Broad-billed Sandpiper
Limicola falcinellus (Pontoppidan, 1763) (15, 6)
Photo © By Tokumi - The uploader photographed it, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17463955
STATUS
Palearctic. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
Mainly found in coastal situations on migration.
Records basically same as BOU (1971) who state about 35, with four in Scotland and twice in Wales, which is actually two together, the rest in England.
RECORDS
1). 1836 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, shot, 25th May.
(J. D. Salmon, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 54; J. D. Hoy, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 116; Yarrell, 1845; J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1846: 1375; Newman, 1866; Stevenson, 1870; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Seebohm, 1883-85).
History J. D. Salmon of Thetford (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 54, dated 3rd Dec., 1836, says: 'On May 24 a new Tringa to this country was shot near Yarmouth, and is now in the collection of J. D. Hoy, Esq., from whom I received this information. The sex was noted at the time: it is the Flat-billed Sandpiper (Tringa platyrhyncha of Temminck); it is rather less than the Dunlin, and appears intermediate between that bird and the Tringa pusilla.'
J. D. Hoy of Stoke Nayland (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 116, dated 12th January, 1837, says: 'During the last summer, another bird of the Tringa family, new to this country, has been obtained from the same locality; the Flat-billed Sandpiper Tringa platyrhyncha of Temminck's Manual; it was shot on the 25th of May, 1836, on the muddy flats of Breydon Broad. It was in company with some Dunlins and Ringed Plovers. From the season of year, it had probably acquired its summer plumage; and it very closely agrees with the description of the nuptial garb of the species as given by M. Temminck. This bird is rather inferior in size to the Dunlin, but may be always readily distinguished from that species by the peculiar form of the bill, as well as considerable difference in plumage.
This specimen was preserved by a friend of mine, who did not notice the sex. It is probable that this sandpiper may occasionally be found on our eastern coasts during the time of its periodical flights, but, from its similarity to one or two closely allied species, has hitherto escaped detection.'
J. H. Gurney of Norwich (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1375, says: 'A specimen was killed at Breydon, near Yarmouth, on the 25th of May, 1836.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 360) in a footnote, adds: 'In Dr. Bree's description of Mr. Hoy's collection of birds, at Stoke Nayland, published in The Field of 1867 (Vol. XXX. p. 465), it is particularly stated that there is no evidence of this specimen ever having been in Mr. Hoy's possession, nor can I ascertain what has become of it.' Further, p. 367, in another footnote, Stevenson adds: 'Dr. Bree mentions this specimen [Pectoral Sandpiper] in his description of Mr. Hoy's collection of Birds, at Stoke Nayland, in The Field for 1867 (Vol. XXX. p. 466):- "I regret to say it is not in the collection. I understand, however, that Mr. Hoy's surviving brother has some of the birds, and probably this may be among them". Possibly the first Norfolk killed Broad-billed Sandpiper may also be in the same hands.'
Admitted as the first for Britain by Howard Saunders (1882-84: 362, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, and Seebohm (1885 (3): 197).
2). 1845 Sussex Shoreham-by-Sea, obtained, late October, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.
(W. Borrer, Zoologist 1845: 1394; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891; Booth, 1901; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Shrubb, 1979).
History W. Borrer, jun., (1845) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. III. p. 1394, says: 'A specimen of the Broad-billed Sandpiper was shot on the beach, near Shoreham, Sussex, at the latter end of October, 1845. When shot, it was feeding amongst a small flock of the purre [Dunlin]. This specimen is in pure white plumage, with the exception of one scapular feather and a small patch on the occiput. It is now in my possession.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 363, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
Locally, Borrer (1891: 227-228) says: 'Of this species I am not aware of any example having been obtained in Sussex, except one in my own possession. I was walking near the west end of Brighton and met a boy carrying a bunch of birds; I asked him where he them and what he was going to do with them. He replied that his father shot them on the beach near Shoreham, and that he was going to see what he could get for them at the poulterer's. I asked him what he expected that would be, and he said twopence a piece. I then said, "If you like I will give you sixpence for this one"; the boy accepted it and was very much pleased, and so was I. He said that there was a large flock, and that his father killed the ten he was carrying at one shot; with the exception of the one I selected, they were all Dunlins. This was in the latter part of October 1845. On examination the bird proved to be in winter plumage, except one scapular feather and a small patch on the occiput.'
Booth (1901: 217, 3rd ed.) says: 'Killed at one shot with nine Dunlins on the beach near Shoreham, in the latter part of October, 1845.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 178) adds: 'This bird is now in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton, in at any rate the fifth edition of the Catalogue (1927, p. 256) of which the year of its death is wrongly given as 1865.'
3). 1856 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, male, shot, 25th May, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.
(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1856: 5159; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).
History J. H. Gurney of Catton Hall, Norfolk (1856) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIV. p. 5159, dated 12th June, 1856, says: 'About the end of May a male specimen of the Broad-billed Sandpiper, in breeding plumage, was killed near Yarmouth.'
Harting (1872: 142) says: 'In the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 362-363, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, and accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 344).
4). 1858 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, male, killed, 23rd April, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.
(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1858: 6096; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Eds., Field 24th Sep., 1887: 486; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).
History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1858) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVI. p. 6096, dated 1st May, 1858, says: 'I have just purchased a specimen of this rare sandpiper, which was killed on the 23rd of April, near Yarmouth, I believe on Breydon Broad. This bird is a male, gradually assuming its summer plumage: the rufous edgings to the feathers appearing over the head, back and scapulars.
The first British specimen recorded was also, according to Mr. Yarrell, obtained on the muddy flats of Breydon, on the 25th of May, 1836: the sex in this case was not ascertained. From that time no others had been noticed until a male, in very similar plumage to the one recently procured, was shot at the same place, and, singularly enough, on the same day of the same month, May 25th, 1856. In each case they appear to have been picked out from amongst Dunlins and Ring Plovers.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 360) adds:' 'Mr. Gould has made a drawing for his Birds of Great Britain.'
Harting (1872: 142) stated the year erroneously as 1868, as did Howard Saunders in Yarrell's British Birds Vol. III. p. 363, who gave the date as 23rd April 1868.
In an Editorial (1887) in The Field of 24th Sep., Vol. LXX. p. 486, they say: 'On the 12th inst. Messrs. Spelman sold by auction, at Norwich, the collection of Norfolk birds formed by Mr. H. Stephenson [sic], the well-known ornithologist. Among the buyers were Mr. T. Southwell, representing the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, and Mr. Tuke, representing the Saffron Walden Museum. Among the principal lots sold during the day the following may be mentioned: Broad-billed Sandpiper, caught on Breydon in April, 1858, £7.17s.6d. (Mr. Southwell).'
Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 344).
5). 1863 Yorkshire Hornsea Mere, shot, late April.
(Cordeaux, 1872; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Yarrell, 1871-85; Saunders, 1899; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986; Wilson & Slack, 1996).
History Cordeaux (1872: 135) says: 'A very beautiful specimen of this rare Sandpiper was shot in April, 1863, at Hornsea Mere, in Holderness, by G. Ellotson, of Bridlington, and is now in Mr. Ellotson's possession. It was in company with some Dunlins at the time.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 74) say: 'Hornsea Mere, one shot by T. Ellotson, April, 1863, now in the collection of Sir H. S. Boynton (T. Boynton, MS.).'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 363, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'In April, 1863, a bird now in the collection of Sir H. S. Boynton was shot on Hornsea Mere, Yorkshire (Cordeaux, B. Humber, p. 135).'
Nelson (1907 (2): 607) says: 'Its claim to be considered a Yorkshire bird rests on the occurrence of a single male example, procured by Thomas Ellotson, in April 1863, from a large flock of Dunlins, at Hornsea Mere in Holderness. This specimen is now in the collection formed by the late Sir Henry Boynton at Burton Agnes, where I have had the pleasure of seeing it.'
6). 1887 Sussex Rye, obtained, 13th August.
(W. Burton, Field 10th Sep., 1887: 417; G. W. Bradshaw, Zoologist 1895: 449; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Shrubb, 1979).
History Walter Burton of Wardour Street, London (1887) in The Field of 10th Sep., Vol. LXX. p. 417, says: 'It may interest your readers to hear that I shot a specimen of the Broad-billed Sandpiper (Tringa platyrhyncha) near Rye on Aug. 13. It was flying with a small flock of Dunlins some fourteen in number, and I at first imagined it to be a stint, as it looked smaller than the rest of the flock.'
[...Since the year 1836, when it was first noticed as a rare visitor to our coast, only half a dozen specimens have been met with in England, and one in Ireland. - Ed.]
G. W. Bradshaw of Hastings (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 449, says: '...Mr. Burton shot one in the same neighbourhood on Aug. 13th, 1887, which is now in Lord Lilford's collection.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 178) says: 'The fourth Lord Lilford had our second county example....'
7). 1891 Norfolk Bure Marshes, shot, 5th September, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.545).
(T. Southwell, Zoologist 1891: 396; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1892: 60; Dutt, 1901; Ticehurst, 1932; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990; Watson, 2010).
History T. Southwell of Norwich (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 396, says: 'A specimen of the Broad-billed Sandpiper (Tringa platyrhyncha), was killed on Sept. 5th, in a marsh north of Breydon, by a man named Smith (who obtained the two Pectoral Sandpipers already recorded, p. 136), and after being skinned, was purchased by Mr. Connop, for whose collection it is now being set up by Mr. Cole of Norwich. I did not see the bird until Sept. 10th, at Yarmouth, after it had been skinned; but, in addition to the appearance of the skin, I had independent evidence as to the fact of the occurrence from two persons who had seen the bird in the flesh.
The three previous examples of this species met with in Norfolk were all procured in the spring (see Birds of Norfolk, II, p. 359); it is therefore of interest to note its occurrence in the autumn on its passage south. So far as I am aware, the sex was not noted, but the dimensions of the bird (namely, beak along the culmen 34 mm., tarsus, 23 mm., and wing from flexure 110 mm.) are quite equal to those of the larger bird in the Norwich Museum, procured in Lapland by Mr. Wolley, and exceed those of the male from the Stevenson collection (also in the Norwich Museum), killed in April, 1868, which measures as follows: beak 29 mm., tarsus 20 mm., and wing 110 mm.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 60, says: 'On Sept. 5th a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Tringa platyrhyncha, was shot on a meadow adjoining Breydon, as recorded by Mr. Southwell (Zool., 1891, p. 396). Having been fired at first with No. 4 shot, and afterwards with No. 6 shot, and then carried about for some hours in a coat-pocket, it was unfortunately almost spoilt.'
Dutt (1901: 73-74) on a visit to Arthur Patterson at his houseboat Moorhen in late August 1899, says: 'After breakfast we walked across the marshes to the banks of the Bure, arriving, after an hour's easy strolling, at Mautby Swim, where lives Fred Smith, an intelligent millman who is also an enthusiastic sportsman and observer of wild life. Although still only a young man, he can boast of having shot no less than nine Spoonbills. One of these is said to be the finest specimen ever procured in England; and judging from an excellent photograph in Smith's possession, I should say there are grounds for the assertion. In addition to a stuffed Kingfisher, which unfortunately is too common a feature of the marshman's home, the millman pointed out to me a white-tailed starling and a handsome Merlin. Among the rare birds which have fallen to him of late years were a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola platyrhynca) only about half a dozen of which species have been
taken in England, and four of these on Breydon; and a Pectoral Sandpiper (Heteropygia maculata) an American species. About two months before the date of my visit he had seen a Roller (Coracias garrulus) at Mautby.'
Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen from Breydon Broad, Norfolk, obtained on 5th September 1891, with no further detail.
Comment Bure Marshes are on the Norfolk side of Breydon.
8). 1895 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, male, shot, 13th August, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.544).
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1896: 174; Pashley, 1925; Seago, 1977; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005; Watson, 2010).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 174, says: 'August 13th. Two Broad-billed Sandpipers on the Blakeney "beachway" were seen by three or four observers, and one was shot. This was taken to Mr. H. N. Pashley, who mounted the bird for the Caistor [sic] (private) Museum. This is the first time it has occurred at Cley, but four or five have been taken at Breydon, where this species was first recognised as British in 1836.'
Pashley (1925) says: '1895. August 13th. A female Broad-billed Sandpiper, the first for Cley.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'Only one taken here, a male, on August 13th, 1895.'
Stoddart & Joyner (2005: 114) add that it was shot by Mr. R. Pinchen.
Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen from Cley, Norfolk, obtained on 13th August 1895, with no further detail.
Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk. The other bird seen lacks adequate details of this then difficult species, and is not acceptable. Pinchen became the Watcher for Norfolk Naturalists' Trust.
9). 1912 Fife Morton Lochs, shot, 12th August, photo, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1912.154).
(W. Berry, Scottish Naturalist 1912: 212-213; Eds., British Birds 6: 166; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 281; J. Grierson, Scottish Birds 2: 147; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007: photo).
