Aquatic Warbler

Acrocephalus paludicola (Vieillot, 1817) (39, 27)

Photo © By David Perez - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29020253

STATUS

Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

Before 1950 there were twelve sight records of this difficult species to identify.

August and September, occasionally October are its arrival dates here, although there is one from summer 1864 which has been accepted over the years with an extant specimen.

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RECORDS

1). 1853 Sussex East Hove, adult, shot, 19th October, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 207570).

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1866: 210; M. C. Cooke, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1866: 139; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1867: 946; Saunders, 1899; Booth, 1901; James, 1996).

History Anon. (1866) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, p. 210, at the meeting held on 8th May 1866, says: 'Mr. Alfred Newton exhibited from the collection of William Borrer, Esq., F.L.S., a specimen of the Sylvia aquatica of Latham, which had been obtained in England, as certified by the following note from that gentlemen: - "My specimen was shot on the 19th of October, 1853, in an old brick-pit a little to the west of Hove, near Brighton, and was stuffed by Mr. H. Pratt of that place. I saw it just after it was skinned. It was observed creeping about amongst the old grass and reeds". Mr. Newton remarked that, though the species had not hitherto been recorded as occurring in this country, the fact of the marshes near Dieppe being especially mentioned as a locality for it made the probability of its being a voluntary visitor to this side of the Channel much greater.'

M. C. Cooke, Editor (1866) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. II. p. 139, says: 'At the meeting of the Zoological Society, on the 8th May last, Mr. A. Newton exhibited, from the collection of Mr. Borrer, a specimen of this bird recently killed in England.'

J. E. Harting of Kingsbury, Middlesex (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 946, dated August, 1867, says: 'The occurrence of Sylvia aquatica in England was for the first time made known by Professor Newton, who, at a Meeting of the Zoological Society in May, 1866, exhibited a specimen from the collection of Mr. Borrer, of Cowfold, Sussex, which had been obtained near Brighton in October, 1853. I was unfortunately prevented from attending this Meeting, but in November last, while on a visit to Mr. Borrer, I had ample opportunity of examining this specimen.'

Alfred Newton (1871-74 (1): 380-381, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The first example of this bird announced as having occurred in England, was found by the Editor in the collection of Mr. Borrer, who certified that it was observed, October 19th, 1853, creeping about among the grass and reeds in an old brick-pit a little to the west of Hove, near Brighton; and that, having been shot, he saw it just after it had been skinned by Mr. H. Pratt of that town.

The bird had been thought to be an unusually bright-coloured specimen of the Sedge Warbler, but its real character being made plain, it was soon after, by Mr. Borrer's kind permission, exhibited, May 8th, 1866, at a meeting of the Zoological Society (Proc. Zool. Soc., 1866, p. 210).'

Booth (1901: 214, 3rd ed.) adds: 'Shot by Mr. Pratt, in an old brick pit at Hove, Sussex, 19th October, 1853, being the first specimen of this rare species recognised as having been obtained in Great Britain.'

Accepted locally by James (1996: 440-441) who adds: 'The latest record [19 October] is of an adult...now at the Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 207570) and was the second British record.'

Comment It is still the first for Britain (not the second, the 1815 Norfolk record since found unacceptable), and there are many late 20th century records for October and one even for November from Yorkshire.

2). 1864 Leicestershire & Rutland Near Loughborough, obtained, summer, now at Leicester Museum (L.Z162.1969.321.0).

(M. C. Cooke, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 2: 139; J. E. Harting, Ibis 1867: 468-469; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1867: 946; Browne, 1889; Saunders, 1899; Hickling, 1978; Fray et al., 2009).

History J. E. Harting (1867) in The Ibis, Vol. IX. pp. 468-469, in a Letter, says: 'I was unfortunately absent from the meeting of the Zoological Society held on the 8th of May, 1866, when the first specimen of Sylvia aquatica, Lath., known to have been obtained in England was exhibited [1853 Sussex]; but in November last, when on a visit to Mr. Borrer, I had an opportunity of examining it, and was at once struck with its similarity to a bird in my own collection which I had received from the neighbourhood of Loughborough, and which I had put aside to be named.

On my return home I re-examined this example, and then felt little doubt that it was a S. aquatica. To be sure, however, that I was not mistaken, I sent it for confirmation to Mr. Tristram, and that gentleman thereupon wrote to me as follows: - "There is no doubt about your Salicaria aquatica. It is not in full plumage, and therefore may be a bird of the year. The mature bird in breeding-plumage has not the spots on the breast and flanks. It only remains for me to add that my specimen was obtained near Loughborough, in Leicestershire, during the summer of 1864, and was forwarded to me by a friend, under the impression that it was a Grasshopper Warbler. When we consider that S. aquatica is known to breed on the opposite shores of Holland, and is found in the marshes about Lille and Dieppe, we are only surprised that it is not a more frequent visitor to Great Britain than it appears to be. On the other hand its general resemblance in size and colour to other well-known species, when seen at a little distance, would naturally cause it to be overlooked".'

J. E. Harting of Kingsbury, Middlesex (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. pp. 946-947, dated August 1867, says: 'The occurrence of Sylvia aquatica in England was for the first time made known by Professor Newton, who, at a Meeting of the Zoological Society in May, 1866, exhibited a specimen from the collection of Mr. Borrer, of Cowfold, Sussex, which had been obtained near Brighton in October, 1853.

I was unfortunately prevented from attending this Meeting, but in November last, while on a visit to Mr. Borrer, I had ample opportunity of examining this specimen. I was at once struck with its similarity to a bird in my own collection, which I had received from the neighbourhood of Loughborough two years previously, and which I had put aside to be named, not being acquainted with the species.

On my return home I carefully re-examined this specimen and compared it with the plate in Dr. Bree's Birds of Europe, and felt little doubt but that it was S. aquatica. To be sure, however, that I was not mistaken, I sent the bird for examination to the Rev. H. B. Tristram, who is so well acquainted with the Avifauna of Europe.

To my note which accompanied it, his reply was as follows: - "There is no doubt about your Sylvia aquatica. It is not in full plumage, and therefore may be a bird of the year. The mature bird in breeding plumage has not the spots on the breast and flanks. There is no difference between the sexes".

The specific characters of this bird, as pointed out by Dr. Bree, are as follows: - "A large band of yellowish white or yellow over the eyes; on the head two large longitudinal black bands separated by a reddish yellow band; the under tail-coverts and the rump marked with oblong blackish spots; tarsi flesh colour".

It only remains for me to add that the subject of this memoir was obtained in the neighbourhood of Loughborough, Leicestershire, during the summer of 1864, and was forwarded to me by a friend under the impression that it was a Grasshopper Warbler.

When we consider that S. aquatica is known to breed on the opposite shores of Holland, and is found in the marshes about Lille and Dieppe, we are only surprised that it is not a more frequent visitor to Great Britain than it appears to be. On the other hand, its general resemblance in size and colour to other well-known species, when seen at a little distance, would naturally cause it to be overlooked.'

Accepted locally (Browne 1889: 59; Hickling 1978; Fray et al. 2009).

Comment Summer begins on 1st June and ends with the last day of August. The last named month being when this warbler is found here.

3). 1876 Dorset Smuggler’s Island, Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, adult male, shot, September, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/73).

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 133; J. E. Kelsall, Zoologist 1897: 471; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 133, after recording one in Norfolk for 1896, says: '...and is a good deal like one shot by Mr. Edward Hart, at Christchurch in Hampshire.'

J. E. Kelsall of East Boldre, Southampton (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 471, says: 'I should like to add, with regard to the above interesting note [1897 Farlington Marshes record], that although this appears to be the first Hampshire Aquatic Warbler mentioned in your pages, there is also a specimen in Mr. Hart's well-known collection at Christchurch, killed, like this one, by accident, and also on the coast, but at the south-western extremity of the county.'

Saunders (1899, 2nd ed.) makes no mention of this record.

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 30) say: 'One was procured at Christchurch in September, 1876 (Hart).'

Further, p. 31, they add: 'The story of Mr. Hart's specimen is as follows. He was returning from duck-shooting, and discharged his gun at a small bird, simply in order to get rid of the charge, with the result that he added a new species to the county.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult male was shot by me on Smuggler's Island, Christchurch Harbour during September 1876 and mounted by me.

Comment Presumed examined by J. H. Gurney, jun., and therefore creditable.

4). 1896 Norfolk Blakeney Point, first-year male, shot, 9th September, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(Eastern Evening News 21st Sept., 1896; J. H. Trist, Field 3rd Oct., 1896: 569; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 6: 506-507; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 133; Saunders, 1899; T. E. Gunn, Field 8th Oct., 1904: 654; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005).

History J. H. Trist of Norwich (1896) in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 569, says: 'It appears from a paragraph in the Eastern Evening News of Sept. 21 that Mr. T. E. Gunn, the birdstuffer at Norwich, shot a specimen of this Aquatic Warbler at Blakeney on Sept. 8. It is one of the rarer marsh birds that occasionally visit us in summer from the Continent, and has not before been met with in Norfolk.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 133, says: 'September 9th. S.S.W., rather strong. An Aquatic Warbler, Acrocephalus aquaticus, Gm., in immature but very good plumage, with the lines on the back more pronounced than the streak of buff on the crown, shot at the foot of Blakeney sand-hills by Mr. Gunn, was a male, and contained the remains of earwigs and a beetle, no doubt foraged in the Chenopodium bushes. It is the fifth for England, and is a good deal like one shot by Mr. Edward Hart, at Christchurch in Hampshire.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1904) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. CIV. p. 654, says: '...The first Norfolk specimen was shot by me on Sept. 9, 1896, in the same locality [Blakeney Harbour].'

Stoddart & Joyner (2005: 184) say: 'Shot by T. E. Gunn in the Sandhills. A male, undated, from the Sandhills and received from the Gunn collection is in the Castle Museum, Norwich, and is presumed to be this bird.'

5). 1897 Sussex Brighton, seen, 7th September.

