Bird Reports

Arran Bird Report 1986. (12 pp) Margaret Dunn (ed) 1987. *£1.00.

Ayrshire Bird Report 1986. (48 pp) Angus Hogg (ed) 1987. *£2.00 Includes a Rook survey.

Caithness Bird Report 1986. (48 pp) S.A.M. Manson (ed) 1987. *£3.00. Includes a report on the Greenland White-fronted Geese in Caithness, and lists of birds seen on visits to Stroma and to the Pentland Skerries.

Islay Bird and Natural History Report 1986. (18 pp) Malcolm Ogilvie (ed) 1987. This is the first such report for Islay. It includes monthly counts of wildfowl, waders and gulls for Lochs Gruinart and Indaal. *£1.00.

Birds in Midlothian, West Lothian and Edin- burgh Districts 1986. (37 pp) 1987. Ian An- drews (ed) 1987. Unpublished report which includes all the Forth Islands except the Isle of May.

Moray and Nairn Bird Report 1986. (37 pp) Martin Cook (ed) 1987. * 75p.

Orkney Bird Report 1986. (77 pp) 1987 Chris Booth & Mildred Cuthbert (eds) 1987. In- cludes a systematic list and short reports on Shelduck in Orkney, Long-eared Owl pellets, and Contamination of birds with Fulmar Oil. *£2.00.

Shetland Bird Report 1986. (62 pp) P.M. Ellis (ed) 1987. *c. £3.50. Includes reports on breeding Shelduck and on a survey of Arc-

tic Skuas and Great Skuas in Shetland. The startling conclusion is that Shetland holds 56% of the northern hemisphere population of Great Skuas, and 43% of Arctic Skuas.

Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1986. (76 pp) Nick Riddiford (ed) 1987. *£2.50. This is more than just a bird report. It describes the whole life of the island, and records two noteworthy happenings, the award to the island of the Council of Europe’s Diploma, and the opening of the George Waterston Memorial Centre on the island. There is a 22-page systematic list.

Lothian Bird Report 1985. (117 pp) M.R. Leven (ed) 1987. *£3.50. Includes a 64-page systematic list, and reports on Grey Heron and Mute Swan censuses, on a Wood Warbler survey, and several short notes.

Birds in Midlothian, West Lothian and Edin- burgh Districts 1985. (5 1 pp) Ian Andrews (ed) 1987. Unpublished report which in- cludes all the Forth Islands except the Isle of May.

Forth Area Bird Report 1984. (11 pp) C.J. Henty 1987. In The Forth Naturalist and Historian 9: 39-49. *£3.00. Covers Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire and southwest Perthshire. Reports for 1985 and 1986 will be in vol. 10 (in press).

W.G. Harper

Long-tailed Skua.

A. Hogg

Scottish Birds (1987) 14: 219 -

219

Scottish Bird Report 1986

Edited by Angus Hogg

Gadwall drake, Hogganfield Loch, Glasgow, December 1986. B. Zonfrillo

220 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

INTRODUCTION

1986 — The Year’s Events

313 species were recorded in Scotland during the year. While 1986 provided no new “firsts,” the 1985 Little Swift was accepted; this being a bird new to Scotland. Several species mentioned in last year’s report have still to have their fate decided, but the second record of Chestnut Bunting has been accepted, albeit into Category D. With yet another June record in 1986, on a Scottish island, there must exist the possibility of the genuine article.

Highlights during the first half of the year included records of Stone Curlew, Black- winged Stilt, Spotted Sandpiper, and up to four Little Ringed Plovers, while Orkney dealt a double blow to those of us who long to see some of the rarer owls with single Scops and Tengmalm’s Owls. A Lesser White-fronted Goose (now becoming very rare as a British visitor) showed a real sense of timing, waiting until Malcolm Ogilvie had moved to Islay. On the breeding front, a pair of White-tailed Eagles produced another two young, but generally the poor spring weather resulted in many failures, and a much lower success rate was experienced by many raptors. On a more positive note, there is just the suggestion that Nuthatch is showing signs of range expansion. Although the number of Scottish records remains low, records of the species in South- east Scotland may be worth watching in future years.

The second half of 1986 provided Scotland's second records of Cattle Egret and Bobolink. Fair Isle again provided a host of rarities, with the warblers including Pallas’s Grasshopper, Lanceolated, Savi’s, Aquatic, Paddyfield, Arctic, and Dusky. Orcadians could take some consolation from their Bonelli’s Warbler, although they did provide the year’s only Great Reed Warbler in June. A surprising arrival of Glossy Ibises in the autumn gave Scotland up to three individuals, while the discovery of an adult female Woodchat Shrike passing the summer in a remote glen in the South-west of Scotland was equally unexpected. Other notables included Laughing Gull, Olive-backed Pipit, and Pechora Pipit, but a December record of Red-breasted Flycatcher in Orkney must have given its finders just as big a surprise.

Arrivals and last dates for summer visitors

	Arrival	Last date
Osprey	26 Mar	25 Sep
Whimbrel	3 Apr	11 Oct
Common Sandpiper	7 Mar	5 Nov
Cuckoo	15 Apr	20 Sep
Swift	1 May	16 Nov
Sand Martin	30 Mar	3 Nov
Swallow	28 Mar	25 Nov
House Martin	4 Apr	20 Nov
Tree Pipit	4 Apr	13 Oct
Redstart	15 Apr	28 Oct
Whinchat	17 Apr	25 Oct
Wheatear	15 Mar	2 Nov
Sedge Warbler	26 Apr	22 Oct
Whitethroat	29 Apr	8 Oct
Garden Warbler	24 Apr	25 Oct
Willow Warbler	31 Mar	24 Oct
Spotted Flycatcher	1 May	24 Oct

SCOTTISH BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT

Observers and recorders are reminded that the changes to the SBRC list, as published in SBR 1985, still operate. A full list, with details of species which must be submitted to SBRC, appears below. Two changes to the list result from the deletion of both Crane and Ring-billed Gull from the BBRC list. In the case of the former, records will be left to local panels to judge. However, it is the Committee’s opinion that the current high rejection rate with Ring- billed Gull, stemming from identification problems with immature birds, necessitates its submission. Our thanks are expressed for the high level of co-operation received so far from local recorders. Please note that the SBRC secretary’s address has now changed as follows: Ron Forrester , 1 Kirkdene Grove, Newton Mearns, Renfrewshire G77 5 R W.

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 221

SBRC LIST 1987.

CORY’S SHEARWATER	RICHARD’S PIPIT
Great Shearwater	TAWNY PIPIT
PURPLE HERON	Nightingale
White Stork	CETTI’S WARBLER
Spoonbill	SAVES WARBLER
FERRUGINOUS DUCK	AQUATIC WARBLER
Honey Buzzard	* Marsh Warbler (trapped preferably)
Red Kite	* Icterine Warbler
MONTAGU’S HARRIER	MELODIOUS WARBLER
Rough-legged Buzzard	DARTFORD WARBLER
Hobby	* Barred Warbler
Crane	* Yellow-browed Warbler
STONE CURLEW	* Firecrest
Little Ringed Plover	* Red-breasted Flycatcher
KENTISH PLOVER	NUTHATCH
Ruff-breasted Sandpiper	t Marsh Tit
Pectoral Sandpiper	t Willow Tit
Long-tailed Skua	t Crested Tit
Mediterranean Gull	Bearded Tit
Sabine’s Gull	t Chough
RING-BILLED GULL	SERIN
Roseate Tern	* Scarlet Rosefinch
Little Owl	CIRL BUNTING
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER	Ortolan Bunting

WOODLARK

KEY BLOCK CAPITALS: all records to be submitted.

* : only records away from E coast to be submitted.

t : only records away from normal breeding range to be submitted.

Lapwings (winter). D.G. Mitchell

222 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many Scottish and visiting observers have contributed to this year’s report, and the prompt submission of records is greatly appreciated. My thanks are due to the network of local recorders for all their hard work, and for their patience in answering enquiries. Special thanks are due to Roy Dennis for the provision of data on rare breeding birds, and to Mike Rogers and Tim Sharrock for their assistance with rarities decisions. Photographs and drawings are always welcome, and my thanks this year are due to S.M.D. Alexander, A. Dowell, D. NMitchell, J.G. Steele, R. Woodley, and B. Zonfrillo. With the acquisition of a word-processor, three familiar names are missing from the credits on the first page this year. My sincere thanks are due to all three for their help in the past: Alan Brown who has recently replaced Roy Dennis on the BBRC; Ron Forrester who has now become SBRC secretary; and Peter Gordon who has now become assistant recorder for East Lothian District. It was largely due to their efforts that the SBR regained its former schedule — thanks again. Departing recorders include Tony Mainwood who has been Sutherland recorder for many years now, and Sinclair Manson who coped admirably with Caithness records in

recent years. My thanks are due to both, and to replacement, Eric Maughan for Caithness, while Sutherland District has now been added to Roy Dennis's northern ‘empire.” Finally, a word of thanks to two gents who stepped in to assist with local reports this year: Neil Darroch in Strathclyde, and Mike Bell in Central. Your help was much appreciated both by myself and the local recorders. A full list of recorders appears at the end of this report.

NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS

All records should be sent directly to the appropriate recorder, but in cases of difficulty, they can be sent to the editor. All records should be on one side of a sheet of paper only, well spaced and, if possible, in the Voous order (as in this report). Observers are asked to consult this and previous reports for the kind of information required. To avoid duplication of records, names of observers present should be given where appropriate. All notes for the year must be sent promptly to recorders by the end of January, but more frequent submissions will be welcomed if this proves more convenient. Please consult your local recorder if in doubt.

White-billed Diver.

R. Woodley

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 223

Species List

Abbreviations and symbols used in the Species List

* all known records given t of escaped or doubtful origin 0 subject to BBRC or SBRC acceptance N,S,NE etc direction of flight

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Breeding: Shetland, monitored prs showed good fledging success, 14 prs Fetlar; Orkney, 13 young reared on monitored lochs, a less successful season than 1985 with 25 sites failing, one nest flooded but succeeded after farmer moved submerged eggs to new site; Highland, 6 sites recorded Caithness Dist, 4 young reared at 3 sites; Central, pr B/2 at one site 21 Jun-outcome unknown; Strathclyde, up to 8 sites confirmed or probable Mull, confirmed breeding Coll, 9 prs Arran, 2 prs bred Bute. Peak counts/passage: Shetland, 36 South Yell Sound/ Sullom Voe 26 Mar; Highland, 1 10 Inverness Firth 13 Mar, 200 Spey Bay Oct; Grampian, 854N in 22hrs seawatching Peterhead Apr, 455N in 12 hrs May, 405S on 11 Oct; Tayside, 82 Montrose Bay 5 Oct; Fife, 60S Fife Ness 21 Dec; Lothian, 45 Gullane May, 13W in 2 hrs Hound Pt 1 Nov; Strathclyde, 66 Finnarts Bay-Saltcoats 12-13 Apr.

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica Breeding: Highland, of 5 recorded sites Caithness Dist, 2 sites robbed and 1 young reared at another, 24 prs reared 9 young Ross & Cromarty Dist; Tayside, only one pair known to breed successfully, 2 young reared; Strathclyde, of 7 prs Argyll 5 prs laid eggs but only one pr was successful-reared one young, pr failed in SW. Peak counts/ passage: Shetland, 2 Bluemull 26 Feb, 2 Quendale 24 Apr; Orkney, 3 Waulkmill 23 Feb; Highland, few in N, max 8 Domoch-Golspie 4 Nov; Grampian, 12 Burghead Bay Sep; Fife, 8S Fife Ness 26 Sep; Lothian, very low nos Forth, max 5 Gullane 17 Nov; Borders, 4 Pease Bay 27 Apr; Strathclyde, 41 Finnarts Bay- Saltcoats 12-13 Apr, 32 Ballantrae-Turnberry Pt 27-28 Apr, 17 Kennacraig-Islay 14 Nov.

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer Breeding: ad female paired to Black-throated Diver laid 2 clutches, 1st attempt flooded, 2nd produced 1 chick which died in first few days. Winter-spring peaks: 24 Bluemull 26 Feb; Orkney, max 50 Bring Deeps 24 Apr; Highland, 16 Dunnet Mar; Fife, very scarce; Lothian, max only 3 Tyninghame 10 Feb; Borders, 8N St Abbs 1 Apr; Strathclyde, 75 West L Tarbert 16 Mar, higher nos than usual in SW, 29 Finnarts Bay-Irvine 12-13 Apr, 26 Ballantrae-Turnberry Pt 27 Apr; Dumf & Gall, 7 L Ryan 12 Jan. Summer: Shetland, 1-2 several sites Jun-Aug; Orkney, only one Jul; Highland, singles

L Fleet 19 Jun, L Eriboll 20 Jun; Lothian, singles Musselburgh 13-15 Jul, Gullane 19 Jul. Autumn: Shetland, passage of 6S Fair Isle 14-17 Oct, 15 Scatness 2 Nov; Grampian, 37 in 17 hrs seawatching Peterhead Oct, 7 Burghead Bay 24 Oct; Lothian/Borders, very few in Forth, max 2 Dunglass 26 Dec; Dumf & Gall, higher than normal nos with 24 Drumore-Ardwell 19 Nov, 50 Luce Bay early Dec.

* White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii An except- ional year with perhaps up to 12 individuals: Shetland, at least 5 including ad off Whalsay ferry from 1985-3 May and 12-31 Dec (BM,NDP,WS et al)0, singles Uyeasound 4 Feb (AF)0, Baltasound 9 Feb (JDO,GO)0 may be same, 1st summer Quendale 31 May (MSC)0 and imm Reawick 15 Jun (per DRB.PME) may be same, ad Foula 18 Jun (RWGC)0, 1 probable ad off Holm of Heogland, Unst 23 Dec (JND)0; Highland, 3 Castlehill, Caithness Dist 12-24 Aug, one till 28 Sep (MW et al)0; Lothian, 1 Hopetoun 9 Mar (GIP); Strathclyde, ad L Indaal, Islay 27 Mar (JD.PM), imm Kennedy’s Pass, Girvan 26 Apr (WAD), ad Bennane Head, Ballantrae 27 Apr (RHH, DLC, JKRM).

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Breeding: no breeding Orkney; Highland, decrease to 3 prs at main site Caithness Dist, 18 prs at 12 sites Nairn Dist; good season suggested Fife; Lothian, 60-63 prs at 32 sites with at least 33 broods reported; Borders, 27 prs at 27 sites produced 24 juvs from 16 broods; Strathclyde, 134 prs at 70 sites Inner Clyde. Counts/passage: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 24-27 Apr, 1 Spiggie 8 Jun is unusual; Orkney, Highland, 2 L Fleet 14 Dec; Tayside, 12 L Faskally 1 Dec; Fife, 23 Townhill L, Dunfermline 14 Sep, 39 Cameron Res 12 Oct, 2 Isle of May 16 Oct, 1 on 17 Oct, 1 found dead 1 Nov; Lothian, 22 Threipmuir 1 Aug; Strathclyde, 22 L Etive 17 Jan, 54 on 30 km R Clyde Lamington-Crookboat 19 Jan, 65 on 21 Dec, 16 Lochdon, Mull 6 Mar; Dumf & Gall, 15 upper L Ken 21-31 Oct.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Breeding: Grampian, pr reared 3 young Moray, pr reared 2 young Gordon Dist, pr present but no breeding Kincardine & Deeside Dist; poor season Tayside with young reported from only 2 lochs; Fife, 20 prs

224 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

reported; Lothian, 21-23 prs reported at 6 sites produced 13-14 broods in West/Midlothian Dists, pr laid 1 egg but failed East Lothian Dist (first attempted breeding for Dist) ; Borders, min 8 prs at 10 sites but only one nest seen which failed; Strathclyde, 26 prs reared min 19 young at 19 sites Inner Clyde, continues poor in SW with only 1 juv seen from a total of 4 prs; Dumf & Gall, another poor year with only 3 broods seen in Western half, in Eastern area 15 prs Lochmaben lochs all failed. Counts/passage: Fife, 51 Culross 17 Jan; Central, 476 Kinneil 25 Jan, 287 on 14 Dec; Lothian, 116 Gosford Aug, max 397 Blackness-Musselburgh Sep; Strathclyde, 46 Cardross-Craigendoran 14 Dec; Dumf & Gall. 157 L Ryan 15 Nov.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Winter- spring: West Isles, 1 Hougharry, N Uist 17 Jan; Highland, 1 dead AckergiO 8 Feb; Grampian, 1 Findhorn 24 Feb; Tayside, 1 Broughty Ferry 1 Mar; Fife, 4 Largo Bay 28 Mar, last one 17 May; Lothian, 8 Musselburgh Feb, 8 Gosford Mar; Borders, 1 Eyemouth 6 May; Strathclyde, singles Balgray Res 7-17 Feb, Hunterston 14-15 Feb, Strathclyde Park 19 Feb, West L Tarbert 15 Mar, Milngavie Res 17 Mar; Dumf & Gall, 1 Lochmaben 4 May. Summer: 1 Gosford 7 Jun , 2 on

14 Jun. Autumn: Highland, 4 Portma-homack 30 Nov, 1 Thurso Bay 28 Dec; Grampian, 1 Spey Bay 23 Sep; Fife, 1 Lucky Scalp 17 Nov; Central, 1 Kinneil 25 Oct; Lothian, good nos with 45 Gosford Sep, 31 Gullane 29 Nov; Borders, singles Coldingham 26 Oct, 2 Nov; Strathclyde, 1 Strathclyde Park 15-19 Oct; Dumf & Gall, 1 L Ryan 28 Sep-26 Oct, 2 on 21 Dec.

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Breeding: 63 prs plus 17-18 singles on 36 lochs, 52 prs nested, 25 prs hatched young, 24 prs fledged 39 young — ave 0.71/breeding pr, 1 summered Borders. Counts/ passage: poor Shetland with max 5 Gruting Voe 24 Feb; Orkney, max 8 L of Harray 28 Mar; Highland, 4 Dornoch 12 Apr, 1 1 L Ewe 14 Apr, 16 Cromarty Forth 2 Dec; Fife, 12 Largo Bay 24-26 Jan, 5 on 21 Dec; Lothian, 9 Musselburgh Feb, Mar, 37 Gosford Apr. early returning singles Musselburgh 24 Aug, North Berwick 27 Aug, 15 Gosford Nov; Strathclyde, 11 upper L Sween Feb,

15 L Indaal, Islay 15 Nov, 5 Ardmore 14 Dec; Dumf & BGall, low nos, max 5 L Ryan 15 Nov.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Breed- ing: 2 prs each reared 1 young at one site, up to 18 birds reported at another site 11 May but no breeding data available, 3 other sites held singles or pairs from early-mid May. Counts/ passage: Tayside, 2 L of Kinnordy 28 May, 1 Barry Burn mouth 21 Sep; Lothian, singles Musselburgh- Cockenzie 4-6 Jan, 22 Feb, 12 May; Strathclyde, singles Lamlash, Arran 2 Aug, Barr L 12-16 Sep, Ardmore 6 Dec, 2 on 20 Dec; Dumf & Gall, max 7 L Ryan 16, 26 Oct.

*Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melano-phris Shetland, the Hermaness ad again kept its lonely vigil from 18 Mar-6 Sep (per PME).

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Breeding: Shetland, 3 study plots showed a decrease to 586 chicks fledged (615 in 1985), occupied site count gave 15,269 Fitful Head, 16,216 West Unst, 13,097 Fetlar, 8716 Yell, the total census of Fair Isle gave 26,995 occupied sites; Orkney, occupied sites included 37,026 Hoy, 10,094 South Ronaldsay, 3830 Stronsay, 1895 Calf of Eday, 1781 Rousay, 1045 Marwick Head, 1st young noted 30 Jun; Highland, 539 occupied sites Canna, 107 sites Eigg, 120 prs Holborn Head, Caithness Dist; Grampian, 7563 occupied sites Grampian coast Jun; Fife, a record number of 104 young were produced Isle of May; Lothian, 510 sites Tantallon 1 Apr, 1042 sites on 6 Forth islands end May-early Jul, inland breeding sites produced min 10 nests with young; Borders, 320 sites St Abbs Head; Strathclyde, 968 sites Colonsay, 734-774 sites Treshnish Isles, 540 sites around Tiree, 327 sites Mull, 176 sites Arran. Blue- phase birds: 11 Fair Isle 12 Sep, 6 Sumburgh 29 Sep; Orkney, max 3 sightings/month May, Aug. Nov; Highland, 5N in 1 hr Noss Head 22 Aug; Grampian, 10 in Jun; Lothian/Borders, singles Musselburgh 8 Feb. Hound Pt 25 Feb, Auldhame 1 Apr, Seafield 26 Aug, St Abbs 26 Aug; Strathclyde, singles S Turnberry Pt 11 Jan. N Brodick, Arran 28 Mar. Passage peaks: Shetland, 20,000/hr Sumburgh Head 1 Oct; Orkney, 6000/hr Brough of Birsay 18 Oct, 10,000 off West Hoy 24 Nov; Highland, 9000N/hr South Head. Wick 31 Jul, 1200N/hr Brora 7 Aug; Grampian, 2840/hr Rattray 26 Aug; Strathclyde, 1074S in 4 hrs Troon 2 Aug. Inland: Highland, 1 Glenmore-Cairngorm 6 Feb, Tayside, 1 L of Lowes 13 Aug; Lothian, 2W Tolcross, Edinburgh 7 Mar, 1 Blackford Hill 5 Jun; Borders, 1SE Hawick 21 Apr. 1 Glentress 20 Jun; Strathclyde, 1 Uddingston 1 Jul.

*Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis Highland, 1 Rhum 30 Jul (MK.RW). Large shearwater (Cory’s/Great): Borders: 1 off St Abbs Harbour 5 Oct.

Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Recorded 9 Jul- 16 Nov. Max counts/passage: Shetland, 70 on Fair Isle crossing 16 Oct; Orkney, from 9 Jul, 100/hr Brough of Birsay 21 Sep, 200/hr on 30 Sep, 1 Oct: Highland, 37 Noss Head 27 Aug, 15 Minch 6 Sep: Grampian, 79N in 2 hrs Rattray, last one Peterhead 16 Nov; Fife, 11N Fife Ness 26 Aug; Lothian, 26 birds over 10 dates Barns Ness, max 10S on 26 Aug; Borders, max 7N/20S St Abbs 26 Aug, in outer Forth 50+ were observed feeding 20 miles N of Eyemouth 12 Oct; Strathclyde, 9 Tobermory-Tiree 11 Aug, IS Turnberry Pt 30 Oct.

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 225

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus Breeding: Shetland, evening count Wick of Tresta revealed 37 on 17 Jul; Orkney, max counts at Rackwick, Hoy c200 on 1 and 4 Jul, 40-50 calling birds at another site 4 Aug; Highland, only 66% of monitored burrows occupied Canna (normally 75%); Strathclyde, estimated 200+ prs Lunga, Treshnish Isles 21-27 Jun. Counts/passage: Shetland, 1 off Skerries 11 Mar; Highland, 1 Chanonry Pt 12 Feb; Grampian, 1 Peterhead 1 Jan; Fife, max 200S/hr Fife Ness 5 Oct, last one Isle of May 29 Oct ; Lothian , largest ever movement 25-26 Aug with min 400 Hound Pt 25 Aug, 4500E in 3 hrs 26 Aug, 742 Barns Ness 26 Aug; Borders, max 333S St Abbs 26 Aug; Strathclyde, 1800-1900 off Garvellachs 27 Jun, peaks in Clyde showed most in N of area, 4000 Troon 17 Jul, 3500S in 2 hrs Ardrossan 7 Sep. late singles Turnberry Pt 23 Nov, Pladda 12 Dec; Dumf & Gall, 3000S in 2 hrs Corsewall Pt 7 Sep. Balearic mauretanicus: Fife, IN Fife Ness 12 Oct; Strathclyde. 1 Troon 16 Aug, 2S Turnberry Pt 7 Sep.

Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus Breeding: Shetland, suggested poor breeding activity Fair Isle; Orkney, churring birds heard Eynhallow, Rusk Holm, Sule Skerry, Switha; Strathclyde, estimated 2000 birds Lunga Jun. Tape-luring etc: Orkney, controls included 20 birds ringed at Noss Head, Caithness Dist, after 1984, other controls involved birds from Sutherland (1), Aberdeen (3), Sanda, Kintyre (1), and Copeland Is, Co Down (1); Highland, 246 ringed Noss Head, 125 ringed Holbom Head; Grampian, 181 caught Girdleness and 135 caught Collieston early Jul-early Aug; Strathclyde, c40 ringed Ailsa Craig Jul-Aug. Counts/ passage: Shetland, late one Sumburgh Head 22 Nov; Highland, 50+ off Summer Isles 18 Aug; Grampian, 1 found dead Burghead 11 Nov; Lothian. 2 found dead Craigleith 7 Jun; Strathclyde, first 2S Turnberry Pt 27 May, low nos in Clyde in summer, max 47S in 2 hrs Ayr 16 Aug, last one Newton on Ayr 30 Oct; Dumf & Gall, late one S Corsewall Pt 9 Nov.

Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Counts/ passage: Shetland, tape-luring attracted 20 Foula 3-5 Aug, 2 singles trapped Fair Isle 5, 10 Aug; Orkney, 3 trapped 25 Jul-9 Aug, last one Brough of Birsay 30 Sep; Highland. 5 ringed Noss- Holbom Heads 21 Jul- 14 Aug, 2W Sandside Head 6 Sep, 2 Uig-North Uist 10 Oct, singles dead Corran Ferry 17 Nov, Fort William 18 Nov; Grampian, 15 sightings or captures Collieston/Girdleness 10 Jul- 10 Aug, 1 on board MV St Clair near Aberdeen 8 Oct; Fife, IE North Queensferry 1 Feb; Borders, 1W up R Teviot. near Nisbet 12 Oct; Strathclyde, IN Doonfoot 10 May, IS off Catacol, Arran 28 Jul; 1SE Lismore 9 Aug, IN , 2S Turnberry Pt 7 Sep, 8S on 25 Oct; Dumf && Gall, 12S Corsewall Pt 19 Oct, 14-15S on 25 Oct.

Gannet Sula bassana Breeding: Shetland,

population stable Hermaness with 9904 nests, 258 nests Fair Isle is big increase; Lothian, still spreading Bass Rock; Strathclyde, breeding about 2 weeks later than usual Ailsa Craig, 1156 chicks ringed; Dumf & Gall, continued increase Big Scar Rock. Counts/passage: Orkney, 3500/hr Tor Ness, Hoy 12 Oct: Highland, 500W/hr Sandside Head 26 May; Grampian, monthly totals at Peterhead were 39,325 May and 15,951 Jun; Fife, 800 Anstruther 17 Sep; Lothian, 150W Dalmeny 14 Sep; Strathclyde, dead adult Tarbolton 18 May, singles Lanark mid May, East Kilbride 29 May; Dumf & Gall, 800S/hr Corsewall Pt 19 Oct.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Breeding: Shetland, 361 nests at 6 colonies is a slight decrease from 1985, mbs 3.05 chicks; Orkney, 338 nests at 6 colonies; Grampian, 7 prs bred on coast; Lothian, 231 nests at 3 Forth island colonies; Borders, decrease to 22 nests Green Stanes/The Rooks (44 in 1984); Dumf & Gall, 415 nests Mochrum L, Wigtown Dist, 160 nests at 4 colonies Stewartry Dist where egg-laying late and small clutches/ broods. Counts/passage: Shetland, 131 Yell Sound/Sullom Voe 26 Mar, main passage Fair Isle 31 Aug-26 Sep, max 14 on 16 Sep; Highland, 1620 at 5 roosts 17-18 Jan; Grampian, 132 Strathbeg 15 Dec; Tayside, 45 Perth 12 Jan, 163 on R Tay 21 Sep, 121 L Leven 23 Nov; Central, 256 Forth estuary 21 Jan, 114 Alloa 23 Feb; Lothian, 120NE Hound Pt 14 Feb; Strathclyde, 137 Ayr 8 Feb, 447 Clyde estuary 9 Feb; Dumf & Gall, 65 L Ken 15 Feb.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Breeding: Shetland, decrease noted ranging from 11% at monitoring sites Sumburgh Head, to 25% Noss, 1099 nests Fair Isle; Orkney, 750 nests at 5 sites; Highland, 436 nests Canna (1690 in 1985), only 58% contained eggs; Grampian, 625 nests on coast; Fife, 1310 nests Isle of May where weather conditions disrupted breeding, 917 pulli ringed; Lothian, 862 nests on 6 Forth islands; Borders, 364 nests St Abbs Head; Strathclyde, 148 nests Treshnish Isles, 120 nests Colonsay; Dumf & Gall, 72 nests Mull of Galloway, decrease to 60-70 nests Big Scar Rock. Counts/passage: Shetland, 1380 Horse Island 12 Oct; Grampian, 3340N in 2 hrs Peterhead 22 Mar; Fife, 3000W in 1 hr Anstruther 6 Nov; Lothian, 145W in 30 mins Musselburgh 11 Nov, m450 Tyninghame 30 Nov; Strathclyde, 200 Campbeltown 19 Aug.

♦Bittern Botaurus stellaris Two: Lothian, 1 Duddingston 18 Oct, 14 Nov, 7 Dec probably into 1987; Strathclyde, 1 Aird Meadows, Renfrew Dist 25 Mar.

t*Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax The situation with this species needs clarification, the previous

226 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

assumption that almost all Scottish records were escapes from Edinburgh Zoo now appearing to be perhaps inappropriate. At least one genuine vagrant occurred in 1986: Orkney, ad L of Tankerness 23-25 May (GC). Lothian, no chicks Edinburgh Zoo colony, away from this site 2 imms Duddingston 6-22 May, 1 on 30 May, ad and imm on 18 Aug, imm Figgate Pond 3 Jun, imm E Blackford Hill 19 Jul, ad E Mayfield Rd, Edinburgh 4 Dec.

*Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis One: Dumf & Gall, 1 Stranraer-Soulseat L, Wigtown Dist 15 Oct-19 Nov (GS et al), probably same bird at L Milton, Stewartry Dist, 6-14 Dec (KK at al) is the 2nd Scottish record of this species.

*Little Egret Egretta garzetta One: West Isles/ Highland, 1 Balranald, N Uist 14 May-8 Jun (JV,TD), at Balivanich, Benbecula 11 Jun (per RHD), at Kensaleyre, Skye 2-7 Jul (BL,WGP).

*Great White Egret Egretta alba One: Strath- clyde, 1 Camps Res, Crawford 16-18 Jun (RE-H).

