Black-crowned Night Heron (1/3)
Nycticorax nycticorax (Linnaeus, 1758) (160, 14)
Photo © KG Webb - Porthhelick, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, April 2023
Ex BBRC species 31/12/2001
STATUS
Holarctic. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
Formerly it was known as the Gardenian Heron until it was realised it was the Night Heron in its immature plumage.
Free-flying colonies at Edinburgh Zoo have clouded the issue of migrants to Britain.
Overshoots from the continent occur during March to June, but mainly in April. Otherwise can be found in any month thereafter.
RECORDS
1). 1782 Greater London Near London, Middlesex, shot, May.
(Latham, 1781-85; Montagu, 1802; Latham, 1821-28; Fleming, 1828; Selby, 1833; Yarrell, 1845; Morris, 1851-57; Harting, 1866; Newman, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Seebohm, 1883-85; Swann, 1893; Saunders, 1899; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).
History Latham (1784 (3): 53) says: 'A male in the Leverian Museum, which was shot not many miles from London in May 1782.'
Montagu (1802) says: 'This bird is not uncommon in Europe, though one instance only of its being found in England is on record; this was shot near London in May, 1782, now in the Leverian Museum.'
Latham (1824 (9): 57) in a footnote, says: 'One in the Leverian Museum shot in the year 1782.'
Fleming (1828: 96) says: 'A specimen shot near London, in May 1782, existed in the Leverian Museum, according to Montagu.'
Selby (1833 (2): 40) says: 'The first instance upon record of its being shot here, was one near London, in 1782.'
Morris (1856 (5): 97) says: 'In England, one was shot near London, in 1722 [sic], and preserved in the Leverian Museum, the collection of Sir Ashton Lever.'
Harting (1866: 166) says: 'According to Pennant, the first specimen of the Night Heron killed in England was shot near London in May, 1782.'
Seebohm (1884 (2): 496) says: 'The Night-Heron was first recorded as a British bird by Latham (Gen. Syn. III, p. 53), who mentions a male in the Leverian Museum, which was shot not many miles from London in May 1782.'
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 196, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'According to Latham (Synopsis, III. p. 53), the first specimen of the Night Heron recorded in England, was shot near London in May, 1782, since which more than sixty examples have been obtained in the British Islands.'
Gurney (1921: 229) in the Early Annals of Ornithology lists this as the first record for Britain.
Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935: 111-112) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).
2). 1791 Bedfordshire River Ouse, near Ampthill, shot, summer.
(Montagu, 1813; Fleming, 1828; Newman, 1866; Steele-Elliott, 1901; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).
History Montagu (1813) says: 'We are informed by Lord Upper Ossory that this species was shot on the border of the River Ouse in the year 1791, a few miles from Ampthill, and that it is now in his Lordship's museum. It is remarkable, too, that this bird was killed in the summer.'
Fleming (1828: 96) says: 'Montagu, who likewise states, (Supp. Orn. Dict.) on the authority of Lord Upper Ossory, that another was shot on the Ouse, near Ampthill, in 1791.'
Steele-Elliott (1901: 168) says: 'After this lapse of time of over a century we can hardly expect to add any verification of this record; there is no such specimen now in existence at Ampthill House, neither can I gain any information relating to it.'
Comment Most specimens of this era would have suffered from infestation and generally have been thrown out after time.
3). 1797 Buckinghamshire Cliveden, immature, shot, undated.
(Montagu, 1813; Newman, 1866; Clark Kennedy, 1868; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).
History Montagu (1813) under 'Gardenian Heron', says: 'Dr. Latham assures us that he had an account from the late Mr. Pennant, of a heron that was shot near Cliveden, Bucks, in 1797, that exactly answers to the Gardenian Heron in the Planches Enluminès, No. 939: the whole colour of the plumage dusky, the feathers mostly streaked with white.'
Comment Gardenian Night Heron was the immature.
4). 1797 Suffolk Cockly, shot, wounded and caught, undated.
(Latham, 1821-28).
History Latham (1824 (9): 57) says: 'Another taken in Suffolk, at Cockly, about seven or eight miles from the sea coast, which was wounded in the wing, and preserved alive in the year 1797.'
5). c. 1798 Oxfordshire Near Thame, immature, shot, undated.
(J. H. Dickinson, Transactions of the Linnean Society 5: 276; Montagu, 1802, 1813; Fleming, 1828; Selby, 1833; Newman, 1866; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).
History John Horatio Dickinson (1798) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. V. p. 276, in extracts from the minutes read on 3rd April, 1798, says: 'An account of the Ardea gardeni, Gmel. Syst. Nat. v. I. 645, having been shot in Oxfordshire by John Horatio Dickinson, Esq., F.L.S. was communicated to the Society.'
Montagu (1802) under 'Gardenian Heron' (immature Night Heron), says: 'An instance of this species having been killed in England enables us to add it to the list of British birds. It was shot in Oxfordshire by John Horatio Dickinson, Esq., and communicated to the Linnean Society, April 3rd, 1798.
In size it scarce exceeds that of the Rook; length about twenty inches. Bill dusky, beneath greenish yellow; lore greenish; the plumage above is dusky, spotted and streaked with white, except the lower part of the back, which is plain; the head, neck, breast, and belly whitish, streaked longitudinally with fine short lines of black or dusky; the lesser coverts marked with yellowish spots; greater coverts with a white spot at the tip of each feather, forming two rows across the wing; the greater quills edged with dull white, tips the same; tail dusky; legs of a dirty yellow.'
Montagu (1813) says: 'We are informed by the Rev. Mr. Dickinson that the Gardenian Heron noticed in the fifth volume of the Linnean Transactions, as having been shot by him, was in fact killed by Lord Kirkwall, as it sat upon a tree, near Thame in Oxfordshire, to which it had retired probably after feeding by the side of the adjacent river Thames. Mr. Dickinson remarks that he first ascertained the species, and sent information of it to the Linnean Society. This gentleman further remarks that the description given by Brisson, is by far the most accurate with regard to the specimen in question.'
Fleming (1828: 96) says: 'In the immature plumage, this species is the A. gardeni of British writers; in which state it was shot by Lord Kirkwall, as it sat upon a tree, near Thame, in Oxfordshire. (Reverend Mr. Dickinson, in Linn. Trans., V. 276, and Montagu, Supp. Orn. Dict.).'
Selby (1833 (2): 40) says: 'In 1798, a notice of the Gardenian Heron (or young of this species), shot by Lord Kirkwall, at Thame, in Oxfordshire, was communicated to the Linnean Society.'
Accepted locally (Aplin 1889: 185-186).
6). c. 1800 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, shot, undated.
(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 40; Stevenson, 1870; Allard, 1990; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).
History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 40, say: 'Mr. Stagg of Yarmouth shot a Night Heron upon a tree in his nursery.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 174) says: 'The earliest record I can find of the occurrence of this species in Norfolk is the statement in Sir William Hooker's MS., on the authority of the late Mr. Lilly Wigg, that, 'Mr. Stagg shot one of the birds in Yarmouth about the year 1800.' Stevenson in a footnote on the same page, adds: '...this bird was shot from a tree in a nursery garden, as stated by Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear, although the date is not given by them.'
Dye, Fiszer & Allard (2009) in stating this individual to be the first for Norfolk, add, that there was an old specimen in the Great Yarmnouth Tolhouse Museum collection, Case No. 54, which was obtained at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Great Yarmouth. A Mr. Stagg in 1800 was the owner of some pleasure gardens in the town, so it is possible that this specimen may have been the original. The majority of this collection was destroyed on 18th April 1941 by German bombing.
7). 1810 Flintshire St Asaph, immature, shot, undated.
(Latham, 1821-28).
History Latham (1824 (9): 67) under 'Gardenian Night Heron', says: 'A fourth shot from the bough of a tree, on which it perched, near St. Asaph, in Flintshire, in 1810.'
Comment Gardenian Night Heron was the immature.
8). 1816 Sussex Cooksbridge, shot, before 13th May.
("Sussex Advertiser" 13th May 1816; Latham, 1821-28; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History Latham (1824 (9): 57) says: 'A fourth near Lewes, in Sussex, in 1810. - Communicated by Mr. Pennant.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 343) says: 'Our first known example was shot at Cooksbridge prior to May 13th, 1816, and eventually passed into the collection of Mr. Bullock, a noted Naturalist of the period (Sussex Advertiser, 13/v/1816).'
Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'Mr. S. Morris called my attention to this record.'
9). 1819 Norfolk Holkham, killed, winter.
(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 40; Stevenson, 1870; M. Whitear, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 252-253; Babington, 1884-86).
History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 40, say: 'Another bird of the same species was killed at Mr. Coke's in the winter of 1819, and is now in the possession of the Rev. George Glover.'
Miss M. Whitear (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. pp. 252-253, are the diaries of William Whitear, which says: '1820. February 9th. Hunt also informed me that a Night Heron was killed at Mr. Coke's in the winter of 1819. It is now in the possession of Mr. Glover.'
Babington (1884-86: 160) says: 'One taken near Yarmouth in 1820 (Sheppard & Whitear; Lombe's MS. notes in Montagu's Dictionary).'
Comment The Coke family own Holkham Hall. Sheppard & Whitear (1827) only stated the above, so, presumably, Babington thought this one to be near Yarmouth. No one else has mentioned a record for 1820 in Norfolk.
10). 1820 Nottinghamshire South Clifton, shot, autumn.
(Felkin, 1866; Sterland & Whitaker, 1879; Whitaker, 1907).
History Felkin (1866: 52) says: 'Night Heron was shot by the late George Bassett, at South Clifton, in the autumn of 1820.'
Accepted locally (Sterland & Whitaker 1879: 50; Whitaker 1907: 179).
11). 1822 Borders Hirsel, Berwickshire, pair, shot, 5th May, adult male now at National Museums of Scotland (NMS 1823.39).
(Selby, 1833; P. J. Selby, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 1: 254; Jardine, 1843; Turnbull, 1867; Gray, 1871; A. Brotherston, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 6: 434; Hancock, 1874; Gladstone, 1910; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Murray, 1986; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Selby (1833 (2): 40-42) says: '...and since that period several specimens of the adult bird have been killed; two of which came under my own observation, viz. a beautiful male, shot by the Earl of Home, at the Hirsel, near Coldstream, in the spring of 1823...Plate 7. represents the mature bird of the natural size, taken from the above mentioned specimen killed by the Earl of Home, and now in the Edinburgh Museum.
The bill is black, inclining to yellow at the base and gape; the lores and orbits pale greenish-blue (according to Wilson, bluish-white). The irides deep reddish-orange. The crown of the head, nape of the neck, upper part of the back, and the scapulars, are black, with green reflections. The lower part of the back, rump, wings, and tail, of a fine pearl-grey. The sides of the neck are tinged with grey; the forehead, throat, and all the under parts, are white. From the nape of the neck spring three long narrow subulated white feathers, concave or canaliculated underneath, and fitting one within the other, so as to appear like a single plume; and these the bird can erect at pleasure, when alarmed or irritated. The legs and toes are pale yellowish-green; the claws black, short, and hooked; with that of the middle toe pectinated on its inner side.'
P. J. Selby (1841) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. I. p. 254, says: 'Of the Ardeadae, or heron group, belonging to the order Grallatores, we reckon three species; one a permanent resident, the other two, viz., the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and the Night Heron (Nycticorax europaeus), rare visitants. A fine specimen of the latter was killed some years ago at the Hirsel, and presented to the Edinburgh museum by the Earl of Home.'
Turnbull (1867 2nd ed.) says: 'One shot near Coldstream in 1823.'
Gray (1871: 282) says: 'With regard to the occurrence of the Night Heron in other parts of Scotland, the reader will find, on referring to the works of Yarrell and MacGillivray, that the former author speaks of two specimens having been obtained north of the Tweed, and that the latter - apparently describing one of these - states that it was shot by the Earl of Home, near Coldstream, in 1823. Sir William Jardine, however, remarks that two birds were obtained by that nobleman.'
Andrew Brotherston (1869-72) of Kelso, in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VI. p. 434, listing past records of this species in the area accepts only the male record. Accepted locally (Evans 1911: 142).
Bolam (1912: 327) says: 'A mature male, from which the drawing for Selby's Illustrations was made, and now in the Edinburgh Museum, was shot by the Earl of Home, at the Hirsel, Berwickshire, on 25th May, 1822; a female having been wounded by his Lordship, at the same place, on the same day, but not recovered owing to its falling into a bed of reeds.'
Murray (1986) stated the year erroneously as 1882.
Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007 (1): 416) say: 'The male was deposited with the Edinburgh University Zoology Collection which was incorporated in 1854 into the National Museums of Scotland, but the specimen is untraceable.'
13). Pre 1824 Suffolk No locality, shot and slightly wounded, undated.
(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 40; Babington, 1884-86).
History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 40, say: 'And we are informed by Mr. Hunt, that the specimen of this bird in his possession was shot in Suffolk, and kept alive for some time, being only slightly wounded.'
Babington (1884-86: 160) records it as being in T. M. Spalding's list of Suffolk's rarer birds, whom Stevenson had a high regard for (p. 17). It was accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 313).
Comment Although without precise date and locality, it was at least seen by a competent authority.
14). 1824 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, adult, shot, 24th May.
(J. Youell, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 588; Fleming, 1828; Selby, 1833; Paget & Paget, 1834; Stevenson, 1870; Babington, 1884-86; Allard, 1990).
History John Youell (1824) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XIV. p. 588, in extracts from the minutes read on 21st December 1824, says: 'Read a letter from Mr. J. Youell of Yarmouth, A.L.S. addressed to the Secretary, in which he states, that on the 24th of May last, Ardea cayennennsis, Linn. was taken near the walls of that town. It has six crest-feathers of unequal length, and agrees with Linnaeus's description of that species in all respects.'
Fleming (1828: 97) says: 'A. cayanensis, (Latham). - A single individual of this species was taken near the walls of the town of Yarmouth, 24th May 1824, a notice of which was communicated to the Secretary of the Linnean Society, by Mr. J. Youell. - Linn. Trans., XIV. 588.'
Admitted by Selby (1833 (2): 43) under Cayenne Night Heron.
Paget & Paget (1834: 8) say: 'Cayenne Night Heron - A specimen shot off a fruit-tree out of the North-gates, May, 1824, as recorded by Mr. Youell in the Linnean Transactions, Vol. XIV. It was sold by Harvey, the bird preserver, to Mr. Geo. Thurtell, of Lakenham.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 175) adds: '...included by Selby in his Illustrations of British Ornithology. This bird, however, which is now in Mr. Gurney's collection, and was purchased by him from the late Mr. Thurtell of Eaton, has been long since established as only a very fine adult specimen of the Nycticorax griseus, remarkable, as stated by Mr. Youell, for having "six crest feathers of unequal length", and for the straightness and rigidity of those feathers.'
Stevenson, in a footnote on the same page, adds: 'Recorded also by Mr. G. R. Gray of the British Museum, in his Catalogue of British Birds. Mr. Thurtell bought the bird originally from Harvey, a Yarmouth bird preserver, and believing it to be a true Cayenne Night Heron, refused £39 for it, offered by the late Mr. Lombe.' Further, on p. 176, he adds: 'It is most probable that the specimen sold in Mr. Miller's collection in 1853, was one of those mentioned by the Messrs. Paget as obtained in that neighbourhood.'
Babington (1884-86: 160) adds: '...shot in the Apollo Garden (in Mr. J. H. Gurney's Collection from that of Mr. S. Miller)', while, Riviere (1930) adds: 'Shot by John Youell in his Nurseries along Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk on 24th May, 1824. He retained it for his collection.'
Comment Although Stephen Miller has been discredited (A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 61-73) over a number of species, I'm sure Gurney would have checked its history very thoroughly.
15). 1825 Dumfries & Galloway River Cluden, Dumfriesshire, undated, photo, now at National Museums of Scotland (Acc. No. NMSZ 1876.48.192).
(Selby, 1833; W. Jardine, Naturalist's Library 1842: 163; Gray, 1871; Gladstone, 1910, photo; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Selby (1833 (2): 40-42) says: '...and since that period several specimens of the adult bird have been killed; two of which came under my own observation...and another, now in the Museum of Sir W. Jardine Bart., which was killed about two years afterwards in the neighbourhood of Dumfries.'
Gray (1871: 282) says: 'Sir William Jardine mentions one in his own collection which was killed on the banks of the Cluden, in Dumfriesshire, in 1825.'
