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Tp) ae NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS SaluYya! = Ww) Bee) 2 WN = ECR : 5S MA = ro) aa ad SOEs | LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN” INSTITUTIO Ss ya FO) = wh on & SONS 3) Me 2 KRM, eeewe a = “BIRDS 3 _ THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 8 No. 1 SPRING 1974. _ Price 75p 1974/75 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors : Ray Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon) MTAI and Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. **18 July 1974 RWANDA & ZAIRE—16 days—£659.00. Akagera and Virunga National Parks for plains game. Lakes Luhondo and Bulera for birds. Bukavu for mountain gorillas; and a live volcano. With Sir Hugh Elliott. **17 Sep 1974 ZAMBIA & BOTSWANA—18 days—£665.00. South Luangwa, Kafue and Chobe National Parks. Victoria Falls and walking safaris on Wilderness Trails. ***1 Dec 1974 GALAPAGOS CRUISE and UPPER AMAZON—20 days— from £575.00. A superb cruise and jungle journey with John Gooders, BSc, Dr Mike Harris and Ken Burras, NDH. 1 Feb 1975 INDIA & NEPAL—Birds & Wildlife—3 weeks—*£550.00. A repeat of last year’s success. Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur Sanctuary. Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (Nepal), Kathmandu and Kaziranga with John Gooders, BSc. **16 Feb 1975 SOUTHERN INDIA & SRI LANKA (CEYLON)—Birds & Wildlife—3 weeks—*£550.00. Bombay, Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Yala, Kandy, Wilpattu, Madras, Nagpur, Kanha, Periyar. 27 Mar, 1 Apr and 6 Apr 1975—Bird & Flower Tours of CRETE—2 weeks —*£233.00. Ever popular—early registration is advised. 2 Apr 1975 SOUTHERN PELOPONNESE—Birds & Flowers—2 weeks— *£233.00. Repeat of the very successful 1974 tours but 3 centres only— Nauplia, Sparta and Methoni. 3 Apr 1975 CYPRUS—Bird & Flower Tour—2 weeks—*£233.00. Coastal areas, Troodos Mountains, Karpasian ‘‘Pan-handle’’. ***10 Aug 1975 GALAPAGOS CRUISE & UPPER AMAZON—20 days—from £575.00. Registration now. * to be confirmed **in conjuction with Fauna Preservation Society. *** in conjunction with Twickenham Travel Ltd., Twickenham, Middx. Detailed brochures available from PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 41 SOUTH PARADE, a a SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, FOE OX2 7UP. LPN = (ay. Vax Phone Oxford (0865) 55345 & 54517 WHEN IN THE HIGHLANDS VISIT EUROPE’S FIRST VISITOR CENTRE Nature trail Bookshop Good selection of books on History and Natural History of the Highlands and Islands. Send for Booklist. Exhibition and Multi-Screen Theatre History of Man in Strathspey Restaurant and Bar Landmarr CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 SWANS BIG GAME & BIRDS SAFARIS VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Samburu, Tsavo, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Mara, in Kenya and Tanzania. GUEST LECTURERS accompany each Safari and their expert and personal knowledge of East Africa—its animals, birds, history, peoples and customs— provides an unrivalled opportunity, not only to view the ever decreasing wildlife in its natural habitat, but also to give an insight into the problems of its preservation and the conservation of land needed by Africa’s developing nations. A holiday that can open up new vistas of interest. 1974 DEPARTURES June 27; July 18; Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31. 1975 DEPARTURES Jan. 16, 23 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar. 6; June 26; July 17; Aug. 7, 28; Sept. 18; Oct. 9, 30; Dec. 18. (21 days £475) 12-page full colour brochure available SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 237 (K20) Tottenham Court Road, London, WIP OAL. Telephone 01-636 8070 C.A.A. Licence ATOL 189B SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 8, NUMBER 1, SPRING 1974 Page Editorial ps 1 Impact of the oil industry on Scotland’s coasts and birds. By Prof G. M. Dunnet ... 3 Birds of the northwest Highland birch yoode! ‘By W. B. Yapp 16 Short Notes Great Snipe in Shetland (I. S. Robertson) _... 3l White-winged Black Tern in Aberdeenshire oe Parker, M. J. Grigson) a 32 Pair of Kingfishers rears three broods aR. M. Lambie) 32 White’s Thrush at Fair Isle (R. A. Broad) ... 33 Lanceolated Warblers at Fair Isle A pickavand et ie N. V. Allen etal.) ... : 34 Reviews Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland. By John Barslow: Reviewed by D. G. Andrew ave he 35 Azraq, Desert Oasis. By Bryan Nelson. Reviewed by H. Greig ae 5 36 The Natural History of Cape Clear Island. Edited by J. T. R. Sharrock. Reviewed by R. H. Dennis ... 37 Alaska and its Wildlife. By Eran L. Sage: Reviewed by G. Waterston ee 38 Requests for Information ... Lea ait be is 39 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club... a aa et 39 Editor Squadron Leader H. Greig Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe Will tomorrow’s adults care about the countryside? To make sure they do, the RSPB has taken another step into the future Loch Leven Nature Centre This centre is designed for schools and the general public. There is a resident teacher in charge. We like visitors... . . SO bring the family—there’s lots to see— nature trail, large exhibition room, children’s nature discovery room, tripod-mounted binoculars—and wildlife in plenty, in a lovely scenic setting. Join the RSPB and help to build more nature centres Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RS PB 17 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. Tel. 031-556 5624. Route : From main Edinburgh-Perth road, just south of Kinross, turn east on B9097. Centre 2 miles. Closed Friday SCOTTISH BIRDS ©» THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB gets 5S Vol. 8 No. 1 . Spring 1974 Edited by Squadron Leader Harry Greig Editorial Readers will now be well aware of the changes that have recently taken place in the Club Headquarters at Regent Terrace but, as a new name now appears at the top of the Editorial page, it would be inappropriate to let the occasion pass without further comment. Tom Delaney has for the past three years maintained the high standard set by his predeces- sor and it is encouraging to know that both are to be members of the Editorial Committee and will be available to give ad- vice and assistance to your new editor. We would like to express our appreciation of the help and encouragement given by Tom during the transition period and for the gentle manner in which he has eased us into the editorial chair. We will continue to welcome contributions on all matters of ornithological interest and importance in Scotland and hope that, with the help of contributors, we can continue to produce an interesting and informative journal. Publication dates. Because of the delay experienced with the publication of the 1972 Scottish Bird Report the journal is now some weeks behind the scheduled dates. With the co- operation of Mr Walter Thomson, our printer, a programme has been planned for the publication of issues at approximate- ly ten-week intervals for the remainder of 1974 and, if suc- cessful, this should result in the publication of the winter number during December. This can only be accomplished, however, with the co-op- eration of contributors and we would ask them all to assist us to achieve this aim by checking and returning proofs with the minimum of delay. Loch of Strathbeg. Professor Dunnet’s paper on the impact of the oil industry on Scottish coasts which appears in this issue includes a short case history of the recent attempt to build a North Sea gas reception and transmission plant at Crimond airfield; this would have involved the laying of pipe- lines across the Loch of Strathbeg and nearby sand dunes. Fortunately for the future of this internationally important area attempts to divert this installation elsewhere were suc- 2 EDITORIAL 8(1) cessful and, since that time, the RSPB has established a Reserve at the Loch of Strathbeg and has appointed Mr Jim Dunbar, a native of Aberdeenshire, as warden. The factors that combine to make this one of the greatest centres for wildfowl in Britain are its location within half-a- mile of the coast in the easternmost corner of Scotland and its area of 550 acres, which is large enough to provide a secure roost and yet shallow enough to afford rich feeding grounds. The ornithological importance of the loch has been recognised for at least 150 years and the first full account of its bird life by Thomas Edward, published in 1854, lists most of the breeding species. (Edward T., Naturalist, 1854, 239 (1854)). Wildfowl visiting the loch have now been counted once a month in winter for the past 19 years and some of the figures obtained appear in the paper by Professor Dunnet. Shetland Bird Club. An increasing interest in ornithology in Shetland and concern over problems associated with oil de- velopment in the area have led to the formation of the Shet- land Bird Club. When the idea was first publicised the response was immediate, and some 40 members had been enrolled by the time the inaugural meeting was held on 26th January 1974. Bobby Tulloch is the Club’s first Honorary President, and many other well-known names already appear on the membership list. In addition to promoting an increased interest in ornithology the Club aims to support conservation and to study and record all aspects of bird life in Shetland. It will also take over res- ponsibility for the compilation of the Shetland Bird Report and it is hoped that the 1973 Report will be on sale by the time this appears in print. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Shetland birds and the subscription rates are £1.00 for adults and 50p for members under 16. Further details of the Shetland Bird Club can be obtained by writing to the Secretary, Iain Rob- ertson, West Isle, Skerries, Shetland. Change of local recorder. Bob McMillan has now taken over as local recorder for Perthshire in place of Valerie Thom. We take this opportunity to thank Valerie for the excellent work she has carried out in the past and feel sure that Bob will keep up the high standard set for the area. Bob’s address is 29 Lewis Place, North Muirton, Perth. Current literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes : Interactions between Gulls and Eiders in St Andrews Bay, Fife. O. E. Prys-Jones. Bird Study 20: 311-313. Gannet nest with two chicks. P. Rowe. British Birds 67: 25. 1974 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 3 Impact of the oil industry on Scotland’s coasts and birds G. M. DUNNET Introduction The exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea began to be considered in the late 1950’s, and in 1958 agreement was reached in Geneva for the division of the continental shelf areas of the North Sea among the countries with North Sea coastline, for the exploration of mineral resources. The first discovery was gas at Schlochteren in the Groningen province of Holland in 1959. In 1962 preliminary survey work was carried out in the U.K. sector on behalf of the British Govern- ment. In 1964 the U.K. ratified the Geneva Convention and licences were awarded in September and December of that year for exploration. The first off-shore gas field, West Sole, was discovered in 1965, and in 1966 further gas fields were discovered. In Sep- tember 1966 the first oil discovery was made in Danish waters and in 1968 the first discovery of gas condensate was made in the central North Sea. The huge Ekofisk oil field was dis- covered by Philips in Norwegian waters of the central North Sea in December of 1969, but in 1970 attention switched from the southern North Sea and important oil and gas condensate discoveries were made at West Ekofisk, Eldfisk and Torfeld close to Ekofisk in Norwegian waters, and Josephine and Forties fields in the British sector. Since then there has been a continuous series of discoveries in the northern North Sea to the east of Shetland with the Auk and Frigg fields, the huge Brent field in 1971, and recently the Ninian and other fields. In fact so many reports are coming in each week that it is quite impossible to keep up-to-date. In September 1972 known reserves already totalled over 700 million tons. This has since been increased to 800-1300 million tons and even this figure is expected to be increased substan- tially as other discoveries are confirmed as commercial fields. Discoveries known in September 1972 would support a daily production equivalent to the total currently supplied by the whole of Canada, and by 1980 the North Sea should supply two-thirds of Britain’s oil requirements. We have for a long time associated oil fields with places like the deserts of the Middle East, Texas and the Gulf of Mexico and it still requires a considerable effort for us to realise that there is one of the largest oil fields in the world 12000 feet below the grey and 4 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 8(1) stormy North Sea and to the west of Shetland. It is important to realise that North Sea oil and gas are, relatively speaking, very close to one of the most densely populated industrial regions in the world. Problems and technology Most of the problems associated with finding and extracting oil and gas from the North Sea relate to the physical problems of the sea itself. The North Sea is one of the world’s most difficult areas in which off-shore drilling takes place, with wave heights in winter over 15 feet for 20% of the time, and the severe storms that sweep the region regularly bring waves ranging up to 65 feet. In addition to this the work has to be carried out in high winds and low temperatures, far from land, and often in fog. Rigs operating there have experienced about 15% shut-down time, and supply and support operations to the exploration rigs, as well as to the production platforms, have been curtailed for almost 25% of the time. This problem has been solved to some extent with the development of semi-submersible rigs which should lead to a substantial reduction in the cost due to delays when fixed rigs cannot operate. North Sea weather imposes high costs on much of the operations in the oil industry. For example, when a ship’s anchor damaged a gas pipeline from the Leman field, repairs had to be delayed because of bad weather, and the resulting loss was estimated at more than six million dollars. In the face of the challenge of the serious environmental conditions which the North Sea offers many new ideas and concepts have been developed. Many of these are experimen- tal, and it is important for us to realise that technology is being pushed to the very limit in much of these operations. Ideas for replacing production platforms with sea-floor com- pletion systems are well under way and have been tried out in the Gulf of Mexico already; submarine service vessels are being considered, and many types of undersea storage are being developed from which oil will be pumped to tankers on the surface. These could present serious problems of control in case of accidents. Also being pioneered for the North Sea, especially by Norway, is the technology of concrete platforms incorporating within their structure huge storage facilities, usually on the sea bed, enabling production to continue even when it is impossible for tankers to come alongside to take away the oil; the million-barrel storage tank built of concrete at Stavanger and towed out to the Ekofisk field is a well known example. 1974 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 5 Birds at risk Clearly seabirds are vulnerable to damage resulting from the oil industry’s activities and the greatest single source of danger is from oil pollution resulting from accidental spillage and leaks and from discharge of oil by ships at sea. Beach Survey results organised by the RSPB and the Seabird Group indicate the seriousness of this: up to 90% of dead birds on beaches are oiled. Birds are especially vulnerable (a) when concentrated at and around their breeding stations, (b) when concentrated in sheltered inshore areas for moulting (when many species are flightless) or for overwintering, and (c) when dispersed over their feeding grounds at sea. We now have — a these aspects of bird distribution, but much more are needed. A preliminary map on distribution of breeding auks and wildfowl was prepared by the Nature Conservancy in 1971; this is now out of date. The results of the Seabird Group’s “Operation Seafarer’ (Cramp, Bourne and Saunders 1974) provides details of the distribution of all seabird colonies around the United Kingdom and Ireland, together with esti- mates of approximate breeding numbers in 1969. It is an in- valuable aid to assessing risks. A plot of the major Scottish colonies shows how many are concentrated in areas likely to become involved in the oil industry (fig. 1). A minor oil incident involving residual fuel discharged from a ship in the central North Sea off Shetland in June 1971 killed considerable num- bers of Guillemots, Puffins and Razorbills, and also some Gannets, Kittiwakes and Fulmars. About 1000 bodies were recovered, probably equivalent to 10000 killed. Large incidents of the Torrey Canyon type could be catastrophic in such areas when tides, currents and winds would quickly disperse float- ing oil around the islands. Data are available for Scaup, Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye and Eider which show marked concentrations in certain estuaries and bays. Such concentra- tions are highly vulnerable, especially when the birds are flightless. The incident on the Tay estuary involving a spillage from the tanker Tank Duchess, which caused massive mortality of Eiders in February 1968, is well documented (Greenwood and Keddie, 1968). The attendance of auks and other seabirds at or near the colonies outside the breeding season is not fully understood, and work is still in progress. In favourable conditions some species such as Guillemots and Fulmars come to their colonies, or near to them, from mid October onwards, so that their vul- nerability to oil pollution is not confined to the breeding season. 6 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 8(1) @ 10000+ Hy 1.00,000+ e- . Fic. 1. Scottish seabird colonies reported to hold more than 10,000 pairs during the Seabird Group’s survey “Operation Seafarer” in 1969. 1974 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 7 Much less is known about the distribution of seabirds at sea. Dr Bourne is obtaining useful data on numbers and pat- terns of distribution of seabirds in the northern North Sea and off the west coast of Scotland. These data will provide a val- uable base line for comparison with future surveys and will indicate areas and times when birds will be specially at risk. Other likely problems arise from shore-based installations, and have affected or are likely to affect sand-dune habitats (Strathbeg-St Fergus and Ardersier), intertidal flats (Cromarty Firth), and moorland of various kinds (especially Shetland). These are important habitats for some relatively rare breeding birds such as Whimbrel and Sandwich Tern, and for wintering waders and waterfowl. Research is now going on to determine the patterns of movement of migratory waders and their feed- ing ecology, to provide a better understanding of their depen- dence on British estuaries. In addition, the roads that may have to be built in hitherto remote areas will open up to tourists and others large tracts of land that have been almost inaccessible: land birds far from the sites of coastal development may thus be affected as an indirect consequence of the oil industry. Impact on the environment There are four kinds of installation at sea with which we have to be concerned : (i) the mainly steel, fixed or semi-sub- mersible exploration rigs; (ii) the production platforms, much larger structures, more permanent, and built of steel or con- crete; (iii) storage facilities at sea, and buoyed terminals for tanker loading; and (iv) pipelines. Although these structures are carefully designed to withstand the environmental condi- tions in which they will be installed, there are several sources of danger to birds. First of all there is the question of leakage and spillage of oil from any of these sources. Spillage is some- thing that is bound to happen from time to time, and the oil companies have joined together to form a service to mop up spillages whenever they are found and as quickly as they can. However these precautions are not enough, as indicated by the spill of 400 tons of oil from the Conoco Britannia, which oiled Yorkshire’s beaches in June 1973. The tanker went aground on a sunny afternoon, not far from the new pollution centre at Immingham on the Humber, yet the spill was not contained and floated out to sea on the ebb tide and was blown north to Flamborough. This demonstrates clearly that the time required to assemble and use the right equipment is so great that enor- mous damage can occur. If spillages occur at the oil fields in the North Sea they will often be over 100 miles from the near- jest shore. Such slicks may well break up before reaching coasts. 8 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 8(1) We have a different problem when it comes to leakages. These are most likely from well heads and from pipelines. Delicate instrumentation will detect any major drop in pres- sure in any of these systems, and automatic devices will oper- ate to close them down. We may assume that leakage at this level will be infrequent and should be fairly quickly detected and dealt with, though in bad weather this will be difficult. Slow seepages may happen from time to time in some of these installations. On overland pipelines in North America, seep- ages have been known to continue for a long time at a slow rate which could not be detected by the instruments installed for the purpose. This is potentially quite a serious hazard, and I understand that BP intend to patrol the length of their under- sea pipeline regularly by helicopter to detect any substantial leak of this type. There are numerous types of on-shore installations that are important to us: (i) terminals for gas and for oil; (ii) refineries and petrochemical plants; (iii) rig-building sites—steel or con- crete; (iv) service bases; and (v) pipelines. The landfall of a pipeline has to be a gently shelving beach, with deep sand in which the pipe can be buried and within which it is safe from the effects of wave action and also from the activities of trawling and other fishing and shipping. There is always great concern that landfalls should be the shortest possible distance from the fields, and with pipelines costing £300000 or more per mile under sea, clearly a deviation of the line from the optimum site is undesirable from the developer’s point of view. Once the pipelines arrive on shore they are buried, and in- deed one can see little sign of them, so that the impact there is minimal provided adequate care is taken for the rehabilitation of dunes and the prevention of blow outs, especially during winter. Gas, when brought ashore, has to be processed im- mediately at a terminal before being pumped into pipelines for the national grid. These terminals take up considerable amounts of land and have a big impact on the amenity of our coastline. Oil pipelines by contrast can come ashore and pass, as the BP pipeline at Cruden Bay does, straight from its land- fall through a small pumping station and overland to a refinery, in this case at Grangemouth and to a tanker terminal in the Forth. There is only one refinery at the present time in Scotland, at Grangemouth, but there are suggestions for others to be built, at Sullom Voe, in the Cromarty Firth area, at Hunters- ton, at Campbeltown and at Loch Eriboll. Refineries are huge, unsightly installations and often attract to the area subsidiary 1974. IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 9 DUNLIN@ CORMORANT @ @D\BRENT ® @lrexaco wf ‘A oO ©, aS J, ae % ; SHELL EXXON A BriPer | | HAMILTON® MAUREEN v4 FORTIES St. Fergu ee ET MONTROSE@ \ Amoco-cc@ O cop MAURPHY AVI O HAMILIONOC\ @ TOR a EKOFISK AUK KA @p EL oFisk JOSEPHINE @' 0 ARCO @@® ARGY ba | Teesside N Y Be @ Known Oil Fields omnes §ADPTOVed Pipe Line O Known Gas Fields asesane Proposed Pipe Line Fic, 2, Known oil and gas fields with approved and proposed pipelines—August 1973. 10 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 8(1) petrochemical industries. They also inevitably involve sub- stantial tanker traffic. There has been such an outcry by en- vironmentalists against the establishment of oil refineries in ‘tthe United States and in Canada that it now looks as if American oil companies may try to establish refineries in Western Europe, including Scotland. This is a point we ought to have very much in mind and we should be quite clear about the advantages and disadvantages of having refineries in Scotland. It is perhaps about rig-building sites that we have heard most in the Scottish situation. Production platforms sit on the bottom of the sea and extend above the surface. Those used in the North Sea at depths between 400 and 1000 feet must therefore be huge structures. A steel platform made for Shell-Esso’s Brent field and con- structed at Methil in Fife has six legs and will rise 750 feet above the sea bed. It contains 40000 tons of steel. Structures of this kind will be towed out to the sites in a horizontal position, up-ended, and driven into the sea bed using jackets around the legs or piles inside the legs. Thus steel-platform building sites require areas in which the platforms can be built on their side and floated out into relatively deep water fairly quickly. Such rigs are at present being built at Nigg Bay, at Ardersier, at Methil and also on the Clyde, and a number of applications are lodged with plan- ning authorities for such sites round Scotland. Concrete production platforms are still untested. One type has a cellular base for storing oil, 368 feet square and 131 feet high; its total height is 650 feet (the London GPO tower is 620 feet). Such platforms are built in an upright position and towed out to sea complete with their superstructure, facilities, and equipment. They are ballasted to settle on the sea bed. The requirements for building sites for concrete platforms are rather more stringent than for steel, and very deep water must be available close by. There are proposals at present for this type of site at Loch Carron (Drumbuie), Ardyne, Loch Eriboll, and elsewhere. There is a great need for strategic planning to prevent the haphazard selection of too many sites along our coasts. The Scottish Development Department has gone some way to- wards defining Preferred Development Zones and Preferred Conservation Zones, but there is, in addition, great need to make effective the legislation on site rehabilitation when the building of production platforms comes to an end. The need for production platforms is variously estimated at 50 to 80 platforms in the North Sea over the next 30 years. 1974 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 11 The proliferation of exploration rigs and production plat- forms has created a great demand for servicing facilities. There are now many oil-rig service bases scattered around our coast. This has often brought about the development of port facilities at places like Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Peter- head, Stromness, Kirkwall, Scalloway, Lerwick and Balta Sound to mention a few. Many of these developments seem to be less damaging than many of the other types of on-shore installation. Increased port facilities may very well lead in the future, after the oil industry has come to an end, to their effec- tive use by other industries. There is no reason why on-shore pipelines should present a serious environmental hazard either to our coastline or to our birds. Pipeline technology is now far advanced, and much better than it was before the 1939-45 war when many Ameri- can and European pipelines were built. There is little doubt that if we keep sufficient pressure on the developers, most environmental hazards from this source can be prevented. But this requires great effort and vigilance. One of the major developments that will inevitably occur in association with this industry is an increase in tanker traffic. Unless crude oil is taken by pipeline from the well head all the way to the refinery, as BP does from the Forties field, it will at one stage or another be moved by tanker. In- deed since the Forties field will produce much more crude oil than the refinery at Grangemouth can process, it has been necessary to build a tanker terminal at Cramond in the Forth to enable tankers to come to a buoy well out in the river to carry away excess crude oil to refineries elsewhere. This in- creased tanker traffic causes great concern—especially in an area like the Forth, with its major concentrations of birds. The ‘Piper field pipeline is now to come in at the island of Flotta in Scapa Flow where the incoming oil will be stored if neces- sary, and then passed to tankers. The proposals for the Brent field are that oil will be taken from the well head by pipeline or tanker to Sullom Voe in Shetland, where it will be trans- ferred to large tankers, or it will possibly be refined in that area, and the products taken away presumably by smaller tankers. In these two examples in Orkney and Shetland tanker traffic could be of great significance in areas where the seabird populations are concentrated throughout the year, but especially in the breeding season, and where, for example in Scapa Flow, concentrations of sea-ducks (notably Long-tailed Ducks) gather in winter. Navigation is not easy in these areas, and there are many hazards such as tide races, shoals and fog among the islands. Inevitably sooner or later there must be an accident which may have very serious consequences. One 12 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 8(1) O Proposed Supply Bases. ri == ° @ Proposed Building Sites for Concrete Platforms. Ss ° a # Proposed Building Sites for Steel Platforms. i @ Proposed Oil Terminals. @ Proposed Refineries. M Approved Pipelines. o ok nf? ee Proposed Pipelines. ro ey Fic. 3. Some of the proposed onshore installations. 1974 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 13 hates to think of the Gannets from Hermaness, or seabirds sitting at sea off their colonies, becoming trapped in oil slicks from a spillage of the Torrey Canyon type. We must do all we can to ensure the greatest possible provision of navigational aids in order to reduce risks of this kind to an absolute mini- mum. It is impossible to consider the impact of the oil industry on the Scottish coastline, and indeed on Scottish birds, without considering people. The oil industry brings with it a great in- flux of people, some of them temporary labourers working on building sites, others are oil executives with a way of life and a standard of living quite different from that of local people. There must be an increase in the infrastructure of roads, drains, sewage and housing, and the impact of all this on the countryside, usually but not always in coastal areas, is very great indeed. People bring with them new recreations such as power boating, water skiing and other sophisticated activities. Many of them will come from other countries and will be only temporarily in the area and may have rather little serious concern for the environments in which they find themselves. It is not difficult to understand that their attitude may be ex- ploitive rather than conservationist. The rapidly advancing technology and the several choices open to oil companies for transporting oil from the well head to distribution centres or refineries make it difficult to foresee the likely effect on adjacent coasts until the company plans are finally decided and made public. It is therefore extremely difficult to be prepared in advance with a clear assessment of the ecological value and vulnerability of places likely to be affected. With our present planning system this inevitably results in hurried and sometimes scrappy surveys, though one must welcome the growing tendency for consultants to be employed to prepare surveys and to predict the likely impact of specific proposals. However, as an ecologist, I feel that consultants, though competent in considering the economics and social impact of such schemes, are often inadequate in their assessment of the ecological aspects. An important lesson from all this is that we should move fast NOW to set up reserves wherever these are merited. The Nature Con- servancy’s Prospectus for Nature Conservation within the Moray Firth is a good example of what can be done. Loch of Strathbeg—a case history There are now many case histories of negotiations between oil-based industries and conservationists in Scotland—in the Moray Firth, in Shetland, at Dunnet Bay, at Drumbuie and so on. The Loch of Strathbeg is a site of international ecological 14 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 8(1) importance on four different counts—geomorphology, limnol- ogy, botany and wildfowl. Observers have recorded the follow- ing maximum numbers of wildfowl species: Whooper Swan 822; Mute Swan, 354; Greylag Goose, 4500; Pink-footed Goose, 4600; Mallard, 8000; Wigeon, 2500; Pochard, 2764; Tufted Duck, 1060; Goldeneye, 518. These are maxima, but it is clearly an exceptional site. It was proposed that gas from the Frigg field should be piped to a landfall on the seaward side of the dunes which separate the loch from the sea. Pipes would then be brought through the dunes and dragged through the loch, which is only about four feet deep, and on to a disused airfield at Crimond. Out- line planning permission was sought on the sketchiest of in- formation, with four days’ notice, and the subsequent discus- sions revealed that four pipelines could ultimately come into this site, and that a very large gas terminal would be built on the airfield. Clearly the bringing of pipes through the dune systems and across a very shallow loch was bound to have a major effect on the plant communities and the natural environ- mental processes in both the dunes and the water mass of the loch, and we had misgivings about the risk of pollution of the water. Further, Total Oil Marine, the French company responsible for bringing the gas ashore in Aberdeenshire, had not made it clear that they had carefully examined other pot- ential landfalls involving little variation in the length of their pipeline. They were clearly attracted by the derelict airfield site. However, this proposal was opposed on ecological grounds by a large number of organisations, including the Nature Con- servancy, the Countryside Commission, the RSPB, the Scot- tish Wildlife Trust, the Wildfowl Trust, and by many private individuals. Conservationists in Aberdeen were deeply alarmed at the speed of developments and mounted a massive cam- paign. An Environmental Liaison Group was set up largely within the University, but including members from the Nature Conservancy, RSPB and SWT; it actively opposed the develop- ment at Crimond, and got a considerable amount of publicity. Discussions took place between the developers and several organisations, but perhaps the most detailed and critical dis- cussions took place in private under the chairmanship of Aberdeenshire’s county clerk between the Environmental Liaison Group and the two developers, Total Oil Marine and the British Gas Corporation. These discussions enabled ecolo- gists from different disciplines to discuss critically with the developers the likely impact of their plans. We were unyield- ing on the principle that this highly important ecological site should not be put at risk until everybody was satisfied that 1974 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 15 suitable alternative sites could not be found. Such a site was eventually found at St Fergus, a few miles further south. The Environmental Liaison Group considered this alternative care- fully and offered no objections to it but recommended to the County Council that the rehabilitation of the dunes and the creation of a reserve should be carried out in collaboration with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, and that the recreational fac- ilities at the beach and sand dune areas could be improved. Crimond airfield at the Loch of Strathbeg had already been the subject of a proposal for development by the Ministry of Defence who planned to erect an aerial farm there. That pro- posal had been in abeyance for some time and the reason given by the gas terminal developers for moving from Crimond to St Fergus was that the Ministry of Defence had made it clear that they were going to proceed and that it was impos- sible for the two developments to co-exist there. At no time did the developers admit that the ecological and conservation arguments put forcibly to them had had any effect on their final decision. Now the RSPB has established a reserve at the Loch of Strathbeg, and we hope that the scientific value of the site will be safeguarded. There are several lessons to be learned from this. I believe that some developers will, if they think the situation is right, make serious efforts to get planning permission rapidly so that development can proceed. Also, they will apply for out- line planning permission without tabling the details of their plans and proposals. Further, they may not always have made exhaustive searches for alternative sites and may in some sit- uations propose elaborate schemes for environmental defence to satisfy local councils, when really these may be quite in- appropriate. It is very important that opportunities be given by local authorities for these plans and proposals to be exam- ined critically by experts in the relevant fields, and this can be done via Countryside Committees. More alarming was the fact that during these negotiations there was a serious lack of detailed communication between the various conservation groups who were having discussions with the developers. There was a serious risk that the develop- ers could have separate meetings with, for example, the Nature Conservancy in Edinburgh and with the Environmental Liaison Group in Aberdeen and that neither of the two groups knew exactly what the other was saying and so they ran the risk of being played off against each other. It is essential that conservation groups do not become divided in any way in negotiations of this kind and that national organisations should 16 IMPACT OF THE OIL INDUSTRY 8(1) involve their local membership, especially those members who are professionally qualified to combat the high degree of pro- fessionalism employed by the developers. Acknowledgments I wish to thank Dr W. R. P. Bourne for useful discussions and, as Secretary of the Seabird Group, for permission to pub- lish the map of major Scottish Seabird Colonies, and also Mrs J. C. Ollason for preparing the other maps. References CRAMP, S., BouRNE, W. R. P. and SAUNDERS, D. 1974. The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland. London. GREENWOOD, J. J. D. and KEppiz, J. P. F. 1968. Birds killed by oil in the Tay Estuary, March and April 1968. Scot. Birds 5: 189-196. MILNE, H. and CAMPBELL, L. H. 1973. Wintering Sea-ducks off the East Coast of Scotland. Bird Study 20: 153-172. Birds of the northwest Highland birchwoods W.B. YAPP Introduction The birchwoods of the northwest Highlands are probably unique in the United Kingdom in having been little, if at all, exploited by man (Yapp 1972) and deserve much more atten- tion than they have received. They have scarcely been studied by botanists, and it is not even certain to what species or sub- species the trees should be assigned. Whatever the species, however, these woods have birch as the dominant tree, and in many of the woods there are few other trees. Rowan is the only one that is at all common, and there are a few willows, aspens and hollies. There are no shrubs except in a few valley ‘woods, where there are also a few hazels. The field layer is generally fairly rich, with leafy species and grasses, and in a few woods there are heathy patches. The birch produces abundant wind-borne seeds, and seed- lings a few inches high can sometimes be found in the woods and more commonly outside them. At this height they are grazed off by deer and sheep, so that there is no effective re- generation. My visits were made in 1951-52 and 1970-71. Of the 25 woods that I saw in both pairs of years one had been completely and two almost completely obliterated by conifer- ous planting. Most of the rest did not appear to have changed much in the interval of 18-20 years, but one was so much more open on my second visit that it could hardly have been classed as a wood, while some others had developed many gaps which 1974 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS AT were not recorded on my earlier visit. Some of the most strik- ing of these were on the National Nature Reserve at Inver- polly, Wester Ross, and I have photographs of one wood (Doire-na-h-Airbhe) as proof. These woods are doomed unless they are soon protected from all grazing. | | | ( ! Methods The most extensive account of the birds of these woods is that which I gave in 1962, based on counts in 26 woods in 1951 and 1952. In 1970 and 1971 I counted in 36 woods, 24 of which were in the earlier list. Thus the present paper is based on data from 38 woods out of a total of about 200 in the area. In the first pair of years only one of the woods was visited in both years, but in the second pair 21 woods were visited each year. The dates of my visits were 5-9th June 1951, 28th May- 5th June 1952, 8-19th June 1970, and 29th May-5th June 1971. With the exception of the 1970 visit, which was unavoidably rather late, these are about the best times to visit these woods. Counts were made by the method of the line-transect (Yapp 1956 and 1962). It has not been much used in Britain, for reasons that are not clear to me; it is one of the few practicable means by which a large number of samples can be accumulated in a short time. A party from the BTO, consisting of 19 or more supporters (Williamson 1969) was able to score territories in Fie. 1. Birchwoods visited during 1951-52 and 1970-71. 18 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 8(1) eight plots in about twice the period of time in which by my- self I made line transects in 25 woods. Even if the latter meth- od were less accurate than the former, this would be out- weighed by the advantage of having more samples. Having used both methods, I am by no means sure that there is much difference in reliability between the two, and recent American and European papers support this view (Emlen 1971 and Haukioja 1968). It is certainly unwise to generalize about the birds of birchwoods from one or two examples, since it is possible for a bird to be present in one wood and absent from a similar one over the hill, or to be present one year and not the next. This rule is especially important in marginal habitats such as the woods of the northwest, where by no means all the suitable territories are necessarily filled. Still less should one make statements about bird densities based on a few samples. All methods of counting birds overestimate conspicuous species and underestimate quiet ones. For comparative pur- poses this does not greatly matter, provided that the distortion so introduced is more or less constant in different conditions, as it probably is. Another quick method, which has been used even less than the line transect, is the time-quadrat (Yapp 1962). For this, one scores merely the occurrence of every species that is met in each unit of time that one spends in the habitat, without regard to the numbers of individuals. My counts in 1951-52 could be used only approximately for this method, based on 20-minute periods, but in 1970-71 I used it systematically, with periods of 10 minutes. Results Table 1 is a summary of the contacts for both pairs of years, with the relative abundance for all species where it is 1.0 or more. Relative abundance (R.A.) is the percentage, calculated to one decimal place, of the total number of contacts given by a species. In general the R.A.’s for the two sets of years are very similar. Table 2 gives the species that in either pair of years had an R.A. of 2.0 or more; they are ranged in the rank order of 1970- 71 (the larger sample). The percentage frequency of occur- rence (P.F.) is given also, based on the number of woods in which the species was recorded and on the number of time- quadrats, e.g. if a species was recorded in every wood, its P.F. in the “woods” column would be 100; if it was recorded dur- ing, say, half the time quadrats, its P.F. in the “quadrats” column would be 50. The table emphasises the similarity of the two periods and —” — —— Ze YOULL bi LD PLATE 1 (a). Oil-rig fabrication yard at Nigg Bay, Easter Ross, August 1975. The production platform for BP’s Forties Field is being constructed in the graving dock (page 10). (b) The first North Sea oil pipeline coming ashore at Cruden Bay, Aber- | deenshire from BP’s Forties Field, May 1973 (page 8). Photographs by G. M. Dunnet PLATE 2. Birds at risk (page 5). (a) Puffins, Clett Stack, Fetlar, 1971. (b) Puffins. Clett Stack, Fetlar, 1971. Photographs by R. J. Tulloch PLatTr 5S. Birds at risk (page 5). (a) Gannet colony, Hermaness, Shetiand, 1972. (b) Shags and Razorbills, Hermaness, Shetland, 1972. Photographs by R. J. Tulloch TE 4 (a). Birchwood, Wester Ross, June 1971 (page 16). (b) Birchwood, Doire-na-h- 1e on the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, July 1950 (page 16). Photographs by W. B. Yapp 1974 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 23 shows that more than two-thirds of the total contacts are given by the top four species, and 90% by the top ten or 12. The P.F. based on 10-minute quadrats obviously gives almost as good a representation of the avifauna as the R.A., the two inversions of order (Tree Pipit/Robin and Redpoll/Blue Tit) being trivial. The P.F.’s scored on 20-minute quadrats and on woods are, as would be expected, not so good, but they are useful approximations. The time-quadrat method, which needs nothing but a watch, a pencil and a notebook (or prefer- ably a pre-printed card) is a good and quick method for check- ing bird populations. No attempt was made to find nests, but species for which I obtained evidence, in one or more years, that would have justified category 3 in the BTO Atlas project are marked N in table 1. There can be no doubt that the other common spec- ies do breed in these woods, and one might confidently add Chaffinch, Spotted Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Cuckoo and Tawny Owl, making 27 species probably breeding with some regularity. The line-transect counts do not easily convert to densities, but they can be used for comparison. In 1951-52 the number of contacts per (moving) hour was 42, while in 1970-71 it was 61. If there had been any change in my accuracy of counting I should expect that it would have been such as to decrease the number of contacts; being 19 years older I might have walked more slowly and would certainly have heard less. Thus it seems clear that there has been an increase in the density of population of these woods, and I have evidence, for roughly the same period, of a similar increase in woodlands in other parts of the country as well. The number of species recorded increased from 29 (of which two were not in the timed counts) to 45. Dunnock and Buzzard were the only species recorded in 1951-52 that were not found in the later years. There is no reason to think that the increase is an expression of anything but the greater number of woods visited and the greater time spent in them. Counts of this sort provide information on the diversity of the fauna, which cannot be measured adequately simply by counting the species present. Various formulae have been de- vised for the purvose, one of the simplest and best being Yule’s Index of Diversity as modified by Williams (1946 and 1971). It is a measure of the chance that any two individuals taken at random will not be of the same species. A high index there- fore means great diversity. For the birchwoods in 1951-52 Yule’s Index is 5.5, for 1970-71 5.8, and for all years combined 5.8. These are very consistent results and suggest both that the method is reliable and that the avifauna has not changed. 24 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 8(1) Table 1. Species recorded, numbers of contacts and relative abundances, northwest Highland birchwoods, 1951-52 and 1970-71 1951-52 1970-71 Contacts’ R.A. Contacts R.A, Passerines Raven 1 Corvus corax N Carrion/ Hooded Crow 5 18 a2 Corvus corone Jay 1 arrulus glandarius N Great Tit 16 2.4 15 Parus major N Blue Tit 12 1.8 32 2.0 Parus caeruleus N Coal Tit 22 one 48 asi Parus ater N Long-tailed Tit 1 Aegithalos caudatus N Tree Creeper 2 8 Certhia familiaris N Wren 35 5.1 140 9.0 Troglodytes troglodytes Dipper 3 Cinclus cinclus Mistle Thrush 15 Turdus viscivorus N Song Thrush 25 6 40/ 31 2.1 Turdus philomelos Redwing ee Turdus iliacus Ring Ouzel 3 13 Turdus torquatus N Blackbird 1 5 Turdus merula Wheatear 4, 1 Oenanthe oenanthe N Stonechat 4 Sazicola torquata Whinchat Sazicola rubetra N Redstart 18 2.6 68 44 Phoenicurus phoenicurus N Robin 46 6.7 81 5:2 Erithacus rubecula N Willow Warbler 262 38.4 538 35.4 Phylloscopus trochilus Chiffchaff 1 Phylloscopus collybita Wood Warbler 10 1.4 12 Phylloscopus sibilatrix Goldcrest 1 Regulus regulus Spotted Flycatcher 11 1.6 9 Muscicapa striata Dunnock (2) Prunella modularis 1974 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 1951-52 1970-71 Contacts’ R.A. Contacts R.A, Passerines N Meadow Pipit 3 13 Anthus pratensis N Tree Pipit 65 9.6 108 6.9 Anthus trivialis Pied Wagtail 1 Motacilla alba Starling 3 Sturnus vulgaris N Redpoll 20 2.9 38 2.4 Acanthis flammea Bullfinch 3 Pyrrhula pyrrhula Chaffinch 85 12.4 288 18.4 Fringilla coelebs Reed Bunting 1 4 Emberiza schoeniclus Total contacts (passerines) 650 1512 Non-passerines Grey Heron 1 Ardea cinerea Buzzard 2 Buteo buteo N Red Grouse 5 Lagopus lagopus Black Grouse 1 Lyrurus tetriz N Woodcock Scolopaz rusticola Curlew 4 Numenius arquata Common Sandpiper 1 3 Tringa hypoleucos N Woodpigeon 5 Columba palumbus Collared Dove 1 Streptopelia decaocto Cuckoo lef 2.4 28 1.8 2 Cuculus canorus Tawny Owl (1) Strix aluco Total contacts (non-passerines) 33 58 Total contacts (passerines and (non-passerines) 683 1570 Species totals 29 42 Grand total of species 45 Figures in brackets refer to contacts made outside timed counts R.A.=relative abundance (given only where it is 1.0 or greater) N=evidence of nesting 26 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 8(1) It is a low index, less than half that for most deciduous woods in England, little more than half that for young coniferous plantations and only a little higher than that for older ones. It is probably a result of the vegetational uniformity of the woods, the absence of a shrub layer and the harshness of the climate. It is an expression of the high proportion of individ- uals formed by a small number of species. Table 2. The twelve most abundant species, northwest Highland birchwoods 1951-52 1970-71 P.F. R.A. P.F. R.A. 2 2 Sviiley co A = FT = : w GEE S38 : 3 BER 8s ¢ 88 SEB SE ¢g SB £86 £5 oS) se oseeMES Oo Willow Warbler 100 100 38.4 97 85 34.3 Chaffinch 88 89 12.4 50.8 89 75 18.4 Pd. Wren 62 59 Bul 55.9 86 49 9.0 61.7 Tree Pipit 81 61 9.6 65.5 53 30 6.9 68.6 Robin 65 56 6.7 (PR 66 36 eed 73.8 Redstart 42 30 2.6 74.8 70 28 4.4 78.2 Coal Tit 42 39 Sy 78.0 47 19 215i | 81.3 Redpoll 19 13 2.9 80.9 31 i 2.4 83.7 Blue Tit 19 24 (1.8) 39 1 2.0 85.7 Song Thrush 46 35 Sar | 84.6 28 9 2.0 87.7 Cuckoo 15 18 2.4 87.0 8 8 (1.8) Great Tit 38 98 24 894 39) ses Species are arranged in order of relative abundance in 1970-71 P.F.=percentage frequency R.A.=relative abundance Cum.=cumulative abundance Changes In addition to the degeneration mentioned earlier of some of the woods there are two other sources of possible general change. There has been a great increase in tourist traffic, and there may have been a change in climate. If there is any in- crease in human pressure, it does not appear to be very im- portant. In 1951-52 I met no one at all; in 1970-71, except in two areas, the only people I saw in the woods were two mem- bers of the SOC in a roadside wood doing a square for the Atlas. The exceptions are, however, of some importance; in 1970-71 in woods in the two National Nature Reserves (Coille- na-Glas-leitire in Ben Eighe and some of the woods of Inver- polly) there were numbers of people, some with dogs, where 19 years before there had been none. I do not think that in 1974 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 27 Inverpolly the open-door policy of the Nature Conservancy has yet had much effect—the woods are too far from the road—but in Coille-na-Glas-leitire I think it has, both by trampling of the undergrowth and by the scattering of crumbs, as well as by the mere presence of crowds. From the point of view of conservation, it seems that the worst thing that can happen to these woods may be that they should become nature reserves. There is abundant evidence that throughout the 19th cen- tury and the first half of the 20th the climate of northern Europe was on the whole becoming better, and, as I pointed out in 1962, the well documented inflow of species into the northwest Highlands indicates this, just as does the northward spread of birds in Finland during the same period. There is some meteorological evidence that about 1950 this trend was checked or even reversed. The observations discussed here confirm this up to a point, since the avifauna seems to have stabilized and not to have changed since 1951, but they give no evidence for any worsening of the climate. The commoner species find the birchwoods a suitable habitat irrespective of the variations in the environment; it is pos- sible that the presence of the others might be in part deter- mined by such variable factors as the degree of openness of the woods; the ground surface, whether damp or rocky; the amount of heathy vegetation (heather and bilberry) in the field layer; and the aspect. The geology is fairly uniform, all the woods being on siliceous rocks of one sort or another, except for one which is partly on Durness limestone. There is a variable amount of peat (probably adequately indicated by the dampness of the surface), and the woods in the eastern part are on land more or less covered by boulder clay of the Moine Drift. Geological mapping of the area is however in- complete. I have considered several species in relation to all these points, without being able to show any clear correlation. With all methods of assessment the fact that a species is not recorded does not necessarily mean that it is not present, but the longer one spends in a wood the more likely it is that any species that is present will show up. I have therefore assumed that all woods in which a species was found in any one of the four years are equally suitable, although in some woods the species was found in more than one year. Of the 38 woods, 20 were recorded as being rocky, eight as being wet, 13 as having heather or bilberry or both, and 20 as facing north, northeast or northwest. Pipits Moorland woods with open patches may contain both common species of pipit, as may young coniferous plantations and the birchwoods of Fin- 28 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 8(1) Jand as well as those of Scotland. I did not find any Meadow Pipits’ nests, but birds were carrying food for young within the woods. _ If a pipit is silent and one cannot get a good view, it is not always possible to say which species it is; in 1970-71 there were 33 such doubtful contacts. In table 1 I have assigned all these to Tree Pipit, since this is the most likely identification; a statistically better procedure would have been to distribute them in the proportion of certain identifications, i.e. 13:75, which would have given five Meadow Pipits and 28 Tree Pipits. i would not alter the r.a. of Tree Pipit, calculated to one decimal place. The R.A. of Tree Pipit is lower in 1970-71 than in 1951-52, and the diff- erence seems real; the density, however, is still about the same—4.3 con- tacts per hour instead of 4.0, a difference that is probably not signifi- cant. Most people would have expected the opening-up of the woods to have encouraged the Tree Pipit, but this does not seem to have happened to any great extent. While keeping up its numbers, it has been depressed in relative abundance by increases of Chaffinch and Wren. My counts in Wyre Forest (Yapp 1969) over roughly the same period show fluctua- tions in the density of Tree Pipits, but there were as many at the end as at the beginning. Tree Creeper Tree Creepers were recorded in seven woods, all in the west; although all of these were visited more than once, and five of them three or four times, there were no repeats, but this may be no more than an expression of the low conspicuousness of the species. Only one of the woods is possibly partly on boulder clay, but other factors, such as the more oceanic climate of the west, may be more im- portant in determining distribution. The species is present in woods on boulder clay in England, but its distribution, and especially its density, in relation to this would be worth investigation. Six of the woods are rocky, and only one is wet. If the bird’s distribu- tion had been truly random, one would have expected it to occur in four rocky woods and three wet. Thus, although the connection with rocks may be significant, the negative connection with wetness is probably not. Flycatchers Spotted Flycatchers were found in 12 woods, again with no repeats. They were widely distributed, both north to south and east to west, and showed no correlation with any of the factors assessed. These birchwoods are clearly suitable for the species, therefore, but do not support high numbers. This agrees with the bird’s genera] distribution; the numbers in gardens, for example, are much smaller than what the available nesting sites and, one would have thought, the available food would support. It is perhaps surprising that Pied Flycatchers are not found in the birchwoods The species occurs much further north on the Continent, but its limit on the west side of Scotland appears to be the south side of Loch Broom, which it has reached only recently; only three of my woods are south of this. The species occurs in birchwoods in England, but sparingly. Leaf warblers Willow Warbler is easily the dominant species (so much so that Birch Warbler should be its name). A Wood Warbler was recorded in 1929 by Baxter and Rintoul (1953) in a wood beside Loch Shin (which could have been one that I visited), 1974 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 29 and they say a bird was heard in 1913 at Loch Hope (where I found it in 1952). But the species apparently did not become at all widespread until the late 1940’s, and has never been common. In 1951-52 I recorded it in four woods, in 1970-71 in three, with one repeat (1951 and 1970), the ‘total of six being well distributed. In some likely woods in 1970-71 I tried to call the bird with tape, with no success. There has, if anything, been a decrease in the numbers of Wood Warblers, which would agree with the supposed deterioration in temperature. I recorded only one Chiffchaff, in a wood near Little Loch Broom in 1970, which was not visited in 1971; it had also both Wood Warbler and Willow Warbler; another Chiffchaff was singing in a nearby larch plan- tation. A few years ago the species was only just penetrating the High- lands, but in 1971 one was heard at Scourie, Sutherland (I. D. Pennie in Dennis 1972). Thrushes The commonest thrush is the Song Thrush, which was recorded in 16 woods, in eight of them in more than one year. This is surprising, for otherwise its commonest natural habitat in Britain is the pedunculate oakwood of southern England. The birchwoods containing it are well distributed and cover all the main features referred to above. By con- trast Blackbirds are rare. Ring Ouzels were recorded in seven woods, all in the west, five of them on the Inverpolly Reserve. Six were rocky, as against four expected; none was wet, as against two expected; and five had a northern aspect, as against two expected. Redwings nest in similar birchwoods in Scandinavia, and I had long expected that if it ever became a Scottish breeding bird it would be in these woods. In fact most of the records are from policies, farmland and other man-made areas. I recorded only two birds in 1970 and none in 1971, so that, although it probably nests in the birchwoods, it does so only sparingly. In 1951-52 I recorded no Mistle Thrushes, but in 1970 they were in four woods, and R. V. Collier found them in another wood at Inverpolly which I did not visit. In 1971, although I visited three of the woods where I had found Mistle Thrushes the year before, I found them in one wood only where I had not seen them in 1970. It looks as if the small population fluctuates considerably. In 1970 one open wood of about 16 hectares (40 acres) contained Song cle Mistle Thrush and Ring Ouzel, of which the first was certainly reeding. Summary The birchwoods of the northwest Highlands are probably the most natural woods in Great Britain. Thirty-eight woods were visited in 1951-52 and 1970-71, 24 of them in both pairs of years, and their birds were recor- ded by the methods of line-transect and time-quadrat. They have a characteristic avifauna, in which Willow Warbler and Chaffinch make up half the total number of contacts and ten or 12 species make up 90 per cent of the total. There was little change between the two pairs of years, but the density increased. The total number of species recorded was 45. The species diversity is less than half that of most English deciduous woods, and less than that of young conifer plantations. Acknowledgments In accordance with the customary freedom of the Scottish hills I went into most of these woods without permission. 30 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 8(1) Nevertheless I am grateful to all the landowners, known and unknown, who made my visits possible. Those of 1951-52 and 1970 were made during term time, but at my own expense, while I was a lecturer in the Zoology Department of the Uni- versity of Birmingham. I acknowledge the permission of the Nature Conservancy to work in the Ben Eighe and Inverpolly Reserves in 1970 and in Inverpolly in 1971, and especially thank R. V. Collier, then the Warden at Inverpolly, and Mrs Collier, for their help and hospitality. References BaxTER, E. V. & RINTOUL, L. J. 1955. The Birds of Scotland. Edinburgh and London. CLAPHAM, A. R., TUTIN, T. G. & WarRbBure, E. F. 1952 (2nd ed. 1962). Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge. DENNIS, R. H. 1972. Scottish Bird Report 1971. Scot. Birds 7: 107 EMLEN, J. T. 1971. Population densities of birds derived from transect counts. Auk 88: 523. GARDINER, A. S. 1972. A review of the subspecies carpatica and tortuosa within the species Betula pubescens Ehrh. Trams. bot. Soc. Edin. 41: 451. HAvKIosa, E. 1968. Reliability of the line survey method in bird census, with refer- ence to reed bunting and sedge warbler. Urnis fenn. 45: 105. McVEANn, D. A. N. & RATCLIFFE, D. A. 1962. Plant Communities of the Scottish High- lands. London. PENNANT, T. 1774-76. A Tour in Scotland and voyage to the Hebrides, 1772. London. (Reprinted London. 1809). STEVEN, H. M. & CARLISLE, A. 1959. The Native Pinewoods of Scotland. Edinburgh and London. WILLIAMS, C. B. 1946. Yule’s “Characteristic”? and the Index of Diversity. Nature 157: 482. WILLIAMS, C. B. 1970. Style and Vocabulary. London. WILLIAMSON, K. 1969. Bird communities in woodland habitats in Wester Ross, Scot- land. Q. Jl. For. 63: 305. YapPrp, W. B. 1956. The theory of line transects. Bird Study 3: 93. Yapp, W. B. 1962. Birds and Woods. London, New York and Toronto. Yapp, W. B. 1969. The bird population of an oakwood (Wyre Forest) over eighteen years. Proc. Birmingham Nat. Hist. Soc. 21: 199. Yapp, W. B. 1972. Remnants of a northern forest. Country Life 152: 1791. Appendix I Species of trees If we follow Clapham, Tutin and Warburg 1952 the trees of the north- west Highland birchwoods would appear to be Betula pubescens Ehrh. ssp odorata (Bechst.) E.F. Warb., but more recent work indicates that this subspecies may be synonymous with the central European B. carpa- tica (Walst. et Kit.) (Gardiner 1972). It seems, however, that this conclu- sion comes from a study of birches much further south than those we are concerned with, and clearly no firm conclusions about the Scottish birches can be drawn so long as the northwestern woods are ignored. I have not seen B. carpatica, but it is said to be very similar to B. tortuosa (Ledeb), which forms woods in northern Scandinavia that I have seen and that are very similar in general appearance to some of those of the northwest Highlands. Clapham et al indeed, in their second edition (1962) include tortuosa with B. pubescens odorata, and on general geographical grounds this seems a more likely identification. 1974 BIRDS OF THE BIRCHWOODS 31 Seven of the woods, including some that I visited, are treated in McVean and Ratcliffe (1962), but the lists of species given there are incomplete. They say (p. 23) that areas of pure rowan wood are not uncommon in the birchwoods of the west Highlands, but there are none in those that I visited. Their statement that there are several acres of rowan on Isle Mor in Loch Scionascaig (one of the woods included in my list) is a mistake. (Anyone using their very useful book should note that the map references are given in an unusual form, with the northings above the eastings; thus ca (Inverpolly Forest) is what is better known as 29/090159 or NC/090159.) The birchwoods round Loch Maree (one of which is included in my lists) may be second-growth regeneration following the clearance of firs, but since Pennant (1774-76) in the 18th century described birches where there are now firs it is possible that these trees as they now exist in Coille na Glas-leitire are mainly planted and that birch was a more nat- ural dominant. (For the early history of this wood see Steven and Carlisle 1959). However that may be, I know of no evidence that north of Loch Broom birchwood is anything but a natural climax, just as it is north of the conifers in Scandinavia. Short Notes Great Snipe in Shetland At about 10 a.m. on 20th September 1973 I flushed a bird from a patch of dead mayweed in Out Skerries. Its large size (larger than a Snipe but not as big as a Woodcock), slow flight, white corners to the tail and its distinctive call immed- iately made me think of Great Snipe. When first flushed, the bird was only a few feet from me and it went down in the mayweed patch again, this time about 50 yards away. During the next two days the bird was flushed about 15 times, and good views were obtained. Description Upperparts much as Snipe, but pale stripes appeared more prominent, probably due to darker background colour; underparts much as in Snipe, but flanks appeared much more heavily marked; wings broader and less sharply pointed than in Snipe and seemed darker, but at close range the white trailing edge could be seen; some white mark- ings could also be seen on the wing coverts; tail paler than body, with conspicuous barred white outer feathers forming white corners to tail; at close range these corners looked off-white due to cross barring; bill noticeably shorter than Snipe’s, with deeper base, which was paler than the rest of the bill; call a very low, guttural crrruck heard several times when the bird was flushed but not uttered in normal flight. In flight the bird differed from Snipe in outline, having a ideeper chest and steeper forehead and holding the bill in a more horizontal position similar to Woodcock. The wings looked broad and were held in a bowed position on the down- beat. The flight was slower than that of Snipe, with no Zig- zags, and the bird rarely flew higher than 30 feet. It dropped 32 SHORT NOTES 8(1) into cover in the manner of a Jack Snipe and could be flushed from the same spot with ease. It frequented several patches of mayweed between crops of potatoes and oats but did not land in the wetter areas frequented by Snipe and Jack Snipe. I. S. ROBERTSON. (There are few records of this species in recent years in Scotland; the last one was at Fair Isle on 23rd September 1969.—ED.) White-winged Black Tern in Aberdeenshire At about 1800 hrs on 26th September 1973 we noticed two marsh terns feeding over the River Ythan close to the road. One was an immature White-winged Black Tern and the other was a Black Tern in non-breeding plumage. Several points of difference between the two birds were noted. The bill of the White-winged Black Tern was noticeably shorter than that of the other bird. The White-winged Black Tern lacked any trace of shoulder mark, the whole of the un- derparts being an unmarked white. The Black Tern had a definite, though not a particularly large, shoulder mark, i.e. a mark at the side of the chest at the base of the leading edge of the wing. The mantle of the White-winged Black Tern was dark grey and contrasted with the much lighter grey of the wings, the white of the collar and the white of the rump. The mantle of the Black Tern did not show this contrast with the wings and lacked the appearance of a clear-cut rectangle so distinctive in the White-winged Black Tern. The wings of the White-winged Black Tern were a noticeably paler grey than those of the Black Tern, and its tail became greyish towards the tip. A. PARKER, M. J. GRIGSON. Pair of Kingfishers rears three broods On 20th April 1973 I discovered a pair of Kingfishers excav- ating a nest hole in the banks of a river in Lanarkshire. Several days later when this hole was near completion, the female appeared disinterested and on 28th April was seen cleaning a hole that had possibly been excavated the previous year. There was little sign of the birds until 26th May when feed- ing of the young commenced. In the latter stages of feeding the young the adults showed interest in the other nest hole and, as they were seen only infrequently from 22nd June, I assumed that incubation of a second clutch had commenced 1974 SHORT NOTES 33 in that hole. On 21st July this proved to be correct when feed- ing of the second brood was observed. This continued until 12th August, but on 13th August the nest hole was found to be empty. No young birds were seen seen in the vicinity, but as the area is heavily wooded this is not surprising and I have no reason to believe that this brood was unsuccessful. During the latter stages of rearing the second brood the female disappeared, and, on inspecting the hole from which the first brood had fledged, I discovered her incubating a third clutch. Feeding of the third brood began on 29th August and continued until 11th September. On 12th September the parent birds were not seen and the nest hole was found to be empty. Immediately above the hole a tree root projected on which three small scores were seen. These were consistent with the claw marks of a small predator and were the only visible signs of disturbance. Between 20th April and 11th September approximately 30 hours were spent in observation. Minnows were the main food source but stickleback, stone loach and small trout were also taken. The young were fed mainly by the male, at intervals ranging from 20 minutes to one hour 30 minutes, and the sec- ond brood in particular were very audible when clamouring for food. The first brood were in the nest hole for 27 days and the second for 24 days. Estimates of duration of incubation were not made for fear of disturbance at the critical periods. The lengths of the nest holes were 19 inches and 22 inches. R. M. LAMBIE. (P. A. Clancey, in his study of the habits of Kingfishers carried out on the River White Cart in Renfrewshire during 1934 rec- orded one triple brood in 33 breeding pairs (Brit. Birds 28: 295- 301).—ED.) White’s Thrush at Fair Isle In the late afternoon of 24th September 1973 R. Dewey and T. Loseby saw a White’s Thrush at the Lower Station, Ward Hill. I arrived at about 1750 hrs and, at that time, the bird had not been seen for about 15 minutes so we walked slowly through the old wartime huts where it was last seen. As we entered the last hut it flew out at about 5 feet range and landed on the hillside. The bird was immediately identifiable as a White’s Thrush, the size, colouration and prominent under- wing pattern ruling out anything else. Other observers on the island were notified and we all watched the bird from about 100 yards range. It stayed in the same general area although on one occasion it flew several hundred yards before returning 34 SHORT NOTES 8(1) gradually to the original area. While we watched it field notes were taken and, when all the observers present had had good views and the light was fading, a mist nest was put up between the huts and the bird was caught. It was taken back to the Observatory where it was ringed and measured, and a detailed plumage description was taken. The bird was roosted over- night and in the early hours of the following morning, after photographs had been taken in very poor light, it was released. It was seen later the same day but was not seen again after that. Description Large thrush, maybe even slightly larger than Mistle Thrush; upperparts mottled golden, black and white; wings as upper- parts but a small clear patch was noticeable on the secondaries; under- wing pattern very prominent, broad black stripe running the whole length of the underwing and contrasting strongly with clear white area on either side of it; tail long with small white tips; underparts generally white, heavily overlain with golden and black crescentic markings, more numerous on the upper breast where they seemed to form a gor- get; legs pale, fairly long, giving it a stance similar to a Mistle Thrush; in flight, which undulated quite noticeably, the body appeared to be curiously long and thin; the underwing pattern was very prominent and could be seen at long range, giving the bird a characteristic quite distinct from any other species I have seen. R. A. BROAD. Lanceolated Warblers at Fair Isle On 19th September 1972 VM flushed a small bird near the Hegri Burn. It flew onto a grassy bank some 50 to 60 feet away where it remained for 20 minutes during which time RJR, BSB and JDC had ample opportunity to view it and take the follow- ing notes: Description Crown heavily streaked, with dark brown centre; back and scapulars streaked dark brown; chin and throat whitish, with dark streaks which ended abruptly on the upper breast forming a gorget; lower breast and belly creamy white; under tail-coverts orange-buff; tail feathers dark brown and noticeably pointed; bill dark brown but yellowish at base; legs flesh pink. About an hour later the bird was caught in a mist net put up near the spot by RAB. The first impression was of a very small Locustella, and when extracted from the net, the bird was positively identified as a Lanceolated Warbler. It was then taken to the Observatory where it was examined and a full description taken; later it was released near the spot where it had been caught. V.McFARLAND, R. J. RAINES, J. D. CRAGGS, B. S. BARNACAL, R. A. BROAD. On 22nd September 1973 we saw a warbler in the vegetation in one of the Sukka Mire ditches. We had good views of the bird and thought it was a Lanceolated Warbler but were not 1974 SHORT NOTES 35 sure. The bird was later caught in a mist net by RAB and taken to the Observatory, where it was ringed, measured and photographed. The original identification was confirmed as a Lanceolated Warbler. It was seen both in the field and in the hand by several observers who had seen the one trapped at Fair Isle the previous year and all agreed that it was similar in every respect to last year’s bird except that the gorget on the upper breast was not so extensive. The warbler was re- leased at the spot where it had been caught and it was seen there again during the same afternoon but was not seen after that. Description taken in the hand Forehead, crown and nape, feathers dark brown with olive-buff fringes giving streaked appearance; back and rump as crown; tail, olive-brown feathers with darker centres; wings, scapulars and coverts as nape; primaries and secondaries grey- brown with broad brown-buff edgings; indistinct eyestripe mottled greyish-buff just anterior to the eye; a very faint pale buff moustachial streak; chin white with a few faint fleckings; upper breast feathers with dark shaft streaks forming a distinct gorget of close streaks across the lower neck and upper breast; belly creamy white, olive-buff wash on flanks; under tail-coverts with dark central streak; underwing greyish with buff wash; iris deep olive-brown; bill dark with lower mandible dull pink towards the gape; gape pale yellow; legs pinkish grey. N. V. ALLEN, I. BURROWS, P. CoE, R. A. BROAD. Reviews Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland: a historical survey. By John Parslow. Berkhamsted, T. & A. D. Poyser Ltd., 1973. Pp. 272; 225 dis- tribution maps and other text illustrations. 24 x 16 cm. £3.60. In 1964 the Records Committee of the British Ornithologists’ Union organised a nation-wide survey in order to provide up-to-date information on distribution for its projected new checklist (later published as The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland, 1971). In the end of the day John Parslow was to be largely responsible for the writing of the BOU publi- cation, but in the meantime he had already analysed the results of the survey and had largely used it as the basis for an extensive paper en- titled ‘““Changes in status among breeding birds in Britain and Ireland” which was published in British Birds in 1967 and 1968. Four-fifths of the present book represents an almost direct reprint of the British Birds paper, and so the greater part of the material cannot be said to be original. But the quality of the original paper thoroughly warrants its separate publication and this is greatly enhanced by the at- tractive presentation. The book deals with the status of every wild bird that has bred in the British Isles since 1800 (no place therefore being found for such earlier records as the White Storks that nested on St Giles’ Cathedral in 1416) and describes in particular the changes that have taken place since the results of the last similar survey by W. B. Alexander and David Lack were published in 1944. This accent on the historical perspec- tive has the happy result that the book is as fascinating to read as it is eel as a record of our knowledge and understanding of present dis- ribution. 36 REVIEWS 8(1) The text of the original paper in British Birds brought the position up to date to 1966/67. In this book a ten-page postscript has been added summarising the most important developments that have taken place during the period 1967/72. The events of the past six years certainly lend themselves well to a separate general summary of this kind, but on the whole one regrets that the main text was not made complete by being brought up to date. Occasionally it suffers noticeably from an incomplete tie-up with the postscript. For instance, in the case of the birds of prey there is in the main text a marked diffidence about blaming toxic chem- icals for the big decrease in many species that was noted in the late 1950’s, and although the post-1967 chapter places the blame for many decreases fairly and squarely on the organochlorine insecticides, there is nothing SHEER that this might be the cause of the decline in the Merlin pop- ulation. The most valuable new feature of the book is the Appendix, which contains 225 maps showing the breeding distribution of all the species that have bred in the British Isles during the past 30 years. John Parslow has tried his hand at this sort of thing before—in The Reader’s Digest Book of British Birds, 1969, and in The Birds of Britain and Europe, 1972— but these latest versions are on a larger scale and gain enormously from the fact that they deal exclusively with breeding distribution. Looking through these maps one notices the very occasional oversight (Hen Harrier totally absent from the Outer Hebrides; Black-throated Diver from the Uists; Great Black-backed Gull from the Forth estuary) and the more frequent occasions when the inevitable limitations of any such system produce surprising results (Great Crested Grebes must surely be much more widely and securely established as breeding birds in Ayr- shire than either Black-throated or Red-throated Diver, and Little Grebes surely breed as commonly in the Uists as anywhere else in Scotland), but there can be no doubt that these maps provide far and away the best available pictorial representation of bird distribution in the British Isles, and the book will prove as valuable to the birdwatchers of today as it will, in retrospect, to those of the future. DOUGAL G. ANDREW Azraq, Desert Oasis. By Bryan Nelson. London, Allen Lane, 1973. Pp. xix ns 436; 90 black-and-white plates; 41 text illustrations. 23 x 154 cm. .00. The Azraq National Park covers an area of over 2000 square miles in the desert of eastern Jordan; it is an oasis surrounded by permanent marsh, which gets its water supply underground from the Syrian moun- tains to the north. The area was designated the first National Park Area in the Middle East in 1965, but because of the tendency of Middle East populations to look upon all forms of wildlife as a food source, and the need to utilise all available water supplies for human use, little has been done to develop the area as a wildlife habitat and National Park since that time. Bryan Nelson went there in 1968 to establish a_ biological research station and, though this book is a result of that visit, it is not merely an account of the visit but is a remarkably detailed description of the entire Azraq area, its geological origins, vegetation and wildlife. The book contains a wealth of detailed information and statistical data, but the author has wisely concentrated most of this in the 13 appendices; this has made the main text much more readable than it would other- wise have been, and the result is a book which is both interesting to read and a useful text book for future reference. Almost half of the book is devoted to the bird life of the area, and an idea of the importance of Azraq to the millions of migrating birds that pass through there can be gained from the fact that the chapter on bird 1974 REVIEWS 37 migration occupies one quarter of the book. In this chapter are listed the 224 species seen by Bryan Nelson during his stay there; their Azraq status is given and, for comparison, their status in Israel. This chapter also includes a study of bird migration through the Middle East generally, and contains a great deal of useful information on the subject, much of it gleaned from sources other than the author’s own experience. The 44 recorded breeding species are covered in a comprehensive chapter, and it is surprising to find such unlikely breeding neighbours as Desert Lark and Water Rail, Sand Partridge and Mallard. There is also a chapter on the wildfowl of Azraq, and an eight-page appendix contains some inter- esting statistics on weights, wing lengths, etc. taken from birds shot by local hunters. Birds ringed at Azraq and ringing recoveries are also listed. It is a pity that it was thought necessary to reduce some of the photo- graphs to almost postage-stamp dimensions in order to crowd as many as eight onto one page. There are also some textual errors and misprints which should not have reached the final printing stage in a book of this quality; the worst of these being the reference to Sturnus vulgaris as the Startling and the author’s reference to the Sahara as being “well to the east of Jordan’’. These are minor criticisms, however, and it would be unfair to allow them to detract from the value of this book as the most comprehensive work so far produced on this ornithologically important area. In Bryan Nelson’s own words this is a straightforward attempt to put Azraq on some maps as one of the world’s outdoor laboratories and his suggestions for its development, research projects, and animals to be introduced or re-introduced into the area deserve serious consideration. It is doubtful if this aim will be achieved so long as the present state of tension persists in the Middle East but, if this book achieves the wide readership the author obviously hopes for, it should certainly cause most societies concerned with wildlife conservation to give serious thought to future development of the area along the lines suggested. HARRY GREIG. The Natural History of Cape Clear Island. Edited by J. T. R. Sharrock, illustrated by R. Gillmor. Berkhamsted, T. & A. D. Poyser, 1973. Pp. 197; 16 black-and-white plates and numerous line drawings. 22} x 14. cm. £3.00. Small islands and birds are a magic mixture, and Tim Sharrock has brought together accounts of all aspects of life on Cape Clear Island to produce a most attractive and readable book. Not only that, but it is a volume I will return to frequently for reference; it can be compared with earlier works on Fair Isle and the Isle of May and is a must for bird- watchers interested in islands and migration. The island is situated at the southwest corner of Ireland and is the country’s most southerly point, except for the tiny Fastnet Rock four miles further out. The real meat of the text is given in the accounts of the 244 species of birds recorded at Cape Clear. Eighty-six pages are devoted to the status of all these species, and a special feature of the book is the ex- tremely interesting histograms, prepared from the Observatory’s de- tailed records, showing monthly abundance of migrant birds. Maps of breeding distribution and numbers are also given for some species, Cape Clear is the bird observatory par excellence for observing seabird migra- tion, and one cannot fail to be impressed by some of the big movements, such as migrations of Manx Shearwaters peaking at 30000 birds per hour and the amazing total of 5118 Great Shearwaters in four hours on 15th September 1965. One is also struck by the list of very rare vagrants observed at the island, its location making it a better venue for American 38 REVIEWS 8(1) strays than Fair Isle. Also remarkable is the scarcity of some species, notably wildfowl; for example there is only one record of Eider and none of Barnacle Goose. _The bias of the book is naturally ornithological, but the 20 chapters give a most interesting account of the rest of the island’s natural history, its people and the Bird Observatory. The book is profusely and delight- fully interspersed with vignettes by Robert Gillmor but I found the poor reproduction of the black-and-white photographs disappointing. About a dozen authors have contributed to the text; all of them obviously have a great love of the island and Dr Sharrock, as senior author, has mar- shalled their work into a most valuable book. I thoroughly recommend it (and a visit to Cape Clear) to all readers. R.H.D. Alaska and its Wildlife. By Bryan L. Sage. London, Hamlyn, 1973. Pp. 128; 35 coon gud 20 black-and-white photographs; end-paper maps; 29 x cm. £2.50. This is a splendid, moderately-priced book with a description and beautiful colour photographs of the scenery and wildlife of the largest and most remote wilderness area in the U.S.A. Employed as an ecologist by British Petroleum to advise on environ- mental and conservation aspects of the company’s activities, the author spent most of 1969 and 1970 in Alaska assessing the ecological implica- tions of oil exploitation in the Arctic and in particular those relating to the trans-Alaska pipeline. Bryan Sage is a first-class photographer and has lectured on Alaska to several branches of the SOC. The vastness, remoteness and staggering beauty of this ‘last great wil- derness’ has been captured in print in this fine book. In the introduction, the author traces the chequered history of the State from the days when, as part of the Russian Empire, it was ruthlessly exploited for its wealth of fur-bearing animals. Today, with the world-wide problems of oil short- age, the rich oil fields on the Arctic Slope and at Prudhoe Bay are about to be exploited. Since the book was written, the scheme for the Alaskan pipeline, held up for many years because of ecological problems, has been given the go-ahead. As an ecologist, the author is rightly concerned with the impact of development on this hitherto unspoilt environment and its wildlife, and this he deals with in the chapter—Conservation and Development: the challenge is to develop the resources and at the same time to preserve in perpetuity the greatest combination of wilderness scenery and wild- life in the world. It is the High Arctic regions that have the greatest attraction for the author, with their wealth of wildlife—moose, bears, caribou, musk oxen, wildfowl and other arctic-breeding species. There is a fascination for naturalists in studying the adaptation of the fauna and flora to the harsh environment. The glory of the perpetual daylight throughout the short summer, the stupendous and dramatic scenery and the beauty of the animals and flowers are depicted in a series of fine colour photographs taken mostly by the author. What a glorious place—and how important that Man should preserve its vast wilderness tracts. As Peter Weedon has written ‘Man needs a place where wolves stalk the strand-lines in the dark, because a land that can produce a wolf is a healthy, robust and perfect land’. Anyone who has seen a polar wolf in its wild state in the Arctic would certainly agree. GEORGE WATERSTON. 1974 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION 39 Requests for Information Possil Marsh. Desmond Norden is carrying out a survey of birds in the Possil Marsh area, on the outskirts of Glasgow and will welcome any unpublished information or notes on the locality for the period from 1950 to date. All contributions will be acknowledged and should be addressed to D. J. Norden, 1240 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8TJ. Kestrels. An attempt is being made to assess the extent to which Kestrels nest in urban sites in Scotland. Anyone with information about sites or breeding records is requested to contact Gordon Riddle, Depute Principal, Culzean Country Park, Maybole, Ayrshire. The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB A Special General Meeting of the Club was held in the Education Centre, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 9th April 1974. Mr George Waterston, President of the Club, presided over an attendance of about 100 members. Apologies Apologies for absence were received from Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame, Lt Col J. P. Grant, Sqn Ldr H. Greig, B. G. Grattage, F. D. Hamilton, M. K. Hamilton, Dr M. A. Keith, Miss M. P. Macmillan, H. Robb, R. T. Smith and Mrs George Waterston. Constitution The Chairman reminded members that full details of the Council’s proposals for raising subscriptions had been circulated to all members in February this year. He said that, following representation from a number of members, Council had considered a special subscrip- tion rate for those entitled to draw the State Old Age Pension—it being agreed that, on application to the Club Secretary, such members may pay a reduced subscription of £2.00 (single) or £3.00 (family). This information will be included in Club subscription notices. The Meeting approved the recommendation of Council that Member- ship rates should be increased immediately and that the definition of Joint and Junior Membership be altered; it also approved the proposed amendment to the Constitution that paragraph 3 MEMBERSHIP (e) should now read as follows: “There shall be no entry fee. The Annual Subscription shall be £3.00; or £1.00 for members under 21 years of age at the time at which their subscription falls due in any year, and for students under 25 years of age who satisfy Council of their status. The Life Subscription shall be £75.00. Married couples shall be eligible for Family Membership at an Annual Subscription of £4.50, which shall also include any of their nominated ‘children under 18 years of age, and for Family Life Membership at a Subscription of £112.50, and shall enjoy all the usual privileges of Mem- bership but be entitled to only one copy of Scottish Birds (Club Journal) and any other literature circulated by the Club.” There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 7.45 p.m. BANKER’S ORDERS AND DEEDS OF COVENANT Following the increase in subscription rates agreed at the Special General Meeting of the Club on 9th April 1974, the Secretary has written 40 THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(1) to all members who pay their subscription by Banker’s Order and who have signed a Deed of Covenant in favour of the Club. Members who do not pay by Banker’s Order are asked to consider this method of payment when renewing their subscriptions, since this helps to reduce our administrative and postage costs : a form will be sent at the end of the session or on application. Without the tax recovered from Deeds of Covenant, the Club’s Revenue Account for both 1972 and 1973 would have shown a deficit. Members who do not covenant their subscription are therefore urged to do so, as the tax which we can recover is of very great help to the Club. Those who pay income tax are requested to write to the Club Secretary for a Deed of Covenant form. CLUB ENQUIRIES It is intended to publish progress reports on the enquiries which have been adopted by Council as official Club enquiries, and on the completion of each enquiry a report will be published in Scottish Birds. The following progress reports concern the current enquiries which were notified in the Report of Council for 1972/73 (Scot. Birds 7: 424). Effluent Enquiry organised by Mr B. Pounder. All the major outfalls of domestic and industrial wastes into Scottish coastal waters have been located, as well as those serving medium and small sized towns. Wildfowl counts were carried out at all the sites dur- ing mid-November 1973 and mid-February 1974 and the results are being analysed. The final report will include a survey of the factors which may have beneficial or detrimental effects on the bird flocks which feed in the vicinities of these outfalls. Redwing Breeding Survey organised by Mr R. H. Dennis and Mr M. I. arvey. Published information is now being collated and the organisers would welcome any unpublished information about Redwing breeding. Details should be sent to R. H. Dennis, Landberg, North Kessock, Inverness, IV1 ree or to M. I. Harvey, Clach Bhan, Loaneckheim, Kiltarlity, Inverness- shire. Great Crested Grebe Breeding Survey organised by Mr R. W. J. Smith. The report on this enquiry is now being written and will be published in a future number of the journal. Carrion/Hooded Crow hybrid-zone Enquiry organised by Mr A. Cook. A progress report on this enquiry was given in Scot. Birds 7: 417. SCOTTISH BIRDS — BINDING AND BACK NUMBERS Details of binding Volume 7 are given in the Index to that Volume issued with this number; earlier Volumes can be bound at the same price provided they are sent for binding at the same time. Back numbers of the journal can be obtained post free from the Club Secretary at the following prices, cash with order: Volume 1, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5 (all reprinted) ...... 50p each Volume 1, Nos. 4, 6-14 and supplement ......... 25p each Volumes 2-5, All Nos. and supplements ......... 25p each Volumes 6 & 7, All Nos. >. 2% set fac tedcosga- eee 50p each S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE . ‘Se EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 New books in Stock The Coastline of Scotland Steers £10.50 The Countryman Bird Book B. & M. Campbell £3.50 A Field Guide to Mexican Birds Peterson £4.00 A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom 3rd Edn £2.75 Butterflies of the World Lewis £10.00 WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST All books sent post free DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL eA RAC. * R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ and ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- a class service. = Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. A new wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1974. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 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. BIRD SONG on CASSETTES 1. Shetland, spring and summer. 2. Estuary (Teesmouth), late sum- mer and winter. 3. Woodland, early spring. 4. Moorland and Waterside, spring and autumn. 5. Twenty Summer Visitors, half of them warblers. 6. Garden Birds and a dawn chorus. Each cassette plays 30 minutes and costs £1.50 by post (or S.a.e. for full details) from: JOHN KIRBY 10 Wycherley Avenue, Middlesbrough, Teesside, TS5 5HH. GALLOWAY Situated on A713 near Loch Ken. B&B, evening meals. Open all year. Phone Crossmichael 232 Mrs GARROD, 3 Main Street, Crossmichael, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £22.00. The programme for 1974 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Fungi Local History Mammals Birds Natural History Photography Mountain Flowers Painting Field Botany Natural History and Landscape Moorland Ecology of the Highlands Rocks and Minerals Industrial Archaeology Conservation Bryophytes Insects Spiders Landscape Photography Lichens Ferns All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. COLOUR SLIDES Attractive cottages We, accunaweabicerar aunle to Let slides of most British Birds : : from our own collection, and set in the hills of the from that of the R.S.P.B. e Send 15p for sample slide Mull of Kintyre and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many Two fairly isolated, excellent fine studies and close-ups. for walkers and bird watchers FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B, These Send for details with s.a.e. to are in sets of 25 at 45p in- CARSKIEY LTD., Cludiney poseer VAT) per z night’s hire. Birds are grouped Carskiey Farm, Southend, according to their natural Argyll, PA28 6RU. habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick OBSERVE & GCONSErve BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF % 33”% POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. Il 8.5 x 44 £61.60 £39.90 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £40.70 £30.80 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £35.20 £24.64 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. II 10 x 50 £47.30 £33.00 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £24.75 £17.32 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £37.50 £24.71 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £145.31 £97.00 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £172.42 £115.00 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case — £125.95 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case — £119.35 PERL 9 x 35 £18.59 £14.85 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £122) £121.00 £78.00 Nickel Supra Telescope 15x60x60 £93.50 £68.50 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25x 60x60 £90.20 £67.50 All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 120 models in stock from £11.00 to £300.00 Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. The Heron 8 x 40 BCF. Retail approx. £27.50, our price £18.40. As recommended by Forestry Commission. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. Send too for Price Lists for all Camping, Climbing, Rambling Equipment from our as- sociate company FIELD & TREK (equipment) Ltd., same top quality, same keen prices, SAME ADDRESS. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY Ltd. (Dept. SB), 25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. (STD) 0277 221259/219418 for which | enclose ©............ Y ene Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope Price List. (Delete as appropriate) OOPS OS ETOH ESET ESSELTE TESSS OS ELHSSEHS OHSS HOE LS GOSS ESET SEDS SESE EESE SEO ESESOCESSEEES ESTE SEES EES John Gooders spots a Kestrel - hovering over the Bank “The trouble with being a bird | =watcher” writes John Gooders, : celebrated ornithologist and author, “isthat youneverknowwhereand _ when the next interesting bird will appear. When!’m inthe fieldit’s easy-my 10 x 40B Carl Zeiss binoculars are simply the best in the world. But there are occasions whena _* more discreet lookis called for : ~that’s when the 8 x20 Dialyt come? into their own. As small asa cigarette packet, they slip easily into the tiniest. pocket without as much asa bulge. Performance-wise they’re just incredible, the equal of most other ; ’“normal” glasses manufacturers ~and small enough for me to take anywhere? Treat yourself t Dialyt Binoculars, and you'll never go anywhere without them. Size 88mm x 60mm, weight only 135 erms, they really are the equal of much larger instruments. £59.05 + VAT, including leather pouch. 8 x 20 Dialyt by ZEINN of West Germany Send for full details to the sole UK importers- AOSSES Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) Ltd., Degenhardt House, 31-36 Foley St., London W1P 8AP. 01-636 8050: Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular Yee specialists and makers, telescope and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right ments. Moreover you can be sure choice of instru- that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. | | Top prices | | offered in USTRATED CAT TALOGUE 1ARLES FRANK CAD, 144 INGRAM STREET : GLAS TEL. 041-221 6666 2 2 part exchange for 7 days. Should you decide, how: We stock all makes, but one binocular | which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, complete with case costs only £15.40} Not only do we ourselves recommend this binocular, it also carries a strong recommendation from The Royal Society for the Protection a Birds, and each glass carries the | seal of approval of the Game Conser- - vancy. Our Free 42 page catalogue illustrates hundreds of Binoculars & | Telescopes including the | larger 10 x 50 0 | } | Frank/Nipole binocular, Eu with h case at £22.00. ; i 4 FREE COMPARISON TEST. Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free ever, on a binocular other than the Frank/Nipole make, we can promise a substantial price reduction at least | equalling any other offer which you may bring to our notice. This offer also applies to Telescopes. | i ANALTER THOMSON) j\ PRINTER, SELKIRK_/] THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 8 No. 2 SUMMER 1974 Price 75p John Gooders spots a Kestrel - hovering over the Bank =watcher” writes John Gooders, celebrated ornithologist and author, _ “isthat younever know whereand | when the nextinteresting birdwill appear. WhenI’minthefieldits easy—my 10 x 40B Carl Zeiss binoculars are simply the best in the world. : But there are occasions whena *% more discreet lookis called for =that’s when the 8 x 20 Dialyt come into their own. As small asa cigarette packet, they slip easily into the tiniest. pocket without as much asa bulge. Performance-wise they’re just incredible, the equal of most other manufacturers’ “normal” glasses =and small enough for me to take anywhere?’ ‘Treat yourself to a pair of 8 x20 Dialyt Binoculars, and you'll never go anywhere without them. Size 88mm x 60mm, weight only 135 grms, they really are the equal of much larger instruments. £59.05+ VAT, including leather pouch. 8 x 20 Dialyt by ZEINN of West Germany Send for full details to the sole UK importers — Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) Ltd., Degenhardt House, 31-36 Foley St., London W1P 8AP. 01-636 8050: BIG GAME & BIRDS SAFARIS VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Isiolo, Tsavo, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Mara and Aberdare in Kenya and Tanzania. GUEST LECTURERS accompany each Safari and their expert and personal knowledge of East Africa—its animals, birds, history, peoples and customs— provides an unrivalled opportunity, not only to view the ever decreasing wildlife in its natural habitat, but also to give an insight into the problems of its preservation and the conservation of land needed by Africa’s developing nations. A holiday that can open up new vistas of interest. 1974 DEPARTURES Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 31. 1975 DEPARTURES Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar. 6; June 26; July 17; Aug. 7, 28; Sept. 18; Oct. 9,30; Dec. 18. 21 days £475 12-page full colour brochure available SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 237 (P20) Tottenham Court Road, (vz) London, WiP OAL. (23 ee, Telephone 01-636 8070 ang C.A.A. Licence ATOL 189B OBSERVE & CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF 4.3377, POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Qur price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. Il 8.5 x 44 £66.00 £42.84 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £44.00 £30.80 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £36.30 £25.40 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. Il 10 x 50 £49.50 £33.00 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £27.50 £18.25 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £39.30 £25.37 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30B Dialyt £145.31 £97.00 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £172.42 £115.00 LEITZ 8 x 40B Hard Case — £125.95 LEITZ 10 x 40 Hard Case — £119.35 PERL 9 x 35 £18.59 £14.85 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £122) £121.00 £78.00 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £93.50 £68.50 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60x60 £90.20 £67.50 All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 120 models in stock from £11.00 to £300.00 Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. The Heron 8 x 40 BCF. Retail approx. £27.50, our price £18.40. As recommended by Forestry Commission. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. Send too for Price Lists for all Camping, Climbing, Rambling Equipment from our as- sociate company FIELD & TREK (equipment) Ltd., same top quality, same keen prices, SAME ADDRESS. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY Ltd. (Dept. SB), 25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. (STD) 0277 221259/219418 for which | enclose &............ Peks se Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope Price List. (Delete as appropriute) CEC SO TES SCETOHSLOSHE CHO SHEOOEHEEEEESOEO ESOS SOSH CEOS SSE ESEESEEESEEEE EH ESSE EESES EES SCPC ECE ES EEE EOE EEE EEEE ESOS LE EEHOOESEOO TOES EEEO ESOS EE SEEEEHEEHE ESSE EEE EESEE SEES PORSCHES OEE ET OE TEE HEROES OSEOSERESEEESOEHOO SOOO OOOO O ETS CESE ESE E ESSE SESE SHOSSOES OOOH SECS EEEeEeEe SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT CONTENTS OF VOLUME 8, NUMBER 2, SUMMER 1974 Editorial ee nos 4] Isle of May Bird Olsens and Field Station Report for 1973. By Nancy J. Gordon ee Ga 43 Spitsbergen 1972—ornithological work of the Aberdeen University expedition. By A. Anderson, L. Campbell, W. Murray, D. P. Stone, R. L. Swann ... 53 Evening assembly of sig lines at a winter roost. By J. Brodie a. Be: : as vee ee 63 Short Notes Cormorants in the Firth of Forth (G. L. Sandeman) 71 Pectoral Sandpipers in Caithness and Shetland (R. W. Byrne, C. J. Mackenzie-Grieve; J. H. Simpson) 72 Gulls breeding inland in Aberdeenshire Cw. Rae: Pours, Dixon; R. L. Swann) is Bonaparte’s Gull in Sutherland ((CaadJ Mackenzie- Grieve, R. W. Byrne) . 76 A large movement of Kittiwakes in the Forth — (G. L. Sandeman) . 4 Barn Owl pellets from Wigtownshire (R. CG Dickson) 78 Black Redstarts breeding in Orkney (D. Lea) e: 80 Firecrests in Sutherland and Fife (D. macdonald, W. C. Wright; T. Hallam) Ms a. 81 Obituaries Matthew Fontaine eray gee Ae oh 82 Henry Boase sf BAG rs 8 5 86 Reviews Owls of the World. Edited by John A. Burton. Reviewed by N. Picozzi_ . 87 Summer of a Million Wings. By ‘Hugh Brandon-Cox. Reviewed by Ian D. Pennie Hae 88 The Countryman Bird Book. Edited by ‘Bruce and Margaret Campbell. Reviewed by H. Greig... 89 Animals of Europe. By Maurice Burton. Reviewed by C. E. Palmar : 89 Young Animals. By Bernard Stonehouse. Reviewed by C. E. Palmar 8 89 Wildlife Photography. By Eric Hosking and John Gooders. Reviewed by C. K. Mylne 90 The Technique of Bird Photeoranhye "BY sen: Warham. Reviewed by T. Delaney ... 91 Letter Feral Greylag Geese in southwest Scotland. From G. Shaw 91 Request for Information Bee eis 35% Bes we: 92 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club... ne wel . 92 Editor Squadron Leader H. Greig Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe Willam S Paton ARITIGH CURDS The authoritative and well illustrated monthly journal for the working ornithologist and the keen birdwatcher. This long established magazine—a much quoted reference work-—is also an invaluable aid to acquiring an informed approach to such subjects as migration pattems and population distribution, identification, ecology and the fate of individual species. Regular features include Readers’ Notes, Photo-studies, Book Reviews, News and Comment and recent Reports of Sightings of interest. Become a subscriber to BRITISH BIRDS by cutting out this advertisement and returning it to: The Subscription Department, Macmillan Journals Ltd., Brunel Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 2XS. Please enter my name to start a year's subscription to BRITISH BIRDS in 1974. I enclose £6. (Payment may be made in any currency at the current exchange rate.) Orders can only be serviced if accompanied by remittance. Cheques’ should be made payable to Macmillan Journals Ltd. ZIP/POSTAL CODE Bil IE 1109 Registered No: 785998 England Registered Office: 4 Little Essex St. London WC2R 3LF SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 8 No. 2 Summer 1974 Edited by Squadron Leader Harry Greig Editorial It is with regret that we have to announce our resignation from the post of Editor and Bookshop Manager after such a short term of office. The pressures of city life with its atten- dant problems of house purchase, daily commuting and park- ing have forced on us the decision to seek what we hope will be a more tranquil existence in more rural surroundings. Your new Editor will be David Bates who has been a libra- rian with Liverpool Central Library for the past eight years. During this time he has assisted in editing the Cheshire Bird Report. Most of his holidays in recent years have been spent birdwatching in Scotland, and he has acted as a voluntary RSPB warden at Loch Garten on a number of occasions, so is no stranger to Scottish ornithology. The requirement for a full-time assistant for editorial and Bookshop work has necessitated further changes in the Club staff at 21 Regent Terrace. Mrs Winkworth has left and her place has been taken by Mrs Christine Dunsire. Both Christine and her husband have been members of the SOC for a number of years and take an active interest in the Edinburgh Branch meetings. Honour for Club President All SOC members will be delighted to know that Dundee University have recently conferred an honorary doctorate on our Club President, Mr George Water- ston for his work in conservation. George and Irene are at present on a luxury Lindblad expedition to the Arctic for which George is acting as the leading naturalist, and they delayed their departure to join the expedition so that George could be present to receive his doctorate on 12th July. We know that all readers of the journal will join with us in offering our con- gratulations to him on this well deserved honour. Highland Ringing Group Towards the end of last year the Highland Ringing Group was formed, its main aims being to coordinate ringing in the area and to work on group projects involving selected species. The present list of projects includes Barn Owl, Buzzard, Shelduck, Goosander, Greylag Goose, Pied Wagtail and Storm Petrel, and there are plans for wader ringing. 42 EDITORIAL 8(2) They are keeping a Recoveries Book and hope to gather as much data for the area as possible, from the beginning of the ringing scheme to the present day. The Group would like to hear from anyone who has details of birds ringed or recovered in the area, and would like ringers visiting the area in the future to get in touch with them. The Chairman of the Group is Roy Dennis and the Secretary is Mr A. T. Mainwood, 4 Skiach Gardens, Dingwall, Ross-shire. Shetland symposium The Nature Conservancy Council held a symposium in Edinburgh on 29th and 30th January 1974 to gather all available information on the natural environment of Shetland, so that the problems for environmental conservation being posed by current and proposed major developments in the Shetland area could be studied in detail. The results of the symposium should enable the Nature Conservancy Council to provide information and advice concerning the natural envir- onment to Zetland County Council during the preparation of its new structure plan. Papers were presented on every aspect of the Shetland en- vironmental scene and those of particular interest to ornith- ologists included The Seabirds of Shetland by W. R. P. Bourne and T. J. Dixon, Geographical Variation in Shetland Birds by W.R. P. Bourne and The Importance of Shetland Land Birds in a United Kingdom Context by F. D. Hamilton. The proceedings of the symposium have now been published, with a preface by Dr J. Morton Boyd and edited by R. Goodier, and copies can be obtained from the Nature Conservancy Council, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, EH9 2AS, price £1.50. Change of address All local recorders, and observers sending in reports for the Inverness-shire area are asked to note that Roy Dennis has recently moved, and his new address is Land- berg, North Kessock, Inverness, IV1 1XD. Current literature Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes : Breeding numbers and reproductive rate of Eiders at the sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve, Scotland. H. Milne (with an appendix by M. I. Gorman), 1974. Ibis 116: 135-154. The migration of the Gannet: a reassessment of British and Irish ringing data. Sir A. Landsborough Thomson, 1974. British Birds 67: 89-103. The lek of the Black Grouse. Ingemar Hjorth, 1974. British Birds 67: 116-120. Breeding birds in the deciduous woodlands of mid-Argyll, Scotland. K. Williamson, 1974. Bird Study 21: 29-44. 1974 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 43 Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Report for 1973 Prepared for the Observatory Committee by NANCY J. GORDON, Honorary Secretary The Observatory was manned for a total of 221 days, cover- ing most of the period between 24th March and 2nd November 1973 and also 22nd-29th December. Spring migration was late because of a prolonged cold spell, and the main passage was at the end of April and early May, with no spectacular falls. Autumn migration was much more evenly spread than usual, with the biggest fall of migrants in early October (notable for thrushes, Robins, shrikes and Gold- crests). Wader passage was best in August, sea passage most marked in September. No new species were recorded in 1973, but there were two new additions to the ringing list—Cormorant and Snipe. Un- usual records included a Red-footed Falcon in May (second record), and a Red-headed Bunting in June. Other noteworthy activities and events were: a second large cull of gulls in May, large-scale ringing of Puffins, the nesting of the first pair of terns since 1957, and a second successful wader-ringing week over Christmas that produced more Purple Sandpiper retraps and the capture of the first foreign-ringed Purple Sandpiper. Spring migration Observers were on the island from 24th March onwards, except for the five days 8th and 22nd-24th April and Ist June. March-April Light west winds built up to gale force by the end of March, and there was only one settled spell with east winds (on the 26th) which coincided with some passage ot migrants—Meadow Pipits, Linnets, a few Greenfinches and Chaffinches and small numbers of thrushes. Dates of the first sightings of the early migrants were: 24th March—first Wheatear 15th April—first Sandwich Tern 25th April—first House Martin 25th April—first Ring Ouzel 26th April—first Redstart, Black Redstart, Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff 29th April—first Swallow 30th April—first Whinchat and Blackcap 4. ISLE OF MAY REPORT 8(2) In contrast to 1972 there was little sign of summer migrants until the last week of April, presumably because of the pro- longed northerly winds between 6th and 21st April and the gales at the beginning of the month. Some Redwings and Blackbirds arrived during a short foggy spell on 4th April, and there was some coastal movement of waders, Meadow Pipits (up to 100), Linnets (up to 40) and other finches on the 10th, 13th and 14th, augmented by Wheatears on the 14th and an influx of thrushes and a few Robins on the 15th, when 5 Sand- wich Terns were seen. An early Arctic Skua was recorded on the 20th. With the easing of the weather towards the end of the month migrants began to appear in fair numbers. Despite the lack of observer-cover, residents on the island noted the arrival of dozens of Robins late on 21st April and a dozen or more each of Fieldfares, Redwings, Bramblings and Ring Ouzels on 24/25th. There was further passage of these and other species on the 26th in light east winds and drizzle, when numbers reached a peak (100 Robins, 150 Blackbirds, 40 Fieldfares, 40 Ring Ouzels, 20 Goldcrests). The other birds included 2 White Wagtails, a Heron and a Hoopoe, as well as the four first sight- ings listed above. The Robins and thrushes gradually moved on, and few new birds arrived before the end of April. May The best spell for migrants was the short period of east winds at the beginning of the month; this was followed by ten days (5-16th May) of clear weather with west winds, often strong. For the rest of the month east winds blew continuously, at first bringing daily trickles of migrants (17th-21st May), but very little after that because of thick fog. First dates of mig- rants in May were: lst May—first Willow Warbler 2nd May—first Whimbrel 4th May—first Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler and Pied Flycatcher 5th May—first Wryneck, Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher 6th May—first Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Swift 13th May—first “comic” tern This list reflects the activity of the first week of the month. The first big fall of migrants came on 4th May, when in worsen- ing weather the following were recorded: 1 Whimbrel, 1 Short- eared Owl, 20 Fieldfares, 10 Redwings, 14 Song Thrushes, 4 Ring Ouzels, 13 Wheatears, 6 Whinchats, 1 Redstart, 1 Grass- hopper Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 8 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 30 Tree Pipits, 1 Siskin, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Bramblings, 1 Reed Bunting and a Cuckoo. Most of these migrants had moved on by next morning, but they were re- placed by a further invasion of similar species, and others—1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Wryneck, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Robins, 1 1974 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 45 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Mealy Redpolls, 2 Whitethroats, a Yel- low Wagtail and an Ortolan Bunting—all in a somewhat ex- hausted state. Despite a change to west winds on 6th May, the island was still well stocked with migrants; the unusually heavy passage of Tree Pipits continued, with the day’s total reaching 80, and new species for this spell of passage were a Shore Lark, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Sandwich Terns, a Turtle Dove, a Swift, 5 Sedge Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat. Even during the following week there were only a few arrivals each day, the more interesting being 2 Yellow Wagtails on the 7th, single Whimbrels on the 10th and 11th, and a Cuckoo on the 12th. East wind increased the flow slightly on the 13th (warblers, Wheatears, two Redpolls and a Spotted Flycatcher) and again between 17th and 21st, when warblers predominated among the migrants. The best days were 19th May (with a Turtle Dove, a few Wheatears, Whinchats and Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, a Black Redstart, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Black- caps, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, a flava Wagtail, a Goldfinch, 2 Reed Buntings, 7 Tree Sparrows and last but not least a Red-footed Falcon) and 20th May (with a Chiffchaff, a Bluethroat, a Mealy Redpoll and a Red-backed Shrike). Dur- ing the foggy weather at the end of the month, the only notable passage was of Swallows and House Martins (up to 50 of each daily), a few Spotted Flycatchers and various warblers, a Bluethroat and 8 Tree Pipits (on the 24th). » June As usual a few late migrants turned up in the early days of the month (winds westerly throughout), the most not- able being a Reed Warbler and 3 Lesser Redpolls on the 2nd, 47 Tree Sparrows on the 3rd and a Black Redstart on the 4th. June was the month for escapes: a Red-headed Bunting on the 3rd and a suspected Western Tanager on the 16th. Autumn migration Except for a gap of one night (19/20th October) the obser- vatory was manned continuously until it was closed on 2nd November. As a prelude to the autumn migration season there were several noteworthy birds at the end of July: a Whimbrel on 19th July, a Sparrowhawk during 22nd-24th, a Whimbrel and a Wheatear on the 28th, a Cuckoo on the 29th, a Collared Dove on the 30th and a passage of terns (500 “comic” on 31st). Purple Sandpipers (20) returned on 15th July, Turnstones on the 22nd. August Winds during the first 11 days were mainly south- west, with one or two spells of fog and rather few birds; from 11th to 28th August the winds were almost continuously 46 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 8(2) easterly and accompanied by fairly steady passage of small birds, waders and seabirds. The earliest dates for some species were as follows: 3rd August—first Willow Warbler 4th August—first Arctic and Great Skuas 12th August—first Whinchat, Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher 16th August—first Redstart 23rd August—first Fieldfare 27th August—first Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat 3lst August—first Spotted Flycatcher During the first 11 days of August there was a slight passage of Willow Warblers and Wheatears, a few Swifts passing, some Whimbrels (14 on 4th) and 1 or 2 Manx Shearwaters. There was a steady passage of “comic” terns throughout the month (highest daily count being 220 on the 8th) and a few Sandwich Terns daily. Puffins began leaving the island around 7th August. As soon as the east winds began the migrants in- creased in number and variety—a Garden Warbler, Pied Fly- catcher and Goldcrest appeared on the 12th, a Greenshank and a Whinchat on the 13th, a Green Sandpiper, a Barred Warbler and 15 Pied Flycatchers on the 15th, 50 Pied Fly- catchers and 25 Whinchats on the 16th, and there was similar passage over the next few days. A Sanderling (the first since 1956) was seen on the 19th, and Meadow Pipit passage reached a peak (30 on the 20th). Swallows were on the move between 14th and 19th August, the highest daily count being 150 on the 29th. Willow Warbler numbers reached a peak of 60 on the 24th. A slight change in the weather pattern on 22nd August re- sulted in some new arrivals at around 1600 hrs—an Icterine Warbler, a Greenshank, 4 Pied Flycatchers, 8 Willow Warblers, a Whinchat and a flava Wagtail. Next day (23rd) the first Fieldfare arrived, with 2 Tree Pipits and 35 Willow Warblers. On the 24th there was another marked arrival of migrants throughout the morning and early afternoon, comprising main- ly warblers, Tree Pipits (10), Fieldfares (14) and Wheatears (6). A Barred Warbler appeared overnight, and next morning a Grasshopper Warbler and 20 Pied Flycatchers. Until the end of the month passage was lighter: a Treecreeper on the 26th, a few Goldcrests, warblers and Whinchats (27th and 28th); a Grey Wagtail on the 30th and a Spotted Flycatcher on the 31st, after the change to west winds. Very few shearwaters were seen during the month. Waders were regularly seen on pas- sage, and numbers built up on the island—highest counts in a day were Purple Sandpipers (210), Turnstones (300), Curlews (50), Redshanks (75), Knots (8) and Dunlin (9). 1974 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 47 September For the first nine days of the month the winds were mainly westerly, then easterly until the 20th. Neverthe- less a steady passage of migrants was recorded throughout the whole period, and there was good sea passage. For the rest of the month winds were extremely variable, swinging from east to west and back again almost daily and bringing quite a few falls of migrants. The month started well with 4 Sander- lings (the second record of the year) and 15 Knots among the general passage of Swallows, Wheatears, Meadow Pipits and Common and Sandwich Terns. Throughout the first half of the month sea-watching brought good rewards—a Red-throated Diver and a Red-necked Grebe on the 3rd, Manx Shearwaters almost daily (as many as 120 on the 10th), Sooty Shearwaters on several days (8 on the 10th), up to 8 Arctic Skuas daily, one or two Great Skuas, continuous tern passage (over 200 “com- ‘ics’ on the 3rd, 2 Roseate Terns on the 2nd, and up to 14 Sandwich Terns daily). The first Black Guillemot of the autumn was seen on the 2nd, and there was a Corncrake on the 10th. It was a good period for waders too—2 Golden Plovers, 2 Whimbrels, a Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank on the 2nd, and some passage of Dunlin, Oystercatchers, Curlews and Redshanks on that day too. Swallow passage continued unabated, lighter than the previous month, but with up to 35 daily. House Martins were recorded between the 3rd and the 14th (16 on the 3rd) and a few Sand Martins on the 3rd, 4th and 7th. There was also steady passage of Wheatears (highest counts 45 on the 3rd and 40 on the 16th) and of Meadow Pipits (up to 50 daily, and 100 on the 19th). Warbler passage was light all month, except for the daily movement of Willow Warblers, which reached peaks of 45 on the 4th, 22 on the 6th and 25 on the 8th. Only 2 Sedge Warblers were seen all month, a few Blackcaps, up to 3 Garden Warblers on 4th September and on nine other days in the month, and odd Whitethroats in the middle of the month. Goldcrest passage started on the 4th and continued through the month, with daily totals of 20 or more on the 4th, 12th, 19th and 20th. The 4th was the first good day of the month for small migrants —in addition to those mentioned above there were 6 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Robins, a Redstart, a Whinchat and a Yellow Wagtail. There was another slight influx on the 6th, bringing a Pied Flycatcher, a Grey Wagtail and a Lapland Bunting. On the 11th the first Wren and the last Cuckoo of the autumn arrived, and on the 12th the first Fieldfare and a Stonechat. On the 13th there were the first 3 Redwings and 15 Whinchats. Over the next few days passage built up, being especially marked on the 14th and 16th; on the 14th there were a Short- eared Owl, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Red-breasted Fly- catcher; on the 16th 6 Blackcaps, 3 Garden Warblers, a Chiff- 48 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 8(2) chaff, 6 Pied Flycatchers, 10 Whinchats, 12 Redstarts, 40 Wheatears and a Little Stint. The east winds and fog that had lasted over these dates also produced a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Lapland Bunting on the 17th. The rest of the month was quite eventful, variable winds bringing varied migration. Sea passage was interesting, with up to 3 Red-throated Divers on the 20th, 24th and 25th, 15 Manx Shearwaters on the 19th and fewer on three other days, 30 Sooty Shearwaters on the 23rd and a few on five other days, 2 Long-tailed Ducks on the 26th, a few Great and Arctic Skuas on several days, the last Roseate Terns (5) on the 23rd, the last “comic” terns (10) on the 24th and the last Sandwich Tern on the 28th. On the 22nd a Buzzard, a Merlin, a Ringed Plover and a Golden Plover were recorded. Turnstone numbers reached an autumn peak of 500 on the 29th, Wren numbers built up to 12 by the 24th; the first Snow Bunting was seen on the 23rd; there were no fewer than 5 Yellow-browed War- blers on the 25th; the first 5 Chaffinches and 2 Redpolls ar- rived on the 26th; and 2 Siskins appeared on the 29th. The last day of the month had a wintry flavour, with 50 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, a Brambling, a Short-eared Owl and a Pink-footed Goose arriving after a day or two of gales. October Thick fog with freshening east winds on the evening of 3rd October was the prelude to the best fall of birds of the year. Observers awoke on the 4th to find the island swarming with migrants that had arrived overnight, mainly Redwings, Robins and Goldcrests, but also 3 Kestrels, a Hen Harrier, 2 Red-backed and 3 Great Grey Shrikes, a Yellow-browed War- bler, 20 Redstarts, 5 Blackcaps, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 5 Siskins, 14 Chaffinches, 30 Bramblings and an Ortolan Bunting. There was continuous passage of thrushes, Robins and Goldcrests during the 4th, 5th and 6th, daily counts for each species reaching the highest totals of the year: 500 Song Thrushes, 1000 Redwings, 800 Robins, 800 Goldcrests and 100 Bram- blings. Blackcap numbers reached a peak of 100 on the 7th, Starlings 164 on the 5th. Fieldfares and Blackbirds were num- erous too. A Red-breasted Flycatcher was seen on the 5th, a Whimbrel, a Wryneck, 3 Black Redstarts and another Red- backed Shrike on the 6th, and 3 Garden Warblers on the 7th. Despite a change to west winds late on the 7th, the passage continued, with more thrushes, a Red-necked Grebe, a Long- eared Owl, 3 Jack Snipe and 15 Wheatears on the 8th and a Hen Harrier on the 9th. There was marked passage of Meadow Pipits (100 on the 8th) and Skylarks (200 on the 6th) and some sea passage (17 Arctic Skuas and 2 Great Skuas on the 10th, one or two Manx Shearwaters on the 9th and 10th and no fewer than 52 Sooty Shearwaters on the 10th). A return to 1974 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 49 east winds brought further small influxes on the 11th (a Wood- cock, 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and a Red-breasted Flycatcher), on the 13th (50 Redwings, a Black Redstart, 20 Blackcaps and 6 Greenfinches) and on the 14th (50 Goldcrests, a Lapland Bunting and 2 Lesser Whitethroats). Passage was lighter than during the previous week because of the very clear weather. Cold, northerly weather persisted for the next few days, with a slight passage of thrushes and Goldcrests, and there were one or two other records worth noting—a Merlin on the 15th and a Blue Tit on the 17th (a rarity on the May). Black- birds and Fieldfares were moving across the island in poor easterly weather on the 20th, when several Woodcock and Bramblings were seen. Passage on the 22nd was similar, with the addition of 20 Redwings and a Snow Bunting, when west winds had resumed. Nine Long-tailed Tits arrived on the 24th, and a few Wrens and Goldcrests on the 26th. Thrushes con- tinued to pass through in small numbers, increasing by the end of the month to 100 Blackbirds on the 28th and 170 Fieldfares and 300 Redwings on the 3lst. More Long-tailed Tits (16) were seen on the 28th, and daily numbers of Skylarks reached 66 on the 3lst. The season ended on 2nd November, but before leav- ing, the observers had the satisfaction of recording the last warblers and on lst November, a Redstart, 2 Siskins, a few Woodcock and 29 Bramblings. Last dates for some of the autumn migrants were: 4th October—last Swallow, Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher 5th October—last Spotted Flycatcher 6th October—last Whimbrel 7th October—last Garden Warbler 8th October—last Whitethroat 14th October—last House Martin 15th October—last Great Skua and Lesser Whitethroat 17th October—last Arctic Skua 22nd October—last Wheatear 27th October—last Willow Warbler lst November—last Redstart and Blackcap 2nd November—last Chiffchaff Winter In winter the May has a special assemblage of resi- dent and migrant birds, and the second Christmas visit by members of the Tay Ringing Group helped to unravel further the mysteries of the island during this normally closed season. The wader populations were somewhat below their autumn levels, except for Snipe, of which as many as eight were seen on 23rd December. Other counts were 18 Oystercatchers, 150 Turnstones, 10 Curlews, 50 Redshanks, 130 Purple Sandpipers, 5 Dunlin and a Golden Plover. Eiders were plentiful (109 on 28th), and up to 20 Mallard were counted daily. Flocks of up to 35 Twites and up to 18 Skylarks were seen most days, also 5 Snow Buntings, a Greenfinch and a Short-eared Owl. 50 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 8(2) Unusual occurrences Great Crested Grebe One, 19th September. Third record (last seen 1955). Red-necked Grebe One, 3rd September. Earliest autumn date. Slavonian Grebe One, 14th October. Sixth record. Hen Harrier One, 4th October; one, 9th October. Red-footed Falcon One, 19th May. Second record. Arctic Skua One, 20th April. Earliest spring record. Hoopoe One, 26th April. Ninth record. Black Redstart One, 4th June. First June record. Blackcap Ten, 5th May. 100, 7th October. Highest daily spring and autumn totals respectively. Yellow-browed Warbler Five, 25th September. Most in a day. Red-headed Bunting One, 3rd-8th and 16th June. Third record. Tree Sparrow 47 on 3rd June. A high figure. Breeding populations For the first time for many years nearly all the breeding populations were counted in 1973, thanks to the efforts of one or two observers, especially Hector Galbraith. His counts in June of the cliff-nesting seabirds confirmed the suspected con- tinuing increase in their numbers. The totals are as follows: Fulmar—68 pairs. Shag—1130 pairs (an albino bird seen in the colony in April; a few more Farnes-ringed birds were found among the breeding population). Kittiwake—3450 pairs. Razorbill—500 pairs. Guillemot—3700 pairs. The estimated numbers of breeding gulls in late May before the second major cull was 9000 pairs of Herring Gulls and 1000 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls. One pair of Great Black- backed Gulls attempted to nest. About 100 pairs of Eiders nested, and fledging success was good, despite disturbance of incubating birds during the cull. One pair of Shelducks reared six chicks. At least 15 pairs of Oystercatchers nested, and breeding success was unusually high, (12 young birds were ringed). No estimate of Puffins was attempted but the colony was apparently still growing. For the first time since 1957 a pair of terns (Common) nested; eggs were laid, but there is no record of hatching. The smaller birds fared well: at least two broods each of Swallows, Song Thrushes and Meadow Pipits were reared; one pair of Blackbirds and one pair of Dun- nocks nested; and at least two pairs of Linnets bred success- fully for the first time since 1960. Ringing and recoveries The ringing total of 4000 birds was slightly lower than the previous year’s; it comprised 71 species. The main components of the total were Puffins, Shags (476), Herring Gulls (855) and Robins. Record totals were ringed of Puffins (1033—three times the previous highest total), Eiders (11), Swallows (14), Tree Pipits (33), Whinchats (59—twice the previous highest), 1974 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 51 Black Redstarts (5), Blackcaps (97); 14 Oystercatchers equals the previous highest total. Second highest totals were Turn- stones (49), Purple Sandpipers (59), Kittiwakes (135). High totals were Robins (258), Grasshopper Warblers (8), Willow Warblers (312), Yellow-browed Warblers (4), Pied Flycatchers (79), Rock Pipits (111), Red-backed Shrikes (4), and Linnets (33—the highest total since 1959). No Redpolls were ringed and few Chaffinches or Bramblings. Cormorant and Snipe were new species for the ringing list, and unusual species ringed were Ortolan and Lapland Buntings. There was a total of 125 recoveries (excluding gulls from the cull) of which 50 were Herring Gulls and 36 were Shags. The foreign recoveries and controls are listed below: Ringed Recovered Shag Pull 1.8.73 16.11.73 Oostuleteren, W. Flanders, Belgium Lesser Black-backed Gull Pull 10.11.73 Cap Cantin, Safi, 25.6.67 Morocco Kittiwake Pull, 7.7.12 20. 2.73 Foxtrap, Conception Bay, Newfoundland Song Thrush [2d el DAS ar 24. 2.73 Mirandela, Tras os Montes, Purtugal Blackbird Ado 10.4.71 0. 2.73 Vila Verde, Minho, Portugal Robin 2nd ¥Y 5.4.71 16.11.72 Almorchon, Cabeza de Buey, Spain Robin fst ¥. 5.10.73 11.10.73 Kroonspolders, N. Frisian Is., Netherlands Robin lst Y 5.10.73 20.12.73 Plogonnec, Finisterre, France Puffin controls included four more birds ringed as pulli on the Farne Islands. There were four more Purple Sandpiper re- traps on the island and the first Turnstone retrap. Other new entries in the recoveries book were for Cormorant (control of a 1966 Orkney-ringed bird) and a dead Black-headed Gull (ringed on Tentsmuir in 1965). A Purple Sandpiper ringed on 22nd August 1968 at Revtangen, Norway, was retrapped on the May on 22nd December 1973. Management and research Gull control and research The 1972 Annual Report contains an account of the first stage of the gull-control programme, which is aimed at reducing the Herring and Lesser Black- backed Gull populations to a manageable level. In 1972 some 16000 of a total of 34000 breeding gulls were killed, of which 10% were Lesser Black-backs. The second major cull was carried out during 21st-3lst May 1973, using the same tech- niques and procedures as in 1972, but with the addition of quinalbarbitone sodium (Seconal) to the alphachloralose in the bread baits, in order to achieve quicker immobilization of 52 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 8(2) the gulls, and reduce the risk of dispersal of narcotised birds onto the sea. Just before the cull in mid May the total of breeding gulls was estimated to be 19000 of which 15000 were on the areas scheduled for treatment, the rest on study or control areas (Tarbet, Colm’s Hole, Maidens and cliff areas). It is estimated that 10500 breeding gulls were killed (9000 corpses were recovered on the island, 600 recovered from the coast of Fife, washed ashore during the long spell of east winds). As in 1972 the Durham University gull research project was associated closely with the cull, taking particular account of nesting behaviour in culled and unculled areas, and making studies of recruitment to cleared areas. In this research George Chabrzyk continued to make full use of the culled birds of known age (ringed by Jasper Parsons 1966-1969) and collec- ted valuable data from the 600 ringed birds killed during the cull (half as many again as in the 1972 cull). Puffins Dr Mike Harris (Institute of Terrestrial Ecology) continued his research into the status and breeding biology of Puffins on the Isle of May and undertook a large-scale colour-ringing programme in 1973 (828 adults and 205 pulli). To date he has seen or trapped a total of 35 Puffins ringed as pulli on the Farne Islands. House mouse St Andrews University have taken over res- ponsibility for the “mouse house” on the island and are con- tinuing the research programme started by Dr Berry, concen- trating especially on survival and behavioural studies. Vegetation Monitoring of vegetation associated with the gull colonies was continued by the Nature Conservancy, but observations comparable to 1972 were difficult to make be- cause of the effects of prolonged drought in 1973. Douglas Sobey of Aberdeen University finished his vegetation studies by mapping the present extent of sea thrift and sea campion, both species much reduced in extent because of the effects of the dense gull colony. A manuscript report has been received from Mr Sobey, and one from Dr E. V. Watson summarising his observations on the decline of bryophyte species following the expansion of the gull colony. General observations Dr Eggeling has produced a revised assessment of the birds of the Isle of May, which is published as a Special Supplement to Scottish Birds. The drought of late summer and autumn 1972 continued unabated through 1973, and thanks are once again due to the boatmen who kept the observatory supplied with drinking water from the mainland. 