parts of the promenade. Seaweed, torn up by the gales, came ashore from the 29th onwards, to be itself piled up along the open shore to about 3 feet or so, making further accurate counts impossible; but at least another 500 dead birds were washed up here during the first fortnight of October to bring the total to about 8000.
Further reports of dead seabirds quickly followed from the west and southwest coasts of Scotland. Arrochar at the head
144 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 6(3)
of Loch Long had about 50 on 17th October (SSPCA Inspec- tor), and there were some 250 sickly-looking Guillemots in Stranraer harbour and a further 250 dead in Loch Ryan and Luce Bay in late September/October (FDH). Just south of Portpatrick JBN-B reported 300 dead seabirds, mainly Guille- mots, in coves along the Galloway peninsula during early October, obviously an underestimate for this rocky and inac- cessible coast. In Loch Caolisport 200 bodies were counted (RKM), again mainly Guillemots, but also a few Razorbills and a Briinnich’s Guillemot. From the Solway reports were received of about 600 dead birds along the Dumfries, Kirkcud- bright and Wigtown shores (ELR, RHM, MIN ez al.).
Small numbers of live, exhausted, dying and dead auks were also reported from such places as Skelmorlie, Loch Lomond (ETI, JDM), and the Great Glen at Spean Bridge and Fort Augustus (JC). Others were found in Perthshire; these included a Little Auk north of Perth on the River Tay (SFP), a Guille- mot at Newtyle (FT), “many” Guillemots killed against wires after being driven inland (SFP), and three Guillemots on the Tay at Caputh (Dundee Courier per JJDG).
Other reports are included in the county summaries below. Species and numbers involved
The coastline of Scotland is very rugged and in some places inaccessible, making the job of counting dead seabirds on the rocks, in coves and on the shoreline very difficult. Neverthe- less, a large number of reports was received, indicating the wide spread of the mortality, with many reports of weak and sickly birds in addition.
From known figures it appears that the total mortality along the Scottish coasts was at least 11,000 birds. Of this figure approximately 90% were Guillemots (of which 80% were of the southern race Uria aalge albionis). Ringing recov- eries of this species indicate that the birds came from such island colonies as Saltee (Wexford) and Skokholm (Pembroke).
The next most numerous species (about 5% of the total) was the Razorbill, of which perhaps about 500 were involved, though this figure cannot be confirmed, as only a total num- ber of dead ‘‘auks”’ was reported for many places. Ringing re- coveries show that a number of juvenile Razorbills from the Skokholm and Skomer colonies were involved. Less than 100 Puffins were reported, mainly juvenile birds in the Clyde area.
Many gulls were found, mainly juvenile Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed; these were reported from all along the coasts. A well oiled Great Skua was washed ashore at Prestwick, and 11 Common/Arctic Terns, also oiled, were found on this stretch of shore. Gannets, too, suffered; 23 (17 first-year and 6 adult) were found oiled at Ayr and were
1970 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 145
destroyed, while another 12 (7 first-year and 5 adult) were found exhausted. These were treated and fed, after which the first-year birds and three of the adults were released when they seemed fit; the other two adults died. The total for these ‘miscellaneous’ species affected is estimated at about 5% of the total birds involved.
Two very interesting birds were found. One was the Briin- nich’s Guillemot, already mentioned, at Loch Caolisport in mid October, found decomposing by R. K. Macgregor; it was well into moult, but from the wing and skull which were col- lected it was identified as the third Scottish record of this species. The other was a Leach’s Petrel found by G. A. Rich- ards at Ayr on 30th September; this was a dead adult in good condition, the first Ayrshire record for 17 years, and the body was sent to the Glasgow Art Gallery and Natural History Museum for preserving.
In Ayrshire 550 birds of all species were destroyed by SSPCA Inspectors, as being too badly oiled or in too poor shape to warrant treatment.
County summary
The following list shows the distribution of the wreck around the Scottish coasts. The county totals (given in brack- ets after the names of the counties) are reasonably accurate estimates, erring on the low side; where figures are not given in the text, numbers were generally less than 10 birds; undated feos refer to the period from late September to mid Octo-
er.
Dumfries and Kirkcudbright (400). Solway estuary to Rough Firth 200 (ELR), mainly auks, some in November. Rough Firth to Wigtown Bay 200 (ELR, RHM), mainly auks again, some in November.
Wigtown (600+). Some 200-300 sickly Guillemots in Loch Ryan and Stranraer harbour in late September and October (FDH). 200 dead auks Wigtown Bay-Luce Bay (FDH, RHM, MIN). 100 dead seabirds ashore at Mull of Galloway (SSPCA). Over 300 dead auks in coves south of Port- patrick (JBN-B).
Ayr (8060). Guillemots feeding very close inshore July-September (AGS), and also after wreck until November. 1500 birds caught in local oil Ayr-Maidens 25th-28th September (AM). Main wreck 30th September- 3rd October, about 1800 seabirds Ballantrae to Maidens, 2000 Maidens to Ayr, 1200 Ayr to Troon, 1000 Troon to Saltcoats (AM, GAR, AGS), followed later by about 500 more dead birds in October (AGS). Seamill to Ardneil Bay 50 dead auks (CEN). Largs (FMF). A few sick Guillemots were fed at Skelmorlie but died.
Renfrew (20). A few auks at Wemyss Bay, including Razorbill ringed Skomer 4th July 1969 as juvenile. Razorbill swimming at Port Glasgow dived and reappeared dead.
_ Bute (60). Guillemots unusually ‘tame’, seen near fishing boats and feeding close inshore off Millport during summer (DM). Near Brodick 14 dead seabirds on 28th September (EEG et al.). Some dead Guillemots at Ettrick Bay on 19th October (DNM). 45 birds, mainly Guillemots, dead on Newton sands and Kames Bay (Cumbrae) on 23rd October (BH).
146 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 6(3)
Seabird wreck, autumn 1969, showing distribution of Scottish records: cross, 1-9 birds; circle, 10-99 birds; triangle, 100-999 birds; square, 1000 birds or more; question mark, number uncertain.
Dunbarton (60). 50 fresh Guillemot bodies at Arrochar on 17th October (SSPCA), and a few dead auks at Finnart Bay on 18th October. A few live Guillemots and two dead ones were reported from the west side of Loch Lomond during late October (JDM).
Stirling (6). Six dead Guillemots near Drymen and Balloch in early Octo- ber (ETI).
Argyll (400). Few reports received from Kintyre, so total is a very conservative estimate. A local oil spillage at Bruichladdich, Islay, on 22nd October affected an unknown number of seabirds and ducks. “Scores” of Guillemots were wandering around Kinlochleven before 21st Septem- ber (Sunday Post per JJDG). About 200 dead auks, mainly Guillemots, with a few Razorbills and a Briinnich’s Guillemot decomposing, Loch Caolisport early October, then large rafts of Guillemots and Razorbills flying in the loch on 11th and 12th October (RKM). 26 dead Guillemots Loch Riddon (per JJDG) and a further 30 in Lochs Eil and Linnhe during October (LAE). A coastal survey by Dr T. H. Pearson and staff of the Scottish Marine Biological Association, Oban, in late October revealed dead auks at Southend (Kintyre) (JM), Bridgend (Islay) (HTP), Dunstaff- nage (THP), Ardmuckinsh Bay, Tralee Bay (JM, THP), Seil Island (MPM, THP), and Kemacraig (JM, THP). Other reports came from Toward Point (by Dunoon) (ABR), Lochgilphead (per JJDG), Muasdale (by Tarbert) (MWM), Corran Narrows (EASB), Benderloch (by Loch Etive) (per JJDG), Inveraray (ER), Sound of Jura (JDM), and Keilmore (JC).
Inverness (350+-). Dead Guillemots at Caol from 3rd October, increasing
1970 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 147
from 25 to about 200 by 18th (JC). Some live Guillemots seen after gales in Great Glen at Spean Bridge and Fort Augustus 28th September-3rd October (JC); others flying in Lochs Eil and Linnhe, July-September, which is unusual; about 150 dead on shores of Loch Linnhe in early Oc- tober (JASN).
Caithness (10). Small assortment of dead seabirds found oiled along Dunnet sands 3rd September-11th October (PM).
Aberdeen (50). Some 50 dead birds near Rattray Head during Septem- ber and October (MRW).
Fife (50). Assorted seabirds on Tayport-Kinshaldy shore during Sep- tember and October (JPFK). Similar reports from Kirkcaldy area, mainly of oiled birds (JCn).
Perth (50). Numbers of seabirds driven inland by main gales of early October, including Little Auk on Tay (see text).
It should be noted that these totals are the most probable figures; full coverage was not achieved. The total kill in Scot- land was aproximately 11,000 birds, which is no doubt an underestimate, but does show that the heaviest mortality in the wreck was in Scotland. This figure cannot of course meas- ure the total death roll, as many bodies must have sunk at sea. A conservative estimate of total mortality in the Irish Sea has been given by some as 20,000, while others think 30,000 would be a more realistic figure.
Some check can be made on these figures from the. 1970 breeding census, which, although not yet completely correla- ted, has shown a disastrous decline in the breeding population of the Irish Sea colonies, with Guillemots possibly 50% down in numbers and Razorbills 30% down. These figures tend to support the higher estimate of around 30,000 birds killed. Until final census figures are available for these breeding col- onies it is not possible to be more precise.
Discussion
The exact causes of this heavy loss of life to seabirds have not been fully established, although a number of factors have been examined. Owing to the extended period covered by the wreck the full implications were not realised until late on, so that much time was lost before samples of corpses were collec- ted for examination, and it was therefore impossible to make conclusive tests for certain infections, while some of the chemical analyses became difficult to interpret owing to post- mortem changes.
At this time of year the auks are flightless during their moult, and are generally in a weakened condition. It has also been established that many of the Scottish birds had ingested heavy concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a product of industry, along with smaller amounts of other chemical pollutants.
It is not known with certainty where the main concentra- tions of auks died; many were dead when washed ashore and
148 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 G(3)
therefore must have died at sea, but others were alive, though exhausted, on coming ashore. The 1500 birds oiled in the first wave arriving on the coast south of Ayr would probably have died anyway, even if they had not also had to contend with the effects of the local oiling.
The unusual behaviour of many Guillemots feeding close inshore prior to the wreck has not been explained, but could indicate a generally poor condition of birds already weakened by moult. This condition could have been caused by various factors : starvation through failure of food supply; starvation during bad weather; poisoning from a marine algal ‘bloom’; poisoning by chemical pollution; epidemic disease; or a com- bination of these factors.
A number of seabird wrecks are known to have occurred over the last 100 years or so around the same time of year. The latest incident follows the same pattern as these previous wrecks, but on a much larger scale. It cannot be explained solely as a bad-weather wreck, as it started (in the Irish Sea area) before the severe gales struck the region. Thus the necessity to monitor the environment at all times has again been highlighted, for it is often natural conditions and wildlife that signal first the unexpected dangers of pollution from in- dustrial man’s interaction with his environment, as may be suspected on this occasion.
An official report on the wreck is in the late stages of pro- duction by the Natural Environmental Research Council, and this will be published by HMSO. It will embrace the full his- tory of the wreck and all the evidence available to the NERC Inquiry that followed, and will cover such things as conditions at sea, marine life, the condition of the birds, and the pro- gramme and results of the analyses carried out.
Acknowledgments
Reports and counts were received from the following, to whom thanks are extended: Capt. E. A. S. Bailey, J. Cowan (JCn), J. Currie, L. A. Edwards, Miss F. M. Ferguson, Mrs E. E. Greene, F. D. Hamilton, B. Hardy, E. T. Idle, J. P. F. Keddie, J. D. MacEachern, R. K. Macgregor, D. McLaughlan, Miss M. P. Macmillan, Dr P. McMorran, Mrs M. W. McNeill, Dr D. N. Marshall, Dr J. Mauchline, Inspector A. Miller, R. H. Miller, T. M. Moore, Dr C. E. Nash, M. I. Nelson, J. A. S. Newman, Col. J. B. Norman-Ballantyne, Mrs S. F. Patton, H. T. Powell, G. A. Richards, E. L. Roberts, Miss E. Room, Miss A. B. Rough, F. Tyler, M. R. Williams.
Dr T H. Pearson organised a count along the Scottish coast after the incident; his figures, along with data supplied by J. J. D. Greenwood, are acknowledged with thanks. I would like to thank Dr W. R. P. Bourne for information and for all the
1970 THE SEABIRD WRECK—AUTUMN 1969 149
help and advice he has given me, and especially for his crit- icisms of this paper; and also Andrew T. Macmillan for val- uable criticism and help with the paper.
Summary
Large numbers of seabirds were wrecked on the west coast of Scot- land, particularly in Ayrshire, and in the Irish Sea from the last ten days of September 1969 onwards, estimates of the birds killed ranging from 15,000 to 30,000, mainly (90%) Guillemots, with smaller numbers of Razorbills and other species. Details of the wreck are examined in rela- tion to the very high winds at the time, the weak condition of the moult- ing birds, the presence of residues of polychlorinated biphenyls in the birds, and other possible causes of their weak condition and mortality. Some birds were affected by oil. The exact combination of these causes responsible for the wreck is unknown, but it provides further evidence of the need to monitor the natural environment at all times against the unexpected consequences of industrial man’s interaction with it.
An oil spillage on Islay in October 1969 M. A. OGILVIE and C. G. BOOTH
Topography and details of the spillage
Loch Indaal is a large shallow sea inlet on the south side of the island of Islay in Argyll (See map). Much of the shoreline is low and rocky or with shelving shingle beaches. There is an area of saltmarsh about two miles by a quarter of a mile at the head of the loch. Two large tanks holding 150,000 gallons each of heavy fuel oil are situated near Bruichladdich on the west side of the loch. The tanks stand together on the banks of a small stream which empties into the loch about a hundred yards away. No barrier exists between tanks and stream.
On the night of 19th-20th October 1969 a leak developed in one of the tanks which was not discovered until the morning, by which time it is estimated (officially) that up to 30,000 gallons had escaped into the stream and thence into the loch. Action was initially swiftly taken. A boom was brought on a special sailing of the ferry and placed across the mouth of the stream; an oil tanker was recalled to pump out the leaking tank; and a quantity of detergent was made available. By the evening of the 20th the bulk of the oil had been contained behind the boom. However at this point a 24-hour delay occur- red, which proved disastrous. During the hiatus very high spring tides lifted the oil out from behind the boom, and the prevailing southwest winds drove it into the loch. The com- bination of winds and high tides deposited the oil on the shore from Bruichladdich round the head of the loch to Saltpan Point, two miles south of Bowmore on the east side. The oil was pushed well up the beaches and rocks into a comparative-
150 AN OIL SPILLAGE ON ISLAY IN OCTOBER 1969 6(3)
La , ir ek BRUICH=— LADDICH § INDAAL ==: saltmarsh j | 225. tidal flats areas 0 | 2 miles v v searched
Scale
Loch Indaal, Islay, showing extent of oiling in October 1969, and limits of areas searched in November 1969.
ly narrow belt, though some parts of the saltmarsh received a more spread-out deposit. Approximately 10 miles of shore were affected (see map).
The birds of Loch Indaal
The loch supports a fairly large and diverse bird life by reason of its sheltered nature and the extensive feeding areas for diving and dabbing ducks and shorebirds. The main species present in October/November and their approximate numbers are as follows:
Barnacle Goose. About 2000 birds roost on the sandflats off the saltmarsh. In some autumns they feed on the saltmarsh, but this was not happening in November 1969.
Scaup. A flock of several hundred winters in the loch, feed- ing to a large extent on the barley residue poured into the loch from the Bowmore and Bruichladdich distilleries. The flock was not seen before the spillage.
Eider. There is no precise figure available for this species, which occurs in many scattered small flocks all round the loch. It is estimated that a normal autumn population might be about 300 birds, but it is known that 1969 was an excellent breeding season in the area and that there were noticeably more young birds in the flocks than usual before the oil leak-
1970 AN OIL SPILLAGE ON ISLAY IN OCTOBER 1969 151
age. It is thought that 600 birds may have been present in the area before the leakage.
Other ducks. Up to 200 Wigeon, 100 Mallard and small num- bers (under 50) of Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Scoter and Tufted Duck.
Waders. Flocks of up to 250 Oystercatcher, 100 Bar-tailed Godwit and small numbers of Dunlin, Knot, Ringed Plover, Snipe and Turnstone are to be found mostly round the head of the loch, though the Oystercatchers move around a good deal. Several hundred Curlew and Lapwing roost on the sand- flats or saltmarsh but feed on inland fields.
The effect of the oil on the birds
As soon as it became known that the birds were being. affec- ted a number of steps were taken. The Oban Inspector of the SSPCA came over to the island for a few days. The Factor of Islay Estates Ltd, which owns much of the shoreline affected, sent out his keepers to collect dead birds and put still-living ones out of their misery. The Bowmore Police Station was used as a collecting centre for birds brought in by members of the public. Dying birds were gassed and they and the dead ones burnt or buried, though not before an accurate tally had been made. Small numbers of dead birds continued to be found even several months after the incident, in part a reflection of the extraordinary behaviour exhibited by at least some of the Eiders, namely a strong movement away from the water, so that oiled birds were found walking inland up to half a mile from the water. Spring farming activity in the fields brought to light several more corpses. Some birds were picked up in the main street of Bowmore, which runs down to the water.
On 16th and 17th November, four weeks after the oil spill- age, one of the authors spent a day searching four miles of the shoreline (see map) on a further check for corpses and to see what state the oil and shore were in. Sixty-five corpses were found, and it has been assumed that these are extra to the totals of those collected earlier. The oil was now of a colour and consistency similar to that of road surfacing tar. On the shingle beaches it was generally above more recent tide marks and fairly well mixed with seaweed and small pebbles and sand. The band of oil and oiled seaweed was usually up to a foot wide. On the saltmarsh there were some patches of sev- eral square yards where the vegetation was thickly smeared with oil and beginning to die back, though most of the area had escaped and the oil was confined to the high-tide mark. Bees here it was over an inch thick and up to three feet wide.
By March 1970 the remains of the oil had been further buried in tide-wrack and sand, but were still obvious if these
152 AN OIL SPILLAGE ON ISLAY IN OCTOBER 1969 _6(3)
Table 1. Number of birds known to have been killed by oil, Loch Indaal, Islay, October/November 1969
Eider 338
Red-breasted Merganser 31
Guillemot/Black Guillemot a 1
Cormorant/Shag Scaup 18 Common Scoter 7 Grebe sp. 3 Barnacle Goose 1 Red-throated Diver 1 Razorbill 1 Oystercatcher 1 Unidentified i, 449
Note. Species identification may not always be accurate.
were dug into. However it was clearly of little danger to birds by this time.
Totals of the different species known to have died are given in table 1. It should be noted that these are absolute minima, based on corpses and dying birds collected, and on the search in November. The latter was only along part of the shoreline affected by the oil, and even there many corpses could have been missed under the piles of seaweed and other debris. No attempt was made to search inland.
Conclusions
In terms of quantity of oil spilt and the numbers of birds affected this was not a major disaster, though serious enough in a local context. In November 1969 there were only some 100-150 Eiders in Loch Indaal, compared with the estimated 600 before the incident. Thus upwards of three-quarters of the population, almost certainly a sedentary resident one, per- ished. The Scaup were certainly lucky to escape so lightly. This flock is one of the largest in the country, even though tiny compared with the flock in the Forth. It is of interest that all the dead Scaup (18) were found during the November search, indicating deaths subsequent to the initial mortality period.
Auks are not very commonly seen in Loch Indaal, though some may shelter there in rough weather such as existed at the time of the spillage. The possibility cannot be excluded that some of the auks may in fact have died earlier at the time of the major wreck at the end of September. Only a few were found on Islay at that time, though larger numbers were picked up on the Mull of Kintyre, not far away.
A few other species were affected though not apparently seriously. Up to six Mute Swans were noted with small
1970 AN OIL SPILLAGE ON ISLAY IN OCTOBER 1969 153
patches of oil on their plumage. On 11th November some Oystercatchers feeding on the tide-wrack were seen to have oil patches on them.
It has been shown recently that sea ducks are threatened by oil pollution as much as or more than the auks, because al- though the actual numbers dying may be smaller the propor- tional effect on the whole population is usually very much greater (Tanis & Morzer Bruijns 1968; Greenwood 1970 and pers. comm.). The latter is clearly true here of the Eiders, and it is hoped to keep a check on their numbers over the next few years.
Finally it must be pointed out that much concern was ex- pressed to the authors by the islanders with regard to the pro- cedure adopted to clear the oil. The initial steps were taken with commendable promptness but apparent administrative inefficiencies thereafter allowed the situation to get much worse than it might otherwise have been.
Acknowledgmenis
We are indebted to many people for information and help, and especially to Councillor Robert Hodkinson of Bowmore for letting us use the careful records he kept during and after the incident.
Summary
A minimum of 450 birds were found dead or dying after the leakage of about 30,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil in Loch Indaal, a sea loch on Islay, Argyll, in October 1969. The species most affected was the Eider (338 found dead). Others killed included Red-breasted Merganser (31), Guillemot and Black Guillemot (27), Scaup (18) and Common Scoter (7).. The normal populations of these species in the area include up to 600 Eider, 800 Scaup, and smaller numbers of the other species. In addition part of the area affected is used as a roost by up to 2000 Barnacle Geese and several hundred Curlew and Lapwing.
References
GREENWOOD, J. J. D. 1970. Oil pollution and wildfowl. Ibis 112: 441-442.
Tanis, J. J. C. & MoRZER Bruisns, M. F. 1968. The impact of oil-pollution on sea birds in Europe. Proc. Internationat Conference on Oil Pollution of the sea. Rome, October 1968. Pp. 67-74.
154 WRYNECKS BREEDING IN SCOTLAND 6(3)
Wrynecks breeding in Scotland H. BURTON, T. LLOYD EVANS and D. N. WEIR
Introduction
Peal (1968) has described the decline of the Wryneck Jynx torquilla in England during the past 100 years, from a breed- ing distribution covering most of the country to, recently, just a few pairs in the lower Thames valley and in east Kent. During most of this period the species was known only from Scotland as a vagrant or a rare passage migrant at a few stations. Since 1950, however, there has been an increasing, number of summer records in Scotland, principally in East Inverness, and most of these on Speyside (Scot. Birds 3: 418; 5: 338). This short paper describes the nesting of at least three pas on Speyside in 1969, the first records of breeding in Scotland.
Spring migration
In May 1969 there were exceptional falls of presumed Scandinavian night migrants on the east coast and islands of Scotland, with unusual numbers of Wrynecks between 3rd and 8th May (and a few to early June); 45 Wrynecks on Fair Isle on 3rd May greatly exceeded the previous best total of 12 since the observatory opened in 1948; calling birds were noted in- land from 20th May in North Kincardine, 22nd May in East Ross, late May in North Argyll, and 30th May at two Speyside localities (Scot. Birds 6: 106). Locally uncommon birds first re- corded at the end of May or early in June in Speyside included Spotted Crake, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Grasshopper War- bler, and unusual numbers of singing Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatchers were noted about this time.
Summering numbers and breeding data
Wrynecks were: eventually found in five localities within the area covered by the valley of the Spey and its tributaries between Newtonmore and Grantown. Details of the three nests found are given below, but detailed description of nesting habitat and information on any connection between 1969 loc- alities and previous published records has been omitted.
Site A. Calling pair prospecting dead birches found on 30th May; became increasingly secretive in next eight days; bird flushed from hole in dead birch 8th June, but actual nest, 50m away, not found until 16th; incubation may already have be- gun as a bird refused to leave nest on 18th; at least six young in it on 3rd July, well grown but appeared blind and naked; both adults repeatedly seen feeding young until 17th July, when one or more visible at mouth of nest hole. On 19th July the nest was empty and a party of five or six Wrynecks was
1970 WRYNECKS BREEDING IN SCOTLAND 155
found on the ground about 200m away. This pair was very tolerant of disturbance; a scout camp was pitched about 40m from the nest on 6th July and remained in use until about the time the young flew. The nest was in a rotten birch stump 5m high and 38cm in diameter at the nest hole, 2.7m from the ground in a natural cavity formed by the loss of a branch; the nest cavity was narrow, about 30cm deep, and not readily visible from the ground; there was no nest material, but the bird had removed some rotten wood from the hole.
Site B. Bird flushed off eggs on 26th June; clutch 8 on 30th when no bird on nest; bird sitting tight on 7th July with egg or shell visible beside it; only three young in nest on 23rd July, but one flew 15 minutes after inspection and others may al- ready have done so (there were no eggs in the nest). This nest was in a live Scots pine 20m high and 1.5m across at nest hole, about 2.7m up in a double hole, barely visible from the ground, formed by the loss of one fork of the tree; the nest cavity was of roughly even width, 15cm-17cm across, over 30cm deep, and with no nest material.
Site C. Nest found on 13th July from noise of young; by 15th two young, out of probably three, were appearing at the entrance, and a calling adult may have been enticing them from the nest; two had apparently flown by the 16th, a third was found dead in the nest on the 19th. This nest was in a live rowan 10m high and 33cm in diameter at the nest hole 1.8m from the ground, a split in the trunk leading to a complex cavity, narrow at the entrance, broadening into a large double chamber; the nest was on the mossy remains of another bird’s nest.
Locality D. Pair 10th June, thought from behaviour to be nesting (W. K. Richmond). We made several brief searches but were unable to locate these birds in the extensive wood- land where they were seen.
Locality E. One heard 30th May. We were unable to find a nest or even to discover if two birds were present, but a Wry- neck was heard calling about 200m from this site when a Buzzard flew over on 29th July.
All five sites were in open woodland, either natural and semi-natural Scots pine forest or woodland associated with it.
In 1970, late May and early June arrivals of locally uncom- mon birds on Speyside were markedly different from 1969: no Spotted Crakes or Grasshopper Warblers were recorded, Chiff- chaffs were even scarcer than usual, there were almost no Pied Flycatchers, and Wood Warblers may have been less common than in 1969. None of the Wryneck sites (A, B or C) was used, and no birds were seen or heard nearby. A calling Wryneck was recorded on 3rd June in locality E (G. Stewart), and there was one next day in a new locality (DNW), but neither bird
156 WRYNECKS BREEDING IN SCOTLAND 6(3)
was seen or heard again. On 7th July a calling bird was heard in another new locality when a hawk passed overhead (DNW); the late date suggested a possible breeding bird, but the area was not searched.
Discussion
There are three main reasons for suggesting a Scandinavian origin for these east Highland Wrynecks: first, the colonisa- tion began when the species had already disappeared southeast from most of England, suggesting that another source must be involved; second, all summering birds in the east Highlands have been associated with natural or semi-natural Scots pine forest, a common breeding habitat in Scandinavia (Peal 1968) but not in Britain (Withbery et al. 1938); and third, the 1969 spring migration described above strongly suggests a Scan- dinavian origin. Calling birds were first found in two of the five Speyside localities on the same day, and fledging dates at the three nests covered a period of not much more than a week, suggesting a nearly simultaneous arrival of the sum- mering birds. Speyside provides a greater acreage of natural or semi-natural Scots pine forest than any other British faunal area and offers a rich food supply to a bird which feeds largely on ants (Witherby et al. 1938); Darling & Boyd (1964) point out that “there are more species of ants in the Rothiemurchus- BECeSTAY gnr uenG pine country than elsewhere in the High- ands.”
Acknowledgments
The nests were found by two of the authors (HB and TLE) and an observer who wishes to remain anonymous; Miss J. Howie, B. Noyes and N. Picozzi helped with field observations on Speyside. We are grateful to all those who provided details of other 1969 Scottish records; and we also wish to thank R. E. F. Peal and G. Waterston for help and advice based on their considerable field experience of Wrynecks.
Summary
In the latter part of the decline of the English Wryneck population from about 1950, there was an increasing number of summer records in the east Highlands, especially Speyside. In 1969 Wrynecks were present at five localities there and three nests were found, most birds probably arriving at the end of May. Broods of about 2, 6 and 8 young fledged in the period 15th-23rd July, the first breeding records for Scotland. Details of nests and observations of the birds are given and it is suggested that they were of Scandinavian origin.
References
DARLING, F. F. & Boyp, J. M. 1964. The Highlands and Islands. London.
PEAL, R. E. F. 1968. The distribution of the Wryneck in the British Isles 1964-1966. Bird Study 15: 111-126.
WitTHErRBy, H F., Jourpain, F. C. R., TIcEHURST, N. F. & Tucker, B. W. 1938. The Handbook of British Birds. London. Vol. 2.
1970 FOOD AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF HEN HARRIER 157
Food and feeding behaviour of the Hen Harrier in Orkney
E. BALFOUR and M. A. MACDONALD
Introduction
This study of the food and feeding behaviour of the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in Orkney was carried out in the breed- ing season of 1969, and the results are based mainly on obser- vations made from a hide placed near enough to the nest so that most of the prey brought in could be identified and the behaviour of the birds in the nest easily observed. The final part of the paper consists of an analysis of pellets taken from nests in the area to supplement the feeding data.
The nest, situated in the northwest side of a long valley among, mixed heather and rushes, was a late one, and almost certainly a second attempt. The hide was finally placed about 15 feet from it, and observations began on 27th July, when the young birds were approaching two weeks old. The brood consisted of three males and one female, the latter being the largest; two of the males were about equal in size, but the third was disproportionately smaller and weaker.
Daily observations were made between 0900 and 1700 hrs, although the time spent at the nest varied and some days were missed because of bad weather. In all about 60 hours observa- tion was made, ceasing after 14th August, when two of the young made their first flight.
Behaviour of adults near nest
During the first few days the female stayed mostly in the vicinity of the nest, either brooding for short periods (espec- ially during rain), sitting nearby, or patrolling the area and occasionally making short hunting forays. In contrast, the male made only brief appearances, usually but not always carrying prey. Both birds would defend the nest strongly against humans. Although the female was the more aggressive we were twice challenged by the male when about a mile from the nest.
As the brood developed the female began to take over the main hunting role, though staying much nearer the nest than the male and often returning during forays to hover over and inspect the nest. The male’s visits to the nest with prey be- came more irregular and transient.
If the hen was present when the male came with food she would fly to him giving the food call (see below) and take the prey from him in the air (the food pass) before bringing it to the nest. If she was absent the male would drop the food into
158 FOOD AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF HEN HARRIER 6(3)
the nest and usually depart without alighting.
The Handbook and other works have stated that the male approaching the nest with food calls the female off to take it. In our experience, at the study nest and many others, it has always been the female that calls (often repeatedly) when she sees her mate approaching. This is without doubt the squeal- ing wail described by Walpole-Bond (1914) and which we know as the food call. The female uses this call frequently, not only in the food context, but also in courtship, mating, and while under stress. The male also uses this call, but only rarely, and apparently only in cases of great stress. However he does give a low, soft chuckling call at about the same time he delivers the pass; this only carries a very short distance.
Feeding behaviour at the nest
The hen did all the feeding of the chicks until they were about three weeks old, when they began to make attempts to feed themselves. She did however do most of the tearing up, especially of larger items, throughout the feeding period.
Small prey items were usually brought in entire; large birds and rabbits were evicerated or decapitated away from the nest, and possibly in some cases at the place of capture. When feeding the chicks, the hen would stand on the prey and strip the meat off the bones, presenting the small bits to the chicks, which would gather in a semicircle in front of her, uttering short chirping hunger calls. As the food was held forward, the chicks would lunge forward and the quickest one would get the prize. Sometimes a tug-of-war would develop between two or three of the chicks over a particularly large scrap. The lar- gest chick received more, and the smallest less, than a fair share. The smallest was often robbed of food by its larger siblings. The hen appeared to have some drive to tear up prey and feed the chicks herself, as on several occasions she took food from the oldest chick (which was feeding itself) and fed them all in the usual way. This probably aided in achieving a reasonably fair distribution of the food.
We have been unable to find any support for Hamerstrom’s (1968) suggestion that the hunger calls and white down of the smallest member of the brood inhibit the older ones from tak- ing food, causing them to move away and thus allowing it to obtain a larger share of the available food. In our experience at the study nest and elsewhere the older chicks are not in- hibited; the smallest 1969 chick was continually crowded out and sometimes bullied.
Cannibalistic behaviour
Over the years there has been ample evidence of the small- est member of a brood being eaten on the nest. This type of
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PLATE 1° Captive Great Bustard, Fair Isle, where it remained from January to Viarch 1970, with Gordon J. Barnes, who fed it (see page 171).
Photograph by Dennis Coutts
1970 FOOD AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF HEN HARRIER 163
cannibalism occurs in a number of raptors and is fairly fre- quent among Short-eared Owls.
A suspected case occurred with the study brood, as on ar- rival at the nest on 4th August, after an absence of two days when rain had prevented observations, we found the smallest chick missing. A number of partly grown wing quills lying on the nest certainly came from a Hen Harrier chick, and sug- gested that the missing bird had been eaten. We were however unable to determine whether it was killed by other members of the family or had died naturally. On a few occasions it had been pecked about the head by the big female chick. Once, when the adult female accidentally stood on the small chick’s wing, forcing it to lie prone on the nest, she made a few ten- tative pecks at its head and abdomen before releasing it.
This kind of behaviour provides a useful regulating mech- anism between brood size and food supply, by reducing the number to be fed and at the same time providing a stop-gap meal which might be critical for the survival of the rest of the brood, usually when bad weather prevents hunting for long periods. In fact it only seems to operate under such conditions.
A confirmed case of cannibalism occurred a few years ago, when the adult female was seen to carry off the smallest chick, which had died, and bring it back decapitated, and feed it to the rest of the brood.
Nest sanitation
As a rule Hen Harriers keep their nests rather clean. The young invariably defecate over and well clear of the edge of the nest, and the female removes pellets and uneaten food re- mains, which she drops usually between 50 and 150 yards from the nest. When returning from disposing of such items the 1969 female almost always brought back beakfuls of rushes, grass or pieces of heather for the nest.
She brought nesting material in other situations as well, such as after disturbance at the nest, or on returning from an unsuccessful hunt, or when the male failed to appear with food. We have little doubt that it is then a kind of displace- ment activity, although it still serves a useful purpose.
At between two and three weeks old the young begin to spend a lot of their time in little tunnels or hideouts among the heather near the nest, especially during their mother’s ab- sence. This is a useful survival mechanism but may also serve as a secondary aid to nest sanitation.
Food analysis
Observational data. The food taken into the nest (table 1) shows that the Orkney vole was the commonest item, but young rabbits and a variety of fledgling birds were regularly
164 FOOD AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF HEN HARRIER 6(3)
Table 1. Items of prey brought to nest by Hen Harriers
Number brought by Female Male Total
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 5 0 5 Orkney Vole Microtus arvalis orcadensis 14 4 18 Corncrake Crex crex 1 0 1 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 1 1 2, Golden Plover Charadrius apricarius 0 1 1 Skylark Alauda arvensis 1 1 2 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 5 22 7 Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2 2 4
Unidentified (1 small wader, 5 small birds, 3 small items) 5 4 9 34 15 49
taken. Of the 49 items, we have credited the female with catching 34 and the male with 15. On two occasions two vic- tims were brought in at the same time by one bird; the male with two Meadow Pipit chicks and the female with two voles, one in each foot. The absence of young Curlew, usually a common prey item, was probably due to the lateness of the nest.
Pellet data. In order to supplement hide observations, 82 pellets taken from various nests in which the young were about full size, though not necessarily fledged, were analysed for prey remains.
Hen Harrier pellets can be distinguished from those of the Short-eared Owl, which are commonly found on the same moors in Orkney, by their less dense texture, lack of bony remains, and the large amount of vegetable matter. They often have an unpleasant smell of decaying flesh. They varied in colour from mid-grey to black, the paler ones having a higher proportion of fur, while the black ones tended to have more feather in the matrix. Thirty-three pellets averaged 21 x 48 mm, very much smaller than those quoted in the Handbook, which gives 35-38 x 64 mm.
The one factor common to all the pellets was the presence of fragments, often quite large, of heather twigs or rushes. These were ingested in two ways, as seen from the hide: acci- dentally when they adhere to food from the floor of the nest; and deliberately. The hen was seen pulling off and swallowing heather shoots from bushes around the nest, and both adults and chicks were seen to swallow pieces of rush deliberately. The hen often gave bits of rush to the chicks when feeding them. These might aid in breaking up food during digestion in the same way as grit in passerines and the copious bone frag- ments in owls.
Most of the pellets had a mainly fur matrix (79 per cent) while the rest (21 per cent) were mainly feather. All the pellets examined had very few bony remains. This is because harriers
1970 FOOD AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF HEN HARRIER 165
Table 2. Contents of 82 Hen Harrier pellets
Number of Remains found pellets Rabbit jaws, teeth 3 Orkney Vole skulls, jaws, teeth, limb bones, vertebrae 28 Brown Rat teeth 1 Large birds limb bones, synsacra 10 Small birds skulls, limb bones, claw sheaths 15 Insects elytra, limbs, abdominal segments 12 No hard remains fur — 23 feathers _~ 5
tend to strip the meat off their prey, rather than swallow prey or limbs entire. Although most of the fragments were very small, birds’ legs as big as Lapwings’ were occasionally found. We suspect that the pellets with these came from chicks, which often swallow limbs whole in the face of severe com- petition from the other members of the brood.
Table 2 shows the analysis of the contents. The categories were chosen for convenience. Birds which were specifically identified from remains were Meadow Pipit, Starling, Lapwing and Red Grouse.
Scraps of undigested skin are commonly present. Two vole skulls were found in a very poorly digested state, with the tongues and many of the jaw muscles still intact. In one pellet containing vole remains the semi-digested stomach of the animal was found still containing many small seeds. Seeds were commonly present in pellets and probably came from the stomachs of the prey. Insect remains were found in several pellets. Beetles are eaten from the floor of the nest, and adult and chicks have been seen snapping at and catching blue- bottles flying around the nest. Insects form only a very minor part of the diet.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to A. J. Deadman and P. O. Macdougall for helpful suggestions and criticisms of the manuscript.
Summary
The hunting, feeding, and nest sanitation behaviour of a pair of Hen Harriers in Orkney is described. Observations from a hide combined with a pellet analysis showed that the most common prey species was the Orkney vole. Other species taken included a variety of fledgling birds, rabbits, and insects. It was suspected that the smallest chick in the study brood was eaten by the others. A list of prey items is appended.
References and sources
BALFouR, E. 1957. Observations on the breeding biology of the Hen Harrier in Orkney. Bird Notes 27: 177-183, 216-224, BaLFrour, E. 1962-65. The Hen Harrier in Orkney. Bird Notes 350: 69-75, 145-153.
166 FOOD AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF HEN HARRIER 6(3)
HAMERSTROM, F. 1968. A harrier population study. In Hickey, J. J. Peregrine Falcon Populations: their Biology and Decline. Milwaukee. Pp. 367-385.
WALPOLE-BonD, J. 1914. Fied Studies of Some of the Rarer British Birds. London.
WITHERBY, H. F. ef al. 1939. The Handbook of British Birds. London. Vol. 3.
Appendix 1. Prey of Hen Harrier recorded in Orkney,
1950-1969 Mammals Pygmy Shrew Orkney Vole Rabbit (young) Wood Mouse Brown Hare (leveret) House Mouse Mountain Hare (leveret) Brown Rat Birds Mallard Redshank Teal Woodpigeon (young) Merlin (young) Short-eared Owl (young) Kestrel (young) Skylark Red Grouse (young) Song Thrush Corncrake Blackbird Moorhen Meadow Pipit Oystercatcher Starling Lapwing Linnet Golden Plover Twite Snipe Crossbill Curlew (young) Reed Bunting Scottish winter Rook roost survey J.H. B. MUNRO Introduction
During the winter months, usually between October and early March, Rooks do not normally spend the night at their nesting colonies, but gather to roost socially, often in large numbers. The communal roost is sometimes at a large nesting colony.
Each winter roost may drain an extensive area and contain also many Jackdaws. Roosts found in 1969/70 held approxi- mately 1000 to 10,000 birds each, and the pattern of their distribution makes it probable that there are only some 150 roosts in Scotland.
The survey has been adopted as an SOC enquiry, and with cooperation from SOC members it should be possible to find most of these Scottish roosts during the winters of 1970/71, 1971/72 and 1972/73. If you know of any roosts in Scotland or are willing to help in finding them please write to me, J. H. B. Munro, 9 Capelaw Road, Edinburgh, EH13 OHG.
Method of finding roosts
In winter one may see flocks of Rooks homing to a roost about dusk, and one can then follow the birds by car. A nor-
1970 SCOTTISH WINTER ROOK ROOST SURVEY 167
mal speed is about 25 m.p.h. If a flock is found on the ground in the afternoon one can sometimes persuade the birds to move nearer to or direct to the roost. Care should be taken to make quite certain that the birds are at the roost, and the only really satisfactory way of achieving this is to remain at the roost until after dark.
The birds usually collect at a ‘stonk’ or final concentration, often on the ground, some 200 yards to a mile from the roost, before making the final flight to the roost; sometimes the final flight is made in the dark. In early spring, when the birds are spending longer each day at their nesting colonies, they often fly direct from the colony to the roost, and care has to be taken not to mistake a concentration at a nesting colony for a roost.
Known winter roosts at 31st March 1970
ABERDEENSHIRE
. Arnage, 1967 (GMD, IJP)
. Dens of Peterhead, 1967 (GMD, IJP)
. Foveran, 1967 (GMD, IJP)
. Hatton, 1967 (GMD, IJP)
. Ruthen, 1967 (GMD, IJP)
. Straloch, 1967 (GMD, IJP)
Roosts about 8-12 miles apart.
BERWICKSHIRE
1. Foxcovey Simprin, 4000+ birds 1969/70 (WML-H)
2. Hoprig Farm, Cockburnspath, under 1000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM) It is likely that this roost replaces the Dean Burn, Dunglass, roost known to Muirhead in 1877 (The Birds of Berwickshire 1889).
3. Allanshaws, 1969/70 (RWJS) Suspected in 1946/47 (Scot. Nat. 1948 : 25).
EAST LOTHIAN
1. Stevenson Mains, Haddington, under 10,000 birds Appears to have been in use since 1947 (Scot. Nat. 1948: 21); it pro- bably takes place of very old roost at Tyninghame, in use in 1794 (G. Buchan-Hepburn General View of the Agriculture of East Lothian),
Ook Whe
S
. Balcaskie House, Pittenweem, 1969/70 (WJE)
. Craighill, 1500 birds or more 1969/70 (WJE)
. Kippo Farm, 1969/70 (WJE)
Kirktonbarnes, 1500 birds or more 1969/70 (WJE)
. Otterston, under 2000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM)
. Pitcairlie, “big” 1969/70 (WJE)
Ramornie, under 2000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM) An old roost known to the Misses Baxter and Rintoul in 1949, when they recorded very large numbers (in correspondence).
KINROSS-SHIRE
1. Barnhill-Powmill, under 5000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM) LANARKSHIRE
1. Carstairs House, under 5000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM)
Appears to take the place of roost at Lee Castle, Lanark, known to Stewart in 1924 (Scot. Nat. 1924 : 72)
NOOR Whe by
168 SCOTTISH WINTER ROOK ROOST SURVEY 6(3)
2. Hamilton Palace Low Parks, 1969/70 (HSCH) Known to Stewart in 1924 (Scot. Nat. 1924 : 69).
3. Spittal Farm, Biggar, under 5000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM) Known in 1949 and probably many years before (RGM, farmer, in correspondence).
MIDLOTHIAN
1. Borthwick Church, 1969/70 (WB, JHBM, RWJS)
Probably takes place of the ‘great winter-roost’”’ at Hurley Cove in Penicuik House policies (W. Evans, Scot. Nat. 1922: 12), which was discontinued shortly after 1922 (W, J. Ross, Factor to Penicuik Es- tates, in correspondence). The roost moved to Harvieston House on the west side of the Galashiels road for at least 16 years before moving to Halkerston Farm (Scot. Nat. 1948: 26) and later to Borth- wick Church.
2. Dalmahoy Hill, 1969/70 (GLS)
Probably takes place of the very old roost at Newliston, known in 1844 and possibly there for many years before that. The roost moved to Westfield House about the early 1930s (Scot. Nat. 1948: 26). In 1969 the roost was at Livingston New Town, and it moved from there in 1969/70.
PEEBLESSHIRE
1. Burnhead Farm, east of Eddleston
Known in 1946/47 (Scot. Nat. 1948: 29). Present position not known, but 1969 flight lines suggest that roost has not moved (JS).
ROSS-SHIRE (OUTER HEBRIDES)
1. Stornoway Castle Woods, about 200 birds 1970 (WAJC) Established in last 15 years since former roost in nearby conifers blown down.
ROXBURGHSHIRE
1. Bedrule, under 5000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM).
2, Hoselaw, 1969/70 (RSB) ahere appears to be a subsidiary roost 4 miles south at Kirk Yet-
olm. SELKIRKSHIRE
1. Sunderland Hall farm, 1969/70 (AJS) Probably a very old roost (AJS) (see also Scot. Nat. 1948 : 29). STIRLINGSHIRE 1. Dunmore House, Airth, about 2000 birds 1969/70 (Dunmore gardener) Known in 1946/47 (Scot. Nat. 1948 : 29). WEST LOTHIAN
1. Lochcote House, under 2000 birds 1969/70 (JHBM)
Known to have been in existence for at least 50 years by 1946/47 (Scot. Nat. 1948: 28). A subsidiary roost is reported at Muiravon- side in 1969/70 (CKM).
Key to initials of observers
R. S. Baillie, W, Brotherston, W. A. J. Cunningham, Dr G. M. Dunnet, Dr W. J. Eggeling, Mrs H. S. C. Halliday, Lt.-Col. W. M. Logan-Home, J. H. B. Munro, R. G. Murray, C. K. Mylne, Dr I. J, Patterson, G. L. Sande- man, A. J. Smith, R. W. J. Smith, J. Stewart.
1970 NOTES ON THE ROOKERIES IN EDINBURGH IN 1970 169
Notes on the rookeries in the City of Edinburgh in 1970 J. H. B. MUNRO
A count of Rooks’ nests within the City boundary was made during April and early May 1970. A late spring made such late counting advisable. In table 1 the results are compared with figures for 1957 and 1964 given by Cowper (1964).
Table 1. City of Edinburgh rookeries—number of nests in 1957, 1964
and 1970 1957 1964 1970 Gogar and Hanley (including Gogar Mount outside city) 471 298 172 Kirk Loan, Corstorphine 1 — —_— ZOO 19 1 er Turnhouse Farm 53 38 = Lenny Port 13 5 — Craigiehall Temple, Barnton 129 39 14 Cammo Tower, Barnton 16 — —_ Cammo Road, Barnton (by Cammo Home Farm in 1970) 22, 10 21 Bonnyfield, Barnton 28 3 — Whitehouse Crossroads 104 29 5 Cramond House 30 — — Cramond Manse — _ 15 Queensferry Road at Davidson’s Mains 10 = — Lauriston Farm Road 7 1 2 Northern Genera! Hospital 4 — —_ Royal Victoria Hospital 5 — —_ Portobello Main Street (St Marks) 6 1 — Milton Road 7 — — Duddingston Crossroads 9 — —_ Nidécrie House 19 2 — Craigmillar Explosives Factory 22 20 — Croft an Righ, Holyrood 7 — — Hope Park Terrace 3 21 21 Drum, Gilmerton 768 327 335 Greenend 6 — — Ellens Glen 47 Ti 21 Liberton Church 6 3 1 St Katherines, Liberton alt 100 —_ Kaimes, Frogston Road East 20 — — Mortonhall South Gate 135 65 193 Woodburn Nurses Home 38 5 —_— Hermitage of Braid 113 47 16 Buckstone, Braids 20 7 3 Fairmilehead 3 — 9 City Hospital — — 11 Cockit Hat Plantation 102 13 12 Merchiston Castle School 7 — = Kingsknowe —_ 4 —_ Colinton Tram Terminus 20 1 — Allermuir, Woodhall Road 8 — — Munro Drive, Colinton 3 —_ — Convent of Good Shepherd, Colinton 45 14 —_ Woodhall, Juniper Green 370 Dilie, TP
170 NOTES ON THE ROOKERIES IN EDINBURGH IN 1970 6(3)
It will be seen that while the 1970 figures are down by 31% on 1964, this decrease is less than that between 1957 and 1964. While many of the smaller rookeries have disappeared there is, as is reasonable to expect, a shift to other nearby areas—for example at Cammo and Cramond. Rather surprisingly the Drum has held its population. The Mortonhall Estate rookery has trebled since 1964, but evidently largely as a result of a shift from the nearby St Katherines site. The most serious drop is at Woodhall, Juniper Green, where the numbers have fallen 74%. This may be due to the housing development in west Colinton and Currie.
Table 2 shows totals of various years from 1921 to 1970.
Table 2. City of Edinburgh rookeries—number of nests 1921 to 1970
Year Nests 1921 1642 1928 2316 1935 2824 1944 2289 1945 2300 1954 2406 1955 2384 1956 2588 1957 2718 1964 1333 1970 923
The city development plan (mid 1965 to 1985), if carried out, involves a loss of 3534 acres of agricultural land from the total of 10,297 acres in 1965, a loss of about one third of the total agricultural area. The Bonaly (Colinton) and Bush (Newing- ton) developments have already reduced the agricultural land by some 41 acres. It seems likely therefore that the Rook pop- ulation within the present city boundary must continue to fall.
I am grateful to the following who took part in the counts : L. W. G. Alexander, R. M. Blindell, C. N. L. Cowper, J. P. Knowles, K. S. Macgregor, J. A. Stewart.
References
MACMILLAN, A. T. 1957. Notes on the rookeries of Greater Edinburgh with counts for 1954, 1955 and 1956. Edinburgh Bird Bull. 7: 40-45, 51-54.
‘CCOWPER, C. N. L. 1964. Notes on the rookeries in the City of Edinburgh in 1957 and 1964. Scot. Birds 3: 177-179.
1970 SHORT NOTES 171 Short Notes
Prey taken by Hen Harriers in winter
In December 1966, January 1967 and September 1968 I col- lected 32 pellets dropped by Hen Harriers at a communal roost in SW Scotland in a moorland area dominated by heather, with ja field layer of sphagnum moss and cotton grass. The Hen Harrier, however, hunts over a wide range of habitats in the county, from the coast, agricultural land and marshes to the higher moors.
The pellets were grey and fairly firm and were kindly ana- lysed by I. H. J. Lyster of the Royal Scottish Musuem, Edin- burgh. The prey remains were fragmentary, but examination showed the remains of 35 birds, 3 mice/voles, a shrew and 2 small beetles. All the pellets were packed solid with contour feathers, and very few flight feathers were found. Seven spec- ies of birds were identified with reasonable certainty, analysis of the bird remains showing 1 grouse (species unknown), 1 Redshank, 1 unidentified wader (Redshank or larger), 6 Sky- larks, 5 pipits (probably Meadow), 1 Wren, 2 Starlings, 2 Greenfinches, 1 Chaffinch/Brambling, 10 finches (possibly mostly Linnets), 1 Yellowhammer, 4 unidentified passerines (possibly 2 Skylarks, a Starling and a Corn Bunting).
As Bannerman (The Birds of the British Isles 1956, vol. 5) points out, comparatively little is known of Hen Harriers’ feeding habits in Britain. He cites a long list of prey species from Norway (where the habitat is different) and voles figure largely in the totals—all from breeding areas. Their winter diet, however, is little known. The strikingly small range of prey items obtained in the present study suggests that birds could form the main winter diet of Hen Harriers, at least in this par- ticular area. Of the prey species recorded above, the Handbook does not mention Redshank, Wren, Starling, Greenfinch or Yellowhammer.
R. C. DICKSON.
Great Bustard at Fair Isle
In the evening of 11th January 1970 Teddy Stout saw a very large, unusual bird in a field of sheep on his father’s croft near the Reevas. Next day he and Brian Wilson saw it again in fields a few hundred yards away, and by this time they thought it was a Great Bustard; they telephoned me in Inverness-shire and described the bird, and I identified it as a Great Bustard from their description. On 13th January it moved to croft-land belonging to Gordon J. Barnes, and he confirmed that it was a Great Bustard, probably a young male.
It stayed on his land, and watching it carefully over the next
172 SHORT NOTES 6(3)
couple of days he noted that it was not finding much food, if any. With the very short days and coarse weather the bird was obviously in very poor condition; this was confirmed when Gordon caught it by torchlight at night on 16th January. It was fed in captivity on cabbages, and rapidly took to this diet, eating several large Shetland cabbages a day as well as dead mice. My wife and I, Dr Brian Marshall and Iain Robert- son saw the bird when we arrived on the island on 19th Jan- uary.
It fed well in captivity and put on some weight, but the weather on Fair Isle was harsh with frequent snow, so we did not release the bird until 24th February, when there was some improvement. Previous to this we had measured, weighed and ringed it in preparation for release, and recorded a plumage description. After release the bird was seen in various parts of the croft-land; it was shy and difficult to approach closely. It obviously had difficulty in finding sufficient food, because when the weather again deteriorated in the first days of March it started walking into the stackyards to try to find food, its footprints being seen in the snow. Instead of letting it die of starvation we retrapped it at night on 5th March and returned it to Gordon Barnes, who fed it again on cabbages and sheep food pellets. Finally on 6th April it was flown south to England in a crate for Christopher Marler to release at some later date on Salisbury Plain.
It was a tremendous bird in the field, looking like a pale sandy brown turkey with white underparts and grey head and neck. It walked sedately with its head held high; when flushed its wings showed much white, and it flew well with slow ‘powerful wingbeats. A full description was taken in the hand; its measurements were wing 510 mm, bill 41 mm, tarsus 138 mm, and tail 220 mm. In February it weighed 3.2 kg, but it had increased to 4.6 kg by 24th March. We considered it was an immature male.
Plumage description. Head and neck dove grey; feathers on crown elongated and some rufous, barred black; hind neck rufous, washed grey; whole of rest of upperparts rich cinnamon-buff, barred black, the base of the feathers being grey and the down pink; more rufous on lower back and upper tail-coverts; some grey whiskers but not very long; throat grey; breast grey with rufous at sides; rest of underparts white; underwing white; tail, 15 feathers, some missing, mainly white, especially outer feathers, marked with thick black band, and rufous on either side of black; centre tail feather with 3 broken black bands; pri- maries grey-brown with white on inner part of feathers and ends nearly black; 3rd-6th paler; 4th-8th emarginated; secondaries darker, some nearly glossy black, basal third white; lesser coverts like upperparts but paler; greater coverts all white edged grey; median coverts all grey, some with rufous centres and black shafts; bastard wing darker grey- white; primary coverts greyish-white shading into dark grey; large brown eye; white orbital ring; bill horn, lower mandible paler, large nostril; legs and feet grey-brown; toes and claws short and stubby;
1970 SHORT NOTES i73
centre toe 64 mm; plumage all very loose and liable to fall out; upper- parts, especially back and scapulars, very worn. Roy H. DENNIS.
(In 1526 a few Great Bustards were said to be breeding in Scotland, but these had disappeared long before 1800, since when there have been only five satisfactory records, all appar- ently of females : Orkney, 1 shot 29th March 1876, 1 shot 6th- 8th February 1892, 1 caught 4th January 1924; Ayrshire, de- composed bird washed ashore 20th June 1895; Shetland, 1 obtained, the most recent Scottish record, 19th May 1936. The January arrival of the 1970 bird at Fair Isle seems to fit a pat- tern with the three Orkney records, and it may have been linked with easterly gales at the time. The species breeds in SW Europe (also NW Africa) and in eastern Europe and Asia; there are few places in western Europe where it can now find the space and conditions it needs.
One of Dennis Coutts’s fine pictures of the Fair Isle bird appears in this issue of Scottish Birds (plate 12).—ED.)
Ivory Gulls in Shetland and off North Argyll
On 6th November 1969 Sonny Williamson saw what he was sure was an Ivory Gull at Ollaberry on the Shetland Mainland, directly opposite the north of Yell. On the 8th, in the rather vague hope that the bird might have flown across, I examined as much as possible of the north coast of Yell from the road. As the light was starting to fade I saw a bird sitting alone on the sand at the head of Basta Voe.
Even before I stopped the car I could make out the special paleness of the gull, and also the short-legged tern-like stance, and I knew that my luck was in and it was an Ivory Gull. From 80 yards I watched it for about 3 minutes with 10 x 43 binocu- lars, and I could see the plumage details reasonably well while it preened occasionally and gave a few desultory pecks at the sand. It got up for no obvious reason, letting me see the dark terminal band on the tail, and I watched for several minutes as it flew out to sea. In flight it reminded me strongly of a small Iceland Gull, flying in a rather wavering manner with frequent sideslips and small changes of direction; I had the impression it was not hunting, but was on a ‘going somewhere’ flight.
On the ground it had a distinctive horizontal stance, giving a slightly out-of-balance impression with its biggish head and chesty look, but the body was long and tapering, with the wings coming beyond the tail. It was about the size of a Common Gull. My first impression was that it had been eating some- thing which had given it a dirty face, but that otherwise it was white. A closer look showed that there was a sprinkling of darker feathers on the head, more concentrated between bill
174 SHORT NOTES 6(3)
and eye, and that the wing coverts had a light dusting of dark spots, with a more noticeable spot on the end of each primary. The bill looked greyish, and the short legs were dark. The bird did not call. I am quite certain it was a 1st-winter Ivory Gull.
From what Sonny Williamson told me in Lerwick a week or two later about his bird I concluded that it was also an Ivory Gull in lst-winter plumage, very probably the same bird. He saw it only in flight, but close enough to see the sprinkling of little dark spots on the wings and the dark band on the tail on the otherwise white plumage. He described it as about Com- mon Gull size. It was flying to and fro along the shoreline, occa- sionally dipping to pick something off the water but never settling. He watched it for a few minutes before it flew out of sight along the shore.
Another Ivory Gull was seen about 30th November 1969 be- tween Ardnamurchan Point and the island of Coll in the Inner Hebrides. The report reached me in a rather roundabout way from L. R. Inkster, one of the crew of the Scalloway scallop- fishing boat Brighter Hope, together with a diagnostic Insta- matic colour photograph of the rather dove-like gull sitting on the boat’s rail.
R. J. TULLOCH.
Ross’s Gull in Shetland
On 22nd October 1969, while fishing between Whalsay and Fetlar, the seven-man crew of the Whalsay boat Zephyr watch- ed a very small gull which flew around the boat continuously for 3-4 hours until darkness came, sometimes coming within a few feet of them. It was a Ross’s Gull.
The members of the crew, whom I know well, included L. Irvine Sr and L. Irvine Jr, P. S. Irvine, and John A. Irvine, my son-in-law, who knowing my interest in birds brings me good descriptions of anything he sees. This note is the story and descriptions as I got them from the Zephyr’s crew. They took particular notice of the features, and described the bird to me the same night, several of them separately. I did not show them books nor help in any way until I had their full descriptions; on the contrary, for instance, when they were comparing the bird with Kittiwakes, which were numerous round the boat, I pretended that a dark underwing would have been likely (hav- ing Little Gull in mind) but they all turned that down without hesitation, saying the underwing was as light as a Kittiwake’s. At this stage they had told me about the tail having the corners off, as they put it, and the very small black beak, etc. When I asked if the wingtips were black they said there was no black on the wings except a thin dark line along the forward edge.
The bird never settled on the sea but was continually swoop-
1970 SHORT NOTES 175
ing down to peck things off the water; it did not take fish offal thrown overboard but was thought to be picking up small par- ticles of food. It was very active and graceful in flight, and amusing to watch evading the bigger gulls, which chased it a lot.
As the Zephyr planned to fish the same area the following morning, I spent until 2.30 a.m. making a long-handled net for the crew to try catching the bird. Unfortunately the weather took control, and they were not back in the area for more than a week. I asked several boats to keep a lookout, but the bird was never seen again.
The skipper of the Zephyr was in the Whalsay boat when the 1936 Ross’s Gull was taken (I now have that bird, not in too good condition). He was very young then, and said he could remember little of the bird—only the small size, clever flight, and that there was something peculiar about the tail. The de- tails of the 1969 bird that I took down from the crew of the Zephyr were:
A much smaller gull than a Kittiwake, flight very clever, more like
a tern as it continually swooped to peck things off the water and evaded the other gulls; head white with some dark marking around and especially behind eyes; top of head seemed a little greyish; back and upperwing bluish-grey (similar to Kittiwake), no black on wings ex- cept thin dark line along fore-edge; tail white with corners off, not like square tail of Kittiwake; throat, breast and belly white; underwing as light as a Kittiwake’s; bill black and very small; legs and feet reddish.
JOHN H. SIMPSON.
(The 1936 Ross’s Gull, an exhausted Ist-winter bird caught between Whalsay and Skerries on 28th April (Brit. Birds 35: 276), is the only previous Scottish record for which satisfactory details are available.—ED.)
Crop Contents of a Tawny Owl
At 10.15 p.m. on 21st November 1969 a female Tawny Owl was killed on the road about 10 miles north of Jedburgh. It was put in cold storage and skinned on 23rd November. The crop was full and contained :
Large yellow underwing Noctua pronuba (larvae) 22 Earthworm Allolobophora sp. 1
Earthworm Lumbricus sp. 1 Slug Agriolimax laevis 1 Short-tailed vole Microtus agrestis (1)
The vole remains were in a pellet; the other prey species were fresh and undigested. The larvae were measured after preservation in alcohol. Twelve were intact and averaged 45 mm (38-54). The others had been broken and the viscera
176 SHORT NOTES 6(3)
removed to varying degrees, some being only empty skins; they averaged 38 mm (22-46) and had probably suffered some shrinkage. Both the earthworms had been cut into sections, and the slug had been slightly torn.
Earthworms are now recognised as regular food items of Tawny Owls, identifiable in pellets as chatae. Caterpillars have been less often recorded, though the Handbook cites Noctuid larvae among their prey. Possibly microscopic ex- amination of fibrous pellets from Tawny Owls would reveal the presence of hard parts (e.g. mandibles) of lepidopterous larvae, which may be taken more commonly than is supposed.
M. A. MACDONALD, P. O. MCDOUGALL.
Black-headed Wagtail in Shetland
From 8th to 11th May 1969 there was a Black-headed Wag- tail Motacilla flava feldegg on Out Skerries, and I watched it for some five or six hours. It had an extremely loud tsee-eet call, much louder than the other Yellow Wagtails M. f. flavis- sima present, and it was also rather aggressive, chasing White Wagtails that came within 20 feet, though tolerating flava Wag- tails unless they came very near. It fed on insects in the grass by a small pool and at times searched the seaweed along the nearby high-water mark. It could be picked out at long range by its call and pugnacious habits.
The plumage was typical of a flava Wagtail, but with glossy black crown, faint trace of a greyish eyestripe, and bright yellow chin and moustache; the legs and bill were black. The plumage was exceptionally bright, much brighter than the flavissima birds present, and this colouring was remarked upon by several non-ornithological islanders.
IAIN S. ROBERTSON.
(As the bird was not examined in the hand it is only accepted by the Rarities Committee as “showing the characters of’ the race. The few other Scottish records of this most striking race, which breeds in the Balkans and Asia Minor, are also sight records: 14th June 1925 Dumfriesshire (Scot. Nat. 1925: 107); 20th May 1936 Shetland (Scot. Nat. 1937: 27); 2nd July 1952 East Lothian (Brit. Birds 46: 219; Scot. Nat. 1955 : 103); and mid May 1960 Shetland (Fair Isle Bird Obs. Bull 4: 179). This last record was evidently not submitted to the Rarities Committee at the time, but the published account has now been considered, together with additional comments from P. E. Davis, and accepted as showing the characters of the race.—ED.)
1970 REVIEWS 177
Reviews
Bird Records of the Tay Area, 1961/1967. By Henry Boase. Unpublished typescript, 1970. Leaves 179 + blanks (title 1, contents 1, foreword 6, text and index 171, numbered 4-163 (39 omitted), 12A, B (2 leaves), C, 19A, 21A, 28A, 49A, 64A, 67A, 70A, B).
This brings up to date (1967) the records that have accumulated since the appearance of the author’s accounts of the birds of North and East Perthshire (1961), Angus (1962) and North Fife (1964), all of which have been reviewed in Scottish Birds (2: 266, 388; 3: 379). As with the earlier works, a copy has been deposited in the SOC Library.
The greater part of this work (to page 128) is taken up with a species list of records that have accumulated since the production of the three original accounts. These records consist, in roughly equal proportions, of published and unpublished observations, and it is a gratifying tribute to editorial efficiency that virtually all the more important ones have al- ready been published in these pages. Of particular value in this section is a table of all the records of Little Gulls in Angus and the east-facing coast of Fife during the period 1951/1967. This illustrates very clearly the substantial passage that takes place at both seasons, with maxima ‘of 180 recorded in Angus in both April and October; but one is left won- dering whether the near-absence of autumn records in East Fife since 1955 is due to a real change in distribution or merely to a lack of obser- vers.
The work closes with a number of short chapters on individual sub- jects, of which the most important is the first comprehensive account of the birds of the Montrose Basin—or rather of the larger birds of the Mon- trose Basin, for the list stops short with the terns. There is also an ac- {count of the song periods of 53 species, which will be of interest to anyone studying local variation in song duration.
The value of Henry Boase’s earlier works has already been recognised by his reviewers, and his latest production shows the same high stan- dard of research and presentation. May we all be spared to make some comparable contribution in the golden years of our retirement !
DOUGAL G. ANDREW.
Ecology and Land Use in Upland Scotland. By D. N. McVean & J. D. Lockie. Edinburgh University Press, 1969. Pp. x + 134; 18 photo- graphs. 21% x 14 cm. 40/-.
This book is the distillation of the wisdom of two highly competent and enthusiastic scientists, both of whom have an intimate knowledge of upland Scotland. In the short space of 130 pages they describe the shaping of the uplands, their past and present uses and abuses, and how it is possible to avoid their abuse in the future by the application of Wise management.
Rudimentary knowledge of rocks, soils, plants and animals on the part of the reader has been assumed, technical terms being avoided as far as possible. There is an adequate glossary to explain those which have had to be used, for despite its title this book is not aimed just at the scientist and student but at all who are interested in the use and conservation of the countryside. Its scope embraces such diverse inter- ests as hill farming, forestry, wildlife conservation and tourism, showing how seeming incompatibilities between them may be reconciled. Al- though on the authors’ own admission the two subjects of ecology and land use are so wide-ranging as to preclude their being fully conver-
178 REVIEWS 6(3)
sant with all aspects of them, they have nevertheless managed to pres- ent a remarkably complete account of the interactions involved.
It is perhaps invidious to select for comment particular sections from this book, which is essentially meant to be regarded as a whole. In view of the controversy they arouse, however, those on moor burning, on afforestation—especially with exotic species—and on the position of Golden Eagles and foxes in the Highland ecosystem, are enlightening reading. The chapter on erosion may also prove surprising to those who think it is not a problem in this country.
Assuming birdwatchers and ornithologists, as land users themselves, are already interested in the countryside, then this book will deepen their enjoyment and understanding of it. For all who own, manage or plan for the use of the countryside it ought, perhaps, to be mandatory reading.
There are surprisingly many typesetting errors, and a reference to Hunter (1960) on p. 76 is omitted from the bibliography. Possibly it is a comment on the times that, in spite of using not very attractive paper and putting all plates together at the back, the publishers must still ask 40/- for this slender volume.
D. R. GRANT.
Enquiries
BTO/RSPB Birds of Estuaries Enquiry. Pressures on this limited habitat continue to increase, with the growth of indus- try, population and reclamation schemes; and the need for increased knowledge about the distribution, numbers and movements of estuarine birds is very considerable. The aims of the enquiry have already been described (Scot. Birds 5: 359), and the response from observers in Scotland has been magnificent. During the pilot survey in the 1969/70 winter, counts were made regularly in 43 estuarine or intertidal areas, and occasionally in 8 more; in all, 62 observers helped. Of the months so far analysed, August revealed just under 30,000 waders, rising to a peak of 48,200 in October and dropping slightly to 40,300 in November, the most abundant species being Redshank 14,500, Oystercatcher 11,500, Curlew 5,500 and Dunlin 5,500.
Though coverage has been very good there are still some gaps, and it is hoped that it will be possible to fill most of these this winter; the more important areas for which help is needed are Loch Fleet (Sutherland), south Dornoch Firth, south Moray Firth (especially Whiteness, Culbin Bar and Findhorn Bay), the Firth of Tay, the Eden estuary and the Firth of Clyde.
In both the Clyde and the Moray Basin the Nature Conser- vancy is organising more general surveys to determine the importance of the estuaries. The Clyde organiser (E. T. Idle, The Castle, Loch Lomond Park, Balloch, Dunbartonshire) has agreed to act as regional organiser for the present enquiry. In
1970 ENQUIRIES 179
the Moray Basin A. Currie (Balnabeen House, Duncanston, Conon Bridge, Ross-shire) and C. G. Headlam (Foulis Mains, Evanton, Ross-shire) are jointly organising counts.
If anyone would like to help with counts would they please contact A. J. Prater, BTO, Beech Grove, Tring, Hertfordshire, or the regional organiser if they wish to help in the Clyde or the Moray Basin.
Colour-ringed Turnstone and Knot. Studies in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, have included colour-ringing of Turnstone and Knot with single colours (white, yellow, blue, black) based on different areas of the Bay. Any sighting should be reported to A. J. Prater at the BTO (as above).
Ornithological Atlas 1968-72. The Scottish coordinator (C. G. Headlam, as above) asks us to appeal to those who have not yet sent in their 1970 Atlas cards to do so as soon as pos- sible.
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
WINTER EXCURSIONS—AYR AND DUNDEE BRANCHES
Details of the winter excursions for Ayr and Dundee Branches which are planned for 1970 were given in the summer issue (Scot. Birds 6: 140). Winter excursions for both Branches planned for the beginning of 1971 are given below.
AYR Depart from outside the County Hotel, Wellington Square, Ayr.
Saturday 9th January DOONFOOT. Depart 1 p.m.
Saturday 6th February DIPPLE SHORE, GIRVAN. Depart 10.30 a.m. Saturday 6th March BARASSIE, TROON. Depart 1 p.m.
Saturday 3rd April LOCHINCH, near STRANRAER. Depart 9 a.m.
DUNDEE Depart from the City Square, Dundee. All excursions leave at
0 a.m. (except 25th April 9 a.m.) by private cars. Those requiring
transport should contact the Branch Secretary, Miss Jenny Stirling, 21 Johnston Avenue, Dundee, DD3 8HE,
Sunday 24th January TAYPORT. Sunday 21st February SCURDYNESS and MONTROSE BASIN.
Sunday 21st March STORMONT and DUNKELD LOCHS. Sunday 25th April RESCOBIE and BALGAVIES LOCHS (Depart 9 a.m.).
INVERNESS BRANCH
At the time of going to press we have to report with very deep regret the death of Mr James MacGeoch, Secretary of the Inverness Branch and a member of Council.
180 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(3)
A new Secretary will be appointed, but in the meantime all correspon- dence and enquiries regarding the Inverness Branch should be sent to Mr H. A. Maxwell, Greenacres, Culloden Road, Inverness.
An obituary will appear in the next issue of the Journal.
DUMFRIES BRANCH MEETINGS
Will Members please note that, starting in December 1970, all Meetings of the Dumfries Branch will be held in the County Buildings, Dumfries.
SOLWAY WEEKEND - 1971
The weekend excursion will take place on 13th-15th March 1971. Full details will appear in the next issue of the Journal.
A SPECIAL APPEAL
Everyone must be aware that publishing costs are rising annually. Your Council is nonetheless determined that the high standard of Scottish Birds should be maintained and that the quality of its production should not be allowed to suffer. In addition, with the increasing burdens of editorship, it is clearly desirable that in future there should be no difficulty in the wey of instituting payment of a reasonable honorarium for this exacting work.
Accordingly, a scheme has been approved by Council inviting members known to have a special interest in the journal to help by making a dona- tion, apart from their normal subscription, specifically for Scottish Birds. It is suggested that any member who feels able to help in this way might consider subscribing an annual sum of, say, £5 (or more) under Deed of Covenant. Only sixty such donations together with the tax reclaimable, would give an income of over £500 each year. Such a sum would go far towards securing the future health of our journal, which is so important to the Club’s standing within and without Scotland.
Already, by mid September, as a result of personal approaches by Mem- bers of Council, four members have subscribed by Deed of Covenant, in- cluding one for an annual sum of £25. May I ask that any members who are prepared to support the journal in this way please contact the Club Secretary ? I should like to emphasise that all donations will be received extremely gratefully and will be treated in confidence if so desired.
A. DONALD WATSON, President.
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LOCAL RECORDERS
Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland. Fair Isle R. H. Dennis, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland. Orkney E, Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney.
Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) W. A. J. Cunningham, Aros, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Lairg, Sutherland. Caithness D. M. Stark, 2 Harland Road, Castletown, Thurso, Caithness.
Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. Macdonald, Elmbank, Dor- noch, Sutherland.
Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness.
Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) Hon. D. N. Weir, English Charlie’s, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire.
Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Portsoy, Banffshire, AB4 2NT.
Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire N, Picozzi, Nature Conservancy, Blackhall, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB3 3PS, and W. Murray, Cul- terty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB4 OAA.
soul Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin, gus.
Perthshire Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth. Kinross-shire J. H. Swan, Vane Farm Reserve, Kinross.
Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS.
Fife (east of A90) D. W. Oliver, 4 Lawview Cottages, Abercrombie, St Monance, Fife.
Fife (west of A90), Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire T. D. H, Merrie, West Faerwood, Stirling Road, Dollar, Clackmannanshire.
West Lothian, Dr T. C. Smout, 19 South Gillsland Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DE.
Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Ter- race, Loanhead, Midlothian.
East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh EH10 4NY.
Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk.
Clyde faunal area, North Argyllshire, Skye, Inner Hebrides Prof. M. F. M, Meiklejohn, 16 Athole Gardens, Glasgow W2.
Dumfriesshire J. G. Young, Benvannoch, Glencaple, Dumfriesshire.
Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Boundaries are shown in ‘The Birds of Scotland’. Note that Skye ane ihe Hebrides are treated separately from the counties in which they lie.
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
MPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and elsewhere at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest.
The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is 40s, or 10s in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the time at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of 60s, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on lst October annually.
‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal.
The affairs of the Club are controlled by a Council composed of the Hon. Presidents, the President, the Vice-President, the Hon. Treasurer, the Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fund, and ten other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also one Representative of each Branch Com- mittee appointed annually by the Branch.
The Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by Council, produces an annual Report on ‘Ornithological Changes in Scotland’.
The Club tie in dark green, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be pulaied by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch
ecretaries.
The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important journals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject.
The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre,
Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042).
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
!. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on their own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Andrew T. Macmillan, 12 Abinger Gardens, Edinburgh 12. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated.
2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for SR a All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready.
3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, es- pecially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will nor- mally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost.
4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these.
5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining.
Dick, G. & Porter, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1 :329. EaaELine, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London.
6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98 :158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the Internationa! Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99 :369). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets.
7. Dates should normally be in the form “Ist January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as “Dr” and “St”.
8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory.
9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type.
10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints.
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The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland.
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1971 Our programme for the coming year is now complete.
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SPAIN—A connoisseur’s holiday east of the Guadalquivir. Two departures : April 5th and September 20th.
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LAKE NEUSIEDL—A superb area which rivals the Camargue in many ways. Three parties are featured in our programme leaving London on April 25th, May 9th and August 29th. CAMARGUE—Spring parties departing London May 3rd and May 17th, will study spring migration and resident breeding species.
GUERNSEY, ALDERNEY & SARK—Departure from London and other airports on May 8th. A comprehensive tour with stays of several days on each island.
ISLES OF SCILLY—Departures from Penzance on May 15th, September llth, 18th and 25th. A delightful area which grows in popularity each year.
ORKNEY & SHETLAND—Departure from London and other air- ports on June 5th, A first-class tour which visits most of the best bird areas in Orkney and Shetland.
FARNE ISLANDS & BASS ROCK—A very satisfying holiday in this beautiful area of Northumberland. Full programme of day-
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NORTH UIST & BENBECULA—Departure from London and other airports on July 10th. Daily programme includes visits to Balranald etc.
ALPINE AUSTRIA (INNSBRUCK)—A small party of twelve per- sons to be based at Innsbruck in the heart of the Tirol. Easy- going exploration of mountains and river valleys. Exploration of high-level areas by use of cable cars etc. Departure beginning of August.
ICELAND—Two parties departing from London in June.
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
Contents of Volume 6, Number 4, Winter 1970
Page
Editorial ses ane 181 The Pink-footed Base | in | denaee By M. A (Oiits oe are 183 Kestrels, Short-eared Owls and Field Voles in Eskdalemuir
in 1970. By N. Picozzi & R. Hewson _.... at 185 Effects of fire on moorland bird life on the Isle on
Rhum. By L. A. Batten _... ee ke =a 2 Be aa 191 Short Notes
Great Northern Diver breeding in Scotland (E. N. Hunter) ... 195
Unusual food of Cormorant (I. Wares) 196
Little Egrets in Scotland (P. S. Norwell; D. E. Rowling, M. Max- well; C. E. Palmar; A. Gregory, S. G. Hill; D. Tomlinson) 196 Goldeneye breeding in East Inverness-shire (A. T. Macmillan) 197
The oiling of large raptors by Fulmars (R. H. Dennis) ae 198 Gyr Falcon in Shetland (J. H. Simpson) a 199 Dowitchers in Dumfriesshire and Orkney (M. je Re Romer,
R. J. W. Shaw) 200 Marsh Sandpiper in Shetland—a postscript (A. Ts Macmillan)
(plate 14) 201 White-rumped Sandpiper in Orkney (D. -B. Wooldridge) me 202 White-winged Black Terns in East Lothian, Nairnshire and
Inverness-shire (R. M. Blindell; B. Etheridge) Ns Ws 203 Pallas’s Sandgrouse in Shetland (J. G. Holbourn, M. Gear)... 204 Alpine Swift in Aberdeenshire (N. & J. Elkins, M. R. wilhens) 209 Kingfishers breeding in Easter Ross (D. Macdonald) 209 Roller in Caithness (D. M. Stark) oa 210 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in Scotland (J. Mitchell) a 210 Fieldfares breeding in East Inverness-shire (D. N. Weir) (plate 5) 202 Redwings breeding in North Perthshire (J. Jefferson) 213
Behaviour of Wheatears and rabbits in a warren (R. S. Baillie) 214 Black-eared Wheatear in Caithness (E. M. & R. W. J. Smith,
D. M. Stark) & 214 Subalpine Warbler in Angus (M. Nicoll) = ae 215 Black-headed Wasgtail at Fair Isle (R. H. Dennis) se 3 215
Obituary—James MacGeoch WEie 16) ee sai aBS ae 216 Reviews
St Kilda and other Hebridean Outliers (F. Thompson); A Guide to Shetland Birds (R. J. Tulloch, F. Hunter); Highland Deer Forest (L. MacNally); Eagles (L. Brown); The Atlantic Islands (K. Williamson); Radar Ornithology (E. Eastwood); The Life and Organization of Birds (W. B. Yapp); Signals for Survival (N. Tinbergen, H. Seas oe Gea of Aviculture SS ee
K. A. Norris) | Enquiries _.... ae ee = = S3 229 The Scottish Ornithologists Club ise Be, ee ae Pas 223
Edited by T. Delaney, 27 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3EE
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 6 No. 4 Winter 1970
Edited by A. T. Macmillan, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
Editorial arrangements. With 1970 now run its course we pass the joys of editing Scottish Birds to Tom Delaney. He has in fact done a major part of the hard work on this issue. We may now reveal that he lives at 27 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3EE, and ask contributors to write to that address. Andrew T. Macmillan reverts to the singular state, handing over the editorial “we” with all best wishes to his successor.
Scottish Bird Report. Observers are particularly asked to see that their 1970 records reach the local recorders as early as possible, so as to minimise the delays and frustrations of producing the report. We hope that nearly all records, at least for January to October, have already been submitted; any others, including those for November and: December, should be sent now.
It seems to us that one of the merits of the Scottish Bird Report has been in drawing together a host of individually minor observations, many of which would not otherwise have been published. Thus a total Scottish picture is built up, and comparisons may be made between one year and another. There is a natural tendency for the number of observations submitted to increase, as people see what sort of records are used, and this is augmented by the increased activity gener- ated by the BTO Ornithological Atlas project. The compiler of the report cannot really get going until he has received nearly all the 25 local recorders’ summaries for the year, and corres- ponded about doubtful points and the background to individual records; he then has to complete a draft of his report before he can make up the key to observers’ initials that allows him to start typing the final version to go to the printer two months before publication date. Squeezed for time at both ends, he needs every spare minute to complete his task on time.
The inescapable conclusion is that the Scottish Bird Report should be compiled by someone who is not at the same time having to keep Scottish Birds ticking over quarter by quarter, though it may still be published as part of the journal. Our great good fortune is that we have found such a person in Roy H. Den-
182 EDITORIAL 6(4)
nis. With his experience of meticulous record-keeping and prep- aration of annual reports at Fair Isle Bird Observatory, his membership of the British Birds Rarities Committee, his enthus- iasm, and his outstanding ability at field identification, he is ex- cellently equipped for the job. He will be living in Inverness- shire as Speyside Representative of the RSPB, and will compile the 1970 Scottish Bird Report in his spare time. Will local recor- ders please note to send their 1970 summaries to Roy (address to be advised later). Criticism of previous reports, however, should still be directed to their author.
Fair Isle wardens. Fair Isle Bird Observatory has been very fortunate in its wardens—Ken Williamson, Peter Davis and Roy Dennis. Each has stayed long enough to make a real con- tribution but not so long as to get in a rut. Problems of school- ing for a growing family give a strong impetus to leave the island after a time. Now it is Roy and Marina’s turn to move on, as indicated above, after seven very successful years at Fair Isle—successful not only in the ornithological sense, but in the way in which they have run the hostel on a shoestring and still made it pay, without sacrificing the comfort of visitors. As their final contribution they have seen through the building of the new observatory and its first year in operation—with all the extra work of larger numbers and unfamiliar surroundings.
The new warden and his wife are Roger and Judy Broad. Their enthusiasm and qualifications are impressive, and we feel sure they will make a success of the job. Roger graduated at University College of Wales with 1st Class Honours in Zoology, and he is now completing his PhD thesis. Birds have always been the chief of his wide interests in natural history, and he comes from the redoubtable Rye Meads Ringing Group. Judy, a qualified teacher, speaks fluent German and some Italian, French and Swedish, and has experience of catering manage- ment. They were married a year ago. Dennis Coutts has very kindly provided us with a photograph (plate 18).
Pink-footed Geese in Iceland. Peter Scott’s adventures ring- ing Pink-footed Geese in central Iceland, and recapturing them in Scotland with rocket nets, caught the imagination a few years ago. Numbers have increased steadily in recent years. Who would have thought that the major part of the world pop- ulation would be suddenly threatened now. But any species which breeds largely in one area, however remote, is poten- tially at risk.
Malcolm Ogilvie contributes a short account of the problem to this issue, and the text of a resolution passed at the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Annual Conference and addressed to the Iceland Government will be found in the Club section. We must hope that a way out of the difficulties will be found, for in a
1970 EDITORIAL 183
direct clash of interests between man and animals it is usually the animals that lose, and it may well be that these geese would be unable to find other suitable breeding grounds if their present ones were flooded.
The Pink-footed Goose in danger
M. A. OGILVIE
Britain’s commonest wiid goose, the Pink-footed, is facing a massive reduction in its numbers within the next five to ten years. The small area of central Iceland where three-quarters of the breeding population are known to nest is scheduled to be flooded as part of a hydro-electric power scheme. This threat comes at the end of two decades which have seen the discovery of this area as the principal breeding locality, the doubling of the total population, and the establishment of statutory pro- tection on eight of the major winter roosts in Britain.
Thjorsarver, an area of marshland about 50 square miles in extent, is nearly in the centre of Iceland. It is surrounded on three sides by barren lava desert and on the fourth by an icecap. The Wildfowl Trust expeditions of 1951 and 1953 found be- tween 2500 and 4000 pairs of Pinkfeet breeding here. These probably represented half the total pairs in the population. Over 10,000 birds were ringed in the two years. This ringing, and further marking in Scotland and England, showed that the Pinkfeet wintering in Britain comprise the whole of the summer population of Iceland and East Greenland. Furthermore this population is completely separate from the Pinkfeet wintering on the Continent, which have breeding grounds in Svalbard (Spitsbergen). 3
Estimates of the population were made from the ringing data and indicated a steady increase from about 35,000 birds in 1951 to 55,000 in 1959 when the marking programme ceased. Since then the Wildfowl Trust has organised annual November cen- suses, which have produced rather more accurate figures. The increase has been maintained, apart from a slight drop in 1967 and 1968, reaching 74,000 in November 1969. This compares with the Svalbard population of only some 12,000 to 14,000 individuals.
The increase has had many contributory factors but the degree of protection given to the species in Britain has played an important part. Eight major roosts are now National or Local Nature Reserves or Bird Sanctuaries. These include Loch Leven, Caerlaverock, Tentsmuir Point and Aberlady Bay. Also very beneficial have been the increased acreages of barley and potatoes now being grown, particularly in Scotland.
184 THE PINK-FOOTED GOOSE IN DANGER 6(4)
Although the proposal to flood Thjorsarver was met with strong protests by conservationists it had to be admitted that the numbers of Pinkfeet breeding there had not been checked since 1953. In the intervening period the total population had doubled, but the effect on the numbers in Thjorsarver was not known. This gap in our knowledge was remedied by an aerial survey in June 1970. It was carried out by helicopter and large- ly financed by the Canadian Wildlife Service. This particular piece of international cooperation was made possible because Richard Kerbes, a biologist employed by the CWS, who had pioneered the technique of helicopter surveying of goose breed- ing grounds in the Canadian Arctic, was available to make the Pinkfoot survey, being at the time attached to the Nature Con- servancy in Scotland on a year’s exchange visit.
The results of the survey, carried out by Kerbes and the writer, showed that the breeding population of Thjorsarver had grown to just over 10,000 pairs. Estimates, backed by some counts, put the number of pairs elsewhere in Iceland at about 2000. There are not thought to be more than 1000 to 1500 pairs in East Greenland. Thus Thjorsarver’s importance has increased to the point where is now holds three-quarters of all the breed- ing pairs in the population.
The evidence from Canada, which was amply confirmed in Iceland, was that the helicopter would cause very little distur- bance to the birds at their nests, unlike the effect to be seen in winter. Indeed during the Thjorsarver survey a good propor- tion of the incubating females never left their nests, even when the helicopter passed directly overhead at no more than 200 feet. The males, standing near, could be seen stretching their necks upwards and half-opening their wings in a typical threat posture.
It is hoped to carry out further research, mainly botanical, over the next few years to try to discover what it is about Thjorsarver that the geese like so much, and, as a corollary, why they do not nest in more than tiny numbers in some of the other marshy areas of central Iceland. The present distribution, especially following such a large increase, suggests that these other areas are not in fact suitable, and therefore the geese will not be able to use them if displaced from Thjorsarver. If the research confirms this it may strengthen the case against flood- ing but will make the final disaster, if it comes, that much worse. This is, of course, a classic example of how even a fairly numerous species can produce a major conservation pro- blem by being over-concentrated into one locality; in this case almost literally putting all its eggs in one basket.
The industrialisation that hydro-electric power schemes can bring to Iceland is urgently needed to boost that country’s
Se ee ——— m — SSS .
1970 THE PINK-FOOTED GOOSE IN DANGER 185
economy and relieve its dependence on fishing. There are sev- eral proposed power schemes in the country, the Thjorsarver reservoir forming part of one of the largest. The Iceland Gov- ernment therefore has a choice of alternatives; the Pink-footed Geese are not so fortunate.
Kestrels, Short-eared Owls and Field Voles in Eskdalemuir in 1970
N. PICOZZI and R. HEWSON Introduction
During the summer of 1970 unusually large numbers of Short-eared Owls Asio flammeus and Kestrels Falco tinnun- culus were reported from Eskdalemuir in southwest Scotland. In the same area, together with parts of Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles and Lanark, there occurred about 1890 a plague of field voles Microtus agrestis of such magnitude that the Board of Agriculture set up a Departmental Committee to inquire into its causes, to cope with its results and to suggest means of pre- venting a recurrence (Harvie-Brown et al. 1893). So great were the numbers of voles that a farmer killed 13,000 in three months on 3000 acres using a wooden implement shaped like a small spade to kill them in their runs. By the same method a man hired for the purpose killed 15,000 in a month; another man with 12 terriers accounted for 400 to 600 voles a day on 4260 acres; and finally a farmer turned out 100 cats. The Committee was unable to assign a cause to the outbreak nor could it rec- ommend an effective remedy, but during 1892 the plague dimin- ished and the vole population returned to normal (Adair 1893).
During the plague an area measuring about 60 miles by 12 to 20 miles was overrun. In Roxburghshire 12,000-15,000 acres of sheep pasture were rendered useless out of more than 30,000 acres affected. Although there was little damage to trees on that occasion, Charles (1956) describes damage to beech Fagus sylvatica and to several species of conifers, particularly to re- cently planted Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis, Norway spruce Picea abies and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris, during a vole plague in the Carron Valley (Stirlingshire) in 1953. There was also damage to hay crops on nearby farms.
Adair (1892) gave details of exceptional numbers of Short- eared Owls which appeared and bred during the plague, al- though the bird was previously unknown in the area. Thirty pairs were reputed to have nested in Eskdalemuir, and esti- mates of young reared from each nest ranged from 6 to 11 over much of the area, and from 4 to 9 around Moffat. Kestrels were also very numerous.
186 KESTRELS, SHORT-EARED OWLS AND FIELD VOLES 6(4)
In case the report of Short-eared Owls and Kestrels in Esk- dalemuir in 1970 was linked with another high and potentially destructive vole population we visited the area on 9th-11th September to examine the situation at first hand. During our visit we did not see large numbers of birds of prey, nor did we find evidence that vole numbers had been unusually high. How- ever, the rapid survey methods used and the results obtained should provide a useful basis for comparison if vole numbers increase greatly in this or other similar areas in the future. Numbers of Kestrels, owls and voles and the food as shown by pellet analysis are compared with earlier surveys in similar habitats.
The study area
As in 1890, the hills of which Eskdalemuir forms part are rolling sheep pastures from which most of the heather has been eliminated by burning and grazing. During the last five years, however, large-scale afforestation has taken place in Eskdale- muir; of 28,000 acres owned or managed there by the Economic Forestry Group, no less than 17,000 have been planted, mostly with Sitka spruce, thus forming one of the largest areas of newly planted ground in Britain. A further 6000 acres were unplanted but with the sheep removed, and 5000 acres were still sheep farms. The newly planted ground is similar in gen- eral appearance whether planted two or five years ago, with whole hillsides covered by an orderly network of ditches with small trees on the ridges between them. Vegetation grows rapidly when sheep are removed and the drainage is improved, and soon provides dense cover for field voles.
A representative block of 4157 acres was chosen for more detailed study of the birds and their prey in the area where the large numbers of Kestrels and owls had been reported. The ex- cellent forest road system gave easy access to all parts of the selected area, which was between 750 and 1200 feet above sea level.
Counts of Kestrels and Short-eared Owls
Kestrels and owls were counted on 10th and 11th September 1970 over most of the study area from vantage points along the roads. On both days an additional 14 miles were covered out- side the main study area into an adjacent afforested block. Table 1 shows that the counts each day were very similar and, al- though in many cases it was not possible to be certain that the same individuals were seen, the consistency of the figures and the similar distribution of the birds over the study area strong- ly suggested that few birds were overlooked.
During the breeding season, five pairs of owls were located in the study area, with an average brood of two young per pair.
1970 KESTRELS, SHORT-EARED OWLS AND FIELD VOLES 187
Table 1. Birds of prey seen on two days in the 4157-acre Eskdalemuir study area
Numbers of
Date — Miles covered Kestrel Short-eared Merlin Owl 10.9.1970 11 13 7 1 11.9.1970 15 14 6 1
There were also seven pairs of Kestrels, which fledged broods in the order of three or four young per pair. Of four pairs which nested in the study area, three nested in small groups of conifers planted about 30 years ago as shelter belts and around lambing pens, and one pair used an old Crow’s nest in an isola- ted ash; the remaining three pairs nested in small woods ad- jacent to the study area (R. Rose, pers. comm.)
A count of birds of prey was also made during the afternoon of 11th September on about 6 miles of the B709 road north of Eskdalemuir between the Seismological Station and Ettrick. This section of road was chosen because it passed through sheep ground similar to that which has now come under affor- estation and is typical of a much larger area. At every good vantage point along the road, all ground visible was thoroughly scanned through binoculars, and although the distance travel- led was less than on the network of roads in the study area a vastly greater area was searched, in weather conditions similar to those of the morning count in the study area. Only five Kes- trels were seen, despite many apparently suitable nesting woods, together with one Short-eared Owl and one Merlin.
Roosts
Material for forest roads was obtained by digging into the bedrock of crumbling shale above the roadline at intervals as material was required. This completely new feature of the landscape has been exploited by both Kestrels and owls for roosting. However, not all the workings were used, and table 2 shows that suitable quarries for roosting all had in common an Overhanging mat of vegetation, caused by the erosion of the one to three feet of subsoil above the exposed bedrock. In quarry 1 (table 2), only half the face was overhung, and there were signs of roosting (faeces and pellets) only at overhung positions. The birds invariably perched at the top of the ex- posed bedrock, where they would obtain the most shelter and the best perching places. Quarries with an overhang but no exposed rock were not used. Table 2 also gives the as- pect of the quarries, that is, the direction in which the opening faced, but, as most were more than semicircular, good shelter could be obtained from most wind directions. The lower part of each face was covered by scree, and the foot of the workings
188 KESTRELS, SHORT-EARED OWLS AND FIELD VOLES 6(4)
Table 2. Characteristics of quarries used by roosting Kestrels and Short-eared Owls
Quarry Aspect Length of Overhung Exposed Scree
face (paces) rock (feet) (feet) 1 30 Yes 3 9 2 46 Yes 8 10 3 100 Yes 8 10 4, 30 Yes 7 5 5 26 Yes 5 6 6 20 Yes 7 7 7 51 Yes 7 8
often contained both small mounds of rubble and turfs which had broken away from the top of the face. These sites were apparently favoured by owls, as pellets were located on many of them, but owls sometimes used similar sites to Kestrels, as pellets of both species were found beneath four of these roosts.
The vole population
Both Kestrels and Short-eared Owls prey largely on field voles (Lockie 1955; Simms 1961). The number of voles on the study area was assessed by the use of lines of unbaited break- back traps (Lockie 1955) and by putting down a half-square- metre quadrat at intervals of 10 or 20 paces and noting the presence or absence of vole runs, fresh droppings, old or recent grazing, and nests.
On the first night three trap lines (65 traps) were put out, with pairs of traps at intervals of five paces. The first and sec- ond lines (A and B) were laid through Sitka spruce planted in 1967 and 1968 at 6 feet intervals in rows 5 feet apart, i.e. with one ditch every 5 feet, and the third line (C) through ground planted in a similar way in 1970. No voles were caught. Vole movements may have been restricted by high wind and heavy rain, and a few of the traps were rendered ineffective by the wood swelling when wet. However quadrats spaced at 10 paces along and beyond the trap lines suggested that there were few voles except in the Molinia-dominated area of trap line B (table 3). Even here the extent of old vole grazing ex- ceeded the new. Grazing was assessed on a scale from 1 (light grazing) to 3 (conspicuous areas of dead grasses with the lower stems eaten off at ground level). Old high intensity grazing was found only once (on trap line B) but small patches one to two feet across (category 2) occurred in four of the nine instances of old grazing. No moderate or high intensity new grazing was found. This result suggested that there were more voles during 1969 than 1970, and old grazing exceeded new on all trap lines except D, in sheep pasture.
n the second night 50 traps were put out at intervals of 20
1970 KESTRELS, SHORT-EARED OWLS AND FIELD VOLES 189
Table 3. Evidence of vole activity along trap lines at Eskdalemuir
Trap line A B C D E Date planted 1967 or 1968 1970 sheep 1968 1968 pasture Quadrats 10 10 10 13 13 Number with Runs. 10 10 6 1 12 Fresh droppings 1 7 1 2 3 Grazing —new 2 7 0 1 3 —old 9 0 I 6 Nests 0 1 (old) 0 0 1 (old) Dominant Deschamp- Molinia Molinia Nardus Holcus vegetation sia caes- caerulea caerulea, stricta, mollis, pitosa, Juncus Deschamp- Agrostis Holcus spp. sia caes- spp., Des- mollis pitosa, champsia Agrostis caespitosa spp.
paces, half through ground planted in 1968 and half on adjoin- ing sheep pasture. One immature male vole weighing 16.5g was caught in the planted area. Quadrats were put down at intervals of 20 paces in the vicinity of the traps. The pasture had been heavily grazed by sheep and cover was rather sparse, and very few signs of voles were found (one run in 13 quad- rats); but in the planted area runs were frequent (12 out of 13 quadrats), and voles were clearly more numerous. Again old grazing was much more conspicuous than new.
Lockie’s (1955) standard trap lines of 25 single traps at 5- yard intervals caught an average of 2-4 voles per night over a 0-day period in the Carron valley, Stirlingshire. This was after a vole plague, with numbers still high but declining. The Esk- dalemuir trap lines were much less successful, and evidence of vole activity also suggested that voles were not exceptional- ly numerous in 1970, and possibly less numerous than in 1969. They were also less numerous than at a peak in 1967/68 in Banffshire and Moray, where grazing along roadside ditches and elsewhere was generally more intense than anything en- countered in Eskdalemuir (Hewson 1970).
Pellet analysis
Pellets of both Kestrels and owls were collected from the roosts, and 25 for each species were examined. Prey remains were identified from skulls and lower jaws. In the Kestrel pel- lets 18 field voles and 10 shrews Sorex spp. were found, a very similar proportion to that found by Simms (1961). In pellets collected between August and October over two years in up-
190 KESTRELS, SHORT-EARED OWLS AND FIELD VOLES 6(4)
land districts of Yorkshire, he found evidence of 128 voles and 71 shrews, as well as smaller numbers of bank voles Clethrio- nomys glareolus and wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus.
In the owl pellets there were 51 voles and 19 shrews. Lockie (1955) recorded 143 voles and 33 shrews from pellets collected between 6th and 20th July. The higher proportion of shrews ‘n the Eskdalemuir owl pellets, while not significantly different from Lockie’s results, does indicate that vole numbers were not unusually high, and this is further emphasised by the compar- ison of the Kestrel pellets with Simms’ (1961) findings.
Discussion
Although Kestrels and Short-eared Owls were more abun- dant on planted ground in Eskdalemuir than on sheep pastures to the north, their numbers were consistent with the available nest sites and food supply. Field voles were not numerous, but so large an area of vole-inhabited ground naturally supported a larger stock of predators than a comparable area of sheep pas- ture. Pellet analysis supported the results obtained from trap- ping and from an examination of quadrats. Lockie (1955) found that Short-eared Owls had territories of about 40 acres when voles were numerous, but declining, in April and May, in a similar habitat in the Carron valley with 30-40 pairs nesting on 3500 acres; by June, following a continued decline in the vole population, many owls had left, and the territories of two remaining pairs measured 386 and 292 acres. In Eskdalemuir owls appeared much less numerous than this. Neither Kestrels nor owls produced exceptionally large broods, but the pres- ence of several family parties could give an impression of large numbers. It would be interesting to see the effect of a peak vole year on the predators in this area, and whether a proposal by Mr Rose to install nest boxes for Kestrels in the quarries, if carried out, would increase the breeding population.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to R. Rose, Economic Forestry Group Wild- life Development Officer, for much help in the field, and to R. Jackson, Head Forester, for details of planting and of the position of existing woods and copses.
Summary
Reports of unusually large numbers of Kestrels and Short-eared Owls in Eskdalemuir, where a notable vole plague occurred about 1890, were investigated in September 1970. Both species of predator were counted in an area of about 4000 acres and the vole population was assessed by trapping and by quadrat examinations. It was concluded that the vole population was low and that the number of predators was consistent with this. Pellet analysis showed that the proportion of voles to shrews taken resembled that found in other food studies. Both Kestrels and Short- eared Owls used newly made quarries as roosts.
1970 KESTRELS, SHORT-EARED OWLS AND FIELD VOLES 191
References
Aparr, P. 1892, The Short-eared Owl...and the Kestrel...in the vole plague districts. Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1892: 219-231
Apatr, P. 1895. Notes on the disappearance of the Short-tailed Field Vole...andon some of the effects of the visitation. Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1895: 193-202.
CHARLES, W. N. 1956. The effects of a vole plague in the Carron Valley, Stirling- shire. Scot. For. 10: 201-204.
Hewson, R. 1970. Winter home range and feeding habits of a Great Grey Shrike in Morayshire. Scot. Birds 6: 18-22
HARVIE-BROWN, J. A., TRAIL, J. W. H. & EAGLE CLARKE, W. 1893. Report on the plague of Field-voles in Scotland. Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1893: 129-145,
LockiE, J. 'D. 1955. The breeding habits and food of Short-eared Owls after a vole plague. Bird Study 2: 535-69.
Simms, C. 1961. Indications of the food of the Kestrel in upland districts of York- shire. Bird Study 8: 148-151.
Effects of fire on moorland bird life on the Isle of Rhum
L. A. BATTEN
Below-average rainfall on the Isle of Rhum in the Inner Heb- rides during 1968 resulted in the moors drying out, leading to the formation of much highly combustible material, in the form of dry heather and moorland grasses, by the spring of 1969. Even the sphagnum mosses were dehydrated and crumbling. Because of the danger of fire breaking out in these circumstances, the Nature Conservancy decided to create addi- tional firebreaks, to protect a large area of experimental tree planting which is part of its reafforestation project (Wormell 1968).
Whilst a firebreak was being burned on 25th March, fresh and variable winds rose and the fire got out of control. The changeable winds, combined with efforts to contain the out- break, rendered the damage uneven. Some areas were not touched at all, others received a bad singeing when the fire rushed over the ground with the wind, and still other parts were burned so badly that the peat subsequently eroded from the rocks, leaving gaping holes and revealing more bedrock than before. Some of the hillside gulleys were gutted, leaving the sides charred and black. In all about 5000 acres of moorland were burned in the 60 hours or so that the fire raged.
In 1968 the birds of 280 acres of this moorland had been cen- sused, using a mapping method, and breeding bird densities calculated on the basis of the number of territories occupied by singing males (Batten & Pomeroy 1969). This plot included 84 acres of moor which had been ploughed and newly planted with tree seedlings and which was part of the area affected by
192 EFFECTS OF FIRE ON MOORLAND BIRD LIFE 6(4)
Table 1. Relative densities (pairs per 100 acres) of species on planted and unplanted plots before and after moorland fire
One-year-old moorland plantation Unplanted wet moorland 85 acres, 34.4 hectares 196 acres, 79.4 hectares
1968 1969 1968 1969 Red-throated Diver 0 0 0 5 Red Grouse 2.4 3.6 0 1.5 Snipe 2.4 2.4 0 0 Skylark 3.6 3.6 0 5 Wheatear 0 0 0 oO Stonechat 0 0 1.2 0 Meadow Pipit 26.2 22.6 9. 8.2
34.6 32.2 10.9 11.2
Note. The following species were seen within the perimeter of the plots but were probably not breeding there: Golden Eagle, Raven, Curlew,
Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo.
fire. In the period from 26th May to 4th June 1969 a repeat census was made over this same 280 acres in an effort to assess the effects of the burning on the bird population.