(H. Pratt, Field 9th Oct., 1897: 592; J. Pratt, Knowledge 1897: 290; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History H. Pratt of Brighton (1897) in The Field of 9th Oct., Vol. XC. p. 592, says: 'I saw a handsome specimen of the Aquatic Warbler in my garden at Brighton on Sept. 7, a bird which has been observed in this country only a few times. It was feeding in a pear tree only about three yards distant, so there was no doubt as to its identity. Another bird of the same was sent to us for preservation on Sept. 20 by the Rev. S. G. Scott, of Havant, who states that it was caught by a fox terrier in Farlington Marsh. The late Mr. Henry Pratt, sen., obtained the first specimen recorded in this country at Aldrington some years since.'

Pratt of Brighton (1897) in Knowledge, Vol. XX. p. 290, says: 'On Tuesday, September 7th, while in my garden at 15, Highcroft Villas, Brighton, I saw and watched for some time a beautiful specimen of the Aquatic Warbler. It was very tame, and when first noticed was moving quickly about in a pear tree, and I supposed it to be a Sedge Warbler. As I approached, the bird came out on the side of the tree nearest to me, and sat at the end of a projecting branch, quietly watching me for two or three minutes. In this position I was able to examine it closely, and I saw at once that it was an Aquatic Warbler. The pale band down the middle of crown was quite distinct, and on each side of it two blackish lines, and the light line over each eye: also it had about five rows of minute dots on the breast. As it was so tame I went indoors for a butterfly net, thinking I might catch it, but on returning it flew away. On September 20th I had a beautiful specimen of the same species sent for preservation by the Rev. Scott, of Havant. It was caught by a fox terrier in Farlington Marsh, and is a male bird.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 20) says: 'Then on September 7th, 1897, Mr. Pratt is confident that he met with an example in a garden at Highcroft Villas, Brighton, but for various sound reasons was unable to secure it. Still, since he was the fortunate finder of the 1853 bird, his identification can claim complete credence....'

6). 1902 Norfolk Blakeney, adult female, shot, 9th September, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1903: 133; F. Long, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 587; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 736; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85; Pashley, 1925; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 133, says: 'September 9th. N.E., force 3. An Aquatic Warbler, shot by Mr. T. E. Gunn; this appears to be an adult. It is rather singular that six years ago he should have met with one at the same place, and almost on the same day.'

F. Long, President (1903) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 587, in his address read 29th March 1903, says: 'Mr. T. Southwell exhibited Icterine and Aquatic Warblers killed at Blakeney.'

J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell (1904) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 736, say: 'Mr. Gunn shot one of these birds on the 9th September, 1902, at Blakeney, in the same place and almost on the same day (8th September) as he met with a previous specimen in 1896. Another was obtained by him in the same locality on September 18th, 1903.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Pashley (1925) says: 'Not a prolific year, but several good birds were taken. Gunn, of Norwich, got an Aquatic Warbler, September 9th, 1902.' Stoddart & Joyner (2005) add that it is in the Castle Museum, Norwich.

7). 1903 Norfolk Blakeney, shot, 19th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 209-210; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 736; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85; Pashley, 1925; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. pp. 209-210, says: 'September 19th. E., 5, at Yarmouth (N.N.E. the evening preceding). From the reports sent by Mr. Alexander Napier, of Holkham, Mr. Kay Robinson, and Mr. Pashley, it appears that from early morning a most unusual movement was in progress. From Brancaster to Salthouse, and especially among the herbage and bushes of Wells and Holkham sandhills, small migrants of the order Passeres were simply swarming. "More Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts", says Mr. Robinson, "arrived on the North Norfolk coast in a day than I have seen in that neighbourhood during four years.' Among the host were an Aquatic Warbler.'

J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell (1904) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 736, say: 'Mr. Gunn shot one of these birds on the 19th September, 1902, at Blakeney, in the same place and almost on the same day (8th September) as he met with a previous specimen in 1896. Another was obtained by him in the same locality on September 18th, 1903.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Wells - One, September 19th, 1903, seen (?), (id., 1904, p. 210.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1903. September. A good many warblers about: on the 19th an Aquatic.'

Clifford Borrer (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 220, says: 'The last occasion when the Aquatic Warbler occurred in this neighbourhood was in 1903, when my friend, Mr. Gilmour Richards, shot a bird (now in his father's collection at Ealing) on September 21st. Previous to that a specimen was killed by Mr. Gunn, the Norwich naturalist, all three within a mile or two of the same spot.' Stoddart & Joyner (2005: 184) say: 'Rowan listed this record.'

8). 1903 Norfolk Cley/Blakeney area, shot, 21st September.

(C. Borrer, British Birds 6: 220; Riviere, 1930).

History Clifford Borrer (1912) in British Birds, vol. 6. p. 220, says: 'The last occasion when the Aquatic Warbler occurred in this neighbourhood was in 1903, when my friend, Mr. Gilmour Richards, shot a bird (now in his father's collection at Ealing) on September 21st. Previous to that a specimen was killed by Mr. Gunn, the Norwich naturalist, all three within a mile or two of the same spot.'

Riviere (1930) says: 'In 1903 two were obtained, one by Mr. Glanville on 19th September and one by Mr. G. Richards on 21st September.'

9). 1904 Norfolk Blakeney, shot, 15th September.

(T. E. Gunn, Field 8th Oct., 1904: 654; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1905: 96; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85; Pashley, 1925).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1904) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. CIV. p. 654, says: 'A specimen of this rare British warbler, Acrocephalus aquaticus, was shot by Mr. J. P. Glanville in the scrub bushes of Cley [Blakeney] Harbour, Norfolk, on Sept. 15. The first Norfolk specimen was shot by me on Sept. 9, 1896, in the same locality; and singular to say on the same day of the same month in 1902 I got another. The contents of the stomachs consisted of the partly digested remains of some small bronze-coloured beetles with the elytrae entire and some minute portions of small shrimps that the tide had washed up around the edges of the scrub bushes. The uniform colour of the Aquatic Warbler is of a yellowish buff, with broad streaks of the same tint over each eye; a third streak runs through the centre of its head from the base of its beak to back of its head, an infallible mark of distinction. Its habits resemble those of the Grasshopper Warbler, and after it had been once flushed it is most difficult to induce it to leave cover.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 96, quotes from The Field.

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Pashley (1925) says: '1904. September 19th. Aquatic Warbler (Mr. Glanville), a beautiful specimen.'

Comment Pashley was noted for not keeping accurate dates.

10). 1905 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Lighthouse, first-year female, picked-up dead, 29th September.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 16: 23-24; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 16: 23; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1905) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XVI. pp. 23-24, at the 117th Meeting of the Club held on 18th October 1905 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. H. F. Witherby exhibited an example of the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) and an Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina), both of which had been taken at St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, in the early hours of the morning of September 29th, 1905. Both birds were females and birds of the year. The Aquatic Warbler was the third for that county, the first occurrence being claimed by Mr. Hart, who shot a specimen at Christchurch in 1876. This record had been omitted from Mr. Howard Saunders' Manual. Mr. Saunders remarked that he had probably seen this specimen too late to insert the record in the last edition of his Manual, although it appeared in Mr. Hart's catalogue (1904). Mr. Witherby added that these two interesting birds would have been entirely overlooked had it not been for the systematic "scheduling" of the Southern Lighthouses by the Migration Committee.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 359-360) under 'Appendix' say: 'On the same occasion [29th September, 1905] as the above [an Icterine Warbler] a young female Aquatic Warbler was taken at St. Catherine's Lighthouse [by Mr. T. G. Cutting], and forwarded, with some Sedge Warblers and other migrants, to Mr. Witherby. This specimen, which is the third recorded for Hampshire, was also exhibited at the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club on October 18th, 1905 (Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, XVI. p. 23).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

11). 1907 Kent Dungeness, two/three, seen, 7th to 10th September.

(H. G. Alexander, British Birds 9: 273; Harrison, 1953).

History H. G. Alexander (1916) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 273, says: 'On the 30th I saw two unusual birds: in the bushes by the Hoppen Pits an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus)...With regard to the former it may be well to add that on September 7th and subsequent days, in 1907, my brother, C. J. Alexander, and I saw two or three Aquatic Warblers in Romney Marsh (one of them at the Hoppen Pits) which. I believe, have not been recorded. This strengthens the suggestion of Dr. N. F. Ticehurst in the History of the Birds of Kent that the species may occur annually in the marsh; and I may add that I have not spent more than a single day there in late August or September between 1907 and 1915.'

13). 1907 Devon Eddystone Lighthouse, killed, 11th October.

(C. B. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 28; Penhallurick, 1978).

History C. B. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 28, says: 'An Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) was killed at the Eddystone Lighthouse, off Cornwall, on October 11th, 1907, and a wing sent for identification.'

14). 1908 Sussex The Crumbles, first-year, shot, 7th October.

(E. C. Arnold, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 1: 192; E. C. Arnold, Zoologist 1908: 467; E. C. Arnold, British Birds 2: 236; E. C. Arnold, Zoologist 1909: 69-70; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History E. C. Arnold (1908) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 192, says: '1907. October 7th - While I was pursuing a dubious Pipit on the Crumbles, a bird put its head out of a tamarisk bush. The striking yellow eyestripe made me feel sure it was a rarity so I fired and secured an Aquatic Warbler, Acrocephalus aquaticus. The tail-feathers, though they showed no sign of abrasion, were very pointed and the whole tail more fan-shaped, I think, than that of a Sedge Warbler. The legs were very light and it appeared a slight and fragile bird. It was a fine, warm day with S.E. wind. I judged it to be an immature bird.'

E. C. Arnold of Eastbourne College (1908) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XII. p. 467, (plate V) says: 'On Oct. 7th of this year I shot an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) on the Crumbles. I was attracted by the striking eye-stripe when the bird put its head out of a tamarisk-bush. Its legs were light and the tail-feathers noticeably pointed. It gave one the impression of being a more fragile bird than the Sedge Warbler. The weather at the time was unusually fine and warm; wind south-east.'

E. C. Arnold (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 236, says: 'On October 7th last I had the good fortune to shoot an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) on the Eastbourne Crumbles. I have for the last fifteen years examined every Sedge-Warbler I have seen in the hopes of finding an Aquatic. This bird put its head out of a single tamarisk bush on the shingle, and I at once felt sure it was a rarity, the eyestripe being most pronounced. The sketch which I made of it shows the wedge-shaped character of the tail, which seems to me a striking feature of the species. I judge the bird to be immature, and the legs were of a very light flesh-colour. The wind at the time was south-east, and the weather fine and hot.'

