Black-crowned Night Heron (2/3)

Nycticorax nycticorax (Linnaeus, 1758) (160, 14)

Photo © Rob Stonehouse - Whittle Dene Reservoirs, Northumberland, 1 August 2017

Ex BBRC species 31/12/2001

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RECORDS (cont.)

81). 1872 Northumberland Goswick, immature male, caught, 5th December.

(A. Brotherston, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 6: 434; Eds., Scottish Naturalist 2: 57; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Andrew Brotherston of Kelso (1869-72) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VI. pp.434-435, says: 'A young male of this very rare bird was shot at Goswick, on the 5th of December, 1872. As far as I am aware, this is only the third specimen recorded in this district: one a male, at the Hirsel, in the spring of 1823; another, an immature female, near Alnwick, November 24th, 1870; and the present instance. In the immature plumage this bird is so unlike the adult, that they have been described as different species by various writers. Morris's description of the young bird fits this in every respect except the colour of the iris, which he says is brown, while in this it is reddish-orange, which is the same as the old bird.'

In an Editorial (1873-74) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 57, they say: 'This is the third rare bird got within the vicinity of Berwick, in little over three months...a young Night Heron, on 5th December, 1872, which cannot be claimed as a Scottish specimen, as it was shot south of the Tweed....It is preserved for the Natural History Collection of the Berwick Museum.'

Bolam (1912) adds: 'A young male was caught at Goswick on 5th December, 1872, (Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VI. p.434) by a man named Reid, a famous shore-shooter then living there, and purchased from him for the Berwick Museum. Reid gave me details of the capture some time later, from which it appeared that a shepherd, in going his rounds in the morning, had first seen the strange bird sitting by the side of one of the reedy ditches which intersect the farm, but as it "showed fight" when he approached it, he left it alone, and later in the day told some of the children about it.

They, too, were "bitten at", when they went near the bird, so they ran and told old Reid, who, on going to the place, had his fingers severely bitten as he captured the bird with the help of his hat. It ruffled its feathers, and came at him as soon as he approached it closely, and showed the same pugnacious disposition when he afterwards turned it loose in his yard, but made no attempt to fly, though apparently uninjured.'

82). 1872 Somerset Normoor, Panborough, shot, undated.

(B. W. Tucker, British Birds 20: 130-131; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History B. W. Tucker (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XX. pp. 130-131, says: 'Through the kindness of Mr. E. G. Holt, of Burnham-on-Sea, my attention has lately been drawn to the existence of a hitherto unrecorded Somerset example of the Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax). This is in the possession of Mrs. Shingleton, of Panborough Inn, near Wedmore, where I have examined it. The owner was able to supply sound data.

The bird was shot by a member of her family, Mr. Thomas Clarke, on Normoor, near Panborough. She was positive that it was killed some time before her marriage, which took place forty-seven years ago, and this would, in any case, preclude the possibility of its being the same as one mentioned by T. Compton in A Mendip Valley (and quoted by the Rev. F. L. Blathwayt - Victoria County History, Somerset, Vol. I.) as having been killed near Glastonbury in 1881, and "brought to Mr. Clothier".

Subsequently, I succeeded in tracing this latter bird, which is still in existence. No clue seems to be given in Compton's book to the identity of "Mr. Clothier". In-point of fact the reference is to the late Mr. J. W. C. Clothier, of Street, near Glastonbury, in the possession of whose son, Mr. A. T. Clothier, the bird now is. Mr. Clothier has kindly permitted me to examine it and has also shown me his father's copy of Selby, in which there appears under 'Night Heron' the marginal note "Shot at Street, Somerset, 1876". Compton's date is, therefore, apparently incorrect.'

Comment What a shame that the age and sex couldn't have been published.

83). 1873 Devon River Erme, near Ivybridge, second-year, shot, 2nd June.

(J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1873: 3630-3631; J. Gatcombe, Field 5th July 1873: 7; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

History J. Gatcombe of Plymouth (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. pp. 3630-3631, 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.'

J. Gatcombe of 8, Lower Durnford Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth (1873) in The Field of 5th July, Vol. XLII. p. 7, says: 'In answer to your correspondent "J.N.R." I beg to say that both the Night Heron and Little Bittern have been seen on the River Erme in Devonshire during the past May.'

84). 1876 Devon River Avon, near Kingsbridge, immature, shot, 7th January.

(H. Nicholls, jun., Zoologist 1876: 4843-44; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History Henry Nicholls, jun. (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. pp. 4843-44, dated 8th February, 1876, says: 'A young spotted specimen of this bird was shot on the 7th of January; it was flushed from a bed of reeds in the vicinity of the River Avon. 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. How many moults does this bird make in attaining the full dress, and does it ever breed in this country, having occurred in a nestling dress as early as October?'

85). 1876 Pembrokeshire St David's, three, 10th to 11th May, one shot, 12th May.

(W. P. Propert, Field 16th June 1877: 723; Mathew, 1894; Lockley, 1949; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History W. P. Propert of St David's (1877) in The Field of 16th June, Vol. XLIX. p. 723, says: 'On May 10, 1876, three strange birds were seen in the valley of St David's. They came up the valley apparently from the sea, until they reached the gardens of the palace, the ruins of which are separated from the cathedral by a small stream. These birds remained in the palace gardens during the next day, settling upon a yew tree, but occasionally visiting the stream. On May 12, 1876, one of these birds was shot, the other two being allowed to escape. The dead bird proved to be a Night Heron. It is now in my possession, having been admirably preserved and mounted by Messrs. Cooke & Son, and universally admired by all who see it.'

Mathew (1894: 62) says: 'In 1876, three Night Herons roosted for several days in a tree in a garden belonging to Canon Lewis, at St. David's, within thirty yards of the Cathedral. One was shot, on May 12th, and proved a fine adult male, with three white occipital plumes. This handsome specimen is now in the possession of Dr. Propert, of St. David's.'

Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 53) and nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

88). 1876 Somerset Street, shot, undated.

(Compton, 1882; Blathwayt, 1906; B. W. Tucker, British Birds 20: 130-131; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1906 (1): 154) in the Victoria County History of Somerset, says: 'Another was shot near Glastonbury in 1881 (see A Mendip Valley, p. 173, T. Compton).'

B. W. Tucker (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XX. pp. 130-131, says: 'Through the kindness of Mr. E. G. Holt, of Burnham-on-Sea, my attention has lately been drawn to the existence of a hitherto unrecorded Somerset example of the Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax). This is in the possession of Mrs. Shingleton, of Panborough Inn, near Wedmore, where I have examined it.

The owner was able to supply sound data. The bird was shot by a member of her family, Mr. Thomas Clarke, on Normoor, near Panborough. She was positive that it was killed some time before her marriage, which took place forty-seven years ago, and this would, in any case, preclude the possibility of its being the same as one mentioned by T. Compton in A Mendip Valley (and quoted by the Rev. F. L. Blathwayt - Victoria County History, Somerset, Vol. I.) as having been killed near Glastonbury in 1881, and "brought to Mr. Clothier".

Subsequently, I succeeded in tracing this latter bird, which is still in existence. No clue seems to be given in Compton's book to the identity of "Mr. Clothier". In-point of fact the reference is to the late Mr. J. W. C. Clothier, of Street, near Glastonbury, in the possession of whose son, Mr. A. T. Clothier, the bird now is. Mr. Clothier has kindly permitted me to examine it and has also shown me his father's copy of Selby, in which there appears under "Night Heron" the marginal note "Shot at Street, Somerset, 1876". Compton's date is, therefore, apparently incorrect.'

Comment What a shame that the age and sex couldn't have been published.

89). 1877 Ayrshire River Irvine, Kameshill Farm, immature, shot, February.

(R. Gray, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 5: 355-360; A. Hogg, Ayrshire Bird Report 1995: 6-8; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History 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: 'About two months ago I received a letter from Mr. Oliver Eaton, Kilmarnock, in which he informed me that three years ago a young night heron was shot near that town by a young gunner, who had been in the habit of supplying him with specimens, but that having lost my address he had been prevented acquainting me sooner of the circumstance. I at once wrote to him, and begged him to forward the bird, which he has since done; and as it appears to me to possess the distinctive characters, so far as I can ascertain from the mutilated state of the specimen, of the American Night Heron (Nycticorax gardeni), I exhibit it as such to you this evening, reserving to myself, however, the alternative of pronouncing this form to be a mere variety of the Nycticorax griseus.

I may here remark that it is now ascertained that the original description of the Night Heron (Ardea gardeni) was given by Gmelin from a young example of the American bird, and not its European representative, the Nycticorax griseus of Linnaeus; and that Dr. Elliot Coues, one of the most recent, and perhaps the most scientific, writers on American ornithology, considers it a variety, the bird appearing in his Key to North American Birds as Nyctiardea grisea, var. naevia. Spencer Baird says, the American Night Heron is larger than the European, although it is right to mention that Audubon states it is subject to considerable variation in size at all seasons of the year. Prince Bonaparte holds the two to be distinct, and Wilson, in contrasting them, does not conceal the fact of the European bird being the smallest.