History William Berry of Tayfield, Newport, Fife (1912) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXII. pp. 212-213, says: 'I have again to record a rare Sandpiper from the Morton Lochs, near Tentsmuir, Fifeshire, where on August 1st last year we obtained a specimen of the Wood Sandpiper. Very early in August last year these lochs became dry, and no more waders were to be seen about them; but this year they appear to be almost specially attractive, for the season has been wet, only a moderate rainfall, and there is consequently a considerable extent of shallow water or mud where usually the water is fairly deep....but my duties as host have always debarred me from taking advantage of the opportunity of adding to the collections in the Royal Scottish Museum, by prematurely firing my gun at what friends might consider somewhat ignoble "game".
On Monday, 12th August, however, after one of these little drives, a few Sandpipers flew past my place of concealment, two of which I shot - at very long range. The first proved to be merely a Dunlin, but the second was a bird entirely new to me, and without waiting to identify it myself, I sent it off by post at once to Mr. Eagle Clarke, who informs me that it is a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola platyrhyncha), the first record of the bird for Scotland, and the sixteenth detected occurrence of this species in the British Isles. About the bird itself or its behaviour I can say little. It flew very rapidly past the little nook amongst high bracken in which I was concealed, and the distance was such that there was no time for making observations of any kind, if the bird was to be secured at all. I can only say that there was another bird of the same appearance along with it.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 166, they say: 'Mr. W. Berry records in the Scottish Naturalist, 1912, p. 212, the first Scottish specimen of the Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola p. platyrhyncha). It was shot on August 12th, 1912, at the Morton Lochs, near Tentsmuir, Fifeshire, and was in company with another bird which appeared to be of the same kind. Mr. Berry believes that he saw one of these birds on August 1st. The specimen obtained was identified in the flesh by Mr. Eagle Clarke, and has been presented by Mr. Berry to the Royal Scottish Museum.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 281, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Two (one shot), Morton Loch (Fife), August 12th.'
Comment Another case of the facts being embellished with another bird for kudos (see Gurney), for he hardly recognised the one he shot never mind another one; of course, the sight record is dismissed through lack of detail.
10). 1933 Norfolk Salthouse, seen, 7th June.
(R. M. Garnett, British Birds 27: 52; B. B. Riviere, British Birds 27: 318; Seago, 1977).
History R. M. Garnett (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 52, says: 'A mixed party of waders was watched feeding on Salthouse Marsh on June 6th by Mr. E. Cohen and myself. This party consisted of one Reeve, several Sanderlings and Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris testacea) (with examples of each in breeding plumage), two Little Stints (Calidris minuta), both in breeding dress, a Turnstone and some Dunlins and Ringed Plovers. They were still there next day, and with them was a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus). The longitudinal buff stripes on the head at once attracted our attention, and, as the bird was feeding between a Dunlin and a Little Stint, we were able to note that its size was intermediate between the two. Later, Miss M. Barclay joined us, and with Holman, the keeper on the marsh, we watched the bird for a considerable time at a distance of about 35 yards with field-glasses and telescopes.'
B. B. Riviere (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 318, in a review of the 1933 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'As already reported (antea, p. 52) one was identified by Miss Barclay, Mr. Garnett and others at Salthouse on June 7th.'
11). 1934 Sussex The Midrips, seen, 13th September.
(N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 28: 209-210; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 68; Shrubb, 1979).
History N. F. Ticehurst (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. pp. 209-210, says: 'On September 13th, 1934, on approaching one of the shallow pools at the Midrips, a small, Dunlin-sized wader rose almost at my son's feet from beneath the low bank, which had hidden it from us. As it flew away we at once saw that it had not the back colour-pattern of a Dunlin, as it lacked any white in the tail and had conspicuous dark and light markings down its back, so much so that my son at once remarked that this resembled the back of a Jack Snipe. It pitched on a nearby pool and here we were able to stalk it to within twenty yards and had it under observation for nearly ten minutes, when it rose and flew off inland and we lost it in the distance. Against the water and smooth mud of the pool its bill at once attracted our attention and confirmed what I had already surmised, that the bird was a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus). Examination through glasses confirmed the striped appearance of the back caused by the rather wide cream-coloured edgings to the long scapulars, but what surprised me to find was the really characteristic shape of the bill.
My previous acquaintance with the bird had been on its breeding-ground with a broken-up background of moss, creeping birch and marsh grasses. Against this the shape of the bill had not impressed me greatly, but here against the smooth water and mud it proved most distinctive. About the same length as that of one of the longer-billed Dunlins or a Curlew-Sandpiper's, it was distinctly thinner as viewed from the side, but the smooth, gentle, downward curve of both these species was replaced by an angular downward kink at about the middle of its length. It seems that this must be much more apparent in life than in a dried skin. Several other species of migrant waders were seen at the same time, including Knots, Curlew-Sandpipers, Greenshank and Golden Plover, but none of them in any quantity.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 179), while, R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 68, quotes from British Birds.
Comment Locality is in Sussex (Sussex Bird Report 1953: 5). For an Assistant Editor of British Birds and friend of Witherby one would have expected a better description than this.
12). 1946 Fife Eden Estuary, seen, 9th September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, British Birds 40: 154; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; J. Grierson, Scottish Birds 2: 147; Thom, 1986).
History Evelyn V. Baxter & Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 154, say: 'On September 9th, 1946, we had an excellent view of a Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola f. falcinellus, by the estuary of the Eden. It was alone and extraordinarily tame, allowing us to sit within a few yards of it for a long time. It was very dark in colour on the back with paler edgings to the feathers, black rump, leaden black legs and dark bill slightly decurved. The under-parts were white, throat and breast with dark streaks. It did not appear to stand as high on the leg as a Dunlin. When it flew away it twice uttered a curious shrill single note. The previous Scottish occurrence is from a locality only a few miles away. About the same date we had an arrival of Little Stints Calidris minuta and Curlew-Sandpipers C. testacea, neither being very common on the Fife coast.'
13). 1946 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, Tring, seen, 6th October.
(W. E. Almond, British Birds 40: 154-155; H. H. S. Hayward, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 23: 6-16; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).