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Breeding: Orkney, at least 3 fledged at one site where 6 nests and 18 ads

15 May; Highland, 6 nests held total 14 eggs at one site 20 Apr, 6 prs had 14 young at another site Caithness Dist, 52 nests Eilean Shona May; Lothian, up to 17 nests at 5 sites West/Midlothian Dists, up to 19 nests at 4 sites E Lothian Dist; Borders, 58 nests at 7 sites, but coverage incomplete; Strathclyde, 11 colonies Mull had at least 47 occupied nests, 18 prs L Lomond, 30 prs Bothwell, 11 prs reared min 8 young Arran, 58 occupied nests in SW; no change suggested Dumf & Gall. Counts: Shetland, max up to 7 Fair Isle 10-

16 Sep; Orkney, max 24 Huip, Stronsay 6 Oct; Highland, 50 Coulmore L 17 Oct; Grampian, 33 Ythan 16 Aug; Fife, 5 Isle of May 29 Jun, 19 Eden estuary 12 Oct; Lothian, 18 Tyninghame 30 Jun; Strathclyde, 24 Holy L 7 Oct, 39 Hunterston 30 Dec.

* White Stork Ciconia ciconia Two: Strathclyde, 1 Forth 22 Jun (ADW.AJY); Dumf & Gall, 1 New Abbey, Nithsdale Dist 16 Jun (MrC), possibly same bird Corwar Farm , Garlieston , Wigtown Dist 20 Jun (PGH).

*GIossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus An outstanding year, with at least three birds. Many others reported in Britain during this period: Orkney, imm Holm-North Ronaldsay 19 Sep-10 Jan 1987 (EJW.VG); Grampian, 1 Strathbeg 27 Sep, 30 Oct-23 Nov (SW.RJJ.JD); Dumf & Gall, 1 Lochmaben 14 Sep (PS.DA.CA).

*Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Two: West Isles, 1 S Uist 8 Oct (RQ); Grampian, 1 Ythan 6 Jul (BJS et al).

t*Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Highland, 1 L of Mey 28 Sep-21 Dec: Lothian, 1 Tyninghame 25 Apr; Borders, 1 dead Eyemouth Bay 10 Apr; Strathclyde, 1 Hunterston 17 Jun.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor Breeding: Orkney, no change suggested, pr Echnaloch incubating by 3 Apr; Highland, 4 prs recorded; Grampian, min 12 prs nested Moray Dist. 18 territorial prs Strathbeg, 5 prs laid, 2 prs hatched young but neither fledged young; poor year Tayside; Lothian, 29 prs bred, from which 20 prs produced 66-71 young; Borders, 20 broods produced 75 juvs; Strathclyde, 8 prs Mull but no successful breeding, poor year Islay where only 1 pr out of 6 prs successful, 49 prs Inner Clyde- 15 prs reared 65 young, 10 prs produced 27 young in SW; Dumf & Gall, poor season suggested in Wigtown and Stewartry Dists. Counts: Shetland, high nos with 7-9 individuals involved, peaks 6 Foula 30 May-13 Jun, 7 Spiggie 6-12 Jul; Orkney, max 294 L of Harray 31 Dec; Highland, 144 Cromarty Firth 13 Feb, 130 Feam 8 Oct; Grampian, 194 Strathbeg Aug; Tayside, 75 Carsebreck 15 Jan, 164 L Leven 7 Sep: Fife. 1 Isle of May 10 Oct; Central. 62 Gartmom Dam 16 Nov; Lothian, max 76 Tyninghame May; Borders, max 60 Teviot-Tweed 12 Jan; Strathclyde, 110 Hogganfield L 6 Jan, 61 Tiree 5-12 Jul; Dumf & Gall, 78 Auchenreoch L 2 Jan, 67 Caerlaverock 12 Jan.

t*Black Swan Cygnus atratus Tayside, 1 Carsebreck 15 Jan.

Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus Winter- spring: West Isles, 1 Benbecula Jun almost certainly summered; Highland, 1 Shalmstry 1 Jan; Lothian, 1 Muirton-Aberlady 1-7 Jan; Borders, 1 Crailing 25 Jan; Strathclyde, 5 Largizean, Bute 5 Jan, 2 Cranley Moss 11 Jan-12 Mar, 4 Summerston 12 Jan-15 Feb, 2 Inchinnan 18 Feb. 4 Barr L 24 Feb; Dumf & Gall, 1 Wigtown Bay 12 Jan, 5 on 18 pJan, max 69 Caerlaverock 5-6 Feb, departure lb- 22 Feb, last one 6 Mar. Autumn: Orkney, 3 L of Sabiston 18 Oct; Grampian, 6 Blackhill 14 Dec; Tayside, 10 Cleish. L Leven 30 Nov, 13 on 30 Nov, 10 Dec, 1 Dalreoch 5-7 Dec; Fife, 8 Ballo Res 30 Nov; Lothian, 1 Drem 31 Dec; Strathclyde, 1 Baron’s Haugh 14 Dec, 5 Libberton 21-end Dec; Dumf & Gall , arrival Caerlaverock 15 Nov , max 1 1 on 19 Dec. i

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Breeding: 2 feral prs failed Endrick Mouth, Strathclyde. Summering birds: Shetland (3), Orkney (up to 5), Highland (3), Grampian (2), Tayside (2), Strathclyde (10). Winter-spring: Shetland, max 55 Troswick 16 Jan: Orkney, Jan census gave a total of 297; Highland, 134 L Heilen 30 Jan, 300 Clay of Allan 23 Feb, 169 Insh Marshes 16 Mar; Tayside, 72 Coupar Angus- Glamis 12 Jan; Central, 98 Thornhill 11 Jan: Lothian, 102 Aberlady 7 Jan was a record count;

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 227

Borders, 251 Teviot Haugh 12 Jan, 134 Tweed Haugh 12 Jan; Strathclyde, 345 Inner Clyde area 11-12 Jan, 52 Bogton L, Dalmellington 9 Feb; Dumf & Gall, 145 Caerlaverock 6 Jan, main departure 31 Mar-2 Apr. last one 14 Apr, 215 Threave-Wigtown Bay-Auchenreoch 11-14 Jan. Autumn: Shetland, high nos with record flock of 384 Spiggie-Brow and 85 Easter L 19 Oct, poor season indicated by flock composition showing only 14.6% juvs; Orkney, max 234 L of Sabiston 18 Oct, of 367 birds aged Oct-Dec, 26.1% were juvs; Highland, early record of 3 L of Wester 12 Aug, 274 L Eye 19 Oct, 580 Wester Lovat 25 Oct, max 350 Thurso East 12 Nov, 256 Clay of Allan 13 Nov, sample of 982 birds gave 10% juvs; Grampian, 406 Strathbeg 30 Nov; Tayside, 190 L Leven 23-30 Nov; Lothian, 57 Aberlady-Tyninghame Dec; Borders, 250 Hirsel 9 Nov, 151 Teviot 13 Nov, 10- 14% juvs in flocks; Strathclyde, 6 Scallastle Bay, Mull 9 Sep, max 150 L Gruinart, Islay late Nov, 99 Tiree 31 Dec; Dumf & Gall, arrival Caerlaverock 5 Oct is typical of arrival dates elsewhere, although most areas reported largest influxes around mid- late Oct, max 170 on 25 Oct, 26 Dec, 300 L Connell, Wigtown Dist late Oct.

Bean Goose Anser fabalis Winter: Shetland, 4 Hillwell-Quendale 25 Jan- 11 Mar; Highland, 9 Tarradale 23 Feb-5 Mar; Tayside, 1 Kinnaber 23 May; Central/ Strathclyde, 95-100 Slamannan area 2-14 Jan, 28 on 19 Jan, 3E Ochiltree 25 Jan; Dumf & Gall, 6 Threave-Glenlochar 15 Jan-28 Feb. Autumn: Highland, 2W Sandside Head 3 Oct; Tayside, 54 Carsebreck 4 Oct; Fife, 5S Fife Ness 6 Nov, 8 Cameron Res 16 Nov; Lothian, 5 Luffness- West Fenton 26 Dec; Strathclyde/Central, 14 Carron Valley Res 13 Sep, 12 Libberton 13 Dec.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Winter- spring: Highland, 3600 L Eye 3 Apr; Grampian, 15,350 Strathbeg 17 Mar, 16,900 Meikle/Ythan 19 Apr; Tayside, 10,000 L Leven 4 Jan; Central, 4350 Carse of Stirling 23-28 Mar; Lothian, max 5400 Aberlady Feb; Borders, spring peak 7760 West Water 11 Apr; Dumf & Gall, 2700 Wigtown Bay 18 Jan. Summer: Orkney (3), Highland (6),

Grampian (9), Tayside (2), Borders (1). Autumn national count 15-16 Nov produced a total of 116,982 (UK total 135,720), another record count for this species. The breeding season was average with between 15.3% and 18.2% young from 13,000 aged birds. E Scotland held a higher proportion than usual, with two-thirds of the total count. Autumn counts: Shetland, from 14 Sep Fair Isle, max 139 on 29 Sep; Orkney, 120 over Scapa21 Sep; Grampian, 8 Longmorn 8 Sep, 29,800 Strathbeg 7 Oct; Tayside, 20,000 at main roost 12 Oct, 12,600 Montrose Basin Oct-Nov; 10,500 L Leven 15 Nov; Fife, 6000 Cameron Res 16 Nov; Central, 2900 Carse of Stirling 20 Dec; Lothian, 16 Fala Flow 10 Sep, 7000 in Sep, max 12,500 Aberlady 28 Oct; Borders, 1 Hule Moss 6 Sep, max 24,610 West

Water 11 Oct; Strathclyde, 12,500 Dunsyre 23 Oct; Dumf & Gall, 612 Wigtown Bay 31 Dec.

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Winter- spring: Shetland, 14 Baltasound 26 Apr; Orkney, max 48 The Loons 28 Feb; Highland, 110 LSquod, Poolewe early Jan, 70 L of Mey 18 Jan, 200 L Calder 26 Jan, 43 Muck 1-9 Apr; Grampian, 11 Salterhill 15 Feb; Tayside, 11 Tibbermore 2 Jan; Lothian, singles Dirleton-East Fenton 10-15 Feb, Gladhouse 15 Mar; Strathclyde, total for Argyll area 7562, 203 Endrick Mouth 25 Jan, 248N Inversnaid 2 May; Dumf & Gall, max 297 L Ken Jan, last 9 on 23 Apr, max 530 West Freugh- Lochinch Feb. Autumn: Orkney, 47 North Ronaldsay 21 Sep, max 71 The Loons 12 Dec; West Isles, wintering flocks of 21 Lewis, 76 South Uist Nov; Highland, 165+ Shebster 29 Dec; Grampian, 6 Lossiemouth 16 Nov; Strathclyde, Argyll total 8325, 234 Endrick Mouth mid Dec; Dumf & Gall, arrival L Ken 3 Oct, 500 on 21 Dec, 600+ West Freugh-Lochinch end Dec. Eurasian albifrons: Grampian, 4 Strathbeg 10 Mar, 5 on 21 Mar, 4 on 23 Oct; Tayside, 1 Methven 27, 31 Dec; Lothian, 2 Tyninghame 4 Jan, imm West Fenton-Muirton 1 1- 12 Jan; Strathclyde, 1 L Skerrols, Islay 13-15 Mar.

Lesser White-fronted Goose. D.G. Mitchell

*Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus One: Strathclyde, ad L Skerrols, Islay 13-15 Mar (MAO,HB,RHH,DLC).

Greylag Goose Anser anser Breeding: Shetland, 3 prs with young (1st bred 1985); Orkney, pr West Mainland, no breeding reported; Highland, min 13 prs reported at 5 sites Sutherland Dist; Tayside, 65 feral birds LTummel 19 May; Lothian, 13 broods reported from feral population, including one on Inchkeith; Borders, 60 feral birds Jedburgh 14 Aug may have come from Duddingston, Lothian; Strathclyde, signs of expansion Argyll, 20-25 prs Tiree, 3 prs attempted Colonsay, feral pr reared 6 in SW; Dumf & Gall, min 18 prs and 12 broods from feral birds at 6 sites, moult flock of 550 Castle L, Mochrum 23 Jun. Winter-spring: Orkney, 817 Sandwick-Harray 15 Mar; Highland, 2500

228 /\. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Ospisdale 12 Jan, 2000 L Eye 15 Mar; Grampian, 8950 Skene 5 Jan, 4150 L Spynie 13 Jan. 5000 Findhorn Bay 15 Mar, 4900 Davan/Kinord 17 Apr; Fife, 3208 Guardbridge 3 Mar; Central, 1200 Inversnaid 24 Apr; Strathclyde, 750 Bridgend, Islay 7 Feb; Dumf & Gall, 2385 Ken-Dee 14 Feb, 4500 Luce Bay 15 Feb, overnight passage Dairy 18 Apr. Autumn national count 15-16 Nov produced a total of 98 ,000 . The breeding season was average , with 19.0% young from 4600 aged birds. North and East Central Scotland held a large proportion of Greylags with numbers in the South-west being low. Autumn counts: Shetland, peak 300 Fair Isle 4 Oct; Orkney, 500 Rennister 28 Oct; Highland, 6000 L Eye 19 Oct, 5879 Caithness Dist 16 Nov, 5800 Beauly Firth 16 Nov, 4122 Ospisdale 16 Nov; Grampian, 7750 L Spynie 16 Nov — 200 found dead at this site in early Dec had ingested lead shot due to low water levels, 15,300 Dinnet 25 Nov; Lothian, 1220 Whiteadder Nov; Borders, 4060 Hoselaw 9 Nov; Dumf & Gall, 1000 L Connell 20 Nov.

t*Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Grampian, 1 Rattray 7 Mar; Dumf & Gall, 1 Wigtown Bay 9 Mar.

t*Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Breeding: no records from Mull, but Breachacha, Coll, Strathclyde held 42 on 8 Apr. Others: Highland, 1 Whiteface-L Ospisdale 12 Jan-9 Mar, 1 Tarradale 21 Apr, 2 on 25-26 Apr, 1 till 3 May, 2 Torridon 27 Apr, 1 Skibo-Clashmore 4 Nov-21 Dec; Grampian, 1 Ythan-Rattray 9 Mar-30 Apr, 2 Strathbeg 30 Sep-15 Nov, 4 on 14 Oct, 1 Ythan- Meikle 8, 12 Oct, IS Kincorth 18 Nov; Tayside, 1 Forfar L 19 Sep-1 Nov, 1 Carsebreck 23, 30 Sep, 2 (including 1 blue phase) on 3 Oct, 1 Montrose Basin 12, 19 Nov, 1 L Leven 4-6 (Dec; Fife, 1 Cameron Res-Morton Lochs 15 Nov-4 Dec was probably L Leven bird; Lothian, singles Bavelaw 16 Jan, Dirleton-Drem-Aberlady 20 Feb-1 Mar, Tynehead 9 Mar, Esperston 21 Mar, Gladhouse 26 Mar, Fala Flow 8-15 Nov, Sowburnrig 15 Nov, Aberlady 5 Dec, Tynehead 6 Dec, blue phase Middleton Moor 6 Dec; Borders, 2 West Water area 5 Oct-14 Dec; Strathclyde, 1 Ballantrae 15 Jun, 2 Dunsyre 12-23 Oct, 1 till end Dec, 1 The Oa, Islay 23 Oct; Dumf & Gall, 2 ads Lochinch 3 Jan, 2 ads and imm on 19 Feb, 1 Lochmaben 16 Feb-2 Mar, 1 L Ken 17 Aug, 2 ads Lochinch 19 Nov, 2 Dec, 1 Kinmount 18 Dec, 1 West Freugh 22 Dec.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis Breeding: Tayside, numbers down with population movement to Blairgowrie lochs, max 125 L Clunie 22 Oct; Strathclyde , good nos young Colonsay J un , 41 birds by mid Nov, pr bred Inveraray, 31 Barcraigs Res 28 Jun; Dumf & Gall, 20 juvs Lochinch 18 Jul, Kinmount colony increasing. English moult migration: Highland, peak 562

Beauly Firth 16 Jun. Counts/ passage (mostly in association with moult migration): Shetland. 1 Skerries- Whalsay 17 Jan-8 Feb, 1 Uyeasound 18 Apr, 2 Sullom Voe 5 May, 1 Fair Isle 21 May; Orkney, 1 Sandwick 25 Apr; Grampian, 10 Strathbeg 9 Mar; Fife, 50NW Isle of May 9 Jun. 130S Fife Ness 26 Sep; Lothian, 35N Scoughall 8 Jun, 80W Musselburgh 9 Jun, 60SW on 16 Aug, 64 Gladhouse 10 Aug; Borders, 57E Reston 9 Jun. 42 St Abbs 9 Jun; Strathclyde, 1 hutchinsii Islay 19 Mar, 1 canadensis Islay 20 Oct-10 Dec: Dumf & Gall, 200 Caerlaverock 15 Aug.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Solway flock: 10,500 in winter 1985-86, main departure 25 Apr, last one 6 May, up to 2 summered, autumn arrival 19 Sep with main arrival 24 Sep-1 Oct. peak 10.500; Islay flock: peak 18,246 Jan, 18,000 L Gruinart Oct, elsewhere in Argyll: 250 Crossapol, Coll 8-19 Apr, 6 summered Tayinloan area, autumn arrival from 30 Sep, 573 Tiree 31 Dec; Orkney, max 280 Scapa Flow 6 Apr, 200 on 15 Dec. Counts/passage: Shetland, 50 Fair Isle 7 May, 2 on 8 Jun, 32 on 8 Oct; Orkney, 140 over Hoy 24 Apr; Grampian, 330S in 30 mins Murcar 26 Sep; Tayside, 11 Tibbermore 5-31 Dec; Fife, 60 over Isle of May 26 Sep. 15 Cameron Res 17 Nov; Lothian, 110N Aberlady 6 May, 125 Aberlady 23 Sep, 310 on 26 Sep, 240 Tyninghame 28 Sep, 65S Musselburgh 28 Sep; Borders, 57S Bummouth 27 Sep; Strathclyde, 63S Doonfoot 30 Sep.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla D=dark-bellied B b bernicla, P=pale-bellied B b hrota. Peak counts/ passage: Shetland, 2P Haroldswick 6 Sep, 2P Fair Isle 14 Oct; Orkney, IP Papa Westray 29 May-22 Jun, 22 Kirkwall 4 Sep; West Isles, large migrant flocks reported; Highland. 27P Eigg 30 Apr, 58P Sandside Bay 5 Sep, 87P Longman 5 Sep, 35P Fascadale, Arisaig 30 Sep, 21P Broadford. Skye 13 Oct; Grampian, 35P Ythan 12 Feb, 118P Peterhead/Fraserburgh 14 Feb, 83P Ythan 23 Feb, 2D St Fergus 15 Mar, 28P Lossiemouth 5 Sep, 3D Fraserburgh 30 Dec; Tayside, 27P Balmosssie 24 Feb; Fife, 35 Crail 18 Feb; Lothian, exceptional nos from mid-Feb, 48 +P Pefferside 23 Feb, 45P Tyninghame 2 Mar, 2D Tyninghame 25 Mar. IP South Queensferry 17 Aug, 15P Cramond 6 Sep. 13P Tyninghame 14 Oct: Borders. 55SE Eyemouth 14 Feb; Strathclyde, 40PLGilp 28 Apr, 1 Gourock 1 Jun, 113P L Gruinart, Islay 16 Oct.

Shelduck Tadornatadorna Breeding: Shetland, 10- 11 prs attempted to nest, 2 prs successfully reared 13 young; Orkney, min 43 prs recorded, 1st young South Ronaldsay 16 May; Lothian, 64 ads and 24 juvs Aberlady 2 Jul; Strathclyde, 32 prs Arran hatched 47 young, c21 survived. 44 juvs Bogside, Irvine Jul. Counts/passage: Shetland, 28 Virkie 19- 20 Apr; Orkney. 54 L of Stenness 8 May; Highland, 300 Nigg Bay 12 Jan, 488 Cromarty/

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 229

Beauly Firths 23 Feb, 112 L Fleet 23 Feb; Grampian, 240 Findhorn Bay 9 May; Fife, 1200 Eden estuary 26 Jan; Central, 2313 Kinneil 20 Aug, 2328 Forth estuary 14 Dec; Lothian. 172 Aberlady Jan, 132 Blackness-Queensferry Oct; Strathclyde, 409 Clyde estuary 9 Mar, 62 Lochdon, Mull Mar, 235 L Gruinart, Islay 14 Apr, 145 Flunterston 16 Jan; Dumf & Gall, 251 Wigtown Bay 16 Nov, 200 Caerlaverock 28 Nov.

f*Mandarin Aix galericulata Highland, small feral flock Tomich-Cannich, pr in tree-hole Strathglass late May; Tayside, decline in population suggested with max count only 30; Lothian, male Tyninghame 5 Apr-17 May, 21 Jun, at Preston Mill 6 Jun.

Wigeon Anas penelope Breeding: Orkney,

breeding reported from 14 sites; Grampian, 3-5 prs bred Moray Dist; Central. 3 prs present at 2 sites Jun; Borders, up to 10 prs reported at 4 sites, 4 broods totalling 24 also reported; Dumf & Gall, pr with clutch of 9 L Ken 22 May, hatched by 13 Jun. Counts/passage: Orkney, peaks 1279 L of Harray 10 Feb, 2314 on 22 Oct; Highland, 15,882 Cromarty/Inverness/Beauly Firths 19 Oct, 4759 Dornoch- Whiteface 19 Oct, 1350 L Fleet 19 Oct; Grampian, 6256 Findhorn Bay 22 Feb; Tayside, 1200 L Leven 4 Jan, 4500 Montrose Basin 19 Oct; Fife, 2000 St Andrews 18 Jan; Central, 650 Gartmorn Dam 14 Dec; Lothian, 700 Tyninghame Feb, 675 in Nov, 670 Dalmeny Oct; Borders, 340 Bemersyde 8 Mar; Strathclyde, 700 Bogside, Irvine 8 Feb, 309 L Gruinart, Islay 14 Apr; Dumf & Gall, 820 L Ryan 12 Jan, 1175 Wigtown Bay 19 Oct; 675 Caerlaverock 30 Nov.

^American Wigeon Anas americana Three: Shetland, 1st yr male Fair Isle 21 Sep-3 Oct (RH.GJM.NJR); Highland, male L Loy-Nairn Bar 10 Nov-end Dec (RHD)0, male Nigg Bay 14 Dec (SJH.RHD).

Gadwall Anas strepera Breeding: Orkney, pr bred North Ronaldsay, brood seen; Tayside, 4 prs bred L of Kinnordy, no breeding data L Leven; Strathclyde, brood of 10 L Bhassapol, Argyll was first proven breeding for many years. Peak counts: Shetland, pr Fair Isle 23 Apr, pr Hillwell 5 May, pr Strand 31 May-9 Jun; Orkney, max 9 North Ronaldsay 24-25 May; Highland, 9 Poolewe 2-4 Oct; Grampian, 3 Strathbeg 9 Jul, male L Spynie 14 Sep-12 Oct; Tayside, max 240 L Leven 21 Sep; Fife, female Isle of May 17 Oct; Central, 5 Skinflats 27 Aug; Strathclyde, 4 Bogside, Irvine 26 Oct, 7 Glen Lonan 2 Nov; Dumf & Gall, 8 Caerlaverock 14 Dec.

Teal Anas crecca Breeding: Shetland, breeding confirmed at 4 sites; Orkney, 89 prs reported from 24 sites, 1st brood South Ronaldsay 4 May; little

change suggested from available breeding data for rest of Scotland. Counts/passage: Shetland, max 30 Scatness 13 Apr; Orkney, 381 L of Harray 31 Dec; Highland, 964 Longman Bay 23 Feb, 2055 Cromarty/Inverness Firths 23 Feb, 1350 Edderton- Tain 14 Nov; Grampian, 1200 Strathbeg 18 Nov; Tayside, 1800 L Leven 5 Oct; Central, 500 Gartmorn Dam 12 Jan, 1290 Forth estuary 14 Dec; Lothian, 400 Gladhouse Jan; Borders, very high counts included 1000+ Hule Moss 10 Oct, 730 Watch Water 14 Dec; Strathclyde, 441 Bogside 8 Feb, 500 Endrick Mouth mid-Nov, 439 Tiree 31 Dec; Dumf & Gall, 960 Caerlaverock 30 Oct, 1166 Wigtown Bay 16 Nov. Nearctic carolinensis: Shetland, male Hillwell 16 Feb-28 Mar (DC et al); West Isles, male St Kilda 2 May (DM); Highland, male Tain 6 Dec SJA); Lothian, male Tailend Moss 11 Mar (AJM).

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Breeding: Shetland, 1st young 11 May; Orkney, min 290 prs reported from 43 sites, 1st young 23 Apr; Tayside, late brood of 1-wk old ducklings seen Perth 9 Oct; Lothian, min 155 broods reported from 48 (sites; Borders, 53 broods from 28 sites totalled min 194 young; Strathclyde, 53 broods totalled 284 young from 19 sites in SW. Counts: Shetland, 81 Spiggie 23 Feb; Orkney, max 336 L of Stenness 14 Dec; Highland, 2742 Cromarty/Beauly/ Inverness Firths 23 Feb, 744 Dornoch Whiteface 19 Oct, 650 L Fleet 14 Dec; Grampian, 3450 Strathbeg 16 Jan, 2650 on 14 Dec; Tayside, 1200 L Leven 4 Jan, 2600 on 21 Sep, 880 Perth 13 Dec; Central, 1215 Gartmorn Dam 12 Jan, 900 on 14 Dec; Strathclyde, 1000 Doonfoot 26 Jan, 1000 Endrick Mouth early Sep.

^American Black Duck Anas rubripes One: Highland, hybrid Black Duck x Mallard L Loy 16, 23 Nov (AW,MJHC)0; Lothian, female Tyninghame 8 Feb-27 Apr still paired with a male Mallard (MRL.PRG.AB et al).

Pintail Anas acuta Breeding: Orkney, 4 prs bred at one site, female B/7 there on 8 Jun, up to 4 other prs bred or present at 3 other sites; Strathclyde, pr possibly bred at 1985 site. Counts/passage: Shetland, max 3 prs Baltasound 27 Apr; West Isles, 8 Rudha Ardvule, South Uist 20 Oct; Highland, 308 Nigg Bay 23 Feb, 290 on 14 Dec, 180 Dornoch 19 Oct; Tayside, 102 Montrose Basin 21 Feb; Fife, 50 St Andrews 18 Jan, 36 Eden estuary 23 Feb, female Isle of May 9-11 Oct; Central, 39 Grangemouth 21 Jan, 22 on 23 Oct; Lothian, 10 Hound Pt 13 Oct; Strathclyde , declined to 10 Clyde estuary 12 Jan, 16 L Indaal 18 Oct; Dumf & Gall, low max 36 L Ken Mar, 253 Wigtown Bay 20 Sep.

*Garganey Anas querquedula 17 in spring, 2 in autumn: Shetland, pair Sullom Voe 5 May, male Hillwell-Spiggie 21-23 May; West Isles, male Balranald, North Uist 11 May, possibly same at L Hallan, South Uist 13 May; Grampian, pr

230 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Strathbeg 27 Apr, male on 8 May; Tayside, male Montrose Basin 6-13 May; Central, male Skinflats 15 May; Lothian, male Aberlady 5-8 May; Strathclyde, up to 3 males and a female Endrick Mouth 13 May-7 Jun, 2 males and a female Ryeflat Marsh 22 Jun, male on 23 Jun. Autumn: Strathclyde, male Irvine 23 Aug- 10 Sep; Dumf & Gall, male L Connell 28 Sep.

*Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Five: Orkney, male Papa Stronsay 23 Jun (ERM), imm male and imm female North Ronaldsay 10-28 Sep, male till 12 Oct (MG,KFW); Strathclyde, pr Tiree 26 May- 3 Jun (GC).

Shoveler Anas clypeata Breeding: a good year with more records from SE Scotland where the species is only a sporadic breeder. Shetland, breeding confirmed Hillwell and Spiggie; Orkney, 26 prs reported at 9 sites, B/10 at one site 12 Jun; Highland, 1-2 prs bred Insh Marshes; Grampian, pr B/5 Cotehill Jul; Tayside, 20 prs bred L of Kinnordy; Lothian, 2 prs produced B/8 and B/2 Aberlady, single prs possibly bred at 2 other sites; Borders, 8 prs reported from 4 sites, B/7 at one site 8 9 Jun, B/3 at another site 29 Jun; Strathclyde, 9- 12 females with broods Tiree, pr bred Barr L, 11 juvs New Cumnock 29 Jul. Counts: Orkney, max 21 North Ronaldsay Sep; Grampian, 29 Strathbeg 14 Oct; Tayside, 70 L of Kinnordy 24 Jul, 540 L Leven 5 Oct, 100 Perth 17 Nov; Fife, 44 L Geliy 16 Sep; Borders, 70 Hule Moss 30 Sep, 93 Hirsel 17 Oct; Strathclyde, 50 Endrick Mouth 16 Mar; Dumf & Gall, 80 Wigtown Bay 16 Nov, low max 32 L Ken Dec, 23 Annan 14 Dec.

*Red -crested Pochard Netta rufina Three: Orkney, female L of Harray 1, 5 Jan, 22-end Dec; Highland, female Inverness 10-20 May; Borders, male Bemersyde 15 Nov.

Pochard Aythya ferina Breeding: Grampian, 2 prs bred Sand L; Lothian, pr bred Tailend Moss, brood seen 16 May; Borders, 5 prs reported from 3 sites, 2 broods seen Hirsel; Strathclyde, female B/4 Endrick Mouth 17 Aug, pr laid 4 eggs Trabboch L, Ayr, clutch stolen. Counts: Shetland, 70 Brow 8 Mar, 80 on 2 Nov; Orkney, 2402 L of Boardhouse 12 Nov, 1569 L of Harray 31 Dec; Highland, 171 L Scarmclate 16 Nov; Grampian, 180 Strathbeg 30 Nov; Tayside, 780 L Leven 30 Nov, 92 Carsebreck 30 Nov; Fife, 260 Kilconquhar L 30 Nov; Central, 190 Gartmorn Dam 14 Dec; Lothian, 269 Leith Jan, 182 Linlithgow L Dec; Strathclyde, 116 Tiree 1-3 Jan, 225 Hogganfield L Feb, 102 Barassie- Stevenston Pt 9 Feb, 231 Lochwinnoch Dec; Dumf & Gall, 90 Carlingwark L 12 Jan.

*Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris One: Shetland, male Tingwall 7 Jun (PDD.MIE).

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Breeding: Shetland, breeding confirmed Tingwall; Orkney, 47 prs reported at 14 sites, 1st young Papa Westray 17 Jun; Highland, 14 broods totalled 33 juvs Insh Marshes 18 Jul; Tayside, good season with 18 broods totalling 97 Carsebreck, 25 prs bred Kinnordy; Lothian, poor season, survey revealed min 98 prs at 37 sites; Borders, min 102 prs at 27 sites produced 26 broods totalling 102; Strathclyde, 72 broods Inner Clyde lochs, 14 prs reared 34 young at 6 sites in SW. Counts: Shetland, 120 Clickimin 7 Sep; Orkney, 987 L of Harray 31 Dec; Highland, 895 Inverness 4 Mar, 250 L Scarmclate 13 Oct; Grampian, 238 Meikle 1 Aug, only 220 Strathbeg 16 Sep; Tayside, 800 L Leven 4 Jan, 700 Stannergate 9 Feb; Fife . 300 Cameron Res 17 Sep-5 Oct; Lothian, 700 Leith Docks Feb, 480 Linlithgow L Dec; Strathclyde, 400 Strathclyde Park 22 Feb, 254 Doonfoot 23 Feb.