Another difference, however, is referred to by Bonaparte and Baird - namely, that the quill feathers of the American bird are tipped with white, which feature is not observed in the European. Wilson distinctly refers to the white spots on the tips of the quills, but from the scarcity of British killed specimens in immature plumage few have been described, and in these few descriptions no mention is made of the apical spots, except in the case of one killed in Aberdeenshire in January 1866, and referred to in the Birds of the West of Scotland (p. 282) as probably new to Britain....The specimen now on the table, which I am sorry to say is of somewhat disreputable appearance, having been much injured by mice while in Mr. Eaton's possession, was shot in February 1877, in a wood on Kameshill farm on the banks of Irvine Water. The lad who shot it states that he had seen it for some time previously haunting a mill lade at night near the same place.

This is the second 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.'

Angus Hogg (1996) in the Ayrshire Bird Report, for 1995, pp. 6-7, says: 'This specimen was provided by Oliver Eaton, a taxidermist of Irvine, and was noted in a MS. of Robert Gray's which was not published in any of the literature of the day, probably because Gray thought it was of the American race due to the white apical quill spots.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).

90). 1879 Norfolk/Suffolk Near Harleston, Mendham, Suffolk, adult male, shot, 10th May.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1880: 52; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1880: 330; Ticehurst, 1932).

History T. E. Gunn (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 52, says: 'An adult male was obtained on May 10th, 1879, in the parish of Mendham, near Harleston. A young man named Chesney, a workman at the mill, saw a curious bird towards evening fly across an adjoining field, and alight on the branches of a tree; he immediately procured a gun, and walking up to the tree shot it easily; he called it a young Hearnshaw, and afterwards gave it to Mr. Read, farmer of that parish, from whom I subsequently obtained it. It was in perfect plumage and condition, and had two long white feathers in its crest.'

Henry Stevenson (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 330, acknowledges the above. Ticehurst (1932) p. 314, says: 'An adult was shot at Mendham vicarage near Harleston (Zool., 1880, p. 52).'

Comment As you can see Gunn makes no mention of the vicarage. Harleston is in Norfolk, but Mendham vicarage is in Suffolk, the border running down the centre of the River Waveney.

91). 1879 Upper Forth Black Devon River, Alloa Park, Clackmannan, shot, 23rd May.

(Glasgow Weekly Herald 29th May, 1879; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1879: 382; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 4: 171; R. Gray, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 5: 355-360; W. Erskine, Zoologist 1885: 434; J. J. Dalgleish, Zoologist 1885: 482; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 367; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History J. E. Harting (1879) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. III. p. 382, says: 'A friend has sent me a paragraph from a Scotch paper (the Glasgow Weekly Herald of May 29th), in which it is stated that on the 23rd May last a Night Heron was shot off a tree on the banks of the Black Devon, adjoining Alloa Park Policies, by one of Lord Mar's keepers. I should be much obliged to any correspondent who may have an opportunity of learning further particulars if he will communicate them for publication in this journal. If the bird in question has been preserved it would be desirable to furnish a careful description of it, since it appears, from Mr. Robert Gray's account of the last Night Heron procured in Scotland (Birds of the West of Scotland, p. 284), that the latter was referable not to the European, but to the American form of this bird, by some considered to be specifically distinct.'

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: 'The European Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) is so rarely met with in the British Islands that ornithologists have given but a very few records of its occurrence in Scotland. I have therefore thought its appearance last year in Clackmannanshire of sufficient interest to entitle it to a short notice in our Proceedings....I am indebted to the Earl of Mar for an opportunity of submitting to the fellows of the Society for inspection the beautiful specimen now on the table. His Lordship could give no particulars as to the sex, contents of stomach, or even the precise date of the bird's occurrence.

I, however, had previously recorded in one of my note-books that the bird was shot on the 23rd May 1879, while perched on a tree on the banks of the Black Devon, adjoining Alloa Park policies, by one of his Lordship's gamekeepers. Regarding the occurrence of the European Night Heron in other parts of Scotland, I may be allowed to refer to a volume on the Birds of the West of Scotland, published in 1871. This may be regarded as the fifth recorded example during a period of about sixty years.'

J. A. Harvie-Brown (1878-80) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. IV. p. 171, says: 'A fine specimen of that rare and interesting bird the Night Heron was shot on 23rd May on a tree on the banks of the Black Devon, adjoining Alloa Park policies, by one of Lord Mar's gamekeepers.'

W. Erskine of Alloa (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 434, says: '...in this county [Clackmannanshire] on the banks of a small stream running into the Forth, not far from the town of Alloa. Not far from the same place a fine specimen of the Night Heron was obtained in May, 1879, which, I think, has not hitherto been recorded.' [The Night Heron is rare in Scotland. It is rather curious that one was shot off a tree on the banks of the Black Devon, adjoining Alloa Park Policies, by one of Lord Mar's keepers, 23rd May, 1879. - Ed.]

John J. Dalgleish of Edinburgh (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 482, says: 'The Night Heron killed in Clackmannanshire, referred to by Mr. Erskine (p. 434), is evidently the same as that recorded in The Zoologist for 1879 (p. 382), and by Mr. R. Gray, Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., Vol. V. p. 355.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 367, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record.

92). 1879 Dorset Christchurch area, Hampshire, male, obtained, 7th August.

(H. Moser, Field 16th Aug., 1879: 224; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark, 2022).

History Herbert Moser of Christchurch (1879) in The Field of 16th Aug., Vol. LIV. p. 224, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to know that a male specimen of the Night Heron (Nycticorax europaeus) was shot here on the 7th inst. It is being preserved by Mr. E. Hart.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 201) say: 'In the Hart collection is a specimen procured on August 7th, 1879.'

Clark (2022) adds that this specimen was destroyed by moth damage while at Leicester Museum.

93). 1880 East Glamorgan/Gwent Peterstone, adult female, shot, early spring.

(D. S. W. Nicholl, Zoologist 1889: 170; Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 20; Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon, 1967; Hurford & Lansdown, 1995).

History D. S. W. Nicholl of Cowbridge (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 170, says: 'Mr. Cording, taxidermist, of Cardiff, tells me that a female example of the Night Heron was shot at Peterstone, near Cardiff, in 1880.'

Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 20, says: 'An adult female in full plumage was seen in the flesh in the early spring of 1880 by Mr. Proger at the shop of the late John Cording, taxidermist, who said it had been shot at Peterstone, near Cardiff. There is no other record of its occurrence in the county.'

Hurford & Lansdown (1995) state that this may have occurred in Monmouthshire (Gwent) and therefore do not include it for East Glamorgan. Not accepted for Gwent either (Venables et al., 2008).

94). 1880 Norfolk Ranworth Broad, juvenile, shot, 21st July.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1882: 296; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 407; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1882: 371; Gurney, 1884; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 113; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 296, says: 'The last shot in Norfolk was at Ranworth on July 21st, 1880 - a young bird, indeed apparently but a few months old - and has not been recorded.'

Henry Stevenson (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 407, and (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 371, says: 'An immature specimen in the possession of Mr. Gurney Buxton was shot by Major Upcher at Ranworth, and was taken to Mr. Cole to be stuffed, on the 22nd of July, but, being then in a "forward" condition, had been killed, no doubt, some days before.'

Gurney (1884: 27) says: 'The last was shot at Ranworth, July 21st, 1880, and subsequently presented to my father by Mr. S. G. Buxton.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 196, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 113, says: '...It is twelve years since there has been a capture of the Night Heron, the two seen at Beeston being doubtful; and the last two were shot respectively on the sail of a mill [this record] and the roof of a house [1887 Weybourne].'

95). 1880 Hampshire River Avon, near Ringwood, immature male, shot, 4th August.

("T." Field 21st Aug., 1880: 320; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 220; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 348).

History "T." (1880) in The Field of 21st Aug., Vol. LVI. p. 320, says: 'A Night Heron was shot at Avon, near Ringwood, by Mr. Turner-Turner on the 4th inst., and is being preserved by Mr. Hart of Christchurch.'

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." A bird widely diffused but not often found in Britain. A young male was killed by Turner-Turner, Esq., at Avon Castle, some four miles up the river, on August, 4th, 1880.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 201) say: 'Mr. Turner exhibited one in Bournemouth in 1901, which had been killed at Avon Castle.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 348, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

96). 1880 Essex Dovercourt, immature female, shot, 29th November.

(F. Kerry, Zoologist 1881: 68; C. R. Bree, Field 23rd Apr., 1881: 546; Christy, 1890; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History F. Kerry of Harwich (1881) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. V. p. 68, says: 'A female Night Heron, now in my collection, was shot at Dovercourt, near Harwich, on the 29th November last. It is in the immature or spotted plumage, and weighed one pound eleven ounces. It has its middle claw serrated.'

C. R. Bree of Colchester (1881) in The Field of 23rd Apr., Vol. LVII. p. 546, says: 'Since writing the above Mr. Ambrose informs me...Also Mr. A. tells me that, during the last winter he has had the following sent to him for preservation, all taken in the neighbourhood: Night Heron.'

Christy (1890: 186) says: 'This bird was preserved by Mr. Ambrose of Colchester.'

97). 1880 Carmarthenshire Near Kidwelly, two, seen, one shot, undated.

(Barker, 1905; Ingram & Salmon, 1954; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Barker (1905: 12) says: 'Mr. Jeffreys tells me that a pair of these birds were seen near Kidwelly about twenty years ago, and that the cock bird was shot and stuffed, and was sold at a recent sale at the Post Office there. The hen bird escaped.'