About 60% of the planted and 80% of the moorland census plots were burned. Fortunately the majority of the hardwood seedlings were not killed, and indeed most responded to cop- picing; but many of the conifers, because of their inability to grow again from the root collar, were destroyed. Those which did survive were planted on ploughed land, where they were clear of the ground vegetation. Immediately after the fire the ground was black, but by the end of May when the census was started a healthy green colour indicated that recolonisation by purple moor grass Molinia caerulea and other grasses was well under way. Deer sedge Trichophorum caespitosus also showed definite signs of regeneration, but heather Calluna vulgaris did not, although heather seedlings appeared in profusion later in the season. In general the new vegetation was still sparse and little more than a few inches high, compared with eighteen inches or so when the 1968 census work was done. Growth later in the season was vigorous however, due to the release of nutrients by the fire. A detailed account has been given by Wormell (1970).
Although the bird life of the burned moorland showed very little change, a 6.7 acre (2.7 hectare) tree plot in Kinloch Glen, which was nine years old and contained trees of 4-5 feet aver- age height, was damaged so badly that it was still black, with very little regrowth of grasses, in late May. Not a single bird was present where there had been five species totalling 12 pairs in fh ae results of the moorland census studies are given in table 1.
1970 EFFECTS OF FIRE ON MOORLAND BIRD LIFE 193
Five full visits were made to the plots each year, totalling 25 hours in 1968 and just under 33 hours in 1969. In 1968 the census period extended from 7th May to 19th June, three of the visits being completed by 13th May. The weather during the first part of May was cool with occasional rain, and song records for Meadow Pipit were scarce; the two later visits, however, were carried out in warm sunny conditions, and song records were more frequent. In 1969 all the visits were made between 26th May and 4th June, when Rhum enjoyed a period of fine weather. This difference in weather conditions showed up in the number of song registrations, for, whereas only 32% of the contacts were for song in 1968, the figure was 60% in 1969.
It was noted that records of ‘pairs’ of birds were often assoc- iated with the song records in 1969; in fact, five out of 17 terri- tories on the unploughed ground had song records associated with sight records of ‘pairs’. A ‘pair’ of birds was therefore considered to have a high territorial significance, and, in order to reduce the distortion of the censuses arising from the differ- ing weather conditions, a contact with two birds together was given equal weight with a song registration in estimating the distribution and number of territories. Mapping the census re- sults indicated that despite the burning the carrying capacity of the ground was not affected, a total of 49 pairs of birds being recorded on the plots each year. The number of Meadow Pipits showed no significant change. The Stonechat, based on the gully in 1968, disappeared in 1969, possibly as a result of the gully being badly burned. The only obvious change was in Red Grouse, whose numbers went up from two pairs in 1968 to six in 1969; it is not certain whether this was a real increase or an geperent one due to the lack of cover facilitating detection of the birds.
As a control a further census was carried out on a 392-acre (159-hectare) moorland plot in a part of the island not touched by the fire. The total number of pairs of all species here was only 7.4 per 100 acres. This additional evidence also suggests that the plots were no poorer in their carrying capacity as a result of the burning.
Finally, a few other observations concerning the possible effects of the fire are worth mentioning. Golden Plover, which had been in the habit of breeding on the north side, away from the experimental area but within the area of burning, were still moving around in flocks of up to 22 in the valleys and on low ground in early June, at a time when they should have been in the hills. The site of a large colony of Herring Gulls in the affected area was deserted, and large non-breeding flocks were seen around the coast and at sea not far offshore. The three
194 EFFECTS OF FIRE ON MOORLAND BIRD LIFE 6(4)
alternative north-side eyrie sites of the Golden Eagle were burnt out and no nest site was occupied.
Acknowledgments
I would like to expess my gratitude to the members of the BTO 1969 Expedition to Rhum for their enthusiastic assistance in carrying out the census work, and especially to Mr and Mrs A. B. Bailey who also laid down most of the grids. I am also grateful to Kenneth Williamson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg and Peter Wormell for very helpful comments on the manuscript. Facil- ities on Rhum were kindly provided by the Nature Conservan- cy.
Summary
A mapping census was carried out on a moorland-plot on the Isle of Rhum in 1968 and repeated in 1969 after a fire earlier that year. No change in the total number of bird territories was detected on the plots, suggesting that the carrying capacity of moorland for most birds was not impaired by this burning.
There was however evidence to suggest that Golden Plover were not breeding on other parts of the burnt area. A large colony of Herring Gulls and the traditional nesting sites of a pair of Golden Eagles were also deserted.
References
BaTTen, L. A. & Pomeroy, D. E. 1969. Effects of reafforestation on the birds of Rhum, Scotland. Bird Study 16: 13-16.
WoRMELL, P. 1968. Establishing woodland on the Isle of Rhum. J. Roy. Scot. For. Soc. 22: 207-220.
‘WoRMELL, P. 1970. The recovery of plantations after fire on the Isle of Rhum. J. Roy. Scot. For. Soc. 24: 93-100.
1970 SHORT NOTES 195 Short Notes
Great Northern Diver breeding in Scotland
In late April 1970 my daughter and her husband saw a pair of very large divers on a loch in Wester Ross. After inspecting them with binoculars they concluded that the birds were Great Northern Divers. Their description (dark head; light half collar above light throat band; white spots on upperparts) made the identification fairly convincing to me.
On 23rd June my brother and I were fishing on the loch. Early in the day we saw three pairs of Black-throated Divers, all with young. In the afternoon, as our beat took us among wooded islands on the loch, we both saw a diver much larger than a Black-throated and were immediately impressed by the black head of this bird, in sharp contrast to the grey head and hind neck of the Black-throated Diver. With my binoculars I at once examined the bird, which was swimming away from the boat at a range of about 80 yards.
Description Head very dark; neck thick, with half collar and light- coloured neck band with vertical black stripes; upperparts spotted with white ‘windows’; underparts white; bill heavy and dark.
With the diver were two young, which constantly dived and were difficult to see against the background of rock and shore scrub. The general impression was that they were dark brown, with white underparts showing each time they dived. The trio soon disappeared and was not seen again, but later that after- noon I saw a diver similar to the adult we had already seen. It was about 400 yards away from the same place, in open water and diving frequently. On one occasion it surfaced with a small trout, which it swallowed.
On 25th June Richard Balharry searched the loch for two hours and finally sighted an adult with two young. On 9th July he had a much clearer view of the birds when, along with E. Cross, he was able to approach them by boat within 100 feet before they dived. Both adults were present on that occasion, and the young were approximately two-thirds the length of their parents.
The birds were undoubtedly Great Northern Divers. ERIC N. HUNTER.
(Though birds are often present all summer in the north and northwest of Scotland, and breeding has been suspected from eee to time, this is the first satisfactory record of breeding.—
D.)
196 3 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
Unusual food of Cormorant
On 20th September 1969, while walking by Wick River in Caithness some three miles from the coast, I came upon a Cor- morant at the river’s edge. On seeing me, it disgorged two cockerels’ heads, each about three inches long. It then moved 50 yards downstream. When I returned to the spot about an hour and a half later I noticed that the Cormorant was dead.
I, WARES. Little Egrets in Scotland
On 12th October 1969 at a coastal marsh at Lochdonhead, Mull, Argyll, Col. M. T. de Klee discovered four Little Egrets. They were later seen by M. Clark, G. S. Heddon, W. Melville, J. Wilson, Col. C. P. Anderson and others, and a number of photo- graphs were taken.
In general appearance the birds were like a Heron, with a Heron-like plume on the head, but white in plumage, with black bill, black legs and yellow feet. The feathering on the breast and back appeared loose and easily ruffled by the wind. One of the four had the appearance of a young bird, with some greyish colour on the underparts. It was slightly smaller than the others. In feeding, the birds made running darts here and there and deliberately stirred up the mud with their feet. They preened often, adopting various odd postures. They were last reported on 20th November, when Mrs de Klee saw three of them huddling among bushes for shelter from stormy weather and hail showers.
P.S. NORWELL.
On 26th October 1969 at Dunblane, Perthshire, a small white heron was seen flying among an excited crowd of gulls by the river. With immaculate plumage, black bill and legs and vivid yellow feet, the bird was easily identified as a Little Egret. It seemed very tired and tried to land on the top of an ash tree but was harried by the gulls, which drove it upstream.
D. E. ROWLING, M. MAXWELL.
On 29th October 1969 R. MacLennan found a Little Egret dead at Loch Portain, near Lochmaddy, North Uist. It was sent to the Department of Natural History of Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, where it was mounted and now forms part of the Museum’s collection.
C. E. PALMAR.
On Ist February 1970 a Little Egret was seen at the head of Loch Feochan, a sea loch south of Oban, Argyll. The bird seemed cold and hungry and allowed an approach to be made
1970 SHORT NOTES 197
to within about four yards. Full details have been given to the Rarities Committee. A. GREGORY, S. G. HILL.
On 14th July 1970 at Loch Gorm, Islay, I watched a Little Egret for at least 15 minutes. It flew in from the north and landed by the side of the loch, enabling me to stalk to within 50 yards of it. At this range its bright white plumage and con- spicuous long crest made identification certain. The bird flew off when mobbed by two Black-headed Gulls and was not seen again.
D. TOMLINSON.
(It is not clear how many different birds were involved in this series of records, which includes the first for the Argyll, Forth and Inner Hebrides faunal areas, nor whether some of the birds are more likely to have been escapes than wild immi- grants.—ED.)
Goldeneye breeding in East Inverness-shire
In mid July 1970 C. F. Mapletoft identified a Goldeneye with four ducklings on a lochan in East Inverness-shire. The birds were found independently by T. P. Milsom and others on 23rd July. TPM informed the local recorder, who visited the lochan on 29th July and found a female Goldeneye with four large young. They were identified as Goldeneye by the amount of yellow on the female’s bill and the appearance of the ducklings. The female was full-winged and had norings.
Spring courtship, and even mating, commonly occur as late as May in the surrounding area. In four of the last seven years birds (all apparently single) have summered in one or more localities. Local observers saw a female on the lochan in early May 1970, a male up to late June, but up to about mid July no young had been seen.
On 29th July the birds were seen in good light with 11 x 60 binoculars at ranges down to 40 yards. The partly feathered ducklings were midway in size between nearby adult Little Grebes and the female. They were very active, diving for up to 15 seconds, but generally staying within 10 yards of the female and following her closely when alarmed. The following descrip- tion of the ducklings is taken from notes made at the time:
General appearance very grey, with head darker, grey-brown, redder below eye, chin paler; upper parts near uniform, grey-brown; scapular region paler (especially from behind); white marks just visible on the
- small wings; throat, breast and flanks paler grey, whitish centrally; belly a clearly defined white rectangle; bill apparently grey or blue- grey; iris (at 40 yards) obvious, whitish or pale yellow.
The ducklings at this partly feathered stage were rather un-
198 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
like the descriptions and illustrations of both ducklings and juveniles in the Handbook.
The lochan is set in extensive mature woodland and has by local standards an unusually rich and diverse bird population. There is heavy marginal growth and a good deal of emergent vegetation, but more than half the water is open.
The local recorder was satisfied the birds were likely to be wild, had nested nearby and had moved the ducklings to the lochan about mid July. This is the third breeding record for Britain and the first for Scotland. It may be the first record of truly wild birds. At the request of the local recorder it is pub- lished over the name of the editor.
ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
The oiling of large raptors by Fulmars
In the 1969 Scottish Bird Report I noted with interest the report of a dead Honey Buzzard on the Orkney island of Cop- insay and the fact that it was spattered with fishy oil (Scot. Birds 6: 82). The purpose of this note is to enlarge on my statement on the same page about the White-tailed Eagle soiled with Fulmar oil, and to place on record the oiling by Fulmars of another large bird of prey at Fair Isle.
As regards the eagle, the details are that a male White-tailed Eagle, which had been living free on the island since 2nd Octo- ber 1968, was disturbed from a sea cave on Fair Isle on 19th August 1969, and instead of flying off strongly, as it would have done earlier in the summer, it flapped heavily over the water and fell into the sea during a struggle to land on a rock just offshore. It flapped and struggled in the water but could not become airborne; instead it drifted ashore, where it was caught and examined. The bird was fat and well fed but the whole plumage was soiled with Fulmar oil, each feather being matted and smelling strongly. It would appear that each time it had approached a young Fulmar on a nest ledge it had been spat at by the Fulmar before and during the struggle (the spitting of oil by Fulmars in self defence is well known), and in this way the plumage had become soiled. Ear- lier in summer the eagles had killed adult Fulmars in flight, but presumably they would be less likely to be hit by the Fulmar’s oil when the struggle was sudden and in the air.
The eagle was left on the beach well above high tide and was seen in the same geo until the 22nd, but by 28th August it had moved round the headland to the next geo, where there was a dead gull on the beach. The eagle’s power of flight had ob- viously been lessened by the soiling of its feathers, and it seems likely that the bird died in September when the last of the young Fulmars left the cliffs and it lost its plentiful and easily obtained source of food.
1970 SHORT NOTES 199
On 24th June 1970 and on the following two days a Honey Buzzard was observed in the sea cliffs on Fair Isle; Fulmars followed it closely whenever it flew. On 29th June this bird was found dead in a hollow near the cliff-top, and the state of its plumage was similar to that of the White-tailed Eagle. All the feathers were matted with strongly smelling Fulmar oil and its general condition was emaciated.
At Fair Isle the favoured resting places for large migrant raptors are in the cliffs, because the south end of the island is inhabited by people and the north end by aggressive skuas. During its short stay the Honey Buzzard frequented the cliffs at the north end of the island, which are densely populated with Fulmars (just over 17,000 pairs on Fair Isle). On one occasion Fulmars were seen spitting at it when it landed near them on the cliffs, and it seems likely that it was frequently hit by Ful- mars spitting in self defence. In this way its flight feathers be- came soiled, making flying more difficult and laboured, while its body feathers became clogged, thus reducing insulation to both wet and cold.
Food for this species is difficult enough to find in the Nor- thern Isles, and the added effect of the Fulmar oil would ap- pear to have been an important contributory factor to the death of the bird. I would suggest that the fishy oil noted on the Honey Buzzard in Orkney was also probably Fulmar oil. In previous years at Fair Isle I have seen a few large birds of prey, Osprey and Honey Buzzard, looking rather soiled and unhappy, and it now seems likely they also had been attacked by Fulmars; this might also be true of a few newly fledged Ravens and young migrant Herons which I have noted in a badly soiled condition. I have been unable to find any previous reference to this interesting conflict between Fulmars and large birds of prey.
Roy H. DENNIS.
Gyr Falcon in Shetland
On 8th April 1970, while walking along the cliffs on the east side of Whalsay, I saw a Gyr Falcon. The bird rose from the cliff, flew to seaward for 100 yards or so, then turned east into the wind and flew about 200 yards along the shoreline. A pair of nesting Ravens flew out from the cliff, rose above the falcon and swept down on it several times. The falcon banked to lee- ward, crossed in front of me at about 100 yards distance and flew along the shore for about a mile until a hill took it out of my sight.
It was a little smaller than the Ravens, but much more grace- ful, with slim outline and pointed wings. It was like a Peregrine
200 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
in flight, but bigger and with a slower wing beat.
Description Head and neck white; back, mantle and scapulars white, with a scattering of black spots; wings white, well marked with black spots, black-tipped and pointed; tail, rump and underparts white.
I was in no doubt that this was a Gyr Falcon of the Green- land form. Although I searched the island during the next few days, I did not see the bird again.
J. H. SIMPSON.
Dowitchers in Dumfriesshire and Orkney
On 16th August 1969 I watched a dowitcher on a sandbank at the estuary of the River Nith. I did not note sufficient de- tails of the plumage, however, to be able to say whether it was of the Long-billed or Short-billed species.
My first impression was that, in body size and length of bill, the bird was somewhat similar to a Black-tailed Godwit with which it was closely associating, but its very short legs (so short that at first I did not think I had their whole length in view) gave it a more snipe-like shape. The general impression was of a very pale grey snipe-like wader, almost whitish under- neath it in some lights (1 did not see any trace of warm buffish colour about the breast). The light was excellent, though I was not able to observe the bird at less than 50 yards range. The a naee description is drawn from notes made shortly after- wards:
Face greyish white, with dark grey line running from bill through eye; whole of throat, breast and belly greyish white; mantle dark grey; back white, visible between closed wings when the bird walked directly away; rump white; outer wing feathers including primaries dark grey, inner primaries showing an area of light grey; bill very long, straight, wholly dark, like a snipe’s but not like a godwit’s; legs dark.
The bird fed by probing deeply into the sand with its bill. When it flew towards further sandbanks on the north side of the river, the white back and rump were clearly seen.
M. L. R. ROMER.
On 4th April 1970 I discovered a dowitcher on the marshy area at the south end of Ancum Loch, North Ronaldsay. My attention was drawn to the bird as it gleamed in the sunlight; its predominant colours were silvery-grey white and black. It was standing thigh-deep in mud beside a Redshank and was about the same size but of much heavier build; the long snipe- like bill was immediately noticeable.
The dowitcher seemed tired; it did not feed, and even when I approached to within 25 yards it did not move, although I
1970 SHORT NOTES 201
flushed all the ducks, gulls and waders around. The following description was taken on the spot:
Crown dark grey, giving capped appearance; superciliary white; eye- stripe blackish grey; nape grey; back and wings silvery grey, grey, black and white; leading edges of primaries black; trailing edge of sec- ondaries spotted white (in flight); breast and flanks light grey, streaked greyish-black; belly white; under tail-coverts spotted black on white background; tail and lower rump barred black on white background, markings larger and more numerous at tip of tail; legs seemed dark (seen only when they had emerged from mud); bill long, dark at tip, pale at base.
I flushed the bird, and the white line up its back was immed- iately noticeable. It called a lowish double chu. In flight the bill was held low. It was carried by the westerly wind in the direc- tion of the links, where it appeared to land in snipe-like manner. I searched the area with Dr Ditchburn but we did not find the bird.
I returned to Ancum Loch in the afternoon and found the dowitcher where it had been originally. I left it with its head under its wing, but three hours later it had gone, possibly dis- turbed by a farmer spreading manure nearby.
The call note was completely different from that of the Long- billed Dowitcher I had seen on the Endrick in 1969 (Scot. Birds 6: 40), and I thought the bird was probably of the Short-billed species, but in view of the difficulties of separating the two species it has been accepted simply as a dowitcher sp.
R. J. W. SHAW.
(These are the first records of dowitchers in the Solway and Orkney faunal areas.—ED.)
Marsh Sandpiper in Shetland—a postscript
A Marsh Sandpiper at Gott on 4th-6th May 1969 has already been reported and described (Scot. Birds 6: 42). In selecting a photograph of this bird for the 1969 Scottish Bird Report we chose one which offered a size comparison with a Black-headed Gull and which was also the sharpest of several long telephoto shots taken under difficult conditions (Scot. Birds 6: 99).
The photograph is curiously misleading, as it shows the bird with an apparently thick-based pale-coloured bill. This led Dr R. J. H. Raines, who has much experience of the species, to comment that he had never seen a Marsh Sandpiper with such a bill and to suggest that the bird looked more like a very small Greenshank, a species reported by another observer at the same place next day. Nonetheless, the text description supported the identification as a Marsh Sandpiper. We therefore referred the matter back to Dennis Coutts, who had described and photo- graphed the bird.
202 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
He comments that the published photograph is not like the bird at all. A remote possibility to account for the apparent distortion of the bill is that the bird bobbed its head as the slit of the camera’s focal plane shutter crossed the image of the bill. Mr Coutts emphasises how thin the bill was, and how other observers had independently noticed this. It was like the Handbook illustration but with the outer third a little thinner; only the outer half was uptilted, very slightly, R. Duthie con- sidering that the bill was in fact straight. The bird was paler on the breast than the photograph shows, and absolutely white beneath. The legs were very dark green, appearing black to RD, and trailed more than the length of the tail beyond it (say 2-3 inches). When first seen, standing out of the water beside Redshank and in a similar posture, the bird stood 14-2 inches lower although its legs were certainly no shorter.
We are reproducing another photograph (plate 14) of the same bird. Although technically less satisfactory, this does give a truer impression of the thinness of the bill.
ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
White-rumped Sandpiper in Orkney
On 31st October 1969 on the island of North Ronaldsay I watched a White-rumped Sandpiper. When first seen, it flew up and towered above my head, calling a sharp, clear, repeated tip, tip, tip, tip or teep, teep, teep, teep. The call note was defin- itely different from the thin jzeet note I have previously heard from this species and, although sharp and clear, lacked the usual thin, mouse-like quality.
I had good views of the bird in flight, and its most noticeable character was the clear white band across the base of the dark tail. The tail feathers appeared pointed. The bird was smaller than a Dunlin. Its general colouration was dark; I suppose it had partially retained its summer plumage. In general appear- ance it resembled the Handbook illustration of a juvenile male. On the ground the bird was not seen so well. It was with some Purple Sandpipers (whose wing-bar was rather similar), and ran about swiftly, picking up food from the muddy shore of a small loch.
Description Head, neck and breast purplish grey, with no visible eye- stripe; back and wings brownish, variegated whitish, with pale wing- bar; tail dark, with clear white band; underparts greyish white; bill stout, dark, shorter than a Dunlin’s.
During the previous five days there had been strong-to-gale- force northwest winds.
D. B. WOOLDRIDGE.
(Mr Wooldridge also submitted a sketch of the bird. This is the fifth Scottish record and the first for Orkney.—ED.)
1970 SHORT NOTES 203
White-winged Black Terns in East Lothian, Nairnshire and Inverness-shire
On 5th July 1970 a White-winged Black Tern was present between 1230 and 1900 hrs BST at Aberlady Bay. It was first seen when it flew up from among a group of Common Terns on the shingle spit, and I watched it flying around for about ten minutes. During the afternoon it spent a great deal of time at the Marl Loch, catching flies from just above the surface of the water by repeatedly swooping down in an arc from a height of four to six feet. It perched for some time on a post in the Marl Loch to preen, and made occasional excursions to quarter over the saltmarsh.
The bird was seen in good light with binoculars, and at the Marl Loch often came within ten feet of me. It was a small tern, intermediate in size between Common Tern and Little Tern. Its flight was noticeably buoyant, slower and more jerky than that of Black Tern.
Description Head, nape, neck, mantle, throat, breast, belly and flanks strikingly black; black of mantle grading into very dark grey of upper rump; lower rump white; tail white above and below, slightly forked; under wing-coverts distinctly black; underside of primaries and sec- ondaries pale grey, darker towards tips; upper wing-coverts grading from white at leading edge to pale grey; secondaries pale grey above; primaries pale grey above with white trailing edges; bill black, shorter than that of Black Tern, slightly decurved at tip; legs and feet pinkish red; eye dark.
R. M. BLINDELL.
On 14th July 1970, while ringing tern chicks at a colony on Whiteness Head on the Nairnshire/Inverness-shire border, I noticed an unfamiliar bird resting with a party of Common Terns and their newly fledged young about 150 feet downwind of me. It was facing me and appeared totally black, with prom- inent white shoulders. The resting birds flew up from the shingle, and I immediately identified the stranger as a White- winged Black Tern in summer plumage. At first the bird flew out of sight over the Inverness-shire coast about a mile off, but it soon returned and was watched, in both counties, at ranges down to 40 feet as it flew with a mixed party of terns over the sea. It finally landed on the shingle with a group of juvenile terns and was still there when I left soon after.
Description Head and body uniform mat black; white mark noted on ear-coverts; fore edge of upper wing strikingly white in contrast with black body and greyish primaries and secondaries; under wing-coverts black, with slight pale mottling noticeable only at short range; tail pure white, slightly forked; upper and under tail-coverts and lower rump pure white; legs red; bill blackish, similar in size and shape to that of a Common Tern.
The bird was slightly smaller than a juvenile Common Tern
204 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
and of similar build. Its wings were more rounded and slightly smaller than those of an adult Common Tern, and its flight appeared somewhat sluggish in comparison with that species, reminding me of a Black Tern.
B. ETHERIDGE.
(These are the eighth and ninth records of the species, first recorded in Scotland as recently as 1964; there is no previous record for the Moray Basin faunal area. The bird has occurred only on spring migration, between 7th May and 14th July.— ED.) 3
Pallas’s Sandgrouse in Shetland
From 26th to 3lst May 1969 a most unusual bird was present on Foula, feeding on newly cultivated land. Eventually it was identified as a Pallas’s Sandgrouse.
Though about the same length as a Woodpigeon sitting not far from it, the bird was not so big, being more the size of a large Rock Dove. The nearest colour illustration in the Field Guide was of a Partridge, but the orange head markings were not correct. It sat very low on the ground and walked the same way, when it looked broad across the back. Its legs were so short that the feet were difficult to see, though a glimpse as the bird moved over a clod of earth gave the impression that they came straight out in front in a clumsy way. The bird kept its tail close to the ground all the time, moving slowly, except for its head, which was continually on the move. The long greyish wing feathers extended right back over the tail. As it looked for food it kept moving its beak from side to side in a scraping movement in the soil.
The first impression in flight as it rose suddenly off the rig was of a very oddly coloured racing pigeon, but it was quite unlike anything we had ever seen before. It flew fast with rapid beats (like a Golden Plover) of its long pointed wings. It seem- ed long and narrow in flight, tapering towards the tail.
We examined the bird for some time on different occasions with telescopes, and the following description, like the account above, is compiled from our combined notes:
On ground, general colour sandy or fawn above, with little dark brown squares across back and top of wings; head, neck and breast uniform dull grey, with yellowy orange spot on each side of lower part of head and top of very short neck, and same colour lower on side of neck or throat (JGH had the impression of small orange spot in front of eye, larger triangle behind, and still larger irregularly shaped patch on neck and throat below eye, with dark irregular stripe or ruffled feathers on the lower edge of it, but hard to define markings as head never still); head very round, with thick neck, and short, fairly thick, grey beak; underparts seldom visible on ground, though dull
Yip
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PLATE 15. Roger Broad, the new warden of Fair
Isle Bird Observatory, and his wife Judy (see Editorial page 182).
Photograph by Dennis Coutts
| 205
&
WK S{XAGRKRERE_VLVGHQ\H\**ERAAAE SSS ECR“' ACK AUIS
PLATE 14. Marsh Sandpiper, Gott, Shetand, May 1969, another view of the bird on
plate 5(b), showing the very thin bill (see page 201). Photograph by Dennis Coutts
PLATE 15. Fieldfare, two views of fledgling, Inverness-shire, 17th June 1970 (see
page 212). Photographs by N. Picozzi
206
N \ \ N N N N \
N
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as North Rona Honorary Warden, with a
James MacGeoch in his role (see Obituary page 216).
PEATE 6s cross outside the old chanel, June 1958 Photograph by James MacGeoch
rough stone
208
1970 SHORT NOTES 209
black patch on belly (broad and kidney-shaped) sometimes seen when bird crossed a ridge; underparts off-white behind black patch; under- wing not clearly noted, but thought to be lightish; primaries long and greyish.
JOHN G. HOLBOURN, MIMA GEAR.
(Though formerly an irregular irruption species, with 2000 recorded in Scotland in 1888, and breeding in Moray that year and in 1889, Pallas’s Sandgrouse has been virtually unknown in Britain since the most recent influx to England in 1908. Then on 28th December 1964 one was seen in Kent, apparently after a two-month stay in the Netherlands, where it was also the first recorded since the 1908 invasion (Brit. Birds 60: 416). One of the most interesting features of 1969 was the occurrence of a small but significant number of Pallas’s Sandgrouse in north and west Europe (Brit. Birds 62: 452).—ED.)
Alpine Swift in Aberdeenshire
On 19th April 1970 at Rattray Head, a Swift-like bird was seen flying at a height of 30-70 feet. Although it flew like a Swift, it was clearly larger in size and paler in plumage than that species. It was immediately identified as an Alpine Swift. It flew from between the dunes and the lighthouse cottages, and hawked above the dunes for a little time. It appeared to be feeding, diving and twisting frequently, sometimes with wings winnowing and sometimes flying in fast shallow dives. At times the bird was almost falcon-like in appearance and flight. When gliding and banking, it seemed to hold its wings closer to the body than a Swift and not quite so stiffly. The long wings and large Swift-like shape were outstanding; the tail appeared forked at times but not quite as much as that of the Swift. All upperparts were ‘Sand Martin’ brown; the belly was white and extremely conspicuous as the bird twisted and turned in the sunlight. Although we could see the demarcation between belly and breast-band, the white throat was not seen, probably be- cause the bird was flying away from us most of the time.
N. ELKINS, J. ELKINS, M. R. WILLIAMS.
(This is the first record for the Dee faunal area and Aber- deenshire.—ED.)
Kingfishers breeding in Easter Ross
From 2nd April 1970 an estate employee regularly watched a pair of Kingfishers at a river in Easter Ross. On 25th April he located a nest hole. The nesting tunnel had been excavated at a point where the river bank was very low, and the entrance hole was only slightly more than two feet above the water level. The tunnel was about three feet long. On 6th May the nest
210 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
chamber was inspected and found to contain a clutch of six eggs. When a further visit was made on 26th May, three nest- lings had emerged, and by 30th May the entire clutch had hatched successfully.
Unfortunately a thunderstorm of exceptional severity and torrential rain struck the area on the evening of 6th June. When the site was visited next morning it was found that the bank had collapsed and that the spate had washed everything away, leaving no trace of the nest and its contents.
D. MACDONALD.
(At the request of the observer, this note appears over the local recorder’s name to avoid disclosure of the exact locality. It is the first breeding record for the Moray Basin, and well north of the normal range of the species.—ED.)
Roller in Caithness
On 19th June 1969 at Skaill Forest a local farmer saw a Roller. J. Gunn and Dr Pamela McMorran saw it on the 21st, and on the 22nd P. James, K. Goodchild and I saw it. It was feeding, apparently on insects, in a grass field adjacent to a forest plantation. Occasionally it would fly to perch on a fence post; its flight was a series of rapid wing beats followed by a long glide. In flight the tail was wedge-shaped.
Description Head turquoise, with black eyestripe and forehead, and chin a paler blue-grey; mantle and scapulars chestnut-brown; primaries dark brown-black; tail black with pale white edge; breast and under- parts and underside of tail turquoise; bill thick, black and pointed; legs dark brown.
The bird was last seen on 24th June. D. M. STARK.
(Details of two later 1969 records have already been pub- lished (Scot. Birds 6: 47).—ED.)
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in Scotland
Following a report of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers visiting a garden bird table on a few occasions in the autumn and win- ter months during the previous two years, Forestry Commission Ranger R. Rose visited the garden on 23rd September 1968. The locality is one of mixed woodland in East Stirlingshire and the birds have also been seen to cross the county boundary into South Perthshire, both divisions being in the Forth faunal area. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are common in the area and fre- quent the same bird table, being well known to all the observers.
1970 SHORT NOTES 211
Two birds were present, and Mr Rose watched them for about half an hour at down to 30 yards range, but without his binocu- lars. Their behaviour was shy and retiring as they worked the slender upper branches of hazel and hawthorn, apparently seeking insects. Their flight was the typical undulating flight of a woodpecker, and the call was noted as a repeated chee- chee-chee. The birds were about the size of large sparrows, with back and wings closely barred black and white. The occupants had seen them at times just outside the window, and had notic- ed the small size and bars on the back, but the colour of the crown was not noted.
The birds were not seen in 1969, but reappeared in hard frost and six inches of snow on 5th and 6th January 1970. Mr Rose and the occupants of the house again noted the shy, ner- vous behaviour of the birds, hard to approach nearer than 25 yards, size slightly bigger than a House Sparrow and shape like a very small Great Spotted Woodpecker. This time there were three of them on a high hedgerow of holly and hawthorn. They climbed trees close to the trunk like Treecreepers. The white bars across the black back and wings were again noted, and the upper tail-coverts were black. One bird had red marks on top of the head, the other two light grey; all three had light underparts.
The surrounding area, with its extensive conifer plantations, bears no resemblance to the open parkland in which I have seen the species in England. There is, however, a similarity to the habitat of the northern race Dendrocopos minor minor in Scandinavia.
JOHN MITCHELL.
(We were initially reluctant to accept the 1968 and earlier sightings as the first Scottish records of the species, especially as Various ornithologists had tried without success to see or hear the birds, but the 1970 record, with good views and a full- er description, would seem to put the identification beyond doubt.
Previously there have been no Satisfactory Scottish records, though there was an erroneous report of breeding (see Glasgow Bird Bull. 7: 1-7 and Scot. Birds 1: 120 for comment), and there is no lack of unsubstantiated records, published and un- published, and confusion with Great Spotted Woodpeckers (which, incidentally, are well known to visit bird tables). In Sweden the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is not uncommonly found visiting bird tables (Anders Byjarvall, Director of the Swedish Society for the Conservation of Nature, in litt).
In England the bird is very thinly distributed, especially in the north, so that expansion into central Scotland would be rather unexpected. English birds also are largely resident
212 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
throughout the year, and are said to avoid conifers, whereas the Scandinavian race is partly migratory, some birds moving south in winter, and in parts of its range occupies just the sort of habitat found in this area of Scotland. Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn tells us that the valley in which the birds were seen is an enclave of deciduous trees in the middle of conifer plantations, with numerous oaks, birches and alders. It is the only part of the immediate area where Tree Pipits are common, and when he walked 16 miles through the area by night it was the only place where he heard Nightjars—three of them chur- ring together.
Various Scandinavian species, such as Wood Sandpiper, Wry- neck, Fieldfare and Redwing, have begun to breed in Scotland recently, for reasons that are not altogether clear. It could be that these Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, possibly only winter visitors, provide a parallel with the Wrynecks recently found breeding in Speyside at a time when the English population is disappearing nearly 500 miles further south.—EbD.)
Fieldfares breeding in East Inverness-shire
In 1970 a pair of Fieldfares fledged six young from a nest in East Inverness-shire. A bird was first noted on or shortly be- fore 23rd May, and when I and another observer searched the locality on 27th May we found a pair, which, from the noisy, aggressive behaviour of the male and the secretive behaviour of the female, appeared to be nesting or about to nest. We de- cided not to attempt to find the nest until the birds were feed- ing young. After seeing an adult carrying a faecal sac on 10th June, we located the nest in an oak tree on the same day. On 11th June I climbed to the nest and ringed the six young. They were large, with eyes open, and were just starting to feather. Two young flew on 16th June, and the remaining four on 17th June; all were very short-tailed when fledged (plate 15). The birds were seen, increasingly irregularly, up to about the end of June.
The male appeared slightly smaller than the female, more dapper and with a bluer rump. He was extremely noisy and aggressive and was watched chasing common Buzzard and Jackdaw. Both birds mobbed human observers vigorously. Besides the ‘chacking’ note, there was an alarm churring, sim- ilar to that of the Mistle Thrush but harsher. Singing was noted only once, immediately after I had ringed the young. The male made exaggeratedly slow flights, with wings and tail fully spread, singing loudly. The opening notes sounded like a harsh and squeaky start to a Blackbird song, followed by a jumble of notes, repeatedly including a note like a Song Thrush in pain.
1970 SHORT NOTES 213
A newly fledged juvenile made a similar note when handled. Unfledged young on 11th June had a cheeping call like that of the House Sparrow.
The breeding habitat was park-like, a mature oak and birch wood with a thin, scattered understorey of young birch and hazel scrub and floor layer of grass. There was open, hummocky grassland below the nest wood, with small clumps of mature oak and birch. Adults were seen to forage up to 200m from the nest in this habitat and probably exploited other habitats fur- ther afield. The nest was about 8m up, on the fork of a sloping branch in the lower part of the canopy of an oak 12m high. The outside diameter of the nest was only about 150mm, the depth rather more. The outside was mainly of grasses, covering a sub- stantial mud cup, which was lined also with grasses.
This is the first breeding record for the mainland of Scot- land. The observer who first saw the male and located the nest wishes to remain anonymous to avoid disclosing the locality, since the nest was near his house. The birds and/or the nest were also seen by G. L. Atkinson-Willes, R. H. Dennis, A. Pel- ham-Burn and N. Picozzi.
D.N. WEIR.
Redwings breeding in North Perthshire
On 30th May 1970, at a road junction in North Perthshire, George Alderson and I saw a Redwing sitting on a fence rail at the side of the road. On looking around we discovered another bird sitting on the telegraph wires, singing, and a third at the edge of a small wood. Two of the birds flew into a field on the north side of the junction and started foraging under some larches. GA then observed one of them feeding a well fledged young on a log under the trees. After watching the birds for some 20 minutes, we determined that there were two young birds being fed. The young were similar in appearance to a young Song Thrush, but darker. The head was dark grey, with a pronounced white eyestripe. After being fed, one fledgling flew up into the lower branches of one of the larch trees; the other flew across the road into a small birch plantation.
J. JEFFERSON.
(In recent years increased and significant numbers of Red- wings have been found breeding in northern Scotland (see e.g. Scot. Birds 5: 342; 6: 111), but this record, which is the first for Tay and North Perthshire, represents a substantial exten- sion southwards from the Spey Valley over the Grampians.— ED.)
214 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
Behaviour of Wheatears and rabbits in a warren
On 15th June 1969 I was greatly intrigued by the behaviour of two pairs of Wheatears nesting in a large rabbit warren on a hillside near Heatherhope Reservoir, Roxburghshire.
About 40 rabbits, males, females and young, were basking and playing there in the bright sunshine of the late afternoon. The birds were repeatedly entering and leaving the rabbit- holes, and must have been feeding young inside. Owing to the playfulness of the young rabbits, however, the Wheatears had great difficulty in gaining access to the holes and frequently had to dive at the young rabbits, pecking and displaying at them to drive them away. Sometimes a rabbit would follow a Wheatear down a hole, to be driven back out again, or even to come popping out of another hole pursued by the bird.
I had never previously seen Wheatears nesting in an occu- pied warren. R. S. BAILLIE.
Black-eared Wheatear in Caithness
On 2nd July 1969 M. Williams saw a strange wheatear, which he tentatively identified as a male Black-eared Wheatear, at Hill of Many Stanes, Clyth, near Lybster. The bird was seen that evening by MW, DMS and D. Harris, and the identification was confirmed. In general appearance and size it was like a common Wheatear, but black and white in plumage and with extensive white sides to the tail. The following detailed descrip- tion was made:
Forehead buff, shading to white on crown and nape; mantle, back and scapulars silvery white; rump and upper tail-coverts pure white; lores and ear-coverts black; underparts from chin to under tail-coverts white, with breast washed creamy buff; wings uniform dark brown, almost black; tail white with dark central feathers and (hard to see) narrow dark tips to outer feathers; bill, legs and feet black.
The bird’s behaviour was solitary. It appeared to roost in an old bothy, and when disturbed flew onto the wall of a ruined croft.
On 15th July EMS and RWJS saw and photographed it, in the same area of exposed rough grazing with an occasional cultivated field. They noted that the black of the wing-coverts extended over the scapulars, giving the bird, when viewed from the rear, nicely rounded symmetrical black shoulders on each side of the white mantle. From a distance the rest of the plum- age appeared white, the underparts gleaming in the sun. The bird had started to moult, particularly on the head; at close quarters the crown was grey, very pale at the back and darker at the front.
1970 SHORT NOTES 215
When feeding, the Black-eared Wheatear perched on the old croft or on top of the fence, flying down to the long grass and quickly back again, whereas the common Wheatears spent most of their feeding time on the road or adjacent bare field, using the fences only occasionally.
E. M. SMITH, R. W. J. SMITH, D. M. STARK.
(This is the first record for the North Coast faunal area.— ED.)
Subalpine Warbler in Angus
On 14th May 1970 during a period of easterly winds and coastal fog which had produced such migrants as a Wryneck, two Lesser Whitethroats and two Bluethroats, an unfamiliar warbler arrived at the cliff-top fields north of Arbroath. After making a detailed description, I identified it as a Subalpine Warbler. It frequented a drystone dyke, and I observed it at distances down to nine feet, using 10 x 40 binoculars. The bird continually flicked and cocked its tail.
Description Head, back and scapulars blue-grey; rump grey; distinct white moustachial stripes, and whitish patch below bill; chin and throat chestnut-pink; breast and flanks paler pink; rest of underparts white, with faint pink tinge; tail dark brown, with outer edges white; wings ae ae black-brown; bill dark brown; legs pinkish-brown; eye- ring red.
Later that day I returned with N. K. Atkinson who also saw the bird. M. NICOLL.
(This is the first record for Tay and Angus.—ED.)
Black-headed Wagtail at Fair Isle
On 7th May 1970 a very fine male Black-headed Wagtail was found by Julian Harris beside Easter Lother Water. It was seen later by many observers including myself, and was watched at ranges down to ten yards as it ran after insects in the short grass beside the loch and among the stones at the water’s edge. In the evening it was more flighty and twice flew to the nearby cliffs. Next day it again frequented Easter Lother and on 9th May it was seen beside Byerwell pool in the middle of the island.
The most distinctive feature of the bird was its very black head, the black extending unbroken onto the nape and below the eye; there was no eyestripe and no white below the black. Otherwise it was similar to a Grey-headed Wagtail, although the whole of the underparts appeared even brighter and deeper
216 SHORT NOTES 6(4)
yellow. The wings were marked with two pale-yellow wing-bars and noticeable white edgings of the tertials. The call was slightly harsher than that of the other flava wagtails and was sufficiently different to distinguish the bird in flight. There were three Blue-headed Wagtails, two Grey-headed Wagtails and seven Yellow Wagtails on the island on 8th May. All three races are regular at Fair Isle, but this is the island’s first record of a Black-headed Wagtail. Roy H. DENNIS.
(The five previous Scottish records are listed in Scot. Birds 6: 176.—ED.)
Obituary
JAMES MAcGEOCH (Plate 16)
The sudden death of Jim MacGeoch on Saturday, 19th Sep- tember 1970, when his car struck a stone wall on the outskirts of Inverness, is a tragic loss to all who knew him, and to his fellow members of the SOC in particular.
Mr MacGeoch was well known throughout the north of Scotland, both in the Police Department, in which he served with distinction for 30 years, and in ornithological circles, where his knowledge and deep interest were held in great res- pect.
Jim MacGeoch was one of the founder members of the Inver- ness Bird Watching Group, which was begun in 1952, and he with others was responsible for this Group becoming the In- verness Group of the SOC, which in turn was to graduate into the Inverness Branch of the SOC. At the time of his death he was Secretary of the Branch, as well as a Member of Council, and it was due to his enthusiasm and boundless energy that the Inverness Branch has developed into the thriving and active organisation which it is today. Jim’s interest in birds and in birdwatching was infectious and his strength lay in his ability to stimulate others, especially the young, so that under his guidance their enthusiasm soon matched his own.
Although birdwatching was probably his chief interest he was involved in many other activities. His unquestionable ability as a photographer was recognised far beyond the north of Scotland; he was interested in archaeology, Freemasonry, piping, the Gaelic language, and indeed almost any cause con- pected either with natural history or with his beloved High- lands.
In 1956 Jim MacGeoch was appointed Honorary Warden for
1970 OBITUARY 217
the Nature Conservancy of the North Rona and Sula Sgeir Reserve. This appointment was made at the personal request of Max Nicholson, then Director-General of the Nature Con- servancy, and the carrying out of the duties of this appoint- ment gave him immense satisfaction, although it often involved danger, and frequently discomfort, owing to atrocious weather conditions. Jim was the obvious man for this job. Early in his career he had won the confidence of the Men of Ness and had accompanied them to Sula Sgeir on their annual guga hunt, just as he had gone along with the shepherds when they went to round up their sheep on North Rona. He made many exped- itions as Warden and took his share in the arduous job of count- ing and branding the grey seals. The slides, films and sound recordings which he brought back have delighted audiences thoughout Scotland.
He will, of course, be remembered for many things, but we of the SOC will think of his interest in birds and his liking for ‘birding folk’. He was an outstanding raconteur and he liked nothing better than an evening of song and story in the com- pany of those who shared his interests.
As fellow birdwatchers we respect his memory and extend our sympathy to those who will miss him most, his widow and three children.
HAMISH A. MAXWELL. Reviews
St Kilda and other Hebridean Outliers. The Island series. By Francis Thompson. Newton Abbot, David & Charles, 1970. Pp. 220; 33 photo- graphs and 14 text figures (7 maps). 214 x 132 cm. £2.50.
Like others who have written books about these remote Scottish is- lands, the author draws heavily on the works of those who went before, including our incomparable Martin Martin, Gent., so that much of what he writes is already familiar. But the powerful fascination of the tale is still there; and no devotee will regret another book on the Hebridean outliers nor hesitate to add it to his collection.
The first half deals with St Kilda; the latter with North Rona, Sulasgeir, the Flannans, the Monachs and Heisgeir Rocks. There are also appen- dices on natural history and island placenames, and a useful bibliography (but with not a single reference to the pages of Scottish Birds).
The book is attractively presented, with a good range of maps and photographs (many by the late James MacGeoch), and excellent typo- graphy and paper. It is therefore the more disappointing to find an irri- tating number of trivial errors, which should have been eliminated by careful checking and proof-reading. For instance, all £sd amounts are also quoted in £p, but in a single table the half new penny is printed as 4p (correct), .50p and .5p (both wrong). Mileages on the map of Sula- sgeir are double those given in the text. The Gannet is said to have black tops to the wings (in a context that shows it should be black tips).
218 REVIEWS 6(4)
Two of three named visitors to St Kilda in “the present century” in fact made their visits in the previous one. The Fulmar is similar in size to “the gull” (species unspecified). Likewise we are not told the species of a “seal” pictured in a sea pool on North Rona. The Puffin is about the size of a pigeon, with plumage “red and white about the breast.” The Razor- bill is alca torca; and other errors in scientific names could be added to the two here. Over-exploitation of the Gannet at St Kilda and elsewhere, which is said to have led to either the extinction of the species or reduc- tion of the population below the limit for continued survival at these colonies, is at least exaggerated. The main island of St Kilda, except in Appendix A, is called Hirt, without comment, though the more usual form has been Hirta.
Despite these criticisms one may still welcome this book, for the way in which it provides an introduction to St Kilda and its distant neigh- bours. The author is never dull; he looks at his subject from a variety of angles (hence, probably, the slips, for it is not easy to be expert in every field), and he captures something of the magic of remote islands, so well expressed after the second world war in Robert Atkinson’s superb
Island Going, now long out of print. ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
A Guide to Shetland Birds. By Bobby Tulloch & Fred Hunter. [Lerwick], The Shetland Times, 1970. Pp. [72]; 24 photographs, 5 line drawings, folding map (with plan on reverse). 224 x 154 cm. Soft cover 50p.
This modestly priced guide will be very useful for the visitor to Shet- land, one of the most ornithologically exciting parts of Scotland. The various islands and their birds and habitats are briefly described, and the birdwatcher is given plenty of guidance on where to go and how to con- duct himself. Sensible emphasis is placed on preserving the attractions of Shetland’s birds for those who come after; but there is a refreshing lack of secrecy over localities.
Some 18 pages describe the islands (curiously, the pages are not num- bered). Then follows a 7-page detailed status list of the breeding birds and a 6-page list of the more regular migrants. Breeding birds are treated more fully than migrants, but the lists are not mutually exclusive, many species appearing in both, and some breeding information only in the migration section.
The rest of the guide consists mainly of a series of fine photographs of local birds by Bobby Tulloch and Dennis Coutts, a checklist for the observer to enter his own records, some general material, and several blank pages on which to make one’s own notes.
Bobby Tulloch and Fred Hunter have done an excellent job; let us hope that we may soon see imitators doing the same for other parts of Scot-
land. ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
Highland Deer Forest. By Lea MacNally. London, Dent, 1970. Pp. xii + 107; 48 plates (76 photographs). 214 x 133 cm. £2.
For nineteen years the author worked as head stalker on the Culachy deer forest in Inverness-shire. During these years he stored a fund of anecdotes concerning the wildlife of the area, much of which he studied in great detail. A very accomplished naturalist and equally accomplished photographer, his great gift is that he is able so well to share his ex- periences with his readers. Those who are fortunate enough to know the Scottish Highlands will immediately be able to identify themselves with
1970 REVIEWS 219
the author in his, often hazardous, exploits. To those less fortunate he must surely be the ideal armchair Highland naturalist. There are well written accounts of many birds and animals, including eagle, Buzzard, Peregrine, diver, Ptarmigan, Greenshank and Redwing, together with wildcat, fox and particularly red deer. We watch with him an eagle at the nest, after it had perched on his hide only inches above his head be- fore jumping down to the eyrie, just six feet away. We learn of his efforts to catch elusive red deer calves, and must be impressed by his seemingly endless patience.
Interspersed with the author’s reminiscences are those of Johnny Kyira, a retired stalker now in his late eighties, which give an insight to a way of life now all but forgotten.
_ The only criticism is that a few of the plates fall short of the author’s best work. Three of roe deer and one of a roaring red deer stag have been poorly retouched to compensate for lack of contrast. All the other photographs are very impressive. The reviewer has no hesitation in thor- ougly recommending this delightful book to all who have a feeling for the Highlands and their wildlife.
N. PICOZZI.
Eagles. The World of Animals series. By Leslie Brown. London, Arthur Barker, and New York, Arco, 1970. Pp. 96; 80 photographs (16 in colour) and 10 figures. 21 x 20 cm. £1.25.
Few birds excite the imagination as much as eagles, and Leslie Brown is the natural choice of author to write a popular account of them. Through the book, he deals fully with all the questions that are so fre- quently asked about eagles: how big are they, how fast can they fly, how long do they live, how much food do they require, do they pair for life, and so on. In addition to general information of this nature, he goes into more detail on the Golden Eagle and several species of African eagles of which he has first-hand experience. In the final chapter there is a discussion on ways in which eagles as predators appear to conflict with man’s interests. In all, there is a surprising amount of information in such a short book. There are a few oversights, however, such as no definition of the term ‘dimorphic’ (although ‘tarsus’ is defined), and in ch. 2 the metric equivalents for weights and dimensions are not consistently given. Of the few printing errors, the more important are heights for weights (p 21 line 2) and A.M. for P.M. (p 41 line 19).
Many people will buy this attractively priced book for its excellent selection of photographs. Apart from one of the Golden Eagle at the nest, the colour plates are really splendid, and so are most of the mono- chromes. As a whole, this book gives really good value for money and should make an ideal gift for anyone interested in birds of prey.
N. PICOZZI.
The Atlantic islands. A Study of the Faeroe Life and Scene. By Kenneth Williamson. Revised edition with an additional chapter by Einar Kallsberg. London, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1970. First published London, Collins, 1948. Pp. 385; 38 photographs, 32 text figures, end- paper maps. 214 x 14cm. £3.25.
The reissue of this superb book, first published 22 years ago, is very welcome. At four times the original cost it is still well worth the money, for a fascinating account of the Faeroe Islands. Had Ken Williamson never written it we would be even more ignorant of our near neighbours to the north than we are.
220 REVIEWS 6(4)
A complete revision has not been possible, but the great changes in the islands in the past 25 years are covered by an additional chapter by Einar Kallsberg. The plates have been rearranged and some new ones provided; the bibliography has been expanded; and the appendix on Faeroe birds has been brought up to date.
The Atlantic Islands by Kenneth Williamson is an acknowledged clas- sic, and can be highly recommended to anyone who does not already
know it. ANDREW T. MACMILLAN.
Radar Ornithology. By Eric Eastwood. London, Methuen, 1967. Pp. xii + 278; 24 photographic plates and 116 figures. 234 x 154 cm. £3.75.
This important book, the first of its kind, was published several years ago but has not previously been reviewed in Scottish Birds. No birdwatch- er will be completely unaware that the use of radar has changed many of the theories about bird migration, but comparatively little on the subject has appeared in this journal. This is not surprising as much of it is very technical.
This book is recommended reading for those intrigued by the use of radar in birdwatching and eager to improve their knowledge of the sub- ject. In the first few chapters Dr Eastwood, chief scientist of the Marconi Company, thoroughly explains the principles of radar, the different types of equipment, and the operation, uses and limitations of this equip- ment, before moving on to a history of the use of radar in bird study. He then discusses the radar patterns of bird migration in various parts of the world, and the use of radar in such subiects as the dispersal of Starlings from their roosts, the soaring and gliding of birds, the altitudes at which birds migrate, and the effects of various types of weather. The book concludes with chapters on counting birds by radar, the influence of radio waves on birds, and the future of radar in ornithological research, with an appendix on wind drift and a bibliography of 146 references on the subject.
Each chapter is clearly set out under various sub-headings, which also bring together simplified versions of many scientific papers published in journals throughout the world, while the many line drawings greatly help the non-specialist to understand some of the technical data. Radar research has been carried out in Scotland in Aberdeenshire, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, but the book has little Scottish data, only about six pages of text, and no mention is made of studies by Bourne and Patter- son (Scot. Birds 2: 3-17) on the spring departures of Common Gulls from Scotland, or by Myres (Bird Study 10: 34-43) on the feeding movements of Kittiwakes near Shetland. There are 24 pages of photographs, mainly radar displays of bird movements; these are very interesting, especially the excellent photographs of ‘ring angels’ caused by Starlings leaving their roosts.
In conclusion, this is a valuable book to anyone interested in bird migration, but it must be read with care and diligence.
ROY H. DENNIS.
The Life and Organization of Birds. Contemporary Biology series. By W. B. Yapp. London, Edward Arnold, 1970. Pp. x + 246; 82 + 3 text figures (line and photographic). 214 x 14 cm. £3.50.
This book ranges across the whole field of bird biology, from evolution, through anatomy and physiology, to behaviour and ecology. Within so
1970 REVIEWS 221
wide a scope, the author does not pretend to cover everything, but has selected those topics which most interest him and those most relevant to his theme, that birds are interesting as animals. The book is primarily intended for university students, but the hope is expressed that bird- watchers will also be able to learn something from it. The exact struc- turing of the subject matter is rather curious; the nervous system and senses, for example, are dealt with twice in different parts of the book. The author’s efforts to include as much as possible have led to a rather compressed style, but most of the chosen topics are dealt with adequately, though rather superficially.
For most birdwatchers this book would be heavy reading as, partic- ularly in the chapters on anatomy and physiology, a good deal of spec- ialist terminology is used and little of this appears in the glossary. De- tailed criticism is therefore out of place, but it must be mentioned that the sections vary considerably in their value; that on behaviour, for in- stance, ignores much recent work and is not a useful introduction to this field. Mr Yapp has some unorthodox views, which come through partic- ‘ularly strongly in this part of the book. He disposes of ethology in a single paragraph, which criticises its imprecision on the basis of one (uncited) reference. It is, however, inevitable in a book which cuts across so many disciplines of biology that the author should occasionally wander from his own area of expertise; Mr Yapp is at his best on anatomy and physiology, fields in which his previous text-books are well known.
The book is well produced and indexed and includes a list of over 400 references. It will be useful to the more scientifically minded ornithologist who is prepared to read it critically and use it as a key to the original literature in the fields that is covers.
P. J. B. SLATER.
Signals for Survival. Based on the film. By Niko Tinbergen & Hugh Falkus} Drawings by Eric Ennion. Oxford, Clarendon Press, OUP, 1970. Pp. 80; 88 photographs, 27 pages with colour sketches. 273 x 21} cm. £2. :
Derived from the very successful film of the same name, this book covers, in simple terms, the behaviour of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, loosely arranged around the succession of events during the breeding season. It consists of a series of excellent photographs, interspersed with Ennion’s watercolour sketches and woven together by a commentary. It is claimed to be “of especial interest to those in schools and universities as well as to the general reader’.
The book is largely, but not entirely, restricted to displays, and illus- trates well the complex interactions between individuals that go to make up the life of a gull colony. The commentary is well written to enlighten the general reader without antagonising the specialist. The photographs, which are illustrative rather than artistic, while certainly the main attrac- tion of the book, often lack the dynamic aspect so essential to behaviour. This is made up for by the drawings which, though rather sketchy in places, have a fine feel of action about them and help to fill in some of the gaps in the photographic record. It is, however, the lack of movement in the book which makes it a poor substitute for the film. At its price and level it is an expensive souvenir, but it should find a place in the classroom and on the shelf of the birdwatcher who wants a 30 minute introduction to behaviour.
P. J. B. SLATER.
222 REVIEWS 6(4)
Encyclopaedia of Aviculture. Vol. 1 (of 3). Edited by A. Rutgers & K. A. Norris. London, Blandford, 1970. Originally published in Dutch as Encyclopedia voor de Vogelliefhebber, 1964-68. Pp. 350; 14 colour ae one select ane white illustrations, numerous text figures. 293 x cm. £8.
This book is intended primarily to be a guide for amateur aviculturists and a work of reference for those interested in the study of birds in captivity. Most naturalists are now aware of the importance of preser- ving, even in captivity, species of animals which have reached the bor- derline of extinction, and some notable results, as with the American Whooping Crane, have been achieved. After introductory chapters of a general nature, of which the most important are those on ‘Bird Ecology as applied to Planted Aviaries’ by R. W. Hawkins and ‘The Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds’ by Christine M. Startup, this first volume gives accounts of selected species from seventeen families, with information on their lives under natural conditions, followed by considerable detailed in- formation on how to keep such birds in captivity. In the fourteen full- ‘page colour plates, from paintings by artists J. van den Broecke and H. J. Slipjer, allied species are shown in groups, and the plates are adequate for their purpose. In addition there are numerous black-and-white half- tone illustrations of many species, from varied sources, such as Gould (unacknowledged). A bibliography shows curious inclusions and omis- sions : one would expect to find mention at least of Phillips’s Ducks or Goodwin’s Pigeons or even Witherby’s Handbook.
The work is properly completed with an index to Latin names and one to English names. The text has been produced in England and is nicely set out and printed and very readable. The plates, both coloured and black-and-white, have been printed in Holland and are really not quite as good as one would expect—a criticism one is pleased to offer these days when it is usual to ‘knock’ anything British. But on the whole the publishers have produced an attractive book at a reasonable price, and one looks forward to the completion of the work, which offers much interesting information on many colourful species not readily available
in any form. RITCHIE SEATH. Enquiries
Waxwing invasion. Exceptional numbers of Waxwings have occurred this autumn. Information on the invasion is being collated by Ian H. J. Lyster, Royal Scottish Museum, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, and records should be sent to him.
Seabird movements. For the past two years, studies have been made of seabird movements off the Aberdeenshire coast. If anyone has unpublished data on such movements for the coast from Angus to the Moray Firth, would they please con- tact Norman Elkins, 7 Skene Square, Aberdeen, AB2 4UU.
Ospreys. It has become apparent over the past few years that the number of Ospreys seen throughout the country has in- creased, perhaps quite considerably. With a view to collating the records of this increase, and ultimately publishing a paper on the subject, it would be appreciated if observers would send details of any sightings of Ospreys they have made to Harvey J. Burton (Warden, Loch Garten Osprey Reserve), RSPB, 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 BN.
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 223
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Revenue Account for the year ended 30th June 1970
Yearto Year to 30/6/70 30/6/69
INCOME—
Subscriptions received for year . £2479 £2258 Income Tax recovered on covenanted subscriptions — 328 311 Dividends and Interest received (gross) rae La 2oO 228 Surplus on Bookshop (Sales £4061)... wae cee ES 1157 Sale of “Scottish Birds” to non-members ... enews toy) 91 Sundry sales less sundry purchases .. ue sas 54 56 Contribution from the World Wildlife Fund
towards facilities eed By ae Clube == oe 0 Pai
Donations received met oe a 3 £4386 £4131 EXPENDITURE— Branch expenses including lectures... ee ... £403 £356 Travel expenses of Council members and of
delegates to conferences ae ae 3 a) ETO 83 Secretarial services mer Sie aise So <2. 3079 2240 Office expenses eke? S471 505 Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection :
Club’s share of running expenses ... ase A 385 Cost of books purchased for Library... oe ae 47 54 Cost of publishing “‘Scottish Birds” es
advertising revenue £252)... : sae say BE GBS 704 Net cost of Annual Conference | soe nen sae 35 2 Subscriptions paid sas =O ae a. a 32 33
Excess of Expenditure over Income carried to Balance Sheet oe = st a: 254 SOD 231
224 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(4)
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1970
Yearto Yearto 30/6/70 30/6/69
Accumulated Surplus as at 30th June 1969 __..... . £3990 £4221 Deduct: Excess of Expenditure over Income for year 965 231 Accumulated Surplus as at 30th June 1970 .... ... £3025 £3990
(Note : £1000 of this surplus is earmarked for the House Fabric Fund)
Made up of:
Cash in hand and Bank current accounts ... ey LAO £147 Savings Bank accounts ne Us Be aah 91 557 Bookshop stock at valuation ... ae Bes ... 840 840 Tie and Badge stocks at valuation _... ess ie 86 133 Debts due to Club A ee bs oS ah eo 298 Investments at cost, as below... ic Sas ... 3500 3500
Less; Life Membership Fund Ms ag, ... £450 300 Subscriptions paid in advance Aa! sage 76 55 Debts due by Club one en) 3902 690 Sum due to Endowment Fund no Zoo 143 Sums earmarked for : Library eae bee a ae js MeeZae 238 Painting SE a 2 ur, es a 59 59
Investments as at 30th June 1970:
At
cost
Loan to County ey of Wigan
74% (formerly 74%) , HA ... £600 £600 £600
Safeguard Industrial Investments
Ltd—700 Ord. shares of 5/- each Loar COU 508 508
£950—64% Treasury Loan 1976... ‘cal WOZ6 946 946 £1300—British Electricity 3% Guar.
Stock 1974/77 } coe LOZ 952 952
£550—54% Conversion Stock 1974 oe ey el 494 494
£3500
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 225 ENDOWMENT FUND (The free income of which is available for the advancement of ornithology) Revenue Account for the year ended 30th June 1970
Yearto Yearto 30/6/70 30/6/69
INCOME—
Interest and Dividends received (gross) Re ... £196 £190 EXPENDITURE—
Grants as detailed in Report of Council... shea L740) 33
Unexpended Income for the year an aa on ET £157
ENDOWMENT FUND Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1970
Endowment Fund as at 30th June 1969 a EZ £3080
Add: Additions to Fund during year ... ae ai — Less: Loss on realisation of £1151 34% War Stock ... — 564
Accumulated unexpended Income
as at 30th June 1969 __... ake ... £434 Dili Add: Unexpended Income of year set i 1 157 505 434 £3024 £2953
Made up of: Investments at cost as below Sto ... £2441 £2441 Royal Bank of Scotland Deposit account o. poco 369 Due by Club’s General Funds 258 143
Investments as at 30th June 1970: Market At At Value cost cost 976 Units of the Equities Investment Trust for Charities Ltd fe Rel S65 £1000 £1000 £1140 5% Exchequer Stock 1976/78 nal 929 1000 1000 £440 84% Conver. Unsecured Loan Stock 1993/98 British Printing Corporation Ltd. 330 44] 44]
226 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(4)
HOUSE FABRIC FUND
Summary of Accounts for year to 30th June 1970
Yearto Yearto 30/6/70 30/6/69
RECEIPTS Balance as at 30th June 1969 __..... : x sy LOR £110 Year’s rent from Mr and Mrs George Waterston ... 150 100 Year’s rent from World Wildlife Fund A Pe Mae | 87 Miscellaneous Interests ae ne 5 4 £392 £301 EXPENDITURE Repairs and Maintenance a te —e ost iE Oo £5 Property Burdens ee: ce eae sings a oe 171 Insurance ne sey fe Bre bo saa 18 18 £262 £194 On Deposit with Dunedin Building Society _... oso, SO 107 £392 £301
Note: The balance of £130 includes £19 unexpended from the Harvey Donation.
EDINBURGH, 30th September 1970.—I have audited the foregoing Rev- enue Accounts for the year to 30th June 1970, and the Balance Sheet at that date. I have accepted as correct the Subscriptions and other receipts shown as received in the Books and the value placed on the Bookshop Stock. Subject to this I certify that in my opinion the fore- going accounts are correctly stated and sufficiently vouched.
(Signed) ARTHUR WALKER, Chartered Accountant.
REPORT OF COUNCIL
Your Council submits the following Report for the year 1969/70: Membership At the end of the session the Club had 2149 members. The net increase during the year was 93, but again over 300 new members joined (326), three more than last year. Three members transferred to Life Membership. A table of membership for the last six years is given
below. 30/6/65 30/6/66 30/6/67 30/6/68 30/6/69 30/6/70
Ordinary 1263 1373 1524 1677 Wy ay (i 1849 Junior 222 252 259 265 274 286 Life 0 0 0 a 6 9 Honorary 3 3 4 + 9) 5
1488 1628 1787 1949 2056 2149 Increase 93 140 159 162 107 93
The number of Deeds of Covenant signed by members rose from 322 to 337, representing 387 subscriptions and contributing £328 to Club funds. Council acknowledges with thanks this support to the Club, and partic- ularly wishes to thank those members who have taken out a new Coven-
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 227
ant; at no extra cost to themselves they have given considerable help to the Club.
Deaths It is with great regret that Council records the death during the year of Mr James MacGeoch, Secretary of the Inverness Branch and Member of Council; Mr James Fisher, a member of the Club since 1946; and also Mr Matt Forrester and Mr Len Fullerton, whose obituaries have appeared in Scottish Birds.
Honours Council has great pleasure in recording honours given during the year to two of the Club’s Founder members, and warmly congratulates the recipients. Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, and Sir Frank Fraser Darling was given a Knighthood for his work on conservation and the environment. Mr S. L. MacKinlay is also congratulated on his award of an Honorary Degree by Glasgow University.
Business of Council Five meetings of Ccuncil were held during the year, while the Management Committee met twice. Business discussed included the following :
New Editor of “Scottish Birds” In March Mr A. T. Macmillan intimated that he would no longer be able to continue as Editor of Scottish Birds after 1970. Council accepted his notice of resignation and wishes to record deep appreciation of his long and distinguished tenure of the editorship. He was Assistant Editor from the first publication in Autumn 1958 until he took over as Editor from Professor Meiklejohn in Spring 1962. °
Members will appreciate that it has been a formidable task to maintain so successfully the high standard of the journal, particularly with the greatly increased work involved in the Scottish Bird Report. One of the main tasks of the Management Committee has been to fill the gap which Andrew Macmillan will leave. Applications for a successor were invited and Council is pleased to report that Mr Tom Delaney has been appoin- ted to take over as Editor from the end of 1970, and that Mr Macmillan has kindly agreed to continue to give the benefit of his knowledge and experience in an advisory capacity. Mr D. G. Andrew continues as Assis- tant Editor and the Secretary as Business Editor.
Subscription changes The Club has for many years been operating on a very modest subscription and in 1968 the Accounts showed a deficit for the first time. It became obvious that the growth of the Club, requir- ing additional servicing, together with rising costs, would inevitably lead to an increase in subscription rates.
At the Annua! General Meeting last year approva! was given to raise the subscription, but this could not come into force for existing members until Ist October 1970, many having already paid for the session. For this reason the Accounts have again shown a deficit, amounting to £965.
It is encouraging however that in spite of the new subscription rates, which applied to all members joining since the Annual General Meeting, the number of new members for the session is as high as ever.
Endowment Fund Your Council approved a Grant of £100 to the Sea- bird Group towards the cost of Operation Seafarer in 1970. Much of the work in this national census of seabirds is being carried out in Scotland and in Scottish waters, and the money has been used for this purpose.
Council also approved a donation from the Endowment Fund of £25 to the Len Fullerton Memorial Fund, recently set up by his friends in Dundee, the proceeds of which are being devoted to a rehabilitation Unit for injured birds and animals. Sited in Camperdown Park, Dundee, the Unit will be under the direct charge and supervision of Mr Alfred Rob- ertson, who has great experience and success in this field. _
Council would like to draw members’ attention to the importance of
228 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(4)
the Endowment Fund. Set up originally with legacies from the late Misses Baxter and Rintoul, the free income is available for the advancement of ornithology. If the Fund can be increased, then more Grants can be given annually, and any donation or legacy will be warmly welcomed.
Public Enquiry In July 1969 a Public Enquiry was held into Edinburgh City’s development plans for the Duddingston area, which included the provision of playing fields on land known as Bawsinch, adjoining the Duddingston Loch Bird Sanctuary. The Club was represented at the En- quiry by Mr D. G. Andrew. Recommendations were made for a ‘buffer zone’ between the proposed sports ground and the Sanctuary to prevent undue disturbance to bird life. The final decision by the Secretary of State for Scotland, to limit the plans for the development of the whole area for schooling, resulted in Bawsinch being declared a public open space. Proposals for suitable development in the interests of conserva- tion and for the benefit of the public will be put forward in due course.
Atlas of British Breeding Birds Mr C. G. Headlam continued as Organ- iser for Scotland of the BTO Atlas Scheme, now completing the third of its five years. Council would again like to thank the many members who have worked so hard on this project, and to appeal for more help in the next two years to ensure full coverage of Scotland.
Club Representation The Club was again represented on the British
Section of the International Council for Bird Preservation by Sir Lands- borough Thomson and Mr George Waterston, and on the Duck Working Group of the International Wildfowl Research Bureau by Miss Valerie Thom. European Conservation Year 1970 Council agreed that all contributions to ECY 70 should be organised through the Branches of the Club, and this was carried out mainly in cooperation with kindred societies. Spec- ial events were held in Ayr, where Branch members organised stands at the ‘Countryside in the 70s’ exhibition and the ‘Ayr Show’, and in Falkirk where the Stirling Branch prepared a successful exhibit at the ‘Falkirk Spring Fayre’. Edinburgh Branch members helped with the organisation and leading of excursions in the area, and a special display of books on conservation and related subjects was arranged in the Scottish Centre.
Under the auspices of the Scottish Landowners Federation several landowners invited organisations to send a representative to visit their estates on special days in connection with the Federation’s promotion for ECY 70. The Club was represented at five of these events, which were aimed at promoting understanding and cooperation between land- owners and those representing public interest in the countryside.
Your President represented the Club at a Lunch held in the Glasgow City Chambers in April to inaugurate the City’s contribution to ECY 70.
Annual Conference. The Twenty-second Annual Conference and the An- nual General Meeting, held in Dunblane, were attended by 302 members and guests. On Saturday morning lectures were given by Dr N. W. Moore and Mr Jan Prestt, Toxic Chemicals and Wildlife Section, Monks Wood Ex- perimental Station. Dr Moore’s paper on ‘Recent changes in the environ- ment and some of their effects on British birds’ proved to be most topical, following the wreck of seabirds on the west coast a week earlier. Mr Prestt lectured on ‘The Heron and pollution’. On Sunday Sir Hugh Elliott, Secretary of the Ecology Commission, International Union for the cotaeye Hen of Nature, spoke on ‘Birds of the world; the conservation outlook’.
Branches During the winter a full programme of lectures was again given in the nine Branches and there were meetings of the Thurso Group. Branches organised their summer and winter excursions, and the Club’s annual excursion to the Solway goose grounds took place in February.
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 229
This popular weekend was attended by over 50 members and friends and was again successfully organised by the Dumfries Branch. After a lapse of several years an extremely enjoyable weekend meeting was held on Speyside in May. Organised most efficiently by the Inverness Branch Secretary and other members, the meetings were attended by 110 mem- bers and friends. Slides and films were arranged in the evenings and ex- cursions were led to four locations. “Scottish Birds” Four numbers of the journal, including the annual Scot- tish Bird Report, were published during the year, with an Index to Volume 5, now completed. Club Library Owing to the limited budget only a few new reference books were added to the library this year. Council thanks the donors of many books, journals and reprints for their gifts to the library. Bookshop Sales in the first nine months of the session were extremely encouraging, receipts being well above the previous year, but in the last quarter they were greatly reduced, due to lack of new books being pub- lished, coupled with a general recession in trade. Book displays were again taken to the annual conferences of the British Trust for Ornith- ology, held at Swanwick, and the Irish Wildbird Conservancy/RSPB at Malahide, Co. Dublin. Council is most grateful to these organisations for is help and cooperation, which greatly enhances our sales and pub- icity. Scottish Centre The Centre was again used for meetings of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, the Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Committee, and the Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve Biological Committee. Informal discussion groups were also held regularly during the winter. : Numerous postal and telephone enquiries were dealt with during the year and many British and overseas visitors called at the Centre for ad- vice during the summer. Greetings. The Annual Conference of the Royal Australasian Ornitholo- gists’ Union was attended this year by General Sir Philip Christison. Sir Philip gave warm greetings on behalf of the Club to the Royal Austral- asian Ornithologists’ Union, and he was asked to convey their greetings to the Club in return.
Acknowledgments Finally, Council wishes to record its thanks to all those who have helped the Club in so many ways during the session, much of which is unseen but is very greatly appreciated.
For the Council, A. DONALD WATSON, President.
THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB
The Thirty-fourth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire, on Saturday 3lst October 1970 at 6 p.m. Mr A. Donald Watson, President of the Club, presided over an attendance of about 120 members.
Apologies Apologies for absence were received from Dr D. A. Banner- man, Dr David Boddington, Sir Charles G. Connell, Dr G. M. Dunnet, C. E. Palmar, Dr I. D. Pennie and Dr M. Rusk.
Minutes The Minutes of the Thirty-third Annual General Meeting, held in Dunblane on 25th October 1969, were approved and signed.
Report of Council Presenting the Report of Council for Session 33, the Chairman particularly mentioned the work done by Mr A. T. Macmillan, as Editor of Scottish Birds over the past nine years. Very great credit was due to him for the immense amount of time and effort he had given in maintaining the high standard of the journal, and the Club was deeply
230 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(4)
indebted to him. Subject to the addition, under HONOURS, of the award of an Honorary Degree to Mr S. L. MacKinlay by Glasgow University, the Report was adopted.
Accounts Presenting the Accounts for the year ending 30th June 1970, the Hon. Treasurer said that the deficit had been forecast. He explained that the increase in subscription rates, except for those who had joined the Club since lst November 1969, had only come into effect on Ist October 1970. It was hoped that a small surplus would be shown at the end of the current financial year if the present growth in membership continued. The Accounts were approved.
Appointment of Auditor Mr Arthur Walker C.A. was re-elected Auditor for the ensuing year.
Election of new Members of Council In the absence of any other nom- inations, the Council’s recommendations for the following elections were approved. Council Members: Mr A. T. Macmillan and Miss M. P. Mac- millan to replace Mr William Brotherston and Miss V. M. Thom, who were due to retire by rotation. The Chairman thanked the retiring mem- bers for their service to the Club.
It was noted that following the death of Mr James MacGeoch, there was still one vacancy on Council. It was agreed, however, that since Council is empowered to co-opt additional members, it was unnecessary to fill the vacancy immediately.
Pink-footed Geese in Iceland. Earlier in the Conference attention had been drawn to the proposal of the Icelandic Government to flood the Thjorsarver breeding ground of the Pink-footed Goose, for hydro- electric purposes. It was agreed that a resolution should be sent from the Club expressing concern at the situation. The text of the resolution was approved later during the Conference.
Votes of Thanks The Chairman moved a warm vote of thanks to all those who had worked so hard to make the Conference a success and paid tribute to the Club’s staff for their work both before and during the Conference. The Meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman by Mr George Waterston, Vice-President of the Club.
Text of the Resolution sent from the Annual Conference to the Icelandic Government
At the Annual Conference of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club held on 3lst October 1970 and representing a membership of over 2000 amateur bird watchers throughout Scotland, the following resolution was approv- ed:
Resolve that:
WHEREAS a major effort has been made in recent years to protect the large proportion of the world population of the Pink-footed Goose which, after summering in Iceland returns to spend each winter in Scot- land, by the institution of wildfowl refuges, imposition of restrictions on the sale of shot geese, and encouragement of an improved attitude to conservation by the farming community, resulting in an increase in the birds which has brought pleasure to many people, and whereas this pro- gress would be threatened by adverse developments in the breeding area of the birds;
ACCORDINGLY, while the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club fully under- stands Iceland’s need to harness its natural power resources, it nonethe- less views with great concern the proposal to inundate the Thjérsarver oasis which forms the principal breeding ground of the Pink-footed Goose, and therefore urges the Icelandic Government to develop alternative hydro-electric schemes or if this is not possible, to make every effort to
1970 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 231
minimise the effects of the flooding on the geese through research and management applied to other potential breeding areas.
COUNCIL AND OFFICE BEARERS OF THE CLUB FOR SESSION 34
Hon. Presidents: David A. Bannerman, O.B.E., LL.D., Sc.D., F.R.S.E.; Sir Charles G. Connell, W.S.; Sir Arthur B. Duncan.
President : A. Donald Watson.
Vice-President : George Waterston, O.B.E., F.R.S.E.
Hon. Treasurer ;: Maxwell K. Hamilton, C.A.
Hon. Treasurer of House Fabric Fund: D. G. Andrew, W.S.
Secretary and Treasurer : Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe.
Deputy Secretary : Mrs George Waterston.
Editor of “Scottish Birds”: A. T. Macmillan (1970); T. Delaney (1971).
Assistant Editor of “Scottish Birds”: D. G. Andrew, W.S.
Business Editor of “Scottish Birds”: Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe.
Council: R. S. Baillie, R. G. Caldow, Dr I. T. Draper, C. G. Headlam, Dr David Jenkins, A. T. Macmillan, Miss M. P. Macmillan, Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, T. D. H. Merrie.
Branch Representatives to Council: Miss G. L. C. Falconer (St Andrews); J. E. Forrest (Dundee); Miss F. J. Greig (Aberdeen); J. H. B. Munro (Edinburgh); R. T. Smith (Dumfries); A. G. Stewart (Ayr).
BRANCH AND GROUP OFFICE BEARERS
Aberdeen: Chairman, A. J. M. Smith; Vice-Chairman, N. Picozzi; Sec- retary Miss F. J. Greig; Committee, A. Duncan, D. P. Willis, R. F.
ule.
Ayr : Chairman, A. G. Stewart; Vice-Chairman, Dr M. E. Castle; Secretary, R. M. Ramage; Committee, Dr J. A. Begg, W. R. Brackenridge, J. L. Burton, Miss S. M. Williamson.
Dumfries : Chairman, A. D. Watson; Vice-Chairman, R. T. Smith; Secret- ary, H. M. Russell; Committee, W. Austin, Miss J. M. Donnan, J. Max- well, D. Skilling.
Dundee: Chairman, D. B. Thomson; Vice-Chairman, Dr D. G. Adamson; Secretary, Miss J. Stirling; Committee, A. Beat, J. E. Forrest, Mrs J. A. R. Grant, B. Pounder.
Edinburgh : Chairman, J. H. B. Munro; Vice-Chairman, C. K. Mylne; Sec- retary, J. A. Stewart; Committee, L. W. G. Alexander, P. Kerr, Mrs J. H. B. Munro, Dr L. L. J. Vick.
Glasgow : Chairman, R. G. Caldow; Vice-Chairman, Dr I. T. Draper; Sec- retary, Mrs I. T. Draper; Committee, Mrs H. S. C. Halliday, R. A. Jeff- rey, J. Mitchell, R. G. Nisbet.
Inverness: Chairman, C. G. Headlam; Vice-Chairman, W. A. Sinclair; Secretary, Mrs W. A. Sinclair (Acting); Committee, Miss J. Banks, Miss G. Bush, Mrs C. MacDuff-Duncan, Mrs W. Morrison, L. W. Payne.
St Andrews: Chairman, Miss G. L: C. Falconer; Vice-Chairman, Miss J. McFarlane; Secretary, Miss M. M. Spires; Committee, I. G. Cumming, Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame, Miss D. E. Rowling, J. S. Wiffen.
Stirling ;: Chairman, Rev. G. T. Jamieson; Vice-Chairman, K. P. Anderson; Secretary, T. D. H. Merrie; Committee, A. Eccles, Miss M. F. Piper, R. M. Ramage.
Thurso : Chairman, Dr P. M. McMorran; Secretary, D. M. Stark.
Zon THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(4)
SCOTTISH BIRDS RECORDS COMMITTEE
Chairman : D. G. Andrew.
Committee: A. G. S. Bryson, Dr J. W. Campbell, Sir Arthur Duncan, Dr W. J. Eggeling, A. T. Macmillan, Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, Dr I. D. pa Kenneth Williamson, George Waterston, Prof. V. C. Wynne-
wards.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE M. K. Hamilton (Convenor), D. G. Andrew, R. G. Caldow, George Water-
ston, A. D. Watson. LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Dr W. J. Eggeling (Convenor), Ritchie Seath (Hon. Librarian), A. T. Mac- millan, Dr I. D. Pennie, George Waterston.
CLUB REPRESENTATION
British Section, International Council for Bird Preservation: Sir Lands- borough Thomson, George Waterston.
International Wildfowl Research Bureau, Duck Working Group: Miss V. M. Thom.
British Trust for Ornithology, Atlas of British Breeding Birds Project: C. G. Headlam (Scottish Coordinator).
HONORARY MEMBERS
Duncan Anderson, Clyde Bain, Henry Boase, P. W. G. Gunn, Sir Lands- borough Thomson.
WEEKEND EXCURSION TO DUMFRIES
The weekend excursion to the Solway goose grounds has been arran- ged with the County Hotel, Dumfries, from Friday 12th March to Sun- day 14th March 1971.
Accommodation : inclusive terms £6.6.0, inclusive of gratuities, as fol- lows—bed on Friday 12th; breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on Saturday 13th; breakfast and packed lunch on Sunday 14th. Members should inform the hotel in advance if they require dinner on Friday night (extra). A limited number of rooms with private bathrooms are available for the additional charge of 20/- per night.
Members may bring guests and should book direct with the Manager, County Hotel, Dumfries (tel. 5401), notifying him that they are attending the Club excursion. It is advisable to bring warm clothing, gum boots if possible, and thermos flasks.
ST ANDREWS BRANCH
Will all Members please note that the date of the Meeting in March 1971 should be Wednesday 3rd March, and not as printed in the Syllabus.
BRANCH SECRETARIES
Since the publication of the Syllabus of Lectures for 1970/71 there has been a change of Secretary in both the Ayr and Inverness Branches. Will Members please note the names and addresses as follows:
Ayr R. M. Ramage, 57B St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire.
Inverness : A permanent Secretary has not yet been appointed, but in the meantime Mrs W. A. Sinclair has agreed to undertake the work. Cor- respondence should be sent to 4 Aultnaskiach House, Culduthel Road, Inverness.
Bird Books oN
Please support...
THE SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR ORNITHOLOGY AND BIRD PROTECTION
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Some new books in stock: The Atlantic Islands; the Faeroe Life and Scene. K. Williamson. Rev. Ed. 65s (£3.25) An Eye for a Bird. Hosking & Lane. 65s (£3.25) Eagles. Leslie Brown. 25s (£1.25) Field Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Higgins & Riley. 42s (£2.10)
Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals. R. H. Pough. 35s (41.75) Guide to Shetland Birds. B. Tulloch & F. Hunter. 10s (50p)
Highland Deer Forest. Lea MacNally. 40s (42.00)
The Life and Organisation of Birds. W. B. Yapp. 35s (41.75)
Owls, their Natural and Un-natural History. Sparks & Soper. 50s (£2.50)
Portrait of a Wilderness. Guy Mountfort. New paperback edition 35s (£1.75) Signals for Survival. Tinbergen, Falkus & Ennion. 40s (£2.00)
Wildlife Crisis. HRH the Duke of Edinburgh & James Fisher. 84s (£4.20)
ALL BOOKS SENT POST FREE Terms: Strictly cash with order
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THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
PSHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership
is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and elsewhere at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. rere are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest.
The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is 40s, or 10s in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of 60s, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on Ist October annually.
‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal.
The affairs of the Club are controlled by a Council composed of the Hon. Presidents, the President, the Vice-President, the Hon. Treasurer, the Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fund, and ten other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also one Representative of each Branch Committee appointed annually by the Branch.
The Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by Council, produces an annual Report on ‘Ornithological Changes in Scotland’.
The Club tie in dark green,, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be obtained by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch Secretaries.
The Club-room and Library at 2] Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important iournals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject.
The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre.
Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042).
me " 5
SUTHERLAND
ARMS HOTEL
GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND
Telephone: Golspie 216
Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all.
In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass.
The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland.
The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine.
Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating.
Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY
A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C. Garage & Lock-ups available
“A GUIDE TO SHETLAND BIRDS”
by Bobby Tulloch and Fred Hunter
Written with the visiting birdwatcher in mind, the guide details the birdlife of all the main islands. Other useful features include lists of migrants and breeding birds. An up-to-date list of birds recorded in Shetland is especially interesting and provision has been made for listing personal observations. Handsomely illustrated with photographs by Bobby Tul- loch and Dennis Coutts.
Price 10/- (plus 8d postage) direct from the publishers SHETLAND TIMES LTD.,
79 Commercial St., LERWICK, Shetland.
COLOUR SLIDES
We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send for our list covering these and birds of Africa— many fine studies and close- ups.
FOR HIRE
We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 7s 6d per night’s hire. Birds are group- ed according to their natural habitats.
W. COWEN, Keswick
KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association
Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands.
The standard weekly charge is £15. Members of local Natural History groups or Scientific Societies may be eligible for bursaries valued at £3 made available by the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust.
The programme for 1971 ee courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :—
Birds Surveying and Map-making Freshwater Ecology Mammals
Mountain Flowers _ Natural History Photography Fungi Painting
Field Botany Natural History of the Highlands Soils and Land-use Nature into Art
Moorland Ecology Archaeology
Rocks and Minerals Highland Landscape Conservation Industrial Archaeology
Wild Flowers Bryophytes
Insects
All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire.
SHETLAND HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER
% Spectacular colonies of gannets, puffins, guillemots and many other seabirds.
% Exciting summer visitors like arctic skuas, great skuas and red-throated divers.
% The chance of seeing uncommon migrants during May/June and September/October. King eider, red-footed falcon, bee-eater, woodchat shrike and crane are only some of the many unusual birds seen on passage in recent years.
For information regarding accommodation, transport, etc, contact:
Information Centre, Shetland Tourist Organisation, LERWICK, Shetland
For expert advice on local birds contact:
Robert J. Tulloch, R.S.P.B. Shetland Representative, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland.
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| THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Volume 6 No. 5 SPRING 1971 Price 50p
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KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association
Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands.
The standard weekly charge
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History groups or Scientific Societies may be eligible for bursaries valued at £3 made available by the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust.
The programme for 1971 includes courses for adults in a variety of
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Birds
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Soils and Land-use Moorland Ecology Rocks and Minerals Conservation
Wild Flowers Insects
Surveying and Map-making Mammais
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Natural History of the Highlands Nature into Art
Archaeology
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All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu,
Blairgowrie, Perthshire.
COLOUR SLIDES
We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send for our list covering these and birds of Africa— many fine studies and close- ups.
FOR HIRE
We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 374p per night’s hire. Birds are group- ed according to their natural habitats.
W. COWEN, Keswick
Shetland A paradise for bird- watchers
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
Contents of Volume 6, Number 5, Spring 1971
Page Editorial : = me on ae ae 233 Scottish Bisa ppeeial pppeal a io see BAS iy. 234 BTO Ornithological Atlas 1968-1972 ae 3% 234 A massive wreck of oiled birds : northeast Britain, winter 1970.
By J. J. D. Greenwood, R. J. Donally, C. J. Feare, Ne Je
Gordon & G. Waterston ike A: aA 235
Eiders nesting inland in East Lothian. By D. ‘Jenkins ae ve 251 Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station pepe t for 197 0.
By Nancy J. Gordon See ee 255 Breeding birds of Tiree 1969. By B. Gillen & G. R. Wacobs “ 267 Breeding birds of Coll 1969-70. By J. G. Blatchford at ane 271 Short Notes .
King Eiders in Shetland and Wigtownshire (D. Coutts;
A. F. Jacobs) rs 274 Feeding behaviour of Golden Eagle (S. ne McKinlay) - Eee re 7/5) Kestrel hiding prey (T. M. Clegg) sae on 276 Little Crake at Fair Isle (R. H. Dennis) a 277 Hard times and the disadvantage of deformity (B. Pounder,
S. Pounder & J. J. D. Greenwood) (plate 20) fe 278 Whimbrels breeding at sea-level in Northern Highlands
(C. G. Headlam) 1a 279 Stilt Sandpiper in Southeast Sutherland—a new bird for
Scotland (D. Macdonald, V. M. Thom) .. rates DOO Pectoral Sandpiper in Peeblesshire (Re Ke Macgregor) - 281 Erythrism in eggs of Herring Gull in Scotland (J. Cuss,
eM. Blair)-:> . ise 282 Thrush Nightingales at Fair Isle and Shetland R ice Dennis; .
G. M. Chapman) Be ee 283
Obituary—James Fisher te Bins eee “ae ei hace SINDSO Review as
The Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe. By B. Bruun & A. Singer (editor B. Campbell), Reviewed by D. G. Andrew 286
Letter
The oiling of large raptors by Fulmars from R. J. Tulloch ... 288 Enquiries i _ se ak B43 288 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ae ne ee ae 289
Edited by T. Delaney, 27 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3EE
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
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Some new books in stock:
An Eye for a Bird. Hosking & Lane. £3.25 (65s) Eagles. Leslie Brown. £1.25 (25s)
The Folklore of Birds. E. A. Armstrong. New paperback edition. £1.75 (35s)
Field Guide to Birds of Southern Africa. C. P. M. Prozesky. £2.50 (50s)
Field Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Higgins & Riley. £2.10 (42s)
Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals. R. H. Pough. £1.75 (35s) Guide to Shetland Birds. B. Tulloch & F. Hunter. 50p (10s)
Highland Deer Forest. Lea MacNally. £2.00 (40s)
The Life and Organisation of Birds. W. B. Yapp. £1.75 (35s)
Owls, their Natural and Un-natural History. Sparks & Soper. £2.50 (50s)
Portrait of a Wilderness. Guy Mountfort. New paperback edition £1.75 (35s)
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Vol. 6 No. 5 Spring 1971
Edited by Tom Delaney, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
Since 1962, and its second volume, Scottish Birds has been edited by Andrew Macmillan, who has been responsible not only for the policy of the journal but also for most of the detail- ed work involved in producing it every quarter. Under his con- trol Scottish Birds has gained an excellent reputation, and the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club owe a considerable debt to him for his outstanding work. We are glad to know we may continue to call upon his experience and advice.
The purpose of the journal is to provide interest and nleas- ure, and its success in doing so depends largely on the quality of the material offered for publication. A number of papers and articles are in preparation for future issues, and we shall con- tinue to welcome contributions and suggestions.
BTO Ornithological Atlas. On another page Christopher Headlam summarizes the progress of the BTO Atlas project in Scotland and points a few morals. Also with this issue we are distributing the BTO News supplement giving instructions for the 1971 season. There is an up-to-date coverage map and a list of areas where help is needed most, which is recommen- ded reading for observers planning holidays and excursions.
New local recorders for Dumfriesshire. John G. Young, the local recorder for Dumfriesshire is leaving to take up a post on Speyside. The task of local recorder is being taken on as a joint effort by D. Skilling, 86 Auchenkeld Avenue, Heathhall, Dumfries, and R. T. Smith, Applegarthtown, Lockerbie, Dum- friesshire.
Current literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes:
Research on Vertebrate Predators in Scotland. Progress Re- port, 1970. Nature Conservancy, 19 pages, price 20p. Deals with crows, Buzzards, Sparrowhawks, Golden Eagles and other research.
Seabird movements in N.E. Scotland, 1968 and 1969. N. Elkins & M. R. Williams, 1970. Seabird Report 1969: 31-39. Rattray Head seawatching.
234 EDITORIAL 6(5)
SCOTTISH BIRDS — A SPECIAL APPEAL
As a result of personal approaches made by Members of Council and the Notice in Scottish Birds 6: 180, by mid February the Club had re- ceived Covenants which, with the tax recoverable, will give an income of £100 for seven years towards our target of £500, and also Donations of £110 for this year only.
Council is extremely grateful to all members of the Club who have supported the Appeal so generously, but hopes that there are others who are prepared to help maintain the high standard of the Journal.
I would like to remind members who are considering a Donation, that all money received will be used specifically for Scottish Birds. We want to ensure a firm basis on which to secure the Journal in the future, and for this I appeal for further donations given under Deed of Covenant. If you are prepared to give your support in this way, will you please contact either the Club Secretary or myself. Your Donation will be most
gratefully received. A. DONALD WATSON, President.
BTO Ornithological Atlas 1968-72
In 1970 substantial and gratifying progress was made in Scotland to- wards completion of the BTO Atlas project. Coverage is now complete in Orkney, and nearly so in Caithness, Easter Ross near Inverness, Nairn- shire, Morayshire, much of Banffshire and most of coastal Aberdeenshire. Good organization and consistently keen field work have produced nearly full coverage also in Angus, in Perthshire and in the areas undertaken by the Stirling and Glasgow branches. In the Lothians, Tweed Valley, Ayrshire, Dumfriesshire and Galloway progress has generally been good, though some remoter squares have scarcely been touched. In Galloway, however, the shortage of resident birdwatchers and of visitors seems to have been no discouragement; when there is no “other fellow” to help, you do it all yourself—Samuel Smiles had a word for it.
In the Highlands, Skye, the Outer Hebrides and Shetland there are still major gaps in coverage, little surprise, perhaps, when one considers the size of the areas concerned. However, the 1968-70 returns show a tendency of visitors to head direct for well known areas, where they expect to find “interesting” birds. But species records already show that these “interesting” birds can be found and enjoyed in many places often passed by. The continued existence of areas of incomplete coverage is a challenge to local and visiting birdwatchers alike, and their exploration wu often prove very worthwhile; the moral is clear—‘‘seek and ye shall
nd”’.
During 1970 the position in mainland Argyll and Mull was greatly improved when M. J. P. Gregory volunteered to take on the organisation and records of this extended and generally difficult area. For 1971 three more regional organisers have come forward to complete the chain of responsibility around the country.
Mainland Argyll and Mull M. J. P. Gregory, 4 High Bank Park, Loch- gilphead, Argyll.
Islav, Jura, Colonsay, Oronsay C. Gordon Booth, Cairnmore House, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay.
Buteshire Dr J. A. Gibson, Foremount House, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Lanarkshire south of Hamilton D. L. Clugston, 95 Courthill Avenue,
Cathcart, Glasgow S.4. C. G. HEADLAM.
Foulis Mains, Evanton, Ross-shire.
1971 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 235
A massive wreck of oiled birds : northeast Britain, winter 1970
Jd- D- GREENWOOD, R. J.-DONALLY, C. J. FEARE, NANCY J. GORDON and GEORGE WATERSTON
J. J. D. Greenwood is in the Department of Biological Sciences, Uni- versity of Dundee; R. J. Donally is with the Nature Conservancy at Merlewood Research Station; C. J. Feare is at the Culterty Field Station, University of Aberdeen; Miss Gordon is with the Nature Conservancy in Edinburgh; George Waterston is Assistant Director of the RSPB in Scotland.
Introduction
Between lst January and 15th February 1970 some 12,856 birds, mostly oiled, were recorded dead or dying on beaches in northeast Britain. In this paper we describe the incident and discuss its possible causes, the steps taken to deal with it and future prospects. A brief report has already appeared (Greenwood 1970).
Wrecks of oiled birds in northeast Britain have increased in recent years. In 1968 an accidental spillage of 87 tons of crude oil in the Tay estuary killed over 1,300 birds (Greenwood and Keddie 1968). In spring 1969 large numbers of oiled birds were washed up on almost the whole length of the east coast of Britain (Bourne and Devlin 1970; Greenwood 1969). The pres- ent incident quite outranks these. Indeed, in terms of birds known to have been killed, it is the second largest seabird disaster recorded in the waters around Britain so far, surpass- ing even the Torrey Canyon incident (10,000 known dead: Bourne, Parrack and Potts 1967) and nearly equalling the mys- terious Irish Sea wreck of autumn 1969 (15,000 known dead: Bourne 1970). The only larger oil-pollution disaster, off the Friesian Islands in 1969, produced over 14,500 birds Known dead (Swennen and Spaans 1970).
Methods
Counts of birds found dead or destroyed were made by many individuals, often under the aegis of the RSPB Beached Birds Survey or of more intensive local schemes, and by various public bodies, especially the animal-welfare societies. Careful analysis has been made to detect all possible cases of duplica- tion in recording. In fact there were few, because most observers removed or buried corpses or cut off wings. How- ever, because some beaches were not visited, many beached birds were probably not recorded at all. Thus over the week- end 28th February/lst March, 380 dead seabirds (30 of them
236 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS
6(5)
Table 1. Total numbers of beached birds found, Ist January-15th February
Great Northern Diver
Gavia immer Black-throated Diver
G. arctica Red-throated Diver
G. stellata Diver
Gavia spp. Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus Red-necked Grebe
P. griseigena Slavonian Grebe
P. auritus Black-necked Grebe
P. nigricollis Grebe
Podiceps spp. Petrel
Hydrobates spp. Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis Gannet
Sula bassana Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo Shag
P. aristotelis Heron
Ardea cinerea Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos Wigeon
Anas penelope Scaup
Aythya marila Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligula Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra Velvet Scoter
M. fusca Scoter
Melanitta spp. Eider
Somateria mollissima
eK OoOonmrFroorTrooorwryNTpNocewerorpwor,n co o Yorkshire
Co. Durham
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© Aberdeen Total
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1971
Table 1 (continued)
Goosander
Mergus merganser Red-breasted Merganser
M. serrator Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna Duck
Anatinae Grey Lag Goose
Anser anser Pink-footed Goose
A. brachyrhynchus Grey goose
Anser spp. Mute Swan
Cygnus olor Whooper Swan
C. cygnus Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus Turnstone
Arenaria interpres Curlew
Numenius arquata Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica Skua
Stercorariinae Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinus Herring Gull
L. argentatus Common Gull
L. canus Black-headed Gull
L. ridibundus Kittiwake
Rissa tridactyla Gull
Larinae Razorbill
Alca torda Little Auk
Plautus alle Guillemot
Uria aalge Puffin
Fratercula arctica Auk
Alcidae Unidentified
Sl Oo OO OOF OC Oo Co Co Cc oc o Yorkshire
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27
A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS
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335 1357 1287 2783 4544 1129 12856
238 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 6(5)
oiled and long-dead) were found between Rattray Head, Aber- deenshire, and Inverbervie, Kincardineshire, and 760 more (600 of them oiled and on shores unvisited earlier in the year) be- tween Gourdon, Kincardineshire, and Dundee; presumably these were the remnants of previously unrecorded birds.
Much of the organisation of counting and all the compilation and analysis of the data in England and Aberdeenshire were done by RJD and CJF respectively. In the area between, which suffered heavier mortality, NJG and GW gathered the data from most sources. JJDG made the overall analysis.
The number of birds killed
If we rule out possible duplicate counts, 12,856 birds were found dead or dying on the beaches. The incomplete coverage makes this a minimum figure, and, of course, some affected birds may not even have reached land. For example, when 410 marked Guillemot corpses were dropped into the Irish Sea in May 1969, only 20% were found ashore later, despite intensive searches (Hope Jones et. al. 1968). Similarly, only about 25% of Shags killed by a ‘red tide’ off Northumberland in May 1968 were found (Coulson et. al. 1968). Finally, Tanis and M6rzer Bruyns (1968) found during an oil pollution incident off the Low Countries that eight to 11 times more birds died at sea than were later found ashore. Thus these findings indicate that only a proportion of dead birds is found ashore, and the most conservative estimate suggests that our count of 12,856 could represent 50,000 birds killed.
Distribution of beached birds
The numbers and species of birds found in each area are given in table 1. The Aberdeenshire and English beaches were well surveyed, so the apparent concentration of birds in Angus and Fife is probably real.
In late December there was minor oil pollution in the Firth of Forth; 211 Scaup and 11 other birds were killed by light diesel oil, apparently from a shore source. After 26th Decem- ber, however, no beached birds were reported until 6th Jan- uary, when three Razorbills and three Guillemots were found badly oiled at North Berwick, East Lothian. The subsequent course of the incident in southeast Scotland is shown in fig. 1. Two points are to be borne in mind when fig. 1 is interpreted : first, the scale is logarithmic, giving comparatively more weight to small numbers; secondly, the numbers partly reflect searching effort and are probably relatively too small at the very start of the incident and towards its end. Fortunately, undated records were too few to cause bias.
Fig. 1 shows the patterns in Fife and Angus to be similar, and rather different from that on the southern shores of the
1971 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 239
Forth, where the beachings began a few days earlier and showed a trough around 20th January rather than a peak a day or two later. In Yorkshire and Durham the pattern resem- bled that around the Tay; the beachings started on 10th Jan- uary, reached a peak around 17th to 25th and petered out in
21 28
JANUARY q FEBRUARY * Fie. 1. Time distribution of recoveries of beached birds in Angus, Fife
“atm the Lothians. The scale is logarithmic, exaggerating small num- ers.
early February. In Northumberland, no birds were reported until 20th January, but the pattern was otherwise similar. In Aberdeenshire few birds came ashore until the last week in January, during which 117 were reported. The main wave landed overnight on Ist/2nd February, and 733 were found
240 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 6(5)
between Peterhead and Aberdeen on 4th and 5th February. (Also reported for the county were 229 undated birds.)
Species involved
The identifications given in table 1 are mostly those of the observers, except that all scoters are listed as unidentified unless experienced birdwatchers identified them. Most of the unidentified birds comprise records such as “x dead birds be- tween A and B” rather than unidentified remnants at the end of species lists, and so they are probably a random selection of species. Some records, especially of common species, re- ferred to “many” rather than to specific numbers; because of this, the numerical totals are much too low for gulls and some- what too low for Guillemots and Razorbills. Even allowing for gross underestimation of gulls, however, it is clear that this incident involved mainly divers, Cormorants and Shags, auks and sea-ducks, thus following the usual pattern for oil pollution (Battelle-Northwest 1967; Bourne 1968a; Clark and Kennedy 1968; Tanis and M6rzer Bruyns 1968; Rowan 1968). This is explicable if it is generally true, as Bourne (1968b) observed on one occasion, that gulls fly away on swimming into oil, whereas auks merely dive. Waders, of course, are oiled only if
Table 2. Distribution of auks
= ss S i ON = = 3 a5 3 fe see as | § ra] > =} 3 =) = ® g A § $4 By eae we is = = ra : we Mire ® bo 3 ® i) =) os 2 a ag 2 > Oo 2S as ££ M6 Razorbill 3.6 8.6 9.4 18 28 35 12 Guillemot 74 87 84 75 55 55 21 Puffin 0.5 0 oe 1.0 1.9 1.5 9.4 Little Auk 2.0 4.8 8 5/74 13 10 58 Auk 19.8 0 1.5 0.8 2.8 0 0.2
1328 314 1301 1049 1023 2493 756
Note. The figures for individual species are the percentages of the totals for each area contributed by each species.
the shores they haunt are heavily polluted (Harrison and Buck 1967).
The number of wildfowl oiled in Fife and Angus reflects their winter distribution—Scaup particularly in the Forth, scoters and Long-tailed Duck in St Andrews Bay and Eider around the Tay (Atkinson-Willes 1963; Thom 1969). The dis- tribution of auks is of interest (table 2). Not unexpectedly, Guillemots and Razorbills generally outnumbered Puffins and Little Auks, but the latter reached extraordinary numbers in
1971 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 241
Aberdeenshire, where Puffins were also abundant. The ratio of Razorbills to Guillemots increased markedly from south to north.
The composition of the counts changed in time as well as in space. In Fife and Angus the proportion of inshore species, wildfowl, waders and gulls, was lower around 21st-26th Jan- uary than before or after. (Elsewhere it was too low for varia- tions to be significant). In Fife Little Auks were commonest around 21st January. In Angus this peak persisted until the be- ginning of February, possibly because patrols of the coast north of Arbroath, where Little Auks were commoner, were made only in the last week of January and later. In Aberdeenshire Little Auks formed 8% of the total in the last week of January, 58% on 4th and 5th February.