Scaup Aythya marila Summer: Shetland (5), Orkney (1), Highland (8), Grampian (8), Tayside (1). Counts: Orkney, 218 L of Harray 21 Nov; Highland, 284 Edderton 12 Jan. 148 Farness, Cromarty Firth 16 Nov; Fife, 1650 Leven 2 Feb; Central, 4 Kinneil 30 Aug; Lothian, 37 Dalmeny Oct; Strathclyde, 127 Doonfoot 26 Feb, 99 Clyde estuary 9 Mar, 800+ L Indaal. Islay 16 Mar; Dumf & Gall. 1200 Carsethom Sep-Oct, 300 L Ryan 22 Dec.

Eider Somateria mollissima Breeding: Orkney, 1st young Deerness 29 May; Highland, 8+ prs with 39 young fledged 12 Eigg; Grampian, 4353 birds Ythan 9 May, low mcs of 3.5 but a good hatch with 450 out of c650 young ringed Aug; Fife, 557 nests Isle of May, few young seen after hatching; Lothian, 600 prs Aberlady, 235 nests on 6 Forth islands, 99 young Dalmeny 22 Jun, 35 young Tyninghame 22 Jun; Strathclyde, 20-40 broods Tiree, total 73 young in SW Jun. Counts: Shetland, 1600 Bressay Sound-Gulberwick 25 Jul, 825 Fair Isle 14 Oct; Orkney, 618 Holm of Papa Westray 3 Jun; West Isles, 450 Broadbay, Lewis 7 Oct. 322 Sound of Taransay, Harris 10 Oct; Highland, 1100 L Fleet 24 Sep; Grampian, 2300 Rattray 12 Apr: Fife, 12,000 RTay 9 Feb. 6000 on 17 Nov; Lothian. 1580 Aberlady-Gullane May, 2120 in Dec, 1760 Musselburgh Sep, 1150 Leith Dec: Borders, 550 St Abbs 19 Jan; Strathclyde, 1128 Clyde estuary 9 Feb, 330 Colonsay May, 491 Tiree 12-14 May, 1300 Troon 31 Jul- 19 Aug; Dumf & Gall, 1000 L Ryan 3 Aug.

*King Eider Somateria spectabilis Up to eight: Shetland, ad male Sand Voe 26 May-7 Jun (AI et al), 1st summer male Sumburgh Head 4 Jul (MH.ISR et al), another 1st summer male joined the previous bird on 7 Jul. both remaining till 22 Sep (DC et al); Orkney, male off Shapinsay 27 Jun

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 231

King Eider drake, Ythan. May 1986. S.M.D. Alexander

(JB); Highland, 1-2 males Embo-L Fleet-Lothbeg Pt 21 Feb-30 Nov (ARM ,JC,PT,RP); Grampian, imm male Burghead 3 Feb (JMC,SMD). male Ythan 24 May-3 Jun (GJHF.TWM et al); Tayside/ Fife, male R Tay from 1985, 8 Jan-at least 9 Mar (RJB,NE).

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Summer: Shetland (4), Orkney (1-4), Highland (1), Lothian (3), Strathclyde (3). Counts: Shetland, 712 Bluemull 26 Feb, 573 South Yell Sound 26 Mar; Orkney, 1200 Wyre-Egilsay late Apr-early May, 530 Evie 14 Dec; West Isles, 300 Braighe, Lewis 29 Oct; Highland, 1000 Guillam Bank, Moray Firth 16 Jan-19 Mar, 1200 Eathie 28 Oct; Grampian, max 3740 Findhorn roost 27 Nov; Fife, 1070 Anstruther 6 May, 660 Kinshaldy 14 Dec; Lothian, 260 Musselburgh Nov, 317 Aberlady-Gullane Dec; Dumf & Gall, 17 L Ryan Z19 Feb.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Breeding: Shetland, present at usual sites, 1 fledged young seen at one site; Highland, prs reported from 4 sites in NE, B/3 recorded at 2 sites, elsewhere 10 sites held min 14 prs plus 15 birds; Tayside, 4 prs present at usual site; Strathclyde, min 18 birds present at one site 23 Jun, 2 prs L Lomond, no young seen; Dumf & Gall, pr bred at one site, female with young seen Jul. Counts: Shetland, 14 Fair Isle 2 Mar; Orkney, 25 Deer Sound 6 Apr; West Isles, 700 Sound of Taransay, Harris 11 Oct; Highland, 1500 off L Fleet 1 May, 96 Dunnet Bay 23 May; Grampian, 450N/40S Peterhead 9 May, 1350 Blackdog 1 Aug, 2500 Burghead Bay 24 Oct; Tayside, 825 Lunan Bay 8 Sep; Fife, 1600 St Andrews Bay 14 Feb, 2400 on 16 Nov, 2000 Leven 31 Mar; Lothian, 672 Gullane Mar, 1000+ Yellowcraig 1 Jun; Borders, 245N in 1 hr St Abbs 22 Jun; Strathclyde, 100+ L Indaal, Islay 16 Mar.

*Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Shetland, male Haroldswick-Norwick 1-4 Oct (MS, IS); Orkney, male Waulkmill Bay 8-9 May (EJW, G&DW); West Isles, 3 males Sound of Taransay, Harris 11 Oct, 11 Nov (GB, WAJC); Grampian, male Burghead 5-23 Feb (RP, MJHC, SJA), another or same male Spey Bay 25 Feb (SJA), male Burghead-Findhorn Speymouth 15 Oct-13 Dec (SJA, VSAC, DM); Tayside, 2 males Lunan Bay at least 14 Sep (RHH, JGS); Fife, male Largo Bay 9 Feb (NAS), 2 males and 1 female on 18 Feb-9 May (GC), 3 males and 2 females on 9 May (DED). male on 21 Nov-21 Dec (AC); Lothian, pr Gosford Bay 9 Feb-5 Apr (GA, AB et al) were part of same group seen in Fife.

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Counts: Shetland, max 6S Sumburgh 4 Oct; Orkney, 35 Gairsay- Wyre Sound 1 Apr; Grampian, 270 St Cyrus 28 Sep, max 300 Burghead Bay 14 Nov; Tayside, 1000 Lunan Bay 14 Sep, 400 Montrose Bay 2 Nov; Fife, 400 Largo Bay 28 Feb, 120 St Andrews 9 Oct; Lothian, 45 Musselburgh Feb, 100 Gosford Mar, 100 Gullane Apr; Borders, 19N St Abbs 26 Sep.

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Breeding: B/4 at site N of usual area was 1st breeding record; 77 nests located, 52 clutches incubated, 46 broods totalling 390 young hatched. Summer: Grampian, 16 Meikle 12 Jul, 26 Strathbeg 24 Jul, usual scatter of summer records elsewhere. Counts: Shetland, max 58 Sullom Voe 10 Feb; Orkney, 213 L of Stenness 16 Jan; Highland, 519 Inverness 30 Jan, 106 Wick harbour 25 Dec; Grampian, 395 Girdleness 12 Jan; Fife, 276 Kirkcaldy 16Jan, 1750 Leven 2 Feb; Central, 444 Forth estuary 23 Feb; Lothian, 428 Musselburgh Jan; Strathclyde, 475 Doonfoot 23 Feb, 706 Clyde estuary 9 Mar; Dumf & Gall, 150 Lochinch 21 Mar.

Smew Mergus albellus Summary:

J FMAMJ J ASOND Shetland-Highland 2 1 Grampian-Fife 333311111 Central-Borders 2 5 3 1 2 1 3

Strathclyde/D&G 7 8 107 1 2 2 7

Max count 5 Strathclyde Park, Strathclyde 3 Jan-10 Apr, 3 on 20-end Dec. Late birds included a redhead Prestwick, Strathclyde 6 May, and a male summering Fyvie, Grampian (said to have been present 1984 and 1985 also) .

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus senator Breeding: Orkney, min 44 prs recorded at 24 sites including 1st breeding record for Auskerry where B/10 seen 8 Jul, 1st young St Mary’s L 28 Jun; Highland, female with a creche of 50 young Mound 13 Jul; Strathclyde, 5 prs reared 30 young Arran. Counts: Shetland, 80 Sullom Voe 10 Feb; Orkney,

232 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

149 Cumminess 13 Apr; Highland, 1800 Eathie 6 Jan, 690 Beauly Firth 16 Nov, 565 Inverness Firth 8 Dec; Grampian, 313 Culbin Bars 28 Oct; Tayside, 400 Monifeith 19 Jan; Fife. 1040 Kinshaldy 19 Oct; Lothian, 303 Gosford-Gullane Sep, 238 Dalmeny Oct, 500 Musselburgh Nov; Strathclyde, 156 Clyde estuary 9 Mar, 135 Machrie, Arran 13 Jul, 200 moulting males L Indaal, Islay 1 Aug, 207 Balkenna, Girvan 31 Aug, 200 Machrihanish Bay 9 Sep; Dumf & Gall, 210 L Ryan 15 Nov.

Goosander Mergus merganser Breeding: Borders, 7 broods totalled 46 juvs; Strathclyde, B/12 L Awe 11 Jun, female B/5 Endrick Mouth 14 Jul; Dumf & Gall, poor success suggested Stewartry Dist. Counts: Shetland, max 4 Spiggie 24 Sep; West Isles, 3 males Harris 24 May, 1 Peninerine, South Uist 3 Jul; Highland, 1515 Beauly Firth 15 Jan, 52 Bonar Bridge 14 Dec, 1224 Inverness 23 Dec; Grampian, 61 Skene 13 Sep, 180 Glenlatterach Res 25 Sep; Tayside, 68 Balmossie 31 Jul; Fife, 70 Tayport 22 Jul, 100 R Tay 9 Aug; Borders, 86 Tweed Haugh 16 Feb, survey of 15-16 Mar revealed total of 413 birds on all rivers and lochs, 82 Tweed Haugh 16 Dec, max 165 at Central Borders roost mid-Dec; Strathclyde, 86 Strathclyde Park 22 Feb; Dumf & Gall, 62 Lochmaben mid Jan, max only 60 in gpost breeding flocks L Ken 9 Sep.

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Breeding: Grampian, 1-4 birds present at 3 sites 24 May-8 Nov, no breeding; Tayside, female B/5 near Perth 25 Jun, and female B/4 Blairgowrie 31 Jul — 1st confirmed breeding for Perth & Kinross Dist, 4 males and 2 females L of Kinnordy, no young reared. Others: Shetland, female Hillwell-Clumlie 21-22 May was 2nd record for Shetland; Orkney, female North Ronaldsay 27 May-7 Jun (3rd record); Highland, female L Flemington 25 Jun ( 1st record for Highland Region); Grampian, male Girdleness 22 May; Tayside, 2 males Stormont L- Hare Myre 11 May, 4 birds on 21 May, 1 till 30 Sep, male L Leven 14 Sep; Fife, male Kilconquhar L 6 Apr-11 Oct, 2 males on 9-11 May, female on 17 Aug, female Lindores L 29 Aug-11 Sep; Lothian, male Duddingston L 2-20 May; Strathclyde, female New Cumnock 5 May, 3 males Doonfoot 6 May, female Barr L 2 Oct-end Dec, male 1 Nov- end Dec (1st records for Renfrew Dist); Dumf & Gall, 3 yfemales Caerlaverock 11-12 Oct, 1 till 18 Oct.

*Red Kite Milvus milvus Highland, 1 Fassfern, L Eil 26 Jan 14 Feb (WJ); Dumf & Gall, 1, probably a juv, over Kirkdale House, Stewartry Dist 21 Dec (MRGH.DS).

* White -tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla In W Highlands and islands 5 prs nested, one successfully reared 2 young. Wandering birds/

migrants: Shetland, imm Petta Dale 28 Feb, at Sandwater 1 Mar, and Unst 19 Mar 10 Apr (MH et al), sub ad Fair Isle 16 Nov (NR); Orkney, juv Rackwick Valley, Hoy 21 Sep (GC); 1 Harris 16 Aug (KG): Dumf & Gall, ad NE Monreith, Wigtown Dist 2 May (CH.WB).

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus A much better showing with up to 34 birds recorded: Shetland, female L of Cliff 1 May, imm Haroldswick 14 16 May; Orkney, singles North Ronaldsay 7 May, Sanday 14 May, North Ronaldsay 17 19 May, Hie Loons 20 21 May; West Isles, imm female South Uist 23 May; Highland, female Insh Marshes 1 May, female Croy May, pr Gollanfield 24 May; Grampian, 1 Ludquham 29 Apr, female/imm L Spynie 30 Apr, 2 other females/imms Kinloss 1 May, 1 till 3 May, 1 Tillypronie 2 May, 1 Strathbeg/ Rattray 8 May 4 Jun. 1 Strathbeg 2 4 Sep; Tayside. male Errol 11 25 May, 2 Montrose Basin 23 May 7 Jun, female on 24, 29 Aug, female Kinnordy 16 Aug; Fife, imm female Earlshall 11 May, female Kilconquhar L 12 May; Central, sub ad male L of Menteith 5 May; Lothian, female Aberlady 25 Apr, female/imm Tyninghame 26 Apr, female Barns Ness 10 May; Borders, female/imm W St Abbs 29 Apr; Strathclyde, ad female New Cumnock 4 May, female Ashgrove L, Stevenston 11 12 May, female Endrick Mouth 20 24 May. female Colonsay Islay early Jun 18 Jun; Dumf & Gall, 1 Logan Gardens 16 May, female Stranraer 31 May, female Kenmure Holms 23 Jun, 9 Sep, at Carlingwark 14 Sep.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Breeding: Orkney, 36 nests found, min 35 young preared from 15 successful nests; Highland. 5 monitored nests Kingussie, 4 successful, mcs 4.2, mbs 1.8; Grampian, 8 prs located Deeside, cl2 young fledged; Tayside, 16 prs reported, 2 prs known to have bred successfully; Borders, improvement continues, but no confirmed breeding; Strathclyde, poor success Mull, 8 prs Arran but only 1 successful, 4 young reared, 4 prs Bute 2 prs failed. 10 territories Inner Clyde 3 prs successful, 4 prs reared 4 young in SW; Dumf & Gall, poor season with many prs failing early or disappearing due to bad weather. Migrants: Shetland, 8 singles 4 Apr 1 Nov; Highland, 12 Insh Marshes roost 3 15 Mar; Fife, singles Isle of May 17 May, 6 7 Oct.

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Breeding: Highland, several birds present but no nests found; occupation and success patchy in S Scotland, but some signs of spread to new areas. Elsewhere: Strathclyde, 4 records from Mull Islay 26 Feb 15 Nov.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Breeding: Orkney, up to 5 occupied sites with min 6 young reared from 3 successful nests, one nest with 6 eggs robbed;

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Scottish Bird Report 1986 233

Grampian, poor season West Moray, in 24 occupied sites 10 prs failed and 14 prs reared 55 young; Strathclyde, 16 territories Arran, min 4 nests successful; Dumf & Gall, poor season suggested in parts of W. Migrants: Shetland, spring passage noted 8 Apr 10 May, in autumn singles from 26 Aug 24 Oct, with peak 3 Kergord and 2 Fair Isle 29 Oct; Orkney, 2 came off West German ships 27 Sep.

Blizzard Buteo buteo Breeding: Orkney, pr reared 2 young; Highland, 19 prs laid ave 2.07 eggs/nest Glenurquhart, 13 successful prs reared 15 young (worst in 12 years), of 12 prs Lochaber, only 2 successful prs reared total of 3 young, 6 successful prs Kingussie reared ave 2.5 young/nest, 5 prs recorded Caithness Dist with B/3 in one nest 17 Jun; Grampian, poor season West Moray, in 17 occupied sites 11 prs reared average 2.2/successful nest; Lothian, pr reared 2 young E Lothian Dist; Borders, 18 sites with up to 21 possible prs reported; Strathclyde, very poor season Mull, 25 territories Arran; Dumf & Gall, poor season suggested. Migrants/counts: Shetland, singles Skerries 24 25 Apr, L of Cliff 25 May, Unst 10 Jun, Mid Walls 7 Aug.

*Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus Very few with only 7 individuals reported. Orkney; singles Cottascarth 15 Jun, Shapinsay 16 Jun; Highland, 1 Tore Hill, Nethybridge 10 Mar. IE Borgie Forest 29 Mar; Grampian, 1 Torphins 12 Jan, 1 Strathbeg 7 8 May; Lothian, imm Hopes 9 Feb, 1 Lammermuirs 6 Dec; Borders, 1 Bundreich Burn 2 Feb may be same as Hopes bird.

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Breeding, a poor year with the cold, wet spring weather seriously affecting output: Highland, poor year with only 13 young from 47 monitored prs; Grampian, poor success, 6 prs raised 10 11 young; Strathclyde, 26 prs checked in Argyll study area, 11 prs laid, 6 prs hatched, and 5 prs reared 5 young, elsewhere in Dist only 6 young from 6 prs; 2 prs Arran, pr with 1 young failed, 2 prs reared 2 young in SW. Elsewhere: Orkney, singles Hoy 5 Jan, 25 Apr.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Breeding: 43 occupied nests. 34 nests contained eggs, 24 successful prs reared 48 young. Overall productivity was only 1.14 young/successful nest which is lowest since 1978. Arrival 26 Mar, last one 25 Sep. Migrants: Shetland, 3 or 4 individuals between 21 Apr 23 May; Orkney, 4 singles 4 May 8 Jun; Lothian, IS central Edinburgh 25 Jul.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Breeding: Orkney, min 21 territories on 7 islands, 2 prs each reared 3 young; Grampian, fewer West Moray, 3 prs reared 10 young; Strathclyde, up to 22 sites located Mull in past 3 years, extremely poor season in SW, average clutch size only 4.3 with hatching rate of

50% and only 25 birds reared from study area cold, wet spring and early summer delayed laying into May and 1 Jun in one case; Dumf & Gall, very poor season due to weather. Migrants: Shetland, good spring passage 22 Apr 30 Jun, in autumn 9 Aug 28 Oct.

Merlin Falco columbarius Breeding: Shetland, of 25 prs, 17 prs reared 62 young, eggshell thinning caused breakages at failed nests; Orkney, disastrous season with 5 prs laying and no young reared; Grampian, decline since 1983 from 6 prs West Moray to 1 pr, but 91 young fledged from 44 territories holding prs in rest of Region; Lothian/ Borders, in 21 occupied territories 15 prs laid eggs, and 41+ young were reared; Strathclyde, in 12 occupied territories 5 successful prs reared 10 young. Migrants: Shetland, 7 Mar 28 May Fair Isle, almost daily from 11 Aug, max 4 on 15 Oct 6 Nov; Fife, max 2 Isle of May 5 Oct.

*Hobby Falco subbuteo Seven: Shetland, 1 Lerwick 26 Jun; Orkney, ad North Ronaldsay 15 Jun. imm on 26 Sep; Tayside, juv Carlingsheugh Bay 27 Jul, juv Montrose Basin 29 Aug; Lothian, IN Bams Ness 4 May, 1W Musselburgh 18 Aug.

*Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Two: Shetland, grey phase Fair Isle 20 Feb (NJR), 1 Firth Voe 14 Nov (JR&PD).

Peregrine Falco peregrinus Breeding: Shetland, of 3 prs, 2 prs each reared 3 young; Orkney, up to 11 prs held territory, 6 prs successful; Highland, 25 successful prs reared 45+ young at monitored sites; Grampian, 15 successful prs reared 34 young; Central, of 29 prs, only 7 successful prs reared 17 young; Lothian/Borders, poor season with only 10 young reared persecution, egg and chick theft, and bad weather all contributed; Strathclyde, poor weather reduced success, only 4 prs out of 10 prs successful in NW, only 3 prs reared 6 young L Lomondside, 3 prs out of 8 prs successful Arran, 22 prs reared 18 young in SW; Dumf & Gall, poor season due to weather. Migrants: Shetland, main passage 1 2 birds Fair Isle 4 16 Apr. 3 30 Sep, 2 26 Oct; Orkney, 2 found dead due to Fulmar oiling May; Fife, 3 singles 17 Apr 20 May, 2 singles 7 Sep, 22 Oct 1 Nov.

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Breeding: Orkney, 14 prs Rousay reserve, 1st young Birsay 11 Jun; Grampian, late season Upper Moray but good chick survival and high nos autumn, spring stocks up in some parts of upper Deeside , upper Donside , Tomintoul area and breeding success good, decrease Cairnwell but breeding success quite good, decrease Stonehaven; Lothian/Borders, very few young Moorfoot Hills, and Lammermuirs due to bad weather and worm infestation; Strathclyde, good nos but poor success Arran, indication of return to Fairlie Kilbirnie Moors.

234 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

1

Counts: Highland. 400 Bridge of Brown 2 Mar; Grampian, 151 in flock Lecht 26 Feb; Tayside, 150 Glen Brearachan 5 Feb, flocks of 75 and 54 Drumochter 24 Feb; Lothian/Borders, counts in snow 13 Feb, 2 Mar in Lammermuirs gave 467 Darent House, 280 Hopes, 1200 Darent House Whiteadder Res, 185 Leithen/Dewar Valley 2 Mar, 150+ Glencorse Loganlea 2 Mar.

Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus Flighland, 2 prs Scaraben 31 Mar, 1 or 2 present Morven Jun Jul; Grampian, spring stock high Cairnwell, breeding quite good though some failed in snowstorms at higher altitudes in the Mounth and Cairngorms, 30+ Cairnwell 29 Nov; Tayside, 11 Meall Garbh, Glen Lyon 10 Jul; Strathclyde, scarce Mull, pr Ben Sgulaird, N Argyll 3 Jun, min 2 prs successful Arran.

Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix Highland, a better season with more chicks seen, 27 males, 18 females Abriachan 25 Apr, 30 Strathvaich 26 Feb, 22 males L Laggan lek, 20 males Fort Augustus lek; Grampian, good success Birse but average Glen Tanar; Tayside, increase noted in number of records; Fife, 2 females Knockhill 11 May; Central, 12 Callendar Crag 5 Jan; Lothian, 8 Monynut 18 Jan, 7 males Fala Moor 4 Oct; Borders, min 114 birds recorded, including 92 males, mostly lekking; SW Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall; lower nos at most sites.

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Highland, continued decline with survey revealing only 7 males and 7 females E Ross, 24 males and 35 females Inverness/Spey, 3 males and 1 female Affric, only 1 female Black Isle where common a few years ago, 1 Carbisdale, Sutherland Dist 2 Nov; Grampian, population still low Moray Dist, again a poor year Glen Tanar with ave 1 chick/female, max 7 Tullynessle 21 Oct, 1 Rora 20 Sep; Tayside, 2 nests found Montreathmont Forest; Fife, imm male Tayport 23 Apr; Central, female Stank Glen 15 May.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa (most records of this species refer to Red leg x Chukar hybrids) Highland, quite common Beauly Kiltarlity area, good nos Badenoch, max 21 Invertromie 15 Oct; Grampian, 18 Skene 12 Oct, 10 Keith Newmill 17 Oct; more reports Borders where 12 released Bowhill; Strathclyde, birds introduced Mull 1985, 60 released Cranley, successful breeding in SW where pr reared 8 near Maybole ; Dumf & Gall , 400 released St Mary’s Isle, Kirkcudbright.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Breeding: Grampian, good season Moray Dist with large coveys reported, max 21 Roseisle 11 Nov, good season suggested elsewhere in Region; Lothian, good season with 6+ broods reported Gladhouse, but only 3 prs Aberlady (10 prs in 1985);

Strathclyde, patchy success in SW. 2 prs reared 38 Drongan, but decline Lower Girvan Valley; Dumf & Gall, remains generally scarce. Counts etc: Highland, 50 young introduced Sandside, Caithness Dist; Fife, 23 Leuchars22 Dec; Lothian, 41 Musselburgh 8 Feb, 50 Tyninghame 19 Oct; Strathclyde, 41 Highfield. Prestwick 22 Feb.

*Quail Coturnix coturnix Singles unless stated: Shetland, Eshaness 11 May; West Isles, Askernish, S Uist 10 Jul; Highland, Janetstown 24 Jun, 2Myrelandhorn, Caithness Dist 13 Jun 10 Jul; Grampian. Duffus 24 Jun, Ludquham 18 Jul; Lothian, Aberlady 9 May, Tyninghame 19 Jun; Borders, Hutton 24 May, 15 Jul, Reston 4 Jun. 7, 12 Aug, 12 Sep, Riccolton, Cheviots 20 Jun, Eckford 31 Aug, Bowhill 23 Sep; Strathclyde, Baron’s Haugh 9 12 Jun. Barnbrook Farm, Renfrew Dist 20 Jun, Carluke 16 Aug.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Orkney, max count 16 Crantit 1 Dec; West Isles, introduced North Uist; Highland, 500 males released Sandside, Caithness Dist; Lothian. 9 territories Aberlady (20 in 1985).

tGolden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus Strathclyde , small feral population stll present L na Keal, Mull; Dumf & Gall, nos remain low, 3 prs Cumloden, 1 Palnure DApr May.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Breeding: Highland, pr reared 3 Wick R Jul is 1st confirmed breeding for Caithness Dist, min 1 pr bred Eigg; Fife, 6 birds reported at 3 sites; Strathclyde, birds calling at 2 sites Colonsay, 38+ prs Inner Clyde 11 calling birds at 4 sites in SW. Migrants: Shetland, singles wintered Fair Isle, Unst, autumn passage noted 29 Sep 29 Nov, max 2 Brow 5 Oct; Orkney, autumn passage from 16 Sep, 1 3 Longhouse, St Ola Oct Dec; West Isles, 1 Horgabost, Harris 9 Oct; Grampian, 5 Strathbeg 16 Sep; Lothian, 6 Aberlady Feb.

^Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Only two: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 14 Aug: West Isles, 1 Askernish, South Uist 14 May.

Corncrake Crex crex Breeding: Shetland, 3 calling. 6 juvs flushed from field Quendale 19 Aug; Orkney, 11 calling birds on 7 islands, predated egg L of Manks 27 May; West Isles, 4 calling within Stornoway Burgh Boundary; Highland, only 2 prs Canna, both failed, nest with 9 eggs failed Eigg, 1 Reay 16, 22 Jun; Strathclyde, up to 23 probable breeding territories Islay, other calling birds included 5 Colonsay, 5 Coll, 2 Gigha, and singles Iona, Mull. Other records (mostly calling birds): Shetland, singles Fair Isle 3, 11 May, 2 Oct; Grampian, 1 Drummuir 10 Jun; Tayside, 1 dead Forgandenny 11 Aug; Lothian, 1 dead Dalkeith late Sep; Strathclyde, 2 Fannyside L 6 May, 1

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Scottish Bird Report 1986 235

Endrick Mouth 10 May, 1 Tighnabruaich early Oct; Dumf & Gall, singles Castle Douglas 1 Jul, Stranraer 21 Jul.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Breeding: Shetland, bred Hillwell and Spiggie; Orkney, min 27 prs at 24 sites; Lothian, 126 147 prs reported at 53 sites, 61 62 broods, pr Scoughall nested 8 metres off ground in Pine tree (reaction to Mink?); Borders, of 80 prs reported. 49 prs produced 51 broods with 119 juvs, mbs 2.33 (cf 1985 40 prs produced 23 broods with 54 juvs, mbs 2.35); Strathclyde, 150+ prs Inner Clyde; some recovery suggested in SW Scotland. Counts/passage: Shetland, max 4 Fair Isle 23 Apr; Orkney, 36 Crantit 26 Feb; Tayside, 27 L Leven 7 Sep; Lothian, 34 Edinburgh lochs 9 Oct; Strathclyde, 30 Doonfoot 1 Jan; Dumf & Gall, 26 Carlingwark L 12 Oct.

Coot Fulica atra Breeding: Orkney, 25 prs at 15 sites; Grampian, 24 territorial prs Strathbeg, 20 laid eggs but no young reared ; Lothian , 133-154 prs at 38 sites, 54-55 broods; Borders, 228 prs at 56 sites, 150 broods totalled 404 young, mbs 2.68; Strathclyde, 232-239 prs at 69 sites Inner Clyde. Counts; Shetland, singles Fair Isle on 26 dates 7 Jan-15 May; Orkney, max 350 L of Harray Feb; Highland, 120 L of Scarmclate 13 Oct; Grampian, 950 Strathbeg 7 Oct; Tayside, 220 Drummond Pond 16 Feb, 930 L Leven 12 Oct; Fife, 330 Cameron Res 5 Oct; Central, 680 Gartmorn Dam 14 Dec; Lothian, 539 Linlithgow L Dec; Strathclyde, 468 Hogganfield L 11 Jan; Dumf & Gall, 500 L Milton 19 Dec.

*Crane Grus grus Five: Shetland, ad Sandwick 7 May (DC); Orkney, singles South Ronaldsay 23 Apr-4 Jun (RMcC), Woodwick, Evie-Sanday 27 May-2 Jun (Mrs ZFC, JG, RT); Lothian, 2 ads Biel Grange 16-19 Apr (AJC, AFW, JRW).

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Breeding: Shetland, 92 prs Fair Isle, elsewhere in Shetland chick ringing results suggest a poor season; Orkney, 648 prs recorded at 48 sites; Highland, 84 prs Eigg, 70 prs Canna; Strathclyde, 131 kprs Colonsay, 50+ prs Arran. Counts/passage: Shetland, 240 Uyeasound-Haroldswick 29 Jul; Orkney, 300 Mill Sand 6 Apr; Highland, 2576 Nairn/Culbin Bars Jan, 4750 Cromarty/Inverness Firths 23 Feb, 3262 Inverness Firth 19 Oct; Tayside, 4200 Montrose Basin 1 Dec; Fife, 3650 Eden estuary 14 Nov; Central, 706 Forth estuary 23 Feb; Lothian, 3100 Musselburgh Sep, 1230 (Tyninghame Dec; Strathclyde, 1012 Tiree 10-13 May, 696 Barassie 1 Sep; Dumf & Gall, 2681 Wigtown Bay 16 Nov, 5500 Southerness 16 Nov.

*Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus One: Borders, ad female Millers Moss and Coldingham Moss 26 May (PRG,KR) is 1st Borders and 2nd Scottish record.

*Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Four: Grampian, 1 Strathbeg 19, 22 Jan (TWMJD), 1 Findhorn Bay 6 May (MM), 1 Ythan 6-8 Jul (AS,ES,AW); Strathclvde, 1 2Brunerican Bay, Kintyre 15 May (LM).

*Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus One: Borders, 1 Baddinsgill 14 Mar (AD).

*Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Four; Lothian, singles Tyninghame 26 Apr (MG, BDG), Aberlady 20 May, another 31 May, and another 18, 20-21, 28-29 Jun (PRG et al).

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Breeding: Shetland, 10 prs Fair Isle; Orkney, 19 prs reported at 8 sites; Lothian, 33 prs Aberlady; Strathclyde, 46 prs Colonsay, 31 prs reared 11 young Arran; reports from many areas in Central and South Scotland suggest that many inland prs did not breed due to high water levels. Counts/passage: Shetland, 208 Virkie 16 Aug; Orkney, 265 North Ronaldsay 22 May; Highland, 150 Brora 21 Sep; Grampian, 800 Findhorn Bay 18 May, 556 Forvie 29 May, 262 Lossiemouth 30 May; Tayside, 210 Montrose Basin 12 May; Fife, 540 Tentsmuir Pt 28 May; Lothian, 650 Aberlady May, 150 Musselburgh May; 280 Tyninghame Aug; Strathclyde, 485 Tiree 10-14 May; Dumf & Gall, 158 Carsluith 14 Dec.

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Breeding: Highland/Grampian, good nos in main areas with apparent increase in outlying Western areas. Migrants: Shetland, singles Fair Isle 14 May, 28 Sep, 4 Oct, and an extremely late one 3 Dec; West Isles, juv South Ford, South Uist 26 Aug; Fife, 20 Kinkell Braes, St Andrews 14 May; Lothian, 1 dead near Carlops 13 May; Borders, 5 at one site mid May.

236 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

■

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Breeding: Shetland, combined 1985-86 total gave 80 prs Fetlar; Orkney, 61 prs reported at 7 sites; Highland, 3 prs bred Eigg; nos remain low in South. Counts/passage: Orkney, 1500 Tankemess 21 Sep, 1000 Widewall, South Ronaldsay 8 Oct; Highland, 350 Staxigeo 16 Oct; Fife, 1000 Fife Ness 14-17 Nov; Central, 467 Forth estuary 14 Dec; Lothian, 800 Musselburgh Oct, 1580 Aberlady Nov; Borders, 1000 Reston 24 Nov; Strathclyde, 350 Tiree 8-10 Apr, 3000 Bogside, Irvine 25 Sep; Dumf & Gall, 1700 L Ryan 16 Oct.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Shetland, only 4 singles Fair Isle 11 Apr, 30 Jul, 9, 12 Aug; Orkney, max 30 Sanday 21 May; West Isles, 97 Eochar, South Uist 24 Aug; Highland, 36 Naim/Culbin Bars 12 Jan; Grampian, 21 Cairnbulg 10 Feb; Fife, 520 Eden estuary 9 Apr; Lothian, 465 Aberlady Mar, 460 in Sep; Dumf & Gall, 79 Southemess 9 Mar.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Breeding: Shetland, poor season, 7 prs Fair Isle, only 2 fledged; Orkney, 436 prs reported at 43 sites, 1st full clutch 30 Mar; Highland, 21 prs bred Eigg; Lothian, 35-37 territories Threipmuir, 26 prs Aberlady; Strathclyde, 140 prs Colonsay, 121 prs L Gruinart, Islay, 23-28 prs Coll, 17 prs Arran, 21 prs North Boig-Meikle Creoch, New Cumnock. Counts/ passage: Shetland, 220 Fair Isle 14-15 Mar, 350 Quendale 27 Jul; Orkney, 800 L of Boardhouse 12 Nov; Highland, 1500 L Scarmclate 30 Aug; Grampian, 1250 Sandhaven 17 Sep; Tayside, 1960 L Leven 5 Oct; Fife, 550 Eden estuary 3 Aug; Central, 1990 Forth estuary 14 Dec; Lothian, 1650 Aberlady Nov; Borders, 1500 Reston 24 Nov; Strathclyde, 4000 Bogside, Irvine 25 Sep; Dumf & Gall, 1554 Wigtown Bay 16 Nov.

Knot Calidris canutus Orkney, max only 75 North Ronaldsay 10 Oct; Highland, 1000 Nigg Bay 12 Jan, 500 Alturlie 12 Jan; Grampian, 600 Findhorn Bay 10 Apr; Tayside, 2000 Montrose Basin 21 Feb; Fife, 2400 Eden estuary 12 Jan, 2000 Tayport 4 Feb; Central, 1273 Forth estuary 21 Jan; Lothian, 2785 Aberlady Mar, 2900 in Nov, 2000 Musselburgh Dec; Strathclyde, 190 L Gruinart, Islay 28 Oct; .Dumf & Gall, 2000 Southerness 9 Mar.

Sanderling Calidris alba Winter-spring: Orkney, 142 Sanday 30 Jan, max 680 North Ronaldsay 29 May; Grampian, 130 Blackdog-Ythan 12 Jan; Fife, 110 Tentsmuir 9 Mar; Lothian, 206 Aberlady May; Strathclyde, 172 Tiree 10-14 May. Autumn: Orkney, max 201 North Ronaldsay 21 Sep; Highland, 45 Dunnet Sands 21 Jul, 173 Nairn/ Culbin Bars Nov; Tayside 230 Monifeith 7 Sep; Fife, 80 Tayport 10 Oct; Lothian, 140 Aberlady Jul ; Strathclyde , 60 Doonfoot 29 Jul , 9 Hillend Res 29 Jul.

Little Stint Calidris minuta Spring: Shetland, 1 Noss 9-11 Jun; Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 25, 30 May, 2 on 26 May, 1 Sanday 16 Jun. Poor autumn passage from 13 Jul-24 Oct: Shetland, max 20 Virkie 23, 25 Aug; West Isles, 2 Balranald. North Uist 14 Jul, 4 South Ford, South Uist 16 Oct; Highland, 2 Easter Lovat 17 Aug; Grampian, 3 Don 18 Aug, 2 Kingston 18 Aug; Lothian, 1 Musselburgh 13-15 Jul, 3 Aberlady 3, 17 Aug, 3 Tyninghame 19 Aug; Strathclyde, 3 L Gruinart, Islay 10 Sep. Only 1-2 birds reported from other areas.

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Breeding: 4 birds at one site 15 Jun, 2 song-flighting and 2 with

2 young on 17 Jul, 1 at another site 17 Jun. Migrants: Shetland, 2 L of Cliff 26 May; Grampian, 2 Moray Dist 7 Jul; Lothian, Bsingles Aberlady 20-23 May, 25 Jun.

*Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Five: Orkney, ad North Ronaldsay 19 May (KF); West Isles, 1 St Kilda 1, 2 Oct (DM) ; Grampian, 1 Ythan 28 Sep (RDS.AL.GA), 1 Kingston 22 Oct (K&JW) is 1st record for Moray Dist: Strathclyde, 1 Hillend Res 2-17 Oct (ND et al).

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Spring: Shetland, 1 Virkie 21 May; Orkney, 1 Papa Westray 20 May; Highland, 1 Wick R 29 Apr; Lothian, 1 Cramond 3 May, single ads Aberlady 17 May, 24 Jun, 3 imms 17 Jun, 4 on 18-19 Jun, 1 on 26-27 Jun. As with Little Stint, this species showed very low nos in autumn: Shetland, 1 Baltasound 3 Aug; Orkney, 2 Cumminess 9 Sep, 1 on 21 Sep, 1 North Ronaldsay 21 Sep; West Isles, singles South Uist 3, 15 Oct; Highland, 1 Wick R 14 Nov; Grampian , 3 Lossiemouth 17 Aug, 2 Ythan 28 Sep: Tayside, 3 Port Allen 30 Aug, 1 Montrose Basin 18 Oct; Central, max 5 Kinneil 15 Sep; Lothian, max

3 Aberlady 28 Aug; Strathclyde, 2 Doonfoot 18 Aug, 2 Barassie 8, 30 Aug. Only -1-3 birds reported from other areas.

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Counts/ passage: Shetland, 120 Whalsay Jan; Orkney. 250 Papa Westray 22 Apr; Highland, 146 Thurso Bay 28 Jan; Grampian, 260 Girdleness 10 Jan. 360 Fraserburgh 26 Jan, 300 Lossiemouth 27 Mar, 260 Peterhead 13 Dec; Tayside, 212 Arbroath 31 Feb; Fife, 345 Isle of May 15 Sep; Lothian, 101 Belhaven-Dunbar Feb, 5+ summered Tantallon; Borders, 105 Eyemouth 29 Dec; Strathclyde, 87 Ardrossan-Saltcoats 11 Mar, 155 Tiree 10-14 May; Dumf & Gall, 37 Southerness 9 Feb.

Dunlin Calidris alpina Breeding: Shetland,

combined 1985-86 total of 90 prs Fetlar: Orkney, min 47 prs reported at 13 sites, 1st fledged young Hoy 29 Jun; Highland, 3 prs Strathy 6 Jun; Lothian. 1 pr Aberlady; Borders, 3-4 prs West Water; Dumf & Gall, still a few Wigtown Dist.

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 237

Counts/passage: Shetland, 180 Virkie 20 Aug; Orkney, 700 Sanday 30 Jan; Highland, 2876 Cromarty/Beauly/ Inverness Firths 23 Feb, 900 Dornoch 16 Nov; Grampian, 1700 Findhom Bay Jan, 575S Peterhead 17 Jul; Fife, 1250 Eden estuary 12 Jan; Central. 2164 Forth estuary 21 Jan; Lothian, 1600 Dalmeny Jan, 1170 Aberlady Feb; Strathclyde, 2800 Langbank 26 Jan. 1238 Tiree 10- 14 May.

^Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis Two: Orkney, 1 L of Banks. Sandwick 21 May (ARD.ERM); West Isles, 1 North Uist 1 Aug (RA).

Ruff Philomachus pugnax Winter-spring: Shetland, singles Whalsay 15, 17 May; Orkney, 1 Suckquoy 25 Feb, singles Stenness 19 Apr, 14 Jun, Birsay 20 May; Grampian, 3 records Ythan- Cotehill Jan-Mar, 5 from 30 Apr-4 May; Fife, 2 Inverkeithing 2 Jan-Mar; Lothian, max 6 Gosford Bay 24 Jan, singles Musselburgh Jan, Mar; Strathclyde, 1 Highfield, Prestwick 11 May. Autumn: Shetland, peaks 15 Fair Isle 7 Aug, 30 Whalsay 15 Aug; Orkney, 46 The Loons 15 Aug, 20 Eday 24 Aug; Highland, 9 Easter Lovat 16 Aug; Grampian, 6 Lossiemouth 8 Aug, max 40 Don 16 Aug, 26 Inverquhomery 21 Aug, 2 Ythan 27 Dec; Tayside, 25 Port Allen 17 Aug, 33 on 30 Aug, 11 Westhaven 19 Sep; Fife, 15 Wormit 22 Aug, 1 Inverkeithing 14-21 Nov; Central, 31 Kinneil 16 Aug; Lothian, 12 Gladhouse 23 Aug, 8 Cramond- Newhaven 14 Dec; Borders, 7 Dowlaw 10 Aug; Strathclyde, 1 Maybole 25 Jun, max 14 Bogside, Irvine 15 Aug, 10 Hillend Res 17 Aug.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Usual scatter of 1-3 birds in N Scotland to 19 May. Peak counts: Shetland, from 31 Aug Fair Isle, 5 on 24 Sep, 4 Scatness 8 Oct; Orkney, 2 North Ronaldsay 19 Sep; Grampian, 1 Ludquharn 8 May, 3 Corby 6 Oct; Tayside, 13 Kilspindie, Rait 5 Jan; Central, 4 Kinneil 15 Nov; Strathclyde, 8 Erskine 12 Jan, 9 Doonfoot 29 Mar, 5 on 21 Dec, 6 Auldhouse 14 Oct, 13 Paisley Moss 13 Dec.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago Breeding: Shetland, 25 drumming birds Fair Isle; Orkney, 292 prs reported at 35 sites; Lothian, 5 territories Aberlady; Strathclyde, c60 prs L Gruinart reserve, Islay, min 26 prs Colonsay; Dumf & Gall, 7 prs Wood of Cree. Counts/passage: Shetland, 100 Fair Isle 24 Sep; Orkney, 300 North Ronaldsay 5 Oct; Lothian, 120 Aberlady 7 Mar; Strathclyde, 89 Blantyremuir 1 Nov, 300+ Doonfoot 13 Dec.

*Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus One: Strathclyde, 1 Islay airstrip 18-20 Jun (RE,PM,MAO,GJ et al).

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Breeding: roding from 28 Feb Tayside; Dumf & Gall, 8 roding Wood

of Cree (5 in 1985). Counts/passage: Shetland, main spring passage Fair Isle 18-30 Apr Fair Isle, max 50 on 22 Apr. in autumn peaks 100 on 3 Nov, 40 on 14 Nov; West Isles, late bird L Hallan, South Uist 13 May; Fife, 4 Isle ofMay25 Oct;Lothian, 14 in 180 ha woodland strips Luffness 22 tDec; Strathclyde , influx North Glentrool 12 Nov but low nos.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Breeding: Shetland, 5 at breeding site 28-29 May, pr later behaving as if chicks present, but not seen subsequently; Orkney, pr reared 2. Counts/ passage: West Isles, 10 Stornoway 3 May; Highland, 25 L Fleet 1 May, 4 Udale Bay 6 Jul; Grampian, 1 Findhorn 6 Jan, 10 Ythan 27 Apr, 1 Inverugie 14 Dec; Tayside, 48 Kinnordy 26 Apr, 13 Montrose Basin Aug, 3 L Leven 5 Oct; Fife, max 169 Eden estuary 26 Apr; Central, 4 Kinneil 12 Jan, 7 on 10 Aug; Lothian, 5 Musselburgh Jul; Strathclyde, max 14 Bogside, Irvine 24-30 Aug.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Counts/ passage: Shetland, 21 Virkie 23 May; Orkney, max 480 Sanday Jan; Highland, 500 L Fleet 12 Jan; Highland, 2373 Cromarty/Inverness Firths 12 Jan, 300 summered Whiteness, 800 in Oct; Grampian, 540 Findhom Bay 12 Jan, 579 Culbin Bar 23 Feb; Tayside, 500 Broughty Ferry 27 Aug; Fife, 1350 Eden estuary 11 Feb; Central, 402 Forth estuary 21 Jan; Lothian, 2200 Aberlady Jan, 1500 Musselburgh Jan, 1100 Aberlady Nov; Strathclyde, 96 Fairlie 11 Feb, 62 L Gruinart, Islay Mar.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Breeding: Shetland, 74-81 prs Fetlar (70 in 1984); Orkney, 6- 7 prs at one site, 2 chicks on 19 Jun, displaying singles at 2 other sites. Counts/passage: from 3 Apr when an early bird was seen Quendale, Shetland to 11 Oct when 3 Evie, Orkney and 2 Isle of May, Fife. Shetland, peaks 20 Fair Isle 7 May, 14 on 27 Aug; Highland, 12 Tulloch Moor 9 Apr, 34S Noss Head 2 Aug; Grampian, 15-20 Ythan 11 May, 13 Strathbeg 14 Aug, 15 Findhorn Bay 26 Aug; Tayside, 6 Westhaven 29 Sep; Fife, 13S Fife Ness 5 Aug; Lothian, 21 Aberlady 10 May, 63 Musselburgh 6 Aug, 60 Tyninghame 18 Aug; Strathclyde, 9 Endrick Mouth 5 Apr, 25 Coultorsay 20 Apr.

Curlew Numenius arquata Breeding: Shetland, 6 prs bred Fair Isle; Orkney, min 754 prs reported at 43 sites, 1st young South Ronaldsay 3 Jun; Lothian, 16-18 territories Threipmuir; Borders, 12-16 prs West Water. Counts/passage: Shetland, 1020 Sullom Voe 2 Jan; Orkney, 1250 Widewall, South Ronaldsay 17 Jan; Highland, 1922 Cromarty/Beauly/Inverness Firths 23 Feb, 400 Dornoch 23 Aug; Grampian, 820 Ythan 1 Aug; Tayside, 1000 Montrose Basin 20 Aug; Fife, 637 Eden estuary 6 Aug; Central, 556 Forth estuary 14

238 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Dec; Lothian, 750 Aberlady Jul, 500 Dalmeny Aug; Strathclyde, 947 Doonfoot 29 Jul, 2-300 Machrihanish Bay Sep; Dumf & Gall, 2000 Auchencaim-Orchardton Bays early Sep, 1262 Wigtown Bay 16 Nov.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Winter- spring: Highland, 1 Udale Bay 12 Jan; Tayside, 1 Montrose Basin 15 Jun; Lothian, singles Cramond 30 Mar, 25 Apr, 3 May; Strathclyde, 1 Lochdon, Mull 4 May. Autumn: minimum 100 birds from 22 Jul, summary below:

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

12

1 25 11

Shetland-Highland Grampian-Fife Central-Borders Strathclyde/

Dumf & Gall

Max count was 12 Ythan, Grampian 19 Aug.

16 2 9

Redshank Tringa totanus Breeding: Orkney, 301 prs reported at 41 sites, 1st young South Ronaldsay 10 Jun; Lothian, 10 territories Threipmuir; Borders, 61 prs reported Mar/Apr; Strathclyde, 15 prs L Gruinart reserve, Islay. Counts/passage: Shetland, 79 Virkie 22 Aug; Orkney, 250 North Ronaldsay 9 Oct; Highland, 2357 Cromarty/ Inverness Firths 23 Feb, 2892 on 19 Oct; Grampian, 1146 Findhorn Bay 6 Apr, 1000 Ythan 12 Oct; Tayside, 3000 Montrose Basin 18 Oct; Fife, 997 Eden estuary 15 Sep; Central, 1741 Forth estuary 14 Dec; Lothian, 1160 Dalmeny Sep, 540 Aberlady Nov; Strathclyde, 1500 Erskine- Langbank 26 Jul, 524 Bogside 21 Sep; Dumf & Gall, 354 Wigtown Bay 14 Dec.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia Breeding: Shetland, possible reduction in breeding population indicated; Highland, up to 5 prs possibly bred Caithness Dist, nested in 5 areas Balmacaan Forest. Counts/passage: Shetland: 5 Spiggie 22 Aug; Orkney, 5 L of Hundland 21 Aug; Highland, 10 Easter Lovat 16 Aug; Grampian, 1 Cruden Bay 19 Mar, 23 Ythan 10 Aug, 12 Findhorn Bay 20 Aug; Tayside, 31 Montrose Basin 22 Aug, 17 Errol 21 Sep; Fife, 10 Wormit 7-29 Aug; Central, 6 Skinflats 17 Aug; Lothian, 14Tyninghame 19 Aug; Strathclyde, 21 Finlaystone Pt, R Clyde 26 Jul, 8 Lochdon, Mull Aug, 19 Bogside, Irvine Aug. Wintering birds: Grampian, 4 Findhorn Bay 25 Jan; Fife, 2 Eden estuary 17 Dec; Lothian, 3 Tyninghame Jan-Mar, 5 on Nov-Dec; Strathclyde, 7 Hunterston 1-16 Jan, 2 L Gilp 1-2 Jan, 3 Taynish Jan, 17 Langbank 3 Jan, 21 Woodhall 3 Nov, 5 Hunterston Dec; Dumf & Gall, 13 Luce Bay 1 Dec.

Castletown 20-21 Apr; Lothian. 1 Scoughall 26 Apr; Strathclyde, 2 Erskine 2-23 Jan. 1 on 3 Apr. 1 Croftamie 23 Feb, 2 Lenzie 17 Mar, 1 Georgetown 13 Apr; Dumf & Gall, 1 Boreland, Stewartry Dist

11 Jan. Autumn: passage from 26 Jun when 1 Baron’s Haugh. Strathclyde. Shetland, peaks up to 7 Fair Isle 1-20 Aug, 10 on 7 Aug; West Isles, 1 South Uist 9 Aug; Highland, 4 Wick R 11 Aug; Grampian, min 18 birds 27 Jun-5 Sep; Tayside, 1-2 Montrose Basin Aug-11 Sep; Fife, 1 Isle of May 10-

12 Aug: Lothian, 3 Tyninghame 23 Jul, 3 Aberlady 6 Aug; Borders, 3 Wooden L31 Aug; Strathclyde, 24 birds 30 Jun-5 Oct. Winter: Borders, 1 Bowhill 4 Dec; Strathclyde, 1 Erskine 1-6 Nov, 2 Symington, Clydesdale Dist 21-end Dec

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Breeding: Highland, singles at main site 20 May-6 Jun, 30 Jul. no breeding, 1st seen at other site 4 May, max 3 on 15 May, ad and brood 16-19 Jun, another brood 4 15 Jul. Passage birds: Shetland, 2 Skerries 21 May. singles Fair Isle 26 May. Baltasound 30 May. 8 singles on 12 dates 1 Aug-10 Sep. 2 Fair Isle 4 Aug; Orkney, singles North Ronaldsay 20 May, 16 Sep. Birsay 3 Aug; West Isles, singles Kildonan, South Uist 9 May, L Stilligary. South Uist 21 Sep; Highland, singles Conon Islands 13, 23 Jul, Wick 8 Aug, Stoneyfield 9 Aug. Udale Bay 2 Sep; Grampian, singles Peterhead 8 Aug, Inver- quhomery 21-24 Aug, Meikle 28 Aug, Keith 30 Aug; Tayside, singles Montrose Basin 15, 24 May; Fife, singles Morton Lochs 3 Aug, Wormit 16-20 Aug; Lothian, singles Aberlady 19 May, Threipmuir 11 Aug; Borders, 1 Millers Moss 30 Jul; Strathclyde, singles Linwood 2-6 May, Bothwell 16-26 Aug, Kilmarnock 30 Aug, Ryeflat Marsh 13 Sep, Baron’s Haugh 14 Sep, Camwath 17 Sep.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Breeding: Orkney, up to 11 prs reported at 9 sites; Highland, 31 prs bred Eigg, 12 prs Canna; Borders, 15 prs R Tweed, Peebles-Walkerburn; Strathclyde, 25-30 prs Colonsay , good season Upper Minnoch. Spring arrival: early singles Aird’s Bay, Argyll,

Strathclyde 7 Mar, and Skinflats, Central 13 Mar may have overwintered in UK. General arrival from 17-23 Apr mostly in South Scotland. Counts: Shetland, max 9 Fair Isle 8-9 Aug; Highland, 20 Mound 23, 29 Jul, last one Kessock Bridge 5 Oct; Grampian, 12 Findhorn Bay 21 Jul; Tayside, max 21 Port Allen 22 Jul; Fife, 20 Eden estuary 4 Aug; Lothian, 15 Aberlady/Tyninghame/Seafield Pond 23 Apr, max 20 Threipmuir 1 Aug; Strathclyde, 24 Kilmarnock 4 May, 21 Doonfoot 19 Jul, 20 L Gruinart reserve, Islay Aug. Late singles Kirkcudbright, Dumf & Gall mid Oct, and Portmore, Borders 5 Nov.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Winter-spring: Shetland, singles Whalsay 22 Apr, Fair Isle 22-23 Apr, 12 May, Haroldswick 24 Apr; Highland, 1

*Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia One: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 20 May (RGA.NJR) was 1st record for Fair Isle.

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 239

Turnstone Arenaria interpres Counts: Shetland, peaks 200 Fair Isle Jan, 107 Noss 20 Apr, 300 Fair Isle 29 Dec: Orkney, 370 North Ronaldsay 22 May, 600 on 9 Oct: Highland, 120+ Sandside 11 Jan, 437 Cromarty/Inverness Firths 23 Feb: Grampian, 436 Girdleness/Greg Ness 31 Mar, 270 Lossiemouth 14 Dec: Fife, 174 Anstruther/Kirkcaldy 8 May, 432 Isle of May 15 Sep; Lothian, 380 Musselburgh May, 35 Tantallon 28 Jun, 317 Seafield Eastfield Oct; Strathclyde, 356 Prestwick 23 Apr, 850 Tiree 10-14 May, 90 Doonfoot 24 Jun (like the Lothian record, this is an unusually high count, although most birds were imms).

*

Red-necked Phalarope, Shetland, 1985. A Hogg

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Breeding: Shetland, arrival Fetlar 21 May, 12-14 prs bred, 3 prs at 2 other sites, last seen Fetlar 13 Aug. Passage: Shetland, female Virkie 20 Jul, juv Fair Isle 31 Aug; Orkney, 1 Deerness 27 May; West Isles, 1 St Kilda 2 Jul.

*Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Five: Orkney, 1 Widewall, South Ronaldsay 27 Mar; West Isles, 1 Scolpaig Bay 25 Jan, 1 off Barra 30 May; Lothian, 1 Gullane Bay 23-25 Feb; Strathclyde, 1 Ballinaby, Islay 11-20 Jun.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus Overwintering birds: Highland, 1-2 Beauly / Inverness Firths Jan-Apr, max 3 Chanonry Pt 18 Jan, 1 Thurso Bay 2 Jan; Grampian, 1 Peterhead 4 Feb; Fife, 8 Inverkeithing 30 Jan, 1 Limekilns 1 Mar; Lothian, 1 Gosford Bay 12 Jan, lWHound Pt 2 Feb. Spring: Shetland, ad Fair Isle 7 Jun; Orkney, 3 Papa Westray 4 Jun; West Isles, 1600+ birds recorded North Uist from 18 May, max 766 on 21 May; Highland, 3 North Kessock 5 May, 8on 27 May, 3 on 25 Jun, 1 on 10 Jul: Lothian, 1 Barns Ness 9 Apr; Strathclyde, singles Turnberry Pt 11 May, Troon 1 1 , 13, 18 May. Autumn passage much lighter than 1985: Shetland, 25 birds on 17 dates 17

Jul-31 Oct, max 4 Whalsay Sound 12 Oct; Orkney, max 9 North Ronaldsay 19 Oct, 1 on 28 Nov; Highland, singles Chanonry Pt 11, 19 Aug, 2 Minch 18 Aug, 2 Dunnet Bay 20 Sep, 30 Oct, 1 Tarbatness 19 Oct, singles Chanonry Pt 30 Oct 4-8 Dec; Grampian, 18 birds 30 Jun-1 Nov, max 3 Buckie 27 Aug; Tayside, IN Usan 5 Sep; Fife, max 14 North Queensferry 25 Aug, 12 Kinshaldy 30 Aug; Central, singles Kinneil/Skinflats 25 Aug, 26 Oct; Lothian, max 31 in 5 hrs Hound Pt 1 Nov, 5N Tyninghame 1 Nov; Borders, 7N St Abbs 13 Sep; Strathclyde, 4 off Port Ellen, Islay 10 Jul, late singles Gigha-Islay 14 Nov, Troon 7 Dec.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Breeding: Shetland, 115 prs Fair Isle, full survey on other islands gave a total of 1912 apparently occupied territories (population seems stable since 1974-75 survey); Orkney, 276 prs reported at 14 sites, good season Papa Westray; Highland, 5 prs Camster, pr at another site 24 Jul; Strathclyde, incomplete census Coll gave min 24 at 2 usual sites. Migration: Shetland, from 21 Apr, last one Fetlar 15 Oct; Orkney, 1st Hoy 14 Apr; Highland, 30N in 1 hr South Head, Caithness Dist 31 Jul; Grampian, 91N/22S in 2 hrs Peterhead 24 Aug, 1 Rattray 13 Dec; Tayside, 1 Killiecrankie 2 Jun; Fife, peaks 34S Fife Ness 24 Aug, 60S on 29 Aug, 30 Kinshaldy 11 Sep; Lothian, unusual winter singles Musselburgh 31 Jan, Hound Pt 2 Feb, 4 Musselburgh 8 Dec, peaks 95E in 5 hrs Musselburgh 26 Aug, 137 Hound Pt 26 Aug, 243 Barns Ness 26 Aug; Borders, 3N/85S St Abbs 26 Aug, 3N on 11 Nov; Strathclyde, 21N Ardrossan/ Troon 18 May, 3 Aird Meadows, Renfrew Dist 30 Jul, 1 Prestwick 23 Nov; Dumf & Gall, 1 Caerlaverock 3 Dec.

*Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus Shetland, singles Fair Isle 10 May, 11 Oct; Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 8 Jul; West Isles, spring passage mostly 18-21 May North Uist, 204 birds recorded; Strathclyde, IN Troon 11 May, 2N on 18 May.

Great Skua Stercorarius skua Breeding: Shetland, 84 prs Fair Isle, full survey on other islands gave a total of 5647 apparently occupied territories (population increase of 15% since 1974-74survey); Orkney, 223 prs reported at 9 sites; West Isles, 14 prs North Rona Jun; Highland, pr with nest and 2 eggs Stroma 22 Jun. Winter: Shetland, 1 Bard 16 Dec; Grampian, singles Peterhead 4, 31 Dec; Fife, IN Fife Ness 21 Dec; Lothian, IE Musselburgh 1 Feb; Strathclyde, 1 Troon 7 Dec. Migration: Shetland, from 25 Mar, last one Fair Isle 30 Oct; Orkney, 1 Finstown 9 Nov; Highland, 20N in 1 hr South Head 27 May, 56N in 1 hrs Wick 30 Aug, last one Noss Head 10 Nov; Grampian, 45N/9S in 2 hrs Peterhead 24 Aug; Fife, max 39N in 2 hrs Fife Ness 26 Aug; Lothian, 38W Cramond Island 25 Oct, 13 Tyninghame 1 Nov; Borders, 18N/3S St Abbs 26 Aug, 22S Burnmouth 25 Oct; Strathclyde, 1 inland

240 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

■

Fannyside L 17 Aug, low nos, late single Troon 10 Nov.

^Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Six: Grampian, ad Girdleness-Don 3 Jan-29 Nov, at Balgownie 11 Oct; Fife, ad Tayport 9-16 Aug; Lothian, 1st summer UMusselburgh 27 Apr, 11 Jun; Strathclyde, ad Doonfoot 6. 9 Jan, 2-3 Mar, 2nd winter dead Heads of Ayr 29 Dec; Dumf & Gall, ad Wigtown Bay 11 Feb.

^Laughing Gull Larus atricilla One: Strath-clyde, ad Stevenston Pt 20 Nov (JLB).

Little Gull Larus minutus Summary:

JFMAMJ JASOND

Shetland-Highland 1 2 12 2 14 1

Grampian-Fife 1 1 16 9111381021

Central-Borders 2 136 2 12 71 4

Strathclyde/D & G 3 1 3 6 2 1 2 4 2 1

Peaks: Grampian, 6 Meikle 31 May; Tayside, clOO Carnoustie 21 Jul; Fife, 20 Kilconquhar L 23 Aug, 20 Fife Ness 5 Oct; Lothian, 3N Barns Ness 19 Aug, 4 Musselburgh 8 Dec; Borders, 4N St Abbs 13 Sep; Strathclyde, 3 Doonfoot 1 Jan.

*Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini Two: West Isles, 1 Lewis 25 Nov (per WAJC); Lothian, 1 Musselburgh 10 Aug (BAH,PRB).

*Bonaparte’s Gull Larus Philadelphia One: Highland, 1st summer Fort William 30 May (AJLS).

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Breeding: Shetland, 97 prs at 3 sites, 129 birds at another; Orkney, 591 prs reported at 6 sites, another 1532 birds were present at a further 6 sites, 1st young Papa Westray 31 May; Highland, 500 prs Broubster, 250 prs Newton, 150 prs L Marbh, Kiltarlity; Grampian, 200 prs Lochindorb, 200 prs Buinach, 3318 nests on coastal survey; Tayside, c5500 prs L of Kinnordy; Lothian, 1150 prs Bavelaw, 950 prs North Esk Res failed due to drainage, 571 prs Cobbinshaw; Borders, 10,375 nests Bemersyde, good success there indicated by an estimated 40,000 birds present on 12 Jul, 800 nests West Water; Strathclyde, 506 prs at 11 sites Tiree, 2223 prs Clydesdale Dist, 200 prs Aird Meadows had poor success, 300 prs Hunterston; Dumf & Gall, 200 prs Braid Fell, Wigtown Dist. Counts: Highland, 3300 L Garten 14 Apr; Grampian, 8000 Skene 17 Mar, 20,000 Kinord late Mar-early Apr, 10,000 Skene 29 Nov; Fife, 2400 Leven 2 Feb; Lothian, 3000 Gosford 2 Feb, 4000 Musselburgh 7 Feb; Borders, 6000 West Water 17

Mar; Strathclyde, 6000 Doonfoot 12 Feb, 2 Mar, 9000 Strathclyde Park 28 Nov.

*Ring-biUed Gull Larus delawarensis Four: West Isles, ad Castlebay, Barra 24 Feb (TJD); Grampian, ad Lossiemouth 9 Jan (RP); Strathclyde, ad Doonfoot 14-15 Feb (RHH et al); Dumf & Gall, ad Wigtown Bay 11 Feb (PNC).

Common Gull Larus canus Breeding: Shetland, 284 prs at 4 sites (inc Fair Isle); Orkney, 2645 prs reported at 19 sites, another 310 birds present at a further 3 sites; Highland, 52 prs Eigg; Grampian, 54 nests on coastal survey; Strathclyde, 78 nests Mull, 66 prs at 7 sites Tiree, 196 birds at breeding sites Colonsay. Counts: Shetland, 400 Lerwick 23 Feb; Orkney, 1000 Firth 6 Jan; Highland, 5000+ Forss 26 Dec; Grampian, 12,000 Skene 17 Mar, 1400N in 2 hrs Peterhead 11 Apr; Fife, 5000W in 1 hr Anstruther 6 Nov; Lothian, 4000 Duddingston 1 Feb, 4000 Gosford Bay 2 Feb, 11,000 Cobbinshaw 14 Mar; Borders, 16,800 West Water 17 Mar. 22,000 on 14 Dec; Strathclyde, 7000 Doonfoot 2 Mar; Dumf & Gall. 6000 Auchencairn-Orchardton Bays 28 Nov, 10,000+ Wigtown Bay late Nov-Dec.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Breeding: Shetland, 117 prs at 3 sites (inc Fair Isle); Orkney, 1371 prs reported at 6 sites, another 75 birds present at other site; Highland, decrease to 29 prs Canna, 25 prs Eigg; Grampian, 86 nests on coastal survey; Lothian, min 730 prs on 3 Forth islands, mixed colonies with Herring Gulls also on 3 other islands; Strathclyde, 292 prs at 8 sites Tiree, 82 birds at breeding sites Colonsay, 50 prs Balgair Muir, 32+ prs on warehouse Dumbarton. Counts/ passage: Shetland, 7 Feb-29 Sep; Orkney, last one Hoy 9 Oct; Highland, 1 Nairn 20 Feb; Grampian. 1 Lossiemouth 25 Nov; Lothian/Borders, 1st arrivals 7-8 Mar; Strathclyde, 595 Doonfoot 12 Aug; Dumf & Gall, 260 Crocketford 26 May. Winter: usual small nos in South Scotland Jan/Dec, but Grampian, 1 Girdleness 3 Dec; Tayside, 1 Perth 14 Dec; Central, 1 wintered Stirling; Lothian, 6 in Jan, and 7 in Dec were more notable. Other races .fuscus: Shetland, 1 Hillwell 11 May, Highland. 1 Dounreay 12 May; Grampian, singles Don 21 Mar, Strathbeg 12 Jul, Cults 5 Oct; Lothian, 1 Leith 31 Jan, 1 Musselburgh 7 Feb, 2 on 18 Mar, 1 Swanston 4 Apr, 2 Aberlady 24 Oct; Strathclyde, 1 Doonfoot 28 Apr. intermedius: Highland, 1 Sandside 31 May; Lothian, 1 Aberlady 1 Jan, 2 on 9 Mar, singles 31 Aug, 14 Dec, 1 Cramond 4 Jan, 3 on 8 Jan, 2 on 8 Feb.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus Breeding: Shetland, 1079 prs at 3 sites (inc Fair Isle); Orkney, 763 prs reported at 6 sites, another 954 birds at a further 2 sites; Highland, 380 prs Eigg; Grampian. 16,863 nests on coastal survey; Lothian, 1000 prs Craigleith; Borders, further decline to 718 nests St

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 241

Abbs; Strathclyde, 1482 1513 prs at 13 sites Tiree, 302-389 prs Treshnish Isles, 2300 birds at breeding sites Colonsay, poor season Ailsa Craig; Dumf & Gall, 69 nests Mull of Galloway. Counts: Shetland, 7000 Fair Isle 30 Oct, 5-10,000 storm-blown Bressay 22 Dec; Highland, 35,000 Inverness/ Beauly Firths 13-24 Feb; Fife, 6000 Pittenweem 23 Nov; Lothian, 12,000 Gosford Bay 2 Feb; 4000 Musselburgh 8 Feb; Strathclyde, 4000 Ayr 7 Feb, 13,000+ Strathclyde Park 28 Nov. Yellow-legged individuals, perhaps Scandinavian omissus: Strathclyde, singles Oban 29 Jan, 4 Feb, Rigmuir 11 Feb, 2 Wellbrae 25 Oct.

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides Once again, a poor showing for this species with none recorded in Central-Borders area. Summary:

JFMAM J JA SOND Shetland-Highland 15117852 131111

Grampian-Fife 4 7 7 10 13 1 1 2 610

Strathclyde/D & G 3 4 4 2 1 1

Peaks: Shetland, 3 Unst 29 Nov; Highland, 4 Invemess-Kessock 12 Apr. Kumlien’s L g kumlieni: Grampian, ad Banff 15, 20 Mar, 25, 26 Dec (JGS et al).

Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus As with Iceland gull, the reports of this species were very meagre , especially in the South . Summary: JFMAM J JASOND Shetland-Highland 151111786733341 6 Grampian-Fife 3044231310 1 1 1 514 22

Central-Borders 262341 1232

Strathclyde/D & G 10 8 10 561 13456

1 or 2 in most areas with peaks Shetland, 6 Uyeasound 23 Nov, and 5 Muness, Unst 29 Nox; Grampian, 5 Peterhead 25 Jan, 7 Fraserburgh 2 Feb, Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrids; Shetland, 1 Gutcher9May; Grampian, 1 Lossiemouth 11 Jan.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Breeding: Shetland, 197 prs at 2 sites (inc Fair Isle) showed a drop of 52 prs from 1984 at Noss; Orkney, 1395 prs reported at 6 sites, another 1143 birds at a further 2 sites, poor chick production; Highland, 50 prs Whiteness; Grampian, 22 nests on coastal survey; Fife, 3 prs laid eggs Isle of May, failed; Strathclyde, 81- 105 prs Treshnish Isles, 62 prs Colonsay, 61 prs at 9 sites Tiree; Dumf & Gall , good success with 52 chicks Murray’s Isle, Stewartry Dist. Counts: Shetland, 3500 Burra 12 sep;

Highland, 361 Morrich More 8 Sep; Grampian, 1860 Lossiemouth 18 Aug, 2000 Culbin Bar 23 Aug, 1200 Inverugie 8 Oct; Fife, 1000 Isle of May 6 Nov; Lothian, 455 Aberlady 16 Sep; Borders, 150 Coldstream 7 Dec; Strathclyde, 162 Doonfoot 2 Sep.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Breeding: Shetland, 19072 nests Fair Isle, Noss colony declined by 17% since 1985; Orkney, 27,085 nests occupied at 7 colonies; Highland, 15,000 nests Stroma, decrease to 803 prs Canna; Grampian, 82,694 nests on coastal survey; Fife, 4801 nests Isle of May, good success; Lothian, 1793 nests on 4 Forth islands, 344 nests Dunbar; Borders, 13,940 nests St Abbs; Strathclude, 5700 prs Colonsay, poor season Ailsa Craig; Dumf & Gall, 360 nests Mull of Galloway. Counts: Shetland, 700 Fair Isle 15 October; Orkney 1800 in 1 hr North Ronaldsay 25 Oct; Grampian, 6000N/5300S in 1 hr Peterhead 10 Aug, 3000 Lossiemouth 25 Aug; Fife, 2000 Anstruther 3 Aug; Central, movements W noted Kinneil 10 May, 25 Aug; Lothian, 2500W in 3 hrs Hound Pt 1 Nov, 860N in 1 hr Tyninghame 1 Nov. Inland: Borders, 3 ads Portmore 22 Mar.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Breeding: Orkney, 390 birds at 2 main sites, but poor success; Grampian, 597 prs Forvie, mcs 1.3, c252 chicks fledged, 493 prs Strathbeg produced 225-230 young; Lothian, 416 prs Inchmickery Jun; Strathclyde, 1-2 prs bred Hunterston. Counts/passage: Shetland, a good year with up to 28 birds on 20 dates 25 Apr-8

242 A Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Oct; West Isles, 2 Ardvule, South Uist 31 Jul; Grampian, 1st Forvie and Strathbeg 29 Mar, 222 Burghead 14 Aug: Fife, 1st Fife Ness 30 Mar, 1000 Tentsmuir Pt 9 Aug, 2 Kirkcaldy 7 Nov; Lothian, 1200 Musselburgh Aug, last 1 on 30 Nov, 1220 Aberlady 7 Aug; Strathclyde, 1st Ayr 22 Mar, 155 Bogside 16 Aug.

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Breeding: West Isles, breeding discovered off West coast Lewis; Lothian, 18 nests Inchmickery Jun is highest number since 1980. Counts/passage: Grampian, singles Strathbeg 14, 24 Jul, Lossiemouth 24 Aug; Fife, 9 Kirkcaldy 8 Aug; Lothian, IN Tyninghame 20 Apr, 1 Musselburgh 29 Jun, 1 Aberlady 29 Jun, 3 on 30 Aug; Strathclyde, 1 Barassie 20 May.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo Breeding: 23 prs bred Fair Isle, late season with some chicks not fledging till Aug; Orkney, 115 birds at 3 sites, 12 prs at another; Highland, 23 prs bred Eigg; Grampian, 250 prs Bogmoor, 153 prs Forvie, mcs 2.5, success uncertain, 97 prs Strathbeg where 45 fledged; Fife, 22 prs bred, 33 chicks ringed; Lothian, 313 nests Leith Docks, 202 nests Inchmickery, c35 nests at another site, 52 chicks ringed; Strathclyde, 113 nests Hunterston; Dumf & Gall, 30-35 prs L Ryan. Counts/passage: Shetland, 1st Fair Isle 29 Apr, last Virkie 3 Oct; Orkney, 1st Deerness 27 Apr; Grampian, 1st Girdleness 26 Apr, 5 10 Kingston 10 Aug; Fife, 500 Tentsmuir Pt 9 Aug, last 7 Kinshaldy 10 Oct; Lothian, 3 Dalmeny 19 Oct; Strathclyde, 1st 4 Troon 26 Apr.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Breeding: Shetland, another extremely poor season, probably due to shortage of Sandeels, but Fair Isle colony boosted to 83 prs due to influx of failed breeders elsewhere; Orkney, 8790 birds at 9 colonies, but widespread failure and desertion; Highland, 225 prs Heisgeir, 2 colonies Portskerra totalled 140 prs, 60 chicks at one on 13 Jul, 24 prs Eigg; Grampian, 75 prs Forvie, mcs 1.8, success uncertain, 20 birds St Cyrus Jun deserted; Fife, 128 clutches Isle of May, 83 chicks ringed, success poor due to helicopter disturbance ; Lothian , 74 prs at 2 sites unsuccessful due to tidal flooding; Strathclyde, 18 nests Pladda, 16 prs reared 13 Ballantrae. Counts/passage; Shetland, 1st 2 Fair Isle 4 May, last 28 Sep; Orkney, last one North Ronaldsay 1 Oct; Highland, 8 Sandside Bay 28 Apr; Grampian, 3 Lossiemouth 17 Apr, last one

Peterhead 25 Oct; Fife, 1000 Tentsmuir Pt 9 Aug; Lothian, 1st 5 Musselburgh 16 Apr, late bird Hound Pt 16 Nov.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons Breeding: Highland. 10 prs at one site, 7 prs produced 1 1 chicks, 5 flying young on 1 Aug; Grampian, 30 prs Forvie, 16 birds St Cyrus, min 7 young fledged, 2 prs bred Moray Dist, 1 pr successful; Lothian, 26 prs at 2 sites, unsuccessful; Strathclyde, 12 prs Coll, 4 prs reared 4 young Ballantrae, 2 prs reared 2 at another site in SW; Dumf & Gall, pr bred L Ryan. Counts/ passage: Orkney, 1 Sanday 13 Jun: Grampian, last 3 St Cyrus 28 Sep: Fife, 12 Tentsmuir Pt 26 May; Lothian, 1st Aberlady 23 Apr, last 1 Barns Ness 6 Sep; Strathclyde, 69 Tiree 10-14 May, last 1 Doonfoot 6 Sep.

*Black Tern Chlidonias niger Three in spring: Grampian. 1 Strathbeg 8 May; Strathclyde, 2 Linwood 18 May. Autumn: Shetland, juv Spiggie 18 Aug; Grampian, singles Don 11-16 Aug, Rattray 19 Aug; Fife, singles Leven 16 Aug, Fife Ness 9 Sep; Central, 1 Kinneil 16 Aug, 2 on 17 Aug; Lothian, singles Musselburgh 6, 10 13 Aug, Tyninghame 8, 17 Aug, Barns Ness 9, 14, 26 Aug, Gladhouse 12 Aug; Borders, 1 Bemersyde 19 Aug;

2 Dumf & Gall, 2 Lochmaben 14 Aug.

*White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus One: Fife, ad Wormit 13-22 Aug (DRS et al).

Guillemot Uria aalge Breeding: Shetland, 33,607 birds within colonies plus 1574 loafers Fair Isle, general decrease at monitoring sites e.g. -15% Eshaness, —13% Noss; Orkney, 95,825 at 5 colonies, only significant change at 5 monitored colonies was an 11.5% decrease at one; Highland, 15,000 birds Stroma, 9500 birds Duncansby Head; Grampian, 86,816 birds on coastal survey; Lothian, c2750 birds Lamb 1 Jun, 2500 Craigleith 7 Jun; Borders, 22,986 birds St Abbs Head; Strathclyde, 13,617 birds Colonsay late May; Dumf & Gall, 1116 birds Mull of Galloway 16 Jun. Counts: Shetland, high winter mortality. 460 found dead; Highland, 2000E in 2 hrs Chanonry Pt 13 Jan, Jan wreck produced 347 dead, 15,000 Inverness/Beauly Firths 19 Feb; Grampian. Feb wreck produced 260 dead, auk movement of 19.700N/160S in 2 hrs Peterhead 18 Apr; Tayside, Feb wreck produced min 11 birds at Perth, Crieff, Glencarse; Fife, Feb wreck killed 100’s Inverkeithing; Central, 140 live birds inland 2-8 Feb as result of wreck; Strathclyde, 11-f LLomond 4-16 Feb.

Razorbill Alca torda Breeding: Shetland. 3882 birds within colonies plus 68 loafers Fair Isle, decrease at Hermaness monitoring site -21%; ■ Orkney, 4920 at 5 sites, only significant change at 5 monitored sites was a 15.4% decrease at one;

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Scottish Bird Report 1986 243

Grampian, 8728 birds on coastal survey; Lothian, min 168 sites on 5 Forth islands; Borders, 1383 birds St Abbs Head: Strathclyde, 1440 birds Colonsay late May, 202-302 sites Treshnish Isles 15 Jun; Dumf & Gall, 443 birds Mull of Galloway 16 Jun. Counts: Grampian, 778 Burghead 27 Sep; Strathclyde, 340S in 1 hrs Turnberry Pt 11 May.

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle Breeding: Shetland, complete census Fair Isle gave 367 ads, pre-breeding count Noss gave 148 ads (107 in 1983); Orkney, c50 prs North Hill, Papa Westray, 603 Holm of Papa Westray 6 May, of 1 12 observed nests 22 failed, 42 produced B/l, 41 produced B/2; Highland, 43 prs Eigg; Grampian, pr reared 2 Portknockie (1st successful breeding Moray Dist), 3 Muchalls in summer; Strathclyde, 101 Colonsay late May, 41 Treshnish Isles 15 Jun, 8 prs Pladda, 30+ Ballantrae 13 Apr, 1-2 prs bred Greenock, Troon, Ardrossan; Dumf & Gall, 26 Mull of Galloway 2 May. Counts: Shetland, 629 Bluemull 26 Feb; remains very scarce Fife/Lothians/Borders but 1 St Abbs Head 1 1 Jul was 1st since 1951 ; Dumf & Gall, 35 L Ryan 3 Aug.

Little Auk Alle alle Few in Jan-May, more from Nov in North: Shetland, singles on 7 dates 8 Jan-17 Mar, 4 Fair Isle 1 Nov, 40 Whalsay-Skerries 16 Nov; Orkney, 2 live birds in Jan, Feb, Dec, 1 dead Scapa 16 Dec; West Isles, 1 Lewis Jan, 2 Harris Feb, 1 S Uist Nov; Highland, 5 live, 2 dead singles Caithness Dist, included 1W Sandside Head 26 May, singles Chanonry 4 Jan, Abriachan 16 Jan, Achnacarry 16 Jan; Grampian, 14 birds Jan-Apr, max 6 in Feb; Tayside , 10 birds Tay- Montrose Feb- early Mar; Fife, 6NE Anstruther 1 Feb, 7 on 2 Feb, 60NE on 17 Feb, 8 on 9 Nov; Lothian, small nos 5 Jan- 12 Apr, max 32W Gosford Bay 5 Jan, 20 dead birds in year; Borders, 3S Eyemouth 1 Mar; Strathclyde, singles Turnberry Pt 11, 12 Jan, 23 Nov, Endrick Mouth 15 Jan, Aird’s Bay 25 Mar, Oban 23 Oct.

Puffin Fratercula arctica Breeding: Shetland, census Fair Isle gave 20,224 birds, Hermaness study plot showed a 21% increase in occupied burrows 1973-81, but a 24% decrease 1981-86, late season and many ads carrying very small sandeels; Orkney, min 2672 birds at 7 sites; Grampian, 897 birds on coastal survey; Fife, breeding nos high; Lothian, 1350 Craigleith where decrease noted 7 Jun, 1452 Inchkeith 3 Jul; Borders, indications of possible increase in breeding population; Strathclyde, 850Lunga Jun, 10 Ailsa Craig 20 Jul.

Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia Counts: Shetland, 120 Unst 4 Mar, 90 Boddam 24 May, 92 Quarff 19 Oct, 75 Fair Isle 8 Nov; Orkney, 333 L of Clumly 16 Sep, 180 Moss Quarry, Holm May-Aug; Highland, 250 ferals Burghead 8 Oct; Fife, 130 ferals Isle of May 17 Oct: Lothian, 250 ferals

Fenton Barns 15 Nov, 100 ferals Craigleith 19 Nov; Strathclyde, 400 ferals Prestwick 6 Dec, clOO Kintyre 22 Dec.

Stock Dove Columba oenas Breeding: Fife, pr bred Isle of May, fledged young on 31 May. Counts: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 21 Jun; Lothian, 40 Gosford Estate 11 Jan, 105 Turnhouse 30 Mar.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Breeding:

Orkney, 15 prs at 4 sites West Mainland, several ground-nesters Rousay. Counts: Shetland,

exceptional year with 350 records, max 120 Kergord 3 Jun; Highland, 1500 New Mills 5 Dec; Grampian, 5000 Gilston 9 Jan; Fife, 3000 Clayton 5 Jan; Central, 1500 Lecropt 20 Dec; Lothian, 5000 Darent House, Lammermuirs 18 Jan, 5000 Gosford Estate 15 Feb; Borders, 1000 Yetholm 16 Feb.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Breeding: Orkney, pr reared young Stromness; Highland, 30 prs bred Bonar Bridge. Counts/passage: Shetland, strong passage Fair Isle 17 May-17 Jun, max 20 on 23 May; Orkney, max 97 Crantit 6 Sep; Highland, 100 Bilbster House 16 Nov; Grampian, 70 Drums 1 Feb, 35 Keith 5 Dec; Fife, 50 Kilrenny 30 Nov; Lothian, 50 Port Seaton 18 Dec; Borders, 48 Eastcote 14 Aug; Strathclyde, 70 Auchincruive, Ayr Feb, 30 Connel, Argyll May-Jun.

*Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Breeding: Fife, pr attempted Colinsburgh. Migrants: Shetland, 6 May-25 Oct, peaks 6 Fair Isle 28 May, 7 on 3 Jun; Orkney, 1 2 birds 19 May-27 Oct, max 4 Stronsay 7 Oct; West Isles, singles North Uist 14, 15, 18 May, singles South Uist 18 Jun, 14 Jul, 6, 28 Sep, 2 on 3 Oct; Highland, singles Noss Farm 18 May, Eigg 23 May, Reay 1-9 Aug, Poolewe 13 Oct-20 Dec; Grampian, 1 Strathbeg 11 Jun; Fife, 1 Isle of May 21 May-10 Jun; Lothian, IN Turnhouse 14 Aug; Borders, 2 Ayton 15, 23 May, 1 Lennel 12 Jun, 1 Reston 23 Jun; Strathclyde, singles Ardrossan 18 May, Barcaldine 26 May, 2 Scalasaig 23 May, singles Bowmore, Islay 22 Sep, Barassie 17 Oct, Coultorsay Oct.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Breeding: Borders, min 41 birds reported (53 in 1985); Strathclyde, fewer Colonsay, but better in SW. Counts/passage: Shetland, 1st Stromness 15 Apr; Orkney, last one Finstown 5 Sep; general arrival of 1st birds HighlandAVest Isles/Grampian to Borders 1-4 May; Fife, late bird Crail 20 Sep; Strathclyde, 1st Glen Lonan 18 Apr.

Barn Owl Tyto alba Breeding: Grampian, seen in 5 areas Moray Dist, but no breeding reported; Strathclyde , min 1 pr reared young Islay, reports of birds at up to 6 sites Mull, but no evidence of breeding, located 10 sites Arran; Dumf & Gall, in

244 -4. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Machars proved breeding 14 sites, mbs 3.0, in Cree Valley proved breeding 24 sites, mbs 3.1, poor success in Glentrool. Others: Fife, only 1 record, Rathillet 11 Dec; Lothian, up to 11 birds at 11 sites through year; Borders, slight increase in sightings, min 48 birds at 38 sites; Strathclyde, 1 dead Gigha Jun.

*Scops Owl Otus scops One: Orkney, 1 Sanday 5- 16 Jun (AS,RT,MG).

*Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca Shetland, still at least 3 females present, 1 Uyeasound mid Feb-9 Jun, irregularly to 4 Oct, 2 Nov, 2 overwintered Fetlar, 1 through year, elsehere sightings included birds at Hermaness 10 May, Norwick 17 May, Ronas Hill 7 Jul, also a female Fair Isle 16 May may have been a fourth individual.

*Little Owl Athene noctua Grampian, 1 Rothienorman 2 Apr, died 3 Apr, 1st record for Region; Lothian, pr reared min 1 young; Borders, singles St Abbs 19 Jan, St Boswells 30 Dec; Dumf & Gall, apparently 1-2 prs still present Caerlaverock area, 1 Kirkcudbright 9 Apr.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco Breeding: Highland, only 3 nestboxes used out of 54 Glenurquhart; Fife, decline noted East and Central Fife; Lothian, reported presence or breeding at 39 sites; Borders, min 51 birds reported at 30 sites; Strathclyde, present Gigha Jun, poor success in SW and Western part of Dumf & Gall.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus Breeding: As usual, very few reports, Highland, pr laid 4, hatched 3, 2 fledged Achnabourin, 2 prs Eigg; Central, female B/2-3 Ashfield 27 Jul; Strathclyde, 7 prs Carron Valley. Counts/passage: Shetland, max in winter 4 Gott 16 Feb, good spring passage Fair Isle 18 Mar- 1 May, peak 7 on 23 Apr, autumn peaks included 6 Skerries 17 18 Nov, 4Halligarth 26 Nov, 11 Strand/ Halligarth Dec; Orkney, peaks 10-15 Longhouse, St Ola Jan, Feb, 7 St Margaret’s Hope 30 Nov, 7 Wideford Burn 23 Nov, roost counts included 17 Berstane/Binscarth Mar, 18 in Dec; West Isles, 4 Lochmaddy, North Uist 3 Feb; Highland, 4 roosting Thurso 30 Dec; Grampian, 5 Cruden Bay 15 Nov; Lothian, max 4 Aberlady 26 Jan; Borders, 3 roosting St Abbs 21 Nov; Strathclyde, 12 Possil Marsh 7 Feb.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Breeding: Orkney, 14-23 prs on 5 islands showed low success rate; Highland, small breeding population suggested Caithness Dist; Lothian, pr bred Gladhouse; Borders, up to 15 territories at 9 sites, but only 2 prs showed signs of success; Strathclyde, no evidence of breeding Mull, perhaps not so common Islay, 13 territories Arran; Dumf & Gall, nos lower in West with apparently poor success. Counts/passage: Shetland, 12 Jan-21 Nov, max 5

Fair Isle 24 Apr; Fife, max 4 Isle of May 21 Oct: Lothian, max 5 Aberlady 30 Jan, 22 Dec.

*Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus One: Orkney, 1 Egilsay 31 May-1 Jun (Mrs EH.RG), dead Glims Holm 25 Jun (RGA.SRA).

^Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Breeding: Strathclyde, 1st Arran 1 Jun, 4-5 churring males Brodick, 1 churring male Bute 18 Jun, 13 Jul; Dumf & Gall, down to 1 male at one site 6 Jun-20 Jul Stewartry Dist, 3 males present at one site Nithsdale, 2 young reared at one nest. Others: Borders, singles Kelso 26-30 Jun, Foulden 17 Aug.

Swift Apus apus Breeding: Borders. 20 prs Kelso: Strathclyde, 41 prs at 4 sites. Counts/passage: Shetland, 13 May-27 Aug, max 30 Fair Isle 26 Jun; Orkney 1st Finstown 10 May; Highland. 1st Thurso 5 May, 400+S An Dun 25 Jun, late birds Thurso 27 Sep. Mallaig 1 Oct; Grampian, 600 Strathbeg 30 Jun, last 11 Kinloss 12 Sep: Tayside, 120 Carsebreck 25 Jul; Fife, 1st Anstruther 1 May, 300 Kilconquhar L 29 Jul, last one Crail 8 Sep: Central. 100 Airthrey L 24 Jun; Lothian, 500 Gladhouse 5 Jul, 230W Aberlady 16 Jul, very late bird Tyninghame 16 Nov; Borders, 250 Portmore 30 May, last one Reston 21 Sep; Strathclyde. 250- 300 Martnaham L, Ayr 28 May, last one Ayr 12 Sep; Dumf & Gall, 900 Lochmaben 22 May.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Breeding: Highland, pr bred near Inverness; Fife, pr bred successfully: Lothian, 2 R North Esk 4 Mar-13 Sep probably did not breed; Borders, pr bred Chirnside; Strathclyde, 28 prs located Central Strathclyde, 2 prs bred in SW , 3 young reared at one site ; Dumf & Gall, successful nest Cumstoun, Stewartry Dist, pr failed Kenmure, 3 prs bred R Nith. Others: 11 records for E Highland/Grampian Regions mostly autumn-winter period; Tayside, singles Montrose Basin late Jul, 15 Sep; Central, singles Airthrey 12 Jan, 9, 15 Dec, Cambus 17 Sep, 1 Oct, Crook of Devon 27 Sep; Strathclyde, singles Taynuilt 30 Nov, Connel 8-30 Dec.

*Bee-eater Merops apiaster Two: Strathclyde. 1 Lochgoilhead late Jun/Jul (RK, mper RAB): Dumf & Gall. 1 Kirkmahoe 23 May (MW).

*Hoopoe Upupa epops Shetland, singles Dale of Walls 5 Aug, Norwick 13, 21 Sep; Highland, singles Eigg 15 May, Rhue, Arisaig 2 Oct, L Arkaig 3 Oct, Nethybridge 6 Nov; Grampian, singles Wells of Ythan 18 Oct, Johnshaven 20-21 Oct; Tayside, 1 Montrose 26 Oct; Lothian, singles Tyninghame 21 Apr, 3-4 Oct, Gladsmuir 8-10 May, North Berwick 12 Sep; Borders, singles Hallydown 17 Apr, St Abbs 21 Apr, Mansfield Park, Hawick 1 Jul; Strathclyde, 1 Barrhead mid May.

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Scottish Bird Report 1986 245

Wryneck Jynx torquilla Breeding: Highland, pr bred successfully, at least 3 young fledged; singles at 3 other sites Spey Valley, 1 singing Easter Ross 30 Jun. Passage: an extremely poor showing in every area, Shetland, poor year with only 1 Fair Isle 5 May, 1 Fetlar 16-19 Aug, 2 Fair Isle 26-17 Aug, 1 till 28 Aug, 1 on 15 Sep; Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 27 Aug; West Isles, 1 Northbay, Barra 29 Aug; Grampian, remains found at Merlin plucking post Deeside 20 Sep; Fife, 1 Isle of May 3 May; Lothian, 1 Aberlady 30-31 Aug; Borders, 1 St Abbs Head 7 Sep.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Breeding: Highland, scarcer Spey Valley, recorded at 7 sites but no nests found; Grampian, pr L Spynie 27 Apr; Tayside. possible slight increase; Fife reported from 14 sites; Lothian, reported at 19 sites in breeding season; Borders, 3 breeding records, up to 39 possible territories at 30 sites reported; Strathclyde, 1 Taynish Jul was well outwith usual area, continued decline in SW, may no longer breed; Dumf & Gall, nos maintained on low ground near coasts, but general decrease.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Breeding: Fife, still scarce; Lothian/Borders, little change suggested with 42 territories at 30 sites in latter; Strathclyde, no change in SW and Western part Dumf & Gall. Others: Shetland, female Fair Isle 22-25 Apr was only migrant.

*Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Five: Shetland, singles Fair Isle 5-11 May (MGP.NJR), Skerries 25-29 May (ET.IS.RG), 3-15 Oct (CJMcK-G.NJR), 17-31 Oct, 2 on 20-24 Oct (JND.NJR).

Skylark Alauda arvensis Breeding: Shetland, 106 prs Fair Isle; Orkney, 586 prs reported at 38 sites; Lothian, 36 territories Threipmuir, 33 territories Aberlady; Strathclyde, 345 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay. Counts/passage: Shetland, 750 Fair Isle 12-14 Mar, 400 Sumburgh 4 Nov; Fife, 3000 Fife Ness 9 Feb; Lothian, 1300 Turnhouse 5 Jan, 1000 East Hermiston 23 Feb , 1000 Dirleton 23 Feb ; Borders, 120-170W/hr throughout day St Abbs area 8 Mar; Strathclyde, 1200 Gadloch 8 Feb. massive flock of 9000 Prestwick 21 Feb.

*Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Up to eight birds is a slight improvement on recent showings: Fife, singles St Andrews 28 May, Isle of May 15, 16 Oct; Lothian, male Tyninghame 11 May, 2 from 3 Nov, 3 on 20 Nov, 4 on 28 Dec. 1 Musselburgh 20-31 Dec.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia Breeding: Grampian, 100 prs near Rothes, 50 prs Dorback Burn represents significant increase; Central, 50 prs Barbush; Strathclyde, 225 prs Drumbeg, improvement steady in SW as well as Tayside and

Borders. Counts/passage: Shetland, 30 Apr-15 Sep, max 5 Fair Isle on 12 Jun; Orkney, last one Holm 22 Sep; Highland, 1st Insh Marshes 14 Apr, 200 in May, 200 L Watten early Aug; Grampian, late birds Keith 16 Oct, 2 Bankhead 2, 3 Nov; Fife, 500+ Lindores L 14 Aug; Borders, 1st 2 Reston 19 Apr, last 2 Walkerburn 22 Sep; Dumf & Gall, 1st Lochmaben 30 Mar.

Swallow Hirundo rustica Breeding: Shetland, 3 prs Fetlar; Orkney, at 5 monitored sites, slight reduction to 17 prs, good season with average 7.1 reared/pr; indication of late season and poor success with single broods in South West Scotland. Counts/passage; Shetland, 25 Apr-18 Oct, peaks 150 Hillwell 23 May, 200 Fair Isle 24 May; Orkney, last one Finstown 24 Oct; Highland, 1st Reay/ Thurso 25 Apr, 1000 L Watten early Aug, last one Reay 25 Oct; Highland, 1st Insh Marshes 13 Apr, 400 in Aug; Grampian, 1st 4 Boddam 1 Apr, 350 Strathbeg 23 Aug, last one Stoneywood 26 Nov; Fife, late bird Fife Ness 6 Nov; Central, 1st Kippen 13 Apr; Lothian, lOON/hr Pefferside 19 May, late singles Mid Calder 15 Nov, Dunbar 16 Nov, Tyninghame 20 Nov; Borders, early bird Eyemouth 23 Mar, 450 Lees/Paxton 7 May; Strathclyde, 1000 Kilwinning 24 Aug, 1500 Dumbreck 4 Sep, 2500 Barr L 8 Sep, late bird Culzean 25 Nov; Dumf & Gall, 1st 1 Gatehouse 28 Mar, late singles Stranraer 2 Nov, Skyreburn 18 Nov.

House Martin Delichon urbica Breeding: Shetland, 2 prs bred Lerwick, both possibly reared 2 broods, pr bred Fair Isle, 4 fledged ( 1st breeding since 1975 and 1946 respectively); Orkney, 5 prs, pr still feeding 2nd brood 16 Sep; Tayside, reduction to 11 nests Crieff (18 in 1985); Lothian, 46 cliff nests Dunbar; Borders, 32 cliff nests Cove- Pease Bay. Counts/passage: Shetland, 27 Apr-17 Oct, max 150 Fair Isle 28 May; Highland, 200 Insh Aug; Fife, 100+ L Geliy 15 Aug; Lothian, 1st 2 Duddingston 22 Apr, last 2 Bathgate 20 Oct, late bird Dunbar 16 Nov; Borders, 1st Coldingham 20 Apr, 900S Hirsel 7 Sep, 4 Eyemouth 17 Nov, 4 Burnmouth 18 Nov, 2 on 20 Nov; Strathclyde, 200+ Beith 21 Aug; Dumf & Gall, 2 early birds Leswalt 4 Apr.

*Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Three: Shetland, singles Skerries 23 Sep (ARK), Fair Isle 27 Sep-10 Oct (NJR); Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 23 Sep (GCS.KT).

*Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris One : West Isles, 1 St Kilda 20 Jun (PD).

*01ive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni One: Shetland. 1 Fair Isle 1 Nov (NJR).

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Breeding: Highland, 9 prs Garten CBC (5 in 1985); Lothian, suggestion of

246 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

increase E Lothian Dist; Borders, 19 territories at 14 sites; Strathclyde, 20 territories Arran; continued colonisation of clear-felled areas in SW Scotland, 41 prs Wood of Cree. Counts/passage: Shetland: 21 Apr-13 Oct, max 40 Fair Isle on 15 May; West Isles, 1 at sea 30 miles W of Sula Sgeir 13 Oct; Grampian, 1st Greg Ness 19 Apr; Lothian, 1st Beecraigs 6 Apr, 13 Aberlady 27 Apr; Borders, 1st 2 Eyemouth 10 Apr; Strathclyde, 1st 2 Arran 4 Apr.

*Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi One: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 10 Oct (DRB.NJR).

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Breeding: Shetland, 29 prs Fair Isle; Orkney, 837 prs reported at 40 sites; Lothian, 32 territories Aberlady; Strathclyde, 325 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay, poor season in SW Scotland due to high rainfall. Counts/passage: Shetland, 19 Jan-21 Nov, max 350 Fair Isle on 22, 24 Sep: Highland, 300 Sandside Bay 27 Sep; Grampian, 250 Strathbeg 6 Sep; Fife, 190SW Fife Ness 12 Sep, 142W in 1 hr Anstruther 30 Sep; Central, 200 Glen Lochay 24 Aug; Lothian, 300N in 1 hr Barns Ness 13 Sep; Borders, 660 Mosshill 13 Sep; Strathclyde, 500S in 2 hrs Doonfoot 19 Oct.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Breeding: Orkney, 14 prs North Hoy reserve; Borders, 11 territories St Abbs; Strathclyde, 15 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay. Counts/passage: Shetland, 110 Fair Isle 28 Mar, 200 on 24 Sep; Orkney, max 85 North Ronaldsay 30 Sep; Highland, 20 Brora 15 Nov; Grampian, 23 Lossiemouth-Covesea 31 Dec; Lothian, 1 inland Dunsapie 29 Apr; Borders, 1 inland West Water 27 Mar, 20 St Abbs 27 Nov; Strathclyde, 72 L Gruinart reserve, Islay Sep; Dumf & Gall, 30 Mull of Galloway 3 Oct. Scandinavian littoralis : Lothian, 1 Barns Ness 25 Jan, 4 on 30 Mar, 2 Apr, 2 Belhaven 25 Mar; Strathclyde, 1 Turnberry Pt 30 Mar.

*Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Two or three: Tayside, 1 Elliot 1 Jan-5 Apr, 1-2 on 15 Nov-end Dec (JGS et al).

Yellow Wagtail Motacillaflava Breeding: Lothian, pr reared 1 young Barns Ness; Borders, pr bred Lumsdaine, also present Sprouston; Strathclyde, reduction to 3 prs Avondale. Counts/passage flavissima or unspecified: Shetland, 5 May-23 Sep, max 3 on 8, 10 May; West Isles. 1 Balranald, North Uist 11 May; Grampian, 9 birds 2 May-25 Aug; Fife, 5 Fife Ness 5 May; Central, male Skinflats 17 May; Lothian, male Barns Ness 24 Apr, 8 Aberlady 3 May, last one Tyninghame 15 Sep; Borders, 1st 2 Hawick 18 Apr, 10 Eyemouth 6 Oct; Strathclyde, 1 Elvanfoot 23 Apr, 1 L Gruinart, Islay 17 Sep. Blue-headed flava: Shetland, male Cunningsburgh 9 May, male Fair Isle 29 May;

Orkney, female Papa Westray 22 May; Highland. 2 Mossedge, Weydale 28 Sep; Lothian, single males Barns Ness 27 Apr, Aberlady 2-3 May, 2 males on 4 May, single males on 17, 25 May, male Tyninghame 8 May; Strathclyde, singles Kiloran Dunes, Colonsay 19 May, Ross of Mull 28 May. Grey-headed thunbergi: Shetland, male Fair Isle 20, 31 May, probable single females on 23, 26 May. and 17, 18 Jun: Tayside, pr Elliot 26 Jun.

*Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola One: Shetland. 1st winter Fair Isle 10-16 Sep (SJMG.KO).

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Breeding: Highland, up to 7 prs reported Caithness Dist, 8 prs Eigg; Borders, 5 prs Melrose, 78 other territories recorded in course of Goosander survey; Strathclyde, 20 prs Arran, 19 prs North Calder Water, better season in SW. Counts/ passage: Shetland, 7 singles 24 Mar-2 Nov; Orkney, 2 Binscarth, Firth 13 Sep, singles North Ronaldsay 9, 12 Oct.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Breeding: Orkney, up to 23 prs reported at 15 sites. Roost counts/ passage: Shetland, 16 Mar-28 Sep, max 25 Fair Isle on 26, 28 Aug; Orkney, 100 Kirkwall 24 Sep; Highland, 200 Sandside Bay 27 Sep; Tayside, 150 Perth 12 Feb; Fife, 150 Tayport 21 Aug: Lothian, 440 Duddingston 17 Oct; Borders, 200 Hawick Cricket Ground 24 Sep; Strathclyde, 200 Kilmarnock 17 Dec; Dumf & Gall, 300 Sandside 11 Aug, 200 Cumstoun 10 Sep. White alba: Shetland, pr (bred Fair Isle, passage Fair Isle 13 Apr-23 May, 16 Aug-13 Oct, max 14 on 23, 24 Apr; Orkney, 27 Apr-17 Oct, max 7 Rousay end Aug; Highland, 1st Wick R 30 Mar; Grampian, 1st Donmouth 21 Apr, last one Strathbeg 22 Nov; Lothian, 20 Musselburgh 26 Apr, 33 Aberlady 3 May; Strathclyde, 66 Linwood 27 Apr, 47 Chapeldonan, Girvan 28 Apr, 64 Longhaugh Pt 1 May.

Waxwing Bomby cilia garrulus Very few , with most being at either end of the year, and just the suggestion of an influx towards the end of Dec. Max 24 Dundee, Tayside 5 Apr, but no more than 12 at any other location: 10 Inverness, Highland 9 Mar; 12 Dyce, Grampian 19-26 Jan, 12 Banchory, Grampian 14 Mar. Summary:

JFMAMJ JASOND

Shetland-Highland	363118 9 1	17
Grampian-Fife	292622 26
Central-Borders	1212 2 3	4
Strathclyde/D & G	916 9	24

Dipper Cinclus cinclus Breeding: Fife possibly a slight increase; Lothian, 26 prs R South Esk below Gladhouse, 10 prs Moorfoot Hills above Gladhouse; Borders, 132 territories recorded in

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Scottish Bird Report 1986 247

Dipper. J.G. Steele

course of Goosander survey; Strathclyde, 16 territories Mull, 10 prs Arran, 15 prs Endrick/ Blane Waters, poor season in SW Scotland. Black-bellied cinclus : Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 26 Mar.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Some indication of a drop in breeding population in several areas. Orkney, nos probably slightly down Hoy; Highland, 6 prs Garten CBC (4 in 1985); Tayside, nos down to 15-16 singing males Killiecrankie reserve (27 in 1985); Lothian, 24 prs Duddingston, 19 territories Roslin G'en: Borders, suggestion of sharp drop in population; Strathclyde, 35 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay. Fair Isl e fridariensis: 22 singing males recorded Fair Isle.

Dunnock Prunella modularis Breeding; Orkney, 20 prs reported at 8 sites; Lothian, 15 territories Aberlady. Passage: Shetland, influx 14 Apr-16 May, max 50 Fair Isle 22 Apr, 60 on other islands 23 Apr, very scarce in autumn; Fife, 100 Isle of May 17 Apr, few in autumn; Borders, 56 St Abbs 20 Apr.

Robin Erithacus rubecula Breeding: Orkney, 20 prs at 7 sites, newly fledged juv at one site 29 Sep; Highland, 11 prs Garten CBC (9 in 1985); Lothian, 22 territories Roslin Glen, 11 prs Aberlady (9 in 1985); Dumf & Gall, 48 prs Wood of Cree (78 in 1985). Passage Shetland, influx 14 Apr-13 May, peaks 900 Fair Isle 22-23 Apr, 750 on 24 Apr, 117 Dunrossness 23 Apr, very few in autumn; Orkney, 1000 North Ronaldsay 23 Apr; Highland, 150 Noss Farm 22

Apr; Fife, 200 Isle of May 17 Apr; Lothian, large fall 16-20 Apr, 100+ Scoughall 19 Apr; Borders, 800 St Abbs 16 Apr, 300 Eyemouth 17 Apr.

*Thrush Nightingale Lusdnia lusdnia Two: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 20 Aug (DRB,KO,ST); Fife, 1 Isle of May 8 May (IBP,JHBM,GLS).

Bluethroat Lusdnia svedca Shetland, in spring up to 10 from 20 Apr-21 Jun, perhaps only 13 in autumn 11 Sep-11 Oct, max 3 Fair Isle 9 Oct; Orkney, up to 9 birds 23 Sep-7 Oct, max 6 North Ronaldsay 27 Sep; Highland, 1 Noss Head 8 May; Grampian, singles Fraserburgh 7 May, Rattray 7 May; Fife, singles Isle of May 7,

8 May, Fife Ness 14 Sep. White-spotted cyanecula : Fife, 1 Isle of May 11 May.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Winter: Shetland, singles Whalsay 14 Nov-21 Dec, Fair Isle 22-29 Dec; Strathclyde, 1 Arran 15 Feb. Passage: Shetland, 31 Mar-4 Jun, peaks 3 Fair Isle 21-24, 30 Apr, 15 May, 3 Whalsay 18-21 May, 1 Fair Isle 1-2 Jul, in autumn 1-2 birds 8 Oct-20 Nov; Orkney, 22 Apr- 15 May, max 3 on 22-24 Apr; Highland, 5 birds Caithness Dist 29 Apr-29 May, 2 Noss Head

9 May; Grampian, singles Johnshaven 6 Apr, Foveran 7 May, Rattray 14-16 Nov; Fife, up to 12 birds in spring 14 Apr-16 Jun, max 4 Fife Ness 4 May, 1 Isle of May 18 Oct; Borders, 4 birds in spring 16-26 Apr, 1 Romannobridge 8 Oct.

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Breeding: Highland, 2 prs bred Dunbeath Castle, 6 prs Garten CBC (3 in 1985); Tayside, good season Killiecrankie reserve; Lothian, 7 territories recorded E Lothian Dist; Borders, 63 territories at 34 sites is increase; Dumf & Gall, very good nos N of Newton Stewart. Passage: Shetland, 21 Apr-26 Oct, max 5 Fair Isle 28 Sep; Orkney, 7 May-10 Oct, max 4 on 27, 29 Sep; West Isles, singles S Uist 1 May, 5 Oct; Grampian, last one Rattray 28 Oct; Fife, 1st Crail 17 Apr, 8 Isle of May 3 May, last2on 13 Oct; Lothian, last one Aberlady 15 Oct; Strathclyde, 1st Coultorsay, Islay 15 Apr; Dumf & Gall, late bird Stranraer 27 Oct.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Breeding: Fife, no change indicated in breeding population; Borders, up to 46 territories recorded; Strathclyde, 10-15 prs bred Colonsay, 12 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay. Passage: Shetland, 2 May-29 Jun, max 14 Fair Isle 10 May, in autumn 4 Aug-25 Oct, max 11 Fair Isle 16 Aug; Orkney, 1-4 birds 3 May-28 Sep; Highland, 1st Noss 28 Apr; Fife, 1st Isle of May 30 Apr, max 9 on 6 May; Lothian, 1st 2 Aberlady 26 Apr; Strathclyde, 1st 2 Heads of Ayr 26 Apr; Dumf & Gall, early bird Leswalt 12 Apr.

248 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Stonechat Saxicola torquata Breeding: Orkney, up to 22 prs recorded, 16 prs North Hoy: West Isles, recovering former nos; Highland, good nos Caithness Dist, 6 prs Eigg, 4 prs Balintore; Grampian, 4 prs Hopeman/Covesea (6 in 1985), inland breeding Dallas was 1st for several years, only 1 breeding record Gordon Dist, pr B/3 Forvie 24 Aug; Fife, pr reared 1 young Fife Ness; still no breeding Lothian/Borders and only 5 records; Strathclyde, 12 prs Colonsay, 9 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay, still a very slow recovery in SW Scotland and virtually absent inland. Passage: Shetland, 3 singles 17 Mar-25 May, 1 Fair Isle 10 Oct.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Breeding: Shetland, 93 prs Fair Isle; Orkney, 53 prs reported at 11 sites; Lothian, 34 prs Moorfoot Hills; Strathclyde, 17 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay; Dumf & Gall, suggestion of decrease. Passage: Shetland, 1st Unst 6 Apr, peaks 105 Fair Isle 27 Apr, 140 on 5 May, 275 on 10 Aug, last one Trondra 2 Nov; Orkney, 1st Sanday 17 Mar, 80 Deerness/Papa Westray 22, 27 Apr, 73 North Ronaldsay 21 Sep; Grampian, 25 Burghead 27 Apr, last one Tullynessle 26 Oct; Fife, peaks 50 Isle of May 3 May, 35 Fife Ness 3 May; Lothian, 1st Aberlady 24 Mar, 42 on 23 Apr, 44 Barns Ness/Tyninghame 4 May; Borders, 60 St Abbs 26 Apr; Strathclyde, 1st Turnberry 15 Mar. Greenland leocorrhoa : Shetland, 3 May- 12 Jun, max 10 Fair Isle 18 May; Grampian, 1 Rattray 4 May; Lothian, 3 Tyninghame 4 May, singles Aberlady 15 Sep, Barns Ness 21 Sep; Borders, 2 Tweedbank 4 May,

4 on 7 May, 2 Portmore 14 May; Strathclyde, singles Turnberry 27 Apr, Heads of Ayr 3, 8 May.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Breeding: Lothian, 4-

5 prs Moorfoot Hills; Strathclyde, 11 prs Coulter Valley, 5 prs Strathblane, continues as a scarce breeder in SW. Migration: Shetland, 1st Ronas Hill 8 Apr, influx 21-27 Apr with max 50 Fair Isle 22 Apr, 45 on 8 Oct, last one on 28 Oct; Orkney, max 90 North Ronaldsay-Sanday 5 Oct; Highland. 1 Glen Affric 19 Oct; Grampian, 1st Glen Dye 29 Mar, last one Ythan 15 Nov; Tayside, 10 Glen Tilt 5 Oct; Fife, 25 Isle of May 5 Oct; Borders, 1st 2 St Abbs 24 Mar were the earliest; Strathclyde, 12 Inversnaid 29 Sep.

Blackbird Turdus merula Breeding: Orkney, 52 prs reported from 4 islands, 1st eggs Evie 9 Apr. Migration: Shetland, heavy passage 21-23 Apr with 200 Yell and max 1850 Fair Isle on 23 Apr, autumn nos meagre, 140-180/day Fair Isle 19-22 Oct; Orkney, max 200 North Ronaldsay 18 Oct; Grampian, 115 Rattray-Strathbeg 27 Oct, 300 Dallas 14-24 Dec; Fife, 300 Isle of May 27 Oct.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Breeding: Highland, pr laid 2 clutches Glenurquhart, pr alarm calling L Laggan but not seen subsequently, 1 Tromiebridge

6 Jun. Summering stragglers were recorded in Fife. Lothian, Borders, Strathclyde in late May-early Jul. Migration: Shetland, influx 21-25 Apr, max 1280 Fair Isle on 23 Apr, singles 2-12 Jun, 22 Jun. poor autumn with max only 280 Fair Isle 28 Oct; Orkney, 1st of autumn North Ronaldsay 3 Aug, max 200 South Ronaldsay 5 Oct: Highland, 500+ Dounreay 26 Jan, 1700 Kingussie 15 Nov, 7500 Ardclach, Naim Dist 7 Dec; Grampian. 2400SW in 1 hr Glen Muick 30 Nov. 6000 Dallas 14-24 Dec; Tayside, 1000 Harrietfield 6 Apr, 1500 Glen Artney 15 Nov; Fife, max 500 Isle of May and heavy movement Fife Ness 27 Oct; Lothian, 2500 Gullane Jan-8 Feb, 500 Penicuik 22 Nov; Borders, 775 Ormiston 25 Apr, 1 Castlecraig 26 Aug, 800 West Water 2 Nov; Strathclyde, 1200 Skeoch 11 Apr, 7 St Catherine’s, Cowal 17 Aug, low autumn nos elsewhere in SW; Dumf & Gall, 1500 Glentrool 14 Nov.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Breeding: Orkney, up to 15 prs reported from 4 islands, 1st eggs Kirkwall 15 Apr. Migration: Shetland, main passage 16-30 Apr, max 1150 Fair Isle 23 Apr; Grampian, 1345 Girdleness-Rattray 5 Oct; Fife, 200 Isle of May 16 Apr, 1500 on 5 Oct, 350 Fife Ness 5 Oct.

Redwing Turdus iliacus Breeding: Highland, 38+ males held territories, with 18 prs proved breeding and 7 prs probable Sutherland Dist, elsewhere in Highland 26 sites located with 10 prs proved breeding and 23 singing males/prs. Migration: Shetland, main passage 21-29 Apr, max 600 Fair Isle 23 Apr, 1st Fetlar 13 Sep, main nos from 5 Oct- 1 Nov, peaks 2300 Fair Isle 8 Oct, 1900 on 14 Oct; Orkney, large influx 5-18 Oct, peaks 1500 North Ronaldsay 5 Oct, 2000 on 18 Oct; Highland, 1st 2 Weydale 5 Sep, 8000 Insh Marshes 21 Nov, 2500 Ardclach 7 Dec; Grampian, thousands Dallas 14- 24 Dec; Fife, 800+ Fife Ness 5 Oct, 5000 Isle of May 27 Oct; Lothian, 600 Bams Ness 5 Oct; Strathclyde, 15 Heights, Arran 3 Sep; Dumf & Gall, up to 1000/day Cree Valley 13-22 Oct when 3000 Wood of Cree reserve.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Migration and post-breeding flocks: Shetland, strong spring passage with 10 Fair Isle 21 Apr, and 6 Whalsay- Haroldswick 22 Apr; Orkney, 5 Rousay- Graemeshall 22 Apr; Highland, 100 Insh Marshes late Aug; Tayside, 90-100 Rannoch 13 Aug, 60 Killiecrankie mid-Sep; Lothian, 11 Aberlady 7 Mar, 11W/SW North Berwick 11 Mar, 25 Edgelaw 24 Aug; Borders, 47 Roberton 25 Mar. autumn roost counts at Castlecraig peaked at 61 on 18 Aug, 38 Carterhaugh 12 Sep; Strathclyde, 60 Largs 3 Nov.

*Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola One: Shetland, 1st winter + trapped Fair Isle 26 Sep (ABr.AR.NJR).

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Scottish Bird Report 1986 249

♦Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata One: Shetland, 1st winter bird Ctrapped Fair Isle 8 Oct (DPB,IE,NJR).

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Breeding: Highland, single singing males Wick and L Watten 28 Jul-20 Aug; Grampian, singles heard at 3 sites; Fife below average, only 5 singing birds recorded; Lothian/Borders, suggestion of a slightly better year; Strathclyde, 5 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay, up to 16 territories recorded in SW; Dumf & Gall, 5 prs Wood of Cree. Migration: Shetland, up to 7 singles 3 May- 17 Sep; Lothian, singles Pefferside, Scoughall 27 Apr; Dumf & Gall, 1st Wood of Cree 29 Apr.

♦Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides One: Shetland, 1 trapped Fair Isle 7 Jun (NJR).

♦Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola One: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 7 Aug (JND).

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Breeding: Orkney, up to 77 singing males or prs reported from 18 sites; Highland, 30 prs Eigg, 25 -I- prs Insh Marshes; Grampian, probable decrease; Lothian, slight increase suggested with 32 prs breeding Duddingston and 29 territories Aberlady; Borders, improvement with 105 territories at 32 sites; Strathclyde, 30 prs Tiree, 22 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay, 21 prs Baron’s Haugh, 103 territories in SW. Migration: Shetland, 1st Fair Isle 4 May, influx 18-31 May with max 14 on 24 Apr, last one on 5 Oct; Grampian, 1st Kingston 29 Apr, last one Donmouth 22 Oct; Strathclyde, 1st Heads of Ayr 26 Apr.

♦Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola One: Shetland, 1st winter trapped Fair Isle 26 Sep remained till 4 Oct (DRB,JND,NJR)

♦Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Up to 13: Shetland, up to 8 individuals Fair Isle 3-25 Jun were singles except 2 on 10-11, 13, 20 Jun, in autumn 2 on 27 Aug, 1 till 28 Aug, same or another on 30 Aug, 1 on 10 Sep; Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 26 Aug.

♦Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Shetland , singles Grutness 18 May, Quendale 22 May, Fair Isle 8 Jul, then 4 Aug-23 Sep, peaks 5 Skerries 16 Aug, 3 Fair Isle 16 Aug, 3 Fetlar 17 Aug; Orkney, 1 Hoy Lodge 12 May; Highland, 1 Wick 12 Sep; Fife, 1st yr Rosyth Aug; Borders, singing male Mire Loch 1-26 Jun.

♦Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundi-naceus One: Orkney, 1 trapped North Ronaldsay 11 Jun (MG).

♦Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina Four in spring: Shetland, singles Unst 8-9 Jun, Sumburgh

19-25 Jun, Geosetter 26 Jun; Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 28-30 May. 13 in autumn: Shetland, 9 individuals from 12 Aug-27 Sep, max 2 Unst 17 Aug; Orkney, singles North Ronaldsay 25, 26 Aug; Grampian, 1 Strathbeg 3 Aug; Fife, 1 Isle of May 14 Aug.

♦Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta One: Shetland, 1 Toab 3-4 Jul (MSC,AEB).

♦Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Three: Shetland, male Haroldswick-Baltasound 12 May-2 Jun (PB,HL et al), male Fair Isle 3 Jul &(KO,NJR), 1st winter Toab, Dunrossness 23-24 Sep (ND,RE-H et al).

♦Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Shetland, 2 main periods of passage, 14 Aug-4 Sep and 20 Sep- 10 Oct, peaks 4 Fair Isle 19 Aug, 3 on 23 Sep, last one Lerwick 10 Oct; Orkney, ad North Ronaldsay 21 Jun-4 Aug, up to 20 individuals from 5 Aug-3 Oct, max 3 or 4 North Ronaldsay 25-27 Sep; West Isles, singles St Kilda 27 Aug 0, Stilligarry, South Uist 16 Sep; Highland, singles Wick 1 Sep, Staxigeo 21 Sep; Grampian, 1 Rattray 15 Aug; Fife, 1 Isle of May 12-13 Aug; Borders, 1 St Abbs 5 Oct.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Breeding: Grampian, 3 prs bred Aberdeen; Lothian, up to 16 territories recorded, 2 prs proved breeding; Borders, 6 singing males recorded, 3 prs proved breeding; Strathclyde, 5 prs Central Strath-clyde, up to 6 territories recorded in SW, 2-3 prs bred; Dumf & Gall, 2 singing males recorded, may have bred. Migration: Shetland, 1 May-11 Jun, max 7 Fair Isle 8 May, singles 5 Jul, 14-15 Aug, then daily 11 Sep-7 Oct, max 4 on 27 Sep, last 2 on 12 Oct; Orkney, max 4 North Ronaldsay 2 May, 3 on 27 Sep, 1 Papa Westray 2 Jul, 1 probable blythi Deerness 25 Oct; Highland, 1 Kiltarlity 1 Jun; Tayside, 5 Usan 5-6 May; Fife, 1st Fife Ness 26 Apr, 50 Isle of May 2 May ; 2Strathclyde , 1st Heads of Ayr 28 Apr.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis Breeding: Lothian, 17 territories Ormiston railway (22 in 1985); Strathclyde, suggestion of good season with stable nos; Dumf & Gall, increase Wigtown Dist, 15 prs Wood of Cree (7 in 1985). Migration: Shetland, main passage 2 May-1 Jun, max 7 Fair Isle 24 May, 5 Skerries 29 May, scarce in autumn with singles 14 Aug-6 Oct; Fife, 1st Wemyss 1 May, lOIsleofMay 26 May; Borders, last one St Abbs 8 Oct; Strathclyde, 1st 2 Heads of Ayr 29 Apr.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Breeding: Grampian, proved breeding Pluscarden, Moray Dist where definite proof seldom obtainable; Fife, increase noted; Borders, slight improvement; Strathclyde, continues strong in SW with up to 80 territories recorded. Migration: Shetland, scarce in spring 27 Apr-21 Jun, max 3 Fair Isle 3 Jun,

250 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

stronger autumn passage 7 Aug- 19 Oct, peaks 35 Fair Isle 16 Aug, 20 Fetlar 17 Aug; Orkney, max 7 North Ronaldsay 26, 27 Sep, last one Wideford Burn 25 Oct; Fife, max 9 Isle of May 26 Aug; Strathclyde, 1st Camas Cuin, Mull 24 Apr; Strathclyde, juv Ailsa Craig 24 Sep.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Breeding: Highland, male Eigg 17 May-2 Jul; Tayside, 5 or 6 prs Killiecrankie (1 in 1984); Lothian, min 94 territories recorded; Borders, decrease to 29 territories at 17 sites; Strathclyde, min 102 territories recorded in SW. Migration: Shetland, light passage 21 Apr-26 Jun, in autumn 26 Aug-30 Nov, max 7 Fetlar 7 Oct; Orkney, max 9 North Ronaldsay 14 Oct, last 3 Eday 29 Nov; main arrival in S Scotland around 25-27 Apr but Strathclyde , 1st Culzean 16 Apr, 1 Ayr 22 Apr. Winter records: monthly breakdown gave Jan (17), Feb (10), Mar (4). Higher nos in Dec (44) showed almost half of records in N Scotland.

^Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides One: Shetland, 1 Skerries 15-16 Aug (ET)0. Highland, presumed hybrid Greenish x Willow Warbler L Vaa 8 Jun (RCD.RHD et al)0.

* Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis One: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 12-18 Sep (ABa,NJR).

*Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Another good autumn with min 130 birds recorded. Shetland, min 73 birds, 1 Unst 13 Sep, influx from 25 Sep-2 Oct, max 14 Fair Isle 27 Sep, second influx 4-15 Oct, max 6 Lerwick 6 Oct; Orkney, min 27 birds 24 Sep-30 Oct, max 5 North Ronaldsay 27 Sep; West Isles, singles 30 miles W of

Sula Sgeir 13 Oct, Stilligarry, South Uist 18-23 Oct. Stornoway 25 Nov; Highland, 9 birds Caithness/ Sutherland Dists 13 Sep-15 Nov; Grampian, 7 birds 4-13 Oct; Tayside, 1 Usan 5-6 Oct: Fife, singles Isle of May 26 Sep, 18 Oct, Fife Ness 28 Sep, 4-5 Oct; Lothian, 1 Bams Ness 14 Oct; Borders. 5-7 birds St Abbs 24 Sep-16 Oct,

*Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Two: Shetland, 1st winter trapped Fair Isle T14 Nov (MGP.NJR); 1st winter Kergord 15-21 Nov (DRB.MP et al).

*Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bortelli One: Orkney, 1 trapped Graemeshall, Holm 26 Oct, present till 15 Nov (RGA.ERM).

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Breed-ing: Tayside, good nos; Borders, slight increase to 38 territories at 13 sites; Strathclyde, min 72 territories L Lomondside, 16 territories Arran, up to 35 territories recorded in SW; Dumf & Gall, decrease to 33 prs Wood of Cree. Migration: Shetland, light passage 10-26 May, 19 Aug- 16 Oct, max 3 Fair Isle 26 Aug; Orkney. 1st Deemess 5 May; Borders. 1st St Abbs 30 Apr; Strathclyde, 1st Tiroran, Mull 29 Apr.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Breeding: no real changes suggested, but good year Borders with 36 territories at 16 sites; Strathclyde, 93 territories recorded in SW, mostly S of Ayr. Migration: Shetland, light passage 18 Apr-15 Jun, 14 Aug-2 Nov, peaks 13 Fair Isle on 23 Apr, 15 Lerwick 15 Oct; Orkney, 1st Hoy 17 Apr, max 15 Holm 22 Apr: Grampian, last one Bridge of Don 19 Nov; Fife, last one Wormiston 15 Nov; Strathclyde, 1st Culzean 28 Mar, late bird Connel 13 Nov. Winter records: monthly breakdown gave Jan (5), Feb (1), Dec (21) with most records (18) in S Scotland.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Breeding: Orkney, 9 prs reported at 5 sites; Highland, suggestion of poor year with 20 prs Garten CBC (22 in 1985) and 153 ringed Drumnadrochit Jul- Aug (327 in 1985); Lothian, 38-41 territories Threipmuir, 21 territories Aberlady; Strathclyde, 64 prs bred L Gruinart reserve, Islay, poor season in SW with very few juvs; Dumf & Gall, decrease to 115 prs Wood of Cree. Migration: Shetland, light spring passage 28 Apr-8 Jun, max 14 Fair Isle 11 May, in autumn from 2 Aug-17 Oct, max 50 Fair Isle 28 Aug; Highland, 1st 2 Scrabster 6 Apr, last one Staxigeo 19 Oct; Fife, 50 Isle of May 3 May, last one Fife Ness 24 Oct; Lothian, 1st Dirleton 31 Mar; Borders, 40 St Abbs 4 May, 30 on 19 Aug; Strathclyde, 1st Ardeer 3 Apr although main arrival from mid Apr.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus Breeding: populations in Tayside and Borders reported to be well down

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Scottish Bird Report 1986 251

on usual. Migration showed lowest nos for many years in both spring and autumn: Shetland, very light passage 18 Mar-24 May, extremely poor in autumn 26 Sep-31 Oct. max 12 Fair Isle 8 Oct; Orkney, influx 21-22 Apr with 42 birds at 4 sites.

*Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Only one: Borders, ISt Abbs 27 May (RDM).

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Breeding: Orkney, 2 prs bred; local increases Highland and Grampian, little change suggested in S Scotland, continues to colonise clearfell areas in SW Scotland. Migration: Shetland, 11 May-25 Jun, max 8 Fair Isle 11 Jun, last one Sumburgh 24 Oct; Flighland, 1st Roybridge 4 May; Fife, 30 Isle of May 26 May; Lothian, 1st Blackford Pond 5 May; Strathclyde, 2 Lamlash, Arran 1 May; main arrival was later than usual, from around 18-22 May.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva A poor year with four in spring, and only 11 in autumn: Shetland, singles Fair Isle 8-10 May, Whalsay 15 May, 1 Lerwick 8 Oct, 2 on 16 Oct, 2 Kergord 11 Oct, 1 Quendale 2 Nov; Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 10-12 May, 4 singles 27 Sep-25 Oct plus an extraordinary record of one Orphir 9 Dec; Fife, 1 Isle of May 7-8 May.

*Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis One: Shetland, 1st yr trapped Fair Isle 8 Oct (NJR)0.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Breeding: Highland, 14 nests Aviemore, mcs 6.1, mbs 4.7, only 1 nest failed; Tayside, 8 prs bred Killie- crankie; Strathclyde, 2 prs bred Inveraray, 12 territories Inversnaid-Cailness 25 May, another good year in SW; Dumf & Gall, good year with 13 nests Wood of Cree. Migration was very poor with few places reporting more than 10: Shetland, small nos in spring 9 May-12 Jun, in autumn 9 Aug-25 Oct, max 11 Fair Isle 28 Aug; West Isles, 2 Grogarry, South Uist 4 Oct, 1 Horgabost, Harris 13 Oct; Borders, 1st St Abbs 3 May.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Breeding: reported as very scarce in E Lothian Dist but this may represent a local decline since Borders nos appear healthier than feared in 1985; Strathclyde, good season Argyll, suggestion of good season in SW. Counts: Strathclyde, clOO in 3 flocks Troon 16 Jan, 60 Brodick 7 Sep, 70+ Culzean Dec.

Marsh Tit Parus palustris Information on distribution remains scarce, with SE Scotland continuing to be the stronghold. Lothian, 2 Woodhall Dean 10 May; Borders, up to 10 prs reported with min 3 prs Hirsel, most records come from Eyemouth-Coldstream-Melrose areas.

Willow Tit Parus montanus Like Marsh Tit, the distribution is local but a bit more widespread.

principally in SW Scotland, records in SE Scotland coming under increasing scrutiny. Strathclyde, single prs reported Jerviswood and Possil L, 3-4 prs probably bred Dalmellington; Dumf & Gall, population stable.

Crested Tit Parus cristatus Breeding: Highland, 4 prs Garten CBC (6 in 1985), pr with min 1 young Ardochy 29 Jun, 1 Fort Augustus 10 Feb; Grampian: only 5 prs in boxes Culbin Forest (8-9 most years), good fledging success, ave 5.8 young/ pr, 7-8 prs Lossie Forest.

Coal Tit Parus ater Migration: no remarkable nos as in 1985 with the only notable records being Orkney, 1 South Ronaldsay 14 Oct; Strathclyde, 4 Ailsa Craig 12 Mar.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Breeding, a very poor year throughout Scotland with high chick mortality mainly due to bad weather: Grampian, population at low level Culbin Forest where 4 prs in nestboxes (25 in 1985), 6 prs in nestboxes Lossie Forest (19 in 1985), fledging success poor due to cold weather; Tayside, low nos Killiecrankie where 7 prs in nestboxes (30 in 1985); Lothian, 27 territories Roslin CBC; Dumf & Gall, very poor season with many young dead in nestboxes Jun. Migration: Orkney, 1 Kirkwall 5 May.

Great Tit Parus major Breeding: Grampian, very poor season Lossie Forest where 19 prs in nestboxes (49 in 1985), high mortality due to bad weather with ave 1.8 fledged young/pr, 7 prs in nestboxes Culbin Forest (11 in 1985); Highland, 8 prs Garten CBC (5 in 1985); Dumf & Gall, poor success Glentrool. Migration: Shetland, 1 Mid Walls 1 May; Orkney, 2 Stromness 8 Feb; Fife, 1 Isle of May 19 Mar.

*Nuthatch Sitta europaea Two: Borders, 1 Longformacus 4, 18 Apr (RRE), 1 Kelso 17 Jul (WI)0.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris No obvious change in breeding population suggested from few reports.

*Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Migration: Shetland, singles Mid Yell 7-14 May, 5 Jun, Quarff 9-13 Jun, Fair Isle 11 Jun, Walls 13 Jun; West Isles,

1 North Rona 21 Jun; Borders, 1 St Abbs 10 May,

2 on 14 May, singles Burnmouth 22 May, Ayton 22 May.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Migration: Shetland, c35 birds from 5 May-13 Jun, main movement early, max 5 Fair Isle 9 May, only 4 in autumn from 25 Aug, last one exceptionally late Fair Isle 4 Nov; Orkney, 5-6 singles 8-13 May, 1 Eday 27 Sep; Highland, singles Wick 8-11 May, 9 May; Grampian, 1 Ythan 15 May; Tayside, 1

252 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Kirriemuir 11 May; Fife, 2 Fife Ness 7-11 May, 1 Isle of May 8 Jul; Borders, 3 singles St Abbs 7-27 May, 1 on 30 Aug; Strathclyde, 1 Endrick Mouth 29 Aug-1 Sep.

*Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor One: Shetland,

1 Otterswick, Yell 31 May (DP)0.

*Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Another very poor year with only 22 birds recorded: Shetland, singles Fair Isle 21-23 Apr, Norwick 24 Apr, Fair Isle 6-13 Oct, 2 on 13 Oct, Eswick 16 Nov; Orkney,

2 North Ronaldsay 22 Feb, singles Auskerry 21 Apr, Eday 30 Apr, North Ronaldsay 5-11 Oct, Eday 10-11 Oct; Highland, singles L Garten 23-25 Jan, Dorback 26 Jan, Eskadale 27 Apr, Kilfinan 24 Oct, Torlundy 26 Oct, Fortrose 6 Dec; Fife, 1 Ceres 18 Jan; Borders, 1 Hoardweeel 21 Apr; Strathclyde, singles Lennox Forest 1-9 Mar, Aird Meadows 14-15 Nov; Dumf & Gall, 1 Hensol, L Ken 22 Nov-Dec.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Two: Strathclyde, juv Ailsa Craig 25-26 Sep (BZ); Dumf & Gall, ad female Lorg, Ken Valley at least 23 Jul- 17 Aug (MK.ADW et al)0.

Jay Garrulus glandarius Breeding: continues to do well in parts of Tayside, SW Strathclyde and Dumf & Gall; expansion reported Borders, and Lorn area of Strathclyde. Elsewhere: Grampian, 1 Craigellachie mid-Apr; Lothian, singles Tyninghame 21 Jul, 6 Sep.

Magpie Pica pica Breeding: still increasing in some areas e.g. Fife, and possibly Borders, but has not made any progress in E Lothian Dist and still absent in much of SW Strathclyde, but 36 nests located in NS35. Elsewhere: Highland, pr Mey all year, 1 Thurso 7 Apr, Lochinver 15 Apr; Grampian, 34 Kirkhill Forest 27 Dec; Fife, 1 Isle of May 9 May was 1st record for island; Central, 35 Upper Kinneil 16 Nov.

Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Strathclyde, no breeding details but Islay flock counts included 50- 60 Kilchoman 15 Mar, 48 L Gorm 16 Mar. 1 Tiree during winter 1985-86, 2 in Jun.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula Status uncertain Shetland where no evidence of breeding; Orkney, 44 nests at 3 sites. Counts: Highland, 7000 Aviemore 18 Dec; Strathclyde, 7000 Symington, Clydesdale Dist 21 Dec, 8000 Barochan Moss 26 Dec. Migration: Shetland, peak 11 Sumburgh and 13 Fleck 25 Oct. Birds showing characteristics of Scandinavian monedula : Strathclyde, 8 birds in SW 2 Jan-13 Mar, 4-13 Dec.

Rook Corvus frugilegus Breeding: Shetland, sample 30 nests Kergord gave mbs 2.1; Orkney,

182 nests at 6 sites; Lothian, sample area Midlothian Dist showed 2.9% increase in nests; Borders, 1192 nests at 19 sites; Strathclyde. 1383 prs Monklands and East Kilbride Dists. total survey of SW (Ayrshire) gave 24,054 nests at 311 sites. Counts: Highland, 2500 Thurso 10 Feb, 4000 Aviemore 18 Dec; Strathclyde. 18.000 Symington. Clydesdale Dist 21 Dec, 15,500 Barochan Moss 26 Dec. Migration: Shetland, most from 9 Mar-29 May, max 7 Fair Isle 9 May, 2 on 2 Sep; Strathclyde, influx of 56 birds Mull Oct-Nov.

Carrion Crow Corx’us corone Counts: Highland. 227 L Mallachie 12 Oct: Grampian, 200 Skene 16 Feb, 200 Findhom 22 Feb; Lothian, 140 Dalmeny 19 Jan; Strathclyde, 163 Doonfoot 12 Aug. Migration: Shetland, more corone than usual, main passage May, max 11 Fair Isle 17 May.

Raven Corvus corax Breeding: Shetland, good season in most areas but only moderate Fair Isle; Orkney, min 42 prs reported, 14 prs reared 42 young Mainland; Highland. 5 prs Eigg. 4 prs reared 15 young; Tayside, 4 prs bred successfully; Central, 6 prs reared 12+ young; Strathclyde, 52 sites located Mull, 10 prs reared ave 3 young/pr Knapdale, 15+ prs Arran reared min 15 young, 5 prs reared 13 young in SW. Counts: Shetland, 100 Skaw, Unst 7 Mar; Orkney, 75 Mainland roost 10 Apr; Lothian, 2 birds at several locations Midlothian Dist 27 Feb- 19 Apr were 1st Lothian records since 1981; Strathclyde, 150 Tobermory' 30 Jan.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris Counts: Orkney, 5000 Graemeshall 18 Aug; Highland, 10,000 Spittal Hill, Caithness Dist 8 Oct; Grampian, 11.000N Inverugie 23 Feb; Fife, 5300 Strathkinnes 9 Feb; Lothian, 5000 Musselburgh 17 Feb; Borders, 8- 10,000 St Abbs 26 Feb; Strathclyde, 10-12,000 Heart L, Maybole 23 Oct.

*Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus One: Shetland, 1st summer male Noss U14-18 Jun, probably same East Burra 23-28 Jun (PVH,DS,RMW.GM).

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Highest counts were: Shetland, 220 Fair Isle 22 Sep; Orkney, 648 North Ronaldsay 21 Sep; Highland, 300 Wick 1 Aug.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Breeding: very little information available on breeding distribution, but most were reported using nestboxes Tayside. Counts: Highland, 55

Longman 1 Aug; Grampian, 100 Miltonhill 14 Feb, 70 Clochan 31 Dec; Tayside, 50 L Leven 30 Nov; I Fife, 70 Parbroath 25 Feb; Strathclyde, 110 Prestwick area 21 Dec.

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 253

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Breeding: Shetland, pr bred Kergord, 1st since 1973; Highland, 46 prs Garten CBC (21 in 1985); Grampian, 17 prs Clochan census area; Lothian, 35 prs Scoughall (30 in 1985). Few really large flocks counted, most being in the 300-800 range, but some persisted into breeding season, perhaps a sign of the poor weather: Shetland, max 250 Fair Isle 22 Apr; Highland, 3000 Bonar Bridge Jan; Grampian, 1000 Craigie 25 Jan; Tayside, 1000 Pitlochry 7, 24 Jan.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Summer: Highland, single males at 2 sites early May; Borders, male St Abbs 2 Aug. Winter/spring: Shetland, large movement 21 Apr-1 May, peaks 85 Skerries 21 Apr, 725 Fair Isle 23 Apr; Orkney, 80 Lyness 22 Apr: Highland, 200 Embo 23 Feb, 200 Redcastle 25 Feb; Grampian, 100 Miltonhill Feb; Tayside 150 Carnoustie 8 Feb; Fife, 250 Parbroath 16 Feb; Central, 300 Standburn, Falkirk 28 Jan, 400 Amprior 9 Mar; Lothian, 400 Bothwell Farm, Lammermuirs 18 Jan, 800 East Hermiston 23 Feb: Borders, 650 Denholm 30 Jan, 550 Kilbucho 9 Feb; Strathclyde, 800 Cranley 26 Jan, 1000 Logoch 26 Mar, low nos in SW. Autumn: Shetland. 1st 15 Fair Isle 23 Sep, max 600 on 5 Oct, 150 Fetlar 14 Oct; Orkney, 201 North Ronaldsay 16 Oct; Highland. 200 Drumnadrochit late Oct; Fife, 700 Isle of May 5 Oct; Lothian, 800 Moorfoot Farm 7 Dec; Borders, 1st St Abbs 24 Sep, 300 Portmore 14 Dec; low nos in SW.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Counts: Highland, 500+ Olrig 2 Feb; Grampian, 250 Gilston 9 Jan, 600 Collieston 2-3 Mar; Strathclyde, 500 Ladykirk, Prestwick 21 Dec; Dumf & Gall, 300+ Stranraer 14 Dec; many other winter flocks of 100-200 reported mostly from S Scotland.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Counts: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 19-20 May, 3 on 25-26 Oct, 1 Lerwick 19- 21 Nov (this species is very scarce in Shetland); West Isles, male Berneray, North Uist 7 Feb; Fife, 48 Lower Largo 9 Sep; Lothian, 50 Aberlady Aug; Borders, 200+ Ruberslaw 2 Feb; Strathclyde, 120 L Gruinart reserve, Islay Sep, 60 Cumnock 22 Sep; Dumf & Gall, flocks totalling a few hundred Carsluith 20 Sep.

Siskin Carduelis spinus Breeding: Highland, 6 prs Garten CBC (11 in 1985); SW Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall, poor success with few remaining due to failure of cone crop. This may partly explain the widespread reports of birds visiting gardens in much higher nos than usual, as well as remaining into summer in some. Counts: West Isles, 2 Stornoway 12 May; Highland, large nos in spring when c600 birds caught Golspie, influx Scourie Apr-May; Highland, 130 Bruichnain 12 Jan; Grampian, 200+ caught in Aberdeen gardens Feb- Apr; high spring nos Tayside, Lothian, Borders, and most of SW Scotland with many wandering

summer birds in this area; Central, 100 Stronend 16 Sep.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina Counts: Orkney, 80 Stenness 9 Sep; West Isles, 5 Clachan Farm, North Uist 1 Jul; Grampian, 500 Inverugie 4 Jan, 700 Collieston 2-3 Mar; Lothian, 2000 East Craigie 27 Feb, 1000 Musselburgh Sep; Strathclyde, 650 Thankerton 21 Dec.

Twite Carduelis flavirostris Breeding: Orkney, min 41 prs reported at 17 sites; Strathclyde, 30-40" Ailsa Craig mid Aug were mostly juvs. Counts: Shetland, 370 Fair Isle 27 Sep, 500 Quendale 31 Nov; West Isles, 647 North Uist 18 Feb; Highland, 450+ Janetstown 30 Dec, 600 in 2 flocks Bonar Bridge Dec; Grampian, 215 Glenlivet 8 Apr; Fife, 300 Parbroath 25 Feb. Many counts of winter flocks of 100-150 in area to SW of Midlothian Dist, remains scarce in SE Scotland.

Redpoll Carduelis flammea Breeding: Dumf & Gall, poor season with low nos Glentrool. Counts: Highland, 100 Kyllachy 19 Oct; Grampian, 100 Aberdeen 26 Dec; Borders, 350 Reston 2-5 Mar; Strathclyde, 150-200N Mealdarroch Jan. Mealy Redpoll Cf flammea: Shetland, max 20 Fair Isle 23 Apr; Grampian, 3 St Combs 25 Jan, 3 Drums 5 Oct; Lothian, 50 Gladhouse 1 Jan; Strathclyde, 5 Ayr 5 Jan, 6 Connel 17 Feb.

* Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni Two: West Isles, 1 Stilligarry, South Uist .9 Dec (TJD); Highland, 1 L Hope 10-20 Apr (PB.KBS).

*Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera Two: Shetland, male trapped Fair Isle 1 Sep (JH.NJR); Strathclyde, female from 1985 Carron Valley to at least 31 Mar 9(per PBr).

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Breeding: SW

Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall, poor season Glentrool due to failure of cone crop, indications that very few bred. Counts: Shetland, small influx Jun, max 6 Kergord 3 Jun; Orkney, 15 Hoy 1 Mar, 20 in Jul, 30 Finstown 3 Jul; West Isles, 30 Stornoway Woods 1 Jul, several Garynahine, Lewis 22 Nov; Grampian, 50 Strathbeg 27 Jun; Tayside, 43 Killiecrankie Jun; Central, 150 Carron Valley 29 Mar; Lothian, 150 Crosswood 5-6 Mar; Borders, 50 Glentress 29 Mar, 50 Shieldgreen 19 May.

Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica Breeding: Highland, 4 prs Garten CBC (3 in 1985), 30+ juvs on 12 Jun; Grampian, male with 2 juvs Milltown 21 Jun. Counts: Grampian, 38 Glen Tanar 5 May.

*Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus One: Shetland, male Fair Isle 13 Oct (NJR)0.

*Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus 16 in spring, 35+ in autumn: Shetland, 8 singles 8 May-

254 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

24 Jun, min 24 birds 14 Aug-11 Oct, max 7 Fair Isle 24 Sep; Orkney, 5 singles 20 May-27 Jun, 8 birds 16 Aug-8 Oct, max 3 North Ronaldsay 24, 27 Sep; Highland, 2 singing males at different sites mid Jun-Jul, 1 Sandside Burn 18 Jun, 2Wick 12-13 Sep, 1 on 14, 21 Sep; Grampian, 1 Rattray 25 Oct.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Migration/counts: Shetland, only 5 in year, max 3 Fair Isle 15 Nov; West Isles, 1 Stornoway 22 Dec; Grampian, 50 Dallas 14-24 Dec; Tayside, 53 Killiecrankie 25 Jan; Lothian, 30 Hopes 13 Feb.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Breeding: Tayside, prs bred Killiecrankie and Scone where max 9 on 8 Mar, reports from 4 other sites; Central, pr Lochearnhead, 2-3 Dunblane 15 Feb, 4 Doune 19 Feb; Lothian, max 6 Botanic Gdns, Edinburgh 4 Apr; Borders, pr B/4 Hirsel 8 Jul, singles at 2 other sites. Migration; Shetland, up to 16 birds 19 Apr-26 May, max 4 Unst 3-21 May, 1 Kergord 19-27 Oct; Orkney, 17 birds 23 Apr-16 Jun; Highland, singles Wick 23-28 Apr, Ackergill 26 Apr, Langwell 17 May; Grampian, 1 Aboyne 31 May-1 Jun; Fife, singles Glenrothes 11 Apr, Isle of May 24-25 Jun; Borders, 1 St Abbs 2 May; Strathclyde, 4 Gruinart, Islay 23 Feb; Dumf & Gall, 1 Laurieston 14 Dec.

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus Winter/ spring; Shetland, 9 birds 17 Mar-3 Jun; Orkney, singles Deerness 26 Feb, North Ronaldsay 26-27 May; Grampian, 3 Greg Ness 22 Feb; Tayside, singles Arbroath 19 Jan, Elliot 6 Apr; Fife, max 17 Fife Ness 3 Jan; Lothian, 17 Aberlady 1 Jan, 1 on 2-4 May; Strathclyde, singles Glasgow airport 26 Jan, Calderbank 22 Feb. Autumn: Shetland, 2 Sep-11 Nov, peaks 5 Skerries 2 Sep, 9 Fair Isle 14 Sep; Orkney, max 5 North Ronaldsay 27 Sep; West Isles, male 30 miles W of Sula Sgeir 13 Oct; Highland, 1 Tarbatness 8 Oct; Grampian, 9 Cruden Bay 30 Nov; Fife, singles Isle of May 29 Sep, 16 Oct; Central, 1 Kinneil 25 Oct; Lothian, 15 Aberlady 16 Nov, 5 Musselburgh 26, 28 Dec; Borders, max 31 Eyemouth 29 Dec; Strathclyde, 1 dead Skerryvore 2 Dec; Dumf & Gall, 3W Mull of Galloway 3 Oct.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Breeding: Highland/Grampian, cl3 sites held potential breeding birds, 8 or 9 prs proved breeding. Migration/counts: good nos in N Scotland, and many areas of SE Scotland: Shetland, from 3 Sep Fair Isle, max 400 on 11 Nov; Orkney, 450 Stenness 31 Dec; Highland, 1-2000 Kinbeachie 7- 12 Feb, 800 Reay 16 Nov; Grampian, 750 Collieston 2 Mar; Central, 150 Spout of Ballochlean 17 Dec; Lothian, 200 Threipmuir 11 Feb, 155 Musselburgh 27 Nov-6 Dec; Strathclyde, c50 Beinn a’ Bhuiridh 8-9 Nov.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Breeding: Grampian, decline to 10 prs Clochan census area (20 in 1985). Migration/counts: Shetland, fewer than 4 in spring, none in autumn; Orkney, 5 singles 15 Mar-3 May; Grampian, 100 Ordie 2 Feb. 300 Miltonhill 14 Feb: Fife, 120 Parbroath 16 Feb.

*Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana A very poor year with only four in spring, two in autumn: Shetland, male Fair Isle 15 May, female on 21 May, male on 23 May, male on 26-28 May, 1 on 2 Sep, 1 Skerries 19 Oct.

*Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica Four: Shetland, female Fair Isle 15 May (NJR)0, male on 19-21 Jun (KO. NJR), 1 on 21-22 Oct (MGP, NJR); Grampian, 1 Drums 5 Oct 7 (GMC, WNH).

*Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Up to 10: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 8-13 Sep (MGP, NJR), 1 on 5- ] 9 Oct (DRB. NJR), 1 Whalsay 8-12 Oct (BM)0, 1 J Fair Isle 21-25 Oct (MGP, NJR). 1 on 22-24 Oct (DRB et al); Orkney, 1 St Ola 11 May (Mrs N & I WH), 1 North Ronaldsay 24-27 Sep (CMcG, I KFW), 1 on 25-28 Sep (RJS, CMcG); Highland, I male Longman dump 15 Jan-9 Feb (SJA, RHD et al), another male Tarradale 18 Feb-27 Apr, I perhaps from 31 Jan (SJA, MKMcD).

t*Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila One: 1

Shetland, 1st summer male Fair Isle 15-16 Jun (KO.AW.NJR).

* Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola Seven: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 14-16 Sep

(SJMG.NJR), 1 on 16 Sep (JH.NJR), 1 on 21 Sep (DS et al), 1 Virkie 21 Sep (CJMcK G), 1 Fair Isle 23-27 Sep (GKG.PVH.DS), 1 on 27-28 Sep (GKG.MGP), 1 on 5-7 Oct (DRB, NJR).

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Breeding: Shetland, 2 prs bred Fetlar; Orkney, min 302 prs reported; Lothian, 32 prs Aberlady, 20-23 prs Threipmuir; Borders, 45 territories at 25 sites; Strathclyde, 20-25 prs Tiree. Migration/counts: Shetland, main passage 21 Apr-23 May. 5-29 Oct, peaks 36 Fair Isle 23 Apr, 30 on 6, 9 Oct; Orkney,

70 North Ronaldsay 23 Sep; Highland. 70 L Winless 2 Mar. 70 Tannoch 28-29 Dec: Grampian,

80 Collieston 23 Feb-3 Mar; Strathclyde, 65 L Gruinart reserve, Islay Jan.

*Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melano-cephala Two: Shetland, male Virkie 23-29 Jun (IS, DC), male Fair Isle 3 Jul (WM.KO.AW).

Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Breeding: Orkney.

5 singing males Sanday; Highland, no records Caithness Dist, and continued decline Tarbatness; i Grampian, 20 singing males located Moray Dist;

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 255

population said to remain unchanged E Fife; Central, 3 territories Bo’ness: now fewer than 10 territories recorded in Lothian and SW Strathclyde and at a low ebb Dumf & Gall. Migration/counts: Orkney, 20 Parlgo 8 Feb; Grampian, 100 St Combs 25 Jan, 300 Sand L/Collieston 2 Mar; Tayside, 60

Lunan Bay 26 Jan; Fife, 60 Anstruther 1 Mar; Lothian, 25 Drem 19 Jan.

*Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus One: Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 29 Sep-2 Oct (PVH.NJR) is 2nd Scottish record.

Additional BBRC decisions

The following records have all been accepted by BBRC: 1982 Blue-winged Teal Lothian, male shot Newliston 29 Sep; 1983 Crane Highland, 1 Lothbeg 14 May; 1984 Ring-necked Duck Shetland, male Sandness/Norby 20 Nov to at least 7 Jul 1985; Killdeer Strathclyde, 1 Colonsay 7-8 Jan; Arctic Redpoll Shetland, 25 Fair Isle between 19 Oct and 19 Nov, 1 West Burra 16-18 Nov, 2 on 18 Nov, Highland, 1 Melvich 29 Sep; Black-headed Bunting Orkney, male Westray 14 Jul; 1985 Pied-billed Grebe West Isles, 1 L na Liana Moire, South Uist till

22 Aug; Surf Scoter Highland, male L Gairloch

23 May; Crane Dumf & Gall, 1 Caerlaverock end Aug-30 Dec; Long-billed Dowitcher Tayside, 1 Port Allen 13-17 Aug; Wilson’s Phalarope Highland, 1st winter Inverness 3-4 Sep; Ring-billed Gull Lothian, 1st winter Musselburgh 23 Feb additional to other 1985 bird; Little Swift Fife, 1 St Andrew’s 29 May (ACWilson) is 1st record for Scotland; Desert Wheatear Highland, male Freswick till 13 Jan; Subalpine Warbler Shetland, female/lst winter Sumburgh 23-24 Aug; Arctic Warbler Shetland, 1st winter Fair Isle 3 Sep, another on 11 Sep; Arctic Redpoll Shetland, singles Fair Isle 4-14 May, 25-26 May, Lothian, 1 Whiteadder Res 2-19 Jan; Little Bunting Shetland, additional singles Fair Isle 23-25 Sep, 23-26 Oct; Yellow-breasted Bunting Shetland, 1 Fair Isle 7-10 Oct, Orkney, 1 North Ronaldsay 22-24 Sep; Chestnut Bunting Fife, 1st year Isle of May 11 Jun (Cat D). The following record has been rejected after review:- 1972 Two- barred Crossbill Shetland, male Kergord 6-13 Jul.