1974 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 53 The top trap was rebuilt by the Conservation Corps in July, and various other repairs were carried out on traps and in the Low Light by observers, to whom the Committee is most grateful. The Committee would also like to record thanks for an anonymous donation of £50 towards repairs of the Low Light (and hope that the donor is a member of the SOC to re- ceive the thanks expressed here). The observatory was pleased to receive a visit from the grandson of McLeod of Dunvegan, the lighthouse-keeper who occupied the Low Light at the beginning of the century and whose name lives on among the island’s place names. Special thanks are due to the Principal Keeper, George Rob- ertson, and his staff for their assistance during the gull cull, and for their help and co-operation at other times. Spitsbergen 1972 - ornithological work of the Aberdeen University expedition A. ANDERSON, L. CAMPBELL, W. MURRAY, D. P. STONE, R. L. SWANN Introduction Spitsbergen has long been a focus of arctic exploration. The reasons for its popularity are not hard to find; lying roughly between 77° and 80° north it embraces many of the interesting geographical and biological features of a high-arctic region, while the influence of the Gulf Stream on the west coast pro- vides a tolerable (if somewhat damp) summer climate in which to work. For the Aberdeen University 1972 expedition we chose Kongsfjord (fig. 1) at 70° N in West Spitsbergen as our main biological study area; among the most beautiful of the fjords it is also ornithologically rich. The party included geographers, zoologists and a botanist : Dr C. M. Clapperton, lecturer in geography, led the expedition and made a study of landforms at the margins of surging glaciers. The remainder of the work on geomorphology was carried out by R. Crofts, P. Knape and R. Swann, each of whom did individual studies of raised beaches. Swann also contri- buted much to the ornithology and wrote the section on Terns and Snow Buntings in this paper. Dr T. Keating studied the arctic vegetation and paid special attention to bird-cliff veget- ation. A. Anderson, assisted by D. Stone, carried out seabird census work in Kongsfjord, collected specimens for preserva- tion and toxic-chemical analysis and studied the diurnal activity of a breeding colony of Kittiwakes and the effect of the colony on vegetation. L. Campbell, assisted by W. Murray, 54 SPITSBERGEN 1972 &(2) censused the large population of breeding Eiders in Kongsfjord and studied the behaviour of incubating females and the sur- vival of chicks. L. Almkvist made collections of marine benthic invertebrates within the fjord, assisted by Miss B. Guldberg, a final-year medical student who also acted as our medical officer. This account is a summary of some of the ornitholo- gical work of the expedition. The steamer journey north from Bergen in mid June pres- ented the opportunity for all the expedition members to get acquainted and discuss plans. During the crossing from North Cape to Bear Island several members carried out a continuous six-hour sea-watch from 73° N, across the interesting Bear Island current, with its great flocks of seabirds, until fog around the island itself ended observation. Through the swirl- ing mist the bird-whitened southern cliffs stacked with Brun- nich’s and common Guillemots made an impressive sight. Many bridled common Guillemots were among the throngs of birds on the water. Only one pale Fulmar (Fisher’s code L) and a few very dark ones (DD) were seen; most corresponded with Fisher’s D birds, head, neck and belly being a uniform grey. Our disembarkation, complete with one ton of gear (one- third of it food), was at Ny Alesund in Kongsfjord. We rented sleeping accommodation in one of the many huts in a former mining community now largely dependent on the nearby ESRO satellite-tracking station. The first week in the field was spent largely in exploring the district for the best study areas. Table 1. Seabird count on Stuphallet Cliff, July 7th 1972 Black Glaucous Cliff section Fulmar Puffin Guillemot Little Auk Gull I-II “, 5 + 10 _ II-Iil 58 15 6 1 2 IlI-IV 88 38 _ — — IV-V 90 29 2 = 2 V-VI 29 24 1 2 _ VI-VII 5 11 _ _ _ 279 122 13 13 = The Roman numerals refer to cliff sections shown in Fig. 1. The figures for Fulmar refer to occupied sites. € Seabird colonies The largest concentration of seabirds in Kongsfjord is on the mountain Ossian Sarsfjellet, between the Kongsvegen and Kongsbreen glaciers, but our three attempts to reach it by boat were forestalled by weather and ice. The Stuphallet escarp- ment is next in importance, occupied mainly by Fulmars and Puffins (table 1), whose breeding places are scattered along 1974 SPITSBERGEN 1972 55 STUPy KVADEHUKSLETTA uz Wr KONGSFIORDEN OBSERVASJONS HL™ 3 sronnorment 7) oO NY-ALESUND % s 6 PRIN H ~ RINS HEINRICHSYA “SRocceRBREEN bs ‘ ya ie Le a 53546 ¢ s ae ' * = 4 ; LoveNas %. = 5 : ee ‘ > = ana ee nee ae, ~ ' ae ' Noo aint ee, NBREEN ‘ss = “ sausTae BROSGERB® « a \ \ ‘ 4 x 7) ‘a \ CD) Love ’ . SS Fic. 1. The expedition study area showing places named in the text. the crumbling, inaccessible north-facing cliff, with immense, unstable talus slopes preventing close approach from below. Counting the Fulmars was hampered by the inconspicuousness of these grey birds (Fisher’s D to DD) against the rock back- ground. On the cliff Little Auks were mainly at the top, where there were also small numbers of Brunnich’s Guillemots. Black Guillemots were at the foot, and Fulmars and Puffins at all Table 2. Kittiwake nest counts in Kongsfjord, 1972 Colony Date Location No. of nests 1 26 June 2 km W of Kongsvegen 100 2 2 July 3 km W of Kongsvegen 550 2A 2 July 60 m NW of colony 2 24 2B 17 July 400 m NW of colony 2 83 3 29 June E Blomstrandhalvoya 24 a 6 July W Blomstrandhalvoya 20 5 7 July E of Kongsfjordneset 16 6 28 June Observasjonsholmen c70 levels. This distribution pattern may be influenced not only by the availability of suitable sites as they become free from snow, but also by their accessibility to arctic foxes—factors that do not affect our Scottish colonies. Dohnt, Ramsay and Belterman (1969) reported ‘‘some 500 pairs” of Fulmars breeding on these cliffs in 1965—almost twice the number we found. A further small colony of Fulmars (26 occupied sites) exists on the cliffs of West Blomstrandhalvoya. 56 SPITSBERGEN 1972 8(2) Kittiwake Most of the existing Kittiwake colonies were visited, and four were additional to the list given by Lovenskiold (1964). Since little attention seems to have been paid to the size of these colonies, counts are given in table 2, and colony posi- tions in fig. 1. The Kittiwakes tended to nest on overhung cliffs, as Lovens- kiold noted elsewhere in Spitsbergen, thus few observations of nest-contents could be made. We noted the first signs of hatching on 2nd July, and it was progressing well in colony 2 on 9th July, when 62 of the nests contained the following : l egg 2eggs 1 chick 2 chicks 1 egg + 1 chick empty 22 21 2 9 6 2 The peak of hatching was probably between then and 12th July, on which day we found the talus below the colony strewn with empty egg-shells and recently hatched chicks, two still alive. These hatching dates are in accord with Lovenskiold’s (1964) “fourth week of June until about the middle of July” for the whole of Svalbard, which includes Bear Island. Such a small sample cannot readily be compared with British hatch- ing dates, but it is interesting to note that Coulson and White (1956) show peaks in percentage of nests with chicks ranging from early to late July in seven British colonies. We estimated that the first of our Spitsbergen birds would fledge on about 8th August, compared with 20th July for St Kilda in 1968. Diurnal rhythms at a Kittiwake colony Our original intention was to compare the diurnal rhythms of activity of the Spitsbergen Fulmar (F. g. glacialis), under the influence of extended daylength, with those of the boreal race (F. g. auduboni) on St Kilda and to consider census meth- ods in relation to these rhythms. The Stuphallet Fulmar colony proved unsuitable for these observations because of its in- accessibility and the dispersed distribution of birds. We there- fore decided to apply the plan, as far as possible, to Kittiwake colony 2B near the east Lovenbreen glacier and to compare the results with similar (unpublished) observations made on St Kilda from dawn to dusk on 19th and 20th July 1968 by A. Anderson, H. E. M. Dott, M. Marquiss and G. W. V. Birnie. Continuous 24-hour watches were made at colony 2B on Ist- 2nd, 12-13th, 17-18th and 30th-3lst July; a discontinuous 24- hour series of observations was made from 23rd-25th. It became apparent that this small colony with its 83 nests had two distinct components: a central group of closely-packed nests (so close that several touched), very much overhung by rock, and a peripheral group more widely dispersed and less 1974 SPITSBERGEN 1972 57 overhung. By 17th July it was clear that only 47 (57%) of the 83 nests contained eggs or chicks, the rest being used presum- ably by failed or pre-breeders. In St Kilda at a similar time (20th July 1968) a Kittiwake colony with 59 nests had 44 (75%) containing eggs or chicks. The breeding birds in colony 2B were concentrated in the centre, and their behaviour was markedly different from that of the peripheral nest occupants throughout the month. During incubation and while chicks were very small, breeding birds were singularly inactive, much of their time being spent asleep. The “peripherals”, as they came to be known, could not be dis- tinguished by plumage from breeding adults (Coulson 1959) but when not brooding on empty nests were responsible for most of the activity and noise at the colony; pairing display sequences were frequent, some culminating in copulation on the nest, and small groups fought for possession of nests to such an extent that, on one occasion at least, a large nest was dislodged and fell. By 17th July they were at their most active and attacked and drove off Glaucous Gulls and violently mob- bed breeding Kittiwakes at change-over on the nest. The first signs of moult among the peripherals appeared at this time, and all seemed to be in wing and tail moult by 24th, when their activity was more subdued and they were absent from the colony for longer periods. The breeding adults were never seen to be in moult. The 1968 St Kilda observations showed that there was re- markably little diurnal variation in activity and in numbers of Kittiwakes present at the breeding colony on 19th and 20th July. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that the Spitsbergen birds, with 24 hours of daylight, showed little variation also. There was, however, a detectable lull in activity there between about 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., at the end of which period preening and other activities began. Birds on eggs or chicks brooded very closely throughout the month. Variations in the total numbers of Kittiwakes present at the colony were closely correlated with the movements of birds not on nests. Arctic Tern When we arrived in Spitsbergen on 25th June, the first of the terns were laying; laying continued up to 7th July, 60% of the birds having laid by the end of June. Clutch sizes were : one egg (8%) and two eggs (92%). On the north side of the Brogger Peninsula there were 220 pairs of Arctic Terns; of these 20 pairs were at Kvadehuksletta and 195 were in Ny Alesund itself, mainly in the two marshy areas to the east and west of the settlement, where there were 58 SPITSBERGEN 1972 8(2) 125 pairs. On the surrounding drier tundra 58 pairs were found, a 12 pairs were on a coal tip. These counts were made on 8th uly. The terns were very aggressive towards intruders—partic- ularly humans, skuas and Glaucous Gulls, which were dived at by many birds and were regularly struck by the birds’ feet. On the 15-16th July a depression passed over Spitsbergen, bringing strong winds, very heavy rain, sleet and snow, and temperatures dropped to 1° C. This storm did much damage to the breeding birds, and during that week 66% of the terns’ clutches hatched; of these 58% lost both young, and many more lost single chicks. In the following two weeks the weather improved, but losses were still high. By the first week of August, when the first young were Starting to fledge, 38% of the nests that had sur- vived the storm were lost. By this time 75% of the total num- ber of pairs had failed to rear any young, 7% were still on eggs (many of which would probably have little chance of hatching), and only 18% had reared young to a fairly advanced state. In one study plot, of 90 young that could have been reared only 16 were successful. The terns did not appear well adapted to these apparently freak conditions. They continued to attack intruders, even at some distance from the nest. The attacks were fiercer, presum- ably to encourage the intruder to move away faster. During these numerous disturbances, eggs, hatching and newly hatched young were exposed to the cold and died. Had the parents sat tighter more young might have survived. The failed breeders remained around the colonies, and many resumed courtship activity, though no repeat clutches were found. Eider Kongsfjord is one of the major Eider breeding areas in Spits- bergen and so presented the opportunity of studying breeding behaviour in an Arctic situation and comparison with work already carried out in Scotland at Sands of Forvie, Aberdeen- shire. The general distribution of breeding Eiders seems strange to observers accustomed to Scottish sites. Owing to the pres- ence of arctic foxes, breeding is almost entirely restricted to the islands in the fjord, and the only nests on the mainland are within the area of human settlement. Similarly, the timing of breeding and the number of birds nesting on an island are correlated with the breaking-up of fjord ice. Thus the islands in the outer part of the fjord have both the earliest breeders 1974 SPITSBERGEN 1972 59 and the largest numbers. The inner islands have fewer nests and are more vulnerable to fox predation, because of ice con- nections to the mainland. However the most striking feature is the high density of breeding birds on the main islands: Eskjer, the outermost island, although only the size of a tennis court, has more than 1200 nesting birds, and even on the poorest islands the density is equal to that in the best areas in Scotland. The general effect is even more marked, since the lack of cover renders the nests conspicuous. The first part of our work was a census on the islands. Eleven islands were visited, nests were counted and data col- lected on clutch sizes. Over 2200 nests were counted, over half of which were on Eskjer. Unfortunately the season was un- usually advanced, and many nests were already hatching. This unusual season, up to 14 days earlier than normal, can be attributed to the fact that the fjord did not freeze over in the winter. A major problem while we were censusing was predation by Glaucous Gulls. All the islands had at least two gulls present, and egg loss owing to disturbance was, in some Cases, un- avoidable. In the dense nesting areas, incubating females were remarkably tame, remaining on the nest until approached closely then leaving slowly having covered the eggs. Their return to the nest was generally rapid, and so gull predation was not too severe. On the less densely populated islands, however, females left much more readily, did not cover the eggs and returned only reluctantly. In such cases, predation was much heavier. The second and major part of the study was the observation of incubating females and assessment of factors such as gull predation in the undisturbed situation. Prins Heinrichoya, an island near Ny Alesund, was selected since it could be watched easily from the shore. Eighty nests were marked and map- ped, and a series of continuous watches, up to 48 hours long, were carried out. i In general, it was evident that gull predation was a major source of mortality in the undisturbed situation. Despite the strong anti-predator defence by the females, both eggs and young were taken from the nest with little difficulty. Once the ducklings reached the water, however, losses seemed to be negligible. In contrast to the situation at many Scottish sites, creches do not occur near the breeding grounds; instead mother and chicks rapidly head out of the fjord to feeding grounds elsewhere. 60 SPITSBERGEN 1972 8(2) Toxic chemicals in seabirds Of the six seabirds collected for toxic-chemical analysis, two adult Spitsbergen Puffins have so far been examined by Dr J. Bogan; they reveal PCB levels similar to those found in auks around Scottish coasts and in other regions of the North At- lantic (Bogan and Bourne 1972 a and b). DDE, a derivative of the more familiar DDT, was also present but in smaller quan- tities than in other North Atlantic auks. Bogan and Bourne show that pelagic plankton feeders such as Kittiwake and Ful- mar carry even greater loads of organochlorines and consider that eastern North America may be a possible source of these materials, which may find their way to the high arctic by means of the North Atlantic Drift. Snow Bunting Snow Buntings were found throughout the peninsula where there was rocky scree. However the main concentration was in Ny Alesund where there were about 30 pairs. All but two birds had finished laying before our arrival; 80% of the laying having taken place between 10th and 16th June. Incubation took between ten and eleven days. Clutches ran- ged from five to seven eggs (65% were of six), and the average was 5.8 eggs, somewhat higher than the average Scottish clutch of 5.0 (Nethersole-Thompson 1966). Hatching took place between 26th June and 8th July, and an average of 5.0 young per nest hatched—a hatching success rate of 86%, compared with 73% in Scotland. Fledging took 12 to 15 days, and birds left the nest between 9th and 21st July. On average 4.6 young per nest fledged successfully. This gave a total breeding success of 66%, compared with 54.5% in Scotland. It should be remembered, however, that many of the Scottish birds are double-brooded and therefore, overall, probably rear as many young as the Spitsbergen birds. The young were fed by the adults for seven to 12 days after fledging. The nests were of dried grass and sedge and were always lined with white feathers. A wide variety of sites was used: ‘under boulders and pieces of wood; in boxes on the ground; on rafters and ledges; behind broken ventilator shafts in build- ings; and in old pipes. The birds appeared to be territorial dur- ing incubation, but after the young had hatched adults seemed to gather at the best feeding sites, and up to three males could be seen foraging together. On one occasion when a young bird was being handled for ringing, its cries brought seven males to the scene. Despite the 24 hours of daylight, the Snow Buntings still roosted. During incubation the males roosted together in small communal roosts. Roosting started at about 3 p.m. and lasted 1974 SPITSBERGEN 1972 61 until about 1 a.m., at which time there was a ‘dawn’ chorus. After the young had fledged they and the females joined these communal roosts. Males still predominated there, with 60% males, 13% females and 27% juveniles. Eight roosts were found : in a disused quarry; on ledges in a disused hut; on win- dow ledges; and under pieces of wood. Other species Two pairs of Red-throated Divers were found on the Brogger- halvoya and one on Blomstrandhalvoya. All laid two eggs, two had hatched by 25th July, but the third was still on eggs in August. Two Great Northern Divers were seen at Kvadehuk- sletta. This species is extending its range north as well as south but has not yet been proved to breed in Spitsbergen. Six species of ducks were recorded, Eider being the com- monest. Pink-footed Geese were occasionally seen flying over the area, and three nests were found, all with four eggs. No young were recorded. Two pairs of Long-tailed Ducks attemp- ted to nest in Ny Alesund but failed owing to disturbance. At the end of July a flock of moulting males gathered in the fjord off Ny Alesund. Although no King Eiders were found nesting, eight drakes and two ducks were present by Ny Alesund in late June, and a flock of 30 at Kvadehuksletta. By early July only a few moulting males were left. A pair of Teal were occa- sionally seen around Ny Alesund, and a Tufted Duck was a rare visitor. Ptarmigan were common along the coastal plain and lower parts of the hills. Eight wader species were observed, of which four bred. Commonest was Purple Sandpiper; they were found mainly on the tundra, where they nested among stone circles. They had laid by the end of June and sat very tight on their four eggs, relying on their excellent camouflage to conceal them. They would flush only if almost stood on and would then give a distraction display that made them look like a te mammal bumbling along. The young hatched in mid July. Turnstones are spreading in Spitsbergen. We had five pairs in Ny Alesund, and two pairs at Kvadehuksletta. The Ny Alesund birds reared a total of ten young to flying stage. The eges were laid in June, and we had one nest with three eggs and one with four. The young hatched during the first week in July and were therefore fairly advanced when the storm came and so less at risk. The adults were very noisy, flying long distances to meet intruders and calling loudly. Five pairs of Ringed Plovers nested at Ny Alesund, and a pair of Dunlin was seen displaying. Grey Phalaropes were common in the marshy areas around Ny Alesund, where about 62 SPITSBERGEN 1972 8(2) 20 birds nested. When we arrived, the females were courting the males with their chasing and dancing display. At times up to seven females were seen courting a male. Laying started at the end of June. The nest located in the centre of a tuft of grass usually had four eggs, though we found one with three. Hatching took place in the second week of July. Many young were killed by the storm, and only nine reached flying stage. By August most of the adults had gone and only a few moult- ing males were left. In mid July a Knot appeared on passage at Kvadehuksletta. Sanderlings were also seen, two at Ny Alesund at the end of June and five at Kvadehuksletta in mid July. A Red-necked Phalarope was present in Ny Alesund from 20th July. Arctic Skuas were found all along the north of the Brogger Peninsula. There were 17 pairs between Kvadehuksletta and Kongsvegen, all of which were light-phase; one dark-phase bird was also seen. Of four nests found, three had two eggs and one had a single egg. The birds were sitting in June, and hatching took place in mid July. The adults were regularly seen chasing Kittiwakes. Glaucous Gulls were common around the Eider colonies and Ny Alesund rubbish dump, and a few pairs bred locally. An unusual visitor was an immature Greater Black-backed Gull at Ny Alesund on 19th July. Apart from the Snow Buntings the only passerine seen was a Starling, which was present at Ny Alesund from 18th to 22nd July. In all, 30 species were seen on the Broggerhalvoya of which 20 bred. Acknowledgments No fewer than 15 organisations gave financial backing to the expedition; to them, to the many firms that generously gave food and equipment and to the numerous individuals who helped to make the expedition a success we express our Ssin- cere thanks. References Bogan, J. A. & BOURNE, W. R. P. 1972 a. Polychlorinated biphenyls in North Atlantic seabirds. Marine Pollution Bulletin 3: 171-1738. Bogan, J. A. & BouRNE, W. R. P. 1972 b. Organochlorine levels in Atlantic seabirds. Nature 240: 558. CouLson, J. C. 1959. The plumage and leg colour of the Kittiwake and comments on the non-breeding population. Brit. Birds 52: 189-196. CouLson, J. C. & WHITE, E. 1956. A study of colonies of Kittiwake R. tridactyla (L). Ibis 98: 63-79. Dount, A. A., Ramsay, A. D. K. & BELTERMAN, T. 1969. Some observations on the avifauna of West Spitsbergen, 1965. Le Gerfaut-De Giervalk 59: 219-258. FISHER, J. 1952. The Fulmar. London. LOVENSKIOLD, H. L. 1964. Avifauna Svalbardensis. Oslo. NETHERSOLE-THOMPSON, D. 1966. The Snow Bunting. Edinburgh and London. 1974 EVENING ASSEMBLY OF STARLINGS 63 Evening assembly of Starlings at a winter roost J. BRODIE The Starlings’ habit of gathering into large flocks before flying to communal roosting sites is well known (Low 1924, Wynne-Edwards 1929, Brown 1946). Jumber (1956) divided roosting assembly into four stages, occurring (1) at feeding grounds; (2) along definite established routes leading towards the roost; (3) in the vicinity of the roost on trees, buildings, power-lines, television antennae, or other high structures over- looking the roost; and (4) at the roost proper. Flocking activity near the roosting site (stage 3) he termed ‘pre-roosting’. He also referred to a variation of this behaviour that occurs when Starlings gather in numerous areas more distant from the roost, only to regroup again at a single pre-roosting area near the roost. During the winter of 1970/71 a large Starling roost (about 150000 birds) was established on Dundas Hill nearly two kilo- metres south-southwest of the Forth Road Bridge, West Lothian, in mixed woodland surrounded by rich arable land (fig. 1). A network of minor roads allowed ready access to many vantage points, and pre-roosting areas were located by observing the Starlings’ movements. A pre-roost is defined as an area, some distance from the roosting site, where Starlings gather into a large feeding flock before flying directly to roost or to join other large flocks in the vicinity of the roost, shortly before roosting time. This definition places emphasis on pre- roost gathering at a distance from the roost, and regards fur- ther gathering in the vicinity of the roosting site as a deviation from the normal direct flight to roost. Roost formation throughout the winter Towards the end of September 1970, when observation of roost formation began, the start of final assembly at the roost- ing site was marked by the appearance of a small group of Starlings which circled persistently above the roosting area. These were joined at intervals by individuals and flocks that arrived at varying altitudes from different directions until, weather permitting, a cloud of about 30000 birds swarmed above the roost before dropping into the trees. This type of assembly resulted from the irregular departure of small flocks 64 EVENING ASSEMBLY OF STARLINGS 8(2) from large pre-roosting flocks distributed around the roosting site (fig. 1), and although each pre-roosting flock became more cohesive in its departure to roost as winter advanced, this pat- tern of assembly remained unchanged until 10th January 1971. From this date until the beginning of February an intermed- iate gathering took place between distant pre-roosting and final roosting assembly. The early arrivals from pre-roosts gathered in a pre-assembly area in the vicinity of the roost site before assembling with the later arrivals above the roost. This intermediate gathering involved less than one third of the total number of Starlings and was of short duration each evening. At the beginning of February the number increased greatly and flocks of many thousands arrived at the roost without first gathering nearby. Observation at this stage revealed that, after leaving their pre-roosts, many flocks flew to a region approximately three kilometres south-southeast of the roost, where they formed into great swarms that milled about the countryside. Amid a great deal of excited jumping and chatter some flocks settled to continue feeding, while others flew back and forth across the fields in spectacular ‘rolling cloud’ forma- tion or joined up with large flocks which circled the area high in the air. Departure from this area was made as it grew dark, with flocks following one another in close succession to the roost, where they joined other large flocks which arrived from a smaller gathering area a short distance northwest. On 8th February the Starlings moved to a roost almost 1.5 kilometres farther south, in rhododendron bushes, and until 23rd February when the roost started to break up, the whole population gathered each evening approximately one kilometre from this new site. Flight to the roost was usually made in one move, with the Starlings flying slowly across fields in one vast silent cloud. From this description of the final stages of evening assembly it is evident that although the pattern changed (possibly due to an increase in Starling numbers and/or a reduction of suit- able pre-roost fields by ploughing), the ‘distant gathering area’ stage remained constant throughout the winter, and so it may be more accurate to regard this stage as true pre-roosting. On this basis, at least for a rural winter roost, five stages of assembly can be involved, namely: (1) gathering at feeding grounds; (2) flocking along flight-lines; (3) pre-roosting at a distance from the roost; (4) pre-assembly in the vicinity of the roost; (5) final assembly at the roost. PLATE 5 (a) Lesser Whitethroat, Isle of May, October 1975. (b) Great Grey Shrike, Isle of May, October 1973. This bird decapitated a juvenile Red-backed Shrike as well as many Robins and a Dunnock. Photographs by B. Zonfrillo Gig Ui, y iy Yi zy Ty y iy PO Z Wy] L We J YU fii (7 Vy YW", Yh Z es 2. iA 1 & Uys Yj j Z, L yy Vi Vy yj 24 j yy Hy OH! YY y de y yy yz, SS WE \N MG PLATE 6 (a) Goldcrest, Isle of May, October 1975. Photograph by B. Zonfrillo (b) Stuphallet escarpment, Kongsfjord (see page 54). Photograph by A. Anderson ys iy Kegs Yip Wd Hoppyyeg MOG a a “3 ELE a PLATE 7, Starling with deformed bill. This photograph was taken by Mr A. Jaconeili When the Starling visited a bird table in his garden at Bearsden, Glasgow on 10th March 1974. The bird was active and lively, and fed by bending its head sideways. Its plumage was healthy looking and as bright as that of other Starlings. The bird only appeared on one occasioi1, and as it came to the bird table alone and only for a few minutes there was no opportunity to see how other Starlings behaved towards it. Photograph by A. Jaconelli ) 7 page 82 ee Obituary Ss john (¢ ine Maury Meikle PLATE 8. Matthew Fonta 68 1974 EVENING ASSEMBLY OF STARLINGS 69 » ROOST A. PRE-ROOsTS ( M=MAJOR) \\___-EDINBURGH CITY BOUNDARY. RIVER CONCENTRIC} 4.8 ANDI2 KM FORTH CIRCLES FROM ROOST FIRTH OF FORTH i LA 4 EDINBURGH CiTyY CENTRE A 7 - Fie. 1 Distribution of pre-roosts Pre-roosting Fig. 1 shows the pre-roost distribution of the great majority of Starlings using the woodland roost. Four major pre-roosts of many thousands and eight minor pre-roosts of a few thous- and birds were found, the most distant being 13 kilometres from the roost. The number of birds using any particular site was variable, but each pre-roost consistently maintained the same major or minor classification. The general location of each pre-roost did not change, though the exact site varied and so could not be found with certainty from day to day. Thick mist, which was quite common, caused the Starlings to pre-roost at sites much closer to the roost. The distribution of pre-roosts on the more fertile farmland reflects the availability of feeding grounds, and shows the limiting effect of the less fertile high ground to the south and the city of Edinburgh to the east. A marked preference was shown for grain stubble (usually undersown with grass), but pasture and newly ploughed fields were also used. Towards the end of January, when few fields were left unploughed, Star- lings were observed pre-roosting beside sheep on turnip breaks, amongst rape stalks and on a large rubbish dump. During September and October, when days were relatively long, flocks continued to feed on arrival at a pre-roost, but as 72 SHORT NOTES 8(2) eventually took off in this fashion, and the whole scene was reminiscent of a war-time airfield with bombers taxying out, revving up and taking off in single file. I was thus able to count them very easily and accurately. About one-third or more had the adult white thigh patches and a few had white bellies. The entire flock took off between 2.20 and 3.15 p.m. and I counted 1700 birds in all. On 12th March 1974 I visited the area again at 12.30 p.m. and saw small parties of Cormorants numbering four to ten at a time flying west up the deep-water channel of the river to- wards the Forth Bridge. On going further up river I again noted a large flock on the water off the northeast point of Inch- garvie. Between 1.30 and 2.15 p.m. I watched 650 take off and fly eastwards as on the previous occasion, and there were still about 100 birds left on the water, making a total of 750 Cor- morants on this occasion. I was in the area again on 25th March 1974 at about 1.30 p.m., and in 15 minutes counted 300 flying down river leaving another 200-250 on the water near Inchgarvie. Finally, on 12th April Isaw about 100 in the same area. G. L. SANDEMAN. Pectoral Sandpipers in Caithness and Shetland On 8th June 1973, along the margin of a peaty stream near Altnabreac, RWB noticed a Pectoral Sandpiper. He called to CJM-G and both observers watched the bird for about 45 min- utes as it fed with Dunlin on the soft peat. It was quite tame, coming within ten yards when feeding, and it made several short flights past us. Description Slimmer and taller than Dunlin, with longish neck and small, round head, with flattish forehead; forehead and crown dark brown and streaked, contrasting with the clear, pale superciliary; eye- stripe dark; nape, sides of head, breast and upper flanks all pale brown, closely mottled with short dark brown streaks forming a sharply defined bib; rest of underparts white; upperparts dark brown with streaking as in Snipe and a broad V across the scapulars formed by a line of black feathers with white margins. In flight it looked much larger than Dun- lin, with long, almost uniform brown wings, which were pale, partic- ularly at the base of the primaries; tail wedge-shaped, black in centre with brown sides and oval white patches at the base; bill slender and almost straight with orange base and dark tip; eye dark; legs dull yel- lowish; call a soft, rasping kreet. Both observers were familiar with the species, and the bird seemed a typical adult. It bore little resemblance to Sharp-tail- ed Sandpiper except in the mantle, wing plumage and shape. The presence of a Nearctic wader in midsummer in the midst of breeding Dunlin and other waders seems to suggest that it 1974 SHORT NOTES 73 had crossed the Atlantic in a previous autumn and adopted the Palaearctic waders it encountered, a phenomenon long sus- pected from the frequent late-summer occurrences of adult American waders in Britain. R. W. BYRNE, C. J. MACKENZIE*GRIEVE. On 9th September 1973 at Whalsay a party of Golden Plover flew past me, and I noticed a small wader among them. The wader left the other birds and settled on the edge of a small loch nearby, and I was able to watch it at distances down to 15 yards for the entire afternoon. It was slightly larger than Dunlin and when alert, with neck stretched, it looked more like a small Reeve. The streaking on the upper breast ended abruptly against a white lower breast and belly, and the buff- ish-cinnamon stripes down its back were similar to Snipe. I had no doubt that it was a Pectoral Sandpiper, and it was seen by several other observers who confirmed the identification. J. H. SIMPSON. Gulls breeding inland in Aberdeenshire Lesser Black-backed Gulls are commonly seen following ships at sea off the northeast coast of Aberdeenshire in sum- mer. Although they have been known to breed in the area since 1950 (V. C. Wynne-Edwards, Scot. Nat. 63: 198-199), during the comprehensive breeding census organised by the Seabird Group in 1969 only two or three pairs were found breeding among the vast colonies of Herring Gulls and Kittiwakes along the rockier parts of this coast, including one near Colliestone (M. Gorman), one near Slains Castle (D. E. B. Lloyd) and pos- sibly one at Aberdour Bay (D. A. Ogilvie). Further west some birds were reported breeding inland around the Moray Firth, but we failed to trace any colonies in Aberdeenshire until in November 1970 it was reported that gulls had been breeding for some years on St Fergus Moss, and we decided to investi- gate the situation in the spring. On 2nd May 1971 some 200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found circling over the southern part of the moss, with rather larger numbers of Herring and some Common Gulls there and over the rest of the moss at intervals for some two miles to the northwest. Although some patches of guano-stained ground suggested the presence of old or future nest-sites, no eggs were found on this occasion. All three species were seen again On brief visits to the moss during the spring, but we were unable to survey it properly until 18th July, by which time most of the young birds were fledging, and chicks of all three species were examined. When WRPB returned to the site again on 7th May 1972 he found that the Herring and Common Gulls were laying, about 74 SHORT NOTES 8(2) half of them having complete clutches. He estimated that there were about 250 pairs of large gulls in each of the two main colonies, Lesser Black-backed Gulls forming about two- thirds of the southeastern one located on an area of peat cov- ered with heather of varying length, while Herring Gulls formed about three-quarters of the northwestern colony sit- uated on similar terrain planted with young pine trees already several feet high. The Common Gulls were breeding on the barest ground between the colonies and around the southern one. It seemed possible that there were about 500 pairs of gulls in all, 250 pairs of Herring Gulls, 200 pairs of Lesser Black- backs and 50 pairs of Common Gulls, though they were very difficult to count on this terrain. The moss, which is a northward extension of the Rora Site of Special Scientific Interest (and, one would have thought, equally worthy of preservation) is situated on top of rounded hills about 200 feet high and some four miles inland from the coast. Similar hills crowned with mosses extend around the north coast of Aberdeenshire, and there have been reports that gulls nest there as well, though so far we have failed to trace any except Common Gulls and three colonies of Black-headed Gulls. Judging by the present distribution of the breeding birds, it seems possible that the colony of larger gulls was founded by Herring Gulls at the northern site before the trees grew up, and that the original birds have kept to the same territories since then, although later arrivals including an increasing pro- portion of Lesser Black-backed Gulls have now started a new colony on the ground still remaining unplanted to the south- east. Since few Lesser Blackbacks are to be seen feeding in the area, it seems possible that many of them go out to sea to feed, and we found them the commonest large gull following ships off shore. The relation between Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls has been discussed by R. G. B. Brown (Ibis 109: 310-317, 502- 515), who observes that the Lesser Blackback tends to nest on flatter ground, often further inland, but to feed on fish at sea. In a recent comparative study of gull feeding behaviour on both sides of the North Atlantic (including Aberdeenshire) G. L. and M. W. Hunt (Auk 90: 827-839) also stress that, while there is much local variation, possibly associated with the amount of competition from allied species, the Herring Gull commonly appears to be a specialised coastal feeder, notably on mussels (though it is also feeding inland increasingly in areas such as Aberdeenshire) while the Lesser Blackbacks ex- ploit a wider range of habitats both inland and especially out at sea. The tendency for both species to move inland is also notice- able in some other areas such as the Orkneys and especially 1974 SHORT NOTES 79 around Morecambe Bay in Lancashire, where 17000 Herring Gulls and 17500 Lesser Blackbacks were nesting on south Walney Island and 3000 Herring Gulls and 12000 Lesser Black- backs inland on the Bowland Fells in 1969. Lesser Black- backs with a few Herring Gulls have also been nesting inland on Flanders Moss west of Stirling at least since the early 1950’s (G. L. Sandeman and D. G. Andrew, Scot Nat. 63: 196), when a Herring Gull’s nest was found as high as 1100 ft. up in the Perthshire hills (A. Cross, Scot. Nat. 65: 195), but this devel- oping trend appears to have received little attention in Scot- land since then. A possible explanation of the apparently anomalous nest- site preferences of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls may be provided by a consideration of the types of nest-site generally available throughout the range of the species con- cerned. Cliffs probably provide by far the safest nest-sites generally available throughout the vast range of the Herring Gull, while it must seldom encounter raised bogs inland, whereas these are particularly characteristic of the limited part of the northwestern European seaboard frequented by the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Indeed they may often be more readily available there than cliffs, as is the case in northeast Aberdeenshire, so that this species has developed a particular predilection for them. We can testify that they are equally discouraging to potential predators. W.R. P. BOURNE, T. J. DIXON. The Correen Hills lie about 30 miles inland in central Aber- deenshire between Alford and Rhynie; they cover an area of about 15 square miles and reach a height of about 1700 feet. In June 1972 RLS and M. A. Macdonald visited the area and found a large assemblage of breeding gulls, mainly Common Gulls, with some Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. In June 1973 RLS and A. D. K. Ramsay estimated that the Common Gull population comprised some 2000-3000 pairs; in addition there were 30 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 20 pairs of Herring Gulls and, surprisingly, six pairs of Arctic Terns. The Common Gulls were breeding on five of the hills in the north and west of the group, avoiding the more wooded hills to the southeast. There were three large colonies, the largest comprising some 800 pairs, and there were three smaller groups of 50-100 pairs each; between these were scattered numerous small groups, which also included the larger gulls. The Common Gulls were nesting on the upper slopes and tops between 1300 and 1600 feet. The larger gulls were gen- erally nesting in small groups on the lower slopes, just below 76 SHORT NOTES 8(2) the Common Gulls. The terns were found on the top of one of the hills. In all, the colonies covered an area of roughly three square miles. The hills are managed as a grouse moor and are little dis- turbed. The vegetation, which is primarily heather, is short (2-6 inches), and there are many burnt patches, which range from being completely bare to possessing a covering of sorrel or grass. Pines up to eight feet high are scattered throughout the area, and there are several small pools, which are impor- tant for drinking and bathing, and serve as gathering areas. The hills are surrounded by the rich agricultural land of the Bogie to the west, the Don to the south and the Clatt basin to the north, and the adult gulls appear to feed in the fields in these areas. Two aspects of this colony are particularly interesting. First, the very large number of Common Gulls breeding there: although little information seems to have been published on this topic, most Scottish colonies of this species seem to con- tain fewer than 50 pairs, though at least two other colonies in northeast Scotland each have 500 or more pairs. Secondly, it is interesting that Arctic Terns should nest on moorland so far (three-quarters of a mile) from a river. This type of habitat is used by Arctic Terns in the northern isles, but only close to the sea; it does not seem to have been recorded for them so far inland on the mainland. R. L. SWANN. (It is not known whether the colonies at St Fergus Moss and Coreen Hills are of long standing or of recent origin, but their existence does not seem to have been previously recorded, and it may be that other such colonies remain undiscovered in the northeast and other areas. Little has been published on the present inland breeding distribution of gulls and terns in Scotland, and it would be useful if observers were to cover this in their annual notes submitted to local recorders.—ED.) Bonaparte’s Gull in Sutherland On 7th June 1973 at Scourie CJM-G noticed a small gull with a dark bill sitting on the sandy beach at low tide. He drew RWB’s attention to it and both observers independently de- cided that it was a Bonaparte’s Gull. It stayed on the beach for 90 minutes and was also watched by D. Kinghorn and by Dr and Mrs I. D. Pennie. The bird was feeding with a flock of some 30 Common Gulls and also spent some time preening and sleeping. It was ap- proached to within 20 yards before flying off a short distance, and it was disturbed in this manner several times by dogs and holidaymakers. The immediate impression was of a small, 1974 SHORT NOTES 77 dumpy but markedly long-winged gull, and in flight the white flash on the upper primaries and the pure white undersides to the primaries left no doubt as to its identity. The irregular brown bar across the closed wing and the smudgy dark-grey head and grey nape indicated that it was a second-year bird. Description Very much smaller than Common Gull, seeming to be inter- mediate in size between Black-headed and Little Gull; shape dumpy, with deep chest, rounded head and short neck; at rest wings protruded at least one inch beyond the tail; tail rather short; bill entirely black, thin and delicate and only half the length of the head; gape black or very dark; eye black with white eyelids; legs rather short and pale grey-pink; flight deep and buoyant. C. J. MACKENZIE-GRIEVE, R. W. BYRNE. A large movement of Kittiwakes in the Forth On the morning of 16th November 1973 in brilliant sunny weather there was a strong bitterly cold northwest wind. From the end of West Granton pier I noted parties of 20, 40 and up to about 100 Kittiwakes flying purposefully west in a fairly compact formation, low over the sea. Probably some 400-500 flew past in half-an-hour. I then went to Silverknowes and noted that the Kittiwakes were passing Cramond Island. From the coast between South Queensferry and Hopetoun I saw 1000 or so Kittiwakes all fluttering over the estuary west of the Forth Road Bridge near North Queensferry. None seemed to be resting on the water and they did not appear to be feed- ing. Small parties of 30, 50 or more were leaving this assembly and flying steadily west up river. They were also passing west at Bo’ness. At Kincardine Bridge, however, looking down river in excellent light to Grangemouth Docks, I could see only one Kittiwake in this area. At the entrance lock of Grangemouth Docks I saw Kittiwake parties passing, but looking up river to Kincardine Bridge it was clear that no Kittiwakes were going in that direction, but that the birds were making towards the Skinflats area. With my binoculars I followed a flock of about 200, which began to gain height as they came over Skinflats, flying steadily west. They continued to gain height until I lost them altogether. I followed another flock and the same thing hap- pened. Between 3.00 and 3.45 p.m. some 500-600 Kittiwakes flew past as described. During the previous day or two there had been gales in the north and west of Scotland, and I assume that these Kittiwakes had been blown from the Atlantic into the North Sea and were now returning across land. The line they were taking would have brought them out south of Oban and, at the rate of say 500-600 birds an hour, if the movement had continued from early morning until dusk, some 3000-4000 birds would have been involved. Normally from mid Novem- 78 SHORT NOTES 8(2) ber until the beginning of April Kittiwakes are seen only in small numbers in the Forth. Rintoul and Baxter in A Vertebrate Fauna of Forth (p. 301) describe multitudes of Kittiwakes fre- quenting the Forth estuary as far up as Alloa, there being “many thousands in the estuary at the time (December 1872); it was occasionally impossible to see the other side of the Forth through the main body’”’. G. L. SANDEMAN. Barn Owl pellets from Wigtownshire On 19th March 1974 I collected 13 Barn Owl pellets, some pellet fragments and debris from the bottom of a Corsican pine in a conifer plantation near Stranraer; their total dry weight was 529 grams. The habitat around this roost is mainly agricultural, consisting of pasture fields bounded by hawthorn hedges, a small marshy area and small plots of woodland (Area A). The pellets were analysed and found to contain the remains of 322 identified prey items. On 2nd April 1974 at an old disused building on the edge of a loch 15 miles east-southeast of Area A I collected 69 pellets and pellet fragments totalling 540 grams dry weight. The average size of the 69 pellets was 42 mm long and 25 mm wide; the longest was 81 mm, and the greatest width was 32 mm. By comparison Glue (1967) gives an average of 45 mm long and 26 mm wide. The habitat contains a small area of mixed wood- land around the loch but is predominantly rough grassland with some heather moor, scattered hawthorn bushes, boggy ground and a few rough pasture fields bounded by dry stone dykes (Area B). On analvsis the pellets were found to contain the remains of 308 identified prey items. Analysis was carried out with the aid of Southern et al. (1964), and I. H. J. Lyster of the Royal Scottish Museum kindly identified the bird remains. Table 1 gives the number and percentages of individuals of each species taken, expressed in prey units, following Southern (1954) and taking a 20-gram rodent as a standard unit. In Area A three species, common shrew, short-tailed vole and wood mouse, form a high proportion (89.4%) of the total prey weight while in Area B only one species, short-tailed vole, forms a relatively high proportion (71.9%). It would therefore appear that the diet of Barn Owls in Wigtownshire varies with locality and the habitat hunted over. R. C. DICKSON. References GLUE, D. 1967. Prey taken by the Barn Owl in England and Wales. Bird Study 14: 169-183. SouTHERN, H. N. 1954. Tawny Owls and their prey. Ibis 96: 384-410. SouTHERN, H. N. et al. 1964. The Handbook of British Mammals. Oxford. 79 SHORT NOTES 1974 0OT 6EZ OOT Ele es — OT € eT € OT € eT € 6'0 € 90 al 90 Z g'¢ 6 PPI GP L‘9 91 Us 91 6 IL Gul GG ZLI PPI thE CG 69 OA JOqUINN] % JIquIny] sjiun Avid S[eNpIAIpu] q vay OOT $6EC OOoT CGE =e os — = & (I (T IT oh Il VE Il A € € 1% 4 G £0 it v0 T £0 if 30 (4 90 C 9'0 a 90 v4 14 G SL GC V8 89 TI? 89 PEE 08 6 VC 08 OLE 99 Iv CEL % JAQuinyl % «Asqunyn” sjiun Adid S[BNpraArpul V voly sopjeoq peyljuoprul) Sp1iq peyuepluy) JOWIUIeYMOT[PA (peoy qoid) duljung youyusel’ youur’y JOUIUIBYMOT[IA ysniyy, suos parqyoela yer UMOIg ssnowl 8snoyH a[OA yueg MaIYs Ide A Mosys AuisAd Qsnoul pooMm [OA paf!e}-710Y4S MaIYS UOUIWIOD aaTYSUMOISIM, Ul SITIO] OM) WoIJ spoTJod [MO Weg JO S}UdJUOD “] deL 80 SHORT NOTES 8(2) Black Redstarts breeding in Orkney Until 1973 there had been little observation of spring pas- sage on Copinsay, but with the establishment of the island as the James Fisher Memorial Reserve rather more records have been obtained, although only from casual visits or during the course of other work. It seems that the island does attract a fair number of migrants, and in 1973 some 34 passerine species were recorded in spring, apparently on passage. Among these was a number of Black Redstarts of both sexes, particularly on 8th, 15th and 16th May and between about 6th and 10th June. At no time was any singing heard, and between 15th and 17th June, when a working party including a number of bird- watchers spent a lot of time around the house and buildings, no Black Redstarts were recorded. On 30th June my wife told me she had seen a Redstart flit- ting around in the stable giving alarm calls. A short while later a bird was Seen sitting on a nest on a beam. It was not possible at that time to positively identify the bird on the nest, but later observations confirmed that it was a female Black Red- start, sitting on four eggs. The bird sat until at least 15th July, but at no time was a male seen. During periods off the nest the bird was difficult to observe, feeding mainly among the rafters of adjoining buildings but it appeared to behave normally and not to be in- jured in any way. A short while later the island boatmen re- ported that the bird had deserted but they saw it about the steading on a number of subsequent occasions. What was pos- sibly the same bird was last seen on 29th August when I took the nest and eggs, which showed no signs of any developing embryo. The nest was built in a depression in a beam some four inches beneath the loft floor boards. The main body of the nest was composed of a variety of grasses, mosses and other plant material, some quite large, with grass stems up to seven inches long and a nettle stem three inches long. There was a lining consisting almost entirely of white feathers, probably Kitti- wake’s, with a thin inner lining of wool and fine grasses. The four eggs were smooth glossy white and slightly translucent, the contents imparting an orange tinge. The bird could be seen from the loft ladder, and the stable and loft were much in use at this time. She became quite tame and could be watched easily without disturbance. On the occa- sion of the ceremony in which Copinsay was dedicated to the memory of James Fisher the bird was honoured by visits from 1974 SHORT NOTES 81 a number of “top people’ including, appropriately, Richard Fitter author of a number of papers on the breeding history of the species. D. LEA. Firecrests in Sutherland and Fife On 18th February 1973 DM received a telephone message from Mrs J. A. Morrison informing him that she and her hus- band had recently become convinced that a number of tiny birds that were regularly haunting the vicinity of their garden at Loth, in southeast Sutherland, since 14th December 1972 were Firecrests. We hastened to the locality and on arrival there were almost immediately rewarded by the sight of two Firecrests. A vast area of broom and whin covers the steep hillside at the rear of the garden, and at intervals a Firecrest would emerge from the thick undergrowth and perch on the top spray of a bush for a few seconds before flitting into cover again. The black eyestripe and white superciliary were clearly visible, and we were both of the opinion that the birds were brighter all over than Goldcrests. No call notes were heard. We were informed that originally there were probably about five birds present. DM returned to the site on 3rd March but failed to locate the birds and was informed that they had not been seen after 18th February. D. MACDONALD, W. C. WRIGHT. In the early afternoon of 24th April 1973 I was approaching a small copse near the shore at Kilrenny, and when still some 30 yards from the wood, my attention was attracted by a thin high-pitched zeet, zeet, zeet call. Having just seen five Gold- crests near the lighthouse at Fife Ness I thought this was an- other Goldcrest, and a small bird of Goldcrest size was seen flitting about at the far side of a hawthorn bush. A good view was obtained of the bird’s back and tail; these were olive green and there were two broad white wing-bars. The bird then flew about 30 yards to a small tree, settled momentarily and then flew to a large tree on the edge of a small quarry. It was watched through binoculars at a distance of about 30 yards, and a white stripe above the eye was notic- ed; a black line through the eye and another along the lower edge of the crest bordered the white stripe. The crest was not seen. From a comparison with the Goldcrests seen earlier that day and from previous experience of Goldcrests the bird ap- peared to be less active when searching for food than a Gold- crest and was less vocal. It was also shy and flew 30 yards or more at a time when disturbed. T. HALLAM. 82 OBITUARIES 8(2) Obituaries MATTHEW FONTAINE MAURY MEIKLEJOHN (Plate 8) For a man to become a legend in his own lifetime he must have exceptional qualities. Maury Meiklejohn, who died in Glasgow on 14th May, was such a man. He was most widely acclaimed for his wit and erudition, but his countless friends from all walks of life may remember him most of all for his genuine humanity. As a contributor to the enjoyment of or- nithology, through writing and talk, he was unequalled. How fortunate we were in Scotland that he came to Glasgow in 1949, just when the SOC was gathering momentum after the war years. He joined the Club at once and was elected to the Council in 1950, becoming Vice-President in 1957 and Presi- dent from 1960 to 1963. He was re-elected to the Council in 1967. The successful launching of Scottish Birds in 1958 was his responsibility as first editor, until 1961. His many contri- butions to the Scottish Naturalist and Scottish Birds added substantially to knowledge of birds in Scotland, notably his Reports for the Clyde Area, mostly with C. E. Palmar, and his June Notes on the Birds of Islay with the late J. K. Stanford (Scot. Nat. 1954: 129). He was a member of the Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on Protection of Birds in Scot- land and served on the British Birds Rarities Committee (The Ten Rare Men). Many will recall him presiding at Conferences, untypically blue-suited for the occasion and looking like an old-fashioned, rather Italianate doctor, his figure already a little Chesterton- ian. He guided the proceedings courteously and humorously, in a low-pitched mellifluous voice, as if at any moment he might break into verse, which he often did. But for most of us the unforgettable image is of Maury the perennial birdwatcher, clad always for outdoors in assorted pull-overs, scarf, cor- duroys and boots, always hatless and coatless, his large bino- culars at the ready even in bars and cafes, lest a Hawfinch or a Waxwing (his favourite bird) might be seen from a window and added to his year’s list, usually well over 200 species. He was born at Harpenden, Hertfordshire on 24th June 1913. He was, however, proud of his Scottish blood, and when near Dunblane liked to point out the house where his grandmother had lived. From Harpenden, then a very rural place, the child- ren went for long country walks with their father, a know- ledgeable ornithologist,while their mother encouraged them to 1974 OBITUARIES 83 identify plants. At Gresham’s School, Holt he discovered the delights of bird-watching on the Norfolk coast, and made life- long friends. There at the age of fifteen he was shown his first Pied Flycatcher by T. A. Coward. At Gresham’s he was one of a galaxy of gifted boys, including W. H. Auden, Benjamin Britten, Christopher Cockerell, Alan Hodgkin and David Lack. He could spell ‘hippopotamus’ at the age of three and it was no surprise when at seventeen he won an Open Scholarship in Modern Languages to Oriel College, Oxford, graduating with first class Honours in French and Italian in 1934. In 1937 he moved to Merton College with a Harmsworth Scholarship. Like many young ornithologists of the time he acknowledged W. B. Alexander as a friend and mentor. From Oxford he vis- ited the Camargue (publishing notes on the birds), Skye and Islay staying with Lionel and Mary Smith and the Hodgkins, and the Isle of May with Hugh Elliott and others. From these times I best remember the awe he inspired by his ability to quote from any book he had read, from Beatrix Potter to James Joyce. In 1937 he went to Cape Town University as lecturer in Italian and Old French. While there he published papers in Ostrich on the migratory birds, including a detailed study of Palaearctic waders and Swallows in the Southwest Cape Pro- vince with his friend G. J. Broekhuysen. A slow train journey through Bechuanaland added to one of his favourite lists, “Birds seen from trains’. (Possibly his proudest train record came years later, in Scotland, when he recognised the Hamilton Iceland Gull following a plough near Sanquhar.) He enlisted in the South African army in 1941 and was, very sensibly, employed in Intelligence in East Africa (a year on Wavell’s staff for the Abyssinian campaign), Egypt, Palestine and Italy. Afterwards he joked about “when I was a brave soldier” and claimed only to have fired one shot in anger, at a hyena which kept him awake. By 1946 when he was a Brit- ish Council lecturer in Teheran for a year, he had added Afri- kaans, Arabic, Persian, Portuguese and Roumanian to his linguistic repertoire. His Summer Notes on the Birds of Teheran and the Alborz mountains appeared in Ibis in 1948. He was fascinated to learn from an Assyrian friend that Eagle Owls were very good to eat (see Wild Birds as Food, Proc. Nutrition Society, 1962). After 3 years as Head of the Italian Department at Leeds he was appointed Stevenson Professor of Italian at Glasgow Uni- versity in 1949. He built his department into the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom, with over 100 students who re- garded him with great affection. As a lecturer he is described 84 OBITUARIES 8(2) by Prof Griffith as “orderly, clear, anecdotal and amusing”. He was an authority on Dante and the Sardinian language. His paper on the Birds of Dante glows with admiration for the great poet and sharply reprimands critics who failed to appre- ciate Dante’s understanding of natural history. A favourite lecture to Natural History Societies was on the Emperor Frederick II, the 13th century poet, falconer and ornith- ologist. For many years he visited Sardinia on spring vacations. Tantalising snippets survive on postcards: “I think you would be amused by this place—I am living in utter squalor’, or “Some of the villagers at the wicked village of Orgosolo have given me a tape recording of themselves singing the Bombo- rimbo, like the bagpipes transposed for the human voice’”’. To ornithologists everywhere he was known as the creator of the “Hoodwink,” Dissimulatrix spuria, the bird which is never identified. It ‘only perches beyond the range of strong binoculars” and “when mimicking one of two similar species will always choose the rarer’’. It was originally described in the Isle of May log on 20th September 1949, a much-altered ver- sion appearing in Bird Notes in 1950. Many inspired verses and parodies such as his famous skit on the Pocket Guide to Brit- ish Birds were first written on lone vigils on the Isle of May. In Are you a Bird-watcher? (Bird Notes 1965), he teased the car-borne rarity-hunter: “From end to end of Britain I drive without a rest; Which means of course you'll realise I’ve never found a nest: But once I saw a Robin and heard its tuneful call, Though I’ve never seen a Blackbird or a Hedge Sparrow at all’. At Conferences he was the most popular after dinner speaker, always versifying. When he lectured in reminiscent vein in 1968 he showed how to hold an audience’s total attention with- out slides. A tape recording of this lecture is now held in the SOC library. In 1951 he began to write occasional articles on birds for the Glasgow Herald, and soon started the long series of Saturday pieces (well over 1000) which, artfully illustrated by John B. Fleming, endeared him to a large public. They were witty and succinct, often hilarious, as when he tried to rescue a stout lady who had slipped on an icy Glasgow pavement and fell down beside her. “I was rather glad we were the only persons about as an observer might have imagined a romp was in pro- gress’’. His articles were a calendar of the seasons and revealed the extraordinary diversity of his knowledge and interests. Many deserve to be collected into a book. He was caught on 1974 OBITUARIES 85 the Shiant Islands by a rising sea, “crawling along a seaweed- covered spit of rock and tumbling like some over-ripe fruit into the dinghy’’. Almost every week-end he took train or bus, then walked. In earlier days he sometimes cycled but never drove a car, though he was grateful for lifts when he could watch birds ‘‘in the style of the rich people”. As a front-seat passenger he was a little anxious and free with his advice to the driver. Lunchtime was for refreshment in a pub and gossip with local people. He hated modernised pubs, the right sort having a tiny public bar decorated with huge stuffed fish. Some of his regular companions were honoured with pseudonyms. Charles Johnston his erstwhile postman became the Sage, first of Drumchapel, latterly of Cumbernauld. Phil Reed the Har- penden master painter was the Learned Mr Swakker of instant repartee; when they passed a workman who disappeared into cloud at the top of a tall chimney Mr Swakker observed “He is drawing cloud money now”. These and other faithful friends repaid his numerous kindnesses by practical help in the more boring chores of life, though in many ways he was self-suffic- ient and particularly proud of his culinary skill. He was saddened by many aspects of the age of television and computers, nostalgic for a simpler world. He counted his friends equally among lairds and farm workers, poets and policemen, judges and janitors—there is no end to the variety. He was full of wonder at the skills of his friends, like Eddie Ramm the Norfolk carpenter who also painted fine landscapes “all in shades of brown’’, If there was some prejudice in his dis- like of recent scientific ornithology, his criticisms were never without point; only discourtesy, cocksureness, vandalism or slovenly work roused his ire. He said that he liked quiet people. His memory will always be linked with his favourite haunts, Norfolk of the wide skies, Holy Island, the sparkling Firth of Forth, Chough-haunted cliffs in Islay, osiers by a Hertfordshire stream with, every year, his first Chiffchaff. He once kindly wrote that Galloway had the most beautiful landscape in Scotland, but like Robert Louis Stevenson, whose books he enjoyed so much, he reserved his greatest love for islands and flat deserted lands beside the sea. Wherever he went he has te friends who will keep his memory alive for as long as they ive. On 8th June 1974, by his request, his ashes were scattered ‘on the Isle of May where, he once said, he knew almost every rock except, of course, ‘‘those that are precipitous’’. A. DONALD WATSON. 86 OBITUARIES 8(2) HENRY BOASE Throughout his long life Henry Boase of Invergowrie, who died on 23rd March 1974 at the age of 82, had dedicated the major part of his spare time to the study of ornithology. An interest in birds, evinced during early childhood, quickly de- veloped into the systematic study of the occurrence and habits of the local avifauna which is recorded meticulously in his field notebooks. A lengthy period of ill-health in his late teens interrupted his formal education so that it was not until the age of 20 that he was able to take up employment in the jute industry. With his perceptive mind and inherent technical ability he quickly overcame this early handicap and rose to the position of works manager. In this respect and in his con- tinued devotion to natural history pursuits his career mirrors in a remarkable fashion that of his distinguished forbear Henry S. Boase, F.R.S., F.G.S., a geologist who became a leading figure in the Dundee jute industry during the early part of the 19th century. His ornithological interests were now pursued with great vigour, providing a pleasant contrast to the daily routine of the factory. Appropriately, much of his study was devoted to the waterfowl of the Tay estuary and culminated in a Series of papers dating from 1917 to 1959 and dealing largely with the habits and courtship display of ducks. With his retiral in 1958 he was able to extend the range of his observations and to complete the writing-up of his life’s work. The results of his studies, in unpublished typescript form, are as follows and have been reviewed in the volumes of Scottish Birds indicated in brackets : 1961 Birds of North and East Perthshire (Vol. 2: 266- 268) 1962 Birds of Angus (Vol 2: 388) 1964 Birds of North Fife (Vol. 3: 379) 1970 Bird Records of the Tay Area (Vol. 6: 177) Copies of these are held in the SOC Library, in the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology at Oxford and in the Dun- dee Central Library. It gave him great pleasure when his life- time’s work was recognised by election as an Honorary Mem- ber of the SOC. Tall, rather austere in appearance, and preferring always to work alone in the field, Henry Boase was to many SOC mem- bers a remote figure. Nevertheless to those who were privi- leged to enjoy his hospitality there was revealed a warmth of personality and ability to discuss authoritatively not only ornithology, but also many other aspects of natural history. 1974 OBITUARIES 87 His innate mechanical flair showed in the almost boyish en- thusiasm with which he described the succession of motor cycles on which he made his early ornithological excursions. In due course he transferred his affection to the motor car and was still driving himself at the age of 80 when a rapid deterior- ation in his eyesight forced him to give up. This in itself was a bitter blow, as it greatly restricted the range of his obser- vations; unfortunately the deterioration continued to the point where even his binoculars were of little avail to him. It was characteristic of the man that his initial disappointment anc frustration were quickly replaced by a philosophical accep- tance of the situation. During the last two years he found solace in his fine garden while continuing to collate his bird notes. The end came suddenly. On March 2nd he suffered a stroke and died three weeks later without recovering consciousness. This was how he would have wished it. To one who had been so active, incapacity would have been totally unacceptable. He is survived by a married daughter, and by his sister who looked after him so devotedly for the last 15 years following the death of his wife. D. M. SHEPHERD. Reviews Owls of the World: their evolution, structure and ecology. Edited by John A. Burton. London, Peter Lowe, 1973. Pp. 216; 80 paintings; approx. pa A ad photographs; numerous maps and diagrams. 28 x 214 cm. An account of every species of ow! in the world is a considerable under- taking as very little is known about so many of them. For a comprehensive account, each chapter of this book has therefore been written by a differ- ent authority. In the main part of the book, each chapter deals with a particular group of owls in which the species are described, not under separate headings, but as part of a continuous essay. This has worked fairly well and has given the authors greater freedom to compare and contrast species. There is a great deal of interesting information, but by far the most readable section is that by Heimo Mikkola in which he sum- marises much of his research on the northern boreal owls. Unfortunately there are no references anywhere in the book to the papers in which such information has been fully documented, although this approach was used successfully by L. Brown and D. Amadon in their Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World. I feel this is a serious omission and one which underlies the whole tone of the book: there is a general lack of coordin- ation about it which probably results from an attempt to appeal to the widest possible readership. At one extreme is a double-page painting of the artist’s impression of an extinct owl of the Eocene period gazing soulfully over an assortment of strange animals in a Disney-land setting. Incidentally, this owl bears a quite remarkable resemblance in both 88 REVIEWS 8(2) plumage and posture to Ronald Austing’s photograph of the Great Horned Owl on page 62 of the All Colour Book of Birds. At the other extreme is the clearest and best presented series of range maps I have ever seen, which deal with every known owl species (the map for the Barn Owl is particularly outstanding). The introductory chapter on Owls and Men by John Sparks contains some fascinating material which hints at the wealth of information to be found in his own book Owls: their natural and unnatural history. At the end of the book is a useful glossary of terms, although the definition of wing load, while technically accurate, is more clearly given in the text. There is also a short bibliography of books mainly concerned with owls, but surprisingly no mention is made of the Craigheads’ major American work Hawks, Owls and Wildlife. All the species are illustrated in colour. Most of the photographs are very good, though many were rather obviously taken in zoos. The re- maining 80 species have been painted by John Rignall in a most appealing manner and are beautifully presented throughout the book. The excellent quality of the printing has done his work great justice. My overall im- pression is that many will buy this rather expensive book for the illustra- tions alone, and that while a great deal of painstaking care and research has been put into writing the text, it is unlikely to appeal to a general readership. The addition of key references should have been adopted in a work of this kind and would have greatly enhanced it. N. PICOZZI. Summer of a Million Wings: Arctic quest for the Sea Eagle. By Hugh Brandon-Cox. Newton Abbot, David & Charles, 1974. Pp 184; 16 black-and-white plates. 214 x 15 cm. £3.50. This book is somewhat reminiscent of Robert Atkinson’s Quest for the Griffon and Stanley Cerely’s Gyr Falcon Adventure—ornithological adventure stories of expeditions in pursuit of the larger, rarer raptors of western Europe. This particular quest was for the Sea Eagle in the Lofoten Islands, a story pleasantly told and easily read with possibly a little over-dramatisation of some episodes. A hundred years ago the Sea Eagle was more numerous in the north- west Highlands of Scotland than was the Golden Eagle: fifty years later the Sea Eagle had gone. Brandon-Cox repeats the tale of decimation—but was the pressure of destruction heavier on one species than on the other or was there more to it than that ? Hafthorn (Norges Fugler) indicates a possibility that in some parts of Norway the Golden Eagle may be sup- planting the Sea Eagle. Could this have happened in Scotland ? Certainly there are old accounts such as MacGillivray’s Rapacious Birds of Great Britain, published in 1836, which describe the shooting of the Sea Eagle from eagle-pits, but the hardy northerners of Lofoten actually grappled by hand with the eagles from the concealment of the pit. Brandon-Cox and his companion located two eyries. The first proved to be utterly inaccessible and the second was found only when the two young were on the point of leaving the nest. Nevertheless he obtained a few photographs of the eagles though these and many of his other illus- trations have suffered somewhat in enlargement and reproduction. Apart from the eagles there is a good deal of information on the natural history of outer Lofoten and an interesting account of human life and character in a remote and isolated island community where depopulation has followed improved communication and the need for better education. At £3.50 not a book for buying for oneself perhaps, but a nice book to be given or to give as a present. IAN D. PENNIE. 1974 REVIEWS 89 The Countryman Bird Book. Edited by Bruce and Margaret Campbell. Newton Abbot, David & Charles, 1974. Pp. 194; 16 black-and-white plates; numerous text illustrations. 223} x 14 cm. £3.50. Bruce and Margaret Campbell have gathered together in this volume the best of the stories about birds that have appeared in the very popular magazine from which the book gets its name. ‘The original authors range from well-known writers and ornithologists to the complete amateur, and in addition to the excellent photographs there are many delightful draw- ings by Robert Gillmor, Donald Watson and other well-known artists. The stories are arranged alphabetically by species, and although the material is essentially light bedside reading the book should not be lightly dismissed by the ornithologist, as many of the incidents described will be of interest to the student of bird behaviour; the method used by Moor- hens to thaw their food in winter and the section on Robins are partic- ularly interesting in this respect. At £3.50 this book might be considered expensive even by present day standards, but for maximum enjoyment it should be kept within reach for reading, a few chapters at a time, in those moments of relaxation, and it will undoubtedly give many hours of pleasure to all who love birds and take an interest in their behaviour. HARRY GREIG. Animals of Europe. By Maurice Burton. London, Peter Lowe, 1973. Pp. 172; over 200 colour photographs. 28 x 214 cm. £3.25. Young Animals. By Bernard Stonehouse. London, Peter Lowe, 1973. Pp. 172; 190 colour photographs. 28 x 214 cm. £2.95. In the past there has sometimes been an unfortunate tendency among ornithologists—or at least among birdwatchers—to be decidediy single- minded persons with thought for little but birds. After the last war in particular, all over Britain they tended to break away trom the old-estab- lished natural history societies and to form groups of their own in which general biological thinking was inclined to become impoverished. But the Wheel may now be turning full circle so that we have, for example, bird protection societies coyly explaining that what they are really interested in is the conservation of entire habitats in their reserves—soils, plants, insects, snails—the lot—while in the last 20 years generalised naturalists’ societies have sprung up like fairy rings. One could cite various reasons for this subtle change in outlook, but only one of them concerns us here—the upsurge of semi-popular books on virtually all aspects of natural history. In them the ornithologist can see his birds alongside other animal groups against a background of geo- logical time, climate and vegetation. Dr Burton’s book, dealing as it does with the ecology of European wildlife, is particularly alluring to the ornithologist for he will see here such birds as the White Stork, Osprey, Redstart, Fulmar, Black Grouse and Bee-eater alongside, for example, Ant-lions, Longicorn Beetles, Mincke Whales, Squat Lobsters, Midwife Toads, Water Spiders, Mouflon and Saiga. After an introduction which touches on such topics as continental drift, early man in Europe, the ice ages, the growth of population and industry and European geography Dr Burton goes on to explain the prime natural zones of the continent—the tundra, taiga, deciduous forest, steppe, Mediterranean, Alps and other mountains, freshwater lakes and _ rivers, the seas and finally, invaders and aliens to Europe. Bernard Stonehouse’s volume deals with the immature stages of inver- tebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and man. Many but by no means all of the young of the higher forms of animal life have an 90 REVIEWS 8(2) immediate emotional appeal; more important, the embryonic and immat- ure stages of any organism may provide the biologist with important clues to the probabie evolutionary history of the species. While the young of human beings are immediately recognisable as such, those of many other groups are utterly unlike their progenitors—witness the caterpillar and the butterfly or the larval stages of some of the marine invertebrates. The earlier naturalists not inirequently gave separate pees to the larval and adult stages before the life histories became nown. Dr Stonehouse introduces the reader to the origins of life through geological time and to the origins of reproduction. The life-cycles and special problems of reproduction and of growing up in salt and fresh water and on dry land are discussed and illustrated, while special chap- ters are devoted to young reptiles and birds on the one hand, and to young mammals and man on the other. Both books are written by authors who, although scholars, have the happy knack of non-technical, lucid exposition; both are marvellously enlightening to any birdwatcher who wishes to broaden his thinking about the other life-forms with which he inevitably comes into contact in the field. Cc. E. PALMAR. Wildlife Photography : a field guide. By Eric Hosking and John Gooders. London, Hutchinson, 1973. Pp. 172; 9 colour and 32 black-and-white plates, many line drawings. 203 x 134 cm. £2.95. Nearly every naturalist and ornithologist at some time wants to capture some fleeting observation, some exciting moment or some piece of research on film. Both beginners and aspiring enthusiasts will benefit from this well balanced book, especially if they read it right through. But there is one snag. The authors write from a privileged position based on two things—years of experience and plenty of equipment, both built up over many years. Few of their readers will have either, for both are ex- pensive commodities, and my one serious criticism of this book as a field guide is that it does not cater for the limitations imposed by a restricted budget and simple equipment. On the practical side great emphasis is laid on planning, patience and plain hard work, and constant readiness to seize an opportunity. But such routine matters as keeping the camera scrupulously clean and thinking out what to carry and how to carry it are so often neglected. There are sensible warnings against the items that many amateurs wasté their money on, such as zoom lenses for still photography and tele-converters and ultra powerful telephoto lenses that create more pro- blems than they solve. There is also good advice on the snags inherent in such aids as mirror lenses for the stalking technique and the use of flash for any type of wildlife photography. Some very useful tips are included, like the spare polythene or cloth bag to fill with sand as a cushion for a telephoto lens on safari; and there is an unashamed section on zoo and studio photography, and on the use of controlled conditions for work on such difficult subjects as small mam- mals and insects. The chapter on cinematography is too short to be any- thing other than an appetiser, or when one considers costs and the work involved, enough perhaps to dampen most people’s enthusiasm. To many perhaps the most interesting emphasis will be that laid on the responsibility to put the subject first, and the chapter on the ethics of tthe game; most is left to the reader but some rules are laid down for what is permissible. Full weight is given to the requirements of the Bird Protection Act, and there is a full list of Schedule One birds, which may not be disturbed at the nest without a licence. This is one of the few 1974 REVIEWS 91 books I have read on the subject where virtually all the practical recom- mendations and advice seem to agree exactly with my Own conclusions based on experience. C. K. MYLNE. [The Technique of Bird Photography. By J. Warham, London and New York, Focal Press, 1973. Pp. 218; 79 black-and-white photographs; many text figures. 224 x 144 cm. £3.00. This is the third edition of the popular and comprehensive manual first published in 1956. It is now updated to include fuller coverage of the use of the modern single-lens-reflex camera, together with such advances as through-the-lens metering and high-speed electronic flash. The contents include chapters on choice of equipment, photography at the nest (the author stresses repeatedly the need for the photographer to safeguard the welfare of his subject) and in the field, the use of flash and the application of photography in serious ornithology; the final sec- tion is a guide to photographing a variety of British species. The text provides an ideal guide for the tyro bird-photographer, but it is unfortunate in a book on this subject that the plates have turned out so badly. _ Letter Sir, Feral Greylag Geese in southwest Scotland I would like to add a note to John Young’s fine paper on the status of the Greylag Geese breeding in southwest Scotland (Scot. Birds 7: 170-182). In 1970-72 I spent some time looking at the small population in and around Glentrool and in partic- ular at the birds breeding at Loch Moan, a barren, moorland loch of about 65 acres, with no grazing and surrounded by young conifers. The geese seemed to resort to this loch only for the duration of nesting. In 1972 (the only year I visited the islets used for nesting) there were five clutches, of which four were apparently suc- cessful, but at no time did I see a brood on the water. On 5th May the most forward clutch was hatching at 11.30 a.m., but on visiting the nest the following day I could find no family party on the loch. On 7th May, however, I found the brood at a place on the River Cree, more than a mile below Loch Moan. Later in the month I had a similar experience with the second brood, but the other two broods that hatched were not found. In all four cases both old and young birds seem to have left the loch directly after hatching, and by early June, the loch, which only a month before had held five nests, showed no sign of geese nor any indication of successful nests. The promptness with which Greylags can depart from such nesting sites is a factor that should be borne in mind in survey- ing their extending breeding range. GEOFF SHAW. 92 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 8(2) Request for Information Northeast Greenland Expedition. The Wader Study Group and Dundee University Northeast Greenland Expedition 1974 will be colour ringing and dye-marking waders of the area so that the Greenland birds can be recognised when they occur in Britain. The colours to be used are not being disclosed at this stage, but the species most likely to be marked in this way are Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Sanderling. Watchers are asked to keep a lookout for these birds in Britain during July, August and September and to report de- tails of any sightings to A. J. Prater, British Trust for Ornith- ology, Beech Grove, Tring, Herts. The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ANNUAL CONFERENCE The 27th Annual Conference and 38th Annual General Meeting will be held at Stirling University from 24th-26th January 1975. Full details will be sent to all members early in September. BRANCH MEETINGS 1974/75 Will members please note that the dates of the first Meetings of Branches next winter will be as follows: September 24th Edinburgh and Inverness 25th Ayr, St Andrews and Thurso 26th Dundee and Stirling 30th Aberdeen October 2nd Dumfries 7th Glasgow The venue for the following four Branches has been changed, but that for all other Branches remains unchanged and the starting time for all lectures will be the same as last year : Ayr Branch will meet in the Senior Commonroom, West of Scotland Agri- cultura] College, Auchincruive. Dundee Branch will meet in Lecture Theatre T1, University of Dundee. Edinburgh Branch will meet in the Education Centre, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh. Inverness Branch will meet in the Craigmonrie Hotel, Annfield Road, Inverness. ENDOWMENT FUND Members are reminded that the Club’s Endowment Fund was estab- lished for the advancement of ornithology in Scotland. Any legacy or donation to this Fund will be gratefully received and should be sent to the Club Secretary. The Fund is administered by the Council of the Club and applications for a grant from the Fund should be submitted to the Club Secretary by 3lst December each year, so that they can be considered at the Coun- cil Meeting normally held in March. Applications received after 3lst Dec- ember will, however, not be debarred from consideration. EZ BIRD BOOKSHOP a 21 REGENT TERRACE y EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 New books in Stock The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland Cramp, Bourne & Saunders £3.50 Ducks, Geese and Swans Merne £1.75 Seventy Years of Birdwatching Alexander £3.80 Birds of Southern Portugal Cary £2.75 The Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe Fitter, Fitter & Blamey £1.60 Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe Mitchell £2.95 Animals of Europe Burton £3.25 Young Animals Stonehouse £2.95 Animals and their Colours Fogden & Fogden £3.50 Hamlyn Guide to Minerals, Rocks and Fossils Hamilton, Woolley & Bishop £1.95 ALL BOOKS SENT POST FREE Book list sent on request. BIRDS ON STAMPS Crested Tits, Wildfowl, Birds of Prey and extinct and exotic Birds now available on stamps. All natural history subjects available, particularly Flowers, Butterflies and Animals. Collect these beautiful stamps with Approval Selections from: A. GRAINGER, 42 Lee Lane East, Horsforth, near Leeds. aaannnRenmmmemmmmmmmmmmmiiieticaecan saci 0 VETS LSAT UM IAN ES 5 OA AMPED Rl GRC 1 BRN ES LE Da DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL ACA. * RACER SA. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ and ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- class service. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life. A new wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1974. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE The Scottish Field Studies Association Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library. Situated in Strathardle, 16 miles north of Blairgowrie and 9 miles north-east of Pitlochry, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of Field Studies in the Scottish Highlands. The standard weekly charge is £22.00. The programme for 1974 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Fungi Local History Mammals Birds Natural History Photography Mountain Flowers Painting Field Botany Natural History and Landscape Moorland Ecology of the Highlands Rocks and Minerals Industrial Archaeology Conservation Bryophytes Insects Spiders Landscape Photography Lichens Ferns All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be 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 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 45p in- cluding postage & VAT per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick Attractive cottages to Let set in the hills of the Mull of Kintyre Two fairly isolated, excellent for walkers and bird watchers Send for details with s.a.e. to CARSKIEY LTD., Carskiey Farm, Southend, Argyll, PA28 6RU. ARMS HOTEL GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216 Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all. In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C. R.S.A.C. WHEN IN THE HIGHLANDS VISIT EUROPE’S FIRST VISITOR CENTRE Nature trail Bookshop Good selection of books on History and Natural History of the Highlands and Islands. Send for Booklist. Exhibition and Multi-Screen Theatre History of Man in Strathspey Restaurant and Bar Landmark CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 1974/75 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors: Ray Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon) MTAI and Patricia Hodgkins, MTAT. All with guest lecturers and a tour manager. All by scheduled air services. Something Special Xmas 1974...Christmas Party with Natural History Interest. Minos Beach (de luxe) hotel Agios Nikolaos . . . Mon. 23 Dec. 8 days, £115.00... Allen Paterson (Curator Chelsea Physic Garden) and Ray and Pat Hodgkins. Extended stay arranged. Galapagos Cruise & Upper Amazon Basin... Dec. 1 1974, 20 days, from £575.00. The complete sell-out of the July 1974 cruise (Peter Conder, An- thony Huxley, Alastair Fitter) led to the planning of two further depar- tures of which this is the first. Dr Mike Harris (several years research on the islands—writer of “Birds of the Galapagos’), John Gooders, B.Sc. (eminent ornithologist, co-author with Eric Hosking ‘Wildlife Photo- graphy” inter alia) Ken Burras NDH, Superintendent Botanic Garden, Oxford University. India & Nepal... Birds and Wildlife... Sat. Feb. 1, 20 days, £550.00*. .. Delhi (Red Fort) Agra (Taj Mahal) Jaipur plus Sultanpur Jeels, Bharatpur Sanctuary (Siberian Cranes) Khatmandu, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (Terai Forest, Nepal) Kaziranga. A repeat with improvements of last year’s suc- cessful tour with John and Su Gooders and Patricia Hodgkins. S. India & Ceylon . . . Sun. Feb. 16, 21 days, £550.00.* Birds & Wildlife... Bombay (Burwali Nat. Pk., Elephanta Caves), Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Yala Nat. Pk., Kandy, Wilpattu Nat. Pk. Madras, Gundy Deer Park, Bangalore Musore, Periyar Nat. Pk., Bombay. Arranged in conjunction with Fauna Preservation Society after preliminary survey by Richard and Maisie Fitter. Accompanied by Bruce Campbell, the famous ornithologist, writer and broadcaster. Crete... Bird and Flower Tours...Thurs. Mar. 27, Tues. Apr. 1, Sun. Apr. 6, 16 days. £280.00. The sixth successful year of these very popular tours which cover the island from East to West, very leisurely using only three centres Agios Nikolaos, Chania and Heraklion. Each tour with Or- nithologist, Botanist and Tour Manager is a pleasant interest filled ramble by coach and foot. Guest lecturers include Dudley Iles, Len Beer and other experienced leaders. Peloponnese .. . Bird and Flower Tour ... Wed. Apr 2, 15 days, £280.00. An inevitable repeat of last year’s success with Allen Paterson, NDH (Flowers) and Derek Lucas (Birds). Athens, Nauplia (Epidaurus, Tiryns, Mycenae) Argos, Tripolis, Taygetus Mountains, a new stop at Methoni (remote and beautiful) Olympia. Eastern Anatolia ... Birds & Flowers ... June 4, 16 days, £300.00.* A biennial tour to the wilds. Lake Van, Kars, (Ani), Erzurum, horseback to Istavri over Xenophon’s route to Trebizond. Detailed brochures available from (*To be confirmed) PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 41 SOUTH PARADE, oo Bo, AGENTS SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, Ama: Gas OX2 7JUP. 2 Pys 2 Phone Oxford (0865) 55345 & 54517 ‘A Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. nee Top prices offered in part exchange 144 INGRAM STREET : GLASGOW TEL. 041-221 6666 We stock all makes, but one binocular which we can particularly recommend is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which complete with case costs only £15.40 Not only do we ourselves recommend |} this binocular, it also carries a strong recommendation from The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and each glass carries the seal of approval of the Game Conser- vancy. Our Free 42 page catalogue | illustrates hundreds of Binoculars & | Telescopes including the larger 10 x 50 Frank/Nipole binocular, complete wit case at £22.00. : FREE COMPARISON' TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free | for 7 days. Should you decide, how- ever, on a binocular other than the Frank/Nipole make, we can promise — a_substantial price reduction at least equalling any other offer which you may bring to our notice. This offer a i also applies to Telescopes. AVIALTERTHOMSONS) {\ PRINTER. SELKIRK. J} BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE | SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 8 No. 3 AUTUMN 1974 Price 75p RSPB 3 OF BIRDS Tel. 031 - 556 5624 BU S| seu Ce Ula ae n On? oO mrs pee > 1G ey tay aS QF @) Sal 5 (a D ey ~ B) Do & o# & Seen o.= Oo Ore #3] el Sins) (3) ED) | a 8 8 on & oat tele ay ES Ou & : Se hs 35> WY Shh o's © s SS i Aka seye z AVA oO = 7 RSs al ek o =o 5O 2 SS A GENS _—<=-= Re, protect and conserve to ‘ THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh 7 OBSERVE & CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OB wes ad Zo POST/INSURED FREE Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. II 8.5 x 44 £66.00 £42.07 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £44.00 £30.80 GRAND PRX 8 x 40 Mk. | £36.30 £24.94 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. II 10 x 50 £49.50 £32.40 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £27.50 £17.92 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEN 8 x 30 £39.30 £24.90 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30 Dialyt £145.31 £95.23 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £145.31 £95.23 LEITZ 8 x 40 Hard Case — £123.66 LEITZ 10 x 40B Hard Case — £119.35 PERL 9 x 35 £21.06 £16.85 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £122) £121 £76.58 Nichel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £95.04 £69.75 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60x60 £91.80 £67.50 All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 120 models in stock from £11.00 to £300.00 Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. The Heron 8 x 40 BCF. Retail approx. £27.50, our price £18.00. As recommended by Forestry Commission. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. Send too for Price Lists for all Camping, Climbing, Rambling Equipment from our as- sociate company FIELD & TREK (equipment) Ltd., same top quality, same keen prices, SAME ADDRESS. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY Ltd. (Dept. SB), 25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. (STD) 0277 221259/219418 Please despatch to me immediately ..................00 for which | enclose ©............ / /exageeees Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope Price List. (Delete as appropriate) 0008000000550 SSSCOOCHTOSHTISDOOSOSOBOIHSOSOSIIOSSIOG DODO SPIT HG DTIOTSSSOOOSSTGFODVOGOIIII90300099 1975 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors: Raymond Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon) MTAI and Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. All with guest lecturers and a tour manager. All by scheduled air services. Galapagos Cruise & Upper Amazon Basin . . . The successful departure of July 1974 (Anthony Huxley, Peter Conder, Alastair Fitter) is now fol- lowed by the 1 December tour with John Gooders, B.Sc., Dr Mike Harris and Ken Burras, NDH, as guest lecturers. Two tours are planned for 1975.10 Aug .. . 20 days from £650* . . . Dr Jim Flegg of the B.T.O.; Dr Bruce Campbell, famous writer and broadcaster on Natural History; Patrick Synge, M.A., botanist of international repute, writer and for many years editor of R.H.S. Journal. 1 Dec .. . 20 days from £650* ... Ar- ranged in conjunction with Twickenham Travel Ltd., Twickenham, Mx. India & Nepal ... Birds and Wildlife .. . Sat Feb 1, 21 days, £565... Delhi (Red Fort) Agra (Taj Mahal) Jaipur plus Sultanpur Jeels, Bharatpur Sanctuary (Siberian Cranes) Khatmandu, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (Terai Forest, Nepal) Kaziranga. A repeat with improvements of last year’s suc- cessful tour with John and Su Gooders and Ray Hodgkins. S. India & Ceylon . . . Sun Feb 16, 21 days £580 Birds & Wildlife... Bombay (Borivali Nat. Pk., Elephanta Caves), Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Yala Nat. Pk., Kandy, Wilpattu Nat. Pk., Nagpur, Kanha National Park, Bombay. Arranged in conjunction with Fauna Preservation Society after Peay survey by Richard and Maisie Fitter. Accompanied by Dr Bruce Campbell, the famous ornithologist, writer and broadcaster. Crete... Bird and Flower Tours...Thurs. Mar. 27, Tues. Apr. 1, Sun. Apr. 6, 16 days. £280.00. The sixth successful year of these very popular tours which cover the island from East to West, very leisurely using only three centres Agios Nikolaos, Chania and Heraklion. Each tour with Or- nithologist, Botanist and Tour Manager is a pleasant interest filled ramble by coach and foot. Guest lecturers include Dudley Iles, B.Sc., Len Beer, Esq., Dr Humphrey Bowen, John Parrott, B.Sc., Dr Sue Coles, Ursula Bowden, M.A. Peloponnese . . . Bird and Flower Tour . . . Wed. Apr 2, 15 days, £280.00. ‘An inevitable repeat of last year’s success with Allen Paterson, NDH (Flowers) and Derek Lucas (Birds). Athens, Nauplia (Epidaurus, Tiryns, Mycenae) Argos, Tripolis, Taygetus Mountains, a new stop at Methoni (remote and beautiful) Olympia. Eastern Anatolia .. . Birds & Flowers ... June 4, 15 days, £340.00.* A biennial tour to the wilds. Lake Van, Kars, (Ani), Erzurum, horseback biennial tour to the wilds. Lake Van, (Agdamar), Kars, (Ani), Erzurum, horseback via Istavri over Xenophon’s route to Trebizond with Michael Rowantree, M.A., Anthony Huxley, M.A., Raymond Hodgkins, M.A. Detailed brochures available from (*To be confirmed) PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 41 SOUTH PARADE, »B,, SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, dod: OX2 7JP. 2 AW = Phone Oxford (0865) 55345 &54517. “A” OTHER SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Rwanda & Zaire .. . 16 July .. .16 days. . . £680/. The 1974 tour with Sir Hugh Elliot and Patricia Hodgkins was entirely successful with the main objective—close-up views of mountain gorillas—achieved with almost startling success as slides at the September F.P.S. meeting showed! The 1975 tour will again be arranged in conjunction with the Fauna Preserva- tion Society and will cover the same itinerary of exceptional and unusual wildlife observation. Pelopomnese . . . 3-17 April... Sites & Flowers . . . 15 days £280. Dr Pin- sent’s tour has become an institution and is particularly attractive this year as it is accompanied by Dr W. T. Stearn, the recognized international authority on Green flora. Crete .. . 8-22 May. . . Minoan Sites & Flowers ... 15 days £280. Trevor Rowley, M.A., B.Litt., a young and enthusiastic senior member of Oxford University again takes this tour in its third successful year. Hugh Synge, B.Sc., now joins it as guest lecturer for botany. He has already impressed our clients in Cyprus and Turkey with his expertise and charm. Other tours ‘‘on the stocks”. Canada ... Whale Watching in the Gulf of St Lawrence. Malaysia .. . Birds & Wildlife. Zambia ... Birds & Wildlife. We welcome enquiries from clubs, societies, universities and schools for “tailor-made” tours. Inter alia we have arranged special tours for Birming- ham University, the University of South Wales and the Smithsonian Institution of Washington D.C. COLOUR SLIDES Attractive cottages We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds to Let from our own collection. and ‘ i from that of the R.S.P.B. set in the hills of the Send 15p for sample slide e and our lists covering these Mull of Kintyre and birds of Africa—many : : fine studies and close-ups. Two fairly isolated, excellent FOR HIRE for walkers and bird watchers We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B, These are in sets of 25 at 45p in- Send for details with s.a.e. to cluding postage & VAT per night’s hire. Birds are grouped CARSKIEY LTD., according to their natural Carskiey Farm, Southend, habitats. Argyll, PA28 6RU. W. COWEN, Keswick SCARCE MIGRANT BIRDS IN BRITAIN 4 AND IRELAND J.T.R. Sharrock Dr Sharrock takes a ten year period and. investigates in detail all records of a selection of birds which arrived as scarce migrants from Europe, Asia and America. He considers their breeding and wintering ranges, their numbers and the frequency of their occurances and suggests its cause. Over 130 maps and diagrams and 24 photographs. 208 pages, August £3.80 net. SEVENTY YEARS OF BIRDWATCHING ° H.G. Alexander This is not an autobiography, but a book about birdwatching, birdwatchers and, especially, birds by an exceptional Englishman who began watching birds in Kent in 1808 and has never stopped. A leading ornithologist, he knew most British and many foreign ornithologists of his day, he also travelled widely in India for the Society of Friends, and now lives in retirement in Pennsylvania, USA. Illustrated by Robert Gillmor, and with photographs. 272 pages, May, £3,80 net. Postponed from June/July FLIGHT IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN RAPTORS R.F. Porter, lan Willis, Steen Christensen, Bent Pors Nielsen The authors have been studying the 38 species of European diurnal birds of prey and the problems of their field identification for many years, and this book is the outcome and the definitive guide to the subject. Over 350 drawings and photographs. ‘256 pages, September, £4.80 net. WATCHING BIRDS James Fisher and Jim Flegg Among the deservedly popular writings of the late James Fisher, Watching Birds was probably the most read and consulted. First published in 1940 by Penguin and several times reprinted it eventually went out of print and its author planned to re-write it. This task has now been expertly achieved by Dr Jim Flegg, Director of the British Trust for Ornithology, and it becomes once again the guide to watching and understanding birds. Over 60 illustrations. 168 pages, October, £2.80 net. T. & A. D. POYSER LTD 281 High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire All titles are available from the Bird Bookshop, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT. SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) CONTENTS OF VOLUME 8, NUMBER 3, AUTUMN 1974 Page Editorial Us ws a Bis ae 149 S.O. “a ee Crested Grebe ‘Enauiy 1973. Wade Smith .:.. aes 151 hee and Moulting Eiders in ne Tay Region By B Pounder nes 159 Recent Studies on Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock. By Myrfyn Owen and C. R. G. Campbell _... aoe 181 Short Notes Early nesting Merlins in Galloway (R. C. Dickson, A, D. Watson) “3 194 Early nesting Tawny Owls in Aberdeen Robert Ee Swann, Robert Rae) as ; 194 Nightingale of eastern subspecies on Fair Isle) (R. A. Broad) sy a aoe 195 Reviews The Coastline of Seeiand, By J. A. Steers. Reviewed by J. J. D. Greenwood ce ; 195 The Cairngorms. By Desmond Nethersole-Thompson and Adam Watson. Reviewed by Alan G. Knox 196 Fair Isle Bird Observatory : Report for 1973. Edited by George Waterston. Reviewed by R. J. Raines 197 The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland. By Stamley Cramp, W. R. P. Bourne and David Saunders. Reviewed by Norman Elkins A 197 The Buzzard. By C. R. Tubbs, Reviewed by N. Picozzi 199 Seventy Years of Birdwatching. By H. G. Alexander. Reviewed by A. G. Stewart Jap 200 Der Zug Europaischer Singvogel. Edited by Gerhardt Zink. Reviewed by R. H. Dennis ... 201 Letters Long-tailed Ducks in the Outer Hebrides (Norman Elkins) 201 Long-tailed Ducks in the Uists (Arthur B. Duncan) 202 Requests for Information on os ne Eee 202 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club guy ne al 204 Vivat Ornithologie. By Dr Ian D. Pennie Ate abe 208. Editor D. J. Bates Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe BILL SINCLAIR Wild Life sound recordist of the year recording Crested Tits at Landmark, Carrbridge. Hear Sinclair Sound in the new Multi- Screen Wild Life Programme at: LandmarrR CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 EXHIBITION - MULTI-SCREEN THEATRE - BOOK & CRAFT SHOP RESTAURANT AND BAR - NATURE TRAIL - PICNIC AREA SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 8 No. 3 Autumn 1974 Edited by D. J. Bates Editorial Scottish Bird Report: 1973 Readers will be disappointed to learn that the 1973 Bird Report has been delayed until the winter number. Despite the prompt submission of records, editing by both Roy Dennis and myself has been impeded by pressure of other work. My job as editor is combined with managing the Club’s bookshop, and the great increase in bookshop business, while obviously beneficial to the Club, has made urgent demands on time that should have been spent editing Scottish Birds. Hence this autumn number is even later than expected. We are confident, however, that with more bookshop staff we can publish Scottish Birds punctually, and still provide a bookshop service which is of value both to our customers and to the Club. Geese as pests The Secretary of State for Scotland recently published a proposal to make an order under the Protection of Birds Act allowing the killing of Greylag and Pink-footed Geese during the close season in the counties of Perth, Kin- ross, Angus, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannan. This proposal, which would confer on these geese the status of pests, is deemed necessary owing to the damage done by these birds to the early spring grazing on many farms. Objections were invited by 21st October 1974. The SOC Council has lodged a formal protest to the Sec- retary of State and the reasons are quoted in full as follows: 1. For much of the time these geese are in Britain, their feeding does no harm to agriculture and may often be beneficial. Competition be- tween geese and domestic stock for young grass in spring presents a real problem, but one which is heavily localised and restricted to only a few fields out of many. The problem can be dealt with simply by scaring the geese away from crucial fields for the short period that is necessary. Adequate means for doing this already exist. Not only can the farmer shoot the birds out of season if he can prove damage, but he can also freely use the various scaring devices of which several highly effective types have become available in recent years. Reducing the population on the other hand would not necessarily lead to any reduc- tion in the damage. This was the advice produced by all three organisa- 150 EDITORIAL 8(3) tions which have researched the problem in recent years—the Depart- ment of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, the Nature Conservancy and the Wildfowl Trust. 2. It is not usual to shoot legitimate quarry species in the breeding season, yet a substantial part of the breeding cycle of geese, including courtship and copulation, is accomplished in Britain, and the cycle is continued with egg laying almost as soon as the birds arrive in Iceland. Disruption by spring shooting might therefore have serious effects on subsequent nesting of the geese. 3. The proposal might have international repercussions, and its timing could hardly be worse. For some years British conservationists have been active in attempting to persuade the Iceland Government to pro- tect the main breeding area of the Pinkfoot, currently threatened by a hydro-electric project. The sudden relegation of the species to pest status in Britain would not help to strengthen the case. In addition, Britain has for some years been to the fore in international attempts to rationalise hunting. The spring shooting of waterfowl is now considered to be generally unacceptable. The next discussion of this subject will be at a meeting of the International Wildfowl Research Bureau in Germany in December of this year, when Government delegates from thirty nations will be present. After arguing with effect for years for the rationalisation of hunting, the British delegates will be in a weak pos- ition if they have to admit to a retrograde step in their own country. Other objections have been lodged by the RSPB and the Wildfowl Trust. The outcome is not known at the time of going to press. Sea-ducks around the Scottish coast Two letters appear in this issue as a result of the Short Note on Long-tailed Ducks in the Uists which was published in the winter 1973 issue of Scottish Birds. These would appear to indicate that there may be a considerable amount of unpublished data on the numbers of sea-ducks in various places around the Scottish coast. These data could be particularly valuable at a time when industrial- isation is threatened in places where it was undreamed of only a few years ago, and readers who possess any such material should forward it to the Editor for publication. Photographic material We have a number of very excellent photographers in the SOC and the work of some of these has been featured in previous issues of Scottish Birds. It neverthe- less becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the high stan- dard achieved in the past and combine this with variety and originality. Good photographs of ornithological subjects will always be welcomed, particularly if they illustrate material submitted for publication in the journal, and members sending reports suitable for publication as Short Notes are especially asked to bear this in mind. In addition, any photographers, amateur or professional, who would like their work to be featured in a aaa Birds should send good black-and-white prints to the Editor. 1974 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 151 S.0.C. Great Crested Grebe Enquiry 1973 R. W. J. SMITH The British Trust for Ornithology is conducting another Great Crested Grebe census in 1975. As in 1973, counts in Scot- land will be organized by R. W. J. Smith. Local recorders will be responsible for ensuring coverage of their own counties. Introduction In 1973 there was an Official S.O.C. enquiry into the breeding population and success of Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cris- tatus in Scotland. In addition, comparison was made with the 1965 census (Prestt & Mills 1966). Observers were asked to make at least two visits—one in early summer to locate the breeding birds and another in late summer to count the surviving young. Observer cover was generally good but there were some gaps. The difficulties of censusing such apparently obvious birds as Great Crested Grebes can be illustrated by records from three observers on one water. One observer had a pair in May and none in June, a second quoted five-six pairs with about four young reared, while a third report gave a casual observation of one smallish young with an adult on Ist October. 1973 proved to be an abnormal year. After a very dry pre- vious autumn and winter the water level of many of the east coast reservoirs was well below the line of emergent vegeta- tion and many birds made no attempt to breed. Some appeared on waters from which there were no previous records. Some waters held fewer pairs than usual. No young were reared on waters severely affected by the drought, nor on the normally unused waters to which the birds had been displaced. Number of adults The number of Great Crested Grebes reported on all waters was 152-158 pairs with 29 unmated birds—a total of 333-345 birds. In the 1965 census, 301 birds were counted and 345 esti- mated in Scotland. It would seem that the population was at about the same level in 1973 as in 1965, although the figures are not directly comparable. Several waters were counted in 1973 that were missed in 1965, but it is difficult to be sure how many, as not all nil returns were named in the 1965 report. Waters that held birds in 1965 and were not covered in 1973 were as follows: four in Angus (15-16 birds in 1965), two in Clackmannanshire (eight-nine birds in 1965), two in Fife (six 152 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 8(3) birds in 1965 and five-six in May 1974), one in Perthshire (one bird in 1965, probably none in 1973), one in Roxburghshire (one-two birds in 1965) and one in Stirlingshire (two birds in 1965). These might have given an additional 30 or So birds in 1973. In the Clyde area, R. W. Forrester estimates that of other lochs not covered in 1973, perhaps Kilbirnie Loch in Ayrshire might have held one pair, and Eaglesham Moor Lochs, Knapps Loch, Stavely Reservoir and Harelaw Reservoir in Renfrew- shire might have had two-three pairs between them. This gives an estimated total of 370-380 birds from all known or suspec- ted waters in 1973. The 1965 census was held mainly on two consecutive days to try to avoid double counting or missing some of this rather mobile species. In 1973 no attempt was made to co-ordinate visits so that birds which moved between two or more waters could have been counted twice or missed completely. Probably, however, this has not affected the final figures to any apprec- iable extent. The distribution by county is not greatly changed. Perthshire still has most, with 79-81 birds (65-84 in 1965) and Fife is still second, although numbers have gone down in recent years. Lindores Loch in Fife held most birds (22-26) in 1965, but in 1973 there were only five pairs. The highest count on any water in 1973 was at Loch of Lowes in Perthshire where there were seven pairs. Number of young The attempt to gauge the breeding success of Great Crested Grebes in 1973 was less successful than the census of adults. At least 81 young birds were reported from all waters, with six of these known not to have survived. Some of the former were fairly small, and there may have been further casualties. There were also two nests with eggs reported on last visits. The remaining 75+ young from some 150 breeding pairs rep- resent about one young from two pairs. This apparently low ratio had several contributory factors. The most important was the low water level, especially in the east of the country. This may have caused some pairs to move to less suitable areas. From 14 waters, with 26 pairs, the reason given for failed or non-breeding was low water level, and on upper and lower Loch Ken, with six pairs, fluctuating water levels and perhaps disturbance were blamed. Although the winter and spring of 1973 were the driest on record, falling water levels, particularly on reservoirs, are an annual hazard, and the spec- ies is apparently able to maintain itself on these reservoirs in spite of it. 1974 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 153 On the form circulated to observers it was suggested that most eggs would have hatched by the end of July and that a second visit then would be adequate (Campbell & Ferguson- Lees 1972; Witherby et al. 1940). Many late visits to count the number of young were made before mid July. However, some young were still being hatched in mid September. On Castle Loch, Dumfriesshire, hatching dates were: one young in mid August, one young about lst September and four young about 16th September. It is interesting that all the four young from the last brood survived and fledged. Table 1 gives the hatching dates of late broods. Table 1. Dates of hatching of late broods in 1973 Date 1-10 Aug. 11-20 Aug. 21-31 Aug. 1-10Sep. 11-20 Sep. Number of young 2 3 3 1 4 per brood 2 2 2 — 1 === 1 — —=> —-> In all, ten broods, totalling 21 young, were reported as hatching after the beginning of August—more than one quarter of the known total for the year. Where dates were given, it is known that no visits were made after mid July to six lochs (with 14 pairs) where no young had been recorded but breeding conditions were still suitable. It is possible that some young may have hatched later in the season. This spec- ies is also sometimes doubie-brooded. In recent years divers Gaviidae and Slavonian Grebes Podi- ceps auritus have also reared late broods in Scotland, perhaps due to cold and drought in the early part of the spring (R. H. Dennis pers. comm.), Records from previous years Many recorders gave information on Great Crested Grebes from previous years. Most waters held similar numbers from year to year, and there was a tendency for each site to have a history of either successes or failures. From 14 waters where comparison was possible there were ten where the re- sults were similar to those of the previous few years. Young Were present on seven of these but not on the other three over several seasons. Various observers commented on fre- quent disturbance from fishing activities and some other inter- ference such as egg-collecting. Some waters have shown more violent fluctuations in breeding numbers. Threipmuir Reservoir, Midlothian, has a 154 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 8(3) main loch, with a marshy end separated by a causeway. In 1967 there were five broods; in 1969, 12 adults and four broods, and in 1970 there were seven pairs—five of these in the marshy area. By 1972 there were only two pairs, with just one pair in 1973 when the water level was so low that the marsh had been dry since the previous winter. On 8th July 1973 D. Mitchell noticed large numbers of small dead fish washed up or floating on the water. In early 1974 two pairs were on the main loch and none on the normally more fav- oured marsh although it was full. In Midlothian the summers from 1965 to 1969 were wet and water levels remained high. Since then rainfall has been well below average. Reservoir levels fell during autumn 1969 and have fluctuated widely since, remaining full for comparatively short periods. A good breeding stock had built up when the water levels were right and there was plenty of available food. The series of recent dry years must have drastically reduced both fish and other freshwater fauna in the marsh and perhaps in the main loch of Threipmuir. A similar explanation may account for the de- crease on Morton Lochs, where seven pairs bred in 1968 and five pairs in 1969. By 1972 there were only two pairs. Survival of young here has always been poor. D. W. Oliver says of Kilconquhar Loch: “...in the early 1960’s, six pairs were the inevitable breeding season counts, and there were always a few chicks reared”. In 1970, ’71 and ‘72 there was only one pair and no surviving young. Possibly some of the 1973 birds were from other waters (e.g., Cameron Reservoir). Lindores Loch, which had the largest colony in 1965 (22-24 birds), was treated with rotenone in 1967 to clear out pike and allow restocking with trout. There was a slump in the numbers of Great Crested Grebes in 1967 and there were fewer still in 1968 (when only two chicks hatched). In 1972 there were only three pairs, but at least one chick hatched. Dr Derek Mills (co-author of the 1965 census) comments that there is no evidence that rotenone has any long-term detrimental effect on wildlife. The toxic effect is short-lived and soon disappears. Apparently the treatment at Lindores Loch was about 90% effective, but some pike, and probably other fish such as sticklebacks, survived. The loch is unsuitable for trout to breed. It is restocked annually, but these trout are most likely to be of a size too large for Great Crested Grebes to take. The annual restocking with so many large fish creates an artificial situation which prevents the original balance from being re- stored. Under these conditions, the birds may not regain their former numbers. 1974 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 155 Breeding distribution by counties 1. The 1965 figures are the actual counts, with the estimated totals, where different, in brackets. 2. The No. of young 1973 figures are those counted at the last visit, with the highest count, where different, in brackets. 3. ? denotes that the number is unknown. q 4. W denotes that the water level was exceptionally low in 1973. No.of No.of Unmated No. of adult birds pairs birds young 1965 1973 1973 1973 ABERDEENSHIRE Loch Davan Loch Kinord Meikle Loch Sand Loch Loch of Strathbeg Nil returns from Old Deer, Loch of Skene O19 209. 9 09 ng NOOK’ ae San) VOOw-s ANGUS Balgavie Loch 8 3 0 1 Forfar Loch 4(6) 2 0 0 Loch of Lintrathen 3(4) ? ? a Lochindorb and Laird’s Loch 2 ? v ? Long Loch 4 ? ? ? Rescobie Loch 7(8) 1 0 0 Thriepley Loch 6 ? 2 ? ARGYLLSHIRE Loch Tulla 1(2) ? ? AYRSHIRE Creoch Loch ? 1 0 2 Loch Fergus ? 1 0 3 Loch o’ the Lowes 0 ?1 0 0 Loch Martnaham 3(4) 2 0 20 BANFFSHIRE Nil BERWICKSHIRE Nil CAITHNESS Nil CLACKMANNANSHIRE Gartmorn Dam 7(8) ? ? ? Kennet area 1 te ? DUNBARTONSHIRE Nil—see Stirlingshire for Mugdoch Loch DUMFRIESSHIRE Castle Loch 8 3 2 6 Glenkiln Reservoir iB 1 0 OW High Tae Loch 4 1 1 0 Kirk Loch 0 1 0 0 Mill Loch 2 2 0 3 EAST LOTHIAN Nil 156 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 8(3) No.of No.of Unmated No. of adult birds pairs birds Young 1965 1973 1973 1973 FIFE Cameron Reservoir 2(4) Carriston Reservoir 1(2) Coul Reservoir Craigluscar Reservoirs Cullaloe Reservoir Loch Fitty Loch Gelly Kilconquhar Loch Kinghorn Loch Lindores Loch Morton Lochs Loch Ore Otterston Loch Peppermill Dam Raith Lake, Kirkcaldy Town Loch, Dunfermline Tullieallan Loch Nil returns from Ballo/Harperleas Reservoirs, Balbuthie Ponds, Clatto Reservoir, Craigtoun Park (St Andrews), Gillingshill Reservoir, Loch Glow, Luthrie curling pond (1 May record), Loch Ornie, Roscobie Loch, Scotscraig Pond (Tayport). INVERNESS-SHIRE Nil KINROSS-SHIRE Loch Leven 8 KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE Loch Arthur Auchenreoch Loch Loch Ken (upper) Loch Ken (lower/River Dee) Loch Roan White Loch (Colvend) Woodhall Loch LANARKSHIRE Douglas (three ponds) Gadloch Glenboig Loch Hamilton Reserve Hogganfield Loch Johnston Loch Lanark Loch Possil Marsh Roughrig Reservoir Springfield Reservoir White Loch (Carnwath) Woodend Loch Nil returns from Barons Haugh, Bishop Loch, Black Loch, Bonkle, Carstairs Loch, Lilly Loch, Lochend Loch, Newmains, Orchard Farm (Bellshill) and from Blackwood Camps, Cowgill, Culter Waterhead, Daer, Forrestburn (two pairs in May 1972), Gair, Glenbuck, Hillend and Wellbrae Reservoirs. WMO pp DN-v-o i) “~ 24) = RRR Or LPO UP yp Or OrNO -}- OCOOCOrFCOOCO'V Her OnhOOOo NOCTCO CO WwOWOOOO DIO ee oD DD i) ps Vv — NM.>MON pow "Or Ol Vo'PONOCO Oo _— v Nr POCTOWOWSO 2) Pv VO wr NN Ao ag bt NH OHH OOORr Ome MFPOOCOCOrFcCOCCCCO aN 1974 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 157 No. of No.of Unmated No. of adult birds pairs birds Young 1965 1973 1973 1973 MIDLOTHIAN Cobbinshaw Reservoir 1(4) 1 0 OW Crosswood Reservoir 0 1 0 0 Duddingston Loch 2 1 0 0 Gladhouse Reservoir 2 1 0 OW Rosslynlee Reservoir 0 1 0 0(2) Threipmuir Reservoir 7(10) 1 1 OW MORAYSHIRE Nil NAIRNSHIRE Nil PEEBLESSHIRE Fruid Reservoir not built 1 0 OW Portmore Loch 1 1 1 OW PERTHSHIRE Loch of Balloch 2 1 0 0 Loch of Butterstone 6(10) 4 1 OW Carsebreck 1 20 Loch of Clunie 2(6) 4 0 i Loch of Craiglush 3(4) 1 1 OW Pond of Drummond 2 1 0 1 Dupplin Main Loch 4 Vo 0 0 Dupplin Little Loch 2 ») Fingask Loch 0(2) 0 1 0 Laird’s Loch 2 1 0 0 Loch of Lowes 6(8) if 0 3W Marlee Loch 5(8) 6 0 0 Lake of Menteith 14 5-6 0 c5 Monk Myre 0(2) 0 0 0 Loch Monzievaird (Ochtertyre) 2 1 0 1(2) Rae Loch 1(2) 1 0 2 Redmyre Loch 1 0 0 0 Stare Dam 2 1 0 3 Stormont Loch 8 2 0 OW Loch Watston 2 0 0 0 White Loch (Blairgowrie) 0 1 0 4. RENFREWSHIRE Aird Meadow 182 3 0 y Barr Loch ) 6 0 3 Castle Semple Loch 2 1 0 1 Brother Loch ? 1 0 > Harlaw Dam ? 2 0 2 Loch Libo ? 1 0 1 Rowbank Reservoir ? 1 0 ? Waulkmill Dam ? 1 0 0 Whittliemuir Dam ? 1 0 ? ROXBURGHSHIRE Acreknowe Reservoir iz 1 0 0 Alemuir Loch 4 2 0 0 Wester Wooden Loch 1(2) ? ? ? Yetholm Loch 3 0 0 0 SELKIRKSHIRE Akermuir Loch 2 1 0 ? Cauldshiels Loch 4 0 0 0 158 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 8(3) No.of No.of Unmated No. of adult birds pairs birds Young 1965 1973 1973 1973 Clearburn Loch 1(2) 0 0 0 Headshaw Loch 2 0 0 0 Lindean Loch 1(2) 1 3 3 Shielswood Loch 1 0 1 0 Under Shaws Loch 2 0 0 0 STIRLINGSHIRE Antermony Loch 2 A 0 0 Bardowie Reservoir 2 Fi 0 0 Carron Dam ? 2 ? 4 Carron Reservoir 2 1 0 0 Craigallian Loch 1(2) 1 1 3 Edenkillin Loch 2 ? ? ? Mugdoch Loch z 1 0 0 North Third Reservoir 2 0 0 0 Nil return from Carbeth Loch. SUTHERLAND Nil WEST LOTHIAN Linlithgow Loch 4(6) 4 1 6 WIGTOWNSHIRE Castle Loch 0 1 0 0 Mochrum Loch 0 1 0 0 Lochinch (two lochs) ? 5 ? 5 broods Discussion Between 1965 and 1973 the Great Crested Grebe population in Scotland has, in general, maintained its numbers. Probably most suitable waters are now colonised, and the population will tend to remain fairly stable. After a series of good (that is, wet) years, when reservoir levels do not fall too much or too quickly, there is probably an increase on some waters, but numbers will tend to drop again in dry years. Breeding suc- cess may be hampered by fluctuating water levels and by boating and fishing interests, but the Great Crested Grebe is a resilient species. Fears have been expressed in some quarters that there may have been a general decrease recently due to the above pressures and to the increased use of pesticides and herbicides. The census does not provide any evidence in sup- port of this. It may be that some waters are crucial in maintaining the species at a high level during prolonged spells of unfavourable breeding seasons. In the Lothians, for example, Linlithgow Loch usually holds about four pairs and several young are fledged every year. When there is a succession of dry summers there may be few other young reared in the district. Provision must be made, as at Linlithgow, to ensure that the birds con- tinue to breed on these important waters, undisturbed by human activities such as boating. 1974 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY 159 Acknowledgments This enquiry was organised by S.O.C. local recorders. I am grateful to them and to the other observers, some of whom covered a large number of waters. I hope that I have included them all in the following list : L. Adams, Miss E. A. Armstrong, T. Boyd, W. R. Brackenridge, E. D. Cam- eron, P. N. J. Clark, E. A. Clifford, Mrs P. M. Collett, G. M. Crighton, T. P. Daniels, R.H. Dennis, G. Dick, R. A. Dickson, R. Donaldson, T. Dougall, B. Downing, Dr I. T. Draper, M. Drummond, Sir A. B. Duncan, J. Edelston, Dr E.C. Fellowes, R. W. Forrester, H. Galbraith, I. Gibson, M. J. P. Gregory, Dr K. C. R. Halliday, G. Horne, Mrs E. James, A. G. Knox, D. Macdonald, M. A. Macdonald, K. S. Macgregor, R. L. McMillan, Dr M. K. McCabe, Cdr R. H. Miller, D. Mitchell, J. Mitchell, Miss B. H. Moore, W.M. Moyes, D. E. Murray, D. Oates, D. W. Oliver, N. Picozzi, H. Robb, Dr M. Rusk, P. W. Sandeman, I. Simpson, A. J. Smith, C. H. Smith, R. T. Smith, R. L. Swann, Miss V. M. Thom, L. A. Urquhart, A. D. Watson, J.G. Young, B. Zonfrillo. I would also like to thank Dr Derek Mills, Roy Dennis and A. T. Macmillan for their very helpful comments. Summary A census of breeding Great Crested Grebes in Scotland in 1973 gave a total of 333-345 adult birds, showing little change from the 1965 total of 301-345 birds. With low water levels at many breeding sites, the last counts showed only 75 young surviving from a potential breeding pop- ulation of about 150 pairs. Some of these young may not have survived to fledging. Recent decreases on some waters are discussed. References CAMPBELL & FERGUSON-LEES. 1972. A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests. Constable, Lon- don. PresttT, I. & Mriuus, D. H. 1966. A census of the Great Crested Grebe in Britain 1965. Bird Study 15: 165-203. WITHERBY, H. F., et al. 1940. The Handbook of British Birds, Vol. IV. Witherby. London. R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9SJ Breeding and moulting Eiders in the Tay region B. POUNDER (Plate 13) Introduction The importance of the Tay estuary as a wintering area for Eiders Somateria mollissima has been recognised for a long time (Berry 1939, Atkinson-Willes 1963, Pounder 1971), but there is little information available on the status of the area during the summer months. Grierson (1962) has described the adverse effects on the breeding populations brought about by the afforestation of Tentsmuir on the southern shore of the 160 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) estuary and wartime military operations at Earlshall between the Tay and the Eden. However, Baxter and Rintoul (1953) re- ported moulting flocks in St Andrews Bay, and this, with reg- ular sightings of large flocks of adult males off Tentsmuir Point in recent years (M. Smith, J. F. P. Keddie, pers. comm.) implied a possible recovery and increase in the local breeding populations and led to the investigations described here. Methods and accuracy Most of the observations and counts were made with the aid of a 30x60 telescope at sites from the South Esk at Mont- rose to the cliffs south of St Andrews, and these were supple- mented by a few counts at Johnshaven-Gourdon and Fife Ness (figs. 1 and 2). KINCARDINE SHIRE GOURDON Y JOHNSHAVEN VW) MONTROSE SCURDIE NESS USAN BODDIN PT. LUNAN BAY ANGUS VP" ARBROATH DUNDEE y W.HAVEN BUDDON NESS TENTSMUIR POINT Fig. 1. The study area 1974 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 161 About three or four visits per week were made to selected sites during the April to September periods of 1971 and 1972 and a smaller number during 1973, the selections being made so as to obtain as regular coverage as possible for each site throughout the study periods. The accuracy of counts varied from site to site and from visit to visit at any particular site. It was sometimes possible to count flocks of up to 200 birds with a 100% accuracy on calm clear days, but conditions were often so bad as to make any sort of count impossible. On some occasions, repeated counts of flocks of up to 1000 birds showed accuracy of +10% was attainable, especially when large numbers of birds were on sandbanks at sites such as Tentsmuir Point. However, experience showed that the steep seaward slopes of the sandbanks could often hide very large numbers of birds, so even these counts were of uncertain ac- curacy. The least accurate counts were those carried out on flocks on choppy water in the Tay and Eden estuaries. Light- ing effects were extremely important. For example, male birds were often almost invisible when viewed on grey water illum- inated by a weak sun, and females were sometimes difficult to see when sought in good light with the sun behind the ob- server. For these reasons, it was sometimes necessary to count birds of one sex only and estimate the total numbers in the flocks from average values of male:female ratios deduced from easily visible portions of the flocks. The numerous sources of error made only a relatively small number of the counts sufficiently accurate for inclusion in this paper. The winter-summer transition period Throughout March the Eider flocks in the Tay estuary car- ried out their daily tide-dependent movement cycle (Pounder 1971). The sex ratio was 1:1 and the birds were flying in pairs during the second half of the month. During the first few days in April, unattached males were seen both in flight and with paired birds on the water. The ratio of males to females was 1.4:1 by 15th April, and pairs of birds flying on to Buddon Ness and the Tentsmuir shores indicated that some nesting activity had commenced by that time. Increasing numbers, particularly of males, were seen ashore during the second half of April and early May as the numbers in the estuary proper decreased, and the areas of water covered by the estuary flocks became progressively smaller as the birds concentrated more and more off Tentsmuir Point. The transfer of large numbers of unattached males from the estuary to the beaches and sand- bars near Tentsmuir Point indicated the possible existence of a large breeding colony in the immediate vicinity of the es- tuary, and this view is supported by the observations described in the following sections. 162 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) RIVER TAY TAYPORT TENTSMUIR FOREST z = > a = a z a EARLSHALL AIRFIELD GUARD- 5: ‘BRIDGE 7 ST. ANDREWS Fig. 2. The Tentsmuir- St Andrews area showing locations of sites referred to in the text. 1974 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 163 The breeding period Buddon Ness Pairs of Eiders were seen flying to the beaches along the western shore of Buddon Ness during late April of each of the three years, but observations thereatter were limited because of military training activities in the area. However, 40 pairs were on the beaches during late April and early May of 1971/ 72 and pairs and single birds of both sexes were flying in and out of the military areas during the remainder of May and early June. Ten nest sites were located from a distance during the first three weeks of June 1971 and eight of these, which were in exposed positions in short grass, were attended by birds of both sexes. The males deserted the area by 12th June when a group of ten ducklings was seen in the sea, and the last female was seen on July 4th. Tentsmuir Point Large and increasing numbers of adult males were concen- trated on the Headwell Sands and immediately to the south of the West Pool (fig. 2) throughout May and early June 1971, "72 and ’73 (fig. 3). The flocks spent most of the time on the beaches and the seaward slopes of the sandbanks and seemed to venture to the water only when disturbed. Pairs and single birds of both sexes were seen flying in and out of Tentsmuir Forest and to and from the direction of Earlshall Moor during the first three weeks of May. When on the water, the males displayed vigorously, and single females, when they were present, were often harassed by ten to twenty males at a time. The numbers of males reached a maximum during early June and then fell sharply (fig. 3). Numbers of females were always considerably less than those of males. They dropped initially and then rose to a maximum in mid June (fig. 3), coinciding with the appearance of groups of ducklings on the sea. Broken Eider eggs were much in evidence among the dunes and in the forest fringes, and single females were often seen flying along the forest rides up to 1 km from the shore. Single females with chicks were seen on fresh-water pools well within the forest during early June of 1969 and 1970. Earlshall Moor No attempt was made to count nesting birds by crossing the fences round the moor, but observations throughout May and June showed that nesting females were well distributed both on that part of the moor visible from the edge and on some large sand dunes near the foreshore. Approximately 2 km? of ground was visible, but a large number of nests could easily have been obscured by hummocks. Whereas most of the nests contained a female only, many were guarded by a male, espec- 164 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) ially at exposed nest sites on short grass. No males were seen guarding nests in the dune area near the foreshore where the nests were located in dense cover under the remains of war- time tank traps. The Earlshall keeper reported nests distributed all over the moor, particularly near the southeast corner, but also as far back as the Lundin Burn and arable land approximately 3 km from the sea. A total of 160 sitting females were counted along the edges of the moor visible from the boundary fences be- tween 7th and 20th May 1972 but this was obviously only a proportion of the total number of nest sites. Many broken Eider eggs were found along the edges of the moor and in. the dunes in front of the moor, and by the end of May most of the nests in the dunes contained eggs broken by predators. A neat pile of 20 badly blown and broken eggs was found on 23rd May 1972 and pointed to egg-collecting children as a serious source of predation. Nests in the dunes were particularly vulnerable, especially as the females, when flushed by children and walkers, often left the eggs uncovered and unguarded for up to 20 minutes at a time. The females defecated on the eggs when disturbed, whereas eggs were covered with down when the female left voluntarily. Similar behaviour has been described by Salomonsen (1950, p. 127) and Freeman (1970). Parties of ducklings were being escorted over the wide beaches in front of the moor during early June, and the atten- dant females (and males in one or two cases) were frequently hard pressed to ward off Carrion Crows Corvus c. corone, which usually accompanied the groups. One or two ducklings often waddled beneath the tail of an adult female when danger threatened. Others were seen being led out of the forest areas along rides and ill defined tracks leading to broken sections of boundary fence, and the most favoured tracks were always liberally marked by piles of Eider droppings. R.A.F. personnel reported groups containing up to 100 ducklings crossing the runways of Leuchars airfield from Rires Wood which forms the southern boundary of the moor. The Eden estuary Although the numbers were smaller, the initial rise and fall in the numbers of adult males in the Eden was similar to that at Tentsmuir (fig. 3). As at Tentsmuir, the birds tended to re- main ashore as much as possible, the Shelly Point beach being the most favoured locality. Ten nests were found on the south shore of the estuary in June 1973 and approximately 20 on the north shore near the end of the airfield runway and in small clumps of trees just above high-water mark. The sitting females were not disturbed by jet aircraft directly overhead. 