Accepted locally (Ingram & Salmon 1954) and nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994). Since then the Welsh Ornithological Society have stated the year of occurrence as 1880.

99). 1883 Dorset Radipole Lake, obtained, May.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888;F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 187; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) says: '...Another, curiously enough, was procured forty years later, in May 1883, near the same place [Radipole Lake].' 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'.

100). 1883 Greater London Plumstead Marshes, Kent, immature male, shot, 3rd December.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1884: 2; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1884: 74; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Anon. (1884) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, p. 2, at a meeting held on 15th January 1884, says 'Mr. Sclater exhibited, on the part of Mr. Henry Whitely, an immature specimen of the Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus), which had been shot in Plumstead marshes, Kent, on the 3rd December, 1883.'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 74, says: 'At a meeting of the Zoological Society held on the 15th January last, the Secretary exhibited a specimen of the Night Heron, Nycticorax griseus, which had been shot during the previous month of December in Plumstead Marshes, Kent, see Handbook of British Birds, p. 56.'

Ticehurst (1909: 313) says: 'An immature male in the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney was shot in the Plumstead marshes on December 3rd, 1883, and was exhibited by Dr. P. L. Sclater on behalf of Mr. Henry Whitely at a meeting of the Zoological Society on January 15th, 1884 (P.Z.S., 1884, p. 2).'

Accepted locally for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

Comment Plumstead is historically in Kent but doesn't appear to be acceptable to that county.

101). Pre 1884 Surrey Bramley, killed, undated.

(Bucknill, 1900; Wheatley, 2007).

History Bucknill (1900: 209) says: 'There is a female in the Charterhouse collection, which was killed at Bramley and sent to [J. P.] Stafford by a Mr. Stilwell, a miller. No date is given, but the bird was in Stafford's possession in 1884.'

102). 1884 Argyll Loch Creran, immature female, caught, early November, now at Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow.

(J. M. Campbell, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1885: 43-44; J. M. Campbell, Zoologist 1885: 69; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; ap Rheinallt et al., 2007).

History J. M. Campbell (1885) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. XXI. pp. 43-44, says: 'On the 14th November last, a fine specimen of the Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus, L.) was presented in the flesh to the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. The bird, which was a female in immature plumage, was caught a few days before by Mr. W. Anderson Smith, of Ledaig, at Loch Creran, in Argyllshire, and was in a somewhat exhausted condition, having been probably blown out of its latitude by the severe storms prevalent at the time. The species may be considered rare in Scotland, where, since Jardine's time, there are only seven examples recorded as having been taken, this being the eighth and the first from the West Highlands of Scotland.'

J. M. Campbell of Kelvingrove Museum (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 69, undated, says: 'The Night Heron, although having a very wide distribution, may be considered rather a rare visitant to Scotland, for during the present century only some seven specimens have been recorded to have been obtained there. The individual in question (an immature female) was caught in the beginning of November last at Loch Creran, Argyllshire, by Mr. W. Anderson Smith of Ledaig. It was in an exhausted condition when taken, the result probably of the severe storms then prevalent, and lived only a few days, and on the November 14th was presented in the flesh to the Kelvingrove Museum, where it is now preserved. The species has now been proved to be identical with that found in America, from which it was (till quite recently) said to differ.'

Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1892: 118; ap Rheinallt et al. 2007).

103). 1884 Dorset Wick Ferry, Christchurch, Hampshire, immature male, 5th November.

(E. Hart, Field 20th Dec., 1884: 843; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark, 2022).

History Edward Hart of Christchurch (1884) in The Field of 20th Dec., Vol. LXIV. p. 843, says: 'I have had the pleasure of adding to my collection a young male Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) of the first year, which was shot at Wick Ferry on Nov. 5 by Stephen Martin.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 201) say: 'An immature one, November 5th, 1884 - all from the same district [Christchurch].'

Clark (2022) adds that this specimen was destroyed by moth damage while at Leicester Museum.

104). 1884 Greater London/Surrey River Thames, Molesey, Middlesex, immature, caught alive, autumn.

(Bucknill, 1900; Glegg, 1935; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History Bucknill (1900: 209) says: 'In the autumn of 1884, an immature specimen was captured alive by one Hawkes on an eyot in the Thames, near Molesey (H. Chalwin in litt.).'

Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935: 112), for Surrey (Wheatley 2007) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

105). 1885 Northamptonshire Near Fawsley, seen, autumn.

(Lord Lilford, Zoologist 1887: 249-250; Lilford, 1895).

History Lord Lilford (1887) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XI. pp. 249-250, while away at Bournemouth I received much correspondence: - 'Nov. 6th [1886]. Sir Rainald Knightley wrote to me, under this date, from Fawsley, near Daventry, as follows: - "Last year we had a Night Heron - at least it was exactly like the picture of that bird in Gould. It remained here nearly all the autumn, some two or three months, but left when the frost and snow came".'

Accepted locally (Lord Lilford 1895 (2): 122).

106). Pre 1886 Suffolk Eye, immature, shot, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Babington (1884-86: 160) says: 'An immature bird shot at Eye; in Sir E. Kerrison's Collection (W. Clarke in litt.; I have seen it).' Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 313; Piotrowski 2003).

107). 1886 Northamptonshire Near Aldwincle, adult, seen, 13th July to 6th September.

(Lord Lilford, Zoologist 1886: 468; Lilford, 1895).

History Lord Lilford of Oundle (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 468, says: '1886. July 13th. On the evening of this day an adult Night Heron, Nycticorax griseus, was clearly seen and identified by my friend last named [Lieut.-Col. Irby] on the banks of our river not far from Aldwinkle [sic]. This bird was frequently seen and reported to me by several persons worthy of credence at intervals from the above date till Sept. 6th; on this last occasion my informant, who had often seen the bird, declares that it had a companion of the same species.'

Lord Lilford (1895 (2): 122) says: 'I did not hear again of a Night Heron having been seen in Northamptonshire till July 13th, 1886, when my friend Lieut.-Col. Irby, who was then living at Wadenhoe, and had been calling at Lilford in the afternoon, sent word to me that on reaching home he was informed by Mrs. Irby (who had been boating on the river) that she had seen a curious bird, which flew for short distances from tree to tree by the riverside as the boat approached it. Colonel Irby immediately went in search, and soon discovered that the strange fowl was an adult Night Heron.

This bird was first seen at a very short distance from the spot where I slew the specimen above alluded to, but I did my best to atone for my former misdeed by issuing strict orders to prevent destruction or molestation of this one, which remained in the neighbourhood of Wadenhoe till the first week of September, and when last reported to me by the manager of Wadenhoe Mill, who had frequently seen the bird hunting the shallows of the mill "tail", was said to have had a companion of its own species.'

Comment The companion is ignored as it is not accepted on the Northants. web site.

108). 1886 Northamptonshire Near Fawsley, seen, November.

(Lord Lilford, Zoologist 1887: 249-250; Lilford, 1895).

History Lord Lilford (1887) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XI. pp. 249-250, while away at Bournemouth I received much correspondence: - 'Nov. 6th [1886]. Sir Rainald Knightley wrote to me, under this date, from Fawsley, near Daventry, as follows: - "Last year we had a Night Heron - at least it was exactly like the picture of that bird in Gould. It remained here nearly all the autumn, some two or three months, but left when the frost and snow came. But to my surprise, on my return from Scotland a few days ago, I found it (or another bird exactly like it) here again. I do not know how long it has been here, as I have been away from home for about five weeks".'

Accepted locally (Lord Lilford 1895 (2): 122).

109). Pre 1887 Wiltshire Lake, near Salisbury, killed, undated.

(Smith, 1887; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

History Smith (1887: 406) says: 'I am indebted to the Rev. E. Duke, of Lake, for information of the occurrence of a single specimen of this bird, which was killed on his property many years ago, and added to the small collection illustrative of the Fauna of the district formed by Mr. Duke's father, and still preserved at Lake House.'

Accepted locally (Wiltshire Ornithological Society 2007).

110). 1887 Norfolk Weybourne, immature, shot, 17th July.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1888: 86; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 86, says: 'One evening, about the first week of July, Mr. W. B. Monement saw a curious bird sitting on the roof of a building used as a studio in the village of Weybourne, three-quarters of a mile from the sea; it proved on being shot to be an immature Night Heron. On June 30th a pair were released by Lord Lilford at Lilford Hall, and, as the distance is not much over sixty miles, it is probable that this was one of them.'

Pashley (1925) under 'List of Cley Birds', adds: 'Young bird shot from a building on his premises at Weybourne, July 17th, 1887, by Mr. W. Bolding Monement.'

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

111). Pre 1888 Oxfordshire Bampton, adult, shot, undated.

(Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History Aplin (1889: 186) says: 'An adult bird, now preserved at a house in Bampton, was shot there by its owner's father many years ago (Rev. J. W. Bell in litt.).'

112). 1888 Ayrshire Kilmarnock, immature male, shot, autumn.

(Boyd Alexander, Field 21st Nov., 1896: 848; Scottish Naturalist 47: 14; Paton & Pike, 1929; McWilliam, 1936; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Boyd Alexander (1896) in The Field of 21st Nov., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 848, says: 'While in Kilmarnock last week I paid a visit to Mr. Eaton, the local birdstuffer. In his shop I identified an immature male Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus), shot in the neighbourhood during the autumn of 1888. According to Mr. Saunders' Manual of British Birds, the previous records of this species in Scotland amount to five - three in the south, and one each in Argyllshire and Aberdeenshire.'

Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) say: 'G. Rose, of Kilmarnock, records a specimen in The Field, 21st November 1896. In this notice he says that a Night Heron was killed in the autumn of 1888. This was in immature plumage, and was placed in the collection of birds in the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, but was destroyed when that building was burnt on 26th November 1909.'

113). 1888 Lincolnshire Tetney, immature, shot, 26th November, now at Grainsby Hall.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 1889: 33; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 15: 3; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History G. H. Caton Haigh of Grainsby Hall, Grimsby (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 33, says: 'A specimen of the Night Heron, Nycticorax griseus, in immature plumage, was shot on November 26th on the foreshore at Tetney, by one of the wild-fowlers who was engaged in plover-netting. The bird measured twenty-four inches in length; wing twelve inches. The irides were bright red, bare skin round the eyes greenish yellow, and legs and feet green, with a shade of yellow. When first flushed it only flew a short distance and settled again.'

John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1889) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 3, says: 'Dec. 3rd. Night Heron. I saw this day in the shop of Mr. Jefferies, Grimsby, an immature example of this species. Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh, to whom it belongs, informs me that it was shot near Tetney Haven on November 26th by Mr. W. Stubbs. It measured 24 inches in length; wing 12 inches. The irides were red; naked skin on face, greenish-yellow; legs, green, with a shade of yellow.'

114). Pre 1889 Northumberland Lilburn, immature, shot, undated.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 327-328) says: 'An immature specimen, which I examined at Glanton Pyke, on 29th May, 1889, I was informed by its owner, the late Mr. F. J. Collingwood, had been shot at Lilburn "many years ago", but the exact date had not been preserved.'

115). 1890 Northumberland Howick Hall, adult male, shot, 15th May.

(Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Bolam (1912: 328) says: 'An adult male, in my collection, was shot by Mr. Donald Campbell at the lake, Howick Hall, on 15th May, 1890, very near the spot at which the Squacco Heron, already referred to, was found; a place which seems to have a peculiar affinity for wandering birds, having produced Bitterns, a Little Bittern, a Kite, Rollers, and several other very rare species at different times.'

116). 1890 Suffolk Felixstowe Ferry, female, killed, 17th October.

(Ticehurst, 1932).

History Ticehurst (1932: 314) says: 'A female, Felixstowe Ferry, 17th October, 1890 (Hope Collection).'

Comment G. D. Hope.

117). 1890 Kent Milton decoy, shot, winter.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909: 313) says: 'In the collection of Mr. Edward Gascoyne, of Sittingbourne, there is a bird which was shot by Mr. Frederick Gascoyne at the old Milton decoy in the winter of 1890.'

118). 1891 Oxfordshire River Windrush, Burford, male, killed, May.

(T. Dale, Field 6th June 1891: 859; Radford, 1966).

History Thomas Dale, Taxidermist of High Street, Witney (1891) in The Field of 6th June, Vol. LXXVII. p. 859, says: 'A male Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) has been sent to me for preservation. It was killed on the Windrush near here, I believe.'

119). 1891 Dorset River Stour, Christchurch, Hampshire, female, shot, 6th November.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 201) say: 'A female was shot on the Stour, at Christchurch, on November 6th, 1891, by a river keeper.'

120). 1891 Dorset Poole Harbour, adult, shot, second week of November.

(Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 63: 106; K. B. Rooke, British Birds 43: 302; Prendergast & Boys, 1983; Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History K. B. Rooke (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 302, says: '...There is a previous record of an adult shot in Poole Harbour in the second week of November, 1891.'

121). 1891 Essex Brightlingsea, immature male, seen, 29th November to 5th December when shot.

(Essex Standard 17th Dec., 1891; F. A. Doyle, Field 19th Dec., 1891: 949; Eds., Essex Naturalist 6: 43; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History F. A. Doyle of London (1891) in The Field of 19th Dec., Vol. LXXVIII. p. 949, says: 'On Dec. 5 a young male Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) was shot outside the Furze Hill covert on the Brightlingsea Marshes, and is now in the hands of Messrs. Rowland Ward and Co. for preservation.

It had been in the neighbourhood for at least a week or ten days before it was procured. I saw it myself on the previous Sunday, and it was moderately tame, for it did not fly more than forty yards when flushed, and remained motionless while I stood watching it for about ten minutes. I take it the bird is rare, as I cannot find any trace of one having been previously shot in this county.'

[In Mr. Miller Christy's recently published Birds of Essex, the Night Heron is included on the strength of a single occurrence; an immature bird in spotted plumage having been shot at Dovercourt in November 1880. - Ed.]

W. Cole, Editor (1892) in the Essex Naturalist, Vol. VI. p. 43, says: 'We take the following from the "Essex Standard" of December 17th, 1891: - "On Sunday, November 29th, an unknown bird was seen stalking about the marshes near Brightlingsea station. On Friday, December 4th, while Mr. Bateman and Mr. Doyle were shooting over the Brightlingsea Woods, for the second time (when the totals reached 391 head, including 270 pheasants and 46 hares), this bird was again flushed, just after the last shot had been fired, nearly at dusk, and consequently not bagged. On December 5th, Mr. Doyle, with the keeper, again had a look for the stranger, and this time brought him to book. It resembled a small heron, coloured like a curlew, measuring 23 inches from tail to beak, weight about 21 ozs.

The bird was almost certainly an immaturely plumaged Night Heron, Nycticorax griseus, which Bewick describes as very rare in Great Britain; while Gould, in British Birds, says it has many times occurred in England, but hardly ever in Ireland or Scotland. Bewick says that the brown and white plumage is that of the female; while Gould, with much better information at his disposal, affirms that the full plumaged bird, both male and female, has a black crown and two long white droopers, something like quill pens, attached to the back of the head, with a white breast and vivid green back.

According to the same authority the bird does not acquire its beautiful colouring till fully two years old. The unearthly, unmusical croak it gives at night when hunting for eels or frogs gave cause for its being thought a bird of ill omen in Italy, for one of the old classic poets (the writer forgets whether Horace or some other) speaks of it as "Improbe nycticorax" the "wicked night-croaker". The bird has been sent to Mr. Ward, of Piccadilly, for preservation. According to Christy's Birds of Essex, the Night Heron has occurred but once in Essex, at Dovercourt, on November 29th, 1880. We shall be glad to have further particulars of the Brightlingsea bird.'

Comment Rowland Ward Ltd. of London were taxidermists' of the highest repute.

122). 1892 Sussex Heathfield, obtained, 15th September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 343) says: 'On September 15th, 1892, a Night Heron "died" at Heathfield (B. Bates in litt.).'

123). 1895 Sussex Ratton, near Eastbourne, obtained, autumn.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 343) says: 'In the autumn of 1895 one at Ratton, near Eastbourne (B. Bates in litt.).'

124). 1896 Outer Hebrides North Bay, Barra, immature male, shot, 12th October.

(C. V. A. Peel, Field 31st Oct., 1896: 693; C. V. A. Peel, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 43; J. MacRury, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1898: 75; Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 204; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Cunningham, 1983).

History C. V. A. Peel (1896) in The Field of 31st Oct., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 693, says: 'I killed an immature male Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) on the east coast of the Island of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, after a heavy gale from the N.E. on Oct. 12. Is not this a very rare occurrence so far north? Mr. Saunders mentions five occurrences only in Scotland - three in the south, and one each in Argyllshire and Aberdeenshire.'

C. V. A. Peel (1897) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 43, says: 'I shot a 'Night Heron' (Nycticorax griseus) on the east coast of the island of Barra on 12th October, after a snowstorm and gale on the 11th. It rose from some sea-weed-covered rocks which had just been uncovered by the tide. It was submitted in the flesh to Mr. Eagle Clarke for inspection, and he confirms my opinion that it is an immature bird. By dissection it proved to be a male.'

John MacRury (1898) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VII. p. 75, adds: '...shot at Northbay.'

J. A. Harvie-Brown (1902) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XI. p. 204, says: 'I have a letter from the gentleman who shot it. He says: "I secured a specimen of this rare visitor in Benbecula on October 12, 1896, after a gale from the south. It was an immature male".'

Comment Benbecula is quite a distance from Barra, but presumably they are talking about the same specimen. Harvie-Brown is the first person to state Benbecula, while North Bay is on Barra.

125). 1897 Devon Near Countess Wear, adult male, shot, June.

(W. S. M. D'Urban, Knowledge 20: 257; D'Urban, 1905; Moore, 1969).

History W. S. M. D'Urban of Newport House, Exeter (1897) in Knowledge, Vol. XX. p. 257, says: 'A very fine adult male Night Heron was, I regret to say, shot in the marshes at Countess Weir in June last. In August I saw a bird flying over our marsh (which is about a mile below Countess Weir), very like a small heron, but with a more rapid and hurried flight. Perhaps, it was the survivor of a pair of Night Herons which might have bred if they had been undisturbed. This is the first known instance of the occurrence of this beautiful heron on the Exe.'

W. S. M. D'Urban (1905 (1): 315) in the Victoria County History of Devon, says 'An adult male was shot near Countess Wear in June 1897.' Accepted locally (Moore 1969).

