No 43 - Spring 2012

CONTENTS Editorial - p2 Chairman’s Chat p3 Bird report - p4 Reserves report - p6 BTO ringing scheme in Cornwall - p8 Cormorant cull - p10 Day for Nature - p12 Dick Twinney - p 13 Field Meetings - p14

Sunday 6th May is the date of one of the biggest events ever in the calendar of Corn-wall’s wildlife and environmental organisa-tions. Admission is FREE. To be held at Stithians Lake and Watersports Centre and sponsored by the South West Lakes Trust, A Day for Nature is a joint initiative of the CBWPS and SW Lakes Trust. Other organisations present at and supporting the event include the RSPB, Brit-ish Trust for Ornithology, Cornwall Butter-fly Conservation Group, Cornwall Bat Group, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Mammal Group, Natural England, as well as the CBWPS. The day begins at 6.00am for those early risers who want to enjoy the dawn

After several years leading the society, Derek Julian has decided to stand down for personal reasons. He also relinquishes his role as editor of Birds in Cornwall. Bruce Taggart has resigned as Vice Chairman. They are replaced by Mark Grantham as Chairman and Lesley Mitchell as Vice Chairman. Mark writes his introductory Chairman’s Chat on page 3 of this issue of Palores. We wish them both well in steering the work of the committee, and thank both Derek and Bruce for their dedicated service to the CBWPS. The committee is now in need of an Honorary Secretary and anyone with appropriate experience should contact Mark Grantham - details overleaf.

A Day for Nature - 6th May

Committee changes

Black Redstart photo by S. Bury

Ruff, photographed at Par beach on 19th March by Nigel Climpson

Woodcock Watch - satellite tags success

The Game & Wildfowl Conservation Trust is running an important and fascinating study of Woodcock. Four of the birds were caught and tagged in Cornwall. The birds’ move-ments are tracked by satellite. One has made it to Poland, another to Denmark. For more details see www.woodcockwatch.com It has been decided to have the society’s

annual general meeting in the autumn rather than the spring this year. This is because of all the changes to the committee and the need for the new line-up to get to grips with various issues including the backlog of Birds in Cornwall reports - see Chairman’s Chat on p 3 for more on this.

AGM set for autumn The female Blue-winged Teal at Walmsley was photographed on 19th March by Lesley Mitchell.

The Bar-headed Goose that frequented Walmsley and the Amble Marshes in early 2012, photographed by Colin Sel-way on 23rd March

Goosander at Par, by Nigel Climpson

chorus. There will be guided walks for bird and butterfly enthusiasts during the day, and a variety of interesting and fun activities for children. Telescopes and binoculars will be available in the bird hides at Stithians and experts will be on hand to help identify birds. The café at the Watersports Centre will be open all day from 8.30am for re-freshments. This is an ideal opportunity to bring family and friends along for a day of wild-life related activities. For more details of ‘A Day for Na-ture’ see page 12 of this issue. Please make a note of the date in your diary and come along to this fantastic event.

This is another request for members’ email addresses to be sent to Angela Tonry. Please send them to membership@cbwps.org.uk.

Email addresses!

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Registered Charity No 255899

The CBWPS was founded in 1931 to encourage the study and pres-ervation of birds in Cornwall. The Society has over 750 members. It owns 3 reserves and manages jointly several others. The Society organises weekly bird watching field trips (some jointly with the RSPB local members group). Palores (its colour newsletter for mem-bers) is published quarterly.

2012 Subscriptions: Adult £17 Family £21 Senior Citizen £14 Senior Family £16 Subscriptions are due by 31st January. Cheques made out to ‘CBWPS’ please. Please pay by Gift Aid if you can - it saves the Soci-ety £1500 a year. For all payments, membership applications and enquiries please contact: Angela Tonry, Membership Secretary, 20 The Copse, Boscoppa, St Austell PL25 3EU Email: membership @cbwps.org.uk

The Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society

Palores is published in January, April, July & October. Design and typesetting by the Editor. To advertise contact the editor. Full page £100. Half page £50. Small ads and notices free to members. Printed by R. Booth Ltd, Penryn. Distribution by Envelope Supplies.

Committee and Officers

President: Steve Madge Seawinds, Lower Trerive, Downderry, Torpoint,

PL11 3LZ (01503 250432)

Chairman: Mark Grantham Killigrew Barn, Cusgarne, Cornwall, TR4 8RW

(01872 862259) chairman@cbwps.org.uk

Vice Chairman: Lesley Mitchell

Flat 8, Heligan House, Pentewan, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN

(07817 281 352) vice-chairman@cbwps.org.uk

Honorary Secretary: vacant

Conservation Officer: Tony Blunden Pencairn, Penmenner Road, The Lizard, Helston,

TR12 7NR. (01326 291064) conservation@cbwps.org.uk

County Recorder: Darrell Clegg

55 Lower Fore Street, Saltash, PL12 6JQ (01752 844775) recorder@cbwps.org.uk

Field Meetings Officer: Gordon Mills

11 Commercial Street, Cambourne, TR14 8JZ (01209 718144) grsd.mills@btconnect.com

Publicity Officer: Peter Crispin

5 Church lea, Launceston, PL15 8QZ (01566 773455) publicity@cbwps.org.uk

Committee members:

Stephen Jackson, Dave Parker, Greg Adams

Financial Controller: John Stanlake

Membership Secretary: Angela Tonry 20 The Copse, Boscoppa, St Austell PL25 3EU (07944 988599) membership@cbwps.org.uk

Editor, Palores: Simon Marquis

St Breock Place, Wadebridge, PL27 7JS (07711 883876) palores@cbwps.org.uk

Website administrator: Nigel Climpson

webmaster@cbwps.org.uk

Reserve Wardens: walmsley_warden@cbwps.org.uk Adrian Langdon

maer_warden@cbwps.org.uk Graham Sutton windmill_warden@cbwps.org.uk Andy Pay drift_warden@cbwps.org.uk Dave Parker

Loveny - Dave Conway Stithians - Simon Taylor

Honorary Solicitor: Greg Adams

2 Wendron Street, Helston TR13 8PS

Independent Examiner: Mr S.G. Hawkey ACA Whitakers, Bryndon House, 5 Berry Road, Newquay

TR7 1AD (01637-873838)