E. C. Arnold (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. pp. 69-70, says: 'Was pursuing a dubious Pipit when a bird put its head out of a tamarisk-bush. Its strange appearance caused me to divert my aim, ad I picked up an Aquatic Warbler, a bird for which I have been searching for fifteen years. Its eye-stripe was most pronounced, more so almost than the stripe down the crown, and its tail-feathers were very pointed. The feet were very light, and it had a more fragile appearance than a Sedge Warbler. It was an immature bird.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 21).

15). 1909 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Point, first-year male, obtained, 18th September, now at Natural History Museum of Vienna (Acc. No. 2063).

(H. F. Witherby, British Birds 5: 175; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 28: 215; Cohen, 1963; P. Wolf email).

History H. F. Witherby (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 175, in a Review of 'Report on the Immigrations of Summer Residents in the Spring of 1910: also Notes on the Migratory Movements and, Records received from Lighthouses and Light-vessels during the Autumn of 1909', says: 'A young male Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) was taken at St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, on the night of September 17-18th, 1909, this being the second example recorded from that place (cf. Vol. I. p. 85).'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1911) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXVIII. p. 213, says: 'Sept. 17th/18th. St Catherine's Lt. (Isle of Wight), a young male taken between 10.30 p.m. and 4 a.m.'

However, Cohen (1963) erroneously states the date as 17th/18th August 1909. Paul Wolf (email) has informed me of the specimen in the NHM, Vienna.

16). 1912 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Lighthouse, male, obtained, 17th August.

(A. M. C. Nicholl, British Birds 6: 344; Cohen, 1963).

History A. M. C. Nicholl (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 344, says: 'Among the birds forwarded to me (for the Osborne College collection) during last summer from St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, were specimens of the Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) and Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus), the former having been obtained on June 7th and the latter on August 17th, 1912. Both birds were males in fine plumage and are now in the Osborne College collection. This appears to be the fourth specimen of the Aquatic Warbler obtained in the Isle of Wight. The Marsh-Warbler may not be so rare as is supposed, but possibly this record may be of interest.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 271, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'A male, St. Catherine's Lt. (Hants), August 17th.'

Cohen & Taverner (1972: 139) add: '...now in the Osborne College collection.'

17). 1912 Norfolk Blakeney Golf Course, female, shot, 23rd October.

(C. Borrer, British Birds 6: 220; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1913: 177; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 787; Pashley, 1925).

History Clifford Borrer (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 220, says: 'A female Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) was obtained on Blakeney golf course on October 23rd, 1912. It was unfortunately much damaged with large shot, but Mr. Pashley, of Cley, has successfully mounted it. The last occasion when the Aquatic Warbler occurred in this neighbourhood was in 1903, when my friend, Mr. Gilmour Richards, shot a bird (now in his father's collection at Ealing) on September 21st. Previous to that a specimen was killed by Mr. Gunn, the Norwich naturalist, all three within a mile or two of the same spot.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1913) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVII. p. 177, says: 'Aquatic Warbler at Cley (British Birds, p. 220).'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 271, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'A female shot, Blakeney (Norfolk), October 23rd.'

Admitted in the Sixth List of Additions by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 787.

Pashley (1925) says: '1912. October 23rd. An Aquatic Warbler shot on the sand hills.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.

18). 1914 Fair Isle No locality, male, shot, 23rd October, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1913.44.24).

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 35: 5; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 35: 151; Eds., British Birds 8: 271; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1915: 152; Thom, 1986; Dymond, 1991).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 5, says: 'By the occurrence there of the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus), Fair Isle, the British Heligoland, has again contributed not only an interesting addition to the Scottish avifauna, but also a remarkable extension in the northern range of that bird at Home and abroad.

This species is a rare visitor to England, where it has been known to occur in spring or autumn on over a score occasions, chiefly in the south-eastern and southern counties, and there is little doubt that it has nested there on more than one occasion, though the details have never been made public. Hitherto Leicestershire has been the most northern county known to have been visited in the British Isles, so that the Fair Isle bird was indeed a great traveller.

Our Scottish specimen is a male, and was captured at Fair Isle on the 23rd of October - a late date - during a period marked by the occurrence of a number of uncommon and regular migratory visitors. In its dress of rich rufous buff heavily streaked with black on the upper surface, it is a very conspicuous bird. The deep buff under parts of this specimen, which is in winter plumage, lack the dark striations on the throat and flanks which are characteristic of its summer dress.'

In an Editorial (1915) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 271, they say: 'Mr. W. E. Clarke records (Scot. Nat., 1915, p . 5) that a male Acrocephalus aquaticus was shot at Fair Isle, Shetlands, on October 23rd, 1914. This is the first occurrence of the bird in Scotland.'

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 151, in the annual report for 1914, say: 'An important addition was made to the Scottish avifauna in 1914, in the shape of an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) which visited Fair Isle on 23rd October. It was a very stormy day, and the bird was sheltering by the lee of a patch of turnips, where it was discovered by the watcher, Mr. Jerome Wilson. It was not very wild, and proved to be a male in winter plumage.'

C. J. Patten of Sheffield (1915) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIX. p. 152, says: 'In my paper on 'Aquatic Warbler on Migration obtained on Tuskar Rock', published in the March issue of The Zoologist (pp. 81 et seq.), I devoted a paragraph to "Previous Occurrences of the Aquatic Warbler in the British Isles", but omitted to mention a subsequent occurrence to that of my Tuskar bird, namely, that of one obtained on Fair Isle on October 23rd, 1914. The omission arose from the fact that when I sent my paper to press I had not received the January number of the Scottish Naturalist, in which Mr. Eagle Clarke recorded capture of the specimen (p. 5)....'

19). 1915 Kent Dungeness, seen, 30th August.

(H. G. Alexander, British Birds 9: 273; Harrison, 1953).

History H. G. Alexander (1916) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 273, says: 'On the 30th I saw two unusual birds: in the bushes by the Hoppen Pits an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) at very close quarters, and out at sea, flying down Channel a good way out, a Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis). With regard to the former it may be well to add that on September 7th and subsequent days, in 1907, my brother, C. J. Alexander, and I saw two or three Aquatic Warblers in Romney Marsh (one of them at the Hoppen Pits) which I believe, have not been recorded. This strengthens the suggestion of Dr. N. F. Ticehurst in the History of the Birds of Kent that the species may occur annually in the marsh; and I may add that I have not spent more than a single day there in late August or September between 1907 and 1915.'

Comment C. J. Alexander died at Passchendaele in October 1917.

20). 1916 Kent Dungeness, seen, 12th September.

(H. G. Alexander, British Birds 10: 263-265; Harrison, 1953).

History H. G. Alexander (1917) in British Birds, Vol. X. pp. 263-265, says: 'During 1916 I visited Dungeness and Romney Marsh several times in the spring for a day or more, and once in the autumn for a week. The following observations seem worthy of record: - ...My autumn visit extended from September 6th to 13th. I have never stayed at Dungeness itself at quite that time before, and this fact may possibly account for the unusually interesting birds observed, but the first bird of interest seen was presumably only a straggler....Miss Turner arrived at Dungeness in the middle of the day, and in the late afternoon we went to investigate these [Icterine] Warblers again. On our way, we put an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) out of a low broom-bush.'

Comment Miss E. L. Turner of Cambridge was a noted bird photographer.

21). 1924 Greater London/Surrey Staines Reservoirs, Middlesex, seen, 6th August.

(D. Gunn, Field 23rd Oct., 1924: 640; Glegg, 1935; London Natural History Society, 1957; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History D. Gunn (1924) in The Field of 23rd Oct., Vol. CXLIV. p. 640, says: 'On August 6th, while on the look out for migrants at Staines, I saw a small bird creeping about a solitary briar bush, which grew on a grass slope 20 yards from where I stood. I had a telescope in my hand and, turning it on the bird, saw what I took to be a Sedge Warbler, till, in its clambering excursions about the bush, the bird turned so as to show me its upper parts. I then saw to my surprise that its crown was occupied by a single broad stripe of creamy white, and I noted with interest that the front of the stripe graded through buff till, just above the beak, it was almost chestnut in colour; both of which characteristics proved it to be an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus), though at that time I confess this species was new to me. If, as I am told is the case, the Aquatic Warbler has not been recorded for the county of Middlesex, the above observation may be worth mention.'

Glegg (1935: 70) says: 'Recorded by D. Gunn and observed through his telescope on 6th August, 1924, at Staines Reservoirs. Sufficient plumage detail was noted for the identification and the known thoroughness of the observer is a further guarantee of the validity of the record.'

Comment The references in Wheatley (2007) are erroneously under a 1966 record (e-mail).

22). 1924 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, two, killed, 4th September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 18: 286; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 12: 714).

History B. B. Riviere (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 286, under 'Norfolk Annual Report', says: 'Two Aquatic Warblers were obtained by Mr. E. C. Arnold on Cley beach on September 4th, and a third was shot by Mr. Catling on September 5th.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1928) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XII. p. 590, under 'Additions to Part XI (Ninth List) 1924-28', who erroneously say: 'One was killed on September 4th and another on September 5th, 1924, at Cley.'

24). 1924 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, shot, 5th September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 18: 286; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 12: 714).

History B. B. Riviere (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 286, under 'Norfolk Annual Report', says: 'Two Aquatic Warblers were obtained by Mr. E. C. Arnold on Cley beach on September 4th, and a third was shot by Mr. Catling on September 5th.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1928) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XII. p. 590, under 'Additions to Part XI (Ninth List) 1924-28'.

25). 1925 Norfolk Blakeney Point, male, shot, 11th September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 19: 241; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 12: 714).

History B. B. Riviere (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 241, under 'Norfolk Annual Report', 1925, says: 'A male Aquatic Warbler was obtained at Blakeney Point on September 11th (F. E. Gunn).'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1928) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XII. p. 590, under 'Additions to Part XI (Ninth List) 1924-28'.

Riviere (1930) says: 'Shot by Mr. L. Pinchin and acquired by Dr. French for his collection.'

26). 1926 Kent Preston Marsh, male, shot, 10th August, now at Maidstone Museum.

(Harrison, 1953; Borrer, 1960).

History Harrison (1953 (2): 180) says: 'In his collection [Guy Mannering] in the Maidstone Museum is one shot on Preston Marsh on 10th August 1926.'

