Cecil Smith’s “Birds of Guernsey” (1879) documents a diverse range of birds found in Guernsey and its neighboring islands. Which of these birds is NOT mentioned as a regular or occasional visitor to the islands?
- White-tailed Eagle
- Osprey
- Common Buzzard
- Bald Eagle
Correct Answer: Bald Eagle
Correct Answer Explanation: Bald Eagles are native to North America and are not found in the Channel Islands.
In Cecil Smith’s “Birds of Guernsey”, which bird is described as being a regular visitor to all of the Islands in the Autumn?
- Hen Harrier
- Red-backed Shrike
- Common Buzzard
- Hobby
Correct Answer: Common Buzzard
Correct Answer Explanation: The Common Buzzard is a regular autumnal visitor to all of the Islands.
Which type of hawk is considered the most common breeding species in the Islands, according to Cecil Smith’s “Birds of Guernsey”?
- Merlin
- Sparrowhawk
- Kestrel
- Marsh Harrier
Correct Answer: Kestrel
Correct Answer Explanation: The Kestrel is the most common hawk in the Islands, breeding in all of them.
“Birds of Guernsey” documents the impact of human activity on the island’s birdlife. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a significant impact of human activity on the local avifauna?
- Drainage and improved cultivation
- Road-making
- The construction of large wind farms
- Expansion of granite quarries
Correct Answer: The construction of large wind farms
Correct Answer Explanation: The construction of wind farms is a modern environmental concern that was not prevalent in 1879 when Cecil Smith wrote “Birds of Guernsey”.
Which of the following is NOT a local name for a bird mentioned in Cecil Smith’s “Birds of Guernsey”?
- Flappers
- Geai
- Rousailleries
- Vrangue
Correct Answer: Rousailleries
Correct Answer Explanation: “Rousailleries” is the name of a farm in Guernsey, not a local bird name.
Which of the following birds is known to have been shot in the Islands in the late 1800s, according to Cecil Smith?
- Red-backed Shrike
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Greenland Falcon
- Dipper
Correct Answer: Greenland Falcon
Correct Answer Explanation: A young Greenland Falcon was found in Alderney, likely shot in the winter of 1876-1877.
Which of these birds was considered a rare, occasional visitor to the Islands, according to Cecil Smith?
- Red-backed Shrike
- Montagu’s Harrier
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Kestrel
Correct Answer: Montagu’s Harrier
Correct Answer Explanation: Montagu’s Harrier is a more frequent visitor than the Hen or Marsh Harriers.
“Birds of Guernsey” discusses a Sea Bird Protection Act. What concern does Cecil Smith raise about the effectiveness of this Act?
- It was too difficult for fishermen to comply with the law
- It was focused on protecting only the rarest birds
- It did not adequately address the issue of egg-robbing by fishermen
- It was too expensive for the local government to enforce
Correct Answer: It did not adequately address the issue of egg-robbing by fishermen
Correct Answer Explanation: Cecil Smith critiques the effectiveness of the Sea Bird Protection Act, particularly concerning egg-robbing by fishermen.
Cecil Smith mentions a specific incident involving a bird that was taken alive in the parish of the Forest in Guernsey. Which bird was it?
- Osprey
- White-tailed Eagle
- Hen Harrier
- Merlin
Correct Answer: White-tailed Eagle
Correct Answer Explanation: A White-tailed Eagle was wounded and taken alive in the parish of the Forest in Guernsey in 1845.
Which of these birds is described as being a frequent autumnal visitor to Guernsey, often killed by islanders who perceived them as a threat to sheep and poultry?
- Common Buzzard
- Merlin
- Red-backed Shrike
- White-tailed Eagle
Correct Answer: White-tailed Eagle
Correct Answer Explanation: The White-tailed Eagle is a frequent visitor, typically arriving in autumn, and often killed by islanders due to its perceived threat to sheep and poultry.
Which of these birds is mentioned as having been shot in St. Samsons, in Guernsey, in 1868?
- Merlin
- Osprey
- White-tailed Eagle
- Peregrine Falcon
Correct Answer: Osprey
Correct Answer Explanation: An Osprey was shot in St. Samsons, Guernsey, on October 29, 1868.
Which of these birds was found in Alderney, likely shot in the winter of 1876-1877?
- Merlin
- Greenland Falcon
- Peregrine Falcon
- Iceland Falcon
Correct Answer: Greenland Falcon
Correct Answer Explanation: A young Greenland Falcon was found in Alderney, likely shot in the winter of 1876-1877.
Which of these birds was killed in Herm on April 11, 1876, likely due to its predation on introduced game birds?