A s you will see opposite - it’s all change at the CBWPS! After a number of years of sterling service, both Derek Julian and Bruce Taggart have decided to

step down. The thanks of every member are due to them for their dedicated hard work. So we welcome Mark Grantham and Lesley Mitchell as Chairman and Vice-chairman respectively and wish them well in their new roles. Fortunately, there is great continuity at our reserves and the wardens - all of whom have been in place for a good number of years - keep the interests of birds at the forefront of their efforts. Our continued and heartfelt thanks are due to them too. In this last week of March the sun beats down on Cornwall giving us wonderful days that we’d be happy to accept in July. Suddenly the spring flowers are bursting out and the buds on the trees seem to be opening before our very eyes. So too, the tell-tale sound of returning Chiffchaffs signals the return of summer migrants, as do those first glimpses of the handsome Wheatear on the coasts. The CBWPS website monitors bird sightings on a daily basis, and it is a thrill to know that Sand Martins and the first Swallows have already been logged. If you haven’t looked yet, you should. Perhaps you will be tempted to submit your own records - it’s very easy to do. Elsewhere is this issue is the usual fantastic season of walks and field meet-ings, and on Sunday 6th May ‘A Day for Nature’ at Stithians is not to be missed for members and their friends and families. See page 12 for full details of what’s on offer. Meanwhile, Cornwall continues to attract its fair share of unusual birds. Too late to make this season’s Bird Report, the Night Heron pictured opposite by Sam Williams must be a contender for bird of the year so far. And we now have the joys of the breeding season to come! Simon Marquis

Palores – April 2012

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on the unacceptable backlog of Birds in Cornwall. We've had to make some hard decisions of late, but do now have a plan of at-tack. The 2007 report is undergoing final proof-reading as I write and those for 2008 and 2009 are being pulled together by two dif-ferent editors. We are also recruiting writers (and an editor) for 2010, and the more permanent post of editor from 2011 onwards. Whilst the backlog of reports will be in the familiar style of previ-ous years, we also hope to revamp and update the reports from 2011. We've resisted the temptation to redesign now to speed up the process of getting the long overdue reports out to you. I would envisage that this alone will occupy a lot of our time (and willpower) in the near future, and to this end we have decided to postpone the spring AGM until later in the year, so do get in touch if you would like to raise any items. The current com-mittee, with several new directors (as were called now), are keen to bring the Society bang up to date with a modern outlook and as a starter, and to help us better communicate with you in the future, we’d like to ensure we have email details for as many members as possible. So please dig the envelope your Palores arrived in out of the bin and if it has ‘NO EMAIL’ after your name then do please let Angela Tonry know your email address. I hope I've kept your attention so far, as I'll finish with the perennial plea for your help in the running of your Society. Whether your skills lie in education, law, administration, editing, writing, art or pretty much anything in-between, then please get in touch with me and we'll welcome you with open arms. Society issues aside, with Sand Martin, Wheatear, Swal-low and even Night Heron and Alpine Swift recently arrived, I hope you can make the most of the spring and enjoy all that bird-ing in the county has to offer!

I 'm sure many of you will be aware of recent changes in the Society, but just to bring eve-

ryone up to speed, please read on... The good news is certainly the incorpo-ration of the Society as a company limited by guarantee. Few, if any, of the changes will be outwardly obvious, but behind the scenes this change will be vital to the future of the Society. The bad news is the departure of three key fig-

ures from our ranks. Following the recent resignations of both Derek Julian and Tony Bertenshaw, the Vice-Chairman Bruce Taggart took on the role of Secretary, but has also recently taken the decision to resign from this post. Losing these three stalwarts of the Society in quick succession will be hard, leaving us some very big shoes to fill, but I hope we can count on their continued support over the coming months. On behalf of the members and committee, I'd like to thank Derek, Tony and Bruce for all their work over the years and for successfully steering the Society t h rough some ver y d i f f i cu l t t imes r ec en t ly . This left the Society with a rather gaping hole at the top, and stepping into the ring to fill this are myself as Chairman and Lesley Mitchell as Vice-Chairman. Lesley and I have different skills to bring to the table and I’m sure that between us we can progress some of the more pressing needs of the Society. This doesn't mean our task is anything less than difficult though, and I hope that we can offer you, the members, more of the services that have been lacking recently. Our immediate priority is to catch up

Chairman’s Chat

Mark Grantham

This Night Heron appeared in Cornwall in March. It was photographed at Polgigga on 17th March by Sam Williams

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NB These are all unchecked and unauthenticated records. Publica-tion here does not constitute acceptance. If you were lucky enough to see or find any of these birds please submit a description to the county recorder. recorder@cbwps.org.uk County and national rarity description forms can now be downloaded from the daily bird news section on the website www.cbwps.org.uk Pink-footed Goose A single bird wandered around the Camel estuary from December 15th-19 being seen at Treraven Meadows and Amble Marshes. Two birds were present at Hayle estuary from February 25th-29th. Egyptian Goose. This is a scarce bird in Cornwall and though the possibility of escape cannot be discounted they are always impressive birds to see. The resident bird at Millbrook pond remained throughout the period but birders in the west of the county were able to add this species to their year lists when one turned up at Helston Boating lake on December 22nd. It remained until January 13th after visiting both Helston Loe pool and Drift reservoir. Ring-necked Duck A splendid winter for this very smart North American Aythya with seemingly one static and one travelling bird present. A male at St Gothian Sands (last year’s returning bird?) from December 2nd – 27th was relocated at College Reservoir on January 4th where it remained until January 23rd. Between these dates it was seen on a private pond and also at Stithians reservoir on February 3rd before returning to St Gothian Sands on February 5th and staying until February 10th. It moved back to College reservoir on February 19th and stayed until at least February 29th. The other male in the county was much easier to predict, being present at Par beach pool from December 31st until the end of the period. Lesser Scaup Dozmary pool played host to another bird, this time a “new” 1st winter bird instead of the usual returning adult male. It was first seen on January 15th and remained until February 1st. It was relo-cated at nearby Siblyback reservoir on February 4th where it stayed until February 17th. On February 19th it turned up at Trenance lake Newquay, entertaining birders until it was last seen on February 21st. Surf Scoter An interesting series of records were received. Fly-bys were re-corded at Rumps point on December 3rd and at St Ives on Decem-ber 4th when two birds were reported. A first winter male was ob-served in Mount’s Bay on December 18th where it remained, often distant until at least February 29th. Bufflehead The bird remained at Helston Loe Pool throughout the period but did surprise one lucky observer by turning up at Drift reservoir for an away day on January 3rd. Smew One or two birds are seen in most winters, but this winter we were lucky enough to be visited by a splendid male which was found at Siblyback reservoir from February 12th – 13th. More usual are the female/1st winter “Redheads” and one was present at Helston Loe pool from February 1st – 15th Bittern Although not present in the exceptional numbers seen last winter, there was nevertheless a good spread of birds in the usual haunts.