27). 1931 Kent Dungeness, seen, 14th September.

(Harrison, 1953).

History Harrison (1953 (2): 180) states that one was seen by J. R. Tart at Walkers Outlands on Dungeness on 14th September 1931. This information was extracted by H. G. Alexander from the Notes in the 1931-32 Diary of J. R. Tart who was the Watcher for the RSPB there.

28). 1935 Fair Isle No locality, sex uncertain, shot, 4th October, now at National Museums of Scotland.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 56: 62; Eds., British Birds 30: 231; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Dymond, 1991).

History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVI. p. 62, under 'Bird Notes from Fair Isle', says: 'Aquatic Warbler - Second record for Scotland and Fair Isle. Jerome Wilson sent me a specimen which was obtained on 4th October 1935. The sex was not determined. It is now at the National Museums of Scotland.'

In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 231, they say: 'Fair Isle. - Mr. G. Waterston gives details (Scot. Nat., 1936, pp. 61-64) of a number of interesting birds, which have occurred in Fair Isle and have not hitherto been recorded. Amongst these we may mention the following: - Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). - One was obtained on October 4th, 1935.'

29). 1937 Kent Cheyne Court, Walland Marsh, seen, 22nd August.

(M. Cawkell, British Birds 31: 150; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1937: 32; Harrison, 1953).

History E. M. Cawkell (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 150, says: 'On August 22nd, 1937, Messrs. B. T. Brooker, R. G. Williams, H. A. R. Cawkell and myself were watching waders at Old Cheyne Court, Walland Marsh, Kent, when we noticed a small bird moving about at the base of the reed-edge not many yards from us. At first it appeared to be a rather yellow Sedge Warbler, but as soon as it came into the open we remarked on the very pronounced pale eyestripes above a dark line through the eyes. As the bird turned and bent its head we noticed a well-marked buff stripe down the centre of the crown. Subsequent observation showed the bird to have distinct striations (more so than the Sedge-Warbler) on the back. The bird was undoubtedly an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola).'

R. Whitlock (1937) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 32, quotes the same from British Birds.

30). 1938 Sussex Pilsey Island, Chichester Harbour, seen, 11th September.

(J. P. Wilkins, British Birds 32: 273; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1938: 44).

History J. P. Wilkins (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 273, says: 'On September 11th, 1938, on Pilsey Island in Chichester Harbour, I watched a bird which I think without doubt was an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). The bird was at first in some marram grass and eventually flew into some rushes. It twice uttered a sharp and rather low note which I put down as "chut".

At intervals it would run mouse-like along the ground from one clump to the other. The head as shown in a sketch I made on the spot showed a distinct yellowish-buff streak down the centre of the crown and a paler one above the eye; the back seemed definitely darker and more striated than that of the Sedge-Warbler, while the under-parts were yellowish-buff with a few brown flecks on the breast. I have since carefully examined skins in the Natural History Museum and the very definite stripe down the middle of the head and the stronger dark striations on the upper-parts make me feel sure that my identification is correct, especially as the bird was very tame and allowed me to examine it closely for about half an hour. The legs, I may add, were pale pinkish-brown.'

31). 1938 Kent Dungeness Lighthouse, first-year, sex uncertain, picked up dead, 25th September.

(J. M. Harrison, British Birds 32: 273; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1938: 44; Harrison, 1953).

History J. M. Harrison (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 273, says: 'Through the kindness of Dr. Norman Joy I have received a specimen of the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) which struck the Dungeness Light during the night of September 25th-26th, 1938. The specimen is an immature bird and in all probability a female, but owing to the rather extensive damage it was impossible to determine the sex positively. This would appear to be the second Kentish specimen obtained.'

32). 1941 Sussex Near Pett, seen, 30th August.

(N. W. Moore, British Birds 35: 229).

History Norman W. Moore (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXV. p. 229, says: 'On 30th August 1941 I watched an Aquatic Warbler for some time climbing about in some dying water-plantain near Pett. I was within twelve feet of the bird much of the time. It was accompanied by a Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, so I could make comparisons and I was using x 6 Zeiss glasses. I noticed the following: - its brighter and more defined colouring, the yellowish eye stripes and very conspicuous crown stripe and the darker stripes on the back. When climbing its streaked rump was also noticeable, but this was less conspicuous in flight. Its note was a kind of "Tchu(ch)".'

33). 1944 Berkshire Slough Sewage-farm, seen, 6th to 10th August.

(T. Bispham, W. R. Philipson & R. H. Ryall, British Birds 38: 114-115; B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1944: 17; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

History T. Bispham, W. R. Philipson & R. H. Ryall (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 114-115, say: 'On 6th August 1944 an Aquatic Warbler was seen by one of us (W.R.P.) in a reed-bed at Slough Sewage-farm.

It was identified by the sharply defined broad buff band down the centre of the crown, but other characteristics of the species were not definitely observed. The bird was seen by T.B. on 9th August. He paid particular attention to immature Sedge Warblers in the vicinity. Some of these were decidedly pale on the crown, but the central band appeared broader and ill-defined and in every bird observed contained at least slight brown flecks: there was no trace of this in the Aquatic.

On 10th August R.H.R. spent about two hours by the reeds and located the Aquatic Warbler after about 20 minutes. Subsequently it was seen several times as it came to the reed tops to rest or preen. It kept mostly to one area of the bed, sometimes making short flights of a few yards, and at least twice it was under observation for a couple of minutes or so.

Notes taken on the bird were as follows: - "This [crown] stripe and the superciliaries are quite distinct and yellowish; those of the Sedge Warbler are whitish. Besides this the Aquatic is a distinctly more colourful bird. The upper-parts are more tawny and the under-parts, especially flanks, quite yellowish. After seeing it a couple of times I was able to pick it out by the colour even when it flew. The Sedge Warblers appeared dull in comparison. On occasions I also had the two species close together and then the striations on the Aquatic's back were seen to be much more distinct against the tawny background". The striations on the breast were not obvious and from this the and the yellowness of the plumage it seems probable that it was a bird of the year.'

34). 1949 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, 5th to 6th September when trapped.

(J. Keighley, British Birds 43: 57-58; Anon., Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1949: 11; Betts, 1992; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Joan Keighley (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 57-58, says: 'On September 6th, 1949, an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) was caught on Skokholm Island, Pembrokeshire. It was first seen by D. R. Gibling and J. O. Smith on September 5th, among the vegetation at the edge of the pond, and it remained in the same area until the following day when it was caught and its identity confirmed. The bird was usually skulking among the vegetation, but from time to time it perched on top of the plants or flew to a low wall near the pond. Each time it appeared it called a soft "tucc tucc".

A conspicuous, broad, yellowish-buff stripe down the centre of the crown, yellow eye-stripe, brown-black sides of crown, yellowish-buff under-parts and throat, and flesh-coloured legs, were the most striking characters in the field. The bill appeared light; ear-coverts brownish with rufous tinge; mantle and back yellowish buff with prominent brown-black streaks; rump rufous buff with black-brown markings continuing from back; tail brown and fan-shaped; primaries brown; and secondaries and wing-coverts brown with light buff edges making noticeable brown and light streaks when the wings were folded.

In flight the bird appeared brown and yellow, and when disturbed it flew fast and low over the ground for 20-50 yards before alighting. It did not call in flight. This appears to be the first record for Wales.'

Betts (1992) says: 'Seen on North Pond on 5th September and caught in a storm-petrel net the following day, was the first for Wales.' Accepted nationally as the first for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

35). 1949 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 10th September.

(G. W. H. Moule, British Birds 43: 57).

History G. W. H. Moule (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 57, says: 'On the morning of September 10th, 1949, I saw an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) by the West Bank, Cley, Norfolk. The bird was present most of the rest of the day, and was seen by a number of other observers including Miss E. C. Crackles and Messrs. A. R. M. Blake, A. H. Daukes, A. E. English, D. D. Harber. R. Higgins, M. J. Rogers, and L. Salmon. Of these, Major Daukes is familiar with the bird on the continent. The bird spent most of its time skulking in low marsh vegetation but when driven out of this it usually flew to a grass grown tangle of barbed wire, where it was first seen: here it could usually be observed under favourable conditions.

The general colouration of the bird was much more yellowish than that of the Sedge-Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), and this could be seen even in flight. The yellowish buff band down the centre of the crown was very broad and well marked, and the broad eye-stripe was yellowish buff and not, as in the Sedge Warbler, creamy white. The dark markings on the mantle were broader and more noticeable than in the Sedge-Warbler. The legs were noticeably pale flesh coloured. The following day the bird was not found.'

36). 1949 Devon Lundy, two, seen, 15th September.

(H. Boyd, British Birds 43: 215; H. J. Boyd, Lundy Field Society Report 1949: 11, 20-21; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1949: 20; Moore, 1969).

History Hugh Boyd (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 215, says: 'Two September 15th (Miss S. C. Needham, S. F. Ball, P. N. Crookenden), identified by the generally bold markings of the plumage and the broad, clear buff, longitudinal stripe on the crown.'

H. J. Boyd (1949) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 10, says: 'Two seen September 15th. An addition to the island list.'

Further, pp. 20-21, he adds: 'The two seen on September 15th proved easy to identify, not only because of the distinctive features of the plumage, but also because of the unexpected freedom with which they showed themselves and their indifference to approach. They perched freely on exposed brambles amongst the marshy vegetation of St John's Valley, and one sat for a short time on a wire-fence. The call-notes heard seemed lower and harsher than those of typical Sedge Warblers.'

38). 1949 Isle of May No locality, found dead, 26th September.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 62: 102; H. F. D. Elder, British Birds 43: 207; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History H. F. D. Elder (1950) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXII. pp. 102-103, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report', for 1949, and in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 207, says: 'One on 26th September. Found dead and skin preserved. Readily identified and agreed well with the Handbook description except for the bill. The upper part of the upper mandible was very dark (almost black); the lower part and the lower mandible were yellowish flesh. The inside of the mouth was yellowish-orange. The species has been recorded on two previous occasions in Scotland.'

39). 1949 Sussex The Crumbles, seen, 1st to 7th October.

(D. D. Harber, British Birds 43: 58-59; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1949: 12).