Gladstone (1910: 231, 232) says: 'Sir William Jardine wrote in 1842 that: "A specimen in our own collection was obtained just after it had been skinned, and had been killed a day or two previously on the banks of the Cluden, a tributary to the River Nith in Dumfriesshire".'
Comment The other bird referred to by Selby was the 1822 Borders individual. This bird is still in quite good order, and may be seen in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. It was the second example obtained in Scotland, the first having been shot at the Hirsel (Berwickshire) on May 26th, 1822, by the Earl of Home.
16). 1827 Norfolk Horsey, shot, April.
(Stevenson, 1870; Patterson, 1905).
History Stevenson (1870 (2): 175-176) says: '...according to some notes recently supplied me from Mr. Rising, of Horsey...another, in his own collection, was shot by his father about two hundred yards from the front of his residence, at Horsey, in April, 1827.'
17). 1829 Suffolk Near Bildeston, late October.
(J. D. Hoy, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 3: 436; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).
History J. D. Hoy (1830) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. III. p. 436, says 'Night Heron. End of October, near Bildestone [sic], Suffolk.'
Babington (1884-86: 160) says 'Near Bildeston, Oct. 1829 (Hoy in Loudon's Mag. N. H., III. 436 (1830).'
Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 313).
18). Pre 1830 Devon Leigham, Plymouth, shot, undated.
(E. Moore, Transactions of the Plymouth Institution 1830: 324; E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 321).
History Edward Moore of Plymouth (1830) in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution, Vol. I. p. 324, says: 'Mr. Gosling informs me, that a specimen was some time since shot at Leigham.' Later, Edward Moore of Plymouth (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 321, dated May, 1837, says: 'A specimen was some time ago shot at Leigham, near Plymouth. (Mr. T. E. Gosling).'
19). 1831 Suffolk Between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, undated.
(Lombe MS.; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).
History Babington (1884-86: 160) says: 'One taken between Yarmouth and Lowestoft in 1831 (Lombe's MS. notes in Montagu's Dictionary).' Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932).
20). 1833 Oxfordshire Near Wooton, shot, undated, now in Ashmolean Museum.
(A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2600; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).
History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2600, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire', say: 'In 1833 a specimen was shot near Wooton, and is now in the Ashmolean Museum.' Accepted locally (Aplin 1889).
21). 1834 Shropshire Near Wroxeter, immature, shot, July.
(Eyton, 1836; T. C. Eyton, Annals of Natural History 2: 53; J. Rocke, Zoologist 1866: 81; W. E. Beckwith, Field 19th Dec., 1885: 876; Forrest, 1899; H. E. Forrest, British Birds 6: 123; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).
History Eyton (1836: 100) and (1839) in the Annals of Natural History, Vol. II. p. 53, says: 'One killed near Wroxeter, in Shropshire, now in the possession of Mr. Stanier, of that place, by whom it was killed, in the young state of plumage.'
John Rocke of Shropshire (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 81, dated 31st October 1865, says: 'I am only aware of one specimen ever having been killed in Shropshire: it was in immature plumage, and belonged to the late Mr. Stanier, of Wroxeter.'
W. E. Beckwith of Wellington (1885) in The Field of 19th Dec., Vol. LXVI. p. 876, under 'Notes on Shropshire Birds', says: 'The Night Heron has not been obtained since 1834.' Accepted locally (Forrest 1899: 140).
H. E. Forrest (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 123, says: '...The species is very rare in the western midlands; the only previous occurrence in Shropshire being an immature bird shot at Wroxeter about 1836.'
22). 1835 Oxfordshire Near Standlake, adult, killed, spring.
(A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2600; Aplin, 1889; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1903: 63-64; Radford, 1966).
History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2600, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire', say: 'A second [for Oxfordshire], in our own collection, was killed near Standlake, in the spring of 1835.'
Accepted locally (Aplin 1889: 186). O. V. Aplin of Bloxham (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. pp. 63-64, says: '16th. The collection of bird-skins formed by the late Rev. A. Matthews, formerly of Weston-on-the-Green, was sold at Stevens' rooms. I did not attend the sale, but the skins were examined for use previously, and I afterwards handled a large number of them and bought a few back into the county. With the exception of a little series of the smaller Passeres (all obtained at Weston in 1833 and 1834, and so labelled), the skins were labelled with old parchment tickets. These (with few exceptions) bore only numbers (doubtless referring to a catalogue). The exceptions were a few with "Weston" or "Oxford" added. "Oxford" evidently merely had reference to the place whence the example was forwarded, possibly by some wild-fowl shooter, and not to the actual spot where the bird was killed. And I have little doubt that many of the birds were the examples referred to in Messrs. Matthews' articles on the 'Birds of Oxfordshire and its Neighbourhood', which were published in this Journal in 1849 and 1850. The following specimens may be here noticed: - Night Heron. "Oxford", adult. Doubtless the one killed at Standlake in the spring of 1835. This is now in my possession, and I have had it set up.'
23). Pre 1836 Anglesey Beaumaris, adult, shot, undated.
(Eyton, 1836; T. C. Eyton, Annals of Natural History 2: 53; Jones & Whalley, 2004).
History Eyton (1836: 100) says: 'One killed in Anglesea, now in the possession of T. B. Owen, Esq., of Tedsmore-Hall, Shropshire, in the adult plumage.' Later, T. C. Eyton (1839) in the Annals of Natural History, Vol. II. p. 53, says: '...the second on an estate belonging to Bukeley Owen, Esq. in Anglesea, in the adult plumage.'
Still accepted locally by Hope Jones & Whalley (2004: 149) who add that it was shot on the Baron Hill Estate (Beaumaris).
24). 1836 Dorset Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, immature, undated.
(Yarrell, 1845; Harting, 1872; Morrison, 1997).
History Yarrell (1845 (2): 546, 2nd ed.) under 'American Bittern', says: 'I am indebted to the Rev. H. D. Fussell of Ellingham, near Ringwood, Hampshire, for the knowledge of the occurrence of this specimen near Christchurch, in 1836. This gentleman obtained for me a description of this specimen from Mr. William Mott, of Christchurch, who preserved the bird, which is now in the collection of Mr. Sloman, in that neighbourhood.'
Harting (1872) says: 'This specimen turned out to be a immature Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax.'
25). c. 1836 Cornwall Goonhilly Downs, The Lizard, female, obtained, undated.
(E. H. Rodd, Report of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1838: 39; Owen, 1909; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd (1838) in the Report of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, p. 39, dated 31st October 1838, says: 'I beg also to report to you that I have within the last three years obtained very good specimens of the male and female Night Heron, and also an individual in the nestling plumage, answering in every respect to the Gardenian Heron, of authors: and the female at or near the Lizard.'
Johns (1909: 173, 7th ed.) edited by J. A. Owen, says: 'A specimen was brought to me at Helston, Cornwall, about the year 1836, which had been shot in the dusk of the evening, on Goonhilly Downs. Its long and delicate crest had been stupidly tied into a knot, and by the bruised condition of these feathers the specimen, if it still exists in any museum, may yet be identified.'
Penhallurick (1969: 61) says: 'pre1838, in the last three years, a female obtained at or near the Lizard, with the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall Report as his source.'
Comment These references probably refer to the same individual.
26). 1837 Cornwall Crowan, male, shot, undated.
(E. H. Rodd, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1838: 39; E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1: 418; Johns, 1874; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd (1838) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, p. 39, dated 31st October 1838, says: 'I beg also to report to you that I have within the last three years obtained very good specimens of the male and female Night Heron, and also an individual in the nestling plumage, answering in every respect to the Gardenian Heron, of authors: the male Night Heron was killed at Crowan.'
Johns (1874, 2nd ed.) says: 'Two were killed in 1837, one in Cury, and one in Crowan.'
Accepted locally (Penhallurick 1969: 61).
27). 1837 Yorkshire Cottingham Common, Hull, immature male, shot, undated.
(Cordeaux, 1872; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
History Cordeaux (1872: 105) says: 'The only occurrence, as far as I am aware, of this rare species is an immature specimen shot a few years ago near Cottingham, about five miles from Beverley, by a man named Martin, keeper to Mr. Ringrose, of Cottingham. Mr. Boulton secured this bird for his collection.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 51) say: 'Cottingham, Hull, one, immature, 1837, in the collection of Sir H. S. Boynton (T. Boynton, MS.).'