Up to three birds were seen at Marazion throughout the period and two birds were at College reservoir. At Helston Loe Pool one bird was seen on most days with two seen on February 25th Elsewhere one was seen at Par beach pool from February 19th-27th and an-other was at Porth reservoir on February 19th. Great Egret Continuing the run of reports of this species, one was recorded at Lelant on February 3rd. Glossy Ibis A bird was seen in flight near Chapel Carn Brea on December 27th. What may well have been the same bird was welcome and well-watched at Chapel Amble and Walmsley Sanctuary from January 12th – February 2nd. Spoonbill Only one bird returned to the river Lynher this winter where it could be seen from various watch points throughout the period. Common Crane Following on from the influx of last autumn a single wandering bird was reported from Penzance, Hayle, Marazion and St Buryan between January 8th-10th. Tundra Bean Goose One was seen briefly at St John’s Lake on February 8th before it was flushed by a passing military helicopter. Lesser Canada Goose One of the smaller races of Canada Goose possibly minima was reported on the River Lynher at Wacker Quay on January 2nd. American Golden Plover One was identified from a photograph of a Golden Plover flock near Davidstow on February 17th. What was surely the same bird was refound at Crowdy reservoir on February 19th. Lesser Yellowlegs A bird at Kingsmill lake on November 30th was originally reported as a Ruff due to the poor views and extreme distance. It was seen briefly a couple more times until its true identity was revealed on February 26th. It was then seen daily until well into March. Ring-billed Gull Although it can hardly be reported as a return to form for this spe-cies, two different birds in the west of the county was welcome news. An adult was seen in Mount’s Bay at Newlyn and Marazion between December 26th and February 1st, and a first winter bird was recorded at Drift on January 12th at least. Caspian Gull The bird at Sennen in November remained until December 3rd. Iceland Gull This species has enjoyed a spectacular winter elsewhere in these islands with reports of 60+ birds at some sites in Scotland and Ireland. Here in Cornwall we saw our fair share of these arctic wanderers even if numbers didn’t quite match those of other Celtic nations. First winter birds were seen at Drift, January 1st’ Mousehole, Janu-ary 3rd; Marazion, January 4th-7th; Carbis Bay, January 10th-12th, February 25th; Sennen, January 20th- 23rd; with three on January 26th and two on January 27th; Newlyn, January 21st – February 3rd; St Gothian Sands, January 22nd; Hayle, January 21st – February 11th; Sancreed, January 29th; Porthleven, January 31st; Looe, Feb-ruary 7th; Pendeen, February 17th; River Gannel, February 28th. Second winter birds: Helston, January 3rd; Carbis Bay, January 6th-21st with two on January 11th; Sennen, January 26th; Porth Ledden, January 27th; St Gothian Sands, February 2nd; Newlyn, February 5th – 19th; Marazion, February 24th; Sancreed, February 13th; Drift, February 24th; A third winter bird was seen on the River Gannel, February 17th – 26th. Adult birds: Carbis Bay, January 6th – 11th with two on January 9th; Sennen, January 23rd-29th; February 26th-27th; Hayle, February 13th-14th; Penzance, February 25th. Kumlein’s Gull This is the form of Iceland Gull which breeds in arctic Canada and is an extremely rare visitor to the county. A second winter bird was seen at Sennen Cove on January 26th and occasionally at Hayle from February 11th – 29th.

bird report December 2011 - February 2012

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Glaucous Gull A first winter bird was found at Newlyn from February 2nd – 8th and at Marazion on February 4th. This was followed by an adult at Sennen on February 5th. Back at Newlyn an adult was present from February 10th to 29th at least. At Wherry Town a first winter was seen on the rocks on February 17th, and at Hayle a first winter bird was seen on February12th and 23rd with two there on February 24th. A second winter bird was seen here on February 28th. A first winter bird, probably one of the Hayle birds, was at St Gothian Sands from February 24th – 26th. Hoopoe A highly unseasonal record concerned a bird seen at Pendeen on January 25th. Red-billed Chough The February update from the RSPB. In the Lizard: Just before Xmas we were getting sighting reports of a chattering of seven choughs, a fantastic sight at this time of year. Unfortu-nately, this dropped to six as we entered the New Year. The birds in this group are the two Lizard pairs, one of the local bachelors and the surviving male from last year’s Southerly Point brood, so unfortunately, it looks like we may have lost the young female. We are hoping she has just slipped off up the coast to find a mate as we race toward the breeding season. In West Penwith: All seems well with the two breeding pairs still on territory. The exciting news is that we have had further reports of an unringed bird in the west. The origin of this bird is unknown but it is being seen regularly. (Please note if you do see an unringed chough out-side of the Lizard Peninsula it is extremely unlikely to be one of the Southerly Point pair, do keep us informed.) The North Coast: The young pair up north are still in the same area. The young group of four have unfortunately become a three and are spending most of their time in the Newquay area. Great Grey Shrike On Bodmin Moor a bird was seen just off the A30 at Temple from February 9th – 11th . Wood Lark Up to three birds spent the majority of the winter in the Nanquidno area, being present from December 2nd to February 20th at least. A larger group was present in the St Erth valley from December 20th which peaked at 51 birds on January 31st. Pallas’s Warbler A fantastic Christmas present for one lucky observer with one reported at Trevose Head on December 25th. Yellow-browed Warbler The expected wintering birds were around in force this season with multiple birds at some sites. Single birds were seen at Swanpool, December 29th – February 1st; St Andrews pool, Par, January 5th – 15th; Marazion marsh, February 29th. Two birds were present at Helston sewage works on February 19th and at Gwennap sewage works from January 13th – February 7th. An incredible four birds were recorded at Carnon Downs sewage works on February 9th with between one and three birds there most days from January 10th – February 29th. Rose-coloured Starling One was present in the St Columb Minor area from January 7th – 16th. Richard’s Pipit One was seen at Porthgwarra on January 17th. Buff-bellied Pipit An interesting bird at Treraven meadows which showed some characteristics of this species was present, but elusive from Janu-ary 17th- February 10th. Dark eyed Junco An intriguing record of a bird at Helston on January 26th arrived via the BTO’s Birdtrack recording scheme and has no other de-tails.

Lesser Scaup (Steve Rogers)

Lesser Yellowlegs (Steve Rogers)

Ring-necked Duck (Steve Rogers)

Yellow-browed Warbler (Steve Rogers)

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A s usual wildfowl and gulls have dominated the winter months, al-

though numbers for most species were down on last year. The Mute Swan flock rose to a peak of 33 but geese numbers

hit new highs with 135 Canada, 55 Greylag and 14 hybrids. The surprise of the period was the appearance of the Bufflehead on Jan 3rd, which had been residing at Loe Pool, Helston. Sadly, by the following morning it had departed back to Helston. However the presence of an Egyptian Goose was some compensation at Loe Pool. It remained until the 6th when it too returned to Helston. Apart from that, peak numbers were Wigeon a mere 18, Teal 95, Mallard 121 plus 5 “Call Ducks”, Tufted Duck 57, Goldeneye 1 and Scaup 1. 2 Great Crested Grebes appeared mid January and were reported on and off throughout the period, whilst Little Grebes peaked at just 4. Cormorants peaked at 5 and Coots just 1. A single Water Rail was reported on Jan 16th. Grey Herons and Little Egrets made occasional visits but never num-bered more than 3. Waders were unsurprisingly scarce with 2 Green Sandpiper, c120 Lapwing and 2 Snipe being reported.