History D. D. Harber (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 58-59, says: 'On October 1st, 1949, I saw an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) in a marshy area of the Crumbles, Sussex. The bird was seen by Mr. D. H. Brown a little later that same day and it was seen again by both of us on the following day, when it was also seen by Messrs. L. P. Alder, C. M. James and C. W. G. Paulson. I also saw it on October 5th, 6th and 7th.

It was not found on October 8th and subsequently. The bird was usually put up from low marsh vegetation. If persistently followed it would usually perch in a bush or on the outskirts of a reed-bed, when excellent views at close range could often be obtained. The general colouration was distinctly more yellowish than that of a Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), though it was rather less so than that of an Aquatic Warbler which I had seen in Norfolk three weeks previously. There was a broad, very well defined, yellowish-buff stripe through the centre of the crown. This stripe was quite as obvious and as well-marked as the eye-stripe. The eye-stripe also was yellowish-buff, not pale cream as in a Sedge-Warbler. The upper-parts were much more heavily marked than those of a Sedge Warbler, with broad and very noticeable dark streaks. The rump was also streaked, as could be seen in flight at close range. These rump markings were also well seen on one occasion when the bird opened its wings while perched with its back to the observer. The under-parts were yellowish-buff except the belly which was whiter. There were a number of not very well-defined darkish streaks at the sides of the breast and some much fainter ones on the flanks. The legs were pale pink.

Despite the rather late date, a few Sedge-Warblers were also present in the locality during the first two days when the bird was seen. After a little practice it was found quite easy to distinguish the Aquatic Warbler from these in flight, even at some distance, since the former appeared distinctly paler and its upper-parts more uniform.'

1950-57 RECORDS

40). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, 20th August.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (6): 3-4; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 122, 226; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 13; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 122, says: 'One, found independently by E. J. Cottier and myself, was haunting long grass beside a rainwater pool on the evening of August 20th. It was not in the least reminiscent of a Sedge-Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), as one might be led to expect from The Handbook (ii, 59), but struck me as a very pale, even sandy, bird in flight, especially on the under-parts. It gave a brief but perfect view of the distinctive head-markings of buff coronal and superciliary stripes, separated by blackish streaks, when it alighted beside the pool. This is apparently the fourth Scottish record of the species and the third for Fair Isle, the previous two being October birds.'

41). 1951 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 25th to 26th August.

(Eds., British Birds 45: 416; G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 14; London Natural History Society, 1957; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 216, they say: 'We have received several reports of Aquatic Warblers (Acrocephalus paludicola) in England in August and September, 1951....Middlesex. - One, Perry Oaks sewage farm, August 25th-26th (A. Gibbs, H. C. Holme, I. T. C. Nicholson and C. A. White).'

G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1951) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVI. p. 14, say: 'Perry Oaks S.F., one on Aug. 25 and 26. This bird was first seen by H.C.H. and a companion, and later by A.G., I.C.T.N. and C.A.W.'

42). 1951 Co. Durham Near Frenchman's Bay, South Shields, 28th August.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 77: 116; Eds., British Birds 45: 416; Temperley, 1951).

History G. W. Temperley (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 116, under 'Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham for 1951', says: 'On August 28th, an unfamiliar warbler was located in an oat-field near South Shields by J.C.C. and E.W., who made detailed notes and sketches of it on the spot. They immediately reported the occurrence to F.G.G. who thereupon returned with them, scrutinised the bird under excellent conditions and working over the accumulated data reached the conclusion that it was an Aquatic Warbler.

Later it was seen by H.M.S.B. who confirmed the identification. The bird was seen at very close range in a very good light and was under observation for several hours, so every detail of its plumage was clearly noted. This is the first record of this species from any part of the North-east coast north of Norfolk.'

In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 216, they say: 'We have received several reports of Aquatic Warblers (Acrocephalus paludicola) in England in August and September, 1951. The most unusual of these is Mr. J. Cameron Coulson's record for South Shields, the species being previously unrecorded in Co. Durham. Full supporting details of this observation have been supplied to us and an account of the occurrence has already been published by Mr. G. W. Temperley as an appendix to his History of the Birds of Co. Durham....Co. Durham. - One, Frenchman's Bay, South Shields, August 28th (J. Cameron Coulson and E. White; also seen by Dr. H. M. S. Blair and F. G. Grey), (vide, Northum., Durham, etc., Ornith. Report for 1951, p. 116).'

43). 1951 Kent Near Dungeness, 5th September.

(Eds., British Birds 45: 416; Harrison, 1953).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 216, they say: 'We have received several reports of Aquatic Warblers (Acrocephalus paludicola) in England in August and September, 1951....Kent. - One, near Dungeness Lighthouse, September 5th. (G. E. Manser, B. S. Milne and K. H. Palmer.).'

44). 1951 Norfolk Blakeney, 8th September.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 27; R. A. Richardson, British Birds 45: 242; Eds., Eds., British Birds 45: 416).

History Anon. (1951) in the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 27, says: 'One in a reedy pool at Blakeney on September 8th. The following characteristics were observed: Centre of crown buff bordered by black lines and thin yellow-buff stripe over eye. Chin: whitish; breast buff with some dark streaks; rump tawny marked dark; tail dark brown and tawny. Bill brownish; legs light flesh. The bird was watched for half an hour as it moved among the reeds about a foot above the water. On two occasions it raised its tail vertically like a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Miss C. James, C.C.R. and W.W.).'

In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 216, they say: 'We have received several reports of Aquatic Warblers (Acrocephalus paludicola) in England in August and September, 1951....Norfolk. - One, Blakeney, September 8th (Miss C. James, C. C. Rose and W. Wince), (vide, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1951, p. 27).'

45). 1951 Cornwall Marazion, 7th October.

(B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1951: 13; Eds., British Birds 46: 145).

History B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1951) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXI. p. 13, says: 'October 7th. At Marazion Marsh I saw what I took at first to be a Sedge Warbler, until I saw the very striking pale yellow stripe on the centre of the dark brown crown. The superciliary stripe was not very conspicuous because of the paleness of the face. The back was a light yellowish-brown, with very dark markings in a distinct pattern, the underparts whitish buff; no call was heard. - H. M. Quick.'

46). 1953 Dorset River Stour, Bryanston, 16th September.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 75: 201; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History K. B. Rooke (1953) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXV. p. 201, says: 'One watched for nearly an hour by the Stour at Bryanston (C.C.H., N.C.H.), in bright sunlight at down to 10 yards range using 8x binoculars, Sept. 16th. "Conspicuous light stripe down centre of crown seen clearly. Back appeared lighter and greyer than Sedge's, and more heavily streaked". Subsequent examination of skins in British Museum fully satisfied me that the Bryanston bird's median crown stripe was much more prominent than in any juvenile Sedge Warbler examined (R.V.). No previous Dorset records.'

47). 1954 Norfolk Blakeney Point, trapped, 6th August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1954: 41; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 431).

History M. J. Seago (1954) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 41, says: 'One trapped and ringed at The Hood, Blakeney Point, on August 6th (R.A.R.). Detailed description received.'

48). 1954 Cambridgeshire Peterborough Sewage-farm, Huntingdonshire, 28th August.

(I. C. T. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1954: 19; Bircham, 1989).

History I. C. T. Nisbet (1954) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 19, says: 'Peterborough S.F., 1 on Aug. 28th (W.R.P.B.). The description included the distinctive head-pattern and the lightly striped upper breast; Sedge Warblers were present for comparison. This is the second record for the county.'

Admitted locally (Bircham 1989).

49). 1955 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 29th July.

(M. F. M. Meiklejohn & L. J. Reed, British Birds 48: 514; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History M. F. M. Meiklejohn & L. J. Reed (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 514, say: 'On 29th July 1955 at Perry Oaks Sewage Farm, Middlesex, we observed an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). It was feeding in a thicket of Artemisia and Heracleum by the river, and we obtained good views of it in a bright light at a little over ten yards as it moved about among the Heracleum umbels. It resembled a very buff-coloured Sedge Warbler (A. schoenobaenus), being buffer than the sometimes deceptively coloured juveniles of that species.

The features observed were a bright buff medial stripe on the crown, a buff superciliary stripe topped by a heavy black stripe; a fainter dark line through the eye and dark markings on the ear-coverts. It was heavily streaked above, the black of the pale-edged secondaries and of the shoulder being especially noticeable. The under-parts were principally yellowish-buff (the colour of the throat was not observed), with thin sparse dark striations on the upper breast. The legs appeared to L.J.R. to be greenish. A churring note, fainter and less harsh than that of the Sedge Warbler, was presumed to come from the bird. After about a minute we lost it in dense cover. M.F.M.M. knows the species abroad.'

50). 1955 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, 1st August.

(I. C. T. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1955: 19; Bircham, 1989).

History I. C. T. Nisbet (1955) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 19, says: 'Cambridge S.F., one on Aug. 1st (D.I.M.W.). Satisfactory details supplied by observer familiar with species.'

51). 1955 Kent Dungeness, trapped, 15th August, photo.

(H. E. Axell, British Birds 48: 514-515; E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1955: 26).

History H. E. Axell (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 514-515, says: 'An Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) was trapped at Dungeness Bird Observatory, Kent, at 08.00 hours on 15th August 1955, together with a mixed bag of small Passerines which also included an adult Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus). The buff crown-streak and prominent dark streaking of the upper-parts were noted when the bird was first seen in the catching-box. Later, this bird and the Sedge Warbler were placed in the five-yard long funnel end of a Heligoland trap where, amongst grasses and open branches, they provided a useful opportunity to compare the two species in the "field".

As they perched and flew about in this compartment, the birds were separable with the naked eye at 3-4 yards but with 8x binoculars began to be difficult at ranges above 12 yards. Apart from myself, some six people including I. J. Ferguson-Lees watched the Aquatic Warbler. It was photographed in the hand by F. J. Holroyd.

The full description taken included crown with central streak pale creamy-buff, broadening on to the forehead; mantle, scapulars and rump with very prominent blackish streaks; tail-feathers much more pointed than in Sedge Warbler; breast and flanks with a few black hair streaks; legs and feet creamy flesh. Wing 58 mm. (chord of 3rd primary), the notch on the inner web of the 2nd primary equal to the tip of the 7th. Weight 10.45 gms.'