History W. E. Almond (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. pp. 154-155, says: 'On October 6th, 1946 I saw a Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola f. falcinellus, on the edge of Wilstone Reservoir, Hertfordshire. It was extremely tame and was viewed at close range through a good telescope (x 25) in sunlight. It was a dumpy bird bigger than a Little Stint Calidris minuta, similar in size to a small Dunlin Calidris alpina, but with longer bill than the latter. Bill down-curved, particularly from half length of bill to the tip. Legs short, black in colour. Hind toe well developed and when the bird perched for a short time on a small flat stone, the hind toes were in contact with and seemed to be pressing on the rear edge of the stone. Eye-stripe white slightly tinged buff, upper-parts dark with feathers edged buff on the back, pronounced streaked effect. On wing-coverts feathers dark (blackish) edged with greyish-white. Under-parts: - throat and breast suffused with buff with dark streaks particularly at the sides; rest of under-parts very white, streaked on flank. In flight no wing-bar; upper tail-coverts white on outside with dark centre; outer tail-feathers not white, but pale. Call in flight - "trri trree trri", rather fuller than the call of the Little Stint. Movements much more placid and unhurried than those of other waders of similar size. Feeding by shallow probing.'
14). 1948 Suffolk Near Walberswick, two, seen, 19th September.
(D. Felstead & P. H. Gamble, British Birds 42: 251-252; Payn, 1978).
History D. Felstead & P. H. Gamble (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 251-252, say: 'On September 19th, 1948, we were on the North Suffolk coast just below Walberswick. Our attention was drawn to two birds flying in with purposeful flight and a call which was entirely new to both of us. The call was vaguely similar to the trill of a Dunlin, (Calidris alpina) though rather more highly pitched, more musical, and with shorter units. Flying, they called very regularly, and, after circling, settled on the mud of Corporation Marshes, where they at once ran very agilely out of sight into low cover. We were able to cross to this part, and found them standing motionless by a Sea-Aster, one with its bill tucked into its wing.
By a careful approach we came within eight yards of them, and obtained excellent views through binoculars and a 20x telescope, with a lowering sun shining brightly over our shoulders. We alarmed them, and one hesitantly walked in a crouching attitude behind some grass, bobbing its head nervously. The other followed in similar fashion and they both stood peering over this clump of herbage. When we moved, they ran quickly away from cover to cover until they were on the edge of a pool. As they ran, they would stretch their necks a little from the usual hunched attitude; but the moment they stopped, they once more regained the appearance of having no neck. We flushed them and they headed straight away, first low, then high, calling until right out of sight.
The birds were about Dunlin size or slightly smaller. One was much more rufous than the other and appeared very colourful against its drab companion. However, as they both had the same essential characteristics, we have described the bright bird; and toned down considerably, this applies in almost every detail to the dull one. They were dark squat birds of a plumpish aspect. At first sight they had no striking markings, but on closer examination the following points were noted. The bill was rather slender, tapering and decurved slightly, black at the tip, shading to dark chestnut-red at the base (olive in dull bird). The legs, rather on the short side, appeared yellowish green. The forehead and crown were dark (blackish and rufous) with a narrow whitish line passing through the borders of the dark area. Sides of face and ear-coverts greyish, darker round eye. The breast was strongly speckled and striped with brown, getting lighter and paler towards the throat and chin. This shading merged round the sides of the neck with similar shading on the hind neck. The hind neck markings coarsened into the mantle, back and wings, which were quite rich on the bright bird. The feathers appeared dark brown, suffused with rufous, and with light buffish edgings. About level with the shoulder, these edges were aligned in the form of a "V" when seen from behind. A less noticeable bar was visible lower down the back. In the closed wing the primaries appeared brownish black and the wing-coverts and secondaries had pale buff edges. Many of the wing-coverts showed a very rich, almost chestnut colouring. Belly white. In flight no bar of any description could be seen on the wing, but the white under-parts extended up to the sides of the rump as in a Dunlin. In view of this, we identified both these birds as Broad-billed Sandpipers (Limicola falcinellus).'
Accepted locally (Payn 1978, 2nd ed.).
1950-57 RECORDS
16). 1950 Lancashire & North Merseyside Freckleton, 28th September to 7th October.
(H. Shorrock, A. Harrison & N. Harwood, British Birds 44: 317; Oakes, 1953; Spencer, 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008; N. A. J. Hudson and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 107: 598).
History H. Shorrock, A. Harrison & N. Harwood (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 317, say: 'Between September 28th and October 7th at the sewage farm near Freckleton, an unusual wader was seen on seven occasions by one or all three of the under-signed (first by H.S.). At least twice it was in the company of Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and Little Stint (C. minuta). All three species were together on a square yard of ground containing black mud, grass and water, and we walked to within four yards of them. The question of size therefore solved itself, the "stranger" being intermediate between the other two birds, but more nearly approaching the Little Stint. The Dunlin was easily the tallest of the three.
The bird under review had black bill, stout at the base, not noticeably longer than that of the Dunlin, and only slightly decurved. Broad whitish eye-stripe and white throat were discernible; crown was brown, streaked with buff, but not snipe-like; the blackish "squares" on the upper parts were bordered by buff lines and were of a deeper shade than those on either of the other two birds or on a Curlew-Sandpiper (C. testacea) which was present on October 6th. The brown streaks on the upper breast were denser at the sides, terminating rather abruptly, leaving the lower breast white ; the centre tail feathers were black and those at the sides white; the wings were black tipped. The colour of the legs when clear of the water appeared to be dull grey. When on the alert, it stretched its neck upwards and assumed a stance approximating to that of a Curlew-Sandpiper. We managed to flush the bird when it was separated from the others, but only after it had run a considerable distance. It displayed a definite wing-bar and sounded notes "tri tri" several times. We are of the opinion that this bird could only have been a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus).'
Accepted locally (Oakes 1953; Spencer 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones 2008).
17). 1952 Norfolk Cley Marshes, 5th June.
(A. H. Daukes, British Birds 45: 426-427; R. A. Richardson, British Birds 46: 432; Seago, 1977).
History A. H. Daukes (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 426-427, says: 'A Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) was identified at Cley, Norfolk, on June 5th, 1952. It was first seen by myself and Mr. W. Bishop, the official Watcher of Cley Marsh, among a small flock of Dunlin (Calidris alpina), when one bird was observed to be without a black belly. The birds were stalked until, at a range of 20 yards, every detail could be clearly seen.
It was, apparently, in transitional plumage, the back and wings being ashy-brown in colour with markings like those of a Reeve (Philomachus pugnax); the chin was greyish white, as were the underparts; the breast was streaked, the streaks ending rather abruptly. It was smaller than the Dunlins and stood lower. The bill and legs appeared brownish-black. By far the most conspicuous features of the bird, however, were the heavily striped appearance of the head and the fact that the bill, which was slightly decurved, appeared to have a most definite downward bend - almost a hook - towards the end; it did not give any particular impression of breadth. The head, which was somewhat reminiscent of that of the American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), was entirely unmistakable and consisted of a dark crown, bordered with pale margins, which were separated from the whitish supercilliary stripes by a narrow dark line, giving a remarkably striped appearance.