1974 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 165 TENTSMUIR POINT=WE ST POOL 1000 500 O MAY JUN. JUL AUG SEP Fig. 3. Numbers of male and female Eiders between Tentsmuir Point and St Andrews, 1971 166 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) The real importance of the Eden estuary was as a nursery area for ducklings hatched on Earlshall moor and its surround- ing woods, and the most important area for duckling flocks was between Coble Point and St Andrews golf courses. (Casual observations in previous years indicated that the largest créches were then further west, near the Guardbridge end of the estuary). In 1971 duckling numbers were relatively small, never more than 220 on any occasion, and it was notable that the créches contained very young ducklings as late as the end of July. Parties with young were continually stalked by Car- rion Crows when on the mud-flats, and it appeared that a high predation rate was being maintained by these birds, the losses possibly being replenished by replacement clutches. Several ducklings which had difficulty in keeping up with the rest of the flocks appeared to be loath to venture into the water, and when caught on the mud-flats were found to be waterlogged. The situation was different in 1972 when 300 ducklings were counted on 18th June but well over 1000 on 25th June. Fur- ther, it was impossible to distinguish between young birds and adult females by the middle of July at the observation ranges involved. Counting conditions were poor during 1973, but the situation then appeared to be similar to that in 1972 rather than in 1971. St Andrews There are two créche areas at St Andrews: beneath the Scores cliff and off the northern end of Kinkell Braes cliffs, and the two combined are second in importance only to the Eden estuary. A low raised beach runs along this coast and, being grass covered in many places and strewn with rocks and boul- ders, would afford ample space for a considerable breeding colony of Eiders. The terrain is rough enough to provide good protection for the nest sites, despite the pressure on parts of the area by holiday-makers. Other sites Large flocks of females with ducklings off the low-lying rocky foreshore between Usan and Scurdie Ness indicate the presence of an Eider breeding colony, and N. K. Atkinson (pers. comm.) has found nests among the grassy, rocky areas close to the splash zone as well as further back in long grass. He has also reported nests further south in cliff-bound bays, several of which have grassy talus slopes, and because of their inaccessibility these probably support a relatively well protected breeding population. Groups of ducklings are a common sight off the high cliffs north of Arbroath at Red Head and the northern end of Car- lingheugh Bay where there are more inaccessible suitable 1974 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 167 nesting areas. The low-lying coast between East Haven and Elliot, south of Arbroath, also holds a breeding colony, and duckling flocks here are a common sight throughout the sum- mer months. Nests have been seen in dune areas and on arable land close to the shore (N. K. Atkinson pers. comm). At least one Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus has harried parties of female Eiders with chicks during the 1971/72 breeding seas- ons. Breeding success 1971 and 1972 The first young were seen in the last few days of May and the first days in June, but maximum numbers occurred later (table 1). The table also gives numbers of birds of the year Table 1. Eider duckling counts Maximum (unfledged) duckling Duckling & juv. Nos. Site counts 8th-llth August 1971 1972 1971 1972 Mains of Usan 26 (June 27) 30 (July 2) 20 25 Boddin 50 (Aug 10) 50 Red Head 52 (July 26) 32 West Haven 94 (July 27) 53 (Aug 3) 100 53 Buddon 5 (June 12) 0 Tentsmuir 33 (June 24) 60 (June 25) 0 30 Eden 220 (July 5) 1000 (June 25) 100 200 Kinkell 50 (July 25) 320 (July 11) 40 130 Fife Ness 20 (July 14) 10 Totals 550 1463 352 438 observed between 8th and 11th August, by which time most, but by no means all (especially in 1971), were fully fledged and relatively safe from predators. Duckling counts are very inaccurate, the density of the flocks making it difficult to esti- mate the numbers even from above and at moderately close range. The problems are greatest when counts are attempted from sea level at the most important sites in the Eden estuary or at St Andrews, where the presence of rock skerries adds to the difficulties. The moulting period The onset of body moult in the males was evident by the end of the first week in June when the dispersal from Tentsmuir began. This dispersal coincided with increased numbers of moulting males between West Haven and East Haven north of the Tay, in the Eden estuary, and off St Andrews Castle. The moulting birds kept out of the water as much as possible until about the middle of July, and little feeding was noticed during this period. The flocks moved offshore during the third week 168 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) in July with the approach of the flightless stage of the moult, and the results of counts indicated that a northward move- ment was taking place. For example, the maximum 1971 counts of moulting males off East Haven and Scurdie Ness oc- curred on 23rd June and 24th July respectively. Counts in Lunan Bay between these two sites were maximum during the second week of July in both 1971 and 1972, but the counts were inaccurate because of poor light and the possibility of confusing the, by now, very dark birds far offshore with flocks of Common Scoters Melanitta nigra. Further evidence of a northward movement was provided by the appearance of large numbers of moulting males between Johnshaven and Gourdon when numbers further south were decreasing (fig. 4). The Johnshaven flock numbered 2100 on 10th August 1971 and nearly 3000 on Ist August 1972. O JUNE JULY AUGUST Fig. 4. Numbers of male Eiders between Tentsmuir aud St Andrews.(A) and Johnshaven and Gourdon (B) : 197 The onset of moult in the females was pe more difficult to observe than in the males, and concentrations seen off Usan and St Andrews, although numbering several hundred birds, were nothing like as large as the concentrations of moulting males seen at Johnshaven. Male Eiders, many still in moult, made a sudden reappearance in the Tentsmuir Point area during the last week of August (fig. 3). During 1971 and 1972, the flock remained throughout the whole of September on the sandbanks off the eastern shore of the West Pool (fig. 2), especially in 1971, when this bank was larger and exposed at all but the highest tides. Accurate counts in 1971 showed that the flock remained constant in size until the arrival of an approximately equal number of females 1974 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 169 in early October, whereupon the numbers decreased to a typ- ical winter level of approximately 400 pairs. Large flocks of Eiders, mostly males, were carrying out the typical winter daily movement cycle in the estuary proper during late Sep- tember in 1971, ’72 and ’73, and these flocks appeared to be separate from the West Pool flock in 1971. This conclusion was less certain during 1972 and 1973 because of bad observ- ing conditions and the fact that the West Pool sandbank ap- peared to dry out for much shorter periods of the tidal cycle, with the result that there was some mixing of the West Pool and estuary flocks. Total numbers and breeding population The most reliable of the count data are grouped for compar- ison in table 2. Bearing in mind the many possible sources of error, the results in this table indicate the presence in the study area of approximately 3000 males. The high August numbers are complicated by a possible influx of males return- ing to the Tay region from areas outwith the study area, and the low female numbers might be the result of moulting flocks having been overlooked. The counts in table 2 include adult and juvenile birds. Adult and juvenile females could not be distinguished in the field, and while juvenile males are con- spicuous during the breeding period, they are difficult to pick out from the adults when in eclipse plumage. 4:0 2°0 MAY JUN JUL. AUG Fig. 5. Ratios of males to females in Eider flocks between Gourdon and Fife Ness. The count results when expressed as male:female ratios (fig. 5) are what one would expect of a breeding population, with an initial value of approximately 1:1, rising during the 170 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) Table 2. Eider counts from St Andrews, Fife, to Gourdon, Kincardineshire 22-29 9-20 28-31 5-7 April May May June 3 Q 3 2 3 Q 3 Q Tentsmuir 1971 2934 2066 ae ee a — 1589 300 Point to 1972 2700 1830 1830 1140 1084 293 — — West Pool 1973 2330 1700 a — — — — a 1971 = — —_ — — — — Earlshall 1972 53 45° °*'142 0° "185 90 — —_ 1973 = a — a — = Eden 1971 == — — a —_— — 449 302 estuary 1972 390 310 £170 40 450 120 — — i | 1973 478 508 — — a — — — 1971 — — = oes — — 110 39 St Andrews i972. , 2250. 180" 2t5 G7. 200 60 — — 1973 122 100 —_ —_ 7 — — — West 1971 one — a — = — 154 56 Haven 1972 50 50 — — 210 60 —_ —_ 1973 — —_— — — — —_ = —- Lunan 1971 — — a — — — 140 72 Bay to 1972 == — 182 112 — = — = Gourdon 1973 — — — — — — —_ —_ 1971 2934+ 2066+ — — _ — 2442 769 Totals 1972 3443 2415 2539 1359 2129 £623 —_— _ 1973 2930+ 2308+ breeding period when many females are out of sight on nests, falling to near 1:1 when the females reappear with young, and finally rising late in the season when the females move away to moult. [Females moult much later than males (Witherby et al. 1939).] ! According to Milne (1965), the return of Eiders from the Tay to the Forvie Reserve in Aberdeenshire is rapid and takes place during the second week in April, and there is evidence that the Forth flocks return even earlier (Pounder, 1971). Further, the Tay wintering population does not reach its maxi- mum until well into October, so it may be assumed that large concentrations of Eiders in the Tay estuary between May and September belong to a local breeding population. This is sup- 1974 ‘Tentsmuir Point to West Pool Earlshall Eden estuary St Andrews West Haven Lunan Bay to Gourdon Totals BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 171 1971 1972 1973 1971 1972 1973 1971 1972 1973 1971 1972 1973 1971 1972 1973 1971 1972 1973 1971 1972 1973 Table 2—continued 1420 2150 10-23 June 290 420 219 300 250 839 1780 2125 3229 24-30 June 550 790 348 209 150 240 112 106 1391 1945 275 5-9 11-14 July July e ro} 2 186 — _ _ 30 92 == 0 50 942 — — — 150 £930 210 — — — 100 230 166 —_-_ — — 200+200+ 161 == = — 2488 280 1665 = _ — 2968+1782+ jw ee eee ported by the changes in the male:female ratio illustrated in figs. 3 and 5. The sizes of the breeding population could be determined as follows. If daily counts of males and females were avail- able, the maximum number of females could be taken as the maximum number of males (M max) divided by the ratio (R) of males to females observed during early spring or winter, and the minimum number of Females (F min) would be a good estimate of the number of non-breeding females in the popula- tion. Thus the number of breeding females (F b) would be Fb M max R - Fmin 172 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) Table 2—continued 25-26 1-2 10-11 27-29 July August August August ‘o} 2 ‘e} S. re) 2 3 = Tentsmuir 1971 Q 143 = = 10 51 1240 70 Point to 1972 —_ — 0 50 — —_ _ _— West Pool 1973 =— — — = — = _ aT 1971 — — —_ eS = — Earlshall 1972 =— ae 0 0 — = =? = 1973 = — — — == aoe: Eden 1971 i23 522 — — 120 478 110 £120 estuary 1972 — = 60 570 = — —= —_ 1973 = — — — — = a 1971 470 595 — — 120 380 360 330 St Andrews 1972 — — 210 360 — _ = — 1973 = == — = == a. == Pe West 1971 150 £180 — — 120 £330 20 =180 Haven 1972 = — 170 £335 — = — — 1973 — — = — = —_ — ae Lunan 1971 1950 565 — — 2371 442 2303 £430 Bay to 1972 = — 3000 638 — “= — ze Gourdon 1973 = — — — — = =. Erbe 1971 2693 2005 = 2741 1681 4033 1130 Totals 1972 = — 3440 1953 — — _ — 1973 = — — — == = “ae eae Although daily counts are not available for this study, those obtained during 1971 for the Tentsmuir-St Andrews area are probably good enough to yield a meaningful estimate of Fb. The results are shown in table 3 which also includes some data for 1972. Unfortunately, accurate counts could not be made during the critical period in 1972 and the true minimum num- ber of females was probably missed. The value R=1.0 was taken because many counts of samples of the Tay Eider flocks in winter and early spring showed equal numbers of males and females. This value for R has also been assumed elsewhere, e.g. in Holland (Hoogerheide 1950, 1958). There are, however, two reasons for choosing R=1.3 as an alternative. Firstly, Holm-Joensen’s aerial survey of the Tay 1974 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 173 and Forth on 26th Oct 1971 showed that R=1.33 for a total of 2578 Eiders visible on air photographs (the individual values for the Tay and Forth were very similar). Secondly, the incub- ation period is between 26 days (Belpolskii 1961, Ahlen and Andersson 1970) and 28 days (Gross 1938, Pedersen 1962, p. 62), so the first observations of ducklings at the end of May indicate that most of the nesting activity might not have com- menced during the last week in April. Thus the counts in the first column of table 2 might be a true indication of the total numbers in the breeding population, and if so, indicate that R=1.27+0.06 (standard deviation). Table 3. Eider counts and calculations of breeding numbers from two assumed values of the overall male:female ratio Max. No. Males Min. No. Females No. of breeding Area (females Fb) (M max) (F min) 1971 R=1.0 R=1.3 Tentsmuir beaches 1589 (June 5) 158 (May 30) 1431 1064 Eden-Earlshall 449 (June 5) 67 (May 19) 382 279 St Andrews 100 (June 5) 39 (June 5) 61 38 Totals 2138 264 1874 1381 1972 Tentsmuir beaches 1420 (June 10) 290 (June 10) 1130 828 An order of magnitude check on the breeding population sizes shown in table 3 can be obtained as follows. The maxi- mum 1971 count of first-summer males between Tentsmuir and the Eden was 81. Although Heinroth (1928/31) states that Eiders are adult at two years old, Bent (1925, p. 87) considers that most do not breed until one year later. Thus the numbers of non-breeding males in the Tentsmuir-Eden area might have been approximately 160, a figure which is roughly comparable with the minimum female count in table 3. For 1971, table 3 indicates that the proportion of adult females was between 84% (R=1.3) and 88% (R=1.0). If we assume the same values for 1973, the number of breeding females can be estimated from the number of males counted on 24th April. For the Tentsmuir-Eden-St Andrews area, this number was 2930 so the breeding population in this area amounted to approximately 2578 (R=1.0) to 2461 (R=1.3). For the total breeding population in the study area, we can do little more than take a round figure of 3000 pairs, which from the data in table 2 appears to be the approximate number 174 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) of adult males present. A check can be made on this figure from some accurate counts of females along the Angus coast during 1972 (table 4). The figures indicate that there were at Table 4. Numbers of female Eiders along the Angus coast : 1972 11th June 13th June Ist July 2nd July Buddon Ness-Carnoustie 110 Carnoustie-Arbroath 684 Arbroath-Ethiehaven 198 Boddin-Scurdie Ness 250 Total = 1242 (Data from N. Atkinson) least 1242 adult females between the north shore of the Tay and the South Esk during the breeding period and this, with a breeding population in the Tentsmuir-Eden-St Andrews area similar to that in 1971, yields a total breeding population of approximately 3000 pairs. Discussion Despite the many sources of error, it is felt that the breed- ing population in the whole Tay area must be at least compar- able with the values calculated above. It is evident that the Tentsmuir-Earlshall colony has increased markedly from the 50 pairs reported by Grierson (1962) and, although equally spectacular increases have occurred elsewhere (e.g. Hooger- heide 1958), part of the success at Earlshall must have been due to the efforts of the keeper, Mr Skinner, to protect the colony after the ravages of the war years. There is ample space at Earlshall (fig. 2) to support a large breeding colony, especially as large protected areas are avail- able nearby on Leuchars airfield and in the forests. Although Eiders are well known to nest among trees, it is not known how many actually penetrate the densely wooded parts of Tentsmuir. However, the numbers are probably considerable, since nests are common in the few areas of dense scrub acces- sible to observers and through which Eiders probably make their way on foot. The breeding success of the Tay population is not known because of the difficulties encountered when estimating duck- ling flock sizes, but the loss of eggs and young at Earlshall must be high. The moor is attractive to avian predators, such as Carrion Crows and Great Black-backed Gulls Larus marinus, and to egg-collecting children. In addition to Eiders, it sup- ports many other breeding birds such as Black-headed Gulls L. ridibundus, Herring Gulls L. argentatus, Shelducks Tadorna 1974 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 175 tadorna, Curlews Numenius arquata and Lapwings Vanellus vanellus. Rabbits affected by myxomatosis are widespread. Duckling losses in the woods may be high due to the distance they must travel to the sea through dense undergrowth and uneven ground. Eider ducklings in Spitsbergen are relatively safe from predation when on the sea (Ahlen and Andersson 1970) and this appears to be the case on the Eden where they are only molested by Carrion Crows when on the mud flats at low tides. At St Andrews and West Haven adult females put up a vigorous defence against Herring Gulls (and a single Glau- cous Gull at West Haven), but at Red Head in Angus ducklings are only rarely molested by the Herring Gulls from a very large breeding colony on the cliffs. The effect of egg and duckling predation is indicated by the results in table 1, from which, assuming a Tentsmuir-Eden breeding population of 1800 pairs, it can be deduced that only one or two ducklings per 18 pairs have survived until the sec- ond week in August. If repeat clutches are common, and ac- cording to Ahlen and Andersson (1970) and Bent (1925) they probably are, the survival rate per egg laid must be very low indeed. Milne (1969) has reported a survival rate of usually less than 5% for the Forvie colony. It is interesting to compare the sizes of the breeding popula- tions computed above with the numbers of Eiders which winter in the Tay. The wintering flocks appear to contain ap- proximately 20,000 birds (Pounder 1971, Milne and Campbell 1973). Thus, if we assume that these include 3000 pairs from the Forvie colony in addition to the local breeding population of approximately 3000 pairs, a further 4000 pairs must be ac- counted for. It appears from the large numbers of Eiders win- tering in the Forth (Milne and Campbell 1973, Player 1971), that the Forth area is probably not the source of the excess birds, and neither is the Farnes area (Milne 1965), nor the con- tinental coast of Europe (Pounder 1971). The only reasonable possibility is that the Tay wintering numbers are made up of birds from local breeding populations scattered all along the east coast northwards of the study area. There is a dearth of information from which to estimate how long the large east coast breeding population has been established. However, there is no evidence that the Tay win- tering numbers have changed significantly during the past few decades. For example, Grierson (1962) reported a flock which must have numbered 20,000 in 1953, and Berry (1930) describ- ed a flock extending from Tayport to past Tentsmuir Point in numbers which were “vast [and] quite incalculable”. Moreover there is nothing in Berry’s account to suggest that this was in 176 BREEDING EIDERS IN TAY REGION 8(3) any way unusual. Since Eiders along the Scottish coasts appear to carry out only local migratory movements (Milne 1965), we may assume that these wintering numbers reflect the establish- ment of a very large east coast breeding population since at least the late 1920’s. Acknowledgments I would like to thank N. K. Atkinson for providing information on the breeding sites along the Angus coast, and M. Smith and J. F. P. Keddie for details of the flocks in the Tentsmuir area. Summary Observations and counts of Eiders along the east coast of Scotland between St Andrews and Gourdon are presented and interpreted in terms of the existence of a breeding colony of between 1500 and 1800 pairs in the Tentsmuir-St Andrews area, and of another approximately 1000 pairs scattered along the remainder of the coast. It is considered that colonies of this general size have been established in these areas since the late 1920’s at least. The results indicate a northerly movement of males during late summer to a moulting area between Johnshaven and Gourdon. References AHLEN, I. and ANDERSSoN, A. 1970. Breeding ecology of an Eider population on Spitsbergen. Ornis. Scand. 1: 835-106. ATKINSON-WILLES, G. L. 1963. Wildfowl in Great Britain. H.M.S.O. London. BaxTeR, E. V. & RINTOUL, L. J. 1953. The Birds of Scotland. Oliver & Boyd. Edin- burgh & London. BELPOL’sKII, L. O. 1961. Ecology of sea colony birds of the Barents sea. Jerusalem. Brent, A. C. 1925. Life Histories of North American Wild Fowl, Pt. II. Smithsonian Inst. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 150. Washington, and 1962 Dover. New York. BERRY, J. 1930. Notes on the movements of duck off Tentsmuir Point, Fife. Scot. Nat. 1930: 435-46. Berry, J. 1939. The Siatus and Distribution of Wild Geese and Wild Duck in Scot- land. C.U.P. Cambridge. FREEMAN, M. M. R. 1970. Observations on seasonal behaviour of the Hudson Bay Eider Somateria m. sedentaria. Can. Field Nat. 84: 145-153. GRIERSON, J. 1962. A checklist of the birds of Tentsmuir, Fife. Scot. Birds 2: 113- 164. Gross, A. O. 1958. Eider ducks of Kent Island. Auk 55(8): 387-400. HEINROTH, O. & M. 1928/51. Die Vogel Mitteleuropas. Band 3-4. HOOGFRHEIDE, C. 1950. De Eidereenden op Vlieland. Ardea. 57: 159-161 HOoGERHEIDE, J. & C. 1958. Het aantal Eidereenden bij Vlieland. Limosa 31: 151-155. MILNE, H. 1965. Seasonal movements and distributions of Eiders in Northeast Scot- land. Bird Study 12: 170-180. MILNE, H. 1969. Eider biology (report to B.O.U. Autumn Scientific Meeting). Ibis 111; 278. MILNE, H. & CAMPBELL, L. H. 1973. Wintering sea ducks off the east coast of Scot- land. Bird Study 20; 153-172. PEDERSEN, A. 1962. Polar Animals. London. PLAYER, P. V. 1971. Food and feeding habits of the Common Bider at Seafield, Edin- burgh, in winter. Wildfowl 22: 100-106. POUNDER, B. 1971. Wintering Eiders in the Tay estuary. Scot. Birds 6: 407-419. SALOMONSEN, F. 1950. The Birds of Greenland. Copenhagen. WITHERBY, H. F. et al. 1939. The Handbook of British Birds, Vol. 3. London. B. Pounder, 64 Forfar Road, Dundee, Angus. "u0IwWd °F wpyniM fiq ydovuboj0Y4d (6ST eased) sou UO JapIg aleWoy “el aLvId PLATE 14/15. The 1973 juvenile white Barnacle (page 184). The bird is flanked by its two normal parents, and the other juvenile in the family follows. Photograph by Al. Owen ie b ; 7 ‘ fy - © vd ’ = . Mi pgs “ en £ ¢ ‘ ~ AIDS “ « 4 * SH mae ee: The 1973 juvenile white Barnacle (page 184). The bird is flanked by S two normal parents, and the other juvenile in the family follows. Photograph by M, Owen : PLATE 16a. Pair of Barnacle Geese individually marked in Spitsbergen in July 1973, : on Eastpark farmland in October 1975 (page 185). PuaTe 16b. Barnacles feeding on fenced merse at Eastpark (page 185). Photographs by M. Owen. Yj; YY Yy Yj I W Yj YY iffy Y ee 1974 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 181 Recent studies on Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock MYRFYN OWEN and C. R. G. CAMPBELL (Plates 14-16) Introduction A National Nature Reserve was established at Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, in 1957 following the total protection given to Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis on the mainland of Great Britain by the Protection of Birds Act (1954). Goose numbers had been down to only a few hundred in the late 1940’s but recovered in the 1950’s and were at 1000 when the reserve was established (Roberts 1966). The main aim of the Nature Conservancy was to provide a sanctuary for the Barnacle Goose so that persistent disturbance and shooting would no longer have a critical effect on the population. As a result of protection and the creation of the reserve the population thrived, until in 1964 J. G. Harrison and J. Ruxton counted between 4000 and 4500 Barnacles on Rockcliffe Marsh, Cum- berland. In 1970 the Wildfowl Trust took over the tenancy of East- park Farm with the aim of modifying the management of both the sanctuary (600 acres of which is part of Eastpark Farm) and some 235 acres of arable farmland in favour of the geese. Thus the Trust’s aims, while encompassing the Nature Con- servancy’s sanctuary provision, also included ensuring an increase in the supply of food available to the geese and there- by increasing their usage of Eastpark Refuge. A long-term research programme into the requirements and _ general ecology of these geese was started in 1970, the first four years of which were financed by a grant from the Natural Environ- ment Research Council. This paper describes the movements, numbers and breeding performance of the geese during four seasons of study and discusses the future prospects of the population. Details of the history of the reserve and of recent Wildfowl Trust developments can be found in Harrison (1974). Goose numbers Barnacle Geese Throughout the four seasons the numbers and distribution of geese in the Caerlaverock area were asses- sed on at least five days of every week. Table 1 shows the pattern of arrival and the maximum flock size in the four seasons, compared with those of earlier years (Roberts 1966). The date of first arrival is remarkably constant, though in the 182 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 8(3) first two years the flock was completed much later than usual. In 1970 and 1971 it is possible that the remainder of the flock was present elsewhere in the Solway. R. H. Kerbes reported 2500-3000 on Rockcliffe on 16th November 1970, while the maximum seen at Eastpark up to this date was 2300, but the total of 3200 was not recorded from any site until 25th Nov- ember. Although maximum numbers showed wide annual fluctuations in the 1960’s, a steady increase has been recorded since 1970. Table 1. Numbers and arrival dates of Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock Date maximum Maximum First arrival first recorded count 1957-65 29th Sept* 17th Oct* 3700 (1965) 1970 30th Sept 25th Nov] 3200 1971 28th Sept 11th Nov{ 3700 1972 27th Sept 15th Oct 4400 1973 20th Sept 15th Oct 5100 Data for 1957-65 from Roberts (1966). *Mean date over 9 years {It is possible that the remainder of the birds were elsewhere on the Solway before this The increase in numbers has been reflected in greater use of the Caerlaverock area (mainly Eastpark Refuge) as shown in Table 2. Thus the amount of goose-days spent at Caerlav- erock has more than doubled since 1969/70, and the proportion of time the geese spend there in preference to other Solway sites has also increased. Unfortunately, data collected in the 1960’s are not suitable for similar treatment, but the pattern of Caerlaverock usage has been similar to that in 1969/70 and 1970/71 (Roberts 1966). The number of days on which geese can be seen at Caerlaverock, an important consideration in the recreational value of the refuge, has also increased in the last two seasons, while the length of the Solway season is unchanged. When not at Caerlaverock the Barnacles have usually been found at one of two other main haunts: Rockcliffe Marsh in Cumberland; and farmland near Southerness Point, mainly in the Preston and Merse-head area, some ten miles southwest of Eastpark. Usually the Southerness area holds fewer than 1000 geese at a time, while the whole flock may remain at Rockcliffe for an extended period, particularly after the end of the shooting season. Pink-footed Geese Anser brachyrhynchus use the refuge in large numbers (up to 5000 on Eastpark Merse) mainly after BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 183 1974 “CIL6I 3uNn0ZX ‘OLET Seqsey) Perandz0 Ajjus1edde osesn ABMIOS UI SoIqI -aBindai AjsnoiAeid ysnoyiye Apnis jJuaseid au} sulinp suoise900 Aueu UO Os 9q 0} UMOYS UsdEq Sey SIYI, “ABMJOS OY} UL oJaYMeST[a oe YOOIOARTIBvD ye Uses JOU Sp1Iq [BAI Jey} 101Je@ yey} SoUINssy, ‘uosvas JO sUIUUIseq JOJ SoyeUl}so OpNfoul SJeyowiq Ul Saimsiq “(‘WIUIOD ‘sisd pue OLGT) SeqIoy WOIJ 918 OL/6961 IO} eleq OS L8 096 GGG O87 Of&be c6T bL/SL6l 8S vL OVL LGG OEP 00S¢ 691 EL/ZL61 OF 19 089 GGG GLE 000¢ Gel cL/IL61 0€ VL O€G I1¢ €81 00cT LST 1L/0L61 (061) 0091 (O€T) 02/6961 sAep quesoid (spuesnoy)) yuaseid (spuesnoy) qussoid -dS005 seq xSABp-dS00H sAeqg SABP-9S00D ‘ON BSRIDAY sheq ABM]OS % se ABMjOS YIOIDAL]19V_ YOOIVABLIVeD PL/EL6I 9102/6961 ‘esee5 opovureg Aq ABMjOS 24} pue voir YIOIBAV]AVVD 9Y} JO asf °Z BquyL 184 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 8(3) the shooting season, though up to 1500 were present on East- park stubbles in autumn 1973. Small numbers are usually present throughout the winter. Greylag Geese Anser anser regularly visit the refuge but the highest number was only 72 (in 1972-73). Among other species are a single Light-bellied Brent Branta bernicla hrota which has accompanied the Barnacles in the four seasons, and two Greenland Whitefronts Anser albifrons flavirostris seen with Pinkfeet in 1971/72. A single Lesser Snow Goose Anser c. caerulescens has been seen in three of the four winters. White Barnacles An almost pure white Barnacle Goose was first recorded in the Solway flock by Peter Scott in 1930. Two were seen in the following winter, but as Barnacles were then legally shot these birds quickly disappeared from the popula- tion. Another was present in 1963/64, 1964/65 and in Novem- ber 1965 (Harrison 1967). One white goose was Seen in 1970, and two in 1971/72. There were four in autumn 1972, and two of these were ascertained by their behaviour to be juveniles in a family of two normal adults and one normal juvenile. One of these four was not seen after 20th November 1972 and, as the total number of birds remained the same, it was assumed to have died. In 1973 four white Barnacles appeared, and we found that one of these was again a juvenile, with normal parents and a normal sibling (Plate 14/15). All four are indiv- idually recognisable (the two 1972 siblings were ringed in 1973), and we watch their progress with interest. It is possible that all the white birds seen recently have been produced by one pair. Barnacle feeding ecology The use of merseland and arable grassland by the geese is shown in table 3. The pattern of usage has shown a high degree of annual variability in the use of farmland. The geese Table 3. Use of merse and arable habitats by Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock Merse Eastpark Other All arable arable arable 1957/65 69.5 30.5 1969/70 80 20 1970/71 42.1 44.3 13.6 57.6 1971/72 31.6 51.1 17.3 68.3 1972/73 70.7 16.4 12.9 29.3 1973/74 37.5 51.7 10.8 62.5 All figures are percentages 1957-65 from Roberts (1966) 1969/70 from Kerbes (1970) 1974 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 185 have tended to use the sanctuary merse first, before resorting to arable fields, but in 1973/74 the sequence was reversed, the birds concentrating their feeding on Eastpark farmland until January. The reasons for the changes are not clear, but food shortage, heavy frosting and tidal flooding will cause moves from merseland, while disturbance on farmland (pro- bably at its lowest ever on Eastpark in 1973/74) determines the extent to which it is used. The main farmland feeding has always been on Eastpark. While on Eastpark merse Barnacles spend most of their time on the inner, fenced area of some 225 acres which is heavily grazed in summer by cattle and sheep (Plate 16b). The eastern end of the sanctuary comprises about 240 acres grazed only by sheep. On this east merse the geese tend to use those areas, usually around the margin, which are grazed most heavily in summer. The remaining area, consisting of little grazed, lower riverside terraces and new merse, is occasion- ally used. Here the geese much prefer the newly established areas, feeding on saltmarsh grass Puccinellia maritima. Outside Caerlaverock, most of the Barnacles’ time is spent on Rockcliffe Marsh, which is rather similar in vegetation to the Caerlaverock merses, though not as heavily grazed. Here Barnacles normally use the most recently colonised outer areas of the marsh and are frequently found on the newly established Puccinellia areas on the western tip and on the north side. It was found in 1970 that a large proportion of Barnacles’ food on merseland consisted of clover Trifolium repens stolons —storage stems which run along the soil surface—(Owen and Kerbes 1971). As the geese eat the only part of this plant which survives the winter, it was important to find what effect the geese had on summer clover stocks and on their own food supply in the following season. The stolon stock on the fenced (heavily stock grazed) merse was assessed on three occasions in each season, in late September, late April and in June. The number of clover leaves was counted in 220 to 230 quadrats, along twelve transects placed at 200 metre intervals along the length of the merse, and stolon length and weight were related to the number of leaves. The relationship between leaves and stolons is very close (correlation coefficient (r) usually greater than 0.9), and so leaf counts give fairly accu- rate indications of stolon stock. The results of these surveys are shown in fig. 1, where the quantity of stolons is expressed as a percentage of that in September 1971. At this time there were an estimated 130 tons fresh weight (about 35,000 miles) of stolons on the 225 acres of fenced merse. The results show a drastic decrease 186 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 8(3) 100 SEPTEMBER 1971 ‘ ho S EN ee SEP APR JUN SEP APR JUN SEP APR 197] 1972 1973 1974 Fie. 1. Clover stocks on the 225 acre fenced Eastpark merse, at eight times between 1971 and 1974. Amounts at other times expressed as percentage of September 1971, when total standing crop was 130 tons fresh weight. in stolons over each winter, which is partly due to natural die-off but mainly due to the activities of the geese. The plant recovers well during summer, but there has been an overall decrease in September food supply during the three years. In April 1973, after heavy usage by large numbers of geese, the clover stock was particularly low (12% of 1971) but following increased usage of farmland by the geese in 1973/74 the 1974 April stock reached 25% of the September 1971 level. It appears therefore that the Barnacles have some effect on their food supply for the following seasons, but the good recovery capacity of clover has prevented this effect from being too drastic in the seasons studied. The diet of Barnacle Geese on merseland has been the sub- ject of intensive study. The main method has been the collec- tion and analysis of droppings, as described in Owen and Kerbes (1971). While on the merse, the geese increase their feeding on stolons during October, when they also take grasses and other plant leaves. Their diet consists of up to 90% stolons in November and December, but when stocks are depleted in January the geese eat an increasing quantity of grasses and move to new areas. When they find unexploited clover, as for example on Powhillon merse, adjacent to the refuge, after the shooting season, or on Rockcliffe, they may again feed heavily on stolons. On the whole, while on Caerlaverock merseland, a 60% of the Barnacles’ diet has been found to be clover stolons. 1974 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 187 When on farmland Barnacles eat grass leaves almost ex- clusively, although when they use stubbles which have not been undersown with grass, they will take a proportion of spilled grain. This is, however, a very small part of their over- all diet. Habitat management The Wildfowl Trust are the tenants of Eastpark Farm but sublet the grazing to a local farmer, who manages the agricul- ture of the farm. As a result of our research work we have been able to recommend changes in the management of the refuge, which we are implementing in co-operation with the farmer. Our main aim on the merseland is to increase the quantity of stolons available. Fig. 2 shows the relationship between grass height and clover abundance on a relatively little-grazed part of the merse. This shows that clover growth is much in- fluenced by the amount of summer grazing, which controls the height of the grass. In fact, in the 240 acres of merse at the eastern end the amount of clover per unit area is only one seventh of that found in the heavily grazed, fenced area. We 3 80 Raised ae iti 8 AG — (not ; ting 8 g Bae Wl. vr ee vps vk Ovi os cate 2 ig ae 3 = a ioe I AO ; / me 3 10 es = c \o-’ Shi? 2 = ) O ‘Fie. 2. Number of clover leaves per 120 metre quadrat along a typ- ical transect across the unfenced eastern end of Eastpark merse, and the height of vegetation at the same sites, September 1972. In order to even out irregularities, figures are running-means of five succes- sive quadrats. From Owen (1973). are therefore encouraging the grazier to increase his stocking of the merse. In 1974 an additional 90 acres of the east merse was included in the fenced area. Disturbance by stock feeding and shepherding activities has been much reduced during the goose season, and this has allowed the geese to feed over most of the merse undisturbed. It is hoped that further re- ductions in disturbance can be made in future. 188 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 8(3) The first aim of management on the farmland has been to ensure that grass is available on all fields in winter. Cereals are limited to a maximum of 40 acres, about one-fifth of the arable area, and all cereals are undersown with grass. Barnacle Geese were found to be reluctant to use undersown stubbles because the straw had been left long (c. 9 inches) and they found difficulty in grazing amongst it. Stubble straw was cut low after harvesting in 1973, and the geese then freely grazed on the undersown grass. It was found that the presence of cattle on fields deterred the geese, and in 1972 a covered stock-wintering area was built at the farm. Farm stock are no longer on the arable fields after mid November. The grassland at Eastpark was in poor condition in 1970, and the farmer is now being encouraged to increase soil fer- tility. As most geese prefer newly sown nutritious grasses to the old swards, fields are gradually being reseeded by sowing grass under cereals. It is hoped that by these practices and continued improve- ments in the quality of grazing at Eastpark, the geese can be assured of a reserve food supply when conditions are unsuit- able for merse feeding. At the same time the arable farmland is maintained in full agricultural production, and the value of the land for farming is being improved. Individual marking of geese The research programme has been expanded to include in- dividual marking of Barnacles. Attempts were made to catch geese by rocket-netting in 1973 and 1974, but, mainly because of our own restrictions on disturbance, these attempts were unsuccessful. Goose catching was possible, however, in sum- mer 1973 when an expedition visited the breeding grounds in Spitsbergen (Jackson, Ogilvie and Owen 1974). Some 1460 geese were seen, and 416 were caught for ringing. Of these, the 350 adults were marked with individually coded plastic rings as well as with the usual monel rings. The code consists of three black letters on a yellow ground, and can be read at up to 300 metres in ideal conditions (Plate 16a). When the flock returned to Caerlaverock in 1973 one in every 15 birds was individually recognisable. Data were col- lected on the family and flock relationships of these birds throughout the winter, and by the end of the season no fewer than 329 (94%) of geese marked with plastic rings in Spits- bergen had been seen. In addition, 31 of 66 goslings, marked with monel rings only, were seen. Individually marked geese will be used in future to intensify study of aspects of family and flock behaviour and feeding behaviour. 1974 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 189 Future prospects for the population The dynamics of this goose population have been the sub- ject of much speculation (Boyd 1964, Roberts 1966, Kerbes 1970, Young 1971), mainly because of the difficulty of count- ing the whole population. Nearly all the evidence from ringing before 1973 has indicated that the population is a closed Spits- bergen-Solway one. More than 800 birds were ringed at the breeding grounds between 1962 and 1964, and 316 caught with rocket nets at Caerlaverock in February 1963. Many birds ringed in Spitsbergen were retrapped at Caerlaverock and vice versa (94 of the 316 caught at Caerlaverock bore Spits- bergen rings). The vast majority of recoveries have been either from the Solway or from Spitsbergen, with birds ringed at Caerlaverock having been recovered at all parts of the known Spitsbergen breeding range. There has also been a scattering of recoveries from northern Britain and elsewhere along the migration route, two from Denmark and one each from France and Ireland. Thus, despite intensive ringing (at one time about a third of the population was carrying rings) there is no evi- dence from this source to suggest that the population is other than a Solway-Spitsbergen one. The validity of this argument has been brought into ques- tion by information from winter counts, particularly from occasional high counts that are difficult to explain. For ex- ample, in March 1964 J. G. Harrison and J. Ruxton counted 4000-4500 on Rockcliffe Marsh, including a leucistic bird which had not been seen at Caerlaverock. In the autumn of 1964, however, several counts indicated that the total Solway population was no more than 2900 birds. As breeding success was poor, with about 200 juveniles, only about 2600 of the 1963/64 population had returned, giving a mortality of be- tween 35% and 42%, which would be high for such a protected population. More recently in 1969/70 J. Young and R. H. Ker- bes separately counted 4000 geese at Caerlaverock. However, in the following winter the Solway population was repeatedly assessed at only 3200 birds. Moreover there were 47% juveniles following the successful 1970 breeding season: thus only 1700 of the original 4000 had returned, giving a mortality of 67%, which again seems most unlikely. Various explanations have been put forward for these fluc- tuations, as summarised by Young (1971): (a) Part of the population may winter elsewhere, perhaps staying in Norway and only reaching the Solway in some years, possibly because of adverse weather conditions. This is an attractive explanation, as there are numerous small un- inhabited islands off the Norwegian coasts where the birds might winter unseen. However, weather records from the 190 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 8(3) coast of southwest Norway show that the ground is covered by snow for over two thirds of February in most years (24 days in February 1970, when few birds were seen on the Sol- way). Some of the islands may be kept snow-free by wind, but average air temperatures of much less than zero (February 1970 —5°C) would make conditions unsuitable for geese, which are reluctant to feed on frozen vegetation. (b) Part of the population may winter undetected elsewhere in Britain or Ireland. This is unlikely, since large numbers of geese are involved (over 2000 in 1970) which would surely be detected even if they joined several other flocks. There are not many sites capable of supporting even a few hundred Barnacle Geese that are not regularly visited by wildfowl counters. (c) Birds from the Greenland stock may occasionally move into the Solway, perhaps en route to Ireland. It is likely that the large numbers of Barnacles recorded at the turn of the century were not of Spitsbergen stock, but, although about 1700 birds had been fitted with plastic collars in Greenland in 1961 and 1963 (about 10% of the population at that time), there is only one recent record of a Greenland bird at Caerlaverock. All the information from ringing (not least the 1973/74 evi- dence) indicates that only Spitsbergen breeding birds winter regularly in the Solway. Since 1970 numbers have been consistent with the theory that the population is closed. The population structure and mortality in the years of study are shown in table 4. Early in Table 4. Population structure and mortality of Spitsbergen/Solway Barnacle Geese 1970-73 Avera Successful Failed Estimated % juvs. hile Total breeding No. non- mortality size flock pairs juvs. breeders %* 1970 47.2) 3.0] 3200 500 1510 690 1971 15.0 1.8 3700 310 560 2520 at i 1972 26.0 Ie 4400 600 1140 2060 12.0 1973 21.0 1.6 5100 670 1070 2690 8.4 *Mortality rate of birds from one October to the next. {From Young 1971 the season juveniles are easily distinguished by their brownish backs and ill defined edging to the black on the head and neck, and about 20% of the population was aged each year (usually in October). As birds of the year stay with their parents, the brood size can also be ascertained. The number of successful breeding pairs is the number of juveniles divided by the aver- age brood size. The remaining members of the flock are neither 1974 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 191 juveniles nor have they bred successfully and so come into the ‘failed/non-breeders’ category. In good breeding seasons these are mainly two-year-old geese. This analysis shows that the increase in numbers can be accounted for solely by re- cruitment through breeding and that mortality has been low, as would be expected for a population which is protected over the whole of its range. It seems unlikely on this evidence that a consistent sub-population is wintering elsewhere. No large influxes have been detected during this study, and the maxi- mum recorded has remained constant through each season. There remains the mystery of greatly fluctuating numbers in the past, and the failure of the population to expand despite recruitment through breeding in the sixties. One possibility which has not been given serious consideration is that these high mortality rates have in fact occurred. In recent years the geese have used offshore islands for breeding and moulting to a great extent (Norderhaug 1970). The 1973 expedition found that these islands were rocky and supported little vegetation, and so conditions through the moult must have been difficult. The geese are kept away from the mainland by human activity and perhaps because of foxes. It is possible that birds that arrive at the breeding grounds in poor condition do not survive the moult or die on autumn migration. It may be significant that the major apparent mortalities occurred in years when the population was high—over 4000 individuals. There may be a social controlling mechanism that results in non-breeders being affected more than breeders. For example, in 1970 a loss of 2000 non-breeders in summer would account for the drop in population and also for the exceptionally high proportion of young birds in the following winter. If these occasional high mortalities have been real and the result of food shortages at the critical moulting period, why did a similar crash not occur in 1973, when the population was at a record level of 4400? There are two possible explana- tions: (a) conditions on the breeding grounds may have im- proved in recent years; (b) winter conditions may have improved so that all birds return to the breeding grounds in sufficiently good condition to sustain them through the moult, whatever the summer food supply. It is known that springs and summers have been excep- tionally mild in Spitsbergen over the last few years, and this has been reflected in the consistently good breeding perfor- mance of the geese. (The 1971 breeding success appears de- pressed because nearly half the returning birds were only one year old and thus unable to breed.) Conditions have also been easier for the geese in the last few winters, which have been especially mild. Improved man- 192 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 8(3) agement of Eastpark Refuge must also have had an effect, particularly the availability of undisturbed farmland feeding when conditions on the merse were unsuitable or clover stocks were depleted. Thus in the last two years in particular, the majority of the geese have been able to remain at Caerlaverock until after the shooting season, when other areas become much less disturbed. A combination of these factors might have contributed to the apparent change in the fortunes of the Solway population, although the mysteries of previous irregularities will perhaps never be fully explained. If the present trend continues, could the increased numbers be accommodated without undue conflict with agricultural interests? We believe that improved management of Eastpark, which has been successful both in attracting the geese and in reducing their use of neighbouring farmland, will continue to provide increased grazing for the Barnacles. The inclusion of an additional 90 acres previously hardly used by geese in the fenced merse could result in an increase in the carrying capa- city of the merse of 130,000 goose days (or 1000 geese for four months) if its quality can be brought up to that of the present fenced area. The stricter control of shooting and the reduction of disturbance at other haunts, notably Rockcliffe, should also help to improve the availability of winter feeding. If our explanation of the behaviour of the population and prediction for the future are correct, we could see many more Barnacles on the Solway in the next few years. On the other hand, conditions on the breeding grounds or other hitherto unknown factors might intervene and again reduce the pop- ulation to 3000-4000 birds. We shall continue our studies in the hope that in future we can predict the future prospects of this population. more accurately and make more informed guesses about the factors that influenced its numbers in the past. Postscript By the end of October 1974, 5,500 geese had been counted at Caerlaverock. Although only two white birds were present, this is believed to be the total population. 1974 was a mod- erate breeding season (about 15% young), and the annual mortality was 8-9%. Although conditions were not entirely favourable for reading rings, over 50% of the 1973-ringed geese had been identified by the end of October. These inclu- ded 3 birds not seen in 1973-74. Acknowledgments We are grateful to L. Colley, who assisted in most of the field work during the study. We profited from valuable discus- sion, especially with H. Boyd and E. L. Roberts about the 1974 BARNACLE GEESE AT CAERLAVEROCK 193 habits of these geese. The work was supported by a grant from the Natural Environment Research Council. Prof G. V. T. Matthews and M. A. Ogilvie made useful criticism of the manu- script. Summary The numbers, distribution and feeding movements of Barnacle Geese at Eastpark Wildfowl] Refuge, Caerlaverock, over four seasons 1970/71 to 1973/74 are described. Arrival dates are remarkably constant, but the date when the flock was completed was much later in some years. Overall numbers increased from 3200 in 1970 to 5100 in 1973, a post-War record. The use of the Caerlaverock area by the geese has doubled in the last four years, and the proportion of time they spend there in preference to other Solway haunts has increased While at Caerlaverock the geese use merseland and farmland for feed- ing. The proportion of each varies annually, probably in relation to food availability and disturbance. While on merseland their main diet is clover stolons, especially in midwinter. April clover stocks are only 20% of the September values after heavy grazing by the geese, but the plant almost fully recovers before the next September. Management of the Eastpark Refuge is aimed at improving food stocks on the merse and providing reserve feeding grounds on adjacent farm- land, while maintaining the farm in full agricultural production. The past numbers and breeding performance of the geese are discussed, and compared with those during this study. The behaviour of the popula- tion is at present consistent with the theory that it is a closed Solway- Spitsbergen population, and mortality is low, between 2% and 12% per annum. It is suggested that large fluctuations in the past may have been due to high mortality during the moult. More favourable breeding and wintering conditions in the last few years may have enabled this mor- tality to be reduced or eliminated and may have allowed an increase in population size. This increase could continue unless breeding or moulting conditions again become unfavourable. References Boyp, H. 1964. The number of Barnacle Geese in the Spitsbergen/Solway population in 1964. Wildfowl Trust. Harrison, J. G. 1967. A Wealth of Wildfowl. London. Harrison, J. G. (Ed) 1974. Caerlaverock: Conservation and Wildfowling in action. W.A.G.B.I. JACKSON, E. E., OGILVIE, M. A. and OwEN, M. 1974. The Wildfowl Trust Expedition to Spitsbergen 1973. Wildfowl in press. KEeRBES, R. H. 1970. Preliminary report on Barnacle Geese of the Solway Firth. Unpublished report to the Nature Conservancy. NORDERHAUG, M. 1970. The present status of the Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis in Svalbard. Norsk Polarinstitutt Arbok 1968: 24-35. OwEN, M. 1973 The management of grassland areas for wintering geese. Wildfowl 24: 1235-130. OweEN, M. and KERBES, R. H. 1971. On the autumn food of Barnacle Geese at Caer- laverock National Nature Reserve. Wildfowl 22: 114-119. RoBerts, E. L. 1966. Movements and flock behaviour of Barnacle Geese on the Sol- way Firth. Wildfowl Trust 17th Ann. Rep.: 36-45. Youne, J. G. 1971. Breeding success of Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve 1958-1970. Unpublished report to the Nature Conservancy. Dr Myrfyn Owen, The Wildfowl Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. C.R. G. Campbell, Eastpark Wildfowl Refuge, Caerlaverock, Dumfries. 194 SHORT NOTES 8(3) Short Notes Early nesting Merlins in Galloway On 5th May 1974 RCD found a complete clutch of five Mer- lins’ eggs in Galloway, and on 11th June ADW found a Merlins’ nest about 5 miles (8 kms) to the southwest, containing four small young about two to four days old. ADW has three other records from previous years in which clutches have been com- plete between 3rd and 5th May. According to Brown and Amadon (1968 Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World) Mer- lins’ eggs are normally laid every two days and sometimes over a longer period. If this is the norm, the first eggs of four of these clutches would have been laid during or before the last week of April. Dunlop (1912 Brit. Birds, 5: 322-327) in a paper on incub- ation gives the first egg of a clutch being laid on 3rd May, but Hendy (1943 Somerset Birds) considered that the first egg on the 8th May was a “rather early date” for laying on Exmoor. The Handbook states that breeding begins early in May and most birds have laid by the last week of that month. Banner- man (1956 The Birds of the British Isles Vol. V) considered that the first week of May, or a more usual date of 11th or 12th May, in southern England would be an early date for laying in Scotland. He points out that Richard Paton did not find eggs in Ayrshire before the fourth week of May. R. C. DICKSON, A. D. WATSON. Early nesting Tawny Owls in Aberdeen On 6th March 1974 a Tawny Owls’ nest was found at Mas- trick, Aberdeen, in a hollow tree trunk. It contained five well- grown young of which the oldest was estimated to be three weeks old. Working this back shows that the eggs must have been laid during the mild spell in mid January. All five young were successfully reared although two were later found dead in April. On 11th April a photograph appeared in the Evening Express of an adult with a well-grown young one (about four weeks old). This bird must have laid at the latest in mid February. This second site was only about 250 metres from the first. The size or success of the brood was not known. According to The Handbook, Tawny Owls usually lay from March to June and occasionally in February. For two birds to lay so early would therefore appear to be unusual—especially so far north. ROBERT L. SWANN, ROBERT RAE. 1974 SHORT NOTES 195 Nightingale of eastern subspecies on Fair Isle A Nightingale found dead on Fair Isle by G. J. Barnes on 30th October 1971 was examined by I. S. Robertson, Dr B. Marshall and myself and appeared to have the characteristics of the eastern race Luscinia megarhynchos hafizi. The identi- fication was later confirmed by D. Goodwin of the British Museum. The bird was freshly dead but in a sorry state, with a num- ber of feathers missing and others matted. It was nonetheless possible to make a comprehensive description; the salient features were: wing formula close to Nightingale; general plumage and size similar to Thrush Nightingale Luscinia lus- cinia except that the pale greyish tips to coverts were very prominent; the tail was noticeably long. The description agreed closely with that of a bird trapped at Sharjah in the Trucial States on 13th April 1971 (B. Etheridge, pers. comm.). A comparison of its dimensions with those of other nightingales examined at Fair Isle is given in the table below. Dimensional comparison of nightingales ringed on Fair Isle Wing Bill Tarsus Tail Weight No. mm mm mm mm gm examined L. m. megarhynchos 78-83.5 16-18 26-29 63-68 18.0-21.3 10 L. luscinia 86-94 13.5-18 26.5-30 63-70 19.7-24.5 8 L. m. hafizi 93 17.5 28.5 82 19.7 1 This is the first autumn record of a Nightingale on Fair Isle. R. A. BROAD. (This is the first British record of this subspecies, which breeds in Soviet Central Asia and winters in East Africa*. A similar bird, trapped at Ottenby in Sweden in the autumn of 1964, was the first European record;.—ED.) *VAURIE, C. 1959. The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna and DEMENTIEV, G. P., GLADKOV, N. A. et al. 1954. Birds of the Soviet Union. 7SvENSson, L. 1970. Forsta fyndet av sydnaktergal i Sverige gallde ostligaste rasen Luscinia megarhynchos hafizi (Sev.). Var Fagelvarild 29, 67-71. Reviews The Coastline of Scotland. By J. A. Steers. Cambridge University Press, 1973. Pp xvi + 335; 32 black-and-white plates, 68 text figures and maps, pull-out map. 24 x 16 cm. £10.50, This book gives a general description of each part of the Scottish coast from the point of view of the geomorphologist. The factors lead- ing to the present coastal land-forms are described, as far as they are known. Unfortunately, the Scottish coastline is a more difficult subject than that of England and Wales and has been less well studied, so 196 REVIEWS 8(3) those who expect this book to be comparable with Professor Steers’ earlier volume on the southern half of Britain will be disappointed. Furthermore, those who wish to learn about the fundamental processes of coastal geomorphology will have to turn to that earlier volume, since the general chapters on these topics have been omitted from the Scottish book. This is perhaps a good thing: the book is outrageously expensive as it is—about 3p per page. The ornithologist will find little of direct interest here. Even botany is rarely mentioned. Nevertheless, anyone who enjoys coastal bird watching will surely find his enjoyment enhanced by the information which is presented. In future, I shall not venture to an unfamiliar part of the coast without consulting it. J. J. D. GREENWOOD. The Cairngorms. By Desmond Nethersole-Thompson and Adam Watson. London, Collins, 1974. Pp 286; 7 colour and 36 black-and-white plates, 10 text figures, 4 tables, 7 distribution maps, end-paper maps. 22 x 144 cm. £3.50. From either author this would have been an excellent book. Together they have made it outstanding. In The Cairngorms two very different styles of writing from Desmond Nethersole-lhompson and Adam Wat- son have been successfully blended to give a wide based, authoritative account of the whole environment and its natura] history. The region dealt with is larger than the title suggests, covering not only the Cairn- gorm Plateau but also large parts of Speyside, Deeside and the eastern Grampians. Considerable bias is evident in the cover of different topics, partic- ularly birds, reflecting to an extent the research interests of the authors, but there are also chapters on human history, the old and new generations of naturalists, ‘lower vertebrates’, mammals, sport, conser- vation and the future. D. A. Ratcliffe has contributed a detailed de- scription of the exciting flora of the region and, following a trend of increasing appendicisation in some recent books, there is a staggering 24% of the text in this form. The bulk is made up of expert accounts of specific topics: Geology by G. S. Johnstone, Landforms by D. E. Sug- den, Soils by R. E. F. Heslop and Climate and Weather by F. H. W. Green. Between them these authors have given a comprehensive survey of the physical background to the Cairngorms. Appendix 2, by Colin Welch, presents an up-to-date review of the invertebrate zoology and particularly the entomolgy of the region. Minor appendices list breed- ing birds, Gaelic place-names and show the ranges of eight species of birds and mammals. The quality of the plates is high, although it is slightly disappointing to see some of the bird photographs yet again. A certain amount of repetition of subject matter covered superficially by Darling and Boyd in The Highlands and Islands and in detail by Nethersole-Thompson in his other books has been inevitable, but despite this The Cairngorms fills a previously vacant niche as a superb descriptive text of this unique region. In addition, it carries an im- portant message, warning that if the pressures on the hills are not reg- ulated soon the Cairngorms as we know them will be rapidly destroyed. Considering the overall quality of the book any criticisms pale into insignificance. Probably the worst error is the omission of Linnet from the list of breeding birds! Anyone with an interest in the Highlands will find this book compelling reading, and by present standards, not overpriced. ALAN G. KNOX. ——— —— nn 1974 REVIEWS 197 Fair Isle Bird Observatory: Report for 1973. Edited by George Water- ston. Edinburgh, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust. Pp 76, 3 black- and-white photographs, numerous line drawings and maps; 22 x 14 cm. 50p. The name Fair Isle can be guaranteed to generate a feeling of ex- citement in any bird-watcher and the annual Report must be looked forward to by many, anxious to learn what latest vagrants have found its shores. These people will not be disappointed : 1973 produced a crop of rare birds in mid September which even Fair Isle had not equalled previously. On the 16th a total of 93 species was recorded. Outstanding records for the year were White’s Thrush, caught and ringed on Sep- tember 24th, the first ringed in Britain; Lanceolated Warbler on September 22nd, the second in successive years; and the first dowitcher and White- winged Tern for the island. So many rarities turn up at Fair Isle that it seems a pity not to find first-hand field descriptions in the Report. The inclusion of these would surely enhance its value. It is also surprising that there is no list of names of observers. The bird list ig interspersed with Richard Richardson’s delightful vignettes illus- trating some of the species. After ‘Contents’, List of Officers of the Observatory and Foreword by the Chairman comes the Treasurer’s Report. Perhaps it is reassuring to know at the outset that the Observatory is in a sound financial state but one feels that the reader will be more interested in the bird news and that the dry figures might be relegated to the end of the Re- port. The Warden’s Report is a very readable summary of events, both ornithological and social, and will coniure up many happy memories for those familiar with the island, particularly those who were fortun- ate enough to visit it in 1973. This is followed by the Ringing Report which gives some impressive figures of birds ringed. As usual in such summaries, there is a marked emphasis on the ringing of rarities, which has probably little scientific justification and is perhaps becom- ing increasingly open to criticism. We learn from the lists that of 1710 Willow Warblers ringed since 1948, only one has been recovered and that there are only nine recov- eries of warblers of any species, six of these being Blackcaps. For these results one wonders whether the trauma of the ringing operation is justified. The Report ends with a tribute to the late Professor Meiklejohn, one of the most respected bird-watchers of his era and as well known at Cley as at Fair Isle. Some years ago, on the Scottish I.0.C. cruise, it was announced over the intercom that Maury Meiklejohn wished to report that there was a Sooty Shearwater on the port side. It was de- batable whether the sudden list to port, as several hundred people moved to that side of the boat, was more of a tribute to the bird or the man. R. J. RAINES. The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland. By Stanley Cramp, W. R. P. Bourne and David Saunders. London and Glasgow, Collins, 1974. Pp 287; 4 colour and 8 black-and-white plates; 26 line drawings; 32 maps. 224 x 16 cm. £3.50. This book presents a new dimension in British ornithological liter- ature, as it contains the results of the Seabird Group’s Operation Sea- farer, an intensive census in 1969-70 of an important group of birds with which Britain is particularly well endowed. No other book has 198 REVIEWS 8(3) gathered together such a wealth of fascinating material since Fisher and Lockley’s classic Seabirds, written 20 years ago. Stanley Cramp, an eminent and internationally respected ornitholo- gist with a vast knowledge of all things ornithological, is chairman of the Seabird Group and an authority on pollution problems. W. R. P. Bourne, Secretary and a founder of the Group, is a household name among seabird enthusiasts, and it was mainly his guidance which re- sulted in this, the Group’s first major undertaking since its formation ‘n 1965. David Saunders’ enthusiasm and persuasion as organiser of Operation Seafarer led the thousand or so amateurs and professionals through the difficult and often dangerous work of the census. He has done his job handsomely, and what must have been a long and arduous task of analysing the countless records, has now given us data which will serve as a base for all future work on British seabirds. Crispin Fisher, son of the late James Fisher who was chairman of Operation Seafarer until his untimely death, has aptly been responsible for the clear and unique maps. Robert Gillmor’s beautiful illustrations add to the book’s attractions, the excellent colour plates depicting all the reg- ular breeding species. There are several well-chosen photographs. An introduction by Stanley Cramp precedes three general chapters. In the first, W. R. P. Bourne describes the relationship of seabirds to their environment. It is a pity that this important chapter on seabird biology should be somewhat marred by the author’s peculiar style of writing. Although the content is sound, the sentence construction is poor, and, occasionally, faulty punctuation masks the precise meaning. The other two chapters by Stanley Cramp are well-written and easily understood. Chapter 2 gives a historical resumé of man’s impact upon seabirds, from the earliest hunting activities to the present shadow of pollution. Various types of pollution, both direct and indirect, are lucidly discussed. Because so many aspects of the effects and distribu- tion of pollutants are unknown and difficult to assess, an accurate knowledge of the seabird populations in Britain is essential, so that future changes can be monitored and analysed. The census was carried out for this reason. Chapter 3 gives details of this census, with figures. The populations of some species, such as the Gannet, were counted fairly accurately, but numbers of the nocturnal hole-nesting petrels proved almost impossible to calculate, due mainly to the inaccessibility of their breeding sites. Population changes are also described With ref- erence to past information, and reasons are Offered. It is heartening to learn that at least twelve species have shown recent increases over whole or part of their British range, but some are decreasing, especially the Little Tern which suffers from human disturbance on a large scale. An error in this chapter tells us that the Great and Lesser Black-headed Gulls are abundant breeders ! The remainder of the text consists of species accounts, ably written by David Saunders, although Dr J. C. Coulson contributes the section on the Kittiwake. For each of the 24 regularly breeding seabirds in Britain and Ireland, there are paragraphs on identification, food and feeding habits, breeding, movements, world distribution, census meth- ods, and past and present status in the British Isles. The paragraphs on the first five subjects are relatively brief, drawing mainly on the avail- able literature. They form an essential background to the last para- graph, which is based on the data obtained in the 1969-70 census. The section on methods will prove an invaluable guide to all future workers in this field, but the authors are careful to emphasise the inaccuracies inherent in these methods. Operation Seafarer covered only coastal col- onies. This meant that incomplete coverage was obtained for some species of gulls and terns which have substantial inland colonies, not- ably the Common and Black-headed Gulls. Population trends are there- 1974 REVIEWS 199 fore obscured, and it is regrettable that these colonies could not have been included. A pity, too, that recent controversy over British names has not been avoided in this book. Leach’s Storm-petrel seems an un- necessary expansion of the more familiar Leach’s Petrel, and in the short summary on scarcer species and vagrants, the Frigate Petrel has been given the unwieldy title of White-faced Storm-petrel. Of the 32 maps, the first three show the main seabird stations of Britain and Ireland, giving for each the size, number of breeding spec- ies and type of habitat. The next 24 maps are, to the reviewer, the highlight of the book. They are remarkably clear, showing even the tiniest islands. Each map shows the breeding distribution of one species, with orders of abundance for each colony. Historical data are included for some ‘difficult’ species, and for reasons of security tern colonies are not mapped, but aggregate numbers shown in the appropriate vice- county. The remaining maps include such aspects as the incidence of oiling, sea temperature and salinity, and distribution of oceanic plank- ton. All are of interest, but the oiling map is a little difficult to interpret, and I feel that it could have been improved. There is also a map show- ing recoveries of Razorbills ringed in Britain and Ireland. This is a worthwhile addition, but one wonders why similar maps concerning other species are not shown. The maps are succeeded by tables of numerical data for past and present. Orders of abundance differ slightly from those given on the maps. For instance, order 3 covers 100-999 breeding pairs, but on the maps it covers 101-1000. A colony of 1000 birds could therefore be either order 3 or order 4, a substantial difference. Several small colonies in the tables are omitted from the maps. According to one table, Puffins are of order 3 in Caernarvonshire, but are not mapped in this county. Little Terns are mapped as order 2 for Co. Clare, but are given as nil in the tables. Several small errors were also noted in the comprehensive biblio- graphy, and ten references quoted in the text are not listed, a small but annoying point if one wishes to follow up a particular reference. Despite these discrepancies this book is excellent value. It will be a useful addition to any naturalist’s bookshelf, but to us in Scotland, who have the lion’s share of Britain’s seabirds, it is indispensable. The achievement of Operation Seafarer will enable this heritage to be guard- ed against the pressures of the modern world. NORMAN ELKINS. The Buzzard. By C. R. Tubbs. Newton Abbot & London, David & Char- les, 1974. Pp 199 (including plates); 8 black-and-white plates, 11 text figures and maps, 11] tables. 214 x 15 cm. £4.75. Several studies of the Buzzard on the Continent have resulted in ex- cellent accounts, mainly in Danish and German scientific journals. Not surprisingly, the results of these studies are largely unknown in this country, where there have been few serious studies of Buzzards. One of the best and most frequently quoted was done in Devon by P. J. Dare for his doctoral thesis, although, regrettably, it has never been published. Clearly, a monograph by a person well acquainted with the Buzzard and its literature was long overdue. Colin Tubbs has undertaken this daunting task and has produced a fine result. The first half of the book describes the decline and subsequent re- covery of the Buzzard in Britain from 1600 to the present day. These chapters quote from a great many sources, often obscure, and make fascinating reading. The remaining three chapters consider social be- haviour, breeding biology and population ecology and cover satisfac- torily most aspects of Buzzard biology. They are based on Tubbs’ own ‘work from 1962 in the New Forest and make frequent and valuable comparisons between most of the available British and Continental 200 REVIEWS 8(3) literature. However, on pages 103-4 Dare is misquoted on one important detail: he did not show that Buzzards range beyond their territory in search of food. On the contrary, he showed that they seldom left their territories, and this is also true of Buzzards on Speyside. Tubbs’ cbser- vations are interesting because he has shown conclusively that Buzzards in the New Forest do sometimes hunt well outside their territories, as do those studied on the Continent. Overall, I felt that a more critical appraisal of the text would have resulted in a more cohesive presentation, although the author tells me that the style was to some extent imposed on him by the publisher. The material overlaps between chapters, and this has to repetition and occasional oversights. for example, an analysis of prey and pellet remains at nests is considered under population ecology rather than breeding biology. The references rely on the reader remem- bering which chapvter number he is reading; it would have been prefer- able to quote authors in the text and give references in alphabetical order at the end of the book. In addition, many people may be put off by the uninspiring dustjacket and relatively high price for such a short book. This would be most unfortunate and I hope that this well-illus- trated book will find a wide readership as it contains so much original material, useful speculation, and reviews the literature so well. The author is to be commended on his fine study in some of the most diffi- cult Buzzard terrain in Britain, and no less for seeing it through to a book as well as publishing details in scientific papers. N. PICOZZI. Seventy Years of Birdwatching. By H. G. Alexander. Berkhamsted, T. & A. D. Poyser, 1974. Pp 264; 8 black-and-white plates, 6 maps, num- erous line drawings. 24 x 14 cm. £3.80. Of the four Alexander brothers, all born in the 1880’s, three became ardent field ornithologists. One. the second eldest brother Wilfrid, was to become famous as WBA of the Edward Grey Institute, Oxford, while the youngest carried out his bird study as an amateur in different parts of the world, and in this book recounts his vast experiences from the early twentieth century to the present day. Without being pompous, Horace G. Alexander relates how he and his two brothers started to record natural history phenomena by writing up daily records, pro- gressing to compiling territorial and area check-lists, and in some places mapping birds in their breeding territories. Much of our present study methods surely began at the hands of this family and we owe them a lot for their initiative. Accurate note-taking and recording became a must for HGA, and over the years when he lived in or travelled to various parts of the world he filled many a note-book. In this book we read of these exper- iences which tell so many concise and important facts about birds and places of ornithological interest. As an autobiography it reveals the personality of the author, showing him as a gentle, retiring and dedi- cated worker who finds companionship with all he meets while engaged in his hobby. The whole combines to make very enjoyable reading. Robert Gillmor’s drawings as usual show grace and give pleasure. I look forward to seeing his pen and brush fully illustrating ornithological books in the future. I have one criticism—many facts and events are briefly mentioned, then too often one has to read through maybe a further couple of chap- ters before these points are expounded. Like many magazine stories, “continued on page 125” but without the reference! The book is well produced, but rather expensive for a work of this kind, even though the contents are above average. A. G. STEWART. 1974 REVIEWS 201 Der Zug Europaischer Singvogel; ein Atlas der wiederfunde beringter Vogel. Edited by Gerhardt Zink. Vogelwarte Radolfzell, 1973. Pp. 15 (introduction) + 30 loose-leaf species accounts; many migration maps. 34 x 27 cm. DM48. This publication from the Radolfzell bird research station is a series of migration maps for 30 European songbirds based on ringing recoveries from all the European bird-ringing schemes. The maps are on _ high- quality paper of large format and are presented in loose-leaf form. The introduction runs to 15 pages; it gives a detailed bibliography of ringing recoveries for 26 passerine species not featured in the main part of the atlas; there is also a comprehensive explanation of the terms used in the preparation of the maps. A great deal of data and analysis is given, but unfortunately for the monolingual, the whole text is in German. Never- theless, the maps can be reasonably easily followed by students of bird migration. The species mapped in detail range from Wheatear to Firecrest; the detail varies considerably, depending on the recovery data available. Only One record is published for River Warbler, but in contrast there are 13 most detailed and interesting maps for Blackcap. The marked migra- tional divide of Willow Warblers and Blackcaps is clearly indicated by the maps, and one can see the distinctive southeasterly migration of Lesser Whitethroats, Quite a lot of Scottish data, especially from Fair Isle, has been used in the preparation of the maps. The publication comes unbound and packed in a special folder, and further instalments are planned. A copy is now in the Club library. R. H. DENNIS. Letters Long-tailed Ducks in the Outer Hebrides I was interested to read of the counts of Long-tailed Duck made by C. Brown and D. Jenkins in the Uists (Scot. Birds 7: 404). I would like to point out that there are, in fact, some published data on numbers in other parts of the Outer Heb- rides. In my short note on the effect of the weather on the Long-tailed Duck in Lewis (Bird Study 12: 132-134), I men- tioned counts of the species both on Loch Branahuie near Stornoway, and in the adjacent bays. Long-tailed Ducks arrive in this area at the beginning of October, and in winter my highest count was 420 on lst December 1964. These birds were mainly on the Branahuie banks, the shallow bay south of the loch, which itself lies on a narrow sandy isthmus. In spring many ducks gather on this loch, and my maximum count was 122 on 15th May 1963. Numbers of 150 to 300 have been recor- ded on several occasions in the past, and I can trace records of c. 150 on the loch on 2nd May 1956 (W. A. J. Cunningham pers. comm.), and c. 300 in Broad Bay, north of the loch, on 25th April 1954 (Smith & Walker, Fair Isle Bird Obs. Bull. 2: 238-246). My own maximum spring count was 330 in Broad Bay on 22nd April 1965. Records indicate that Long-tailed Ducks are very scarce in other parts of Lewis. I have recorded only singles, or at most Sir, 202 LETTERS 8(3) up to a dozen, on the west coast. These appear to be transient only, occurring between March and July. It would therefore appear that, if the wintering flock at Stornoway still exists, the wintering population in the Outer Isles must be over 700. This figure does not include the birds in the Sound of Harris. for which there appears to be no published data. NORMAN ELKINS. Long-tailed Ducks in the Uists The figures for Long-tailed Ducks in the Uists as seen from the land in quiet weather need not, as indeed the writers of the Short Note (Scot. Birds 7: 404) suggest, give an accurate idea of the total numbers in these waters. Certainly in the win- ter of 1932/33 there were about 500 Long-tails in the western approaches to the Sound of Harris, and these were not seen from the shore at Newton Ferry nor from the sandhills in front of Newton, but were noted on excursions on these waters about every fortnight from early November to late February. They far outnumbered the Eiders in the area, in which there was also a handful of Common Scoters. Perhaps the numbers have fallen greatly since that time, or maybe the birds still winter there and are still invisible from the shore. In a good many winter boat trips up and down the east coast of both North and South Uist, I have no record of seeing any Long-tailed Ducks; indeed that part of the Minch looks quite unsuitable for them, for the sea-bed surely needs to be sandy rather than rocky to hold many Long-tails. ARTHUR B. DUNCAN. sir, Requests for Information Pochard survey. A survey is presently being carried out on Pochard movements between Seafield and Duddingston. To complement this study the organisers would be grateful to receive notes from other Pochard localities in Scotland and Northern England. Notes under the following headings would be particularly helpful: Place; Date; Time (GMT); Num- ber of Pochards; Wind speed (Beaufort Scale) and direction; Light inten- sity (e.g. good, fair, poor); Visibility (distance, e.g. 4 mile, ten miles, unlimited); Cloud cover (in eighths); Precipitation (e.g. rain, snow); State of water (e.g. calm, rough, amount of ice cover). Please send all records to: Dr J. Ford, Department of Biologica] Sciences, Napier College, Col- inton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DT. Colour-marked waders. Waders are being colour-ringed and -dyed by M. T. Joffe of Culterty Field Station as part of a three-year project into their feeding ecology on the Ythan estuary, Aberdeenshire. Sightings of these birds should be reported to A. J. Prater, British Trust for Ornitho- 1974 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION 203 logy, Beech Grove, Tring, Herts (who is also collecting details of waders similarly marked in northeast Greenland, as requested in our last issue). Information on the bird’s feeding at the time of sighting would be espec- ially welcomed. Colour-ringed Great Black-backed Gulls. As part of a three year study of the feeding ecology of this species some 3600 pulli are to be colour ringed in Orkney with a two-colour combination on the right leg (1200 were ringed this year). Recoveries from this area so far suggest dispersal predominantly down the east coast of Britain, but I appeal to ornitholo- gists everywhere to look out for them. Details of colour-ringed birds should be sent to M. A, S. Beaman, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB4 0AA. Snow Buntings breeding in Scotland. During the last decade Snow Bun- ings have probably nested more widely and in greater numbers here than hitherto recorded. Desmond Nethersole-Thompson is preparing for Scot- tish Birds a summary of its improved breeding status since the publication of his monograph (fhe Snow Bunting, 1966). Please send any summer records of Snow Buntings in Scotland to the Editor, Scottish Birds, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 SBI. Observers’ wishes regarding sup- pression of localities will, of course, be respected. National Rookery Survey 1975. A survey of the location and size of rookeries throughout the British Isles is to be made in Spring 1975. This important and comprehensive survey has been adopted as an Official S.0.C. enquiry, and it is hoped that cooperation will be obtained from the members of the Club. There is evidence that large changes have occurred in the size and distribution of rookeries in the last 20 years and there is no doubt that further changes will occur. If these changes are to en oe correctly, the survey in 1975 should be as complete as possible. Organization will be on a county basis, with county recorders arran- ging a complete coverage of the area with local observers. Members who are willing to help, should contact the secretary of their local S.O.C. branch who will supply the names and addresses of county organizers. Simple survey cards will be used for each 10 km square, and the main information required is the number of nests in each rookery, the altitude and the grid reference. Counting of nests should be done as late in spring as possible, but before the leaves come out on the trees. The date will very according to the locality but will normally be in April. Local obser- vers are expected to provide their own maps. The nationa] organizers will be responsible for transferring the data to a set of ordnance maps that will form the master records. The 1975 rookery survey will be one of the most important projecis ever conducted by the S.O.C. and the B.T.O., and the active help of club members is vital if a complete coverage of Scotland is to be achieved. On average, there are two S.O.C. members for every 10 km square in Scotland, and individual involvement in the survey could be high. Fur- ther information will be published in the next issue of Scottish Birds. Malcolm E. Castle, Scottish Organiser, 9 Finlas Avenue, Ayr. Wintering Blackcaps 1974/75, Mr Iain H. Leach of 18 Burness Avenue, Alloway, Ayr, KA7 4QB, is collecting records of Blackcaps in Scotland — winter. He would like full details, especially date, place, habitat and Scottish Ringing Report. An annual ringing report is planned for Scottish Birds, starting with 1973. Would readers with details of inter- esting recoveries during 1973 and 1974 send them to Mr A. D. K. Ram- say, 14 Camesky Road, Caol, by Fort William, Inverness-shire. 204 LIBRARY OF WILDLIFE SOUNDS 8(3) The British Library of Wildlife Sounds (BLOWS) Now that BLOWS has made five years’ progress it is felt that the atten- tion of zoologists can justifiably be brought to its existence. Its purpose is two-fold: to build up as large a collection as possible of both published and unpublished recordings of animal sounds; and to enable scientific workers to make use of this material. Commercially published gramo- phone records currently held by the Library amount to 170 sets com- prising over 450 discs which contain approximately 10,000 recordings (or ‘cuts’) covering some 2500 animal species. Unpublished recordings con- sist of duplicates of the natural history section of the BBC sound archive (4000 cuts of 1000 species), and recordings on tape (over 1500 cuts of nearly 700 species) contributed by individual recordists of wildlife sound. These last are concerned mainly with European, Antarctic and African species, particularly significant acquisitions being the complete collections of the late A. G. Field’s recordings of British birds and of Dr Lancelot Tickell’s recordings made in South Georgia, and a copy of the first series of the late Myles North’s African bird sound recordings. There have recently been a few contributions from the Argentine, New Zealand and Australia. To date the vast majority of recordings are of birds, but the collection does include many amphibian, mammal, insect, reptile and even fish sounds. Anyone with documented tape material is invited to write to BLOWS at the British Institute of Recorded Sound, 29 Exhibition Road, London SW7 (telephone 01-589-6603). In certain cir- cumstances blank tape can be provided by the Library for bona fide rec- ording projects in return for an undertaking that copies of the material will be deposited. For example, tape was provided for a recent successful British Ornithologists’ Union expedition to the Mascarene Islands. Gramophone records cannot be lent but they can be listened to at the Institute. Copies of tape recordings can be supplied for a nominal copy- ing fee to anyone wishing to use them for private research. Enquiries about any aspect of wildlife sound are welcome. Interested persons are invited to write to the Library for a free leaflet which gives details, or to purchase the special issues of Recorded Sound (the Institute’s quar- terly journal) devoted entirely to wildlife sound: No. 34, April 1969 and No. 54, April 1974 (Price 60p each post free). Visitors are welcome at the Library. They should make an appointment by letter, or by telephone between the hours of 11.00 and 5.30 on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. JEFFERY BOSWALL, PATRICK SELLAR Honorary Advisers to BLOWS British Institute of Recorded Sound The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING 24th - 26th January 1975 PROGRAMME Friday 24th January 4.30-9 p.m Conference Office in the Murray Hall of Residence, University of Stirling, open for members and_ their guests to register and collect name cards and Annual Dinner tickets. 1974 6-7 p.m. 6.15 p.m. 8.15 to 9.15 p.m. 9.30 p.m. 9.15 p.m. to midnight SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 205 Supper in the MacRobert Centre Restaurant. Meeting of Council. FILM AND SLIDE PROGRAMME in Lecture Theatre over Link Bridge (see 10 on plan). At 9.15 p.m. details of excursions on Saturday afternoon will be given. Meeting of Local Recorders. Lounges in the MacRobert Centre are open for informal discussion and refreshments (late licence). Saturday 25th January 8.45 to 9.15 a.m. 9.20 a.m. 9.30 a.m. 1l a.m. 11.30 a.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 2.30 p.m. 4.30 to 5.30 p.m. 5.45 p.m. Conference Office in the MacRobert Centre open for registration. Official opening of the Conference by the President, Dr George Waterston, OBE, FRSE, LI.D., in the MacRobert Theatre. LECTURE, “The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland” by Mr Stanley Cramp, O.B.E. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. LECTURE, “Shetland: the Birds and the Oil” by Mr Bobby Tulloch INTERVAL for Lunch. EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the car park behind the Murray Hall of Residence. Details will be posted on the Conference notice board. MEETING of members of the R.S.P.B. in the Lecture Theatre over the Link Bridge (see 10 on plan), to Bp members of the Club and their guests are in- vited. MEETING of participants of the Birds of Estuaries Enquiry and the Wader Study Group to which all in- terested in Waders are invited. 38th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB in Lecture Theatre. Business : (1) Apologies for absence. (2) Approval of the Minutes of the 37th Annual Gen- eral Meeting of the Club held in Dunblane on 27th October 1973 (see Scot. Birds 7: 425) and the Special General Meeting of the Club held in Edin- burgh on 9th April 1974 (see Scot. Birds 8: 39). (3) Matters arising from the Minutes. (4) Report of Council for Session 37. (5) Approval of Accounts for Session 37. (6) Appointment of Auditor. (7) Election of new Members of Council. The Council recommends the election of J. K. R. Melrose and Miss V. M. Thom to replace R. H. Dennis and Miss M. P. Macmillan who are due to retire by rotation. (8) Consideration of the proposed amendment to the Constitution recommended by Council: 4. MANAGEMENT AND OFFICIALS (g) Annual General Meetings. That in the sentence “The Club shall hold an An- nual General Meeting in October each year to 206 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(3) receive the Report of Council, Statement of Ac- counts, and to elect the Council and Office Bear- ers.’”’ the words ‘in October each year’ be deleted. (9) Any other competent business. 7 for 7.30 pm. ANNUAL DINNER in the restaurant of the Pathfoot building (dress informal). Sunday 26th January 9.30 a.m. to A series of short lectures on ornithological research in 12.30 p.m. Scotland will be given during the morning. Mr B. Pounder will talk on the results of the Club’s EFFLUENT ENQUIRY of which he was the Organiser. This will be followed by talks on research being carried out by members of the staff of Culterty Field Station, Aberdeen University. Mr A. Anderson on FULMARS, Dr H. Milne on EIDER DUCK, Dr J. B. Nelson on GANNETS and Dr I. J. Patterson on SHELDUCK. 11-11.30 a.m. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. 1 p.m. INTERVAL for Lunch. 2 p.m. EXCURSIONS (informal), leaving the car park behind the Murray Hall of Residence. WEEKEND EXCURSION TO DUMFRIES The annual weekend excursion to the Solway goose grounds has been arranged with the County Hotel, Dumfries, from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd February 1975. Accommodation: inclusive terms £10.85 (including service charge and V.A.T.) as follows: bed on Friday 21st; breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on Saturday 22nd; breakfast and packed lunch on Sun- day 23rd. Dinner on Friday night is £2.35 extra per person (including service charge and V.A.T.). A limited number of rooms with private bathroom are available for the additional charge of £1.18 per night. Members may bring guests and should book direct with the Manager, County Hotel, Dumfries (tel. 5401), notifying him that they are attend- ing the Club excursion Members should also advise the Hotel in ad- vance if they require Dinner on the Friday night. Those not staying at the County Hotel are invited to attend an infor- mal meeting at the Hotel on Friday at 8.30 p.m., when details of the Weekend excursions will be announced. An informal programme of slides will be shown on the Saturday evening. Members or Guests who may have slides of interest are asked to bring them to the Hotel, and ‘to contact the Club Secretary on the Friday evening to discuss their inclusion in the programme. A selection of books from the Bird Book- shop will be taken to the Hotel for sale during both evenings. It is ad- visable to bring warm clothing, gum boots if possible, and thermos flasks for the excursions. STIRLING BRANCH, CAIRNBAAN WEEKEND The Stirling Branch are organising another weekend birding excur- sion to West Argyll. Arrangements have been made with the Cairnbaan Hotel, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire (tel. Lochgilphead 2488), to provide 1974 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 207 bed and breakfast on Friday and Saturday, 14th and 15th March i974, dinner on Saturday and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday, for the inclusive charge of £10.50. VAT and 10% service charge are extra. All members are welcome. Bookings should be made direct with the Hotel. Please notify the organiser, T. D. H. Merrie, West Faerwood, Dollar, Clackmannanshire FK14 7PT, when you have confirmed your booking. If further information is required please contact the organiser (tel. Dollar 2566) or send s.a.e. if writing. WINTER EXCURSIONS AYR BRANCH Saturday Ist February TURNBERRY. Leader: R. H. Hogg. Meet Algin- ate Works layby 10 a.m. or Turnberry 10.30 a.m Bring picnic lunch. Saturday Ist March MARTNAHAM LOCH (by kind permission of Col- onel Bryce-Knox). Leader: R. M. Ramage. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr 2 p.m. or Martnaham Loch 2.30 p.m For further details contact the Ayr Branch Secretary, R. M. Ramage, 57b St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 1JF (tel. Prestwick 79192). Send s.a.e. if writing. DUNDEE BRANCH Sunday 23rd February STORMONT LOCH. Leader: J. E. Forrest. Sunday 23rd March WESTHAVEN. Leader: P. N. J. Clark. Sunday 20th April GLENLETHNOT. Leader: D. B. Thomson. All excursions are by private car leaving City Square, Dundee at 10 a.m. For further details contact the Dundee Branch Secretary, Mrs A. Noltie, 14 Menteith Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3EN (tel. 0382 75074). Send s.a.e. if writing. DEEDS OF COVENANT _In May the Secretary wrote to all members who pay their subscrip- tions by Banker’s Order and asked if they would consider signing a Deed of Covenant. The response to this appeal was very gratifying with over 100 new Covenants signed by the end of September. After submit- ting the Covenant Form, each member has only to sign a Certificate of Deduction of Tax once—during the first year of covenant—and this is sent to members by the Secretary. Anyone who would like to sign a Covenant, which enables the Club to reclaim £1.48 on a £3.00 subscrip- tion, should write to the Secretary for details. Council is most grateful to all members who signed a new Covenant for the increased subscription rate, as well as to those who have coven- anted their subscription for the first time. AYR BRANCH SOCIAL EVENING The Ayr Branch will hold a Social Evening in the St Nicholas Hotel, Ayr Road, Prestwick, on Wednesday 19th March 1975, at 7.30 for 8 p.m. Probable cost £1.50 per person, inclusive of buffet supper and coffee. Competitions, raffle and bar. Apply to the Ayr Branch Secretary, R. M. Ramage, 57b St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 1JF. 208 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Vivat Ornithologie Address to “Our Guests” at the Annual Dinner - 1973 By Dr IAN D. PENNIE (with apologies to William Dunbar) I that in peace was and quietness Am trublit noo tae mak’ address Tae this assembled companie Vivat ornithologie ! The Wallace here upon my richt, The Sheriff Clerk—a waesome sicht— Likewise cannot merrie be Vivat ornithologie ! Welcome ye strangers fae the sooth Tae this fair land o’ muckle drouth, And may ye hae great pleasantrie, Vivat ornithologie ! There’s ane o’ birds kens ilka thing Fae Liverpool—Professor King He kens forbye fit gars them flee, Vivat ornithologie ! And some are here fae Aberdeen And some fae Glasgow cam’ thestreen And a’ as fou as fou can be, Vivat ornithologie ! And ane there wis fae Ireland came, I hope he’s left his bombs at hame, That we may sleep mair easilie, Vivat ornithologie ! A gentleman richt straucht and manly Fae London cam’—the noble Stanley Cramp—and greetings unto thee, Vivat ornithologie ! And there is ane ye canna’ dodge Bold Peter Conder fae the Lodge Himsel’ a bird o’ raritie, Vivat ornithologie ! And ane fae Bedford sittin’ there The mighty Sharrock o’ the Square Wha sired twa bairns and an atlas tae, Vivat ornithologie ! And though there’s mony mair tae boot If I say mair I'll get pitten oot ! Sae Health tae the Guests fae the SOC Vivat ornithologie. 8(3) S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 Some new books in stock Natural History of Loch Lomond Glasgow Univ. 50p Cairngorms Nethersole-Thompson & Watson £3.50 Cairngorms Recreation Map Glasgow University 50p Guide to the Birds of Wales Saunders £2.50 Scarce Migrant Birds of Britain & Ireland Sharrock £3.80 Fair Isle Bird Report 1973 50p Shetland Bird Report 1973 o0p Migration of the Swallow Ingram £1.80 Flight Identification of European Raptors Porter et al. £4.80 Buzzard Tubbs £4.75 Swans of the World Wilmore £4.50 Guide to Animal Tracks & Signs Bang & Dahlstrom £2.95 Highland Animals Stephen £1.50 Thorburn’s Mammals Thorburn £3:95 Collins Countryside Series each £1.95 Birds Perrins Woodlands Condry Life on the Seashore Barrett WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST ALL BOOKS SENT POST FREE 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. 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 November and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addition, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for the journal. 3. All other material should be sent to the editor, D. J. Bates, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated. Contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed in duplicate if possible, with double spacing and wide margins. Proofs will normally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost. 4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these. 5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining. Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 3529. EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh and London. 6. English and scientific names should follow A Species List of Pritish and Irish Birds (B.T.O. Guide 13). Initial capitals are used for English names of species (for example, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Duck) but not group names (for example, thrushes, diving ducks). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2: 1-3). When used they should follow the English name, underlined to indicate italics and with no surrounding brackets. 7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1974’, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman. 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. 1975 ORNITHOLIDAYS ceca (WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) Holidays organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers SW Spain Isles of Scilly ) Yugoslavia North Wales Lake Neusiedl West Sussex Majorca Weymouth Camargue Golspie U.S.A. Islay Ethiopia New Forest Orkney & Shetland Solway Farne Islands 1975 details of the Ornitholidays programme available now; particulars sent on receipt of 34p stamp to: LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY ORNITHOLIDAYS &:< (WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) 44 ALDWICK ROAD, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX, PO21 2PW. Tel. 21230 MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS Bird and Highlands & Islands Books ANTIQUARIAN, SECONDHAND AND NEW DAVID WILSON 95 WORLD’S END LANE, WESTON TURVILLE, AYLESBURY Libraries and single books purchased. Inspection and collection by arrangement. Occasional catalogues. St Kilda Shetland Orkney Hebrides — Natural History BIRDS ON STAMPS Crested Tits, Wildfowl, Birds of Prey and extinct and exotic Birds now available on stamps. All natural history subjects available, particularly Flowers, Butterflies and Animals. Collect these beautiful stamps with Approval Selections from: A. GRAINGER, 42 Lee Lane East, Horsforth, near Leeds. DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL AAR AGS RS AE ‘Ashley Courtenay’ and ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined ; with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- 2? BS ow a“ _ MY A new wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1974. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff (also special golfing terms) gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 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, unrivzi- 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. GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (and many other migrants) visit GALLOWAY in Winter — why don’t You? Situated on A713 near Loch Ken. B&B, evening meals. Open all year. Phone Crossmichael 232 Mrs GARROD, 3 Main Street, Crossmichael, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire ISLE of MULL Looking across the Sound of Mull to the Morvern Hills beyond. Comfortable Accommodation in a small guest house run with bird watchers in mind. Dinner, bed and breakfast. H&C and radiators in all guest bedrooms. Use of reference _ books. Open Easter until mid-Oct. RICHARD & ELIZABETH COOMBER, Statfa Cottages Guest House, TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL. Tel. 2464 SWANS BIG GAME & BIRDS SAFARIS VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Isiolo, Tsavo, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Mara and Aberdare in Kenya and Tanzania. GUEST LECTURERS accompany each Safari and their expert and personal knowledge of East Africa—its animals, birds, history, peoples and customs— provides an unrivalled opportunity, not only to view the ever decreasing wildlife in its natural habitat, but also to give an insight into the problems of its preservation and the conservation of land needed by Africa’s developing nations. A holiday that can open up new vistas of interest. DEPARTURES Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar. 6; June 26; July 17; Aug. 7, 28; Sept. 18; Oct. 9, 30; Dec. 18. 21 days £515 12-page full colour brochure avatlable SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 237 (P20) Tottenham Court Road, RRS. London, W1P OAL. ia Telephone 01-636 8070 S y, SS C.A.A. Licence ATOL 189B John Gooders spots a Kestrel hovering over the Bank — “The trouble with being a bird -watcher” writes John Gooders, celebrated ornithologist and author, “is that you never know where and when the next interesting bird will appear. WhenI’m inthe feldit’s easy-my 10 x 40B Carl Zeiss binoculars are simply the best in the world. But there are occasions whena more discreet lookis called for —that’s when the 8 x 20 Dialyt come into their own. As small as a cigarette packet, they slip easily into the tiniest. pocket without as much asa bulge. Performance-wise they’re just incredible, the equal of most other manufacturers “normal” glasses —and small enough for me to Treat yourself to a pair of 8x 20 Dialyt Binoculars, and you'll never go anywhere without them. Size 88mm x 60mm, weight only 135 germs, they really are the equal of much larger instruments. £59.05 + VAT, including leather pouch. 8 x 20 Dialyt by ZEINSN of West Germany Send for full details to the sole UK importers- : SS SA AAI Carl eh (Oberkochen) Ltd., Degenhardt House, 31-36 Foley St., London W1P 8AP. 01-636 8050: _ Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to el is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, complete with case costs only £15 Not only do we ourselves recon 1c this binocular, it also carries — strong recommendation from Royal Society for the Protection 0 Birds, and each glass carries — choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. 5 m@ | Top prices | | offered in | part exchange illustrates hundreds of Binoculars 8 Telescopes including the larger 10 x 5C Frank/Nipole binocular, Eee case at £21.60. ‘ J | 7 j : 1 q q ] J D SEND “SZ FOR NEW : — ILL rier CAT oe GUE for 7 days. Should you decide ever, on a binocular other thar Frank/Nipole make, we can a substantial price reduction — 144 INGRAM STREET : GLASGOW TEL. 041-221 6666 | PRINTER, SELKIRK. 2 COTTIS * BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 8 No. 4 WINTER 1974 Price 75p SCOtiish BIRD REPORT 1973 “Unbelievable!” said John Gooders, the celebrated author and ornithologist “with the new centre focusing, the 8 x 20B is an amazing achievement. When it comes to originality, even the clever orientals cannot F compete with West German Zeiss”’ The central focus adjustment is just right for finger tip operation, the binoculars are ideal for use with or without spectacles, and the whole design and finish are up to the ee highest Carl Zeiss standards. The size of a cigarette packet, they go into your vest-pocket - What awonderful present = __ Eee ZEINN Full details from the sole UK importers Carl Zeiss Oberkochen) Limited Degenhardt House, 31-36 Foley Street, London W1. 01-636 8050 OBSERVE & CONSERVE | BINOCULARS | TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF 8 33% Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. Il 8.5 x 44 £64.80 £42.07 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. Il 8 x 40 £47.20 £30.24 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £35.64 £24.94 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. Il 10 x 50 £48.60 £32.40 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £27.00 £17.92 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEM 8 x 30 £39.17 £24.90 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30 Dialyt £160.33 £106.89 CARL ZEISS 10 x 40B Dialyt £189.81 £126.54 LEITZ 8 x 40 Hard Case — £135.52 LEITZ 10 x 40B Hard Case — £143.32 -sPERL 9 x 35 £21.06 £16.85 ‘HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A (best model on market under £122) £134.94 £97.06 B.Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £100.44 £69.95 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25 x 60x 60 £95.04 £67.95 All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 120 models in stock from £11.00 to £300.00 30p part P&P. Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. The Heron 8 x 40:BCF. Retail-approx. £27.50, our price £18.40. As recommended by Forestry Commission. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. . Send too for Price Lists for all Camping, Climbing, Rambling Equipment from our as- sociate company FIELD & TREK (equipment) Ltd., same top quality, same keen prices, SAME ADDRESS. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY Ltd. (Dept. SB), 25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. (STD) 0277 221259/219418 Please despatch to me immediately 00.0.0... for which | enclose £............ / biases Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope Price List. (Delete as appropriate) Perrier ere ee ere re eee ry BIG GAME & BIRDS SAFARIS VISITING THESE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Isiolo, Tsavo, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Mara and Aberdare in Kenya and Tanzania. GUEST LECTURERS accompany each Safari and their expert and personal knowledge . of East Africa—its animals, birds, history, peoples and customs— provides an unrivalled opportunity, not only to view the ever . decreasing wildlife in its natural habitat, but also to give an insight into the problems of its preservation and the conservation of land needed by Africa’s developing nations. A holiday that can oer up new vistas of interest. 1975 DEPARTURES July 17; Aug. 7, 28; Sept. 18; Oct. 9, 30; Dec. 18. 1976 DEPARTURES Jan. 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar. 4. 21 days £515 12-page full colour brochure available SWANS SPECIALISED SAFARIS 237 (P20) Tottenham Court Road, a) London, WiP OAL. (rz) | if - elephone 01-686 8070 Naw C.A.A. Licence ATOL189B 1975 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors: Raymond Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon) MTAI and Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. All with guest lecturers and a tour manager. BIRDS OVER THE BOSPHORUS A Creative Holiday combining high quality Bird-Watching, Sightseeing and many options including extended stay. By Scheduled Services of British Airways. Thurs. 18 Sept.—Thurs. 25 Sept. 8 days (7 nights) £159.00. Single supp. £3.50 per nt. The Holiday is based on the Park Hotel Istanbul which is First Class, has a definite well-established character of its own and an excellent reputation for comfort and cuisine. The views of the Bosphorus from the balcony of each room (all with private WC etc) are probably unsurpassed and we have used the Park for five previous tours with complete satisfaction. The Lowest Scheduled Return Fare London Istanbul is £160.40. Accompanying the Tour . . . John Gooders, B.Sc., internationally famous ornithologist and writer Raymond Hodgkins, M.A. (Oxon), Managing Director of Town and Gown Travel and keen amateur ornithologist and conservationist. Ray Hodgkins and John Gooders have during the last four years success- fully co-operated on tours to Crete, Eastern Turkey, India and Nepal and the Galapagos, and this imaginative short holiday is their latest creative effort. It is intend to offer the widest possible choice. The aficionados who want to put themselves in the middle of the astound- ing migrant stream that pours over the Bosphorus from North to South can sit every day on Kucuk Camlica Hill and chalk up a list as never before; the beginners can have all the help in the world from the two leaders and those who want to split the holiday between birdwatching and sightseeing (Blue Mosque, Saint Sophia, Cruise to Princes Islands etc) can do as much or as little of either as they wish. Southern India... Jan. 14... 16 days... £485*. Bombay, Madras, Mahabalipuram, etc. Leaders to be announced. India & Nepal... Feb. 14.. 16 days... £495*. John Gooders and Raymond Hodgkins. India, Nepal & Kashmir... June 14...16 days... £510*. With a visit to Arjan Singh’s “Tiger Haven” for the 12 first applicants. John Gooders and Anthony Hudley. Tours of Greece, Crete and Southern Turkey in April and May 1976. Easter Analotian Bird and Flower Tour... June 4... £345 still has a few places vacant. (*Provisional) PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 41 SOUTH PARADE, oH, poslut SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, gage : OX2 7uP. LPN 3 Phone Oxford (0865) 55345 & 54517 “* 1975 ORNITHOLOGICAL TOURS with COX & KINGS COX & KINGS have pleasure in announcing their programme of tours to the following centres: CAMARGUE, CORFU, DANUBE DELTA, FINLAND, HOLLAND & TEXEL, ICELAND, MAJORCA, MALTA, NEUSIEDL, ONTARIO, SWITZERLAND, SW SPAIN, TUNISIA and TURKEY. All tours are accompanied by Specialist Leaders. Write for brochure to Mrs Jay Randerson, COX & KINGS LIMITED Vulcan House, 46 Marshall St., London, W1V 2PA. Telephone 01-734-8291 Founded 1758 A member of the Grindlays Bank Group 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 £28.00. The programme for 1975 includes courses for adults in a variety of subjects including :— Fungi Birds Mammals Mountain Flowers Natural History Photography Field Botany Painting Moorland Ecology Natural History of the Rocks and Minerals Highlands Conservation Bryophytes Insects Geography Landscape Photography Natural History Illustration Geology & Scenery All applications, enquiries and requests for programmes should be addressed to the Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 7PG. SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031-556 6042) CONTENTS OF VOLUME 8, NUMBER 4, WINTER 1974 Page Editorial pe ae £h) ee Maik ays ay, 209 Scottish Bird Report 1973. By R. H. Dennis (plates 17-20) 211 Review Scarce Migrant Birds in Britain and Ireland. By J. T. R. Sharrock. Reviewed by Roger A. Broad 280 Letters Gulls breeding inland in Stirlingshire (Andrew T. Macmillan) 281 Gulls and Arctic Terns breeding inland in Aberdeenshire. (R. L. Swann) ... i Le 281 Requests for Information... Bate Bs BE ale 282 Scottish Ornithologists’ Club ys 40 te an 283 Editor D. J. Bates ! Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe Peter Slater A FIELD GUIDE TO AUSTRALIAN BIRDS Volume 1 — Non-Passerines Volume 2 — Passerines The most complete handy reference work on every species of Australian bird. Volume 1 on non-passerine birds, has already established its reputation and is now available again as a re-issue; Volume 2, on passerines is entirely new. Between them they record every distinctive feature of size, range, habitat, voice and markings. Illustrated throughout with colour plates, line drawings and maps. Each volume £4.50 (distributed by Chatto & Windus) Donald Wateson BIRDS OF MOOR AND MOUNTAIN A beautiful book by the Past President of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, as notable for its style as for its superb illustrations. ‘A collector’s piece; a fine artist's description in paint and prose of the birds he has studied all over Scotland’.—Scotsman 24 colour, 14 monochrome plates £6.00 (distributed by Chatto & Windus) David A. Bannerman illustrated by GEORGE E. LODGE, in 12 Volumes. THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES The most comprehensive, and one of the most lavishly illustrated series ever devoted to British birds. ‘The graphic and erudite writing of Dr David Bannerman is here seen illustrated by the superb paintings of George Lodge... It will have value not only for decades, but for centuries’.—Field £6.00 per volume or £60.00 per set of 12 volumes. (Distributed from 25 Perth Street, Edinburgh) x SCOTTISH ACADEMIC PRESS SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Volume 8 No. 4 Winter 1974 Edited by D. J. Bates Editorial Scottish Birds. Readers of our previous editorial will be aware of the reasons for the late appearance of this 1973 Scottish Bird Report. As a short cut to bring Scottish Birds back on schedule, the spring and summer number will be combined for 1975 only, and it should appear in August. This will be a bum- per issue, containing almost as much material as two normal numbers, and we trust that members will agree that little read- ing matter has been lost and much time gained by this drastic measure. The autumn and winter numbers should appear near- er the correct times but the 1974 Bird Report will be published in the winter number again, thus avoiding two Bird Reports out of three issues. By 1976, Scottish Birds should be appear- ing punctually. Rare birds Editorials have appeared before in this and other journals warning birdwatchers not to disturb rare birds, espec- ially at the nest. Readers should need no reminding that some rarities are particularly vulnerable to disturbance. Birds in well-trodden ornithological localities, such as Red-throated Divers in Shetland, may suffer repeated disturbance from a flow of visitors, although each visitor may be under the illusion that his or her visit is only an isolated, and therefore harmless, in- trusion. It would be pointless to badger readers again with this ex- hortation, more so to raise the controversial issue of trespass, unless there was something new to be said. But there is an- other possible threat to those rare birds that nest on private estates, apart from the harrying of raptors by keepers or rarities by twitchers. There is reason to believe that some landowners or keepers may be prepared to destroy rare birds if they are thought to be a source of attraction to trespassers. Such acts have been suspected in the past, and although the motive is even more difficult to prove than the crime, keen birdwatchers should carefully consider the possible conse- quences of their actions. 210 EDITORIAL 8(4) Current literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes : Ospreys at home. R. Green, 1974. Birds 5: 28-31. (Summary of data from Loch Garten). Breeding biology of the Buzzard in Speyside. N. Picozzi and Hon. D. Weir, 1974. British Birds 67: 199-210. Shag movements in northeast Scotland. N. Elkins and M. R. Williams, 1974. Bird Study 21: 149-51. Contamination of birds with Fulmar oil. R. A. Broad, 1974. British Birds 67: 297-301. (Most data from Fair Isle). Tay Ringing Group 1973. Price 20p. (Annual report; no address given). Local gull movements as a hazard to aircraft. D. R. Grant, 1974. Bird Study 21: 169-79. (Study at Turnhouse (Edinburgh) Airport). Looking at the bad side of oil. J. Andrews and K. Standring, 1974. Birds 5: 16-8. (Threats to birds in Scotland). Talon-grappling by Golden Eagles. D. A. Orton, 1974. Bird Study 21: 219-20. (Record from Wester Ross). Conservation and Research: Scottish development and wild- fowl. W. R. P. Bourne, 1974. Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Report and Year Book 1973- 4: 34-9, Oil Pollution in the Cromarty Firth. A. Currie, 1974. Marine Pollution Bulletin 5: 118-9. Endocrine basis of pair-formation behaviour in the male Eider. M. L. Gorman, 1974. Ibis 116: 451-65. (Study at Sands of Forvie, Aberdeenshire). Orientation of fish in the Tystie’s beak. P. J. B. Slater, 1974. Bird Study 21: 238-40. (Study at Fair Isle). Gut analyses of Greylag and Pinkfooted Geese. I. Newton, C. R. G. Campbell and A. Allison, 1974. Bird Study 21: 255-62. (Study in east-central Scotland). Breeding behaviour of Whinchats. D. B. Gray, 1974. Bird Study 21: 280-2. (Study in Ayrshire). Hen Harriers’ hunting behaviour in south-west Scotland. R. C. Dickson, 1974. British Birds 67: 511-3. Treecreepers apparently feeding on fat. R. S. Greenwood, 1974. British Birds 67: 515-6. (Study in Glasgow). Leaf-shaking by Dunnock. R. G. Caldow, 1974. British Birds 67: 516. (Record from Paisley). Shelduck population of the Ythan estuary, Aberdeenshire. I. J. Patterson, C. M. Young and F. S. Tompa, 1974. Wildfowl 25: 16-28. Criteria for ageing embryos of the Eider. M. L. Gorman, 1974. Wildfowl 25: 29-32. (Study at Sands of Forvie, Aberdeen- shire). 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 7A)! Scottish Bird Report 1973 Compiled by ROY H. DENNIS (Plates 17 - 20) This is the sixth in the new series of annual reports on the birds of Scotland; the previous ones were published in Scot. Birds 5: 302-356, 6: 62-128, 6: 347-402, 7: 107-163 and 7: 324-385. It is a concise summary of data collected on all spec- ies known to have occurred in Scotland in 1973. It follows the pattern established in its predecessors, and new readers should note that no attempt is made to define the ordinary status of most species; reference should be made to Baxter & Rintoul’s The Birds of Scotland (1953). As before, we stress that observer cover in the various re- gions of Scotland ranges from good to very thin, and care should be taken in comparing numbers and regional distribu- tion, especially of migrants. Generally speaking, the Northern Isles, the North Sea coast, central Scotland and the Clyde/ Solway area are better covered than elsewhere, but there are pockets of good cover in most regions. For some areas more information is published and greater details given in local re- ports such as the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, the Shet- land Bird Report, the Isle of May report (Scot. Birds 8: 43-53) and the Clyde Area Bird Report. Although much local informa- tion cannot be published here, the collection of records by the local recorders provides a most useful fund of data for refer- ence on regional ornithology. In the species list 297 species are mentioned; at least eleven of these are species that have escaped or been released from captivity, while a few more are of doubtful origin. Nevertheless we feel it is useful to document such sightings; they are dis- tinguished by the symbol + in the list. } As in the past five years, one new species was added to th Scottish list—in 1973 it was an Ovenbird recorded at Out Skerries on 7-8th October. This North American wood warbler (Parulidae) is a close relative of the Northern Waterthrush, which has been recorded twice on the Isles of Scilly in autumn. It was an exciting year for rare birds which included Purple Heron, two Little Bitterns , two Blue winged Teals, Crane, Great Snipe, three White-rumped Sandpipers, three Buif- breasted Sandpipers, Wilson’s Phalarope, Pratincole, Ivory Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, two White-winged Black ‘Terns, White’s Thrush, two Lanceolated and two Melodious Warblers, Olive-backed Pipit, Citrine Wagtail, Two-barred Crossbill and White-throated Sparrow. 212 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Once again the winters at both ends of the year were not severe; there were no big cold weather movements nor heavy winter mortality but the spring was cold and late, and the summer was rather changeable. A pair of Shore Larks sum- mered in the Highlands and almost certainly nested for the first recorded time. A pair of Reed Warblers nested success- fully on Unst and a Black Redstart laid eggs on Copinsay, Orkney; neither species has been recorded nesting in Scotland previously but in the latter case only a female was observed and the eggs were infertile. Three broods of Goldeneye were recorded in East Inverness- shire, at least two of which were in nest boxes; ten pairs of Ospreys were successful and reared 21 young; the male Snowy Owl at Fetlar mated with two females; the old bird reared two young but the young female deserted her three eggs. Slavonian Grebes extended their range southwards and two pairs were found nesting in Perthshire; the Crested Tit popu- lation was high and some moved into Deeside. Lastly, a Wax- wing was recorded in the Highlands in June, Sanderlings were seen display-flighting over a Sutherland mountain and a Pec- toral Sandpiper was seen in summer on a Caithness flow. The migration seasons were interesting with some species in record numbers; very high numbers of Little Stints and Ruffs were seen in autumn, for example a flock of 84 Ruffs in Shetland. Some warblers and chats were again scarce in autumn, but there were good numbers of Yellow-browed Warblers (about 50) and Red-breasted Flycatchers (22 in autumn), while a spring influx of Bluethroats included two Swedish-ringed birds. It was also a record spring for Scarlet Rosefinches—at least ten were recorded and one wonders when they might stay to breed. Sixty-five Bean Geese in Gal- loway was the most since 1966, and in the Moray Firth the totals of sea-ducks reached 4600 Long-tailed Ducks, 12,000 Common Scoters and 2000 Velvet Scoters. All records given here of species that come within the scope of the ‘British Birds’ Rarities Committee have been accepted by the committee unless noted as still subject to a decision. We appeal to observers to submit descriptions of rare or un- usual species to the local recorder as soon as possible, prefer- ably on an unusual-record form, obtainable free from the local recorder. We are not prepared to publish in this report records of species that, though not on the Rarities Committee list, are rare in Scotland or would represent new species for the faunal areas unless adequate supporting evidence is given. With such a volume of material moving from observer to recorder to compiler to printer, there is the risk of transcrip- 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 213 tion errors and we will be glad to be informed of anything to be corrected next year. We would apologize to anyone who finds his records attributed to someone else; this can happen, because at times, mainly for the sake of brevity, I have named one observer (or the recorder) when several were involved. This leads to a request that all observers should give their surname and all initials when submitting records to the local recorders; with so many observers contributing, the key to their initials is doubly difficult to prepare if only a first initial is given. The different regions have been numbered and the bracketed numbers after an observer’s name in the key to observers’ initials indicate which observer is involved with a record in the species list. To keep the report within a reasonable number of pages we have been terse; as in the past, we have abbreviated months, counties and other words and have omitted most qualifications such as near and about. References in the form (6: 322) are to volumes and pages of Scottish Birds. The sequence of species, English names and scientific nomenclature follow the B.T.O. guide A Species List of British and Irish Birds (1971). An as- terisk indicates that all known records are given. The sketches that illustrate the text were drawn by: W. R. Brackenridge (Peregrine), J. Busby (Gannet, Spoonbill, Black Tern, Snowy Owl, Whinchat), R. H. Hogg (Sparrowhawk, Great Grey Shrike), A. D. Watson (Wheatear, Yellow-browed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Goldfinch) and K. Brockie (Long- tailed Duck, Moorhen, Purple Sandpiper, Swift, Song Thrush, Brambling). The photographs are by D. Coutts, S. Laybourne, I. S. Rob- ertson, R. W. Summers and R. J. Tulloch. I would like to thank them and everyone else who has con- tributed to the 1973 report. My special thanks go to the local recorders for their considerable efforts in collecting and col- lating the records. It is my greatest regret that this report is late; my hope is that as the years go by the historical value of this annual report will increase. Local Recorders in 1973 . Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland. . Fair Isle R. A. Broad, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle Shetland. ; ety E. Balfour, Isbister House, Rendall, Orkney (see Changes be- ow). . Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) Dr P. G. Hopkins, Leurbost School- house, Leurbost, by Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. . St Kilda Dr I. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Sutherland. . Caithness Mrs P. M. Collett, Sandyquoy, East Gills, Scrabster, Caith- ness KW14 7UH. o ol ame WN 214 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) 7. Sutherland, Ross-shire (except Black Isle) D. MacDonald, Elmbank, Dornoch, Sutherland. 8. Inverness-shire (within 18 miles of Inverness) Ross-shire (Black Isle only) Dr Maeve Rusk, Arniston, 51 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness. 9. Inverness-Shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) R. H. Dennis, Landberg, Kessock, Inverness IV1 1XD. 10. Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Portsoy, Banffshire AB4 2NT. 11. Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire W. Murray, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB4 OAA, and A. G. Knox, Zoology Department, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aber- deen AB9 2TN. 12. South Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin, Angus. a3: eee Miss V. M. Thom, 19 Braeside Gardens, Perth (see Changes elow). 14. Kinross-shire Miss B. H. Moore, Vane Farm, Kinross. 15. Isle of May Miss N. J. Gordon, Nature Conservancy, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS (see Changes below). 16. Fife, Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife (see Changes below). 17. West Lothian, Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian. 18. East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh EH10 4NY. 19. Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Sel- kirk TD7 4LX. 20. Argyllshire, Inner Hebrides, Skye M. J. P. Gregory, Duiletter, Kil- mory Road, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire PA31 8NL. 21. Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayr- shire, Arran, Bute R. W. Forrester, 19 Woodside Avenue, Lenzie, Dunb. G66 4NG. 22. Dumfriesshire D. Skilling, 86 Auchenkeld Avenue, Heathall, Dum- fries, and R. T. Smith, Applegarthtown, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. 23. Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire A. D. Watson, Barone, Dalry. Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. Changes of Local Recorders Miss Valerie Thom handed over the recordership of Perthshire to Bob McMillan in 1973 and Miss Nancy Gordon handed over the Isle of May recordership to John Arnott in 1974; we would like to thank them both sincerely for all their good work in connection with the Scottish Bird Report since its inception. In 1974, Cliff Henty was appointed recorder for Clackmannanshire and East Stirling; we would like to thank David Oliver for looking after these areas along with Fife in recent years. 1974 Orkney D. Lea, Easter Sower, Orphir, Orkney KW17 2RE. Perthshire R. L. McMillan, 29 Lewis Place, N. Muirton, Perth. Isle of May J. M. S. Arnott, East Redford House, Redford Road, Edin- burgh EH13 OAS. Fife D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire Dr C. J. Henty, 3 The Broich, Alva, Clackmannanshire. 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 215 Key to observers’ initials More than 600 observers contributed records for 1973 to the local recorders and we are extremely grateful to them. Not all contributors are mentioned in this key, since, in many cases, records were summar- ised before submission to me, and owing to editing, not all those listed here are mentioned in the main part of the report. Where an observer may have submitted only one or two records, e.g. a rarity, to avoid multi- plication of initials his (or her) full name is given with the record in the species list. Mrs D. E. Abbey E. D. Cameron M. Drummond L. Adams C. R. G. Campbell A. Duncan P. Agland M. F. Carrier Sir A. B. Duncan A. F. Airey Dr M. E. Castle Mrs M. H. Dunn S. M. D. Alexander G. Chabrzyk (15) J. Edelsten A. Allison I. C. Christie P. M. Ellis D. R. Anderson Sir P. Christison Sir R. Erskine-Hill MrsN.E. Armstrong J. A. Clark C. J. Evans N. K. Atkinson P.N. J. Clark Dr E. C. Fellowes W. Austin T. M. Clegg B. C. Forrester A. J. Backx D. L. Clugston R. W. Forrester R. S. Bailey (RSBy) L. Cole M. W. Fraser R. S. Baillie (RSB) A. F. C. M. Collett G. H. French K. Baldridge (23) Mrs P. M. Collett Dr C. H. Fry E. Balfour (EB) L. T. Colley R. Furness I. Balfour-Paul D. C. Cook H. Galbraith J. H. Ballantyne (JB) G. B. Corbett C. A. Gervaise R. Q. Ballantyne C. Corse I. P. Gibson W. Q. Ballantyne D. Cottee (19) A. G. Gordon Miss J. Banks (JBk) D. Coull (23) Miss N. J. Gordon G. J. Barnes D. Coutts (1) D. R. Grant Mrs E. Bartlett (EBt) C.N.L. Cowper Lt-Col J. P. Grant Miss P. G. T. Baxter P. Coxon Miss J. A. R. Grant J. M. Beattie A. O. Craig T. Gray M. V. Bell G. M. Crighton M. J. P. Gregory C. G. Booth G. Critchley A. Grieve C. J. Booth Rev. J. M. Crook Miss P. Grundy Dr W. R. P. Bourne W.A.J.Cunningham J. M. Gunn (6) T. Boyd A. Currie Brathay Expedition W. R. Brackenridge J. Currie (JCu) Group (BEG) S. Bradley Nature Conservancy North Solway Ringing D. M. Bremner Council (NCC) Group (NSRG) W.N. Brigham Eskdale & Liddesdale Tay Ringing Group R. A. Broad Orn. Club (ELOC) TRG K. Brockie R. C. Dalrymple (21) Mrs M. Hall D. N. Brooks L. Dalziel T. J. Hallam W. Brotherston T. P. Daniels Mrs H. S. C. Halliday A. Brown (23) (21) I. M. Darling K. C. C. Halliday C. Brown N. Darroch Dr K. C. R. Halliday Miss E. Brown (EBr) M. Davies (11) Mrs E. Hamilton I. A. G. Brown T. Delaney (17) F. D. Hamilton K. Bruce (22) R. H. Dennis Mrs A. R. Harding D. M. Bryant J. Dick Mrs E. M. Harvey G. Bundy R. C. Dickson (23) M. I. Harvey J. L. Burton Miss J. Donnan T. Hastie Royal Soc. for Protec- T. Dougall (TDo) C. G. Headlam tion of Birds (RSPB) B. Downing M. Heubeck (11) R. G. Caldow Dr I. T. Draper A. C. B. Henderson R. Calligan Mrs M. M. Draper Sir N. Henderson 216 . Henty ‘Hoag . Hogg Sines (21) kins . Hopkins J. E. Howie . Hulme . Hume N. Hunter Hunter . Hutcheson Irving R. James . Jamieson . A. Jeffrey . W. G. John . Johnson (1) . Johnstone (23) . Kerr (23) iss B. C. Kinloch . G. M. Kinnear ke Kinnear a0 ey anpeogs i cobs 3.2 gee DOWAS MM AO SO 4 > O ZPava BP UMP ERD EDP rs L. D. G. Linehan . D. Liston he Love iss K. Lyall D. W. McAllister D. MacDonald Mrs M. K. MacDuff- Duncan D. B. McGinn K. S. Macgregor R. Macintyre A. Maclver C. J. Mackenzie-Grieve K. A. MacKenzie Dr P. Mackie Be ia ome es aoe A Aviat, R. L. McMillan E. J. Maguire Aus JR SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 R. J. Mann S. Manson (6) Dr B. Marshall M. Marsland (13) M. Martin (MMn) J. B. Mason W. Mapheson 4) A. Maxwel E. J. A. Meikle Prof. M. F. M. Meikle- john J. K. R. Melrose T. D. H. Merrie H. Miller Mitchell Mitchell (21) ss B. H. Moore M. Morrison Moss (16) H. B. Munro Murray D. Murray Murray A. S. Newman Nicol G. Nisbet Nisbet Norman Ockendon A. Ogilvie W. Oliver Oliver Ostroznic Pairman Park (21) C. Parker Parrott A. Patrick D. Pennie etersen J. S. Phillips iCOZZi Placido K. Pollock Pounder da C. R. A. if Mis (Se Ae Jig S: Re W. 14 M. R. i R. A. M. D. Fis Ee ie GC. E. Jack. Gre Dr I. A. P Rev. N. Pi Prato Prest s I. Rainier A. D. K. Ramsay C. P. Rawcliffe Dr R. Richter (10) N. Riddiford G. Riddle H. Robb E. L. Roberts J. Roberts (12) I. S. Robertson Mrs S. Robertson M. Ross (1) P. D. Round C. R. B. S. W. Mr 8(4) J. Rowbottom (JRo) Dr D. E. Rowling R. Roxburgh Dr M. Rusk A. Russell H. M. Russell G. L. Sandeman P. W. Sandeman I. S. Sandison (1) J. E. Sapwell D. Scott J. Scott (21) M. Scott (16) Mrs P. Scott-Plummer D. R. Shannon Mrs A. F. W. Sharp G. thee (GSh) R. Shaw P. Shaw G. Sheppard (23) D. C. Shenton D. Simpson (16) J. H. Simpson M. Sinclair D. Skilling (DSk) J. Skilling (JSk) A. J. Smith (19) Mrs E. M. Smith K. Smith (21) Mrs P. Smith (7) N. Smith R. T Smith R. W. J. Smith S. Smith Prof T. C. Smout J. Spriggs (1) D. Stalker K. T. Standring D. M. Stead A. G. Stewart I. F. Stewart N. L. Storie M. Strickland (1) R. W. Summers I. S. Suttie R. L. Swann RAF Kinloss Ornith. Soc. (RAFKOS) Dr T .V. Tattersal G. K. Taylor Miss V. M. Thom D. B. Thomson R. Thorne (1) D. Thorogood (DTh) J. Thorogood (JTh) M. Traill-Clouston R. J. Tulloch D. Turner (12) L. A. Urquhart K. Verrall 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 217 Mrs U. R. Vivers R. Wemyss (21) A. Wright (21) Dr L. L. J. Vick D. S. Whitaker N. J. D. Wright Dr W. C. Wakefield G. T. White W. Wyper (21) Mrs A. Walker Mrs J. A. Whyte Dr E. I. Young R. Walker (17) Dr F. W. Wigzell G. Young Miss S. Wanless R. T. Willett J. F. Young A. D. Watson E. J. Williams J. G. Young A. J. Watson J. Wilson (23) L. Young D. R. Waugh J. M. Wilson B. Zonfrillo T. Weir P. Wormell Species List Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica. Another unsuccessful year, pro- bably due to summer floods. Sample counts: Suth, 10 prs checked, only 1 young reared; W Ross, 14 prs checked, 4 young reared; Inv, 4 prs, 1 young reared (RHD, AG, ENH et al.); O Heb, unsuccessful Harris/ Lewis (PGH); Perth, 2 sites successful out of 5 checked (RLMcM). Else- where : Ayr, pr failed (WRB, RHH); pr nested in new locality SW Scot- land, but young did not survive. “Shet, 1 Skellister 29 July-20 Aug (DC); Ork, max 7 Walkmill Bay 20 Sep (DL); O Heb, max count 20 Branahuie 1 Sep (WAJC, PGH); W Ross, 15 Red Point 10 Mar (ENH), 25 ad Gruinard Bay 16 Aug (DCH); Inv, 1 Longman Bay 18 Feb (MR); Midl, 1 Musselburgh 15 Dec (LLJV); Kinross, 1 inland L Leven 9-10 Feb (AA, KB, GC). Great Northern Diver Gavia immer. Winter counts: 12 Dales Voe, Shet, 30 Jan, 15 Weisdale 14 Feb and 15 Unst 25 Feb; 3 Tyninghame, E Loth, 18 Feb & 23 Mar (RWJS, EMS); Arg, 9 Machrihanish-Tayinloan 11 Mar (DLC); 14 Portnahaven, Islay, 19 Mar (R. Dawson); Ayr, 7 Turn- berry Bay 20 Mar (RHH). Spring records: Shet, 18 Quendale 26 Mar, increase to 28 by 3 May; Ork, 72 in one group, Scapa Flow 25 Apr (DL). More late records than usual on west coast: 11 Balnakeil Bay, Suth, 20 May (AG); 7 Port Henderson, W Ross, 3 May (ENH); 3 Arisaig and 4 Loch nan Uamh, Inv, 26 May; 5 Kilmalieu, Arg, 27 May, including dis- play (RHD). Only one inland record—W Ross loch 28 Apr (ACMcL). Usual summer records north and west coasts. Autumn: singles Fair Isle 17 and 25 Oct, 2 on 19 Oct (RAB); Shet, 8 Weisdale 14 Nov; first Aber coast, Cruden Bay 8 Sep (ACBH); 5 St Combs 15 Nov (DIMW); Fife, 1 Fife Ness 30 Sep (ABr, RHH); E Loth, 4 Tyninghame 9 Dec. *White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii. Ad ¢ found dead (shot) Cumbrae, Bute, 27 Jan (S. J. Gorzula, per C. J. Bibby). Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata. Breeding success varied consider- ably from area to area: Shet, Fetlar, 16 prs, 6 young reared (RSPB); Unst, 25 prs, 10 young reared (GB); Whalsay, 14 prs all failed (JHS); Sandsting, 11-19 prs, 8 young reared (TDHM); O Heb, successful year (PGH); Ork, 23-25 prs, 23 young reared—successful as in 1972 (CJB); Suth/ Ross, 12 prs, 8 young reared (RHD et al.); 2 prs Renf, but no young (HG); Gacpy 1 pr reared 1 young, first proved breeding record for region ) Peak counts: 12 Turnberry-Culzean, Ayr, 19 Feb (BCF); E Loth, 29 Aberlady on 4 Mar, last on 9 May, 10 Tyninghame 3 Mar; Angus, 40 Usan and 30 Lunan Bay 29 Apr (GMC); E Ross, 32 Tarbat Ness 4 Mar (RHD); Suth, 29 Embo 17 Jan (RHD). Migration: Fair Isle, scattered records 18 May-14 Sep (RAB); Shet, 4 records of wintering; on terri- tory Fetlar 9 Mar; O Heb, first Balranald 11 Apr (PC); Caith, calling Dunnet Head loch 10 Mar (DG). Autumn and winter: 3 Kessock, Inv, 31 Dec (JMC); 15 Tarbat Ness, E Ross, 16 Nov (RHD); Moray, first Spey 218 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Bay 2 Sep (JMB), 7 Culbin 14 Oct (RAFKOS); Midl, 4 Musselburgh 10 Novy, 11 on 15 Dec (RHH, LLJV); E Loth, max 27 Aberlady 21 Oct, 35 abe 10 Nov; Wig 30S Mull of Galloway in 34 hours 15 Sep (RHH, IHL). Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Perth, c30 prs reared 14 young (RLMcM, VMT); Kinross, 4 prs L Leven, 1 young (AA, BHM); Fife poor breeding season; Midl, no young reared; Renf, 16 prs; Ayr, 5 prs; W Stir, 8 prs (per RWF); Galloway, 12 prs Kirk and 7 prs Wig, success poor except Lochinch Loch (per ADW); Dumf, late hatch Lochmaben 16 Sep, 4 fledged (NEA, RTS). Counts and migration: Shet, 1 Lerwick 1-3 Oct (L. Blohm); Suth, 1 Embo 4 Mar (RHD); Aber, 3 L of Strathbeg 11 Mar (RHD); Isle of May, 1 on 19 Sep (ADW); Midl, 300 Cramond-Granton 22 Jan, 200 on 25 Feb, last 8 Musselburgh 15 May, 19 on 20 Aug, 60 on 16 Sep (LLJV), 115 Sea- field 27 Nov (Ab); E Loth, more than usual summer records on sea: 10 Gosford 20-28 Aug, 10-12 Aberlady 2-22 Sep (KSMcG); Dunb, present Clyde Jan-6 May and 16 Sep-Dec, max 12 Ardmore Point 26 Nov (IPG). Red-necked Grebe Podiceps griseigena. Continued high numbers E Loth Jan-31 Mar and 14 July-Dec. Winter-spring: E Loth, present Gos- ford-Gullane until end Mar, max 4 Gosford and 7 Gullane 18 Mar; Midl, 1 Musselburgh 2 Jan (LLJV); Suth, 2 Embo and 3 Golspie 17 Jan (RHD). Autumn: Shet, 1 Foula 3 Sep (BEG); Suth, 1 Handa 15 Aug (AG), 1 The Mound 13-14 Oct (CGH, DMcD); E Ross, 1 Chanonry Point 17 Nov (MIH); Moray, 1 Burghead 1 Oct (RHD); Angus, 2 West Haven 13 Oct (TMC), one 30 Dec (BP); Isle of May singles 3 Sep (MN), 8-9 Oct (HG); Midl, 1 Musselburgh 22 Aug (RHH, LLJV), 2 on 19 Dec (GLS), 2 Sea- field 18 Dec, 1 Newhaven 31 Dec (GDL, GLS); E Loth, 6 Gosford 14 July, then peaks at Gosford of 11 on 27 July, 24 on 20 Aug, 26 on 8 Sep, 23 on 26 Oct but only 2 in Nov-Dec; at Aberlady-Gullane 2 on 24 July, then peaks of 16 on 26 Aug, 13 on 2 Sep, 4 on 6 Oct, 5 on 10 Nov and 3 on 2 Dec; Dunb, 2 Craigendoran 16 Sep (SMDA), 1 Cardross 11 Nov (TPD); Kirk, 1 Cree estuary 4 Sep (N. Champion). Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus. Census found 51-54 prs in Caith, Inv, Moray and Perth (new breeding record for county); breeding suc- cess still low and still suffering from disturbance. Caith, 1 pr reared 1 or 2 young (PMC); Inv, 42-44 prs on 17 lochs, about 19 young from 18-19 prs in northern area, 1 pr Strathspey reared 1 young (RHD, MIH); Moray, 5-6 prs on one loch reared 4 young (RHD). Perth, pair nested L of Lowes, but all 4 young killed or died (VMT), ad seen on another loch with one young 7 Aug (N. H. Walker). First at L Laide 7 Mar (MIH), L Ashie 13 Mar and Caith loch 18 Mar (SL). Winter-spring: Fair Isle, one 21-23 Apr (RAB); Shet, max counts 25 Tresta 17 Feb, 16 Firth 11 Mar, last 3 Tresta 1 May (DC); Suth, 9 Embo 17 Jan (RHD), 6 Balnakeil Bay 29 Mar (AG); E Ross, 5 Portmahomack 4 Mar (RHD); E Loth peaks: 13 Gosford 25 Feb, 35 on 18 Mar, 11 Aber- lady-Gullane 7 Jan, 26 on 25 Feb, 9 on 23 Mar, 40n 5 Apr. Migration and autumn-winter counts: Fair Isle 2 on 22-24 Sep, 30 Sep-1 Oct (RAB); Shet, from 23 Sep, max 11 Tresta 15 Oct; Ork, 8 Walkmill Bay 30 Nov (CJB, DL); E Ross, 2 Findon 31 Oct (DWMcA); O Heb, 2 Broad Bay 21 Oct (WAJC); Aber, 1 L of Strathbeg 23 Sep (J. Treasurer); Isle of May, one 14 Oct (MFC); Midl, peak 10+ on 17 Nov (LLJV): E Loth, 5 Gos- ford 12 Sep, 16 Aberlady-Gullane 21 Oct, 14 on 10 Nov, 10 on 19 Dec (KSMcG ef al.); Dumf, 1 Lochmaben 11 Sep-16 Oct (NEA, RTS). Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. At eastern of two main col- onies in Central Lowlands first seen 12 Mar, 3 prs on 29 Mar, possibly better year with at least 4 chicks; 14 prs at other main site, 10 ads and 5 young seen 9 July; 1 pr with 2 young on loch between two main sites 25 Aug, 3 adults on another loch on 9 July and one adult on a fifth loch 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 219 13 May, but no proof of breeding in last two cases (anon). Winter records and migrants: scarcer than 1972; Suth, 1 Embo 17 Jan and 14 Mar (RHD); E Loth, 1 Gosford Bay 4 Mar (AB, RHH), 2 Aber- lady Bay 22 Sep (HG, BZ); Wig, 6 L Ryan 17 Mar (KBa), 4 on 7 Apr, 7 on 10 Nov (RCD). Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. Breeding reports: O Heb, 4 prs bred Balranald (PC); Inv, returned Rothiemurchus 8 Mar and population high in Strathspey (RHD), 3 prs L Laide, 3 young reared (MIH). Counts and migrants: Shet, ad Hillwell 31 July-2 Aug (G. Jamieson), first of autumn 7 Oct; Ross, 6 L Shieldaig 26 Jan-20 Mar (ENH); Moray, 5 Find- horn 9 Dec GCy. Mik Angus, 7 Monikie 13 Oct (BP); Kinross, 10 Leven Cut 2 Feb (GC); Midl, max 11 Musselburgh 3 Mar, last 18 Mar, first 11 Oct, up to 9 on 28 Oct (RHH, LLJV). Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. Fair Isle, first egg 19 May, first chick seen 2 July, 2 dark-phase nested with light-phase birds (RAB); Kinross, from 7 Mar, max 7 on 8 June, few after 30 July, did not nest (WQB, GC); Forth, Isle of May, increase to 68 prs, 400 sites Inchkeith 17 June, 104 young ringed in Aug (170 in 1972) (RWJS); I Heb, 500 prs Tiree (DCL). Dark-phase birds: Shet, Unst 27 Jan, 7 Mar, 4 Apr and 14 Apr, Fetlar 11 Mar, Foula 23 May, Noss 5 May, 10 Sep, Sumburgh 1 June, Skerries 29 Aug; Fair Isle, 1-2 offshore 30 Sep-12 Oct and 3 on crossing 22 Dec; Ork, Hoy 9 July (CJB), 5 Nov (MAMcD). Counts: Aber 850N per hour Greyness 24 Apr (MN), 1700 per hour Rattray Head 26 Apr (CC). Inland records include 3W Kiltarlity, Inv, June (MIH) and 1 Waterfoot, Dumf, 8 Aug (WA, RTS); 1 Gourock, Renf, 28 July was unusual (IPG). Manx Shearwater Puffinus pujfinus. Counts at colonies: Shet, 100+ Lamb Hoga (P. A. Dukes); Ork, 1000 off Hoy 9 July (CJB); I Heb, 1000 off Eigg 23 June (AWGJ); heavy rain flooded burrows on Rhum 30 June-2 July (ADKR). Passage: Fair Isle, first on 10 Apr (RAB); Suth, first Handa 6 Apr, 76N and 20S in 1 hour 17 Aug (AG); O Heb, 2 Shiants 31 Mar (PGH), 450S per hour Rudha Ardvule, South Uist 16 Aug (DWR); Kinc, 11 Girdle Ness 13 Aug (AGK); Angus, 200N Auchmithie 21 June (GMC); Fife, 200 off Fife Ness 21 June (RSby); Isle of May, 28 July-10 Oct, max 210N on 10 Sep; Midl, max 35 Musselburgh 15 July; Ayr, 370 Troon 12 Sep (HG); Wig, 10+ Luce Bay 30 Aug (ADW, AJW). Singles Invergowrie Bay, Perth, 10 Sep (EJM) and Kincraig, Inv, 30 Sep, released Inverness 4 Oct (RHD). Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus. Recorded 24 July-19 Oct, large numbers late Aug and Sep. Fair Isle, 7 Aug-15 Oct, many more than usual, up to 10 many days, peaks 48 on 27 Aug, 250 on 2 Sep and 50 on 6 Sep (RAB); Shet, 2 Walls-Foula 31 July (ARM), more Aug-Sep; Ork, hundreds North Ronaldsay 28 Sep (DL), 49 on 10 Oct and 10 on 15th (R. Gomes); E Ross, 200N in 2 hours Tarbat Ness 29 Sep (MIH, ARM); Aber, 7 Rattray Head 18 Aug (ACBH), 25 Fraserburgh 28 Sep (DIMW); Fife Ness 24 July (TPD)-30 Sep (EJM), max 5 per hour 6 Aug (DWO); Isle of May, 5 Sep-14 Oct, max 30 on 23 Sep and 50 on 10 Oct (ADW, HG); Arg, 4 Rhinns of Islay 26 Aug (KV); Ayr, 3 Troon 12 Sep (HG). *Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis. Eight records 5 Aug-28 Sep are more than usual: Fair Isle, singles S on 26 and 27 Aug, 1-2 on 28 Aug, 1 on 28 Sep (RAB) 1 on crossing to Shet 21 Sep (A. Heath); Ork, 1 off Hoy 19 Sep (D. Morton); Suth, 1S Handa 1 Sep (AG); Aber, 1S Collieston 5 Aug (KAD). Fair Isle also recorded large shearwaters probably this species 2nd (2), 6th, 13th and 28 Sep. *Cory’s Shearwater Puffinus diomedea. Two records: I Heb, Rubha- na-Faing, Islay 19 Aug (KV) and 20 miles NW off Stoer Point, The Minch, Suth 2 Oct (ACMcL). 220 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. Shet, 4 Sumburgh 25 Apr (DC), possible new site Noup of Noss (SMDA); Fair Isle 25 May, ashore 6 June to 23 Sep, juv ringed 4 Oct (RAB); Ork, Auskerry colony larger than thought previously, also colonies Switha Holm, Rusk Holm, Green Holms and possibly Corn Holm (EB ez al.); W Ross, 250 ringed Glas Leac Mor 23 July (ARM); Suth 1 ashore Handa 5 Aug (RHD, AG), 4S Reiff 1 Sep (RAH); Fife, 1 found oiled St Monans Nov (P. Smith). Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. Shet, 34 ringed Foula 4-13 Aug (influenced by tape-recorder) is more than ever before (ARM), 1 found dead Channerwick 11 Nov (RJ); Inv, 1 on board fishing boat at night off South Rona 27 Sep (ACMcL). Gannet Sula bassana. No records from colonies, but a few ashore Fair Isle Sheep Rock July and up to 300 on Da Fless, mainly 2nd yr birds suggests possible colonization; Ork, 1 on ledge Copinsay in summer (DL). Counts and migrants: Caith, noticeable E movement 11-18 Jan Pentland Firth (SL) and westerly passage late Aug-5 Sep, large numbers of immatures (PMC); Suth, peaks 150N per hour Handa 8 Aug, 200N per hour on 17 Aug and 150S per hour 1 Sep (AG); E Ross, large N passage Tarbat Ness 29 Sep (MIH); Aber, huge N passage Fraserburgh 12 Apr, at 40 per min and estimated 4500 birds (DIMW); Ayr 2-300N per hour Turnberry 23 Mar (WRB). Inland: singles Langholm, Dumf 17 Jan (ELOC) and found dead Loch Earn, Perth Feb (per RLMcM); more lst yr birds in Moray Firth in winter, e.g. 8 Kessock 25 Nov (JMC) and into Beauly Firth, 5 Lentran 16 Sep (MIH). Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Counts: 100 prs Cansamal, O Heb (PC); W Ross, 14 nests Rhu Reidh 7 May (RHD), only 6 nests Eilean Mor is marked decrease (JAW); 230 nests Lamb, Forth 9 June (RWJS); Galloway, 60 nests Port o’ Warren 26 Apr (13-14 nests in 1967) (ECF), no change Meikle Ross (30-40 prs) (ACBH). Migration and peak counts: Fair Isle, autumn passage 21 Aug-20 Oct, fewer, peak only 35 on 5th, 10th and 23 Sep (RAB); Inv, 233 Beauly Firth 21 Jan (MR); Kine, 120 Girdle Ness 2-3 Nov (MN, RLS); Angus, 300+ Tay road bridge 25 Sep (EJM); Perth, 380 Invergowrie 8 Feb, 360 on 23 Dec (EJM); Fife, max 760 Tentsmuir 29 Dec (BP); Midl, max 60 Musselburgh 13 Oct (JHB, LLJV); Clyde, 281 upper Clyde 21 Jan, 217 on 9 Dec (IPG); Kinross, max L Leven 75 on 31 Mar (GC). Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Fair Isle lst egg c/2, 4 Apr, flying young from 10 June, albino fledged from same nest as that where albino and normal juv fledged in 1972, white bird seen around isle to 4 Oct (RAB). Shet, albino Whalsay 14 Oct-10 Dec (BM), the dates appear to agree. Suth, Handa, poor breeding success—bad weather (AG); Isle of 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 221 May continued increase to 1129 pairs, albino Apr-May (DRG); Forth, 244 nests Lamb, 164 Craigleith (RWJS), 1 pr Carr Craig 31 May is appar- ently first in inner Forth (GLS). Counts: Suth, 500 Portgower-Helms- dale 9 Feb (RHD), 197 Stoer Point 28 Aug (RAH); 140 Stornoway, O Heb, 28 Feb (PGH); Inv, 140+ Corpach 9 Jan (JM). +White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus. Surprising influx of 6 or 7 presumably escaped birds : I Heb, 4 Ardmore, Islay, 1-6 May, 3 L Gorm and 1 L Gruinart to 10 May (CGB); Dunb, 2 Lenzie Loch 5-6 May (per CGB); Lan, 1 Gadloch 3-5 May (WW). Heron Ardea cinerea. O Heb, unsuccessful season Loch Keose (PGH); Perth, 9+ fledged Bridge of Earn cl5 prs (RLMcM); Fife, decrease in colonies; Arg, formerly large Coilessan heronry now only 3 nests (JM); W Stir/Perth, 36 occupied nests Gartfairn, probably largest in Scotland (JM); Ayr, 12 prs Brownmuir but poor success, Martnaham colony deser- ted, Kelburn still decreasing (WRB); Kirk, 27 nests Agrennan (20 in 1972) (JSk). Migration and counts: Fair Isle passage 13 Aug-8 Oct, max 6 on 13 Sep (RHD); Shet, 10 Skerries 16-20 Sep (ISR); W Ross, 24 Leckmelm Jan (ENH), 25 Kyle 16 Sep (PGr); Moray, 30 Findhorn 22 Aug (RSPB); E Ross, 40 Coulmore, Beauly Firth Sep; Angus, 107 Montrose Basin 14 ae wt Fife, 53 Morton Lochs 30 Sep (DMB); 32 west coast Bute ep : *Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. 1 Haetae Loch, Dumf 27 May (A. Goodwin, RTS). *Little Egret Egretta garzetta. 1 Loch of Isbister, Birsay, Ork, 20-27 May (G. Wylie, DL et al.); 1 Waterfoot, Annan, Dumf, 12 Apr-2 June (TJ-F et al.), latter subject to acceptance by Rarities Committee. *Bittern Botaurus stellaris. Singles: Loch of Pitfour, Aber, 1 Jan-3 Feb (Cpt J. P. Curzon, AGK); Duddingston, Midl, 16 Feb (DRA); Paisley Moss, Renf, 25-28 Oct (HG, IPG, GTW). *Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus. Two records: ¢ Culzean, Ayr, 22-24 May (GR, M. Wilson); 2° River Spey, Boat of Garten, Inv, 28 May (Miss H. Dow). *Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia. 1 Douglas Water, Lan, 21 July (W. Johnston); ad Skinflats, Stir 28 July (J. Moss), probably same bird. {Flamingo sp. Kirk, 1971/72 bird still alive, seen Glen Luce 20 May, Wigtown Bay autumn to Dec (RH, D. V. E. Roger). 222 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. Midl/Peeb, good breeding season Port- more, poor Gladhouse; Kinross, excellent season L Leven (AA); O Heb, 25 prs bred Balranald (PC). Peak counts and migration: Caith, 762 L Watten 21 Jan, 311 on 11 Nov; Ross/Inv, 561 Beauly Firth 18 Feb, 321 on 11 Nov (EBt, MIH), 306 Longman 22 Jan (MR); Aber, 470 L of Skene 18 Feb, 2000 on 18 Nov (RSBy); Angus, 1300 Monikie-Crombie reservoirs 13 Oct (BP); Perth, 800+ Stormont Loch 13 Jan (SLg, IMck), 1000+ Invergowrie 4 Dec, 1200 on 23 Dec (EJM); Kinross, 1350 L Leven 16 Feb, 3000 mid Aug, 2000 in Sep (AA); Midl, max 875 Moorfoot reservoirs Jan, down to 250 on 4 Mar, 255 on 18 Aug, 900 on 17 Sep and 1150 on 14 Oct (RWJS et al.); Renf, 470 ¢ dg Longhaugh Point-West Ferry June (IPG), 700 Barr Loch 2 Sep (HG); Ayr, 1000 Turnberry 19 Feb (BCF), 640 Doonfoot 4 Oct (IHL); Wig, 1000+ Port Logan 17 Aug and Oct (AFA). Teal Anas crecca. Peak counts and migration: Fair Isle, 21 Apr-31 May max 6 on 25-27 Apr; 18 Aug-1 Dec, mainly 10 Sep-1 Oct, peak 40 on 16 Sep (RAB); Caith, 156 L Calder 14 Oct, 200 Gills Bay 28 Dec (PMC); Suth, 700 Skibo 15 Sep (DMcD); E Ross, 400 Dalmore 10 Feb (ARM), 600 L Eye 13 Nov (CGH), 380 Conon Islands 11 Nov (DWMcA); Inv, 150 Insh Jan-Feb (RL), 588 Longman 14 Oct (MR); Perth, 150+ River Teith 8 Nov (GSh); Aber, 245 Cotehill Loch 29 Sep (M. Davies); Kinross, low autumn numbers L Leven, 350 in Sep, 650 in mid Oct (AA); Midl, Moorfoot reservoirs 135 on 28 Jan, 75 on 4 Aug, 250 on 29 Sep, 400 on 21 Oct (RWJS et al.); E Loth, 250 Quarryford Pond 14 Oct, 220 Tyninghame 1 Jan (JHB); Renf, 200+ Blairbowie 24 Nov (RHH), 150 Barr Loch 30 Aug (HG); Bute, 200 L Fad 23 Mar (IH); Kirk, poor year; Wig, 246 Portlogan 10 Nov (RCD). N American Green-winged Teal A.c. carolinensis. Single ¢d¢ were identified at Dalmore Bay, E Ross 10 Feb-3 Mar (ARM et al.); Struy, Inv, 7 June on a lochan with a 2 Teal and ducklings but no proof of breeding (MIH); Longman Bay, Inv, 12 Dec (RHD) and Eynhallow, Ork, 2 Nov (MAMcD). *Garganey Anas querquedula. Nine spring records 11 Mar-9 June, pro- baby only 6 individuals—lowest for six years: Fair Isle ¢ 11-14 Mar (RAB); Fife, ¢ Kilconquhar Loch 26-27 May (PGTB, JARG); E Loth, J Gosford Pond 10-11 Apr (GLS), ¢ Aberlady 16 May (IAGB, GJ) and 3 June (AB), 2 20 May (AB), ¢ Drem Pools 21 May (GLS, LLJV). *Blue-winged Teal Anas discors. Two first year drakes shot Stronsay, Ork, 5 Sep (per R. Zawadski, AA). Baikal Teal Anas formosa. A drake at East Park, Caerlaverock, Dumf 19 Feb-12 Apr (CRGC, MAO, M. Owen). Gadwall Anas strepera. Good breeding season L Leven, Kinross (AA); few prs bred Kilconquhar Loch, Fife (DWO); 4 prs bred Balranald, O Heb (PC); 3 °° with broods Perth site (EJM). Counts: 14 Kilconquhar, Fife 26 Aug, 18 Morton Lochs 26 Aug (JARG); O Heb, 18 Balranald Sep (PC). Outside usual areas: Fair Isle, pr 25 Apr (RAB); Shet, Benston Loch 17 Jan-8 Feb and Scatness 6 May (DC); Ork, 2-3 Sanday 23 July, 1 Harray Loch 16 Sep (DL); Caith, ¢ Loch of Mey 9-15 June (PMC, SL); Suth, 1 Skibo 13 Jan (DMcD), 1 L Fleet 17 Jan and 4 Mar (RHD); E Ross, 2 Ardjachie Bay 14 Oct (CGH); Moray, 1 Spynie 3 Feb, 5 on 16 Sep, 2 on 21 Oct, 2 on 22 Dec (CAG); Aber, 2 Logie Buchan 29 Apr (PDR, JRP); O Heb, 4 L Stiapavat, Lewis 18 Sep (P. Edwards); Kirk 1 L Ken 13 May (ELR), Dumf, Caerlaverock, 2 on 20 Mar, 1 on 22 Sep, 2 on 13 Oct, 3 from 20 Oct-12 Dec (CRGC). Wigeon Anas penelope. No observations on breeding numbers. Counts and migration: Fair Isle, strong autumn passage 26 Aug-end Oct, max 40 on 13th and 20 Sep (RAB); Ork, peak Harray Loch 1665 in Oct; O Heb, first Balranald 11 on 1 Oct, 76 on 19 Oct (PC), 200 Steinish, Lewis 13 Oct 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 223 (IMMcL); Caith, 507 Watten 11 Nov, less than usual; Suth, 652 L Fleet 17 Jan (RHD), 1300 Ardnacailce Bay 6 Oct and 1100 Skibo 13 Oct (DMcD); Ross, 2300 Alness 9 Dec (ARM), 4000 Nigg Bay 14 Oct, 4200 Tain-Ardjachie 14 Oct (GGH); Beauly Firth 651 on 21 Jan, 1300 on 11 Nov (EBt, MIH); 750 Munlochy Bay 18 Sep (MKMcD-D); 3000 Udale Bay 9 Oct (ARM); Inv, 1092 Longman Bay 18 Feb and 1738 on 11 Nov (MR, EIY); absent L Linnhe 3 May-24 Sep, max 100 on 22 Oct (JASN); Aber, 5-600 L Davan 13 Jan (RSBy); Angus 3000+ Montrose Basin 10 Oct (BP); Kinross, 400 L Leven 21 Feb, 700 early Oct-Dec (AA); Midl, Moor- foot reservoirs first 6 on 18 Aug, 12 on 8 Sep, 120 on 22 Sep, 225 peak on 10 Nov (RWJS); E Loth, 480 Tyninghame 23 Dec; Renf, 400 Barr Loch 22 Nov (HG), 546 upper Clyde 14 Oct (HG); Dunb, 610 Endrick mouth 18 Feb, 647 on 16 Dec (JM, JHT); Bute, 700 SW Bute 21 Jan, 500 Greenan Loch 23 Dec (IH); Kirk, rather low numbers; Wig, 500 L Ryan 15 Sep, 4000 on 6 Oct (RHH). *American Wigeon Anas americana. Four records of drakes: Shet, Haroldswick, Unst, 16-24 May (GB, MS); Levenmouth, Kinross, 8 June- 6 Aug (AA); Carsebreck, Perth, 24 Mar (DMB); Balranald, O Heb, 23 Apr- 1 May (PC). Pintail Anas acuta. Bred Loch of Banks, the Loons and Langamay, Ork (DL); immature Insh 19 Sep (RHD). Migration and peak counts: Shet, 2 in Feb, 5 in Apr, 9 in May, max 3 Hillwell 20-21 May (FH), 1 Clickhimin 26-27 Aug (DC) few later; Fair Isle 2° 4-8 June (RAB); Caith, 2 Loch of Mey 22 Sep (PMC, SL); Ross, 310 Nigg 17 Jan (CGH), 45 L Eye 14 Oct (CGH); Inv, 18 Bunchrew 18 Mar, 69 on 9 Dec (MIH), 141 Long- man 14 Jan, 56 on 14 Oct (JM, MR); Angus, 50+ Duns Dish 2 Oct (GMC), 40 Lunan Bay 27 Dec (BP); Kinross, L Leven 2 on 20 Aug, max 48 on 18 Sep (AA); Fife, 11 Kilconquhar 21 Oct (PGTB); Stir, 140 Skinflats 2 Jan (IAGT), 78 on 8 Dec (J. Moss); Midl, 9 Gladhouse 10 Nov (RWJS): E Loth, 9 Aberlady 24 Nov (GLS); Renf, Longhaugh Pt Jan-6 May and 3 Sep-Dec, peaks 154 on 18 Feb, 209 on 9 Dec (HG, IPG), 27 Hamilton 28 Dec (IPG); Ayr, 29S Doonfoot 28 Oct (IHL); Kirk, 152 Carsethorn 28 Feb (CJMcK-G); Dumf, max Caerlaverock 800 on 1 Oct (CRGC). Shoveler Anas clypeata. Bred several sites Ork and Caith; 7 prs bred Balranald, O Heb (PC); Inv, Ist pr Insh 10 Apr, max 3 prs May (RL); Angus, 2 and 13 ducklings Duns Dish 5 June (GMC); poor breeding season L Leven, Kinross (AA) and Kirk, L Ken (ADW). Counts and migration: Shet, pr Hillwell 25 Apr, 6-8 May (BM, NLS), 1 Scatness 2 May (DC); Aug peak 7 Hillwell 28 Aug, last 7 Oct (BM, DC), 1 Foula 7-12 Aug (ARM); Fair Isle, pr 29 May, one 20 June, 3 on 5-7 Aug, 2 on 8th, one 9th, one 13 Sep (RAB); O Heb, 1 Loch an Tiumpan 23 May (RMclI), 2 L Stiapavat 18 Sep (P. Edwards); Inv, 3 Lentran 9 Dec (MITH); Perth, max 50 Monk’s Myre 16 Oct (SLg, IMcK); Kinross, 400 St Serfs 22 Aug. 570 on 10 Oct, less Nov, still 120 in Dec (AA); Fife, low peak of 50 Kilconquhar Loch 29 July (DWO); Berw, 60 Hirsel 20 Oct (AB, RHH); Dunb, 20 Endrick mouth 13 May (HG); Renf, 30 Barr Loch 30 Aug (HG). *Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata. Up to 25 at Perth site; difficult to know how many are breeding in the wild, if any; one pr suspected breeding Scone (EDC). TRed-crested Pochard Netta rufina. 2 Bothwell Bridge, Lan, 9-31 Dec (KCRH, HSCH). Scaup Aythya marila. One breeding record: 2 + 2 young Loch of Is- bister, Ork, 11 July (EB, F. Greig); summer records, Fair Isle, 2 3-7 May (RAB); Suth, 2 dd Durness 17 June (RHD); Ross, pr L nan Diathnean 6-7 June (RFC); Inv, d Insh 5 May (RL), Longman Point, 33 ads on 11 May, 11 on 24 May, 3 on 16 July (JMC, RHD); O Heb, ¢ Branahuie 28 224 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) May, 2 on 31 May (RMclI); Perth, 2 ¢ d Invergowrie 2-5 May (EJM, RC); Fife, ¢ Kilconquhar 6 June (DWO); Midl, 3 summered Edinburgh; Dunb, do Endrick mouth 16 July, 2 dd on 23 July, pr 30 July (RKP). Peak counts and migration: Shet, 31 Clickhimin 18 Feb (DC), 38 Ting- wall 27 Feb (BM), 26 Unst 3 Feb (GB); Ork, 100 L of Harray Oct; Ross, 450 Edderton 19 Feb (CGH); Moray 400 Culbin 18 Feb (RAFKOS), 300 on 10 Oct (RHD); O Heb, 20 Branahuie 26 Nov (PGH); Angus, 36 Broughty Ferry 15 Jan (MFF); Midl, main flock off Edinburgh slightly further east than usual at Seafield, 16,000 on 4 Jan, 10,000 on 25 Feb, 6 on 28 Aug, 300 on 7 Oct, 3000 on 13 Oct, 4000 on 1 Nov, 15,000 on 11 Nov, 18,000 on 11 Dec (RWJS, LLJV, DLC, AWG3J), leucistic 2 Seafield 4 Oct (RDM); E Loth, 256 Gosford 14 Oct is low; I Heb, c 1000 wintered L Indaal (CGB); Dunb, max 262 Cardross 1 Feb (IPG); Kirk, 205 Carse- thorn 28 Feb (CJMcK-G). Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Very good breeding season L Leven, Kinross (AA). Counts and migration: Fair Isle 1-2 on few dates May and Aug-Sep, max 5S on 27 Aug (RAB); Shet, 160 Clickhimin 14 Jan (DC), 150+ Tingwall 21 Jan (FH); Ork, 1895 L Harray Oct, 1700 in Nov, 1277 Dec (DL); Caith, 350 L Watten 11 Nov; Ross 180 L Ussie 25 Feb (ARM); O Heb, 5 Shawbost 15 May (WAJC); Inv, 139 Clachnaharry 29 Jan (MIH), 271 on 27 Dec (RHD); 75 L Insh Jan-Feb (RL); Aber, 830 L Skene 14 Oct (RSBy); Angus, 790 Stannergate 1 Dec (BP); Perth, 225 Invergowrie 21 Jan, 290 on 4 Dec (EJM); Kinross, 420 L Leven 16 Feb, 4000 on 18 Sep, down to 10 by 26 Nov (AA, CJE); Isle of May, 1 on 16- 19 July, 2 on 3 Sep, 1 on 26 Sep (GCh, MN, DWO); Midl, 485 Edinburgh lochs Jan, 200 on 14 Sep, 470 on 16 Nov (DRA, LLJV), 175 Moorfoot res- ervoirs 6 Jan, 300 mid Aug (RWJS); Renf, 266 West Ferry 21 Jan, 450 on 2 Dec (HG, IPG); 200 Castle Semple Loch 7 Apr (WRB). Pochard Aythya ferina. 2° + 3 ducklings Aird meadows, Renf (HG). Counts and migration : Fair Isle, ¢ 16 Sep, ¢ 6-11 Oct; Shet, 60+ Tingwall 21 Jan, 130 L Brow 21 Oct (FH), 36 Unst 20 Jan (GB); O Heb, 70 L Eaval. N Uist 16 Oct (PC), 36 L Gruinavat, Lewis 31 Dec (PGH); Caith, 300 St John’s Loch 20 Oct (PMC, SL); Ross, 250+ L Ussie 25 Feb (ARM); Aber, 410 L of Skene 14 Oct (RSBy); Kinross, 150 Vane Bay 24 Jan, 9 on 27 Feb, last 12 Apr, 3 on 20 June, 50+ on 28 Sep, 500 on 24 Sep (GC); Midl, 6000 Duddingston 14 Jan, none 18 Feb (ice), 350 on 18 Mar, 41 in Sep, 1600 on 14 Oct, 6100 on 18 Nov, 6500 on 15 Dec and 8000 on 26 Dec (DRA); 3500 Seafield 17 Feb (JHB); Renf, 450 Barr Loch 23 Oct (HG). *Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca. Ad ¢ Duddingston, Midl 25 Feb-17 Mar (DRA); its presence with the huge Pochard flock may suggest a wild bird. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. Bred E Inv, three broods recorded; other summer records: Ross, 10 Tarradale 30 Aug (Ebt); Banff 19 May (AFWS); 2 L Flemington, Inv, 2 June (WGP); Perth, summer dd Tib- ermore and River Teith (EJM, GSh), pr L of Lowes (EMH); Kinross, ¢ L Leven 26 June (AA); 4 summered Kilconquhar Loch, Fife (DWO), 2 Lochgelly 9 July (TJH); Midl, 2 Musselburgh 21 June; 3 L Gorm, Islay 16 June (AWGJ); pr summered Lochwinnoch, Renf (HG, IPG and others). Counts and migration: Shet, 60 Spiggie Brow 28 Feb (BM); 43 Unst Jan-Mar (GB); Caith, 150 Castlehill 14 Jan (AFCMC); Ross, 700 Inver- gordon 24 Jan, 630 on 24 Feb (RHD, ARM); Inv, 404 Beauly Firth 21 Jan (EBt, MIH); 300 Longman 6 Jan (JMC); 100 L Insh Jan, last 14 May (RL); 104 Ft William 3 Feb (RHD); Moray, 220 Spey Bay 17 Mar (JMB); Aber, 175 L of Skene 18 Feb (RSBy), 20 Ellon 15 May (JRP); Perth, 209 Invergowrie 19 Feb (EJM); Kinross, 150 L Leven 16 Feb (AA); Fife, 100 Kilconquhar 8 Apr, 350 on 11 Apr, 620 on 16th, 300 on 25 Apr, 20 on 20 May, fewer than recent years (DWO); Midl, 4000 Seafield 14 Feb 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 225 (JHB), 1000 Musselburgh 25 Feb (DLC), 100 Moorfoot reservoirs 10 Mar, last 2 on 13 May; W Loth, 240 Cramond 18 Mar (TCS); Ayr 300 Turn- berry 4 Feb (RHH), 196 Prestwick 18 Feb (BCF); Renf, 372 Upper Clyde 21 Jan (per IPG); Wig, 200 Stranraer 5 Feb (AMCK, J. Wilson). Autumn arrivals and counts: Fair Isle, lst 24 Sep (RAB); Shet, peak 40 Spiggie 21 Oct is low (FH); O Heb, Ist Balranald 13 Oct (PC), 2 L Gruinavat, Lewis 13 Oct (PGH); Caith, lst Scrabster 15 Oct (AFCMC), 130 L Watten 11 Nov (PMC, SL); Ross, 596 Invergordon 16 Nov (RHD); Inv, 15 Longman on 16 Sep, 200 on 22 Oct (JMC, MR); Moray, 160 Burghead 10 Nov (RHD); Aber, lst Don estuary 12 Aug (AGK), 250 L of Skene 16 Dec (RSBy); Kinross, 3 L Leven 18 Sep; Midl, 1st Musselburgh 24 Aug, 400 on 10 Nov (LLJV), 10 Seafield 13 Oct, 1st Gladhouse Reser- voir 4 Aug. : Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. Winter and spring: Shet, 120 Quendale 22 Apr (DC); O Heb, c30 found dead Stornoway after gales Jan (PGH); Caith, 40 Sandside 1 Jan (AFCMC, PMC), 50 Castlehill 14 Jan (SL); Suth, 90 Balnakeil Bay 21 Apr (RHD), 50+ on 15 May, 19 on 19 May (DCH, AG), 800 L Fleet Bar 2 Apr (RHD); Ross, 350 Portmaho- mack, 5 May (ARM); Moray, 2000 (sexes equal) Findhorn 11 Mar, 1400 on 12 Apr, 600 on 22 Apr (RHD, RSPB), 300 Spey Bay 13 Apr (JMB); Aber, 300 off Don estuary 4 Mar (P. Shaw); Fife, 120 Tentsmuir 7 Feb (DWO), 135 Methil 24 Mar (AG); Midl, 75-80 Musselburgh Jan-18 Mar, 16 on 27 Apr (LLJV); E Loth, peak 400 Aberlady-Gullane 6 May (passage birds) (JHB, AB, LLJV, RHH); Renf, 1 Aird meadows 25 Apr (RGC, HG, IPG). Summer records : Shet, several summered, including 4 Fetlar; Fair Isle, 4 on 20 May, 1 on 31 May, 2 on 2 June (RAB); O Heb, 9 Branahuie 22 May (PGH). Autumn arrivals: Fair Isle from 21 Sep, max 31 on 30 Oct (RAB); Ork, 560 Eynhallow Sound, 800 Rousay 5 Dec (DL); Caith, 12 Dunnet Bay 13 Oct, 70 on 1 Dec (PMC, SL); Suth, 700 L Fleet late Nov (DMcD); Moray, 15 Findhorn 1 Oct, 4600 on 10 Nov (RHD), 4300 on 9 Dec (RAFKOS); Inv, ¢ L Insh 11 Oct (RL); Aber, first Rattray 27 Sep (ACBH), 106 Murcar 13 Oct (RLS); Angus, 64 Kinnaber 27 Dec (JAC); Perth, ¢ Carsebreck 17 Nov (CJH, DRW); Isle of May 2 on 26 Sep (DWO); Mid], 10 Musselburgh 14 Oct and 96 on 10 Nov (LLJV), inland records at Duddingston 29 Oct-23 Nov (GLS, LLJV), 2 Gladhouse Reser- voir 14 Oct-18 Nov (JHB); Rox, 2 Yetholm Loch 12 Nov (RSB); Renf, 2 Barr Loch 23 Oct (HG); Dumf, 2 Caerlaverock 24 Nov (CRGC), 1 Waterfoot 15-22 Nov (NEA, RTS). 226 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca. Counts: Fair Isle, max 4 on 12 Sep (RAB); Suth, 566 Embo 17 Jan, 500+ on 4 Mar (RHD); Moray, 40 Spey Bay 18 Feb, 105 on 25 Mar (JMB), 800 Findhorn 10 Nov (RHD), 2000 on 9 Dec (RAFKOS); Angus, 200 Lunan Bay 13 July (GMC); Midl, 25 Mus- selburgh 25 Feb (DLC); E Loth, more than usual, 150-400 Aberlady- ‘Gullane Jan-Dec (GLS et al.); I Heb, 1 Rhum 8 Apr (ADKR); Ayr, 5 Barassie 6 Jan, 5 Turnberry 17 Nov-1 Dec (RHH), 5 Dipple 1 Dec (WRB); Dunb, 2 Ardmore 4 Feb (WW, BZ); Kirk, 1 Lochenbreck (inland) 9 Nov (R. Kerr). Common Scoter Melanitta nigra. Shet, pr bred Bridge of Walls (TDHM), 3 prs present Yell, prs present four other lochs but did not breed (RJT); Inv, 3 dd 22° on one loch 7 June (MIH); Perth c/8 usual site 11 June, b/7 on 26 July and 2 big young 18 Aug (RHD, D. Oates, JK); 1 Heb, 7 prs on loch on Islay 16 June (AWGJ), 2 + 2 young 8 July (GJL); Arg, pr + b/4 Ford 18 Aug (TDHM). Inland summer records : Caith; Suth/Ross, 2 dd + 1 2 L Stack 6 May (AG), 2 L Rosque 20 May (DCH); Moray, d L Spynie 19 May (RHD). Counts and migrants: Fair Isle peak 18S on 28 Sep (RAB); Suth, 600 Embo and 1000 L Fleet Bar 17 Jan (RHD); Moray, 1000 Spey Bay 18 Feb, 97 on 25 Mar (JMB), 4000 Findhorn 3 Mar, 3500 on 11 Mar, 2000 (¢d:° ratio 7:1) 1 Oct, 10,000 on 10 Nov (RHD), 12,000 on 9 Dec (RAFKOS)— big increase; Angus, 50 Kinnaber 26 June (GMC); Midl, 260 Musselburgh 25 Feb, 230 on 18 Mar, last 7 on 18 May, 50 on 16 July, up to 150 on 17 Nov (AWGJ, LLJV). *Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri. The drake at Vorran Island/Penine- rine, S Uist, O Heb, was present throughout 1973 into 1974 (many obs); first seen May 1972. Eider Somateria mollissima. Fair Isle, first chicks on sea 19 June, further increase to peak 872 on 30 Oct (RAB); Suth, 14 prs Handa reared 10 young (AG); W Inv, 8 2° 2 and 22 young Corpach July is better than 1972 (JCu, JASN); Fife, poor season Tentsmuir. Counts: Caith, 800 between Holborn Head and Duncansby Head 28 Dec (PMC, RHD, SL); Suth, 2000 L Fleet bar 17 Jan, 1200 on 2 Apr, 2500 on 17 Nov and 3000 on 21 Dec (RHD, DMcD); Inv, 68 Corpach 12 Oct (JCu); Aber, 1500 Rattray Head 11 Mar, 3000 on 6 Oct (RHD); Fife, 3000 Methil 11 Nov (JHB); Isle of May, 325 on 10 Apr (RDM); Midl, 600 Sea- field 27 Mar, 550 on 26 Dec (JHB), 1500 Musselburgh on 26 Oct (RHH); E Loth, c7000 Gullane Bay 8 Sep (LLJV); Ayr, 800 Dipple July, 470 Irvine 23 Dec (WRB); Renf/Dunb, upper Clyde peaks of 1326 on 18 Feb, 3144 on 16 Sep (IPG) included 1500 Ardmore Point (SMDA); Wig, 650+ L Ryan 14 July (AFA). *King Eider Somateria spectabilis. Shet, ¢ Cliff Sound/Trondra 11 Mar-6 May, 13 Nov-31 Dec (DC, PKK et al.), imm ¢ Ulsta, Yell, 8-17 May (DC, RJT); ¢ Mangaster Voe 1-4 June and Muckle Roe 6-7 June (P. H. Rathbone), 2 Walls 25 Feb (DC, ISS), ° Guiberwick 1-3 Apr (DC, BM, JSp), ¢ Cunningsburgh 10 Nov (PKK, W. Johnson); Fair Isle, ¢ 15-16 Sep (RAB et al.); Caith, 2 ¢¢ Holborn Head 18 Oct (L. P. Alder), 1 still there 31 Dec (PMC); Suth, ¢ L Fleet 17 Nov-31 Dec (DMcD, J. Bell, G. Bell); Bute, ¢ Great Cumbrae 29 May (DMB); Ayr, ¢ Barassie 10 Mar (WRB, IHL), Skelmorlie 15 Apr-May (W. Wardrop), Ballantrae 8-14 July (WRB, RCF, RHH ez al.). Although some records almost cer- tainly refer to birds from previous years, this total of about a dozen records is an increase on previous years, the Fair Isle one is the first for the island since 1936. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. Peak counts and migration: Fair Isle; 10 records 21 Feb-8 July, 1-4 scattered dates 9 Sep-24 Oct, 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 227 max 6 on 8 Oct (RAB); Suth, Handa peaks 9 on 20 Apr, 11 on 7 Sep (AG), 250 Brora 6 Aug, 72 L Fleet 17 Jan (RHD); Ross, 140 Balconie Point 26 Aug (ARM); Inv, 42 Beauly Firth 11 Nov is a low peak (MIH, EBt), 142 Longman 29 July (MR); Angus, 500 Kinnaber 17 July-21 Aug (GMC, DIMW); Kinross, 4 L Leven 18 Oct (TG); W Loth, 100 Cramond 10 Nov (TCS); Midl, 80 Musselburgh 10 Nov (LLJV), rare inland but 2 Glad- house 6-21 Oct, 2 Cobbinshaw 20 Oct (RWJS), 6 Fala 20 Oct (WB); pr St Mary’s Loch 18 May is apparently first record for Selk (AJS); Arg, 1150 Tayinloan 22 July (AGG); Kirk, marked increase summer records Ken valley (ADW); Wig, 294 L Ryan 15 Sep (RCD); Dumf, 13 L Maben 23 Mar (NEA, RTS). Goosander Mergus merganser. Continued increase in north-west and south; Arg, pr Islay 25-28 Apr (KV); Stir, pr + 11 ducklings Inversnaid (J. S. Groome); good breeding season central Kirk (LAU). Peak counts : Inv, 175 Beauly Firth 18 Feb, 400+ on 9 Dec (MIH); Aber, 20 Strathbeg 18 Mar (JE); Fife, 1000+ Tayport 23 Jan (DBT), 800+ on 5 Dec (ABR); Midl, 54 Moorfoot reservoirs 5 Mar, 45 on 15 Nov (RWJS); E Loth, 14 Tyninghame 2 Sep (GLS); Berw, 27 Hirsel 20 Oct (AB, RHH), 25 White- adder 1 Oct (AWGJ); Peeb, 34 Fruid Reservoir 28 July (JHB); Renf, 27 Walton Dam 14 Jan (DLC, HG); Kirk, 100+ L Ken Aug-Sep (LAU); Dumf. 54 Lochmaben 6 Dec (NEA, RTS). Migration: Shet, 1 Mainland 19 Jan (AO), 1 Brow 1 Feb-11 Mar (BM, DC), 1 Baltasound 16 Feb, 3 on 17th, 2 on 24-29 Feb, 1 to 21 Mar (GB), 3 singles Oct-Dec; Fair Isle, d 15 Jan (GJB); St Kilda ¢ 26 Apr (R. Brant); Suth, ¢ Handa 2-4 Apr (AG); Midl, last Moorfoot reservoirs 23 on 20 May, Ist 3 on 25 Aug (RWJS). *Smew Mergus albellus. About 13 in winter/spring to 7 May and about 14 from 21 Oct. Single red-heads unless specified; Shet, Benston 9 Jan-14 Feb (DC, BM), Sandwater 2 Apr-6 May (DC, ISS, NLS), Spiggie 21 Oct, pr Benston 25 Oct (FH), d Benston 25-31 Dec; Caith, Dunnet Bay 1 Dec (PMC, SL); Aber, ¢ Strathbeg 17 Feb (JE, TCS), pr 11 Mar (RHD, JE); Perth, 2 Carsebreck 24 Mar (DMB); Kinross, ¢ L Leven 7. May (AA, GC); Fife, ¢ Cameron Reservoir 8 Jan-15 Mar (JARG et al.), 18 Nov, ¢ 16 Dec (JARG), pr Kirkcaldy 1-31 Dec (DER); Stir, Skinflats Dec (J. Moss), Endrick mouth 9 Dec (DW), 31 Dec (RKP); Midl, Sea- field 11 Nov (RDM), Musselburgh 2-3 Dec (LLJV); Selk, Headshaw Loch 13 Jan (AWGJ), 3 (1d) Lindean Loch 8 Mar (AJS); Peeb, Machiehill Pond 18 Nov (RWJS); Rox, ¢ Kelso 21 Jan (DCo), ¢ 9 Dec (W. Q. Brown); Ayr, Barnshean Loch 18-25 Nov (WRB, RHH, AGS); Wig, Soulseat Loch 6-14 Jan (DSW). Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. Shet, 7 prs Virkie, first 3 Jan (per RJT); O Heb, 17 prs bred Balranald (PC); Kinross, 13-14 prs L Leven, 84 ducklings, 60+ fledged (AA); Isle of May, 1 pr bred; Renf, 20 prs Long- haugh reared 120+ young (IPG); Kirk, 284 young at Kirkconnel merse 27 June (JGY); Dumf, pr + 4 young Lochmaben 8 June (NEA, RTS). Peak counts: E Ross, 183 Munlochy Bay 17 Mar (MKMcD-D), 120 Udale Bay 25 Mar (ARM); Inv, 181 Longman Bay 19 Jan (JMC), 52 on 11 Nov, 86 on 9 Dec (MR); Angus, 350 Montrose Basin 31 Dec (BP); Perth, 126 Invergowrie 18 Mar, 300+ in June (EJM); E Loth, 200 Aber- lady 17 Feb (DRL), 187 Tyninghame 18 Mar (RWJS); Renf, 1331 Long- haugh Point 4 July; Dunb, 2330 Cardross Point 1 Feb, 1117 on 8 Dec (AGG). Migration and inland records: Fair Isle, 1-7 Jan, 21-22 Apr, 2 on 29 Apr and 6 May (RAB); Moray, 2 Lochindorb 17 May (RHD); Inv, 5 L Garten 25 Apr (RSPB), 1 Glen Affric 8 June (MIH), 1 L Linnhe 2 May (JASN); Renf, 1 Misty Law 5 May (IPG). Greylag Goose Anser anser. Good success Suth, 250 moulting adults 228 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) and 50 young Badanloch 12 July (RHD et al.); Ross, 4 broods (14 young) L Maree June-July (ENH); O Heb, 1 pr bred Lewis in new area; Dunb, pr + 5 young Wards Dam is first breeding record (EAM, RS). Winter-spring : Bute, 4000 in Jan-Apr (IH); Midl, 300 Moorfoots 10-18 Mar (WB); Kinross, 1300-2000 L Leven 14 Jan, 2000 on 4 Feb, 1500 on 4 Mar-1 Apr, down to 64 by 18 Apr, 6 on 22 Apr, last on 24th (AA, GC, JES); Moray, 1000 Findhorn 14 Apr (RHD); Nairn, 400 Kildrummie 31 Mar (RHD); Inv, passage Insh 11 Apr-10 May, 330 on 17 Apr (RL); E Ross, 800 Redcastle 21 Mar, 3000+ on 15 Apr (EBt), 1000 Munlochy Bay 22 Jan (MKMcD-D); 1200+ Evanton 19 Apr (ARM, RHD); O Heb, passage Balranald 6 Apr-9 May (2000 in period) (PC); Suth, passage Handa 13 Apr-16 May, peak 1132 in 1 hr 20 Apr (AG); Ork, 50 Harray Loch 18 Mar (EB); Shet, 4 Fetlar 26 Jan (ISR). Autumn national count on 3-4 Nov gave 73,000 in Scotland: 10,740 in Aber, 9360 in Angus/Kinc, 35,990 in Perth; distribution slightly diff- erent from 1972 with slightly larger % in E and NE which fits pre-harvest grain spill; better than average breeding success with 30.2% young in sample of 2000, mean brood size 2.56 best for 11 years (MAO ez al.). Fair Isle, light autumn passage from 11 Oct, max 24 on 5 Nov (RAB); Caith, 600 L Calder 14 Oct; Suth, c500S Strath Halladale 14 Oct (PRJ); Aber, 2000 Strathbeg 21 Oct, 1000 L of Skene 2 Nov (ACBH); Kinross, L Leven 6 on 6 Sep (RQB), 87 on 12 Oct, 1200 on 14th, 2000 on 4 Nov, peak 3650 on 6 Dec (AA, CJE, JES, WW); Dumf, first 35 Langholm 9 Oct (ELOC). White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. Only reports of European race, A.a. albifrons were: Shet, 10 Baltasound, Unst 20 Jan (LC), 6 Hillwell 18-28 Feb (BM, DC); Aber, 8 St Fergus 19 Feb (DIMW). Some unspeci- fied but bulk of others Greenland race A.a. flavirostris : Ork, usual winter flocks 70 L of Tankerness, 40-50 Birsay; Caith, 60 Broubster 7 Jan, 150 L Scarmclate 3 Apr (SL), Nos. low in autumn, esp juvs, max 30 L of Wester 14 Nov (PMC, SL); Ross, continued decline, L Eye 14 on 4 Mar, 28 on 15 Apr (RHD, ARM), 12 Red Point 26 Feb (ENH); Moray, 1 Hope- man 22 Dec (CAG); St Kilda 300 on 29 Apr (R. Brant); Aber, max 9 Strathbeg 5 Nov (ACBH); Angus, 40W Dundee 9 Oct (EJM); few singles Perth, Kinr, Midl, Bute: first 14 Oct, 50 in winter (IH); Renf, 65 Barr Loch 5 Mar (GTW); Dunb, peaks 79 Endrick mouth 16 Mar, 77 on 28 Oct (JM); Kirk, numbers slightly lower, up to 300 L Ken Jan-Apr, 11 on 17 Oct, 280 on 17 Nov (LAU, ADW); Wig, last Moor of Genoch 45 on 21 Apr (RCD); I Heb, count 3900 Greenland birds Islay 11-20 Nov (MAO, O. J. Merne). *Bean Goose Anser fabalis. A better year in SW; Kirk, 32 Boreland of Balmaghie early Feb (ABD), 1 L Ken Jan-Mar, 65 Castle Douglas 30 Dec (ADW, AJW) is most since 1966; Perth, 3 Dunblane 25 Jan (DMB); Aber, 7 Strathbeg 14 Jan (JE). Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus. Winter-spring: Kinross, L Leven 2700 on 14 Jan, 6600 on 4 Feb, 5000 on 4 Mar, 500-2000 in Apr, last 500 on 2 May (AA, GC); Kirk, 7000 Nith estuary 27 Feb (CJMcK-G); Midl, 1500 Moorfoot reservoirs Jan, 5500 on 25 Feb-21 Apr, 3300 on 29 Apr then big exodus (WB, LY); Perth passage 2-7 May, 50 Methven Moss 10 May (RLMcM); Aber, 1550 Strathbeg Jan-Feb, 3000 in Apr (DIMW); E Ross, 980 Munlochy 8 Apr, 280 on 18 Apr, 350 on 2 May (MKMcD-D, EBt); 800 Evanton 15 Apr, 1500 on 19th (ARM, RHD); Suth, pass Handa 22 Apr-14 May, total 803 (AG); Caith, 150 Harpsdale 7-9 Apr (AFCMC, PMC, SL). No summer records. Autumn : National count on 3-4 Nov gave 71,000 in Scotland; peak areas being 8900 in Aber, 5600 in Angus/Kinc, 33,580 in Perth, 5200 in 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 229 Kinross, 6440 in Peeb, very good breeding season with 29.9% young in sample of 1500, mean brood size 2.35, best in 12 years (MAO et al.). Im- ‘migration: first 50 L Leven 10 Sep, 700 on 23rd, 2000 on 30 Sep, big increase to 10,000 on 1 Oct, dropping to 6000 by 14 Oct, 4000 on 4 Nov, 3600 on 6 Dec (AA, CJE, JES); Midl, first Gladhouse 22 Sep, many on 29 Sep (RWJS), 800 on 2 Oct, 5500 on 6 Oct, down to 2700 on 10 Nov (WB, LY); E Loth, Aberlady roost used Oct-Dec, 1378 on 20 Oct, 3000 on 3 Nov; Ayr, 85 L Martnaham 29 Sep (WRB); Dumf, early 13 on 20 Sep, 35 Lochmaben 21 Sep (NEA), 4000+ Blackshaw 5 Oct (CRGC, LTC); Fife, first Cameron Reservoir 22 Sep, peak 3000 on 14 Oct (JARG); Aber, 3000+ Strathbeg 15-16 Nov (DIMW),; Fair Isle, scarce, 4 on 29 Sep, one 30th, 4 on 2 Oct (RAB); only 1 Shet record, Fetlar Dec (RJT). +Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. Perth, 1 Meikleour, with Greylags Jan (RLMcM); Midl, ad Lesser, Middleton Mains 11-25 Feb (WB), Glad- house 10 Mar (RWJS); Suth, Kyle of Tongue 10 June (DS); Dumf, ad Caerlaerock 17 Nov-Dec, another with Pinkfeet 7 Dec (CRGC); I Heb, 1 juv L Gruinart 11 Oct (R. Early). *Brent Goose Branta bernicla. P = Pale-breasted B.b. hrota; others unspecified. Fair Isle, P 6-7 Nov (RAB); E Ross, 6 Evanton 10 Oct (ARM), 6 Inver 26 Oct (per DMcD), 2 Munlochy 11 Nov (JAL); Aber, 1 P Rattray 21 Oct (CC, ACBH); Angus, 27S West Haven 6 Oct (TMC); Kinross, 1 L Leven 24 Oct (CJE, BHM); Fife, 2 P Strathmiglo 21 Mar (KBr); Mid], 1 Wester Middleton 18 Nov (WB); Arg, 3 Bowmore, Islay, 18-19 Nov (CGB), 1 P Peniver 14 Oct (RCD); Ayr, 1 P Blairbowie 18-19 Nov (RHH, AGS), 2 Maiden’s Harbour 17 Oct-23 Dec, one to 27 Dec (WRB, BCF, RHH); Dumf, 1 P Caerlaverock with Barnacles Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec (CRGC). Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis. Aerial count of majority of W Scot sites between 30 Mar and 7 Apr gave 19,570: 15,000 in Islay, 750 else- where in Arg, 570 in Skye/W Ross, 2610 in O Heb, 640 in Suth (MAO). Counts and spring migration: Dumf, peak 1972-73 winter at Caerlaver- ock was 4365, 26% young, mean brood size 1.7, three albinos (CRGC); various singles several counties to May; 7 Strathbeg, Aber, 19 Feb-1l1 Apr (DIMW); O Heb, 1700 passed Balranald 25 Apr, last 350 on 2 May (PC), 400 Shiants 30 Mar-7 Apr (PGH); Ross, 42 Longa 12 Mar (ENH); Suth, 49 Handa 16 Apr (AG), 56 Eilean nan Hoan and 30 Durness 20 Apr (RHD); Ork, 250 Switha 21 Apr; Fair Isle, 6 on 15-16 Jan, 3 on 17-24th, one 29 Jan, one 29 Apr (RAB). Autumn immigration from 17 Sep (in east) and 22 Sep (in west); Fair Isle, 7 on 5 Oct, 6 on 6th, 2 on 30th, 33 on 5 Nov (RAB); Shet, scarce, 15 Skerries 7 Oct (ISR), 16 Virkie 7 Oct (AO); O Heb, 70 Balranald 22 Sep (PC); Moray, 7 Burghead 7 Oct (RL); Kinc, 21S Girdle Ness 6 Oct (RLS); Angus, 20W Arbroath 17 Sep (MN); Perth, 7 Blackford 3 Nov (AM), 18 on 17 Nov (CJH, DRW); Fife, 5 Cameron Reservoir 18 Sep (JARG); Midl, 5 Gladhouse 18 Sep (GLS), 49S Fala 9 Oct (GLS); Arg, 18,100 Islay 11 Nov (MAO), arrival Tiree 9 Oct (MJPG); Dumf, first 10 on 20 Sep, peak 5100 on 15 Oct, (post-war record), 21% young, mean brood size 1.5, four albinos (one juvenile) (CRGC, MAO). Canada Goose Branta canadensis. Beauly Firth moulting flock of Eng- lish birds peaked at 630 (a record), 600 were caught for rinigng on 11 July of which 214 had been ringed or controlled in Yorkshire, 18 in Notts/Derby and 11 previously at the Beauly Firth; 68 of the controls were of birds ringed as goslings in 1972, 2 birds were survivors from the first Beauly round-up in 1963, the Notts/Derby controls were the first from those counties; the flock included 2 leucistic birds (RHD ez al.); first 26 on 4 June (RHD), 500+ on 30 Aug (EBt), 330 on 9 Sep, 15 on 16 230 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Sep (ARM, EBt), some shooting by wildfowlers in first week Sep; 60 + 16 SW over Inverness on 1 Sep (MR). Sightings elsewhere probably referring to moult migration: E Loth, 7 Aberlady 27 June (AB), 8 Tyninghame 19 June; Midl, 2 Gladhouse (Reservoir 6 June, 30N 7 June (RWJS); Clack, 28S Dollar 27 May (TDHM), 36 Chance Inn 28 May; Inv, 6 L Flemington 26 May (WGP); (Moray, 1 Speymouth 23 June (JMB); Ross, 10 Inver 12 June (CGH); Caith, 9 moulting birds L Rangag 30 Aug may be new moulting site (PMC); Shet, 1 Foula 28-30 June (BEG) prob overshooting migrant. Return passage : Inv, 55+S Glenmore 18 Aug (per RHD); Aber, heard Banchory 17 Aug (S. Moyes), 25 over Banchory 18 Aug (MM); Kinross, 35 L Leven 12-14 Sep, 37 on 19 Sep (CJE, JES, BHM); Midl, 6 Mussel- burgh 31 Oct (HSCH); E Loth, 20 Tyninghame 19 Aug (KSMcG, TD). Other counts: 1 small Canada Islay 21 Feb (per CGB); Renf, 48 Row- bank Reservoir 11 Oct (DLC); Dunb, 40 Endrick mouth 25 Nov (GLAP); Fife, Lindores mid July (per DWO); Perth, 4 prs and 12-16 young L Mo- haik 26 June (PWS); Inv, 2 Fort William 2 May (JASN). Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Arg, 72 Tiree 23 July (DCL); E Loth, 54 Tyninghame 18 Feb (RWJS); Isle of May 5 on 26 Dec—5th record (NKA); Kinross 71 L Leven 23 July (BHM); Inv, 65 Longman 4 Aug (JMC); Ross, 120 Invergordon 10 Feb (ARM), 135 Evanton 26 Aug (DWMcA), 186 (21 juv) Mid Fearn Loch 16 Nov (RHD); Caith, 104 L Watten 11 Nov; Ork, 228 Loch of Harray in Sep, 127 in Nov. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus. Winter-spring counts: Dumf, last Caerlaverock 12 Apr (CRGC); Kirk, 90+ Greenlaw Mains 25 Mar (ADW), 77 Nith estuary 27 Feb (CJMcK-G); Ayr, 62 Bogside 18 Feb (DLC); ‘Dunb, 55 Endrick mouth 7 Mar (JM); E Loth, max 38 Drem Jan-Apr, last 17 on 5 Apr (GLS); Stir, 108 Menstrie 10 Feb (DMB); Perth, 10 L Lubhair 16 May (JM, CP); Aber, 350 L Davan 3 Jan (DJ); Inv, 83 Insh 4 Mar, last 5 on 15 May (RL); Ross, 175 Evanton 30 Mar (EBt), 160 on 8 Apr, 145 on 14th (ARM); Suth, 70 Skibo 13 Jan (DMcD), 31N Handa 20-25 Apr, 4 on 8 May (AG); Caith, 52 Harpsdale 18-20 Apr (SL); Fair Isle passage 22-31 Mar, max 15 on 20th (RAB). Summering records: Shet (2), Ork (2), Caith (1), O Heb (5), Inv (3), Perth (1), Kinross (1), Clack (2), Renf (1) Kirk (2) and Dumf (1) but nearly all refer to damaged and single birds. Autumn arrivals and counts: from 16 Sep, mainly end Sep; Shet, peaks 181 Spiggie 2 Nov, 73 Uyeasound 7 Nov (PKK); Fair Isle, 12 on 28 Sep (RAB); Caith, 13 St John’s Loch 10 Oct (PMC); Ross, 18 Torridon 30 Sep (ENH), 200 L Eye 4 Nov (CGH), 246 Fearn 16 Nov (RHD), 80 Findon 8 Dec (DWMcA), 50 Tarradale 28 Dec (MKMcD-D); O Heb, Ist 8 Balranald 30 Sep (PC), first Bragar, Lewis 16 Sep (WAJC); Banff, 56 on 26 Dec; Inv, first 2 Insh 21 Oct, 75 in Nov (RL); Aber, 365 Strathbeg 21 Oct (JE); Kinross, 2 L Leven 7 Oct, 25 on 11th, 53 on 16th, 200 on 20th (AA, BHM), 136 Arnot Reservoir 27 Oct (GSh); Fife, 5 Kilconquhar 30 Sep (PGTB), 216 Ballo Reservoir 28 Oct (MJB); E Loth, 12 Tyninghame 30 Sep; Ber, 135 Ladykirk 4 Nov (KAMckK); Renf, 50 Stanley Dam, 25 Nov (DCL); Kirk, 80+ L Auchenreoch Dec (ADW); Wig, first 23 L Connell 20 Oct (RCD). *Bewick’s Swan Cygnus bewickii. Winter-spring to 7 Apr; Ork, 1 Graemshall Loch 18 Feb (MT-C); Caith, 2 Dale 10-23 Mar (AFCMC, SL); E Loth, 8 Aberlady-Drem Jan-Mar (LLJV); Dunb, 1 Endrick mouth 17 Feb, 2 on 19 Feb, 1 on 9 Apr (EAM, RS, DS); Dumf, 8 Caerlaverock 18 Jan-6 Mar (CRGC), 3 Canonbie 19 Jan (ELOC). Autumn : Kinross, 3 L Leven 17 Nov (AA); Midl, 3 Gladhouse, 27 Oct 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 231 (AGWJ, LLJV), 2 West Middleton 28 Oct (RW); E Loth, 4 end Dec (SdaP); Arg, 1 Laphroaig, Islay 7 Nov (CGB); Ayr, 2 Bogside 14 Nov (JLB); Dumf, 3 Caerlaverock 26 Oct, 7 from 1-31 Dec (CRGC). Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. W Inv-N Arg, 7 prs reared 9 young, 3 prs failed (JCu, JR); S Arg, 14 prs with eggs, 7 prs reared 9 young (MJPG, AGG); Rhum, one from 3 prs successful (NC); Perth, 4 prs suc- cessful from 8 checked (RLMcM); peripheral areas, 2 sites in north reared 3 young; in SW, 2 prs successful, one failed; Moray, 2 nests robbed. Sightings : 2 immatures visited Handa, Suth, 7 Aug-17 Sep (AG); Stir, 1 Sherriffmuir 14 Dec (DMB); 1 Portmore, Peeb 12 Dec (per RWJS). Buzzard Buteo buteo. Ork, 1 pr probably bred Hoy; Suth, 10 nests within 10 miles of Bettyhill (DSW); 4 prs Trantlemore to coast (PRJ); O Heb, successful N Isles; Inv, 9 prs hatched 18 young Kiltarlity area, 1 brood failed, 3 others failed to hatch (MIH); Ayr, 20+ pairs (WRB, RWF, WCW); Renf, very few prs—persecution (IPG); good season Arran (MHD); decrease central Kirk (ADW, LAU). Migrants: Shet, Scalloway-Kergord 2 Jan-7 Feb (DC, BM, ISS), 2 Fetlar 22 July (RSPB), Scalloway 20 Sep (RJ); Fair Isle 26-27 Sep; Ork, Binscarth 7 Apr and 26 Aug (CJB); Aber, 1 Seaton Park 7 Oct (R. B. Hastings); Kinross, 1 Vane Hill 11 and 20 Sep, 2 in Nov (CJE); 1 Isle of May 22 Sep (ADW); Midl, 1 Duddingston 1 Sep (WNB); E Loth, Aberlady 28 May (GLS), Tyninghame 23 Dec (JHB). *Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus. Singles: Fair Isle 22 Apr (RAB), 29 Nov (GJB); Ork, Sanday 23 July (E. A. Lea); Caith, Latheron- wheel end Oct (JAL), 26 Nov (PMC); Kinc, Glen Dye 1 May, Kerloch 7-17 May (NP, R. Moss, MM); Perth, Trossachs Nov-Dec (M. Connelly); Fife, Tentsmuir 7 Feb (DWO); Arg, L Sween 31 Oct-1 Nov (IR). 8-10 birds compared to 1968 (5), 1969 (5), 1970 (3), 1971 (2), 1972 (3). aS a Sy S38, Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Continued increase and good success, but number apparently lower in Strathspey; Suth, 4 young reared from 5 eggs Scourie (AG); 6+ nests NE Angus successful; W Loth, 6 nests found (I[McK). Migrants: Fair Isle 14 Mar, 24 Mar, 22 Apr, 23 Apr (3), 2 May, 4 Aug, 17th (2), 18th (3), singles 5 days Sep (RAB); Shet, 2 Kergord 13-29 Jan, singles Skerries 6 May, Whalsay 5 May, Noss 5 June; Aber, coastal records 8, 23 Sep, 6 Oct, 12 Nov; Isle of May, 2 July (M. Scott), 1 Aug (NKA). Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. Increase in sightings probably due to in- creases in released birds, but information incomplete and data not avail- able for some areas. Reported to have nested successfully C Highlands (details not available); 2 found dead Perth in May, was on point of 232 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) laying eggs (per VMT). Singles reported Fife 3 Nov (DWO); ad °@ flying West Edinburgh 17 Mar (J. Murray); Islay 15 Sep (KV), Dunb 24 Feb- 3 Nov (JM, CP, TW) and Aviemore 14 Dec (JPG). First-year ¢ released Moffat, Dumf, 25 Mar (captured in Finland) found dead (several weeks) 27 May Glamis, Angus (per Edward Grey Inst.). *Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus. Singles: Fair Isle 3 June, 15 June, te Sep (RAB, GJB); Ork, St Ola 18 Sep (EJW); Shet, Unst 24 June LC et al.). *Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Singles: Fair Isle, imm 15-16 June (attacked by Arctic Skuas and wing broken, survived in captivity to autumn but died) (RAB); imm/2 Norwick, Unst, Shet 6 May (LC); Aber, Q Meikle Loch 2 Sep (P. Shaw, L. Steele); Angus, 2 Montrose Basin 27 May-21 Aug (GMC); Fife, @ Strathmiglo 12 May (KBr); Renf, 1 Long- haugh Point 6 May (HG, IPG). Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Breeding reports: Ork, most successful season for years, 94 young and 11 adults ringed, roost peaks of 15-21 in Mar, 22 in late Oct-Nov (EB); Suth, only 1 pr Strathnaver where 4 prs in 1972 (DSW), Dornoch pr fledged 19 June (3rd early year) (DMcD); Inv, pr nested Fort William but eggs broken (JR); Clyde: no success Renf, prob bred S Ayr, 5 prs Dunb, poor season Arran (per RWF); Gal- loway, no change, 2 forest pairs reared 7 young each, 2 moorland nests failed (ADW). Migration and counts: Shet, singles Unst 22-28 Sep (MS, LC, GB); Noss 26 Sep (PKK), Fetlar 26-30 Sep, 11-28 Oct (RJT), Bridge of Fitch 27 Sep (AO); Fair Isle 5-6 Jan, 13-25 Oct, 29 Nov (RAB); Suth, Handa 3 Apr, 9-12 Aug (AG); O Heb, Harris, Grimersta 16 Sep (JG); Aber, St Combs 28 Oct (MN); Perth, good passage of lst yr birds Sherriffmuir Aug-Sept (GSh); Isle of May 4 Oct (RGN), 9 Oct (HG); E Loth, Aberlady 10 Oct (GLS). Osprey Pandion haliaetus. A successful season: at least 13 sites oc- cupied for all or part of summer, from which 10 prs reared 21 young, 3 sites not regularly used. L Garten, Inv, d arrived 27 Mar, 2 on 26 Apr, incubation from 13 May, 2 young reared from 3 eggs, last seen 9 Sep; eyrie No. 2, pr on 19 Apr, 1 young reared from 3 eggs (lst success at this site); No. 3 first 28 Mar, 3 young reared; No. 4, eyrie tree destroyed in winter, ¢ 1 Apr, 2 on 4th, new eyrie 200 yds away 2 young reared; No. 5 (L of Lowes, Perth) lst 22 Apr, 2 young reared; No. 6, one 24-25 Apr, some nest building, then left; No. 7, 2 on eyrie in May but failed; No. 8, 2 young reared from 3 eggs; No. 9, 2 young reared, still in nest 12 Aug; No. 10, last year’s eyrie damaged in winter gales, only one sighting in April; No. 11, pr 5 Apr and resident all summer, did not breed; No. 12, Ist on 1 Apr, 2 young reared from 3 eggs; No. 13, Ist on 18 Apr, pr on 19th, 3 young reared: No. 14 new site, 2 young reared but one found dead nearby after fledging; No. 15, new eyrie built in spring but not occupied all season; No. 16, pr present all summer, did not breed or failed. There were also rumours of other pairs. Several pairs were late in arriving, although first bird was seen on Inv loch 19 Mar, and ¢ arrived L Garten earlier than any previous year. Summering birds in Perth and Arg. Migrants outside main areas: Fair Isle 28 May, 28 June (RAB); Shet, shaness 1-2 June (P. H. Rathbone); W Loth, L Cote 18 Apr, 28 Oct (McK); E Loth, Aberlady 2 June ([AGB, GLS); Galloway, 2 in May (ECF, ADW); Wig, 1 Knockinaam 23 Aug (G. Shepherd); Dumf, 1 Locker- bie 11 Sep (J. Patterson). Perth, juvenile found dying River Tay 9 Oct was unringed and presumably a Scandinavian migrant (per RLMcM). *Hobby Falco subbuteo. Singles: Shet, Fetlar 28 June (RSPB); Fair Isle 21-22 June, 16 Sep-3 Oct (RAB); Aber, Dinnet 12 May (MM, NP, 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 233 DJ); Inv, L Garten 17 Aug (RSPB), Drumnadrochit 18 Aug (MIH); Arg, Knockanbearach, Islay, 17 May (KV); Kirk, Gatehouse of Fleet 18 July ts 8 records compared to 1968 (4), 1969 (3), 1970 (2), 1971 (1), 1 : Peregrine Falco peregrinus. Breeding reports: Shet, 20 sightings, no breeding records, dead imm Foula 3 June (per RJT); Fair Isle 2 non- breeding prs (RAB); Ork, apparently low success (EB); Suth, reasonable success in NW (IDP); Inv, good in Spey, 3+ prs successful Lochaber; Perth, bred successfully at 6 sites visited (RLMcM)); S Arg, only 1 pr successful from 5 checked (MJPG); SW Scotland, marked improvement, 20 young fledged from 7 successful nests. Records outside usual areas: Aber, Meikle Loch 30 June (WM), Ythan 30 Aug, 24 Sep, 6 Oct (PDR, MHe); Kinross, Vane Hill 12 Jan, 15 Apr (2), 10 Sep, 31 Oct, 13 and 26 Nov (CJE, RQQ et al.); Fife, still very scarce—2 winter records (DWO); Midl, recorded twice only Moorfoots, both ends of year (RWJS); E Loth, 1 Tyninghame 16 Sep (TB); Ber, 1 Abbey St Bathans 24 Oct (AB, RHH). *Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus. Singles: Fair Isle 22 Apr (RAB); Caith, Berriedale Water 2 Apr (M. R. M. Leslie, R. Low, C. McKenzie); Aber, imm d found dead Glen Tanar 18 Apr (per NP); I Heb, Tiree 27-31 Dec (JMB, I. L. Boyd); imm gd landed on trawler 40 miles W of O Heb 16 Feb, taken to Aberdeen 21 Feb released Shet 2 Mar, seen 11 Mar and possibly at Voe 18 Mar (RHD, NP, RJT). All except Fair Isle bird were pale specimens. Merlin Falco columbarius. Breeding reports: O Heb, 12 prs Uists (CB); W Loth, pr bred; Kirk, 9 known sites—nn change (per ADW). Migration and counts: Fair Isle, scarce in spring, only two records— 23 and 26 Apr, small autumn passage 20 Aug-23 Nov, mainly 4 Sep-2 Nov, max 4 on 18 Sep (RAB); O Heb, Balranald, sightings to 26 Apr, from 29 July, max 3 on 18 Aug (PC); Suth, Handa 8 Apr-11 May, 26 July- 13 Sep (AG); Midl, Arthur’s Seat 25 Oct-19 Nov, Grassmarket 12 Dec, Musselburgh Dec (per RWJS). *Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus. Six records is best year ever and reflects big spring influx in England 1973. Shet, 2 Whalsay 17 June (JHS), ¢ Tresta 26 June-4 July (DC, BM, ISS); O Heb, ¢ Benbecula 16- 21 June (ITD, MMD); Suth, ¢ Meikle Ferry 1 May (Ff. E. Prove); 9 Isle of May 19 May (JHBM); Ayr, 2 Colmonell 16-17 July (IHL). Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Breeding reports: 50% down in Uists, O Heb (CB); Inv, scarce Lochaber (JCu); W Loth, 15 prs known, 9 suc- cessful, 6 of them rearing 22 young, 5 nests robbed, 1 pr failed (IMcK); Arran, good season (MHD); reasonable Ayr. Migration: Fair Isle, 1 overwintered, 1-2 most days May-early June, 3 or 4 in June, 10 Aug-2 234 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Nov, mainly 16 Sep-8 Oct, 12 arrived on 16 Sep (RAB); Suth, Handa 1-2 various days 27 Apr-2 June, max 5 on 9 July (AG); one ringed Coul- more, Ross 9 June recovered Brechin, Angus 18 Oct (EBt, MIH). Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus. Breeding reports: Caith, very patchy (PMC); Islay, very good (CGB), good Ayr, poor Arran (RWF); Kirk, higher than usual (LAU). O Heb, 1 Rhenigadale 28 July (D. Martin); pr bred Handa, Suth (AG); 18 Vane Hill, Kinross, 10 Oct is high (CJE). Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus. No changes reported. Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix. W Ross, ¢ Achnasheen 18 Mar (MKMcD- D); 23 Gartlea, Dunb, 8-9 Oct (ICC); decrease Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirk (J. Henderson). Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. Numbers seemed low Abernethy, Inv; few more records Black Isle. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. Increase in records indicative of increased game management releases; species uncertain in some cases, possibly hybrids and Chukar Partridges. Aber/Kinc, 1 Maryculter-Ban- chory 12 Apr (AGK); Angus, 2 Strathcathro 24 July, 2 Cortachy 20 Sep (GMC); Perth, c40 prs bred Scone area (RLMcM) also bred Redgorton (VMT) and Dupplin (EJM); W Stir, 4 prs and 19 young released Killearn; Galloway, reports Cairnsmore, L Ken, Mull of Galloway (per ADW); Dumf, bred in wild (per JGY). Partridge Perdix perdix. Breeding reports: Inv, increase; Perth, good- sized coveys; Kinross, good breeding season; Fife, numbers high; Midl, numbers as high as ever; Galloway, fairly good with late broods in Aug. *Quail Coturnix coturnix. A poor year—singles: Fair Isle 6 and 30 May (RAB); Shet, Skerries 8 June (RSPB), Unst 11 June (J. T. Thomp- son), Whalsay 16-18 June (JHS); Lanark 18-19 Apr (ND), Carmunock 16 June (RMcL); Ayr, Ballantrae 20 June (AFA); 2 E Linton, E Loth, 28 July (MWF). Pheasant Phasanius colchicus. Shet, 2 prs Kergord (ISS), one Scallo- way 14 Dec (RJ). Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus. No change Kirk. ;Reeves’s Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii. Inv, 5-6 dd, 2 292 Kinveachy Dec, almost certainly bred in wiid (per RHD). *Crane Grus grus. One Foula, Shet 2-3 June (R. Furness, J. Vernal). +Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo. 1 Carnwath, Lan, May 1972- Mar (HSCH, KCRH); 1 Tiree, I Heb, 9 Apr (A. Curran). Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. Bred Broubster, Caith (P. R. Castell); 6-10 calling Insh marshes, Inv, in summer (RL); 5 prs Aird meadows, Renf (DLC). Migration and counts: Fair Isle, singles Jan-May, 1-3 from 5 Sep-8 Dec (RAB); Shet, passage Mar-Apr, 1 calling Unst 13-16 July— first since 1934 (MS), first of autumn Foula 31 Aug (BEG); Ork, 2 Westray May (DL), 1 Evie 7 Oct (P. Davidson); O Heb, 1 Grimersta 14 Nov-31 Dec (JG); Suth, one Scourie 13 July (AG); Aber, singles Balmedie 4 May ADKR), Murcar 25 May (DC), Strathbeg 6 Oct (RHD), Angus, 6 Mont- rose Basin 24 Sep (MN); Perth, 4 Kingoodie 3 Mar, 5 on 30 Dec (EJM), 5 Seaside 3 Mar (RLMcM); Ber, 3 St Abbs Loch 13 Oct (LLJV); Renf, 9 Barr Loch 2 Dec (PHH). *Spotted Crake Porzana porzana. Calling birds Insh, Inv, 4 June (CJMcK-G); Ayr, 19-27 July (WRB, IHL); L Stiapavat, Lewis 23-25 June (IMMcL, JML), L Hallam, S Uist, summer (CB); Hillwell, Shet, 23-27 June (BM). Juv found dead Ae forest, Dumf, 1 Sep (HO); 1 Fair Isle 7-8 Oct (RAB); 1 Minishant, Ayr 12 Nov (RHH). Cornerake Crex crex. Poor in north, no change or better in SW. Shet, first 6 May, fewer birds calling (per RJT); Fair Isle, only 2 migrants: 25 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 235 Apr, 4-5 May (RAB); Ork, probably scarcer than ever before, even Papa Westray (EB), first Sanday 15 May (CJB); O Heb, first Lewis 4 May (WMa, RMcl), first Balranald 8 May, 7 prs bred, last 13 Sep (PC); Caith, first Reay 5 May (JMG); Suth, 3 Scourie from 20 May (AG); Ross, bred ‘successfully Torridon (JAW); records in E Ross (1), Inv (1), Kine (1), Angus (2), Perth (4), Rox (3), Kirk (1). 1 Isle of May 10 Sep (JHB); 1 Aberlady, E Loth 17 Aug (TPD); Arg/I Heb, 13 calling Canna mid June (ADKR); 4 in one field, Islay (AWGJ), first Islay 3 May (CGB); first Arg SN (IR); Ayr, increase, with 12 calling Stinchar Valley May-June TN IN AWS : = yp \ Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Pr with 2 small young Glencarse, Perth, 23 Sep (RLMcM). Counts : 60 North Queich, Kinross, 18 Nov and 65 Bur- leigh 18 Nov (BHM, TG); 48 Insh, Inv, 19 Apr (RL). Migration: Fair Isle, singles 3 May, 28 Aug, 1-2 daily 20 Sep-6 Oct, one 17 Oct (RAB). Coot Fulica atra. Increase in breeding numbers probably due to mild ‘winters : Inv, increase Loch Laide to 20 on 11 Apr, 3 prs successful (MIH); also L Ruthven and Strathspey lochs (RHD); good season Fife. Counts and migration : Caith, 9 Wick. harbour 28 Dec (PMC, SL, RHD); Ross, 200 L Ussie 25 Feb (ARM); Inv, 55 Insh Jan (RL); Kinross, 76 L Leven 16 Feb, 400+ early Sep (AA); Peeb, 350 Portmore 14 Jan, down to 16 on 11 Feb; 50 on 18 Aug, 250 by 14 Oct (RWJS); E Loth, 111 Press- mennan Loch 14 Jan, 150 Whiteadder Reservoir 18 Nov (AWGJ); Renf, 1100 Barr Loch 2 Sep, down to 300 by 22 Nov (HG); Kirk, 50 L Ken 18 Jan (LAU), 400+ L Auchenreoch is big increase (ADW). Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. Return to breeding territories : first Moorfoots 19 Feb, 40 by 10 Mar (RWJS); good season Kinross, 13 on 17 Feb, 20 by 3 Mar (GC); Inv, 2 Insh 20 Feb, 150 on 5 Mar (RL); Ross, Black Isle from 1 Mar (MKMcD-D); Suth, 33 prs reared 28 young Handa (AG); O Heb, 51 prs bred Balranald (PC); first egg Fair Isle 10 May (RAB). Peak counts and migration: Shet, 150 Fetlar 19 Mar, 150 Sumburgh 19 Aug; Fair Isle 119 on 25 Mar; only 4 left by end Sep, 2 wintered, 6 on 17 Oct. (RAB); Caith, 200 Scrabster Nov (PMC); Suth, 800 L Fleet 17 Jan, 210 Tongue 5 June, 500 on 6 Aug (RHD), 400 Dornoch 29 Sep LLL CC LO SC, RE: ee te: asec tener caer 236 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) (DMcD); Ross, 700 Nigg 24 June, 800 Alness 16 Sep (ARM), i000 Udale Bay 2 Sep (ARM), 500+ Findon Mains 16 Sep (DWMcA); Inv, 515 Long- man 16 Sep (MR), 1650 Whiteness Head 30 July, 1130 on 3 Sep (RHD); Perth, 400 Dunblane 3 Mar (GSh); Fife, peak 7500 Tentsmuir Point 14 Oct (M. Martin); Midl, 2400 Musselburgh 21 Jan, 2000 on 18 Feb, 1050 on 18 Mar, 300 on 6 May, 1300 on 16 Sep, 10 Nov, 1800 on 14 Oct; W Loth, 800 Cramond 30 Aug (GLS); E Loth, 900 Tyninghame 21 Jan (EMS, RWJS, TB), 960 Aberlady 17 Feb, 1200 on 25 Aug (DRL); Renf/Dunb, 3844 Upper Clyde 18 Feb, 3800+ Ardmore, Dunb 26 Nov (IPG); Dum, 3000 Caerlaverock 29 Sep (CRGC). Albinos Moorfoots, Mid! 10 Mar (RWJS) and Guardbridge, Fife 7 Aug (JARG). Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Good breeding season Ayr; very good season high ground Midl, many back 4 Feb (RWJS); Fife, poor early broods (TRG); Kinross, first chick Gairney 21 Mar (RQB); Inv, 200 Insh 1 Mar, 105 Aviemore 3 Mar (RL, RHD); Ross, first Kessock 7-10 on 28 Feb (MKMcD-D), increase W Ross (ENH); Suth, 2 prs Handa but only one young (AG); Caith, increase in population (PMC); O Heb, 110 pairs bred Balranald, first egg 1 Apr (PC). Counts and passage: Shet, 200 Tingwall 13 Jan, 100 Unst 17 Jan (per RJT); Fair Isle, autumn peaks 130 on 16 Sep, 125 on 21st, 119 on 8 Oct (RAB); Caith, 700 Canisbay 5 Sep (PMC); Ross, 2200 Evanton-Alness 11 Nov (ARM), 680 North Beauly Firth 16 Sep (EBt), 500+ Udale Bay 23 July (DWMcA); Inv, 414 Longman Bay 11 Nov (EIY); Perth, 1000+ Kin- goodie 9 Jan (EJM), 750 Seaside 11 Jan (RLMcM); Fife, 1500 Guardbridge 19 Sep (DWO); Midl, 300 Gladhouse 23 June (RWJS, LLJV); Ayr, 1500 Irvine-Bogside 11 Nov (IMD); Renf, 5500+ Glasgow Airport 5 Feb, 6000 Erskine-Langbank 18 Feb, 5000 on 29 Nov (IPG); Dunb, 630 Ardmore 16 Sep (SMDA); Wig, 2000 Moor of Genoch 14 Sep (RCD). Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. Breeding: Ayr, at least 5 prs L Doon (WRB), 15 prs Ballantrae (EJM); 6 prs inland W Renf, none on coast (IPG); Ber, pr bred Watchwater Reservoir (AEH); Midl, increase inland breeding, max 4 prs Gladhouse; first inland 4 Portmore, Peeb 4 Mar (LLJV); 18 prs located inland Perth (RLMcM, EJM); 25 prs bred Balranald, O Heb (PC); Fair Isle, 9 prs bred 1973 (6 prs 1972) (RAB); Shet, 43 prs bred Unst (GB). Peak counts and passage: Fair Isle, 6 on 6 Mar, return passage mid Aug-22 Sep, peaks 40 on 16 Sep, 50 on 18th, smaller numbers to mid Oct (RAB); Shet, 200 Virkie 16 Aug, 52 Whalsay 29 Oct is late (JHS); O Heb, 150 Hougharry, N Uist, 27 July (ADKR), 280 Rudha Ardvule, S Uist, 18 Aug increased to 410 on 25 Aug (DWR); Ross, 90 Alness 17 Feb, 160 on 16 Sep (ARM), 150 Inver 12 Aug (CGH); Inv, 79 Longman 10 Sep (JMC); Fife, 289 Tentsmuir 19 May (MN, EJM), 300 on 28 Aug (DWO); Midl, 120 Musselburgh 26 Aug (LLJV); E Loth, 140 Aberlady 5 May; 200 Tyninghame 6 May, 130 on 3 June, 125 on 26 Aug (RWJS, EMS, TB); Ayr, 150 Maidens 16 Sep (RHH), 200 Troon 8 Sep (WRB); 73 Whiting Bay, Arran, 16 Sep (MHD); Wig, 177 Luce Bay 25 Aug (RCD); Dumf, 100 Caerlaverock 25 Aug (CRGC). Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola. Winter-spring : 1 Grutness, Shet, 7 Jan (FH); O Heb, 1-5 Balranald 1-15 Apr, 1 on 24 May (PC); Inv, 3 White- ness 10 Jan (RHD); Aber, 4 Ythan 18 Mar (PSh); Perth, singles Inver- gowrie 31 Mar, 5th and 9th Apr (EJM), Glencarse May; Fife, 95 Tents- muir 18 Feb (MM), 80 on 2 May (RWS); E Loth, peak 150 Aberlady 3 Mar (RHH); Renf, 2 Longhaugh Point 26 Apr (IPG); Ayr, 7 Turnberry 4 Feb (RHH); 1 Wigtown merse 10 June (NEA, RTS). Autumn passage and peak counts: Shet, 11 records 11 Aug-3 Oct, max 5 Unst 3 Oct (GB, MS); Suth, Dornoch 13 Sep-6 Oct, max 24 on 29th DMcD), 1 Lochinver 19 Oct (ACMcL); Ross, 10 Inver 16 Nov (RHD); 4 Evanton 14 Nov (ARM); 4 Udale 31 Oct (MKMcD-D); O Heb, 4 Steinish, 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 237 Lewis 21 Oct (RMclI); Inv, 5 Longman 14 Oct (MR); Aber, from 16 Aug (PDR), 30 Ythan 13 Oct (MHe); Angus, 25 Montrose Basin 25 Sep (GMC); Perth, 1 Invergowrie 7 Aug, increasing to 14 on 11 Sep, 37 on 24th, 60 on 14 Oct, then 38 on 16th, 10 on 5 Nov (RC, EJM, ECP); Fife, peaks 82 Tentsmuir 12-28 Aug (JARG, DWO), 53 Eden estuary 25 Aug, 120 on 10 Dec (AJB); Midl, 7 Musselburgh 12 Sep (DLC), 12 on 18 Oct (GLS); W Loth, 22 Drum Sands 25 Sep (GLS); E Loth, 120 Aberlady 16 Sep (DRL), 72 Tyninghame 14 Oct; Ayr, max 10 Irvine-Bogside 7 Oct (RHH); Dunb, 13 Ardmore 14 Oct (SMDA); Dumf, 15 Caerlaverock 29 Sep (CRGC). Inland : Fife, 1 Cameron Reservoir 18 Sep (JARG); Midl, 1 Har- perrig 28 Sep, 30 Sep (2), 2 Oct (3), 15 Oct (2) (PTG, GLS), 1 Gladhouse 22 Sep (RWJS); Dunb, 1 Endrick 2 and 14 Oct (RKP, JM); Renf, 1 Paisley 24 Sep (IPG). Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria. Winter-spring counts: Dumf, max Caerlaverock 4000 on 10 Feb (CRGC); Midl, 1500 Arniston 11 Feb (WB); 600 Musselburgh 9 Jan (DRL); 100 Northerns Gladhouse 8 Apr (RWJS); Perth, rather low spring peak 433 Kingoodie 9 Jan (EJM); 400+ Seaside 28 Feb (RLMcM), 160 Northerns Glen Shee 28 Apr (RLMcM); Aber, 350 Cruden Bay 27 Jan (MN); Inv, 5 Insh 1 Mar, 50 on 5th (RL); O Heb, 80 Melbost, Lewis 22 Apr (RMcI). Autumn passage and counts: Fair Isle, passage Aug-6 Nov, mainly 7 Sep-22 Oct, peaks: 100 on 16 Sep, 80 on 21st, 100 on 5 Oct (RAB); Shet, 250 Skerries 1 Aug (ISR), 1500 Unst 29 Aug (GB); O Heb, 250 Balranald 16 Sep (PC); Caith, 300 Harpsdale 17 Oct (SL); 200 Banff 24 Sep, 300 on 28 Dec (JF, AFWS); Kinc, 140 Girdle Ness 28 Nov (MN); Perth, 300 Kingoodie 8 Aug, 440 on 18 Sep (EJM); Midl, 500 Arniston 15 Nav (WB); 700 Musselburgh 6 Oct (LLJV); E Loth, 300 Aberlady 23 Dec (JHB); Renf, 1000 Longhaugh Point 9 Dec (HG, IPG); Ayr, 4000+ Prestwick 12 Nov (IHL), 2000 Barassie 23 Sep ((HG), 2000 Bogside 31 Aug (IMD), 2100 Doonfoot 9 Nov (AGS); Wig, 500+ L Ryan 3 Oct, 1700 on 3 Nov, 3000 Stoneykirk 17 Nov (RCD et al.); Dumf, 3000 Caerlaverock 29 Oct (CRGC); 3000 Heathhall autumn. Dotterel Eudromius morinellus. Breeding reports sketchy: Good breeding year Drumochter hills, Inv (DWO), also Cairngorms, where first 3 on 19 Apr; Angus hills, 8 on 6 May (AWGJ); Perth, 6 Glen Lyon 6 May (P. M. Spencer); pairs seen Banff 3 June (JE) and NW Suth 27 May (AG). Migration : more than usual: Shet, 3 Whalsay 19 May (JHS), 2 Fetlar 23 May (RSPB); 1 Skerries 17 Sep, 18th (2), 19th (3), one to 29 Sep (ISR); Fair Isle, one 25 Apr (GJB), one 4 May, one 21 Sep, 22nd (4), 23rd-24th (2), one 2-8 Oct (RAB); O Heb, 2 Balranald 14-17 May (PC); Fife, 4 Leuchars 16-17 May (AJB). *Dowitcher Limnodromus sp. Singles, L Riddon, Arg 5 Apr (E. Hut- chison) and Fair Isle 20-21 Sep (GJB, A. Parker, P. J. Sellar). Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Migration and counts: Fair Isle, singles 6 June, 15 July, passage from 22 July (15), peaks 45 on 31 July, 68 on 29 Oct (RAB); Shet, 31 Skerries 22 July, max 100 on 18-19 Sep (ISR); O Heb, 100 Balranald to mid May, 38 on 24 July, autumn peaks 143 on 10 Sep (PC); Suth, last Handa 22 May, first 17 July (AG); 75 Embo 11 Nov (DMcD); Inv, 50 Clachnaharry 16 Sep (MIH); 20+ Fort William 2 May (JCu); Kinc, 236 Girdle Ness (MN, RWS); Perth, singles, Invergowrie 4 days 10 Aug-10 Sep (EJM); Fife, 700 Fife Ness 11 Mar (JARG); Isle of May peaks 400 mid Apr, 500 on 29 Sep (DWO); Midl, 200 Musselburgh 18 Mar, 260 on 6 May, 175 on 25 Aug, 210 on 29 Sep (LLJV); W Loth, 80 Cramond 6 Sep (GLS); E Loth, Aberlady peaks 112 on 16 Mar, 110 on 13 Oct (DRL); Ayr, 543 Ardrossan-Seamill 15 Nov (IPG); 200 Prest- wick 18 Feb (BCF), 200 Dippleshore 2 May (RHH). Se —--SSSSS/L** *\/\eeeaeeee 238 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Snipe Gallinago gallinago. Counts : O Heb, 52 prs bred Balranald (PC), 50+ L Stiapavat 18 Sep (PE); Fair Isle, autumn passage more than usual from 17 Aug, peaks 40 on 18 and 25 Sep, 1-8 Oct and 1 Dec (RAB); Shet, 162 Unst 11 Jan (LC), 17 Skerries (arrival) 5 Sep (ISR); 100+ Hillwell 29 Sep (DC); Caith, peak 30 L of Mey 22 Sep (AFCMC, SL); Angus, 35 Montrose Basin 24 Sep (MN); Perth, 62 Seaside 10 Apr (RLMcM), 42 Kin- Eoadie ae on (EJM); Ayr, 100 New Cumnock 18 Aug (WRB), 79 Erskine e : *Great Snipe Gallinago media. One Skerries, Shet, 20-27 Sep (ISR, SR) (8 : 31-2). Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus. Winter records and peaks: Renf, 9 Paisley Moss 26 Jan, 10 Erskine 21 Jan (IPG); Kinross, 2 Vane Farm 29 Mar (GC); Aber, 2 Don estuary 5 Jan (PSh); usual scatter of singles S and E Scot Jan-Mar; O Heb, 1 Leurbost 14 Feb (PGH); Caith, 1 L Calder 18 Feb (SL); Shet, 1 Unst 11 Jan (LC). Spring passage: Fair Isle 7 Apr (RAB); Shet, 2 Fetlar 7 May, 1 Foula 23 May; O Heb, 6 Shiants 1 Apr an Angus, Arbroath 12 Apr (MN); E Loth, Aberlady 12 May (HSCH, Autumn-winter from 15 Aug; Shet, first Foula 20 Aug (BEG), most from mid Sep, max 5 Skerries 7 Oct (ISR); Fair Isle from 4 Sep, mainly 15 Sep- 2 Oct, peaks 8 on 16 and 23 Sep, 10 on 29 Sep (RAB); Ork, 2 Kirkwall 3 and 7 Oct (CJB); Aber, from 9 Sep Ythan (PSh), max 3 Loriston 10-21 Oct (M. Davies); Angus, singles Glen Prozen 15 and 24 Aug, 2 Montrose 124 Sep (MN); Renf, 7 Paisley Moss 25 Oct and 13 Nov (IPG), 13 Barr Loch 22 Nov (HG); Lan, 6 Libberton 8 Dec (RE-H); usual scatter singles Oct-Dec all regions. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola. Very scarce on migration continues trend of recent years: Fair Isle, singles 25 Mar, 30th, 17th Apr, 1-5 daily 25 Apr-2 May, singles 4 days to 4 June, autumn from 1 Oct to 1 Dec, mainly 3 Oct-5 Nov, max 60 on 2 Nov (RAB); Shet & Ork, very scarce (RJT, EB); Isle of May, scarce, only 3 in spring, autumn max 5 (NJG); O Heb, singles Plasterfield 1 Mar (RMclI), Valtos 11 Dec (WAJC), 2 Bal- allan 29 Nov (PGH). Curlew Numenius arquata. Return to territory : Moorfoots, Midl, 6 Mar (LLJV); Insh, Inv, 28 Feb, 5 on 1 Mar, 50 on 5 Mar (RL); 1 pr bred Fair Isle—3rd record (RAB); possible increase breeders Ayr (WRB). Migra- tion : Fair Isle 70N on 24 Apr, return from 20 June, peaks : 30 on 21 Aug, 30 in Nov-Dec—hard weather (RAB); Shet, Mar influx 200 Fetlar 11th, 100 Unst 11th (RSPB, GB); 200 Hillwell 25 July; O Heb, return peak Balranald 237 on 24 July (PC); Suth, 171N Handa 25 Apr (cf Fair Isle), 55S on 26 Aug (AG); Isle of May peak 50 on 19 Sep (ADW). Counts : Ayr, 500 Barassie 14 Aug (WRB), 500 New Cumnock 18 Aug (WRB); E Loth, 570 Aberlady 4 Aug (DRL); W Loth, 700 Cramond 15 Sep (TCS); Kinross, 300 L Leven 8 Mar, 200 on 23 July increasing to 2000 early Oct (AA); Perth, 544 Invergowrie/Kingoodie 31 Jan, 350 on 15 Sep (EJM); Banff, 256 Buckpool 7 Aug (JMB); Inv, 375 Lentran 18 Mar (MIH); Ross, 500 Alness Bay 16 Seo (ARM), 400+ Findon 16 Sep (DWMcA); Caith, 250 Murkle 9 Dec (PMC). Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. 51 pairs counted Unst, Shet (GB); Fair Isle 1 pair bred successfully—4 eggs 17 June, hatched 27th, 3 young ringed 13 July—Ilst breeding record (RAB); present Ork and Lewis in breeding season; 2-3 prs bred Scot mainland site—limited success (RHD, CGH); 1-2 prs new site N Scot, nest 4 eggs found 8 June (DS). Winter : 1 Islay 17 Mar (RL). Arrivals and passage from 13 Apr: Dumf, Ist Lockerbie 28 Apr (RTS); Dunb, 1 Endrick 26 Apr (TW); Arg, 8 L Riddon 5 May (JBH), more than usual Islay, max 29 Bowmore 2 May (CGB); E Loth, Tyninghame 5-14 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 239 May, max 6; Isle of May 2-29 May; Fife, lst Eden estuary 4 May (DWO); Kinross, 1 East Brackley 22 Apr (QQB); Perth, singles Invergowrie 2 and 7 May, 2 on 9 May (EJM, ELP); Angus, from 29 Apr; O Heb, first Bal- ranald 28 Apr (PC), 7 Stornoway 7 May (WMa), 5 Barvas 23 May (RMcl); Moray, 3 Findhorn 6 May (RAFKOS); Ross, 3 L Kishorn 13 Apr (HSCH); Suth, Handa 30 Apr-15 May (AG); Shet, 1st Fetlar 3 May (RSPB); Fair Isle, singles 4 days from 21 Apr, passage 1 May-6 June, peaks 12 on 13- 14th, 21 May, 15 on 23 May (RAB). Autumn : Fair Isle, peak 13 on 17 Aug, last 8-9 Sep (RAB); Shet, last Skerries 18 Sep (ISR); Caith, last John o’ Groats 9 Sep (PMC); Suth, Handa 5 July-9 Sep (AG); O Heb, peak 40 Balranald, last 22 Sep (PC); Nairn, 9 on 2 Sep (RHD); Moray, 10 Speymouth 9 Oct (JMB), 3 Lossie- mouth 16 Oct (CAG); Aber, 9 Ythan 19 Aug (PSh), last 9 Sep; Angus, max 6 Usan 1 Sep, last 30 Sep (NKA); Perth, 4 Kingoodie 21 Aug, last 2 on 15 Sep, one 9 Oct (EJM, RC): Fife, 4 July-15 Sep, max 12 St Andrews 20 July (TPD); Isle of May 19 July-6 Oct, max 16 on 24 Aug (AJW); Midi, last Gladhouse 18 Sep (GLS); E Loth, 29 June-6 Oct Gosford (HSCH), max 20 Tyninghame 11 Aug (GLS); Arg, peak 24 Bowmore, Islay, 2 July (CGB), 1 Salachan 13 Oct (RHD); Wig, 4 Mochrum 19 Aug (RCD). Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. 1 pr bred Shet, reared 2 young, departed by 2 July; Ork, 1 pr displaying 20-27 May (DL); inland summer records : Suth, 2 Badanloch 12 July (RHD et al.); Inv, 1 Insh 2 June (RL). Winter counts and spring passage: Fair Isle, singles 21-27 Apr, 23-24 May (RAB); Shet, Scatness 3 May, 2 Spiggie 3 May, 2 Fetlar 9 May, Noss 18 May, Clumlie 20 May (RSPB, FH, BM, PKK); Ross, 1-3 Dalmore Jan- Mar, last one 8 Apr, Udale 4 Mar, 2 on 21-25 Mar (ARM); O Heb, 5 Mel- bost 5-8 May (IMMcL, RMclI), 4 Balranald 6-8 May (PC); Inv, 1 Longman 1 Jan (DBMcG); Aber, 3 Ythan 5 May (BJS); Perth, singles Invergowrie 7 June-25 Apr on 5 days (EJM); Stir, 7 Skinflats 2 Jan (AGB); Midl, Mus- selburgh-Seafield 7 Feb, 11 Mar; E Loth, Aberlady 5 Apr (AGB); Dunb, 1 Endrick mouth 13 May (HG). Summer-autumn : Fair Isle, 5 on 10 July, one 28 Aug-9 Sep (RAB); Shet, 3 Hillwell 2 Sep (FH); Ross, Udale 2 Sep (ARM), Munlochy 21 Oct (MKMcD-D); Inv, 2 Lentran 16 Sep (MIH); O Heb, 1-2 Balranald 5 Aug- 10 Sep (PC); Moray, Findhorn from 12 Aug, max 7 on 26 Aug, 5 on 14 Oct (RHD, RAFKOS); Aber, 1 Ythan 30 Aug-3 Sep (PDR, RSBy), 3 Rattray 3 Sep (RSBy); Angus peak 17 Montrose Basin 3 June (GMC): various small counts S and E Scot from July, peaks : Perth, 8 Invergowrie 30 Aug (EJM, RC, ECP); Kinross, 3 L Leven on 2 Sep (AA); Fife, 100+ Eden estuary 27 July, 110 on 4 Aug, 100 on 18 Aug, 210 on 9 Dec (AJB, EJM, DWO); Stir, 3 Skinflats 19 Aug (JM); E Loth, 5 Aberlady 2 Sep (HG, BZ); ‘Ayr, 23 Ballantrae 10 July (BCF), 8 Bogside 8 Sep (WRB, IHL, RGN); Renf, 5 Erskine 13 Sep (HG); Dumf, 4 Caerlaverock 15 Sep (CRGC), no count of Nith estuary flock. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. Peak counts: Ork, 80 Tanker- ness 22 Dec (CJB); Suth, 400 Dornoch 29 Sep (DMcD); Ross, 400 Nigg 24 Jan (RHD), 800 Dalmore 24 Feb, 1100 Evanton 26 Aug (ARM), 700 Udale 4 Mar, 1000+ 31 Aug-15 Sep (ARM, MR); Inv, 700 Whiteness 1 Feb, 92 on 31 May, 920 (ads) 30 July, 1200 on 13 Aug-2 Sep (RHD); Perth, 559 Invergowrie 30 Dec (EJM); Fife, 2000 Tentsmuir 28 Aug (DWO); Mid, 540 Musselburgh 21 Jan-18 Feb, 190 on 18 Mar, 550 on 9 Dec (LLJV); E Loth, 1200 Aberlady 13 Oct (DRL). Migrants : Fair Isle, 23 May, 8 records 29 Aug-22 Sep but 8 on 17 Sep (RAB); Shet, few to 21 May, from 14 July, max 15 Virkie 26-27 Aug; O Heb, peaks Balranald 84 on 7 Apr, 30 on 4 Oct (PC); Kirk, 1 Lochinvar 19 Nov (LAv). LE EE C!S, 1, ~ea teeraraE Le ete ::):*'pemmmaammaa ta 240 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) *Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. Winter records : Dumfries 10 Jan- 27 Apr (TN); E Loth, Tyninghame 1 Jan-1 Apr (TB, RWJS). Spring pas- sage: Shet, Sumburgh 4 May (BM), Unst 19 May (GB), Foula 23 May (BEG), Skerries 5-6 and 18 May (ISR); Fair Isle, singles 13 days 5-24 May and 2-3 June (RAB); Perth, Kingoodie 28-29 Apr (RC); Renf, Lin- wood 6 May. Summer records: Inv, L Morlich 2 June (McK), Rothiemur- chus 29 Aug (AGG); Lan, Douglas 27 June (MSCH, KCRH); Aber, Kintore 7 June (Mr Fizzell); Suth, Drumbeg 8 July (A. C. Meakin). Autumn migration—rather poor season: Fair Isle singles 1 Aug, 5-9th, 10th (3), 12th, 18 Aug, 5 Oct (RAB); Shet, Foula 13 Aug, 24th (3) (BEG), Tofts 10 Aug; Moray, Findhorn 22 Aug (RSPB); Banff, Forglen 8 Oct (N. K. Wilson); Aber, Ythan 15-16 Aug (PDR), 3 Don estuary 17 Aug (RSBy); Angus, 2 Montrose 14 and 28 Aug (GMC), Brechin 6 Oct (AB); Perth, Kingoodie 12 July (EJM, MN); Kinross, L Leven 11 and 20 Aug (AA); Fife Ness 17 Sep (DWO); Isle of May 15 Aug (ADW); W Loth, 2 L Cote 15 Aug (IMcK); Peeb, Portmore 25 Aug, Edgelaw 29 Sep (LLJV); Whin Pond 21 Nov (GLS); E Loth, Tyninghame 27 July (GLS), 16 Sep- Dec (TB, RWJS), Whiteadder 16-23 Sep (AWGJ), Aberlady 18 Aug (SdaP, (SB); Arg, Islay 12 Aug, 14 Sep (KV); Ayr, Irvine 21 Sep (WRB); Renf, Linwood 6 Oct (HG, KS); Lan, Wilderness Quarry 8 Sep, 2 on 17-19 Sep (TPD, BZ), 2 Merryton 17 Nov (HSCH, KCRH), 1 Bothwell Bridge 1 Sep oe yy” Knockinaam 22-23 Aug, 28-30 Aug (GS); Dumfries, 4 on 30 ug : *Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. Low numbers: no proved reports of breeding; Caith, 1 holding territory 9 June (RWB); E Inv, only 1 sighting 19 June (P. Gepp); 1 Aber 4 June (WRPB). Spring migrants: Fair Isle, singles 11 days 17 May-3 June, but 3 on 21st, 2 on 22nd (RAB); Shet, Sumburgh 5 May (NLS), Skerries 18 May (ISR), Unst 19 May, 20-25 May (3); Hillwell 19 May, 4 on 20 May (DC, BM), 2 Whalsay 23 May (JHS), Foula 17-18 June (BEG); Ork, Sanday 22 May (CJB); Caith, L of Mey 9 June (RWB); Moray, 2 Portsoy 17 May (JE); Fife, Morton Lochs 21 May (PNJC), 28-29 May (AJB); E Loth, Aber- lady 18 May (AB); Dumf, Caerlaverock 18 May (CRGC). Autumn : Shet, Unst 27 Sep (LC), 5 Oct (GB); Aber, 2 Ythan 4 Aug (WM), 1 Loriston 10 Oct (MD); Perth, Carsebreck Sep (PWS); Fife, Eden estuary 28 Aug (EJM); Clack, 2 Alloa 16 Sep (GSh). Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. Bred Unst and Mainland, and reports of breeding/summering from 5 areas Shet (per RJT); Ork, bred Kirbister, perhaps Swannay (DL); Fife, bred Largo Bay—I1st ever (PGTB). Spring arrivals: 8 Apr Bridge of Allan, Stir, and Braco, Perth (GSh); 13 Apr, Balgray Dam, Renf, mainly from 22nd (HG); 17 Apr, Earlstoun, Kirk (LAU); 18 Apr, Gannochy, Angus (GMC), and Insh, Inv (RL); most areas last week Apr. Passage: Fair Isle 2-31 May, up to 6 several days, 20 on 6 May, small numbers 5 Aug-27 Sep, max 7 on 20 Sep (RAB); Shet, 9-29 Sep, max 3 Skerries 17 Sep (ISR); Ross, 1 Dingwall 3 Oct (ARM); Moray, 12 Find- horn 31 July (FWW); Inv, peak 10 Insh 10 May, last 19 Aug (RL); Aber, St Combs 7 Oct (AGK); Perth, 8 Port Allen 14 July (EJM); Kinross, 30 Gairney 21 July (GC), last L Leven 6 Oct (CJE); E Loth, 14 Tyninghame 27 Apr (IAGB), last Whiteadder 1 Oct (AWGJ); Ayr, 9 Ballantrae 1 May, 13 on 21 July (WRB, IHL), Renf, 31 Upper Clyde 6 May; Dunb, Endrick mouth 21 Oct (D. M. Stead); Arg, Dunoon 10 Nov (IPG); Angus, West Haven 31 Dec (TMC). Redshank Tringa totanus. Peak counts: Ross, 600 Udale 15 Sep, 450 Dalmore 16 Sep, 400 Dingwall 3 Oct (ARM); Inv, 691 Beauly Firth 18 Mar, 500 on 16 Sep (MIH), 600 Longman 18 Feb, 550 on 14 Oct (MR); Angus, 3000 Dundee 9 Oct (EJM); Perth, 1557 Invergowrie 15 Mar, 2886 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 241 on 24 Mar, 2476 on 2 Apr and 425 by 24 Apr, 3450 on 13 Sep (RC, EJM); Midl, 420 Musselburgh 18 Mar, 540 on 14 Oct (LLJV); Renf/Dunb, 5212 Upper Clyde 21 Jan, 6317 on 18 Mar, 5462 on 29 July, 9300 on 14 Oct (8100 of them at Bowling harbour roost), 7107 on 9 Dec, a catch of 240 birds for ringing indicated 90% Icelandic on measurements (per IPG); Ayr, 750 Bogside 31 Aug (IMD); 456 Wigtown Merse 20 Oct (RCD). Pas- sage: Fair Isle peaks 40 on 29 Apr, return from 11 July, 40 on 22 Aug, 40-45 on 24-27 Oct (RAB). Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. Winter-spring records: Renf, Daff Reservoir 29 Apr (HG, RAJ); E Loth, Tyninghame 27-28 Apr (GLS, IAGB, LLJV), Aberlady 5 May (GLS); Perth, 2 Invergowrie 16 June (RC); Angus, Montrose Basin 19 Apr (GMC); Inv, Insh 16-19 Apr (RL, RHD); Moray, Findhorn 8 Apr (RAFKOS); Shet, Unst 24 May, 1 June (GB). Summary of autumn records from 2 July July Aug Sept Oct Nov 1-14 15-31 1-14 15.30 North (Shet-Inv) 2 2 6 12 3 East (Moray-Stir) 4 1 14 3 18 4 2 Southeast (Lothians) 2 4 8 Southwest (Arg-Solway) 1 1 9 15 18 Noteworthy records include: Fife, 5 Morton Lochs 25 Sep (AJB), 5 St Michaels 24 Sep (KSMcG), 2 Culross 2 Dec (DMB); Dunb, 1 Cardross Bay 2-31 Dec (AGG); Kirk, 5 Tarff estuary 15 Sep (ADW); Dumf, 7 Caerlaver- ock 1-15 Sep (CRGC). Greenshank Tringa nebularia. About 30 records of wintering birds north to Cromarty Firth, but mostly in SW where up to 11 wintered Woodhall, Renf, 14 on 18 Feb and 17 on 18 Mar (HG, IPG); north passage from early Mar and birds on breeding grounds end of month: Trantle- more, Suth, 31 Mar (PRJ) and Badnabay 1 Apr (AG). Spring migrants : Handa, Suth, 8 Apr-30 May (AG); Fair Isle, 16-31 May (RAB); Shet, singles Fetlar 29 May, Unst 14 May; Ork, Sanday 17 May (EB). Autumn passage and peak counts: Shet, 6 Aug-16 Oct (RJT); Fair Isle, singles 30 July-22 Sep, 3 on 25 Aug, 2 on 19 Sep, one 2-15 Oct (RAB); Caith, 8 Loch of Mey 4 Aug (AFCMC, SL); Ross, 8 Alness 9 Dec (ARM), 1 Torridon Oct-1 Dec (JAW); Inv, 8 Lentran 16 Sep (MIH); Moray, 12 Findhorn 24 Aug (RSPB), 2 on 11 Nov, 1 Burghead 9 Dec (RAFKOS); Angus, 8 Montrose 28 Aug (GMC); Kinross, 8 L Leven 11 Aug, few to Dec (AA); Fife, 10 Tentsmuir 22 Aug (DWO), 10 Guardbridge 26 Sep (AJB), 4 Boarhills Dec (TRG); E Loth, 5 Aberlady 16-26 Aug, Tyninghame from 9 July-11 Nov, max 8 on 26 Aug; Renf, passage Woodhall from 4 July, 26 on 28 Aug, 15 on 11 Nov (HG, IPG); Ayr, 7 Bogside 1 Sep (WRB, IHL); Wig, 8 Luce Bay 23 Aug (RCD); Dumf, Caerlaverock first 1 July, 5 on 4 Aug (CRGC). Knot Calidris canutus. Winter counts: O Heb, 55 Stornoway 26 Feb ); Ross, 3000 Barbaraville 10 Feb (ARM); Inv, 3500 Whiteness 1 Feb (RHD); Midl, 1500 Musselburgh 18 Feb (LLJV); E Loth, 5000 Aberlady Jan, down to 900 in Mar (DRL); Ayr, 1100 Barassie 6 Jan (HG), 900+ Irvine 27 Jan (WRB). Spring passage : 240 Whalsay 14 May, 70 Unst 13 May (JHS, GB). Autumn passage and counts : Shet, from 27 July, max 40 Virkie 9 Aug (RJT); Fair Isle, from 26 July, max only 6 on 10 Aug and 6 Sep, late one 2-5 Nov (RAB); Ross, 1500 Evanton 14 Nov (ARM); Inv, 1000 Longman 29 Dec (MR); Aber, 22 Ythan 7 Aug, 130 on 5 Sep (PDR); Perth, Inver- gowrie from 15 July, peak 15 on 9 Aug, last 2 on 4 Oct (RC, EJM); Kin- ross, 1 L Leven 15 July (AA, GC); Fife, fewer Tentsmuir (RWS), 3200 LOL LE LCE CE YE: NN EL CLEC CECH NN NY S\N Amc tte eee 242 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Largo Bay 18 Dec (JHB); Isle of May, peaks higher than usual: 17 on 1 Sep, 10 on 10 Sep (NJG); Midl, 250 Musselburgh 14 Oct, up to 1300 on 10 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, 400 Aberlady 25 Aug, up to 2500 on 11 Nov (DRL); Wig, first 15 Sandhead 24 July (RCD). Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima. Winter-spring counts: Kirk, 32 Southerness 28 Feb (CJMcK-G); Dumf, 1 Caerlaverock 18 May (CRGC); Ayr, 65 Turnberry 26 Mar (RHH), 70 Prestwick 9 May (BCF); Arg, 44 Southend 11 Mar (DLC); E Loth, 93 Yellowcraigs 15 Apr (JHB); Midl, 40 Seafield 13 Apr (AWGJ); Isle of May 120 on 16 Apr (NKA); Fife Ness 200 on 18 Apr-4 May (DWO, JARG); Kinc, 199 Girdle Ness 13 Jan (RWS); Moray, 114 Lossiemouth 3 Mar,-120 Burghead 3 Mar, 3 on 19 May (RHD); Suth, 15 Handa 7 May (AG); Caith, 72 Thurso 11 Apr (SL); O Heb, 60 Stornoway 13 Mar (WMa), 10-30 Balranald to 21 May (PC); Fair Isle, aan 48 on 27 Mar, up to 16 in Apr, 55 on 1 May, 40 on 4-7th, last 26th Autumn : Fair Isle, first 8 on 19 July, peaks of 60 on 16 Aug, 15 Sep (RAB); O Heb, 45 Causamul 26 July (PC); Caith, 155 Brims Ness 30 Nov (SL); Banff, 200 Portessie 30 Dec (JE); Angus, 1 Dundee airport roost 27 Oct (EJM); Kinc, first Girdle Ness 9 Aug (MN), 204 on 14 Dec (PDR, AGK); Isle of May, 10 on 15 July, 408 on 8 Oct (HG); E Loth, 69 Aber- lady 9 Dec (DRL); Ayr, 85 Ardrossan 15 Nov (IPG). Little Stint Calidris minutus. 10 spring records: Angus, 1 Montrose 10 June (GMC); Aber, 2 Scotstoun Head 9 June (PDR, JRP); Fife, 1 Tents- muir 19 May (MN, EJM); Ayr, 1 Doonfoot 25 May (WRB), 3 on 26 May (IHL), 1 Dipple Shore 24 May; Dunb, 1 Endrick mouth 3 June (DS); Dumf, 1 Caerlaverock 18 May (CRGC)—the total of spring records in the five years 1968-72 is only 6. Autumn numbers very high, 250-300 birds from 12 Aug, but about 75% in second half Sep : Summary of autumn records from 12 Aug Aug Sept. Oct Nov 1-14 15-31 1-14 15-30 North (Shet-O Heb-Inv) 2 1 40 10 East (Moray-Stir) 12 5 75 4. il Southeast (Lothians) 1 2 6 39 9 Southwest (Arg-Solway) 5 4 32 8 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 243 Noteworthy records and peaks include: Fair Isle 10 on 18 Sep (RAB); Shet, 5 Skerries 17-20 Sep (ISR); Ork, 1-4 North Ronaldsay 1-7 Oct (RG;) Caith, 5 Thurso 22 Sep (PMC, SL); O Heb, 5 Balranald 30 Sep (PC); Aber, 8 Meikle Loch 23 Sep (PSh), 10 Don estuary 25 Sep (RBH); Kinross, 1 St Serfs 2 Nov (AA); Fife, 7 Tentsmuir 24 Sep (DWO), 8 Morton Lochs 29 Sep (TJH); Stir, 17 Skinflats 28 Sep (TJH); Clack, 10 Black Devon mouth 19 Sep (DMB, CJH); W Loth, 1 Blackness Castle 9-31 Dec (RWJS); Midl, 8 Cobbinshaw 28 Sep (GLS); E Loth, 4 Aberlady 23 Sep, 8 Tyning- hame 16 Sep, 4 Whiteadder 23 Sep (AWGJ); Arg, 11 L Indaal, Islay 22 Sep (KV); Ayr, 6 Maiden’s Harbour 20 Sep (WRB, RHH); Dunb, 5 Ard- more 27 Aug (SMDA); Dumf, 4 Caerlaverock 29 Sep (CRGC). *Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii. N Scotland site: first 2 (one lst year) on 4 June, 3 later in month (RHD), at least 1 pr probably bred successfully (CGH). Migrants : Mid], Musselburgh 28-30 May (IB-P et al.), 11 June (KSMcG ez al.); Shet, Unst 22 Sep (GB); Angus, Dundee airport 9 Oct (EJM). *White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis. Singles Ork, Sanday 23 July (DL), Deerness 28 Oct (CJB, CMB); Shet, Grutness 7-11 Nov (DC, L. Dalziel et al.)—brings total to 11 in Scotland. *Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos. Seven records compared to a total of 5 birds in the five years 1968-72. Particularly interesting is one Altnabreac, Caith, 8 June (RWB, CJMcK-G) (8: 72-3); autumn singles Shet, Skerries 31 Aug-6 Sep (ISR, SR, BM), Whalsay 9 Sep (JHS), Loch of Cliff, Unst, 23-24 Sep (GB, LC); Fair Isle 29-30 Aug, 20-24 Sep (both ringed) (RAB); Aber, Strathbeg 21-25 Sep (RWS et al.). Dunlin Calidris alpina. 28 prs bred Unst, Shet (GB); 33 prs bred Bal- ranald, O Heb (PC). Peak counts: Suth, 250 Brora 17 Jan (RHD), 500 Dornoch 29 Sep (DMcD); Ross, 500 Nigg 24 Jan (RHD), 1000 Dalmore 9 Feb (ARM), 900 Evanton 11 Nov (ARM); Inv, 600 Longman 6 Feb (RHD), 400 Lentran 18 Mar (MIH); Moray, 700 Findhorn 3 Mar, 600 on 10 Nov (RHD); Angus, 10,000 Dundee airport 9 Oct (EJM); Perth, Invergowrie 3000+ on 9 Jan, 1746 on 11 Feb, 360 by 21 Mar, 5740 on 4 Dec (EJM); Midl, 3700 Musselburgh 18 Feb, 950 on 6 May, 230 on 16 Sep, 1450 on 14 Oct, 1600 on 10 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, 2100 Aberlady Jan, 1200 on 5 May, 885 on 16 Sep ;Ayr, 2200 Barassie 10 Mar (WRB); Renf/Dunb, 6200+ Upper Clyde 24 Feb (when 4800 Cardross), 481 on 29 July, 203 on 26 Aug, 877 on 16 Sep, 1783 on 14 Oct, 5529 on 11 Nov (per IPG), 4200 Woodhall 20 Nov (IPG); Wig, 500 Calliness Bay 11 Aug (AFA). Peaks inland waters: Kinross, 80 St Serf’s 16-30 Oct (AA, CJE); Midl, 8 Gladhouse 6 Jan is rare, 40 Gladhouse 10 Nov (RWJS); 56 Harperrig 17 Sep, 194 on 20th, 42 on 28th (GLS), 130 Cobbinshaw 17 Sep, 170 on 29th (GLS); E Loth, 20 Whiteadder 16 Sep (AWGJ). Migration: Fair Isle, max 8 in Aug, 10 to 15 Sep, then an influx larger than usual, 75 on 17th, 100 on 21st, 115 on 22nd, some to mid Oct, stragglers to 8 Nov (RAB); Shet, peaks 50 Stenness 20 Sep, 60 Virkie 26 Sep; O Heb, peaks Balranald 77 on 11 May 150 on 7 Oct (PC), 350 Ardvule 25 Aug (DWR). Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. One Kirkmaiden, Wig, 2 Feb (AMGK, JW); no spring records. Reasonable numbers autumn passage from 16 July, mainly Sep. Summary of autumn records July Aug Sept Oct Nov 1-14 15-31 1-14 15-30 North (O Heb-Shet-Inv) 1 2 8 t East (Moray-Stir) 1 1 13 10 18 9 Southeast (Lothians) 1 6 9 16 1 Southwest (Arg-Solway) 1 i 32 15 13 1 244 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Peak counts and noteworthy records : O Heb, 3 Balranald 14 Oct (PC); Ross, 6 Dalmore 22 Sep (ARM); Angus, 8 Dundee airport 27 Sep (EJM); Perth, 9 Invergowrie 27 Aug, 7 on 13 Sep (RC, EJM, ECP); Stir, 1 Skin- flats 16 July (BZ), 4 on 28 Sep (TJH); E Loth, 5 Aberlady 16 Sep; Ayr, 15 Barassie 8 Sep (AB, WRB, RHH); Renf, 6 Irvine 8 Sep 2 1p Erskine 30 Sep (IPG, HG); Dumf, 10 Eastriggs 6 Oct (NEA, RTS), last Erskine 11 Nov (IPG). Sanderling Calidris alba. Winter counts: O Heb, 160 Hallam, S Uist, 22 Mar (DWR); Suth, 15 Brora 17 Jan (RHD). Spring passage: Fair Isle 7-8 May (RAB); Shet, 2 Whalsay 8 June (JHS), 3 Fetlar 5-8 June (RAH); O Heb, 135 Balranald 11 June, last 18 June (PC); Aber, 45 Balmedie 2 May (RLS); Angus, 51 Elliot 27 May (MN); Midl, 2 Musselburgh 30 May (AB); E Loth, 20 Aberlady 5 May (DRL), 11 on 18th, 5 on 25 May (AB), 1 Tyninghame 3 June (RWJS); Arg, 11 L Indaal 15 June (AWGJ); Ayr, 35 Dipple Shore 24 May (RHH); Suth, singles Handa 23 May, 2 June (AG), 6 Balnakeil 17 June (RHD) and an amazing record of 2 display-flighting over a high mountain NW Suth on 15 June (AG). Autumn : Fair Isle, 14 July-25 Sep max 5 on 18 Aug (RAB); Shet, 8 July-5 Oct, max 25 Virkie 18 Aug (RJT); O Heb, Balranald from 13 July, max 57 on 10 Sep (PC); Caith, 4 Aug-20 Sep, max 24 Dunnet 24 Aug, one 2 Dec (PMC, SL); Ross, 6 Red Point 13 Aug (ENH); 37 Nairn 2 Sep (RHD); 40+ Aberdeen 4 Dec (J. F. Dunn); Perth, 7 Invergowrie 5 Aug, singles to 13 Sep (EJM); Fife, max 250 Tentsmuir 28 Aug (DWO); Isle of May 19-22 Aug, 4 on 1-2 Sep (AJW, THBM); Midl, Musselburgh from 10 July, max 12 on 11 Aug (AB), 2 Gladhouse 15 July (RWJS); E Loth, Aberlady 20 July-16 Sep, max 33 on 7 Aug (IAGB), Tyninghame 19 Aug- 14 Oct, 35 on 19 Aug (TD, KSMcG); I Heb, 38 Tiree 23 July (DCL); Ayr, 35 Barassie 23 Sep (HG). *Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis. Three records bring- ing the Scottish total to 10; E Loth, Aberlady Bay 7-9 Sep (HG, BZ, WW); Fair Isle, 21 Sep (RAB, N. Riddiford, D. J. Holman et al.); Fife, Tentsmuir 30 Sep (DMB). Ruff Philomachus pugnax. High numbers, exceptional autumn passage. Winter counts-spring passage : 14 wintered Aberlady, E Loth, last 3 by 9 Apr (RHH, GLS, LLJV); Fife, none winter-spring; Perth, singles Inver- gowrie 22-24 Mar, 5 Apr, 21 Apr (EJM, ECP), Seaside 8 Mar (RLMcM); O Heb, 1 Balranald 29 May, 2 on 3 June (PC); Arg, 1 Keills 7 June (IR Shet, Hillwell 19-21 May (DC, BM); Fair Isle, 28 and 31 May (RAB); Renf, 1 Longhaugh 26 Apr (IPG); Dumf, 1 Caerlaverock 15 May (CRGC), : Dumfries 10 Jan-15 Feb (TN). Exceptional numbers on autumn passage, especially in Shetland; the following summary shows the minimum number of birds involved; some records, especially of smaller numbers, were not detailed. Summary of autumn records July Aug Sept Oct Nov 1-14 15-31 1-14 15-30 North (Shet-O Heb-Inv) 11 30 12 109 220 9 1 East (Moray-Stir) 3 28 26 54 34 16 1 Southeast (Lothians) 1 7 a 9 17 24 20 Southwest (Arg-Solway) 3 19 22 21 11 2 2 Peak counts and noteworthy records include: Fair Isle, from 27 July, peaks : 11 on 5-7 Aug, 60 on 17-18 Sep, 20-24 on 19-21 Sep (RAB); Shet, peaks, 84 Sumburgh 9 Sep, 18 Unst 23-24 Sep, 20 Skerries 17 Sep, 17 Fetlar 20 Sep, 23 Eshaness 25 Sep, 60 Melby 23 Sep (RJT et al.); Caith, 1974 "SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 245 7 L of Mey 5 Aug (PMC, SL); Suth, 6 Handa 4 Aug (RHD, AG), 5 Dor- noch 3 Sep (DMcD); Ross, 6 Morrich 2 Sep (CGH); O Heb, 5 Balranald 29 July (PC); Aber, 16 Ythan 3 Sep (PDR); Angus, 37 Montrose 8 Sep (JAC); Kinross, 16 Levenmouth 5 Aug (AA); Fife, 14 Eden estuary 14 Oct (AJB), 12 Cameron reservoir 18 Sep (JARG); E Loth, 12 Aberlady 26 Sep, 24 on 10 Oct, 18-20 Nov-Dec; Renf, 7 Linwood 6 Sep (DLC, HG, IPG); Wig, 9 Kirkcolm 15 Sep (RCD); Dumf, 11 Caerlaverock early Aug, 12 in early Sep (CRGC). *Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. Two: one Culbin Bar, Nairn/Moray, aa. high to S 1 Apr (RAFKOS); 1 Tyninghame, E Loth, 15 Apr (TB, *Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius. Eight records: 2 in full sum- mer plumage midway Shet-Fair Isle 25 May (DC); Ork, 3 Redland, Firth, 9 Sep (R. G. Scott); Suth, 1 Handa Sound 3 Sep (AG); E Loth, 1 Tyning- hame 11 Oct (GLS); O Heb, 1 found dead Balallan, Lewis, Oct/Nov (IMMcL). Phalarope sp. 1 Fetlar 8 Oct (J. Coutts). Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus. Breeding reports: did not breed Balranald, O Heb (PC); none Ork (EB); first Fetlar, Shet, 18 May, most 23-24 May, max 28, last 28 Aug (RSPB). Migrants: Shet, Whalsay 22 Aug (JHS), Foula 28 July (BEG); Fair Isle, lst year 5-6 Aug (RAB); W Ross, 1 Shieldaig Hotel bay 25 July (W. Wood); Angus, 2 Duns Dish 9 June (NKA): Kinross, 1st year Levenmouth 10-11 Aug (AA). *Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor. One Lerwick, Shet, 7-21 Sep (M. R. Lawn, G. Robertson et al.); 6th Scottish record. *Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola. One Loch of Mey, Caith, 4 Aug (SL)—7th Scottish record. Great Skua Stercorarius skua. Breeding counts : Shet, 254 prs Unst (GB), 221 prs, 185 proved to breed, Noss (PKK); 13 prs Fair Isle, first eggs c/2 14 May (RAB); Ork, still increasing (EB); Suth, 2 prs with eggs Eilein nan Roan 7 June (DS), 5 prs reared 5 young Handa, 10 non-breed- ers (AG); O Heb, 12 prs Gress, Lewis (IMcL). Arrivals : at sea off Bressay, Shet, 15 Feb, Ist Fetlar 30 Mar; Fair Isle, 6 on 3 Apr, more from 10 Apr (RAB); O Heb, Ist Balranald 31 Mar (PC). Last records: Shet, last Whalsay 26 Oct (JHS): Fair Isle, last 22 Oct, but stragglers 29-30th, 2 Nov (RAB); last Hoy, Ork, 30 Oct (NEB). Migration : E Ross, 8 Tarbat Ness 29 Sep (ARM), 4 Gairloch 18 Aug (ENH), singles Moray Firth July-Oct; Kinc, peaks Girdle Ness 4 on 9 Aug, 5 on 13 Aug (AGK, PDR); Midl, late singles Musselburgh 15 Nov and 8 Dec (LLJV et al.); E Loth, 4 Tyninghame 30 Sep (RWJS, LLJV). *Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. Spring-summer: Fair Isle 14 May (GJB); Suth, 4 Handa 11 June (AG); Arg, 1 Laggan Bay, Islay, 9 July (GJL). Return passage: Shet, 1 died Whalsay 9 Oct (BM, JHS); O Heb, 1 found dead North Lochs, Lewis, 13 Nov (PGH); Ross, 1N Tarbat Ness 16 Nov (RHD); Inv, 4 Whiteness 11 Oct, one 15th, 2 on 12 Dec (RHD); Moray, 1 Burghead 10 Nov (RHD), 2 on 18 Dec (RSBy); Aber, 4 Rattray 18 Aug (ACBH, AGK, PDR), 1 Don estuary 26 Aug (SRL), 2N Cruden Bay 13 Oct, 1S on 17 Oct (ACBH), 1 Ythan 15 Oct (PDR), 5N Collieston 27 Oct, IN Aberdeen 18 Nov (MHe); Kinc, 1N Girdle Ness 3 Oct (RBH); Angus, 2 West Haven 22 Aug, one 11 Nov (TMC), 1 Usan 1 Sep (NKA); Fife, Tentsmuir 4 Aug (DWO), Fife Ness 30 Sep (AB, RHH), 4 Oct (EJM); Isle of May 19 Sep (ADW); Midl, Seafield 11) Nov (RDM); E Loth, Gosford 1 Sep (KCRH, HSCH), Aberlady 21 Oct (LLJV, HG, BZ), 10 Nov (KSMcG), Tyninghame 28 Oct (LLJV); Ber, 9 St Abbs Head in 1 hour 13 Oct (LLJV); Wig, Loch Ryan 25 Aug (PME). _ Aretie Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. Breeding counts: Shet, cl30 prs Unst (GB), 39 prs Noss (PKK); Fair Isle, 106 prs, first egg 18 May (RAB); St 246 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) O Heb, 5 prs Lewis (IMMcL); Suth, 1 pr bred Handa, 2 young, 6 non- breeders (AG). Arrivals: 13 Apr, Handa, Balranald and Shet Mainland (AG, PC, RJ); 18 Apr, 16 Fair Isle, fewer until 24 on 2 May, 80 on 8th (RAB); last records on breeding grounds Fair Isle 28-29 Sep, Unst, Shet, 5 Oct, Melbost, O Heb, 29 Sep. Migration and counts: usual summer-autumn coastal records; more E coast especially adult light-phase Fife; Suth, 15S per hour Handa 8 Aug (AG); Ross, 20N Rhu Reidh 7 May (RHD), 10N on 10 May (ENB), 8 Tar- bat Ness 29 Sep (ARM); Inv, 12 Whiteness 13 Aug, 15 on 30 Aug (RHD); Aber, 7N Rattray 21 Oct (ACBH); Kinc, 20S Girdle Ness 9 Aug (PDR); Angus, 20 West Haven 22 Aug (TMC), early record Johnshaven 4 Mar (NKA), last Kinnaber 29 Dec (JAC); Perth, Invergowrie 5 Aug-1l1 Oct, max 16+ 29 Aug and 10 on 11 Sep (RC, EJM); Fife, 32 Eden estuary 4 Aug were mainly pale phase adults (DWO), 27 Fife Ness in 7 hrs 29 Sep (RHH); Isle of May, more than usual 4 Aug-17 Oct, max 17 on 10 Oct (HG); Midl, 18 Aug-5 Oct, max 5 Seafield 12 Sep (AB), one 26 Oct (AWG3J); E Loth, peaks 10 Tyninghame 30 Sep (LLJV), 11 Aberlady 8 Aug, 13 on 2 Sep, last 2 on 13 Oct, 12 Gosford Bay 20 Aug; 8 singles Dunb- Dumf, last L Ken, Dumf 25 Nov (RHH). *Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus. Singles : Whalsay, Shet, 13 May (JHS); ad Balnakeil, Suth, 24 June (P. J. Gepp); Usan, Angus, 2 Aug (GMC); ad Tentsmuir, Fife, 23 July (DWO, JWSM); Aberlady, E Loth, 8 Aug (AB). *Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea. Ad Dunnet Bay, Caith, eating dead seal on beach, 18-23 Dec (PMC, G. G. Bates, SL). First since 1969. Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus. 1 pr reared 1 young L Thom, Renf; 1 pr attempted to nest Isle of May; increase reported O Heb and Isle of Fleet, Galloway; Shet, 230 prs Noss, 15 prs Skerries. Counts: Fair Isle bad weather peaks 1000 on 11th and 18 Feb, 1100 on 6-10 Sep, 1600 on 15 Oct, 1000 on 5-7 and 19 Nov (RAB); Inv, 573 Longman dump 21 Jan (JMC), 80 L Garten inland roost 12 Feb (RHD); O Heb, 400 Lax- dale 27 Oct; 600 Bell Rock 7 Dec (MN). Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. 1000 prs nested Isle of May, c1200 culled (NCC); 350 prs Craigleith, Forth, 19 May (LLJV); 6 prs Noss, Shet, is a decrease (PKK). Arrivals: few wintered; 2 Mar, first Invergowrie, Perth (EJM); 6 Mar, 16 Granton, Midl (AWGJ); 7 Mar, Unst, Shet (GB); 10 Mar, 4 at Bathgate, W Loth (IMcK); 9 Mar, Stirling (DMB); 11 Mar, O Heb and Aber; most last week of Mar. Scandinavian birds L.f. fuscus: Skerries, Shet, 20 Apr (SR); White ness, Inv, 1 Feb (RHD); Doonfoot, Ayr, 5 Feb (RHH), 2 on 8 Feb (AGS). Herring Gull Larus argentatus. c9000 prs nested Isle of May, c9500 culled (NCC); 85 prs Inchmickery, 100 culled—1 pr bred, 90 prs Fidra, 80 culled (RSPB); c5000 prs Craigleith (RWJS); 1 pr bred Rosslynlea or first for Moorfoots (RWJS); 300 prs Handa, Suth, low success Counts: Fair Isle 2-3000 16-19 Jan, 5000 on 6 Nov, 3000 on 19 Nov, 2000 on 27-30 Dec (RAB); Inv, huge influx inner Moray Firth Dec follow- ing sprat invasion, c30,000 in Beauly/Inner Moray Firth 12 Dec (RHD), L Garten inland roost 200 on 12 Feb, 350 on 6 Apr (RHD); 5000+ Ayr 23 Feb (AGS); Renf, 5000+ West Ferry winter roost. Inverness, albino (present each year since 1957) 1-26 Jan, 22 July-Dec (JMC, MR ez al.); albino on RNVR Carrick, Glasgow, Jan-Dec, at least 13 yrs old. Common Gull Larus canus. 1 pr reared one young Fair Isle, 2nd record (RAB); Midl, pr bred Fala Flow; E Loth, 6-7 prs bred Lammermuirs is further colonization (AEH); 250 prs L Thom, Renf, failed due to perse- cution. 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 247 Counts and passage: Fair Isle, 65 on 20 Apr, 400 on 22 Apr, 100 on 4 Aug, 300 on 6th, 250 on 16th and 25th, 500 on 6 Sep, 200 on 18th (RAB); Shet, 200+ Fetlar 17 Mar, 70 Skerries 27 Aug (ISR); Inv, huge influx Beauly and Inner Moray Firths after sprats in Dec (cf Herring Gull), c10,000 on 12 Dec (RHD); 1300 Girdle Ness, Kinc, 28 Nov (MN); 5000 Doonfoot, Ayr winter roost (WRB). Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus. Rather low numbers: present all months. Summary of records (individuals per 2-month periods) Jan-Feb Mar-Apr May-June July-Aug Sep-Oct Nov-Dec North (Shet to EInv) 17 10 5 5 16 59 West (W Inv, Clyde, O Heb, I Heb) 5 6 yf 6 3 East (Moray-Stirling) 4 7 1 9 7, South (South of Clyde-Forth) 6 3 1 1 4 4 Noteworthy records include: Shet peaks 6 Hillwell 11 Nov, 5 Whalsay 12 Dec (per RJT); Fair Isle 7 on 26 Nov (RAB); Caith, 10+ Wick 28 Dec (PMC, RHD, SL); Suth, 2 Embo, ad present to 15 Apr returned 14 Oct, imm to 4 Mar, return 29 Oct (DMcD, RHD ez al.); Inv, 3 Mallaig 28 Mar (ADKR); Aber peak 7 Kinnairds Head 25 Nov (RBH). Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides. About 50 individuals recorded : Shet, singles Lerwick 19 Apr, 28 Oct, 16 Dec (ISS, DC, AO), Unst 9-14, 22 May (MS), Kergord 7 Oct (ISS); Fair Isle 18 Feb, 19 Nov, 27-31 Dec (RAB); Ork, Stromness 5 Nov (MAMcD); O Heb, Stornoway 18 Feb, 10 May (WAJC, RMclI); Caith, 2 Thurso 14-19 Jan (PMC, SL), 30 Dec (PMC), Wick 9 Feb, 5 on 28 Dec (PMC, RHD, SL); Suth, Kylesku 30 Mar and 21 Apr, Handa 27 June (RHD, AG); Inverness 17 Feb (RHD), 17 Mar, 28 Mar, 17 Apr (RHD, JMC), Flemington 22 Oct (JMC); Aber, Don 2 Dec; Kinc, Girdle Ness 27 Jan, 24 Oct-9 Dec (PDR, ACBH); Midl, Newhaven 15 Mar-12 Apr, 2 on 28 Mar (AWGJ, LLJV); Arg, Islay 16 Sep (KV), Dunoon 25 Aug (IPG); Ayr, Doonfoot 7 Jan, Ayr 30 Aug (WRB, RHH, IHL); Renf, Paisley Moss 18 Nov (RWF, HG); Lan, Possil Marsh 27 Feb, Wilderness Quarry 28 Feb (TPD); Dunb/W Stir, Endrick mouth (first ever) (TPD, HG). *Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia. Sub-adult Scourie, Suth, 7 June (RWB, CJMcK-G) (8 : 76-7). Little Gull Larus minutus. Regular Angus-Fife as usual; counts: Fife, Kilconquhar 2 on 8 Apr, 6 on 29 July, 56 on 4 Aug, 210 on 7th, 150+ 11-26 Aug, last 29 Sep (DWO, PAL, JARG), 150 Tentsmuir 7 Aug (DWO), 51 Fife Ness 4 Aug (PAL), 3 (1 ad) in gull colony 26 June (MN, EJM); Angus, counts incomplete, peak 200 West Haven 22 Aug (TMC). Elsewhere: Caith, 2 Shalmistry 1 Oct (PMC, JMW): O Heb, Borve, Ben- becula, 1 Sep (RWS); E Ross, Dalmore 19 May (ARM), Tarradale 9 Sep (MIH); Moray, Findhorn 2 June (J&DTh); Aber, 11 Meikle Loch 19 July, 3 on 27 July (RHH, WM), 3 Strathbeg 25 Sep (AGK); Perth, Invergowrie 9 Feb, 11 Feb (3), 22 Apr (7) (EJM); Stir, 11 Aug Skinflats (TDHM); Mid, more Musselburgh, 3 on 27 June (IB-P), 2 on 10 July, one to 24 July, 4 on 2 Oct, 10 on 4 Oct-9 Nov, 21 on 10 Nov, 5 on 14th, one 18th (AB, GLS, LLJV), 2 Seafield 29 May (GLS); E Loth, 2 Aberlady 3 Nov (GJ), Tyninghame 11 Nov (TB, RWJS); Arg, L Indaal, Islay, 17 Sep (KV); Ayr, Doonfoot 3-28 Feb (WRB, RHH, MFMM), 21 Aug (JLB), 30 Oct-3 Nov (WRB), 2 Martnaham 12 Aug (WRB), Renf, 3 Barr Loch 23 Oct (HG); PKL LLL LLL LLE LOC EE LE | rme— i 248 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Lan, Roughriggs 20 Aug (KCRH, HSCH); Kirk, 2 L Stroan 14 June (ADW, AJW). Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus. Shet, 120 prs bred Norwick, Unst, 90 arrived on 23 Mar; Inv, good season Insh—c1200 prs (RL); Kin- ross, good breeding season St Serf’s, 7500 prs (AA); Fife, poor season due to low water levels (DWO); decrease Arran (MHD); Ayr, 800 prs L Mac- atterick (WRB). Counts and passage: Fair Isle peaks 20 on 16 Apr, 5 Aug, 23-24 Aug (RAB); Foula 50 on 1 Aug (BEG); Ross, 450 Invergordon 16 Nov (RHD); Inv, main arrival L Garten roost 2500+ on 9 Mar, 3500 on 26 Mar, 6000 on 7-14 Apr (RSPB), 5000 Beauly Firth-Longman 12 Dec (RHD); Ayr, 10,000+ Barassie 27 Jan, cl0,000 Doonfoot Aug-Dec (WRB); peak Upper Clyde, Dunb-Renf, 26,274 on 16 Sep (per IPG). *Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini. 6-7 individuals compared to 3 1968-72: 2 Ist-yr birds near fishing boat Yell-Fetlar 18 Sep (per JHS); 1 Balivanich and 2 Borve, Benbecula, 1 Vorran Island, S Uist, 1 Sep, 1 Kirkbost N Uist, 2 Sep (RWS, N. E. Buxton) all imms. Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. Further increases Fair Isle and Lewis; ashore Fair Isle from mid-Feb (RAB, WAJC). Passage and counts : Ross, 1000N per hr Tarbat Ness 26 July (DWMcCA); Inv, 140 Lentran 18 Mar (MIH), 760 Whiteness 30 July, c5000 Beauly and inner Moray Firth 9 Dec (RHD), 80 L Insh 24 Jan (inland) (RL), 250 Corpach 31 Mar, 70 on 21 May (JASN); Aber, 3500N per hr Greyness 24 Apr (MN), 500N per hr Balmedie 26 Apr (RLS); W Loth, 800-1000 South Queensferry and 1000 Grangemouth flew high to west 16 Nov (GLS) (8 : 77-8); E Loth, 100ONW per hr Tyninghame 11 Nov (TB, RWJS, EMS), 2300N Eyemouth 26 July (TD); Renf, small numbers E in Mar, Erskine Bridge (HG, IPG). *Black Tern Chlidonias niger. Singles unless stated: 7 in spring, 18 May-5 July; Selk, Essenside Loch 18 May (H. Leschallas); Midl, Glad- house 18 May (GLS); Fife, Kilconquhar 21 May (PGTB); Angus, Usan 22 May (GMC); Kinc, 2 Girdle Ness 19 May (ADKR); Suth, Naver estuary 5 July (per PRJ). Autumn, 19 records, 4 Aug-6 Oct; Aber, Ythan 26 Sep (A. Parker, M. J. Grigson), Don estuary 1-6 Oct (RLS, AD); Angus, Usan 9 Sep (GMC); Kin- ross, Levenmouth 5 Aug (AA), 2 mid-Sep (J. Lowe); Fife, Kilconquhar 4 Aug (PAL), 16 Sep (DWO); Midl, Musselburgh 20 Aug, 24 Aug (differ- ent), 30 Sep (BCK, LLJV), Seafield 19 Sep (GLS); Peeb, Portmore 8 Sep (RWJS); Dumf, Lochmaben 3-5 Sep (NEA, RTS), Caerlaverock 4-7 Sep, 10 Sep, 18 Sep (CRGC, JDo); Perth, 2 L of Lowes 5 Oct (DTh). *White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus. Two records: Fair Isle 10 June (RAB, NR et al.); Ythan estuary, 26 Sep (M. J. Grigson, A. Parker) (8: 32); 10th-11th Scottish records, first since 1970. ge Bier PLATE 17 (a) Immature Sabine’s (left) and Little Gulls, Borve, Benbecula, 1st Sep- tember 1975. Photograph by R. W. Summers (b) The same Sabine’s Gull. Photograph by R. W. Summers (c) Ivory Gull: adult at seal carcase, Dunnet Bay, Caithness, December 1975. Photograph by S. Laybourne RQ GRAVE" N S Wor SEE PLATE 18. Gyr Falcon: immature J captured off Outer Hebrides, released Shetland. March 1975. Photograph by D. Coutts PLATE 19 (a) Rose-coloured Starling, Bigton, Shetland, May 1975. Photograph by D. Coutts (b) King Eider: immature 3G (right) with fe) Common Hider, Ulsta, Yell, Shet- land, May 1975. Photograph by R. J. Tullocn by D. Coutts 1975. #Lnotograph 2] Vv c M 7th October Skerries, Sparrow, 1) White-throated (é O 9) PLATE TOTS: Photograph by 1. S. Robertson Me S: live Ovenbird. Ske Europe’s first (b) 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 253 Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Fair Isle, 2 prs bred (3rd-4th records) (RAB); Inv, 250 prs nested Whiteness and 50 prs in nearby rig yard— many young reared (RHD); Kinross, poor season St Serf’s where 13 prs nested without success (AA); Fife, 300 prs Tentsmuir—2nd clutches fair success (TRG); Isle of May 1 pr nested—I1st for 16 years (NJG); 750 prs Inchmickery, Forth (GLS); Ayr, 35 prs Ballantrae robbed. Arrivals: 15 Apr, Fife Ness (DWO); 26 Apr, 2 Lunan Bay, Angus (GMS); 30 Apr, 2 Handa, Suth (AG); most in first week May. Departures : 2 Oct L Leven, Kinross (AA); 5-Oct, 4 Musselburgh, Midl (LLJV); late one West Haven, Angus, 11 Nov (NKA, EJM). Peak counts : 3000 West Haven, Angus, 27 Sep (TMC); Perth, 600+ “comics” Invergowrie 7 Aug, 940 on 14th, 600+ on 19 Aug (EJM, RC). Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea. Breeding status: Shet, 560 prs Unst, 45 prs Noss—poor season, 550 prs Skerries, good season Whalsay (GB, PKK, ISR, JHS); Ork, 8-10,000 prs Papa Westray (DL); Fife, fairly suc- cessful; Midl, 20 prs Fidra—failed (RSPB); Ayr, 20 prs_Ballantrae— failed, none Lady Isle. Arrivals: 2 May, Spey Bay, Moray (JMB); 3 May, Kinnaber, Angus (GMC); most from second week May; late records Fair Isle 1 Oct; 2 N Berwick, E Loth 2 Oct (DEA); 2 Don estuary Aber 7 Oct (RBH). Passage : Fair Isle peaks 75 on 26 July, 45 on 6 Aug (RAB). *Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii. Becoming very scarce: Midl, 50 prs Inchmickery—only nesting record submitted (RSPB), 2 Musselburgh 24 May, 20 Aug (GLS, LLJV); Fife, continues to get scarcer (DWO); Isle of May 7 July (GCh); 2 Sep (MN), 5 on 23 Sep (ADW); Angus, 2 Usan 3 June (GMC); Ayr, no longer breeding Lady Isle (HG). Little Tern Sterna albifrons. Breeding status: O Heb, 12 prs nested Broad Bay (PGH), 2 prs Balranald (PC); Caith, 2 prs and 2 young 31 July Wick (PMC); Suth, none Dornoch; Inv, 3 prs Whiteness (RHD); Aber, only one pr Ythan—very poor year (WM); Fife, better year Tentsmuir 24 prs—fair No. of young (TRG); E Loth, low breeding Nos.; Arg, 4 prs Islay (AWGJ), 13 prs Tiree—only 3 successful (C. J. Cadbury); Ayr, 9 prs one site (MN, EJM); Wig, increase to 5 prs (IHL). Arrivals : 28 Apr, 5 Tyninghame, E Loth (LLJV); 1 May, 2 Lunan Bay, Angus (GMC); Isle of May 9 July, 3 on 17 July (per NJG); Perth, 2 Inver- gowrie 6 June, 6 on 7 Aug, one 10 Aug, 4 Port Allen 16 July, 5 on 21 July (RC, EJM, MN); last Balranald, O Heb, 12 Sep (PC): North Berwick, E Loth, 2 Oct (DEA). Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. Breeding status: Ork, c300 prs (DL); Caith, 40 prs L of Mey (AFCMC, PMC, SL); E Ross, 72 nests Mor- rich Mor 27 May (CGH); Aber only 150 prs Ythan; Fife none bred; Midl, 340 prs nested successfully Inchmickery (RSPB, RWJS). Arrivals, departures and passage: 28 Mar Fife Ness (DWO); 31 Mar Tyninghame, E Loth (GJ); 1 Apr, 2 Findhorn, Moray (RAFKOS); main arrivals third week Apr. Shet, 8 records 6 May-21 Sep is above average (RJT); O Heb, 1 Stornoway 18 Sep (PC); Inv, 1200 ad/juvs Whiteness 30 July, 400 on 13 Aug (RHD); Angus, 1000S West Haven 22 Aug (TMC); Perth, 200 Invergowrie 12 Aug, 140 on 26th, 186 on 19 Sep (RC, EJM); Kinross, 7SE L Leven 23 Aug (AA); Fife, 4000 Tentsmuir (30% juvs) 7 Aug, 3000 on 28 Aug (DWO); Isle of May, last 28 Sep. Last records: 5 Oct, 15 Don estuary, Aber (MHe); 7 Oct, 3 Fife Ness (DLC); 24 Oct, z= Ge Midl (LLJV); Aberlady, E Loth, 10 Nov (AB, KCRH, Razorbill Alca torda. Fair Isle, ashore from 11 Mar to 5 Aug (RAB); Shet, albino Noss, May (PKK); Caith, Ist Scrabster 11 Feb, Nos. slightly down (PMC, SL); Suth, c8000 prs Handa, gone by 14 Aug (AG); no change Forth where 8 prs Lamb, 34 prs Craigleith in June (RWJS); Inv, 300 L nan Uamh 26 May (RHD). : SUNNY SN TNS 254 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) *Little Auk Plautus alle. Very scarce: Shet, only 3 sightings Jan-Mar, 6 Skerries 8 Dec, 8 more to end of year (ISR, RJT); Fair Isle, one 18 Jan, 20 on 22 Dec, seen on crossings Jan and from 9 Nov (RAB); Ork, 1 Stromness 30 Oct (MAMcD); Caith, Thurso 21 Jan, Scrabster Loch (dead) 10 Dec (SL); Moray, dead Burghead 3 Feb (JE); Angus, 2 West Haven 11 Nov (TMC); Fife, 1 in summer plumage flew past Fife Ness 6 Aug (PAL), dead Kingsbarns 24 Feb (JARG); Isle of May, 2 on crossing to Fife 22 Dec (NKA, NJG); Arg, dead Islay 3 Feb (CGB); Ayr, Auchincruive 22 Jan (MEC, CP). Guillemot Uria aalge. Fair Isle, ashore through Feb, increase in num- bers, last ashore first week Aug, ashore again in early Oct (RAB); Shet, 1000S per hour through Blue Mull Sound 7 Jan (RJT); Caith, 20 ashore Clett Rock 10 Mar (SL); Suth, last ashore Handa 14 Aug (AG); O Heb, 50 prs Canna nesting in boulders (ADKR); Banff, albino Troup Head 28 May (RSPB); Dumf, singles Canonbie 14 Nov (ELOC), Moffat 4 Jan (ED). Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. Shet, c90 prs Skerries (ISR); Fair Isle, first chick on sea 3 Aug (RAB); Moray, 4 Burghead 3 Mar (RHD), 4 on 20 Aug (RSPB), 10 Spey Bay 8 Dec (RSBy); Banff, 2 Troup Head 22 Apr (RSPB); E Ross, 2 Kessock 19 Oct (EBt); Aber, 4 Fraserburgh 2 Feb (JE), 1 Inverallochy 2 Dec (J. F. Dunn); E Loth, Gullane Pt 28 Apr, (RHE. 26 Aug-7 Oct (GLS, LLJV); Ayr, 20+ Turnberry Bay 22 Dec Puffin Fratercula arctica. Breeding status: Fair Isle, 200 ashore 3 Apr, many from 10th, last 28 Aug, few offshore to 11 Sep, 2 on 30 Oct (RAB); Shet, Skerries 11 Apr-17 Aug (ISR); O Heb, few Shiants 2 Apr, main arrival 10th (PGH); Caith, definite decrease Duncansby (PMC); Suth, 450-500 prs Handa, last ashore 14 Aug (AG), 2 foxes in Clo Mor colony 24 July (DCH); Isle of May continued increase to 3500-4000 prs (NJG); Midl, 450 birds Inchkeith 17 June (EMS), 1400 Craigleith 16 June (EMS); W Loth, 30 off Hound Point 14 June (I[AGB). Stock Dove Columba oenas. Numbers very high Fife (DWO); Perth, max 58 Kingoodie 28 Sep (EJM); E Loth, 25 Tyninghame 9 Dec (TB, EMS, RWJS). Migrants : Fair Isle 20 Apr (RAB); Shet, Skerries 1 June (ISR), Voxter Voe 4 June (P. H. Rathbone)—1st Shet since 1969. Rock Dove Columba livia. Fair Isle, peaks Mar 30, Aug 11, Sep 40, Oct 50, Nov 60 and Dec 7 (RAB); Suth, up to 26 Handa Aug-Sep (AG); my ie a 100 Balranald 1 Aug (PC); young in nest Ranish, Lewis 15 ug : Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus. Decrease noted Black Isle; 2 prs nested Halligarth, Unst, Shet (GB); increase S Lochs, Lewis (PGH). Migra- tion: Fair Isle from Mar, mainly 1 May-4 June, max 15 on 7 May, stragglers to 9 Oct (RAB); Shet, 14 Unst 24 May; Suth, singles Handa 18, (Cie) May (AG); Kinross 3000 passed Vane Farm in 15 minutes 10 Dec *Turtle Dove Sitreptopelia turtur. No breeding records. Shet, Unst 6 May, 3 records May, 24 records in June, including Skerries 3-19 June, more than usual in autumn from 6 Aug, max 4 Unst 16 Sep, last Lerwick 15 Oct (FH, GB, ISR); Fair Isle, one 6 May, 1-2 daily 16-31 May, 4 on 2-7 June, 1-2 on 9th-10th, 4 on 16th, 3 on 17th-18th, 1-2 on 5 days to 27 June, singles 11 days 30 Aug-21 Sep, 7th, 14-15th, 25-26 Oct, 2 on 23-27 Sep (RAB); Caith, Reaster 5 July (LLJV); Suth, Rhiconich 12 June (DCH); Ross, Torridon 22 May (JAW), L Maree 20 June (ENH); Inv, Gollanfield 15 Sep (RHD); Fife Ness 30 June (DWO), Culross 1 July (DMB); Isle of May 6 May (DWO), 19-21 May (JHBM); Ber, 2 St Abbs Head 20 May (TB, EMS, RWJS); Arg, 2 Islay 9 and 17 June, one 25 July (CGB), Ardna- murchan 17 June (RL). 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 255 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto. Breeding status: Shet, bred Scalloway, Lerwick and Unst : 29 Halligarth in Sep, 11 summered Foula (BEG); Caith, 180 Scrabster House 11 Sep (PMC); O Heb, 16 Carloway 15 May (WAJC); Perth, roost max 200+, 15 Dec (RLMcM); Fife, still in- creasing but absent some areas (DWO); Renf, 398 Blackhill roost, Glas- gow, early Oct (TPD). Migration: Fair Isle 3 May-3 Sep, peaks 8 on 16 May, 16 on 6 June, 13 on 15-16th, 12 on 21st, 18 on 24 June (RAB); Suth, singles Handa 16-17 May, 16-22 June and 3 July (AG); Isle of May, singles 7 days 3-19 May, 3-4 June, 30 July (NJG); Inv, 1 L Garten 5 July (RSPB), 1 Carn Ban Mor at 3000 ft 17 July (AB). Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Arrivals: 7 Apr Strathmiglo, Fife (DWO); 21 Apr Islay (CGB); 25 Apr Moor of Genoch, Wig (RCD), Melrose, Rox and Moorfoots, Midl (per WB); mainly last days Apr and early May. More in Lochaber, Inv (JCu), fewer in Caith (PMC); Shet, 1 juv Tresta 25 July—only Known breeding report (J. Tait). Migration : Fair Isle, late, 2-6 daily 18-25 May, 1-2 to 24 June, singles 6 July, 14 days 5 Aug-1 Sep, 17th and 25 Sep (RAB); Shet, from 6 May, late ones Helendale 21 Sep, Noss 24 and 26 Sep (PKK); Ork, last Holm 20 Sep (EB); Isle of May 4 May-11 Sep (NJG). Barn Owl Tyto alba. Breeding status: Kirk, continues high; S Ayr possible increase (RHH); good Nos. Arran (MHD); Borders probable in- crease (AJS); W Loth, 5 prs known (IMckK); Fife, possibly fewer (DWO); Inv/E Ross, possible increase. Numbers apparently higher throughout country probably due to mild winters (RHD). Migrants: single light- breasted birds at Garrabost, Lewis, O Heb 28 Feb (RMclI) and Skerries, Shet 3-5 June—later found dead, first in Shet for 20 years (ISR). *Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca. Shet, up to 4 Fetlar Jan-Feb, 6 (2d ¢) on 14 Mar, 6 in Apr, 3-4 in May, pr with 5 eggs on 23 May, all hatched by 18 June, 2 reared, but one died 6 Sep, another (young) © joined d, laid 1st egg 27 May, but 3 egg clutch deserted 12-14 June, 2 extra 2° on 6 June, 5 in Sep, some to Dec (RSPB), Unst, one 23 Apr, one May, 2 on 1 June, singles 2nd and 14 June (per RJT), gd Noss 22 June (PKK), 1 North Roe 12 Sep (per RJT); Fair Isle, imm ¢ 26 Mar, ad gd 9 May (RAB); O Heb, pr Jan-Dec (RMcI, WAJC)—no suggestion of breeding, imm ¢ Balranald, N Uist, 17 May-1 Sep (PC). *Little Owl Athene noctua. None reported Midl; at least one Canonbie, Dumf, mid-Oct (ELOC). Tawny Owl Sirix aluco. Poor breeding season Kirk (ADW); one Thurso cemetery, Caith, Dec (JMW). Long-eared Owl Asio otus. Breeding status: Shet, 1 pr Kergord, 1 pr Scalloway but heather burning usual nest area, 1 pr summered Seafield and still there 5 Nov (per RJT); O Heb, 1 pr bred Druidibeg (CB), singles 256 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Balallan 15 Aug (PGH), Boreray, Sound of Harris, 28 July (ADKR); Kirk & Dumf, poor breeding season (ECF, RTS, DSk). Migrants: Fair Isle, 1-9 Jan, 26 Apr, 21-26 Sep, 1-2 on 5-10 Oct, 2 on 1 Nov, 4 on 2nd, one 15-30 Nov (RAB); Shet, 2 Skerries 7 Oct (ISR); Ork, up to 20 wintered Binscarth (EB); Isle of May 8 Oct (HG). Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus. Breeding status : Ork, fairly high Nos., good success (EB); scarcer Caith (PMC), Lochaber, Inv (JCu), Angus (GMC), Stir (GSh); good Nos. S Ayr and Arran, no change N Ayr and Renf (per RWF); poor breeding season Kirk (LAU, ADW). Migration : Fair Isle, singles many days 16 Apr-1 June, 5 Sep, 26-27 Sep, 1-2 several days Oct, max 3 on 18th (RAB); Shet, singles Fetlar 3 May (RSPB), Skerries 6 May, 20-25 Sep (ISR), Unst 28 July, 23 Sep (GB), Whalsay 26 Dec (JHS); Suth, Laxford Bridge 17-24 June (AG); Isle of May one 28-29 Dec (NKA). *Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. Arran, 6+ prs Brodick (AB); 1 pr Balmaha, Stir, 22 July (J. B. Masson); Kirk, scarcer than 1971 or 1972, one heard Bennan 7 July (LAU, ADW); Inv, 1 heard Garten reserve 3-10 July (RSPB) first for several years; Fair Isle, one 27 May (P. Agland). Swift Apus apus. Arrivals: 24 Apr, 11 East Brackley, Kinross, 3 on 2 May 100 on 7 May (GC); 30 Apr Duddingston, Mid] (LLJV) and Loch- maben, Dumf (NEA); 1 May Cupar, Fife (DWO); 2 May Ayr (WRB), Turnhouse, Midl (TD), Aberdeen (PSh); mainly from 2nd week May. Migration and counts: Fair Isle, 18 May-21 Sep, max only 5 on 4 June (RAB); Shet, Scalloway 5 May, Virkie 6 May, more from 28 May, max 7 Hillwell 4 July, late singles Skerries 20 Sep, Whalsay 27 Sep (SR, JHS et al.); Suth, 2 Handa 14 July, singles 24 Aug, 17 Sep (AG); Inv, 500+ Insh 2 Aug, 90 on 6 Aug, last 2 on 8 Sep (RL); Perth, 77W Kingoodie 7 Aug (EJM); Kinross 100 L Leven 21 July, last 8 Aug (GC); Isle of May 6 May-4 Sep (DWO, MN); Midl, 300 Cobbinshaw 22 May (IAGB), 250 Gladhouse 1 June (RWJS), last 5 Musselburgh 22 Aug (LLJV); Rox, last Hawick 25 Aug (TDo). 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 257 Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Continued increase in population: Dumf, Kirk, Wig, increased Nos. (ADW et al.), 1 pr reared 3 broods (18 young) in Kirk (ECF); increase Ayr, Renf, Lan (per RWF), 1 pr reared 3 broods in Lan (8: 32-3); 1 Balfron, Stir, 13 Sep (RKP, DS); Arg, 1 Holy Loch 14 Nov (IPG); Borders, more recorded (AJS); E Loth, Hailes 16 Sep, Tyninghame 19 Oct, 23 Dec (GLS, EMS); Ber, Ladykirk Apr-Oct (KAMcK); W Loth, Cramond 22 Sep, 1-2 Broxburn Oct-Dec; Perth, pr Bridge of Earn Sep-Oct (DWO), Dunblane Sep (RLMcM), pr Tibbermore 3 Dec (THE); Angus, Montrose Basin 26 Aug (GMC); Aber, Ythan 6 Oct- 6 Dec (NP, RHD et al.); Ross, Dingwall 6 Oct (per ARM). *Roller Coracias garrulus. Two records of immatures: Reay, Caith 26-30 Sep (PMC, AFCMC); L Eck, Arg, 15 Oct (T. W. Haynes). *Hoopoe Upupa epops. 6 in spring, 7 in autumn. Fair Isle, 18-22 May, 11-27 Oct (RAB); Shet, Mavis Grind 4 Oct (DC); Suth, Loth 8 May (per DMcD); O Heb, Newton 12 Sep (W. McCubin et al.), Morsgail 15 Sep (Mrs R. O. M. Williams), L Faoghail, Lewis 21 Sep (W. H. R. Clifford); Arg, Conaglen, Ardgour, 25 Sep (C. A. G. Keeling), Ford 1 Oct (R. A. Pratt); Inv, Rothiemurchus 9-11 May (JPG, RHD); Isle of May 24 Apr (DRG, NJG); E Loth, Aberlady 28 May (AB, GLS, LLJV); Rox, Denholm 26 Apr (Mr Rae). Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. Breeding status : apparent decrease Borders (AJS) and Dumf (RTS); increase E Loth, Midl; spreading Fife {DWO), where seen for first time Tentsmuir, and 3 (1 juv) Leuchars (AJB); bred Kinross (RQB) and Glen Esk, Angus (GMC) and seen three new areas N Perth (RLMcM); Aber/Kinc, Banchory 7 Jan (DCC), 2 adults and juv Banchory 31 July (NP) and 1 juv Dyce 1 Aug (AGK). Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major. Only breeding season comment—now very scarce Renf (HG). Migrants: Shet, one wintered Kergord to 31 Mar (DC), one Kergord 6-14 May (DC, ISS), one 7 Oct (ISS); Caith, 1 Thurso 11-30 Jan (JMW ez al.). *Wryneck Jynx torquilla. Rather scarce on passage, only one summer record—one singing Abernethy, Inv, 18 June (per RHD). Migration : Fair Isle, 24 Apr, 1-2 several days 4-15 May, max 5 on 17th, one to 19 May, 3 on 28 Aug, one to 30th, 2 on 16 Sep, 5 on 17th, 1-3 daily to 26 Sep, but 6 on 20 Sep, 2 on 6 Oct, one 8th (RAB); Shet, Bigton 4 May (BM), Foula 24 May (BEG), Unst 18 and 22 Sep (GB), Fetlar 20 Sep, Skerries 17 Sep, 19th, 2 on 20th (ISR), 3 Bigton 22 Sep (JSp); Fife Ness 16 Sep (DWO); Isle of May 5-11 May, two 6-8th (DWO), one 6 Oct (JGY). *Short-toed Lark Calandrella cinerea. Six records: Fair Isle 6-8 May, 27 Sep-5 Oct, 2 on 6th, 3 on 7th, 2 on 8th, one to 13 Oct, (one grey eastern race on 6-7 Oct) (RAB, NR, GJB et al.); Midl, Musselburgh 16 Sep (LLJV); Shet, Skerries 4-9 Oct, eastern race (ISR). *Woodlark Lullula arborea. Singles Fair Isle 13 Apr, 6 Oct, 13 Oct (RAB, GJB). Skylark Alauda arvensis. Migration : Fair Isle, main arrival 50 on 26 Feb, influxes 17 and 25 Mar, autumn passage from 10 Sep (RAB); Shet, first Fetlar 3 on 28 Feb, 200 on 6-8 Mar, 500 on 26 Mar (ISR): Caith, 300- 400 Murkle 25 Feb (AFCMC, PMC); Inv, from 17 Feb at Insh, many Drumochter 30 Apr (RL, RHD); Fife Ness 220N on 3 Oct (EJM); Isle of May peaks 10 on 25-26 Apr (NJG), 200 on 6 Oct (RGN); Ayr, 100S per hour 14-16 Feb (WRB), 400S per hour on 29 Nov (RHH), 1000+ Dipple shore 8 Dec (WRB, IHC); Renf, 500+ per hour Langbank 21 Jan (IPG), 2000 Paisley Moss 23 Feb (GJW), 4000 Longhaugh Point 29 Nov (IPG); large W_ movement Dunb coast 29 Nov (SMDA); Dumf, 500 Long Glen 15 Mar (LAU). 258 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) *Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris. d singing in Highlands (same area as 1972) 20 June (A. Archer-Lock), 21-23 June (R. J. McCann, J. R. Mul- lins), pair present 10 July-18 Aug and possibly bred (A. Watson ez al.) (Brit Birds 66 : 505-508). One on beach North Berwick, E Loth, 16 June (D. C. Shenton). Spring migration: Fair Isle, one 29 Apr-2 May, 2 on 5-9 May, one 14 May (RAB); Shet, 6 Skaw, Unst, 11 May, 4 on 14th (GB), 3 Noss 24 May (PKK), Skerries 29 May, 3 on 3lst (SR); Moray, Spey Bay 12 May (JMB); Isle of May 6 May (DWO). Autumn: Shet, 2 Noss 27-29 Sep (PKK); Midl, Musselburgh 24-25 Oct (LLJV ez al.). Swallow Hirundo rustica. Breeding status: low numbers Galloway (ADW); possible increase Ayr (WRB); 3 prs bred Shet. Arrivals rather late : 8 Apr Kilconquhar, Fife (DWO); 13 Apr 2 Flanders Moss, Stir (1. Henderson); 15 Apr Langholm, Dumf (WA) and Stornoway, O Heb (WMa); 16 Apr, 2 L Ken, Kirk (ADW); first in north mainland 21 Apr Insh, Inv (RL). Main arrivals late Apr-early May; 27-30 Apr Lothians, 1 May Fife, 5 May Aber, 8-11 May Caith. Migration: Fair Isle, 1 May-25 July, mainly 3 May-12 June, peaks 25-40 on 17-20 May, autumn 1-10 on 17-31 Aug, 1-6 on 15 Sep-9 Oct (RAB); Shet, 5 Mainland 3 May, many 5-12 May, 16-31 May, max 40 Hillwell 20th, autumn 17-19 Sep, 10 Unst 29 Sep, last 2 on 6 Oct (GB); O Heb, 5 Stornoway, 4 Oct, 14th (2), last 20 Oct (WMa); Inv, 6 Insh 24 Oct, 5 on 25 Oct (RL), Corpach last 29 Oct (JCu); Aber, 2 Strichen 21 Oct (JE); Angus, last 5 Arbroath 24 Oct (NKA); Perth, 1000+ Errol roost Sep, last 10 Nov (RLMcM); Fife, last Kilconquhar 19 Nov (JARG); Clack, Menstrie 14 Nov (CJH); Isle of May, 29 Apr-4 Oct, max 50 on 29 May (NJG), 150 on 29 Aug (JHBM); E Loth, 2 Gullane 10 Nov (SdaP); Rox, Hawick 3 Nov (TDo); Ayr, last 2 Dunure ss Oct (JKRM); Kirk, 2 Carsethorn 4 Nov (RHH); Dumf, Dalbeattie 30 ct. House Martin Delichon urbica. Breeding status: 1 pr bred Lerwick, Shet (DC), poor season Caith—gale damage to nests (PMC); still at nest Whiteadder, E Loth 1 Oct (AWGJ). Arrivals: 18 Apr Canonbie, Dumf (ELOC); 20 Apr Arg (IR); 22 Apr Arran (MHD); 25 Apr Isle of May and Dunure, Ayr (NJG, JKRM); 28 Apr Hawick, Rox, and Dalkeith, Midl (TDo, RWJS); 29 Apr L Davan, Aber (NP) and 2 Insh, Inv (RL). Most generally late, arriving in first week of May, main arrival Caith 11 May (PMC). Passage: Fair Isle, 2 May-29 Sep, mostly 4 May-30 June, peaks 30 on 6 May, 40 on 29 and 31 May, autumn peaks 4 on 30 Aug, 23 Sep, 9 on 29 Sep (RAB); Shet, first 4 May, peaks 20 Skerries 5 May (ISR), 40 Hill- well 20 May (BM), 50+ Unst 27 May (GB), stragglers Scalloway 5 Oct, Lerwick 13 Oct (NLS); O Heb, first 6 May (WAJC), 6 Balranald 22 May (PC); Ross, 5 Dingwall 8 Oct (ARM); Inv, 60S L Garten 24 Aug (RSPB), 60 Inverness 9 Sep (MR); Aber, good numbers 5 May Cruden Bay (AGK), last Aberdeen 13 Nov (MDa); Angus, last 10 West Haven 13 Oct (TMC); Perth, last Seaside 31 Oct (RLMcM, MM); Isle of May 25 Apr-14 Oct, peaks 50 on 29 Apr (NJG), 16 in Sep (MN); E Loth, heavy coastal passage 30 Sep-10 Oct (DRL), 100 North Berwick 14 Oct (DEA), last Gifford 20 Oct (AWGJ); last Ayr and Gattonside, Rox, 20 Oct (WRB, AJS). Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Breeding status: Ayr, very low Nos. but reasonable success (WRB); Renf, very scarce (HG); scarcer in Fife, Stir and Clack (CJH, GSh, DWO). Arrivals: 26 Mar Dumfries (G. Kerr); 30 Mar Kilconquhar, Fife—next 8 on 15 Apr and very few to 1 May (DWO); 31 Mar Cramond, W Loth (J. Rostell) and Tyninghame, E Loth (GJ, IAGB); 1 Apr Avielochan, Inv, present to 7th (RHD) next 4 Insh, Inv, on 17 Apr (RL). No new records 2-9 Apr, then 4 Martnaham, Ayr 10 Apr (WRB); stragglers Inv to Borders until good arrivals Moorfoots, Midl, 21 Apr (LLJV); 80 Insh 26 Apr (RL). Migration: Shet, very few 5 May- 3 June, max 4 Whalsay 17 May (JHS), only autumn record Unst 20 Sep (GB); Fair Isle 16 May-7 June, scarce, max 5 on 16th and 3 on 26 May; 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 259 autumn 6 on 28 Aug, 3 on 30th, one 3lst-5 Sep (RAB); Inv, last 30 Insh 18 Sep (RL); Perth, c400 Errol reedbed roost early Sep, last 26 Sep (RLMcM); Kinross, L Leven 1 May-1 Sep, max 1000 on 14 Aug (GC). *Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus. Seven birds: Fair Isle 18-20 May, 2 June, 21 June, 29-30 June, at least 3 different birds (RAB); Shet, d Weis- dale 20 May (ISS), ¢ dead Fetlar 29 May (RSPB), Walls 4-5 June (DQ), Swinning 15-17 June (per DC). Raven Corvus corax. Fair Isle, fledglings in summer oiled by Fulmars (RAB) (British Birds 67 : 297-301); Shet, one pr with tree nest Kergord (ISS); Perth, 5 prs bred in E (RLMcM); Ayr, low breeding success (WRB, IHL, RTW); Kirk, poor breeding season—persecution (ADW); Dumf, continued decrease (RTS). Counts : 19 Fair Isle 26 Mar (RAB); Caith, 22 Brough 23 Mar (DG); Ross, 40 Achnasheen 25 Jan-8 Feb (JAW), 2 Coul- more, Black Isle, 15 Jan (EBt); Banff, 1 Troup Head 21 June (RSPB); Arg, Bridgend, Islay roost 90-100 in Dec (CGB). Crow Corvus corone. Carrion Crow C.c. corone. Migration: Fair Isle, one 23-25 Mar, 1-2 daily 20 Apr-4 June, 7 on 9 May, 9 on 10th, 5 on 16th, 1-2 on 4-5 Aug, 5 on 25 Sep, 2 on 27 Sep and 4 Oct, 4 on 5 Oct, singles 14-18 Oct, 15 Nov (RAB); Shet, singles Fladdabister 5 Mar (ISR), Skerries 16 Apr (ISR), Walls 29 Aug (BM); Isle of May 12 on 14 Oct is unusual peak (MFC); Suth, 1 Durness 19 May (AG). Counts : c1000 in at least 5 roosts Ken valley, Kirk (LAU, ADW). Hooded Crow C.c. cornix. Fair Isle, 37 flew over high to N 24 Apr (RAB); Shet, pr nested centre of Lerwick; Suth, 6 prs Handa reared 12 young (AG); O Heb, 10 Shiants 31 Mar-7 Apr (PGH); Angus, pr bred Glen Doll (GMC); Fife, 2 Boarhills 3 May is unusual (JARG); Wig, 1 West Freugh 21-24 Feb (RTS, TVT). Rook Corvus frugilegus. Shet, 176 nests Kergord July (colony estab- lished 1952 when 9 nests) (L. S. V. Venables) (7 : 406); O Heb, 195 nests Stornoway 4 Mar (PGH); Inv, young in nests Insh 16 Apr (RHD). Passage: Fair Isle, 2 on 6-12 Jan and 3-28 Feb, 1-2 on scattered dates 22 Mar-17 May, one 1-3 Nov (RAB). Jackdaw Corvus monedula. Shet, 3 prs nested Kergord (ISS), up to 6 Noss in summer but no proof of breeding (PKK); increase Kishorn, Ross (JAW). Migrants : Fair Isle, singles 25 Mar, 15 May, 6 July-31 Oct, 2 on 1-4 Nov, one 31 Dec (RAB); Shet, singles Skerries 17 May (FDH), Unst 19 May (MS). Magpie Pica pica. Caith, singles Rumster Forest 14-21 Apr (GHF, JMW), Broubster 8-24 May and Mybster 28 Jan, is more than usual (PMC); Ross, 1 Redfield, Black Isle, 28 Feb is first there for many years (MKMcD); Inv, continued decline Strathspey (RHD); E Loth, one Tyninghame 27 Apr (IAGB, GLS). Jay Garrulus garrulus. Continued increase and spread throughout range: Wig, continued westwards spread with singles Awhirk Jan-Feb (AJ) and Knockinaam Jan-Mar (GS) being furthest west to date; Ayr, 2 Rozelle Jan-28 Apr (WRB, BCF, IHL), 1 Culzean Jan-17 Apr and Nov (GR); 2 Mount Stewart, Bute Jan (IH); Ber, 1 Hirsel 20 Oct (AB); Fife, increased (DWO); Aber, 5 Midmar 14 Aug (AGK); N Arg, 1 Conaglen June (per JR). Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. Arg, 4 prs mainland 18 July (WW); no counts from Islay. Great Tit Parus major. Kinross, good breeding season (BHM); no change Stornoway, O Heb; N Caith, pr bred Reay (JMG). Migrants : Fair Isle ¢ 15 Oct, 2 16 Oct—both trapped—first since 1966 (RAB); Ork, one Birsay late Nov (J. Holden). Blue Tit Parus caeruleus. Kinross, good breeding season (BHM); in- crease Rhum, I Heb (PW); Inv, reports of young dead in nest boxes June 260 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) due to bad weather; Caith, decrease (PMC). Migration and counts: 1 Handa, Suth 24 Sep (AG); Ork, 2 Kirkwall 3 Oct, 2 South of Kirkwall 13 Oct (CJB); O Heb, 1 Leurbost 11-21 Feb (PGH); Fife Ness, 40 on 4 Oct (EJM), 20 on 13 Oct (DWO); 1 Isle of May 17-18 Oct (TD); Renf, big in- crease autumn-winter (IPG). Coal Tit Parus ater. Caith, decrease (PMC); Inv-Moray, numbers low and very poor breeding success Strathspey, Lochaber and Culbin Forest (RHD, JCu); O Heb, now absent Stornoway woods—last one seen 21 Mar 1972 (PGH); increase Rhum, I Heb (PW). Crested Tit Parus cristatus. Inv, numbers very high and breeding suc- cess good Strathspey (RHD) may have been reason for arrival of birds in Deeside where 4-6 Aboyne 22 Sep-2 Oct, one at another locality 2 Nov (NP, AGK, ACBH); Moray, singles Lossiemouth Jan-11 Feb, 22-31 Dec (CAG), Fochabers 7 Oct (JMB). Marsh Tit Parus palustris. Records from Gattonside, Rox (PC) and St Boswells (DCo); Ber, 2 St Abbs Head 13 Oct (LLJV), 2 Hirsel 24 Oct (RHH, AB), 3 Abbey St Bathans 24 Oct (AB, RHH). Willow Tit Parus montanus. Galloway, good Nos. usual areas (ADW); continued expansion of range in S Clyde, few singing Motherwell-Merry- ton, Lan, 18 Mar (HSCH, KCRH), one Glenbuck, Lan 28 Dec (RHH); W Loth, 2 Beecraigs 4 Nov (IMcK). Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Continues at high population : high numbers reported from Galloway, Ayr, Borders, Lothians, Fife, Inv, Suth, Rhum, Caith. Counts: Caith, 24 Sandside Nov (JMG), 20 Stirkoke 14 Nov (PMC, SL); Suth, 20 Trantlemore 20 Oct (PRJ); Ross, 20 Coul- more 12 July (EBt); Midl, 35 Edgelaw 4 Aug (RWJS), 45 Levenhall 19 Dec (GLS); W Loth, 40 Bathgate 7 Jan (IMcK); Ayr, 60+ Rozelle Nov-Dec (WRB, IHL). Migration : Ork, singles Kirkwall 23 Oct and 3 Nov (CJB); O Heb, 20-30 Stornoway woods 23 Nov, down to 2 on 29 Nov (J. Mac- leod, IMMcL); Aber, 1 Rattray Head 24 Oct (CC); Isle of May, 9 on 24 Oct (IFS), 16 on 28 Oct (CPR); E Loth, 17 North Berwick 6 Oct (DEA); Ayr, 5 Ailsa Craig 12 Oct (SW). Treecreeper Certhia familiaris. Numbers high Midl, Arran, Renf and Fife; few prs bred Stornoway woods, O Heb (WMa). Migration: Shet, one of northern race C.f. familiaris present Kergord from 26 Nov 1972 to 11 Mar (ISS); Caith, 1 Thurso 11 Dec thought to be northern (PMC); Isle of May singles 26 Aug (JHBM), 24-29 Sep (DWO, ADW). Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Population throughout country remains very high after several mild winters; eg Renf, where 42 prs in Erskine wood (HG); Fair Isle no change (RAB); Shet, 17 prs Noss (PKK); Suth, 7 prs Handa (AG). Migration : Shet, Skerries 7-8 May, Sep-Nov, max 4 on 30 Oct—some thought to be of Scandinavian origin (ISR); Aber, 1 Rat- tray Hd 13 Oct, 6 on 24 Oct (CC). Dipper Cinclus cinclus. Numbers high, although possible decrease Caith. No eggs until last week Mar Bridge of Allen, Stir, about 15% of prs had second clutches (GSh); Ork, one seen Hoy 5 May (DL); Ross, one Rosemarkie 9 Mar (MKMcD-D); Kinross, 1 L Leven 16 May (JES). *Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus. 5 remained from the influx of Nov- Dec 1972: Aber, 1 pr Strathbeg 11 Mar (RHD et al.); Angus, 1 Buddon Ness 1 Jan (TMC); Kirk, 2 Auchenreoch Loch 1 Jan (G. Blackwell, M. Jones), one, possibly 2, on 4 Jan (LAU). Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus. Pr bred Torridon, W Ross (JAW) and increase noted Gairloch (ENH). Counts: 30-40 Helshetter, Caith 30 Sep (PMC, SL); 40 Tarvie, E Ross 13 Sep (EBt); 45 Portmore, Peeb 18 Aug (RWJS). Migration : Fair Isle, 6 Jan, 2 on 9-10 Mar, one 15-17th, scattered records 11 Apr-17 May, max 4 on 22nd and 5 on 25 Apr; autumn singles 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 261 26 Sep, 6 and 11 Oct (RAB); Shet, singles Lochend 9 Feb (BM), Tresta 29 Apr (ISS), Fetlar 4 May (RSPB), Skerries 18 May (FDH) and Foula 30 Aug (BEG); Suth, 1 Handa 2 May—lst record for island (AG). Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. 1 pr bred usual site Shet (GJ); 1 fledged young seen N Kinc 23 June (7: 406-8). Other summer records : Inv, dead adult on road near 1970 nest area Strathspey 11 June (RHD); Aber, 1 Peter- culter 25 June (AGK); Perth, pr Pitlochry summer (per RLMcM), and 1 Glen Lednock 7 Aug (MM); Midl, 1 Glencorse mid May-June (GLS, LLJV); Renf, 2 Black Loch 5 July (R. B. Durley). Spring passage generally late; Fair Isle, main movements 21 Apr-26 May, up to 30 several days, peaks 200 on 1 May, 100 on 5th, 300 on 6th, 130 on 7th, last one 1 June (RAB); Shet, spring passage mainly from 2 May, peak 5 May when 100 Fetlar, 100 Whalsay, 350 Skerries, 160 Sumburgh Hd, most departed by 11th (SR, JHS et al.); Caith, 200 West- field 7 Jan (PMC); Ross, 50 Redfield, Black Isle, 3 Mar, last 20 on 16 Apr (MKMcD-D); Inv, 84 Kinchurdy 10 Apr, 100 on 17th (RHD); Aber, 100 Aberdeen 25 Apr (PLS, ADKR); Angus, 700 Glen Esk 29 Apr (MN); Perth, 400 Crieff 28 Apr (RLMcM); Fife, 300 Cupar 20 Mar, last 2 Fife Ness 4 May (JARG); Isle of May, max 40 on 26 Apr, last 21 May (NJG); Midl, 200 Gladhouse 20 Apr (GLS), 150 Mount Lothian 6 May; 150 Peebles 28 Apr, last 7 May (CMM), but one Hawick 25 May (TDo); Lan, 2000 Shotts 31 Mar (JB); Ayr, 1500 Martnaham 10 Apr (WRB); Renf, last Eaglesham 27 May (RMCL). Autumn migration: Fair Isle, singles from 20 Aug, passage 12 Sep- 17 Nov, peaks 75 on 11 Oct, 18th (100), 22nd (150), 26th (300), 31st (350), 2 Nov (800) (RAB); Shet, from 16 Sep, max 200 Skerries 5-6 Oct, 150 Skerries and 100 Whalsay 31 Oct-1 Nov (ISR, JHS); Ross, 4 Torridon 30 Aug, 7 Shieldaig 1 Sep (JAW); O Heb, Ist 11 Oct—more than 1972 (PGH); Inv, 100 Insh 11 Oct, 500+ on 20 Oct (RL); Kinc, 100+ Girdle Ness 22 Oct (CC); Perth, 600 Strathallan 16 Dec (R. E. Thomas); Fife, 4 Kettle- bridge 14 Sep (DWO); Isle of May, first 23 Aug, max 170 on 31 Oct (CPR); Midl, 120 Gladhouse 17 Oct (RWJS); E Loth, big passage North Berwick 31 Oct but less than usual (DEA); Clyde main passage 16-25 Oct, when 1000+ Muirshiel Park, Renf 17 Oct (IPG); Wig, 350 Moor of Genoch 20 Oct (RCD). Song Thrush Turdus philomelos. Breeding reports: Suth, 1 pr reared 2 broods (6 young) Handa—first record for island (AG); Ross, 1st juvenile 262 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) flying 2 May (EBt); Isle of May 2 prs bred (NJG); Fife, breeding popu- lation very high (DWO); Midl, newly fledged young Oxenford 11 Jan (CNLC). Return to territories : Kiltarlity, Inv 1 Mar, several 3rd (MIH), 10 Mar Rothiemurchus (RHD); Midl, Gladhouse 10 Mar (RWJS). Migration: Fair Isle, stragglers from 5 Mar, passage 22 Apr-19 May, max 30 on 2 May, singles in June, July, Aug; autumn passage from 15 Sep-5 Nov, peaks 500 on 26 Sep (big fall), 30 on 27 Sep, 20-40 daily 5-8 Oct (RAB); Shet, small arrival 2-6 May, 10 Skerries (ISR), autumn from 16 Sep, max 150 Skerries and 150 Noss on 26 Sep (ISR, PKK), 75 Sker- ries 6 Oct (ISR); Aber, 7 Rattray Head 26 Sep (CC), 30 Balmedie 6 Oct (RLS); Isle of May, peaks 15 on 4 May, 500 on 5 Oct (RGN). Redwing Turdus iliacus. Breeding status: data received may suggest that colonization has levelled off or even started to fall; situation is al- ways confused by presence of singing unmated males and possibly by visitors not reporting breeding records now that species is not as rare as in the early 1960s. Summary of summer records Area Singing od Proved breeding possible/probable breeding Suth 2 3 E Ross 3 W Ross 4 1 Inv oa 1 Banff 1 Perth 3 | 18+ 6 The proved breeding records were as follows : N Suth, pr with 4 small young in nest early June (D. Scott); W Suth, pr carrying food to nest in steep bank 24 June (ITD, MMD); NE Suth, pr carrying food to nest in dense pine plantation 5 June (RHD); W Ross, pr feeding young 2 June (JAW); Inv, pr reared brood Strathspey (RL); SW Perth, ad carrying food into pine plantation 8 July (TD, MMD)—the latter is furthest south breeding record to date. Spring passage and counts: Fair Isle, mainly 23 Mar-26 May, peaks 60 on 25 Mar, 90 on 26th, 120 on 25 Apr, 100 on 1 May, stragglers to 16 July (RAB); Shet, scarce, max 30 mainland 5 May, 11 Skerries 3 May (ISR); O Heb, Balranald last 20 May (PC), 3 Leurbost 13 May (PGH); Inv, 30 Kinchurdy 17 Apr (RHD); Isle of May, 15 on 26 Apr, last 5 May (NJG); Midl, 500 Moorfoots 24 Mar (RWJS); E Loth, 200 Aberlady 23 Mar (IAGB). Autumn passage: Fair Isle, from 16 Sep, peaks 350 on 24 Sep, 150 on 28th, 300 on 29th, 600 on 4 Oct, 3500 on 5th, 1300 on 6th, slow decrease next few days, new arrival 250 on 22nd, 300 on 26 Oct, 350 on 2 Nov (RAB); Shet, from 16 Sep, 200 Fetlar and 50 Yell on 23-26 Sep, but big influx 6 Oct coinciding with Fair Isle peak day when 3000 Skerries, 3000 Unst, 6000 Yell, 1000 Whalsay and 1000 Weisdale (ISR, GB, RJT et al.); Caith, 500 Harpsdale 5 Oct (SL); Inv, big numbers Kiltarlity 5 Oct (MIH), 750 Insh 11 Oct (RL); Aber, large numbers Cruden Bay 6 Oct (AGK) and 400 Forvie 6 Oct (MHe); Angus, 100s Glen Esk 4 Oct (GMC); Kinross, 5 L Leven 4 Oct, 550 on 5th (CJE); Fife Ness, first 2 on 16 Sep, 70 on 5 Oct, 600 on 6th, 500 on 7th (DWO, EJM, PNJC); Isle of May, first 13 Sep, 1000 on 6 Oct (RGN); Rox, passage over Ettrick hills 13 Oct (AJS); Arg, first passage Lochgilphead 7 Oct (MJPG); Ayr, mainly 12-13 Oct; Renf, higher than usual numbers 6-7 Oct and 23-25 Oct, peaks 750 Linwood 25 Oct, 500 Lochwinnoch 23 Oct (IPG); Kirk, first Castle Douglas 1 Oct (JSk). 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 263 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus. Spring arrival: 22 Mar Glen Clova, An- gus (RB); 25 Mar 4 Moorfoots, Midl (WB); 29 Mar Lorg, Kirk (TN, HMR); 10 Apr Glen Dye, Kine (NP); 15 Apr Arg and Dumf; mostly late, in late Apr-early May. Spring migration : Fair Isle 22 Apr-3 June, peaks 20 on 24 Apr, 14-17 on 1-5 May, 30 on 6th (RAB); Shet, Skerries 22 Apr (ISR), few until small passage in May when peak 35 Skerries 5th-6th, strag- glers to 24 June (ISR ez al.); Aber, 4 Forvie 5 May (BJS); Fife Ness, 4 on 4 May (JARG); Isle of May 25 Apr-22 May, max 40 on 26 Apr (DRG, NJG); Ber, 4 St Abbs Head 6 Mar (LLJV). Autumn migration: Fair Isle, 1 present 23 July-10 Sep, 2-3 on 1-2 Sep, 1-5 on 12 days 23 Sep-14 Oct, one 14 Nov (RAB); Shet, 1 Skerries 26 Sep (ISR), 1-2 Whalsay 6-10 Oct (JHS); Aber, 1 Newburgh 5 Oct, 5 on 6th (PDR, CHF), 1 Rattray 23 Oct (AGK); Fife Ness, 2 on 5th and 7 Oct (EJM, JARG); Isle of May, last 8 Oct (HG); E Loth, 1 North Berwick 6 Oct (DEA). Blackbird Turdus merula. Fair Isle, 1 pr nested reared 3 young (RAB); Shet, Fetlar breeding population 12 prs compared to 1-2 prs in 1970, sec- ond broods from 20 May (RSPB). Migration numbers rather low possibly due to mild winters overseas : Fair Isle, 15-25 wintered, more than usual, 100 on 3-5 Jan, small passage 10 Apr-10 May, peaks 25 on 25 Apr, 20 on 3 May; from 17 Sep, max 20-45 in Oct, 500 on 1-2 Nov, 300 on 4th, few to end of year (RAB); Shet, few 6-7 May, 24-26 Sep, peaks 300 Skerries 7 Oct, 100 Whalsay 1 Nov (ISR, JHS); Caith, passage from 19 Sep (PMC); Ross, 200+ Coulmore, Black Isle 14 Oct (EBt); Inv, 50 Insh 18 Oct (RL), influx Fort William 12-20 Oct (JCu); Aber peaks 35 Rattray 9 May (JRP), 50 on 22 Oct (CC); Fife Ness small passage 28 Mar-16 Apr, several 100s 31 Oct (DWO); Isle of May, rather low peaks, 100 on 26 Apr (NJG), 100 on 22 and 28 Oct (IFS, CPR); Midl, influx Edinburgh 14 Oct (TCS). *White’s Thrush Zoothera dauma. A first-year bird trapped and ringed Fair Isle 24-25 Sep (RAB, R. Dewey, T. Loseby) (8: 33-4). Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Breeding reports: good season Ayr (AGS), Renf (HG) and average Fair Isle (RAB); 40 prs Handa, Suth (AG). Arrivals : 22 Mar Dunure, Ayr (JKRM); 23 Mar, 2 Waterside, Ayr, 1 Ayr, 1 Erskine, Renf (JP, IMD) and Glencaple, Dumf (WA); 24 Mar, Isle of May (GKT), Musselburgh (AWGL), Middleton (RW), Gladhouse and 3 Edgelaw, Mid] (LLJV); 25 Mar, Hawick, Rox (TDo), 12 Clatteringshaws (HMR), 2 Carsphairn, 2 Dalry, Kirk (IHL, TH); 26 Mar, Stornoway O Heb (IMMcL), L Earacha, N Suth (PRJ) and 2 Tulloch, E Inv (RSPB); several oe late Mar-early Apr, then a gap until arrival in numbers from pr. Spring migration: Fair Isle 1-2 on 25 Mar-3 Apr, next 16 Apr, in- creasing to 45 on 22nd, 100 on 2 May, Greenland birds 26 Apr-2 June 264 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) (RAB); Shet, first 2 Dunrossness 8 Apr (BM), main passage 2-5 May (RJT); Kinc/Aber, coastal peaks 20 Girdle Ness 4 May (AGK), 25 Rattray Head 5 May, 20 on 9th (JRP); Isle of May, 23 on 23 May (NJG); E Loth/ Ber, big passage on coast 4-6 May when 45 Barns Ness and St Abbs a DRL); Ayr, Greenland birds Doonfoot 12 May, 3 on 15th (IHL, Autumn migration : Fair Isle, influxes 12-20th and 29 Aug, scarce after 10 Sep, up to 40 in Ist week Oct, singles 17 Oct-1 Nov, last 10-11 Nov. Greenland birds 4-14 Oct (RAB); Shet, last records Whalsay 16 Oct (JHS), Unst 27 Oct and 8 Nov (MS, GB); Caith, small passage to 23 Sep, last 2 Oct, Greenland birds Crosskirk, Duncansby and Freiswick 27 Aug- 5 Sep (PMC); O Heb, last Balranald 13 Oct (PC); Inv, Greenland bird Rothiemurchus 10 Oct (RHD); Aber, peaks Rattray Hd 50 on 19 Sep, 30+ on 25th, last 13 Oct (CC); Kinc, 30+ Girdle Ness 18 Sep (AGK); Isle of May, 28 July-22 Oct, max 45 on 3 Sep (MN); Rox, last Alemoor 14 Oct (Dco); Ayr, last Prestwick 14 Oct (BCF), Greenland birds Doon- (ee Craigs of Kyle 19 Sep (WRB, IHL); I Heb, 1-2 Tiree 11 Oct Stonechat Saxicola torquata. Breeding status: good season and further increases : another good year Kirk, Wig (ADW), Ayr (RWF) and Arran (MHD); E Loth, continued increase (KSMcG); Mid], continued extension (RWJS); Kinross, 1 pr bred Vane (BHM); Perth, increase—4 prs Little Glenshee where none in 1972 (IMcK), 2 prs Glen Artney, none before (RLMcM); Aber, flying young Cruden Bay 5 May (AGK); Ross, numerous Torridon (JAW); Suth, excellent breeding season Dornoch (DMcD), 3 prs reared 15 young Handa (AG); Ork fairly good breeding numbers (EB). Migration: Fair Isle, 2-4 almost daily 11-23 Mar, ¢ 30-31 Mar, ¢ 18 May, singles 17 and 20 Sep, 4 and 8 Oct (RAB); Shet, 2 Channerwick 29 Mar (BM); O Heb, 1-4 Balranald 9 Aug-12 Oct (PC); Caith, max 7 Scrabster 17 Sep, 7 Crosskirk 21 Sep, more than usual Oct-Dec (PMC); E Ross, 1 Redfield, Black Isle 29 Sep (1st for 10 years) and 4 on 15-22 Oct (MKMcD-D); Inv, increase in sightings Strathspey Apr, Sep-Nov (RHD); Aber, 9 Rattray Head 14 Sep (CC); Isle of May, singles 14 July, 12 Sep (JHB); ¢ Selkirk 28 Apr was Ist for many years (AJW). Siberian Stonechat S. t. maura. One Fair Isle 5 Oct was considered to belong to this race, the first since Nov 1964 (RAB). Whinchat Saxicola rubetra. Breeding status: fewer in Kirk (ADW); late and scarce Borders (AJS); probably decreased in Midl (RW4JS); scarcer Stir (GSh). Arrival: 26 Apr Doonfoot, Ayr (WRB); 27 Apr Dun- telchaig, Inv (RSPB); 28 Apr, Dalry, Kirk (ADW); 29 Apr, Aberlady, E Loth (LLJV); more in early May but late arriving in numbers. 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 265 Migration : Fair Isle, 3 May-4 June, max 15 on 6th and 25 on 20 May, autumn 16 Aug-20 Oct, peaks 10 on 28-29 Aug, 15-30 on 16-25 Sep, 40 on 24th, 10 on 4 Oct, last 25 Oct (RAB); Shet, from 4 May, max 6 May when 20 Whalsay, 15 Skerries and 20 Dunrossness, small Nos. 17-25 May, last Unst 3 June (ISR, JHS, GB et al.), autumn from 17 Aug, peaks 20 Skerries 20 Sep, 17 on 26th (ISR), 11 Fetlar 20 Sep (RSPB), 20 Whalsay (26th) last Skerries 13 Oct; Ork, singles St Ola 5 and 7 May (CJB); Suth, singles Handa 17th, 18th, 25 May and 18 Sep (AG); Aber/N Kinc, 3-21 May, max 3 Girdle Ness 4 May (AGK), 18 Aug-20 Oct, peak 12+ Rattray Head on 25 Sep (AGK); Isle of May 30 Apr-28 May, max 10 on 5-6 May, autumn 12 Aug-4 Oct, max 25 on 16 Aug (NJG, ADW et al.); E Loth, 2 North Berwick 9 Oct (DEA). Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Breeding status: population low; Ayr, probable decrease (RWF); Renf, only 2 prs found is a considerable decrease in recent years (HG, IPG); decrease Arran (MHD); very scarce Borders and scarcer Midl (RWJS, AJS); Stir, fewer (GSh); Inv, noticeable decrease Strathspey (RHD), perhaps more Lochaber (JCu); Ross, none Torridon (JAW). Arrival: 25 Apr, Ruthven, Inv (RSPB); 29 Apr, Lang- holm, Dumf (ELOC); mostly 1st week of May. Spring migration : Fair Isle 3 May-8 June, peaks 10 on 5-6th, 25 on 20th, 20 on 23rd (RAB); Shet, 4-23 May, max only 12 Whalsay 4 May (JHS); Ork, 5-25 May (EB); Aber/N Kinc, 30 Apr (Rattray Head) to 23 May, peaks 4 Girdle Ness 19 May (RLS), 5 Rattray Hd 20 May (CC); Isle of May 26 Apr-3 June, max 4 on 6 May (NJG); 1 Dunsappie, Midl 30 Apr (LLJV). Autumn: Fair Isle 25-30 daily 16-25 Sep, small Nos to 12 Oct (RAB); Shet, one Foula 20 Aug (BEG), main movement 16-29 Sep when 40 Skerries 18th, 20 Noss 18th (PKK), 18 Fetlar 18th (RSPB), last Skerries 21 Oct (ISR); Caith, 2 Noss Head 16 Sep (JMG); Aber, 4 Sep—peak 7 Rattray Head 19 Sep (CC), last 17 Oct (MHe); Fife Ness 15 Sep-7 Oct, max 6 on 6 Oct (PNJC); Isle of May 16 Aug-1 Nov (CPR), max 30 on 5 Oct (RGN). *Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros. Breeding status: @? nested Copinsay, Ork, but no d was seen and the 4 eggs were infertile (DL)— this is the first nesting record for Scotland (8: 80-1). Winter: ¢ South- erness, Kirk 24 Jan (TVT). Migration: recorded 23 Mar-19 June (40+) and 18 Aug-14 Nov (14+); Fair Isle, singles 23-24 Mar, 5 Apr, 24 Apr- 4 May, up to 3 daily 5-25 May, singles 3 June, 18-19 June, 30 Oct, 1-2 Nov, 14 Nov (RAB); Shet, singles Whalsay 7 May and 24 Sep (JHS), Scatness 20 May (FH, JSp), Skerries 31 May-4 June and 2 Oct (ISR), Foula 18 June (BEG); Ork, few Copinsay early May (DL); Aber, singles Rattray 30 Apr (CC), 5-12 May (CC, JRP), 2 on 20th (WM), 24 May (CC), 18-19 Aug (CC, PDR, AGK), Cruden Bay 20 May (WM), Pittenheath 20 May (WM), Nigg 19 May (ADKR, RLS), Aberdeen 19 May (RLS); Kinc, Girdle Ness 21 May (ADKR, RLS); Fife, Crail 24 Apr (G. B. Corbet), Fife Ness 5D May (JARG), 15-17 Sep (2 on 16th) (DWO); Isle of May, 26-28 Apr (NJG), 5 May, 6th (3), 18-23rd (4) (JHBM, DRG), 4 June (HG), 3 on 6 Oct (JGY), 1-2 on 13-14 Oct (MFC), 18 Oct (TD). *Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. Singles Girdle Ness, Kinc, 19-20 May (ADKR, RLS, ADu); Shet, Grutness 5-6 May (NLS et al.) and Skerries 18-25 May—trapped (ISR, SR), also single nightingale sp (thought to be this sp rather than Thrush Nightingale) Skerries 17-18 Sep (ISR) and Scalloway 22 Sep (RD, RJ). *Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia. Three, all at Fair Isle and all trapped and ringed; 21 May (P. Agland, RAB, NR et al.), 25-27 May (D. Bell, RAB, NR et al.), 1-3 June (RAB, NR, R. A. Richardson et al.). *Bluethroat Luscinia svecica, About 40, most in spring, 13 May-7 June, autumn 17 Sep-25 Oct. Fair Isle, singles 13-16 May, 3-5 daily 17-23 May but 8 on 19th, up to 3 to 27 May, one 1-7 June, one seen with sprained 266 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) wing 18 June, trapped on 22nd carrying Swedish ring—present to 2 Oct, autumn singles 17 and 24 Sep, 1-2 on 6-12 Oct, one to 21st, one 25 Oct (RAB); Shet, Unst 18 May and 24 May (GB, MS et al.), Sumburgh 2 on 19 May, one 22nd (DC et al.), Noss 19 May (PKK), Skerries 18 May, 2 on 19th, 3 on 21st, new one 23-27 May, one in autumn 19-21 Sep (ISR); Ork, ¢ Copinsay 19 May (DL); gd Old Aberdeen 21-22 May (AGK, A. Pet- ersen); Kinc, d Girdle Ness 21 May (trapped carrying Swedish ring) (RLS, ADKR); Isle of May 2 on 20-22 May (JHBM, DRG), one 24 May (DRG). The Girdle Ness bird was ringed in Uppland as a juvenile on 3 Sep 1972 while the Fair Isle control of 18 June-2 Oct had been ringed as a juvenile near Stockholm a day earlier on 2 Sep 1972—these are the first two foreign ringed Bluethroats to be recovered in U.K. Robin Erithacus rubecula. Suth, pr attempted to breed Handa (AG); fledged young at Eddleston, Rox 7 Mar (AJS). Migration: Fair Isle, main passage slight from 21 Apr, peaks 25 on 25 Apr, 30 on 4-5 May, autumn from 15 Sep to 9 Oct, peak 25-30 on 25-26 Sep (RAB); Shet, peak 4-5 May when 15 Skerries, 16 Dunrossness and 10 Whalsay, autumn peak 26 Sep, when 60 Skerries, and 25 Noss (ISR, JHS, PKK); Aber, peak 30+ Rattray 22 Apr (CC); Kinc, peak 15 Girdle Ness 6 Oct (RLS); Fife Ness, peaks 20 on 5 May, 50 on 7 Oct (PNJS, DWO); Isle of May, peaks 150 on 26 Apr (NJG) and 800 on 5 Oct (RGN)—more than usual (NJG). Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. Breeding status: fewer than usual, for example none Arran for first time in 18 years (MHD) and none reported Fife (DWO), counts include 14 singing Lochwinnoch, Renf, in May (HG); 9 Insh marshes, Inv, July (RL); 4 West Olrig, Caith, 28 July (AFCMC, PMC, SL). Arrivals: 21 Apr, Kingoodie, Perth (EJM); 28 Apr, Cousiand, Midl (AWGJ) and Balmacara, W Ross (DCH), mostly first- second weeks May; one Stornoway, O Heb 19 May (IMMcL, WMa). Migration : Fair Isle 4 on 14 May, 1-2 on 6 days 6-17 May—low num- bers (RAB); Shet, 2 Sumburgh 4-5 May (BM), singles Grutness, Dun- rossness 6 May (DC), Skerries 7 and 15 May (ISR), Whalsay 2 on 5 May, one 6th and 9th (JHS); Aber, last Rattray Head 6 Oct (PDR ez al.); Kinc, Girdle Ness 4 May (ADKR, RLS); Isle of May, one 4 May, 3 on 5th, 5 on 6th, 2 on 7th, 3 on 8th (JHBM, DWO), one 19-20 May (JHBM), one 25 Aug (AJW). *Lanceloated Warbler Locusitella lanceolata. Two records 22 Sep: one trapped and ringed Fair Isle (N. V. Allen, RAB et al.) (8: 345); one Sker- ries, Shet (ISR). *Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Pr bred successfully at Halli- garth, Unst, Shet (GB et al.) is a new breeding record for Scotland. Migra- tion: Fair Isle singles 29-31 May, 5 June, 2-4 July, 1-3 daily 20-26 Sep (2 trapped) (RAB); Shet, Fetlar 29 May (RSPB), Skerries 17-18 Sep, 22-23 Sep (trapped), 2-4 Oct (trapped) (ISR, SR); Ork, Deerness 28 Aug (DL); Isle of May 2 June (HG). Reed/Marsh Warblers at Girdle Ness, Kine 21 May (ADKR) and Fair Isle 23-27 Aug (RAB). *Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris. Fair Isle, singles trapped 24 June, 10-11 July (RAB); Shet, singles Bigton 4 June (P. Agland), Skerries 20-23 Sep trapped (ISR, SR), also probable Unst 4 June (GB). Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Breeding status : probable decrease Kirk (ADW); numbers very low Fife (DWO); numbers well down Caith (PMC); only 2 prs Balranald, O Heb, is a decrease (PC); Inv, only one Lochaber (JCu), 49 6d Insh marshes (RL). Arrival : 29 Apr, Kilcon- quhar Loch, Fife (DWO); 2 May, Lochmaben, Dumf (WA, DSk); 3 May, Castle Semple Loch, Renf (IPG); more end of Ist week and 2nd week May but slow and late to arrive. Migration : scarce both seasons: Fair Isle, 1-3 daily 4-10 May, up to 6 daily 17-27 May, 1-2 on 31 May-6 June, singles 29-30 Aug, 5 Sep, 15th, 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 267 2 on 19-21st, one 22 Sep (RAB); Shet, singles Noss 7 May (PKK), Sum- 'purgh 17th and 20 May (JSp, BM), Fetlar 20th, singing Hillwell June (NLS); Angus, last 3 Buddon Ness 3 Oct (TMC); Isle of May 6-29 May, max 5 on 6 May (DWO), 27 Aug-18 Sep, max only 2 on 27th (NJG); Midl, 2 Duddingston 7 May, increased to 6 on 8th (LLJV, GLS). *Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta. Singles trapped Fair Isle 15-17 June (RAB) and Castletown, Caith, 8 Sep (D. M. Stark)—7th and 8th Scottish records. *Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina. Recorded 21 May-29 May and 22 Aug-23 Sep (3 in spring, 9 in autumn); singles, Fair Isle, 27-28 May, 25 Aug, 3rd, 16-18 Sep (RAB); Shet, Helendale 21-23 May (singing) (DC et al.), 16 Sep (BM, NLS), 23 Sep (DC), Whalsay 29 May (JHS), Skerries 22 Aug (ISR), Grutness 28 Aug (M. Ross); Aber, Cruden Bay 13 Sep (ACBH); Isle of May 22 Aug (AJW),. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Breeding status : increase Renf, 21 singing 6 (HG); Borders, the only warbler to show slight increase (AJS); E Loth, continued increase (KSMcG); Midl, very good numbers (RWJS); good breeding numbers Fife and Perth (DWO, RLMcM); Caith, ¢ singing Achvarasdale 20 May-30 June (JMG). Arrivals and migration : mainly by late Apr-early May: Midl, 3 New- ‘pattle 6 May, 3 Hermitage 8 May (EH, LLJV); Isle of May, 28 Apr (JHBM)-6 June (HG), max of 10 on 5 May is spring record (NJG); Aber, coastal 5-22 May, max 5 Balmedie 5 May (ADKR); Fair Isle, 5 May-26 June, max 8 on 22-23 May (RAB); Shet, 4 May Whalsay, increase about 19th, peak 5 Skerries, last Helendale 20 June (RJT). Autumn : Fair Isle, 13 Sep-30 Nov, peaks 25 on 16 and 21 Sep, 45 on 25th, 40-45 on 5-6 Oct, 35 on 14 Oct (RAB); Shet, 15 Sep-22 Nov, max 20 Unst 22 Sep, 30 Skerries 7 Oct (GB, ISR); Caith, peak 4 Thurso 6-14 Nov (JMW); E Ross, 3 Dingwall 17 Nov (ARM); Aber, 69 records 17 Sep- 23 Nov, max 6+ Rattray 7 Oct, 12 on 14th (MHe); Fife Ness, 16 Sep-7 Oct, max 10 on 5 Oct (EJM), 15 on 7th (DLC, DCS); Isle of May, 15 Sep-Nov, max 50-100 on 5-7 Oct isa record count (JGY). Winter records Jan Feb Mar Nov_ Dec North (Shet-O Heb-Inv) 3 2 15+ Central (Moray-Fife, Arg-Dunb) 3 2 2 4+ 5 South (Clyde-Forth to Borders) 3 1 1 4 Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria. Recorded 15 Aug-27 Sep, singles unless stated : Shet, about 50+ records, 16 Aug (Unst)-27 Sep (Skerries), peak 28 Aug when 8 Skerries (ISR), singles Unst, Yell, Noss, Whalsay, Foula and Mainland; a late peak 22 Sep when 3 Unst, 2 Fetlar, singles Catfirth and Scalloway (many observers); Fair Isle, 1-3 daily from 16 Aug, peaks 4 on 23rd, 6 on 28-29th, up to 5 daily in Sep to 25th, peaks 7 on 13th, 6 on 15th, 7 on 16-17th (RAB); Ork, Copinsay 8 Sep (DL); Aber, New- burgh 30 Aug (PDR), Rattray 3 Sep (CC); Isle of May 15 Aug (ADW), 25 Aug (AJW). Garden Warbler Sylvia borin. Breeding status: no change Clyde; fewer E Loth; good numbers Stir (GSh). Arrival: 7 May, pr Newlandrig, Mid (JHB); 8 May, Clatto Reservoir, Angus (MM) but earlier on coast. Spring migration : Isle of May 26 Apr-24 May (NJG); Aber, 5 May Cruden Bay (AGK); Fair Isle, small numbers 17 May-7 June, max 7 on 20 May, 5 on 3-4 June (RAB); Shet, very scarce, 19 May-14 June, max 7 Mainland on 20th (per RJT). Autumn passage : Fair Isle, 17 Aug-13 Oct, max 6 on 29 Aug, 15 on 7 Sep, 12 on 20-21 Sep, last on 26 Oct (RAB); Shet, 16 Aug- 7 Oct, max 7 Skerries 16 Sep (ISR), 7 Fetlar 22 Sep (RSPB); O Heb, 1 Leurbost 18 Oct (PGH); Caith, Harpsdale 9 Sep (SL), Holborn Head 17 Sep (PMC), late records Reay 2 and 10 Nov (JMG), 2 Thurso 7 Nov 268 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) (JMW, AFCMC); Suth, Handa 17-19 Sep (AG); Inv, Rothiemurchus 5 Sep (RHD); Aber, Newburgh 7 Sep, 2 on 19 Sep (PDR), 2 Rattray 6 Oct (PDR), last Balmedie 14 Oct (RLS); Perth, 3 Invergowrie 11 Sep (EJM); last 2 Fife Ness 7 Oct (EJM); Isle of May 12 Aug-7 Oct, max 3 on 24 Aug and 7 Oct (NJG). Whitethroat Sylvia communis. Breeding status : mixed reports, possibly slight increase E Loth (KSMcG), slight improvement Arran (MHD), in- crease Fife (DWO) and 5 prs Devon valley, Clack, where absent 1972 (CJH) but very scarce Caith (PMC), Inv (MIH), Renf (HG) and still low Kirk (LAU). Arrival: 29 Apr, Fife Ness (DWO); 1 May, Croy Bay, Ayr (JKRM); 2 May, Lochmaben, Dumf (NEA); mostly from 5-6 May. Spring migration: Fair Isle, 4 on 6 May, 1-2 to 15th, more 17 May- 21 June, peaks 12 on 19th, 25 on 20th and 12 on 23 May (RAB); Shet, 5 May, mainly from 17-24 May, when peaks 6 Skerries 20th (ISR) and 4 Mainland, stragglers to 6 June; Aber coast from 5 May, max 6 Rattray 23 May (CC); Isle of May 5-27 May, max 6 on 20th (JHBM, NJG). Autumn : scarce : Fair Isle, 1-2 on many days 23 Aug-30 Sep (RAB); Shet, very few from 21 Aug, last Unst 7 Oct (GB); Suth, 1 Handa 22-26 Sep (AG); Aber, last Rattray 6 Oct (RHD); Isle of May 27 Aug-8 Oct (NJG); late record Reay, Caith 10 Nov (JMW, G. McLaren). Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca. Spring migration from 5 May : Ber, St Abbs 6 May (LLJV); Isle of May, 6-27 May, max 6 on 19-20 May (JHBM); Fife Ness 5 May (PNJC, DWO); Aber, 21 records 5-21 May, singles except 2 Cruden Bay 5 May (AGK), 12+ between Aberdeen and Rattray 20 May (WM); E Ross, d singing Fearn 27-28 May (CGH); Fair Isle, 10 on 5 May, some to 10 June, mainly late May when 7 on 17-18th, 8 on 19th, 1-4 until 28th (RAB); Shet, 5-6 May when 8 Mainland, 2 Whalsay, singles Unst, Fetlar, Skerries, more 17-18 May, max 4 Mainland 20th, late ones Fetlar 18 June, Skerries 21-26 June (per RJT). Summer record: 1 Ormlie, Caith 2-3 July (JMG, SL). Autumn: Fair Isle singles 5-17 Oct, max 3 on 12th (RAB); Shet, Fetlar 28 Aug (RSPB), Skerries 12 Sep, 3 on 18 Sep (ISR), Hillswick 22 Sep, Sumburgh and Whalsay 26 Sep (JHS et al.); Ork, Kirkwall 12 Aug (CJB); Angus, Bud- don Ness 3 Oct (TMC); Fife, Morton Lochs 16 Sep (PNJC), 7 Oct (EJM), 13 Oct (KB, DWO); Isle of May, 14 Sep-15 Oct, singles except 2 on 13-14 Sep (NJG); E Loth, Tyninghame 19 Aug (AB); late record Reay, Caith 2 Nov (PMC, JMG, G. McLaren). Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. Breeding status: probable in- crease Ayr (WRB); good breeding season Kinross (BHM); Suth, 3 prs nested Handa (AG); O Heb, spreading Lewis (IMMcL). Arrival: 15 Apr, Yarrowford, Selk (KAMcK), L Ryan, Wig (RCD) and 2 East Kilbride, Lan (RHH); 20 Apr, Insh, Inv (RL); 21 Apr, 2 Gladhouse, Midl (LLJV); 22 Apr, 3 Tentsmuir, Fife (MM), 1 Saltoun, E Loth (LLJV); many Midl 25th, more E Loth and Fife Ness 28th and influx to 10 Insh, Inv 30 Apr (RL); first Caith 29 Apr. Generally a late arrival and numbers slow to build up. Spring migration : Isle of May, 1 May-8 June, max 40 on 6 May (THBM, HG, DW0O); Fife Ness, max 12 on 5 May; Aber, main arrival 5 May when 30 Cruden Bay (AGK); Fair Isle, 4 May-3 June, peaks 4th (25), 5th (50), 6-8th (30-45), 18-20th (20-35) (RAB); Shet, Scalloway 29 Apr (RJ), 4 May-4 June, peaks 25 Skerries 5th, (ISR), 15 Fetlar 5th (RSPB), secon- dary peak 17 May. Autumn passage poor, numbers low: Fair Isle 6 Aug-26 Sep, mainly from 16 Aug, peaks 15 on 24-25 Aug, 15 on 7 Sep, 15-20 on 10-22 Sep (RAB); Shet, from 13 Aug, peaks 10 Skerries 25 Aug and 20 on 20 Sep (ISR), 12 Noss 27 Aug, 6 Fetlar 20 Sep (RSPB, PKK), last 3 Whalsay 13 Oct (JHS), 1 Skerries 28-30 Oct (ISR); O Heb, last Balranald 2 Oct (PC); Inv, last 2 Strathspey 19 Sep (RL); Ross, 3 Redfield, Black Isle 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 269 2 Oct (MKMcD-D); Perth, 50+ Kingoodie 7 Aug (EJM), last Doune 19 Sep (GSh); Fife Ness, scarce 16 Sep-7 Oct (DWO); Isle of May, 3 Aug- 27 Oct, max 45 on 4 Sep (MN). *Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides. Singles trapped Fair Isle 24 June and 4-8 July (RAB, GJB, NR et al.). Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. Breeding status: 48 singing birds located N Ayr-W Renf (HG); Moray, pr nested Elgin (RR); only 1 sum- mer record Lochaber, Inv: Leanachan 26 May (JCu), scarcer in north than recent years. Winter records: 1 Lerwick, Shet 16 Jan (FH); 1 L 2 all Kirk 1 Jan (ADW, AJW); 1 Heathhall, Dumf 14 Feb (DSk, Arrival : 24 Mar, Edgelaw, Midl (LLJV); 25 Mar, Woodhall Loch, Kirk (IHL); 28 Mar, Culzean, Ayr (GR); 30-31 Mar, big influx Bridge of Allan, Stir, and some Dunblane, Perth (GSh); new records through Apr north to Stornoway, O Heb, 24 Apr (IMMcL). Spring migration: Fair Isle, early one 12-16 Mar, some from 25 Apr, max 8 on 4 May, 5 on 5-6 May (RAB); Shet, Sandwick 6 Apr (BM), no more until early May, when 5 Whalsay 6th (JHS), late 3 Skerries 21 June (ISR). Autumn: Fair Isle, more than usual from 24 Aug, mainly from late Sep, peaks 7 on 25 Sep, 11 on 16 Oct, 10 on 21st, 15 on 2 Nov, last 9 Nov, late records mainly northern birds (RAB); Shet, first Skerries 19 Aug (ISR), most Oct, when 6 Sker- ries 21st, 6 Spiggie 21st, last records on 13 Nov when 3 Helendale, 1 Virkie and 2 Boddam (per RJT); Ork, 12 Oct to last one Kirkwall 23 Nov (CJB); Caith, late records Thurso 9 Nov (JMG), 2 on 14-16 Nov (PMC, RHD); Suth, 1 Durness 19 Oct (RHD); Aber, 9 records 5 Oct-17 Nov, last Don estuary (MD); Isle of May, 9 Sep-2 Nov (CPR); Kirk, 1 Carsethorn 24 Nov (JSk, JGY); Dumf, 2 Heathhall 30 Nov (DSk), one Georgetown 2 Dec (TN). Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Breeding status: fewer Gair- loch, W Ross (ENH), Strathspey, Inv (RHD) and Ayr (WRB); more Loch- aber, Inv (JCu); bred Aboyne and Glen Dye, Aber/N Kinc (DJ). Arrival : 5 May, Gairloch, W Ross (ENH) and Fort William, Inv (JCu); 13 May Comrie, Perth (VMT), mostly late in arriving. Migration: Fair Isle 1-2 daily 18-25 May, singles 24-29 Aug, 3-5 Sep, 6 Oct (RAB); Shet, singles Unst 18 May, Fetlar 19 and 21 May, 26 Sep (RSPB), Quendale 20 May (DC, BM), Eshaness 23 May (P. S. Plummer), Maywick 27 May (FH), Tolob 26 Aug (BM), Skerries 20 Sep (SR), Sumburgh 23 Sep (M. Ross); Stir, last Bridge of Allan 6 Sep (GSh). *Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. Three records: Fair Isle trap- ped 4 Sep (RAB, NR), trapped 10 Sep (RAB, G. J. Armstrong); one Lunna, Vidlin, Shet, 17 Sep (BM). pepe a —S Eom oS Di. *Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus. About 50 birds 15 Sep-18 Oct; Shet, Helendale 16 Sep, 19 Sep (DC, BM), 2 Skerries 17 Sep, 270 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) one 26-27 Sep, 2 on 7 Oct (ISR), Hillswick 22 Sep (BM), Fetlar 25-27 Sep (RSPB), Noss 1 Oct (PKK); Fair Isle, 3 on 15 Sep one 17-19th, 4 on 20th, 1-3 on 21-23rd, 7 on 24th, 15 on 25th (highest ever day’s total), 4 on 26-27th, 2 on 29th, one 30 Sep-1 Oct, 3 on 5 Oct, last 6 Oct (RAB); Aber, Newburgh 23 Sep (PDR), 18 Oct (J. Hardey); Fife Ness 6 Oct, 2 on 7th pace Isle of May 17 Sep (D. Hope), 5 on 25 Sep (DWO), one 4 ct | : Goldcrest Regulus regulus. Breeding status: failed to nest Kergord, Shet; bred Binscarth and Hoy, Ork (EB); Midl, numbers very high and nested Haverals where no conifers (RWJS). Rather scarce spring pas- sage: Fair Isle 9 on 24 Mar-4 Apr, 1-6 daily 8 Apr-14 May, singles to 24 May (RAB); Shet, from 25 Mar, max 9 Bigton 9 Apr, 12 Whalsay 5 May, 6 Skerries 6 May (JHS, ISR); 5 Fife Ness 24 Apr (TJH); Isle of May peak 25 on 26 Apr (NJG). Autumn passage: big fall of 800 Isle of May 5 Oct (RGN); Fife Ness peaks 257 on 4 Oct, 50 on 5-6 Oct (EJM); influx Edinburgh 14 Oct (TCS); 10 Ailsa Craig 8 Oct (SW); 40+ Mull of Galloway, Wig 7 Oct (RCD); scarcer in north, Fair Isle 4 Sep-30 Oct, peaks 32 on 16 Sep, 60 on 25 Sep, 50 on 5 Oct (RAB); Shet, from 26 Aug, max 30 Skerries, 12 Fetlar and 12 Lunna 20 Sep (ISR, RSPB, BM); Aber, peaks 10 Rattray 25 Sep (AGK), 15+ on 20 Oct (CC), 12+ Balmedie 5 Oct (AGK). *Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus. Four records: Caith, one Thurso from 7 Dec 1972 to 6 Mar (SL, PMC et al.); Suth, 2+ Loth 14 Dec, 1972-18 Feb (DMcD, W. C. Wright) (8 : 81); Fife, one Kilrenny 24 Apr (TJH) (8: 81). Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata. Breeding status: Ork, few nested (EB); decrease Caith (PMC): good season Arran (MHD); late nest- ing in Galloway, starting date of nest building 18 June at Dalry, Kirk, is latest for 18 years (ADW). Arrival: 25 Apr, Penpont, Dumf (ARH); 3 May, Corstorphine, Midl (EH); 5 May, Tyninghame, E Loth (RHH), gen- erally late in 2nd and 3rd week May; first in north, 16 May, Coulmore, E Ross (EBf). Spring migration: Isle of May 5-30 May, max 20 on 23 May (NJG); Aber/N Kinc coast from 8 May, peak 7 Findon 22 May (AJW); Suth, 3 Handa 19 May (AG); Fair Isle, singles 5 and 8 May, passage from 17 May to 4 June, up to 25 several days and 50 on 19th (RAB); Shet, from 17 May to 6 June, peak on 19 May when 10 Mainland and 15 Skerries, also 9 Skerries on 3 June (ISR). Autumn: Fair Isle, singles 17 Aug, 5 Sep. passage 16 Sep-8 Oct, max 15 on 19th, 10 on 22nd (RAB); Shet, 16-30 Sep, max 18-22nd when 10 Mainland, 5 Unst, 5 Skerries; O Heb, 3 Druidi- beg Sep (CB); Inv, 3 Rothiemurchus 5 Sep (RHD); Aber, 3 Rattray Head 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 271 25 Sep (AGK), 1 Meikle Loch 6 Oct (MHe); Angus, 6 Glen Doll 3 Sep (GMC); Kinross, last Vane Farm 28 Sep (GC); Fife Ness, singles 5-7 Oct (EJM); Isle of May, 31 Aug-5 Oct, max 6 on 4 Sep (MN); E Loth, last N Berwick 7 Oct (KSMcG). Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. Breeding status: usual SW but scarce elsewhere; Ayr, usual numbers Dalmellington (DWMcG); Borders none; Midl, pair Roslin but no evidence of breeding (LLJV); E Loth, pr nested successfully Humbie (LLJV); Perth, 2 prs Ardeonaig (PWS) and several other pairs in SW (HR). No breeding reports in Highlands, and summering records scarce, only 1 Strathspey, Inv, 20 May (A. Nor- ris); 1 Aberlour, Banff 24 June (JE); Ross 3 dd Dundonell June (ENH); Suth, 2 Bettyhill 6 June (DSW), ¢ Strath Halladale 3 July (PRJ). Arriv- al : 4 May, pr Glenlee, Kirk (ADW). Spring migration : Fair Isle 4 May-1 June, max 12 on 22 May (RAB); Shet, 4 May-22 June, mainly 4-10th and 15-18 May, max 9 Skerries 5 May (ISR et al.); Aber/N Kinc 4-21 May (AGK); Fife Ness, 4 May, 3 on 5th (JARG); Isle of May, 4-24 May, max 5 on 6th (NJG). Autumn: Fair Isle, 10 Aug, 2 on 17th, passage 24 Aug-10 Oct, mainly 5-27 Sep, peaks, 15 on 7th, 20 on 16th, late one 21 Oct (RAB); Shet, 16 Aug-9 Oct, peak 21-22 Sep when 14 Mainland, 9 Fetlar, 5 Unst (RSPB, GB ez al.); Aber, peak 3 Rattray 10 Sep (CC); Fife Ness, 1-3 on 5 days 15 Sep-7 Oct (JARG, EJM); Isle of May, 12 Aug-4 Oct, 50 on 16 Aug (ADW). *Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva. 22 in autumn and 2 in spring is best in the last six years. Spring: Aberdeen, 2 19 May (BJS), ¢ 27 May (K. Douglas). Autumn passage 28 Aug-3 Nov: Fair Isle 16-17 Sep, 24-27 Sep, 9-11 Oct (RAB); Shet, 2 Foula 28 Aug (BEG), Helendale 19 Sep (DC), Gloup, Yell, 19 Sep (A. R. Bomford), Weisdale 19 and 21 Sep (ISS), Noss 22 Sep (PKK), Skerries 25 Sep (ISR), Kergord 21 Oct (ISS); Aber/N Kinc, Balmedie 5 Oct (AGK), Cruden Bay 6 Oct (AGK, GPK), Girdle Ness 3 Nov (MN); Fife Ness, 2 on 16 Sep (DWO), 4 Oct, another 7 Oct (DLC, DCS); Isle of May, 14-15 Sep (D. Hope), 5-6 Oct (RGN), 11 Oct (HG); O Heb, Barra 28 Sep (P. Holt). Dunnock Prunella modularis. Migration: Fair Isle, one 10-18 Aor, passage 21 Apr-15 May, peaks 40 on 22nd, 20 on 25 Apr, 15 on 5-6 May, few to 4 June; autumn 16 Sep-21 Oct, max 8 on 25-27 Sep and 3 Oct (RAB); Shet, 1 Whalsay 10 Jan-5 Feb is unusual (JHS), passage from 22 Apr, low Nos. mainly 2-25 May, scarce autumn 17 Sep-15 Oct, max 3 Skerries 17th (ISR); Suth, 4 Handa 10-24 Sep (AG); Isle of May, max 20 on 7-8 Oct (HG). *Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae. Fair Isle, singles many days 21 Sep-5 Nov involving several birds, one known to have stayed at least cay (RAB); Shet, Skerries 20-22 Sep, 26 Sep and 2 on 8 Oct (SR et al.). *Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris. One Skerries, Shet, 22 Sep (ISR, SR). Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. 2 prs bred Isle of May (NJG); Suth, c75 prs bred Handa with moderate success (AG); good nesting season Clyde. Migration : Fair Isle, small numbers from 16 Mar, max 30 on 28 Mar; influxes 10 and 23 Sep, stragglers to 23 Nov (RAB); Shet, influx 17-18 Apr, fall on 5-7 May when 120 Skerries, 100 Whalsay (ISR, JHS), 100 Skerries 16-20 Sep, 60 Noss 18 Sep (ISR, PKK); Suth, passage Handa late Aug-Sep max 200 (AG); Isle of May peaks 100 on 13-14 Apr, hs Hap and 8-15 Oct (NJG); Wig, 200S in 34 hrs Mull of Galloway 15 Sep Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. Arrival: 17 Apr, Vane Farm, Kinross (GC); 21 Apr Fife Ness (DWO); 22 Apr, Balgray reservoir, Renf (GITW); 25 Apr, Dalry, Kirk (LAU), Ardrishaig, Arg (GY); 26 Apr, 2 Insh, Inv (RL); main arrivals from 27 Apr throughout country. 272 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Migration : Fair Isle, one 23 Apr, 3-26 May, peaks 50 on 4th, 250 on 6th, stragglers to 11 June, autumn from 27 Aug, mainly from 13 Sep, max 10 on 20-24th, last 17 Oct (RAB); Shet, 4 May-4 June, peak 5 May when 25 Skerries, 20 Whalsay and 7 Fetlar, 17 Sumburgh 6 May, autumn from 21 Aug, mainly 17-23 Sep, max 15 Skerries on 22 Sep, last 2 on 8 Oct (ISR et al.); Suth, 1 Handa 29 May is first record for island (AG); Aber, peak 4 Cruden Bay 5 May (AGK); Angus peak 4 W Haven 12 Sep (TMC); Fife Ness 15 on 15-16 Sep (DWO); Isle of May marked passage 4-11 May, max 80 on 6th (DWO). *Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni. One Fair Isle 24 Sep (G. Jobling) is 3rd record for Scotland and Fair Isle. *Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. Fair Isle, 3 records : 28 May, an- other 30 May, one or other present to 2 June (P. Agland, GJB, RAB et al.); one 16-18 Sep (GJB et al.). Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta. Shet, one showing summer plumage of Scandinavian race littoralis, Skerries 15-30 Apr (ISR),counts: 24 prs Noss (PKK), 50 prs Skerries (ISR); Fair Isle, nest building early date Apr, influx 26-31 Oct (RAB); leucistic bird still present Isle of May (NJG); 1 Crosswood, Midl, 14 Mar (GLS). Water Pipit A.s. spinoletta. Ayr, Doonfoot 24 Feb-31 Mar (WRB, RHH, IHL); E Loth, Aberlady 5-14 Apr (GJ, KSMcG), West Barns, Dunbar, 16 Dec (I[AGB); Midl, Harlaw Reservoir Dec 72-20 Jan (LLJV), Cobbinshaw 5 Mar, Threipmuir 5 Dec (GLS). Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Pied Wagtail M.a. yarrelli. Shet, prs nested Lerwick and Kergord; Ork, continued increase (EB); Suth, 2 prs nested Handa (AG); very successful Torridon, W Ross (JAW). White Wagtail M.a. alba. Shet, prs nested Clickhimin, Girlsta and Weisdale; Fair Isle, pr nest building and probably bred (RAB). Pied Wagtail migration: Fair Isle, sparse passage 21 Mar-29 June, max May when 1-2 on 4-14 May, autumn 1-2 daily 26 Sep-8 Oct, 12 and 30 Oct (RAB); Shet, 2 Scalloway 23 Mar (JSp), Lerwick 7 Oct; counts— Ross, Dingwall roost peak late July-early Sep, 763 caught and ringed (ARM); 80+ Bridge of Dun, Angus, 17 Aug (GMC); Perth, 300 Errol roost 24 Sep (RLMcM); 3-400 roost in turnips Milnathort, Kinross, 25 Sep (TJH). White Wagtail migration : Fair Isle, 22 Apr-31 May, max 10 on 4-6 May, 19 Aug-28 Sep, up to 20 mid Sep, stragglers to 5 Nov (RAB); Shet, first Whalsay 6 Apr (JHS); Suth, Handa 14 Apr-10 May, 18-30 Aug (AG); Inv, 14 Longman 8 May, 28 on 9 May (JMC); Midl, peak 4 Musselburgh 2 May (LLJV); E Loth/Ber, 3 Aberlady 23 Mar (GJ), 14 Barns Ness and St Abbs 6 May (LLJV); Ayr, Doonfoot 2 Apr-15 May, max 15+ on 30th (WRB); Dunb, 35 Endrick mouth 13 May (HG), 22 Dumbarton 6 May (DNB). Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Breeding status : good breeding season Arran (MHD); numbers high Ayr (WRB); Suth, c20 prs Tongue/Bettyhill where only few pairs 3-4 years ago (DSW). Migration : Fair Isle 25 Apr- 1 May, 21 Sep, 16 Oct (RAB); Shet, Unst 25 Mar (LC, MS), Fetlar 30 May, 22 Sep (RSPB), 6 Oct (RT); Ork, Hoy 7 July (CJB); Suth, Handa 14 July- 27 Sep (AG); W Ross, 1 Torridon 14 Oct is first for 8 years (JAW); Isle of May, peak on 19 Sep, 5 on 20 Sep (ADW); Wig, passage 15 Mull of Galloway 15 Sep (RHH). *Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola. One immature Skerries, Shet, 20-23 Sep (ISR, SR, RJT). Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. Yellow M.f. flavissima. Breeding rec- ords : apparently only one pair bred : Dumf, bred Canonbie (ELOC); Lan, none Hamilton (HSCH) or N Ayr (HG). Migration: Fair Isle, ¢ 27 Mar is early, 1-4 on 2-6 May, 1-2 on several days to 22 May (RAB); Shet, Ler- wick 30 Apr (L. Dalziel), 1-2 Quendale 19-21 May (BM ez al.); Banff, 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 273 Buckpool 28 July (JMB); Moray, M. flava subsp. Spey Bay 19 May (RHD); Aber, Rattray 18 Aug (PDR, CC), Balmedie 5 Oct (AGK); Angus, 3 Elliot 6 May (MN); Kinross, Levenmouth 13 May; Isle of May, 2 on 7 May (DWO), M. flava subsp. 19-20 May (JHBM), M. flava subsp. 4-5 Sep (MN); 1 Islay 5 May (KV); about 10 records Clyde-Forth and Arg- SW Scotland: 30 Apr (Duddingston) to 28 Sep (Stranraer). M. flava subsp. : 7 records Fair Isle and 5 Shet, spring and autumn. Blue-headed Wagtail M.f. flava. Scarce: Fair Isle, singles several dates 4-31 May (RAB); Shet, Skerries 8-11 May, 23-26 Sep (ISR), Hillwell 24 May, 1-2 Sumburgh 14-20 May (DC, BM); Suth, d Balnakeil Bay 19 May (AG). Grey-headed Wagtail M.f. thunbergi. Fair Isle, 1-3 on 17-24 May, 1-2 on 29 May-3 June (RAB); Shet, 2 Quendale 20 May (DC); Inv, ¢ L Ashie 18 May (RHD). *Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus. Another year of low numbers, scarce in winter, max 43, present to 6 May; one summer record, Corriemuizie, Ross 29 June (per DMcD); very small numbers autumn from 19 Oct, max 9. Winter-spring max counts and lates dates: only records in south: 2 Gate of Fleet, Kirk, Feb (ADW), 1 Bonnyrigg, Mid!, 13 Mar (N. Basden), and Cupar, Fife, 14 Feb (DWO); Aber, about 265 records 8 Jan-30 Mar, max 43 on 15 Mar (ADKk); Inv, 6 Fort William Jan (JCu); 1-8 Inverness to 19 Feb (JMC), 7 Aviemore 5 Feb, 12 on 17 Apr, 30 Loch an Eilein 25 Apr (RSPB), Tulloch spring flock 11 Apr-6 May, max 32 on 22 Apr, 25 on 6 May (RSPB); Moray, 15 Kinloss Jan-Feb (RAFKOS); Banff, 7 Cullen 1 Jan, 2 Macduff 23 Mar (AFWS); Suth, 8 Dornoch 6 Jan-25 Feb (DMcD). Autumn passage: Fair Isle, 8 on 31 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov (RAB); Shet, Whalsay 3 Nov, 25 Dec (JHS), Scalloway 10 Nov, Unst 23 Dec and Ler- wick Dec; Ork, Kirkwall 13 Nov (CJB), Holms 19 Nov (MT-C); Caith, Thurso 6 Nov, 2 on 9 and 21 Nov (JMG, JMW, AFCMC); Banff, 15 Port- soy 1 Dec (JE); Aber/N Kinc, Aberdeen 15 Nov (PSh), 2 Banchory 29 Nov, 1 on 9 Dec (MM, NP), 2 Don estuary 7 Dec, 1 Peterhead 21 Nov (HMR); Angus, 2 West Haven 20 Oct (TMC), 9 Dundee 26 Nov (MFF); Perth, 2+ Pitlochry 19 Oct; Clack, Dollar 26 Nov (DMB); E Loth, Long- niddry 19 Dec (TCS); Arg, 6 Islay 23-31 Nov (CGB); Dunb, 1 Bearsden 7 Dec (BCF); Kirk, Dalry 1 Dec, 3 on 4th, 3 on 5th (LAU); Dumfries 19 Dec (G. Stobs). *Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. Rather low numbers, about 14 records Jan-26 May, and 28 from 18 Sep. Winter-spring : Dumf, Esk- dalemuir Apr (ELOC); Kirk, Laurieston 9 Feb (J. Corson), Fleet Forest 274 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Feb (R. Steele); Dumb, Endrick 26-27 Feb (JM, CP, RKP); Selk, Loch of the Lowes 13 Jan (AWGJ); Perth, Kingoodie 3 Mar (EJM, DWO, RLMcM); Aber, Forest of Birse 7 Jan (ACBH), Skene 11 Feb (ADKR), Aberdeen 1 May (A. Lack); Inv, Flichity 15-25 Apr (RSPB); Fair Isle 22 Apr and = Mey ee Shet, West Burrafirth 6 May (NLS), Stromfirth 26 May . Moar). Autumn: Fair Isle, 1-2 daily 18 Sep-8 Oct, at least 4 individuals, singles 12-15 Oct and 2 Nov (RAB); Shet, Skerries 11 Oct (ISR); Inv, Stratherrick 12 Nov (A. J. Bennett), Insh 17-27 Nov (RL); Aber, Glen Tanar 9 Nov (J. Oswald); Angus, Boddin 5 Oct (GMC); Perth 23 Nov (BCF, RWF); Fife Ness 4 Oct (EJM), Leuchars 7 Oct (AJB); Isle of May, 3 on 4 Oct, 1-2 to 10th (RGN); E Loth, North Berwick 4-7 Oct (DEA, KSMcG); Peebles 22 Nov (CMM); Arg, Strontian 27 Oct (JR); Arran 30 Dec (MHD); Kirk/Wig, Drummore 7 Oct (RCD), Auchencairn 4 Nov, Loch Stroan 11 Nov (LAU, ADW), Mossdale 17 Nov (J. Wood); Dumf, Moffat 27 Oct (A. Walker), Forest of Ae 23 Oct (ARH), St Anns Dec (E. Patterson). *Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. One Montrose Basin, Angus, 3-19 July (GMC Mrs V. A. Black et al.). a Shrike Lanius senator. One Virkie, Shet, 20 May (DC, FH, RE-H). . *Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio. Spring: Fair Isle, 3-4 most days 18-30 May, max 20th (5), 23rd (6), 24th (8) and 25th (6), 2 on 5-7 June, one 11th and 18-20 June (RAB); Banff, 2 Buckie 26 May (DBMcG); Inv, 2 Morlich 31 May (R. E. Youngman); Aber, 2 19-21 May (A. Lack et al.), 2 Cruden Bay and ° Pittenheath 20 May (WM); Kinc, g¢ Stonehaven 20 May (AJW); Shet, 3 Sumburgh 21 May, 2 Whalsay 19 May, 2 Skerries 22 May, 11 singles 19 May-10 June elsewhere in islands; Perth, dg Glen Quaich 11 June (HR, GS, AM); Fife, gd Kingsbarns 12 May (D. McLean); Isle of May, one 20-22 May (DRG, JHBM). Autumn: Fair Isle, 1-2 daily 14-29 Sep (RAB); Shet, singles Skerries 18 Sep (ISR), 8 Oct (ISR, RJT), Virkie 22-23 Sep (DC, M. Ross); Isle of May, 2 on 4 Oct, one 5th, 2 on 6-8th, one 9th (RGN, JGY). Starling Sturnus vulgaris. One pr nested Handa cliffs, Suth—first rec- orded this century (AG); migration and counts: Fair Isle, 800 on 1 Nov, 500 on 5th (RAB); Moray, 10,000 Spynie roost 10 Nov (RHD); Angus, RCN Tay rail bridge roost Oct (EJM); Isle of May, peak 164 on 5 Oct *Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus. Shet, ad Bigton 20-24 May (DC, RE-H, L. Dalziel); Midl, ad Penicuik 29 June (N. A. Ruckley). *Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus. One trapped and ringed Skerries, Shet 7-8 Oct (ISR, SR, et al.) is the first record for the main British list of this of this North American migrant. A previous record (Lancashire 1969) of a wing on the tideline was included in category D. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes. Pair reared 3 young Bridge of Allan, Stir (GSh); Perth, one Invergowrie 7 Feb, pr 31 Mar, d 31 May (EJM, ECP et al.) g¢ Dupplin 13 May (VMT), singles Perth 30 July and 11 Dec (RLMcM); Ber, 3 Hirsel 24 Oct (AB, RHH); Aberdeen, ¢ 14 June (AGK, GPK). Greenfinch Carduelis chloris. Counts: Perth, 300+ Port Allen 21 Jan (RLMcM) Midl, 200 Blackford Jan (DRL), 350 17 Nov (CJH), 200 Seafield 11 Dec (AWGJ); Renf, 200 Erskine 9 Dec (IPG). Migrants : Fair Isle 2 on 25 May, 2 on 4-10 Nov, one 27 Nov—scarce (RAB); Shet, Weisdale 21 Jan, 22 May (ISS), Fetlar 27 Jan (ISR), Unst 11 Feb, Lerwick 2 May, 2 on 12 June (DC), 2 Skerries 2 Nov (PKK). 1974 275 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis. Peak counts: 20 Whiting Bay, Arran, 30 Sep (MHD); Selkirk, 12 on 5 Mar (AJS); E Loth, 25 North Berwick 29 Aug (DEA), 30 Aberlady 28 Dec (JHB); Midl, 20 Hadfast 17 Aug (JHB), 50 Gladhouse 1 Nov (GLS); 20 Vane Farm, Kinross 14 Sep (JES); Perth, 25 Seaside 11 Jan (RLMcM); Angus, 35 Elliot 20 Oct (NKA, MN); smaller numbers north to Caith where 10 Reay 26 Dec (JMG, G. McLaren); 4 Islay 22 Nov (CGB). Migrants : singles Virkie, Shet, 14 Oct (W. Horne) and Isle of May 19 May (JHBM). Siskin Carduelis spinus. Breeding status: 1+ pr bred Culzean, Ayr (GR); bred Muirshiel, Renf (HG); pr bred Brechin, Angus (GMC); Inv, more Lochaber (JCu); fewer Caith (PMC). Counts: 100+ Lochmaben, Dumf, 26 Dec (RTS); Dunb, 100 Endrick mouth 6 Oct (TW); 60 Selkirk 3 Mar (AJS); Perth, 300 Dunkeld 11 Mar (RLMcM); Moray, 70 Fochabers 19 Aug (JMB). Peanut feeding reported widespread, Kirk to E Ross. Migration : scarce Fair Isle, 5-8 May, max 6 on 5th, 5 Oct-2 Nov, max 4 on 5 Oct (RAB); Shet, very few, 5-31 May, max 3 Skerries, autumn only 6 records in Oct/Nov, max 4 Whalsay 12 Oct (JHS, ISR); Kinc, 20 Girdle Ness 5 Oct (RLS); Isle of May, 5 on 4 Oct, 7 on 5th (RGN). Linnet Acanthis cannabina. 2 prs bred Isle of May, first since 1960 (NJG). Counts: 600 Portpatrick, Wig, 7 Mar (GS); Renf, 800+ Paisley 5 Oct (IPG); E Loth, big roost Longniddry May-Oct, 500 ringed (JHB, DRL, AWGJ); Inv, 1400 Essich 25 Jan, 1200 on 9 Feb (JMC); Suth, 200+ Dornoch 16 Sep (DMcD); Midl, 300 Blackford Jan (DRL). Migration: Fair Isle, good numbers from 2 May, peaks 13 on 5-6th, 17 on 7th, stragglers into June, record total of 19 ringed (RAB); Shet, from 22 Apr, more in May, max 4 Skerries 7 May, 3 Sumburgh 7 and 24 May (DC, BM), last 2 Strand 1 July (NLS); Isle of May peak 40 on 13 Apr (RDM); Renf, 200+S per hr Langbank 21 Jan (IPG). Twite Acanthis flavirostris. Suth, 7 prs nested Handa with average success (AG); continued improvement in breeding population Fair Isle (RAB). Counts: Wig, 120 Stoney Kirk 17 Feb and 17 Mar (RCD), 62 Wigtown Merse 11 Nov; Ayr, winter flock reduced at 60+ Turnberry Bay 1 Dec (WRB, RHH); E Loth, max 19 on 28 Dec; Stir, 100 Skinflats 28 Jan (RHH); Inv, 100+ Lentran 9 Dec (MIH), 66 Whiteness 1 Feb (RHD), 100 Insh 18-24 Sep (RL); Ross, 30 Dingwall 17 Nov (ARM); Caith, 50 Murkle 25 Feb (PMC); Fair Isle, 100 in early May, 60 Aug, 200 Sep, 150 Oct, 130 early Nov down to 20 by 8th (RAB). Migrants : Isle of May, 1 end of Apr, 35 on 22-29 Dec (NKA); 40S Mull of Galloway 15 Sep (IHL). SS SSS 276 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Redpoll Acanthis flammea. Good breeding numbers Kirk (ADW); fewer Lochaber (JCu). Counts : 220+ Craigmill Den, Angus 27 Oct (TMC); 150 Insh, Inv Oct (RL); Ross, 100+ Gairloch 15 Sep (ENH). Migration : mainly Mealy Redpolls A.f. flammea. Fair Isle 15 Feb-3 July, mainly May when peak 12 on 7th, 8 on 11th; only 1 autumn record, 27 Nov; 1 Lesser A.f. cabaret 5-7 May (RAB); Shet, 31 Lerwick 31 Jan (L. Dalziel), 10 Unst 20 Feb, peaks in May, max 20 Unst 22-24th, none autumn (RJT et al.); Suth, 26 Mealies Handa 19 Apr, 6 on 22nd, 4 on 25th (AG); Inv, 2 Kiltarlity 20 Jan (MIH); 30 Mealies Aberlady, E Loth 2 Sep (HG, BZ). Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Migrants of northern origin P.p. pyrr- hula Shet, 9 Fetlar 26 Mar (ISR), d Scalloway 18 Nov-3l Dec (RJ). *Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. Record spring passage in Shet, a total of 10 birds and good numbers in autumn, at least 23 in- dividuals. Spring : Shet, imm d Tolob 20 May (DC), ad d Virkie 20-21 May (DC, JI, FH), imm d Virkie 22 May, ad d Durigarth 23 May (DC, RE-H, L. Brown), 2 Sumburgh 19 May (BM, RE-H); ¢ Scalloway 23-24 May (C. D. Ingram, A. Cook), 9 Foula 22 May, @ Skerries 18 June (SR), Fair Isle 2 22 May-1 June, another 22-25 June (RAB). Autumn : Fair Isle, 23-26 Aug, 27th (2), 28th (8), 2 to 31st, 3 on 1-5 Sep, one to 9th, 5 on 10th, 11-15th (6), 16-17th (2), 18-22nd (3), one 23rd Sep, at least 11 individuals, 4 ringed (RAB); Shet 3 Skerries 25 Aug, one 28th, 2 on 1-5 Sep, one 9-10 Sep (ISR, SR), Whalsay 26 Aug, 12 Sep (JHS), Tolob 27 Aug (BM), 12 Sep, 3 on 14 Sep (DC), Foula 30-31 Aug (BEG), about 12 individuals. Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Breeding numbers of Scottish Crossbills L.c. scotica in Abernethy/Rothiemurchus, Inv, high and good numbers of young (RHD), fewer Lochaber (JCu); Aber, good Nos. Deeside but few young; E Ross, more records Black Isle; Perth, an increase in records, possibly a reflection of 1972 L.c. curvirostra invasion, 80 Dunkeld 11 Mar, 50+ on 31 Mar ((RLMcM, DBM); peaks in SE, 8-10 Glencorse, Midl, 11 Mar (Mrs M. Watson); 24 Tyninghame, E Loth, 11 May and 25 Whitekirk 10 Feb; 12 Peebles 18 May and 30 Cheesewell 19 May (AOC); Angus, 14 Glen Doll 10 May; usual scatter of records Galloway and Dumf, max 20+ Bennan Forest 4 July (ADW, AJW), first immature 7 Feb (ARH); Ork, ¢ in song Hoy 1 June (E. A. Lea). Singles Fair Isle 22 June and 25 Sep are only reported migrants (RAB). *Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera. A male Dores, Inv, 4 Apr (Miss A. M. Paterson). Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. Pr bred Kergord, Shet is first proven for several years. Count : 500+ Lunderston Bay, Renf, 22 Jan (IPG). Migra- tion : Fair Isle, few from 5 Feb, small passage 20 Apr-13 May, max 9 on 6th, scarce autumn passage 16 Sep-12 Oct, max 10 on 27 Sep, 15 on 29 Sep and 6 Oct (RAB); Shet, very few in spring, small passage 18 Sep- 15 Oct, max 20 Whalsay 29 Sep (JHS), 25 Mainland 15 Oct; Isle of May first 26 Sep, max 50 on 5 Oct (RGN). Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. Winter counts: Ayr, 120 Castlehill 2-3 Feb (AGS, RTW), 50 Dunure 14 Feb (JKRM); Peeb, 250 Portmore 4 Jan (JHB); Perth, 20 Longforgan 28 Mar (EJM); generally scarce in north: 16 Eathie, E Ross, 6 Apr (MKMcD-D); late records Aber/N Kinc, Rattray 19 May (CC), Cove 7 May (JRP). Spring migration : Isle of May, max 16 on 25 Apr (NJG), last 16 May (JHBM); Fair Isle 20 Apr-30 May, mostly 1-10 May when 20 on Ist, 50 on 5th (RAB); Shet, early May passage, peaks 20 Skerries 5 May (ISR), 20 Unst 4 May (GB, MS), 12 Fetlar 7 May, d singing Kergord 23 July (I. Anderson). Autumn migration, from 19 Sep: Fair Isle, peaks 7-8 Oct (150), 20th (57), 1 Nov (50) (RAB); Shet, from 19 Sep, mainly 5-6 Oct when 50 Unst, 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 277 45 Skerries, 14 Whalsay, another peak 1 Nov when 13 Skerries (ISR et al.); Banff, 50 Cullen 2 Dec (JE); Aber/N Kinc, 15-20 Rattray 6 Oct (MD), 30 Banchory 29 Nov (MM); Perth, 50 Aberargie 26 Oct (DWO), 400 Glen Lyon 18 Nov (DRW); Isle of May passage from 30 Sep, max 100 on 5 Oct; Midl, 40 Cobbinshaw 30 Oct (GLS); Peeb, 300 Eddleston 31 Dec (RHH); Renf, 40 Barr Loch 22 Nov (HG); Dumf, 450+ Beattock 10 Nov (NEA, RTS), 200+ Lockerbie 19 Nov (RTS). Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra. Decrease reported Caith (PMC), Prestwick, Ayr B); 40 prs Balranald, O Heb (PC). Counts: 86 Fearn, E Ross 4 Nov (RHD); Shet, 14 Strand 17 Jan, 14 Asta 22 Dec and 11 South Nesting 23 Mar; one migrant Fair Isle 15 Feb (GJB). Albinos re- ported Rattray, Aber, 1-6 Sep (CC) and Careston, Angus, July (GMC). Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Very scarce on migration: Fair Isle, singles 16-17 May, 22 June, 1-8 Nov, 23-25 Dec (RAB); Whalsay, Shet, 14 May (JHS) and 2 Hillswick 2 Oct (L. Blohm); 1 Handa, Suth, 17 June (AG); O Heb, 1 Hougharry 19 May(PC). +*Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala. ¢ Fetlar, Shet, 21-30 Sep (RSPB); Fair Isle, 9 /imm 20-26 Aug (RAB et al.), also males regarded as escaped cage birds 17-23 May and 7 June (RAB). jRed-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. 11-12 records: Fair Isie, 3 5-15 May, 2 22-23 May, dd 17-20 June, 27 June-1 July, 20 Aug (RAB); Shet, Skerries dd 29 May-4 June, 18 June (ISR), Foula ¢ 1-30 July ee 3d Stenness 22 July-9 Aug (DC); Isle of May, do 3-8 June, 16 June GCh, HG); Arran, d Whiting Bay 28 May (MHD). *Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola. 3 records: Fair Isle 13-14 Sep (RAB, R. Filby, M. Lawley et al.), another 17-22 Sep (RAB, NR, D. J. Holman et al.) Shet, Skerries 9-11 Sep (ISR, SR). *Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana. A slightly better year; Fair Isle 3 on 5 May, 5 on 7th, 2 on 8th, one 9 May, 1-2 on 7-12 Sep, one 19-21 Sep and one 25 Sep are first autumn records since 1970 (RAB); Shet, Skerries 4th, 8th, 13th (2), 16th, 21st May, 20-22 Sep (6 individuals) (ISR), Whalsay 14 May (JHS), Sumburgh 26 May, 28 May (BM, JSp); Ork, d Copinsay 8 May (DL et al.); Caith, 1 Crosskirk 11 Oct (PMC); Isle of May, one 5-7 May (DWO). *Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. Only one record, ¢ Fair Isle 14-29 Sep (RAB). *Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. 7 records: Fair Isle 24 Sep, 2 on 25-26th, one to 30 Sep (RAB, GJB, NR), one 15 Oct (GJB); Shet, Skerries 8 May (DC, ISR, RJT), 22 Sep (ISR), d song Kergord 13-14 May (BM, DC), Sumburgh 26 May (JSp). 278 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 8(4) Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. Migration: Fair Isle, singles 14 and 26 Mar, 2 and 26 Apr, passage 3-28 May, peaks 30 on 5-6th, 40 on 7th, 12 on 20-22nd, autumn 16 Sep-16 Oct, 1-4 daily but 7 on 7-8 Oct, scattered records to 8 Dec (RAB); Shet, max 11 Skerries 6 May (ISR). Counts : Aber, 35+ Rattray 23 Oct (CC, AGK); 60 caught at roost Ding- wall, E Ross, Oct-Dec (ARM). ei Bunting Passerina amoena. dd Fair Isle 4-8 May and 7 June *White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis. One Skerries, Shet, 5- 15 May (ISR, SR, DC, RJT). *Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus. Winter-spring: Fife, ¢ Ard- ross, Elie, 24 Apr (G. B. Corbet); Angus, 1 found dead Arbroath cliffs 6 Feb (MFF); O Heb, 1 L Druidibeg Apr (CB); Fair Isle, singles 5-6th, 12th and 17 May (RAB); Shet, ¢ d 7th and 31 May (ISR). Large autumn immigration: Fair Isle, one 2 Sep, daily 10 Sep-18 Oct, peaks 3 on 10 Sep, 8 on 14th, 80 on 16th, Nos. high to 21st, 15 daily to 30th, 10 daily to 11 Oct, late singles 2nd and 6-7 Nov (RAB); Shet, 2 Noss 18 Sep, 3 on 21st, 2 on 22nd, one 24th (PKK), 1 Skerries 14 Sep, 4 on 16th, 23 on 17th, 30 on 18th, 20 on 20th, 15 on 21st, 7 on 22nd (ISR); Aber, singles Rattray 10 Oct (RBH), 13 Oct (CC, MD), Newburgh 18 Nov (RBH); Fife Ness 1 Oct (EJM); Isle of May 6 Sep (MN), 13-15 Sep (JHR. DH), 17 Sep (DH), 14-15 Oct (MFC); E Loth, Aberlady 26 Oct, 3 on 10 Nov (AB, RHH). Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis. Breeding status: good season, 4-6 prs in Cairngorms with up to 20 young seen; 3 dd 22° seen Ben Nevis area where 4 young seen 7 July (JCu) and 4 young nearby on 20 Aug (RGN); 3 on mountain N Suth 4 June (D&JTh); ¢ in song Perth mountain June (RWS). Counts : Shet, 430 Unst 7 Jan (MS); Caith, 100 Murkle 23 Feb (AFCMC); Ross, 40 Longa 11 Jan (ENH); Banff, 150 Portgordon 24 Feb (JMB); Aber, 115 Bridge of Don 18 Feb (PSh); Midl, 45 Musselburgh, 18 Feb; E Loth, scarce, max Prestongrange 34 on 24 Jan; Kirk, 12 Corserine 25 Feb (H. A. Lang). Spring passage : Fair Isle, 124 on 2 Feb, 150-200 in Mar, less than 50 to end Apr, last 26 May, 1 June; Shet, last Skerries 16 June; O Heb, last Balranald 6 May (PC), 16 St Kilda 30 Apr (R. Brant); Aber, last Rattray 27 May (CC); Perth, ¢ Ben More 25 Apr (R. E. Thomas). Autumn passage and counts: Fair Isle 4 on 9 Sep, 100 on 23rd, 150 on 25th, 250 on 2 Oct, 200 on 20th, 400 on 21 Oct, 800-1000 on 5-8 Nov (RAB); Shet, from 9 Sep Unst (GB), peaks 150 Whalsay 21 Oct, 150 Scatness 18 Oct, 3-400 Gulberwick 30 Nov, 500 Dunrossness 10 Nov; Caith, from 29 Sep, max 250 Harpsdale Dec (SL); Suth, 400 L Fleet 16 Nov (RHD, DMcD); Ross, 200 Inver 16 Nov (RHD); Moray, first 10 Spey Bay 30 Sep (JMB); O Heb, from 30 Sep; Aber, first Strathbeg 22 Sep (MM), 40 on 23 Oct (AGK); Clack, 325 SW Ochils 31 Dec (CJH); Midl, 40 Musselburgh 10 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, 48 Prestongrange 23 Dec (KTS). House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Isle of May 6 May (DWO), 24-26 Sep (ADW), 5 on 23 Oct (IFS). Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. Breeding records: Eday, Ork, colony continues (EB); nested Europie, Lewis, O Heb; counts: 40 Doonfoot, Ayr, 28 Dec (WRB); 150 Tyninghame, E Loth, Feb-Mar (GLS); Midl, 200 Black- ford Jan (DRL); Moray, 50 Alves 3 Mar (RHD); Inv, 20 Lentran 21 Apr (RHD); Caith, 2 Watten 25 Feb (SL). Migration, scarce: Fair Isle 1-4 many days 10 Apr-1l1 June, 7 on 5 and 19 May, few present throughout summer to 3 Nov, max 6 on 31 1974 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1973 279 Oct (RAB); Shet, Skerries 5-18 May, max 7 on 10-13th (ISR), 1 Noss 6-12 May (PKK), 5 Unst, 18 May is peak (GB); Isle of May, 47 on 3 June (HG), 12 on 23 Oct (IFS); Suth, 4 Handa 19 May (AG); Aber, Rattray 1 on 27 oe on 13 Oct (CC), 15 on 14 Oct (MHe); Kinc, 12 Girdle Ness 20 Oct Additions and corrections to earlier reports White-billed Diver The rarities committee and several experts have now re-examined all records of White-billed Divers and the following (previously published in Scottish Birds) have been accepted (British Birds 67: 257-96) : 1964 one Fetlar, Shet, 6 June (Mr & Mrs L. Roberts). 1965 one found dead Earlsferry, Fife, 1 Jan (G. Waterston ez al.). 1969 ad found dead Aberdeen 24 Mar (Dr Rae, J. J. D. Greenwood). 1969 ad summer plumage Whalsay, Shet, 4-7 May (W. Arthur, JHS). 1970 imm found dead Gullane, E Loth, 16 Jan (R. K. McGregor). 1970 ad found dead Findhorn, Moray, 1 Feb (B. Etheridge). 1971 ad summer plumage Fair Isle 29 May (JHS). 1971 ad summer plumage L Torridon, Ross, 6-22 June (P. J. Tizzard, JAW, RHD). 1972 imm Buckie, Banff, 5 Mar-20 May (D. B. McGinn, RHD, RL et al.). 1969 Additions Wryneck 1 ringed Ardrishaig, Arg, 17 Sep (R. Spencer). 1970 Addition Hawfinch Pr nested Girvan, Ayr, 5 eggs destroyed by boys—first nesting record in county this century (M. J. L. Wilson). 1972 Additions Grey Phalarope 1 Cramond, W Loth, 18-20 Aug (GLS, LLJV). ate ae 2+ Loth, Suth, 14 Dec-18 Feb 1973 (DMcD, W. C. Wright) @&: House Sparrow A Fair Isle ringed bird controlled on Handa. 1971 Correction Trumpeter Finch Handa, 8-9 June (7: 160) has now been accepted as a new bird for the British Isles. 1972 Correction Plate 26 (above) depicts a Little Stint, not a Dunlin. 280 REVIEW 8(4) Review Searce Migrant Birds in Britain and Ireland. By J. T. R. Sharrock. Berk- hamsted, T. & A. D. Poyser, 1974. Pp 191; 12 black-and-white plates, line drawings and 130 text figures. 224 x 14 cm. It is very welcome to find constructive use being made of the records of some of the rarer species recorded annually in the British Isles. In any one year the reports of the Rarities Committee published in British Birds can contain only the briefest of summaries and county and regional reports are, of necessity, mainly of local interest. However, by drawing extensively on these invaluable record banks and appealing successfully for other unpublished records Dr Sharrock has drawn together some 7000 records of 24 selected species (and one associated group of species) during the ten-year period 1958-1967. His analysis of these records forms the basis of his book. The chapters are formed of groups of species with some features in common, which may be their close relationship or shar- ing of similar breeding ranges or migratory patterns. The majority of species considered have European breeding ranges but they also include, as an interesting contrast, two North American species (Pectorai Sand- piper and Sabine’s Gull) and a group of associated American land birds. The chapter concerned with these American species is rather incon- gruously positioned among the European species. For each species there is an attractive format with a wealth cf text figures clearly emphasising the salient features: the annual pattern of records, seasonal variation and main peaks of passage and the geogra- phical, county by county distribution of records. The text amplifies these features and attempts to explain the reasons behind the vagrancy patterns. In this aim the inclusion of a series of distribution maps (by courtesy of the 1966 Field Guide) showing the European breeding range of the vag- rants is an added asset. Unfortunately, the only two species considered with mainly Asiatic breeding ranges (Richard’s Pipit and Yellow-browed Warbler) are not similarly provided for. The material for the book was originally published in a series of papers in British Birds (1969-1973) and remains virtually unchanged in the new book form. Occasional references to the period 1968-1972 (immediately after the ten year analysis period) emphasise the only serious omission— an updated summary or appendix in the light of recent records. This would have added considerably to the text in several cases. The addition of a useful series of black-and-white plates of the species under analysis and rather brief species descriptions at the head of each chapter would seem unlikely to help this work to reach a more general readership. If this was the intention, a fuller explanation of the underlying principles of migration, frequently mentioned in the text, or a comprehensive glossary would have been of prime importance. Nevertheless, the content of the work retains its scientific importance and despite the rather scanty evidence on which some of the conclusions are tentatively drawn the book should be of wide interest to all serious-minded ornithologists. ROGER A. BROAD. 1974 LETTERS 281 Letters Sir, Gulls breeding inland in Stirlingshire Bourne & Dixon (Scot. Birds 8: 75) comment that Lesser Black-backed Gulls with a few Herring Gulls have been nest- ing on Flanders Moss at least since the early 1950’s. Lesser Blackbacks in fact bred there in good numbers long before that period. In 1935 Rintoul & Baxter in A Vertebrate Fauna of Forth, referring to colonies on Flanders Moss as the largest in Forth, gave no hint that these were not already long-estab- lished. ANDREW T. MACMILLAN. Sir, Gulls and Arctic Terns breeding inland in Aberdeenshire Further to my note on gulls and Arctic Terns breeding in the Correen Hills of central Aberdeenshire (Scot. Birds 8: 75-6), a count in June 1974 revealed the following populations: Lesser Black-backed Gull— 60-70 pairs (increase) Herring Gull—10+ pairs (decrease) Common Gull—3-4000 pairs (apparent increase probably due to more accurate counting) Arctic Tern—4 pairs R. L, SWANN. (According to The Handbook, vol. 5 (1941), Arctic Terns breed regularly on some inland waters in Ireland and northern Scotland; also by fresh water far inland in Arctic Europe and Asia, including peat-mosses and forest-edge pools—apparently similar habitat to the Correen Hills. Baxter and Rintoul (1953 Birds of Scotland), however, considered inland breeding rare here and gave only a few records. Campbell and Ferguson-Lees (1972 A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests) state “inland now in only one Irish locality, though a kilometre or more from sea in Shetland, Caithness’’. Cramp, Bourne and Saunders (1974 The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland) maintain that only where the breeding distribu- tion of the Common Tern overlaps with that of the Arctic Tern is the latter restricted to maritime nesting. In the absence o} competition, for example, in the Arctic, the Arctic Tern nests widely inland. Similarly, in mixed colonies Arctic Terns tend to nest in areas of sparse vegetation, but where there is no competition for sites they will nest among lusher growth. It is interesting to note this small inland colony of Arctic Terns in the absence of their competitive congeners.—ED.) 282 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION 8(4) Requests for Information BTO Sites Register work in Scotland Conservation needs now, as never before, facts: it is vital to know which are our most important bird areas and the species that depend on them. The Sites Register work now being carried out provides the opportunity to fill such gaps in our knowiedge. Since this important project was announced eighteen months ago some 800 important Scottish areas have been suggested for documenta- tion—the birds using each of these areas must be recorded during the next two years. Where the habitat is present on a vast scale, extensive areas are often being covered : long stretches of glens and tracts the size of the Cairngorms are included. So far, records are held for less than one quarter of these listed areas and help is urgently required in all parts of Scotland. It you can help—either by visiting new areas or by recording those you know well already—please contact your local organ- izer or write to: Sites Register, BIO, Beech Grove, Tring, Herts. Island birds I am researching into testing island biogeography theories on Britain’s offshore breeding avifauna. Habitat data is needed for a number of islands off the Scottish coast to facilitate inter-island compar- ison. I need people to fill in island outline maps with a simple habitat coding. If you think you can help with one of the following islands please write to T. M. Reed, c/o Pendiey Beeches Lodge, London Road, Tring, Herts HP23 5RB. The islands are: Hascosay, Ailsa Craig, Eilean nan Ron, Out Skerries, Berneray, Pabbay, Mingulay, Canna, Coll, Eigg, Flannans, Muck, Raasay, Sule Stack, Sule Skerry, Orkney and Shetland—any welcome. Waxwing irruption The past three winters, 1971-2, 1973-4 and 1974-5 have all had Waxwing irruptions of varying sizes. It appears that this past winter 1974-5 has perhaps been the biggest. The results are being analysed by Andrew D. K. Ramsay, 14 Camesky Road, Caol, Inverness- shire and all records are required. Records of numbers seen, dates of arrival and departure, where seen, with types of berries eaten or food being taken, would be most appreciated. Spring records are also impor- tant. Colour-ringed gulls Over 14,000 Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls have been ringed on the Isle of May since 1966, each with a Darvic colour ring relating to its year of fledging, and also with a BTO monel ring. Of these, many hundreds have been culled as breeding adults as part of the Nature Conservancy Council’s programme of gull control on the island. However, it is apparent from recent counts and calculations of life expectancy from the ringing returns that a large proportion of these gulls have not recruited into the breeding population on the Isle of May, and are thus presumably breeding in other colonies. Records of colour- ringed gulls breeding in colonies other than the Isle of May are of intrin- sic importance to a three-year study of gull recruitment. Any such records will be most gratefully received by Neil Duncan, Department of Zoology, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH] 3LE. Checklist of the birds of the Gambia A comprehensive checklist of the birds of the Gambia is currently being prepared by Mr Jens Kirkeby and Mr Jorn Vestergaard Jensen in co-operation with the Gambian Ornith- ologists’ Society. It is intended that this checklist will bring together all bird records, published and unpublished, for the Gambia. Anyone having unpublished records for this area is requested to make these known to Jorn Vestergaard Jensen, Holtevej 13, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark. All contributions will be fully acknowledged. 1974 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club 283 Revenue Account for the year ended 30th June 1974 INCOME— Subscriptions received for year Income Tax recovered on covenanted subscriptions Dividends and Interest received (gross) i Surplus on Bookshop (sales £11976) Sale of ‘Scottish Birds’ s Sundry sales less sundry purchases Donations received ze Gain on redemption of investment — EXPENDITURE— Branch expenses including lectures : Travel expenses of Council members and of delegates to conferences = Secretarial services Office expenses Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection : Club’s share of running expenses Cost of books purchased for Library Cost of publishing ‘Scottish Birds’ (less advertising revenue £494 Honorarium to Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’ _ £75 Less Contribution from ‘Scottish Birds’ Appeal Fund oe ey abi fey 75 Net cost of Annual Conference Subscriptions paid Excess of Expenditure over Income Year to Year to 30/6/74 30/6/73 284 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1974 Accumulated surplus as at 30th June 1973 Deduct: Excess of Expenditure over Income Accumulated surplus as at 30th June 1974 (Note : £1000 of this surplus is earmarked for the House Fabric Fund) Made up of: Cash in hand and Bank current accounts Cash in Savings Banks and te dps a Bookshop stock at valuation Tie and Badge stock at valuation Debts due to Club Night store heaters—Cost __ = £465 Less depreciation Te ue or ee Addressing machine—Cost — 2 SE Less depreciation es ve EL sO Investments at cost, as below Less: Life Membership Fund sta . ueekG75 Subscriptions paid in advance | 8 45 Debts due by Club .... he 2 2ise Sum due to Endowment Fund adh to meee ‘Scottish Birds’ Appeal Fund ; . g1OTk20 Sum earmarked for Library binding ig 167 Balance of Royal Society Grant to Library | 188 Sum raised for purchase of Projector fe 53 Investments as at 30th June 1974: Market Value Safeguard Industrial Investments Ltd.— 875 Ord. shares of 25p each ey oxi - Gee £950—64% Treasury Loan 1976 af toon £1300—British Electricity 3% Guar. 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Basis 384 Excess of Expenditure for the year ... ad ee (el 4) Balance Sheet as at 30th June 1974 Endowment Fund as at 30th June 1973 1h Hed E2519 Add: Legacy received during year tae £100 Funds from Penicuik Ornithological Society 172 ks 2791 Accumulated unexpended income as at 30th June 1973 wale of ... £684 Deduct : Excess of Expenditure over Income 124 560 Add: Grant made in 1972 refunded veueeZoU 810 £3601 Made up of : Investments at cost as below ie ool Royal Bank of Scotland Ltd., Deposit Account... 718 Due by Club’s General Funds as te 242 3971 Deduct: Grants allocated but not yet paid nee 370 £3601 Investments as at 30th June 1974 Market At Value cost 1952 Units of Equities Investments Trust for Charities me ... £1623 £1000 £1140 5% Exchequer Stock 1976/78 ree bhi O32 1000 £440 84% Conver. Unsecured Loan Stock 1993/98 British Printing Corporation ht Hues LOS 44) 900 St Andrew Trust Ltd., Ordinary 25p ...._~—s_ 320 570 £3073 = £3011 £242 £2519 286 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(4) HOUSE FABRIC FUND Summary of Accounts for year to 30th June 1974 Yearto Year to 30/6/74 30/6/73 RECEIPTS— Balance as at 30th June 1973 - £40 £33 Rent from Mr and Mrs George Waterston By — 150 Year’s rent from British Council for Rehabilitation of the Disabled se ris 140 140 Rent from Squadron Leader Harry Greig (12.11.73 to 15.6.74) ne Pa 130 a Grants from S.O.C Revenue “Account Hee ee 500 —_— Miscellaneous Interest ait i | = he 3 4 £815 £327 EXPENDITURE— Repairs and Maintenance o& afi wd oie £456 £30 Property Burdens es in #2506 Less contributions from Tenants ate af 192 a 314 237 Insurance Be. ae see oe ne: cp 33 12 Miscellaneous bee picts ae ae mee —_ 3 £803 £287 On deposit with Edinburgh Building Society £127 Less Rent payment received in advance sie nt “ee Balance due to Morton, Fraser & Milligan, WS. fue 80 — 115 12 40 £815 £327 EDINBURGH, 11th November 1974.—I have audited the foregoing Revenue Accounts for the year ended 30th June 1974, and the Balance Sheets as at that date. I have accepted as correct 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. 1974 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 287 REPORT OF COUNCIL Your Council submits the following Report for the year 1973/74: Membership At the end of the session the Club had 2651 members, a net increase of 91 during the year; 410 new members joined and four mem- bers transferred to Life Membership. A table of membership for the past six years is given below : 30/6/69 30/6/70 30/6/71 30/6/72 30/6/73 30/6/74 Ordinary 1771 1849 1889 2054 2230 2312 Junior 274 286 282 298 312 317 Life 6 9 10 14 14 18 Honorary 5 5 5 5 4 4 2056 2149 2186 2371 2560 2651 Increase 107 93 37 185 189 91 The number of Deeds of Covenant rose from 464 to 482, representing 574 members, enabling the Club to reclaim £689 of tax. Honorary Member At a Council meeting in June, Seton Gordon, whose first book Birds of the Loch and Mountain was published in 1907, was elected an Honorary Member in recognition of his services to Scottish ornithology over a great many years. Deaths It is with deep regret that Council records the death during the year of Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn, a past President, and Henry icing an Honorary Member. Obituaries have been published in Scottish irds. Honours Council has great pleasure in recording the award of an Hon- orary Degree by Dundee University to our President, now Dr George Waterston. Business of Council Five meetings of Council were held during the year and the Management Committee met three times. There were also meet- ings of the Research and Management Committees. Secretarial staff In May 1974 Squadron Leader Greig intimated his resignation as Editor and Bookshop Manager. David Bates, who hails from Cheshire, was appointed in his place and took over in August. He is an ornithologist who has visited Scotland on a number of occasions and he was formerly assistant editor of the Cheshire Bird Report. Mrs Winkworth, who worked part time as a cierical assistant, left the Club in May after one year’s service. Due to the greatly increased Bookshop sales it became necessary to appoint a fuil-time clerical] assis- tant, and Mrs Christine Dunsire, a member of the Club for four years, joined the staff in May. Value Added Tax A claim to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise that the Club should not pay V.A.T. on subscriptions was successful. Endowment Fund Five grants were approved by Council during the year. £120 was given to the University of East Anglia Shetland Exped- ition 1974, which continued the studies of the Skua and Puffin popula- tions started in 1973; of the seven members, three are members of the Club. £60 was given to R. W. Furness to enable him to continue research started in 1973 on the Great Skua populations on Foula. Up to £100 was granted to the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust for printing an index to the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletins and Annual Reports. £54 was approved to cover the Club’s outstanding share of legal fees for the Petition against the original Order setting up the Cromarty Firth Port 288 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(4) Authority. £50 was granted to Norman Hammond towards his expedi- tion to census seabirds in Orkney in an area particularly vulnerable in the event of an oil spillage in northern waters. All applications for grants came from Club members. During the year the Fund received a legacy of £100 from the late Miss B. L. C. Johnston of Edinburgh. The Fund also received £170 from the Penicuik Ornithological Society which had been wound up. In addition the Club was advised of two other legacies, each of £250, from the late Henry Boase of Dundee and the late Andrew Rankine of Ayr. Subscriptions At a Special General Meeting of the Club in April 1974 increases to the membership rates were approved. The adult rate is now £3: family membership, to include all nominated children under 18, is £4.50; and junior membership, for those under 21 or students under 25, jis £1. Those entitled to draw the state old age pension may pay £2 (single) or £3 (joint). 21 Regent Terrace After the Waterstons vacated the flat in November 1973 it was occupied for some months by Squadron Leader Greig. The Blecaa td and his family took over the tenancy at the beginning of July 1974. Conservation issues The Club gave full support to the Petition made by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Scottish Wildlife Trust against the Provisional Order submitted by McDermott Scotland to set up a Harbour Authority at Arderseir, Inverness-shire, since there were insufficient safeguards for the protection of wildlife and the en- vironment. As a result of this Petition the Provisional Order was with- drawn and a new one promoted by the parent company, Oceanic Contractors Incorporated. A Petition against the new Provisional Order Was lodged by the same parties; the outcome is still awaited. Council considered, however, that the Club did not have the resources to meet the potentially heavy legal costs of the many Petititions to which it might be asked to lend its name. It was agreed that in future if the Club was to support such Petititions its contributions should normally be by way of expert evidence, in terms of the policy on con- servation and the environment adopted at the 1972 Annual General Meeting; and that the conservation bodies, such as the RSPB and SWT, would normally meet the legal costs. Club representation The Club continued to be represented on the British Section of the International Council for Bird Preservation by Sir Lands- borough Thomson and Dr George Waterston, and on the Duck Working Group of the International Wildfowl Research Bureau by Dr R. S. Bailey. Annual Conference The Twenty-sixth Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting, held in Dunblane, were attended by about 350 members and guests. On the Saturday morning Professor A. S. King, Head of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Liverpool, spoke on ‘The structural and functional aspects of flight—or what you need to be a bird’; he was followed by Professor George Dunnet, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, on ‘The impact of the oil industry on Scotland’s coasts and birds’. On the Sunday morning D. I. M. Wallace spoke on ‘An ornithological survey of Iranian Baluchistan’. Chris Mylne showed some new film on Scottish birds of prey, together with some historic film on the Golden Eagle taken by the late H. A. Gilbert, kindly loaned by his son Mr E. Gilbert. Dr Bryan Nelson showed a film about Boobies on Christmas Island. During the year Council decided that, owing to the very great increase in prices quoted by the management of the Dunblane Hydro, the loca- tion of the Conference had to be changed. After consideration it was decided to hold the 27th Conference and the Annual General Meeting at the University of Stirling during the last weekend in January 1975. The 1974 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 289 choice of date was determined by the availability of facilities at the iad and the need to avoid the dates of other ornithological con- erences. Branches The usual full programme of winter lectures was given in all Branches, While both summer and winter excursions were arranged by Branches themselves. The Stirling Branch organised another weekend visit in Argyll, and the Dumfries Branch again arranged the very suc- cessful annual weekend to the Solway goose grounds, for which Council is most grateful. Fieldwork The Research Committee submitted to Council a Report on Boundaries for Local Bird Reports. This was adopted and published in Scot. Birds 7: 385-387. Council adopted as official Club Enquiries both the Habitat Register and the 1975 National Survey of Rookeries organ- ised by the British Trust for Ornithology. A progress report on the other Club Enquiries was published in Scot. Birds 8: 40. In addition to these, members again helped during the year with other projects including Wildfowl Counts (Wildfowl Trust), Beached Bird Survey (RSPB), Estua- ries Survey (BTO) and Common Bird Census (BTO). “Scottish Birds” During the year four numbers of the journal were pub- ec including the 1972 Scottish Bird Report, and also an Index to Volume 7. Tom Delaney handed over the editorship of the journal to Squadron Leader Greig after publication of the final number of Volume 7. Council acknowledges with gratitude the work done by Tom Delaney during his three years as Editor. Library Council records its thanks to the Royal Society for a grant of £200 for the purchase of back numbers of journals for the Reference Library and for binding. Council is very pleased to record the bequest of the late Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn, who left all his ornithological books to the Library. Other members have made generous gifts of books, journals and reprints for which Council is most grateful. Bookshop Book sales continued to increase and were thirty percent greater than last year, necessitating the employment of a full-time cler- ical assistant. Council is again most grateful to the British Trust for Ornithology for allowing the Club to arrange a book display at its annual conference in December. “Scottish Birds” Appeal Fund Another very successful raffle was held and £429 raised for the Fund. Club Projector The Club does not possess its own projector and has relied on the goodwill of members when one is required. Council is most grateful to Mrs Maxwell Hamilton and Mrs Peirse-Duncombe who arran- ged a coffee morning in Edinburgh in March 1974 at which £53 was raised towards the cost of a projector. Scottish Centre The Library and offices were visited by many people from home and abroad during the year and many postal enquiries re- garding birdwatching areas were received. Informal discussion groups met regularly in the Centre during the winter, and during the year 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. Acknowledgments Council wishes to thank all those who have helped the Club in many ways during the year, and most gratefully acknow- ledges the work carried out by many members to give enjoyment to their fellow members. For the Council, GEORGE WATERSTON, President. 290 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(4) THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB The Thirty-Eighth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the University of Stirling on Saturday 25th January 1975 at 5.45 p.m. In the absence through illness of the President, Dr George Waterston, Andrew T. Macmillan, Vice-President of the Club, presided over an atten- dance of about 120 members. Apologies Apologies for absence were received from Dr D. A. Banner- man, W. Brotherston, Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame, Lt Col J. P. Grant, Dr I. D. Pennie and Dr and Mrs George Waterston. Minutes The Minutes of the Thirty-Seventh Annual General Meeting, held in Dunblane on 27th October 1973, and of the Special General Meeting held in Edinburgh on 9th April 1974, were approved and signed. Report of Council The Report of Council for Session 37, presented by the Chairman, was adopted. Accounts The Accounts for the year ended 30th June 1974, presented by the Hon. Treasurer, were approved. Appointment of Auditor Arthur Walker C.A. was re-elected Auditor for the ensuing year. Election of Members of Council In the absence of any other nomina- tions, Council’s recommendation for the election of Council Members was approved, namely J. K. R. Melrose and Miss V. M. Thom to succeed R. H. Dennis and Miss M. P. Macmillan who were due to retire by rotation. The Chairman announced Council’s decision to co-opt W. R. Bracken- ridge as the Young Member to succeed R. L. Swann who was due to retire after serving for two years. He thanked all the retiring members for their service to the Club. Constitution The Meeting unanimously approved the following amend- ment to the Constitution, as recommended by Council: 4. MANAGEMENT AND OFFICIALS (g) Annual General Meeting. In the sentence “The Club shall hold an Annual General Meeting in October each year to receive the Report of Council, Statement of Accounts, and to elect the Council and Office Bearers” the words ‘in October each year’ shall be deleted. — “Scottish Birds” The Chairman said that members would be aware that the autumn number of the journal had not yet been published and Council was seriously concerned about this. He explained the editorial and production problems that had led to this delay. The autumn number ‘Should be ready by mid-February and would be followed by the 1973 Scottish Bird Report. To catch up with publication a combined Spring/ Summer number would be published in summer 1975. Rookery Survey Dr M. E. Castle, Scottish Organizer of the BTO 1975 National Survey of Rookeries, explained the purpose of the Survey and said that a list of County Organizers would be sent to all members with the next number of Scottish Birds. He asked all who would like to help to contact their nearest organizer as soon as possible for details. Vote of Thanks The Meeting closed with a warm vote of thanks to the Vice-President, in particular for so ably taking over the Chair for the whole of the Conference at such short notice, proposed by R. H. Dennis. 1974 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 291 COUNCIL AND OFFICIALS OF THE CLUB FOR SESSION 38 Hon. Presidents : David A. Bannerman, O.B.E., LL.D., Sc.D., F.R.S.E.; Sir Charles G. Connell, W.S.; Sir Arthur B. Duncan; W. J. Eggeling, C.B.E., B.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.S.E. President : George Waterston, O.B.E., LL.D., F.R.S.E. Vice-President : Andrew T. Macmillan, C.A. Hon. Treasurer : Maxwell K. Hamilton, C.A. Hon. Treasurer House Fabric Fund : D. G. Andrew, W.S. Secretary and Treasurer : Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe. Deputy Secretary and Librarian : Mrs George Waterston. Manager, Bird Bookshop ; D. J. Bates. Membership Secretary : Mrs R. D. Smillie. Editor of “Scottish Birds”: D. J. Bates. Business Editor of “Scottish Birds’: Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe. Council: J. H. Ballantyne, J. Edelsten, F. D. Hamilton, J. K. R. Melrose, J. Mitchell, Dr I. Newton, N. Picozzi, H. Robb, Miss V. M. Thom, B. S. Turner. Young Members co-opted for 1974/75: W. R. Brackenridge. T. C. Johnson-Ferguson. Branch Representatives to Council: N. Picozzi (Aberdeen); Dr M. E. Castle (Ayr); R. T. Smith (Dumfries); B. Pounder (Dundee); C. K. Mylne (Edinburgh); Dr I. T. Draper (Glasgow); R. H. Dennis (Inverness); Miss G. L. C. Falconer (St Andrews); A. B. Mitchell (Stirling). BRANCH AND GROUP OFFICE BEARERS Aberdeen : Chairman, D. P. Willis; Vice-Chairman, A. Duncan; Secretary, Miss F. J. Greig; Committee, J. Chapman, J. Dunbar, A. G. Knox. Ayr: Chairman, Dr M. E. Castle; Vice-Chairman, J. K. R. Melrose; Sec- retary, R. M. Ramage; Committee, Miss R. E. Beckett, Dr R. Hissett, R. H. Hogg, J. Miller. Dumfries : Chairman, B. S. Turner; Vice-Chairman, J. Skilling; Secretary, W. at Committee, Dr N. E. Armstrong, J. McCubbin, T. Nisbet, R. T. Smi Dundee : Chairman, B. Pounder; Vice-Chairman, P. J. N. Clark; Secretary, Mrs A. Noltie; Committee, Dr D. G. Adamson, Mrs W. G. Amedro, N. K. Atkinson, Dr D. M. Shepherd. Edinburgh : Chairman, C. K. Mylne; Vice-Chairman, J. M. S. Arnott; Sec- retary, Mrs D. R. Langslow; Committee, I. V. Balfour-Paul, W. A. Craw, J. B. Murray, Mrs A. D. Peirse-Duncombe. Glasgow : Chairman, Dr I. T. Draper; Vice-Chairman, D. L. Clugston; Secretary, Mrs I. T. Draper; Committee, D. N. Brooks, Miss K. M. Calver, R. W. Forrester, R. M. C. Lambie. Inverness: Chairman, R. H. Dennis; Vice-Chairman, Rev. J. M. Crook; Secretary, M. I. Harvey; Committee, Miss J. Banks, Miss P. R. Forbes, Mrs W. Morrison, W. G. Prest. St Andrews: Chairman, Miss G. L. C. Falconer; Vice-Chairman, I. G. Cumming; Secretary, Miss M. M. Spires; Committee, Miss M. H. E. Cuninghame, Miss J. McFarlane, Miss D. E. Rowling, J. S. Wiffen. Stirling ;: Chairman, K. P. Anderson; Vice-Chairman, P. Clark; Secretary, Dr D. M. Bryant; Committee, T. D. H. Merrie, A. B. Mitchell, Miss M. M. Riley, H. Robb. Young Member : G. Shaw. 292 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(4) SCOTTISH BIRDS RECORDS COMMITTEE Chairman ; D. G. Andrew. Committee: A. G. S. Bryson, Sir Arthur B. Duncan, Dr W. J. Eggeling, A. T. Macmillan, Dr I. D. Pennie, Kenneth Williamson, Dr George Wat- erston, Prof. V. C. Wynne-Edwards. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE M. K. Hamilton (Convenor), D. G. Andrew, Dr I. T. Draper, A. T. Mac- millan, H. Robb, Dr George Waterston. LIBRARY COMMITTEE Dr George Waterston (Convenor), Ritchie Seath (Hon. Librarian), A. T. Macmillan, Dr I. D. Pennie. RESEARCH COMMITTEE A. T. Macmillan (Chairman), R. H. Dennis, Dr I. Newton. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE A. T. Macmillan (Chairman), D. G. Andrew, T. Delaney, R. H. Dennis. CLUB REPRESENTATION British Section, International Council for Bird Preservation : Sir Lands- borough Thomson, Dr George Waterston. International Wildfowl Research Bureau, Duck Working Group: Dr R. S. Bailey. HONORARY MEMBERS Duncan Anderson, Seton Gordon, P. W. G. Gunn, Sir Landsborough Thom- son. SUMMER EXCURSIONS Due to the late publication of Scottish Birds it has not been possible to give notice in the journal of Branch summer excursions, normally prin- ted in the spring number. In April a list of all the excursions arranged by Branches was distributed to members of the Club living on the main- land of Scotland. A copy can be sent to any member, on application to the Club Secretary. ANNUAL CONFERENCE At a meeting in March, Council decided to hold the next Annual Con- ference and AGM at Stirling University from 23rd-25th January 1976. Full details will be sent to members in the autumn. When making this decision Council took into account the many ad- vantages and excellent Conference facilities of Stirling University, found by members who attended this year, as well as the problems caused by the distance between the Conference and living accommodation, and also the time of year at which the Conference was held. However, since a number of members would prefer a return to an autumn Conference, which is not possible at Stirling University, uhe Secretary is investigating the possibility of another location for the future. An announcement about this will be made in due course, but if any member knows of a location which is sited centrally in Scotland, can cater for up to 400 for a Con- ference and 300 for the Annual Dinner, at a reasonable cost, he is asked to contact the Club Secretary. S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 Some new books Loch Leven: waterfowl biology. Allison et al 50p Birds of Prey in Europe. Bijleveld. £12.50 Birds and Mammals of Orkney. Groundwater £3.60 Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of British and European Birds. Colin Harrison £3.50 Caerlaverock: conservation and wildfowling in action. J. G. Harrison (ed.) o0p Naturalist in Scotland. Knowlton £4.50 Fauna and Flora of St Andrews Bay. Laverack and Blackler £5.00 Changing Flora and Fauna of Britain. Hawksworth (ed.) £9.20 Evolution. Illustrated by Waterfowl. Lack £1.50 & £3.00 Hedges (New Naturalist). Pollard £3.50 Guide to Animal Tracks and Signs. Bang and Dahlstrom £2.95 British Seals (New Naturalist). Hewer £3.50 Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe. Mitchell £2.95 Sea Fishes of Britain and North-western Europe. Muus and Dahlstrom £2.95 Ocean Wanderers: migratory seabirds of the world. Lockley £4.50 Ducks, Geese and Swans. Merne ERTS University of Dundee North-east Greenland Expedition 1972 £1.00 The Cairngorms (S.M.C. District Guide). Adam Watson £4.80 WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST ORDERS TOTALLING £2.50 SENT POST FREE ADD 25p FOR SMALLER ORDERS ie: 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. 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 November and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addition, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for the journal. 3. All other material should be sent to the editor, D. J. Bates, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated. Contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed in duplicate if possible, with double spacing and wide margins. Proofs will normally be sent to authors of papers, but not of shorter items. Such proofs should be returned without delay. If alterations are made at this stage it may be necessary to ask the author to bear the cost. 4. Authors of full-length papers who want copies for their own use MUST ASK FOR THESE when returning the proofs. If requested we will supply 25 free copies of the issue in which the paper is published. Reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these. 5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining. Dick, G. & POTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 3529. EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh and London. 6. English and scientific names should follow A Species List of British and Irish Birds (B.T.O. Guide 13). Initial capitals are used for English names of species (for example, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Duck) but not group names (for example, thrushes, diving ducks). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2: 1-3). When used they should follow the English name, underlined to indicate italics and with no surrounding brackets. 7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1974’, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman. 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. THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB E Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are | held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and Thurso at | which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest. The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology. There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is £3.00, or £1.00 in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or Students under 25, who satisfy Council of their status as_ such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription _ is £75. Family Membership is available to married couples and their nomin- ated children under 18 at an Annual subscription of £4.50, or a Life subscription of £112.50. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Family 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 Ciub 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 moa ACC. * R.SJA.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ and ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- class service. Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life, even while enjoying excellent local golf. A new wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1975. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 FLIGHT IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN RAPTORS R. F. Porter, lan Willis, Steen Christensen, Bent Pors Nielsen The authors have been studying identification of the 38 species of European raptors for many years, and their papers from British Birds have been revised, expanded and rearranged to produce this book. lan Willis’s superb drawings and sketches, plus 178 photographs specially chosen to illustrate aspects of identification, combine with a succinct and detailed text to achieve the definitive study of this challenging and absorbing subject. “|. . this international team of experts must be congratulated... a superb guide, invaluable to every birdwatcher”’ Habitat (Council for Nature) £4.80 net WATCHING BIRDS James Fisher & Jim Flegg The B.T.O.’s Director has revised and updated the late James Fisher’s deservedly popular introduction to the world of birds and the practice of birdwatching. £2.80 net T. & A. D. POYSER LTD 281 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 1AJ. ARMS HOTEL GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216 Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all. In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere so many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C. R.S.A.C. Attractive Cottages to Let set in the hills of the MULL of KINTYRE Two of the cottages being fairly isolated, area excellent for walkers and bird watchers being situated in leading area of Spring and Autumn migration. Send for details with S.A.E. to Carskiey Ltd., Carskiey Farm, Southend, Argyll, PA28 6RU. COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists. covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and _ close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B, These are in sets of 25 at 45p in- cluding postage & VAT per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. coh W. COWEN, Keswick HIGHLAND * BIRDS ° WILDLIFE ° GEOLOGY All inclusive one week _ holidays September and October. Based at a quiet hotel in the Rothiemurchus Forest. Further particulars from: Highland Guides Information, Inverdruie, Aviemore, Inverness-shire Tel. Aviemore 729 ISLE of MULL Looking across the Sound of Mull to the Morvern Hills beyond. Comfortable Accommodation in a small guest house run with bird watchers in mind. Dinner, bed and breakfast. H&C and radiators in all guest Ped hooms see of reference ooks. S.A.E. please. Open Easter until mid-Oct. RICHARD & ELIZABETH COOMBER, Statfa Cottages Guest House, TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL. Tel. 2464 ROUSAY, | ORKNEY Hostel, converted croft, with cooked breakfast Supper and packed lunch. Fine seabirds and migrants. Do PHONE ROUSAY 328 ARDENTINNY ARGYLL BED AND BREAKFAST with own sitting room, evening meal optional at comfortable cot- tage in quiet and beautiful glen. Own vegetables and baking. Area rich in bird and animal life. 1 mile to Loch Long (tidal) 4 miles to Loch Eck (freshwater) 15 miles to Dunoon. Adults only, no pets. Mrs MACINNES, DRYNAIN, ARDENTINNY, By DUNOON, ARGYLL, PA23 8TT Tel. 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CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031 - 556 6042) Contents of Volume 8, Number 5/6, Spring/Summer 1975 Page Editorial ‘ss ais Bice ALB Dispersal of first- -year ‘Gannets from ‘the Bass Rock (A. Landsborough Thomson) : 295 Wintering wader populations on the rocky shores of eastern Scotland (R. W. Summers, N. K. Atkinson and M. Nicoll) pet : ae 299 Scottish winter Rook roost eierevecentral nad) northern Scotland (J. H. B. Munro) cat ie 309 Short Notes First days in the life of a Black-throated Diver (Seton Gordon) oh a 319 Fulmar behaviour (John Warham) Bae j 319 Leach’s Petrel breeding on Foula (A. R. Mainwood) 321 Another Kittiwake movement in the Firth of Forth (Gerard L. Sandeman) sa 324 A cause of decline in farmyard House Martin feolonies (David W. Oliver) : nae at 325 Obituary : Tom Paterson (R. M. Ramage) _ ae Ee 328 A Stirling Conference (Muriel Draper) _... 3 soe 328 Reviews The Mitchell Beazley World Atlas of Birds (R. D. Murray) ae : 331 Animals of Asia : The Ecology of the Oriental Revion by J. and K. MacKinnon (Julian Clough) ... 332 The Life of Birds by Jean Dorst (I. Newton) a 333 The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Birds’ Eggs and Nesting Habitats by Siegiried Hoeher (Harvey J. Burton) 333 Bird Ringing by Chris Mead (Robert L. Swann) ... 334 Natural History Photography edited by Derek Turner Ettlinger (C. K. Mylne) : 335 Flight Identification of European Raptors by R. F. Porter, Ian Willis, Steen Christensen and Bent Pors Nielsen (Douglas Weir) 336 Butterflies of the World by H. ia Lewis (Harry Greig) 337 Seal Song by Michael Clegg eee ae nF 337 Request for Information AB : 362 sue 338 Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Aap ae, ies ee 338 Editor D. J. Bates Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe RSPB APPEAL Save a Place for Birds =» STOP PRESS! Huge purchase of Scottish land will be announced in September. OUR AIM To save, and preserve for their own sake and for our enjoyment and that of future generations, valuable and irreplaceable communities of birds. And to conserve them in their natural environment. OUR METHOD To buy land that these bird communities inhabit, to give permanent sanctuary to the birds and other forms of wildlife that exist there by creating a number of new reserves owned and managed by the RSPB. Write or phone for colour brochure giving more details. ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS OUR TA 17 REGENT TERRACE, a8 =I ; EDINBURGH. The sum of £1 million, a substantial target but one that we 031 556 5624 know to be necessary in these days of relatively high land values. SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Vol. 8 No. 5/6 Spring/Summer 1975 Edited by D. J. Bates Editorial Scottish Birds Once again readers are owed an apology, this time for the comparatively small size of this issue. When it was decided to combine the journal for Spring and Summer this year to help bring it back on time, a double-sized number was promised. Unfortunately, printing sufficient material at this time would have meant further delay and the Management Committee has decided that earlier publication, regardless of size, would be more acceptable. We nonetheless expect to be functioning normally by early 1976. | New Club Group The formation of a new SOC Group in the Wigtown District is announced in the Club Section later in this issue. Any member in an area not already covered by an existing Branch or Group, who would like advice regarding the formation of a new Group, may write to the Club Secre- tary who will always be pleased to help. In order to encourage membership of the Club, Council agreed in 1963 that, with its approval, a number of members in an area not well covered by an existing Branch could be formed into a Group. At this stage, one or possibly two, lecturers would be provided for the win- ter session of monthly meetings; some financial help, and publicity in the form of notices in Scottish Birds, would be given, but the Group would not qualify for representation on Council. When numbers increased to about fifty the position would be reviewed with the intention of granting Branch status, thus entitling a full series of winter lectures to be ote by the Club Secretary and also representation on Council. Geese as pests The proposal of the Secretary of State for Scotland last autumn (on the advice of the Advisory Commit- tee on the Protection of Birds for Scotand) to treat Greylag and Pink-footed Geese as pests (Editorial 8: 149-50) has now been withdrawn. The following quotation is from a letter dated 25th May 1975 to the Club from the Scottish Home and Health Department: In view of the number and strength of the objections to the proposal which were received from conservationist bodies, the Secretary of State 294 EDITORIAL 8(5/6) again consulted the Advisory Committee, who decided to withdraw their earlier recommendation. The Secetary of State has agreed that the order should not meantime be made-but has accepted a proposal by the Advisory Committee that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland should, with other interested organisations, conduct an investigation into the losses sustained by farmers and advise on whether any practicable and econom- ically worthwhile means of crop protection can be found. This response was both reasonable and encouraging. Local Recorders An updated list of local recorders will be found opposite page 340. Observers with records for the for the Inverness area should note that Dr Maeve Rusk’s address is now 18 Morven Road, Inverness 1V2 4BU. Current Literature. Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes: ‘Wildfowl Trust expedition to Spitsbergen 1973. E. E. Jackson, M. A. Ogilvie and M. Owen, 1974. Wildfowl 25: 102-16. (Study of Solway Barnacle Geese on breeding grounds). Island of geese. R. Dawson, 1975. Birds 5: 7: 22-3 (Islay). Common and Black-headed Gulls flight-feeding over ragwort. A. W. and L. S. Ewing, 1975. British Birds 68: 44-5. (Study on South Uist). Loch Lomond Bird Report (No.3) 1974. Annual report compiled by J. Mitchell, 1975. Breeding success of Red-throated Divers on Fetlar. D. P. Cyrus, 1975. British Birds 68: 75-6. Unusual tameness of Robins. D. Merrie, 1975. British Birds 68 : 79. (Record from Tayside). Fetlar’s Snowies. B. Tulloch, 1975. Birds 5: 8: 24-7. (Snowy Owls). Food of Nestling Crows in northeast Scotland. Y. Yom-Tov, 1975. Bird Study 22: 47-51. Fulmar occupying Ravens’ nest. I. S. Robertson, 1975. British Birds 68: 115. (Record from Shetland). Sheep contaminated by Fulmar oil. I. S. Robertson, 1975. British Birds 68: 115-6. (Record from Shetland). Fulmar sitting on egg and two dead passerine nestlings. R. A. Hume, 1975. British Birds 68: 116. (Record from Shetland). Aspects of social behaviour in the Buzzard. D. Weir and N. Picozzi, 1975. British Birds 68: 125-41. (Study from north-east Scotland). Studies of breeding Sandwich Terns. A. J. M. Smith, 1975. British Birds 68: 142-56. (Study from Sands of Forvie, Grampian). Contrasting predator-reactions of two Oystercatcher chicks. R. Coomber, 1975. British Birds 68: 157. (Record from Mull). Choughs feeding on blow fly larvae at cow carcass. R. Dawson, 1975. British Birds 68: 159-60. (Record from Islay). Reed Warblers breeding in Shetland. G. Bundy, 1975. British Birds 68: 210-1. (First Scottish breeding record; c.f. Scot. Birds 8 : 266). 1975 DISPERSAL OF GANNETS 295 Dispersal of First-year Gannets from the Bass Rock A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON Introduction This is a more detailed study of a particular section of the data used in a reassessment (Thomson 1974) of the British and Irish ringing results for the Gannet Sula bassana. It is restric- ted to birds ringed up to 1968 as pulli on the Bass Rock, Firth of Forth (56°04’N 2°38’W), where many more birds have been ringed than at any other single colony. It is also restricted to birds recovered before Ist May in the calendar year following fledging; that is, up to the start of the breeding season. No focal point can be determined for the dispersal of immature birds in subsequent seasons. First-year recoveries The general picture is that of an autumn dispersal in north- ern European waters (taken as north of Ushant, 48°28’N), followed by migration southwards along the Atlantic seaboard of western Europe and Africa as far as about 12°N, with a minor lateral diversion into the Mediterranean. The main study (loc. cit.) has confirmed an earlier finding (Thomson 1939) that migration is most pronounced in the first year of life, as re- gards both the proportion of individuals participating and the distance covered. The migration, as distinct from the dispersal, is characterised by a well marked directional shift in the centre of gravity of the distribution. This paper concentrates on the dispersal aspect, to which can be assigned 291 viable first- year recoveries of Bass Rock birds (omitting those that had never flown); in addition, 215 first-year recoveries relate to migration south of Ushant. The accompanying table gives the number of these records, month by month, in the following arbitrary sections of the dispersal and migration areas: 1. Local—the Firth of Forth, with the whole coasts of the Lothians and Fife. . Southwards on east coast of Great Britain. - Northwards on east coast of Scotland, including North- ern Isles. . North and west of Scotland. . Irish Sea. . North, west and south of Ireland. AOU wh 296 14. DISPERSAL OF GANNETS 8(5/6) . Continental coasts of the North Sea, from Belgium to southern Norway and including Baltic approaches. . English coast of English Channel. . French coast of English Channel. . Bay of Biscay (west France, north Spain). . West coast of Iberian Peninsula (west and south-west Spain, Portugal). . Mediterranean Sea. . North-west Africa (Atlantic coast, south to Tropic of Cancer). Tropical West Africa (south to c. 12°N). The table shows how the young birds disperse and migrate. Local recoveries (area 1) begin in July, are at peak figures in August and September, and tail off after October. Table. First-year recoveries of Bass Rock Gannets Area (see text) July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr 1. 43 40 13 1 — — — 1 1 2 — 5 22 14 2 1 2 — os 1 : — 8 12 1 2 = — _ — 4.— — 2 8 2 2 — a 1 — 5 — — — 5 2 aa ney se aes sag 6. — — 5 8 3 — 1 — — — ) — 6 22 8 2 1 1 ion — i = — 6 4 fois aos pat — ae %, — — 6 12 6 1 — — — _ 1. — 1 10 62 16 Ih 1 1 2 — 1 — — 2 26 20 5 1 — 5) _ 12, — — — — Zh 3 —_ —_ 1 1 13. — — — 6 6 i | 5 4 — 1 14 — — — — 3 9 tf 2 | 1 Dispersal A southward movement along the east coast of Great Brit- ain (area 2) becomes evident in August and pronounced in September. A northward movement along the east coast of Scotland (area 3) shows itself in September—with records as far as Caithness in that month, Orkney in October and Shetland in November. It is presumably this movement that continues round the north and west of Scotland (area 4), although the only two September records, being from the Firth of Clyde, 1975 DISPERSAL OF GANNETS 297 could conceivably indicate a short overland crossing; be that as it may, there is a September record from the Shamrock Bank (48°30’N, 7°20’W), south of Ireland and just above the latitude of Ushant (area 6), as well as records in that month from points far at sea south-west of Ireland (50°40’N, 13°30’W and 51°00’N, 13°40’W) (area 6). In October there are further records from the west coast of Scotland—including one off St Kilda—and from the Atlantic coasts of Ireland. There are records from the Irish Sea in October and November (area 5). A substantial movement towards the continental coasts of the North Sea, from southern Norway to Belgium and includ- ing the Baltic approaches (area 7) also begins in September, reaches a maximum in October and tails off after November. Recoveries from the French coast of the English Channel (area 9) follow the same temporal pattern. Records from the English coast of the Channel (area 8) are fewer and confined to October and November. Migration From the Bay of Biscay (area 10) there are an isolated record in August, a number in September, a large number in October, fewer in November and thereafter only sporadic oc- currences. Apart from August, the pattern for the west and south-west of the Iberian Peninsula (area 11) is similar. The first record from the Mediterranean (area 12) is in Novem- ber; by March one bird had reached the eastern end, in the Gulf of Iskenderun (36°40’N, 36°00’E). Recoveries on the At- lantic coast of north-west Africa are frequent from October . February, and on that of Tropical West Africa from Novem- er. By contrast, first-year birds from Grassholm, in the Irish Sea off Pembrokeshire (51°44’N, 5°29’W), are already present in numbers in west European waters in August and to a major extent in September. This earlier migration is doubtless due to the immediate southward exit from the Irish Sea, without an area of dispersal comparable with the North Sea. The pat- tern shown by the birds from Ailsa Craig, in the Firth of Clyde (55°23’N, 5°07’W), lies in between—with west Euro- pean recoveries first in a majority in October. Figures suppor- ting this summary statement are given in a table in the main study (Thomson 1974); but the numbers for the other two stations do not seem adequate for a detailed comparison with the Bass Rock birds. 298 DISPERSAL OF GANNETS 8(5/6) Return movement Records for any area become sparse after January, by which time the numbers at risk are obviously much reduced. The table, however, does show a distinct falling off after February in the number of records from Tropical West Africa and the Atlantic coast of north-west Africa; and March shows a minor peak in the records from west European waters that may well reflect a northward passage through that zone. Apart from the question of a return movement, there are a few records from northern European waters throughout the winter, showing that some of the birds do not migrate even in their first year. And in June (outside the scope of the table) a bird hatched in the previous year, which may or may not have migrated meanwhile, was recovered off northern Norway (64°29’N). On the other hand, some of the migrants remain in the win- tering area during the next summer. There are records in May from Portuguese Guinea (11°52’N, 15°39’W), Senegal, wes- tern Morocco and the Bay of Biscay, and in June from Senegal and the western Mediterranean. Acknowledgments The records were provided by the British Trust for Ornith- ology through Robert Spencer; he, Dr J. B. Nelson and Dr W. R. P. Bourne have seen the paper in draft and have made help- ful comments. Summary First-year recoveries of Gannets ringed as chicks on the Bass Rock show a wide dispersal in northern European waters from August to November; this extends to the northern and western coasts of the British Isles and, from September, to the continental coasts of the North Sea and the English Channel. Beginning mainly in October (later than birds from the Irish Sea), there is a migration to west European waters (south of Ushant) and the Atlantic coast of north-west Africa; from November there is a minor lateral movement into the Mediterranean Sea and a southward continuation of the main migration to the coast of Tropical West Africa as far as about 12°N. Although the migration is especially characteristic of first-year birds, some of these remain in northern waters throughout the winter. On the other hand, some of the migrants remain in the wintering area during the next summer. References THomson, A. L. 1959. The migration of the Gannet; results of marking in the British Isles. British Birds 352: 282-289. THomson, A. L. 1974. The migration of the Gannet: reassessment of British and Irish ringing data. British Birds 67: 89-103. Sir A. Landsborough Thomson, 42 Girdwood Road, London SW18 5QS. 1975. WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 299 Wintering wader populations on the rocky shores of eastern Scotland R. W. SUMMERS, N. K. ATKINSON and M. NICOLL (Plates 21 and 23) Introduction The aim of this paper is to document the numbers and dis- tribution of wintering waders on the rocky shores of eastern Scotland from Berwickshire to Morayshire, and also to show the relative importance of rocky shores and estuaries as wader habitats. Because of the exploitation of oil in the North Sea the coastline of eastern Scotland faces possible changes, and as there is little data on the wader populations of this region it was felt necessary to determine a base level against which future counts can be compared. The work also complements the BTO/RSPB Estuaries Enquiry. Study Area A total of 332 km of rocky coastline was censused, This included Morayshire (1 Burghead to Lossiemouth), Banffshire (2 Craigan Roan to the border with Aberdeenshire), Aberdeen- shire (3 border with Banffshire to Fraserburgh, 4 Cairnbulg Point to St Coombs, and 5 Peterhead to Rockend), Kincardine (6 Aberdeen breakwater to St Cyrus), Angus (7 Ferryden to Black Jack, and 8 Ethiehaven to Carnoustie), Fife (9 St An- ‘drews to Ruddons Point, 10 the rocky shore of Largo Bay, 11 Buckhaven to Pathhead, 12 Long Craig to Pettycur, 13 Burntisland to Aberdour, and 14 the Isle of May), East Loth- ian (15 Gullane Point to Tynemouth, 16 Belhaven Bay to Bils- dean Creek) and Berwickshire (17 Bilsdean Creek to the Eng- lish border) (see figure). Although the coastline has been categorised as rocky it also contains small areas of other substrata including mud and sand which are associated with estuaries and beaches. However, stones, boulders and bed rock were the predominant features (plate 2la and b). The composition of the rock varied through the study area and this has a marked effect on the distribution of the waders. The rocky shores of Morayshire, Kincardineshire (south of Stonehaven), Angus, Fife, parts of East Lothian, and Berwickshire are all composed of sedimen- tary rocks: Triassic Sandstone in Morayshire, Old Red Sand- stone in Kincardineshire and Angus, Calciferous Sandstone in 300 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES BANFFSHIRE MORAYSHIRE ABERDEENSHIRE KINCARDINE ANGUS FIFE 4 014 15 13 EAST LOTHIAN BERWICKSHIRE a oak oa ae eel 50 Km 17 8(5/6) Figure. Eastern Scotland showing the censused coastline (heavy line). Also see text. 1975 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 301 Fife and East Lothian and Silurian deposits in Berwickshire. The relatively soft sandstones have been weathered since glacial times to give a broad wave-cut platform with a large intertidal zone and out-lying reefs, though short stretches of cliff do occur between Arbroath and Ethiehaven (Angus) and south of Stonehaven (Kincardineshire). In contrast, the coast- line north of Stonehaven through Aberdeenshire and Banff- shire is either of metamorphic (Dalradian schists) or igneous (granite) rocks which are harder. The shore has therefore weathered less, resulting in a steep profile shore with a small intertidal zone which is more exposed to wave action. Methods Most previous counts of waders on rocky shores refer to counts at a given point. This method is unsatisfactory unless conditions of tide etc are stated, for it is difficult to repeat such counts. Counting birds at high tide roosts (plate 23) is also unsatisfactory as they usually occur on off-shore rocks where only a proportion of the sitting birds can be seen, and their roost sites may vary according to the weather. The method used to census birds in this study involved walking along the shore at approximately mid tide level at low water (half ebb to half flood) and counting the birds that were flushed past and behind the observer. Those that flew up in front of the observer were not counted but their landing posi- tion noted so that they could be circled and flushed behind on the second approach. Where cliffs prevented access to the littoral zone the birds were counted from the cliff top. As the waders occurred in scattered groups an accurate count could be made. Only when large flocks of Knots* were encountered did numbers have to be estimated. As only approximately 10 km of coastline could be covered by One person per day, three winters were required to census the eight counties, though Angus was covered in four winters. Counts were made between the beginning of November and the end of February. Daytime counts probably did not include all shore birds attached to a particular stretch of coast, since some, e.g. Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatcher, may obtain some of their daily food intake inland as has been shown for estuary-feeding birds (Goss-Custard 1969, Heppleston 1971). Conversely, counts made in the late afternoon are likely to in- clude birds which return to the shore to roost at night. Thus considerable variability may be expected. To test the varia- bility within a winter, a 22 km stretch of the Aberdeenshire *Scientific names are given in the appendix. 302 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 8(5/6) coastline was censused twice in 1972/73 (table 1). The num- bers of the truly rocky shore species (Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper) were similar in the two counts but the Oyster- catcher, Curlew and Redshank showed greater variation, pos- sibly due to the reasons as given above, rather than as a result of migration. These field-feeding species are also affected by frosty weather which drives them from coastal fields to the shore, though such weather did not occur during the two count periods. Table 1. Number of waders found in two censuses between Rockend and Peterhead (Aberdeenshire), winter 1972/3 The difference as a percentage 28 Nov-10 Dec 27-31 Jan of the lower value Oystercatcher 182 285 56 Ringed Plover 4 16 _ Grey Plover 5 — tend Golden Plover — 1 oats Turnstone 612 687 12 Curlew 46 30 53 Redshank 157 235 49 Knot 1 — — Purple Sandpiper 531 582 10 Dunlin 35 30 17 Evidence from ringing also suggests that we were dealing with relatively sedentary populations at this time of year (November-February). Many Redshanks, Dunlins, Oystercatch- ers, Purple Sandpipers and Turnstones have been retrapped at the site of ringing within winters and in successive winters (Tay Ringing Group, unpublished data). However, individuals in a population will move around on a stretch of coast-line. In the case of the Turnstone population at Fife Ness the limits of its winter home range are known to be at least 53 km apart (ibid.). It is assumed that local movements in one direction are balanced by movements in the other, resulting in a numerically stable population over a particular stretch of shore. To determine the variations between winters the Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper populations on the Angus coast were censused over four winters (table 2). It can be seen that the Table 2. Population of Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers on the rocky coasts of Angus over four winters Difference between max. and min. values as% of 1970/1 1971/2 1972/3 1973/4 the min. value Turnstone 649 663 655 TA 12 Purple Sandpiper 376 326 433 479 47 1975 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 303 Turnstone population was similar each winter but quite large variations occurred in the numbers of Purple Sandpipers. There is an indication that variations in the latter are due to variations in breeding success, resulting in differing numbers of first year birds in the population (table 3). Table 3. Percentage of first-year Purple Sandpipers in samples caught in eastern Scotland in different seasons Percentage of first-year Angus Winter birds in the samples Sample size population 1970/1 No data — 376 1971/2 8 51 326 1972/3 38 63 433 1973/4 33 68 479 Results The total number of birds censused is shown in table 4. Table 4. Waders counted on the rocky shores of eastern Scotland Moray Banff Aber Kinc Angus Fife ELoth Ber Winter 1972/3 73/4 72/3 72/3 71/2 71/2 73/4 73/4 Total & 73/4 Oystercatcher 248 640 589 620 835 1017 6100 £420 10469 Ringed Plover = 64 60. iby) 25 108%, 220 21 515 Grey Plover — =— 10 — — 3 3 — 16 Golden Plover 1 — 1° 290 , 591 21 90 — 994 Turnstone 165 1052 1503 1030 663 41759 1299 229 7700 Curlew 16%1+289 ~-104 ~.2177.,. 353), 398. 1140 45 2532 Bar-tailed Godwit 54 = 10 = 6 2 102 — 174 Redshank 43-320 1026...616 . 36) )502- 1540 . 170 4578 Greenshank — — = — = 6 —_ — 6 Knot 500: hiss 110 — 2729 5028 1829 — 11329 Purple Sandpiper 196 596 911 588 326 576 688 39 3920 Dunlin — B22 2S yi LOZ) cao. * TACKS SDOo 49 5124 Total 1223 4526 4607 3440 6164 10160 16264 973 47357 In Morayshire small concentrations occurred at Lossie- mouth/Branderburgh, near Hopeman and at Burghead. In Banffshire 54% of the birds occurred between Portgordon and Portessie with further concentrations in the bays at Banff, Portsoy and Gardenstown. The stretches of coastline between the towns were steep and few birds were found. In Aberdeen- shire the picture was similar with 58% of its birds occurring between Fraserburgh and Rosehearty and around Peterhead. Again the regions of cliff supported few birds. Aberdeenshire held the largest number of Purple Sandpipers with flocks of over 50 birds encountered at Rockend, Whinnyfold, Buchan 304 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 8(5/6) Ness, north Peterhead, and along the Phingask shore at Fraser- burgh. As with the last two counties the cliff area of Kin- cardineshire held few birds, for example only 245 were coun- ted between Greg Ness and north of Stonehaven (20 km of cliffs). Concentrations were found at Girdle Ness, Stonehaven and between Inverbervie and Johnshaven. In Angus and the East Neuk of Fife (St Andrews to Ruddons Point) an even scattering of birds occurred over the length of the coastline, cliffs being infrequent. In southern Fife between Buckhaven and Dysart (9 km) the shore is sterile, perhaps as a result of the coal tips, and consequently only 24 birds were counted. It was not until Pathhead and south of Kirkcaldy that large numbers were again encountered. The Isle of May supported a population of 453 birds, primarily Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers, the population of the former being augmented at night, no doubt due to birds leaving the mainland shores for a safe roost. In East Lothian the numbers of birds, especially Oystercatchers, Curlews and Dunlins, far surpassed those in the other counties, though the Turnstone and Purple Sand- piper numbers did not show a corresponding increase. This shore is well mixed with stretches of sand and mud resulting in an alternation between depositing and rocky shores. As it was impossible to determine which birds were utilising each habitat, all birds have been included in the total. Perhaps the productivity of this shoreline is linked with sewage from Edin- burgh. In Berwickshire the numbers were low due to the ab- sence of wide intertidal areas. Because of the problems of variability within and between winters, the total populations of most of the species cannot be reliably estimated. The figures in table 4 are therefore only an indication of the populations found on these shores. For the Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper, however, a reasonable esti- mate of the total population can be obtained. Assuming that fluctuation within the same winter is negligible (table 1) and that the variations between winters as seen on the Angus coast (table 2) are the same in the other counties, the expected populations in the winters for which counts were not made can be calculated from the winter in which each coastal stretch was censused. By this method we can calculate the expected maximum and minimum population values for the four winters 1970/1-1973/4 for eastern Scotland from Moray- shire to Berwickshire (table 5). As all four winters were rela- tively mild the values may be regarded as an indication of the range within which the winter population will be expected to remain under such weather conditions. 1975 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 305 Table 5. Calculated maximum and minimum populations of Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers See text for explanation. Turnstone Purple Sandpiper Max Min Max Min Morayshire 183 163 PA 148 Banffshire 1052 939 596 406 Aberdeenshire 1668 1489 1008 686 Kincardineshire 1143 1021 650 443 Angus 727 649 479 326 Fife 1904 1701 717 489 East Lothian 1299 1160 688 468 Berwickshire 229 204 39 27 Total 8205 7326 4394 2993 Comparison between rocky shores and estuaries The estuary, defined by Day (1951) as that part of a river with a variable salinity due to the sea, is the winter habitat par excellence for waders, where flocks containing thousands of birds can be encountered. This study has shown that large numbers of shorebirds also occur on rocky shores. In order to directly compare the two habitats the densities of waders have been calculated for the rocky shores of Fife (St Andrews to Ruddons Point and the Isle of May), Angus, Kincardineshire, and Aberdeenshire, and the adjoining estuaries of the Eden (Fife), Ythan (Aberdeenshire) and the Montrose Basin (Angus) (table 6). The intertidal areas were measured from Ordnance Survey maps with a planimeter. The areas of the rocky shores will be slightly underestimated as they are three dimensional regions unlike mud and sand flats. The data show that the total densities on rocky shores are similar to those for estuar- ies, though the average for the three estuaries (1119 per km?) is 38% higher than that for the four rocky shore regions (812 per km”). However, a larger number of densities would have to be compared before the relative importance of each habitat could be gauged accurately. The species composition was different for the two habitats, with Lapwings, Grey Plovers and Bar-tailed Godwits mainly in the estuaries and Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers on rocky shores. Other species, such as Oystercatchers, Red- shanks, Dunlins and Knots were common to both. Discussion The study has shown that the rocky shores of eastern Scotland from Morayshire to Berwickshire support substan- tial numbers of waders living at densities not dissimilar to 8(5/6) WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES GOL 116 IPLI G88 8E9 SGZI LO’ [BOL erl 96 €1g pS 61 9¢ Iv ulyunq — = — GLI 601 L9 Gc Jadidpues ajding ‘4 ocs Iv 1Z = LGG OF jouyy 8h7 a 1€Z L6I FIT PL SE yueyspoy i 6 0cz Zz —_ I — UMPOD pojiej-1eg == = OI — — — — YMpOyH poefie}-youlg 6 (Le 9T 02 ee CL cP MAINZ 6! Zz = 682 161 CEI 6LI ouo}suIN, tPF Z 9 a2) PS IZ Z IIAO[_ Uap[oy € = vI c ae — — IaAO[d AeIH Zz if — ral € G OI J9A0]|d posury LL LE 9Z — _ — — sulmdey LST z8 PEP €Il GIT OLT vS J9Y9789.19}SKO (wy 9°T) (guy EL) (zwWy 99) (wy Z's) (guy Fc) (Wy 6'P) (,wH €'8) Arenjsq ulseg Arenjsq 13qV DUIS snsuy ajly uUeyIA 9SO1]JUO], Uspy solivnj}sy saloys AyIoY 306 ‘SJoyovIg Ul USAIS Oe SvaIe [epIzI}UI [v}0} NOU], “puURTIOIS Ule}sea JO Sollen}sd pue seroYys AYI0I oy} UO ~Wy Jod siopeM SuLia}UIM Jo AyIsUaG “9 21qu, 1975 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 307 those found in estuaries. The birds are not evenly distributed but concentrated in regions where the shore has a low profile (sandstone coasts, rocky bays, and points) and are widely dispersed along steep profile shores, usually of metamorphic or igneous rocks. In north-east Scotland (Aberdeenshire and Banffshire), where cliffs predominate, both birds and coastal towns are concentrated in the short stretches of low coastline and in bays between cliffs. In an area geared towards coastal devel- opments for an oil industry the habitats of these birds are therefore vulnerable, more so than in a region where low pro- file shores predominate (e.g. Fife). Already in Aberdeenshire rocky shore has been lost in the creation of an oil rig service base at Peterhead. Another way in which oil exploitation can affect rocky shore waders is through oil spills. If they occur and slicks are washed ashore they will smother the invertebrate life which is the food of these waders. Such an occurrence can be widespread in its effect but fortunately not permanent. Some biological communities have been seen to recover from moderate oiling after three to four months. However, if dis- persants are used to treat the oil on the shore, large scale mor- tality of the invertebrate populations will result, a situation which will take several years for recovery (Smith, 1968). This contrasts with reclamation which is localised in its effect but lasting. Oil is unlikely to have a direct effect on the waders themselves, as it does on auks (Greenwood et al., 1971), though examples are known; a lighly oiled Purple Sandpiper was found on the Isle of May in December 1973, and during the pollution of January 1970 three Turnstones were seen at Car- lingheugh Bay, Arbroath, with smudges of oil on their flanks. It is felt that since relatively accurate data can be obtained on the population of Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers, these two species would be good indicators of environmental chan- ges on rocky shores and future counts should therefore con- centrate on them. The success of the previous breeding season would also have to be taken into consideration (see table 3). Acknowledgments We should like to thank D. L. Bell, K. Brockie N. E. Buxton and A. Grieve who assisted in part of the field work undertaken during the study, and J. Dunbar for providing data on the Montrose Basin. We should also like to thank Dr C. J. Feare for criticism and comments on the draft. 308 WADERS OF ROCKY SHORES 8(5/6) Summary Census methods are described and the wader population wintering on the rocky coasts of Scotland from Morayshire to Berwickshire was assessed at 47,357. For most species variability of counts made it diffi- cult to obtain accurate and comparable data, but relatively accurate data were obtained for Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers which totalled 7326-8205 and 2993-4394 respectively (minimum and maximum estimates) for the four winters 1970/1-1973/4. The majority of the waders were found on low profile shores and were sparse along regions of cliff. The density of waders on the rocky shores was not unlike that of three ad- joining estuaries, showing that the two habitats may be equally impor- tant. The vulnerability of these populations is discussed in relation to forthcoming oil developments in and off eastern Scotland. References Day, J. H. 1951. The ecology of South African estuaries. 1. A review of estuarine conditions in general. Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr. 55:55-91. GREENWOOD, J. J. D., DONALLY, R. J., FEARE, C. J.,. GORDON, N. J. and WATERSTON, G. 1971. A massive wreck of oiled birds: northeast Britain, winter 1970. Scot. Birds 6 : 235-250. Goss-CusTARD, J. D. 1969. The winter feeding ecology of the Redshank Tringa tot- anus. Ibis 111:558-356. HEPPLESTON, P. B. 1971. The feeding ecology of Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostra- legus L.) in winter in northern Scotland. J. Anim. Ecol. 40:651-672. SmitTH, J. E. (Ed) 1968. ‘Torrey Canyon’ Pollution and Marime Life. Report by Plymouth Lab., Mar. Biol. Assn., Camb. Univ. Press. Appendix—scientific names of species mentioned in the text Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Golden Plover P. apricaria Turnstone Arenaria interpres Curlew Numenius arquata Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Bar-tailed Godwit L. lapponica Redshank Tringa totanus Greenshank T. nebularia Knot Calidris canutus Purple Sandpiper C. maritima Dunlin C. alpina R. W. Summers, 353 Arbroath Road, Dundee, Angus. N. K. Atkinson, 90 Bellevue Gardens, Arbroath, Angus. M. Nicoll, 43 Bloomfield Gardens, Arbroath, Angus. 1975 WINTER ROOK ROOSTS 309 Scottish winter Rook roost survey - central and northern Scotland J. H. B. MUNRO (Plate 22) Introduction In 1946-7 the Midlothian Ornithological Club conducted an inquiry covering the Rook Corvus frugilegus roosts of the Lothians (Scot. Nat. 60: 20-9, 1948). In 1969-70 a pilot study was made to see if a survey covering the whole of Scotland was a viable proposition. The results were reported in Scot. Birds 6: 166-8. From this it seemed likely that there might be not more than about 150 winter roosts in Scotland and thus a Scot- tish survey appeared feasible. This survey was adopted as an SOC inquiry and a report covering southern Scotland was published in Scot. Birds 6: 438-43. Since publication three ad- ditional roosts have been found and details of these are given in an appendix to this paper. The present paper records the position of roosts found up to the end of spring 1975 in central and northern Scotland north of a line joining Falkirk, Kilsyth and Greenock. While it seems probable that some roosts are undiscovered, it would take a considerable time to find every roost in this extensive area where observer cover is sparse. It is therefore considered best to publish now the data al- ready obtained and to record later any further roosts found. Results Eighty-two winter roosts were found in central and northern Scotland during 1970-5. The association of roosts with good- quality land found to exist in southern Scotland (loc. cit.) also applies in central and northern Scotland. The rich Aberdeen- shire farmland supports some very large roosts, those at Hat- ton Castle (65,000 birds) and Straloch (49,000 birds) being the largest known in Scotland. The spacing of roosts was again remarkably regular in areas where agricultural land predominated; in areas where the land is poorer, however, such as the north-west Highlands, roosts were more widely scattered. The map (plate 22) shows all roosts found in Scotland so far. In the north and west two features of roosting behaviour were recorded which were not noted in southern Scotland. 310 WINTER ROOK ROOSTS 8(5/6) First, short sea-crossings are not deterrents to roosting flights: many Rooks have been seen crossing from the Ayrshire and Cowal coasts to roost in Bute, and some birds from Kintyre cross to Gigha. Secondly, where there are rookeries near the head of a long isolated valley, it appears that the Rooks must either face a long flight back from their winter feeding grounds to roost up the valley, or roost far from their rookeries, pos- sibly not visiting them for any length of time until early spring when feeding improves near the rookeries. For example on 15th January 1971 no Rooks could be found in the Dee valley between Aboyne and Ballater, and it seems likely that the birds that nest at Braemar may roost far down the glen at Potarch Bridge. In Strathdon I could find no Rooks during several win- ter visits. No evidence of a roost could be found in Strath Glass, where my wife and I were on holiday in October 1972, although Rooks nest far up this glen. Four winter visits were paid to the Tay valley—from Killin by Ballinluig to Dunkeld— and no roost was found, but on several occasions flocks at Aberfeldy and Ballinluig were seen in the afternoon to fly in the direction of Dunkeld, presumably making for Marlee Loch or Redgorton, a flight of at least 20 miles, suggesting that the feeding available in the Tay valley enabled the birds to forage at least some way up the strath in winter. Distribution of roosts by counties Trees Estimated Roost used population known (including since Jackdaws Corvus monedula)y ABERDEENSHIRE Arnage, Ellon —_ 21,500 1965/66 Dens of Peterhead — — 1965/66 Drum Castle Scots pine thousands 1971 Dunnideer Hill, Inch Scots pine thousands — Foveran, Newburgh — 8000 1965/66 *Hatton Castle, Turriff mixed 65,000 1949 Inver Fowlis, Alford mixed 7-10,000 1958 Potarch Bridge Scots pine 2000 = *Rathen, Fraserburgh _ — 1949 Straloch House, mixed 49,000 1949 Old Meldrum *Not checked since 1965/66 but not known to have moved (Prof G. M. Dunnet in corres.). The Arnage roost may replace one at Haddo House, Methlick, known in 1949. The Foveran roost may replace one at Essle- ment House known in 1949. It seems possible from the roost pattern that there are roosts in the Old Deer, Monymusk and Fyvie districts. There was a roost at Aden House, Old Deer, in 1949. 