Unusual gulls were represented by up to 3 Mediterranean Gulls, plus an adult Little Gull, a 1w Ring-billed Gull, a peak of 19 Com-mon Gulls and at least 2 Iceland Gulls. Up to 5 Buzzards were ever present and ringtail Hen Harri-ers were seen on two dates. A Marsh Harrier was also reported on Feb 13th. Firecrests were reported on a number of dates along with a few overwintering Chiffchaffs. The Water Pipit which arrived in November was last seen on Dec 11th when presumably the rising water level pushed it off. Other birds reported included the 2 com-mon Woodpeckers, Bullfinch, Goldcrest and small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare. The new reed bed excavation in the north west corner is now complete and full of water to the top of the sluice, which after a few teething problems seems to be holding its own. The banks are still very bare although new reeds are already sprouting. I sus-pect that it will be some time before the area starts to mature and have a more natural look. Hopefully as this happens the birds will start to move in and benefit from our efforts. Work has now started on planting willow cuttings along the edge to act as a screen to save disturbance to the birds by visitors to the reed bed.

T he biggest news is that the develop-ment plans for the Southern Cut

Off have now, in principle, been given approval from SW Water. This means that digging pools and channels to keep

water in front of the hide and to remove the willow is now closer to becoming a reality. Contractors are now to be invited to submit costs. From these visits Method Statements and Risk Assessments will be drawn up and submitted then finally we apply for the grant. We are looking at a grant worth £5,000 of which the Society will need to find 10%. It is hoped that most if not all will be raised on May 6th at “A Day for Nature”, details of which are to be found elsewhere in this issue of Palores.

The mild winter has seen very little in the way of winter migrants. I thought this might be the first year without a Bittern for perhaps 10 years, when one turned up on the Southern Cut Off on 5th March, re-locating on to the reservoir a couple of days later. Goosander only turned up on the 26th January staying only a few days and Goldeneye have been few and far between. When they eventually were present they only numbered five. Shoveller have been non-existent and numbers of Coot and Tufted Duck have been extremely poor compared to previous years. Over the past few weeks there have been repeated occa-sions where gates, doors and flaps have been left open. A polite request to all to consider others when leaving the area and please close everything up especially when it's raining.

By Dave Parker

Drift

Stithians

By Simon Taylor

H igh water levels and the new scrape have contributed to an attractive wintering

ground for wildfowl and waders in the past months. There have been good but far from ex-ceptional numbers of each but far from the super numbers of the 2010/11 winter which started early and brought in many birds as winter gripped those more northern areas forcing birds to flee farther south. It has been great to watch Pintail on the reserve along with up to 30 Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal and Tufted Ducks. Also present as I write is a female Blue-winged Teal which has been seen on a few occasions. Wader numbers have not reached some previous highs but it has been very mild with the reserve only being frozen over for a couple of days so there has probably been a lot of mud showing at many other sites thus proving attrac-tive to passing birds. As I write there are Sand Martins starting to come through, the Stock Doves are nesting in the nestbox and Long-tailed Tits and Reed Bun-tings building in the brambles near the tower hide. The work parties have put up several new boxes and we’ve already seen evidence of use so it promises to be an exciting spring.

Walmsley

By Adrian Langdon

reserves report

January - March 2012

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A t the time of writing, Wheatears are again appearing on the cliffs and Sand Martins are feeding hungrily at Maer Lake

after their long migration. As I get older, each spring becomes more significant to me, not just the contemplation of the coming bird migration from Africa and Southern Europe to the British Isles, but the uplifting sight of the countryside coming back to life after the winter shutdown. Even digging in the garden with the unique smell of the fresh dug soil and the sound of Blackbird and Chiffchaff in the background is something to savour. Spring is a brief magical season and my resolution is to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and enjoy every moment. In contrast to the previous two winters, the past winter was very kind to birds with few hard frosts. The Reserve did not even get the usual and beneficial flood of water over most of the field that comes from days of heavy rain. If you look from the gate you can see the debris lying along the high water line at the rear of the Reserve; this is around twenty metres back from previous normal winters. Golden Plover numbers were excellent and we were able to manage the sluice so that water levels were perfect for them to

Maer Lake

By Graham Sutton

use their favoured roosting area for most of the winter. If you are wondering why they spend so much time roosting in the short daylight hours of winter, it is because the birds are feeding at night away from Maer. Living close to the Reserve I often hear these fascinating birds coming and going as they fly over my house at night. Snipe numbers were low, and only two single Jack Snipe were flushed as we adjusted the sluice on six visits. Dunlin win-tered in reasonable numbers with around twenty birds present. A lone Bar-tailed Godwit was present with the Curlew flock for two months, and Black-tailed Godwit was intermittently present in low numbers. An occasional Mediterranean Gull appeared with the Black-headed Gull flock; I was disappointed not to see Little Gull so far this year. We are hoping to finish the rear access track to the Reserve this spring before the cattle arrive. As previously reported we made a start on the base last autumn, so the work should not take too long to complete. Funding for this comes from the Environ-ment Agency compensation money paid with regard to the flood bank. We are also discussing with Peter Kent, East Cornwall Reserves Manager of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, for a new interpre-tation board. Long standing members will remember the original one erected by Stuart Hutchings in 1993. The fact that nineteen years have passed since then seems impossible to believe.

M ost of the plovers which arrived in the hard weather from late November remained on the reserve for several weeks,

favouring the slightly sloping pastures where the daily frosts were the first to thaw. Around 260 Golden Plovers remained, although some of the Lapwings moved on. Ten Dunlin and 55 Snipe were regularly feeding in the same fields, along with 50 Redwings. There was an influx of 200+ Fieldfares in mid January. Five species of duck were present throughout the winter, highest counts being 51 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 22 Teal, 28 Mallard and five Gadwall. The party of four adult and three juvenile Bewick’s Swans which had been present at Stithians earlier in the winter put in an appearance on Jan 30th.

Windmill Farm

By Andy Pay

A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen regularly. Other visitors included a Greenshank on Jan 9th and an adult Mediterranean Gull on Jan 14th. The first Chiffchaffs were back on territory on March 17th, but early indications are that numbers of resident Dunnocks, Rob-ins and Wrens are way down after another hard winter. We’ve had a straggly hedge “laid” by Martin Rule and Richard Sharp and it’s already full of new buds. Our partners from the Wildlife Trust carried out a couple of controlled burns on the heathland. There will be lots more going on over the next few months. Planning permission has been secured for some new ponds and scrapes, which will be going in when the site has dried out. Three students from the University of Exeter, Cornwall Cam-pus, are carrying out studies on the farm into the effects of conser-vation grazing on populations of small mammals, a survey for Water Shrews and a census of some of our rare plants. Let’s hope for a few scarce migrants this Spring and a good breed-ing season.