E. H. Gillham (1955) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. IV. p. 26, says: 'A single bird was trapped and ringed at Dungeness Bird Observatory on Aug. 15 (H.E.A., I.J.F-L. et al.). See B. B. 48: 514-5.'

52). 1955 Greater London Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, 28th August

(G. Warburg & E. H. Warmington, British Birds 49: 327-328; Self, 2014).

History G. Warburg & E. H. Warmington (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. pp. 327-328, say: 'On 28th August 1955, G. W. paid a visit to Brent Reservoir, Hendon, Middlesex, and found a bird which he subsequently identified as an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). It was found in a place at the water's edge which is densely covered with reed, sedge and high grass. The bird stayed on top of the grass in full view for some moments, and G.W. was at once struck by its bright yellowish colour and by its striking head-pattern with buff stripes over the eyes and a broad, buff stripe down the middle of its crown. Before any other details had been noted it disappeared into the sedge, uttering a short, rather loud "teck".

About 20 minutes later the bird was found again in the same place but only briefly seen. G.W. was struck by the fact that this bird behaved exactly like an Aquatic Warbler he had seen only 8 days previously in France: both stayed for some moments in full view on top of the grass and the note in each case was exactly the same.

Later that day E.H.W. visited the same area at G.W.'s request. After an hour's search he found the bird and, apart from having good views of the head-pattern, noted that it was also prominently streaked on the upper-parts, including the rump, while there were distinct markings on the under-parts as well. The bird seemed to him to be much more buff in colour than any Sedge Warbler (A. schoenobaenus), and the central crown-streak was much broader and more clearly defined than is the case with young Sedge Warblers.'

[Details of two other Aquatic Warblers recorded in England in late summer 1955 were published in a previous issue (antea, Vol. XLVII. pp. 514-515). - Eds.]

53). 1955 Dorset Culverwell, Portland Bill, 11th to 13th October, trapped 12th October.

(J. S. Ash, British Birds 49: 85; K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 77: 73; J. S. Ash, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 91).

History J. S. Ash (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 85, says: 'An Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) was discovered at Portland Bill, Dorset, at midday on 11th October 1955. At first sight, as the bird flew off out of thick cover, the tail-pattern suggested that it was not a Sedge Warbler (A. schoenobaenus). This was later seen to be due to the streaked rump, which gave rise to a contrast in shade between the tail and upper-parts, instead of between the tail and rump with the rest of the upper-parts as in the latter species. The pale median crown-streak was clearly seen when the bird settled. In flight it appeared altogether yellower, and more streaked on the upper-parts than a Sedge Warbler.

The bird was trapped on the following day by my wife with J. A. Wigzell and Alan Till, and a full transcription of the information noted then in the Observatory records has been sent to the Editors of British Birds. Its weight was 19.6 gm. It was judged to be a first-winter bird on account of the prominent dark speckles on its breast. This is only the second record of this species from Dorset.' However, it is not in Boys (1973).

54). 1956 Fair Isle No locality, trapped, 11th August.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 23; Williamson, 1965).

History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 23, says: 'Marsh, Reed and Aquatic Warblers were trapped between the shortest day, June 21st, and the wettest, August 11th.'

P. E. Davis (Williamson 1965) under 'A List of the Birds of Fair Isle', adds: '11th August 1956.'

55). 1956 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 19th August.

(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 7: 19; W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 69: 132, 137; Thom, 1986).

History W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VII. p. 19, under 'Isle of May, Autumn 1956', says: 'It was in the evening of the 19th [August] too, that Ian Patterson ringed the first Aquatic Warbler ever to be caught on the island - and only the second occurrence - its identification being confirmed most appropriately by John Bain, in whose Trap it was caught.'

W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIX. p. 132, under sub-title of '17th-26th August', says: '...but on the evening of the 19th [August], when numbers had been much the same, an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) was most unexpectedly trapped - only the second record for the island and the first to be ringed. It was caught in the Bain trap and, very fittingly, John Bain himself (the builder of the trap) was present to help identify it. This bird like the Reed Warbler trapped on the 21st...'

Further, p. 137, under 'Unusual Birds and Numbers', he erroneously adds: '26th August. One. Second occurrence.'

56). 1956 Devon Lundy, 31st August.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1956: 14; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 47; Moore, 1969).

History B. Whitaker (1956) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 14, says: 'One seen by C. J. Henty on August 31st.'

S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 47, says: 'Lundy, Aug. 31, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1956).'

57). 1956 Dorset Portland Bill, 2nd to 3rd September, trapped, 2nd September.

(A. J. Bull et al., Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 78: 46; K. D. Smith & J. S. Ash, British Birds 51: 28; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History A. J. Bull (1956) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 46, says: 'Portland Bill: One trapped on Sept. 2nd was still present on the following day (P.B.O.).' This is the 3rd Dorset record.'

K. D. Smith & J. S. Ash (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. p. 28, add: 'One caught in a trap sited in a ditch overgrown with willow-herb and rushes, 2nd September. Weight 13.2 gms., wing 61 mm.'

58). 1956 Sussex Thorney Deeps, 5th September.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 24).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 24, says: 'One at Thorney on September 5th (R.H.C.)., "The back and mantle were very heavily streaked dark, on a brown background, and continued down over rump, seen when flying. A pale buff line ran over forehead and crown, with a black line either side. A pale buff line over eye. Throat and breast very pale cream, with pale buff under tail-coverts. No speckling on breast. Legs light skin-coloured".'

59). 1956 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Point, one/two, 10th September.

(J. Stafford, Isle of Wight Bird Report 1956: 33-34; E. Cohen, Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society 1956: 344; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 347).

History J. Stafford (1956) in the Isle of Wight Bird Report, pp. 33-34, says: 'One was caught at St Catherine's Lighthouse early on Sept. 10th, and when released at dawn flew away E. Later in the morning good field views were obtained of one by the pools in the undercliff W. of the Lighthouse, which was considered to be a different bird (B.A.E.M., R.J.G.R., D.R.W.). Full details of both birds have been supplied. There have been four previous records for the Island, all at the Lighthouse, but only about thirty for the whole of the British Isles.'

E. Cohen (1956) in the Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 344, says: 'Three, possibly four, birds identified: September 10th. One caught at St Catherine's Light 04.45 hours. Full details taken and the bird compared with several Sedge Warblers. The bird flew off E when released. Later the same morning whilst working the bushes at the Point, ca. ½ mile W of Lighthouse, good views of an Aquatic were obtained. First identified by the buff stripe on the crown, but eventually the rump streaks were seen. Seen by one of the pools and may well have been a different bird from that caught (but not ringed) at the Lighthouse (B.A.E.M., R.R., D.R.W.).'

60). 1956 Hampshire Latchmore Bottom, 15th September.

(E. Cohen, Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society 1956: 344).

History E. Cohen (1956) in the Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 344, says: 'Three, possibly four, birds identified: ...September 15th, Latchmore Bottom, New Forest, one watched at close range under perfect conditions (J.S.A.).'

61). 1956 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, 16th September.

(E. Cohen, Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society 1956: 344).

History E. Cohen (1956) in the Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 344, says: 'Three, possibly four, birds identified: ...September 16th, Farlington Marshes, one feeding in a ditch. Full details noted, including streaked rump. Seen by nine members of P G [Portsmouth Group] and also R.H.D., J.J.W.E.'

62). 1956 Devon Dawlish Warren, 21st September.

(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 47; Moore, 1969).

History S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 47, says: 'Dawlish Warren, Sept. 21, one watched between 1700 and 1800 hours G.M.T. in sedges, rushes and reeds at distances of 3 or 4 yards; principal features were the wide and very conspicuous centre crown stripe; overall brightness of plumage, predominantly yellow with contrasting black streaks; the black streaked rump was particularly noticeable in flight but could also be seen when the bird presented its back view when moving among the vegetation; the eye-stripes were slightly narrower than the centre-head-stripe but all were of the same buff colour giving the 'badger' impression typical of the species; no call notes were heard; although often skulking in the reeds, it occasionally sat boldly exposed clinging to the tops of the vegetation. I am familiar with this species abroad and have encountered it on two previous occasions in England (Norman Orr).'

63). 1957 Essex Hanningfield Reservoir, 11th August.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1957: 36; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History G. A. Pyman (1957) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 36, says: 'Hanningfield R.: a bird of this species, the first to have been recorded in the county, was located in low vegetation on a marshy area of the reservoir on August 11th (B.P.H., W.M.). The bird was extremely skulking but many good views were obtained during the hour it was under observation. Plumage details: striking buff-yellow appearance in flight; distinctive head pattern with broad buff medial stripe running from bill to nape and a broad buff eyestripe separated from the medial stripe by a dark brown stripe; underparts pale yellowish-buff, deeper on flanks, and shading lighter to belly; well striated mantle thinning out on the rump; less contrast between upperparts and underparts than in Sedge Warbler; rump brown with greyish tinge; legs light brown, bill darker.'

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984).

64). 1957 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, 29th August.

(E. Cohen, Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 20: 47).

History E. Cohen (1957) in the Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, Vol. XX. p. 47, says: 'One, Farlington Marshes, 29th August (A.W.). A summary of a long description submitted: - "Like a Sedge Warbler (also present) but with a very conspicuous buff stripe over the crown and large buff eye-stripes, crown otherwise black. Upperparts strongly streaked black, this streaking extending over the rump".'

65). 1957 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, 23rd September.

(E. Cohen, Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 20: 47).

History E. Cohen (1957) in the Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, Vol. XX. p. 47, says: 'One, Farlington Marshes, 23rd September (G.H.R.).

G.H.R. writes: - "I obtained good views for about three minutes, at rest and twice in short flight, down to about four yards with 12 x 50 binoculars. Head Black, with broad buff stripe over crown and prominent eye-stripes. Mantle, rump and upper tail coverts tawny-buff, streaked black. Tail rufous and unmarked. Underparts yellowish-buff with brown streaks on breast and flanks. I have seen the species before".'

66). 1957 Sussex The Crumbles, 25th September.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1957: 19-20).

History D. D. Harber (1957) in the Sussex Bird Report, pp. 19-20, says: 'One seen at close range on the Crumbles on September 25th (D.D.H.). "The pale buffish stripe on the crown was very broad and distinct. The rump and back were heavily streaked and the legs pale pinkish".'

NOT PROVEN

0). Pre 1815 Norfolk No locality, obtained, undated.

(Hunt, 1815).