Nelson (1907 (2): 396) says: 'There are five authentic instances of the occurrence of this rare wanderer to Yorkshire...An immature male was obtained in 1837, on Cottingham Common, by Martin, gamekeeper, and came into the possession of the late W. W. Boulton of Beverley, from whom it was purchased by the late Sir Henry Boynton. This specimen is now in the Burton Agnes Museum, where I have seen it, together with an adult male, which was formerly in the Sunderlandwick collection, procured near the latter place.'
28). Pre 1838 Cornwall Between Penzance and Newlyn, juvenile, undated.
(E. H. Rodd, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1838: 39; E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1: 418; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd (1838) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, p. 39, dated 31st October 1838, says: 'I beg also to report to you that I have within the last three years obtained very good specimens of the male and female Night Heron, and also an individual in the nestling plumage, answering in every respect to the Gardenian Heron, of authors: the young one was brought to me alive by a boy, who told me he caught it between this place and Newlyn. I will tell you what I noted at the time, without giving a detailed account of its colours, which entirely correspond with the description in Temminck, p. 579. The irides were of a resplendent colour, resembling that of a Seville orange - it more than once uttered a loud broken harsh note, very aptly compared to the sound of a human being vomiting: - the neck does not display any rudiments of the ruff which characterizes the adult bird of both sexes.'
Harting, Editor (1880: 131) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'On another occasion a young Night Heron was captured between Penzance and Newlyn, and brought to me alive. Its cry resembled the words "qua qua" uttered with a harsh scream. The colour of the iris in this specimen was orange red.'
Accepted locally (Penhallurick 1969: 61).
29). 1839 Kent Near Lydd, adult, shot, 24th May, now at Dover Museum.
(P. Bartlett, Zoologist 1844: 624; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).
History P. Bartlett (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 624, says: 'Mr. Plomley has one which was shot in the parish of Lydd.'
Ticehurst (1909: 312) says: 'Pemberton Bartlett (1844) stated that one or two specimens have been obtained in Kent, but the only specific instance he refers to is the bird in Plomley's collection, which is a fine adult and was shot near Lydd on May 24th, 1839, and is now in the Dover Museum.'
30). 1839 Essex New England Island, Foulness, 31st October.
(Parsons MS.; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).
History Glegg (1929: 159) says: 'Mr. C. Parsons has recorded in his MS. in Southend Public Library that this bird was seen by "William" with the common ones.'
Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984; Wood 2007) with the latter adding the location as New England Island (Foulness).
31). 1839 Sussex Alfriston, immature, killed, November.
(Knox, 1850; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History Knox (1850: 225) says: 'Mr. W. Borrer informed me that he examined a recent specimen, which was killed near Alfriston, in November, 1839 - a bird of the year.'
Borrer (1891: 317) says: 'I have the following in my own notes: - November 1839, a specimen of the Night Heron was shot at Alfriston. I examined it myself and found it immature. The bird is noticed by Mr. Knox, on my authority....'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 343).
32). 1840 Leicestershire & Rutland Anstey, shot, undated.
(M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 197; Browne, 1889; Hickling, 1978).
History Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 197, says: 'Harley says: "An example occurred a few years since in the lordship of Ansty [sic], and was shot by a countryman as it was sitting on the top of a pollard willow by the pool. I examined it shortly after capture".' Accepted locally (Browne 1889: 124; Hickling 1978).
33). 1843 Dorset Radipole Lake, male, shot, May.
(Yarrell, 1845; Mansel-Pleydell, 1873; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 187; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).
History Yarrell (1845 (2): 551, 2nd ed.) says: 'The Night Heron has been killed in Dorsetshire....Since the publication of the first edition of this work, a fine male was shot at Radipole, near Weymouth, as I learn from a communication from George Frampton Esq. "A pair, probably male and female, had been observed flying about and pitching on the trees in that village".'
Mansel-Pleydell (1873: 29) says: 'One was shot at Radipole, near Weymouth, in May, 1843 or 1844, and sold to the Rev. John Horner of Mells Park [Somerset]. A pair had been observed flying about in the neighbourhood for a fortnight previously.' Later, Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) adds: 'May, 1843.'
Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 187, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.
Comment The probable female is dismissed for a lack of evidence.
34). 1844 Cornwall St John's Lake, Torpoint, adult male, shot, 28th March.
(W. S. Hore, Zoologist 1844: 575; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Penhallurick, 1969).
History W. S. Hore (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 575, dated 8th April, says: 'A splendid male Night Heron in full plumage, was shot on the 28th of last month in the fish pond of my friend the Rev. J. C. Crowley, at St. John's, in the County of Cornwall. This bird, thanks to the liberality of the above gentleman, is now in my collection, and agrees, with one exception only, with Yarrell's description. The discrepancy is in the colour of the legs, which when fresh were yellow and not green. The number of the elongated occipital plumes does not exceed three.'
Yarrell (1845 (2): 551, 2nd ed.) says: 'Another was shot in April 1844, in the fish pond of the Rev. J. C. Crowley, at St. John's, Cornwall (Zoologist 1844: 575).'
35). 1844 Devon River Avon, near Hatch Bridge, adult male, shot, undated.
(H. Nichols, jun., Zoologist 1847: 1694-1695; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).
History H. Nichols, jun., Kingsbridge, Devon (1847) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. V. pp. 1694-1695, says: 'From seeing your circular, inviting persons to transmit you any rare occurrences relative to Natural History, suited for the pages of The Zoologist. I beg to hand you a list of rare birds which have come into my possession, and have been shot in this neighbourhood within the last seven years: - Night Heron, male.'
D'Urban & Mathew (1895, 2nd ed.) say: 'An adult male was shot on the Avon near Hatch Bridge, in 1844, and is now in the collection of the late Mr. J. Elliot, of Kingsbridge (H.N., Zool., 1847, p. 1695, and E.A.S.E., MS. Notes).'
36). 1846 Leicestershire & Rutland Near Castle Donington, shot, undated.
(M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 197; Browne, 1889: Frost, 1978; Hickling, 1978).
History Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 197, says: 'Mention is made of another bird having been shot in the year 1846, at Donnington [sic], as I gather from the manuscript of the Rev. Arthur Evans.'
Accepted locally (Browne 1889: 124).
37). 1847 Cumbria River Petteril, Carleton, immature, shot, October or November.
(Macpherson, 1892; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 81).
History Macpherson (1892: 226) says: 'A loose note in the handwriting of T. C. Heysham records of this species that "a young bird was shot on the Petteril near the village of Carleton by a young man in October or November, 1847".'
Comment I wonder if this record has been mixed up with the Little Bittern of 1847, also mentioned in a loose note by T. C. Heysham, shot at the same locality.
38). 1848 Cumbria Near Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, obtained, May.
(Saunders, 1892; Macpherson, 1892; Oakes, 1953; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 81).
History Howard Saunders (1892: 146, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'A fine specimen of the Night Heron was shot on the marsh near Grange-over-Sands in May 1848 (Ant. Mason).'
Macpherson (1892: 226) says: 'Mr. Brennan, the head keeper on Foulshaw Moss [Westmoreland], once shot a fine Night Heron near Milnthorpe. This is no doubt identical with the bird which the late Mr. Anthony Mason reported to Mr. Mitchell as killed near Grange in May 1848.' Accepted locally (Oakes 1953: 203).
39). Pre 1849 Sussex Near Cuckmere Haven, undated.
(Knox, 1849; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History Knox (1849: 223, 1st ed.) says: 'Since that period [1839] another example has occurred near Cuckmere Haven.'
Borrer (1891: 317) says: 'Mr. Knox, who further says, that "since that period another example has occurred near Cuckmere Haven".'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 343) says: 'This specimen is almost assuredly the Night Heron, then in the possession of a Mr. W. Elphick, mentioned without data of any description by the Rev. R. N. Dennis in his diary (N.O.S.O., p. 58) for 1848 in a list of birds that had occurred at and around East Blatchington. For this village lies within easy touch of Cuckmere Haven. But just possibly, of course, it is the Alfriston example of 1839, since this place, too, is no great way from where the parson resided.'
