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Highland Bird Report 2019

CONTENTS Acknowledgements 2 Editorial 3 Guide for submitting bird records 4 Contributors to Highland Bird Report 2019 7 Reporting rare or scarce species and recent rarity decisions 8 Highland weather in 2019 16 Review of the ornithological year 2019 18 Systematic list for 2019 33 Errata in 2018 HBR 177 Escapes and presumed feral birds 178 First and last dates of common migrants 179 Bird ringing in Highland recording area during 2019 180 A good year in the north-west 203 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater in Wester Ross 207 A good year in south-east Sutherland 210 Index 214 Gazetteer of place names (see Website: http://www.the-soc.org.uk/highland-branch.htm) © Published by the Highland Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, December 2020 ISSN 1741-6094 Cover photograph: American Cliff Swallow in August at Meanish Pier, Skye

c. Sam Langlois-Lopez

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Acknowledgements The Highland Bird Report 2019 has been produced by the Highland Bird Report Editorial Committee on behalf of Highland Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. This committee consisted of a team of nine SOC Highland Branch members - David Bain, Jonathan Clarke, Brian Etheridge, David Galloway, Pete Gordon, Hugh Insley, Bob McMillan, Al McNee and Alex Joss (Editor). The species accounts in the Systematic List were summarised by the following: Gamebirds to Grebes Colin Leslie Geese to Ducks Bob McMillan Waders Jonathan Clarke Gulls to Petrels David Galloway Fulmar to Larks Keith Barnes Raptors, Owls, Falcons & Raven Brian Etheridge Martins to Wheatears Alex Joss Dipper to Buntings Pete Gordon The Area Reviews were summarised by the following: Sutherland Bob Swann Ross-shire Andy Williams Inverness District Al McNee Badenoch & Strathspey David Bain Lochaber Sean Morris Skye & Lochalsh Bob McMillan The Ringing Report was prepared and edited by Hugh Insley. Reports on specific long-term studies were kindly contributed by the following: Molly Doubleday Capercaillie breeding summary Kathy Fletcher & Simon Mclaughlin Black Grouse breeding summaries Bob Swann & the recorders the Inner Moray Firth WeBS data Kane Brides Moray Firth grey goose counts Shelagh Parlane & Kate Clarke Corncrakes Stuart Benn Slavonian Grebe breeding summary Kenna Chisholm Wood Sandpiper breeding summary Bea Ayling Tern monitoring report Bob Swann Seabird data from North Sutor & Canna; Heronry counts Steph Elliott Storm Petrel data from Priest Island Location Reports were kindly provided by: John Chester (Eigg), Sean Morris (Rum), Rab Potter (Handa), David Steventon & Shiants Ringing Group (Fladaigh Chuain & Eilean Trodday), Desmond Dugan (Abernethy), Pete Moore (Insh Marshes) and Bob McMillan (Skye). The photographs were kindly given by the photographers named on each image. Proofreading: thanks to Al McNee, Lynda Graham, Carol Miller & Roger Tozer.

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Editorial The big decision this year is to move to on-line publication, which has been necessitated by a steady year-on-year fall in demand for the Report, which has now made printed publication financially unviable. Because of Covid pandemic restrictions, we have been able to make fast progress in writing the Report so it will be live on-line at our website highlandbirds.scot before the end of 2020. As the Report is free to view, there are no publication cost restrictions on its length or colour content, so it includes more bird images than before. Readers who still prefer to have a printed copy can purchase it at a print-on-demand price plus postage, which will be detailed on the website. More changes to the species order made by BOU bring gamebirds to the top of the list, starting with Capercaillie, with some smaller alterations thereafter. It is accepted that an index of species is now necessary and one is included. Changes to authors of species sections have resulted and we welcome a new author, Colin Leslie, who writes the Gamebirds to Grebes rearranged section. Authors of all following sections, apart from Geese to Ducks and Raptors to Raven, have had to swap some species in the revised order. Unfortunately, because of Covid restrictions, Sue Sykes & Angus Miller were unable to co-write the Dipper to Buntings section and Pete Gordon has stepped into the breach. Pete has also taken on the role of Assistant Editor, an innovation which has greatly improved the way the Report is produced. Sue Sykes has kindly taken over the updating of the Gazetteer. It is very heartening that the same authors continue to write the District summaries, as efficiently and insightfully as ever. Likewise, Hugh Insley is continuing to analyse and summarise the ringing data generated in Highland, which are more voluminous this year. As important, we continue to receive invaluable yearly survey data, which form the centrepiece of many species accounts, thanks to local staff of the RSPB, SWT and individuals and groups with specialist knowledge on various island or unique sites. We are very grateful for the input of the organisations and individuals involved. Bob Swann now provides WeBS, Eider breeding and heronry counts in addition to his usual seabird data and we are glad to have Kane Brides as our new source of Moray Firth grey goose data. This year the Report is based on more records than in 2018, with the BirdTrack, total up by over 1000 to over 150000 and more than 31000 eBird records obtained. However, for meaningful estimates of changes from 2018 to 2019, for some species only BirdTrack data were compared. When this was done, it is stated in the text; otherwise, both data sources were used. As ever, we are very grateful to all the local observers who are allowing us to use their photographs and to Marcus Conway for again selecting the best of them and advising on their presentation. Alex Joss (Highland Bird Report Editor) Email: ejoss99@btinternet.com

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Guide for submitting bird records

Why submit records? All acceptable records received directly by the Recorder or via BirdTrack are used to produce species summaries in the annual Highland Bird Report. This is intended to be the definitive historical record of birds occurring in Highland, open to comparison with previous years. It aims to give details of breeding performance, distribution, movements and between-year changes of common species, as well as providing a valuable record of rare and scarce species in the area. Submitting your records allows these summaries to be as accurate as possible. In addition, pooled knowledge of birds occurring at individual sites allows for an assessment of the ornithological value of the sites. This can contribute towards decisions on development proposals, giving a real and immediate conservation value to your records. To ensure that contributors and readers of the Highland Bird Report have confidence in its content, the Recorder is appointed by the committee of the Highland Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. Where appropriate, records of rare and scarce species are assessed by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), the Scottish Birds Records Committee (SBRC) or the Highland Records Committee (HRC). It is important to remember that when a record fails to pass this assessment process it does not necessarily mean that a mistake in identification has been made. Far more often it means that the necessary standard of proof to permit a record to enter the permanent record has not been met.

Which types of record are most useful? The annual Highland Bird Report is a summary of the ornithological year in the area and does not include every submitted record of every bird seen. Many of the records included involve systematic and co-ordinated counts, or careful observations of breeding performance. However, the report also tries to reflect other aspects of ornithology, such as the distribution of species in the area and the timing of migration, or the sighting of rare or scarce species. This last category is the one to which many eyes will be drawn initially, but these records are often the rewards of many days of hard fieldwork recording our regularly occurring or common species. Please note that all records of birds in the Highland recording area are most welcome. You never know when your seemingly everyday record may be just the piece of information we are looking for to use in the annual report. However, to give an idea of the types of records which prove most useful, we would especially welcome: o Arrival dates of summer visitors in spring.

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o First dates of inland-breeding species which desert the uplands in winter. o Last dates of summer visitors in autumn. o Arrival dates of winter visitors in autumn. o Last dates of winter visitors in spring. o Records of rarities and birds scarce in the area (including descriptions). o Counts of flocks of commoner species. o Comments on increases or decreases in any species in your area. o First dates of birds heard singing in your area. o Breeding colony counts and other appropriate breeding data; for example nest box schemes. o First dates of birds seen nest- building, feeding young or with fledged young. o Common species in unusual circumstances or exhibiting unusual behaviour. When submitting records, species sightings should, where possible, include the following details: species, number, age and sex if known, direction of flight (if appropriate), date and location. Ideally, the location should be given as a place name included on an Ordnance Survey 1:50000 or 1:25000 map, accompanied by a six-figure grid reference, but for many purposes a place name and four-figure grid reference is adequate. There are occasions when the locality of a bird record should be kept confidential. Examples are records of rare or scarce breeding birds. These records may be submitted to the Recorder in strict confidence and should be clearly marked as confidential. These will be stored separately from the main bulk of records. Such records will appear in the Highland Bird Report only as a brief summary and no specific localities will be published. Unless specifically

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requested not to do so, breeding records for all species on the list of rare breeding birds for which data are collected by the Rare Birds Breeding Panel (RBBP) will be submitted by the Recorder to the RBBP. These records are treated in strict confidence by RBBP and are only reported by county summaries in the annual report on rare breeding birds published in British Birds.

How to submit your records Whilst some observers prefer to send records in at the end of each calendar year, we strongly encourage contributors to register for BirdTrack on the BTO website. By doing so it is then very simple to submit records on an ongoing basis throughout the year, while the information is still fresh in the mind. At the end of the year, we can then pick up every observer’s records on one standard spreadsheet prepared by BirdTrack. The most important thing, however, is always to enter as much of the information that is requested in the section above as possible, especially a grid reference, as well as on occasion using the BirdTrack free text Comments box to add any interesting observations about a particular record. For the few of you who as yet are not using BirdTrack, please send all records to the Highland Bird Recorder: John Poyner, 6 Mackenzie Crescent, Nethy Bridge, Highland PH25 3DU. Tel 07875 094666 The preferable way to communicate is via e-mail. e-mail address: highlandrecorder@yahoo.com

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Contributors to Highland Bird Report 2019 The following organisations kindly submitted records for inclusion within this Report. Sincere apologies for discontinuing the practice of listing the hundreds of individual observers who submit records each year, a list which required exhaustive updating every year with the attendant scope for error, omission or duplication. Any observer who has submitted records, no matter how many, via the Highland Recorder, BirdTrack, eBird, or any of the organisations listed below, can be assured that their records have contributed to a significant degree in the preparation of this Report. BirdGuides BirdTrack cairngormscapercaillie.scot Colin Richards Upland Group eBird Eigg Bird Report Facebook Highland Birds Facebook Highland Raptor Study Group Highland Ringing Group highlandbirds.scot Isle of Canna Breeding Seabird Counts Moray Firth WeBS Counters North Sutor Monitoring Report RAF Ornithological Society RSPB Highland Local Group RSPB Insh Marshes RSPB Scotland Shiants Auk Ringing Group Speyside Black Grouse Study Group Surfbirds SWT Handa Island SWT Isle of Eigg Trektellen.org www.skye-birds.com WWT Moray Firth Grey Goose Counts

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Reporting rare or scarce species and recent rarity decisions Descriptive evidence is required for the acceptance of the record of any rare or scarce bird in the Highland recording area. In some cases, the Rare Breeding Birds Panel may also require descriptive evidence. Below are guidelines on the types of records considered by each assessment committee and the species for which descriptions are required. It is very important that descriptions be submitted via the Highland Recorder who will forward them to the relevant authority and notify the observer of the outcome of assessment. The bulk of the description should, where possible, be based on original field notes made before reference to books or other reference material. It is important for observers to submit records with details of rare species to John Poyner at highlandrecorder@yahoo.com as soon as possible after a sighting. It is helpful if these records are submitted on a standard form (available from the Recorder or the relevant websites). Records will be judged locally or sent either to the Scottish Birds Records Committee (SBRC) or the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) as appropriate. All the forms are available to download on the www.highlandbirds.scot website. Alternatively, BBRC forms can be downloaded from www.bbrc.org.uk and SBRC forms can be downloaded from www.the-soc.org.uk. For local rarities, please use an SBRC form. Claims of rare subspecies should be accompanied by full descriptions and, preferably, photographs, and will be assessed by the appropriate committee. It is always a good idea, however experienced an observer you are, to get somebody else to confirm your identification. We would also appreciate it if all occurrences of rare or scarce birds are reported to the Recorder as soon as possible, so that others may have a chance to see the bird as well (see page 6 for details). We fully appreciate that some sightings may be in sensitive areas and we will not inform the general birding community of the occurrence of a rare bird if this is in the bird’s best interests or we are specifically requested not to do so.

British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) This committee is made up of experts in bird identification who are elected by the County Recorders. It consists of 10 voting members and a non-voting secretary, serving for a fixed term, who adjudicate on all records of species, and some distinctive sub-species, which rarely occur in Britain (see their website for full details). Please note that no records of species considered by BBRC will be published in the Highland Bird Report, or the BBRC Report on Rare Birds in Britain, unless they have been accepted by BBRC.

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Cackling Goose in December at Balloch c. Peter Stronach

Todd’s/Lesser Canada Goose in November 2017 at Kildary c. Bob Swann

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BBRC record accepted for 2009: Cackling Goose (second-year). between Duntulm and Kilmaluag, Skye. 7 April. P Dolton & MJ Learoyd. This species was added to the British List in 2016 and this record was accepted by BBRC in 2019. It is a first for Highland.

BBRC records accepted for 2017: Todd’s/Lesser Canada Goose (ssp. interior/parvipes first-winter). Udale Bay. 12-15 October. Peter Stronach. Todd’s/Lesser Canada Goose (ssp. interior/parvipes first-winter). Wester Dalziel. 16 December. Jonathan Clarke & Lynda Graham. The above two records are of the same bird.

BBRC records accepted for 2019: Cackling Goose. Balloch. 14-15 December. Mark Leitch & Peter Stronach. Cackling Goose. Balloch. 31 December. Ian Broadbent. Blue-winged Teal (adult drake). Mellon Charles. 18 March-4 June. Bob McMillan. Terek Sandpiper. Dornoch Point. 29-30 June. Dean MacAskill. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. Achnahaird. 23 June. Stuart Edwards. American Cliff Swallow. Meanish Pier, Lower Milovaig. 27 August. Sam & Ella Langlois Lopez. Hume’s Warbler. Tarbat Ness. 5-11 November. Peter Stronach, Bob Swann et al. Iberian Chiffchaff. Balnakeil Farm. 17-19 May. Peter Stronach.

BBRC record not proven for 2019: Snowy Owl. Loch an Arbhair. 13 April. Taiga Flycatcher. Keoldale. 8 November. Black-headed Wagtail. Waternish, Skye. 26 April. Red-throated Pipit. Nethy Bridge (Nocturnal Sound recording). 24 March.

BBRC record pending for 2019: [Grey-bellied Brant*]. Dalziel, Castle Stuart. 5-6 March & 26 November. (*At the moment, it is not recognised as a species or subspecies by the major taxonomic authorities and as a consequence records are not being formally assessed by BBRC.)

Scottish Birds Records Committee (SBRC) The SBRC adjudicates on all records of birds which are rare in Scottish terms, but which are not included in the BBRC list. It has seven voting members and a non-voting secretary, and at least six members must vote in favour for a record to be accepted.

SBRC record accepted for 2017: Woodchat Shrike. Strath Dearn. 7-9 June. Finder unknown & Peter Stronach.

SBRC records accepted for 2019: Yellow-legged Gull. Lower Milovaig, Skye. 16 June-25 December. Andy Stables. Olive-backed Pipit. Tarbat Ness. 5 November. Bob Swann & Peter Stronach.

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Please note that no records of these species will be published in the Highland Bird Report, or the SBRC Report on Rare Birds in Scotland, unless they have been accepted by the SBRC.

Species and [notable subspecies] for which SBRC requires a description, as of June 2020:

Highland Records Committee (HRC) The Highland Records Committee (HRC) is tasked with assessing records of rare and scarce birds that occur in the recording area and making decisions on the content and order of the species list published within the Highland Bird Report. It will adjudicate on a variety of species, excluding those considered by the British Birds Rarities and Scottish Birds Records Committees (BBRC and SBRC), that are rare in, or new to, the recording area, or which may easily be confused with rare species. In the event of one of the HRC members being involved in the reporting of a bird which is being adjudicated upon by the committee, that person will not be allowed to vote upon the record and the Recorder will cast a vote in his/her place. (In 2020, this was changed to preserve the independence of the Recorder in the voting process. A probationary HRC member, due to start a term the next January, is the sixth assessor for records submitted by a committee member.) The composition of the Highland Records Committee which carried out adjudications on the records of this Report started with Bob McMillan (Chair); Mary Galloway; Martin Benson; Bob Swann; Andy Williams; Toby Green. During the year, Mary Galloway and Bob Swann retired, to be replaced by Kate Clarke and Dean MacAskill. (For a small number of 2019 records not assessed until 2020, Marcus Conway was the substitute assessor, as described above.)

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Please note that no records of species which require consideration by HRC will be published in the Highland Bird Report unless backed up by a description which has been accepted by HRC.

Species and [notable subspecies] for which HRC requires descriptions, as at January 2021:

White-fronted Goose (European race)

(female & juv. only)

Turtle Dove

Leach’s Petrel (Inner Moray Firth only)

Marsh Warbler (added 2020)

Corn Bunting (***)

Red species added in 2021

*** except in core breeding area east of Inverness

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Please study the HRC description list carefully as it is revised annually. The HRC may also require a description for any record of a normally common species that does not fall within the normal pattern of occurrence, for example a Willow Warbler in winter. Any difficult or contentious decisions may be passed on to SBRC for adjudication. In many cases, all that will be required is a brief description based on the diagnostic features which establish a bird’s identity. Photographs are acceptable and indeed helpful, but must be accompanied by a written statement describing the circumstances of the record. If accepted, the record may be included in the report for the year in which it was reported. Submissions received after the publication deadline for the year in which the record occurred will be held over and included in a following year’s report. In the case of birds which are seen by many observers, please do not assume that others have reported the occurrence. Every year we are unable to include birds seen in Highland because no-one has made a submission to HRC for consideration. HRC considered 65 submissions for birds (32 species and six sub-species) seen in 2019. Of these, 56 were accepted and in nine cases insufficient evidence was presented for the records to be accepted. Only those observers who submitted acceptable descriptions are listed below.

HRC record accepted for 2017: Hawfinch (possible breeding attempt). west Inverness-shire. 9 March-26 June. Jean Macfie.

HRC records accepted for 2019: [dark-bellied Brent Goose] (adult). Cromarty. 19 March. Chris & Tony Johnson. [dark-bellied Brent Goose] (adult). Broadford Bay. 9 October. Neil Bennett. (Lesser) Snow Goose (intermediate morph). Castle Stuart. 22 November-January 2020. Colin Leslie. Taiga Bean Goose. Udale Bay. 4 October. Al McNee. Tundra Bean Goose. Udale Bay. 13 November. Dave Pierce. Garganey (adult drake). Balnakeil Marsh, 27 April. Dean MacAskill. Garganey (adult drake). Broadford Bay. 27 April. Diane & Jonathan Penman. Garganey (adult pair). Loch Evelix. 6 May. Dean MacAskill. Garganey (adult drake). Loch Neil Bhain, Sutherland. 19 May. David & Avril Haines. Garganey (drake & female). Balnakeil Marsh. 19 May. Scott Wotherspoon. Garganey. Kinellan Pond. 20 May. Ray Wilby. American Wigeon (adult drake). Loch Eye. 3 October-20 December. Bob Swann. American Wigeon (adult drake). Merkinch. 26 October-31 December. Colin Leslie. American Wigeon (adult drake). Loch Insh. 26 December-January2020. Dave Pierce & Fraser Todd. Green-winged Teal (adult drake). Udale Bay. 8-10 March. Mary Galloway.

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Green-winged Teal (adult drake). Loch Flemington. 15 November. Peter Stronach. Ring-necked Duck (adult drake). Little Loch Shin, Lairg. 6 February. Peter Miller. Ring-necked Duck (adult drake). Loch nan Eala, Arisaig. 16-19 May. Martine Wagenaar & Ronnie Dyer. Ring-necked Duck (first-winter). Loch Evelix. 24-29 December. Dean MacAskill. Surf Scoter (adult drake & second-year). Embo. 29 June. Scott Wotherspoon. Red-necked Grebe (adult). Embo. 1 December. Dean MacAskill. Avocet (3). River Conon mouth. 19-22 April. John Mackay. Little Ringed Plover. Alturlie. 22 May. Jonathan Clarke & Robert Wilson. Little Ringed Plover. Alturlie pools. 31 July-4 August. Dave Tanner & Robert Wilson. Buff-breasted Sandpiper (first-year). Achnahaird. 1-3 October. Andy Williams. Red-necked Phalarope (female). Insh Marshes. 11 June. Dave Pierce & Fraser Todd. Grey Phalarope (first-year). River Borgie, Sutherland. 10-11 October. Peter Cosgrove. Spotted Redshank. Ardgay/Bonar Bridge. 10 January. Michael Hoit. Spotted Redshank (adult). The Mound. 24 April. Dave Tanner. Black Tern (first-year). Brora. 4 August. Dean MacAskill. Black Tern (juvenile). Whiteness Bay. 1 September. Colin Leslie. Black Tern (first-year). Dornoch Point. 16 September. Dean MacAskill. Long-tailed Skua (pale + dark phase, first-year). 7-8km SE of Tarbat Ness. 19 September. Andy Williams. White-billed Diver. Loch Clash. 27 January. Maggie Sheddan, Keith Cowieson, Jim Bryden & John Nigel Wells. Balearic Shearwater. Faraid Head, Balnakeil. 15 September. Rob Hughes & Nina O’Hanlon. Balearic Shearwater. Embo. 21 September. Dean MacAskill. Great White Egret. Kinbrace. 20 October. Bob & Lesley Mitchell. Hobby (adult pair). N. Sutherland. 13-17 May. Peter Stronach. [Nordic Jackdaw]. Dornoch. 21 November. Dean MacAskill. Red-breasted Flycatcher. Keoldale. 8 November. Andy Williams. Shore Lark. Dornoch Point. 19 October-January 2020. Dean MacAskill. [Siberian Chiffchaff]. Midgarty Burn. 19 October-6 November. Dean MacAskill. [Siberian Chiffchaff] (3). Durness Kirk. 8-25 November. Andy Williams. [Siberian Chiffchaff]. Balnakeil Craft Village. 25 November. Peter Stronach. [Siberian Chiffchaff]. Ardmair. 28 November. Andy Williams. Reed Warbler. Balnakeil Farm. 17 May. Peter Stronach Reed Warbler (first-year). Dalchork. 28 August. Bob Swann. Rose-coloured Starling. Aird, Bernisdale & Portree. 15-22 June. Seamus Fraser & Donald MacSween. Rose-coloured Starling (adult). Clachan, Staffin. 2 August. Trevor Lane & Bob McMillan. Yellow Wagtail. Balnakeil Farm. 17 May. Peter Stronach. Yellow Wagtail. Balnakeil Farm (ssp. flava, 2 males). 18-19 May. Scott Wotherspoon. Water Pipit. Dornoch Point. 22 January-at least 7 February. Dean MacAskill.

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Water Pipit (2). Dornoch Point. 17 December-January 2020. Dean MacAskill [Scandinavian Rock Pipit] (adult). Brora. 26 March. Dean MacAskill. [Scandinavian Rock Pipit]. Dornoch Point. 8 April. Dean MacAskill. Hawfinch (2 pairs & 6 fledglings). Undisclosed site, Highland. 10 June (adults present from January 2017). Anonymous, Hugh Insley & Desmond Dugan.

Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP): Every effort is made to make the Breeding sub-sections for rare breeding birds in the systematic list consistent with what is published in the RBBP report for the year. However, as successive issues of our Report have deliberately been published on earlier and earlier dates each year, we now find that our publication date this year precedes that of the RBBP report for 2018 by two years. Rare Breeding Birds in Highland in 2018: An annual report on rare breeding birds in the UK is published by the RBBP in British Birds. As well as records submitted through the County Records system, it includes additional information such as that obtained from Raptor Study Groups, Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 1 Licence Returns and individual records submitted privately, and so it may be regarded as the definitive record of rare breeding birds. Unfortunately, owing to the different publishing schedules, there will be discrepancies between that report and accounts given in the 2018 Highland Bird Report. The 2018 RBBP Report can be found in the reference below, but our analysis of discrepancies between it and our 2018 Report will not appear until our next year’s Report. Note that these figures will refer to birds actually reported for that year, but for many species the true population size is known to be significantly greater and can only be determined by bespoke survey, which is not possible on an annual basis.

Reference Eaton M., Holling, M. and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel 2020. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 2018. British Birds 113, 737-791.

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Highland weather in 2019 This information was gleaned from the Met Office website and its weather maps for the Highland region. The weather relates to long-term means in this area for the period 1981–2010. Like the rest of the UK, Highland enjoyed a warmer than normal year, by more than 0.5oC in most of the west and south, but hours of sunshine matched the long-term average almost everywhere apart from fringes of the west coast and Skye, where it was duller, and pockets of Sutherland which were brighter than normal. Unlike the rest of the UK, it was a rather drier year for most of the west and south of the region, and only around the Inner Moray Firth and in Strathspey was it wetter than normal, by as much as 25%. January The mean temperatures largely matched the long-term average, apart from being at least 0.50C warmer in parts of Lochaber and -0.50C cooler on the east coast. Away from the north-west, it was sunnier than normal, by around 30%, and drier, with less than 50% normal rainfall in Badenoch. February In the UK’s second warmest February on record in 110 years, it was at least 2.50C warmer than normal in most of Highland and over 3.50C warmer on the Applecross peninsula. Rainfall and hours of sunshine equalled the long-term average in the south-west of the region, but it was drier than normal to the north and east and duller in Sutherland and Skye. March Mean temperatures were uniformly about 1oC above the long-term average. Normal rainfall levels prevailed in the south-west, but it was wetter around the Moray Firth and Strathspey, by up to 100% in pockets around Inverness. Hours of sunshine were generally average, or slightly above in Badenoch & Strathspey. April Mean temperatures continued above average, mostly by more than 1.5oC and by 2.50C on the Applecross peninsula. It was mostly very dry, with rainfall less than half the long-term average in the west and less than 33% in Ardgour. It was sunnier than usual, by more than 30% in Sutherland and parts of Strathspey. May Mean temperatures fell in May, to normal in the south but to at least -0.5oC below the long-term average everywhere north of Loch Ness and Skye. Sunshine and rainfall were normal in the south-west, but further north it was slightly duller, and wetter by around 50% and twice that in Inverness and Strathspey. June Mean temperatures, sunshine and rainfall generally matched the long-term average. It was warmer, by 0.5oC, in Lochaber and Applecross and 20% sunnier in NW Sutherland and Ardgour. It was slightly duller and wetter in Strathspey. July Mean temperatures were 1.5oC above the long-term average, more so in the north and east, but it was slightly duller than usual in the entire north-west. Rainfall was above average around the edges of the region, by 50% in Lochaber and parts of Sutherland.

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SOC outing in April at Nairn west beach. c. Liz Joss

August The mean temperature remained generally above normal, by at least 0.50C, but it was a very wet month, bringing more than twice the normal rainfall to most areas. As a result, sunshine was restricted, especially in the middle of the region. September Mean temperatures were on average 0.50C above normal, especially in the north-west. Hours of sunshine and rainfall were largely in line with the long-term average, apart from east of the Great Glen where rainfall was about 30% less than normal. October A generally chilly month saw mean temperatures at least -0.5oC below the long-term average. Rainfall was normal apart from a few drier coastal fringes, mainly in the east. With the exception of east Sutherland and Badenoch & Strathspey, it was sunnier than usual, 50% more so in Wester Ross. November An abnormally cold, dry, sunny month saw mean temperatures at least -1.5oC below average in most areas. The west experienced the driest, sunniest weather, with 80% less rainfall at various spots all along the coast and 70% more sunshine than usual in Wester Ross. In marked contrast, the east was duller, particularly in Strathspey. December The weather reverted to warmer than average temperatures everywhere, and 1.5oC higher in Lochaber and Badenoch. Hours of sunshine also fell in most areas, now almost 50% below normal in Wester Ross, but Sutherland saw an increase, of over 50% in some spots. Rainfall was normal in most areas, but Lochaber saw up to 50% more than usual.

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Review of the ornithological year 2019 In a good year for rare species, no fewer than 19 species were recorded which had not been found in 2018. However, this was offset by the loss of 15 species which had been on the 2018 list, so the net increase of four brought the total number of species recorded in the Highland recording area in 2019 to 241. The total number of 2019 records assessed by the three Records Committees was 79 (six fewer than in 2018), involving 45 species and six sub-species. Thirteen records were deemed not proven. Among the 19 additions to the list in 2019, no fewer than five were firsts for Highland: Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, American Cliff Swallow, Hume’s Warbler, Iberian Chiffchaff and Olive-backed Pipit. The Cliff Swallow was also a first for Scotland and the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater a second. There were two seconds for Highland, Cackling Goose and Terek Sandpiper, both also second sightings for this century. Blue-winged Teal and Yellow-legged Gull were third sightings for Highland and Buff-breasted Sandpiper a fourth. All previous sightings of the last two had been in this century. A Red-breasted Flycatcher was a rare visitor and only the second this century. Of the remaining eight new entries, Avocet and Water Pipit had been recorded only twice in the previous 10 years, Red-necked Phalarope three times and Reed Warbler four times. There were re-entries after one year’s absence for Curlew Sandpiper, Balearic Shearwater and Little Ringed Plover, three species with contrasting previous histories. The first had been recorded on every one of the previous 10 years, the second on average every second year and the third only once. Tundra Bean Goose was only added back to the HRC description list in 2019. Of the 15 species lost to the list in 2019, eight have only been infrequently recorded. Three of them, Stone-curlew, Lesser Yellowlegs and Rustic Bunting, have only ever appeared on three occasions, and for the last two species 2018 was the only time this century. Lesser Scaup was recorded for only the fourth time ever. The Gyr Falcon record was the first for this century, and the White-winged Black Tern and Richard’s Pipit records were respectively the second and third of the century. Glossy Ibis had been recorded on four of the last seven years, but prior to that not since 1962. The remaining seven absentees had been frequently present in the previous 10 years, Smew five times, Icterine Warbler six times, Rough-legged Buzzard, Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike and Firecrest seven times, while for Ring-billed Gull this was the first absence in 15 years. The number of species known or strongly suspected to breed was 153, two more than the revised total of 151 for 2018. The first proven record of successful breeding in Highland by Hawfinch occurred in 2019, not 2018 as mistakenly reported in last year’s issue of the Report. As usual, at least a further 5-10 species probably bred, but conclusive evidence was not forthcoming.

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Sutherland by Bob Swann Winter: The year started with Highland’s most northerly reported wintering Blackcap being reported on 4 January at Strathy on the north coast. On 9 January a Greenland White-fronted Goose was at Golspie and a large flock of 97 Red-breasted Mergansers nearby at Loch Fleet. A flock of 400 Siskins feeding in the alders at Loch Evelix on 18 January was the largest flock reported in Highland this winter. A good-sized flock of 45 Purple Sandpipers was at Embo on 20 January. This species is not as common locally as it used to be. Water Pipit now appears to becoming regular in winter at Dornoch Point, with one present from 22 January to 7 February. A White-billed Diver at Loch Inchard, Kinlochbervie on 27 January was a good mid-winter record. A flock of 100 Brambling at Skelbo, Loch Fleet on 29 January was impressive and showed the value of wild bird cover crops. A group of 31 Canada Geese at Scourie on 29 January was unusual, but perhaps a sign of what is to come as this species continues to spread north. A spate of good wildfowl sightings started with a large count of 1485 Long-tailed Duck at Dornoch on 23 January, a Pochard on Kyle of Durness on 30 January, a Ring-necked Duck on Little loch Shin on 6 February, then a European White-fronted Goose and 12 Gadwall in the Durness area on 31 March.

Spring: Little Gulls peaked at 12 off Brora on 14 March. Spring movements started with two reports of Hawfinch, a male at Bonar Bridge on 7 and 8 April, followed by one at Tongue Mains on 19 April. Four Mealy Redpolls were found in Strath Carnaig on 10 April. There was a very high count of 48 White Wagtails at Dornoch Point on 21 April. A fine Spotted Redshank in full summer plumage was at the Mound, Loch Fleet on 24 April. A male Garganey at Balnakeil on 27 April was the start of a small influx, with a pair at Loch Evelix on 6 May, a pair at Balnakeil on 19 May and a single male at Loch Neil Bhain on the same day. A count 34 Whimbrel at Balnakeil on 5 May was noteworthy. On 16 May a Turtle Dove was found at Melness, Tongue. A real red-letter day in the Durness area was 17 May. The highlight was Highland’s first Iberian Chiffchaff, along with a Reed Warbler, a Wood Warbler and a Yellow Wagtail. The following day there were two Yellow Wagtails, both identified as Blue-headed. Finally, on 20 May a Little Egret was present at Dornoch Point.

Summer: A Hawfinch at Kinbrace from 17-19 June was probably a late migrant, as were two Grey Plovers at Sango Bay, Durness on 20 June. A Terek Sandpiper found at Dornoch Point on 28 June was only the second record for Highland and fortunately remained for three days to be admired. Seaduck were a feature off Embo, with two Surf Scoter (an adult and a second-year bird) along with 2155 Common Scoter on 29 June. A Mediterranean Gull was found at Loch Fleet in mid-July. By the end of July waders were on the move, with two Green Sandpipers at Dornoch on 25 July and a Little Stint at Dornoch Point on 27 and 28 July. A first year Black Tern was off Brora on 4 August. A Reed Warbler, caught in an area of birch scrub, was a surprise at Dalchork, Loch Shin on 28 August.

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Autumn: On 12 September there was an arrival of 51 Brent Geese at Culkein Bay. A sea watch at Strathy Point on 15 September was very productive, with a Balearic Shearwater, 56 Sooty Shearwaters, a Leach’s Petrel and a Long-tailed Skua recorded. A first-year Black Tern was off Dornoch Point on 16 September and another Balearic Shearwater was off Embo on 21 September. At Durness, 26 September saw the first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn, which was followed by a small influx to NW Sutherland over the next few days. On 2 October a Sabine’s Gull was seen at Kinlochbervie. Six Jays at Kyle of Sutherland on 5 October show how far this species has spread in recent years throughout northern Scotland. A Black Redstart was at Brora river mouth on 6 October, whilst on 8 October 20 Brambling had arrived at Balnakeil. A Grey Phalarope feeding along a track by the river at Borgie on 10 and 11 October was a rather surprising find. On 14 October a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Helmsdale, followed by another at Durness on 17 October. The first Siberian Chiffchaff of the autumn was located at Midgarty Burn in SE Sutherland on 19 October. On 20 October a Great White Egret was reported from Kinbrace and on the same day the first Waxwings of the winter were reported, with single birds in Durness and Kinlochbervie, the start of a small influx. Two late Sooty Shearwaters were off Brora on 2 November, along with an astonishing 9000 Gannets, whilst on 6 November six Little Auks were off Embo. In the north-west, there were some late migrants on 8 November, the highlight being a very late Red-breasted Flycatcher at Keoldale. Also, there were 3+ Siberian Chiffchaffs, some of which were still present on 25 November. Early winter: A Greenland White-fronted Goose was at Embo on 9 November, whilst on 13 November there was a high count of 820 Barnacle Geese at Balnakeil. A wintering Shore Lark was a good find on 19 November at Dornoch Point, where it remained to the end of the year. A Jack Snipe was caught and ringed in a field near Skelbo in mid-November and by the end of the year six different individuals had been caught in the same field. On 1 December a Red-necked Grebe was off Embo, whilst off Dornoch Long-tailed Duck numbers had increased to 1420 by 14 December. Five Waxwings were present in Dornoch on 16 December. Water Pipits continued their good run, with two present on Dornoch Point from 17 December to the end of the year. Finally, a Ring-necked Duck was on Loch Evelix from 24 to 29 December.

Ross-shire by Andy Williams Winter: The year started well with some good wildfowl records, including a single Pochard present on Loch Eye on 1 January, with a drake American Wigeon also in attendance. Two Waxwings were reported at Garve on the 5th. The following day, a Snow Goose was seen at Killen, the bird staying in the area until late February. A second drake American Wigeon was recorded in Tain Bay from the 7th, with the Loch Eye bird still in residence until the 10th. A juvenile European White-fronted Goose was seen at Balblair on the 9th. An over-wintering Green-winged Teal was present at Tain from the 21st onwards, staying until the first week of February. The west coast was relatively quiet, with

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just a single Brent Goose noted on 28 January in Loch Ewe, where 12 Slavonian Grebes were also counted. Further up the coast there were also 121 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale. Two days later a single Little Auk was seen in Loch Broom off Ullapool. A single European White-fronted Goose was noted at Tore on 5 February. Later that month, Shelduck numbers peaked at Udale Bay with 108 birds counted on the 25th. At Udale Bay also, a drake Green-winged Teal was noted from 8 March, present for at least two days. Spring: A superb drake Blue-winged Teal was the first notable new regional rarity of the year. Found on a small lochan near Mellon Charles on 18 March, the bird was fortunately a long-stayer and it proved to be a popular draw, with birders travelling from far and wide to see it. The following day more standard regional fare included 148 Barnacle Geese at Achiltibuie. Still in the west, a Mediterranean Gull was a good find at Laide in early April. Similarly, a Little Gull at Tarbat Ness on 1 April was another good record for the district. The gull theme continued with a Glaucous Gull in Dingwall the same day. On 4 April the Brent Goose flock at Nigg Bay stood at 38 birds and there was a good Scaup count of 300 birds at Udale Bay on 14 April. The following day a splendid Pomarine Skua was at Tarbat Ness. The first Cuckoo of the year, an early bird, was reported at Achiltibuie on 18 April. The following day a trio of Avocets was noted at the mouth of the River Conon, upstream of Dingwall, where they remained largely incognito until at least the 22nd. Long-tailed Duck numbers rose off Portmahomack, with 250 birds counted on 20 April. There was a Jack Snipe at the pools near Tarbat Ness on the 24th and this site also had an arrival of migrant passerines the same day, including a Pied Flycatcher and a Lesser Whitethroat. Stock Doves appear to be declining year on year, so three birds near Tain on 30 April was a welcome record. Loch Eye had two Great Crested Grebes resident on 10 May. The first Swifts for the district were noted at Loch Kinellan on 17 May. A few days later a Garganey was also recorded at that site. A pair of Shoveler at Loch Achanalt on 23 May was the first of several records at that site. There was an excellent spring record of a single Curlew Sandpiper near Mellon Charles on 30 May. Summer/Breeding: As breeding got underway reports dwindled, although a Quail was heard calling near Alness on 12 June and, later that month, on the 20th four Velvet Scoter were noted off Tarbat Ness. A magnificent Blue-cheeked Bee eater was found at Achnahaird on 23 June. Unfortunately, it did not stay around for long and, despite extensive searches throughout the wider area by a number of Highland birders, it was never relocated. The following day, west coast birding normality returned with three Common Scoter recorded at Aultbea. A Green Sandpiper at Munlochy Bay on 2 July was a good find and there was also a Little Stint at Tarbat Ness on 25 July. Back at Munlochy Bay, a Little Egret was seen on 20 August. Seabird passage kicked off nicely with three Long-tailed Skuas seen from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry on 26 August. Autumn: Scrutiny of the high ground on the Bealach na Ba near Applecross turned up 12 Ptarmigan for one careful observer on 7 September and the following day an impressive count of 49 Little Grebe was made at Loch Kinellan. Back out west, further Ullapool ferry-based scrutiny turned up a juvenile

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Sabine’s Gull off Priest Island, a just reward for the diligent observer. In the east, two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas were photographed at sea to the south-east of Tarbat Ness on 19 September. The first regional Yellow-browed Warbler was noted in Ullapool on 26 September. Three days later a juvenile Little Gull was a good find at Udale Bay. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was located at Achnahaird on 1 October and two days later a drake American Wigeon was back on Loch Eye. A Taiga Bean Goose and a Greenland White-fronted Goose must have been a fine sight at Udale Bay on 4 October. A Grey Plover was another good west coast find at Achnahaird on 21 October and other good records on the west coast included a Velvet Scoter at Poolewe on 27 October and a Hoopoe at Altandhu on the last day of the month. The first day of November turned up a Jack Snipe at Red Point and then, following easterly winds, informed birding effort switched to the east where the 5th turned out to be a golden day, with a Sooty Shearwater and three Little Auks off Chanonry Point, whilst further up the coast, Tarbat Ness turned up two superb finds in the shape of a Hume’s Warbler and an Olive-backed Pipit! Just rewards for those birders who monitor the prevalent weather systems. Birding continued apace through November, with a single Tundra Bean Goose at Udale Bay on 13 November and a nice flock of 100 Waxwings at Muir of Ord the following day. There was an unusual record of a Water Rail on Rosemarkie beach on the 15th and a smart Siberian Chiffchaff was seen and sound-recorded at Ardmair on the 28th. Early winter: Birding effort continued with a bias towards wildfowl as the days drew in and early winter highlights included 28 Brent Geese at Nigg Bay on 15 December and a returning drake American Wigeon on Loch Eye until at least the 20th. On the 20th there were also 200 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale and on Boxing Day a small flock of 30 was noted at Achiltibuie.

Inverness District by Al McNee

Winter: The year in the district began conventionally enough, with birders starting on their year lists and targeting both scarce and common species. Consequently, it wasn’t a surprise to see a variety of good New Year’s Day records, such as high counts of Tree Sparrow and Mute Swan at Easter Dalziel and Loch Flemington respectively, plus the same loch’s Green-winged Teal and Inverness Kingfishers, the latter noted in different spots through until early spring. Wildfowl records often dominate January and peak counts of Scaup on the 6th at Alturlie, Whooper Swan on the 9th on the Beauly Firth, Barnacle Goose on the 13th and a single White-fronted Goose a day later at Gollanfield. More duck highs included Teal at Culloden on the 18th, Eider at Whiteness and Wigeon at Castle Stuart on the 24th, and Goldeneye at the Longman two days later. Finches were a feature of the month, with 200 Chaffinches in Strath Dearn on the 2nd, 60 Yellowhammers at Whiteness on the 17th and an excellent 300 Bramblings at Glen Mazeran on the 21st topping the lists. As for waders, 45 Black-tailed Godwits in the Beauly Firth, over 500 Dunlins at Castle Stuart and Lentran’s 1228 Oystercatchers stood out. The area around Milton of Culloden is a favoured one for Great Crested Grebe and one duly appeared there on 21

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January, staying well into the spring. Over-wintering Blackcaps were again a feature of the month and several were recorded in Inverness. Into February, some good counts came from Whiteness Head with mid-month totals of note involving Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Kittiwake and Snow Bunting. In what was generally a quiet February, the two Gadwalls at Loch Flemington on the 10th, 500 Knots at Seafield a week later and eight Grey Partridges at Fort George on the 22nd were all noteworthy. Perhaps the most popular species at this time was Waxwing, with small numbers in Inverness moving about the city from the 17th. Spring: Singing Chiffchaffs at Cradlehall on 2 March heralded a tentative start to spring. Good counts in the double-hundreds featured early in March, with Bar-tailed Godwits at Whiteness on the 1st, Siskins at Cradlehall on the 3rd and Lapwings moving into Strath Dearn on the 8th. The latter site also saw a peak of 20 Mistle Thrushes on the 11th, five Golden Eagles on the 17th and Waxwings in the last nine days of the month. Goose totals peaked with 45 Brents on the 18th at Fort George and 2800 Pinkfeet at Alturlie on the 29th. April began with 23 Slavonian Grebes on the 1st on the Beauly Firth, surely birds about to disperse inland, followed there a day later by 53 Pintails. On the same day at Ardersier, the 800 Common Scoters would have been a fine sight. Perhaps the district’s first real surprise bird of 2019 was the one-day Great Grey Shrike at Garbole on 8 April. Drummore of Clava was the unexpected site for the district’s highest total for Fieldfares, with over 180 on 10 April and nearby Clava Cairns saw five Magpies three days later. A weird record was of a single Rock Pipit far inland at Coignafearn on 20 April, when spring migration was certainly in full flow and singing visitors included Blackcap at Kirkhill, Tree Pipit at Boblainy and Redstart at Loch Ashie, all by the end of the third week of April. The 19 White Wagtails at Fort George on 22 April and the single Little Egret at Merkinch LNR next day were further examples of birds moving through the district. It took until as late as 26 April for the district’s first recorded Corn Bunting at Ardersier, more evidence that the species is possibly in terminal decline hereabouts. In May, some big movements of birds were noted, over 100 of both Meadow Pipits and Swallows in Strath Dearn and at Loch Ashie respectively. A Mandarin Duck at Glenkyllachy Lodge on 7 May was rather unexpected, as was a Lesser Whitethroat at Alturlie on 12 May, but the arrival of the first Spotted Flycatcher at Corrimony on 9 May and Swift at Inverness on the 13th were predictable. A singing Corn Bunting near Inverness Airport on 18 and 19 May raised some slight hope for the species locally. Three days later, one of the best 2019 district birds was found, a Little Ringed Plover at Alturlie pools, rather overshadowing the nearby pair of Gadwall! May came quietly to a close with a Pied Flycatcher on the 24th in Glen Affric and 12 Canada Geese at Fort George, origins uncertain.

Summer/Breeding: Best bird at the start of the summer was a second Lesser Whitethroat, on 7 June at Dunmaglass, but June was generally a very quiet month. The 150 Canada Geese in the Beauly Firth on 25 June were definitely birds up here to moult, but whether the same day’s Honey-buzzard at Loch Bunachton was a migrant or a local breeder remains unclear. As the breeding season climaxed, many different species were confirmed as successful locally and

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these included Redstart, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Slavonian Grebe, Crested Tit and both Hooded and Carrion Crows. It was particularly good to record that Garden Warbler bred, a species that has declined locally in recent years. With the onset of late July, there was a typical mix of species present and these included 421 Common Terns and five Pochards at Whiteness Head on the 19th, with 14 Turnstones on the 26th at Fort George. A July Quail at Balspardon, seen on the 27th and heard on the 28th, was the district’s only one for the year. A second Little Ringed Plover was at Alturlie pools between 31 July and 4 August, when the sole Nuthatch record for the district was found at Newtonhill, Lentran. A surprising mid-August record was another inland Rock Pipit at Coignafearn on the 13th. Stock Dove, a species so often overlooked, was present at Alturlie on 23 August, a date that generated several records of note, which included 200 Ringed Plovers and 25 Black-tailed Godwits at Whiteness, and a Curlew Sandpiper at Alturlie. A peak Swallow count of 200 was made at Castle Stuart next day, when 18 Whimbrels were observed at Whiteness. Late summer records also included 117

Sanderlings at Whiteness on 28 August and 40 Goldfinches at Loch Ashie on the 29th, not the most obvious location for such a high count.

Autumn: September came in as the last Cuckoo of 2019 was seen at Loch Ashie and the only Black Tern, a juvenile, was at Whiteness Head. Nearby, 104 Red-breasted Mergansers were off Fort George on the 3rd, when 170 Lapwings were at Alturlie. A massive total of 3000 Gannets was off Whiteness Head on the 7th and three days later 270 Teals were counted at Alturlie pools, a big total for a fairly small site, Fort George hosted up to 200 House Martins and the Carse of Ardersier had 40 Blackbirds and 20 Robins. An excellent record on 11 September was of Little Stint at Whiteness Bay, the district’s sole record of the species for 2019. As the end of September approached, good counts of various species were made. These started with a remarkably precise 499 Starlings at Ardersier on the 22nd. Duck counts included 820 Wigeons and 150 Eiders at Fort George on the 27th, plus 400 Teals at Seafield on the 29th. Wader numbers of note were 450 Knots at Castle Stuart on the 23rd, 250 Bar-tailed Godwits at Whiteness Bay on the 26th and 300 Sanderlings and 30 Golden Plovers at Whiteness on the 28th. Into October, good birding continued with a fine Long-eared Owl at Loch Bunachton on the 1st and a Curlew Sandpiper on the 9th between Fort George and Whiteness. This period saw Redwings appear in several locations. Good October counts were a feature at Whiteness Bay, with the 10th seeing 550 Oystercatchers, 200 Common Scoters and 23 Tufted Ducks, and next day’s four Grey Plovers were more than usually found there. At least one Yellow-browed Warbler graced the district, seen at Lentran mid-month. Notably late records included Ring Ouzel at Coignafearn on 13 October and Osprey on the Beauly Firth the following day. A peak goose count of 3000 Pinkfeet was made at Carse of Ardersier on the 15th, with a single European White-fronted Goose seen at Easter Dalziel on the 21st. During the last week of October, a drake American Wigeon took up residence at Merkinch, staying until the year’s end, and Waxwings reappeared in Inverness.

Early winter: This period was dominated by wildfowl, with Gadwall at Loch Flemington from 8 November, a Green-winged Teal there one week later and

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580 Teals at Milton of Culloden on the 20th. Waxwings peaked on the 21st, with 50 at Beechwood Park, Inverness. The district’s sole Snow Goose of 2019 appeared from 22 November, remaining until the end of the year. This late period saw reasonable counts of passerines, including Linnets, Tree Sparrows, Common Crossbills, Lesser Redpolls and Snow Buntings. Heading to the end of the year, district scarce species were still noted and these included Greenshank, European White-fronted Goose, Blackcap, Barn Owl and Water Rail. It is only fair to end with a district first, however, and that was the Cackling Goose, located at Balloch on 14-15 December and still there on Hogmanay!

Badenoch & Strathspey by David Bain Winter: Following on from the big influx of Brambling at the end of 2018, 115 were still at Nethy Bridge on the 1st and 250 at Mains of Garten on the 14th. The flock at Nethy Bridge increased to around 600 birds by the 19th, peaking at 700 on 3 February. Five Cormorants were at Loch Garten on 2 January and 14 Grey Partridges were noted at Mossbank, Nethy Bridge on the 5th. A Magpie at Mains of Garten on the 20th was seen several times up to 23 March. A small flock of Waxwings was regularly seen near Nethy Bridge from 20 January through to 15 April, numbers peaking at 17 on 26 February. Other flocks in the district comprised 25 in Glen Feshie on the 25th and again on 15 February, and in Aviemore a flock of 20 was present from 5-13 February. A Mealy Redpoll, a scarce winter visitor, was reported from Insh Marshes on 24 January and the month ended with five Stonechats at Drumguish and another at Speybridge, all struggling to find food in heavy snow cover. A Great Grey Shrike reported on 6 February from the Nethy Bridge area was last seen on 28 March. The first record of returning waders, an Oystercatcher, was at Grantown-on-Spey on 10 February. Five days later a small flock at Insh Marshes began to increase, reaching 41 birds by the WeBS count on the 19th. Still at Insh Marshes,

Whooper Swan numbers peaked at 48 on the 14th. On the 23rd 100+ Fieldfares were in Aviemore. Loch Morlich had 15 Goosanders on 25 February.

