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BIRDS OF COLL REVISITED.
John Blatchford & John Wright.
During the Whit weeks of 1989 & 1990, two groups of students from St. Mary's Sixth Form College in Middlesborough visited Coll in order to survery the breeding birds (especially the breeding seabirds).
This work was done for a variety of reasons. Firstly, since all of the students were following Advanced Level Biology courses, there was the practical experience in carrying out this kind of survey work; secondly, we were attempting to help the British Trust for Ornithology with their updating of their 'Atlas' records; thirdly, we were helping to update the Seabird Colony Counts for the nature Conservancy Council; and finally, but by no means least, we were doing it for our own records and amusement!
In 1969 & 1970, 1 (J. B.) conducted similar surveys, so it is very interesting to see how things have changed over 20 years.
On both occasions we were fortunate enough to stay in the Garden House at Breachachadh. Whatever may have happened to the birds, the castles both seem to be doing well and the machair flowers have lost none of their splendour. We have now managed to walk over most parts of the island and it is nice to see how little has been spoilt. Coll is one of the few places left where it is possible to walk all day without continually bumping into other people - for town dwellers like us that is a rare pleasure. (On the few occasions where we did meet others it was very noticeable to us how the Hebridean air seems to make people instant Gaels - hospitable, charming and warm-hearted! - again, rare phenomena in the town.
We plan to return next year to complete our surveys and look forward to meeting friends and visiting our favourite places again. We find ourselves continually torn between the desire to tell everyone we meet how wonderful Coll is and keeping it's existence a secret so that is doesn't get ruined!
Certainly, the increased breeding numbers of certain species confirm the unspoiled status of Coll although, with, for example, the siting of gull colonies, there is some evidence for a long term drift away from such 'traditional nesting areas as Grishipoll Point and Rubha Fasacd. This might be due to the increased use of Coll by holiday makers who visit these scenic areas.
Altogether, recordings were made of 85 different species with care being taken to follow the same routes as 20 years earlier, to use the same counting techniques and the same level of 'effort of search', since, clearly, a report of increased numbers might simply reflect a more intensive or extensive period of observation.
Species that showed an increase in breeding:
FULMAR: Large increase (400-500%);
SHAG: A large increase on Coll mainland (600-800%.) but this may not be a real increase as many of the islets were not surveyed.
GREY LAG GOOSE: Large increase (200%);
ARCTIC SKUA: Large increase (400-600%);
GREAT BLACK-BACKED Insufficient data to be certain but there appears to be 100-150%
GULL: increase on Coll mainland.
HERRING GULL: Compared with 1969-70, at least a small increase - maybe up to 1007... If compared with N.C.C. records, it would appear that they have reached a peak and are declining.
COMMON GULL: Increase (up to 1507..);
LITTLE TERN: There appears to be at least a small increase;
HOUSE SPARROW: No data but it is now widespread and common; probably a large increase.
Species Breeding but not known to have bred previously:
SWALLOW: 2 pairs bred 1989. No data for 1990;
CHAFFINCH: 3 breeding pairs recorded 1987;
GOLDCREST: Probably breeding but not confirmed.
Species that show a decrease in breeding:
MUTE SWAN: Has not bred in the last few years;
KESTREL: One pair bred in 1989 but not recorded in 1990;
CORNCRAKE: Insufficient data but has probably decreased;
ARCTIC TERN: Numbers have more than to know how great this decease is as Gunna and Soa were surveyed in 1989-90;
LINNET: Only several pairs now breed;
TWITE: Only several pairs now
CORN BUNTING: Does not breed anymore. halved on Coll mainland. Insufficient data not breed;
At least 60 species bred in 1989-90. Two of these (swallow and kestrel) bred in 1989 but there is no record for 1990. Another 4 (short-eared owl, collared dove, dunnock and goldcrest) probably bred but this was not confirmed.
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We would like to thank, John and Keith, John Fraser, Andy Knight and Dr. De Mornay for their help during our visit.
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What are they up to? Can you see?
I'm not sure. I think they're counting.
They counted me three times yesterday and twice today.
How strange. How many of them are there?
One minibus x 12 plus one car x 4.
Good grief! Are they breeding?
It's hard to tell; I don't think so.
Well, that's alright then.
Come on, let's go and get counted again. |