126). 1899 Devon Near Kingsbridge, male, killed, April.

(D'Urban, 1905; Moore, 1969).

History W. S. M. D'Urban (1905 (1): 315) in the Victoria County History of Devon, says: 'The last specimen that has occurred was a very fine male with four plumes, shot near Kingsbridge in April 1899.' Accepted locally (Moore 1969).

127). 1899 Buckinghamshire Taplow, seen, mid-August, photo.

(H. Rae-Reid, Field 26th Aug., 1899: 394; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

History H. Rae-Reid of Taplow (1899) in The Field of 26th Aug., Vol. XCIV. p. 394, says: 'For the last three or four days I have had here what I believe to be rather a rare visitor, namely a Night Heron (Ardea nycticorax) which seems to have made itself quite at home. During a residence here of twenty-seven years I have never seen one before, although, now that my ponds are low, the common Heron is almost a daily visitor. The newly arrived bird does not seem particularly shy, and I was able to photograph it with a Kodak camera from a distance of about twenty yards.'

128). 1899 Norfolk Near Rollesby Bridge, adult, shot, 8th November, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.71).

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 113; Patterson, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 348; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930; Watson, 2010).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 113, says: 'November 8th. S. A gamekeeper named Platten, about six o'clock in the evening, shot a large bird which he noticed pass twice under the arch of Rollesby Bridge, where there is a small stream about four inches deep. When taken to Mr. Connop it proved to be an adult Night Heron without any occipital plumes, and in somewhat rusty plumage, and was no doubt after fish. It is supposed to have been seen for some days on the broad when shot. Curiously enough, Nov. 8th is exactly the same day on which one was shot at Caister in 1860. It is twelve years since there has been a capture of the Night Heron, the two seen at Beeston being doubtful; and the last two were shot respectively on the sail of a mill and the roof of a house.'

Patterson (1905) says: 'I observed this one at Rollesby Bridge, on November 8th, 1899. Its flowing crest gave the bird an exceedingly beautiful and graceful appearance.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 348, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899.'

Pashley (1925) under 'List of Cley Birds', says: 'Received another on November 8th, 1899, which was shot at Rollesby (Now in the Connop collection).'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen from Rollesby Bridge, Norfolk, obtained on 8th October 1899 [sic], without any further information.

129). 1900 Cumbria Cargo-on-Eden, immature female, shot, 21st October, now at Tullie House Museum, Carlisle.

(Macpherson, 1901; T. L. Johnston, Naturalist 30: 92; E. B. Dunlop, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 3: 15; Eds., British Birds 18: 175).

History Macpherson (1901 (1): 196) in the Victoria County History of Cumberland, says: 'A fourth example, in the plumage of the first year, was shot by Thomas Davidson of Cargo, in a field adjoining his garden, October 21st, 1900.'

T. L. Johnston of Carlisle (1904) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXX. p. 92, says: '...This is the second example of this species which has occurred near Carlisle during the last three years. Both birds are now in the City Museum at Tullie House.'

Eric B. Dunlop (1923) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. III. p. 15, says: '...Another was obtained on the Eden, and, curiously enough, close to the same place [Grindale Island], three years previously [1903]. Both were females.'

In an Editorial (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 175, in a Review of 'Lakeland Ornithology, 1892-1913', by Eric B. Dunlop, they say: 'Two Night Herons were obtained on the Eden, one on December 10th, 1903, and one three years previously.'

130). 1903 Cumbria River Eden, Grinsdale, immature female, picked up dead, 10th December, now at Tullie House Museum, Carlisle.

(T. L. Johnston, Naturalist 30: 92; E. B. Dunlop, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 3: 15; Eds., British Birds 18: 175).

History T. L. Johnston of Carlisle (1904) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXX. p. 92, says: 'A fine immature female Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) was found dead on Grinsdale Island, near Carlisle, on 10th December 1903. This is the second example of this species which has occurred near Carlisle during the last three years. Both birds are now in the City Museum at Tullie House.'

Eric B. Dunlop (1923) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. III. p. 15, says: 'On December 10th, 1903, an immature female Night Heron was found dead on the Island at Grindale, by Mr. Jackson, of Newtown. Mr. Jackson stated that he saw what he thought was the same bird about the same place nearly three weeks previously, and went down in the hope of seeing it again. Another was obtained on the Eden, and, curiously enough, close to the same place, three years previously. Both were females.'

In an Editorial (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 175, in a Review of Lakeland Ornithology, 1892-1913, by Eric B. Dunlop, they say: 'Two Night Herons were obtained on the Eden, one on December 10th, 1903, and one three years previously.'

131). 1911 Hampshire New Milton, seen, mid-May to 14th July.

(R. E. Coles, British Birds 5: 113-114; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History R. Edward Coles (1912) in British Birds, Vol. V. pp. 113-114, says: 'Early in July, 1911, I was told of a Heron-like bird having been seen, since about the middle of May, at a small lake near New Milton, Hampshire. On July 14th I saw the bird, through the trees at first, and took it at once to be a Heron of small size, and afterwards, while it was flying round at varying heights, sometimes as near to me as twenty-five yards and for a period of five minutes, I felt sure I identified it correctly as the Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus). I felt further confirmed in my opinion by reference to the works of Lilford, Saunders, Seebohm, and Harting, and after a careful examination of the species in Hart's Museum, Christchurch.

The flight was very buoyant and noiseless, the broad wings flapping steadily, head carried back almost between the shoulders, and legs extended straight out beneath the tail. At times I used a glass in observing, but with difficulty, as the sunlight was so strong and the bird often too near me. I could not detect any trace of immature plumage, the underparts were very light grey, and as far as it was possible to judge, the bird was fully adult. Only when it first rose from the bank, had I a chance of seeing the plumage of the upper-parts. This appeared uniformly grey, darker on the middle of the back, which points to the bird being a female: the greenish-black saddle mark on the male being very conspicuous. The size agreed well with the measurements given by Saunders.

Of course it is possible that this Heron might be an 'escape', but I do not think so, as I know of nobody in this immediate neighbourhood likely to have Herons in captivity; besides this bird was in a fine state of plumage, and its flight was powerful and well sustained. I unfortunately did not hear the bird call, but my friend the Rev. R. L. Hodgson, who lives in a house in the wood adjoining the pond, several times heard it calling at dusk. In the case of recording the occurrence of rare or uncommon visitors, nothing short of actually handling the bird is really satisfactory, still the information given above may be thought worthy of noting.'

132). 1911 Yorkshire Ruswarp Carrs, near Whitby, immature female, shot, 26th October.

(T. Stephenson, Field 11th Nov., 1911: 1081; T. Stephenson, Naturalist 37: 425; Eds., British Birds 5: 203; Eds., British Birds 5: 229; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 282; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History T. Stephenson of Whitby (1911) in The Field of 11th Nov., Vol. CXVIII. p. 1081, says: 'An immature male Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) was shot on the banks of the River Esk, about two miles from Whitby, on Oct. 26. It is exactly fifty years since the last recorded occurrence of this species in this district, when an adult bird was shot in autumn about a mile higher up the river.'

[Our correspondent has overlooked a more recent record than one in 1861 to which he refers. In May, 1870, a Night Heron was obtained at Kirkby Misporton, near Malton, and is preserved in Scarborough Museum, as mentioned in Nelson's Birds of Yorkshire, 1907, Vol. II. p. 396. - Ed.]

T. Stephenson of Whitby (1911) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 425, dated 7th November, 1911, says: 'An immature female Night Heron was shot on Ruswarp Carrs, near Whitby, on October 26th. 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.'

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 203, they say: 'Mr. T. Stephenson records in The Field (11.XI.1911, p. 1081) that an immature male Nycticorax griseus, was shot on the banks of the Esk near Whitby on October 26th, 1911.'

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 229, recording it again, say: 'Mr. T. Stephenson records (Nat., 1911, p. 425) that an immature female Nycticorax griseus was shot on Ruswarp Carrs near Whitby on October 26th, 1911.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 282, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'One shot, near Whitby (Yorkshire), October 26th.'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 173; Mather 1986).

133). 1912 Shropshire River Severn, Atcham, adult, obtained, early May.

(H. E. Forrest, British Birds 6: 123; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 179; Smith et al., 2019).

History H. E. Forrest (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 123, says: 'I lately examined an adult example of the Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) which had been obtained early in May, 1912, on the Severn, near Shrewsbury. The species is very rare in the western midlands; the only previous occurrence in Shropshire being an immature bird shot at Wroxeter about 1836.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 179, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One shot, near Shrewsbury, early in May.'

Smith et al. (2019) state the locality as Atcham and that the mounted specimen was displayed at Belswardyne Hall, Cressage in their Billiard Room, where it was seen by the Caradoc and Severn Valley Field Club on a visit 22nd May 1912.

134). 1912 Somerset Bathpool, obtained, 12th June.

(J. Turner, Proceedings of the Somersetshire Archaeological & Natural History Society 1913; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History Accepted locally (Somerset Ornithological Society 1988) and by Ballance (2006) who adds: 'Bathpool, 12 June 1912 (Turner 1913 - this may be the same as a bird in the Sanford Collection, which is still in the Taunton Museum).'

135). 1912 Devon Newton St Cyres, male, shot, 25th June, now at Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

(Moore, 1969).