1975 WINTER ROOK ROOSTS 311 Trees Estimated Roost used population known (including since Jackdaws) ANGUS Hatton of Fotheringham larch 13,000+ 1945 The situation in Angus requires further investigation. If the pattern of roosts that exists in other counties with good agricultural land applies in Angus one would expect to find four or five roosts. There may be roosts near Kinblethmont and Balglassie. ARGYLLSHIRE Bridge House, spruce 70 — Bowmore, Islay *Campbeltown Burgh deciduous thousands 100 years Drimvore Farm, —_ 200 — Kirkmichael Glassery Achamore House, Gigha deciduous 500-1000 — *Glencreggan Farm, pines 500 100 years _ Glenbarr Glenbranter, Strachur sitka 500 — Glencoe Forest conifers 100 10 years Kilberry Castle deciduous 1000 1935 Dunach, Loch Feochan deciduous 4-500 — Kilbride, Lagavulin, Islay mixed 300 —_ Loch Lossit, Islay — 1300 a South Shian House deciduous hundreds a= *These very old roosts were reported by Mr Neil Mason in corres. The figure for Drimvore Farm is for Rooks only; there are many Jack- daws in addition. There are probably roosts near Strontian and Ardentinny. Rooks from the Kilcreggan rookeries fly across Loch Long at dusk in the direction of Ardentinny; it is possible, but unlikely, that they make for Glenbran- fee No roosts have yet been found in Mull, but it seems possible that two roosts exist, one in the Bunessan area, and the other near Calgary. An evening flight of Rooks south-east over Tobermory Bay suggests the presence of another roost near Lochaline. It seems therefore that there are about five roosts yet to be found in Argyll. BANFFSHIRE Ballindalloch Castle — 2000 — Birkenbog, Cullen —_ 15,000 — Carron House mostly conifers 25-30,000 70 years Glen Rinnes Lodge = 1000 — Mountblairy House mixed = — Tarryblake, Rothiemay conifers 5000+ — It seems possible that there are roosts near Knock Hill, Inverkeithney and Botrophine. The Carron House roost appears to be the only major one and to serve a wide area. Local tradition holds that it has been in existence all this century. BUTE Kerrycrusack Wood, Loch Ascog mixed 8000 1927 312 WINTER ROOK ROOSTS Trees used CAITHNESS Barrock House, Lyth mixed Castletown, Garth, Olrig mixed Loch Scarmcelett, Halkirk mixed Bridge of Westfield, Forss alder Estimated population (including Jackdaws) 5-600 There may be roosts near Thrumster and Latheron. The two main Winter roosts are at Barrock House and Castletown/Garth; these house the whole population, and with the Loch Scarmclett roost are possibly about 80 years old (D. Stark, in corres.). It seems therefore that the other two roosts are only used occasionally. DUNBARTONSHIRE Rossdhu House, oak/willow Loch Lomond FIFE Balcaskie House, mixed Pittenweem Craigfoodie, Dairsie _— Craighall, Ceres conifers Kippo/Carhurly, == Kingsbarns Kirktonbarns, Newport conifers Montrave mixed Otterston, Dalgety mixed Pitcairlie, Newburgh mixed Raith Park, Kirkcaldy deciduous *Ramornie, Ladybank conifers 500-1000 1500-+- 1500-2000 3-5000 1500-2000 3-5000 * 1500-2000 1975 1949 *This roost was known to the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in 1949 when they recorded over 60,000 birds. INVERNESS-SHIRE Borlum, Drumnadrochit _— Cluny Castle — Coylum Bridge conifers Culloden Moor conifers Dunvegan, Skye larch Lynedale, mixed Loch Greshornish, Skye Viewfield, Portree, Skye conifers several hundreds 1-5000 5-600 150 2-300 200 As Rooks nest at Ardvasar in Sleat there should be a roost nearby, pos- sibly at Ruthven. KINCARDINESHIRE | Westerton, Laurencekirk birch/pine KINROSS-SHIRE Barnhill, Saline mixed Thorntonhill Farm, pines Carnbo MORAYSHIRE Gaich, Grantown pines Balnacoul Wood, conifers Fochabers Wester Manbeen, Elgin pines ~ §-10,000 5000 800 Up to 20,000 thousands Pre-1949 1975 WINTER ROOK ROOSTS Trees Estimated used population (including NAIRNSHIRE Jackdaws) Dalmore Manse deciduous 5-10,000 ORKNEY Berstane Wood, Kirkwall sycamore 1000 PERTHSHIRE Battleby House, deciduous 10,000 Redgorton Deanstone Farm, Doune _ conifers 3-5000 Marlee Loch, conifers 3-5000 Blairgowrie Rossie Priory mixed 5000 Westhall Farm, conifers 5000 Highlandman 313 It seems possible that the Blair Atholl birds use a roost to the south of their rookery, or they may fly much further south to Marlee Loch or Redgorton. ROSS AND CROMARTY Carbisdale Castle, Invershin Conon House estate Coulmore, Munlochy Foulis Castle/Findon Geanies, Fearn Leckmeln, Ullapool Pheasant Wood, Munlochy Poolewe Stornoway Castle woods Strathcarron Station Teaninich, Alness *T, Barron in corres. mixed conifers deciduous firs mixed rs deciduous pines mixed 5- i0, 000 40 years 120 years* 15 years 20 years There were 10,000 birds at Foulis Castle in 1949 (Capt Patrick Munro in corres.). Coulmore and Pheasant Wood are parts of a split roost. From the positions of known rookeries one would expect roosts in the Applecross, Kishorn and Dornie areas. SHETLAND Kergord, Weisdale STIRLINGSHIRE Drumgoyne Station Dunmore House, Airth Stirling University, Airthrey conifers conifers conifers deciduous 80-100 5-8000 2000 3000 1952 = 1975 The Drumgoyne Station and Dunmore House roosts were also listed under southern Scotland (loc. cit.) for roost distance purposes but not in- cluded in the roost total. SUTHERLAND Lawson Hospital, Golspie Tongue conifers hardwoods 4500 250 All entries in the Roost known since column are approximations. For brevity, qualifications such as before, about and at least have been omit- ted. 314 WINTER ROOK ROOSTS 8(5/6) Acknowledgments I am grateful to the many people who contributed information about roosts. The following were particularly helpful: W. F. B. Aitchison, J. Allan, N. K. Atkinson, E. Balfour, W. M. Barr, J. Bayne, Miss Biscoe, G. Booth, E. S. Bruce, Miss Campbell of Kilberry, Gen. Sir Philip Christison, Mrs P. Collett, W. A. Craw, W. A. J. Cunningham, R. H. Dennis, J. Dun- bar, Prof G. M. Dunnet, J. Edelsten, Dr W. J. Eggeling, Miss Fairweather, Capt. D. E .P. George, R. Gordon, Seton Gordon, C. G. Headlam, W. G. F. Henricksen, A. Hepburn, E. N. Hunter, Mrs Hunter, M. Joughin, N. MacDonald, Mrs MacDonnell, Mrs Macduff-Duncan, Mrs MacGillivray, D. McGinn, D. McGregor, A. K. MacKelvie, D. M. Mason, Neil Mason, A. Mitchell, Mrs Munro, J. D. Oliver, Dr I. J. Patterson, J. W. Purvis, Mrs Quinn, B. Reynard, S. Roberts, D. M. Stark, R. Swann, Mrs Tulloch, R. J. Tulloch, Dr Adam Watson, Hon Mrs Weir and D. S. Whitaker. Dr J. T. R. Sharrock very kindly gave details of Atlas squares in which Rooks were recorded nesting during the four years up to 1971; this in- formation greatly simplified the finding of roosts, and I am especially grateful to him. Summary Eighty-two winter roosts were located in central and northern Scot- land. Sixty-one have been found in southern Scotland, giving a total of 143 roosts found. From observations and the pattern of roost distribu- tion it is believed that about twenty-one roosts remain to be discovered giving an estimated total of 164 roosts in Scotland. Some observations on roosting behaviour not seen in southern Scot- land are reported, and a county by county list of roosts is given. Appendix—additional roosts found in southern Scotland Trees Estimated Roost used population known (including since Jackdaws) MIDLOTHIAN Roslin Glen deciduous 1000 = ROXBURGHSHIRE Broomlands, Kelso deciduous 500 30 years Lustruther, Chesters pines 1-3000 1971 The Lustruther roost is said to have moved from a wood now cut down, nearer Chesters, where it had been known for at least 40 years. The three roosts above fit very nicely into the roost pattern for south- ern Scotland. J.H. B. Munro, 9 Capelaw Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0HG. PLATE 21 (a) Conglomerate shore with dense patches of fucoids at Johnshaven, Kin- cardineshire (page 299). (b) Boulder shore at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire (page 299). Photographs by R. W. Summers f | f! QV eD os ge eh WAS “6 ae: eee / p SHETLAND ORKNEY op ea \ \ \ q SHETLAND 1957 SHORT NOTES 319 Short Notes First days in the life of a Black-throated Diver On 6th July 1974 a pair of Black-throated Divers and their chick were swimming on a loch near the north-west coast of Scotland. Two days earlier the egg was not chipping so the young bird cannot have been more than a day old. When first seen the birds were at least 200 yards from their small island; indeed they were at first invisible. When the parents at last approached the island, the chick was swimming so near them that it would be distinguished only with difficulty. On arrival, one of the parents swam carefully round the island to see that no dangers were present, and when he returned the mother at once landed and laboriously climbed to the nesting hollow. The young followed more easily—the large size of the webbed feet were already evident—and it was brooded for two hours be- fore the male returned and the three birds took to the water, swam out of sight and had not returned before I had to ter- minate my watch at 7.45 p.m. Next day I began my watch at 2.45 p.m. when there was no sign of the family. In 15 minutes I made them out swimming close to the shore, the chick keeping extremely close to its parents. At 3.30 p.m. they arrived at the island. Again the male diver made a most careful inspection as he swam round the island before the mother climbed to the nesting hollow. The young bird followed her and she settled down to brood it for four hours, and when I left they had, I think, settled down for the night at 8 p.m. During her brooding the male returned and, half aground on the stones, seemed to speak to her in a low voice. Once he brought a small fish, but he received a cool wel- come and in the end swallowed it himself. The following day the divers had left their island for an- other part of the loch but the chick may have been brought back to the island at dusk for the night. The weather was cool and overcast and it is interesting that although the young bird was at home in the water from the start it was at intervals taken back to the nest to be rested and I think warmed. I saw it fed at least once with small pieces of regurgitated food given it by the parent as she brooded over it. SETON GORDON. Fulmar behaviour While tape recording Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis displaying on the ruined walls of Skelbo Castle, Sutherland, on the mor- 320 SHORT NOTES 8(5/6) ning of 17th June 1974, I saw two types of behaviour which may be worth placing on record. In the first type, at least two lone Fulmars kept alighting in the empty nests of Rooks Corvus frugilegus built in Scots pines at about 15 m above the ground. From these lofty perches the Fulmars then displayed with the usual cackling and head wav- ing at others which flew close by and which often hesitated in flight as though about to join the displaying birds. None was seen to do that but later I heard at least two Fulmars appar- ently singing and duetting together in one of the trees of a small copse about 200 m to the north of the castle; that is, in the direction of the Fleet estuary. A number of Fulmars circled over this copse during my stay, but owing to the thick foliage the perched duettists could not be seen from the foot of the tree from which they sang. Although there were some Rooks about during these various episodes none was seen to pay any attention to the petrels and none was nesting in the vicinity. The contents of the Fulmar-occupied Rooks’ nests could not be examined, but it is thought unlikely that either contained Fulmar eggs. The birds involved behaved like typical members of the vociferous and active non-breeding or pre-breeding com- ponent of petrel colonies. The only bird known to have an egg sat quietly in its niche on the castle wall and paid no atten- tion to the actions of several nearby displaying pairs and trios: all such activity appeared to be that of non-breeders. Previous records of Fulmars in trees come from Golspie, about 6 km from Skelbo Castle. Pennie (1967) reported Ful- mars in trees there, while Mylne (1973) recorded the short occupation of a Rook’s nest by a pair of Fulmars. Finding petrels in trees is not particularly unusual in other parts of the world. Species that nest in heavy forest may climb trees to gain height for take-off, like the Westland Petrel Pro- cellaria westlandica (pers. obs.) and Pycroft’s Petrel Ptero- droma pycrofti (Bartle 1968). Others may accidentally land in trees and have to flop to the ground to reach their burrows. I have even encountered a Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis singing from a perch in a tree. As this episode was noted twice in three days from the same place in the same tree, the bird too could have been the same, in which events its choice of landing site was presumably deliberate (Warham 1957). Other- wise I know of no other report of a petrel perisistently return- ing to a tree-top site and evidently going through the prelim- inaries of nesting there and this development seems to under- 1975 SHORT NOTES 321 line the adaptability of the Fulmar population and the pressure on breeding sites along the Sutherland coast. The second behaviour pattern noted was a form of display in which flying birds rose slightly while holding their wings somewhat drooped and stiffened and then descended in a short curve as they cackled through the opened bill. This display was seen four times in as many hours, although, owing to my pre-occupation with tape recording, I was unable to watch ‘intensively and failed to note whether the head was waved in accompaniment to the vocalizations. In at least three of these instances a second petrel was flying close to the displaying one and close proximity may have triggered off the action. The birds involved again appeared to be non-breeders. This aerial display was particularly interesting as it seemed very similar to one used by giant petrels (or giant fulmars) Macronectes spp. which I described from Macquarie Island in the sub-Antarctic (Warham 1962). I have subsequently seen the display in use by both the Southern M. giganteus and Nor- thern Giant Petrels M. halli and by some other large petrels. I am grateful to Dr Robert Carrick for introducing me to the Skelbo Castle colony and to Chris Mylne for help with the lit- erature. References BARTLE, J. A. 1968. Observations on the breeding habits of Pycroft’s Petrel. Notornis 15: 70-99. Myung, C. K. 1975. Fulmars in a rookery. Scot. Birds 7: 403-4. PENNIE, I. D. 1967. Fulmars sitting in trees. Brit. Birds 60: 90. WaARHAM, J. 1957. Additional notes on the Little Shearwater. West Austr. Nat. 5S: 255-2356. WaRHAM, J. 1962. The biology of the Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus. Auk 79: 139-160. JOHN WARHAM. (A note of Fulmars occupying a Raven’s nest in Shetland and possibly evicting the owners appears in Brit, Birds 68:115. —ED.) Leach’s Petrel breeding on Foula Since the advent of mist-nets small numbers of Leach’s Pet- rels Oceanodroma leucorrhoa have been caught in most years on Foula, Shetland, while trapping and ringing Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus. D. R. Wilson caught the first in 1957 (Wilson 1958) and 59 were ringed between 1960 and 1972 by a number of people, though mainly under the auspices of the 322, SHORT NOTES 8(5/6) Brathay Exploration Group. The most caught in a year was 14 in 1965 but throughout the period there was virtually no evidence of breeding. The presence of brood patches on all 13 of the 1965 birds examined (Jackson 1966) led some to suggest that Leach’s Petrels probably bred on the island. However, both breeders and non-breeders undergo loss of down on the brood patch and work on Storm Petrels on Skokholm, Pembrokeshire, has shown that it is usually not possible to assign breeding status to an individual on the state of the brood patch (Scott 1970). Studies on Kent Island, Canada, indicate that the pattern is basically similar in Leach’s Petrel (Wilbur 1969). Work on Storm Petrels has also shown that some birds will wander from island to island (Dennis 1969, Scott 1970, Spen- cer 1973) and may well visit islands that are not breeding stations (Munro 1974). The suggestion was therefore that the Leach’s Petrels caught on Foula could be merely wandering non-breeders visiting from established colonies and the two recoveries to date would support this idea. The 1957 bird was caught at the North Rona colony (235 km south-west) the fol- lowing year and one of the 1965 birds was caught there in 1972 and again in 1974. The Faeroes are only about 280 to 300 km to the north-west and there have already been interchanges of Storm Petrels between Foula and the Faeroes in both direc- tions, so this could provide another source of wanderers. In 1973 I tried to catch a higher number of Leach’s Petrels by using an amplified tape recording of the flight call to attract the birds into the nets and perhaps to find a nest. No nest was found but 33 birds were caught. Three birds had mud on their feet and had almost certainly been in a burrow on the island. However, even a bird calling from a burrow would not be con- clusive proof of breeding as non-breeders will occupy a bur- row, usually in the year prior to breeding. Additionally, one bird regurgitated some fish on capture suggesting that it might be feeding a chick. The evidence of breeding was better but was still not conclusive, as nothing short of an egg or chick would be sufficient. In 1974 I was accompanied by J. A. Love and making use of experience gained in 1973 we moved further up a steep, grassy, boulder-strewn slope, having increasing success at catching Leach’s Petrels and on the night of 29th-30th July we located a nest 240-60 m above sea level. An adult bird called from a burrow in response to the tape recorded calls coming from a speaker which by chance had been placed about 15 in away. By playing the recording close to the burrow the bird 1975 SHORT NOTES 323 was enticed to the entrance and caught by hand. It was just possible to reach into the burrow and feel an egg in the nest chamber. The egg was examined and found to be slightly chipped and when held close to the ear a chick could be heard cheeping inside. Both egg and adult were returned to the bur- row. The burrow was in a grassy slope among boulders and rock outcrops and went in nearly parallel to the surface so that although the nest chamber was 40-50 cm from the en- trance it was only about 3-5 cm below the surface. The entrance was about 10-15 cm in diameter and had grass growing over it so it was well hidden. A second visit to the nest was made during the day on 4th August when the chick was 4 or 5 days old and weighed 11 grams. On the night of 4th-5th August churring Leach’s Petrels were heard briefly underground or on the surface in three places within 200 m of the original nest but no definite bur- rows were found. In 1974 a total of 41 birds was caught (in- cluding the breeding adult which was also later retrapped) and three of these birds had been ringed in 1973. The breeding pop- ulation would not appear to be large, although efforts were concentrated in only one part of the island. Leach’s Petrels have been caught at other sites and further work may result in more nests being located, though some suitable areas may be inaccessible. References DENNIS, R. H., 1969. Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report for 1968. JACKSON, EK. E., 1966. The Birds of Foula. (Special Supplement to Scottish Birds Vol. 4). Munro, P. 1974. Copeland Bird Observatory Report for 1975. Scott, D. A., 1970. The breeding biology of the Storm Petrel. (Unpublished D. Phil thesis, Oxford University). SPENCER, R., 1975. Report on Bird-ringing for 1971 (Special supplement to Bird Study vol 20). WILBUR, H. M., 1969. The breeding biology of Leach’s Petrel. Auk 86: 4355-42. WILson, D. R. 1958. Leach’s Petrels in Shetland. British Birds 51: 177-8. A. R. MAINWOOD. (Only four other colonies of Leach’s Petrels are known in the British Isles: St Kilda, Flannan Islands, North Rona and Sula Sgeir. There are few records of casual or possible breed- ing elsewhere, all in the Northern and Western Isles of Scot- land and off western Ireland. These are summarized by Cramp et al. in The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland (1974) and the authors rightly point out that there may be yet undiscovered small colonies. These might be located on the most perilous slopes of remote islands.—ED.) 324 SHORT NOTES 8(5/6) Another Kittiwake movement in the Firth of Forth On 28th-29th October 1974 during strong north-west and north winds, a large movement of Kittiwakes was again obser- ved in the Forth similar to that witnessed on 16th November 1973 (Scot. Birds 8: 77-8). The 28th October was a fine day with a cold and strong north- west wind. While walking along the sea wall from the east breakwater of Leith Docks to Seafield, I noted parties of ten io eighty or more Kittiwakes flying past every 5-10 minutes between noon and 2 p.m. These parties closely hugged the south shores along Portobello bay, Seafield and Leith Docks and were moving purposefully west without any deviations. Some 400+ passed in two hours. On Tuesday 29th October, it was again a brilliantly clear sunny day with a cold strong north wind. I went first to Silver- knowes between Barnton and Cramond to see whether Kitti- wakes were still moving and having seen at least one party of c.60 flying west past this area and Cramond Island I decided to see what was happening at South Queensferry. At about 1 p.m. I watched the area off Long Craig pier, east of South Queens- ferry and observed parties of Kittiwakes (as seen on the pre- vious day) going towards Inchgarvie and North Queensferry. When they came to the Forth Railway Bridge they seemed to hesitate and would fly along the east side at varying heights for a while and then settle in a raft close to North Queens- ferry, and this raft grew in numbers to some hundreds. Having rested for a while these birds would then rise off the sea and fly around gaining height until I lost sight of them. I lost sight of about four lots in this manner at a great height over or west of the bridge. Some seemed to drift over or through the bridge westward and so I went along the south shore from South Queensferry to Hopetoun House to see what was happening there. Only one or two small lots of twenty to forty were seen flying low over the water going west, but when I looked back eastwards to the bridges there was a huge flock to be seen very high up above these bridges, circling and gaining height and they resembled a snow storm. I eventually lost sight of these at the height they attained and could only assume that they had moved west. I decided then to cross the road bridge to North Queensferry and when there went up to the high ground where the Royal Navy Signal Station stands and spent the rest of the afternoon from 2-4 p.m. there, observing the Kittiwakes. I could see small parties coming up the Firth from Leith between Inch- mickery and Cramond Island and past Hound Point to join 1975 SHORT NOTES 325 rafts of Kittiwakes on the water in Inverkeithing Bay and be- low North Queensferry. When these rafts had gained some hundreds of birds they would rise and circle round in a wide arc, gaining height, and as this happened the circle would de- crease until the birds were towering upwards more compactly. About 10-15% of the flock were young tarrocks. I lost one or two of these flocks out of sights and the drift was westwards over the Forth bridges, but some may have gone more north- west over Inverkeithing. Again the heights reached were such that it was difficult to follow the flock and they would appear like tiny snow storms. Probably 4-5 rafts were seen doing this during which time other rafts which had been on the water had also gone. About 3.15 p.m. I concentrated on one lot of about 800 in Inverkeithing Bay which went through the motions described above and came overhead and still gaining height drifted west high over the bridges. When they seemed to be about the size of Starlings they made more purposeful speed westwards, parallel to the south shores of the river. The flock was now more stretched out and, facing into the north wind, was moving fairly rapidly due west and out of sight. Some 3-4000 must have arrived and departed in this manner between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. none returning eastwards down the Forth. If the direction of westward flight was maintained it would bring these flocks overland via Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne into the Atlantic. GERARD L. SANDEMAN. A cause of decline in farmyard House Martin colonies Since 1966, large numbers of House Martins Delichon urbica have been ringed in Fife, Angus and Perthshire, initially by myself and latterly by Tay Ringing Group. These birds have been caught at breeding colonies in farm steadings, mostly in entrance archways or in tractor sheds. It has seemed to us that over the last few years the numbers of House Martins breeding in these colonies has decreased, and in several cases the colony is now extinct. I have been rather concerned that ringing activity was partly to blame, but at one colony in Perthshire which is much-ringed, numbers of birds have, if anything increased. The following account is offered as an ex- planation, in the sincere hope that further investigation may be undertaken urgently by the appropriate organization. On 11th August 1973, John Clark and I visited a colony at a farm in Crail, Fife, to attempt a pre-dawn catch of the House Martin colony. We were rather disappointed to find only two 326 SHORT NOTES 8(5/6) birds flying around, where there had been a dozen pairs earlier in the season. In the courtyard there were several pools of bright blue-green liquid and around their edges the ground had become muddy. On asking the farmer, he told us that the sub- stance was fentin hydroxide (brand name “Tubotin’’), a tin- based fungicide, which is used for the control of potato blight. This compound is mixed with water and then sprayed on the crops, but in this instance the liquid had spilled out of the mix- ing tank, presumably a fairly common occurrence. He assured us that he had seen the martins drinking, and collecting mud from these pools, and noticed a decrease in flying birds shortly thereafter. Inspection of nests showed there to be dead adults and chicks or eggs in four nests, some of the adults though dead for some time, showed grotesque distortion of the mouth, as if dying in great pain. Two of the adults from this colony were sent for laboratory investigation, but unfortunately they were found to be mummified on receipt, the internal organs had dried out and no diagnosis of death was possible. On this same date I visited another colony that we ring an- nually, near Kilconquhar, Fife. Where I had counted 23 pairs in the early season there were now only two nests with live birds in them. All the other nests contained dead adults, chicks or eggs, some chicks being at the flying stage. There were no fresher specimens that the Crail colony produced, indeed most seemed in a greater state of decay. On approaching the farmer he confirmed having used fungicide on his potatoes recently, the brand name was unknown, but it was the type supplied by Central Farmers Ltd to apparently all farmers in East Fife. On asking the Crail farmer, he assured me that the fungicide used on his land was supplied by Central Farmers Ltd and is the type used by all local farmers he knew of. The Kilconquhar man was unaware of any spillage during the mixing, but did not carry out the mixing himself. In early summer 1974, I visited another House Martin colony at Fife Ness which had been the subject of early departures by the breeding birds for as long as we had known it. On my visit, I estimated there to be 30 pairs present, about average for the site, and most of them nest-building. On 30th August 1974, John Clark and I telephoned the farmer at this site to advise him that we would be trapping there before dawn next morning. I was rather alarmed to be told that the birds had all gone within the last few weeks—just as in previous years. A visit on 3lst August 1974 confirmed my worst fears, with dead birds in every nest, mostly adults, some unfledged young and some juveniles of the year. Once again, specimens were sent off but 1975 SHORT NOTES 327 as before they were too long dead for analysis. I do not think that any of the adults survived and no House Martins were flying around the farm. The farmer had mixed up the same fungicide solution several weeks before this date, and the birds had gone very quickly thereafter. He admitted to spillage of the solution in the corner of a field where he watched the House Martins drinking and gathering mud. At this site, the colony is presumably being perpetuated by the juveniles of the first brood migrating before the fungicide is mixed, and returning to breed in the following year. It may be that the Kilconquhar colony was doubly unlucky, by having the first brood juveniles poisoned also, due to the earlier mixing of the fungicide at the farm. The farm in question is well known locally as producing the first potatoes of the year. By whatever means, the Fife Ness colony existed at least until this year in fair strength, whereas the Kilconquhar colony used to number over a hun- dred pairs. This problem may have existed for some time, as Dr R. W. Summers in his paper on flat flies in these same colonies men- tions finding dead adults and juveniles in nests together (Tay Ringing Group Report 1971) without any apparent explanation. It must be said that this mortality is not deliberate, and is purely caused by a lack of care in the mixing process. The packets are marked ‘Dangerous to livestock and animals’, and the farmers involved are fond of their House Martins. How- ever, the damage is being done, and if the position in Tay Ring- ing Group area is typical of the country as a whole, one can easily imagine the scale of damage. There is also the question of whether birds are drinking the solution from pools in the field after spraying, presumably affecting a considerable num- ber of species. With House Martins, such mortality is obvious, but how does one measure a large drop in, say, Skylarks ? Perhaps a more ominous note is struck in the journal Copper (No. 1 1973, issued by the Copper Development Association), which describes a proposal to use a copper based fungicide to fight the coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) currently spread- ing in South America. In Brazil, for instance, 36,000 tons of fungicides would be needed, containing 18,000 tons of metallic copper, this being an annual consumption. As it is recommen- ded that this fungicide be used during the dry season, the cata- strophe which could follow with birds flocking to drink out of spray pools, may denude certain areas of South America of its bird fauna. DAVID W. OLIVER. 328 OBITUARY 8(5/6) Obituary TOM PATERSON The death of Tom Paterson at the beginning of August 1974 by a coronary thrombosis will leave a gap in Scottish ornith- ologists’ circles. He came to birdwatching by way of wildfowl- ing in his younger days and like all converts he then turned passionately against anyone who harassed or disturbed his be- loved ducks and geese. It was sad that he did not live longer as he had looked forward so longingly for his retirement when he would be able enjoy his birdwatching to the full. He worked so hard to make himself fit again after an earlier massive coron- ary attack which would have left most men sitting in an arm- chair looking after themselves. A shy and retiring man, Tom was not one to push himself forward but he was an authority on the birds of the River Forth. He knew the river as no one else did. He walked down there daily and had several exciting visitors to record, twice a Spoonbill and once a Black-winged Stilt. He was a kindly man, ever ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a real interest in young people and many can be grateful to him for taking them out birdwatching and passing on infor- mation from his own large store. He was a pioneer of the duck and goose count in this area covering the Forth, Gartmorn Dam, Carsebreck and the Upper and Lower Rhynds. R. M. RAMAGE. A Stirling Conference MURIEL DRAPER The 27th Annual Conference of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club certainly promised to be different—January instead of October, Stirling instead of Dunblane. Round the branches there were gloomy predictions that it just wouldn’t be the same. Friday, January 24th, saw us driving through Stirling to- wards Bridge of Allan, and finally making the turn into the University of Stirling campus. Although the setting was as yet unfamiliar, one could once again anticipate the pleasures ahead—renewing old friendships, meeting new members at 1975 STIRLING CONFERENCE 329 their first conference, and perhaps, most important of all, gain- ing some new insight from the various speakers. A little hesi- tation about where to park and which door to enter was finally solved by consulting the campus map provided for this very purpose. Any feeling of strangeness in the new surroundings was quickly dispelled by the usual warm welcome from Ruby Smillie and her husband, who were both on duty at the regis- tration desk. On asking for George and Irene, we learned that unfortunately the Waterstons would not be attending the con- . ference, owing to George’s illness. Name labels pinned on, conference details clutched in one hand and luggage in an- other, several attempts were made to get from the checking-in desk to the bedrooms. Each time one was foiled by the arrival of yet more friends. The bedrooms in Murray Hall were warm and comfortable, simply yet well equipped. If anyone could not believe in the efficency of the duvets, blankets were avail- able. We then set out to cross the bridge to the conference centre, the restaurant and the bar. One soon learnt that it was not worth the effort of returning to collect anything left behind by mistake ! Meals were good, and self service proved quick and easy. No smoking either in dining room or lecture theatre seemed to win the approval of most members. A separate area upstairs from the dining room provided an attractive setting for a leisurely cup of coffee. There was just time to look round the well laid out displays of books (there seemed to be even more titles than ever), the binoculars, the RSPB and SWT stands, and the usual comprehensive exhibition of different styles of bird paintings. The familiar routine soon began to establish itself. The informal programme of slides was organized by Chris Mylne and Bobby Smith and the usual high standard was maintained. Who will forget Miss Rowling’s inquisition based on her slides of birds just on the British list ? This in turn pro- duced amazement, amusement and finally disbelief. Theo Kay’s historic black and white film showed Gannets plunging like arrows into the sea round the pier in Lerwick Harbour. Chris Mylne showed a preview of his current film work, whetting our appetites for the finished product. Afterwards people dis- persed, some to the bar, some to bed, and others entertained in small parties in the kitchens attached to each hall of resi- dence. Instant coffee, tea bags and milk were provided for the use of conference visitors. Efforts were made to keep the noise 330 STIRLING CONFERENCE 8(5/6) down to a minimum but this proved rather difficult at times. (Did you ever get to sleep, Nan ?) On Saturday morning the conference started in earnest. Andrew Macmillan took the chair in George Waterston’s ab- sence. His relaxed, informal manner did much to ensure the smooth running of the conference during the whole week-end. The lectures were held in the MacRobert Theatre and the tiered seats ensured that everyone saw the slides uninterrup- ted by silhouettes of the heads of those in front. The warmth and comfort threatened to overcome some of the audience but Stanley Cramp’s dulcet bark kept us alert to the flourishing and expanding sea bird colonies on our cliffs. Bobby Tulloch conducted us around Shetland’s ancient and modern civiliza- tions and showed how the bird populations were coping with these changes. His own splendid photographs were supple- mented by others taken by Dennis Coutts who was otherwise busy with Up-helly-a celebrations. After lunch people went their various ways. There were meetings for RSPB members, for the local recorders, for the wader group and for ringers, but the appearance of the sun tempted the more hardy out on to the hills for a brisk blow. Andrew Macmillan presided at the AGM like a benign owl blinking gently in the lamplight and eased the business through effortlessly. It was unanimously agreed to send a telegram of good wishes to George Waterston. The Annual Dinner was held in the Pathfoot Building on the edge of the campus. Some even found it worth while getting there by car. The after dinner speakers included Stanley Cramp, Christopher Headlam, Jim Flegg and Frank Hamilton, the latter giving a most entertaining speech which would have done justice to one of the better television comedians. A tele- gram was read out from George Waterston. Everyone present signed a menu which was to be sent to him. Eilidh Halliday from New Galloway, the youngest member at the conference, made the first draw of the raffle. Thanks to her a Prestwick member will spend a week in Fair Isle. The other prize-winners were reasonably scattered around Scotland. Altogether it was a very pleasant evening, the dinner was good and plentiful and it was served quickly and without fuss. Afterwards some of the more energetic members held an impromptu dance with the aid of Bobby Smith’s cassette recorder. Like Cinderella we stopped at midnight, but the party spirit continued on in the various kitchens (did you ever get to sleep, Nan ?) 1975 STIRLING CONFERENCE 331 Luggage had to be packed up by 10 a.m. on Sunday, and for some this proved rather difficult in addition to getting break- fast and getting to the lecture theatre on time for the final lectures. These were short presentations reflecting the work of amateur and professional ornithologists in Scotland and managed to be both enjoyable and stimulating, provoking some brisk discussion. It was good to see the familiar figure of Dr Eggeling sitting with his wife in the audience. All too soon it was time for Andrew Macmillan to thank everyone who had taken part in the weekend and contr bwed to its success. Friends said goodbye over lunch and th: ?7th Annual Conference was over. It certainly hadn’t been th sa ae as Dunblane. It had been BETTER. Reviews The Mitchell Beazley World Atlas of Birds, London, Mitchell Beaziey Publishers Ltd, 1974. Pp. 274, numerous colour photographs and text illustrations, 30 x 24 cm, £10.95. This is the latest in a series of expensive but richly illustrated books that survey the birds of the world. In spite of the term atlas this book is not really concerned with avian zoogeography but, like its predeces- sors, it gives a layman’s guide to the 8600 species of birds in the world. There is some justification for using the word atlas, however slight it may be, in the new and refreshing approach to analyzing the world’s avifauna. In the past books have usually used the classification system, beginning with ostriches and ending with crows. The World Atlas of Birds deals with birds by zoogeographic region and habitat. Thus, within the Palaearctic the major habitats, such as steppe, tundra or taiga, are de- scribed and then selected species of the habitat are discussed. Under each habitat five or six species are dealt with and a useful description and photograph of the habitat itself is included. The text is copiously and beautifully illustrated throughout with photographs, maps and dia- grams. It is good to see that man-altered habitats are discussed where they occur within the main zoogeographic regions, It is perhaps inevitable that minor factual and pictorial errors will oc- cur in any encyclopaedic work of this sort but there is a much more important and disturbing factor underlying the whole book. In any survey of the world’s avifauna, an important problem is selection. Which of the world’s 8600+ species should be included and which discarded ? It is my feeling that the selection should be representative, but if the numbers of species examined in this book under each zoogeographic region is compared to the number of species that actually occur there, a relation- ship that is almost inverse will be found. The richest regions, the Neo- tropical, Ethiopian and Oriental, which have been between them two thirds of the world’s species, have less than one third of the species described in this book; the poorest regions, the Palaearctic, Nearctic and Australasian, having the lion’s share. Furthermore, within the Palaearctic section of the book, which discusses about seventy species in some detail, only one species is not European—the fascinating avifaunas of the Him- alayas, western China and Siberia are ignored. Finally, if we include 332 REVIEWS 8(5/6) those species that occur in Europe and are also found in, and in this book described under, other regions of the world, it will be found that over a quarter of the species discussed in the book could be called European. Thus an area which has less than one fifteenth of the world’s avifauna has one quarter of this world survey of birds devoted to it. While bearing in mind that the main market of this book will be in part of Europe I feel that the editor could have made this survey more representative. It is unfortunate that the section at the end of the book dealing with avian classification could not have been used to redress this imbalance, particularly since previous books on this subject have dealt quite effectively with this facet of birds. To someone with any knowledge of the world’s birds the imbalance in favour of the Palaearctic may not be very useful. To the beginner this could be an asset as it would not only give him a grounding in the world’s avifauna but also in eens his local region. It is to the beginner that this book is recom- mended. R. D. MURRAY Animals of Asia: The Ecology of the Oriental Region. By J. and K. Mac- Kinnon. London, Peter Lowe, 1974. Pp 172; over 150 colour photo- graphs, maps and paintings. 28 x 21.5 cm. £3.75. This most recent addition to a series dealing with the ecology of diff- erent regions of the world covers what is probably the most diverse and intriguing of all the zoogeographic zones and contains much that is of interest to the bird enthusiast. Sundry birds or groups of birds, mostly exotic kinds, have important parts to play in the various ecosystems and receive due attention accordingly. The authors are husband and wife. John MacKinnon is well known for his work on the orang-utan and both he and Kathleen are particularly in- terested in ecology. An account of the developments during the last 250 million years, through which the Oriental Region has reached its present form, sets the scene and this is followed by descriptions of the different types of habitat found in the region, with their respective climates, vege- tations and animal communities. The diversity of environments, ranging from the tropical rain-forests of south-east Asia to the high tops of the Himalayas, with every sort of country in between, could indeed hardly be greater. The final chapter discusses the influence, almost wholly disastrous, that man with his propensity for population explosions, thoughtlessness, wasteful agricultural practices and even religious taboos is having on the environment. This is perhaps nowhere more clearly demonstrated than in tropical Asia and, above all, in India, which seems to specialize in many of the worst of the problems. The book is illustrated throughout with diagrams, maps, paintings and photographs, all in colour and carefully selected to demonstrate partic- ular points, which are further emphasized in the full and informative captions by Michael Tweedie. There are a few inaccuracies here and there, some of which are worth mentioning, if only for the sake of good order. For instance, the state- ment that the sloth bear is found only in southern India and Ceylon is quite incorrect. Attareekhat tea estate, situated about 75 miles east of Assam’s Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, is actually the location where a specimen of the curious and little known hispid hare, thought to be ex- tinct, surprisingly turned up in 1971, not Manas itself. The assertions made so positively in regard to the unique nesting habits of hornbills need 1975 REVIEWS 333 reconsidering with reference to the alleged re-sealing of the entrance hole after each fledgling leaves the nest. The same applies to the claims made for the superiority of the Indian Black or King Vulture, whose reputation for boldness and overbearing pugnacity accorded by earlier writers is nowadays generally considered to be spurious. These and some other minor blemishes are not at all crucial, however. A modest bibliography, useful glossary and full index round off an eye- catching volume, whose whole format is designed for the considerable public that has a general interest in natural history and environmental problems and who like to have these presented in reasonably simple terms with lots of pictures. A nice book to be given. JULIAN CLOUGH The Life of Birds. By Jean Dorst. London, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1974. Two volumes. Pp 736; 24 pp photographs; 110 diagrams. 24 x 16.5 cm. £15.00. Jean Dorst is Professor at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, and well experienced to produce a work of this sort. He is a pro- lific writer, who has had two earlier books translated into English, namely The Migrations oj Birds and Bejore Nature Dies. He is evidently one of those people who can read widely and assimilate an enormous amount of scattered information, then put it down again in digested and readable form. The present two-volume work has been translated by I. C. J. Gal- braith, and (except for the plates) it has been nicely produced. It covers almost all aspects of bird biology. Volume one deals with such topics as anatomy and morphology, flight, colours, feeding habits, physiology, sensory organs, voice, various as- pects of breeding, population regulation, evolution, classification and distribution. Volume two deals with the different major environments of the World and their bird-iaunas, with chapters on the sea, the polar regions, continental waters, temperate forests, deserts, tropical forests and savannahs, mountains and islands. Other chapters in this volume deal with migration, human exploitation of birds, and with the place of birds in the modern world. In short, a great deal of material, covering almost all aspects of bird study, has been compressed into these two volumes. This in itself is a considerable achievement, but the treatment of most topics is necessarily superficial and highly selective. It is thus hard to be sure who will want to buy this book, especially as other books of similar type have appeared in recent years. For the serious worker, the information is insufficiently detailed; and for most amateurs it is far too broad. The books would, however, form good introductory reading for the student of bird biology, and would thus be a good source of reference for school and university libraries. But I doubt that most fellow members of the SOC will find enough of immediate interest to want to pay £15 for the set. I. NEWTON The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Birds’ Eggs and Nesting Habitats. By Sieg- fried Hoeher, translated and adapted by Winwood Reade. Blandford Press, London, 1974. Pp 194; 32 colour plates, 19} x 12 cm. £1.60. If you are a central European traveller this could well be a useful pocket guide to identifying eggs and nestlings—if you do not travel then you might be buying a lot of unnecessary information. Of the 280 species mentioned a quarter do not breed in this country and a further 30 are either very scarce or very rare. 334 REVIEWS 8(5/6) British breeding birds are marked by an asterisk in the main text and ‘Guide to Nest Identification’ but not in the ‘Guide to Egg Identification’. Included in the list of British breeding birds are Red-crested Pochard, Rock Partridge and Night Heron, the latter on the basis that there is a free-flying colony at Edinburgh Zoo! The guide on nest identification which could have been a useful aid to nest finders in this country is marred by being based on central European habitats. As British breeding birds are marked with an asterisk there is an inference that our own birds will nest in like situations; this is not necessarily so. It would have been heipful to have had an index of the various types of habitat headings in this section, instead of having to read through 22 pages to find them all. The reference guide on egg identification would have been far better left at the four basic egg shapes as mentioned in the text and not broken down into twelve. There might then have been far fewer errors. As it is this guide is useless, and egg shapes in the text seldom correlate with those in the guide. There are many instances of discrepancies; suffice it to say that grebes and Nightjar do not lay short elliptical (spherical) eggs and Razorbill and Guillemot almost invariably lay marked eggs and not unmarked as indicated. The main text is concise and, as far as can be ascertained, accurate, but would-be purchasers should treat with caution the nest identification guide, and ignore completely the guide on egg identification. The coioured illustrations (144 nests and eggs, 6 nests and nestlings and 106 eggs) are generally superb. All in all probably worth the modest sum of £1.60. HARVEY J. BURTON Bird Ringing. (BTO Guide 16). By Chris Mead. Tring, British Trust for Ornithology, 1974. Pp 64 (including four pages ot plates); numerous figures, tables and maps. 21 x 14 cm. 50p. This, the latest guide in the BTO’s excellent series, might be taken to be purely for the bird ringer. However it is the ordinary birdwatcher that will benefit most from this guide. Most of us have heard about ringing but possibly few of us have actually seen it in operation apart from on the TV. Perhaps because of this there has often been an air of suspicion surrounding ringing. It is only recently that much of this suspicion has disappeared and this was mainly due to increased publicity, in particular to ringing and subsequent recoveries of rare birds like Ospreys. This guide is another major step along this line. It deals effectively with the art of catching and ringing birds and stresses throughout the care taken and skill and long training of the ringer. Perhaps the most important aspect of this guide is the section dealing with the results of ringing. This is after all what ringing is all about. Recovery details for 24 species are mapped showing how wintering areas, summering areas, migration routes, and sex and age differences can be detected by ringing. ‘he re- coveries tend to concentrate on the spectacular; little mention is made of the more local recoveries—the bread and butter ones. My main criti- cism of the guide is that it concentrates too much on the migration studies and pays scant attention to other equally important studies such as measurements, weights, moults and mortality rates and to ecological and behavioural studies. The guide is full of useful information that will benefit both the bird ringer and the birdwatcher and shows the impor- tance of ringing as a research and conservation tool. ROBERT L. SWANN 1975 REVIEWS 335 Natural History Photography. Edited by Derek Turner Ettlinger. London, New York and San Francisco, Academic Press, 1974. Pp xxviii + 396; 64 black-and-white plates; 23 x 18 cm. £8.80. Eighteen specialists in their own fields have contributed to this com- posite book and illustrated their own contributions. The editor defines it as a book for “the naturalist with a camera”. The subject comes first, the photography second. Wisely, cine photography is omitted so that the book aims to be “a standard work of world-wide relevance.. .on all natural history still-photography subjects which have a widespread ap- peal”. This emphasis will appeal to many bird-watchers and ornitholo- gists as the book seeks to avoid mere pictorialism without serious regard for scientific accuracy, as much as it aims to go beyond ad hoc biological illustration. There are eighteen contributors, all British, including five women and five professional biologists. They write for those naturalists who have mastered the basic photographic processes and know some- thing of cameras and optics, or for photographers with an intelligent interest in nature. From this point of view the book will satisfy a need though its major drawback must at once be noted. It is illustrated entirely in black and white and so is bound to have a restricted appeal. The pictures are ex- tremely good and well chosen as examples of many of the subjects covered, but colour should have been one of them. Refreshingly the book rejects some fashionable pictorial techniques—grain, an accent on the out-of-focus, montage etc.—and welcomes such pictorial assets as com- position and dramatic use of scale or format to enhance the subject. It lays special stress on capturing the ‘jizz’ (in birdwatcher’s terminology) of a subject and on the ethics of doing so, within the guidelines of ‘The Nature Photographer’s Code of Practice’. A strongly worded warning is issued against amateur photography dominated by pictorialists ‘“‘quite properly concerned with such things as design, human interest and social message’ who may still neglect things significant to the naturalist such as accuracy of detail, colour, pose or habitat. While acknowledging the heavy debt of the conservation movement to photography, the golden rule still remains “that the welfare of the subject is more important than the photograph”. The classical style of bird photography is covered by an old friend of the SOC, Arthur Gilpin, under ‘Birds at the Nest’. He rightly stresses the attraction of hide-work, sitting close to a bird unaware of your presence. Knowledge of the subject is the essential prerequisite. Unfortunately such knowledge is often best gained by the practice, so Gilpin quite rightly advocates starting on the very common birds to learn the tech- nique. This chapter is full of practical detail on the hide technique as applied to many different situations. Two points are especially impor- tant—safeguarding the subjects from any unnecessary disturbance or intrusion, and the importance of using a tripod wherever possible. Work- ing in pairs is strongly recommended to ensure the first essential of a ao someone to see the photographer both into and out of the ide. By contrast the Bottomleys who write on ‘Birds away from the Nest’, condemn the use of a tripod as firmly as Gilpin recommends it. This chap- ter will be of special interest to those who like a good rarity and need a good picture of it as a record or an aid to identification. They favour a 400 mm lens on a 35 mm single lens reflex camera using fast film and as fast an exposure as practicable. Practical details of the technique are however distressingly few, and when they suggest that 1/125th of a second may be a fast enough shutter speed. I feel there will be many 336 REVIEWS 8(5/6) readers who will end up sorely disappointed. That the Bottomleys them- selves can do it has been proved many times, but how do they avoid that fatal bugbear, camera movement ? They even suggest a 1000 mm lens (mirror-reflex type only considered possible) but the only hint they give as to how it can be used is the shoulder-pod, preferably with a finger trigger to fire the camera. Two of the most valuable chapters are those by Frank Blackburn on the use of playback tape, and by David and Katie Urry on ‘Birds in Flight’. Both show the value of good pictures in the study of display and flight respectively. The use of tape to attract birds to the camera (in practice a loud sneaker) is a fairly new technique and still largely ex- perimental. The chief feature it reveals is the variability of response be- tween different species. Blackburn’s observations on ‘peak’ and ‘secon- dary’ rresponse and the differences between them are quite fascinating and revealing. Perhaps here more emphasis should have been put on the care required not to overdo the artificial stimulus in order to exploit the bird’s natural reactions for the photographer’s convenience. With flight, although the problems are clearly spelt out and the difficulties explained, it is again clear that the only real answer is experience and the skill born of constant practice. If the text doesn’t really tell you how it’s done, the illustrations certainly stimulate you to try. One answer is of course electronic flash and David Cook’s chapter on this technique is invaluable if specialized. There are useful chapters on many other topics, (such as Pat White- house’s fascinating and encouraging account of her do-it-yourself type of stereo photography) which will be of value to ornithologists, espec- ially those who like to cover other disciplines and do not concentrate entirely on birds. The chapters on plants, insects, underwater techniques, aquaria, caves and bats all open up new worlds to camera owners. It is all essentially practical even if some of it is indeed rather expensive. But at least the emphasis is right throughout this new and important book—nature is too valuable and vulnerable to put at risk for the sake of a mere picture. C. K. MYLNE Flight Identification of European Raptors By R. F. Porter, Ian Willis, Steen Christensen and Bent Pors Nielsen. Berkhampstead, T. and Py a Poyser, 1974. Pp 184, 78 figures, 80 black-and-white plates. 4.80. Here in book form are the recent British Birds papers on raptor flight identification by four experienced authors of complementary abilities. All 38 diurnal species regularly found in Europe are treated in seven main sections, each beginning with a description of a group of closely related and superfically similar species, with head-on drawings of typ- ical flight shapes. Next a page of drawings of the undersides of all the group accompanies a page of short descriptions and comparisons of field marks and notes on European distribution. Headed by a vignette, a page of text for each species follows, describing shape and manner of flight, plumage characters and variations, and making comparisons with other species. This is matched by drawings of up to eight different undersides and up to four uppersides, in varied soaring and gliding attitudes. Detailed footnotes to the drawings are often cross referenced, as is the text, to the section of black and white photographs, which gives three to nine illustrations per species, again with footnotes. Ian Willis’s drawings are very good, although sometimes too dark. His vignettes are both pleasing and useful. The photographs are well chosen 1975 REVIEWS 337 for their identification value but the emphasis on species varies: there are nine of the rare, distinctive Black-winged Kite and three of the wide- spread Goshawk, which has a notoriously variable flight shape. The il- lustrations are nearly all in plan, from the front or from the side, with few of the difficult, oblique going-away attitudes. The general layout is excellent for ready reference to different parts of the book in field sit- uations, as on the Bosphorus in autumn, where many birds are visible at the same time. The penalty of this layout is some repetition. The text is very good and thorough with few errors or omissions. The larger fal- cons may be slightly less well treated than are other groups and the treatment of age variations and definitions of age classes are uneven. A short section on the protection of raptors and owls throughout Europe is interesting but irrelevant. It might be replaced by a section On escapes: western European workers are more likely to encounter a Red-tailed Hawk or a Laggar than some of the indiginous species. A lengthy review of an identification guide implies that it is good and this one is easily the best of its kind, well worth the money. DOUGLAS WEIR Butterflies of the World. By H. L. Lewis. London, Harrap, 1974. Pp xvi + 312; 208 colour plates. 304 x 214 cm. £10.00. Brigadier H. L. Lewis is one of the many soldier naturalists who have added so much to our knowledge of the world’s natural history. He has spent most of his life collecting butterflies and this, the first portrait gallery of the world’s butterflies ever attempted, is the result of his life’s work. The major part of the book consists of colour plates of over 5000 of the world’s 10,000-odd species. All the photographs are taken from the collection in the Department of Entomology at the British Natural History Museum and the quality of reproduction is superb. The plates are arran- ged geographically and each carries a small distribution map. This is followed by a textual section giving scientific names, local names where known, distribution and in some cases descriptive details. Brigadier Lewis stresses that he is an amateur and that this is a book to enable the amateur to identify the world’s butterflies without having to wade through a mass of scientific data. Not only has he succeeded in this aim but he has produced a book which will also be a delight to the armchair lepidopterist. HARRY GREIG Seal Song. By Michael Clegg. Montrose, Standard Press, 1974. Pp 129; 21 x 134 cm. £3.00. This is the story of a young Common Seal from its birth on a sand bank in the Tay to its return there eight months later. Journeying to the Orkneys and back with the pup we encounter many forms of marine life and seabirds. The author is a naturalist with a special knowledge of the sea, and his detailed descriptions of the seabirds and their behaviour will be of special interest to the ornithologist. Told without too much senti- mentality this story highlights some of the present day hazards facing all forms of life in the sea, particularly the ever present and increasing threat of oil pollution. HARRY GREIG 338 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION &(5/6) Request for Information Night Herons The free-flying colony of Night Herons at Edinburgh Zoo and its baleful influence on British records of this species is well known. The actual movements of these birds is in fact unknown and any records outside Edinburgh, and any evidence of breeding anywhere, would be cee received by Mr David Owen, Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh EH12 The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club NEW GROUP IN WIGTOWN DISTRICT The Council of the Club announces the formation of a new Club Group in the Wigtown District. The Group has the full support and recognition of Council, although it is not yet sufficiently large to be recognized as a Branch nor have representation on Council. Notices of its meetings and activities will be published with those of Branches. Details of the office-bearers and meetings, which during the coming winter will be held in both Newton Stewart and Stranraer, will be pub- lished in the journal. In the meantime all who live within reach of these towns are asked to contact Mr Angus Maciver, 1 Colt Houses, Penning- hame, Newton Stewart. The Council welcomes the formation of this new Group and extends its good wishes for the future. It hopes that members in the District will be encouraged to participate in fieldwork as well as attend indoor meetings. BRANCH MEETINGS 1975/76 Will members please note that the dates of the first Meetings of Bran- ches next winter will be as follows : September 22nd Glasgow 23rd Edinburgh 24th Ayr, Dumfries, St Andrews and Thurso 25th Dundee and Stirling 29th Aberdeen 30th Inverness The venue for the two Branches below has been changed, but that for all other Branches is the same as last winter and the starting time for Meetings of all Branches is unchanged. Dundee Branch will meet in Lecture Theatre T9, University of Dundee. Edinburgh Branch will meet in Lecture Theatre 1.01, Mountbatten Build- ing, Heriot-Watt University, Grassmarket, Edinburgh. NEW SECRETARY—INVERNESS BRANCH Members are asked to note that the new Secretary of the Inverness Branch, elected at the Branch Annual General Meeting in April 1975, is Mr W. G. Prest, 70 Culloden Road, Balloch, Highland Region, IV1 2HH. Tel. 046 372 412. 1975 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 339 WINTER EXCURSIONS—AYR BRANCH Sunday 5th October IRVINE FLATS. Leader: W. R. Brackenridge. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr 1 p.m. or Bogside Racecourse 1.30 p.m. Saturday 15th November CAERLAVEROCK. Leader: J. K. R. Melrose. Coach leaves Wellington Square, Ayr 9 a.m. Bring picnic lunch. Bookings with fare (£2.50), and s.a.e. for confirmation of booking, to Ayr Branch Secretary by 31st October. Sunday 7th December MARTNAHAM LOCH (by kind permission of Col- onel Bryce Knox). Leader: J. Miller. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr 1.30 p.m. or lodge gates 2.00 p.m. Saturday 10th January 1976 BARR LOCH & ROWBANK RESERVOIR. Leader: Peter Bowyer. Bring picnic lunch. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr 10 a.m. or Lochside station approach 11 a.m. Sunday 8th February DIPPLE SHORE, near GIRVAN. Leader: R. H. Hogg. Meet Wellington Square, Ayr 1 p.m. or Dipple layby 1.30 p.m. Saturday 27th March STAIRAIRD ESTATE, near MAUCHLINE (by kind permission of Lord Glenarthur). Leader: R. M. Ramage. Meet Welling- ton Square, Ayr 1.30 p.m. or at beginning of estate drive 2 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: All excursions except November will be in private cars. Any further information may be obtained from the Ayr Branch Sec- retary, Mr R. M. Ramage, 57b St Quivox Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 1JF, tel. Prestwick 79192 or send s.a.e. if writing). WINTER EXCURSIONS—DUNDEE BRANCH Saturday 15th November LOCH LEVEN NATURE CENTRE, VANE FARM, KINROSS. Sunday 14th December LEVEN & LARGO BAY. Leader: Mrs J. A. R. Grant. Saturday 17th January 1976 LINTRATHEN & BACKWATER. Leader: Dr D. Shepherd. Sunday 22nd February DUNKELD AREA. Leader: A. B. Ritchie. Satureey 20th March EDEN & CAMERON LOCH. Leader: Mrs G. An- erson. Sunday 18th April ANGUS COAST. Leader: D. B. Thomson. All excursions leave City Square, Dundee at 10 a.m. by private car. Any further information may be obtained from the Dundee Branch Sec- retary, Mrs A. Noltie, 14 Menteith Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3EN (tel. 0382 75074 or send s.a.e. if writing). ENDOWMENT FUND Members are reminded that the Club’s Endowment Fund was estab- lished for the advancement of ornithology in Scotland. Any legacy or donation will be gratefully received and should be sent to the Club Sec- retary. The Fund is administered by the Council of the Club which is em- powered to make grants from the accumulated free income. Applications for a grant should normally be submitted to the Club Secretary by 3lst December each year, so that they can be considered at a Council Meeting usually held in March. Applications received after 3lst January will not De considered for a grant given in the financial year ending on 30th June ollowng. 340 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(5/6) NATIONAL ROOKERY SURVEY 1975 This important survey, conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology and adopted as an official Club inquiry, took place in Spring 1975 with the aim of locating and assessing the size of rookeries throughout the British Isles. Organization was on either a county or area basis, and a total of 44 local organizers were each responsible for recording within their own particular part of Scotland. The survey was well publicized in the local press, on the radio and in ornithological journals. As a result, helpers in the field were recruited from the SOC, RSPB, SWT and many natural history societies. Results are now arriving (June 1975) but it will be many months before a full and detailed analysis can be completed. The first county return was for Sutherland which had 31 rookeries containing a total of 2110 nests. In marked contrast, one 10 km square in Ayrshire had 2580 nests in 21 separate rookeries. The small county of Banffshire recorded over 80 rookeries with the largest at Tarryblake North containing 1196 nests. At this early stage it appears already that the survey has been worth- while. Final results will be submitted to Scottish Birds for publication, and in addition a full set of the Scottish data will be retained in Edinburgh in the Club Library for future reference. All the data will also be trans- ferred to a set of ordnance maps that will form the master record. The organizers are deeply grateful to the many people who ably tackled the counting of the rookeries, and thus enabled a full coverage of Scotland to be made. Dr M. E. CASTLE, Scottish Organizer. LOCAL RECORDERS Shetland (except Fair Isle) R. J. Tulloch, Reafirth, Mid Yell, Shetland. Fair Isle R. A. Broad, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland. Orkney D. Lea, Easter Sower, Orphir, Orkney, KW17 2RE. Outer Hebrides (except St Kilda) Dr P. G. Hopkins, Leurbost Schoolhouse, Leurbost, by Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. St Kilda Dr I. D. Pennie, Varkasaig, Scourie, Lairg, Sutherland. Caithness Mrs P. Collett, Sandyquoy, East Gills, Scrabster, Caithness, KW14 7UH. 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, 18 Morv en Road, Inverness IV2 4BU. Inverness-shire (mainland more than 18 miles from Inverness) R. H. Dennis, Landberg, Kessock, Inverness IV1 1XD. Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire J. Edelsten, 14 South High Street, Portsoy, Banffshire, AB4 2NT. Aberdeenshire, North Kincardineshire Alan Knox, Zoology Department, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB9 2TN, and W. Murray, Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB4 OAA. gee Kincardineshire, Angus G. M. Crighton, 23 Church Street, Brechin, gus. Perthshire R. L. McMillan, 29 Lewis Place, N. Muirton, Perth. Kinross-shire Miss Bridget H. Moore, Vane Farm Reserve, Kinross. Isle of May J. M. S. Arnott, East Redford House, Redford Road, Edinburgh, EH13 OAS. Fife D. W. Oliver, East Cottage, Balass, Cupar, Fife. Clackmannanshire, East Stirlingshire Dr C. J. Henty, 3 The Broich, Alva, Clackmannanshire. West Lothian, Forth Islands (except May), Midlothian R. W. J. Smith, 33 Hunter Terrace, Loanhead, Midlothian. East Lothian, Berwickshire K. S. Macgregor, 16 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh EH10 4NY. Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire A. J. Smith, Glenview, Selkirk, TD7 4LX. Argylishire, Inner Hebrides, Skye M. J. P. Gregory, Duiletter, Kilmory Road, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire, PA31 8NL. Dunbartonshire, West Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Arran, Bute R. W. Forrester, 19 Woodside Avenue, Lenzie, Dunbarton- shire G66 4NG. 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. S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 Some new books Shetland (revised edition). Nicolson £4.50 Guide to Birdwatching in Europe. Ferguson-Lees et al. £2.50 (paper) and £3.95 Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia. King et al £4.50 Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos. Harris £3.50 Birds of Seychelles and outlying islands. Penny £3.59 Birds of New Providence and Bahama Islands. Brudenall-Bruce £3.50 Birds of the Falkland Islands. Woods £8.50 Birds of South America. Gould & Rutgers E229 Living World of Audubon. Clement £5.95 Birds: an illustrated survey of the bird families of the world. Gooders £6.95 Flamingos. Kear & Duplaix-Hall (eds.) £8.00 In Search of the Eider. Driver tt Ducks of Britain and Europe. Ogilvie £5.00 Pine Crossbills. Nethersole-Thompson (October) £5.00 In Breckland Wilds. Clarke £3.50 Birds of Town and Suburb. Simms £3.50 Studying Birds in the Garden. Jennings £1.80 Bird Illustrators. Jackson £7.00 Birdwatchers’ Quiz and Puzzle Book. Sharrock 90p WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST ORDERS TOTALLING £2.50 SENT POST FREE ADD 25p FOR SMALLER ORDERS STUDYING BIRDS _ aN. THE: GARDEN | a4 There are many books about watching birds; few of them provide as concise and complete an approach to the study of bird life and behaviour as this new one by Terry Jennings. It is possible to observe and understand the characteristics and differences of a wide variety of kinds of bird without moving very far from home. The aim of the book is to show us how. The first chapters describe basic techniques, and demonstrate how most of the essential equipment of the ornithologist can be made easily and inexpensively. .Later chapters set out a number of interesting projects designed to deepen the reader's knowledge of bird behaviour, and point out the characteristics of various species. Terry Jennings brings to the book a considerable professional knowledge of his subject but never talks over the heads of his readers. Illustrated by line drawings and photographs 120 pages 8i" x 72” £1.80net WHEATOIN HENNOCK ROAD, EXETER. EX2 8RP. A-.GUIDE. ge BIRD-WATCHING IN EUROPE Edited by James Ferguson-Lees, Quentin Hockliffe & Ko Zweeres This is a completely new kind of bird book. It is not an aid to the identification of particular species but a very clear and useful guide to whereabouts in Europe each species may be seen. There is a comprehensive chapter on each country by a leading field ornithologist who has a really intimate knowledge of the bird life of the area concerned. Each chapter has a map showing the principal regions of ornithological interest and places specifically mentioned in the text. The most distinctive feature of the book is a unique series of. tables, running to 36 pages, which, by the use of 12 specially devised symbols, enable one to see at a. ‘glance whether any one of the 432 species can be: seen in any particular European country, whether it is a resident, visitor or migrant there, and whether it is common or rare. £3.95 — Paperback £2.50 BODLEY HEAD DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL A.A. * R.A.C. * R.S.A.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ and ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- A new wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1975. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request to Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 ISLE of MULL el BOOKS Looking across the Sound of Mull on to the Morvern Hills beyond. BI RD S Comfortable Accommodation in a — guest police run ie wus and watchers in mind. Dinner, bed an breakfast. H&C and radiators in all I S L A N D , guest bedrooms. Use of reference books. St Kilda, Orkney, S.A.E. please. Shetland, Hebrides Open Easter until mid-Oct. and Natural History Antiquarian and secondhand RICHARD & ELIZABETH books and libraries bought. COOMBER, Staffa Cottages a = 95 Worlds End Lane Guest House, Weston Turville TOBERMORY, Aylesbury, Bucks. ISLE OF MULL. Tel. 2464 All HIGHLAND WILDLIFE and BIRDS SCENERY September and October. Based at a quiet hotel in the Rothiemurchus Forest. Further particulars from: Highland Guides Information, Inverdruie, Aviemore, Inverness-shire Tel. Aviemore 729 COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 15p for sample slide and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and _ close-ups. FOR HIRE We have arranged to hire out slides of the R.S.P.B. These are in sets of 25 at 45p in- cluding postage & VAT per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick inclusive one week holidays ROUSAY, ORKNEY Hostel, converted croft, with cooked breakfast supper and packed lunch. Fine seabirds and migrants. Do PHONE ROUSAY 328 HOLIDAY HOUSE TO LET in twelve acres of private woodland mid-Deeside Area two double bedrooms, all modern conveniences, very well furnished. Full details from Mr Henrickson—Aberdeen 732610 or Miss Stopani—Aberdeen 25707 1975 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors: Raymond Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon) MTAI and Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. All with guest lecturers and a tour manager. BIRDS OVER THE BOSPHORUS A Creative Holiday combining high quality Bird-Watching, Sightseeing and many options including extended stay. By Scheduled Services of British Airways. Thurs. 18 Sept.—Thurs. 25 Sept. 8 days (7 nights) £159.00. Single supp. £3.50 per nt. The Holiday is based on the Park Hotel Istanbul which is First Class, has a definite well-established character of its own and an excellent reputation for comfort and cuisine. The views of the Bosphorus from the balcony of each room (all with private WC etc) are probably unsurpassed and we have used the Park for five previous tours with complete satisfaction. The Lowest Scheduled Return Fare London Istanbul is £160.40. Accompanying the Tour . . . John Gooders, B.Sc., internationally famous ornithologist and writer Raymond Hodgkins, M.A. (Oxon), Managing Director of Town and Gown Travel and keen amateur ornithologist and conservationist. Ray Hodgkins and John Gooders have during the last four years success- fully co-operated on tours to Crete, Eastern Turkey, India and Nepal and the Galapagos, and this imaginative short holiday is their latest creative effort. It is intend to offer the widest possible choice. The aficionados who want to put themselves in the middle of the astound- ing migrant stream that pours over the Bosphorus from North to South can sit every day on Kucuk Camlica Hill and chalk up a list as never before; the beginners can have all the help in the world from the two leaders and those who want to split the holiday between birdwatching and sightseeing (Blue Mosque, Saint Sophia, Cruise to Princes Islands etc) can do as much or as little of either as they wish. Tours of Greece, Crete and Southern Turkey in April and May 1976. PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 41 SOUTH PARADE, oo By, AGENTS SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, fh” OX2 7uP. ER Phone Oxford (0865) 511341-2-3 ey eo Fully Bonded Atol No. 275B Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular Specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. We stock all makes, but one binocula { Mr Frank’s popular book on how to which we can particularly recommend is th ich | choose and use binoculars is avail- ‘S Me Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, } complete with case costs only £16.63. | Not only do we ourselves recommend | : q this binocular, it also Carries as } Bo prices strong recommendation from They part excharige | Royall. Society Mermtne Protection of | Birds, and each glass carries the | _ seal of approval of the Game Conser- | vancy. Our free catalogue illustrates | aneincleots of Binoculars & elesrorcan able at 20p incl. postage. ES at £23.76. FREE COMPARISON | TEST | Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free | for 7 days. Should you decide, how: ever, on a binocular other than the Frank/Nipole make, we can promise | a_ substantial price reduction which SS eee ee will usually amount to 30% off List | — eat SMeunh teow yor Gl Lisi 144 INGRAM STREET - GLASGOW Price and a Special Discount is avai | TEL. 041-221 6666 able on request. | GD PRINTER, SELKIRK. ee _ - ee nt a ee f : 7 ot Ce: i , a * I Vy Le . < J re a ral = ah Pelt ped he % a ¥ es i + z 7 x yt” Fe is Rs 2 : ¥ : se. oye at Mt raat ‘ y ) : ad) : ; =a j = + bs : . aie , } . \ an \ F Se is 4 . 4 “7% my +, J“ * i - : ” . 3 ’ x r 4 Ke Fiat / é 4 of hy iy yf ‘ : / : & { eye ; 5 = ee tt * be , a - aie on), A . f > ' ‘ - A ‘pat Fal tae " : “de € z r x P 5 ~ S Aap 4 d Oper ; aaX = 5 { 1 ga slip ee = al + : “ ie ; - ” + ‘ bc a , a Pn ae ‘ a «! Ms 4 lw THE JOURNAL OF THE. 2) 4 | SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB _ Volume 8 No. 7 AUTUMN 1975 Price 75p RSPB APPEAL Save a Place for Birds OUR AIM To save, and preserve for their own sake and for our enjoyment and that of future generations, valuable and irreplaceable communities of birds. And to conserve them in their natural environment. OUR METHOD To buy land that these bird communities inhabit and to give permanent sanctuary to the birds and other forms of wildlife that exist there by creating a number of new reserves owned and managed by the RSPB. Write or phone for colour brochure giving more details. ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE a s PROTECTION OF BIRDS 17 REGENT TERRACE, OUR TARGET EDINBURGH. The sum of £1 million, a substantial target but one that we 031 556 5624 know to be necessary in these days of relatively high land values. BILL SINCLAI Wild Life sound recordist of the year recording Crested Tits at Landmark, Carrbridge. Hear Sinclair Sound in the new Multi- Screen Wild Life Programme at: Lancimarr CARRBRIDGE Inverness-shire Open all year. Tel. Carrbridge 613 EXHIBITION - MULTI-SCREEN THEATRE - BOOK & CRAFT SHOP RESTAURANT AND BAR - NATURE TRAIL - PICNIC AREA WINDOWS KILL... Every year, a heavy toll is taken of our garden birds which dash themselves to death against window glass. These window kills can now be stopped instantly by simply smoothing a “SPARGUARD” on to a corner of the offending window. ‘““SPARGUARD” is made from heavy-duty, self-cling plastics film and represent a life-size female Sparrow Hawk in full flight, a silhouette which deters all but the boldest birds. Although unobtrusive to human eyes, “SPARGUARD” presents an immediate visual warning of danger to birds. lf you have a killer window, you can obtain “SPARGUARD” from us for £1.00 each inclusive of postage and VAT. Bulk discounts can be arranged. CURTAINCRAFT LTD. Campbell Street, Darvel, Ayrshire, KA17 OBW Telephone 0560 20254 centre focusing “Unbelievable!” said John Gooders, the celebrated author and ornithologist “with he new centre focusing, the 8x20B is an - amazing achievement. When it comes to E Originality, even the clever orientals cannot F compete with West German Zeiss” The central focus adjustment is just right for finger tip operation, the binoculars are ideal for use with or without spectacles, and the whole design and finish are up to the Se - highest Carl Zeiss standards. The size of ac cigarette packet, they go into your vest-pocket— what a wonderf Full aaa frat Resale UK importers vA KY \\ Carl Zeiss Oberkochen) Limited Degenhardt House, 31-36 Foley Street, London W1. 01-636 8050 x \\ . spruce coneX PINE CROSSBILLS A Scottish contribution by DESMOND NETHERSOLE-THOMPSON This new study by the author of The Greenshank, The Dotterel, Highland Birds, etc, is the product of field study and research for more than thirty years into the life style, ecology and origins of this especially interesting bird, It is that all too rare book, a work of scholarship and research that is wholly readable, in which the author's delight in his chosen subject becomes the reader's, too. Of especial interest is the author’s well-reasoned case for considering the Scottish pine-feeding Crossbill as an emergent inter-species. There are line drawings by Donald Watson and 24 photographs. £5.00 net ‘DUCKS OF BRITAIN AND EUROPE by M.A. OGILVIE All 41 species found in the wild are treated under such headings as Behaviour, Breeding, {dentification, Distribution, etc. There are detailed descriptions of young, eclipse and adult birds, line drawings and in-flight recognition colour plates of male and female birds, plus 24 distribution maps. £5.00 net T & AD POYSER SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031 - 556 6042) CONTENTS OF VOLUME 8, NUMBER 7, AUTUMN 1975 Page Editorial a ons as AS cod ae 341 Requests for Information ... : wee was Bish 343 Birds of Strathbraan 1905-1974 ey Ja Henty) fo: a 344 Breeding birds of Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond (Geoff Shaw) 356 Isle of May Bird ev aEOry and Field Station Report for 1974 (J. M. S. Arnott) 9 ; ae 363 Short Notes Scottish records of the White-billed Diver (Andrew T. Macmillan) _... Pe 377 Wintering grebes in Loch Ryan (R. C. Dickson) sid 379 Peregrine’s aggressive behaviour away from nest (R. C. Dickson) g iw) 381 Unusual nest of Redshank/Snipe (Alex Tewnion, Malcolm Thomis) hs 382 Long-tailed Skua in central Grampians (David W. Oliver) é : fA 383 Obituary : Alastair Macdonald (J. H. B. a aaet A 385 Reviews Birds and Mammals of aia by wate Prqundwiater (A. Anderson). : 386 Ducks, Geese and Swans by Oscar ir perc! (Edgar C. Gatenby) ; : : ae 387 Scottish Ornithologists’ Club | fie sae vas 58e 388 Editor D. J. Bates Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe 1976 SPEGIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors: Raymond Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon) MTAI and Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI. All Tours by scheduled Air and Inclusive. All with Guest Lecturers. SOUTHERN INDIA ... Jan 21-Feb 5... Birds and Wildlife . . . £476. Bombay, Madras, Mahabalipuram, Hyderabad. An unusual holiday with many options (Periyar Game Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Elephanta Caves, Borivli Sanctuary and others) and an 8 day stay on one of the world’s loveliest beaches with bird watching all around in coastal lagoons In conjunction with Bombay Natural History Society with its curator, J. C. Daniel, accompanying with Patricia Hodgkins. ‘CEYLON ... Feb 7-23... Birds and Wildlife ... £555.* Wilpattu, Kandy, Yala, Paradeniya Botanic Garden, Hikkaduwa, Gal Oya. It is hoped that Sir Hugh Elliott will be free to accompany this tour which is arranged in conjunction with the Fauna Preservation Society. INDIA AND NEPAL ... Feb 14-29... Birds and Wildlife . . . £550. Third year of this successful tour which combines sightseeing and Natural History and birding of a special quality with John Gooders. ‘Delhi, Agra, Tiger Tops (Terai Jungle Nepal) Bharatpur and Sariska Sanctuaries. Raymond Hodgkins also accompanying. tse KASHMIR AND KULU ... Jun 6-20 ... Flowers, Birds and Wildlife . . . £585. Two international experts combine for the second time (Anthony Huxley and John Gooders) to lead an exciting tour into the Himalayas. Houseboats at Srinagar on Lake Dal with visits to Dachigam Sanctuary and Gulmarg. Then a 6 day leisurely walk into the mountains from Kulu. Options for varied itinerary. Patricia Hodgkins also accom- panying. CRETE ... April 5-19... Birds and Flowers ... £280. This tour, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Chania is now in its sixth year and has John Parrott of Aberdeen University for Birds and Dr Humphrey Bowen for Flowers. John has spent the last two years on special study of Cretan Avifauna and Humphrey has led our tours in the Peloponnese. PELOPONNESE... . April 6 - 20... Flowers and Flowers... £280* A well established itinerary taking in some of the more remote sites such as Methone. It is hoped that Derek Lucas, M.A. will again be avail- able for birds. Len Beer will once more bring his expertise to Botany. TURKEY’S AEGEAN SHORE .. . May 5-19 . . . Birds and Flowers .. . £350.* Istanbul, Troy, Izmir, Pergamum, Sardis, Priene, etc., all the way along this superb coast to Termessus, one of the world’s most beautiful sites. Ornithologist to be announced. Flowers—Allen Paterson, Curator Chelsea Physic Garden. (*Provisional) PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 41 SOUTH PARADE, oot EB "%, AGENTS SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, NY) % OX2 7UP. rece Phone Oxford (0865) 511341-2-3 cae Fully Bonded Atol No. 275B SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Vol. 8 No. 7 Autumn 1975 Edited by D. J. Bates Editorial Sea Eagles again Earlier this year the Nature Conservancy Council quietly began a project to re-establish the White- tailed or Sea Eagle as a breeding species in Scotland, the first since the RSPB’s abortive attempt on Fair Isle in 1968. It may be worth briefly reiterating here the case for its reintroduction. An alleged fondness for lambs, now thought to be greatly exaggerated if not wholly erroneous, led to its deliberate extermination here earlier this century. Its sedentary habits and diminishing population throughout Europe make natural recolonization unlikely in the foreseeable future. Unlike the Osprey, it has been noted in Britain with declining regularity until it is now one of our very rarest visitors. The European population suffers continuing persecution plus the sterilizing effects of pesticides in recent years. The relatively clean en- vironment of the Highlands makes its re-establishment here of special importance, although the presence of pollutants in the sea and hence in the seabirds that would form the Sea Eagles’ chief prey must arouse some concern. For three or four years eaglets will be brought from Norway to be reared in artificial nests on Rhum National Nature Reserve. On fledging they will be encouraged to forage for dead prey placed near their eyries and later further afield, using similar techniques to those developed on Fair Isle. It is hoped that the first birds will return to breed at their eyries after three-five years, that regular breeding will be established in five-ten years, and that the offspring will disperse to breed in other sites in Scotland after 15-20 years. The first four young birds, one male and three females, arrived in June. Alas, the male has already died but the others are being liberated during the autumn. It is hoped to obtain another four birds in 1976. In order to maintain natural behaviour patterns human con- tact with the birds is being kept to a minimum. Thus in the interests of the birds’ welfare sightseers are not encouraged. We wish the NCC and the Sea Eagles every success. Dare we hope that before the end of the century Iolaire mhara or the 342 EDITORIAL 8(7) Erne will again grace our Highland sea-cliffs and lochs ? Per- haps the twenty-first century will see them following the Golden Eagle south of the border ! Scottish Bird Reports Good progress is being made with the 1974 Bird Report and we still expect it to be published before the Conference in January, if not in December. Next year should see a return to the normal publication schedule with the 1975 Bird Report appearing no later than the autumn num- ber in September. I am sure most readers would agree that the Bird Reports should be published at the earliest opportunity, in the summer number in June if possible, since their topical interest soon fades. After the delays of recent years I obviously cannot promise this will happen in 1976 but the attempt would still be well worth while. This ambitious project demands, | first and foremost, the full and punctual support of every con- tributor. If you start putting the bulk of your 1975 notes in order to- day, resolve to submit them to the local recorders by next week, and send the remainder for the end of the year on the first day in January that you can write with a steady hand, the local recorders can prepare their summaries without delay. Roy Dennis can then compile the species list before his busy season Starts in the spring and, if all has gone well, I can send it to the printer in time for the summer issue. I look forward to hearing of the response to this plea at the local recorders’ meeting at the Conference in January. Incidentally, the new regional boundary changes will be dis- cussed at this meeting, but we shall continue to use the old boundaries until further notice. Local recorders Would contributors please note that the fol- lowing local recorders have now moved to new addresses : R. L. McMillan (Perthshire) 44 Durley Dene Crescent, Kin- . tillo, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire; Dr P. G. Hopkins (Outer Hebrides except St Kilda) 31 Glen- trool Village, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire. ‘Ron Forrester has retired as local recorder for the Clyde area and we would like to thank him for his diligence in this arduous task over the last five years. We welcome Iain Gib- son in his place and records for Dunbartonshire, West Stir- lingshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Arran and Bute should be sent to Iain at ‘Arcadia’, The Glen, Howwood, Renfrewshire. | Illustrations Although I have made useful personal contacts with both amateur and professional photographers in the SOC, 1975 EDITORIAL ee: 343 - editorial appeals for photographic material have so far met with little response. Perhaps too much emphasis has been put on glossy black- and-white prints. While these are preferable, colour transpar- encies can also be satisfactory and since the majority of amateur and casual bird photographers nowadays use colour and thus perhaps have felt they were unable to help, it is to them that this appeal is especially directed. Contributors. of written material too are asked to bear this in mind, and where Papers are concerned, good pictures of habitats can be as val- uable as bird pictures. All SOC members with cameras are urged to offer pictures that may be of interest, especially of rarities. I know from my visits to branch meetings that there are plenty of good pictures about, but as I am unable to discover all this talent for myself I hope the photographers will introduce themselves to me. There must also be several capable artists as yet unknown to me. Drawings of birds already decorate the annual Bird Re- port and similar illustrations could be used in most issues. Contributions will be most welcome and should be in Indian ink on good quality paper. Correction A transcription error occurred in the last issue in . G. L. Sandeman’s short note Another Kittiwake movement in the Firth of Forth (8: 324). In paragraph three, line three, for “Barnton” read “Granton”’. Current Literature Recent material of Scottish interest in- cludes : | Breeding a Greylag Geese (Anser anser) on the Outer Heb- rides. I. Newton and R. H. Kerbes, 1974. Journal of Animal Ecology 43: 771-783. Requests for Information Current Ornithological Research in Scotland Ian Lyster’s paper of this title (7: 228-242) is to be updated. Anybody doing such research on species or topics, especially fieldwork, is asked to send brief details including additions and corrections to the original paper, to I. H. J. Lyster, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. Hawfinches Bob McMillan is preparing a review of the status and distribution in Scotland of this most elusive species. Any unpublished records and any other relevant information or comment should be sent to R. L. McMillan, 44 Durley Bee Crescent, Kintillo, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire. rt 344 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 &(7) The birds of Strathbraan 1905 - 74: a salute to Charles Macintosh C.J, HEN GY It is daily becoming more apparent that our fauna is always in a state of flux. (Rintoul and Baxter: A Vertebrate Fauna of Forth) Introduction It is not easy to find systematic notes on the birds of a re- stricted area dating before about 1920. It is very rare to get any quantitative account. So I was surprised and delighted to find such a list for Strathbraan, Perthshire, published in a bio- graphy of the Dunkeld naturalist Charles Macintosh (Coates 1923). In 1905 Harvie-Brown wrote to Macintosh asking him to survey Strathbraan “to illustrate the comparative richness of the avifauna of a typical Central Perthshire valley, below and on the skirts of the heather zone’’. Macintosh “at once took up the task with characteristic enthusiasm’’, he was then sixty-six, and on three days in June and one in July counted birds between Inver and Amulree, going up one side and down the other, a total of 26 miles on foot. I later discovered essen- tially this account with the identical list (except for a trivial error for Redstart) in A Fauna of the Tay Basin and Strath- more (Harvie-Brown 1906, pp. Ixi-lxii). Here also were the exact dates: 6th, 7th and 13th June and 13th July. I decided to repeat Macintosh’s survey and made visits in 1973 (22nd June and 3rd and 9th July) and in 1974 (13th, 19th and 23rd June). The validity of comparing counts done by diff- crane observers over such a long period of time is discussed ater. My itinerary in 1973/4 was as follows: Inver to Rumbling Bridge (24 km): Hermitage footpath on north side, road on south side; spruce and pine woods, oakwood, young conifer plantations, birch/oak/alder strips along river, some meadows. Rumbling Bridge to Trochrie (2 km): roads on north and south sides of river; oak/birch/hazel strips, meadows some rough grazing, some cereals. Trochrie to Dullator (4 km): road on north side, skirting upland fringe on south side; meadows and rough grazing, birch/ alder strips, spruce and pine wood, young conifer plantation, some cereals. Dullator to Dalreoch (2 km): by river on north side, upland fringe on south; rough grazing, meadows, some ploughed land 1975 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 345 and cereals, young conifer plantation, birchwood, oak copse, birch/alder strips. Dalreoch to Amulree (3 km): by river on north side, on slopes of south side; rough grazing, stony slopes with grass, heather or bracken, birch/alder/willow strips, pine copse. The route was chosen to cover a variety of habitats by the easiest paths, as I imagined Macintosh would have done, with no attempt to examine all corners of the area. I have grouped the results into: 1. passerines and near-pass- erines requiring trees or scrub; 2. passerines requiring open country; 3. waders; 4. miscellaneous species. This was done to make quantitative comparison easier and eliminate as far as possible any bias due to Macintosh having taken a different type of route to mine. I should like to make it clear that I do not regard these counts as a complete survey of Strathbraan. Anyone with a de- tailed knowledge of a locality will be aware of how regular but scarce species can be missed in a few visits. However, tak- ing Macintosh’s and my own list together there are probably few species missed altogether. Ring Ouzel* and Sparrowhawk have been recorded for the Dunkeld area but Magpie and Col- lared Dove may still be absent from Strathbraan. In analysing the data I have first compared the results for 1973 and 1974 and then, if no reliable differences exist, com- bined the two years and compared them with 1905. In the few cases of clear differences between 1973 and 1974 I have used that year most resembling Macintosh’s data for the long term comparison. Passerines and near-passerines of scrub and woodland (table 1) In this section the common species were taken as a set ranked in order of abundance to examine changes in the num- erically predominant part of the community in this habitat. mae the relative abundances of individual species were exam- ined. 1973 and 1974 Chaffinch, Willow Warbler and Wren were the commonest species (in that order) in the lists of both years. Of the other common species, quoting the 1973 list first, Black- bird changed from fourth to sixth place, Goldcrest from fifth to ninth, Blue Tit from sixth to fifth, Redpoll was seventh in both years, Song Thrush changed from eighth to fourth, Long- tailed Tit from eighth to nineteenth and Robin from thirteenth to eighth. *Scientific names are given in an appendix. 346 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 8(7) -Table 1. Passerines and near-passerines of scrub and woodland Relative abundance (% of population) 1905 1973 1974 (407 records) (450 records) (471 records) Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Jay Great Tit Blue Tit Coal Tit Long-tailed Tit Treecreeper _ Wren Mistle Thrush Song Thrush _ Blackbird Whinchat Redstart Robin Whitethroat Willow Warbler Wood Warbler ~ Goldcrest Spotted Flycatcher Dunnock Tree Pipit _ bo AOWOOUNNORKONNT OOO WIPRO IRR IR Oo RMN NN ONHUDOODWrO ip — SOONUORONOP OAH OM hI OSOOO NO Opty NAN PUO WOpewO Wiat00 ON PRYIE DRDO A pw Orb ROSH NOOONBUCOHAM®ROHOCOO90OS io Wo ¢ Or wr oONoNne 3 4 ~J Yellowhammer Reed Bunting Lom 49 © 50 ons oO | ary Total % 99.8 97.4 97.8 Numbers of scarce species not individualy analysed for % score— Macintosh : Sedge Warbler (1); Henty (1973 total first) : Stonechat (0/1), Blackcap (0/2), Garden Warbler (0/2), Chiffchaff (1/1), Goldfinch (3/2), Linnet (3/0), Bullfinch (2/2). Taking the eight commonest species in 1974 and comparing their relative positions with those in 1973 there is a significant positive correspondence (Spearman rank correlation + 0.75). If the calculation is done on the basis of the nine commonest species in 1973 (this includes Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit) a similar result is produced (Spearman rank correlation +0.71). Thus on the whole the list of the common species in 1973 is similar to that for 1974. This suggests that the basic method is fairly consistent. Taking individual species, three criteria were used together for assessing whether apparent changes in relative abundance were reliable: 1. the change in rank must be at least three 1975 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 347 positions; 2. the change must be consistent in the three sub- areas of the glen (Inver-Trochrie, Trochrie-Dullator, Dullator- Amulree); 3. the difference between the 1973 and 1974 relative abundances must be large enough so that the result would occur by chance not more than one occasion in fifty (i.e. a probability level of 0.02). Two-tailed chi square tests were used. The significance level was deliberately chosen to be more severe than the usual one-in-twenty probability in order to counteract inflationary effects due to the fact that the ob- servation of one bird is not strictly independent of the obser- vation of another. In this study the statistics were primarily used to sort out for further discussion those data where there were at least statistically reliable changes. Using the above criteria there have been no reliable changes in the relative abundance of any common species : Long-tailed Tit, Song Thrush and Goldcrest showed inconsistent changes (criterion 2) and the Robin a small and non-significant change in percentage abundance (criterion 3). _Of the less common species only the Spotted Flycatcher showed a Statistically reliable difference between 1973 and 1974. For this late nesting species it could be argued that the difference in the dates of the two transects (22 June-9 July versus 13-23 June) coincided with a marked change in its ob- servability. Dr Eggeling tells me that there was probably a real decrease in Spotted Flycatchers in 1974. In either case there are no grounds for arguing that the population 70 years ago was in general lower than in the present decade. Both from the comparison of the lists of common species ranked in order of abundance and for most individual. species it is reasonable to combine the 1973 and 1974 data and to compare the averaged results with Macintosh’s count. in 1905. 1905 and 1973/4 If the-eommon species in table 1 are listed in order of frequency for both periods it ‘can be seen that Willow Warbler and Chaffinch fill the first two places on both lists though in different order, with Willow Warbler ‘first in 1905. However in the next six places only Blackbird and Song Thrush occur in both lists. Taking the 1905 and 1973/4 lists separately and noting the six commonest species from each of the two lists there is a total of eight species that are com- mon in at least one list. These are: Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Blackbird, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Song Thrush, Wren and Blue Tit. | There is no significant positive correlation between the order of commonness of these species between 1905 and’ 1973/4 (Spearman rank correlation +0.46). Hence some’.changes 348 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 8(7) have occurred since 1905 even amongst the list of common species. Considering only species whose rank position has altered by more than two places we find significant increases since 1905 in Wren, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Red- poll and Reed Bunting. Macintosh did not record Dunnock or Siskin but the increase is not statistically reliable. Significant decreases occur in Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Wood War- bler and Tree Pipit. The Willow Warbler situation is equivocal. The 1973 and 1974 results are almost identical but although the species is still abundant its relative abundance is now half that found in 1905. Since no clear general decline has been noted (Parslow 1973) it is conceivable that, as Harvie-Brown (loc. cit.) re- marked for the Cuckoo, in 1905 an unusual number of Willow Warblers settled in the upper Tay basin but that the transient increase went unnoticed in such a generally common species. In 1973/4 Robin, Coal Tit and Yellowhammer concentrated in the lower part of Strathbraan. By contrast, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting and Redpoll occurred mainly in the upper two- thirds, the Reed Bunting not being seen away from marshy or riverside habitats. Table 2. Open country passerines Relative abundance (% of population) 1905 1973 1974 (72 records) (108 records) (98 records) Skylark 30.6 30.6 39.8 Wheatear 6.9 1.9 2a Meadow Pipit 41.7 49.1 35.7 Pied Wagtail 20.8 13.9 is Grey Wagtail 0 4.6 4.1 Total % 100.0 100.1 100.0 Open country passerines (table 2) In this small group of Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied and Grey Wagtails and Wheatear there are no marked changes between 1973 and 1974 or between 1905 and 1973/4. Macintosh recor- ded no Grey Wagtails but there is only a ten to one (non-signi- ficant) chance against the observed difference happening by random sampling. The Starling has been omitted from this group partly because Macintosh simply records it as “innumer- able” and also because its early flocking is so distinctive (see table 4). Nearly all the Starlings were in the upper two-thirds of the glen, as were Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. 1975 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 349 Table 3. Waders Relative abundance (% of population) — 1905 1973 1974 (159 records) (413 records) (401 records) Oystercatcher 0 6.3 10.3 Lapwing 64.8 71.9 63.3 Golden Plover 0 0.5 0.5 Snipe 0.8 2.4 2.0 Woodcock 0 0.5 0.8 Curlew 10.7 6.3 8.8 Common Sandpiper 3.8 5.8 6.0 Redshank 10.1 6.3 8.8 Total % 100.0 100.0 100.5 Waders (table 3) There are no notable differences between 1973 and 1974. In all counts the Lapwing forms about two thirds of the total wader population but the striking feature is the total absence of the Oystercatcher in 1905. Although still common the Com- mon Sandpiper is significantly less frequent in the 1973/4 list. All species were markedly more abundant above Trochrie. Table 4. Miscellaneous species Numbers recorded 1905 1973 1974 Mallard 1 14 10 Moorhen 1 2 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull 0 4 0 Black-headed Gull 0 152 70 Stock Dove 0 3 0 Woodpigeon 0 90 107 Cuckoo 43 1 6 Swift 0 9 1l Swallow numerous 40 27 House Martin numerous 28 18 Sand Martin two colonies 2 1 Dipper 2 6 5 Starling innumerable 335 67 House Sparrow innumerable 11 yAt Numbers of other species—Macintosh: Corncrake (5); Henty (1973 total first): Heron (1/1), Goosander (1/3), Buzzard (0/1), Kestrel (3/2), Red Grouse (5/3), Black Grouse (17/1), Partridge (1/4), Pheasant (8/3), Common Gull (1/6), Common Tern (1/4), Carrion Crow (7/5), Rook (2/21), Jackdaw (22/19). Miscellaneous (table 4) Woodpigeons and Black-headed Gulls were common in 1973 ‘4 and not recorded in 1905. Macintosh knew both species 350 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 8(7) well around Dunkeld and there is no reason to suppose he de- liberately omitted them from the Strathbraan notes. Sand Mar- tins and Cuckoos are clearly far less common in the 1973/4 lists. My larger numbers of Mallards and Jackdaws were from encounters with flocks so the apparent differences are not reliable. The apparent fall in House Sparrow numbers since 1905 may be real, although Macintosh may likewise have found only one or two large flocks. Discussion There are several reasons that singly or together could ac- count for the observed differences between the 1905 and 1973/4 lists. 1. Different biases in the census methods. 2. Systematic changes in habitat. 3. Short term effects on the particular years so that the censuses are not characteristic of the periods around 1905 and 1973/4. 4. True long term changes in species distribution and numbers. Macintosh knew Strathbraan well and took a special interest in bird calls (Coates, loc. cit.). This makes it unlikely that he would have missed species that appear, though scarce, only on my list. The larger numbers of waders, game birds, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits in my census suggest that I spent more time in open country. However since the analysis takes such categories separately this possibility has no effect on the sig- nificance of the differences already mentioned. In A Fauna of the Tay Basin and Strathmore Harvie-Brown mentions that in Macintosh’s July list there appeared family parties and that these were given the value of one to keep equivalence with previous encounters with, for example, single singing males. Having made two counts before seeing Harvie-Brown’s account I had a different procedure, scoring all adults plus an extra unit for the juveniles. By good chance such clear cut parties were rare in my census and the comparison will not be much biased since I am comparing differences in percentage frequency of a species aS a proportion of the total group of species (not actual numbers recorded). There are no systematic effects ascribable to some species having ceased song. Thus there were fewer Blackbirds in 1973/4 but this is a conspicuous species in other ways and I recorded as many Song Thrushes and more Robins than Mac- intosh although both species had finished singing. Dr W. J. Eggeling (pers. comm.) confirms for 1973/4 the absence of Wood Warblers and scarcity of Tree Pipits in Strathbraan from observations scattered over the whole spring, whilst of the 1975 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 351 other decreased species Yellowhammers are still in song and Whitethroats are quite active and conspicuous late in the breed- ing season. Habitat changes have probably been much less in Strath- braan than in many areas since afforestation with conifers started long before 1900. Thus in 1817 Sir Bourlier Wrey, ap- proaching Dunkeld from the west (presumably along Strath- braan), viewed “a whole range of mountains covered with Larch Fir principally and many other trees of infinite variety” (quoted in Anderson 1967, pp 171-172). These were largely mature but Anderson also mentions a report in 1823 of plan- tations around Dunkeld amounting to 11,000 acres. Mr H. Boase (pers. comm.) commented on the absence of dramatic habitat changes in this century and I have found conifer stumps in the upper glen that were probably moderately grown plantations in Macintosh’s time. Besides this, the present day oakwoods and tall conifer woods were certainly mature or well grown in 1905 whilst other woods of birch and conifer must have been in scrub stage at the turn of the century. The most important short term effect could be a severe winter that would affect Wren, Robin, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Blue Tit, a group of species absent or scarce in the 1905 count. There is in fact no clear cut evidence for this. Thus Macintosh documents the excessively severe winter of 1894-95 but this cannot be expected to have any more effect on 1905 than the 1963 winter on 1973. Taking average monthly temperatures for Edinburgh, February 1904 was cold and February 1902 very cold. However there was one cold winter month in 1970 and a very cold one in 1969. Hence the winters immediately before 1905 were only slightly more severe than those before 1973. The same applies to March temperatures. Harvie-Brown fre- quently remarks on the “almost arctic” springs and early sum- mers of 1902, 1903 and 1904 but it is not clear why these should not also have affected summer migrants. There is no clear and direct evidence that this group of resident species was scarce nationally or regionally at the turn of the century. Only the facts that central Perthshire (e.g. Faskally) averages 4-1°C less than Edinburgh in monthly winter temperatures, allowing for a more severe effect of nationally moderately cold winters, and that during the period 1860-1890 severe winters were nationally more frequent (Lamb 1965) give support to the hypo- thesis that weather affected small resident species in Strath- braan at the turn of the century. There remains a number of cases where change in relative frequency of a species can be ascribed to genuine changes in species abundance independent of habitat changes. These are decreases in Common Sandpiper, Whitethroat, Wood Warbler, 352 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 8(7) Table 5. Some status changes in Strathbraan 1905-1973/4 compared with status in Perthshire 1906 and Britain to 1973 Oystercatcher Common Sandpiper Black-headed Gull Woodpigeon Cuckoo Tree Pipit Wood Warbler Whitethroat Willow Warbler Redpoll Yellowhammer Reed Bunting Strathbraan 1905-1973/4 Marked increase Decrease Marked increase Marked increase Probable decrease Decrease Decrease Decrease Possible decrease Increase Decrease Increase Perthshire 1906 (Harvie-Brown) On every main river. Common over whole area. Almost rare in minor valleys. Abundant, not so numerous as formerly. In 1905 unusual abundance in all valleys of S.W. Tay. In 1905 less abundant than usual in Strath- braan. Numbers breed about Dunkeid (Millais). Very abundant up to Dunkeld. Swarms. Universal in distribution. Occurs Pitlochry and Loch Tay. Second in abun- dance to Chaffinch. Somwhat local, visible decrease. Britain to 1973 (Parslow) Marked increase in N. Britain. Local decrease N. Perth (H. Boase). Probable in- crease. Great increase 19th century, gradual since. Widespread de- crease since 1950. Increase N. Scotland, local decreases in England. Decreases in England. Great decrease after 1968. Local decreases in S. England. Irregular changes - overall increase. Perhaps general decrease. Probable general increase. Tree Pipit and Yellowhammer (and probably Sand Martin) and increases in Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Reed Bunting and Redpoll. Table 5 shows that many of these cases are local examples of national trends either over much of this century (notably Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull and Redpoll) or recently (Whitethroat). In addition Mr Boase tells me that the relative decline of Yellowhammer and increase in Reed Bunting is typical of his experience in south-east Perth- shire. With comparisons spaced so widely in time it is quite 1975 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 353 possible for some species to have changed in, say, 1920-50 and then returned to the previous level; however, there is no direct evidence of this. It is finally interesting to note that these counts have picked up the dramatic spread of Green and Great Spotted Wood- pecker and the loss of Corncrake. By contrast they demonstrate the survival of populations of locally scarce species such as Redstart, Wheatear and Whinchat. However the main use of counting and doing arithmetic is to investigate more system- atically the fortunes of fairly common species where changes are usually of degree or extinctions purely local. Charles Macintosh has been so much part of this investiga- tion that some word of his range of accomplishment seems appropriate. His independence of judgement and breadth of knowledge form a striking contrast to the essentially local sources of his observations. He was very well aware of the partial migrant status around Dunkeld of Pied and Grey Wag- tail, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Song Thrush and Reed Bunting. He recorded in 1905 the first local brood of Goosanders and in 1915 the first winter residence of flocks of Black-headed Gulls. More remarkably he achieved a detailed knowledge of local fungi, mainly after his retirement with pleurisy, and amongst forms requiring microscopical examination discovered several new to Britain and even to science. It is typical of Macintosh’s persistence that he bought a good microscope at the end of his working life as a postman during which 32 years his wage never rose above fourteen shillings a week. His work in natural focal and his part in a string band continued until his death in 1922. Acknowledgments First to the imagination of Harvie-Brown in suggesting and the en- thusiasm of Macintosh in carrying out the 1905 census. Mr J. A. Plant and other members of the Meteorological Office at Edinburgh, the SOC staff and Miss Peters of the Nature Conservancy were all most helpful with references. Conversation with the late Mr H. Boase was of the greatest help in putting my results in perspective and Dr W. J. Eggeling was also most encouraging. Summary Counts of birds in Strathbraan (Perthshire) are compared for 1905 and 1973/74. Of about 40 species where information is adequate there is good evidence that eleven species are relatively more and eight relatively less frequent in the 1973/4 community. Increases were marked in some species that feed in open agricultural land (Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher) and small resident passerines of scrub and wood- land. Most decreases affect long distance migrants (Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Whitethroat, Sand Martin, Cuckoo, Common Sandpiper). Reed Bunting seems to have partly replaced Yellowhammer. 354 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 8(7) Many of the changes are local examples of national trends. It is argued that local changes in habitat have been small and not primarily respon- sible for the observed changes in abundance of passerines. References ANDERSON, M. L. 1967. A History of Scottish Forestry, vol. 2. Nelson, London. CoATES, H. 19235. A Perthshire Naturalist: Charles Macintosh of Inver. T. Fisher Unwin, London. HARVIE-BRown, J. A. 1906. A Fauna of the Tay Basin and Strathmore. David Doug- las, Edinburgh. Lams, H. H. 1965. Britain’s Changing Climate in The Biological Significance of Climatic Changes in Britain. Ed. Johnson and Smith. Academic Press, London. PARSLOw, J. 1973. Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland. T. & A. D. Poyser, Berk- hamsted. Addendum In the Discussion I made the point that forestry had a long history in the area. However I did not pursue this aspect of ecological history or extend the discussion to agricultural land. Since that article was written I have inspected the official agricultural statistics for the parish of Little Dunkeld piety is essentially the area in which the transects were one. There is, surprisingly, no increase in the total amount of arable land (1,810 (1905) to 1,430 acres), although there is the expected shift from oats to barley. Sheep show little change in numbers (22,700 to 25,100), but there has been a large increase in cattle (720 to 2,475), probably largely in beef cattle, though the figures are not strictly comparable in de- tail. There has been little change in the acreage of mowing grass, pasture or rough grazing. The Statistics suggest a great decrease in the amount of woodland since 1905 but this is certainly an artefact due to a shift in the method of collecting the figures. Inspection of six-inch and one-inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Maps for 1869, 1907 and the present day show no marked change in the extent of either plantations or scrubby birch woods. One small plantation marked for 1907 is absent from the 1869 and present maps and on the ground the area is covered by very old tree stumps. Hence this range in maps is demonstrably accurate in tracing the recent his- tory of one small and transient plantation and presumably is certainly reliable for the larger areas. It therefore seems certain that the many changes in rela- tive abundance of both woodland birds and birds of open farmland have taken place in the absence of dramatic chan- ges in land use. The striking changes in local distribution of Oystercatcher, Woodpigeon and Black-headed Gull seem to lag behind the occurrence of the apparently suitable ecological 1975 BIRDS OF STRATHBRAAN 1905-74 355 conditions of arable farming and presumably are dependent on changes in habits or abundance of more central popula- tions in Strathmore. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the efficient and friendly help of the staff of the Scottish Records Office and the Map Room of the Scottish National Library. Dr C. J. Henty, 3 The Broich, Alva, Clackmannanshire. Appendix—scientific names of species mentioned in text Heron Ardea cinerea Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Goosander Mergus merganser Buzzard Buteo buteo Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix Partridge Perdix perdix Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Corncrake Crex crex Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Snipe Gallinago gallinago Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Curlew Numenius arquata Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos Redshank T. totanus Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Common Gull L. canus Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus Common Tern Sterna hirundo Stock Dove Columba oenas Woodpigeon C. palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Swift Apus apus Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major Skylark Alauda arvensis Swallow Hirundo rustica House Martin Delichon urbica Sand Martin Riparia riparia Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone Rook C. frugilegus Jackdaw C. monedula Magpie Pica pica Jay Garrulus glandarius Great Tit Parus major Blue Tit P. caeruleus Coal Tit P. ater Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dipper Cinclus cinclus Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Song Thrush T. philomelos Ring Ouzel T. torquatus Blackbird T. merula Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Stonechat Saxicola torquata Whinchat S. rubetra Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Robin Erithacus rubecula Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Garden Warbler S. borin Whitethroat S. communis Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Chiffchaff P. collybita Wood Warbler P. sibilatrix Goldcrest Regulus regulus Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Dunnock Prunella modularis Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Tree Pipit A. trivialis Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii Grey Wagtail M. cinerea Starling Sturnus vulgaris Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch C. carduelis Siskin C. spinus Linnet Acanthis cannabina Redpoll A. flammea Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Reed Bunting E. schoeniclus House Sparrow Passer domesticus 356 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 8(7) The breeding birds of Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond GEOFF SHAW Introduction During 1974, the Nature Conservancy Council commissioned a survey of the birds breeding on part of Crom Mhin, a low lying area of wet ground situated on the south-east shore of Loch Lomond, by the mouth of the Endrick Water (fig. 1). The study plot, comprising 21 hectares, was bordered to the north and west by sandy shorelines, and both the eastern and south- ern boundaries were large drains. At the time of the visits, both of the latter held still water and were largely choked with aquatic vegetation. The entire area was open to grazing by around forty head of cattle, but grazing pressure was concen- trated on the drier parts away from the drains. Two-thirds of the plot was damp and low-lying, being cov- ered by rushes Juncus effusus and Carex reedswamp on the eastern side. The remaining ground, slightly higher, consisted primarily of grazed Agrostis/Festuca grass sward. The higher vegetation layers were virtually absent; a few isolated, small willows Salix spp grew in those parts which, presumably, were sufficiently damp and unsound to discourage grazing. On the dry western edge were small thickets of Gorse Ulex europaeus and a very few stunted Hawthorns Crataegus monogyna. Overall, the simple vegetation structure was consistent with a history of grazing and occasional flooding. Methods Census work took place throughout May and June; some 20 hours were spent over six field excursions on mapping birds. The mapping technique used was that described by Williamson (1964) and now employed annually for the Common Bird Census of the British Trust for Ornithology. Only those birds considered to be breeding on the study plot were included in the analysis of the bird community. The area was also much used by transient birds throughout the study period, and the eae of this factor was considered separately (Shaw, Results It was found that 97 pairs of 17 species were breeding on Crom Mhin during the study period, giving a density of 465 pairs per square kilometre (186 pairs per 100 acres). The table 1975 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 357 7 a. Tao metres Fic. 1. The south-eastern shore of Loch Lomond, showing the mouth of the Endrick Water and the census area of Crom Mhin. 358 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 8(7) details the numbers and densities of individual species; fig. 2 shows the relative abundance of each as a percentage of the total number of pairs. Table. The breeding bird community at Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond in 1974 Number of No. pairs pairs per sq km Ducks Mallard 9 43.1 Shoveler 3 14.4 Teal 2 9.6 Wigeon 1 4.8 Rails Water Rail 1 4.8 Moorhen 1 4.8 Wading birds Lapwing 13 62.3 Redshank 8 38.3 Snipe 5 23.9 Curlew 2 9.6 Oystercatcher Z 9.6 Passerines Skylark 19 91.0 Reed Bunting 14 67.1 Sedge Warbler 12 57.5 Meadow Pipit 2 9.6 Carrion Crow = 9.6 Pied Wagtail 1 4.8 Overall Community Total 97 464.8 Discussion: Community Structure and Habitat As an area of uniformly structured damp vegetation Crom Mhin provided relatively few feeding niches for birds. Hence the species diversity was low: four species made up 60% of all birds present and six species comprised 77%. The few pas- serine species (six species or 30% of the total number of species) was a reflection of this uniform habitat. A compar- able survey of woodlands might show 80% of the S555: to be passerines (e.g. Williamson 1974). The existence of permanently wet ground favours those birds that can enter water and probe wet substrates for food. Wading birds, therefore, comprised 31% of the bird commun- ity, as well as representing the greater part of the transients. As a breeding ground for waders the area was exceptionally good, since food availability was not liable to fluctuations in summer droughts. Other probers, including such species as 1975 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 359 4 species Moorhen Pied Wagt'l Water Rail Wigeon Skylark 19.6% 5 species Carrion Cr Curlew Mdow Pipit |each Oystercat 2-1% Teal Redshank Reed Bunting 8:3% Mallard Sedge Warbler 12-4% Lapwing 13-4% Fic. 2. Relative abundance of species in the breeding bird community at Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond, in 1971. Starling Sturnus vulgaris and several corvids, came into the habitat to feed, increasing in numbers once their own breed- ing season was past. The small area of standing water suppor- ted a breeding duck population equivalent to 15% of the com- munity; all were surface feeders, since the depth of water was nowhere sufficient to allow diving ducks to operate. Even so, in terms of biomass the duck component dominated both pas- Serines and waders. Passerines The Skylark Alauda arvensis was the dominant species on the plot (fig. 2), totalling about one fifth of all birds present and breeding at a density of 91 pairs/sq km. Voous (1960) gives “natural and cultivated grassland, mainly on not too dry ground” as the habitat of this species. It would seem that Crom Mhin provided near optimum conditions and the density recor- ded is comparable with the highest published densities—which occurred on wetlands in eastern England (Williamson 1967, 360 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 8(7) Cadbury 1972). The BTO Common Bird Census has shown up to 61 pairs/sq km on grazed pasture in northern England (Rob- son and Williamson 1972), falling to less than 20 pairs on a sim- ilar unit of arable land. The scarcity of the Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis compared to the Skylark was perhaps unexpected, as the preferred habitat was specified by Voous as “marshy, rather dry grass- lands and meadows... where there is an abundance of grass”. In Britain the two species co-dominate most grassland habitats (Lack 1935), but there is accumulating evidence that the Sky- lark appears to be at an advantage on low-lying wet ground, especially where flooding is frequent (Greenhalgh 1971, Wil- liamson, Idle and Mitchell 1973). It may be that the more omnivorous diet of the Skylark enables it to exploit seed stocks on Crom Mhin in the spring, when floods have recently re- ceded, whereas such food would be unavailable to the inverte- brate-feeding pipit. By utilizing seeds—possibly Juncus—the lark would be able to settle in early spring at a density higher than that expected on grass muir. It would appear that the Meadow Pipit is at a disadvantage in a Juncus-dominated hab- itat, where foliage-feeding invertebrates are very scarce in spring, despite its reported preference for wet ground. Con- versely, those passerines that can take seeds may breed at high densities in such habitats. In this context it is interesting that the Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus takes a large pro- portion of its winter diet in seed form. It takes up its breeding territories in early spring, and breeds at a high density on Crom Mhin. The Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus arrives some six weeks later than the foregoing species. By this time, insect food is more plentiful and the birds are able to settle relatively densely despite having a non-gramnivorous diet. Absent from the area in 1974 were the Whitethroat Sylvia communis and the Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. Both have bred in the past (J. Mitchell in litt.); the crash of the former species is well known, and the latter may be attribut- able to random variations in a small population. The single pair of Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba yarrellii was entirely de- pendent upon timber washed up by winter floods for a nest site. Two pairs of Carrion Crows Corvus corone corone nested. Non-passerines Non-passerines formed 30% of pairs breeding on Crom Mhin, and accounted for most of the species diversity (12, or 70%, of 17 species). Of these, the Lapwing Vanellus vanellus was a sub-dominant in the bird community (fig. 2), with the Mallard 1975 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 361 Anas platyrhynchos and the Redshank Tringa totanus being the next most important species. The Moorhen Gallinula chloropus was surprisingly scarce, with only a single pair, while it was good to find the Water Rail Rallus aquaticus still successful. Its occupation of Crom Mhin seems well established—there is a record of a pair with chicks in May 1957 (Scot. Birds 1: 65). At least 15 pairs of ducks bred; the Mallard nested throughout the rushes, and several females retained their broods in this shelter—as did the Teal Anas crecca. No evidence of breeding was obtained for Wigeon Anas penelope, although a pair was present in 2 restricted area of the marsh from early May onwards. The first breeding of this species at Crom Mhin was noted in 1954 (per J. Mitchell). Three pairs of Shoveler Anas clypeata was a high total in so small an area. The species is scarce or absent from much of mainland west Scotland (Yarker and Atkinson-Willes 1971), and the Endrick Mouth must be considered important for the bird in this part of its range. The chasing flights of the drakes was a conspicuous feature of Crom Mhin for a brief period in April and early May. Of the waders, the high density of the Lapwing was attained because a wide habit tolerance allowed the species to utilize the whole area. By contrast, the Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus was restricted to the grazed sward and its future presence would appear to be dependent upon the continuance of grazing. Only the Snipe Gallinago gallinago was confined entirely to the cover of the rushes, but the two remaining species, Curlew Numenius arquata and Redshank, showed a clear preference for this retreat. For the latter species, the mosaic of rushes and sward provided an excellent habitat and the density was high; by comparison, Greenhalgh (1971) re- corded 22.5 pairs per sq km on natural saltmarsh in Lanca- shire, while Cadbury (1972) reported densities between 38 and 62 pairs on the same unit area on the Ouse Washes. Population density In relation to other grassland systems, Crom Mhin, with 465 pairs of birds per sq km, holds a rich breeding population. A BTO survey of the Ring Point, situated on the opposite bank of the Endrick Mouth (fig. 1), recorded 270 pairs per sq km on somewhat drier terrain (Williamson, Idle and Mitchell 1973). Robson and Williamson (1972) found 214 pairs per sq km on a substantially grassland farm in Westmorland, while a Dorset dairy farm held 440 pairs per sq km (Williamson 1971). On grass muir the density of birds is considerably lower; Lack (1935) recorded 70 pairs per sq km in Galway and 85 pairs per 362 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 8(7) sq km in Shetland, and Hope-Jones (1974) estimated 50 pairs per sq km on Welsh moorland before afforestation. Glue (1971) found that density declined during saltmarsh reclamation from 106 pairs per sq km but that it increased to 157 pairs per sq km once non-saline grassland had become established. Several factors may contribute to the high bird density on Crom Mhin; the presence of cover adjacent to good, perman- ently wet feeding ground would seem to be important. Most crucial, however, may be the regular flooding, which creates aquatic, semi-aquatic and damp pasture feeding and nesting areas, and provides a regular flushing with nutrients and detri- tus. These habitat characteristics therefore encouraged both the abundance and the coexistence of ducks, waders and pas- serines within a relatively small area. Acknowledgments I am indebted to the Nature Conservancy Council for commissioning and financing a study of Crom Mhin, and for permitting me to publish the results; a more detailed report is lodged with the Council. Fig. 1 is based upon a map of the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve, published on behalf of the Nature Conservancy by the University of Glasgow (1972). Amongst NCC staff, thanks are due in particular to E. T. Idle (Deputy Regional Officer for South West Scotland) and J. Mitchell (Senior Reserve Warden at Loch Lomond). It is my pleasure to thank Dr David Bryant, of the University of Stir- ling, and John Mitchell for their kindness in reading through and com- menting upon earlier drafts of this paper. Summary A study of a wetland breeding bird community at Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond, recorded 97 pairs breeding on 21 hectares (465 pairs per sq km = 186 pairs per 100 acres). 17 species were present, of which 6 made up 77% population; ducks, waders and passerines were well represented. The Skylark dominated the community and a possible reason for its high density was a competitive advantage in diet. The nature of the habitat was diversified by grazing, impeded drainage, and flooding, with a con- sequent increase in bird density and diversity over more uniform grass- land habitats. References CapDBuRy, C. J. 1972. Bird populations of the Wash. Cambridge Bird Club Report 46: 33-9. GLUE, D. E. 1971. Saltmarsh reclamation stages and their associated bird-life. Bird Study 18: 187-98. GREENHALGH, M. E. 1971. The breeding bird communities of Lancashire saltmarshes. Bird Study 18: 199-212. HopPE-Jones, P. 1974. Fair deal for Sitka. Birds 5: 4: 23. Lack, D. 1935. The breeding bird populations of British heaths and moorlands. J. Anim. Ecol. 4: 43. Rosson, R. W., and WILLIAMSON, K. 1972. The breeding birds of a Westmorland farm. Bird Study 19: 202-13. SHAw, G. 1974. Breeding bird community on Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond. Unpub- lished Report to the Nature Conservancy Council. Voous, K. 1960. Atlas of European Birds. London, Nelson. 1975 BREEDING BIRDS OF CROM MHIN 363 WILLIAMSON, K. 1964. Bird census work in woodlands. Bird Study 11: 1-22. WILLIAmMson, K. 1967. A bird community of accreting sand dunes and saltmarsh. Brit. Birds 60: 145-57. WILLIAMSON, K. 1971. A bird census study of a Dorset dairy farm. Bird Study 18: 80-96. Wi~uiamson, K. 1974. Oakwood breeding bird communities in the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Quart. J. For. LXVIII: 9-28. WILLIAMSON, K., IDLE, E. T., and MITCHELL, J. 1973. Bird communities of the main- land section of the Loch Lomond N.N.R. Western Naturalist 2: 15-28. YARKER, B., and ATKINSON-WILLES, A. L. 1971. The numerical distribution of some British breeding ducks. Wildfowl 22: 63-70. Geoff Shaw, 3 Blairforkie Drive, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire. Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Report for 1974" Prepared for the Observatory Committee by J. M. S. ARNOTT, Honorary Secretary The observatory was manned for a total of 196 days (slightly down on 1973) between 16th March and 30th Octo- ber, and from 14th to 29th December. Some cover was pro- vided during gaps in Observatory occupation, however, by other observers present on the island. Migration was fairly low-key in both spring and autumn, with only one big rush in the year which occurred at the end of April, but there was an interesting variety of species, par- ticularly in the autumn. This included Dotterelt, Icterine War- bler, Greenish Warbler, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Rustic Bunting and Little Bunting. No new species for the island was recorded in 1974, but the ringing-list had one first, a Wood- pigeon. The highest ringing total for one species (1,350) was not surprisingly for the Puffin, which continued to be the subject of a major research programme. Other activities in- cluded the third annual stage of the major cull of gulls in May, which brought down the population of Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls from about 16,000 to about 6,000 birds. Although one pair of Common Terns nested in 1973, the first since the massive increase in gull numbers, there was no tern nest in 1974. A large number (88) of Great Black-backed ae | was ringed, as well as waders, over the Christmas period. *Reports from 1958 have been published annually in Scottish Birds. +Scientific names will be found in The Birds of the Isle of May by W. J. Eggeling (1974), Special Supplement to Scottish Birds volume 8. 