[J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society Transactions 4: 272; Saunders, 1899; Not in Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV, p. 272, placing the record in square brackets, say: 'This species is figured in Hunt's British Birds for the Sedge Warbler, possibly from a Norfolk specimen, but no letterpress accompanies the plate.'

Saunders (1899, 2nd ed.) says: 'Probably obtained in Norfolk as it was figured in Hunt's British Ornithology, but little else in details and is therefore not acceptable.' Not accepted in the review (Zoologist 1915: 90-91).

Comment Lacks a precise date and locality for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1871 Kent Near Dover, obtained, undated.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1871: 2521; Saunders, 1899; Harrison, 1953).

[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984].

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2521, dated 4th February, 1871, says: 'On the 2nd instant I detected an Aquatic Warbler, among the British birds of Dr. Plomley, at the Dover Museum, which Mr. C. Gordon, the Curator, informed me had been shot by him (Mr. Gordon) in the vicinity. The date is lost, but I have no suspicion of a mistake. Its specific identity is confirmed by Mr. Gould, for whose inspection Mr. Gordon kindly permitted the bird to be brought up to London.'

Ticehurst (1909: 63) says: 'The first Kentish specimen remained unrecognised in this way for several years until indeed the note of the actual date had been lost. It was shot by the late Charles Gordon near Dover, and, having been preserved by him, was presented to the museum of that town. Here it was recognised on February 2nd, 1871, by Mr. J. H. Gurney, jnr., and recorded by him in The Zoologist and The Field for that year. It was sent up to London by Gordon and its identity fully confirmed by Gould.'

Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1984, 2nd ed.).

0). 1875 Kent Cliffe, seen, 12th October.

(Lord Clifton, Zoologist 1875: 4693).

[Ticehurst, 1909].

History Lord Clifton of Cobham Hall, Gravesend (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4693, dated 14th October, 1875, says: 'On the 12th of October, while rambling over the Cliffe marshes, near the Thames, I saw a little bird flitting along a reedy ditch, which at first sight I considered to be a Sedge Warbler. Pursuing it, however, with my glass in hand, I got a very near view of the bird, and was surprised to find a broad blackish band on each side of the head, giving it the appearance of having the whole head black in certain attitudes. This, added to the very distinct markings on the upper surface, gave the bird an odd bunting-like appearance while creeping about the bottom of the reeds; on the wing, however, it was indistinguishable from a Sedge Warbler, except, as I fancied, by a warmer and richer colouring. Consulting Bree and Gould, I was confirmed in the view I take, viz., that the bird was the Aquatic Warbler. The distinct broad blackish band seems to me to give a clear mark of distinction from the Sedge Warbler.'

Not accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909).

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Perth & Kinross River Tay, Perth, nest, summer.

(H. M. Drummond Hay, Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies 1886: 28; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 358; A. N. Simpson, Scottish Naturalist 9: 291).

[KAN].

History H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 28, says: 'A nest, suspended among coarse grass and rushes, was found on the banks of the Tay, above Perth, last summer, 1885. The eggs in it corresponded exactly with Seebohm's description; but the bird unfortunately was not identified.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 358, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record.

A. Nicol Simpson (1888-89) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. IX. p. 291, says: 'A schoolmate who lived some miles from town [Arbroath] told me he found this bird's nest among some bulrushes.'

Comment There is no published accepted record of proven nesting of this species (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1891 Sussex Near Eastbourne, seen, 3rd September.

(Arnold, 1936).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938; D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1951: 23].

History Arnold (1936: 32) says: 'Mr. Morris once thought he saw an Aquatic on September 3rd, 1891.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 20) says: 'On September 3rd, 1891, Mr. R. Morris thinks that he saw an "Aquatic" near Eastbourne (Arnold, 1936, p. 32).'

Not accepted locally (D. D. Harber (1951: 23) Sussex Bird Report).

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, male, caught by dog, 20th September.

(H. Pratt, Field 9th Oct., 1897: 592; J. Pratt, Knowledge 1897: 290; S. G. Scott, Zoologist 1897: 471; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85).

[Clark, 2022].

History H. Pratt of Brighton (1897) in The Field of 9th Oct., Vol. XC. p. 592, says: 'I saw a handsome specimen of the Aquatic Warbler in my garden at Brighton on Sept. 7, a bird which has been observed in this country only a few times. It was feeding in a pear tree only about three yards distant, so there was no doubt as to its identity. Another bird of the same was sent to us for preservation on Sept. 20 by the Rev. S. G. Scott, of Havant, who states that it was caught by a fox terrier in Farlington Marsh. The late Mr. Henry Pratt, sen., obtained the first specimen recorded in this country at Aldrington some years since.'

S. G. Scott of Havant Rectory (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 471, says: 'My neighbour, Mr. Richards, of Farlington, sent me the other day a small bird that had been killed accidentally by his fox-terrier in Farlington Marsh.

Neither of us could identify the species, so I sent it to Mr. Pratt, of Brighton, who pronounced it a male specimen of the Aquatic Warbler, Acrocephalus aquaticus. It agrees with the coloured plate in Borrer's Birds of Sussex. Possibly some of your readers have recently heard of other specimens.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 30) say: 'One was procured...in Farlington Marsh, near Havant, in September, 1897.'

Further, p. 31, they add: 'The specimen procured at Farlington was killed accidentally by a fox terrier belonging to Mr. Richards of that place.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Clark (2022) adds that the fate of the specimen being unknown makes this record questionable.

0). 1902 Hampshire Near Havant, seen, late spring.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 20) says: 'As a mere detail, in the late spring or early summer of 1902, Mr. A. F. Griffith and the Rev. (Afterwards Canon) Gilbert Scott claim to have come across one of these birds just beyond our boundary near Havant (Hants) and found, moreover, what was considered to be its nest (ready for eggs), but further than this the quest never went...'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1902 Sussex Winchelsea, two: male, shot, 8th August; female, shot, 11th August.

(R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 13: 13; N. F. Ticehurst, Zoologist 1903: 418; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1902) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XIII. p. 13, at the 90th Meeting of the Club held on 22nd October 1902 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. Bonhote exhibited a pair of Aquatic Warblers (Acrocephalus aquaticus) which had been shot by a gardener's boy among some reeds on the canal at Winchelsea, Sussex, late August. These were the fifth and sixth examples of this species which had been recorded from this country.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 418, says: 'August 8th, 1902. Shot on the military canal at Winchelsea. August 11th, 1902. A female shot at the military canal at Winchelsea. This pair the fifth and sixth examples that have been recorded in this country, were exhibited at the British Ornithologists' Club on Oct. 22nd, 1902, by T. L. Bonhote, Esq. (vide Bull. B.O.C. XCI.).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 20).

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1905 Sussex Near Rye, six: adult male, shot, five/six, seen, 18th August.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 16: 22-23; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 1: 17-18; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 85; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1905) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XVI. pp. 22-23, at the 117th Meeting of the Club held on 18th October 1905 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. Nicoll also exhibited an adult male example of Acrocephalus aquaticus, and gave the following account of its capture: - "I shot an Aquatic Warbler on August 18th, 1905, near Rye, Sussex. A warm south-easterly wind had been blowing for about 24 hours, and as such weather conditions are stated by Gätke (Birds of Heligoland) to be favourable for the arrival of this species in some numbers in Heligoland, about the middle of August, I was especially looking out for it. During that day I saw about half a dozen Aquatic Warblers in one large reed-bed. This species may at once be recognized, even in flight, by the very light colour of the upper parts, and seems to be much more skulking in its habits than the Sedge Warbler".'

E. N. Bloomfield (1906) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 17-18, says: 'I am indebted to Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst and W. Ruskin Butterfield for the following notices of rare birds which have occurred in our own and in neighbouring districts. In the Hastings district - Acrocephalus aquaticus, Gmel., Aquatic Warbler, near Rye, August 18th, 1905.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 85, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Rye. - Adult male shot and several more seen. August 18th, 1905.'

Ticehurst (1909: 63-64) says: '...they saw five or six more specimens...'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 20).

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1906 Sussex Near Rye, seen, undated.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 20) says: 'Just a year later [1906], near the same spot [near Rye], the redoubtable Nicoll again fell in with an "Aquatic", but could not bring it to bag (in litt.).'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1908 Sussex Near Rye, seen, 11th July.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 20-21) says: 'On July 11th, 1908, yet again in much the same area [near Rye], Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford discovered what she is convinced was a breeding pair of these warblers - subsequently Nicoll saw one of them.'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Sussex No locality, seen, summer.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 21) says: 'Apropos of a nest of this species containing five young found in the summer of 1909 "somewhere in south-east Sussex" Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsay, the finder, wrote to me as follows: "Owing to the fact that I did not capture one of the parent birds and then on top of that the photographs being a failure, the record (as you know) was disallowed by those in high places. But I had spent a whole week - many hours at a stretch in my "hide" within a few feet of the birds - taking a series of "pictures", which included both adults at the nest at the same time, each one in singly in different postures, as well as the young, including a plate to show the striking markings in the mouth of the latter. You may be sure, too, that before giving all this time to them, I had satisfied myself of their identity, especially as I had a long journey across a marsh every day carrying all the necessary equipment. I felt no very great surprise at finding this species breeding in this locality, since I had previously seen it there during the breeding-season and had, moreover, information relative to several pairs having been obtained in that quarter, though these have never been recorded. At any rate, I know that I did find an "Aquatic's" nest that year. Personally, I accept this record without reserve, and why it has not won unanimous recognition I simply cannot imagine. Mr. Lindsay is a first-rate observer, and at a nest he enjoyed far finer opportunities of being sure of the birds than those who come across them haphazard as when on migration. Sight-records of this species by other observers have been accepted, so why not his?"'

Comment Ford-Lindsay was involved with nearly every fraudulent "Hastings rarity" that has been discredited. Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1911 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 25th September.

(W. Rowan, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 10: 256-279; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005).

[Riviere, 1930].

History Stoddart & Joyner (2005) stated that Rowan, after listing the 1896 record, listed three more, one on 25th September 1911.' However, Riviere (1930) did not list this record having referenced Rowan's paper in his Bibliography.

Not accepted locally (Riviere 1930).

0). 1913 Norfolk No locality, obtained, April, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.978).

(Watson, 2010).

[Riviere, 1930].