Cause of death
Few reports stated whether individual birds were oiled. However, the degree of oiling was noted fully in three sets of records (table 3) and occasionally in other reports. These show that external oiling affected over 99% of divers, grebes, Cor- morants, Shags and auks; over 90% of seaducks; over 75% of other wildfowl; about 50% of gulls, petrels and Gannets; and few of the waders.
Table 3. Degree of oiling of beached birds in three areas
Tayport, St Andrews,
North Tentsmuir Tentsmuir Aberdeenshire
Orie Boia 2 3 One aa 2ee' 3 On 2 aid Divers and grebes 0 oO 8 14 0 O 40 60 0 50 50 O Petrels and Gannet 100 0 OO QO 0 0 0O OO 4211 44 44 O Cormorant and Shag 0 04100 0 0 0100 O 0 50 50 0O Seaducks 0 20 48 32 12381) 5246 91% 186.168) 14.710 Other wildfowl 0 50 50 O Onto 60.25 0; 0 .0::..0 Waders On 0". 0% + 0:°100);)0,,.. 0:20 0 0 0 :0 Gulls HOO. OO yO 20m. Ol) 79°30. 27 64.) (90 Razorbill 0 O 44 56 0 O 66 34 4 50 46 Guillemot Os Oe 27 73 0 O 76 24 I 4 45°) 49 Little Auk 0 50 50 O OA OF 1387 0.02.98 Puffin OO. 0%") 0 0 0100 O On 2a oa 95
Note. Degree of oiling estimated as 0—none, 1—slight, 2—moderate, 3— severe. Estimation is consistent within areas but not between areas. Figures show the percentage of dead birds in each category. Figures in italic are based on a total of ten or more. ‘“Seaducks” comprise Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, scoters and Eider.
Many of the birds found were alive and obviously suffering from oil, but it might be suggested that the dead ones had been oiled only after death from other causes. We think this highly improbable : enough oil to contaminate over 10,000 birds after death would be enough to kill them in the first place. Further- more, mortality on this scale has always been associated with
242 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 6(5)
oil pollution since J. P. F. Keddie started keeping detailed records at Tentsmuir, Fife, in September 1966. However, in February near Dundee some Eiders were caught, weak but with no oil on their feathers or in their gut. It is possible that they had been oiled but had cleaned themselves and survived. On the other hand, since none were analysed chemically or bacteriologically, one cannot discount the possibility that they were suffering from some other form of pollution or disease. In general terms this is not important, since these birds form such a small proportion of the total.
Table 4. Minimum estimates of the number of seabirds found that had been affected by oil Minimum
Minimum number Number found percentage affected affected by oil by oil
Divers 131 99 130 Grebes 29 99 29 Petrels and Gannet 67 50 34 Cormorant and Shag 92 99 91 Seaducks 2721 95 2500 Other wildfowl 78 75 58 Waders 18 0 0 Gulls 194 50 97 Auks 8264 99 8200 Unidentified 1262 95 1200
12856 12400
Many birds beached in eastern Britain in 1969 had oil in their gut but none on their feathers (Greenwood 1969). Dundee Museum staff examined internally all birds they handled dur- ing the 1970 incident except Eiders; again, all had oil in their gut. Whether apparently unoiled birds have oil inside through eating, lumps of it or through cleaning their plumage is not clear. What is clear is that more birds are affected by oil than show it externally. Thus the figures given in table 4 are mini- mum estimates of the numbers killed by oil. (The figure of 95% for unidentified birds is based on the belief that most were seaducks or auks.)
The oil that killed these birds had at least two sources, for an underlying, harder layer and a superficial, softer layer were found on birds by several observers around the Tay. The oil in these layers must have differed in age or kind. It appears that at least one source was well out to sea; oiling was very heavy in the more marine species (Puffin and Little Auk), less in the more inshore ones (Guillemot and Razorbill) and least in coastal ones (ducks), and it is reasonable to suppose that the degree of oiling depends on the freshness and quantity of the oil and on length of exposure to it. This view is supported by evidence from Aberdeenshire, where the strandings of
1971 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 243
early February contained more heavily oiled and greatly de- cayed corpses than were found in late January. In the Tay area the majority of casualties in the first half of January were dead, decayed auks, with fewer live auks and ducks. This in- dicates oiling of offshore auks some time before, with later oiling of coastal auks and ducks as the oil moved inshore with the corpses. After mid January the proportion of live birds increased, presumably because fewer corpses were arriving from offshore and more coastal birds were being affected. In the final stages, as all affected birds succumbed, none were found alive. The proportion of auks was higher in the middle of the incident than in these later stages, perhaps because the ducks, being larger, lost heat less rapidly and so died more slowly : heat loss is the most important aspect of death from oiling (Hartung 1967).
Distribution and nature of the oil
Little oil came ashore in the Forth area or southwards, though small amounts were found on 7th January and subse- quently. Sandy shores round Tentsmuir, Fife, retained a scat- tering of tarry lumps, one inch to one foot in diameter, espec- ially around 13th January. Lumps were distributed every couple of yards along the strandline, with the oily flotsam. On 20th January thick oil hit parts of the esplanade and rocks at Arbroath, Angus, and in the next few days small amounts of similar oil were reported at various towns along the rocky coast to the north. Indeed, at the end of February JJDG found that there were small, scattered patches of oil all along this coast, their splashed nature suggesting that the oil had been rather liquid when deposited. At the beginning of February the sandy shores from Aberdeen north to Cruden Bay received a light oiling, similar to that at Tentsmuir earlier.
On 12th January the Board of Trade alerted fishing vessels and the armed services to keep special watch for oil off eas- tern Scotland. Perhaps because bad weather reduced traffic, none was reported until 20th January, when a trawer found a slick three-quarters of a mile offshore in the Arbroath-Auch- mithie area, Angus. The slick, four miles long and several hundred yards wide, comprised thick oil in its central half mile but was thin elsewhere. Presumably it was linked with the oil- ing of the Arbroath beaches on the same day.
On 26th January an RAF helicopter on a training flight found small patches of oil off the Angus coast, and the next day a Shackleton reported a number of small slicks just north of the Tay mouth, up to 15 miles offshore. Two days later, however, a helicopter search mounted by the Board of Trade found no oil in the area, and another aerial search on 31st January from Berwick, Northumberland, to Bridlington, York- shire, extending. up to 50 miles offshore, was equally fruitless.
244 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS §(5)
Between 7th and 16th January 17 samples of oil were taken from birds and beaches at various places from North Berwick to the Tay. All were of the same type of weathered heavy fuel oil, according to gas-chromatographic analyses by the Loth- ians River Purification Board. On 21st and 22nd January 26 oil samples were taken from birds and beaches between Ar- broath, Angus, and Inverbervie, Kincardineshire. These samples resembled the previous ones except that they con- tained more volatile fractions. However, after weathering, these volatile fractions disappeared, and the characteristics of the two sets of samples were then identical. In general there were lower boiling-point fractions present (i.e. fresher oil) in samples from ducks than in those from auks, indicating that the latter tended to have been oiled earlier.
Four samples taken in Aberdeenshire on 2nd February were of a similar weathered heavy fuel oil, but one from Northum- berland on 30th January was of a rather different type of heavy fuel oil.
Winds and surface drift
Birds move at their own volition, and corpses may sink and be carried by deep currents (Hope Jones et. al. 1970). Thus the observation that corpses of Guillemot and Razorbill are drifted by the wind at 2.2% of its own velocity (Hope Jones et. al. 1970) is of limited use in determining the origin of corpses. Movement of oil is more useful; Smith (1968) found that it travelled at about 3.4% of the wind-speed, as Hughes (1956) and others have found for the surface layer of water (though Tomczak (1964) found a rate of 4.2%). Thus, by plot- ting a chain of wind-vectors, one can determine roughly the previous track of any oil. We have attempted this, using, wind records from Bell Rock Lighthouse (56° 29’N, 2° 23’W) and North Carr Light Vessel (56° 16’N, 2° 31’W), and the resultant track is given in fig. 2.
Had there been any oil in coastal waters in the third week in December, it would have been blown in by the southeaster- ly winds of that week—at least from Fife northwards. None appeared until 7th January. This suggests the oil was spilled in late December, perhaps off northern England, then moved northwards as far as the Tay, becoming spread out by the variability of the winds in the two weeks around the New Year. It was then deposited widely by the ensuing southeast- erly winds—more on the Fife coast than further south simply because of the aspect of these coasts. This oil was already weathered and broken up by the winds, which, by agitating the sea, may also have reduced the amount of oil deposited on beaches; the peak deposition at Tentsmuir was on 13th Jan- uary, a calm day following two days of light winds.
1971 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 245
The wind pattern clearly explains the apparent northward drift of the oil from the Arbroath slick of 20th January, the south-southeasterlies depositing this oil all along the coast of Angus, Kincardineshire and Aberdeenshire. Had the coast been parallel to the wind, the oil would have travelled the 50 miles in three or four days : deflection of its drift by the south- east aspect of the coast is presumably why it took about ten.
50 MILES
Fic. 2. Track of drifted oil. The track is drawn on the assumption that the oil drifted in the direction of the wind and at 3.4% of its speed. The numbers indicate dates. The track begins on lst Decem- ber 1969 at the bottom of the left-hand diagram, crosses to the bot- tom of the right-hand diagram on 17th January 1970 and terminates on 15th February. Oil seen on any date during the period in any place can be back-tracked by reading directions and distances off this diagram and plotting them on the map.
Even such details as the small number of birds beached on the southern shores of the Forth around 20th January (fig. 1) may be explained, for at this time the winds were almost due south, so holding corpses off this north-facing coast. The late peak on Fife beaches, in the second week of February, cannot be explained by the wind-pattern, however. It may be that the spring tides of 8th February were responsible, for most of these corpses were found at Tentsmuir, where certain areas retain flotsam only on the higher tides, because of the topo- graphy of the beach.
246 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 6(5)
Since the angle the winds made to the coast was generally small, it is impossible to say accurately how far offshore the oil originated. (For example, a southeast wind blowing onto an east-facing coast would carry oil from 80% further offshore than a south-southeasterly wind of the same strength.)
Drift of bottles and buoys
A concomitant of the oil pollution was the deposition of about 200 foreign bottles on the shores of Tentsmuir, a remark- able number (M. Smith, pers. comm.). They were bottles that had contained cognac, Dutch genever, Belgian and French aperitifs and anise, and Alsace wines. In addition there were whisky bottles of blends specially bottled for the European market and also whisky bottles themselves specially designed for the same market. Their identities clearly suggest an origin some way from British shores, and their number confirms this. Their track must have coincided with that of the oil while it was still rather sticky, for most were oiled. We do not wish to suggest that the oil originated on the east side of the North Sea but that the pattern of drift in late 1969 and early 1970 was such that the oil could have been brought in from well offshore. This is confirmed by a hydrographic buoy that reach- ed Lerwick, Shetland, at about the end of February, having been released three months before off Germany, 600 miles southeast (Aberdeen Press and Journal 1970).
Conclusions on the course of the incident
These several lines of evidence having been examined, a general picture emerges. It seems that heavy fuel oil was dis- charged off the east coast during December, probably towards the end of the month and possibly some way offshore (since southeasterly winds during 14-22nd December deposited none on beaches). By early January it was well spread out, for the southeasterly winds then started to bring it ashore on a front extending from the Humber to the Tay. The wide spread may have been due to variable winds around the New Year but could also have resulted from more than one source being involved (Northumberland oil seemed different from _ that sampled elsewhere). The oil killed numbers of auks offshore and affected seaducks as it entered coastal waters.
A fresh discharge occurred in the mouth of the Tay over- night on 19th/20th January. The slick broke up within 24 hours, having soiled Arbroath shores, but, driven by the wind, the oil moved relentlessly north, depositing oil as far north as Rattray Head within the succeeding ten days or so, and affec- ting more birds. Around the Tay, coastal species were invol- ved (so ducks carried fresher oil than auks, and some individ- uals carried oil of two ages). Further north, it seems to have oiled more Little Auks and Puffins, though the very decayed
1971 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 247
state of the heavily oiled corpses in Aberdeenshire suggests they had been caught in earlier oil.
As the wind started to blow offshore in early February, fewer birds were deposited on beaches. There were still some on the sea, however, for the spring tides of 8th February seem to have caused fresh beachings, at least at Tentsmuir. Thus, though only 12,400 birds are definitely known to have been oiled, more were almost certainly involved, but lost at sea. The best estimate is that about 50,000 birds were killed. Yet the amount of oil found was small, and though more than one discharge was involved, none appears to have been large. Indeed, the nature of the oil suggests it originated from bunker-cleaning operations of general-cargo vessels, which would not individually produce much. Even the area involved was restricted; it seems unlikely that there was much oil south of the Humber or, until the wind took it there, north of the Tay. This being so, the number of birds killed is remarkable.
Dealing with the oil
Two criticisms were levelled at the Board of Trade (now the Department of Trade and Industry) during this incident : first, that it did not take greater action to deal with the oil and, secondly, that some of its officials were slow to accept that the seabird mortality was at all abnormal. The first is really a criticism of the Board’s remit in that it is required to deal only with pollution that threatens coastal amenities (Board of Trade 1970). Recent top-level discussions between the Nature Con- servancy and the Department of Trade and Industry will, it is hoped, lead to an extension of this remit to cover oil threat- ening seabirds. Especially if this happens, we hope that the second criticism will not need to be repeated. Naturalists now have some experience of levels of mortality, and their views on whether any particular level is normal or not should be accepted by those who are not expert in this field.
The oil on most accessible beaches was insufficient for ac- tion to be taken outside the holiday season. However, several hundred yards of the esplanade at Arbroath were oiled and had to be cleaned by smothering with sand. The treatment proved effective and was, of course, much cheaper than the the use of detergents would have been, as well as less likely to disturb local ecosystems.
Tankers are usually blamed for all oil pollution. The many samples analysed in this incident were fuel oil, however, and therefore more likely to have come from the bunkers of gen- ral-cargo vessels. Such vessels discharge oily water either because they have used it as ballast or because they have cleaned their tanks with it. Though they have separators to remove the oil from discharged water, it is clear that they are
248 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 6(5)
not always used and that there is room for considerable im- provement in this matter.
Sampling deposited oil is a good way to determine its source, and local oil-pollution officers should arrange the analysis of samples taken by naturalists. Samples are best kept in glass containers to prevent escape of volatile components; polythene does not do this and may even contaminate samples.
Dealing with the birds
It is now generally considered that there is little point in attempting to rehabilitate oiled birds. Most of the live birds picked up in this incident were, therefore, destroyed. Marsault (1969) found, however, that Guillemots will recover to the point of laying eggs in captivity and has now found that Razor- bills will do so as well (Greenwood and Marsault 1971). The latter authors have detailed methods (individual care, with good feeding and judicious medication) by which such success may be achieved. Using these methods, Alf Robertson of Dun- dee had some success in 1970: of about three dozen birds he took into care, some 75% survived until the summer to be re- leased in natural or seminatural conditions. It is clear, there- fore, that future research on rehabilitation needs to be direc- ted not so much to the methods of restoring the birds but to finding out if the present methods are producing birds that are viable after release. Of course, rehabilitation is but a small part of the problem of oiled birds, and research on other as- pects must not be neglected.
One type of research is simply to monitor the damage. The Bird Disasters Enquiry of the RSPB, which is an expansion of the Beached Birds Survey, needs widespread support. Local intensive schemes, like that already operating in northern England, can complement the national scheme by providing more complete information on particular incidents and for specific areas. If the extrapolation from the counts made un- der such schemes is to be accurate, we must know more about the behaviour at sea of oiled birds and corpses. Finally, all can help in the accurate census of seabirds now being attempted on the biggest scale in Operation Seafarer. Only from this in- formation can the long-term effects of oil pollution be judged.
Acknowledgments
Though this paper has been written by only five people, the work on which it is based was done by a large number of others, both private individuals and representatives of var- ious private and public bodies. They have made their results freely available to us, and our gratitude to them is great in- deed. Though we have not attempted to list their names, since some records were anonymous or noted under the name of one
1971 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 249
of a team, this does not mean that we do not appreciate the hard and often unpleasant work they have done.
We also wish to thank G. W. Noble and his staff in the Met- eorological Office, Royal Air Force, Leuchars, for providing information on winds and for discussing its significance. The paper has benefited from the knowledgeable criticism of Dr W. R. P. Bourne, Dr J. Cadbury, J. P. F. Keddie, A. J. O’Sulli- van, R. Porter and M. Smith; we thank them for their help.
JJDG thanks Professor W. D. P. Stewart for facilities in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Dundee, during the writing of the paper.
Summary
Counts of beached birds in northeast England and east Scotland in the period ist January to 15th February, 1970 have been collated. The counts were not systematic, so many beaches were not covered, though possible overlaps have been excluded. The number of dead or dying birds found was 12,856, which probably means that about 50,000 were affec- ted altogether. The species affected are shown in table 1, and the time distribution of the beachings in fig. 1. Between the Humber and the Tay, most birds came ashore between about 7th January and 7th February, with a peak in the middle of this period. In Aberdeenshire the birds did not arrive until near the end of January. Among the beached birds there were regional differences in distribution of the species, some of which reflected their known natural distributions; Little Auks were especially abundant in Aberdeenshire.
Of the 12,856 birds, 12,400 were probably killed by oil. Oil was obvious on nearly all the natatorial seabirds, on most of the other wildfowl and on half of the aerial seabirds but on few of the waders. It was found in the gut of many apparently unoiled birds. The oil on the birds was of at least two types or ages; ducks tended to have fresher oil on them than did auks. Small amounts of oil were deposited between the Hum- ber and the Tay during January. On 20th January a large slick was seen off Arbroath, and thick oil contaminated some beaches there. Small amounts of oil were subsequently deposited to the north, reaching Aber- deenshire at the beginning of February. Nearly 50 samples of oil were taken. All were of weathered heavy fuel oil, though one from Northum- berland was of a rather different type from the others.
The distribution of the oil can be explained by the action of a long period of generally southeasterly winds on oil spilled off northern Eng- land or southern Scotland in late December and in the mouth of the Tay on 20th January. Unusually large numbers of bottles of continental types were cast ashore as a result of the same winds, and a buoy travelled from Germany to Lerwick during the same period.
We conclude that heavy fuel oil, perhaps from more than one source, was discharged off the east coast, probably late in December. It was brought ashore by the southeasterly winds that developed in January, along with the seabirds it had affected. A second discharge in the mouth of the Tay on 20th January affected more birds in that region and then even more up to the north as it was blown up the coast. Since so little Was seen, the quantity of oil involved could not have been large, though it killed many birds.
_We are glad that the only action taken to deal with the oil was not biologically destructive and that the remit of the Department of Trade and Industry may be widened to include oil pollution which threatens seabirds but not beaches. We hope that in future the views of natural-
250 A MASSIVE WRECK OF OILED BIRDS 6(5)
ists as to what constitutes abnormal seabird mortality will be accepted, that there will be tighter control over the discharge of oil from general- cargo vessels and that naturalists will take samples of any polluting oil for analysis. For the good of birds, more knowledge is required of their numbers, of the number killed by oil and of the proportion surviving after good rehabilitation.
References
Aberdeen Press and Journal 26th February 1970. Lerwick mystery solved.
ATKINSON-WILLES, G. L. 1965. Wildfowl in Great Britain. London.
BATTELLE-NCRTHWEST. 1967. Oil spillage study, literature search and critical eval- uation for selection of promising techniques to control and prevent damage. Re- port to the Department of Transportation, U.S. Coastguard, by Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Battelle Memorial Institution, Richland, Washington, U.S.A. Mimeo.
Board of Trade (Information Division). 1970. The battle against oil pollution at sea. Board of Trade J. 199 (3834), Supplement I-XII.
BouRNE, W. R. P., PARRACK, J. D. and Potts, G. R. 1967. Birds killed in the Torrey Canyon disaster. Nature 215: 1125-1125.
BOURNE, W. R. P. 1968a. Oil pollution and bird populations. In Whe Biological effects of oil pollution on littoral communities (ed. J. D. Carthy and D. R. Arthur), Field Studies 2 (supplement): 99-121.
BOuRNE, W. R. P. 1968b. Observation of an encounter between birds and floating oil. Nature 219: 632.
IBouRNE, W. R. P. 1970. The bird kill in the Irish Sea. Seabird Report 1969: 5-6.
BOURNE, W. R. P. and DEVLIN, T. R. E. 1970. International beached-bird survey 1969. Birds 3: 12-135.
CLARK, R. B. and KENNEDY, J. R. 1968. Rehabilitation of oiled seabirds. University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Department of Zoology. Mimeo.
CouLson, J. C., Potts, G. R., DEANS, I. R. and FRASER, S. M. 1968. Exceptional mortality of Shags and other seabirds caused by paralytic shellfish -poisoning. Brit. Birds 61: 581-404.
GREENWOOD, J. J. D. and KEpDDIE, J. P. F. 1968. Birds killed by oil in the Tay Es- tuary, March and April 1968. Scot. Birds 5: 189-196
GREENWOOD, J. J. D. 1969. Oil pollution off the east coast of Britain. February and March 1969. Marine Pollution Bulletin 17: 12-14.
GREENWOOD, J. J. D. 1970. Oiled seabirds in east Scotland. Marine Pollution Rulletin 1: 55-56.
GREENWOOD, J. J. D. and MARSAULT, B. M. 1971. Rehabilitating oiled seabirds. Int. Zoo Yr. Book.
HARRISON, J. G. and Buck, W. F. A. 1967. Peril in perspective: an account of oil pollution in the Medway Estuary. Kent Bird kKeport 16 (supplement).
Hartune, R. 1967. Energy metabolism in oil-covered ducks. J. Wildlife Mgmt. 51: 798-804.
Hort JONES, P., HowrLus, G., REES, E. I. S. and Wrtson, J. 1970. Effect of ‘Hamilton T'rader’ oil on birds in the Irish Sea in May 1969. Brit. Birds 63: 97-112.
HucHEs, P. 1956. A determination of the relation between wind and sea surface drift. Quart. J. Roy. Met. Soc. 82: 494-502.
MARSAULT, B. M. 1970. Egg-laying by Guillemots in captivity. Avicult. Mag. 75: 42-46.
Rowan, M. K. 1968. Oiling of marine birds in South Africa. Proceedings of Inter- national Conference on Oil Pollution of the Sea, 7th-9th October, 1968 at Rome: 121-124.
SmitH, J. E. (ed.). 1968. Torrey Canyon Pollution and Marine Life. Cambridge.
SWENNEN, C. and SPAAnNs, A. L. 1970. De sterfte van zeevogels door olie in februari 1969 in het Waddengebied. Het Vogeljaar 18: 253-245.
TANIS, J. J. C. and MorzER Bruyns, M. F. 1968. The impact of oil pollution on sea- birds in Europe. Proceedings of lnternational Conference on Oil Pollution of the Sea, 7th-9th October, 1968 at Rome: 69-74.
THom, V. M. 1969. Wintering duck in Scotland 1962-68. Scot. Birds 5: 417-466.
TOMOZAK, G. 1964. Investigations with drift cards to determine the influence of the wind on surface currents. In Studies on Uceanograpny (ed. K. Yoshida): 129-139.
1971 EIDERS NESTING INLAND IN EAST LOTHIAN 251 Eiders nesting inland in East Lothian
DAVID JENKINS
Northern Eiders (Somateria mollissima borealis) occasion- ally breed up to 8km inland in southwest Baffin Island (R. H. Kerbes, pers comm.), but there are few published records of Common Eiders (S. mollissima) breeding more than a few hun- dred metres inland. The only one I can find is given by Banner- man and Lodge (1958) and concerns Eider nests in the Varan- ger Peninsula, North Norway, up to 100m above sea-level and as much as 4.8km inland. (But it is not clear whether the nests were this distance from water.) However, Baxter and Rintoul (1953) say that Eiders nested in woods at Archerfield, East Lothian, in 1915, Dr J. C. Coulson (pers. comm.) has heard of Eiders nesting inland near Archerfield more recently, and Eiders can frequently be seen flying inland in pairs in spring and summer near Aberlady Bay. Up to now the distance of nests inland at Archerfield has not been documented, and the Norwegian record of nests so far inland may be unique in the literature. This paper gives notes on Eiders inland near Aber- lady; the observations were made casually during spare-time birdwatching not systematically.
Eiders at Aberlady Bay
Eiders nest at and near Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, but many fail owing to predation of eggs by gulls and crows, pre- sumably mostly following disturbance by people and dogs who regularly pass through the nesting area on the way to the dunes and sea. In 1968 two broods hatched on 26th May and 29th June, suggesting that the nesting period is prolonged, possibly due to relaying. I have found several nests in the eastern, landward part of the reserve as well as in the salt- marsh, and in both 1968 and 1969 a successful nest was built on top of a disused Mute Swans’ nest on the Marl Loch, an un- usual site. The number of duckings produced is not great; on 12th July 1970 not more than 80 Eider duckings were seen cal the reserve, 16 in Aberlady Bay and 60 more at Hummel Rocks.
In 1969 and 1970 there were about 150-200 Eider drakes, pre- sumably mostly paired, at Aberlady Bay in spring. Birds were seldom seen ashore before April and then they stayed mostly near the edge of the sea. In May paired birds came onto the golf links around Aberlady Bay, congregating in large and small groups and often going inland. Pairs frequented bare fields or young corn, especially in the mornings before 0700 hrs, when farm work started, causing disturbance. In some fields there were two or more pairs, sometimes scattered but
252 EIDERS NESTING INLAND IN EAST LOTHIAN 6(5)
sometimes close together. Drakes were obvious on bare plough, but from late May they were seen less often; by then most breeding ducks were laying or incubating and were inconspic- uous in the fields.
Table 1. Early morning counts of Eiders around Aberlady in 1969 and 1970
Date 1969 Place Numbers counted fo} 2 lst May Beach near Hummel Rocks 122 — 2nd May Beach near Hummel Rocks 151 — 9th June Gullane Links up to 200 — 9th June Gullane Beach up to 10 c100* 10th June Gullane Links up to 200 — 10th June Gullane Beach up to 10 c100* 21st June Gullane Links 11 37 12th July Gullane Links 0 67 1970 26th April Gullane Links 160 cl60 4th May Gullane Links 85 — 6th May Gullane Links 150 _— 7th May Gullane Links 180 — 18th May Gullane Links 2 261 14th June Gullane Links 0 48* 15th June Gullane Links 1 98** 4th July Archerfield Bay/ c1800 95*** Eyebroughty 12th July Gullane Links 0 100 Notes.
—ducks not counted fla sample count to show the sex ratio *sub-adult ducks **C90 sub-adult ducks *** +10 broods of 40 ducklings
Sub-adult ducks visited the inland breeding area at this period, presumably prospecting. Some drakes with them were presumably sub-adult too. From May to July duck Eiders flew circuits over Aberlady Bay and the surrounding land. On 29th June 1968 a flock of 57 birds were observed doing this. Of 13 examined only one had a wing-bar, and the other 12 were presumably sub-adults. At Gullane Links none of 24 ducks on 6th July 1968 had a wing-bar. Similar observations at other times (table 1) suggested that most birds in flocks inland in late June and July were non-breeding first-year sub-adults.
Throughout the breeding season Eiders were seen on the grass links near Aberlady Bay, especially Gullane Links, as well as on the fields. In 1969 and 1970 I made some counts of drakes on these links but did not usually count the ducks. The numbers recorded (table 1) give an idea of the size of the pop- ulation in this area. After nesting time the drakes go to sea and gather to moult at favoured places such as Eyebroughty.
1971 EIDERS NESTING INLAND IN EAST LOTHIAN 253
Inland nests
Fig. 1 and table 2 give my 1970 observations on Eiders in- land. I saw birds flying towards Aberlady Bay from all the sites noted except J and none flying towards or east of Archer- field, where inland nesting had been reported to Dr Coulson. Most fields in which I saw birds were bare or newly sown plough; by late May or June the growth of cereals would us- ually be high enough to conceal Eiders, and so I probably missed birds in growing crops. On 14th June I saw an Eider duck sitting on a nest in a (bare) sugar-beet field at site G, 3km from the nearest sea. The nest was completely exposed, but the duck sat very tight, allowing me to approach within 1-2m. I was told of five more successful nests, also in sugar-beet, at
WIS A EYEBROUGHTY Es AE Sa a
1KitomsTas -
8% Agcueereno Muageieco
Gor Couese
2 .2Nests ye
Guanes Poinr
Narure Reserve
ABERLADY Bay
Kicseinoie Gore Course ‘
Fic. 1. Inland nests and occurrences of Eiders near Aberlady Bay, 1970.
site H. Incubating ducks here did not leave their eggs when the booms of tractors spraying herbicides passed over them. This field is also about 3km from the nearest sea. Two more nests in a small yard behind the caddies’ building. This is about 1km
254 EIDERS NESTING INLAND IN EAST LOTHIAN 6(5)
from the sea. Curiously, none of my sightings of Eiders inland were very near these sites.
Table 2. Observations of Eiders 2km or more inland near
Aberlady Bay, 1970 Date Time
Site A B C D E F eT WiS aS Ore yadRr es Ga Chere? May y2 0730 3 1 boasted: 83 6 0810 Aoi 3 7 0800 6 6 9 0730 34) Seri oleael 10 0800 27 KO Lz 2100 0 O 18 0630 1 Lovesey 3 0745 O30 1110 0 - -0----0 —-@-- 24 0845 2 4 0920 1 be Oyo es | 25 0715 Soa 1000 1 “© a a. i: 1400 | ees (fei 1900 1 Ke 28 0600 1 Off 0710 1 1 29 0715 14,°%0 30 1200 a) 31 0720 6. 6° ) 2252 June 2 0700 0 O 5 0715 0 O Vf 0730 1 12 0705 2 2s
Notes.
*sub-adult ducks **two pairs on pond, one pair investigating straw bales {flying west {flying inland °drakes apparently adult, all ducks sub-adult **«*ducks on pools, drakes on nearby fields
Discussion
Around 1910 breeding Eiders moved from the links at Tyn- inghame, East Lothian, to nest in woods there which come right down to the shore. Apparently this was in response to heavy predation by crows and resulted in an increase in the Eider population (Baxter and Rintoul 1953). These authors recorded nesting in Forestry Commission plantations at Tents- muir in 1938 and claimed that nesting in woods was a recent development. Eiders also nest up to 1.5km inland at one or two other Scottish sites close to agricultural land, such as Sands of Forvie, Aberdeenshire (H. Mylne, pers. comm.). At Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve the density of the breeding pop- ulation is not high compared with that at other areas (e.g. Sands of Forvie or Farne Islands), and large areas close to the
1971 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 255
shore appear to be suitable for nesting but are not being used; human disturbance at Aberlady, resulting in predation, may well be the main factor causing the Eiders to move inland to breed.
Summary
Adult Eiders are often seen inland east of Aberlady Bay, and it seems probable that Eiders may nest inland fairly commonly in this part of East Lothian. The furthest that Eiders were seen from the nearest sea in 1970 was about 4km, and nests were found up to 3km from the sea. According to local farmers this is not a new habit, and the nests usually escape predation. Prospecting sub-adults were also seen inland in late May and June. At Aberlady Bay Natures Reserve, where Eiders also nest, there are many people, and Eider eggs are frequently taken by predators.
Acknowledgment Dr H. Mylne helped me search the literature.
References
BANNERMAN, D. A. and LoDGE, G. E. 1958. The Birds of the British Isies. London. BAXTER, E. V. and RINTOUL, L. J. 1955. The Birds of Scotland. Edinburgh.
Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Report
for 1970
Prepared for the Observatory Committee by NANCY J. GORDON, Honorary Secretary
The Observatory was manned for a total of 191 days between 29th March and 4th November 1970. The number of observer- nights was 712. Coverage of spring migration was better than usual, with only one gap, in early April. There were several small gaps in the autumn, and one large one in late October. The Observatory was manned almost continuously throughout the summer.
A prolonged period of east winds throughout the first half of May resulted in a good spell of migration, which was notable for large numbers of warblers, Wrynecks, Reed Buntings and Tree Pipits and the island’s first *Thrush Nightingale Erithacus luscinia (three trapped between 9th and 17th May). The best autumn migration was seen during the third week of August and early October, though early September produced the is- land’s third Arctic Warbler (on the 7th). Very few Spotted Fly- catchers or Chaffinches were recorded during the season.
Spring
Observers were on the island from 29th March to 3rd April, and 10th April onwards.
*Subject to confirmation by the Rarities Committee
256 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 6(5)
March-April There was little movement apart from a few Fieldfares, Redwings, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Twites during the cold blustery weather at the beginning of the season. The weather remained cold well into April, but with east winds from llth to 14th there was a bit more activity— 2 Black Redstarts and a Siskin on the llth, a passage of Meadow Pipits, 10 Goldcrests and a few Wheatears on the 12th, and a passage of Blackbirds (100) and Robins (15) on the 14th. There were also small numbers of Redwings, Fieldfares and Song Thrushes, but little else until 18th April when 12 Twites and the first 2 Willow Warblers arrived. Next day the first Sand Martin of the spring was seen. Winds remained westerly until the 25th, when a Ring Ouzel arrived with a few ‘Wheatears and 2 Linnets. The next few days with east wind were, however, too cold and clear for seeing many migrants, though a Siskin appeared on the 26th, and the first Redstart was seen on the 29th. The last day of the month was perhaps the best, producing Blackbirds, Meadow Pipits, Wheatears, Willow Warblers, a flava Wagtail, a Greenfinch and a Redpoll.
May The long spell of east winds did not start until the evening of 3rd May, but there were quite a few birds moving before that : on lst May the first 2 Swallows of the spring, a Tree Sparrow, Willow Warblers and Meadow Pipits; on 2nd May the first Chiffchaff, one or two alba Wagtails and a flava, a Redstart and a few Swallows; then overnight a large infiux of 140 Phylloscopus warblers, 100 Wheatears, 3 Goldcrests, 37 Redstarts, 2 Blackcaps, a Black Redstart and a few Black- birds. In the afternoon of the 3rd a Cuckoo, a Grasshopper “ Warbler and the first Whinchat were seen.
A similar influx occurred overnight on 3rd/4th May, and during the 4th no fewer than 9 Grasshopper Warblers were counted, also 6 Ring Ouzels, 3 Whinchats, 3 Redpolls and the first 2 Sedge Warblers. On 5th May the first 2 Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat arrived, with a Turtle Dove and a Collared Dove. Next day, in hazy sunshine, no migrants ap- peared until 10 a.m., after which came 3 Yellow Wagtails, the first Swift, up to 30 Whinchats, 2 more Turtle Doves, 3 Whim- brels, the first Garden Warbler, the first Tree Pipit and the first of many Reed Buntings. On 7th May there were two in- fluxes : around 7 a.m. 20 Lesser Whitethroats, 15 Chiffchaffs, 45 Whinchats, 6 Redstarts and 20 Wheatears came in; at mid- day after heavy rain and mist there arrived 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Wryneck, 18 Fieldfares, 20 Song Thrushes, 2 Pied Flycatch- ers, 25 Tree Pipits and a flock of 20 Reed Buntings. Luckily for the observers, the mist persisted throughout 8th May, and new birds came in all day long—9 Wrynecks, a Woodlark, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Bluethroat, 3 Black Redstarts, more Lesser Whitethroats, more Tree Pipits (there were now 80 or more on the island), 4 Yellow Wagtails, a Wood Sandpiper
1971 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 257
and 3 Bramblings. Thunderstorms on 9th May did not deter further arrivals, including 2 more Bluethroats, a few Sedge Warblers and Reed Buntings and, most exciting of all, the island’s first* Thrush Nightingale. Mist and heavy rain on the 10th brought down more migrants, and now 40 Fieldfares, 35 Redstarts and 15 Whinchats were counted, as well as at least 3 more Bluethroats, 18 Whitethroats, 40 Tree Pipits, a Red- backed Shrike and, best of all, another *Thrush Nightingale.
The weather cleared a little next day, and the only arriv- als were a Green Sandpiper, 2 Stonechats, 2 Goldcrests and a Lesser Redpoll. Thick fog over the next few days reduced the quantity of migrants, but the quality remained high, with species mainly of Central European origin—2 female Red- backed Shrikes, a Corncrake and a White Wagtail on the 12th, 2 male Red-backed Shrikes and 4 male Red-spotted Blue- throats on the 13th, 4 Turtle Doves on the 14th, and on the 15th 2 Blue-headed Wagtails arrived, and a grand total of 6 Bluethroats were seen—2 Red-spotted, a White-spotted and 3 all-blue males. In the first few hours of 16th May there was a large fall of warblers and other passerines. Common Sand- pipers were seen in the lighthouse beam, and at dawn there were at least 100 Whitethroats, 200 Sedge Warblers and 200 Willow Warblers on the island, as well as 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Blackcaps and 3 Grasshopper Warblers. This influx was fol- lowed next night by more Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats, a Wood Sandpiper, a Woodcock, a Yellow Wagtail and yet a third *Thrush Nightingale. At last, on the 18th, the winds became westerly, and migrants gradually vacated the island. During the last week of May there were small movements of pipits, Swallows, martins, Swifts, Wheatears and warblers; one or two Turtle Doves appeared; a Cuckoo and a Yellow Wagtail came on the 25th, and a few Sandwich Terns were seen.
A few late migrants passed through in June—2 Spotted Flycatchers on the 6th, 2 Whitethroats on the 8th (and an- other on the 18th) and a Chiffchaff on the 11th.
Autumn
Observers were present up to 15th August, then 18th Aug- ust-27th September, 3rd-6th October, 9th-18th October and 31st October-4th November.
July-August One July record is especially worth noting—2 Sparrowhawks seen on the 13th. August started auspiciously with mist and east winds, but few migrants can have started on their journeys, because the observers recorded only a few birds on passage—a young Cuckoo, a Whinchat and 2 Wood Warblers on the 2nd, a Whimbrel on the 4th, 2 Tree Pipits on
*Subject to confirmation by the Rarities Committee
258 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 6(5)
the 7th and a few Willow Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Wheatears each day. Even fewer migrants were seen after the winds became westerly, though a few warblers and 30 Whim- brels passed through on the 12th. The first signs of improve- ment came in calm weather on the 15th, and over the next few days numbers of warblers increased. On the 18th the first 4 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts and Garden Warbler of the autumn arrived. The 19th was quiet—about 20 Swallows and 8 Whimbrels passed over, and 2 Tree Pipits were seen. Next day, in a mixture of gales, fog and rain, the first Fieldfare of the autumn arrived, accompanied by a Green Sandpiper. The bad weather persisted throughout a fairly birdless 21st Aug- ust (a Little Stint and a Whinchat were seen), but at midday on the 22nd things started to happen : a variety of waders were found scattered over the island—a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Dun- lin, a Ringed Plover, a Greenshank and 10 Golden Plovers; there was also a concentration of small passerines on the top of the island and around Kirkhaven. By dusk the numbers had risen, and the totals were estimated at 4 Swifts, 6 Wrynecks, 4 Whinchats, 30 Garden Warblers, 2 Barred Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 20 Willow Warblers and 30 Pied Flycatchers (one of which carried a Norwegian ring, indicating the Scandinav- ian origin of the influx). Although the fog cleared, more birds came in overnight, Wheatears, Whinchats, Wrynecks (now 15), 3 Icterine Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 4 more Barred War- blers, 50 Garden Warblers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 30 Tree Pipits, 2 alba Wagtails and 4 Red-backed Shrikes. Waders recorded included Golden Plovers and Common Sandpipers.
Fog closed in again on the evening of the 23rd but cleared the next day; many migrants departed then, but plenty of warblers, Wheatears, Tree Pipits and the Wrynecks remained around the nettles and gardens. There was some passage of Curlews, terns and Common Gulls, and more Sandpipers and ‘Greenshanks were seen, also Wigeon and Teal and a Little Gull. More birds left overnight, but there were some new arrivals on the 25th despite the clear calm weather—4 Robins, 2 Barred Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Goldcrest and 2 Redstarts. The 26th was very quiet, except for some movement of Swallows southwards. Early fog on the 27th brought a few new birds—a Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Garden Warblers. At least five of the Wrynecks were still on the is- land, no doubt feasting on the ant population. A low mist covered the sea at first on the 28th, and some passage of Meadow Pipits, Swallows and, later, of terns was seen; 3 alba Wagtails arrived at midday. For the rest of the month the winds were westerly; passage of terns, Meadow Pipits and Swallows continued, and the only other migrants were a Whimbrel (on the 29th), a few warblers, a Whinchat and 2 Goldcrests (on the 30th).
1971 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 259
September For the first week winds were mainly westerly, with only coastal passage of Meadow Pipits, Wheatears and (on the 3rd) a Manx Shearwater. Wader arrivals included one or two Whimbrels and Golden Plovers; and 12 Dunlins (on the 3rd). A few warblers arrived on the 2nd and 4th, and a Tree Pipit on the 3rd. On the 6th an Osprey was seen, and there Was increased movement of Meadow Pipits (over 100) and “comic” terns (over 100). The weather deteriorated later, and the winds became easterly for the next few days. On the 7th the change of weather brought the most interesting migrant of the autumn—the island’s third Arctic Warbler, accompan- ied by 3 Goldcrests and 4. Pied Flycatchers. There was some fog. next day, out of which appeared a Bluethroat, an Icterine Warbler, 2 Barred Warblers, 6 Garden Warblers, 2 Redstarts and the first 2 Fieldfares since the lone one seen in mid Aug- ust. Most of these migrants had moved on by the 9th, and the only new arrivals were 3 Knots and a Grey Wagtail, though coastal movement of terns, pipits and hirundines continued.
The winds returned to the west for the next week or more, and the only migrants of note were a Whimbrel and a Black- tailed Godwit on the 10th, the first Chiffchaff and Snow Bun- ting of the autumn on the 11th, a Heron on the 13th, an Arctic Skua and 5 Redpolls on the 14th, and 2 Siskins on the 15th.
The next influx of migrants came after fog and before a change of winds on 20th September. The first birds, seen at 8 a.m., were a Turtle Dove and a Garden Warbler. Then at midday came a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a Lapland Bunting; later a Redstart and a few Wheatears arrived. Small numbers of House Martins and Sandwich Terns were seen on passage. Further arrivals next day included a Fieldfare, 2 Bluethroats, a Barred Warbler, 2 Goldcrests and 5 Siskins; 3 Arctic Skuas were seen on passage. On the 22nd fog and drizzle accom- panied the southeast winds, and the first Redwings arrived (90 at 8 a.m.). Skylarks and Swallows were moving, through all day; other arrivals included 2 Whinchats, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 6 Pied Flycatchers, 3 alba wagtails, 2 Linnets and 6 Redpolls, and 46 Manx Shearwaters were seen flying south. On the 23rd the weather changed a little; shallow fog obscured the mainland coasts, but, with a blue sky above, the top of the island was visible to migrants, and those tempted to land included 8 Goldcrests, several war- blers and a Greenshank. Redwings, Skylarks, Swallows and Fieldfares were seen flying over the island, and 19 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Sooty Shearwaters and 3 Red-throated Divers offshore. The same conditions persisted next day, with very similar passage and in addition 8 Common Scoters, 10 Velvet Scoters, a Great Skua, 2 Little Gulls and a Little Stint. On the 25th there was more fog, and more migrants appeared—60 Redwings, 8 Fieldfares, a Ring Ouzel and the only Treecreeper
260 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 6(5)
of the year. There were also a number of wagtails (1 Yellow, 3 Grey and 7 alba), 10 Redpolls and a Siskin. Next day, with the last of the east wind, came the first of the few Bramblings of the autumn, a Glaucous Gull, another Little Stint and more Redwings, Fieldfares and Song Thrushes. On the 27th 10 Siskins were seen and the first two Chaffinches of the autumn migration. There were no observers on the island for the next few days.
October Increasingly strong west winds blew for the first ten days of October, and there was little visible migration, only slight coastal movement of thrushes and hirundines. This pattern changed on the 11th when the wind moved to the southeast, and fog appeared by late afternoon. A Great Grey Shrike arrived (the only one of the year), with 4 Lesser Red- polls, 2 Bramblings, 1 Garden Warbler (later killed by the Shrike), 2 Goldcrests, 6 Pied Wagtails, a Ring Ouzel and a Stonechat. The fog persisted all next day (the 12th), and a jarge number of Redwings (up to 2000) came in, with 400 Song Thrushes, 30 Fieldfares, 20 Bramblings, 10 Mistle Thrushes and 200 Blackbirds. Other migrants were 6 Redstarts, 2 Sis- kins, a Red-breasted Flycatcher and 5 Reed Buntings. Some of these birds moved on next day when the mist cleared for a while, but Redwings were still passing through, and 50 Red- starts, 25 Robins and 25 Blackcaps were counted, and the only Long-eared Owl of 1970 was seen. Despite more fog on the 14th, there were few further arrivals. The easterly weather continued for two more days, and there was an influx of Blackcaps (mainly females) on the 16th, with more Redwings, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Fieldfares and over 100 Bram- blings. Next day a spell of blustery westerly weather set in, and few further migrants were seen. There were no observers on the island from the 18th until the 31st.
November The visit by the observatory-closing party coin- cided with four days of very unsettled weather, one depression ‘passing daily, causing the winds to swing right round the clock, with spells of gales and mist and rain. Although a Black Redstart came in on the lst, the main influx was next day— up to 140 Blackbirds, 140 Redwings and 110 Fieldfares, 30 Skylarks, a Blackcap, a Woodcock, a Redpoll, 5 Waxwings, 35 Twites, 30 Linnets and a Short-eared Owl. Most of these moved on almost at once, and the only newcomers after that were two Bramblings on the 3rd.
Unusual occurrences
Mute Swan One, 6th September. Only third year of occurrence.
Osprey One, 6th September. Tenth year of occurrence.
Whimbrel 30, 10th September. Largest movement on record.
Black-tailed Godwit One, 10th September. Fourth occurrence and only autumn record.
Wood Sandpiper One, 8th-17th May. Sixth year of occurrence.
PLATES 17-19. The photographs on this and the next two pages are a selection of the work of William S. Paton, ARPS, and show a variety of common birds at the nest. All were taken in Ayrshire. Avove Trio of Sandwich Terns in eubating, Horse Island (plate 17). Over Grey Wagtails feeding young, Darvel (plate 18a); Long-tailed Tit and its nest, Kilmarnock (plate 18b); Lesser Black-backed Gull, Horse Island ‘plate 19a); Curlew with eggs, Straiton (plate 19b).
eee I oS Se Nd
—_ _ —
Fr ~~
{2 Sc) Ca, Oe
WV
een A <<
PLATE 20. Deformed Oystercatchers (see pase 278). Top This bird was picked up alive, Stornoway, June 1970, but died soon afterwards. Vhotograph by R. Macintyre. Centre Oystercatcher found dead on beach, Monifieth, Angus, February 1970. Bot- tom Skull of bird found dead on beach, Stannergate, Dundee, February 1970. Photo-
graphs by D. S. Henderson
1971 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 265
Wryneck Unusually large passage (7th-16th May and 22nd-29th Aug- ust). Maximum count of 15 on 23rd August is the largest on record. *Thrush Nightingale One each, 9th-14th, 9th-17th and 17th May. New
record.
Bluethroat Unusually many. At least 12 (11 Red-spotted and 1 White- spotted) between 8th and 17th May. One, 8th September, and 2, 21st September (all Red-spotted).
Sedge Warbler 200, 16th May. Largest number on one day.
Blackcap Up to 35 daily, 12th-17th October. Largest movement record-
d
ed.
Lesser Whitethroat 20 and 30, 7th and 8th May respectively. Largest movement recorded.
Arctic Warbler. One, 7th September. Third record.
Red-breasted Flycatcher One, 8th May. Only third spring record.
Tree Pipit Unusually high numbers, 7th-17th May and 23rd-25th Aug- ust. (80, 8th May is a record daily total).
Twite Only seventh year of occurrence. Record numbers—up to 13 daily on four days in March, up to 45 daily on nine days in April, and 35, 2nd November.
Breeding populations
No measurable change was noted in the gull populations from the 1969 estimate of 15,000 pairs of Herring Gulls and 2,000 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Four pairs of Great Black-backed Gulls bred. Durham University’s gull research programme continued during the spring and summer, con- ducted by Margaret Emmerson, who was carrying out studies on behaviour, recruitment to small cleared areas in the col- ony and breeding success of gulls ringed in 1966 and 1967. About 100 pairs of Eiders nested (more than usual), and about 12 pairs of Oystercatchers bred. No estimates were made of the population of other seabirds, though it was noted that the Puffin colony was still expanding, with many new burrows on the South Plateau. Up to three pairs of Shelducks bred, and one pair of Swallows, three pairs of Blackbirds and five or six pairs of Dunnocks.
Ringing and recoveries
A total of 2,206 birds of 54 species were ringed, fewer b‘rds and fewer species than in previous years (fewer gulls and Shags were ringed, and no waders at all). Record ringing totals were Lesser Whitethroat (28), Wryneck (25), Grass- hopper Warbler (13), Tree Pipit (23), Sedge Warbler (74), Wil- low Warbler (387). High totals were Bluethroat (8), Icterine Warbler (5) and Reed Bunting (17). The Whitethroat total (90) was the highest for ten years. Low totals were Spotted Fly- catcher (5), Rock Pipit (19), Starling (13) and Brambling (4). No Chaffinches were ringed.
A new species for the ringing list was *Thrush Nightingale (3 ringed), and an Arctic Warbler was only the second to have been ringed on the May.
*Subject to confirmation by the Rarities Committee
266 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 6(5)
The total of 225 recoveries included 60 Shags and 137 Her- ring Gulls. 18 Shags ringed on the Farne Islands were recorded breeding on the May.
The foreign recoveries and controls are listed below :
Ringed Recovered Date
Shag Pull 6. 8.69 List, Sylt, Schleswig-
Holstein, Germany 25.10.69 Herring Gull Pull 5. 7.67 Insel Neuwerk, Elbe
Estuary, Germany 18. 8.70 Purple Sandpiper Ad 18. 9.69 Finse, Hordaland, Norway 17. 7.70 Song Thrush PJ 12.10.69 Nr. Braga, Minho, Portugal 21. 2.70 Blackbird Ad@ 25.10.68 Eext, Drente, Netherlands 10. 4.70 Blackbird Add 21.10.69 Westerland, Sylt, Schleswig-
Holstein, Germany 24. 4.70 Blackbird Add 28.10.69 Valldal, Sunnmgre, More
and Romsdal, Norway early 7.70 Blackbird ist-Y¢ 28.10.69 Os, Hordaland, Norway 3.10.70 Blackbird Add 22.10.69 Lomeland, Egersund, Roga-
land, Norway 14.10.70 Robin PJ 12. 4.67 Grimstad, Hareid, More and
Romsdal, Norway 19. 7.70 Robin PJ 21. 4.69 Leikanger, Gurskoy,
Norway 21. 8.70
A first-year female Pied Flycatcher ringed at Revtangen, Rogaland, Norway, on 19th August 1970 was trapped on the May three days later on the 22nd.
Other observations
Grey seal numbers remained fairly constant, at up to 60 individuals. Rabbit numbers increased only slowly after the myxomatosis of 1969; periodic reinfection appears to be keep- ing the numbers low. ,
Three interesting plants recorded by Hector Galbraith and his party in August help to dispel some of the gloom caused by the sight of the rapid deterioration of the vegetation throughout the gull nesting areas; one new record, the wild carrot Daucus carota, and two very uncommon island records, the rayless mayweed Matricaria matricariodes and lady fern Athyrium felix-femina.
James Marr and Peter Kerr kindly donated a number of young spruce and other trees and undertook the task of plant- ing them in the approaches to the Bain Trap.
A long-term research project on the biology of the island’s house mouse population has started under the direction of Dr Sam Berry, who has made several previous visits to the island. A laboratory for the work (financed by the Medical Research Council) was built during the summer on the site of the old naval huts and has been occupied since September by Graham and Della Trigg, who are carrying out the main fieldwork for the project.
1971 ISLE OF MAY BIRD OBSERVATORY REPORT 267
The Observatory Committee is grateful to the many obser- vers who carried out a variety of repairs and other tasks during their visits; the Committee also wishes to thank the Principal Keeper and his staff and the skippers of the Bread- winner for all their help, co-operation and patience during the season.
Breeding birds of Tiree 1969
BEATRICE GILLAM and GORDON R. JACOBS
We visited Tiree in May and June 1969 to survey the island for Operation Seafarer and for the BTO Atlas project. From 26th May to 5th June we spent about 150 man-hours in the field. By careful planning, and with the invaluable assistance of John Graham of Balephetrish, we achieved almost complete coverage of the island, using BTO mapping techniques. Al- though it was not possible in such a short period to confirm breeding for every species, some 44 species were proved to breed and a further 19 observed in suitable habitat. That it was possible to assess the breeding status of most of the species on Tiree over the very short period of our visit demonstrates clearly the value of the BTO techniques. The information we gathered on the population of the breeding species shows a number of changes from the status detailed by J. Morton Boyd in 1958 (Brit. Birds 51: 41-56, 103-118). The species list indi- cates briefly the breeding population of each species as given by Boyd, followed by the 1969 status as determined during our visit.
Species List
Fulmar Breeding population at Ceann a’ Mhara 193 pairs 1955. Increas- ed to 604 pairs 1969, with 3 pairs at each of 4 other localities and single birds investigating many possible nesting sites.
Shag Breeding population at Ceann a’ Mhara apparently fluctuated 1942-55, maximum 25 pairs 1952. Fifty pairs here 1969.
Mallard Scarce 1956. At least 16 breeding pairs 1969.
Teal Bred all over island 1913; a few breeding pairs 1952-55. Only 1 nest found 1969 (JG).
Gout Breeding first proved 1951. A duck with 6 ducklings seen 1969
Shoveler Twenty young birds seen July 1955. Two clutches (4 and 5 eggs) found 1969.
Tufted Duck A duck seen with 2 ducklings 1957. No confirmed breeding 1969, but 2 pairs seen in suitable habitats.
Eider As in 1955, still breeding in fair numbers 1969.
Goosander No previous record of breeding. Pair copulating and second male present at Loch Caol 29th May 1969. Three males at Port Ban.
268 BREEDING BIRDS OF TIREE 6(5)
Red-breasted Merganser Plentiful May-August 1937-55. Only 1 pair seen 1969. fee pelduck Fair numbers bred 1949-55. Sixteen pairs spread round coast Mute Swan One or 2 pairs 1949-56. At least 8 pairs 1969 on the larger ochs.
Buzzard Bred 1956. Two pairs present and 1 nest confirmed 1969 (JG).
Pheasant Eight shot November 1955. None seen 1969.
Corncrake Abundant, common or fairly common up to 1955. Still com- mon 1969.
Oystercatcher Very common up to 1955. Still very numerous on coast and machair 1969, but probably less common on mocrs than formerly.
Lapwing Abundant up to 1955. Still numerous 1969. ones Plover As before, still breeding plentifully on shore and machair
Snipe Numerous 1949-55. Locally common as breeding species 1969.
Common Sandpiper Breeding last confirmed 1947. Single birds seen in 2 suitable breeding localities 1969.
Redshank At least 3 breeding pairs 1955. Locally common 1969; at least 20 pairs and 2 nests found.
Dunlin Common 1952-55. Only 6 pairs scattered over the island in suit- able habitats and 1 nest found 1969.
Great Black-backed Gull Only 1 breeding record up to 1955. Thirty nests Ceann a’ Mhara, 20 on Soa, small colonies and single nests round the coast 1969.
Lesser Black-backed Gull A few pairs at Ceann a’ Mhara 1955. We found 14 nests there, 25 on Soa and small number of nests elsewhere on the coast 1969.
Herring Gull At Ceann a’ Mhara 100-150 nests in 1955. In 1969, 384 nests there, 36 at Chraiginis, 40 on Soa. Also breeding commonly round the coast; inland colonies of 33 pairs at Loch a’ Chapuill (JG) and 20 Loch an Eilein.
Common Gull Common breeder up to 1955. Probably little change 1969; largest colony 23 nests on vegetated sand dunes on west coast. Colonies of 16, 8 and 4 at inland sites.
Black-headed Gull Three sites each with usually less than 30 pairs 1954-55. A large concentrated colony of about 125 pairs at Carrastaoin, Ben Hough plus a few small scattered colonies 1969.
Kittiwake At Ceann a’ Mhara “438 birds counted July 1955”. Approx- imately 660 breeding pairs here 1969.
Common Tern About 25 nests 1955. Only 2 single birds seen and no evidence of breeding 1969.
Arctic Tern Numerous small colonies of under 30 pairs in various hab- itats 1955. Probably little change 1969 (birds were still arriving). Some 28 nests Soa (JG), 16 Chraiginis, 15 Am Barradhu.
Little Tern At least 55 pairs on the airfield and about 10 on An Fhao- abet eeluaey Only 8 nests on the airfield and a few single nests on the shore ;
Razorbill At Ceann a’ Mhara ‘34 birds with young” 1955. Approxi- mately 125 breeding birds 1969.
Guillemot Last bred 1920. No birds seen 1969.
Rock Dove Breeding plentifully at Ceann a’ Mhara up to 1955. A col- ony of about 200 pairs there 1969, breeding 9 months of the year (JG). A few pairs breeding South of Hynish.
1971 BREEDING BIRDS OF TIREE 269
Woodpigeon No previous record of this species on Tiree. Bird flushed from a gorse and bramble thicket 1969.
Collared Dove Not recorded by Boyd. Birds seen in 3 localities 1969; possibly breeding in 2 of these.
Cuckoo Breeding not proved up to 1968. Male and female each seen twice on different dates in the same moorland locality 1969.
Skylark Reported to breed in abundance 1912-55. Still breeding abun- dantly 1969.
Swallow At Caoles 5 nests in 1950 and 3 in 1955. Three pairs building at Balemartine and 1 at Ballevulin 1969. Other pairs may have arrived later.
House Martin Breeding not proved previously. Two birds seen at Ceann a’ Mhara 1969.
Sand Martin Five pairs with young at Crossapoll 1955. No birds seen 1969.
Raven Nested at Ceann a’ Mhara 1955. Family parties seen at Ben Hough and Ben Hynish 1969.
Hooded Crow Fewer than 12 pairs attempted breeding 1949-55. Ait least 4 pairs attempted 1969, 1 nest with eggs and 1 with young located.
Song Thrush At least one pair bred successfully 1955. In 1969 young were reared in a nest sited 3 ft. down in a wet roadside ditch; a gorse patch near Scarinish contained 3 singing males; 1 nest was located. Be- haviour of a bird in gorse near Ruaig suggested attempted breeding.
Blackbird One pair proved to breed 1957. In 1969 6 males (including a striking pied bird) were seen in 3 localities but no females; 1 unoccupied nest at Hynish.
Wheatear Numbers appear to have fluctuated between “several pairs” and “numerous” 1913-55. JG considered the number of breeding pairs had declined in recent years. Six pairs (1 nest found) on Ceann a’ Mhara moors; 16 other pairs observed widely scattered 1969.
Stonechat Pairs and single cocks seen at 7 sites 1950-55. Territorial behaviour by a single male, but no female seen 1969.
Whinchat No breeding record to 1955. Single male seen by BG and GRJ; JG saw a pair feeding young in a nest at Balephuil 1969.
Sedge Warbler At least 6 singing males 1955. Six males in full song; 2 pairs seen by JG 1969.
Whitethroat Bred successfully 1955. No birds seen 1969.
Dunnock Boyd makes no reference to breeding. Two birds, possibly a nar appeared to be holding territory in a gorse patch near Scarinish 1
Meadow Pipit As before, still breeding commonly 1969. Rock Pipit As before, still breeding commonly 1969.
Pied Wagtail No breeding proved up to 1955. A pair with 3 juveniles at An Fhaodhail estuary; an adult carrying food at Hynish and single birds seen in 4 other localities 1969.
Starling As before, still breeding abundantly.
Greenfinch First breeding record 1954 near Scarinish. A pair seen at a suitable nest site also near Scarinish June 1969.
Linnet Breeding not confirmed since 1892. A pair seen by JG June 1969.
Twite Breeding plentifully up to 1956. Birds scattered all over the island 1969; nests found in gorse and heather.
Corn Bunting More than 50 singing males 1955. We noted 36 in 1969.
Reed Bunting Thought by JMB to breed in fair numbers. In 1969 17 males were seen in suitable breeding sites.
House Sparrow As before, still breeding abundantly 1969.
ee ee ee eee
b 3 2
270 BREEDING BIRDS OF TIREE 6(5)
Discussion
Table 1 shows our estimate of the number of breeding pairs of the 44 species proved to have bred in Tiree in 1969, and table 2 lists species seen in suitable habitat but not proved to breed.
Table 1. Estimated numbers of breeding pairs in Tiree in 1969
1-5 5-20 20-50 50-100 100-200 Over 400 Teal Mallard Eider Shag Black- Fulmar Pintail Shelduck Ringed Oyster- headed Herring Shoveler MuteSwan Plover catcher Gull Gull Buzzard Corncrake Lesser Lapwing Razorbill Kittiwake Dunlin Redshank Black- Snipe Skylark Starling Swallow Little Tern backed Great House Raven Rock Dove Gull Black- Sparrow Hooded Reed Common backed
Crow Bunting Gull Gull Song Wheatear Arctic
Thrush Rock Tern Blackbird Pipit Meadow Whinchat Twite Pipit Sedge Corn
Warbler Bunting ied
Wagtail
Table 2. List of species seen in suitable habitat but not proved to breed
Heron Coot Collared Dove Tufted Duck Curlew Cuckoo Goosander Whimbrel House Martin Red-breasted Common Stonechat Merganser Sandpiper Dunnock Peregrine Common Tern Greenfinch Moorhen Woodpigeon Linnet
Additions to Boyd’s list are Whinchat and Pied Wagtail, both proved to have bred in 1969. Goosander probably attempted to breed, and Dunnock showed signs of possible breeding. Col- lared Dove will almost certainly be breeding in the 1970s. On the debit side Common Tern and Guillemot have not made a recovery, and Pheasant is no longer present. The absence of Whitethroat was not unexpected in view of the massive re- duction in numbers of this bird throughout Britain in 1969.
The greatest increase in breeding population has been among the Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Great Black-backed Gulls at Ceann a’ Mhara. Mallard and Redshank also show a marked increase.
A true assessment of the change of status of the less com- mon passerines was not possible since the amount of time spent trying to prove breeding of these species was probably not comparable with that spent by Boyd. The increase in
1971 BREEDING BIRDS OF TIREE 271
numbers of singing male Reed Buntings is noteworthy in view of their gradual spread into drier habitats in southern England (Williamson 1968).
Acknowledgments
John Graham helped us plan our timetable, spent many hours in the field with us, and after our departure recorded late breeders and the outcome of nests we had found. We are indeed grateful to him.
We wish to thank M. J. Everett for records he submitted after a visit to Tiree in late June 1969, David R. Saunders for helpful information about the island, Mrs R. G. Barnes, who criticised a draft of the paper, and Mrs M. Annable who typed it.
References
BoyD, J. Morton. 1958. The birds of Tiree and Coll. Brit. Birds 51: 41-56, 105-118. WILLIAMSON, K. 1968. Buntings on a barley farm. Bird Study 15: 354-57.
Breeding birds of Coll 1969-70 J. G. BLATCHFORD
This report is based on observations made during 13th-19th June 1969 and 5th-12th June 1970, when Coll was surveyed for Operation Seafarer and the BTO Atlas project. The status of the birds of Coll was reviewed by Morton Boyd (1958). In table 1 the status of birds he recorded as known to breed on Coll 1892-1956 is compared with the breeding records (and sightings of birds in possible breeding habitat) made in 1969- 70. The minimum number of breeding pairs is given where this was determined; otherwise no attempt is made to indicate abundance or scarcity of species. Tables 2 and 3 give com- ee on species whose breeding status has changed since
56.
Table 1. Past and present breeding status of species on Coll Breeding status Breeding status
up to 1956 1969-70] Black-throated Diver declining absent Red-throated Diver steady present Fulmar no record breeding (26) Shag no record breeding (4) Heron steady present Mallard declining breeding Teal declining present Wigeon declining absent Eider steady breeding Red-breasted Merganser steady present Shelduck steady breeding
272 BREEDING BIRDS OF COLL 6(5)
Table 1 (continued) Breeding status Breeding status
| up to 1956 1969-701]
| Grey Lag Goose declining breeding (9)
Mute Swan steady probably breeding
| Buzzard increasing present
Peregrine declining present Merlin steady present Kestrel declining breeding Red Grouse declining absent Partridge declining present
: Pheasant declining present
‘ Corncrake steady breeding
’ Moorhen declining present
i Coot declining absent
Oystercatcher steady breeding
} Lapwing steady breeding
j Ringed Plover steady breeding
: Golden Plover steady absent
: Snipe steady breeding
' Curlew steady present Wood Sandpiper no record present Common Sandpiper steady breeding Redshank steady breeding
Dunlin steady probably breeding
Arctic Skua increasing breeding (6)
e Great Black-backed Gull steady breeding (19)
F Lesser Black-backed Gull steady breeding (75)
r Herring Gull steady breeding (611)
a Common Gull steady breeding (12)
: Black-headed Gull steady present
i Kittiwake no record present
a Common Tern steady breeding (26)
fh Arctic Tern steady breeding (203)
| Little Tern no record breeding (18) Guillemot no record present Black Guillemot steady present Rock Dove steady breeding Woodpigeon no record present Turtle Dove no record present Collared Dove no record probably breeding Cuckoo steady present Short-eared Owl no record present* Swift no record present Skylark steady breeding House Martin declining present Raven steady present Hooded Crow steady breeding Wren steady present Song Thrush steady breeding Blackbird steady breeding Wheatear steady probably breeding Stonechat steady present Whinchat steady present Robin steady absent
E Grasshopper Warbler no record present
ih Sedge Warbler increasing present Whitethroat steady present Willow Warbler steady present Chiffchaff no record present
1971 Table 1 (continued)
Spotted Flycatcher Dunnock Meadow Pipit Rock Pipit Pied Wagtail Starling Greenfinch Linnet
Twite
Corn Bunting Yellowhammer Reed Bunting House Sparrow Tree Sparrow
BREEDING BIRDS OF COLL
Breeding status up to 1956
no record no record steady steady increasing steady increasing declining steady steady steady steady steady declining
273
Breeding status 1969-707
present
present
breeding
present
present
breeding
present
present
present
probably breeding absent
present
probably breeding absent
{The figures in brackets, where given, show the minimum number of
breeding pairs. *Breeding was reported but not confirmed.
Table 2. Species breeding or present in possible breeding habitat 1969-70 but not known to have bred previously
Fulmar Shag
Wood Sandpiper Kittiwake
Little Tern Guillemot Woodpigeon Turtle Dove Collared Dove Short-eared Owl
Swift
Grasshopper Warbler Chiffchaff
Spotted Flycatcher
Dunnock
breeding breeding
present present breeding present present present breeding breeding
present present present present
present
Status 1969-70
Comment increasing non-breeding
summer
visitor 1956
common non-breeding summer vis- itor 1956
seen only once 1969
new species for Coll since 1956 non-breeding summer visitor 1956
new species for Coll since 1956
reported nesting, new species for Coll since 1956
non-breeding summer visitor 1956
seen only once 1970
one previous record of non-breed- ing summer visitor 1956
increasing non-breeding visitor 1956
summer
Table 3. Species known to have bred previously but absent 1969-70
Black-throated Diver
Wigeon
Red Grouse
Coot
Golden Plover
Robin
Yellowhammer Tree sparrow
Status 1956
declining declining declining declining steady steady steady declining
: ‘ k " [ :
274 BREEDING BIRDS OF COLL 6(5)
Acknowledgements
Others taking part in the field work were P. Cooper, P. J. Fricker, D. G. Henderson, G. A. Lowe and S. Lowe. We should like to thank the Seabird Group for a grant towards the ex- penses of travel on the island.
Reference Boyp, J. Morton 1958. The birds of Tiree and Coll. Brit. Birds 51: 41-56, 103-118.
Short Notes
King Eiders in Shetland and Wigtownshire
A male King Eider was at Ronas Voe from 18th April to 7th May 1969. A different male was at East Voe, Scalloway, from 24th May to 25th June, and a female was at Scalloway on 30th May and on 4th and 9th June.
I have seen all seven of the King Eiders recorded in Shet- land since 1964, all hitherto males, and typically smaller than common Eider. The Ronas Voe bird, however, seemed unus- ually large; on the water it seemed at least as long as a com- mon Eider, and in flight its wingspan was as great as that of common Eider. It often displayed to females of that species.
The Scalloway male was the most magnificent bird I have ever seen. Through June it spent more and more time ashore, and washed and preened a great deal. It was noticeably small- er than common Eider. Compared with the Ronas Voe male, it was smaller, the flush on its breast was paler and pinker, and the lines following the edge of the hood were more clearly defined. The top of the bill in front of the nostrils was lilac, the rest of the bill being the usual bright waxy red with pink at the tip. The knob on the bill was bright orange with a black surround.
On 30th May, when Roy H. Dennis came with me to see the male King, Eider at Scalloway, we discovered a female there. We identified the bird by the tiny sails in the wings. As it turned broadside to us, we compared it with the female of a pair of common Eiders it was accompanying; the King Eider was smaller, paler and slightly more reddish. Nevertheless it did not appear to be of the reddish phase but of the duller form, which is rarer. The bill was short, and the forehead steep, unlike the long sloping forehead of the common Eider. The head showed a slight effect of a hood like that of the male. Where it extended behind the eye, the edge of this hood was pale, giving, the bird a light eyestripe in the same position as that of the male. There was a pale patch on the face behind the bill.
1971 SHORT NOTES 275
We watched the bird at ranges down to 20 yards, and RHD sketched the head shape and markings. At longer ranges the paleness of the primaries was noticeable. The underwings were also light in colour.
I checked the voe almost every day after this sighting and found the female again only on the dates given. During this period I studied many female common Eiders. I found no two were the same colour, the occasional bird had pale primaries, and size was often difficult to determine. Although I used all these features to find this individual again, the only reliable identification feature is the shape of the head. The sails in the wings, so obvious in the male, could be seen only at very close quarters in the female.
I never saw the male and female King Eiders together. DENNIS COUTTS.
On 30th March 1970 at the Scar peninsula, Loch Ryan, a party of West Midland Bird Club members observed an im- mature male King Eider among a group of common Eiders. The birds were first seen resting at the end of the peninsula. When approached within 20 yards, they paddled just off shore revealing the King Eider among them. They remained on the water for three or four minutes then took off and circled twice, passing very close each time. The common Eiders alight- ed on Wig Bay, but the King Eider flew off south and was not seen again.
Compared with female common Eider it was similar in shape, except for the bill, and smaller in size; in flight it was a darker, more chocolate brown.
Description Head dark brown with paler cheeks; breast dirty white extending as a collar to a pale area on the upper part of the back; less conspicuous pale areas on each side of the under tail appeared in flight as two light patches when seen from behind; bill very conspicuous, dull orange, much shorter than common Eider’s, with rectangular knob on upper mandible extending almost to the top of the forehead.
A. F. JACOBS.
(There is no previous record of the species in Solway, nor anywhere on the west mainland of Scotland.—ED.)
Feeding behaviour of Golden Eagle
On 4th September 1970 my wife and I were sitting in our car watching seven Grey Lag Geese on the River Helmsdale, Caithness, when they uttered loud alarm calls and flew off. We were about to leave when we saw a large dark bird mov- ing slowly over the edge of the river-bank onto the level turf about 150 yards away and only 50 yards from where the
276 SHORT NOTES 6(5)
geese had been. It was a Golden Eagle and in one foot it was clutching two rabbits, lifting and dragging them along. It dropped the smaller-looking one, moved a few yards with the other and began to eat it.
The eagle first plucked the rabbit’s fur, then pulled out the entrails, before eating the flesh. The meal lasted 40 minutes, and a few minutes after finishing it, the bird moved, almost waddling, to the second rabbit, began half-heartedly to pluck at the fur, then stopped. It stood for 20 minutes with its talons on the rabbit, but when a motorist left his car the eagle was disturbed and flew off slowly, low over the river.
During this time we had a perfect view of the bird; it was uniformly dark except for the golden patch on the back of the head. Its legs were heavily feathered. It paid no attention to traffic on the road, to rabbits 20 yards from it, nor to a Com- mon Gull which flew around it for most of the time and some- times landed within a few yards of it.
When we inspected the river-bank there was no sign of fur or skin; all that was left of the first rabbit was the entrails, the skull, the backbone and the bones of the legs. The bones were picked so clean that an ant could hardly have found eating on them. The rabbit that remained was 13 inches long, excluding head and tail, and weighed probably about a pound and a half. When we first saw the eagle, therefore, it must have been carrying, about three and a half pounds of rabbit in
the one foot. S. L. McKINLAY.
ee
DO A a ee
F
1
Kestrel hiding prey
Shortly after midday on 5th December 1970 I saw a male Kestrel resting on a boulder at the foot of a rocky slope at West Ferry, Dundee. After a few minutes, during which I watched it with binoculars and telescope at a range of about 150 feet, the bird picked up from the rock a small mammal, which I identified as a short-tailed vole. Carrying the vole in its bill, the Kestrel left the rock and moved along the steep grassy face of the slope in a series of bounding hops, often spreading its wings for balance. Four times the Kestrel paused and appeared to try to push the body of the vole under tufts of grass. Each time, however, it withdrew the vole and moved on. Finally it found a tussock more to its liking and thrust he vole under the overhanging grass. After looking round and billing the grass as if attempting further concealment, the Kestrel flew onto the roof of a nearby house.
After a short but rather difficult search I found the conceal- ed vole. The tussock of grass hid it entirely from above, and
1971 SHORT NOTES 277
the overhanging grass tended to hide it from all but a low- level view. I was able to confirm its identity as a short-tailed vole, an adult female. The body was still warm, and the only visible wound was a punctured eye, from which blood was still flowing.
Deliberate hiding of food items has been recorded in a num- ber of passerine species; Merlins have been recorded (J. W. Greaves Brit. Birds 61: 310-311) concealing intact prey items in a similarly purposeful manner, but those were birds at the nest or probably still in their breeding quarters.
T. M. CLEGG. Little Crake at Fair Isle
At 0800 hrs on 11th May 1970 Dr Brian Marshall saw a small crake run under a road culvert on the Gilsetter Burn. It es- caped without being caught or identified. Later in the morning it was again seen there but disappeared once more without trace. I was notified and arrived on the scene; the ditch had been thoroughly searched, but the bird had not been found. We went over the same ground several more times, reaching into the water to feel under the overhanging banks; finally the bird was seen to scramble for cover, and I caught it with my hands in a small hole in the bank of the burn. It was a male Little Crake—a splendid bird and a new species for Fair Isle.
It was examined, ringed and photographed at the observa- tory, where it was seen by many observers. It was taken back to the marsh and on release it walked daintily along the side of a stone dyke, like a tiny Water Rail, and then dived into the stream with a plop. We left it alone, and it was not seen again. Amazingly, just before we released the Little Crake, a Spotted Crake was found about 50 yards away in the marsh, and this bird was trapped after we released the Little Crake.
Although smaller than the Spotted Crake, the Little Crake was not as tiny as I had expected; while its weight at 1100 hrs was 36.0 gm, its measurements were wing 109 mm, bill (from feathers) 18 mm, tarsus 32 mm and tail 51 mm. To me it seem- ed a tiny edition of a Water Rail rather than a small Spotted Crake. It had long legs, long wings and longish bill with a pmall thin scraggy body, whereas the Spotted Crake was plumper, with proportionately shorter wings, bill, tarsus and tail. For example, the Spotted Crake weighed 65 gm as against the Little Crake’s 36 gm, but its wings were only 9 mm longer, its bill although heavier was also 18 mm long, while its tarsus was 2 mm shorter and its tail 1 mm shorter than those of the Little Crake.
Description Forehead and sides of crown blue dove-grey, a triangle of olive-brown stretching back from forehead and widening out over
crown; back of neck olive-brown becoming paler on mantle, some feath- ers marked with black; mantle and back feathers mainly black-brown
| | | | i i
a ree 2,
278 SHORT NOTES 6(5)
with buff-brown edges and a very few whitish tips (the white tips being only on one one web of about 12 feathers in all); rump darker brownish with gingery-buff tinge; upper tail-coverts black-brown with buff-brown ends, plumage worn; sides of head above eye, lores, chin, throat, breast and belly blue dove-grey, paler underneath especially on chin; sides of neck merging into buff-brown; some feathers on belly with traces of white tipping; thighs paler grey with quite noticeable white tipping; rear flanks and vent mainly dark grey with admixture of brown, feathers quite noticeably tipped white underneath; under tail-coverts—inner ones black with white tips and white patches form- ing double white bars, outer ones with base of feathers black and rest white with rusty buff bars; primaries and secondaries dark brown, browner on outer webs, feathers worn with bleached overlap; bastard wing and primary coverts similar, with tiny white spots on inner webs of two outer bastard feathers; wing-coverts as upper mantle but with- out dark markings; tertials like mantle; tail very worn, ten feathers, rather like mantle, dark brown with buff-brown fringes and tips, the innermost very pointed and worn, the outers 15 mm shorter than centre; bill bright pale green with red gape and red rim over top of bill and at centre of base of lower mandible; inside mouth slate blue and pink; iris bright crimson slightly yellower towards pupil; orbital ring red; legs and feet mainly green, slightly paler at joints.
There is a sad sequel to this record : the following morning about 100 yards from where we had released the bird, I found the remains of a Little Crake that had obviously been killed and eaten by one of the island’s too plentiful feral cats. Al- though the right leg with the ring was missing, the wings were left along with the other leg and some feathers. I measured the wings carefully and was satisfied that it must have been the individual we had recorded the previous day.
Roy H. DENNIS.
(There are three previous spring records for Scotland (Banff, March 1852; Ayr, March 1909; Shetland, April 1959), one aut- umn and two probable winter records.—ED.)
Hard times and the disadvantage of deformity
On 14th February 1970 at Broughty Ferry, Dundee, BP and SP saw an Oystercatcher with mandibles crossed at the tip and elongated. On 28th March T. M. Clegg saw what was perhaps the same bird about a mile away at West Ferry. On 22nd May a ringed bird with a similar deformity was seen by BP at Stan- nergate, Dundee; it appeared to feed adequately, probing in the mud and scraping out already-opened mussel shells.
These birds must have survived long enough for their defor- mities to develop, but we have evidence that such deformities do lower the viability of their possessors. We and others often find Oystercatchers dead around the Firth of Tay in January and February, apparently starved during prolonged frosts when food is not available inland. On 21st February 1970 BP
1971 SHORT NOTES 279
found five emaciated birds dead on a small area of beach at Monifieth. A few weeks earlier at Broughty Ferry Dr M. J. Cotton found six dead, clearly starved. They weighed 268, 271 (without head), 334, 342, 346 and 368 grams, usual weights at this season being 550-600 grams (Brit. Birds 61: 262). Two of these birds were deformed. The one weighing 346 grams had a broken lower mandible which had healed improperly, with erosion of the horn over the injured bone and subsequent overgrowth of both mandibles. The one that weighed 334 grams had the joints of one leg and its foot swollen and the proximal toe turned back and clawless.
On 14th February at Stannergate SP found an Oystercatcher with crossed and elongated mandibles and on 29th February he found another at Balmossie, near Dundee. In neither of these did the condition seem to be the result of damage to the bill.
Since only about one live Oystercatcher in 30 has deformed feet (Brit. Birds 61: 258), and since our own observations, to- gether with the reports of Pomeroy (Brit. Birds 55: 49-72), sug- gest that bill deformities are at least as rare, the frequency of deformity among the starved birds seems high.
It appears to us, therefore, that while deformed individuals may survive for long periods, their viability is reduced, espec- ially in very hard weather. We are confirmed in this view by a Black-headed Gull, also apparently starved, found by Dr Cot- ton with the six Oystercatchers; this bird had lost one leg, the result of an old injury.
B. POUNDER, S. POUNDER, J. J. D. GREENWOOD.
(Photographs of Oystercatchers with the cross-bill deformity as described above appear on plate 20.—Eb.)
Whimbrels breeding at sea level in Northern Highlands
In early July 1969 I received a report of Whimbrels giving alarm calls at a coastal site in the Northern Highlands. I vis- ited the place in May 1970 and saw two adult Whimbrels, one giving alarm calls. On 8th June I found a Whimbrel sitting on four eggs about 100 yards from the tideline. The nest, in an area of short grass, was a simple hollow lined with dead grasses. On a later visit the nest and eggs were photographed. Within a mile of the nest site a second pair showed distraction display, and not far away yet another bird was apparently de- fending territory.
On 3rd July the adult Whimbrels were still defending terri- tory at the nest site. After watching for some time, I saw one
280 SHORT NOTES 6(5)
of the adults in sparse heather nearby with a three-quarters- grown young.
According to Bannerman, Birds of the British Isles, it is un- common for Whimbrels to breed at sea level.
C. G. HEADLAM.
Stilt Sandpiper in Southeast Sunderland—a new bird for Scotland
On the morning of 18th April 1970, at a saltmarsh at Dor- noch Point, VMT saw a darkish grey wader alight about 100 yards from us, raising its wings momentarily over its back on landing. As we approached it we realised that this was a bird neither of us knew. During the next ten minutes the wader stood more or less motionless, almost belly-deep in a pool of salt water at the edge of the mudflats, and we had a very good view of it at ranges down to 25 yards.
In general appearance the bird was streamlined and slender, with body held horizontally and head up. The most striking feature was the long rather thick black bill, which seemed out of proportion to the slim elegant body and gave rather a top- heavy effect. DM thought that it had if anything a slight down- ward curve. The upperparts were various shades of grey, the underparts paler. The upper breast was streaked, whereas the lower breast and, more especially, the flanks were heavily barred. There was a distinct whitish superciliary and below it a dark line extending from the base of the bill through the eye. The bird was not seen to feed, and no call was heard. When it moved there was no bobbing motion as in Tringa species. DM considered the bird slightly smaller than a Redshank; it was very much smaller than Common Gull and Sandwich Tern, the only birds within range for direct size comparison. When it rose eventually, its wingbeats were sharp and jerky. VMT noted white around the base of the tail or lower rump, but this was not a conspicuous feature. We were unable to see whether the legs extended beyond the tail in flight.
The following description is based on notes taken before we consulted reference books :
Crown showed obvious dark streak; superciliary whitish, extending from base of bill to behind eye, where it curved down slightly; eye- stripe dark, extending from base of bill through eye, and curving down slightly; mantle and scapulars various shades of grey, with paler edges to feathers giving scaly effect as in Ruff; wings like mantle and scap- ulars in colouration, seemed longish in flight; no wing-bar noted; pri- maries showed dark tips when bird was at rest; tail showed some white in flight; chin whitish; upper breast streaked grey; lower breast and flanks heavily barred grey-brown, the bars fading only on the lower belly (no distinct demarcation between streaking of upper breast and barring of lower breast); bill black, long (about 14 times the length of
1971 SHORT NOTES 281
the head) and rather thick; eye black or very dark; legs (those parts visible above water) black or very dark.
Since we could not identify the bird, we had recourse to several works of reference. In general colouration the wader resembled the right-hand bird in D. M. Henry’s illustrations of Stilt Sandpiper in The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds. The markings on the underparts of the wader we saw were grey, not brown, but in formation they were like those of the left-hand bird in that illustration. The plumage pattern we observed combined features of both the spring and the fall Stilt Sandpipers shown in Peterson’s A Field Guide to the Birds, and it seems likely the bird was in intermediate plum- age. The horizontal attitude we noted resembled that of the bird on the right-hand side of plate 5, Brit. Birds 48.
We concluded therefore that the bird was a Stilt Sandpiper, and the Rarities Committee have accepted the identification. The area was revisited that afternoon and searched the next day but the bird was not seen again.
D. MACDONALD, V. M. THOM.
(This is the first spring record of a Stilt Sandpiper in Brit- ain. There are seven previous records from England and one from Ireland, all since 1954 and all single birds. First dates range from 19th July to 6th October, and the individual birds remained where found for from two to 20 days, the latest date being 8th October. After a gap from 1954 to 1962 the species has been noted every year except 1964 and 1966.—Eb.)
Pectoral Sandpiper in Peeblesshire
On 16th October 1970 at Westwater Reservoir I disturbed a small flock of Lapwings from the water’s edge and with them a small wader that looked like a Dunlin but uttered chreep notes. It landed with the Lapwings on the west shore of the reservoir but was repeatedly chased by them as it tried to feed. Eventually it was left to feed in peace about.100 yards from me, and I approached within 50 yards of it.
It had yellow legs and seemed slightly larger than Dunlin. It was roughly half the size of Lapwing (the only species present for direct comparison) with proportionately shorter legs. In general appearance it was rather Ruff-like, especially the plumage on the back; when disturbed by some Teal land- ing nearby the bird stretched its neck up and it then looked very similar to a Ruff in shape. When feeding at the water’s edge it moved with legs well bent, which gave it a very crouch- ed appearance. When disturbed, the bird would fly off with
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282 SHORT NOTES 6(5)
a rapid twisting flight; no wing-bar was seen. The following description was made at the time:
Crown dark brown; cheeks fairly pale, whitish; slight eyestripe present, more noticeable when the bird was seen head-on; back Ruff- like with brown feathers edged with pale brown, two sets of pale lines coming close together towards the tail giving a snipe-like effect, especially as the feathers between these lines seemed much darker than those on either side; scapulars edged with pale brown; rump showed a blackish line extending to central tail feathers; throat whit- ish; sides of neck and breast covered with small brownish streaks, forming a clearly defined gorget on the breast; underparts pure white; legs yellow; bill black, short and slightly decurved, rather stout at base, which showed a small flesh-coloured area.
From these notes I identified the bird as a Pectoral Sand-
piper. R. K. MACGREGOR.
(This seems to be the first occurrence in Peeblesshire and the Tweed faunal area.—ED.)
Erythrism in eggs of Herring Gull in Scotland
On 15th May 1969 my son, Neville Cuss, was studying a colony of Herring Gulls on an island off the northeast coast of Sutherland when he came across a clutch of three red eggs. Knowing he had made an unusual discovery, he removed the eggs and brought them to me for my opinion.
The eggs are of normal size for Herring Gull. The back- ground is of a pink suffusion; two of the clutch are covered with fine flecks of violet overlaid with equally fine flecks of brownish-red; the third egg is similarly marked, but the flecks are bolder.
This is the first British record of erythristic eggs of Herring Gull, all previous records being from Scandinavia. Most of the red Herring Gulls’ eggs in museums and private collections have been obtained in the Arctic provinces of Norway (though one such clutch was found as far south as the skerries off Goéteborg in Sweden). Arctic Norway has also produced all the known records of erythristic eggs of Greater Black-backed Gull. There is only one record considered authentic of red eggs of Common Gull, a clutch having been obtained at Hallands Vader6, well south of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, one record for Iceland Gull and none for Glaucous or Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Erythristic eggs of Black-headed Gull occur rarely; three examples found in Sutherland are illustrated in A Verte- brate Fauna of Sutherland, Caithness and West Cromarty (Harvie-Brown and Buckley 1887).
The eggs will be placed in one of the national collections. JOHN Cuss, HUGH M. BLAIR.
1971 SHORT NOTES 283 Thrush Nightingales at Fair Isle and in Shetland
Between 8th and 14th May 1970 four Thrush Nightingales were recorded at Fair Isle. The first was trapped by Gordon J. Barnes in a Heligoland trap at Setter on 8th May. It was examined, ringed and photographed at the observatory. It was identified in the hand by the short first primary, the emargina- tion of the third primary only and by its generally brown up- perparts and dusky throat. After its release, good views were had of the bird feeding and running about on the hillside. This bird left by the afternoon.
On 9th the second Thrush Nightingale was found by Bill Oddie and Chris Thorne in Hesti Geo. I caught the bird in a mistnet, and it also was examined, ringed and released at the observatory. It was not seen again.
On 11th May I found the third individual beside the garden at Busta. A mistnet was put up, but the bird flew in through the door of the byre, and we trapped it by shutting the door. It was ringed and released at Setter and was seen in the garden there on 12th May.
The second and third birds were identified before capture; their dusky mottled throats and the earth-brown of the upper- parts with only the tail showing chestnut were the identifying features (although the second bird showed a slight rufous wash on the flight feathers). Both were found feeding near cover and were watched running along and stopping with tail cocked up in Nightingale fashion.
On 14th May GJB found a dead Thrush Nightingale in one of his sheds. I examined the corpse, and the skin was preserved by GJB. The four birds were very similar. A full description is given of the first bird, and the others are compared with it.
Description Upperparts earth-brown, slightly more olive on mantle and greyer on rump; upper tail-coverts slightly rufous; lores grey- brown, paler than upperparts; ear-coverts richer earth-brown; chin whitish; breast and throat smudgy brown, feathers white with grey- brown tips; sides of throat and flanks grey-brown; belly whitish, becom- ing slightly creamy on under tail-coverts, with some slight dark marks on tips of some feathers; wings as mantle, but with slight rufous edg- ings on outer webs; greater coverts and tertials with tiny buff tips; underwing greyish with slight buff wash, feathers with pale fringes; upper mandible dark horn with pale cutting edge; lower mandible dark flesh with darker tip; gape and inside of mouth bright yellow; iris dark brown; legs and feet pale brown or dark flesh with back of tarsus and soles paler; rictal bristles few and very weak; tail (12 feathers) rufous brown, fairly noticeable when spread, all the shafts rufous.
Bird of 9th May Rump slightly more olive; chin buff; underparts gen- erally buffer, the feathers having tiny buff tips; breast grey-buff with the smudging darker than in first bird, each feather being grey-brown with shaft a little darker; belly whiter; upper tail-coverts rufous brown, edges of primaries, secondaries, primary and greater coverts more
angers rene vreemmnenaeasnenecmaenamenne see
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284 SHORT NOTES 6(5)
rufous; pale tips on greater coverts and tertials less obvious; gape paler, yellow-flesh, not bright yellow; inside mouth pale yellow.
Bird of 11th May Breast shower more dusky markings; belly not so white; chin duskier; gape and inside mouth paler, as in second bird; pale tips on greater coverts only; legs had slight purplish tinge.
Bird of 14th May Plumage very similar to that of the third bird.
The paler gape and shorter wings of the second and third birds suggest that they were females and that the first bird was a male.
Weights (gm) and measurements (mm) of the four birds were :
Date Ring No. Wing Bill Tarsus Tail Weight 8 May HX86900 93 17 30 70 21.1 19 May HV67059 88 1, 27 65 20.3 11 May HV67121 87 18 28 68 22.4 14 May — 94 17 2 66 23:3
All four birds had the third primary emarginated on the outer web, and the wing formulae, in the same order as above, were :
Ist 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
from primary
coverts from third primary—longest in each bird —7i —4 —_ —4 —9 —ll4 —15 —17 —10 —2 — —3i —7 —ll —14 —I16 —6 —2 — —i -9 —12 —15 —19 —6 —3 — —4 —8 —l12 —15 —20
Roy H. DENNIS.
Between 31st July and 7th August 1970 at Hillswick, Main- land, a Thrush Nightingale frequented a stone wall directly opposite the hotel where I was staying. The bird had been seen by the hotel proprietor since about 27th July, usually early in the morning on the lawns around the hotel; it was also watched by R. H. D. Young.
In size it was like a large Robin, and in the open its move- ments recalled those of a Robin; it would hop forward, paus- ing frequently to stand still and look around; occasionally it would give a Robin-like bob. Generally, however, the bird seemed wary and skulking, spending most of the time con- cealed in the nettles, long grass and weeds growing on each side of the wall. The frequent and rather deliberate raising and lowering of the tail was the bird’s most characteristic movement. In flight it was simply a dark olive-brown bird with no distinguishing mark whatever. Its flight was direct, rapid and whirring like a warbler’s; it flew just above the grass and weeds and soon dropped into cover. I watched it on several
1971 SHORT NOTES 285
occasions at ranges down to a few feet before finally identify- ing it. The following description is a summary of notes made at the time:
Head dark olive-brown with random small grey flecks most num- erous around eye; upperparts uniform dark olive-brown from crown to tail, with primaries in closed wing darker; wing showed very faint very small barring on edge near carpal; tail longish, basal half tinged ruf- ous (when seen in good light), tip rounded with narrow darker rim; underparts pale fawn with faint narrow vertical streaks or lines of tiny speckles on the breast; under tail-coverts noticeably tawny; bill dark; legs pale flesh or pale pinky grey; eye black or dark brown.
I did not hear the bird call, but the hotel proprietor had noted a Chaffinch-like tick and had heard it warble on one occasion.
G. M. CHAPMAN.
(These records bring the Fair Isle total to nine, all of them arriving between 8th and 26th May. The last record is the first for Shetland other than Fair Isle and the first autumn record for Scotland. In England there have been three autumn records and one in May. Apart from a 1911 Fair Isle record, all the others have been reported since 1957. On the Isle of May three individuals were reported trapped between 9th and 17th May 1970, (see page 255 et seq.) and details have been submitted to the Rarities Committee.—ED.)
Obituary JAMES FISHER
James Maxwell McConnell Fisher had Scottish blood as well as Scottish names and a deep affection for Scotland and its wild life. But he thought of himself as an Englishman, a man of the Midlands and especially of Northamptonshire, where he lived most of his life and of whose Naturalists’ Trust he was such a vigorous chairman from its inception. James liked to poke fun at what he considered our Caledonian foibles, but to Scotland he had to come to study the seabirds he loved and their wild habitats.
The first of his papers indexed in the Alexander Library of the Edward Grey Institute is that on the Gannet colonies of Shetland, which appeared in 1938 in British Birds and was writ- ten in collaboration with Malcolm Stewart and Pat Venables. In the same year he and Venables published a paper in the Journal of Animal Ecology on the Gannets of Noss. These were followed by his long papers in the same journal, the first in col- laboration with George Waterston on the breeding distribution,
286 OBITUARY 6(5)
history and population of the Fulmar in the British Isles (1941), the second with Gwynne Vevers on the North Atlantic Gannet (1943, 1944). In 1949 came an article on the natural history of Inverpolly Forest in Bird Notes and collaboration in a note on the breeding of the Northern Golden Plover on St Kilda in British Birds, and in 1950 a paper in the Scottish Naturalist with Keith Piercy on Eilean Bulgach. Soon followed two books in the New Naturalist series: his massive monograph The Fulmar (1952), supported by a long paper in Ibis, and Sea Birds (1954) in collaboration with R. M. Lockley, both containing much Scottish material. In 1956 he published Rockall, its climax the landing by helicopter on 18th September 1955, in which he was the only civilian to take part. The bibliography of 120 titles showed how assiduously James went to work.
Throughout his seabird books and papers sound the names of stacks and skerries, of cliffs and headlands, a ringing mixture of Scandinavian and Gaelic, for James was fascinated by names, by topography and by scenery at its wildest and least man- handled. As he put it, most seabird colonies are self-protecting, bastions that defy all but the hardiest climbers. Although he took a First in zoology at Oxford, James would have made an equally successful historian, and his recent researches into the fossil record showed him once more protean in his interests and indefatigable in pursuit of facts.
I had the privilege of being with him on the Seal Flight of September 1947, when we covered almost every island round Scotland, from the Scar Rocks to Muckle Flugga, from the Bass to Boreray. We proved pretty conclusively that you could not count grey seal calves accurately from the air, but as a feast of islands the flight was rich beyond all dreams, and James’ voice over the intercom showed how much he relished it. In more recent years his warmth and eloquence enlivened many island cruises organised by the National Trust for Scotland and the SOC’s celebrated pre-Congress cruise in 1966. Many others have followed and will follow his road to the isles, but none will ever enjoy them more.
BRUCE CAMPBELL.
Review
The Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe. By Bertel Bruun, illus- trated by Arthur Singer; consultant editor, Bruce Campbell. London, The Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd. 1970. Pp. 319: 516 birds illus- trated in colour; 448 distribution maps. £1.25.
The appearance of A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe in 1954 set a completely new standard in this line. The Hamlyn Guide is its first serious rival, and it is a matter for rueful reflection that the inspira-
1971 REVIEW 287
tion for both of these outstanding books should have come from North America.
How does the new book compare with the old? At first sight it has all the advantages. Particularly striking is the layout, which allows text and map to lie directly opposite the appropriate species illustration. This virtually eliminates the need to refer to the index, as one can quickly find any bird by riffling through the right-hand pages, which carry the illustrations. These are remarkably complete, showing virtually all the relevant plumages as well as many drawings of the birds in flight. As for the maps, they are a great improvement on those in the Field Guide. They cover a greater area, extending south to northwest Africa and east to the Caspian; they differentiate in three colours between the breeding and wintering ranges and the areas of overlap occupied at both seasons, and they indicate the months during which the birds may be found in these areas and the direction of migration. Then there is the question of completeness. By my count the Hamlyn Guide describes 520 species, of which all but eight are shown in colour. So far as the illustrations are concerned, this compares very favourably with the Field Guide, which, in the revised edition, depicts only 387 species in colour and a further 75 in black and white.
But the comparisons do not all favour the new book. Although it has fewer illustrations, the Field Guide in fact describes the greater number (582) of species—and a good description can be of more use than a poor drawing. Arthur Singer’s illustrations are generally of a high standard, but he lacks Roger Tory Peterson’s genius for projecting the essential characters of the bird while at the same time playing down irrelevant detail. (Peterson’s use of lines to draw attention to diagnostic characters is a feature that one misses in the new book.) The shortcomings of the illustrations are particularly apparent where there is a series of small species without distinctive markings, e.g. the warblers on pp. 225-235. One suspects that these failures are due to the artist’s lack of familiarity with the species rather than to any defect in the printing process, al- though one is inclined to blame the printers for the over-uniform colour- ing of the grey geese and for such individual eccentricities as the non- Red-throated Pipit and the luridly pink Robin.
The text of the new book is much less complete than that of the Field Guide, but this is partly compensated by the greater variety of the pictures, and is something one must be prepared to accept as the price of having the text facing the illustrations. Condensation does, however, bring its own problems, and one misses the unmistakable ring of author- ity that is such a feature of the Field Guide text. So far, I have had the opportunity of testing the new book on only two critical identifications. One was an immature Glaucous Gull, which the book would have led me to identify as an Iceland Gull on the strength of the wing-tips projecting beyond the tail, without any caution that this is a feature that varies ac- cording to the stage of moult. The other occasion led to the discovery that one can not rely on the lengths quoted for the smaller American waders for an accurate comparison of sizes.
I would emphasise that it is only when judged by the highest standards that the book begins to reveal some shortcomings; for all ordinary pur- poses it will (if its limp binding stands up to the physical test of re- peated use) serve very well. At its modest price it is a real bargain, and proves once and for all that it is not financially impracticable to align text and illustrations opposite each other. This is a challenge Messrs Collins will have to take up if they are contemplating another edition of the Field Guide, for there is no doubt that the layout of the first two editions has now been made to look decidedly old-hat !
DOUGAL G. ANDREW.
a ee ee eee TS
SO 2 De
288 LETTER 6(5)
Letter SIR, The oiling of large raptors by Fulmars
I was interested to read the account by Roy H. Dennis con- cerning the oiling of large raptors by Fulmars (Scot. Birds 6: 198). The incident I will describe shows that Fulmars can use their oil-spitting capability in an offensive (or at least retalia- tory) manner, rather than as a purely defensive reaction to attack or disturbance.
On 18th April 1970 I was in a hide near a Ravens’ nest at Gutcher on the island of Yell, Shetland. The male Raven was hopping around in an aimless manner, and Fulmars were dis- playing and cackling on grassy ledges nearby. As the Raven approached a pair of Fulmars sitting together (at what may have been a prospective nest site), both the Fulmars flew off, and the Raven began to peck idly at something on the ledge they had vacated. As I watched the Raven, a Fulmar flew past and, turning its head in flight, accurately sprayed the Raven with oil from a range of about three feet. I could not be certain, but it seems probable that the Fulmar was one of the two the Raven had disturbed.
The Raven was obviously disgusted and after an involuntary jump spent the next ten minutes trying to rid itself of the oil. It would pull feathers individually through its bill to squeeze out the oil then shake its head and rub its bill in the grass to clean it. On one occasion the Raven nearly fell off the ledge when trying to clean oil from the top of its head by rubbing it on the grass. At no time did it show any aggressive reaction to the Fulmars and eventually flew off when Fulmars again landed on the ledge.
I have seen Fulmars drive gulls and Bonxies off food many times but have never seen them spit oil on those occasions; the Fulmar need only take up an aggressive attitude, opening its bill, lowering its head and raising its scapulars (rather in the manner of a Mute Swan), and even Bonxies will invariably back down and leave the Fulmar to it.
BoBBY ‘TULLOCH.
Enquiries
Ospreys. It has become apparent over the past few years that the number of Ospreys seen throughout the country has increased, perhaps quite considerably. With a view to collat- ing records, and ultimately publishing a paper on the subject, it would be appreciated if observers would send details of any sightings they have made to Harvey J. Burton, Warden, Loch Garten Osprey Reserve, Inchdryne Farm, Nethy Bridge, Inver- ness-shire.
1971 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 289 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
WEEKEND EXCURSION TO SPEYSIDE
A weekend excursion, based on CARRBRIDGE, has been arranged from Friday 21st May to Sunday 23rd May 1971. The local organisers are Douglas Weir, Roy Dennis and Nick Picozzi.
Hotel Special weekend terms have been arranged as follows: Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire (tel. Carrbridge 202).
Friday 21st—Bed and Breakfast ... eee 00 Saturday 22nd—Packed Lunch, Bed and Breakfast... 2.374 Sunday 23rd—Packed Lunch ae i: 0.374
£4.75
Service charge 10% extra
Dinner—Saturday 22nd May
Dinner has been arranged for Saturday night in the restaurant at the LANDMARK Visitors’ Centre, Carrbridge, for appreximately £1.05. Those wishing to have Dinner at LANDMARK should advise the excursions organiser on Saturday morning before 10 a.m. The cost of Dinner has not been included in the Hotel special weekend charges, and will be extra if taken at the Hotel.
Booking
Members may bring guests and should book direct with the Hotel Manager, notifying him that they are attending the Club excursion. When booking, please let the Management know if you require Dinner on Friday night (extra). Soup and Salad can be provided (extra) for those arriving late. Note The last train from the South to stop at Carrbridge arrives at Aviemore at 6.13 p.m. and at Carrbridge at 6.29 p.m. The train arriving at Aviemore at 8.38 p.m. does not stop at Carrbridge.
Information about alternative accommodation can be obtained by writ- ing, with s.a.e. please, to Mrs W. A. Sinclair, 4 Altnaskiach House, Cul- duthel Road, Inverness (tel. 0463 30053).
Outline Programme Friday 21st 8.30 p.m—Informal film programme at LANDMARK. Books from the BIRD BOOKSHOP will be on sale. Saturday 22nd 10 am.—Meet at LANDMARK. Excursions will be arranged in the Cairngorms and on Spey- side. Details will be announced on Friday evening. 7.30 p.m. (prompt) Dinner at LANDMARK. 8.30 p.m. Film and slide programme at LANDMARK. Sunday 23rd 10 am.—Meet at LANDMARK. Excursions as Saturday.
Members are advised that strong footwear and warm clothing are es- sential for those intending to join the Cairngorms excursion. Gum boots are advisable for some excursions.
290 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(5)
SUMMER EXCURSIONS Important Notes
1. Members may attend excursions of any Branch in addition to those arranged by the Branch they attend regularly.
2. Where transport is by private car please inform the organiser if you can bring a car and how many spare seats are available. All petrol ex- penses will be shared.
3. Please inform the organiser in good time if you are prevented from attending an excursion where special hire of boats is involved. Failure to turn up may mean you are asked to pay for the place to avoid addi- tional expense to the rest of the party.
4. Please bring meals as indicated (in brackets) below.
ABERDEEN
For all excursions, please notify Miss F. J. Greig, 9 Ashgrove Road, Aberdeen AB2 5AE (tel. 0224 40241, Ext. Old Aberdeen 342, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) one week in advance.