Corrections to 1985 SBR

Additions; Grey Heron Borders, 13 sites held 130 nests; Mute Swan Borders, 36 prs and 18 non-breeding prs, 16 nests produced 62 juvs; Smew Borders, female Hirsel 16 Mar; Moorhen Borders, 40 prs, 23 broods totalled 54 juvs; Coot 7Borders, 145 prs, 79 broods totalled 209 juvs; Corncrake Borders, 1 summered near West Linton; Grey Phalarope Borders, 1 Eyemouth Bay 16 Nov; Long-tailed Skua Highland, singles Chanonry Pt 6 Oct, 10 Nov, 14 Nov; Garden Warbler Borders, 17 singing males represented decline (49 in 1984); Golden Oriole Grampian, pr Deeside during summer; Hawfinch Borders, pr Hendersyde, Kelso all year. Amendments: Red-throated Diver Borders, date for record should read 30 Jul- 1 Nov; Great Northern Diver L Muick is in Grampian; Fulmar Aberlour is in Grampian; Pink-footed Goose Carsebreck is in Tayside; Greylag Goose Borders, 6350 Dowlaw should read 6350 Hoselaw; Nearctic Teal Orkney, correct dates are Lof Isbister 5-14 Jan; Surf Scoter Lothian, correct dates of male Gosford Bay are 21-22 Mar, 12-17 Apr; Coot Carsebreck is in Tayside; Buff-breasted Sandpiper Orkney, correct date is Papa Westray 21 Sep; Whimbrel Borders, max count was 35W Eyemouth 5 Sep; Common Tern Strathclyde, 200 prs Port Olmsa, Colonsay should read 20 prs; Rock Dove count for Central refers to ferals; Stock Dove Vane Farm is in Tayside; Sand Martin L Leven is in Tayside; Black Redstart Strathclyde, 1 Troon till 26 May should read till 26 Mar; Reed Warbler Tayside, 1 Errol 3-9 Aug should read singles on 3 Aug and 9 Aug; Firecrest Borders, correct date at St Abbs is 8 Apr; Ortolan Bunting Fife, single Fife Ness 19 May was rejected by SBRC; Little Bunting Orkney, Torness is in North Ronaldsay.

256 A Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Rarity Descriptions

Bobolink on Fair Isle

The bird was seen by several observers on the morning of 29 September 1986, but all had thought it was just a very bright Yellow-breasted Bunting! At about 1 p.m. PH phoned to say there was a Bobolink at Springfield. It was at Skerryholm when we arrived, but very flighty. It flew briefly on to a fence, then up into the sky, high towards Orkney in the company of Skylarks, before turning back and heading north over the island and out of sight. My view of features was virtually nil, but I was surprised that it could have been confused with Yellow- breasted Bunting because its underparts were a bright (almost orange-) yellow, and because in bulk it was not far removed from Skylark with some of that species’ broadness of wing. The bird was not relocated till 1 October. At lunchtime D. Bird announced that he had brief views of what was almost certainly the Bobolink in the oat crop at Bull's Park . After lunch we all trooped up and saw it, but it frequently fed in cover. By concentrating on different features each time it flew, an ‘identikit’ picture of plumage details was built up. The following day was windier, and better views were obtained by NJR as it sat on a fence, then on some turnips.

Description: Size and shape: hardly smaller than a

Skylark on first view. I would estimate that it was about the same size and bulk as a male Corn Bunting. The tail looked long and narrow, and appeared very ragged at the tip (almost as if wet — though both bird and weather dry when seen). The bill looked disproportionately large and long in comparison with buntings. Wings seemed rather broad, particularly the basal part.

Head pattern: very distinctive. Boldly marked (somewhat similar to, but without the ear-covert pattern of a Yellow-breasted Bunting). A very broad brown-black lateral crown stripe ran from base of bill to hind crown where it seemed to taper slightly at end. Central crown stripe fairly narrow but well demarcated, pale yellow. Broad pale yellow supercilium, running same length as lateral crown stripe, underlined by thickish dark brown eyestripe running backwards from eye, straight and ending

relatively square above rear of ear coverts. Ear- coverts pale brown with slight hint of yellowish, fairly plain but slightly flecked darker. Lores looked dull grey (no colour discernible).

Upperparts: nape rather pale brown appearing virtually unstreaked (some very subtle fine streaking apparent when on fence). Mantle by contrast heavily streaked. General background tone pale yellowish- brown but with a fairly heavy dark brown streaking. Mantle dominated by two obvious off-white or yellowish white braces, running parallel at either side of mantle from upper mantle towards scapulars — broadening downwards slightly. No view of back/ rump area but uppertail coverts heavily streaked dark brown (at least ones on sides). Uppertail dark brown with buffy fringes to individual feathers (including uppertail coverts). Tail looked ragged (or spikey) at tip.

Upperwing: not taken in too well during views. However, not as heavily streaked as mantle, looking pale brown with some buff fringing. Thin median covert wing bar off-white (nothing like as marked as in Yellow-breasted Bunting), no obvious bar on greater coverts (other than perhaps pencil line). Fairly indistinct yellowish-buff wing panel (tertial or secondary edgings?) noted.

Underparts: looked really quite bright, rich yellow in flight. Perched, the overall tone was a pale golden yellow, richer than brightest Yellow-breasted Bunting. The yellow was strongest on chin, throat and upper breast. Lower breast/belly was markedly paler though still with no buffy tones. There was an area of buff-brown wash projecting from the sides of the breast. This was overlaid by some short diffuse mid- brown streaks. Stronger, darker brown streaking was evident on the flanks, comprising rather randomly distributed shortish rain drop marks (i.e. not showing as a series of lines) — fairly sparsely marked, but denser on lowest flanks immediately below uppertail coverts.

Bare parts: bill long, wedge shaped, culmen

apparently straight or virtually so. Pale horn, perhaps slightly darker on upper mandible (not a feature I took in too well during the views).

Eye dark. Legs fairly pale straw-brown.

Call: heard a few times, a solitary or twice-uttered wheezy “plink," not terribly noisy or far-carrying.

|

This is the second Scottish record of Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus, the first being on the Out Skerries on 18 September 1975. A record of one on St Kilda on 28 September 1986 is currently in circulation with BBRC.

Paul V. Harvey and Nick J. Riddiford

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 257

Greater Sand Plover at Aberlady Bay

On 24 June 1982, at 17.00 hrs, whilst examining the smaller waders roosting at the edge of the saltmarsh at Aberlady Bay, PRG found a large Charadrius plover. It was clearly one of the Sand Plovers, with which he was unfamiliar, and after taking a brief description of the bird, he left to summon other observers. On return an hour later, the bird was relocated further out on the mudflats and was seen at ranges down to 25 metres by about 9 observers, including AB, who was able to photograph it. Particular attention was paid to the bill, known to be a critical feature in separating Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers (C. leschenaultii and C. mongolus), and all observers agreed with the identification of the bird as Greater Sand Plover. It was under observation until 21.00 hrs, by which time it had moved out to feed in the middle of the bay. It was not seen subsequently. The following description was compiled from the notes of AB and PRG.

Description: From the side, it appeared to be only slightly longer than Ringed Plovers C. hiaticula of the nominate race which were alongside, but it was noticeably deeper-chested and, when viewed head-on. decidedly broad-chested. It was chunky-headed and had a flattish crown, a large eye, and the bill compared to Ringed Plovers was obviously longer and thicker. The length of the bill was greater than the distance between the base of the bill and the rear of the eye by about the width of the eye, or perhaps slightly less. The bill was more or less parallel-sided with a sub-distal swelling before ending in a blunt tip. The legs were obviously much longer than those of Ringed Plover, held flexed, and set well back on the body, giving the bird a front-heavy appearance with a short rear end. The end of the wing-tips appeared to be level with the tip of the tail.

Plumage: Crown and mantle sandy brown, separated by a warmer brownish-cinnamon shawl on on the neck. PRG noted a paler transverse bar extending from eye to eye across the top of the head. Wings darker brown with pale panel formed by buffy white edgings to wing coverts. Lores dirty huffish white, continuing behind eye to merge into shawl. Blackish mask around and behind eye on to ear coverts. Lower cheeks white. All underparts from chin to under tail coverts white except for a complete, well defined breast band. This consisted of broad pectoral patches at the sides of the breast joined together by a much

narrower strip. The central strip was very bright cinnamon , becoming a paler brownish cinnamon at the sides and merging into the shawl on the neck. In flight the upperwing showed an obvious but diffuse white wingbar, almost the whole length of the wing, and the dark upper tail showed clear white outer tail feathers. Underwing showed off white flight feathers and pure white coverts.

Bare parts: Bill and eye black. Legs dark olive (PRG), dirty brownish grey (AB).

Behaviour: Fed like Ringed Plovers, making a short run, picking up food, then standing still and staring. Silent.

Discussion

Although the bird was bigger than Ringed Plover, we would not have estimated it to be as much as 25% bigger, as was estimated for the first British record at Pagham. It was identified as Greater Sand Plover primarily on the basis of the bill and, to a lesser extent, on the length of the wingbar and the white outer tail feathers. Research of literature suggested that the bird was probably a first summer male. This record is the second for Scotland, the first being at Sandside Bay, Orkney during the period 9 14 June 1979.

Alan Brown and Peter R. Gordon

Little Swift at St Andrews

During the morning of 29 May 1985 ACW was walking on to The Scores in St Andrews when he noticed a small group of Swifts. A flash of white on one bird caught his eye and at first this was thought to have been merely a flash of light reflected from this particular bird’s plumage. However, the bird came round again and, on closer approach, it was clear that it had a white, rather square rump patch, reminiscent of a House Martin. Its dimensions were similar, but not identical to the accom- panying Swifts. After 15 minutes ACW was back with binoculars and note paper, and watched the bird at ranges between 9 and 30 metres in strong sunlight. Its flight was similar to Swift, but with shallower, faster wingbeats. After a further 45 minutes comparison with both House Martin and Swallow could also be made.

258 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

In contrast, the House Martin showed a white belly, throat and vent, as well as a distinctly notched tail. The bird was last seen just after 10.00 a.m., having been seen for a period of about one hour. It was searched for later that day, but it was not rediscovered.

Description: Plumage:- obvious broad rump-patch extending slightly on to sides of the body. The patch was square, symmetrical and extended roughly half the distance between the trailing p edge of the wings and the tail tip. Possibly contained some grey flecking just as it merged into the darker plumage of the rear flanks. Large pale throat patch, similar to that of Swift. Pale feathering on the forehead merging into the dark grey crown giving the appearance of pale face. Dark area round and including eye. The upper surfaces of the wings were dark and seemed to contain less brown than Swift. In comparison they also appeared more reflective or slightly paler, particularly so on the primaries and secondaries. Lower surfaces of wings similarly dark. Belly, breast, lower-rump and tail very dark brown or black. Back, mantle and scapulars darkest of all, again lacking the chocolate tone of Swift.

Structure: tail clearly blunter than Swift, the feathers being proportionally shorter. Usually appeared square except when in power flight, causing it to narrow slightly in a streamlined fashion, or when turning,

when it splayed out more. Clearly not notched or needle-like. Wings similar to Swift but stouter and with slightly less tapering tips. Approximately same length as bill to tail tip length. Body quite robust, and head broad; very Swift-like. Length of body similar to accompanying Swallow.

Bare parts: Eye dark, bill dark, legs not visible. Habits: fed with Swift, often swooping lower, very close to road. Actively chased Swift individuals, allowing good comparison. Wing beats shallower and faster, spreading wings and tail more broadly than Swift when banking. Wings constantly held rigidly outwards. No call heard from any of swifts present.

Discussion

The bird was identified as Little Swift Apus affinis and this constitutes the first Scottish record of the species. Great care was taken with the identification, the elimination of aberrant Swifts being a pitfall which the observer was aware of. In addition, close attention was paid to both the symmetry of the rump, and the tail structure. Although the former is not so important, the latter feature displayed the square shape, lacking even a notched appearance, typical of the species.

Angus C. Wilson

Razorbills. R. Tulloch

LIST OF OBSERVERS

G. M.Adam, M.E.Adam, R.G.Adam, S.R.Adam, C. Addison, G. Addison, A.Aitchison, G.L.Aitchison, P.Aitchison, E.Alderson,

H. Allan, R. Allan, C. Allen, R. Allison, G. Anderson, J.E. Anderson, R. Anderson, D.G. Andrew, I. J. Andrews, G. Appleton, W.B.Appleyard, S.J.Aspinall, P.W. Atkinson, R.P.Attrill, R. Auger, B.Averis, C.O.Badenoch, T.R.Bain, I. P. Bain bridge, G. Baker, A. Baldridge, S. Baldridge, E.J.Balfour-Melville, J.H.Ballantyne, A.Banwell, A.M. Barclay, J. Barclay, A. W. Barker, J.Barr, J.&C. Barrett, Mrs.N. Barron, P.Barry, A. S. Bates, D.J. Bates, G.&I. Bates, L.G. Baxter, M.J. Bayne, D. Beamish, K,Beck, D.Belford, D.Bell, M.V.Bell, P.T.Bell, S.Benn, J.G. Bennie, J. Berry, F.Beveridge, W.A.S.Bews, D.Bickie, M. Biggs, A.BilsIand, B.BilsIand, H.B.Bird, P.BIack, C.R. Blakely, A. Bond, H.Bond, R. I. Booker, C.J. Booth, C.M. Booth, E.J. Booth, Mrs. J. Booth, P.N. Booth, M.J.Borradaile, P.Bould, H.Boyd, W.R.Brackenridge, S. Bradbury, A.J.H.Bramhall, A.T.Bramhall, N. Branson, K.W. Brewster,

1987

Scottish Bird Report 1986 259

P.Bristow, R. A. Broad, G.J. Brock, S.D. A. Brogan, A. Brown, A.W.&L.M.Brown, H. Brown, M. Brown, K. Bruce, D.M. Bryant,

J. Buchan, A. N. Buchanan, G. Buchanan, G.Buck, A.Buckham, R.H.Bucknall, E.R. Bullard, W.Buiggi, R.J.Burness, H. Burton, J.L. Burton, J. Busby, D. Butterfield, N.E. Buxton, T,Byars, R.G.Caldow, R.Caligan, M.J.Callan, C. Cameron, E.D. Cameron,

C.D. Campbell, D. Campbell, G.Carr, J.Camithers, D. Carter, N. Carter, J.T.Cassels, M.E. Castle, E.Chave, G.Checkley, M.C.Chesney, J. Chester, S.Chinnery, R. Chisholm, G.Christer, E.R. Christie, T. Church, M.B. Churchill, A. Clark, G.J. Clark, N. Clark,

H. Clarke, M. Clarke, K. Clements, D.L.CIugston, A.J. Clunas, J.Cobb, M.G.Cockram, A.CoIes, R.F.Collier, P.N. Collin, A.Collop, P.F.Coltman, M.Colvin-Smith, B.F. Conway, M.Cook, M.J.H.Cook, E. Cooper, O.E. Cooper, R. Cooper, C.J. Corse, P.Coulson, P.Cozens, V.S. A. Cozens, C. Craig, J. Craig, M. Craig, R.S. Craig, W. Craig, L.Cranna, G.Cresswell, G. Crittenden, J. I. Cromarty,

C. H.Crooke, M.J. Crosby, J.Crossley, N.Crowther, W.R.Crum, J. Cunningham, W. A.J. Cunningham, Mrs. G. Currie, M.F.Cuthbert,

0. D.Cuthbert, J.Cutt, M. Daniel, I. M. Darling, J.N.Darroch, P.Davey, W. A. Davidson, J.C. Davies, H&D.Dennington, R.H. Dennis, A. Dewar, D.E. Dickson, R. A. Dickson, R.C. Dickson, T.J.Dix, A. Dobson, J.B.Docherty, D.Doig, J.C.Dorward, H.E.M.Dott, A.R.Dougal, M.Dougall, T.T.Dougall, T.W. Doug all, K.F.W. Doughty, P.M. Doughty, A. Dowell, P.Downie, R.F. Dudgeon, K. Duffy, J.M. Duncan, P.Duncan, R.S.Dunford, M.H.Dunn, R.F.Durman, C. Dyson, N.Dymond, C. Eastwood, J.Eddlesten, C. Edwards, Mrs.R. Edwards, A.J.Eggelling, M.A.Eggeling, P.W.Eggeling, T.W.Eggeling, I. Elder, N. Elkins, R.R. Elliot, P.M. Ellis, D.EIlisdon,

I. English, I.E.Esland, H.Esson, B. Etheridge, I.Eunson, F.Evans, K.Fairclough, R. Farmer, A.P.Faulkner, W. Fawkes, E.C.Fellowes, M.Feltham, D. Ferguson, J.L.F.Fergusson, P.N.Ferns, J.Ferrar, Lady J Fforde, E.Fife, A. Fisher, R. Fisher, S. Fisher, G.J.Fitchett,

V. Fleming, D.Fogg, A. M. Forrest, G. Forrest, B.C. Forrester, R.W. Forrester, S. Foster, A.J. Fox, W.D. Fraser, S.Furmage,

R. Gallernault, G.H. Gardiner, D.J. Garner, K.Gaudie, C.Gervaise, I.P.Gibson, P.M.&T.C.Gibson, V. Gibson, Y.M. Gibson, A. Given,

D. Given, R.GIadwell, K. Glover, D.Glue, J.Goddin, D.S.Goldsbrough, C. Gordon, P.Gordon, P.J. Gordon, P.Gorie, K.Gourley,

D. K. Graham, A.Gratton, M.Gray, R.Gray, E. A. Greenfield, G.D.Grieve, B.D. Griffin, M. Griffin, N.J. Grist, D. Groat, J.Gunn,

S. R. Hacker, K.E.Hague, C.Hall, K.Hall, S.HaU, Mrs.H.S.C.Halliday, K.C.R.Halliday, F.D. Hamilton, G. Hamilton, I.R. Hamilton,

J. Hamilton, K.C. Hamilton, M. I. Harvey, M.G.R.Hannay, J. Harris, E.Harrold, L. Hatton, D.M. Hawker, R. Hawley, J.Hazlett, Mr.& Mrs. G. Heaton, A. Heavisides, A. Henderson, G.L. Henderson, J. Henderson, Sir N. Henderson, A.Henty, C.J.Henty, K. Heron,

R. Hesketh, A.T.Hewat, D.Hewison, Mrs.N.Hewison, W.S.Hewison, Mrs.E.Hibbert, B. A. Hickman, B.E.Hill, A. Hilton, P.T. Hirst,

E. M.Hissett, R.Hissett, J.R.L. Hogarth, R.H. Hogg, J.R. Holden, I. Hopkins, P.Hood, P.G. Hopkins, S.Horseurgh, J. Howard, C.Howdle,

D. H.B. Howie, J.E. Howie, T.Hoyland, R.J.&M.Hulbert, D.C.Hulme, G. Huxley, D.Jackson, W.Jackson, D.C.Jardine, A.R.Jennings,

J. Illingworth, H.M.Insh, W.Inglis, M.Innes, D.L. Irving, H. Jacobs, Mrs.J.Jacobs, J. Jamieson, T.Johnson, I. G.R. Jolley, A.W.L.Joss,

S. Keenan, A.Keldie, R. Kelly, Mrs.E.Kelsall, M.Kemp, Kendal Nat. Hist. Soc., A. Kerr, B.D. Kerr, H.Kerrod, M.Kery, I. Resting,

E. Kidd, G.J. Kilpatrick, J.Kirk, K.Kirk, I.Kirkness, A.J. Knox, J.Knowler, S.A.Laing, E. Laird, S.Lambie, D.Lamont, E.Landells,

K. B.Lanyon, B.Larsson, A. W. Lauder, J.D.Law, E. Lawson, N.J.Lawrie, D.Lea, Mrs. E. A. Lea, E.P.Leven, M.R.Leven, M.K. Lindsay, J. Linton, J. Lister, K.S. Lodge, R. Logie, Lothian Ringing Group, M.Lord, C. Lough, J.D. Lough, F.Y. Lough, R. Lovell, N.Lowe,

T. Lumsden, A. Lyndon, K. McAllister, J.McAvoy, R.McBeath, D.MacCaskill, F.McConnell, F.G.McCrossan, A. McCulloch,

R. McCurley, R.McCurrack, A. McDonald, D. Macdonald, G. Macdonald, I. McDonald, L. Macdonald, J.McCutcheon, Mrs.R.McCutcheon, M.K.MacDuff-Duncan, P.McEwan, A.J.Macfarlane, R.McFarlane, F.McGhie, R.MacGilchrist, C.C.McGuigan, A. Macintosh, R. McIntyre, A.Maciver, D.J.McIvor, W.McKechnie, H. McKenzie, Mrs.I.McKenzie, I.R.K.Mackay, S.G.Mackay,

1. Mackie, J.Mackie, C.Mcleod, D.McMaster, L.MacNally, A.McNee, J.Main, D. Mainland, A.R.Mainwood, R.J.Mann, J.Manson,

S. A.M.Manson, L.Marr, M. Marshall, N. Marshall, I.Martin, M.W. A. Martin, F.Martynogo, J. Mason, A.Mathieson, D. Matthews,

W. A.Mattingley, E.W.E.Maughan, B.C.Mearns, R.Mearns, J.Meason, A.Mee, E.R. Meek, T.R.Meek, J.K.R. Melrose, J.Merriman, E. Middleton, S. Millar, D. Miller, R.H. Miller, D. Mitchell, G. Mitchell, G.&L. Mitchell, J. Mitchell, A. Moffat, J. Moore, Mrs. F.Morgan, G. Morrison, J.Mowatt, D. Mower, S.Moyes, M.Moss, G.P.Mudge, A.M.Mundy, Mrs.C.A.Munro, R.Munro, A. A. Murray, C. Murray, R.D. Murray, S. Murray, M.Muttitt, J.W.Naismith, D.W. Napier, W. Neill, J.B. Nelson, Mrs.M. Nelson, Newcastle Univ. Conservation Soc., J.T. Nicholson, R. Noble, S. North, Northumberland Ringing Group, S. Newton, Mrs.C.E.Nuttall, T. O’Connor, Mrs.J.A.Oag, M. Oakes, J.M.Ogg, M.A.Ogilvie, J.G.Ogivy, J. Oliver, G. Owens, A.J.Panter, C.Park, D. Parkinson, J.L. Paterson, K. Paterson, D. Patterson, R, Patterson, R.Pattrill, A.Paulie, S. Payne, D. Peace, C.Pell, D.Pennet, I.D.Pennie, R. Perry, J.S. Phillips, M. Phillips, D. Pierce, S. Piers, A.Pierce-Duncombe, M.F. Piper, I.R.Pirie, A.Polkey, M. Pollard, N.Pomfret, C.B.Ponsonby, M.D.Porteous, E.S.da Prato, S. R.D. da Prato, A. F. Preen, Mrs.E. Preen, G.I.Prest, W.G.Prest, R. Proctor, I.Puckrin, D.M.Pullan, R. Quick, A.Rampton,

M. N. Rankin, D.A.Ratcliffe, J.M. Ray, S.Read, C.Reavey, D.J. Rennie, P.Renwick, P. Reynolds, Mrs. V. Reynolds, J.Rhead,

N. J.Riddiford, G.S. Riddle, K.J. Rideout, K.Ringland, Mrs.J.Ritch, A. Robb, B. Robertson, D. Robertson, R.J. Robertson, C.K. Robeson, R. Robeson, A. Robinson, M.C. Robinson, P. Robinson, W. Robinson, S. Robson, C.J.Rollie, A. G. Ross, M.B. Ross, J.Rowbottom, R. Roxburgh, M. Russel, M.Rusk, R.J.Safford, G.L.Sandeman, D.Sargeant, A. Saunders, R.E.Saville, C.D. Scotland, E. Scotland, G.T.L. Scott, R.D.S. Scott, R. Seeley, D. Sexton, B.Shand, R.Shand, G.Shaw, B. Shepherd, G. Sheppard, M.E.Shimeld, S.Shimeld, P.Shimmings, A.Sillars, P.Sillars, S.Sillars, K. Sinclair, A. Skene, C. Skene, J. Skerry, J.Skethaway, D. Skilling, J. Skilling, R. Sloan, G. Small, V. Small, A. Smith, A.J. Smith, A.J. L. Smith, E.M. Smith, G. Smith, M.C. Smith, N. Smith, R. A. H. Smith, R.J. W. Smith,

T. D. Smith, A-M.Smout, T.C.Smout, C. South, R. A. Spain, Mrs.S. Spence, S.T. Spence, B.Starck, D.Steele, J.G. Steele, R. Steele,

G. C. Stephenson, A. Stevenson, A. Stewart, A. G. Stewart, B.J. Stewart, D.R. Stewart, M.M. Stewart, J.W. Stewart, P. Stirling- Aird, M. Strickland, J.Strowger, F.Strudwick, l.Struthers, A.T. Sumner, B.E.H. Sumner, I.S.Suttie, R.L. Swann, J.J. Sweeney, A.Tait, E.Tait,

L. Tait, T. Talbot, P.Tatner, P.D. Taylor, S. Taylor, W. Taylor, R.Thaxton, E.L. Thomas, N.G. Thomas, A.M.Thompson, Mrs. A. Thomson, D. Thomson, I. Thomson, J. Thomson, D. Thorne, R. Thorne, D.Thorogood, M. Thrower, P.Tickner, G.Todd, S.Tough,

H. C.Towll, M.Trubridge, B. Tucker, B. Turner, K. Turner, L.A.Urquhart, B. Unwin, A.VanBeest, P.Vandome, R.Vasey, J. Vaughan, L.L.J.Vick, J. Vickery, K.Walkden, K.G. Walker, R. Walker, P.M. Walsh, A. Walters, J.H. Wallace, D.Warburton, S.C.Ward, J.&S. Wares, D.W. Warner, J. Warren, I.Watret, A. D. Watson, J. Watson, J.D. Watson, J.F. Watson, D.Watt, E.Watt, R.Watt, A. Webb,

D. J. Wells, V. Wells, R.D.Wemyss, D. G.H. West, D.Westerhoff, G.westerhoff, D. Whittaker, A. Whitfield, J. Whitworth, P.J.Whyatt,

J. E. Wilcox, Wildfowl Trust, M. A. Wilkinson, A. Williams, E.J. Williams, J. G.H. Williams, S.J. Williams, I. Willis, A. F. Wilson,

E. Wilson, J.R. Wilson, K.&J. Wilson, R.D. Wilson, E.J. Wise, M.Wodjar, M.Woike, M.Wolfe-Murray, A. D. Wood, J.Wood, R.Wood,

K. F.Woodbridge, J. Wright, J.Wykes, G.T. Wylie, E. Young, M. Young, R.E.Youngman, B.Zonfrillo.

260 A. Hogg (Ed.)

SB 14 (4)

Local Recorders (see SBR 1985 for map )

Local recorder

Region (District/s)

Dr.E.C. Fellowes, West Isle, Islesteps, Dumfries DG2 8ES.

A.D. Watson, 54 Main Street, Dairy, Castle Douglas, Kirkcud. DG9 3UW. A. Hogg, Kirklea, Crosshill, Maybole, Ayrshire KA197RJ.

I.P. Gibson, c/o Wood,

47 Kilbowie Road, South Carbrain, Cumbernauld G67 2PZ.

I. Hopkins, 2 Eden Place, High Street, Rothesay, Bute.

Dr.A.R. Jennings, 1 Ferryfield Drive, Connel, Argyll PA37 ISP.

R.D. Murray, 143 Eskhill, Penicuik, Midlothian EH268DE.

A. Brown , 23 King’s Court , Glassel Park, Longniddry, East Lothian EH320QP.

I.J. Andrews, 15 The Parsonage, Musselburgh, Midlothian EH21 7SW.

Dr.C.J. Henty, 7 Coneyhill Road,

Bridge of Allan , Stirlingshire FK94EL.

D. E. Dickson, 20 Rosabelle Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife KYI 3DW.

B. Zonfrillo, 28 Brodie Road,

Balomock East , Glasgow G2 1 3SB .

E. D. Cameron, 3 Stormont Place,

Scone, Perth PH2 6SR.

R. Goater, 4 Dunrossie Crescent,

Tayock , Montrose , Angus DD 10 9LT.

M. Innes, 106A Queen’s Street, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire AB4 6TY.

M. J.H. Cook, Rowanbrae, Clochan, Buckie, Banffshire AB5 2EQ.

R.H. Dennis, Inchdryne, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3EF.

E.W.E. Maughan, Burnside, Reay, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7RG.

W.A.J. Cunningham, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis PA87 2TQ.

C. J. Booth, 34 High Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1AZ.

N. J. Riddiford, Bird Observatory,

Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU.

D. Coutts, Da Knowe, Twageos Road, Lerwick, Shetland.

Dumfries & Galloway

(Nithsdale, Annandale & Eskdale).

Dumfries & Galloway (Stewartry & Wigtown).

Strathclyde (Kyle & Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley, Kilmarnock & Loudoun, Cunninghame).

Strathclyde (Dumbarton, Clydebank, Bearsden & Milngavie, Stirling (Clyde drainage area), Inverclyde, Renfrew, Eastwood, City of Glasgow, Strathkelvin, Cumbernauld & Kilsyth, Monklands, Hamilton, Motherwell, East Kilbride, Clydesdale).

Strathclyde (Arran, Bute, Cumbraes).

Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute — except Bute).

Borders (Berwickshire, Ettrick & Lauderdale, Roxburgh, Tweeddale).

Lothian (East Lothian — except Musselburgh lagoons).

Lothian (Midlothian, City of Edinburgh, W. Lothian, Forth islands. East Lothian (Musselburgh lagoons).

Central (Clackmannan, Falkirk, Stirling (Forth drainage area))

Fife (Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, N.E. Fife).

Fife (Isle of May).

Tayside (Perth & Kinross).

Tayside (Angus, City of Dundee) .

Grampian (all, except Moray).

Grampian/Highland (Moray/Naim).

Highland (Badenoch & Strathspey, Inverness, Lochaber,Ross & Cromarty, Skye & Lochalsh, Sutherland).

Highland (Caithness).

Western Isles.

Orkney.

Shetland (Fair Isle).

Shetland (except Fair Isle).

November publication

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The SKUAS

by Robert W. Furness

The full classification of skuas is still debated but on current knowledge and his own studies the author, Dr Furness, of the Applied Ornithology Unit, Glasgow University, favours six species and five subspecies.

All of the species are treated comparatively under the following chapter titles: Early history and classification; Distributions and populations; Migration pat- terns, Reversed sexual size dimorphism; Behaviour; Food and feeding; Kleptoparasitism; Plumage polymorphism; Breeding systems and social organisation; Breeding - laying to hatching; Breeding - hatching to fledging; Population dynamics; Polutants; Skuas and agriculture; Skuas and conser- vation.

This erudite and readable summary of an impressive group of birds is supported by 100 maps and diagrams, 30 photographs and 35 typically evocative drawings by John Busby.

368 pages, £18.00 net

T & A D POYSER