The wing pattern in flight did not appear to be noticeably different from that of the Dunlins, although the difference in size was obvious. No note was heard, although particular attention was paid to this. The bird was subsequently observed by Mrs. R. F. Meiklejohn and Mr. R. A. Richardson, who made the accompanying sketch.'
Accepted locally (Seago 1977).
18). 1954 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Crossens, Southport, 16th October.
(W. G. Hale & T. G. Wood, British Birds 48: 366-367; Spencer, 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).
History W. G. Hale & T. G. Wood (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 366-367, say: 'On 16th October 1954, on the marsh at Crossens, near Southport, Lancashire, we came upon a small wader, approximately the size of a Dunlin (Calidris alpina), feeding on a muddy cattle-track. We approached to within 10 yards of the bird, and later, by means of one of us driving it up to the other, observations were made at distances down to 6 feet. The relatively long bill, slightly decurved towards the tip, was seen to be black, and it was noticeably thick at the base, although it did not strike us as being particularly broad. The crown of the head was brown, streaked with buff, and the broad white eye-stripe and white chin were particularly conspicuous. The nape and hind neck appeared rather lighter than the crown, but were similarly marked. The throat was suffused buffish and was streaked brown, as were the sides of the breast. The breast markings ended abruptly, forming an incomplete gorget, broken in the centre, where the grey-white of the under-parts extended to the throat. The feathers of the mantle, back and wing-coverts were ash-brown, those of the mantle being edged buff, the rest being edged and tipped grey-white to white. The legs were black-brown. We had difficulty in flushing the bird, and when this was eventually accomplished, a wing-bar very similar to that of a Dunlin was observed, and the central tail-feathers appeared black, those at the sides appearing white. Light, rather snipe-like, markings were observed on the back. With great difficulty, the bird flew for about a hundred yards, and it appeared to be exhausted, although on the ground it was seen to be quite active. On occasions the bird stretched the neck up (T.G.W.), but this was probably a nervous reaction to our presence. Feeding was accomplished by a picking action rather than by probing. No call was heard. From the above observations we are satisfied that the bird was a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus).'
Accepted locally (Spencer 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones 2008).
19). 1955 Suffolk Benacre, 14th August.
(Anon., Lowestoft and North Suffolk Field Naturalists' Club 1955: 302; Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).
History Anon., (1955) in the Lowestoft and North Suffolk Field Naturalists' Club, p. 302, says: 'One Benacre Aug 14th (D.B., F.E.M. & N.M.). Careful and detailed field notes were submitted. Our only record of this species.'
F. K. Cobb (1955) in the Suffolk Bird Report, says: 'Careful and detailed field notes were submitted. Our only record of this species.'
Accepted locally by Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) who states that one was reported at Benacre in August, 1955, also, (Piotrowski 2003).
20). 1956 Berkshire Ham Fields Sewage-farm, Old Windsor, 19th September.
(D. Carr & C. M. Vesey, British Birds 51: 195; Radford, 1966; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).
History D. Carr & C. M. Vesey (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. p. 195, say: 'On the evening of 19th September 1956, at Ham Island sewage-farm, Old Windsor, Berkshire, we found a small wader having the general conformation of a Dunlin (Calidris alpina) but with markedly different plumage. It was feeding on wet mud, picking from the surface, and allowed very close approach. No other waders were present for direct comparison, but its size appeared to be between that of a Little Stint (C. minuta) and a Dunlin. The following details were noted:
The crown was dark, with faint light streaking. The side of the head was a warm brown with a dark line extending from just behind the bill through the eye, and a broad whitish superciliary stripe; this stripe was not very clearly defined, but widened behind the eye where an indistinct wedge of rufous-brown divided it into two. The stout, dark bill was longer than the head and slightly, but quite noticeably, decurved towards the tip. The upper-parts were deep rufous-brown, with conspicuous light edges to the feathers. A feature which at once attracted attention was a double, pale, creamy-buff line on either side of the back; these formed two incomplete "V"s, the inner one being well defined. The sides of the breast were streaked with brown, but the rest of the under-parts were white. The legs were black and short.
When flushed, it flew low to another irrigation bed and showed, on rising, a dark centre to the tail, the outer feathers appearing white. Only a faint suggestion of a light wing-bar was seen and against a dark back-ground the bird was very inconspicuous in flight. Its call was noted as "st, st, st" (D.C.) or a thin "trii, trii, trii" (C.M.V.), unequally spaced and repeated some five to seven times.
From the features observed we identified the bird as a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) and this was confirmed by subsequent examination of a number of skins at the British Museum (Natural History). This is the first record for Berkshire.'
Accepted locally (Radford 1966; Fraser & Youngman 1976).
21). 1957 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, adult, 5th to 6th October.
(D. F. Billet & C. J. Henty, British Birds 51: 194-195, 527, corr.; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
History D. Carr & C. M. Vesey (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. 195, say: 'On 12th October 1957, by the lagoon at Farlington Marshes, Hampshire, we found a small wader which we later identified as an adult Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) in transitional plumage. The following day, 13th October, the bird was seen by Messrs. A. Allen, R. H. Dennis, G. Kinsey, B. W. Renyard, G. H. Rees, A. Searle and S. White. The following detailed description was made.
Head: crown densely streaked dark brown or blackish; a conspicuous creamy stripe over the eye and, in addition, an inconspicuous, short, pale stripe passed backwards from the base of the bill, above the supercilium and separated from it by dark feathering (this secondary pair of crown stripes was difficult to see from the side, but clear enough from a head-on view); back of head and nape lighter and slightly greyer than mantle or crown; ear-coverts dark. Back and wings: boldly patterned, similar to Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus) or Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), both of which species were present that week-end; centre of back very dark, with a pair of conspicuous cream stripes from shoulders to upperparts of rump; another lower and broader "V" was formed by pale edgings to scapulars; feathers of folded wing edged buff-brown, secondaries with bright chestnut (in sunlight this was a predominant feature of the bird); carpal joint showed as a dark patch; centre of rump and tail blackish, lateral tail-coverts white, outer tail-feathers pale greyish. Under-parts: chin and upper breast pale buff (chin paler, but not pure white); streaking on sides of breast, which just met in a narrow band across the centre; belly and vent silvery white. Bill: relatively long and heavy, stout at base and decurved at tip rather like that of a Ruff (Philomachus pugnax); colour of bill dark brown, base paler. Legs: colour varied with light, but was generally agreed to be olive.