Spring: A Hawfinch was reported from Carrbridge on 2 March. Another Mealy Redpoll was at Nethy Bridge on 4 March, with further reports on the 27th and, later, on 13 May. Two Common Scoter were on Loch Garten on the 7th, the same day as a Jack Snipe was seen at Insh Marshes. The first returning Golden Plovers were reported from Carr Road on the 11th when approximately 250 birds were found. Two days later, the number at Insh Marshes peaked at 164. The species was, however, already present on the breeding grounds, at least 10 having been seen on 26 February on a summit above Newtonmore, at 945m altitude. An unusual report came on 19 March, of a Whimbrel passing over Grantown-on-Spey shortly after midnight, presumably calling. Later the same day, two Wood Warblers were reported from Anagach Woods. A Whooper Swan count on 24 March on Insh Marshes and the River Spey amassed a total of 177 birds. The first returning Sand Martins were reported on the 24th, when six were seen over Insh Marshes and 18 were at Loch Insh on the 30th. A Ring Ouzel turned up at Pitmain Lodge, Kingussie on the 28th, followed by two more

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seen above the lodge on the 31st. Further reports came on the 29th and 30th from Cairngorm car park, where on the 31st the district’s first Wheatear of the year was reported. Tree Sparrows are unusual in the district, but a single bird was reported at Drumguish on 11 April. A Redstart at Anagach Woods on the 17th was the earliest reported for Highland Region, as was the first Sedge Warbler at Insh Marshes on the 20th. Loch Morlich had two Red-throated Divers present on the 22nd. A further first for the region was a report of two Swifts over Abernethy Forest on the 27th, well ahead of the main arrival in the second week of May. Thirty Swallows were also seen on 27 April at the same location. This was the first double-figure count for Highland Region. House Martins too arrived on this day, with 30+ seen at Kincraig, and, to round the day off, a first Whinchat was reported from Drumguish. The next day, three Green Sandpipers were found in suitable breeding habitat in the Cairngorms National Park. On the penultimate day of April, three Dotterel were reported from a Cairngorm site and a Pied Flycatcher was seen at Inshriach. A Black Redstart was reported from the Cairngorm ski area on 6 May. At Insh Marshes, there were seven sightings of a female Marsh Harrier between 13 and 27 May. An adult male was present on the 28th but not seen again. On the 17th five or more Spotted Flycatchers were noted at Drumguish. The last report of Fieldfares in the spring came from Drumguish on 18 May. On the 23rd a Nuthatch was seen at Loch an Eilein. Summer/Breeding: A pair of Crested Tits using a nest box at Insh had seven young about one day old on 30 April. All seven fledged on 21 May. The first Goldeneye ducklings were reported from Loch Alvie on 2 May, and broods were noted on most neighbouring lochs. Ring Ouzel breeding was proven at seven sites in the Cairngorms, with food-carrying first observed on 14 May at the Ski Centre. At Insh Marshes, Curlew breeding numbers were up from 72 pairs in 2018 to 83 pairs. A pair of Dunnock was present in May and probably bred above the Cairn Gorm car park, at an altitude of 650m. On 16 May there were two pairs of Canada Geese at Insh Marshes and another pair at Dell of Killiehuntly, the latter with four goslings. The first fledged young Grey Wagtails to be reported were seen at Anagach on 28 May. Pied Flycatcher breeding was confirmed at Inshriach, Loch an Eilein and Craigellachie. At the latter site, a pair of Wood Warblers with three juveniles was reported on 9 July. A pair of Jays with two young in tow was at Avielochan on 4 August and a late fledgling Cuckoo was being fed by Meadow Pipits at Achnahannet, Grantown-on-Spey on the 10th. A late brood of Little Grebes was at Avielochan on 3 September and another brood was at Deishar on the 7th. A few Whooper Swans summered at Insh Marshes. A single bird was present on 2 June, joined by two more on the 10th. On the 11th a female Red-necked Phalarope was found on a pool in a field at the Marshes and seen by several people. A single Quail was reported from Drumguish on the 18th and again on the 24th. A second site in Strathspey to report a Nuthatch was Loch Garten on 28 June. Autumn: A flock of 14 Fieldfares arrived at Alvie estate on 29 August, a very early return date. Likewise, a single Redwing was seen at Tulloch on 1 September. A single Black-tailed Godwit stopped over at Insh Marshes from 1-5 September. Interestingly, birds were sound-recorded flying over Nethy Bridge in

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the early hours of the 3rd. Eight Swifts at Invertromie on the 6th proved to be the last reported for the district. A further last sighting, for the whole recording area, was of 12+ Sand Martins at Loch Insh on the 28th. Yet another Nuthatch was seen, this time at Forest Lodge on 8 October. A report on 12 October of three Ring Ouzels, still on the breeding grounds in Coire na Ciste, was followed by sightings of single birds at Abernethy on 1 November and at Nethy Bridge on the 2nd. Three Tree Sparrows were noted at Nethy Bridge on 17 October. A Great Grey Shrike was at Mossbank, Nethy Bridge on 28 October. A Long-tailed Duck was on Loch Insh from 1-28 November. On the 3rd two Pochards were at Loch Pityoulish. Loch Alvie had a drake on the 7th, then a drake was present at Loch Insh from the 16th to the 28th. A Gannet was seen over Loch an Eilein on the 11th, a most unusual record, although one had been seen in the autumn last year over the Spey at Grantown-on-Spey. Early Winter: A Jack Snipe was at Drumguish, Insh Marshes on 14 November and one was also seen there on 10 and 13 December. A single Waxwing turned up in Nethy Bridge on 26 November, being seen again on the 29th. Further sightings followed, of 20+ in Aviemore on 1 December and 30 at Forest Lodge on the 19th. Another Great Grey Shrike report came on 5 December, this time of a single bird at Milton Loch, Boat of Garten. A record of 20 Twite at Carr Road on 19 December, with four birds there on the 21st, were the only reports of this species in the district. Loch Insh had an unexpected visitor, a drake American Wigeon from the 26th to the year end. A drake Shoveler was also present on the 30th.

Lochaber by Sean Morris Winter: The year got off to a start when six Woodcock were noted along the north shore of Loch Arkaig on 2 January. Regular counts of the over-wintering Greenland White-fronted Goose flock of up to 71 birds at Kentra Moss were made until March. A Kingfisher was noted at Morar on 3 January and a male Mandarin Duck noted on the same day was present until 11 April. Meanwhile, a Little Egret was noted at nearby Arisaig between 3 January and 3 May. A very early, or wintering, Lesser Black-backed Gull was noted at Duisky on 5 January and Iceland Gulls were seen at Lochailort and Mallaig on the 8th and 10th respectively. On 6 January 14 Black Grouse were counted in a lek on Rannoch Moor. A Ring-necked Duck on Loch Shiel on 10 January was presumably the same bird as seen in 2018. A count of 124 Shag was noted flying into roost on Castle Island, Eigg on 15 January and there was a large count of 534 Greylag Geese at Kinlochmoidart on the 20th. On Eigg, on 24 January there were counts of 15 Song Thrushes at Kildonan and 24 Rock Pipits at Laig. Eight Purple Sandpipers were counted at Mallaig on 29 January. Single Jays were seen at Savary on 2 February and at Uileann on the 16th, and 18 Pied Wagtails were at Caol on the 10th. The Strontian Black Duck was first noted on 18 February and there were regular reports through until 29 December. There was a large flock of 125 Goldfinches at Kilchoan on 19 February and three Hen Harriers were noted at Ockle, Ardnamurchan on the 21st. A single Knot was at Kinlochleven on

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the 22nd. A male Great Spotted Woodpecker was a rare sighting on Rum on 27 February and it was heard drumming throughout the Kinloch woodlands until 10 April. Spring: On 1 March there were counts on Loch Linnhe of 101 Shag, 149+ Red-breasted Mergansers, 314 Eider, 41 Slavonian Grebes and 58 Great Northern Divers. On 1 March also, seven Black Grouse were counted in a lek near Fort William and records from Loch Linnhe continued with five Purple Sandpipers at Camas Chil Mhalieu. A Jack Snipe was noted on Eigg on 14 March and there was a single Brambling there on the 24th and 29th. The first Wheatear of the spring was at Kilmory, Rum on 22 March and 38 Whooper Swans were at Carnoch Bridge on the same day. Another 90 Whooper Swans passed over Rum on 25 March and the first two Manx Shearwaters were noted off Kildonan, Eigg on the 28th. Large numbers of Redwing were noted on 29 March, with 1000 at Acharacle, 350 on Eigg and 200+ on Rum, and on the same day a Sand Martin was also seen at Acharacle. A female Yellowhammer, a scarce bird on the Small Isles, was noted on Eigg on 30 March and it stayed on the island until at least 13 May. There was some wildfowl passage over Rum on 1 April when 130 Whooper Swans and seven Greenland White-fronted Geese were counted. The first Swallow of the year was spotted on Eigg the same day. The final Jack Snipe of the winter was noted at Uileann, Morvern on 7 April and a House Martin arrived at Banavie the following day. A Green Woodpecker which was seen on the 8th in Mingarry remained in the area until 24 May. Other first dates of summer migrants in the area during April included Willow Warbler at Torlundy on the 9th, Common Sandpiper on Canna on the 11th, Wood Warbler at Arisaig on the 19th, Sedge Warbler on Rum and Grasshopper Warbler in Kilchoan on the 20th, Tree Pipit in Strontian on the 23rd and Whinchat on Rum on the 27th. A male Nuthatch was on Rum on 14 April, a first for the island and proof that a significant water crossing is not a barrier to potential colonisation. A female Marsh Harrier was at Acharacle on 23 April and two male Mandarins were at Kilchoan the following day. At Acharacle, a Garden Warbler was noted on 4 May and a Common Redpoll on the 7th. On the 7th also, a Corncrake was on Muck and a Ruff was at Ardtornish. The first Spotted Flycatcher of the spring was seen at Fassfern on 9 May and at least four Common Redstarts were singing in the Ariundle oak woods the next day. Unusual sightings on 17 May included a Ring-necked Duck at Loch nan Eala, Arisaig and a Black Swan on the River Shiel which remained until the 20th. A Jay was at Glenborrodale on 17 May, and there were large counts of 120 Canada Geese at Cuil Bay on the 19th and 170 Greylag Geese on Canna on the 23rd. A Pied Flycatcher was at Ballachulish on 23 May and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard drumming on Eigg on the 24th and 25th. A Sooty Shearwater was spotted from the Mallaig-Armadale ferry on the 26th and the month ended with 11 Sanderling on Rum on the 31st. Summer/Breeding: A brood of two Mute Swan cygnets was noted at Ballachulish on 30 June and Shelduck fledged young on both Canna and Eigg. A pair of Little Grebes raised three young on Eigg and this was the first confirmed breeding on the island since 1963! On Canna 13 pairs of Great Skua bred, averaging 0.8 young per nest, and a single pair on Eigg fledged two young. Long-

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eared Owls bred on Canna and Muck, with young heard calling on Muck on 31 July, and Short-eared Owls possibly bred on Rum. A couple of pairs of Sand Martins bred successfully on Eigg and Nuthatch also raised young in Arisaig. A Ruff was noted at an inland location in Lochaber on 8 June and juvenile Ptarmigan were noted on Knoydart and in Cona Glen on the 2nd and 9th respectively. There was a good count of 1735 Puffins at Canna on 26 June and two Corncrakes were seen on Muck the same day. In Acharacle, 50 Siskins were counted on 4 July along with a Nuthatch, and a Goshawk was there on the 14th. The same or a different Nuthatch was also seen there on the 27th. There was a good count of 30 Red-breasted Mergansers at Kentra on 5 July and a couple of days later 110 Starlings were counted on Eigg. Autumn wader passage was underway in July with two Knot noted on Rum on 12 July and 26 Ringed Plover at Sallachan Bay on the 15th. On 22 July 23 Redshank were at Kildonnan Bay, Eigg and a Swift was spotted over the island on the 25th. On 30 July 19 Dunlin were at Kilchoan and a Green Sandpiper was seen on Muck on 1 August. There was a large count of 292 Eider at Rubha nan Sornagan on 5 August and there were six Greenshank in Inverscaddle Bay the next day. There was a count of 11 Little Grebes on Loch Eil on 8 August, followed by a large count of 37 Goosanders at Sallachan the next day. Four Gadwalls were in the Fort William area from 15 August until 22 September and 14 Black-tailed Godwits were at Back of Keppoch on 18 August. There were counts of 60 Twite and 65 Lapwing on Eigg on 19 August and a Redstart at Uileann the next day was the last record of the year. Three Black-tailed Godwits were on Eigg on 21 August and a Little Gull was at Arisaig on the 24th. There was a large count of 40 Mistle Thrushes at Uileann on 29 August and wader passage continued with seven Greenshank at Loch Aline on the 28th and 25 Sanderling on Rum on the 30th. Autumn: There were good counts of 164 Oystercatchers at Kentra Bay on 1

September and 108 Gannets from the Mallaig to Rum ferry on the 4th. On 7 September a Whitethroat was observed in Mallaig and nine Greenshanks were at Loch Moidart. On the 15th 40 Goldfinches were counted at Savary. Rum had a good run of birds with 18 Whooper Swans on 17 September, a Lapland Bunting on the 20th, a Sandwich Tern on the 23rd and a Ring Ouzel on the 25th. On 20 September 25 Linnets were at Laig, Eigg. October began with 100 Canada Geese counted in Cuil Bay, followed by more geese, this time six Barnacles, over Rum on the 10th. The following day the last Wheatear of the year was seen on Rum, and on the 13th a Brambling was observed in Acharacle and a Grey Plover at Kentra Bay. A Yellow-browed Warbler was on Rum on 16 October and another was on Eigg a couple of days later. There was a reasonable thrush passage mid-month, with 400 Redwing on Eigg on 16 October and 300+ Fieldfare on Rum on the 20th. There was a large count of 50 Long-tailed Tits in the Manse Wood on Eigg on 24 October and three Whimbrel were in Morar on the 27th. A Magpie was observed near the Sound of Mull on the region boundary on 28 October, and 60 Siskins and four Woodcocks were on Rum on the 29th and 30th respectively. More thrush passage was observed on Eigg, with 300 Fieldfares on 1 November and 20 Blackbirds on the 6th. Kingfishers were observed at Banavie on 2 November and at Castle Tioram on the 6th, and 100 Guillemots were observed off Ardnamurchan the same day. On 7 November 30 House Sparrows were counted in Mallaig and 18 male Goldeneyes were on

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Loch Shiel at Acharacle on the 8th. Waxwings were noted on three dates, with four at Fort William on the 14th and singles at Arisaig on the 21st and Uileann on the 23rd. Early Winter: On 19 November 19 Woodcock were flushed from an Eigg roadside and the Kentra Bay White-fronted Goose flock numbered 76 on 25 November and 13 December. On 7 December 17 Common Crossbills were noted at Uileann, followed by two Common Redpolls at Aoineadh Mor, Morvern the next day. On 9 December 30 Lesser Redpolls were counted at Cow Hill, Fort William and there was a single male Blackcap on Eigg the following day. Sixty Lapwing were on Eigg on 16 December and 10 Woodcock, 25 Snipe and three Jack Snipe were counted on Rum on the 23rd. The year was rounded off with unseasonal warblers, a Blackcap on Canna on 26 December and a Chiffchaff at Arisaig on the 31st.

Skye & Lochalsh

by Bob McMillan The species list for Skye & Lochalsh increased by three in 2019 to 267. A historical record of a Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) from 2009 was eventually accepted by BBRC. Coincidentally, the two other additions to the list were from the same location at Loch Poolteil near Glendale. A Yellow-legged Gull found in February remained intermittently throughout the year, only the third record for Highland. By contrast, an American Cliff Swallow found on 27 August remained for just a few hours and was the first record for Scotland. Winter: It proved a poor winter for white-winged gulls, with a single Glaucous Gull at Portree the only record of note. Only small numbers of Bramblings winter with us, but birds were present at feeders in Portree throughout the winter into early spring. There was a count of 20 Black-throated Divers in Loch Slapin on 22 January. An adult Mediterranean Gull was in Broadford Bay on 27 January. There was a Chiffchaff in Glendale on 1 February and two Waxwings were seen in Harrapool on 7 February. An adult Yellow-legged Gull, a first for the area, was found in Loch Poolteil on 23 February and was seen regularly thereafter. During February, a total of 11 reports of Barn Owls, at different locations, was quite unusual. The peak count of wintering Great Northern Divers was 61 at Lusa on 1 March. An Iceland Gull was at Loch Poolteil on 5 March. The long-staying Magpie was reported at Ellishadder on 21 March. Spring: Northward Whooper Swan passage commenced on 12 March, and peak counts included 170 on the 29th, 225 on the 30th and 260 on the 31st. Meanwhile, migrants were arriving, with a singing Ring Ouzel at Staffin on 25 March and three Swallows at different Skye locations on the 31st. During April there were six reports of Magpies from different locations, which supports a theory that we experience an influx of birds in spring from Argyll, whose origins are in Northern Ireland (Maguire 2020, in prep.). Some 2000 Pink-footed Geese pushed north through the area on 9 April. There were three Velvet Scoters at Loch Ainort from 13-19 April. A Jay was reported at Avernish, Lochalsh, on 16

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April. Spring records of Black-tailed Godwits are usually of small numbers, so 100 at Loch Caroy on 21 April was exceptional. A second-year Mediterranean Gull was found in the Sound of Raasay on 22 April. A male Garganey at the mouth of the Broadford River on 27 April was only the second record for Skye and the first since 1943. A female Dotterel was found in the Quiraing area of north Skye on 9 May. Corncrakes had been slow to arrive but there were 10 calling birds by 16 May. Whilst Long-tailed Skua often bypass us, three were seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry on 19 May and a single in the Sound of Raasay on the 27th. A Little Egret was reported at Herebost, Skye on 20 May. Summer/Breeding: A female Ptarmigan was brooding small young on Beinn na Caillich on 30 May. June highlights included calling Quail near Armadale on the 2nd and at Trumpan, Waternish on the 10th. An early Sooty Shearwater was seen at Neist Point on 12 June and an adult Sabine’s Gull was photographed from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry on the 16th. An adult Rose-coloured Starling was at Aird Bernisdale on 16 June, probably the same bird which visited feeders in Portree a week later. The Yellow-legged Gull had not been seen at Loch Pooltiel for several months, but returned on 16 July when it had commenced primary moult. There was an unseasonal Brent Goose in Broadford Bay on 21 July and also a Little Stint there on the 24th. In tape-luring sessions at Duntulm, 28 Storm Petrels were caught and ringed on 27 July and 60 on 4 August. Another Rose-coloured Starling was at Staffin on 2 August and an early juvenile Pied Flycatcher was also found there on the 7th. In Broadford Bay, wader passage included a Ruff on 26 August and another Little Stint on the 28th. These were all eclipsed by the appearance of the American Cliff Swallow at Meanish Pier, Glendale on 27 August, which sadly was nowhere to be seen on the following morning. It was a first for Scotland! Autumn: There was an early arrival of seven pale-bellied Brent Geese in Broadford Bay on 30 August. Skua passage in autumn through the Sound of Rassay has been observed previously in northerly winds. This year brought unprecedented numbers, with 105 Arctic Skua and 18 Great Skua moving south and west on 4 September. On 14 September a Sabine’s Gull was seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry and a Leach’s Petrel in outer Loch Ainort. A Redstart was at Lower Milovaig on 22 September. The first Yellow-browed Warbler was noted at Drumfearn on 26 September and there were subsequent reports from Broadford, Heaste and Portree, with the last on 13 October. Although there is a previous report of a dark-bellied Brent Goose on Skye in 1993, a bird with pale-bellied Brents in Broadford Bay on 9 October was ratified by HRC. On the same day in Broadford Bay, there was a Little Gull, two Velvet Scoters and two exceptionally late Little Terns. There was a Lapland Bunting at Ullinish on 28 October and, on the 29th, a Little Egret at Ardelve, Lochalsh and a late Whinchat at Gedintailor. Early winter: November brought a small influx of Waxwing, with the first on the 4th, continuing to the 19th, with the largest group of eight at Breaskish on the 10th. On 9 November a Tree Sparrow visited feeders at Lower Milovaig and remained until the end of the year. A Mediterranean Gull was at Loch Portree on 13 November. The only report of Greenland White-fronted Goose was of six

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at Ashaig, Broadford on 17 November. The decline of wintering Whitefront flocks remains a concern. Blackcaps appear at garden feeders at this time and in late November there were reports from seven widespread locations. The Yellow-legged Gull continued to make occasional visits to Loch Poolteil into December. Finally, on 14 December there was a good count of 20 Snow Buntings at Glen More, near Portree.

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Systematic list for 2019 This systematic list is in the taxonomic order and uses the spellings of scientific names which were published on the BOU website www.bou.org.uk in February 2019. However, we prefer to retain the old English names for species, rather than use the standardised English names introduced in 2006 by the International Ornithological Congress. The term ‘Inner Moray Firth’ refers to that area of the Moray Firth that borders the Highland recording area coastline - from the Ord of Caithness to Whiteness Head. The ‘Inner Moray Firth Basin’ refers to the low-lying areas in SE Sutherland, Easter Ross (including the Black Isle) and Inverness District that surround the ‘Inner Moray Firth’. Please note that the vast majority of records which are submitted from the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry and the Uig to Tarbert/Lochmaddy ferries do not specify whether the birds were seen in the Highland or Western Isles recording areas. They are published here in good faith, but may be duplicated in the Outer Hebrides Bird Report. The following abbreviations have been used in the text: Breeding and Surveys: Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) Apparently Occupied Sites (AOS) Apparently Occupied Territories (AOT) Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) Organisations: British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Highland Raptor Study Group (HRSG) National Nature Reserve (NNR) Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) Royal Air Force Ornithological Society (RAFOS) Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) The following terms have been used to denote a species status, in suitable habitat, in Highland: Abundant Widespread and numerous Common Regularly encountered Uncommon Fewer than 100 records annually Scarce Annual in small numbers Rare Ten or more records since 1900, but not recorded annually Vagrant Fewer than 10 records since 1900 For some species the number of records submitted through BirdTrack is given as a crude indication of abundance; many of these records refer simply to presence on visit lists. A better picture of week by week abundance is shown in BirdTrack Reporting Rate graphs, some of which are shown by permission from BTO.

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Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Restricted to coniferous forests, mainly in Badenoch & Strathspey; scarce and declining elsewhere. Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn: A total of 60 records were received throughout the year, all coming from locations in Badenoch & Strathspey. Breeding: There has been a gradual decline in Capercaillie numbers across their range since the peak count in 2015 and this continued in 2019. In Highland, there was a small decline in the number of males attending leks in Strathspey (10 fewer males) but this remains the stronghold, with approximately 83% of all Capercaillie in Scotland. Numbers of males in Easter Ross in 2019 remained the same as recorded in 2018. Although there was a decline in total number of males in Strathspey, the number of leks occupied remained the same as in 2018. There was an increase in leks occupied in Easter Ross, with the re-establishment of lekking males in areas that have not had active leks for a few years, demonstrating that there is still some movement of birds in this region. There has been a relatively consistent survey effort across the Highland region since 2014 and we continue to check new areas that have had historic leks or perhaps recent sightings of birds, as leks can move around. Brood counts were completed in a small number of forests in Strathspey in 2019. Productivity was low overall in these forests. This is most likely due to high rainfall in June when the chicks are small, so vulnerable to hypothermia. We did have some successfully reared chicks, but this low number does increase our concern for numbers declining. Work on the development period of the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project was underway in 2019. This innovative project is looking at ways that people can successfully live alongside Capercaillie in the Cairngorms National Park through working with local communities and visitors. The project has received substantial funding for large amounts of habitat improvement for Capercaillie, in addition to investing in monitoring this species. More information can be found on the project website at https://www.cairngormscapercaillie.scot/.

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Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix Locally common but declining resident in east, scarce elsewhere. Winter/Spring: Counts of 10-20 birds came from 11 sites, with the highest counts coming from Corrimony. Most records were from the Badenoch & Strathspey area, but birds were also recorded as far west as Fort William, with seven on a lek on the southern outskirts on 1 March, as far north as Lairg, with, east of there, four on 15 April, and as far south as Rannoch Moor, with 14 on 6 January.

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Juvenile Black Grouse in July at Lairg c. Peter Stronach Breeding: Black Grouse - summary of leks counted in Strathspey Black Grouse Study Group area 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Active leks counted* 67 94 90 73 95 93 78 60 63 59 No. of lekking males 511 700 662 535 688 733 570 418 443 381 * Please note that the lek counts for the last 10 years have been revised downwards to exclude leks that were considered inactive.

Black Grouse - number of lekking males and productivity at Corrimony RSPB Reserve 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Lekking males 43 41 40 28 34 43 45 37 58 no data Chicks per female 3.0 1.5 1.8 1.2 1.5 0.3 1.0 2.0 no data no data

Autumn/Winter: Birds were recorded lekking in most months apart from July and August. There were no records of 10 or more birds together in this period.

Ptarmigan Lagopus muta Locally common resident in upland areas. Winter/Spring: The first of numerous widely scattered records was of three birds at Lurchers Meadow on 2 January. The highest count in this period was also in the Cairngorms, of 14 in Coire an t-Sneachda on 8 March. Two birds on Beinn na Caillich on Skye were the furthest west recorded.

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Breeding: The first records of young birds were of six at Knoydart on 2 June and four in Cona Glen, Lochaber on 9 June. Subsequent breeding records were of seven chicks on Ben Klibreck on 10 June, two on Cairn Gorm on 23 June and one on Beinn nan Eun, north of Ben Wyvis on 26 June.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The highest counts for the latter part of the year were 12 on Bealach na Ba in Wester Ross on 7 September, eight on Cranstackie in Sutherland on 24 September and seven in Coire Cas, Cairn Gorm on 22 October.

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Common resident on upland moors, especially in Badenoch & Strathspey.

Winter/Spring: Numerous records were received from upland areas throughout the recording area. The highest counts included those of 20 at Lochindorb on 19 January, 30 at Dalwhinnie on 28 January and 40 at Lochindorb on 29 April. These were only one fifth of the size of the highest recorded in 2018. Breeding: Two broods of up to 10 chicks were noted on Handa throughout June. Other breeding records included 3-4 pairs encountered with a total of 14 chicks at Lochindorb on 24 June. One chick was reported from Eigg on 23 July and four from Handa on 16 August.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The highest counts were 30 at Lochindorb on 15 September, 50 at Balsporran on 29 November and 80+ at Bad Each, Newtonmore on 12 December, comparable to the highest in 2018.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Released annually in very high numbers by main commercial shooting estates and then can be found quite widely dispersed; scarce elsewhere. Winter/Autumn/Winter: Most records came from the usual release areas in Badenoch, Strathspey and east Inverness-shire, with the highest count being 70+ at Ballachroan, Newtonmore on 6 October. Elsewhere in the east, 15 were noted at Loch Fleet on 14 February. On Skye, single birds were noted at Torrin on 5 April, Achnacloich on 12 April and Aird on 15 April. One was seen at Melvich on 18 April and two at Inchbae on 6 November.

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Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Restricted to a few local breeding populations in Inner Moray Firth basin; sightings elsewhere probably derive from released birds. Winter/Spring: The majority of records were from Easter Ross, with most from the Tarbat Ness and Loch Eye areas, but numbers of birds seen were usually small. High counts from elsewhere were 14 at Mossbank, Nethy Bridge on 5 January and eight at Fort George on 22 February. Breeding: The only two records were from near Loch Eye, the first on 11 July of two adults and eight young.

Grey Partridge brood in July at Loch Eye c. Peter Stronach

Autumn/Winter: Few records were received in this period, but 16 birds were noted at Carrbridge on 19 December.

Quail Coturnix coturnix Rare breeder; scarce summer visitor. Spring/Summer: Ten records of calling birds were received. Two were at Insh Marshes on 26 June. Singles were on Skye at Armadale on 2 June and Trumpan on 9 June and again on 20 July. One was calling at Alness on 12 June and another in the Castle Stuart area from 18 June-7 July. Singles were at Drumguish on 18 and 24 June, at Edderton on 24 June and again on 17 October, at Balspardon,

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near Gollanfield on 27 and 28 July, at Munlochy Bay on 8 July and at Fearn on 23 July. One was found dead at Auchmore Wood, Easter Ross on 10 June below overhead power lines.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Common resident, supplemented by huge numbers of released birds. Winter/Spring: Over 1300 records were received, mainly from the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey areas. In the north and west, records were received of birds in Strath Halladale, Melvaig, Little Assynt, An Teallach, Upper Loch Broom, Mellon Charles, Loch Eil and Ardnamurchan. Birds were also noted on the Isles of Skye, with two at Tokavaig on 1 May, Muck and Eigg. Breeding: Reports from Eigg noted a reasonably successful breeding season.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: High counts, probably related to new releases, were recorded at Loch Alvie, with 30+ on 19 September, Advie, 30+ on 23 September and 100+ on 7 October, Nuide Farm near Newtonmore, 60+ on 13 October and at Ballachroan, 50+ on 14 October, while 200 were noted at Rogart on 17 October. Two leucistic birds were recorded at Tain Moor Farm on 4 October and melanistic birds were at Advie on 10 October and Laggan on 2 November.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla Scarce but increasing migrant and winter visitor; regular autumn migrant on west coast, especially Skye; small population winters in Inner Moray Firth; scarce in spring. [Pale-bellied race] Branta bernicla hrota Winter/Spring: The majority of reports in this period related to birds from the wintering Inner Moray Firth population. An exception was a single at Loch Ewe on 28 January. There were 12 at Rosemarkie on 15 January and 23 there on 25 February. At Fort George, reports included 35 on 14 February and 45 on 18 March. There were 44 at Whiteness Head on 1 March and 38 at Nigg Bay on 4 April. Three at Broadford Bay from 19-28 April were presumably wintering Irish birds returning north. Summer: A single at Broadford Bay on 21-22 July was unusual. Autumn/Winter: Passage of birds heading to winter in Ireland can be variable, and autumn 2019 was a relatively poor year. The first birds noted at Broadford Bay, Skye were seven on 30 August, followed by 130 on 11 September, 172 in two flocks on 12 September, 65 on 12 October and 33 on 24 October. Other reports included 51 birds at Culkein Bay on 12 September and two at Applecross

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Bay on 24 September. Reports of the Moray Firth wintering population included 19 birds at Nigg Bay on 1 November and 28 there on 15 December. [Dark-bellied race] Branta bernicla bernicla Winter/Spring: There was an adult at Cromarty on 19 March. Autumn/Winter: There was a single with a small flock of pale-bellied birds at Broadford Bay on 9 October. [Grey-bellied Brant*] Branta bernicla nigricans

Autumn/Winter: A grey-bellied Brant was first reported at Castle Stuart on 5-6 March and subsequently on 26 November, presumably as a returning bird. It was present and seen by many observers until the end of the year. (*At the moment, it is not recognised as a species or subspecies by the major taxonomic authorities and as a consequence records are not being formally assessed by BBRC or BOURC.)

Canada Goose Branta canadensis Well-established in Lochaber and spreading, now breeding in Badenoch; locally common summer moult migrant to Inner Moray Firth but scarce elsewhere; very localised in winter months. Winter/Spring: It appears there is now a small resident population in Badenoch, with 21 at Loch Insh on 6 January. A group of 31 at Scourie on 29 January was unusual. Records on Skye are increasing, with five at Isleornsay on 2 March and nine there on 2 April. In Lochaber, reports included nine at Kilchoan on 19 April and, at Cuil Bay, 50 on the 9th and 120 on 19 May. There were 12 at Fort George on 26 May. Breeding: There were two pairs on Insh Marshes and a pair with four young were reported at Dell of Killiehuntly on 16 May. Among several reports from the Loch Eil area of Lochaber was one of 117 birds on 23 July which included large young.

Summer: Some exceptional counts in Lochaber were, at Fort William, 150 on 25 June and 117 on 1 July, and at Inverlochy, 170 on 15 July. Other reports probably relate to the migratory moulting flock, with June reports including 114 birds at Evanton on the 3rd, 255 at Udale Bay on the 5th, 250 at Alness on the 15th and 150 at the Beauly Firth on the 25th. The peak count was 1400 at Alness Point on 5 July. Further numerous reports from Udale Bay included counts of 450 on 28 July, 300 on 13 August and, finally, 250 on 19 September. Numbers are clearly increasing, as confirmed in the reporting rate graph.

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Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Canada Goose

Autumn/Winter: Reports were mainly from Badenoch and Lochaber. There were 27 birds at Insh Marshes on 13 September, 30 at Kincraig on 1 November and 21 at Dell of Killiehuntly on 30 December. Counts in Lochaber included 100 at Cuil Bay on 1 October, 40 at Dalilea on 8 November, 100 at Kinlochteacuis on 24 November and 33 at Fort William on 6 December.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Locally common winter visitor to north and west, scarce elsewhere. With increasing numbers of feral birds roaming around the Inner Moray Firth, it is now very difficult to distinguish genuinely wild birds in the area. All those reported below are thought to have been genuine migrants from Arctic breeding populations. (However, see the chapter on escapes and presumed feral birds.) Winter/Spring: Away from the normal wintering areas, 30 were reported at Killen on 6 January and 10 at Gollanfield on 13 January. Counts at Tongue included 109 on 12 January and 250 on 7 February. At Gruinard Bay there was a count of 121 on 28 January. High numbers at Balnakeil were 380 on 17 February and 200 on 31 March. At Achiltibuie there were 148 on 19 March and 100 on 4 April. Numbers on Skye were lower than normal and included 35 at Balmaqueen on 13 January, 70 on Isay on19 January and 40 at Staffin on 27 March. The last report was of five birds at Lairg on 5 May.

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Summer: Reports all related to the feral population in Badenoch. (See the chapter on escapes and presumed feral birds.) Autumn/Winter: The first report was of four birds at Nigg Bay on 3 October, with 11 at Strathy Point and six at Kilmory, Rum on 10 October. In the north, there were 156 at Melness and an exceptional 820 at Balnakeil on 13 November. West coast reports included 200 birds at Mungasdale on 20 December and 30 at Achiltibuie on 26 December. The only record from Skye was of 13 at Staffin Island on 17 December.

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii Vagrant. Autumn/Winter: A bird was found amongst Pink-footed Geese at Balloch on 14-15 December and found again on 31 December.

Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Winter/Spring: A single bird was present at Killen from 6 January to 22 February, thought to be the bird reported regularly between October-November 2018. Autumn/Winter: A lesser intermediate-morph bird was seen in the Castle Stuart area from 22 November until the end of the year.

Greylag Goose Anser anser Locally common breeder in north and west and expanding range, especially into Badenoch & Strathspey; common migrant and winter visitor, especially in east. Winter/Spring: The best January counts were 535 at Balliefurth on the 9th and an impressive 534 at Kinlochmoidart in Lochaber on the 20th. In Badenoch & Strathspey, 350 were counted at Dell of Killiehuntly on 9 February, 300 at Duthill on 27 February and 570 between Carrbridge and Dalnaan on 3 March. There were 800 at Ardgay on 13 March. A skein of 150 flew north at Stoer on 7 May and 170 were counted at Canna on 23 May. A report of 190+ at Dell of Killiehuntly on 27 May involved resident birds. Breeding: On Eigg, 20+ broods were recorded, with the first gosling noted on 3 May. Broods of goslings were reported from a number of locations, including 20 at Avielochan, Strathspey on 12 May.

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Number of pairs of Greylag Geese breeding at Insh Marshes RSPB Reserve 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 31 38 35 * 68 78 56 45 83 74 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer: There were widespread reports throughout the period. On Fladaigh Chuain, Skye there were 110, possibly moulting birds, on 23 June. The most significant numbers occurred on Lochindorb, where the moulting flock built up from 200 on 9 June to 1000 on 28 June. Autumn/Winter: Amongst the larger counts was 1500 at Udale Bay on 19 September. In October, there were reports of 150 birds at Rispond, Sutherland on the 1st, 500 at Mains of Garten on the 6th and 290 at Loch Duntelchaig on the 28th. In a coordinated census between Boat of Garten and Grantown-on-Spey, 1320 were recorded on 25 November. December reports included 400 birds at Brora on the 13th, 600 at Loch Eye on the 20th and 280 at Dell of Killiehuntly on the 26th. Icelandic Greylag Goose Census 2019 Site 23 November Loch Fleet 0 Dornoch Firth 148 Loch Eye 2093 Nigg Bay (incl. Outer Cromarty Firth) 0 Alness Bay 0 Inner Cromarty Firth 73 Udale Bay 0 Beauly Firth 0 Loch Flemington 0 TOTALS 2314

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis Rare winter visitor. Autumn/Winter: There was a single at Udale Bay on 4 October.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Common winter visitor, especially in east with a marked spring passage; occasional breeding by feral birds and once by wild birds. Winter/Spring: Regular counts at Tarbat Ness included 2500 on 31 January and 17 February, and 2000 on 28 March. Other large counts in March were 2400 at Balliefurth on the 11th, 2000 at Morangie Lodge on the 14th and several on the 29th, including 2800 at Alturlie, 2400 at Easter Dalziel and 3400 at Balliefurth.

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On 31 March 950 birds at Insh Marshes possibly included some migrants. Migration north was also noted on Skye from 31 March, with 180 in four skeins over Broadford and 150 at Neist Point. On 9 April 550 in six skeins were noted going north over Drumfearn and Broadford, whilst 550 went north over the Beauly Firth. Northward migration was noted into May, with 200 over Lairg on the 2nd, 92 over Achnahaird on the 9th and 300 over Isleornsay, Skye on the 10th. There were still seven in Udale Bay on 26 May. Icelandic Pink-footed Goose Census 2019: Site 20 October 23 November Loch Fleet 5980 0 Dornoch Firth 2600 2770 Loch Eye 23 20 Tain Bay 0 0 Nigg Bay (incl. Outer Cromarty Firth) 4400 0 Alness Bay 6000 3450 Inner Cromarty Firth 5870 3300 Udale Bay 0 0 Munlochy Bay 9500 1800 Beauly Firth 26000 0 Whiteness 150 Upper Badenoch 20 TOTALS 60543 11340 Summer: There are increasing numbers of summer reports. In June, two birds were in Broadford Bay on the 5th, two at Tarbat Ness on the 14th and two at Loch Eye on the 25th. There were five reports from the Beauly Firth in July, including one of nine birds on the 10th. There were also five reports in August, with six birds in Udale Bay on the 6th and 14 at Arabella on the 18th. Autumn/Winter: Returning birds were noted in the first few days of September, with 49 in the Beauly Firth on the 2nd. Thereafter there were seven reports on the 3rd and several on the 4th, ranging from Rum to the Cairngorms. In four skeins over Portree on 17 September a total of 294 birds were noted. Numbers steadily built up at east coast sites in late September, with 1500 at the Beauly Firth on the 19th, 1500 at Udale Bay on the 21st and 2000 at Munlochy Bay on the 27th. Numbers started to peak in October, with 3500 at Loch Eye on the 13th, 3000 at Carse of Ardersier on the 15th, 3000 at Arabella on the 17th and an exceptional 8000 at Munlochy Bay on the 18th. There were 3100 at Easter Dalziel on 23 November. Concentrations at Udale Bay included 5500 on 4 November and 3200 on 1 December.

Tundra Bean Goose Anser serrirostris Rare winter visitor. Autumn/Winter: A single bird was at Udale Bay on 13 November.

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White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Winter visitor in small numbers in west, scarce in east. [Greenland race] Anser albifrons flavirostris Winter/Spring: The wintering flock on north Skye continues to decline, with seven birds seen on 23 January. In Lochaber, the Acharacle/Kentra Moss wintering flock remains strong with a regular count of 71 from January-March. Singles were recorded at Golspie on 9 January and at Gollanfield on 14 January. There was visible northward migration, of 29 at Neist Point on 23 March and seven at Kilmory, Rum on 1 April. Autumn/Winter: There was no count from north Skye although a small flock was subsequently located later in the winter. At Acharacle/Kentra Moss the counts were 18 on 20 October, 56 on 25 October, and 76 on 25 November and 13 December. Six birds were in Broadford Bay on 17 November. Records on the east coast involved singles, at Udale Bay on 4 and 27 October, at Killen on 27 October and at Embo on 9 November. [European race] Anser albifrons albifrons Winter/Spring: A juvenile was at Balblair with Pinkfeet on 9 January. Singles were also reported at Tore on 5 February and at Loch Croispol, Durness on 31 March. Autumn/Winter: There were two reports of singles, from Easter Dalziel on 21 October and Castle Stuart on 16 December.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor Resident in east, but scarce in north and west. Winter/Spring: Although reported widely, there were few concentrations of note. There were no reports from outside the normal range and the species remains scarce in the west. There were 40 birds at Loch Flemington on 1 January. The best counts were at Loch Eye, with 135 on 6 January and still 90, presumably non-breeding birds, on 30 May. Breeding: Five pairs were on Loch Insh. In the west, there was a pair with two cygnets at Ballachulish on 30 June. Otherwise, there were very few breeding reports.

Summer: The major concentrations were again at Loch Eye, with 195 on 19 July and a peak of 250 on 21 August. Autumn/Winter: Counts at Loch Eye included 243 on 8 September and 198 on 13 October. Otherwise, all reports were of small numbers, apart from 39 at Loch Flemington on 15 December.

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Mute Swan - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Dornoch Firth 53 44 31 56 Cromarty Firth 1 5 4 3 Beauly Firth 0 2 8 0 Inverness Firth 9 7 19 5 Moray Basin Lochs 189 90 261 161 TOTALS 252 148 323 225

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Has bred and odd individuals summer (some local breeding events appear to involve feral birds); common migrant and winter visitor, mainly in east. Winter/Spring: Counts on the Beauly Firth included 62 on 9 January, 40 on 2 February and 75 on 21 March. Other concentrations in the east included 120 at Hilton of Cadboll on 17 February, 228 at Fearn Drome on 8 March and 145 at Loch Fleet on 25 March. Peak counts at Insh Marshes were 48 on 14 February and 177 in a WeBS count of the marshes and the River Spey on 24 March. In the west, northward migration was noticeable from late March, with 38 birds at Carnoch Bridge, Lochaber on the 22nd, 85 over the Minch and 90 over Rum on the 25th and 189 in several herds over Ardnish, Broadford on the 31st. There were 130 over Rum on 1 April. Several reports of stragglers in May included groups of six at Loch Eye on the 10th and four at The Mound, Loch Fleet on the 27th.

Breeding Whooper Swans in July in Easter Ross c. Peter Stronach

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Breeding/Summer: A pair appeared to be occupying a nest on a Sutherland loch on 3 May. Summering birds included a single at Insh Marshes on 2 June and three there on 10 June. Two were at Balnakeil Marsh on 16 June and four at Bonar Bridge on 19 June. Two remained on Loch Eye throughout the summer. In Glen Strathfarrar, seven feral birds were reported near Braulen Lodge on 16 June and six on 8 August.

Autumn/Winter: Three birds were on Loch Glascarnoch on 15 September. Migration south was noted from 16 September, with three over the Minch, and on the following day 18 went over Rum. In general, southward migration is protracted and continues into early November. There were 60 at Loch Eye on 18 September, increasing to 600 by 13 October and 700 on 1 November. Other large concentrations included 600 at Arabella on 17 October. December reports of note were 150 at Tarbat Ness on the 24th and 205 at North Cadboll on the 29th.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Breeder but scarce in north and west; common in winter in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: Whilst widely distributed throughout the recording area, the majority of reports involved small numbers. The largest concentrations were found on the east coast, with a peak of 250 at Tain on 1 January. Several reports on 7 February included counts of 85 at Loch Fleet, 175 at Dornoch and 132 at Inver. Peak counts at Udale Bay were 108 on 25 February and 100 on 21 March. Breeding: The first report was of a pair with two small young at Udale Bay on 31 May. The majority of subsequent broods were reported at Nigg and Udale Bays. Large young were noted at Whiteness Bay on 20 June and two fledged young on Canna on 31 July. On Eigg, there were three pairs, with the first young seen on 11 June. Remarkably, one pair managed to fledge five of seven chicks hatched.

Summer: The only counts of note were 32 in the Beauly Firth on 11 June and 50 at The Mound on 18 June. Autumn/Winter: Reports during the early part of this period are invariably low as most birds have left for moult migration. The largest counts were 33 at Udale Bay on 3 September and 32 at Nigg Bay on 11 October. There were 59 at Dingwall on 5 November and 100 at Tain Bay on 8 November. Numbers at Udale Bay steadily increased from 100 on 12 November to 150 on 2 December. Shelduck - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 81 125 0 43 Dornoch Firth 415 643 40 436 Cromarty Firth 563 431 46 616 Beauly Firth 0 2 0 0 Inverness Firth 232 211 4 69 TOTALS 1291 1412 90 1164

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Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Small introduced population in Strath Nairn; rare elsewhere. Winter/Spring/Summer: The long-staying male at Morar was present between 3 January and 11 April. In Lochaber also, two males were reported at Kilchoan on 24 April. In the east, two were reported at Culloden Viaduct on 24 February and two at Littlemill on 26 March. There was a report of 12 at Glenkyllachy Lodge on 7 May and 12 was the maximum spring count on the River Nairn up from Balnafoich, on 26 June. Autumn/Winter: The only reports were from Morar, of a male on 13 October and 1 December.

Garganey Spatula querquedula Has bred; scarce migrant, mainly in east. Spring: A male at Broadford Bay on 27 April was only the second record for Skye. On the same day, there was also a male at Balnakeil, Durness, which was joined by a female on 19 May. There was also a report of a pair on Loch Evelix on 6 May. An adult drake was on Loch Neil Bhain, Sutherland on 19 May and a single was on Loch Kinellan on 20 May.

Blue-winged Teal Spatula discors Vagrant.

Blue-winged Teal in March at Mellon Charles c. Bob McMillan

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Winter/Spring: A male was found on a small loch at Mellon Charles, Wester Ross on 18 March. It remained in the area until 4 June and for much of the time associated with a female Shoveler. It was the third record for Highland. (See McMillan, R.L. 2019. Scottish Birds 39(3) September: 259-261.)

Shoveler Spatula clypeata Has bred; scarce migrant and winter visitor, mainly in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: The majority of early winter reports were from Tain, with 22 birds on 2 January and 27 on 28 January. There were four at Loch Eye on 16 March. A single female was noted at Mellon Charles, Wester Ross on 18 March associated with a Blue-winged Teal (see previous species summary). Three were at Alturlie on 17 April and four at Chanonry Point on 24 April. Among several reports from Balnakeil were those of nine birds on 2 May, 13 on 10 May and three on 1 June. There was also a pair at Achanalt on 23 May and two at Loch Eye on 30 May. Breeding: Despite the numbers at Balnakeil, it was thought there was only one pair and there was no evidence of breeding. Although difficult to estimate accurately, it was thought there could have been up to seven pairs at Insh Marshes.

Autumn/Winter: One bird appeared at Dornoch Point on 16 September. Most reports were again from the Tain area, with six birds on 8 October, and 13 on 19 November and 18 December. There were six at Loch Eye on 25 November. The only other report was of a drake at Loch Insh on 30 December.

Gadwall Mareca strepera Has bred; scarce migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: The only winter records of note were two birds at Loch Flemington on 10 February and two at Whiteness on 25 March. At Balnakeil, two were present on 17 February, 12 on 31 March and, in spring, 10 on 27 April, 11 on 4 May and 17 on 10 May. There were reports of two at Dornoch on 5 April, at the Narrows of Raasay on 22 April and at Alturlie on 22 May. Five were reported at Lochindorb on 28 May. Summer/Breeding: A total of five pairs were reported at Balnakeil on 13 May but there was no information on breeding attempts. Two birds were reported at Loch Kinellan on 4 August.

Autumn/Winter: Between 15 August and 22 September a group of four birds was present at Fort William and there was still a drake there on 13 December. A group of seven passage birds was in Broadford Bay on 24 October. At Loch Eye, there was a single on 18 September, and two on 13 October and 1 November. A single was on Loch Flemington between 8 November and 15 December.

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Wigeon Mareca penelope Uncommon breeder; common migrant and winter visitor, especially in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: Numbers on the west coast are invariably low, the most being 103 at Kirkton, Lochalsh on 4 February. The largest concentrations are on the east coast, with 315 on 6 January at Loch Eye, 450 on 10 January and 5 February at Tain, 500 on 5 February at Udale Bay, 650 on 7 February at Dornoch and 435 on 1 March at Milton of Culloden. The largest count was 1400 at Castle Stuart on 24 January. There was a WeBS count of 498 on the Insh Marshes and River Spey on 19 February. The peak March count at Insh Marshes was 186 on the 24th. Breeding: Whilst many birds were recorded on suitable breeding lochs, reports confirming breeding were sparse. Eight pairs were on Loch Achanalt on 22 May. Number of Wigeon pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 12 11 16 * 26 35 29 26 22 15 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Autumn/Winter: The numbers recorded in autumn are invariably significantly higher than in winter, as migrants arrive from their breeding grounds and disperse further south. Counts at Tain Bay reflected this with 120 on 2 September, 3200 on 20 September and 1000 on 26 October, but at Udale Bay reports included 500 on 19 September, and 2000 on 17 October and 12 November. In the Inverness area, reports included 820 birds at Castle Stuart on 23 September and 590 at Seafield on 7 October. Large numbers still present in December were 800 at Udale Bay on the 2nd and 1500 at Tain Bay on the 20th. Wigeon - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 690 253 660 910 Dornoch Firth 3507 1910 10110 4851 Cromarty Firth 3415 2371 12005 3782 Beauly Firth 418 202 239 329 Inverness Firth 1548 2250 1804 2951 Moray Basin Lochs 583 416 882 733 TOTALS 10161 7402 25700 13556

American Wigeon Mareca americana Scarce winter visitor. Winter/Spring: Two different over-wintering drakes remained in the Tain area, one in Tain Bay from 7 January-14 March and the other at Loch Eye from 1-10 January. A hybrid American Wigeon x Wigeon was reported at Loch Ussie on 23 March.

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American Wigeon in January at Tain River c. Peter Stronach

Autumn/Winter: A drake was again present on Loch Eye, recorded between 3 October and 20 December. There was a drake at Merkinch between 26 October and 31 December. A drake was also present on Loch Insh from 26-31 December.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common breeder; common in winter, especially in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: The largest count on the west coast was 125 at Gairloch on 27 January. The peak counts for Highland were 232 on a WeBS survey of the River Spey/Insh Marshes on 21 January and 142 at Loch Eye on 6 January. Other concentrations of note included 134 at Clachnaharry on 8 February and 100 at Drumancroy on 10 February. As it is an early breeder, numbers invariably drop as birds disperse in March and April. Breeding: The earliest brood noted was at Glebe Ponds, Kingussie on 28 April. From throughout the area on Birdtrack, a total of 22 broods were noted in May, 17 in June and 8 in July. On Eigg, there were five pairs at Laig, with the first duckling on 4 May, but a poor survival rate.

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Number of Mallard pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010-2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 72 105 139 * 152 228 261 106 160 136 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer: Numbers started to build up again in late July, with 65 at Loch Insh on the 27th, 48 at Fort William on the 28th and 70 at Nigg and Udale Bay on the 30th. August counts included 67 at Fort William and 80 at Udale Bay, both on the 13th. Autumn/Winter: At Invertromie/Ballochbuie there was a count of 150 on 12 September. Reports from Spey Dam included 95 on 1 September and 155 on 5 October5. Insh Marshes reports included 100 birds on 2 September and 120 on 12 October. Udale Bay held 100 on 27 September and 135 on 5 October. The peak count at Loch Eye was 140 on 13 October and, finally, there were 120 on 11 December at Rothiemoon, Nethy Bridge. The largest total was 372 on a WeBS count of the River Spey/Insh Marshes on 18 December. Mallard - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 156 48 125 284 Dornoch Firth 887 579 413 627 Cromarty Firth 387 259 248 415 Beauly Firth 187 190 121 267 Inverness Firth 312 201 142 216 Moray Basin Lochs 177 221 218 154 TOTALS 2106 1498 1267 1963

American Black Duck Anas rubripes Rare American vagrant.

American Black Duck in August at Strontian c. Peter Stronach

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Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter: The long-staying drake remains in the Strontian area. It attracts bird listers from throughout Britain and was recorded regularly between18 February and 29 December. It was apparently seen mating with a hybrid, of which there are now a number. However, it was regularly in the company of a female Mallard.