History Moore (1969: 54) says: 'D'Urban's MS. states that a male presented to the Exeter Museum was shot at Newton St Cyres on 25th June 1912.'

136). 1912 Cheshire & Wirral Marbury Mere, adult, seen, 31st July, remains found, 3rd November, now at Warrington Museum.

(J. Moore, British Birds 6: 156; T. A. Coward, British Birds 6: 223-224; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 276; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History J. Moore (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 156, says: 'On July 31st, 1912, I saw an adult Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) at Marbury Mere, near Northwich. The bird, when I first noticed it, was standing on a dead branch overhanging the water, on a small evergreen-covered island close to the edge of the mere, and its yellow legs and greyish white breast and under-parts showed up very conspicuously against the dark background formed by the evergreens. I distinctly saw the white forehead and eye-stripe, but as the bird was facing me I was unable to see any plumes, nor could I discern any when I afterwards saw the bird for a few seconds on the wing. When disturbed, it flew round a short distance, disappearing among some trees bordering the mere, and I had not time to search further for it. When on the wing, however, the black of the top of the head and the back, and the grey wings and tail, left no doubt as to the species. I did not hear the bird utter any note.'

T. A. Coward (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. pp. 223-224, says: 'Mr. J. Moore recorded (antea, p. 156) a Night-Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) at Marbury Mere, near Northwich, on July 31st, 1912. I visited the spot immediately afterwards, but failed to find trace of the bird and concluded that it had left. I can now, however, confirm the identification (if that be necessary) for the decomposed remains of a Night Heron - presumably the one seen by Mr. Moore - were discovered in a reed-bed by the mere by Mr. John Hindley, the gamekeeper, on November 3rd. The skull and sternum are intact, but the feet are missing, possibly having been shot away by some gunner, who wounded but lost the bird. Many of the ash-grey flight-feathers are still attached to the wing-bones, and some of the dark feathers of the back remain; these, the skull, and the measurements of the culmen and wing, enabled me to recognize the species. The remains are now preserved in spirits in the Warrington Museum.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 276, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One seen, Marbury Mere (Cheshire), July 31st.'

Accepted locally (Hedley Bell 1962).

137). 1912 Herefordshire Wilton Bridge, Ross-on-Wye, undated.

(Transactions of the Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club 1912: 47; Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).

History Gilbert & Walker (1954: 36) say: 'One found above Wilton Bridge, Ross [-on-Wye], (Woolhope Club Transactions 1912: 47).'

138). 1913 Northumberland River Coquet, near Warkworth, shot, February.

(E. L. Gill, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne 4 (new ser.): 252; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History E. L. Gill (1909-13) in the new series of the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Vol. IV. p. 252, says: 'In March, 19 13, a Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus) was shown to us at the museum by Mr. Wallace, jun., of Churchill Villa, Warkworth, who had shot it by the Coquet just above Warkworth in the preceding month. It had been seen about the same place for at least a fortnight.'

Accepted locally (Bolam 1932; Galloway & Meek 1978-83).

139). 1914 Suffolk Sudbourne, adult female, obtained, 13th April.

(Ticehurst, 1932; Payn, 1978).

History Ticehurst (1932) p. 314, says: 'A female shot by the keeper at Sudbourne on 13th April, 1914 (Ogilvie Collection).'

140). 1914 Shropshire River Severn, Attingham, seen, 1st June.

(H. E. Forrest, British Birds 8: 100; Smith et al., 2019).

History H. E. Forrest (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 100, says: 'I recorded in British Birds, VI., p. 122, a Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) shot on the Severn below Shrewsbury in May, 1912. On June 1st, 1914, Cartwright, the keeper, who shot the bird in question, and who is a reliable observer, well acquainted with waterfowl, saw another on the same stretch of the river. He recognised it before it came into view by its harsh note, and the bird passed quite close over his head in its flight down stream, giving him an excellent view, so that he was able to identify it beyond a doubt. He could easily have shot it if he had wished to do so. Besides these two birds only one prior example has been recorded in Shropshire by Eyton in 1836, so it is somewhat remarkable that all three occurrences were on the same stretch of river within a mile or so. It is close to Uriconium, the buried Roman city, now in course of excavation.'

Smith et al. (2019) state the locality as Attingham and that it was seen by the same gamekeeper who obtained the 1912 Shropshire specimen.

141). 1916 Norfolk Near Norwich, adult, seen, 17th April.

(A. L. Butler, British Birds 12: 238; Riviere, 1930).

History A. L. Butler (1919) in British Birds, Vol. XII. p. 238, says: 'It may be worth recording that on April 17th, 1916, I put up a Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) on some marshes just outside Norwich. It was in adult plumage, and rose from the edge of a dyke so close to me that the long white crest feathers were easily seen. After circling round for a few minutes it settled on the top of a tree about 100 yards from me, where I left it sitting.'

Accepted locally (Riviere 1930).

142). 1918 Devon Whitford Bridge, River Axe, near Seaton, immature, killed, 5th November.

(L. R. W. Loyd, British Birds 12: 238; Moore, 1969).

History Lewis R. W. Loyd (1919) in British Birds, Vol. XII. p. 238, says: 'Mr. J. W. Mayo, of Seaton (Devon), informs me that a Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) was killed by Lieut. Price when shooting with him on November 5th, 1918, by the side of a wet ditch a few fields above Whitford Bridge, near Seaton. The bird is being set up by Mr. [Charles] Yeoman, of Southampton, by whom, as well as by Mr. Mayo, it was identified. Mr. Mayo does not yet know the sex of the bird, which is an immature one.'

Accepted locally (Moore 1969).

143). 1919 Suffolk Flatford, immature, shot, winged and caught alive, 4th January.

(W. B. Nichols, British Birds 12: 210; Ticehurst, 1932; Payn, 1978).

History W. B. Nichols (1919) in British Birds, Vol. XII. p. 210, says: 'On January 4th, 1919, a Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) in spotted plumage, was captured alive after being shot at and winged by Mr. Richardson near Flatford, on the Suffolk bank of the Stour. I saw it on the 8th, when its captor told me, "It cackled like a whole farmyard, and I had no need to go for it, as it came for me and jumped at me nearly as high as my middle". I hope it may recover from its wound, as it did not appear to have sustained much damage.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932; Payn 1978).

144). 1919 Cornwall Tregordon Marsh, Egloshayle, seen, May; possibly same, near Stratton, shot, 10th May, now at Truro Museum.

(Anon., Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 20: 434; B. H. Ryves & G. H. Harvey, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1932: 46; Eds., British Birds 38: 20; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Anon. (1919) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XX. p. 434, at the Annual Meeting held on 9th December, 1919, says: 'A specimen of the Night Heron, a very rare bird in Cornwall, was taken this year near Stratton and has since been presented by Mr. J. H. Barton.'

B. H. Ryves & G. H. Harvey (1932) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. II. p. 46, under 'Appendix 3. Some rare birds of the Camel', say: 'Night Heron. One seen several times for about a week in May 1919, in Tregordon-Penpont marsh.'

Ryves (1948: 198) says: 'One was seen several times in the marshes above the Camel Estuary, in May, 1919.'

Penhallurick (1969: 62) adds: 'One at Tregorden Marsh, Egloshayle for about a week in May was perhaps the bird taken near Stratton on 10th May and presented to Truro Museum.'

Comment These two places are about 30 miles apart.

145). 1919 Anglesey Rhosneigr, adult, shot, 31st May.

(T. A. Coward, British Birds 13: 58-59; Jones & Whalley, 2004).

History T. A. Coward (1919) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. pp. 58-59, says: 'An adult Night Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) was shot by a farmer at Rhosneigr, Anglesey, on May 31st, 1919. I received the bird, sent for identification, on June 3rd, but owing to its decomposed state could not ascertain the sex nor the colour of the irides. Certain points of its colouration seemed to me to differ from the descriptions I have consulted. The crown, back and scapulars are usually described as black with bottle-green reflections, but they seemed to me to lie between Ridgway's "plumbeous" and "blackish slate", with distinctly indigo sheen. The upper mandible was blackish-slate; the lower blackish at the tip, reddish at the base. The lores and skin round the eye were dark green. Allowing for a certain amount of deepening of colour, it is difficult to reconcile this with the various descriptions given, most of which were probably taken from dry skins. These are: "dark slate-grey" (Seebohm); "pale green" (Sharpe and Pycraft); "yellowish-green" (Dresser); "lead-colour" (Saunders); "bluish-grey" (Saunders in Yarrell). The legs and feet were ochre-yellow, the claws black. There were two and only two white nuchal plumes. The total length was about 22 in. Wing, 285 mm. Culmen, 68 mm. Tarsus, 80 mm. Forrest (Fauna of North Wales, p. 257) mentions Eyton's undated Anglesey record, and a report without details for Flint.'

Still accepted locally (Hope Jones & Whalley 2004: 149).

146). 1919 Pembrokeshire Cleddau Estuary, near Pembroke, shot, 14th November, now at National Museum of Wales, Cardiff (Z.1932.517.003).

(Lockley, 1949; P. Howlett E-mail).

History Lockley (1949: 53) says: 'A male shot near Pembroke, 14th November, 1919, formed part of Dr. Mills collection which is now in the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.'