40). 1849 Isles of Scilly Tresco, obtained, 15th May.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1849: 2498; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 302; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2498, dated 19th May, 1849, says: 'I beg to report the occurrence of the Night Heron at Scilly, which I received yesterday from Mr. James, the steward of the Islands. Another example was seen at the same time, and I believe secured.'
J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 302, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'A solitary example of the Night Heron was knocked on the head by David Smith in a clump of bushes at Tresco on May 15th, 1849.'
Comment As no ornithologist saw the second example, it is disregarded.
41). 1849 Devon Flete, near Holberton and Erme Bridge, eight adults, (four males and four females) all shot, between 23rd May and 22nd June.
(C. Bulteel, Zoologist 1849: 2528; R. A. Julian, jun., Morris and Bree's Naturalist 1: 161; J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1873: 3630-31; Yarrell, 1871-85; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).
History C. Bulteel of Holberton, Erme Bridge (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2528, dated July, 1849, says: 'As I was perambulating the banks of the River Erme, Devon, on Wednesday, May 23rd, 1849, with my fishing-rod in hand, I was informed by the gamekeeper at Flete, near Erme Bridge, who has a keen eye for our feathered visitants, that he had seen a bird like a young Heron. I soon went in search of the rara avis, and to my astonishment flushed four Night Herons, and in less than twenty-four hours succeeded in securing the whole of them. About a week subsequent to the above date, owing to information I had received, I renewed my search, which resulted in my killing two more of these birds; and on Friday, June 22nd, having accompanied a young friend, Mr. R. A. Julian, jun., of Estover House, to beat the river for what I considered the last of the flock, our efforts did not prove unavailing, as we bagged a bird each: thus making up the complement of eight adult birds, four males and four females. These are very uncommon birds in this country, and when they do appear are seldom seen, from their shy and solitary habits. It may be considered a fact worthy of notice, that the gamekeeper of Flete killed two Little Bitterns, some years since, within a short distance of where the eight Night Herons were seen.'
R. A. Julian, jun., of Lara House, Plymouth (1851) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, p. 161, dated July, 1851, says: 'Although the occurrence of these birds was recorded at the time, by my friend, the Rev. C. Bulteel, in The Zoologist, and elsewhere, as some of your already very numerous supporters may not have seen it, and as I think I can add a little information on the subject, I forward you a copy of the circumstance from my note-book: - "On the 23rd of May, 1849, as the Rev. C. Bulteel was fishing near the mouth of the River Erme, he was informed by the gamekeeper of Flete, that a curious bird had just been seen near that spot; Mr. Bulteel immediately procured a gun, and went in pursuit of it, and out of a small alder-bed, flushed four Night Herons, which, within the three following days, he was so fortunate to obtain, besides a pair more in a neighbouring creek. He informs me that they were frequently perched among the foliage of the tall trees, as though to screen themselves from observation, and, occasionally, on dead branches in a conspicuous situation, when they sat with their necks erect, keeping a sharp look out.
After this occurrence, a solitary bird was frequently seen flying up and down the river, late on evenings, and early mornings, until June 22nd, when I accompanied Mr. Bulteel, and was so fortunate to obtain it, and it proved to be a fine adult male bird; and on the afternoon of the same day he shot a female, which I brushed out with my gun from a low, thick, alder-bush, just above Ermington. The male had a favourite haunt in a thicket of sycamore bushes, about twelve feet in height, on the banks of the river, to which, though repeatedly disturbed, it constantly returned. It flew with its head close down upon its back, no neck being perceptible, somewhat quicker, but otherwise similar to the Common Heron. Out of these two, which I dissected, I took both the bones of small fish and eels, and there was the slime of the latter about their beaks. They each had three streamers, (elongated narrow feathers arising from the occiput, and gracefully arched over the back), which, when the bird was alive, rested on one another, appearing only as one: those in the females were three inches, and in the males six inches in length, and former also differed from the latter in slightly more ash-coloured about the sides of the neck and wings. The irides were reddish lake, the lore dark green, and the legs straw coloured".'
J. Gatcombe of Plymouth (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. pp. 3630-31, dated 3rd July 1873, says: 'June, 1873. 2nd. A Night Heron in the plumage of the second year was obtained on the River Erme, near Ivybridge, Devon, which I examined in the flesh. This makes the ninth specimen secured from the same locality since the spring of the 1840, every bird of which I examined, and all were adult, with the exception of the last found. The female closely resemble the males in plumage, but have the occipital plumes shorter, those of the males being six inches and those of the females about three inches in length. When at rest these birds generally concealed themselves among the foliage of alder and sycamore trees, but the last one was on several occasions flushed from an orchard in the vicinity of the river. They also sometimes perched on dead branches in a conspicuous situation. The stomachs of some contained the remains of small fish and eels, the slime of the latter remaining about their beaks.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 196, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
Pidsley (1891: 90-91) says: 'The Rev. C. Bulteel reports that all the birds were preserved; two are in the collection of Mr. Andrews, and another is in the possession of Lord Lilford.'
D'Urban & Matthew (1892: lviii, 1st ed.) say: 'Richard Andrew of Traine, Modbury, had in his collection a Night Heron shot on the Erme by Mr. Bulteel.'
Comment Why did the slaughter have to continue?
49). 1849 Cambridgeshire South Brink, near Wisbech, adult male, killed, 19th June, now at Wisbech Museum.
(J. W. Foster, Zoologist 1849: 2568; J. N. Wedderburn, Zoologist 1849: 2591; Newman, 1866; Stevenson, 1870; Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).
History J. W. Foster of Wisbech (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2568, dated 17th July, 1849, says: 'A fine adult male specimen of the Night Heron was captured close to the town of Wisbeach [sic] on the 19th ult. It was taken by a man named Neale, at work in a field by the side of the River Nene. Neale's attention was attracted to a large tree by the clamorous noise of some crows, who were buffeting, at what he conceived to be, a "very curious bird", and having procured a gun, he shot and winged the rarity. He took it home alive, and after keeping it for five days, subsequently sold it to Mr. Matthews, a baker, who for nearly three weeks, fed it by cramming pieces of eel down its throat. I have seen the bird several times, and on my last visit it appeared to have become more reconciled to its confinement, and new takes its food regularly, which consists of three average-sized eels daily. The colour of the irides differs much from the description given in works of Natural History, inasmuch as in this specimen they are of a blood-red, and not of a yellow colour.'
However, J. N. Wedderburn of Dundee (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2591, adds: 'In The Zoologist for this month I see an adult specimen of the Night Heron has been taken at Wisbech, and it seems to be considered a curiosity from having red eyes. I have often shot these birds abroad, and have always found the adult birds to have red eyes.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 176) in a footnote, says: 'A male Night Heron, in the Wisbech Museum, as I learn from Mr. T. W. Foster, was killed at South Brink, Wisbech, in July, 1849.'
Accepted locally (Lack 1934: 81; Bircham 1989).
50). 1850 Cornwall Penrose, adult, killed, 28th April.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1850: 2825; Newman, 1866; Morris, 1863-67; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2825, dated 29th April, 1850, says: 'I received this afternoon, from the Rev. Canon Rogers, of Penrose, near Helston, a specimen of this bird, killed on his grounds. The number of occipital plumes varies from all the examples I have examined hitherto, in being four instead of three: they are, however, only half the usual length, but in other respects the plumage is adult, although the specimen is small; probably a female.'
Morris (1863-67 (5): 98, reissue) says: 'One near Helston, about the end of April, 1850.'
Harting, Editor (1880: 131) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'On the 29th April 1850 I received from the Rev. Canon Rogers of Penrose, near Helston, a Night Heron in the adult plumage and with four occipital plumes, which was killed in his grounds.'
51). 1850 Cornwall Gunwalloe, pair, shot, April.
(Johns, 1874; Penhallurick, 1969).
History Johns (1874 2nd ed.) says: 'In April, 1850, two specimens were shot, male and female at Gunwalloe: the male is a remarkably handsome specimen, and has the unusual number of eight occipital feathers.'
Penhallurick (1969: 62) says: '1850, a pair were shot at Gunwalloe in April (Johns, 1874).'
Comment Gunwalloe is not very far from Penrose, Helston and is probably the same as above.
53). c. 1850 Cumbria Beckfoot, Brampton, adult, shot, undated.
(Macpherson, 1892; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 81).
History Macpherson (1892: 226) says: 'A fine adult is preserved in the collection of the late Mr. Proud; if his son's memory can be relied upon, after a lapse of forty years, this bird was shot at Beckfoot, Brampton, about 1850.'
