ae nlp oo aa rere ee Lipset Sa : wee ee Oran sor aenon mye prema ow) = “ Cee ono ao arn ee ome Sa eam ETT Ie SE eset per ap ears sts a oe et OE 5 , = 5S Sealant ee tad oe anntes WEF : aoe pore ree nae se aneaan Te ccpree eh nro Sse Spt — ip eta rao Brows rate : > Z Y rte - eee anne aw eto mie ~ : ae nme oe ae a eerores ne cet iewe Ae glen cye ee Ore as Ret ee nmr near Sock inter oe eee Biers Sen -——_e Scottish Bird Report 1988 The Journal of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Editor: Angus Hogg Scottish Bird Report and Scottish Birds are both published by the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. Scottish Birds is available to members of the SOC free, but the Scottish Bird Report is now a separate publication, on sale to SOC members for £3.50. The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club was formed in 1936 to encourage all aspects of ornithology in Scotland. It has local branches in most parts of the country, and each has its own programme of field outings and winter meetings. The Club’s headquarters are at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 SBT. In addition to housing a considerable library, 21 Regent Terrace also acts as the Scottish Bird Bookshop, with one of the largest ornithological book stocks in Britain. Much of the business is by mail order, but personal callers are welcome during normal office hours. Current subscription rates for the SOC are shown below. SOC annual membership subscription rates. 7X(0 (01 | Saar enen sr Se PM GLa nA URN RAPE MN OO on SotcbodSegana: £12.00 Junior Cinder 18;.-or student. under 25)° so0...s oe. sees hoes sce tse eee ee £5.00 Family (husband, wife and children under: 18) < 22.00. G5 85,00000c00...06de socees ots sesiens £18.00 ihe InGiviGual x eect geen ce ese £240.00 FAMILY Arig eee £300.00 Pensioner Individual .............c0000 £7.00 FQMIUY. cc hse So ee eae £10.00 SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT | Fae ae 1988 Edited by Angus Hogg Kirklea, Crosshill, Maybole, Ayrshire KA19 7RJ Assisted by Malcolm J. Ware CONTENTS Introduction — the Year’s Events SBRC Announcement Acknowledgements Notice to Contributors Species List Additions/corrections Scottish Local Bird Reports List of Observers Local Recorders for 1989 Published by the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 S5BT November 1989 Printed by Ritchie of Edinburgh. 1 ea U tinoahs ry 550 Goh ae a ea INTRODUCTION 1988 — The Year’s Events 323 species were recorded in Scotland during 1988, and the year provided up to 7 potential new candidates for the Scottish list. The Caspian Plover at Aberlady caught many unawares, and did not stay long enough to be seen by all the local hopefuls. Similarly, the Hudsonian Godwit near Cruden Bay evaded all but a couple of alert birders, while the Blyth’s Pipit stayed on Fair Isle long enough for the small but dedicated band of twitchers to make the long haul north. A real surprise was the arrival of a superb Daurian Redstart on the Isle of May, and North Ronaldsay firmly established itself as a birding ‘hot spot’ with both Spanish Sparrow, and Pallas’s Rosefinch. Fair Isle, not to be outdone, responded in the autumn with our first Blackburnian Warbler. Of course, the year had other, more mundane happenings! Surf Scoters became almost uncountable in the Forth, both Pacific and American Golden Plovers put in appearances, a much sought-after Least Sandpiper stayed long enough to satisfy most ‘listers’ and the Northern Isles provided another fine selection with Needle-tailed Swift and the pipit brigade weighing in with Olve- backed, Pechora and Red-throated. Pied, and Desert Wheatears graced Orkney and Shetland, while rare warblers included Pallas’s Grasshopper (or is it PG- tips?), Lanceolated, Paddyfield, Great Reed, Booted, and a flood of Subalpines. A good year for shrikes too, and second-ever appearances of Red-eyed Vireo and Northern Oriole — 1988 can hardly be blamed for not giving us a chance to at least ogle at one rarity. Less rare, but no less spectacular was the host of Red Kites around early in the year — did they know the RSPB was looking for conscripts? There was also a much better showing for Marsh Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, and Long-tailed Skua. Autumn saw a very large influx of both Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers, while the Waxwing invasion everyone had been anticipating for some years, finally happened, and Long-tailed Tits also ‘invaded’ the Northern Isles. Quail was proved to have bred, but our raptors stole the show again with both Osprey and the reintroduced White-tailed Eagle making considerable progress. Meanwhile the Perth population of Mandarins continued at a low ebb, while other rare breeders like Wood Sandpiper, Wryneck, Redwing and Brambling persisted in low numbers. Arrivals and last dates for summer visitors Arrival Last Date Osprey 5 Mar 20 Nov Whimbrel 27 Feb* 23 Nov* Common Sandpiper 3 Feb* 23 Nov* 3 Cuckoo 5 Apr 3 Oct Swift 22 Apr 31 Oct Sand Martin 19 Mar 23 Oct Swallow 27 Mar 20 Nov House Martin 3 Apr 18 Nov Tree Pipit 1 Apr 26 Oct Redstart 1 Apr 11 Nov Whinchat 23 Mar 13 Nov Wheatear 19 Feb 5 Nov Sedge Warbler 20 Apr 18 Oct Whitethroat 19 Apr 22 Oct Garden Warbler 22 Apr 10 Nov Willow Warbler 27 Mar 20 Nov Spotted Flycatcher 29 Apr 27 Oct * Records may well have involved overwintering birds. REPORT OF THE SCOTTISH BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE With effect from 1990 one member of SBRC will retire annually, with nominations being invited from SOC members to fill the vacancy. Roger Broad, who has given excellent service to the committee since its inception in 1984, will retire from it in November 1990. The committee at present consists of Bernard Zonfrillo (chairman), Roger Broad, Alan Brown, Roy Dennis, Angus Hogg (SBR editor), Brian Marshall, and Ron Forrester (secretary). An announcement regarding this forthcoming vacancy will appear in Scottish Bird News. Two species, Great Shearwater and Rough-legged Buzzard continue to pose problems for observers, and a high rate of submitted records are rejected. The committee would like to see the description of all Scottish records of these two species, and therefore both have accordingly been placed in ‘block capitals’ below. The updated list of species on the SBRC list appears below. It would be appreciated if, in all instances, observers would submit records via the appropriate local recorder. Apart from those records listed below which SBRC would prefer to see, the committee is always willing to examine records of species not on the list below. Such records may be particularly unusual, or difficult to evaluate, but in all cases, the committee will advise the local recorder of its decision, and this can then be passed on to the observer. All correspondence for SBRC should be addressed to Ron Forrester, 1 Kirkdene Grove, Newton Mearns, Renfrewshire G77 5RW. SBRC LIST 1989 CORY’S SHEARWATER GREAT SHEARWATER Balearic Shearwater PURPLE HERON White Stork Spoonbill FERRUGINOUS DUCK Honey Buzzard Red Kite MONTAGU’S HARRIER ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD Hobby Crane STONE CURLEW Little Ringed Plover KENTISH PLOVER Buff-breasted Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Long-tailed Skua Mediterranean Gull Sabine’s Gull RING-BILLED GULL *Roseate Tern fT Little Owl LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER WOODLARK {RICHARD’S PIPIT TAWNY PIPIT Water Pipit Nightingale CETTI’S WARBLER SAVI’S WARBLER AQUATIC WARBLER *Marsh Warbler (trapped preferably) *Icterine Warbler MELODIOUS WARBLER DARTFORD WARBLER *Barred Warbler *Yellow-browed Warbler *Firecrest *Red-breasted Flycatcher NUTHATCH T Marsh Tit + Willow Tit T Crested Tit Bearded Tit + Chough SERIN *Scarlet Rosefinch CIRL BUNTING Ortolan Bunting KEY BLOCK CAPITALS SBRC would like all records to be submitted. All other species to be submitted at the discretion of the local recorder. East coast and Northern Isles records to be judged locally. Elsewhere, to be submitted at the discretion of the local recorder. Northern Isles records to be judged locally. Elsewhere, to be submitted at the discretion of the local recorder. +t : Records from normal breeding range to be judged locally. Elsewhere, to be submitted at the discretion of the local recorder. * ++ LOCAL REPORTS Since most recording areas in Scotland now publish a local report and since, by necessity, SBR only covers the most significant ornithological events in a Scottish context, a list of local reports appears at the back of SBR. These reports would prove invaluable to anyone carrying out research on a more local level, © or simply wishing to visit a particular region of Scotland. Most of these reports are available from the SOC at 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, or from the address shown. Please write or phone for report prices. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many Scottish and visiting birders have contributed to this year’s SBR, and the prompt submission of records is greatly appreciated. This year I’ve been fortunate to have the able assistance of Malcolm J Ware as assistant compiler, and he kindly handled the second half of the systematic list. As always, my thanks are due to the network of local recorders for all their hard work, and for their patience in handling 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. Thanks also to Ron Forrester of SBRC for his help with the Scottish ‘‘rarities’’. In addition, many other local Scottish clubs with the same broad aims as SOC have contributed material and particular thanks must go to Shetland Bird Club, Fife Bird Club, and Argyll Bird Club members, as well as members of many local RSPB branches. Photographs and drawings are always welcome, and I’m grateful this year to the following for their kind assistance: — Sam Alexander, John Busby, Mark Darling, Tim Marshall, Eric Maughan, Andrew Stevenson, and Bernie Zonfrillo. Departing local recorders include Alan Brown, Ian Andrews, Nick Dymond and Nick Riddiford who deserve long service medals for their efforts. Nick Riddiford has passed on the Fair Isle recorder’s job to Paul Harvey, Nick Dymond has handed on to David Suddaby, Alan Brown has handed over to Peter Gordon, and Ian Andrews has left the rest of Lothian in the capable hands of Mike Leven. The Western Isles, for many years the sole domain of Peter Cunningham, has now received an extra pair of willing hands to assist with recording. Tim Dix has agreed to deal with the Uists, while Peter continues to govern his northern fastnesses — welcome to your respective hot-seats! Finally, welcome back to Tony Mainwood, who has kindly stepped in to help with the recording work for Sutherland. A full list of local recorders and their recording areas appears at the back of this issue. 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 contact your local recorder if in doubt. SPECIES LIST Abbreviations and symbols used in the text * all known records given ft of escaped or doubtful origin @ subject to BBRC or SBRC acceptance N, NE, S etc direction of flight AOS’s apparently occupied sites Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Breeding: Shetland had a poor year with monitored sites showing 50% below average success rate, 12 breeding attempts produced only 5 young on Hermaness; Orkney breeding success was down on Hoy, while 13 young were reared on Mainland monitored lochs; Highland 2 young were reared at sites in Caithness District, a poor year on Rhum where only 3 young from 13 prs; Tayside pairs were present on 2 lochs; Central a pair reared 2 young at one site; Strathclyde the success rate was poor in Kintyre and mid Argyll where only 9 out of 33 sites produced young to fledging, also poor on Arran where no successful breeding, and 2-3 prs in Clyde area but none in Renfrewshire. Peak counts/passage: Highland 142 at Chanonry on 12 Jan; Grampian peaks were 129 at Blackdog/Ythan on 18 Sep, and 235 in Spey Bay in Oct; Fife had a passage of 35S at Fife Ness on 23 Sep; Lothian the highest count was 72 at Gullane on 21 Mar; Strathclyde 40 between Ballantrae and Turnberry on 20 Mar, and 43 in L Indaal Islay on 21 Nov. An albinistic bird was noted off St Abbs, Borders on 19 Nov. Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica Still experiencing poor success and little change suggested: Highland 4 sites were located in Caithness District and 2 young produced, a pair produced | young from an artificial island site; Tayside 3 pairs bred, producing 3 young; Central a pair lost 2 eggs at one site; Strathclyde 6 sites with eggs failed in Argyll, but a pair reared 2 in the SW. Peak counts/passage: Orkney 13 off Stronsay on 17 Sep; Highland an extraordinary count of 80 was recorded in Sinclair’s Bay on 5 Apr; Grampian 15 were in Burghead Bay on 4 Oct; Fife 30 in Largo Bay on 2 Apr; Strathclyde 22 in Turnberry Bay on 9 Apr. Great Northern Diver Gavia immer Winter-spring peaks: highest numbers in the North where Shetland had 33 at Quendale on 25 Apr; Highland 27 in Dunnet Bay on 27 Apr; Grampian had low numbers with a maximum of 7 at Rattray on 24 Apr; Strathclyde 42 around Gigha from 31 Mar-4 Apr. Summer records included singles in West Isles. Autumn: Orkney Scapa Flow count gave 49 in Oct and 107 in Nov. * White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii Shetland adult at Whalsay Ferry from 1 Jan-12 Apr, and again from 3 Nov (BM, NDP, WS et al); Highland adult at Achnahaird Bay from 31 May-4 Jun (DMR, DH et al); Grampian adult N at Peterhead on 9 Oct (MI); Lothian adult at Gullane Pt-Yellowcraig from 19 Mar-17 Apr (MG, IJA, PRG et al). Little Grebe Zachybaptus ruficollis Breeding: now believed extinct as a breeding species in West Isles; Grampian/Highland Moray and Nairn Districts had a good year with 21 prs recorded on 15 waters; Tayside had 22 prs at 8 sites; Central 5 prs reared only 11 young from 11 nesting attempts at Airthrey; Lothian 9 sites held up to 24 prs; Borders 16 sites held 10 prs and 7 singles, with 6 broods (totalling 13) seen; Strathclyde 16 prs were reported from mid-Clyde Haughs, elsewhere in SW 24 prs were reported from 17 sites. Counts/passage: in Shetland Spiggie held a maximum of 4 on 5 Nov; Lothian had 22 at Gladhouse on 31 Aug. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Breeding: Grampian the Moray District pair failed, but another pair probably reared 2 at Sand Loch, with a further pair present at Strathbeg; Tayside a good year at L Leven, but poor elsewhere; Lothian 5 sites held up to 24 prs; Borders 7 sites held 6 prs and 2 singles with 1 brood seen; Strathclyde 10 prs at Lochwinnoch, in SW 3 sites held 6 prs; Dumf & Gall up to 21 prs recorded at 6 sites. Counts/passage; Shetland 1 off Fair Isle on 14 Apr; Orkney had singles on L of Harray from 29 Sep-2 Oct, and on Burray on 27 Nov; Highland singles in Inverness area in Feb, and Oct-Dec; Tayside 96 in Lunan Bay on 22 Aug, and 168 on L Leven on 17 Sep; the Forth estuary in Central had 693 on 17 Jan, and the Lothian peak count was 150 at Silverknowes on 4 Jan and 27 Sep; Strathclyde 2 in L Indaal, Islay on 23 Feb were unusual; Dumf & Gall 69 between Heston Is and the mainland on 12 Dec. 7 Great Crested Grebe Threipmuir M. Darling Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Winter-spring period; Shetland 1 on Bressay on 9 Mar; Grampian 1N at Peterhead on 2 Jan; good numbers were seen in the Forth with Lothian returning 68 from Greencraig-Gullane on 21 Mar; Strathclyde 3 in Ayrshire between 4 Jan and 3 Apr. 4 appeared in summer, on 25 Jun, at Gosford, Lothian. Autumn: Shetland had another single in Bressay Sound on 2-3 Nov; Orkney | between Echnaloch and Scapa Flow from 13 Oct-end Dec; Highland singles in Sandside Bay on 24 Sep, Dunnet Bay on 8 Oct, Harrow harbour from 16-30 Oct, Fortrose-Avoch on 4 Nov, Kilmuir on 24 Nov, and Jemimaville on 25-27 Nov; Highland/Grampian singles at Findhorn Bay on 4 Sep and Nairn Bar on 14 Nov; Tayside singles on L Leven on 11 Sep, and at Broughty ferry on 26 Dec; Fife 6 in Largo Bay on 16 Oct; Central 1 at Kinneil on 18 Aug; Lothian the Forth peak reached 19 at Gosford on 18 Aug; Strathclyde 1 off Ayr on 15 Nov. *** See Additions and Corrections section at back. Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Breeding: in Northern Scotland the area south of the Great Glen held 27 prs, with 24-25 prs breeding and rearing 24 young; in Badenoch & Strathspey 7 prs reared 14+ young. Counts/passage: Shetland had low numbers; Orkney Scapa Flow had 18 in Oct, building to 43 in Dec; Lothian the Gosford peak was 43 on 20 Feb, and an adult was seen on 3 lochs from 21 Apr-11 Aug; Borders a single was also present at inland sites during the summer; Strathclyde 35 in L Indaal, Islay on 13 Mar, but low numbers in SW with 7-8 in mid-Clyde area, Ayrshire and Arran, and only 2 on L Ryan, Dumf & Gall. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Breeding: at L of Kinnordy, Tayside a pair reared 2, and elsewhere in Central Scotland 2 prs each had 2 juvs in Aug, with 2 further sites tenanted by single prs for at least part of the summer. Counts/passage: Grampian | at Meikle on 21 May; Tayside 1 on L Leven from 9-16 Oct; Lothian had 3 singles between Gullane and Musselburgh, | in Feb, the others in Oct and Dec; Strathclyde had 1 at Cuil Bay, Argyll on 28 Jan, 2 at Ardmore on 30 Jan, 1 there on 12 Mar, and 1 at Largymore, Arran on 5 Sep; Dumf & Gall L Ryan had 6 on 7 Oct. Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Breeding: Shetland productivity at monitored sites on Fair Isle was 0.38 chicks/nest; Orkney a count of individuals at 5 colonies showed an overall decrease of 1.8%; Grampian 239 prs at St Cyrus indicates an increase, while 177 AOSs between Hopeman and Covesea showed a slight drop; Fife 316 AOSs were found at St Andrews, while the Isle of May had a poor year with only 60 young counted in early Aug; Lothian 845 sites were recorded at 7 coastal locations, and 55 at inland ones; Borders 344 AOSs at St Abbs was a slight increase (338 in 1987); Strathclyde 259 AOSs on Arran which, like Ayrshire, showed a very poor success rate. Blue-phase birds: most were recorded in the North with 8 at Sumburgh Head Shetland on 20 Oct, and good numbers in Grampian at peak passage times. Passage peaks: Shetland 1200/hr past Sumburgh Head on 13 8 Feb, 1800/hr on 30 Aug; Highland 2000W/hr at Sandside Head on 14 Sep; Grampian 3300N in 2 hrs at Peterhead on 9 Jun. An inland record of 3SW over East Kilbride, Strathclyde on 17 Aug was unusual. * Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis Strathclyde 1 between Coll and Tiree on 18 May (DP). Large Shearwater (Cory’s/Great) C diomedea/P gravis Strathclyde 1N at Troon on 27 Aug. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Recorded between 2 Mar and 19 Nov. Max counts/passage: Shetland Sumburgh Head peak was 63 on 5 Sep; Orkney Ist off North Ronaldsay on 13 Jul, and a passage rate of 228N/hour on 24 Aug, 500 off Sanday on 26 Aug, last 1 was off North Ronaldsay on 27 Oct; Grampian an early individual was off Peterhead on 2 Mar, but numbers were generally low, with 26 off Lossiemouth on 24 Sep, and 33-34 recorded off Peterhead in Sep and Oct, a late bird flew N at Rattray on 19 Nov; Fife c70 birds were recorded, the maximum being 35N from the Isle of May on 14 Sep; very few records in Lothian and Borders; Strathclyde the highest count was 70 between Coll and Mull on 19 Sep, 12 in Ayrshire from 17 Jul-3 Sep. Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus Breeding: Shetland 3 occupied burrows were found at small Yell colony; Orkney 3 calling birds at one site and c20 at another between 30 Jul and 6 Aug; Highland first ashore Eigg and Rhum on 18 Mar - seemed to be fewer at former site. Counts/passage: Highland 1200 in L Snizort on 5 Sep, 2 at Drumnadrochit on 13 Sep; Grampian early singles appeared off Peterhead on 17 Jan and 30 Mar; Fife 600 seen from Isle of May on 5 Oct; late singles (perhaps same) appeared in Fife, Lothian, and Borders on 20-21 Nov; Strathclyde summer peak in the Clyde was 3000+ off Troon on 24 Jul, while 1400 flew S in 2% hrs off Western Islay on 27 Jul. Balearic mauretanicus: Orkney 1 off North Ronaldsay on 28 Sep; Grampian | off Peterhead on 28 Aug, 2 on 29 Aug; Tayside 1N Arbroath on 21 Jul; Borders 2S at St Abbs on 9 Aug; Strathclyde singles were noted at Troon on 14 Aug, perhaps the same later on 14 Aug at Turnberry Pt, another S there on 26 Sep, and a late individual there on 8 Oct. Storm Petrel A. Stevenson Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus Tape-luring: Orkney 47 tape-lured on North Ronaldsay on 10 Aug; Highland 114 were tape-lured at Noss Head during Jul/Aug; Grampian 15 were caught at Collieston during Jul and Aug; Fife 21 were controlled on Isle of May on 18-19 Aug; Borders 2 caught at Dunglass on 21 Aug; Strathclyde c53 birds were ringed on Ailsa Craig in Aug. Counts/passage: Highland a large movement averaged 60/hr at Back of Keppoch on 28 Jul, 1 in Glencripesdale on 15 Oct; Grampian 93 were seen off Peterhead over three dates in Jul; Strathclyde highest count in the Clyde was 149S in 1% hours past Ayr on 26 Jul. Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Counts/passage: Shetland singles were caught on Whalsay on 5 Aug and 4 Sep; Orkney 5 recorded between 18 Aug (when | tape-lured on North Ronaldsay) and 8 Nov; Highland singles off Eigg on 19 Jul, off Mallaig on 26 Jul, trapped at Noss on 13 Aug, at Chanonry on 16 Aug, 3 in Dunnet Bay on 29 Sep, and 1 at Castlehill on 29 Sep; Grampian 1 was tape-lured at Collieston on 19 Jul, 2 singles were seen at Fraserburgh and Aberdeen on 9 Oct, the latter being found dead on 17 Oct; Tayside 1 was found dead at Wester Kinloch, Blairgowrie on 8 Oct; Lothian 1S at Barns Ness on 12 Oct; Strathclyde 69 in Ayrshire between 3 Sep and 9 Oct, with the peak reached on 9 Oct when 28S past Turnberry Pt, 1 died after a Magpie attack in Rutherglen on 9 Oct; Dumf & Gall 3 Sep and 9 Oct were also peak passage dates with 11, and 10S respectively at Corsewall Point. Gannet Sula bassana Breeding: Shetland 488 nests on Fair Isle represented a 60% increase and breeding productivity at monitored sites was 0.78/nest; Lothian continued expansion at Bass Rock; Dumf & Gall increase to 830 nests on the Scare Rocks. Counts/passage: Shetland 1200/hr at Sumburgh Head on 13 Feb; Orkney ‘‘thousands’’ on passage in Bu Sound on 19 Oct; Highland 1200W off Duncansby on 18 Sep, and 1800N at South Head on 20 Oct; Grampian monthly peak was 8927 at Peterhead during Jun, and 3110 passed N there on 8 Oct: Strathclyde many more than usual were reported from Inner Clyde in Sep, 9000N in 1 hour past Whiting Bay, Arran on 15 Sep. Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Breeding: Shetland 356 nests at 7 sites had an average brood size of 3.0 chicks/nest; Lothian 371 nests counted on 4 Forth islands included 137 on Carr Craig; Borders 29-32 nests were counted near Fast Castle; Strathclyde 55 nests on Corr Eilean, McCormaig Isles, up to 97 nests at Ayrshire colonies; Dumf & Gall 431 nests were counted at 4 colonies. Counts: Shetland 165 in the Sullom Voe/South Yell Sound area on 27 Nov; Orkney 118 in Scapa Flow in Nov; Highland 850 at Munlochy on 7 Jan; Grampian 156 at Strathbeg on 27 Feb, and 120 at Speymouth on 23 Oct; Tayside 106 at L Leven on 6 Feb, Fife 420 at Wormit on 13 Jan, Central 230 at Kennetpans on 30 Dec, Strathclyde, 270 at Greenock roost on 3 Sep; Dumf & Gall 246 at Caerlaverock on 9 Dec. Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Breeding: Shetland 11 areas in southern Shetland held 1380 nests compared to the 1985/86 total of 1117 nests, but while success at Sumburgh was high with 1.44 young fledged/pair, a count at sites in Hermaness suggested a drop of up to 60% since 1974, breeding productivity on Fair Isle was 1.3 chicks/nest; Highland Canna showed a slight decrease to 1447 nests; Fife 89 adults and 549 pulli were ringed on Isle of May; Lothian 8 Forth locations held 922 nests; Strathclyde 217 nests were counted on McCormaig Isles. Counts/passage: Shetland 1070 in the Sullom Voe/South Yell Sound area on 27 Nov; Orkney the Scapa Flow count gave 2195 in Nov; Fife 2000N in 1 hour at Anstruther on 21 Nov; Strathclyde increase noted in Inner Clyde in autumn, | appeared on Hogganfield L on 18 Sep, and 1000 between Kildonan and Bennan, Arran on 14 Dec. * Bittern Botaurus stellaris 5 birds were seen during the year. Highland 1 near L Gaineimh from 29 Nov-6 Dec and at Houstry on 20 Dec, died on 21 Dec (SAMM); Grampian 1 was at Strathbeg on 4 Oct (GE), and another was found dead near Banchory in Dec (CS); Lothian | at Duddingston on 18 Feb had stayed from 1986 (LLJV et al); Strathclyde 1 on Aird Meadow on 6 Nov (JR). ee Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Lothian Edinburgh Zoo’s feral colony held 29 birds on 21-22 Nov, of which 23 were adults, and 18 birds were colour-ringed. * Little Egret Egretta garzetta Shetland | at Spiggie on 6 Apr (AS); Strathclyde 1 near Ayr on 9 Jun (ASt), 1 at L Craignish from 10 Jun-10 Sep (NH, RP, RAB).: * Great White Egret Egretta alba Strathclyde 1 Ballachuan L, Seil on 29 Apr (DD, DG et al). Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Breeding: Orkney 9 nests were found with most eggs hatched by 6 May; Highland Altnaharra had 9 occupied nests, 7 nests at L an Tioram, and 4 prs had 12 young at Inverewe; Tayside 3 sites held 18 nests; little overall change was suggested in the South, where Lothian had 34-38 prs at 11 sites, Borders had a high return of 151 nests, Strathclyde c72-77 nests were recorded in Argyll, and elsewhere 133 prs were counted in 20 heronries. The only high counts included 26 at Hulma Water, Shetland on 23 Dec, while Orkney had 33 in Scapa Flow in Nov; Tayside had 32 at Montrose Basin on 3 Aug; and Lothian had 35 at Tyninghame on 23 Aug. t * Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Shetland | at Virkie on 27 May (LM et al) stayed till 31 May. Its origin remains unknown. + * Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Strathclyde 1 at Irvine on 23-24 May. Mute Swan Cygnus olor Breeding: Tayside 19 prs were recorded at 14 sites; Lothian 110-112 young fledged from 34 prs; Borders 30 sites held 33 prs, 25 prs bred, producing 19 broods with 86 young fledging; Strathclyde a minimum of 29 prs attempted breeding in Argyll, and 23 prs were recorded in Ayrshire with a good success rate; Dumf & Gall had a mixed season in Stewartry District. Counts: Orkney 598 on L of Harray on 27 Nov included 149 juvs; West Isles 2 adults on L Ordais, Lewis on 29 Oct were unusual; Highland 117 on L Scarmclate on 20 Jan; Grampian 200 on Strathbeg on 3 Sep; Tayside peaks included 191 on L Leven on 3 Jul; Borders 268 on the Tweed estuary in Jan; Strathclyde 139 in the Clyde estuary on 10 Aug; Dumf & Gail 100 on Carlingwark L on 17 Jan. 10 * Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus Low numbers during the winter-spring period: Shetland the Scatness bird from 1987 stayed till 6 Feb; Tayside 1 on L Leven on 2 Jan; Central 2 at Drip 7 Feb; Strathclyde | in the Libberton area on 4-9 Jan. 1 in L Indaal, Islay on 22 Jan; Dumf & Gall the Caerlaverock peak was only 6 on 28 Jan, with the last 1 there on 19 Mar. Autumn numbers: Tayside 2 near Cleish on 28 Oct rose to 15 by 3 Dec, 6 at Mid-Cambushinnie on 6 Nov, and 15 flew SW over Carsebreck on 13 Nov; Fife 8 at Ballo Res on 21 Nov; Central 4 on L Watston on 15 Nov, 3 at Thornhill on 21 Nov; Lothian 2SW at Seafield Pond on 29 Oct; Borders 2 at Lees on 19 Nov, then at the Hirsel on 6 Dec, with 16 there on 11 Dec; Dumf & Gall 2 were back at Caerlaverock on 26 Oct, staying till at least 7 Dec. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Summering birds were present in Shetland (3), Orkney (3), Highland (6), Tayside (1), Strathclyde (9), Dumf & Gall (3). Winter-spring: Orkney 384 on L of Harray on 7 Mar; Highland 196 at Insh on 1 Apr; Central 116 at Thornhill on 21 Jan; Strathclyde 115 at Inchinnan on 14 Jan, 101 on Tiree on 24 Jan, and 120 on Staneley Res on 28 Jan; Dumf & Gall the Caerlaverock peak was 159 on 4 Feb, with the main departure from 29 Mar-4 Apr. Autumn arrival started on 25 Sep in Shetland and Orkney, although a juv appeared at Alva, Central on 13 Sep, and Lothian had 3 at Seafield Pond on the same day. Shetland 240 were counted on 6 Nov, with the proportion of juveniles being 21% and the m.b.s. 2.2; Orkney exceptional nos on L of Harray peaked at 1010 on 30 Dec, while the flock held 475 adults and 54 juvs on 27 Nov; Highland 258 at L Eye on 16 Oct, 200+ at Shalmstry on 17 Oct; Grampian 305 at Strathbeg on 4 Nov, and 116 at L of Skene on 23 Dec; Tayside Cleish had a maximum of 185 on 11 Nov; Central 152 at Drip on 5 Nov; Borders peak was 316 at the Hirsel in Nov; Strathclyde 136 (inc 32 juvs) on Tiree on 9 Nov, 205 at Inchinnan (inc 27 juvs) on 27 Dec; Dumf & Gall arrived back at Caerlaverock on 25 Sep, with 218 there on 13 Nov, 130 at Leswalt on 23 Nov. * Bean Goose Anser fabalis Winter: Highland singles at Longman Bay on 5 Jan and Tarradale on 21 Feb; Tayside 1 near Methven on 27 Feb; Central/Strathclyde the Carron Valley flock peaked at 105 on 5 and 21 Feb. Autumn: Shetland 1 at Scatness on 3 Dec; Orkney 2 on North Ronaldsay from 23-28 Oct; West Isles 2 on South Uist on 15 Nov; Highland 26+ at St John’s Loch on 22 Oct; Tayside 3 appeared between Carsebreck and Greenloaning on 2 Oct; Fife 7 flew SW at Fife Ness on 18 Sep; Strathclyde/Central Carron Valley had 56 on 16 Oct; Dumf & Galli had singles at Kinmount on 15 Sep, and Lochmaben on 16 Oct. Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Highland 3500 at Udale on 23 Apr, 4000 at Tarradale on 26 Apr, and 8800 at Nigg Bay on 27 Apr; Grampian very high numbers with 21,650 on the Ythan on 17 Apr, and 20,850 at Strathbeg on 20 Apr, with another 3000 at L Spynie on 22 Apr; Tayside the Carsebreck peak was 6250 on 13 Mar, and the main roost held 6900 on 19 Mar; Central 5000 at L of Menteith on 5 Apr; Borders 12,070 at West Water, and 5000 at Hule Moss on 17 Jan; Strathclyde 5000 at Wiston on 16 Jan; Dumf & Gall high numbers again with 6800 in the Annan-Caerlaverock area on 19 Feb, and 5720 in Wigtown Bay on 20 Mar. A few birds summered, including up to 22 at Cults L, Dumf & Gall on 11 Jun, and autumn arrival started mostly in the period from 8-16 Sep in most areas, although 6 appeared at Scatness, Shetland on 16 Aug. Autumn counts: Highland 631SE over Sandside Bay on 18 Sep; Grampian Strathbeg had its highest numbers yet with 30,200 on 7 Oct; Tayside the main roost held 40,000 on 8 Oct, while the National Count on 12/13 Nov produced a total of 42,260; Fife 17 over Kirkcaldy on 8 Sep, and Cameron Res held 10,000 on 29 Oct; Central 6500 over L Mahaick on 12 Nov; Lothian peak counts were 11,000 at Fala Flow on 11 Oct and 11,000 at Aberlady on 24 Oct; Borders West Water held a record 40,000 on 8 Oct; Strathclyde 8500 at Carmichael on 22 Oct. White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Winter-spring: Orkney 60 at The Loons on 18 Jan; Highland 160 at Broubster on 4 Jan, and 200 flew NW over Dounreay on 19 Apr; Strathclyde 150N over Dunure on 5 Apr, 899 NNW over Tiree on 19 Apr; Dumf & Gall 310 at L Ken on 26 Jan was - the highest count. Autumn: Shetland a small flock at Sullom Voe (19 birds on 24 Oct) looks like becoming a regular feature; Orkney 24 at The Loons on 1 Oct rose to 73 on 6 Nov; West Isles 2 flocks totalled 96 from 17 Oct; Highland Ist seen on 18 Sep at Barrock, 182 at L Heilen on 23 Nov; Strathclyde 330 at Endrick Mouth on 20 Nov, complete counts on Islay gave totals of 7558 on 6-7 Feb, and 7800 on 7 Nov indicated a good breeding season with over 20% young; on 9 Nov Tiree had 518-543 birds and Coll had 526-534; Dumf & Gall arrival of 22 at L Ken on 8 Oct, with a peak of 340 on 6 Dec, 400+ in the West Freugh area on 17-18 Dec. Eurasian albifrons: Shetland 1 at Muness from 9-14 Apr; Grampian 2 at St Fergus on 21 Feb and 19 Mar; Tayside 2 near Tibbermore on 8 Apr; Lothian up to 7 at West Fenton from 2-23 Jan, 1 there on 22 Dec; Dumf & Gall 2 at Kinmount on 26 Jan, and another at Mersehead on 16 Apr. 1] T * Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus Strathclyde 1 on Islay on 2 Nov carried leg rings suggesting escaped origin. Greylag Goose Anser anser Breeding: successful nesting was again recorded on both Shetland where 2 prs reared at least 11 young on Unst, and Orkney where 1 pair was almost certainly feral; in West Isles the species is increasing in Lewis/Harris, and 1409 were counted on Uists; Highland the resident Eigg flock now numbers 28, increasing in Speyside also with 12 at Boat of Garten on 15 Aug; Tayside the feral population seems to be declining in the Tummel area, but L Leven produced 48 young; Dumf & Gall a complete count gave 1469 birds in Jun. Winter-spring: Highland Caithness District held 5000 in Mar; Grampian 9700 at Strathbeg in Feb; Fife 2500 in Lomond Hills area on 22 Feb: Strathclyde 1500 at Endrick Mouth on 7-8 Jan, and 1000 at Tarbolton on 23 Feb were the highest counts in mild winter conditions; Dumf & Gall 1000 at Kenmure on 3 Jan, and 1435 at Lochmaben on 3 Mar again reflects the low numbers in the SW. In the autumn Highland had 16,500 at L Eye on 25 Oct, and 12,000 at Munlochy on 16 Nov; Grampian showed a big increase in numbers with the peak count at L Spynie being 13,070 on 22 Oct, while Skene held 15,000 and the Dinnet lochs held 25,342 in Nov; Tayside the National Count on 12/13 Nov produced a total of 15,566 and 7200 were on Drummond Pond on 18 Dec; Fife 4000 near Cupar on 6 Nov; Lothian the Whiteadder peak was 1500 in Nov; Borders 3600 at Hoselaw L in mid-Nov. + * Bar-headed Goose anser indicus Escapes appeared in West Isles at Stornoway from 1987 till Mar, in the Drem area, Lothian in Dec, and at Lochinch, Dumf & Gall in Jun and Sep. T * Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Strathclyde 13 nests were counted on Haunn, Mull, but a high level of predation was encountered. The usual pattern of records no doubt included some genuine migrants: Shetland 1 at Spiggie from 21-26 Oct; West Isles 2 in South Uist 25 Apr; Grampian up to 9 birds were recorded in the region in the Jan-Jun period, and a further 6 during Sep-Dec; Tayside had singles at Montrose on 1 Apr, 24 Oct and 30 Dec, with 2 at Balgavies L on 8 Nov, and 1 at Strathearn from 19 Nov-4 Dec; Fife 1 near Cupar from 5-10 Nov; Lothian 4NW at Barns Ness on 5 May, and an adult Greater in the Congalton/Aberlady area from 11-13 Dec; Borders 3N over St Abbs on 7 May, and 1 at Greenlaw on 12-15 Oct; Strathclyde 2 on Islay from 1987 stayed till 21 Apr, 2 back on Islay from 8 Sep-end Dec, 50 were counted on Coll on 21-28 Mar; Dumf & Gall 1 in Wigtown Bay on 20 Mar, and 2 at L Ken on 16 Aug rose to 3 later in the month. Canada Goose Branta canadensis Breeding: Highland 7 adults and 5 young were seen at Skibo on 21 May; Strathclyde 39 ads and 14 young were counted on Colonsay, still breeds at Barcraigs/Rowbank where B/5 on 21 Aug; Dumf & Gall a complete count gave 362 in Jun, and 609 in Sep, with breeding becoming more widespread. English moult migration: the Beauly Firth, Highland flock peaked at 369 on 21 Jun. Counts/passage: Orkney | on Stronsay from 23 May-18 Nov; Grampian a ‘‘small’’ race bird was at Kinord on 14 Jan, and Lossiemouth had a bird showing characters of either B c parvipes or B c hutchinsii on 16 Apr; Tayside had a local flock peak of 128 at Kercock on 5 Oct; Fife 36 at the Eden estuary on 7 Jun; Lothian 46 at Tyninghame on 17 Aug; Strathclyde 2 small-race birds on Islay from 1 Jan-9 Apr, and up to 3 were present from 10 Oct-end Dec. Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Solway flock: Caerlaverock held 11,500 during winter 1987/88, 88 had returned by 25 Sep and the peak for winter 1988/89 was 12,100 with 12% young; Islay flock: peak count was 20,230 on 28-29 Mar, with a major departure on 19 Apr, first 5 back on 22 Sep, and a complete count on 5 Dec gave 20,870, with the flock indicating a poor breeding season and only 12% young; the Scapa Flow, Orkney flock peaked at 600 on Switha on 11 Feb, while the highest autumn count was 800 on South Walls on 19 Nov; Grampian had 100N over Peterhead on 30 Apr, and 100S at Rattray on 23 Oct; Tayside the Carsebreck peak was 20 on 20 Nov. Autumn passage commenced from 21 Sep in Shetland, 102 on Fair Isle on 2 Oct; Grampian 58 at Strathbeg on 7 Nov; on 25 Sep a steady passage in Lothian and Borders brought 447 over the area from Tyninghame-Musselburgh, with a further 46 at Balgray Res and 59 over Troon, Strathclyde. Brent Goose Branta bernicla D = dark-bellied B b bernicla, P = pale-bellied B b hrota. Summary of year’s records: J -F M -AUCM: -J'*3J “AS” O-N-D Shetland-Highland 3 23> M1522 4219 68 45 2 Grampian-Fife - 2 it QRs 2 | ates | 4 87185 21 15 Central-Borders Di Lay ai 1 42 43 14 1 Strathclyde/D&G PD ROCP 108 VES a 2530 TQ Dery Peak counts included: Highland 86 in L Ewe on 22 Sep, 33 at Longman on 22 Sep, and 23 in Thurso Bay on 22 Sep; Grampian had 25P and 1D at Lossiemouth on 20 Sep; Tayside 117 on R South Esk on 12 Oct; Fife 26 at the Eden estuary on 25 Sep; Strathclyde 39P on Tiree from 17-22 Apr, 60P at Ardrossan on 22 Apr, 95P in L Gruinart, Islay on 8 Sep, 108P on 22 Sep. Brent Goose pa A. Stevenson + * Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Highland/Grampian had a rash of records with 4 at Balmedie on 7 Aug, and 2 at Strathbeg on 16 Aug. 2 were again in the Mosstodloch-Lhanbryde area from 3 Sep-early Oct, and 4 appeared between Rashierieve and Middlemuir on 27-28 Sep, with 1 till 18 Dec; Tayside a 9 appeared at Montrose Basin on 15 Jul. Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Breeding: Shetland generally poor; Grampian 20 adults and 43 ducklings on the Ythan on 17 Jul; Strathclyde a good season was suggested in the SW. Counts: Highland 184 in Munlochy Bay on 12 Jan, and 247 in the Dornoch-L Fleet area on 27 Jan; Grampian Findhorn Bay held 140 in May, showing a considerable decline in recent years; Tayside 310 at Montrose Basin on 7 Nov; Fife 842 on Eden estuary on 17 Jan; Central 2400 in Kinneil moult flock on 16 Aug; Strathclyde 174 in L Gruinart, Islay on 20 Apr; Dumf & Gall Wigtown Bay held 385 on 21 Feb, while the Caerlaverock peak was 570 on 21 Oct. + * Mandarin Aix galericulata The decline in the Tayside population seems to be continuing with the maximum count being only 5 on 13 Nov, outside the normal Perth area a pair appeared at | Rossie Hill on 27 Mar; in Borders the ist confirmed breeding occurred with up to 4 prs on the Eye Water: elsewhere records included Orkney 2 Gc’ on North Ronaldsay from 13 May-8 Jun, with 1 till 10 Jun; Grampian GC’ at L Davan on 21 Jun. Wigeon Anas penelope Breeding: Highland only 3 records of breeding were submitted in Caithness District; Highland/Grampian 9 lochs held single prs in Moray and Nairn Districts; Tayside breeding was proved at 6 lochs and a good season was suggested; Borders had a poorer year, with fewer broods seen; Dumf & Galla 9 with 8 young was seen on L Ken on 14 Jun. Counts/passage: Orkney the L of Harray peak was 7455 on 30 Dec; Highland 3430 in Nigg/Munlochy areas on 17 Jan, 9924 in Cromarty/Longman areas on 16 Oct, and 4000 at Edderton on 6 Nov; Grampian 1400 at L Spynie in Jan, and Strathbeg held 830 in Nov; Tayside 5030 in Montrose Basin on 11 Dec; Fife 971 on the Eden estuary on 17 Jan; Lothian the Tyninghame peak was 933 on 25 Oct; Dumf & Gall peak counts were 1000 at L Milton on 6 Feb, and 1896 at Caerlaverock on 9 Oct. 13 * American Wigeon Anas americana Tayside GO at L Leven from 13 Nov-end Dec (JS) ¢; Dumf & Gall 1 at Caerlaverock on 5 Oct awaits details (Wildfowl Tr) @. Gadwall Anas strepera Breeding: information scanty, but the species bred on Orkney where | nest on North Ronaldsay; Highland a pair reared 5 young at one site; Tayside 7 prs reared 20 young at L of Kinnordy; Fife where prs bred at a minimum of 2 sites, and Strathclyde where 5 young were reared at Baron’s Haugh. and 2 9Q were seen with broods of 3 and 6 on Tiree. Counts were mostly of low numbers but L Leven, Tayside had 154 on 17 Sep; elsewhere the maxima included 11 on L of Harray, Orkney, on 7 Mar, 7 at Newburgh, Grampian on 10 Apr, 14 at L Gelly, Fife on 25 Aug, 7 near Ayr, Strathclyde on 8 Jan, while the Caerlaverock, Dumf & Gall peak-.was 10 in Feb-Mar. Teal Anas crecca Breeding: Borders 29 prs were recorded, 12 broods totalled 24+ young; Dumf & Gall suggestion of decline in numbers, with poor success. Counts: Shetland 200 at Sullom Voe on 1-2 Jan was exceptional; Highland 611 at Alturlie on 17 Jan; Grampian the Strathbeg peak was 2350 on 2 Nov; Tayside 500 on L Leven on 17 Sep; Fife 462 at the Eden estuary on 17 Jan; Central 1843 on the Forth estuary on 8 Sep; Strathclyde 430 at Baron’s Haugh on 20 Dec; Dumf & Gall the Caerlaverock peak was 1130 on 9 Oct. Nearctic carolinensis: Fife G’ at the Eden estuary on 16 Feb (NE). Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Breeding: Shetland Ist ducklings were seen on 14 May; Borders 66 recorded broods held 386+ juveniles; Strathclyde 31 broods totalled 242 young in the SW, and a good success rate was indicated. Counts: Highland 900 at L Fleet on 27 Jan; Grampian 3300 at Strathbeg in Dec; Tayside 1100 on L Leven on 17 Sep, and 893 on Perth Bridge-Almondmouth stretch on 17 Dec; Central 1563 on the Forth estuary on 8 Sep; Borders 973 on Tweed Haugh in Oct; Strathclyde 760 at Gadloch on 13 Sep; Dumf & Gall Caerlaverock held 2100 in Sep. Pintail Anas acuta The species remains a very scarce breeding bird, with Orkney having up to 10 prs breeding, and Strathclyde having 4 prs breeding in Argyll. Counts/passage: Highland 74 in Nigg Bay on 17 Jan, and 76 at Longman on 16 Oct; Tayside 87 at Montrose Basin on 21 Feb; Fife 35 at the Eden estuary on 14 Dec; Central the Skinflats/Kinneil flock peaked at 61 on 11 and 29 Dec; Dumf & Gall peaks included 350 at Southwick and 300 at Carsethorn on 9 Oct, while Wigtown Bay held 325 on 16 Oct. * Garganey Anas querquedula Up to 22 birds in spring, and 3 in autumn: Shetland GC at Hillwell from 21-23 May; Orkney GC and2 99 on Stronsay on 10 May and 2 Jun, another o' on Stronsay on 26 Jun; West Isles 2 at Balranald on 28 May; Highland co in Dunnet Bay on 25 Apr, 9 at Boat of Garten on 28 Jul; Grampian a pair at Cults on 16 May, a Gat Cotehill on 23-24 May, and 2 prs at Rattray from 24-29 May; Tayside a pair at Montrose Basin on 24 Apr; Fife singles at Kilconquhar L on 27 Jul, and at L Gelly from 12-15 Aug; Lothian C at Aberlady on 21 and 28 May; Strathclyde co at Endrick Mouth on 28 Mar, 2 Gc’ on 29-30 Mar; Dumf & Gall o at Caerlaverock on 15 and 24 Apr, and another co at Kildrochat on 3-4 May. Shoveler Anas clypeata Breeding: Shetland a pair bred at Hillwell; Orkney up to 23 prs noted on 6 islands; Tayside recorded breeding at 3 sites; prs also recorded breeding in Caithness District, Highland (4), Lothian (1-2), Borders (1-2); Strathclyde up to 6 prs bred at New Cumnock, 5 prs on Tiree, 2 prs at both Lochwinnoch and Baron’s Haugh, and a slight improvement in Dumf & Gall where up to 2 broods seen on L Ken. Counts: Tayside 200 at one location on 20 Sep, and 300-400 on L Leven in Sep; Fife 62 on Kilconquhar L on 27 Oct; Borders the Hirsel had 116 on 25 Sep; Strathclyde 14S at Turnberry Pt on 4 Sep, 51 at Baron’s Haugh on 28 Oct; Dumf & Gall 69 at Caerlaverock on 2 Oct. * Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 2 birds were recorded: West Isles G’ on the Monachs during Nov, but on South Uist on 24 Nov; Central co at Gartmorn Dam on 10 Jan. Pochard Aythya ferina Very few breeding records for this species: Highland Q with B/1 on St John’s Loch on 17 Jul was the first proven record for Caithness District for 30 years; Fife 3 broods totalled 16 at Kilconquhar L; Borders a pair with B/2 at the Hirsel on 24 Jun. Counts: Orkney the L of Boardhouse peak was 758 on 18 Jan, and L of Harray held 1372 on 30 Dec; Highland 470 on L Scarmclate on 14 Feb, 410 on St John’s Loch on 27 Nov, and 237 on L Eye on 11 Dec; Tayside 1270 on.L Leven on 10 Jan and 820 there on 19 Nov; Fife a very high count was recorded with 1009 at L Gelly on 18 Sep; Strathclyde 334 at Strathclyde Country Park on 14 Feb; Dumf & Gall recorded low numbers with a peak of 75 on L Ken in mid Nov. 14 * Ring-necked Duck A ythya collaris Shetland 1st w Q at Easter L from 2-6 Nov (CFM et al); Orkney juv/Ist w on L of Harray on 11-13 Oct (ERM); Highland c on L Insh from 2 Oct-5 Nov, also at L Morlich on 5-6 Nov (ZB, RW et al). * Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Lothian adult co at Edgelaw Res on 29-30 Oct (LLJV). Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Breeding reports indicated patchy success: Grampian/Highland proved breeding at 6 lochs in Moray and Nairn Districts, while Tayside had a good season with 36 broods at Carsebreck; Central 9 prs bred at Airthrey, and 43 fledged from 8 broods; Borders 67 prs were recorded, and 17 broods held a total of 80 juveniles; Strathclyde a slight improvement in success rate was suggested in SW. Counts: Orkney the L of Harray peak was 1920 on 30 Dec; West Isles GC on St Kilda on 25 Apr; Highland 500 at Longman on 17 Jan; Tayside 3180 on L Leven on 17 Sep; Strathclyde 360 at Strathclyde Country Park on 24 Jan. Scaup Aythya marila Breeding: Highland a 2 with B/4 in Jul was the first confirmed breeding since 1939. Summer birds included 5 in Shetland, 5 in Orkney, 2 in Highland, 2 in Tayside, 1 in Borders, and up to 20 in Strathclyde. Counts: Orkney 137 on L of Harray on 7 Mar; Highland 185 at Udale on 14 Nov; Fife 460 at Leven on 24 Jan; Lothian an extremely low peak of 19 was reached at Musselburgh on 4 Nov; Strathclyde 1230 in L Indaal on 16 Dec; Dumf & Gall the Carsethorn flock increased greatly to 4000 on 16 Feb, and L Ryan had 600 on 20 Feb. Eider Somateria molissima Grampian another poor year at Forvie where 1500 prs produced only 40 young. Despite a good hatch in Jun, bad weather in Jul was associated with a decline in chick numbers; Tayside c200 prs at Barry Buddon. Some areas experienced better fortunes: Fife the estimated Isle of May breeding population was put at 600-700 nests, with a maximum of 171 ducklings seen on | Jul; Lothian Aberlady held an estimated 443 prs, 68 young being seen on 16 Jun. Counts: Shetland a count of birds in moulting areas produced only 7700 (cf 13,811 in 1977); Grampian 3467 on Ythan estuary on 5 May; Tayside/Fife c10,000 were estimated at the mouth of the Tay in Dec; Lothian peak count was 5500 between Yellowcraig and Kilspindie on 20 Mar. * King Eider Somateria spectabilis Shetland adult cat Tresta and Reawick from 1987 was off North Havra on 6 Jul (PVH) and Westerwick on 20 Aug (MH), adult o& at Holm of West Sandwick on 25 Apr and Whale Firth from 25 Apr-1 May (PVH, MH, DRB, DS), adult o& at Haroldswick on 25 Apr (MS), 2 in Colgrave Sound on 8 Feb (PVH, MH, RJT), 9 at Sumburgh Head from 14 Jun-18 Sep (MH et al), of off Fair Isle from 21 Sep-15 Nov (PMP), and @ in Ronas Voe from 5-8 Nov (MH et al); Highland adult ch between Embo and L Fleet from 14 Feb-at least 9 Jun (BB, King Eider OC Ythan May 1988 S.M.D. Alexander 15 JRD et al), and 8 Nov-at least 3 Dec (PGA et al); Grampian adult C at Ythan estuary from 17 May-28 Jun (RAS, KDS), also at Balgownie on 28 Aug, and off Murcar on 20 Sep (MGW, SJA et al); Fife adult Go at Tayport from 1987 to at least 14 Apr (JSN et al); Lothian 9 at Aberlady from 13-17 Jul (DJB et al). Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Summer records included 1 in Shetland, 1-3 birds in Orkney, 3 in Highland, 2 in Grampian, | in Lothian, and | in Strathclyde. Counts: Shetland the Bluemull peak was 451 on 8 Feb; Orkney 837 were counted in Scapa Flow in Nov; West Isles noted a large decrease in Broadbay, Lewis wintering flock; Highland 286 at Chanonry on 14 Feb; 300 at Avoch on 18 Mar, and 200+ in Dunnet Bay on 21 Oct; Grampian a very high estimate of 7000 was made on the Burghead Bay flock on 14 Nov; Fife 650 at Leven on 12 Mar; Lothian’s autumn arrival was from 25 Sep, and Aberlady-Gullane held a record peak of 770 on 15 Nov; Strathclyde c40 Feall Bay, Coll on 8 Nov. More autumn records from inland localities during Oct-Dec were noted in Highland and Grampian e.g. 6 on L Garten on 21 Oct, and a notable influx occurred in SW Strathclyde from end Oct, with at least 30 individuals recorded. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Breeding reports coming from the usual areas included: Shetland a minimum of 5 dco and 3 QQ were present at the usual sites but only 2 young were reared; Highland 12 broods were reported from 36 prs, and at least 2 other lochs held prs; Tayside 2 99 and 3 Co at the usual site in May; Strathclyde 6 prs were recorded at Argyll site in Jun but no young seen. Counts: Grampian/Highland had 1500-2000 off Murcar in May, 750 between Collieston and Blackdog in Sep, and 600+ off Nairn/Culbin Bars in Dec; Fife 5000 at St Andrews on 3 Feb; Lothian 1900 at Gosford on 23 Apr; Borders 200 in Pease Bay on 19 Nov; Strathclyde 58 in Irvine Bay on 21 Feb, 88 in L Indaal, Islay on 23 Mar, 2 at Langbank from 13-19 Nov were unusual for area; Dumf & Gali 100 in Luce Bay on 17 Jul. * Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata A somewhat confusing situation surrounds the exact numbers in the Forth: Orkney o off Wyre on 29-30 May (SJA, JO); Highland co at Dornoch on 3 May (PGA, SJH), G& in Talmine Bay from 5-8 Jun (A & BC, PKD), juv/1st winter in L Fleet on 16 Oct (PGA); Grampian co’ in Burghead Bay from 20-25 Feb, and again on 28 Sep (RP), a Co off Murcar on 21 May was followed by 2 G&G on 22 May (RAS, SAR, RDS); Tayside 1-2 OO in Lunan Bay from 21-26 Aug, @ on 21 Aug (MSS et al); Fife 2 Gc’ in Largo Bay on 4 Jan, o on 17 Mar, 3 OO on3 Apr, 9 on 17 Mar, 3 Apr, and 1-3 Go from 18 Nov-28 Dec (DED, MR, JSN, JGS et al); Lothian 2 do and @ at Gosford on 16 Jan-26 Mar, and 9 Apr-12 May, with 3 do and 9 on 23 Apr, and 3 do and 2 99 on 24-26 Apr, a Go on 13-14 May (AB et al), a CO on 27 Aug, 2 do on 3 Sep, 3 Go’ on 24-25 Sep, and o& on 5S Nov (PRG, RHH et al). Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Counts: Grampian low numbers at main areas with 500 at Blackdog on 28 Aug, and 177 in Burghead Bay in Dec; Tayside 500 in Lunan Bay on 27 Sep; Fife 250 in St Andrews Bay on 6 Jan; Lothian Gosford peak was 200 on 12 Mar. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Breeding: the best year yet in Northern Scotland 87 nests contained 51+ clutches, with 44+ successful broods and 427+ ducklings hatched. A small number of non- breeders summered. Counts: Highland 440 at Longman on 17 Jan, 1568 at Ness on 6 Feb; Grampian 400 at Girdleness in Jan; Tayside 500 at Balmossie on 7 Mar; Fife 600 at Leven on 12 Mar; Strathclyde 390 at Doonfoot on 4 Jan, and 492 from West Ferry-Woodhall on 20 Mar. Smew Mergus albellus A summary of the year’s records shows Jo ¥F -M:-A°M 323° AS S2Oj;EN} dD Shetland-Highland DA OS REN Vay 4 Kot Grampian-Fife 2 eS hs 1 1 Central-Borders PART cae ei Wetsen | 12 Strathclyde/D&G 105 11 6. 2. 1 1 9 14 As in recent winters, the Strathclyde numbers have been higher than elsewhere, with Strathclyde Country Park having 6 on 14 Feb, and 3 in Nov and Dec. In Highland a hybrid Goldeneye x Smew was again present at Kessock from 7 Jan-27 Mar. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Breeding: Grampian 30 prs produced about 20 young on the North Esk; Strathclyde good productivity suggested. Counts: Orkney Scapa Flow survey found 364 in Nov; Highland 2840 at Invergordon on 7 Mar, 329 off Delnies on 19 Sep, 900 at Whiteness on 16 Oct; Tayside 200 at Balmossie on 14 Feb; Fife 1100 at Kinshaldy on 8 Nov; Central 137 on the Forth estuary on 21 Feb; Lothian 560 at Musselburgh on 21 Oct; Strathclyde 120 were in L Indaal moult flock on 26 Jun. 16 Goosander Mergus merganser Breeding: Grampian a good season was suggested; Tayside breeding was noted at 11 sites; Dumf & Gall persecution appears heavy and poor success was noted in Glenkens, with the post breeding flock on L Ken only 41. Counts: Highland the Beauly Firth peak reached 1900 on 17 Jan, with 3000 ‘‘sawbills’’ present there on 21 Nov; Grampian 92 on L of Skene in Feb, and the Speymouth moult-flock reached 87 in Aug; Tayside 110 at Balmossie on 20 Aug; Fife 225 at Tayport on 6 Sep; Lothian 59 at Tyninghame on 12, and 22 Aug was a high count for the area; Borders 256 were culled by the Tweed Salmon Commission, and the highest number seen was 197 at the Hirsel on 6 Nov; Strathclyde 106 in Strathclyde Country Park on 17 Jan, 72 on 30 Nov, 59 on Martnaham L on 4 Dec. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Breeding: Tayside 3 prs bred at L of Kinnordy with 4 young fledging, 3 prs hatched 10 young at Dun’s Dish, elsewhere in Region 2 prs were present at a loch in Central Perthshire and 1-2 at 4 other sites in the period spanning Apr-13 Nov, but no evidence of breeding; Strathclyde a pair bred at Aird Meadow, but the brood of 2 disappeared soon after 23 Jul. Others included a of at Hillwell, Shetland 3-5 May, Orkney a 9 on North Ronaldsay from 3-5 May, up to 9 birds in Fife at 4 sites from 3 Feb-12 Nov, and 1 appeared offshore at Kinneil, Central on 21 Feb; Strathclyde pr at Endrick Mouth on 24 Apr, GC on Tiree from 8-13 May. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Shetland singles on Fair Isle from 25-31 May and 1-9 Jun both died from Fulmar oiling, another from 4-10 Jul survived, and 1 was at Hermaness on 7 Jul; Orkney singles noted at Stenness on 9 May, on Westray on 25 May, and between Rendall and Rousay from 7-22 Jul; West Isles 1 over South Ford on 30 Apr; Highland 1 over Reay on 30 May; Grampian 1 over the Cairngorm plateau on 3 Jul; Fife 1 on the Isle of May on 20 Oct; Borders 1 over Reston on 16 Sep. * Red Kite Milvus milvus Shetland, like Orkney, had an unprecedented spring influx with singles at Virkie on 14 Feb, on Fair Isle from 26 Mar-10 Apr, between Quendale and Sumburgh from 27-31 Mar, and Muckle Roe on 27 Mar; Orkney had singles on Sanday on 4 Apr, Shapinsay on 5 and 6 Apr, Finstown and Orphir on 7 Apr, Rendall on 12 Apr, and St Ola on 24 Apr; Highland 1 at Calabrian on 30 Apr; Grampian | at Kemnay from 11-28 May; Tayside 1 in the southern end of the Region of 31 Aug; Borders 1 over Megget Water on 30 Jun; Strathclyde | near Hunterston on 2 Nov. * White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Up to 11 territories were maintained, 6 nesting attempts were made, and one pair successfully reared 2 young. Wandering birds included the following: — Shetland an immature bird at Baltasound in late Apr, was probably also on Yell on 24 May; Orkney had an immature between Sandwick and Hoy from 30 Mar and 2 Apr; West Isles had 4 records possibly involving 2-3 birds; Strathclyde singles at Knapdale on 31 Jul, and Taynish in Nov. * Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Another good year: Shetland singles on Fair Isle on 5 May and 5-7 May; Orkney singles on North Ronaldsay on 20 Apr, Hoy on 26-28 Apr, Westray on 4 Sep, and Evie on 8 Sep; West Isles had up to S individuals in the Uists between 17 May and 10 Sep; Highland 1-3 birds at Insh Marshes from 29 Apr-14 Sep, other singles at Lagganbridge on 7 May, and L Pityoulish on 21 May, Caithness District had up to 6 individuals between 17 Aug and 19 Sep; Grampian had up to 5 birds between 24 Apr and 7 Jun, and singles on 10 Jul and 29 Jul; Tayside had 1 at Lintrathen on 14 May, and up to 4 at 2 sites between 28 Jul and 14 Sep; Fife Q at Earlshall on 3 May; Central 1 at Tullibody on 2 May; Lothian had 5 birds between 19 Apr and 22 May when 2 were at Craigielaw; Borders singles at Drinkstone on 20 Apr, and Dowlaw on 22 May; Strathclyde single QQ at Endrick Mouth on 17 Apr, on Islay from 19-24 Apr, Endrick Mouth on 3 May, Arran on 8 May, Coll on 14 May, and Possil Marsh on 27 May, co on Mull on 17 Jul; Dumf & Gall single Gc’ were seen at L Ken on 29 Mar, and at Laurieston on 13 May. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Breeding: in Orkney 38 nests were found on West Mainland, 10 were successful in rearing 20 young, but 7 nests on another island had only 2 successful results with 3 young reared; Grampian has become scarce with only 13 sites located, and only 1 chick reared; Tayside bred successfully in a number of areas; Borders successful at 2 sites with 7 young reared; Strathclyde 49 nests were located in an Argyll survey, 39 of these produced a minimum of 101 young mostly in young forestry, but the species had mixed fortunes elsewhere with Arran having 7 prs rear 21 young, and Ayrshire suffering severe persecution and only 3 young reared from 6 prs; Dumf & Gall again poor with only 2 out of 7 nests found successful. Migrants/etc: Shetland had up to 18 records in the year — the best since 1973; Dumf & Gall winter roost counts were low, with the max being 11 in Dec. 17 Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Breeding: in Northern Scotland prs or singles seen at up to 8 sites. A pair reared 3 young, and other successes were reported from 2 or 3 sites, but disappointing in one area. In Central Scotland a pair was present at one area during the spring and in Fife a pair bred but young were taken by falconers. In Southern Scotland population growth appeared to be slowing. Migrants: 1 appeared on S Uist, West Isles on 27 Oct. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Breeding: in Orkney 3 prs were recorded, and 2 were successful; in Grampian of 20 sites checked 12 were occupied and eggs laid at 8, of 39 eggs laid 21 chicks fledged, a poorer year than 1987. Migrants: Shetland had up to 3 at Kergord during Jan-Apr and again from 2 Oct-end Dec, main autumn passage on Fair Isle ran from 12-22 Oct including 4 on 18 Oct. Buzzard Buteo buteo Breeding: in Orkney a pair reared 2 young; in the Grampian W Moray study area 23 sites were occupied, 18 prs laid and all hatched but poor weather in early Jun resulted in only 15 broods fledging at an average of 1.8 young/successful pair; in Lothian/Borders a pair reared 2 in Lothian, but fewer seen in Borders; in Strathclyde Arran’s breeding population was estimated at 18 prs; and Dumf & Gall showed a continued increase on lower ground. Migrants: Shetland singles at Scalloway on 18 Apr, and Eshaness on 1 Jul; Fife 1 appeared on the Isle of May on 20 Aug; Strathclyde 7S at Balnamoil, Mull of Kintyre on 22 Sep. * Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus 4 in winter-spring period, 17 in autumn-winter period: Shetland | in Spiggie/Fitful Head area from 1987 stayed till 3 Apr, 7 singles in autumn comprised birds on Fair Isle on 6 Oct, at Haroldswick/Norwick on 23 Oct, Compass Head/Boddam on 23 Oct, on Fair Isle on 25 Oct, on Skerries on 26-27 Oct — then at Tingwall from 7 Nov-end Dec, Scatness on 28 Oct, and Westing on 19 Nov; Orkney an autumn influx brought singles to St Ola on 24 Oct, North Ronaldsay on 28 Oct, Hoy on 5-6 Nov, St Ola on 13 Nov, while 1 was seen between Evie and west Mainland from 3 Nov-end Dec; Grampian singles at Buck on 7 Apr, Creag Leek on 10 Apr, Tor of Troup on 29 Jul, Cabrach on 6 Nov, and Forvie on 23 Nov and 11-31 Dec; Fife 1 found moribund at Pitlessie on 25 Nov; Strathclyde | at L Gruinart, Islay on 9 Nov, another at Mull of Oa, Islay on 3 Dec and L Indaal on 5 Dec. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Breeding: in N Scotland 66 + young were reared frm 88-92 attempts; in S Scotland the Strathclyde study area in Argyll had 9 prs rearing 12 young from 14 sites where eggs laid, another 31-35 prs laid eggs at 20+ sites and 16 prs reared 20+ young, | pair reared 1 young on Arran, and 3 prs reared a total of 2 young in the SW. Elsewhere up to 3 immatures were seen on Orkney between 4 Jul and 14 Nov. Osprey A. Stevenson Osprey Pandion haliaetus Breeding: 53 pairs nested, and 38 successful prs reared 81 young, the highest number so far. Arrival was early on 5 Mar at Speybank, Highland, and some late individuals included 1 in the Ballinluig-Strathtay area, Tayside till 20 Nov. Migrants: Orkney singles noted on North Ronaldsay on 5 and 19 May, Evie on 21 May, Orphir on 25 May, Papa Westray on 27 May, Rousay on 30 May and 30 Jun; Lothian had a late bird at Cobbinshaw on 29 Oct; Strathclyde 1 over Crosshill on 17 Mar. 18 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Breeding: in Orkney up to 16 prs were recorded; a pair stayed at Garynahine, Lewis all year; in Strathclyde another good year in Ayrshire with 4.3 young produced per successful pair. On Shetland Fair Isle migrants included 7 on 3 Sep. Merlin A. Stevenson Merlin Falco columbarius Breeding: in N Scotland 253+ young were reared from 115 attempts; in S Scotland 81 + young were reared from 25+ successful nests. Migrants: Shetland a poor autumn passage on Fair Isle ran from 24 Aug-20 Nov with a peak of 4 birds on 2 Nov. * Hobby Falco subbuteo Up to 14 birds recorded: Shetland 1 at Eshaness on 23 Jun, and 1 on Fair Isle on 5 Jul; Orkney singles were seen on Sanday on 8 May, Toab on 17 May, near Stromness on 30 May, North Ronaldsay on 7 Jun, and at Deerness on 4 Sep; Highland singles at Carrbridge on 10 Jun, Insh House on 15 Aug, Balavil on 20 Aug, and L Garten on 7 Sep; Lothian singles at Aberlady on 13 Jul, and Tyninghame on 15 Aug, Strathclyde 1 on Sanda on 12 May. Peregrine Falco peregrinus Breeding: some areas reported continuing problems with egg-collectors, especially in the South, whilst cold weather in Apr may have resulted in egg failure. Overall, in Scotland 269+ young were reared from 202+ attempts. Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Orkney had a good season; Highland 1000 at Blackmount, Carrbridge on 11 Feb; Grampian showed a large increase in breeding stock in many areas, with a high emigration noted from some moors, but numbers in Upper Moray were down after a succession of wet summers and disease, high counts included 300+ at Lecht on 27 Jan and 1100 in the Cabrach on 11 Feb; Tayside and Borders reported a good season; Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall showed a slight improvement in some parts, 250+ on good Crowberry crop on the Campsies on 30 Oct, but the species continues scarce over most of W. Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus In Grampian breeding success was generally lower than in 1987, with highest numbers in E Cairngorms; in Strathclyde continues to breed on Arran, and 1 on Jura on 21 May was the first for many years. Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix Highland 24 Co’ at Abriachan lek on 15 Mar, 1 on Rhum on 24 May was the Ist record for the island; Grampian 25 in Forest of Birse on 4 Apr; Tayside showed an increase on 1987 figures with widespread records; Strathclyde a good season was suggested in the SW with some birds coming into forest restocks. Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Generally, an improvement in breeding success was noted. Highland a good season recorded in Abernethy; Grampian showed an improvement in breeding success in Glen Tanar for the first time in 5 years, and big broods were reported elsewhere. This may have been due to dry weather in early Jun which increased chick survival rate. In Tayside at least one pair bred in Montreathmont Forest, and in N Fife 2 birds were seen in Mar-May period. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa (most records of this species refer to Red-leg x Chukar hybrids, and some of pure Chukar — A chukar). The following areas reported an increase or continuation in releases: — Highland/Grampian/Tayside/Fife/Borders/Strathclyde. 19 Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Breeding showed good success in the East: Highland Caithness District appeared to maintain 1987’s improvement, and the Inverness area had a good season; Grampian a better season in Moray District, and big coveys noted elsewhere; Tayside showed increased records, 45 in Glen Quaich on 26 Aug; Lothian 44 at Straiton on 28 Oct; Borders showed a marked improvement; Dumf & Gall still reported a decline overall, and numbers/records were also down in Fife. * Quail Coturnix coturnix At least one breeding attempt was made, and the deserted nest of this species was found at Cornhill, Grampian, in Sep. Up to 47 birds reported: Shetland up to 10 birds in spring between 15 May and 25 Jul but an autumn bird appeared at Voe on 4 Sep; Orkney 2 birds were heard on Stronsay from 29 May till 6 Aug, with 1 seen on 23 Sep; West Isles 2 at Balranald during Jul and Aug, also heard at 3 other locations in Uists in Jul; Highland 2 at Castle Stuart on 27 Jul; Grampian 1 at Tarras on 18 Jun, and another at Knaven on 21 Jun; Tayside | near Dundee from 25 May-4 Jul; Fife 1 on the Isle of May on 16 Jun, and 6 near Leven on 17 Aug; Lothian singles at Aberlady on 1 Jun, and at Harlaw on 23 Jun; Borders had 5 calling birds between 15 Jun and 10 Aug; Strathclyde singles at Port Ellen, and The Oa, Islay on 3 Jun, Shiskine, Arran on 7 Jun, near L Doon on 15 Jun, at Dungavel from 17-31 Jul, and at Thankerton on 28 Aug; Dumf & Gall singles at Stoneykirk on 2 Jun, Islesteps from 16-24 Jun, and Moss of Cree on 29 Jun. Tt Reeve’s Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii Lothian the 2 Gc’ at Archerfield were reduced to 1 by a Fox. Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Shetland a few sightings followed recent releases at 2 sites, a Q was incubating a clutch of 7 eggs at Hillswick on 29 Apr; Lothian 13 territories at Aberlady; Dumf & Gall 6500 released at Hensol. + Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus Strathclyde the feral population on Mull continues to exist with up to 30 birds, mostly Go reported; Dumf & Gall still had a few near Cairnsmore House, but remains very scarce. Water Rail Ralius aquaticus Breeding: Orkney a pair again on North Ronaldsay, and 2-3 prs were present at The Loons; Grampian present at 4 sites with 5-6 calling at L of Leys; Fife reported good numbers with 10 at Rosyth marsh on 13 Mar, and 20 at Lindores in Dec; Strathclyde a minimum of 30 prs were recorded from 9 sites. Migrants: Shetland 2 early migrants were at Fetlar and Ollaberry on 12-13 Aug and a large Oct-Nov influx brought in singles at 19 sites. * Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Shetland 2 on Fair Isle on 6 Oct; West Isles 1 calling in Lewis on 29 May; Highland | calling on Eigg from 13-20 Apr, and 4 calling at Insh Marshes from 1-9 Jun; Strathclyde 1 near Maybole on 26 Jun. Corncrake Crex crex Breeding numbers showed signs of little change in the Western Isles: Orkney a survey found between 26 and 32 calling G' , the last record being from N Ronaldsay on 13 Oct; Highland 26 calling birds recorded on Skye, 1-2 on Canna and | on Rhum; Strathclyde 170-176 birds were recorded in Argyll, with Tiree having 99-103 regularly calling, and Coll, Islay and Colonsay accounting for a further 56-57. Other records (mostly calling birds or migrants): Shetland calling singles at Bixter on 16 Apr, on Fair Isle on 15 May, and at Fladdabister from 22 May-26 Jun, 8 late Aug-Sep records were followed by an exceptionally late bird at Baltasound on 9 Dec; Highland 1 at Waterloo on | May, | at Melvich on 21 May, and another at Evelix for several weeks in May- Jun, about 5 individuals reported from Caithness District between 7 Jun and 26 Jul; Grampian 1 on the Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen on 19 Sep; Central 1 near Denny from 24 Jun-17 Jul; Strathclyde 2-3 called on Arran from 6 May-4 Aug, and breeding may have occurred, singles called at Baldernock on 8 May, and Carmunnock in May, while an injured bird was caught in Erskine on 20 Oct and released at Beith on 25 Oct. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Breeding: Lohtian 28-29 broods were reported but Mink still thought to be a problem; Borders 83 recorded prs produced 36 broods totalling 94 young; Strathclyde 57 + prs were recorded from mid-Clyde Haughs, and another 27 prs from 13 sites in Ayrshire. Counts/passage: Orkney 43 on Crantit Ponds on 4 Dec; Borders 49 at Bemersyde on 9 Aug; Strathclyde 47 on Bothwell Pool on 13 Nov. Coot Fulica atra Breeding: Shetland 2 prs nested at Hillwell, a pair reared at least 3 young; Central 27 prs produced 61 young from 35 attempts; Borders 155 prs produced 75 broods totalling 206 young; Strathclyde 64 prs were recorded on mid-Clyde Haughs, and another 44 prs at 13 sites in Ayrshire. Counts: Orkney peak count was 330 on Loch of Harray on 27 Dec; Highland 190 on 20 L Watten on 5 Jan; Grampian 360 at Davan/Kinord in Nov; Tayside 226 on Drummond Pond on 17 Jan, and 770 on L Leven on 17 Sep; Fife 500 on Kilconquhar L on 23 Sep; Central 282 on L of Menteith on 14 Jan, and 280 on Gartmorn Dam on 17 Jan; Lothian 618 at Linlithgow on 13 Dec; Borders 519 at Yetholm on 13 Dec; Strathclyde 430 on Bishop L on 17 Sep. * Crane Grus grus Shetland | at Haroldswick from 4-8 Apr (ETh et al); Orkney singles on Sanday from 27 Apr-8 May (RT), S Ronaldsay on 17 Jun (J & R McC), and Westray from 16 Jul-2 Aug (JSR); West Isles 1 in Lewis in 22 May (per PC); Highland 1 near Fort Augustus from 30 Apr-4 May (CRP); Grampian | between Banff Bay, Strathbeg, and Newburgh from 14 Apr-27 Sep (RDSS et al), another between Longmorn and Llanbryde from 23 Sep-19 Nov (RL, RAS, MJHC); Tayside an immature bird near Arbroath from 10-17 May (KH, MT); Fife 1 at Cameron Res from 10-20 Apr, then over Markinch on 28 Apr (MR, NE); Lothian 1 at Aberlady on 7-8 May, and possibly same on 15 May (BJH, JCH, AM et al); Borders 1 near Greenlaw from 14 May-17 Jun (JM). Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Breeding: Shetland a good season reported, and 51 prs counted on Fair Isle; Fife 36 prs were present on the Isle of May, at least 13 chicks fledging. Counts/passage: Highland/Grampian peak counts were 1120 at Fort George on 17 Jan, 1600 at L Fleet on 27 Jan, 2352 in Findhorn Bay in Oct, 1888 at Nairn-Culbin Bars in Oct, and 4527 in Cromarty and Inverness Firths on 20 Dec; Tayside 2660 at Montrose Basin on 1 Aug; Fife 5200 at the Eden estuary on 14 Sep; Lothian Musselburgh held 1970 in Jan, and Aberlady held 1960 in Oct; Strathclyde 833 in L Indaal, Islay on 23 Mar, 1960 at Erskine on 13 Nov; Dumf & Gall high counts included 25,000 at Caerlaverock on 20 Jan, and 20,000 there on 29 Aug. * Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Tayside 2 at Montrose Basin on 1 Aug (per RG); Strathclyde 1 at Bogside from 21-23 Apr (BO et al); Dumf & Gall 1 near Corsewall on 12 Jun (AMH). * Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Lothian 1 at Barns Ness on 16 Apr (IJA). * Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Central 1 at Kinneil on 16 Aug (DMB); Lothian 1 at Tyninghame from 2-4 May (IJA, MG et al); Strathclyde at Baron’s Haugh on 23 May (RGN). Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Breeding: Shetland Noss had a good season, 18 prs on Fair Isle; Lothian substantial decrease to 12 prs at Aberlady; Strathclyde 25 prs reared 15 young on Arran, but 15 nests containing 49 eggs between Girvan and Ballantrae suffered a high failure rate, at least 23 prs bred on Colonsay. Counts/passage: Grampian Findhorn Bay’s spring peak was 670 on 15 May, while the Ythan held 359 on 22 May; Fife 458 at the Eden estuary on 17 May; Lothian 340 at Aberlady on 16 May; Strathclyde 300+ on Tiree on 24 May. * Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus Lothian an adult at Aberlady on 12-13 Jul (MG et al) was the first for Scotland. Caspian Plover and Lapwing Aberlady July 1988 j. Busby 21 Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Breeding: Highland/Grampian the season was good in the Cairngorms with 89% hatching success and 40% fledging success due largely to improved weather. Migrants: Shetland Fair Isle had up to 10 between 7 and 16 May, | at Hermaness on 29 May, and 1 on Fair Isle from 29 Aug-4 Sep; Orkney an early bird appeared on Hoy on 13 Apr, followed by 3 singles between 20 May and 19 Aug; West Isles pair at Balranald on 29 Apr; Highland 1 over Dalnawillan Lodge on 20 May; Grampian 80 at an autumn gathering site in Cairngorms had largely gone by late Aug, but late singles appeared on the Ythan on 14 Sep, and at Glen Shee from 6-12 Oct; Lothian 5 at Widow’s Knowe on 7 May, and 1 on Braids GC, Edinburgh on 8 May; Strathclyde 2 on Islay on 27 Apr, with singles near New Cumnock on 7 May, and at Logan Res on 29 May; Dumf & Gall had 8 on the Galloway hills on 15 May. * Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Shetland adult at Uyeasound from 6-13 Nov (PME, JAE et al). * American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Shetland juv on Fair Isle on 21 Sep (PMP), another juv on 22 Sep (PMP, DS); Orkney | on Stronsay from 24-30 Aug (JFH), juv on N Ronaldsay from 21-25 Sep (AB, KFW). Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Breeding: Orkney up to 60 prs or territories were identified at 5 sites; Highland the Clunes Hills area had a good season; Tayside indicated a decline; Strathclyde 23 prs were recorded in Ayrshire; Dumf & Gall shows signs of further decrease. Counts/passage: Shetland 1050 in the Uyeasound/Baltasound/Haroldswick areas in early Nov; Orkney 4500 on Stronsay on 14 Oct; Grampian 3000 on the Ythan on 7 Sep; Fife 1800 at Crail on 22 Oct; Lothian had a peak of 4000 at Aberlady on 26 Oct; Strathclyde 4000 at Bogside on 19 Oct; Dumf & Gall 1270 in Wigtown Bay on 13 Nov. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Orkney 91 on Sanday from 12-15 May; West Isles 210 at South Ford on 10 Apr; Grampian/Highland Nairn/Culbin Bars had 47 on 20 Oct; Tayside 200 at Balmossie on 18 Sep; Fife 404 at the Eden estuary on 9 Dec; Lothian a record regional count of 575 was recorded at Aberlady on 22 Oct; Dumf & Gall 350 at Caerlaverock on 25 Sep. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Breeding: Grampian suggested a good season; Tayside had a good season; Lothian decline at 4 sites from 71-73 prs in 1986 to 46-52 prs; Strathclyde 3000-3500 prs bred on Tiree, at least 350 prs bred at usual site on Colonsay, and 135 prs in the Camps/Midlock valleys in the central belt; Dumf & Gall continued decline suggested. Counts/passage: many overwintered from 1987 due to the mild weather; Shetland had 600 at Hillwell/Spiggie at this time; Orkney had 1000 at Scapa on 3 Jan, and 1000 at Crantit on 27 Dec; Highland 1500 at Castletown on 27 Aug; Grampian 2000 at Strathbeg on 10 Dec was larger than expected for the time of year; Fife 1000 at Leuchars on 27 Sep; Central 2315 on the Forth estuary on 8 Sep; Lothian 1900 at Aberlady on 22 Oct; Strathclyde 2248 at Bothwell Pool on 9 Sep, and 3740 at Bogside on 13 Sep; Dumf & Gall 1952 in Wigtown Bay on 21 Feb. Knot Calidris canutus Shetland autumn passage began on 12 Jul; Highland/Grampian 1250 at Fort George on 17 Jan, 1660 at Nairn/Culbin Bars on 11 Mar, and 2000 at Embo on 11 Dec; Tayside 1000 at Westhaven on 23 Nov; Fife 3000 at Largo Bay on 23 Nov; Central 6540 on the Forth estuary on 12 Dec; Lothian Aberlady held 3350 on 17 Feb. Sanderling Calidris alba Winter-spring: Orkney North Ronaldsay’s spring peak was 392 on 27 May; Grampian 133 on the Ythan on 30 Apr; Tayside 600 at Monifeith on 14 Feb; Fife 420 at Tayport on 27 Mar; Lothian 115 at Aberlady on 27 May; Strathclyde 300+ on Tiree on 31 May. Autumn: Shetland autumn passage began on 15 Jul; Orkney N Ronaldsay held 400 on 31 Aug; Tayside 450 in the outer Tay on 17 Dec; Strathclyde 66 at Maidens on 24 Jul; Dumf & Gall 60 at L Ryan on 24 Jui. * Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Shetland an immature at Virkie on 25 Sep (PME, JDD, GWP. et al) d. Little Stint Calidris minuta Spring: Shetland 1 on Fetlar on 27 May: Orkney had 6 between 28 May and 26 Jul; West Isles 4-5 on St Kilda on 30 May; Highland 1 at L Scarmclate on 18 May; Grampian singles at Phingask on 20 Apr, and Don from 10-13 May; Fife 1 at Anstruther on 3 Ds ps May; Lothian had 4 singles at Aberlady and Musselburgh between 8 May and 16 Jun. Autumn passage was exceptional, with a monthly breakdown and peak figs below:- Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov x * Shetland-Highland 5 86 238 5 Grampian-Fife 2 60 236 2 Central-Borders 1 14 111 Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall 48 1 Shetland had a large influx from 2 Sep with 90 in the South Mainland, and 33 on Fair Isle on 5 Sep; Orkney’s peak was 49 on N Ronaldsay on 4 Sep; Highland had 37 at Udale on 5 Sep; Grampian had 51 at Lossiemouth on 5 Sep, with a further 39 at Findhorn Bay on 9 Sep; Fife 50 at the Eden estuary on 8 Sep; Lothian 63 at Aberlady on 4 Sep; numbers were generally much lower in the SW. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Breeding: up to 3 birds and one clutch was found at one site in N Scotland. Migrants: Shetland 1 on Fair Isle from 25-26 May, 2 at Baltasound from 27-28 May; West Isles 2 on South Uist on 4 Sep; Highland 1 at L More on 23 May; Tayside | at Kinkell Bridge on 1 Jun; Lothian 1 at Aberlady on 16 May and another at Musselburgh on 23 May; Strathclyde singles at Endrick Mouth on 28 May and Kilmarnock from 27-29 Jul. * Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Grampian an adult at Rigifa pond from 31 Jul-4 Aug (JLS, JMcK, KDS) was only the 3rd Scottish record of this species. White-rumped Sandpiper A. Stevenson * White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Orkney probable adult on North Ronaldsay on 21 Sep (DHH, FMcC). * Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Shetland singles occurred on Foula on 16 Sep, on Fair Isle from 22-30 Sep, at Huxter on 23-24 Sep, on Whalsay on 24-25 Sep, and another on Fair Isle from 16-19 Oct; Orkney singles were seen at Deerness on 23 Aug, Harray from 25 Aug-3 Sep, and Deerness again on 5 Oct; West Isles up to 7 birds on South Uist between 19 Sep and 5 Oct; Highland 1 at Sandside Bay on 7 Oct; Grampian | at Lossiemouth from 7-11 Sep. us Curlew Sandpiper Aberlady 1988 __ M. Darling Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Spring: Orkney had 6 spring records of 1-2 birds between 5 May and | Jun; Grampian 1 at Findhorn Bay on 19 Apr, 1 at Meikle from 23-25 May, and 5 on the Ythan on 25 May; Lothian 2 at Aberlady on 24 May; Strathclyde 1 in Sorobaidh Bay, Tiree on 16 Apr, 1 at Barassie from 29-31 May. Autumn passage was exceptional with a monthly breakdown and peak figs below:- Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Shetland-Highland 1 157 311 17 Grampian-Fife 5 Si sy2 665. Zi de Central-Borders 95 171 1 1 Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall 1 10 218 14 Shetland had its best ever year with an influx from 2 Sep, and up to 63 on the main islands on 4 Sep, and a further 36 on Fair Isle on 5 Sep; Orkney’s peak was reached with 59 on N Ronaldsay on 27 Aug; Highland the Caithness District peak occurred on 5 Sep with 44, while Udale had 77 on 10 Sep; Grampian had huge numbers with 285 at Findhorn Bay on 10-11 Sep, and 57 on the Ythan on 11 Sep; Tayside 80 at Montrose Basin on 8 Sep; Fife 63 at Guardbridge on 11 Sep; Central 80 at Kincardine Bridge on 10 Sep, and a late bird at Skinflats on 12 Nov; Lothian 70 at Tyninghame on 4 Sep; Dumf & Gail 116 at Browhouses on 16 Sep was by far the highest figure recorded from the SW. ea ** Figures in the 2 above tables are based on estimates provided. Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima One site in North Scotland had adults present on 10 Jun. Counts/passage: Shetland 160 at Sumburgh on 9 Feb; Orkney the Sanday shore count produced 509 between 12 and 15 May; Highland 123 at Balintore on 7 Mar, 12 at Dunnet Head on | Aug were early, and the autumn peak was 120 at Brims Ness on 25 Dec; Grampian 230 at Girdieness on 20 Jan, and 230 at Buckie on 7 Feb; Tayside 200 at Arbroath on 4 Jan; Fife the Isle of May held 120-180 birds during Jul-Aug; Lothian Gullane-Tyninghame held 200 in Jan; Strathclyde 100+ at Turnberry Pt on 4 Jan; Dumf & Gall 50 at Southerness on 18 Jan. Dunlin Calidris alpina Breeding: Shetland 78 prs were noted at 3 sites; Orkney up to 45 prs were recorded; Highland a minimum of 30 prs nested between L More and Sletill Hill; Borders 7 prs were recorded. Counts/passage: Highland 1200 at Chanonry on 24 Dec; Grampian heavy passage on 14-20 Sep when 710N in 1 hour at Peterhead, and 1144 in Findhorn Bay, which rose to 2100 in Oct; Tayside 2500 in outer Tay area in Feb, and 3000 in Montrose Basin on 27 Apr; Fife 1506 at the Eden estuary on 9 Dec; Central 3017 on the Forth estuary on 12 Dec; Lothian Dalmeny held 1550 on 21 Feb; Strathclyde 1000 at Barassie on 26 Jul; Dumf & Gall Caerlaverock held 6000 on 23 Oct. 24 * Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus Shetland 1 on Whalsay from 18-22 May (BM et al) @; Grampian | on The Ythan from 30 May-3 Jun (AGS et al), and an adult at Kingston from 11-14 Jul (MJHC, RHD et al). * Buff-breasted Sandpiper 7ryngites subruficollis Orkney 1 on N Ronaldsay from 3-23 Sep (KFW); West Isles 1 on South Uist on 2 Sep; Lothian 1 at Musselburgh on 8-9 Oct, and 17-22 Oct (LLJV, IJA et al). Ruff Philomachus pugnax Winter: Orkney had 2 at Tankerness on 4 Jan, Tayside had 1 at Montrose on 21 Feb, Fife had singles at Inverkeithing on 2 Jan-6 Mar, Lothian 1-2 birds between Aberlady and Cockenzie in Jan-Feb, and Dumf & Gall 1 at Caerlaverock in Jan. Spring passage was poor compared to 1987: e.g. in Grampian Meikle had 3 on 18 Jun. A stronger autumn passage than in 1987: Shetland had 130 at Catfirth on 3 Sep, with another 30 on Fair Isle on 3 Sep, while Orkney had 30 on N Ronaldsay/Stronsay on 2 Sep, with the last 2 at Crantit on 3 Dec; Highland 12 at Castle Stuart on 2 Sep, 30 at Longman on 9 Sep, and 13 at L of Mey on 19 Sep, with 1 wintering bird at Barrock on 17 Dec; Grampian 48 at Newburgh on 27 Sep, last 2 on the Ythan on 4 Dec; Tayside 7 at Williamston on 31 Aug; Fife 15 at the Eden estuary on 11 Sep, 1 again at Inverkeithing from 11 Nov-end Dec; Central 19 at Grangemouth on 8 Sep; Lothian had a peak of 54 at Drem on 10 Sep, and between 4-6 in Aberlady-Cockenzie area in Nov-Dec; lower numbers appeared in most of the SW with Strathclyde having 23 at Summerston on 3 Sep, 56 at The Meetings, Carstairs on 10 Sep, 14 on Gruinart Flats, Islay on 11 Sep, and late birds at Castle Semple L on 8 Nov, near Prestwick on 15 Nov, and Baron’s Haugh on 4 Dec; while Dumf & Gall had 6 at L Connell on 9 Aug, and up to 4 in the Priestside-Dumfries area in Dec. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Much the usual pattern of records gave 12 on the main islands of Shetland during Jan-Apr and c22 in Oct, while Fair Isle had 10 on 6, 12, and 13 Oct, with 15 on 20 Oct; 9 on North Ronaldsay, Orkney in Oct; 1 on the Isle of May, Fife on 5 May; Central Kinneil held 11 on 10 Dec; Lothian had 3 at Tailend Moss on 26 Feb and mid-late Dec; Strathclyde had 13 at Paisley Moss on 14 Jan, 8 on Blantyre Muir on 2 Apr, and 8 there again on 15 Oct. Autumn arrival was from 13 Sep, but an unseasonal bird appeared at Culbin Bar, Grampian from 13-25 Aug. Snipe Gallinago gallinago Strathclyde estimated minimum of 1200 breeding prs on Tiree. Counts/passage: Shetland had a strong autumn passage with 120 on Fair Isle on 2 Sep, 150 at Hillwell on 25 Oct, 150 at Norwick on 27 Oct; Orkney 299 on North Ronaldsay on 25 Oct; Strathclyde 200+ at Ayr on 16 Oct. * Great Snipe Gallinago media Shetland 1 on Whalsay on 2 Sep (BM), and 1 on Skerries on 10-11 Sep (ET et al). * Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Shetland juv on Fetlar on 18 Oct, also at Baltasound on 6 Dec into 1989 (PME, RM, MGP et al); Strathclyde adult near Irvine from 26-31 Aug (GM, PMcE, BO et al). Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Counts/passage: Shetland the spring passage peak ran from 21-30 Mar with 15 at 2 locations on 24 Mar, the main return movement being in mid-late Oct when Fair Isle had 200 on 25 Oct; Orkney 23 on N Ronaldsay on 22 Oct; Fife 24 arrived on the Isle of May between 19 and 21 Oct while Fife Ness had 8 on 21 Oct; Borders 6 at St Abbs on 20 Oct. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Breeding: Shetland 1 pair reared 2 young at usual site; Tayside prs at 2 sites but no evidence of nesting. Counts/passage: Orkney 22 at Harray on 30 Aug; Highland 19 at Longman on 2 Oct; Grampian the :-Ythan peak was 10 on 24 Apr; Tayside 8 at Strathearn on 27 Jul; Fife the Eden estuary peak was 155 on 4 Dec; Central 30 on the Forth estuary on 8 Sep; Strathclyde over 55 birds in Inner Clyde area from 5 Jul, peaks including 9 at Gartocharn. on 24 Jul, 9 at West Ferry on 28 Aug, and 12 at L Indaal, Islay from 21 Aug-8 Sep; Dumf & Gall 84 at Caerlaverock on 18-19 Apr. * Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica Grampian | at Slains on 26 Sep (RD, JC) was the first for Scotland. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Counts/passage: Highland/Grampian 1300 at Fort George on 17 Jan, 1350 at Nairn-Culbin Bars in Mar; Tayside 1500 in the outer Tay in Oct; Fife 1500 at Tayport on 16 Jan; Lothian the Aberlady peak was 2070 on 20 Feb. PAS) Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Breeding: Shetland had a better season that 1987; Orkney had 9-10 prs breeding or attempting. Passage figures included: Shetland 1 wintering into 1989 at Baltasound may have been injured; Orkney 27 at Finstown on 19 Aug; Highland 16 at L of Mey on 20 Apr, 21 at Dunnet Links on 30 Aug, and the last 1 was at Moss of Mey on 22 Oct; Grampian had an early arrival of 7N at Girdleness on 16 Mar, followed by good autumn figures of 47 at Culbin Bar on 9 Aug, 60 at Auchleuch on 26 Aug, and 44 at Hopeman on 9 Sep; Fife had 28S at Tayport on 24 Aug; Lothian Tyninghame had an early bird on 27 Feb, with 60 there on 30 Jul, and a late bird at Aberlady on 23 Nov; Strathclyde’s earliest was 1 on Arran on 1 Apr, while high numbers delayed by adverse weather on Islay included 63 at L Gorm on 5 May and 117 between L Gorm and L Gruinart on 18 May; Dumf & Gall had an early bird at Caerlaverock on 28 Mar, and 42 at L Ryan on 24 Jul. Curlew Numenius arquata Counts/passage: Orkney high counts included 2000 on St Ola on 5 Jan, 3000 on 20 Feb, and 2000 on 24 Aug; Grampian 1107 between Strathbeg and Rosehearty on 2 Feb; Tayside 1000 at Montrose Basin on 4 Aug; Central 953 in Forth estuary on 15 Feb; Strathclyde 700 at Bogside on 2 Aug, 1256 at Libberton on 6 Aug, 1362 at The Meetings on 28 Aug, and 701 at L Indaal, Islay on 13 Sep; Dumf & Gall 1470 at Caerlaverock on 28 Sep, and 1214 in Wigtown Bay on 24 Jan. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Winter-spring: Shetland 1 on Whalsay from 13-15 May; Orkney 1 at L of Stenness from 1 Jan-6 May; Highland | at Tarradale from 22 Feb-6 Mar, 1 at Munlochy Bay from 13-27 Mar; Grampian had 5 birds between 26 Mar and 15 May; Fife 2 at Tayport on 20 Mar, i on the Isle of May on 16 Jun, and 1 on the Eden estuary from Mar-end Dec; Lothian 1 at Aberlady on 16 Apr. Autumn summary: end-Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Shetland-Highland 2 1 20 32 6 Grampian-Fife 7 11 25 4 o4 1 Central-Borders 94 12 23 2 1 Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall 6 18 Redshank Tringa totanus Breeding: numbers continue low in Dumf & Gall. Counts/passage: Highiand 808 at Nigg Bay on 17 Jan, 980 at Longman on 7 Feb; Grampian 2000 in Findhorn Bay on 28 Aug, and 1266 on the Ythan on 11 Sep; Tayside 1000 at Montrose Basin on 5 Aug; Fife 1345 at the Eden estuary on 11 Aug; Central 3064 on the Forth estuary on 8 Sep; Lothian 619 at Tyninghame on 27 Aug; Strathclyde 500 at Bogside on 11 Sep. Greenshank Tringa nebularia Breeding: Shetland c5 prs nested; Highland birds present at 6 potential breeding sites in Caithness District; Tayside recorded at 3 locations. Counts/passage: Shetland a late bird was at Whiteness from 2-8 Nov; Orkney 14 on N Ronaldsay on 19 Aug; Grampian peaks were 16 in Findhorn Bay on 11 Aug, and 14 on the Ythan on 11 Sep; Tayside 20 at Montrose Basin on 23 Aug; Fife 15 at the Eden estuary on 28 Oct; Lothian 18 at Tyninghame on 30 Jul; Strathclyde peaks included 18SW over Lochwinnoch on 2 Sep, and 16 at Langbank on 16 Sep; Dumf & Gall 20 at Caerlaverock on 22 Oct. Wintering birds: Highland had 12 in Jan/Mar, 7 in Nov/Dec; Grampian had 8 in Jan, and 4 in Dec; Tayside had singles in Feb and Nov; Fife had 1 in Jan, and 2 in Dec; Central had singles in Jan and Dec; Lothian had 4 in Jan/Mar, and 7 in Nov/Dec; Strathclyde had 17 in Jan/Feb, and 15 in Nov/Dec; Dumf & Gall had 6 in Jan. Green Sandpiper 7ringa ochropus Winter-spring: Shetland had at least 23 birds between 19 Apr and 27 May, with 10 on Fair Isle on 20 Apr; Orkney up to 6 birds between 21 Apr and 23 May; Grampian unusual records included 2 at Fintray on 31 Jan, and 1 in Findhorn Bay on 20 Feb, 5 spring singles followed between 4 Apr and 22 May; Strathclyde a wintering bird was at Croftamie from 10 Jan-23 Feb, 2 singles were seen between 24 Apr-7 May; Dumf & Gall 1 at Dumfries on 5 Jan and 27 Feb. A good autumn passage, spanning the dates from 20 Jun-29 Oct involved about 206 birds, with cSO in Shetland, c25 in Orkney, 2 in West Isles, 11 in Highland, 27 in Grampian, 7 in Tayside, 8 in Fife, 2 in Central, 30 in Lothian, 6 in Borders, 26+ in Strathclyde, and 12 in Dumf & Gall. Winter: Lothian 1 at Threipmuir on 27 Nov; Strathclyde had singles at Baron’s Haugh on 6-7 Nov, and Howwood on 11 Dec; Dumf & Gall up to 4 at Dumfries on 9 Nov dropped to ' 1 by 14 Dec. Wood Sandpiper 7ringa glareola Breeding: Highland prs present at 3 sites — bred at one and probably bred at another. Passage birds: Shetland an excellent year with up to 18 birds between 29 Apr and 12 Jun, in autumn up to 17 birds between 6 Jul and 12 Sep; Orkney singles at Harray on 25 May 26 and Holm on 28 May were followed by up to 18 records between 8 Aug and 20 Sep, and an exceptionally late bird at Finstown on 23 Dec; West Isles 1 on South Uist on 4 Sep; Grampian 2 at Rashierieve on 9 May, | at Rigifa on 17 May, another on 17 Jul, and 1 at Peterhead on 9 Aug; Tayside 1 at Kinnaber on 23 Apr, and singles at Montrose on 11 Jul and 28 Aug; Fife 1 at Collessie on 8 Sep; Lothian up to 6 birds at Aberlady from 2-29 May; Borders 1 on the Eye Water on 7 Sep; Strathclyde had 2 in May, and 6 between 3 Aug and 21 Sep. Common Sandpiper Lendalfoot June 1988 A. Hogg Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Breeding: Orkney up to 9 prs located; Strathclyde 44 prs were recorded from the Glen Falloch catchment area, and 59 prs from 15 sites in Ayrshire. An unusual winter record came from Dumf & Gall where 1 was seen at Kirkcudbright on 3 Feb, while 1 at Almondell, Lothian on 19 Feb may also have been overwintered in Scotland. Counts/passage: spring arrival was generally from early Apr - in Shetland Fair Isle had a strong passage from 2-13 Sep, with 40 on 2 Sep, the last bird was noted at Grutness on 31 Oct; Tayside 1 in Glenlyon on 6 Apr, 43 at Kinnaber on 22 Jul, and the last 1 at Carsebreck on 9 Oct; Fife 4 at the Eden estuary on 20 Oct; Lothian a late bird was at Skateraw on 21 Oct; Borders had late singles at St Abbs_ and Burnmouth on 23 Oct; Strathclyde 1 at Linwood on i Apr, 24 at Bogside on 11 Jul. Late singles: Strathclyde 1 at Balgray Res from 30 Oct-13 Nov; in Grampian | remained on the Dee till 23 Nov. Turnstone Arenaria interpres Counts: Shetland Fair Isle peaks included 220 on 2 Apr, with 260 on 15 Nov; Orkney Sanday peak was 2591 on 12-15 May; Grampian 541 between Rosehearty and Fraserburgh on 20 Feb; Lothian 600 from Gullane-Tyninghame in Feb and 400 at Musselburgh on 4, and 6 May. * Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Shetland 1 at Hillwell on 23-24 Sep (PRF et al), and a juv at Norwick from 10-19 Oct (JHB et al). 