The Glossy Ibis that spent several weeks at the begin-ning of the year around Chapel Amble made several visits to the adjoining Walmsley Sanctuary. This shot by Adrian Lang-don shows the glossy plum-age to very good effect. The Wigeon and Shoveller opposite are also by Adrian Langdon

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T he BTO’s Constant Effort Sites (CES) Scheme uses standard-ised mist-netting to monitor national trends in three ‘key

demographic parameters’: productivity, abundance and survival. CES involves operating a set number of mist nets once in every 10-day period over the summer (May to August), repeated annu-ally for at least five years. The scheme uses data from around 120 sites across Britain and Ireland, though there has never been a site in Cornwall in the 25-year history of the Scheme. Elsewhere in the southwest, six sites haven operated in Devon over the years, but only one is ongoing. To address the lack of sites in the southwest, two sites were run in summer 2011: Nanjizal (by Kester Wilson) and Gun-walloe (by myself). The Society kindly agreed to cover the costs of rings for the CES at Gunwalloe and a summary of the first year is presented here. The first year was very successful, with 796 captures of 643 individuals over the 12 visits. The first standard visit was missed due to poor weather, but an extra visit was run on 14th August. Table 1. Numbers of birds captured in each age class.

Figure 1. The drier of the two net rides on the CES.

Additional to the CES, ringing visits were also made to monitor the clifftop Sand Martin colony, the reedbed Swallow roost and also target the winter build-up of Reed Buntings. Just three visits were made to the Sand Martin colony in order to reduce distur-bance and we hope to monitor the colony in the future to monitor the return of adult birds. The 70 Sand Martins ringed at the colony is actually the highest annual county total for at least 30 years. Figure 2. The first foreign-ringed Sand Martin to be found in Cornwall (from Jersey).

Table 2. Species totals for all ringing at Gunwalloe in 2011.

BTO ringing scheme is a first for Cornwall Mark Grantham explains what happened...

Ringed Retraps Total

Sand Martin 70 14 84

Swallow 412 3 415

Meadow Pipit 65 0 415

Wren 28 13 41

Dunnock 17 3 20

Robin 9 1 10

Nightingale 1 0 1

Blackbird 9 1 10

Cetti's Warbler 22 11 33

Grasshopper Warbler 3 0 3

Sedge Warbler 225 35 260

Reed Warbler 214 112 326

Whitethroat 2 0 2

Blackcap 6 0 6

Chiffchaff 36 2 38

Willow Warbler 8 0 8

Long-tailed Tit 8 0 8

Blue Tit 62 39 101

Great Tit 25 1 26

Reed Bunting 60 9 69

Total: 1282 244 1526

19th May 33 33

25th May 54 54

2nd June 3 50 53

14th June 36 30 1 67

27th June 93 39 132

3rd July 44 26 70

14th July 40 26 66

27th July 61 22 83

10th August 33 3 26

14th August 105 14 1 120

19th August 56 11 1 68

20th August 12 2 14

TOTALS 483 310 3 796

Juvenile Adult Unaged Total

The excellent ringing totals for both Sedge and Reed Warbler were encouraging and the total of 22 Cetti’s Warblers ringed is also notable, with the entire annual county total only higher than this figure in 1995 and 1996. Equally notable is Nightingale, which is a barely annual visitor to the county, with just one other ringed in the last 30 years.

Figure 3. Juvenile Nightingale ringed on 30th September 2011.

There were several ‘controls’ during the year of birds moving to or from the site, including Sedge Warblers from Bournemouth and Merseyside, and one ringed at Gunwalloe was re-caught in France six weeks later. Reed Warblers were re-caught from France, Isles of Scilly, Pembrokeshire and Devon. There were also numerous local movements of Sedge and Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings between Gunwalloe, Marazion Marsh and Nanjizal. Figure 4. Long-distance movements to/from Gunwalloe (blue) of Reed Warbler (red), Sedge Warbler (green) and Sand Martin (yellow).

I’d finally like to thank everyone who helped out at Gunwalloe over the season and also to Steve Bury who originally helped us to pinpoint the best areas to ring on the site. Thanks are also due to National Trust for allowing us to ring in the valley.

Websites for Birdwatchers CBWPS www.cbwps.org.uk Cornwall Birding www.cornwall-birding.co.uk Sennen Cove Birdwatching www.sennen-cove.com/birds RSPB Cornwall www.rspb.org.uk/groups/cornwall BTO www.bto.org Cornwall Wildlife Trust www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

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records from the BTO’s Birdtrack system and the logbooks in the hides I was able to find out that my peak count on random days was actually only 17. Since 1988 on WeBS, 156 counts have in-cluded Cormorant, with all the double figure counts (7) coming in the months of June, July or August indicating that juvenile disper-sal from breeding grounds is actually responsible for the higher mean average, something that wasn’t seen in 1991 when counts were winter months only. A huge decline has been observed at Colliford where, in the late 1980’s – early 1990’s numbers could reach 20-30 quite frequently. However since the year 2001 only 2 WeBS counts have produced more than 10 with 14 being the peak. This then posed another question – is Colliford still a fishery? Well, accord-ing to the SW Lakes website it is and it’s a “premier” fishing site stocked with Brown Trout so why the huge decline? At the mo-ment I do not know. So, to summarise Cormorant numbers are stable but declining on some of our freshwater lakes. They are certainly not exploding in numbers. With these figures available, South West Lakes are now able to analyse them and make an informed decision based on facts which I am fairly certain will be No to any culls on their premises. This though has brought home the importance of records and record keeping. We need as many logbook entries as possible, not just at Stithians but at all reserves so that we can pool this in-formation together with Birdtrack, with WeBS counts so that, armed with facts, we can fight arguments that are based on fiction, to preserve our birdlife.

Cormorant at Stithians, photo by Mike Anders

R equests for a Cormorant cull are gathering pace: 16,000 sig-natures nationwide as I write and probably mostly from an-

glers. What does this mean in Cornwall? South West Lakes have spoken to me amid pressure from anglers about culling Cormo-rants at Stithians. Claims have been made by anglers that Cormo-rant numbers are now in excess of 30 at Stithians. Whilst knowing these claims were totally unsubstantiated it was time to provide South West Lakes with the evidence to prove that these claims were false. The British Trust for Ornithology have an army of 45,000 voluntary fieldworkers carrying out a vast array of survey work so, using figures provided by the county’s dedicated band of WeBS Counters, the following data have been provided. Counts over a 30 year period differed substantially. In 1991 not as many counts were undertaken as there were in 2011 so naturally you would expect more counts to give more birds, result-ing in a higher mean average than those years with less counts. All properties with involvement from South West Lakes were looked at and the results were quite surprising. With Stithians being the main reserve brought into ques-tion, a closer look was had at the numbers. Using my own personal

Does Cornwall need a Cormorant cull?

