Choughs in Cornwall - 2004 Breeding Report

Wild Choughs at the Lizard

The pair of wild choughs, which blew into the county in 2001, have now raised a total of ten young. In 2002 they produced their first three chicks, repeating this in 2003. Of these six, one is known to have perished and two have drifted away, whereabouts unknown.

Two of the three remaining birds - both male - had a vague attempt at nesting near Soap Cove, and are often seen around the Mullion area. A single solitary male has - as predicted by the Operation Chough team - now ranged further afield, and is regularly seen between Land’s End and Porthgwarra.

For 2004 the parent birds kept everyone guessing, choosing to nest slightly later than normal. This may have been due to severe weather just prior to the breeding season - including snow!

However, they finally settled into their breeding routine, and this year excelled themselves by producing four chicks. These are believed to be two males and two females, although they have not been sexed using DNA analysis.

The young birds have all been fitted with three coloured leg-rings - two on one leg, with a third, plus a BTO ring on the other. This will help in logging their movements.

The new family formed a small flock with other siblings at the end of July, and they can generally be found between Bass Point and Kynance Cove.

The single male at Land’s End was briefly joined by two of these birds in early August, but they returned to The Lizard soon after.

Reports of other choughs in the county are always investigated, and match the numbers and locations of birds from the 2003 release by Operation Chough.

There have also been reports of a single chough in south Devon recently.

Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Hayle Cornwall TR27 4HB, UK
www.paradisepark.org.uk