Peter Howlett (E-mail) Curator of the National Museum of Wales, adds that the locality was the Cleddau Estuary, and the specimen is in a case [2003], Accession No. (Z.1932.517.003).

147). 1922 Oxfordshire Pusey, near Faringdon, Berkshire, immature male, shot, 22nd February.

(F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 16: 286; Radford, 1966).

History F. C. R. Jourdain (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 286, says: 'An immature Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), which had been seen about the place for some days previously, was shot by a keeper at Pusey, near Faringdon, Berkshire, on February 22nd, 1922. Recently I had an opportunity of examining it, as it is still in the taxidermist's hands, and found it to be the streaked brown plumage of immaturity.'

148). 1925 Norfolk Wroxham Broad, adult, seen, 22nd May.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 19: 243; Riviere, 1930).

History B. B. Riviere (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 243, in the Norfolk Annual Report, 1925, says: 'On May 22nd an adult Night Heron was seen by three reliable observers on Wroxham Broad. It flew up from a reed-bed and perched in an alder tree beside the Broad, where it allowed a close approach, and from the description which was given me of its small size, its black mantle, yellow legs and the long white streamers from the nape, there can, I think, be no doubt whatever as to its identification.'

149). 1925 Isles of Scilly Tresco, October.

(Tresco Abbey Records; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Penhallurick (1969: 62) says: '1925, one at Scilly - presumably Tresco - in October (Abbey Records).'

150). 1926 Clyde Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, immature, early November to 13th December.

(J. Paterson, Scottish Naturalist 47: 14; Eds., British Birds 21: 21; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 47: 136; McWilliam, 1936; Thom, 1986).

History John Paterson of Glasgow (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 14, says: 'Glasgow has been favoured with a visit of an immature Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) which was first discovered in early in November, at a time of boisterous weather, on a tree on the steep sloping bank of the Kelvin, in the Botanic Gardens.

The discoverer, Mr. Brown, at the time did not know what it was. Mr. W. Hunter sent a description of its appearance to The Glasgow Herald, and Mr. George Rose, basing his opinion on this notice, suggested that it was a Night Heron in immature plumage, with which view Mr. Hunter then concurred. With Mr. Nicol Hopkins, and in the company of Mr. Brown, I had the pleasure, on 8th December, of seeing it perched on a tree branch 30 feet from the ground, but, by ascending the bank behind the tree, we got nearly on a level with it and examined it with Goerz and Ross glasses.

It was resting on one leg with its head drawn back and its feathers bunched out and, with its crow-like head and moderately long and slightly decurved bill, it made a notable silhouette. Its brown plumage with large dull white spots on the wing-coverts and wing-feathers, and the other features in its appearance just detailed, made it a bird easy to identify.

It was still to be seen on 13th December, as Mr. Alex. Ross tells me, but he failed to find it on the day following when the conditions were much more favourable for observation.

It is a new species to this district 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. The other was an immature bird, shot in the autumn of 1888, and recorded in The Field, 1896, p. 848, by Boyd Alexander.'

In an Editorial (1927) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 21, they say: 'Mr. J. Paterson records (Scot. Nat., 1927, p. 14) that an immature Nycticorax nycticorax frequented the Botanic Gardens at Glasgow from early November to the middle of December, 1926.'

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 136, in the annual report.

151). 1928 Cornwall/Devon Near Greystone Bridge, River Tamar, three, seen, June and July.

(W. Walmesley White, H. H. Hurrell & V. C. Wynne-Edwards, First Report of the Devon Bird Watching & Preservation Society 1928: 414; Moore, 1969).

History W. Walmesley White, H. H. Hurrell & V. C. Wynne-Edwards (1928) in the First Report of the Devon Bird Watching & Preservation Society, p. 414, say: 'Three seen on four or five occasions between Greystone Bridge and Polson Bridge, June and July, 1928. L.M.'

154). 1931 Derbyshire River Dove, between Norbury and Calwich Abbey, adult, obtained, 13th June.

(Frost, 1978).

History Frost (1978: 57) says: 'An adult was obtained on the Derbyshire side of the River Dove between Norbury and Calwich Abbey on 13th June 1931.'

155). 1934 Oxfordshire Near Deddington, adult male, shot, 29th September.

(B. W. Tucker & W. B. Alexander, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1934: 27; Eds., British Birds 30: 55; Radford, 1966).

History B. W. Tucker & W. B. Alexander (1934) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 27, say: 'An adult male in very good condition was shot near Deddington on Sept. 29. It had only three white plumes, seven or eight inches long. The species has not been recorded in the county since 1891 (O.V.A.).'

In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 55, in a Review of the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, 1934, they say: 'An adult Night-Heron was shot near Deddington (Oxon) on September 29th.' It was accepted locally (Radford 1966).

156). 1944 Isles of Scilly Tresco, seen, 6th May.

(B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1944: 45; Eds., British Birds 38: 358; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick (1944) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 45, say: 'The following records of very exceptional interest come from Major Dorrien Smith: - Night Heron. One on May 6th.'

In an Editorial (1944-45) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 358, they appear to accept this record in a Review of the Annual Report.

157). c. 1946 Cornwall Menadarva, Camborne, found shot, undated.

(Penhallurick, 1969).

History Penhallurick (1969: 62) says: 'c. 1946, one found shot at Menadarva, Camborne (Turk, in litt.).'

Comment Not published in the Bird Reports of the day.

158). 1946 Essex Abberton Reservoir, adult, April.

(Essex Naturalist 28: 38; G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1953: 8; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984; Wood 2007).

159). 1947 Kent Near Brookland, Romney Marsh, adult male, 11th May.

(M. E. A. Foote, British Birds 41: 24; Harrison, 1953).

History Madeline E. A. Foote (1948) in British Birds 41: 24, says: 'On May 11th, 1947, I identified a Night-Heron (Nycticorax n. nycticorax) near Brookland, Romney Marsh, Kent. The bird was viewed through binoculars from a car at a range of about fifty yards, and I was able to compare it on the spot with the coloured plate in Coward's 'Birds of the British Isles.' At first sight it appeared to be a small white heron with a dark back and I described it to friends who were with me at the time as having a dark blue back and whitish underparts, with a very clear, narrow white line down the middle of its back. This was later seen to be the long white plume from the crown.'

160). 1949 Dorset River Frome, Wareham, adult, 8th November.

(K. B. Rooke, British Birds 43: 302; K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 71: 155; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History K. B. Rooke (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 302, says: 'At about 8.15 on November 8th, 1949, an adult Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) was seen in a meadow beside the River Frome at Wareham, Dorset, by Mr. Edward Clark and Mr. Emery. The former has kindly sent me a full description of the bird, which he watched for some time through binoculars at fifty yards range. Standing motionless in the grass, its neck short and thick, and bill pointed upwards at an angle of 45 degrees, it looked not unlike a Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) in shape and size. Its colouring was distinctive: - crown, mantle and scapulars black, with a bronze or green sheen in the sunlight; the long nape plumes just off white; under-parts "a very light putty colour", almost white in the centre of the breast. The grey of the closed wings was an inconspicuous band between the contrasting colours of back and under-parts, when a Common Heron (Ardea cinerea) flew towards it, as if to attack, the Night-Heron turned to face it and, when the oncoming bird was within twenty yards, "crouched very low with its head and neck on the ground", allowing the attacker to pass just overhead before itself flying off to a reed-bed near by. As it flew directly away from the observer, no details of plumage were visible, but the wings looked short and rounded, the beat rather faster and the flight more direct than usual with the Common Heron. There is a previous record of an adult shot in Poole Harbour in the second week of November, 1891.'

K. B. Rooke (1950) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXI. p. 155, in the Annual Report for 1949, says: 'An adult, first seen by Mr. Emery, was watched at 50 yards range in a meadow by the R. Frome, Wareham, Nov. 8th, about 8.15 a.m. It stood motionless in the grass for some time, looking not unlike a Bittern in shape and size, with short, thick neck, and bill pointed upwards at 45 degrees. Through binoculars its colouring was distinctive: - crown, mantle and scapulars black, with bronze or green sheen in sunlight; long nape plumes just off-white; underparts a very light putty colour, almost white in centre of breast; the grey of the closed wings was an inconspicuous band between contrasting shades of back and underparts. In flight, directly away from the observer, no colours visible, but the wings looked short and rounded, the beat rather faster and the flight more direct than usual with the Common Heron, one of which attacked the Night Heron just before it flew (E.C.). There is a previous record of an adult shot in Poole Harbour in the same week of November, 1891 (Proceedings, Vol. LXIII. p. 106).'

Comment Edward Clark of Clayesmore School Natural History Society.

1950-57 RECORDS

161). 1950 Cornwall Carne Creek, near Helford, c. 19th March.

(B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1950: 20; Eds., British Birds 45: 140; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1950) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XX. p. 20, say: 'March 16th, at Carne Creek, I saw this bird only once, early in the morning, but a neighbour saw it several times during March, on his way to milking at about 6.45 a.m. The white plumes were most noticeable. Mrs. S. J. White.'

162). 1950 Cornwall Marazion, 23rd May.

(B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1950: 20; Eds., British Birds 45: 140; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1950) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XX. p. 20, say: 'May 23rd, one at Marazion Marsh. I had close views. After a time it rose and flew around, fairly high, for about half an hour, uttering a harsh call from time to time. Then it planed down on a long slant and alighted close to me again. G. H. Harvey.'