54). 1851 Sussex Appledram Sluice, Chichester, male, killed, 6th September.
(Knox, 1855; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History Knox (1855: 228, 3rd ed.) says: 'A male Night Heron was killed near Appledram sluice by Serjeant Carter, on the 6th of September, 1851. This bird is now in the collection of the Bishop of Oxford, at Lavington.'
Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 317; Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 343; des Forges & Harber 1963).
55). 1853 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Blackpool, adult, shot, 14th June.
(J. Bost, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 254; Saunders, 1892; Oakes, 1953).
History James Bost of Blackpool (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 254, dated 18th June, 1853, says: 'A rare bird was shot near Blackpool by Mr. Daniel Lare, of Normoss, on the 14th instant, namely, the Nycticorax gardeni (Night Heron). It is as beautiful a specimen as could be wished for. The following are the measurements taken before I skinned it: - Full length, from tip to bill to longest tail feather, twenty two inches and a quarter; extent of wings, thirty-nine inches and a half; wing from flexure, eleven inches and a quarter; length of bill along the gape of bill, three inches and a quarter; tarsus, two inches and seven-eighths; middle toe, two inches and five-eighths; claw, half an inch; the three white occipital plumes are without the black tip; the crown and nape, with the fore part of the back and scapulars, greenish black; wings and tail, bluish black; lower parts, very light cream. It may be seen at my shop at Blackpool.'
Howard Saunders (1892: 146, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Mr. James Bost says one in his possession, killed near Blackpool on June 14, 1853, a description following, which shows it to have been in the plumage of the adult.'
Oakes (1953: 203) adds: 'It appears to be the only genuine occurrence for Lancashire.'
56). Pre 1855 Cornwall The Lizard, adult, killed, undated.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1855: 4913; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1855) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIII. p. 4913, dated 27th October, 1855, says: 'It has been remarked that in very old birds of this species the number of occipital plumes increase. The usual number seldom exceeds three, and I have observed this number in several examples where the state of the plumage exhibited perfect maturity. It is, however, very probable that, without depending either upon age or sex, the number of plumes now and then exceed three; I have heard of one specimen, which came under the notice of Mr. Vingoe, having six. Yesterday I examined a specimen, killed a few years since in the Lizard district, at the same time and in the same locality that afforded me a very beautiful male specimen in perfect plumage, which had three well defined snow-white plumes. The example now under notice is scarcely so bright in plumage as my bird, but quite adult; but the number of plumes that adorn the head is no less than ten; one or two of them are rather shorter than the rest, but differing in no other particular.'
Harting, Editor (1880: 132) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'In October 1855 I examined a specimen killed in the Lizard district, at the same time with a male specimen in my collection in fully adult plumage, which had three snow-white plumes in its crest. The example to which I now refer, though scarcely so bright in plumage as my own specimen, was, nevertheless, adult, and had no less than ten occipital plumes. One or two of them were shorter than the rest, but differing in no other respect.'
Accepted locally (Penhallurick 1969).
57). 1855 Yorkshire Birdsall, near Malton, killed, 21st May.
(D. Graham, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 5: 216; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
History David Graham of York (1855) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. V. p. 216, dated 24th July, 1855, says: 'A specimen of this bird was shot on the 21st of May last, on a pond at Birdsall, near Malton, by the keeper of H. Willoughby, Esq., in whose collection it now is. This is, I believe, the second specimen which has occurred in Yorkshire.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 51) say: 'Birdsall, near Malton, one, May 21st, 1855 (D. Graham).'
Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (2): 396; Mather 1986).
Comment Although David Graham was discredited over the 'Tadcaster Rarities' (T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237), Tim Melling has stated he thinks this record is still acceptable.
58). 1855 Greater London/Surrey Ditton Marsh, adult male, shot, 12th June.
(J. A. Bucknill, Zoologist 1902: 305).
History J. A . Bucknill (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 305, says: 'A fine adult male was shot at Ditton Marsh on June 12th, 1855, and preserved by F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).'
59). c. 1857 Pembrokeshire Near Pembroke, immature, shot, undated.
(T. Dix, Zoologist 1869: 1676; Mathew, 1894; Lockley, 1949; Donovan & Rees, 1994).
History T. Dix (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1676, undated, says: 'An immature specimen in the Stackpole Court collection was shot near Pembroke mill-pond, about twelve years since, by Mr. Tracy.'
Mathew (1894: 61-62) says: 'Mr. Dix writes that an immature specimen, in the Stackpole Court collection, was shot near Pembroke mill-pond by Mr. Tracy, about the year 1857. Mr. H. Mathias has informed us that a Night Heron was shot in the Lord's meadow, at Lamphey, when he was a boy. Two others were killed near Kingsbridge, Pembroke; one of these Mr. Mathias saw in the shop of Mr. Tracy, at Pembroke, immediately after it was shot. These two specimens are, without doubt, those mentioned by Mr. Dix.'
Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 53; Donovan & Rees 1994).
60). Pre 1858 Somerset Near Bridgwater, shot, undated.
(C. Smith, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society 16: 49; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1888: 174-176; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1888: 220; Somerset Orn. Soc., 1988; Ballance, 2006).
History C. Smith (1870) in the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. XVI. p. 49, says: 'Said to have been killed near Bridgwater, Mr. Baker's notes, unpublished.'
M. A. Mathew (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 220, says: 'Mr. Straddling's [sic] collection contained one shot near Bridgwater.'
Ballance lists it as prior to 1858 and in the Stradling collection.
Comment Articles presumed to refer to the same individual.
61). 1860 Norfolk Caister-on-Sea, immature, killed, 8th November.
(J. H. Playford, Field 15th Dec., 1860: 497; H. Stevenson, Field 22nd Dec., 1860: 519; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1861: 7315; Stevenson, 1870; Allard, 1990).
History J. H. Playford of Great Yarmouth (1860) in The Field of 15th Dec., Vol. XVI. p. 497, says: 'Within the last five years I have procured the following named birds, all of which have been killed within twelve miles of Yarmouth, and preserved for me by Mr. Knights, of Norwich: - ...and the young Night Heron, or American Bittern, I am not sure which. I should be glad to show my birds to any one desirous of seeing them.'
H. Stevenson of Norwich (1860) in The Field of 22nd Dec., Vol. XVI. p. 519, says: 'Having read the very tempting list of birds under the heading, recorded in last week's Field by Mr. J. Playford, I can assure him that it was a young Night Heron, and not the American Bittern, which was shot in the Caister Marshes, near Yarmouth, on the 8th of November. I had the opportunity of examining the bird soon after it had been sent to Norwich for preservation.'
H. Stevenson of Norwich (1861) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIX. p. 7315, dated 12th December, 1860, says: 'An immature specimen of this rare species was shot about the 8th of this month, in the Caister marshes, near Yarmouth. I had the opportunity of seeing it in the flesh, and found it to be a young bird of the year, resembling the second figure in Yarrell's illustration, having the usual spotted appearance about the wings and scapulars, caused by a triangular white patch, of more or less extent, at the tip of each feather. The feathers of the head and neck are also streaked with brown and white, each feather broadly edged with brown, the quill and centre of the web being white throughout. Unfortunately, when subsequently preserved, the sex was omitted to be noted. Several of these birds have been killed in Norfolk from time to time, in both adult and immature plumage, but not of late years.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 176) adds: 'This specimen, now in the collection of the Rev. C. J. Lucas, of Burgh, and sent to him in the flesh, as an American Bittern, resembles the second figure in Yarrell's wood-cut, having a triangular white patch, of more or less extent, at the top of each feather. The feathers of the head and neck are also streaked with brown and white, each feather broadly edged with brown; the quill and centre of the web being white throughout.'
62). 1860s Derbyshire Coombs Reservoir, adult, shot, undated.
(C. Oldham, Zoologist 1897: 329; Frost, 1978).
History Chas. Oldham of Sale (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 329, says: 'I have recently had an opportunity of examining a Night Heron in adult plumage, which was shot by the late Mr. William Jackson at Coombs Reservoir, a large sheet of water near Chapel-en-le-Frith, some time in the early sixties. This species has not, I believe, been previously recorded for Derbyshire.' It was accepted locally (Frost 1978).