It was in general squat and short-necked, appearing about the size of a Little Stint (Calidris minuta) but relatively longer-bodied (possibly an illusion due to the low carriage). It showed a preference for reed and spartina stubble, where it moved with a crouching gait and was difficult to find or flush, having a strong tendency to walk away and hide out of sight. In flight the bird appeared very dark-backed and occasionally uttered a quiet "chree" or "chree-chree".'
[We showed this record to Mr. P. W. P. Browne, in view of his particular experience of Broad-billed Sandpipers out of breeding plumage (antea, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 375-376), and he commented as follows: "I presume the bird was thought to be an adult because the chin was not white. However, this is not a feature which could be relied upon (from the point of view of field-observation) and I should be surprised if an adult still had a bright chestnut patch on the secondaries by 12th October; a juvenile would be less likely to have the chestnut edges worn off". - Eds.]
Accepted locally (Cohen & Taverner 1972; Clark & Eyre 1993).
NOT PROVEN
0). 1895 Sussex Near Rye Harbour, immature female, shot, 2nd October.
(G. W. Bradshaw, Zoologist 1895: 449; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963; James, 1996).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR; L. G. Holloway, Sussex Bird Report 1996: 79].
History G. W. Bradshaw of Hastings (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 449, says: 'On Oct. 2nd a female Broad-billed Sandpiper, Limicola platyrhyncha, was shot near Rye Harbour, Sussex, out of a small flock of Dunlins, Tringa alpina. It was a female bird of the year, and is now in the collection of Mr. Alexander, of Cranbrook. It is, I believe, the third specimen which has been obtained in Sussex. Mr. Burton shot one in the same neighbourhood on Aug. 13th, 1887, which is now in Lord Lilford's collection. Previous to this, namely, in October, 1845, Mr. Borrer purchased one in the flesh which had just been shot near Shoreham (Birds of Sussex, p. 227).'
Ticehurst (1909: 456) adds: 'Preserved by Mr. Bristow, who afforded me the opportunity of examining them shortly after he received them.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 178).
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1896 Sussex Rye Harbour, immature male, obtained, 2nd September.
(B. Alexander, Field 3rd Oct., 1896: 569; B. Alexander, Zoologist 1896: 411; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Boyd Alexander (1896) in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 569, says: 'Since migration commenced, several uncommon birds have been obtained...and a pair of Broad-billed Sandpipers. Both these latter birds were obtained out of a flock of Dunlin, the male at Rye on Sept. 2, the female at Littlestone on Sept. 6. They were sent to Mr. Bristow, taxidermist, at St. Leonards, where I saw them in the flesh. It is, I believe, the first instance of this species being obtained in Kent and the fourth in Sussex.'
B. Alexander (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 411, says: 'Sept. 2nd. A Broad-billed Sandpiper (Tringa platyrhyncha), immature male, was obtained at the harbour out of a flock of Dunlin. This specimen, together with the female of this species obtained at the same place, and under similar circumstances, last December (Zool., 1895, p. 449), brings the recorded Sussex-killed specimens up to five.'
Ticehurst (1909) p. 456, adds: 'Preserved by Mr. Bristow, who afforded me the opportunity of examining them shortly after he received them.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 178).
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1896 Kent Littlestone, immature female, shot, 6th September.
(B. Alexander, Field 3rd Oct., 1896: 569; L. A. Curtis Edwards, Zoologist 1901: 390; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Boyd Alexander (1896) in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 569, says: 'Since migration commenced, several uncommon birds have been obtained...and a pair of Broad-billed Sandpipers. Both these latter birds were obtained out of a flock of Dunlin, the male at Rye on Sept. 2, the female at Littlestone on Sept. 6. They were sent to Mr. Bristow, taxidermist, at St. Leonards, where I saw them in the flesh. It is, I believe, the first instance of this species being obtained in Kent and the fourth in Sussex.'
L. A. Curtis Edwards of St Leonards-on-Sea (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 390, says: 'This is the second Kentish example of this species that I have obtained in the flesh. The first, also an immature female, was obtained at the same place on Sept. 6th, 1896, and was recorded by Mr. Boyd Alexander (Zool., 1896, p. 411).'
Ticehurst (1909: 456) adds: 'Preserved by Mr. Bristow, who afforded me the opportunity of examining them shortly after he received them.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1900 Norfolk Near Cley-next-the-Sea, shot, 31st October.
(Pashley, 1925).
[Riviere, 1930].
History Pashley (1925) says: '1900. October 31st. A gentleman (Mr. Mortimer) saw and shot a Broad-billed Sandpiper.'
Not accepted locally (Riviere, 1930).
Comment It hasn't appeared in any Birds of Norfolk since. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). 1901 Kent Near Littlestone, immature female, 31st August.
(L. A. Curtis Edwards, Zoologist 1901: 390; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267; Ticehurst, 1909).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History L. A. Curtis Edwards of St Leonards-on-Sea (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 390, says: 'An immature female of the Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola platyrhyncha) was procured on Aug. 31st last near Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent. The specimen has been preserved by Mr. G. Bristow, of St. Leonards. This is the second Kentish example of this species that I have obtained in the flesh. The first, also an immature female, was obtained at the same place on Sept. 6th, 1896, and was recorded by Mr. Boyd Alexander (Zool., 1896, p. 411).'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Ticehurst (1909: 456) adds: 'Another immature female was shot by a Mr. Simmonds at Littlestone on August 31st, 1901, and recorded by Mr. Curtis Edwards. Preserved by Mr. Bristow, who afforded me the opportunity of examining them shortly after he received them.'
Comment Erroneous statement regarding Mr. Alexander. He recorded one at Rye Harbour, on 2nd Sept., 1896. Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1901 Sussex Near Bexhill, immature male, shot, 14th September.
(W. R. Butterfield, Zoologist 1901: 390; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History W. Ruskin Butterfield of St Leonards-on-Sea (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 390, says: 'An immature male of Limicola platyrhyncha was shot on the shore near Bexhill by my friend Mr. A. C. Wendell Price, on Sept. 14th last. Early in the morning of that day he fired a "right and left" at a party of three birds (the only waders observed during the morning) flying strongly westward, and killed the specimen in question, together with a Dunlin. On viewing these birds the next day, I had the pleasure of identifying the Sandpiper, which is very similar to the recent Kentish specimen recorded by Mr. Edwards, supra.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 178-179).
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1904 Sussex Rye, immature female, shot, 29th August, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.
(Anon., Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 15: 12; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Anon. (1905) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XV. p. 12, says: 'Mr. Nicoll also reported: - ...That an immature female of the Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola platyrhyncha) had been shot at Rye, Sussex, on
the 29th August, and sent to Mr. Bristow, of St. Leonard's. This was the fifth record of the occurrence of this species in Sussex.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 179) says: 'It is now in the Booth Museum, Brighton. Originally it belonged to Mr. J. B. Nichols.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1909 Sussex Rye Harbour, female, shot, 3rd September, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.