Pintail Anas acuta Rare breeder; locally common winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth but scarce elsewhere. Winter/Spring: There were no reports from the west coast. In the north, there was a single at Kyle of Tongue on 14 January. The largest concentrations were in Tain Bay, with 190 on 2 January, 250 on 24 January, 171 on 5 February and 52 on 25 February. Other reports included 132 in Nigg Bay on 6 January and 53 in the Beauly Firth on 2 April. Several records in May included one of three birds at Balnakeil on the 13th. Two were at The Mound, Loch Fleet on 17 May and, finally, a single drake on Loch Eye on 28 May. Summer: There were no reports in summer. Autumn/Winter: There were no reports from the north and west. At Alturlie five birds were recorded on 10 September. Any counts of note were again from Tain Bay and included 70 on 20 September, 165 on 29 November and a peak of 180 on 12 December. Other reports included 26 at Dornoch Point on 29 October and 157 at Nigg Bay on 15 December. Pintail - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Dornoch Firth 348 122 43 138 Cromarty Firth 152 109 2 158 Beauly Firth 18 36 0 14 Inverness Firth 3 0 0 13 Moray Basin Lochs 2 0 0 3 TOTALS 523 267 45 326

Teal Anas crecca Widespread breeder in small numbers; common migrant and winter visitor, especially in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: The largest concentrations are on the east coast and numbers peak in January and February, then fall off in March when birds start to disperse. At Tain Bay counts included 430 on 2 January and a peak of 570 on 30 January. Other reports included 180 at Loch Eye on 6 January, 135 at Dornoch on 7 February and 200 at Udale Bay on 19 February. The peak count at Seafield was

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174 on 6 January and at Milton of Culloden 260 on 18 January. Other counts of note were 185 at Alturlie on 21 January, 160 at Loch Flemington on 7 February and 400 at Drumancroy on 10 February. At Insh Marshes, there were 131 on 19 February, 73 on 24 March and 70 at nearby Invertromie on 22 April. Breeding: Despite widespread reports of birds in suitable breeding habitat in May, there were very few records of confirmed breeding. These included two small broods noted at Lochbuie on 7 June and juveniles later noted at a lochan on Ashie Moor. Number of Teal pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 37 29 54 * 81 88 84 55 66 58 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Autumn/Winter: Numbers built up in September, with 54 at Easter Dalziel on the 4th and 270 at Alturlie Pools on the 10th. The peak counts at Seafield were also in September, with 410 on the 17th and 400 on the 29th. At Udale Bay the peak count was 300 on 27 September, whilst at Loch Eye the largest was 410 on 13 October. At the River Spey/Insh Marshes the total during a WeBS count on 15 October was 339. November reports included 580 at Milton of Culloden on the 20th, 360 at Dalcross on the 28th and 500 at Tain on the 29th. In December, there were still 250 at Seafield on the 6th and 325 at Dalcross on the 12th. Teal - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 60 15 0 23 Dornoch Firth 1438 864 1035 893 Cromarty Firth 1187 790 571 1058 Beauly Firth 238 117 67 282 Inverness Firth 663 396 515 1138 Moray Basin Lochs 223 154 412 75 TOTALS 3809 2336 2600 3469

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis Rare winter visitor, especially in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: An over-wintering bird remained present at Loch Flemington from 1 January-14 February. Similarly, an over-wintering bird was seen at Tain from 21 January-5 February, and again on 8 April. There was a male at Udale Bay from 8-10 March. Autumn/Winter: The only report was of a drake at Loch Flemington on 15 November.

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Pochard Aythya ferina Has bred; usually scarce migrant and winter visitor, mainly in Inner Moray Firth Basin. Winter/Spring: All reports were in January, a single at Loch Eye on the 1st and 6th, a female/immature on Loch Insh from 6-22 January and a single at Kyle of Durness on the 30th. Summer: There was an unusual report of five at Whiteness Head on 19 July, with a single still there on 3 August. Autumn/Winter: As in this period in 2018, there were more reports than normal. Loch Eye again proved to be the hotspot, with six birds on 3 October, a peak of 17 on 1 November and still 10 on 20 December. A drake was on Loch Kinellan on 28 October and 6 November. Two were reported at Loch Pityoulish on 3 November and a drake at Loch Alvie on 7 November. There was a drake at Loch Insh from 16-28 November.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Scarce North American vagrant. Winter/Spring: The drake recorded in Loch Shiel at Acharacle the previous winter was still present on 10 January, and single drakes were also reported at Little Loch Shin on 6 February and at Loch nan Eala, Arisaig from 17-19 May. Autumn/Winter: A first-winter bird was present at Loch Evelix from 24-29 December.

Ring-necked Duck in December at Loch Evelix c. Dean MacAskill

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Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Common breeder in most areas; locally common but declining winter visitor, especially in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: Although widely distributed, most concentrations of note were at specific sites in Badenoch & Strathspey and the east. The largest numbers were recorded at Loch Eye, with 63 on 1 January, 70 on 16 March and a peak of 80 on 2 April. At Loch Insh there were 30 on 3 January and 29 March. Other counts included 26 at Boat of Garten on 23 January and 39 at Loch Morlich on 30 March. There were still 40 at Loch Eye on 10 May. Breeding: Five pairs were at Loch Achanalt on 22 May. Confirmed breeding reports were limited. There were two broods at Milton Loch on 28 June. Number of Tufted Duck pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 8 22 10 * 17 17 9 13 6 14 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer: The only reports of note were from Loch Eye, of 80 birds on 5 August and 105 on 21 August. Autumn/Winter: There were 22 at Loch Kinellan on 21 September and 23 at Whiteness Bay on 10 October. Otherwise, the largest concentrations were again in the usual areas, with peaks for the year of 130 at Loch Eye on 18 September and 13 October. However, it is thought some of these birds must have dispersed as there were only 30 on 14 December. The best counts at Loch Insh were 30 on 1 November and 50 on 29 December. Tufted Duck - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Dornoch Firth 65 69 12 93 Cromarty Firth 0 1 0 0 Beauly Firth 0 1 0 0 Inverness Firth 0 0 0 5 Moray Basin Lochs 120 109 197 127 TOTALS 185 180 209 225

Scaup Aythya marila Has bred; locally common winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth but scarce elsewhere. Winter/Spring: A number of birds now winter on Loch Eye, perhaps a reflection of the milder temperatures, and 68 were reported on 6 January. Birds otherwise concentrate in the east coast estuaries, with January reports including 245 at

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Alturlie on the 6th and 170 at Milton of Culloden on the 18th. They are increasingly favouring Edderton Bay, which had 205 on 24 February and 190 on 23 March. At Jemimaville there were 150 on 4 March and 10 April, whilst the peak concentration for the period was 300 at nearby Udale Bay on 14 April. Seven were still at Jemimaville on 26 May and one at Alturlie the next day. Summer: There were three males on Loch Eye on 25 June. Otherwise, the only reports were of singles, at Alturlie on 19 July, at Castle Stuart on 26 July and at Loch Eye on 5 August. Autumn/Winter: Six were at Loch Eye on 8 September, then 18 on 13 October and 55 on 18 November. Reports from Udale Bay/Jemimaville included 100 on 19 September, 264 on 9 October and a peak of 460 on 6 November. There was also a report of 450 in the wider Cromarty Firth on 15 October. December reports included 185 at Udale Bay on the 28th and 150 at Alturlie on the 29th. Scaup - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 0 0 0 0 Dornoch Firth 1 1 0 0 Cromarty Firth 264 277 229 250 Inverness Firth 371 116 57 88 Inland Lochs 68 0 18 72 TOTALS 704 394 304 410

Eider Somateria mollissima Common breeder; locally common in winter. Winter/Spring: The largest winter concentrations are on the east coast, with the peak year count of 920 in the Dornoch Firth on 23 January. At Whiteness Head reports included 300 on 24 January and 520 on 1 March. Other reports from Dornoch included 490 on 22 February and 700 on 8 March. Encouragingly, reports from Lochaber included a count of 314 between Inversanda and Sallachy on Loch Linnhe on 1 March. At Skelbo there were records of 300 on 24 April and 135 on 22 May. Breeding: Whilst there were other breeding reports, in the ongoing study at Invergordon Port, 77 nests were located along the rock armour around Berth 4. Another 38 were counted in the Queen’s Dock, giving an overall total of 115 nests, a slight decline from the 133 in 2018. This was almost certainly due to the concreting of a large section of the rock armour at Berth 4 making it unsuitable for nesting. A consequence of this was an increase in the number of birds now nesting at the Queen’s Dock. Overall, 65 nests (56%) were known to have successfully hatched chicks. Of the rest, 23 (20%) were predated, 9 (8%) failed due to the concreting of the armoured wall and for 18 the outcome was unknown. Many in this latter category were nests that had been swamped by high tides, making it impossible to say whether this had happened before or after eggs had hatched.

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Summer: The main concentrations relate to moulting flocks. At Loch Ainort on Skye, there were 100 on 4 June, increasing to a peak of 350 on 12 July. There was a count of 200 at Skelbo on 2 August. On Loch Linnhe at Rubha nan Sornagan, there was a flock of 292 on 5 August. Autumn/Winter: September counts included 240 at Balintraid on the 12th, 150 at Fort George on the 27th and 640 at Loch Fleet on the 30th. Counts at Golspie included 235 on 12 October, 310 on 30 November and 240 on 22 December, and at Dornoch, 470 on 16 October, 730 on 17 November and 750 on 14 December.

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Rare visitor. Summer: An adult male and a second-year bird were at Embo on 29 June.

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Uncommon winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth but rare elsewhere; occasional moulting flock in summer in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: There was a single at Gruinard Bay on 14 January. Birds were recorded at Dornoch from January to March, with 18 on 6 January and 22 on 21 March. At nearby Embo there were two April reports, of eight on the 1st and seven on the 23rd. Three birds were present at Loch Ainort on Skye from 12-25 April. At Tarbat Ness records included two birds on 17 April and 18 on 13 May. Summer: The only summer sightings were at Tarbat Ness, of four birds on 20 June and a single on 2 August. Autumn/Winter: One bird was at Embo on 21 September and four at Drumancroy on 13 October. The only reports from the west were of two at Broadford Bay on 9 October and a female at Poolewe on 27 October. Finally, there was an excellent count of 37 at Dornoch on 14 December.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Scarce breeder in north and west; locally common winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth but scarce elsewhere; occasional moulting flock in summer in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: The peak counts were at Dornoch, as shown in the graph. At Whiteness Head, 250 were noted on 24 January and 2000 on 17 February. High counts elsewhere were 250 at Tarbat Ness on 31 March, 800 at Ardersier on 2 April and 300 at Embo on 21 April. Two birds were reported at Loch Garten on 7

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March. Other interesting records, from Skye, included counts of 19 on 25 March and 13 on 20 April at Loch Ainort/Loch na Cairidh, and two drakes in Broadford Bay on 19 May. Breeding: There were no reports.

Summer: In the west, records included three drakes at Aultbea on 24 June and 12 in the Narrows of Raasay on 7 July. The main summer concentrations were on the east coast. The peak count at Tarbat Ness was 190 on 20 June and there were 80 at Dornoch Point on 18 August. Exceptional numbers were reported at Embo, with 1100 on 28 June and 2155 on 30 June. Autumn/Winter: Again, the peak counts were at Dornoch, as shown in the graph. Counts elsewhere included 40 at Tarbat Ness on 18 September, 200 at Whiteness Bay on 10 October, 250 at Drumancroy on 13 October, 600 at Embo on 31 October and 680, 90% of them female/immature, at Golspie on 22 December. Birds were seldom reported in the west, but Broadford Bay had 12 on 3 September and three on 29 December.

* Jan-Apr and Sep-Dec counts at Dornoch by David Patterson; June count at Embo, Dean MacAskill

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Locally common winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth, but scarce elsewhere. Winter/Spring: The only reports away from the east coast were from Kyle of Tongue, of two birds on 4 January and 10 on 14 January. There were 45 at Fort George on 3 January and 200 at Whiteness Head on 17 February. Golspie records included 180 on 1 February and a peak of 1460 on 10 April. Consistently high counts were made at Dornoch, with 1485 on 23 January, 630 on 22 February,

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600 on 3 March, as well as the last single on 18 May. At Portmahomack, records included 250 on 20 April and 90 on 28 April. Summer: There were no reports in summer. Autumn/Winter: The first report was of a single at Rubh an Dunain Point on 11 September. In Sutherland also, 13 were pushing north at Sheigra on 1 October. Records from Chanonry included 1215 on 9 October and 58 on 4 November, while at Tarbat Ness the peak October count was 64 on the 18th. As this species can be mobile, it is suspected there will be some duplication of counts between Golspie and Dornoch. Peak concentrations at Dornoch included 1270 on 17 November and 1420 on 14 December, and at Golspie 840 on 4 December and 820 on 22 December. There was a single at Loch Insh from 1-28 November.

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Scarce local breeder, mainly in Strathspey; common migrant and winter visitor, mainly in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: Although recorded widely in winter, most reports were of small numbers. The peak count of the year was 193 at Gairloch on 27 January, another great effort by RAFOS visiting some of our remoter coastlines. Counts for Longman, Inverness are consistently high, with 123 on 26 January and 54 on 5 March. Records from Milton of Culloden included 65 on 21 February and 120 on 1 March. There were 22 at Kyle of Sutherland on 3 January and, at Loch Eye, 67 on 27 February and 60 on 16 March. At Lochindorb, records included 87 on 24 January and 39 on 28 February. A WeBS count of the River Spey/Insh Marshes totalled 55 on 19 February and 30 were at Loch Morlich on 28 March. On Skye, 13 were seen at Loch Mor on 25 March. Numbers diminish in April. Breeding: The first ducklings were noted on Loch Alvie on 2 May. A female was incubating 10 eggs in Abernethy Forest on 8 May. Broods were also noted at Avielochan, Loch Morlich, Loch Pityoulish and Spey Dam, as well as Loch Insh. Number of Goldeneye pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 16 9 10 5 8 6 9 8 9* 12* * nest boxes with incubating birds

Summer: Six birds were on the Beauly Firth on 25 June and 25 on 30 July. At Loch Eye there were six on 19 July and four on 12 August. On 13 August 33 were reported at Loch Insh. Autumn/Winter: The first autumn migrant was reported at Loch Carron on 10 October. There were 18 males at Shiel Bridge, Acharacle on 8 November and 18 at Loch Mor, Skye on 16 November. Although reports were widespread during the period, the most significant were from Loch Eye, with 52 birds present on 7 December and 64 on the 14th.

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Goldeneye - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 14 19 0 8 Dornoch Firth 34 27 10 22 East Ross coast 0 0 0 0 Cromarty Firth 26 13 0 36 Beauly Firth 7 78 0 7 Inverness Firth 41 42 13 30 Moray Basin Lochs 79 43 22 101 TOTALS 201 222 45 204

Goosander Mergus merganser Widespread riparian breeder in small numbers; uncommon and local in autumn and winter. Winter/Spring: January records from Skye included 10 birds at Heaste on the 5th, 14 at Teangue on the 13th and 18 at Loch Slapin on the 21st. There were 12 at Ullapool on 30 January, 12 at Keoldale, Durness on 22 February and 15 at Loch Morlich on 25 February. In May, nine were at the Borgie Estuary on the 17th, a peak count of 38 at Alness Point on the 19th and 14 at Inverinate, Lochalsh on the 25th. Breeding: A pair were displaying in Loch Lochy on 12 May. Several broods were reported from the River Ness, and family groups were also noted on the River Feshie and at Mullach Coire nan Dearcag. There were two pairs at Loch Insh.

Goosander in May on the River Spey c. Peter Stronach

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Summer: Records from the Linnhe/Lochy confluence at Fort William included 30 birds on 26 June and 22 on 20 August. The peak count at Loch Portree was 25 on 14 July. Among other reports were 39 on the Beauly Firth on 7 June and 45 on 10 July, 26 at Bonar Bridge on 19 June and 37 at Sallachan on 9 August. Autumn/Winter: The majority of significant reports were in September and were widely distributed, including counts of 32 at the Linnhe/Lochy confluence on the 3rd, 35 at Jemimaville on the 9th, 27 at Longman, Inverness on the 10th, 19 at Loch Portree on the 14th and 29 at Milton of Culloden on the 27th. Numbers later were smaller, such as nine at Seafield on 7 October and eight at Acharacle on 7 November.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Widespread, mainly coastal, breeder in small numbers; locally common in autumn and winter, especially in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: Early counts from Loch Fleet included 97 on 9 January and 40 on 23 February. There was a good count of 80 in the Beauly Firth on 23 January and, on the west coast, 47 on Loch Ewe on 28 January. Dornoch records included 35 on 7 February and 76 on 31 March. An indication of numbers in areas rarely recorded came from Loch Linnhe on 1 March, when 39 were at Kilmalieu and 110 between Inversanda and Sallachy. Later reports included 60 at Golspie on 21 April, 35 at Castle Tioram, Acharacle on 5 May and 30 at Fort George on 7 May. Breeding: There was a female with a duckling on Rum on 21 June and a brood on Canna on 31 July. A brood of 15 was seen at Alness Point on 5 July and others were reported from Lochlonghead and Loch Ashie.

Summer: There were few reports of large numbers, but at Udale Bay there were 90 on 17 June and 50 on 21 July. Other east coast reports included 30 at Alness Point on 15 June, 39 at Fort George on 29 June and 35 at Whiteness on 28 August. On the west coast, there was a count of 30 at Kentra on 5 July and a peak of 38 at Loch Ainort, Skye on 28 July. Autumn/Winter: The moulting flock at Balintraid peaked at 570 on 12 September and reduced to 300 on 28 September. There were 104 at Fort George on 3 September, 120 at Loch Fleet on 14 September and 120 at Jemimaville on 19 September. Most of the large flocks dispersed thereafter, the only reports of note being 95 at Dornoch on 13 October and 48 at Dornoch Point on 29 October.

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Red-breasted Merganser - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 36 14 17 15 Dornoch Firth 22 7 4 5 East Ross Coast 0 0 0 0 Cromarty Firth 25 10 41 10 Beauly Firth 32 0 1 0 Inverness Firth 48 19 19 25 Moray Basin Lochs 0 0 0 2 TOTALS 163 50 82 57

Swift Apus apus Locally common summer visitor & breeder in east, but usually scarce in north and west. Spring/Summer: The first record was from Abernethy Forest, of two birds on 27 April, but the main arrival was in the second week of May, with records of five at Beauly on 10 May, two at both Insh Marshes and Boat of Garten on 11 May, 10 at Inverness on 13 May and three at Loch Kinellan on 17 May. Monthly maximum counts were 30+ at Beauly Firth on 29 May, 50 at Loch Morlich on 3 June, 50+ at Invertromie on 27 July and 40+ at Invertromie on 25 August. Single birds were on Eigg on 25 July and on Handa on 28 July. Breeding: Probable breeding was reported from Inverness, Alness, Dingwall, Loch Eye, Golspie, Nethy Bridge and Spean Bridge. On 29 May a pair were noted flying into a probable nest hole on an old Scots Pine tree in Glenmore forest.

Autumn: Most birds had departed by the end of the first week of September, with the highest count being eight at Invertromie on the 6th and the last record at Balintore on 15 September.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Common summer visitor & breeder. Spring/Summer: Four records from the west of the area on 18 April, from Lochlonghead, Auchtertyre, Attadale and Achiltibuie, and three further sites on the 19th, were the earliest. Small numbers were noted on the following seven days until 26 records were submitted from a wide area on 27 April. The first record of a female was at Bla Bheinn on 24 April. Birds were noted in most parts of the recording area in 793 records received. High counts included five at Carn an t-Suidhe on the Great Glen Way on 11 May and six at Melvaig on 25 May. An unusual record of two males singing at the same time and from the same location came from Shieldaig on 25 June.

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Breeding: Mating was observed at Morar on 27 April. The first fledged young noted was at Lochlonghead on 7 July. Ten further records of juvenile birds were received, including one being fed by a Meadow Pipit at Achnahannet, Grantown-on-Spey on 10 August.

Autumn: The last record was of a bird at Loch Ashie on 1 September.

Rock Dove Columba livia Uncommon breeder in north and west; Feral Pigeons are more widespread. Winter/Spring: Nearly all the 450+ records were from the west and north coast areas, with the largest flocks recorded as follows: 40 at Portskerra on 1 January, 91 at Rubha Mor on 28 January, 30 at Portnalong on 8 April and 50 at Sango Bay on 20 June. Breeding: Nesting birds were noted on Eilean nan Ron on 12 and 13 July.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The notable counts were 40 birds at Smoo Caves on 9 July, 28 at Sconser on 10 September and 100 at Inverpolly on 6 October. The difficulties of identifying pure Rock Doves are shown by the presence of Feral Pigeons with wild Rock Dove flocks on Eigg.

Stock Dove Columba oenas Increasingly scarce breeder in Inner Moray Firth Basin; rare elsewhere, but increasing in Easter Ross and SE Sutherland.

Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Stock Dove

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Winter/Spring: Only 21 records in the whole year demonstrate how increasingly scarce this species is in Highland. Most records received were of single birds from the Inner Moray Firth, Easter Ross and Badenoch & Strathspey areas. The highest count in this period was of three birds near Tain on 30 April. Breeding: No breeding records were received.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The maximum count was again only three birds, at Alturlie on 23 August and at Hill of Fearn on 13 October.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Common widespread resident, mainly in east; locally common in winter. Winter/Spring/Summer: Although records were widespread throughout the region, all the high counts came from the east of the area. There were 400 at Mains of Garten on 14 January, 520 at Coulnakyle on 28 January, 600 at Raddery on 10 February and 450 at Avoch on 17 February. In the west, 21 were on Eigg on 31 July. Breeding: The first record of courtship was at Inverpolly on 5 March. Nest-building was noted at Tain on 16 May and recently fledged young were noted at Tarbat Ness on 10 June. Late breeding records included nest-building at Smithton on 10 September and a nest with young at Carse of Ardersier on 2 October. The time span of breeding activity indicated by these records contrasts with the obvious under-reporting of proven breeding, at only five sites.

Autumn/Winter: High counts for the latter part of the year included 100+ at Advie on 19 September, 50+ at Aviemore on 29 November and 300+ at Loch Alvie on 15 December. On 11 November 21 birds were noted on Eigg.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Scarce migrant and summer visitor. Summer/Autumn: Two records of, presumably, the same bird, came from Melness, Tongue on 16 May.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common widespread resident, mainly in east but increasing in north and west. Winter/Spring: There were nearly 2000 records, with most reporting singles or pairs. The core areas are still Aviemore, Carrbridge, Inverness, Ardersier and

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Easter Ross. The highest count was of 50 in Portmahomack on 31 January. Records from the west and north were mainly of single birds. Breeding: Very few breeding records were received but two adults were with two juveniles on Eigg on 7 June.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The highest counts in this period were of 16 at Carrbridge on 16 November, 20+ at Ardersier on 23 November and 20 at Inver on 22 December.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Secretive, but widespread resident in suitable habitat. Winter/Spring: The first birds noted were at Loch Suardal on 9 January and Loch Evelix on 22 January but most records came during April-June and mostly from Badenoch & Strathspey. Usually, only one bird was seen or heard. Summer/Breeding: Two birds were engaged in courtship at Bogach, Badenoch & Strathspey on 27 May and on 12 June four birds were on the site. Juveniles were recorded when one was photographed at Elgol on 11 August and two were trapped and ringed at Castle Stuart on 27 August and 6 September, one of them so young it must have been bred there.

Autumn/Winter: Single birds were recorded in this period from Elgol, Ashaig, Loch Suardal, Morefield near Ullapool, Balnakeil, Loch Flemington, Whiteness and Loch Insh. Two adults were trapped and ringed at Castle Stuart, on 3 and 7 September. An unusual record was of one on Rosemarkie Beach on 15 November.

Corncrake Crex crex Locally scarce summer visitor & breeder in north and west; rare elsewhere. Spring: Only seven casual records were received. The first was on Skye on 29 April. This was followed by birds on Muck on 7 May, at Ardnamurchan on 28 May, another on Skye on 5 June, one at Durness on 16 June and two on Muck on 26 June. Breeding: The number of calling males on Skye decreased from 17 in 2018 to 13. Corncrake - 10-year summary of calling males at Durness 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Calling males 18 11 8 8 11 8 13 6 7 6

Summer/Autumn: No late summer or autumn records were received.

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Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Locally common resident in east, but scarce in north and west. Winter/Spring: Most records came from Inverness, Tain and Badenoch & Strathspey areas. Eight birds were at Loch Flemington on 6 January and seven at Tain on 3 March. The only records from the north or west came from the Durness area, with nine birds there on 17 February and 21 on 27 March. Breeding: The first breeding record was of a chick at Drummond, Inverness on 4 June and four young were seen there on 19 June. Five chicks were noted at Kincraig on 10 July. A second brood was recorded Drummond on 7 August and a probable second brood at Beechwood, Inverness on 18 September.

Autumn/Winter: The largest groups seen were six birds at Loch Flemington on 19 September and six at Tain on 5 December.

Coot Fulica atra Uncommon local breeder in east, but rare in west and absent from north; locally common in Inner Moray Firth basin in some winters. Winter/Spring: As with Moorhen, distribution was concentrated on lowland water bodies in the vicinity of the Moray Firth, generally in low numbers, with the exception of Loch Eye which held 150 birds on 6 January. No count elsewhere approached this concentration, with eight at Alturlie pools on 18 April being the highest. Balnakeil Marsh was the only site outwith the Moray Firth where birds were reported, the maximum being three on 27 April. Breeding: A crow was seen predating a nest on 19 April at Loch Kinellan. There were two nests at Whiteness on 15 May and two pairs with five young each were there on 21 May. Breeding was confirmed at two further sites in the same area.

Autumn/Winter: An unusual sighting of a bird in the Sound of Raasay on 20 July was followed by a report of one at Isle Ornsay on Skye on 20 September. Numbers at Loch Eye built from 93 on 3 October to 166 on 7 November.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Widespread and increasing breeder in small numbers. Winter/Spring/Summer: During the early part of the year most records were of low numbers at widespread coastal sites or on lochs near the coast. Five birds were present at The Mound on 3 January, six at the River Conon Estuary on 6 January, 15 at Duirinish on 19 January and 14 at Upper Loch Torridon on 31 January. Records from inland sites began to increase in March, with displaying birds recorded at numerous sites in April.

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Breeding: Confirmed breeding records came from 10 sites, the earliest at Loch Ruthven on 9 May. Late broods were noted at Avielochan and Deishar in Strathspey on 3 and 7 September. A pair raised three young on Eigg, the first breeding record since 1963.

Autumn/Winter: Eleven birds on Loch Eil on 8 August, 49 at Loch Kinellan on 8 September and 60 on Loch Eye on 18 September were the high counts for the autumn/winter period.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisigena Scarce winter visitor. Autumn/Winter: There was only one record, of a single bird at Embo on 1 December.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Has bred; scarce visitor, mainly in autumn and winter, but summer records increasing. Winter/Spring: A single bird was present in the Alturlie/Milton of Culloden area, with six reports between 21 January and 16 April. Another was on Loch Eye on 2 and 24 April and there were two there on 10 May. Autumn/Winter: Another four reports of a bird in the Alturlie/Milton of Culloden area between 20 November and 19 December were the only autumn records.

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Scarce local breeder; common in winter, especially in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: The highest counts on the east coast were 53 birds off Dornoch on 6 January and 23 in the Beauly Firth on 1 April. West coast counts were generally much lower, but 12 at Loch Ewe on 28 January and 41 on Loch Linnhe on 1 March were notable. Breeding: Birds started returning to breeding lochs in early March and most were on site by the first week of April. Breeding was reported from several lochs, including a record of three chicks with four adults on Loch Ruthven on 13 August.

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Slavonian Grebe breeding productivity in Highland 2019: Occupied lochs No. of pairs No. of young N of Great Glen, Inverness District 5 5 5 S of Great Glen, Inverness District 6 17 8 Badenoch & Strathspey 1 1 2 Ross-shire 2 3 0 TOTALS 14 26 15 All Scotland 14 26 15 Slavonian Grebe breeding productivity in Highland 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Breeding pairs 20 28 34 23 23 28 35 27 26 26 Young fledged 17 14 10 15 37 14 21 7 14 15 Young per pair 0.85 0.50 0.29 0.65 1.61 0.50 0.60 0.30 0.54 0.57

Autumn/Winter: The numbers in the Udale Bay/Cromarty Firth area rose from 22 on 19 September to 65+ on 15 October. There were also 42 off Golspie on 22 December.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Common breeder; abundant in Inner Moray Firth in winter, but uncommon elsewhere. Winter/Spring: As usual, the peak counts originated from the Moray Firth, although birds were recorded at most coastal areas, albeit in lower numbers away from the core wintering range. Generally, the highest counts are recorded in autumn but, unusually, a count of 1228 at Lentran on 5 January was the largest of the year. That site held 409 on 11 February which was surprisingly the third highest count of the early half of the year, after 450 at Dornoch Point on 2 February. A count of 129 on 29 January at Tongue Bay was the maximum from the north coast, whilst 83 at Loch Portree, Skye on 17 January was the peak in the west. An early inland bird was seen near Grantown-on-Spey on 10 February and five days later a flock at Insh Marshes began to build up, with 41 there by the 19 February WeBS count. This was soon followed by other birds gathering at Lochindorb, but it was not until 26 February that singles or low numbers of birds were seen more widely at possible breeding locations near Tomatin and Aviemore. By 2 March a flock of 113 was seen along the Spey near Dulnain Bridge. On Eigg, breeding birds were noted arriving in early March. Breeding: Breeding was noted across the recording area and, although only a small number of records were confirmed, these included urban areas such as Inverness, Dingwall and Tain, as well as rural areas in Badenoch & Strathspey, Rogart, the Dornoch Firth and, in the north-west, at Altandhu in Wester Ross and Cape Wrath in Sutherland. Island breeding was confirmed on Rum, Eilean Hoan and Eigg, where 11 pairs only fledged a single chick. A similar situation prevailed on Handa, where a single fledgling was observed, despite the three known nests having all been predated. Finally, a single chick was ringed by the Shiants Auk Ringing Group on Fladaigh Chuain on 23 June.

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Number of Oystercatcher pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 34 37 41 * 42 37 42 34 40 41 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Oystercatcher trapped in fishing line in April at Lochindorb c. Desmond Dugan

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Birds departed their breeding grounds during July and August. During autumn, numerous sites around the Moray Firth regularly hosted counts of well over 100 birds, with 550 being the maximum at Whiteness on 10 October. Elsewhere, 164 birds at Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan on 1 September was the peak, closely followed by 160 recorded in Broadford Bay, Skye on a couple of dates in late July. Oystercatcher - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 537 402 641 496 Dornoch Firth 1304 997 641 954 East Ross Coast 66 83 105 144 Cromarty Firth 2069 1763 2481 1861 Beauly Firth 505 641 482 537 Inverness Firth 916 827 1338 1336 TOTALS 5397 4713 5688 5328

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Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Scarce migrant. Spring: Three birds were present at the mouth of the River Conon from 19-22 April.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Common but declining breeder in east, but scarce elsewhere; locally common migrant, but can be uncommon in winter. Winter/Spring: Although most early winter records were from coastal areas, there were few sizeable flocks, with 120 at Udale Bay on 4 January being the largest. Some birds could still be found inland, such as 57 at Dalchork on 3 January. On Skye, a flock of 40-45 birds was near to the south end of Loch Harport on 19 January and a similar number near Balmore on 1 February. On the north coast, a flock of 26 on the Kyle of Durness on 30 January was the peak. At several inland sites it was clear to see numbers build up to a peak in late February/early March before decreasing as they dispersed to breeding grounds. This was illustrated at Insh Marshes, where a WeBS count on 19 February recorded 465 birds. Three days later the largest count of the year from the recording area was made when 520 birds were seen, yet by the subsequent WeBS count on 24 March only 108 were recorded. The same pattern could be seen near to Dulnain Bridge, where bird numbers peaked at 400 on 3 March, and in Strath Dearn which hosted a maximum of 250 birds on 8 March. By April most counts were in single figures, with birds settled back on breeding grounds. Breeding: On Eigg, a maximum of 36 pairs bred, continuing the decline there, with the first clutch of eggs being found on 26 April and several young seen subsequently. At Insh Marshes, 70 pairs bred with an estimated productivity of 0.81. Over 50 incidental records of confirmed breeding were received, many referring to the same areas particularly in Badenoch & Strathspey. Elsewhere, breeding was confirmed on Rum, Canna, at Lochindorb, Loch Eye, Balnakeil, Strath Brora and on the outskirts of Avoch and Tain. Number of Lapwing pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 59 45 61 * 61 57 58 59 77 70 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn/Winter: During the summer months there were numerous records, presumably mostly of breeding birds, in the eastern part of the recording area, but in the west records were much scarcer. No breeding was confirmed on the west coast mainland other than at Balnakeil, although birds were seen displaying at Achnahaird, Wester Ross on 9 May. Post-breeding flocks built up gradually from mid-June onwards, the first notable one a flock of 58 at Insh Marshes on 17 June. Over on the islands, a flock of at least 10 was on Muck on 26 June and two days later 25 were seen on Eigg, where numbers peaked at

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65 on 19 August. By mid-July, flocks of over 100 were seen at Insh Marshes and Cromdale, and on 5 August 170 were at Loch Eye. By September, the emphasis had shifted from inland to coastal sites around the Moray Firth. On 3 September 170 were at Alturlie and the following day 130 were on the Beauly Firth. The largest count recorded in this period was 300 birds at Nigg Bay on 16 October, followed by 200 at Udale Bay on 5 November. Counts at other coastal sites were generally in single figures. A flock of 60 birds on Eigg on 16 December was notable for its timing and location. During the 15 October WeBS count at Insh Marshes 83 birds were still present, although counts there in subsequent months unsurprisingly failed to locate any. Lapwing - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 102 0 55 46 Dornoch Firth 305 40 134 152 Cromarty Firth 304 150 605 661 Beauly Firth 0 77 136 21 Inverness Firth 125 2 191 5 TOTALS 836 269 1121 885

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Locally common breeder; locally common migrant and uncommon winter visitor, mainly in east. Winter/Spring: From the start of the year small flocks could be encountered on coastal beaches and farmland as well as some lowland inland sites. Most flocks were up to about 30 birds, but a few larger ones were noted, with fields near Tarbat Ness hosting over 100 on an almost daily basis and up to 500 on 7 February. Coastal sites in the north and west also held small wintering flocks, with 28 seen at Clashnessie, W Sutherland on 30 January, 104 at Loch Gairloch on 1 February and first birds appeared on Rum three days later. From this point onwards the coastal flocks began to diminish and the inland flocks increased, with around 250 being seen along the Carr Road in Strathspey on 11 March, whilst at Insh Marshes the flock peaked at 164 birds two days later. On Skye, wintering birds were relatively scarce but, during spring, a flock of 200 was at Feorlig on 21 and 23 April, and on 22 April 98 were seen flying south past Neist Point during a 4-hour sea watch! Balnakeil numbers also peaked in late April with 55 birds on the 27th. Despite their peak being in mid-March, passage birds could still be found into May, with a flock of at least 18 seen on Eilean Hoan on the 22nd. An extremely early bird was seen on breeding grounds on 4 January near Ardgay, Easter Ross. Aside from this record it was from late February onwards that birds began to appear regularly in the uplands, with three on the 23rd above Glen Loy and at least 10 were seen three days later at 945m altitude on a summit above Newtonmore. Breeding: There were 41 possible and probable breeding records received, ranging across the uplands of the entire recording area. Breeding was only confirmed at seven

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locations, the first involving a couple of nests found on Rum on 15 May. All the other confirmed records occurred in June, with one from Sutherland and the others from the Cairngorms or Monadhliaths. In a surveyed area of Sallachy estate, Lairg there were at least 80 territorial pairs, less than the 93 recorded in 2016 and 87 in 2017, but above the 68 in 2018.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Throughout June most records occurred in areas of suitable breeding habitat, although a small number of non-breeding birds were seen elsewhere, including at Ardnish, Skye and Insh Marshes. It was late July and early August before post-breeding birds began to reappear in lower ground, near Boat of Garten on 23 July and at Tarbat Ness on 10 August. Counts remained generally in single figures until late September, when 20 were at Duirinish, Skye on the 27th and 30 the following day at Whiteness. Flocks soon increased during October, with 500 at Nigg Bay on the 11th, while at Tarbat Ness counts of 100 birds became common. On 3 November Loch Dunvegan produced a count of 53 and, although the Nigg flock appeared to have dispersed, the Tarbat Ness count had increased to 220 birds by the end of the month. There were surprisingly few December records, suggesting many birds had moved on, with the largest count 100 at Invergordon, and the Tarbat Ness flock had reduced to just 25 at the end of the year.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Uncommon migrant, mainly in autumn in east, but scarce in winter. Winter/Spring/Summer: WeBS counts picked up a single bird on the Dornoch Firth and two within the Cromarty Firth on 6 January. A total of five were in the Dornoch Firth and four in the Cromarty Firth during the count on 10 February. Aside from this, Dornoch Point was the only other location to report winter records, with eight birds present on 2 February, and three remained on several dates during April until mid-May. During June, two birds were reported from Sango Bay, Durness on the 20th and a single bird was present on several dates at Whiteness Bay, and again in late July. Autumn/Winter: The first presumed returnees were two birds seen at Dornoch Point on 23 August. The following day one was also seen at Whiteness, although this may have been the summering bird. A single bird was at Udale Bay on 30 August and again in September, when on the 22nd one was seen at Firemore near Poolewe. During October, records became much more frequent and widespread, including some from the west, with two at Broadford Bay, Skye on the 6th, one at Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan on the 13th and one at Achnahaird on the 21st. In the Moray Firth area, singles were recorded on several dates at Nigg Bay, although eight there on 3 October was a notable count. Two were at Alness Point on the 11th. At Whiteness Bay, four were present on 11 October, three the following day and a staggering 23 birds on the 13th, with two seen regularly into late November. The peak count at Dornoch Point was 11 birds on 13 October, with nine there on 16 November and one on 8 December, the only record for the entire recording area in that month. The WeBS count total on 13 October was a

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remarkable 32 individuals, comprising two from the Dornoch Firth, an impressive 21 from the Cromarty Firth, five from the Beauly Firth and four from the Inverness Firth.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Widespread breeder on coast in small numbers, but scarcer inland; locally common in Inner Moray Firth in autumn and winter. Winter/Spring: Found on all coastal areas, predominantly in low numbers during winter, counts remained mostly in single figures and distribution fairly static until mid-April when larger flocks began to congregate. Increases began suddenly on 15 April with 100 at Broadford Bay, Skye. Two days later around 90 were at Dornoch Point and 52 at Whiteness the following day. The Broadford Bay count peaked on 26 April at 120 birds, while passage on the east coast seemed a bit later, with the Whiteness maximum of over 100 on 15 May and 170 at Dornoch Point on 20 May.

Passage Ringed Plover in June at over 3000ft. on Drumochter plateau c. Colin Richards

Breeding: The first record of inland birds on potential breeding grounds was a pair seen on 4 April in Wester Ross. Breeding was confirmed on Rum, with nests containing eggs seen on a couple of dates in late May. A bird was seen at a nest near Glenelg on 21 May and distraction displays were observed by birds on shingle beaches on Eilean Hoan on 22 May. On Eigg, the usual 10-11 breeding pairs were again present, with the first full clutch of eggs found on 8 April, and indications were that it was a reasonably successful season with several chicks seen. Breeding was suspected at a couple of locations on

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Handa although never confirmed. Despite being a relatively widespread and common breeder in suitable habitat throughout the recording area, it was disappointing to receive confirmed breeding records from only four locations.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: A late spring passage was suggested by the 110 birds still present at Dornoch Point on 1 June and by a notable flock of 21 seen at Galmisdale Bay, Eigg that same day. Up to 20 birds were counted at Broadford Bay and around the Whiteness area over the following week, but subsequent records in June only involved singletons. Post-breeding flocks slowly began to appear from 15 July, when the first 26 birds were seen at Sallachan Bay, Lochaber. By early August, most records involved counts of at least 10 birds, but the first sizeable flocks occurred on 23 August, with 100 at Broadford Bay and a peak autumn count of about 200 at Whiteness. The Broadford Bay flock continued to increase until it also reached 200 on 27 August. After this date counts returned to a similar distribution and size as at the start of the year, with flocks of generally between 10 and 40 birds. Ringed Plover - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 145 106 135 242 Dornoch Firth 16 28 75 69 East Ross Coast 0 11 33 20 Cromarty Firth 48 169 73 123 Beauly Firth 0 0 0 0 Inverness Firth 16 14 40 11 TOTALS 225 328 356 465

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Scarce passage visitor. Spring/Summer: A single bird was found at Alturlie pools on 22 May. Amazingly, a lone bird was also found at the same location on 31 July-4 August. Considering this is one of Highland’s best watched sites, if these records involved the same bird, it is surprising that it was never seen during the intervening period, so it is unlikely to have remained there, but could have migrated further north and returned via the same site.

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Uncommon summer visitor & breeder in high upland habitat; scarce elsewhere in spring and summer. Spring/Summer: It was encouraging that the number of records increased this year to 36 and also that they came from a wider selection of locations compared with previous years. The distribution across the region was as follows: 22 from various sites across the Cairngorms, six from Wester Ross, two from Easter Ross, five from Lochaber and a single bird on Skye on 9 May. The first record of the

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year was of three birds on 29 April on a Cairngorm site. The final record was of a group of nine birds on 24 August at another Cairngorm site. Breeding: There were seven records of confirmed breeding, with the first nest reported on 4 June and the first young on 20 July. In total, eight juveniles were seen across three different sites.

Dotterel in June on Drumochter plateau c. Colin Richards

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Has bred; uncommon migrant but can be locally common. Winter/Spring: There was one unusual record of two wintering birds at Dundonnell, Little Loch Broom on 30 January. Spring passage began on 19 March with another unusual record, from Grantown-on-Spey where, given the timing shortly after midnight, it was presumably heard calling as it flew over. A bird was then reported from Forsinard on 30 March, but it was not until early April that coastal birds began to put in an appearance, starting with one at Brora on 7 April and four at Dornoch Point the following day. By some way the largest flock of the spring was reported from the recording boundary with Argyll, when a loose flock of around 80 birds flew north up the sound of Mull from Oban to the Craignure ferry on 27 April. The next highest count was of 34 birds at Balnakeil on 5 May and two days later 30 were at Feorlig, Skye. On the east coast, a count of 17 at Dornoch Point on 21 April was the highest. Autumn: There was no obvious gap between spring and autumn passage, as a small number of birds were recorded at various locations throughout the

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summer. However, a bird flying in off the sea at Tarbat Ness on 1 July would seem an appropriate sighting to begin the second half of the year. Throughout July counts gradually increased, but jumped on the 24th to 29 at Broadford Bay and 39 there the following day, when 40 were also seen flying past Chanonry Point. On 28 July flocks of around 30 birds were again seen around Chanonry and Whiteness, but almost a month of only single figure counts then followed. On 24 August 18 were at Whiteness, whilst Broadford Bay hosted 12. The last of the significant counts were 25 at Fort George on 27 August and 12 the following day at Whiteness. For the next month, one or two birds were seen at a small number of locations and Tarbat Ness held three on several dates, with the last bird seen there on 7 October. One bird was at Dalmore near Alness on 9 and 10 October, and the final record of the year came on 27 October with three birds reported from a beach near Morar.

Curlew Numenius arquata Common but declining breeder; common winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth, but uncommon elsewhere. Winter/Spring: There were numerous records from the Moray Firth area at the start of the year, with counts from the most popular roost sites regularly surpassing 100 birds. Most locations recorded their peak numbers in early February. The Dornoch Firth produced all of the top counts on the 7th, with Dornoch Beach holding 230 birds, Inver 205, Tain 200 and Loch Fleet 190. On the north and west coasts birds were certainly present but counts were mostly in single figures. Peak count on the north coast, by some way, was 69 birds at Talmine, Tongue Bay on 29 January and, on the west, 35 at Clashnessie Bay on the following day. The first inland birds were reported at Grantown-on-Spey on 10 February and the next record came 10 days later when 11 were near to Dulnain Bridge. Thereafter, flocks built up at suitable inland sites prior to breeding dispersal, with an impressive 159 birds at Broomhill Bridge on the Spey on 8 March. None were recorded during the 19 February WeBS count at Insh Marshes but 22 were present by the time of the 23 March count. Breeding: At Insh Marshes, the number of breeding pairs rose from last year’s 72 to 83, although this is still some way below the 103 pairs counted in 2014. On Eigg, two pairs were known to have nested and one pair successfully fledged two young which were first seen on 23 June. Only 10 incidental records of confirmed breeding were submitted and half related to Insh Marshes or the surrounding area. Number of Curlew pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 63 59 79 * 103 94 95 99 72 83 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Throughout June and most of July counts at coastal locations and inland breeding grounds were mostly low. Exceptionally, Loch Portree hosted 80 birds on 17 June and 21 July, substantially more than Udale Bay, which had the next highest count of 43 on 21 June. On 26 July counts of 100

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at Udale Bay and 215 at Castle Stuart signalled the start of the post-breeding dispersal. Flocks increased at coastal locations, particularly in the east, peaking at 290 at Castle Stuart on 23 September. After this, no more three-figure flocks were reported, apart from one of 100 birds at Tarbat Ness on 6 November. Away from the Moray Firth, Loch Portree continued to hold significant numbers for the west, with 75 birds present on 17 November. The last inland record of the year appeared to be from Insh Marshes on 11 October, in line with the WeBS results there of just a lone bird on 1 October and none in subsequent months. Curlew - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 236 82 619 328 Dornoch Firth 343 578 680 734 East Ross Coast 19 14 68 31 Cromarty Firth 764 803 1001 1102 Beauly Firth 257 220 198 169 Inverness Firth 418 490 942 813 TOTALS 2037 2187 3508 3177

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Common migrant and winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth, but scarce in north and west; locally uncommon in Inner Moray Firth in summer. Winter/Spring: During January numbers were low everywhere compared with the same period last year, with no sites holding more than 75 birds. However, the first count from Dornoch Point was not until 2 February, when around 1000 birds were estimated, suggesting this was where many had been wintering. Throughout the rest of February numbers were similar to those of January, but some movement became apparent when around 200 birds appeared in the Whiteness area on 1 March. On 17 April around 100 birds were at nearby Fort George, while 200 were at Dornoch Point. A count of 120 birds at Dornoch Point on 1 June was the last sizeable count of the spring period. Although records were more common in the Moray Firth, birds were certainly present on the north and west coasts, albeit in relatively low numbers, with maxima of 15 at the Kyle of Tongue on 4 January and 18 at Portree Bay on both 17 January and 2 February. Summer/Autumn/Winter: Non-breeding birds remained in low numbers at a handful of coastal locations throughout the summer, with regular records from Whiteness, Embo, Dornoch, Udale Bay and Portree through June and the first half of July. By the end of July, it was clear that birds were returning, with Whiteness for example holding 36 birds on 13 July, 41 on the 19th, 82 birds on 28th and, what was probably the same flock, over 150 at Fort George on 11 August. Numbers at Dornoch Point had also increased to 120 by 18 August and on 23 August passage peaked on Skye with 30 birds present at Broadford Bay. During September numbers rose on the Cromarty Firth, with 200 at Nigg Bay on the 16th and over 100 on the 19th and 21st at Udale Bay. Around 250 were at

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Whiteness Bay on 26 September, which marked the peak of autumn passage at this site, although Dornoch Point peaked a month later with around 350 birds on 29 October. During the last two months of the year numbers decreased, with around 120 remaining at Dornoch at the end of November and around 100 at Fort George in December. On Skye, 15 were at Loch Portree and 17 at Broadford Bay during December. Surprisingly, there were no records from the north coast during the second half of the year, more likely due to a lack of coverage than absence of birds. Bar-tailed Godwit - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 62 10 59 62 Dornoch Firth 1179 612 253 460 Cromarty Firth 444 106 378 424 Beauly Firth 74 1 35 115 Inverness Firth 158 224 203 289 TOTALS 1917 953 928 1350

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Uncommon but increasing migrant, scarce in winter, mainly in east. Winter/Spring: During the 6 January Inner Moray Firth WeBS count 55 birds were recorded, comprising two in the Brora to Dornoch section, three in the Dornoch Firth, 45 in the Beauly Firth and five in the Inverness Firth. This compared with 73 recorded during the 10 February count, when 14 were in the Cromarty Firth and 59 in the Beauly Firth. By 18 March, the Beauly Firth flock peaked at over 60 birds, reducing to around 45 on 22 and 24 April. There was a significant passage on Skye on 21 April, with around 100 birds seen at Caroy. Although a couple of reports from inland locations in May hinted at potential breeding, birds were not seen subsequently suggesting they were likely to have been on late passage. Summer/Autumn/Winter: A small number of birds remained at coastal locations throughout June, predominantly on the west coast, although two were seen off Tain. Numbers began building back up at coastal sites towards the end of July, with an impressive 92 birds at Broadford Bay, Skye on 22 July. Munlochy Bay on the Black Isle produced the first notable autumn east coast tally with 37 birds on 16 August. Other significant counts included 14 at Back of Keppoch, Arisaig on 18 August, 25 at Whiteness on 23 August, 12 at Udale Bay on 1 September and a flooded field close to Inverness Airport held birds on several dates through autumn, peaking at 25 on 6 September. A staggering 133 birds were seen on the Beauly Firth on 9 September, a number which declined before the wintering population built up again to around 80 on 16 October. Udale Bay also held a wintering flock, with a maximum of 30 birds seen on 12 November. A single bird in Insh Marshes for the first five days of September was the only record significantly inland during autumn, although birds were also sound-

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recorded flying over Nethy Bridge in the early hours of 3 September. On Eigg, there were three records, all from the Kildonan area and all during August, a single bird on the 19th, three birds on the 21st and another single bird the following week. During the Moray Firth WeBS counts, one was on the Dornoch Firth on 13 October and on the same date 22 were on the Cromarty Firth. During the 15 December count nine were on the Cromarty Firth, 40 on the Beauly Firth and 10 on the Inverness Firth.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres Locally common winter visitor and migrant in Inner Moray Firth, scarcer elsewhere. Winter/Spring: During the winter period records were received from various coastal locations and, although the majority were from the Moray Firth, a substantial number were also reported from the north and west coasts. The average count during January and February was of six birds per record, but this more than doubled during March, with Balintore hosting the largest flock of the spring with 43 birds on the 20th, closely followed by 35 at Chanonry on the 26th. The following month all counts were in single figures, with the exception of 15 birds at Embo on 1 April and a high tide roost of at least 27 birds at Fort George on 17 April. Throughout May most records were of just one or two birds, but a count of 29 at Tarbat Ness on the 13th was unseasonably high. Summer/Autumn/Winter: During June just five records were received, one bird at Dornoch Point on the 1st and, the following day, two at Fort George. On 19 June two were seen at Ardmair Point near Ullapool and three days later two at Dunrobin Castle near Golspie. On the last day of the month there was a record from the mouth of Loch Fleet. There were no records from the first half of July but by the latter half it became apparent that birds were returning, with flocks of 14 at Fort George on the 26th and 12 at Balintore the following day. Flocks continued to become more common and build up during August, with 42 at Dornoch Links on the 12th and 40 at Kilmalieu on Loch Linnhe four days later. September totals were similar to those of August, but the two counts of the year were made on 18 August, with 55 birds at Balintore and 50 at Loch Ainort, Skye. During the final two months of the year, both the east and west coasts reported regular flocks of up to 20 birds, with maximum counts of 31 at Dornoch Point on 27 November and 32 at Broadford Bay on 17 December. Turnstone - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 5 16 0 41 Dornoch Firth 5 15 0 14 East Ross Coast 20 12 6 23 Cromarty Firth 43 16 11 5 Inverness Firth 24 52 61 55 TOTALS 97 111 78 138

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Knot Calidris canutus Common migrant and winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth, scarce elsewhere. Winter/Spring: Flocks of varying sizes were seen within the Moray Firth area, from just one or two birds to several hundred. A flock of 550 was at Nigg Bay on 6 January and 250 were at Dornoch Point on 2 February. Over 600 were counted at Inver Bay on the Dornoch Firth on 10 February and a week later a similar number was seen at Seafield, Inverness. During March, 100 were seen at Fort George and Whiteness on the 1st and, on the 5th, over 300 were still at Seafield. On 13 April the largest flock of the year, 800, was seen at Fort George, but subsequent records referred to much reduced flock sizes, of 40 or fewer birds, as spring migration came to a close. A flock of 34, most likely non-breeders, at Dornoch Point on 18 May was the last spring record. The only records away from the Moray Firth during this period were one from the rather unusual location of Kinlochleven on 22 February and others of a singleton at Broadford Bay, Skye on three dates between 22 April and 9 May.

Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Knot

Summer/Autumn/Winter: A flock of 70 non-breeding birds was at Dornoch Point on 1 June, and on 15 and 17 June flocks of 35 and 25 respectively were at Tarbat Ness. These sites also reported lower numbers later in the month but the only other site to report birds was Whiteness, with two in the bay on the 20th. The first July record was from Rum, with two birds present on the 12th which would suggest the start of return passage, especially as on the following day two more were recorded, also on the west coast on Loch Ewe. On 22 July Broadford Bay saw a notable passage totalling 61 birds and on 11 August a record of 70

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from Strathy Point was a noteworthy north coast record. Dornoch Point was the first location to hit a three-figure count, with 100 birds present on 18 August, and just three days later Tain boasted a count of 500. Most other sites continued to host much lower numbers, but a flock of 35 at Loch Portree was a notable count for this location. On 10 September 200 were at Tarbat Ness and two days later a site near Invergordon recorded the same number. Counts of 450 were recorded at Udale Bay on 19 September and at Castle Stuart Bay four days later, whilst Seafield, Inverness peaked at 250 birds on 29 September. The most notable count in October was 300 birds at Nigg Bay and around 400 at Whiteness on 28 November was that month’s peak. The reporting rate in autumn was higher than usual, as shown in the graph. The year finished with a count of 500 at Inver on the Dornoch Firth on 22 December, although perhaps just as notable was the presence of a bird on several dates through the month at Loch Portree and another at Broadford Bay on 30 December. Knot - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 60 0 150 32 Dornoch Firth 1100 965 565 270 Cromarty Firth 2050 300 1347 1191 Beauly Firth 180 0 0 500 Inverness Firth 179 96 546 497 TOTALS 3569 1361 2608 2490

Ruff Calidris pugnax Has bred; has wintered, but usually scarce passage migrant, mainly in Inner Moray Firth. Spring/Summer: There was one spring record of a bird at Ardtornish, Morvern on 7 May and summer records of, interestingly, one on 8 June on an inland site in Lochaber and one in Broadford Bay on 26 August. Autumn: One bird was at Easter Dalziel, Dalcross from 2-7 September and another at Alturlie pools on 1 October.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Scarce passage migrant, mainly in Inner Moray Firth. Spring: There was a single spring record, of a bird at Slaggan Bay, Mellon Charles, Wester Ross on 30 May. Autumn: Three birds were found during autumn passage, the first at Alturlie Point on 23 August. On 9 October a bird was found between Fort George and Whiteness and one was at Udale Bay on 18 October.

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Sanderling Calidris alba Uncommon but increasing migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: Relatively few records were received, nearly all of them involving small flocks on the east coast. In January, 40 at Brora on the 6th and 30 at Golspie on the 22nd were the highest counts. During the 6 January WeBS count 75 were recorded, all in the Brora to Dornoch section. This section held 106 birds in the 10 February count, with an additional 19 in the Dornoch Firth and 11 in the Inverness Firth. The most notable record in February was a report from Kinlochleven on the west coast on the 22nd. During March, the only records were from the Fort George-Whiteness area, where the highest count was 23 on the 18th. In the following month passage clearly got underway with 156 counted at Brora on 3 April. Migrating flocks continued through May, with 230 birds at Dornoch Point on the 18th and 220 still present there on 1 June. On the west coast, single birds were seen at Durness on 5 May, Broadford Bay on 8 May, Ardnamurchan on 13 May and Gairloch on 30 May. On 23 May 20 birds were seen off Skye on the Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry. Also, during May and early June, several records were received from Rum, which peaked at 11 birds on 31 May. Summer/Autumn/Winter: Aside from the previously mentioned records early in June from Dornoch and Rum, the remainder of June and first half of July produced only a handful of records, all from various sites on the west coast. Three birds at Fort George on 16 July probably signalled the first of the returning birds, with 20 at nearby Whiteness three days later. Meanwhile, on the west coast numbers were also building up at Broadford Bay, with counts rising to 23 on 27 July. Flock counts continued to increase during August, with at least 117 birds at Whiteness on the 28th and 45 at Dornoch Point on the 30th. On the same day, at least 25 were on Rum and on the next day 44 were at Broadford Bay. Throughout September counts were generally lower, all under 20 birds with the exception of a whopping 300 at Whiteness on the 28th. Although numbers thereafter decreased at Whiteness, it still held an impressive 150 on 14 October. Meanwhile, three birds at Balnakeil on 8 October was the final record of the year for both north and west coasts. WeBS counts recorded 30 on the Brora to Dornoch section and six in the Inverness Firth during the 13 October count, whilst on 15 December 126 were in the Brora to Dornoch section and 103 on the Dornoch Firth. Two other large flocks noted were 110 at Coul Links on 14 November and 120 at Dornoch Point on 17 December.

Dunlin Calidris alpina Fairly common breeder in uplands; common migrant and winter visitor to Inner Moray Firth, but uncommon in north and west. Winter/Spring: The year began with some high counts recorded around the Moray Firth. On 6 January 500 were at Lentran on the Beauly Firth, which also held the same number on 11 February. On 24 January 550 were counted at Castle Stuart and the peak count for the first half of the year was 625 at Dornoch

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Point on 7 February, when 215 were also seen at Inver. Numbers began to decrease after this, with 300 birds on 1 March at Whiteness being the highest count that month. There were fewer records and reduced counts during April, the highest count being 100 at Broadford Bay, Skye on the 22nd. This picture continued into May, with Broadford Bay again producing the maximum count, 160 on the 17th, although two days earlier Whiteness hosted 150 birds. Breeding: An adult seen doing a distraction display at a montane site in Lochaber in mid-July was the only record of confirmed breeding. There were two records of probable breeding, one from the south-west Monadhliath and another from the central Cairngorms, although a number of other inland records also probably related to nesting attempts. In a surveyed area of Sallachy estate, Lairg there were at least 62 territorial pairs, just below the 65 recorded in 2016 and 73 in 2017, but higher than the 47 in 2018.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: June counts were almost always in single figures, the exceptions being at Dornoch Point, with around 90 birds on the 1st and 11 at the end of the month. July began with few records and low counts until the 21st, when 30 were seen at Udale Bay. Numbers at Broadford Bay fluctuated from 230 on the 24th, down to 150 next day, but on the following day back up to 260! On 27 July 120 birds were at Dornoch Point and 85 at Whiteness on the 28th, but a count of 19 at Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan on 30 July was notable as few records come from this area. During August, lower counts were made at the same familiar sites across the region until the end of the month, when Whiteness held around 100 birds on the 23rd and Broadford Bay produced 200 on the 27th. Counts continued to decline in September, with maxima of 70 at Broadford Bay on the 14th, 120 at Nigg Bay on the 16th and 61 at Whiteness on the 26th. During October, the most significant counts were 100+ at a location on the Beauly Firth on a couple of dates and 75+ at Whiteness. November saw numbers increase, with over 500 at Udale Bay on the 12th, over 180 at Alturlie on the 20th and around 100 at Whiteness on a couple of dates. The year finished with over 200 at Udale Bay on 2 December the only significant count, the next highest being 30 at Embo on Christmas Day. Dunlin - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 170 10 0 112 Dornoch Firth 1100 490 316 152 Cromarty Firth 1292 1085 226 881 Beauly Firth 550 500 46 71 Inverness Firth 1134 536 102 790 TOTALS 4246 2621 690 2006

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Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Has bred; scarce passage migrant and localised winter visitor to Inner Moray Firth, scarce in north and west. Winter/Spring: Around 50 records were received from 19 different sites. Balintore regularly produced double-figure counts, with 51 on 8 March the highest for the year. Not far behind, on 20 January, was a count of 45 birds at Embo. On the west coast, a count of 30 at Point of Sleat, the southernmost tip of Skye, on 12 May was the peak. Other notable records were eight birds at Mallaig on 29 January and five at Camas Chil Mhalieu, Loch Linnhe on 17 March. The final records of spring were of four birds at Tarbat Ness on 18 May and, three days later, three at Oronsay, Skye. Autumn/Winter: The number of records received was similar to that of the first half of the year but from only nine different locations. An unexpectedly early returning bird was at Tarbat Ness on 8 July, more than a month before the next bird was seen, also at Tarbat Ness on 27 August. Over the following weeks numbers gradually increased at this site, but the first record from elsewhere was a bird at Embo on 21 September. In the west, the first birds located were three at Neist Point, Skye on 2 October. The maximum counts from the later part of the year were of 50 birds at Tarbat Ness on 27 November, followed by 42 at Balintore three days later. The maximum count away from the east coast was of 16 at Neist Point on 12 December. Purple Sandpiper - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 24 59 0 48 Dornoch Firth 4 0 0 0 Easter Ross rocky shore 39 47 0 40 Cromarty Firth 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 67 106 0 88

Little Stint Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant, mainly in Inner Moray Firth. Summer/Autumn: There were five records, all involving single birds. The first sighting was on 24 July at Broadford Bay, followed by a bird at Tarbat Ness the next day and another at Dornoch Point on 27 and 28 July. A month later, on 28 August, Broadford Bay produced its second record and the final one was from Whiteness Bay on 11 September.

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Buff-breasted Sandpiper Calidris subruficollis Vagrant. Winter/Spring: A juvenile bird was found at Achnahaird, Wester Ross on 1 October and was seen daily up to and including 3 October. (See article on page 203.)

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Uncommon and declining breeder; widespread migrant and winter visitor, especially in west, but under-recorded. Winter/Spring: Most winter records involved single birds and the timings of sightings suggest they were stumbled upon at daytime roosts. Although records were common and widespread, highest counts for this period were mainly made in the west. Six birds were seen on 2 January along the north side of Loch Arkaig, Lochaber, six on 16 January at Palascaig near Kyle of Lochalsh and five at Kylerhea, Skye on 20 January. On 13 February one observer reported four feeding less than two metres away after dark at Acharacle Pier, Loch Shiel. There were fewer records through March and April. Breeding: The first report of a roding bird was from near Insh Marshes on 26 March, but, sadly, other such records were scarce and only from Grantown-on-Spey, Loch Pityoulish, Tulloch in Abernethy, Torbreck in Strath Fleet, Faichem near Invergarry, Eigg, Kilchoan on Ardnamurchan and Hill of Fortrose. The last site also subsequently reported the only confirmed breeding record for the region, with three young birds which could barely fly seen with two adults on 29 August.

Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Woodcock

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Autumn/Winter: After only a single September record, birds were more widely reported during October but still with no signs of any real arrival until the end of the month, as shown in the reporting rate graph. At least four were seen on the 30th on Rum. On 6 November 22 were counted along a stretch of road at Kylerhea at dusk and, on the 13th, 19 were flushed along a roadside on Eigg whilst, on the 19th, eight were flushed during a walk at Kilmarie, Skye. The highest count of the year was 30 at Brahan estate near Conon Bridge on 30 November. Numbers decreased in December, although at least 10 were still seen in the evening of the 23rd on Rum and back at Brahan estate seven were counted on the 28th.

Jack Snipe Limnocryptes minimus Scarce migrant and winter visitor. Probably very under-recorded. Winter/Spring: There were 15 records throughout the first half of the year, the majority from the west and all but one involving single birds. On 2 January a bird was seen at two nearby locations on Skye, Broadford Bay and Ardnish. The next record was also of a single bird at Ardnish, this time on 10 February. Two birds were seen at Balnakeil on 17 February and another was at Portree on 28 February. A record was received from Insh Marshes on 7 March, a bird was on Eigg on the 14th and, on 17 March, one was at Broadford. Another Skye record on 27 March was from the north end of the island at Hungladder. During April, a bird was once again reported at Ardnish on the 6th and one was seen at Uileann on Morvern the following day. On the 11th one was seen at Alturlie and, on the 24th, the pools at Tarbat Ness produced another east coast record. The final spring records were on 27 April, again at Broadford and also at Durness. Autumn/Winter: The first record was on 4 October, with a bird seen at Sheigra in north-west Sutherland. This was followed by one at Tarbat Ness on 16 October and, four days later, a bird was at Brora River mouth. On Eigg, there were four records all in October, with a bird at Kildonan on the 7th, 14th and 24th, and also on the 14th one at lower Sgurr. In November, a bird was at Redpoint, Wester Ross on the 1st and, on the 14th, one was at Drumguish, Insh Marshes, where a bird was also seen on 10 and 13 December. The year finished with a bit of a flurry of records. At least three birds were seen on Rum on 23 December. On the 28th one was at Heathmount near Tain, the following day one was at Loch Evelix next to the Dornoch Firth and, on the 30th, one was at Harrapool on Skye. In addition, it is worth noting that, at Skelbo near Dornoch, five birds were caught and ringed between 4 and 24 November, and another one on 30 December, demonstrating how under-recorded this species is in Highland.

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Snipe Gallinago gallinago Common breeder; locally common migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: Reports were widespread and common throughout the entire recording area, apparently more so in the west despite the smaller number of observers there. Also, the maximum counts all came from the west. On 17 February 31 were recorded at Balnakeil, while Skye boasted 14 birds at Satran at the head of Loch Harport on 31 January and, on 21 April, 20 in the vicinity of Balmore peninsula. The highest count away from the west was of six birds on 31 March near to Fort George. Throughout the winter most records were from the coast, although low numbers were still recorded well inland, but it was not until early April that there was any real evidence of movement inland. Breeding: It was encouraging to note that records of displaying and singing males in suitable habitat were widespread. The earliest was perhaps a little premature on 27 February on Rum, as it was exactly a month before the next one, also on Rum, and the earliest away from Rum was on 11 April at Ardnish, Skye. The first inland records of drumming birds were on 17 April, when one was near Loch Ashie and another in Glencarron. The last record of a singing male was from Eilan nan Ron on 28 July. The sound of drumming was reported as a common soundtrack to life on Handa Island throughout the early breeding season, although no attempt was made to monitor the number of birds, and chicks were seen on 13 June and on other dates in July and August. Breeding was confirmed at only four other locations, the earliest a nest containing young at Insh Marshes on 15 May and the latest a nest containing eggs on Eilean nan Ron on 14 July. Number of Snipe males singing/displaying at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Males singing 122 82 155 * 175 177 186 168 130 147 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Autumn/Winter: Birds continued to be commonly reported from many suitable inland breeding locations until October, during which time inland records decreased and coastal records increased, although seven birds were seen at Insh Marshes on 3 November. Numbers had generally been low but this changed towards the end of the year, when 10 birds were counted at Redpoint, Wester Ross on 1 November, 24 at Udale Bay on 13 November and at least 25 on Rum on 23 December. Throughout the year birds were noted only because they were flushed by various other species, including Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier!

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Rare passage migrant. Winter/Spring: A bird was found at Dornoch Point on 28 June and was present for three days, proving a popular bird during high tides throughout its residency. This represents the second record for Highland, following one on the Kyle of Tongue in July 2015. (See article on page 210.)

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Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Rare passage migrant; has bred. Winter/Spring: A female was present on a pool in a field at Insh Marshes on 11 June and was subsequently seen by several people throughout the remainder of that day.

Red-necked Phalarope in June at Insh Marshes c. Dave Pierce

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Scarce migrant and winter visitor. Autumn: There was only one record this year and it was a rather bizarre one, involving a bird on 10 and 11 October at Borgie in north Sutherland. It was feeding on a track adjacent to the River Borgie, over 5km inland from the coast!

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Common breeder, but absent in winter. Spring: The first bird of the year was recorded on 8 April at Spey Dam, with the second two days later in Strathspey. Records from the west coast soon followed,

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with birds on 11 April at Loch Long near Kyle and on the Isle of Canna. The first site with more than one bird recorded was Loch Aline, Morvern, unsurprisingly in the extreme south-west of the recording area, on 13 April. After this, records soon became common and widespread from rivers and lochs throughout the recording area, with an obvious big arrival around 19 April. On 25 April, seven were counted at the Mound, Loch Fleet and the same number at Heaste, Skye on 29 April. Given the timing, these presumably involved newly arrived birds prior to dispersal to breeding sites. Breeding: It was encouraging that there were well over 100 records of birds showing possible or probable signs of breeding and there were 20 records of confirmed breeding, most of which were from different locations. The majority were from Badenoch & Strathspey and Inverness-shire, although breeding was also confirmed in Glen Nevis and Wester Ross. Perhaps the most comprehensive data set came from Eigg, where about 30 pairs were recorded around the shoreline and another pair was at an inland loch. Subsequently several fledged or near-fledged young were seen. Number of Common Sandpiper pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 13 11 13 * 12 16 18 14 9 14 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn: Birds were widely reported and common at breeding sites throughout the recording area during the summer months. The first signs of returning birds were noted in early July, with a presumed failed breeder at Clachnaharry, Inverness on 7 July and four there two days later. Throughout July more and more were seen at coastal locations away from known breeding sites, although generally in low numbers. Although still common at the start of August, particularly at coastal sites, the number of records decreased through the month and nearly all the birds had departed by the end. Despite this, a notable count of six passage birds was made at the Longman, Inverness on 28 August. Only five records were received in September, in each case involving individuals, at Tain and Broadford on the 2nd, at Lochindorb on the 13th and 18th, and at Invergordon, also on the 18th.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Rare breeder; scarce passage migrant. Breeding: Three adults were noted in an area of suitable breeding habitat within the Cairngorm National Park on 28 April and 1 May. Subsequently, single birds were recorded at the same location on 10 and 25 May, and 1 June. A photograph of a newly hatched brood of three, taken in Cairngorm National Park, was aired on the SpringWatch programme and details were submitted to RBBP. Breeding pairs were found at two other locations.

Summer/Autumn: Autumn passage began with one bird at Munlochy Bay on 2 July. Two birds were at Dornoch on 25 July and, on 31 July, one was on Muck.

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Redshank Tringa totanus Uncommon breeder; common migrant and winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth, but uncommon elsewhere. Winter/Spring: As usual, all of the large counts originated from the Moray Firth area, with several sites hosting over 100 birds, some on several occasions. These sites included the Beauly Firth, Seafield, Milton of Culloden, Castle Stuart, Munlochy Bay, Udale Bay, Inver and Tain. An impressive 300 birds were at Dornoch on 7 February but the highest count of the spring was 365 birds at Redcastle, Beauly Firth on 31 March. Away from the east, there was one three-figure count, of 150 at the Balmore area of Skye on 21 April. This was uncharacteristically high, considering the next highest west coast record was 17 birds at Loch Portree on 17 January. Although none were recorded on January and February WeBS counts at Insh Marshes, the first inland bird was noted there on 17 March, rising to three on the 20th, with 14 on the 24 March WeBS count. Breeding: There were disappointingly few breeding records, with less than 25 records of possible or probable breeding received, many relating to the same few sites, Insh Marshes and a nearby site at Kingussie, Lochindorb, Ballinlaggan near Carrbridge, a site near Achnasheen, Loch Shin and Ardnish, Skye. Breeding was confirmed at only two sites, Ballinlaggan, where a nest with young was found on 25 May, and Kentra on Ardnamurchan, where a bird was seen doing a distraction display on 10 June. Number of Redshank pairs breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 66 52 85 * 81 102 83 47 75 76 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Throughout June all counts were low from both inland breeding sites and coastal sites hosting non-breeding birds. From July failed breeders began to boost coastal counts, with 44 at Broadford Bay on the 2nd and 28 at Clachnaharry on the 7th. A flock of 23 at Kildonan Bay, Eigg on 22 July had been brought down by heavy mist, but was still a noteworthy count away from the east coast. Numbers increased throughout the month, rising to 83 at Udale Bay on the 19th, 120 at Broadford Bay on the 22nd and the same number at Golspie on 29 July. By 23 July the count at Broadford Bay had dropped to 52, and 40 by 9 August, suggesting the west coast passage had peaked. Good numbers continued to be widely reported at eastern coastal sites throughout August although, with the exception of Tain hosting 150 birds on 21 August, counts were generally lower than in July. Coastal roosts built up during September, with 250 birds at Balintraid Pier near Invergordon on 12 September and 108 the same day at Seafield, Inverness, the latter increasing to 170 five days later. Likewise, Udale Bay had 180 birds present on 16 September, but on the 27th a whopping 500+ were counted. With around 200 at Dingwall on the 26th, late September was clearly a peak passage period for birds in the county. The final three months of the year saw numbers generally decrease at most locations and counts of three figures or more were not recorded other than at Seafield and Udale Bay, which maintained counts of over 100 birds.

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Redshank - Inner Moray Firth WeBS Counts 2019: 6 Jan 10 Feb 13 Oct 15 Dec Brora–Dornoch 105 80 196 289 Dornoch Firth 604 566 777 609 East Ross Coast 17 13 8 20 Cromarty Firth 1390 1020 1745 1086 Beauly Firth 327 208 160 409 Inverness Firth 529 604 1285 1143 TOTALS 2972 2491 4171 3556

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Rare breeder; scarce passage migrant. Spring/Summer: In total 29 casual records were received, the first from two different sites on 1 May, the final one on 2 July. There was a good geographical spread of records as follows: nine from NW Sutherland, one from central Sutherland, eight from Wester Ross, nine from Badenoch & Strathspey and two from Lochaber. Breeding: Breeding was recorded at a total of 21 sites in Scotland in 2019, 15 of which

were in Highland and the remaining six in Caithness. In Highland, there was one

probable pair at the long-standing Lochaber site. Two traditional sites in Ross-shire

submitted nine and one pairs respectively. A new site held one possible pair. Three of

four regular Badenoch & Strathspey sites held one possible pair each and the fourth held

up to four singing birds. One new site was recorded in Sutherland, with two confirmed

pairs. One of Scotland’s most long-standing sites held one probable and two possible

pairs and a more recently discovered, but now regular, site held two probable pairs and

one possible. One site first discovered in 2016 held two probable pairs and another held

one. Close to the north coast a small enclave seems to be establishing, this year with

three sites (one of which is new) holding a total of three confirmed pairs and one

possible. The final Sutherland site held two probable pairs.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Scarce migrant, usually in autumn. Winter/Spring: A bird was reported in a Redshank roost on the Dornoch Firth between Ardgay and Bonar Bridge on 10 January. This is the same area where one was present during autumn 2018. A smart adult in breeding plumage was present at the Mound, Loch Fleet on 24 April.

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Greenshank Tringa nebularia Locally common breeder in suitable upland habitat; regular migrant in small numbers but scarce in winter. Winter/Spring: Small numbers were present, usually in sheltered tidal bays, on the west coast and there was also a handful of records from suitable locations on the east coast. There were very few records from the north coast, although more likely due to lack of observers than birds. Most records involved single birds, although groups of two or three were not uncommon, more so from March onwards. Nine birds were noted during the 6 January Moray Firth WeBS count, all within the Dornoch Firth section, and the same section held three birds during the 10 February count, whilst the Beauly Firth also hosted a single. Six at Loch Aline, Morvern on 3 March was the first larger count of spring, and during late March and much of April there were several records of at least four birds present on Rum, sometimes split across a couple of locations, or all from Loch Scresort. A good passage day seemed to be 4 April, when six were at Ardnish, Skye, while eight were just across the water on the mainland at Loch Kishorn. The largest count from the east came on 24 April, with six seen at the Mound, Loch Fleet, and on 1 May five at Skerray was a welcome record for the north coast. The first inland bird was recorded on 6 April. Breeding: Interestingly, there were about twice as many breeding records submitted for this species as for Redshank and likely many of the incidental records of inland birds during the summer months also related to locally breeding birds. There were 33 possible, 13 probable and three confirmed breeding records, with distraction display seen on two occasions and young seen on the other. Breeding records were far more common in the west of the region, with all but two originating from Lochaber, Skye & Lochalsh, Wester Ross and both west and north Sutherland. The other two were both in Badenoch. The last inland breeding record was on 14 July. In a surveyed area of Sallachy estate, Lairg there were 22 territorial pairs, similar to the numbers in 2016-2018.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Aside from breeding birds, a small number was occasionally seen throughout the summer months, at a select number of coastal sites, nearly all on the west coast. Numbers began to build up there from late June, with Loch Portree being the most popular site, starting with five birds on 17 June and building up to a peak of 16 on 21 July. Other notable counts were nine birds at Broadford Bay on 17 July and eight off Skibo Castle on the Dornoch Firth on 14 July. Six were at Inverscaddle Bay, Loch Linnhe on 6 August, seven at Loch Aline, Morvern on 28 August and nine at Loch Moidart on 7 September. A count of 15 at Udale Bay on 19 September was surprisingly high for the east coast, while eight at Kentra Bay on 23 September and again on 13 October conformed more with the usual pattern. Throughout the last few months of the year, most counts originated from the west coast and mostly related to just one or two individuals, although Kentra Bay continued to host six birds until 3 December. Inner Moray Firth WeBS counts produced one bird on the Brora to Dornoch section and 12 on the Dornoch Firth on 13 October, whilst on 15 December six were counted on the Dornoch Firth and one on the Inverness Firth.

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Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Common but local coastal breeder; common migrant but scarce in mid-winter and rare inland. Winter/Spring: Small numbers up to a maximum of 20 were noted at Tarbat Ness in January and February. In the west, 100 were at Neist Point, Skye in mid- February. March saw 50 off Rum, 100 off Whiteness Head and a much larger concentration of 460 at Tarbat Ness on the 30th. By 16 April numbers there had increased to over 1000 and, in the west, 100 were recorded at Corran Ferry on 27 April. In mid-May 300 were noted off Handa and 150 at Elgol, Skye. Breeding: On Handa, breeding productivity was noted at 0.9 chicks per nest. Kittiwake breeding productivity in study plots at North Sutor 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of AON 95 95 119 163 251 275 262 279 242 235 Young per nest 0.9 0.0* 0.65 0.8 0.6 0.3 0.51 0.78 0.5 0.08* * Great Black-backed Gulls were observed predating nests

Kittiwake breeding productivity on Canna 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of AON 960 1002 1083 820 935 1141 1166 1260 1060 1457 Young per nest 0.8 0.7 1.1 0.5 Not 0.9 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.5 in study colonies known

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Regular high autumn counts in the east included 2000 at both Tarbat Ness and Whiteness Head during September. Four-figure counts at Tarbat Ness continued through October and early November, with a maximum of 2750 on 20 October. In the west, 200 were noted at Neist Point in October and 100 were logged at Ardnamurchan in November.

Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini Scarce migrant. Summer/Autumn: A single adult was recorded from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry on 16 June. In the autumn, an unaged individual was noted from the same ferry on 14 September. Two days later a juvenile was seen west of Priest Island. The final record was of an unaged individual near Kinlochbervie on 2 October. The four records this year fall slightly below the annual average of 6.5 records over the past 10 years. There are no longer records from the now-defunct Whale Watching Cruises that, in the past, have supplied 50% of records for this species.

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Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Common but rapidly declining breeder now restricted mainly to Badenoch & Strathspey and Inverness District; common winter visitor in Inner Moray Firth and becoming commoner elsewhere. Winter/Spring: During January and February, widespread reports from coastal areas were generally of small numbers. Larger concentrations included 300 at Gairloch, 350 at Kishorn and 65 at Dundonnell. In the east, several counts of 70 stemmed from the Inverness area. March produced several counts of 200 from the Badenoch & Strathspey area and from Inverness Airport. During April, larger counts included five in excess of 400 from Badenoch & Strathspey, with 400+ at Lynchat on the 27th, and a single count of 400 from Udale Bay. Counts from more remote locations included 20 near Drumochter summit and a similar number at Balnakeil. Breeding: Records of breeding attempts, without detail, came from three locations in Strathspey, not including Insh Marshes, and from Loch Ashie. Pairs of Black-headed Gull breeding at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pairs 471 253 342 * 182 130 24 23 20 20 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn/Winter: There were 200 at Insh Marshes in late September. Counts in excess of 100 were noted at five locations around the periphery of the Black Isle between September and November. The largest count of 480 was recorded in the Melvaig area on 19 September. Counts at Portree peaked at 300 on 24 November.

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus Scarce but increasing visitor from autumn to spring. Winter/Spring: All but one of the 17 records from January to May came from Brora. The majority were unaged. However, two first-winters were noted on 12 February, an adult with two second-year birds on 23 March and two adults with a juvenile on 21 April. The largest count was of 12 on 14 March. A single adult was noted at Tarbat Ness on 1 April. Summer/Autumn: There were again 17 records in the period from mid-August to the end of December. The majority were once again in the Brora area. Multiple counts there included three on 3 October, two on 6 October and two or three there in late October. There were high counts of 11 on 2 November and 12 on 8 December. The final record involved two on 29 December. Although Brora is undoubtedly one of the best watched coastal sites in Highland, it is remarkable that, for some unknown reason, it is the only location to host Little Gulls regularly. Elsewhere, a juvenile was noted at Udale Bay on 29 September and, in

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the west, singles were at Arisaig on 24 August and at Broadford Bay on two dates in October.

Little Gull in March at Brora c. Dean MacAskill

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus Passage visitor. Winter/Spring: An adult was at Loch Kishorn in mid-January. An unaged bird was noted at Broadford Bay at the end of January. A first-winter was reported near Laide in early April and a second-year bird was off Raasay on 22 April. Summer/Autumn/Winter: An unaged individual was noted at Loch Fleet in mid-July. A first-winter was at Loch Portree on 13 and 17 November. Although these records are not as numerous as those for 2014-2017, they do reinforce the overall increase in records in the past 11 years, with hotspots around the south of Skye and the Brora area.

Common Gull Larus canus Common and widespread breeder; common winter visitor, especially to Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: The first three months of the year produced counts in excess of

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100 from 15 mostly coastal locations, spanning Balnakeil to Skye and from Easter Ross to the Inner Moray Firth. The largest concentration was 300 at Broadford Bay in January. High counts in April were of 300 at both Stoer Point and Dava Moor. Breeding: Breeding attempts were noted at over 20 locations, all but four of which were inland sites, but no significant definitive results were recorded.

Autumn/Winter: Numbers built from September with 500 at Castle Stuart, 800 near Invergordon and over 200 at Loch Portree. In November, numbers at Loch Portree increased to 3000 and to 2000 at Tarbat Ness. During December, there were reports of 2500 on the Black Isle on 2 December and on 18 December 3500 at Loch Portree.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Common breeder; uncommon far inland, but regularly found in Strathspey. Winter/Spring: January records from widespread areas included highs of 20 at Tarbat Ness and Abernethy, with slightly smaller numbers recorded on Skye. A larger count of 57 was made at Fort William at the end of the month. The annual count by RAFOS, at 32 coastal locations from Bettyhill to Gairloch, included records of double figures from 12 areas. During March, there were counts of 30 at Udale Bay, 28 at Kilmory, Rum and an impressive 112 at Loch Portree. Breeding: On Handa eight pairs raised 18 chicks to near fledging age. Attempted breeding was noted at eight other locations but no counts were submitted. Great Black-backed Gull breeding productivity on Canna 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of AOT 18 17 18 15 16 18 17 18 16 18 Young per AOT 1.6 1.0 2.2 0.7 0.9 0.9 1.3 1.4 0.5 0.8

Summer/Autumn/Winter: In the east, 45 were recorded at Udale Bay and 100 at Ardersier during September. In early November 100 were at Tarbat Ness and, in December, 20 at Aviemore.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Scarce winter visitor; rare in summer. Winter/Spring/Summer: A single juvenile was at Portree on several dates from 3 January into February. In the east, a juvenile was at Tarbat Ness on two days in February and an unaged bird was noted at Dingwall on 1 April. A further unaged bird was noted at Ullapool and a first-summer was at Fort William during April.

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Unaged individuals were recorded at Reiff in Sutherland in mid-May and at Dingwall in mid-June. Autumn/Winter: Singles were reported from Skye on 13 and 24 October and from Ullapool on 13 December. In the east, a single was logged at Brora on 2 November and 26 December.

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor; rare in summer. Winter/Spring/Summer: During January, there were single records from Loch Ailort on the 8th, Mallaig on the 10th, Brora and Kishorn on the 20th and Loch Eriboll on the 30th. March records involved individuals present for several days at Milovaig, Skye and at Ullapool. During April, there were reports of individuals from Loch Ailort, Mallaig, Gruinard Bay, Kinlochbervie and Brora. A single was at Balnakeil on 10 May and a third-year bird was present at Milovaig from 9 June-1 July. Autumn/Winter: Two were in the Brora, Tarbat Ness and Embo area in mid-October and early November. In the north-west, there were November records from Loch Eriboll and Durness. One or two were present in the south of Skye on three days at the end of November and on nine dates from 8-27 December. A single was at Brora on 26 December.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus Common breeder around coasts; commonly encountered inland. Winter/Spring: Between January and March, there were records of 100 or more birds from 25 locations. Ten were on the north and west coasts from Bettyhill to Loch Linnhe, seven were from the Inner Moray Firth and eight from Badenoch & Strathspey. The largest count was 300+ at Loch Coultrie in early February. Breeding: There were no substantive breeding records. A dreadful breeding season was reported from Eigg. Breeding productivity of Herring Gulls nesting on Canna 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of AOT 70 63 83 95 75 85 96 97 63 109 All-island estimate 1.8 2.1 1.6 1.6 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.1 1.4 of chicks per nest

Autumn/Winter: An impressive early count of 2000 was made at Tarbat Ness at the end of August. Three locations around the Inner Moray Firth produced counts in excess of 400 during September. A bumper count of 5000 was made at Tarbat Ness on 2 November. In the west, 900 were noted at Loch Linnhe and 250 at Mallaig in October. On Skye, 115 were at Portree in mid-December.

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Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis Vagrant. Winter/Spring/Autumn/Winter: An adult was noted at Milovaig, Skye on 4 March, only the third record for Highland, all this century. The same individual was reported again at this location on 16 dates between 16 June and 25 December.

Yellow-legged Gull in March at Milovaig, Skye c. Andy Stables

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Uncommon local breeder; uncommon spring and autumn migrant; scarce in winter. Winter/Spring. In January, singles were recorded at Duisky in Lochaber on the 5th, Tarbat Ness on the 12th and Durness on the 30th. During February, there were reports of singles from three other locations in the west and two in Badenoch & Strathspey. Far more numerous reports in March stemmed from Skerray in the north to Loch Insh in the south, with the highest count being of 12 on Rum. During both April and May, there were 30 or more records of small numbers from widespread locations across the region. Higher counts included nine at Uig and 33 at Duirinish, Skye. Breeding: Records of breeding, without detail, were submitted from 12 widespread locations.

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Number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls breeding on Canna 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of AOT 11 10 10 11 9 13 13 8 7 9

Reporting rate: %age each week of BirdTrack lists with a report of Lesser Black-backed Gull

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The 100+ records in this period were essentially of small numbers across the region. Ten were noted at Broomhill, Strathspey and Drynoch, Skye in August, with a similar number at Loch Pityoulish in September. Records dwindled from October to a single record from Lochcarron on 20 December. Overall, the reported numbers in this period were less than in the past five years, as confirmed in the reporting rate graph.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Has bred; common summer visitor and migrant in Inner Moray Firth but scarce elsewhere. Spring/Summer: The earliest record was of a single at Brora on 21 March. Single-figure numbers were also at Balnakeil, Keoldale and Loch Fleet in the last days of March. April saw more frequent reports of increasing numbers, particularly from the Moray Firth coast, with 15 logged at Chanonry Point on the 4th, 46 at Dornoch on the 8th, 71 there on the 17th and 100 at Skelbo on the 22nd. In the north, 12 were at Balnakeil on the 27th. The earliest Skye record was of three at Broadford Bay on the 22nd. Diminishing concentrations were noted during May.

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Breeding: There were no substantive breeding records. Up to 12 juveniles were noted at Balintore during July. In the north-west, 45 birds were at Durness on 1 June but without any indication of breeding taking place.

Summer/Autumn: On 11 July, 17 recorded at Broadford Bay was the highest count there since 2006. Increasing concentrations were noted from the end of July, with 35 at Whiteness Head, 75 at Tarbat Ness and 230 at Coul Links. The maximum count was 410 at Whiteness Head on 28 August, with 70 at Chanonry Point on 2 September. The latest sightings in the west were from Broadford Bay and Rum on 23 September and in the east from Tarbat Ness on 5 October.

Little Tern Sternula albifrons Scarce summer visitor & breeder in Inner Moray Firth; rare elsewhere. Spring/Summer/Autumn: There were reports of up to 12 birds from four locations in the Moray Firth area from 13 May-10 August. Two or three were noted at Broadford Bay between 8-10 October. Breeding: Successful breeding occurred at only one of the occupied Moray Firth sites, with five pairs producing five young, a very small number but the best productivity in the last 10 years. Monitored Little Tern breeding success in Inner Moray Firth 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of pairs 13 11 7 8 5 0 11 13 16 8 No. of sites 3 2 1 2 1 0 4 3 3 4 No. young fledged 3 0 0 2 0 0 3 2 0 5 Young fledged 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.27 0.15 0.00 0.65 per pair

Common Tern Sterna hirundo Common but recently declining breeder, now rare inland; common summer visitor and migrant around coasts. Spring: The first arrivals were recorded in the east, with nine at Whiteness Head on 18 April and 46 at Fort George three days later. In the north-west, four were at Balnakeil on 27 April. During May, there were widespread reports from the east, west and north coasts, with records also from the Findhorn valley, Badenoch & Strathspey, Skye and Rum. Breeding: Breeding attempts were noted in eight locations in the west but without detail.

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Common Tern breeding success in Inner Moray Firth 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Estimated no. pairs 278 289 322 354 584 603 601 511 627 533 Occupied sites 3 3 3 5 5 6 3 5 6 6 Young fledged 375 258 262 204 456 456 528 321 733 487 Young per pair 1.35 1.12 0.81 0.58 0.78 0.76 0.88 0.63 1.17 0.91 Again, the majority of young fledged came from the Avoch rafts, 292, and Invergordon port, 149.

Summer/Autumn: Counts of up to 421 were made at Whiteness Head on 19 July. On 25 August, 40 were noted at Broadford and 60 were at Dornoch in mid-September. The last record was of a single at Balintore on 11 October.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Common but declining breeder; locally common summer visitor and migrant. Spring/Summer: The earliest record was of three at Dornoch on 17 April. Records came from Durness, Skye and Tongue in the following week. Records were more widespread during May but mainly from the west, with 100 noted at Aultbea and 50 at Mellon Charles. Breeding: Attempted breeding was reported on Rum and from seven other west coast locations, without detail. On Handa there were no breeding attempts. In early July 219 chicks were ringed at Fladaigh Chuain from 334 nests. Arctic Tern breeding success in Inner Moray Firth 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of pairs 393 299 80 341 341 184 203 329 196 291 No. of sites 5 5 3 3 4 5 6 7 2 7 No. young fledged 197 91* 0 90 15 56 64 162 72 185 Young fledged 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.26 0.04 0.3 0.3 0.49 0.37 0.64 per pair * A minimum of 70 young fledged at Dalchalm and 21 at Portgower.

Summer/Autumn: In mid-July 80 were noted at Staffin Island, with 30 at Broadford Bay on 23 August. Visible migration was recorded at Tarbat Ness on 30 August with 150 heading south. The last record was from Tarbat Ness on 20 October.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger Rare migrant. Summer: A first-year bird was noted at Brora on 4 August. A juvenile was at Whiteness Head on 1 September and a further first-year at Dornoch Point on 16 September.

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Great Skua Stercorarius skua Uncommon but increasing local breeder in north and west; regular migrant in small numbers, mainly in autumn. Winter/Spring: The first three records related to singles off Skye on 25, 27 and 30 March. The first east coast record was of a single at Tarbat Ness on 17 April. More numerous records, of small numbers, in the latter half of April included 10 at Staffin on the 26th and two in the north-west at Balnakeil on the following day. A similar pattern, with small numbers, continued through May. Breeding: The most detailed records of breeding again came from Handa where 99 monitored pairs fledged 40 chicks. At least 10 individuals, previously colour-ringed on Handa, bred, with the two oldest having been ringed in 2004. One individual ringed in 2014 also bred successfully. On Canna, 13 pairs averaged 0.8 chicks per nest. On Eigg, a single pair raised two young. At Cape Wrath, 18 individuals were noted in early June but there were no breeding records.

Summer/Autumn: In July, 20 were noted near Achnahaird, with a similar number at Eilean nan Ron in the same month. In mid-September 32 were recorded at Strathy Point. At Brora, 12 were present in early November and individuals were seen until 26 December.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon migrant, mainly in autumn in Inner Moray Firth; rare in winter.

Winter/Spring: Single adults were present at Tarbat Ness on 15 April and 8 May.

Summer/Autumn: An unaged bird was reported off north Skye in mid-July. More regular reports commenced in early September with singles at Broadford and Balnakeil. Five were recorded at Strathy Point in the middle of the month and there were several reports of up to three from the Inner Moray Firth. Eight were noted off Embo in early October, with records also from both Tarbat Ness and Uig in this month. November records were concentrated in the Inner Moray Firth, with 12 off Embo and several sightings of up to five off Chanonry Point. The last record was of a single off Dornoch on 27 November.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Scarce local breeder in north and west; regular migrant in small numbers, mainly in autumn. Spring: Two records from diagonally opposite corners of the region were of singles at Tarbat Ness and Balnakeil on 27 April, and a single was off Neist Point, Skye on the following day. These dates follow the general pattern of early

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sightings over the past 10 years. The 30 records in May, of up to four individuals, stemmed mainly from the west, but five were from Tarbat Ness.

Arctic Skua in May at Balnakeil c. Peter Stronach Breeding: There were records of attempted breeding at Cape Wrath and Stoer Point. On Handa 19 nests were recorded, an increase from 15 in 2018, and 21 chicks fledged. Amongst the successful breeders were three individuals ringed on Handa in 2009 and two ringed there in 2012.

Summer/Autumn: Ten were logged at Neist Point, Skye in mid-July, increasing to 20 there in early August. During August and September there were numerous records from, primarily, the Moray Firth Basin and the west coast. An impressive count of 105 was made off Moll, Skye in four hours on 4 September. In the north, 33 were noted at Strathy Point in mid-September. In early October 11 were recorded at both Embo and Lothbeg. Four were off Chanonry Point on 3 November and the last record was of two there on 5 November.

Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus Scarce migrant, mainly in autumn on north coast and in Inner Moray Firth. Spring/Summer: Three were logged from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry on 19 May and a single adult was in the Sound of Raasay during the following week. Autumn: A further ferry-based sighting occurred on 26 August when three were recorded between Ullapool and Stornoway. A single was at Strathy Point on 15

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September. Two first-year birds were off Tarbat Ness on 19 September. These records are sparse but in line with the Spring/Summer and Autumn averages of two and three respectively over the last 10 years, discounting the 1000+ birds recorded in May 2013, an unprecedented and presumably weather-influenced occurrence.

Little Auk Alle alle Scarce, but occasionally common, migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: The sole report was of a single at Ullapool on 30 January. Autumn/Winter: A single was noted at Lothbeg Point on 6 October. Further singles were recorded at Brora and Chanonry Point on 2 and 3 November. Six were off Embo on 4 November and three were noted at Chanonry Point on the following day.

Guillemot Uria aalge Breeding colonies mostly on north and west coasts; common offshore but less so in winter. Winter/Spring: Small numbers were recorded at widespread coastal locations in January and February. Reports in late March indicated a moderate build-up of numbers at Tarbat Ness and Durness. On 1 April 150 were logged at Stoer Point and regularly reported numbers at Tarbat Ness increased to 500 by the end of April and 2000 by 9 May. On Skye, 140 were noted at Neist Point on 20 May. Breeding: The study plots on Canna held 602 eggs or chicks, the highest count since 2008. On Handa, 2125 individuals were recorded in the 10 study plots, a slight increase over the 2018 count. However, this figure remains well below counts of 3500 at the beginning of this century. Monitored productivity per nest was 0.77, a slight decrease from 2018. There were reports, without detail, of breeding at Eilean nan Ron and Cromarty.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Larger concentrations included 1000 at Cape Wrath on 9 June, 2500 at Tarbat Ness on 1 October, 400 at Broadford Bay on 19 October and 100 at Ardnamurchan on 6 November.

Razorbill Alca torda Breeding colonies mostly on north and west coasts; common offshore but less so in winter. Winter/Spring: Single figure counts in January came from the Inner Moray Firth, Tarbat Ness, Rum and Eriboll. During February and March, numbers

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increased, with highs of 400+ at Tarbat Ness, 50 at Whiteness Head, 20+ off Rum and 20 at Duirinish, Skye. April saw large counts of 1500 at Duirinish and 500 at Tarbat Ness, rising there to 1000 in early May. An all-island count on Handa during June indicated 8207 individuals, a significant increase from the last similar count, 5407, made in 2014 but, more significantly, less than the 2001 count of 16000+. Breeding: On Handa, 374 individuals were recorded within the 10 study plots, a slight increase from the 325 count of 2018. On Canna, 425 nests with eggs or chicks were recorded, a 25% increase on the 2018 figure. The largest count made in these plots was 520 in 1985. Razorbill breeding productivity at North Sutor 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Young per egg 0.3 0.6 0.75 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.4

Summer/Autumn/Winter: In June 1000 were noted at Cape Wrath, but there were no records of breeding. In mid-July 400 were present at Loch Portree. At Tarbat Ness regular counts peaked with 2000 in late September. Records of small numbers continued to the end of the year, predominantly from the east.

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle Breeds in small numbers round most of north and west coast; scarce offshore away from breeding areas, mainly in winter. Winter/Spring: Many records of small numbers indicated the widespread distribution on west and north coasts, with lesser populations in the east, primarily in the Inner Moray Firth. More significant counts included 17 at Kenmore in January, 53 at two locations in Loch Linnhe in early March, 30 at Duirinish in mid-March and 20 at Ardnamurchan in April. In the east, 14 were recorded from Brora in early April. Breeding: There were records of attempted breeding from eight locations, but without note of success.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Counts at Tarbat Ness peaked at 25 in early September. In the west, 20 were noted in Loch Linnhe in early August. On Skye, 15 were at Broadford in September and 14 at Loch Ainort in November. The last record was of three at Chanonry Point in December.

Puffin Fratercula arctica Locally common breeder; uncommon away from breeding areas and scarce in winter. Winter/Spring: First records commenced on 18 April. On Skye, 120 were logged at Kylerhea on the 21st, followed by an impressive count of 683 in a four-hour seawatch at Neist Point the next day. At the end of the month 300 were noted at

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Loch Snizort. These figures indicate a concentrated arrival pattern in the latter part of April. On 23 May 500 were noted from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry. East coast records were of sparse numbers in the Inner Moray Firth. Breeding: On Handa, a pre-laying count noted 205 individuals, a figure well below the 700+ in a similar count in 2001. The peak number of adults noted was 558 on 25 July.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: On 9 June 50 were at Cape Wrath and a major count of 1735 was recorded at Canna on 26 June. On 13 July 130 were recorded at Eilean nan Ron and 58 were at Strathy Point in early August. None of these four records indicated breeding success. Small numbers were reported from east and west coasts until early November.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Uncommon breeder; locally common offshore, especially in autumn. Winter/Spring: The 500 records from January to May indicated widespread coastal distribution. New Year’s Day saw reports of 32 at Tarbat Ness, and 29 at Chanonry Point on the 7th. Counts of this magnitude continued from Tarbat Ness to the end of March. Nearby, 43 were off Dornoch on 12 April. Large counts for the west included eight at Loch Ainort and six at Loch Ewe during January. There were nine at Loch Uig, Moidart in April. Inland records, initially from Badenoch & Strathspey, commenced in mid-March and two birds were noted at Loch Morlich on 22 April. In the north, eight were noted at Tongue at the end of April. Breeding: Breeding activity was reported from 17 locations, but with little detail. Young were reported on Handa on 10 July and at Ardmair 10 days later.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Amongst the larger counts from the widely distributed coastal records in September were eight at Moll, Skye and 12 at both Strathy Point and Rum. During November, 15 were recorded at Embo and 35 at Chanonry Point, where 20 were still present on 31 December.

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica Uncommon breeder in north and west; locally common offshore, especially on west coast. Winter/Spring: RAFOS recorded the presence of this species in all the 20 locations they visited, from Loch Eriboll to Loch Kishorn, on five days in late January. The higher counts were of 36 off Rubha Mor and 19 at both Loch Eriboll and Ullapool. The average count was seven. Other recorders noted large counts of 20 at Loch Slapin during January and 15 at Lusa in early March. In the east,

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small numbers were in the Inner Moray Firth from late February and on inland lochs from early March. Breeding/Summer: There were 26 reports of attempted breeding, but with only four indicating the presence of young.

Autumn/Winter: Larger counts began with 15 at Gruinard Bay in late September. On Skye, 25 were at Kilmarie in mid-October, dwindling to 14 there in mid-November. Six were at Little Gruinard during December. In the east, individuals were noted in the Inner Moray Firth until November.

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer Has bred; locally common offshore, especially on west coast, but scarce in summer. Winter/Spring: The 580 records in this period were predominantly from the north and west coasts, from Rum to Tongue. During January, high counts included 44 at Loch Ewe on the 28th and 31 at Gruinard Bay on the 29th. In the north, 21 were noted at Balnakeil on 17 February. March saw higher counts of 61 at Lusa, Skye and 58 in Loch Linnhe. Regular counts at Gruinard Bay peaked with 60 in mid-April. In the east, there were records of small numbers from Chanonry Point, Cromarty, Tarbat Ness and Embo. These records are similar to those of the past five years. Summer: There were sparse records, predominantly from the west, of up to four individuals. Autumn/Winter: Larger assemblies were noted from November, with 80 at Red Point and 12 at Lusa. During December, 21 were noted at Laide on the 20th and there were single figure records in the east from Embo and Tarbat Ness.

White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii Scarce migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: The sole record was of a single at Loch Inchard on 27 January.

Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus Locally common breeder in north and west; uncommon migrant elsewhere. Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter: Birds were noted at Eilean Hoan on 22 May and Fladaidh Chuain on 23 June. Seven further records, of up to four birds, stemmed from ferries in the Minch in the period 23 May to 28 June. In the east, a

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single was at Brora on 24 June. Eight ringing exercises on Eilean nan Ron peaked with a catch of 400 in July. In July, further exercises at Duntulm, Skye ringed 98 individuals. On 26 August, 34 were reported on one crossing on the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry. Breeding: The breeding population on Priest Island is monitored using two methods – mark-recapture and tape-response. In 2019, the five-yearly tape-response survey was undertaken. The tape-response method measures adult attendance in the burrows during the incubation period in July and is the ‘official’ Storm Petrel census method. Monitoring on Priest Island by this method takes a team of fieldworkers 10 days to complete and thanks go to all those who volunteered to make this survey possible. The survey found there to be 4640 AOS, a small increase on the last survey done in 2014.

Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce migrant offshore (rare inland), mainly in autumn. Summer/Autumn: Singles were noted from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry and at Loch Ainort, Skye on 14 September, with a further single at Strathy Point on the following day.