Simon Taylor looks at the facts and figures

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I have many memories of going out with my Dad to carry out the monthly duck count approximately 35 years ago - places like

Old Betts reservoir in East Lancashire with the Rossendale Bird Club. Wet, windy and cold, out of the group only one person had a telescope and that was the old pull-out Pugwash type that was rested on someone’s shoulder. Being around eight years old it was never my shoulder! Sounds bleak but the memories are fond. Due to a change of family circumstances I found myself away from birds from the ages of 11 to 39 but became hooked again in 2007. I started to undertake WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) counts at Stithians on 19th Dec 2009. I counted 22 wetland species of which the highlight was definitely a Pintail. After a year of counting without missing a month I ventured into Low Tide count-ing - the Hayle Estuary hadn’t been counted at low tide since 1999 so I took the count on. Four counts, four months, November-February. November passed without incident, 19th Dec was hor-rific - all areas of the estuary to be counted and I picked a day where halfway through it started snowing, sleeting, raining and was very cold. Grim, but I felt as though I was achieving some-thing for conservation. The year after, the Fal complex was counted from Penryn to the Percuil River on the Roseland. After two years of WeBS counting, the opportunity to take over the role of WeBS Local Organiser arose, a position which I accepted. So what is WeBS? WeBS is a partnership between the British Trust for Ornithology, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (the latter on behalf of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Country-side, the Countryside Council for Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage) in association with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and is the monitoring scheme for non-breeding

waterbirds in the UK. The aims are to provide the principal data for the conservation of waterbird populations and wetland habitats. The UK is of outstanding international importance for waterbirds. Lying on some of the major flyways for Arctic-nesting species, large numbers of waterbirds are attracted, especially dur-ing winter, by the relatively mild climate and extensive areas of wetland, notably estuaries. The data collected are used to assess the size of waterbird populations, determine trends in numbers and distribution, and assess the importance of individual sites for wa-terbirds. Continuing a tradition which began in 1947 3,000 volun-teer counters participate in synchronised monthly counts at wet-lands of all habitat types, mainly during the winter period although many counters do count all year round. So what’s happening in WeBS in Cornwall. When I took over, all of the main estuaries were covered and a further 23 inland sites. Since then, five new counters have joined the scheme with 10 extra locations being counted however I’m always looking for new counters to cover areas currently not being counted. As a counter you will receive a welcome pack from the BTO, copies of WeBS news and the comprehensive WeBS Annual Report as they are issued. If you think you are able to identify waterbirds, able to spare a couple of hours a month on selected dates then please contact me at cbwpsstithians@googlemail.com What does the future look like? As well as looking for new counters I’m currently speaking to existing counters about a full Low Tide estuary count of all Cornish estuaries this coming win-ter. If circumstances don’t change then I currently have the Camel, Gannel, Hayle, Fowey, Helford, Tamar and Looe estuaries covered and parts of the Fal. It is hoped then that this survey will be under-taken every five years to assess waterbird distribution in our estu-aries. I am having conversations with CBWPS to write WeBS accounts for the “Birds in Cornwall” annual report and a regular update for Palores. Tables should be included in all editions of BIC from 2008 onwards. Once again, if you’d like to know more about WeBS please contact me at the above email address.

Wetland Bird Surveys in Cornwall Simon Taylor explains what WeBS does in Cornwall and why there is always room for more volunteers...

Female Goosander at St Andrew’s Pool, Feb 20 12 by Steve Rogers

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Nature Have you ever wondered who the BTO are and what they do or what the Cornwall Bat Group do? Well, A Day for Nature will answer these questions and many more as well. A Day for Nature is a joint Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society, South West Lakes Trust event to be held at the Stithians Watersports Centre and Stithians Lake on Sunday 6th May, to coincide with International Dawn Chorus Day. The event is spon-sored by the SW Lakes Trust, who kindly provide the venue for the day. The event will see activities, displays and information from Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society, South West Lakes Trust, British Trust for Ornithology, RSPB, Natu-ral England, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Mammal Group, Cornwall Butterfly Conser-vation Group and Cornwall Bat Group. In addition, Atropos Books and UK Insect Journal along with BioQuip will be present with essential books for insect enthusiasts, and a range of field equipment, along with local artist Suzy Sharpe who will be displaying her work. There will be guided walks for both birds and butterflies, a bird ringing demonstration, pond dipping exhibits, children’s activities, small mammal trapping, moth trapping demon-stration and a raffle. Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society members and volun-teers will be available in the hides and on walks with binoculars and telescopes to use to point out the birds on the reservoir and offer advice on identification for beginners and experts alike. Refreshments will be available at the Watersports Cafe within the complex. Events start from 6am with a Guided Walk from the Stithians Reservoir Watersports Cen-tre, bird ringing demonstration and a small mammal trapping session with the Cornwall Mammal Group. 8.30am Cafe opens for breakfast and open through the day. Exhibits open 10am-4pm (Cornwall Bat Group until 2pm only). 10am 3pm-walks led by Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society, Cornwall Butterfly Conservation and other local experts. All walks and activities will be subject to weather.

Sunday 6th May Stithians Watersports Centre

Stithians Lake

A day for

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M y family and I have been members and supporters of The Cornwall Wildlife Trust for 30 years this year and during

this time I have helped with fund-raising by donating wildlife art-work, usually in the form of signed limited edition prints, for the Trust's annual raffle so I wanted to do something a bit different for 2012 to celebrate this very important 50th Anniversary. To mark the occasion I have painted a special portrait of Cornish Choughs and published it as signed limited edition of 150 Giclee prints with 20% of the published price going to the CWT and have donated the original painting to the 50th Anniversary raffle. Initially I was going to portray otters on the River Camel as they are a real success story for our part of the world and can now be seen regularly on most of Cornwall's major rivers. How-ever, a wildlife event happened on the section of coast nearest my studio that really changed my choice of subject and was something I most certainly wanted to record with a painting. In late August 2011 four wild Cornish-bred Choughs from the Lizard returned to Beacon Cove near Trevarrian where my wife Ann and I saw, on two occasions, what was thought to be Cornwall's last resident Chough in 1973, reputed to be the sole survivor of a pair that resided in the immediate area during the 1950s and early 60s. This sighting eventually became my emotive painting 'The Last Chough' and since then I have used Beacon Cove as a backdrop to several paintings featuring the resident

Peregrine falcons, so imagine my excitement when towards the end of August 2011 a local resident informed me that four Choughs had been seen on farmland adjacent to the cove. Throughout September and into October 2011 I visited the area at daybreak on many occasions and was rewarded and indeed privileged to be able to watch, sketch and photograph the Choughs several times each week. It was one of the most unforgettable na-ture watching experiences of my life, something I will always remember and to be able to record this through my artwork has made this painting project such a joy to work on. Beacon Cove on Cornwall's north coast between Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth is directly seaward from the little hamlet of Trevarrian and from an artist's perspective it is the perfect Cor-nish cove, horseshoe shaped with a beautiful sandy beach at low tide, surrounded on three sides by magnificent and mostly sheer rocky cliffs. The view towards Newquay is truly stunning, espe-cially when the town is lit up by the morning sunlight as I have shown in the painting. I have also managed with a little artistic licence to incorporate the very stone wall we saw the Chough call-ing from in 1973 though this time I have portrayed a Chough just about to land on it. This painting really has been a labour of love from start to finish and I have enjoyed every minute of the project and the fact it is helping to raise funds for Cornish Wildlife really makes for the ultimate job satisfaction.