(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 304, 305; J. B. Nichols, British Birds 3: 257; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History E. N. Bloomfield (1911) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 304, 305, says: 'Dr. N. F. Ticehurst has sent me a long and very interesting list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which I have added a few others lately presented to the Museum by Mr. W. H. Mullens. In Sussex - Limicola platyrhyncha, Temm., Broad-billed Sandpiper, Rye Harbour, September 3rd, 1909.'
J. B. Nichols (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 257, says: 'A female Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola platyrhyncha) was shot at Rye Harbour, Sussex, on September 3rd, 1909.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 179) says: 'It is now in the Booth Museum, Brighton. Originally it belonged to Mr. J. B. Nichols.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1920 Sussex Rye Harbour, seen, 27th August.
(W. R. Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 3: 167; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History W. Ruskin Butterfield (1921) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 167, says: 'One was identified amongst a flock of Dunlin at Rye Harbour on August 27th by Mr. M. J. Nicoll. Needless to say, none but a skilled and experienced observer could detect this species amongst Dunlin.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 179).
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1926 Cumbria Skinburness, seen, winter.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 127).
[E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 127].
History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 127, says: 'The Broad-billed Sandpiper was sought for many years on the Cumberland Solway by William Nichol, and eventually he believed that he had encountered it after observing an unfamiliar Sandpiper in the winter of 1926, and later discussing it with George Bolam. This was at Skinburness marsh.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Winter would be a most unusual date. Not acceptable.
0). 1930 Cumbria Skinburness, seen, 10th October.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 127).
[E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 127].
History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 127, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Nichol further records that during wild weather on 10th October, 1930, he walked to within twenty feet of a Broad-billed Sandpiper, on Skinburness marsh.'
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1932 Cumbria Skinburness, seen, 17th September.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 127).
[E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 127].
History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 127, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'On 17th September, 1932, William Nichol, observed another at Skinburness marsh.'
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1945 Northumberland Fenham Flats, seen, 27th August.
(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 71: 126).
[Eds., British Birds 40: 61].
History G. W. Temperley (1946) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXI. p. 126, under 'Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham, 1945', recording the record in square brackets, says: 'On August 27th, a bird was observed in company with a Ruff on the edge of a brackish pool in a field near the Black Low, Fenham Flats, N. Its chief characteristics were that it was smaller than a Dunlin and had a very distinctly striped back, with neck and flanks also striped; the stripes on the flanks being very noticeable and extending back to the legs. The white on its chin extended narrowly between striped patches of breast, then rapidly broadened out into white under-parts. The eye-stripe was very light, the bill black, broader and deeper at the base than that of a Dunlin and blunt at the tip. Legs blackish and comparatively short.
In flight it showed a tail with a dark patch down the middle and white patches down each side and a narrow white stripe across the wing, less noticeable than that of the Dunlin and apparently further back. It uttered a sharp "tue" as it rose, quite unlike the softer call of the Dunlin. It was watched through binoculars at a distance of three or four yards for half an hour in full sunlight, so that it was possible to observe and write down on the spot all the details described above. The recorder is confident that his identification was correct (F.B.). There has been no previous record for this very rare species in Northumberland.'
In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 61, in a Review of the Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham, for 1945. Compiled by G. W. Temperley. (Reprinted from The Naturalist, July-September, 1946), they say: 'A less satisfactory one of a Broad-billed Sandpiper on the Northumberland coast is rightly given in square brackets with the evidence. It seems desirable to state that we ourselves investigated this record very carefully and were not satisfied with it.
A point not mentioned is that a friend of the observer's, who accompanied him on the occasion in question, took a photograph of the bird, and although this is not good enough to settle the matter conclusively, it is definitely not favourable to the identification.'
Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1946 Leicestershire & Rutland Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland, two, seen, 15th September.
(F. A. Bak, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1946: 49).
[Eds., British Birds 40: 381].
History F. A. Bak (1946) in the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, p. 49, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Consorting with the Little Stints and Dunlin at Eye Valley Reservoir on September 15th were two birds we were unfamiliar with: in size they were slightly superior to the Stints but considerably smaller than the Dunlin, and whilst their legs were small like the Stints, their bills were more the size of the Dunlin's, though they appeared stouter - the upper and lower mandibles running parallel, and were only very slightly de-curved towards the tip. The sides of their heads were light brownish and speckled, whilst their foreheads and crowns were dark brown; they also had a light patch above their eyes. The rich colour and pattern of their backs and wings was similar to the Stints; their throats were suffused with a light brown and their upper breast heavily speckled with dark brown almost to the legs. Their lower breasts, bellies and chins were pure white and their bills and legs blackish.
They were rather timid and constantly crouched flat on the mud when alarmed. When flushed they showed a similar tail and rump pattern to the Dunlin (P.G. & M.F.).'
In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 381, in a Review of the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, for 1946, they say: 'A possible record of two Broad-billed Sandpipers at the Eye Valley Reservoir is rightly square-bracketed: it is possibly correct, but the apparently rather slight difference in size and colouring from accompanying Little Stints must raise doubts.'
0). 1946 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, seen, 17th to 18th October.
(R. A. Hinde, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1946: 26-27).
[Eds., British Birds 40: 383].
History R. A. Hinde (1946) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, pp. 26-27, says: 'On October 17th a bird much like a Dunlin but appearing slightly smaller, lower on the ground and much darker was seen feeding with a Little Stint. A good description could not be obtained as the bird could only be seen at a considerable distance with a strong sun behind it. R.A.H., P.P. On October 18th an excellent view of the bird at close range was obtained by R.A.H. and A.S.McL.
The following description was recorded: Obviously considerably larger than a Little Stint but not quite as large as a Dunlin. Legs appeared shorter than a Dunlin's and their colour seemed to vary with the light, being variously described as bottle green and greeny-brown. Bill black, with lighter base to lower mandible; decurved fairly sharply towards the tip. Crown very dark brown with one or two longitudinal lines. Cheeks off-white with faint dark markings giving a general effect of grey and appearing light in contrast to the dark back. Blackish line from base of bill to eye and no further. Small dark patch on lower ear coverts. White superciliary stripe contrasting with dark crown. Back - two broad black lines along sides from scapulars to rump; we were not certain if they lay on the back or on the folded wing. Rest of back seemed very similar to that of a Little Stint in colour, and described as dark chestnut brown with feathers edged golden-buff. A.S.McL. remarked how similar the back pattern was to that of a Jack Snipe. Throat white immediately below bill; lower throat speckled brown at sides, speckling extending further towards centre of breast at level of angle of folded wing. Rest of under-parts white except for very faint shading just in front of legs, which did not extend right across the breast and appeared to be barred. Under-parts became off-white under tail. Flight - tail coverts white at sides with dark centres as in Dunlin. Impression of very indistinct whitish mark on wing.