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Common breeder; common offshore, but uncommon in late autumn and winter. Winter/Spring: The first records of the year came from Durness where about 20 were recorded on 7 and 13 January. High counts in the north-west during January included 102 on Neave Island on the 25th, 52 at Melvich on the 28th and 39 at Faraid Head on the 29th. At Neist Point, Skye, a report of 500 on 19 February was followed by further counts of 200-250 during March, April and

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May. On 3 April 350 were recorded at Brora. There were many records at Tarbat Ness starting on 21 January, including a maximum count of 30 on 27 April and a blue-phase bird sighted on 19 May. Breeding: The downward trend on Handa continued with a total of 135 AOS producing 57 chicks, although a productivity of 0.42 represents a slight increase on last year. A survey of Eilean Trodday on 23 June found 29 AON on the east side of the island. Confirmed breeding records also came from Neist Point, Canna and Stoer in the west and Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave, Eilean Hoan and Eilean nan Ron on the north Sutherland coast. The study plot at North Sutor had 23 AON, all of which failed again. Fulmar breeding productivity in study plots at North Sutor 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Young per AOS 0.09 0.08 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.18 0.05 0.08 0.0 0.0 Fulmar breeding productivity on Canna 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Number of AOS 327 291 222 179 184 174 192 180 151 127 Young per AOS 0.42 0.46 0.37 0.37 0.23 0.44 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.10

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Records continued to come from Tarbat Ness, through to 4 October, with a maximum count of 100+ on 5 September. Other high counts during this period were of 200 at Duirinish, Skye on 24 June, 100+ off Handa on 18 July and 70 past Stoer during a 2-hour sea watch on 10 September. The final two records of the year came from Brora, with 12 on 2 November and six on 26 December.

Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea Uncommon (but occasionally numerous) offshore in late summer and autumn, rare in spring. Winter/Spring: One was reported from the Armadale to Mallaig ferry on 26 May. Summer/Autumn: One seen off Neist Point on 12 June was followed by 15 more records around the coast from Skye to the Moray Firth, mostly of one or two birds, but including high counts of 56 and 26 off Strathy Point on 15 September and 10 October respectively. The final records of the year were of two birds at Brora on 2 November and one at Chanonry Point the following day.

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Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus Locally common breeder in west on the Small Isles, with Rum holding the largest colony in the world; common offshore but rare in winter. Spring/Summer: The first sighting of returning birds was of two on the sea off Kildonan Point, Eigg on 28 March. The first high count came from Ardnamurchan Point, with an estimated 1000 reported on 20 April. This site and the Small Isles area produced several counts of up to 3000 birds through to the middle of August. These were all dwarfed by the enormous rafts estimated at 12000-15000 birds which stretched along the east coast of Eigg on 29 July. In the east, 47 were counted off Embo on 23 April and 37 off Brora on 24 June. There were regular records from Tarbat Ness from 6 April, with a maximum count of about 100 on 8 July. Breeding: Birds were first heard at the Cleadale breeding colony on Eigg on 25 March and good numbers were reported there in late April and early May.

Autumn: Numbers fell away rapidly during late August. The highest count for autumn came from Strathy Point on the north coast, where 50+ were reported on 1 September. Most subsequent sightings were in the east, with many single-figure records from Tarbat Ness during September. The final records of the year were of three off Brora on 2 November and a single bird at Chanonry Point on the following day.

Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus Very scarce autumn migrant. Autumn: A record of one at Faraid Head, Balnakeil on 15 September was followed by another off Embo six days later.

Gannet Morus bassanus Generally common offshore, but scarce in winter. Winter/Spring/Summer: Birds were recorded throughout the period, starting on the first day of the year with 22 at Tarbat Ness. This site had the majority of records, with several triple-figure counts from early April onwards, notably 500+ on 3 April and 400+ on 9 May. In the west, high counts came from Stoer with 50 on 1 April, Sandwood Bay with 45 four days later and Neist Point with 150 on 16 May and 100+ on 21 June. Autumn/Winter: High counts in the west during the period were of 108 from the Mallaig-Rum ferry on 4 September, 72 off Stoer six days later and around 475 at Rubha Mhill Glaise in north-west Sutherland on 2 October. Early September saw large numbers of birds in the Moray Firth, with some high counts including

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3000 at Whiteness Head on the 7th, 300 at Dornoch Point on the 16th and about 750 at Tarbat Ness on the next day. Even more impressive numbers were recorded through October, with around 1000 at Dornoch Point on the 9th, 2000+ at Tarbat Ness on the 12th and 17th, followed by 5000+ there on the 20th. Even this count was surpassed by an estimated 9000 off Brora on 2 November. On the same day 750 were counted off Chanonry Point. Nearly all the birds had left the area by the next day and there were no further high counts. A single bird was recorded inland at Loch an Eilein on 11 November and the year ended with one adult in Broadford Bay on 31 December.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Locally common coastal breeder; common offshore. Winter/Spring/Summer: Records were evenly distributed from coastal locations around the recording area. Most of the early high counts came from the north-west, 219 at Rubha Mor on 28 January, 122 at Clashnessie two days later and 305 on Loch Gairloch on 1 February. Counts at Tarbat Ness were regularly higher than 50, peaking at about 100 birds on 20 February. WeBs counts for the Moray Firth totalled 260 in January and 58 in February. Elsewhere, 124 were counted flying to roost on Castle Island, Eigg at dusk on 15 January, 101 were recorded from the north shore of Loch Linnhe on 1 March and birds visiting probable nest sites were among the 100+ at Papadil, Rum on 8 April. Around Neist Point, Skye, 400 were reported on 16 May and 200 on 20 August, while 150 were recorded loafing off the southern tip of Fladaigh Chuain island on 23 June. Breeding: There was no island-wide nest count on Eigg, but 32 pairs located on Castle Island reared good numbers of young. At the North Sutor monitored plots, 72 young fledged from 64 nests: 22 nests failed, 17 produced one young, 20 two young and five had three young. On 23 June a survey of Eilean Trodday found six AON, while on the same day 11 chicks were ringed from six broods on Fladaigh Chuain, where the overall impression was of a much better and earlier breeding season than in 2018. Breeding was also confirmed at Elgol peninsula, Loch Coruisk, Handa, Eilean nan Ron and Cromarty. Shag breeding productivity in study plots at North Sutor 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of nests 304 291 323 291 185 121 134 143 143 171 Young per nest 1.7 1.9 1.6 1.4 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.1 Shag breeding productivity in main study colonies on Canna 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of nests 305 226* 270 255 191 336 290 301 280 440 Young per nest 1.5 1.2 1.6 1.0 1.2 1.7 1.8 1.3 1.2 1.6 * Known to be an underestimate

Autumn/Winter: Most of the high numbers during this period were in the west. In September, 100 were counted during a two-hour sea watch at Stoer on the 10th, 150 were at Neist Point on the 17th, around 100 on the north coast of Rum on the 19th and 182 at Clovullin near Corran Ferry on the 24th. On 1 October

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120 were recorded at Loch Coruisk and a similar number at Sconser narrows, Loch Sligachan four days later. On 5 November 173 were counted flying to Castle Island, Eigg at dusk. The only counts of note on the east coast came from Tarbat Ness, with a peak of 98 on 3 November and regular counts of 40-70 during the last 10 days of the year. WeBs counts for the Moray Firth totalled 42 in October and 30 in December.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Breeding restricted to one large colony on Easter Ross and a few small colonies in north-west; common offshore but scarcer inland. Winter/Spring: Recorded almost every day, most reports came from coastal sites in the east, but with smaller numbers also noted along the north and west coasts and a few inland sites. At Tarbat Ness there were regular double-figure counts during the first three months, with a peak of 66 on 11 February, falling to single figures from early April onwards. Other double-figure counts for the period included 25+ in the Beauly Firth on 8 and 23 January, 31 at Chanonry Point on 25 February and 30+ at Point of Sleat on 23 May. WeBS counts for the Moray Firth totalled 216 in January and 120 in February. Inland, five were noted on Loch Garten on 2 January, while WeBS counts for the River Spey and Insh Marshes totalled 15 in February and seven in March. Breeding: Outwith the North Sutor study area, the only record of confirmed breeding came from Ardmore Point, Skye where occupied nests were reported on 23 June. Of the monitored nests at North Sutor, 18 failed, 9 produced one young, 22 two young, 67 three young and 18 four young. Cormorant breeding productivity in study plots at North Sutor 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. of nests 121 127 141 89 99 104 109 133 147 155 Young per nest 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.4 2.2 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.5

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Numbers were generally low through to September, with highs of 20+ at Brora on 12 June, 22 at Ardmore Point on 23 June, 25 at Lochinver two days later and 21 at Tarbat Ness on 25 August. During September, there were regular double-figure counts from the Longman hide, with a peak of 38 on the 13th. In September also, 33 were reported off the point at Ardersier rig yard on the 18th, 20 at nearby Fort George three days later and 33 at Loch Fleet on the 30th. WeBS counts for the Moray Firth totalled 252 in October and 123 in December. The peak count through to the year end at Tarbat Ness was 30 on 21 December. Inland, WeBS counts for the River Spey and Insh Marshes totalled nine in October, 13 in November and 11 in December.

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Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Locally common breeder; commonly encountered in most areas. Winter/Spring: Small numbers were scattered throughout the recording area, especially at coastal locations. Most of the highest counts were in the early part of the year, with 28 and 31 at Merkinch LNR, South Kessock on 12 January and 8 February respectively. In the west, 28 were recorded at Loch Gairloch on 27 January and 28 at Loch Kishorn on 1 February. The only high counts during the latter part of the period were of 17 at Garbh Eilean, Loch Sunart on 29 March and 21 at Alturlie on 9 May. Breeding: Records of confirmed breeding, mostly of occupied nests, came from monitored sites in Easter Ross (see below), Garbh Eilean on Loch Sunart, Kinloch and Loch Scresort on Rum, Kyle Akin, Mellon Charles, Merkinch LNR and Boat of Garten. Easter Ross Heronry counts 2014-2019: 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Clashmore 19 13 16 13 13 16 North Cadboll 6 6 5 2 0 0 Arabella 14 16 17 17 23 18 Dalmore 16 14 10 12 12 9

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Again, records were widely scattered with few high counts, the most notable all coming from Skye, with 32 at Skeabost on 5 August, 24 at Drynoch on 25 August and about 20 at outer Loch Portree on 17 September. Grey Heron - Inner Moray Firth WeBS counts summary 2010–2019: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Jan 87 23 79 38 71 62 86 84 58 160 Feb 73 17 17* 12 38 26 26 51 42 67 Oct 73 76 55 116 67 118 114 141 108 152 Dec 33 62 45 69 80 95 88 82 123 76 * Udale Bay was not counted in February.

Great White Egret Ardea alba Rare visitor. Autumn: One was recorded at Kinbrace, Sutherland on 20 October.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta Scarce, but increasing, visitor mainly in spring and autumn. Winter/Spring: In the west, there were 13 records of a single bird in the Arisaig/Back of Keppoch area between 3 January and 3 May, perhaps the first wintering bird ever recorded in Highland, and possibly the same individual was

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at Herebost, Skye on 20 May. In the east, there were records of single birds at Merkinch LNR on 23 April and Dornoch Point on 20 May. Summer/Autumn: There were no further records until 20 August when one was seen on the Moray Firth near the mouth of Munlochy Bay. What was probably the same individual was then recorded 19 times at Udale Bay between 29 August and 5 November, at Dalmore on 13 September and finally at Evanton on 8 November. West coast records of single birds came from at Ardelve, Loch Alsh on 29 October and Achnahaird on 9 November.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Uncommon but increasing summer visitor & breeder in east; scarce elsewhere. Spring/Summer/Autumn: With nearly 400 BirdTrack records for the year, this species is now an increasingly familiar sighting in the Highlands. The first bird was seen on 27 March at Loch Fleet, followed two days later by a bird back at a known nest. The return, thereafter, was slow but a major influx occurred during 9-19 April, including six on the Beauly Firth on 18 April. Multiple sightings came from favoured feeding sites such as Loch Fleet, Loch Insh and the Beauly Firth. The latter held the highest assemblies, particularly during August and September, probably of juvenile birds, with seven on 14-21 August, eight on 4 September, nine on 10 and 12 September, and a peak of 10 on 22 August. Scarce after mid-September, the last birds were seen at Udale Bay on the 19th, Strathconon on the 25th and a final straggler on the Beauly Firth on 14 October. Breeding: Osprey breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum Present laying fledging fledged Sutherland 16 15 14 28+ Inverness-shire 9 8 7 15+ Badenoch 9 9 9 24 Ross-shire 17 14 11 24+ Lochaber 3 2 2 3+ TOTAL 54 48 43 94+

Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus Scarce summer visitor & breeder. Spring/Summer: There was one sighting at Loch Bunachton on 25 June. Breeding: Pairs were seen at two locations where breeding has occurred in the past. One nest was located which fledged at least one young.

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Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Widespread resident in small numbers, mainly in the uplands. Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter: With 488 BirdTrack records and, surprisingly, nearly 100 more than Kestrel, this was the fourth most reported bird of prey in Highland. This species is very much a Highland speciality, much sought after by both resident and visiting birders. The glens and straths of the eastern Highlands, particularly Strath Dearn and Badenoch were favoured areas. Half the records (239) through the year were of single birds, but there were 135 records of two together, particularly during March, April and May, when pairs were noticeably active. These three months also had a third of all sightings, suggesting this is the best time of the year for locating birds. There were 37 counts of three together and eight of four. The largest assemblies were of five and there were three such records: in Glen Varrigall, Skye on 27 January, Strath Dearn on 17 March and north of Portree on 3 November. Breeding:

Golden Eagle breeding success in Highland 2019: Nest sites Pairs Pairs Minimum monitored present fledging young young fledged Skye 32 31 10 10 Small Isles 6 6 3 3 Sutherland 33 32 10 11 Wester Ross 17 17 12 13 Easter Ross 12 12 4 4 East Inverness 17 15 7 8 West Inverness 8 8 0 0 Badenoch & Strathspey 25 22 12 16 Ardnamurchan, Ardgour 21 17 4 5 & Morvern TOTAL 171 160 62 70

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Fairly common resident in east, scarcer in north and west away from Skye & Lochalsh. Declining. Winter/Spring/Summer: There were 625 records for the year, making it the third most recorded hawk species, and 336 came during this period. The large majority were of single birds, with only 10 records of two birds together and none of three or higher, making this very much a solitary species. Records were widespread throughout the region and none call for special mention. Many sightings were of hawks attracted to gardens, possibly by the presence of potential prey at bird feeders.

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Breeding:

Sparrowhawk breeding success in Highland 2019:

Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum no. laying hatching fledging young fledged Inverness-shire 2 2 2 5+

Easter Ross 1 1 1 1

TOTAL 3 3 3 6+

Additional breeding records came from Badenoch & Strathspey at Balgowan and Tulloch.

Autumn/Winter: Autumn for this species starts at the beginning of August with the start of dispersal for the summer’s crop of young birds. There were 289 records during this five-month period. Seven records from Tarbat Ness between 30 September and 6 October during a period of easterly weather suggest immigration from the continent. A concentration of four at Ardvannie, Edderton on 30 October was attracted by large numbers of winter thrushes feeding on rowan berries. Three at the Carse of Ardersier on 9 December was the only other record of more than two.

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Scarce local breeder, mainly in east. Winter/Spring/Summer: With just 35 records during this period, this is one of our scarcest resident species. Despite their size, they are easily overlooked or mistaken for a commoner species, such as a Buzzard. The majority of records came from Badenoch & Strathspey and the upper Findhorn. Further afield, records came from Lael Forest, Loch Broom on 31 March and 14 April, Liddesdale on 5 May and Loch Ussie on 10 May. There were sightings at Scotsburn, Tain on 7 June and, in July, upper Loch Torridon on the 6th, Acharacle on the 14th and Muir of Ord on the 18th. Breeding: There are four known breeding sites in eastern Inverness, of which two were occupied and produced young. However, the forests of Badenoch & Strathspey remain the breeding stronghold for this species in Highland. Northern Goshawk breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum no. laying hatching fledging young fledged Badenoch & Strathspey 8 7 7 20 Inverness-shire 3 2 2 5 Sutherland 1 1 1 2 TOTAL 12 10 10 27

Autumn/Winter: There were 12 records during this period, nine in the core areas. Elsewhere, sightings of single birds came from Rosehaugh, Black Isle on 11 September, Loch Meodal, Skye on 28 September and Udale Bay on 13 November. The last record was near Catlodge on 25 December.

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Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Has bred; scarce summer visitor, mainly in east. Spring/Summer/Autumn: The first spring record was of a female at Loch Shiel, Acharacle on 23 April. A further 35 sightings all came from Insh Marshes where during May there were seven records of a female between the 13th and 27th. An adult male on the 28th was the only record for the year. There were no June or July sightings. Between 26 August and 20 September there were 27 sightings of a single immature or female.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Uncommon breeder, mainly in east; scarce in winter. Declining due to persecution.

Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Hen Harrier

Winter/Spring/Autumn/Winter: Of the 245 records received via BirdTrack, 50% (123) came from one location, Insh Marshes, where regular visits to count roosting birds were made throughout the year, but especially during the autumn and two winter periods. During the early winter period, sightings were all of ringtails, with peak counts of five on 7 January, four on 17 February and four on 8 March. Adult males were not seen at the roost until 25 June, but thereafter singles made regular visits, with the last one seen on 9 November. The peak count of ringtails was on 11 October when five were counted, but numbers dropped off to one or two through to the end of the year, the last a single on 28

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December. Elsewhere, the records were widespread, with the majority in the west. Peak counts were low, with most sightings of single birds, suggesting no major communal roosts. Three birds, a grey male and two ringtails, at Ockle, Ardnamurchan on 21 February were noteworthy, as were three, again a male and two ringtails, over the Isle of Ewe on 17 October. In general, sightings were fewer than in the past, as demonstrated in the reporting rate graph. Breeding:

Hen Harrier breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum no. laying hatching fledging young fledged Skye & Lochalsh 8 8 3 7 Rum & Eigg 3 3 3 6+ Sutherland 2 1 1 2 Ross-shire 2 2 2 6 Inverness-shire 1 1 1 4 Badenoch & Strathspey 3 2 2 5 TOTAL 19 17 12 30+

Red Kite Milvus milvus Re-introduced breeder; well established in east but scarce elsewhere. Winter/Spring/Summer: It is 30 years since the first six Red Kites were re-introduced to the Highlands after an absence of over 100 years. Helped by the ease of identification, its social behaviour and an association with human activity such as farming, the species has become, after Buzzards, the most frequently recorded bird of prey in the region. There were 510 BirdTrack records for the year, mainly from the known breeding area extending from the Black Isle and Easter Ross, north to Loch Fleet and Lairg, south to Strathspey and west to Whitebridge and Glen Urquhart. There were few records outside this core area. A bird at Mellon Udrigle, Wester Ross on 2 May was unusual, as was another at Inverarish, Raasay on 24 June. Peak counts all came in February. There were 13 near Skelbo on the 8th near a communal roost, six at West Langwell on the 17th, nine at Kirkhill on the 24th and nine at Balnabeeran on the 26th. Breeding: Red Kite breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum no. laying hatching fledging young fledged Sutherland 3 3 3 6+ Easter Ross 24 24 23 40+ Inverness-shire 13 12 12 22+ Badenoch & Strathspey 1 1 1 3 TOTAL 41 40 39 71+

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Autumn/Winter: Two were at Achnasheen on 16 September. On Skye, singles were seen at Loch Bay, Waternish on 15 October and Elgol on 21 November. The peak count was nine at Loch Ashie south on 30 October.

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Uncommon re-introduced breeder in west but scarce elsewhere. Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter: With a grand total of 360 records on BirdTrack, this sea-eagle is no longer as scarce as it used to be and is now capable of turning up anywhere in the region, not only in the west where it was first reintroduced. Most of those seen in the east are single immatures, or occasionally two together. The upper reaches of the Findhorn, Insh Marshes and other well-watched Badenoch & Strathspey locations had regular sightings. More unusual was an immature over Fort George on 25 March and possibly the same bird was seen over Fortrose on 21 April. Equally surprising was an adult soaring over Dingwall on 15 May. In the west, most records came from Rum, with a maximum count of four immatures together on 4 March, and Skye where, at Neist Point on 8 April, eight were seen, the highest count for the year. Breeding: Three new breeding pairs were located, one each in Lochaber, Wester Ross and Inverness-shire. White-tailed Eagle breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum monitored laying fledging fledged Skye 24 20 14 21 Wester Ross 9 7 5 9 Sutherland & Easter Ross 5 4 4 4 Inverness & Badenoch 3 2 2 3 Lochaber & Small Isles 17 15 11 15 TOTAL 58 48 36 52

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Common resident. Winter/Spring: There were nearly 2500 BirdTrack records submitted for the year, 965 during this first 4-month period. There were a few large soaring assemblies of birds, many in the upper Findhorn or in and around Insh Marshes and Strathspey. Six or more were counted on several dates, with peaks of nine at Garbole on 14 April and 12 at Coignafearn the same day. The Kyle of Durness had a count of eight on 30 January and the Beauly Firth had six on 23 April. Summer/Breeding: Another 742 records were submitted for this summer period until the end of August. They were mostly of singles or pairs, the largest counts again from Coignafearn and the upper Findhorn, with eight on 7 May and six on 23 June. At Brahan Estate on 15 August, six were counted.

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Common Buzzard breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum

laying hatching fledging fledged Small isles 5 5 5 9 NW Sutherland 2 1 1 1 Easter Ross (study) 42 27 24 35 Easter Ross (other) 2 2 2 2 Inverness-shire 7 6 4 4 Badenoch & Strathspey 7 6 6 9 TOTAL 65 47 42 60

Autumn/Winter: In the final four months of the year a further 760 records were received. A number of high counts came during September; eight in the upper Findhorn on the 1st, 15 over the Beauly Firth on the 4th, eight at Lochindorb on the 7th and a further eight at Balavil, Badenoch & Strathspey on the 12th. The largest count of the year, 19, was at Loch Insh on 5 October.

Barn Owl Tyto alba Uncommon breeder, mainly in east but increasing in numbers in north and west. Winter/Spring: Most of the 87 BirdTrack records for the year came during this period, particularly in the 3-month period January-March. In contrast, there were only two records in April at the start of the breeding season. Records from Skye featured prominently, as well as west coast locations such as Gairloch, Gruinard Bay and Inverpolly. Other records came from the well-watched Badenoch & Strathspey and Easter Ross. All sightings were of single birds. Breeding: In contrast to the earlier period, none of the 17 records during May-August were on Skye and there were just two west coast records, at Rhiconich on 31 May and Inverpolly Fish Farm on 15 July. A breeding pair with young was noted at Laggan on 8 July and three sightings came in July and August from Eilean nan Ron, off the north coast, where breeding has been recorded in previous years. Barn Owl breeding success in Highland 2019:

Pairs Pairs Minimum laying fledging fledged

Badenoch & Strathspey 3 1 5 East Inverness 2 1 1 Easter Ross 5 2 6 Sutherland 5 5 13 Lochaber 4 3 6 TOTAL 19 12 31

Autumn/Winter: There were just 13 records during the September-December period. All were in the east, particularly in and around Inverness, but none call for special mention.

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Tawny Owl Strix aluco Widespread breeder, but more localised in north and west. Winter/Spring/Autumn/Winter: More often heard calling than seen, there were 196 BirdTrack records for the year, the majority in the well-watched areas of Badenoch & Strathspey and in and around Inverness. There were fewer sightings in the west, including eight records from Skye. Breeding: A study in Easter Ross/SE Sutherland suggested a below average breeding season. Of 38 boxes checked, 16 had clutches of eggs, 13 hatched and fledged 20 young.

Tawny Owl in Raven nest in May at Lairg c. Peter Stronach

Long-eared Owl Asio otus Scarce breeder but very under-recorded; scarce migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: The first record came on 23 February from Ferry Wood, Golspie, where three were heard calling. On Skye, a sighting came from Drumfearn on 31 March and in Badenoch records came from Auchmore on 7 April and Drumguish on 27 April. Breeding: Four active nests were recorded and all were successful, rearing 13 young. One of these was on Canna. On nearby Muck young were heard calling on 31 July. Begging calls were also heard at Nethy Causer on 13 May, in Raven’s Rock gorge,

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Strathpeffer on 21 May and at Dalraddy Holiday Park on 17-20 August, when at least two young and an adult were seen.

Autumn/Winter: There were four records of single birds, at Loch Bunachton on 1 October, Dunhallin on Skye on 30 October and Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall on 27 November. The last record was of a bird found injured below wires at Smoo Cave on 30 November.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Increasingly scarce and local breeder; scarce migrant and winter visitor. Winter: There was a single record, of a bird at Chanonry Ness on 29 January. Spring/Summer: Four sightings came from the Heights of Dochcarty during 5-14 April, with singles at Tarbat Ness on 28 April and Lochindorb on 28 May. A bird seen on six dates between 1 June and 16 July at Kilmory, Rum is suggestive of breeding, as were three sightings between 15 June and 27 August at Dunanellerich, Skye. Breeding: Records were particularly scarce, with just a single site occupied by a pair. It is unknown if breeding occurred.

Autumn/Winter: Four records of single birds at three locations on the east coast were received; at Dornoch Point on 10 August and 29 October, at Tarbat Ness on 6 October and at Nigg RSPB reserve on 30 October.

Hoopoe Upupa epops Scarce migrant. Autumn: One found at Altandhu on 31 October was seen again at Reiff nine days later.

0

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2.5

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2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Hoopoe: presumed individuals per season 2010-2019Spring

Autumn

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Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Scarce local breeder mainly in Strathspey and the Great Glen; rare elsewhere. Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn: There were reports of a single bird at various sites on the River Ness on the south side of Inverness on 10 occasions between 10 January and 25 March, followed by six records from May to December. Single birds were present at Merkinch and Muirtown Pools from 1 January to 16 March and from 6 October to the end of the year, at Castle Stuart on 7 July and 1 December and at Loch Meiklie, Glen Urquhart on 22 July. In Ross-shire, one was seen at Dalmore on 5 January and two at Udale Bay RSPB on 1 September, followed by singles on 7 October and 15 November. One was reported from Dingwall on four occasions between 28 October and 5 December, and two were noted at Dunglass Island on the River Conon on 14 September. In Badenoch & Strathspey, records of single birds came from Boat of Garten on 28 January and 24 February, Broomhill Bridge on 15 May and 23 August, Cromdale on 19 August and Insh Marshes RSPB on 11 September. In Sutherland, singles were noted near Rovie Lodge, Strath Fleet on 26 April, Bonar Bridge on 28 September and The Mound lagoon on 6 November, 11 November and 5 December. In Lochaber, one was seen at Morar on 3 January and then there were no records until one was seen on the Caledonian Canal near Banavie on 2 November, followed by further sightings at nearby Glenloy sluices on 9 December and Inverlochy six days later. One was recorded at Castle Tioram, Acharacle on 6 November.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus Vagrant. Spring: One was found at Achnahaird on 23 June. (See article on page 207.) This is a first record for Highland, the second for Scotland and eleventh for the UK. The previous Scottish bird was found in Shetland in 1997. Just over a month after the Highland record, the third bird for Scotland was found in the Western Isles. (See Edwards, S. & Batty, A. 2020. Scottish Birds 40(1) March: 81-82.)

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Locally common resident in east, but less common in north and west. Winter/Spring: Recorded almost daily, the majority of records came from woodlands in the south-east of the region, especially Badenoch & Strathspey. Records, mainly of single birds, also came from 12 widely scattered locations, ranging from Bettyhill in the north on 12 and 28 January to Savary on the Sound of Mull in the south-west on 10 February. Included in these reports were records of two birds at Armadale on 13 January, two at Kyleakin the following day, two at Gruinard Bay on 29 January and two at Loch Arkaig on 14 April. A male heard on

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Rum on 27 February, which stayed until at least 10 April, was described as a rare bird for the island. On Eigg a male was heard calling and drumming on 24 and 25 May. The highest counts for the period were of five at Loch Garten on 18 January, two males and two females at Gleann Meinich, Strathconon on 25 March and seven at The Mound on 2 May. Breeding: Confirmed breeding records came from widely scattered sites. The earliest was of a pair feeding young in a nest at Arisaig on 19 May. A nest which was examined near Dulnain Bridge on 31 May was found to contain at least six chicks, of which one was ready to fledge while the youngest was barely feathered, although hatching is usually synchronous. There was a report of an adult carrying food at Rothiemurchus on 4 June, followed by records of adults with recently fledged young from Aviemore, Balgowan, Drumguish, Loch Garten, Isleornsay, Kyleakin, Lairg, Aigas Field Centre and, finally, Insh Marshes RSPB on 15 August.

Autumn/Winter: Again, the majority of sightings were in Badenoch & Strathspey but there were also several records from widely scattered sites elsewhere, including two birds at Acharacle on 27 July and two near Kentra Bay on 13 October. Several high counts came from Loch Garten in July and August, with a peak of nine reported on 12 August, while four were noted at nearby Straanruie on 17 December.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Locally rare breeder, mainly in Badenoch & Strathspey; rare elsewhere. Spring/Summer: Of 13 records during the period, seven, in March, May and June, came from the Loch Alvie/Ord Ban area. Also in Strathspey, there were records from Boat of Garten on 8 March, Carrbridge on 19 April and Street of Kincardine on 22 June. In Lochaber, one was heard calling in Mingarry Wood on 8 April, seen at nearby Shielfoot eight days later and reported from Uileann on 24 May. Breeding: Two pairs, one with an occupied nest hole, were recorded at Torr Alvie on 12 May.

Autumn/Winter: Single birds were reported from Loch Alvie on 19 September, Uileann on 29 September and at Torr Alvie from 19 December for at least five days.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Fairly common but thinly distributed breeder; declining. Winter/Spring: There were 390 BirdTrack records during the year, 111 during this four-month period of January to April, with a similar number recorded each month. Sightings were widely scattered across inland and coastal locations. They

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were mainly of single birds, only occasionally of two together and only one record of three, at Moy, Inverness-shire on 20 April. Summer/Breeding: Kestrel breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum laying hatching fledging fledged Ross-shire 4 2 1 1+ Inverness-shire 4 4 4 13+ Eigg 2 2 2 3+ TOTAL 10 8 7 17+

Autumn/Winter: With 142 records, sightings remained at a high level throughout this period. Importantly, there was no drop in numbers seen in late November or December, suggesting that numbers of voles, their main prey item, were high. Most records were of single birds, with just nine records of two together. There was just one count higher, six in Strath Dearn on 3 October. Birds were regularly seen at Tarbat Ness from 8 September until 28 November, with a late bird on 24 December.

Merlin Falco columbarius Uncommon breeder; scarce in winter. Winter/Spring: The 13 BirdTrack records up to mid-March came mostly from east coast locations such as Tarbat Ness or Dornoch Point. The exceptions were Faraid Head on 22 February, Loch Maree on 12 March, Kilmory, Rum on 15 March and Ord, Skye on 18 March. Thereafter, the increasing number of sightings came from known inland breeding sites in Badenoch & Strathspey and elsewhere, although a bird at Dalcross on 14 April was the exception. Breeding: Merlin breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum present laying fledging fledged Sutherland 16 9 4 9 Inverness 1 1 0 0 Ross-shire 1 1 1 4 Isle of Rum 2 2 0 0 Badenoch & Strathspey 5 4 4 10 TOTAL 25 17 9 23 Autumn/Winter: The first sighting of a bird back at a coastal location was at Dornoch Point on 18 August, followed by ones at Culkein and Clashmore, Assynt on 9 and 15 September and at Tarbat Ness, also on the 15th. On Rum, a bird was seen at Kilmory on 12 occasions between 28 September and 11 December. There were regular sightings along the east coast, particularly at Dornoch Point where the last sighting of the year was on 18 December.

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Hobby Falco subbuteo Scarce recently colonised breeder. Spring: An adult pair was present in north Sutherland from 13-17 May. Breeding: There were no breeding records.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Uncommon declining breeder; scarcer in winter, mainly in Inner Moray Firth. Winter/Spring/Summer: Of the 174 BirdTrack records for the year, 126 came during this eight-month period, almost all single birds. The great majority of sightings came from coastal inlets, estuaries and bays on the east coast, such as Udale Bay, Beauly Firth and Dornoch Point, and well-watched inland areas, such as the upper Findhorn at Coignafearn and throughout Badenoch & Strathspey. Apart from 10 sightings on Skye beginning in March, records in the west were scarce. Notable locations were Reiff Bay on 28 January, Achiltibuie on 22 February, Loch Maree on 12 March, Sandwood Bay on 5 April, Handa Island on 24 May, Mellon Udrigle on 21 June and Clashnessie on 23 June. The north coast had records from Drumhollistan on 10 April, the MOD Range at Cape Wrath, a pair on 9 June, Strathy Point on 11 August and Kyle of Tongue the next day. Breeding:

Peregrine breeding site occupation in Highland 2019:

Known Pairs Single birds Apparently sites present present vacant checked Badenoch & Strathspey 15 4 3 8

Easter Ross 14 5 0 9 Wester Ross 22 0 1 21 East Inverness 24 6 4 14 West Inverness 5 0 0 5 Sutherland 47 9 9 29 Small Isles 1 1 0 0 TOTAL 128 25 17 86

Autumn/Winter: There were 49 sightings during this period, with an even greater concentration in the east coast, the upper Findhorn and Badenoch & Strathspey. The last record came on 30 December at Skelbo. Sightings in the west came from Rum on 10 September and Skye, at Broadford Bay on 13 and 17 September, and Harrapool and Oisgill cliff on 21 and 24 November respectively.

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Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Scarce migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: One in the Nethy Bridge area, found on 6 February, was last seen on 28 March. At Lochindorb one was present from 16-23 February. Finally, one was recorded in Glen Kylleachy, near Garbole, Strath Dearn on 8 April.

Autumn/Winter: Single birds were recorded at Mossbank, Nethy Bridge on 28 October and at Milton Loch, Boat of Garten on 5 December.

Jay Garrulus glandarius Scarce but increasing resident, spreading from south-west and Strathspey into Inverness and Easter Ross; scarce elsewhere, but increasing records from outlying areas. Winter/Spring: Records came mainly from the woodland areas of Badenoch & Strathspey and Lochaber, where one was at Savary on the Sound of Mull on 2 February, three at Uileann on 16 February, one at Strontian on 19 April and at Glenborrodale RSPB on 17 May. Increasing numbers were found in Sutherland, including one at Overscaig Hotel, Loch Shin on 14 January. High counts for the period were six at Drumguish on 7 April, eight at Insh Marshes RSPB on 19 February, seven at Balnacoil, Strath Brora on 18 March and six at The Mound on 17 April. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at only four locations. A juvenile was reported at Hill of Fortrose on 23 June. A pair with one newly fledged young was seen at Badfluich, Lairg on 15 July, while a pair with two young at nearby Oykel Bridge on the same day was possibly the most northerly Scottish breeding record so far. Finally, a pair with two young was reported at Avielochan on 4 August.

Autumn/Winter: The number of records increased during this period as the birds become less secretive in autumn, as demonstrated in the reporting rate graph. Distribution was similar to that of the earlier months. Lochaber records included singles at Uileann on several dates, two near Kentra Bay on 6 September and 13 October, one at Savary on 29 September and one at Glenborrodale RSPB on 12 October. One at Overscaig Hotel, Loch Shin on 28

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December was probably the most northerly record of the year. High counts were six at Anagach Forest on 12 July, 10 at Tarbat Ness on 30 September, six at Kyle of Sutherland on 5 October, six+ at Drumguish on 17 November and eight at Brahan on 30 November.

Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Jay

Magpie Pica pica Scarce resident, mainly in south and east; range expanding to west and north. Winter/Spring: There were few records of more than one bird and most of these came from the south-east of the Moray Firth, including three between Fort George and Ardersier on 20 and 31 January, three at Whiteness on 17 February and five in one field at Clava Cairns on 13 April. One or two were seen intermittently at Tarbat Ness between 15 January and 19 April. One recorded at Mains of Garten on 20 January was seen several times up to 23 March at least, while another at the Heights of Dochcarty was reported three times between 6 February and 31 March. In the west, a single bird was at Loch Kishorn on 1 February, another, which has been resident in the Ellishadder area and North Skye

for seven years, was first reported on 21 March, one was at Fersit on 3 April and one at Achnahaird on 17 April. Two were reported at Dornoch on 4 April, while the most northerly record was of one at Midtown near Tongue on 26 April and 2 May. Breeding: Despite the south-easterly bias to the sightings, the only confirmed breeding record was of a youngster found dead at Raffin, Stoer on 13 June with a pair of adults seen nearby.

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Autumn/Winter: Birds were recorded each month during the period in the Fort George area, with a maximum of four on 18 November, at nearby Whiteness, and three on 28 November and 20 December, and at Alturlie where the maximum count was three on 14 December. Records continued on Skye, with a bird seen in the Uig area four times. One was present at Culkein Bay, Stoer from 9-19 September and another at Rogart, Strath Fleet on 28 September. Two were reported from the Heights of Dochcarty on 12 September (the first record of more than one here) and again on 23 October. To the north of the Cromarty Firth, two were recorded at Dornoch on 26 August, two at Bayfield Loch on 29 September, one at Tain on 11 October, three at Struie on 22 October and two at Hilton of Cadboll on 26 December. In the south-west, there was a record from the Sound of Mull on 28 October.

Jackdaw Coloeus monedula Common resident in east, but scattered in west and largely absent from central mountain areas. Winter/Spring: Among over 1000 records for this period, the highest counts were of 220 at Drumuillie, Nethy Bridge on 14 January, 200 at nearby Coulnakyle on the same day, 150+ at Aviemore on 12 February and estimates of 600 leaving roost in Balblair Wood, Golspie on 23 February, 200 at Inverness Airport on 9 March and 170 at Culloden later the same day. The vast majority of records came from the south and east of the region or from Skye. Breeding: Records of breeding came from Ballinlaggan RSPB, Lochindorb, Newtonmore, Skye of Curr, Fairy Glen RSPB, Tain and Broadford.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: There were four records of flocks of over 100 birds in the Aviemore area, with a maximum of 150+ on 11 August. The highest counts were of 500 at Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge on 20 August and 300 at Ashton Farm, near Inverness Retail Park on 18 December, while the peak for Skye was 100 at Duirinish on 9 September.

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[Nordic Jackdaw] Coloeus monedula monedula An individual of this race was reported from Dornoch on 21 and 23 November.

Nordic Jackdaw in November at Dornoch c. Dean MacAskill

Rook Corvus frugilegus Common resident in east but local in west and absent from most upland areas. Winter/Spring: The only counts over 100 were of 200+ at Hartfield Farm, Tain on 1 January, 200 at Drumuillie, Nethy Bridge on 14 January and 150 at nearby Coulnakyle later the same day. Away from the main range in the south and east of the district, the highest counts were of about 40 at Lairg and 70 at Duirinish, Skye on 16 and 20 March respectively. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at Loch Garten, Boat of Garten, Nethy Bridge, Beauly Firth, Fairy Glen RSPB, Contin, Foulis, Tain and Duirinish on Skye.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: There were only four records of over 100 birds. About 150 were reported at Tarbat Ness on 16 June, 250 going to roost at Newtonmore on 25 August, around 150 at Drummond, Inverness on 3 December and 500 at Ashton Farm by Inverness Retail Park on 18 December. On Skye, the highest count was of 80 heading to roost at Duirinish on 3 October.

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Carrion Crow Corvus corone Common resident in east; scarce in west. Winter/Spring: There were 13 records of 20 or more birds from eight sites, all in the core south-eastern area, with maxima of 106 at Kildary/Heathmount on 5 February and 140 feeding on the mudflats at Clachnaharry on 19 March. Outwith the core area, small numbers were recorded at widely scattered, mostly coastal, sites from Ardtornish on the Sound of Mull to Durness in the north-west and in the Strath of Kildonan near Helmsdale. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at 11 sites, all within the core area in the south-east of the region.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: There were 11 reports of 20 or more birds from seven sites, all within the core range, with a maximum of 72 at Allanfearn, east of Inverness on 25 December. Small numbers were recorded at several sites in the west, from the Sound of Mull to Handa, mostly near the coast, but also on several occasions in July, August and September at Loch Shin. There was a count of eight at Helmsdale on 20 July.

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix Common resident, especially in north and west. Winter/Spring: There were 14 records of 20 or more birds from 11 sites, with highs of 67 at Loch Coultrie on 1 February, 37 at Uig Woods on 19 February and 40 at Corrimony the following day. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at 21 sites, all in the west except for reports of an adult carrying food near Tain on 17 April and a youngster at Essich, Inverness on 19 June.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: There were few high counts during the second half of the year, with most coming from one site, the mouth of the River Lochy on Loch Linnhe, where the maximum was 50 on 9 December. Of note were 37 reported at Bealach na Ba on 21 June, around 20 at Ardnish West on 13 July, 10, which appeared pure bred, at Alturlie on 10 September, about 16 at Ardnamurchan on 11 October and 14 at Durness Golf Club plantation six days later. A partially leucistic juvenile, first seen on 22 August, was present around the south-east of Eigg until the end of the year. [Hybrid Crow] Corvus corone x Corvus cornix There were over 300 records during the year, all of which came from east Sutherland, Easter Ross, Inverness District or Badenoch & Strathspey. Up to 30 were reported from Kildary/Heathmount during February and March and 44 were recorded at Milton of Culloden on 25 February. A pair with two healthy young was reported at Lewiston on 11 June and fledged young were seen at Fort George four days later.

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Raven Corvus corax Uncommon breeder in most areas. Winter/Spring: BirdTrack held 1125 records for the year. The large increase in the population and the spread from their western heartland to cover the whole of the region is one of the major ornithological changes of the past two decades. No longer confined to remote and mountainous districts, it now occurs as a breeding species in small numbers along the rockier sections of the east coast and throughout farmland in Easter Ross and the Black Isle. Mostly recorded in pairs or family parties, when they occur in larger parties and flocks, this is always in upland areas and generally during the winter months. Examples are six at Torbreck, Rogart on 2 January, seven at Loch Ewe on 28 January, eight at Glenmazeran on 11 February and a peak count of 30 at West Langwell on 17 February. Breeding: Raven breeding success in Highland 2019: Pairs Pairs Pairs Minimum no. laying hatching fledging young fledged Sutherland 3 3 3 8 Inverness-shire 7 7 5 17 Badenoch 4 4 4 9 Ross-shire 8 7 6 9 Eigg & Rum 4 4 4 16 Lochaber 11 11 10 26 TOTAL 37 36 32 85 Most nests in Highland are built on crags or sea-cliffs. A few pairs, especially in the east where there are less cliff sites, are now using trees for nesting and, as a result, they are often overlooked. Tree-nesting is far more widespread further south in Scotland.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Flocks started forming in September, with the largest found later in the year. Eleven birds were seen to arrive at Tarbat Ness on 16 September and continued on south. There were at least 20 at Loch Quoich on 5 October, 30 near Altnaharra on 15 October and 14 at Broadford river mouth on 19 October. In November, flocks of 33 in Strath Dearn on the 15th, 48 on Meall Unaig, Kingussie on the 25th and 15 on the River Truim on the 29th were counted. Finally, in December there were 32 on Cruben Beag, Badenoch on the 13th and 11 at Balavil, Kingussie on the 28th.

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Irruptive winter visitor in variable numbers. Winter/Spring: There was a slow start to the year, with two seen at Garve on 5 January. A small flock was regularly reported from the Nethy Bridge area

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between 20 January and 15 April, with a maximum count of 17 on 26 February. Up to 25 were seen in Glenfeshie on 25 January and again on 15 February, and a flock of about 20 was in Aviemore from 5-13 February. At Tomatin, 40 were recorded from 5-11 February and 24 on 16 April was the last record for the period. In nearby Strath Dearn around 20 were present from 22 March for at least two weeks. Twenty were seen in the centre of Inverness on five occasions between 17 February and 9 March and possibly the same flock was reported at Smithton, Milton of Leys and Westhill during the same period. The only records away from Badenoch & Strathspey and Inverness district were of two birds at Harrapool on 7 February and two near Skelbo six days later. Autumn/Winter: In a moderate influx, records started in October with singles in the north-west at Durness and Kinlochbervie on the 20th, five at Inverpolly on the 25th and one at Strath Dionard five days later. Six recorded at Ullapool on 2 November had increased to 26 on the 5th. A report of six at Ardvasar, Skye on 4 November was the first of 12 scattered records on the island over the following two weeks, with a maximum of eight at Breakish on the 10th. In November also, four were reported at Fort William on the 14th, with singles at Arisaig and Uileann on the 21st and 23rd respectively. In Badenoch & Strathspey, records of a single bird at Nethy Bridge on 26 and 29 November were followed by 20+ at Aviemore two days later and 30 at Forest Lodge RSPB on 19 December. Records in Inverness started with one bird on 29 October and rose to a maximum of 50 at Beechwood Park RSPB office on 21 November. Nine were recorded at Smithton on 24 November and 23 at Balloch on 16 December. In Easter Ross, there were six records from Tain in November, with a maximum of 20+ on the 13th, while the largest flock of the year was at Muir of Ord where 100 were reported on 14 November. Five were recorded at Dornoch on 16 December and the final record of the year was of one at Alness on 24 and 25 December.

Coal Tit Periparus ater Abundant resident. Winter/Spring: There were 36 records of 20 or more birds from 13 sites, most of which were in Badenoch & Strathspey and largely during January and February. Away from this core area, 29 were reported at Kildary/Heathmount on 17 February, 30 at Loch Morie woods near Alness on 8 March, 20+ at Loch Ashie on 21 March and 21 at Strathcarron, Ardgay on 10 June. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at 24 widely scattered locations, with the first fledged young seen at Lochindorb on 27 May. There was a reasonably successful breeding season on Eigg, with fledging recorded from 7 June.

Autumn/Winter: There were 36 records of 20 or more birds from 11 sites, with high counts of 55 at Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie on 28 June and an estimated 50 at Carse of Ardersier on 26 December.

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Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus Uncommon resident restricted to coniferous woodland mainly in Badenoch & Strathspey; very rare in north and west. Winter/Spring: Counts of five birds came from Loch Garten and Dell Woods, Nethy Bridge on 5 and 19 February respectively. Outside of Badenoch & Strathspey, the largest counts were of four at Loch Ashie on 15 April and Glen Affric on 28 June. One or two birds were also recorded at Torbreck/Dores, Aigas Field Centre and Heathmount, near Tain. Breeding: A pair using a nest box at Insh had seven young about one day old on 30 April, the earliest recorded at this site. All seven fledged successfully on 21 May. An occupied nest was noted in Abernethy Forest on 30 April and fledged young were recorded at Glen Affric, Balgowan in Badenoch and Forest Lodge, Abernethy in late May and early June.

Autumn/Winter: There were reports of five at Loch an Eilein on 10 August, six at Forest Lodge on 11 September, five at Tomvaich Woods on 15 September and six at Loch Garten on 27 November. Away from Badenoch & Strathspey, smaller numbers were recorded at Tomich, Kiltarlity, Loch Ashie, Whiteness, Drummore of Clava woods, Clash Wood near Muir of Ord and Heathmount.

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Common resident in most areas. Winter/Spring: There were 33 double-figure counts, with highs of 20+ at Drumguish, 19 at Aviemore, 18 at Uileann, 17 at Nethy Bridge and 17 at Killiechonate Woodland, all during January. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at 29 sites. The first records of fledged young came from Merkinch LNR on 20 May and Ullapool on 5 June. There was a reasonably successful breeding season on Eigg, with the first fledgling seen on 7 June. At Loch Insh wood 15 territories were located.

Autumn/Winter: There were only 15 double-figure counts during the second half of the year, with highs of 30 at Nethy Bridge on 28 November (although not all in one flock) and estimates of 20 at Drumguish on 16 December and 15 at Abernethy on 23 July.

Great Tit Parus major Abundant resident in most areas. Winter/Spring: There were 39 double-figure counts from 19 sites, with maxima of 27 at Milton Wood, Aviemore on 3 January and 24 at Kildary/Heathmount on 30 March. Ten of these high counts came from the Kinloch Castle area of Rum, with a maximum of 15 on 27 February.

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Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at 33 widely scattered sites. The first records of fledged young were at Grantown-on-Spey and Tain, both on 3 June. A reasonably successful breeding season was reported on Eigg, with the first fledglings seen on 12 June. Seven territories were identified in Loch Insh wood.

Autumn/Winter: There were only 11 double-figure counts during this period, with highs of 40 at Loch Vaa on 5 November, about 20 at Loch Garten on 23 July and 15 at Rothiemurchus on 27 September.

Skylark Alauda arvensis Common breeder; absent from most areas in winter. Winter/Spring: There were only 17 records in January, all at or near the coast, including the largest flock of the period, about 150 at Davidston, Cromarty on the 20th, which followed nearby counts of 60 and 50+ on the two previous days. Other high counts were of 50+ near Loch Eye on the 23rd and 61 at Hilton of Cadboll on the 30th. The number of records increased in February to around 90, but with no large flocks. Birds started to appear inland and the first singing birds were reported, the earliest being one at the Heights of Docharty, Dingwall on the 6th. About 160 March records included 60 birds at Gloval near Melvich on 2 March and a flock of 100 at Northwild, near Tain on 14 March, following which there were many scattered records, but few double-figure counts, with increasing numbers of singing birds being reported. Breeding: Despite singing birds being reported at about 120 locations, there were only five confirmed breeding records. These records came from Drumguish, Corrimony RSPB, Crask Inn (Sutherland), Kilmory (Rum) and Eigg, where the population was similar to last year and a successful breeding season was reported. Numbers of singing Skylarks at Insh Marshes 2010-2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 No. 4 7 6 * 6 12 21 11 18 18 * count not done due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The number of records declined in July as birds ceased to sing. The only double-figure counts came from Tarbat Ness, with 15 on the 1st, and Glen Brittle, with 11 on the 18th. Records remained in single figures until 29 September when about 100 birds were reported at Tarbat Ness, followed by 50 there on 17 October, 40 the next day and 19 on 5 November. The only other double-figure count was of 10 at Drumancroy on 13 October.

Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Winter: One found at Dornoch Point on 19 November remained into 2020.

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Sand Martin Riparia riparia Locally common summer visitor & breeder. Spring: The first six birds were recorded on 24 March at Insh Marshes, and a further nine records in March included ones from Acharacle on the 29th, Loch Arienas on the 30th, Loch Broom on the 31st and a count of 18 at Loch Insh on the 30th. Reported group sizes reached three figures 11 times in late April and May, mostly hawking over water, on Lochs Insh, Morlich, Ashie, Achanalt and Garten, which saw the largest count of 260 on 5 May. The furthest north records were from Balnakeil, with 30+ there on 27 April. Breeding: Two pairs successfully raised young at Laig on Eigg. Elsewhere, breeding was noted at 16 sites, including Faraid Head and Strathy beach on the north coast, and a dense colony of 39 nests in recently excavated foundations for a new house at Tordarroch on the River Nairn.

Summer/Autumn: By far the largest flock reported in this period consisted of 250+ birds at Insh Marshes on 12 July. All but one of the 15 September records were from the east of the region, ending with 12+ birds at Loch Insh on the 28th.

Swallow Hirundo rustica Common summer visitor & breeder. Spring: Two birds managed to arrive on 31 March, one at Drumfearn, Skye and one at Ullapool, followed by one on Eigg on 1 April and two at Skelbo a day later. Reports were few until mid-April. The first double-figure count, of 30 in Abernethy Forest on 27 April, was surpassed only twice, when about 100 birds were hawking over Loch Ashie on 6 May and 60 were at Lairg on 23 May. Breeding: Breeding pairs on Eigg were noticeably fewer than normal and few had double broods due to dire June weather. There were records of proven breeding from 27 sites elsewhere, between 5 June and 12 September.

Summer/Autumn: Very few reports in June and July involved groups of more than 10 birds. The three largest groups were in the 40-46 range and one of them, on the Beauly Firth on 29 July, contained a fully leucistic bird. The highest counts in August were at Castle Stuart, with 200 birds on the 24th, 110 on the 25th and 125 on the 27th, while 90 were at Ashton Farm, near Inverness on the 30th. In September, the highest count at Castle Stuart, of 80 on the 8th, was bettered on the 22nd by 100 congregated on wires at Ardersier. A count of 50 was achieved at Tain on 8 October, after which numbers dwindled, but there were still 10 reports in November, usually of single birds, from Nigg, Arisaig, Acharacle, Inverpolly and, finally, Hilton of Cadboll and Applecross on the 19th.