63). 1861 Yorkshire River Esk, near Whitby, adult, shot, autumn.
(Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; T. Stephenson, Naturalist 37: 425; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 51) say: 'Whitby, one, autumn of 1861, in the collection of Mr. E. Corner (Stephenson, MS.).'
T. Stephenson of Whitby (1911) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 425, dated 7th November 1911, says: '...So far as the local records show, the Night Heron has not occurred in this district since the year 1861, when an adult bird was shot in the autumn about a mile higher up the River Esk.'
Nelson (1907 (2): 396) says: 'There are five authentic instances of the occurrence of this rare wanderer to Yorkshire...Mr. Thomas Stephenson states that an example, which was captured near Whitby, in the autumn of 1861, is in the possession of Mr. Edward Corner of Esk Hall.' Accepted locally (Mather 1986).
64). c. 1864 Devon Churchstow, immature, shot, October.
(H. Nicholls, jun., Zoologist 1876: 4843-44; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).
History Henry Nicholls, jun., (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4843-44, dated 8th February, 1876, says: 'A young spotted specimen...Some twelve years since, in October, I procured a similar specimen, except that some of the down was quite visible at the tip of the feathers from about the same locality; and a full dressed male a few years before.'
65). 1865 Cheshire & Wirral/Greater Manchester River Mersey, near Northenden, adult, shot, 16th July.
(Coward & Oldham, 1900; Coward, 1910; Hedley Bell, 1962; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).
History Coward & Oldham (1900: 150-151) say: 'Has only been obtained once in Cheshire. In the summer of 1865, an adult was shot on the Mersey near Northenden by a man named George Smith. His son, who still has the bird, informed us that he remembered hearing it on several evenings "at haymaking time, making a noise like a person vomiting". In the case containing this Heron there is a cutting from a local newspaper, recording the shooting of the bird, across which the date, "July 16th, 1865", is written in ink.'
Accepted locally (A. J. Smith (1993: 114) Birds in Greater Manchester).
66). 1865 Cornwall Camerance Wood, St Just-in-Roseland, adult female, killed, undated.
(Bullmore, 1867; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).
History Bullmore (1867: 28) says: 'About twelve months since one of these birds was observed by W. Smith, coastguards man, of St. Just, in Carmerans Wood. It appeared to apathetic to fly, and contented itself with remaining half concealed behind a thick bush; it was knocked down with a stick, and sent here for preservation. It proved to be an old female, and passed into the possession of Mr. Rickards, farmer, of Mezzack estate.'
Harting, Editor (1880: 132) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'In 1865, a coast-guardsman of St. Just observed a Night Heron in Carmerans [sic] Wood, endeavouring to conceal itself behind a thick bush. He knocked it down with a stick, and sent it into Falmouth for preservation. On dissection it proved to be an adult female.'
Accepted locally by Penhallurick (1969) who adds the location as Camerance Wood.
67). 1866 North-east Scotland Menie Estate, near Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, immature male, shot, 9th January.
(Gray, 1871; W. Horn, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 4: 246-247; Yarrell, 1871-85; Sim, 1903; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Phillips, 1997).
History Gray (1871: 282) says: 'To these instances, all of which are probably of thirty years' standing, I have much pleasure in adding another of recent date, which has been communicated to me by Mr. Angus, of Aberdeen. This specimen, which is in immature plumage, was shot on the 9th January, 1866, at Menie, about eight miles north of Aberdeen. It was seen in the dusk of the evening flying across a pond, and killed by the keeper, who thought "it was an out of the way owl"; and, as such, entitled to a place in his museum, the coach-house door. In this precious repository, it was found suspended by the lower mandible, and attracted the notice of James Buchan, Esq., of Auchmacoy, who obtained possession of it, and sent it to Mr. Mitchell, of the Aberdeen Museum, for preservation.
The following description of this bird, written by Mr. Angus when it was in the flesh, has been kindly forwarded to me by that gentleman, who expresses himself indebted to Mr. Mitchell for an opportunity of identifying the species: - "Weight of specimen, one pound, fourteen and a half ounces; length, two feet, three inches and a half; extent, three feet, eleven inches; upper mandible, from the gape, four inches and a quarter; wing, from flexure, thirteen inches and a quarter; first primary half an inch shorter than the third, which is the largest of the wing; second and fourth equal. Bare space round the eye, which extends to the beak, greenish yellow. Iris, crimson vermillion, pupil, brownish black. The bill robust and of considerable length, with a deep notch near the tip of the upper mandible, which is dark-horn colour above, with three ridges on each side extending to within half an inch of the tip, which is narrow and acute. A stripe of yellow co-extensive with the ridges, and a parallel stripe of dark-horn colour along the cutting edges, which are remarkably sharp, as are also those of the lower mandible, the latter having the corresponding lines of dark and yellow, and being feathered to within half an inch of the point. Nostril straight, widening a little toward the centre, but the aperture is by no means so large as it is represented in MacGillivray's figure, which, being taken from a dried specimen, shows an exaggeration of the orifice. Head bushy; neck behind with soft flowing feathers, crown of the head dark brown, which is the predominating colour on the whole of the upper parts. The larger feathers streaked on each side of the shafts with reddish white; the outer feathers on the shoulder of the wing with diagonal streaks of dirty white.
Space between the wings without the spots or streaks. The outer web of the first primary margined with white for three-fourths of its length, and tipped with the same colour; the white on the points of the inner primaries increasing to spots of a triangular shape, and on the secondaries to large round spots. The greater wing-coverts also terminate in white spots, which form a straight dotted line when the wing is extended, and an angle when it is closed. Lower parts brownish white, streaked with darker. Tail rounded, dark grey, tinged with reddish-brown. Feet, dirty greenish yellow; toes slender, the fourth the largest, connected by a large membrane; claws bluish, arched, much worn, the middle claw pectinated on the inside. On dissection, the bird proved to be a male. The stomach, which is oblong, contained sand, a quantity of viscous matter, and a perch about six inches long.'
William Horn (1878-80) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. IV. pp. 246-247, says: 'A specimen in immature plumage was shot on 6th January, 1866, at Menie, not far from the mouth of the Ythan.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 196, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who says: 'Shot on 9th January, 1866.'
Sim (1903: 138) says: 'One was shot at Mennie, eight miles from Aberdeen, January 1865, and was in the possession of the late James Buchan, Esq., of Auchmacoy (Taylor MS.).'
68). 1866 Cumbria Abbey Holme, Solway, immature, killed, undated.
(Macpherson, 1892; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 81).
History Macpherson (1892: 226) says: 'A young Night heron was killed in the Abbey Holme in 1866, and has remained ever since in the possession of the Mann family, at whose house I have often seen it.'
69). 1866 Suffolk Sudbourne, near Orford, pair, shot, undated.
(Hele, 1870; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).
History Hele (1870) says: 'Has occurred at Orford, where two specimens were killed some few years since. They unfortunately escaped my notice at the time.'
Babington (1884-86: 160) says: 'A pair shot in 1866 at Sudbourn, near Orford, bought at the Rev. J. Maynard's Sale, now in Mr. V. H. Crewe's Collection (R. Hillen v. v., Hele, Ald., 113, V. H. Crewe in litt.).'
Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 313).
71). 1868 Northamptonshire Near Aldwincle, adult female, shot, 4th July.
(Lilford, 1895).
History Lord Lilford (1895 (2): 121) says: 'I grieve to say that I am guilty of the blood of the only one of this species that has, so far as I am aware, fallen a victim to the greed of man in our county....We were trying for an otter on July 4, 1868, with a few couples of the Fitzwilliam hounds, and drawing down stream from below Aldwincle in the direction of Wadenhoe, the hounds and huntsman on the proper left, and several friends with me on the other bank of the river, when, as the hounds crashed into a coppice of tall alders, I was suddenly aware that one of several herons that flew from these trees was not one of our common species. I kept my eyes upon the stranger, who settled on a dead bough in another riverside coppice at a short distance. I stopped the hounds and hunters, and, making a detour, approached sufficiently close to make certain that the bird in question was an adult Night Heron; here this story ought to have come to an end, but alas! I was a British bird-collector, and the Night Heron having flown back to the covert from which it was originally disturbed, I sent to Wadenhoe for a gun, despatched a man to put the bird out towards me, and ruthlessly shot it. The specimen proved to be a female in very fair plumage, and with evident signs of having been engaged in incubation.'