Sunday 22nd August. YTHAN ESTUARY AND LOCHS. Meet Culterty 10.30 a.m. (lunch).
Sunday 17th October. LOCH STRATHBEG (lunch).
AYR
For all excursions involving the use of public transport (coach or boat), please book at least a fortnight in advance through the Branch Secretary, R. M. Ramage, 57B St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire (tel. 0292 79192).
Saturday 3rd April. LOCHINCH, STRANRAER (by kind permission of the Earl of Stair). Leader: R. M. Ramage. Coach leaves Wellington Square, Ayr, 9 a.m. Cost £1.00 per head approx. (lunch and tea).
Saturday 29th May. CULZEAN COUNTRY PARK. Joint excursion with the National Trust for Scotland. Leader: Douglas Bremner. Meet at the Car Park, Culzean, 2.15 p.m. (tea).
Saturday 12th June. AILSA CRAIG. Leader: Dr M. E. Castle. Boats leave Girvan Harbour at 10 a.m. and return in the evening. Priority will be Ee to members of the Ayr Branch. Cost £1.50 per head (lunch and tea).
Wednesday 23rd June. AUCHENDRANE. Leader: A. G. Stewart. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 7.30 p.m.
Saturday 2lst August. NEW CUMNOCK LOCHS. Leader: J. A. Begg. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr, 2 p.m. (tea).
Saturday 11th September. FIFE COAST. Leader: R. M. Ramage. Coach leaves Wellington Square, Ayr, 8 a.m. and is expected to return there at about 10 p.m. Expected all-inclusive cost £1.50 per head. (Lunch.
_. Lea will probably be taken in Cupar).
It is likely that there will also be excursions by small parties in July and August for mapping squares, which will be arranged locally. Details from the Branch Secretary.
1971 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 291
DUMFRIES
Sunday 9th May. LEIGHTON MOSS, SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE. Lead- er: W. Austin. Meet Ewart Library, Dumfries, 9.30 a.m. (lunch and tea).
Sunday 6th June. RAEHILLS AND LOCHWOOD OAKS (by kind permis- sion of Major P. W. Hope-Johnstone). Leader: R. T. Smith. No dogs allowed and the party must stay together. Meet Ewart Library, Dum- fries, 2 p.m. (tea).
Sunday 4th July. MULL OF GALLOWAY. Leader: A. D. Watson. Meet Ewart Librarv, Dumfries, 9.30 a.m. and join members from West Gallo- way at DRUMMORE HARBOUR 12 noon (lunch and tea).
Sunday 5th September. SOUTHERNESS, meet at the Lighthouse 11.30 a.m.: CARSETHORN, meet 2 p.m. Leaders: D. Skilling and H. M. Russell (lunch and tea).
DUNDEE
All excursions by private car, leaving City Square, Dundee, 9 a.m. except for 9th May (lunch and tea for all excursions).
Sunday 9th May. GLENLYON. Depart 8 a.m. Sunday 6th June. CRAWTON BAY, STONEHAVEN.
Sunday 4th July. LOCH ORDIE area.
Sunday Ist August. STRATHARDLE.
Sunday 5th September. SCURDYNESS.
‘EDINBURGH
Saturday 8th May. ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader: K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2 p.m. (tea).
Saturday 22nd May. PENICUIK HOUSE GROUNDS (by kind permission of Sir John D. Clerk). Leader: Dr L. L. J. Vick. Meet South Church, Peebles Road, Penicuik, 2 p.m. (tea).
Sunday 30th May. THE HIRSEL, COLDSTREAM (by kind permission of Sir Alec Douglas-Home). Excursion by private cars leaving Edinburgh from square behind National Gallery 10.30 a.m. for Hirsel at 12 noon (unch and tea). Applications to J. A. Stewart, 109 Greenbank Crescent, Edinburgh EH10 5TA (tel. 031-447 4210), stating number of seats avail- able or required.
Saturday 5th June. ISLE OF MAY. Leader: Alastair Macdonald. Boats Jeave Crail Harbour 10.30 a.m. prompt (lunch and tea). Applications with s.a.e. and boat fare of £1.00 to Peter Kerr, 41 Craigmount Park, Edinburgh EH12 8EF, stating number of car seats available or required.
Saturday 24th July. BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamil- ton-Dalrymple). Leader: J. H. B. Munro. Numbers limited to 24. Boat leaves North Berwick Harbour 2.30 p.m. (tea). Applications with s.a.e. and boat fare of 70p to Mrs J. H. B. Munro, 9 Capelaw Road, Edin- burgh EH13 OHG (tel. 031-441 2381).
Saturday 4th September. ABERLADY BAY NATURE RESERVE. Leader : K. S. Macgregor. Meet Timber Bridge 2 p.m. (tea).
292 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(5)
GLASGOW
Sunday 9th May. ISLE OF MAY. Meet Anstruther Centre Pier 11.15 a.m. (lunch and tea). Return from Isle of May 4.30 p.m. Boat fare 75p. Applications with fare and s.a.e. to Mrs Muriel Draper, 6 Southview Drive, Blanefield, by Glasgow, not later than 22nd April.
Saturday 15th May. LOCH OF LOWES, PERTHSHIRE (by permission of the Scottish Wildlife Trust). Private bus leaves Glasgow Museum and Art Gallery, Kelvingrove, 9 a.m. and returns 7 p.m. approx. (lunch and tea). Fare 87p. Numbers limited. Applications to John Findlay, 1 West- bank Quadrant, Glasgow W.2. (tel. 041-339 4330).
Saturday 29th May. GLEN FYNE (Square NN21). Survey of the square for BTO Atlas. Applications by 15th May to the BTO Regional Organ- iser, John Mitchell, 22 Muirpark Way, Drymen, by Glasgow. Please state if car seats available (lunch and tea).
Saturday 12th June. FARNE ISLANDS. Limited numbers by private bus. Applications by 3lst May to John Findlay, 1 Westbank Quadrant, Glas- gow W.2. (tel. 041-339 4330). Further details will be available on appli- cation (lunch and tea).
Sunday 20th June. LITTLE CUMBRAE. Meet Largs Harbour (Dick’s Stance) 10.45 a.m. Return to Largs 5.30 p.m. Boat fare 50p. Applica- tions enclosing fare and s.a.e. to Ronald Jeffrey, 4 Victoria Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire, by 5th June (lunch and tea).
Saturday 26th June. BASS ROCK (by kind permission of Sir Hew Hamil- ton-Dalrymple). Meet at North Berwick Harbour 12.15 p.m. Boat fare 80p. Applications enclosing boat fare and s.a.e. to Robert Caldow, 63 see Road, Ralston, Paisley, Renfrewshire, by 12th June (lunch and tea).
INVERNESS Excursions by private car. Applications to Outings Secretary, Mrs W.
Morrison, 83 Dochfour Drive, Inverness (tel. 0463 32666).
Friday 21st May to Sunday 23rd May. SPEYSIDE WEEKEND. See special notice on p. 289.
Saturday 29th May. ABRIACHAN AND LOCH LAIDE. Meet Neth Bank Church 2 p.m. (tea).
Sunday 6th June. CULTERTY, NEWBURGH. Leader: J. A. Love. Meet at Station Square, Inverness 9 a.m. (lunch and tea).
Sunday 27th June. LOCH FLEET. Leader: D. Macdonald. Meet at Station Square, Inverness 9.30 a.m. (lunch and tea).
ST ANDREWS
Applications, not later than one week before each excursion, to Miss
M. M. Spires, 4 Kinburn Place, St Andrews (tel. 033-481 3523).
Saturday 8th May. KILCONQUHAR LOCH (by kind permission of Elie Estates). Meet North Lodge, 2.30 p.m. (tea).
Saturday 12th June. ANGUS CLIFFS. Cars leave St Andrews bus station 2 p.m. (tea).
Sunday 20th June. AN ANGUS GLEN. Cars leave St Andrews bus station 9.30 a.m. (lunch and tea).
pays 3rd July. TENTSMUIR. Cars leave St Andrews bus station 2 p.m. tea).
STIRLING
The Stirling Branch will be holding a number of excursions in Stirling- shire and East Perthshire during the summer in connection with the BTO Atlas. Details can be obtained from Henry Robb, 27 Victoria Road, Stir- ling (tel. 0786 3618).
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
THE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership
is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and elsewhere at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest.
The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is 40s, or 10s in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of 60s, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on Ist October annually.
‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal.
Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042).
DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL
ALA KK RA‘C. Kk R:S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ & ‘Signpost’ Recommended
Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- class service.
Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life.
Ornithological and other parties catered for. We offer 20% reduction mid April till 27th May and 18th Sept till mid Oct 1971. A 10% re- duction is offered for June 1971 and organisers of parties of 12 or
more are free.
Early Bookings for 1971 advised.
Illustrated brochure on Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON
Telephone: Dornoch 216
SHETLAND HAS SQ MUCH TO OFFER
% Spectacular colonies of gannets, puffins, guillemots and many other seabirds.
%* Exciting summer visitors like arctic skuas, great skuas and red-throated divers.
y% The chance of seeing uncommon migrants during May/June and September/October. King eider, red-footed falcon, bee-eater, woodchat shrike and crane are only some of the many unusual birds seen on passage in recent years.
For information regarding accommodation, transport, etc, contact:
Information Centre, Shetland Tourist Organisation, LERWICK, Shetland For expert advice on local birds contact:
Robert J. Tulloch, R.S.P.B. Shetland Representative, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland.
A COUPLE OF SNUG NESTING- PLACES FOR SHETLAND BIRD- WATCHERS
THE LERWICK— in “‘the capital’ on the main island. THE SPRINGFIELD—Balta Sound, Unst.
You won’t find snugger, anywhere.
Bedrooms with private bathrooms. Central heating throughout. Double glazing. Bars. Comfortable lounges. Television. And the best cuisines North of latitude 60°. So come and have a double-based birdwatching holiday. Nest yourself alongside the Snowy Owl and the Red-necked Phalarope. Watch Fieldfares and Whimbrels—and many species of hawk and falcon. Visit colony upon colony of sea-birds—Watch Great Skuas and Arctic Skuas, and also Great Northern Divers. And do it from a couple of snug nesting-places. Make a double booking if you like.
Just write for full details of accommodaton etc. to:
SHETLAND HOTELS (LERWICK) LTD.,
Scalloway Road, Lerwick. Tel. Lerwick 1166/7
WESTER ROSS
Festival of the Countryside May 17th - May 29th, 1971
This award winning Festival of ECY is again being organised in Wester Ross, Scotland. Amidst the magnifi- cent scenery a fascinating programme is planned in full co-operation with the RSPB, NTS and Nature Conservancy.
* Handa Island. Visit with George Waterston.
* Special seabird cruise programme.
* Air flights to St Kilda, Barra and the Hebrides. * Lectures, films, ceilidhs and excursions.
For full details of this fascinating Festival, please send a 23p stamp to this address :—
Countryside Festiva! Bureau, Ullapool, Ross-shire
LANDMARK
+ | a a 5 Europe's First Visitor Centre OPEN ALL YEAR ON A9 AT CARRBRIDGE Good selection of books on the history and natural history of the Highlands and Islands — Catalogue available R.S.P.B. Films every Saturday during ski-ing season
Exclusive tiles of osprey, crossbill, crested tit, goldcrest, capercailzie and coal tit by John Busby
Restaurant - Nature Trail - Exhibition - Film Programme ik:
Telephone CARRBRIDGE 613
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on their own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Tom Delaney, 27 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh. EH5 3EE. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated.
2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any for Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for sae All other material should of course be sent as soon as it is ready.
3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will normally be serit to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost.
4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these.
5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining.
Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 529. ‘“EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London.
6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99:396). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to - indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets.
7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as ‘Dr’ and “St’’.
8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory.
9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type.
10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints.
Telephone: Golspie 216
Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all.
In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass.
The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland.
The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine.
Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating.
Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY
A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C. Garage & Lock-ups available
THE SWAN AT KINGHOLM
This small riverside hotel is situated two miles from Dum- fries and three miles from the Caerlaverock Nature Reserve, now further areas of the Sol- way meres are being set aside for research of the habits of the geese and waders.
The hotel has seven letting
bedrooms, residents lounge, etc.
Please write to Mrs C. M. Armstrong for tarriff.
Telephone 3756
MIM MIN MIM Hl MM MIN HH Uf)
ISLAY
‘The Bird-Watchers’ Paradise’
Islay hospitality and the unique opportunity to study an astonishing variety of birds in Winter and Spring combine to provide a per- fect early holiday.
The island is the principal win- tering resort, possibly in the world, of the Barnacle Goose. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the Chough. These are only two of the hundred different species that may be seen on Islay’s varied habitat during a Winter or Spring holiday.
For Ornithological Leaflet write to: Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay Tourist Organisation, Campbeltown, Argyll
Perfect Alignment and the Ornithologist
The correct alignment of your binoc- ular is of paramount importance and you can be sure that any binocular purchased from us has undergone strin- gent tests in our own workshops.
‘Alignment’ and a _hundred-and-one other points of interest to the binocular user are discussed in our new booklet ‘Tell Me Mr Frank’, a copy (together with our illustrated catalogue) will be sent post free to readers of ‘Scottish
Birds’.
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145 QUEEN STREET : GLASGOW
WALTER THOMSON,
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The 8 x 30 is a compact instrume: (recommended by the Game Co)| servancy) 43” high and weigh only 18 ounces. a | Price with hide case £12.50.
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bulk and weight (7” high and weig ing 36 ounces). . Price with hide case £16.50.
All Frank Nipole binoculars are 1 conditionally guaranteed for a per of 7 years and our free apprc facilities enable you to test out ¢ glass without obligation to purché
TEL. 041-221 6
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Volume 6 No. 6 SUMMER 1971 Price 50p
~~ e
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PAGS | West caren
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This is the smallest 8 x 20 prism binocular ever produced. Because of its entirely new design, based on unique folding centre bars, it can comfortably be carried in
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Monocular with fountain pen clip also available £21-50 Latest Binocular Catalogue from Sole UK ZeissAgents.
DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL
A.A. * R.A.C. *% R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ & ‘Signpost’ Recommended
Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- class service.
Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life.
Ornithological and other parties catered for. We offer 20% reduction
mid April till 27th May and 18th Sept till mid Oct 1971. A 10% re-
duction is offered for June 1971 and organisers of parties of 12 or more are free.
Illustrated brochure on Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to
Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216
LANDMARK
Europe’s First Visitor Centre OPEN ALL YEAR ON A9 AT CARRBRIDGE ik:
Good selection of books on the history and natural history of the Highlands and Islands — Catalogue available
Evening Wild Life Films
Exclusive tiles of osprey, crossbill, crested tit, goldcrest, capercailzie and coal tit by John Busby
Restaurant - Nature Trail - Exhibition - Film Programme ik:
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—— ee re
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BINOCULARS TELESCOPES
SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER UP oO OF to 25% POST/INSURED FREE
Retail
price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. Il 8.5 x 44 £42.50 £31.00
SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £28.50 £21.25 SWIFT CLASSIC 8 x 40 £26.50 £19.75 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. II 10 x 50 £34.00 £25.40 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £18.00 £13.25 ZEISS JENA DEKAREM 10 x 50 £78.50 £63.00 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £89.46 £70.00 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £103.74 £81.00 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case £113.63 £85.33 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case £107.75 £81.00 ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 £57.48 £45.00
Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x60 £54.95 £43.25 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60 x 60 £53.95 £42.75
and the Birdwatcher’s choice the superb HERON 8 x 40 just £15.00 (leaflet available). AS approved and used by the Nature Conservancy and Forestry Commission.
All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 36 models in stock from £9 to £85. Available on 7 days approval—Remittance with order. Also available most makes of Photographic Equipment at 25% to 333% Discount. Also Practica/Exacta ranges less 333% i.e. ‘L’, Super ‘TL’ and ‘LCC’ etc. Send for
separate price list. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/Telescope Ownership’ and price list.
HERON OPTICAL COMPANY (Dept. SB), 15 Short Croft, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. Navestock 3498
Please despatch to me immediately
for which | enclose f............ hesteves%
Please send me your Free Brochure described above
plus Binocular/Telescope/Photographic Price List. (Delete as appropriate)
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
CONTENTS OF VOLUME 6, NUMBER 6, SUMMER 1971
Page
Editorial seis as sees ws ii a ir veh 293 Birds of Rhum in relation to a realtoncetation BprORrarone
By Kenneth Williamson . a 296 Characteristics of Pheasant x erca eats awe:
By Dr D. A. Boag, Dr A. Watson and N. Bousfield _... ae 313 The breeding season in a rural ee a ‘ei Feral ay eat
By Gordon Riddle 2 1s re 321 Short Notes
Balearic Shearwaters in the Forth (M. E. Greenhalgh) ... 329
Cory’s Shearwater in Orkney (Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn) ... 330
Little Egret in Wigtownshire (R. H. Miller, G. A. Willmet) 331 Little Bittern in South Fife (J. A. R. Grant, T. Wareham
and J. Watkins) Ke “ae 331 Black Kite in Orkney (Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn) 3 sas 331 Temminck’s Stint in Stirlingshire (D. Fleming) 332 Wilson’s Phalarope in Angus (G. M. Crighton, D. R. Barratt) 333 Briinnich’s Guillemot in Argyllshire (R. K. Macgregor) _... 334 Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Caithness (Dr P. McMorran) 335 House Martins nesting at Golden Eagles’ eyrie or | Und Oe - Fergusson) 336 Rock Thrush at Fair Isle (R. H. Dennis) EY 336 Great Reed Warbler in Fife (D. W. Oliver)... a moi 337 Tawny Pipit in Shetland (J. H. Simpson) 338 Black-headed Bunting in Outer Hebrides (A. D. K. Ramsay) 338 Cirl Bunting in Wigtownshire (J. C. Sinclair) 43 339 White-throated Sparrow in Caithness (Dr P. McMorran) Nae 339 Obituary—Dr James William Campbell *: aoe af is 340 Reviews
The Wetlands and Waterfowl of Iran. Reviewed by Dr D. Jenkins 341 Die Vogel des Bodenseegebietes. Edited by H. Jacoby,
G. Knotzsch and S. Schuster. Reviewed by T. Delaney 342 A Field Guide to Australian Birds—Non-Passerines. By Peter Slater et al. Reviewed by T. Delaney ... sen 342 Letter Starling using sheep as a towel from R. J. Tulloch ... eS. 343 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ... sol ade Sag a 344
Edited by T. Delaney, 27 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3EE
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
The colourful world of
Highland Birds
Golden eagle, osprey and snowy owls are probably the best known Highland birds. Others are
equally exciting. Dotterel, ptarmigan and snow bunting nest on the high mountains; Scottish crossbilis, crested tits and capercaillies are
in the pine forests and divers and Slavonian grebes on hill lochs. The flows and marshes have greenshanks and wood-sandpipers and remote islands their whimbrels and skuas and red-necked phalaropes and forktailed petrels.
For over thirty years Desmond Nethersole- Thompson has lived and worked in the Highlands where his research has already led to monographs on three rare birds. In this intimate personal sketch he shares his love for Highland birds
and their romantic homelands, while emphasising the many unsolved problems.
‘Highland Birds’ is generously illustrated by many magnificent colour and black-and-white photographs; some now published for the first time.
Price £1.25
‘Highland Birds’ is available from booksellers or direct from: Gordon Lyall, ‘Highland Birds’,
H.1.D.B., 6 Castle Wynd, Inverness.
(+10p post and packing)
ny Ne
SCOTTISH BIRDS © "% ZZ, THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB y
Vol. 6 No. 6 Summer 1971
Edited by Tom Delaney, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
Scottish Bird Report. Normally our summer issue is devoted to the Scottish Bird Report. This year, however, largely owing to the postal strike, there was considerable delay in receiving the local reports, and it has not been possible, therefore, to work to the usual timetable. However, the compilation of the Report is now well under way, and we hope to have it complete in time for the autumn number.
Local recorders. Some time ago Prof. Meiklejohn indicated his wish to give up his local recordership. The area he covered stretches from south Ayrshire to Skye, and in considering the question of a successor it was felt that some reorganization of the area was desirable in order to produce more easily manageable units. It has therefore been decided to divide the area into two parts, each with its own local recorder. Ron Forrester, who did much of the work on the 1970 local report, is now responsible for the Clyde faunal area, including Arran and Bute but excluding Argyllshire, while M. J. P. Gregory takes on all of Argyllshire, the Inner Hebrides and Skye. Their addresses are given below. We wish to thank Prof. Meiklejohn for all his conscientious work as recorder for the area in the past. We trust his successors will receive the co-operation of observers in the areas as now constituted.
Observers should note the new addresses, also given below, of the local recorders for Inverness-shire and East Fife.
Argyllshire, Inner Hebrides and Skye. M. J. P. Gregory, 4 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyll- shire. Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanark- shire, Ayrshire, Arran and Bute. R. W. Forrester, 29 Crandleyhill Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire. Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness). Hon. D. N. Weir, Creag Dhu Lodge, by Newtonmore, Inver- ness-shire. Fife (east of A90). D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife.
294 EDITORIAL 6(6)
Gull control on the Isle of May. The Isle of May hit the head- lines in May when it was disclosed, prematurely as it now appears, that the Nature Conservancy was planning to reduce the gull population of the island (which is of course a National Nature Reserve). Some 15,000 pairs of Herring Gulls and 2,000 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls breed there, having increas- ed from a total of about 800 pairs in 1940, and the pressure of this large and increasing population is seriously affecting the ecology of the island : for example there is soil erosion in some parts; while in other areas the formerly dense sea pink and sea campion have been replaced by a growth of rank grasses; terns, formerly numerous, declined as the gulls pros- pered, and ceased breeding in 1960; some passerines have ceased to breed as the area colonized by the gulls has expan- ded, and breeding birds such as Eider and Oystercatcher are heavily predated by the gulls.
These changes have been noted with concern by the Isle of May Joint Committee, who manage the reserve and are anxious to conserve the habitat and the diversity of its plant and animal communities. Indeed it had been clear to them for some years that the gull population would have to be limited if this aim were to be achieved. Attempts at control by egg-taking had proved unsuccessful, and it was considered that the only effective method would be to kill adult gulls at the colony. An operation was planned, therefore, with the object of re- ducing the number of gulls, in three annual stages, to about 1,000 pairs. The method intended was to lay poisoned bait near the nests before any eggs had hatched. The operation, which seems to have been well thought out and carefully pre- pared from a practical point of view, was to have been carried out by Nature Conservancy staff, the first stage being timed for the latter half of May this year. But the Press story (and perhaps the possibility of adverse publicity) seemed to give the Conservancy pause, and shortly afterwards it was announ- ced that they would not authorize a start on the operation this year after all.
It is to be hoped that this false start will only postpone the plan and not prejudice it entirely. In the long run some delay is unlikely to matter very much, but it is a pity that time should be lost in implementing an effective gull-control policy on the island, for its necessity seems adequately demonstrated.
Loch Garten Ospreys robbed. The Ospreys at Loch Garten have caught the interest and imagination of thousands of vis- itors to the Highlands each year, and they have been an im- portant factor in advancing public awareness of bird protection and conservation in Scotland and beyond. The taking of their eggs this year was a deplorable act and a disappointing, but
1971 EDITORIAL 295
not, we hope, a significant set-back in the saga of their protec- tion here.
The security operation at the site over the years has been a massive effort and has in the main proved a_ successful deterrent. Although it is not realistic, considering the difficul- ties of the site, to expect that security can be made absolute, nevertheless after this year’s experience a review of the sec- urity methods used is obviously called for.
Don’t fence it in. Birdwatchers visiting Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, East Lothian, this summer will find a large new stretch on the east side of the Marl Loch fenced in and turned to grazing. This is the second enclosure in a process that started three or four years ago with an area between the footbridge and the Marl Loch. Apart from botanical changes, the most obvious effect is a whittling away of that fine sense of open space that was one of the main charms of the place.
Now we learn that yet another area is to be fenced off, in- side the reserve and taking in the Yellow Mires north of the Marl Loch. This proposal has caused alarm among the natural- history bodies represented on the management committee, for it will mean considerable encroachment on the area of the reserve, the elimination of natural habitat, and the channelling of visitors towards the tern colony.
This development highlights a weakness in the arrange- ments under which the reserve was established and is man- aged, for the landowners retain their rights over the use of the land in the reserve, and are clearly not convinced that the damage to the reserve outweighs the value of the development. The agreements with the landowners may have been the best that could be obtained, but naturalists cannot be complacent about the status of a nature reserve where this kind of action is possible.
A strong expression of public opinion may have some effect on the issue; those who have an interest in Aberlady Bay and wish to express their concern should write to the East Lothian County Council, the local authority responsible for its admin- istration.
eae literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in-
cludes:
The daily pattern of display in a wild population of Eider Duck. M. _ Gorman, 1970. Wildfowl 21: 105-107. Ythan estuary study.
Territoriality in the Common Shelduck. C. M. Young, 1970. Ibis 1970: 330-335. Culterty study.
The moult migration of Yorkshire Canada Geese. A. F. G. Walk- er, 1970. Wildfowl 21: 99-104. Beauly Firth flock.
(See also p. 343).
296 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 6(6)
The birds of Rhum in relation to a reafforestation programme
KENNETH WILLIAMSON Introduction
The Island of Rhum is the largest of five forming the parish of the Small Isles, Inverness-shire. It covers 26,400 acres* and rises in the southeast to several mountain peaks over 2,500 feet in height. It is 15 miles due west of Mallaig on the Scottish mainland and seven miles south of the much larger island of Skye.
Rhum is roughly diamond-shaped (fig. 1), with the deserted settlements of Kilmory and Harris at river-mouths near the northern and southern points respectively. The only inhabited area (population about 40) is at the head of Loch Scresort. The climate is essentially oceanic, with over 100 inches of rain in most years, falling in the lee of the mountains.
Natural woodland and scrub of oak Quercus petraea, birch Betula pubescens, rowan Sorbus aucuparia, alder Alnus glut- inosa, hazel Corylus avellana and holly Ilex aquifolium probablv covered much of the lower ground centuries ago, but by the time the human population was evacuated in 1827-28, this had been rediced by cutting, muirburn and excessive grazing to a few small fragments in near-inaccessible gullies and on screes. A small plot around Kinloch Old Lodge at
the head of Loch Scresort was planted with ash Fraxinus excel- sior, beech Fagus sylvatica, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and wvch-elm Ulmus glabra 130 years ago, and many of these trees still stand.
At the turn of the century the then owner Sir George Bul- lough planted 80,000 trees about his newly built Castle and gardens, extending in a narrow belt along part of the south shore of the loch. Although this wood remained untended for many years towards the middle of the century, sustaining con- siderable damage from deer-browsing and windthrow, the head of Loch Scresort is today well wooded and many fine mature trees of a variety of broad-leaved and coniferous species exist (Wormell 1968).
Over the remainder of the island a degraded plant cover of purple moor grass Molinia coerulea, bent grasses Agrostis spp., deer sedge Tricophorum caespitosus, and in places a poor growth of heather Calluna vulgaris now dominate the once wooded areas.
When the island was purchased by the Nature Conservancy
—$—<$_—__.
*2.471 acres =1 hectare; 247.1 acres=1 km?
1971 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 297
in 1957 and declared a National Nature Reserve, the aims of management included the diversification of the environment, the enrichment of the island’s flora and fauna and the improve- ment of soils and biological productivity by means of a general reafforestation programme. Some of the experimental tree plots, fenced and planted ten years ago, are now well grown; they have been described in some detail by Wormell (1969).
Fie. 1. Rhum, showing situation of the main plantations. 1 Kilmory North. 2 Kilmory South. 3 Kilmory Fank. 4 Harris. 5 Kinloch Glen. 6 Castle policies. 7 Northside Conifer Wood. 8 Southside Wood. 9 Papadil Lodge.
More recently some 1,450 acres of the moorland below Mullach Mor have been fenced and planted with Scots pine Pinus syl- vestris and native broad-leaved species (Eggeling 1964). The aim of this paper is to consider the woodland bird fauna of the island and its prospects in relation to the reafforestation pro- gramme.
The data and discussion are based on the results of breeding- bird censuses, using the mapping technique recommended by
THE BIRDS OF RHUM
6(6)
Table 1. Bird community of policy woodland on Rhum, 1969
298 Dominance Etoaguert: position community 1 19.2 2= 16.7 2= 16.7 3= 10.4 3= 10.4 4 7.1 ) 6.2 6 5.4 7 eas 8 2.1 9= = 9= as 9= a 10= — 10> 1.3 ll= 0.8 ll= 0.8 11l= 0.8 12= — 12= — 12= 0.4 12= 0.4 12= 0.4 12= 0.4 12= 0.4
Number of
mapped territories
Species
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebs Robin
Erithacus rubecula Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus
trochilus Wren
Troglodytes
troglodytes Blackbird
Turdus merula Song Thrush
T. philomelos Goldcrest
Regulus regulus Dunnock
Prunella modularis Woodpigeon
Columba palumbus Coal Tit
Parus ater Common Sandpiper
Tringa hypoleucos Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Greenfinch . Chloris chloris Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Long-eared Owl Asio otus Hooded Crow Corvus c. cornix Great Tit Parus major Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
46 40
— i mm bo wo on wo
i) oo wo wo Fe LL LH OI CO
—_
1
Approx. density, km?" 100 a 184 74 160 65 160 65 100 40.5 100 40.5
68 27.6
60 24.3
52 7 es |
32 13
20 8.1
16 6.5
16 6.5
16 6.5
12 4.9
12 4.9
8 3.2 8 oe 8 3.2 4 1.6 4 1.6 4 1.6 4 1.6 4 1.6 4 1.6 4 1.6
Total territories (passerine totals in brackets) 265(240) 1060(960) 430(390)
299
THE BIRDS OF RHUM
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300 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 6(6)
the International Bird Census Committee (1969), carried out by a British Trust for Ornithology expedition to Rhum in late May and early June 1969. This repeated in part an investigation initiated by Batten and Pomeroy (1969) in the previous year.
The Castle policies
The extensive planting of coniferous and broad-leaved trees around the Castle and along the inner part of the south shore of Loch Scresort early this century comprised many species. There is active regeneration of some of these within the area fenced to exclude deer, contributing to a shrub layer, while laurel Cotoneaster simmonsii and thickets of Rhododendron ponticum add to the understorey. The area immediately south of the Castle and the stream Allt Slugan a’ Chuilich has Acer species in mixture with ash, wych-elm and horse chestnut Aes- culus hippocastanum. Its close canopy gives heavy shade when the trees are in leaf, and there is a field layer of bluebells En- dymion non-scripta and ferns lining the streamside. A few acres in the extreme west consist mainly of Scots pine with heather, bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, and regenerating Cotoneaster simmonsii. North of this the pine is mixed with spruce Picea abies and birch, the latter forming in part a dense thicket of re- generation, and here and elsewhere there is an understorey of holly. Pine and birch again occur in mixture in a more open belt along the southern shore.
The woodland is relieved in places, especially around the Castle and estate houses, by lawns, flower-beds, outbuildings etc., and the roadway between the Schoolhouse and the bridge over the Kinloch River runs through it. An irregular strip of mixed planting, with many tall trees, borders the river-mouth and shore on the north side of the bridge, adjoining the farm. The main section covers some 54 acres, to which must be added an isolated two-acre stand of Scots pine on the moor some 300 yards to the south, and about five acres in all on the north side of Kinloci River, making a total area of some 61 acres.
Comparison with native woods
A feature of the bird community is the abundance of Chaf- finch and Willow Warbler, the two species that dominate most Scottish semi-natural woodland types (Williamson 1969). Usually Chaffinch is dominant in Scots pine (though at low density) and also in oak (where density is high), while Willow Warbler holds the better place in birch woods and in birch mixed with pine. Wren, another important constituent of the semi-natural woods, is also prominent, while Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Treecreeper have some importance. Wood Warbler, a characteristic bird of the native oak-woods in the
1971 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 301
West Highlands, appears to be present on Rhum in most years, usually favouring the horse-chestnut. Details of the species holding territories in 1969 are given in table 1. A comparison with the situation found in Wester Ross woods in 1968 (Wil- liamson 1969) appears in table 2.
Comparison with Inverewe Garden
The birdlife differs from that of the native woods, however, in the abundance of Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Dunnock, all of which are relatively scarce in Scots pine, birch, Oak, alder and ash. In this the Rhum policies agree with the only other mature mixed planting in the West Highlands, In- verewe Garden at Poolewe, Wester Ross, which we have exam- ined. Members of the B.T.O. Wester Ross expedition visited Inverewe Garden on 3rd and 6th June 1968 and found Robin dominant, with Chaffinch and Willow Warbler sub-dominant; but A. C. Aldridge, who made counts on 20th, 26th and 29th May 1969, found Chaffinch most numerous with Willow War- bler second, Blackbird third and Robin close behind. Spot counts and transects of this kind are subject to a wider margin of error than intensive census work by the mapping method, and the discrepancies between the two sets of data could result from varying population levels in the two years, or might re- flect differences in conspicuousness due to the stage reached in the breeding cycle (this affecting song output), or both. ‘The effect of these differences is perhaps best minimised by com- bining the data from all visits in a diagram (fig. 2), which is probably fairly representative of the community structure in Inverewe Garden and which can be compared with a similar diagram for the Kinloch Castle policies on Rhum (fig. 3). Such differences as are apparent between the two communities con- cern the less common species: it would seem, for example that Greenfinch is better placed at Inverewe, while Dunnock :s commoner on Rhum.
Distribution and density
The varied ecotones around the Castle and the estate houses attracted the most birds. The almost pure stand of mature pine north of Allt Slugan a’ Chuilich had the fewest: present were Wren, Robin, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest (two pairs) and Chaffinch. (Chaffinch and Robin were the only occupants of the isolated pine remnant outside the deer fence). Notable ab- sentees from this area were Coal Tit, Treecreeper and Turdus spp. The Coal Tit pairs, although associated with conifers, pre- ferred those areas with a liberal admixture of broad-leaved trees.
The pine with birch and holly understorey north of the pure stand did have the above species and supported a greater
302 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 6(6)
variety and number of birds. The Woodpigeons were concen- trated in this region, probably because it is closest to the culti- vated fields where they feed. House Sparrow Passer domesticus and Swallow Hirundo rustica were found near the houses and farm-buildings. Twite Acanthis flavirostris and Pied Wagtail
SYaHLO 9
%G: HOV4
ROBIN 16%
SONG THRUSH 8%
WILLOW WARBLER 16%
BLACKBIRD 12-5%
Fic. 2. Composition of bird population of Inverewe Garden, 1968-69.
Motacilla alba were more closely associated with the farmland and shore. These species therefore have been omitted from table 1, which embraces 265 pairs of 25 species, a density of approximately 450 pairs per 100 acres. It will be seen that the
five commonest species comprise three-quarters of the bird community.
Irregular breeding
Some species which are of regular occurrence in the oak, birch and alder woods studied in Wester Ross do not appear to have bred on Rhum in 1968 or 1969; they include Blue Tit, Mistle Thrush, Tree Pipit, Siskin, and Lesser Redpoll. These and others have nested on Rhum at one time or another in the past, as shown in table 3, which is summarised from data con- tained in Bourne (1957), Williamson and Boyd (1963), Evans
and Flower (1967), and Peter Wormell’s personal observations, particularly in 1970.
The irregular appearance of most of these is probably ex- plained as an ‘island effect’, birds striving first of all to fill suit-
1971 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 303
able niches close to the mainland centres of dispersal and migration routes, and reaching Rhum only in seasons when there is intra-specific competition for mainland haunts and therefore pressure to expand. Such populations will usually be small and therefore unstable, especially as they may have
CHAFFINCH 18%
7p HDVI SUSHLO 9
GOLDCREST 6:-5%
ROBIN 15-5%
SONG THRUSH 6:52
BLACKBIRD 9%
WILLOW WARBLER 15+5%
Fic. So position of bird population of policy woodland, Rhum, May
difficulty in overwintering. Moreover, such birds as do arrive are likely to be wandering males, part of the ‘floating popula- tion’ characteristic of the nothern forest avifauna (Enemar and Sj6strand 1970) and may remain unmated.
Rhum’s comparative isolation, across a narrow water gap, must impose some check to successful colonisation, and pro- bably explains why Tawny Owl Strix aluco and Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (for both of which apparently suitable conditions exist at Loch Scresort) have been reported only as rare vagrants, the former in 1963 and the latter in 1962. The instability of populations that can at times attain a relative- ly large size and that are common on the nearby mainland (e.g. Blue Tit, Starling, House Sparrow) is difficult to explain ex- cept on the grounds given above. Also, it is curious that the establishment of such species as Siskin and Lesser Redpoll, for which suitable habitat exists and which are currently enjoying range expansion in Britain, has been delayed on Rhum. AI- though Siskins bred in some numbers for the first time in 1970, Lesser Redpoll is still only an occasional breeder.
304
Great Tit | Parus major Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Coal Tit Parus ater
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Treecreeper Certhia familiaris
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Tree Pipit : Anthus trivialis Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Greenfinch
Chloris chloris Siskin
Carduelis spinus Lesser Redpoll
Carduelis flammea Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhula House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
THE BIRDS OF RHUM 6(6)
Table 3. Irregular breeding of some woodiand passerines on Rhum Recorded as:
having bred 1955 (family)
1934 (6-10 families) 1950s (numerous) 1959-60 (5 pairs)
1970 (2 pairs)
1950, 1961-62 and from 1965 (2-3 pairs)
1970 (2 pairs)
1969
1938-61, 1964, 1968-69 (3 pairs), 1970
1934 and in recent years (up to 3 pairs), 1970 (one pair)
1961
1958, 1966
1950, 1958, 1959 (2 pairs) 1967 (4 pairs) 1959
1961-62, since then “probably one pair annually”,
1969 (2 pairs)
1934, 1957-59, 1966, 1970
1934, 1940s, 1961-62 (3 pairs), 1964-66 (1 pair) 1960, 1963, 1969
1964, 1966
1970 (6 pairs)
1934, 1962 (several), 1965-66 (several), 1970
1934, from 1958 after wintering
singing or seen absent 1969 1968 1961 (several) 1962-63 1969 1968 1960 1950s 1963-64 1934, 1948 1968, 1970 regularly 1962-63 1961 1968-69 1962-66 (dd) 1968-70 (dd) June 1966 (2 areas) 1969 and 1970 1960-62, 1968, 1970 1964-65, 1969 1958, 1960, 1968 1969-70 1969 and 1970 1961, 1968, 1970 1969 1961 (2), 1969 1968 most years 1968, 1970 1958, 1961 (2) 1968-70 1967-69 1960-61 1950s, 1968-70 1958, 1961 1965, 1969 1968 1969 1968 Pair seen 1964 and 1970 1950-57
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1) | |
y
1971 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 305
A comparison of the data in table 3 with the dominance positions shown in table 1 suggests that no small bird that forms less than 5% of the total passerine community can be said to be firmly established as a regular breeding species. The situation with the parids is particularly fascinating. In 1969 the only breeding species was Coal Tit, and this apparently has not always been present, while Blue Tit, which was “numerous” in the 1950s when Coal Tit was absent, seems to have declined and disappeared in the early 1960s (table 3). It was present again in 1970, however, with two pairs nesting as well as two or three pairs of Coal Tits. Lack (1969) has made the interest- ing point (giving an illustration from the Canaries where of these two species only Blue Tit occurs, inhabiting both pine and broad-leaved woods) that in the restricted ecological con- ditions found on islands, one generalised species is liable to displace two specialists. Despite the proximity of Rhum to the mainland of Scotland it may be that there is serious compet- ition among the tits, with the odds on colonisaion by either Blue Tit or Coal Tit to the exclusion of Great Tit and the other. The future development of the young tree plots with their mix- ture of broad-leaved trees and quickly growing conifers should favour Coal Tit, since it seems to be adapting well to a broadly based niche of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees, and may be better equipped than Blue Tit to overwinter successfully in so restricted an area. It is noteworthy that, although a pair was present in the mainly deciduous Southside Wood, Coal Tit was absent from the Northside spruce and larch (see next section); nor was it present in the nearly pure stand of pine in the wes- tern corner of the Castle policies.
During the census work in 1969 one or at the most two song or sight records were obtained for the following species, and in all cases they are considered to have been late migrants or part of the floating population without established territories: Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur, Blue Tit, Blackcap Sylvia atri- capilla (male), Whitethroat Sylvia communis (male), Pied Fly- catcher Ficedula hypoleuca (male), White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba (male), Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea (female), Sis- kin and Lesser Redpoll.
Note 1. The 1968 data are from six surveys by Batten and Pomeroy. The
1970 additions and some earlier data were supplied by Wormell.
Note 2. Birds of prey. Buzzard Buteo buteo bred in 1950 (two families) and 1955 and was present at Papadil in 1934: the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus its staple food does not occur on Rhum. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus bred in 1959 and possibly 1962, since when cne or two have been seen regularly. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus bred in 1955 (two pairs) and 1959 (at least four pairs), and Evans and Flower (1967) say ‘‘perhaps one pair since’, but at present at least two pairs breed regularly (P. Wormell, pers. comm.). Peregrine Falco peregrinus and Merlin Falco columbarius, which probably breed regularly, were both seen in 1969. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos was encountered daily.
306 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 6(6)
Isolated woods Northside Wood
The wood on the northeast shore of Loch Scresort is predom- inantly Norway spruce with some European larch Larix decidua and Scots pine in places; broad-leaved trees are few and com- prise some birches in the northeast and some alders beside the outfall of the stream that flows through the western end. The wood is in four major sections with much open grassland be- tween, where seedlings of pine, alder, birch, etc. have been planted in recent years. The area was affected by a severe moor- land fire in late March 1969, the pine seedlings on open ground and some mature spruces on the moor fringe being killed. The broad-leaved seedlings, cut after the fire, appear to be coppicing well (Wormell 1970).
The trees cover roughly 12 acres, and there must be at least as much open ground. Five pairs of Herons Ardea cinerea nest- ed in this wood in 1960 and two pairs in 1963 and 1964 (Evans and Flower 1967). The bird community (table 4) is typical of a closed-canopy coniferous wood, although Coal Tit is lacking. Short-eared Owl and Meadow Pipit were dependent
Table 4. Bird communities in isolated mature woods
Northside Wood Southside Wood
No. of Dominance% No.of Dominance% territories (passerines) territories (passerines)
Woodcock u Common Sandpiper 1 1 Woodpigeon 2 Short-eared Owl 1 Hooded Crow 2 14 Coal Tit Wren 3) Redstart Robin 1 Willow Warbler Goldcrest Z 14 Meadow Pipit Chaffinch
Total species 10 8 Total territories 19 17
Ol b= ~J
*probably non-breeding Dominance figures rounded off to nearest whole number
on the open areas, and Common Sandpipers were probably nesting near the alder-grown mouth of the stream. Visiting birds were Song Thrush, Willow Warbler and Twite. Siskins nested in this wood in 1970 (P. Wormell, pers. comm.).
1971 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 307
Southside Wood
The Southside Wood is a very mixed stand with sycamore and larch the dominant trees, the latter being most numerous towards the shore. There are some birches and rowans, espec- ially on the fringe, and some alders along a stream flowing through the western part. The occasional sweet chestnut Cas- tanea sativa, ash, horse chestnut, Swedish whitebeam Sorbus intermedia, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, Douglas fir Pseudo- tsuga menziesii and pine are found. There are small rhododen- dron thickets close to the shore and at the southwestern edge, and also small open areas with a moorland field layer. Close to a stream near the eastern edge there are the remains of old buildings. The area is approximately ten acres.
A more varied bird life might have been expected, in view of the diversity found in the Castle policies. However, unlike the policy woodland, the area is grazed by deer so that the devel- opment of secondary growth and rich herb layer is prevented. There were no thrushes, and Dunnock and Treecreeper were absent. Not surprisingly in such a well mixed habitat, Willow Warbler and Chaffinch shared dominance (table 4). The terri- tory of one of the two pairs of Wrens extended beyond the wood into a rocky gully with aspens Populus tremulus. The Redstart (only a male was seen) was the only one recorded on Rhum in 1969, and its territory included the old buildings where Bruce Campbell and the writer found a nest with five eggs in 1961 (Williamson and Boyd 1963). Sparrowhawk (perhaps from the main wood), Collared Dove, Cuckoo and Spotted Fly- catcher were recorded as visitors. Siskins nested in 1970 (P. Wormell, pers. comm.).
Papadil Lodge
Papadil was visited twice by J. Cook, in company with W. Edwards on 28th May and P. Willson on 3rd June. Owing to its remoteness, these visits were of brief duration, and only a cur- sory examination of the old wood and adjacent tree plot was possible. Willow Warbler and Chaffinch were in song on both dates, and other passerines present were Wren, Blackbird, Spotted Flycatcher (a pair) and Dunnock. A Long-eared Owl and a Collared Dove were found in rhododendrons in front of the Lodge.
Experimental tree-plots
One-year-old plots
In 1968 Batten and Pomeroy (1969) censused 85 acres of moorland that had been ploughed and recently planted with tree seedlings; and they also censused, for ccmparison, 196 acres of unplanted wet moorland on the same hill. These cen- suses were repeated by the expedition in 1969 after a disastrous spring fire which destroyed the ground vegetation and killed many of the tree seedlings (Batten 1970).
308 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 6(6)
The total number of mapped territories on the two plots was 40 in 1968 and 46 in 1969, so, clearly, *he carrying capacity of the ground was not adversely affected by the fire. The differ- ence in the number of Meadow Pipits present is not statistically significant. The fact that more Red Grouse were recorded in late spring 1969 could have been due to their greater conspic- uousness, a short and still somewhat sparse flush of Molinia being the only cover at that time.
Clearly the burning was of less importance to the environ- ment than the ploughing in preparation for planting out the seedlings. Batten and Pomeroy have shown that this treatment more than doubles the population of Meadow Pipits and greatly improves the conditions for Skylark, Red Grouse and Snipe (table 5).
Table 5. Relative densities of species on planted and unplanted moorland One-year-old moorland plantation Unplanted wet moorland 85 acres (34.4 hectares) 196 acres (79.4 hectares)
1968 1969 1968 1969 Pairs per 100 Pairs per 100 Pairs per 100 Pairs per 100 acres hectares acres hectares acres hectares acres hectares
Red-throated Diver 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 12 Gavia stellata
Red Grouse 2.4 5.9 3.6 8.9 0 0 1:5 Ser Lagopus scoticus
Snipe 2.4 5.9 2.4 5.0 0 0 1.5 37 Gallinago gallinago
Skylark 3.6 8.9 3.6 8.9 0 0 0.5 2 Alauda arvensis
Wheatear 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 1.2 Oenanthe oenanthe
Stonechat eZ 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Saxicola torquata
Meadow Pipit 21.2 524 20.0 49.4 Take e 1725 S721 5 Anthus pratensis
Totals SOS nop HG. Dein 2956) etdial Ll na lib el2aeiee:s
To provide a further check, a census was carried out in 1969 on a moorland area in a part of the island untouched by the fire, close to the central lochs; this suggested a Meadow Pipit density of 4-5 pairs per 100 acres, or half that of the ploughed moorland. The total bird density on the moor surrounding the lochs was 7.4 pairs per 100 acres compared with 31 pairs per 100 acres on the newly planted moorland, confirming the great- er attraction and holding capacity of this initial stage of the new plantations.
Ten-year-old plots
Planting inside fenced plots was begun in 1959: the trees used consisted of a variety of native hardwoods and Scots pine, often sheltered by a windbreak of gorse Ulex europaeus and broom Sarothamnus scoparius. They were usually sited where some natural woody growth had escaped the ravages of sheep
1971 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 309
and red deer, in steep-sided gullies carrying streams. The greater part of the plot at Kilmory South was left to regenerate naturally from existing scrub. Full details have been given by Wormell (1968).
The five larger plots were examined in 1968 and again in 1969 (table 6). The surveys in 1968 were made by Batten and Pomeroy (1969), the plots at Ard Nev, Ard Mheall and Prim- rose Burn being omitted. The B.T.O. expedition in 1969 found that Primrose Burn and Kinloch Glen had been so ravaged by the fire of late March that no birds were present. Much of the earth was still bare, the pine seedlings were dead, and the only growth consisted of a sparse flush of Molinia and new shoots from coppiced hardwood seedlings. The cover was en- tirely inadequate for ground-nesting birds. Ard Nev (800 feet) and Ard Mheall (600 feet) were too high and exposed to be attractive to birdlife, and the sum total was one pair of Meadow Pipits (with a nest and four eggs) in the former.
It is clear that, although the larger tree plots contain few whole territories, they serve as loci for a number which range over a part of the neighbouring moor. They enrich the environ- ment in three ways, each corresponding to a stage in their de- velopment and colonisation. First, they lead to a concentration of the moorland species, as shown by Batten and Pomeroy (1969), particularly affecting Meadow Pipit, but also Red Grouse, Common Snipe and Short-eared Owl (and possibly Corncrake Crex crex in Kinloch Glen plantation in 1968). After a few years the emergent cover attracts scrub and woodland- edge species such as Wren, Stonechat, Whinchat, White- throat and Sedge Warbler. Finally the trees become large enough to interest the forest species such as Song Thrush, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Chaffinch. These are probably entirely dependent on the plots for their food and nesting sites. The five plantations whose birds are summarised in table 6 are presently at the interesting stage of catering for all three groups. With in- creasing age of the trees, the third group will colonise at the expense of the first, but their expansion will be limited by the small size (average seven acres) of the plots.
It is fortunate that the census study was spread over two years; had the work been confined to the 1969 season, a false impression of the part played by these plots in the moorland ecology might have resulted, since the bird fauna associated with them was poorer in numbers (though not in species) than in the previous year. Red Grouse and Common Snipe, though present in 1968, were not established in 1969; but two wood- land species, Spotted Flycatcher and Chaffinch, had moved in. A Short-eared Owl was seen on single occasions at Harris and Kilmory South in 1968, and in the following year was firmly
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established in the Harris (where a young bird was found) and Kilmory Fank plantations. Sufficient castings were collected at these two haunts to enable D. E. Glue to show that their main food comprised small mammals—with 63% of the prey-weight brown rat Rattus norvegicus, 21% wood mouse Apodemus syl- vaticus and 12% pigmy shrew Sorex minutus.
More Meadow Pipits were associated with the tree plots in 1968 than in 1969, but, omitting Kinloch Glen which was ren- dered quite unsuitable for them in the latter year, the discrep- ancy is probably not outside the normal fluctuation in this species, and the decline was matched by a similar decrease discovered in a repeat census of the farmland. More serious (and again reflected in the farm census) was the decline in the Whinchat population between the two seasons. The tree plots are Clearly important to this species—though this might not have been apparent from the 1969 census alone—and the 1968 concentration at Harris is remarkable. As Batten (1971) has indicated, some disaster appears to have overtaken Whitethroat (and perhaps other species wintering in Africa) in 1968-69. It is noteworthy that Stonechat, a short-distance migrant, showed no variation between the two years. The fall in the Wren pop- ulation in the tree plots is substantial and unexplained.
Examination of table 6 shows that Kilmory Fank, with 12-13 mapped territories shared among eight species in each year, is the most successful plantation: it has the most varied topo- graphy, and one of its two stream-bearing gullies has well grown birch trees. Harris, judging especially from the 1968 figures, has a good potential. The poorest results are shown by the long narrow plantations near Kilmory, especially the southern one which was left largely to regenerate from existing scrub.
Summary and conclusions
It is fortunate that the reafforestation programme on Rhum is sup- ported by a mature mixed artificial woodland rather than a more homo- geneous one of native type, since the more varied canopy and secondary vegetation and the wide variety of edge habitats have encouraged strong colonisation by several species (e.g. Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dun- nock) which are relatively scarce in the semi-natural-woodland commun- ities studied in northwest Scotland.
If we accept as an arbitrary threshold for the successful colonisation of a species a level of around 5% of the total passerine community, then eight woodland birds seem to be sufficiently well established to provide an overspill for the new woodland niches as these become available with the growth of the moorland tree plots. In addition to the birds mentioned above there are Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Wren and Goldcrest. The policy woodland would appear to be of the best kind to serve the purpose of a production and dispersal centre from which the developing forest is populated.
In the first stage of establishing woodland on a denuded island, plough- ing in preparation for planting out tree seedlings concentrates more moorland birds in the treated area, doubling the Meadow Pipit popula-
312 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 6(6)
tion. This is possibly due to the increased surface area and exposure of soil organisms, and improved drainage leading to greater biological ac- tivity. There may also be a shelter factor. This process is carried into the early growth stage of the young tree plots, which can support a high density relative to their small area, since they serve as loci for territories radiating outwards onto the surrounding moor.
After a few years the second-stage colonists, among which Wren, Stone- chat and Whinchat are prominent, take advanage of the scrub. Some of these also (particularly the chats) use part of the adjacent moorland as a feeding area. After about a decade the first woodland colonists ap- pear (Chaftinch, Willow Warbler, Song Thrush), probably as_overspill from the mature mixed artificial woodland at Loch Scresort. These are much more dependent on the trees for food and nesting sites. Colonisation by these species is likely to be restricted by the smail size of the plots, so that eventually the total population (and probably also the diversity) will be less than now.
These plots were originally intended as pilot experimental areas to determine whether coniferous and broad-leaved trees could be established. They have served this purpose, and they should perhaps now be extended at intervals of 12-15 years with a view to creating larger and more viable habitats for the ultimate woodland colonists. At the same time this would ensure for a longer period the availability of suitable ecological condi- tions for the concentration of first- and later second-stage colonists, so achieving the optimum enrichment of the new environment that is one of the stated aims of the planting.
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments are due to Mr and Mrs A. B. Bailey, L. A. Batten, assistant leader of the expedition, J. G. Cook, Mrs Susan Cowdy, Marion Dadds, T. W. Edwards, P. J. Hoy, Mrs M. K. Macduff-Duncan, Mrs B. J. Poloneicka, Dr G. H. Spray, Dr and Mrs R. K. Stanford, Mrs M. Tugendhat, W. H. Wild, Mr and Mrs P. Willson, all of whom took part in the census work. The expedition’s gratitude is due to Peter Wormell, the Reserve Warden, and his deputy George McNaughton and other mem- bers of the Nature Conservancy staff on Rhum for their help. My personal thanks are also due to Peter Wormell for valuable comments and suggestions on a first draft of this paper and for his revision of table 3 to include 1970 data.
The expedition was supported by a grant from the Nature Conservancy (Scotland).
References
BATTEN, L. A. 1970. Effects of fire on moorland birdlife on the Isle of Rhum. Scot. Birds 6: 191-194.
BaTYEen, L. A. 1971. Bird population changes on farmland and in woodland for the years 1968-69. Bird Study 18: 1-8.
BATTEN, L. A. and PoMERoy, D. E. 1969. Effects of reafforestation on the birds of Rhum, Scotland. Bird Study 16: 135-16.
BouRneE, W. R. P. 1957. The birds of the island of Rhum. Scot. Nat. 69: 21-31.
EGGELING, W. J. 1964. A nature reserve management plan for the island of Rhum, Inner Hebrides. J. Appl. Ecol. 1: 405-419.
INEMAR, A. and SJOSTRAND, B. 1970. Bird species densities derived from study area investigations and line transects. Bull. Ecol. esearch Committee No. 9: 35-37, Lund.
1971 THE BIRDS OF RHUM 313
Evans, P. R. and FLOwER, W. U. 1967. The birds of the Small Isles. Scot. Birds 4: 404-445.
INTERNATIONAL BIRD CENSUS COMMITTEE 1969. Recommendations for an international standard for a mapping method in bird census work. Bird Study 16: 249-255.
Lack, D. 1969. The numbers of bird species on islands. Bird Study 16: 1935-209.
WILLIAMSON, K, 1969. Bird communities in woodland habitats in Wester Ross, Scot- land. Q. J. Forestry 635: 305-328.
WILLIAMSON, K. and Boypn, J. M. 1965. A Mosaic of Islands. Edinburgh.
WoRMELL, P. 1968. Establishing woodland on the Isle of Rhum.Scot. For. 22: 207- 220.
WoRMELL, P. 1970. The recovery of plantations after fire on the island of Rhum. Scot. For. 24: 93-100.
Characteristics of Pheasant x Capercaillie Hybrids D. A. BOAG, A. WATSON and N. BOUSFIELD
Introduction
Five Pheasant x Capercaillie hybrids are recorded in the literature (Lumsden 1891, Sim 1896, Clarke 1889, Wynne-Ed- wards 1950 and Gray (1958): all five were males and all collec- ted in Scotland (table 1).
Clarke recognised two morphologically distinct types among the four specimens taken in the 1800s: a Pheasant-like form, with weaker beak and longer rectrices, and a Capercaillie-like form, with strong, hooked beak and shorter rectrices. Both forms had scaled toes and distal tarsi, and vermilion bare skin surrounding the eye, as in Pheasant. They also had partially feathered proximal tarsi, and the hallux on the same plane as the other toes, as in Capercaillie. Their plumage coloration was predominantly like Capercaillie. The 1950 specimen from epee may (bird 5 in table 1) resembles the Pheasant-like form of Clarke.
These five were described from preserved specimens. Few measurements were given, and the _ characteristics of the viscera and fleshy parts were not mentioned. Thus it is impossible to know whether there was any physiological basis for separation of Clarke’s two forms or if they merely repres- ented the two extremes in the distributions of the anatomical characteristics chosen. (Anatomical differences in the hybrids could depend on which species was the male and which the female parent in each case.)
Description of two new hybrids and comparison with others
In October 1970 two more hybrids (birds 6 and 7 in table 1) were shot in Kincardineshire by James Ogilvie, a ranger with the Forestry Commission, and we were able to examine them in the flesh (plate 24a). They had been feeding in a forest at
314 PHEASANT X CAPERCAILLIE HYBRIDS 6(6)
about 270m altitude, where the dominant tree species were Jap- anese larch, lodgepole pine and mountain pine. The ground vegetation was mainly ling and wavy hairgrass.
Both specimens are males: they are thought to be siblings because they were very near one another when shot and they are both in a similar late stage of post-juvenile moult. On dis- section their age was confirmed by the presence of large (19 and 27 mm long) bursae of Fabricius. Remnants of juvenile
Table 1. Pheasant x Capercaillie hybrids recorded in Scotland
Specimen Location Date killed Sex Age
1 Arden Estate, Loch Lomond 8th Nov. 1890 3 — Dunbartonshire
2. Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, 10th Nov. 1890 36 — Inverness-shire
3 Monymusk, Aberdeenshire Late in 1895 3S Juvenile
4 Stronchullin, Blairmore, Mid Sept. 1897 3 Adult Argyllshire
5 Rothiemay, Banffshire 18th Nov. 1950 3 Juvenile
62 The Black Hill, Drumtochty, 13th Oct. 1970 3 Juvenile Kincardineshire
7> The Black Hill, Drumtochty, 13th Oct. 1970 3 Juvenile
Kincardineshire
aIn museum (No. (A773) 1970-1-38) of Dept. of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
bIn museum of Dept. of Zoology, University of Alberta, Canada.
Table 2. Physical characteristics of Pheasant x Capercaillie hybrids Specimen number (from table 1)
2 4 5 6 7
Weight (g) — — — 1413 1285 Lengths (cm)
Total 83.8 84.8 87.0 64.0 62.0
Tail — — 33.5 19.0 17.4
Wing — 32a 33.0 27.0 25.8
Tarsus oe — 9.0 8.5 8.3
Longest toe — — 6.6 6.2 6.0
Culmen a BTL 4.3 Sah 3.4 No. of rectrices — — 19 18 18 Beak form — Tetraonine Phasianine Phasianine Phasianine
plumage on the heads and upper necks of both specimens resemble the juvenile plumage of Pheasant, except that the feathers of the crown, back of the neck and a strip immed- iately below the bare eye patch are heavily barred and tipped with black. The first adult plumage, which is still growing over much of their bodies, resembles most closely that of the Stron- chullin hybrid (bird 4 in table 1) described by Clarke.
The immaturity of the Drumtochty birds is_ reflected in their short total length and tail length (table 2); only the two outside rectrices on either side had completed their growth.
1971 PHEASANT X CAPERCAILLIE HYBRIDS 315
The birds are apparently smaller than the previous ones that have been measured; for example, wing lengths, based on their primary 7 which is fully grown, are considerably smaller (table 2). The beak form is very Pheasant-like and contrasts with the heavier, somewhat hooked Capercaillie-like beaks of the Loch Lomond and Stronchullin hybrids (birds 1 and 4 in table 1) described by Clarke, and seen in the Monymusk speci- men illustrated in Sim (1903). Like the other hybrids recorded
Table 3. Physical characteristics of two adult male Pheasants, the two Drumtochty hybrids and one juvenile male Capercaillie, all from Kincardineshire
Pheasants Hybrids Capercaillie
Absolute value* Relative index Relative index} Relative index
Lengths (cm)
Beak-pygostyle 42.1 1 1.08 1.26 Wing 25.1 1 1.14 1.37 Tarsus 8.5 1 0.99 0.95 Longest toe 5.6 1 1.09 1.25 Culmen 3.4 1 1.00 1.21 Small intestine 121.0 1 1.05 1.17 Large intestine 11.4 1 1.01 1.39 Longest caecum 29.0 1 1.26 2.03 Weights (g) Total body 1556.5 1 0.84 0.93 Empty gizzard 35.3 1 0.67 1.76 Liver 18.0 1 1.56 2.06 Heart 6.5 1 1.46 1.54
*Mean values for two birds *Mean values for the two specimens.
the Drumtochty birds have Pheasant-like tarsi, which lack feathers, except for the upper 2 cm of the anterior border. The feet bear scales only and show no evidence of the lateral corni- fied pectinations that are characteristic of the toes of Caper- caillie from autumn to late spring. The hallux is not raised, as in Pheasant, however, but is on the same plane as the other toes, as in grouse. The tarso-metatarsal spur of Pheasant is vestigial in these hybrids, being represented only by a slightly enlarged convex scale.
The extent to which the Drumtochty birds resemble their Pheasant parent beyond this superficial similarity was investi- gated by comparing their measurements and weights with those of freshly obtained Pheasant and Capercaillie specimens (table 3). In all features measured the hybrids are intermediate be- tween the parent species, but their measurements are much closer to those of Pheasant. This is particularly evident in their smaller beaks, caeca, and gizzards. The smaller gizzard in the hybrids may be partly due to their immaturity as well as to a
316 PHEASANT X CAPERCAILLIE HYBRIDS 6(6)
diet of relatively soft foods; their crops contained mostly soft- bodied insects (table 4). The only characteristics in which the hybrids resembled Capercaillie more closely than Pheasant were total weight and heart size. This may be because the hybrids were similar in age to the Capercaillie and younger than the Pheasants used for comparison.
Two additional features were noted in which the hybrids resembled Pheasant more closely than Capercaillie. The pec- toralis major muscles were pale like those of Pheasant, not
Table 4. Crop contents of the Drumtochty hybrids
Specimen number (from table 1) 6 7 Food item Quantity
Larch sawfly larvae 741 332 Heteroptera — Lepidopterous larvae i Carabid beetle 1 Spider 1 Onycophoran — Needles of larch 87 Fruit of chickweed =
dark as in Capercaillie. Also the post-juvenile moult of the pri- maries had proceeded through the distal-most two. This is sim- ilar to the moult in pheasants, but in tetraonids the outer two juvenile primaries are retained until the bird’s second autumn (Petrides 1942).
Thus it appears that the Drumtochty specimens, which out- wardly resemble Clarke’s Pheasant-like form, are also closer anatomically and physiologically to their Pheasant parent than to their Capercaillie parent. It remains to be determined wheth- er the Capercaillie-like form resembles its Capercaillie parent more closely in these respects.
Acknowledgment
We are grateful to Dr D. Jenkins for his comments on the manuscript.
Summary
Two Pheasant x Capercaillie hybrids from Kincardineshire are descri- bed and compared with the five previously described specimens. The Kincardineshire hybrids are outwardly Pheasant-like, in contrast to some of the previously described individuals, which are recorded as beng Cap- ercaillie-like. The similarity to the Pheasant parent involves both anatom- ical and physiological characteristics, as shown by comparative skeletal and visceral measurements of the hybrids and examples of their parent species.
References
CLARKE, W. E. 1898. On hybrids between the Capercaillie and the Pheasant. Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist. 25: 17-21.
PLATES 21-235. These photographs, all taken in Dumfriesshire, are the work of Robert T. Smith. Above Barn Owl with prey, June 1969. Over Blackcock at a lek, April 1971 (plate 22a and b). Female Sparrowhawk at nest, June 1962 (plate 25a). Gold- crest at nest, Ae Forest, May 1968 (plate 23b).
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1971 PHEASANT X CAPERCAILLIE HYBRIDS 321
Gray, A. P. 1958. Bird Hybrids Technical Communication No. 15. Commonwealth Agric. Bureau.
LUMSDEN, J. 1891. Hybrid between Pheasant and Capercailzie. Scot. Nat. 31: 38-39.
PETRIDES, G. A. 1942. Age determination in American gallinaceous game birds. Trans. N. Am. Wildl. Conf. 7: 308-528.
Sim, G. 1903. Vertebrate Fauna of Dee, Aberdeen.
Sim, G. 1896. Hybrid between Capercaillie and Pheasant. Ann. Scot, Nat. Hist. 17: 38-59.
WYNNE-EDWARDS, V. C. 1950. Pheasant x Capercaillie hybrid. Scot. Nat. 62: 186-187.
Dr Boag and Dr Watson, Nature Conservancy, Blackhall, Ban- chory, Kincardineshire.
Mr Bousfield, Glen Farquhar Lodge, Auchenblae, Kincardine- shire.
The breeding season in a rural colony of Feral Pigeons
GORDON RIDDLE Introduction
A colony of about 100 Feral Pigeons breed in Blunty’s Mill at Kirk Yetholm, Roxburghshire. The building was previousiy a woollen mill and is now converted to boarding kennels.
The birds in the Mill follow a pattern of breeding that I have called rounds. A certain number of birds start their breeding cycle at about the same time (e.g. between 4th and llth May 1969 nine pairs began to breed) and as a result most of these pairs have eggs and rear young at the same time, and all the successfully reared young leave the nest at about the same time.
Table. 1. Nest progress in round 1, 1960
No. of Nest Apr 27 May 4 May 11 May18 May 25 May 31 June8 young Al3 2e 2e 2y lyid Ily f 1 Al4 2e 2ynh = 2y 2y 2y f 2 Al5 le 2e 2e 2y 2y f 2 Al6 2e 2e 2y 2y 2y d 0 Al7a 2e 2e 2ynh 2y 2y f 2 Al7b 2e 2e 2e 2e dis 0 A9 le 2e 2e dis 0 Bl 2e 2e 2e dis 0 B8 2e 2e dis 0 C7 2e 2e 2e dis 0 C8 3e 3e ly2e d 0
Key f - young had left nest; nh - newly hatched; e - eggs; y - young; d - dead; dis - dead in shell
Type yr construction of each nest was also recorded (see section on nest- ing).
However, the rounds do not all follow one after another; some begin before the preceding one has ended. This produces an almost continual period of nesting from the beginning to the end of the season.
The progress of each nest in the colony was recorded once weekly between 4th May 1969 and 15th November 1970, and
322 BREEDING SEASON OF FERAL PIGEONS 6(6)
general notes on the behaviour of the birds during the breed- ing seasons were also made. Tabulation of breeding results was made in rounds, and table 1 is a typical record.
Description of study area
A riverside thick with whin and gorse, grass fields supplying a dairy herd, and a scattering of deciduous trees form the setting of the Mill. The area, with its ample patches of bare or short-cropped ground is an ideal environment for the colony of Feral Pigeons, with good feeding, drinking, bathing, roost- ing and breeding facilities. There is little interference, even though the Mill is inhabited.
34 FEET
CLOSED DOOR
RUBBISH
WIRE PARTITION
Fic. 1. Nest sites in main area and area Sl. A, B and C are cubicles on ledges 6 feet from the floor.
Previously used for poultry, the building has been used by the Feral Pigeons only in the last nine years. The breeding, area is on the second floor, separated from the rest of the Mill by a door. Wire partitions divide the area into five sections; birds nest in all of these, though the largest one has by far the most nests, nest sites and roosting points (fig. 1).
Manure, both hen and pigeon, is very deep in the main sec- tion, and all the others have a liberal covering and a fair amount of rubbish. Light enters through four large windows;
1971 BREEDING SEASON OF FERAL PIGEONS 323
in the smaller sections skylights let in the light and often, when panes are broken, the birds as well. There is an ample variety of nest sites, those most commonly used being the 34 cubicles in the main area formed by the rafters running down to the ledge on top of the outside wall: only six of the 34 were not used at one time or another in 1970. Rafters and ledges are used for roosting. The main entrance to the area is a small hole at the junction of the roof and the chimney stack, where some slates have been dislodged and through which only one bird can enter or leave at a time.
Courtship and nesting
Courtship is quite complicated in the Feral Pigeon, and com- prehensive accounts are given by Thompson (1923) and Whit- man (1919). My observations at the Mill bear out their findings, and only a brief summary is given here. Courtship begins with the male taking the initiative: he picks up scraps of nesting material, selects a nest site and calls for a female. When an interested hen arrives, pecking, billing and mutual preening take place. Bowing and cooing follow, with the male raising and spreading his tail and strutting round the female. She droops her wings and by adopting a continual submissive pose and ducking down indicates her readiness to mate. After mat- ing nesting begins.
The nest site is usually in a dark place, draught-proof and enclosed on three sides; for example a hole in a wall or a ledge cubicle. The birds are very adaptable in choosing sites. Nest sites used included: holes in walls; a sack in the rafters; a thick rafter; ledge cubicles; a barrel; boxes; the floor; chicken frames; steps; shelves. Most sites were easily found since the adults do not remove droppings from the nest, and these build up and around it, and eggshells, feathers and nest materials are littered below. For the birds nesting in the Mill, nest sani- tation would appear to have little survival value, as the breed- ing, areas are shut off from most predators, and so the nests do not have to be carefully hidden.
The birds tended to collect nest materials from what was available at the time. Often during a round one particular mat- erial would be predominant. For example, if a field had been turned over by the plough, and plenty of wrack was available, it would be used by most of the colony. Straw was collected from a nearby shed, twigs from below trees, and feathers were in good supply at all times in the Mill. Oddly enough there was a change of materials in the two years. In 1969 the main mater- ials used were wrack, straw, twigs and feathers, as follows: in round 1 sticks; in round 2 sticks and feathers; and in rounds 3, 4, 5 and 6 all four materials. In 1970, however, in every round, only straw and feathers were used. Wrack was not as abundant that year, but twigs were.
324 BREEDING SEASON OF FERAL PIGEONS 6(6)
Six types of nest were distinguished : bare ledge with no nest material; bare ledge with small amount of material; well built platform of sticks or straw; base of droppings; base plus nest materials; base plus platform.
The most common type was base plus nest materials. This had the shape of a bowl, owing to the accretion round the nest of the droppings of previous squabs. Over a long period the droppings had hardened, creating a strong concrete-like structure. Nest materials were usually placed inside the bowl, which was 7-8 inches in diameter, with sides 2 inches high. These nests were used over and over again. A few pairs did not use nest materials, and eggs were laid either on the bare ledge or in a bowl, but this was exceptional. The well built, strong platform of Wood Pigeon type was infrequent; the few seen were built from sticks or wrack.
The female lays two eggs 48 hours apart. If one egg is lost she does not lay another to replace it. In a few nests three eggs were found, though only in two cases did three young hiatch. One pair did rear the three, but in the other, one squab hatched a few days later than the others and was squashed soon after. All the other pairs with three eggs hatched and reared two. Three of the nests that had three eggs were next to each other in time and position. Nests X5, X7 and X8 (in one of the smaller sections) all had three eggs between 17th June and 8th Aug- ust 1970, and seven young were reared from them. Complete clutches of only one egg were rare, only 16 out of 236. The fertility rate of the birds in the Mill is high: in 1969 only two out of the 186 eggs showed no signs of embryo development.
Incubation lasts 17 days and is carried out by both parents. When the young hatch, the eggshells are not always discarded from the nest; if they remain they are soon crushed. During the first five days the squabs are fed on pigeon milk secreted from the lining of both the adults’ crops. After this period they are fed on food regurgitated by the adult, the squabs putting their heads right into the parent’s gullet. A compre- hensive account is given by Murton (1965).
On hatching, the young birds have a layer of yellowish orange down, which soon darkens as the quills appear. Grad- ually the feathers develop until after two weeks the squabs are well covered, and after three and a half weeks they are strong enough to leave the nest. At this stage the juveniles often perch on or near the nest, calling for food when the parent enters. Even after they are able to fly they often roost on the nest until the parents begin a new round. To leave the Mill, the young birds have to be strong enough to fly up and cling to the bricks before escaping to the outside world through the hole. They spend a short period inside the Mill before at- tempting this and so have an opportunity to strengthen their wings, flying from the floor to the ledges and rafters. Thus the
NUMBER
‘OF
SQUABS
_ LEAVING
_ NESTS
1971 BREEDING SEASON OF FERAL PIGEONS 325
young are protected from the hazards of the outside world at a most vulnerable stage in their development. Hunger forces them out, since no food is available in the Mill when the par- ents stop feeding them.
Nest failure
Nest failure can be attributed to a number of causes. Preda- tion inside the Mill is due mainly to rats. One attack on 9th May 1970 resulted in the birds deserting the Mill for three weeks. Only two nests out of 15 survived the slaughter, eggs and squabs being taken and nests destroyed.
Adults sometimes came to grief in the panic that ensued when anyone entered the breeding areas, since the exit hole allows only one bird to depart at a time.
Away from the breeding colony, the birds may be subject to predation by cats, a healthy population of which breed in the area, but man is probably the most dangerous predator. Pigeons are shot for food and for sport, and bodies are fre- quently found both inside and outside the Mill. Out of 55 dead adults found, 42 had been shot. Young birds in the nest died of starvation when the parents disappeared. A negligible number of young died due to accidents, such as falls, and draughts.
30
20 | | | | ral alta , M JF LY, WAL eS te) N D J F M A M J JLY' A Ss 0 N
1969 1970 MONTHS
Fie. 2, Number of young reared.
—_ So
on
Seasonal and climatic factors The weather is an important factor in the breeding cycle at the Mill. Late frosts can cause chilled eggs and desertion. The
326 BREEDING SEASON OF FERAL PIGEONS 6(6)
average temperature during the four non-breeding months, Nov- ember to February, during the study was 40°F, with much colder periods. Only a few young survived during breeding rounds when temperatures were around this level, and when there was frost and snow. For example, in 1969 during round 7 (2nd-30th November) the average temperature was 40°F, and no birds left the nests. In 1970 during round 2 (15th March- 12th April) the average temperature was 42.6°F, and again no birds left the nests. Feeding is also affected if there is a hard frost or snow on the ground.
Day length is also an important factor, and the period men- tioned when breeding success was hardly ever recorded was, of course, the period of shortest days. The most successful rounds were between July and October, when the birds have longer periods of daylight in which to feed and collect food for their young (fig. 2). The nesting grounds at this time of the year, when food supplies are good and the temperatures are much higher, were most successful: in 1969 during round 3 (3rd August-4th September) the average temperature was 64°F, and 22 young were reared; in round 4 (24th August-5th October) the average temperature was 60°F, and 20 young were reared; in 1970 during round 5 (7th June-26th July) the average temperature was 61°F, and 27 young were reared; in round 6 (12 July-5th September) the average temperature was 60.5°F, and 29 young were reared.
Territorial behaviour
Gompertz (1957) stated “Many Feral Pigeons hold quite an extensive territory round the nest site, and I think that if there are alternative sites available the spacing out of nesting is much more considerable than sometimes supposed.”
This was not the case at the Mill. Although in the main area 34 sites were available on the ledges, birds persisted in nest- ing close together or in groups when they could have spaced themselves out. Indeed, successful breeding results were ob- tained from pairs nesting very close to each other, e.g., Al3- A18 in rounds 3 and 6 in 1969, and A3-A9 in round 6 in both 1969 and 1970.
Very little territory other than the immediate vicinity of the nest was held by pairs. However, nests were often out of sight of each other in the partitions formed by the rafters running onto the ledge. Nevertheless, some ledge cubicles contained two nests, and sometimes both were used at the same time, but only one pair usually succeeded in rearing squabs. Owing to the abundance of nest sites, competition for them is not fierce. In summer, food and nest materials are abundant round the Mill, and so there is little competition here either. In winter, however, competition for food is severe,
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Population
The colony increased slightly but noticeably during the months of observation, but the population level and rate of expansion, however, were difficult to calculate; although it was easy to record new arrivals to the colony, i.e. squabs, it was impossible to estimate the number of birds that died away from the Mill. Some 55 bodies of adults were found in 1970 in and around the Mill, and the total number that had been killed or died was certainly greater.
In 1970, of 171 young hatched, about a third failed to sur- vive the nesting stage: 117 young birds left the nest, but a large proportion of these died before attaining breeding status. The number of nest sites used suggests that, although there is a surplus at the end of the breeding season owing to the accumulation of juvenile birds, the effective breeding pop- ulation is expanding only slowly : despite the number of nest sites available, the totals used in 1969 and 1970 were 46 and 50 respectively. Most sites were used in both years, and some new sites were adopted in 1970, but the number of nesting pairs seems stable.
Two observations give an indication of the size of the pop- ulation : on one occasion 80 birds were counted sunning them- selves on the roof of the building while at least ten adults were inside; secondly, on the date when most pairs were breeding, 5th September 1970, 32 nests had either eggs or squabs in them. (In both years a high number of young left the nest in September : e.g. 39 in September 1970).
The data for the two years are summarized in table 2.
Discussion
The Feral Pigeons in the Mill are a true colony, being an aggregate of animals feeding together, and breeding close to- gether in the confines of the building. Fitter (1949), discussing London Feral Pigeons, also noted the colonial preference of the bird in the urban environment.
The way the Mill was colonised was similar to the method described by Gompertz (1957) who recorded how scme Feral Pigeons took over an attic after a window pane had been broken. A few pairs in the Kirk Yetholm area took the oppor- tunity, when the poultry were removed, to enter the Mill and begin nesting. In nine years they have successfully built up a rp ds colony of over 100 birds despite predation by rats and man.
The Feral Pigeon has forsaken the sea caves and cliff faces lof its ancestor the Rock Dove, but the walls of the Mill, its ledges and rafters correspond to the conditions in which the Rock Dove thrives. The Feral Pigeon has adapted well to
1971 BREEDING SEASON OF FERAL PIGEONS 329
rural life, though the Yetholm colony still depends on man (as do its urban counterparts) for food and a place to breed: the crops in summer and winter provide food, and the Mill provides shelter, roosting places and nest sites. Competition with Wood Pigeon, which is adapted to living in rural areas, is thus confined to feeding only.
Summary
A colony of Feral Pigeons inhabits a Mill in rural surroundings in Rox- burgshire. Breeding activity in the colony was studied over a period of two seasons. Data are given based on the pattern of breeding rounds. Ob- servations on behaviour confirm those of previous workers except that the birds in the present study did not appear to hold much territory around the nest site.
References
FITTER, R. S. R. 1949. London Birds, London.
GOMPERTZ, T. 1957. Some Observations on the Feral Pigeon, Bird Study 4: 2-13.
THoMPSoN, J. A.1925. Biology of Birds, London.
WHITMAN, C. O. 1919. The Behaviour of Pigeons, Washington.
MurtTon, R. K. 1965. The Wood Pigeon, London.
Weather figures are from the Hill Farm Research Organisation at Sourhope, Rox- burgshire.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Jack Robb, Andrew Currie, Michael Wilson and Rosemary Robb for all the help they gave me dur- ing the two years of observation and in the preparation of this paper.
Short Notes Balearic Shearwaters in the Forth
On 18th August 1969 at Fife Ness P. A. Lassey, Dr P. H. Smith and I were carrying out a sea watch. Fair numbers of Manx Shearwaters had been seen during the day. At 1700 hrs BST, looking due east, we picked up a different-plumaged bird at a range of probably quarter to half a mile as it approached flying south. We watched it as it flew past and until it disap- peared out of sight. Visibility was moderate to good, and we had excellent views of the bird. It was the same size as a Manx Shearwater, with the same characteristic shearing flight as that species, on stiff, sickle-shaped, pointed wings.
The next day at 1725 hrs and in perfect visibility we again had excellent views of a shearwater of the same description
330 SHORT NOTES 6(6)
flying north, followed three minutes later by two more. The plumage notes below apply equally to all four birds:
Description Upperparts brown or grey-brown, shading to a paler dirty brownish-white below, not contrasting with white underparts as in Manx Shearwater; axillaries paler, not clear white as in Manx Shearwater, nor with pale longtitudinal line of Sooty Shearwater; bill fine and dark, not yellow and relatively large like that of Cory’s Shear- water.
This plumage can only be that of the Balearic Shearwater, the west-Mediterranean race of the Manx species. We have had previous experience of this race, both in Britain and in the Mediterranean.
During the period when these birds were seen, good numbers of the scarcer southern shearwaters were obviously present in the North Sea, for on 23rd August a sudden northerly gale pro- duced many Sooty Shearwaters along the northeast coast of England. At Holy Island that day we saw 38 Sooty Shearwaters and another Balearic Shearwater, while on 26th August at Hartlepools (where 25 Sooty Shearwaters had appeared on the 23rd) we saw a Great Shearwater.
M. E. GREENHALGH.
(The only previous record of a Balearic Shearwater in Scot- land is of one shot in the Forth on 19th August 1874 (Scot. Nat. 1916: 249), though there is also a report of one seen 65 miles west of South Uist on 10th September 1966 (Ibis 110: 3).—ED.)
Cory’s Shearwater in Orkney
On 24th September 1970 between Scrabster (Caithness) and Stromness (Orkney) I saw a Cory’s Shearwater. There was an easterly wind, which had been blowing for days, and under the western lee of Hoy were many hundreds of Fulmars, resting on the water. Among these I saw three Sooty Shearwaters, one of which was close enough to show the pale wing-linings clear- ly. About 200 yards off, a very big shearwater got up with several Fulmars, one of which chivvied it in flight. It was a whole size bigger than the Fulmars and plain brown above, without a pale patch on the neck or above the tail. The apparent brown colour of the back was not due to a trick of the light, which sometimes makes Fulmars seem brown, as the Fulmars with the Corvy’s were obviously grey. Its wing-flapping was much slower than that of the Fulmars.
M. F. M. MEIKLEJOHN.
(Apart from a notable passage of 88 Cory’s Shearwaters at Fair Isle in September 1965 (Scot. Birds 4: 218) there is only a handful of Scottish records of the species, and this seems to be the first for Orkney.—Eb.)
1971 SHORT NOTES 331
Little Egret in Wigtownshire
On 19th April 1976 GAW saw a Little Egret at a pond on Catyans farm on the northern outskirts of Whithorn. On 30th April on the Kilfillan Burn, Manse Bridge, Garlieston, about four miles from Catyans, RHM and GAW saw the bird again and it was seen there on several occasions up to 6th May.
GAW saw the bird catch a frog and an eel. Each time it made a catch it would rise slightly out of the water, flapping its wings. R. H. MILLER, G. A. WILLMETT.
(This record fits in with the previously published series for the period October 1969 to July 1970 (Scot. Birds 6: 196-197). It is not the first record for Wigtownshire; one was found dead are a at Mochrum on 23rd April 1968 (Scot. Birds 5:
—ED.
Little Bittern in South Fife
On 10th June 1970 TW and JW saw a Little Bittern in a gully beside Gillingshill Reservoir. It stood motionless for about a quarter of an hour then moved its head very slowly to one side then the other. It walked slowly to the water’s edge and stretched its neck to feed or drink. When a small bird flew over, the bittern stretched up towards it.
Later in the day, at the same spot, JARG watched the bird for an hour at close range. It stood among dock leaves by the muddy edge of the stream: it moved very little, and was not disturbed by a low-flying aircraft or by the noise of blasting from a nearby quarry. Its hunched attitude was Heron-like, but on one occasion, and for no apparent reason, the bird suddenly stretched to its full height, its bill pointing to the sky.
Description Crown and nape soft blue-grey or blue-black; back black; wing-patch warm buff with faint dark markings; face and all under- parts warm pinky buff, striated; bill blood-red at base, straw-coloured towards tip, with dark grey ridge along top of upper mandible; iris yellow, and there seemed to be a yellow eye-ring; legs yellowish green.
The bird was not seen again. J. A. R. GRANT, T. WAREHAM, J. WATKINS. (This is the first record for South Fife.—ED.)
Black Kite in Orkney
On North Ronaldsay on the morning of 28th September 1970 I saw a large brown raptor fly up from marshy ground near Lindy croft. At first I thought it was a Marsh Harrier, but it was too small, and when it alighted on a cattle trough on the top
332 SHORT NOTES 6(6)
of a wall I saw that it was a Black Kite, only a little bigger than the pair of Hoodies that were diving at it. It was chocolate- brown in general colouration, but paler below, with the head, especially below the eye, palest of all. It showed typical kite stance, rather horizontal, not upright like a Buzzard. Its long wings, reaching the end of its tail, gave it an elongated look. Its head was small and its beak rather short, with a long hook at the tip. It flew off to a barley-stook, and I saw the plain brown tail with a shallow fork.
For comparison I was lucky enough to see a Buzzard the following day and was able to note these contrasting points: steadier, not so wobbly flight; larger, rounder head; pale under wing-coverts with dark spot; and, of course, square, barred tail. To judge from the plate in Coward’s Birds of the British Isles and Their Eggs (Vol. 3), the Black Kite also has barring on the tail, but this must be ver inconspicuous.
The winds had been easterly for some days, with fog, but the morning of the 28th was clear, so that the birds could see the island and land on it. On the same day I saw a Richard’s Pipit and a Great Grey Shrike.
M. F. M. MEIKLEJOHN.
(This seems to be the first autumn record for Scotland (there are three spring ones) and, taken together with reports from the Northern Isles in 1966 and 1968 (Scot. Birds 4: 295; 6: 38), tends to suggest more regular occurrence than previously recorded.—ED.)
Temminck’s Stint in Stirlingshire
On 15th July 1970, while scanning through a flock of waders in flight over one of the ponds at Skinflats, I noticed a very small wader suddenly break away from the main group and rise above them before landing on the mud at the edge of the pond. Approaching to within 20 yards I had a good view of the bird and was able to identify it as a Temminck’s Stint in full summer plumage. I saw the bird again on 16th July along with I. Taylor. He was immediately struck by the unusual call note, which the bird never failed to utter both when taking off and in flight. He was able to determine the leg colour as brownish-green and thought the bird looked rather short-tailed in flight. When flushed it would fly up quickly, swerving wildly, and after circling once or twice it would suddenly plunge downwards and land on the muddy perimeter of one of the ponds. On the few occasions when it could be directly compared with Dunlin, the difference in size was immediately obvious, and the bill appeared relatively shorter. In its feed- ing activities the stint was much less vigorous than the Dun-
1971 SHORT NOTES 333
lin. Usually it would stand still and either make very shallow probes in the mud around it or pick from the surface of the mud then walk a pace or two and repeat the action.
Description Head and upperparts dark brown, with some of the mantie feathers having black centres, giving a very noticeable mottled look; upper breast greyish and rest of the underparts white, giving the bird, when head-on, an appearance rather like a small Common Sand- piper; in flight a faint white wing-stripe showed; the tail had a black centre and white outer feathers; bili short, straight and black; call note a very distinctive rapid twittering.
The bird was also seen by M. Hutcheson on 17th July and was last seen by me on 19th. DAVID FLEMING.
(The date is exceptionally early for an autumn migrant and calls to mind that the species attempted to breed in East In- verness-shire in 1934-36 and 1956. This is the first record for East Stirlingshire.—ED.)
Wilson’s Phalarope in Angus
On 19th September 1970 Ian Simpson found a phalarope at Forfar Loch. On 21st September, with a party of bird-watchers, we located the bird and watched it at ranges down to 90 yards. At first it stood at the muddy edge of the loch, preening with very fast bill movements. lt was noticeably bigger than a Dun- lin, and considerably smaller than a Ruff, both standing nearby.
The bird spent most of the time swimming jerkily around in shallow water at the edge of the loch, feeding from the sur- face with quick darting movements. The following description is taken from notes made at the time:
Forehead and crown grey; eyestripe broad, darker grey, extending from just forward of the eye, through it and down the neck; nape, back and closed wings grey, primaries darker; some white edging on prim- aries, secondaries and Wing-coverts; no Wing-bar; rump white; throat, breast, underparts and flanks pure white; legs and feet yellow; bill longer than head, very thin, straight, black.
On consulting reference books we identified the bird as a Wilson’s Phalarope, and the record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee.
G. M. CRIGHTON, D. R. BARRATT.
(This is the fourth Scottish record and the first for Tay and Angus. The first was in Fife from 11th September to 5th Octo- ber 1954 (Scot. Nat. 1954: 188), and there have been a score of British records since then. The other Scottish ones were in Dunbartonshire from 30th August to lst September 1962 (Scot. Birds 2: 366) and in Fife from 19th to 25th October 1963 (Scot. Birds 3: 82).—ED.)
(334 SHORT NOTES 6(6) Brunnich’s Guillemot in Argyllshire
On 11th October 1969, after a long spell of strong westerly gales, there were many dead Guillemots on the saltings at the head of Loch Caolisport; among them I found a Briinnich’s Guillemot in a fairly decomposed state. I detached the head, a wing and a leg and later showed them to I. H. J. Lyster at the Royal Scottish Museum. The following description was made from my own notes and from observations made by IHJL; measurements were wing 185mm (down on primaries suggests these feathers had not fully grown in); bill 36.5mm; maximum bill depth 14mm; bill depth at nostril 13.25mm; length from angle on lower mandible to tip 2lmm; tarsus 35mm; tail (an isolated central tail-feather measured from start of down to tip) 53.5mm.
Description Crown and sides of head black, extending well below and behind the eye (unlike winter plumage of common Guillemot); lower cheeks white; between the black on the head and the white of the lower cheeks some feathers showed black at the tips thus producing a gradual merging of the two colours; all upperparts including wings
and tail very black with some tinges of grey; area of white on trailing edge of secondaries much greater than in common Guillemot; upper side of primary shafts very dark brownish black; all underparts pure white except a little black feathering at the chin, and some darkish underwing marks; flanks showed no dark streaks; bill black, pale grey at tip and with a small indistinct dull-yellow streak on side of upper mandible (no white line); legs very dark greyish black with faint dull- yellow tinge on some joints.
The skull was later compared with several common Guille- mots’ skulls, and a number of structural differences in the posterior parts were noted, the most noticeable concerning the cleft that runs down each side of the hind-brain area in both species. In the Briinnich’s Guillemot this cleft was at least twice as wide as the corresponding clefts in all the common Guillemots examined. Unfortunately no other skulls of Briinnich’s Guillemot were available to confirm whether the cleft width in this species is consistent.
R. K. MACGREGOR.
i i" | i t a
| | |
1971 SHORT NOTES 335
(The record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee. It is the first for the Argyll faunal area and North Argyll and is the third Scottish record. We asked Dr W. R. P. Bourne to look at the material, and he comments: “I have compared the skull and wing collected by RKM with the large series of comparative material in the British Museum (Natural History). The pattern of muscle attachments to the hind part of the skull appears to vary individually in guillemots, and this is reflected in the markings on the skull, and it does not seem certain that the one in question can be identified conclusively by these features. The wing, like others collected from com- mon Guillemots during the 1969 birdkill (Stewart Scot. Birds 6: 142-149), is in moult, with the primaries nearly grown but still in sheath, and the under wing-coverts still growing, so that the downy bases to the primaries are exposed. It is very black above, with dark primary shafts (which distinguishes it from the wing of a common Guillemot), and dark central parts to some longer under wing-coverts (which distinguishes it from the wing, of a Razorbill), and together with the descrip- tion of the head markings these characters indicate that it must be Briinnich’s Guillemot” —Eb.)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Caithness
On 9th November 1970 an exhausted bird was picked up three miles west of Thurso. It died during the night. I saw the bird next day and identified it as a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The bird was emaciated and had obviously died of exhaustion and starvation. The body was sent to the Royal Scottish Museum, and the following description is taken from notes made by dofie J .AWSCET -
Head, nape, back and upper tail-coverts mid brown, with a slight gloss; forehead, lores and above eye grey-brown; cheeks, lower ear- coverts and all underparts buff-white, becoming greyer at the sides; under tail-coverts white; wing mid brown, with middle and basal part of the primaries red-brown, and feathers 4—9 almost wholly red-brown; outer webs of secondaries, primary coverts and some other coverts tinged red-brown; inner secondaries mid brown; under wing-coverts cream; outer ends of primaries (underside) dark brown, basal parts light brown to red-brown; secondaries (underside) dark brown, tinged red-brown and cream at bases; the two central pairs of tail feathers mid brown; the three outer pairs much darker brown, with white tips, that of the outermost pair extending halfway along the outer web; upper mandible and tip of lover one dark horn; basal cutting edge of upper mandible and remainder of lower one yellow; legs and feet slate-blue; iris dark brown; eyelids yellow.
Sex female; weight 36.52; wing 147mm; tarsus 26mm; bill 24mm. P. McMOoORRAN.
(Among four other specimens of this species in the Royal Scottish Museum there is one, details of which have not pre-
336 SHORT NOTES 6(6)
viously been published. The bird, a male, was found in the last stages of exhaustion at Bryameadow Farm, Sandwick, Orkney, on 12th October 1956. It was identified by E. Balfour.—Eb.)
House Martins nesting at Golden Eagles’ eyrie
On 5th July 1970 in the Eastern Highlands I was shown a House Martins’ nest built beside a Goiden Eagles’ eyrie. The eyrie, situated beneath an overhang, was occupied by a weil grown eaglet. The adult martins were active at their nest, which was a few feet above the eyrie and within the over- hang. When I revisited the site on 11th July the eaglet and the martins were still there.
J. L. F. FERGUSSON.
Rock Thrush at Fair Isle
At 6.50 a.m. on 30th June 1970 Dr Brian Marshall found a male Rock Thrush in the Single Dyke trap on Fair Isle. I exam- ined it at the Bird Observatory, where it was ringed and photo- graphed. A detailed description was taken and the bird was re- leased. It flew with an unusual slow undulating flight and gave a soft, chuckling call, slightly reminiscent of a Mistle Thrush; I think this was part of its song flight. It perched for a few sec- onds on a shed about 100 yards away but was disturbed and flew up to a rocky hillside. We watched it there on the ground for about five minutes before it disappeared over the hill, not to be seen again.
Description Whole of head, nape, sides of neck, chin and throat blue- grey with some feathers very blue, lores darker, nape greyer; upper back grey-black, shading into white on back and upper rump; lower rump feathers dull black with base and tips white; upper tail-coverts a mixture, some like rump, the rest chestnut with darkish tips; all underparts orange; feathers on belly and flanks tipped white; a few feathers on under tail-coverts also with subterminal brown mark. Primaries and secondaries dark brown, with slight grey edging on outer webs of inner primaries and whitish tips on four outer secon- daries; lesser coverts worn, dark brown, edged buff; median coverts a mixture of old and new feathers, old ones like lesser coverts, new ones blackish with white tips; greater coverts old and like secondaries except for three inner ones, which were new and blackish with white tips; primary coverts grey-brown with grey-white tips and outer webs; bastard wing similar; axillaries orange; under wing-coverts orange- buff, with dark marks; tail centre pair brown with orange-buff base, the rest orange with buff marks at tip of outer webs, outermost with distal half of web brown; bill black; gape yellow; inside mouth yellow; iris dark brown; legs and feet brownish horn with dull yellow soles. Wing 122mm; bill 27mm; tarsus 27mm; tail 61mm. The 3rd and 4th primaries were emarginated on the outer webs; the first primary was 10mm shorter than the primary coverts; the 3rd was longest, the 2nd and a 2mm shorter, the 5th 9mm shorter and the rest progressively shorter.
1971 SHORT NOTES 337
We decided the bird was a first-year male. It was also seen by I. S. Robertson, J. Driver, G. J. Barnes and others. The two pre- vious reports for Fair Isle were 8th November 1931 and 16th October 1936. Roy H. DENNIS.
Great Reed Warbler in Fife
On 17th June 1970, at about 8 p.m. D. Thomson and I found a Great Reed Warbler at Kilconquhar Loch. It first attracted attention by its very loud often repeated song, which I tran- scribed as kara kara kreek kreek gurk gurk gurk. Every stanza ended with the gurk gurk gurk, no matter what calls had gone before. The notes were harsh, and some were almost crake-like. The bird sang from a perch out of sight and over the water among the phragmites that surround the loch. It would not be flushed above reed height nor would it move to drier habitat; when disturbed it would seem to disappear but would start singing again about five minutes later.
After we had listened to the song for half an hour, the bird appeared for a few seconds at the top of a small willow tree. This was just long enough for me to see that it was a reed warbler approaching the size of a small Redwing, that its head was much longer than that of the ever present Sedge Warblers and that it was brown on the back and lighter below. It dived for cover and resumed singing. Although we watched for 30 minutes more, we obtained only glimpses of the bird, but it never stopped singing.
An attempt was made to mist-net the bird, but without suc- cess. At 10 p.m., with dusk creeping in, almost all the other birds had stopped singing, but the Great Reed Warbler contin- ued: the strength and depth of the song were remarkable. The song sounded exactly as the Field Guide transcribes it. It is rare that bird sounds are so easy to interpret.
The bird was not seen or heard again, although the site was revisited many times. I suspect the bird had overshot its breed- ing range and had set up a territory at Kilconquhar Loch, which, with its extensive bed of phragmites resembles the Great Reed Warbler’s usual breeding habitat. Similarly in 1961 a Woodchat Shrike inhabited this area in late spring during a like period of prevailing high pressure.
D. W. OLIVER.
(There are three previous Scottish records, all in June: Shet- land 1958 (Scot. Birds 1: 254), Fair Isle and East Inverness 1964. (Scot. Birds 4: 291).—EDbD.)
338 SHORT NOTES 6(6) Tawny Pipit in Shetland
On 10th and 11th June 1970 a Tawny Pipit was present on Whalsay. I watched it for about an hour each day in bright conditions at distances down to 20 yards. It was feeding in cabbage patches and short-cropped grass. When disturbed, it flew from place to place, sometimes perching on fences and stone walls; it was not very wild. The most noticeable features were its very pale sandy colouration, its long-legged erect stance and its Fieldfare-like habit of running fast and stopping suddenly to stand very erect. It frequently moved its tail up and down like a wagtail, its flight was undulating and, although no other birds were near for direct comparison, it appeared to be larger than a Meadow Pipit, and to have longer legs.
Description Forehead and crown sandy brown, lightly streaked brown-black; lores and ear-coverts light brown; eyestripe cream, dis- tinct, extending from base of bill well beyond eye; nape, mantle, scap- ulars and upper tail-coverts sandy brown with faint brown-black streaking; rump unstreaked sandy brown; chin and throat whitish, with brown streaks on upper breast; flanks buffish; belly and under tail-cov- erts whitish; tail brown, centre feathers showing buffish edging, with outer pair whitish; wings brown; secondaries and greater and median coverts edged and tipped buff; lesser coverts brownish, edged buff; legs and feet yellowish flesh; bill brown.
JOHN H. SIMPSON.
(This is the first record for Shetland other than Fair Isle.-— ED.)
Black-headed Bunting in Outer Hebrides
On 6th July 1970 at Boreray, Sound of Harris, I saw a male Black-headed Bunting feeding among straw at the old school. In general appearance it was a large yellow bunting with dark head and rufous brown back. It was rather wary.
Later that day the bird was seen by others and was caught, ringed and photographed. Its plumage, particularly of the wings and body, was in very good condition, though the tail was very slightly abraded. A full description was made and submitted to the British Birds Rarities Committee.
The bird was last seen on the morning of 8th July. A. D. K. RAMSAY.
(There is no previous record for the Outer Hebrides, but with substantial numbers of Black-headed Buntings in captivity the origin of any seen must be suspect. The bird is a summer Vis- itor to southeast Europe.—ED.)
1971 SHORT NOTES 339
Cirl Bunting in Wigtownshire
On 17th August 1969 at Mull of Galloway, a male Cirl Bunting was seen perched on top of a gorse bush. It was watched for two or three minutes at ranges down to ten yards. The head pattern showed a black throat and a yellow face with a black line through the eye. The underparts were pale, with an olive-green breast-band, and slight streaking on the flanks. No call note was heard.
J. C. SINCLAIR.
(This is the first record for Solway. A pair of this species was recorded at Eglinton, Ayrshire, 8th May 1928 (Birds of Scot- land), and a pair are reported to have bred in Cumberland in 1955.—ED.)
White-throated Sparrow in Caithness
In early May 1970 a White-throated Sparrow turned up in PJR’s garden near Thurso. DS and PM visited the place in June and saw and heard the bird. It was the size of a large sparrow, with a longish tail. It drew attention to itself by its call, which it uttered continuously from a conspicuous perch on a tree or sometimes from a telegraph pole. We had excellent views of it at close quarters; once it came within a few yards to eat a large green caterpillar. The plumage seemed abraded and we think the bird may have been an escape. Extensive enquiries were made locally, but no one seemed to have lost such a bird.
Description Crown striped white and black; back and tail brown; wings warm chestnut-brown, with two faint white wing-bars; eye- stripe bright yellow in front of eye, white behind eye; chin and breast showed an inverted triangie of white outlined in grey; breast greyish, with yellowish tinge on belly; bill and legs horn; eye dark.
The bird raised its head and quivered its tail while deliver- ing its call, usually two long, high-pitched whistles followed by three rather quavering notes; sometimes two notes only were sung and occasionally four.
The bird was present for about four months. It preferred a territory between hedgerows bordering the main road and PJR’s garden.
P. McMorRAN, P. J. RODGER, D. M. STARK.
(Previous Scottish records are of a male shot in the Outer Hebrides on 18th May 1909 (Brit. Birds 53: 97) and, possibly more likely escapes, a female shot in Aberdeenshire on 17th August 1867 (Brit. Birds 48: 189) and one trapped at Fair Isle on 13th May 1966 (Fair Isle Bird Obs. Bull. 5: 193).—EbD.)
340 OBITUARY 6(6) Obituary
DR JAMES WILLIAM CAMPBELL
Dr Jimmie Campbell, who died on 2nd January 1971, was an authority on the food of wildfowl and on the birds of the Outer Hebrides; he was co-editor of the Scottish Naturalist for eight years and became a Vice-President of the SOC.
He was born in Streatham, London, on 19th May 1906, and went to school at Charterhouse. Later his family moved to Essex; from there he went to King’s College, Cambridge, (B.A. 1928) and later to St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School (M.B., B.Chir. 1933). Financial independence relieved him of the need to practise medicine, though he did so throughout the war from 1939 to 1945 in the RAMC; he attained the rank of Major and was awarded the M.B.E. (Military Division).
From his childhood he spent holidays in Scotland, at first near Aberfeldy and later in North Uist, where in the 1930s his family rented Newton Lodge. His lifelong devotion to natural history and his keenness on rough-shooting and wildfowling (for preference away on his own) developed early. When pro- fessional training later taught him to make scientific use of the bird in the hand, he turned his attention also to stomach con- tents and food and to racial differences in measurements and plumage. He sought advice and confirmation of his identifica- tions of subspecies and of the food organisms the birds contain- ed at the British Museum (Natural History), and this brought him to the attention of various specialists there, including Mr (afterwards Sir Norman) Kinnear in the Bird Room. Similarly he established early links with Harry Witherby, and most of his notes and articles before the war were published in British Birds. It was at that period that he amassed a rather large and representative collection of stuffed birds.