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House Martin Delichon urbicum Locally common but declining summer visitor & breeder in east, uncommon in north and west. Spring: An early bird was reported at Banavie on 8 April, followed by three in Sutherland, two birds passing over the east coast of Handa on the 14th and one at Forsinard two days later, before the main arrival started on 19 April. Among few double-figure reports, the largest groups noted were 30+ at Kincraig on 27 April and 30 at Rogart on 25 May. No birds were seen on Eigg until 27 May. Breeding: Proven breeding was reported at only 14 sites, but across the region as far west as Harrapool, Skye and as far north as Forsinard.

Summer/Autumn: Flocks in the 10-25 size range were fairly common, but there were few of 50 or above. Flocks in the 50-80 range were noted at Avielochan on 21 July, at Tarbat Ness on 26 July, 1, 3 and 6 August, and 3 September, at Drumguish on 17, 20 and 25 August, and at Balgowan, near Laggan on 24 August. In September, 90 were counted at Ashton Farm, Inverness on the 4th and 80 on the 24th, but the biggest flock, of 100-200 passage migrants, passed over Fort George on 10 September. There were records on 1 October from Nethy Bridge and Tain, where the last bird was seen on 8 October. [Swallow/House Martin hybrid] Hirundo rustica x Delichon urbicum On 20 August a hybrid bird was trapped at roost at Loch Kinellan. A month previously, on 20 July, it had been ringed as a Swallow chick in Glen Calvie.

American Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Vagrant. Summer: A first sighting for Scotland occurred on a very wet early evening on 27 August on Meanish Pier, Lower Milovaig, Skye. (See Langlois Lopez, S. 2020. Scottish Birds 40(1) March: 88-90.)

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American Cliff Swallow in August at Meanish Pier c. Sam Langlois Lopez

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Common resident in east, but uncommon in some parts of north and west. Winter/Spring: In winter, all 18 double-figure counts were in the area from the Beauly Firth down into Badenoch & Strathspey. Thirteen involved foraging groups of 10-11 birds, nine seen in the first half of January. Only three such groups were reported in spring, but counts of 18-21 were accumulated in walks at Tain, Neptune’s Staircase and Ballachulish in late May. Breeding: Two pairs bred on Eigg. Breeding was proven at 23 other sites across the region as far north as Ledmore, but over 60% of sites were in the area from the Beauly Firth down into Badenoch & Strathspey.

Autumn/Winter: Fewer large counts were reported than in 2018. The two highest were on Eigg, with 50 in Manse Wood on 24 October and 40 in the plantation on 8 December. At Grantown-on-Spey, 30 were noted on 10 November, while 20-25 were seen at Loch Portree on 19 September, Whiteness Bay on 10 October, Tote, Skye on 9 November and Smithton on 23 December. On the north coast, 23 were trapped and ringed at Melvich over three dates between 21 October and 3 November.

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Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Declining local summer visitor & breeder; scarce migrant. Spring: A continuing upward trend in sightings led to 78 spring records on BirdTrack. The earliest were on 19 April, with two birds at both Druimindarroch, Arisaig and Anagach, Grantown-on-Spey. Reports from Glenborrodale on the 22nd and Rum on the 25th preceded the start of more regular records near the end of the month. One bird was singing on Canna on 8 May. This year records were more evenly spread across Highland, and up the west coast as far as Balnakeil Farm on 17 May. Counts were also higher, with eight noted at Ariundle Oakwood on 10 May, six or more at Craigellachie NNR on 16 May and up to five at RSPB Corrimony on 29 May.

Breeding: Breeding was only confirmed twice, by the finding of a nest with six young in Strathglass on 11 June and adults with three juveniles in Craigellachie on 9 July.

Summer/Autumn: The increase in records continued through summer, with a total of 44 in June, including a count of 10 birds in Glencripesdale on the 6th, 13 in July and three in August. Two birds were seen in Strathfarrar on 8 August, one at Carr viewpoint in Lochalsh on the 20th and two in Glen Nevis on the 28th.

Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei Vagrant.

Hume’s Warbler in November at Tarbat Ness c. Peter Stronach

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Autumn: A first for Highland, one bird was found on 5 November at Tarbat Ness. It was later caught and ringed and it stayed until 11 November. (See Stronach, P. 2020. Scottish Birds 40(2) June: 154-156.)

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Scarce migrant. Autumn: There were 36 reports from 20 sites. Ten sites were on the NW coast, where single birds (or two if indicated) were seen on 26 September at Ullapool and Durness, on 27 September at Scourie (2), on 28 September at Rhue and Droman (2), on 29 September at Durness (2) and Scourie, on 30 September and 1 October at Droman, on 2 October at Scourie and Duartbeg, on 4 October at Sheigra and Badnabay (2), on 16 October at Knockan Crag and on the 17th at Balnakeil. Sightings on Skye were at Drumfearn on 26, 27, 28 and two on 29 September, at Portree on 27 September, at Harrapool (2) and Broadford on 30 September and at Broadford on 1, 6, 7 October (2) and 13 October. Singles were seen on Rum on 16 October and on Eigg on the 18th, the first since 2009 and only the second ever. Considering the species’ easterly origins, it is remarkable that there were only four east coast sites with records: Tarbat Ness, with one bird on 5 October and two on 6 and 7 October, Lentran on 12 and 14 October, and near Helmsdale, at Portgower and West Garty, on 14 October.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Abundant summer visitor & breeder; common migrant. Spring: There were slightly more records (1227 on BirdTrack) than in 2018. The first was on 6 April, of a bird in song at Drumbuie, Skye, with another noted at Torlundy on the 9th, before multiple records commenced a day later, with reports from Broadford, Eigg, Kinloch Castle, Tomatin and the Cairngorms. Around 5% of records involved double-figure counts, the largest of which were 50+ at Ruthven, Findhorn on 30 April, 50 on Tulloch Moor on 5 May and 54 at Cow Hill, Fort William on 6 May. One of six birds in the Cairngorm ski area alpine garden on 16 May had north European characteristics, a greyish back, white underside and no hint of yellow or green. Breeding: Another very successful season on Eigg again resulted in many young raised, the first seen on 12 June. Breeding was proven at two sites on Handa. Around 50 records of confirmed breeding from elsewhere included one from the MOD range at Cape Wrath on 10 June.

Summer/Autumn: Few late summer counts were in double figures, such as 10 birds at Handa on 10 August and at Carse of Ardersier on the 27th. A total of 70 September records included that of a juvenile at Heights of Dochcarty on the 30th. One bird was seen in October, at Tarbat Ness on the 4th.

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Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Common local summer visitor & breeder, mainly in east but increasing in west; uncommon migrant but occasionally winters. Winter/Spring: The only bird noted in winter was at Lephin, Glendale on Skye on 31 January to 1 February, feeding in spruces. Next reported was one at Cradlehall on 2 March, in song. Just ahead of the main arrival were singles at Tain on 20 March, Brahan on 21 March, Kirkhill on 23 March, and the River Shiel and Balblair Wood a day later. As usual, this species favoured the Moray Firth Basin, the source of 69% of all spring records, and not Badenoch & Strathspey, with only 6%. There were 48 records in March, including by far the largest count, of 18 at Kildary on the 30th. Breeding: Only three birds sang in Eigg SE woods, five less than in 2018, but, as in 2018, one at the surgery frequently mixed its typical song with snatches of Willow Warbler song. Breeding was confirmed at Eigg Lodge Grounds and at Tain.

Autumn/Winter: As in 2018, a low August total (19) was followed by a surge to 79 in September, geographically distributed as in spring, and 58 in October. Four records of singles in November were from the east coast and five from the west. One bird was seen at Tain on 8 December and another at Arisaig on the 31st. [Siberian Chiffchaff] Phylloscopus collybita tristis

Siberian Chiffchaff in November at Durness c. Andy Williams

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Autumn: There were several sightings in late autumn. The first was on 19 October in SE Sutherland, at Midgarty Burn, where it remained until 6 November. Next were sightings in NW Sutherland of three or more birds at Durness Kirk on 8-25 November and one in Balnakeil Craft Village on 25 November. Three days later one was seen in Wester Ross at Ardmair.

Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus Vagrant. Spring: One bird, the first ever in Highland, was found at Balnakeil Farm in the far north-west of Sutherland on 17 May. (See Stronach, P. 2020. Scottish Birds 40(2) June: 154-156.)

Iberian Chiffchaff in May at Balnakeil c. Peter Stronach

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Locally common summer visitor & breeder; uncommon migrant. Spring: Early reports came from Loch Scresort on Rum and Insh Marshes on 20 April, Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan on 22 April, and Camas na Sgianadin, Skye and Insh on 23 April before multiple reports started on 24 April. A total of 141 spring records on BirdTrack was 8% down on 2018. In the first half, reports from the

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west of the region predominated, to be overtaken later by ones from around the Moray Firth. Six birds were counted at Balnakeil on 27 April and at Portmahomack Community Woodland on 14 May. Breeding: It was a reasonably successful season on Eigg, with regular sightings of birds carrying food in June to early July. Remarkably for such a widespread bird, the only proven breeding reported elsewhere was on Handa, on 5 June at the old village. Number of male Sedge Warblers singing/displaying at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Singing males 83 76 79 * 87 112 74 99 83 87 * not counted due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn: Numbers of BirdTrack records in June and July were 18% and 39% fewer respectively than in the same months in 2018. Tarbat Ness and Castle Stuart each recorded six of the 24 submitted in August. At the latter site, 10 birds were caught for ringing in August and 18, all juveniles, in September. The last bird was seen at Tarbat Ness on 18 September.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Rare migrant. Spring/Summer: Two birds were found in Sutherland. The first was singing at Balnakeil Farm on 17 May and the second was at Dalchork on Loch Shin on 28 August.

Reed Warbler in May at Balnakeil c. Peter Stronach

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Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Uncommon but increasing summer visitor & breeder, especially in west; scarce migrant. Spring: A better year than 2018 produced 28 BirdTrack records in April and 35 in May, this year predominantly from the west, including Skye, Rum and Canna. Multiple daily records started on 20 April, with one bird reeling at Leitir Fura, Skye and at least four at Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan, then singles at Brahan Estate, Hilton of Cadboll and Drumfearn, Skye the next day. Birds were present in Badenoch, at Insh Marshes, from 23 April and on 1 May were reported as far north as Kinlochbervie, Skerray headland and Farr Bay. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at Glenfinnan and Tote, Skye.

Number of singing/displaying male Grasshopper Warblers at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Singing males 18 21 21 * 26 20 19 26 16 20 * not counted due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Summer/Autumn: As usual, birds were not often recorded in summer, just slightly more than last year. The last singles were noted at Insh Marshes on 30 July, at Dalchork, Loch Shin on 8 August and at Flodigarry, Skye, still reeling, on 11 August.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Common summer visitor & breeder; uncommon migrant and scarce but increasing winter visitor. Winter/Spring: Birds present in winter were a male at Strathy on the north coast on 4 January, a female at Craig Phadrig, Inverness on 26 January, a male at Culduthel, Inverness feeding on apple on 1 February and a male in Smithton on 17 February. Another bird was recorded east of Inverness on 3 and 14 March. The first of the spring arrival was widespread, with birds noted at Uig, Skye and Millcraig, Easter Ross on 12 April, at Ullapool on the 13th, and a day later at Melvich, Kirkhill, Rum and, in Morvern, at Aoineadh Mor and Ardtornish. Although the first 20 birds were mostly in the west of the region, more than two-thirds of the total recorded in spring were in the east. Many records were of several birds, the highest counts being 15 around Dunvegan on 23 April and 10 around Arisaig on 7 May. Breeding: The number of singing males or pairs located on Eigg, at 33, was up by 50% on the 2018 total and several raised young. Elsewhere, there were only five reports of confirmed breeding scattered across the recording area.

Autumn/Winter: Summer records decreased sharply to only 21 in August, before recovering to a late peak of 36 and 33 in September and October. In December, a female was present at Cleadale, Eigg on the 10th, males were on

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Skye at Kyleakin on the 12th and Fiskavaig on the 24th, a male was on Canna on Boxing Day and, in Inverness, birds were seen on the 14th and on Hogmanay, the latter a female feeding on hulled sunflower seed.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Uncommon local summer visitor & breeder, mainly in east, but increasing generally; scarce migrant. Spring: An early record of one bird at Annat on 24 April unfortunately presaged a further serious decline in May and June records on BirdTrack, from just 39 in 2018 to 28 this year. All early records were from the west coast, at Acharacle on 4 May, Liddesdale on 5 May, Arisaig on 8 May and Durness on 13 May, the first time the observer had located one singing that far north. The overall distribution, however, was equally split between east and west. Breeding: Proven breeding has not been noted in Highland for several years but a nest with four young was found on 11 June in Kerrow Wood, Strathglass.

Summer/Autumn: There were only three records in July, all of single birds, the last two seen on the 16th, at Insh Marshes and Achnasheen. The final bird was recorded in Abernethy Forest on 16 August.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia corruca Has bred; scarce migrant. Spring: More records than usual in this period started with one bird at Tarbat Ness on 24-25 April and one at Alturlie on 12 May. These were followed by singing males at Sandaig on 5 May, Halistra, Skye on 30 May and Dunmaglass on 7 June. Autumn: One bird was noted at Blairgorm on 2 August and one at Tarbat Ness on 4-6 October, increasing to two on 7 October.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis Locally common summer visitor & breeder, mainly in east but increasing in north and west; uncommon migrant. Spring: As in 2018, the majority of 117 BirdTrack records were from the Moray

Firth basin (over 70%). The earliest bird was found quite far inland, at Strathrannoch, near Inchbae on 20 April. More singles followed on 22 April at

Cadboll Point, on 26 April at Fort George and Ashton Farm, Inverness, and on 29 April at Alness, Alturlie and Screaton, Inverness, plus two birds at Broadford. The largest count was seven at Leitir Fura on Skye on 21 May and birds were noted

on Eigg, Rum, Canna and Handa by 23 May.

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Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Whitethroat

Breeding: Breeding was confirmed on Eigg, with good numbers of young raised, as well as on Canna and at 10 sites on the mainland.

Summer/Autumn: As in spring, there were more BirdTrack records in summer, 152, than in 2018. This is demonstrated in the reporting rate graph. In September, singles were seen at Sandavore, Eigg on the 2nd, Tarbat Ness and Hilton of Cadboll on the 4th, Mallaig on the 7th, two birds at Tarbat Ness on the 8th, but the last was not seen until the exceptionally late date of 12 November at Morefield, Ullapool.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus Abundant resident in coniferous woodland; common migrant. Winter/Spring: Small numbers were reported, reaching 10 only once in 219 winter records, in Dell Woods, Strathspey on 19 February, and in only four of 582 spring records, three of 10 birds and one of 17 in Abernethy Forest on 5 May. Singing was first reported on 8 and 28 January in Culloden Wood. Of only six records from Sutherland, all in spring, the furthest north was from Sandwood Bay on 5 April. Breeding: Good numbers of young were noted on Eigg, the earliest seen on 5 June, while in the few mainland sightings, fledged young were first reported at Portgower, Sutherland on 19 May and latest near Tain on 2 August.

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Autumn/Winter: On Eigg, it was noted that birds wandered widely in this period. Elsewhere, there were 18 counts of more than 10 birds in 334 records in September and October, 11 of which were from Carse of Ardersier on the Moray Firth. The peak four counts of 20-25 were recorded between 3 and 10 October. Four of the other seven sites were on the west coast, including the head of Loch Portree, where 20 were counted on 29 September.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident. Winter/Spring: In winter, counts of more than two birds became more common in February, but nine was the maximum, at Kinloch Castle on Rum on the 17th and 27th. Singing was first noted on 9 January, at Drumguish. Ten counts in spring exceeded 10 birds, the most being 21 in Abernethy Forest on 5 May and 22 around Craigdarroch, Contin on 11 May. Breeding: BirdTrack records of confirmed breeding came from only 12 sites, grossly under-representing a bird which, to quote the Eigg Bird Report, is “very common and widespread, from the shorelines to the highest moorlands.”

Autumn/Winter: Around 300 records a month were received in autumn, falling to 166 in December. A maximum of 6-8 birds could be noted in any month; at Fersit in September, Loch na Curra, Ashie Moor in October, Tarbat Ness and Carse Wood, Ardersier in November, and Luiblea in December.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea Scarce visitor, recently less so; now breeding.

Winter/Spring/Summer: Two birds present all year at a site near Marybank, where one had been seen the previous summer, were suspected to be nesting,

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Nuthatch - Number of named Localities by Year

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but breeding was never confirmed. In spring, there were single records of a male at Kinloch, Rum on 14 April and a bird at Loch an Eilein on 23 May. In summer, singles were seen at Loch Garten on 28 June, at Acharacle on 4 and 27 July, and in a garden at Newtonhill, Lentran on 4 August. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed for a second year in succession at a site near Arisaig, with reports on 7-30 May and 14 June.

Autumn/Winter: Single birds were recorded at Abernethy Forest Lodge on 8 October and visiting a garden feeder east of Resipol on 27 November, near to where one or two birds have been reported in previous years.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Common resident in woodlands throughout the region.

Roosting Treecreeper in August at Brahan c. Roddie Rolfe

Winter/Spring: In winter, 30% of counts referred to two or more birds, increasing to 40% in spring. The highest count in winter was six in Abernethy Forest on 4 February and in spring it was 13 in the same forest on 5 May. In 435

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records for the whole period, 30 came from Rum, 12 from Skye, one from Canna, but only one from Sutherland, of two birds at Borgie Breco Woods on 1 March. Breeding: As in the last two years, five pairs were located in Eigg’s SE woods, but breeding success seemed to be poor. As last year, three territories were recorded in Insh Marshes and all four sites where breeding was proven were around this area. An adult was seen gathering sheep wool from a fence for nest-building near Tain on 24 April.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Only one bird was recorded in most reports and never more than five. Very few sightings were noted on Eigg late in the year and there were many fewer records from Skye and Rum than earlier but, in marked contrast to winter/spring, there were six Sutherland records in September and October, three from Scourie and one each from Bonar Bridge, Migdale Woods and the River Laxford.

Rose-coloured Starling Pastor roseus Rare visitor. Summer: Skye was again the place for sightings, albeit fewer than in 2018. A single was reported at Aird, Bernisdale on 15 June and Portree on 22 June, and an adult was briefly in a garden at Clachan, Staffin on 2 August.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris Common breeder; common migrant and winter visitor, especially in east, but declining. Winter/Spring: Commonly reported, with 409 records in winter and 741 in spring, big flocks were mainly seen in winter, with eight in the 100-150 range, at Aviemore, Croachy, Croy, Whiteness, Fort George, Portmahomack, Dornoch Point and Balnakeil, and larger ones of 170 at Loch Inchard on 27 January, 291 at Loch Ewe on 28 January and 290 at Balliefurth on 14 February. There were only two in the 100-120 range in March, at Easter Kinkell and Carrbridge. Five pairs were noted visiting probable nests at Rogart on 30 March and after mid-April numbers reported were usually in single figures. Breeding: There were records of proven breeding from 27 sites throughout the region between 10 May and 26 June. Multiple nests were reported at sites at Rogart and near Tain, where a colony of 50 had developed by 3 June, from nests in tree holes near new and disused farm buildings, and even more a week later. Many young were reared on Eigg, resulting in a flock of 110, mainly juveniles, by 7 July.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: In summer, large flocks were concentrated around the Moray Firth. Tarbat Ness recorded 100-200 birds on eight dates in June and July before 500 were seen on 4 August. Dornoch Point had 200 on 30 June, Castle Stuart 120 on 26 July and Fort George 300 on 10 August. Continuing into autumn, 350 were at Tain on 2 September and 375 on 22 October, 350 at

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Balintore on 20 September and 499 at Ardersier on 22 September. Now, however, large flocks were also seen on the west coast, 148 at Culkein on 17 September, 200 at Faraid Head on 25 September, 320 at Blairmore on 30 September, 230 at Sheigra on 3 October and 300+ at Portree on 18 October. In Badenoch & Strathspey too, counts of 100-180 occurred at Invertromie on 15 September, Cromdale on 8 October and Aviemore on 16 October, continuing with 250 at Carrbridge on 24 November and 150 at Nethy Bridge on 12 December. Counts in the 100-150 range resumed at Tarbat Ness in November and on 24 December, while 210 were seen at Allanfearn on 8 December.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Summer visitor, breeding mainly restricted to uplands in west and Cairngorms; scarce migrant throughout region. Spring: The first bird seen was on a shed roof at Sartle, Staffin Bay on 25 March. Next was one at Pitmain Lodge, Kingussie on 28 March, with two reports uphill from there on the 31st, as well as from the Cairngorm carpark area on the 29th and 30th. The next record did not come until 8 April, of a male singing from the top of old winding gear by the same carpark. A total of 91 BirdTrack records in April and May was a small improvement on a poor total in 2018. Half were from the Cairngorms and a quarter from west of the Great Glen, the relative proportions presumably influenced by the accessibility of these mountain areas.

Ring Ouzel in June at Cairngorm ski centre c. Colin Richards

Breeding: Breeding was proven at seven sites in the Cairngorms, with food-carrying first observed at the ski centre on 14 May. In the west, there were three records from

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the mainland and a final one from Skye on 4 August, of an adult with three fledged young at Achnahanaid, Braes.

Summer/Autumn: Four September records included one of six birds at Glen Licht House on the 5th and another of one on Rum on the 25th. At Tarbat Ness, one migrant was seen on 6 October and three a day later, but others were still in breeding areas, three on 12 October at Coire na Ciste on Cairn Gorm and four on 13 October at Coignafearn. Later, singles were noted at Knockan Crag, Elphin on 16 October, Abernethy on 1 November and Nethy Bridge on 2 November.

Blackbird Turdus merula Locally abundant resident; common migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: There were few high counts in almost 700 winter records. Five sites provided 13 counts in the 10-18 range and 25 were noted in walks around Craig Phadrig, Inverness on 2 February and 24 at Kildary on 17 February. Of 1567 spring records, the highest count was 21 near Tain on 19 May and on only 12 occasions were 10-14 counted, at six sites. Breeding: Fledged young were first noted at Loch Bunachton on 4 May and last at Tain on 2 August. In an excellent season on Eigg, fledged young were first seen on 22 May, three days earlier than the first on Handa. There were two proven breeding records from Skye, one from Rum and 67 from 47 sites on the mainland.

Autumn/Winter: The frequency of records rose slowly through autumn from 180 in August to 318 in November before falling back in December. A very clear influx of 40 birds at Carse of Ardersier on 10 September was followed by 20-25 on four occasions in October and 30 on 1 November. There were 25 at Tarbat Ness on 7 October and 20 on 5 November. In the west, 20 were counted at Ullapool on 2 November, 21 at Portree on 6 November and 20 at Sandavore, the last as part of a not particularly high autumn passage on Eigg.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Rare breeder; common migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: Most (93%) of the 144 winter records were from the east of the recording area, including counts of 300 birds at Nigg Ferry on 6 January, 100 by Loch Eye on 23 January, 200 at Portmahomack on 31 January and 100+ in Aviemore on 23 February. The most recorded during the annual RAFOS survey of the NW coast was 59 in Tongue Bay on 28 January. A quarter of the 58 records in spring came from the west, but the high counts were from Tomatin, 100+ on 24 March, Drummore of Clava, 180+ on 10 April, and the lower Findhorn, 102 on 16 April. The last two birds seen were at Drumguish on 18 May. Autumn/Winter: A complex pattern of migration started with 14 very early birds at Alvie Estate on 29 August and 17/22 reports up to mid-October were

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from Badenoch & Strathspey, including one of 100+ birds in Nethy Bridge on the 14th. From then until mid-November, 93/170 records, and 22 out of 27 counts of 100 or more, were from the west coast. On 15 October a flock of 200+ was feeding on crowberries above 3000ft on ridges of Slioch and, on the 20th, 300+ were at Loch Scresort, Rum and 1200 in a mixed flock at Attadale. On Skye, 3500 were at Drumbuie on 25 October, 400 in Glendale on 29 October, 500 at Camustianavaig on 29 October and there were five counts 150-350 at Kyleakin between 24 October and 16 November. On Eigg, several counts exceeded 100 between 14 October and 30 November, the highest 300 at Sandavore on 1 November. On 2 November 400 were counted at Ullapool and 1100 the next day. From mid-November only 21 out of 84 records were from the west coast and only one count, at Killen in Easter Ross, reached 100 in December.

Redwing Turdus iliacus Scarce and declining breeder; usually common migrant, but sometimes scarce in winter. Winter/Spring: All sightings up to the last week of March were of small groups, the maximum about 60 at Loch Ashie on 10 January and more than three quarters were in the east of the region. Spring passage occurred over the next month and now over three quarters of records were from the west. It started dramatically on 29 March, with flocks of 1000 birds at Acharacle, 350 on Eigg, 200+ on Rum, 160 at Upper Broom, 130 at Broadford and 100 at Heaste, Skye. The Eigg and Rum flocks stayed for another day and 100 were noted at Duirinish, Skye on the 31st. Few three-figure flocks were seen in April; 200 birds at Heaste on 2 April, 100 at Ashaig on 8 April and 150 at Bonar Bridge on 23 April. A very dark, possibly Icelandic, bird was noted at Heights of Dochcarty on 21 April. Breeding: Fewer singing or displaying birds were reported than in 2018. One was noted in Lochaber on 21 April and 12 June, one in east Inverness-shire on 2 May, two in Badenoch & Strathspey, one at one site on 11 May and 14 June and the other holding territory on 14 and 25 May, and one in NW Sutherland on 17 May. Between 2 May and 18 June, individuals were seen, but not reported as singing, at seven other sites. Breeding was never proven anywhere.

Autumn/Winter: Early singles were reported at Breakish, Skye on 14 August and Tulloch, Strathspey on 1 September, before migration really got underway at the end of September. About two thirds of the early sightings were in the east of the region and flocks of 100-200 birds were seen between 5 and 10 October at Kyle of Sutherland, the Beauly Firth, Dalmagarry, Boat of Garten, Balgowan, Spey Way and Drumguish. From mid-October to early November marginally more records, but virtually all the big counts, were from the west. Flock sizes ranged from 3000 at Broadford on 14 October and 200 the next day, 110+ on Slioch, from the Loch Maree shores up to ridges over 3000ft, on the 15th, 130 at Durness on the 16th, 250-300 at Heaste, Skye on the 16th-19th, 400 on Eigg on the 16th and 300 on the 19th, 300+ on Rum and 500 at Inverinate on the 20th, 2000 at Morvich on the 21st, 180-250 at Harrapool on the 21st-22nd, 150-200 at Inverpolly on the 21st and 23rd, 100 at Kyle Akin on the 27th and 1200 at

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Ullapool on 2 November and 500 the next day. Further east, a flock of 350 was at Balgowan on 29 October and 100+ at Smithton on 2 November. More than two thirds of reports from then to the end of the year were again from the east. Bird numbers were usually small, the exception being 100 at Tarbat Ness on 5 November.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Common breeder; common migrant but scarce in winter. Winter/Spring: In January and early February, two thirds of records came from the west, but largely accounted for by multiple records from two sites on Rum and the annual systematic survey of the NW mainland by RAFOS. Notable counts were of six birds at Kinloch Castle, Rum on 9 January and four around Ennard Bay on 28 January, although 15 were noted during a cold snap at Kildonan on Eigg on 24 January. The only double-figure count in February was 12 at Teangue, Skye on the 5th. Singing was first reported at Ashton Farm, Inverness on 17 January and was noted in every second record in the second half of February. Few double-figure counts were reported in the 1240 spring records, the highest being 18 birds around Kildary on 30 March. Breeding: There were BirdTrack records of confirmed breeding at 42 sites, slightly more than in 2018. Fledged young were first reported on 11 May in Kylintra Wood, Strathspey and latest at Altandhu on 12 August. In contrast to 2018, Eigg had an outstanding season, with the first of many fledged young seen on 15 May.

Song Thrush in May at Durness c. Peter Stronach

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Autumn/Winter: Typically for Eigg, birds seemed to become scarce in late summer, followed by a small influx in late September into October. This was reflected in the number of records elsewhere, which rose from 52 in August to 73 in September and 91 in October. Examples of immigration were 10 birds in Durness village on 23 September, 20 at Camas na Sgianidin, Skye on 28 September, 30 at Tarbat Ness on 7 October and “significant overnight arrivals of migrants” at Grantown-on-Spey on 8 October and Abernethy on 10 October. In November, there was only one record from an inland site, Insh Marshes on the 17th, and only 12 in total in December, three from the east coast and eight of the rest from Rum and Eigg.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Common and widespread resident. Winter/Spring: The great majority of 192 winter records (90%) were from the eastern side of the region, almost a third from Badenoch & Strathspey. Only five were from islands, three from Skye and two from Rum. The biggest counts were 13 at Tarbat Ness on 7 February and 12 in Insh Marshes on 22 February. Intermittent song was first heard by the Beauly Firth on 8 January and at other sites soon after. Of 659 spring records, maxima were 20 in Strath Dearn on 11 March and 16 a week later, with five other records of 10 birds elsewhere. Breeding: Three breeding pairs on Eigg were two fewer than last year. One was known to raise three young. Likewise, only 16 reports of proven breeding elsewhere were seven fewer than in 2018. The first recently fledged young were seen on 24 April at Drumuillie and the latest on 5 August at East Rhidorroch.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: This year, the big flocks appeared early. About 20 birds were noted at Loch Pityoulish on 13 June. Three more flocks in Strathspey in July involved 30+ birds at Boat of Garten, 25 at Loch Garten and about 50 at Inchdryne on freshly cut silage. August saw two more in the 20-26 range, at Insh Marshes and Boat of Garten, before 40 birds were seen at Uileann in Lochaber on the 29th. September was the peak month, with seven flocks of 20-40 in Badenoch & Strathspey, at Drumguish twice, Cromdale, Dalnahaitnach, Dell of Killiehuntly, Kincraig and Insh Marshes, as well as 20 birds at Tulloch Station and at Achentoul in Sutherland, plus 50 in Strath Dearn on the 30th. All subsequent sightings were of under 20 birds, and under six after 3-5 November, when 6-10 were seen four times at Tarbat Ness.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Common but declining summer visitor & breeder; scarce migrant. Spring: The earliest sightings were at Corrimony and Shiel Bridge on 8 May, Fassfern on 9 May, Whiteness on 10 May and the next six on 11-14 May in Strathspey. A tally of 72 records on BirdTrack was considerably better than in 2018. Over 80% were from the east side of the region, with counts of five or

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more at Drumguish and Tarbat Ness on 17 May and Corrimony on 29 May. Birds were recorded as far north as Durness on 17 May and Melvich on 29 May. Breeding: Four territories were noted at Insh Marshes and five breeding pairs on Eigg, both one fewer than last year. Only one pair on Eigg was known to raise young. However, there were 36 records of proven breeding at 22 sites elsewhere. One observer noted food-carrying at four different sites near Ullapool on 5 June.

Summer/Autumn: A total of 196 BirdTrack reports represents a continued annual increase. One bird on Eigg was seen to catch and eat a Red Admiral butterfly. The last of eight records in September were from Rothiemurchus on the 16th, Drumguish on the 20th and Gairlochy on the 27th.

Robin Erithacus rubecula Common resident; vacates uplands in winter; continental birds arrive in autumn, many of which winter. Winter/Spring: Still the second most recorded species on BirdTrack in Highland, there were almost 2000 records in this period. The largest winter counts were 13-14 birds at Kinloch Castle, Rum on 16 and 27 February and 12 at Torbreck on 20 February. In early spring, 20 were counted at Loch Morlich on 11 March and at Kildary on 30 March. On 17 April 24 were accumulated on Cow Hill, Fort William. Breeding: Young were seen on Handa and fair numbers on Eigg, despite a lower breeding population than normal. Elsewhere, breeding was proven at a minimum of 48 different sites, 38 where fledged young were seen, the earliest in Aviemore on 24 April, the latest in Newtonmore on 28 August.

Autumn/Winter: In almost 1300 BirdTrack records there were only 12 counts of more than 10. An obvious influx of 20 birds was noted at Carse of Ardersier on 10 September, 31 were seen at Durness on 23 September, 20 at Insh Marshes on 24 September, 25 at Tain on 27 September and 20 at Tarbat Ness on 5 November.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Scarce summer visitor & breeder; scarce migrant. Spring/Summer: The first sighting was of a first-summer male on 24 April at Tarbat Ness, where another single was seen on 19 May. As usual, most reports came from Badenoch & Strathspey, with records from six sites. There were sightings at Inshriach on 29 April and on five dates in May, and at Loch an Eilein on 30 April, five dates in May and one on 3 July. At Craigellachie NNR, there were records on 28 dates between 7 May and 7 July, with three birds noted on eight occasions. There were eight records from Drumguish from 13 May to 1 June, often of a singing male, one from Loch Morlich on 19 May and six from Insh

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Marshes from 16-25 May, often of a singing male. Further west, one bird was seen at Ballachulish on 23 May, one in Glen Affric NNR on 24 May and the last bird was an early juvenile migrant at Staffin, Skye on 7 August. Breeding: Breeding was confirmed at Inshriach and Loch an Eilein on 30 May, and on 8 June at Craigellachie, where the final report was of a pair at a nest box on 7 July.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Vagrant. Autumn: One bird was found at Keoldale on 8 November. (See article on page 203.)

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Scarce migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: The sole bird seen was on the Cairngorm ski area on 6 May. Autumn: Again, only one bird was recorded, at Brora river mouth on 6 October.

Black Redstart in October at Brora c. Dean MacAskill

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Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Locally common summer visitor & breeder; uncommon migrant. Spring: The earliest records were from Anagach Woods on 17 April, the River Nairn at Tordarroch on 20 April, Grantown-on Spey on 21 April, Loch Ashie and Blackfold (three birds) on 22 April, after which reporting became more frequent. The BirdTrack records total recovered from a poor 2018 to 92, mostly of singing males. As last year, three quarters of these were from Badenoch & Strathspey. The furthest west reports were from Ariundle Oakwood, where four birds were singing on 10 May, and the furthest north from Rogart, of two birds on 18 May. Breeding: Four of the six records of proven breeding were from Badenoch & Strathspey, one from Glen Strathfarrar and one from Uileann in Morvern.

Summer/Autumn: A total of 50 summer records included one from Skye on 30 June. The latest August records, from Uileann on the 17th, 18th and 20th, were followed by three of singles in September, two on Skye, at Lower Milovaig on the 22nd and The Storr on the 25th, and the last at Tarbat Ness on the 26th.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Locally common summer visitor & breeder in west but uncommon elsewhere; scarce migrant. Spring: Records started on 23 April with three reports from Skye, at Harlosh, Roag and Ardnish. Another from Pool Roag on 25 April and three on 27 April, from Waternish, Kilmory on Rum and Drumguish, preceded the main arrival by a week. Five were counted at Roag on 10 May. Despite the early predominance of west coast records, the fairly meagre spring total of 49 was more evenly spread across the region this year, with 27 from the west and 22 from the east of the region, from Badenoch north to one site in east Sutherland, including Loch Affric. A single bird at Kildonan was the sole record for the year on Eigg, but there were two reports from Handa, on 15 and 27 May. Breeding: For the first time on record there was no breeding on Eigg. Breeding was confirmed, however, at Kilmory on Rum and Heaste on Skye, although six of the other 10 sites were on the east of the region. In addition, there was one pair on Insh Marshes.

Summer/Autumn: A total of 81 BirdTrack records in summer was better than 61 in 2018. Five birds were reported on Handa on 10 August. Three at Monkstadt on the Trotternish peninsula, Skye on the 3rd was the only September record but, in October, singles were noted at Kingairloch on the 6th, Durness on the 16th and a late bird at An Aird, Skye on the 29th.

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Stonechat Saxicola rubicola Common breeder; increasingly resident inland in winter. Winter/Spring: Over 300 BirdTrack records for the period was more than last year but fewer of these were in winter. Three quarters of winter sightings were from around the coastlines. Among 14 reports from 10 locations in Badenoch & Strathspey were those of five birds at Drumguish on 30 January despite heavy snow cover and one the next day trying to feed along the river bank at Speybridge. Six birds at Fersit on 16 May was the highest spring count. Breeding: An increase in breeding pairs on Eigg to 12, compared to eight in 2018, contrasted with the absence of Whinchats there and several reared second broods. Six pairs with broods were counted on Canna on 23 May. There were 56 cases of proven breeding from 52 locations elsewhere, the first case at Kilmory, Rum on 16 April and the last at Culkein on 7 September. Double broods were evident at a minimum of five sites.

Autumn/Winter: Not long after the end of the breeding season, a pair was seen to mob a fox at Loch Ashie on 17 September. Some passage on Eigg in October led to birds being more numerous in November and December. This was not reflected elsewhere, only a gradual drop in records from September to October, then an accelerating decline. A count of 12 birds at Camusrory on 30 September was the only one of note until six were seen at Dornoch Point on 3 December.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Locally abundant summer visitor & breeder, although uncommon in east; common migrant. Spring: The first eight records were from the islands of Rum, at Kilmory on 22 and 27 March, Eigg on 23 March and Skye, on 23 March at Camas Malag, on 25 March at Ardnish, Lower Milovaig and Neist Point, and on 27 March at Claigan. The next three days saw 16 records, one from Rum, Skye seven, the NW mainland seven and only on 31 March was there one from the east, at Cairngorm Day Lodge. The early westerly bias eased in April and May, but the big counts were in the west, with 37 birds on the Lower and Upper Milovaig loop on 31 March, 41 at Balnakeil on 27 April and 10 more counts in the 11-18 range. Breeding: Breeding was reasonably common on Eigg, although considerably reduced from a few years ago, while Handa had several pairs. On Strathy beach and Point 8-10 broods were noted on 28 June, while many territories with fledglings were reported on Canna Sheilings on 30 June. Breeding was confirmed at 17 other sites, including Eilean nan Ron off the north coast.

Summer/Autumn: Report numbers almost halved from June to July, but a substantial peak in August included double-figure counts around the coasts, of 11 at Neist Point on the 20th, 14 at Strathy Point on the 24th, and 26 and 14 at Tarbat Ness on 26 and 27 August. Reports continued apace through September, with late singles at Tarbat Ness and nearby Bindal Muir on the 30th, and the last were at Kinloch Glen, Rum on 11 October and Sheigra on 20 October.

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[Greenland Wheatear] Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa Autumn: The only reports were from Portree, of two birds on 3 September, and Rubha an Dunain Point, near Culkein, where one male was seen on 17 September and two males two days later.

Dipper Cinclus cinclus Locally common resident. Winter/Spring: There were four birds at Nethy Bridge on 18 March and four at Tore on 24 May, but only three out of 155 January-March BirdTrack records involved more than two birds. It is notable that only three of the well-scattered reports came from the north of the region. Breeding: The earliest signs of proven breeding were an adult carrying food near Tain on 24 April and a nest with young at Strath Dearn on 28 April. Proven breeding was also noted at 16 mainland sites across the recording area from Inverkirkaig in Sutherland to Glen Truim in Badenoch. A pair also bred successfully on Eigg and another at Kinloch Castle on Rum.

Autumn/Winter: Six at Evanton Shore on 9 October, five at Killiechonate on 28 August, four at White Bridge, Invergarry on 5 October and a couple of reports of three birds were the largest counts. Again, records were well-scattered but only seven came from the north of the region.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common resident but locally scarce in north. Winter/Spring: By far the highest count was 200 at Portmahomack on 31 January. Away from the agricultural lowlands, some other large counts, which refer to extensive areas rather than specific locations, were 125 at Loch Ewe on 28 January, 64 at Upper Loch Torridon on 31 January and 37 at Ullapool on 30 January. There were 17 other reports of 20 or more birds. Breeding: On Eigg, the breeding population was somewhat reduced following the apparent departure of many birds in the early autumn of 2018 but, nonetheless, it was a very successful breeding season.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Counts of 100 birds were made at Portmahomack on 18 July, at nearby Tarbat Ness on 21 July, Ardmair Point on 21 August and at Carse of Ardersier on 23 November. Other flocks included 70 at Duirinish on 2 August, 50 at Dunrobin on 22 June, 50 at Cleadale, Eigg on 25 June, 50 on Eigg from August onwards, 40 at Sango Bay on 20 June, 40 at Cannich on 22 June, 40 at Nethy Bridge on 29 August and 30 at Arisaig, Fort William, Beauly Firth and Aviemore. Although there were still 100 at Carse of Ardersier on 23 November,

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winter flocks were generally small, with 25 at Tarbat Ness on 5 November and 30 at Mallaig on 7 November the next largest.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Locally common resident in Inner Moray Firth; rare elsewhere. Winter/Spring: Monthly peak counts were 20 at Easter Dalziel on 1 January, 15 at Balloch on 7 February and 12 at Ashton Farm on 2 March. Reports of smaller numbers, or presence, were received from 23 other named sites, all around the Inner Moray Firth and as far north as Tain. One at Drumguish on 11 April was an unusual record from Badenoch, as was that from Canna of one on feeders on 16 May. Breeding: Most records were from the Moray Firth Basin, with fledged juveniles seen at Aigas Dam on 29 May, Hilton of Cadboll on 30 May and further north at Skibo on 15 July. An agitated bird at Tain on 10 June also suggests breeding.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Peak monthly counts were 50 at Tarbat Ness on 11 October and 25 at Ashton Farm, Inverness on 21 November and 1 December. Birds were noted at 19 other named sites within the usual range of the Moray Firth Basin, but more unusual were three at Nethy Bridge on 17 October and singles on Skye at Duirinish on 10 November and Lower Milovaig between 9 November and 30 December.

Dunnock Prunella modularis Common resident. Winter/Spring: Although reports were received from across the region, the maximum counts were only of seven birds at Cow Hill, Fort William on 17 April and six at Rosemarkie on 25 February and Loch Morlich on 17 March. Breeding: Singing was first noted at Tain on 25 February and was recorded across Highland. The first report of young being fed was on 18 May at Tarbat Ness and, of fledged young, on 20 May at Inverinate. A pair was present in May, and probably bred, above Cairn Gorm car park at an altitude of 650m. It was a reasonably productive season on Eigg, with a fair number of juvenile birds seen.

Autumn/Winter: Numbers were larger than in the first winter period, with 15 birds at Carse of Ardersier on 18 December and counts of five or six birds at Durness, Heights of Dochcarty, Nethy Bridge, Cow Hill and Strontian.

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Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Uncommon passage migrant. Spring: One unraced bird was seen at Balnakeil Farm on 17 May and two Blue-headed males (ssp. flava) were there on 18-19 May.

Yellow Wagtail in May at Balnakeil c. Peter Stronach

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Locally common breeder; scarce in winter. Winter/Spring: Records, of one or two birds, were mainly coastal until late March, apart from singles at Grantown-on-Spey on 1 January, Blairgorm on 31 January, Aviemore on 19 February, Anagach Woods on 1 March and two at Loch Pityoulish on 4 March. More birds penetrated inland later in the month, with pairs noted at Insh Marshes on 22 March, Grantown-on-Spey on 25 March and on the River Pattack on 26 March. Breeding: The first report of nest-building was at Inverbroom Lodge on 14 April and the first fledged young were seen at Anagach on 28 May. Other reports of proven breeding were from Loch Glass, Kilmorack, Grantown-on-Spey, Gallovie, Lochan nam Bo, Ruigh Aiteachain and Savary in Morvern. It was a poor breeding season on Eigg, with only four pairs located, and only two pairs are known to have raised young.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: There were 25 BirdTrack records in October, 14 in November and nine in December. All were coastal, apart from two birds at Dell of

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Killiehuntly on 9 October and singles at White Bridge, Invergarry on 5 October and Rogart on 19 October.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Common breeder; uncommon or scarce in winter, especially inland. Winter/Spring: During January, one or two birds were reported at sites in the Moray Firth Basin, but singles were also noted at Aviemore, Carrbridge, Connagill (River Halladale), Loch Gairloch and Ullapool. Flocks were noted later in winter, with 18 at Caol on 10 February, eight at Fort George on 23 February and five at Ashton Farm, Inverness on 13 February, but the only inland birds were singles at Nethy Bridge on 16 February and Feshiebridge on 17 February. Birds were more numerous and widespread in March, with eight double-figure counts, maxima 16 at Loans of Tullich on 18 March, 15 at Inverpolly on 14 March and 15 at Balnakeil on 31 March. Flocks then broke up, with April peak counts of only eight at four sites. Breeding: The first singing bird was near Tain on 24 February, first young being fed at Tarbat Ness and Drumguish on 18 May and fledged young at the Beauly Firth on 27 May. It was a productive breeding season on Eigg.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: After maximum counts of 17 in May and 12 in June, flocks rebuilt to 25 at Tarbat Ness on 25 July, 25 at Struan on 25 August, 29 at Tarbat Ness on 27 August, 53 at Balintore on 3 September, 60 at Fort George on 25 September and 40 at Nethy Bridge on 29 September. By October, the only double-figure counts were 31 birds at Dingwall on 4 October and 16 at Insh Marshes on 19 October, but inland sites were otherwise almost deserted. In November-December the only count exceeding three was nine at the convergence of the Lochy with Loch Linnhe on 9 December. [White Wagtail] Motacilla alba alba Spring: Small numbers were noted on Eigg between 15 April and 13 May, with a maximum of seven on 19-20 April. On Skye, one or two birds were seen at six sites between 17 April and 6 May, but six were at Breakish and 12 at Broadford Bay on 21 April and five at Ardmore on 6 May. On Rum, one or two birds were noted between 14 April and 30 May, maximum four on 21 April. On the mainland, 172+ birds were reported between the first at Strathy Point on 18 March and the last at Balnakeil Bay on 30 June. Notable counts were 48 at Dornoch Point on 21 April, 19 at Fort George on 22 April and 10 at Balnakeil on 27 April. Inland singles were noted at Glen Feshie on 5 May and Dalchork on 9 May. Autumn: The first single was at Strathy Point on 1 September and the last at Smithton on 6 November, with one to four birds noted at seven further sites.

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Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Abundant breeder; uncommon in winter when absent from most areas. Winter/Spring: Fifteen at Whiteness on 24 January and 60 at Kirkton on 4 February were the only double-figure winter counts and very few birds were inland. Only in the last week of March did double-figure counts become widespread, with 40 at Duirinish on 26 March the largest. The main arrival was in April, with 335 at Dornoch on 20 April, 200 at Feorlig, Skye on 21 April, 100 at Kinloch Castle, Rum on 14 April and 100 at Essich on 17 April. Flocks continued to be recorded into May, with 110 in Strath Dearn on 5 May the largest. Breeding: The first report of young being fed was at Loch Ashie on 3 May and fledged young were seen at Laggan on 5 May. There were widespread reports of breeding, extending into late August. It was a good season on Eigg.

Autumn/Winter: Flocks of 100 birds were reported at Waterstein on 12 August, Lochindorb on 7 September, Balintraid on 12 September and Uileann on 22 September, but numbers declined thereafter, with 20 at An Aird on 29 October and 20 at Tarbat Ness on 5 November. Birds were scarce in December, with only 1-3 recorded at 18, mostly coastal, sites.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Locally common summer visitor & breeder, but scarce in autumn. Spring: The first birds were rather late, with singles at Alvie Estate, Inverdruie, Melvich (trapped) and Tulloch, all on 18 April. Subsequently, there were three at Loch Garten on 20 April, five at Boblainy, Kiltarlity on 20 April, six at Strontian on 23 April, eight in Glen Strathfarrar on 26 April, 16 in Abernethy Forest on 5 May and eight at Ariundle on 10 May. Breeding: The first record of proven breeding was that of a bird carrying food at Tulloch Moor on 25 May, but it was not until 22 June that fledged young were reported, at Hill of Fortrose. The last record of proven breeding was at Uileann on 11 July.

Summer/Autumn: There was a longer tail of records in August than in 2018, with 19 BirdTrack records, mostly of one to four birds, but 10 at Balgowan on 7 August. The last record was of two at Newtonmore on 28 August.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Vagrant. Autumn: One found at Tarbat Ness on 5 November is a first for Highland and probably the furthest west a bird has been seen in Scotland. (See Stronach, P. 2020. Scottish Birds 40(2) June: 154-156.)

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Olive-backed Pipit in November at Tarbat Ness c. Peter Stronach

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Vagrant. Spring: One bird was present at Dornoch Point from 22 January to at least 7 February. Winter: Two birds were at Dornoch Point from 17 December into January 2020. This is now a regular site for this species but, surely, they also occur elsewhere in Highland? (See article on page 210.)

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Locally common breeder; common winter visitor to wide range of coastal sites. Winter/Spring: By far the largest count, of 37 at Achiltibuie, was from a systematic survey of a long coastline. All other counts were in single figures, apart from 24 at Laig Bay, Eigg on 24 January, 10 at Drumancroy on 10 February and 19 between Ardmair and Achnahaird on 11 April. Unusual reports of inland birds were singles at Coignafearn on 20 April and at 1244m on Cairngorm summit on 10 May. Breeding: The only reports of proven breeding were at Ardnish on 25 May and Traigh near Arisaig on 27 June. It was a successful season on Eigg.

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Autumn/Winter: Counts were mostly in single figures until 20 were seen at Neist Point on 16 July and 30 at Strathy Point on 24 August. Thereafter, monthly maxima were 30 at Droman on 29 September, 14 at An Aird on 29 October, 15 at Tarbat Ness on 27 November and 10 at Dornoch Point on 9 December. A well-inland bird was at Coignafearn on 13 August and another by the radio mast at Bealach na Ba on 2 November was at 773m and almost 4km inland. [Scandinavian Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus littoralis] Spring/Summer: An adult bird was seen at Brora on 26 March. A single was later reported at Dornoch Point on 8 April.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Abundant resident; common in winter, especially in east. Winter/Spring: There were 12 reports of triple-figure flocks in January-February, when maxima were 280 at Boat of Garten on 14 January and 200 in Strath Dearn on 2 January. Few substantial flocks remained after March but there were still 102 at Loch Garten on 1 April. Breeding: The first report of nest-building, at Pityoulish on 2 March, was early. The widespread reports of fledged young commenced at Tain on 9 May, with the last report at Uileann on 23 August.

Autumn/Winter: Flocks of up to 50 birds were seen from mid-July onwards, but it was not until 29 November that the first flock of 100 birds was noted, at Street of Kincardine. Next month, there were 100 at Broomhill on 14 December, 800 at Deishar, Boat of Garten on 20 December and 150 between Dulnain Bridge and Carrbridge next day.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Rare breeder; uncommon migrant and winter visitor but occasionally locally common. Winter/Spring: There was a big influx and the total of 431 BirdTrack records was more than double that for this period in 2018. In January, 250 were in Strath Dearn and 115 at Nethy Bridge on the 1st, 250 at Mains of Garten on the 14th, 300 at Glen Mazeran on the 21st, 250 at Boat of Garten and 150 at Mains of Garten on the 28th and 100 at Skelbo on 29 January. On 19 January a magnificent flock of around 600 was noted at Nethy Bridge, with 200 there next day. This flock peaked at 700 on 3 February before declining to 70 on 5 March, although a flock about 3km to the east numbered 150 on 1 March and 100 on 4 March. Elsewhere, the largest counts were 90 at Ardival and 85 at Loch Fleet on 7 February. Although numbers were lower in April, there were still 30 at Tain on 1 April, 300 at Carrbridge on 16 April and 50 at Drumguish on 18 April. Outwith Badenoch & Strathspey and around the Moray Firth, eight birds were at Portree

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on 4 April and singles on Eigg on 24 and 29 March, at Skeabost on 10 April, Creag Meagaidh on 17 April and Keoldale on 27 April.