This record is at present classified as a very probable Broad-billed Sandpiper, but its final status is still undecided.'
In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 383, in a Review of the Report of the Cambridge Bird Club, for 1946, they say: 'There are various records of the scarcer waders...and one of a probable Broad-billed Sandpiper. A description is given of this last and there are considerable grounds for thinking that the identification is correct, including the references to the bill being "decurved fairly sharply towards the tip" and the pale longitudinal lines on the very dark crown. On the other hand the description of the back is very similar to that of a Little Stint in colour and appearing "dark chestnut-brown with feathers edged golden buff" and with two broad black lines along the sides does not tally well with this species, in which, although the feathers are buff-edged, their more central parts are nearly black and the effect of lines on the back is of light on a dark ground, not the reverse. It is possible that these discrepancies, as they strike us, can be explained away; they are not fatal to the identification, but they are bound to raise some element of doubt, even although the other characteristics fit well and although the record receives a certain circumstantial backing from at least two definite Broad-billed Sandpipers having occurred in Great Britain in the autumn of 1946.
Unfortunately it appears that the note, which is very distinct, was not heard.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1948 Sussex Hove Lagoon, seen, 6th March.
(G. des Forges, Sussex Bird Report 1948: 23; des Forges & Harber, 1963; Shrubb, 1979).
[James, 1996].
History G. des Forges (1948) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 23, says: 'On March 6th J.W.-B, saw a small wader on the Hove Lagoon, which at that time was chiefly dry, which attracted attention at 30 yards range. He was able to watch it for a long time on that and the following day at 6 or 7 feet range. "Its bill was long and, from above, looked as if it had been compressed flat in a small vice except that the tip was bent (rather than curved) over; and in colour off-black, with a creamy white base. Legs relatively short, and also off-black. The general plumage effect above (Streaky-looking) was dark with pale edgings (more or less). Here and there were small patches of grey remnants of winter dress. There was a pale eye-stripe.
On the wing it looked very dark above, wings included, while the tail was dark in the centre but pale on the sides and the white side tail-coverts showed up well. Belly and lower breast, white; upper breast, buffish white, darkly striated. Flight, low and sandpiper-like, but it never flew far. When it rose it sometimes uttered a fairly loud "trrp" given singly, though occasionally twice.'
Not accepted locally (James 1996).
0). 1950 Norfolk Blakeney Point, two, 5th September.
(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 35; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005).
[Not in Seago, 1977].
History Anon. (1951) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 35, under 'Additional record for 1950', says: 'Two small waders identified as the above were seen on September 5th, 1950, at close range in company with a large number of waders of several species feeding on the muds and shallow pools near the Watch-house on Blakeney Point. These birds were somewhat larger than the stints and smaller than the Dunlin. The legs were short and black; the bill black, almost as long as a Dunlin's and slightly stouter; the head, viewed from in front, appeared rather square and uptilted, the sides were pale; the crown was dark; there was a marked but not extensive pale superciliary stripe; the chin was white; the mantle appeared rich in colour and dark streaked with pale edges; the throat was suffused pale brown thinly speckled; the upper breast ended in a clearly defined "pectoral" band which extended almost to the legs; the lower breast and belly were pure white (H.H.).'
Accepted by Stoddart & Joyner (2005), however, there was no mention of this record in Seago (1977).
0). 1956 Argyll Near Oban, early August.
(R. B. Talbot Kelly, Country Life 18th October 1956: 827).
[E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 174].
History R. B. Talbot Kelly (1956) in Country Life, 18th Oct., Vol. CXX. p. 827, says: 'I spent the first two week of August this year, in company with friends, in Argyllshire. We stayed at a farm overlooking one of the many sea lochs of this neighbourhood, and spent our days bird-watching and painting. One afternoon the three of us were walking across a strip of rough country intersected by many small streams and varied by bog and rocky outcrops, when we put up at our feet a small snipe-like that rose twistingly into the air. Its flight was very rapid, and it gave us a very fine display of trick flying, banking, twisting and swooping at great speed. But it did not fly away; rather it circled where we stood and eventually pitched again in the same little burn some 20 yards away. This was sufficiently...We found it almost immediately, feeding voraciously. During the next 20 minutes or so we were all three able to get within a few feet of it, far too close to use field-glasses, and to study it in detail. It was about the size of a Dunlin, actually a little smaller, but was conspicuously decorated by a snow-white V-shaped pattern on its back, formed by the white edges of the outer feathers of the mantle. I had seen thousands of Dunlin of all ages and conditions of plumage, but never one so marked. Further study showed a bill that ran nearly straight and then suddenly dipped down at the end - rather like the Dunlin's, but not quite. This bill was unusually heavy where it joined the face. After making a quick pencil sketch of it, we left it in peace, hoping to check it by the book when we got home and then return to it the following day to complete the check. This we did, and came to the conclusion that it was a Broad-billed Sandpiper, a rare visitor to this country from northern Europe.
Next day we had a picnic lunch beside it, and the little bird showed no fear of us. At one time it sat on a rock with three grown-ups and two small boys sitting around it - even tucking its head under its wing for a moment or two. It still seemed very hungry, feeding in the burn energetically most of the time. After lunch I crawled up to within 5 ft. of it, and with my face on the ground, shared the same few inches of peat and rush with it.
I have since been to the Royal Scottish Museum to confirm our recognition. The two specimens shown there are not in the same condition of plumage, one being in winter greys and the other a very drab, dark version of the bird we saw - but the bill is a certain check-point. Neither museum specimen sported the beautiful white V, and both lacked the patterning produced by the chestnut margins of some of the scapulars of our bird. I feel certain this rare visitor was an adult just beginning to lose some of the stripy markings on the head, but otherwise in nearly full breeding dress. As it turned into the light it glowed with a golden sheen, only to lose it again the moment it changed its position.
The drawings of it in Witherby's Handbook of British Birds do not suggest fully the clarity of the snipe-like lines on the mantle or the perky, lively alertness of its every movement and pose. To encounter any wild bird so intimately is always a moving experience; to hobnob with so rare a visitor (it has been recorded in Scotland only twice) is an experience of a lifetime that I, for one, hardly dare hope to enjoy again.'
