As I'm in Holland at the moment, I wanted to contribute in a different way. A few things some might have missed.
1. I came across this note in a comment on Barry's blog (http://goweros.blogspot.com), with relevance to East Glam birders.
"Adrienne Stratford sent me the following which may be of interest: 'I don't know if you've heard about the chough DNA project being undertaken in Aberdeen, by Jane Reid and others? Very interesting preliminary results suggest that the current Cornish chough population is much closer genetically to the S. Irish population than to North Wales, Isle of Man, Scottish, Spanish or French populations. However, what they haven't had are any samples from South Wales - Pembs, Gower or Ogmore. So it would be great if you could look out for and contribute any moulted chough feathers or small samples from any dead birds. It would be very interesting to find out their genetic allegiances. If you can get any, please send them to: Jane Reid, School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ. (samples in separate packets, labelled with grid ref, date collected + bird's ID if ringed).''
2. I read in the latest BOURC report (no. 39) that they are reviewing the following:
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Review of specimen record from near Cardiff, Glamorgan, 4 October 1881.
I presume this 'specimen' was observed 'in the traditional way', i.e. shot.
6 comments:
No the Rusty Blackbird was found by Clive.
I think it was even before my time but Old Birds of Glam says it was shot near Cardiff in 1881. Alexander and Fitter suggested that it was possibly a genuine vagrant as there had been strong and persistent North- west winds. Col. Salmon et al included it in their list.
Randal if thats the case I want some of his wonder cream
PMSL See you got the LEO Mate "Top Man"
I understand it was given to Robert Drane some hours after being shot on 4th Oct 1881. The bird was in perfect condition and as stated in the BofG I [1900] "and showed no sign confinement in a cage". The specimen can still be seen in the NMGW in Cardiff
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