Brambling in April at Nethy Bridge c. Desmond Dugan

Breeding: There was no proven breeding, but a single sang intermittently at Tarbat Ness between 12 May and 10 June, and other singles were noted at Glenbain on 22 May, Faichem on 1 June and near Carrbridge on 13 June.

Autumn/Winter: Unlike the previous winter, there was a very meagre arrival, with only 29 BirdTrack records, commencing with a single at Sheigra on 29 September. Next were 20 at Balnakeil on 8 October, four at Loch Fleet on 11 October, one at Acharacle on 13 October and, by far the largest flock, 80+ at Loch Maree on 15 October. Thereafter, there were only single-figure counts at widespread sites, apart from 10 at Allangrange on 28 November and 20 at Gallovie on 25 December.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Has bred; scarce visitor at any time of year. Winter/Spring/Summer: Single birds were reported at Carrbridge on 2 March, at Bonar Bridge a male on 7-8 April, at Tongue Mains on 19 April, Morar on 19 April and Kinbrace on 17-19 June, a bird which was photographed by the local postlady. Breeding: Two pairs with six fledglings were discovered this year at an undisclosed site, not last year as reported in the 2018 Report. It has also been accepted that there was a possible breeding attempt in spring 2017 in west Inverness-shire.

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Breeding Hawfinch in June in Highland c. Desmond Dugan

Autumn/Winter: One was noted at Corrour Lodge holiday lets on 13 November.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Locally common resident; recorded in all months of the year usually in single-figure numbers. Winter/Spring: From January through to late June, sightings were mainly in single figures and across the east of the region, the only double-figure counts being 10 at Achandunie, Ardross on 2 January, 11 at Lairg on 6 January, 15 at Baddengorm Woods, Carrbridge on 8 January, 17 at Lairg on 3 February, 12 in Glen Tromie on 4 February, 11 at Carrbridge on 5 February, 12 at Mullach Coire nan Dearcag on 11 February and 10 at Ben Tarvie on 24 February. Only one to three birds were reported from scattered sites in the west, except for four at Eskadale on 4 February, six at Portnalong on 27 February, four at Dunvegan Castle on 30 March, four at Little Assynt on 4 April and four in Glen Canisp on 7 May. Two at Balnakeil on 31 March was the only record from the north coast. Breeding: There were only six records of proven breeding, with young being fed at Ullapool on 5 June and recently fledged young seen at Balgowan, Tain, Hilton of Cadboll and Aviemore. A few pairs were on Eigg but there was no evidence any were successful.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Reports were again mainly in single figures and from the east of the region but, as expected, numbers were slightly larger than in the earlier period. In Badenoch & Strathspey, there were 18 at Uath Lochans on 23 November, 18 at Drumguish on 25 December, 15 at Mullach Coire nan Dearcag on 14 November, 15 at Dorback Lodge on 6 December and 12 at Grantown-on-Spey on 10 November. In Easter Ross, 15 were at Ardvarnie on 30

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October and 10 at Tain on 8 October. On Skye, eight were at Dunvegan Castle on 6 October, nine at the head of Loch Portree on 29 September and nine at Leiter Fura on 19 December.

Greenfinch Chloris chloris Common resident; locally common in winter in east, although at a much lower population level than in earlier years. Winter/Spring: With smaller flock sizes and only 1160 BirdTrack records submitted for the whole of 2019, compared to 1342 in 2018, it appears that the recent decline continues. The graph below clearly shows a decline in sightings in mid-winter and a smaller decline in most spring months. There were three reports of 20 birds, at Nethy Bridge on 1 January, at nearby Lurg on 19 January and around Loch Ewe on 28 January. Subsequently, maximum counts in the first half of the year were only of six birds, at Ardnish on Skye, Dores, Croy and Dornoch Point in February, at Tulloch in March, Tain on 16 May and Merkinch on 31 May.

____ Highland 2019 ____ Highland 2018 Reporting rate: %age each week of complete BirdTrack lists containing a report of Greenfinch

Breeding: The first record of singing was at Waterloo, Skye on10 February. Although there were widespread records of pairs in suitable breeding habitat, few reports of proven breeding were received. The first record of young being fed was at Tain on 20 May. It was a fairly successful season on Eigg with a fair number of fledged juveniles seen.

Autumn/Winter: On 14 August, 21 at Alvie was the largest flock, with later ones of 10 at Loch an Eilein on 15 September, six at Smithton on 29 September, 11 at Carse of Ardersier on 17 October, eight at Insh Marshes on 3 November, eight at Balintore/Shandwick Bay on 14 November and 10 at Drumguish on 28 December.

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Twite Linaria flavirostris Uncommon breeder; can be locally common in winter, especially in east. Winter/Spring: For the period January to April, there were 49 BirdTrack records (54 in 2018) from 39 sites, none far from the coast. Largest counts were 30 at Loch Fleet on 9 January, 36 at Coul Links on 22 January, 60 at Heathmount, Kildary on 5 February, 50 at Nigg on 8 February, 20 at Clachtoll on 31 March and 16 at Balnakeil on 27 April. Breeding: A male was singing at Mellon Charles on 11 April. Recently fledged young were seen at Talisker, Uileann and Faraid Head and young were being fed at An Cruachan, Eigg on 27 June. There were several records of family groups in mid-summer on Eigg.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: There were 163 BirdTrack records for the period 1 May through to the end of the year (152 in 2018). On Eigg, the maximum count was 60 on 19 August. On Skye, post-breeding flocks were reported of 14 birds at Heaste on 8 July, 15 at Ardnish on 20 July and 50 at Duirinish on 31 July, but in the following month they built up to 60 at Borneskitaig on10 August, 85 at Kilmaluag on 11 August, 100 at Duirinish on 20 August, 100 at Broadford Bay on 25 August and 100 at Askaig on 5 September. Elsewhere, counts of 80 birds were made at Firemore Bay, Inverasdale on 6 and 17 September and also at Achmelvich Bay on 11 September. In October, 30 were in Glen Quoich on the 5th and the largest reported flock of 120 was at Durness on the 17th. Birds started to reappear on the east coast, where they do not breed, from late October, with 35 at Brora on 25 October, 18 at Tarbat Ness on 29 October, 29 at Coul Links on 16 November, 54 at Dornoch Point on 23 November and 35 at Loch Fleet on 8 December. Twenty at Carr Road on 19 December and four there on 21 December were the only reports from Strathspey.

Linnet Linaria cannabina Common local resident, mainly in east; common in winter in east especially around the Moray Firth. Winter/Spring: Flocks were, as expected, mainly around the Moray Firth and Strathspey. By far the largest flock, of 400 birds at Coulnakyle on 17 January, reached 750 on 3 February, but had dispersed by March, with the maximum count only 12 on the 5th. Elsewhere, there were 200 at Loans of Tullich on 29 January, 120 at Navity on 30 January, 100 at Nonikiln, Alness on 30 January, 100 at Tarbat Ness on 14 February, 60 at Beechwood, Inverness on 17 March and 200 at Tain on 31 March. A flock of 300 was at Dornoch Point on 2 February and 80 were still there on 17 April. Only one to four birds were reported from north and west coast sites during the first four months, apart from 20 at Dalnabreck on 20 April.

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Breeding: For a widespread species, remarkably few records of breeding were submitted. First nest-building was noted at Fort George on 22 April, a used nest was found at the Beauly Firth on 27 May and recently fledged young seen at Cromarty on 6 June and Inverbroom on 2 August. It was a fairly productive season on Eigg.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: Post-breeding flocks developed through July, with the initial 10 birds counted at Tarbat Ness on 5 July building to 150 on the 23rd. After this there were only five three-figure counts (23 in 2018): 100 at Tarbat Ness on 2 August, 250 at Dingwall on 24 November, 150 at Alturlie on 28 November, 200 at Loch Eye on 7 December and 150 at Dulnain Bridge to Carrbridge on 21 December. Away from the core area around the Moray Firth and Strathspey there were remarkably few records. On Eigg, there were 20 at Kildonan on 27 August and 25 at Laig on 20 September and, on Skye, 24 at Broadford on 2 September, 20 at Duirinish on 9 September and 14 at Camascross on 9 September. Four were at Traigh on 4 August, four at Oldshoremore on 3 October and three on Rum on 17 September.

Common (Mealy) Redpoll Acanthis flammea Scarce migrant and winter visitor in variable numbers; may breed in small numbers. Winter/Spring: There was a record from Insh Marshes on 24 January. At Nethy Bridge one was seen on 4 March, with further reports on 27 March and 13 May. One was at West Urray from 30 March to 3 April. Later reports were of four in Strath Carnaig on 10 April, eight at Dalnabreck on 14 April, and two there on 17 April, two at Mellon Udrigle on 27 April, two between Opinan and Laide on 28 April, two between Miotag and Badluarag on 29 April, one at Talisker on 2 May, one at Acharacle on 7 May, at Loch Affric on 13 May and one at Tarbat Ness on 19 May. Breeding: One at Scullamus on 22 June was paired with a Lesser and probably bred locally.

Autumn/Winter: Three were recorded at Creag Meagaidh on 17 September, one at Portree on 30 October, one at Ardvannie on 31 October, one in Glen Varragill on 6 November and 17 November, and two at Aoineadh Mor, Morvern on 8 December.

Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret Common breeder; winters in variable numbers. Winter/Spring: Easily the largest count was 400 “working through small pines and junipers” at Straanruie on 13 February. Other flocks included 30 at Craig Phadrig on 4 January, 30 between Grantown-on-Spey and Nethy Bridge on 11

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January, 35 at Drumguish on 27 January, 70 at Feshiebridge on 17 February, 40 at Insh Marshes on 19 February, 40 at Kingussie on 22 February, 100 at Loch Ruthven on 8 March, 70 at Insh Marshes on 12 March, 80 at Grantown-on-Spey on 27 March, 80 at Tulloch Moor on 30 March and 44 at Loch Ashie on 10 April. Breeding: Nest-building was first noted at Scourie on 27 April and fledged young first reported at Tain on 7 June. It was a moderately successful breeding year on Eigg.

Autumn/Winter: Early flocks included 30 at Ardshealach on 25 July and 70 at Dalchork on 28 August. The largest were180 at the head of Loch Portree on 27 September and 370 at Duartbeg on 2 October. Later, 80 were at Edinbane on 3 November, 70 at Insh on 28 November, 50 at Ashie Moor on 29 November, 60 at Ruthven on 1 December, 60 at Torbreck on 1 December, 30 at Cow Hill, Fort William on 9 December, 80 at Inverlael on 23 December and 30 at Insh Marshes on 28 December.

Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus Very local breeder in Strathspey, rare elsewhere. Although there were eight claimed reports of this species, including a flock of 12 birds and a male videoed feeding two young, no records were submitted to HRC for consideration.

Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica Uncommon local breeder; rare in far north and west. Although there were 68 claimed reports of this species, with a maximum flock size 15, no descriptions or sonograph recordings were submitted to HRC for consideration.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Widespread breeder in coniferous forests throughout region; regular (irruptive) migrant. Winter/Spring: The highest counts were 30 at Tain Links on 31 January, 20 at Skye of Curr on 2 April, 17 at Strathnaver on 8 May, 16 at Lairg on 3 February, 16 at Allanfearn on 8 February, 15 at Craig Phadrig/Craig Dunain on 20 January and 10 at Edderton Bay on 6 January. Elsewhere, up to seven birds were reported on BirdTrack from about 74 named sites. Most were from Badenoch & Strathspey, Strath Dearn or on the Moray Firth coast, but a few were from Forsinard, Rosehall, Loch Shin, Rogart, Loch Maree, Beinn Eighe, Kinlochewe, Loch Droma, Glencarron, Dundreggan, Strontian, Ariundle, Castle Tioram and Uileann. Three were at Portree on 11 May and, on Rum, three on 15 April and a single on 30 April.

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Breeding: A bird was collecting sheep wool at Straanruie on 27 March. Recently fledged young were reported between May and August at Rogart, Strathnaver, Loch Ashie, Poolewe, Portree and Uileann. Evidence of late (or early) breeding was an adult male seen feeding three juveniles at Borgie Breco Woods on 22 December and nest-building at Uileann on 24 December.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: BirdTrack records came from about 53 named sites and flocks included 40 at Uath Lochans on 23 November, 21 at Coignafearn on 28 November, 17 at Uileann on 7 December, with 10 there on 29 December, and 15 in Glen Varragill, Portree on 28 November. There were another 123 records, either of presence or single-figure counts (only 78 in 2018). [Crossbill species] Winter/Spring: There were 116 BirdTrack records (only 67 in 2018), seven of which concerned more than 10 birds (one in 2018): 55 at Lairg on 4 January, 22 at Forsinain on 3 January, 20 at Invereshie & Inshriach NNR on 29 March, 20 at Abernethy on 20 April, 12 at Drumguish on 7 April, 11 at Abernethy on 5 May and 11 at Forsinard on 10 January. Breeding: Nest-building was noted at Tulloch on 28 February and nesting there on 2 May. Nesting was noted at Newtonmore on 20 May and fledged young at Strathfarrar on 11 April and Drumguish on 22 May.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: A pair was on Eigg from 24 June to 5 July. Among the 113 records on BirdTrack (112 in 2018), six groups of more than 10 were reported: 25 at Heathmount, Tain on 6 June, 16 at Insh on 19 November, 15 at Laggan on 19 June, 13 at Tain on 12 December, 13 at Drumguish on 13 December and 12 at Laggan Reservoir on 31 December.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Widespread, often abundant, resident throughout the region. Winter/Spring: Reports were widespread across the region, including Skye and Rum, and from January to March there were BirdTrack records from 23 sites with 10 or more birds (14 in 2018). Notable counts were 125 at Kilchoan on 19 February, 50 at Portmahomack on 31 January, 40 at West Urray on 13 February, 32 at Beauly on 9 January and 31 at Cradlehall on 16 January. Breeding: Nest-building was first reported on Rum on 18 April and the earliest report of fledged young was from Aviemore on 7 May. Breeding was also proven at 14 other sites from Rum across to Badenoch. It was a good season on Eigg with many young reared.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The first significant post-breeding flocks were 20 near Laggan on 24 July and 35 at Ockle, Ardnamurchan on 29 July. Next month, there were 30 at Alturlie pools on 26 August and 40 at Loch Ashie on 29 August. In September, 40 were at Tarbat Ness on the 8th, 40 at Savary on the 15th and

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50 at Droman on the 29th. In October, 30 were at Ballachroan on the 6th and 40 at Borgie on the 26th. The peak November count was 60 at Kyleakin on the 2nd. High numbers on Skye were illustrated by 18 seen in Glen Brittle on 4 September, 20 at Broadford on 7 November, 30 at Cuan Beag on 13 October and 30 at Heaste on 20 December. There were 110 BirdTrack reports of 10 or more birds during the last six months of the year.

Siskin Spinus spinus Common breeder and common migrant but can be scarce in mid-winter. Winter/Spring: There were many much larger flocks than in 2018, with 100 at Anagach on 11 January, 150 nearby at Cromdale on 12 January, 100 at Forest Lodge on 13 January, 360 at Boat of Garten on 14 January and, the largest flock, 400 at Loch Evelix on 18 January. The only three-figure counts in the following months were 200 at Alness on 28 February, 150 at Tain on 2 March and 214 at Cradlehall on 3 March. The last significant flock was 53 at Abernethy on 5 May. Breeding: Nest-building was noted at Tain on 10 April. Recently fledged young were first noted at Drummond, Inverness on 5 May, nine days later than in 2018. Proven breeding was noted at 22 sites and the last record of recently fledged young was at Newtonmore on 27 August. It was a good season on Eigg with many young raised.

Summer/Autumn/Winter: The first sizeable flock was of 40 birds in an Aviemore garden on 25 June. Subsequently, there were 50 at Acharacle on 4 July, 50 at Loch Garten on 18 July, 250 at Boat of Garten on 14 August, 80 at the head of Loch Portree on 29 September, 60 on Rum on 29 October and 100 at Inverlael on 23 December. On Eigg, there were three records of passage birds in October and a late bird at Blar Dubh on 17 December. There were 25 BirdTrack reports of 20 or more birds (as in 2018).

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Autumn/Winter: One was seen at Kilmory, Rum on 20 September and one on Oronsay on 28 October.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Rare breeder; locally common migrant and winter visitor. Winter/Spring: Of the 41 BirdTrack records submitted for the period 1 January to 30 April, 35 were from Cairn Gorm (92 records in 2018, 54 from Cairn Gorm). As usual, the majority of counts in double figures were from there too, the maximum being 50 in the Cairn Gorm corries on 8 March. Elsewhere, in NW

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Sutherland on 6 January there were 24 on Glas Bheinn and 20 on Sabhal Beag and, on the Moray Firth coast, 12 at Whiteness Head on 17 February. One to seven birds were reported at six further sites, the last outside the 4000ft summits a single in winter plumage at Bealach na Ba on 5 May.

Snow Bunting in April on Cairn Gorm c. Desmond Dugan Breeding: A singing bird was noted on Cairn Gorm on 6 May, two singing nearby on 6 June and a male carrying food and a pair feeding recently fledged young on 5 August.

Autumn/Winter: Birds were more numerous than in 2018 from September to December, with 84 separate records. Three first arrivals were seen on Mullach nan Coirean in the Mamores on 15 September. Peak counts were 40 on Cairn Gorm on 18 December, 30 at Whiteness on 28 November, 29 on the beach at Innis Mhor on 16 November, 25 at Dornoch on 26 December, 22 at Overscaig on 28 November, 11 at Tarbat Ness on 5 November and 10 on An Teallach on 29 October. One to three birds were seen at a further nine coastal and inland sites.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Rare local breeder now close to local extinction. Spring/Summer: One at Ardersier on 26 April, two there on 28 April and a singing male at Inverness Airport on 18-19 May were the only records received. All records of this species are clearly wanted to ascertain the true size of the population in this area.

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Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Locally common resident in east but declining, especially in Badenoch & Strathspey; scarce in north and west but may be increasing, especially in west. Winter/Spring: Reports were widespread, with records, mostly of one to three birds, from approximately 100 named locations for the period January to April. As usual, the majority, and the only flocks, were from around the Moray Firth. The largest counts in January were 120 at Tain on the 30th, 70 at Loch Eye on the 6th and 60 at Loans of Tullich on the 1st; in February, 60 at Whiteness on the 17th and 31 at Tarbat Ness on the 10th; and in March, 60 at Loans of Tullich on the 14th and 45 at Castlecraig on the 15th. There were four sightings of possibly the same female between 30 March and 13 May at feeders on Eigg, and one was on feeders on Canna on 8-10 May. Breeding: The first singing bird was at Hartfield Farm on 16 February but proven breeding was noted only at Tain from 10 June, Newton Farm, Cromarty on 21 June and Cartomie on 3 July.

Autumn/Winter: Numbers were lower than in 2018. The only counts in excess of 10 birds were 15 at Loch Eye on 4 October, 25 at Sutors of Cromarty on 5 November, 15 at Tarbat Ness on 5 November, 12 at Brahan on 6 November, 70 at Ashton Farm, Inverness on 18 December, 60 at Loch Eye on 20 December and 27 at Tarbat Ness on 21 December.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Locally common resident, particularly in east; scarce in uplands. Winter/Spring: In the early part of the year records in single figures came from across the region, although the majority were from around the Moray Firth. The only records in double figures were 25 at Fourpenny, near Skelbo on 29 January, 25 at Tain on 30 January and 12 at Coulnakyle on 3 February. By April there were more records away from the Moray Firth, including one on Rum on 23 April. Breeding: There was an early bird singing at Loch Flemington on 16 February. Once again, proven breeding was seriously under-recorded, with reports only from Grantown-on-Spey on 8 June, Insh Marshes on 14 June and Heights of Dochcarty on 18 June. A pair summered on Eigg, but there was no evidence of breeding. Number of singing male Reed Buntings at Insh Marshes 2010–2019: Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Males 43 26 54 * 67 63 74 76 63 71 * not counted due to extensive, prolonged flooding

Autumn/Winter: There were 152 September-December BirdTrack records (only 72 in 2018) from 60 named sites. The only counts in double figures were 15 at Culkein on 11 September, 15 at Loch Eye on 20 December (10 there on 7

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December), 13 at Castle Stuart on 15 September and 12 at Portree on 3 September. Records were widespread, including on north and west coasts, and Skye, with one to three birds also on Rum between 17 September and 28 October and single migrants on Eigg in September-October, the last on 31 October.

Errata in 2018 HBR Pages 12 & 44: We were premature in naming Peter Miller as the finder of the Ring-necked Duck at Little Loch Shin, Lairg on 14 January to 16 March 2018. The finder was in fact Mike Hoit, to whom we apologise for failing to attribute the record to him. Peter Miller was the finder of one at the same site in 2019, as described in this issue. Pages 13 & 139: Likewise, we jumped the gun by declaring the first proven breeding for Hawfinch in Highland occurred in 2018. In fact, the record quoted referred to one in 2019 and is included in this issue. Page 57. Four White-billed Diver records were received in 2018, but one was not submitted to SBRC as stated. The one seen at Uig, Skye on 20 January [Martin Lumb & Seth Gibson] was considered then to be a returning bird, previously seen in 2016. The record has now been accepted by SBRC, but they do not regard it as proven to be a returning bird.

Page 79: The Bar-tailed Godwit reported at Insh Marshes on 20 June 2018 appeared in the 2018 Report by accident. It was, in all likelihood, a Black-tailed Godwit which got wrongly entered in the database.

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Escapes and presumed feral birds Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis At the Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig there were 125 birds, including several broods, on 10 July and 70 on 27 July. September records from Dell of Killiehuntly included 125 birds on the 5th and 163 on the 13th.

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus The following reports all probably relate to the same two birds which were at Lochindorb between 15 and 19 June. There was a report of two on Evanton shore on 26 June, then the same birds presumably in the Beauly Firth from 2-11 July. Finally, two were reported at Udale Bay on 5 September.

Black Swan Cygnus atratus One was present on the River Shiel from 17 or 18 May until 20 May, when it was in the company of three grey geese.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Two could be seen at Jemimaville or Udale Bay from 30 January to 8 March and one was subsequently seen in Udale Bay by many people from 9 May to 18 December, as well as once in the Beauly Firth on 27 June and once in Nigg Bay on 13 December.

Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus Two were seen in lower Strath Dearn near Tomatin on 7 March and, later, one in the same area on 28 April, 30 April and 7 September.

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae Four were seen on the Dorback road on 30 April and a male was walking along the road in lower Strath Dearn near Tomatin on 3 October.

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus One was present at Talisker Farm, Portnalong on 11 April and another at Lochanhully, Carrbridge on 16 April.

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First and last dates of common migrants Summer Visitors* First Last Winter Visitors** Last First Swift 27 Apr 15 Sep Brent Goose 28 Apr 30 Aug Cuckoo 18 Apr 01 Sep Barnacle Goose 05 May 03 Oct Whimbrel 19 Mar 27 Oct Pink-footed Goose 26 May 02 Sep Common Sandpiper 08 Apr 18 Sep White-fronted Goose 01 Apr 04 Oct LBB Gull 27 Feb 06 Nov Whooper Swan 27 May 15 Sep Sandwich Tern 21 Mar 05 Oct Shoveler 30 May 16 Sep Little Tern 13 May 10 Oct Pintail 28 May 10 Sep Common Tern 18 Apr 11 Oct Pochard 30 Jan 19 Jul Arctic Tern 17 Apr 20 Oct Scaup 27 May 07 Sep Great Skua 23 Mar 26 Dec Long-tailed Duck 18 May 11 Sep Arctic Skua 27 Apr 05 Nov Turnstone 30 Jun 26 Jul Manx Shearwater 28 Mar 09 Dec Sanderling 22 Jun 16 Jul Osprey 27 Mar 14 Oct Purple Sandpiper 21 May 08 Jul Sand Martin 24 Mar 28 Sep Jack Snipe 27 Apr 04 Oct Swallow 31 Mar 19 Nov Glaucous Gull 16 Jun 13 Oct House Martin 08 Apr 08 Oct Iceland Gull 01 Jul 13 Oct Wood Warbler 19 Apr 28 Aug Little Auk 30 Jan 06 Oct Willow Warbler 06 Apr 04 Oct Waxwing 16 Apr 20 Oct Chiffchaff 28 Mar 24 Nov Fieldfare 18 May 29 Aug Sedge Warbler 20 Apr 18 Sep Redwing 23 Apr 14 Aug Grasshopper Warbler 20 Apr 11 Aug Brambling 27 Apr 29 Sep Blackcap 12 Apr 17 Nov Snow Bunting 05 May 15 Sep Garden Warbler 24 Apr 16 Aug Whitethroat 20 Apr 12 Nov Ring Ouzel 25 Mar 02 Nov Spotted Flycatcher 08 May 27 Sep Redstart 17 Apr 26 Sep Whinchat 23 Apr 29 Oct * excludes known wintering birds Wheatear 22 Mar 20 Oct ** excludes breeders, summering birds Tree Pipit 18 Apr 28 Aug or birds of dubious origin.

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Bird Ringing in Highland recording area during 2019 HUGH INSLEY The production of the Highland Bird Report on-line this year allows the opportunity to present many more details than has previously been possible with the budgetary constraints of a printed report. For those wishing to read even more, or to explore the results of bird ringing across Scotland or even the whole of Britain and Ireland, that is easily done by visiting the BTO website. The direct link to the 2019 on-line report on ringing and nest recording is: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/ringing/publications/online-ringing-reports. A synopsis of the full report is presented here, providing just a summary of those parts of the full report which relate to birds in the Highland recording area. The total number of birds ringed across the Highland recording area in 2019 was 32707, with an additional 6861 recaptures of birds already carrying rings, taking the total number of birds handled to 39568. That is almost 12% more than in 2018 and the highest total since 2015. The total number ringed in Britain and Ireland during the year was 1047521. Table 1: Ringing totals for the Highland Recording Area in 2019. Species highlighted in bold indicate those for which over 15% of the British and Irish total were ringed in Highland in 2019. Species Nestling Juvenile Adult Unaged Highland B & I Retraps Recoveries Total Total Barnacle Goose 0 0 0 0 0 293 0 6 Wigeon 0 0 23 0 23 549 0 3 Mallard 1 0 0 0 1 931 0 1 Teal 0 1 57 0 58 1580 3 2 Tufted Duck 0 0 1 0 1 347 0 0 Eider 0 0 26 0 26 429 31 2 Goldeneye 0 0 11 0 11 13 0 0 Goosander 0 0 2 0 2 13 1 0 Storm Petrel 0 0 2116 0 2116 8301 212 34 Fulmar 4 0 10 0 14 1077 12 1 Manx Shearwater 1 129 0 0 130 4916 1 5 Grey Heron 6 0 0 0 6 170 0 0 Shag 582 16 28 0 626 3241 30 5 Cormorant 48 0 0 0 48 512 0 2 Osprey 69 0 0 0 69 223 1 40 Golden Eagle 19 0 0 0 19 58 0 1 Sparrowhawk 0 11 6 0 17 665 2 0 Goshawk 9 0 0 0 9 333 0 1 Hen Harrier 20 0 0 0 20 235 0 0 Red Kite 34 0 0 0 34 171 0 0 White-tailed Eagle 31 0 0 0 31 66 0 0 Buzzard 41 2 2 0 45 394 4 3 Water Rail 0 2 2 0 4 107 1 0 Moorhen 5 0 1 0 6 187 8 0 Oystercatcher 41 1 202 0 244 1445 125 16

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Lapwing 100 0 1 0 101 1907 0 1 Golden Plover 1 0 0 0 1 362 0 0 Ringed Plover 37 1 10 0 48 789 0 3 Curlew 3 0 14 0 17 624 8 0 Bar-tailed Godwit 0 1 1 0 2 423 0 1 Black-tailed Godwit 0 1 19 0 20 432 1 0 Turnstone 0 0 17 0 17 308 1 0 Knot 0 2 138 0 140 507 9 0 Dunlin 0 0 289 0 289 4515 26 1 Woodcock 0 127 154 0 281 1903 10 4 Jack Snipe 0 0 1 7 8 230 0 0 Snipe 1 0 1 9 11 499 0 0 Common Sandpiper 17 0 23 0 40 185 16 2 Redshank 3 50 272 0 325 1655 100 2 Wood Sandpiper 6 0 0 0 6 7 0 3 Kittiwake 152 0 79 0 231 1468 74 0 Black-headed Gull 135 0 10 0 145 3553 0 6 Common Gull 230 0 2 0 232 816 0 1 Gr. Black-backed Gull 15 4 0 0 19 725 11 5 Herring Gull 249 1 11 0 261 2958 5 19 Le. Black-backed Gull 2 0 0 0 2 2254 0 1 Sandwich Tern 26 0 0 0 26 1885 0 1 Common Tern 615 0 1 0 616 3987 0 3 Arctic Tern 362 0 0 0 362 2287 0 1 Great Skua 74 16 0 0 90 459 14 52 Arctic Skua 12 0 0 0 12 67 0 8 Guillemot 1472 0 239 0 1711 5067 1186 20 Razorbill 257 0 87 0 344 2210 87 2 Black Guillemot 6 0 0 0 6 386 0 0 Puffin 23 0 27 0 50 2252 0 0 Rock Dove 0 13 24 23 60 165 3 1 Woodpigeon 1 4 18 0 23 1420 15 2 Collared Dove 0 0 3 0 3 475 0 0 Barn Owl 35 0 4 0 39 10896 2 9 Tawny Owl 30 0 4 0 34 1483 7 1 Long-eared Owl 0 0 1 0 1 100 0 1 Short-eared Owl 0 0 2 0 2 91 0 0 Gr. S. Woodpecker 0 31 23 3 57 2063 19 0 Kestrel 16 0 0 0 16 2814 0 0 Merlin 4 0 0 0 4 358 0 0 Peregrine 9 0 0 0 9 440 0 2 Jay 0 2 3 0 5 559 0 0 Jackdaw 4 0 7 0 11 2863 0 1 Rook 0 0 16 0 16 487 0 1 Carrion Crow 2 0 0 0 2 148 0 0 Coal Tit 10 508 417 5 940 12753 610 1 Crested Tit 0 2 4 0 6 35 0 0 Blue Tit 848 697 597 0 2142 150284 507 11 Great Tit 278 375 301 0 954 73829 256 1 Skylark 8 0 8 5 21 759 5 0 Sand Martin 0 103 206 0 309 9635 59 1 Swallow 175 286 43 0 504 23265 2 4 House Martin 2 1 3 0 6 2588 0 0 Long-tailed Tit 0 16 60 217 293 21052 81 0

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Willow Warbler 44 948 188 1 1181 25411 52 0 Chiffchaff 0 170 40 3 213 43687 26 1 Wood Warbler 6 0 0 0 6 320 0 0 Yellow-brow. Warbler 0 0 0 3 3 220 0 0 Hume’s Warbler 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 Sedge Warbler 0 77 9 0 86 19077 3 1 Reed Warbler 0 1 0 0 1 23381 0 0 Grasshopper Warbler 0 5 1 0 6 1760 0 0 Blackcap 0 166 33 1 200 74811 5 1 Garden Warbler 4 2 0 0 6 4177 0 0 Barred Warbler 0 1 0 0 1 17 0 0 Whitethroat 0 21 2 0 23 15617 0 0 Goldcrest 0 684 103 35 822 24015 95 1 Wren 0 85 30 7 122 16688 23 0 Nuthatch 0 0 1 0 1 3166 0 0 Treecreeper 0 9 13 31 53 2324 22 0 Starling 40 91 164 0 295 20846 14 2 Ring Ouzel 20 1 0 0 21 314 0 0 Blackbird 69 285 225 0 579 24076 150 3 Fieldfare 0 16 73 0 89 1411 2 0 Redwing 0 828 497 8 1333 20435 3 0 Song Thrush 27 66 31 0 124 6502 5 0 Mistle Thrush 0 6 3 0 9 224 0 0 Spotted Flycatcher 4 0 2 0 6 1043 0 0 Robin 3 376 179 1 559 27538 240 1 Redstart 39 0 3 0 42 1720 0 0 Whinchat 12 0 5 0 17 664 0 0 Stonechat 29 5 3 0 37 1413 1 0 Wheatear 5 4 9 0 18 978 0 0 Dipper 23 0 4 0 27 2174 0 0 House Sparrow 22 116 85 168 391 16480 31 2 Tree Sparrow 282 3 12 16 313 15490 0 2 Dunnock 11 269 75 5 360 20361 144 1 Grey Wagtail 33 1 5 0 39 1199 0 0 Pied Wagtail 32 6 10 0 48 1964 2 0 Meadow Pipit 20 194 14 3 231 17302 1 0 Tree Pipit 0 24 2 2 28 1334 0 0 Rock Pipit 0 1 0 0 1 233 0 0 Chaffinch 24 982 973 7 1986 26041 335 14 Brambling 0 6 390 0 396 4469 9 5 Hawfinch 0 0 1 0 1 309 0 0 Bullfinch 0 52 81 0 133 6614 38 0 Greenfinch 0 171 220 0 391 19091 21 3 Twite 0 24 129 4 157 865 165 30 Linnet 12 62 141 2 217 9738 115 11 Redpoll 0 0 7 0 7 550 1 0 Lesser Redpoll 0 426 1007 5 1438 13286 295 24 Crossbill 0 0 3 0 3 91 0 0 Goldfinch 0 259 644 0 903 50299 71 4 Siskin 0 751 4474 0 5225 28012 1439 116 Yellowhammer 3 15 44 0 62 6448 6 0 Reed Bunting 0 44 22 0 66 15625 2 0 Grand Total 6895 9656 15584 572 32707 1047521 6861 516

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Table 2: Selected recoveries of birds ringed or found in the Highland Recording Area in 2019. The recoveries shown below are just a selection from the 516 which occurred in 2019, showing those which moved particularly quickly, the longest distances, the longest periods between ringing and recovery or those which revealed new findings. The full report for Great Britain and Ireland can be found at the link given above, as can the results for each of the individual recording areas in Britain and Ireland, as recognised by

British Birds and the BBRC. M = male, F = female Barnacle Goose The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: 1509960 First-year Female 12-07-2016 Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig Alive (colour rings seen) 13-01-2019 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 239km S 1509962 First-year Female 12-07-2016 Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig. Alive (colour rings seen) 13-01-2019 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 239km S Both of these recoveries relate to individuals belonging to the feral population in Strathspey and Badenoch. The following birds were found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): 1099398 Adult M 29-03-2016 Durness, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 27-04-2019 Hali, Su­ursveit, Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Iceland. 860km NW 1503091 Adult F 25-03-2017 Balnakeil Bay, Durness, Highland. Freshly dead (shot) 01-10-2019 Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla, Iceland. 915km NW 1511657 Adult M 26-03-2017 Balnakeil Bay, Durness, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 15-04-2019 Breidabolstaour, Su­ursveit, Austur- Skaftafellssysla, Iceland. 859km NW 1511706 First-year F 26-03-2017 Balnakeil Bay, Durness, Highland. Freshly dead (shot) 05-10-2019 Borgarhofn, Su­ursveit, Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Iceland. 855km NW The longevity record for this species is 26y 11m 11d set in 2004. Work on the Durness flock has shown that, in common with several of the other groups of wintering Greenland birds along the west coast, these birds interchange with the Islay population which is now subject to control shooting. With relatively little science under-pinning that programme, it is important that the relationships between these Greenland breeding flocks are understood along with the overall population levels. Whooper Swan The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: ZY0504 First-year F 29-01-2009 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. Caught by ringer 11-02-2011 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 0km Caught by ringer 14-02-2013 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 0km Caught by ringer 12-12-2013 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 0km Caught by ringer 25-02-2015 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 0km Caught by ringer 24-02-2016 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 0km Caught by ringer 20-02-2018 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 0km Caught by ringer 14-02-2019 Caerlaverock, Dumfries and Galloway. 0km Freshly dead

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(wild mammal) 13-03-2019 Clunes Bay, Loch Lochy, Highland. 238km NNW 10y 1m 12d. The longevity record for this species is 28 y 2m 10d set in 2009. Wigeon FP48495 Adult M 27-12-2015 Alness Bay, Highland. Freshly dead (shot) 15-10-2019 Klosterholm, Nibe, Nordjyllands, Denmark. 836km E The longevity record for this species is 34y 7m 0d set in 1996. Ringing of Wigeon around the Moray Firth by Highland Ringing Group has demonstrated that the vast majority, either passing through the firths or wintering here, originate from the Scandinavian and Russian population rather than Iceland and FP48495 also fits that pattern. Teal The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: EH05524 First-year F 05-03-2019 Tain, Highland. Freshly dead (shot) 26-09-2019 near Crimond, Aberdeenshire. 130km E The following bird ringed abroad was found here and reported in 2019: SFH First-year M 22-07-2015 Siilinjarvi, Pohjois-Savo, Kuopio, Finland. ST244820 Freshly dead (shot) 09-10-2019 Cromarty, Highland. 1824km W The longevity record for this species is 18y 20d set in 1988. Eider The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: HT75117 Adult F 07-06-2002 Nigg Ferry, Cromarty Firth, Highland. Caught by ringer 26-05-2004 Nigg Ferry, Cromarty Firth, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 09-06-2016 Invergordon, Highland. 9km W Caught by ringer 03-05-2017 Invergordon, Highland. 9km W Caught by ringer 19-05-2018 Invergordon Harbour, Highland. 9km W Caught by ringer 16-05-2019 Invergordon Harbour, Highland. 9km W 16y 11m 9d. The longevity record for this species is 35y 6m 26d set in 1994. Storm Petrel The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: 2485609 Adult 22-07-1996 Eilean Nan Ron, Highland. Dead (bird of prey) 29-06-2019 An Innis, Highland. 1km 22y 11m 7d. The longevity record for this species is 38y 17d set in 2017. The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: 2722880 Adult 22-07-2018 Skokholm Island, Pembrokeshire. Caught by ringer 02-08-2019 Eilean Nan Ron, Highland. 764km N 2753516 Adult 28-07-2018 Annagh Head, Bellmullet, Mayo. Caught by ringer 30-06-2019 Eilean Nan Ron, Highland. 597km NE 2760200 Adult 13-07-2019 Eilean Nan Ron, Highland. Caught by ringer 24-07-2019 Whitburn Country Park,Tyne and Wear. 438km SSE 2600057 Adult 23-07-2005 Tullagh Point, Donegal. Caught by ringer 29-07-2019 Nan Ron, Highland. 409km NNE 2762028 Adult 16-07-2019 Fair Isle, Shetland. Caught by ringer 04-08-2019 Score, Highland. 344km SW

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The following bird moved particularly quickly (more than 500km in 2 weeks): NOS Adult 20-07-2019 Lindesnes Fyr, Lindesnes, Vest-Agder, Norway. ED03463 Caught by ringer 02-08-2019 Nan Ron, Highland. 669km W Fulmar The following bird sets a new longevity record for this species: FV02579 Adult 09-07-1977 Isle of Canna, near Mallaig, Highland. Caught by ringer 26-06-2019 Sanda Island, Kintyre, Argyll and Bute. 41y 11m 17d. 206km SSE Manx Shearwater The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: EL14172 Adult 20-08-2004 Hallival, Isle of Rum, Highland. Dead 22-05-2019 Rubha A' Chorrain, Berneray, Western Isles. 100km NNW The following bird was found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): EX07830 Nestling 10-09-2010 Hallival, Rum, Highland. Freshly dead 24-02-2019 Bajada Terraza Al Mar, Las Grutas, Argentina. 12175km SW The longevity record for this species is 50y 11m 21d set in 2008. Shag The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: 1703342 Nestling 11-07-2018 Inchmickery, Firth of Forth, Edinburgh. Long dead 08-09-2019 Helmsdale, Highland. 234km N 1706750 Nestling 13-07-2019 Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, Fife. Freshly dead 14-12-2019 Helmsdale, Highland. 234km N 1493674 Nestling 09-07-2018 Isle of May, Fife. Freshly dead 04-03-2019 Balmungie, Highland. 183km NNW 1493439 Nestling 03-07-2018 Isle of May, Fife. Long dead 14-05-2019 Fort George, Highland. 180km NNW The longevity record for this species is 29y 10m 25d set in 2007. Cormorant The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: 5268881 Nestling 27-04-2016 Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire. Alive (colour rings seen) 22-11-2019 Loch Insh, Highland. 499km NNW 5244705 Nestling 20-06-2018 Castle Craig, North Sutor, Highland. Freshly dead 11-02-2019 Meikleour, Blairgowrie, Perth and Kinross. 134km SSE The longevity record for this species is 21y 6m 21d set in 1984. Osprey The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: 1408720 Nestling F 09-07-2008 Contin, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 08-07-2017 Loch Fleet, Highland. 52km NE

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Alive (colour rings seen) 14-07-2019 Skelbo, Loch Fleet, Highland. 52km NE 11y 0m 5d. The longevity record for this species is 20y 11m 0d set in 2005. The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: 1447131 Nestling 11-07-2010 Beauly, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 08-04-2019 Walthamstow Reservoir, Greater London. 715km SSE 1469438 Nestling 02-07-2014 Black Isle, Highland. Sick (injury) 19-04-2019 Cantref Reservoir, Powys. 645km S 1458668 Nestling 05-07-2016 near Clashmore, near Dornoch, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 30-03-2019 Glaslyn, Pont Croesor, Gwynedd. 547km S 1489611 Nestling 09-07-2019 Skelbo, Loch Fleet, Highland. Caught by ringer 30-08-2019 Wansford Trout Farm, East Riding of Yorkshire. 493km SSE Alive (colour rings seen) 20-09-2019 Wansford Trout Farm, East Riding of Yorkshire. 493km SSE 1489835 Nestling 06-07-2017 Confidential Site, Achantoul, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 05-08-2019 Kielder Forest, Northumberland. 355km SSE The following birds were found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): 1489614 Nestling 09-07-2019 Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 06-12-2019 Unnamed Site, Benin. 5729km S 1474523 Nestling M 19-06-2016 Site Confidential, near Inverness, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 07-04-2018 Arne RSPB Reserve, Wareham, Dorset. 761km SSE Freshly dead (hit by plane) 29-01-2019 Montijo, Set·bal, Portugal. 2108km SSW 1489178 Nestling 03-07-2018 Potes, near Dornoch, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 12-09-2018 Vila Franca de Xira, Lisboa, Portugal. 2137km SSW Alive (ring read in field) 13-02-2019 Porto Alto, Lisboa, Portugal. 2145km SSW 1447117 Nestling 10-07-2010 Balnagown, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 27-01-2016 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. 2365km S Alive 15-01-2017 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. 2365km S Alive (colour rings seen) 18-01-2018 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. 2365km S Alive (colour rings seen) 22-01-2019 Unnamed Site, Cadiz, Spain. 2365km S 1489192 Nestling 03-07-2019 near Clashmore, near Dornoch, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 23-10-2019 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. 2373km S 1123608 Nestling 23-06-2017 Site Confidential, near Beauly, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 09-02-2018 Kartong, The Gambia. 5252km SSE Alive (colour rings seen) 09-03-2018 Tanji Marsh, The Gambia. 5010km SSW Alive (colour rings seen) 05-12-2018 Tanji Marsh, The Gambia. 5010km SSW Alive (colour rings seen) 30-10-2019 Tanji, The Gambia. 5011km SSW 1489176 Nestling 03-07-2018 near Clashmore, near Dornoch, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 14-03-2019 Kartong, The Gambia. 5282km SSE

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1489621 Nestling 10-07-2019 Dores, Loch Ness, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 18-11-2019 Tintinto, The Gambia. 5015km SSW 1489623 Nestling 10-07-2019 Dores, Loch Ness, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 13-12-2019 Unnamed Site, The Gambia. 5036km SSW Golden Eagle ZZ1427 Nestling F 05-07-2011 Confidential Site, Highland. Long dead 20-08-2019 Confidential Site, Angus. 60km SE 8y 1m 15d. The longevity record for this species is 16y 1m 9d set in 2007. Buzzard The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: GF42600 Nestling 27-05-1998 Armadale, Bettyhill, Highland. Freshly dead 19-06-2019 near Tongue, Highland. 16km WSW 21y 0m 23d. The longevity record for this species is 30y 5m 21d set in 2016. There were fewer than 5 recoveries of this species: GV05297 Nestling 05-06-2018 New Geanies, Easter Ross, Highland. Freshly dead (storm) 01-01-2019 Burghead, Moray. 27km ESE Moorhen The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: FH05576 Adult M 18-12-2008 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. Caught by ringer 13-09-2013 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 30-07-2014 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 13-09-2015 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 02-10-2017 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 19-07-2018 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 19-06-2019 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 20-06-2019 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 0km 10y 6m 2d. The longevity record for this species is 11y 3m 20d set in 1963. Oystercatcher The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: FA11938 Adult 02-07-1988 Terrington Bund, Norfolk. Caught by ringer 21-07-2001 Rosskeen, Invergordon, Highland. 611km NNW Caught by ringer 23-12-2006 Saltburn, Invergordon, Highland. 611km NNW Caught by ringer 23-12-2019 Saltburn, Invergordon, Highland. 611km NNW 31y 5m 21d. The longevity record for this species is 41y 1m 5d set in 2017. The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: FA71909 Adult 04-02-2018 Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary, Devon. Alive (colour rings seen) 05-02-2018 Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary, Devon. 0km Alive (colour rings seen) 30-03-2018 Lochindorb, near Grantown-on-Spey, Highland. 755km N Alive (colour rings seen) 26-07-2018 Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary, Devon. 0km Alive (colour rings seen) 27-02-2019 near Lochindorb Castle, Highland. 756km N Alive (colour rings seen) 20-06-2019 near Lochindorb Castle, Highland. 756km N Alive (colour rings seen) 29-07-2019 Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary, Devon. 0km Alive (colour rings seen) 13-10-2019 Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary, Devon. 0km FH09733 Nestling 24-06-2011 Harris, Isle of Rum, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 14-08-2014 Dawlish Warren NNR, Devon. 734km SSE

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Alive (ring read in field) 21-08-2016 Dawlish Warren, Devon. 734km SSE Alive (ring read in field) 20-08-2017 Dawlish Warren NNR, Devon. 734km SSE Alive (ring read in field) 09-08-2018 Dawlish Warren NNR, Devon. 734km SSE Alive (ring read in field) 29-07-2019 Dawlish Warren NNR, Devon. 734km SSE Alive (colour rings seen) 25-09-2019 Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary, Devon. 734km SSE FP07254 Nestling 23-06-2000 Kilmory, Rum, Highland. Caught by ringer 16-11-2019 Pen-Y-Parc, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey. 445km SSE FH67647 First-year 30-11-2013 Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy. Freshly dead (hit by car) 17-04-2019 Dirdhu, Highland. 441km N Lapwing The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: DD70947 Adult M 27-12-2015 Alness Bay, Highland. Freshly dead (leg only) 14-02-2019 Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain, Highland. 21km NE 3y 1m 18d. The longevity record for this species is 21y 1m 15d set in 1987. Ringed Plover The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: NW39949 Second-year F 28-05-2016 Glenshero, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 25-01-2019 Port St Mary, Isle of Man. 327km S Alive (colour rings seen) 30-12-2019 Port St Mary, Isle of Man. 327km S NW39999 Adult M 12-05-2017 Badanscallie, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 30-01-2019 Frobost, Western Isles. 153km SW The longevity record for this species is 21y 11m 12d set in 2015. These 2 colour ringed birds from Nigel Buxton’s long running study of Highland Ringed Plovers add further evidence for a movement west out of Highland in the winter. Not unexpected for NW39949, which was breeding in Badenoch, but NW39999 which was breeding just east of Achiltibuie also follows this pattern, as have others from that part of Coigach. Curlew The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: FC43855 Adult 05-10-1991 Morangie, near Tain, Highland. Caught by ringer 22-09-1993 Morangie, near Tain, Highland. Caught by ringer 11-01-1997 Ardjachie Point, near Tain, Highland. 2km Caught by ringer 11-03-2019 Tain, Highland. 1km 27y 4m 14d. The longevity record for this species is 32y 7m 0d set in 2011. Bar-tailed Godwit The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: DB59962 First-year 17-04-2011 near Ardersier, Highland. Caught by ringer 01-09-2019 Snettisham, Norfolk. 595km SSE The longevity record for this species is 33y 11m 13d set in 2008. Turnstone The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: RN02302 Adult 03-12-2006 Alturlie Sewage Works, Inverness, Highland. Caught by ringer 23-01-2019 Avoch, Highland. 7km N 12y 1m 20d. The longevity record for this species is 20y 3d set in 2006.

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Knot The following birds were among the oldest reported in 2019: SV77530 Adult 31-12-2006 Saltburn, Invergordon, Highland. Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 9km WSW 12y 0m 4d. SV77607 First-year 13-01-2008 Munlochy Bay, Highland. Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 15km NNW 10y 11m 22d. SR76095 First-year 23-03-2008 Heysham, Lancashire. Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 414km N 10y 9m 12d. ISR Adult 24-05-2011 Neslon, Melrakkasletta, Nordur-Thingeyjar, Nor­ur-Ìingeyjarssla, Iceland. 779062 Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 1146km SE 7y 7m 11d. The longevity record for this species is 27y 3m 29d set in 2006. The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland. SR76095 First-year 23-03-2008 Heysham, Lancashire. Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 414km N The following birds ringed abroad were found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): ISR Adult 24-05-2011 Neslon, Melrakkasletta, Nordur-Thingeyjar, Nor­ur-Ìingeyjarssla, Iceland. 779062 Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 1146km SE ISR Adult 20-05-2014 Ketilseyri, Dyrafjordur, Vestur-safjar­arssla, Iceland. 787291 Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 1344km SE NLA Full-grown 26-09-2011 de Richel, Vlieland, The Netherlands. Z052589 Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Alness Bay, Highland. 768km NW Knot are one of the most mobile of our wintering waders, typically moving directly from their breeding grounds in Greenland and Canada to moult in Holland or on the Wash before moving to their wintering areas elsewhere in Britain. On their return north in spring, many stage through Iceland, although part of the Canadian population also stage through Porsanger Fjord in northern Norway on their way to the Arctic. Dunlin The following birds were among the oldest reported in 2019: NT31882 Adult 27-12-2007 Dingwall, Highland. Caught by ringer 03-02-2019 Dingwall, Highland. 0km 11y 1m 7d. NT31900 First-year 27-12-2007 Dingwall, Highland. Caught by ringer 03-02-2019 Dingwall, Highland. 0km 11y 1m 7d. The longevity record for this species is 19y 3m 26d set in 2010 (Full details). The following bird ringed abroad was found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): PLG Adult 24-07-2015 Ujscie, Wisly, Pomorskie, Poland.