I met him soon after I came to Aberdeen in 1946. He was then an experienced and critical observer, widely known among British ornithologists. His first substantial publication had sum- marised his observations, extending over a dozen years, of the Rooks at an Essex rookery (Brit. Birds 29: 306-9); in it he had added much to the then recent studies of G. K. Yeates and of J. P. Burkitt, and his paper is quoted in The Handbook. Another of his sustained interests was in Herons and heronries; his longest published paper was on the breeding of the Heron in the Outer Hebrides (Scot. Nat. 61: 73-100). For many years he also kept up his analyses of the diet of wildfowl and to a lesser extent shore-birds, receiving material from correspondents and at length producing a valuable study of the food of Wigeon and Brent Goose (Brit. Birds 39: 194-200 and 226-32). He prepared
‘1971 OBITUARY 341
a detailed report on wildfowl habitat and distribution in the Outer Hebrides for use by George Atkinson-Willes in the Nature Conservancy monograph Wildfowl in Great Britain (1963).
In 1947 he came to stay permanently in Perthshire (apart from one short break when he went to Scatwell in Easter Ross); he lived first at Strathtay and afterwards near Bridge of Cally. He was soon enlisted to help edit the revived Scottish Natur- alist, and it was between 1948 and 1955 that I saw him most often, usually combining a night at their house at Strathtay with meetings I used regularly to attend at that time at Pit- lochry. I soon came to look forward to these visits with keen anticipation, and especially to getting out with him in the oak- woods at Strathtay and on the nearby hills. On one special oc- casion I joined him for a week-end in the Isle of Lewis, camping in his Land-Rover and tramping the hills, hopefully searching for breeding skuas or perchance Great Northern Divers. He had a good general knowledge of natural history and missed very little that could be seen or heard. I enjoyed too the evenings at his home, with his young family, and among his fine library of books; he was an excellent host, and when it came to our mutual business an excellent editor too, with the essential cap- acity for taking trouble and getting things right. For more than 20 years before he died he had been working to fill an outstand- ing gap in the Scottish faunal series by writing a book on the birds of the Outer Hebrides, and it is strongly to be urged that other hands should strive to complete and publish it.
He served for nine years on the SOC Council, and was a Vice-President in 1954-55. He was one of the group that started the Perth Branch in 1948, and for long was a member of the Scottish Birds Records Committee, becoming its chair- man in 1960-62. He was a man with great gifts of friendship and will be remembered with affection especially among his own generation of SOC members as long as we live. He is sur- vived by his wife Betty, their three sons, and his sister, Miss M.S. Campbell.
V. C. WYNNE-EDWARDS.
Reviews
The Wetlands and Waterfowl of Iran. Game and Fish Department of Iran, 1971. Pp. 43, 204 x 13 cm. $1.
Iran is a big country, largely arid, but with an interesting variety of wetlands. These include lakes and rivers, many flooded rice-paddies, coastal lagoons, bays in the Caspian Sea, salt lakes (one very large) and extensive seasonal freshwater and brackish marshes. This booklet de- scribes the work of the Iranian Game Department on conserving wetlands,
342 REVIEWS 6(6)
lists the most important of these, gives the status of several of the more interesting species of waterfowl and includes a short account of the De- partment’s ringing programme. Some 1,065,860 hectares of land contain- ing important waterfowl habitat are already under protection, and over 140 species of waterfowl have been recorded, including 63 breeders, but numbers are rapidly decreasing owing to drainage and disturbance, and the development of the conservation programme is to be welcomed. Re- cent reports include Marbled Teal breeding at Fars, up to 93 White-headed Ducks at Fars and 64 in the Bay of Gorgon (Caspian Sea), disappearance of wintering Bean Geese, and diminished numbers of Lesser White-fron- ted Geese (which presumably now mostly winter further east). Red- breasted Geese are now rare. DAVID JENKINS.
Die Vogel des Bodenseegebietes. Edited by H. Jacoby, G. Knotzsch & S. Schuster. German. Zurich, ALA/Schweizerische Gesellschaft fiir Vogelkunde und Vogelschutz, 1970. Pp. 260; 16 plates (25 photo- graphs); 27 figures. 213 x 154 cm. Paperback. Fr. 18.50 from Frau Kathi Niquille, Kernstrasse 27, 8406 Winterthur, Switzerland.
Situated on the borders of Switzerland, Germany and Austria, the Bodensee (Lake Constance) is a wetland habitat of considerable ornith- ological interest, especially as an important breeding and wintering area for wildfowl and marsh birds. This volume is the result of 12 years work by a group of field ornithologists from all three countries.
A general section first sets the scene with short chapters on the geo- graphy and topography of the district, its plants and animals and the influence of climate and water conditions on the birds. There are chapters also on migration, conservation etc. The status of the breeding and win- tering birds is discussed, and changes over the last 50 years are high- lighted : it is interesting to learn for example that the White Stork, Hazel Hen, Black Grouse, Redshank, Crested Lark and Lesser Grey Shrike have disappeared as breeding birds in that time, while Purple Heron, Mute Swan, Red-crested Pochard, common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Black-tailed coat Common Gull, Collared Dove, Fieldfare and Raven have been gained.
The main text (191 pages) deals with 313 species, of which 130 are reg- ular breeders. Many receive very full treatment under headings such as status, seasonal fluctuations, migration, breeding data etc. and there are many references, tables and figures.
TOM DELANEY.
A Field Guide to Australian Birds—-Non-passerines. By Peter Slater et al. Edinburgh, Oliver and Boyd, 1971. Pp 428+32; 64 plates (43 in col- our. 19 x 134 cm. £3.
Some 400 species are illustrated and described in this well produced, well designed volume (a second one, in preparation, will cover the passer- ines). All the plates are grouped together at the front of the book, which makes them easy to sort through, and there is a handy 8-page “visual index’’ designed to help the observer find the plate he needs. The illus- trations are strongly drawn, clear and attractive. In general they effec- tively show field identification features, but among the smaller waders, Mr Slater has not always captured the jizz of his subjects.
Distribution maps are given for all the species, though only approxi- mate accuracy is claimed for them in view of the present state of know- ledge of bird distribution in Australia.
TOM DELANEY.
1971 LETTER 343
Also received: Pheasants, including their care in the aviary. By H. A. Gerrits. Second edition, revised by Philp Wayre. London Blandford Press, 1971. Pp. 144, 6 colour plates, 30 photographs and 17 line drawings. 23 x 16 cm. £2.
Letter Sir, Starling using sheep as a towel
That Starlings perch on the backs of sheep is well known, and I have often seen them do so. Usually the reason appears to be purely one of convenience, and I have seen a Starling singing from such a perch. When sheep are being hand fed during snow, Starlings frequently congregate to share the food and during heavy snow showers often huddle together on a sheep’s back for shelter and, probably, warmth (see plate 24). Recently I was intrigued to see a Starling use a sheep for an- other purpose.
It was getting dusky, and Starlings were gathering into pre- roosting parties. A dozen or so were on the clothes-line and fence at the front of our house. Though the day had been dry, some of them were bedraggled and had obviously been bath- ing. Several sheep were grazing nearby, and one bird flew down onto the back of a sheep and proceeded to rub itself in the wool, sometimes going through wing-fluttering, bathing motions and sometimes burrowing into the wool so that little more than its head was showing, and all the time preening vigorously. The sheep got a bit fidgety, and finally shook off the Starling, which immediately flew to the next animal and continued the same performance. This one ignored the bur- rowing and fluttering, and the Starling finally flew back to its fellows, landing on the highest vantage point with a super- ior air—and looking much drier.
BOBBY TULLOCH.
Current literature (continued).
Population control in Red Grouse and Rock Ptarmigan in Scot- land. D. Jenkins & A. Watson, 1967. In Proceedings of 8th International Congress on Game Biology, Helsinki, 1967. Finnish Game Research 30: 121-141.
Practical results of research for management of Red Grouse. D. Jenkins, A. Watson & G. R. Miller, 1970. Biological Con- servation 2: 266-272.
Inter-specific competition in Stonechat and Whinchat. J. S. Phillips, 1970. Bird Study 17: 320-324. Ayrshire/Renfrew- shire study.
Loch Leven, Kinross. C. R. G. Campbell, 1970. Wildfowl 21: 147 (148). Current report for 1969.
344 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(6)
THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 24th Annual Conference and 34th Annual General Meeting will be held in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire, on 29th-3lst October 1971. Bookings should be made direct with the hotels. The full programme will be given in the next issue of Scottish Birds. The registration fee will be 75p, and the Annual Dinner (with wine or soft drinks) £1.90.
Hotels in Dunblane
Hotel Dunblane Hydro (tel. 0786 82 2551). Special Conference charge £7.10, inclusive of 10% service charge, bed and all meals (except tea on Saturday afternoon and the Annual Dinner) from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, and after-meal coffee. For less than a full day, bed and breakfast is £2.50, lunch £0.70 and dinner £1.10, all with additional 10% service charge. Rooms with private bathroom have a supplementary charge of 50p per person per day (double room) and 75p per person per day (single room).
Ardleighton Hotel (near Hotel Dunblane Hydro gates) (tel. 2273). Bed and Breakfast from £1.50-£1.75.
Sehlchailion Hotel, Doune Road (tel. 3141). Bed and Breakfast maximum
Stirling Arms Hotel (tel. 2156). Bed and Breakfast from £1.63-£1.75.
Hotels in Bridge of Allan
Allan Water Hotel (tel. 2293). Bed and Breakfast from £2.63-£3.38. Old Manor Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 2169). B & B from £2.13-£2.75. Queen’s Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 3268). B & B from £2.10-£2.40. Royal Hotel (tel. 2284). Bed and Breakfast from £2.75.
Strathallan Hotel, Henderson Road (tel. 3293). B & B from £1.25-£1.75
Prices, except for the Conference Hotel, are provisional and should be confirmed when booking.
BRANCH MEETINGS 1971/72
Will Members please note that the dates of the first Meetings of Branches next winter will be as follows:
September 23rd Dundee and Stirling
28th Edinburgh and Inverness
29th Ayr, Dumfries and St Andrews October 4th Aberdeen and Glasgow
Dundee Meetings will take place in Dundee University, Perth Road, Dun- dee at 7.30 p.m.
Glasgow Meetings will start at 7.15 p.m.—15 minutes earlier than in pre- vious years.
Bird Books
THE BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE, EDINBURGH, EH7 5BT
Some new books in_ stock:
The Birds of Britain and Europe. Heinzel, Fitter & Parslow. About £1.25. (A new Field Guide which includes birds of Asia Minor, the Middle East, North Africa and the Atlantic Islands). June.
Highland Birds. D. Nethersole Thompson. £1.25.
Birds of Prey in the Field. Roger Harkness & Colin Murdoch. £2.25. The World of Birds. Malcolm Ellis. £1.50.
A Naturalist on Speyside. Henry Tegner. £1.75.
Status and Distribution of Birds in Great Britain and Ireland. B.O.U. £2.50. August.
Evolution Illustrated by Waterfowl. David Lack. £0.60. August.
All Books sent Post Free — Terms: Strictly Cash with order
WHEREVER YOU GO
in Orkney, a bird will probably be watching you. The total number of recorded species is around 280, 109 have bred this century—some 85 regular- ly. All in some of the finest and least known Islands of Britain. Spoil yourself this year—come and be watched.
> me =6for transport and accommodation
2 ae ae | information write to
ae ek Ee fem =the Tourist Officer
ORKNEY §8atre
Information Office, 93, Kirkwall (Tel. Kirkwall 2856)
SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216
Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all.
In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass.
The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland.
The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine.
Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY
Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C.
ARGYLL
Forestry Commission
Tighnabruaich Wild Life Centre
Opened 28/5/71
WATERFOWL MROEDEER
Bookable Observation & Photographic Hides
Apply to Head Forester, Tighnabruaich Forest Hafton, Tighnabruaich (284) Argyll
COLOUR SLIDES
We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send for our list covering these and birds of Africa— many fine studies and close- ups.
FOR HIRE
We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 374p per night’s hire. Birds are group- ed according to their natural habitats.
W. COWEN, Keswick
KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association
Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands.
The standard weekly charge is £15. Members of local Natural History groups or Scientific Societies may be eligible for bursaries valued at £3 made available by the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust.
The programme for 1971 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :-—
Birds Surveying and Map-making Mountain Flowers Mammals Field Botany Natural History Photography
Soils and Land-use Painting
Moorland Ecology Natural History of the Highlands Rocks and Minerals Nature into Art
Conservation Archaeology
Wild Flowers Highland Landscape
Insects Industrial Archaeology
Bryophytes
All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire.
ISLAY
‘The Bird-Watchers’ Paradise’
THE SWAN AT KINGHOLM
Islay hospitality and the unique opportunity to study an astonishing variety of birds in Winter and Spring combine to provide a per-
fect early holiday. This small riverside hotel is
situated two miles from Dum-
The island is the principal win- tering resort, possibly in the world, of the Barnacle Goose. It is also the last Scottish stronghold of the Chough. These are only two of the hundred different species that may be seen on Islay’s varied habitat during a Winter or Spring holiday.
For Ornithological Leaflet write to:
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay Tourist Organisation, Campbeltown, Argyll
fries and three miles from the Caerlaverock Nature Reserve, now further areas of the Sol- way meres are being set aside for research of the habits of the geese and waders.
The hotel has seven letting
bedrooms, residents lounge, etc.
Please write to Mrs C. M. Armstrong for tarriff.
Telephone 3756
Tweeddaie Court 14 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1YL
Oliver & Boyd
Just published A FIELD GUIDE TO AUSTRALIAN BIRDS Non-Passerines
Edited by Peter Slater
Prepared by Australia’s leading bird specialists and ideal for use in the field, this guide, the first of two, ‘s designed to enable the observer, whether a beginner or a serious student, to identify any bird seen on the Aus- tralian mainland, Tasmania, and the dependent islands Lord Howe, Norfolk, Christmas, Cocos-Keeling, Mac- quarie, and Heard.
Packed with all the information needed for positive identification of every non-passerine bird to be found in Australia, it contains 43 full colour and 21 black and white plates, all from paintings by Peter Slater, showing many wlamedes: forms and phases never before illus- trated.
460 pages £3.00
Other titles of interest
BIRDS OF NORTH AFRICA From the Canary Islands to the Red Sea
R. D, Etchécopar and F. Hiie 632 pages _ illustrated £8.50
BIRDS OF NATAL AND ZULULAND P. A. Clancey 548 pages _ illustrated £5.00
BIRDS OF CYPRUS
D. A. Bannerman and W. Mary Bannerman 424 pages. illustrated £5.25
For a full list of our ornithological titles please write to the above address
| eI ~~ ~
‘1-5 Ss samanae : LOG CABIN. — ee PITGRUDY FARM .,..
i eo ie ° ° corti eS
it
Sa
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me A ous wu »?
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| Self catering chalet and cottage available near Dornoch. Ideal area for study
| of birds of Farm, Hill and Estuary.
For details apply to: Mr M. M. Grant, Pitgrudy Farm, Dornoch, Sutherland. Tel. Dornoch 291.
| We offer you TWO VIEWS OF SHETLAND
} From The Lerwick Hotel in “the capital” on the main island. And the Springfield Hotel on Unst overlooking the Baltasound.
Bedrooms with private bathrooms, Central heating throughout. Double glazing. Bars. Comfortable lounges. Television. And the best cuisines North of latitude 60°. So come and have a double- based birdwatching holiday. You never know your luck—you might \ see a Snowy Owl or a Red-necked Phalarope, a Fieldfare or a | Whimbrel. There are several very rare species of bird on Shetland, | and—of course—colonies of seabirds. You could see Great Skuas and Arctic Skuas, or even—very occasionally—Great Northern Divers. Make a double booking if you like. Just write for full details of accommodation etc. to:
SHETLAND HOTELS (LERWICK) Ltd., Scalloway Road, Lerwick. Tel. Lerwick 1166/7.
Perfect Alignment and the
7 Tal oy & & q rnithole Hiv
The correct alignment of your binoc- ular is of paramount importance and you can be sure that any binocular purchased from us has undergone strin- gent tests in our own workshops.
‘Alignment’ and a_ hundred-and-one other points of interest to the binocular user are discussed in our new booklet ‘Tell Me Mr Frank’, a copy (together with our illustrated catalogue) will be sent post free to readers of ‘Scottish Birds’.
Top prices offered in
145 QUEEN STRI
: GLASGOW
(WALTER THOMSON)
P\.painren, SELKIAK. Ccecserecteensny
part exchange
We stock all the better makes of binoculars, but the ornithologist who: insists on a good quality instrument at a reasonable cost will do well to consider either the 8 x 30 or 10 x =“ Bates) Niele binocular,
The 8 x 30 isa compact instrument (recommended by the Game Con- servancy) 43” high and weighing only 18 ounces. 5 Price with hide case £12.50. |
The dedicated ornithologist may prefer the greater magnification of the 10 x 50 model and will not be deterred by its somewhat greater bulk and weight (7” high and weigh- ing 36 ounces). a
Price with hide case £16.50.
of 7 years and our free approva | facilities enable you to test out an glass without obligation to aneraren: |
iga
70
ve _
SASF
~~ SCOTTISH BIRDS IV
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Volume 6 No. 7 AUTUMN 1971 Price 50p SCOMmlStebiaD) REPORT 1970
Breast-Pocket Binocular
This is the smallest 8 x 20 prism binocular ever produced. Because of its entirely new design, based on unique folding centre bars, it can comfortably be carried in
a waistcoat or breast-pocket. Price £41.92
Monocular with fountain pen clip also available £21.45 Latest Binocular Catalogue from Sole UK ZeissAgents.
Degenhardt & Co Ltd, Carl Zeiss House, 31/36 Foley Street, London W1P 8AP. 01-636 8050 (15 lines) Telex 24300
ot |
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ARMS HOTEL
GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND
Telephone: Golspie 216
Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all.
In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unriveal- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass.
The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland.
The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine.
Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY
Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C.
ARGYLL
Forestry Commission
Tighnabruaich Wild Life Centre
Opened 28/5/71
WATERFOWL ROEDEER
Bookable Observation & Photographic Hides
Apply to Head Forester, Tighnabruaich Forest
Hafton, Tighnabruaich (284)
Argyli
COLOUR SLIDES
We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send for our list covering these and birds of Africa— many fine studies and close- ups.
FOR HIRE
We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 374p per night’s hire. Birds are group- ed according to their natural habitats.
W. COWEN, Keswick
ORNITHOLIDAYS cas
(WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) Holidays organised
by Birdwatchers
for Birdwatchers
1972 Our programme for the coming year is now in the final stages of
completion. Once again most of the areas which are well-known to us from past years are included, and in addition parties to Morocco, Malawi, Madeira and Yugoslavia offer excellent opportunities to see new birds and places.
SPAIN (Guadalquivir) Spring and autumn groups to this outstanding area which is now one of our most popular holiday destinations.
SPAIN (Sierras de Guadarrama and Nevada) New areas in search of Black Vultures etc. Departure late August.
MAJORCA Spring and autumn groups as in past years. A beautiful island with delightful scenery and a wealth of bird-life.
LAKE NEUSIEDL Great White Herons and the like continue to make this holiday one of the most popular in the Ornitholidays Calendar. Spring and autumn departures.
CAMARGUE One spring party only departing London end of first week
in May.
GUERNSEY, ALDERNEY & SARK A repeat of our successful visit in 1971. Two departures in ’72, the first to cover the spring period, the second to study autumn bird migration.
ISLES OF SCILLY Usual summer and autumn groups offer opportunities to look at breeding sea-birds or trans-Atlantic vagrants.
FARNE ISLANDS & BASS ROCK A very satisfying holiday in this beauti- ful area of Northumberland. Full programme of day-to-day excur-
sions.
ORKNEY & SHETLAND Departure from London and other airports June 10th. Breeding sea-birds, summer migrants etc.
NORTH UIST & BENBECULA Full programme of daily excursions to cover this outstanding area for birds and scenery. Departure from London June 24th.
ALPINE AUSTRIA (Innsbruck) A repeat of our ’71 holiday. Alpine birds and scenery.
ICELAND Two summer departures. Parties under the direction and guid- ance of expert Icelandic leaders.
MOROCCO Safari-type holiday in the High Atlas. Good hotels and coach or minibus transport. Travelling reduced to the minimum consistent with good birdwatching.
ETHIOPIA Repeat of our ’71 tour. Departure from London late October.
MALAWI Easy-going tour of the southern regions of Malawi. Departure from London early July.
SWITZERLAND Summer party to the Swiss Alps. Good hotel accommo- dation based in Interlaken.
YUGOSLAVIA Spring visit to the Yugoslav coast and Lake Scutari.
All parties are strictly limited in numbers and therefore early booking is essential.
1972 PROGRAMME available October. Sent 3p stamp to:
Lawrence G. Holloway, Ornitholidays cee
44 ALDWICK ROAD, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX (Tel. 4513) Member Association of British Travel Agents
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
CONTENTS OF VOLUME 6, NUMBER 7, AUTUMN 1971
Page
Editorial 83 oe acts Ree we mn Sets oo 345
Scottish Bird Report 1970. By R. H. Dennis ge ae a. 347 (plates 25-28)
Enquiries Be oe be ae 5 his fe ae 402
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club SOB ts asc see Bi 402
Edited by T. Delaney, 27 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3EE
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
Your Garden is
a Bird Reserve
Gardens are one of the most important habitats for wild birds in Britain.
You can be a practical conservationist
by:
planting berry bearing shrubs
providing nest boxes and bird tables
making drinking pools
All the information you need is available in the full colour booklet “The Birds in Your Garden” priced 13p (incl. p&p) from The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BN. Tel. 031-556 5624
SCOTTISH BIRDS w THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB alien
_ Vol. 6 No. 7 Autumn 1971
Edited by Tom Delaney, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
Scottish Bird Report 1970. This issue consists almost entirely of the third annual Scottish Bird Report. Although the format of the report does not make for light reading, a great deal of information is summarised here, and we hope readers will find it interesting and useful. We would particularly like to thank Robbie Macgregor, Richard Richardson and Donald Watson for contributing the sketches that illustrate the report.
Local recorders. The list of local recorders given on p. 349 shows many changes from that of a year ago. We should like to take this opportunity of welcoming all new recorders to the task, and thanking those retiring for all their good work in the past. We trust observers will give recorders their fullest co-operation, in particular by submitting records promptly.
James Fisher Memorial. Seabirds and seabird islands were the lifelong interest of the late James Fisher. In his memory, his friends and the organisations with which he was associated have launched an appeal to provide money to purchase or safeguard an important seabird island off the coast of the British Isles. All those who recognize the value of his work are asked to send a contribution to the James Fisher Memorial Appeal, c/o World Wildlife Fund, Plumtree Court, London E.C.4.
New reserve in Orkney. The RSPB have recently set up their first reserve in Orkney. Situated in the Dale of Cottascarth on Mainland, the reserve covers some 335 acres and contains a variety of typical habitats of characteristic Orkney breeding birds, including raptors such as Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl. Reserve management policy will include control of heather-burning, which in the past has caused a fair amount of habitat destruction.
Loch of Strathbeg. The Ministry of Defence propose and have received planning permission to erect a Naval radio station at a disused airfield by the Loch of Strathbeg, Aber- deenshire. The installation would comprise a number of masts up to 900 feet high (about the height of a typical television
346 EDITORIAL 6(7)
transmitter mast) together with large areas of vertical curtain- array antennas.
Apart from its other considerable scientific and ornitholog- ical interest, Strathbeg is a wintering location for flocks of Grey Lag and Pink-footed Geese, Whooper Swans and other wildfowl, and indeed was designated an internationally im- portant wetland by the MAR Conference. It seems clear that the construction hard by of a huge complex of masts, guy wires and aerial systems will create a sizeable hazard for these birds in their regular feeding and roosting flights in the area. How many birds might be injured and killed it is impossible to predict, but for wildfowl this is possibly as bad a site as could have been chosen, and conservationists concerned at the dangers have made strong representations and protests.
The problems in siting such installations are of course enor- mous, and they can scarcely be welcome anywhere on our coasts, but it rather seems that the Ministry of Defence chose Strathbeg without a full awareness of the biological and or- nithological interest and importance of the place. They have already suggested revision of the layout to reduce the station’s potential obstruction to birds, and may be willing to locate the station elsewhere if a suitable alternative site can be found that meets their requirements.
We would encourage the Ministry in their search for a better site and urge that, if need be, some technical and operational sacrifices might be made to help protect this unique and im- portant wetland.
Current literature. Ornithological studies on Foula 1970. Edited by P. Mawby. Expedition field-studies report No. 14 from the Brathay Exploration Group.
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report for 1970. Edited by R. H. Dennis.
The Golden Eagle survey in Scotland 1964-68. M. J. Everett, 1971, Brit. Birds 64: 49-56. Study of breeding success in seven selected areas.
Evening Grosbeak on St Kilda: a species new to Britain and Ireland. N. Picozzi, 1971. Brit. Birds 64: 189-194.
Breeding status of Red-necked Phalaropes in Britain and Ire- land. M. J. Everett, 1971, Brit. Birds 64: 293-302. Survey car- ried out during 1968-70. :
Growth and development of nestling Hen Harriers. W. C. Scharf and E. Balfour, 1971, Ibis 113 : 323-329. Orkney study. The Water Pipit as a winter visitor to the British Isles. I. G. Johnson, 1970. Bird Study 17: 297-319. Bearing on Scottish records of Water and Scandinavian Rock Pipits (Scot. Birds 6: 50).
Bird communities in woodland habitats in Wester Ross, Scot-
1971 EDITORIAL 347
land. K. Williamson, 1969. Q. Jl. For. 63: 305-328. Spring 1968 expedition.
Scarce migrants in Britain and Ireland during 1958-67. Part 4. Bluethroat and Ortolan Bunting. J. T. R. Sharrock, 1970. Brit. Birds 63: 313-324.
Research on human pressures on Scottish mountain tundra, soils and animals. A. Watson, N. Bayfield and S. M. Moyes, 1969. In Proceedings of the Conference on Productivity and Conservation in Northern Circumpolar Lands. Published by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Morges, Switzerland, 1970. Cairngorms study 1967- 69.
Scottish Bird Report 1970
Compiled by ROY H. DENNIS
This 1970 report is the third in the series of annual reports on the birds of Scotland; the previous two, compiled by Andrew T. Macmillan, were published in Scot. Birds 5: 302-356 and 6: 62-128. Its appearance is late largely because of the lengthy postal strike early in 1971. Some reports from local recorders were received before the start of the strike, others arrived by various means during the strike, but a few came in very late indeed. This delay was most unfortunate as it meant that much of the report had to be prepared during a very busy time of the year. A few records arrived too late for inclusion; we apologise to the observers ‘whose records are involved, but the more important ones will be in- cluded in the addendum to the next report.
We hope readers will find the report of interest; it is a concise, factual account of data collected during the year for all species known to have occurred in Scotland in 1970. Already there is much interesting informa- tion to be gleaned by reading this report and comparing it with its two predecessors. Reference should also be made to Baxter & Rintoul Birds of Scotland (1953).
As before we must stress that observer cover in different regions of Scotland varies from good to very thin, and care should be taken in comparing numbers and regional distribution, especially of migrants. Generally speaking, the northern isles, the North Sea coasts, central Scotland and the Clyde/Solway area are better covered than elsewhere, but there are local pockets of good cover in most regions. In some areas ‘more information is published in greater detail in local reports such as the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, the Isle of May report in Scot. Birds, the Shetland Bird Report and the North Solway Bird Report. Al- though much local information cannot be published here, the collection of records by the local recorders provides a most useful fund of data for reference on regional ornithology.
Some 283 species are recorded in this report (compared with 274 in 1968 and 292 last year), 29 being represented by only one individual of each species. A Stilt Sandpiper in Sutherland was the only new species recorded for the country in 1970, but confirmation was gained of the presence of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in west central Scotland, and this species is now added to the Scottish list. In 1970 Great Northern
348 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Diver and Goldeneye were added to the list of Scottish breeding birds; one pair of each species successfully reared young, and these constituted the first satisfactory records of breeding. Other interesting breeding records included the first known Fieldfare’s nest on the Scottish main- land, following recent breeding in Orkney and Shetland; once again Snowy Owls nested on Fetlar, this time rearing two young; seven pairs of Ospreys built eyries, and at least ten, and probably 11, young were reared from four nests; Redwings were found in various counties and spread their breeding range both north and south on the mainland; a Kingfisher’s nest found in Easter Ross was also noteworthy. No breeding Wrynecks were found, and fewer Wood Sandpipers were located.
It was quite a cold harsh winter; Glaucous Gulls and Little Auks were a feature in the northern isles in the first few months while Bean Geese continued to decline in numbers as a wintering species in Scotland. Spring migration was slow to get under way, and summer visitors were on average rather late. Redstarts, Whinchats and Lesser Whitethroats occurred on migration in record numbers, especially in the northern isles, and there were good numbers of Bluethroats and Wrynecks. Six Thrush Nightingales in May plus one in July was a record total in one year. The autumn was characterised by record numbers of Snow Buntings, Wax- wings and Great Grey Shrikes; there were unusually large numbers of Grey Plovers and rather more Brent Geese than usual; Little Gulls peaked at 325 at Methil in September. Rarities included no fewer than eight Arctic Warblers, the first Steller’s Eider since 1959 and the second-ever Upland Sandpiper in Scotland.
Rarities within the scope of the British Birds Rarities Committee have been accepted by the committee unless noted as still subiect to a decision. With regard to rejected rarities, it is worth noting that in most cases these records were not accepted because the committee were not con- vinced, on the evidence before them, that the identification was fully established; in only a very few cases were they satisfied that a mistake had been made. We are not prepared to publish in this report records of species that are rare in Scotland though not on the Rarities Committee list or that are new additions to the faunal areas, unless adequate sup- porting evidence is given. We would call upon observers to submit des- criptions of rare or unusual species to their local recorders as soon as possible so that the record can be sent to the editor of Scottish Birds without delay; he will pass records to the Rarities Committee where necessary.
With such a volume of material moving from observer to recorder to editor to printer there is the risk of transcription errors, and we will be glad to be informed of anything to be corrected next year (some additions and corrections for 1968 and 1969 are given at the end of this report). We would also apologise to anyone who finds his records attributed to someone else: this can happen because at times, mainly for the sake of brevity, we have named one observer (or the recorder) when several were involved. This leads to a request that all observers should give their full name and all initials when submitting records to local recorders; with so many observers contributing now, the key to observers’ initials is doubly difficult to prepare if observers give only a first initial.
To keep the report within a reasonable number of pages, we have been terse; as in the past we have abbreviated months, counties and other words and omitted most qualifications such as ‘near’ and ‘about’. Refer- ences in the form (5: 302) are to the pages of Scottish Birds. English names and scientific nomenclature follow the same rules as in the first report (5: 304), and an asterisk indicates that all known records are given.
We appeal to all observers to send their 1971 records to the local recorders promptly at the end of the year. It is especially helpful if
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 349
records for the first ten months of the year are sent to local recorders in November; this allows recorders to start processing the bulk of the material in good time, leaving only the relatively few November and December records to be handled in January. It would also be helpful if word were spread that we are keen to receive records from visitors to Scotland and others who are not members of the Club. In conclusion we wish to thank everyone who has contributed to the 1970 report. Special thanks go to the local recorders for their considerable efforts in collecting and sorting the records, and we are indebted to Andrew Macmillan for his help and advice in the compilation of the report.
Local recorders
Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland.
Fair Isle R. Broad, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland.
Orkney E. Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney.
Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) W. A. J. Cunningham, Aros, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Sutherland.
Caithness Mrs P. Collett, Sandyquoy, East Gills, Scrabster, Caithness.
Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. Macdonald, Elmbank, Dor- noch, Sutherland.
Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness. Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) R. H. Dennis, The Old Manse, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Inverness-shire. Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street,
Portsoy, Banffshire, AB4 2NT.
Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire N. Picozzi, Nature Conservancy, Blackhall, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB3 3PS, and W. Murray, Cul- terty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB4 OAA.
po Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin,
ngus.
Perthshire Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth.
Kinross-shire Miss Bridget H. Moore, Vane Farm Reserve, Kinross.
Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, EH9 2AS.
Fife, Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife.
Wee tomien Dr T. C. Smout, 19 South Gillsland Road, Edinburgh EH10
Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian.
East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edin- burgh EH10 4NY.
Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk.
Argyllshire, Inner Hebrides, Skye M. J. P. Gregory, 4 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire.
Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Arran, Bute R. W. Forrester, 29 Crandleyhill Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire.
Dumfriesshire D. Skilling, 86 Auchenkeld Avenue, Heathhall, Dumfries, and R. T. Smith, Applegarthtown, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire.
Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire.
350 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Key to observers’ initials
D. E. Abbey, D. G. Adams (DGAd), D. G. Adamson (DGAm), A. F. Airey, A. Allison (AA), A. Anderson (AAn), D. R. Anderson, D. G. Andrew, J. Angus, I. Armstrong, N. K. Atkinson, W. Austin.
R. S. Bailey (RSBy), K. Bailley (KBa), R. S. Baillie (RSB), D. J. Bain, E. Balfour (EB), R. Balharry, I. Balfour-Paul, J. Ballantyne (JB), J. M. Bal- lantyne (JMBa), G. H. Ballantyne, Miss J. Banks (JBk), P. Baird (PB), G. J. Barnes, D. R. Barratt, Miss P. G. T. Baxter, E. Beaddie (EBd), J. M. Beattie (JMB), E. Bell (EBe), J. Bell (JBe), I. D. Biggs, W. Birrell (WBi), D. C. Bish- op, R. M. Blindell, H. Boase (HB), D. Boddington, C. Booth, C. G. Booth, W.R. P. Bourne, T. Boyd, W. R. Brackenridge, D. M. Bremner, R. J. Brian, W. Brotherston (WB), Miss E. Brown (EBr), H. Brown (HBr), T. M. Brown, K. Bruce, P. Bruce (PBr), A. Buckham, H. J. Burton, J. L. Burton, R. W. Byrne.
W. A. Cadman, R . G. Caldow, E. D. Cameron, A. Campbell (AC), Dr B. Campbell, C. R. G. Campbell, L. H. Campbell, Miss M, Campbell, R. Cardno, A. T. Carre, Mrs V. E. Carrick, Mrs L. Cathie, G. M. Chapman (GMCh), N. Charles, R. A. Cheke, Gen. Sir P. Christison, G. Clark (GC), J. Clark (JCl), P. J. Clark, V. Clark, T. M. Clegg, D. L. Clugston, Dr J. L. S. Cobb, T. Cockburn, M. J. H. Cook, D. Coull (DCI), D. Coutts (DC), J. M. Cowan (JMC), J. K. Cowden, E. Cowieson, H. G. Cree, G. M. Crighton (GMC), G. Critchley (GC), J. Crompton (JCr), Rev. J. M. Crook (JMCKk), W. A. J. Cunningham, A. Currie (ACu), J. Currie (JCu).
L. Dalziel, T. P. Daniels, A. J. Deadman, T. Delaney, R. H. Dennis (RHD), R. A. Dickson, R. C. Dickson, Miss W. Dickson, R. Donaldson (RDo), Mrs R. H. Dobson (RHDo), H. E. M. Dott, Miss J. Donnan, Dr I. T. Draper, Mrs M. M. Draper, J. Dunbar (JD), Sir A. B. Duncan, Mrs M. H. Dunn, W. Dunlop (WD), Dr G. M. Dunnet, R. Duthie (RD).
R. A. Eades, J. Edelsten (JE), J. Eely (JEy), D. M. Edge, T. W. Eggeling, M. Emmerson, R. Ellis, N. Elkins, Sir R. Erskine-Hill, B. Etheridge, E. Evans, T. H. Evanson, M. J. Everett.
Miss G. L. C. Falconer, J. Faulkner (JFa), Dr C. J. Feare, J. L. Fenn, J. Ferguson (JFe), J. M. Findlay, D. Fleming, Dr G. A. Fleming, J. Forrest (JFo), J. E. Forrest, B. C. Forrester, R. W. Forrester, A. Forsythe (AFo), L. Fortune, I. S. Fraser, G. French, R. A. Frost, A Furmiston (AFu), R. Furness, A. M. M. Fyffe.
H. Galbraith, E. Gatenby, T. Georgeson (TGo), I. Gibson, T. Gibson (TGi), G. Gill, R. F. Gillan, D. Glass (DG), A. R. Goddard, N. Golby, K. Goodchild, D. Goodwin (DGo), A. G. Gordon, Miss N. J. Gordon, T. Gor- don-Christie, D. R. Grant, Mrs J. A. R. Grant, Lt.-Col. J. P. Grant, Dr J. Grant-Roger, C. Green, J. J. D. Greenwood, A. Gregory, M. J. P. Gregory, Miss F. J. Greig, J. F. Griffin, J. S. Groome, W. Groundwater, J. Gunn, NSRG (North Solway Ringing Group), TRG (Tay Ringing Group).
W. A. Hall, Dr K. C. R. Halliday, Mrs H. S. C. Halliday, Mrs E. Hamil- ton, M. K. Hamilton, W. Hamilton, Mrs A. R. Harding, A. J. Harris, E. M. Harvey, J. Harvey (JHa), Mrs M. Harvey, M. I. Harvey, D. J. Hastings, D. Hawker, C. G. Headlam, J. Henderson (JH), J. Hendry (JHe), C. J. Henty, S. G. Hill, R. Hodginson, I. Hood, R. H. Hogg, J. G. Holbourn, E. G. Holt, J. A. D. Hope, P. Hovenden, A. G. G. Hughson, D. C. Hulme, R. A. Hume, E. N. Hunter, F. Hunter, A. M. Hutton.
E. T. Idle, J. Innes (JI), D. C. Irving, J. Irvine (JIr), T. Isbister.
A. F. Jacobs, P. R. James, Mrs R. James, A. M. Jarman, J. Jefferson, ae A. Jeffrey, Dr D. Jenkins, T. Johnstone-Ferguson, A. Johnston, L. ohnston.
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 351
R. H. Kerbes, M. P. Kidd, M. King, A. Kinnear, Miss H. Knight, J. Kirk, J. P. Knowles.
Miss E. Landells, S. Laing (SLg), G. J. Langsbury, Miss A. Laughland, K. Laughton, S. Laybourne (SL), R. Lawson, J. M. Leece, A. F. Leitch, Dr H. C. Leslie, Mr & Mrs J. N. Lewis, Col. & Mrs L. D. G. Linehan, D. E. B. Lloyd, J. A. Love, R. Lovatt (RLt), R. H. Loyn, B. M. Lynch, I. H. J. Lyster
J. McArthur, J. McCubbin, J. McColl (JMcCo), A. Macdonald, D. Mac- donald, M. A. Macdonald, Mrs M. K. MacDuff-Duncan, D. McGarvie, D. B. McGinn, Mrs J. McGregor, K. S. Macgregor, R. K. Macgregor, C. MacIntyre, R. Macintyre, J. MacKay, H. MacKenzie, C. J. Mackenzie- Grieve, Dr R. J. MacKinnon, I. Maclean, A. T. Macmillan, Dr P. McMorran, G. McMurdo, R. M. MacNaughton, D. MacNee, M. MacWilliam.
P. Mackie, E. J. Maguire, A. R. Mainwood, Miss J. Maltman (JM), M. Marquiss (MM), C. F. Mapletoft, F. Marr, A. Marshall (AM), Dr B. Marshall, D. H. A. Martin, C. Masson, W. Matheson, A. Mathieson (AMt), E. Maxwell, J. Maxwell (JMx), Capt. W. S. Medlicott, R. Meekin (RM), J. Meikle (JMe), Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, K. Melhuish, J. K. R. Meirose, T. D. H. Merrie, D. G. Middleton, R. H. Miller, A. Milne (AMi), Dr H. Milne-Redhead, J. Mitchell (JMi), Rev. R. I. Mitchell, Mrs J. Morrison (JMo), W. M. Morrison, J. Moss (JMs), Miss M. Mowat (MMt), Miss R. Mouat (RMo), J. H. B. Munro, I. C. Munro (ICMo), Miss R. Murray (RMu), R. D. Murray, W. Murray, I. C. Muir (ICM).
Dr R. Napier, J. A. S. Newman, A. Nicoll, M. Nicoll, D. W. Nickson, Maj. A. A. Nimmo-Smith, D. J. Norden.
D. Oates (DOa), D. Ogilvie (DO), M. A. Ogilvie, G. Oliver, D. W. Oliver, R. O’Grady (ROg), R. Osbourne, J. Oswald, H. Ostroznik.
C. Park (CP), T. Parmenter (TPr), J. R. Parrott, T. Patterson (TP), G. Peattie (GP), Dr I. D. Pennie, J. Penny (JP), C. Placido (CP1), Miss G. Pettigrew (GPw), Prof. R. W. Pickford (RWP), N. Picozzi, Miss M. Piper, R. K. Pollock, J. A. Pollock-Morris, J. Porter (JPo), B. Pounder, A. J. Prater, A. Pringle, R. W. Powell (RWPo).
Dr G. T. Quinn.
R. M. Ramage, A. D. K. Ramsay, Dr D. A. Ratcliffe, R. S. Reid, R. A. Richardson, Dr R. Richter (RRi), R. Riddell (RR), W. K. Richmond, A. Robb (AR), H. Robb, Mrs H. N. Robb, E. L. Roberts, I. S. Robertson, Miss E. M. Rogers, P. J. Roger, R. Rose (RRo), D. W. Rothwell, Miss D. E. Rowling, A. N. Roxburgh, R. Roxburgh (RRx), K. T. Rushton, Dr M. Rusk, A. Russeli (ARu), G. Russell, H. M. Russell.
G. L. Sandeman, Miss M. Sanderson (MSa), C. J. Savoury, J. Scott (JS), P. Scott (PS), C. C. Sears, A. R. Seymour, R. Shand, Mrs A. F. W. Sharp, R. J. W. Shaw, D. C. Shenton, D. M. Shepherd (DMSh), R. M. Silltitto, C. Simpson, D. A. Simpson, J. H. Simpson (JHSi), J. I. Simpson, Miss W. Simpson, P. Simon (PSi), M. Sinclair (MS), W. A. Sinclair, D. Skilling (DSk), J. Skilling (JSk), J. Slee (JSI), A. Smith, A. J. Smith, D. Smith (DSm), Mrs E. M. Smith, H. D. Smith, P. Smith (PSm), R. T. Smith, R. W. J. Smith, Dr T. C. Smout, E. F. B. Spragge, D. Stalker (DS), B. W. Staines, D. M. Stark (DMS), T. Stark, A. G. Stewart, Miss E. Stevens, D. J. Steventon, Miss J. Stirling (JSt), D. Stone (DSt), J. A. Stout, N. Suggate, G. Summers, R. W. Summers, J. H. Swan (JHS), J. Swan (JSw), R. L. Swann, J. C. Sinclair.
Dr A. M. Tait, C. S. Tait, Mrs E. Taylor (ET), I. Taylor, J. Taylor (JT), J. Thorogood (JTh), Miss V. M. Thom, D. Thompson (DT), D. Thorogood (DTh), C. H. Thorpe, J. Tindall (JTi), D. Tomlinson (DTo), R. B. Tozer, Mrs M. Traill-Clouston, R. J. Tulloch, B. S. Turner, Mrs E. Tweedie (ETw).
N. Usher, L. A. Urquhart.
352 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
L. L. J. Vick, A. Vittery, T. G. Vorsterman.
J. Wagstaff (JW), B. Wall, A. F.G. Walker, K. Walker, R. Walker (RW), Miss T. Wareham, G. Waterston, (GWt), Miss J. Watkins (JWa), D. A. Wat- son, A. D. Watson, A. J. Watson, R. O. Watson, Hon. D. N. Weir, J. R. Weir, G. T. White, Capt. A. R. Whitfield, Mrs J. A. Whyte, E. J. Williams, M. J. Williams, M. R. Williams, S. Williamson, R. Willis (RWs), G. Wilmett (GW), J. Wilson (JWi), R. Wilson (RWn), R. D. Wilson, W. Wilson, W. P. Wilson, A. Wood, J. B. Wood, K. F. Woods, P. Wormell, W. C. Wright, Prof. V. C. Wynne-Edwards
Dr E. I. Young, H. L. Young, I. W. Young, J. F. Young, J. G. Young, L. Young, R. F. Yule
B. Zonfrillo. Species List
Great Northern Diver Gavia immer. Usual winter numbers. Largest spring flock, 20 Quendale Bay, Shet, 12 Apr (DC). Pr reared 2 young on loch in W Ross, (6: 195) (ENH), first record of breeding in Britain. In July one watched at Ollaberry, Shet, stalking, catching and eating Eider duck- lings (SW). First autumn records: 2 Findhorn, Moray, 2 Aug (BE); 1 Nigg, N Kinc, 6 Sep (MM); 1 Lunan Bay, Angus, 12 Sep (HB); 3 Methil, Fife, 20 Sep (DWO, ARS). Later in north, first Fair Isle 28 Sep (RHD) and Shet 8 Oct (RJT). Winter flocks, 14 Fetlar, Shet, 30 Oct (ARM), 5 Dornoch, Suth (JBW).
*White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii. 1 found dead Findhorn, Moray, 1 Feb (BE), subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee.
Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica. Peak numbers: 21 Gullane/Aberlady Bay, E Loth, 8 Mar (MH, DCS); 4 Dunure, Ayr, 15 Jan (AGS). Early birds in north, Findhorn, Moray, 1 Feb (BE); Foyers, Inv, 28 Mar (WMM). Mig- rants: 2 Weisdale, Shet, 10-11 Apr, 1 on 7 May (DC, RJT); Ork, singles Graemshall Bay 10 May and Echnaloch Bay 18 May (EB). Inland summer records south to Angus (GMC) and Galloway (JGY). Build-up on sea after breeding season, 21 off Red Point, W Ross, 26 Aug (AMMF); 12 L Ewe, W Ross, 28 Aug (ENH). First migrants: 2 S West Haven, Angus, 26 July (TMC); 1 Carsethorn, Kirk, 20 Sep (JDn); 1 Weisdale, Shet, 16 Sept (DC), 1 Quendale, Shet, 20 Sep (GR); 3 Echnaloch Bay, Ork, first week Oct (EB).
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata. Poor breeding season in Shet, early droughts followed by flooding in July (RJT); only 5 young from 13 prs on Fetlar (ARM). Wintered Shet, first visited breeding lochs from 6 Feb (RJT). Inv, 2 Beauly Firth 18 Jan (MIH), 1 River Ness 10 Feb (MR); singles L Leven, Kinross, 3-4 Jan and 1-15 Feb (JHS); 37 oiled E Fife coast Jan-Feb (DWO). Flocks: 60 Bridge of Don, Aber, 28 Jan (RLS); 100+ Montrose Basin, Angus, 12 May (GMC); 35 N Girdle Ness, N Kinc, 25 Apr (AFJ). Last Musselburgh, Midl, 27 May (JB, LLJV); last Shet 16 Sep (JRP); 30/hr N Fife Ness 20 Apr (DWO); 5 Kirkcudbright Bay 3 Apr (RJT); first off Ythan, Aber, 29 Aug (DB); 1 Skinflats, Stir, 1 Aug (MH); 100+ Montrose Basin, Angus, 9 Oct (GMC).
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Another year of poor breeding success; only 1 pr and 1 chick Kilconquhar, Fife, 11 July (DWO); 9 prs Morton Lochs, Fife, 12 Apr, 4 prs 5 July but no young, nests flooded (CST); 2 nests destroyed Yetholm, Rox, but 2 young elsewhere Sel/Rox (RSB); no proof of breeding Dumf (JGY), and although prs on 9+ lochs in Galloway only young were 4 L Arthur, Kirk (ADW, JGY); pr bred Collieston, Aber (WM); 2 prs reared young L Leven, Kinross (JHS).
At Leith, Midl, 500 on 8 Feb, 250 on 8 Mar (DGA); 10 Lunan Bay, Angus, 23 Apr, 14 on 28 May (GMC); singles Whalsay, Shet, 22 Feb-17
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 353
Mar (JHSi), L Spiggie, Shet, 12 May-12 June (DC); Fair Isle 21 Oct (RHD). Summer influx L Leven, Kinross, max 22 on 5 Aug (AA, JHS); 25 L Mart- naham, Ayr, 10 Aug (WRB); build-up Leith ,70 on 14 Sep, 130 on 24 Sep but down to 25 on 14 Nov (LLJV); Aber, 2 L Davan 13 Sep (RSBy), 1 Meikle Loch 12 Nov (JAL); up to 27 L Ryan, Wig, in winter (JGY).
*Red-necked Grebe Podiceps griseigena. Recorded 5 Jan-8 Mar and 28 Aug-28 Dec. Spring: 1 Mid Yell, Shet, 5-11 Jan (RJT); 1 Fair Isle 25-27 Feb (RHD); 1 dead Elliot, Angus, 8 Feb (NKA); 1 Leith Docks, Midl, 8 Jan (DRG), 1 Musselburgh 17 Jan (RWJS, LLJV); 1 Gullane, E Loth. 11 Jan, 2 on 8 Mar (DCS); 1 long dead Findhorn, Moray, 22 Aug (BE, MM).
Autumn: E Loth, 3 Gullane 28 Aug, small numbers to end of year (RMB, LLJV), 2 Gosford Bay 28 Aug and 31 Oct (DJ, LLJV), 1 Tyninghame 11 Oct (TB, RWJS); 1 Broadbay, O Heb, 30 Sep (MM); 1 Gartmore Dam, Stir, 6 Oct (ICM); Mid], 1 Musselburgh 26 Sep (RF, DCS, LLJV), 2 on 28 Dec (RMS), 1 Joppa 8 Oct (MJE).
Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus. Marked decline at Caith colony (DG); fewer at main Inv loch (JAL); first at Inv breeding lochs 28 Mar (ETY); 1 pr inJand Rannoch, Perth, but no proof of breeding (MP). Shet, 25 on 6 Mainland voes 8 Feb (DC), latest 13 May (FH); 1 Fair Isle 13-16 Aor (RHD). Usual winter records include singles Ythan, Aber, 8 Feb (RLS); Morton Lochs, Fife, 25 Jan (CST); Kilconquhar, Fife, 6 Feb (PGTB); L Ar- thur, Kirk, 15 Mar-13 Apr (HMR, ADW et al). Autumn migrants Fair Isle 3 Oct (RHD) and Fetlar, Shet, 7 Oct (ARM).
*Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. At E of 2 established colonies in central lowlands, first bird 24 Mar, max 12 on 7 Apr, 3 prs and 4 large juveniles 8 Aug, last juvenile 11 Oct; 5-6 prs at other site, at least 5 young on 7 July; 1 pr on a loch between these two sites on 21 Apr but not seen again (anon). Other summer records: 1 Forvie, Aber, 10-14 May (GMD, CJF); 1 Skinflats, Stir, 14-16 May (MH, DF). Winter records: Weisdale Voe, Shet, 25 Feb (JIr); Leith, Midl, 8 Jan, 3 on 18 Jan (RMB, DRG); Carse- thorn, Kirk, 28 Mar (AFJ).
Autumn records: Ayr, 2 Belston Loch 7-9 Aug (PM), 1 Trabboch Loch 16-17 Aug (WRB, PM); Rox, 1 Lady Moss Aug (per AJS), 1 Hoselaw Loch Aug-Sep (RSB); 1 Arbroath, Angus, 28-30 Oct (NKA, AN, MN). Regular winterers L Ryan, Wig: first, 8 on 6 Aug; max 11 on 9 Aug (RCD).
Little Grebe Podiceps ruficollis. No change in breeding status, although local increases reported W Moray/Nairn (BE) and Nithsdale, Dumf (JGY); none bred Yetholm, Rox, for 3rd year running (RSB). Migrants: Fetlar, Shet, 5 Nov (ARM); Fair Isle 23-24 Oct (RHD); O Heb, Lewis 5 Apr, 4 Ness 16 Apr, Braighe 11 Oct (WAJC); L Stack, Suth, 28 Dec CIDP). 5 wintered Musselburgh, Midl, last seen 13 Apr (JB, LLJV).
Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. No reports from _ breeding colonies. 1 off Westray, Ork, in summer (CB); 7 Thurso Bay, Caith, 21
354 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
May (DMS); 1 Forfar Loch, Angus, 22 May (GMC); 1 Longhaugh Point, Renf, 4 Oct (HG, IG, RM, GTW).
Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. Over 1100 mistnetted Fetlar, Shet, included controls from St Kilda (1), Foula (3), Fair Isie (2) and Yell (1), also 35 1968 retraps from Fetlar and 67 from 1969 (ARM); Fair Isle, seen on crossing 22 May-29 Sep, noted ashore 3 June-23 Aug (RHD). No other breeding-site reports. Stragglers: Usan, Angus, 21 Aug (GMC); Fife Ness 12 Sep (DWO, ARS); Islay, I Heb, 2 Nov (CGB); Wig, 1 long dead Stran- raer 19 July (JFG), 1 Corsewall Point 16 Aug (NE), several Mull of Gallo- way early Sep (per ADW), 2 off Stranraer 2 Oct (RTS).
Manx Shearwater Procellaria puffinus. Little information from colonies: Shet, first on sea, Whalsay 20 Mar (ARM); c 100 off Fetlar in summer (RJT), stranded chicks to 8 Sep (ARM); summer totals 1000/hr N to S iGo O Heb (GMC); 500 between Gigha and Islay, I Heb, 13 June
Spring movements: peaks, 12 Gullane, E Loth, 26 Apr (DCS); 19 N Fife Ness 20 Apr (DWO); 30 Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 4 May (DCH); seen Fair Isle crossing 15 May-29 Sep (RHD); 2 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 17 Apr (JGY); 2 W Southerness, Kirk, 30 Mar (DSK, JGY).
Summer numbers: 70 Usan, Angus, 23 July (GMC); 50 Kirkcaldy, Fife, 3 July (GHB); hundreds off Mull of Galloway 5 July (ADW). Aber, passage N, 11 Collieston 21 Aug (CJF) and 4 Ythan 21 Aug (LHC, JAL, MAMcD); Isle of May seen 8-25 Sep, max 46 on 22nd (NKA).
*Great Shearwater Procellaria gravis. 3 N in seabird movement, Collies- ton, Aber, 21 Aug (CJF), and 3 Rattray Head, Aber, same day (MRW).
*Cory’s Shearwater Procellaria diomedea. Aber, 1 Rattray Head 21 Aug (MRW), 1 N Collieston, Aber, same day (CJF et al); Ork/Caith, 1 Pentland Firth 24 Sep (6: 330) (MFMM).
Sooty Shearwater Procellaria griseus. Shet, 4 Aug-early Sep (ARM, RJT); Fair Isle, record numbers 31 July-27 Sep, mainly 9 Aug-9 Sep, peaks 100 on 16th, 200 on 17th and 15 on 18 Aug; seen on Fair Isle cross- ing 31 July-29 Sep (RHD); Ork, 3 Hoy 24 Sep (MFMM); 20 N Ronaldsay 18 Oct, 15 on 21 Oct (EJW); E Ross, 4 Tarbat Ness 16-17 Aug, 1 on 22nd (CJM-G); Aber, 24 N Collieston 21 Aug (CJF, MAMcD), Ythan 36 N/hr 21 Aug (LHC, JAL) and 2 N on 22 Aug; 2 Moray Firth 16 July (RSBy); Angus, 1 Usan 23 July, 2 on 22 Aug (GMC), 1 West Haven 16 Aug, 3 on 9 Sep (TMC), 29 N in ? hr Arbroath 16 Aug, 17 N in } hr 7 Sep (AN, MN); Fife Ness, 12/hr N 16 Aug, small numbers to 24th (DWO, ARS); Isle of May, 5 on 23 Sep, 1 on 24th (NKA). West coast: 16 W Faraid oun Suth, 23 Aug (AMMF); 1 Rubha Reidh, W Ross, 28 Aug (JLF,
Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. Increase in Forth, 363 sites on Inchkeith (317 in 1969) (RWJS); increased Meikle Ross, Kirk (JGY); pre-egg-laying dispersal Fair Isle 6-21 May, first egg 16 May (RHD); first egg Scarp, O Heb, 10 May (DWR). Blue-phase birds: singles many dates Fair Isle (RHD) and Shet (RJT); Tiumphan Head, O Heb 29 May, 30 June (MM, WAJC); Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 16 Aug (CJM-G); Aber- deen 4 May (JRP); Ythan, Aber, 21] Aug (MAMCcD, JAL). Inland prospect- ing birds: Abernethy Glen, Perth, 22 May (EJM); up to 7 Benarty Crags, Kinross, 15 Apr-26 July (AA, JHS); Skinflats, Stir, 3 on 27 May, 4 on 28th, 1 on 3 Aug and 1 on 27th (MH); 1 Falkirk 12 July (MH); 2 Dud- dingston, Midl, 25 Apr (JADH); Blackford Hill, Midl, 4 dates 27 May- 3 July (LLJV); landing Traprain Law, E Loth (RMB); inland Dumfries 14 Mar (JGY). Big movements: 700/hr N Fife Ness 20 Apr (DWO); 600/hr N. Collieston, Aber, 21 Aug (CJF), later in day 480/hr N (LHC, JAL,
MAMcD); 250 N in 24 hrs Arbroath, Angus, 16 Aug (MN).
Gannet Sula bassana. Scar Rock colony, Wig, increased (JGY); suc- cessful season at 2 Shet colonies (RJT). Pullus ringed Ailsa Craig 10 July
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 395
1970 found in stomach of shark 20km off Tan-tan, Morocco, 14 Nov (JGY). 7 off Dingwall Canal, E Ross, 24 Oct were far up Cromarty Firth (HDS). Passage included 150 N in 2} hrs Arbroath, Angus, 16 Aug (MN); 50/hr N Collieston, Aber, 21 Aug (CJF).
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. 20 prs Eilean Mhor, L Torridon, W Ross (JAW) and 5 prs near Durness, Suth, (DCH) (not mentioned5: 363- 378); O Heb, Causamul colony 119 nests 9 June (70 nests 15 June 1967) (GC). Increase in Wig, Piltanton estuary 75 nests (RCD), Meikle Ross 34 nests (17 in 1969) (JGY) and Rigg Bay, but decrease on Mulberry (RHM); increase Ord of Caith (DMS).
Largest flocks recorded: 600 West Ferry, Angus, 16 Dec (TMC); 300 Invergowrie Bay, Perth, in Oct and 600 in Nov (EJM); 230 Cramond Island, W Loth (TCS); 470 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 17 Dec, 12% lst Y (JGY). Fair Isle, autumn passage from 29 Aug, peaks 42 on 12 Sep, 60 on 21 Sep and 39 on 2 Oct (RHD).
Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Increase reported in Firth of Forth: 194 nests Lamb 13 June (158 in 1969) and 104 nests Craigleith 20 June (95 in 1969) (RWJS); similar increase Wig and Kirk (per ADW). Fair Isle, first eggs 7 Apr, about average date (RHD), but in Shet 25 Apr, about 2 weeks late (RJT); 36 nests Causamul, O Heb, 9 June (GC); 5 Waterfoot, Annan, Dumf, 6 Aug (JGY).
Heron Ardea cinerea. Ork, only 2 prs cliff site at Yesnaby, no proof of success (EB); O Heb, new colonies in N and S Uist but species on decrease (GC, WAJC); W Ross doing well, 16 nests Plockton (ENH), 3 nests Eilean Mullagrach (DCH); possible increase in some areas of Perth (VMT); increase to 13 nests at Kirkconnel, Kirk (JGY); E Fife, 24 nests at Tentsmuir (JEF), 1 chick ringed there 10 May 1970 recovered Delvin, Co Westmeath 11 Oct, 250 miles SW (TRG); Fair Isle, passage to 15 May when 3, autumn passage 29 July-8 Nov, mainly Aug and Sep, but max only 7 on 22 Sep (RHD); Shet, last seen early Apr, immigrants from mid July (RJT); 58 Montrose Basin, Angus, 14 Aug (GMC).
*Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. 1 Fair Isle 4-11 June (RHD, BM), 7th Scottish record.
*Little Egret Egretta garzetta. 1 found dead Sandness, Shet, 2 May (DC, TGo); 1 L Feochan, Argyll, 1 Feb (6: 196) (AG, SGH); 1 L Gorm and L Gruinart, Islay, I Heb, 25 May-4 July (6: 197) (JC, RH, GJL, JRM, DT); 1 N of Whithorn, Wig, 19 Apr (GW) and presumably same bird Garlieston, Wig, 30 Apr-6 May (6: 331) (RHM, GW).
*Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus. 3 Gillingshill Reservoir, Arncroach, Fife, 10 June (6: 331) (JARG, TW, JW).
*Bittern Botaurus stellaris. 1 found dead Ballantrae, Ayr, 28 Jan (per AGS); 1 Kinnaird Lake, Angus, 2 Feb (JD); 1 Lochmaben, Dumf, 6 Apr (ES), 1 Dumfries 3 May (JGY); @ killed by car Laurencekirk, Kinc, 7 May (per TMC). 5 in one year is more than usual.
356 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
*Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia. 1 Caerlaverock, Dumf. 2 June (ELR et al); Aber, 1 Strathbeg 9-13 June (RC), 1 Ythan 24 June-24 Aug (MAMcD, JW, CW et al); 1 Ardmore Point, Dunb, 4 Nov (RHDo).
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. Poor breeding season L Leven, Kinross, (AA, CRGC). Peak counts and migrants: Fair Isle, passage from 21 Aug, max 8 on 23 Sep, 20 on 23 Oct (RHD); Inv, 770 Beauly Firth 18 Jan (MIH), 121 Longman on 15 Feb and 418 on 13 Dec (MR); Aber, 300 Auch- lossan 24 Jan, 1330 Loch of Skene 25 Jan (RSBy); Angus, 300 Montrose Basin 14 June (GMC); Kinross, L Leven 2080 on 17 Feb, 2250 on 13 Sep, 1000 Nov-Dec (AA, CRGC, JHS); Fife, 1800 Kilconquhar 15 Feb, 1500 on 13 Sep (DWO); Stir, 600 Tullibody Inch 7 June (CJH), 1000 Grangemouth 8 Feb (DF); Midl, 900 Moorfoots Jan, 350 on 23 Aug, 1300 on 13 Sep, 1900 on 25 Oct (DGA, JB, RJWS); Dumf, 600 moulted Black- ae ae 1200 Nith estuary 14 Dec (JGY); Wig, 2000 Lochinch late
ov (J :
Teal Anas crecca. Good breeding season Kirk (ADW); 92 with 9 duck- lings Unst, Shet, 15 June (MS). Fair Isle, spring records 14 Mar-8 June, max 7 on 7 May, autumn passage 9 Aug-12 Nov, peaks 15 on 9th, 20 on 10th and 8 on 25 Sep (RHD); Isle of May, more than usual late Aug- late Sep, max 9 on 24 Aug (GLS). E Ross high total of cl000 Alness Bay 13 Sep (CGH), otherwise numbers rather low, max 350 on Beauly Firth 18 Oct (MIH) and only 26 Longman Bay, Inv, 16 Jan and 13 Sep (MR); Kinross, L Leven, 370 on 18 Jan and c500 in late Sep (AA, JHS); Midl, 400 Moorfoots 10 Oct (RWJS); Dumf, 870 Nith estuary 17 Oct (JGY).
3d N American Green-winged Teal A. c. carolinensis was seen Sinna Water, Northmavine, Shet, 5 Apr (DC, FH, RJT).
*Garganey Anas querquedula. O Heb, 3 Balranald 29-30 May (DGA) and ¢ 26-28 Apr (GC); Lan, 3 Merryton 11 Apr, 5 on 12th-13th, 7 on 14th, 2 on 16th, 3 on 17th (ITD, MMD, HSCH, KCRH); Shet, 2 ¢¢ Hillwell 10-14 May (DC, RJT); Dumf, 3 prs Caerlaverock 16 May (JH, JGY); Ayr, pr summered in county (PM, WRB), 2 Barr Loch 8 Aug (RAJ); Caith, 1 shot Greenvale 31 Oct (JM).
Gadwall Anas strepera. Poor breeding season at L Leven, Kinross, present 5 Apr-late Nov (AA, CRGC, JHS); Perth loch held 7-8 prs and 5 broods totalling 32 ducklings 7 July (VMT); probably bred Kilconquhar, Fife, where 17 on 20 Apr, down to 2 on 17 May, but 14 on 24 June (DWO); 2 with 3 ducklings Balranald, O Heb, in June (GC). Migrants: Fair Isle pr 17 May (RHD), ¢ Fetlar, Shet, 2-3 June (ARM); singles Ork 3 Jan, 29 June and Sep (EB, RSBy, MFMM); 1 Gairloch 5 Sep, first seen by (ENH) in W Ross.
Small numbers in winter SE Suth, E Ross, Angus, Midl, E Loth, Ayr, Renf, Dumf and Kirk; only big numbers Kilconquhar where 22 on 17 Aug, 170 on 1 Sep, 150 on 13 Sep, 100 on 4 Oct, 76 on 11th and 58 on 14th (DWO, ARS).
Wigeon Anas penelope. Poor breeding season at L Leven, Kinross (AA, CRGC); but pr bred Caerlaverock, Dumf (JGY); ° with 3 small ducklings in Kirk, first definite record for many years (EBd, JGY); probable increase in Ork (EB); 4 broods W Moray (BE).
Migration: Fair Isle, few 28 Jan-22 May, autumn passage from 14 Aug, mainly 24 Aug-2 Oct, max 14 on 25 Sep and 12 Oct (RHD); Shet, Fetlar 26 on 1 Apr and 31 on 5th; autumn passage from 8 Sep, max 20 on 22 Oct (ARM); more than usual Isle of May, max 10 on 23 Aug (GLS); last Glencaple, Dumf, 14 Apr (17); first returned Glencaple 1 Sep (JGY) and Moorfoot reservoirs, Midl, 6 Sep (DGA, RWJS). Peak counts: Inv, Beauly Firth 384 in spring, 567 in autumn (MIH), Longman 580 on 16 Jan, 1720 on 18 Oct (JAL, MR); Aber, 650 Loch of Skene 25 Jan (RSBy); Kinross, L Leven, 700 early Jan, down to 170 mid Apr, max 1000 in autumn (AA, JHS); Rox, 300 Hoselaw Loch 22 Nov (RSB); Dumf, 720 Priestside 2 Nov oe apwe 3000 Stranraer late Dec (ADW, JGY); Kirk, 640 L Ken 22
an 3
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 357
Pintail Anas acuta. Breeding records: pr Stronsay, Ork (EB); @ with young Lairg, Suth, 3 July (HR); 2 with brood W Moray 18 June (BE); @ hatched all but 1 egg River N Esk, Angus (GMC); 9, possibly breeding, Kinloch Rannoch, Perth (TCS); bred Caerlaverock and Dumfries (JGY); nest destroyed by fox Southerness, Kirk (JGY). Migrants: single dd Fair Isle 24 Jan, 22 Feb, 5-17 and 28 June, 9 Sep (RHD); Shet, 3 Hillwell 10 May, 1 on 31 May (DC), singles Spiggie 26 June (PMcM) and 22 Oct (FH); Caith, 7 Loch Rangag 30 Aug (DG). Peak counts: 88 Longman, Inv, 15 Feb (MR); L Leven, Kinross, 6 Sep-9 Nov, max 25 on 26 Sep (AA, JHS, WPW)); Stir, 140 Skinflats 25 Oct and 8 Dec (DF), 50 Cambus Pans 12 Apr (CJH); E Loth, 16 Tyninghame 18 Oct (RWJS); Dunb, 54 Ardoch 1 Jan (AGG); Renf, 38 Longhaugh Point 23 Oct (RWF); Kirk, 1700+ Carsethorn-Drumburn 22 Sep (NU, JGY), 60 L Ken 7 Nov (ADW); Wig, 480 Piltanton estuary 17 Oct (RCD).
Shoveler Spatula clypeata. Breeders back L Leven, Kinross, 26 Mar, but poor season, increase from mid Aug to max 190 on 17-18 Oct, last mid Nov (AA, JHS); Fife, Kilconquhar from 16 Apr, 20 prs by 30 Apr, duck- lings from 23 July, stayed late, 54 on 14 Nov and 18 on 13 Dec (DWO); also bred N Isles, Ork (EB); 10 prs Kinnordy, Angus, 31 May (HB); pr and 3 young Skinflats, Stir (MH, JP); 2-3 prs Threipmuir, Midl (JB) and L Ken, Kirk (LAU).
Migrants: Shet, 1 Strand Loch 10 May, 3 on 13th, 2 Hillwell 31 May (DC); O Heb, 5 L Stiapavat 14 May (DWR), 1 Ness 17 June (DJS); W Ross, pr Badachro 15-16 May, 1 on 20 June (ENH); Fair Isle 1 on 2 Sep (RHD); Shet, 2 Fetlar 16 Sep (ARM), 1 Lerwick 17-18 Oct (DC). Flocks of note: O Heb, 18 L Biall Fhionnianidh 13 Oct (DJ); Perth, 65 Blairgowrie 18 Oct (VMT); Stir, 38 Grangemouth 14 Nov (DF); Rox, 90 Hoselaw Loch 8 Nov (RSB); Dumf, 200 Powfoot 14 Dec (JGY).
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata. No reports from Perth, but @ Black- ford Pond and Duddingston, Midl, from 18 Nov (EMS, LLJV).
Scaup Aythya marila. No reports of breeding: pr Barr Loch, Renf, 15 May (RGC); 2 prs L Branahuie, O Heb, 15 May (DWR); ¢ Brora, Suth, 15 July (RAH, DTh).
Migrants: Fair Isle 7 Aug and 11 Oct (RHD). Inland records: Loch of Skene, Aber, 15 Feb-15 Mar (RSBy); L Leven, Kinross, 8 Jan, 5 on 18 Jan, 13 Apr, 9 Sep (AA, CGRC, TG); Kilconquhar, Fife, 23 on 15 Feb (DWO); Lochinch Loch, Kirk, 3 Oct (LAU). Peak counts: Seafield, Midl, 26000 on 8 Feb, down to 12000 on 8 Mar, 800 on 2 Apr (several hundreds affected by oil) (DGA); return, 4 on 11 Sep, 50 on 23 Sep (RWJS); 300 Edderton Bay, E Ross, 17 Mar (CGH); 200 Troon, Ayr, 15 Feb (RGC); 400+ Ardoch, Dunb, 4 Feb (AGG); 520 Kippford, Kirk, 18 Feb (AFGW); 400 Carsethorn, Kirk, 1 Dec (NU); 340 L Ryan, Wig, 10 Jan (RCD).
358 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Poor breeding season reported from L Leven, Kinross (AA, CGRC) and Moorfoot and Gladhouse reservoirs, Midl (RWJS); no young reared Duddingston, Mid] (DGA); young scarce Rox (RSB). In contrast, Kilconquhar, Fife, had good breeding season (DWO), and there was an increase in pairs at Castle Loch, Wig (RHM, GW). o L Braighe 29 June, 8 dd and 1 @ 4 July (RMclI) is unusual for Lewis, O Heb, where not known to breed (WAJC), also 2 prs L Stiapavat 14 May (DWR).
Counts: Shet, max 130 Clickhimin 9 Feb (FH) and 70 Fetlar 9 Feb (ARM); arrivals Fetlar 12 on 15 Oct (ARM) and max 150 Clickhimin 6 Dec (FH); Inv, max 350 Clachnaharry 15 Feb (MIH); Aber, 30 Auchlossan 24 Jan (RSBy); 600+ West Ferry, Angus, 11 Jan (TMC); L Leven, Kinross, max 4000+ on 13 Sep is record total for loch, 3000+ in early Oct and 100 at end of year (AA, JHS); Fife, 732 on 15 Feb is best ever at Kilcon- quhar (DWO); 550 wintered Edinburgh lochs, down to 350 on 8 Mar and 240 on 2 Apr (RWJS et al); 127 Lochmaben, Dumf, 13 Oct (JGY).
Pochard Aythya ferina. Few reports of breeding. 8 prs bred Kilcon- guhar, Fife (DWO); pr bred Rossie Moor, Angus (NKA), but no young reared Duddingston, Midl (DGA).
Counts: 235 L Leven, Kinross ,17 Feb, small numbers from July increas- ed to 1800+ on 26 Sep, max 2500+ on 9 Nov, decreased to 2100 on 15 Nov and 1500 on 31 Dec, highest autumn and winter counts since at least 1966 (AA, JHS); Fife, Kilconquhar peaks 1254 on 15 Feb and 1800 on 13 Dec (DWO). Other peaks: 30 Tingwall, Shet, 23 Feb (RN); 600-700 wintered L Harray, Ork (EB); 75 Auchlossan, Aber, 4 Apr (RSBy); 4000 wintered Edinburgh lochs to 8 Feb, down to 1700 by 8 Mar and 100 on 2 Apr (DGA). In autumn increased to 950 on 18 Oct, 1250 on 15 Nov and 1500 in Dec (DRA); max 90 Moorfoots, Midl, 8 Nov (DGA).
Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. Bred E Inv, where @ and 4 ducklings seen in July (6: 197) (CFM et al), first Scottish breeding record. Summer records: Tingwall, Shet, 14 June (DC); d Boreray, O Heb, 7 July (ADKR); Suth, L Hope 16 June (GS), 12 Bonar Bridge 16 July (RAF); 3 Tain, E Ross, 9 July (RAH, DTh); various E Inv; New Pitsligo, Aber, 8 June (NE); Loch of Lowes, Perth; L Leven, Kinross; Kilconquhar, Fife; Almond es- tuary, W Loth (RDM); Midl, 4 Musselburgh 30 June (RWJS), Crosswood Reservoir 14 July (TCS); 3 L Ken, Kirk, 29 July (LAU).
Peak counts and migration: Fair Isle, small numbers to 16 Apr, first autumn arrivals 4 on 21 Oct (RHD); Shet, last Fetlar 5 June, arrivals from 5 Oct, main increase from 22 Oct (ARM); E Ross, 650 Invergordon 16 Mar (CGH); E Inv, 162 River Ness 8 Mar, 201 on 13 Dec (MR); 100 Banff 5 Dec (AFWS); Aber, 123 Loch of Skene 15 Mar (RSBy); Angus, 600+ West Ferry 11 Jan (TMC); Kinross, 431 L Leven 15 Mar, sudden increase to 1000+ on 13 Apr, 445 on 15 Nov (AA, JHS); Midl, 4000 Sea- field 1 Jan, 3000 on 25 Jan, 2000 on 8 Mar and 2 Apr (DGA); 120 Moor- foots 28 Mar, last 5 on 10 May (DGA, RWJS); Dumf, 123 Torduff Point 18 Jan (JGY).
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. Summer: last Fair Isle 11 May (RHD); Shet, last Fetlar 23 May (ARM), pr Lerwick 23 and 29 June (BZ, DC); O Heb, 4 L Branahuie 15 May (DWR); Suth, ¢ Handa 8 June (JB); Moray, last Spey Bay 20 June (JMB). Pre-breeding season peaks: 600 Rousay, Ork, 30 Apr (EB); Moray, max 800 Spey Bay 18 Apr (JMB), 300+ Findhorn 20 Feb (BE); Aber, 80 Don mouth 4 Feb (MAMcD); Midl, Ley a tae 22 Jan, last 2 on 14 Apr (LLJV); Ayr, 36 Irvine 11 Jan
Autumn: Shet, from 6 Oct, mainly after 21st (ARM), max 24 Foula 24 Oct (JGH); Fair Isle, from 3 Oct, peak 41 on 20th and 56 on 21 Oct, most ever seen on isle (RHD); Suth, 450 Embo 24 Oct (JBW); Aber, 5 Ythan 21 Oct, 95 on 29 Nov (JAL); Kinc, first Girdle Ness 7 Oct (MJHC); Angus, first Carnoustie 8 Oct (GMC); 2 Fife Ness 16 Aug (DWO). Inland:
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 309
1 L Leven, Kinross, 24 Oct, 3 on 13-15 Nov (AA, JHS); Renf, 1-2 Barr Loch 10 Oct-3 Dec (RGC, DLC); Ayr, L Martnaham 12 Nov (AGS, MAO), Kirk, Kendoon and Earlstown Lochs 7 Nov-31 Dec (GAF, LAU, ADW).
Common Scoter Melanitia nigra. No definite breeding records but suspected Shet (RJT); 2 seen in July on breeding loch, Perth (VMT); 2 with 3 half-grown ducklings on sea, Monreith, Wig, 15-23 July (GW). Summer-moult flocks: 127 Luce Bay, Wig, 7 July and peak 1000 on 27 Aug (RCD); 120 Little Ross, Kirk, July (JGY). Other counts: 7000 scoters, mainly Common, off Dornoch, Suth, 24 Oct (JBW); 1100 Findhorn, Moray, 12 Sep (DBMcG); Aber, many hundreds off Ythan and Collieston 20 Sep (CJF); 50 Seafield, Midl, 2 Apr (DGA); 1 Isle of May a HY (DWO); 1 Skinflats, Stir, 18 Jan (MH, DF); 2 L Ashie, Inv, 2 Nov
Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca. 900 N Fife Ness 16 Aug (DWO). Fair Isle, 1 on 15 Aug, 3 on 9 Sep (RHD); Shet, usual records, but ¢ Hills- wick 12 June (RJT), first of autumn 3 on 28 Oct (DC); O Heb, 1 Back, Lewis, 4 May; Angus, 50 Usan 22 June (GMC); ¢ L Ken, Kirk, 30 Oct, new record ior loch (LAU, ADW).
*Steller’s Eider Polystica stelleri. d Rattray Head, Aber, 8 Nov (MRW).
Eider Somateria mollissima. Badly hit by North Sea oiling (6: 235- 250), 2112 were found dead or dying on E coast beaches 1 Jan-15 Feb, the great majority near the Tay, 1055 in Fife and 934 in Angus/Kinc.
Peak counts: 18000 West Ferry, Angus, 3 Nov (TMC); 3000 Seafield- Musselburgh, Midl, Jan-Feb and 2500 on 2 Mar (DGH); 2000+ Gullane Point, E Loth, 29 Aug (RMB); 1500+ Ardmore, Dunb, Sep (AGG); 700 L Ryan, Wig, 9 Aug (RCD); 230 Coll, Lewis, 17 Nov, largest flock recorded in O Heb (WAJC); 400 Bettyhill, Suth, 14 June (DG); 550 Fair Isle 6 Oct, most ever counted there (RHD).
*King Eider Somateria spectabilis. ¢ Ronas Voe, Shet, 23 Mar-9 Apr (DC, RJT et al); immature ¢ Kirkcolm, L Ryan, Wig, 30 March (6: 275) (RMBa, AFJ et al).
Goosander Mergus merganser. Little breeding information, but increase continued Dumf, e.g. 13 nests Langholm (KB); good season Kirk, up to 20 L Ken 19 Aug (AAN-S) and increase in the Borders (RSB).
Winter numbers low in north, only 3 Beauly Firth 18 Jan (MIH); more than usual in south: 15 Whiteadder reservoir, Ber, 18 Jan (RWJS); 120+ Ale-Ettrick, Sel, 15 Mar (JB); 60 Morton Lochs, Fife, 19 Mar (AMMF, RWS), 150 off Newport early Apr (DBT); 71 L Leven, Kinross, 18 Jan (AA, CGRC); 12 Loch of Skene, Aber, 25 Jan (RSBy). Stragglers: singles, Fair Isle 3-12 Nov (RHD); Shet, Channerwick 18 Oct (DC, RJT), Whalsay 28 Nov (JHSi); Loch of Skaill, Ork, 27 Jan (HMcK). Winter peaks: 800+ Beauly Firth, Inv, 13 Dec (CJF); 220 L Leven 31 Dec (AA, JHS).
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. Continued increase in Dumf and Wig (RHM, JGY); pr with 5 ducklings L Leven, Kinross, first breed- ing record for loch (AA, JHS). Scarce in early months Beauly Firth, only
360 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
5 on 18 Jan (MIH). Counts: 250 Coldbackie, Suth, 23 Aug (PRJ); 120 Whiteness Head, Nairn/Inv, 17 July (JE); 300 Findhorn, Moray, 12 Sep (JE); 250 Kinnaber, Angus, 23 July (GMC); 155 Burntisland, Fife, 7 Apr (JMC); 500 Grangemouth, Stir, 14 Nov (DF); 150 Musselburgh, Midl, 8 Oct (MJE); 150+ L Ryan, Wig, 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW).
*Smew Mergus albellus. 13 winter records all S of Angus-Ayr except 6 Invergordon, E Ross, 16 Mar (CGH); last Castle Semple Loch Renf, 5 Apr (RGC), singles except 3 Hoselaw Loch, Rox, 9 Feb (per AJS) and 2 Castle Semple Loch, 17 Jan-22 Mar (RGC). 6 autumn records after first, shot Newton Stewart, Wig, late Oct (per ADW); distribution Angus, Midl, Rox and Renf (8).
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. Good season at Kingoodie, Perth, 44 juv- eniles 8 July (HB); 9 broods, L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHS); 2-3 prs bred Isle of May (NJG). Counts: 176 Munlochy Bay, E Ross, 8 Jan (MKM-D); E Inv, build-up at Longman, 24 on 13 Sep, 52 on 15 Nov, 122 on 13 Dec (MR); 614 Eden estuary, Fife, 18 Jan (RAC); 1130 Skinflats, Stir, 8 Feb (DF); 2017 Ardoch, Dunb, 30 Jan (AGG); 636 Gretna-Nith estuary, Dumf, 14 Dec (NSRG). Fair Isle migrants, 27 Jan and 2 on 1 May (RHD).
Grey Lag Goose Anser anser. National count 8 Nov 65000; all but 1440 in Scotland; most as usual in E central region where 28750 in Perth and 10530 in Angus/Kinc. Further slight increase in population after mod- erately good breeding season; 25.1% young birds, best since 1964, average brood size 2.4 (MAO).
Rather little information on breeding success in Scotland; breeding proved Harris and Lewis, O Heb (WAJC); brood of 8 Loch Maree, W Ross (ENH); 7 summered Munlochy Bay, E Ross (MKM-D); 4 summered Eden estuary, Fife (DWO, GO); 2 Fair Isle 10 July (RHD) and pr possibly bred Foula, Shet, where pr and 3 young 24 Aug (ARW).
Spring departure: mid Apr Galloway; L Leven, Kinross, 1440 on 7 Jan, 652 on 13 Feb, 1780 on 18 Feb, last early May (AA, CRGC, JHS); last Perth, 90 Kingoodie 27 Apr (HB); 26 Glen Ogil, Angus, 11 May (GMC); 350 Findhorn, Moray, 16 Apr (BE); 100-200 W off Faraid Head, Suth, 30 Apr (RSBy); passage Fair Isle 15 Apr-11 May, max 5 on 24th (RHD); Shet, 42 Sumburgh 4 Apr (ARW), few Foula to 8 May (JGH), 1 Skerries 16-17 May (RJT).
Autumn migration: Shet, from 23 Sep, mainly 20 Oct, exceptional num- bers with flocks of over 200 (RJT); Fair Isle, from 23 Sep, max 30 on 30 Sep, 72 on 8 Oct, 110 on 20th, 140 on 22nd (RHD); first Angus, Lunan Bay, 22 Sep (GMC); L Leven, Kinross, 2 on 26 Sep, main arrival mid Oct (JHS); 68 Gladhouse, Midl, 2 Sep (LY); 12 Dumf 21 Sep, mainly from 21 Oct (JGY). Peaks: 650 Beauly Firth, Inv, 16 Nov (MIH); c8000 Kinnordy, Angus, 15 Nov (JIS); L Leven, max 4700 on 6 Dec (AA, JHS, WRW); 1856 Kilconquhar, Fife, 13 Dec (DWO); 2000+ Gladhouse, Midl, AIG. LY); 1200 Tinwald Downs, Dumf, 20 Nov, 1840 on 14 Dec
White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. European race A. a. albifrons: 1 Fair Isle 21 Jan-13 Feb (RHD); 3 Morton Lochs, Fife, 11 Apr (RAS); 24 Islay, I Heb, 3 Apr (GLCF); 5 Lockerbie, Dumf, 27 Mar (RTS). Others unspecified unless marked G for Greenland race A. a. flavirostris.
Departure: up to 300 G L Ken, Kirk, Apr is low (ADW), last 90 G on 30 Apr (LAU) and 45 G Moor of Genoch, Wig, 24 Apr (RCD); 1 G Barr Loch, Renf, 8 Mar (IG, GITW, DLC); 1 G Kilconquhar, Fife, 5 Feb, 3 G on 27 Feb (DWO); 2 G L Leven, Kinross, 2 Jan (JHS); 1 G Comrie, Perth, 18 Apr (MH); single G birds Ythan, Aber, 31 Mar (RLS), Crimond, Aber, 27 Apr (NE); 14 G Badachro, W Ross, 25 Jan (ENH); 13 G Balranald, O Heb, 20 Apr (GC); 70 Birsay, Ork, 17 Apr (EB).
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 361
Autumn arrivals: Kirk, 207+ G Loch Ken 18 Oct (LAU), peak 330 G L Ken 7 Nov (ADW), 126 G Moor of Genoch, Wig, 25 Oct (RCD), 138 G Lochinch Loch, Wig, 31 Dec (JKRM, ADW); 10-12% young in Oct, better than last winter (PS, ADW). Islay, I Heb, population 2500 G on 17 Nov (MAO). Other counts: 40 Endrick, Dunb, 12 Dec (JM, ETI, CP); 9 Crich- ton, Mid], 29-30 Oct (HFB, WB); 40+ Barvas, O Heb, 5 Sep (RMclI) was early; 1 G Spiggie, Shet, 5 Oct (RE-H); 2 G Hoselaw Loch, Rox, 22 Nov- 13 Dec, where unusual (RSB); 23 G Kilconquhar, Fife, 23 Nov (DWO).
*Bean Goose Anser arvensis arvensis. Castle Douglas, Kirk, flock reached only 17 in Jan (RE-H, ADW); Aber, 6 Tarty 14 Mar (MJHO), 1 Slains 25 Oct (RLS, WM); 2 Kilconquhar, Fife, 27 Feb (DWO); 2 Gullane, E Loth, 12 Oct (BCF); singles Fetlar, Shet, 26 Jan (ARM); Rothiemurchus, Inv, 21 Mar (DNW); North Ronaldsay, Ork, 27 Mar-4 Apr (RJWS).
Pink-footed Goose Anser arvensis brachyrhynchus. Spring departure: L Leven, Kinross, max 3700 Jan-Feb, 3300 until Apr, 500 on 3 May, last on 15 May (AA, CRGC, JHS); Hoselaw Loch, Rox, 2000+ NE 28 Mar (RSB); 2000 left Solway, Dumf, 5 May, last 57 Glencaple Dumf, 20 May (JGY); 1720 Kirkconnel, Kirk, 5 May (JGY). Elsewhere: 250 Carsebreck, Perth, 3 May (VMT); 207 Nairn 22 Mar (MIH, MR); 200+ Nigg Bay, E Ross, 11 May (CGH); 22 N North Galson, Lewis, O Heb, 15 May (RAE, DWR); 1 Fair Isle 10 Jan (GJB). 14 summered inner Solway (JGY), 3 at L Leven (AA, JHS) and 1 Drum Holliston, Suth, 27 June (DG).
Autumn arrivals: Shet, 5 Sumburgh 21 Sep, 30-40 on 19-24 Oct (ARW); Fair Isle, a few from 22 Sep (RHD); O Heb, 5 S Broadbay 25 Sep (MM); heard over Inverness 23 Sep (WAS); Angus, 32 Glen Clova 23 Sep, 1000 S Monikie 8 Oct (GMC); Kinross, 38 L Leven 12 Sep, 150 on 21st, 1500 on 25th, second wave from 29 Sep, peaks 9000 on 3 Oct, 10000+ on 16-24 Oct, 4000+ thereafter (AA, JHS, WRW); Fife, 50 S St Monance 16 Sep (DWO, GO, RWS); Midl, 2 Gladhouse 16 Sep (RW), 150 on 27th, 1200 on 4 Oct, 5500 on 9th Oct, down to 3500 by 22 Nov and 1500 by 20 Dec (WB, LY); E Loth, 300 Aberlady 24 Sep (AMt); Solway, 12 on 1 Sep, 50 on 12th, 120 on 17 Sep, 3700 by 21 Oct, 6200 on 20 Nov, decrease to 2800 in Dec (JGY).
National count on 8 Nov 72000 birds, 67000 in Scotland, most Perth where 34360; numbers low in Aber where 2230 compared with 12810 in 1969; 23.1% young birds and average brood size 2.2 (MAO).
*Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. Presumed escapes: Dumf/Kirk, 1 between Caerlaverock and Southerness 2 Nov-30 Dec (JGY et al); Fife, 2N Burntisland 16 Mar (ARS), blue-phase summered Tentsmuir (RAS, DWO); Angus, 1 Montrose Basin in July (GMC); Kinross, 1 L Leven, 13 Feb, one 8th and 26 Oct (AA, JHS); probably same bird Dupplin, Perth, 7 Nov (VMT).
*Brent Goose Branta bernicla. Dark-breasted B. b. bernicla: Shet, 1
362 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Virkie 29-30 Jan (ARW); Kinross, 1 L Leven 8 Dec (JHS); Midl, 3 Mussel- burgh 19 Jan (RMS).
Pale-breasted B. b. hrota. More recorded than usual: 6 W Brough of Birsay, Ork, 27 Sep (EJW); cl150 Northton, Harris, O Heb, 17 Oct (AJMck); 3 Buckpool, Banff, 26 Sep (JMB); Angus, 1 Rescobie 6 Feb (GMC), 1 Kinnaber 9 Sep (GMC), 2 Monifieth 23-27 Oct (GG) and West Haven 1 Nov (TMC); Perth, one 1 Nov (NE, NP); Kinross, L Leven, singles 1-2 Jan, 3-10 Oct and 6 Dec (AA, JHS); Fife, 1 Kirkcaldy 10 Oct-2 Nov (MMt, DER, DWO); Midl, 2 Musselburgh 10 Oct (LLJV); Dumf, 1 Caer- laverock 19 Oct-31 Dec (JGY). Other sightings, race not mentioned: Shet, 1 Whalsay 16 Oct, 5 on 20 Oct and 3 on 27 Oct (JHSi), 1 Clickhimin 2-3 Dec (DC), 1 Virkie 6 Dec (ARW); E Inv/Nairn, 18 Whiteness Head 3 Oct (WAC); Fife, 3 Burntisland 24 Jan (JMC), 1 Methil 26 Oct (DWO); E Loth, 1 Aberlady 21 Sep-15 Dec (AMt); I Heb, 1 Islay 21 Dec (RHD); Wig, 5 L Ryan 21 Nov (DCI).
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis. Solway flock 2000 last seen Caerlav- erock 20 Feb, small parties to 18 Apr when 42 (JGY); 10 at Fair Isle 14 Feb quite unusual in winter (RHD); 108 Eilean Hoan, Suth, 21 Mar | (RHD); I Heb, Islay count 13700 on 13-14 Mar (MAO). Usual scatter of small parties and singles outside regular winter areas. Summer records: 1 Foula 24 May (JGH); Angus, 3 Kinnordy Loch 13 July (HB); Stir, 1 Skinflats 16-21 May (MH, DF); 1 Isle of May 9 Aug-17 Sep (NJG).
Autumn arrival: more E side than usual: Shet, 140 Sumburgh 14 Oct (ARW), probably largest ever flock Shet, small flocks stayed, last re- ported 12 on Lady Holm 12 Dec (ARW); Fair Isle passage 30 Sep-9 Nov, max 30 on 17-18 Oct, 21 on 22 Oct (RHD); build-up at Caerlaverock, 27 on 12 Sep, 33 on 20th, 120 on 27th, 300 on 1 Oct, 600 on 7th, 2200 on 14 Oct, peak 3200 on 22 Nov, 47.2% young birds (JGY); Islay count 14800 on 16-17 Nov (MAO). Small numbers many places including 4 Spynie, Moray, 27 Nov (RRi); 5 Slains, Aber, 25 Oct (RLS, WM); 5 Girdle Ness, Kinc, 21 Oct (NE); 9 L Leven, Kinross, 13 Dec (AA, JHS); 10 Tyn- wees E Loth, 18 Oct (LLJV, RWJS, TB); 18 Wooden Loch, Rox, 18
ct ;
*Canada Goose Branta canadensis. SW Scotland population: 45 at Kin- mount, Dumf, included 14 juveniles; 2 prs reared 6 young at Cowhill, Dumf (KB, NSRG); 42 Wigtown Merse 5 Aug (RCD); X Grey Lag hybrid Dun- ragit, Wig, 16 Feb (AK, JWi); singles at Drem Pools, E Loth, 16 Apr (DJ) and Yetholm Loch, Rox, 25 Apr (RSB); origin uncertain of 6 at Glen Errochty, Perth, 30 May (VMT).
Max count of Beauly Firth moult flock of Yorkshire birds 232 in July (MIH); 13 stragglers still present 15 Nov (MIH). Following reports pro- bably refer to this population on migration: northwards, Angus, 38 Back- water Dam 16 June (HB), 25 Kinnaber 17 June (GMC), 6 SW West Ferry 28 June (TMC); return, 38 Newburgh, Fife, 6 Sep (JW); 28 Musselburgh, Midl, 16 Oct (LLJV); E Loth, 23 Gullane Point 29 Sep (AMt), 40 over Aberlady Bay 3 Oct (LLJV).
Others: 2 Kilconquhar, Fife, 8 Aug (DWO, ARS), singles Fife Ness 5 and 14 Oct (JARG); O Heb, 5 Loch Druidibeg 11 Aug (DWR); I Heb, small Canada Goose with Barnacles Gruinart Bay, Islay, 18 Nov (MAO).
Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Shet, where rare, 2 arrived 21 Jan, stayed Spiggie and Hillwell to 15 Mar (LJ), 1 Whalsay 23 Jan (JHSi); Fair Isle, ad died 1 Jan (GJB); Isle of May, one 6 Sep (ADW) only 4th record; SD prs bred West Moray as against 1 pr 1969 (BE); poor breeding season L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHS); failed Hoselaw and Yetholm, Rox (RSB).
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus. Spring departure: L Leven, Kinross, up to 70 in March, last 8 on 7 Apr (AA, CRGC); last 22 at Islestepps, Kirk, 26 Apr (JGY); 16 W Buckpool, Banff, 10 Apr (DBMcG); 25 NW 15 miles
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 363
SW of St Kilda 11 Apr (RSBy); Ork, last 10 on 16 Apr (EB); Fair Isle, passage to 29 Apr, max 22 on 26th and 15 on 27th (RHD). Stragglers or summering birds in Shet (2), Lewis, O Heb (5), Suth (2), Ross (4), Moray (1), Renf (2), Eigg, I Heb (1).
Autumn arrival: Shet, first 4 on 20 Sep Fetlar (ARM), 10 Loch Spiggie, 6 Oct, 25 on 8th, 54 on 18th, 77 on 1 Nov (DC, FH); O Heb, 202 in Uists 13-16 Oct, 21% juveniles (DGA, DJ); E Ross, 380 Delny 9 Nov, 25% Ist Y (CGH); Kinross, L Leven, 12 on 8 Oct, 250 on 22nd, max 428 on 8 Nov, 10.7% juveniles is lower than elsewhere (AA); Fife, 250 Kingskettle 5 Dec (DER, DWO); Stir, max 160 on 19 Nov, 16% young (CJH); Renf, 74 Pais- ley 19 Nov (GTW); Galloway, lower numbers than usual, max 64 at Isle- stepps, Kirk (ADW).
*Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus. Shet. 1 Whalsay 1-5 Jan from Oct 1969 (JHSi); E Loth, 1 Aberlady 8 Apr (DJ); 2 Wigtown Merse. 15 Mar (RCD). Autumn: 1 Whalsay, 10 Oct (JHSi); Angus, 1 N Esk estuary 24 Dec (JCI); Dumf, 1 Stanhonve 22 Nov, 3 Ruthwell 26-31 Dec (JGY); Kirk, 3 Carsethorn 28 Nov (ADW et al).
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaétos. Very good season W Ross (ner ENH); but in SW Scotland out of 5 prs only 1 pr reared 1 chick (ADW, JGY); a few good reports from peripheral areas, but both nests apparently raided in Caith (DMS); Ork, imm seen Mainland 1-4 and 8 May (EB).
Buzzard Buteo buteo. Increase of breeders reported from Dornoch, Suth (DMcD), Tain, E Ross (CJM-G); possibly also on Jower Deeside (NP) and in Dumf (JFY, JGY) where 22 young reared (NSRG); 2 prs bred Hoy, Ork (EB); also bred Glen Clova, Angus (GMC); 8 Glen Esk. Angus, 25 Oct (AN, MN); 1-2 on 4 occasions Benarty Hills. Kinross (JHS, AA, RL). Migrants: Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 29 Sep (MFMM), 1 Kirkwall Nov and Dec (EB); 1 SW over Glasgow 15 Apr (DLC). Red-tailed Hawk B. jamaicensis (6: 34 and 6: 81) shot in spring, Midl (per RWJS).
*Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus. 3 singles: Shet, Bigton 18 Oct and Sumburgh 20 Oct (DC, RJT, ARW); W Ross, Red Point 13 Oct (per ENH); Angus, Invermark Castle, Glen Esk 2-10 Oct (GMC).
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Increase reported from Tain (CJM-G) and Maryburgh (HDS), E Ross, and from Galloway (ADW); Dumf, 92 nests found, 102 pulli ringed (HO, JGY).
Migrants: Shet, 1 Kergord 22 Feb and 2 on 30 Mar (DC), 1 Skerries 15 May (RJT), 1 Fetlar 16 May (RKMcG); 1 Fair Isle 19-20 Apr, 3-4 on 5 days 1-17 May (RHD); 1 Stornoway, O Heb, 16 June (DJS). Autumn: Shet, 1 Whalsay 13 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, singles 6 days from 12 Sep, 3 on 3 Nov, 2 on 4th and 3 singles to 23 Nov (RHD); Ork, 1 North Ron- aldsay 15-16 Oct (EJW); Aber, 1 Rattray Head 5 Sep (NE); Kinc, 1 Nigg Bay 8 Sep (MM).
*Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. From one region 2 prs reported wintering, one area defended in spring, but no proof of breeding; a solitary bird nearby 10 Mar-17 Apr (anon).
*Black Kite Milvus migrans. 1 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 28 Sep (6: 331) (MFMM), 4th record of this rare species in Northern Isles in 5 years in contrast to 65-year gap between Ist and 2nd Scottish records.
*Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus. 1 Fair Isle 24 June, found dead 29 june (6: 198) (RHD); 1 Aviemore, Inv, 1 Aug (DNW). 3 records in 1968 and 7 in 1969.
*Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Angus, @ Clatterin Brig 18 May, Montrose Basin 18 July, ¢ Montrose Basin 19 July, 14 and 16 Aug (GMC); Aber, singles Bridge of Don 5-7 May (RFG), Kemnay 20 May (RLS); Csi) Brothershiels Moor 23 Aug (HFB, WB); Shet, Whalsay, 1 Oct
i).
364 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Ork, about normal population, bigamy more pronounced, one ¢ mated to 4 @2@Q and another to probably no fewer than 6 ° 9! (EB). Elsewhere: apparent increase Perth (VMT); some success in southwest (JGY, ADW). Migrants: Fair Isle, ¢ 1-2 Nov, 2 22-23 Nov (RHD); Shet, Clumlee 21 Feb (ARW), Foula 6 Dec (JGH); Aber, Ythan 21 Oct (RFY, JAL).
Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Three young reared L Garten, Inv; only 1 bird seen 2nd site; nearby, pr rebuilt nest at known site but disturbed and moved to frustration eyrie. 2 young reared at “third” Scottish site and 3 reared from nearby eyrie; a total of 8 young from 3 eyries (HJB, DNW). In 1971 another site “found” where young reared in secrecy 1968, 1969 and 1970, thought to be 3 young 1970 (per RHD). Loch of Lowes, Perth, pr built nest and laid 2 eggs, but eggs and nest destroyed by high winds, 5 birds seen late summer (VMT). Elsewhere, pr built a nest but failed to breed (anon).
Widespread reports (certainly incomplete) 18 Apr-24 Sep; records outside Highlands (singles unless stated): Shet, Spiggie 9-10 May (per RJT), Fetlar 26 June (ARM); Fair Isle 12th and 26 May, 16 Sep (RHD); Longhope, Ork, 21 June (EJW); O Heb, the Minch E of Harris 18 June (AV), L Druidibeg July (HJL); Aber, Haddo 6-8 June (NE); Angus, Lin- trathen Loch 29 July-24 Aug (JF), Backwater Dam 26 Aug (JADH); Kin- ross, L Leven 8 Aug (KL, TS); Fife, Morton Lochs 15 Aug (DJB); W Loth, Bee Craigs Reservoir 17-24 Sep (per TCS); Midl, Roseberry Reservoir. 6 Sep (RWJS); 2 E Loth May (WAP); Isle of May 6 Sep (ADW); Dunb/W Stir, L Lomond/Endrick Mouth 26 July, 11 Aug, 18th, 19th (2), 20-30 Aug (ICM, JP); I Heb, Islay 11-23 May (JRM, EM, AMT), Rhum 7-16 May (PW); Galloway, Palnure Burn 28 May (IA).
*Hobby Falco subbuteo. 1 Fair Isle 30 May (RHD); 1 Ythan, Aber, 19 Sep (MAMcD).
Peregrine Falco peregrinus. Shet, 4 prs known and may have bred, but only one nest with young seen (RJT); Fair Isle, 2 prs present, but no young reared (RHD); Ork, of 12-13 prs attempting to breed, at least 7 prs (possibly 8) produced young (EB); 3 prs bred Angus (JB, GMC); 5 young from 7 sites, Dumf (WM, JMx, JFY, JGY); but less successful Kirk and Wig than in 1969 (DAR, RRx).
Migrants: L Leven, Kinross, 2 until early Apr and from late July (JHS); singles Wormit, Fife, 24 Sep (PJC) and Dollar, Stir, 7 Sep (TDHM); win- tered Moorfoots (WB, RWJS); Seafield, Mid], 7 Feb (RST); E Loth, Aber- VRB). Feb (ADW), Gullane 19 July (DGA); Carrick Hill, Ayr, 13 June WRB).
*Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus. Greenland form Whalsay, Shet, 8 Apr (6; 199) (JHSi).
Merlin Falco columbarius. Little breeding information, but obviously a scarce bird; slight encouragement can be obtained from following com-
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 365
ments: “improvement seems to be maintained” Shet (RJT); “fairly suc- cessiul” Ork (EB); “slow improvement” Dumf (JGY).
Migration: Fair Isle, 1 wintered, spring passage to 18 May, autumn passage 22 Aug-18 Nov, but scarce, max only 3 on 3 days (RHWU); coastal sightings in north and east from 30 Sep, E Loth from 14 Aug and 1 Skin- flats, Stuur, 4 July (DF).
*Red-footed Faicon Falco vespertinus. Ad 2 Tingwall, Shet, 10-25 May (FH, Jir, RMo), similar bird, probably same individual, Yell 7-24 June (DC, ARM, RJT).
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Good breeding season reported from Kirk, Wig, Dumf, where 38 pulli ringed and 52 seen Eskdalemuir late July (NSRG), Yethoim, Rox, Kinross, Moray, E Ross and Ork; possibiy scarcer in Fife (JEF).
Migrants: Shet, 1 Asta 6 Feb (FH) is unusual, spring records 9 May- 20 June (RJT); Fair Isle, stragglers 27 Mar-8 June (RHD). Autumn: Shet, 1 Unst 7 July, 4 on 24 Aug (Ms), 1 Foula 29 Aug (JGH); Fair Isle, passage 29 July-2 Dec. mainly late Aug-Sep, max 6 on 27 Sep (RHD); Moray, 6 in off sea Findhorn 23 Aug, 5 likewise 24 Aug (BE, MM); 3 Fife Ness 16 Aug (DWO).