- Iceland Falcon
- Greenland Falcon
- Merlin
- Peregrine Falcon
Correct Answer: Iceland Falcon
Correct Answer Explanation: An Iceland Falcon was killed in Herm on April 11, 1876, likely due to its predation on introduced game birds.
Which of the following birds is described as being a more common autumnal visitor to the Islands than the Hobby, with occasional spring visits as well?
- Peregrine Falcon
- Merlin
- Red-backed Shrike
- Common Buzzard
Correct Answer: Merlin
Correct Answer Explanation: The Merlin is a more common autumnal visitor than the Hobby, with occasional spring visits as well.
Which of these birds is described as being a regular but not very common summer visitor to the Islands?
- Red-backed Shrike
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Wheatear
- Stonechat
Correct Answer: Red-backed Shrike
Correct Answer Explanation: The Red-backed Shrike is a regular but not very common summer visitor.
Which of the following birds is described as being a common summer visitor to the Islands, arriving and departing at similar times as in England?
- Stonechat
- Wheatear
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Red-backed Shrike
Correct Answer: Spotted Flycatcher
Correct Answer Explanation: The Spotted Flycatcher is a common summer visitor, arriving and departing at similar times as in England.
Which of these birds is mentioned as being more numerous in 1878 than in 1866?
- Stonechat
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Wheatear
- Red-backed Shrike
Correct Answer: Spotted Flycatcher
Correct Answer Explanation: Spotted Flycatchers were observed to be more numerous in 1878 than in 1866.
Which of these birds is described as being a rare and accidental visitor to the Islands?
- Short-eared Owl
- Barn Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Montagu’s Harrier
Correct Answer: Long-eared Owl
Correct Answer Explanation: The Long-eared Owl is a rare and accidental visitor.
Which of these birds is described as being a regular autumnal visitor to the Islands?
- Short-eared Owl
- Barn Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Montagu’s Harrier
Correct Answer: Short-eared Owl
Correct Answer Explanation: The Short-eared Owl is a regular autumnal visitor to the Islands.
Which of these birds is considered a resident species in the Islands?
- Short-eared Owl
- Barn Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Montagu’s Harrier
Correct Answer: Barn Owl
Correct Answer Explanation: The Barn Owl is considered a resident species in the Islands.
Which of these birds was shot in St. Martin’s on November 9, 1874?
- Short-eared Owl
- Barn Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Montagu’s Harrier
Correct Answer: Long-eared Owl
Correct Answer Explanation: A Long-eared Owl was shot in St. Martin’s on November 9, 1874.
Which of these birds is described as being the least common of the Harriers in the Channel Islands?
- Hen Harrier
- Marsh Harrier
- Montagu’s Harrier
- Rough-legged Buzzard
Correct Answer: Marsh Harrier
Correct Answer Explanation: The Marsh Harrier is the least common of the Harriers in the Channel Islands, though it does occur.
Which of these birds is described as being a rare, occasional visitor to the Islands?
- Hen Harrier
- Marsh Harrier
- Montagu’s Harrier
- Rough-legged Buzzard
Correct Answer: Hen Harrier
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hen Harrier is a rare, occasional visitor to the Islands.
Which of these birds is described as being a more frequent visitor than the Hen or Marsh Harriers?
- Hen Harrier
- Marsh Harrier
- Montagu’s Harrier
- Rough-legged Buzzard
Correct Answer: Montagu’s Harrier
Correct Answer Explanation: Montagu’s Harrier is a more frequent visitor than the Hen or Marsh Harriers.
Which of these birds is mentioned as being a rare, occasional visitor to the Islands?
- Rough-legged Buzzard
- Montagu’s Harrier
- Hen Harrier
- Marsh Harrier
Correct Answer: Rough-legged Buzzard
Correct Answer Explanation: The Rough-legged Buzzard is a rare, occasional visitor to the Islands.
Which of these birds is described as being a regular autumnal visitor to all of the Islands?
- Rough-legged Buzzard
- Common Buzzard
- Hen Harrier
- Marsh Harrier
Correct Answer: Common Buzzard
Correct Answer Explanation: The Buzzard is a regular autumnal visitor to all the Islands.
Which of these birds is described as being rare and breeds in the Islands?
- Sparrowhawk
- Merlin
- Kestrel
- Common Buzzard
Correct Answer: Sparrowhawk
Correct Answer Explanation: While the Sparrowhawk is resident and breeds in the Islands, it is considered rare.
Which of these birds is described as being more numerous in the summer of 1878 in the Vale?