Cornish Sunrise - The Return of the Choughs Renowned wildlife artist Dick Twinney celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust with a particularly poignant subject for one of his wonderful new paintings...

‘Cornish Sunrise - the Return of the Choughs’. To see more of Dick Twinney’s paintings, see www.theartofdicktwinney.com. For information about the 50th anniversary of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, go to ww.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.

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A s this year celebrates landmark anniversaries for many of Cornwall’s nature, wildlife and conservation organisations, I

have supplemented the CBWPS and RSPB programme to include a selection of walks, meetings and events from amongst others: Cornwall Butterfly group and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Sunday 6th May brings all the groups together at Stithians to celebrate A Day for Nature - an event not to be missed. Late spring and early sum-mer is always a great time to explore our local natural habitats, whether a seasoned birder or novice, as birds are singing and re-splendent in breeding plumage. Enjoy the season. Gordon Mills Sunday 1st April 7am - 9 am leader: Tony Blunden The Lizard Point. The meet will take place from the point just below the Café. Parking is available at the N.T. car park (fee pay-able) at the Point or on the Lizard Green. Species that should be seen include Auks, Divers, Gannets and Kittiwakes. Meeting will continue after 9 am if conditions are good. Sunday 8th April 1000 - 1300 leader: Dougy Wright (07886310509) Windmill Farm. Spring Arrivals - Birds and Nature around Wind-mill Farm. Bring lunch if you wish. Wellingtons essential. Meet in Windmill Farm Nature Reserve car park. Map Ref: SW694152. Website: www.cbwps.org.uk/Windmill%20Farm Wednesday 11th April 6 pm leader: Gordon Mills

01209 718144 evenings) St Erth. An evening walk along the river looking for residents and early summer migrants. Also an opportunity to study bird song. Meet in the car park opposite the Church. Map ref: SW549351 Sunday 15th April 9am leader: Gordon Mills

01209 718144 evenings) Goonhilly Downs. A walk around the National Nature Reserve adjacent to the satellite station to look for spring visitors and resi-dent breeding birds. Meet in the NNR car park, first right after the Satellite Station entrance The Brown signpost can not be missed. Map Ref: SW731212 Sunday 15th April 09:30 - 12:00 Leader:Martin Rule (01326 561164 or 07854 123877) Helford River. Heron and Egret Survey Carrick. Organised by Helford Marine Conservation Group. Booking essential, maximum of 30 people. Accompany local bird watcher Martin Rule on a walk to survey the wonderful heron and egret populations of the Helford River. Bring binoculars, weatherproof clothing, and robust footwear. Meet at Entrance to the road to Calamansack, between Port Navas and Constantine. Grid Reference{ SW746 281)

Thursday 19th April 1pm leader: Pat Farmer (01209 718648) Tresillian River, St. Clements. An afternoon walk along the river looking for waders ducks, gulls and spring migrants. Particularly suitable for newcomers to bird watching. Path can be muddy so strong footwear recommended. Meet at St.Clements car park. (Parking can be limited), Map ref: SW852439 Saturday 21st April 9am - 13:00 leader: Dave Thomas (01726 861093) after 6pm Spring birdwatch and wildlife walk at Breney Common Reserve. Organised by CWT. An early morning walk around Breney with local wildlife expert Dave Thomas. Search for returning migrant birds, local butterflies and wildflowers. Wear stout walking shoes and bring binoculars. Meet at Gunwen Chapel at Lowertown near Helman Tor. Grid Reference: SW053613 Sunday 22nd April 9am leader: Colin Moore 01736 788787) Nanquidno Valley. Mornings walk looking for resident and mi-grant birds. Actual walk may vary according to local information. Meet in the large lay-by on the east side of the B3306 opposite Lands End aerodrome. Map ref: SW377292 Sunday 29th April 9am leader: Viv Stratton (01736 796487) Towednack. Morning walk around the moors looking for resident and early summer migrants. Also chance of Ring Ouzel. Meet at Towednack Church. Ref: SW498388 Wednesday 2nd May 6 pm leader: Gordon Mills (01209 718144) A new season at Gothian Sands. An evening walk around the area looking for resident and migrant birds, butterflies and wild flow-ers. Meet in the first NT car park. Ref: SW584422 Friday 4Th May 5am leader: Derek Spooner (01503 265590) Dawn chorus walk at Kilminorth Woods. Organised by Friends of Kilminorth Woods. Enjoy the dawn chorus and identify birds from their song. Wear warm clothing and stout footwear. Bring binocu-lars if you have them. Followed by the option of breakfast. Meet at Millpool gate to the woods, West Looe. Ref: SX246537 Sunday May 6th – 10:00 onwards 'A Day for Nature' at Stithians Lake. ‘A Day for Nature' sponsored by SW Lakes is an event in which RSPB, BTO, CBWPS, CWT, SW Lakes, Cornwall Bat Group, Cornwall Mammal Group and Cornwall Butterfly Conservation are participating. It will include stalls/stands in the Conference Rooms near the Water Sports Centre between the hours of 10-

field meetings

April-June 2012

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Wednesday 6th June 18:45pm leaders: boatman Chris Lowe and local wildlife expert Dave Thomas Chris Lowe (01637) 850930 Mobile: 07860 927833 Newquay evening boat trip, sea safari. A slow ride around Newquay headlands and then out to sea to look for Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Gannets, Cormorants, Terns, seals and possibly dolphins and basking sharks. Bring warm waterproof clothing, warm drink, binoculars and camera. Booking is essential, contact Chris Lowe. £20 per adult and £15 for child up to 12 years. Meet at Newquay Harbour car park. Look for boat Atlantic Diver. Ref: SW808 619 Saturday 9th June 10:00 - 13:00 leader: Abby Crosby (01872) 240777 ext 214 Seabird and wildflower walk at St Agnes. Organised by Cornwall Wildlife Trust – St Agnes VMCA. Booking is essential, see con-tact below. A walk around the nearby cliffs to see breeding sea-birds and spring flowers. Wear sensible clothing and footwear, plus binoculars recommended if you have them. Free, but dona-tions are welcome. Meet outside Driftwood Spars Hotel, Tre-vaunance Cove, St Agnes. TR5 0RT. Ref: SW7215 Sunday 10th June 9am leader: Gordon Mills