Red Grouse Lagopus scoticus. Breeding reports range from “best in recent years’ Dumf (JGY) and “record bag’ Wig (JKC) to “poor-moderate season’ Kinross (JHS) and “reduced success” Rox/Peeb (AJS).
Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus. Suth, 2 with young Glasven (1085ft) 23 July (RAF); W Ross, abundant Torridon Hills late summer (ENH); Kanff, 2 coveys and a single on Ben Rinnes 26 July, where absent for many years (JE).
Black Grouse Lyrurus teirix. W Ross, 1 Achnasheen 26 Feb (JAW), first in area by observer; Kinross, fairly good breeding season (JHS), c70 Ochill foothilis 15 Oct (WW); noted increase Dumf, especially northern part where bags up to 120 (JMx).
Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. Angus, nested Fettercairn, Inshmaldie Forest, Glen Esk (GMC).
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris ruja. Banff, 2 dozen birds reared at AS) Seafield Estates (JE); young seen Bowmount Forest, Rox (per
Partridge Perdix perdix. Some encouragement to be gained from most reports; increase recorded Moray (coveys of 25+ Findhorn dunes, most in 5 years) (BE), Dornoch (DMcD), E Fife (DWO), Dumf (JMx, JGY); slow increase Midl (RWJS); good breeding season Angus/Kinc (GMO), Kinross (AA, JHS), Yetholm, Rox (RSB), Galloway (ADW).
*Quail Coturnix coturnix. Nested successfully Scotscalder, Caith (DMS); Wig, 1 calling Stranraer Apr-29 May and 29 Jun-3 Sep (AJ), 1 Mull of Galloway summer (DCB); Rox, 1 Yetholm summer (RSB); E Loth, 2 East Linton 1 Aug (HMI); Perth, 1 Strath Earn 19 June (MP); Angus, summer records 3 localities near Kirriemuir (per GMC); Moray, 1 Findhorn late July (BE); Suth, 1 Borgie 17 July (RAF), Dornoch last week July (DH); I Heb, Islay 18 June (GJL); O Heb, Balranald 23 Aug (GC); Fair Isle, recorded between 7 May and 11 Aug, several in May, one most of sum- mer, 3 calling 1 Aug (RHD); Shet, Whalsay 12 May (JHSi), Unst 3-4 June (MS), Hillswick 12 June (RJT).
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. Reports of good breeding season Kin- ross and Dumf; 2+ prs bred wild South Hoy, Ork (EB), ¢ in May, North Uist, O Heb (GC).
*Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus. No change in Kirk feral pop- ulation (ADW); od in wild Largoward, Fife (DWO).
*Crane Grus grus. Shet, 1 Fetlar from 7 May, 2 from 12-16 May, one 17 May (AGGH, RKMcG, ARM).
366 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. Nest found Loch Insh, E Inv (HJB); likely breeding Kilconquhar, Fife, and Kirk. Winter records various counties. Summer: Kemnay, Aber, 2 June (RLS). Autumn records from 28 Aug. Migration: scarce at Fair Isle, only singles 2 Jan, and 9 days 5 Oct-27 Nov (RHD); Shet, Foula 3 Jan (JGH) and Whalsay 21 Feb (JHSi), 6 owe records 1 Nov-13 Dec; I Heb, singles Rhum 20 Feb and 7 Nov PW).
*Spotted Crake Porzana porzana. Arrived W Suth site for 5th yr 24 Apr, only 1 bird, calling to 3 Aug (per DMcD). Migrants, all singles: Fair Isle 11 May (RHD); Shet, Fetlar 15 May (RKMcG), Whalsay 10 June (JHSi); O Heb, Ness, Lewis, 17 June (DJS); Kinc, Girdle Ness 6 May (ADKR); Renf, Glen Reservoir 29 Aug (DLC).
*Little Crake Porzana parva. Fair Isle, ad ¢ trapped 11 May (RHD), new species for island and first Scottish record since Shet Apr 1959 (6: 2A:
Cornecrake Crex crex. No status change reported. Arrival: O Heb, Stor- noway 6 May (RMclI), Balranald 7 May (GC); Fetlar, Shet, 7 May (ARM); Ork 8 May (EB); Girdle Ness, Kinc, 8 May (ADKR); Longman, Inv, 10 May (MR); Fair Isle 9 May (2)—2 June, max 3 on 17 May (RHD). Autumn Me. Fair Isle 15 Aug and 7 Sep (RHD); Kinnaber, Angus, 23 Aug (GMC).
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Migrants: Fair Isle scarce, singles 4 and 11 May, (dead) 21 Aug, 4-5 Oct, 1-4 Dec (RHD); Shet, Foula, 1 all winter, 1 on 31 Mar (JGH), 1 Fetlar 6 May (ARM); O Heb, 4 Stornoway 16 Nov (WAJC); I Heb, 1 Rhum 22 Apr (PW).
Coot Fulica atra. Shet, 2 in winter Foula (JGH), 1 pr probably bred Main- land (RJT); Fair Isle, singles 9-23 Jan, 23-24 Jan and 8-14 May (RHD); Ork, 100 Loch of Bosquoy in Nov (EB); 225 Forfar Loch, Angus, 22 Sep (HB); L Leven, Kinross, moderate breeding season, increase to 120 on 3 July (CRGC, TG), peak 150+ on 18 Oct, then rapid decrease (AA, JHS); Fife, 250 Kilconquhar 25 May, 400 on 13 July, up to 500 on 4 Oct, then 150 on 11 Oct (DWO); Rox, increased to 20-30 prs Yetholm, 340 on 10 Sep (RSB); Wig, 73 on sea L Ryan 10 Jan (RCD); Dumf, 500-600 L Milton in Nov-Dec (JGY).
*Great Bustard Otis tarda. Ad @ Fair Isle 11 Jan-6 Apr (GJB, RHD) (6:171), first since Shet May 1936.
Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. Return to breeding territories: Dumf, inland 7 Mar (JGY); Yetholm, Rox, 14 Mar (RSB); Gladhouse, Midl, 22 Feb (JB); Aber, 2 Banchory 27 Feb (NP) and 53 Auchlossan 28 Feb (RSBy); Fair Isle, 15 Feb, full numbers from 13 Mar (RHD); Shet, 6 Mar, most by 22 Mar (ARM). c25% decrease in breeding population at Fair Isle (RHD), and Isle of May population down to 12 prs from usual 15-20 prs (NJG) may reflect winter control measures in England.
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 367
Exodus: Fair Isle from 9 Aug; Moray, Findhorn 160 on 29 June in- creased to 700 by 5 Aug and 1000+ on Kinloss airfield 17-24 Aug, several thousands Findhorn Old Bar 22 Aug (BE); Fife, passage S at Fife Ness from 13 July (DWO), Tentsmuir peak 3000 on 15 Sep (TRG). Other peaks, Whiteness Head, Nairn/Inv, 716 on 11 Aug (MR); 87 S Cob- binshaw Reservoir, Midl, 2 Aug (JB); Musselburgh, Midl, 600 on 13 Apr, 500 in summer, 1000 Aug-Oct, peak 1700 on 25 Oct (JB, RF); 17000 on Solway count Southerness-Gretna 14 Nov (JGY et al).
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Breeding reports good from Dumf, Borders, Moray, Orkney and W Ross, nested Torridon first time for 6 years (JAW). Return to breeding grounds Shet 11 Mar (RJT). Passage: Fair Isle, from 28 Feb, peaks on 12 Mar (40), 21 Mar (42), 24 Mar (60) (RHD); Aber, 13 Strachan 23 Feb (NP), 100 Auchlossan 28 Feb (RSBy). Return passage: first on shore Dumf 14 June (JGY); peaks Fair Isle 27 on 13 Sep, 46 on 14 Oct (RHD). Counts: 900 Kinloss, Moray, 17-24 Aug (BE); 2500 L Leven, Kinross, Oct (JHS); c2000 Guardbridge, Fife, 27 Sep (ARS, RWS).
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. Kirk, 6 prs bred successfully Clatteringshaws Dam where first definite breeding (ARu, LAU, ADW); L Leven, Kinross, 2 prs reared 6 young (AA, JHS); inland Perth-Strathtay, 5 Apr (THE); inland, Auchlossan, Aber, 14 Mar (RSBy); 21 on breeding grounds Kinloss, Moray, 21 Feb (BE); at inland territories, Shet, from 16 Mar (RJT); Fair Isle, 1 wintered, breeders from 8 Mar (RHD).
Autumn passage: Fair Isle, to 8 Oct, max 50 on 23 Aug, 40 on 6 Sep (RHD); Shet, peak 100 Virkie 23 Aug (DC), last Foula 27 Sep (JGH); 60 S Findhorn, Moray, 22 Aug (BE); first flocks on shore Glencaple, Dumf, 40- 50 on 17 July (JGY). Counts: Skinflats, Stir, max 200 on 3-4 May (DF); Midl, 250 Musselburgh 15 Aug (JB, GLS), 42 Gladhouse 16 Aug (JB); E Loth, 400 Tyninghame, 24 May, 250 on 15 Aug (RWJS); Wig, 130 Luce Bay 13 Aug (RCD).
Grey Plover Charadrius squatarola. Small numbers in winter N to Dornoch, Spring: single Skerries, Shet, 18 May (RJT). Record autumn migration: Shet, 14 Sep-7 Oct, max 9 Virkie 20 Sep, 6 Yell 22 Sep (DC, ARM, RJT); Ork, more than usual Sep-Oct, max 5 (EB); O Heb, small numbers (max 6) 27 Oct-27 Dec (WAJC, WM, DJ, DGA); Inv, 1 Beauly Firth 18 Oct (MIH); Banff, 6 Buckpool 19 Sep (DBMcG, HC); Moray, 71 Findhorn Old Bar 3 Oct (DBMcG, HC); Aber, 2-6 Ythan 2 Aug-20 Dec, but 10 on 21 Sep (CJF, MAMcD, WM, JAL); Angus, max 12 Montrose Basin 24 Sep (GMC); Stir, Skinflats 16 Sep-27 Dec, max 16 Sep (120), 3 Oct (70) (DF); Midl, 18 Musselburgh 1 Oct and 25 on 3lst (JB, RF); Clyde, small numbers 20 Sep-5 Nov (HG, JLB, WRB); I Heb, 3 L Gruin- art, Islay, 3 Oct (CST); Dumf, 4 Glencaple 21 Sep, 2 on 22nd (JGY); Kirk/ Wig, from 6 Aug, max 22 Southerness 14-20 Dec (BST, JGY).
Golden Plover Charadrius apricarius. Breeding numbers above average Kirk (ADW); pr nested successfully Fair Isle, first time since 1926, and pr attempted to breed Foula, possibly first time ever (RHD, JGH).
Passage: Fair Isle, to 12 May, max 5 May (15), 8 Aug-16 Oct max 29 Aug-1 Sep (50-63) (RHD); Shet, from 1 July, max 500 Fetlar Aug-early Sep (ARM). Pre-breeding-season counts: Dumf, 300 Caerlaverock 1 Apr (JGY); Rox, 1200 Northern form Hoselaw Loch, 20 Apr (RSB); Midl, 350 Threipmuir 19 Mar (RMB).
Autumn peaks: Banff, 400 Buckpool 25 Oct (DBMcG), 1300 Whitehills 11 Dec (JE); Aber, 3820 Ythan 23 Sep (CJF, MAMcD); Midl, 2500+ Gore- bridge 18 Sep (LY), 600 Gladhouse 25 Oct (JB, RWJS); Dumf, 5800 Glen- caple 20 Dec (JGY); Wig, 2250 Moor of Genoch 17 Oct, 3500 Wigtown Merse 18 Oct, 3130 L Ryan 12 Dec (RCD).
Dotterel Charadrius morinellus. Good numbers in main breeding areas and evidence of extension of breeding range. Migrants: 2 Fair Isle 6 May (RHD); 2 Montrose Aerodrome, Angus, 24 May (per GMC); 1 Ben Lomond, Stir, 27 Sep (JT).
368 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Spring passage to 26 May, Musselburgh, Midl (JB) and Fair Isle, peak 12 May (RHD). Usual summering birds, especially on islands; inland 1 L Leven, Kinross, 6-7 July (AA, CRGC, JHS). Counts: 61 Avoch Burn, Ross, 25 Jan (MR); 300 Buckpool, Banff, 21 Feb (DBMcG); Midl, Musselburgh 21 July, increased to 280 by 21 Aug (JB). Albino still at Gullane, E Loth, Feb, Mar and Oct, where recorded since 1967 (KSMcG).
*Dowitcher Limnodromus sp. 1 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 4 Apr (6: 200) (RJWS).
Snipe Gallinago gallinago. No change reported in breeding status. Autumn passage: Shet, max 200 Fetlar 15 Oct (ARM); Fair Isle from 16 Aug, peaks 21 Aug (25), 14 Oct (30), 28 Nov (40) (RHD); Aber, max 50 Ythan 23 Sep (CJF, MAMcD), 35 Auchlossan 29 Aug (RSBy); Angus, 40 Forfar Loch 28 Sep (GMC); Midl, 30 Gladhouse 23 Aug, 40 on 20 Sep, 30 on 25 Oct (RWJS); Wig, 62 Luce Bay 10 Sep (RCD).
Jack Snipe Limnocryptes minimus. Scattered winter records as far N as Fair Isle; max 3 Balgownie, Aber, 6 Feb (RLS); last Paisley Moss, Renf, 7 Apr (iG, GTW). Autumn records from 3 Sep Fair Isle (RHD) and 6 Sep Ythan, Aber (MAMcD); peaks 7 Fair Isle 15 Oct (RHD); 4 Whalsay, Shet, 5-15 Oct (JHSi); 4 Paisley Moss 1 Oct (IG, GTW).
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola. Decrease W Ross (ENH); 1 Pollochar, S Uist, O Heb, 17 June is unusual (GC). Incubating adult caught St Serf’s Island, L Leven, Kinross, had been ringed there at nest in 1966 (CRGC). Spring passage Fair Isle 1-19 Apr, max 20 on 1 Apr, stragglers later. Scarce in autumn: passage Fair Isle 12 Oct-12 Dec, peak only 33-+ on 29 Oct (RHD); also scarce Shet and Ork.
*Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda. 1 Fair Isle 5 Oct, first for island and 2nd Scottish record (RHD et al).
Curlew Numenius arquata. No change reported in breeding status but apparent change in wintering status: 15 wintered Fair Isle (RHD); 6 win- tered Foula, Shet (JGH); 2 wintered Yetholm, Rox, first time ever (RSB); 40 remained L Ken, Kirk, Oct-Nov (LAU, ADW).
Migration: Fair Isle, spring peaks 18 Apr, 23 Apr (35+) and 3 May; autumn passage from late June, peak 13 July (30+) (RHD); Shet, 200 Virkie 20 Sep (DC); L Leven, Kinross, return passage from July, 600+ by end of month, 1500 Aug-Sep, 1000+ on 19 Oct, down to 400+ by end of year (AA, JHS); Fife Ness passage from 13 July (DWO). Counts: Dumf, 2180 Southerness-Gretna 13 Dec (NSRG); Kirk, 2000 Drumburn Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec (KB, JGY); 725 Wigtown Merse 13 Sep (RCD).
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. Breeding records: expansion and in- crease maintained Shet, where estimated 150 prs (RJT); Ork, 1 pr appar- ently bred Mainland (EB); new colony located Scottish mainland, 3 prs July, one nest, c/3, possibly bred 1969 (6: 279) (CGH).
Spring passage: Kirk, Lochinvar Loch 15 May, 2 on 22 May (LAU); Dumf, few 2-11 May (DSk, RTS); Ayr, Doonfoot 17 Apr and 10 L Fergus 8 May (WRB); I Heb, 3 Islay 25 Apr (HK); few E coast early May; ar- rival Shet from 26 Apr, Unst (MS), 2 May Fetlar (RJT); Fair Isle from 30 Apr, peaks 6 May (14), 9 May (15) (RHD); Foula 1 May-7 June (JGH).
Autumn passage: Shet, most left early Aug, last Fetlar 16 Sep (RJT, ARM); Fair Isle, stragglers to 29 Sep (RHD); E coast passage Caith to Borders 13 July-11 Oct, peak 20 Torry, Aber, 3 Aug (RSBy); more plenti- ful than usual in south; 30 Isle of May 12 Aug (HG); E Loth, 20 Aberlady 24 July (AJH), 30 Whitesands 27 July (AMt), 25 Tyninghame 2 Aug (RWJS); in southwest 17 July-13 Oct, max 10 Paisley Moss, Renf, 23 Aug (HG, IG, GTW).
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. Pr bred new site, Shet (RJT); 1 pr present usual site S Scotland, outcome unknown and 1 pr in another area 24 June, but no proof of breeding (anon).
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 369
Winter and spring: N Fife, 77 Eden estuary 24 Jan, 103 on 12 Apr, 100+ on 23rd (DWO, ARS); Stir, 1 Skinflats 5 Apr (MH), 2 on 19th (DF), singles through May, but 21 on 3rd (MH); small numbers Lothians and Clyde including 1 Gladhouse 25 May (DGA); Solway, 77 Nith estuary, Dumf, 30 Mar (NU, JGY), up to 4 wintered; O Heb, 5 Ness, Lewis, 3 May Sey 1 on 4th (RMcI); Shet, 1 Virkie 2 May (DC); 1 Fair Isle 1 Mar
Autumn: last Shet, Yell 25 Sep (RJT); 1 Isle of May 10 Sep (4th record) (JHBM); small numbers E coast from E Ross to E Loth from 4 July; peak counts: Aber, 7 Logie-Buchan 19 Sep (MAMcD); 50 Eden estuary 28 July, 83 on 25 Sep, 85 on 10 Oct (DWO, ARS); small numbers Clyde to Solway from 9 July; peaks, Ayr, 20 Barassie 24 Sep (WRB), 9 Kilberry Head 31 July (RAH, DT, JT); Solway, 32 Nith estuary 18 Aug, 97 on 30 Aug-10 Sep, 39 on 13 Oct (RTS, NU, AFGW, JGY); W Ross, 1 Loch Kishorn 7 Nov (JAW).
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. Counts: 150 Findhorn, Moray, 14 Feb (BE); 200+ Invergowrie Bay, Perth, 15 Feb (BML). Spring-sum- mer: 1 Fair Isle 15 Apr (RHD); singles Virkie, Shet, 11 Apr and 2 May (DC); 2 Luce Bay, Wig, 13 June (RCD); 7 Gladhouse, Midl, 6 July (TC).
Good numbers in autumn: passage from 17 July Findhorn, Moray (BE); passage Fair Isle 30 Aug-26 Sep, peak 16 on 20 Sep is high for island (RHD); O Heb, 70 Broadbay, 24 Sep, a high total (MM), 10 North Ford 16 Oct (DJ); 440 Embo, Suth, 24 Oct (JBW); 275 Old Bar Findhorn, Moray, 3 Oct (DBMcG); 1000 Tentsmuir, Fife, 15 Sep (RWS); 200 Seafield, Mid], 16 Dec (DT); 1767 Priestside, Dumf, 13 Dec (JGY).
*Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. Fair Isle, singles 4-9 May, 2 on 5 May; 1-2 on 24 days 29 July-31 Aug, 3 on 16th, 22nd and 23 Aug, late one 12 Nov (RHD).
Summary of other records received:
Apr May Aug Sep Oct Nov 1-14 15-31 1-14 15-30 North (Inv/North) 1h FA ments} East (Moray Stir) 25 14 .130 4 3 Z 2 Southeast (Lothians/Borders) 5 8 3 1 Southwest (Clyde-Solway) 6 3 9 7 2 1 1 2
Other interesting records: 1 Tyninghame, E Loth, 13 Sep-27 Dec (RWJS); 1 Dryburgh, Rox, 5 Mar (PC); 1 Paisley Moss, Renf, 25 June (HG, 1G); 2 ae ee Lan, 14 Nov (HSCH, KCRH); 1 Bothwellhaugh, Lan, 25 Dec JMD).
*Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. Suth, pr at original site 15 May (DMcD, WAS); 5 birds at Perth site 8 June (DAR, JGR).
Spring migrants (singles unless shown otherwise): Lindean Reservoir, Selk, 18 Apr (AB); Lossiemouth, Moray, 18 Apr (BE); Paisley Moss, Renf, 6-10 May (IG, GITW) and 2 June (HG); Loch o’ the Lowes, Ayr, 5 May (BCF); 2 Aberlady, E Loth, 11 May (KSMcG), Drem Pool, E Loth, 16 June (DJ); Badachro, W Ross, 25 June (ENH); Papa Westray, Ork, 26 May (EB); Shet, Whalsay 16 May (JHSi), 2 Skerries 8 May (RJT) and Fetlar 10 May (ARM); Isle of May on 5 days 8-17 May (DWO); Fair Isle 29 July (RHD); Balranald, O Heb, 30 July (GC).
Autumn migration: Shet, Fetlar 21 Aug (ARM), Lerwick 23 Aug (RJWS); North Ronaldsay, Ork, 26 Aug (RHD); Aber, Newburgh 1 Aug (JAL), 8 Clochtow 23 Aug (NE); small numbers Angus-E Loth, Aug-Sep, max 7 Drem Pool, E Loth, 22-23 Aug (DJ); 2 Islay, I Heb, 6 Oct (CST).
Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. No status changes reported ex- cept in Midl, where 50% decrease (WB); pr summered Munlochy Bay, Ross, first time (MKM-D). Spring arrival: Kirk, 2 Skerrow 19 Apr (ADW); Dumf, Scaur Glen 10 Apr (ARH); Kinross, L Leven, 18 Apr (JHS); Perth,
370 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
3 Birnam 22 Mar (EJM); Angus, first 11 Avr (TMC); Moray, 3 Cawdor 19 Apr (BE); W Ross, Torridon 26 Apr (JAW); Caith, Dunbeath 19 Apr (DMS); O Heb, 3 Stornoway 13 May (WM); Fair Isle, passage 2-30 May, max 10 on 9 May (RHD); Shet, passage 11 May-7 June (RJT).
Autumn migration: Findhorn, Moray, 30 June-12 Aug 25-60 daily, esti- mated 350-500 birds through in 6 weeks, 70% juveniles from trapping data (BE); Kinross, L Leven, summer max 33 on 7 July, last 13 Sen (AA, JHS); Fair Isle, 28 July-9 Sep, max 12 on 21 Aug, 2 late birds 16 Oct (RHD); Shet, few 17.Aug-26 Sep (RJT); Isle of May more than usual, max 7 on 24 Aug (GLS). Last records: Buckpool, Banff, 25 Sep (DBMcG); 2 Kingoodie, Perth, 28 Sep (HB); Glasgow 7 Nov (TPD).
Redshank Tringa totanus. Breeding status: maintaining increase Shet (RJT), young on wing 26 June (ARM); increase Altnaharra, Suth (EGH). Fair Isle, passage from July, peaks 30 Aug (35) and 20 Sep (34) (RHD).
Counts: 450 Longman Bay, Inv, 18 Feb, 1000 on 18 Oct (MR); heavy movement Fife Ness 23-24 Aug (DWO); 750 Musselburgh, Midl, 26 July (JB); up to 4000 Erskine-Langbank, Renf, Sen-Oct (HG, IG, GTW); Solway peak 3700 Southerness-Gretna 18 Oct, still 2200 on 13 Dec (JGY et al).
*Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. Winter and spring records: Montrose Basin, Angus, 13 May (GMC); Cambus Pans, Stir, 12 Apr (CJH); Erskine, Renf, 22 Feb-27 Mar (RWF et al); Merryton, Lan, 2 May (HSCH); Doonfoot, Ayr, 1 Jan-26 Apr (WRB), Prestwick, Ayr, 9 Feb (AGS) and 1 May (WRB); 2 Annan, Dumf, 9 May (RTS).
Summary of autumn records:
July Aug Sept Oct Nov
1-14 15-31 1-14 15-30 North (Inv and North
including islands) I 4 3 2 5 East (Moray-Stir) 3 Zire ls 6 1 Southeast (Lothians) 1 6 4 3 Southwest (Clyde-Solway, Islay) 6 2) GAG i 2 7 4
Most noteworthy occurrences: O Heb, 1 N Uist 25 July (GC), 3 Broadbay 24 Sep (MM), 2 Benbecula 16 Oct (DGA, DJ); 1 Balnakeil Bay, Suth, 18 Aug (DME); 4 Montrose Basin, Angus, 15 Aug (GMC); Wormit, Fife, 4 July (AMMF); 3 Islay, I Heb, 5 Oct (CST); 6 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 17 July (JGY); 13 Luce Bay, Wig, 23 Aug (RCD).
Greenshank Tringa nebularia. Wintered: Annat and Torridon, W Ross (JAW); 2 Beauly Firth, Inv (MIH); L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHS); 2 Doon- foot, Ayr, 25 Jan-28 Feb (BCF, RWF); 5 Luce Bay, Wig (RCD).
Spring arrival: Kirkcudbright Bay 3 Apr (AFJ); Tyninghame, E Loth, 29 Mar (RWJS); Findhorn, Moray, 31 Mar (BE); inland L Builg, Banff, 19 Apr (JE); Fair Isle, singles 7 days 18 Apr-3 June (RHD); Clumlee, Shet, 10 May (FH). No change in breeding status: summer stragglers 2 L Leven 26 June (TG); 1 Gladhouse, Midl, 4 June (RWJS).
Autumn migration: Findhorn, Moray, 4 July-12 Sep, max 19 on 4 Aug (BE); Aberlady, E Loth, 18 July-3 Oct, max 12 on 16 Aug (RMR, AMt); Ythan, Aber, 6 July-17 Oct, max 3 on 19 Sep (MJHC, MAMcD); Fair Isle 2 Aug-24 Sep (RHD); Shet, Fetlar 6 Aug-16 Sep (ARM). Counts: 4 Rale- share, O Heb, 13 Oct (DJ); 35 Eden estuary, Fife, 24 Aug (DWO); 15 Skinflats, Stir, 14 Aug and 16 on 19 Sep (ADKR); 6 Leperstone Dam, Renf, 19 Nov (RAJ); 22 Torduff Point, Dumf, 6 Sen (RTS); 18 Carsethorn, Kirk, 5 Nov (NU); 14 Luce Bay, Wig, 23 Aug (RCD). Winter birds: 3 Munlochy Ray, Ross, 13 Dec (IT); L Leven Dec (JHS); 2 Doonfoot, Ayr, 14 Nov-31 Dec (WRB).
_Knot Calidris canutus. Winter counts: Skinflats, Stir, 2000 on 11 Jan, rising to 10000 on 23 Jan, decreasing to 4000 on 8 Feb and 200 on 15 Mar (MH, DF); 2000+ Eden estuary, Fife, 20 Apr (JARG); 350 Buckpool, Banff,
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 371
21 Feb (DBMcG); 1300 Whiteness Head, Inv/Nairn, 21 Feb (MR). Spring passage: 60 Ythan, Aber, 15 May (GMD); 2 Fair Isle 5-9 June (RHD). 200 summered Tentsmuir, Fife (JARG).
Autumn passage: Shet, from 9 July (ARM), peak 50 Whalsay 2 Aug (JHSi); Fair Isle, 31 July-8 Oct, max 29 on 1 Aug (RHD); 4 Luce Bay, Wig, 31 July, 280 L Ryan, Wig, 6 Aug (RCD). Inland: 35 SW Gladshouse, Midl, 20 Sep (EMS, RWJS, GLS); 3 L Leven, Kinross, 26 Nov (per AA).
Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima. Winter counts: 34 Southerness, Kirk, 25 Jan (RTS); 22 Leith Docks, Midl, 18 Jan (RMB); 50 Buckpool, Banff 24 Jan (DBMcG); 100 Banff 2 Feb (JE). Shet, normal numbers, max = a 11 Jan, last 21 May (ARM, RJT); Fair Isle, last 13 on 21 May RHD).
Return from 15 July Fair Isle (RHD); 5 Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 17 July (RAH, DTh); 1 Usan, Angus, 5 July (GMC). 1 Redcastle, E Ross, 13 Dec, far up Beauly Firth (CJF).
*Little Stint Calidris minuta. Spring: singles Tyninghame, E Loth, 24 May (RWJS); Skinflats, Stir, 16 May (MH); Balranald, O Heb, 2 Apr (GC).
Autumn: 200-250 birds reported from Shet, Fair Isle, Ork, Caith, O Heb, Moray, Aber, Angus, Fife, Stir, Midl, E Loth, Renf, Ayr, Dumf, Wig, 12 July-17 Oct, nearly all mid Aug-early Oct. Peak counts: 14 Virkie, Shet, 14 Sep (DC); 6 Fair Isle 9 Sep (RHD); 8 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 27 Sep (MFMM); Moray, 11 Findhorn 12 Sep (DBMcG), 12 Lossiemouth 13 Sep (JE); 6 Ythan, Aber, 23 Sep (CJF, MAMcD); 6 Montrose, Angus, 4 Oct (GMC); 9 Eden estuary, Fife, 26 Sep (DWO et al); 8 Skinflats, Stir, 23 Aug (MH, DF); 15 Grangemouth, Stir, 26 Sep (DF); 6 Aberlady, E Loth, 27-29 Sep (RMB, AMt); 6 Luce Bay, 27 Aug (RCD). Inland: singles Gladhouse, Midl, 6th and 11 Sep and 7 Oct (GLS, RWJS). 2 late stragglers Castle- town, Caith, 17 Nov (PMcM).
*Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii. 1 Skinflats, Stir, 15-19 July (6: 332) (DF, MH).
*White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicolus. 1 Tankerness, Ork, 11-12 Oct (EB, EJW).
*Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotus. 1 Westwater Reservoir, Peeb, 16 Oct (6: 281) (RKMcG).
Dunlin Calidris alpina. Little comment on breeding population. First Fetlar 30 Apr, chicks 6 June (ARM); pr attempted to breed Findhorn, Moray (BE).
Passage: Fair Isle, 3 May-26 June, peak 19-21 May (11), autumn from 10 July, max 18 Sep (21) (RHD); Shet, peak 10 Virkie 20 Sep (DC). Inland: 4 L Leven, Kinross, 24 Mar (AA, TG); 65 Gladhouse, Midl, 19 July, 40 on 16 Aug (JB, RWJS). Peak counts: 6700 Gretna-Southerness, Solway, 14-22 Oct (JGY); 3000 Erskine, Renf, end Dec (HG, IG); 3000 Almond estuary, W Loth, 18 Jan (TCS).
372 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
*Curlew Sandpiper Calidris testacea. Spring: singles Balranald, O Heb, 17 May (GC); Skinflats, Stir, 3 June (MH); Tentsmuir, Fife (RWS).
Heavy autumn passage: early 2 Pabbay, O Heb, 9 July (ADKR), other- wise 25 July-4 Nov, mainly 20 Aug-early Oct, in two waves with fewer records first half Sep; few in west and southwest until mid Sep. Reports from many places on coast; peaks: 9 Baleshare, O Heb, 16 Oct (DGA, DJ); 26 Kinloss, Moray, 23 Aug (BE, MM); 42 Ythan, Aber, 26 Sep (MJHC); Invergowrie Bay, Perth, 28 Sep-4 Nov, max 60 on 4 Oct (DB, EJM et al); Eden estuary, Fife, 21 Aug-25 Oct, max 32 on 22 Aug and 30 on 14 Sep (ARS et al); 12 Black Devon estuary, Clack, 30 Oct (TP); Skinflats, Stir, 28 July-31 Oct, peaks 40 on 21-23 Aug, 20 on 10 Oct (MH, DF et al); Musselburgh, Midl, 29 Aug-10 Oct, max 6 on 14 Sep (JB, RF, LLJV); 20 Seafield, Midl, 22 Aug (GLS, LLJV); Aberlady, E Loth, 29 Aug- 11 Oct, max 24 on 27 Sep (RMB, AMt, KSMcG); Erskine, Renf, 30 Aug- 3 Oct, max 10 on 3 Oct (RWF et al); up to 4 Paisley Moss, Renf, 30 Sep- 12 Oct (HG, IG); up to 8 Barassie, Ayr, 29 Aug-11 Oct (WRB); Glencaple, Dumf, 10-29 Sep, max 15 on 21 Sep (JGY). Singles Gairloch, W Ross, 20 Aug (AMMF) and Gladhouse, Midl, 20 Sep (RWJS).
Sanderling Crocethia alba. Spring departure: 3 Unst, Shet, 16 June (MS); 1-2 Fair Isle, 31 May-2 June (RHD); 7 Stornoway, O Heb, 13 June (RMcI), 6 Shawbost, O Heb, 16 June (AV); 450 Buddon Point, Angus, 18 May and 17 West Haven 24 May (TMC); singles Gladhouse, Midl, 10 May and 21 June (DGA, RWJS); 50 Prestwick, Ayr, 29 May (WRB); few sum- mered Tentsmuir, Fife (DWO).
Autumn migration: Shet, 31 July-21 Sep, max 15 Fetlar 2 Aug (ARM, RJT); Fair Isle, 31 July-29 Sep, max 6 (RHD); 50 in heavy moult North Ronaldsay, Ork, 26 Aug (RHD); Skinflats, Stir, 10 July-27 Sep (MH, DF); 48 Doonfoot, Ayr, 25 July (WRB); 1 inland Gadloch, Lan, 16 July (BZ).
Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Seen all months except July Aberlady, E Loth, peaks 16 on 19 Mar, 20 on 19 Sep, 14 on 7 Nov (KSMcG). Winter and spring records elsewhere: Fife Ness, singles 3 Jan (DWO), 14 Feb (JARG); Skinflats, Stir, 4-11 May (1), 12-14 May (2) (MH); 1 Montrose, Angus, 11 May (GMC); 2 N Uist, O Heb, 28 June (GC).
Autumn migration: E coast records Shet-E Loth 3 July-6 Oct, mainly 16 Aug-end Sep (especially in north); earlier in Clyde/Solway, mainly Aug (from 2nd), stragglers to 16 Oct. Peak counts: 6 Virkie, Shet, 16 Sep (DC); 7-12 daily Kinloss, Moray, 18-24 Aug, but 24 on 23rd (BE); Aber, 10 Clochtow, and 8 Tarves, 23 Aug (NE); 8 Eden estuary, Fife, 27 Sep (DWO, ARS); 8 Skinflats, Stir, 28 July and 14 on 27 Aug (MH, DF); 13 Gladhouse, Midl, 23 Aug (RWJS); 5 Paisley Moss, Renf, 30 Sep (HG, RM); 7 Caerlaverock, Dumf, 4 Aug (JGY). Late singles: Barrassie, Ayr, 28 Nov (WRB); S Uist, O Heb, 14 Oct (DGA, DJ).
*Stilt Sandpiper Micropalma himantopus. 1 Dornoch Point, Suth, 18 Apr (6: 280) (DMcD, VMT), new species for Scotland.
*Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor. 1 Forfar Loch, Angus, 19-21 Sep (6: 333) (DRB, GMC, JIS et al).
*Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius. Singles: Fair Isle 1 Aug (RHD); Aberlady, E Loth, 17 Aug (RMB) and 11 Sep (RMB, AMt).
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus. National survey gave 35+ prs from 5 areas, although only single at one site (per MJE). Shet, repor- ted improvement over 1969 with at least 30 prs, first 15 May, dispersal late July-17 Aug, last 29 Aug (ARM, RJT). Migrants: Fair Isle 15 July (RHD, ISR); Skinflats, Stir, 23 Aug (RE, TDHM).
Great Skua Catharacta skua. Shet, no change in status, arrivals at sea off Foula 9 Mar (JGH) and Unst 16 Mar (MS), on land Fetlar 3 Apr (ARM), most gone by 20 Oct, last Foula 1 Nov (JGH, RJT); Fair Isle, 4 Apr-22 Oct, eggs from 28 May, 8 prs bred (RHD); Ork, still on increase (EB);
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PLATE 25. Red
PLATE 26. (a) Long-tailed Duck, summer-plumage drake, Shetland, 29th June 1970.
(b) Iceland Gull, immature, Shetland, 1970. Photographs by Dennis Coutts
Wy, Wi Yy WY YY Jp y , hh wi
Photographs by R. H. Dennis
1970.
1st August Isle, May 1970.
IT
(a) Grey Phalarope, Fair Isle, influx, Fa
ile (b) Bluethroat, big spring
PLATE
PLATE 28. (a) Rustic Bunting, Sumburgh, Shetland, 7th October 1970. (b) Little Bunting, Lerwick, Shetland, 21-25th October 1970
Photographs by Dennis Coutts
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 377
Caith, no breeding reports (DMS); Suth, bred Handa (DMcD), Stoer (DS), Eilean nan Roan (EC) and prob Drum Holliston (DG); O Heb, 4 Apr-10 Oct, 11 prs bred Gress (MM, IMcL).
Migrants: 65 passed Tarbat Ness, E Ross, in 2 hrs 17 Aug (CJM-G); records down E coast included colour-ringed bird (1968 Foula pull) at Findhorn, Moray, 26 Aug (BE); Aber coast 13 July-22 Aug, max 18 Collies- ton 21 Aug (LHC, JAL); 52 N in 234 hrs Arbroath, Angus, 16 Aug (AN, MN); Fife Ness 16 Aug-11 Oct (DWO, ARS). West coast records: 2 Black- shaw, Dumf, 30 July (per JGY); 2 Southerness, Kirk, 27 June (JGY); 1 Little Ross, Wig, 21 Aug (RTS).
_*Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. Four singles in spring, 14 sightings in autumn. O Heb, one 30 miles SW of Rockall, 18 Apr (RSBy); 1 N Shiant Islands 24 Apr (RSBy); 1 Fair Isle crossing 22 May (JAS); 1 Fet- lar, Shet, 24 May (RKMcG). Autumn: run of records West Haven, Angus, 21 July, 2 Aug (3), 29th (2), 23 Sep, 11 Oct (TMC); 1 Skinflats, Stir, 3 Sep (DLC); 3 Tyninghame, E Loth, Sep (RWJS), 1 on 1 Nov (TB, EMS), 1 Ythan, Aber, 19 Sep (MAMcD).
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. Breeding reports: Shet, arrived Fetlar 17 Apr (ARM), Foula 18 Apr (JGH), but few until 1 May, last Hascosay 25 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle, first 17 Apr, 18th (12) then scarce until 10 on 30th Apr and 50 on 2 May, most gone 6 Sep, stragglers to 11 Oct (RHD); 1 pr bred Handa, Suth (GS, DMcD); bred for first time Sollas, N Uist, O Heb (GC).
Spring migrants: 3 Girdle Ness, Kinc, 24 Apr (JRP); singles Arbroath, Angus, 25 Apr (MN); Elie, Fife, 30 Apr (DWO) and Skinflats, Stir, 8 May (RE). Passage birds July-Oct many places E coast, migration periods or peaks as follows: Alturlie, Inv, 10 Oct (MIH); 12 Strathlene, Banff, 27 Sep (DBMcG); 16 N Collieston, Aber, 22 Aug (JAL, WM); 60+ off Peterhead, Aber, with Kittiwakes 3 Sep (RWB); 20 Arbroath, Angus, 16 Aug (MN); Fife, 15 Aug-mid Oct, max 35/hr S Fife Ness 12 Sep (DWO); 7 Skinflats, Stir, 30 Aug (RE); Midl, 26 July-11 Oct, max 20 on 15 Sep (JB, GLS, LLJV); 25 Aberlady, E Loth, 2 Sep (RWJS). 2 Nith estuary, Solway, 24- 30 June (JGY, RW).
*Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus. 1 off Mousa, Shet, 2 June (RAR); imm off Peterhead, Aber, 3 Sep (RWB, ARG); 1 S Fife Ness 12 Sep (DWO).
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus. Breeding reports: pr with eggs Whiteness Head June, first for E Inv (RWPo); pr with 1 chick Loch Thom, apparently first for Renf(per MFMM); 4 prs bred Isle of May (NJG). Large winter flocks again Fair Isle, peaks 8 Jan (500+), 10 Feb (400+), 15 Nov (1500), 16th (2000), 17th (1500), 22nd (3000) (RHD).
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. No reported changes in breed-
ing status. 6 wintered Glencaple, Dumf (JGY). Arrivals: Glencaple 3 Mar (GMcM); Aberlady, E Loth, 1 Apr (DJ); 2 Kincardine, Stir, 2 Mar (TDHM);
378 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Fife, 21 Mar (JMC), big increase 20 Apr (DWO); 6 L Leven, Kinross, 4 Mar (AA, JHS); Shet, 10 Mar (DC); Barvas, O Heb, 28 Mar (WAJC); Fair Isle 30 Mar, more from 15 Apr (RHD). Last Fair Isle 29 Sep (RHD); last Fetlar, Shet, 11 Sep (ARM).
Scandinavian birds, L. f. fuscus: Fair Isle 19-26 Feb (RHD); 2 Broughty Ferry, Angus, 8 Jan (TMC); Fife Ness 16 Aug (DWO).
Herring Gull Larus argentatus. Breeding reports: increase to 16500 prs Isle of May (NJG); now nesting 5 sites on buildings in Inverness (MR); 5 prs bred Findhorn Bay, Moray (first time), and 420 prs bred Kin- loss, Moray (up 15% on 1969) (BE); 4 prs attempted to breed L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHS). Winter flocks of large northern birds again a feature at Fair Isle, peaks in rough weather: 1 Feb (2000+), 10th (750), 1 Nov (4000), 15th (8000), 16th (10000), 17th and 22nd (8000). 5000+ at roost L Leven Jan-Mar, 5-7000 in Oct-Dec (AA, JHS). Albinos reported Storno- way, Inverness, Oban and Port Ellen.
Common Gull Larus canus. Recolonized Carloway Loch, O Heb (WAJC). Migrants: Fair Isle from early Apr, peaked 80 on 17 May, first juvenile migrant 11 July, autumn peaks 1 Aug (500), 15 Aug (1500) (RHD); 600 Kinloss, Moray, 1 July, influx 17-24 Aug, max 6000+ on 21st (BE); L Leven, Kinross, from mid-July, 1500 in mid-Sep and up to 5000 later (AA, JHS).
Glaucous Guli Larus hyperboreus. Shet, more than usual Jan-Apr, max 17 Fetlar 8 Jan (ARM), four May sightings, 1 Lerwick 8 June, 1 Mid Yell 4 June-8 Aug, 1 Gremista 11 Aug, autumn arrivals from 17 Oct, max 12 Fetlar 23 Oct (ARM) and 6 Virkie 27 Oct (RAR), good numbers to 31 Dec, mostly Fetlar where 20 on 8 Dec (ARM, RJT). Fair Isle, another good year but down on 1969, good numbers to Apr, max 50 on 8 Jan and 10 on 15 Feb, singles 3 days May, 25th June, 4 July, first of autumn 1 Oct, influx from 20 Oct, peaks 50 on 16 Nov and 40 on 5 Dec (RHD).
Elsewhere (singles unless otherwise stated): Ork, a few in winter, Westray 7 May (EB); O Heb, Stornoway 12 Feb, 13 May, 4 July, 15 Nov (WAJC, RMclI), 2 S Uist 30 Mar (DGA), 2 Branahuie 17 May (DWR), Bal- ranald 19 June (GC), Bernera 5 July (ADKR); Caith. Wick 28 Feb, 23 Mar, 23 Sep (RDo, RS, MFMM), Thurso 16 Nov (PMcM); Suth, Golspie 21 Jan (DMcD, WAS), Embo 7 Feb, 13 Dec (DMcD, JBW); Moray, dead Kin- loss 22 Sep (BE); Aber, Rattray 8 Feb (MM), Don estuary 7 Mar (RLS), Balmedie 23 Mar (RLS), Peterhead 30 Aug (NE), Kinc, 2 Fowlsheugh 7 Mar (NP); Angus, Carnoustie 14 Mar, Arbroath 30 Mar, West Haven 22 Nov, 2 on 29 Nov (TMC); Midl, Musselburgh from 28 Nov (DMcN); E Loth, Gullane 17 Jan (MFMM), Tantallon 28 Feb (JM); Renf. Paisley Moss 12 Avr (HG, IG), Longhaugh Point 23 Oct (IG); Lan, Eaglesham 19 Apr (DLC); Ayr, 4 individuals 24 Jan-16 May (AGS), Prestwick 12 Nov (DLC); ome Port Ellen, Islay, 15 May (ER); Isle of May 26 Sep (NKA), 6 Oct
*Iceland Guli Larus glaucoides. Shet, scattered singles, mostly imma- tures, Jan-Apr, most Lerwick (DC, RJT), singles Scalloway 16 May, Ler- wick 27 May (DC), Unst 15 June (MS), Virkie 27 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, singles 5 Jan, 9 Mar, 17 Apr, 3-5 June, 6-7 July, 30 Nov and 10 Dec (RHD); O Heb, Balranald 19 June (GC), 2 Lewis 17 May (RAE, DWR), S Uist 22 July (IHJL), Stornoway 18 Nov (WAJC); Suth, Balnakeil 22 Mar (RHD); Banff 24 Dec (DWOg); Caith, Castlehill 23 Mar (DMS), Wick 28 Feb (RS), 2 Scrabster 1 Mar (PRJ); Aberdeen 27 Feb-28 Mar, 2 on 9 Mar (RLS et al), 25 Oct (NE); Angus, West Haven 18 Apr (TMC), Forfar Loch 2 June (HB); Edinburgh 28 Mar-11 Apr, different bird 10 Apr, 2 May (TD), Duddingston 24 Apr (LLJV); Renf, 3 Paisley Moss 30 Jan-30 Apr (HG, IG, GTW); Lan, Gadloch 12 Apr (BZ); Ayr 2 between 30 Jan and peg A et al); Arg, Oban 6 June (IWY); I Heb, Port Ellen, Islay, 11 Apr
Little Gull Larus minutus. Recorded throughout year in Angus and
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 379
Fife; peak counts: Angus 158 West Ferry 7 Apr, 130 Broughty Castle 11 May, 127 West Haven 4 Aug, 160 on 23 Aug, 250 on 13 Sep (TMC, BP); Fife, 325 Methil 15 Sep, 157 on 4 Oct, down to 30 by 26th (DWO), 20 Fife Ness 24 Aug (DWO), Kilconquhar numbers low this year, max 15 on 8 Aug (DWO). Nearby: 4 Kingoodie, Perth, 28 Mar (HB), singles L Leven, Kinross, 26 June (CRGC, TG), 3rd, 18th and 23 July, 15 Aug (AA, JHS), Isle of May 24 Aug (GLS), 3 on 24 Sep (NKA).
Elsewhere (singles unless otherwise stated): Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 16 Aug (CJM-G); Lossiemouth, Moray, 13 Sep (AP); Strathlene, Banff, 27 Sep (DBMcG); Skinflats, Stir, 16 May (DF); 2 Devonmouth, Clack, 13 Sep (CJH); Musselburgh, Midl, 31 Oct (LLJV); E Loth, Barns Ness 22 Aug (KSMcG), Aberlady 30 Aug (LLJV), Tyninghame 13 Sep (TB), Gullane 11 Oct (RF); Renf, Barr Loch a few 25 May-11 Aug, max 5 on 18 June and 27 July (WRB, RGC et al), Longhaugh Point 20-22 Sep (HG, IG, GTW); Ayr, Doonfoot 28 May, 28 July-2 Aug (WRB), 4 Oct (PM), Ailsa Craig 5-8 June (TPr); Caerlaverock, Dumf, 14 Sep (JGY).
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus. Breeding reports: good season L Leven, Kinross, c 7500 prs (AA, JHS); decrease Fife, ceased to breed Tentsmuir (DWO); decreased to 50 prs Horse Island, Ayr (AGS); general increase Galloway (ADW). Passage: Fair Isle, 20 Mar-7 May, peak 25 on 3 May, autumn passage from 4 July, peak 30 on 14 July (RHD); big influx Kinloss, Moray, 17-24 Aug, max 4000 on 21st (BE).
Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. Increase continued Shet (RJT) and Fair Isle (RHD), ashore Fair Isle from 8 Feb, decrease from mid-Aug, last ashore 30 Sep but some breeders back on cliffs 1 Nov (RHD); Firth of Forth, Inchkeith colony 342 nests as against 187 in 1969 (RWJS); slight increase E Loth (KSMcG); still increasing several places Wig (RCD, ADW, JGY). Inland: 15 L Leven, Kinross, 29 May, 2nd record (CRGC, TG). Peak counts at Skinflats, Stir, 300 on 23 May, 500 on 27 May (MH). Peak movements at sea: 500/hr N Fife Ness 16 Aug (DWO, ARS); great numbers N Usan, Angus, 21 Aug, estimated 50000 in 2 hrs (GMC); Aber, 2000/hr N Ythan and 430/hr N Collieston 23 Aug (CJF, WM ez al); 2000/ hr Strathlene, Banff, 27 Sep (DBMcG); 1000/hr Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 16 Aug (CJM-G).
*Black Tern Chlidonias niger. 8 spring records: singles Elliot, Angus, 4 Jun (NKA, MN); Eden estuary, Fife, 10 May (CST); Skinflats, Stir, 8-12 May (MH, DF); Yetholm, Rox, 8 May (per AJS); Lochmaben, Dumf, 8-10 May, 3 at Annan, Dumf, 11 May (RTS).
Autumn passage 1 Aug-27 Sep, about 100 is more than usual; Findhorn, Moray, 12th and 23 Aug (BE, MM); 2 Speymouth, Moray, 22 Aug (JMB); Angus, Scurdy Ness 22nd and 30 Aug, 3 Sep, 12th (3), 13th (9), 27th (GMC, TMC, AN, MN), 4 S West Haven 27 Sep (TMC), Forfar Loch 5th and 21 Sep (GMC, JIS); L Leven, Kinross, 25 Aug, 10-11 Sep (2), 13th (4), 14th (3), 15th (AA, JHS); Fife, Eden estuary 21 Aug (WRB, BCF), 2 Kilconquhar 20 Sep (DWO, ARS); Stir, Skinflats 24-26 Aug (DF, MH), 30th (3), 31st (2) (MH), 3 Sep (5) (DLO), 6th (6), 8th (19) (MH); E Loth, 16 Barns Ness 16 Aug (KSMcG), Aberlady 30 Aug (LLJV), 2 Tyning- hame 13 Sep, one 27 Sep (TB, EMS, RWJS); Renf, Castle Semple Loch ( “Se (RM, GTW), Barr Loch 22 Aug (RGC), Rowbank Reservoir 10 Sep JM).
*White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus. 1 Aberlady, E Loth 5 July (RMB, AMt); 1 Whiteness Head, Nairn/E Inv 14 July (BE, KTR): 8th and 9th Scottish records (6: 203).
Common Tern Sterna hirundo. 1 pr reared 2 young Fair Isle, all 4 migrated 3 Sep, first breeding record for isle (RHD); 59 nests at L Leven colony, 68 last year (AA, JHS); Fife, c 200 prs successful Eden estuary, but 50 nests failed Longannet (TDHM); 150 nests failed Inchmickery, Forth, 10 June (RWJS) but good season at Aberlady, E Loth, where 250 prs (RMB, AMt).
380 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Passage: first 2 ‘Comics’ West Haven, Angus, 18 Apr (TMC); 1 Rattray Head, Aber, 19 Apr (NE); 5 Luce Bay, Wig, 23 Apr (RCD), most early May. Last ‘Comics’ Musselburgh, Midl, 1 Nov (RSB); 3 Burntisland, Fife, 3 Nov (JMC).
Arctic Tern Sterna macrura. Shet, from 23 Apr Whalsay (JHSi), main arrival 4-7 May (RJT); first mainland 26 Apr West Haven, Angus (TMC); O Heb 4 May (GC). Very few nested Tentsmuir and little success (TRG); 50 prs bred Fidra, Forth (RWJS); last Aberdeen 17 Oct (NE).
Roseate Tern Sterna dougalli. c 100 prs Fidra, Forth, 13 June and 1-2 prs Inchmickery 10 June (RWJS); pr attempted to breed Aberlady, E Loth, first record of nesting there (RMB, AMt, KSMcG); pr in tern colony, Wig, late May (BW); none nested Fife (DWO). Sightings in Fife June-8 Sep, but fewer than usual (DWO); 7 Buddon Ness, Angus, 18 May (TMC), 4 West Haven 29 Aug (TMC); 3 Nairn 9 July (BE); 1 Findhorn, Moray, 23 Aug (BE, MM).
Little Tern Sterna altifrons. At least 3 young reared Wester Burn, Caith (DMS); O Heb breeding records, 3 prs Balranald (RHM), 3 prs Baleshare, N Uist, 9 July (ADKR); 15 prs Sound of Harris 4 July (ADKR), 3 prs Barra 9 July (RHM); 6 prs Brora, Suth (DMcD, WAS); 35-40 prs bred E Loth, above average (RMB, RWJS) but only 3 prs Tentsmuir, Fife (RWS). First dates: 19 Apr, Luce Bay, Wig (RCD); 23 Apr, Balranald, N Uist (GC).
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. Not a good year; fewer in Ork (EB); 150 prs Whiteness Head, E Inv/Nairn, totally unsuccessful (BE); none bred Fife (DWO); 201 nests Fidra, Forth, 13 June (RWJS); 147 nests Morrich More, E Ross, 17 June (DMcD, WAS); pr bred lower Spey, Moray (JMB); pr bred for first time ever Aberlady, E Loth, but unsuc- cessful (RMB, AMt). First dates: 3 Usan, Angus, 9 Apr (GMC); E Loth 12 Apr (RMB, KSMcG). Peak counts: 300 Beauly Firth, Inv, 15 Aug (MIH); 600 Findhorn, Moray, 22 Apr (BE); 1000 Tentsmuir, Fife, 15 Sep (RWS). Migrants in Shet, 2 Whalsay 27-29 Apr (JHSi), 3 Fetlar 3 June (ARM), 2 Unst 4 June (MS); Fair Isle 21-22 Aug (RHD). Last records: Findhorn 18 Oct (BE); Aberlady 25 Oct (KSMcG).
Razorbill Alca torda. Breeding status little change: 2 adults incubating Inchkeith 14 June, first eggs seen inner Forth (RWJS); slight increase Mull of Galloway (RCD, ADW, JGY); Fair Isle, ashore from 21 Feb, main body from 29 Mar, last seen ashore 12 Aug (RHD). Bad oiling in Jan-Feb in North Sea (see 6: 235-250 for data on oiling of all auks); 840 found oiled on beaches in Angus/Kinc and 282 in Fife. 2 in Beauly Firth, Inv, 8 Jan, 9 Chanonry Point, E Ross, 25 Jan (MIH).
Little Auk Plautus alle. Record numbers in late winter in north; very common Shet to 8 Mar, small flocks in voes and calling could be heard from the shore (DC, RJT); Fair Isle, singles to 7 Apr, some flying over land (RHD). Large scale oiling in North Sea in Jan-Feb, birds found dead on beaches Shet to Ber, mainly Aber where 428 dead between Peterhead and Aber (CJF et al); further south 132 beached in Fife and 254 oiled in Angus/Kinc. Scarce in autumn, after 15 Oct in Shet (RJT) and 3 Nov Fair Isle (RHD); 1 Musselburgh, Midl, 27 Dec (LLJV).
Guillemot Uria aalge. Large numbers killed by North Sea oiling from Shet to Ber, Jan-Feb totals of beached birds: Ber/Lothians 783, Fife 562, Angus/Kine 1362 and Aber 157 (JJDG et al). Breeding populations still increasing Fair Isle, ashore from 9 Jan, continuously from 29 Mar, good season, mid-July decrease, last ashore 7 Aug; some back on cliffs 27 Oct, 10-14 Nov (RHD); good numbers Shet, last ashore Fetlar 15 Aug (ARM, RJT); increases O Heb (WAJC); possible decrease Mull of Galloway (ADW). Several hundreds Ardwell Bay, Wig, 16 Oct (ADW).
Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. No reported changes in breeding status;
ay Cod Kingsbarns, Fife, 1 Jan (JSw), Fife Ness 27th and 30 Jan
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 381
Puffin Fratercula arctica. Involved in North Sea oiling but smaller numbers, max 37 in Angus/Kinc and 71 in Aber (JJDG et al). A few in- shore Fetlar, Shet, still in winter plumage, first ashore Fetlar 4 Apr and last 15 Aug (ARM); Fair Isle, lots on sea 2 Apr, ashore 3rd, most from 9th, last 29 Aug (RHD); 4 prs Causamul, N Uist, O Heb, in June (GC); Forth, 80 Inchkeith 14 June, and 800 Craigleith 20 June (RWJS); at least 1 pr, breeding strongly suspected, Mull of Galloway (ADW, JGY). Strag- glers on A9 at Muir of Ord, E Ross, 18 July (RAH, DTh) and Skinflats, Stir, 15 Nov (DLC, DF).
Stock Dove Columba oenas. No reported changes in status: 35 at Vane Farm, Kinross, 21 Oct (JHS).
Rock Dove Columba livia. Fair Isle peaks 20 in Apr and May, 40 on ck oa 1 Nov (RHD); some large flocks 200-300 Mainland, Shet, Dec
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus. Summer records Uig and Tarbert, S Harris, O Heb (WAJC); spring passage Fair Isle 25 Mar-25 May, peak 11 on 17 May, stragglers to July, scarce in autumn, only singles on 8 days 14 Oct-13 Nov (RHD). Small numbers Shet 25 Apr-15 June (RJT), max 8 Fetlar 8-10 June (ARM). 2000-3000 migrants at Kingsbarns, Fife, 21-22 Nov (JLSC). Puilus ringed Torrance, Stir, 28 Apr 1954 shot Lennoxtown, Stir, 30 Mar 70.
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur. No breeding reported. Records (singles unless noted) 2 May-30 Oct, mainly May-June, most in Fair Isle and Shet. Dumf, Thornhill 7 June (JMx); Rox, Hawick 8 May (RDM); E Loth, Gullane 7 June (DGA); Midl, Penicuik 23 May (DGM); Renf, Paisley 20 June (HG, GIW); Fife, Fife Ness 16 May (DWO, ARS), Doni- bristle 30 May (GHB); Moray, Fochabers 23 June (JMB); Suth, Dornoch 29 Sep (DMcD); O Heb, Scarp, Harris, June (DWR), 2 N Uist 4 June (GC), Causamul 9 June (GC); Ork, Binscarth 16 May (CB); Fair Isle, from 2 May, max 3 on 10 May and 22 June, stragglers present to 16 July, in autumn singles llth, 13th and 29 Aug, 1-3rd and 11-30 Sep, 1-10 Oct (RHD); Shet, Helendale 8 May (DC), Skerries 12 May (RJT), Foula 30 May, 3rd and 7 June (JGH), Mid-Yell 9-16 June (RJT), Unst 6-7 June (MS), in autumn Foula 30 Sep and 1 Oct (JGH), Helendale 30 Oct (DC).
Collared Dove Sireptopelia decaocto. Still spreading in some areas; increase noted W Wig (RCD, ADW); bred Kirkbean, Kirk (JGY); Dumf (NSRG); I Heb, 3 prs Rhum May-June (PW); song Broxburn, W Loth, (WAH); Angus; Perth; Buckie, Banff (DBMcG); Suth, 80+ Dornoch, 20 Stoer (DMcD), 7 Kinlochbervie (JB), also Bettyhill, Badcall, Torridon and Kinlochewe, W _ Ross; 30 Maryburgh, E Ross (DCH); several places O Heb, max 30 Newton, N Uist (GC) and 25 Grogarry, S Uist (GC); breeding several places Shet, migrants mainly spring, peak 10 Foula 3 June (JGH), 5 Fetlar 7-8 June (ARM). Fair Isle, 14 Apr-23 Oct, mainly 3 May-11 June, peaks 9 on 25th and 29 May, 6 on 11 June, 2 sum- mered (RHD).
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Little comment on breeding status: apparent increase Ork (EB) and probably bred Shet (RJT). Arrival: Garroch, Dumf, 20 Apr (JMx); Strathalladale, Suth, 23 Apr (PRJ); L Leven, Kinross (AA, JHS), Dalry, Kirk (ADW) and Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD) all 24 Apr; Strathtay, Perth, 25 Apr (THE); Loganlea Reservoir, Mid] (RMB), 2 Glen Clova, Angus (AN, MN) and Kinlochewe, W Ross (JAW) all 30 Apr. Pas- sage Fair Isle 6 May-8 June, peak 3 on 9 May (RHD); Shet 6 May (DC). Last ones Skerries 23-25 Aug (RJT) and Foula 30 Aug (JGH); Fair Isle 28 July-31 Aug, singles 15 days, 2 on 2 dates, 5 on 17 Aug (RHD); last Lockerbie, Dumf, 1 Sep (RTS).
*Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus. 2 found dying Thurso, Caith, 9 Nov (6: 335) (PMcM).
*Barn Owl Tyio alba. All reports given: Dumf, 28 ringed (NSRG); Rox,
382 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
bred Yetholm (RSB); Midl, Fala 15 July and 2 on 19 Dec (WB), 1 Milton Road E, Edinburgh Sep-Oct (HJB); Perth, 3 breeding reports (VMT); Angus, 1 West Ferry 26 June (TMC); Banff, absent only known site (CS); Inv, 3 territories along A9 Bunchrew-Beauly (MIH); E Ross 1 Tain in spring and | Alness 6 Oct (HDS), 3 breeding sites Evanton-Dingwall and 1 pr Kildary (CGH), seen Redfield and Udale Bay UWKM-D).
*Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca. Bred for 4th year Fetlar, first egg 9 May, 5 laid, all hatched, 3 young died, 2 fledged. 3 d¢ and 3289 on Fetlar early part of year, lst Y 2 there all summer as well as breeding pair, another ¢ from late Sep (ARM, RJT). Outside Fetlar, singles Yell 19 Apr (RJT), Uyea Isle 17 Apr, Burra Isle 26 Sep, Ronas Hill summer (per RJT), Unst 15-16 Nov (MS). As in 1969, two migrants Fair Isle: 5 26 Apr, 2 21 May (RHD).
*Scops Owl Otus scops. One found dead Holm, Ork, 27 Nov (WG, IHJL).
Little Owl Athene noctua. Bred usual area Mid] (WB).
Tawny Owl Strix aluco. Increase Yetholm, Rox (RSB); apparent decrease Burntisland, Fife (JMC).
Long-eared Owl Asio otus. 2-3 young, Stornoway Woods, O Heb, 16 June, first breeding record (WAJC, DJS); bred Broxburn, W Loth (WAH); 5 prs attempted nest Aberlady, E Loth (KSMcG); 14 sites known Dumf (HO, JGY); Ork, a few prs bred, 12 Binscarth in Dec (EB); Shet, Scalloway roost peak 9 on 11 Jan; one nest c/1 usual area 10 Apr, up to 14 Scallo- way Nov-Dec (RD). Migrants: Isle of May 13 Oct (ME); Shet, Foula 18 Oct (JGH), few Fetlar, Whalsay and Foula 6-28 Nov (per RJT); Fair Isle 30 Apr, 9 May, 2 on 15 Oct and 18 Nov, singles 14 days 16 Oct-3 Nov (RHD).
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus. Generally low numbers; fewer than usual Galloway (ADW); scarce Selk (JB); poor season Altnaharra, Suth (EGH), but several times over 40 Eskdalemuir, Dumf, 7 July-1 Aug (WM, RRo, JGY); pr reared 2 young at 4th attempt St Serf’s Island, L Leven, Kinross (AA); nest Balranald, O Heb, 28 May (GC). Migrants: Fair Isle, 21 Mar-13 June, 19 Sep-2 Dec, max 3 on 15 Oct and 4 Nov (RHD); Shet, Whalsay 31 Mar, 16 Apr, 25 Sep (JHSi), Skerries 18 May (RJT), Virkie 20 Sep (DC), Foula 12 Oct, 5 Nov (JGH). Others: 2 Findhorn, Moray, 12 Aug (BE); 3 Buddon, Angus, 7 Oct, 5 on 10 Oct (TMC); 3 Skinflats, Stir, 15 Mar (MH); max 4 Aberlady, E Loth, 25 Jan (KSMcG).
_ Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. A better year: Galloway, best season in recent years, 2 prob 3, in song Cairn Edward Forest, Kirk, June-July, 1 pr behaving as if with small young 17-23 July (LAU, ADW, AJW); pr new site Clatteringshaws, Kirk (ADW). Singles Kinnelhead, Dumf 8 May (JKRM), Kildary, E Ross, 17 June (DMcD, WAS), Valtos Lochs, O Heb, 13 June (KW) and Kildrummie, Nairn, 28 Jun (JAL, WMM).
Swift Apus apus. Arrival: 23 Apr, 1 Bridge of Don, Aber (MAMcD) and 1
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 383
Dumfries (JKRM); 30 Apr, 1 Kilconquhar, Fife (PGTB, DWO); generally late, more from end first week May. Dumf, 2 on 3 May and widespread 10 May (JGY); Midl, 6 Duddingston 4 May (RMB); L Leven, Kinross, 12 on 6 May, 100 on 10th and 200 on 20 May (AA, JHS); Perth, 1 on 4 May, main from 18 May (VMT). In north, first Buckie, Banff, 18 May (DBMcG); Fair Isle, 2 on 16 May, 8 on 2-9 June, 28 on 20 June (RHD); Shet, many singles from 3 June, max 5 Unst 7 June (MS, RJT). Summer flocks: 200 passed over Findhorn, Moray, 29 July (BE); L Leven, 500 on 30 June, up to 800 early July, peaked at 2000+ on 20 July (AA, JHS).
Departure: small numbers Shet to 30 Aug (RJT); Thurso, Caith, 2 Sep (PMcM), Inverness last 26 Aug (JMCk); Aber, 150 Ellon 21 Aug (CJF), last Aberdeen 8 Sep (RSBy); Arbroath, Angus, 11 Sep (MN); Fife, only few after 16 Aug, but renewed passage 12 Sep, when peak 100 Anstruther (DWO); Yetholm, Rox, 3 Sep (RSB); last 4 Lockerbie, Dumf, 10 Sep (ES); Fair Isle 23 Sep (RHD); Dumbarton 29 Oct (AC).
*Alpine Swift Apus melba. 1 flying north Rattray Head, Aber, 19 Apr (6: 209) (NE, MRW).
*Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Dumf, bred 3 sites, unsuccessful 2 others; albino reared Cairn River and survived to at least 17 Nov (EBd, JGY); 1 found dead River Ken, Kirk, early spring (GAF); Rox, 1 Ancrum Res- ervoir 4 May (per AJS); Ayr, 1 Water of Coyle Dec (PM); E Loth, 1 Tyn- inghame 15 Aug, 13 Sep (TB, RWJS), 1 Aberlady 22 Sep (AMt), Kinross, 1 North Queich 14 Feb (DSm), 1 River Leven 13-14 Oct (WM, JT); Perth, pr river Almond Oct-Nov (RJB); E Ross, pr bred, 6 eggs 6 May, 6 young 30 May, but nest and brood destroyed in flood 6 June (per DMcD)—first breeding record for Moray Basin (5: 209).
*Bee-eater Merops apiaster. Shet, 2 Halligarth, Unst, 8 July-5 Aug (MS, RJT et al); Fair Isle d 6-17 Aug (RHD).
*Hoopoe Upupa epops. Shet, 1 Unst 6 May (MS, RJT), 1 Fetlar 4-6 Sep (ARM); Ork, 1 Rendall mid Sep (EB); E Ross, 1 Foulis 13-16 Oct (CGH); Angus, 1 Forfar 10 Oct (JIS); Arg, 1 Campbelltown 29 June-mid July (AFu, IH).
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. Breeding reports; bred quite widely Kirk, but still none proved Wig (IA, ADW); decrease continues in Borders (AJS), only records Yarrow, Selk, and Yetholm, Rox (RSB); Fife, chicks flew from nest at Lethan, near Cupar; first for E Fife (DWO); Kinross, 1 Vane Farm 24 Mar, 1 Milnathort late Aug (JHS); Angus, singles (GMO). June (DMSh), Lintrathen Loch 15 Sep (JIS), Burn Estate 7 Oct
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major. Breeding reports: gen- eral increase Kirk (ADW); more than last 3 years Kinross (JHS); slight in- crease Tain, E Ross (CJM-G), Gairloch, W Ross (ENH). Fair Isle, 1 on
384 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
7 May, new one 8 May, 1 on 9-10 May, two 16-17 May (4 individuals) (RHD), 1 Gladhouse, Midl, 18 Nov (GLS) and 5 together Caerlaverock, Dumf, 17 Nov (JGY) might reflect movement in S Scotland.
*Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus minor. E Stir/Perth, 3 on 5-6 Jan (RRo) (6: 210). This is a new species for Scotland; an earlier record of 2 at the same site on 23 Sep 1968 is now accepted.
Wryneck Jynx torquilla. No breeding records. Big influx 7-10 May, stragglers to 10 June. Singles, unless otherwise stated: Ber, St Abbs 8 May, 10 May (EMS, RWJS); Fife Ness 10 May (TWE); Angus, 2 Lethan Grange 10 May, Arbroath 11 May (MN); Aber/Kinc, Girdle Ness 7 May, 9 May (MAMcD), Nigg Church 8 May (AR, WMM), Newburgh 9 and 10 May (AAn, GMD, AR), Cruden Bay 10 May (AR, WM); Isle of May several daily 7-16 May, max 9 on 8 May (DWO); Fair Isle, 12 on 7 May, 15 on 8 May, 35 on 9 and 10 May—birds in good condition, song and display; most departed overnight then 11th (10), 12th (8), up to 6 until 17th, 1-2 on 6 days to 26th, 27th (4), singles 30 May, 2nd and 10 June (RHD); Shet, Fetlar 9 on 7 May, 7 on 8th, stragglers to llth, one 19 May (ARM), Skerries, 6 on 7 May, 8th (10), 13th-14th (8), 17th (4), 18th (3) (RJT et al); Foula 1 on 7 May, 8 on 8th, small numbers to 15th (JGH), Whalsay, 1-3 on 8-13 May (JHSi), Unst 8 May (MS), Mainland 7 and 10 May (DC), other reports of singles same time (per RJT).
Good numbers also in autumn: singles unless otherwise stated, Fair Isle, 18 Aug, 21st, 3 on 22nd, up to 4 by 25th, 1-2 to 31st, 2 on 2 Sep, 6th-7th, Sth” io} 9th (2), 13th (RHD): Shet, Fetlar singles 26 Aug-4 Sep (ARM), Tingwall 25 Aug (per RJT), Skerries 27 Sep (RJT); Ork, Evie 24 Aug (EB), North Ronaldsay 26 Aug (RHD); Isle of May, daily 22-29 Aug, max 15 on 23 Aug (GLS); Aber, Cruden Bay 22 Aug (JAL, AR, WM); Fife Ness 23 Aug (PSm); Ber, St Abbs 23 Aug (KSMcG, TD), Barns Ness 23 Aug (TD, KSMcG).
*Short-toed Lark Calandrella cinerea. 4 records: 1 Fair Isle 10-14 May, another 12-14 May (RHD); 2 Skerries, Shet, 29 Sep (ARM, RJT).
*Woodlark Lullula arborea. 1 Isle of May 8-12 May (DWO).
Skylark Alauda arvensis. No reported changes in breeding status. Arriv- al of migrants at Fair Isle, 35 on 7 Feb, more from 23 Feb, peak 300 on 21 Mar, passage some days 12 Sep-20 Nov (RHD); Shet, from late Feb, song from 7 Mar, large flocks (2000 Fetlar) 1 Apr (RJT); Black Isle, E Ross, 78 on a farm 11 Jan, 700-750 on 17 Feb and 200 on 19 Feb (MKM-D); Moray, 1500 W Kinloss in 3 hrs 6 Feb (BE); Fife, 1000/hr moving over E Fife 3-4 Jan (DWO); Dumf, 2000+ W in snowstorm Caerlaverock 17 Feb (RHK, JGY).
*Shorelark Eremophila alpestris. 10 Sandyhills, Kirk, 13-17 Apr (AM)J), first for Galloway; Midl, 1 Musselburgh 16-17 Oct (EL, LLJV); Fife, 1 St Monance 3 Jan (DWO); Angus, 1 West Haven 6 Dec (TMC); Fair Isle, 1 on 18 Apr, 2 on 8 May, 1 on 9 May, 1 on 1-5 Nov, 2 on 6-7th and 1 until 9 Nov (RHD).
Swallow Hirundo rustica. Arrival: 15 Apr, Gullane, E Loth (AMt); 17 Apr, Annan and Ae, Dumf (RTS, (GC Leuchars, Fife (JARG), Buckie, Banff (DBMcG) and N Uist, O Heb (GC); 18 Apr, Strathtay, Perth (VMT), L Leven, Kinross (JHS) and 3 places in Kirk and Wig (per ADW). More after 23 Apr in Perth (VMT); big movement 5-10 May L Leven (AA, JMS); main arrival Dumf after 12 May (JGY). Shet, first Foula 19 Apr (JGH), mainly from 3 May, peak movements 3- 11th, 17-20th and 24-29 May (RJT); Fair Isle, 30 Apr-11 June, peaks 20 on 24-25 May, 35 on 5-8 June, stragglers to 10 July (RHD).
Breeding reports: nests in N Uist and S Harris are first outside Storno- way, O Heb (WAJC); more than usual bred Ork (EB); few pairs bred Shet (RJT). Albino at Kingsbarns, Fife, summer (JLSC).
Autumn passage and last records: Fair Isle, scarce, 4 Aug-2 Oct, max 3
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 385
on 31 Aug (RHD); Shet, a few 9-17 Oct (RJT); E Ross, 3 Foulis 6-7 Oct
(CGH); Aber, 2 Newburgh 21 Oct (JAL, RFY); Angus, Arbroath 4 Nov
(TMC); Perth, Invergowrie 30 Oct (VMT); Fife, pr feeding young Kil-
conquhar 26 Oct, 5 St Andrews 2 Nov (DWO); E Loth, North Berwick
14 Nov (DGA); Stir, 3 Killearn 2 Nov (ITD, MMD); Ayr, 2 Fairlie 7 Nov
ihe om Dumf, Lockerbie 21 Nov (RTS); Wig, 2 Sandhead 7 Nov D).
House Martin Delichon urbica. Arrivals: 18 Apr, Duddingston, Midl (RMB); 19 Apr, Lochmaben, Dumf (RTS), Luffness, E Loth (DJ) and Kingoodie, Perth (HB); 20 Apr, 5 Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO) and 20 Peebles (RDM); main arrivals from 20 Apr in Perth (HB) but generally rather late; main arrival Dumf 2 May (JGY); late and rather scarce L Leven, Kinross (JHS). Further north: first Aber, Newburgh 26 Apr (WMM, AR) and 2 Kinloss, Moray, 3 May (BE); Thurso, Caith, 24 Apr (PMcM); Westray, Ork, 6 May (EB); Fair Isle 4 May-14 June, peaks 13 May (25), 25th (32) and 27th (45), 6th June (35); Shet, from 3 May, influxes 7-12th and 24-27 May (RJT).
Breeding reports: coastal colonies on increase in Galloway (JGY, ADW); 10+ prs breeding on North Sutor, E Ross (RAH, DTh). Passage and last records: Fair Isle scarce, only singles 22 Sep-2 Oct (RHD); Reay, Caith, 18 Oct (JFa); 200 Nigg Ferry, E Ross, 23 Aug (CJM-G); 14 Elgin, Moray, 9 Oct (JMB); 3 Banchory, Aber, 22 Oct (MM); L Leven, Kinross, 130+ on 30 Aug, 300+ on 7 Sep, 90+ on 13 Sep, last 7 Oct (AA, JHS); Fife, 30 St Andrews 2 Nov (DWO, ARS), 1 on 12 Nov (MMcW); 1 Machrihanish, Arg, 7 Nov (AGG, MJPG); 3 Carnoustie, Angus, 11 Nov (TMC); last 1 Aberlady E Loth, 30 Nov (AMT).
Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Arrival: 28 Mar, 6 Lochmaben, Dumf (RTS); 3 Apr, L Leven, Kinross (CRGC, TGi); no others until 13 Apr. when 30+ Lochmaben (RTS), 4 Lindores Loch, Fife (AMMF) and Perth (VMT); main arrivals Dumf 16 Apr (RTS), Moorfoots, Midl 19 Apr (RWIS); Fife and Perth 20 Apr (DWO, VMT). In north, first Buckie, Banff, 17 Apr (DBMcG), Fochabers, Moray, 18 Apr (JMB) and Evanton, E Ross, 20 Apr (CGH), but 140 L Flemington, E Inv, 19 Apr (BE). Fair Isle, 1 May-5 June, peaks 10 on 8 May and 11 on 9 May (RHD); Shet 4-13 May, max 15 Skerries on 7th (RJT), 2 Balranald, O Heb, 11 May (GC).
No comments on breeding status. Summer and autumn records: Fair Isle, 10th, 27th (2) and 31 Aug (RHD); 11 West Haven, Angus 5 Sep (TMC); last Kingoodie, Perth, 23 Sep (HB); L Leven, max 250+ on 26 July, 200 on 25 Aug, last 20 on 20 Sep (AA, JHS); last Gullane, E Loth, 19 Sep (LLJV); last Fife, Methil 20 Sep and Kilconquhar 11 Oct (DWO, ARS).
*Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus. Scarce, only 2 records as against 9 in 1968 and 7 in 1969. 2 ringed Fair Isle 18-20 June (BM, ISR); @ Aywick, Yell, Shet, 14-17 Sep (DC, RJT).
Raven Corvus corax. 1 pr nested successfully Upper Deeside, Aber (NP); bred Yetholm, Rox (RSB); about 15 prs Galloway (ADW). Move- ment: spring migrants at Fair Isle, 23+ on 4 Mar, 15+ on 5th and 6th, 19 on 29 Mar (RHD); 1 Black Isle, E Ross, 20 Feb, and 2 on 25 Feb; first there since 1950s (MKM-D).
Crow Corvus corone. Hooded Crows Corvus corone cornix. Singles out- side range in Angus, Arbroath 26 Jan-12 Mar (MN), Elliot 13 Apr (NKA), Monifieth 25 Oct (TMC); Burntisland, Fife, 24 Jan (JMC).
Carrion Crows Corvus corone corone. Counts: 120 Alva, Stir, 26 Dec (CJH); 200+ Stronachie, Kinross, 16 Mar (AA); 64 Barnhill, Angus, 10 Oct (TMC). Outside range: Fair Isle, occasionals 9 Apr-27 May, but 7 on 8 May, 12 on 17th, 17 on 18th-19th and 4 on 20th May, singles 19 July and 17 Sep (DC); Shet, singles Foula 22-28 May (JGH) and Quarff 13 Sep (DC); 1 Kinlochbervie, N Suth, 9 Nov (IDP); singles Ness, Lewis, 8 Apr (AS) and Stornoway 18 Aug and 16 Nov (WRPB, IMcL) appear to be first records for O Heb (WAJC).
386 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Rook Corvus frugilegus. Nest-building earliest ever in Caith, from 24 Oct (DMS); c 250 nests Stornoway, O Heb, 19 Apr (WAJC); roost 1000+ Berstane Wood, Ork (EB). Migrants: Fair Isle, winter stragglers (also 1 Foula), small passage 17 Apr-15 May, max 3 on 21 Apr (RHD); 1 c 20 miles SE of Fair Isle 10 Apr (RSBy).
Jackdaw Corvus monedula. Shet, migrants, Skerries 25 Jan and 7 May (RJT), Foula 17-19 Feb, 2 on 11-13 May (JGH); Fair Isle, 8 wintered, de- parted late Mar-May, last pair even built nest and mated, but last seen 25 May (RHD). Reported increase Stornoway, O Heb (WAJC).
Magpie Pica pica. Bred Kelty, Fife, for first time (JEF). 1 Kirkwall air- port, Ork, 13-26 Feb (ROW); 1 Dornoch, Suth, 25 Oct (DMcD); 5 Brodie, Moray, 15 Oct (BE); 1 Archerfield, E Loth, 20 May (RSB).
Jay Garrulus glandarius. Probably still increasing Kirk (ADW); 30 in one tree Lockerbie, Dumf, 18 Nov (RTS); Deeside, max 7 at Banchory 10 Nov (MM); I Heb, 1 Kildalton, Islay, early June (JCl); Ayr, 2 prs Fail- ford, 1 Barrhill (per WRB), 1 Straiton early June (DMcG).
Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. Situation improving Islay, I Heb, now breeding in at least 3 areas (CGB), 24 seen mid May (DJH).
Great Tit Parus major, Blue Tit Parus caerulus and Coal Tit Parus ater. No reported changes in status and no migrants recorded.
Crested Tit Parus cristatus. Slight increase Heathmount, E Ross (CJM- G); a few prs bred Roseisle forest, Moray (BE).
Marsh Tit Parus palustris. Rox, 3 prs Yetholm, 2 Cattonside and bred Heaton (RSB); 1 at bird table Selkirk (JMe).
Willow Tit Parus montanus. No change in breeding status reported; 1 Killermount, Dunb, 17 Mar (TPD).
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. No change in breeding status re- ported; small party Reay, Caith, 4 Jan (JG).
Tree-creeper Certhia familiaris. Breeding reports: slight decrease Kin- ross (JHS) and rather scarce E Loth (KSMcG). Migrants: 1 Binscarth, Ork, 11 Jan-13 Feb (EB); 1 Isle of May 25 Sep (NKA).
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Fair Isle population of T. t. fridariensis now very low at c 25 prs after 3rd severe winter in succession (RHD); elsewhere very good numbers.
Dipper Cinclus cinclus. No migrants recorded Northern Isles. Several oe and empty nest Hoy, Ork (EB); 1 Loch of Skene, Aber, 25 Jan
SBy).
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus. Numbers increased Moray (BE) but decreased Fife (DWO). Counts: 30 Kinloss, Moray, 21 July (BE); 30 Cupar, Fife, 26 Sep (DWO, ARS); 40 migrating over Gladhouse, Midl, 20 Sep (RWJS); c 100 Balmaclellan, Kirk, 2-9 Oct (ADW). Migrants: Fair Isle, singles 27-31 Jan, 9 days 28 Mar-15 May but 2 on 10 Apr and 9 May (RHD); Shet, 2 Whalsay 17-22 Mar (JHSi), Unst 25 Mar (RJT), Fetlar 8 May (WDi), Unst 8-13 May (MS), Sumburgh 27 Sep (RE-H).
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Bred Shet Mainland at 1969 site, possibly 2 or 3 prs; young seen 20 June (DC, RJT); pr bred E Inv, 6 young flew 16- i une (DNW et al), first breeding record for mainland. None recorded
rk.
Spring: passage 7-14 Apr Dumf (JGY), 13-14 Apr Kirk (ADW); 200 Roseberry, Midl, 19 Apr (RWJS); 150/hr N St Monance, Fife, 17 Apr (DWO); Black Isle, E Ross, peak 60+ on 19 Mar (MKM-D); Fair Isle, usual winter numbers, but peak 80 on 20 Jan, scarce on spring passage, max 25 on 16 Apr, 34 on 8 May and 35 on 14 May, stragglers to 26 May (RHD); Shet, slight passage mainly 7-16 May, max 25 Skerries 15 May (RJT), last Foula 22 May (JGH); mainland stragglers Kellie Moor, Angus, 5 May (NKA), Girdle Ness, Kinc, 6-9 May (RLS), Balmedie, Aber, 11 May (NE) and Fife Ness 12 May (DWO).
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 387
Autumn early birds: Shet from 16 Aug (RJT); Fair Isle from 18 Aug (RHD); Isle of May 20-21 Aug (GLS); small flocks Kinlochewe, W Ross, 21 Aug (EBr); Fife Ness 24 Aug (DWO); St Abbs, Ber, 23 Aug (RWJS).
Main arrival: Shet from 27 Sep, large movement started 12 Oct (200 Foula), peaks 500 Foula 13th (JGH), 1500 Fetlar 14th (ARM), 200 Whal- say 14th (JHSi), then lower numbers, smaller arrival 18th when 800 Fetlar (ARM), further arrivals Fetlar 200 on 31 Oct and 1 Nov (ARM), 40 Whal- say 4 Nov (JHSi); Fair Isle from 25 Sep, peaks 27 Sep (200), 13 Oct (400+), 14 Oct (700), 15 Oct (300), 17 Oct (1500), 1 Nov (4000), 2 Nov (500) (RHD). Large numbers Aber/Kinc coast 12 Oct (RLS et al), also Fife (DWO); noticeable passage Midl 17-23 Oct (RWJS); 40 Yetholm, Rox, 12 Oct and 1000 on 24 Oct (RSB); Dumf, 20-23 Oct when 300 Caer- laverock, main arrivals after 17 Nov (NSRG).
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos. Fair Isle, scarce in early spring, but passage 7-18 May, max 49 on 8th, stragglers to 31 May (RHD); Shet, scattered records, 3 Mar-17 Apr, small numbers 5-13 May, max 9 Foula 10 May (JGH, RJT); some Fife Ness 12 May (DWO).
Autumn: Shet, from 23 Sep, small arrival 27 Sep when 15+ Skerries, main passage from 12 Oct (200 Foula (JGH) but from 14th on E side when 300 Fetlar and 20 Whalsay (ARM. JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, 1 Sen-8 Dec, nearly all 22-30 Sep (max 20 on 27th) and 12-17 Oct: 12th (200), 13th (300), 14th (100), 15th (30); main passage mainland 12 Oct when 60 Nigg, Kinc (RLS), many Aberdeen (RSBy), 500 Arbroath, Angus (MN); 30 Fife Ness 11 Oct, 50 daily 12-17 Oct (JARG, DWO).
Redwing Turdus musicus. Further extension of range in breeding rec- ords from Caithness (DMS) and N Perth (JJ); 2 nests fledged young and another ¢ in song N Suth (EGH, RAH); bred W Ross (EBr); 5 singing N Inv glen but no proof of breeding (MIH); bred Spey Valley (DNW); song N Fife 12 May (DWO); song Glen Clova, Angus, 2 May (AN, MN).
Spring passage: Yetholm, Rox, 27 Apr but scarce (RSB); L Leven, Kinross, 20 on 6 Apr (JHS); Strathtay, Perth, 24-30 Apr (EMH); Fair Isle, 29 Mar-3 May, but peaks only 25 on 3 and 16 Apr, stragglers to 25 uD (RHD); Shet, scarce, up to 13 May, max 10 Fetlar 25 Apr (ARM,
Autumn early records: Fair Isle 13 Sep (RHD); Shet, Skerries 20 Sep (RJT); Fife, 4 Kingsbarns 14 Sep (JLSC); Midl, Middleton 14 Sep (RW). Main arrival: Fair Isle, from 23 Sep, peaks 400 on 23rd and 27 Sep, in Oct, 3rd (200), 7th (150), 8th (500), 12th (3500), 13th (5000+), 14th (7000), 15th (2500) down to 75 on 22nd, 23rd (800), 24th (500), 30th (300), 1 Nov (3000), 2nd (400) (RHD); Shet, 27 Sep, 60 Fetlar (ARM); 7 Oct, 500 Foula, 60 Fetlar; large arrival began 12 Oct (Fetlar 300, Whalsay 200, Foula 1000), increased on 13th (Fetlar 500, Whalsay 500, Foula 3000) and 14th (Fetlar 5000, Whalsay 1000 but Foula down to 2000), thereafter numbers decreased, smaller movements 31 Oct and 3 Nov, max 200 Fetlar (ARM, JGH, JHSi, RJT); Isle of May, max 2000 on 12 Oct (JGY); Ork, c 15000 North Ronaldsay 14 Oct (EB, EJW); O Heb, 500 daily Uists 13-16 Oct, southward passage of Continental birds 14th Oct (DGA); Moray, 665 in 3 hr in off sea Spey Bay 12th Oct (JMB); Kinc, 800 Girdle Ness 12 Oct (RLS); thousands over Aberdeen 12 Oct (RSBy); Angus, 6000 Arbroath 12 Oct (MN); Kinross, max 800+ L Leven 19 Oct (AA, JHS); Fife Ness, big movement started 11 Oct, thousands present 12-17 Oct (JLSC, JARG, DWO); main passage Yetholm 12 Oct (RSB); heavy overnight passage Ayr 12-18 Oct (PM), Paisley, Renf, 13 Oct (HG) and West Kilbride, Lan, 13 Oct (JLB); arrived Dumf 15 Oct (NSRG).
Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus. 1-2 prs bred Hoy, Ork (EB). Arrival (singles unless stated): Garvald, E Loth, and Loganlea, Midl, 27 Mar (WB, LLJV); Yarrow, Selk, 28 Mar (RF); Abernethy, Perth, 30 Mar (per VMT); Crawick Glen, Dumf, 31 Mar (WD) and 2 on 14 Apr (JGY); first Kirk, Lorg 14 Apr (ADW, AJW); 10 passing Traprain Law, E Loth, 18
388 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Apr (RMB); 2 Fife Ness 19 Apr (DWO); Glen Lethnot, Angus, 20 Apr (GMC); Kerloch, Kinc, 12 Apr (NP); Cruden Bay, Aber, 11-14 May (DEBL); Fair Isle, 18 Apr-28 May, mainly 8-18 May, peaks 8th (15), 12th (16) and 17th (14), singles 7 days to 18 June (RHD); Shet, 2-17 May, max 4 Unst 10th (MS), 7 Fetlar 7th (ARM), 4 Skerries 14th (RJT), 2 Whalsay 8th (JHSi) and 5 Foula 10th (JGH).
Autumn: scarce Fair Isle, singles unless stated, 27 Sep, 12 Oct (3), 13 Oct, 14 Oct (8), 15 Oct (4), 21 Oct; Shet, 1 Foula 20 Sep, scattered records 12-19 Oct, max 8 Whalsay on 13th and 3 on 14th (JHS, RJT); Aberdeen 8 on 12 Oct (RLS); 4 Arbroath, Angus, 12 Oct (MN); 30 Fife Ness 12 Oct (JLSC, JARG), 4 on 18 Oct (DWO); 40 Moorfoots, Midl, 20 Sep and one 14 Oct (WB).
Blackbird Turdus merula. No reported changes in breeding status ex- cept pr nested successfully Fair Isle, first since 1959 (RHD). Spring: passage 19 Apr Fife Ness (DWO); Fair Isle influx 75+ on 14 Jan, scarce on passage 30 Mar (25) to mid May, peaks only 50 on 5 Apr and 30 on 12 Apr (RHD); scarce also Shet (RJT).
Autumn: Shet, moderate numbers mid Oct, max 300 Fetlar 14-17 Oct (ARM, RJT) and 100 Foula 12-15 Oct (JGH); Fair Isle, poor autumn pas- sage from 12 Oct (100), peaks 13th (300+), 14th (500), 17th (150) down to 40 later in month except 30th (150), 1 Nov (1000), 2nd (100), 3rd (150); Ork, 250 North Ronaldsay 14-16 Oct (EB); large numbers Kinloch- bervie, Suth, 14 Oct (IDP); 120 Aberdeen 12 Oct (RLS); 300 Arbroath, Angus, 12 Oct (MN); Fife Ness, large numbers 11-17 Oct, max 300 on 12th (JARG, DWO); large influx Dumf 20 Oct (JGY).
*Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis. ¢ ringed Fair Isle 30 June (6: 336) (RHD, BM); 3rd record for island, last one 1936.
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Arrival: 26 Mar, Dalveen Pass, Dumf (ADW), Dalry, Kirk (ADW) and Newton Stewart, Wig (GW), a few more that area 27 Mar; 28 Mar, St Mary’s Loch, Selk (RF), 2 Glad- house, Mid] (EMS, RWJS); 29 Mar, Usan, Angus (JD); 30 Mar, Fife Ness (DWO). Movement halted by cold weather and main arrival late: Dumf 10-14 Apr (WD, JFY); Fife Ness from 12 Apr (DWO); L Leven, Kinross, 12 Apr (JHS); Perth, first 8 Apr, main 15 Apr (VMT); Aber, first Clochtow 10 Apr (AR, HNR), passage 3-25 May (RLS et al); Kinc, 2 Kerloch 12 Apr (NP); Inv, first Abriachan 17 Apr (JAL); Banff, Whitehills 19 Apr (AFWS) but earlier in north; W Ross, Alligin 3 Apr (EBr) and 2 Red Point 4 Apr (ENH); Suth, Bettyhill 12 Apr (PRJ); O Heb, 3 Carloway, Lewis, 11 Apr (WAJC); Fair Isle, late, from 10 Apr (6), but no big num- bers until 28th, and large falls in early May, Greenland birds 24 Apr- 7 May, rather late breeding (RHD); Shet, first Scalloway 6 Apr (RMo), Skerries 12 Apr, main from 18 Apr (RJT).
Autumn migration: Fair Isle, from 17 Aug, numbers down to 15 on 6 Oct, last 24 Oct, Greenland birds 3-21 Sep, 3-11 Oct (RHD); Shet peaks 30 Sep (DC), 12 Oct (RJT); O Heb, 11 in Uists 13-16 Oct (DGA), last Stornoway 24 Oct (IMcL); Aber, 22 Fraserburgh 24 Aug (MM), last Aberdeen 17 Oct (NE); last Kinloss, Moray, 18 Oct (BE); Arbroath, Angus, 18 Oct (MN); Fife Ness, large fall 16-17 Aug (200), last 26 Oct (DWO, ARS, PJC); last Musselburgh, Midl, 18 Oct (LLJV); last North Berwick, E Loth, 28 Oct (DEA); migrants Caerlaverock, Dumf, 8-20 Aug, last 2 on 6 Nov (JGY); last in country Embo, Suth, 22 Nov (JBW).
*Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti. Fair Isle, ¢ on 20 Nov, first there since 18 Nov 1940 (RHD).
Stonechat Saxicola torquata. Breeding reports: Ork, Hoy population in- creased, 1-2 prs bred Mainland (EB); very scarce E Ross (CJM-G) and only 1 pr N Suth (EGH); possibly scarcer Fife (DWO); bred Skinflats, Stir (DF); first brood fledged Kirk 17 May (ADW). Migrants: Shet, Fetlar 6 May (ARM), Ronas Hill 9 May (RJT), Unst 16 June (MS), Whalsay 25 Sep (JHSi), Sumburgh 2 Oct (RE-H); Fair Isle, singles 26 and 28 Mar,
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 389
15 Apr, pr 16 Apr (RHD); 2 Isle of May 11 May (AMcD), 1 on 11 Oct (JGY); Nigg, Kinc, 13 Oct (RLS); c 100 Mull of Galloway, Wig, 23 Sep, but only few there 16 Oct (LAU, ADW, AJW).
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra. Breeding reports: little change, but de- crease Yetholm, Rox (RSB) and Kirk (LAU, ADW); still increasing N Suth (EGH). Spring passage: 30 Apr, Kingholm, Dumf (JKRM), widespread 17 May (JGY); Glenkens, Kirk, 5 May (LAU); 1-2 Fife Ness 16 May (DWO); first Cleish, Kinross, 14 May (JHS); first Perth 14 May (VMT); 2 Girdle Ness, Kinc, 6 May (MAMcD, RLS); Fair Isle, 4 May-9 June, big fall early May: 6th (6), 7th (83), 8th and 9th (350), 10th (100), numbers slowly dropping to end of month, stragglers 23 June (RHD); Shet, 5 May, big fall few days later with peaks 80+ Fetlar 8th (ARM), 50 Whalsay 8th (JHSi), 50 Unst 9th (MS), 250 Skerries 13th (RJT), dispersal over next 2 weeks, last Skerries 14 June (RJT).
Autumn passage: Shet, 23 Aug-19 Oct, singles except small passage 10-30 Sep (RJT); Fair Isle, 17 Aug-15 Oct, low numbers, peaks only 15 on 22 Aug and 12 on 8 Sep (RHD); 10 Slains, Aber, 18 Aug (CJF); 5 Mull of Galloway, Wig, 23 Sep (LAU, ADW).
Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Breeding reports: marked increase Tain, E Ross (CJM-G); drastic drop Maryburgh, E Ross (HDS); still scarce E Loth (KSMcG); continued decrease Rox (RSB); fewer than usual Kirk (ADW); possible increase Ayr (WRB).
Arrival: 19 Apr, Roseberry, Midl (RWJS) and Rattray Head, Aber (NE); 24 Apr, Aberlady, E Loth (LLJV). Passage from 26 Apr in south and 5 May in north. Very large fall in Northern Isles: Fair Isle, 5 May-19 June, day totals 5th (1), 6th (6), 7th (30), 8th (300) and 700 on 9 May: numbers dropped to 250 on 10th, 150 on 11-17th, up to 50 through May and 15 in early June, stragglers 22 June, 8 and 10 July (RHD); Shet, from 5 May, big numbers from 7 May, peaks 100+ Fetlar 7-10 May (ARM), 80 Foula 10 May (JGH), 60 Whalsay 9 May (JHSi), 50 Skerries 7 May, 200+ on 13 May (RJT), stragglers to 8 June (RJT).
Small autumn passage: Shet, small movements 10-13 Sep, 24-30 Sep and 8-17 Oct (RJT), stragglers Whalsay 23 Oct (JHSi) and Foula 25 Oct (JGH); Fair Isle, 21 Aug-16 Oct, peaks only 1-2 in Aug, 10 on 23 Sep, 20 on 12 Oct, late one 1-2 Nov (RJT); a few Nigg, N Kinc, 12-16 Oct (MJHC, RLS); 6 Arbroath, Angus, 12 Oct (MN); last Yetholm, Rox, 13 Oct (RSB); last Caerlaverock, Dumf, 20 Oct (JGY).
*Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros. Spring, 9 Mar-10 June; 3 Fife Ness 9-10 May (JARG); 1 Dundee, Angus, 9 Mar (JST); 1 Girdle Ness, N Kinc, 7 May (JRP, ADKR); Fair Isle, singles 16th, 20th and 21 Apr; passage 3-28 May, mainly 1-2 daily but 6th (4), 7th (8), and 3 on 3 dates, 2 7-19 June, ¢ 10 June (RHD); Shet, up to 3 Fetlar 6-12 May (ARM), 1 Whalsay 5th and 7 May (JHSi), 1 Unst 8 May (MS), 2 Skerries 13 May (RJT). Autumn records 12 Oct-1 Dec; Fair Isle, singles 22nd and 25 Oct,
390 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
27 Nov-1 Dec (RHD); Ork, 2 North Ronaldsay 14 Oct, 1 on 16th, (EB, EJW); Fife, 2 Fife Ness 12 Oct (JLSC), 1 Crail 20-22 Oct (DAS).
*Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. 3 records: 1 Fetlar, Shet 9-11 May Save RJT); Fair Isle, singles ringed 17-18 May, 21-26 June (RHD, BM, :
*Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia. A record total of 7 birds: Fair Isle, 4 individuals, 8 May (ringed), 9 May (ringed), 11-12 May (ringed) and 14 May (found freshly dead)), 6th-9th records for island (6: 283) (GJB, RHD); Isle of May, two ringed, 9-16 May and 17 May (AMcD, DWO et al); 1 Hillswick, Shet, 31 July-7 Aug (6:284) (GMCh).
*Bluethroat Cyanosylvia svecica. Spring records 7 May-21 June, large numbers 2nd week May; Ber, St Abbs 10 May (EMS, RWJS), 16 May (KSMcG); Bass Rock 16 May (RWIS); Fife, Boarhills 14-15 May (JARG), Fife Ness 15 May (TWE, DWO)); Isle of May, 8 May (1), 9th (2), Lith (6), llth (2), 12th (4), 13th (4), 14th (8), 15-16th (6), 17th (1) (AMcD, DWO); Angus, Arbroath @ 11-14 May (NKA, MN), ¢ 15 May (MN); N Kinc, Girdle Ness 7 May (2), 8th (3), 9th (5) 10-15 (1), 16th (2) (RLS et al); Aber, 2 Newburgh 10 May (DEBL, WM), Balmedie 9-12 May, Collieston 12 May, Slains @ 11 May and do 12 May (WM et al); Fair Isle, large fall, 7 May (2), 8th (9), 9th (31), 10th (31 but some different), 11th (17), 12th (16), (probably at least 50 individuals involved), numbers then lower but 2nd peak 14 on 16 May, 1-3 to 31 May, 1 on 1 June, d 3-21 June, 2 6 June (RHD); Shet, Fetlar, 8 birds between 7 and 13 May (ARM), Foula, singles 10th, 11th and 12 May (JGH), Whalsay, eos 8th, llth and 13 May (JHSi); Unst 8th and 10 May (MS), Skerries, 8 May (3), 13th (15), 17th (c 8) and 18th (1) (RJT et al), Quendale 3 on 8 May (FH), 1 on 10th (DC). No White-spotted birds reported.
Autumn: Fair Isle, scarce, singles 27 Sep and 5-7 Oct (RHD); Isle of May 8 Sep (ADW), 2 on 21st (NKA); Shet, Skerries 27 Sep (RJT), Fetlar 13 Oct (ARM), Virkie 13 Oct (DC); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 6 Oct (MK).
Robin Erithacus rubecula. No reported changes in breeding status. Spring: a few Continentals Fife Ness 12 May (DWO); Fair Isle, 3 Apr-31 May, scarce Apr but 11 on 7 May, 8th (66), 9th (70), 10th (100+), an- other peak 50 on 16-17 May, a few stragglers in summer (RHD); Shet, unusual numbers 5-20 May, peaks 100 Unst 8-12 May (MS), 20 Fetlar 7-9 May (ARM), 30 Whalsay 8 May (JHSi), Skerries 90 on 13 May, 130 on 18th (RJT), stragglers to 25 June Dunrossness (PMcM). Autumn: Fair Isle, from 27 Sep, peaks 100+ on 13 Oct, 50 on 14th (RHD); Shet, from last week Sep, passage from 12 Oct, max 20 Whalsay 14 Oct (JHSi), 20+ Fetlar 15 Oct (ARM); Ork, 100 North Ronaldsay 14-16 Oct (EB); 50 Fife Ness 12 Oct (JARG).
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. No reported changes in status. Arrival: 29 Apr, Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 30 Apr, 2 Kilconquhar (DWO) and 1 Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD); 3 May, Yetholm, Rox (AJS); mostly in second week May. Passage: Isle of May, few daily 4-17 May, max 9 on 4th (DWO); Fair Isle, 3-22 May, max 10 on 7-8th and 8 on 9th (RHD); Shet, 5-17 May (RJT), peaks 4 Whalsay 6th May (JHSi) and 3 Fetlar 7-10th (ARM). Last autumn dates: Fife Ness 20 Sep (DWO, ARS), Locharbriggs, Dumf, 27 Sep (KB).
*Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus. 1 Fair Isle 12-14 June (RHD); 1 singing Kilconquhar, Fife, 17 June (6: 337) (DWO, DT).
*Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Very scarce. 2 Fair Isle 9-f1 June, one 22 Aug (RHD); singles Girdle Ness, N Kinc, 6 May (MAMcD, Eels) Eo Aber, 10 May (DSt, ADKR); Isle of May 22-24 Aug and 25-27
ug
*Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris. Singles Fair Isle 5th, 12th, 16th and 17 June (RHD).
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Breeding reports: “still
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 391
low numbers” Dumf (JGY); “below average” Glenkens, Kirk (ADW) but “sood numbers” Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO) and “most ever’ Yetholm, Rox (RSB). Arrival: 28 Apr, Kilconquhar (DWO); 3 May, Yetholm (RSB), Vane Farm, Kinross (JHS) and Errol, Perth (VMT). Main arrival: Yetholm 68 dod in study area 16 May and 82 dd on 30th (RSB); most Kilcon- quhar 12 May (DWO); main arrival Perth 11 May (VMT); widespread Dumf 14 May (JGY).