History Riviere (1930) says: 'A possible addition to these ten specimens is a bird in the Lysaght collection (No. 553, Castleford Museum Catalogue, 1913) which is labelled "killed in Norfolk about April 1913, from H. N. Pashley, of Cley, Norfolk".

In answer to my inquiry about this bird Mr. W. R. Lysaght informs me that he is unable to find Pashley's correspondence with reference to it.There is no record of an Aquatic Warbler under this date, or, indeed, for the year 1913, in Pashley's diary or in his "List of Cley Birds", and the month is such an unusual one, no other spring occurrences having been recorded, that one cannot think, had it been correct, that it must have excited some notice at the time. It seems probable, therefore, that a mistake has been made with regard to the date, and that this is one of the Cley specimens which have already been recorded.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen obtained in Norfolk, during April 1913, from the taxidermist H.N. Pashley at Cley.

Comment Spring records are virtually unheard of - only one - 1963 Avon which is in need of a review.

0). 1913 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 16th September.

(W. Rowan, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 10: 256-279; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005).

[Riviere, 1930].

History Stoddart & Joyner (2005) stated that Rowan, after listing the 1896 record, listed three more, one on 16th September 1913.' However, Riviere (1930) did not list this record having referenced Rowan's paper in his Bibliography.

0). 1914 Sussex Little Common, Bexhill, first-year pair, 10th September, female now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.703).

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 8: 267; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1915) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 267, says: 'On September 10th, 1914, a pair of Aquatic Warblers (Acrocephalus aquaticus) were obtained at Little Common, Sussex. I saw them in the flesh on the following day. Both appeared to be immature birds.' Admitted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938) Vol. II. p. 21.

Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a female specimen that was obtained at Little Common, Bexhill, Sussex, on 10th September 1914, adding that it was bought at the sale of J. B. Nichols collection, who had bought it from G. Bristow during October 1914.

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1931 Sussex Near Eastbourne, September.

(Arnold, 1936; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938].

History Arnold (1936: 32) says: In September, 1931, Mr. Larkin satisfied himself that he saw one near the Gasworks ponds.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 21) says: 'We find that Mr. C. H. Larkin is satisfied that a bird he saw near Eastbourne in September, 1931, was an Aquatic Warbler (Arnold, 1936, p. 32).'

0). 1934 Kent Cliffe, pair, seen, nested, mid-June.

(Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham News 1934; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 39).

[KAN].

History R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 39, says: 'Mr. G. Scholey sends the following interesting report which also appeared in the Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham News: - "During the middle of June last, when pushing my way through a thick bed of sedge in a local swamp, I flushed a bird which scuttled, mouse-like, through the sedge. Unable at first sight to determine the species I searched the bed of sedge and discovered, a foot or so above the ground, a partially built nest. I had never previously seen a similar nest in such surroundings, flowers of cotton grass as well as spiders' webs being utilised in its construction and stems of the sedge being woven into its sides. I kept the nest under observation and in a few days the first egg appeared. Here was definite evidence that something very unusual had been located, and still I failed to determine the species even by the strange egg. Ultimately four eggs were laid and the bird commenced to sit. Lying in concealment, I watched the bird off and on the nest, and at once recognised it as an Aquatic Warbler by the broad mesial streak on the crown of the head and the two black bands extending for the whole length of the crown above the buff eyebrows. The beak differed from those of its near relatives, the Reed and Sedge Warblers, being much shorter; while the song resembled that of the Sedge Warbler though more rasping and intermittent. On several subsequent occasions I had splendid views of both male and female in their quest for green-flies among the adjacent ditch-side brambles and bittersweet, making identity certain. A very bitter disappointment was in store, however, for a few days after incubation had commenced I found the nest empty and the birds missing. In searching the dead sedge immediately under the nest I found one of the eggs lying intact in a mouse's run, the three others undoubtedly having been devoured. I thereupon cut the nest with a considerable quantity of the sedge from its natural surroundings, which, with the single intact egg, I regard as one of my most treasured ornithological possessions. Cliff-at-Hoo. August 6th".'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. No known nesting of the species in Britain (BOU (1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1937 Norfolk Cley -next-the-Sea, seen, 12th May.

(R. M. Garnett, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1937: 9; Eds., British Birds 32: 22).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History R. M. Garnett (1937) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, pp. 8-9, under 'Notes from the Kelling-Salthouse-Cley area', says: 'Miss Humphrey and D. Powell, staying at Little Eye, found some interesting birds sheltering under the north bank of Salthouse marsh. Among those identified by them were an Aquatic Warbler...'

In an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 21, in a Review of the Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, for 1937, they say without comment '...an Aquatic Warbler is reported for May 12th.'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1942 Berkshire Slough Sewage-farm, seen, September.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire 1942: 10; Eds., British Birds 38: 19; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

[Swash, 1996].

History B. W. Tucker (1942) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire, p. 10, says: 'A warbler resembling a Sedge Warbler but with very pronounced stripe down centre of crown, watched by J.F. at Slough Sewage Farm on Sept. 14, was evidently this species. The bird was flushed from rough grass almost under the observer's feet and dived into cover again after flying a few yards. It then allowed approach to 10-15 yards and was examined with x8 binoculars.'

In an Editorial (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 19, in a Review of the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire, for 1942, they say: 'This report, which shows how well the society maintains its activity, contains as usual many interesting records. Among them Aquatic Warbler.'

Not accepted locally (Swash 1996).

0). 1945 Leicestershire & Rutland Ashby-de-la-Zouch, seen, 10th July.

(A. E. Jolley, Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society 1945: 30; Eds., British Birds 39: 383).

[Fray et al., 2009].

History A. E. Jolley (1945) in the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, p. 30, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'H.H. reports from Zouch, July 10th, a bird, under observation for more than two hours at distances of from 18/25 feet, which appeared rather pale and very yellow for a Sedge Warbler, having a broad creamy-buff stripe over the eyes, extending well over the ear coverts; broad creamy-buff band through the centre of the head, from forehead to nape, flanked by dark markings over the eye stripes. Upper parts of body were paler than Sedge Warbler, as though "washed over" with buffish-yellow, with some darker streaky markings. Chin was creamy-white; underparts were almost unstreaked and distinctly yellowish, merging to buff from belly to tail. Expanded tail had very light outer margins. The bird kept to low cover of clump of sedge in mid-stream, and did not fly to either bank where there were many Sedge Warblers in the herbage. It was extremely passive, apart from constant preening and fanning of tail, which was occasionally jerked backwards. Bird would creep up sedges, furtively, and once ran up like a mouse.'

In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 383, in a review of the Leicestershire and Rutland County Report of Wild Birds, 1945, it says: 'In connection with a record of a possible Aquatic Warbler seen at Zouch on July 10th, about which the editors of British Birds were consulted at the time, a printer's error has unfortunately resulted in an unintelligible statement being attributed to the present writer; it should read that "a definite prima facia probability" of the bird being an Aquatic Warbler was established. The committee have been at pains to satisfy themselves that all records published are reliable, and in the most unusual occurrences the evidence is, quite rightly, placed on record.'

Not accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1947 Sussex Pett Level, seen, 26th and 28th August.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 98).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1948) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 98, says: 'One, Pett Level, Aug. 26th and 28th (R.C.).'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1948 Sussex Pett Level, seen, 31st August and 2nd September.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 140).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1949) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 140, says: 'One seen, Pett Level, Aug. 31st and Sept. 2nd (R.C.).'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1948 Sussex Pett Level, three: adult and two juveniles, seen, 5th September.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 140).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1949) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 140, says: 'An adult and two juveniles seen, Pett Level, Sept. 5th (R.C.).'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1949 Kent Dungeness, in song, 19th April.

(G. E. Manser & D. F. Owen, British Birds 43: 119; Harrison, 1953).

[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984].

History G. E. Manser & D. F. Owen (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 119, say: 'On April 19th, 1949, whilst working through the sallows half a mile inland from Dungeness Lighthouse, we observed an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). We were first attracted by its song which differed markedly from that of the many Sedge-Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) present, but only after prolonged searching did we obtain satisfactory views on which the following observations were written, being a joint combination of our field notes: - In general a Sedge Warbler, but a somewhat brighter bird with the back more streaked. This gave the bird a more tawny colouration, especially towards the rump. Crown stripe pale buff, with superciliaries white - brighter than in the Sedge-Warbler. Sides of upper breast lightly streaked with brownish-grey. As already mentioned the song differed considerably from the Sedge-Warbler's, being more hurried and sweeter with intermingled Linnet-like trilling, delivered in short bursts, and included very few harsh notes. Notes resembling the "tsee-tsee" of the Yellow Wagtail and the "chuck-chuck" of the Blackbird, were also heard interwoven into the main song pattern, which was heard continuously over a period of about half-an-hour. At a later date D.F.O. was able to consult skins at the British Museum and thus confirm our field identification.'

Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1984, 2nd ed.).

0). 1951 Sussex Pett Level, 4th September.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 8: 14; Eds., British Birds 45: 416).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1952) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 14, says: 'One, Pett Level, Sept. 4th (R.C.).'

In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 216, they say: 'We have received several reports of Aquatic Warblers (Acrocephalus paludicola) in England in August and September, 1951....Sussex. - One, Pett Level, September 4th. (R. Cooke.) (vide, [Hastings and E. Sussex Nat., 1951, p. 14.).'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1953 Cambridgeshire March, in song, 4th to 16th May.

(I. T. C. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1953: 17; Bircham, 1989).

[KAN].

History I. T. C. Nisbet (1953) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 17, says: 'One singing at a site in North Cambs. from May 4th-16th (E.W.G.). Attention was first attracted to the bird by the distinctive song, and full and conclusive plumage-notes were obtained. The presence of a second bird was suspected, but there was no evidence of nesting and the birds did not stay. This is the first record for the county.' It was accepted locally (Bircham 1989).

Comment Only one other spring record (1962 at Blagdon Lake - accepted by BBRC) which is in need of a review, as is this record. Not enough evidence for a first spring record. Not acceptable.

0). 1956 Suffolk Badingham, 26th July.

(Payn, 1978).

[Piotrowski, 2003].

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) states P. H. T. Hartley saw the first Aquatic Warbler for the county in his garden on 26th July 1956.

Not accepted locally (Piotrowski 2003).