364 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 &(7) Spring Migration The observatory was manned from 16th March to 6th June except for 20th-26th April and 29th April-3rd May, although there was other observer cover on the island. March-April There were easterly winds for most of the second half of March producing a steady trickle of birds, mostly thrushes and Meadow Pipits, but including Sparrow- hawks on the 18th and 20th and only the fifth record of a Raven, also on the 18th. Fresh south-east winds and poor visibility brought in the first Wheatear on the 23rd and the following three days of similar conditions saw a moderate fall of migrants, including 170 Meadow Pipits, a Great Grey Shrike, the first Ring Ouzel, thrushes, chats and finches. The first sightings of some early migrants were : 22nd March—first Wheatear 24th March—first Black Redstart 26th March—first Ring Ouzel llth April—first Chiffchaff 18th April—first Willow Warbler 22nd April—first Swallow 28th April—first Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher 29th April—first Blackcap and Pied Flycatcher Southerly winds at the end of March saw the departure of most migrants and few arrivals. The first two days of April brought three Woodcocks, some thrushes, Stonechats and Bramblings, and another Great Grey Shrike. Fog came down on the 2nd and settled in for the next eight days, becoming so thick that observation was severely hampered, though the light south-easterly wind was certainly bringing in migrants. Woodcock and Golden Plover were among those seen on the 6th, Siskin on the 7th, and Rook on the 9th. The visibility cleared on the 11th with a small movement, including Chiff- chaff, and continued in light easterly airs until the 19th. Among the thrushes, Wheatears and Goldcrests there was the first Willow Warbler and a Black Redstart on the 18th and another Black Redstart on the 19th. After the break in obser- ver cover the 27th was still quiet, but the fresh easterly wind and poor visibility that night and on the 28th brought in a good variety of migrants, including 3 Wrynecks, 10 Ring Ouzels, 30 Wheatears, 30 Robins and a few Dunnocks, wag- tails, Bramblings, and Reed Buntings. The good conditions for receiving migrants continued, and it is unfortunate that once again the Observatory was not manned from 29th April to 3rd May, this time during the biggest fall of the year. Other observers on the island reported over 3,000 Fieldfares on the 30th, together with about 300 Redwings, more than 20 Ring PLATES 24-27. Unusual nest of Redshank/Snipe (pages 582-3585). Photographs by Alex Tewnion PLATE 24 (above). The nest with Redshank and Snipe clutches. The four Redshank eggs are in the centre; two of the Snipe eggs are in front and the other two are behind. PLATE 25 (over). Redshank using bill to manoeuvre eggs under her body. PLATE 26 (over). The Redshank never succeeded in incubating all eight eggs simultaneously. PLATE 27 (over). Undisturbed by hide and camera lens, the Redshank drowses while incubating. Pio EMA. i Yipy tif Yy 1975 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 369 Ouzels and 50 Wheatears. There were also 50 Robins, 30 Dun- nocks, 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Spotted Flycatcher. The only warblers were 6 Willow Warblers. May The arrivals at the end of April were supplemented for the first two or three days, and then succeeded by a steady trickle of migrants throughout May, a month of generally light winds and good visibility. First sightings of migrants for the year in May included : lst May—first Whinchat 2nd May—first Grasshopper Warbler 3rd May—first Lesser Whitethroat 11th May—first Whitethroat 12th May—first House Martin 13th May—first Sedge Warbler and Garden Warbler 15th May—first Sand Martin FS FSD SES VA Almost all the 3,000 Fieldfares departed on the Ist, But about 800 others came in on the 2nd, together with about 500 Blackbirds, and small numbers (under 50) of Song Thrushes, Redwings and Ring Ouzels. Apart from a single Grasshopper Warbler, Willow Warblers (12) were still the only warblers observed in the movement. The small-scale migration of the rest of the month included the first Lesser Whitethroat on the 3rd, a Corncrake and a Short-eared Owl on the 6th, a Whimbrel on the 7th and a minor fall of Blackcaps, Lesser Whitethroats and Willow War- blers, 4 Redpolls and a Goldfinch on the 9th. The east wind increased.to fresh on the 10th bringing in a few Fieldfares, Whinchats and warblers, including 10 Lesser Whitethroats, and also a Cuckoo and only the second spring record of a Greenshank. Another scarce visitor to the May, a Nightingale, ‘with only about a dozen records, turned up on the 12th, as well as 5 Swallows. The Swallow migration continued to the 9th June, with 3 to 10 birds each day, apart from the 20th May with 20. Whitethroats were seen on only nine days in the middle of the month with a maximum number of only 4 in a day. The other warblers continued to trickle through dur- ing the month, with single Redstart, Black Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Collared Doves and 6 Jackdaws on the 14th, 3 Tree Sparrows on the 16th, and on the 18th a Blue- throat in full song, followed the same day by a Rustic Bunting. The low-key migration throughout May continued into June, petering out after about ten days. Though it is among the least likely months for its occurrence, June saw 3 Manx Shearwaters on the 22nd. 370 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 8(7) Autumn migration With the exception of 13th-15th August, there was con- tinuous cover from the 5th of that month to 3lst October, the last observers being stormbound for five days. August The first half of August had light easterly winds for the most part, with clear skies and hot sunshine. There was very little movement, but the 6th saw the arrival of a Dotterel, only the eighth autumn record, and the 7th produced 3 Kes- trels. The 9th saw the departure of most of the breeding Puffins. The trickle of migration (Swallows, Wheatears, Wil- low Warblers, terns, waders) increased on the 14th as the wind went round to the west, with the first returning Gold- crest that day, first Spotted Flycatcher on the 16th, Robin on the 17th, and also on the 17th the first and only Sedge War- bler. Other autumn firsts were: lst August—first Willow Warbler 4th August—first Whinchat 10th August—first House Martin 18th August—first Pied Flycatcher 21st August—first Garden Warbler and Whitethroat 29th August—first Fieldfare 30th August—first Blackcap 2nd September—first Sand Martin 7th September—first Chiffchaff 25th September—first Redwing A wader count on the 19th showed that the Turnstone num- bers had built up to about 300, with 100 Purple Sandpipers, a Whimbrel and under ten each of Curlews, Redshanks and Oystercatchers. From then to near the end of the month there was fine sunny weather with light westerly winds and only ‘a trickle of migration, as in most of the spring. An Arctic Skua was seen on the 22nd, one of only two in August. There was a small movement of 30 Swallows on the 24th, and on the next three days of Willow Warblers, Spotted Flycatchers, Garden Warblers and Wheatears. The 29th brought fresh south-easterly winds and poor visibility, with the arrival in the afternoon of a few Pied Flycatchers, Garden Warblers and a Tree Pipit, the advance guard of a considerable movement. The same weather conditions prevailed for the next four days, and early on the 30th a Wryneck, a Barred Warbler and a Blackcap were seen. Migrants appeared to be coming in again from about 10.00 hours, and the day yielded 2 Wrynecks, 3 Fieldfares, 10 Wheatears, 10 Whinchats, 1 Icterine Warbler, 2 Barred Warblers, 17 Garden Warblers, 15 Pied Flycatchers and a Red-backed Shrike among others. In spite of overnight fog which continued through the next day, most of these migrants appeared to have left by the morning of the 31st, and there were few new arrivals, although these did include a 1975 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 371 second Red-backed Shrike, and 2 more Wrynecks, a Wood- cock and a Golden Plover. September With the south-east wind continuing on the Ist, a steady flow of migrants came in again after 12.00, including a Yellow-breasted Bunting, 3 Icterine Warblers, a Green Sand- piper and a few Garden Warblers, Whinchats and Pied Fly- catchers. In mid afternoon 4 Wrynecks appeared and at 18.00 there was an influx of at least 10 Pied Flycatchers, more Gar- den Warblers and a Yellow Wagtail M. f. flavissima—a rather scarce visitor to the May in any race. Both the Pied Flycatcher with 25 and the Garden Warbler with 35 had their peak num- bers for the year that day. Most of these birds departed on the 2nd, when the visible migration included 150 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins and 3 Swifts. The day also produced 7 Mute Swans, only the seventh record for the island, and a second Yellow-breasted Bunting. With the wind going round to the west until the 7th, little migration was seen apart from diurnal passage in small numbers (Swallows, Meadow Pipits, Sandwich and “comic” terns, Knots, Golden Plovers), but a strong south-east wind returned that day, followed by a fall of 75 Willow Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, the first Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Barred Warbler, and at sea a Pomarine Skua. For the next fortnight there were generally westerly winds with a trickle of migration, mostly Willow Warblers, Whitethroats, Gold- crests, Meadow Pipits, Siskins, ‘““comic’’ terns, Manx Shear- waters (singles usually, 14 on the 25th), but also a Wryneck and a Peregrine on the 9th, 2 Lapland Buntings and a Merlin on the 13th, and on the 15th the second record for the May of the Greenish Warbler. The first 2 Redpolls arrived on the 23rd (20 on the 28th) and 4 Grey Wagtails were seen flying south on that day, as well as 15 Arctic Skuas and a Great Skua. Sea-watching also pro- duced a Red-throated Diver, and 7 Greylag Geese flying south on the 24th. The season’s one sighting of Pinkfeet was on the 29th when about 100 were seen and when the first Barnacle was observed. Also at sea there was a Sooty Shearwater on the 25th and 14 Manx Shearwaters and 8 Whooper Swans on the 26th. There was little passerine migration in the variable weather of the last week of the month, though the first Snow Bunting was seen on the 24th, and Redwings started arriving in small numbers (under 20) on the 25th. October In 1973 October provided the best fall of the year, but October 1974 was a fairly quiet month for the end of the migration, with no unusual numbers, though some unusual species. During the first twelve days there were cold northerly winds bringing through a trickle of Garden Warblers, Chiff- 372 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 8(7) chaffs, Redstarts, Redpolls, Lesser Whitethroats, Bramblings, Stonechats, Robins, Ring Ouzels and Mistle Thrushes, all in ones, twos or threes, and larger numbers of other thrushes: Fieldfares (up to 220 on the 13th), Song Thrushes (up to 12 on the 2nd), Redwings (up to 200 on the 7th), and Blackbirds (up to 50 on the 10th). However, the month started colourfully with a Bluethroat and a Yellow-browed Warbler on the Ist and an interesting double on the 2nd: a Red-backed Shrike and a Great Grey Shrike. A single Snow Bunting turned up on the 4th, together with a Woodcock and a rather scarce bird on the May, a Spotted Redshank. Although it occurs regularly in the Forth, it is scarcer on the May, with sixteen records, than Yellow-browed Warbler, which turned up on the 8th again, followed by a third bird on the 9th. This has been re- corded prior to 1974 on 36 occasions, with up to 5 in a day. A wader count on 9th October produced 27 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 179 Turnstones, 26 Curlews, 39 Redshanks, 145 Purple Sandpipers and 2 Dunlins. With the wind still from the north-west on the 12th a Little Bunting arrived, not recorded on the May since 1959. Waders that day included a Snipe and a Jack Snipe. The wind backed to west on the 13th, with an interesting passage of 75 Hooded Crows and 48 Jackdaws, and the autumn peak figure for Star- lings at 240 and Fieldfares at 220. The light westerlies persis- ted for several days until the 19th, with small numbers of thrushes coming through each day and a few Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Bramblings and Goldcrests. On the 19th the wind strengthened towards the gales which marked the end of the month, and the last Swallow went through. There was a Long- eared Owl on the 22nd, and arrivals on the 23rd included a Merlin, 6 Chiffchaffs, 6 Redpolls and a Brambling. There was little movement from then until the 3lst, as the wind increased to a strong, lengthy gale from the north, but 10 Twites, 6 Goldfinches and a Tree Sparrow were observed on the 26th, 9 Whooper Swans and a Sooty Shearwater passed on the 28th, and 13 Snow Buntings flew in on the 30th. Last dates for some autumn migrants were : 21st September—last Swallow and House Martin 26th September—last “comic” tern 28th September—last Sand Martin, Whinchat, Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher 30th September—last Great Skua 3rd October—last Arctic Skua and Pied Flycatcher 7th October—last Whimbrel 8th October—last Wheatear 13th October—last Willow Warbler 14th October—last Redstart and Garden Warbler 18th October—last Lesser Whitethroat 22nd October—last Blackcap lst November—last Chiffchaff 1975 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 373 Winter For the third year running a party from the Tay Ringing Group visited the island in December, on this occasion from the 14th-29th. Using dazzling techniques, they caught and ringed 88 Great Black-backed Gulls (out of about 1,000 pres- ent), 30 Purple Sandpipers and 10 Turnstones as well as other species, and obtained retraps. Wader numbers were again little more than half the autumn peaks, with a maximum count of 150 Turnstones on 24th December, and on the same day 29 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipes, 32 Curlews, 27 Redshanks, 89 Purple Sandpipers and a Dunlin. Maximum numbers of other species present each day included: 46 Cormorants, 10 Mallards, 4 Teals, 163 Eiders, about 5,000 Herring Gulls, an estimate of 500 Razorbills and 15,-17,000 Guillemots, 80 feral pigeons, 1 Short-eared Owl, 15 Skylarks, 1 Meadow Pipit, and 40 Twites. A flock of up to 19 Snow Buntings was present from the 23rd-29th. Unusual occurrences Great Northern Diver One, 24th October. Eighth record. Pintail One, 30th April. Ninth record. Tufted Duck Singles on 8th and 23rd September and 24th-30th Octo- ber. Seventh to ninth records. Pochard One male, 8th September. Eighth record. ap eereys One, 5th-20th May and one 3rd June. First records for May and June. Red-breasted Merganser Eight, 23rd September. Most in a day. Canada Goose One, 2nd June. Sixth occurrence, and first for June. Dotterel One, 6th August. Tenth occurrence. Greenshank One, 10th May. Second spring record. Arctic Skua One, 3rd June. First June record. Raven One, 18th March. Fifth occurrence. ee Crow 75, 13th October; and 80, 14th October. Unusually high numbers. Jackdaw 48, 13th October; and 31, 14th October. Most in a day. Fieldfare 3,000 30th April. Most exceptional spring figure. Nightingale One, 12th May. Scarce. Greenish Warbler One, 15th-19th September. Second record. Yellow-browed Warbler At least three birds in October. Goldfinch One, 29th March. First March record. Yeliow-breasted Bunting One 3lst August and lst September. Two, 2nd- 5th September. First occurrence of two birds. Rustic Bunting One, 18th May. Seventh record. Little Bunting One, 11th-12th October. First since 1959. Breeding population Once again most of the breeding populations were counted or estimated, thanks to several observers, and particularly Hector Galbraith. His figures in June show some fluctuations from those in June 1973, with a number of decreases set against the upward trend of several species on the island. The 374 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 8(7) totals for 1974, with those for 1973 in parentheses and the percentage differences from 1973 are as follows: Fulmar 91 pairs (68) Up 33% Shag 979 pairs (1,130) Down 13% Kittiwake 3,059 pairs (3,450) Down 8% Razorbill 451 pairs (482) Down 6% Guillemot 4,315 pairs (3,697) Up 14% The estimated numbers of breeding gulls in May before the third major cull was about 8,000 pairs of Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Over 100 pairs of Eiders nested (88 nests found) as in 1973, and Oystercatchers at 15 pairs were also at the same level. Puffins are notoriously difficult to count, but the population of several thousand pairs certainly did not appear to have diminished. Among the smaller birds, an estimated 43 Rock Pipit males were holding territories. Although one pair of Common Terns nested in 1973, the first since 1957, there was no tern nest in 1974. Ringing and recoveries The ringing total of 4,405 birds (1973 4,000) comprised 77 species. By far the highest figure was for Puffins (1,350), a third up on the previous year’s record number. Other record figures were for Eiders (16), Oystercatchers (19), Great Black- backed Gulls (88—the previous grand total 101), Fieldfares (37), Stonechats (11), and Meadow Pipits (108). The total of 435 Blackbirds was the highest for about twenty years, and Wry- necks at 14 had their second-highest annual figure. A single Woodpigeon was the only new addition to the ringing list. There was a total of 145 recoveries of 16 species, excluding gulls from the cull. The largest numbers were 70 for Shags and 53 for Herring Gulls. The foreign recoveries were as follows: Ringed Recovered Herring Gull Pull 17. 6.66 10. 6.74 Den Helder, Netherlands. Herring Gull Pull 10. 7.73 27. 6.74 eee Jutland, Den- mark. Song Thrush PJ 5.10.71 20. 4.74 St ee Bouin, Vendie, rance. Blackbird Ad 6.11.71 1. 5.74 Naas, Eide, More & Roms- dal, Norway. Blackbird Ado 29.10.69 14.10.74 Ytre Arna, Haus Horda- land, Norway. Chaffinch AdQ 21. 4.73 13. 4.74 Ore Lista, V. Adger, Nor- way. Other recoveries included controls of Pied Flycatcher at Spurn Point, and Garden Warbler at Kettering. The only 1975 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 375 two Puffin recoveries were in spring on the English north- east coast. The adult Herring Gull in the Netherlands in June is interesting. Purple Sandpipers and Oystercatchers ringed on the May were controlled at Fife Ness, and vice versa. Con- trols of birds ringed elsewhere included : Controlled Ringed Sparrowhawk 27. 4.74 Pull 26. 6.71 Lydum Plantage, Jutland, Denmark. Purple Sandpiper 22.12.73 FG 22. 8.68 Revtangen, Klepp, Nor- way. Greater Black- 19.12.74 Pull 26. 6.74 Calf of Eday, Orkney. backed Gull Kittiwake 6. 7.74 Pull 25. 7.68 Hermaness, Unst, Shet- (breeding) land. Kittiwake 14. 6.74 Pull 29. 6.68 Farnes. (breeding) Blackbird 26.12.73 lst yro’ 8. 9.73 eTEIRS Harne, Fin- and. Management and research Gull control and research The third annual stage of the primary cull of Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls was carried out by Nature Conservancy Council staff at the end of May. At this time the breeding population in the areas treated was, as expected, about 14,000. By means of carefully placed bait containing drugs, about 9,000 gulls were pain- lessly killed. The previous cull totals were 16,000 in 1972 and 10,500 in 1973. This means that the combined breeding pop- ulation of these two species, which in 1947 numbered about 850 pairs and which then increased by 1972 to about 17,500 pairs, has now been reduced to the target figure of approxi- mately 3,000 pairs. It is intended that the population should be kept at about this level. The Committee would like to record its thanks to the Nature Conservancy Council and its staff for the expert way in which this large-scale, arduous and often unpleasant task has been accomplished over the last three seasons. The long-term Durham University gull research project was taken over on the island by Neil Duncan, and he continued the studies of nesting behaviour and success. Puffins The research programme continued into the status and breeding biology of this other species that greatly in- creased its numbers on the May during the 1960s. Dr M. P. Harris of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology and his assis- tants ringed 1,350 Puffins, of which 1,084 were adults and 266 were pulli. Vegetation Dr Rosalind Smith of the NCC repeated Douglas Sobey’s survey of 1973 into the vegetation changes related to the gull cull. Considerable areas of the island had become bereft of plants altogether when the gull numbers were at 376 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 8(7) their highest, but during 1974 there was a noticeable improve- ment, with Sea Campion Silene maritima flourishing on the south plateau, and vegetation spreading over former bare ground on North Ness and Rona. Other observations Dr W. J. Eggeling, who wrote the book The Isle of May published in 1960, has written a revised assessment of the status of the island’s birds. It was published as a supplement to Scottish Birds volume 8, summer 1974, and in addition to a summary of the status of visiting and breeding species of birds, it contains some striking photographs of vegetation changes. The water situation in the Low Light has been greatly im- proved through the installation by the NCC staff of two glass fibre water tanks. The building itself was given a major over- haul and redecoration, and thanks are due to those who con- tributed to this in various ways. Once again the Conservation Corps visited the island in July and gave valuable assistance by building an extension to the top trap and repairing others. The Committee was pleased to note that the Principal Lightkeeper on the May, Mr George Robertson, was honoured by the award of the BEM in the New Year Honours List 1975. To him and his staff special thanks are due for their help and co-operation in many ways throughout the year. And the thanks of the Committee and all observers are also due to the boatmen, Mr Smith and Mr Meldrum, for providing such an excellent service. On a sadder note, the Committee lost one of its longest serving members, and the representative of Glasgow Univer- sity, through the death of Professor M. F. M. Meiklejohn. The May occupied a special place in his affections and in accor- dance with his wishes his ashes were scattered on the island by a small party of his island-going friends. Finally, a note about office-bearers and helpers. With the exception of the Chairman, there was a complete change- around during 1974. J. H. B. Munro retired after serving as Honorary Treasurer for forty years, ever since the Start of the Observatory, and during this time he also occasionally held other offices. He is replaced by L. W. G. Alexander. Alastair Macdonald acted as Bookings Secretary for a decade, and did a great deal of work to ensure continuity of observer cover. He handed over to Lynne Arnott at the end of 1974. Gerard Sandeman, who for many years undertook the exact- ing task of making up the ringing schedules, has handed over to Derek Langslow. And Nancy Gordon has relinquished the 1975 ISLE OF MAY REPORT FOR 1974 377 post of Honorary Secretary which she has occupied with such distinction for more than ten years, running the Observatory and its records system with meticulous care and a lot of very hard work. To her, and to the others, all observers traveliing to the May owe far more than they know. J.M.S. Arnott, East Redford House, Redford Road, Edinburgh EH13 OAS. Short Notes Scottish records of the White-billed Diver In an important paper (The White-billed Diver in Britain Brit. Birds 67: 257-296), David M. Burn and John R. Mather review the British records of Gavia adamsii and problems of identification. With the agreement of the Rarities Committee for post-1957 records, they accept 39 individuals up to the end of 1973 and reject no fewer than 32, eight as misidentified Great Northern Divers G. immer and 24 as insufficiently sub- stantiated. Thus ends a decade of suspended judgment and doubt about the identification features, and even the validity, of the species. Observers of large divers with pale bills should study this paper. In breeding plumage, White-billed and Great Northern Divers may be separated on bill colour alone. The problems arise with birds in winter, juvenile and immature plumages, from the variability of those bill characteristics which were at one time thought to be reliable separating features. Great Northerns in winter may have very pale bills, sometimes closely approach- ing the classical White-billed Diver shape; while White-billed Divers, especially young birds but some adults too, may have the typical bill shape poorly developed, lacking the straight culmen and marked gonys angle. Pale primary shafts are an invariable distinction of the White-billed Diver but are difficult to verify in the field unless seen at close range as the bird stretches a wing. Burn and Mather give various points on which to base identification of specimens, but in the field the most striking feature may be the way in which the head is held. The colour of the culmen ridge along the top of the bill is most im- portant: the Great Northern carries its bill horizontally, and the culmen ridge is always dark, even when the rest of the bill is pale; whereas the White-billed never has this dark ridge, and habitually carries its bill pointing upwards some 20 eeerces above the horizontal, like a Red-throated Diver G. stellata. 378 SHORT NOTES 8(7) Burn and Mather discuss each record and give extensive notes on identification of the species. It therefore seems unnecessary to take up space in this journal with repetitive accounts of the various Scottish sightings and corpses, even though these in- clude many birds for which detailed descriptions have not been published. The 24 accepted Scottish records are listed briefly in the table; the 13 rejected records, including some accepted by earlier authors, are listed in Brit. Birds 67: 290-293. Table. White-billed Divers in Scotland showing date, faunal division, age, sex where known, plumage and how recorded. 1946 21 Jan Shetland adult winter dead 1947 8 June Shetland adult breeding seen 1950 early May Shetland adult breeding seen 1952 24 Feb Angus adult winter dead 24 Feb E Lothian adult winter seen 8 June Shetland “adult” — seen 1954 21 Jan and presumably 4 and 28 Feb Angus adult winter seen 1955 2 Jan Moray adultQ winter dead 12-17 Nov ) ) E Lothian adult winter seen 1956 19 Feb-29 Apr ) 1957 13 Jan E Lothian adultQ winter dead 1959 4-8 Feb E Ross adult winter seen 4-11 Feb E Ross’ presumably winter seen adult 1961 14 May Fair Isle adult breeding seen 1963 7 Apr SE Sutherland adult winter dead 1964 6 June Shetland lst-summer immature seen 1965 1 Jan S Fife adult winter dead 1969 24 Mar Aberdeen adult winter dead 4-7 May Shetland adult breeding seen 1970 16 Jan E Lothian lst-winter juvenile dead 1 Feb Moray adult winter dead 1971 29 May Fair Isle adult breeding seen 6-22 June W Ross adult breeding seen 1972 5 Mar-20 May Banff adult winter seen 1973 27 Jan Bute adult O winter dead Note The 1972 bird was seen first on 5 March, not 14 March as stated aie | Birds 67: 289, 342 (R. H. Dennis pers. comm.; Scot. Birds 7: The 24 accepted records fall between 12th November and 22nd June, the November bird being the only one before Jan- uary. All but two are from the east coast or from Fair Isle and Shetland. Burn and Mather ascribe the concentration of records in northeast England and southeast Scotland to a continuation across the North Sea of the southwest migration of birds from northern Russia along the coast of Norway. Good evidence of return passage comes from seven Fair Isle and Shetland sight- 1975 SHORT NOTES 379 ings between 4th May and 8th June, compared with only a single dead bird found there in winter. Most of the 24 records are of adults, but there is one of a bird in juvenile plumage in January and one of a first-summer bird in June. Those in winter plumage are recorded between 12th November and early May (and an apparently sick bird to 20th May); and those in breeding plumage between 4th May (not quite complete) and 22nd June, with an English record as early as 26th April. All eight of the British specimens sexed were females. No fewer than ten of the Scottish birds were found dead, suggesting either a surprising mortality for the species in British waters or that healthy unoiled birds are overlooked. I am grateful to D. M. Burn, J. R. Mather and R. H. Dennis for help in the preparation of this note. ANDREW T. MACMILLAN. Wintering grebes in Loch Ryan Loch Ryan, a shallow, sheltered sea-loch on the west coast of Wigtownshire, has long been noted for its wintering grebes. For example, Baxter and Rintoul (1953, The Birds of Scotland) recorded on 4th December 1920 that “there were numbers of Great Crested Grebes (Podiceps cristatus), quite a lot of Slav- Onians (P. auritus), two Red-necked Grebes (P. griseigena), one Black-necked Grebe (P. nigricollis) and several Little Grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis).” This note summarizes observations for the years 1965-74 (table 1) and although no formal census was made, any grebes seen during monthly wildfowl/wader counts or at other times were noted. As the data are incomplete, these observations are not necessarily the whole picture but give some indication of the numbers to be expected in Loch Ryan in winter. Table 2 gives the maximum numbers seen in any one month during the same period. In the autumn of 1975 there was a considerable increase in Great Crested Grebe numbers with 70 counted in August and 110 in September. Four species were recorded, with the Great Crested Grebe and the Black-necked Grebe being regularly present, and the Slavonian and Red-necked Grebes apparently occurring less frequently; the Little Grebe was not recorded. Red-necked Grebes have been seen on six occasions: one on 6th February 1965 (TE), one on 17th and two on 29th December 1966 (ADW et al), one on 7th April 1968 (JGY), one on 31st December 1969 380 SHORT NOTES 8(7) Table 1. Counts of Great Crested (a), Slavonian (b) and Black-necked Grebes (c) in Loch Ryan (There was also one Great Crested Grebe in July 1974) January February March April May a’“be!' a BC. a2 © a. ee 1966 — — 2 — — 2—_ 3 — — =| =| —- —- — 1966 — 4 Dom ——— — 4 2—- — — — — 1967. Qa Qondn sBi i 98+ 92, + Qo(62) 42 A 2 oa — 1968 — — 3 — — — 37 2 7 — = 7F——_—_— 1969 — 3 12 — 8 2310 —- —- —_- —-—_—_—-—_—_—— — 1970 1 — 3 — — 3 3 — 1%1—_——|-—-— — 1971 27 — 5 — — — — — 3 3 — — 4— — 1972 2 — 1 1 — 146 2—_ —_ — — — 1— — 1973 — — — 2 — 1 —- — 6 6 — 4 — — — W974& Qe ee —_ — August September October November December a b.c ab ea Dive 2°) eee Cc 1965 — — — 3 — — — — — biniv— 1 a 1966 7 — 1 3— — 6 — — — 1 — 21 I 1967 — — 6— — 3 — — 1— 2 30 7 1968 7 —- — —_ — — 5 —_— lt- -—-—— — 1969 — — — 30 — — — — 1 3— — — — 6 1970 1 — 11 L — — — — — 15 — 1 1— 2 197] 1 — — 1 — 6 8 — 5 12 — 1 25 1 3 1972 14 — — — — — 12 — 429 — — 3 — 3 1973 5 — — JF — 2— — 1 8 — 5 2— 4 1974 3 — — 8 1 1— — 3 21 — 2 9 — 1 Table 2. Maximum numbers of grebes in any one month at Loch Ryan between 1965-74 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Sly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Great Crested Grebe 27 3 37 6 6 — 1 14 38 15 29 30 Slavonian Grebe 48 3—_— —- — — 1— 1 1 Black-necked Grebe 12 23 7 7 — — — 11 6 5 5 7 (ADW, JGY et al.) and two on 23rd January 1971 (JGY, DS). The earliest and latest dates respectively for each species were as follows: Great Crested Grebe 28th July, 15th May; Slavon- ian Grebe 22nd September, 11th March; Black-necked Grebe 6th August, 11th April. In winter they sometimes occurred in loose flocks, especially the Great Crested and Black-necked Grebes, but they were sometimes scattered in ones or twos over quite wide areas. There were, however, some areas where grebes were sometimes readily seen and these areas include The Wig, Soleburn, Stran- 1975 SHORT NOTES 381 raer Harbour and Innermessan/Leffnel Point. They were not always consistently seen in these areas and this may account for some of the gaps and fluctuations in the tables, the grebes probably moving about the loch where they were difficult to see. I am grateful to Donald Watson for giving me some unpub- lished notes including contributions from K. Baldridge, T. En- nis, R. H. Hogg, D. C. Irving, A. F. Jacobs, J. K. R. Melrose, G. A. Richards, D. Skilling, R. T. Smith, L. A. Urquhart, A. J. Wat- son and J. G. Young. R. C, DICKSON. Peregrine’s aggressive behaviour away from nest While climbing in the Galloway hills on 22nd March 1975, I noticed a male Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus soaring over a steep ridge above me. The next moment a female had ap- peared and was diving straight towards me narrowly missing my head, and as I ducked I heard a rush of air as she swept past two feet above, her momentum carrying her well down the hill. She rejoined the male and both birds soared over the ridge. Again the female dived down but passed me about 29 feet away, rejoining the male before both birds disappeared behind the ridge; she reappeared briefly to circle above me be- fore finally disappearing. The nearest breeding crag is about 14 miles away. Peregrines are known to be aggressive to other birds of prey in this par- ticular area although not always successfully. For instance, on 28th April 1973 a pair of Merlins F. columbarius actively battled with a Peregrine, eventually forcing it to land briefly on the hillside. It is well known that Peregrines react to humans near their eyrie (vide Brown and Amadon 1968 Eagles and Falcons of the World) when eggs or young are in the nest, but as Bannerman and Lodge (1956 Birds of the British Isles vol. 5) point out, it is exceptional for a Peregrine to attack a human being who at- tempts to examine the eyrie and on rare occasions a bird will stoop within feet of the intruder’s head. While this observation may not be exceptional it is perhaps interesting that the behaviour occurred so distant from a breeding crag and when the contents of a nest were not even at risk. R. C. DICKSON. 382 SHORT NOTES 8(7) Unusual nest of Redshank/Snipe Plates 24-27 On 23rd May 1973 MT informed me he had found in a grass field at Sheriffmuir a nest containing a Redshank’s Tringa tot- anus clutch of four eggs and also four eggs which he thought were Snipe’s Gallinago gallinago. Next day I visited the nest with MT and confirmed his identifications: the measurements in millimetres were as follows: Snipe 40 x 30, 40.5 x 30, 41 x 30, 41 x 30; Redshank, 44 x 32, 45.5 x 31.5, 46 x 32, 46 x 32. As we were unaware of any previous records of a Snipe laying in a Redshank’s nest, or vice versa, we put up a hide to study developments. The situation posed several problems. Was this a Snipe’s nest usurped by a Redshank, or a Redshank’s in which a Snipe had also laid ? Would Snipe and Redshank take turn about at incubating or would one species do all the work? When MT had found the nest a Snipe had flown con- tinuously backwards and forwards overhead and the same occurred while we erected the hide about 40 metres from the nest; but a Redshank had vacated the nest as we approached. We did not find any Snipe nest during our observations, not surprisingly perhaps as we did not search the whole area. Our nest was in a large field and several Snipes regularly drummed over it, though not latterly over our nest. There was a second Redshank’s nest with c/4 some 30-40 metres from our nest; all the eggs in it hatched sometime after lst June and the chicks had moved away by the 5th. During the next few days and assisted by different helpers, I stepped the hide gradually forward to about five metres on 29th May and on 30th May MT saw me into the hide for a first spell of close-up observations. From the first day (24th May) the Redshank accepted the hide with its dummy photographic lens quite readily and usually returned to the nest within ten to 15 minutes of our returning to our car 300 metres away. No Snipe however had yet been flushed from the nest. On my 28th May visit with MT to move the hide, the Redshank may have been dozing as it did not fly from the nest until we were only two metres from it and it then performed a “broken-wings”’ distraction display, fluttering along the ground for 12 or 15 metres before taking flight. Its normal behaviour however was to stand up on the nest before taking flight and it usually flew as soon as anyone climbed over the roadside dyke into the field. The nest was about 200 metres from the dyke’s nearest point, but the bird was very shy and flew immediately even if we climbed over 300 metres away. 1975 SHORT NOTES 383 On our arrival on 30th May the Redshank eggs felt warm but the Snipe’s were distinctly colder, suggesting that the Red- shank was mainly incubating its own eggs. The Redshank was back incubating 8 minutes after I heard MT slam the car door; it took no notice of the hide or camera lens but was obviously uncomfortable on the nest, every three or four minutes rising and twisting about and covering now the Snipe eggs, then its own, then the Snipe’s again and so on. Each time before crouching to incubate it tried with its bill to guide the peri- -pheral eggs underneath its body but many attempts were re- quired before it succeeded in almost, though not quite, cover- ing them all. Then it settled down. A Snipe drummed frequent- ly overhead but on no occasion then or later did I see a Snipe at or near the nest, although the incubating Redshank’s mate often came and stood a metre or so away. On lst June we found the Snipe eggs quite cold and after MT tied me into the hide and the Redshank returned, it became evident that the bird was definitely incubating only its own clutch. The Snipe eggs were left out in the cold, below and beside its tail. On 5th June one Snipe egg was slightly crushed, probably by one of the sheep which grazed the field. It was found to be ad- dled. On 7th June during a spell of watching the incubating Red- shank rose and flew silently off, though I had made no move- ment or sound. Fully 30 minutes passed before it returned and I learned later that two people had entered the next field about 400 metres away and walked about photographing the scenery. However, when they left the Redshank reappeared and this time briefly incubated the Snipe eggs. By this date I suspected that all seven remaining eggs were addled; but on a final visit on 13th June the Redshank for the first time sounded parental alarm calls when I climbed the wall. As I walked across to the nest the bird rose about 50 metres ‘away and flew around calling excitedly, warning what I found was a solitary Redshank chick. The six eggs left in the nest were stone cold and one Redshank and three Snipe eggs proved to be addled, while the other two Redshank eggs contained chicks at different stages of development but both had been dead for a day or more. Such a poor hatch from so intriguing a nest was disappointing, but except for the original owner- ship of the nest most of our initial questions were answered. ALEX TEWNION, MALCOLM THOMIS. Long-tailed Skua in central Grampians On 18th June 1974, I was walking across a high plateau in the central Grampians, one of my Dotterel Eudromias morinellus 384 SHORT NOTES 8(7) study areas, when I saw a Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longi- caudus in the distance, standing on a hummock. The bird allowed a close approach, and I was able to note all the features which mark the species, including a very long, unbroken tail. It was an adult in very good plumage and wore on its right leg a rather high non-BTO-type metal ring. 1 watched the skua for some time as it wandered slowly across the moss, occasionally pecking at the ground as if looking for food, but in the period I observed not actually picking any up. It also flew for a short period about the hill. The presence of the Long-tailed Skua caused me a little con- cern, as it was only 50 yards or so from a Dotterel nest con- taining two eggs. I left the area, noting that the Dotterel was present and close to the nest. Approximately one hour later, I walked back towards this area, and was rather surprised to find the Dotterel missing from his favourite ridge. On investi- gation, I was disappointed to find that both of the Dotterel eggs were damaged—this taking the form of holes in the egg- shells, obviously caused by a bird’s bill. The size and shape of these holes were judged to be similar to those expected from a bill of the skua’s dimensions. There was some yolk on the egg- shell, suggesting that the predator had eaten a little of the contents. The Dotterel could not be seen. I walked over the plateau again, searching for the Long-tail- ed Skua, but without success, and it was not seen again on several subsequent visits. It seems likely that the Dotterel came back from feeding, found its nest being attacked, and drove the intruder off the hill. Ten minutes later, on my re- turn, I found that the Dotterel was incubating the spoiled clutch. On 20th June 1974 I returned to the site and found the male Dotterel some 50 yards from the old nest. He was in the com- pany of a female, and they mated several times as I watched. A few hundred yards away, I found another pair mating, where- as on 18th June there had only been single males and parties of females. It is possible that this pair also had eggs taken or damaged. Eventually at least three pairs re-laid on this plateau. Although it is purely on circumstantial evidence,that the skua was the predator concerned, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the case. It was the only predatory bird seen on the hill that day. It seems possible that this species may join the list of Scan- dinavian birds that have started to breed in Scotland, presum- ably due to the cooler summers which we are now experien- cing. On my visit to Lake Tornetrask in Swedish Lapland some years ago, I was informed by the Director of the Natural His- 1975 SHORT NOTES 385 tory unit at Abisko that Long-tailed Skuas eat eggs and small chicks of other birds, depending upon the abundance of lem- mings locally, their staple food. The Dotterel was one of several species whose eggs he knew the skuas predated. It would be a pity if the Long-tailed Skua tried to breed on our high tops, as the Scandinavian food supply is absent here, and the birds may have to adapt to eating creatures which the Scottish fauna can ill-afford to lose. DAVID W. OLIVER. Obituary ALASTAIR MACDONALD With the death of Alastair Macdonald on 11th August 1975 the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club lost a staunch friend. After a career in the Forestry Service in Africa he returned to Scot- land where he became Area Secretary for East Lothian of the National Farmers’ Union. In his later years when his health began to deteriorate he took a less exacting post with The National Trust for Scotland. Alastair joined the SOC in 1958 and soon became a regular and well-known figure at meetings. Of a modest nature, he shunned the limelight but served on the Edinburgh Branch Committee (1960-2), and the Club Council (1961-5). Perhaps he will be remembered best for his untiring work at Club con- ferences. Here he willingly undertook many duties including the registration of all those attending. In 1966 he served with distinction as Transport Officer on the Scottish Bird Islands Study Cruise. He was a very keen sup- porter of The Isle of May Bird Observatory and organized the bookings with tact and firmness. He visited the May many times and often led the annual Club excursion. On the May he was very helpful to other observers and trained many young ringers. He liked to be up at first light and his keenness of eye was ex- ceptional. Not many birds remained undetected. Although his doctor had forbidden him to undertake any strenuous exercise it was a matter of great satisfaction to him to have been able to be one of the party that scattered Maury Meiklejohn’s ashes on the Isle of May in June 1974. We shall miss Alastair. J. H. B. MuNRO. 386 _ -REVIEWS — 8(7) Reviews Birds and Mammals of Orkney. By William Groundwater. Kirkwall, The Kirkwall Press, 1974. Pp 299; 16 photographs; 19 drawings; 3 maps. 224 x 14 cm. £3.60. The author says that he has attempted to produce a comprehensive history and up-to-date account of Orkney’s vertebrate fauna, mainly for Orkney readers. but also for visitors, no book of this kind having been available since Omand’s How to know the Orkney Birds in 1925, and before that, Buckley and Harvie-Brown’s Vertebrate Fauna of Orkney pub- lished in 1891. In consequence of such a time lapse between these publications, the growing interest in Orkney fauna, and the title and layout of the book, it is likely that it will not only be bought by the general reader, but might be regarded by some as a definitive work on the subject. I therefore tend to judge it accordingly. The book has three main sections : an Introduction (40 pp), Birds (Part Two, 220 pp) and Mammals (Part Three, 33 pp). The terms Part Two and Part Three are used in the text but, unaccountably, not on the con- tents page nor in the appropriate section headings. The Introduction has useful information on geology and climate, and a Topography and Habitats section incorporating some long bird-lists which the general reader may find tedious. Here one of the relatively few printers’ errors, but an important one, drops the y of the isle Faray so that the description of this northern isle may be confused with that of the isle Fara in the south. The Introduction is concluded by a short, interesting historical review of Orkney fauna, an account of Orkney as an important focal point on bird migration routes, and finally, an enjoy- able seven pages on Orkney naturalists. The faunal section is unsatisfactory in several ways. The writing style tends to be old-fashioned, and anecdotal where one would expect it to be more factual. There are many inaccuracies including 14 mis-spellings of scientific names. Taxonomy at the subspecies level is confused in places, as on p 124 (Lesser Golden Plover) where the author also seems in some doubt as to the proper use of the trinomial system; much the same is evident with the Rock Pipit entry on p 193. On p 231 the reader is wrongly given the impression that Treecreepers are rare visitors to Scotland (the Baxter and Rintoul quotation from which this emanates in fact refers to six Scottish records of the Northern Treecreeper Certhia f. familiaris and not to the British Treecreeper C. f. britannica which is widespread on the Scottish mainland) and the misconception is only partly rectified in the ensuing text. One error among English bird-names, Napoleon’s Sandpiper for Bonaparte’s Sandpiper, will not be obvious to the general reader. There is both inconsistency and error in some bird status headings, for example, the Turtle Dove and the Black Redstart are regular, not irregular visitors to Orkney, and the Common Sandpiper is a breeding summer visitor and passage visitor, not a resident. The Bar-tailed Godwit is not at all scarce as a migrant but breeding Greenfinches are now very few in number and not “fairly common”. Among the seabirds, the Arctic Tern colonies on Papa Westray and Westray are not just “important” but are the largest in the U.K. Reference should have been made more frequently to E. Balfour’s (1972) Orkney Birds : Status and Guide rather than his earlier (1968) Breeding Birds of Orkney. Balfour (1972) says that the Golden Eagle has bred in Orkney at least 4 times since 1966— 1975 REVIEWS 387 Groundwater records it as a rare visitor. The status of rare birds, often a source of controversy, could perhaps have been treated more circum- spectly. The Blue Rock Thrush (p 219) which the author says is included in Appendix 4 of the B.O.U. The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland (1971) is actually in Appendix 3 and therefore, by convention, should not form part of the main text in any published list. In the mammal section there are some details requiring attention. There are now no Rabbits on Eynhallow, the species having been killed off completely there by myxomatosis in 1955, There is no mention of the stranding and eventual death of 67 Pilot Whales in Westray in 1955 (De Kock 1956 Scot. Nat. 68: 63-70).The information on seals could have been brought up to date. The annual pup cull was raised to 1,000 in 1972 and a survey of Common Seals around Orkney in that year, made by the Seals Research Division of I.M.E.R., gave an estimate of 2-3,000 animals. Nine occurrences of Walrus in Orkney waters last century deserve a place in any book listing Orkney mammals (Ritchie 1921] Scot. Nat. 109-10: 5-9, 113-4 77-86). On p 278 there is a guess at the maximum body length of the Orkney Vole—‘at least four inches”’— more precise information could easily have been extracted from the appropriate available literature or collections. Unfortunately, the lack of scientific exactness and objectivity are so frequently apparent in this book that I cannot recommend it. To his credit, however, the author has brought together, in one book, historic records not readily available to the general reader, and also many local records from a variety of sources which are well worth preserving. The line drawings by I. MacInnes express a remarkable feeling for the Orkney scene in a few pen-strokes, but M. Smith’s excellent photographs have lost much in the poor reproduction. A. ANDERSON. Ducks, Geese and Swans. By Oscar J. Merne. London, Hamlyn, 1974. Pp ae rerous colour illustrations and distribution maps. 20 x 12 em. £1.75. This is a picture book of wildfowl rather than a field guide. The first part deals very briefly with the characteristics of the group: behaviour, habitats, migration, trapping and ringing, wildfowling, conservation and management, propagation and collection, ending with a classified list. In the second part colour illustrations of each species by Helen Hay- wood are accompanied by maps showing breeding and winter ranges, and brief but adequate text describing plumage, food, nesting habits and so on. It is unfortunate that sizes are not given and that not all species have a distribution map. Despite this the author is to be congratulated on his knowledge of wildfowl. The illustrations throughout the book are fairly good with a few ex- ceptions, such as the odd looking Shovelers on page 107 and the Redheads on page 120, and surely the head of a swan on page 6 is that of a Whooper, not Bewick’s. Despite these minor faults the book will be most helpful to anyone using it. It can easily be slipped into the pocket and is cheap in com- parison with other works of this kind. EDGAR C. GATENBY. 388 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(7) The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING 23rd - 25th January 1976 PROGRAMME Friday 23rd January 4.30-9 p.m. Conference Office in the MacRobert Centre, University of Stirling, open for members and their guests to register and collect name cards and Annual Dinner tickets. 6-7 p.m. Supper in the MacRobert Centre Restaurant. 6.15 p.m. Meeting of Council. 8.15 to 9.15 p.m. FILM AND SLIDE PROGRAMME in Lecture Theatre over Link Bridge (see 10 on plan). At 9.15 p.m. details of excursions on Saturday afternoon will be given. 9.30 p.m. Meeting of Local Recorders. 9.15 p.m. to Lounges in the MacRobert Centre are open for infor- midnight mal discussion and refreshments (late licence). Saturday 24th January 8.45 to 9.15 a.m. Conference Office in the MacRobert Centre open for registration. 9.20 a.m. Official opening of the Conference by the President, Dr George Waterston, OBE, FRSE, LL.D., in the MacRobert Theatre. 9.30 a.m. - Symposium on “The Cairngorms and their birds”. 12.30 p.m. INTRODUCTION, ‘An ecological perspective’ by Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards, CBE, FRS. LECTURE, “Some Pioneers and Researchers” by Desmond Nethersole-Thompson. 10.45 - 11.15 am. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. M15 lam: LECTURE, ‘Recent research and human pressures” by Dr Adam Watson. 1 p.m. INTERVAL for Lunch. 2 p.m. EXCURSIONS by private cars leaving the car park behind the Murray Hall of Residence. Details will be posted on the Conference notice board. 2.30 p.m. MEETING of members of the R.S.P.B. in the Lecture Theatre over the Link Bridge (see 10 on plan), to Sy members of the Club and their guests are in- vited. 4 p.m. TEA. 1975 5.30 p.m. 7 for 7.30 p.m. SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 389 39th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLUB in Lecture Theatre. Business : (1) Apologies for absence. (2) Approval of the Minutes of the 38th Annual Gen- eral Meeting of the Club held at Stirling Univer- sity on 25th January 1975 (see Scot. Birds 8: 290). (3) Matters arising from the Minutes. (4) Report of Council for Session 38. (5) Approval of Accounts for Session 38. (6) Appointment of Auditor. (7) Election of new Office Bearers and Members of Council. The Council recommends the following elections : Andrew T. Macmillan as President of the Club to succeed Dr George Waterston who is due to retire having completed his three year term of Office. Miss Valerie M. Thom as Vice-President to succeed Andrew T. Macmillan. A. Anderson, Miss N. J. Gordon and ‘Dr J. J. D. Greenwood to succeed Miss V. M. Thom, and Dr I. Newton and N. Picozzi who are due to retire by rotation. (8) Any other competent business. ANNUAL DINNER in the restaurant of the Pathfoot building (dress informal). Sunday 25th January 9.30-11.00 am. A series of short lectures on ornithological research 11 - 11.30 a.m. 11.30 a.m. 12.30 p.m. (approx.) 1 p.m. 2 p.m. in Scotland will be given. Dr David M. Bryant will talk on HOUSE MARTIN ECOLOGY, pe ae B. Houston will talk on CROWS AND SHEEP an Alistair J. M. Smith will talk on SOME ASPECTS OF SANDWICH TERN BEHAVIOUR. INTERVAL for coffee and biscuits. FILMS : details to be announced. Closing remarks by the President. INTERVAL for Lunch. EXCURSIONS (informal), leaving the car park behind the Murray Hall of Residence. 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. A display of paintings by wildlife artists will be on sale adjacent to the Office. 390 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(7) Film and Slide Programme The programme from 8.15 to 9.15 p.m. on -Friday evening is intended to give members and guests an opportunity of showing 2” x 2” slides or 16 mm films. These must however be submitted beforehand to the Con- ference Film Committee and should be sent by 13th January at the iatest to the Club Secretary, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. The 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 time. INFORMATION (1) Location The Conference will be held in the University of Stirling, and members will be staying in the Murray and Davidson Hails cf Residence. The accommodation consists of single rooms, each with wash-hand basin, grouped round showers and bathrooms, etc. [hese residences are low rise buildings but have no lifts. There are no catering facilities, apart from coffee and tea making equipment, in the Halls. Soap and towels are provided. Apart from the Annual Dinner (see below) all meals will be taken in the MacRobert Centre restaurant and will be self-service. (2) Reservations Members intending to be present at any part of the Conference must complete the enclosed Booking Form and return it to the Club Secretary (not Stirling University) by Wednesday 23rd December 1975. The Conference charge for the whole weekend, ex- cluding the Annual Dinner, will be £13.00 inclusive of V.A.T.; there are no service charges. (3) Annual Dinner This will be held in the Pathfoot Building restau- rant. Tickets must be applied for in advance whether staying at the University or elsewhere (see Booking Form). The supplementary charge for the Annual Dinner is £4.20 including V.A.T. (no service charge); two glasses of red or white wine are included. (4) Other meals Non-residents may obtain Friday evening supper and ee on both days at £1.55 per meal including V.A.T. (see Booking Form). (5) Registration Everyone attending the Conference. must register at the Conference Office (for opening times see Programme). The Registration Fee will be £1.25 for those attending the whole Con- ference, or 75p if attending one day only. Members attending only the Annual General Meeting are not required to pay a Registration Fee. (6) Information Sheets Notes about the facilities at Stirling University will be sent to all those attending the Conference, together with a plan of the buildings. (7) Car parking There are ample car parks on the University campus; parking on the campus roads is forbidden. Neither the University nor the Club can accept liability for cars or property brought to the Conference. (8) Camping There is a camping and caravan park about 2 miles east of the rear entrance to the University on the A91l. Details can be obtained from the Proprietor, Mr G. McKerracher, Witches Craig Farm, Blairlogie, Stirling F89 5PX (tel. Stirling 4947) and with whom all bookings should be made. Members are not allowed to camp in the University grounds nor live in caravans or caravettes parked in the car parks or grounds. 1975 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 391 (9) Excursions Members are asked to provide cars if possible and to fill their passenger seats; the minimum number of cars will be taken. Members wishing to go out on their own are particularly asked not to go out in advance of the main party and to avoid disturbing the birds. WIGTOWN GROUP The inaugural meeting of the Wigtown Group. took place in the Bruce Hotel, Newton Stewart, on Tuesday 26th August 1975. The meeting was attended by thirty people, of whom six joined the Club during the even- ing, while several were members already. At the meeting Dr P. G. Hopkins was elected! as, Chairman, Mr Angus Maciver as Secretary and Mr G. Shepherd as Assistant Secretary. These Office Bearers will form the Group Committee for the current session until formal elections are made at the Group’s first Annual General Meeting in the autumn of 1976. The Club Secretary spoke on behalf of. the President of the Club, Dr George Waterston, and welcomed all who were present. He gave a short talk on the history and aims of the Club, and expressed the hope that the Group would expand rapidly and soon be able to apply for full Branch status. A telegram of good wishes was received trom Mrs J. B. Lammie, a member from the Mull of Galloway who was unable to be present at the meeting. ; The Group Secretary announced that a programme of lectures and films had been arranged for the winter at the following locations : September 30th—Douglas Ewart. High School, Newton Stewart October 21st—Stranraer Academy November 18th—D.E.H.S.; Newton Stewart December 16th—Stranraer Academy — January 13th—D.E.H.S., Newton Stewart February 10th—Stranraer Academy March 9th—D.E.H.S., Newton Stewart. April 6th—Stranraer Academy All meetings are on a Tuesday and start at 7.30 p.m. Full details of these and any excursions which may be arranged can be obtained from : Mr Angus Maciver, 1 Colt Houses, Penninghame, Newton Stewart or Mr Geoff Shepherd, Bay House Restaurant, Cairnryan Road, Stranraer. It is -hoped that all existing members living in the area will be able to attend meetings and join excursions arranged by this new Group. DRY ROT - 21 REGENT TERRACE | During the summer an outbreak of dry rot: was’ discovered in the basement of the Club’s headquarters at 21: Regent: Terrace in Edinburgh. The cost of repairs will be considerable and all possible ways of raising money to pay for them are being explored.. ay i Council agreed that the Club would hold another raffle this session and that the proceeds will be put towards the cost of the repairs. The draw will take place at the Annual Dinner during the Conference on 24th January 1976. Full details about the raffle are being sent to all members with this issue of the journal. Any member who wishes to make a: donation towards the cost. of 392 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 8(7) repairs is asked to contact the Club Secretary for information, or send the donation directly to him. Any donation will be most gratefully re- ceived and acknowledged. WINTER EXCURSIONS - INVERNESS BRANCH Sunday 23rd November 1975 BURGHEAD and FINDHORN BAY. Leader: Malcolm Harvey (Lunch and tea). Saturday 14th February 1976 CULBIN SANDS. Leader: Roy Dennis (Lunch and tea). Saturday 27th March DORNOCH and LOCH FLEET. Leader: Donnie Macdonald (Lunch and tea). All excursions meet at South Kessock Ferry at 9 a.m. Any further information may be obtained from the Excursions Sec- retary, Mrs J Morrison, 83 Dochfour Drive, Inverness (tel. Inverness 32666). Please send s.a.e. if writing. AYR BRANCH Winter excursions Details were given in Scot. Birds 8: 339. Members wishing transport to any of the excursions should contact the Branch Chairman, Secretary or any Committee member. Social evening The Branch will be holding a Social Evening, taking the form of a Wine and Cheese Party, at the Wallace Tower Rooms, High Street, Ayr at 7.30 for 8 p.m. on Wednesday 17th March 1976. There will be competitions and a raffle. Tickets, price £1.50 per person, will be available up to 28th February 1976 on application with remittance to Miss R. Beckett, 30 Maybole Road, Ayr. Please enclose s.a.e. for con- firmation of booking. WEEKEND EXCURSION TO DUMFRIES The annual weekend excursion to the Solway goose grounds has been arranged with the County Hotel, Dumfries, from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th February 1976. Accommodation : inclusive terms £13.30 (including service charge and V.A.T.) as follows : bed on Friday 27th; breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on Saturday 28th; breakfast and packed lunch on Sunday 29th. Dinner on Friday night is £2.50 extra per person (including service charge and V.A.T.). A limited number of rooms with private bathroom are avail- able for the additional charge of £1.20 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. Members should also advise the Hotel in advance if they require Dinner on the Friday night. Those not staying at the County Hotel are invited to attend an informal meeting at the Hotel on Friday at 8.30 p.m., when details of the weekend excursions will be announced. An informal programme of slides will be shown on the Saturday evening. Members or Guests who may have slides of interest are asked to bring them to the Hotel, and to contact the Club Secretary on the Friday evening to discuss their inclusion in the pro- gramme. A selection of books from the Bird Bookshop will be taken to the Hotel for sale during both evenings. It is advisable to bring warm clothing, gum boots if possible, and thermos flasks for the excursions. S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 Some new books Birds in Islay. C. Gordon Booth £1.20 Shetland Bird Report 1974 80p Fair Isle Bird Report 1974 0p Guide to Birdwatching in Europe. Ferguson-Lees et al. £3.95 and £2.50 Guide to Birdwatching in Sweden. Sanders & Berg £1.40. Birds of the Tropics. England. e 3k £2.50: Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. “ ~Vol. 10. Ali and Ripley £11.20 Checklist of the Birds of Ethiopia. Urban and Brown £2.15 and £1.70 Systematic Review of the Genus Phylloscopus. Ticehurst £9.35 Titmice of the British Isles. Barnes YED25 Discovering Bird Song. Armstrong _ d0p Natural History Photography. Ettlinger £8.80 Wild Endeavour. (Highlands). MacCaskill £4.25 RSPB Guide to British Birds. Saunders £1.50 Pine Crossbills. Nethersole-Thompson £5.00 Ducks of Britain and Europe. Ogilvie £5.00 Flight of the Snow Geese. Bartlett £4.50 FORTHCOMING BOOKS Checklist of the Birds of the World. Gruson £3.15 Birds of Prey. Everett £3.95 WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST ORDERS TOTALLING £5.00 SENT POST FREE ADD 25p FOR SMALLER ORDERS THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB E Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to -all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling, Thurso and Wigtown at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibi- ted. Expeditions are organised throughout the year to places of ornitho- logical 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 £3.00, or £1.00 in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or Students under 25, who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £75. Family Membership is available to married couples and their nomin- ated children under 18 at an Annual subscription of £4.50, or a Life subscription of £112.50. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Family 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 Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fabric Fund, and ten other Mem- bers of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also ee pepreseniatve of each Branch Committee appointed annually by the Branch. The Club tie in dark green,, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be obtained by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch Secretaries. The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important journals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject. The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre. | Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe, Scottish Centre for Ornithology and Bird Protection, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (Tel. 031-556 6042). NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS 1. General notes (not of sufficient importance to be published on their own as Short Notes) should be sent to the appropriate local recorders for inclusion in their summary for the annual Scottish Bird Report, not to the editor. A list of local recorders is published from time to time, but in cases of doubt the editor will be glad to forward notes to the right person. 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 November and December should be sent at the beginning of January. In addition, local recorders will be glad to have brief reports on matters of special current interest at the end of March, June, September and December for the journal. 3. All other material should be sent to the editor, D. J. Bates, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5BT. Attention to the following points greatly simplifies the work of producing the journal and is much appreciated. Contributions should be on one side of the paper only. Papers, especially, should be typed in duplicate if possible, with double spacing and wide margins. 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 offprints of the paper. Extra reprints can be obtained but a charge will be made for these. 5. Particular care should be taken to avoid mistakes in lists of refer- ences and to lay them out in the following way, italics being indicated where appropriate by underlining. Dick, G. & PoTTER, J. 1960. Goshawk in East Stirling. Scot. Birds 1: 3529. EGGELING, W. J. 1960. The Isle of May. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh and London. 6. English and scientific names should follow A Species List of Pritish and Irish Birds (B.T.O. Guide 13). Initial capitals are used for English names of species (for example, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Duck) but not group names (for example, thrushes, diving ducks). Scientific names should be used sparingly (see editorial Scottish Birds 2: 1-3). When used they should follow the English name, underlined to indicate italics and with no surrounding brackets. 7. Dates should normally be in the form “lst January 1974’, with no commas round the year. Old fashioned conventions should be avoided— e.g. use Arabic numerals rather than Roman. 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. ISLE of MULL Looking across the Sound of Mull to the Morvern Hills beyond. Comfortable Accommodation in a small guest house run with bird watchers in mind. Dinner, bed and breakfast. H&C and radiators in all guest eee ee of reference ooks. S.A.E. please. Open Easter until mid-Oct. RICHARD & ELIZABETH COOMBER, Staffa Cottages Guest House, TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL. Tel. 2464 ISLE OF ISLAY LOCHSIDE HOTEL BOWMORE Birdwatchers—why not treat yourselves to a winter holiday on an island which is an ornithologists paradise. We are a comfortable, small hotel on the edge of Loch Indaal. Personal attention given. Proprietors : Malicolm & Ann Halliday Bowmore 265 BOOKS BIRDS and ISLANDS St Kilda, Orkney, Shetland, Hebrides and Natural History Antiquarian and secondhand books and libraries bought. DAVID WILSON 95 Worlds End Lane Weston Turville Aylesbury, Bucks. HIGHLAND BIRDS, WILDLIFE and SCENERY All inclusive one week Interpretive Holidays in MAY and JUNE. Based at a quiet Hotel in the Rothiemurchus Forest. (Fourth season) Further particulars: Highland Guides Information Inverdruie, Aviemore, Inverness-shire Tel. Aviemore 729. OBSERVE & CONSERVE BINOCULARS TELESCOPES SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER OF 4 33”% Retail price Our price SWIFT AUDUBON Mk. II 8.5 x 44 £75.00 £47.65 SWIFT SARATOGA Mk. II 8 x 40 £55.00 £35.00 GRAND PRIX 8 x 40 Mk. | £41.25 £27.50 SWIFT NEWPORT Mk. II 10 x 50 £56.25 £37.50 SWIFT SUPER TECNAR 8 x 40 £31.25 £20.74 ZEISS JENA JENOPTEM 8 x 30 £45.34 £28.83 CARL ZEISS 8 x 30 Dialyt £185.56 £123.71 LEITZ 8 x 40 LB Hard Case — £156.25 LEITZ 10 x 40B Hard Case — £163.75 PERL 9 x 35 £24.37 £19.50 HABICHT DIANA 10 x 40 W/A £156.18 £112.34 Nickel Supra Telescope 15 x 60 x 60 £124.88 £84.00 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25x60x60 £119.38 £82.00 All complete with case. Fully guaranteed. Always 120 models in stock from £11.00 to £300.00 30p part P&P. Available on 14 days approval—Remittance with order. The Heron 8 x 40 BCF. Retail approx. £31.00, our price £21.30. As recommended by Forestry Commission. Ask for our free brochure ‘Your guide to Binocular/ Telescope Ownership’ and price list. All prices correct at time of going to press. Send too for Price Lists for all Camping, Climbing, Rambling Equipment from our as- sociate company FIELD & TREK (equipment) Ltd., same top quality, same keen prices, SAME ADDRESS. HERON OPTICAL COMPANY Ltd. (Dept. SB), 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. Tel. (STD 0277) 221259/219418. Please despatch to me immediately ....................ccccccesees for which | enclose ©............ Per. cok Please send me your Free Brochure described above plus Binocular/Telescope Price List. (Delete as appropriate) 90000008 00008958 O05 008H8 8885 009 SFSHFO8STLODG8909 9009098 F9899 9980 9THD09GH98OTS9S9S999909000000000 ROSS@® binoculars LONDON /GBaRR AND\ sTt RoOUO BECK KASSEL {eps}. SCOTLAND Telephone: Golspie 216 Situated on the main North Road near the sea, Golspie offers invigorating open air holidays to all. In addition to its unique golf course, it has fine loch fishings, sea bathing, tennis, bowls, hill climbing, unrival- led scenery, including inex- haustible subjects for the field sketcher and artist and is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is, indeed, impossible to find elsewhere sO many nat- ural amenties in so small a compass. The astonishing diversity of bird life in the vicinity has been well known to or- nithologists for many years, but it is still possible to make surprising discoveries in Sutherland. The Hotel is fully modern, but retains its old world charm of other days, and en- joys a wide renown for its comfort and fine cuisine. Fully descriptive broch- ures, including birdwatching, will gladly be forwarded on request. Central Heating. Proprietor, Mrs F. HEXLEY Garage & Lock-ups available A.A. R.A.C._ R.S.A.C. | COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. Send 20p 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 60p in- cluding postage & VAT per night’s hire. Birds are grouped according to their natural habitats. W. COWEN, Keswick — ISLAY Overlooking the sea, in this ornithologists’ paradise, we offer comfortable accommodation with bed, breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal, - or = a self contained flat-for those who prefer to cater for themselves. Write for full details to: Mrs M. J. ATTWOOD Trelawney, Pier Road, Port Ellen, Islay. ROUSAY, ENGLISH LAKES ORKNEY ae Hostel, converted croft, HEN visiting the Lake District stay at Meadow Brow, a country house one with cooked breakfast mile from the centre of Gras- supper and packed mere, which offers a high lunch. standard of accommodation to those who appreciate good Fine seabirds and food and comfort in peaceful migrants. surroundings. Open all the year. Do Residential licence. mene Mr & Mrs A. D. BATEMAN ROUSAY Meadow Brow, Grasmere, 328 Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9RR. Telephone Grasmere (09665) 275 DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL Boe eA Ge RISA.C. ‘Ashley Courtenay’ and ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- ——== class service. = Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skibo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life, even while enjoying excellent local golf. A new wing of bedroms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the existing comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request with stamps to: Resident Proprietors, IRENE and STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 er tie aS. Tee Ta ee a; Ao ee ee ow Pn ROPES Qe fea WHICH BINOCU Since the turn of the century we have been a family business of binocular specialists and telescope makers, and consequently feel qualified to advise on the right choice of instru- ments. Moreover you can be sure that any instrument purchased from us has undergone stringent alignment and other tests in our own workshops. Mr Frank’s popular book on how to choose and use binoculars is avail- able at 20p incl. postage. 1 | Top prices offered in part exchange 144 INGRAM STREET : TEL. 041-221 6666 GLASGOW WALTER THOMSON FXPRINTER, SELKIRK. J| We stock all makes, but one binocular — which we can particularly recommend — is the Frank/Nipole 8 x 30 which, complete with case costs only £16.63. Not only do we ourselves recommend this binocular, it also carries a strong recommendation from The Royal Society for the Protection of — Birds, and each glass carries the © seal of approval of the Game Conser- vancy. Our free catalogue illustrates — hundreds of Binoculars & Telescopes including the larger 10x50 Frank/ Nipole binocular, complete with case at £23.76. . FREE COMPARISON TEST Test any Frank/Nipole binocular free for 7 days. Should you decide, how- | ever, on a binocular other than the Frank/Nipole make, we can promise a_substantial price reduction which able on request. | hn 7 = = i ered ‘A . \S gues 4 ae “SCOTTISH me THE JOURNAL OF THE | SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB | | } | | } | Volume 8 No. 8 WINTER 1975 Price 75p A (2) = =] Miss E. Brown (EBr) J. Bruce (1) K. Bruce (23) Dr D. M. Bryant D. J. Bullock (DJBk) K. M. Butler Miss M. Burgess G. Bundy J. L. Burton Royal Soc. for Protec- tion of Birds (RSPB) Miss B. J. Cain R. G. Caldow R. Calligan G. J. Cambridge E. D. Cameron N. G. Campbell M. F. Carrier P. T, Castell Dr M. E. Castle SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 Oz > > 6 Omet Q SS ae | x arke (3) . Clugsion chrane . M. C. Collett Pp. M. Collett = i?) ook W2O re > WOH Sg ; Roe D. Cottee D. Coutts (1) P. Coxon (4) A. O. Craig G. M. Crighton J. Crighton (12) Rev J. M. Crook W. J. I. Crowther W. A. J. Cunningham J. Cullen J. Currie (JCu) M. Cuthbert (3) Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) R. C. Dalrymple F. Dalziel L. Dalziel T. P. Daniels N. Darroch M. Davies E. J. M. Davies E. Davidson T. Delaney R. H. Dennis J. Dick R. A. Dickson R. C. Dickson Miss M. Digney (24) Miss J. Donnan (23) T. W. Dougall Dr I. T. Draper Mrs M. M. Draper M. Drummond (13) J. Dunbar (11) Sir A. B. Duncan J. M. Duncan N. Duncan J. F. Dunn Mrs M. H. Dunn Prof G. M. Dunnett R. Duthie 8(8) wm" ¢ ir R. Erskine-Hill OVO C. Fellowes isher . Forrester . Forrester pe a ox raser LW. Fraser G. H. French D. Froubister R. Froubister (3) dela | Lt-Col J. P. Grant Mrs J. A. R. Grant B. B. Grattage I. Gray T. Gray Mrs S. Green B. J. Gregory M. J. P. Gregory J. S. Groome W. Groundwater (3) Miss P. Grundy J. M. Gunn Brathay Expedition Group (BEG) East Anglia University Group (EAUG) Highland Ringing Group (HRG) North Solway Ringing Group (NSRG) Tay Ringing Group TRG ( Mrs M. Hall (7) T. J. Hallam Mrs H. S. C. Halliday 1975 K. C. C. Halliday K. C. R. Halliday Mrs E. Hamilton F. D. Hamilton N. Hammond (3) C. Hamlyn P. Handley (22) J. J. C. Hardey Mrs A. R. Harding Dr M. P. Harris Mrs E. M. Harvey M. I. Harvey R. B. Hastings C. G. Headlam M. Heubeck A. C. B. Henderson Sir N. Henderson B. Henry Dr C. J. Henty M. Hickson (11) A. E. Hingston K. Hobbs P. Hocking oak . D. Hope . G. Hopkins Oa Are! yr as meee @ + ughes wa ashes (15) . C. Hulme UnrosA Qa Mrs K. Jackson T. O. James G. C. Jamieson Johnson Mrs A. Johnstone T. C. Johnson-Ferguson Mrs M. Johnson- Ferguson A. Jones J. M. B. King SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 P. K. Kinnear J. Kirk A. Knox A. G. Knox B. M. Knox P. Lack Mrs S. Laing H. A. Lang D. Langlois G. J. Langsbury D. R. Langslow Mrs H. K. Langslow P. A. Lassey S. Laybourne (6) D. Lea I. H. Leach M. A. MacDonald C. E. MacDuff-Duncan Mrs M. K. MacDuff- Duncan D. B. McGinn C. McGowan K. S. Macgregor S. McFadzean D. McIntyre R. Macintyre A. MaclIver W. G. McKay K. A. MacKenzie I. McKinnie I. B. Mackinnon Miss M. MacLagan G. McLaran A. McLean I. M. Maclean A. C. MacLeod A. T. Macmillan R. L. McMillan R. McNaughton W. McNally J. D. Magee E. J. Maguire A. Main (10) A. R. Mainwood R. J. Mann Miss J. Manson (3) S. A. M. Manson M. Marquiss (11, 24) Dr B. Marshall M. Marsland 401 M. Martin (MMn) Miss J. Martin (23) Ke R. Melrose r A. Menary (22) . D. H. Merrie iss M. Merriman (3) . H. Miller . J. Miller (22) . Mitchell . Mitchell Onan aet _ wn nm . M. Morrison rs J. Morrison (8) r W. M. Morrison . Moss “Moss Peccrerpnnen SPRUAAEHOgsH0 rene am: mS 5 e , age . Parrott . A. Patrick . D. Pennie Ppp ev J.S. Phillips J. Phillips (JPh) N. J. Phillips A. Pickup N. Picozzi R. K. Pollock N. Polson (1) C. B. Ponsonby B. Pounder T. Poyser Mrs A. D. Poyser S. da Prato E. D. V. Prendergast W. G. Prest Miss M. Pyper VOSS S oh a r Wn by one oO. Lae | 402 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 Mrs H. Quine A. J. Smith D. J. Warren A. D. K. Ramsay Mrs E. M. Smith R. J. Warren R. A. Richardson H. D. Smith Mrs I. Waterston G. S. Riddle K. R. R. Smith Dr A. Watson (11) H. Robb I. Smith A. D. Watson B. P. Robertson R. Smith (18) A. J. Watson I. S. Robertson R. T. Smith J. Watt (13) Mrs S. Robertson R. W. J. Smith I. Wattret (24) M. C. Robinson Prof T. C. Smout D. R. Waugh A. M. Ross I. Spence (1) T. Weir P. R. D. Round J. Spriggs (1) Rev T. J. G. Weir M. H. Rowntree Mrs V. Spriggs H. Westarp J. Rowbottom D. Stalker (22) R. Wemyss Dr D. E. Rowling K. T. Standring D. S. Whitaker R. Roxburgh D. M. Stark (6) A. R. Whitfield Y. Rozyck T. Stark G. T. White Dr M. Rusk D. M. Stead Mrs J. A. Whyte H. M. Russell L. Steele Dr F. W. Wigzell G. L. Sandeman A. G. Stewart R. T. Willett P. W. Sandeman B. J. Stewart G. Williams I. S. Sandison (1) N. L. Storie D. P. Willis J. E. Sapwell M. J. Strickland H. T. M. Wilson D. Scott R. W. Summers J. Wilson J. Scott (JSc) I. S. Suttie J. M. Wilson M. Scott R. L. Swann J. R. Wilson Mrs P. Scott-Plummer RAF Kinloss Ornith. W. Wilson L. Schofield (13) Soc. (RAFKOS) D. Wimberley D. Shand (6) Dr T. V. Tattersal C. Winnington-Ingram P. Shand (6) J. H. Theaker S. Wolsey D. R. Shannon Miss V. M. Thom B. J. Wood Mrs A. F. W. Sharp R. E. Thomas Mrs V. Wood G. Shaw D. B. Thomson P. Wormell Mrs L. Shaw (22) Miss J.M.Thompson’ A. Wright P. R. Shaw R. Thorne Mrs J. M. H. Wright R. Shaw D. Thorogood W. C. Wright (7) G. Sheppard (23) R. J. Tulloch Miss J. Wykeham- D. C. Shenton R. R. Tulloch Musgrave R. A. Shewan L. A. Urquhart Prof V. C. Wynne- D. Shirra (DSh) P. Vandome Edwards J. H. Simpson K. Verral W. Wyper (13) J. L. Simpson Mrs U. Vivers Dr E. I. Young M. Sinclair (1) Dr fed. 3. Vick Miss E. Young W. A. Sinclair Dr W. C. Wakefield G. Young D. Skilling D. I. M. Wallace H. Young J. Skilling K. Walker J. F. Young R. Skilling (15/23) C. M. Waltho J. G. Young Mrs S. Skilling J. P. Waltho L. Young A. H. Skinner Miss S. Wanless (22) B. Zonfrillo T. B. Skinner W. W. Wardrop &{8) 1975 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 403 Species List Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica. Summer floods following spring drought again affected breeding success as did human disturbance : O Heb, no young from 6 checked sites (PGH); Caith, 7 prs checked, 2 successful with 3 young (PMC et al); NW Suth, 11 sites checked, only one young seen (RHD); Ross, 18-20 prs checked, 5 successfully reared 8 young (ENH et al); Inv, 9 sites checked, 3 successfully reared 4 young (RHD et al); Perth, 5 occupied sites but only one known to be successful (SL, IMcK, RLMcM); Stir, pr on loch throughout May (AM, GS), pr nested in W Stir for lst time but eggs lost in flood (JAB, GS, JW-M); Ayr pr reared 1 young (AGS); Galloway, pr with 2 young—first record of successful hatch in region (per ADW). Shet, 2 Whalsay 16 Jan (BM), 1 Fetlar 10 Sep (RJT); Ork, 1 Hoy 17 Feb (DL), 1 Inganess Bay 15 Nov (RHH), 2 Houton 25 Nov (CJB et al); O Heb, 2 West Loch Tarbert 9 Jan (RHD), max count 25 Branahuie 28 Sep (RMcI); W Ross, peak counts 49 Gruinard Bay 12 Aug, 38 on 18th (DWMcA), 24 Gairloch Dec (ENH); Inv, 4 Alturlie Point 9 Feb (WMM); E Loth, max 5 Gosford-Gullane 18 Feb, 9 on 28 Mar, 6 on 1 Oct; Dunb, 1 Ardmore 17 Feb (CMW, JPW); Ayr, 7 Turnberry Bay 21 Apr (AB, RHH). Great Northern Diver Gavia immer. Winter and spring counts: Shet, 29 Quendale 21 Apr, 27 Colgrave Sound 24 Apr, 17 Whalsay 6 May, 20 Yell 19 May (RJT et al); Ork, 40 Westray 25 Feb, 66 around Wyre 15 Mar, 83 Bring Deeps, Scapa Flow, 4 May (DL); O Heb, 6 Tiumpan Head 10 ‘Apr (PGH); Caith, 6 Thurso 2 Jan (SAMM); W Ross, 9 Gruinard Bay 30 Apr (DCH); Midl, 2 Musselburgh Feb (LLJV); E Loth, 9 Aberlady 29 Mar, 7 Tyninghame 6 Mar; Arg, 35 West Loch Tarbert-Islay crossing 29 Jan (DMB); Renf, 1 Gourock 14 Apr (HG); Ayr, max 4 Turnberry 21 Apr (AB, RHH), last 3 Kennedy’s Pass 2] May (RHH); Wig, 13 Luce Bay 16 Feb (GS) and 5 Terally Bay 10 Feb (RHH). Summer : migrants late to depart, e.g. 11 in summer plumage Scaliastle Bay, Mull 19 May (RFC) and 16 Gigha-Tayinloan crossing 19 May (CE. F. B. Spragge). Probably more summering records than usual, as far south as Angus. Inland singles, L Lansaichte, Suth, 8 July (DMcD); W Ross loch 26 July (ENH); Inv, L Ashie 4 Aug (P. Vandome), L Duntelchaig 15 Aug (M. Porteous). _ Autumn : Shet, peak count 79 in Yell/Unst/Fetlar sound 7 Dec (RJT); ‘Fair Isle, singles 6 Sep and 15 Dec (RAB): Ork, first Hoy 4 Oct (DL); O Heb, max 6 West Loch Tarbert; Aber/Kinc, from 3 Sep Girdle Ness (AGK); Isle of May, one 24 Oct (JH, RSH); E Loth, 4 Tyninghame 15 Dec; Ayr, 4 Turnberry 3 Nov (RHH, JKRM). *White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii. Four records: One L Fleet, Suth. 24 Mar (NJP, VW); summer plumage adult Yell-Fetlar sound, Shet, 17 May to 9 June (RJT, DC et al), another adult Hascosay, Shet, 11 June (RJT, MPH): one Aberdeen 21 Oct (AGK). Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata. A successful breeding season: Shet, 39 prs Unst—18 young reared (GB), 20 prs Fetlar—8 young reared (RSPB), 13 prs Whalsay—only 1 young reared (JHS), 16 prs south Main- land—1l1 young reared (MJS), 10 prs Foula—5 young reared (BEG); Ork, 21 prs Mainland—19 young reared (CJB), cl9 prs Hoy—13 prs with young July (MASB); Caith, successful season (PMC); Suth/Ross, 11 prs checked reared 13 young (RHD, ENH et al); single prs bred Renf and Galloway but neither successful. Peak counts and migration : Fair Isle, scattered records 7 May-22 Sep (RAB); E Ross, 8 Chanonry Ness 24 Feb (DWMcCA), 21 on 3 Nov (RHD); 404 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 8(8) Moray, 21 Findhorn 13 Jan (RAFKOS), 10 Lossiemouth 4 Dec (MC); Aber 83+ off Aberdeen 27 Feb (MH), large increase Aberdeen-Newburgh mid Oct (AGK); Angus, 4 Lunan Bay 6 Sep (GMC); Midl, 5 Musselburgh 5 Jan, absent 4 May-30 Sep, 4 on 24-29 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, up to 40 Gullane Bay in winter months; Arg, 12 Gigha-West Loch Tarbert 8 Apr (TCS); Ayr, 10 Turnberry 19 Dec (RHH); Wig, 7 flew S in 4 hr Mull of Galloway 15 Sep (RHH); Kirk, 4 Carrick Pt 1 Nov (WJ, KJ). Inland singles : L Leven, Kinr, 13 Jan (AA); L Cote, W Loth, 13 Oct (IBM); Cob- binshaw, Midl, 19 Oct (LLJV); Torwoodlee Pond, Selk, 18 Feb (1st since 1901) (AJS); Rowbank Res 20 Jan-5 Feb (HG, KRRS) and Barr Loch, Renf, 7 Mar (PB); Lochinch, Wig, 28 Feb (RHH). Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Aber, 1 pr with 3 young L Davan 27 July (JTH); Perth, a better season, e.g. 19 on Stormont Loch 14 July (RC), 6 ad + 9 juvs Lake of Menteith 5 Aug (DW); Midl, normal breeding numbers but many failures due to falling water levels (RWJS); Selk, only successful pr at Lindean Res, second attempt raised 2 young (AJS); W Stir, 4 prs, 5 young seen (TPD, JM et al); Lan, 2 prs Renf, 16 prs, 5 of 11 prs at Barr Loch/Castle Semple were successful (PB, HG); Ayr, 10 prs (WRB); Dumf, usual numbers Lochmaben but poor success (RTS, NEA); Kirk, L Ken pairs unsuccessful (ADW), 3 juvs at Woodhall Loch 6 Sep (LAU). Counts and migration : Shet, 1 Catfirth 26 Oct (FH); Ork, 2 Ingeshowe Bay 20 Mar (MC), 2 off Burray 19 Oct (CJB); Aber, 2 Don 16 Apr (MH), 1 Sand Loch 12 May (MH); Angus, 17 Lunan Bay 18 July (GMC); Perth, 2 Kingoodie 25 Mar (EJM), 5 Seaside 24 July increased to 32 on 25 Aug, falling off Sep (JK, RLMcM); Fife, 10-15 St Andrews 9 Oct and 6 Nov (TWD); E Stir, max 126 Bo’ness 16 Feb and 151 on 22 Sep (DMB); Mid, 160 Seafield 20 Jan and 265 on 26 Nov (JHB, AWGJ), 45 Musselburgh 9 Feb, last 6 on 31 May, first 17 on 24 Aug increased to 105 on 24 Nov, down to 30 by 27 Dec (LLJV); E Loth, 27 Gosford-Gullane 10 Sep; Peeb, return to inland lochs—Portmore 17 Mar (JHB); Arg, 1 L Indaal, Islay, 27 Jan-3 Apr (CGB et al); Dunb, 8 Ardmore 17 Feb (CMW, PPW, MA), 12+ on 19 Nov (SMDA); Lan, 1 Hamilton Jan (RGN); Ayr, 4 Troon 11 Sep (ASH); Kirk, 2 Lower L Ken 2 Jan (ADW); Wig, 45 L Ryan 15 Sep, 18 on 31 Oct, 21 on 16 Nov (RCD, GS). Red-necked Grebe Podiceps griseigena. Winter-spring : as usual most in E Loth where peaks Gullane/Gosford 15 on 9 Feb, 33 on 18 Feb (many observers); Mid], 2 Musselburgh 12 Jan-14 Apr (LLJV); Angus, 1 West Haven 16-23 Mar (TMC); Ork, 1 Gaitnip, Holm 12 Apr (CJB); Arg, 1 West L Tarbert 26 Jan (DMB, DRW); Ayr, 1 Turnberry 9 Mar (WRB, RHH, IHL). Summer records: one in summer plumage at a Perth loch 28 Apr (RLMcM), nearby on 17-31 May (MM) and near Dunkeld 8 June (B. D. (uy, 1 Carluke, Lan, 16 June (DCS); 2 Musselburgh, Midl, 13 June Autumn records: Shet, Firth’s Voe 6 Nov (DC); Fair Isle, 1 on 1 Nov (RAB); Angus, 1 Lunan Bay 8-15 Aug (GMC), 2 West Haven 7 Oct (TMC); Fife, 1 Shell Bay 29 Sep (DW); Midl, 1 Musselburgh 24 Nov (LLJV); E Loth, 31 Gullane/Gosford 22 Aug, 23 on 15 Sep, 12 on 26 Oct (KSMcG @ aE Dunb, 1 Ardmore 10 Oct (CMW, JPW, DSh); Wig,1] L Ryan 10 Oct Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus. Breeding : census found 57-62 prs in Caith, Inv, Moray, Aber and Perth. Caith, 2 prs with 3 and 5 young 30 June, at least 4 probably survived (SAMM, PMC); Inv, 47-51 prs on 19 lochs, at least 16 young from 18-20 prs in north, 29 young from 28-30 prs south of Great Glen, 1 pr with 1-2 young Strathspey (RHD, MIH et al); Moray, 5-6 prs on one loch reared 3 young (RHD); Aber, 1 pr 1975 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 405 reared 1 young on loch last used in early 1960’s (AW); Perth, pr L of Lowes Apr-June but did not nest (MD), pr at other site reared 2 young (BJG, JK, RLMcM) : a better year. Winter-spring : Shet, max 31 Tresta/Bixter Voes 13 Feb (PKK), last Fetlar 26 Apr; Ork, max 7 east Scapa Flow 12 Feb (DL); Angus, 1 West Haven 7 Apr (TMC); Midl, peaks Musselburgh 5 on 30 Jan, 8 on 17 Feb, 12 on 22 Mar (DLC, LLJV); E Loth, present Gosford/Gullane Jan-Apr, max 65 on 17 Feb; Arg, 7 Islay 27 Jan (DMB). Migration and autumn-winter counts: Shet, 2 Tresta 27 Aug (IS) in- creasing to 16 in Oct (FH); Fair Isle, one 24 Sep (RAB); Ork, 6 L of Stenness 17 Oct (DL), 9 Inganess Bay 15 Nov (RHH), 20 Scapa Flow mid Dec (DL); Caith, 3 L Scarmclate 17 Nov (PMC); Suth, 5 Embo 16 Oct (RHD); Fife, 2 Cameron Res 31 Aug (RHH); E Loth, 12 Gosford/Gullane 13 Oct, 10 on 17 Nov (DRL et al); Peeb, 1 Fruid Res 26 Oct (LAU); Arg, 15 Loch na Keal, Mull, 13 Oct (RFC); Dunb, 1 Ardmore 17-23 Nov (SMDA); Wig, 1 L Ryan 22-29 Sep, 2 on 7 Nov (RCD, IHL), 1 L Elrig 26 Oct (RCD). Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. At eastern of two main col- onies in Central Lowlands, 1 pr on 11 Apr, 2 prs on 13th, about 6 prs present, poor breeding season, only 2 juvs seen; at other colony 10 prs reared 7+ young, also 3 non-breeders; possibly one pair bred at site in between; one pair in Highlands but no proof of breeding (anon.). Winter records and migrants: Caith, 1 L Scarmclate 17 Nov (PMC); Perth, 1 White Moss Loch 14 Sep (JK); Midl, 1 Musselburgh 30 Jan (DLC), 2 Rosslynlea Res 3 Aug (RWJS); E Loth, 1 Tyninghame 13 Jan (RWJS); singles Gullane 13 Jan (GLS), 28 Sep and 12 Oct (DRL, HKL); Wig, small wintering flock as usual L Ryan, first of autumn 14 Sep, 5 on 10 Oct and 7 on 26 Nov (RCD, RHH, GS). Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. Breeding reports all suggest gcod numbers with some increase in population. Counts and migration : Shet, absent 22 Apr-19 Oct, max 4 Hillwell/Spiggie 13 Mar; Inv, 26 L Flem- ington 11 Sep (G. Riddle); Moray, 5 Findhorn 15 Dec (RAFKOS); Aber, (LW) est 22 Oct (RBH); Midl, max 8 Musselburgh 17 Feb, 7 on 2 Nov JV). *Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris. Adult in Gannet colony Hermaness, Unst, 10 June (S. Albon, B. Britton)-7 Aug (DC, MS). Almost certainly same bird as adult 21 July-4 Aug 1972 at same site; it was not recorded in 1973. Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. Breeding reports: Shet, first eggs 14 May, many colonies show increases (MPH); Fair Isle, first eggs 16 May (RAB); Ork, 124 prs Swona (KH); Suth, 6 prs Muie cliffs, Rogart (RHD); Kinross, present Benarty Mar-Aug, possibly 2 prs nested (AA); E Loth, Tantallon Castle colony increased to 350/400 sites (DRL, HKL); Wig, increase Mull of Galloway to 38 prs (RCD). Dark-phase birds: Shet, St Ninian’s Isle 24 Feb, 2 Unst Apr, Grutness 4 June, several Whalsay Mar-Apr and 1 nested (BM), 2 nested Noss (ACMcL); Fair Isle, 1 nested, singles seen 5 days Feb and Mar, 23-24 Sep, 14 Oct (RAB); Ork, Costa Head 9 Jan (DL), 1 nested Rackwick (CJB); O Heb, nested Dun Othail (WAJC) and N Rona (PGH); Suth, 1 Handa (CJE). Counts and inland records: Suth, 1 Badanloch 5 July (RHD); E Ross, 2 L Achonachie 20 Apr (RHD); Perth, 1 dead L Watson, Doune, 12 Apr (GS); Stir, 2 Kincardine Bridge 25 May, 17 on 14 Aug (DRW); Dunb, 1 Torrinch, L Lomond, 26 May (TPD); Renf, 2 Cloch Pt 25 Aug (HG) is 3rd Renf record; 50+ N per hour Turnberry, Ayr 7 Sep (IHL). *Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea. One flew SE past Tarbat Ness E Ross, 1 Sep (RHD) 406 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 8(8) Manx Shearwater Puf;inus puffinus. Breeding reports : Shet, lst Fetlar 30 Apr, max 150 on 15 July (RSPB), 20 off Foula 15 July (IS); Ork, 50 off Rackwick, Hoy 23 June (CJB); Inv, 50 off L Nevis 19 Aug (ADKR), 1,000- 1,200 prs Canna (RWS et al). Passage : O Heb, first Tiumpan Head 5 Feb (WM), 228S and 6N Tium- pan Head in 3 hrs 10 Apr (PGH); Suth, 6 Handa 29 July (CJE); Ross, 14 Rosemarkie 21 June, 18 on 31 Aug (RHD); Moray, 12 Culbin 8 Sep (RAFKOS); Aber/Kinc, lst Girdle Ness 8 May (RBH), fewer than usual autumn, 200, possibly 600, Girdle Ness 3 Sep (AGK); Angus, 100+ Usan 6 June (GMC); Isle of May, max 14 on 25 Sep; Fife, 29 Apr-Oct, 8E Cul- ross 22 June (DMB); Midl, 296 Leith 6 June, 191 on 7th (IB), 35W and 57E on 23 Sep (DJB); E Loth, 17 May-3 Oct, max 11 Aberlady 8 July (RGN), 10 Tyninghame 17 May (GLS); Ber, 19 Eyemouth 17 Aug (TD); Ayr, 40 Troon 1 July (ASH), 100 Ailsa Craig 5 July (JPh), 420+N per hour Turnberry 7 Sep and 250+N per hour on 20 Sep (IHL), 60+S/hr Doonfoot 8 Sep (IHL). Inland: 1 Plockton, W Ross early Sep (PG); 1 dead (Peregrine kill) Aboyne, Aber, early Sep (JO); 1S Colinton, Midl, 18 Mar (R. Watt); Dunb, 1 L Lomond 7 July (EJM); 1 Cloch Pt, Renf, 25 Aug (HG). *Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis. One flew past Frenchman’s Rocks, Islay, 30 June (KV), a new species for Scotland. *Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis. Two Fair Isle 21 Sep (T. and W. N. Loseby, P. J. Roberts). Large shearwaters (Great/Cory’s) : 2 Skerries, Shet, 22 Sep (ISR); 1N Girdle Ness, N Kinc, 31 Aug (AGK). Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus. Rather scarce : Shet, fewer, 18 Aug- 22 Sep, max 4 Sumburgh Head 18 Aug (NLS); Fair Isle, few 10 Aug- 27 Sep, max 15 on 28-29 Aug (RAB); Ork, 2 North Ronaldsay 2 Oct (DL); O Heb, 18S Griminish Pt, N Uist, 16 July (PGH), 26S Rubha Ardvule, S Uist, 21 July (RHH), 91NE Butt of Lewis 6 Aug, 89W on 7th (RHH); Ross, 23N Tarbat Ness 1 Sep (RHD), 6 Chanonry Ness 31 Aug (RHD), 2 Uig, Skye, 12 Sep (PME); Aber/Kinc, one 10 June (MD) is very early, max 5 Aberdeen 30 Sep (DRW); Angus, from 18 Aug, max 6 West Haven 1 Sep (TMC); Isle of May, singles 25 Sep, 13 Oct, 28 Oct; Fife, few from 23 Aug, max 6 Fife Ness 1 Sep (DWO); Arg, 1 Coll 25 Sep (RFC), 45 Colonsay 4 Sep and 30 Tiree 5 Sep (AK); Ayr, 4N Turnberry 7 Sep and one 20 Sep (IHL). 1975 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1974 407 Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. Breeding reports: Shet, evidence of small breeding numbers West Linga, Sandwick, Wetter and Hunder Holms (BM, JHS), first Fetlar 30 Apr (RSPB); Fair Isle, usual records 13 July-27 Sep (RAB); Ork, breeding proved Switha, Green Holms, Faray Holm, Rusk Holm and Auskerry (CJB, DL, ADKR), birds at night Copinsay (MB, ADKR) and Hoy (CJB, ADKR); Caith, 1 ashore Stroma 19 na (PMC, RHD); W Ross, 305 ringed Isle Risto] 10-11 Aug (ARM et al). At sea: O Heb, 6 Little Bernera 15 Aug (PGH), 2 Rubha Ardvule 21 ee Arg, 80E off Tiree 5 Sep (AK); Wig, 1-3 Corsewall Pt 21 Sep IHL). Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. Ad found on hatching egg Foula 30 July is first confirmed report for Shet (8: 321-3) (ARM). Mig- rants: O Heb, 1 Rubha Ardvule 21 July (RHH), 1 Sound of Harris 30 July (RHH); Arg, 1 Frenchman’s Rocks, Islay, 8 Sep (KV); Ayr, 1S Bal- lantrae 7 Nov (RHH, IHL); Wig, 5 Corsewall Point 21 Sep (IHL). Gannet Sula bassana. Breeding reports : 8,093 adults Noss, Shet (8,181 ' in 1970); Fair Isle, formation of colony at Dronger continued, 4 ashore 26 Apr, max 70 on 21 May and 101 on 5 June; 3 large nests were built aw eggs laid, last ashore 2 Aug (RAB); Ayr, 8-10,000 prs Ailsa Craig Counts and migration: Caith, 1,500N/hr Noss Head 24 Mar (GGB), 1,000-1,200E/hr Dunnet Head 10 Apr (SL); Suth, 170+ Embo 26 Oct (DMcD); Ross, 50 Tain Bay 27 Jan (J. Cullen), 240 Chanonry Ness 20 Oct (EB); Inv, 50 Longman 2 Jan (JMC), 178 (169 juveniles) Whiteness Head 13 Oct (RHD); Moray, 315 Findhorn 13 Jan (RAFKOS); Ayr, 200S/hr Turnberry 20 Sep (IHL). Inland: 1 L Achray, Perth, 26 May (HR); 1 Rowardennan, L Lomond, W Stir, 6-7 June (IWGB, HDS); 1 Barr Loch, Renf, 11 July (PB) Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Breeding counts: Shet, decrease, Westerwick 6 prs (35 prs in 1969), Vaila none (28 prs 1970) (MPH); Ork, 265 nests Calf of Eday (DL), 14+ Horse of Copinsay (MASB); Forth, 206 nests Lamb (LLJV), 22 nests Craigleith 15 June (RWJS); Ayr, 23 prs Cur- (RHE Birks ISSN 0036-9144 Scottish Birds | INDEX TITLE PAGES AND eu GS renee TS aa < f/ x he \ tua A Volume 8 | 1974 - 1975 SCOTTISH BIRDS — BINDING Arrangements have been made for binding Volume 8 of “Scottish Birds’. The charge is £3.40 for binding in red buck- ram, or £4.00 for binding in red quarter leather, both prices including return postage. The parts to be bound (Nos. 1 to 8, Isle of May Supplement 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. Previous vol- umes may also be sent for binding at the same time and at the same rates as Volume 8. Please be sure to complete the binding form on the back cover (with details of your name and address, remittance, and style of binding required) before sending the parts to: P. G. CHAPMAN & CO LTD Kent House Lane BECKENHAM, KENT BR3 1LD Volumes sent immediately will be returned within about three months, but this time cannot be guaranteed for volumes not sent promptly, as costs can only be kept down by binding a substantial number of volumes at the same time. Note The nature and thickness of the quarterly sections tend to pro- duce steps in the fore-edge of the bound volume, but the extra cost of producing the journal in smaller gatherings, mainly for the benefit of those who want to bind their copies, would not be justified. Scottish Birds The Journal of The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Edited by H. GREIG (pp. 1-92) T. DELANEY (pp. 93-148) D. J. BATES (pp. 149-486) Volume 8 1974-1975 Walter Thomson, Printer, Selkirk INDEX TO VOLUME 8 The Index is in six parts as follows: List of Papers, List of Plates, Index of Authors and Photographers, Index of Subjects, Index of English Names of Birds, and Index of Scientific Names of Birds. List of Papers Impact of the oil industry on Scotland’s coasts and birds (G. M. Dunnet) 3-16, plates 1-3 Birds of the northwest Highland birchwoods (W. B. Yapp) 16-31, plate 4 Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Report for 1973 (N. J. Gordon) 45-53, plates 5-6a; for 1974 (J. M. S. Arnott) 363-377 Spitsbergen 1972—ornithological work of the Aberdeen University ex- pedition (A. Anderson, L. Campbell, W. Murray, D. P. Stone, R. L. Swann) 53-62, plate 6b Evening assembly of Starlings at a winter roost (J. Brodie) 63-71 The birds of the Isle of May—a revised assessment of status (W. J. Egge- ling) 93-148, plates 9-12 (Special Supplement) SOC Great Crested Grebe Inquiry 1973 (R. W. J. Smith) 151-9 eane and Moulting Eiders in the Tay region (B. Pounder) 159-176, plate 13 Recent studies on Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock (M. Owen and C. R. G. Campbell) 181-193, plates 14-16 Scottish Bird Report 1973 (R. H. Dennis) 211-279, plate 17-20; 1974 395- 467, plates 28-31 Dispersal of first-year Gannets from the Bass Rock (A, Landsborough Thomson) 295-8 Wintering wader populations on the rocky shores of eastern Scotland (R. W. Summers, N. K. Atkinson, M. Nicoll) 299-308, plates 21, 23 Scottish winter Rook roost survey—central and northern Scotland (J. H. B. Munro) 309-314, plate 22 The birds of Strathbraan 1905-74: a salute to Charles Macintosh (C. J. Henty) 344-355 The breeding birds of Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond (G. Shaw) 356-363 470 Plates 2-3 SCOTTISH BIRDS List of Plates Oil industry (G. M. Dunnett) Birds at risk: Puffins, Gannets, Shags, Razorbills . (R. J. Tulloch) 7 xs North-west Highland eee cw. 'B. Yapp) Lesser Whitethroat, Isle of May (B. Zonfrillo) Great Grey Shrike, Isie of May (B. Zonfrillo) Goldcrest, Isle of May (B. Zonfrillo) zee Stuphallet escarpment, Kongsfjord (A. Anderson) — Starling with deformed bill (A. Jaconelli) M. F. M. Meiklejohn Isle of May Supplement : Low Licht, Bai aa aan Traps (N. J. Gordon), Rona (G. M. Cowie, W. J. Eggeling), West cliffs Guillemot a Razorbill hates or? F. Young) = : Eider (W. S. Paton) White and normal Barnacle Geese (M. ‘owen Barnacle Geese, Eastpark (M. Owen) Scottish Bird Report 1973: Sabine’s and Little Gulls (R. W. Summers), Ivory Gull (S. Laybourne), Gyr Falcon, Rose-coloured Starling, White-throated Sparrow (D. Coutts), King and Common Eiders oF - ja Tulloch), Ovenbird (I. S. Robertson) a Rocky shores, eastern Scotland (R. W. Summers) Winter Rook roosts (J. H. B. Munro) es Roosting Purple Sandpipers and Turnstones (R. Ww. Summers) Unusual nest of Redehant/ Snipe (A. "Tewnton) Scottish Bird Report 1974: Chough mobbing Golden Eagle (W. Wyper), King Eider (L. Roberton), Glaucous Gull (D. Coutts), Iceland Gull, Black Tern (R. H. Hogg), Snowy Owl (P. G. Hopkins) | Vol. 8 429-432 Vol. 8 SCOTTISH BIRDS 471 Index of Authors and Photographers References are given to authors of papers and similar articles, short notes and letters. ALLEN, N. V., BURROWS, I., COE, P., and BROAD, R. A, note on Eeeeolated Warbler at Fair Isle ANDERSON, A., CAMPBFLL, L., MURRAY, W., STONE, D. P., and SWANN, R. L. Spitsbergen 1972—ornithological work ot the Aberdeen University expedition 53-62, plate 6 (b) ARNOTT, J, M. S. Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station report for 1974 363-377 om N. K. see Summers, R. Barnacal, B. S. see McFarland, V. BOURNE, W. R. P., and DIXON, T. J. note on gulls breeding inland in Aberdeenshire 73-75 BROAD, R. A. note on White’s Thrush at Fair Isle 33-34; note on Nightingale of eastern sub- species on Fair Isle 195; see also Allen, N. V., McFarland, V. BRODIE, J. Evening assembly of Starlings at a winter roost 63-71 Burrows, I, see Allen, N. V. BYRNE, R. W. and MACKENZIE- GRIEVE, C. J. note on Pectoral Sandpiper in Caithness 72-73; see also Mackenzie-Grieve, C. J. Campbell, C. R. G. see Owen, M. Campbell, L. see Anderson, A. Coe, P. see Allen, N. V. COUT ERs D. plates 18, 19(a), 20(a), COWIE, G, M. plate 10 (above) Craggs, J. D. see McFarland, V. DENNIS, R. H. Scottish Bird Re- port 1973 211-279, plates 17-20; — 1974 395-467, plates 28-31 DICKSON, R. C. note on Barn Owl pellets from Wigtownshire 78-79; note on wintering grebes in Loch Ryan 379-381; note on Peregrine’s aggressive behaviour away from the nest 381 —, —, and WATSON, A, D. note on early nesting Merlins in Gal- loway 194 DRAPER, Muriel. A Stirling Con- ference 328-331 DUNCAN, Arthur B. letter on Long- tailed Ducks in the Uists 202 DUNNET, G. M. Impact of the oil industry on Scotland’s coasts and birds 3-16, plates 1-3 EGGELING, W. J. The birds of the Isle of May—a revised assess- ment of status (Special Supple- ment) 93-148, plates 9-12 ELKINS, Norman letter on Long- tailed Ducks in the Outer Heb- rides 201-2 GORDON, Nancy J. Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Sta- tion report for 1973 43-53; plate 9 GORDON, Seton note on first days in the life of a Black-throated Diver 319 Grigson, M. J. see Parker, A. HALLAM, T, note on Firecrest in Fife 81 HENTY, C. J. The birds of Strath- braan 1905-74: a salute to Char- les Macintosh 344-355 HOGG, R. H. plates 30, 31 (c) HOPKINS, P. G. plate 31 (a) and (b) JACONELLI, A. plate 7 LAMBIE, R. M. note, pair of King- fishers rears three broods 32-33 LAYBOURNE, S, plate 17(c) LEA, D. note on Black Redstart’s arempred nesting in Orkney 80- MACDONALD, D., and WRIGHT, W. C, note on Firecrest in Suth- erland 81 MACFARLAND, V., RAINES, R. J., CRAGGS, J. D., BARNACAL, B. S., and BROAD, R. A., note on pancenlated Warbler at Fair Isle 34-3 MACKENZIE-GRIEVE, C. J., and BYRNE, R. W. note on _ Bona- parte’s Gull in Sutherland 76-77; see also Byrne, R. W. MACMILLAN, Andrew T. letter on gulls breeding inland in Perth- shire (erroneously Stirlingshire) 281; note on Scottish records of the White-billed Diver 377-9 MAINWOOD, A, R. note on Leach’s Petrel breeding on Foula 321-3 MUNRO, J. H. B. Scottish winter Rook roost survey—central and northern Scotland 309-314, plate 472 SCOTTISH BIRDS 22 Murray, W. see Anderson, A. Nicoll, M. see Summers, R. W. OLIVER, David W. note on a cause of decline in farmyard House Martin colonies 325-7; note on Long-tailed Skua in_ central Grampians 383-5 OWEN, Myrfyn, and CAMPBELL, Cc. R. G. Recent studies on Bar- nacle Geese at Caerlaverock 181- 193, plates 14-16 PARKER, A., and GRIGSON, M. J. note on White-winged Black Tern in Aberdeenshire 32 PATON, William S. plate 13 POUNDER, B. Breeding and moult- ing Eiders in the Tay region 159- 176, plate 13 Rae, R. see Swann, R. L. Raines, R. J, see McFarland, V. ROBERTON, L. plate 28 (b) ROBERTSON, I. S. note on Great snipe in Shetland 31-32; plate 20 (b) SANDEMAN, Gerald L. note on Cormorants in the Firth of Forth 71-72; notes on large movements of Kittiwakes in the Firth of oy 77-78, 324-5 (correction 343 SHAW, Geoff letter on feral Grey- lag Geese in south-west Scotland 91; The breeding birds of Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond 356-363 SMITH, R. W. J. SOC Great Cres- Index of ABNORMALITIES (PHYSICAL) Plumage Albinism : Shag 50, 220-1, 407, Barnacle Goose 184, plate 14/ 15, Herring Gull 246, Razorbill 253, Guillemot 254 Leucism: Pink-footed Goose 417, Canada Goose 229, Rock Pipit 125 Anatomy Bill aeforthtiy’ Starling plate 7 Eggs Abnormal coloration: Black- headed Gull 440 BEHAVIOUR Fulmars in Rook- ery 319-321; aggressive Pere- grine 381; Rook roosts 309-314, plate 22; Starling roost 63-71 BREEDING BIOLOGY Black-throat- ed Diver 319; Great Crested Vol. 8 ted Grebe Inquiry 1973 151-9 Stone, D. P, see Anderson, A. SUMMERS, R. W. plate 17 (a) and _ ©) —, ATKINSON, N. K., and ~ NICOLL, M. Wintering wader populations on the rocky shores of eastern Scotland 299-308, plates 21, 23 SWANN, Robert L. note on gulls breeding inland in Aberdeenshire 75-76, letter — 281; see also An- derson, A. —, —, and RAE, Robert note on early nesting Tawny Owls in Aberdeen 194 TEWNION, Alex, and THOMIS, Malcolm note on unusual nest of Redhat 382-3, plates 24- Thomis, Malcolm see Tewnion, Alex THOMSON, A. Landsborough Dis- persal of first-year Gannets from the Bass Rock 295-8 TULLOCH, R, J. plates 2, 3, 19 (b) WARHAM, John note on Fulmar behaviour 319-321 Watson, A. D. see Dickson, R. C. Wright, W. C. see Macdonald, D. WYPER, W. plate 28 (a) YAPP, W. B. Birds of the north- west Highland birchwoods 16-31, plate 4 YOUNG, J. F. plate 12 ZONFRILLO, B. plates 5, 6 (a) Subjects Grebe 152-4; Eider 58-59, 163-7; Merlin 194; Redshank/Snipe 382- 3, plates 24-27; Kittiwake 56-57; Arctic Tern 57- 58; Tawny Owl 194; Kingfisher 39) 33; Snow Bunting 60-61 CORRECTIONS 279, 343, 467 EDITORIAL 1-2, 42-42, 149-150, 209-210, 293-4, 341-3, 393-4 FOOD Barnacle Goose 184-7; Barn Owl 78-79 HYBRIDS Canada x Greylag Goose 417; possible x Red-legged Par- tridge 234; Red-legged Partridge x Chukar 422; House Martin x Swallow 447 MAN AND BIRDS Oil industry 3- 16, plates 1-3; Lesser Black- backed and Herring Gull control 51-52, 363; toxic chemicals: Vol. 8 SCOTTISH BIRDS 473 Greylag Goose 416, Puffin 60, House Martin 325-7 MIGRATION Isle of May 43-51, 363-375; Gannet 295-8; Kittiwake 77-78, 324-5. (See also under species) NOTICES 204, 394 OBITUARIES Henry Boase 86-87, Alastair Macdonald 385, Matthew Fontaine Maury Meiklejohn 82- 85, plate 8, Tom Paterson 328 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION 39, 92, 202-3, 282, 338, 343, 467 REVIEWS Alexander: Seventy Years of Birdwatching 200 Brandon-Cox : Summer of a Mil- lion Wings 88 ea Owls of the World 87- Burton : Animals of Europe 89-90 Campbell and Campbell: The Countryman Bird Book 89 Clegg: Seal Song 337 Cramp, Bourne and Saunders: The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland 197-9 Dorst : The Life of Birds 333 Ettlinger : Natural History Photo- graphy 335-6 Groundwater: Birds and Mam- mals of Orkney 386-7 Hoeher: The Pocket Encyclopae- dia of Birds’ Eggs and Nesting Habitats 333-4 Hosking and Gooders: Wildlife ore a field guide 90- ——— Butterflies of the World 33 MacKinnon and MacKinnon: An- imals of Asia: the Ecology of the Oriental Region 332-3 Mead: Bird Ringing 334 Merne's Ducks, Geese and Swans Mitchell Beazley World Atlas of Birds 331-2 Porter, Willis, Christensen and Nielsen: Flight Identification of European Raptors 336-7 ener Azrag, Desert Oasis 36- Nethersole-Thompson and Wat- son: The Cairngorms 196 Parslow : Breeding Birds of Brit- ain and Ireland: a _ historical survey 35-36 Sage: Alaska and its Wildlife 38 Sharrock: Natural History of Cape Clear Island 37-38 —: Scarce Migrant Birds in Brit- ain and Ireland 280 Steers: The Coastline of Scot- land 195-6 Sane Young Animals 89- Tubbs: The Buzzard 199-200 Warham: The Technique of Bird Photography 91 Waterston: Fair Isle Bird Obser- vatory : Report for 1973, 197 Zink: Der Zug _ Europaischer Singvogel: ein Atlas der wied- erfunde beringter Vogel 201 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 39-40, 92, 204-8, 328-331, 338-340, 388-392, 468 STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Scottish Bird Report 211-279, 395-467, plates 17-20, 28-31; north-west Highland birchwoods 16-31, plate 4; Strathbraan 344- 355; Isle of May 43-53, 93-148, 363-377, plates 5, 6(a), 9-12; Crom Mhin, Loch Lomond, 356-363; Spitsbergen 54-62, plate 6(b). (See also under species) 474 SCOTTISH BIRDS Index of English Names of Birds English names of species are usually taken from A Species List of Brit- ish and Irish Birds (BTO Guide 13, 1971) and English names of subspecies follow The Handbook of British Birds (Witherby et al, 1938-41). Every significant mention of species and subspecies within the text of papers, short notes and letters, as well as in titles and plate captions, is listed here, Passing and comparative references have usually been omitted. Entries in the annual Scottish Bird Reports appear after the initials SBR. References to the few subspecies without distinctive English Vol. 8 names are given in the Index of Scientific Names. ALBATROSS, BLACK-BROWED probable at Isle of May 94, 96; SBR 405 AUK, LITTLE Spitsbergen 54-55; Isle of May 107; SBR 254, 442 AVOCET SBR 245, 437 BITTERN SBR 221, 408 —, LITTLE SBR 221 BLACKBIRD, north-west Highland birchwoods 24; Isle of May 44, 48-51, 114, 134, 144-5, 369, 372-5; Seep rean 345-7, 350; SBR 263, BLACKCAP Isle of May 43-51, 117, 364, 369-372; Strathbraan 346; SBR 267, 455 BLUETHROAT Isle of May 45, 116, 369, 372; SBR 265-6, 454 —, RED-SPOTTED Isle of May 116 a ee Isle of May Bonxie see Skua, Great BRAMBLING Isle of May 44, 48- 51, 130, 364, 372; SBR 276-7, 464 BULLFINCH north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Isle of May 129; Strathbraan 346; SBR 276, 464 —, BRITISH Isle of May 129 —, NORTHERN Isle of May 129; SBR 276, 464 —, Trumpeter see Finch, Trumpeter BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED Isle of May 130; SBR 277, 465 —, CHESTNUT SBR 465 —, CIRL Isle of May 131 —, CORN isle of May 130; SBR 277, 465 —, LAPLAND Isle of May 47-51, 131, 371; SBR 278, 465 —, LAZULI Isle of May 131; SBR 278, 466 —, LITTLE Isle of May 131, 363, 373; SBR 277, 465 —, ORTOLAN Isle of May 45, 51, 131; SBR 277, 465 —, RED-HEADED Isle of May 45, 50, 131; SBR 277, 465 BUNTING, REED north-west High- land birchwoods 25; Isle of May 44-45, 131, 364; Strathbraan 346- 8, 352-3; Crom Mhin 358-360; SBR 278, 465 —, RUSTIC Isle of May 131, 363, 369, 373; SBR 277, 465 —, SNOW Isle of May 48-49, 131, 371-3 breeding biology in Spits- bergen 60-61; SBR 278, 466 —, VARIED SBR 466 —, YELLOW-BREASTED Isle of Hae 130; 363; 371-3;8 SBRe27 7, 4 BUZZARD north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Isle of May 48, a Strathbraan 349; SBR 231, 1 —, HONEY SBR 232, 420 —, ROUGH-LEGGED SBR 231, 419 CAPERCAILLIE SBR 234, 422 CHAFFINCH north-west Highland birchwoods 25-26, 29; Isle of May 43, 48, 51, 130, 374; Strathbraan 345-7; SBR 276, 464 —, BRITISH Isle of May 130 —, CONTINENTAL Isle of May 130 CHIFFCHAFF north-west Highland birchwoods 24, 29; Isle of May 43-49, 118, 364, 370-2; Strath- braan 346; SBR 269, 457 —, NORTHERN Isle of May 118; SBR 269 —, SCANDINAVIAN Isle of May 118 (see also Chiffchaff Northern) —, SIBERIAN possibles Isle of May 118 (see also Chiffchaff, Northern) CHOUGH SBR 259, 449, plate 28(a) CHUKAR possibles SBR 234, xRed- legged Partridge SBR 422 COOT Isle of May 100; SBR 235, 2 423 CORMORANT Isle of May 51, 96, 135, 373; Firth of Forth 71-72; Vol. 8 SCOTTISH BIRDS 475 SBR 220, 407 CORNCRAKE Isle of May 47, 100, 369; Strathbraan 349, 353; SBR 234-5, 423 CRAKE, SPOTTED Isle of May 100; SBR 234, 422 CRANE SBR 234 —, DEMOISELLE SBR 234 Creeper, Tree see Treecreeper CROSSBILL Isle of May 129; SBR 276, 464 —, CONTINENTAL Isle of May 129; SBR 276, 464 —, PARROT Isle of May 129 —, SCOTTISH SBR 276, 464 —, TWO-BARRED SBR 276 CROW (CARRION and/or HOOD- ED) north-west Highland birch- woods 24; Isle of May 110-1, 144, 372-3; Strathbraan 349; Crom Mhin 358-360; SBR 259, 448 —, CARRION Isle of May 110-1, 144; Strathbraan 349; Crom Mhin 358-360; SBR 259, 448 —, HOODED Isle of May 110- 1, 372-3; SBR 259, 448 CUCKOO north-west Highland birchwoods 25-26; Isle of May 44-47, 108-9, 369; Strathbraan 349-353; SBR 255, 444 CURLEW north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Isle of May 46- 49, 102, 370-3; rocky shores eastern Scotland 301-8; Strath- braan 349; Crom Mhin 358-361; SBR 238, 426-7 bis se Isle of May 104; SBR Dabchick see Grebe, Little DIPPER north-west Highland birch- woods 24; Isle of May 113; Strathbraan 349; SBR 260, 450 —, BRITISH Isle of May 113 DIVER, BLACK-THROATED Isle of May 94; first days in life 319; SBR 217, 403 —, GREAT NORTHERN Spitsber- gen 61; Isle of May 94, 373; mis- identified as White-billed 377; SBR 217, 403 —, RED-THROATED Isle of May 47-48, 94, 371 Spitsbergen 61; SBR 217-8, 403--4 —, WHITE- BILLED Scottish rec- ords 377- 9; SBR 217, 279, 403 DOTTEREL, Isle of May 101, 363, 370, 373; eggs probably eaten by ee Skua 383-5; SBR DOVE, COLLARED north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Isle of May 45, 108, 369; SBR 255, 444 DOVE, ROCK Isle of May 108, 143- 4; SBR 254, 443; see also Pigeon Feral —, RUFOUS TURTLE SBR 443 —, STOCK Isle of May 108; Strath- braan 349; SBR 254, 443 —, TURTLE Isle of May 45, 108; SBR 254, 443 DOWITCHER sp. SBR 237 bee FERRUGINOUS SBR 224, —, LONG-TAILED Isle of May 48, 97; Spitsbergen 61; Outer Heb- ae 201-2; Uists 202; SBR 225, —, MANDARIN SBR 223, 410 —, RUDDY, SBR 414 —, TUFTED Spitsbergen 61; Isle of May 97, 373; SBR 224, 411 DUNLIN Isle of May 46-49, 104, 372-3; Spitsbergen 61; rocky shores eastern Scotland 302-8; SBR 243, 436, correction 279 DUNNOCK north-west Highland birchwoods 24; Isle of May 50, 124, 134, 145, 364, 369; Strath- braan 346-8; SBR 271, 458-9, 467 —, BRITISH Isle of May 124 —, CONTINENTAL Isle of May 124 EAGLE, GOLDEN SBR 231, 419, plate 28(a) —, LESSER SPOTTED/SPOTTED Isle of May 99 —, Sea see Eagle, White-tailed —, SPOTTED/LESSER SPOTTED Isle of May 99 —, WHITE-TAILED reintroduction at Rhum, editorial 341-2 EGRET, LITTLE SBR 221, 408 EIDER Isle of May 49-50, 98, 132- 7, 373-4; breeding biology in Spitsbergen 58-62; breeding and moulting in Tay region 159-176, plate 13; SBR 226, plate 19(b), 413 —, KING Spitsbergen 61; Isle of May 98; SBR 226, plate 19(b), 413-4, plate 28(b) —, STELLER’S SBR 226, 413 FALCON, GYR SBR 233, plate 18, 421 —, LANNER/SAKER SBR 421 —, Peregrine see Peregrine —, RED-FOOTED Isle of May May 45, 49, 99; SBR 233 —, SAKER/LANNER SBR 421 FIELDFARE Isle of May 44-49, 113, 364, 369-374; SBR 261, 450- 1 476 FINCH, TRUMPETER SBR correc- tion 279 FIRECREST Sutherland 81; Fife 81; ise of May 123; SBR 270, 279, FLAMINGO spp. SBR 221, 408 —, CHILEAN SBR 408 —, GREATER SBR 408 FLYCATCHER, PIED Isle of May 44-51, 123-4, 364, 369-374; SBR 271, 458 —, RED-BREASTED Isle of May 47-49, 124; SBR 271, 458 —, SPOTTED _ north-west High- land birchwoods 24, 28; Isle of May 44-49, 123, 364, 369-372; rhe, ee 346-347; SBR 270- FULMAR oiled 5; Isle of May 50, 96, 132-5, 374; Bear Island 54; Spitsbergen 54-55; behaviour in Rookery 319-321; SBR 219, 405 GADWALL SBR 222, 409 GANNET oil industry 5, plate 3(a); Isle of May 96, 135; dispersal of first-year Gannets from the Bass Rock 295-8; SBR 220, 407 GARGANEY Isle of May 97; SBR 222, 409 GODWIT, BAR-TAILED Isle of May 102; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 303-8; SBR 239, 427-8 —, BLACK-TAILED Isle of May 102; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 306-8; SBR 239, 427 GOLDCREST north-west Highland birchwoods 24; Isle of May 43-49, 123, 364, 370-2, plate 6(a); Strath- braan 345-8, 351; SBR 270, 458 GOLDENEYE Isle of May 97, 373; SBR 224-5, 411-2 GOLDFINCH Isle of May 45, 127, 369, 372-3; Strathbraan 346; SBR 275, 462 —, BRITISH Isle of May 127 GOOSANDER Isle of May 98; rious 349, 353; SBR 227, GOOSE, BARNACLE Isle of May 99, 371; Caerlaverock 181-193, plates 14-16; feeding ecology 184- 7; albinos 184, 229, plate 14/15; SBR 229, 417 —, BEAN SBR 228, 416 —, BRENT Isle of May 99; Caer- laverock 184; SBR 229, 417 —, CANADA Isle of May 99, 373; leucistic 229, 417; x Greylag hy- brids 417; SBR 229-230, 417-8 SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 8 GOOSE, DARK-BREASTED BRENT Isle of May 99; SBR 417 —, EUROPEAN WHITE-FRONTED SBR 228, 416 —, GREENLAND WHITE-FRON- ae Caerlaverock 184; SBR 228, —, GREYLAG feral in south-west Scotland 91; Isle of May 98, 371; Caerlaverock 184; x Canada hy- brids 417; SBR 227, 415-6 —, LESSER SNOW Caerlaverock 184; SBR 229 SS WHITE-FRONTED SBR — PALE-BREASTED BRENT Caerlaverock 184; SBR 229, 417 —, PINK-FOOTED Isle of May 48, 98, 371; Spitsbergen 61; Caerlav- erock 182-4; leucistic 417; SBR 228, 416-7 — SNOW Caerlaverock 184; SBR 229, 417 —, WHITE-FRONTED Isle of May 98: Caerlaverock 184; SBR 228, 4 GOSHAWK SBR 231-2, 420 GREBE, BLACK-NECKED Loch Ryan 379-380; SBR 218-9, 405 —, GREAT CRESTED Isle of May 50, 94; SOC Inquiry 1973 151-9; breeding biology 152-4; Loch Ryan 379-380; SBR 218, 404 —, LITTLE Isle of May 94; Loch Ryan 379; SBR 219, 405 —, RED-NECKED Isle of May 47- 49, 94; Loch Ryan 379; SBR 218, 404 —, SLAVONIAN Isle of May 50, 94; Loch Ryan 379-380; SBR 218, 404-5 GREENFINCH Isle of May 43, 49, ae Strathbraan 346; SBR 274, 46 GREENSHANK Isle of May 46-47, 103, 369, 373; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 303, 308; SBR 241, 434 GROSBEAK, PINE Isle of May 129 —, Scarlet see Rosefinch Scarlet GROUSE, BLACK north-west High- land birchwoods 25; Strathbraan 349: SBR 234, 421-2 —, RED north-west Highland birch- woods 25; Strathbraan 349; SBR 234, 421 GUILLEMOT oiled 5; Isle of May 50, 107, 132-3, 142, 373-4, plate 12; Bear Island 54; Spitsbergen Vol. 8 54; albino 254; SBR 254, 443 GUILLEMOT, BLACK Isle of May 47, 107, 142; Spitsbergen 54-55; SBR 254, 443 —, BRUNNICH’S Bear Island 54; Spitsbergen 55 —, NORTHERN Isle of May 107 GULL, BLACK-HEADED Isle of May 51, 106; Strathbraan 349, 352-4; blue and yellow eggs 440; SBR 248, 440-1 —, BONAPARTE’S Sutherland 76- 77; SBR 247 —, BRITISH LESSER BLACK- BACKED Isle of May 105 —, COMMON breeding inland in Aberdeenshire 73-76, 281; Isle of May 106; Strathbraan 349; SBR 246-7, 439 —, GLAUCOUS Spitsbergen 54, 59, 62; Isle of May 106; SBR 247, 440, plate 29 —, GREAT BLACK - BACKED Isle of May 50, 104-5, 132, 138, 363, 373-5; Spitsbergen 62; SBR 246, 439 —, HERRING Isle of May 50-51, 105-6, 132-3, 139, 363, 373-5; breeding inland in Aberdeenshire 73-76, 281; breeding inland in Perthshire (erroneously Stirling- shire) 281; albinos 246, 439; SBR 246, 439 —, ICELAND Isle of May 106; SBR 247, 440, plate 30 —, IVORY SBR 246, plate 17(c) —, LAUGHING SBR 440 —, LESSER BLACK-BACKED Isle of May 50-51, 105, 132-3, 138-9, 363, 374-5; breeding inland in Aberdeenshire 73-76, 281; breed- ing inland in Perthshire (erron- eously Stirlingshire) 281; Strath- braan 349; SBR 246, 439 —, LITTLE Isle of May 106; SBR 247-8, plate 17(a), 440 —, SABINE’S SBR 248, plate 17 (a) and (b), 441 —, SCANDINAVIAN LESSER BLACK-BACKED Isle of May 105; SBR 246, 439 HARRIER, HEN Isle of May 48, 50, 99; SBR 232, 420, correction 467 —, MARSH SBR 232, 420 HAWFINCH Isle of May 127; SBR 274, 279, 462 Hawk, Sparrow see Sparrowhawk HERON north-west Highland birch- woods 25; Isle of May 44, 97; Strathbraan 349; SBR 221, 408 SCOTTISH BIRDS 477 HERON, NIGHT Isle of May 97 —, PURPLE SBR 221 HOBBY SBR 232-3, 421 HOOPOE Isle of May 44, 50, 109; SBR 257, 446 JACKDAW Isle of May 111, 369, 372-3; in Rook roosts 310-4; pina unpragy 349-350; SBR 259, JAY north-west Highland _ birch- woods 24; Strathbraan 346; SBR 259, 449 KESTREL Isle of May 48, 100, 370; Strathbraan 349; SBR 233-4, 421 KINGFISHER rearing three broods aan Isle of May 109; SBR 257, 5 KITE, RED SBR 420 KITTIWAKE oiled 5; Isle of May 50-51, 106, 132-4, 139-140, 374-5; breeding biology in Spitsbergen 55-57, 62; movements in Firth of Forth 77-78, 324-5, correction 343; SBR 248, 441 KNOT Isle of May 46-47, 103, 371; Spitsbergen 62; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 301-8; SBR 241- 2, 434-5 LAPWING Isle of May 100-1, 138; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 305-8; Strathbraan 349; Crom Mhin 358-361; SBR 236, 423-4 LARK, EASTERN SHORT-TOED SBR 257 —, SHORE Isle of May 45, 110; SBR 258, 447 —, SHORT-TOED SBR 257, 446 —, Sky see Skylark —, Wood see Woodlark LINNET Isle of May 43-44, 50-51, 128, 134, 147; Strathbraan 346; SBR 275, 463 MAGPIE SBR 259, 448 MALLARD Isle of May 49, 97, 135- 6, 373; Strathbraan 349-350; Crom Mhin 358-361; SBR 222, 408 Mandarin see Duck, Mandarin MARTIN, HOUSE Isle of May 43- 44, 47-49, 110, 369-372; decline in farmyard colonies 325-7; Strathbraan 349; x Swallow hy- brid 447; SBR 258, 447 —, SAND Isle of May 47, 110, 369- 372; Strathbraan 349-353; SBR 258-9, 447-8 MERGANSER, RED-BREASTED Isle of May 98, 373; SBR 226, 414 MERLIN Isle of May 48-49, 99, 371- 2; early nesting 194; SBR 233, 478 421 MOORHEN Isle of May 100, 137; Strathbraan 349; Crom Mhin 358- 361; SBR 235, 423 NIGHTINGALE Isle of May 116, 369, 373; eastern subspecies at Fair Isle 195; SBR 265, 454 —, THRUSH Isle of May 116; SBR 265, 454 NIGHTJAR Isle of May 109; SBR 256, 445 NUTHATCH SBR 449 ORIOLE, BALTIMORE SBR 462 —, GOLDEN Isle of May 110; SBR 259, 448, 467 Osnaey Isle of May 99; SBR 232, 420- OUZEL, RING north-west Highland birchwoods 24, 29; Isle of May 43-44, 114, 364, 369, 372; SBR 263, 452 OVENBIRD SBR 274, plate 20(b) OWL, BARN food 78-79; Isle of May 109; SBR 255, 444 —, DARK-BREASTED BARN Isle of May 109 —, LITTLE SBR 255, 444 —, LONG-EARED Isle of May 48, 109, 372; SBR 255-6, 445 —, SHORT-EARED Isle of May 44, 47-49 109, 369, 373; SBR 256, 445 —, SNOWY SBR 255, 444, plate 31 (a) and (b) —, TAWNY north-west Highland birchwoods 25; possible at Isle of May 109; early nesting 194; SBR 255, 444 —, WHITE-BREASTED BARN Isle of May 109; SBR 255 OYSTERCATCHER Isle of May 47- 51, 100, 132, 137-8, 370-5; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 301-6; Strathbraan 349, 352-4; Crom Mhin 358-361; SBR 235-6, 423 PARTRIDGE Strathbraan 349; SBR 234, 422 —, Chukar see Chukar —, RED-LEGGED xChukar hybrids 422; SBR 234, 422 PELICAN sp. Isle of May 96 —, WHITE SBR 221 PEREGRINE Isle of May 99, 137, 371; aggressive behaviour away from nest 381; SBR 233, 421 PETREL, LEACH’S Isle of May 96; breeding at Foula 321-3; SBR 220, 407 —, STORM Isle of May 96; SBR 220, 407 SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 8 PHALAROPE sp. SBR 245 —, GREY Spitsbergen 61-62; SBR 245, 279, 437 —, RED-NECKED Spitsbergen 62; SBR 245, 437-8, 467 —, WILSON’S SBR 245, 438 PHEASANT Strathbraan 349; SBR 234, 422, 467 —, GOLDEN SBR 234, 422 —, REEVES’S SBR 234, 422 —, SILVER SBR 422 PIGEON, FERAL Isle of May 108, 143-4, 373 —, Wood see Woodpigeon PINTAIL Isle of May 97, 373; SBR 223, 410 PIPIT, MEADOW north-west High- land birchwoods 25, 28; Isle of May 43-50, 124-5, 134, 146, 364, 371-4; Strathbraan 348, 350, 353; Crom Mhin 358-360; SBR 271 —, OLIVE-BACKED SBR 272, 459 —, RED-THROATED Isle of May 125; -SBR 272 —, RICHARD’S Isle of May 124; SBR 271, 459 —, ROCK Isle of Mav 51. 125, 134, 146, 374; SBR 272. 459 —, SCANDINAVIAN ROCK Isle of May 125; SBR 272 —, TAWNY Isle of May 124; SBR 271, 459 —, TREE north-west Highland birchwoods 25-28; Isle of May 44-45, 50, 125. 370; Strathbraan 346-353; SBR 271-2, 459 —, WATER SBR 272, 459 PLOVER, GOLDEN Isle of May 47- 49, 101, 364, 371-2; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 302-3, 306; Strathbraan 349; SBR 237, 425 —, GREY Isle of May 101; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 302-6; SBR 236-7, 424-5 —, KENTISH SBR 424 —, LITTLE RINGED SBR 424 —, NORTHERN GOLDEN Isle of May 101; SBR 237 —, RINGED Isle of May 48, 101; Spitsbergen 61; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 302-3; SBR 236, 424 —, SOUTHERN GOLDEN May 101 POCHARD, Isle of May 97, 373; SBR 224, 411 —, RED-CRESTED SBR 223, 410 PRATINCOLE, COLLARED SBR 245, 438 Isle of Vol. 8 PTARMIGAN Spitsbergen 61; SBR 234, 421 PUFFIN oil industry 5, plate 2; Isle of May 46, 50-52, 107, 132-3, 142- 3, 363, 370, 374-5; Spitsbergen 54-55; SBR 254, 443 pare Isle of May 100; SBR 234, —, BOB-WHITE SBR 422 RAIL, WATER Isle of May 100; aa Mhin 358-361; SBR 234, RAVEN north-west Highland birch- woods 24; Isle of May 110, 364, 373; SBR 259, 448 RAZORBILL oil industry 5, plate 3 (b); Isle of May 50, 107, 132-3, 141-2, plate 12, 373-4; albino 253; SBR 253, 442 —, BRITISH Isle of May 107 REDPOLL north-west Highland birchwoods 25-26; Isle of May 44-45, 48, 51, 128-9, 369, 371-2; Strathbraan 345-8, 352; SBR 276, 463 —, GREENLAND (=Greater) Isle of May 129; SBR 463 —, LESSER Isle of May 44-45, 128- 9; SBR 276 —, MEALY Isle of May 45, 129; SBR 276, 463 REDSHANK Isle of May 46-49, 103, 138, 370-3; rocky shores of eas- tern Scotland 301-6; Strathbraan 349; Crom Mhin 358-361; unusual nest of Redshank/Snipe 382-3, plates 24-27; SBR 240-1, 433 —, ICELAND probables SBR 241 —, SPOTTED Isle of May 103, 372; SBR 241, 433-4 REDSTART north-west Highland birchwoods 24-26; Isle of May 43-49, 115, 364, 369, 372; Strath- braan 346, 353; SBR 265, 453 —, BLACK Isle of May 43-51, 116, 364, 369; attempted nesting in Orkney 80-81; SBR 265, 453 REDWING north-west Highland birchwoods 24, 29; Isle of May 44, 47-49, 114, 364, 369-372; SBR 262, 451, 467 Reedling see Tit, Bearded —__ ROBIN north-west Highland birch- woods 24-26; Isle of May 43-44, 47-51, 116, 364, 369-372; Strath- braan 345-351; SBR 266, 454 —, BRITISH Isle of May 116 —, CONTINENTAL Isle of May 116 ROLLER SBR 257, 445 SCOTTISH BIRDS 479 ROOK Isle of May 111, 364; winter roost survey—central and north- ern Scotland 309-314, plate 22; Strathbraan 349; SBR 259, 448 ROSEFINCH, SCARLET Isle of May 129; SBR 276, 464 REE: Isle of May 104; SBR 244-5, SANDERLING Isle of May 46-47, 104; Spitsbergen 62; SBR 244, 436-7 SANDGROUSE, PALLAS’S Isle of May 108 SANDPIPER, BAIRD’S SBR 436 —, BROAD-BILLED SBR 437 —, BUFF-BREASTED SBR 244, 437 —, COMMON north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Isle of May 45- 47, 103; Strathbraan 349-353; SBR 240, 433 —, CURLEW Isle of May 104; SBR 243-4, 436 —, GREEN Isle of May 46, 102, 371; SBR 240, 428 —, PECTORAL Caithness 72-73; Shetland 73; SBR 243, 436 —, PURPLE Isle of May 45-46, 49- Hb 103,.13/70-5: .Spitsbergen’ 61; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 302-7, plate 23; SBR 242, 435 —, SEMI-PALMATED Isle of May 104 —, WHITE-RUMPED SBR 243 —, WOOD Isle of May 102-3; SBR 240, 428 See Isle of May 97; SBR 223-4, 410- SCOTER, COMMON Isle of May 98; SBR 226, 412-3 —, SURF SBR 412 —, VELVET Isle of May 98; SBR 226, 412 SHAG oil industry plate 3 (b); Isle of May 50-51, 96, 132-5, 374; al- binos 50, 220, 407; SBR 220-1, 407 SHEARWATER, CORY’S SBR 219, 5 40 —, GREAT Isle of May 96; SBR 219, 406 —, LITTLE SBR 406 —, MANX Isle of May 46-48, 96, 369-371; SBR 219, 406 —, SOOTY Isle of May 47-48, 96, 371-2; SBR 219, 406 SHELDUCK Isle of May 50, 98, 137; SBR 227, 415 SHOVELER Isle of May 97; Crom Mhin 358-361; SBR 223, 410 480 SHRIKE, GREAT GREY Isle of Me 48, 126, 364, 372; SBR 273, —, ISABELLINE Isle of May 127 —, LESSER GREY SBR 274, 461 —, RED-BACKED Isle of May 45, 48, 51, 127, 370-2; SBR 274, 461-2 —, WOODCHAT Isle of May 126; SBR 274, 461 SISKIN Isle of May 44, 48-9, 127-8, 364, 371; Strathbraan 346-8; SBR 275, 462 SKUA, ARCTIC Isle of May 44-50, 104, 370-3; Spitsbergen 62; SBR 245-6, 438-9 —, GREAT Isle of May 46-49, 104, 371-2; SBR 245, 438 —, LONG-TAILED Isle of May 104; central Grampians 383-5; SBR 246, 439 —, POMARINE Isle of May 104, 371; SBR 245, 438 SKYLARK Isle of May 48-49, 110, 373; Strathbraan 348-350. 353, se Mhin 358-362; SBR 257, =. SMEW Isle of May 98; SBR 227, 414-5 SNIPE Isle of May 49-51, 101-2, 372-3; Strathbraan 349; Crom Mhin 358-361; unusual nest of Redshank/Snipe 382-3, plates 24-27; SBR 238, 426 —, GREAT Shetland 31-32; SBR 238, 426 —, JACK Isle of May 48, 102, 372; SBR 238, 426 Sparrow, Hedge see Dunnock —, HOUSE Isle of May 131-2. 147- 8; Strathbraan 349-350; SBR 278- 9, 466, correction 467 —, TREE Isle of May 45, 50, 132, 148, 369, 372; SBR 278-9, 466 —, WHITE-THROATED SBR 278, plate 20(a) SPARROWHAWEK Isle of May 45, 99, 364, 375; SBR 231, 419-420 SPOONBILL Isle of May 97; SBR 221, 408 STARLING north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Spitsbergen 62; evening assembly at a winter roost 63-71; with deformed bill plate 7; Isle of May 127, 147, 372; Strathbraan 348-9; Crom Mbhin 359; SBR 274, 462 —, ROSE-COLOURED SBR 274, plate 19(a), 462 STINT, LITTLE Isle of May 48, 103; SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 8 as 242-3, 279, 435, correction ae TEMMINCK’S' SBR 243, STONECHAT north-west Highland birchwoods 24; Isle of May 47, 115, 364, 372-4; Strathbraan 346; SBR 264, 452-3 —, BRITISH Isle of May 115 —, SIBERIAN Isle of May 115; SBR 264, 453 STORK, BLACK SBR 408 SWALLOW Isle of May 43-50, 110, 134, 144, 364, 369-372; Strath- braan 349; x House Martin hy- brid 447; SBR 258, 447 SWAN, BEWICK’S Isle of May 99; SBR 230-1, 419 —, MUTE Isle of May 99, 371; SBR 230, 418 —, WHOOPER Isle of May, 99, 371- 2; SBR 230, 418-9 SWIFT Isle of May 44-46, 109, 371; Strathbraan 349; SBR 256, 445 —, ALPINE SBR 445 TANAGER, WESTERN possible Isle of May 45 TEAL Spitsbergen 61; Isle of May 97, 136, 373; Crom Mhin 358- 361; SBR 222, 408-9 —, BAIKAL SBR 222 —, BLUE-WINGED SBR 222 —, GREEN-WINGED SBR 222, 409 TERN, ARCTIC breeding biology in Spitsbergen 57-58; breeding in- land in Aberdeenshire 75-76, 281; Isle of May 107, 132, 141; SBR 253, 441-2 —, BLACK Isle of May 106; SBR 248, 441, plate 31(c) —, CASPIAN SBR 441 —, ‘COMIC’ (Common or Arctic) Isle of May 4448, 371-2; SBR 253, 441 —, COMMON Isle of May 47, 50, 106, 132, 141; Strathbraan 349; SBR 253, 441 —, LITTLE Isle of May 107; SBR 253, 442 —, ROSEATE Isle of May 47-48. 107, 132, 141; SBR 253, 442 —, SANDWICH Isle of May 43-48, 107. 132, 141, 371; SBR 253, 442 —, WHITE-WINGED BLACK Aber- deenshire 32; SBR 248 THRUSH, BLACK-THROATED SBR 451 —, BRITISH SONG Isle of May 114 —, CONTINENTAL SONG Isle of Vol. 8 SCOTTISH BIRDS 481 of May 44, 113, 372; Strathbraan 346; SBR 260-1, 450 —, SIBERIAN Isle of May 114 —, SONG north-west Highland birchwoods 24-26, 29; Isle of May 44, 48-51, 113-4, 134, 144, 369, 372-4; Strathbraan 345-7, 350, 353; SBR 261-2, 451 —, WHITE’S Fair Isle 33-34; SBR 263 TIT, BEARDED SBR 260 —, BLUE north-west Highland birchwoods 24-26; Isle of May 49, 112; Strathbraan 345-8, 351; SBR 259-260, 449 —, BRITISH BLUE Isle of May 112 —, BRITISH COAL Isle of May 112 —, BRITISH LONG-TAILED pro- bables Isle of May 112 —, COAL north-west Highland birchwoods 24-26; Isle of May 112; Strathbraan 346-8, 351; SBR 260, 449 —, CONTINENTAL COAL Isle of May 112 —, CONTINENTAL GREAT Isle of May 111-2 —, CRESTED SBR 260, 449 _.—, GREAT north-west Highland birchwoods 24-26; Isle of May te Strathbraan 346; SBR 259, —, LONG-TAILED north-west Highland birchwoods 24; Isle of May 49, 112; Strathbraan 345-7; SBR 260, 449 —, MARSH SBR 260, 449 —, WILLOW SBR 260, 449 TREECREEPER north-west High- land birchwoods 24, 28; Isle of May 46, 112; Strathbraan 346; SBR 260, 450 —, BRITISH Isle of May 112 —, NORTHERN Isle of May 112; SBR 260 TURNSTONE Isle of May 45-51, 101, 370-3; Spitsbergen 61; rocky shores of eastern Scotland 302-7, plate 23; SBR 237, 425-6 TWITE Isle of May 49, 128, 372- 3; SBR 275, 463 Tystie see Guillemot, Black WAGTAIL, BLACK-HEADED SBR 460 —, BLUE-HEADED Isle of May 126; SBR 273, 460 WAGTAIL, CITRINE Isle of May 126; SBR 272, 460 —, GREY Isle of May 46-47, 126, 371; Strathbraan 348, 353; SBR 272, 460 —, GREY-HEADED Isle of May 126; SBR 273, 460, 467 —, PIED north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Isle of May 126, 134, 146-7; Strathbraan 348-353; Crom Mhin 358-360 SBR 272, 459 —, WHITE Isle of May 44, 126; SBR 272, 459-460 —, YELLOW (all races; references to Motacilla flava flavissima in Index of Scientific Names) Isle of May 45-47, 126, 371; SBR 272-3, 460, 467 WARBLER, AQUATIC Isle of May 117; SBR 455 —, ARCTIC Isle of May 123; SBR 269, 458, 467 —, BARRED Isle of May 46, 117, 370-1; SBR 267, 455 —, DUSKY SBR 458 —, GARDEN Isle of May 43, 46- 49, 117, 369-374; Strathbraan 346; SBR 267-8, 455-6 —, GRASSHOPPER Isle of May 44 46, 51, 116, 369; SBR 266, 454 —, GREENISH Isle of May 118, 363, 371-3; SBR 269, 457 —, ICTERINE Isle of May 46, 117, 363, 370-1; SBR 267, 455 —, LANCEOLATED Fair Isle 34- 35; SBR 266 —, MARSH Isle of May 117; SBR ay Gee e SBR 266 (under eed) —, MELODIOUS Isle of May 117; SBR 267; Melodious/Icterine SBR 455 (under Icterine) —, NORTHERN WILLOW Isle of May 118 —, OLIVACEOUS Isle of May 117 —, RADDE’S Isle of May 123 —, REED Isle of May 45, 116; SBR 266, 454 —, SEDGE Isle of May 44 47, 117, 369-370; Strathbraan 346; Crom Mhin 358-360; SBR 266-7, 454 —, SUBALPINE Isle of May 118; SBR 457 —, WILLOW north-west Highland birchwoods 24-29; Isle of May 44-51, 118, 145, 364, 369-372; Strathbraan 345-8, 352; SBR 268- 9, 457 482 WARBLER, WOOD north-west Highland birchwoods 24, 28-29; Isle of May 123; Strathbraan 346- 353; SBR 269, 457 —, YELLOW-BROWED Isle of May wae 123, 372-3; SBR 269-270, WAXWING Isle of May 126; SBR 273, 460-1 WHEATEAR north-west Highland birchwoods 24; Isle of May 43-49, 114-5, 134, 145, 364, 369-372; Strathbraan 348, 353; SBR 263- 4, 452 —, BLACK-EARED Isle of May 115 —, NORTHERN (=Greenland) Isle of May 115; SBR 263-4, 452 —, PIED Isle of May 115 —, WESTERN BLACK-EARED Isle of May 115 WHIMBREL Isle of May 44-49, 102, 369-372; SBR 238-9, 427 —, HUDSONIAN SBR 427 WHINCHAT north-west Highland birchwoods 24; Isle of May 43- 50, 115, 369-372; Strathbraan 346, 353; SBR 264-5, 453 WHITETHROAT Isle of May 44-49, 118, 369-372; Strathbraan 346-8, 351-3; SBR 268, 456 —, LESSER Isle of May 44-49, 118, 369, 372; SBR 268, 456-7 —, SIBERIAN LESSER probables Isle of May 118 WIGEON Isle of May 97; Crom SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 8 ve: 358-361; SBR 222-3, 409- WIGEON, AMERICAN SBR 223, 410 WOODCOCK north-west Highland birchwoods 25; Isle of May 49, 102, 364, 371-2; Strathbraan 349; Bee young 426; SBR 238, WOODLAS Isle of May 110; SBR WOODPECKER, GREAT SPOTTED Isle of May 109; Strathbraan 346, 353; SBR 257, 446 —, GREEN Strathbraan 346, 353; SBR 257, 446 —, NORTHERN GREAT SPOTTED Isle of May 109; SBR 446 WOODPIGEON north-west High- land birchwoods 25; Isle of May 108, 363, 374; Strathbraan 349, 352-4; SBR 254, 443 WREN north-west Highland birch- woods 24-26 Isle of May 47-49, 112-3, 134, 144; Strathbraan 345- 8, 351; SBR 260, 450 ta ges possibles SBR WRYNECK Isle of May 44, 48, 109, 364, 370-1, 374; SBR 257, 279, 446 YELLOWHAMMER Isle of May 130; Strathbraan 346-8, 351-3; SBR 277, 465 —, BRITISH Isle of May 130 YELLOWLEGS, LESSER SBR 434 Index of Scientific Names of Birds Nomenclature at species level is usually taken from A Species List of British and Irish Birds (BTO Guide 13, 1971) and trinomials follow The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland (BOU, 1971). Page references are given to the few subspecies without distinctive English names. Acanthis cannabina see Linnet — flammea see Redpoll — — cabaret see Redpoll, Lesser — — flammea see Redpoll, Mealy — — rostrata see Redpoll, Greenland — flavirostris see Twite Accipiter gentilis see Goshawk —— nisus see Sparrowhawk Acrocephdlus paludicola see Aquatic — palustris see Warbler, Marsh — schoenobaenus see Warbler, Sedge — scirpaceus see Warbler, Reed Aegithalos caudatus see Tit, Long-tailed — — rosaceus see Tit, British lLong- Warbler, tailed Aix galericulata see Duck, Mandarin Alauda arvensis see Skylark Alca torda see Razorbill — — islandica see Razorbill, British Alcedo atthis see Kingfisher Alectoris chukar see Chukar — rufa see Partridge, Red-legged Anas acuta see Pintail — americana see Wigeon, American — clypeata see Shoveler — crecca see Teal — — carolinensis see Teal, Green-wing- ed — discors see Teal, Blue-winged Vol. 8 Anas formosa see Teal, Baikal — penelope see Wigeon — platyrhynchos see Mallard — querquedula see Garganey — strepera see Gadwall Anser albifrons see Goose, White fron- ted — — albifrons see Goose, European White-fronted — — flavirostris see Goose, Greenland White-fronted — anser see Goose, Greylag — brachyrhynchus see Goose, Pink- footed — caerulescens see Goose, Snow — — caerulescens see Goose, Snow — erythropus see Goose, Lesser White- fronted — fabalis see Goose, Bean Anthropoides virgo see Crane, Demoiselle Anthus campestris see Pipit, Tawny — cervinus see Pipit, Red-throated — hodgsoni see Pipit, Olive-backed — novaeseelandiae see Pipit, Richard’s — pratensis see Pipit, Meadow — spinoletta see Pipit, Rock — — littoralis see Pipit, Scandinavian Rock — — petrosus (Rock Pipit) Isle of May 125 — — spinoletia see Pipit, Water — trivialis see Pipit, Tree Apus apus see Swift — melba see Swift, Alpine Aquila chrysaetos see Eagle, Golden — clanga see Eagle, Spotted — pomarina see Hagle, Lesser Spotted Ardea cinerea see Heron —- purpurea see Heron, Purple Arenaria interpres see Turnstone Asio flammeus see Owl, Short-eared — otus see Owl, Long-eared Athene noctua see Owl, Little Aythya ferina see Pochard — fuligula see Duck, Tufted — marila see Scaup — nyroca see Duck, Ferruginous Bombycilla garrulus see Waxwing Botaurus stellaris see Bittern Branta bernicla see Goose, Brent — — bernicila see Goose, Dark-breasted Brent — — hrota see Brent — canadensis see Goose, Canada — leucopsis see Goose, Barnacle Bucephala clangula see Goldeneye Burhinus oedicnemus see Curlew, Stone Lesser Goose, Pale-breasted SCOTTISH BIRDS 483 Buteo buteo see Buzzard — lagopus see Buzzard, Rough-legged Calandrella cinerea see Lark, Short-toed — — artemisiana/longipennis see Lark, Eastern Short-toed Calcarius lapponicus see Bunting, land Calidris alba see Sanderling — alpina see Dunlin — bairdii see Sandpiper, Baird’s — canutus see Knot —- ferruginea see Sandpiper, Curlew — fuscicollis see Sandpiper, White-rum- ped — maritima see Sandpiper, Purple — melanotos see Sandpiper, Pectoral — minuta see Stint, Little — pusillus see Sandpiper, Semi-palmated — temminckii see Stint, Temminck’s Calonectris diomedea see Shearwater, Cory’s Caprimulgus europaeus see Nightjar Carduelis carduelis see Goldfinch — — Dbritannica see Goldfinch, British — chloris see Greenfinch —— spinus see Siskin Cepphus grylle see Guillemot, Black Certhia familiaris see Treecreeper — — britannicus see Treecreeper, Brit- Lap- ish — — familiaris see Treecreeper, North- ern Charadrius alexandrinus see Plover, Kentish — dubius see Plover, Little Ringed — hiaticula see Plover, Ringed Chlidonias leucopterus see Tern, White- winged Black — niger, see Tern, Black Chrysolophus pictus see Pheasant, Gol- den Ciconia nigra see Stork, Black Cinclus cinclus see Dipper — — gularis see Dipper, British Circus aeruginosis see Harrier, Marsh — cyaneus see Harrier, Hen Clangula hyemalis see Duck, Long-tailed Coccothraustes coccothraustes see Haw: finch Colinus virginianus see Quail, Bob-white Columba livia see Dove, Rock, and Pig- eon, Feral — oenas see Dove, Stock — palumbus see Woodpigeon Coracias garrulus see Roller Corvus coraz see Raven — corone see Crow (Carrion Hooded) — — cornix see Crow, Hooded and/or 484 Corvus corone corone see Crow, Carrion — jrugilegus see Rook — monedula see Jackdaw Coturniz coturniz see Quail Crezx crex see Corncrake Cuculus canorugs see Cuckoo Cygnus bewickii see Swan, Bewick’s — cygnus see Swan, Whooper — olor see Swan, Mute Delichon urbica see Martin, House Dendrocopus major see Woodpecker Great Spotted — — major see Woodpecker, Northern Great Spotted Diomedea melanophris see Albatross, Black-browed Egretta garzetta see Egret, Little Emberiza aureola see Bunting, Yellow- breasted — bruniceps see Bunting, Red-headed — calandra see Bunting, Corn — cirlus see Bunting, Cirl — citrinella see Yellowhammer — — caliginosa see Yellowhammer, Brit- ish — hortulana see Bunting, Ortolan —- melanocephala see Bunting, headed — pusilla see Bunting, Little — rustica see Bunting, Rustic — rutila see Bunting, Chestnut — schoeniclus see Bunting, Reed Eremophila alpestris see Lark, Shore Erithacus rubecula see Robin — — melophilus see Robin, British — — rubecula see Robin, Continental Eudromias morinellus see Dotterel Falco biarmicus see Falcon, Lanner — cherrug see Falcon, Saker — columbarius see Merlin — peregrinus see Peregrine — rusticolus see Falcon, Gyr — subbuteo see Hobby — tinnunculus see Kestrel —- vespertinus see Falcon, Red-footed Ficedula hypoleucos see Flycatcher, Pied — parva see Flycatcher, Red-breasted Fratercula arctica see Puffin Fringilla coelebs see Chaffinch — — coelebs see Chaffinch, Continental — — gengleri see Chaffinch, British — montifringilla see Brambling Fulica atra see Coot Fulmarus glacialis see Fulmar Gallinago gaillinago see Snipe — media see Snipe, Great Gallinula chloropus see Moorhen Garrulus glandarius see Jay Gavia adamsii see Diver, White-billed Black- SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 8 Gavia arctica see Diver, Black-throated —- immer see Diver, Great Northern — stellata see Diver, Red-throated Glareola pratincola see Pratincole, Col- lared Grus grus see Crane Haematopus ostralegus see Oystercatcher Haliaeetus albicilla see Eagle, White- tailed Hippolais icterina see Warbler, Icterine — pallida see Warbler, Olivaceous — — elaeica (Olivaceous Warbler) Isle of May 117 — polyglotta see Warbler, Melodious Hirundo rustica see Swallow Hydrobates pelagicus see Petrel, Storm Hydroprogne caspia see Tern, Caspian Icterus galbula see Oriole, Baltimore Izobrychus minutus see Bittern, Little Jynz torquilla see Wryneck Lagopus lagopus see Grouse, Red — mutus see Ptarmigan Lanius collurio see Shrike, Red-backed — — ‘isabellinus’ see Shrike Isabelline —— excubitor see Shrike, Great Grey — minor see Shrike, Lesser Grey — senator see Shrike, Woodchat Larus argentatus see Gull, Herring — atricilla see Gull, Laughing — canus see Gull, Common —fuscus see Gull, Lesser Black-backed — — fuscus see Gull, Scandinavian Les- ser Black-backed — — grdaelisii see Gull, British Lesser Black-backed — glaucoides see Gull, Iceland — hyperboreus see Gull, Glaucous —— marinus see Gull, Great Black-backed — minutus see Gull, Little — philadelphia see Gull, Bonaparte’s — ridibundus see Gull, Black-headed — sabini see Gull, Sabine’s Limicola falcinellus see Broad-billed Limnodromus sp. see Dowitcher sp. Limosa lapponica see Godwit, Bar-tailed — limosa see Godwit, Black-tailed Locustella lanceolata see Warbler, ceolated — naevia see Warbler, Grasshopper Lophura nycithemera see Pheasant, Silver Lozia curvirostra see Crossbill — — curvirostra see Crossbill, Contin- ental — — scotica see Crossbill, Scottish — leucoptera see Crossbill, Two-barred — pytyopsittacus see Crossbill, Parrot Lullula arborea see Woodlark Luscinia luscinia see Nightingale, Thrush Sandpiper, Lan- Vol. 8 Luscinia megarhynchos see Nightingale — — hafizi (Nightingale) Fair Isle 195 — svecica see Bluethroat — — cyanecula see Bluethroat, White- spotted — — svecica see Bluethroat, Red-spotted Lymnocryptes minimus see Snipe, Jack Lyrurus tetrix see Grouse, Black Melanitta fusca see Scoter, Velvet — nigra see Scoter, Common — perspicillata see Scoter, Surf Mergus albellus see Smew — merganser see Goosander — serrator see Merganser, Red-breasted Milvus milvus see Kite, Red Motacilla alba see Wagtail, Pied, and —, White — — alba see Wagtail, White — — yarrellii see Wagtail, Pied — cinerea see Wagtail, Grey — citreola see Wagtail, Citrine — flava see Wagtail, Yellow — — feldegg see Wagtail, Black-headed — — flava see Wagtail, Blue-headed — — flavissima (Yellow Wastail) Isle of May 126, 371; SBR 272-3, 460 — — thunbergi see Wagtail, Grey-head- ed Muscicapa striata see Flycatcher, Spotted Netta rufina see Pochard, Red-crested Numenius arquata see Curlew — phaeopus see Whimbrel — — hudsonicus see Whimbrel, sonian Nyctea scandiaca see Owl, Snowy Nycticorax nycticorax see Heron, Night Oceanodroma tleucorrhoa see _ Petrel, Leach’s Oenanthe hispanica see Wheatear, Black- eared — — hispanica see Wheatear, Western Black-eared — oenanthe see Wheatear — — leucorrhoa see Wheatear, Norahern — — oenanthe (Wheatear) Isle of May 114-5 — pleschanka see Wheatear, Pied — — pleschanka (Pied Wheatear) Isle of May 115 Oriolus oriolus see Oriole, Golden Ozyura jamaicensis see Duck, Ruddy Pagophila eburnea see Gull, Ivory Pandion haliaetus see Osprey Panurus biarmicus see Tit, Bearded Parus ater see Tit, Coal — — ater, see Tit, Continental Coal — — britannicus see Tit, British Coal — caeruleus see Tit, Blue — — obscurus see Tit, British Blue Hud- SCOTTISH BIRDS 485 Parus cristatus see Tit Crested — major see Tit, Great — — major see Tit, Continental Great — montanus see Tit, Willow -— palustris see Tit, Marsh Passer domesticus see Sparrow, House — montanus see Sparrow, Tree Passerina amoena see Bunting, Lazuli — versicolor see Bunting, Varied Pelecanus sp. see Pelican sp. — onocrotalus see Pelican, White Perdix perdix see Partridge Pernis apivorus see Buzzard, Honey Phalacrocoraz aristotelis see Shag — carbo see Cormorant Phalaropus sp. see Phalarope sp. — fulicarius see Phalarope, Grey — lobatus see Phalarope, Red-necked — tricolor see Phalarope, Wilson’s Phasianus colchicus see Pheasant Philomachus pugnazx see Ruff Phoenicopterus spp. see Flamingo spp. — chilensis see Flamingo, Chilean — ruber see Flamingo, Greater Phoenicurus ochruros see Redstart, Black — phoenicurus see Redstart Phylloscopus borealis see Warbler, Arctic — — talovka (Arctic Warbler) probable Isle of May 123 — collybita see Chiffchaff — — abietinus see Chiffchaff, Scandin- avian — — collybita (Chiffchaff) Isle of May 118 — — fulvescens (Siberian possibles Isle of May 118 — — ftristis (Siberian Chiffchaff) pos- sibles Isle of May 118 — fuscatus see Warbler, Dusky — inornatus see Warbler, Yellow-brow- ed — schwarzi see Warbler, Radde’s — sibilatrix see Warbler, Wood — trochiloides see Warbler, Greenish — — viridanus (Greenish Warbler) Isle of May 118 — trochilus see Warbler, Willow Chiffchaff) — — acredula see Warbler, Northern Willow — — trochilus (Willow Warbler) Isle of May 118 Pica pica see Magpie Picus viridis see Woodpecker, Green Pinicola enucleater see Grosbeak, Pine Piranga. ludoviciana see Tanager, Wes- tern Platalea leucorodia see Spoonbill Plautus alle see Auk, Little Plectrophenaz nivalis see Bunting, Snow 486 Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Snow Bun- ting) Isle of May 1351 Pluvialis apricaria see Plover, Golden — — altifrons see Plover, Northern Golden — — apricaria see Plover, Southern Golden — squatarola see Plover, Grey Podiceps auritus see Grebe, Slavonian — cristatus see Grebe, Great Crested — griseigena see Grebe, Red-necked — nigricollis see Grebe, Black-necked Polysticta stelleri see Hider, Steller’s Porzana porzana see Crake, Spotted Prunella modularis see Dunnock — — modularis see Dunnock, Continen- tal — — occidentalis see Dunnock, British Puffinus assimiligs see Shearwater, Little — gravis see Shearwater, Great — griseus see Shearwater, Sooty — puffinus see Shearwater, Manx Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax see Chough Pyrrhula pyrrhula see Bullfinch — — pileata see Bullfinch, British — — pyrrhula see Bullfinch, Northern Rallus aquaticus see Rail, Water Recurvirostra avosetta see Avocet Regulus ignicapillus see Firecrest — regulus see Goldcrest Rhodopechys githaginea see Finch Trum- peter Riparia riparia see Martin, Sand Rissa tridactyla see Kittiwake Sazicola rubetra see Whinchat — torquata see Stonechat — — hibernans see Stonechat, British — — maura see Stonechat, Siberian Scolopax rusticola see Woodcock Seiurus aurocapillus see Ovenbird Sitta europaea see Nuthatch Somateria mollissima see Hider — spectabilis see Hider, King Stercorarius longicaudus see Skua, Long- tailed — parasiticus see Skua, Arctic —- pomarinus see Skua, Pomarine — skua see Skua, Great Sterna albifrons see Tern, Little — dougallii see Tern, Roseate — hirundo see Tern, Common — paradisaea see Tern, Arctic — sandvicensis see Tern, Sandwich Streptopelia decaocto see Dove, Collared — orientalis see Dove, Rufous Turtle — turtur see Dove, Turtle SCOTTISH BIRDS Vol. 8 Strix aluco see Owl, Tawny Sturnus vulgaris see Starling — roseus see Starling, Rose-coloured Sula bassana see Gannet Sylvia atricapilla see Blackcap — borin see Warbler, Garden — cantillans see Warbler, Subalpine — communis see Whitethroat —- curruca see Whitethroat, Lesser — — blythi see Whitethroat, Siberian Lesser — — curruca (Lesser Whitethroat) Isle of May 118 — nisoria see Warbler, Barred Syrmaticus reevesii see Pheasant, Reeves’s Syrrhaptes paradoxus see Sandgrouse, Pallas’s Tachybaptus ruficollis see Grebe, Little Tadorna tadorna see Shelduck Tetrao urogallus see Capercaillie Tringa erythropus see Redshank, Spotted — flavipes see Yellowlegs, Lesser — glareola see Sandpiper, Wood —- hypoleucos see Sandpiper, Common — nebularia see Greenshank — ochropus see Sandpiper, Green — totanus see Redshank —- — robusta see Redshank, Iceland Troglodytes troglodytes see Wren — — troglodytes see Wren, Continental Tryngites subruficollis see Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Turdus iliacus see Redwing — merula see Blackbird — philomelos see Thrush, Song — — philomelos see Thrush, Continen- tal Song — — clarkei see Thrush, British Song — pilaris see Fieldfare — ruficollis atrogularis see Black-throated — sibiricus see Thrush, Siberian — torquatus see Ouzel, Ring — viscivorus see Thrush, Mistle Tyto alba see Owl, Barn — — alba see Owl, White-breasted Barn — — guttata see Owl, Dark-breasted Barn Upupa epops see Hoopoe Uria aalge see Guillemot — — aalge see Guillemot, Northern — lomvia see Guillemot, Brunnich’s Vanellus vanellus see Lapwing Zoothera dauma see Thrush, White’s Thrush, Please complete the Binding Form overleat RECEIPT FOR SCOTTISH BIRDS BINDING From P.G. CHAPMAN & CO. Ltp., Kent House Lane, Becken- ham, Kent, BR3 1LD. We acknowledge with thanks receipt of your ee of issues of SCOTTISH BIRDS for binding, and your remittance of £ CO) COO ORCHCs TF ON aC eR ee BOOKS - Handle with Care lf undelivered please return to P. G. Chapman & Co., Ltd., Kent House Lane, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1LD To P. G. CHAPMAN & CO. LTD., Kent House Lane, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1LD | enclose cheque/P:0) 2. for binding in (1 Quarter Leather [| Buckram Please tick your choice in space above. Binding rates are: Buckram £3.40 post paid; Quarter Leather £4.00 post paid. —— = —- => —=-_ = — —o i Please fill in your name and address in both spaces on this page. Failure to do so may cause delay. The lower half of this sheet will be sent back to you as a receipt; the upper half is the label for the return of your bound volume. BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE © SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY W. J. EGGELING Volume 8 | SUMMER 1974 (Supplement) S.0.C. BIRD BOOKSHOP 21 REGENT TERRACE EDINBURGH EH7 5BT Tel. (031) 556 6042 A selection from our comprehensive stock Scarce Migrant Birds of Britain and Ireland Sharrock Migrations of Birds Dorst : Bird Navigation, 2nd edn Matthews Palearctic-African Bird Migration Systems Moreau Natural History of Cape Clear Island Sharrock and Gillmor Flight Identification of European Raptors Porter, Christensen et all. Guide to Birdwatching in Europe Ferguson-Lees et al. Seabirds of Britain and Ireland Cramp et al. Cairngorms Nethersole-Thompson and Watson Coastline of Scotland Steers New Dictionary of Birds Thomson Scottish Bird Reports Fair Isle Bird Reports WRITE FOR OUR CURRENT BOOKLIST All books sent POST FREE SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHLOGISTS’ CLUB Vol. 8 Special Supplement Summer 1974 The birds of the Isle of May—a revised assessment of status W. J. EGGELING Introduction The Isle of May Bird Observatory, established in 1934, had been operating for only four years when, under the threat of approaching war, it was forced to close. The Observatory was re-opened in 1946, migration data steadily accumulated, and in 1960 an attempt was made in my book The Isle of May (pub- lished by Oliver & Boyd, but now out of print) to summarise all the bird records for the island from the first early references and later visits and through the Observatory period up to the end of 1959. Since the publication of that handbook many more records have accumulated, additional species have been identified, others have bred for the first time, and there have been some remarkable changes in the populations of the breeding sea- birds, notably of the gulls, Puffins and Shags. In 1972, because of the vast and continuing expansion of the Herring Gull col- ony, the Nature Conservancy began a massive gull-reduction campaign directed at arresting and if possible reversing the widespread destruction of the plant cover of the island and the consequent loss of soil caused by the large numbers of breed- ing and roosting gulls present throughout the year. In order to monitor the results of this policy, a base-line against which to measure change is essential, and it is partly to provide this and partly to make available to observers a new and up-to-date assessment of the bird life of the island that the following accounts of status have been prepared. They summarise all observations and counts to the end of 1973. In those last 14 years, 13 species and three subspecies have been added to the island’s bird list. Excluding records not fully authenticated, records that may have involved escapes from captivity and records of birds previously treated as dis- tinct species but now considered to be subspecies, we find that 94 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) altogether 234 species had been recorded from the island by 3lst December 1973. Undoubtedly, still more will be recorded in the years ahead, for several that might reasonably be expec- ted to occur have yet to be noted. A total of 250 species by the year 2000 is by no means improbable. The scientific and common names of species and the sequence followed are those given in A Species List of British and Irish Birds, published by the BTO in 1971. Scientific names of sub- species are those given in The Status of Birds of Britain and Ireland prepared by the Records Committee of the BOU and published by Blackwood in 1971. I am grateful to the Trustees of the late Dr E. V. Baxter’s Trust for the grant which has made possible the publication of this Supplement. Species list *Species not recorded before 1960 are indicated with an asterisk. BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica. Surprisingly, only four records (three between 29th September and Ist October, one mid April) although the species is normally present in the Forth from September to early May. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer. Seven records only; three in September, one each in October, November, Decem- ber and February. RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata. Present in the surrounding sea from August to early May. Most frequently observed in September (25 records) and in October and April (six times each). Highest number in a day, six, in September. GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus. Remarkably, only three records; one 21st March, one 8th April and one 19th September. RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps griseigena. Noted occasionally be- tween early September and the end of October; also thrice between mid March and 5th April. SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus. Six occurrences; four in October, one each March and April. Oddly, though it winters in the Forth, the Black-necked Grebe (P. nigricollis) has never been recorded from the May. LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis. Recorded several times in September and October, once in November and once in March. [BLACK-BROWED ALBATKUSS Diomedea melanophrys. The alba- tross that frequented the Bass Rock throughout the sum- mers of 1967 and 1968 was never observed from the May by a recognised ornithologist. What was almost certainly this 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 95 SCALE OF MILES ; a MARS ROEKS on SCALE OF KILOMETRES ee eee ee Oe ee eS } NORTH 2 =) NESS Z NORTH HORN aa) b SSS, RON A ary x x i t A a a a 1 \ WEST TARBET a EAST TARBET ‘BRIDGE AY iow sia” . AUTARSTANE ‘s TARBET HOLE HORSE. ~>, Burnert’s HOLE arte Ss Nos CLETT & “S60 x ~ >= , L. LOWLIGHT) L ~. Rue ‘ Sf WEST HEAD(suippED Disc * Srawoned oP » PUDDLE & ane j7 WHE SLAB NORTH S Joa THE BELO” Melee AWE SLOT \ ce rota 2, ho Roe array . PLATEAU ey. ! Tee Poe, 3x. \MSLEOD'S 3 «PATH 4 ‘ ‘Sa x Aye. ra THE BISHOP ~Sagnele BISHOP'S COVE “Yo s TOP Ss TRA \ ‘ EAST 1 4 She, \s BRAES h “Gy “is % ’ e \& QR o ft Ses ° S ’ % | NW, 1 ’ S Ks) 1 MILL DOOR B) wot Ye tacnies | Gs © MOARDEN) | RINGHS ere press Cove| CRAVE 3 Way. / o, YARD / o, El ies ST.JONN'S ) KETTLE NESS ‘ MUN Son, WELL » £2 HIGH @ Low Ul = 1) TRA weerrss, SOUTH = ty KIRK HAVEN S PLATEAU THE PILLOW oreo Sais > ST. ADRIAN CHAPEL CORNERSTONE COVE Nn TRO) cite 9 ~ x ~\N THE CHAIR ae EGY iy TENN LOW LEOGE Soh BE COURTS ARDCARRAN LADY'SSs .*~ . 7, =e \) 0, THE ANGEL 79. come cross THE PILGRIM «= HAVEN PARK SOUTH so Lacys * HORN BED Je wit THE CLEAVER anos Ky MAIDEN Fa ROCKS e MAIDEN HAIR, 96 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) bird was however seen offshore by several of the light-keep- ers, including Messrs Dundas and Swankie, in June 1968.] FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis. First recorded in May 1914; now common and (since 1930) a regular breeder. As a rule, not many are observed between mid September and late March or April; the counts of 42 on 5th November 1972 and 200 on 28th December 1972 are exceptional. Dark-phase (or “‘blue’’) Fulmars have been recorded occasionally. MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus. Occurs fairly regularly at sea, mostly in small numbers, between April and early November, but especially in May and (more notably) Sep- tember; least often recorded in June and July. Over 500 were seen on 25th September 1959, and over 100 have been counted on several other occasions in autumn. GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus gravis. Recorded twice; single birds on lst September 1953 and 3rd October 1935. Sooty SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus. Only six occurrences be- fore 1959 (four 1910-13, one 1921, one 1931) but observed on numerous occasions in 11 of the 15 years from 1959 to 1973. All the records relate to the period August-October, the majority being in September (notably the Septembers of 1959 and 1971). Usually only single birds or small numbers are seen, but more than 500 were counted on 25th September 1959. STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus. There are a few old rec- ords of birds at the lantern in October and November; also five widely spaced appearances in April 1962, May 1922, June 1916 and (twice) July 1971. LEACH’S PETREL Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. Has occurred once in August (in 1881) and once in October (in 1908). GANNET Sula bassana. Seen at sea throughout the year. Bred for a time in the first half of the 19th century. CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo. Single birds or small num- bers occur at all seasons, least frequently in summer. The roost on the West Cliffs has held over 100 birds in Septem- ber; dates of occupation and numbers are wanted. A few pairs of Cormorants may have bred in the 1820’s and 1830’s. SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Scarce at the beginning of the century, now common throughout the year and continuing to breed in ever increasing numbers—six pairs in 1934, over 300 in 1957, and over 1100 pairs in 1973. [PELICAN Pelecanus sp. A bird recorded on 8th August 1960 is thought to have been the immature “Crested Pelican from Africa” that escaped from Bellevue Zoo, Manchester, on 27th June 1960 (Scot. Birds 3: 390-391).] 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 97 Grey HERON Ardea cinerea. Occurs infrequently and irregular- ly in small numbers at all seasons (most in a day, nine); there is sometimes a slight passage in August-September, perhaps of Continental birds. In some years none is recorded. [NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax. Recorded once—on 14th May 1960. The possibility that this bird was a wanderer from the free-living colony in the Edinburgh Zoo cannot be ex- cluded, although the weather conditions and the fact that three other Night Herons turned up in Great Britain in the spring of that year suggest that the bird may have been gen- uinely wild.] *SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia. One record only—a single bird on 16th September 1964. MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos. Single birds, pairs or small par- ties may be seen at all seasons, though only rarely in June and July. Occurrences tend to be most frequent in March and early April and again (and more noticeably) from August into October or later. Twenty-four were counted on 29th December 1972. Two pairs nested in 1968. TEAL Anas crecca. Regular in small numbers (maximum nine) from the latter part of August through winter to the end of May. Recorded once in early April and once in June. A pair nested unsuccessfully in 1960. GARGANEY Anas querquedula. One record only—a single bird in August 1953. WIGEON Anas penelope. Not infrequent in small numbers Sep- tember-May. Easily the highest count is of a pack of over 80 on 18th September 1957. PINTAIL Anas acuta. Four occurrences of single birds between February and May; also two (of two birds each time) in Sep- tember and October. Not recorded since 1954. SHOVELER Anas clypeata. Three occurrences in May, three in September. Thrice single birds; thrice pairs. Scaup Aythya marila. Surprisingly, only 12 records, all since 1934, all between September and May. Most at a time, 12. TUFTED Duck Aythya fuligula. Has occurred only six times— one bird in July, ten in September, and a single female in November. POCHARD Aythya ferina. Single birds recorded on seven occa- sions, twice in spring (April), five times in autumn (August- September). GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula. About 20 occurrences Septem- ber-April; mostly single birds, once three. LONG-TAILED Duck Clangula hyemalis. Seen fairly often between early October (exceptionally September) and the end of April (exceptionally May). 98 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca. Occasional from late August until mid March; once in May. Most at a time, ten. COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra. Not infrequent, mainly in small numbers August-April (occasionally into May); recor- ded once in July. Most in a day, 35. EIDER Somateria mollissima. Present throughout the year; par- ticularly numerous just before and during the first half of the laying season, i.e. in April and May. Towards the end of May, when many of the ducks are still incubating, the first of the drakes begin to leave the island to moult, probably off the East Lothian coast. By the end of June (and throughout July and August) no adult drakes, or very few, are present. A few moulted drakes return in September and October, but at the end of October there are seldom more than 50 Eiders of both sexes around the island, and numbers do not rise substantially until the following March. Now- adays there are probably between 70 and 100 nests in most years. KING EIDER Somateria spectabilis. The only record is of a drake and four or five others in October 1884. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator. Recorded occa- sionally July-November (mainly September-October); also once in April and thrice in May. Most in a day, four. Probably occurs also in winter. GOOSANDER Mergus merganser. Two records only, both in Oc- tober (1929 and 1934). SMEW Mergus albellus. Two records, both of males—on 30th September 1926 and 3lst March 1935. SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna. In years when Shelducks are nest- ing or prospecting on the island, the regular presence from March until June of the few birds concerned obscures a slight and irregular spring movement observed in other years, involving mostly single individuals (but once as many as 12 in a day), chiefly in April and May. There is an equally irregular and slight movement in autumn between August and October (most in a day, 19, in September). One or two pairs breed, sporadically. GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser. Single birds and skeins have been recorded occasionally September-December. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons. Recorded once—a single bird on 27th October 1913. Race not recorded but probably A. a. flavirostris (Greenland White-front). PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus. Twenty records: 13 in September-October; 2 in November; one each in Dec- ember, February and March; two in April. Largest number in a day, about 200. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 99 BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla. Has appeared four times in Oc- tober (race not recorded); most at a time, four. A single Dark-bellied Brent (B. b. bernicla) was present for over three weeks in July-August 1959, an unexpected date. BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis. Twelve appearances be- tween 30th September and early April. Nearly all single birds, once 15. Also, and remarkably, a single bird on 2nd July 1970, perhaps an escape. CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis. Five records; 25 birds on 27th September 1966, two on 3rd October 1935, three on 18th October 1972, singles on 5th April 1952 and Ist May 1962. MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor. Recorded on five occasions; once in August, twice in September, once in October, once in Dec- ember. Three singles, once two together, once five together. WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus. Ten occurrences (mostly of small parties), four in spring (February-April) and six in autumn (September-November); largest skein, twelve. BEWICK’S SWAN Cygnus bewickii. One record only—a single bird not long dead on the East Tarbet rocks on 15th April 1956. [SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila clanga/LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE A. pom- arina. A single record of one or the other of these species on 18th September 1969.] BUZZARD Buteo buteo. Eight occurrences; one in May, seven be- tween 28th August and 28th October. SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus. A fair number of records be- tween late August and November (mostly October) and be- tween late March and late May. Also three summer records between early July and early August. The birds involved are probably wintering immigrants from the Continent. Ringing has shown that British birds are mainly sedentary. HEN HARRIER Sircus cyaneus. Four records; three early Octo- ber, one early November. OspREY Pandion haliaetus. Fourteen occurrences, nine in May, two in June, one in July, two in September. Eight of these appearances have been since 1963. PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus. Occasional, mostly March-April and September-October. Again, some of the passage birds may be of Continental origin. Used to breed. MERLIN Falco columbarius. Occasional in spring from mid March to mid April, sometimes into May; fairly regular in small numbers in autumn between late August and Novem- ber (main passage September-October); once July and once December. It is possible that both British and Continental birds (all F. c. aesalon) are involved and possibly also the 100 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) Iceland Merlin (F. c. subaesalon) which is regular on Fair Isle in October, though no specimen assignable to this race has yet been trapped on the May. *RED-FOOTED FALCON Falcovespertinus. Has appeared twice: 5th-12th May 1969 and 19th May 1973. KESTREL Falco tinnunculus. Although individuals may turn up at any time, there is also a fairly regular movement in spring (mostly April-May, occasionally March) and a much more pronounced autumn passage from the end of July to October or into November. There was an exceptional influx on 18th September 1969, when 31 were recorded. British birds are largely sedentary, and there is little doubt that Continental immigrants are principally involved. A Kestrel ringed on the island in September was recorded in a later April in Norway. QuaIL Coturnix coturnix. Ten records; one April, eight May, one October, all since 1932. WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus. Occasional in spring (thrice April, once May); more frequent in autumn (four times Sep- tember, a good many times October-November). As with Merlin, both British and (possibly more frequently) Contin- ental birds (all R. a. aquaticus) are likely to be involved, also perhaps occasionally the Icelandic race (R. a. hibernans), which should be looked for when specimens are trapped. *SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana. Recorded only once—a single bird on 22nd September 1967. CORNCRAKE Crex crex. Occasional between mid April and mid May; also August-October. Two records June, one Novem- ber. MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus. Moorhens (probably mainly Continental birds) have occurred a fair number of times be- tween late March and early June; also twice in late August, wee in early October, once in December. A pair bred in 4. Coot Fulica atra. Eight occurrences between February and May. No indication of origin or destination. OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus. Present throughout the year, with passage in February-May and August-Novem- ber. High counts have been : nearly 50 in April, about 75 in August and up to 50 in September and November. Some eight to 15 pairs nest as a rule. A bird ringed on the May almost certainly as a juvenile was recovered in a later August in France (ring number only partially decipherable). LAPWING Vanellus vanellus. Spring passage (mostly in small numbers) mainly mid February-mid April, with stragglers to the end of May; also individuals and small parties not in- frequently in June and July. Autumn passage (again mostly 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 101 in small numbers) from August-November. Occasional in winter. Continental birds as well as British are undoubtedly involved in many of these passage and weather movements, e.g. a chick ringed in Denmark in May was recorded on the May in December. A pair is reputed to have bred in 1897. RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula. Single birds and small parties of nominate hiaticula occur occasionally and irreg- ularly at any time between March and October but chiefly in April-May and August-September, when most of the birds are probably of Continental origin. The Arctic Ringed Plover (C. h. tundrae), which breeds in northern Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia, has not yet been identified, although it has been recorded from the whole length of the east coast of England and as far north as Orkney. GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola. Six records only; one in March, four in September, one in October; all since 1951. GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria. Spring passage in small numbers from March to the end of May or early June; aut- umn passage (mid August-early November) more marked but still in small numbers—a flock of 20 is exceptional. Three July records and a few in winter. Northern birds (P. a. alti- frons) have been identified as well as the more usual P. a. apricaria. DOTTEREL Eudromias morinellus. Recorded twice in spring (end May and lst June) and seven times in autumn (August- September). On the night of 30th/3lst August 1914 there were hundreds at the lantern, and a few were killed: these birds (and perhaps some other occurrences) were almost certainly drifted migrants from northern Scandinavia or fur- ther east. TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres. Chiefly a passage migrant and winter visitor but recorded throughout the year, though less regularly and mostly in smaller numbers in June and early July. The autumn passage usually begins to build up about the third week of July (exceptionally from the end of June) and continues into October or early November. Some birds remain until the spring, and there is now conclusive evidence that individuals may return to the _ island in successive years to overwinter. Both in spring and autumn several hundred birds may be present, though numbers fluc- tuate greatly from day to day. The maximum recorded is over 1000 on (unexpectedly) 28th March—as a rule, the highest counts are in April, August and September. A bird ringed on the May in October was recovered breeding in Greenland in June, two years later. SNIPE Gallinago gallinago. Passage in small numbers between March and the end of May, and from mid September to mid 102 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) November; occasional at other times. As many as three birds in a day is unusual but up to eight have been recorded in December. JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus. Irregular passage in small numbers between March and mid May and again from mid September to October. Not infrequent in some winters; rec- orded once in August. Years with no birds at all are com- monplace. Most in a day, six. Woopcock Scolopax rusticola. Very irregular in its appear- ances; occurs in spring on return passage to the Continent in very small numbers, mainly March-April, very rarely in summer. Autumn arrivals usually more numerous (but in some years none), chiefly in late October and (especially) early November; occasional in winter. Over 150 were recor- ded on 7th November 1962—an exceptional number. Some of these arriving winter visitors pass quickly westwards to Ireland; two ringed on the island in November were shot a month later in Tipperary. CURLEW Numenius arquata. Occurs at all seasons. Spring pass- age (usually in small numbers) March-May; autumn move- ments much more marked, extending from late July into November and possibly throughout winter, sometimes sev- eral hundred birds in a day. It is assumed that many of these Curlews are of Continental origin. WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus. Spring passage in very small numbers, mainly in May (exceptionally as early as the very end of March); autumn passage more pronounced, mostly from August to mid September, sometimes with late birds into October. One June record, a few in July. Most in a day, 22 (in August). BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa. Five records; two in April, one in late May, two in September. Most in a day, two. No indication of race. BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica. Unusual in spring and summer (one record each for April, June and July), more frequent in autumn (one record August, about 15 in Septem- ber, two in October, one in November). Most in a day, 30 (in September). GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus. About ten occurrences in spring (all April-May); two in July; over 20 in autumn (all August). Mostly single birds, occasionally two, once three or four. First recorded in 1938, next in 1947, but since 1950, has occurred in 18 out of 24 years. Individuals frequently remain on the island for several days. Woop SANDPIPER Tringa glareola. Recorded four times in spring (between 7th and 24th May) and four times in autumn (be- tween 15th August and 14th September); most in a day, two. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 103 In five of these eight occurrences the birds remained on the island for four days or more. COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos. Irregular passage in small numbers between mid April and late May; autumn passage more regular, from July to late September. Three June records, two in October; most in a day, seven (in Aug- ust). REDSHANK Tringa totanus. Present in variable numbers in most months, including winter, but usually absent from late April or early May to early July. Spring passage (in small numbers and frequently ill defined) extends from late March to early May. During the autumn passage, which is much more pro- nounced and extends from early July to mid October or into November, counts of 30-60 or more birds in a day are not unusual, and up to about 120 have been recorded (Novem- ber); it is possible that Icelandic robusta, British britannica and Continental totanus are all concerned. A pair bred in 1912. SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus. Sixteen occurrences, all in autumn, all between 19th August and 9th October, all singles. No records before 1958. GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia. Only one spring record (a single bird in early May); well over 40 autumn occurrences of single birds (and one of two birds) between 8th August and 20th October (chiefly late August-late September). KNOT Calidris canutus. Has appeared only four times in spring (once March, thrice May) but frequently in autumn between late July and October (mainly September) and several times in winter. Most reports are of single birds or small numbers, but flocks of up to 120 have occurred. PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima. Passage migrant and winter visitor present in variable but mostly small numbers from July until the middle or end of the following May. Rec- orded only thrice in June. Peak numbers are recorded in August-November when 200-400 birds are sometimes coun- ted; over 100 is high for July, and there are usually many fewer in winter and spring, and indeed on most days in the year. An adult ringed on the May in September was recorded in Norway in the following July, and ringing shows that in- dividual birds have returned to the May to over-winter in subsequent years, e.g. two birds ringed in September 1969 retrapped in December 1972 and in December 1973. LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta. First recorded in the autumn of 1946 (one to ten birds on 11 days between 28th August and 3rd October); since then about 16 occurrences (of up to three birds together) between 12th August and 6th October. No spring records. 104 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) DUNLIN Calidris alpina. Occurs very irregularly in spring in small numbers, chiefly in May; most in a day, 30. The autumn passage (also in small numbers) is more pronounced but still irregular; it extends from August to October (chiefly September). Occasional birds appear in winter. There are no records for June and only a few for July. In the absence of positive identification it is assumed that most of the birds are C. a. alpina from northern Scandinavia, but Icelandic and European (including British) C. a. schinzii may occur also. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea. Only five records, all between 7th August and 14th October; once two together, re- mainder singles. SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER Calidris pusillus. One record—a single bird on 19th September 1957. SANDERLING Calidris alba. Six occurrences of one to four birds between 19th August and 15th September. Since 1956 the only records have been of one on 19-22nd August 1973 and of four on 14th September 1973. RuFF Philomachus pugnax. Has been recorded once in May, five times in August and about a dozen times in September. Most in a day, five. STONE CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus. Recorded twice only; single birds in April 1937 and May 1946. GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua. Four occurrences in spring (two April, two May), over 60 in autumn (three July, ten August, about 50 September-October, two early November). Most in a day, seven. POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus. Single birds recorded 1] times between 27th August and 22nd September. No spring records. ARCTIC SkuA Stercorarius parasiticus. Formerly regular in small numbers on spring passage (May only). Now infre- quent, a single bird on 20th April 1973 and two single birds in May 1968 being the only records in recent years. Still reg- ular in small numbers in autumn between early August (exceptionally July) and early October (chiefly September); recorded once in November. Counts of 20 (August), 29 (Sep- tember) and 17 (October) have been quite exceptional; even the next highest, seven, is an unusually large number. LONG-TAILED SKUA Stercorarius longicaudus. Single birds rec- orded thrice—twice 19th September, once 9th October. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus. Mainly a winter vis- itor, perhaps mainly from Norway, northwest Russia and possibly Iceland but also, as ringing has shown, including birds of British stock. From March (or earlier) until mid 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 105 July there are seldom more than 20 present—excluding any breeding pairs—and most are immatures. From late July onwards, and particularly from the second half of Septem- ber, numbers build up steadily until in October-December several hundreds or 1000 or more birds, the majority adults, may be using the island as a roost. Most of them depart in the first few months of the following year.. The first nest on the May was in 1962; one of the chicks from it, ringed in early August, was recovered in Belgium in August 1967. By 1969, and also in 1970 and 1971, four pairs were breeding, and the same number was present in the early spring of 1972, although it is possible that four of the eight adults were killed shortly afterwards in the course of the cull of that year. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus. Used to occur (like the Herring Gull) on migration only, but because the species has nested since 1930 passage movement is no longer dis- tinguishable. The breeding birds (L. f. graellsii)—numbering nearly 2500 pairs in 1972—arrive from mid March; all have left by late September or early October. Out-of-season oc- currences are exceptional. There have been several recover- ies Of Isle of May birds from Morocco; none from further south. Eleven of the breeding Lesser Black-backs killed in the 1972 and 1973 culls had been ringed as young birds on the Farne Islands (Northumberland) in earlier years. The Scandinavian Lesser Black-back (L. f. fuscus) has been recorded occasionally in May, thrice in September and thrice in November. HERRING GULL Larus argentatus. Present in large numbers throughout the year, using the island both as a breeding area and as a roost. Passage has been noted in the past in August and September but is nowadays impossible to distinguish from the daily movements to and from adjacent coasts. The first nest on the island was in 1907; in 1959 about 3000 pairs were breeding and in May 1972 there were probably about 38000 Herring Gulls (15000 breeding pairs plus 8000 non- breeders) on the island just before the cull. Ringing has revealed nothing remarkable; an adult ringed in October and recovered in Norway in May five years later was presumably a winter immigrant; 11 pulli recovered in Denmark (one), the Netherlands (five), Germany (three) and France (two) within three years may indicate no more than the wanderings of immature birds; two pulli recovered in Germany in January and at the end of May, five years after ringing, may have settled there as residents. Eight of the breeding Herring Gulls killed in the 1972 and 1973 culls had been ringed as pulli on the Bass Rock, Farne wee a ARAN hs EW NRRARRRA WAAR NW NSINRAN AAA SAA VY ERA AANAA 1 YY RANMA 106 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) Islands (three), Inchkeith, Craigleith, Tain and Newburgh Warren, but the last recovery has been questioned. COMMON GULL Larus canus. Spring passage irregular, mostly in small numbers, between late March and May; autumn passage generally similar, extending from August until early November but chiefly September. Occasional in winter. Counts of more than 30 in a day are unusual. High-flying birds, audible but not always visible, have been recorded occasionally in early August, suggesting that some movement may be overlooked. The extent to which British breeding stock is involved is uncertain, but most of the pass- age movements are almost certainly of Scandinavian immi- grants. GLaucous GULL Larus hyperboreus. Over 20 records of single birds between September and May. Nearest breeding grounds, Iceland and Greenland. ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides. Five occurrences involving seven birds (twice two together), all between September and April. Breeds Greenland. LITTLE GULL Larus minutus. Thirteen occurrences of either one or two birds in autumn (three in August, eight in September, one each in October and November); only one in spring (April). All but three of the records are since 1959. BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus. Occurs in small num- bers in all months. Fifty and 40 birds in a day in June, 31 in August and 13 in October have been high counts. Although there is little evidence of regular passage, the periods of greatest movement are March-June and August-October; dispersing British birds and immigrant Continentals are pro- bably both involved. KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla. Present, at sea or nesting, through- out the year. The breeding birds (about 3450 pairs in 1972 and 1973) arrive in the first half of March, and the cliffs are often not finally vacated until late October or November, though nesting is over by the end of August. Passage can sometimes be observed in September. Young birds ringed on the Farne Islands (Northumberland) and Craigleith (Firth of Forth) have been found breeding on the Isle of May in later years. BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger. First recorded in 1954 (single birds on 12th and 14th May and up to ten birds a day 15th- 20th September). Also three on 25th August 1959 and one on 25th September 1967. Nearest breeding area, south Sweden to France. COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo. Regular on passage, mostly in small numbers, from about the first week of May onwards 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 107 through June; numerous records for July and early August. Autumn passage (mainly late August and September but some early October) considerably more pronounced and in greater numbers than in spring; the passage of at least 10000 Common/Arctic Terns on 30th September 1960 was, how- ever, exceptional. Used to nest but has not done so since 1957, except for one pair that laid in June 1973. ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea. As for Common Tern, except that spring passage appears to begin a week or so later. An adult ringed on the May in July 1947 was found recently dead at Tentsmuir, Fife, in June 1961 (at least 14 years old). ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii. Irregular on passage in small numbers both in spring (mostly May) and autumn (chiefly August) but recorded in only three of the past 12 years (most recently in 1966). Used to nest but has not done so since 1956. LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons. Has occurred once in May, once in June and 12 times in August-September. Most in a day, eight. SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis. Spring passage in small numbers, mostly early March to late June or into July; aut- umn passage also in small numbers, mostly early August to end September. Used to nest but has not done so since 1956. There have been 13 recoveries in Africa of chicks ringed on the May (one in Morocco, three in Senegal, one in Liberia, two in Gold Coast, six in Angola). RAZORBILL Alca torda. Long-established breeder (A. t. island- ica). The nesting ledges are occupied permanently from about mid April until the latter part of July but massive visits are sometimes paid to the cliffs at other times in fav- ourable weather, e.g. over 800 on 9th November 1971. There are birds in the surrounding sea throughout the year; some of them may be nominate torda. LITTLE AUK Plautus alle. Occasional in winter between mid Oc- tober and April either on the sea or wrecked. GUILLEMOT Uria aalge. Status similar to that of Razorbill. The breeding race is nominate aalge. Over 4400 were present on 9th November 1971, and about 4300 on 28th December 1972. BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle. Numerous records of one’s or two’s up to an exceptional nine birds in a day off the island between the Kettle and East Tarbet from the end of August until the end of May. Summer occurrences are very unusual. A few pairs were breeding in the early 19th century. PUFFIN Fratercula arctica. Although in 1959 only about five pairs were breeding, there has been a phenomenal increase since then, and 3000-4000 pairs nested in 1972. The birds 108 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) arrive in late March and depart about the middle of August. There are small numbers in the surrounding sea in winter. Both adults and young ringed on the Farne Islands (North- umberland) have been found breeding on the May in subse- quent summers. An adult ringed on Fair Isle in July was re- covered on the May in the same month three years later. PALLAS’S SANDGROUSE Syrrhaptes paradoxus. Three were shot from a flock of about 40 on 30th May 1888, the year of the great irruption. STocK DovE Columba oenas. Single birds appear occasionally both in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-Octo- ber), and there has been one occurrence in April of four birds together and two others (also April) of two birds together. As the British breeding stock is mainly sedentary, these records suggest an irregular passage of Continental birds. No Stock Doves have been recorded since 1962. Rock DOVE/FERAL PIGEON Columba livia. Pure Rock Doves were breeding on the Isle of May in the first part of the 19th century; they were last recorded with certainty (single birds) in 1884 and 1885. Birds with Rock Dove characteristics are, however, seen regularly, mostly in the company of quite ob- viously feral doves, but few (if any) can be of pure wild stock. Flocks of 100 or more of these feral pigeons occur in late autumn and winter, and smaller numbers at other times. A pair or two sometimes breed in the sea caves. WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus. Irregular passage in small numbers both in spring (March-May) and autumn (Septem- ber-October), also a number of records of (mostly) single birds in summer. Larger movements have sometimes been recorded in winter, e.g. about 300 on 8th November 1971 and “large flocks’”’ passing from north to south on 16th Dec- ember 1962, and these may not be particularly unusual. Ex- cept in summer, most of the birds concerned are probably of Continental origin. TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur. Recorded a good many times in May, June and September; also five times in July, thrice in August and twice in early October. Mostly single birds but occasionally two together, twice three and once four. “COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto. First recorded on 7th Junel963, two occurrences each year in 1964 and 1966, three each in 1967 and 1969, four in 1970, five each in 1971 and 1972. Of these 25 appearances, two have been in April, 18 in May, two in June and one each in July, August and September. Mostly single birds, once two. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Spring passage in small numbers (most in a day, five) from the end of April (once mid April) 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 109 to mid June. Autumn passage, chiefly of immature birds, from early July to late September. BARN OWL Tyto alba. Three records of the White-breasted Barn Owl (T. a. alba) all in 1961 (one June, two October); only one of Dark-breasted T. a. guttata, in December 1934. [TAWNY OWL Strix aluco. According to the Migration Report of 1883 of the Committee of the British Association, a Tawny Owl was seen on the Isle of May on 28th April of that year. In The Birds of Scotland (1953), the Misses Baxter and Rin- toul state that they feel very doubtful of the authenticity of this record. For that reason, and because there has been no other reported occurrence, it is placed here in square brack- ets.] LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus. Eleven occurrences between 6th April and 27th May; three June records, two July, one Aug- ust; fairly regular September-November. Most in a day, four; seven were trapped between 2nd and 7th November 1963. SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus. Occasional between early March and the third week of May; regular (sometimes in fair numbers; most in a day, four) from September or occa- sionally the last half of August (once lst August) to Novem- ber or later. NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus. Three May records, four in June, one each in July, August, September and October. SWIFT Apus apus. Spring passage from late April to early June; autumn passage from the end of July to early October. A few summer records, probably visitors from the mainland. Numbers very small, only a few records annually. KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis. Four occurrences, all between 13th August and 2nd September. HoopoE Upupa epops. Four times in spring, between 18th April and 3rd May; five times in autumn, between 26th September and 7th October. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major. Only one spring record, a single bird of nominate (Northern) major in mid May, as against a considerable number between 27th August and Ist November (the great majority between 7th September and 16th October) in eight separate years. All the birds sub-specifically identified have been of the Northern race, and all the occurrences have been of single birds, except for two to four birds daily between 12th and 16th October 1962 and the unusual record of up to seven birds almost daily from 12th September to 9th October 1949. WRYNECK Jynx torquilla, Not infrequent in the first half of May (twice the last week of April) and again between 23rd Aug- ust and 21st September (twice in the first week of October). 110 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) Highest number in a day, 15 on 23rd August 1970; next high- est, 14 on 6th-7th May 1968. WooDLARK Lullula arborea. Five occurrences in spring between 22nd March and 12th May; about a dozen in autumn, one on 27th August, the rest between 26th September and 4th Nov- ember. SKYLARK Alauda arvensis. Passage mainly, but not always, in small numbers, from February to May and from mid August or more commonly mid September to mid November. Occa- sional in summer, frequent in winter. Daily counts of over 100 are unusual; 550 on 25th September 1970 was exception- al. SHORE LARK Eremophila alpestris. Recorded six times in April- May and 12 times in October. Largest number in a day, four. SWALLOW Hirundo rustica. Spring passage regular in small numbers from the second week of April to early June; well marked autumn passage from early August to mid October (rarely early November). The largest numbers pass in Sep- tember when daily counts of 100-500 are not exceptional (a count of about 1000 birds has been recorded once). At least one pair (maximum three pairs) have nested annually since 1959; they are sometimes joined for short periods by visitors from the mainland. HousE MARTIN Delichon urbica. Spring passage irregular and in small numbers from mid April to mid June (mainly May); autumn passage usually similar, from the latter half of Aug- ust to mid October (thrice late October, once 4th November), mostly with daily counts of fewer than 20 but sometimes with high numbers in September (exceptional counts have been 155, 250, 300 and about 1000). Occasional in summer. SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia. Spring passage irregular and in small numbers, mainly from mid April (earliest 3rd April) to the end of May; autumn passage similar, from mid July to mid September or exceptionally into early October. Occa- sional in June and early July. GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus. Recorded twice; single birds on 14th June 1969 and 13th-14th September 1913. RAVEN Corvus corax. Five occurrences; single birds on 25th March 1951, 7th and 9th May 1972, Ist September 1969; two together on 22nd October 1954. It is not known where these wanderers came from. CARRION CrRow/HOooDED Crow Corvus corone. Carrion Crows (C. c. corone) are recorded in small numbers at all seasons, perhaps sometimes casual callers from the mainland but more frequently—since 1920 at any rate—the birds of a 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 111 semi-resident or regularly visiting pair that have bred, at- tempted to breed or been present throughout the breeding season in certainly 41 of the past 53 years. There is in addi- tion a clearly recognisable but irregular passage in spring (chiefly April) of small numbers (seldom more than five or six in a day, maximum 13) and a suggestion too of a much more irregular passage in autumn between late September and early November. The origin and destination of these passage birds is unknown. Hooded Crows (C. c. cornix) were formerly regular passage migrants in fair numbers in spring between March and May. They used to appear even more markedly in autumn between the end of September and mid November, and there were some occurrences also in summer and winter. Although the pattern of movement remains, the number of birds now is only a fraction of what it was, and occurrences are much less frequent. Since 1959, Hoodies have been noted on only ten occasions in only six of the 14 years—a single and two together in March, five singles in April, three birds once in May, four and up to five together in late October and early November respectively. The origin of these Hoodies is be- lieved to be Scandinavia. A hybrid between the two subspecies has been recorded once. Rook Corvus frugilegus. A few records in most years, chiefly in April but some in March and May. Autumn occurrences are irregular (only six in the past 15 years), mostly Septem- ber-October but two in August and two in November. Num- bers are nearly always small; ten in a day is unusual, more than that exceptional. It is probable that most of the birds are of Continental origin. JACKDAW Corvus monedula. Irregular but in total fairly numer- ous occurrences of single birds or a few together, mainly between April and mid May (exceptionally early June) and again between mid September and the end of October. A few records in March, one in August, two in late November. Highest counts, six and 15. It is probable that both winter- visiting (Scandinavian) C. m. monedula and British-breeding C. m. spermologus, perhaps from the neighbouring main- land, are concerned, but no Jackdaws have yet been exam- ined in the hand. GREAT TIT Parus major. Has occurred thrice in autumn (be- tween 8th and 24th October) and thrice in spring (between 4th and 24th April). The birds in two of the autumn occur- rences and in one of those in spring were Continental Great Tits (P. m. major); the remaining birds were not subspecific- ally identified. There is thus as yet no record of the British Great Tit (P. m. newtoni). 112 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) Three of the six occurrences were of single birds and one was of two; the other two occurrences are of particular interest. In the second week of October 1959 a party of at least four Continental Great Tits arrived, and four were still present on 10th November when all were trapped and ringed. Three of these birds remained until 4th April 1960, when five more Continentals joined them; six birds were seen on the 5th and two from the 6th to the 12th, when both left the island. BLUE TiT Parus caeruleus. Recorded once in March and on seven occasions between the end of September and late Nov- ember, single birds each time. The March individual and two of those in autumn were of the British subspecies (P. c. ob- scurus), the other five were not subspecifically identified, al- though there is a suspicion that a November bird in 1959 may have been of Continental origin (i.e. nominate caeruleus). CoAL TIT Parus ater. Four occurrences only, all of single birds between 30th September and 15th October, involving on one occasion the British subspecies (P. a. britannicus) and on an- other the Continental (P. a. ater). The other two birds were not subspecfically identified. LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus. Parties of between four and 16 individuals have appeared 12 times between 26th September and 5th November, and there is one record of a single bird and another of two birds within the same dates. All are believed to have been the British subspecies (A. c. rosaceus). TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris. Recorded 28 times; thrice in spring between 30th March and 5th April, twice in summer between 24th July and 2nd August, 23 times in autumn be- tween 18th August and 21st October (mainly September); always single birds. Only eight of these individuals were subspecifically identified: seven (all August or September) were of the British race (C. f. britannica), only one (Septem- ber) was a Northern Treecreeper (C. f. familiaris), although the latter is suspected to have occurred on at least one other occasion (in mid October). WREN Troglodytes troglodytes. Slight passage from late March to mid May; also a much more pronounced movement com- bined with over-wintering arrivals extending from Septem- ber to mid November, with the highest numbers in late Octo- ber and early November, when up to 30 individuals may be on the island at a time. Single birds occur occasionally in summer, and usually a dozen or more are present through- out the winter. There is as yet only one certain record of a bird returning in successive winters, but this may not be as uncommon as presently appears. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 113 Although both the common British breeding race (T. t. indigenus) and nominate Continental troglodytes may be involved in the passage movements, it is probable that the vast majority are Continentals. Nevertheless, from nearly 700 Wrens ringed on the island, there has so far been no re- covery to confirm this. In the same way it is not known to which race the over-wintering birds belong: it has been assumed that they are British indigenus, but this requires confirmation. There is one breeding record—in 1957. DIPPER Cinclus cinclus. Single birds recorded thrice in April, twice in August and once in December. Two of the April occurrences were of the British subspecies (C. c. gularis), the remaining four birds were not racially identified. There is as yet, therefore, no record of nominate cinclus (Black- bellied Dipper), although it may well have occurred. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus. Irregular in small numbers (usually only a handful of occurrences in a year and some- times none) both in spring (February-May) and autumn (September-mid November). Only a few records for July and August. Highest number in a day, about 12. FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris. Irregular passage in spring in small numbers (more than 40 in a day is unusual) from March to May. Autumn passage much more regular and sustained, mostly developing from October onwards but sometimes starting in the second week of September and exceptionally in August. The greatest numbers passing, occasionally over 1000 in a day, are generally recorded in the latter part of October or in November. There are movements also later in winter. Occurrences in summer (June-July) are very un- usual. The only significant recovery is of a first-winter bird ring- ed in October found in Sweden in the following July. SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos. Spring movements, mostly in small numbers, irregular and not well defined, perhaps most noticeable in February-March but sometimes extending into May; counts of over 20 are unusual, though exception- ally up to 150 in a day have been recorded in April. The autumn passage (mainly September-October, but with a few birds in late July or August and some also in November) is much more pronounced; daily counts of more than 300 are, however, unusual even in October, although about 800 were recorded on 2nd October 1962 and about 3000 on 6th October 1966, and there have been a few other occurrences of sim- ilar magnitude. Though Continental Song Thrush (T. p. philomelos) has been identified only about a dozen times in spring (once mid April, remainder in the first three weeks of May), the passage 114 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) in autumn (usually between the end of September and early November is undoubtedly composed chiefly of Continental birds, and this is almost certainly true also of any major in- flux in the earlier part of the year. Up to four pairs of British Song Thrush (T. p. clarkei) have bred on the island from time to time, although none did so during 1939-1970. There was a nest again in 1971, and two or three pairs bred in 1973, but none in 1972. Birds of this subspecies turn up occasionally in June and July. There are usually a few Song Thrushes of perhaps disparate origin present in winter. REDWING Turdus iliacus. Irregular and poorly defined spring passage in small numbers (over ten birds in a day unusual) from February to May (chiefly March-April). Autumn pas- sage much more marked and involving bigger numbers, mainly October-November but occasionally from the latter part of September or even earlier; some movement also in winter. Not recorded June or July; exceptional in August. High counts have included “thousands” on 26th October 1964, 4000 on 12th October 1967, over 3000 on 6th October 1966 and approaching 2000 on 12th October 1970 and 15th October 1972. SIBERIAN THRUSH Turdus sibiricus. The first British record is of an adult male (race not determined) present on the island on Ist October 1954 and for a few days thereafter. RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus. Occurs on passage, mainly in small numbers, from the end of March to the end of May (mostly mid April to mid May; once 2nd June) and between early September and late November. High spring counts have been 30 and 60 in the first week of May 1968 and 1969 respectively, but “hundreds” were on the island on 27th September 1922, there was a big passage on 6th October 1926, and 50 were recorded on 26th September 1965. BLACKBIRD Turdus merula. Spring passage in moderate num- bers (over 75 in a day is unusual) from March to early May; autumn passage from late September (exceptionally Aug- ust) well into November, with the most pronounced move- ments (often involving many hundreds or several thousands of birds in a day) usually in the last week of October or first week of November. There is some movement in winter also, but summer-visiting Blackbirds are unusual. There have been numerous recoveries in Norway, Sweden and Finland in the breeding season of birds ringed on passage on the Isle of May. Between one and four breeding pairs are generally resident although there were no nesting birds in 1953-61. WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe. Regular passage of the typical race from the latter half of March to mid June and from early 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 115 July to mid October (latest 4th November). Counts exceed- ing 50 in a day are unusual, but exceptionally 200 or more have been recorded both in spring and autumn. The size of the breeding population varies: from 1951 to 1956 between two and four pairs nested; between 1957 and 1962 probably never fewer than five pairs and up to 11 pairs; since then, never more than two pairs and in the last five years none, unless a very young juvenile seen in June 1973 is evidence of breeding on the island. A Wheatear ringed on the island on 30th September 1950 was recovered in eastern Sweden on 9th May of the follow- ing year. Birds of the Greenland race (O. o. leucorrhoa) occur on passage between mid April and the end of May and from late August to late October. BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR Oenanthe hispanica. One record only —an immature male of the black-throated form of the typ- ical (Western) race), present from 30th September to 8th October 1949. PIED WHEATEAR Oenanthe pleschanka. One record, a female of the typical race on 19th October 1909. STONECHAT Saxicola torquata. Irregular passage (sparse in recent years) between early March and mid May and be- tween early September and late October (mostly mid Sep- tember to mid October); one July record and one August. Most of the occurrences have been of single birds or two to- gether, but up to six have been recorded in a day in autumn. Since 1960 only ten birds have occurred in ten years in spring, just 16 in nine years in autumn, and one in mid July. All but one of the Stonechats recorded from the island have been the British subspecies (S. t. hibernans); the exception is the immature male Siberian Stonechat (S. t. maura), which was ‘obtained’ on 10th October 1913. WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra. Very regular on passage—in spring from the end of April to mid June, in autumn mainly from mid August to early October. Occasional occurrences in July. The largest daily counts have been 50 in spring (May) and 80 in autumn (September). REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Well marked spring pas- sage from mid April (exceptionally early April) to mid June; the heavier autumn passage begins in August and extends into the first week of October, with occasional birds as late as the first week of November. Eight summer records be- tween late June and end July. The largest number reported en has been 50 in spring (May) and 200 in autumn (Sep- ember). 116 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros. Appears with fair regularity in small numbers (most in a day, seven) both in spring and autumn, mainly from mid March to early June and between mid September and early November. Recorded once in July, thrice in August, once early September. A bird ringed on the island in April was recovered in the Harz Mountains in Germany two months later. NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos. Single birds have occur- red about ten times in spring between 29th April and 22nd May; also twice in autumn between 26th ana 3lst August. *THRUSH NIGHTINGALE Luscinia luscinia. Two birds, if not three, in the period 9th-17th May 1970. BLUETHROAT Luscinia svecica. Numerous but irregular occur- rences both in spring and autumn, all between either 7th and 29th May or 3rd September and 10th October; also one sum- mer record—an adult male on 25th June 1955. High daily counts have been 13 (in May) and seven (in September). Most of the records refer to the Red-spotted race (L. s. svecica); there have been only three certain occurrences of the White-spotted (L. s. cyanecula), all between 10th and 17th May. ROBIN Erithacus rubecula. There is a spring passage of British Robins (E. r. melophilus) in small numbers from early March to late May and an autumn passage in slightly larger num- bers between mid August and early October. A few regularly Over-winter, arriving between mid August and late October and departing between early March and mid April. There is one record of a bird returning to the island in five successive winters, another probably did so four times and a third re- turned thrice. Surprisingly, there is no breeding record; oc- currences in June and July are rare. Continental Robins (E. r. rubecula) occur irregularly and mostly in small numbers both in spring (late February to late May) and autumn (mostly mid September to early Nov- ember), but there can be large arrivals at both seasons in easterly weather, e.g. 200 on the island on 10th-11th April 1966, 400-500 on 21st April 1965, over 600 on Ist-2nd Octo- ber 1951 and over 1000 on 14th October 1966. There have been three spring and summer recoveries in Norway of Con- tinental Robins ringed on migration on the Isle of May. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia. A few appear in most years in spring (mostly single birds but up to nine in a day) between 15th April and 24th May. Only ten autumn occurrences, all of single birds, between 5th August and 7th October. REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Four spring records, all of single birds between 17th May and 14th June. About 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 117 22 autumn occurrences between 11th August and 4th Octo- ber, mostly of single birds but once of three. *MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris. Identified only once —two birds on 25th May 1968. SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Main movement a small but usually fairly steady trickle in May (extreme dates 16th April and 8th June); usually well under ten daily, but 80 on 23rd May 1950 and over 200 on 16th May 1970. Autumn birds (so few as scarcely to constitute a passage) appear mostly in August-September (extreme dates 14th July and 8th October); most in a day, 15 (an exceptional fig- ure). AQUATIC WARBLER Acrocephalus paludicola. Six records of single birds between 14th August and 26th September. MELODIOUS WARBLER Hippolais polyglotta. One record only— an adult female on 27th September 1913. ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina. Recorded three times in spring (19th-24th May) and about 15 times in autumn (8th August-14th September). Most records have been of single birds, but between 5th and 13th September 1949 up to six per day were present, and a total of nine were trapped. *OLIVACEOUS WARBLER Hippolais pallida. A bird of the race elaeica, trapped on 24th September 1967, was the first record of this species for Scotland. It was killed by a Great Grey Shrike on the 27th. BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla. Spring passage in small numbers (most in a day, ten) mainly from the latter half of April but occasionally early April) to late May. Autumn passage usual- ly in slightly larger numbers (most in a day, 100, next 35, both in October) from mid August to mid November, with one exceptional occurrence in December and one in Feb- ruary. Recorded seven times in June, twice in July, once early August. BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria. At least a few immature birds occur in most autumns (earliest 8th August, latest 13th Oc- tober). The largest number recorded in a day was eight. There have been no spring occurrences. GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin. Regular passage in small num- bers in spring, mainly in May (twice April) but sometimes ex- tending into the first half of June. Autumn passage again usually in small numbers, mostly September to mid October but sometimes from early August and occasionally with odd birds as late as November; there have been four occurrences in July. Since 1955 nine exceptionally large arrivals of Gar- den Warblers from northern Continental Europe have been recorded, three in the latter part of August (about 50 birds each time) and six in September (four times between 40 and 100 birds, once about 180, once about 200). AN 00: LLL LCL LCCC LLC COROT ONG R RRRNRNSNEBNNN! NAGLE MIRENASANAANRN NEE ARRARANANNA A 118 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis. Spring passage mainly from the latter part of April throughout May and sometimes into June. Autumn passage mainly from mid August to early October; occasional in July. Largest number in a day about 100 (thrice in May, in different years). LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca. Spring passage of typical race in small numbers mainly in May, but one record late April and five records June. Most in a day, seven—apart from two exceptional counts of between 20 and 30 and be- tween 30 and 40, both in May. Autumn passage again in small numbers, between the second week of August and mid October; once early November. Birds resembling the Siberian race (S. c. blythi) have occur- red about seven times in autumn between 9th September and 24th October, never in spring. SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans. Has occurred twice (single birds, race not determined)—on 30th May 1924 and in the third week of July 1958. WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus. Spring passage of the typical race in considerable numbers, mainly from mid April to the end of May, occasionally into early June. Aut- umn passage mainly early August to mid October, but some movement late June and July. Largest number of birds in a day, 500 (in early May). A pair bred in 1922. The Northern race (P. t. acredula) has been recorded fairly often in spring between 20th April and the end of May (once in June); most in a day, 13. There are only three definite autumn records, all between 8th September and 6th Octo- ber. A September-ringed Willow Warbler (race not stated but presumably acredula) was recovered in Norway on 29th May of the following year. GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus trochiloides. One record only—a bird of the subspecies viridianus remained from 27th August to 3rd September 1955. CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita. Between 30 and 35 spring occurrences of the typical race, nearly all of single birds (most in a day, 15), mainly between the second week of April and late May (earliest 29th March, latest 17th June). There is one record (of a bird of the year) at the end of June and one on 6th July. Fairly regular in autumn between the latter half of August (once 2nd August) and October (latest mid November). Most in a day, 200 (in October). Northern Chiffchaffs have been recorded a fair number of times in autumn. Most have been P. c. abietinus, but individ- uals resembling P. c. fulvescens and the very similar P. c. tristis have also been observed. Most of these occurrences have been in October (earliest 23rd September, latest mid November). | PLATE 9. (a) The Low Light seen from the Tower. 1 (b) The Bain Trap and Crow Trap, with the Chapel and South Horn beyond. Photographs by N. J. Gordon PLATE 10. Horn path, Rona, Isle of May. Above Thrift (sea pink) heath in full bloom, 1936. (The North Horn was not built until 1938-39). Photograph by G. M. Cowie Below Part of the same area, early April 1969. No permanent vegetation; thrift tussocks all dead. Photograph by W. J. Eggeling PLATE 11. Site immediately west of North Horn. (a) Thrift and sea campion carpet, end May 1957. (b) Thrift and sea campion gone; chickweed is the only plant visible, early June 1969. (c) Closer view, July 1969; dense chickweed cover and a few docks. Photographs by W. J. Lggeling NS EX WSs Ss “i UG y Yj PLATE 12. West cliffs, with breeding colonies mainly of Guillemots and Razorbillls. Photograph by J. F. Young 122 . 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 123 Woop WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix. About 11 occurrences in spring—but none in recent years—all between 3rd May and 3rd June; most in a day, two. Nearly 30 autumn occur- rences, mostly in August and the first week of September (earliest 12th July, latest 13th September); most in a day, three. *ARCTIC WARBLER Phylloscopus borealis. Recorded thrice— single birds on 30th-3lst August 1967, 5th-6th September 1961, 7th September 1970. Subspecies not determined but probably P. b. talovka. YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus. About 38 occurrences in autumn (none in spring), nearly all between 16th September and mid October, exceptionally later in Oc- tober, once 3rd November. Most in a day, five. *RADDE’S WARBLER Phylloscopus schwarzi. Two records— single birds on 8th October 1962 and 22nd October 1968. GOLDCREST Regulus regulus. Spring occurrences chiefly in April but sometimes in March, with stragglers into May. Most in a day, 80. Autumn occurrences mainly September- October but exceptionally as early as the second week in August and some in November. Also a few winter records and one of a single bird in July. The autumn movements are much more marked than those of spring and can be on a large scale, with sometimes 200 or more birds on the island at a time. The two highest autumn counts have been of about 600 and over 1000 birds. All large falls and probably the great majority of other occurrences, certainly in autumn, are of birds of Continental origin. FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus. Six occurrences (the first in 1959), five of single birds, the other of a party of four. One mid June, five between 22nd September and 7th October. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata. Spring passage in small numbers, mainly in the last three weeks of May, but sometimes with occasional birds in June. Autumn passage, also in small numbers, chiefly mid August to mid October; six records in July. Largest counts in a day, 25 in spring (May) and 30 in autumn (September). An adult Spotted Flycatcher ringed on the Isle of May in September 1955 was recovered in Norway in July of the fol- lowing year. PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca. Like its relative the Red- breasted Flycatcher, this species is, on the Isle of May, an indicator of the Continental origin of the falls of migrants that are a product of southeasterly weather. The numbers seen in spring are usually small, appearing mainly between the end of April (earliest mid April) and the end of May or Se SSS SS SEL SAKE 124 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) occasionally early June. The autumn movement is in larger numbers and extends from early August (once 24th July) to mid October. The largest number in a day in spring has been about 20, and in autumn over 150 (on 29th August 1966). A first-year female ringed in Rogaland (Norway) on 19th Aug- ust 1970 was trapped on the Isle of May three days later. RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva. Recorded only thrice in spring (between 8th May and 2nd June) as against about 45 occurrences in autumn, the majority between mid September and 7th October (earliest 8th September, latest 13th October). Highest daily count, three. At least 12 birds (eight trapped) appeared between 13th September and 7th October 1949. Has recently been appearing much more reg- ularly than before. DUNNOCK Prunella modularis. A slight passage of the common British subspecies (P. m. occidentalis) can sometimes be noted in spring (between March and May) and again in autumn (between mid September and mid November). Single pairs of this race are known to have nested in 1884, 1958, 1961, 1965 and 1966, since when between two and six pairs have bred annually. The nesting birds are mostly resident, and their presence tends to mask any passage movement. In addition a few other individuals may sometimes over-winter. Continental Hedge Sparrows (P. m. modularis) have been recognised with certainty about a dozen times in spring be- tween the end of March and mid May. Normally only one or two are seen at a time, but there have two major falls, one at the the end of March 1958 (highest daily count, 80) and one at the end of April 1965 (highest daily count 300). Continental birds occur also in autumn, between September and November, but never more than a very few at a time. A Continental Hedge Sparrow ringed on the island on 6th aly 1971 was recovered in Norway a month later, on 7th ay. *“RICHARD’S PipiIT Anthus novaeseelandiae. Single birds recor- ded thrice—on 17th-18th September 1968, 19th-21st Septem- ber 1968 (a different individual) and 18th-26th October 1969. “TAWNY Pipit Anthus campestris. Single birds recorded thrice —on 24th October 1962, 26th-28th May 1964 and 27th-28th September 1971. MEADOW PipiT Anthus pratensis. The spring passage, mainly from mid March to mid May but occasionally persisting to the end of May, is well defined and regular but not, as a rule, in great numbers (counts of about 750 on 7th April 1953 and about 1000 on 16th April 1950 are quite exceptional). The autumn passage, in which much larger numbers are regular- 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 125 ly involved (sometimes 1000-2000 in a day), extends from the end of August (exceptionally early August) to early Nov- ember. Between three and ten pairs bred annually through- out the 1950’s and earlier, but not more than three pairs have done so in any year in the past decade and none at all in 1966 and 1968-70, and only one pair in 1971 and 1972, though there were at least two pairs in 1973. The breeding population arrives in the second half of March or early in April and leaves as a rule in August or September, although occasionally some individuals have remained into November. TREE PipiT Anthus trivialis. Irregular passage in spring, mostly in small numbers, from 7th April (once 20th March) through- out May and occasionally into early June. Autumn passage more regular but again mostly in small numbers, mainly from the last week of August to mid October (earliest 11th August, latest 24th October). Highest daily count, 80 (in May) but several counts of 20-50 have been recorded both in May and (rather more frequently) September. There was an exceptionally well sustained spring passage in May 1969 and again in May 1970. *RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus. One record only—a single bird on 9th-10th September 1971. Rock PipIT/WATER PipiIT Anthus spinoletta. Between 30 and 60 pairs of Rock Pipits (A. s. petrosus) were nesting through- out the 1950’s, and did so long before. Although there has been no recent assessment, the breeding population has un- doubtedly diminished greatly in the last ten or 12 years. Not all the breeding birds winter on the island but some quite certainly do, and their presence tends to mask any move- ments. Passage has however been observed in May and sometimes in April, and there is also an irregular passage in autumn, occasionally involving up to 100 or more birds in a day, extending as a rule from mid September into early Octo- ber but sometimes beginning in late August and continuing into early November. Although it is highly probable that a good many of these passage birds are Scandinavian A. s. lit- toralis, this race has been identified with certainty only once, on 27th May 1965. There have been six recoveries of Rock Pipits ringed on the Isle of May, three ringed as adults or full-grown and three as nestlings or post-juveniles; all were recovered on the adjacent Fife mainland. In 1972 a leucistic Rock Pipit was reared on the island. It was first seen in July as a member of a family party compris- ing the parents and at least two other juveniles and was still present on 20th October. 126 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) PIED WAGTAIL/WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba. Both White Wagtails (nominate alba) and Pied Wagtails (M. a. yarrellii) are involved in the spring and autumn movements, but White predominate. The spring passage is chiefly in April and early May, the autumn passage extends normally from mid August to mid October. The latest spring date for a White Wagtail is Ist June, the earliest autumn date 11th August. As a rule only small numbers are involved, but in spring about 20 birds in a day have been recorded five times and about 40 once; in autumn 20 birds appeared on one occasion on two successive days. Occasional alba wagtails, both Pied and White, have been seen in winter. Between one and four pairs of Pied Wagtails are believed to have bred regularly on the island from the 1880’s at latest until the early 1960’s. Since 1962 there has been a nest only in 1966 and 1967. GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea. Only nine spring records, all of single birds between 17th March and 16th April, as against about 40 in autumn again mostly of single birds (but on ten occasions two birds, once three and once four) be- tween 14th August and 27th October, the great majority in September. *CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola. Has occurred once—a single bird on 20th September 1968. YELLOW WAGTAIL/BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL/GREY-HEADED WAG- TAIL Motacilla flava. Well over 60 spring records of flava wagtails, almost all in the first three weeks of May, excep- tionally in the second half of April and into early June, com- pared with about 20 in autumn between the end of August and early October. Mostly single birds but exceptionally up to four in a day. About 40 of the spring occurrences were identified as Yellow Wagtails (M. f. flavissima), seven as Blue-headed Wagtails (the typical race) and seven as Grey- headed Wagtails (M. f. thunbergi). Five of the autumn birds were Yellow Wagtails and two Blue-headed; no Grey-headed Wagtail has yet been recorded in autumn. WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus. Has been recorded in late aut- umn between 17th October and 26th November in nine irruption years. Largest flock, 24. GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor. Only about six spring appearances, all between 5th April and 5th May, as against about 30 in autumn between 24th September and 7th Nov- ember. Mostly single birds but up to five in a day recorded. During two consecutive days in April 1971 no fewer than seven were trapped and ringed. WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator. Recorded twice—singles on 12th May 1921 and 19th October 1911. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 127 RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio. Birds of the typical race have occurred irregularly in May and the first half of June and—again irregularly but more often (some 33 records)— between mid August and early October. One July record. Most in a day, four. An individual of one of the eastern races of L. collurio was identified on 26th September 1950—the first British occur- rence of an isabellinus. STARLING Sturnus vulgaris. Spring passage, in small numbers and often not clearly discernible, extends from mid February to mid April or even into May. Autumn passage, which be- gins on a similarly small scale in mid September and ex- tends to mid November or December, reaches its maximum in late October and early November, when not infrequently 1000-3000 or more have been recorded to pass daily. The spring and the earlier and less conspicuous of the autumn movements are to an appreciable extent masked by the pres- ence of the adults and (in autumn) progeny of a mainly resi- dent breeding population of ten-20 pairs, all of which nest in fissures in the cliffs. Starlings ringed on migration at the Isle of May in spring and autumn have been recorded in the breeding season in North Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes. One record only, a bird killed at the lantern on the night of 30th-3lst October 1937. GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris. Spring appearances very irreg- ular and usually in small numbers (exceptionally up to about 50 in a day), mainly mid March to mid May. Autumn move- ments equally irregular and again usually in small numbers (most in a day, 30), chiefly in October and November, ex- ceptionally a few in September. Recorded thrice in June, once in August. Small parties sometimes visit the island in a There is no evidence of the origin of any of these irds. GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis. Sporadic in small numbers in April-May and again but less frequently in October-Novem- ber and in winter. About 41 records, 21 in spring. Highest count, 20; next highest, eight. Goldfinches have appeared more often in the past five years than previously. It is pos- sible that birds from the Continent (nominate carduelis) may sometimes occur, but so far only the British race (C. c. britannica) has been identified. SISKIN Carduelis spinus. About 20 spring occurrences, mostly of single birds (highest counts 15 and 25), between 17th March and 26th May. Irregular passage in autumn, again mainly in small numbers but exceptionally up to about 100 128 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) in a day, chiefly between early September and mid October, occasionally into November. Recorded once only in summer (June) and once in winter (February). It is probable that most if not all the birds involved are from the Continent. LINNET Acanthis cannabina. There is usually a reasonably well defined movement in spring between March and early June but mainly in April; most in a day, 35. The autumn move- ments are more irregular, chiefly in September-October, and there may be appearances throughout the winter and some- times an overwintering flock of up to about 50. All the birds concerned are nominate cannabina unless one is prepared to accept as distinct the doubtfully distinguishable (Scottish) A. c. autochthona. It is possible that most of the movements are of birds that breed in Scotland and winter either in Eng- land or on the Continent, but there may also be a reverse movement of Continental birds. Up to ten pairs of Linnets have nested from time to time; the last sustained spell of breeding was from 1953 to 1960, although there was a nest with eggs (later deserted) in 1968 and two pairs nested in 1973. TWITE Acanthis flavirostris. Between 1911 and 1967, Twites were recorded on only six occasions (One appearance each month in February, April, May, September and November; two in October), once two birds together, remainder singles. In 1970 the species was recorded on four days in March, ten days in April and one day in November (highest counts: 13 in March, 45 in April, 35 in November); in 1971, Twites were present on five days in April (34 on the 5th and five on the 26th); in 1972, two or three birds were seen on various dates between February and May—just possibly the same small group throughout—and there were 13 on the island in the latter part of December. It is difficult to assign a status to a species as unpredictable as this, especially when there are no ringing returns to suggest the origin of the birds con- cerned. Most probably all are native pipilans, some of which are known to winter on the Continent, but Norwegian A. f. flavirostris could also occur, though there is as yet no evi- dence that it does. REDPOLL Acanthis flammea. Recorded irregularly but fairly frequently, nearly always in small numbers, both in spring and autumn. The following assessment deals only with oc- currences in which the race has been identified. There are about 30 records of Lesser Redpoll (A. f. cabar- et) between April and early June, and about the same num- ber between mid August and the end of October or a little later (most in a day, five). An adult ringed on the Friesian Islands (Netherlands) in September and recovered on the 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 129 Isle of May early in the following May was probably a Brit- ish bird that had emigrated to the Continent and was return- ing to its homeland to breed—as many are known to do. Mealy Redpolls (typical flammea, from the Continent) have been identified occasionally in spring between mid April and the first week of June. They appear also sporadically in autumn between the latter part of September and early Nov- ember and sometimes during the winter. As a rule only small numbers are involved (as many as ten in a day is unusual) but exceptionally large flocks have appeared, e.g. during the irruptions of 1910 and 1913. Some 70-80 were on the island on 21st October 1972. There is only one record—in October 1934—of a Greater (or Greenland) Redpoll (A. f. rostrata). BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Bullfinches (singles or male and female together) have been recorded on seven occasions— once (a Northern bird) in April, four times in October, twice in November. In two of the October occurrences the sub- species involved was not determined. The British Bullfinch (P. p. pileata) has been identified with certainty only once— a female on Ist and (probably the same bird) 5th Novembe.: 1963. The Northern Bullfinch (nominate pyrrhula) has occurred at least four times: a female on 5th-7th April 1971; a male on 20th-21st October 1961 (when a female, subspecies not determined, was also present); several from 22nd to end Oc- tober 1910, part of a large irruption into Scotland; and a male on 4th-5th November 1963; on the 5th a female British was also present). SCARLET ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus. The only spring occurrence is of a splendid adult male on 3lst May 1972, but there have been over 20 occurrences in autumn (late August- late October) of either first-summer birds or females. Once, two birds appeared together; all other records were of singles. PINE GROSBEAK Pinicola enucleator. One record only—a female on 8th-9th November 1954. CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra. A sporadically irruptive immi- grant recorded in 12 invasion years. Several of the appear- ances (all of nominate curvirostra) have been of parties of ten-35 birds (once 85), remaining for a period in diminishing numbers. Most of the arrivals have been in July-September, but there have been a few in October, and there is one record of a single bird in December and another at the end of May. PARROT CROSSBILL Loxia pytyopsittacus. Recorded once—a single bird on 18th September 1953. 130 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs. The spring movements, extending from early March to the end of May, are usually in small numbers (exceptionally high counts have been 30, 60 and 70); the autumn movements, extending from mid September to early November, are also usually in small numbers but have not infrequently included considerable falls (most in a day, 200). There are occasional small influxes in winter. In 1944 a single male remained on the island from 5th June to 19th September. Both the British subspecies (F. c. gengleri) and the Contin- ental (F. c. coelebs) have been identified; when a high count is recorded the birds seem generally to be Continental win- ter visitors either arriving or departing. There have been two recoveries in Norway in the breeding season of Chaffinches ringed on the Isle of May in previous autumns. Another bird ringed on the island on 19th April was recovered at sea near Stockholm, Sweden, on the 4th of May. BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla. Spring passage usually in small numbers (most in a day, 80), mainly in April (earliest 10th March) but exceptionally up to the end of May or first few days of June. Autumn passage mainly in October (earliest 1st September, latest 17th November), usually in quite small flocks but exceptionally involving large numbers, e.g. about 4000 on 6th October 1966 and “thousands” on 10th October 1909. There are three foreign recoveries—all from Belgium—of Bramblings trapped on the island: of two ringed in October, one was recovered in the same month of the following year, the other in the sixth November after ringing; the third bird, ringed in May, was recovered in November two years later. CoRN BUNTING Emberiza calandra. Nine occurrences, six in May, one mid August, two early September. Most in a day, two (twice). Probably birds of Continental origin. YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella. Irregular spring passage in small numbers, chiefly of single birds (most in a day, four), mainly in April (earliest 16th March, latest 7th June). Two records July, one August. The autumn passage, between late September and mid November, is just as irregular and Sparse, consisting nearly always of single birds. There are occasional appearances in winter. All the birds critically examined have been British E. c. caliginosa, but nominate citrinella from northern Europe could quite conceivably oc- cur and may not have been recognised. BLACK-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza melanocephala. One record only, a female on 22nd September 1949. YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING Emberiza aureola. Six records of single birds, all between 22nd August and 7th October. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 131 [RED-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza bruniceps. Three occurrences of single males, the first from 28th to 29th August 1960, the second from 30th August to 2nd September 1966, the third in the first three weeks of June 1973. All must be suspect as escapes. |] CiRL BUNTING Emberiza cirlus. Vagrants of unknown origin have appeared on the island on three occasions—twice in September 1935 (single birds), once in October 1947 (three together). ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana. Occasional in spring (most in a day, six) between 2nd May and 8th June. Occa- sional also in autumn (nearly always single birds, once two, once three) between late August and late October. RuSTIC BUNTING Emberiza rustica. Six occurrences of single birds, three arriving between 6th and 12th May, three be- tween 11th and 30th September. LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla. Has appeared twelve times in autumn (mainly single birds, once four together) between 20th September and 25th October). No spring occurrences. Last recorded in 1959. REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus. Irregular spring passage mainly in May but some movement also in March and April. One occurrence in June. Autumn passage again irregular, mainly from late September to early November (earliest 3rd September, latest 7th November). Although the numbers in- volved are usually small, counts of up to 50 in spring and 24 in autumn have been recorded. These larger figures reflect the departure and arrival of winter visitors from the Con- tinent. LAPLAND BUNTING Calcarius lapponicus. Nearly 40 autumn rec- ords (chiefly of single birds but exceptionally up to seven in a day), mainly between mid September and mid October (earliest 6th September, latest 26th October). No spring oc- currences. SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis. Sporadic in small num- bers in spring, mainly in March and the first half of April but with occasional strays to late May. Equally unpredictable in autumn, again in small numbers (as many as 40 in a day ex- ceptional), from mid September to November and with occa- sional occurrences in winter. All specimens examined crit- ically have been nominate nivalis. [LAZULI BUNTING Passerina amoena. One, on 22nd-23rd May 1971, was judged to have been an escaped cage-bird.] HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus. Single birds and small par- ties (largest number, seven) appear fairly regularly between April and early June, occasionally also between September 132 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) and early November. One record in July; one in August. A pair nested in 1907 and there was a resident breeding popu- lation of about six pairs, diminishing latterly, from 1925 to 1947. TREE SPARROW Passer montanus. A few occurrences in most springs; almost always in May, occasionally in late April or the first week of June; more than four birds at a time unusual; highest counts 16, 22 and 47. The autumn passage was pre- viously larger than that in spring, occurring chiefly in Octo- ber and the first week of November, but in the last four decades there have been only four autumn records all in October (in 1964, 1968, 1969 and 1973). Up to six pairs bred, probably continuously, between 1907 (or earlier) and 1922; none has done so since. Breeding birds The accounts in this section summarise and bring up to date the information given in The Isle of May (1960) on the past and present breeding birds of the island. The increases in the past 14 years in the breeding popula- tions of nearly all the seabirds are demonstrated by the figures for 1959 and 1972 in table 1; numbers in the 1880’s (when the first estimates of populations were made) and in 1946 (during a period when there was a large tern colony on the island) are also given for comparison. All the figures are of breeding pairs; those for Puffin are derived partly from an assessment of oc- cupied burrows. Although based on counts, some of the larger figures may be no more than intelligent approximations; never- theless, none in likely to be grossly wrong. Table 1. Isle of May seabird populations (breeding pairs) 1880’s to 1972 1880's 1946 1959 1972 Fulmar 0 f 37 50+ Shag 1-3 12 400 1000 Eider 30-50 20-30 60-80 100 Oystercatcher i 12-15 12-15 8-12 Great Black-backed Gull 0 0 0 = Lesser Black-backed Gull 0 73 250 approx.2500 Herring Gull 0 750 3000 15000* Kittiwake ‘some hundreds’ 2000 1650 3450 Common Tern 0 5000-6000 0 0 Arctic Tern 0 400-500 0 0 Roseate Tern 0 15-20 0 0 Sandwich Tern 0 1400-1500 0 0 Razorbill a few hundreds 400 300 600 Guillemot 1000-1500 2000 2000 3500 Puffin 20-40 10 5-6 3000-4000 *About 34000 birds in early May, 4000 not breeding. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 133 It is remarkable how small the seabird populations were towards the end of last century compared with the levels of today. Only Eiders, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots were present in any quantity and probably only Razorbills in anything like today’s numbers. There were no breeding Ful- mars, none of the larger gulls was nesting, and there were fewer than 50 pairs of Shags and Puffins, taken together. Over the years, both in the present century and earlier, the number of nesting Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots ap- pear to have fluctuated considerably; terns (four species) have sometimes nested and sometimes not. The past decade, how- ever, has seen increases in all the major nesting populations of seabirds (the terns excepted) to levels far higher than have ever before been recorded. Especially notable have been the dramatic increase in Puffin numbers, from about five pairs in 1959 to 3000-4000 pairs in 1972, and the massive build-up of breeding Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls from about 3250 pairs to some 17500 pairs within the same period. The fantastic expansion of the gull populations has pro- foundly altered the character of the island’s vegetation and has affected the stability of its soils. To take but two examples, the once turf-clad Maiden Rocks have been converted into a nearly bare skerry, and the great expanses of sea pink on Rona exist no longer. Like the whole of the North Ness and many other portions of the island, these places were by 1972 just components of one vast gull-slum. Despite the environmental changes they have caused, the effects of the large numbers of nesting and roosting gulls on other bird species have not been marked. It might with some reason be argued that the terns, which from time to time in the past have nested in considerable numbers (e.g. over 4000 pairs in 1936 and about 7500 pairs in 1946) may have been prevented from returning to their preferred breeding ground because of the dense tenancy of the Herring and Lesser Black- backed Gulls, which are already nesting when the terns arrive from their winter quarters. Nevertheless, terns are notoriously unpredictable in their behaviour, and there have been long periods when none has bred on the May, despite the complete absence of nesting gulls. The fact that Puffins have established so successful a colony on the island, on gull-occupied ground, does not imply that terns, even if they arrived en masse, could do the same. Puffins lay in burrows and rear their young un- derground; terns’ eggs—and their young, until they reach the Eee stage—are openly exposed and are often predated by gulls. On the same theme, it may be noted that the great increase in gull numbers has not prevented a big expansion of the Kitti- 134 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) wake colonies, another species that might be considered a likely target for gull predation. The Eider population also ap- pears to have been but little affected in general; there are in fact more nests now than ever before. In regard to breeding land birds, the period since 1959 has seen the demise and partial recovery of the most recent of a widely spaced succession of Linnet colonies, the cessation (one hopes only temporary) of the _ breeding of Pied Wagtails and Wheatears, and a noticeable drop in the number of nesting pipits—probably in the case of Rock Pipit related to a reduction by gulls of the extent of suitable nesting cover. It is possible, of course, that the food supplies of some species have been affected adversely by habitat changes, nevertheless Blackbirds, Hedge Sparrows and Swallows have continued to nest successfully, and Song Thrush reappeared in 1971 and 1973 as a breeding species, after a lapse of more than 30 years. Obviously, much more remains to be learned about the food requirements of the birds con- cerned and about food availability both on the land and in the sea, before these population changes can be explained. Par- ticularly, one wonders why the years 1955-59 (and especially 1957 and 1958) should have been so favourable to the nesting of Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Wheatear and Linnet, for in one or other of these years each of these species had its peak nesting numbers this century. It was during this period also that Swallows started to nest and that a Wren nested for the only time ever. In the accounts that follow species that have bred on the island in the past, but not within the last ten years and those that have nested only once in that period are marked 7: they are not a characteristic feature of the present-day breeding picture. Species that have nested since 1959 and had not done so before are indicated by an asterisk. FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis The Fulmar is a comparatively recent addition to the island’s breeding seabirds. Site-prospecting was first recorded in 1921, ‘two sites were occupied in 1922 and six by 1929; breeding was ‘proved conclusively in 1930 by the finding of a chick. Since then there has been a slow but steady increase in the breeding population to over 60 pairs, as shown in table 2. Until 1965 all the Fulmar nests were on the West Cliffs be- tween the West Head and the Pilgrims’ Haven. Since then there have been nests also at the Horse Hole, on the western side of Rona, on the Burrian Rocks, in Colm’s Hole and at var- ious places at the South End. At present, in the longer-tenanted sites at any rate, chicks are being reared successfully from about half the eggs laid. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 135 Table 2, Colonisation of the May by Fulmars 1921-73 1921 prospecting began 1957 34 occupied sites; at least 26 eggs laid 1922 two sites occupied 1959 37 occupied sites 1929 six sites occupied 1964 at least 17 young reared— perhaps as many as 24 1930 breeding first proved 1966 30-35 pairs bred 1936 four pairs bred 1967 about 40 pairs bred; 26 young reared 1939-44 upto six pairs bred 1969 46 breeding pairs; 7 pairs of non-breeders 1947-49 seventotenpairsbred 1972 over 50 pairs bred 1954 at least 26 occupied sites: 1973 68 pairs counted at least 19 eggs laid *GANNET Sula bassana Gannets bred for a time in the first half of the 19th century, when adults were shot and young birds taken. A pair attempt- ed to breed in 1922; a nest was started but never finished. +CORMORANT Phalacrorax carbo A few pairs may have bred in the 1820’s and perhaps a pair in the 1880’s, although confusion with Shag is probable. In 1938, birds were seen carrying nest material to the cliffs, but laying was not proved. SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis The breeding population of Shags has increased remarkably in the past 25 years. A few pairs were nesting in the 1820’s and one of a pair was shot in 1864; thereafter we have no firm information until the early 1900’s, although a few pairs may have been present throughout (as they certainly were be- tween 1907 and 1925). There were still only 12 pairs in 1946, but 50 by 1951, over 300 by 1957, and there are over 1100 pairs now. Table 3. Breeding population of Shags, Isle of May, 1907-1973 1907-25 — 1-3 pairs 1957 — about 315 pairs 1934 — 6 pairs 1959 — about 400 pairs 1946 — 12 pairs 1961 — about 550 pairs 1951 — about 50 pairs 1965 — about 750 pairs 1952 — 70-80 pairs 1969 — about 880 pairs 1955 — 175-200 pairs 1973 — about 1130 pairs There are many instances of Shags ringed as nestlings on the Farne Islands (Northumberland) being found breeding on the Isle of May in subsequent years. 7 *MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos In early April 1965 a pair of Mallards was seen on a couple of occasions, apparently prospecting for a nest site; the birds 136 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) remained for some time, but no nest was found. On 29th April 1968, a well hidden nest containing 11 eggs was discovered at the foot of Colm’s Hole. On 11th May, three ducklings not more than a week old, from a different but never located nest, were found trapped in a concrete sump near the West Land- ing; all three died subsequently. These two nests are the only records of breeding in the island’s history. 7+ * TEAL Anas crecca Although springs or pairs of Teal are seen fairly regularly on the island between autumn and the end of winter it came as a surprise when on 18th May 1960 a Teal duck was flushed from its nest under a slanting plank of jetsam on the North Ness. The eggs vanished later, believed taken by gulls. This is the only known breeding record. EIDER Somateria mollissima Johannis Blaeu, who died in 1638, noted that the Eider was one of the commonest birds of the May; Sibbald in 1710 recor- ded it too. An account in the 1890’s reported that the species was breeding in annually declining numbers, but we do not know how long this decrease lasted and to what level the population was reduced. Estimates in the 1930’s suggest that about 30 pairs were at that time breeding, and certainly there were not many fewer than this when the Observatory re-open- ed after the war, with a noticeable increase in the following decade. Because the clutches of disturbed brooding Eiders are liable to predation, few attempts have been made at an exact census of nests, but in 1956, when in the first half of June over 65 were counted, it was estimated that at least 70 females must have laid. In 1972 the activities of the gull cull made pos- sible a more accurate assessment of Eider nests than for many years, and about 100 pairs were found to be breeding. On the whole, from the figures available, it is probably fairly safe to conclude that throughout the last 20 years between 60 and 100 pairs of Eiders must have nested annually—and latterly nearer 100 than 60. Surprisingly many of the clutches hatch out safely, but the fate of the ducklings is something of a mys- tery. Very few attain anything like adulthood around the island, yet there are few records of predation by gulls. Can it be that the ducklings are taken over to the mainland by the females soon after they hatch ? Counts of Eiders round the coast have been made on a num- ber of occasions just before and during the breeding season. Consistently, and making allowance for brooding females where appropriate, more birds of both sexes are present than actually nest, indicating that there is a considerable non- breeding population. To take two examples: on 18th May 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 137 1966, in a year when there were probably 60-100 nests and at a time when most of the breeding females must have been sitting, 260 drakes and 168 ducks were counted just off shore; similarly, on 5th-6th May 1972, a year with about 100 nests, there were 187 adult drakes, 19 immature drakes and 153 ducks off-shore. These figures indicate that spring counts of Eiders are not a reliable guide to the number nesting. SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna There are no early records of breeding. In the springs of 1932, 1934 and 1935 a pair frequented the coast of the island, but breeding was not proved until 1936, when a nest containing ten eggs was located. In the spring of 1937 two birds were again present, and in 1938 one or even two pairs may have bred. After the wartime gap in recording there was no sugges- tion of breeding until in the spring of 1955 a pair was seen on and around the North Ness. Birds were present again in the spring of 1959, and in 1960 a pair successfully brought off eight ducklings. Since then between one and three pairs have probably nested annually; breeding was proved in 1961 (brood of 14 ducklings), 1970 (nest with four eggs), 1971 (brood of four ducklings), 1972 (brood of three ducklings) and 1973 (brood of six ducklings). *PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus Until 1929 a pair of Peregrines had bred on the island with fair regularity, although with breaks, for as far back as records go. A nest was mentioned in 1829, and an account of that per- iod refers to the May possessing a pair “long renowned in deeds of falconry’. We know that there was an eyrie in 1864 (and in 1869) and that for some time before and after 1907 there had been no breeding; also that the eyrie was unoccupied from 1922 to 1924. The last definite record of breeding was in 1929, though a pair may have attempted to nest in 1941, when at least one bird was present and what is believed to have “io part of a Peregrine’s egg was picked up near the Mill oor. +MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus A pair of Moorhens may have nested in 1933, when what was believed to have been an island-born juvenile was caught and an adult was seen. Breeding was proved in 1934, when a nest was discovered on the North Ness. The eggs hatched suc- cessfully and a second clutch was laid. This is the only cer- tain record of breeding. OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus There are records of Oystercatchers on the May as far back as 1710 and 1792, but breeding is not specifically mentioned. 138 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY &(S) We know, however, that a pair nested annually from the 1860’s to the 1880’s, that there were two pairs in 1911, seven pairs in 1921, 1924 and 1936, about ten pairs in 1939 and 1944 and that between 13 and 16 pairs nested from 1953 to 1957. Since then the breeding population has remained remarkably steady at about 12 pairs, although 20 pairs were estimated to be present in 1967. Between eight and 12 pairs bred in 1972 and 15 pairs were holding territory in 1973. Oystercatchers’ eggs suffer more than those of any other bird on the island from predation by gulls (which are much assisted by any human disturbance that causes sitting birds to leave their eggs). For at least the last 20 years few young have been reared, latterly perhaps fewer than half-a-dozen annually. *LAPWING Vanellus vanellus A pair is reported to have nested in 1897; they were seen “feeding young’. There is no other breeding record. 7REDSHANK Tringa totanus. A nest containing eggs was found in 1912, the only breeding record. *GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Until 1962, when a single pair laid eggs and raised young, there was no certain record of this species breeding on the island. In the next three years the same pair nested again; in 1966 there were two pairs; in 1967-68, three pairs; and in 1969- 72, four pairs. In 1973 one pair attempted to breed. It is pro- bable that four of the eight adults comprising the breeding population were killed in the course of the Nature Conservan- cy’s 1972 gull cull, and one adult and one immature were killed in the cull of 1973. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gulls did not begin to breed on the May until 1930 but, as indicated by the figures below, they increas- ed at a markedly faster rate than did the Herring Gulls. Thus, Table 4. Growth of Lesser Black-backed Gull breeding population, 1930-1972 1930 — 1 pair 1963 — about 500 pairs 1938 — 15 pairs 1966 — about 900 pairs 1946 — 73 pairs 1969 — about 2000 pairs 1954 — about 165 pairs 1972 — about 2500 pairs in 1970 their population exceeded 2000 pairs, whereas after a similar period from first breeding the Herring Gull popula- tion had (in 1947) reached little more than a third of that fig- ure. This was almost certainly because at no time had any par- ticular effort been made to reduce Lesser Black-back numbers. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 139 In the gull-reduction campaign of May 1972 approximately 1700 breeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls were eliminated, fol- lowed by about 1100 in 1973. HERRING GULL Larus argentatus The first nest of a Herring Gull on the island was found in 1907; in 1972 the breeding population was about 15000 pairs. This spectacular increase became particularly noticeable from 1954 onwards as the numbers snowballed, and a picture of it is provided by the population estimates in the Observatory records (summarised below), based on counts both of birds and of nests. It should be noted that the huge increase in breeding numbers occurred notwithstanding the removal of a considerable egg harvest in many years and despite attempts to reduce the population by deliberate egg destruction in the interests of other breeding species and of the vegetation. But for this, the Herring Gull population would assuredly have become unbearably large even sooner than it did. The massive reduction in gull numbers which was begun by the Nature Con- servancy in 1972, when over 15000 adult Herring Gulls and about 1700 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were painlessly destroyed, and which will be continued as necessary, aims at reducing the gull populations to a level at which they no longer so drastically and adversely affect the island’s plant and soil cover. In 1973 a further 9600 adult Herrings Gulls and 1100 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were destroyed. Table 5. Growth of Herring Gull breeding population, 1907-1972 1907 — 1 pair 1951 — about 1100 pairs 1914 — 12 pairs 1959 — about 3000 pairs 1924 — 58 pairs 1964 — about 8000 breeding pairs 1936 — about 455 pairs 1968 — about 12000 breeding pairs 1947 — about 760 pairs 1972 — about 15000 breeding pairs KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla Although there are references to the occurrence and nest- ing of Kittiwakes on the Isle of May as far back as the early 17th century and the possibility of still earlier presence, there have been no estimates of the size of the breeding population until comparatively recently. It is recorded that ‘‘thousands” were nesting in 1881 and, perhaps more accurately, ‘some hun- dreds” in 1883 (statements which probably reflect but little change), but there is no firm information thereafter until the early 1920’s, since when the following counts and estimates have been made: The fluctuations in this 53-year period are of particular in- terest in that they took place at a time when the species was suffering a minimum of human disturbance. The high count of nests in 1936 and the low count in 1959, together with the 140 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY &(S) noticeable rise in numbers between 1966 and 1973, are well documented and in no way open to question. One wonders just how far the present wave of increase will go. Table 6. Kittiwake breeding population 1921-73 1921 — about 1900 nests 1955 — over 2000 nests 1924 — about 2350 nests 1959 — about 1650 nests 1936 — about 2950 nests 1966 — about 2150 nests 1952 — about 2000 nests 1969 — about 3100 nests 1954 — about 1200 nests 1971 — about 3300 nests 1973 — about 3430 nests Although the Kittiwakes have been little, if at all, predated by man in the present century, this was by no means the case in the past: in June 1508 James IV of Scotland made a visit to the May, partly to pay his devotions at the shrine of St Adrian and partly to ‘‘schut at fowlis with the culveryn’’. Just what his quarry was we do not know, but it is not difficult to conjecture in the light of human behaviour in later centuries. Sibbald, in 1710, says of the Kittiwake that “it is held to be as savoury and as good meat as a Partridge’, and the editor of the 1803 edition of his History adds that the young were still then a favourite dish with many people and that “the shooting of them when they come new-fledged from the nests on the cliffs is esteemed excellent sport’. The Kittiwakes, it seems, were shot partly for food but also and even more for “sport”. Montagu in his Ornithological Dictionary (1833) refers humor- ously to the use of Kittiwakes as appetisers: “In the Isle of May, at the mouth of the Forth, the rocks are covered with the dung of this species, being unmolested till the young are fit to take which .. . are eaten by the inhabitants before dinner, as a whet for their appetites. Of this a curious story is told of a gentleman who went to the Isle of May to eat Kittiwakes and, after eating a dozen, exclaimed that he did not find his appetite improved”’. To obtain a picture of the “sport” involved one cannot do better than read the description in MacGillivray’s History of British Birds (1840) : “Parties are formed on our eastern coast for the sole purpose of shooting them; and I have seen a person station himself on the top of the Kittiwake cliff on the Isle of May, and shoot incessantly for several hours, with- out so much as afterwards picking up a single individual of the many killed and maimed birds with which the smooth water was strewed beneath”’. Recoveries of this species include one of a bird ringed as a pullus on the Isle of May on 7th July 1972 and found at Fox- trap, Conception Bay, Newfoundland, on 20th February 1973. 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 141 +COMMON Tern Sterna hirundo +ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea 7+ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii +SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis. These four species of terns have all nested on the May in the past. Since 1957 the only record of nesting has been of a pair of Common Terns that laid eggs (fate unknown) between the Low Light and Tarbet in 1973. This is the sole piece of information to add to the tern accounts given in 1960 in The Isle of May. It may however be recalled that the highest recorded level of tern populations was in 1946, when 5000-6000 pairs of Common Terns, 400-500 pairs of Arctic Terns, pro- bably 15-20 pairs of Roseate Terns and 1400-1500 pairs of Sandwich Terns bred. The only year in which the number of breeding pairs of any of the four species exceeded the 1946 figure was 1936, when about 800 pairs of Arctic Terns bred, but only 3400 pairs of Common, 2-3 pairs of Roseate and four pairs of Sandwich. In the days of large-scale nesting by terns, the main breed- ing locality was the area immediately below the North Horn. Later, as Herring Gull numbers grew, the terns were forced to move on to more and more inhospitable ground, including the east side of Ruff Green, the tussocky area around St An- drews Well, a similar and adjacent site across the High Road towards the top of the North Plateau, and the slopes equally remote from the sea above the Holyman’s Road between the Bield and the Lookout. In all these places the colonies were small, and the birds had little success in raising young. By the mid 1950’s the end was approaching; in 1957 only a few birds een and no young were reared; in 1958 not a single egg was laid. RAZORBILL Alca torda Razorbills are known to have nested on the May since the 1860’s, and it is almost certain that they did so much earlier, both in Sibbald’s time (early 18th century) and before. “‘“A few hundreds” were breeding in the 1880’s. The first attempted censuses were in 1921 (360 pairs) and 1924 (160 pairs), when the numbers present were considered to have been smaller than in the preceding 15 years. About 500 pairs bred in 1936, about 375 pairs in 1952 and perhaps about the same number in 1955, when 97 occupied sites were counted on 17th April be- tween the Horse Hole and the Mill Door. Since then, unfor- tunately, there have been no counts, estimates or even guesses to suggest the size of the breeding population. However in the first five days of April 1968 there were about 450 Razorbills either on the cliffs or on the adjoining sea, and on 4th April 1972 there were about 1200 on the sea below the cliffs from 142 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) the Mill Door southwards. These two figures indicate the possi- bility of a substantial increase in the last five years, and my impression on 14th-15th June 1971 and 3lst May 1972 was that more nesting Razorbills were present than in any of the past 20 years. Not unconnected may be the fact that new sites have recently been occupied, e.g. a chick was reared on the Maiden Rocks in 1972 for the first time ever. Observers should note that counts of Razorbills on the cliffs in May and June are very much wanted. An estimate for 1973, which has just come to light, is of about 500 pairs. GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Guillemots were breeding on the May in 1710—and doubt- less long before—and they have done so ever since. In 1848 we have the first reference to the bridled variety, and in the 1880’s the statement that Guillemots were the most abundant of the breeding seabirds, with an estimated population in 1888 of about 1500 pairs. Counts of 2596 pairs and 1664 pairs were recorded in 1921 and 1924 respectively, there were 2080 pairs in 1936 and about 2000 pairs in 1954 and 1955. Since then no counts have been made at incubation time, but there are rough estimates of 9000 birds on 7th July 1969 and of about 3750 birds on the sea from the Mill Door southwards on 4th April 1972, both of which figures suggest an increase. My impression in mid June 1971 and at the end of May 1972 was that 2500- 4000 pairs were breeding and probably nearer the higher figure than the lower. As with the Razorbill, new sites are being col- onised; there were at least eight eggs on the Maiden Rocks in 1972—the first time ever. Careful counts of Guillemots in May and June are greatly to be desired. " Bomwer 3% and 5% of the Guillemots on the Isle of May are ridled. An estimate for 1973, which has just come to light, is of about 3700 pairs. + BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle A few pairs of Black Guillemots bred on the May in the 1820’s and 1830’s. The species probably ceased to nest some years before the middle of the century, though there may have been occasional attempts later. PUFFIN Fratercula arctica There are no early records of the Puffin on the Isle of May, though this does not necessarily mean that it did not occur. It was certainly breeding in the 1880’s when the population was estimated variously at 20-40 pairs. There were, however, only 12 pairs in 1921 and just six in 1924. In 1934 not more than eight to ten pairs were judged to be nesting, though in 1936 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 143 a population of about 50 pairs was suggested. Between 1950 and 1959 it is almost certain that never more than ten pairs nested, and in most years only about five. Until 1956 all the nests had been in fissures in the cliffs, but in 1957 and 1958 an attempt was made by at least 50 pairs to establish colonies on the Burrian and on the turfy cliff-top to the north of West Tarbet and around the Horse Hole, where in 1957 a dead chick and an abandoned egg were found and in 1958 a single chick was ringed. In 1959 a nest containing an egg was found near High Tarn, and in the same year I rec- orded (The Isle of May, p. 219) that “gulls and gulls alone have prevented more extensive breeding in the past three years”. Within a short time this categorical and unfounded statement was shown to be totally incorrect. In 1960 and 1961 there was again no successful nesting except by the few pairs in the cliff fissures, although in the latter year 200-300 birds were prospecting once more on the Burrian. In 1962, nesting in the turf slopes above Colm’s Hole was proved: at least eight eggs were laid, and two young were ringed. In 1963 eleven chicks were ringed at Colm’s Hole and possibly two hundred pairs are thought to have bred; in 1964 more than 500 pairs were occupying breeding grounds at Colm’s Hole and on Rona, and by 1972 the breeding population was estimated at between 3000 and 4000 pairs, chiefly in the Colm’s Hole- Burrian area and on the west side of Rona and at the South End, but also on many other parts of the island. All this in the face of increasing gull numbers and with no appreciable preda- tion by gulls; altogether a remarkable instance of successful colonisation. Rock DOVE/FERAL PIGEON Columba livia There is good evidence that genuine pure-bred Rock Doves were nesting on the Isle of May in the first part of the 19th century. However, any livia pigeons that have nested within the past 100 years or more—as some from time to time do, in cliff fissures or in the sea caves—must have been of mixed feral blood. Nevertheless a fair proportion of the ‘doocot doos’ that seasonally frequent the island are of blue rock type, al- most identical with the true wild Rock Dove. The most recent instance of one of these feral pigeons breeding on the May was in 1972 when on 20th October young birds were heard cheep- ing from the cave in the Horse Hole, and a newly fledged youngster still with down about its head was seen further along the West Cliffs. The number of feral pigeons on the island, in late autumn and winter especially, has increased noticeably since the early 1960’s. This is assumed to be because of the greater availability of suitable food, partly from the partially digested contents of 144 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) gull pellets and more particularly from the seeds of annual and other weeds, including Stellaria, Chenopodium, Atriplex and Polygonum, which because of the activities of the gulls have replaced permanent turf. SWALLOW Hirundo rustica The first record of breeding was in 1956 when a pair raised five young. Since then at least one pair, sometimes two pairs and once (1972) three pairs have bred, almost always success- fully. Second broods are frequently raised. CARRION CROW Corvus corone Like the Fulmar, the Carrion Crow is a recent addition to the list of the island’s nesting species. Breeding was first sus- pected in 1921, and from 1922 to 1929 a pair nested annually. From 1930 to 1945 successful breeding was not proved, al- though in some years a pair was present throughout the breed- ing season. In 1946 a nest was built, but no eggs were laid; in 1947 the nest was remade but not used; in 1948 a pair was present but did not breed; and in 1949 a nest was built but the eggs disappeared. In 1950, 1952 and 1953 young were reared successfully, there was an unsuccessful nest in 1959, and there was no attempt at nesting in 1960-63. In 1964 a pair was pres- ent during the breeding season, but no nest was found, and in 1968 a nest, which at first contained five eggs and later three chicks, was subsequently predated. Since then there has been no record of nesting. + WREN Troglodytes troglodytes The only breeding record is of a pair that nested success- fully in 1957 on a low bank overhanging the Loch. A second cock summered in the same area, near the Low Light. SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos A few pairs of Song Thrushes have bred at intervals on the Isle of May for a long time back. There were probably three or four pairs nesting in the early 1880’s, at least one pair was breeding in 1911, and between one and three pairs nested from 1931 to 1938 or a year or two later. From about 1946 until 1971, no Song Thrushes nested. A single pair in 1971 raised one brood but deserted a second clutch. There was no nest in 1972 but at least two pairs and possibly three pairs nested in 1973. BLACKBIRD Turdus merula There is no mention of Blackbirds nesting on the May before the early 1880’s, though they probably did. In the 80’s they bred regularly in small numbers; they bred “freely” from 1907 until 1914, there were four pairs in 1921, two in 1924, none from 1926 to 1929, one pair again in 1930 and two or three 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 145 pairs in 1933. There were at least (and probably five) breeding pairs in 1935 and between two and four pairs from 1936 to 1946. Only one pair nested in the years 1947-50 and at most two pairs in 1951. In 1952 the single pair was a brother-sister mating; four eggs were laid, one chick died in the egg, one soon after hatching and the other two succumbed later. There was no further breeding until 1961. In that year and up to and including 1969 one pair bred, in 1970 three pairs, and in 1971, 1972 and 1973 two pairs for certain, with the possibility of a third pair in 1973. WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatears were nesting regularly on the May in the 1880’s but at some time after that they ceased to do so and certainly none bred between 1907 and 1919. Nesting began again in 1920, there were “unusually many” nests in 1921 (compared with later years up to 1934) but only two pairs in 1924. There is no information for the period 1925-35, but in 1936 probably three pairs bred and in 1937 probably between four and six pairs. From 1938 to 1948 none nested, only one pair bred in 1950, two pairs from 1951 to 1953, probably three pairs in 1954-55, and four pairs in 1956. There was an increase to eight or nine pairs (six nests located) in 1957 and a further increase to ten or 11 pairs (nine nests located) in 1958. No population estimates were made in the years 1959-61, but either five or six pairs bred in 1962. In 1963 and 1964 not more than two pairs were present (no nests found) and in the nine years since then no Wheatears have bred. These records are incomplete, and until much longer runs are available it will be impossible to distinguish any pattern— if such exists. A steady build-up after a period of absence is perhaps not unexpected, and there was just such an increase— from one pair to ten or 11—between 1951 and 1958. But what are the reasons for abandonment? Why four to six pairs in 1937 and none in 1938? Why five or six in 1952, only one or two in 1953-54 and none at all since? {WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus The only record of nesting is of a pair that bred in 1922. DUNNOCK Prunella modularis A pair of Hedge Sparrows nested on the May in 1884 and reared two broods. After that it was 74 years before the next nest was recorded—in 1958. There was another nest in 1961, and since 1965 Hedge Sparrows have nested annually: one pair bred in 1965 and 1966, two pairs in 1967, five in 1968, four in 1969, six in 1970 and two in 1971, 1972 and 1973. 146 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis The first mention of the Meadow Pipit on the island indicates that it was breeding regularly and not uncommonly in the early 1880’s. Between 1907 and the mid 1920’s there was a marked decrease in breeding numbers, and in 1924 only three pairs were nesting and in 1934 the same number. From then until 1952 between one and five pairs nested annually, and from 1953 to 1958 between two and ten pairs. In 1962 probably four pairs bred, but since then numbers have fallen further, with never more than three pairs present in any year, none breeding in 1966 and 1968-70, only one pair in 1971 and 1972, and at least two pairs in 1973. It has been suggested that the recent decline may be due to a lack of suitable nesting sites resulting from the vegetation changes brought about by gulls. This would seem improbable. The main Meadow Pipit breeding area has always been the grassy middle slopes on the east side of the main island—the ground least affected by gulls. ROcK PiPiIT Anthus spinoletta This is another species for which there are no early breed- ing records, though it was nesting commonly on the island in the 1880’s and was considered to be “very common” in June 1892. There is said to have been a decrease in breeding num- bers between 1907 and 1925, although 31 pairs were still nest- ing in 1924. There were 24 pairs in 1936, about 20 pairs in 1937, about 25 pairs from 1939 to 1949 and about 30 pairs in 1951, 1955 and 1956. In 1957, some 36 nests were found, and the population was estimated at 56 pairs. There were between 40 and 50 pairs in 1958 (again over 30 nests were located) and about the same number in 1959. No estimates have been made since; this is unfortunate, because there can be little doubt that the breeding population has in fact decreased consider- ably, with many of the former nesting territories no longer suitable because of the vegetation changes brought about by the gulls. PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba The earliest reference to the breeding of Pied Wagtails on the island is a note in 1883 that “‘a few wagtails nestle in the vic- inity of the Loch’. A year or two later four or five pairs bred, and it is probable that a few pairs nested regularly from then until 1961. A pair attempted to breed (unsuccessfully) in 1962, no birds appeared in 1963-65, and a single pair raised young in 1966 and 1967; there has been no nest since. Between 1921 and 1958 the breeding population was asses- sed in 19 different years: on 14 occasions either two or three | | | | | | | | 1974 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 147 pairs bred, on three occasions one pair, and on two occasions four pairs. The recent diminution in numbers, with no breed- ing birds present in nine of the last eleven years, is difficult to explain. STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Once again it is in the 1880’s that we are provided with the first information about nesting, with the statement that “a good many breed on the face of the cliffs but always out of reach”, The numbers involved have been estimated rather in- frequently: there were 16 breeding pairs in 1921, 27 in 1924, distinctly fewer in 1925, only six pairs in 1936, six or seven in 1937, at least six in 1946, probably between ten and 15 pairs in 1947, about eight pairs in 1953, probably approaching 20 pairs in 1954 and about the same number in 1955-59. Since 1959 no estimate has been made of the size of the breeding population, but there has been no obvious drop in numbers, and a flock of up to 50 juveniles has been seen in June (in 1965). Probably between ten and 20 pairs at present nest an- nually, but it would be valuable if this could be confirmed. Only one Starling’s nest has been seen on the May away from the cliffs; every nest found has been inaccessible, and no Starling nestling has ever been ringed. 7+ LINNET Acanthis cannabina A few pairs of Linnets bred on the island in the early 1880’s but they ceased to do so some time later, and from 1909 to 1917 none nested. A pair bred in 1918 and two pairs in 1920 and 1921 but none from 1922 to 1947. In 1948 a pair built and laid eggs but deserted the nest, and four more years passed with- out any Linnets present. Then in 1953 three pairs bred suc- cessfully, probably three pairs again in 1954 (raising at least five broods between them), and at least six pairs in 1955 (probably raising at least ten broods). In 1956 five or six pairs bred; in 1957 probably between seven and ten pairs (raising at least 13 broods); and in 1958-59 between nine and ten pairs, of which about half nested on the ground, in turfy banks. This was in great contrast to the situation in the years 1953-57, when only the odd pair had not nested in the shrubs which provide cover in and around the bird traps. In 1960 one pair _ bred, or possibly two; since then there has been only one suc- cessful breeding, though there was a nest with eggs—later . deserted—in 1968. Two pairs nested in 1973, and at least one brood fledged. | HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus A visitor to the May in the early 1830’s recorded that ‘“‘the | sparrow” was resident. Whether this was House Sparrow or 148 THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF MAY 8(S) Tree Sparrow it is impossible to say, and it is not until 1907, when a single pair of House Sparrows bred, that we have the first definite breeding record. After that there were no more nests until 1925, when there were two breeding pairs. The resident population seems to have remained fairly constant at about six pairs from 1927 to 1946, although towards the end of that period not all the pairs nested annually and in some years, e.g. 1946, none may have bred. The last record of breed- ing was in 1947, when there was at least one nest. + TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Information concerning Tree Sparrow on the island is scanty. There is no certain record of breeding before 1907, but between then and 1914 several pairs bred every year. Twelve birds were resident in the breeding season of 1917, but by 1921 only two pairs were nesting, and in 1922 only one pair. Since then, no Tree Sparrows have bred. THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB E Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 and membership is open to all interested in Scottish Ornithology. Meetings are held during the winter months in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, St Andrews, Stirling and Thurso at which lectures by prominent ornithologists are given and films exhibited. Expeditions are organised in the summer to places of ornithological interest. The aims of the Club are to (a) encourage and direct the study of Scottish ornithology; (b) co-ordinate the efforts of Scottish Ornithologists; (c) encourage ornithological research in Scotland; (d) hold meetings at which Lectures are given, films exhibited and discussions held, and (e) publish information regarding Scottish ornithology. There are no entry fees for Membership. The Annual subscription is £2.00, or 50p in the case of Members under twenty one years of age or University undergraduates who satisfy Council of their status as such at the times at which their subscriptions fall due. The Life subscription is £50. Joint Membership is available to married couples at an Annual subscription of £3.00, or a Life subscription of £75. ‘Scottish Birds’ is issued free to Members but Joint Members will receive only one copy between them. Subscriptions are payable on lst October annually. ‘Scottish Birds’ is the Journal of the Club. Published quarterly it in- cludes papers, articles and short notes on all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. The Scottish Bird Report is published in the Journal. The affairs of the Club are controlled by a Council composed of the Hon. Presidents, the President, the Vice-President, the Hon. Treasurer, the Editor of ‘Scottish Birds’, the Hon. Treasurer of the House Fabric Fund, and ten other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting. On the Council is also one Representative of each Branch Committee appointed annually by the Branch. The Scottish Bird Records’ Committee, appointed by Council, produces an annual Report on ‘Ornithological Changes in Scotland’. The Club tie in dark green,, navy or maroon terylene and a brooch in silver and blue, both displaying the Club emblem, a Crested Tit, can be obtained by Members only from the Club Secretary or from Hon. Branch Secretaries. The Club-room and Library at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT is available to Members during office hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.), and, by prior arrangement, in the evenings dur- ing the week in the winter months from 7 to 10 p.m. Members may use the Reference Library, and there is a small duplicate section, consisting of standard reference books and important journals which can be lent to students and others wishing to read a particular subject. The Bird Bookshop is also at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. It is managed by the Club and the profits help to maintain services to ornithologists at the Scottish Centre. Application for Membership form, copy of the Club Constitution, and other literature are obtainable from the Club Secretary, Major A. D. 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