72). 1868 Hampshire Ringwood, obtained, 22nd July, now at Leicester Museum.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1511; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 220; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Morrison, 1997; Clark, 2022).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1511, under a 'List of the Rarer Birds obtained by Mr. Hart in the vicinity of Christchurch, Hants.', says: 'Night Heron - 22nd July 1868, Ringwood. I had the sternum.' Further, p. 1512, he summarises 'Mr. E. Hart or his father (the late Mr. W. Hart) had all the above named birds in the flesh.'
A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 220, under 'Occurrence of some of the Rarer Species of Birds in the Neighbourhood of Salisbury', says: 'Ardea Nycticorax. "Night Heron." Hart himself has a good pair in his collection, one of which, a female, was killed at Ringwood, on July, 22nd, 1868, by W. Emis, and the other, a very good adult male, in the Christchurch meadows on August 7th, 1879, by Charles Campbell.'
Kelsall & Munn (1905: 201) say: 'In the Hart collection is a specimen procured on July 22nd, 1868.' Clark (2022) has discoved that the specimen resides in Leicester Museum as part of the Hart collection.
Comment Morrison (1997) included this for Dorset but Ringwood has always been in Hampshire.
73). Pre 1869 Ayrshire Kilmarnock Water, Dean Castle, shot, undated.
(Gray & Anderson, 1869; Gray, 1871; R. Gray, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 5: 355-360; J. Paterson, Scottish Naturalist 47: 14; Paton & Pike, 1929; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; A. Hogg, Ayrshire Bird Report 1995: 6-8).
History Gray & Anderson (1869: 37) say: 'Mr. Eaton has informed us that a specimen of this heron was shot, many years ago, within a mile of Kilmarnock. We know of no other instance of its occurrence in any part of our district.'
Gray (1871: 281) says: 'So far as I am aware, this species has occurred but in one instance in the West of Scotland - a specimen having been shot many years ago within a mile of Kilmarnock, as I have been informed by Mr. Oliver Eaton, a bird stuffer in that town.'
Robert Gray (1880) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. V. p. 355-360, read 18th Feb., 1880 and the specimen exhibited, says: '...This is the second [1877 record] Night Heron Mr. Eaton has had through his hands, but I had not an opportunity of examining the first one: it is referred to in the Birds of the West of Scotland, and was shot on the banks of Kilmarnock Water, about two hundred yards from the old Dean Castle. If the apical spots on the quill feathers may be relied upon as a specific distinction, this bird clearly belongs to the American form, and must therefore be regarded as the second instance of the occurrence of the species in Britain, if not in Europe.'
John Paterson of Glasgow (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 14, says: '...but two have been shot near Kilmarnock. One, recorded in Gray's Birds of the West of Scotland as shot 'many years' before the publication of that work (1871), was destroyed some years ago by a fire which wrecked Kilmarnock Museum.'
74). 1869 Cornwall Near Hayle, adult pair, shot, mid-May.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1869: 1802; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; Penhallurick, 1969).
History Edward Hearle Rodd of Penzance (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1802, dated 12th May, 1869, says: 'A few days since a male and female Night Heron were shot near Hayle, on our north coast: they are both well-plumaged birds, with three occipital plumes; the female is a little duller in plumage than the male, but in other respects very similar in plumage. The ovary contained eggs, some about the size of a small bean. The male bird was observed on a piece of marshy ground, stalking about with a flock of geese; the female was observed on a tree, and apparently resting on her breast, as her legs were observed hanging down.'
Harting, Editor (1880: 131) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'During the second week of May 1869 a pair of these birds, in adult plumage, was shot near Hayle. They each had three occipital crest feathers, the female was a little duller in colour than the male, but in other respects very similar in plumage. The ovary contained eggs, some about the size of a small bean. The male bird was observed on a piece of marshy ground, stalking about with a flock of geese, the female being on a tree and apparently resting on the breast, as the legs were observed to be hanging down.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 196, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
76). 1869 Cornwall St Mawes, shot, May.
(W. P. Cocks, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Report 37: 68; Penhallurick, 1969).
History W. P. Cocks (1869) in the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Report, Vol. XXXVII. p. 68, says: 'Night Heron. Shot at St Mawes. Mounted by the late Mr. P. Chapman.'
Accepted locally by Penhallurick (1969: 62) who adds: '1869, another shot about this time [May] at St. Mawes.'
77). 1869 Devon River Taw, near Barnstaple, adult male, shot, 14th May.
(G. F. Mathew, Zoologist 1869: 1802-1803; E. Ward, Field 22nd May 1869: 435; Yarrell, 1871-85; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).
History Gervase F. Mathew of Barnstaple (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1802-1803, dated 16th May, 1869, says: 'My brother (Lieut. W. C. Mathew, 81st regiment) was taking a walk the day before yesterday on the banks of the Taw, and when about two miles above Barnstaple he noticed a strange bird sitting on the lower branch of an alder bush overhanging the river. On approaching nearer the bird flew off, and my brother at once knew it was something uncommon; and as it pitched again within a short distance, he went to a neighbouring cottage and borrowed a gun, with which he was lucky enough to bring it down: it proved to be a magnificent male specimen of the above species in full breeding plumage, and was beautifully shot. It is now in the hands of Mr. E. Ward, of 60, Wigmore Street, who I dare say will be happy to show it to anyone wishing to see it.'
Edwin Ward of Wigmore Street, Cavenish Square, London (1869) in The Field of 22nd May, Vol. XXXIII. p. 435, says: 'On the 14th inst. a very fine adult specimen of the Night Heron (Nycticorax gardeni) was shot at Barnstaple by W. C. Mathew, Esq., 81st Regiment, by whom it was sent here to be mounted.'
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 196, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'From information supplied to the Editor by the Rev. M. A. Mathew, it seems probable that a brood was actually hatched out that year [1869] near New Bridge on the Taw, in North Devon.'
78). 1870 Yorkshire Kirkby Misperton, near Malton, caught, May, now at Scarborough Museum.
(Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 51) say: 'Kirkby Misterton [sic], near Malton, one, May, 1870, in the collection of Mr. E. Tindall (Tindall, MS.).'
Nelson (1907 (2): 396) says: 'There are five authentic instances of the occurrence of this rare wanderer to Yorkshire...This specimen is in Mr. Tindall's collection, which was bequeathed to the Scarborough Museum.'
Accepted locally (Mather 1986).
79). 1870 Northumberland Cawledge Burn, near Alnwick, immature female, early November to 24th November, when shot.
(T. H. Gibb, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 6: 174; T. H. Gibb, Zoologist 1872: 3009; Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History T. H. Gibb of Alnwick (1870) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VI. p. 174 says: 'An immature female of this rare bird was shot, on Nov. 24th last, near to the confluence of the Cawledge burn with the Aln, by one of Major Browne's under-gamekeepers. The specimen was brought to me, by him, two days afterwards; and he informed me it had been observed during the preceding three weeks in the immediate vicinity of the place where it was killed. The species is of rare occurrence in Britain. It is recorded as an occasional visitant, by Selby, in his ornithology of Berwickshire, printed in the Club's Proceedings, 1841, a fine specimen having been killed in the Hirsel. This is but the second time of its occurrence with the area of the Club.'
T. H. Gibb of Alnwick (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 3009, dated January, 1872, says: 'It is rather a singular fact that on the 24th of November, 1870, an immature Night Heron was shot in the immediate vicinity of the place where the Little Bittern was killed, the capture of which I recorded in the Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club for 1870.'
Bolam (1912: 328) says: 'An immature female was shot on 24th November, 1870, at the confluence of the Cawledge Burn with the Aln, near Alnwick, where it had been observed for three weeks before it was killed. (T. H. Gibb, Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VI. p. 174).'
80). 1870s Worcestershire Bradley Green, near Feckenham, adult, shot, undated.
(Willis Bund, 1891; Tomes, 1901; Harthan, 1946; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).
History Tomes (1901 (1): 161) in the Victoria County History of Worcestershire, says: 'Mr. Willis Bund includes the Night Heron in his list of Worcestershire birds, referring to the following instance of its occurrence. A few years since an adult Night Heron was flushed from amongst the aquatic herbage of a small pool at Bradley Green, near Feckenham, and was shot. It was afterwards brought to Alcester for preservation, where it was seen by the writer.'