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JT53420 Caught by ringer 03-02-2019 Dingwall, Highland. 1489km WNW Woodcock The longevity record for this species is 15y 5m 12d set in 1937. The following bird was found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): EF67121 First-year 13-12-2018 Newfield, near Tain, Highland. Freshly dead 31-03-2019 Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Kobenhavn, Denmark. 1033km E Common Sandpiper The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: BV99550 Adult M 03-06-2011 East Port, near Cromdale, Highland. Caught by ringer 25-06-2011 East Port, near Cromdale, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 18-04-2012 East Port, near Cromdale, Highland. 0km Alive (colour rings seen) 30-04-2015 East Port, near Cromdale, Highland. 0km Alive (colour rings seen) 12-05-2019 Pollowick Fm, near Cromdale, Highland. 1km 7y 11m 9d. The longevity record for this species is 15y 1m 5d set in 2007 The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: NP00514 Adult M 26-05-2019 Pollowick Fm, near Cromdale, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 16-07-2019 Stanford Reservoir, Leicestershire. 570km SSE Alive (colour rings seen) 17-07-2019 Stanford Reservoir, Leicestershire. 570km SSE Redshank The following birds were among the oldest reported in 2019: DB99007 Adult 17-08-2003 Ardullie Point, Cromarty Firth, Highland. Caught by ringer 24-12-2006 Dingwall, Highland. 4km Caught by ringer 27-12-2007 Dingwall, Highland. 4km Caught by ringer 03-02-2019 Dingwall, Highland. 4km 15y 5m 17d. DB99887 Adult 17-08-2003 Ardullie Point, Cromarty Firth, Highland. Caught by ringer 24-01-2004 Dingwall, Highland. 4km Alive (ring read in field) 04-07-2008 Gardur, Nupasveit, Nordur-Thingeyjar, Nor­ur- Ìingeyjarssla, Iceland. 1148km NNW Alive (ring read in field) 28-06-2009 Gardur, Nupasveit, Nordur-Thingeyjar, Nor­ur- Ìingeyjarssla, Iceland. 1148km NNW Alive (ring read in field) 21-06-2011 Gardur, Nupasveit, Nordur-Thingeyjar, Nor­ur- Ìingeyjarssla, Iceland. 1148km NNW Caught by ringer 10-10-2015 Dingwall, Highland. 4km Caught by ringer 03-02-2019 Dingwall, Highland. 4km 15y 5m 17d. The longevity record for this species is 20y 1m 15d set in 2007. Ringing by Highland Ringing Group has shown that most of the Redshank which winter around the Moray Firth breed in Iceland. Wood Sandpiper There have previously been 5 or fewer recoveries of this species: BV99560 Adult 09-06-2015 Confidential Site, Highland. Caught by ringer 05-06-2016 Confidential Site, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 07-06-2017 Confidential Site, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 05-06-2018 Confidential Site, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 08-06-2019 Confidential Site, Highland. 6km E

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BV99564 Adult 09-06-2016 Confidential Site, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 23-04-2017 Walmsley Reserve, Wadebridge, Cornwall. 728km S Caught by ringer 05-06-2017 Confidential Site, Highland. 0km Alive (colour rings seen) 08-06-2018 Confidential Site, Highland. 0km Alive (colour rings seen) 08-06-2019 Confidential Site, Highland. 6km E BV99575 Adult 07-06-2017 Confidential Site, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 03-06-2018 Confidential Site, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 08-06-2019 Confidential Site, Highland. 6km E The longevity record for this species is 7y 11ms 18d set in 1982. Kittiwake The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: ES75706 Nestling 04-07-1999 Isle of Canna, near Mallaig, Highland. Caught by ringer 29-06-2019 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km 19y 11m 25d. The longevity record for this species is 28y 6m 5d set in 1993. Black-headed Gull The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: EL02531 Nestling 26-06-2002 Abernethy Forest, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 10-03-2019 Linlithgow Loch, West Lothian. 135km S 16y 8m 12d. The longevity record for this species is 32y 3m 26d set in 2018. The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: EZ52340 Adult F 14-06-2018 Grantown-on-Spey, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 25-11-2018 Elder Park, Glasgow. 169km SSW Alive (ring read in field) 24-11-2019 Elder Park, Glasgow. 169km SSW EA08252 Nestling 14-06-2019 Lethendry, near Cromdale, Moray, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 12-10-2019 Victoria Park, Glasgow. 168km SSW EZ52323 Adult M 06-06-2018 Grantown-on-Spey, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 06-01-2019 Knightswood Park, Glasgow. 165km SSW Common Gull The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: ET69842 Nestling 07-07-2001 Barr, Highland. Freshly dead (bird of prey) 31-08-2019 Largs, North Ayrshire. 113km SE 18y 1m 24d. The longevity record for this species is 27y 10m 22d set in 2013. Great Black-backed Gull The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: HT95816 Nestling 02-07-2002 Nigg Oil Terminal, Cromarty Firth, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 10-11-2019 Fraserburgh Harbour, Aberdeenshire. 120km E 17y 4m 8d. The longevity record for this species is 26y 8m 8d set in 2015. The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: MA08700 Nestling 30-06-2018 Glas Eilean, Highland. Freshly dead (in net or cage) 02-08-2019 Toome Bay, Londonderry. 245km SSW HT95816 Nestling 02-07-2002 Nigg Oil Terminal, Cromarty Firth, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 10-11-2019 Fraserburgh Harbour, Aberdeenshire. 120km E

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MA39238 Nestling 04-07-2015 Garbh Eilean, Shiant Isles, Western Isles. Dead 12-01-2019 Aird of Sleat, Isle of Skye, Highland. 100km SSE The following bird ringed abroad was found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): NOS Nestling 04-07-2015 Flateskjaera Indre, Tvedestrand, Aust-Agder, Norway. 3050050 Freshly dead 11-04-2019 Helmsdale, Highland. 745km W Herring Gull The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: GA17389 Nestling 07-07-2002 Leac Buidhe, Highland. Dead 17-07-2019 Balnakeil Bay, Durness, Highland. 5km 17y 0m 10d. The longevity record for this species is 32y 9m 25d set in 2013. The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: GR89475 Nestling 26-06-2018 Isle of Canna, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 01-04-2019 Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire. 184km SE Lesser Black-backed Gull The following birds was found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): GR03668 Nestling 05-07-2018 Gualann Na Pairce, Isle of Rum, Highland. Long dead 17-03-2019 Praia da Figueirinha, Set·bal, Portugal. 2066km S The following bird ringed abroad was found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): ESI Full-grown 15-02-2012 Puerto de Malaga, Malaga, Spain 6197132 Freshly dead 18-08-2019 Polin Beach, near Kinlochbervie, Highland. The longevity record for this species is 34y 10m 27d set in 2000. 2419km N Sandwich Tern The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: DE16611 Nestling 27-06-2009 Loch Borralie, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 28-09-2019 Port Seton, East Lothian. 309km SSE The longevity record for this species is 30y 9m 14d set in 1998. Common Tern The following bird was found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): SR63703 Nestling 20-07-2011 Eilean A'chuillinn, Loch Sunart, Highland. Caught by ringer 15-11-2019 Kartong, The Gambia. 4940km SSW The longevity record for this species is 33y 6d set in 1996. Arctic Tern The following birds were among the oldest reported in 2019: XS55986 Nestling 30-06-1994 Virkie, Shetland. Freshly dead 09-06-2019 Brora, Highland. 254km SW 24y 11m 10d. SX91542 Nestling 02-07-2001 Kinloss Airfield, Moray. Freshly dead 05-07-2019 Invergordon, Highland. 36km W

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18y 0m 3d. The longevity record for this species is 31y 18d set in 2012. The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: SV66429 Nestling 01-07-2006 Loch Borralie, Highland. Freshly dead 30-06-2019 Long Nanny, Beadnell Bay, Northumberland. 386km SSE Great Skua The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: MA09712 Nestling 07-08-2004 Handa, Sutherland, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 19-07-2019 Handa Island, Highland. 0km 14y 11m 12d. The longevity record for this species is 38y 0d set in 2017. The following birds were found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): MA22769 Nestling 09-07-2009 Handa, Sutherland, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 10-07-2019 At Sea, near Tiumpanhead, Isle of Lewis, North Atlantic Ocean (other parts). 34km WSW Guillemot The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019 and sets a new longevity record for the species: GK71239 Nestling 03-07-1978 Isle of Canna, Highland. Caught by ringer 25-05-1988 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 02-07-1990 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 04-07-1993 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 27-06-2016 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 26-06-2019 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km 40y 11m 23d. The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: Y15986 Nestling 27-06-2018 Isle of Canna, Highland. Freshly dead (storm) 27-04-2019 Dale, Pembrokeshire. 599km S R11412 Nestling 17-06-2000 Great Saltee Island, Wexford. Caught by ringer 28-06-2019 Isle of Canna, Highland. 549km N T16365 Adult 30-06-1985 Isle of Canna, near Mallaig, Highland. Caught by ringer 05-07-1986 Isle of Canna, near Mallaig, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 26-06-1988 Isle of Canna, near Mallaig, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 02-07-1989 Isle of Canna, near Mallaig, Highland. 0km Long dead 13-05-2019 Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire. 290km ENE R84398 Nestling 20-07-2013 Isle of Canna, Highland. Caught by ringer 04-07-2019 Sanda Island, Argyll and Bute. 206km SSE N08098 Nestling 02-07-2018 Isle of May, Fife. Long dead 23-04-2019 North Kessock, Inverness, Highland. 179km NNW Razorbill The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: M30439 Nestling 08-07-1981 Isle of Canna, near Mallaig, Highland. Caught by ringer 06-07-2014 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 08-07-2015 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km

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Caught by ringer 26-06-2019 Isle of Canna, Highland. 0km 37y 11m 18d. The longevity record for this species is 41y 11m 23d set in 2004. The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: M99454 Nestling 20-06-2000 Great Saltee Island, Wexford. Caught by ringer 23-06-2018 Isle of Canna, Highland. 549km N Caught by ringer 23-05-2019 Isle of Canna, Highland. 549km N Rock Dove The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: EY27087 Adult 22-05-2013 Dallcharn, near Tongue, Highland. Alive (colour rings seen) 21-05-2019 Skerray, Highland. 7km N 5y 11m 29d. The longevity record for this species is 7y 8m 25d set in 2010. Woodpigeon The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: FP69869 Adult M 14-08-2009 Dingwall, Highland. Caught by ringer 02-05-2012 Dingwall, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 28-10-2013 Dingwall, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 04-02-2019 Dingwall, Highland. 0km 9y 5m 21d. The longevity record for this species is 17y 8m 19d set in 1999. Barn Owl The following birds were among the oldest reported in 2019: GN23652 Nestling 18-05-2014 near Wester Gruinards, Strathcarron, Highland. Caught by ringer 18-06-2017 Knocknahar, near Inver, Highland 36km ESE Caught by ringer 19-06-2019 Knocknahar, near Inver, Easter Ross, Highland. 5y 1m 1d. 36km ESE GR17696 Nestling 10-07-2014 Site Confidential, Highland. Caught by ringer 20-07-2019 Isauld, Reay, Caithness. 27km E 5y 0m 10d. The longevity record for this species is 15y 3m 21d set in 2016. Tawny Owl The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: GN28877 Nestling F 21-04-2006 Castlecraig, Nigg, Easter Ross, Highland. Caught by ringer 24-04-2014 Loandhu, near Loch Eye, Easter Ross, Highland. 10km N Caught by ringer 27-04-2015 Loandhu, near Loch Eye, Easter Ross, Highland. 10km N Caught by ringer 08-05-2016 Loandhu, near Loch Eye, Easter Ross, Highland. 10km N Caught by ringer 25-04-2018 Loandhu, near Loch Eye, Easter Ross, Highland. 10km N Caught by ringer 10-05-2019 Loandhu, near Loch Eye, Easter Ross, Highland. 13y 0m 19d. The longevity record for this species is 23y 5m 27d set in 2016. 10km N Long-eared Owl The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: GV61652 Nestling 18-05-2018 Loch Borralie, near Balnakeil, Highland. Dead 18-04-2019 Nairn. 122km SSE The longevity record for this species is 12y 10m 12d set in 1987.

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Peregrine The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: GN69183 Nestling M 28-05-2006 Daviot Quarry, Highland. Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2016 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2017 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2018 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2019 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S 12y 10m 29d. The longevity record for this species is 21y 10m 24d set in 2016. The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: GR38479 Nestling 10-06-2019 Daviot Quarry, Highland. Freshly dead (hit by car) 08-11-2019 Carrowbeg, Donegal. 300km SW GN69183 Nestling M 28-05-2006 Daviot Quarry, Highland. Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2016 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2017 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2018 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S Alive (transponder tag) 26-04-2019 Site Confidential, near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. 228km S The use of PIT tags has made the remote monitoring of breeding Peregrines relatively easy and unintrusive. These use the same technology, but are mounted on a blank ring rather than being injected as in domestic pets, and simply require a passive reader to be left beside the nest allowing the adult birds to be checked. Prior to their introduction for this study of breeding Peregrines, organised by Mike McGrady and George Smith, the extent of dispersal by Scottish breeding birds was relatively unknown. Rook The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: EG89029 Adult 26-06-2005 Hilton, Inverness, Highland. Freshly dead 11-10-2019 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 1km 14y 3m 15d. The longevity record for this species is 22y 11m 0d set in 2005. Coal Tit The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: D594213 First-year 04-11-2013 Fort Augustus, Highland. Caught by ringer 18-01-2014 Fort Augustus, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 13-07-2019 Fort Augustus, Highland. 0km 5y 8m 9d. The longevity record for this species is 9y 2m 25d set in 2008. Blue Tit The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: L832629 First-year 04-12-2011 Golspie, Highland. Caught by ringer 07-03-2012 Golspie, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 17-01-2015 Golspie, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 04-01-2019 Golspie, Highland 0km 7y 1m 0d. The longevity record for this species is 9y 8m 16d set in 1984.

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Great Tit The following bird was the oldest reported in 2019: D012225 First-year M 05-08-2012 Melvich, Highland. Caught by ringer 23-09-2012 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 20-04-2013 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 07-11-2013 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 15-04-2014 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 04-05-2015 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 26-02-2017 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 27-09-2017 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 22-04-2018 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 20-10-2018 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 06-05-2019 Melvich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 27-05-2019 Melvich, Highland. 0km 6y 9m 22d. The longevity record for this species is 10y 5m 18d set in 2006. Skylark The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: TE43963 Full-grown M 14-02-2014 Clachtoll, Lochinver, Highland. Caught by ringer 11-03-2019 Clachtoll, Lochinver, Highland. 0km 5y 0m 25d. The longevity record for this species is 9y 10d set in 2001. Sand Martin The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: AEA7334 Juvenile 14-07-2018 River Bann Estuary, Londonderry. Caught by ringer 28-06-2019 River Lochy, Highland. 219km NNE S888320 Juvenile 08-07-2017 Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire. Caught by ringer 28-06-2019 River Lochy, Highland. 190km WSW ABA1119 Adult 23-08-2017 Kingston, Moray. Caught by ringer 11-06-2019 River Lochy, Highland. 145km SW AVF5192 Juvenile 21-06-2019 River Lochy, Highland. Caught by ringer 28-07-2019 Powgavie, Inchture, Perth and Kinross. 127km ESE The longevity record for this species is 7y 9m 1d set in 1998 (Full details). Swallow The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: ABE0562 Nestling 19-07-2019 Loans of Tullich, Fearn, Highland. Caught by ringer 30-09-2019 South Foreland, Kent. 811km SSE The following bird was found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): ALH9439 First-year 17-09-2019 Castle Stuart, Newton, near Balloch, Highland. Dead (bird of prey) 08-12-2019 near Cradock, South Africa. 10358km SSE The longevity record for this species is 11y 1m 11d set in 1936. The ring from ALH9439 was found in a pellet from a Barn Owl of the race affinis 82 days after the bird had been caught roosting in the reed bed at Castle Stuart. To have reached Craddock in that time it must have travelled a minimum of 126km a day. Willow Warbler The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland:

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KCA030 First-year 20-08-2018 Isle of May, Fife. Caught by ringer 06-08-2019 Carbisdale Wood, Kyle of Sutherland, Highland. The longevity record for this species is 10y 11m 18d set in 2010. 224km NNW Chiffchaff The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: HYV905 First-year 01-10-2016 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. Caught by ringer 23-02-2019 Eastleigh Sewage Farm, Hampshire. 758km SSE The longevity record for this species is 7y 7m 24d set in 1997. Sedge Warbler The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: AZA7731 Adult 07-08-2018 Pett Level, Sussex, East Sussex. Caught by ringer 12-08-2019 Castle Stuart, Newton, near Balloch, Highland. 798km NNW The following bird was found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): ABB0396 Adult 06-05-2018 Melvich, Highland. Caught by ringer 07-08-2019 Tour Aux Moutons, Donges, Loire-Atlantique, France. 1255km S The longevity record for this species is 8y 8m 8d set in 2001. Blackcap The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: ATF9917 First-year M 20-08-2019 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. Caught by ringer 08-09-2019 Thorpe Marsh, South Yorkshire. 485km SSE The longevity record for this species is 10y 8m 15d set in 1988. Goldcrest The following bird moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: KPT380 Adult F 02-10-2019 Carse of Ardersier, near Nairn, Highland. Caught by ringer 22-11-2019 Woolston Eyes No 1 Bed, Warrington. 476km SSE The longevity record for this species is 5y 1m 12d set in 2016. Large numbers of Goldcrests, our smallest bird, arrive from across the North Sea in September and October each autumn to join our local breeders. Many of these continue south and westwards to warmer wintering areas in the south west and Ireland. It is likely that KPT380 was one of these migrants, ringed at Carse of Ardersier soon after making landfall from a sea crossing. Blackbird The following birds ringed abroad were found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): DEW First-year F 07-10-2017 Horumersiel, Weser-Ems, Germany. 7961842 Caught by ringer 12-10-2019 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. 877km NW NOS First-year F 12-10-2019 Titran, Froya, Sor-Trondelag, Norway. 7612160 Freshly dead (hit glass) 12-12-2019 Contin, Strathpeffer, Highland. 975km SW The longevity record for this species is 15y 2m 5d set in 2000. Robin The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: L971462 First-year 19-01-2013 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland.

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Caught by ringer 15-07-2013 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 20-10-2013 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 09-03-2014 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 07-09-2014 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 21-11-2015 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 19-11-2016 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 11-01-2019 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. 0km 5y 11m 23d. The longevity record for this species is 8 y 4m 30d set in 1977. House Sparrow The following bird was among the oldest reported in 2019: TX72548 Adult F 19-08-2013 Kerrow, Cannich, Highland. Caught by ringer 27-07-2014 Kerrow, Cannich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 10-08-2016 Kerrow, Cannich, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 03-08-2019 Kerrow, Cannich, Highland. 1km 5y 11m 15d. The longevity record for this species is 12y 12d set in 1978. Tree Sparrow There were fewer than 5 recoveries of this species: D568029 Full-grown 31-07-2014 River Conon, near Dingwall, Highland. Long dead 10-04-2019 Dingwall, Highland. 1km VT05131 Nestling 23-05-2018 Little Croy Wood, Highland. Caught by ringer 11-05-2019 Invererne, Forres, Moray. 25km ENE The longevity record for this species is 10y 10m 20d set in 1996. Chaffinch The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: Z275199 Full-grown F 29-01-2015 Balnain, Glenurquhart, Highland. Freshly dead (hit glass) 18-03-2019 Cornahoe, Glaslough, Monaghan. 369km SSW P692061 Adult F 10-01-2017 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. Long dead (hit glass) 02-04-2019 Ardfern, Loch Craighish, Argyll and Bute. The longevity record for this species is 13y 11m 26d set in 2011 161km SSW Brambling The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: AYD5058 First-year F 13-10-2018 North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Caught by ringer 05-04-2019 Straanruie, Nethy Bridge, Highland. 249km SSW AYD5057 First-year F 13-10-2018 North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Caught by ringer 15-03-2019 Blairgorm, Highland. 243km SSW The longevity record for this species is 8y 7m 16d set in 1983. A remarkable record of 2 young female Bramblings, caught and ringed on passage at North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory, which were then recaptured within 6km of each other on opposite sides of Abernethy Forest during the winter. There were several interchanges of ringed Bramblings between Straanruie and Blairgorm in early 2019, so it is likely that these 2 birds were part of the same wintering flock. Twite The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: S969333 First-year M 25-11-2018 Clachtoll, Lochinver, Highland. Caught by ringer 02-01-2019 Clachtoll, Lochinver, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 03-12-2019 The Oa, Islay, Argyll and Bute. 294km SSW

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S620853 First-year M 09-02-2018 Drum, Montrose Basin, Angus. Caught by ringer 23-04-2018 Reiff, near Achiltibuie, Highland. 230km NW Caught by ringer 15-11-2018 Drum, Montrose Basin, Angus. 0km Caught by ringer 26-04-2019 Reiff, near Achiltibuie, Highland. 230km NW Caught by ringer 20-11-2019 Drum, Montrose Basin, Angus. 0km Caught by ringer 31-12-2019 Drum, Montrose Basin, Angus. 0km S969116 First-year M 23-04-2018 Reiff, near Achiltibuie, Highland. Caught by ringer 02-05-2018 Reiff, near Achiltibuie, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 06-04-2019 Reiff, near Achiltibuie, Highland. 0km Caught by ringer 31-12-2019 Sands of Forvie NNR, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. 223km ESE AKE1896 First-year F 20-01-2019 Sands of Forvie NNR, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. Caught by ringer 10-02-2019 Sands of Forvie NNR, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. 0km Caught by ringer 04-05-2019 Reiff, near Achiltibuie, Highland. 223km WNW AKE2595 First-year F 30-12-2018 Sands of Forvie NNR, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. Caught by ringer 06-01-2019 Sands of Forvie NNR, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. 0km Caught by ringer 04-05-2019 Reiff, near Achiltibuie, Highland. 223km WNW Caught by ringer 31-12-2019 Sands of Forvie NNR, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. The longevity record for this species is 6y 7m 11d set in 2017. 0km Lesser Redpoll The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: Z891854 Full-grown M 13-03-2016 Tandridge, Surrey. Caught by ringer 10-02-2018 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. 754km NNW Alive (ring read in field) 24-01-2019 Golspie, Highland. 790km NNW S323780 Adult F 02-11-2017 Jealott's Hill, Bracknell Forest. Caught by ringer 08-04-2019 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. 715km NNW AHA8368 First-year 11-03-2018 Brandon, Norfolk. Caught by ringer 30-12-2018 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. 646km NNW Caught by ringer 02-03-2019 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. 647km NNW S864291 First-year M 14-01-2018 near Brickkiln Farm, Hockwold, Norfolk. Caught by ringer 26-05-2018 Morar, Highland. 644km NW Caught by ringer 27-04-2019 Morar, Highland. 644km NW ANC8625 First-year 18-12-2017 Beechamwell, Swaffham, Norfolk. Alive (ring read in field) 06-03-2019 Ord Muir, Muir of Ord, Highland. 632km NNW The following birds ringed abroad were found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): BLB First-year 02-12-2017 Opglabbeek, Limburg, Belgium. 14101301 Caught by ringer 05-03-2019 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. 961km NW BLB Adult M 18-11-2018 Hockai, Liege, Belgium. 15705027 Freshly dead 22-06-2019 Acharacle, Highland. 1040km NW The longevity record for this species is 6y 10m 11d set in 2016.

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Goldfinch The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: S703237 First-year M 12-12-2016 Hardham, West Sussex. Caught by ringer 08-04-2019 Cromdale, Highland. 737km NNW Caught by ringer 30-11-2019 Hardham, West Sussex. 0km S948640 First-year M 14-11-2017 Northward Hill, High Halstow, Rochester, Medway. Caught by ringer 14-12-2017 Northward Hill, High Halstow, Rochester, Medway. 0km Freshly dead (hit by car) 23-06-2019 Loch Insh, Highland. 691km NNW AXD0441 Adult M 23-03-2019 Light Oaks, Staffordshire. Caught by ringer 02-07-2019 Portree, Skye, Highland. 550km NNW S103290 First-year M 27-11-2017 Kilnsea, East Riding of Yorkshire. Caught by ringer 20-01-2019 Fort Augustus, Highland. 496km NW Z397138 First-year M 24-01-2015 Lemmington Hall, Alnwick, Northumberland. Caught by ringer 25-01-2015 Lemmington Hall, Alnwick, Northumberland. 0km Caught by ringer 12-07-2019 Portree, Skye, Highland. 352km NW The following bird ringed abroad was found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): BLB Second-year F 29-10-2018 Ursel, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium. 15859265 Freshly dead 15-05-2019 Craig Wood, Dingwall, Highland. 881km NNW The longevity record for this species is 10y 2d set in 2016. The range expansion and burgeoning numbers of Goldfinches in Highland has been remarkable. What was a scarce species as recently as the 1980s now occurs throughout the Highland recording area in ever greater numbers. The opportunity this has presented for ringers has led to a remarkable series of recoveries, illustrating just how far this species moves between wintering and breeding areas. Siskin The following birds moved the greatest distance within Britain & Ireland: D257066 Adult M 03-04-2018 Tain, Highland. Freshly dead 15-01-2019 Flosswood Farm, Sitcott, St Giles on the Heath, Devon. 791km S Z323913 First-year M 16-02-2016 Straight Mile, near Romsey, Hampshire. Caught by ringer 24-03-2019 Tain, Highland. 775km NNW S201327 Adult M 19-01-2018 Ottershaw, Surrey. Caught by ringer 28-02-2019 near Kildary, Highland. 746km NNW AHF5735 Adult M 16-02-2019 Chilworth, Surrey. Freshly dead (hit glass) 02-07-2019 Ratagan, Highland. 740km NNW AHF5504 First-year M 02-02-2019 Chilworth, Surrey. Caught by ringer 30-03-2019 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 734km NNW Caught by ringer 02-04-2019 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 734km NNW

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The following birds were found abroad and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such recoveries): S958935 Juvenile M 17-07-2017 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. Caught by ringer 02-03-2019 Hockai, Liege, Belgium. 1021km SE S879267 First-year M 16-02-2018 Deer Park Forest Croft, Highland. Caught by ringer 22-05-2018 Forse House, Highland. 94km NNE Alive (ring read in field) 28-03-2019 Hilchenbach, Arnsberg, Germany. 1080km SE AJC2858 Adult F 23-05-2018 Fort Augustus, Highland. Alive (ring read in field) 12-03-2019 Hilchenbach, Arnsberg, Germany. 1077km SE ACD3947 Juvenile F 23-06-2018 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. Caught by ringer 30-05-2019 Revtangen Ornithologiske Stasjon, Klepp, Rogaland, Norway. 589km ENE The following birds ringed abroad were found here and reported in 2019 (countries with 20 or fewer such records): DEW First-year 09-03-2016 Rustersieler Groden, Wilhelmshaven, Weser-Ems, Germany. 9M97945 Caught by ringer 03-03-2019 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 888km NW Caught by ringer 13-03-2019 Drummond, Inverness, Highland. 888km NW DEW Adult M 16-03-2016 Hilden-Schnholz, Dusseldorf, Germany. 90148584 Freshly dead 27-03-2019 Westhill, Inverness, Highland. 1003km NW The longevity record for this species is 8y 6m 10d. 2018 was a relatively poor coning year for Sitka spruce, so it was not unexpected that there were large numbers of Siskins coming to garden feeding stations in 2019. This in turn resulted in a large number of controls of birds ringed elsewhere and those listed above are just a selection of some of the more interesting movements revealed by these captures.

The 39568 birds handled in Highland in 2019 generated 516 recoveries and 6861 recaptures by ringers of their own birds. While recoveries are always interesting and exciting to receive, it is the recaptures (retraps in ringing parlance) which often provide the most useful data in terms of understanding the species being studied. As well as enabling survival and mortality rate calculation, such data also often allow an assessment of turnover and population size, while the accurate assessment of the age of the birds they are handling allows ringers to measure breeding success rates between years. Taken together with survival, it is also possible to calculate survival rates for birds of different ages and the influence of environmental effects such as cold weather has on birds of different ages. One example of this showed how cold weather mortality of juvenile Redshank on the Moray Firth was higher than that for adults (Insley et al.,1997). Ringing studies in Highland during 2019 produced yet more amazing results. The long-running seabird monitoring programme on Canna, now over 50 years old, has resulted in yet two more longevity records, with Guillemot, GK71239, reaching 40 years 11 months and 23 days and Fulmar, FV02579, reaching 41 years 11 months and 17 days. Elsewhere, a Manx Shearwater nestling, EX07830, ringed on Rum in 2010 was found on a beach in Argentina, 12175km SW across the Atlantic, 8 years 5 months and 14 days later. Somewhat more rapid was the

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recovery of a young Swallow, ALH9439, caught at the Castle Stuart reedbed roost in September and found, 82 days later on 8 December, 10358km SSE at Craddock in Eastern Cape, South Africa by a school girl carrying out a study of Barn Owl diet, in one of which she found the ring. This was a sad but interesting end for a bird which had just averaged at least 126km a day to reach its destination at the bottom end of Africa. Equally fascinating, if not quite as spectacular, was the capture by two different ringers of a pair of young female Bramblings, AYD5057 and AYD5058, in Strathspey in March and April, which had previously been caught together on North Ronaldsay on their way south in October 2018. These individuals were at sites just 6km apart on opposite sides of Abernethy Forest and previous exchanges between the two places strongly suggest that the same flock of Bramblings was visiting both feeding stations. Such evidence of birds travelling together is less rare than might be expected but always interesting to see revealed.

Acknowledgements The BTO Ringing Scheme is funded by a partnership of the British Trust for Ornithology, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (on behalf of: Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland)) and The National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland).

References Insley.H., Peach, W.J., Swann, R.L. & Etheridge, B. 1997. Bird Study 44: 277-289. Survival rates of Redshank Tringa totanus wintering on the Moray Firth. Robinson, R.A., Leech, D.I. & Clark, J.A. 2020. The Online Demography Report: Bird ringing and nest recording in Britain & Ireland in 2019. BTO, Thetford (http://www.bto.org/ringing-report, created on 27 June 2020).

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A good year in the north-west ANDY WILLIAMS At the close of 2019 I reflected, that in the context of Scottish birding, the year had easily been my best ever. As I write this in late 2020, the current widespread social challenges make it appear even more so. Time ashore between work commitments allowed me to travel and see some outstanding birds across Scotland. An American Bittern on Lewis, a Purple Heron on Barra, a Great Knot on Unst and a Blue Rock Thrush on Orkney were just some of the highlights. My Highland birding year was also good and I caught up with quality birds including Blue-winged Teal, Terek Sandpiper and Hume’s Warbler. I had further successes monitoring local populations of Wood Sandpiper and Black-throated Diver and also discovered a pair of displaying Goshawks. I eagerly anticipated the arrival of autumn and the opportunity to hopefully make some significant finds of my own. I had first birded the NW Highlands intermittently in 1995 during my post- graduate studies at the University of Aberdeen, camping at Achnahaird and being struck by the mosaic of hinterland habitats at this stunning coastal location. As many birders do, I often speculated what scarce species could be realistically hoped for. With areas of short turf adjacent to the sea, the habitat looked ideal for Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Now, 25 years and innumerable visits later, it was very satisfying to find one, finally! My usual Achnahaird circuit had been predictably and frustratingly quiet, with just a few Ringed Plovers on the shore. As I headed back towards the dunes on 1 October, a small flock of circa 25 Golden Plover took flight in the distance. I quickly scanned the flock and noticed a ‘different’ wader towards the rear of the flock. It was hard to stay on the bird as the flock twisted and turned, with the bird of interest often tantalizingly obscured by the plovers and offering only fleeting, distant views. The flock dropped down onto the grass and out of sight. I had only managed to get a brief impression of pale under-wings and warm buffy tones to the head and flanks. I set off towards the birds and ran through the observed features and concluded that the most likely candidate was a juvenile Ruff, a good bird for the west coast. From a distance of about 400m, the flock was again flushed and this allowed further scrutiny of the bird. The bird showed a uniform rump with no obvious foot projection and the bill appeared relatively short, so Ruff was eliminated from my list of probabilities. As the flock landed, it was apparent that the bird was significantly smaller than the Golden Plover. The flock was nervous and repeatedly flushed by a Buzzard and a Raven. On one occasion I was able to get flight shots as the birds circled overhead and, upon reviewing the photographs, the conspicuous under-wing pattern showing a dark crescent at the base of the primaries could clearly be seen. The bird subsequently landed about 200m from my position and I was able to clearly see the large dark eye in the rather plain, buff face, the neat scaling on the mantle and upper wing coverts, and the mustard-coloured legs. It was certainly a Buff-breasted Sandpiper! Having clinched the identification, I put the news out and the bird

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Buff-breasted Sandpiper in October at Achnahaird c. Andy Williams

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, flying behind Golden Plover

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was successfully twitched and enjoyed by a number of Highland birders, with the bird seen over the next two days. This represents the fourth record for Highland this century, probably at least as many as were found in the whole of last century. Following an interlude in Shetland, I returned to the NW Highlands and continued searching for interesting migrants. I located several more Yellow-browed Warblers and Siberian Chiffchaffs from sites between Durness and Ullapool. Like Achnahaird, Durness was another site I had birded intermittently during my studies in Aberdeen. Although a bind to drive to, it can be productive in autumn following a spell of easterly winds, so conditions were looking good during several of my visits. At Keoldale on 8 November, I entered a small copse and noticed the silhouette of a small, active passerine feeding on the edge of the Birch canopy. Before I could raise my binoculars, a very aggressive Robin chased the bird into the understory. I knelt down and through my binoculars could see a small bird perched in deep shadow and facing towards me. The upper-parts looked greyish brown in the subdued light, with the bird showing a large dark eye, plain face, whitish under-parts and dark legs. As the bird twisted sideways-on it flicked its wings and tail, showing white bases to the tail - a Red-breasted Flycatcher! I knew this was a significant find in a Highland context, so set about trying to take some record shots. For the next ten minutes or so the bird led me a merry dance, while it flitted from the undergrowth to the canopy and back again as it was relentlessly chased by the Robin. Never offered more than the most fleeting of views, I eventually got some shots and pondered the bird. Being the second week of November, this was a relatively late record for an RBF and a small alarm went off in my head. I was faced with a dilemma. Further scrutiny was required to rule out a very rare Taiga Flycatcher, but I wanted to put news out quickly to give other Highland birders the opportunity to see the bird and aid in the identification process. I decided to put news of the bird out quickly as an RBF, hoping other birders would try and get eyes on the bird. I recalled some of the field characteristics for Taiga Flycatcher and, following a quick look at my Collins app, confirmed what I already knew, namely that features of Taiga Flycatcher include an all-dark bill, white bib patch and black upper tail coverts that contrast with the tail. The ID features were fairly straightforward, at least when seen in a field guide or viewed on an app, but the reality of in-field assessment of the features proved daunting and very challenging to determine. The bird was incredibly flighty, often partially obscured by vegetation and seen only intermittently in deep shadow or intense sunlight. The bird was often lost from view and had to be repeatedly relocated, with it often reappearing 60 or 70m away on the far side of the clearing. My identification skills are relatively modest. I’m comfortable with birds that show well and have clearly observable, diagnostic features, but I sometimes struggle getting to grips with the minutiae of subtle features found in a number of tricky species pairs. After several hours I had only managed frustratingly brief glimpses of the bird. All the key features

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Red-breasted Flycatcher in November at Keoldale c. Andy Williams

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appeared to morph under the wide-ranging light conditions. On occasion, the upper tail coverts did look black/darker than the tail, in some views the bird showed a clearly defined white bib, the bill was always uniformly black and the bird seemed to have generally greyish tones, all suggestive of a Taiga Flycatcher. In intense sunlight the bird looked warmer toned and more like a conventional Red-breasted Flycatcher, although the uniform black bill remained perplexing and like no other Red-breasted Flycatcher that I could recall seeing. After four hours of frustrating, exhausting birding, I travelled home with mixed emotions, delighted to have found a Red-breasted Flycatcher in Highland but also frustrated at my inability to determine with a degree of certainty the finer identification points that would indicate a potential Taiga Flycatcher. Postscript: That evening I posted photographs of the bird as a Red-breasted Flycatcher on social media and within a couple of hours had been contacted by seven or eight very experienced and respected birders from the Northern and Western Isles, Lothian, Highland and the North of England. They all said the same thing. ‘The bird looks good for/shows characteristics of a Taiga Flycatcher’! Cue me further head scratching and cursing! After much pondering and online research, I duly submitted a description of the bird as a putative Taiga Flycatcher to BBRC, as I felt that it warranted a thorough, critical review. Unfortunately, this record was found not proven. I was slightly disappointed at the time although not entirely surprised. My photographs were less than ideal and it was always going to be a very tough bird to assess. Following the BBRC decision, I subsequently re-submitted a description of the bird as a Red-breasted Flycatcher to the HRC, where it was duly accepted as such and for which I am very grateful, with that species being a significant bird for the Highland recording area in its own right. As a number of respected birders have subsequently commented, the bird proved to be very educational and an interesting way for me to end the year. There have been at least eight previous Highland RBF records, but this is only the second this century.

Andy Williams, Ullapool E-mail: andywilliams1809@gmail.com

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater in Wester Ross STUART EDWARDS On a warm, sunny, Sunday afternoon in late June 2019, a short drive around the Coigach peninsula found myself and my wife entering the small village of Achnahaird, where I noticed a small group of birds perched on wires beside a house. As we approached them in the car, they took off from the wires, mainly Starlings, but one bird did a spectacular backflip off the wires and I said to my wife – “a Bee-eater!” It was definitely a Bee-eater, slim, agile and with long tail

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streamers quite obvious from about 30m. Needless to say, the car was pulled up and the binoculars grabbed. It had flown across the road on to electric wires about 50m away and I managed to get quite a good look at it. It had a green upper and lower body, a dark eye stripe and a slim, down-curved beak characteristic of the species. It had a paler area on its chin and, to a lesser extent, above the beak. The tail streamers were quite clear as it sat at about 45 degrees on the wires. I am not most familiar with all the species in the group, although I have encountered them in Australia, Malaysia and South Africa, and suspected initially a European but it looked just too green.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and Meadow Pipit in June at Achnahaird c. Stuart Edwards

I managed to take a couple of ID shots through my binoculars with my phone. Hence, they are not great but you have to do what you can do. However, the tail streamers can clearly be seen to be longer and the down-curved beak slimmer than those of a European Bee-eater. The bird sat for about 10 minutes getting a bit of hassle from a couple of Meadow Pipits until it took off, circled above me getting higher, but giving a wonderful view of the underside, a green body and rusty, orange underwings which were quite striking. It flew up higher and then off to the west, unfortunately not to be relocated on the mainland. However, I believe that presumably the same bird came to light on the Isle of Lewis about a month later. On return to the house, a flick through the guides led me to a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, an identification which was agreed by other birders more familiar with the species than me. What a find, however, and just shows – “always take the bins, you never know when that day will come!” Also, these days of phones with cameras etc. can be a great help to the lone birder. Coigach, north-west of Ullapool, is one of the peninsulas that push westward into the Minch and the area has many habitats, from rocky shorelines and beaches to reasonably high tops, with all that goes in between. Birding the area has lots of interest in that there are not huge numbers of individuals, that may be seen on

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the east coast, but something ‘different’ can attract attention quite often because they are found in spots that maybe don’t hold birds for various reasons, causing a questioning mind to say “who are you?” or “what are you doing there?” What I mean is that, like tourists, the strangers don’t quite know where the good places to be are, unlike the locals, and it may take a while to find out! This location issue may be one of the reasons that some unusual birds quite often are short-staying, moving on to better feeding or sheltered locations. Over the years I have had the privilege of finding a few of these characters, such as Pied-billed Grebe, Ivory Gull, Hoopoe, Black Kite, Bar-headed Goose, to mention a few. All of these have been helped by a camera of some sort for ID shots at least. In addition, there were the likes of a long-staying drake King Eider or Rose-coloured Starling and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, all found by other birders, which posed many times for various cameras. Some of course are seen but not photographed and this is where it pays to study for a while, to get, hopefully, enough ID points to get a good description written down, to refer to later for reporting. I am sure also that I am not alone in the lone birder world, where you can find yourself looking around for somebody to show that rarity, or even a really fresh-plumaged example of something more common, when nobody is there, but alas there is very seldom anyone around.

On study of the Concise Edition of The Birds of the Western Palearctic (Snow & Perrins 1998), I found that there are two accepted subspecies of Merops persicus, M.p. persicus and M.p. chrysocercus. M.p. persicus is found from southern Russia down to Egypt and further east, for its normal breeding range, and it winters down the east coast of Africa and into South Africa. M.p. chrysocercus is a small population found in the southern areas of Morocco. Movements of M.p. chryosocercus include a post-breeding northern movement as far as Tunisia between July and October, which rarely reaches the Mediterranean. From October the population migrates south to West Africa, from Senegambia east to Nigeria. In its home territory, it frequents dry, Mediterranean steppe and desert zones. It frequents roads and railways, using overhead lines and posts as lookout positions. Although known as a bee-eater, its diet consists more of dragonflies and damselflies, which it presumably found to be plentiful in Wester Ross. Although the day I saw the bird was not very special, it was a pleasantly warm day but not unusual for June in this area. However, supposition as to why this bird found itself in Wester Ross, may have had something to do with weather further afield earlier in June. There was a very hot period in Southern Europe, with record temperatures occurring in Spain and France, sourced from hot weather from the Sahara pushing north during mid to late June. Some maps showed the heat pushing up the west coast of Britain (while there was flooding on the east coast). Given the assumption that the bird was most likely M.p. chrysocercus, it could have moved north as an early post-breeder, or perhaps it was a non-breeder? It may have been dragged north into France with airflow from the Sahara and then carried on to find itself in Achnahaird. There could, of course, be alternative explanations as to why it ended up here, but it is consistent with previous findings, when nine of the previous ten British records involved birds found between 1 June and 22 July. Birds tended not to linger long where

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they were found, except in the case of the only previous Scottish one, which reached ‘the end of the road’ in Shetland, where it was present from 20 June to 3 July.

References Edwards, S.E. & Batty, A. 2020. Scottish Birds 40(1). 81-82. Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters in Highland and Outer Hebrides, June and July 2019. Snow, D.W. & Perrins, C.M. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic (Concise Edition). Oxford University Press.

Stuart Edwards

Inverpolly, Ullapool IV26 2YB

E-mail: inverpolly@aol.com

A good year in south-east Sutherland DEAN MacASKILL Most of my birding in 2019 was spent locally in south-east Sutherland, apart from 10 days in autumn in the Algarve and the occasional foray into nearby counties. It was an exceptional year for finding good birds. I was fortunate to find a good variety of scarce Highland species such as Sooty Shearwater, Little Egret, Ruff, Little Stint, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Pomarine Skua, Little Auk, Black Redstart and Yellow-browed Warbler, to name a few. I was also very lucky to find several HRC description species: Garganey, Ring-necked Duck, Red-necked Grebe, Black Tern, Balearic Shearwater, Shore Lark and Water Pipit. Sometimes after patient searching you get lucky and sometimes the birds can find you! This is exactly what happened to me on the morning of 28 June. I had an hour or so to spare so decided to head out to Dornoch Point just as the tide was receding. I didn't expect to see much as my previous visits during the week proved to be very quiet for birds. Towards the point I moved into the dunes to avoid disturbing nesting birds and walked through the marram grass until I was clear of them. I walked back on to the beach and stopped immediately to check out a wader ahead of me. Looking through my binoculars, I saw what I thought was a Greenshank, but it didn't look quite right. Greenshank usually turn up on the other side of the dunes on the saltings. I quickly set up my scope to get a better view of the bird, which was feeding among the piles of washed-up seaweed. It was slightly smaller than a Greenshank and the body shape was also different, being much squatter with a more horizontal profile and a shortish neck. It had a very steep forehead with a long slightly upturned bill. The body colour was similar to that of a non-breeding Greenshank, with grey upper-parts, but with a black streak along the upper scapulars. The under-parts were white

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and the legs were yellow-green. “Terek Sandpiper!” I said to myself (or words to that effect). It flew a short distance uttering a fluty trisyllabic call and flicking its wings like a Common Sandpiper, revealing a pale secondary wing bar and grey rump. I quickly put the news out to the local WhatsApp group and luckily the bird stayed for a couple of days, allowing lots of local and visiting birders a chance to catch up with this rare visitor.

Terek Sandpiper in June at Dornoch Point c. Peter Stronach

Terek Sandpiper is named after the River Terek that flows into the west of the Caspian Sea. The birds breed in southern Finland, west Russia, Ukraine and eastwards through Siberia, breeding in marshy areas near the edges of rivers, lakes, streams etc. On migration and in winter they are more likely to use coastal areas such as mudflats, saltmarshes and estuaries. They winter along the coasts of Africa, the middle East, India and from south-east Asia to northern Australia. Scottish sightings tend to be around the North Sea coasts, with most occurring in late May into June, and these birds are most likely to be over-shooting spring migrants on their way to Finland, the most westerly part of their breeding range. On 17 December I was again out at Dornoch Point trying to locate the wintering Shore Lark. As I walked up the beach, I could see quite a few pipits flitting about in the mounds of washed-up seaweed. I set up my scope to have a good look through the birds. I find that pipits can be very flighty and are best viewed from well back through a scope, otherwise, if you get too near, they tend to sky it and within a few seconds can be on the other side of the saltings. I counted about 20 Rock Pipits and a couple of Meadow Pipits, but the views were brief due to the constant flitting about and the birds were often hidden behind piles of seaweed.

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Eventually, I caught sight of a pipit with pale underparts and a brown back with very little streaking. Rock Pipits can be quite variable in winter and I kept trying to change some of the paler, browner birds into something else. After a while I saw one of the paler pipits pause for a few seconds on top of the seaweed and, with a better view, I knew it was a Water Pipit.

Water Pipit with Shore Lark in December at Dornoch Point c. Dean MacAskill

Sometime later, I picked it up again on another mound of seaweed. It was preening and showed its white outer tail feathers. The breast was pale, whitish with a little fine streaking. It had paler brown upperparts than Rock Pipit and much less streaking on the back than Meadow Pipit. Now happy that I had positively ID’d it as a Water Pipit, I looked through the rest of the flock and saw what I thought was another Water Pipit, or was it the same bird that had just moved? When I relocated the original Water Pipit, it was now feeding alongside the Shore Lark. Then, to my amazement, I saw both Water Pipits together close to a couple of feeding Stonechats and a flock of Snow Buntings. A female Merlin suddenly gate-crashed the event and put an end to proceedings as she flew along the shore scattering the birds. This was one of those exciting moments that make up for all the hours spent in the field with little reward. Water Pipit is an interesting bird, only being separated from Rock and Buff-bellied Pipit as recently as the late 1980s. It breeds high up in mountainous areas of the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians and among various other mountains. It is an altitudinal migrant. Instead of migrating south, it moves to lower ground, some

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wintering around the Mediterranean, others moving north into the UK, where most are seen in the south and east. In Scotland, most are found near the coast, particularly in the south-west and south-east. They feed on invertebrates and their larvae. Coastal areas where mounds of seaweed pile up, and burns and rivers flowing into the sea are favoured areas where there is a plentiful supply of food. Water Pipit is still a scarce bird in Highland. However, since 2015 I have seen five. Four were at Dornoch Point, all between December and February, with another in October at Brora. Perhaps birds are now wintering further north due to milder winters, so it is certainly worth checking any coastal wintering pipit flocks that you come across.

Reference Forrester, R.W., Andrews, I.J., McInerny, C.J. et al. (eds) 2007. The Birds of Scotland. The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Aberlady.

Dean MacAskill E-mail: deanatthepoint@gmail.com

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INDEX Page

Auk, Little 105 Avocet* 71 Bee-eater, 124 Blue-cheeked*** Blackbird 152 Blackcap 145 Brambling 166 Bullfinch 168 Bunting, Corn* 175 Lapland 174 Reed 176 Snow 174 Buzzard, Common 120 Capercaillie 34 Chaffinch 166 Chiffchaff 142 [Siberian]* 142 Iberian*** 142 Coot 67 Cormorant 113 Corncrake 66 Crossbill, Common 172 Crow, Carrion 132 Hooded 132 Cuckoo 63 Curlew 77 Dipper 160 Diver, Black-throated 107 Great Northern 108 Red-throated 107 White-billed* 108 Dotterel 75 Dove, Collared 65 Rock 64 Stock 64 Turtle* 65 Duck, American Black*** 52 Long-tailed 59 Mandarin 48 Ring-necked* 55 Tufted 56 Dunlin 83 Dunnock 161 Eagle, Golden 116 White-tailed 120 Egret, Great White* 114 Little 114 Eider 57 Falcon, Peregrine 127 Fieldfare 152

Flycatcher, Pied 156 Red-breasted* 157 Spotted 155 Fulmar 109 Gadwall 49 Gannet 111 Garganey* 48 Godwit, Bar-tailed 78 Black-tailed 79 Goldcrest 147 Goldeneye 60 Goldfinch 173 Goosander 61 Goose, Barnacle 41 Brent 39 [Dark-bellied]* 40 [Black Brant]** 40 [Grey-bellied Brant]*** 40 Cackling*** 42 Canada 40 Greylag 42 Pink-footed 43 Snow* 42 Taiga Bean* 43 Tundra Bean* 44 White-fronted 45 [European]* 45 Goshawk 117 Grebe, Great Crested 68 Little 67 Red-necked* 68 Slavonian 68 Greenfinch 169 Greenshank 93 Grouse, Black 35 Red 37 Guillemot 105 Black 106 Gull, Black-headed 95 Common 96 Glaucous 97 Great Black-backed 97 Herring 98 Iceland 98 Lesser Black-backed 99 Little 95 Mediterranean 96 Sabine’s* 94 Yellow-legged** 99 Harrier, Hen 118 Marsh 118 Hawfinch 167 Heron, Grey 114 Hobby* 127 Honey-buzzard* 115

Hoopoe 123 Jackdaw 130 [Nordic] 131 Jay 128 Kestrel 125 Kingfisher 124 Kite, Red 119 Kittiwake 94 Knot 81 Lapwing 71 Lark, Shore* 136 Linnet 170 Magpie 129 Mallard 51 Martin, House 138 Sand 137 Merganser, 62 Red-breasted Merlin 126 Moorhen 67 Nuthatch 148 Osprey 115 Owl, Barn 121 Long-eared 122 Short-eared 123 Tawny 122 Oystercatcher 69 Partridge, Grey 38 Red-legged 37 Petrel, Leach’s* 109 Storm 108 Phalarope, Grey* 89 Red-necked* 89 Pheasant 39 Pintail 53 Pipit, Meadow 164 Olive-backed** 164 Rock 165 [Scandinavian]* 166 Tree 164 Water* 165 Plover, Golden 72 Grey 73 Little Ringed* 75 Ringed 74 Pochard 55 Ptarmigan 36 Puffin 106 Quail 38

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Raven 133 Razorbill 105 Redpoll, Common (Mealy) 171 Lesser 171 Redshank 91 Spotted* 92 Redstart 158 Black 157 Redwing 153 Ring Ouzel 151 Robin 156 Rook 131 Ruff 82 Sanderling 83 Sandpiper, Buff-breasted* 86 Common 89 Curlew 82 Green 90 Purple 85 Terek*** 88 Wood 92 Scaup 56 Scoter, Common 58 Surf* 58 Velvet 58 Shag 112 Shearwater, Balearic* 111 Manx 111 Sooty 110 Shelduck 47 Shoveler 49

Shrike, Great Grey 128 Siskin 174 Skua, Arctic 103 Great 103 Long-tailed* 104 Pomarine 103 Skylark 136 Snipe 88 Jack 87 Sparrow, House 160 Tree 161 Sparrowhawk 116 Starling 150 Rose-coloured* 150 Stint, Little 85 Stonechat 159 Swallow 137 American Cliff*** 138 Swan, Mute 45 Whooper 46 Swift 63 Teal 53 Blue-winged*** 48 Green-winged* 54 Tern, Arctic 102 Black* 102 Common 101 Little 101 Sandwich 100 Thrush, Mistle 155 Song 154 Tit, Blue 135 Coal 134 Crested 135 Great 135

Tit, Long-tailed 139 Treecreeper 149 Turnstone 80 Twite 170 Wagtail, Grey 162 Pied 163 [White] 163 Yellow* 162 Warbler, Garden 146 Grasshopper 145 Hume’s*** 140 Reed* 144 Sedge 143 Willow 141 Wood 140 Yellow-browed 141 Water Rail 66 Waxwing 133 Wheatear 159 [Greenland] 160 Whimbrel 76 Whinchat 158 Whitethroat 146 Lesser 146 Wigeon 50 American* 50 Woodcock 86 Woodpecker, Great Spotted 124 Green 125 Woodpigeon 65 Wren 148 Yellowhammer 176

*** BBRC species

** SBRC species

* HRC species […] subspecies