7 il Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Breeding: Shetland arrival on Fetlar on 21 May, between 13 and 14 broods were located, 2 prs nested at another site, and another 2 prs frequented another area but did not breed, the last juvs were present on 10 Aug; no breeding recorded on West Isles; Strathclyde 3 birds were present at one site from 27 May-7 Jun, with 2 on 19-20 Jun, but breeding not proven. Passage: Orkney 1 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Jul; West Isles 1 on St Kilda on 31 May; Dumf & Gall 1 at L Ken on 23 Jun, and another near Corsewall Pt from 2-7 Nov. * Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Shetland 1 at Grutness on 13 Sep; Orkney singles on N Ronaldsay on 18-19 Sep, and at Dam of Hoxa on 25 Nov; West Isles 1 on South Uist on 23 Sep; Highland 1 off Sandside Head on 31 Jan; Grampian 1 at Fraserburgh on 4 Dec; Borders | Mire L, St Abbs on 3 Apr; Dumf & Gall 1 at Glencaple on 8 Sep. Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus Spring: Shetland 2 on Fair Isle crossing on 6 May, | off West Yell on 18 May, and 4N at Watsness on 19 May; West Isles a poor passage off Balranald produced only 18 birds between 9-26 May; Strathclyde a few flocks on Tobermory-Coll crossing totalled 140 on 12 May. Autumn passage; Shetland c95 birds recorded between 19 Aug and 7 Dec with the peak being 27 past Sumburgh Head on 20 Sep; Orkney N Ronaldsay’s peak count was 14 on 19 Sep, with 2 late singles off Stronsay between 21 Nov-1 Dec; Highland had 49 between 11 Aug and 3 Dec with peaks of 8 at North Kessock on 19 Sep and 7 in Dunnet Bay on 7 Oct; Grampian 87 birds were recorded between 21 Aug and 4 Dec, and the biggest passage occurred on 24 Aug with 27 off Aberdeen beach; Tayside 40 birds between 24 Jul and 19 Nov; Fife 96 birds recorded between 23 Jul and 10 Dec, the biggest passage being of 33 at Fife Ness on 23 Sep; Central 5 at Skinflats on 13 Nov; Lothian passage lasted from 4 Aug-4 Dec with peaks of 36 at Hound Pt on 22 Sep, 35 on 12 Oct, and 32W at. Aberlady on 29 Sep; Borders had 5 birds between 16 Aug and 4 Oct; Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall 3 in the Sound of Mull on 24 Sep, while there was another good autumn in Ayrshire, with up to 12 birds between 3 Sep and 13 Nov, but only 1 at Corsewall Pt on 3 Sep. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Breeding: Shetland a disastrous year with only 6 young reared from 97 prs attempting, on Fair Isle the breeding population stood at 78 prs with an estimated 1.4 chicks fledged/nest; Orkney 224-225 prs located with Ist fledged young on 10 Jul; Highland 18-22 pairs were located at 9 sites in Caithness District. Migration: Shetland seen from 4 Apr on Fair Isle; Grampian 78S at Peterhead on 15 Aug was the highest daily figure, the last bird being off Girdleness on 2 Dec; Tayside 53S at Arbroath on 1 Oct; Fife 136 at Inverkeithing on 12 Oct, and a late bird at Fife Ness on 10 Dec; Lothian peak was 36 at Hound Pt on 1 Sep; Borders 30S past St Abbs on 21 Aug; Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall had low passage numbers. Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus After a poor spring passage, a very heavy autumn passage ensued with the monthly peaks and noteworthy counts shown below. Shetland an unprecedented influx in autumn with c106 individuals in Sep, the heaviest passage being on 20 Sep when 29 were recorded, another 5 were seen on 1-2 Oct; Orkney 1 on N Ronaldsay on 1 Jun and 25 Jul, then a huge passage of cl63 birds during Sep, the maxima occurring on 18-19 Sep when 63 and 71 respectively; West Isles only 9 off Balranald between 8-18 May; Highland 15 birds were recorded at North Kessock/Tarradale/Chanonry between 19 Sep and 9 Oct; Grampian about 48 birds appeared between 13 Sep and 9 Oct, the largest group being a flock of 32 seen off Aberdeen on 23 Sep; Tayside had 9 between 20 Sep and 16 Oct; Fife had 4 between 25 Sep and 12 Oct; Lothian at least 63 recorded, with 51 at Hound Pt between 14 Sep and 28 Oct; Borders had 3 between 31 Aug and 15 Sep; Strathclyde 2S at Turnberry Pt on 9 Oct; Dumf & Gall an adult found dead at Dornells L on 6 Oct would suggest that many birds seen flying W at Hound Pt tried to fly overland. Jul Aug Sep Oct Shetland-Highland 1 284 6 Grampian-Fife 44 17 Central-Borders 1 24 41 Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall 3 Great Skua Stercorarius skua Breeding: Shetland 392 prs on Noss showed a 1% increase since 1983, but a very poor breeding season throughout, Fair Isle’s population was estimated at 78 prs; Orkney up to 280 prs located; Highland 4 prs were found at 2 sites in Caithness District. Winter: Lothian 6 records of Jan birds included 2 at Musselburgh on 13 Jan. Migration: Shetland arrival at Toab | on 19 Mar, last 1 at Baltasound on 9 Nov; Orkney passage spanned 26 Mar-21 Oct; Highland 112N in 1 hr at Wick on 21 Aug; Grampian a late bird was at Fraserburgh on 4 Dec; Fife 124 at Inverkeithing on 12 Oct, and a late bird at Fife Ness on 6 Dec; Lethian 46 at Hound Pt on 12 Oct was the peak count; Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall low numbers in the SW, the peak being 8S at Corsewall Pt on 3 Sep. 28 * Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Highland adult at Avoch on 18 Dec; Grampian adult at Girdleness and Donmouth during Jan-Mar, also a 2nd winter at Girdleness on 21 Mar, and a 2nd summer at Kemnay on 24 Apr, an adult summered in the area, and another at Girdleness on 20 Nov; Fife 2nd summer at Leven on 19 Mar; Lothian 2nd winter at Cramond on 17 Mar, an adult there on 23 Mar, a 2nd summer at Musselburgh from 6-15 Apr, and an adult at Seafield on 2 Oct; Strathclyde 2nd winter at Doonfoot on 21-22 Feb, and a 2nd summer/winter at Stevenston on 22-23 Sep. Little Gull Larus minutus Summary of records: Jone Me Ae Mic 0 Ax Si O2. .NexD Shetland-Highland 2 2 Rhee os | Die, Dual Grampian-Fife 5 28 44274 1 18 5 6 4393 3270 Central-Borders 2 6 1 Strathclyde/D&G Z ee 30 4 LVN es 1 Peaks: Tayside the main concentrations were at Balmossie with 250 on 10 Apr, and 270 on 27 Dec, also 388 flew W in 5 hrs at Arbroath on 11 Oct; Fife the Kilconquhar L peak was only 12 on 21 Aug. * Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini A good year with most in the usual autumn period; Shetland 1 off Whalsay on 23 Sep; Orkney 1 off N Ronaldsay on 25 Sep; West Isles 5 in the Minch on 30 Aug; Highland 1 between Ascribs and L Snizort on 5 Sep, 1 at Chanonry from 23-28 Sep; Lothian singles at Hound Pt on 26 Aug, and Aberlady on 4-5 Sep; Strathclyde adult S at Turnberry Pt on 7 Oct, 2 juvs S there on 9 Oct. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Breeding: Highland 765 prs were recorded; Grampian a dreadful year at Forvie where 573 prs reared only 2 chicks; Tayside 6841 prs at L of Kinnordy and 1250 prs recorded at 8 other sites; Lothian 1530 prs at Bavelaw, and 1535 prs recorded at 9 other sites; Borders 1200 prs at West Water; Strathclyde 1442 prs were counted at 2 Renfrewshire sites; Dumf & Gall 1000 prs at L of Urr. Counts: Highland 2200 at L Garten on 10 Apr; Grampian Inverugie held 2000 on 23 Jan; Tayside 2500 at Drummond Pond on 27 Feb; Central 3650 at Alva in Dec; Lothian 9000 at Musselburgh on 11 Feb; Borders 4750 at Hule Moss on 17 Feb; Strathclyde 20,750 were counted in the Inner Clyde during mid-Feb, and 11,600 roosted on Strathclyde Country Park on 30 Oct. * Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Orkney Ist winter at Stromness on 3 Jan, and again from 4-28 Feb, also possibly present till mid-Mar; Strathclyde adult at Doonfoot from 19 Feb-12 Mar, and 3 adults at Lussa Bay, Jura on 24 Feb. Common Gull Larus canus Breeding: Orkney 836 prs were recorded; Highland a census revealed 7500 prs in the Mortlach gulleries, with another 1000 present in unsurveyed areas; Grampian 15,000 prs in the Coreen Hills; Strathclyde 157 nests on Arran, and 250 prs at L Thom. Counts: Orkney 10,000 at the Head of Work on 1-2 Feb; Grampian 20,000 on the Ythan on 10 Sep; Lothian 10,000 at Musselburgh on 6 Apr; Strathclyde 13,000 at the Meetings-Covington on 10 Jan. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Breeding: Orkney had 101 prs recorded; Tayside 1200 nests at one site; Fife estimated 570 prs on the Isle of May; Lothian c552 prs on Forth islands; Strathclyde 15 colonies of roof-top nesters held 510 prs in Inner Clyde area. Counts/passage: West Isles 2 in North Ford on 30 Jan was unusual; Strathclyde 315 in Strathclyde Country Park on 23 Jan, 2000 there on 30 Oct. Other races: L f fuscus up to 12 birds were recorded between Mar and Oct in Orkney, Highland, and Strathclyde. L f intermedius: 9 birds were recorded from Jan-Jun in Grampian, Fife and Lothian. Herring Gull Larus argentatus Breeding: Highland a big increase again on Canna to 1525 prs; Fife 1700 prs on the Isle of May; Borders 722 prs at St Abbs is an increase from 1987. Counts: Shetland 5000 on Fair Isle on 9 Nov; Highland 1800 at Kinloss in Apr; Tayside 7000 at Arbroath on 13 Jan; Fife 3000 at Collessie on 6 Jan; Central 16,700 at Skinflats on 13 Nov; Strathclyde 7900 at Strathclyde Country Park on 31 Jan, 6000 between Ayr and Prestwick on 18 Mar. 29 Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides Very scarce in the South, with a general drop in numbers. Summary of year’s records: J’ FIOM AM A Ss OND Shetland-Highland 15 °°44.*33-" 15" S."' Oo 3 7 A lal fess bi | Grampian-Fife Kannan sent | 1 1 Central-Borders 4 5 Strathclyde/D&G 63) PPh Br! 1 1 Vipjy, i Kumlien’s Gull Banff 7 a §.M.D. Alexander Kumlien’s L g kumlieni: Grampian the Banff adult was again present between | Jan and 5 Apr, and from 27 Dec to the end of the year (GA, GMC, JSN, JGS et al). Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Like the previous species, it was scarcer in the South. Summary of year’s records: JF. Ms rA MP 325 VA aes O EN D Shetland-Highland 33. 33: 27- 26 14 °4 23 +479 33-51-11 Grampian-Fife 44 8 2 Repo Vie) bes ea) ene | Central-Borders SSS ES Size 5 Strathclyde/D&G 86a FS) he Ale Eee 2 ee Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrids: Shetland 1 at Scatness on 14 Apr, and 1 on Fetlar on 15 aay Tayside 1 at Arbroath on 13 Nov. Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Breeding: Shetland 84 prs on Noss; Orkney 100 prs were recorded; Fife 3 prs on the Isle of May. Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Breeding: Shetland had a disastrous season due to food shortage, with only those pairs nesting in North-western colonies faring marginally better, on Fair Isle a complete count revealed 19,340 occupied nests, but fledging success was low; Orkney an increase of 6.5% was found at monitored sites; Fife 7638 nests (highest ever number) on Isle of May; Borders 16,200 nests at St Abbs is another increase. Counts/passage: Grampian 9600N at Peterhead on 30 Sep. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Breeding: Orkney 136 prs were recorded; Grampian 664 prs attempted at Forvie, rearing only 0.4 young/pair, while at Strathbeg 404 prs reared 0.7 young/pair; Lothian 383 nests were counted on Inchmickery. Counts/passage: Shetland 4 records, with 1 on 14 Oct being the latest ever recorded there; Orkney a late bird was off Stronsay on 6 Dec; Highland 380 at Culbin Bar on 9 Aug; Strathclyde 1N at Saltcoats on 21 Mar. 30 Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Breeding: Lothian 21 nests were found on Inchmickery. Counts/passage: Shetland | on Fair Isle on 12 May; Orkney 1 on N Ronaldsay on 22 May. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Breeding: Shetland another poor season with few fledged young, similarly 59 pairs on Fair Isle experienced almost complete failure with only 2 young fledging; Grampian 155 reared 0.56 young/pair; Fife c50 nests on Isle of May had low hatching success; Lothian 157 pairs at 2 sites; Strathclyde 87-100 pairs at Hunterston; Dumf & Gall 25 pairs at L Ryan. Counts/passage: Grampian 1 at Donmouth on 20 Mar; Tayside had a late bird on 16 Oct; Strathclyde had its last bird on Islay on 1 Nov. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Breeding: Shetland another disastrous season, and an increase to 345 prs on Fair Isle saw only 1 young fledged; Orkney 6500 prs nested; Grampian 75 prs reared c0.48 young/pair; Lothian 81 prs at 2 coastal sites; Strathclyde 25 prs at 2 sites in Ayrshire; Dumf & Gall 35 prs at L Ryan. Counts/passage: Shetland 1 at Grutness on 5 Oct; Highland 300 at Findhorn on 13 Aug; Grampian 1 at Forvie on 23 Apr; Fife last one at Inverkeithing on 6 Nov. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Breeding: Grampian 33 prs at St Cyrus reared c9 young, 12 prs at Forvie reared 9 young; Tayside 21 prs at Barry Buddon, 11 prs at Elliot; Lothian 24 prs at 2 sites. Counts/passage: Lothian first one at Musselburgh on 18 Apr; Strathclyde and Dumf & Gall had singles on Islay and in Wigtown Bay on 11 Oct. Black Tern Chlidonias niger Summary of year’s records: — Mex Inds vAY oS: O Shetland/Highland 4 ST 22 Grampian-Fife 1 10 Central-Borders Dik Strathclyde/D&G 1 Sie * White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Orkney 1st summer bird at L of Tankerness on 16-17 Jun (ERM et al). Guillemot Uria aalge Breeding: Shetland monitoring at breeding colonies showed a slight decrese in numbers from 1987, with Troswick Ness worst hit (decreased by 12%), on Fair Isle monitored breeding sites returned 0.79 chicks/nest; Orkney monitored sites showed a 3.8% decrease from 1987; Fife cl1,220 prs on Isle of May (decrease of 460 prs from 1987); Borders 27,928 were counted at St Abbs. Counts: Grampian 6400N in 1 hour at Peterhead on 21 Feb; Central 300 at Kincardine Bridge on 19 Nov. * Brunnich’s Guillemot Uria Jomvia Highland adult c' found dead at Dunnet on 9 Mar (EWEM, JMW). Brunnich’s Guillemot Dunnet Mar 1988 E.W.E. Maughan 31 Razorbill A/ca torda Breeding: Shetland Sumburgh monitoring showed a 18% decline in numbers, censusing on Fair Isle revealed total of 5114 in late Apr and 3053 in Jun; Fife c2000 prs on Isle of May; Borders 1502 birds were counted at St Abbs Head. Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle Breeding: Shetland 1005 adults were counted, while Fair Isle’s productivity at monitored sites was 0.57 chicks/nest; Orkney had a poor season. Elsewhere: only 5 records from Lothian. Little Auk A/le Alle Shetiand low numbers in early part of year, a summer-plumaged bird appeared in Yell Sound on 31 May, and off Ramna Stacks on 17 Jul, 403N in 2 hrs at Boddam on 27 Nov, and 104S in 1 hour off Sumburgh Head on 30 Nov; Orkney also had low numbers with 10 seen in Jan; Grampian 15 at Peterhead on 10 Nov, then 43 in 2 hrs at Girdleness on 1 Dec, and 39 there on 2 Dec; Lothian 92E in 2 hrs at Gullane Point on 26 Jan, and 81N in 1 hour at Barns Ness on 20 Nov; Strathclyde a small wreck of c24 birds on the Ayrshire coast between 9 Feb and 5 Mar. Puffin Fratercula arctica Breeding: Shetland Noss census produced 1694 nests with poor success, Fair Isle’s breeding success at monitored sites was 0.75 chicks/nest; Fife a slight decrease was suggested on Isle of May. Elsewhere: 1 on L Lomond, Strathclyde on 13-16 Jul was unexpected. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia Counts: Shetland 309 at Twatt on 11 Jun; Orkney 400 at Hall of Clestrain on 10 Dec; Highland 500-600 at Sandside Farm on 17 Jan. Stock Dove Columba oenas Counts: Shetland had 8 records in its best ever year; Orkney 1 on N Ronaldsay on. 4-6 Apr was the first since 1913. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Counts: Highland 5000-6000 at Duffus, and 2200 at L Loy on 24 Dec; Grampian 2000 at Udny on 2 Mar; Tayside 2500 at Airntully on 28 Oct; Central 2000 at Menstrie on 22 Dec. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Counts/passage: Orkney 35 at Crantit on 14 Oct; Highland 41 at Keith on 19 Feb; Strathclyde 287 at Cumbernauld on 10 Aug. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Breeding: Borders a pair probably bred at Reston. Migrants: Shetland 1 on Fair Isle on 5-6 May, and another on 12 May, then 1-5 daily from 22 May-4 Jun and 15 more elsewhere during May-Jun, 5 in Jul, and cl15 between 26 Aug and 22 Oct; Orkney recorded from 11 May-5 Oct with 11 birds involved; West Isles singles on St Kilda on 24 May, Lewis on 28 May and Monachs on 8 Jul; Highland singles at Refaithey on 3 May, on Rhum from 7-14 May, at Mosstodloch on 17 May, on Eigg from 31 May-2 Jun, with 2 there on 3 Jun, at L Eye on 11 Sep, Strathy Point from 7-17 Oct, and Thrumster on 22 Oct; Grampian | at Strathbeg on 30 May; Tayside singles at Arbroath on 2 May, Cortachy on 15 May, Bonnytown on 21 Sep, and Montrose on 30 Oct; Fife 1 at Glenrothes on 21 Apr, 1 on Isle of May on 12 May, with 5 from late May-mid-Jun; Lothian 1 at Barns Ness on 26-27 Oct; Dumf & Gall a juvenile at Laurieston on 8 Sep. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Counts/passage: Shetland 2 early birds on Fair Isle on 20 Apr, last one on Whalsay on 8 Sep; Orkney | on 28 Apr, with the latest record on 9 Sep; Highland 1 at Drynachan on 27 Apr; Grampian Ist record on 23 Apr, and a very late bird at Auchleudy on 3 Oct; Strathclyde 1 at Dippen, Arran on 5 Apr; Dumf & Gall Ist bird of the year was at Dalry on 21 Apr. Barn Owl Tyto alba Breeding: Tayside a pair bred in the Dunning area, but remains scarce in the Region; Fife a pair bred, but also scarce in the Region; Lothian 26 sites reported; Borders minimum 59 sites reported; Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall good numbers bred due to peak in vole cycle. Elsewhere: Grampian only 3 scattered records during year. * Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca Shetland 3 birds, all 44 , recorded at usual places during the year, one 9 laid 4 infertile eggs; Orkney a 9 on Evie on 7 May, and perhaps same on Birsay during the second half of May @ ; Grampian co on Bennachie from 27 Apr-2 May (KDS, et al). * Little Owl Athene noctua Lothian a single bird was present at the usual site during Jan-Feb and Sep, Nov; Borders 2 singles noted in Apr and Jul; Dumf & Gall pair bred in usual area. Tawny Owl Strix aluco Breeding: no significant change in numbers noted. 32 Long-eared Owl Asio otus Breeding: small numbers recorded in Highland/Grampian/Tayside/ Lothian reflects how elusive this species can be; Borders a minimum of 62 territories was recorded; Strathclyde 20 prs were reported from Inner Clyde area. Counts/passage: Shetland had 4 in spring period, but 23 during 17-29 Oct; Orkney Berstane Wood held 7 in Jan; Grampian 4 reported in Region during 13-29 Oct; Fife singles on Isle of May from 25-30 Sep, 16 Oct, 2 on 21 Oct. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Breeding: Orkney c21 prs were recorded; Borders and Strathclyde both reported a good season. Counts/passage: Shetland 5 roosting at Spiggie on 21 Mar was exceptional, 20 recorded in autumn, with a further 1-5 on Fair Isle during Oct; Fife 6 on Isle of May on 1 Nov. * Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Breeding: Strathclyde only 1 pair reported from Arran; Dumf & Gall 3 churring birds in New Abbey area, and 2 at New Galloway. Elsewhere: Shetland had singles on Whalsay on 2 Jun, and Ollaberry on 1-2 Aug. * Needle-tailed Swift Hirundapus caudacutus Orkney 1 on Hoy from 28 May-8 Jun (KF, ST et al). Swift Apus apus Counts/passage: Shetland had late singles on Fair Isle on 6 Oct, and Trondra on 13 Oct; Highland a very late bird was at Inverness on 31 Oct; Grampian Ist record was at Rattray on 2 May; Strathclyde Ist bird of the year was at Irvine on 22 Apr. * Alpine Swift Apus melba Orkney 1 on N Ronaldsay on 12 Aug (PJD et al). Kingfisher A/cedo atthis Breeding: generally the species seems to be extending its range northwards again after a run of mild winters — Grampian possible breeding was reported from | site; Tayside a pair probably bred near Blairgowrie. Others: Shetland 1 at Strand on 13 Aug; Highland 1 at Portknockie harbour on 15 Oct; Grampian singles at Aboyne on 17 Feb, and Forglen on 28 Mar. = Hoopoe Upupa epops Shetland best year since 1973 with singles at Quendale on 20-21 Apr, on Fair Isle on 13 May, at Exnaboe on 18-19 May, and 12 individuals in autumn, with the last being on 3 Nov; Orkney had 2 singles between 14 and 22 May, and another 2 singles between 22 and 29 Oct; West Isles 1 on Lewis on 8 May; Highland singles at Thrumster on 6 May, Whitebridge on 8-9 May, at Achnalochy on 3 Oct, Dalchuly on 8-9 Oct, Crathie on 11 Oct, Dunnet Forest from 15-24 Oct, Tarvie on 20 Oct, and Insh marshes on 29 Oct; Grampian 1 at Dunecht on 7 Jun; Tayside 1 at Lunan Bay from 14-16 Oct; Lothian 1 at West Barns from 24-28 Oct. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Breeding: Highland a pair nested; Grampian 2 Gc’ were heard calling within 2 mile of each other at one site in Jun. Passage: Shetland had a good year with the Ist on Fair Isle on 27 Apr, and a max of 6 on 15 May, elsewhere another 10 were reported from the main islands between 9 May and 9 Jun, Fair Isle’s autumn maximum was 12 on 2 Sep, while the main islands had 9 on 2 Sep, 11 on 3 Sep, and another 8 till 11 Sep; Orkney had 3 in spring and 55 in autumn, including 30 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep; West Isles 3 on St Kilda on 3 Sep, one killed by a Kestrel; Highland singles on Eigg on 10 Oct, and at Thrumster on 13 Oct; Grampian singles at Inverugie on 1 May, and Cruden Bay on 2 Sep; Tayside 1 at Fishtown of Usan on 2-4 May; Fife singles on Isle of May from 29 Apr-2 May, and 4 May, and at Fife Ness on 13 May; Central 1 at Alva on 10 Oct; Lothian | at Tyninghame on 3 Sep; Borders singles at St Abbs on 17-18 May, and from 22-30 Oct. Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Breeding: Highland recorded at 9 localities; Grampian the species was recorded at 12 sites in the Region; Lothian a total of 45 sites were identified; Borders a slight drop in numbers may possibly have occurred with 22 territories recorded. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Passage birds: Shetland had at least 35 individuals between 2 Sep and 26 Oct; Fife 1 on Isle of May on 11 Oct. * Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Shetland singles on Fair Isle on 14 May (PMP, DS), in autumn singles on Fair Isle from 23 Sep-18 Oct (DS et al), and 2-21 Oct (DPB et al), on Unst from 4-7 Oct (MGP, MS), and 4-12 Oct (MGP), on Fair Isle from 5-12 Oct (NJR et al), at Sumburgh from 26 Oct-5 Nov (MM et al), and another on Unst from 9-12 Nov (MGP et al). * Woodlark Lullula arborea Shetland 4 individuals were recorded with singles at Compass Head from 22 Oct-3 Nov, Toab on 28 Oct, Boddam from 28-31 Oct, and Unst on 12 Nov; Orkney 1 on N Ronaldsay on 27 Mar was the first since 1913. 33 Skylark A/auda arvensis Breeding: Shetland 92 prs were recorded on Fair Isle. Counts: Shetland 670 on Fair Isle on 26 Mar, and 700 on 21 Sep; Orkney 385 on N Ronaldsay on 27 Oct; Grampian 1000 at Alford on 6 Feb. * Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Another year with few records: Grampian | at Rattray on 2 Nov; Lothian 5-6 at Tyninghame from 1987 till 3 Mar. Shore Lark Tyninghame 1988 Sand Martin Riparia riparia Breeding: the overall increase in numbers continues as the species regains lost ground — Grampian 690 nest-holes at 2 sites; Tayside 1632 prs located at 18 sites. Counts/passage: Shetland 1 at Sumburgh on 23 Oct was very late; Highland had 4 at L Flemington on 10 Apr, and 400 at L Spynie on 25 Apr; Grampian latest record was one on 22 Oct; Strathclyde first bird was at Bothwell on 19 Mar. 5 Swallow Hirundo rustica Breeding: Shetland breeding was attempted at 3 sites with 5S young reared at Tingwall; Grampian first broods showed a good success rate. Counts/passage: Shetland highest number on Fair Isle was 200 on 25 May; Highland had an early bird at Lossiemouth on 2 Apr, and a very late bird there on 17 Nov; Grampian 2000 at Banchory roost on 12 Aug, 1 at St Combs on 11 Nov; Fife had a very late bird at Largo Bay on 20 Nov; Lothian first bird was at Longniddry on 27 Mar; Strathclyde 2 near Ayr on 16 Nov. * Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Grampian | at Aberdeen on 17 Nov (BJS). House Martin Delichon urbica Breeding: Orkney c9 prs bred. Counts/passage: Shetland had an early bird on 19 Apr, and late records on 9 and 10 Nov, Fair Isle’s maximum was 80 on 25 May; Highland | at Keith on 12 Apr; Tayside a late bird was at Montrose on 18 Nov; Strathclyde first bird was at Stevenston on 3 Apr. * Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Shetland had 12 records in another good year: singles on Fair Isle from 2-17 Oct, at Grutness on 5 Oct, 2 on Fair Isle on 7 Oct, singles at West Voe of Sumburgh on 9 Oct, Strand on 18 Oct, Skaw, Unst, and Baltasound on 19 Oct, Stenness and Spiggie on 21 Oct, Virkie from 24 Oct-1 Nov, and Boddam on 3 Nov; Orkney singles on N Ronaldsay on 24 Oct, and Stronsay on 14 Oct, with 2 there on 15 Oct; Highland 2 at Kingston on 17-18 Nov, with 1 till 22 Nov, 1 on Eigg on 28 Nov; Tayside 1 at Arbroath on 22-23 Oct; Fife 1 at Fife Ness from 3-6 Nov. * Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewski Shetland 1 on Fair Isle from 13-22 Oct (per NJR) @ will be the Ist British record this century, and the Ist record for Scotland if accepted by BBRC. * Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Orkney 1 on Stronsay on 27-28 May; West Isles at Balranald on 14 May; Highland 1 on Spey Bay Golf Course on 22 Aug. 34 * Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Another good year with 6 birds: Shetland 1 at Exnaboe on 3 Jan (D&JC, RLH et al), singles on Fair Isle on 7 Oct (NJR et al), from 11-22 Oct (NJR, AFC et al), and on 14 Oct (per PVH) @, at Helendale/Strand from 26-28 Oct (PME, FDH, PVH), and Virkie on 30 Oct (DRB, PVH). * Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi Shetland 1 on Fair Isle from 5-7 Oct (AJL, DMR, PGWS et al). Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Breeding: Lothian/Borders up to 48 singing Gc’ were recorded; Strathclyde 115 territories were recorded in the Inner Clyde and Ayrshire parts of the Region; Dumf & Gall had 31 territories at Wood of Cree. Counts/passage: Shetland Ist bird on 19 Apr, and Fair Isle’s peak was 180 on 14 May, last 1 at Norwick on 26 Oct; West Isles 2 on St Kilda on 3 Sep; Highland 1 at Little Dufftown on 9 Apr, Tayside first 1 at Kenmore on 1 Apr; Strathclyde c100 feeding in cut hay at Endrick Mouth on 28 Aug. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Counts/passage: Shetland high counts included 350 on Foula on 16 Sep, and 800 on Fair Isle on 22 Sep; Orkney 700 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep; Fife 250 on Isle of May on 6 Sep. * Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Shetland singles at Baltasound, Unst on 22 May (MGP, IS), and on Fair Isle on 2 Jun (PMP), in autumn singles at Quendale on 13-14 Oct (DRB, PVH et al), at Hillswick on 21 Oct (CFM), and Virkie on 29 Oct (MM, DS). Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Breeding: Shetland 26 occupied territories were found on Noss. Counts/passage: 10 Scandinavian littoralis race birds were at Rattray, Grampian 1 on May; and another 9 birds were reported in Lothian between 16 Mar and 16 Apr. * Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Tayside 1 at Broughty Ferry from 24 Dec into 1989. Yellow Wastail Motacilla flava Breeding: Shetland a pair bred again at Quendale, with 2 juvs there on 12 Jul; Borders 4 prs were recorded in Coldstream area; Strathclyde 8+ prs in Avondale. Counts/passage flavissima or unspecified: Shetland had 12 between 1 and 26 May, in autumn 24 records mostly of singles between 31 Aug and 18 Oct, with singles of ‘‘eastern’’ race at Kergord on 8 Oct, Norwick on 17 Oct, and Unst on 6 Nov; Orkney a late bird on N Ronaldsay on 23-24 Oct; Highland 1 at L Caise on 23 May, and an extremely late bird at Jemimaville on 3 Dec; Grampian had 3 singles between 1 and 13 May; Tayside had singles on 4 May and 23 Aug; Fife singles on Isle of May on 27-29 Apr, and 8 May; Lothian Ist bird at Skateraw on 21 Apr. Blue-headed flava: Shetland had 5 between 16 May and 30 Jun; Grampian singles at Rattray on 15 and 22 May. Grey- headed thunbergi: Shetland had at least 16 between 14 May and 30 Jun; Grampian 1 at Rattray from 1-3 May. * Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Shetland 1 on Fair Isle from 8-10 Sep (per PVH) ¢. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Breeding: West Isles a pair bred in Stornoway. Counts/passage: Shetland 15 records was the best ever, with a late bird on Fetlar from 10 Nov-15 Dec; West Isles 2 on Benbecula in Oct. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Roost counts/passage: Grampian 500 at Dyce airport in mid-Mar, and 600 there in mid-Oct. White alba: Shetland 1 at Haroldswick on 3 Jan, on Fair Isle noted from 26 Mar-late Apr with a peak of 27 on 21 Apr; Highland 3 at Cummingston on 16 Apr; Fife 8 on Isle of May on 1 Apr. Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus The best autumn influx for many years, with large numbers staying on in the South of Scotland into 1989. Summary of year’s records: Joe Mae Ae ME fh eS. ONY" D Shetland-Highland 390 969 124 Grampian-Fife 8 81 917 135 Central-Borders 54 1371 468 Strathclyde/D&G 10 2260 706 The largest groups were 235 at Inverkeithing, Fife on 28 Nov; 500 at Loanhead and 400 at Sighthill Lothian between 21 and 29 Nov; c300 in Strathclyde Country Park Strathclyde on 30 Nov. 35 Dipper Cinclus cinclus Breeding: Central c80 prs were recorded in one monitored area. Black-bellied cinclus: Shetland singles on Whalsay on 23 Oct, at Strand on 25 Oct, and Voe from 10 Nov-end Dec. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Fair Isle fridariensis: 39 singing birds were found in census. Shetland 19 prs pred on Noss and Hermaness, and a good breeding season generally. Dunnock Prunella modularis Passage: Shetland 6 wintering during the early part of 1988 at Toab was unusual, seen on Fair Isle from 25 Mar-28 May, with a peak of 40 on 29 Apr. Robin Erithacus rubecula Passage: Shetland recorded on Fair Isle from 23 Mar-8 Apr, and again from 16 Apr-3 Jun, when numbers reached 70 on 22 Apr, the autumn peak was 80 on 26 Oct; Fife peak numbers on Isle of May were reached between 11 and 21 Oct, with 1500 on 12 Oct. * Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia Shetland 1st summer C trapped on Fair Isle on 9 May stayed till 13 May (PH, NJR et al), another from 14-21 May (PH, PMP, NJR et al), 1 trapped at Kergord on 14 May (JND, IS), another at Voe on 14 May (MSC, AG) @; Orkney Ist summer on N Ronaldsay on 26-27 May (PJD, AED et al). * Nightingale /uscinia megarhynchos Shetland 1 at Quendale on 12 May, another on Fair Isle on 13-14 May; Highland 1 at L Spynie on 10 Aug; Fife 1 on Isle of May on 16-17 May. * Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Shetland recorded between 7 May and 2 Jun with a big influx on 12-15 May providing at least 82 individuals, in autumn singles were recorded between 3 Sep and 28 Oct, with 4 on Fair Isle on 7 Oct; Orkney also had an influx from 13 May with 17 individuals seen, 6 autumn singles from 2 Sep-21 Oct; West Isles 1 on South Uist on 10 Jun; Highland singles at Noss from 13-20 May, and Staxigeo on 14 May, 2 at Noss on 19 May, and 1 there on 25 May; Grampian singles at Girdleness on 11 May, Grandholme on 15 May, St Fergus on 15 May, and Girdleness from 21-23 Oct; Tayside 3 at Fishtown of Usan on 15 May, | till 16 May; Fife singles at Fife Ness on 13 May, and 15 May, on Isle of May recorded from 15-24 May with peak of 10 on 15-16 May, 1 there on 2 Jun, and another on 11 Oct; Borders 1 at Dowlaw on 16 May. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Winter: Strathclyde 1 at Saltcoats from 5 Jan-21 Mar. Passage: Shetland recorded from 22 Mar-3 Jun with 26 birds on main islands and at least 11 on Fair Isle, in autumn recorded from 3 Sep-23 Nov with 6 on Fair Isle on 14 Oct; Orkney 14 birds between 26 Mar and 27 May, max in autumn was 6 on N Ronaldsay between 20 and 26 Oct; West Isles 1 at Balranald on 17 May; Highland 1 at Noss on 18 Oct; Grampian 4 at Girdleness on 23 Mar, 2 at Drums on 23 Mar, singles at Collieston on 19 Apr, Rattray on 30 Apr, 2 there on 2 May, then a big autumn influx with singles at 14 sites between 20 and 27 Oct; Tayside 1 at Arbroath on 3 May, influx between 14 and 22 Oct with 14 on coast, and 1 at Scotlandwell on 29 Oct; Fife 4 on Isle of May on 8 May, | there on 22 Jul, and 1-2 on 13-21 Oct; Lothian had 5 in spring and 10 in autumn. Redstart phoenicurus phoenicurus Breeding: Central 39 nests produced 175 fledged young; Borders 61 sites held 120 territories; Strathclyde up to 49 territories recorded, mostly in South Ayrshire. Passage: Shetland first bird on Fair Isle on 21 Apr, then a large influx from 12-15 May with 44 on main islands on 14 May, and SO on Fair Isle on 15 May, an autumn influx commenced on 2 Sep with 35 on Fair Isle, and 46 on main islands on 3 Sep; 3 singles appeared in Nov including a very late bird at Sumburgh Head on 11 Nov; Orkney the spring peak was 7 on Stronsay on 14 May, and in autumn 47 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep; West Isles 1 on South Uist on 25 Apr; Grampian 1 in Glen Tanar on 24 Apr; Fife 1 on Isle of May on 1 Apr, 20 there on 3 May, and 12 on 12 Oct. * Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus Fife a splendid Gon Isle of May on 29 Apr died on 30 Apr (per IMD). This is the first record of this Eastern migrant in Britain, and almost totally unexpected. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Breeding: Borders 20 sites held 44 territories. Passage: Shetland first bird on Fair Isle on 21 Apr, a large influx starting on 13 May brought 56 to the main islands and 40 to Fair Isle on 15 May, in autumn peaks were reached between 3 and 5 Sep with 130 at 2 locations on 3 Sep, 140 on Fair Isle on 4 Sep, last singles at Exnaboe on 5 Nov, and Haroldswick on 13 Nov; Orkney 135 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep; Grampian 2 at Girdleness on 23 Mar, and 2 at Drums on 22 Oct; Tayside 1 at Easthaven on 29 Oct; Fife 20 on Isle of May on 8 Sep. 36 Daurian Redstart Isle of May Apr 1988 B. Zonfrillo Stonechat Saxicola torquata Breeding: recovery of breeding population remains slow, especially in some Southern regions, although more birds appeared along the East coast — Orkney c55 prs bred; Highland only 2 ‘inland’ prs reported; Grampian single prs at 7 locations; Lothian a pair bred in the Pentlands — first breeding record since 1984; Borders 2 prs were the first since 1981. Passage: Shetland 7 spring and 4 autumn records, all of singles. Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Breeding: Orkney c47 prs were recorded. Passage: Shetland first birds on Hermaness and Fair Isle on 27 Mar, the spring peak on Fair Isle was 350 on 15 May, while in autumn 500 were there on 31 Aug, with 200 at Quendale on 4 Sep, and the last 1 at Virkie on 5 Nov; Orkney 200 on Stronsay on 2 Sep; Grampian a late bird at the Ythan on 2 Nov; Fife 40 on Isle of May on 19 Apr, and an autumn fall of between 100 and 500 there on 22 Aug; Borders 2 at Eyemouth on 18 Mar; Dumf & Gall 1 at Dundrennan on 19 Feb was exceptionally early. * Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka Orkney Ist year 2 on Stronsay from 16-19 Oct (DG, JFH). * Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Shetland 9 or 1st winter at Boddam on 2-3 Nov (MH, MMe et al); Orkney oO on S Ronaldsay from 21-30 Oct (CJC, KEH, MrsLW et al). Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Breeding: Shetland 2 prs bred — first since 1972; Grampian 9 prs reported in Glen Tanar. Migration: Shetland 1 on Fair Isle on 16 Mar was exceptionally early, 50 there on 21 Apr; in autumn the maximum was 12 on 22 Oct, with a late bird on Whalsay on- 25 Nov; Orkney late birds were recorded on 13 Nov and 16 Dec; West Isles singles on Harris on 1 Jun, and St Kilda on 16 Jun; Grampian last bird at Strathbeg on 19 Nov. Blackbird Turdus merula Migration: Shetland a large influx between 22 and 27 Mar involved 500 on Skerries on 24 Mar, 1300 on Fair Isle on 26 Mar, and 500 at Dunrossness on 27 Mar, in autumn most occurred on 18-19 Oct when 1050 on main islands and 2500 on Fair Isle; Orkney 1000 on Hoy on 21 Oct; Grampian also had an Oct influx with ‘‘100s’’ at Girdleness and Rattray; Tayside an estimated 15,000 along the coast on 22 Oct; Fife 300 on Isle of May on 11-12 Oct, and on 16-17 Oct; Borders 1500 at St Abbs on 16 Oct. 37 American Robin Inverbervie Dec 1988 S.M.D. Alexander * American Robin Turdus migratorius Grampian 1st winter g at Inverbervie from 24-29 Dec (MrsJE, RMcC et al) was the 7th record for Scotland. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Summering stragglers: Highland 5 at Keith on 29 May. Migration: Shetland the spring return movement peaked on 20 Apr with 600 on main islands, and 1500 on Fair Isle, in autumn the main falls were between 19 and 23 Oct, with 6250 on main islands on 19 Oct, 3000 on Fair Isle on 23 Oct, and 5000 at Sumburgh Head on 23 Oct; Orkney 3000 on Stronsay on 19 Oct; Highland 175 still at Drummuir on 16 May; Grampian 1000 on Wartle Moss on 24 Oct, and 1200 in Deeside on 30 Oct; Tayside c10,000 between Arbroath and Montrose on 22 Oct; Lothian 1000 at Gullane in Jan; Borders 2000 at St Abbs on 16 Oct. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Migration: Shetland spring peak on Fair Isle was 100 on 20 Apr, while in autumn 1500 were there on 13 Oct; Fife 150 on Isle of May on 12 Oct. Redwing 7urdus iliacus Breeding: poorly reported, but little indication of change from main part of range. Migration: Shetland Fair Isle’s spring peak was 200 on 19 Apr, in autumn 6000 were there on 18 Oct, with 4500 on main islands on 19 Oct; Orkney 2000 on Stronsay on 18 Oct; Fife 400-500 on Isle of May on 11-12 Oct, 700 on 16 Oct; Borders 10,000 at St Abbs on 16 Oct. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Migration and post-breeding flocks: Shetland had 5 spring singles and 10 in autumn; Highland 75 between Keith and Drummuir on 22 Sep; Grampian 50 at Cammachmore on 30 Apr. * Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola Shetland singles on Fair Isle on 5-6 Oct (NJR, AFS), 9 Oct (PME, PH), and 12 Oct (NJR, PGWS). * Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata Shetland singles on Fair Isle from 15-21 Sep (RCB et al), from 4-5 Oct (NJR, AFS), and 10 Oct (GRA, PMP, NJR). Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Breeding: Shetland a pair possibly bred; Lothian at least 30 birds reported; Strathclyde 27 prs reported in mid-Clyde haughs, and 57 territories in Ayrshire. Migration: Shetland first bird on Fair Isle on 23 Apr, and 10 on 30 Apr, in autumn 5 singles between 27 Aug and the last bird on Whalsay on 19 Oct; Orkney 3 singles reported between 2 Sep and 16 Oct; West Isles 1 in Lewis on 3 Jun; Borders Ist bird at St Abbs on 15 Apr; Strathclyde 1 at Heads of Ayr on 20 Apr. 38 Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Breeding: Strathclyde up to 253 territories recorded, mostly in South Ayrshire. Migration: Shetland first bird on Fair Isle on 27 Apr, 15 on 14 May, and last there on 10 Sep; Tayside a late bird was at Easthaven on 18 Oct; Highland and Strathclyde both had single birds on 23 Apr. * Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola Fife 1 on Isle of May from 31 May-1 Jun (MPH,PKK et al). * Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Shetland a better showing with 9 on main islands from 18 May-19 Jun, on Fair Isle 1-3 birds daily on 24 May-S Jun, with 5 on 1-2 Jun, 2 on 10-11 Jun, and singles on 12 and 20-24 Jun, 1 trapped there on 16 Jul, and a single autumn bird appeared on Foula on 22-25 Sep; Orkney had 7 in spring from 25 May-4 Jun; Highland 1 at Lagganbridge on 9 Jun; Tayside a juv was trapped near Inchture on 9 Aug. * Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Shetland 12-13 birds were recorded between 14 May and 26 Jun, in autumn cl6 birds between 11 Aug and 26 Oct; Orkney also had a good year with 20 spring records between 5 May and 3 Jun, in autumn 9 birds were recorded between 5 Sep and 22 Oct; Grampian a good year with at least 10 between 12 and 22 Oct; Tayside 2 at Fishtown of Usan on 14-16 Oct, singles at Lunan Bay on 16 Oct, and Arbroath on 22 Oct; Fife 1 on Isle of May on 15 Apr, in autumn up to 8 in Region between 11 and 22 Oct; Lothian had 8 between 13 and 21 Oct; Borders had up to 16+ between 9 and 22 Oct with a peak of 11 at St Abbs on 14 Oct; Dumf & Gall 1 near Castle Douglas on 11 Jun and 1 Jul. * Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Shetland singles on Fair Isle from 27 May-10 Jun (PH, NJR), on 2-3 Jun (DD, PMP), and 3-4 Jun (PMP, NJR). * Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Orkney 1 on S Ronaldsay on 3-4 Sep (CC, MrsRMcC, ERM et al). * Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina In spring Shetland had 18 between 13 May and 11 Jun; Orkney had 7 between 24 May and 5 Jun. In autumn Shetland had 16 between 23 Aug and 11 Sep; Orkney had up to 4 between 2 and 12 Sep; West Isles 1 on North Uist on 1-4 Oct; Tayside 1 at Fishtown of Usan on 7 Sep; Fife 1 at Fife Ness on 7 Sep; Lothian singles at Barns Ness on 7 Sep, and on Bass Rock on 8 Sep. * Subalpine Warbler Sy/via cantillans Shetland c probably of race S ¢ albistriata on Fair Isle from 27 Apr-14 May (CD, PMP, NJR), G at Toab on 4-5 May (MH, RLH), © on Fair Isle from 8-10 May (JH, DQ, NJR), & on Out Skerries on 11-12 May (MrsJK, MrsMT), Ist summer OC on Fetlar from 11 May-1 Jun was killed by a cat (MAP et al), 9 at Seafield, Lerwick on 12 May (DS), co at Hillswick on 14 May (CFM), 9 on Fair Isle on 14 May (PMP), co’ at Skaw, Unst from 15-22 May (MS, IS, RJT), & probably S§ ¢ albistriata, on Fair Isle on 22 May (CFM, NJR); Orkney CO dead on N Ronaldsay on 7 May (AED, MGP), GC on Stronsay on 15 May (JF & MrsSMH); West Isles Cat L Obe. Barra on 5 Jun (AJS); Fife 9 on Isle of May from 9-11 May (MJ, RP et al). * Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria In spring Orkney had an adult at Tankerness on 10 May. In autumn Shetland had 30 on main islands between 10 Aug and 11 Oct, plus 1-3 most days on Fair Isle from 9 Aug-29 Sep; Orkney had up to 13 between 10 Aug and 20 Oct; West Isles 1 on North Uist on 14 Oct; Grampian 4 birds were recorded between 3 Sep and 12 Oct; Fife singles on Isle of May on 10-12 Aug, and at Fife Ness on 25 Sep; Borders 1 at St Abbs from 13-21 Oct. Lesser Whitethroat Sy/via curruca Breeding: Orkney a pair reared 2 young on N Ronaldsay (first breeding record for Orkney); Highland also had Ist breeding record for Caithness District; Lothian 24 singing Go were recorded at 13 sites, but slight suggestion of a drop in numbers; Borders 10. singing Gc at 7 sites; Strathclyde up to 3 prs bred and another 9 singing Gc’ were reported. Migration: Shetland large influx on 14-15 May when 1-3 birds at 10 locations on main islands, and 30 on Fair Isle, in autumn Fair Isle had 20 on 2 Sep, and the last bird appeared at Uyeasound on 25 Oct; Orkney in autumn N Ronaldsay had 7 on 2 Sep, while 1 from 10-17 Oct showed characteristics of § c blythii, another or the same appeared on Stromness on 19 Dec; West Isles singles on Lewis on 8 Oct, and Harris on 16 Oct; Grampian and Tayside had late birds on 23 Oct and 14 Oct respectively; Tayside 1st bird at Dunblane on 25 Apr; Fife 20 on Isle of May on 16 May; Strathclyde first bird at Greenan, Ayr on 26 Apr. 39 Whitethroat Sy/via communis Breeding: Borders 29 singing C'c' were reported; Strathclyde 40 prs in mid-Clyde haughs and up to 88 territories recorded mostly in South Ayrshire. Migration: Shetland influx between 12 and 15 May with 1-4 at 20 locations on main islands, and 30 on Fair Isle, autumn passage was poor, with the last bird at Helendale on 22 Oct; Orkney first bird on N Ronaldsay on 3 May; West Isles 1 on S Uist on 7 Oct; Highland had an early bird at Keith on 26 Apr; Grampian had a late bird on 22 Oct; Fife had 10 on Isle of May on 13 May; Lothian Ist bird on Bass Rock on 19 Apr. Garden Warbler Sy/via borin Breeding: Borders/Lothian up to 93 singing Gc’ were reported from 52 sites; Strathclyde up to 71 territories recorded mostly in South Ayrshire. Migration: Shetland had a protracted spring passage from 9 May-21 Jun with 20 on Fair Isle on 2 Jun, in autumn Whalsay had 33 on 2 Sep, while Fair Isle had 170 on 2 Sep; Orkney 250 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep, a late bird was on Holm on 10 Nov; West Isles 5-6 on St Kilda on 3 Sep; Highland 1st bird at Staxigeo on 22 Apr; Fife 6 on Isle of May from 5-9 Sep, and 12-17 Oct; Strathclyde first bird at Minishant on 30 Apr. Blackcap Sy/via atricapilla Breeding: Highland 28 singing C’c’ recorded at 16 locations; Strathclyde up to 127 territories recorded mostly in South Ayrshire. Migration: Shetland influx noted from 13-15 May with 1-4 at 15 sites on main islands, and 12 on Fair Isle, in autumn the highest number occurred between 12 and 15 Oct with 20 each on Whalsay and at Kergord, with 55 on Fair Isle on 12 Oct and the last one there on 16 Nov; Orkney first bird on 14 Apr, and the latest on 16 Nov; Grampian a late bird appeared at Alford on 30 Nov; Strathclyde 1 at Doonfoot on 14 Apr. Winter records: a summary of birds occurring during this period gave 76 in Jan-Mar, and 13 in Dec. * Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Shetland 1st winter on Fair Isle from 9-21 August (PH, PMP, NJR), Ist winter on Noss from 11-12 Aug (DRB, SC), Ist winter on Whalsay on 14 Aug (BM), 1 on Fair Isle on 27 Aug (CD, PAG, DRW), two Ist winters on Whalsay on 28 Aug (BM, MW), 1 at Kergord on 29 Aug (CFM, PME) @¢ , and 1 at Lerwick on 4-5 Sep (PME, DS); Orkney singles on Stronsay from 16-19 Aug, with another from 18-19 Aug (JF & MrsSMH, JS), on Holm on 2 Sep (ERM), and on S Ronaldsay on 3-4 Sep (ERM, EJW). * Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Lothian 1 at Skateraw from 21-23 Oct (PRG, CCMcG). * Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Shetland singles at Eswick on 13 Oct (TDR) @ , Boddam on 14-15 Oct (MSC, RLH, MM), another on 26 Oct (MM), at Tingwall on 22 Oct (AG), on Fetlar on 22 Oct (BJY) , at Stromfirth on 22-23 Oct (A&JG), at Bigton on 27 Oct (CFM), and Scatness on 27 Oct (DRB, PME, CS); Orkney 1 on Hoy on 25-26 Oct (KF); Highland I at Kinlochewe on 24 Oct (RS); Grampian singles at Cruden Bay from 19-22 Oct (LTAB, TWM), and Drums on 22 Oct (WNH); Lothian singles at Barns Ness on 14 Oct (IJA, EP & MRL), and Scoughall on 22 Oct (DJB); Borders singles at St Abbs on 22 Oct (EP & MRL), and Eyemouth on 22 Oct (DP). * Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus An excellent autumn with a minimum of 166 birds recorded. Shetland had 3 singles in Sep, 6 from 2-3 Oct, then a big arrival involving c70+ from 4-7 Oct, and another 20 till the last one at Sandwick on 29 Oct; Orkney 8 on N Ronaldsay on 4 Oct, 11 on 5 Oct, elsewhere 9 on S Sep, and 6 others on 6 Oct; West Isles had 9 on Uists in Oct-Nov; Highland had 3 singles from 10-20 Oct; Grampian 16 birds recorded between 4 and 27 Oct with a peak of 5 at Girdleness on 10 Oct; Fife had 4 on Isle of May from 4-11 Oct and 5 in Fife Ness area from 9-20 Oct; Lothian 1 at Skateraw on 11-12 Oct; Borders 3-4 birds in St Abbs-Eyemouth area from 4-25 Oct. * Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi Shetland singles on Fair Isle on 13 Oct (DHR), and at Scatness on 27 Oct (DRB, JMcK); Orkney singles on Stronsay on 13-14 Oct (DG,JF&MrsSMH), on S Ronaldsay on 14-15 Oct, and again on E Mainland till 19 Oct (KEH,EJ&SW); Borders | at St Abbs on 15 Oct (EP&MRL). * Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Grampian | at Rattray Head on 13 Oct (MM). Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Breeding: Lothian 25 singing Oo recorded at 12 sites; Strathclyde up to 38 territories recorded mostly in South Ayrshire; Dumf & Gall 31 prs at Wood of Cree. Migration: Shetland an excellent year with c60 on main islands from 4 May-16 Jun, and 11 on Fair Isle from 13-23 May, in autumn 25 birds from 10 Aug-20 Oct; Orkney also had higher than normal numbers wjth 15 in May and 12 in autumn including a late bird on Hoy on | Nov; West Isles 1 on Benbecula on 4 May; Strathclyde Ist birds at Heads of Ayr and Balloch on 20 Apr. 40 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Breeding: Highland 20 singing co’ recorded at 16 locations; Strathclyde up to 124 territories recorded mostly in South-west. Migration: Shetland first bird on 27 Mar, and passage lasted through Jun with 1-2 daily, and a peak of 27 on Fair Isle on 29 Apr, 1 there on 24 Jul, main autumn passage ran from 3 Oct-18 Nov, with 15 on Fair Isle on 14 and 22 Oct, and stragglers elsewhere up to 29 Nov; Highland late singles reported from Lossiemouth on 2 Nov, and L Spynie on 29 Nov; Grampian | at Drums on 23 Mar showed characteristics of Northern races, while a P c tristis occurred at Hatterseat on 16 Oct; Fife 15 on Isle of May on 12-14 May, and 6 on 12-14 Oct; Borders a bird at Auchencrow on 18 Mar may have been the first genuine migrant. Winter records: a summary of birds occurring during this period gave 32 from Jan-Mar, and 32 in Dec. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Migration: Shetland first bird on 22 Apr, and a large fall on 13-19 May brought 300 to main islands and 60 to Fair Isle on 14 May, in autumn another fall on 2-4 Sep brought 130 to Fair Isle and 300 to main islands, last 1 was at Boddam on 26 Oct: Orkney 250 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep and a late bird there on 2 Nov; Grampian had an early bird at Cruden Bay on 27 Mar, and an extremely late one in Seaton Park on 20 Nov; Fife 300 on Isle of May on 3 May. A wintering individual on Whalsay, Shetland from 21 Jan-25 Feb was exceptional. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Migration: Shetland Fair Isle had 320 on 12 Oct, but the main islands had their largest ever fall on 22-23 Oct when 400 birds were counted at 4 locations; Orkney 152 on N Ronaldsay from 12-14 Oct; Grampian 300 at Muchalls on 23 Oct; Fife a large fall on Isle of May produced 2000 on 12 Oct. Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Tayside 1 at Easthaven on 18-19 Oct; Fife 1 at Fife Ness on 22 Apr; Borders singles at St Abbs on 7 Apr, at Eyemouth on 12 Oct, and again at St Abbs on 11-14 Oct, and 19-22 Oct. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Breeding: Grampian reported from 25 sites; Strathclyde up to 89 territories recorded, mostly in South Ayrshire. Migration: Shetland an influx on 13-15 May brought 50 to Fair Isle and 25 to Quendale, in autumn most appeared between 2-9 Sep when a peak of 36 were on main islands on 3 Sep, late birds were at Haroldswick on 20 Oct and Norwick from 17-22 Oct; Orkney 22 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep, and 2 on Holm on 27 Oct; West Isles 1 on St Kilda on 3 Sep; Borders Ist bird at Peebles on 29 Apr. * Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva About 36 individuals were recorded during the year. In spring Shetland had single 99 at Quendale on 8 Jun, and Upper Kergord on 10 Jun; Orkney had 1 on N Ronaldsay on 24-25 May; Tayside had 1 at Fishtown of Usan on 29-30 May; Fife had 1 on Isle of May on 17 May. In autumn Shetland had 15 between 20 Sep and 29 Oct; Orkmey had 1-2 at 5 locations from 3-22 Oct; West Isles 1 on North Uist on 10 Oct; Highland 1 at Myrelandhorn on 16 Oct; Tayside 1 at Mains of Usan on 22 Oct; Fife 1 at Crail on 14 Oct, and 2 on Isle of May from 12-13 Oct with 1 till 14 Oct, and another on 21 Oct; Lothian 2 at Barns Ness on 12 Oct with 1 till 13 Oct; Borders singles at St Abbs from 11-14 Oct, and Burnmouth on 25 Oct. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Breeding: Central 71 nests produced 340 fledged young; Strathclyde 87 prs on L Lomondside, and up to 27 territories in the South-west; Dumf & Gall highest number for many years with 20 prs in nestboxes in Glentrool. Migration: Shetland main influx was from 13-15 May with 31 on main islands and 35 on Fair Isle, in autumn a large fall from 2-4 Sep brought 91 to 2 locations on main islands and 65 to Fair Isle, the last bird was at Kergord on 22 Oct; Orkney first 3 on 3 May, in autumn 80 on N Ronaldsay on 2 Sep, and a very late individual on Hoy on 8-9 Nov; West Isles had singles on Lewis on 17 Jun and 30 Sep; Grampian first bird at Inverugie on 30 Apr; Strathclyde first bird at Culzean on 15 Apr. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Migration: Shetland at Helendale on 12 Nov were the first since 1860, 2 were caught by cats at Clickimin on 13 Nov but 1 was rescued and released; Orkney also had an exceptional year with a flock of 7-8 on Harray on 17-18 Oct, also 2 at Holm on 23-24 . Oct, 6 on Rousay on 28 Oct, and singles in Kirkwall on 11 and 16 Nov; West Isles 4 in Stornoway on 15 Oct, and 12 in North Uist on 18 Oct. Marsh Tit Parus palustris Lothian 2 at Woodhall Dean from | Jan-28 Feb, singles at Abbey Mill on 6 Jul, and Hailes on 13 Jul; Borders at least 3 prs at Hirsel, and 4 other sites held breeding prs. Willow Tit Parus montanus Strathclyde little change in status suggested, continues to breed in small numbers in the usual areas, mostly in Clyde Valley and South Ayrshire Southwards into Dumf & Gall. 41 Crested Tit Parus cristatus Breeding: Highland several prs seen on the fringes of its range, e.g. a pair nested at Tomintoul; Grampian fewer prs were noted using nestboxes in Culbin Forest. Coat Tit Parus ater Migration: Orkney singles on Hoy on 3 Nov, at Binscarth from 9-27 Nov, and on Burray on 22 Nov; West Isles 2 in Stornoway on 29 Oct, and 1 on Harris on 25 Nov. Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Migration/counts: Shetland a remarkable autumn influx brought about 37 birds to the main islands from 9 Oct-end Dec, and 2 to Fair Isle on 30 Dec, the main arrival took place from 20 Oct with numbers of birds ranging from 1-3 individuals; Orkney had 1 on 3 Apr, then 21 records at 3 sites from mid-Oct. Great Tit Parus major Migration: Shetland had about 17 birds from 9 Oct-end Dec, with main influx from 22 Oct; Orkney | in spring and 7 autumn records from 3 sites. * Nuthatch Sitta europaea Borders 1 was heard calling at the Hirsel on 4 Nov. Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Migration: Shetland 4 birds showing characteristics of Northern C f macrodactyla were recorded from 28 Sep-21 Oct; Orkney had 1 on 13 Feb, and 9 Sep, as well as 2 C f familiaris birds on 6-7 Nov; West Isles South Uist’s first record of the species occurred on 23 Oct. * Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Migration provided up to 22 spring individuals: Shetland had 15 birds from 11 May-21 Jun; Orkney had 4 between 23 May and 8 Jun; West Isles singles on Harris, and North Uist on 22 May; Lothian 1 at Muirfield on 29 May. * Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus Shetland 1st winter at Catfirth from 17-23 Oct (MSC,AG et al). Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Breeding: North Scotland a pair with young were noted at one locality on 8-9 Aug. Migration: Shetland an excellent year with around 150 individuals in spring beginning with 2 on 11 May and peaking during 13-15 May with 27 on main islands and 30 on Fair Isle, in autumn 72+ were seen starting on 12 Aug with the main arrival between 1-12 Sep, with 21 on main islands on 3 Sep, and the last at Toab on 17 Oct; Orkney a total of 87 birds from 8 May-S Jun, in autumn cl15 seen from 18 Aug-2 Oct, with 13 on 2 Sep; West Isles 1 on South Uist on 6 Jun; Highland had 8 between 15 May and 7 Jun, and 2 from 7-17 Aug; Grampian had singles at Lonmay on 11 May, the Ythan on 17-18 May, Ludquharn on 20-22 Jun, Lumsden on 14 Aug, and Rattray on 12-13 Sep; Tayside had 1 in Glen Doll on 14 Jun; Fife had singles on Isle of May on 8 May, with 2 on 16 May, and 1 till 19 May, another on 23 May, others on 9 Jun, and 3 Jul, and 1 at Fife Ness on 12 Oct; Central 1 was at L of Menteith on 3 Jun; Lothian had singles at Aberlady on 14 May, Samuelston on 22 May, Tyninghame on 2 Jul, and Bass Rock on 8-9 Sep; Borders had singles at Dowlaw Dean on 15-17 May, and 22-23 May, St Abbs on 13 Oct, and 15-18 Oct. * Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Borders 1 at Dowlaw Dean on 22 May (AB). Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Up to 35 birds reported: Shetland 1 on Fair Isle from 14-16 Apr, 6 on main islands from 13-26 Oct; Orkney singles on Stronsay on 22-23 Oct, Hoy on 1 Nov, and 12 Nov; Highland singles at Roybridge on 6 Mar, Insh marshes on 9 Mar, Tulloch Moor from 18 Mar-3 Apr, and Auldich in Dec; Grampian 1 near Aboyne on 27 Oct; Tayside singles at Pitlochry on 28 Jan, Montrose on 21 Mar, Mains of Usan on 19 Oct, in the Sidlaw Hills on 30 Oct, and at Carmylue on 8 Nov; Fife singles at Earlshall on 13 May, on Isle of May on 12-14 Oct, 18 Oct, with 2 on 20 Oct, and 1 at Craigtoun Den on 5 Nov; Lothian singles at Aberlady on 28 Apr, Barns Ness on 14 Oct, Aberlady on 17 Oct, and Skateraw on 21 Oct; Borders 1 at St Abbs on 12-13 Oct; Strathclyde singles at Balloch on 21 Mar, and in Glen Afton on 13 Dec; Dumf & Gall singles at Cullendoch and Glenhapple Forest in Feb, 1 at Castle O’er in early Nov. * Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Shetland singles on Fair Isle from 21 May-4 Jun (JC,NJR) from 1-4 Jun (PH,NJR), from 7-27 Jun (JD et al), and at Virkie from 2 Jul-1 Oct (AF,JMcK); Highland 1 at Trotternish, Skye from 1-3 Jun, later at Waternish from 18-19 Jun (DH,RJ&MrsCC); Borders 1 at Dowlaw Dean from 14-21 May (RGY et al). Jay Garrulus glandarius Highland 2 were noted at Invermoriston in Jan-Feb, and 2 at Strathfarrar on 22 Oct; Grampian | in Huntly on 11 Feb and 12 in Strathdon on 28 Mar were unusual records; an increase was noted in Borders but a decrease in Dumf & Gall. 42 Magpie Pica pica Grampian a count of 47 at Kirkhill suggests that the spread of this species is continuing in the North-east; Borders and Lothian also reported an increase. Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Strathclyde a pair was present on Mull all year, and 5 in Dec, but no breeding occurred, in SW Scotland a pair held territory again and a nest was built, but no evidence of successful breeding. Jackdaw Corvus monedula Breeding: Orkney 58 prs were counted; West Isles a pair bred again on South Uist. Counts: Orkney 160 on Holm on 24 Mar. Rook Corvus frugilegus Breeding: Shetland the average size of 25 broods was 1.8; Grampian 633 nests were counted at Udny. Counts: Shetland 150 at Kergord on 20 Feb; Orkney 300 on Rousay on 7 May; Grampian 5000 at Lynturk on 8 Feb. Carrion Crow Corvus corone Hooded C c cornix were noted regularly on Fair Isle, Shetland from Mar-early Jul, with a maximum of 8 on 21 May, in autumn 6 appeared on 24 Oct. Raven Corvus corax Breeding: Shetland 7 prs on Fetlar reared 13 young, 4 prs bred on Hermaness, and 3 prs on Fair Isle; Orkney 14 prs reared 43 young; Central 16 territories checked, and 10 successful prs; Borders only 3 sites now reported to exist; patchy success in South-west Scotland with best success inland, poor on coast. Counts: Shetland the highest count was 70 at Walls on 26 Jan. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Counts: Highland 10,000 at L Spynie on 5 Nov; Grampian 10,000 in an empty building in Aberdeen in late Dec; Strathclyde 20,000 in Ayr on 23 Dec. * Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus Strathclyde adult at Ballygrant, Portnahaven, and Port Ellen, Islay from 18 Aug-13 Oct (MrsCB,MAO,MJS) may have been the returning 1987 individual. House Sparrow A. Stevenson House Sparrow Passer domesticus Shetland Fair Isle had 290 on 26 Aug; Orkney 456 on N Ronaldsay on 27 Sep. * Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Orkney a 9 trapped on N Ronaldsay on 30 May (KFW et al) @ will be the Ist record for Scotland if accepted by BBRC. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Counts: Shetland cl3 in spring between 21 May and 12 Jun, and 14 in autumn from 9 Sep-5 Nov was an above average showing; Highland 100 at Milton Brodie on 19 Feb; Tayside 156 at Ethiebeaton on 2 Jan; Lothian 200 at Aberlady from 7-29 Jan; Borders 208 at Eyemouth on 4 Jan. * Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus West Isles 1 at Newton, N Uist from 1-7 Oct is the 2nd record for Scotland (TJD,BCF,JJG). 43 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Breeding: Shetland proved breeding at Kergord. Counts/passage: Shetland the main spring passage was between 22 Mar and 9 May with peaks of 300 on main islands on 25 Mar, and 106 on Fair Isle on 26 Mar, autumn passage was very poor; Highland 600 at Califer on 25 Nov; Lothian 500 at Gladhouse from 20-29 Dec; Borders 1500 at The Mount on 7 Jan; Dumf & Gall c6000 at Challoch in Jan. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Breeding: Orkney a nest with 3 young was found on 6 Jul (first breeding for Orkney). Winter/spring: Shetland 320 on Fair Isle on 20 Apr; Orkney 175 on N Ronaldsay on 20 Apr; Grampian 300 in Strathdon in Apr; Borders 1900 at Black Yett on 18 Jan. Autumn: Shetland main influx on 13-23 Oct with 180 at Bigton on 17 Oct, 120 on Fair Isle on 19 Oct, and 400 on main islands on 22 Oct; Highland 1000 at Glenlivet on 26 Dec; scarce in the South with only a few flocks of 100-150. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Breeding: Orkney a pair probably bred. Counts: Highland 500 at Hopeman on 3 Jan, and 500 at Westerfolds on 17 Feb; Grampian 300 at Corby on 26 Dec; Tayside 300 at Forfar L on 12 Mar. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Counts: Shetland a steady passage on Fair Isle involved at least 7 from 14 Apr-5 May, 2 appeared on main islands in spring, and autumn produced singles on Fair Isle from 7-14 Nov, and at Norwick/Haroldswick from 12-15 Nov; Orkney 16 birds were recorded between 13 Jan and 24 Dec. Siskin Carduelis spinus Breeding: Strathclyde/Dumf & Gall nest building in Glentrool from 9 Mar, and 500 were ringed. Counts: Shetland winter reports of 4 at Maywick in late Jan, and 1 on Whalsay on 3 Feb, but poor passage; Grampian 85 at Strathbeg on 9 Sep; Tayside 250 at Pitlochry on 31 Jan; Strathclyde 200 in Lennox Forest on 29 Dec; Dumf & Gall up to 300 in Darsalloch Forest from Mar-Apr and 300 at Woodhall L on 13 Sep. Linnet Carduelis cannabina Counts: Highland 500 at Westefolds on 17 Feb; Grampian had flocks of 500 at Inverugie on 4 Jan, and Boddam on 10 Dec Lothian 1000 at Gladhouse on 28 Jan; Strathclyde 700+ in Currarie Glen on 6 Feb. Twite Carduelis flavirostris Counts: Shetland 480 on Fair Isle on 9 Sep; Orkney 200 at Orphir on 10 Jan, and 230 on Stenness on 28 Jan; Central 140 at Grangemouth on 17 Jan; Lothian 200 at Gladhouse on 11 Feb. Redpoll Carduelis flammea Counts: Grampian an exceptional count of 500 at Dinnet in Jan. Mealy Redpoll C f flammea: Shetland the usual scatter of Northern Isles’ records involved between 1 and 4 birds on Fair Isle from 4 Feb-16 Jul, and up to 7 on 2 Nov; Tayside 4 at Carnoustie from 27 Dec-end year; Lothian up to 17 birds between 16 Oct and 31 Dec; Strathclyde 3 at Dalmellington on 6 Nov. * Arctic Redpol!l Carduelis hornemanni Shetland singles on Fetlar from 3-6 Oct (RM) ¢, Foula on 9 Oct (GWP) @, and at Boddam on 12 Nov (MM) @¢; Orkney 1 on Stronsay from 5-7 Nov (JF&MrsSMH); Tayside 1 at Carnoustie from 27 Dec into 1989 (SRG,MSC et al). Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Breeding: Dumf & Gall birds were seen feeding first juvs in Glentrool on 5 Jan. Counts/migrants: Shetland a few records of mainly immature birds from 22 Jun-10 Sep; Orkney | on Hoy on 15 May, then a peak of 34 from 24-26 Jun; Highland 72 in Borgie Forest on 21 Feb; Strathclyde 100+ at Inchcailloch on 11 Jun; Dumf & Gall 140 at Kirriereoch on 16 Dec is highest count ever for area. Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica Very little information received on this species, but 1 at Dunnet Forest, Highland on 3 Nov was unusual. Other counts in the Region included 22 at Cloddymoss on 25 Oct, and 24 at Forres on 28 Dec. * Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Shetland perhaps up to 37 individuals in spring between 22 May and 3 Jun, including a peak of 7 on Fair Isle on 25 May, while autumn provided up to another 40 from 12 Aug-30 oct, peaks included 6 on Skerries on 10 Sep, and 5 on Foula from 16-23 Sep; Orkney 25 birds in spring between 26 May and 4 Jun, in autumn 10 birds from 2 Sep-25 Oct; Highland | at Lagganbridge on 6-7 Jun; Fife singles on Isle of May on 12-14 Jun, 16 Jun, 20 Jun, 28 Jun, and 2 on 8 Sep; Strathclyde 1 near Luss on 4 Jun. 44 Pallas’s Rosefinch N. Ronaldsay June 1988 A. Hogg * Pallas’s Rosefinch Carpodacus roseus Orkney an imm co' on N Ronaldsay from 2 Jun-14 Jul (KFW et al) will be the Ist British record of this species if accepted by the BOU and BBRC. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Migration/counts: Shetland in the best year since 1973 the period from 19 Oct-13 Nov produced around 76 birds at 21 locations. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Breeding: Tayside 2 or 3 fledged young were seen at Murthly, and birds in suitable habitat at Grandtully, Lochearn, and Pitlochry; elsewhere, birds occurred at the usual locations in Lothian and Borders but no proof of breeding was obtained. Migration: Shetland had had about 26 individuals in the year with most from the second half of Oct; Orkney more than usual with cl5 between 23 Mar-29 Oct; Highland singles at Noss Farm on 13 Oct, Olrig from 23 Oct-2 Nov, and Clochan on 30 Oct; Grampian singles at Peterhead on 22 May, and Memsie from 23-30 Oct; Tayside 30 at Scone on 6 Mar; Central 2 at Doune on 4 Feb, 1 in Dec; Lothian 5 Dalkeith Palace Park on 19 Jun, 2 at Carberry Towers on 20 Nov; Borders 10 at Hirsel on 27 Feb, 3 at Duns Castle on 13 Mar, 1 at St Abbs on 8 May. * Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca Shetland a ist year C on Fair Isle on 7 Oct (per NJR) ¢ will be the ist record of this species for the Western Palearctic Region if accepted by the BOU and BBRC. Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus Winter/spring: Shetland c22 between 30 Mar and 27 May, autumn passage spanned 16 Sep-9 Nov with a peak of 20 on 30 Sep; Orkney 19 on 4 Oct; Highland 2 at Cabrach on 21 Mar; Grampian had singles at Donmouth on 5 Mar, and 14 Mar, with 1 at Nigg Bay on 21 Oct; Tayside 1-2 at Elliot on 17 Jan; Fife 34 at Fife Ness on 3 Apr, 20 on 5 Nov; Lothian 38 at Musselburgh on 23 Jan. Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Breeding: Grampian breeding was confirmed in 2 areas, and birds were present in a third. Migration/counts: Shetland autumn peaks were 310 on Fair Isle on 2 Nov, and 350 at Quendale on 27 Nov; Orkney 220 on Sanday on 25 Feb, and 280 on S Ronaldsay on 16 Nov; Highland 500 at Cabrach on 31 Jan; Grampian 1000 at Corgarff on 19 Feb, and 300 at Foveran on 24 Dec; Tayside 300 at Auchmithie on 30 Dec; Lothian 300 at Barns Ness on 12 Nov; Strathclyde 500+ at Glen Luss on 17 Nov; low numbers in the South-west. 45 * Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalus Orkney G on N Ronaldsay from 27-29 Oct (PJD,AED,PS). Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Migration/counts: Shetland had a very good year with a large autumn influx comprising some 60+ individuals mostly between 12 Oct and 2 Nov; Orkney 7 on 27 Oct was the maximum count; Grampian 120 at Drumoak in Jan. * Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana Shetland singles in spring on Fair Isle on 1 May, and Skerries on 12 May, were followed by 12 autumn individuals between 2 Sep and 22 Oct; Orkney had 1 on N Ronaldsay on 6 May, and up to 7 between 2 and 11 Sep. * Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica Shetland G at Burravoe, Yell on 17 May (C&JD), and 1 on Fair Isle from 12-16 Oct (PMP,AFS). * Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Shetland a spring bird on Fair Isle from 15-18 May (PMP et al), and autumn singles at Grutness on 4 Sep (JDO,GWP), on Foula on 10 Oct (GWP et al) on Fair Isle from 12-14 Oct (AJL,PMP), from 12-17 Oct (NJR et al), on 14 Oct (PMP,DMR), from 22-24 Oct (NJR et al), at Haroldswick, Unst on 25 Oct (MGP,MS), and at Northdale, Unst from 12-14 Nov (HGB,MGP); Grampian | at Rattray Head from 2-4 May (TWM,AW). * Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola Shetland single 99 or imms at Boddam 28-31 Aug (PVH,MM,DS), at Norwick, Unst on 5 Sep (MGP), on Fair Isle from 9-18 Sep (PH,NJR,AFS), and also there on 19 Sep (BB,PH,NJR). Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Breeding: Shetland 10 prs probably bred on Unst; Orkney c23 prs were recorded. Migration/counts: Shetland autumn passage on Fair Isle ran mainly from 2 Oct-7 Nov with 50 on 22 Oct; Orkney 47 on N Ronaldsay on 25 Oct. t * Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps Fife 1 on Isle of May on 25 Jun, 2 on 26-28 Jun, 1 on 5, 14, and 18-19 Jul. * Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Shetland & on Fair Isle on 9 Jun (PH); Orkney Gon N Ronaldsay from 30 Jul-S Aug (PJD,ES,KFW), and another Co there from 14-26 Aug (PJD,AED); Highland C at L Droma on 2 Jul (KCR&MrsHSCH,, et al); Strathclyde o& at Irvine from 4-5 Jun (PMcE,GM et al). Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Breeding: Shetland a small population may still exist on West Mainland, but the present status of the species is unclear; Orkney c16 singing Gc!’ were recorded; Grampian recorded at 29 sites; Lothian no confirmed breeding; Borders reported a population stabilisation, but the decline continued in the South-west. Counts/migration: Orkney 43 on Stronsay on 2 Jan was the highest count; Highland 20 on Lossiemouth Golf Cots: on 5 Jan; Tayside 53 at Auchmithie on 6 Mar. * Northern Oriole Jcterus galbula 9 or 1st winter con Benbecula from 30 Sep-3 Oct had probably been present from around 22-24 Sep (PRB, TJD,Mr&MrsCH). This is the 2nd record for Scotland. 46 Additional BBRC decisions The following records have all been accepted by BBRC: — White-billed Diver 1987 Highland adult found oiled in Dornoch Firth around 7-14 Mar. Night Heron 1987 West Isles 2nd summer at Breivig, Barra from 19 May-at least 7 Jun had probably been present since late Apr (JSA,KJH), another bird, an adult or 2nd summer, was on Barra on 7 Jun (RHD), 1987 Highland adult or 2nd summer in Glen Finnan on 8 Jun (LHC), 1987 Lothian adult at Drem from 30 May-1 Jun (A&GDB,PRG). Blue-winged Teal 1983 Orkney @ on Gretchen and Hocking Lochs, N Ronaldsay from 6-14 Oct (MG,KFW). King Eider 1983 Shetland 9 at Sumburgh on 25 Aug (MH); 1987 Shetland co on Whalsay from 3-7 Nov (BM,NDP). Surf Scoter 1987 West Isles 5 do from 14-16 Dec (C&VR). Crane 1987 Highland | near L More on 4 Jun (GB,JP). Ivory Gull 1980 Shetland 1 freshly dead at Westing, Unst on 26 Apr (PG,RJT). Red-rumped Swallow 1987 Grampian | at Girdleness on 16 May (AL). Lanceolated Warbler 1987 Fife 1 on Isle of May on 2 Oct (PWF). Icterine Warbler 1987 Strathclyde | on Tiree on 2 Jun. Pallas’s Warbler 1987 Shetland all records in last year’s report marked @ have been accepted. Nuthatch 1987 Tayside | in Glenisla on 9 Mar. Rose-coloured Starling 1984 Fife adult at Dalgety Bay about 5 Aug (JM). Two-barred Crossbill 1985 Central CG at Carron Valley Forest on 13 Oct (PRGM,WP). Rustic Bunting 1987 Shetland all records in last year’s report marked @ have been accepted. Little Bunting 1985 Shetland another on Fair Isle from 7-10 Oct should have been 7-10 Nov, 1986 Orkney 1 at L Garso, N Ronaldsay on 24 Sep (DHH), 1987 Shetland all records in last year’s report marked @ have been accepted. Yellow-breasted Bunting 1984 Shetland 2 or imm at Fladdabister on 18-19 Sep (PME,MH), 1985 Shetland another on Fair Isle on 7-10 Nov related to Little Bunting, 1987 Shetland 9 or imm at Scatness on 21 Sep (DRB,PME). The following record has been withdrawn at the request of observers: American Golden Plover 1975 Dumf & Gall 1 at Caerlaverock from 23 Nov-26 Feb 1976. The following records have been rejected by BBRC: — Booted Warbler 1987 Shetland | at Lerwick on 8 Oct. Arctic Redpoll 1987 Shetland 1 on Foula on 23 Apr. The following corrections and additions to the 1987 SBR should be made: — Night Heron 1987 Shetland the location of the Ist summer bird at Raewick, Mainland from 18-30 Apr was in fact Garderhouse. Crane 1987 Shetland the bird at Exnaboe on 5 Jun, and at Aith from 6-8 Jun was different from the Fair Isle bird of 4 Jun. Arctic Redpoll 1987 Shetland 1 on Whalsay from 30 Apr-1 May should have read from 28 Apr. The following addition should be made to SBR’s 1984-87: — Red-necked Grebe 1984 South Scotland adult at an inland site from 3 May-6 Jun, 1985 a pair present from 23 May-27 Jul, attempted nesting, a third bird present on 9 dates was thought to be a 9, a report of 4 birds on 3 Jul, 1986 adult present from 21 Apr-9 Jul, a pair from 13 May-20 Jun, nest site may have been selected and later abandoned, 1987 adult present from 23 Apr-27 May. King Eider Q Aberlady July 1988 ). Busby 47 BIRD REPORTS The following areas have produced Bird Reports for 1988. Angus and Dundee Bird Report R D Goater (ed). Argyll Bird Report C Galbraith & A R Jennings (eds). Arran Bird Report M H Dunn (ed). Ayrshire Bird Report A Hogg (ed). Borders Bird Report R D Murray (ed). Caithness Bird Report E W E Maughan (ed). Clyde Bird Report | P Gibson (ed). Dumfries and Galloway Bird Report A D Watson (ed). Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report N Riddiford (ed). Fife Bird Report D E Dickson (ed). Highland Bird Report R H Dennis (ed). Isle of May Bird Report B Zonfrillo (ed). Lothian Bird Report M R Leven (ed). Moray and Nairn Bird Report M J H Cook (ed). North-east Scotland Bird Report M L Tasker (ed). Orkney Bird Report C Booth, M Cuthbert, E Meek (eds). Perth & Kinross Bird Report W Mattingley (ed). Shetland Bird Report P M Ellis (ed). A Bird Report for the Outer Hebrides is also available from the local recorder as an off-print. Redstart West Lothian 1988 7 BOT iad a M. Darling 48 LIST OF OBSERVERS G W Adam, M E Adam, R G Adam, S R Adam, S G Addinall, C Addison, P Akers, G L Aitchison, G Alexander, S M D Alexander, M Ameels, B Anderson, D G Anderson, M Anderson, R Anderson, R Andrew, I J Andrews, M A Ashley, H Arbones, S Aspinall, P W Atkinson, N E Armstrong, B L Arneil, W Austin, R M Baikie, R Bailey, R S Bailey, D J Bain, G Bain, C J Baister, E J Balfour-Melville, J H Ballantyne, D Barber, M Barber, A M Barclay, J Barr, P Barry, C Barton, A S Bates, D J Bates, G Bates, M J Bayne, R Beasant, M Beaven, A Beck, K Beck, A Van Beest, A A Beil, D Bell, F Bell, H Bell, M V Bell, NM G Bell, J G Bennie, Z Bhatia, C Bielby, E Bignall, T G & M Binny, P D Black, M Blasquez, C J Booth, C M Booth, E J Booth, J Booth, P N Booth, J L Borrodaile, K C Bottrell, P R Boyer, H Bradley, S Brazendale, A Brieson, D J Britton, R A Broad, G J Brock, K Brockie, J L Brooks, A Brown, A W Brown, B Brown, E Brown, J G Brown, L M Brown, M Brown, J Bruce, K Bruce, D T Buchan, A Buchanan, G Buchanan, R H Bucknall, D Buckland, T Budge, E R Bullard, D Burges, G Burgiter, J Burliston, R R Burn, R J Burness, J Burrow, T Byars, D Byatt, M Byatt, R G Caldow, M J Callan, E D Cameron, I Cameron, S Cameron, N G Campbell, R Candeland, T Candiland, J Carruthers, E Charfer, M Chesney, M C Chesney, J Chester, G Christer, G Christie, G J Clark, J Clarke, W Clayton, D L Clugston, W Clunie, H Clyde, P N Collin, A Collop, G Connelly, J M Conner, B F Conway, S Conway, A Cook, M J H Cook, S D Cooper, A Cormack, I Cornelius, C Corrigan, C J Corse, G Costie, N J Coward, J Coyle, J N Craig, M Craig, S Craig, I Crawford, D Cree, G Crittenden, J Cromarty, C H Crooke, J Crossley, N Crowther, W A Cummins, W A J Cunningham, J Curran, A Currie, G Currie, M F Cuthbert, O D Cuthbert, P Dale, T P Daniels, I M Darling, M Darling, J N Darroch, I G Davidson, W A Davidson, A R Dean, J Dean, T Dean, R H Dennis, E Devlin, D Dick, D E Dickson, R A Dickson, T M Dix, T B Docherty, J N Done, P J Donnelly, H E M Dott, T W Dougall, A Dowell, A Duncan, P B Duncan, M H Dunn, S Dunnett, R F Durman, J Easton, J Edelsten, J Edge, T Edge, A Edward, B Edwards, C Edwards, R Edwards, S J Edwards, M A Eggeling, T W Eggeling, I Elder, N Elkins, R R Elliot, P M Ellis, W Ellrick, I English, P Estaban, Sir R Erskine-Hill, B Etheridge, J Evans, L G R Evans, R G Evans, S Evans, J A P Fairhead, D S Falconer, M Falconer, A P Faulkner, K Faulkner, E C Fellowes, D Ferguson, M Fisher, S Fisher, A Fitchett, G J Fitchett, V J Flanders, J Fleming, M Fleming, V Fleming, A Flett, P Flett, K J Forbes, J Ford, J C Forrester, R W Forrester, J Fortune, M Fraser, C Galbraith, J Gale, S Gall, Mrs Galloway, D Galloway, D Garratt, F Gatens, S V Gauld, C A Gervaise, I P Gibson, S Gibson, D J G Gill, J Gillespie, T Gillies, K Gillon, D Given, R Gladwell, R D Goater, A Godfrey, A G Gordon, J J Gordon, J R W Gordon, P R Gordon, R Graham, J Grant, M Gray, H Greig, M Gregory, B D Griffin, M Griffin, A Griffiths, N R Grist, R Gutterez, S R Hacker, K E Hague, C Hall, S Hall, H S C Halliday, K C R Halliday, E Hamilton, F D Hamilton, I R Hamilton, K C Hamilton, R Hampstead, J J C Hardey, M Harley, W G Harper, M P Harris, R Harris, F C Harrison, N Harrison, M I Harvey, P V Harvey, J Hawell, D M Hawker, R G Hawley, M Hayes, J Hazlett, S Headley, Mr & Mrs G Heaton, C DR Heard, E Heard, A Heavisides, S Hemmings, N Henderson, M Henry, C J Henty, P B Heppleston, K Heron, R Hesketh, M Heubeck, M Hewison, N Hewison, W Hewison, S Hewitt, B A Hickman, C Hill, A Hilton, P T Hirst, EM Hissett, R Hissett, A Hogg, J Hogg, R H Hogg, M Holling, L Hollingcrake, J F Holloway, J A D Hope, P G Hopkins, I M Hourston, P F Howarth, D HB Howie, J E Howie, A Hudson, A Hughes, E Hughes, R Hughes, W N Hughes, J Hull, H R Hunter, L Hunter, B J Hurley, C Hurley, E Hurley, J C Hurley, J Illingworth, I Inglis, M Innes, H Insley, A Irvine, T Irving, H Jacobs, J Jacobs, G T Jamieson, D C Jardine, A R & I W Jennings, T Johnson, A Johnstone, I G R Jolley, A Joss, A Jowett, J Kane, S Keenan, A Keldie, D J Kelly, R Kelly, C Kemp, D S Kennedy, W Kennedy, W D Kerr, E Kerr, I Kestings, J Kirk, K Kirk, J Knowler, A Knox, A I Laing, S Laing, S A Laing, J Lamb, E R Landells, I Langford, C Latto, S Latto, A W Lauder, J D Law, N J Lawrie, M E Lawson, S Laybourne, A Leach, O Leonard, E P Leven, M R Leven, C Lindsay, J Linklater, M Linklater, J Lister, B Little, I Livingstone, I Lorimer, V Lough, R Lovell, S Lovell, D Lowe, T Lumsden, A R Lyndon, C J McAllister, R McBeath, F McConnell, F G McCrossan, A McCulloch, R McCurley, J McCutcheon, R McCutcheon, I McDonald, J McDonald, J McDowall, M K Macduff-Duncan, P McEwan, F McGhie, G McGill, I McGowan, C C McGuigan, A Macintosh, A Maciver, D J Mclvor, W McKechnie, M McKee, H McKenzie, I Mackie, J Mackie, I McKinnie, K McLaren, G McLean, C R McLeod, J McManus, AT Macmillan, EH L Macmillan, L McNally, F McNee, A K McNeill, B McNulty, J McOwat, J McOwat, J McWatt, G McWhirter, M Madders, A R Mainwood, D Mainwood, M Mallalieu, N Mann, R J Mann, S A M Manson, D Mardon, M Marquiss, B Marshall, T W Marshall, M W A Martin, A Mathieson, W A Mattingley, E W E Maughan, P Maxted, B Mearns, R Mearns, A Mee, E R Meek, J K R Melrose, C Menzies, E Metcalfe, S Metcalfe, J Middlemass, J Middleton, A D Miller, R H Miller, R J Miller, T Milling, C Mitchell, G Mitchell, J Mitchell, W Mitchell, W Mitchell, A W Moore, A S Moore, G Morrison, R Morton, R Moss, W W Moss, M Mowat, C A Munro, A A Murray, I Murray, J E Murray, R D Murray, M Muttitt, C K Mylne, J S Nadin, J Naish, D W Napier, NCC, B Neath, W Neill, J B Nelson, R J Nelson, W Nelson, M Nesbitt, Newcastle University Conservation Society, R Nisbet, J Nobbs, R Noble-Nesbit, J A Norman, M G Norman, S North, North Ronaldsay Bird Obs, I Oberski, TO’Connor, J G Ogilvy, M A Ogilvie, J D Okill, B Orr, J Osborne, M Osler, M Ostrouch, G Owens, A Park, C Park, E Parsons, D Paterson, S Pawsey, S Payne, M A Peacock, C R Pell, D Pennett, M G Pennington, J B Percival, N Picozzi, A D Pierce-Duncombe, M J Pink, V P Pink, M F Piper, N D Poleson, R K Pollock, C B Ponsonby, M D Porteous, P M Potts, A Pout, I R Poxton, E S da Prato, S R D da Prato, A F Preen, E Preen, GI Prest, W G Prest, R Proctor, L Prout, D M Pullan, R Quick, M Quirie, M Ramage, M N Rankin, D A Ratcliffe, E Rattray, E Raw, G W Rebecca, S Redpath, P S Read, S A Reeves, J Reid, R Reid, E Rendall, J Rendall, N Rendall, D J Rennie, C M Reynolds, P Reynolds, V Reynolds, J Rhead, E Rhone, B Ribbands, J Richards, P C Richards, R Richards, N J Riddiford, GS Riddle, E Rideout, K J Rideout, M Rinder, K Ringland, B Robertson, D Robertson, I Robertson, C K Robeson, M C Robinson, W Robinson, F Rodriguez, C Rolme, C J Rollie, B Rorie, M Rorie, J Ross, A J Rowe, B Rowling, R Roxburgh, R A Ruddiman, M Rusk, M Russell, G Ruthven, RSPB, G Sample, G L Sandeman, I Sandison, S Saxby, R A Schofield, E Scotland, C Scott, R D S Scott, S Scott, T S Scott, C D Scotland, P J Sellar, R A B Shand, A F W Sharp, G Shaw, K D Shaw, D Shearer, G Sheppard, R A Shewan, S & M E Shimeld, P Shimmings, R Shoesmith, J Skethaway, Mr & Mrs D Skilling, F Slack, A J Smith, D A Smith, E M Smith, F Smith, G Smith, J Smith, R A H Smith, R W J Smith, A M Smout, T C Smout, A C Souter, P W Speak, I Spence, M Spence, S Spence, R Spencer, C J Spray, A Sprott, A Stalker, J Steele, J G Steele, J K Steven, A Stevenson, J Stevenson, B J Stewart, D R Stewart, J W Stewart, M M Stewart, P K Stirling-Aird, N Storrie, M J Strickland, J Strowger, F Strudwick, M Strudwick, M Strudwick, I Struthers, D Suddaby, R W Summers, A T Sumner, B E H Sumner, A Sutherland, I Sutherland, I Suttie, J L Swallow, R L Swann, A Swannie, I Swanson, J J Sweeney, T K Skyes, Mr & Mrs Symon, F Symonds, B Taggart, E Tait, M L Tasker, H Taylor, J Taylor, N J Taylor, S Taylor, W G Taylor, C Thaine, R Thaxton, D Thibault, E Thomas, N G Thomas, A Thompson, J Thomson, S Thomson, R Thorne, D Thorogood, J Thorogood, M J Thrower, G Thursby, C Timmins, R Timmins, H C Towll, E Trigg, J Trowbridge, M Trubridge, R J Tulloch, B Turner, B Unwin, L A Urquhart, P Vandome, J Vaughan, L L J Vick, J & T Wagstaff, B Wake, G Walker, J M P Walker, K Walker, R Walker, J H Wallace, A Walters, C M Waltho, D Warburton, S C Ward, M J Ware, J P Warren, I Watret, A D Watson, J Watson, J D Watson, D Watt, E Watt, R Watt, E Web, M Webb, D N Weir, T Weir, D J Wells, V Wells, R D Wemyss, K Wheeler, DS Whitaker, G T White, M Whitehouse, N Whitehouse, J Whitworth, J Wiffen, J E Wilcox, Wildfowl © Trust, M A Wilkinson, E J Williams, S J Williams, 1 Willis, A Wilson, J Wilson, R Wilson, W Windwick, M Wolfe-Murray, A D Wood, B Wood, J Wood, P J Wood, K F Woodbridge, P L Wright, J Wykes, G T Wylie, A J Young, R Young, A Youngman, T Youngman, R Zawadski, B Zonfrillo. 49 LOCAL RECORDERS Local Recorder Dr E C Fellowes, West Isle, Islesteps, Dumfries DG2 8ES. A D Watson, 54 Main Street, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcud. DG9 3UW. A Hogg, Kirklea, Crosshill, Maybole, Ayrshire KA19 7RJ. I P Gibson, c/o Beck, 1 Rosebank Terrace, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire PA13 4EW. I Hopkins, 2 Eden Place, High Street, Rothesay, Bute. M Madders, Smithy Cottage, Lochdon, Craignure, Mull, Argyll PA64 6AP. R D Murray, 4 Bellfield Crescent, Eddleston, Peebles, Borders EH45 8RQ. P R Gordon, 4 Craiglaw, Longniddry, East Lothian EH32 OPY. M R Leven, 43 Riccarton Road, Linlithgow, West Lothian. Dr C J Henty, 7 Coneyhill Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire FK9 4EL. D E Dickson, 45 Hawthorn Terrace, Thornton, Fife KY1 4DZ. B Zonfrillo, 28 Brodie Road, Balornock East, Glasgow G21 3SB. W Mattingley, Cluny House, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2JT. R Goater, 4 Dunrossie Crescent, Tayock, Montrose, Angus DD10 9LT. K Shaw, 4 Headland Court, Newtonhill, nr Stonehaven, Kincardine AB3 5JD. M J H Cook, Rowanbrae, Clochan, Buckie, Banffshire ABS 2EQ. R H Dennis, Inchdryne, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3EF. A R Mainwood, 13 Ben Bhraggie Drive, Golspie, Sutherland. E W E Maughan, Burnside, Harbour Road, Reay, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7RG. W A J Cunningham, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis PA87 2TQ. T J Dix, 2 Dreumasdal, South Uist PA81 SRT. C J Booth, 34 High Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1AZ. P Harvey, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU. D Suddaby, 92 Sandvein, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 ORU. 50 Region (District/s) 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 (Argue City of Dundee) Grampian (all, except Moray) Grampian/Highland (Moray/Nairn) Highland (Badenoch & Sirathspey, Inverness, Lochaber, Ross & Cromarty, Skye & Lochalsh, Highland (Sutherland)) Highland (Caithness) Western Isles (Harris/Lewis) Western Isles (Uists/Benbecula/Barra) Orkney Shetland (Fair Isle) Shetland (except Fair Isle) ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS FIFE REGION & (CEPI ae re OE eee eee == es px Sutherland © District “propecia eS lend ORKNEY ISLANDS AREA eo / 8e ite TIN / Caithness / Sy & Poe ‘i SHETLAND / > ISLANDS AREA yaa (> J Sutherland | WESTERN | = ERN ISLES 5™, “sy li HIGHLAND REGION We Ross and Cromarty We re) & ISLANDS es y aN ony os A--~. Ae A ; ¢ 5, / Ae Banff — / > F Moray and Buchan ~ —= Skye Ldchalsh Gordon Se Ns pe » GRAMPIAN REGION NS, ane tao 7 aN Bad A City,ef Aberdoon Vo / aly eZ adenoc ‘Y and i / Su 2 os Strathspey Kincardine and Deeside FIFE REGION SE HOE BO CENTRAL J North Eost Fife REGION mee inet s ag ~\ LO THIAN REGION ‘ast Lothian _ Roxhurgh Annendele and Eskdale LLOWAY, INDEX TO DISTRICTS fa GION NUMBERED IN STRATHCLYDE ( (\ its Stewertry | 1. Clydebank \) ~ Cane 2. Bearsden and Milngavie N 3. Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Si ig 10 Q 10 20 30 40 aX) r Mies a Kilometres 10 0 10 20 30 «40 $0 6C 70 80 51 American Robin Inverbervie Dec 1988 52 S.M.D. Alexander 2-3 er eno — Sy were RAEN peereie Bo anne ere s is jalags een, 2 ee Re ee Or re i nF aprycora aso “9 2 rect + m Franco or fan Sine Soha —?, ; os re wae oes Sone rss = ae, ‘mo Rena Mer yn SN eteege Pp een oho oan jaw i ae -t ~or7 a Sn eeeires bert SE ao : : Retna Seis Pnane retro Sree : ca eget Wey ern ee SS poe = pm nes = “ty - " 4:4 Seema gree ment . me oe 9 eS peed vy Seaton ena aed eae = 5 Loe fai 5 or — : a r < Tone ae : ree Di me gy i? Sens - ee san 8 2 - im - avr - ‘ mat 7 Z “ WETS SES ~~ . ares y x oy 3 “ o ae - u stew - =: ae e = = oe caealtner nn sence aay teens Cae een ow erases re siocd sition tenes mas eaaene ne alent