- Wheatear
- Stonechat
- Redwing
- Fieldfare
Correct Answer: Stonechat
Correct Answer Explanation: Many Stonechats were observed in the Vale during the summer of 1878.
Which of these birds is mentioned as selling for fourpence each in the Guernsey market?
- Redwing
- Fieldfare
- Mistletoe Thrush
- Ring Ouzel
Correct Answer: Mistletoe Thrush
Correct Answer Explanation: Mistletoe Thrushes sell at fourpence each in the Guernsey market.
Which of these birds is mentioned as being seen in the Guernsey market between the end of September and the beginning of December?
- Redwing
- Fieldfare
- Mistletoe Thrush
- Ring Ouzel
Correct Answer: Ring Ouzel
Correct Answer Explanation: A few Ring Ouzels are seen in the Guernsey market between the end of September and beginning of December.
Which of these birds is described as arriving in Guernsey around the end of October and departing in March or April?
- Redwing
- Fieldfare
- Mistletoe Thrush
- Ring Ouzel
Correct Answer: Redwing
Correct Answer Explanation: Redwings arrive in Guernsey around the end of October and depart in March or April.
Which of these birds is described as arriving in Guernsey around the end of October and departing in March or April?
- Redwing
- Fieldfare
- Mistletoe Thrush
- Ring Ouzel
Correct Answer: Fieldfare
Correct Answer Explanation: Fieldfares arrive in Guernsey around the end of October and depart in March or April.
Which of these birds is described as arriving in Guernsey around March and departing in October?
- Wheatear
- Stonechat
- Redwing
- Fieldfare
Correct Answer: Wheatear
Correct Answer Explanation: Wheatears arrive in Guernsey around March and depart in October.
Which of these birds is mentioned as being a female specimen in the Guernsey Museum?
- Golden Oriole
- Dipper
- Mistletoe Thrush
- Ring Ouzel
Correct Answer: Golden Oriole
Correct Answer Explanation: There was a female Golden Oriole specimen in the Guernsey Museum.
Which of these birds is described as having two specimens in the Guernsey Museum?
- Golden Oriole
- Dipper
- Mistletoe Thrush
- Ring Ouzel
Correct Answer: Dipper
Correct Answer Explanation: Two Dippers are in the Guernsey Museum, likely killed in Guernsey.
Which of these birds is described as being a common visitor to Guernsey, though not as numerous as in England?
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Wheatear
- Stonechat
- Red-backed Shrike
Correct Answer: Spotted Flycatcher
Correct Answer Explanation: Spotted Flycatchers were observed to be more numerous in 1878 than in 1866, but still not as numerous as in England.
Which of these birds was shot in Herm in June 19, 1877?
- Marsh Harrier
- Hen Harrier
- Montagu’s Harrier
- Short-eared Owl
Correct Answer: Hen Harrier
Correct Answer Explanation: A young Hen Harrier was shot in Herm on June 19, 1877.
Which of these birds is described as being found in Herm in May of 1875?
- Montagu’s Harrier
- Marsh Harrier
- Hen Harrier
- Rough-legged Buzzard
Correct Answer: Marsh Harrier
Correct Answer Explanation: A Marsh Harrier was found in Herm in May of 1875.
Which of these birds is described as being shot in Guernsey and having two specimens in the Guernsey Museum?
- Barn Owl
- Short-eared Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Montagu’s Harrier
Correct Answer: Barn Owl
Correct Answer Explanation: Two specimens of the Barn Owl in the Guernsey Museum were said to be killed in Guernsey.
Which of these birds was killed in the Islands, likely Guernsey, in November, 1873?
- Merlin
- Peregrine Falcon
- Hobby
- Iceland Falcon
Correct Answer: Hobby
Correct Answer Explanation: A Hobby was killed in the Islands, likely Guernsey, in November, 1873.
Which of these birds was shot in the Vale and brought to Mr. Couch in November, 1875?
- Merlin
- Peregrine Falcon
- Hobby
- Iceland Falcon
Correct Answer: Merlin
Correct Answer Explanation: Two Merlins were brought to Mr. Couch in November, 1875, both shot in the Vale.
Which of these birds was killed in Herm in December?
- Merlin
- Peregrine Falcon
- Hobby
- Iceland Falcon
Correct Answer: Peregrine Falcon
Correct Answer Explanation: A Peregrine Falcon was killed in Herm in December.
Which of these birds is described as being a resident species, but rare, in the Islands?
- Sparrowhawk
- Kestrel
- Merlin
- Peregrine Falcon
Correct Answer: Sparrowhawk
Correct Answer Explanation: While the Sparrowhawk is resident and breeds in the Islands, it is considered rare.