163). 1950 Gloucestershire New Grounds, Slimbridge, adult, 4th September.

(H. H. Davis, Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society 28: 177-192; Eds., British Birds 45: 109; Swaine, 1982).

History H. H. Davis (1951) in the Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXVIII. pp. 183-184, say: 'An adult flying low over Severn Wildfowl Trust enclosures, New Grounds, Sept. 4, was recognised by its small size; its retracted head, giving short-necked appearance and making black of crown merge with black on back; and its white under-parts, as compared with grey coloration of wings (P.S., H.J.B.). Subsequently seen twice on the ground (once at 30 yds. range) by F. R. H. Brain and E. J. B. Langhorne, who found that the white under-parts and markedly yellow legs attracted particular attention. First record for the district, and the first Gloucestershire record for many years.'

164). 1951 Cleveland/Yorkshire Yarm, adult, 7th to 13th May.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 77: 80; Mather, 1986; Blick, 2009).

History R. Chislett (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 80, recording the record in square-brackets, says: 'Mr. R. Scrope described a bird in his grounds at Yarm for about a week up to May 13th. It was about two-thirds of the size of the Common Heron, stouter build, shorter legs, darker mantle, and appeared to have light underparts and quicker wing-beats. It perched in trees for most of the day and seemed to feed in the evenings. Unfortunately Mr. Scrope was then absent for a fortnight during which the bird disappeared (J. P. Uttley). Although a more detailed description was desirable it is difficult to imagine what other species the bird could have been.'

Mather (1986) says: 'Mr. R. Scrope of Yarm described to Ralph Chislett a bird which spent a week in his grounds up to 13th May 1951. The published details were quite satisfactory. It spent most of it the daytime perched in trees and became active in the evenings to feed.'

Accepted locally for Cleveland (Blick 2009) and for Yorkshire (Mather 1986).

Comment Mather who has served on BBRC accepted the record.

165). 1952 Cambridgeshire Milton Fen, 19th April.

(I. C. T. Nisbet & A. E. Vine, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1952: 6; Eds., British Birds 47: 318; Bircham, 1989).

History I. C. T. Nisbet & A. E. Vine (1952) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 6, say: 'One on Milton Fen on Apr. 19th (G.M.S.E.). The bird was seen at extremely close range, both on the ground and in flight, and a full description and very characteristic field-sketches have been submitted, which leave no doubt as to the identification.'

166). 1952 Norfolk Holt Hall Woods, 22nd to 25th July.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1952: 19; Eds., British Birds 47: 281).

History Anon. (1952) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 19, says: 'One reported on 22nd July in Holt Hall Woods by Mr. Parling, the keeper. On 25th July W. F. Bishop had a brief view of it and was convinced of its identity.'

167). 1953 Lancashire & North Merseyside Caton, adult, intermittently, 27th July to late October.

(J. A. G. Barnes, British Birds 47: 352).

History J. A. G. Barnes (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 352, says: 'On July 31st, 1953, I received a message from Commander and Mrs. Townsend of Caton, near Lancaster, that they had on the pool at the foot of their garden what they concluded must be an adult Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). The same evening I had excellent views of the bird in flight and perched in willows and alders, and had no difficulty in confirming their identification. The following evening I again saw the bird well with Canon G. A. K. Hervey, and it was subsequently watched by Major J. W. Cropper and others. It had apparently frequented this pool, a shallow artificial lake measuring perhaps 60 yards by 20 and almost surrounded by trees, for the previous four days, and it remained there until some time in the middle of August, after which it was not seen except for one day in late October when it made a brief reappearance. The bird was shy and unapproachable, and there seems to be no doubt that it was a genuine wild vagrant. C. Oakes in his Birds of Lancashire (1953) admits one previous record of the species for the county, an adult shot near Blackpool in 1853.'

[We have received a full description of this bird. - Eds.]

168). 1954 Devon River Avon, near Loddiswell, 27th March to 4th May.

(D. R. Edgcombe, British Birds 47: 353; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 8; Moore, 1969).

History D. R. Edgcombe (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 353, says: 'On March 27th, 1954, I saw a Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) by the River Avon below Loddiswell, S. Devon. It rose from the edge of the river and flew low upstream, settling about 100 yards away where I was able to approach quite close to it. In that area I watched it for most of the afternoon and then again later in the evening until dusk. It could not be found on the following day, but on April 11th, which was the next occasion on which I was able to visit that part of the river, I flushed it from the same place as before. After that it was seen regularly up to April 29th by myself and numerous other observers including Mr. H. G. Hurrell who filmed it. The bird ranged up and down a stretch of river some 2½ miles long, but its favourite spot was where a stream from some sewage tanks entered the river. It was last seen by Mr. Montgomerie on May 4th.

On April 16th, with Mr. O. D. Hunt and two friends, I saw the bird catch an eel about a foot to eighteen inches long, but after much beating it eventually had to drop it. On April 25th Mr. R. G. Adams, Miss S. Vere Benson and I watched it catch a trout 6-7 inches long and swallow it with ease. From the detailed description obtained of this bird it is evident that it was changing from first winter into first summer plumage.'

[A copy of the full description has been sent to us and will remain in our files. - Eds.]

M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 8, says: 'Loddiswell, March 27, one first seen, in plumage changing from first-winter into first-summer, a small heron-like bird, much smaller than a Common Heron with rather humped appearance, large bill and yellow feet; crown, nape and mantle grey-brown, wings grey-brown with off-white spots, primaries darker; throat, breast and belly dull grey-white streaked grey-brown; undertail coverts white, blue-grey bill, upper mandible slightly longer than lower and down curved, lores and around eyes, bluish, iris crimson (D.R.E.). The bird was watched regularly by D.R.E. from 11 to 29 April, and was seen by numerous observers...'

169). 1955 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, immature male, 24th April; same, Tresco, 25th to 28th April; same, St Mary's, late April and for about a month after when shot.

(B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 36; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1955) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 36, say: 'April 24th. Seen on St. Mary's by Mr. & Mrs. Hayes. Later on Tresco where it was seen until 28th. It was a young male, we all saw it very close. Mrs. E. Dorrien Smith. Presumably the same bird was seen "on and off for a month" on St. Mary's, by R. Symons.'

170). 1955 Kent Angley Lake, Cranbrook, immature, 6th August to 6th September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1955: 8; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History E. H. Gillham (1955) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. IV. p. 8, says: 'An immature at Angley Lake, Cranbrook, Aug. 6-Sept. 6 (W.S., J.M.H., J.G.H.). This bird was seen closely and was filmed by the last two observers. Full details have been received and are much the same as those published for the bird seen on Sheppey in Oct.-Nov., 1953 (cf. K. B. R., No. 2, p. 9). While this bird, like the one in 1953, may have escaped from Edinburgh Zoo, where birds breed in the open, there is one breeding colony in Holland (cf. B. B., 47: 353-4).'

171). 1956 Wiltshire Longford, immature, 7th October.

(R. G. Barnes, G. L. Peirson & G. L. Boyle, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 1958: 117; Buxton, 1981).

History R. G. Barnes, G. L. Peirson & Geoffrey L. Boyle (1958) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. LVII. p. 117, say: 'An immature bird was flushed from a tangle of weeds, nettles and willows by the Avon near Longford, Oct. 7th. In size it was considerably shorter and more stocky than a Heron. Its general appearance was brown above with whitish spots and streaks. The underparts were darker and streaked with brownish grey. The legs were yellowish green and the bill dark. Observed at a range of 30 yards in flight and 100 yards when perched on a willow. It was very shy (D.B.P.).'

172). 1956 Essex St Osyth, juvenile, 11th November.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1956: 8; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History G. A. Pyman (1956) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 8, says: 'St Osyth: an immature on November 11th (K.M.A., R.W.A., K.E.C., R.A.J., F.B.V., N.J.W. et al.). Discovered in the early morning roosting in a pear tree, where it stayed until dusk, when it flew off towards the marshes. Called on waking, likened to a dog barking. Bill brownish, legs grey-green to yellowish, darkest towards feet.'

173). 1956 Yorkshire Fairburn Ings, 11th November.

(R. Chislett & E. W. Taylor, Naturalist 82: 47; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett & E. W. Taylor (1957) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXII. p. 47, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'At dusk on November 11th at Fairburn, fading light prevented examination of plumage details of a large bird ("about size of Raven") that flew c.20 feet above water toward W. C. Wakefield and C. Winn, and passed within 15 yards, "stocky-bodied", "of compact form", wings relatively broad and rounded, heron-like bill carried horizontally, feet projecting about an inch beyond short tail.

A single guttural note ("Kauv" or "Kcow") of about two seconds duration sounded at intervals varying from five to 18 seconds. The bird encircled the marsh below for several minutes before passing on to Brotherton Ing. Night Heron was suspected.' However, Mather (1986) found it acceptable stating that this was typical behaviour for the species as it left its daytime roost to forage at dusk and also that it was seen by two experienced observers.

Comment Mather later served on the BBRC.

174). 1957 Suffolk Blythburgh, immature, 4th November.

(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1957: 17; Payn, 1978).

History F. K. Cobb (1957) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 7, says: 'An immature at Blythburgh on Nov. 24th - behaviour certainly not unduly timid and possibility of escape cannot be ruled out (P.R.W.).'