Passage: Fair Isle, 4-30 May, numbers small but 7 on 8th and 12 on 9th (RHD); Shet, 5-16 May, max 6 Fetlar 7 May (ARM); max Isle of May, 200+ on 16 May (AMcD). Autumn: Fair Isle singles 6-11 Aug, 3rd, 11-13th and 17 Sep (RHD); last Aber, Auchlossan 13 Sep (RSBy); 2 Ar- broath, Angus, 13 Sep (MN); last Fife Ness 26 Sep (DWO, ARS); last Piltanton, Wig, 8 Oct (RCD).
*Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina. A poor year. Singles Fair Isle 4
Aug and 13 Sep (RHD); singles Whalsay, Shet, 23 Aug and 9 Sep (JHSi); 3 Isle of May 23 Aug, 2 on 24th (GLS), 1 on 8 Sep (JHBM).
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Jan-Apr: ¢ Ceres, Fife 5 Feb-13 Apr (JI, EFBS); 1 Edinburgh Jan (KFW); ¢ Glencaple, Dumf 14 Feb-13 Apr (JH).
Arrival: 28 Apr, Moffat, Dumf (JGY); 29 Apr, Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 2 May, Riccarton, Midl (EH); 4 May, Elliot, Angus (MN). Passage: Fair Isle, 5 May-18 June, peaks 8 on 8-9 May, 11 on 10th, stragglers to 6 July (RHD); Shet, 5-19 May, max 5 Whalsay 8th (JHSi) and 4 Fetlar 9th (ARM); stragglers in June, one in song Lerwick 2 July (DC); first 2 Kirk- wall, Ork, 10 May (EB); 1 Stornoway, O Heb, 15 June (AV).
Autumn migration: Shet, 23 Aug-22 Nov, mainly 11 Sep-18 Oct, peak 10+ Fetlar 13 Oct (ARM), 10 Whalsay 13th and 16 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, 19 Aug-28 Nov, mainly 10 Sep-early Nov, peaks 25 on 27 Sep and 8 Oct, 20 on 3 Nov (RHD); 47 ringed North Ronaldsay, Ork, 6-18 Oct (MK); Isle of May, 35 daily 12-17 Oct (ME).
Late records: 2 Stornoway 18 Nov (WAJC); 2 Scourie, Suth, 13 Oct (IDP); Dornoch, Suth, 18-19 Nov and 12-14 Dec (DMcD), Foulis, E Ross, 20 Nov (CGH), Badachro, W Ross, 23-28 Nov (ENH), Evanton, E Ross, 1 Dec (HDS); Fortrose, E Ross, 23-31 Dec (HDS); Inverness 29 Nov (JMCk); 2 Portsoy, Banff, 26 Dec (JE); Old Aberdeen 31 Dec (RIM); Dunure, Ayr, ¢ 28 Nov and 2 30 Nov (JKRM); Scaur Glen, Dumf, 2 Dec (ARH); Rock- cliffe, Kirk, 15-31 Dec (ATC).
*Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria. Ad Cruden Bay, Aber, 10 May (AR, WM). Autumn records 4 Aug-16 Oct, singles unless noted otherwise: Shet, Fetlar, 20-22 Aug, 23rd (3) (ARM), Whalsay, 13 Aug, 1-2 on 6 dates 11-23 Sep (JHSi), Skerries, 23 Aug, 19-20 Sep (RJT), Foula, 1-2 on 1-2 Sep (JGH), Sumburgh, 26 Sep (DC), 27th (5) (RE-H, GR); Fair Isle, 4 Aug- 12 Oct, peaks 7 on 17 Aug, 7 on 22nd, 3 on 29-30th, 5 on 8 Sep, at least 50 individuals this autumn (RHD); Ork, 2 North Ronaldsay 26 Aug (RHD), 6-16 Oct (MK); W Ross, ringed Badachro 27 Aug (JLF, RDW); Aber, Col-
392 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
lieston 22 Aug (MAMcD, WM), Newburgh 22 Aug (CJF); Fife Ness, 16 Aug (DWO, ARS); Isle of May, 4 daily 22-27 Aug (GLS), 8 Sep (2) (JHBM), 21st and 23 Sep (NKA).
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin. Numbers down at Yetholm, Rox (RSB); pr feeding young Edzell, Angus, 26 June (GMC); 1 singing Foulis, E Ross, May (CGH). Arrival: 20 Apr, Keir, Dumf (JFY) is early, but no more reported until 4 May, Fair Isle and 10 May, Fife Ness (JARG), Elliot, Angus (MN) and Yell, Shet (RJT).
Passage: Fair Isle, scarce, 4 May-22 June, peaks only 10 on 9 June and 5 on 10th; Shet, singles Foula 16 May (JGH) and scattered records 31 May-19 June, peak 4 Foula 7 June (JGH).
Autumn migration: Shet, 14 Aug-8 Oct, small influx from 20 Aug, more from 8 Sep, max 5 Whalsay 9 Sep (JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, 13 Aug-17 Oct, mainly 19 Aug (12)-20 Sep (20), other peaks 22nd Aug (60), 23rd (20), 13 Sep (25) (RHD); Isle of May, peaks 22nd Aug (30), 23rd (50) and 24th (20) (GLS); Fife Ness, a few migrants 16-17 Aug, last one 12 Oct (JLSC); last Yetholm, Rox, 4 Oct (RSB).
Whitethroat Sylvia communis. Improvement in breeding numbers re- ported from Kirk (ADW), Dumf, but still low (JGY), Mid] (LLJV); E Loth, but still low (KSMcG); Kinross (JHS); Aber (NE); Black Isle (MKM-D); E Ross overall (DCH, HDS); W Ross (ENH); but decrease reported Yet- holm, Rox (RSB) and Caith (DMS).
Arrival (rather late): 1 May, Aberfoyle, Perth (VMT); 3 May, Fair Isle (RHD) and Foula (JGH); 5 May, Ledlanet, Kinross (JHS) and Girdle Ness, Kine (RLS); 6 May, Caerlaverock, Dumf (JGY); 7 May, Dalry, Kirk (LAU). Passage: Isle of May, more than usual, peak 100 on 16 May (AMcD); wide- spread Dumf 26 May (JKRM); 6 Fife Ness 15 May (DWO); Fair Isle, 3 May-13 June, mainly 8th (13)-24 May (9), other peaks 45 on 9 May, 35 on 10th, 22 on 16th, stragglers to 28 June (RHD); Shet, 3 May-12 June, mainly 7-18 May (RJT), peaks 8 Fetlar 7 May (ARM), 6 Whalsay 9 May (JHSi) and 8 Foula 10 May (JGH).
Autumn: Shet, 6 records 11-23 Sep (MS, JHSi); Fair Isle, scattered records 18 Aug-23 Sep, max 5 on 22 Aug; last Strathtay, Perth, 4 Sep (VMT); migrants Crail, Fife, 15 Aug (JARG).
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca. No breeding record. Singing ¢ at Cea Suth, 4 June (EGH); another Inverewe, W Ross, 11 June DCH).
Spring: 4 May-12 June, exceptional numbers; Ber, St Abbs 4 on 8 May, 12 on 10th and 4 on 16th (KSMcG, RWJS); 1 Ayr 12-15 May (WRB); Fife Ness, 9 May (1), 10th (10), 13th (2), 14th (1), 15th (2), (SJARG, DWO); 1 Burntisland, Fife 24 May (JMC); Angus, Elliot 10 May (MN), Arbroath 11-16 May, but 2 on 15th (NKA, GMC, MN); Kinc, 1 Girdle Ness 6 May, 3 on 7th (MAMcD); Aber, 6 Cruden Bay 9 May (AR, WMM, WM), 1 on 14 May (DEBL), 4 Skateraw 8 May (MJHC), 2 Balmedie 12 May (CJF, JRP), 1 Blackdog 11 May (NE); Isle of May, more than usual, max 20 on 7 May and 30 on 8th (DWO); Fair Isle, 4 May-12 June, peaks 19 on 7-8 May, 9th (20), 17th (12), 26th (15), 6 June (8) (RHD); Shet, 6-18 May, stragglers to 12 June (RJT), peaks 10 Unst 4 May (MS), 8 Fetlar 7 May (ARM), 10 Whalsay 9 May (JHSi), 6 Skerries 14 May (RJT).
Autumn: Fair Isle, 1-2 on 17 days 14 Aug-2 Oct (RHD); Shet, singles on 6 days 4 Sep-13 Oct (DC, ARM, JHSi); Fife Ness 17 Aug (PJC).
*Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans. ¢ Arbroath, Angus, 14 May (6: 215) (NKA, MN).
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. Arrival: 18 Apr, Lockerbie, Dumf (ES) and Yetholm, Rox (RSB); 19 Apr, Loch Skerrow, Kirk (ADW), 7 Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD) and Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 20 Apr, 3 Elliot, Angus (MN). Build-up and migration: widespread Dumf 28 Apr (JGY); Yetholm, 87 singing dd in study area 18 May and 113 on 30
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 393
May (RSB); main arrival E Fife 29 Apr (DWO), 15 Fife Ness 12 May (DWO); 4 L Leven 24 Apr (AA, TG); Perth, first 23 Apr Kingoodie, many 24th (HB, VMT); first Kinloss, Moray, 28 Apr (BE); Ork, noticeable pass- age first half May (EB); Fair Isle, 30 Apr-28 June, mainly early May when 15 on 6th, 100 on 7th, very large fall of 1000 on 8th, still 1000 on 9th, 10th (400), numbers down to 70 on 18th and 8 on 31 May (RHD); Shet, first Foula 21 Apr (JGH), passage from 5 May when large influx (RJT), max 50 Unst 9-12 May (MS), 100 Fetlar 7 May, 200+ on 8-9th (ARM), 150 Whalsay 8 May (JHSi); 300 Skerries 13 May (RJT), stragglers to 11 June (RJT).
Autumn: Shet, numbers low, 16 Aug-16 Oct, mainly 8-29 Sep, max 8 Whalsay 9 Sep (JHSi, RJT); Fair Isle, 4 Aug-7 Oct, peak 50 on 22 Aug and 18 on 16 Sep, late one 11 Oct (RHD); autumn peak Dumf coast 23 Aug (JGY); last records Perth 13 Sep (HB), West Ferry, Angus, 26 Sep (TMC), Vane Farm, Kinross, 16 Sep (JHS), Fife Ness 20 Sep (DWO).
*Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochloides. 1 Fair Isle 21-24 Aug (RHD, BM).
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybitta. No reported changes in breeding status, but singing birds in north, including 5 Gairloch-Torridon, W Ross, from 12 Apr (ENH) and 1 Hoy, Ork, 29 May (EB). Arrival: rather late, 7 Apr, Rockcliffe, Kirk (JSK); 9 Apr, Lockerbie, Dumf (ES); 15 Apr and 19th Fair Isle (RHD); 16 Apr, Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 17 Apr, Morton Lochs (JARG). Build-up and migration: more Dumf 20 Apr (JGY); small numbers, Fife Ness 12 May (DWO); Fair Isle, more than usual early May, peaks 7th (9), 8th (50), small numbers to 31 May, 2-3 on 21-30 June, one summered (RHD); Shet, 6-19 May, Whalsay 10 on 6th and 50 on 8th (JHSi, RJT); Ork, noticeable passage first half May (EB).
Autumn: Shet, small numbers 16 Aug-22 Oct, max 12 Whalsay 16 Oct (JHSi, RJT), 1 Asta 22 Nov (DC); Fair Isle, 2 on 6-7 Aug, scattered rec- ords 13 Sep-3 Nov, peak 6 on 13th and 5 on 14 Oct (RHD). Last Edin- burgh 22 Sep (TCS), Lockerbie, Dumf, 29 Sep (ES).
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Pair bred Geddes, Nairn (RRi). Arrival: 6 May, Glenarlie, Dumf (JGY); 7 May, Fair Isle (RHD); 8 May, Vane Farm, Kinross (JHS); 9 May, Balmedie, Aber (RLS. JRP) and Loch Tummel, Perth (EMH); 10 May, Cruden Bay, Aber (WM, WMM, AR). Passage: Fair Isle, 3 on 9 May, 1 on 10th (RHD); Shet, Fetlar 8 May (1), 10th a: 11th (1) (ARM), 2 Mainland 11 May (FH); singles Islay, I Heb, 27 May (DAR), 19 June (MFMM). Autumn records: Fair Isle few 19-29 Aug, max 3 on 27 Aug (RHD); Shet, singles Fetlar 19 Aug ee) Gott 11 Sep (DC), Lerwick 13 Oct (DC); Isle of May 2 on 2 Aug (HG).
*Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. 8 records: Fair Isle, singles trapped 7 Aug, 13-14 Sep, 15-19 Sep, 16 Sep and 12 Oct (RHD, BM, ISR et al), 1 unringed 20 Sep (RWB, ARG); Isle of May 7 Sep (ADW); ‘Shet, Whalsay 14 Oct (JHSi).
*Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus. About 12 birds, 24 Sep-11 Oct: Shet, 1 Whalsay 24-25 Sep (JHSi), 2 Fetlar 27 Sep (ARM), 2 Skerries 27 Sep (RJT), 1 Foula 27 Sep (JGH); Fair Isle, 24 Sep, 25th (3), 26th-27th (2), 28th (1), 7-8 Oct (1) (RHD); 1 North Ronaldsay, Ork.(h1 Oct (MK).
Goldcrest Regulus regulus. No reported changes in breeding status. Spring: Fair Isle, 2nd-28 May, max 15 on 7th and 6 on 8th (RHD); Shet, 1 Kergord 22 Feb (DC), records from 12 Apr, but mainly 6-13 May, max 6 Fetlar 6 May (ARM); 3 Blackdog, Aber, 11-12 May (NE); singles Ar- broath, Angus, 8th and 11-14 May (MN). Autumn passage: Shet, 25 Sep- 1 Nov, mainly late Sep and 10-20 Oct (RJT), peaks 15 Fetlar 13 Oct and 30 on 15th (ARM), 12 Whalsay 14 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, sporadic 1 Sep- 5 Nov, peaks in Oct, 11th (8), 12th (40), 13th (20+), 14th (12) and 16th (15) (RHD): 23 ringed North Ronaldsay, Ork, 6-12 Oct (MK); passage Fife Ness 12 Oct (JLSC).
394 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
*Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus. 3 Relugas, Moray, 4 Oct (RRi).
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata. Marked decrease reported from Yetholm, Rox (RSB). Arrival late, first records from Northern Isles: Fair Isle, 9 May-25 June, peaks 6 on 12 May, 6 on 6 June and 15 on Qth, stragglers 7 July (RHD); Shet, 9-18 May, peaks 4 Whalsay 9 May (JHSi), 4 Skerries 13 May (RJT), singles to 21 June (MS); 10 May, Ric- carton, Mid! (EH); 11 May, Cruden Bay, Aber (DEBL) and Strathtay, Perth (VMT); 12 May, 2 Glenlee, Kirk (ADW); O Heb, 2 North Uist 2 June (GC), 1 Barra 21 July (RHM), first summer reports outside Storno- way (WAJC).
Autumn: Shet, 1 Foula 27 Sep (JGH); Fair Isle, small influx, max 4 on 23-27 Aug, one 27 Sep (RHD); 1 Inverness 25 Aug, 2 on 28 Aug, 1 on 17 Sep (JMCk); last Kingoodie, Perth, 28 Aug (HB); L Leven, Kinross, 31 Aug (JHS); 6 Blackford Hill, Midl, 17 Sep (LLJV).
Pied Flycatcher Muscicapa hypoleuca. Fewer in Kirk (ADW); bred Scaur Glen (new site), good numbers 5 other areas Dumf, (ARH, JGY); pr bred Inverarnan, Dunb, 20 June (JMi, JSG), first for county; Midl, bred Peni- cuik and d singing Redburn Glen (RWJS); ° laid infertile egg in nest box Kindrogan, Perth (AW); bred Strathglass, E Inv (MIH); ¢ singing Contin, W Ross, 3 May (ENH).
Spring migration: 1 May, pr Humbie, E Loth (RF); 6 May, Fife Ness (JLSC); 7 May, Lochwood Oaks, Dumf (DSk), 6 Fife Ness (PSm); 6 coastal records Aber 9-15 May (CJF et al); Fair Isle, 6 May- 27 June, mainly 6-11 May, peaks 7th (11), 8th (35), 9th (120), 10th (90) and 11th (30), down to 18 on 22nd, 2-5 daily to 6 June (RHD); Shet, 7-18 May, large fall as Fair Isle (RJT), max 100+ Unst 8 May (MS), 40 Fetlar 9-10 May (ARM), 20 Whalsay 9 May (JHSi), 23 Foula 10 May (JGM), 20 Skerries 13 May (RJT), stragglers to 19 June (DC).
Autumn records: Shet, scattered records 19-24 Aug, 13 Sep-18 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 15-27 Aug (max 15 on 22nd) and 9-25 Sep (max 15 on 23rd), late ones 7 and 14 Oct (RHD); Aber, singles Collieston and New- burgh 23 Aug (NE, MAMcD); Fife Ness, 8 on 16 Aug (DWO, ARS), 2 on 17 and 27 Aug (PGTB), 1 on 22 Sep (AMBH).
*Red-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa parva. 1 in spring, 4 in autumn—a poor year. Isle of May, singles 8 May (DWO), 3 Oct (TDHM), 12 Oct (JGY); Shet, 1 Skerries 29 Sep (ARM, RJT), 1 Whalsay 13 Oct (JHSi).
Dunnock/Hedge Sparrow Prunella modularis. No reported changes in breeding status. Fair Isle, 1 on 31 Jan, spring passage 31 Mar-30 Apr, max 3 on 15 Apr, then unusual influx May, 7th (4), 8th (10), 9th (15) some until 2 June (RHD); Shet, May-1 June, mainly mid-May, max 8 Skerries 13th (RJT); c 20 Fife Ness 12 May (DWO); 1 Uig, Lewis, O Heb, 12 Apr (WAJC). Autumn: Fair Isle, small passage 7 Oct-7 Nov, max 8 on 13 Oct (RHD); Shet, few 27 Sep-19 Oct, mainly 13-19 Oct, max 3 Whalsay 14 Oct (JHSi, RJT); 50 Fife Ness 12 Oct (DWO).
*Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae. About 17 individuals 23 Sep- 5 Nov; Fair Isie, 23 Sep (3), 24th-25th (4), 26th (2), 27th (6), 28th (4), 29th (2), 30 Sep-4 Oct (1), 5th (2), 6-7th (1), 8th-9th (2), 12th (4), 13th (1), 14th (2), 5 Nov (1), about 12 individuals (RHD); Shet, 2 Skerries 27-29 Sep (ARM, RJT et al), Whalsay 27 Sep and 14 Oct (JHSi); Ork, North Ronaldsay 28 Sep (MFMM).
*Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris. 3 records; Fair Isle, ad 25-26 May, imm trapped 8-10 June (RHD); Shet, 1 Whalsay 10-11 June (JHSi).
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. No reported changes in breeding status. Arrival: 24 Apr, Vane Farm, Kinross (JHS) and Newburgh, Aber (WMM, AR); 25 Apr, 2 Loch Evelix, Suth (DMcD); 30 Apr, Dalry, Kirk (LAU); 2 May, Dumfries (JKRM) and Glen Clova, Angus (MN). Passage: Fair Isle, another large influx 6 May-9 June, mainly 7-22 May, peaks 7th (100),
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 395
8th (350), 9th (500), 10th (400), 11-12th (150), 13th (80), 14th (250), 15th (200) decreasing to 15 on 31 May, then stragglers, one 8 July (RHD); Isle of May, peak 80 on 8 May (DWO); Shet, large influx started 5 May, peaked 9th, tailed off about 20th (RJT), peaks 250 Skerries 7 May (RJT) and 100 Fetlar 9 May (ARM).
Autumn: Fair Isle, 21-30 Aug, max 10 on 21st, 1-2 on 7 days 9-28 Sep (RHD); 30 Isle of May 23-24 Aug (GLS); 35 S Arbroath, Angus, 12 Sep (TMC); last Vane Farm, Kinross, 28 Aug (JHS); 6 St Abbs, Ber, 23 Aug (TD, KSMcG).
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. No reported changes in breeding status. Spring passage: 150+ Sanquhar, Dumf, 11 Apr (WD); Midl, odd ones Moorfoots 22 Mar, movements over Edinburgh 17 Apr and 1 May (RMB); peaks L Leven, Kinross, 160+ on 11 Apr, 100+ on 14 Apr (JHS); Moray, 9 Kinloss 12 Mar but 400+ on 14 Apr (BE); Fair Isle, 1 on 20 aa en from 26 Mar, peaks 200 on 13 Apr, movements to 8 May
D).
Autumn: Shet, last Fetlar 3 Nov (ARM); Fair Isle, peaks 29-31 Aug, 3 and 12 Sep, few after 26 Oct (RHD); heavy passage, thousands Kinloss, Moray, 11-12 Aug (BE); 1000/hr S Arbroath, Angus, 11 Sep (MN); 200/hr S Fife Ness 12 Sep (DWO); 227 Moor of Genoch, Wig, 14 Sep (RCD).
Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta. Breeding counts from Galloway: Little Ross 11 prs, Isle of Fleet 10 prs, Heston 7 prs, Rough Island 5 prs (JGY). 1 Endrick Mouth 5-9 May (JMi, CPl), first for W Stir; Fair Isle passage late Aug (RHD). Water Pipit A. s. spinoletta. 1 Doonfoot, Ayr, 13 Mar (WRB, AGS).
Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Pied Wagtail M. a. yarelli: small number bred Ork (EB); appears to be on increase O Heb (WAJC); de- creased Yetholm, Rox (RSB); albino reared Fountainhall, Mid! (per AJS). 1-2 prs White Wagtail M. a. alba bred in Unst, Shet (MS).
Pied Wagtail migration: Shet, Foula 30 Apr (JGH), Unst 8 May (MS), Sumburgh 10 Oct (DC); Fair Isle, several records 14 Apr-30 May, 1 on 1-2 July (RHD); 50 Forfar Loch, Angus, 5 Sep (JIS); notable passage Glen- caple, Dumf, 23 Aug (JGY).
White Wagtail migration: Shet, 12 Mar-22 May, max 10 Skerries 7 May (RJT), 8 Aug-4 Nov mainly late Aug, max 12 Fetlar 28 Aug (ARM); Fair Isle, 16 Apr-30 May, max 9 on 7-9 May, small numbers to 26 June, 3 on 28 July, 8 Aug-27 Sep, mainly 16 Aug-11 Sep, peaks 40 on 20th, 70 on 29th and 1 Sep (RHD); Inverness mid Aug-30 Sep (MR); Moray, 6 Spey mouth 1 May (JMB), 150 roost Kinloss late July-Aug (BE); 50 Skinflats, Stir, 27-30 Apr (DF).
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Good breeding numbers Galloway (ADW); pr Strathnaver, Suth, first seen by observer since 1962 (EGH). Migrants: Shet, 1 Fetlar 9 May (ARM); O Heb, 1 Stornoway 11 Apr 2 on 30 May (RMcI); Shet, 1 Fetlar 23 Nov (ARM); 1 Fair Isle, 13 Sep and 3 on 3 Nov (RHD); Ork, 1 North Ronaldsay 15 Oct (EJW); Gey Ness 22 Aug (DWO); 18 on 7 days 7-18 Aug at Glencaple, Dumf
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. Yellow M. f. flavissima. Pr bred, 3 young, River Cart, Renf (HG, IG, GTW); pr probably bred Skinflats, Stir, records there 3 May-14 Aug, including pr and 2 juv 28 June (MH, DF); prs seen Melrose and Yetholm, Rox, but no proof of breeding. Arrival: 30 Apr, pr Melrose (per AJS); 1 May, Spey mouth, Moray (JMB) and 2d ¢ L Leven, Kinross (JHS); 2 May, 1 L Leven (JHS), 2 Millden, Aber (NE) and 1 Fair Isle (RHD); 3 May, 3 West Haven, Angus (GMC) and Aberlady, E Loth (RMB); various sightings in south and east in May. Passage: Fair oS er May, max 7 on 8th (RHD); Shet, 6-9 May, max 8 Skerries 7 May
Blue-headed Wagtail M. f. flava: Fair Isle, 1-3 on 11 days 8-27 May. singles 7 days 3-18 Sep (RHD); Shet, 3 Skerries 7 May (RJT).
396 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Grey-headed Wagtail M. f. thunbergi: Fair Isle, 2 ¢¢ 8 May, 9th (3), 10th (4), some to 3lst, max 4 dd and 22 9 on 13 May, singles on 5 days in June to 9th (RHD); Shet, 4 Skerries 7 May (RJT).
Black-headed Wagtail M. f. feldegg: Fair Isle, ¢ 7-9 May, not previously recorded on island (RHD).
eas Wagtail Motacilla citreola. 1 Fair Isle 16 Sep (RWB, RHD, ARG et al).
Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus. Jan-early May, 30 reports of about 100 birds; largest counts: 14 Yetholm, Rox, Jan (RSB); 10 Dinnet, Aber, 15 Mar (CJS); late 2 Dundee 2-3 May (DGAd).
Very large invasion in autumn; early records 1 Carnoustie, Angus, 22 Sep (per GMC) and 2 Buckie, Banff, 7 Oct (per JE). Main influx from 17 Oct, and peak reached early Nov; numbers then dropped and most moved on by end Nov. Recorded from all areas, but most on E coast with largest numbers Aber-Ber. Passage periods and peaks: Shet, from 17 Oct when 50 Unst (MS); Fair Isle, 22 Oct-27 Nov (RHD); Ork, 26 Oct-18 Nov, 20 Kirkwall 27 Oct (EB); O Heb, from 24 Oct, max 20 Stornoway 31 Oct (WAJC); Caith, 24 Oct-end Nov (DMS); Suth, 22 Oct-22 Nov, max 25 (DMcD); Ross, 30 Oct-25 Dec, up to 40+ W Ross (DMcD); Inv, 6 Nov- 26 Dec, 40 on 15 Nov (MR); Banff, Moray and Nairn, from 23 Oct, flocks up to 50 (JE); Aber, from 29 Oct when 60 Newburgh, max 200+ Aber- deen 7 Nov (per NP); Kinc, 200+ Stonehaven first days Nov (per DMcD); Perth from 25 Oct, 100+ Invergowrie 4 Nov (EJM), 80+ Perth 8 Nov (EJM); Fife, many from 22 Oct (DWO); E Loth, big arrival Aberlady-Port Seton from 23 Oct when 140, peak 750-1000 on 7 Nov, then decrease (DGA, AMt, KSMcG et al). W-side peaks: 20 Airdrie, Lan, 21-28 Dec (MPK); Galloway, from 27 Oct, max 15 Dalry, Kirk, mid-Nov (LAU, ADW); 18 Islay, I Heb, 4 Nov (GCB).
Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. Winter-spring, 1 Jan-10 May, singles unless otherwise stated: Wig, Glassoch 30 Mar-12 Apr (RCD, ADW), Minniwick 12 Apr (PM); Carsethorn, Kirk, 8 Mar (JDn); Kilbirnie, Ayr, 12 Apr (RWR); Endrick mouth, Dunb, 14-22 Feb (WKR et al); Ashie- stiel, Selk, 6 Mar (per AJS); Tyninghame, E Loth, 1 Feb (TB, RWJS); Morton Lochs, Fife, 4 Apr (PJC); Sidlaws, Angus, 4 Jan (EMR); Waterside, Aber, 5-8 May (IG-C et al); Inv, Ness Islands 14 Feb-15 Apr (JAL et al), Abriachan 2 Apr (JAL, WMM); Ross, Contin 29 Jan (ENH), Torridon 26 Mar (JAW); Fair Isle, 4 birds 11-16 Apr (RHD); Shet, Spiggie 28 Jan (RJT), Unst 23 Apr (MS); Killimister, Caith, 10 May (RS).
Big influx in autumn, at least 140-150 birds involved; the table gives
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 397
approximate monthly totals of individuals in each area; the dates indi- cate first autumn record in area.
Area Sep Oct Nov Dec Shet (27th) 5 15 2 1 Fair Isle (25th) 1+ 8 6
Ork (29th) 2 12+
Caith (25th) 1 2
Suth (13th) 5 5 4 Ross (3rd) 3 3 2 Inv - - - at least a dozen - - - Aber/N Kinc (14th) 1 6 6 2 Angus/Kinc (25th) 1 5 7 4 Perth (30th) 1 1 7 4 Stir/Fife (12th) 2 3 1 E Loth eth 1 1
Arg/Clyde 25th) 2 2 1 Solway (16th) 1 3 3 9
*Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. Shet,1 Whalsay 17-19 May (per JHSi), 1 Sumburgh 26 Sep (RE-H, JNL), 1 Catfirth 7 Oct (DC, FH, Yr),
*Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator. 1 Bressay, Shet, 22 May-26 June (DGo, RJT et al).
*Red-backed Shrike Lanius cristatus. Spring passage: Fair Isle, good ‘numbers, 8 May (5), 9th (14), 10th (13) then decrease, but some to 24 May, singles lst, 2nd and 5 June, 6th-7th (7), 8th (1), 9th (5), singles to 23 June (RHD); Shet, 8 May-17 June at 7 places, mainly singles but 3 Fetlar 11 May (ARM), 2 Foula 7 June (JGH), late one Fetlar 29 June (ARM, RJT); Ork, pr Mainland early June (EJW), 1 Holm 12 May (MT-C), 1 Hoy 29 May (EB); Aber, 1 Slains 14 May (CJF, DEBL, WM); Angus, 3 Kellie Moor 10 June (NKA, MN); Fife Ness, ¢ 9-10 May (JARG, JLSC).
Autumn: Shet, 1 Unst, 10-11 Sep (MS), 1 Fetlar 15-16 Oct (ARM); Fair Isle, 16th-17th (2) and 29 Aug, 9th and 16-17 Sep (RHD); Isle of May, 4 on 23 Aug (GLS); E Loth, 1 Barns Ness 23 Aug (TD, KSMcG).
Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Fair Isle, spring passage from 9 Mar, peak 200 on 14 Mar, autumn influxes 12-13 Oct, lst and 23 Nov (RHD); Moray, 2000 W in 3 hrs Kinloss 6 Feb (BE).
*Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea. 3 Skerries, Shet, mid-26 Aug (RJT) is considered an escape.
*Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes. Dumf, 1 Drumlanrig 5 Jan (JMcC); E Loth, summer records Luffness (WBi); Perth, 3 Kingoodie Apr- May (HB), 2-3 Comrie Jan-Feb (DOa), 1 Dalguise 2 June (JRW), 1 Scone 22 Apr (JK); Angus, juv found dead Brechin 30 June (JD), another 17 Nov (JD); Shet, ¢ Lerwick 5-8 May (per DC), @ Yell 9-10 May (died) (RJT); Ork, 1 Binscarth Jan (EB).
Greenfinch Chloris chloris. 6 L Druidibeg, Uist, 10 June (GC), very rare O Heb outside Stornoway (WAJC). Peak counts: 500 Seafield, Midl, 16 Dec (DTh); 450+ Vane Farm, Kinross, 2 Jan (JHS). Passage: Fair Isle, 9 Apr, 1-2 on 9-30 May, one 21 Oct; Shet, 1 Lerwick 13-15 Apr (DC), 1 Skerries 7 May (RJT), 5 Gott 13 Dec (DC, RJT).
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis. Increase in breeding numbers Dumf (JGY) and Glenkens, Kirk (LAU). Peak counts: 1804- Castle Douglas, Kirk, 10 Sep (JSK); 38 Yetholm, Rox, 11 Sep (RSB); 30 Mountlothian, Midl, 1 Jan (RWJS); 20 Gladhouse, Midi, 20 Oct-4 Dec (GLS); 25 North Berwick, E Loth, 9 Sep (DEA); 20 Fife Ness 15 Oct (PGTB); 14 Glen- quiech, Angus, 30 Sep (GMC); 23 Tore, E Ross, 28 Nov (MKM-D); small numbers various places in north; O Heb, 13 Stornoway 6 Dec, 15 on 19th (MM, RMclI); 1 Kergord, Shet, 22 Nov (DC); 1 Isle of May 10 Mar- 17 May (per NJG); 1 Rhum, I Heb, 18 Nov (PW).
398 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Siskin Carduelis spinus. Increase in breeding numbers reported from W Ross, Inv, Moray, Banff, Aber, Angus; 6 prs bred Rhum, I Heb (PW). Spring: Shet, 1 Quendale 12 Apr, 2 Lerwick 19 May (DC), 1 Fetlar 27 May (RKMcG), another 11-12 June (ARM), 1 Lerwick 13 June (DC); Fair Isle, 7-28 May, peaks 10th (14), 16th (25), 17th (22), singles into June, but 3 on 15th (RHD); Ork, small numbers 7-10 May (EB).
Autumn: Shet, 20 Sep-16 Oct, max 12 Skerries 29 Sep (RJT), 2 Foula 4-5 Nov (JGH); Fair Isle, 20 Sep-15 Oct, peaks 29th (80), 30th (70), 1 Oct (100), 2 on 3-5 Nov, singles to 29 Nov (RHD); 200 Inverness Oct (ANR); L Leven, Kinross, 5 Aug-17 Nov, max 17 on 17 Nov (AA, JHS); 45 Gullane Point, E Loth, 3 Nov (RF).
Linnet Carduelis cannabina. Peak counts: 150+ Vane Farm, Kinross, 20 Feb (JHS); 300 West Haven, Angus, 3 Jan (TMC). Migrants: Shet, 2 Foula 17-24 Apr (JGH); 2 Whalsay 5 May (JHSi), 1 Mainland 7 May (DC), 3 Skerries 7-18 May (RJT), 2 Whalsay 15 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, one 30 Mar, scattered records 9 Apr-2 June, max 3 on 8 May, 1-2 on 5 dates 12 Oct-26 Nov (RHD).
Twite Carduelis flavirosiris. Suggested increase Wig, where young seen Mull of Galloway 18 June (JGY), 2 prs Mochrum late May (BW); pr W side Mull, I Heb (RCD); bred N Fintry Hills, Stir (JMi); continued decline CEayen Suth (EGH); numbers still low Shet (RJT) and Fair Isle
Winter flocks and migration: peak 40 Balterston, Wig, 3 Feb (ADW), 60 Borgue, Kirk, 22 Feb (HMR, BST); up to 150 Caerlaverock, Dumf, Nov (RTS, JGY) was fewer than usual; 80 Gailes, Ayr, 28 Feb (WRB); up to 20 Aberlady, E Loth, 24 Jan-8 Mar (RF, DJ); Stir, 65 Skinflats 25 Jan (MH), 100+ on 15 Nov (DF); Vane Farm, Kinross, max 18 on 5 Jan (JHS); 60 Glen Clova, Angus, 2 May (AN, MN); 50 Glen Clunie, Aber, 29 Mar (AW); Isle of May, 12 on 10 Mar, 3 on 29th, 7 on 30th, 13 on 3lst, 45 on 2 Apr (RDM), 35 on 2 Nov (NJG); Fair Isle, 70 on 28 Jan probably Shet migrants, peaks 34 on 24 Feb, 50 on 21 Mar, 55 on 28 Apr, autumn peak low, 100 in Sep (RHD).
Redpoll Carduelis flammea. Increase in breeding numbers Suth (EGH), E Ross (HDS), Dumf (JGY), Kirk (ADW); juveniles in Rumster Forest July, first Caith breeding record (DMS); apparently reduced success Fife (TRG). Flocks: L Leven, Kinross, from 26 on 9 Sep, 180+ Vane Farm 13 Sep (record number) (JHS).
Migrants: Mealy Redpoll C. f. flammea. Fair Isle, small numbers 27 Feb-27 May, 20 Sep-12 Oct, max 4 on 29 Oct (RHD); Shet, few 8-18 May, 4 on 4 July, then 24 Sep-6 Dec (RJT); 3 Aberlady, E Loth, 21 Feb (MFMM), 2 Scoughal, E Loth, 11 Apr (JM); 1 Yetholm, Rox, 13 Dec fae Greenland Redpolls, C. f. rostrata very scarce, a few Fair Isle
HD).
*Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni. Ad @ trapped North Ronaldsay, Ork, 11 Oct (MK).
Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Breeding reports included increase 3 areas in Fife (DER, PGTB, JMC) and Gairloch, W Ross (ENH); very good season Glenkens, Kirk (ADW).
Migrants: Shet, 2 Fetlar 16 Apr (per ARM) 3 Lerwick 5-11 Nov (DC, FH, RN), 1 Fetlar 15 Nov (ARM); Fair Isle, 5 different birds 2-10 Nov, 1 on 26 Nov (RHD); Ork, 6 Finstown, late Nov-early Dec (EJW); I Heb, 2 Rhum 3 Apr, 10-15 May and 18-19 Nov (PW).
*Scarlet Grosbeak Carpodacus erythrinus. Fair Isle, ad ¢ 27 July; first red ¢ at isle in recent times, autumn birds 21 Aug (2), 22nd, 25th and
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 399
31 Aug, 4 Sep, 5th, 9th, 10th-1lth (2), 12th-13th, 20th (4) and 27-28 Sep, 10-12th and 15-16 Oct, about 14 individuals (RHD, BM, ISR); Shet, Fetlar 9th and 24 Sep (ARM), 2 Skerries 20th and 27 Sep (ARM, RJT), Whalsay 12 Aug (JHSi); Ork, single North Ronaldsay 26 Aug (RHD, BM).
Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Nest with 3 young Achnamara, Arg, 16 Mar (MJPG); counts from Forest of Ae, Dumf, include 14 Apr (15), 25 Apr (30), 1-10 May (40), 2 June (20), breeding likely but not proved (HO); fledged young seen Glentrool, Kirk (CHT); 4+ Cairn Edward Forest, Kirk, late Feb (ADW, AJW), also pr 22 July and 14 Sep (LAU).
No irruption. Counts outside main breeding areas: 20+ Glen Glass, E Ross, 6 July and 9 Migdale, Suth, 14-15 Juiy (RAH, DTh); Aber, 5 Peter- culter 28 Mar (BWS), 6 Strachan 22 June (AW); Kinc, Banchory Oct-Dec, max 14 on 18 Dec (NP, MM).
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. No reported changes in breeding status. Migrants: Shet, Apr-5 June, max 5 Foula 16-17 Apr, autumn 27 Sep onwards, max 20 Fetlar 13 Oct (ARM), 20 Whalsay 14-15 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, 21 Mar-20 May, peak 12 on 13 Apr, stragglers to 25 June, autumn 27 Sep-6 Nov, mainly 12-19 Oct, scarce, peak only 20 on 16 Oct (RHD); Ork, up to 40 North Ronaldsay 15-16 Oct (EB).
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. Winter-spring counts: 500 Storno- way, O Heb, 9 Feb is unusually iarge flock for islands (WAJC, RMcl); 130+ Tore, E Ross, 11 Feb (MKM-D); 400 Cabrach, Banff, 3 May (JE); 300 L Saugh, Angus, 23 Mar (GMC); 500 Anstruther, Fife, mid Feb (PSi); 500 Portmore, Midl, 15 Mar, 2000 on 5 Apr and 300 on 26th (DGA, EMS, RW4JS); 60 Rhum, I Heb, Jan (PW).
Spring migration: Shet, 16 Apr-22 May (RJT), peaks 20 Fetlar 8 May (ARM), 20 Skerries 7 May (RJT); Fair Isle, 12 Apr-26 May, mainly 25 Apr-13 May, max 55 on 10 May (RHD). Late records: Shet, Fetlar 26 June (ARM), 2 Unst 13 July (MS); Dornoch, Suth, 20 June (DMcD); Foulis, E Ross, 21 May (CGH).
Autumn: Shet, 27 Sep-13 Dec, mainly 12-19 Oct (RJT), peaks 60 Fetlar 13 Oct (ARM), 500 Whalsay 14 Oct (JHSi); Fair Isle, singles 19 Aug and 10 Sep, small passage 22 Sep-30 Nov, mainly 12-19 Oct, max 120 on 15th ee): 250 North Ronaldsay, Ork, 16 Oct (EB); generally scarce in autumn.
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra. 3 prs feeding young Yetholm, Rox, where first definite proof of breeding (RSB); slight recovery in numbers Shet (RJT), but scarcer Ork, 21 prs bred Sanday (EB). Counts: 80+ Ar- broath, Angus, 11 Mar (NKA); 63 Skinflats, Stir, 1 Feb (MH); 52 Caer- laverock, Dumf, 17 Dec (JGY). Migrants: Fair Isle, singles 1-6 Jan, 3 May,
400 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
30 Oct, 5 Nov (RHD); Foula, singles on 9 days 7 Apr-16 May, 2 on 12 May (JGH).
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Brood seen N Uist, may be first breeding record for O Heb (ADKR); continued increase Islay, I Heb (MFMM); ¢ singing Tarbert, Suth, 8 June (JB); possible decrease E Fife (DWO). Migrants: Shet, 1 Fetlar 6 May, 2 on 9th (ARM), 1 Foula 11 May (JGH), 1 Fetlar 14-16 Oct (ARM); Fair Isle, singles 11-12 Apr, 8-9 June, 2 on 3rd, 4th and 7 Nov, one 21-29 Nov (RHD).
*Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala. ¢ Boreray, Sound of Harris, O Heb, 6-8 July (6: 338) (ADKR).
*Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. Regarded as escapes: Fair Isle, ¢ 25 May, d 7 July (RHD); Shet, ¢ Fetlar 24-31 Aug (ARM), co Foula late Aug (JGH), d Fetlar 18-20 Sep (ARM); I Heb, ¢ Rhum 29-30 Sep, another 20 Oct (PW).
*Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus. ¢ Mull of Galloway, Wig, 17 Aug (JCS).
*Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana. Ork, 1 Westray, 7 May (EB); Fair Isle, 7-8 May (2), 9th (8), 10th (10), llth (4), 12th (10), 13th (9), 14th (7), 15th (5), 16th-17th (1), scarce in autumn, singles 21-22 Sep and 27th (RHD); Shet, 1-2 Fetlar 7-11 May (ARM), 1 Foula daily 9-22 May, but 2 on 1lth and 15th, 3 on 16th (JGH), few Skerries daily 7-17 May, max 6 on 13th (RJT).
spay Bunting Emberiza rustica. 1 Sumburgh Hotel, Shet, 7 Oct (RE-H, DC et al).
*Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. Shet, 1 Fetlar 27 Sep (ARM), 1 Lerwick 21-25 Oct (DC, LD); Fair Isle, singles 13 Sep and 3-10 Oct (RHD).
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. Counts: 75+ Dornoch, Suth, 31 Jan, largest flock seen there (DMcD); 500 Guardbridge roost, Fife, Oct (TRG); Glencaple roost, Dumf, peak 300 on 14 Dec (JGY).
Spring: Isle of May, more than usual, 15-20 daily 7-17 May (DWO); Fair Isle, small numbers 24 Mar-5 May, then influx, rising to peak 250 on 10 May, down to 100 by 15th, but another peak 160 on 14th, down to 14 on 20th, stragglers to 20 June (RHD); Shet, large spring passage from 5 May (RJT), peaks 150 Skerries 7 May (RJT), 30 Whalsay 7 May (JHSi), 30 Fetlar 9 May (ARM), most gone by 19 May (RJT). Autumn: small passage Shet late Sep-Oct, max 10 Whalsay 2 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, 21 Sep-25 Nov, small numbers, max 10 on 13-16 Oct (RHD).
*Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus. 1 Eden estuary, Fife, 17 Jan (DLC); 1 Nigg, Kinc, 28 Jan (MJHC); 1 Whiten Head, Suth, 21 Mar (RHD). Spring migrants: Fair Isle, 1 on 10 Apr, 4 on 26-28 Apr, 1-3 on 10 days to 17 May (RHD); Shet, 1 Whalsay 5 May (JHSi), 1 Foula 13 May (JGH).
Autumn: Shet, rather scarce, 1 Spiggie 8 Oct (DC), 1 Lerwick 13 Oct (FH), 2 Whalsay 14 Oct (JHSi), 1 Foula 22-24 Oct (JGH); Fair Isle, 11 Sep- 16 Oct, peaks 19th (5), 23rd (6), and 27 Sep (9), 7 Oct (4), late one 23 Oct (RHD); 1 Isle of May 20 Sep (NKA); E Loth, 3 Aberlady 10 Oct (BCF). 9 Belhaven 5 Dec (DTh).
1971 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 401
Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis. Very few Cairngorms in summer. Winter counts: Shet, max 200 Unst 27 Feb (MS); Fair Isle, up to 100 (RHD); 150 Don estuary, Aber 6 Feb (RLS); 20+ Vane Farm, Kinross, 20 Feb (JHS). Spring departure: Shet, from Apr, stragglers to 11 May (RJT); Fair Isle, increase to 65 on 13 Apr, influxes on 29th (31) and 30th (40), stragglers to 21 May (RHD); 72 W (in 5 parties) Whiten Head, Suth, 21 Mar (RHD).
Autumn: exceptional numbers, especially in northern isles, but scarce O Heb; Shet, first Fetlar 8 Sep, then 12th (50), 16th (200) and 18th (1000+) (ARM), Foula, 50 on 13 Sep increased to 2000 on 18th Sep, then decreased, but 1000 on 2 Oct (JGH), other high totals 300 Unst 13 Sep (MS), 250 Skerries 19 Sep (RJT), 500 Whalsay 12 Oct, 1000 on 15th (JHSi), large numbers to mid Dec, mostly dd (RJT); Fair Isle, best autumn since early 1950s, build-up 5 Sep (3), 6th (18), 9th (15), 10th (200), 11th (600), 17th (1000), 18th (2000), decrease thereafter to 1500 on 20th, 21st (1000), 25th (300), later peaks 500 on 11 Oct, 300 on 5 Nov; Sep flocks nearly all ¢ ¢ (RHD); Ork, considerable numbers, peaks 3000 North Ronaldsay 26-30 Sep, 400 mid Oct (EB), 2000 Sandwick, Mainland, 10 Dec (EJW); 80 Dornoch, Suth, 7 Dec (DMcD); 1 Spey mouth, Moray, 14 Sep and 28 on 19 Sep (JMB); 100 Rattray Head, Aber, 9 Nov (NE); 4 Fife Ness 18 Sep (AMH); 1 Musselburgh, Midl, 11 Sep, 10 on 26 Sep, 50 a i a (JB, RF, LLJV); 2 Tyninghame, E Loth, 13 Sep, 60 on 29 Nov
JS).
*White-throated Sparrow Zonotricia albicollis. 1 Thurso, Caith, for 4 months from early May (6: 339) (PMcM, PJR, DMS).
House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Fewer Inverness garden (MR); slightly up in numbers Fair Isle (RHD).
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. Increased Kirk, 11 prs at Kirkbean as against 8 prs in 1969; also bred Whithorn (GW); Aber, bred Bridge of Don, Auchmacoy, Rattray (RLS, WM); small colony again bred Eday, Ork (EB); pr feeding young Mousa, Shet, July, also bred Unst (RJT).
Counts: 13 Grogarry, S Uist, O Heb, 15 Oct (DGA, DJ); 14 Tore, E Ross, 22 Dec (MKM-D); 100+ Seaton Den, Angus, 19 Nov (NKA); 50 Morton Lochs, Fife, 30 Nov (PJC, DWO). Migrants: Fair Isle, 3 May-18 June, build-up to max 35 on 5 June, down to 7 on 7th, 2-3 resident, but 6 on 19 Oct (RHD); Shet, 2 Fetlar 1 May (ARM), singles Foula and Skerries May (RJT).
Additions and corrections to 1968 and 1969 reports
This section comprises significant records that have come to light for past years, further information on matters previously left in suspense, such as the acceptance or rejection of particular records, and the correc- tion of errors. Trivial omissions from past reports are ignored, but even trivial errors are normally corrected, in the interests of accuracy.
1968 and 1969 rarities
No decisions have yet been given by the British Birds Rarities Com- mittee on the 1968 and 1969 (and earlier) White-billed Divers (5: 308; 6: 67), nor on the 1969 Spotted Eagle (6: 81). Evening Grosbeak (6: 122) is now accepted as a species new to Britain and Ireland (Brit. Birds 64: 189-194). The 1969 Foula and Isle of May Scarlet Grosbeaks (6: 122) have been accepted and also the 1968 Orkney record (5: 534), though this last bird was thought from its damaged plumage to have been an escaped cage bird and the date is now given as 1 June (not 2nd). We have been unable to get descriptions of the Surf Scoter (6: 75) and Rose-coloured Starling (6: 122) reported from Orkney in 1969, and accordingly these two records must be regarded as unacceptable.
402 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1970 6(7)
Corrections to 1969 report The headings on pp. 6: 69, 70, 75, 78, 79, 83, 84, 86, 87 and 115 should read “SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1969” (not “1970’’).
Great Crested Grebe (6: 68). Though 8 were at Alemoor Reservoir, Rox, 21 Sep, breeding was not in fact recorded in 1969.
Manx Shearwater (6: 69). The 13 off Burntisland were on 27 July (not Sep).
Goldeneye (6: 75). Line 15, Fannyside is in Dunb (not Lan).
Marsh Harrier (6: 82). Line 2, for “were” read “where”; line 4, for “(AJF)” read ‘(AFJ)’.
Crane (6: 84). Line 5, for “MW” read “MWi”.
Guillemot (6: 98). Delete the W Inv breeding record; the birds were Slack Guillemots (per D. R. Saunders).
Barn Ow! (6: 104). Lines 9/10, for “Levenburgh” read ‘“Levenmouth’’.
Green Woodpecker (6: 106). Line 7, for “(TMC)” read “(JMC)”.
ua as (6: 112). Last line, for ‘“Maryculter, N Kinc” read ‘‘“Newburgh, er’.
Redpoll (6: 124). The autumn birds on Skerries, Shet, were (as at Fair Isle) mainly Greenland C. f. rostrata (not Lessers).
Enquiries
Winter Rook roost survey. The survey in southern Scotland is now complete, and the results will be published in a forth- coming issue of Scottish Birds. The survey is continuing north of the Forth and Clyde, and information (not already submit- ted) is requested on the location of winter roosts, the species of trees used, the rough number of birds in each roost, and, if obtainable, any details of the history of the roost. Please reply to J. H. B. Munro, 9 Capelaw Road, Edinburgh EH13 OHG.
Bird skulls in raptor pellets. Skulls of small birds of the groups Passeriformes (except Corvidae), Swift, Kingfisher, woodpeckers, and the smaller game birds are required for a study aimed at providing a key to the remains of bird skulls in raptor pellets. Skulls from pellets (regardless of damage caused to them) and fully ossified and named specimens are wanted and will be returned if so desired, although non-return- able specimens would be especially valuable. Material should be sent (in cotton wool) to M. A. Macdonald, 18 Summerfield Terrace, Aberdeen.
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
TWENTYFOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOTEL DUNBLANE HYDRO, PERTHSHIRE 29th - 31st October 1971
PROGRAMME Friday 29th October 5 to 7.30 p.m. Conference Office in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro open and 8 to 9 p.m. for members and guests to register and collect name cards and Annual Dinner tickets.
§.15 p.m. Meeting of Council.
1971 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 403
8.30 to 9.30 p.m. FILM AND SLIDE PROGRAMME in the Ballroom, in- cluding a brief talk by Dr Lorenz Ferdinand, President of Dansk Ornithologisk Forening, on “Bird Locations in Denmark”’.
At 9.30 p.m. details of excursions on Saturday afternoon will be given.
10 p.m. Meeting of Local Recorders. 9.30 p.m. to Lounges open for informal discussions and refreshments midnight (late licence).
Saturday 30th October
8.45 to 9.15 a.m. Conference Office open for registration.
9.20 a.m. Official opening of the Conference in the Ballroom. ADDRESS OF WELCOME by Mrs S. H. Maclachlan, J.P., Lady Provost of Dunblane.
9.30 a.m. LECTURE, “The Birds of Denmark” by Mr N. Otto Preuss, Zoological Museum, Copenhagen.
10.15 a.m. LECTURE, “Migration Studies in Denmark” by Mr Jan Dyck, Zoological Museum, Copenhagen.
it. a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
11.30 a.m. LECTURE, ‘Professional Ornithology in Denmark” by
Mr A. Holm Joensen, Game Biology Station, Kalo, Ronde, Denmark.
1 p.m. INTERVAL for lunch.
2 p.m. EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the Conference Hotel car park. Details will be posted on the Conference notice board.
2.30 p.m. MEETING of members of the R.S.P.B. in the Ballroom, to which members of the Club and their guests are in- vited.
6 p.m. 35th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB in
the Ballroom.
BUSINESS : (1) Apologies for absence. (2) Approval of the Minutes of the 34th Annual
General Meeting of the Club held in Dunblane on 3lst October 1970 (see Scottish Birds 6: 229).
(3) Matters arising from the Minutes.
(4) Report of Council for Session 34.
(5) Approval of Accounts for Session 34.
(6) Appointment of Auditor.
(7) Election of Hon. President. The Council recommends that Dr W. J. Eggeling C.B.E. be elected an Honorary President of the Club.
(8) Election of new Members of Council. The Council recommends the election of R. H. Den- nis, Dr Ian Newton and N. Picozzi as new Members of Council to replace the late Mr James MacGeoch, and R. G. Caldow and Dr David Jenkins who are due to retire by rotation.
404 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(7)
(9) Consideration of the following proposed addition to the Constitution recommended by Council: 4. MANAGEMENT AND OFFICIALS (b) Council. (3) Have control of the funds and finances of the Club, and have power to borrow from the Bank or any other source. (The addition is in bold
type). (10) Any other competent business.
7.30 for 8 pm. ANNUAL DINNER in the Dining Room of the Hotel Dunblane Hydro (dress informal).
Sunday 3lst October
9.30 a.m. LECTURE, “Birds of Prey in Scotland” by Dr Ian New- ton, Senior Scientific Officer, The Nature Conservancy, Scotland.
10.45 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits.
11.15 a.m. FILM, “Storks over Stavno” by Mr F. G. Hollands.
p.m: INTERVAL for lunch.
2epamic EXCURSIONS (informal), leaving the Conference Hotel car park.
BRANCH SECRETARIES
Will Members please note the names and addresses of the new Branch Secretaries of the Dundee and Edinburgh Branches.
Dundee Mrs A. Noltie, 14 Menteith Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee. Edinburgh L. W. G. Alexander, 3 Barnton Gardens, Edinburgh 4.
AYR BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS
The Ayr Branch will be holding Winter Excursions on the first Saturday of every month from October to April inclusive, except that in January 1972 the excursion will take place on the second Saturday (8th). All ex- cursions meet with cars outside the County Hotel, Wellington Square, Ayr—at 10 a.m. in October and April (picnic lunch) and at 2 p.m. in all other months.
Further details will be given at the Branch Meeting on 29th September, and can also be obtained from the Branch Secretary, R. M. Ramage, 57b St Quivox Road, Prestwick, tel. 79192.
DUNDEE BRANCH WINTER EXCURSIONS
cairo ty October 1971 KILCONQUHAR LOCH and FIFE NESS (Depart a.m.).
Sunday 7th November GLENMOY.
Sunday 5th December LINTRATHEN LOCH.
Sunday 9th January 1972 TENTSMUIR
Sunday 13th February SIDLAW LOCHS (Wildfowl counts).
Sunday 5th March DUNKELD LOCHS.
Sunday 9th April RESCOBIE and BALGAVIES LOCHS.
All excursions leave City Square, Dundee, at 10 a.m. (except 10th Octo- ber at 9 a.m.) by private cars. Those requiring transport should contact ie Branch Secretary, Miss Jenny Stirling, 21 Johnston Avenue, Dundee
E.
DUNDEE BRANCH MEETINGS
Will Members please note that all Dundee Branch Winter Lectures will take place in the Physiology Lecture Theatre, Dundee University.
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Voyage to St Kilda. Martin Martin (facsimile reprint). £1.80 Like a Mantle, the Sea (Papa Stour). Stella Shepherd. £1.90
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peed Guid to the Birds of Southern Africa. O. P. M. Prozesky.
A Field Guide to Australian Birds. Vol. 1. Non-passerines. P. Slater. £3.00
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Birds of Prey in the Field. Harkness & Murdoch. £2.25 Seabirds. David Saunders. 40p
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Ecological Isolation in Birds. David Lack. £4.25 (Aug) Evolution Illustrated by Waterfowl. David Lack. 60p (Aug) Making Wildlife Movies. Chris Parsons. £3.00
Grassland Ecology. C. W. Spedding. £2.00
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Terms: Strictly cash with order
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THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
TPHE Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership
is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and elsewhere at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest.
The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology.
There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is £2.00 or 50p in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of £3.00, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on Ist October annually.
‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal.
Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042).
DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL
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Ornithological and other parties. We offer 20% reduction from 14th April to 26th May 1972; 10% reduction 27th May to 30th June 1972 and from 16th Sept to 6th Oct 1972. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free.
Illustrated brochure on Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to
Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216
NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS
1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on their own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. All other material should be sent to the editor, Tom Delaney, 27 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh. EH5 3EE. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated.
2. If not sent earlier, all general notes for January to October each year should be sent to the local recorders early in November, and any tor Nov- ember and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addi- tion, local recorders wil! be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for the journal. All other material shouid of course be sent as soon as it is ready.
3. All contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed if possible, with double spacing. Proofs will normally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost.
4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these.
5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining.
Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 529. ‘EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Edinburgh and London.
6. English names should follow The Handbook of British Birds with the alterations detailed in British Birds in January 1953 (46:2-3) and January 1956 (49:5). Initial capitals are used for names of species (e.g. Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit) but not for group names (e.g. diving ducks, tits). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2:1-3) and follow the 1952 B.O.U. Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland with the changes recommended in 1956 by the Taxonomic Sub-Committee (Ibis 98:158-68), and the 1957 decisions of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (Ibis 99:396). When used with the English names they should follow them, underlined to indicate italics, and with no surrounding brackets.
7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1962”, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman, and avoid unnecessary full stops after abbreviations such as “Dr” and “St’’.
8. Tables must be designed to fit into the page, preferably not side- ways, and be self-explanatory.
9. Headings and sub-headings should not be underlined as this may lead the printer to use the wrong type.
10. Illustrations of any kind are welcomed. Drawings and figures should be up to twice the size they will finally appear, and on separate sheets from the text. They should be in Indian ink on good quality paper, with neat lettering by a skilled draughtsman. Photographs should either have a Scottish interest or illustrate contributions. They should be sharp and clear, with good contrast, and preferably large glossy prints.
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The correct alignment of your binoc- ular is of paramount importance and you can be sure that any binocular purchased from us has undergone strin-
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‘Alignment’ and a hundred-and-one other points of interest to the binocular user are discussed in our new booklet ‘Tell Me Mr Frank’, a copy (together with our illustrated catalogue) will be sent post free to readers of ‘Scottish
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| THE JOURNAL OF THE | | SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
Volume 6 No. 8 WINTER 1971 Price 50p
Will to-morrow’s adults care about the countryside?
To make sure they do, the RSPB has taken another step into the future by opening
LOCH LEVEN NATURE CENTRE
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_ | Join the RSPB and help to Route : From main i Edinburgh-Perth build more nature centres
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KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association
Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands.
The standard weekly charge is £17.50.
The programme for 1972 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :—
Birds Botanical Recording
Mountain Flowers Mammais
Field Botany Natural History Photography
Wayside Botany Painting
Moorland Ecology Natural History and Landscape
Rocks and Minerals of the Highlands
Conservation Nature into Art
Insects Industrial Archaeology Bryophytes
All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire.
LANDMARK
Europe's First Visitor Centre OPEN ALL YEAR ON A9 AT CARRBRIDGE ik: Good selection of books on the history and natural history of the Highlands and Islands — Catalogue available
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SCOTTISH BIRDS
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT
CONTENTS OF VOLUME 6, NUMBER 8, WINTER 1971
Editorial Sx ok Wintering Bidens), in ihe Tay estuary. By B. Pounder Waxwings in Scotland 1970/71. By I. H. J. Lyster
Scottish winter Rook roost eLearn ou rnera Scotland. By J. H. B. Munro xs ae Ae
Short Notes Steller’s Eider in Aberdeenshire (M. R. Williams)
Early fledging of Hen Harrier brood (D. M. Bremner, D. Macdonald) ie
Upland Sandpiper at Fair le (R. He Dennis) White-rumped Sandpiper in Orkney (E. Balfour) Desert Wheatear at Fair Isle (R. H. Dennis) Firecrests in Morayshire (R. Richter) ; Water Pipit in Ayrshire (A. G. Stewart) vi Food of Great Grey Shrikes in Inverness-shire and southeast Sutherland (J. A. Love; D. Macdonald: A. S. Clarke) ce Obituary—The Earl of Mansfield Reviews Birds of Prey in the Field. By R. Harkness & C. Murdoch. Reviewed by J. Murray Highland Birds. By D. Nethersole-Thomson. Reviewed _ by D. Macdonald é A Naturalist on pucvelde. By H. Tegner. | Reviewed by H. Burton Letter Oiled birds and the animal-welfare societies. From C. K. Mylne ae Request for information The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Edited by T. Delaney, 31 Starbank Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3BY
Assisted by D. G. Andrew
Page
405 407 420
438
sek.
451 452 452
453 454 455
Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Ornithologists’
Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042)
ORNITHOLIDAYS cca
(WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) Holidays organised
by Birdwatchers
for Birdwatchers
1972 Our programme for the coming year is now in the final stages of
completion. Once again most of the areas which are well-known to us from past years are included, and in addition parties to Morocco, Malawi, Madeira and Yugoslavia offer excellent opportunities to see new birds and places.
SPAIN (Guadalquivir) Spring and autumn groups to this outstanding area which is now one of our most popular holiday destinations.
SPAIN (Sierras de Guadarrama and Nevada) New areas in search of Black Vultures etc. Departure late August.
MAJORCA Spring and autumn groups as in past years. A beautiful island with delightful scenery and a wealth of bird-life.
LAKE NEUSIEDL Great White Herons and the like continue to make this holiday one of the most popular in the Ornitholidays Calendar. Spring and autumn departures.
CAM ER GEE One spring party only departing London end of first week in May.
GUERNSEY, ALDERNEY & SARK A repeat of our successful visit in 1971. Two departures in ’72, the first to cover the spring period, the second to study autumn bird migration.
ISLES OF SCILLY Usual summer and autumn groups offer opportunities to look at breeding sea-birds or trans-Atlantic vagrants.
FARNE ISLANDS & BASS ROCK A very satisfying holiday in this beauti- ful area of Northumberland. Full programme of day-to-day excur-
sions.
ORKNEY & SHETLAND Departure from London and other airports June 10th. Breeding sea-birds, summer migrants etc.
NORTH UIST & BENBECULA Full programme of daily excursions to cover this outstanding area for birds and scenery. Departure from London June 24th.
ALPINE AUSTRIA (Innsbruck) A repeat of our ’71 holiday. Alpine birds and scenery.
ICELAND Two summer departures. Parties under the direction and guid- ance of expert Icelandic leaders.
MOROCCO Safari-type holiday in the High Atlas. Good hotels and coach or minibus transport. Travelling reduced to the minimum consistent with good birdwatching.
ETHIOPIA Repeat of our ’71 tour. Departure from London late October.
MALAWI Easy-going tour of the southern regions of Malawi. Departure from London early July.
SWITZERLAND Summer party to the Swiss Alps. Good hotel accommo- dation based in Interlaken.
YUGOSLAVIA Spring visit to the Yugoslav coast and Lake Scutari.
All parties are strictly limited in numbers and therefore early booking is essential.
1972 PROGRAMME now available. Send 3p stamp to:
Lawrence G. Holloway, Ornitholidays cee»
44 ALDWICK ROAD, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX (Tel. 4513) Member Association of British Travel Agents
SCOTTISH BIRDS ©
THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB LEM
Vol. 6 No. 8 Winter 1971
Edited by Tom Delaney, assisted by D. G. Andrew
Editorial
Opening of Nature Centre and new Bird Hall. This winter has seen the inauguration of two important projects of interest to ornithologists in Scotland—the RSPB’s Loch Leven Nature Centre at Vane Farm reserve in Kinross-shire and, in Edinburgh, the new British Bird Hall at the Royal Scottish Museum, Although they are very different in character and setting, the emphasis in both places is very much on educa- tion.
The Loch Leven Nature Centre, which is the first of its kind in Britain, has been conceived as a “countryside classroom” where visitors can learn something of the ecology of the dis- trict.
A major part of the work here is the instruction of school- children, and indeed Miss Bridget Moore, who runs the Centre, is a qualified teacher. The county authorities of Perthshire, Kinross-shire, Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire and Fife have made contributions towards the Centre’s running costs, thus demonstrating very welcome practical support for conserva- tion education.
The new British Bird Hall at the Royal Scottish Museum in Chambers Street, Edinburgh, is part of a major modernisation programme there. On the ground floor are dioramas of various seabirds, systematic displays of the non-passerines and a bird-song booth.
On the mezzanine floor there are displays of the passerines and a series of exhibits on subspecies, migration and conser- vation societies in Scotland.
Much of the work involved in developing this new Bird Hall has been done by Ian Lyster (whose paper on last year’s Wax- wing invasion appears in this number), and the aim has been to provide a comprehensive reference display for information and educational purposes.
Both these developments represent a considerable invest- ment in ornithological education by the bodies responsible, and their appearance on the Scottish scene is to be welcomed. Each in its way should help to create a wider interest in and knowledge of birds and their conservation.
406 EDITORIAL 6(8)
Pink-footed Geese in Iceland. It appears that there is some delay in implementing the hydroelectric-power scheme at Thjorsarver in Iceland, and the most important breeding grounds there of the Pink-footed Goose (Scot. Birds 6: 183) have been reprieved from flooding, at least for the moment.
Much to its credit the Icelandic Government is financing a programme of research on this unique area; during the 1971 season six scientists were allocated to undertake this work, and their programme will continue for at least two further seasons. However, there is much more research to be done than can be carried out by these six alone, and extra qualified research workers are needed to conduct various studies on the geese themselves and on associated questions relating to freshwater biology, parasitology, etc.
The Pinkfeet are as much British, and especially Scottish, birds as they are Icelandic, and there has been concern here about the project and its effect on the birds. It would be fitting if practical assistance with the research programme were to be offered now by conservation bodies in this country.
Current literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes :
The threat of oil pollution to north Scottish seabird colonies. W.R. P. Bourne, L. Johnston, 1971. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2: 117-120.
Gulls nesting on buildings in Britain and Ireland. S. Cramp, 1971. Brit. Birds 64 : 476-487.
Mortality of hawks and owls in Speyside. D. N. Weir, 1971. Bird Study 18 : 147-154.
Feeding techniques of the Oystercatcher. P. B. Hepplestone, 1971. Bird Study 18: 15-20. Culterty study.
Wild geese and agriculture. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, 1971. Advisory leaflet on prevention of crop damage by geese.
ENDOWMENT FUND
The Endowment Fund, established in 1966, is based on en- dowments bequeathed by Miss E. V. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul. The Fund is administered by the Council of the Club, which can authorise grants for the advancement of ornith- ology in Scotland and also to further the interests of the Club. Grants are not restricted to members of the Club.
Application for a grant must be made through the Club Secretary, and must give full details of the project for which the grant is required. The application should normally be sent at least three months before the grant is needed so that it can be placed before Council for approval.
1971 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 407 Wintering Eiders in the Tay estuary
B. POUNDER Introduction
During the winter of 1970/71 observations were undertaken to determine the numbers and movements of the flocks of Eiders that winter in the Tay estuary. There is little detailed information in the literature on the habits of these flocks in the Tay despite the regular occurrence for a number of years of concentrations of several thousands. According to Berry (1939) and Atkinson-Willes (1963), the largest concentrations were at one time found on the Fife side of the river. During recent years, however, the flocks have developed a movement pattern that covers large areas of water on both north and south sides of the main navigational channel. The only recent publication of an accurate count is Milne’s (1965) report of 5000-6000 birds roosting on the Abertay Sands in February 1962. Milne’s account is part of an investigation into the habits of the species over a much wider area of the northeast coast of Scotland.
Fic. 1. Tay estuary showing sandbanks and river buoys.
Methods
Observations of Eider flocks in the Tay estuary were made with the aid of a x30 magnification telescope of 6.0cm aper- ture from a number of vantage points along both shores, e.g., large sand dunes on Buddon Ness and near Tentsmuir Point, an observation tower approximately one mile south of Tents- muir Point and public roads in Broughty Ferry and Tayport, see fig. 1. Observations were also made from sites along the adjacent coasts, including the clifftops between Arbroath and
408 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 6(8)
Montrose. Data have also been derived from other sources referred to in the text.
The positions of Eider rafts within the estuary were deter- mined from cross-bearings taken with the aid of a compass or by reference to the known position of the river buoys. The locations of distant rafts from which birds were flying were sometimes deduced from measured flight times, on the as- sumption that Eiders fly at about 60 m.p.h. in still air, a result found from experiments.
The observations were carried out on an amateur basis, and so advantage could not always be taken of good weather or light conditions.
Daily movement cycle
The Eider flocks begin to arrive in the Tay at the beginning of September, and by the middle of the month concentrations of 5000-7000 occur at the Westpool waters off Tentsmuir Point (M. Smith, J. Keddie pers. comm.). Numbers decrease here as the birds move to the estuary proper and begin carry- ing out the daily movement routine described below. In 1968, 1969 and 1970 the routine was well established by the first week in October, by which time only about 400 birds remained off Tentsmuir Point. Throughout the whole of the 1968/69, 1969/70 and 1970/71 winters, a few hundred Eiders could be seen at all states of the tide in an area immediately south of the Westpool, and another flock of several hundreds drifted with the tides over the mussel beds between Tayport and Tentsmuir Point.
Almost 150 separate observations of the positions and movements of dense Eider rafts within the estuary were made between early October 1970 and early April 1971. The obser- ved positions were recorded on diagrams such as the example shown in fig. 2. The numbers D2, C3, etc. refer to the grid squares shown on the map of the estuary, fig. 1. The tide lines, which run diagonally across the diagram, give the times of Dundee high tide. High tides at Broughty Ferry and at the bar of the estuary are ten minutes and 30 minutes respectively behind those at Dundee. In interpreting fig. 2 the reader must bear in mind that the records refer only to those rafts that were visible when the observations were carried out. How- ever, the results are the same in general form as those ob- tained throughout the whole of the study period and they indicate clearly that the daily movement cycle is governed by the tides.
Shortly before low tide the birds form a dense raft several thousands strong off Barnhill in grid squares C3 and C4. A less densely concentrated tail extends to the rear across the mussel
Leyal WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 409
beds off Monifieth, over which many of the birds are feeding, a fact indicated by the activities of the attendant gull flocks. After the turn of the tide, the rafts drift west with the current along Broughty Ferry Esplanade, and dense rafts build up between Broughty Castle and Tayport in the vicinty of the Scalp buoy. The main navigation channel is crossed by large numbers of birds. On occasions when the westerly drift coin- cides with dusk the concentrations round the Scalp buoy are extremely large, and it is probable that they may contain the whole Eider population of the estuary.
0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1s0O0 1600 1700
cé @ Cee Co eae cé <— cage R #—DIl
02-3C3
Soe a es Sekt Ne a s
West <}+—\Drift——tEast <—C4<24—86<4Flights from East into 8 6 with flights West <@—Flights —® East from B6 to C4. C4 raft drifting West.
Fic. 2. Location and movements of most easily visible rafts (generally
those nearest Broughty Ferry).
The situation is different on days when ample daylight re- mains; then groups of birds begin to fly back to the C3 region almost as soon as the drift has started, and this combination of east-west drift superimposed on west-east flights causes a marked reduction in the rate at which the large concentra- tions build up near the Scalp buoy. The drift/flight activity continues until high tide, by which time the rafts are strung out between the Scalp buoy and the region off Barnhill or Monifieth, with maximum concentrations in positions deter- ied by the outcome of the competition between drift and
ight.
410 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 6(8)
After high tide the rafts drift east across the Monifieth mussel beds, usually attended by a large flock of scavenging gulls. The leaders draw away rapidly by entering the naviga- tion channel and drift to areas on both north and south sides of the Abertay Sands and as far east as the Gaa Sands and near the Tay Bar. The rearguard follows at a more leisurely speed, keeping to shallow water closer to the Buddon Ness shore. These birds have probably fed when crossing the mussel beds, for they spend most of their time preening and displaying. Display is sometimes so intense as to make it possible to follow the progress of the flocks by sound.
BUDDON
BUDDON ~ NESS
a
<—@—_ FLIGHT PATHS ——P DRIFT DIRECTIONS oOo spBuoYS
Fic. 3. Typical flight paths from rafts formed during ebb-tide period of the movement cycle.
By about two hours after high tide, birds that had drifted to the mouth of the estuary begin to return by flying to the rear- guard rafts, which are by this time in the vicinty of the Lady buoy and fairly close to the Buddon shore. The return flights gradually build up in intensity, and many birds stop off at a temporary roost on the Abertay Sands, probably the one noted in Milne’s 1965 paper. The roost occurs in the E8, E9 region, apparently as a result of birds that happen to have been ranging over the sands in this area being lowered onto dry land by the falling tide. Typical flight paths back to the Lady buoy area are shown in fig. 3. These were observed on several occasions in perfect visibility from the observation tower near Tentsmuir Point.
The high concentration of birds in the Lady buoy area is
1971 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 41]
continually drifting east as the high tide falls. However, this drift is countered by westward flight hops so that approximate station is maintained near the Lady buoy. As the ebb slackens towards low tide, the effect of these flight hops is to move the large concentrations gradually west until at low tide, a dense raft is off Barnhill, and the cycle is completed.
The routine described above is consistent with all the 1970/71 observations and with the few sufficiently detailed observations available for the previous two seasons. No evi- dence was found to indicate marked changes due to abnormal weather or tide conditions. For example, although observa- tions during gales failed to show any birds on the water, the positions of dense rafts could always be inferred from the flight activity. The passage of large ships through areas of high concentration brought about only transient changes in flight activity. Many of the mid-winter observations coincided with dusk or daybreak and the flight activity seen suggested that the to-and-fro movements on the tidal currents were carried out during the hours of darkness.
A measure of the rigidity of the movement habits during the 1970/71 winter is that out of nearly 100000 Eider flights observed between Broughty Ferry and the Tay bar, not one was contrary to the routine described above. Well established daily movement routines of wintering Eider flocks have been gerne elsewhere; see for example Salomonsen (1950, p.
28).
End-of-season changes
From about mid February, increasing numbers of Eiders roost on the Lucky Scalp island and the sandbars off Tentsmuir Point and Barnhill. Groups of up to about 100 Eiders mix and feed with flocks of several hundred Mallards and Goldeneye off the mouth of the Dighty burn at Barnhill. Small groups take up semi-permanent residence on the rocks off Broughty Castle and off West Ferry and there are up-river excursions along the Fife shore as far west as the Tay road bridge. There are also excursions along the Dundee shore by large flocks which reach the Stannergate Oil Terminal. For example, on 14th and 21st March 1970, some 1600 and 1100 Eiders were seen almost as far west as Dundee docks. These westerly ex- cursions by large flocks are sporadic, and the reason for them is not known. There is no indication that they are caused by adverse weather in the more exposed areas of the estuary.
Counting the population
It is extremely difficult to obtain accurate counts of the birds wintering in the Tay. The rafts are so dense that direct one-by-one counts are impossible. However, estimates made on different occasions by different observers are remarkably
412 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 6(8)
consistent, as can be seen from the data in table 1, which gives estimates of the rafts lying off Broughty Ferry and Tlay-
port. Table 1. Eider counts: Broughty Ferry-Tayport
Date Count Observer
8-10-68 — 10000 TMC
5- 2-69 10000 TMC 11-10-69 16000 TMC 28-10-70 15000 TMC 13-12-70 10000 BP
2- 2-71 10000 TMC
6- 3-71 c10000 TMC 12- 3-71 9000 BP
TMC—T. M. Clegg BP—B. Pounder
These results are consistent with the figure of 10000 quoted by Milne (1965) for 1955-64. Although the numbers are high, they are small compared with those recorded in, for example, Denmark (Paludan 1962). However, the Tay flock is probably unique in that numbers as large as these can often be seen in a single locality and in a single observation.
As an alternative to a direct count an assessment of the total population can be made from observation of the rates (numbers of birds per minute) at which the birds fly out from a region of high concentration such as the Broughty Ferry- Tayport area. The method would yield accurate results pro- vided that counts commenced when the whole population was at the start area and that the birds did not drift back to the start after having been counted already on their way out. Such conditions are hard to achieve, and the difficulty is often ag- gravated by poor visibility.
Conditions were good on 23rd December 1970, however, when a fly-out was observed to commence from an enormous raft off Broughty Ferry Esplanade to an area off Barnhill relatively devoid of Eiders at the start. By reference to the Scalp buoy it was seen that the source raft was drifting slowly west. Fly-out rates were determined as birds crossed the field of view of a telescope held fixed on the Horseshoe buoy, and the results are shown in fig. 4. The integrated total deduced from the area under the graph was 13000 birds crossing the field of view during the observation period. Dur- ing the last ten minutes of the count, the raft that had formed in the receiving area drifted into the field of view, and fly- outs were observed from it. Thus some of the birds counted during this short period had probably been counted once be- fore, and 13000 could be an overestimate of the population. However, the error may be smaller than it appears, for there were already birds in the receiving area before the counts commenced.
1971 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 413 Good conditions were also realised on 2nd January 1971
when the east-west flight phase of the daily movement pattern was observed from the dunes along the shore of Buddon Ness.
400
tw Ww O O (e) O
fe) O
Flights per min. across field of view
0930 0940 0950 Texere) Ke}fe) 1020 1030 Fic. 4. Flight rates from D2 to C3, C4, 23rd December 1970.
At 1000 hrs BST Eiders were flying at rates of ten to 20 birds per minute to alight on the water west of the Lady buoy and off the mouth of the Buddon Burn. The source areas were about 160 flying seconds east of the Lady buoy, and a roost on the Abertay Sands about 90 flying seconds southeast of this buoy. Counting started at 1045 hrs. The roost thicken- ed visibly during the first part of the count but was losing more birds than it gained by 1130 hrs. It had dwindled to negligible proportions by 1200 hrs. Counting was continued until 1225 hrs, by which time the flight rates were very low, most of the birds coming from source areas 150-160 flying seconds east of the Lady buoy. Two rafts were seen still in the D10 area at the end of the count. The integrated total from the graph of the results (fig. 5) was 10000 birds flying across the field of view. These birds were seen later from Broughty Ferry Esplanade. Most were between the Castle and Tayport by 1630 hrs, but a large raft was drifting in late. It was seen to contain 2000 birds, and if it represented the fraction uncounted during this experiment the total for the day would be 12000.
A third graph is shown in fig. 6 to illustrate that rates some- times vary only slowly with time; this graph yielded a total of 4000 Eiders, the number of birds actually counted being
414 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 6(8)
1197. The raft receiving these birds was already well estab- lished at the beginning of the count.
w (9) (9)
8 fe}
Flights per min. across field of view
O° 1040 10SO Noo Ke) 120 130 140 1150 1200 1210 1220 1230
Fic. 5. Arrival rates at rafts at C6, C7 from sources further east, 2nd January 1971.
ee
1330 1340 1350 1400 1410 1420 1430
Flights per min. across field
O
Fic. 6. Arrival rates at raft at C5 from sources further east, 22nd December 1970.
Several other counts were carried out during the 1970/71 winter but were abandoned for different reasons after yield- ing totals from 2200 to 7600 birds. However, the experience gained indicated that the method is capable of providing ac- curate totals provided that sufficient observation time is avail- able and that the light is good.
Numbers along adjacent coasts
Eiders occur at several sites along the coasts north of the Tay during the winter months, but their numbers are small relative to those in the estuary. Count results for Westhaven (Carnoustie), the Montrose Basin (including the South Esk at Ferryden) and the Fife coast between St Andrews and Fife Ness are given in fig. 7. The Westhaven graph exhibits pronounced peaks in early February and early April and a less pronounced peak in early March. It is notable that the early February peak occurs shortly before the marked increase in numbers at Montrose, which indicates the possibility of a northward movement from the Tay during this period. A par-
1971 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 415
allel southerly movement is indicated by the Fife graph. The April Westhaven peak correlates well with the movement of Eiders back to the Ythan breeding area. According to Milne
800 700 600
$00
300
100
.e) fe) 20 «4930 9 19 29 8 18 28 107 12077730)" 9 19 DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
29 9
Fie. 7. Counts at sites along coasts adjacent to the Tay.
(a) St Andrews (Rock and Spindle) to Fife Ness. (J. Grant). (b) Montrose Basin and Ferryden. (c) Westhaven (data mostly from T. M. Clegg).
(1965) this movement was rapid and resulted-in the return of the breeding flock during the second week in April in the years 1961-64. February and March peaks are also indicated by totals at Westhaven in 1969 and 1970 (not shown), and the National Wildfowl Count data for 1970 indicate an increase in numbers at Montrose from 180 to 577 between mid Jan- uary and mid March. Sharp April peaks are not shown by the 1969 and 1970 Westhaven results. However, a rapid passage to ae Ythan during those years could easily have been missed,
416 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 6(8)
Sex ratio
Estimates were made of the male:female ratio from samples of 500 birds in flight in the estuary between December 1970 and February 1971: the mean of the results was 1:1 and the range was 0.85:1 to 1.20: 1. That equal numbers of males and females were present during the second half of March was evident from the fact that the great majority of the birds were flying in pairs. Paired flying was noticeable up to the first week in April, after which parties (and rafts) were seen to contain groups of unattached males. By April 16th the male : female ratio had increased to 1.4:1. It seemed likely that females were moving to nesting sites along the estuary shores by this time.
Small groups of juveniles were noticed at several sites along the coast north of the estuary, well away from rafts of adults. When mixed flocks of juveniles and adults were ob- served it was noticeable that the juveniles kept to the peri- phery. Juveniles were tamer than adults and often associated with Red-breasted Mergansers, especially when moving close inshore along the Barry Sands.
Discussion
Several investigators have described a twice-daily feeding rhythm in Eider and stress the importance of the common mussel in the diet of the species. In tideless waters feeding periods are confined to early morning and late evening (Pethon 1967, Dunthorn 1971), while in other areas feeding periods are governed by the tides (Bent 1925, Gorman 1971). Thus in the Tay estuary, with a tidal range of approximately 4.5 m, the daily movement cycle of the wintering Eider flocks should be governed by the location of the mussel beds, the depths of which will vary with the tides.
Although no systematic study of the full extent of the Tay mussel beds has been published, extensive beds are known to exist along the Scalps between Tayport and Tentsmuir Point and along both shores of the river upstream of Broughty Ferry and Tayport. However, despite the extent of these beds, they support only a few hundreds of the wintering Eider pop- ulation. Beds large enough to have been commercially exploited in the past are also known off Monifieth, and it is significant that this area is the centre of symmetry of the daily movement cycle, the area towards which birds fly on both flood and ebb tides. From the evidence of debris washed ashore during periods of strong easterly winds, mussel beds probably exist along the Abertay Sands. Furthermore, examination of the faeces of Eiders that feed off the eastern Tentsmuir shore during the summer months has shown that they consist almost entirely of mussel-shell fragments.
1971 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 417
The daily movement cycle of the wintering flocks may de-
pend in part on the location of other types of food. Locai fishermen report prodigious numbers of starfish off the Aber- tay Sands in the region occupied by the Eider rafts shown in fig. 3. This species is taken by Eider (Madsen 1954). Crustac- eans are an important item of food for Eiders (Belopol’skii 1961, Pethon 1967). Decapods such as Carcinus maenas and Corystes cassivelaunus are common along the Abertay Sands, and the shrimp Cragnon vulgaris is reported by fishermen to be common off Tentsmuir, especially in late summer and early autumn. _ It is interesting that this is the area in which the initial build- up of the wintering flocks occurs following the late-summer moult. Pethon (1967) reports a small but significant increase in the consumption of crustaceans (amphipods) by Eiders in Oslofjord during August-October and discusses the possible connection between a crustacean diet and the development of new plumage. The Eider groups that congregate at the mouth of the Dighty burn during late winter have a choice of small crustaceans (amphipods), annelids and C. maenas as items of diet. They do not seem to feed over a small mussel bed nearby.
_ The data presented here indicate that the estuary has held between 15000 and 10000 birds during the 1968/69, 1969/70 and 1970/71 winters. Records for previous years are too sparse to conclude whether the populations are increasing in parallel with the breeding-population increases in European waters reported by Ringleben (1955). From Taverner’s (1959, 1963) discussion of the increase in numbers in British waters it seems unlikely that significant numbers of the Tay flocks are derived from English or Continental shores, especially now that it must be accepted that the Dutch breeding popula- tion does not move far during the winter months (Verwey 1956, Tanis 1957, Hoogerheide 1958). That the Dutch flocks winter in local waters is evidenced by the large numbers of oiled Eiders found during the February 1969 disaster off the Dutch coast (Swennen & Spaans 1970, de Jager & Belterman 1970). We must therefore look nearer home for the sources of the Tay flocks.
If Milne’s (1965) data on the numbers of moulting Eiders off Murcar, Aberdeenshire, and Gourdon, Kincardineshire, during the summers of 1961 and 1962 are interpolated, we find that approximately 3700 males could have been there during the first week of July. Furthermore, 1971 counts indicate that approximately 1000 drakes were present between Fife Ness and Westhaven during early July. Thus assuming a 1:1 sex ratio and no significant changes in numbers between 1961 and 1971, we can account for nearly 10000 of the Tay population from these areas alone. Ringing and wing-tag results (Milne
418 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 6(8)
1965) have shown that Eiders from the Ythan breeding grounds certainly winter in the Tay.
Milne (1969) considers that the ultimate size of an Eider population is governed solely by the availability of food. Since there are still largely unexploited mussel beds along the river shores upstream of Broughty Ferry and Tayport, it would appear that the Tay wintering population has yet to reach a maximum despite the prodigious food supply required—e.g., 10000 Eiders could eat approximately 600000kg of mussels during a 200-day period if we assume that each bird requires 300g per day (Belopol’skii 1961). This figure can be seen in perspective in the light of Dunthorn’s (1971) conservative estimate of a commercial mussel harvest of 50000-100000kg per year from the Linne Mhuirich, a loch comparable in area re ine Tay between Broughty Ferry-Tayport and Dundee
ocks.
_ The effects of oil pollution must be considered in a discus- sion of the ultimate Eider population the Tay can hold. The observations reported here, indicate that during recent years no fewer than 10000 Eiders have been present in the estuary during the whole of the period mid September to late March. Although the results shown in table 1 and fig. 7 indicate a steady loss of birds after the turn of the year, there is nothing to indicate movement of large numbers out of and back to the estuary. Such excursions would require a break in the well established movement cycle and would show up as fluc- tuations in the numbers seen along the adjacent coasts. Since large numbers remain within the confines of the estuary, they must be particularly vulnerable to the effects of oil. Although the Tay is likely to be spared disasters of Torrey Canyon scale (because only relatively small tankers use the oil-terminal at Dundee), even small spills can have significant effects. Be- cause of the sandbars at the mouth of the estuary, the Tay forms a basin within which an oil slick can be trapped and moved from shore to shore on successive tides. Thus the effects of a spill can be apparent for a considerable time, a recent example being the oiling in 1968 of at least 1127 Eiders by the spillage of only 87 tons of crude oil (Greenwood and Keddie 1968). A further 2000 Eiders were picked up along ann coasts during the incidents reported by Greenwood et al Ty
References
ATKINSON-WILLES, G. L. 1963. Wildfowl in Great Britain. London.
BELOPOL’skKII, L. O. 1961. Ecology of sea colony birds of the Barents Sea. Jerusalem. (Israel program for scientific translations).
BERRY, J. 1939. The status and distribution of wild geese and wild duck in Scotland. Cambridge.
BRENT, A. C. 1925. Life histories of North American wildfowl. Smithsonian Inst.
1971 WINTERING EIDERS IN THE TAY ESTUARY 419
DunTHORN, A. A. 1971. Predation of cultivated mussel beds by Hider. Bird Study AS): 1.07.
Gorman, M. L. 1970. The daily pattern of display in a wild population of Eider duck. Wildfowl 21: 105.
GREENWOOD, J. J. D., Keddie, J. P. F. 1968. Birds killed by oil in the Tay estuary, March & April 1968. Scot. Birds 5: 189.
GREENWOOD, J. J. D., Donally, R. J., Feare, C. J., Gordon, N. J. & Waterston, G. 1971, A massive wreck of oiled birds: north-east Britain, winter 1970. Scot. Birds 6: 255.
de JAGER, S. & BETLERMAN, TH. 1970. Treatment of oiled Eider duck in Holland. Marine Pollution Bulletin 1: 156.
MADSEN, F’. J. 1954. On the food habits of diving duck in Denmark. Dan. Rev. Game IBIOL. 2 1 59>
MILNE, H. 1965. Seasonal movements and distribution of Hider in northeast Scot- land. Bird Study 12: 170.
MILNE, H. 1969. Hider biology. Report on B.O.U. autumn scientific meeting. Ibis aes 278:
PaLuDan, K. 1962. Ederfuglene i de Danske Farvande. Danske Vildundersogelser. 10: 5 Vildbiologisk Station.
PETHON, P. 1967. Food and feeding habits of the Common Eider. Contrib. No. 35. Zool. Museum. University of Oslo.
von RINGLEBEN, H. 1955. Die Ejiderente als Gast und Brutvogel an der deutschen Kuste. Die Vogelwelt 76: 125.
SALOMONSEN, F. 1950. The birds of Greenland. Copenhagen.
SWENNEN, C. & SPAANS, A. L. 1970. De sterfte van zeevogels door olie in februari 1969 in het Waddengebied. Het Vogeljaar 18: 233.
TAnis, J. 1957. Korte Mededelingen. Limosa 30: 56. TAVERNER, J. H. 1959. The spread of the Eider in Great Britain. Brit. Birds 52: 245.
TAVERNER, J. H. 1965. Further notes on the spread of the Hider in Great Britain. Brit. Birds 56: 2753.
VERWEY, J. 1956. De Waddenzee als voedsel—areaal voor vogels bij strenge kou. Ardea 44: 218.
Acknowledgments
The assistance of T. M. Clegg of the Dundee City Museum in reading and commenting on the drafts and especially for pro- viding his estuary and Westhaven count data is gratefully acknowledged. I am also grateful to Dr H. Milne and J. Keddie for comments on parts of the draft and to Dr J. Cobb, M. Smith and Mrs J. Grant for discussions and data.
Summary
The Eider flocks that winter in the Tay estuary are shown to carry out a tide-dependent daily movement cycle. The numbers wintering in the estuary vary between 15000 during the first half of the winter and 10000 during the second half, the fall-off being caused by migrations both north- wards and southwards along the adjacent coasts. The majority of the birds are considered to enter the Tay after a sojourn at moulting grounds between Aberdeenshire and Fife Ness during the late summer.
420 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8) Waxwings in Scotland, 1970/71
IAN H. J. LYSTER Introduction
Several large irruptions of Waxwings have occurred during the last 30 years, and these have been described in detail by Baxter and Rintoul (1947), Macmillan (1959, 1960, 1962, 1964) and Everett (1967). These accounts deal chiefly with occur- rences in Scotland; for a wider picture, with discussion of the effect of winter food supplies etc., the papers by Corn- wallis (1961), Cornwallis and Townsend (1968) and Svardson (1957) should be consulted. This report describes the arrival and movement in Scotland of an irruption of Waxwings dur- ing the winter of 1970/71.
Waxwings are attractive, confiding birds and because of this they generally receive a great deal of publicity when they arrive here in large numbers. Such publicity is helpful in en- couraging observers to send in records, and this survey is based on records from Club members and the general public in response to requests for information in local and national papers and in this journal. Table 1 shows the distribution of reports over the faunal areas of Scotland and the estimated number of birds concerned.
Table 1. Number of reports of Waxwings from each faunal area of Scotland in winter 1970/71, and estimated number of birds involved
Number of birds Totals Faunal area Reports Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Northern Isles 7p PA ef UNG 2 336 North Coast 10° 16 333 Be 7 73 Moray 36 207° 287" FeSon eon 2, 2 420 Dee 26050 2 6 14 16 3 8 468 Tay 90 884 .73- 34° 33 49 1190 Forth 184 794 1674 72 58 87 22 Lee oO. 2718 Tweed 36; = 24-127. | Zier, 6672 | ileeeshe a, 266 Outer Hebrides Vee 2O) 20 1 50 NW Highlands 0 0 Argyll/I. Hebrides 6 35) eet) 66 Clyde 84 See Oi ss260s al Oreo 4 16 23 Solway 23a ay ii], 8 12 7) 93
929 1357 (3551 332° 279° 231) D2 esis) bol
For ease of comparison the format used by Everett (1967) has been followed.
September/October—arrivals
The first Waxwing seen was a Single bird at Carnoustie, Angus, on the early date of 22nd September. (On the same date in 1965 the first birds of that year’s big invasion were seen). No others were reported until eight appeared at St An-
1971 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 421
drews on 11th October, followed by a flock of 20 at Long- niddry, East Lothian, on 12th, four in Lerwick on 15th and a
legs ee PS) @ \ So ° gs . ) = @ ® O 22.9.70 Oo @ Dd © @ 06 » e @ @ @ @ 1-10 O I-20 © 21-50 © @ 50+
Fic. 1. Reports of Waxwings in October 1970.
flock of 50 in Unst, Shetland, on 17th. In most places this early wave of migrants was followed by a gap of about a week, during which no Waxwings were recorded. However, in East Lothian on the short stretch of coast between Longniddry and
422 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8)
Aberlady the numbers continued to build up steadily. On 17th there were at least 60, about 100 had arrived by 24th, and on 27th over 1000 birds were estimated present in the area. By this time, however, Waxwings were also arriving in increas- ing numbers throughout the rest of Scotland. On 23rd October a small party was seen at Dunbar, while at St Andrews five were seen on 22nd and up to 50 the following day. Few were seen in Fife for the next few days, although three were at Kirkcaldy by 29th, and on 30th a group of ten was seen at Burntisland and four at Anstruther. Further north, in Angus there were ten at Glamis and one at Brechin on 25th, and a flock of over 100 at Stonehaven, Kincardineshire on 28th. At Thurso 20+ arrived on 24th, with numbers increasing to- wards the end of the month; in Kirkwall a single bird was reported on 26th, and in Stornoway a single bird seen on 24th was followed by several more on 30th. On Fair Isle 16 arrived a ag October, and flocks of up to 11 were recorded almost aily.
Everett (1967) noted that during the 1965/66 and 1966/67 invasions Waxwings were first seen well to the southwest, in Argyll. It seems that this pattern was not repeated in 1970. One bird was seen on Arran on 25th October, three were seen in Glasgow on 29th, and a single bird was noted in Ayr on 30th. Further south two were seen in Annan on 24th, a flock of 12 at Mossdale, Kirkcudbrightshire, on 27th and a “small party” at Kirkcudbright itself on 30th. In the Borders there is an interesting record of a flock of 8+ at Melrose as early as 20th October, and the birds stayed until 9th November. Mean- while at Stow, Midlothian, eight birds were present on 29th, and six were seen at Selkirk on 31st.
Thus, apart from the bird of 22nd September, the invasion began on 11th-17th October with a small wave of birds arriv- ing on the east coast, chiefly in Fife and the Lothians but also in Sper about a week later the main wave of migrants arrived.
November—dispersal
On lst November over 300 birds were counted in the Long- niddry-Aberlady area in East Lothian and up to 400 were ‘estimated in the area on 4th. By then the bushes and trees had been noticeably stripped of berries, and at the end of the first week of November the number of birds started to drop rapidly : there were 150 on 6th, but none at all by 23rd. This disappearance from the East Lothian coast is perhaps reflected in the large numbers of Waxwings then seen further inland and to the west, but the records that follow suggest more birds were still arriving, generally in small flocks and chiefly at other parts of the east coast and Moray basin. Wax-
1971 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 423
wings were now being recorded throughout the Forth faunal area. In and around Edinburgh flocks of up to 30 birds were being regularly seen, and this picture was repeated in Dal- keith, Penicuik, Lasswade, Bonnyrigg, South Queensferry, Linlithgow and Bo’ness. Reports suggest that the small flocks of Waxwings generally stayed within a fairly confined area while food supplies lasted, during which time they dispersed further or regrouped. A series of records from Mayfield, near Dalkeith, Midlothian, illustrates this (table 2). Waxwings
Table 2. Waxwing numbers at Mayfield, Dalkeith, Midlothian{ Date Time Weather Number
Nov 21 11.30 sunny 14 23 11.15 rain 1] 23 p.m. rain 40 24 11.15 dull 2 24 14.15 dull 18 25 14.15 dull 12 26 11.20 dull 10 27 14.10 fair 3 28 12.15 dull 11 28 307 30 13.45 heavy rain 2 Dec 1 14.00 sunny 21 2 14.30 rain 2 3 14.00 dull 11 4 14.00 sunny 12 5 10.50- sunny 1 14.20 6 0 i 14.00 sunny 8 1 9 14.00 dull 12 10 14.00 dull 1. 11 14.00 dull 8 12-14 14.00 dull 0
ffRecords from F. Turnbull *Seen by another observer
were seen on the Isle of May at the beginning of the month, generally moving in flocks of about 12. At Haddington, East Lothian, some five miles inland from Longniddry, the first Waxwings arrived on 6th November, increasing to at least 60 a week later. Further south, two or three were seen at Eddles- ton, Peeblesshire, on 2nd, 12 at Kelso on 5th, three at Yetholm, Roxburghshire, on 6th, and 30 at Tweedside, Roxburghshire, on 7th. From 9th onwards birds were also seen at Selkirk and at Gattonside near Melrose.
From the second week of November flocks of up to eight birds were noted in Stirling, Plean, Falkirk and Alva. Larger flocks were seen in Perthshire, with 20+ at Coupar Angus, Comrie and Blairgowrie during the first week and at least 80 at Perth on 8th. Waxwings were also seen by Loch Tay,
424 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8)
and two parties were at Pitlochry, again during the first week of November. From East Fife came over 35 November rec- ords; the largest flock noted was 56 birds at Cupar on 6th, and flocks of 30-40 were seen at Upper Largo on 9th and at St Andrews on 16th. Smaller flocks were seen at Burntisland, Leuchars, Cupar, Cardenden and Crail; a flock of 12 flying southwest over Morton Lochs on 29th may have been fresh arrivals. Still near the east coast, at Invergowrie, Angus, 100+ were seen on 4th and 52 on 7th, when a flock of 75 was also recorded at Montrose. Elsewhere in Angus during the first half of November, flocks of 20-40 were seen at Brechin, Liff, Muir- head, Carnoustie, Edzell and Broughty Ferry. An interesting observation during the first week was the sighting of two Waxwings flying south-southwest over the Sidlaw Hills. In the Dee faunal area Waxwings were also recorded in good numbers, for example a flock of 85 at Powis on 5th, 98 at Lower Denburn on 9th and 26 at Banchory on 23rd. Smaller flocks were also reported in the middle and at the end of the month in both Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire.
In the Moray Basin a party of 40 arrived during November (they stayed until January) at Gibson, near Huntly, Aberdeen- shire, and a flock of at least 25 was seen on 14th.
The first arrivals in Inverness were 12 on 6th. During the second week of November a group of 50 arrived at Lentram, near Inverness, but by 16th only 2 were left. In Aviemore 23 were seen on 15th, and although Thurso had its maximum numbers in the first week of November, by the middle of the month the numbers had dropped.
Scattered groups of Waxwings were also seen throughout northwest Caithness during the first three weeks of Novem- ber. In Shetland there were many sightings of Waxwings in the weeks following the arrival of 50 on Unst on 17th Octo- ber, but this proved to be the biggest flock seen, and most records were of small parties or single birds. On Fair Isle 19 were seen on Ist, then smaller flocks and singles irregularly throughout the rest of the month. The latest reports were of four in Lerwick on 15th, two at Levenwick on 18th and two on 22nd and 27th, again at Lerwick. In the Outer Hebrides a Waxwing was recorded in North Uist on 7th November, and flocks of 11-25 birds were seen in Stornoway during the first week, decreasing to a single bird on 11th. A single bird was seen at Shawbost, Isle of Lewis, on 3rd November and two at Tarbert, Isle of Harris, on 26th.
In western Scotland six birds were seen at Oban on 6th November, and others at Morven, Sound of Mull, on 7th. The only records for the Western Highlands and Argyll came at the end of the month, with 20 at Lochawe, about six at Loch-
1971 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 425
al
Fie. 2. Reports of Waxwings in November 1970.
gilphead and two at Strachur. The situation in the Clyde faunal area was very different; reports indicate totals of at least 60 birds distributed in a series of small flocks in and around Glasgow and Ayr. Generally these flocks comprised fewer than ten birds, though one of 28 was recorded.
Glasgow was fortunate in having a wintering flock in the Sauchiehall Street-University districts; a series of counts of
426 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8)
these birds (table 3) shows how the flock size fluctuated and emphasises how little reliance can be placed on _ isolated counts in attempting to calculate area totals.
Table 3. Waxwing numbers in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow*
Date Number Date Number
Nov ll 14 Feb 2 32 13 4 3-4 29
18 1 5 18
19 25 10 21
20 7 11 5
21 2 12 2
22 3 23 8
24 3
26 5
Jan 13 3 Mar 2 1 15 4 4&11 4
27 1 12 3
29 2 13 4
ever Py R. Allan, W. Brackenridge, I. Gibson, I. Stewart and Miss M. icoll.
From the Solway area too, reports suggested the presence of small, fairly static flocks throughout the countryside. Specific records mention 13 at Chapelcross, near Annan, on 14th and 15th, 12 at Castle Douglas on 18th, and up to 15 at Dalry from 6th-18th. Waxwings were also present at Newton Stewart, Whithorn and Stranraer.
Thus it appears that the main landfall of Waxwings occur- red between the end of October and the middle of November, mainly on the coastal belt between the Moray Firth and the Firth of Forth. On arrival the flocks tended to split up and disperse across the country. A small flock would often stay for several weeks in an area where there was abundant food.
December—small flocks, well dispersed
In December the number of birds reported dwindled (fig. 3). However Waxwings were still present in most areas, some- times in quite large numbers. In Edinburgh and Dalkeith flocks of up to 12 were noted. In Haddington there were two birds on 4th and in Eyemouth, Berwickshire, four on 10th. At Yetholm, Roxburghshire, four were present from the end of November until 3rd December, two others were seen on 23rd, and one was seen at Darnick, near Melrose, on lst. In Melrose itself, a party of 16 was seen on the morning of 11th; they ap- peared tired and were not seen to feed. In Fife, apart from a flock of 40 seen at St Andrews on 24th December, only small flocks or single birds were recorded, and these only from Cupar. Inland there were no records from Perthshire, and all the records from the Stirling area (five at Stirling, two at ek one At Dunblane and five at Cambuskenneth) were noted
efore 9th.
1971 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71
oO
we
1e) @®
Fic. 3. Reports of Waxwings in December 1970.
At Invergowrie, Angus, there was a single bird on 4th follow- ed by a party of at least 20 on 14th. The latter flock gradually decreased until by the end of the month only three birds re- mained. In Aberdeenshire, a flock of five or six was reported at Skene on 13th, and 30 at Huntly on 23rd. At Banff the flock of 40 that had arrived in November was still present, while further west, in Inverness, small groups were present through- out the month, the largest being a flock of seven on 14th and
428 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8)
six on 26th. Few birds were noted in the Thurso area.
The picture was the same in the west. One bird was reported in the Outer Hebrides, at Stornoway, on 19th, and in Argyll Waxwings were certainly present until the end of the first week of December (two at Strachur, five or six at Lochgilp- head, 20 at Lochawe). Small flocks were still to be seen in and around Glasgow, the largest comprising 12-15 birds near Tannochside in Lanarkshire on 2nd and 3rd. Waxwings were also present in Ayrshire over a fairly wide area. Finally, in Solway few Waxwings were reported, and the only records received were of three at or near Dalry on 3rd and 15th and two at Chapelcross near Annan on 2nd and 3rd. It would therefore seem that in December there was a massive dis- appearance of birds, starting about the end of November and continuing throughout most of December. However, small flocks continued to overwinter in areas where there were adequate supplies of berries.