01209 718144 evenings) Goonhilly Downs. A walk around the National Nature Reserve adjacent to the satellite station to look for spring visitors and resi-dent breeding birds. Meet in the NNR car park, first right after the Satellite Station entrance The brown signpost can not be missed. Map Ref: SW731212 Wednesday 13th June 6pm leader: Gordon Mills (01209 7198144) Gothian Sands An evening walk around the area looking for resi-dent and migrant birds, butterflies and wild flowers. Meet in the first Godrevy NT car park for Ref: SW584422 Saturday 16th June 2pm leaders: Lee Slaughter, Phil Boggis Details and directions Lee Slaughter 01726 817505 or Phil Boggis 01726 66124. Perran and Penhale Sands, nr. Perranporth. Organised by Corn-wall Butterfly Group. A mid-summer ramble over Britain’s high-est sand dunes complex to see large numbers of freshly emerged Silver-Studded Blues. We would also hope to see Large Skippers, Small Skippers, Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Dark Green Fritillary, Scarlet Tiger Moth and Humming Bird Hawk-Moth and other scarce moths and plenty of wild flowers. This event always turns up unexpected surprises in moths or butterflies. Please bring plenty to drink, a sun hat, sun protection and good walking boots. Meet in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose. Grid Ref: SW774553 Sunday 17th June 11am leader: Jack Keeping Details and directions 07817 251075. Porkellis Moor, Wendron, Nr. Helston. Organised by Cornwall Butterfly Group. An interesting walk through habitat that is being restored with targeted conservation work aimed at encouraging more species of butterflies, moths and dragonflies to inhabit this damp area. The Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary has been recorded here along with Ringlets, Small Heaths, Meadow Browns, Com-mon Blues, Large Skippers and good numbers of several species of dragonflies including the nationally scarce Small Red Damsel-fly. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and wellington boots as there are quite a few wet areas where we will walk. Meet at Grid Ref: SW689325.

00am and 4-00pm, a raffle, a bird ringing demonstration will take place during the morning subject to the weather, a joint bird/ but-terfly walk ( time to be advised ) and an opportunity to meet and make friends with other conservation minded people.

Sunday 6th May 11am Madron Parish Church, Penzance Every year on the first Sunday of May we make a special point of celebrating the countryside, and this year the focus will be on birds - the place they have in our lives, and our responsibility to care for the whole of God’s creation. We will be joined by members of staff of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds including the Cornwall Chough Project Co-ordinator at The Lizard who will bring along Charlie Chough – the children will love him! The folk singer, Annie Henry-Holland will be teaching us a song she has written about the Choughs and all in all this will be a great family occasion to which everyone is invited. You will also learn lots about the birds and how the bible, and especially Jesus, teaches us many lessons from watching them. There will be light refresh-ments after the Service. Rev David Mann (contact me for more information – 01736 360566) Wednesday 9th May 6 pm leader: Gordon Mills (01209 718144)St Erth. An evening walk along the river looking for residents and early summer migrants. Also the chance to study bird song. Meet in the car park opposite the Church. Map ref: SW549351 Saturday12th May 6:45am contact: Hazel Rawlings (01752) 846407 Dawn chorus at Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve Saltash. Organised by Friends of Churchtown Farm nature re-serve. Booking is essential, see contact above. Discover the sights and sounds of birds at this time of day – followed by bacon butties at the Pub. Bring binoculars, suitable clothing and a camera. Meet at the Cecil Arms Pub, Saltash. Ref: SX417583 Saturday 12th May 9 am leader: Steve Rowe

01637 875788) Porth Joke. Morning walk around the area looking for migrant and resident birds. Turn off A305 Newquay to Crantock road; take 1st left between Crantock and West Pentire past Treago Farm and meet in NT car park map ref: SW776599 Saturday 19th May 2:00pm leader: Phil Harris. For details and directions phone Phil on 07754 583101. Fellover Brake, Tuckingmill, St. Breward. Organised by Corn-wall Butterfly Group. This site still holds one of Cornwall’s finest colonies of the nationally threatened Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterfly which can be seen over a wide area of well managed bracken covered hillside. Walking boots are essential as the site slopes quite steeply and can be quite uneven in places. Orange Tip & Brimstone should also still be on the wing. Meet in small lay-by at Gam Bridge. Map Ref: SX089779, Sunday 27th May 9am leader: Viv Stratton (01736 796487) Porthgwarra. An all day walk looking for migrant and resident birds with hopefully some sea watching. Bring packed lunch; meet in car park (Fee payable) Map ref: SW371218 Sunday 3rd June 1230 - 1500 leader: Dougy Wright (07886310509) Dragonflies and Butterflies around Windmill Farm. Bring lunch if you wish. Footwear: Wellingtons may be required. Meet in Windmill Farm Nature Reserve car park. Map Ref: SW694152. W e b s i t e : w w w . c b w p s . o r g . u k / W i n d m i l l % 2 0 F a r m .

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Friday 22nd June. 9pm leader: Viv Stratton (01736 796487) Bosigrain Penwith Nightjar watch. Evening walk to see these stunning birds. Warm clothing, insect repellent and stout footwear. Meet at the mountain climbing centre at Bosigrain car park. Map Ref: SW364421 Saturday 23rd June. 11am leaders: Phil Harris, Keith Wilson. Details/directions Phil Harris 07754 583101, Keith 01209 860298. Poldice, St Day. Organised by Cornwall Butterfly Group. A field trip to this very interesting locality. We will be searching heath land on old mining landscape at St Day for newly emerged Silver-Studded Blues of the ‘heath land’ type, Grayling and other sum-mer species such as Large Skipper & Ringlet should be seen too. Walking boots, drink and sun cream essential. Meet at in lay-by at Poldice. Grid Ref: SW737426 Wednesday 27th June 6pm leader: Gordon Mills (01209 7198144) Gothian Sands. An evening walk around the area looking for resi-dent and migrant birds, butterflies and wild flowers. Meet in the first Godrevy NT car park. Map ref: SW584422 Sunday 1st July 9am leader: Gordon Mills (01209 7198144) The Lizard. A morning walk around The Lizard headland to in-clude heathland, valleys and cliff paths looking for residents, sum-mer visitors, sea birds and hopefully Chough. Stout footwear ad-visable. Meet at the Lizard Green Car park (voluntary contribu-tion) ref: SW 703125

Camel Trail Nature Walks. Duration approximately 4 hours. The walks, which cover Flora and Fauna as well as birds, take place every Wednesday throughout April 2012. Walks start at 10.00am and will be led by Bernard Ide, Paul Whittick and Jack Hum-phrey. Meet outside Countrywise, Eddystone Road, Wadebridge. Phone Countrywise on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on. Map ref: SW989 725. Pentire and Rumps Nature Walks. Duration approximately 4 hours. The walks take place every Wednesday during May June July and August and cover Flora and Fauna as well as birds. Walks start at 10.00am and will be led by Bernard Ide, Paul Whittick and Jack Humphrey. Meet at Pentire Farm. Map ref SW936803 Phone Countrywise on 01208 812423 to check that walk is on. Map ref: SW989 725 For more information of all field meetings and walks organised by Cornwall Butterfly Conservation Group, contact Lee Slaughter 01726 817505. Cornwall Wildlife Trust - www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk PLEASE NOTE Walk leaders have given their telephone numbers with each walk. However before contacting them would you please check the RSPB (www.rspb.org.uk/groups/cornwall) and CBWPS (www.cbwps.org.uk) websites for the latest information. Every effort will be made to keep the websites updated with cancella-tions, changes in venue or route or any access problems.

field meetings (contd)

Blue Tit by Steve Rogers