January—numbers down
As in 1966 and 1967, January saw a further dwindling of the number of Waxwings sighted throughout Scotland, though there were one or two interesting local exceptions.
In the Lothians, flocks of up to eight birds were occasionally reported, and a group of 16-20 was seen in Edinburgh on 17th and 21st. In East Lothian, flocks of eight or nine birds were recorded in Haddington during the second week of January, and other, smaller groups were seen at Eyebroughty, Gullane and East Linton. Small flocks were also seen at Eyemouth, Berwickshire, on 5th and 13th. In the Tweed faunal area single birds were seen in Galashiels on 13th and 20th and in Selkirk on 4th, but in Melrose a flock of 20 was seen on 3rd, and in Hawick 40 were seen on 4th.
From St Andrews came a report of some 25 during January and February, a flock of eight was seen in both Montrose and Brechin, and there were single birds in Carnoustie. In Ban- chory 14 were seen on 3lst January, and Waxwings were present in Banff up to 14th. At the end of the month up to 30 were present in Inverness, twice as many as recorded during the first three weeks. The most northerly report for January came from Scarferry, near Thurso, where up to seven birds were present during the middle of the month.
No Waxwings at all were reported in January from the Northern Isles, Outer Hebrides, Northwest Highlands, Argyll, Inner Hebrides or Solway. In Glasgow a few scattered groups were reported from the University and Sauchiehall Street, and in Ayr and district some five sightings were made. Most birds were seen on the east side of the country, in fact in some places more than in December.
1971 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 429
Thus the majority of the Waxwings seem to have moved on, although a number of overwintering flocks were still present, notably in the Borders and coastal areas of eastern Scotland.
Spring records—possible return passage
February was bedevilled by a postal strike, which preven- ted submission of many records. This is unfortunate, pecause just before the strike, reports of fairly large flocks around Edinburgh and Inverness were being received that indicated the possible development of a return movement. In Inverness a flock of 21 was seen on 13-15th, but only one bird was seen on 16th and two on 20th; a flock of 16 was seen elsewhere in the city on 27th. In Edinburgh a flock of 12 noted on 19th was seen to move off to the northwest. Also in Edinburgh a flock of 30 was seen on Ist, 14 on 9th, 15 on 13th and 12 on 17-18th. These records come from all over Edinburgh and may represent different flocks. Twelve Waxwings were seen on 2nd March, others on 6th, and the last record is of an un- known number seen on 11th. This concentration of birds in the Edinburgh area is most interesting, for the same thing was noted in the spring of 1966. East of Edinburgh the only record of the month (and final one of the winter there) was of a single bird at Eyemouth on 2nd February.
In the Tweed area there is a record of seven birds at Inner- leithen, Peeblesshire, on 9th February, four others at Gatton- side, Roxburghshire, on 4th, and in March a few were still present in both Selkirkshire and Roxburghshire.
In Fife over 20 birds were noted in St Andrews up to the middle of February, but by 3rd March there were only two, and the last record is of a single bird on 6th March. Further up the coast, three were recorded in Montrose on Ist Feb- ruary, another on 3rd and then none until two were seen on 3rd March. A single bird was also noted at Monifieth on 18th February, and three were at Carnoustie on 4th March. At West Ferry, Dundee, six were seen on 6th March and four on 14th. From Brechin came a report of 30 on 8th March. At Banchory, Kincardineshire, a flock or flocks of up to 16 “timid” birds were seen on 23rd and 27th March. Further north, at Dornoch, Sutherland, two were present from 24th March to 5th April; one of these birds was seen to feed the other, and it is probable that they were a pair. Mutual feeding during the winter has been recorded in the wild by Hutchinson (1966) and in the aviary by Meaden and Harrison (1965). It suggests that some form of pair bond persists outside the breeding season. The most northerly record for early spring is of seven birds at Scarferry, Thurso, in the middle of March.
In the eastern part of central Scotland, eight Waxwings were regularly seen in Perth between 7th and 21st February;
430 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8)
Yan A 0 ( oF Y, 1.5.71 & d Da. o a — J BE A se C y S Yd. /, J F fY OD JM e a fe) ww, R J V/ Ae? S-7! E r\ oy \ J F F. € ba S 2\ F JF “ey J M 6 A F 4 aMe Jum AM J EMA J ~ JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH M
- APRIL - MAY
Fic. 4. Reports of Waxwings January-May 1971.
during the week ending 27th March two small parties were seen at Bridge of Allan, and others were seen at Bannock- burn. Further west, two were noted in Helensburgh on 8th February, nine in Bearsden on 13th (and one on 22nd), one in Paisley on 4th and 22nd, and in Glasgow up to 32 birds were present during the first week of February. After this, however, the numbers dropped, and the last seen were four on 13th
1971 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 431
March. In Ayrshire there were three reports of Waxwings dur- ing February and five in March. At least 12 were seen in Dumfries on 8th February and two at Dalry on Ist March. Other Waxwings were present around Dumfries at about this time.
From this it would appear that a return movement was tak- ing place during the first three weeks of February, with most of the birds having gone by the beginning of March. A few small flocks were still on the move at the end of March, chiefly in eastern Scotland.
April and May—final departure
April and May saw the last of the Waxwings (table 4). In the Forth area one was seen at Grangemouth on 27th April, and about this time a small party was also present at Bridge of Allan. In Roxburghshire five were seen on 3rd April at St Boswells and two at Gattonside on 12th. In the Dee faunal area three Waxwings were seen at Banchory on 4th April, eight at Kintore, Aberdeenshire, on Ist May, and there is an unconfirmed report that Waxwings were still around Aberdeen on 8th May. At Munlochy, in the Black Isle, a flock of five was seen on 23rd April, sitting in an apple tree, which was in full ae This flock had probably been in the area since 13th or
th.
Table 4. Waxwings in Scotland in April and May 1971
Grangemouth, Stirling 1 27th April Bridge of Allan, Perth “small party’, last week April St Boswells, Roxburghshire 5 3rd April Gattonside, Roxburghshire 2 Toth April Banchory, Kincardineshire 3 4th April Kintore, Aberdeenshire 8 lst May Munlochy, East Ross 5 23rd April Dornoch, Sutherland 2 24th April Dornoch, Sutherland 1 30th April Hamilton, Lanarkshire 12 2-6th April Stirling 5 2nd May
In Dornoch two were present from the last week of March to 5th April. The most northerly records for April and May come from Fair Isle, where single birds were seen on 24th and 30th April, the most southerly was a single bird at Ayr on 4th. Twelve were also seen at Hamilton on 2nd-6th April. The last definite record for the whole of Scotland was of a flock of five at Stirling on 2nd May.
Food of Waxwings 1970/71
Many observers reported on the food plants visited by flocks (see table 5). As in previous years rowan did not come very high on the list, even though it is fairly common in Scotland
432 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8)
and is one of the chief sources of food during migration in Scandinavia. Cotoneaster was by far the favourite food plant in towns, though, given a choice, some birds were reported to prefer viburnum or berberis. In rural areas hips and haws were commonly eaten, and apples were popular everywhere;
Table 5. Food of Waxwings, 1970/71 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Totals
Cotoneaster 5 90 4 3 72 1 1 106 Hawthorn PROT) 5 3 7) 29 Rosehip 2 5 6 2 2 17 Apple 9 3 2 14 Berberis 2 5 1 8 Pear 1 4 5) Rowan 1 3 ] 5 Elder 3 3 Wild cherry 1 1 2, Whitebeam 1 1 2 Holly 1 1 2 Crab-apple 1 1 Sea-buckthorn 1 1 Viburnum 1 1]
V2 LST 1S 1G 6 4 2 1 196
one report suggested a Waxwing could consume about an apple a day. Several reports mentioned Waxwings drinking from gutters and puddles.
Interaction with other species
Several reports described the curiosity or aggression shown to Waxwings by other species of birds. In Edinburgh a single Waxwing was seen to be “semi-mobbed” by Blue Tits and House Sparrows; at Haddington a flock of 60 Waxwings was nearly always followed by a number of House Sparrows, and at Alva two Waxwings were seen surrounded by inquisitive Blue Tits. Possible competition was also noted; from one chased away from an apple by a Blackbird to a flock of 11 feeding on whitebeam at the same time as a Mistle Thrush and 3 Greenfinches.
Mortality
As in previous invasions many Waxwings were picked up dead. A certain amount of bias may be involved in such re- ports, however, since a strange, brightly coloured bird is more likely to be handed over to the local naturalist or museum than a duller, more common species. However Waxwings do appear to be rather accident-prone and are particularly careless in traffic. No fewer than 12 were killed when a flock flying across the road at Longniddry was hit by a car. Several stunned or ex- sa hair birds were successfully restored to full health and released.
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PLATES 29-32. The photographs on this and the following pages are the work of Bobby Tulloch. Above Guillemots at Hermaness, Unst, 1971. A number of ‘bridled’ birds can be seen on the ledges. Over Ruff at Haaf Grumey, August 1971 (plate 50a). Puffin at Hermaness, Unst, 1971 (plate S0b). Portrait of a Ptarmigan (plate 51). Tufted Duck with young (plate 52a). Lapwing sitting on eggs in three inches of snow, Mid Yell, 25rd April 1967 (plate 32b).
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1971 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 437
Ringing records
Three ringed birds were reported : one was seen on the Isle of May but not caught; one, picked up dead at Stranraer on 12th November, had been ringed on 25th October at Alppila, near Helsinki, Finland; the third was caught at Cupar, Fife, on 14th November by the Tay Ringing Group. This bird had been ringed on 10th October at Signilskar, Eckeré, in the Aland Islands, Finland. The Stranraer bird had travelled about 1200 miles in, at the most, 18 days, an average of 66 miles a day; the Cupar bird had flown 900 miles in, at the most, 35 days, an average of some 25 miles a day; both had travelled in a west-southwest direction.
Acknowledgments
Without the co-operation of Club members and members of the general public this survey would have been impossible. Many people wrote several times, and others sent in compre- hensive summaries that helped me greatly. To all these people I would like to extend my thanks.
Summary
The arrival of large numbers of Waxwings in East Lothian in October 1970 heralded a major invasion. Over 500 separate observations were re- ceived, concerning over 5000 birds. Details are given of the arrival and dispersal of these birds in Scotland. A single isolated bird was seen on the east coast on 22nd September, followed by a small wave in the middle of October. The main arrival began at the end of the third week of Octo- ber. At first there was a strong concentration in East Lothian, but arrivals soon occurred along much of the east coast. The number of birds reported fell during December and January. In February there was an indication of a return passage.
Records of the fruit eaten by Waxwings during this invasion are listed by months, and brief mention is made of interaction with other species and mortality. In table 6 a comparison is made with previous invasions.
Table 6. Waxwing invasions of Scotland since 1957
Berry cropin First Main Last
Fenno-Scandia record Forerunners invasion record 1957 abundant late Jan late Jan-early Feb llth Feb 31st Mar 1957/58 total failure lst wk Nov — 10th Nov Feb 1958/59 abundant 23rd Oct 11th Nov 13th Dec Apr 1959/60 poor 3lst Aug Sep/Oct 30th Oct Mar 1961/62 — early Oct — 7th Nov 6th Apr 1963/64 — 28th Oct — 2nd Nov 25th Apr 1965/66 poor 22nd Sep 7-15th Oct 15th Oct 8th May 1966/67 — 9th Oct — mid Oct 30th Mar 1970/71 — 22nd Sep 11th Oct 17th Oct 2nd May References
BaxTER, E. V. & RinTovuL, L. J. 1947. The migration of Wazwings into Scotland 1946. S.0.C. publication, Edinburgh.
CoRNWALLIS, R. K. 1961. Four invasions of Waxwings during 1956-60. Brit. Birds 54: 1-30.
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WEES Dll
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PARROT IRN ARAN
438 WAXWINGS IN SCOTLAND 1970/71 6(8)
CORNWALLIS, R. K. & TOWNSEND, A. D. 1968. Waxwings in Britain and Europe dur- ing 1965-66. Brit. Birds 61: 97-118.
EVERETT, M. J. 1967. Waxwings in Scotland, 1965/66 and 1966/67. Scot. Birds 4: 534-548.
HuTCHINSON, M. M. 1966. Mutual feeding by Waxwings in winter. Brit. Birds 59: 157-158.
MaAcMILLAN, A. T. 1959. The invasion of Waxwings Bombycilla garrulus. December 1958. Scot. Birds 1: 102-106.
MACMILLAN, A. T. 1960. The invasion of Waxwings Bomobycilla garrulus in Scotland in October and November 1959. Scot. Birds 1: 241-251, 278.
MACMILLAN, A. T. 1962. The Waxwing invasion of November 1961. Scot. Birds 2: 85-89,
MACMILLAN, A. T. 1964. The Waxwing invasion of October and November 1963. Scot. Birds 3: 180-194.
MEADEN, F. M. & Harrison, C. J. O. 1965. Courtship display in the Waxwing. Brit. Birds 58: 206-208.
SvaRpDson, G. 1957. The “invasion”? type of bird migration. Brit. Birds 50: 314-343.
Scottish winter Rook roost survey—southern Scotland
J.H. B. MUNRO Introduction
The scale of the survey has made it necessary to phase the work over at least three winters, starting in 1970/71. For con- venience the country has been divided into three areas: southern—south of a line joining Falkirk, Kilsyth, and Green- ock; northern—north and west of a line joining Inverness and Fort William, and including all the islands; central—the area in between.
The first report deals with the southern area and includes (where applicable) the results of the pilot survey made in 1969/70 (Scot. Birds 6: 166-168).
Roosting behaviour is recorded in detail in the literature, and only observations conflicting with or extending existing knowledge are given here.
Factors affecting the accuracy of the survey
The use by Rooks of autumn roosts is well known. Roosts found before November or December may not be true winter roosts, and a few of those recorded here may not have been occupied all winter.
Where the survey of any of the three areas defined above extends over more than one winter, some roosts may be aban- doned and the birds move elsewhere. Many winter roosts, however, are of very long standing, and if the birds do move they are unlikely to go far, so that this should not seriously affect the general distribution pattern that has emerged.
1971 SCOTTISH WINTER ROOK ROOST SURVEY 439
Results
Fifty-eight winter roosts were found. They cover the agri- cultural part of the southern area, and from the pattern of their distribution it is believed that only about six winter roosts remain undiscovered. These are likely to be in Berwick- shire (1), Dumfriesshire (2) and Roxburghshire (3).
The positions of the roosts were marked on a land-classifi- cation map, a simplified version of which is given as fig. 1. It is clear, as might be expected, that the roosts are associated with good-quality land, especially the alluvial ground of the river valleys, though some roosts were on poorer land nearby.
Fig, 1. Distribution of winter Rook roosts in southern Scotland, 1970/71. The hatched area shows poor-quality land (taken from Ordnance Survey Land-Classification map, 1945).
There is an indication that the largest roosts are associated with the best land, e.g. Hutton Castle, Old Greenlaw, Dun- score, Bar Hill, Terregles, Stevenson and Outtle Well. The dis- tribution pattern was found to be notably regular where there is good farming land, but much of the southern area consists of poor land, on which there are no roosts, and for this reason the pattern is dealt with on a county basis.
440 SCOTTISH WINTER ROOK ROOST SURVEY 6(8)
Distances between roosts varied from five to ten miles in the great majority of cases (46 out of 58), but four roosts were 11-16 miles from their neighbours, and eight were less than five miles distant. Because of the regularity of the distribution of roosts on good land it became possible in the later stages of the survey, by studying a map and taking into account the physical features of the district, to predict fairly accurately where there should be a roost. In this way considerable time and effort were saved in the location of roosts.
Roost populations
Jackdaws were present in all roosts, and in some cases a few Carrion Crows also roosted with the Rooks and Jack- daws. No other species was recorded.
It was difficult to assess the number of birds using the roosts and the ratio of Jackdaws to Rooks. Jackdaws are apt to be noisier, and estimates of their numbers can be influen- ced by this. Even in mid winter the number of birds in any given roost seemed to vary, and sometimes a roost might cease to be used: for example, at Duns Castle at the end of the first week in November the thousands of birds formerly present abandoned it for the Simprin roost about six miles away.
The birds used a wide variety of trees, both coniferous and broad-leaved, but chose mature trees at least 30 feet high where these were available. Tree strips or isolated small woods were preferred, and close young plantations were shunned.
Final pre-roosting concentrations
Just before going to the roost, the birds normally collect in a single concentration, usually on the ground close to the roosting trees, but sometimes up to a mile or so away. Where the roost is large, several final concentration areas may be used. C. K. Mylne made an intensive study of a roost at Muir- avonside and found at least three such areas were used, though late flocks flew direct to the roosting trees. At Bridgend of Kildarroch the birds gathered on the ground then flew to a small wood nearby, before going to the roost a quarter of a mile away. At Bedrule, where some hundreds of birds were already frequenting the roost in mid afternoon, incoming flocks flew direct to the roost. There was, however, dead ground behind the roost, and some birds may have concen- trated there unseen.
Normally the birds rise in orderly fashion from the final dense pre-roosting concentration, giving an impression of a black ribbon unwinding towards the roost. At Dalmahoy the concentration on the ground constantly crept nearer the roost;
1971 SCOTTISH WINTER ROOK ROOST SURVEY 44]
the birds farthest away flew low over the heads of those near- est the roost and alighted ahead of them, but the gathering remained close-packed and looked like a black blanket mov- ing across the ground towards the roost.
Distribution of roosts by counties
Estimated Trees population Roost Approx. dist. used (including known (miles) from
Jackdaws) since nearest roost AYRSHIRE Ailsa Hospital pinewood “several “many 2
thousands” years” Auchenleck House — 5000 — 8 Dunlop House deciduous 500 — 1 Eglinton Park hardwood “several — 8
thousands” Loudon Woods deciduous 1000+ 1925 8 Nether Auchendrane mixed 3000 — 2, Pinclanty ash/alder 1000+ — 13 Straiton fir/larch 3000 — 9
The Ailsa Hospital and Nether Auchendrane roosts are exceptionally close together, but Dr Castle reports that they were both in use at the same time in 1970/71. The Pinclanty roost serves the Ballantrae and Maybe areas and is separated from the Straiton roost by the hills of
rrick.
BERWICKSHIRE Allanshaws pinewood — 1946 7 Duns Castle mixed 3000 — 6 Foxcovey Simprin coniferous 4000 — 5 Hoprig Farm, Cockburnspath pine strip 1000 — i Hutton Castle pine strip 10000+ — 5 Redpath Farm, Longformacus mixed 500 — 7 Redpath Hill, Bemersyde conifers 2000-5000 — 8 Todrig, Old Greenlaw —_ 10000+ 1960 7 There is possibly a roost near Spottiswood. DUMFRIESSHIRE Bankend, Locharwoods mixed 2000 — 9 Dalgonar, Dunscore conifers 10000+ — 6 Dunabie Farm conifers 1500 —_ 9 Halluchs, Lochmaben conifers 10000 — 9 Mennoch, Braefoot larch/spruce 2000 — 15 Mount Annan mixed 1500-2000 — 8 Stenrieshill, Wamphray conifers 1000 — 9 (Heatherhead, Cumberland beech/oak 2500-3000 — 10) There are possibly roosts in the Langholm and Durisdeer areas. DUNBARTONSHIRE Bar Hill birch 5000-10000 1924 10 EAST LOTHIAN Stevenson Mains mixed 5000-10000 1947 7 strip Stobshill, Humbie coniferous 5000 — Zi strip
It seems probable that the Stevenson Mains roost takes the place of a very old roost at Tyninghame, which was in use in 1794.
442 SCOTTISH WINTER ROOK ROOST SURVEY 6(8)
Estimated Trees population Roost Approx. dist. used (including known (miles) from Jackdaws) since nearest roost
KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE Auriland Farm, Gelston birch 500 — 6 Barlay, Balmaclellan mixed 2000-3000 1962 5 Barrhill, Dalbeattie — — — 6 Bridgend of Kildarroch oak scrub 2000-5000 — 9 Grove Hospital, Terregles larch very big a 6 Holehouse Farm, mixed 1000-3000 — 6 Dundrennan Meikle Auchenreoch, conifers 5000-10000 — 5 Crocketford Paddock Hall, conifers 5000 — 5 Nether Corsock LANARKSHIRE Carstairs House deciduous 5000 a 9 Hamilton Palace deciduous — 1924 8 Spittal Farm, Biggar mixed 5000 1903? 7 MIDLOTHIAN Borthwick Church deciduous 2000 pes 7 Dalmahoy Hill deciduous 3000-5000 — 11 PEEBLESSHIRE Burnhead Farm, Eddleston conifers — 1946/47 9 Felton Farm, Dolphinton pines _ 5000 — ff RENFREWSHIRE Castle Semple Loch alders 6000 i — 6 Pinkerton Farm, Foulwood mixed 500-1000 — 6 Stoneybyres Farm, beech 7500-8000 c1935 10 Eaglesham ROXBURGHSHIRE Cogsmill Stobs conifers 1000-3000 — 10 Hoselaw mixed — — 9 Spittal Bedrule conifer strip 5000 — 10 There are probably three additional roosts near Kelso, Marchcleugh Crailing, and Chesters. SELKIRKSHIRE Sunderland Hall conifers — —_ 8 STIRLINGSHIRE Drumgoyne Station conifers 5000-8000 — 11 Dunmore House, Airth conifers 2000 — 9 Muiravonside deciduous 10000 — 9
A subsidiary roost was found at Lochcote, about one mile from Muir- avonside. This is a very old roost, known to have been used for at least 50 years before 1946/47.
1971 SCOTTISH WINTER ROOK ROOST SURVEY 443
Estimated Trees population Roost Approx. dist. used (including known (miles) from Jackdaws) since nearest roost WIGTOWNSHIRE Bladnoch Weir deciduous 1000-5000 — 5 Dowalton Loch = 3000-5000 — S Elrig spruce 3000 oe 3 Falhar a 500-1000 — 4 Galloway House — 10000 — 2 Outtle Well _ 30000-50000 — 2 Stoneykirk deciduous 8000-11000 — 16 White Loch of Milton _ 5000 — 3
The Wigtownshire roosts are remarkable for their closeness, apart from Stoneykirk, which is isolated by barren country. This roost has been known for five years and probably takes the place of the Gruzy Glen roost known to have been occupied for at least 60 years. The immense size of the Outtle Well roost is also remarkable. Some birds, though not great numbers, cross Wigtown Bay from Kirkcudbrightshire to roost in Wigtownshire.
Acknowledgments
Thanks are due to a large number of people without whose help the survey could not have been carried out.
The following were particularly active—Alex R. Anderson, R. S. Baillie, Dr M. E. Castle, W. A. Craw, R. C. Dickson, Hon. H. Douglas-Home, Mrs Draper, Sir A. B. Duncan, Dr G M. Dunnet, Mrs Foster, Mrs Halliday, R. Hewitson, Lt Col W. M. Logan-Home, A. Mathieson, J. K. R. Melrose, R. H. Millar, J. B. Murray, C. K. Mylne, T. E. Quine, G. L. Sandeman, A. J. Smith, R. T. Smith, J. L. Tweedie, W. Veitch, Miss G. Watts, A. D. Watson, G. T. White and J. G. Young.
I am indebted to K. Williamson, who redrafted much of the report, and whose kindly suggestions were invaluable.
Summary
Following a pilot study in 1969/70, a survey was made in 1970/71 of winter Rook roosts in Scotland south of the Forth and Clyde. Fifty-eight roosts were found, and it is estimated that only about six roosts remain undiscovered in the area. Roosts were associated with good farming land, and the largest ones tended to be on or near the best land. Both coniferous and broad-leaved trees were used for roosting; mature woods were preferred, and tree-strips or isolated small woods were normally chosen. Jackdaws were present in all roosts.
Some observations on final concentrations and roost occupation are reported, and a county-by-county list of roosts is given. The geographical distribution of roosts was remarkably regular, 46 of the 58 roosts being within five to ten miles of the next one.
444 SHORT NOTES 6(8) Short Notes
Steller’s Eider in Aberdeenshire
On 8th November 1970 at 0930 hrs I saw a dark duck with white head and wings among a flock of Eiders feeding in the sea off Rattray Head Lighthouse. It was smaller than Eider and about the same size as Long-tailed Duck, but plumper. I identified it as Steller’s Eider.
Description Head pure white, with dark eye patch; upperparts dark brown, except for white forewings; tail pointed; breast dark brown, Sn egine lighter towards belly; bill duck like, not as long or heavy as
1 '
The Steller’s Eider stayed with the Common Eiders, drifting north with the outgoing tide and flying back to the feeding area. It rose from the water more like Mallard than Common Eider, and its flight was fast; in flight the white of the head and forewings was very conspicuous against the dark body. When diving the bird would open its wings like Common Eider, but spent less time submerged than the Common Eiders.
I watched the bird intermittently until 1300 hrs, when the increasing choppiness of the sea prevented further sight of it.
M. R. WILLIAMS.
(There are three previous Scottish records: two males in Orkney, 5th-19th January 1947 (Brit. Birds 40: 253); another male in Orkney 13th November 1949 (Scot. Nat. 1950: 57) and a female in southeast Sutherland 22nd September 1959 (Scot. Birds 1: 234). The species breeds in arctic Siberia and in Alaska.—ED.)
Early fledging of Hen Harrier brood
On 12th June 1971 DMB found a Hen Harrier’s nest in a young conifer plantation near Dornoch, southeast Suther- land. The nest contained one egg and a nestling almost at the fledging stage. Early on the evening of 13th, DM went to the _ site. During an unsuccessful search for the nest, when he was frequently mobbed by the female, he flushed a young bird, which flew away strongly and disappeared over a ridge about 100 yards distant. Later the same evening we returned to the area, and DMB found two young birds in the nest. One young- ster, presumably the one he had found in the nest the previous day, fluttered a few yards out of the nest and crouched in the heather, while the other flew up and dropped into cover about 50 yards away. DM obtained an excellent view of the bird as it got up and, judging from the manner of its flight, was almost certain that it was not the fledgling he had flushed earlier in the evening.
1971 SHORT NOTES 445
E. Balfour states that in Orkney even the last days of June would be an early date for young Hen Harriers to be flying. The earliest flying date positively known to A. D. Watson in Galloway is 2nd July, although at one nest there in 1960, hatch- ing started on 27th May, and the first young bird was almost certainly able to fly just before the end of June.
The young of the Dornoch brood appear to have fledged at least a fortnight, and possibly up to 16 or 17 days, earlier than any previously recorded. Allowing for minimum incubation and nestling periods egg-laying must have begun before the end of the first week of April.
D. M. BREMNER, D. MACDONALD.
Upland Sandpiper at Fair Isle
At 9.30 a.m. on 5th October 1970 Stewart Thomson reported an unusual wader beside a pool near the church on Fair Isle. We searched the area and about an hour later flushed the bird from long grass near the shop. It was shy and difficult to ap- proach, but we had some views of it in flight and once as it briefly perched on a fence post. Finally we managed to stalk it near the church and for more than 15 minutes had excellent views with binoculars and telescopes from about 100 yards. It was an Upland Plover, a new species for Fair Isle, and only the second record for Scotland; the first was shot at Ruthwell near Dumfries on 13th October 1933.
While we watched it, the bird ran through long grass, across the road and up the side of a small hill, finally disappearing in flight over the skyline. It was seen by many observers in- cluding Dr B. Marshall, I. S. Robertson, B. Asher, G. J. Barnes, R. E. Emmett and E. J. Wiseman. About half an hour later I was near the South Lighthouse when the Upland Sandpiper dropped into a marsh just 30 yards from me. A heavy rain shower was approaching, and the bird huddled in the marsh for ten minutes until the shower passed. I had excellent views of it at close range. Suddenly it shook itself and flew up call- ing, with a short repeated wild whistle, quip-quip, not two dis- tinct calls but rather variable. The bird disappeared high to the south over the sea and was not seen again.
Field description A large wader, about the size of a Ruff, with rather long wings, tail and neck; upperparts brown, beautifully patterned with black and buff streaking, lower back and rump dark brown; crown dark brown; a whitish ring round the eye; neck long and thin; head small but with a large eye; chin, belly and under tail-coverts white; rest of underparts buff-brown, marked with dark streaks on throat and breast and dark bars on the flanks; wings like upperparts, no wing- bar, primaries darker (especially noticeable in flight); tail dark brown, sides white, with beautifully marked tawny-brown bars and notches radiating from centre of tail; underwing whitish, barred with thin,
446 SHORT NOTES 6(8)
black lines; bill short and dark, rather like a Ruff’s; legs long and yellow.
When walking the bird would stalk along in a rather delicate, delib- erate way; when alighting it kept its wings raised, showing the pale underwing.
Roy H. DENNIS.
White-rumped Sandpiper in Orkney
On llth October 1970 I observed a small strange wader feeding on the shore of the small estuary at Mill Sands, Tan- kerness. It was decidedly smaller than Dunlin, upperparts mainly brownish grey, with some whitish feather edgings and a decidedly rufous tinge on the back. There was a pale or whitish superciliary stripe. The underparts were mainly whitish, with grey-brown markings on the upper breast. The be vee avon and straight and dark or blackish. The legs were also dark.
Presently the bird rose and flew low, directly away from me to the opposite side of the estuary. The white rump above a dark tail that appeared rounded, with pointed central feathers, and the faint wing-bar identified it as a White-rumped Sand- piper.
It had been resting when first seen, but after its short flight it began to feed actively, dashing about and picking up smal! morsels from the mud or sand and making. short flights. It remained rather solitary and did not join the Dunlin flock nearby, but at times came close to Knot, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover and Lapwing. I did not hear it call, but the next day E. J. Williams located the bird and noted a thin peep flight- call, repeated at brief intervals.
E. BALFOUR.
(This is the sixth Scottish record. Another White-rumped Sandpiper was in Orkney on 31st October 1969 (Scot. Birds 6: 202), and the previous reports were from Midlothian 21st-24th August 1955 (Edin. Bird Bull. 5: 78; Brit. Birds 49: 39), East Lothian 12th October 1958 (Edin. Bird Bull. 8: 112; Brit. Birds 53: 165), Caithness 10th September 1966 (Scot. Birds 5: 27) and the Outer Hebrides 21st-27th November 1966 (Scot. Birds 4: 506).—ED.)
Desert Wheatear at Fair Isle
While walking along the clifftop at Millens Houllan in the early afternoon of 20th November 1970, I found a male Desert Wheatear. I watched it for about ten minutes and wrote a field description as it ran about on the short turf, busily feeding. It was quite tame and came within ten yards of me, When I
1971 SHORT NOTES 447
returned at 3 p.m. with I. S. Robertson and G. J. Barnes the bird was still there, and we watched it for about 30 minutes before it flew off low to the south, over the shoulder of Ward Hill. It was not seen again. There are three previous records for Fair Isle: 6th and 26th October 1928 and 18th November 1940—all three were “obtained”’.
Field description A small pale wheatear; slim and rather more Red- start-shaped, with a horizontal stance and a rather long tail; whole upperparts dark creamy buff, with the slightest pinkish tint; tail wholly black, with upper tail-coverts and lower rump creamy white; whitish stripe over eye between creamy buff crown and black side of face; chin, throat and sides of neck also black, forming clean-cut black bib, but feathers tipped grey and white; underparts pale off-white, creamy on upper breast; wings black, primaries noticeably so, but secondaries browner, with creamy white fringes forming pale wing-panel; greater coverts similar, with whitish tips; lesser and median coverts like back; bill, eye, legs and feet black.
When the bird was at rest, the black parts of the plumage appeared as a continuous band of biack from bill to tip of tail; in flight the upper surface was very distinctive, with white rump, black tail, dark flight feathers, pale upperparts and paler scapulars.
Roy H. DENNIS. Firecrests in Morayshire
On 4th October 1970, while watching the ravine of the Dorback Burn near Relugas, I heard a number of sharp, rather loud zip or zit notes, which did not closely resemble those of any of our tits or those of Goldcrest but which nevertheless seemed vaguely familiar. The side of the ravine from which the calls came is densely covered with broom, and as I watched two birds appeared on some of the outer branches of a bush. I recognised them as Firecrests, a species I had previously seen in Spain and Germany.
There were more calls from the interior of the bush, and soon a third Firecrest emerged. The birds kept coming out and disappearing again for about 20 minutes then they moved to the bottom of the ravine and disappeared.
They were quite confiding, perhaps less restless than Gold- crest, and they would occasionally sit still on a twig, afford- ing a good view, at times from no more than ten yards dis- tance. They were very similar to Goldcrest, with similar movements, but the call was sharper and louder, and only single notes were heard. In appearance they were a purer green than Goldcrest, and not so brownish. The wing showed a double, pale wing-bar, and the underparts were very pale, appearing white at the centre of the belly. The crown was orange, and I could not make out any yellow edging. The eye-
448 SHORT NOTES 6(8)
stripe was white and very conspicuous, being flanked above and below by black. R. RICHTER.
(This, the eighth Scottish record, is the first for the main- land and the first of more than one bird. Unrecorded in Scot- land until 1959, the Firecrest has occurred also in Shetland twice, Orkney once and on the Isle of May four times, with dates from 11th June to 11th October, but mostly between mid September and mid October; one apparently summered in Shetland in 1965 (Scot. Birds 5: 398).—ED.)
Water Pipit in Ayrshire
On 13th April 1970 W. R. Brackenridge identified a Water Pipit at Doonfoot. On 14th I visited the place and found a lighter-coloured bird feeding near some Rock Pipits on piled- up seaweed. It was the same size as Rock Pipit but appeared slimmer when feeding on the ground.
Description Head, nape and back greyish brown, with browner shading becoming more obvious towards tail; outer tail-feathers white; eye-stripe whitish, distinct; chin whitish, with some brown streaks from neck to chin; upper breast off white, and lower breast well marked with brown streaks, creating an impression of a white shield on the preast 88 seen from the front; belly white; two wing-bars were seen in flight.
The bird was wary of other species except Rock Pipit. Its call, tsiiip, seemed longer than the similar call of Rock Pipit. I
saw the bird daily until 18th April. A. G. STEWART.
(As with previous records of A. s. spinoletta (Scot. Birds 6: 50-53) we referred this record (and the accompanying sketch by WRB) to K. Williamson and I. G. Johnson. They accept the bird as a Water Pipit on the basis of the white outer tail feathers, the two wing-bars, the distinct eyestripe and the white belly. This seems to be the first record for Ayrshire and indeed for the west side of the country.—ED.)
1971 SHORT NOTES 449
Food of Great Grey Shrikes in Inverness-shire and southeast Sutherland i
A Great Grey Shrike was present at the Bught Park, Inver- ness, from 14th February to 15th April 1970. Its range included about ten acres of low scrub and grassland fringed by tall trees, bounded to the south by the River Ness and to the north by a small artificial burn. The bird was also seen in an adjoin- ing scrub area, but the total size of its range was not known.
One pellet was retrieved from beneath the bird’s perch on telephone wires immediately after it was regurgitated, and 30 more were collected from below a 20-foot hawthorn tree in which the shrike roosted. The pellets were all similar in ap- pearance to those described by Hewson (Scot. Birds 6: 18-22 and plate 4). They varied from 19mm to 54mm in length, but were of fairly constant width (12mm to 15mm) and averaged 33mm x 13mm. The remains of ten short-tailed voles, 14 bank voles and two field mice were found, all identified from jaw- bones and teeth. In addition one bird limb-bone was present, probably of a small passerine, and the remains of two insects (the carapace of a beetle and the hollow thorax and wings of a bee). The composition of the diet by weight (calculated by Southern’s method, whereby all prey species are related to a standard prey unit; Ibis 96: 384-410) was:
Short-tailed vole 37%; bank vole 52%; field mouse 7%; ore 4%: insect-trace.
Bank voles were therefore an important constituent of this bird’s diet, whereas in his investigation of pellets of a Great Grey Shrike in Morayshire, Hewson reported no trace of this species. Bank voles were probably the most abundant prey Species in the areas of thick cover. Few fresh droppings of short-tailed voles were found in the grassland, which is their typical habitat, and in 16 trap-nights no voles were caught, and
‘only three common shrews.
The shrike fed by swooping from the tops of small trees or from power cables, and one insect was seen to be caught. W. Melvin Morrison watched the shrike chase a Blue Tit, un-
successfully.
3 JOHN A. LOVE.
From 21st November 1970 to 9th April 1971 an adult male Great Grey Shrike was observed in occupation of a range alongside a two-mile stretch of the road from Dornoch to the Meikle Ferry. About half of the area is arable farmland and contains a narrow strip of alders and birches; the other half, much more favoured by the bird, is moorland with a lot of broom and whin. Bushes and trees were seldom used as ob- servation posts by the shrike, as a row of overhead wires,
450 SHORT NOTES 6(8)
running parallel to the roadway, provided a look-out stance along the bird’s entire range.
Late one evening in early April the shrike was seen to fly down from the overhead wires and enter a tall, scraggy whin where it was open on one side. The bush was found to contain a larder and, judging from the amount of droppings under the branches, it probably served also as a roost. Wedged between two whin stems were the remains of a field vole, the head hav- ing been eaten. Four pellets, which measured 35 x 11, 30 x 11, 25 x 12 and 22 x 12 mm respectively, were collected from be- low the bush. These were found to contain the remains of three field voles, a common shrew, a common lizard and two or three bumble bees.
The lizard was an unexpected victim so early in the season. D. MACDONALD, A. S. CLARKE.
Obituary THE RT. HON THE EARL OF MANSFIELD
The Earl of Mansfield, who died on 2nd September 1971, was born to a great heritage, and he devoted his life to it with a fine sense of responsibility; he performed his wide range of public duties in Parliament and many other spheres with dis- tinction. Few men could achieve success in so many fields; in all of them he amassed a remarkable knowledge and, being blessed with a retentive memory, he could discourse on many subjects with great ability and clarity. As a keen agriculturist and successful farmer, he had a deep love of the land in all its aspects, and ornithology was always one of his foremost interests, for he had ample opportunity to study a wide variety of birdlife on his estates in several counties. He was a member of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, the British Ornithologists’ Union, a former chairman of the British Trust for Ornithology, a trustee of the Wildfowl Trust, president of the Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain, a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and a member of the Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on the Protection of Birds.
He did much during his presidency of the Wildfowlers’ As- sociation to try to eliminate wholesale and indiscriminate shooting and to maintain sanctuaries where wildfowl could not only rest undisturbed but also where ducks could breed in substantial numbers, a policy that has been carried out with great success.
Knowing Lord Mansfield intimately for the best part of a lifetime, I was always impressed by his humble bearing, his dignified manner and his enthusiasm for the subjects that were always dearest to his heart. Wherever the welfare and pro- tection of bird life were concerned, he was always willing to
1971 OBITUARY 451
help in any way he could, and his advice was based on know- ledge and a lifetime of experience.
For some time before his death his eyesight had been failing due to cataract in both eyes; he underwent an operation which gave promise of success but unfortunately he suffered a severe heart attack from which he did not recover. He had a wide circle of friends in all walks of life who will miss him greatly. By his death the country has lost one of its keenest bird pro- tectionists.
ALASTAIR ANDERSON.
Reviews
Birds of Prey in the Field—a Guide to the British and European Species. By Roger Harkness and Colin Murdoch. London. Witherby, 1971. Pp 208; 24 plates (61 photographs), 44 pages of black-and-white drawings. 204 x 134 cm. £2.25.
For a long time now there has been a pressing need for a field guide on the European birds of prey. This book is intended to meet the need and, up to a point, succeeds.
Section 1 deals with the problems surrounding predator identification. The clockface method of making field notes is novel and practical, but would be simpler if the clock started at one o’clock and not at seven o’clock as shown. (A check list of ten commandments using the same observations might be even easier to remember and use).
Section 2 is devoted to identification and should be the easiest section to use, but the lists of tables 1 and 2 are untidy and confusing. They could be made simpler and more concise by straightforward tabulation.
Some of the pointers put forward as aids to identification can also be questioned; for example the colour of the immature Goshawk (p. 39) is decidedly ginger-brown rather than golden. Again, in dealing with eagles, although the set of the wings is important, in my view little evidence of identification can be gained from the angle of a bird’s primary tips, and I feel the diagram on this is of little use to anyone but the exper- ienced raptor specialist; indeed if adopted as a rule of thumb by the novice, it will bring more confusion to the already confused. Although the whole of this section is an earnest attempt to help identification, the non-specialist may find it too complex to be easily understood.
Sections 3 and 5 comprise field sketches by the authors, and should have been put together as one. Both sets of sketches are excellent ex- amples of what raptor spotters should aim at. Quick, clear and concise, they render an extremely positive action replay to be consulted and fol- lowed up at home if the user is still in doubt.
Section 4 deals with systematics and, when used in conjunction with a field guide for plumage colours, is certainly the best pocket reference work published, containing a great volume of accurate detail.
The photographs, I’m glad to see, are not the immaculate prints so often found in bird books. Instead these are typical of the imperfect views one gets in the field and thus more practically helpful.
Although the book is designed for use in the field, the layout is such that a great deal of reading and cross-checking is required: this is tire- some and impractical, especially as constant reference has to be made to the index. However, despite its flaws, I welcome the book to my book- shelf; it should prove, with practice, a useful guide to those who are keen to improve their identification of our native raptors and their European
cousins. JOHN MURRAY.
A452 REVIEWS 6(8)
Highland Birds. By D. Nethersole-Thompson. The Highlands and Islands Development Board and Collins, 1971. Pp. 112; 83 photographs (62 in colour); 8 maps. 20 x 23 cm. £1.25.
This is the first of a series of publications designed, as stated in the preface, to establish a useful and authoritative Highlands library. In this venture the Board have certainly achieved a noteworthy initial success. On picking up the book one is at once impressed by the lavishness of the illustrations at so modest a price. Apart from a few blemishes in colour reproduction, such as the brooding Capercaillie and the Woodcock settling on eggs, the plates are superb. The majority of the photographs depict over 50 species, the remainder being views of characteristic and outstanding habitats. Criticism might be made of the format, but it is doubtful whether the plates could be displayed so advantageously under any other arrangement.
Fine as are the illustrations, the text is even better. Desmond Nether- sole-Thompson, who has had 40 years experience of birdwatching in the delectable wilderness of the Highlands, writes with rare facility, blending scientific facts and descriptive passages in a most chaming manner. In an introductory chapter he spreads a wide net over Scottish ornithology, past and present, and refers particularly to the work done by the SOC. It is also gratifying to note that he pays tribute to that doyen of Scottish naturalists, Seton Gordon, who, in the years between the wars, did so much to stimulate an interest in birdwatching in the Highlands.
In the main text the mainland and islands are divided into eight areas, each being allocated a separate chapter and an accompanying map. Apart from some repetition the general and special aspects of birdlife in each district are vividly detailed. The author refers to several unsolved problems, both local and general, which offer opportunities for research to ornithologists eager to undertake such studies. Perhaps, one day, a brilliant student may even come forward with the answer as to whether ‘leggers’ or ‘arsers’ undertake flea counts !
D. MACDONALD.
A Naturalist on Speyside. By Henry Tegner. London, Geoffrey Bles, 1971. Pp. 128; 36 black-and-white photographs, folding map of area. 21% x 144 cm. £1.75.
Though making only annual pilgrimages to Speyside, the author has “nevertheless amassed much information about the history, people and wild creatures of the area. The dustjacket aptly describes the book as “a guide to the region and an account of memorable outings observing wildlife.” Its scope is wide, covering such diverse subjects as memorials, pearl-fishing, phantoms and the Highland Folk Museum at Kingussie as well as the expected topics on the wild animals and birds that in- habit the Spey valley and the surrounding hills. There are chapters on red deer, roe-deer and reindeer, foxes, squirrels, wildcats, goats, Golden Eagles, Grouse, Capercaillies and the Loch Garten Ospreys.
A noticeable omission is the lack of credits for the photographs, and surely there can be no excuse for publishing poor photographs of tame reindeer and of Black-headed Gulls. And why does the chapter, ‘The Beautiful Scavengers of Loch an Eilean’ (Black-headed Gulls) have so little space devoted to them and so much to Common, Herring, Lesser and Greater Black-backed Gulls, which are much less frequent, and why mention Little Gull, Audouin’s, Slender-billed, Glaucous, Iceland and Ross’s Gulls, which are most unlikely to be recorded there ?
Nevertheless this is a useful book for those going to Speyside for the first time, especially those with an interest in but little knowledge of
natural history. HARVEY BURTON.
1971 LETTER 453
Letter Sir, Oiled birds and the animal-welfare societies
There seems to be danger, in dealing with the facts and fig- ures of oil pollution, as the paper “‘A massive wreck of oiled birds” (Scot. Birds 6: 236-250) did so thoroughly, that we for- get the important welfare work that such incidents require. The authors’ vague reference to “the animal welfare societies” in their acknowledgments is just not good enough, especially as their own painstaking research makes clear their concern for the birds involved in this type of pollution. While I appre- ciate that the long-term work of preventing oil pollution ulti- mately depends on the scientific collection and presentation of such data, we must not ignore the short-term need for meeting the crisis on the beaches. May I therefore draw the attention of your readers to the magnificent work of the Scot- tish SPCA, which played by far the largest part in coping with this incident ?
All four SPCAs in Scotland, took part, the Aberdeen APCA, the Dundee SPCA and even the Glasgow and West of Scotland SPCA, whose area was not involved. At one time, as many as 20 Inspectors were involved each day, 14 of these being Scot- tish SPCA Inspectors, with men being brought in from as far away as Shetland and Kirkcudbrightshire. Over 5000 of the birds were picked up by these men working in all weathers and often without help. Of course we and the Inspectors ap- preciate that many others, including many volunteers and RSPB members, also took part in this unpleasant task, but it is the organization with paid employees trained for this kind of work and having their own transport that is in the end ex- pected to cope.
The cost of the operation was of course considerable, and I would like to recommend the work of the Scottish SPCA for its increasing responsibility for the welfare of our wild birds in the face of growing pollution of all kinds. There are two ways in which birdwatchers can help. One is by contributing financially; but the other is by offering help in surveying the coastline in any future incident of this kind, thus saving the Inspectors’ time for the more specialised tasks of humane destruction or rehabilitation.
The RSPB, because of its excellent Beached Bird Survey, deserved the special mention the authors gave it. But even the RSPB openly admits that incidents on the scale of the 1970 oiling disaster are beyond its resources; it cannot even cope with the day-to-day welfare problems of wild birds in distress. In the Edinburgh telephone directory under “RSPB” a second entry reads “For injured birds call SSPCA—see under Animals”. Thus the public, when finding birds oiled or in dis-
454 LETTER 6(8)
tress and so most in need of ‘protection’, is diverted from the more obvious organisation to the Scottish SPCA, which is better equipped to deal with them. If you ring 031 225 6418 you will always find an Inspector on duty at the Scottish SPCA headquarters at 19 Melville Street, Edinburgh.
So please when there is an opportunity, as there clearly was for the authors of this important paper, let credit be given where it is undoubtedly due.
CHRISTOPHER MYLNE.
J.J. D. GREENWOOD writes:
In our paper, my co-authors and I gave reasons for not men- tioning specific organisations or individuals. I believe these were valid. Nevertheless, I welcome Mr Mylne’s letter for the publicity it gives to the work of the SPCAs in Scotland and of the RSPCA in England.
Most people reading our paper will, I believe, have been sickened by the tally of death and suffering among the affec- ted seabirds. How many of them have translated their feelings into action, by giving financial support to the SPCAs, the RSPB, the SWT, and the Conservation Society ? Each of these is fighting oil pollution in its way. To subscribe to all is cheap- er than subscribing to a single golf club, and I hope that read- ers of Scottish Birds will not only agree with Mr Mylne that credit should be given where it is due, but will also give finan- cial support where it is due.
Request for Information
Status of Reeves’s Pheasant and other feral species. The Records Com- mittee of the British Ornithologists’ Union has placed the feral breeding species of Britain and Ireland into two categories, C and D (Categories A and B include species which have occurred in an apparently wild state). Category C (those species which, although originally introduced by man, have now established a regular feral breeding stock which apparently maintains itself without necessary recourse to further introduction) cur- rently includes Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Little Owl, Egyptian Goose, Mandarin Duck, Ruddy Duck, Golden Pheasant and Lady Am- herst’s Pheasant. Category D (those species which would otherwise appear in category C except that their feral populations may or may not be self-supporting) includes Wood Duck (formerly Carolina Duck), Reeves’s Pheasant and Bob-white Quail.
The BTO Atlas Project has provided confirmed breeding records during 1968-71 for all of these species, with the exception of Reeves’s Pheasant, for which there are not even any records of presence, let alone of proved breeding. Anyone having information on the present or past status of Reeves’s Pheasant as a feral breeding bird in Britain is asked to write to me. Data on the other feral species (except Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant and Little Owl) will also be welcomed, particularly information on popula- tion sizes, dates of introduction and history of the species in specified areas. Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, 59 Curlew Crescent, Bedford.
1971 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 455 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Revenue Account for the year ended 30th June 1971
Yearto Yearto 30/6/71 30/6/70
INCOME— Susbcriptions received for year . £3796 £2479 Income Tax recovered on covenanted subscriptions — 604 328 Dividends and Interest received (gross) :y, 4:3. BbLLOS 236 Surplus on Bookshop (sales £5289)... ane uae ABSZ 1115 Sale of ‘Scottish Birds’ oe ads Goes lO 167 Sundry sales less sundry purchases so ae ne 17 54 Donations received a co ee 63 i £6227 £4386 EXPENDITURE—
Branch expenses including lectures ... Se Ata 350/72 £403 Travel expenses of Council members and of
delegates to conferences a Bae 4 Ja.) 19D 176 Secretarial services ma ee 3. ne a2 LO 3079 Office expenses __........ 8. SAG O56 471 Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird
Protection : Club’s share of eupnInE, Ses eee SF 274 Cost of books purchased for libra es : 48 56 47 Cost of publishing ‘Scottish Birds’ ( ess
advertising revenue £263) ; 2 Bt, tes. | Shoo 834 Net cost of Annual Conference ee Be a bed 35 Susbcriptions paid ade gx ee Soe is 33 32
£5351
Excess of Income over a carried to Balance Sheet : ae aK me s35,. 04) (965) £4386
456 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(8) The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1971
' Yearto Year to 30/6/71 30/6/70
Accumulated Surplus as at 30th June 1970 .... i. E025 £3990 Add: Excess of Income over Expenditure for year ... 541 (965) Accumulated Surplus as at 30th June 1971 _... ... £3566 £3025
(Note: £1000 of this surplus is earmarked for the House Fabric Fund)
Made up of:
Cash in hand and Bank current accounts _... Pee LOU £162 Savings Bank accounts Bae See wae -ccue OOO 91 Bookshop stock at valuation ... me mony sebuah 6 FF) 840 Tie and Badge stocks at valuation .... Be voy bool 86 Debts due to Club Ba oe a nae se OOo 329 Night store heaters—Cost sae ie £465 Less depreciation ae as 105 360 — Investments at cost, as below (eae Be ... 2900 3500 £5889 £5008 Less: | Life Membership Fund ... ts on £500 450 Subscriptions paid in advance — ane 50 76 Debts due by Club a eu 816 902 Sum due to Endowment Fund — an 510 258 ‘Scottish Birds’ Fund a 3 ht OO — Sums earmarked for: Library binding 238 238 Painting ne 59 59 2323 1983
Investments as at 30th June 1971:
Market At At Value cost cost Loan to County Burgh of Wigan at 723% £— £— £600 Safeguard Industrial Investments Ltd.—700 Ord. shares of 25p each .... 378 508 950—64% Treasury Loan 1976 sd 945 946 £1300—British Electricity 3%
508
946
Guar. Stock 1974/77 s un 1125 952 £550—51 % Conversion Stock 1974 ay 535 494. 494
£2900
1971 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 457 ENDOWMENT FUND (The free income of which is available for the advancement of ornithology) Revenue Account for the year ended 30th June 1971
Yearto Yearto 30/6/71 30/6/70
INCOME— Interest and Dividends received (gross) Ate: £227 £196 EXPENDITURE— Grants as detailed in Report of Council — 125 Unexpended Income for the year ao ie gees 9735, £71 Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1971 Endowment Fund as at 30th June 1970 Bi eA) £2519 Accumulated unexpended Income as at 30th June 1970 @ ae £505 434 Add: Unexpended Income ‘for year ie DoT Al 732 505 £3024 ._Made up of:
Investments at cost as below Royal Bank of Scotland Deposit Account Due by Club’s General Funds
Investments as at 30th June 1971:
Market At Value cost 976 Units of the Equities Investment Trust for Charities Ltd. epee Ao alle bo £1000 £1140 5% Exchequer Stock 1976/78 ane 1020 100 £440 84% Conver. Unsecured Loan Stock 1993/98 British Printing Corporation Ltd. 238 44] 44]
458 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(8)
HOUSE FABRIC FUND Summary of Accounts for the year to 30th June 1971
Yearto # Yearto 30/6/71 30/6/70
RECEIPTS— Balance as at 30th June 1970... £130 £107 Year’s rent from Mr and Mrs George “Waterston 150 1590 Year’s rent from World Aen tes Fund 130 130 Miscellaneous Interests ae 5 5 £415 £392 EXPENDITURE— Repairs and Maintenance £182 £55 Property Burdens o 214 190 Insurance ae 18 18 Miscellaneous 26 — £440 £263 On deposit with Edinburgh Building Society = £100 129 Loan from S. O. Cc: General Revenue Account Aa ae mise a 125 — (25) £415 £392
EDINBURGH, 28th September 1971.—I have audited the foregoing Revenue Accounts for the year to 30th June 1971, and the Balance Sheet at that date. I have accepted as correct the Subscriptions and other receipts shown as received in the Books and the value placed on the Bookshop Stock. Subject to this I certify that in my opinion the foregoing accounts are correctly stated and sufficiently vouched.
(Signed) ARTHUR WALKER, Chartered Accountant.
REPORT OF COUNCIL Your Council submits the following Report for the year 1970/71 :
Membership The new subscription rates applied to all members from Ist October 1970 and it was most encouraging to find that the number of resignations was smaller than expected. This, combined with the largest ever increase in new members, 359 (33 more than last year), gave a net ‘increase of 37 members bringing the total membership to 2186 at the end of the session. One more member transferred to Life membership. The table of membership for the past six years is given below:
30/6/66 30/6/67 30/6/68 30/6/69 30/6/70 30/6/71
Ordinary 1373 1524 1677 1771 1849 1889 Junior 252 259 265 274 286 282 Life 0 0 3 6 9 10 Honorary 3 4 & 5 5 5)
Increase 140 159 162 107 93 37
1971 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 459
A most welcome addition to the Club funds came from the increase in the number of Deeds of Covenant signed by members. We now have 409 Covenants, an increase of 72 during the year and representing 474 sub- scriptions. We recovered £2,040 of tax from 1961-1970, but for this year alone we have been able to recover £604. This is a very considerable help to the Club in its endeavour to keep pace with continually rising costs. Great credit is due to all those who have helped both to increase our membership during the year and to encourage members to sign Deeds of Covenant.
Death It is with deep regret that Council records the death during the year of Dr J. W. Campbell, Vice-President of the Club from 1954-1956.
Honours Council is very pleased to record the election of Dr D. A. Ban- nerman, an Hon. President of the Club, as ‘Honorary Curator’ of the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, for ornithological services to the Museum. Dr W. J. Eggeling, immediate Past President, whe retired as Director of the Nature Conservancy in Scotland at the end of 1970, is warmly congratulated on his award of the C.B.E. in the Queen’s Birth- day Honours.
Business of Council Five meetings of Council were held during the year and business discussed included the following :
Membership In order to increase the membership of the Club, Council decided that efforts should be made to advertise our activities more widely. Forms and posters were distributed locally to extra-mural classes, schools and libraries, and Branches were encouraged to hold additional meetings in other towns in their districts.
Special Appeal Council determined that, in spite of continually rising costs, the high standard and quality of production of Scottish Birds should be maintained; in addition, with the increasing burden of editor- ship, a reasonable honorarium should be paid to the Editor. Council therefore agreed to launch an Appeal specifically for Scottish Birds. The target is an income of £500 per annum and it is hoped to achieve this by donations under Deed of Covenant. In 1970/71 £225 was raised, of which £115 was covenanted, and by Ist August 1971 £125 had been don- ated under covenant for 1971/72. The Council most warmly thanks those members who have so generously supported the Appeal, but hopes that there are others who are prepared to help maintain the high standard of the journal.
Young Member on Council It was considered that the younger members of the Club should be represented on Council. Accordingly, Council has decided to co-opt one young member from the start of the next session. The member will be under 25 years old at the start of the session and will He elected annually by Council from nominations submitted by
ranches.
Resolution The Resolution passed last year at the thirty-fourth Annual General Meeting in Dunblane expressing the Club’s concern at the pro- posals to flood the Thjorsarver breeding ground of the Pink-footed Goose, for hydro-electric purposes, was forwarded to the Icelandic Gov- ernment.
Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve During the year the Wildfowl Trust started work on the Reserve area at Eastpark Farm. A local ad- visory committee has been set up under the Chairmanship of Sir Arthur Duncan and the Club is represented on the Committee by the Club President, Mr Donald Watson, and Mr R. T. Smith, Vice-Chairman of the Dumfries Branch.
Club Representation The Club was again represented on the British Section of the International Council for Bird Preservation by Sir Lands- borough Thomson and Mr George Waterston, and on the Duck Working preup of the International Wildfowl Research Bureau by Miss Valerie
om.
460 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(8)
Annual Conference The Twenty-third Annual Conference and the Annual General Meeting, held in Dunblane, were attended by 343 members and guests. The lectures on Saturday morning were given by Dr Gustaf Rudebeck, Zoological Institute, University of Lund, Sweden on ‘Long Range Migration’, and by Sir Landsborough Thomson, an Honorary Mem- ber of the Club, who lectured on ‘A History of Migration Studies’. On Sunday morning Dr Jeffery Harrison, accompanied by slides shown by Mrs Harrison, spoke on ‘The Creation of a Wetland Habitat’, and Mr Richard Brook from the Natural History Unit of the British Broadcasting Corporation in Bristol, kindly introduced the film ‘Europe—Continent fit to live in’ which he had produced himself especially for ECY70.
Branches A full programme of lectures was again given in all Branches during the winter, and both the Edinburgh and Stirling Branches erran- ged an extra meeting. These meetings, at Galashiels and Falkirk respec- tively, were very well attended and promoted ornithology and interest in those areas. Summer and winter excursions were again organised by Branches, and the Club’s annual excursion to the Solway goose grounds took place in March. The Speyside weekend in May was based on Carr- bridge, and the Club is most grateful to Mr David Hayes for giving us facilities at LANDMARK for the evening programme.
Fieldwork Throughout the year members of the Club have taken part in a number of activities which included :
Atlas of British Breeding Birds The BTO Atlas Scheme has now com- pleted the fourth of its five years of fieldwork. Members were again encouraged to take part through the Regional Organisers and Council is most grateful for all the hard work they and many others have put in on this important project. A coverage map, prepared by Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, National Organiser, was kept in the Scottish Centre and proved most useful in co-ordinating work done by groups and for zuiding visitors to poorly covered areas. The BTO News Ornithological Atlas Supplement for 1971 was distributed to all members with the spring number of Scottish Birds. This year the BTO made special efforts to cover unsurveyed squares in Scotland by sending teams to some of the less accessible areas, and Dr Sharrock spent over two months working mainly in Sutherland and Argyll. An all-out effort is still required to fill the remaining gaps in the final year, 1972. All those who have given help during the year are warmly thanked for their efforts.
Winter Wildfowl Counts For some years Miss Valerie Thom has been responsible for organising the winter wildfowl counts throughout Scot- land. This year, under her guidance, the Club took over the responsibility for appointing the Regional Organisers who co-ordinate the work in their own areas. Many members of the Club have been engaged in these counts and the Organisers are most grateful for all the help which they have received.
Rook Roost Survey Council gave official backing to the survey of
Rook roosts in Scotland which is being undertaken by Mr J. H. B. Munro. Much useful information was received from all parts of the country dur- ing the winter of 1970/71 and the findings, together with those of the coming two winters during which the survey is being conducted, will be published in papers in Scottish Birds. The help given by many members to this survey is gratefully acknowledged. Scottish Birds At the end of 1970, after two years as assistant Editor and nine years as Editor, Mr Andrew Macmillan handed over the editorship of the journal to Mr Tom Delaney. Four numbers were published and the 1970 Scottish Bird Report is printed in the autumn number.
Library A number of new reference books were added to the library this year, and more books, journals and reprints were donated. Council is most appreciative of these gifts and warmly thanks the donors.
|
1971 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 461
In response to an appeal in Scottish Birds, a Club member most gen- erously donated a new Record Player. This, together with the Tape Recorder already in our possession, is available for use by members in the Scottish Centre.
The Council is most grateful to Dr Bannerman for the gift of his por- trait, painted by J. R. Dugmore.
Bookshop The Bookshop has now been in existence for just over eight years and the profit has risen from a modest £154 in 1963 to a record £1,382, making a very welcome addition to Club funds. For the first time tsales averaged over £100 per week, and there is no doubt that the Bookshop has become very widely known in Britain and throughout the world. Council is most grateful to the British Trust for Ornithology for its help in letting the Club arrange book displays at its Annual Con- ference in December and the Ringing and Migration Conference in Jan- uary, and also to the Irish Wildbird Conservancy and RSPB for providing similar facilities at their Conference in Northern Ireland last March. A selection of books was taken to one meeting of each Branch during the winter, in addition to the extra meetings and the two Club weekends.
Scottish Centre Meetings of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, the Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Committee, and the Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve Biological Committee were held in the Centre during ae year, and informal discussion groups were held regularly throughout the winter.
The usual large number of postal and telephone enquiries was received throughout the year, and during the summer many visitors from Britain and abroad called at the Centre for help and advice. These visitors are always welcome, and many make good use of the facilities provided by the Reference Library and the Bookshop.
During the autumn night store heating was installed in the basement and ground floor of the Centre, giving much better working conditions in the winter.
Acknowledgments During the year many members gave help and time to the Club—by serving on Committees, leading excursions, assisting at the Conference and in other unseen ways. Council wishes to record its sincere thanks to all those members, whose work has been of immense value and without whom the smooth functioning of the Club would have been very difficult.
For the Council.
A. DONALD WATSON, President.
THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB
The Thirty-fifth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire, on Saturday 30th October 1971 at 6 p.m. Mr A. Donald Watson, President of the Club, presided over an at- tendance of about 125 members.
Apologies Apologies for absence were received from Dr D. A. Banner- man, Dr David Boddington, Sir Charles G. Connell, Sir Arthur B. Duncan, M. J. Everett and Mr & Mrs J. H. B. Munro.
Minutes The Minutes of the Thirty-fourth Annual General Meeting, held in Dunblane on 3lst October 1970, were approved and signed.
Matters arising : Pink-footed Geese in Iceland. No information has been received from the Icelandic Government following the Resolution sent to it after last year’s Meeting, but a report on the progress made during
462 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(8)
the year was given by Mr M. A. Ogilvie of the Wildfowl Trust, Slim- bridge, at the request of the Chairman. Mr Ogilvie said that the short- term outlook seemed reasonably good, partly because the Icelandic Gov- ernment has taken notice of the Resolutions which it has received, and partly because there has been a change of Government in the last year. The new Government is more conservation minded and has made a grant to finance research in the Thjorsarver area over the next three years. However the long term outlook is not so hopeful because the engineers still have plans to use the area for hydro-electric purposes.
Report of Council The Report of Council for Session 34, presented by the Chairman, was adopted.
Accounts The Accounts for the year ending 30th June 1971, presented by the Hon. Treasurer, were approved.
Appointment of Auditor Mr Arthur Walker C.A., was re-elected Auditor for the ensuing year.
Election of Hon. President Proposing the election of Dr W. J. Eggeling as an Hon. President of the Club, the Chairman said that Dr Eggeling had given great service to the Club and to Scottish Ornithology. He had been a Member of Council for eleven years and was the immediate past President; he was Chairman of the Committee which so successfully or- ganised the Scottish Bird Island Study Cruise and was also the Leader of the Cruise itself. Dr Eggeling was the Conservation Officer for Scot- land in the Nature Conservancy from 1954 to 1967, and was its Scottish Director from 1968 until he retired at the end of 1970. The Meeting unanimously endorsed his election.
Election of new Members of Council In the absence of any other nom- inations, the Council’s recommendations for the following elections were approved.
Council Members: R. H. Dennis, Dr Ian Newton and N. Picozzi to re- place the late Mr James MacGeoch, and R. G. Caldow and Dr David Jenkins who were due to retire by rotation. The Chairman thanked the retiring members for their service to the Club.
It was agreed that in future a list of Members of Council will be printed with the Conference Programme.
Constitution The Meeting approved the following amendment to the Sees yas as recommended by Council and at the request of the Club’s Bank :
4 MANAGEMENT AND OFFICIALS (b) Council 3 should now read :
3. Have control of the funds and finances of the Club, and have power to borrow from the Bank or any other source.
Election of Members of Council A motion that nominations for new Members of Council should be sought from Branches was not approved following a counter motion, which was carried, that the present system of election was satisfactory.
Research work in Iceland on Pink-footed Geese Mr M. A. Ogilvie spoke of the need for more research workers in the Thjorsarver area to assist those already provided by Iceland itself. He agreed to give full details 2 the Club Secretary so that the requirements can be given greater pub- icity.
Votes of Thanks The Chairman moved a warm vote of thanks to all those Members who had helped to make the Conference such a success, and he also paid tribute to the work done by the Club staff. The Meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman by Mr C. K. Mylne.
1971 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 463
COUNCILS AND OFFICIALS OF THE CLUB FOR SESSION 35
Hon. Presidents: David A. Bannerman, O.B.E., LL.D., Sc.D., F.R.S.E.; Sir Charles G. Connell, W.S.; Sir Arthur B. Duncan; W. J. Eggeling, CEP] B:sc., Ph.D., F.R:S.E.
President : A. Donald Watson.
Vice-President : George Waterston, O.B.E., F.R.S.E.
Hon. Treasurer : Maxwell K. Hamilton, C.A.
Hon. Treasurer of House Fabric Fund : D. G. Andrew, W.S. Secretary and Treasurer : Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe.
Deputy Secretary : Mrs George Waterston.
Membership Secretary : Mrs R. D. Smillie.
Editor of “Scottish Birds”: T. Delaney.
Assistant Editor of “Scottish Birds’: D. G. Andrew, W.S.
Business Editor of “Scottish Birds”: Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe.
Council: R. S. Baillie, R. H. Dennis, Dr I. T. Draper, C. G. Headlam, A. T. Macmillan, Miss M. P. Macmillan, Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, T. D. H. Merrie, Dr Ian Newton, N. Picozzi. Young Member co-opted for 1971/72 (see Report of Council) R. G. Nisbet.
Branch Representatives to Council: R. G. Caldow (Glasgow); Miss G. L. C. Falconer (St Andrews); J. H. B. Munro (Edinburgh); B. Pounder (Dundee); R. T. Smith (Dumfries); A. G. Stewart (Ayr).
BRANCH AND GROUP OFFICE BEARERS
Aberdeen: Chairman, N. Picozzi; Vice-Chairman, D. P. Willis; Secretary, Miss F. J. Greig; Committee, A. Duncan, A. Robb, R. F. Yule.
Ayr: Chairman, A. G. Stewart; Vice-Chairman, Dr M. E. Castle; Sec- retary, R. M. Ramage; Committee, W. R. Brackenridge, J. L. Burton, R. A. Hogg, Miss S. M. Williamson.
Dumfries : Chairman, R. T. Smith; Vice-Chairman, B. S. Turner; Secretary, H. M. Russell; Committee, W. Austin, Mrs E. M. G. Ross, J. Todd, J. F. Young.
Dundee: Chairman, D. B. Thomson; Vice-Chairman, Dr D. G. Adamson; Secretary, Mrs A. Noltie; Committee, P. N. J. Clark, J. E. Forrest, Mrs J. A. R. Grant, B. Pounder.
Edinburgh : Chairman, J. H. B. Munro; Vice-Chairman, C. K. Mylne; Sec- retary, L. W. G. Alexander; Committee, Mrs C. M. Adams, J. M. S. Arnott, P. Kerr, Dr L. L. J. Vick.
Glasgow : Chairman, R. G. Caldow; Vice-Chairman, Dr I. T. Draper; Sec- retary, Mrs I. T. Draper; Committee, Mrs H. S. C. Halliday, J. Mitchell, R. G. Nisbet.
Inverness: Chairman, C. G. Headlam; Vice-Chairman, W. A. Sinclair; Secretary, Mrs W. A. Sinclair; Committee, Miss J. Banks, R. H. Dennis, Miss P. R. Forbes, M. I. Harvey, Mrs W. Morison.
St Andrews: Chairman, Miss G. L. C. Falconer; Vice-Chairman, Miss J. McFarlane; Secretary, Miss M. M. Spires; Committee, I. G. Cumming, Miss M. H. E. Cunninghame, Miss D. E. Rowling, J. S. Wiffen.
Stirling ; Chairman, Rev. G. T. Jamieson; Vice-Chairman, K. P. Anderson; Secretary, T. D. H. Merrie (1971); D. M. Bryant (from 1.1.72); Com- mittee, Mrs J. M. Abrahams, A. Eccles, R. M. Wilson.
Thurso: Chairman, Mrs P. M. Collett; Secretary, S. Leybourne.
SCOTTISH BIRDS RECORDS COMMITTEE
Chairman: D. G. Andrew.
Committee: A. G. S. Bryson, Sir Arthur B. Duncan, Dr W. J. Eggeling, A. T. Macmillan, Prof. M. F. M. Meiklejohn, Dr I. D. Pennie, Kenneth
464 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 6(8)
Williamson, George Waterston, Prof. V. C. Wynne-Edwards.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE M. K. Hamilton (Convenor), D. G. Andrew, George Waterston, A. D.
Watson. LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Dr W. J. Eggeling (Convenor), Ritchie Seath (Hon. Librarian), A. T. Mac- millan, Dr I. D. Pennie, George Waterston.
CLUB REPRESENTATION
British Section, International Council for Bird Preservation: Sir Lands- borough Thomson, George Waterston.
International Wildfowl Research Bureau, Duck Working Group: Miss V.
M. Thom. HONORARY MEMBERS
Duncan Anderson, Clyde Bain, Henry Boase, P. W. G. Gunn, Sir Lands- borough Thomson.
WEEKEND EXCURSION TO DUMFRIES
The weekend excursion to the Solway goose grounds has been arran- ged with the County Hotel, Dumfries, from Friday 25th February to Sun- day 27th February 1972.
Accommodation: inclusive terms £5.50, inclusive of gratuities, as follows: bed on Friday 25th; breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on Saturday 26th; breakfast and packed lunch on Sunday 27th. Members should inform the Hotel in advance if they require dinner on Friday night (£1.10 per person extra). A limited number of rooms with private bathrooms are available for the additional charge of £1.00 per night.
Members may bring guests and should book direct with the Manager, County Hotel, Dumfries (tel. 5401), notifying him that they are attending the Club excursion.
Those not staying at the County Hotel are invited to attend an informal meeting at the Hotel on Friday evening at 8 p.m. when details of the ‘weekend excursions will be announced. It is advisable to bring warm clothing, gum boots if possible, and thermos flasks, for the excursions.
BRANCH SECRETARIES
Ayr Mr R. M. Ramage’s address is now: 57B St Quivox Road, Prestwick KA9 1JF, Ayrshire.
Stirling Will members please note that from Ist January 1972 the Branch Secretary is Mr D. M. Bryant, Department of Biology, University of Stirling, Stirling.
Thurso Mr S. Leybourne, 11 Mowat Court, Thurso.
SCOTTISH BIRDS — VOLUME I
The first number of Volume I is being reprinted and will be available early in the new year at 50p (post free). All who require a copy, including those who have ordered but have not paid, are asked to send their remittance to the Club Secretary.
Arrangements are being made for binding Volume I. Full details will be given with the Index to Volume 6, which will also give in- formation about binding that Volume, and which will be published in March 1972.
Bird Books ®
Please support... THE SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR ORNITHOLOGY AND BIRD PROTECTION by buying all your new Bird Books trom
THE BIRD BOOKSHOP
21 REGENT TERRACE, EDINBURGH, EH7 5BT Tel. 031-556 6042
Some new books published 1971/72
Birds of Prey in the Field. Harkness & Murdoch. £2.25 Status and Distribution of Birds in Great Britain and Ireland.
Highland Birds. D. Nethersole Thompson. £1.25
Birds of Moor and Mountain. Donald Watson. £5.50 (Jan)
Birds in Northumbria. Galloway, Meek & Yeoman, 50p
A Naturalist on Speyside. Henry Tegner. £1.75
Seabirds. David Saunders. 40p
Woodland Birds. Eric Simms. £3
Man and Birds. R. K. Murton. £2.50
Guide to the Birds of South America. R. Meyer de Schauensee. £7 Birds of Zambia. C. W. Benson. £2.50 (Jan)
Check List of the Birds of Turkey. Orn. Society of Turkey. 50p
Animals of the Arctic: the Ecology of the Far North. Bernard Stonehouse. £2.60
Guide to Finding Wild Flowers. R. S. R. Fitter. £2 Gemstones of the British Isles. V. A. Firsoff. £1.25
ALL BOOKS SENT POST FREE
Terms: Strictly cash with order
Ask for the latest Price List and Catalogue
There are lots of good reasons
to visit SHETLAND...
You can see guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars on the cliffs ...or snowy owls, great skuas, arctic skuas and whimbrels in the hills... red-throated divers on the lochs...and in May, early June and September you could see just about anything on migra- tion. Recent years have featured king eider, honey buzzard, red-footed falcon, tawny pipit, subalpine warbler, bee-eater and roller, to name but an exotic few.
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For information regarding accommodation, transport, etc. contact: Information Centre, SHETLAND TOURIST ORGANISATION, LERWICK, Shetland.
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SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND
Telephone: Golspie 216
Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie Offers invigorating open air holidays to all.
In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass.
The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland.
The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine.
Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY
Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C.
Watch Wildfowl this Winter
A furnished cottage at the edge of a Dumfriesshire vil- lage is available for weekends —a week if you want it—mak- ing an ideal base for winter expeditions to some of Scot- land’s best wildfowl wintering grounds.
Write or telephone for details:
Mrs HALL Craiglearan, Moniaive, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire (Moniaive 292)
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DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL
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Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- class service. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Edderton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting
moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life.
Ornithological and other parties. We offer 20% reduction from 14th April to 26th May 1972; 10% reduction 27th May to 30th June 1972 and from 16th Sept to 6th Oct 1972. Organisers of parties of 12 or more are free.
Illustrated brochure on Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to
Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone: Dornoch 216
CCLOUR SLIDES
We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and _ close-ups.
FOR HIRE
We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 40p in- cluding postage, per night’s hire. Birds are _ grouped according to their natural habitats.
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Scottish | Birds
INDEX
TITLE PAGES AND LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Volume 6
1970 - 1971
SCOTTISH BIRDS — BINDING
Arrangements have been made for binding Volume 6 of “Scottish Birds.” The charge is £1.60 for binding in red buck- ram, or £2.20 for binding in red quarter leather, both prices including return postage. The parts to be bound (Nos. 1 to 8 and Index) should be sent direct to the binders together with your remittance to cover the cost of binding. Back numbers may be purchased from the Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT, but NOT from the binders. Volume 1 No. 2 to Volume 5 No. 8 and any special supplement in these volumes cost 25p each. Volume 1 No. 1 and Volume 6 Nos. 1-8 cost 50p each. Volume 1 may also be sent for binding at the same time and at the same rates as Volume 6. Please be sure to complete the binding form on the back cover (with details of your name and address, re- mittance, and style of binding required) before sending the parts to:
P. G. CHAPMAN & CO LTD
Kent House Lane BECKENHAM, KENT BR3 1LD
Volumes sent immediately will be returned within about three months, but this time cannot be guaranteed for volumes not sent promptly, as costs can only be kept down by binding a substantial number of volumes at once.
Note The nature and thickness of the quarterly sections tend to pro- duce steps in the fore-edge of the bound volume, but the extra cost of producing the journal in smaller gatherings, mainly for the benefit of those who want to bind their copies, would not be justified.
Index
The index is in three parts. The first is a general index to the various sections of the journal; the second is a list of all papers and short articles; and the third is an index of all significant mentions of each species. Only the first page of each reference is given, except in the index of papers and short articles.
English names are used throughout. A full list of scientific names was given at the end of volume 2 (with additions at 3: 454, 4: 6/2 and 5: 488), and the short key here lists only those species not previously mentioned.
The species index is selective rather than comprehensive. Titles of short papers and short notes dealing with particular species are included in abbreviated form, and various subheadings are added; otherwise only page numbers are given. All references in short and current notes, reviews of changes in status, local status lists, and lists of unusual occurrences, have been indexed. As most contributions are concerned with migration and distribution of birds in Scotland it may be generally assumed that where no further details of the references listed for a species are given they are mostly of this nature. Passing and comparative references have usually been omitted, and also references within the body of papers, reviews, obituaries and other contributions, unless they are status re- ports or considered of special interest apart from the context in which they appear. In particular it has to be emphasised that detailed and val- uable information on migration and numbers of common birds, in papers such as the Isle of May reports, finds no place in the index to species.
Most records of migration, distribution and numbers appear in the annual Scottish Bird Reports (Scot. Birds 6 : 62-128 and 6 : 347-402). These references are indexed following the abbreviation sbr, but may embrace material related to other sub-headings in the same species entry.
Regular Features
Editorial 1, 61, 141, 181, 233, 293, 345, 405 Enquiries 3, 55, 137, 178, 222, 234, 288, 402, 454 Letters 288, 343, 453 Obituaries Len Fullerton 54 James MacGeoch 216, plate 16 James Fisher 285 Dr James William Campbell 340 The Earl of Mansfield 450 Requests for Information see Enquiries Reviews H. Boase: Bird Records of the Tay Area 1961/67 177 D. N. McVean & J. D. Lockie: Ecology and Land Use in Upland Scot- land 177 F. Thompson : St Kilda and other Hebridean Outliers 217 R. J. Tulloch & F. Hunter : A Guide to Shetland Birds 218 L. MacNally : Highland Deer Forest 218 L. Brown : Eagles 219 ¢ K Williamson: The Atlantic Islands. A Study of the Faeroe Life and Scene 219 E. Eastwood : Radar Ornithology 220 W. B. Yapp : The Life and Organisation of Birds 220 N. Tinbergen & H. Falkus : Signals for Survival 221
465
466 SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 6
A. Rutgers & K. A. Norris : Encyclopaedia of Aviculture 222 B. Bruun & A. Singer: The Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe 286 Iran wane & Fish Department: The Wetlands and Waterfowl of Iran H. Jacoby and others: Die Vogel des Bodenseegebietes 342 P. Slater: A Field Guide to Australian Birds—Non-passerines 342 R. Harkness & C. Murdoch : Birds of Prey in the Field 451 D. Nethersole-Thomson : Highland Birds 452 H. Tegner : A Naturalist on Speyside 452 Scottish Ornithologists’ Club 56, 137, 179, 223, 289, 344, 402, 455
Short Notes 22, 171, 195, 274, 329, 444
Papers and Short Articles
Goose studies at Loch Leven in 1967/68 (I. Newton, C. R. G. Campbell) 5-18, plates 2-3
Winter home range and feeding habits of a Great Grey Shrike in Moray- shire (R. Hewson) 18-22, plates 1 and 4
Scottish Bird Report 1969 (A. T. Macmillan) 62-128, plates 5-8; for 1970 (R. H. Dennis) 347-402, plates 25-28
Isle of May Observatory and Field Station report for 1969 (N. J. Gordon) 129-136; for 1970 255-267
The seabird wreck—autumn 1969 (A. G. Stewart) 142-149
anol spillage on Islay in October 1969 (M. A. Ogilvie, C. G. Booth) 149-
Wrynecks breeding in Scotland (H. Burton, T. Lloyd Evans, D. N. Weir) 154-156
Food and feeding behaviour of the Hen Harrier in Orkney (E. Balfour, M. A. Macdonald) 157-166
Scottish winter Rook roost survey (J. H. B. Munro) 166-168; for southern Scotland 438-443
Nps op the rookeries in the City of Edinburgh in 1970 (J. H. B. Munro)
The Pink-footed Goose in danger (M. A. Ogilvie) 183-185
.Kestrels, Short-eared Owls and field voles in Eskdalemuir in 1970 (N. Picozzi, R. Hewson) 185-191
meres a fire on moorland bird life on the Isle of Rhum (L. A. Batten)
A massive wreck of oiled birds: northeast Britain, winter 1970 (J. J. D. pucennond. R. J. Donally, C. J. Feare, N. J. Gordon, G. Waterston) 235-
Eiders nesting inland in East Lothian (D. Jenkins) 251-255
Breeding birds of Tiree 1969 (B. Gillam, G. R. Jacobs) 267-271
Breeding birds of Coll 1969-70 (J. G. Blatchford) 271-274
ge of Rhum in relation to a reafforestation programme (K. Williamson) -313
Characteristics of Pheasant x Capercaillie hybrids (D. A. Boag, A. Wat- son, N. Bousfield) 313-321, plate 24a
ue preeaing season in a rural colony of Feral Pigeons (G. Riddle) 321-
Wintering Eiders in the Tay Estuary (B. Pounder) 407-419 Waxwings in Scotland 1970/71 (I. H. J. Lyster) 420-438
Vol. 6
SCOTTISH BIRDS
Index to Species
ALBATROSS, BLACK-BROWED . sbr 69; Orkney 26
AUK, LITTLE sbr 98, 380
AVOCET sbr 93
BEE-EATER sbr 105, 383; Fair Isle and Shetland 46
BITTERN sbr 71, 128, 355
oe LITTLE sbr 355; S, Fife 3
1
BLACKBIRD 269, 272; sbr 112, 388
BLACKCAP 265, 304; sbr 115, 391
BLUETHROAT 265, 347; sbr 114, 390, plate 27
BRAMBLING sbr 125, 399
BULLFINCH 304; sbr 124, 398
BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED -sbr 128, 400; Outer Hebrides 338
BUNTING, CIRL sbr 400; Wig- townshire 339
BUNS: CORN 269, 273; sbr 125,
BUNTING, LAPLAND sbr 126, 400
BUNTING, LITTLE sbr 126, 400, plate 28
BUNTING, ORTOLAN 135, 347; sbr 126, plate 6, 128, 400
BUNTING: RED-HEADED sbr 126,
BUNTING, REED 269, 273; sbr 126, 128, 400
BUNTING, RUSTIC sbr 126, 400, plate 28
BUNTING, SNOW sbr 127, 401
BUNTING, YELLOW-BREASTED sbr 126
BUSTARD, GREAT sbr 366; Fair Isle 171, plate 12
BUZZARD 268, 272, 305; sbr 81, 363; nesting with escaped Red- tailed Hawk 34
BUZZARD, HONEY sbr 82, 363
BUZZARD, ROUGH-LEGGED sbr
81, 363 CAPERCAILLIE sbr 84, 365; x Pheasant hybrids 313 CHAFFINCH sbr 125, 128, 399 Ce rr 272, 304: ‘sbr 118, CHOUGH sbr 109, 386 COOT 272: sbr 85, 366 CORMORANT sbr 70, 355; unusual food 196 CORNCRAKE 268, 272; sbr 85, 366 ue LITTLE sbr 366: Fair Isle
77 CRAKE, SPOTTED sbr 85, 366
CRANE sbr 84, plate 5, 128, 365, 402
CROSSBILL sbr 124, 399
CROW, CARRION sbr 108, 385
CROW, HOODED 269, 272; sbr 108, 385
CUCKOO 269, 272; sbr 104, 381
CUCKOO, YELLOW-BILLED — sbr 381; Caithness 335
CURLEW plate 19, 272; sbr 87, 368
DIPPER sbr 109, 386
DIVER, BLACK-THROATED 271; sbr 68, 352
DIVER, GREAT NORTHERN sbr 67, 352; breeding W. Ross 195
DIVER, eee han 271; sbr 68, 35
DIVER, WHITE-BILLED sbr 67, 127, 352, 401
DOTTEREL sbr 87, 367
DOVE, OEE rED 269, 272; sbr
103, 38] ee ROCK 268, 272; sbr 103, 3
DOVE, STOCK sbr 103, 381 DOVE, TURTLE 272; sbr 103, 128,
381
DOWITCHER, SP sbr 87, 368; Inner Hebrides 41; Dumfries and Orkney 200
DOWITCHER, LONG-BILLED sbr 87; Dunbartonshire 40
DUCK, LONG-TAILED sbr 75, 358, plate 26
DUCK, MANDARIN sbr 73, 357
DUCK, RING-NECKED sbr 74; Aberdeenshire 33
DUCK, TUFTED 267; sbr 74, 358
DUNLIN 268, 272; sbr 92, 371
EAGLE, GOLDEN 305, 346; sbr 81, 363; feeding behaviour 275
EAGLE, SPOTTED 134; sbr 81, 401
EAGLE, WHITE-TAILED sbr 82
EGRET, LITTLE sbr 71, 355; series of Scottish records 196; Wig- townshire 331
EIDER 150, 267, 271, 295; sbr 75, 359; nesting inland 251: win- tering in Tay estuary 407
EIDER, KING sbr 76, 359, plate 6; sae and Wigtownshire
274
EIDER, STELLER’S sbr 359; Aber- deen 444
FALCON, GYR sbr 128, 364; Shet- land 199
468
FALCON, RED-FOOTED 134; sbr 83, 365, plates 7 and 25; Shet-
land 39
FIELDFARE sbr 110, 128, 386; breeding E. Inverness 212, plate 15
FIRECREST sbr 394; Moray 447 FLAMINGO sbr 71 FLYCATCHER, PIED sbr 119, 394 FLYCATCHER, | RED-BREASTED 265; sbr 119, 394 FLYCATCHER, SPOTTED 135, 273; sbr 119, 394 FULMAR 267, 271; sbr 70, 354; oil- ing large raptors 198, 288 GADWALL sbr 72, 356 GANNET sbr 70, 354 GARGANEY sbr 72, 356 GODWIT, BAR-TAILED sbr 89,
369 GODWIT, BLACK-TAILED 260; sbr 88, 128, 368 GOLDCREST sbr 119, 393 GOLDENEYE 2; sbr 74, 358, 402; breeding E. Inverness 197 GOLDFINCH sbr 123, 397 GOOSANDER 267; sbr 76, 359 GOOSE, BAR-HEADED sbr 79 GOOSE, BARNACLE 10, 150; sbr 79, 362 GOOSE, BEAN sbr 78, 361 GOOSE, BRENT Pale-breasted 10; sbr 79, 361 GOOSE, CANADA 3, 295; sbr 79,
362
GOOSE, GREY LAG 3, 272; sbr 77, ge 360; Loch Leven studies
plates 2 and 3
GOOsE, PINK-FOOTED 3; sbr 78, 128, 361; Loch Leven studies Be plate 2; in Iceland 182, 183, 406
GOOSE, ROSS’S 10
GOOSE, SNOW 10; sbr 79, 361
GOOSE, WHITE-FRONTED 10; sbr 77, 360
GOSHAWkK sbr 81, 363
GREBE, BLACK-NECKED sbr 68, 127, 353; breeding Selkirk 26
GREBE, GREAT-CRESTED sbr 68, 352, 402
GREBE, LITTLE sbr 69, 353
GREBE, RED-NECKED sbr 68, 353
GREBE, SLAVONIAN sbr 68, 353
GREENFINCH 269, 273, 304; sbr 122, 397
GREENSHANK sbr 90, 370
GROSBEAK, BLACK-HEADED sbr
122 GROSBEAK, BLUE sbr 397
SCOTTISH BIRDS
Vol. 6
GROSBEAK, EVENING 346: sbr GROSBEAK, SCARLET sbr 124, 127, 398, 401
GROUSE, BLACK sbr 84, 365 Me RED 272, 343; sbr 83, GUILLEMOT 268, 272; sbr 98, 128, 380, 402 sree BLACK 272; sbr 98,
3
GUILLEMOT, BRUNNICH’S sbr 98; Argyllshire 334
GULL, BLACK-HEADED 268, 272; sbr 96, 379
GULL, COMMON 268, 272; sbr 95,
37 ge GLAUCOUS sbr 95, 128,
GULL, GREAT BLACK-BACKED 268, 272; sbr 94, 128, 377 GULL, HERRING 268, 272; sbr 94,
378; erythristic eggs 282: con- tro 1 294 pee ICELAND sbr 95, 378, plate
GULL, IVORY sbr 94; Shetland and N. Argyll 173
GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED plate 19, 268; sbr 94, 377
GULL, LITTLE sbr 95, 378
GULL, | ROSS’S | sbr 96; Shetland
GULL, SABINE’S sbr 96; Ross 43
HARRIER, HEN 346; sbr 82, 364; food in Orkney 157; winter
prey 171; early fledging 444
ase MARSH sbr 82, 363,
HAWFINCH sbr 122, 397
HAWK, RED-TAILED nesting with Buzzard 34
HERON 271; sbr 71, 355
HERON, PURPLE sbr 71, 355; Fair Isle 27
HOBBY sbr 83, 364
HOOPOE sbr 105, 383
JACKDAW sbr 108, 386
JAY sbr 109, 386
JUNCO, SLATE-COLOURED sbr 125; Shetland 53
KESTREL 134, 272, 305; sbr 83, 365; Eskdalemuir 185; hiding prey 276
KINGFISHER 134; sbr 105, 383, breeding E, Ross 209
KITE sbr 82, 127; Angus 37
KITE, BLACK sbr 363; Orkney 38,
ake 268, 272; sbr 96, 128, 3
Vol. 6
KNOT sbr 91, 370
LAPWING 268, 272; sbr 85, 367
LARK, SHORE sbr 107, 384
LARK, SHORT-TOED sbr 106, 384
LINNET 269, 273; sbr 123, 398
MAGPIE sbr 109, 386
MALLARD 267, 271; sbr 72, 356
MARTIN, HOUSE 269, 272; sbr 107, 385; nesting at Golden Eagles’ eyrie 336
MARTIN, SAND 269; sbr 108, 385
MERGANSER, RED - BREASTED 268, 271; sbr 76, 359
MERLIN 272, 305; sbr 83, 364
MOORHEN 272; sbr 85, 366
NIGHTINGALE 134; sbr 114, 390
NIGHTINGALE, THRUSH 265; sbr 390; Fair Isle and Shetland 283
NIGHTJAR sbr 105, 382
NUTHATCH sbr 109
ees GOLDEN 134; sbr 108,
OSPREY 134, 222, 260, 288; sbr 82, 364; robbed 294
OUZEL, RING sbr 111, 387
OWL, BARN sbr 104, 381, 402
OWL, LITTLE sbr 104, 382
OME oN ea sbr 104, plate
OWL. SHORT-EARED 272; sbr 105, 382; Eskdalemuir 185
OWL, SCOPS sbr 382
OWL, SNOWY sbr 104, 382
OWL, TAWNY sbr 104, 382; crop contents 175
OYSTER CATCHER 268, 272, 406; sbr 85, 366; deformed beaks 278, plate 20
PARTRIDGE 272; sbr 84, 365
PARTRIDGE, RED-LEGGED | sbr 84, 365
PEREGRINE 272, 305; sbr 83, 364
PETREL, LEACH’S sbr 69, 353
PETREL, STORM sbr 69, 354
PHALAROPE, GREY sbr 93, Si2) plate 27
PHALAROPE. RED-NECKED 346; sbr 93. 372
PHALAROPE, WILSON’S sbr 372: Angus 333
PHEASANT 268, 272; sbr 84, 365: x Bele hybrids 313, plate
PHEASANT, GOLDEN sbr 84, 365
PHEASANT. REEVES’S 454
PIGEON, FERAL breeding season of rural colony 321
PINTAIL 267; sbr 73, 357
ee POW 269, 273; sbr 120,
SCOTTISH BIRDS
469
PIPIT, RED-THROATED sbr 120
PIPIT, RICHARD’S 135; sbr 120, 127, 394
PIPIT, ROCK 269, 273; sbr 120, 395
PIPIT, TAWNY sbr 394; Shetland 338
ee Res 135, 265, 304; sbr 120, 3
PIPIT, WATER 346; sbr 120, 128, 395; East Lothian 50; Ayr 448
PLOVER, GOLDEN 272; sbr 86, 367
PLOVER, GREY 134; sbr 86, 367
PLOVER, LITTLE RINGED sbr 86
PLOVER, RINGED 268, 272; sbr 86. 367
PLOVER, SOCIABLE sbr 85
POCHARD sbr 74, 358
PTARMIGAN 343; sbr 84, 365
PUFFIN sbr 98, 128, 381
QUAIL sbr 84, 365
RAIL, WATER sbr 84, 366
or 134, 269, 272; sbr 108, 128, 385
RAZORBILL 268; sbr 97, 380
REDPOLL 304; sbr 124, 128, 398 (including Mealy and Green- land), 402
REDPOLL, ARCTIC sbr 398
REDSHANK 268. 272: sbr 90. 370
REDSHANK, SPOTTED sbr 90, 370
REDSTART 134, 304; sbr 113, 389
REDSTART, BLACK sbr 113, 389
REDWING sbr 111, 387; breeding N. Perth 213
RORIN 272: sbr 114, 390
ROLLER sbr 105; Aberdeen and Kirkcudbright 47; Caithness
210
ROOK 402; sbr 108. 386: winter roost survey 166, S. Scotland 438: Edinburgh rookeries 169
RUFF sbr 92, 372
SANDERLING sbr 92, 372
SANDGROUSE, PALLAS’S - sbr 103; Shetland 204
SANDPIPER, COMMON 268, 272; sbr 89, 369
SANDPIPER, CURLEW sbr 92, 372
SANDPIPER, GREEN sbr 89, 369
SANDPIPER, MARSH sbr 91, plate 5; Shetland 42, 201, plate 14
SANDPIPER, PECTORAL sbr 92, 371; Peebles 281
SANDPIPER, PURPLE sbr 91, 371
SANDPIPER, STILT sbr 372; Suth- erland 280
SANDPIPER, UPLAND sbr_ 368; Fair Isle 445
SANDPIPER, WHITE-RUMPED sbr 91, 371; Orkney 202, 446
470
SANDPIPER, WOOD 260, 272; sbr
89, 369 SCAUP 141, 150; sbr 73, 357; oil threat 1; and sewage 141 SCOTER, COMMON sbr 75, 359 SCOTER, SURF sbr 75, 401 SCOTER, VELVET sbr 75, 359 SHAG 267, 271; sbr 71 SHEARWATER, CORY’S sbr 354; Orkney 330 ese GREAT sbr_ 69, 35 SHEARWATER, MANX. 137; sbr 69, 354, 402; Balearic in Forth
329 SHEARWATER, SOOTY sbr 69,
354
SHELDUCK 268, 271, 295; sbr 76, 360
SHOVELER 267; sbr 73, 357
SHRIKE, GREAT GREY sbr 121, 128, 396; winter range and feeding 18, plates 1 and 4; Lanark 22; feeding of a cap- tive 24; food in Inverness and Sutherland 449
SHRIKE, LESSER GREY sbr 122, 397; N. Argyll 53
a RED-BACKED sbr 122, 3
SHRIKE, WOODCHAT 3; sbr 122, 127, 397
SISKIN 304: sbr 123, 398
SKUA, ARCTIC 272; sbr 93, 377
SKUA, GREAT sbr 93, 372
SKUA, LONG-TAILED sbr 94, 377
SEU EOMARINE sbr 93, plate 7, 3
SKYLARK 269, 272; sbr 107, 384
SMEW sbr 76, 128, 360
SNIPE 268. 272; sbr 87, 368
SNIPE, GREAT sbr 87
SNIPE, JACK sbr 87, 368
SPARROW, HEDGE 269, 273; sbr 120, 394
SPARROW, HOUSE 269, 273, 304; sbr 127, 401
SPARROW, TREE 273; sbr 127, 401
SPARROW, WHITE - THROATED sbr 401; Caithness 339
SPARROWHAWK 305; sbr 81, 128, 363
SPOONBILL sbr 71, 356
STARLING 269, 273, 304; sbr 122, 397; using sheep as towel 343, plate 24
STARLING, ROSE-COLOURED sbr 122, 401
STINT, LITTLE sbr 91, 371
SCOTTISH BIRDS
Vol. 6
STINT, TEMMINCK’S sbr_ 371; Stirling 332 STONECHAT 269, 272, 343; sbr
113, 388 STORK, WHITE sbr 71 SWALLOW 269; sbr 107, 384 SWAN, BEWICK’S sbr 80, 363 SWAN, MUTE 260, 268, 272; sbr 80, 362 SWAN, WHOOPER sbr 80, 362 SWIFT 272; sbr 105, 128, 382 py ALPINE sbr 383; Aberdeen
TEAL 267, 271; sbr 72, 356
TEAL, BLUE-WINGED § sbr_ 127; Outer Hebrides 28
TEAL, GREEN-WINGED Fife 28
TERN, ARCTIC 268, 272; sbr 97,
380 TERN, BLACK sbr 96, 379; behav- iour of migrants 44 pees 268, 272; sbr 97,
3
TERN, GULL-BILLED sbr 97; Stir- ling 45
TERN, LITTLE 268, 272; sbr 97, 128, 380
TERN ROSEATE, sbr 97, 380
TERN, SANDWICH plate 17; sbr 97, 380
TERN, WHITE-WINGED BLACK
sbr 97, 379; East Lothian 44; East Lothian, Nairn and Inver-
ness 203 Ee MISTLE 304; sbr 109,
3
THRESH ROCK sbr 388; Fair Isle 3
TRO SONG 269, 272; sbr 110, 3
TIT, BLUE 304; sbr 109, 386
TIT, COAL 304; sbr 109, 386
TIT, CRESTED sbr 109, 128, 386
TIT, GREAT sbr 109, 386
TIT, LONG-TAILED plate 18, 304; sbr 109, 386
TIT, MARSH sbr 109, 386
TIT, WILLOW sbr 109, 386
TREE CREEPER 304; sbr 109, 386
TURNSTONE 179; sbr 87, 368
TWITE 265, 269, 273; sbr 123, 398
WAGTAIL, CITRINE sbr 121, 396
WAGTAIL, GREY plate 18, 304; sbr 121, 395
pine PIED 269, 273; sbr 120, 3
WAGTAIL, WHITE sbr 120, 395
WAGTAIL, YELLOW sbr 121, 395 (including Grey-headed, Blue- headed, Black-headed); Black-
Vol. 6
headed in Shetland 176, at Fair Isle 215
WARBLER, AQUATIC sbr_ 115; Fair Isle 48, Shetland 49
oo ARCTIC 265; sbr 118, 393
WARBLER, BARRED sbr 116, 391
Beer. GARDEN 304; sbr 116, 3
WARBLER, GRASSHOPPER 272, 304; sbr 114, 390
WARBLER, GREAT REED sbr 390;
Fife 337 WARBLER, GREENISH sbr 118, 3
WARBLER, ICTERINE 3; sbr 115, 1
WARBLER, MARSH sbr 115, 128,
WARBLER, MELODIOUS 3; sbr
, REED sbr 115, 390
, RIVER sbr 114
WARBLER, SEDGE 265, 269, 272, 304; sbr 115, 390
WARBLER, SUB-ALPINE sbr 117, 392; Angus 215
WARBLER, WILLOW 272; sbr 117,
SCOTTISH BIRDS 471
WAXWING 222; sbr 121, 396; 1970/71 invasion 420
WHEATEAR 269, 272; sbr 112, 388, 402; in a warren 214
WHEATEAR, BLACK-EARED sbr 112; Caithness 214
WHEATEAR, DESERT sbr_ 388; Fair Isle 446
WHIMBREL 260; sbr 88, 368; sea- level breeding 279
BAT cat 269, 272, 343; sbr 113,
Pe Le aie 269, 272, 304; sbr
116, 392
WHITETHROAT, LESSER 265; sbr E17, 392
WIGEON 271; sbr 73, 356
WOODCOCK sbr 87, 368
WOODLARK sbr 107, 384
WOODPECKER, GREAT SPOTTED sbr 106, 383
WOODPECKER, GREEN sbr 106, 383, 402
WOODPECKER, LESSER _ SPOT- TED sbr 384; E, Stirling 210
Vette 269, 272; sbr 103, WREN 272; sbr 109, 386
392 WARBLER, WOOD 304; sbr 118, | WRYNECK 265; sbr 106, 384; 393 breeding in Scotland 154 WARBLER, YELLOW-BROWED | YELLOWHAMMER 273; sbr 126, sbr 118, 393 400 List of Plates Plates Pages 1 Injured Great Grey Shrike, Shetland, October 1968 (R. J. Tulloch) Be 29 2-3 Grey Lag Goose, Pink- footed Goose and a skein of Grey Lag Geese in Perthshire, November 1964 (M. Hedley) 30-31 4 Pellets of a Great Grey Shrike (R. Hewson) ... Ba 32 5-8 Scottish Bird Report 1969: Crane, Marsh Sandpiper, King Eider, Ortolan Bunting, Pomarine Skua, Red-footed Falcon, Long-eared Owl (R. J. Tulloch, D. Coutts) 99-102 9-11 Scottish Birds : Wren, Rook, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Kittiwakes (W. S. Paton) 159-161 12 Captive Great Bustard, Fair Isle (D. “ Coutts) 162 13 Roger Broad, the new warden of Fair Isle Bird Observatory and his wife Judy (D. Coutts) 205 14 Marsh Sandpiper, Gott, Shetland, May 1969 (D. Coutts) 206 15 Fieldfare fledgling, Inverness-shire, June 1970 (N. adie: 207 16 James MacGeoch (James MacGeoch) ee 208
472 SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 6
17-19 Ayrshire breeding birds : Sandwich Terns, Grey Wagtails, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Curlew (W. S. Paton) oe ... 260-263 20 Deformed Oystercatchers (R. Macintyre, D. ‘Ss. Henderson) 264 21-23 Dumfriesshire birds : Barn Owl with prey, Blackcock
at a lek, Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest (R. T. Smith) ... 317-319 24a Pheasant x Capercaillie hybrids shot near Deere Kincardineshire (D. A. Boag) _... c 320 b Starlings huddle together on a sheep’s back during snow (R. J. Tulloch) ; 320
25-28 Scottish Bird Report 1970: Red- footed Falcon, Long- tailed Duck, immature Iceland Gull, Grey Phalarope, Bluethroat, Rustic Bunting, Little Bunting (D. Coutts, R. H. Dennis) 373-376
29-32 Bird photographs by R. J. Tulloch: Guillemots, Ruff, Puffin, Ptarmigan, Tufted Duck, Lapwing ... ... 433-436
Scientific Names
This is a list of species mentioned in the index to volume 6 but not previously detailed in Scottish Birds 2: 515-517, where a complete list is given together with details of the authorities followed for scientific and vernacular names, or in the supplementary lists at 3: 454, 4: 602 and 5: 488.
Polysticta stelleri Steller’s Eider
Aquila clanga Spotted Eagle
Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk
Syrmaticus reevesi Reeves’s Pheasant Micropalama himantopus Stilt Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper Rhodostethia rosea Ross’s Gull
Syrrhaptes paradoxus Pallas’s Sandgrouse Dendrocopos minor Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear
Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared Wheatear Pheucticus melanocephalus Black-headed Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea Blue Grosbeak
Hesperiphona vespertina Evening Grosbeak Junco hyemalis Slate-coloured Junco
Emberizea cirlus Cirl Bunting
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