Common Rosefinch
Carpodacus erythrinus (Pallas, 1770) (76, 46)
Photo © George Gay - North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 23 August 2014
Ex BBRC species 31/12/1982
STATUS
Palearctic. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
Formerly known as Scarlet Bullfinch and Scarlet Grosbeak.
George Stout's sight records in January 1930 and February 1945, were found not proven, and some of his other records, August 1935 and three in the 1920s and one in 1931, all in November are rather late. However, between 1983-2010 there were 22 November records.
A wintering bird occurred in Shetland during 2018-19.
The first for Britain is now the 1906 Fair Isle record and all previous records have been found unacceptable (BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306).
RECORDS
1). 1906 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter male, shot, 3rd October, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1907.4.55).
(W. E. Clarke & N. B. Kinnear, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 236; W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 70; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 246; Clarke, 1912; Hartert et al., 1912; Pennington et al., 2004; BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke & N. B. Kinnear (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XV. p. 236, say: 'During a recent visit to Fair Isle for the purpose of observing the migration of birds, we were fortunate enough to come across a number of interesting species, some of which are extremely rare visitors to Scotland, and two of them quite new to its avifauna. The new Scottish species are a Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus), a bird of the year, shot on 3rd October....Specimens of all the species named have been presented by us to the collections of the Royal Scottish Museum.'
Wm. Eagle Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 70, says: 'A bird of the year, in its inconspicuous dull green plumage....'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, I, p. 246, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Clarke (1912 (2): 111) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak - The first Scottish specimen, a bird of the year, was shot at Fair Isle by [Norman] Kinnear, from a patch of potatoes, on 3rd October 1906.'
2). 1907 Isle of May No locality, immature, obtained, 25th September.
(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 18; Eds., British Birds 1: 296; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 194; Witherby, 1920-24).
History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 18, say: 'We procured one bird of this species in Mr. Macleod's garden on the 25th September (S. E. wind, light). When we first saw it, it was eating a moth among the potato-shaws, and it took short flights, settling on and amongst the oats, potatoes, or weeds. Every Sparrow and Meadow Pipit that came near chased it away, but in each case it returned to the garden after a short flight; while being chased it uttered a curious little monosyllabic note. It was in the green type of plumage, and was very tame and confiding. This is the second known occurrence of this species in Scotland.'
In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. pp. 295-296, they say: 'Miss L. J. Rintoul and Miss E. V. Baxter, two very keen and competent ornithologists, following Mr. Eagle Clarke's example, have spent a month (September 9th - October 8th, 1907) in bird-watching on an island. The Isle of May was the chosen station, and the results were really remarkable, as the following records will show....Scarlet Grosbeak (Pyrrhula erythrina) - One, in the "green type of plumage" was procured on September 25th. It was observed to be eating a moth.'
Admitted by John Paterson (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 194, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology'.
3). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, adult female, obtained, 4th September.
(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 150; Witherby, 1920-24).
History Clarke (1912 (2): 79-80) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '4th September - Wind north-east, chilly; very cold at night. The author landed at Fair Isle in the morning and in the afternoon observed a Scarlet Grosbeak on a fence adjoining a field of bere (Barley). Its stomach contained grains of bere and a few white stones.' Further, p. 111, Clarke adds: 'an adult female was obtained.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 150, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - Fair Isle: One, September 4th, 1908.'
4). 1908 Isle of May No locality, adult female, obtained, 12th September.
(E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 5, 14; Eds., British Birds 2: 346; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 205).
History E. V. Baxter (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. pp. 5, 11, says: 'I arrived on the island on 10th September and stayed till 9th October. I was alone for the first fortnight, but my cousin, Miss Jackson, of Swordale, was with me for the latter half of my visit....On 12th September, about midday, I was standing in the lighthouse garden when a bird flew over the wall, coming from the east, and settled on the oats, where it sat uttering a soft "twe-eek" at intervals. I recognised it as a Scarlet Grosbeak, having seen one on the May last year, and watched it for some time as it fluttered gently from one oat-stalk to another. The bird then flew on to the wall, when I procured it; it proved to be an adult female.'
In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol.II. p. 346, Witherby admits this record.
Admitted by John Paterson (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 205, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology'.
5). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, immature male, obtained, 29th September.
(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 150; Witherby, 1920-24).
History Clarke (1912 (2): 88) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '29th September - Foghorn off and on all night. South-south-east, light and fine. South in afternoon, breezy; some rain. Scarlet Grosbeak, young male among party of Twites in the stubble.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 150, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - Fair Isle: One, September 29th, 1908.'
6). 1909 Isle of May No locality, female, obtained, 13th September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 135; Eds., British Birds 3: 378; Witherby, 1920-24).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 135, under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology, 1909', say: 'A Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus) female was obtained on the Isle of May on 13th September.'
In an Editorial (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 378, they say: 'A female, September 13th.'
7). 1910 Isle of May No locality, immature male, obtained, 7th September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 4; Eds., British Birds 4: 318; L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 139; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 30: 268).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 4, say: 'We again visited the Isle of May this autumn and worked there from the 2nd September till the 18th October....The only Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrina) seen appeared on 7th September. We procured it, though it was much wilder than we have found this species on other occasions; it was in the green type of plumage.'
In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 318, they say: 'Scarlet Grosbeak (Pyrrhula erythrina) - one was obtained on September 7th.'
Admitted by L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 139, under 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1910'.
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1912) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXX. p. 268, on the unexpected occurrences for 1910, says: 'One shot, Isle of May (Fife), September 7th.'
8). 1910 Outer Hebrides St Kilda, adult male, 8th September.
(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 150; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Clarke (1912 (2): 207) under 'The Birds of St Kilda', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak - An adult male, of this North-eastern species, was found by the burn to the west of the village on 8th September 1910.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 150, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - St. Kilda: Two, September 8th, 1910.'
9). 1910 Outer Hebrides St Kilda, female or immature, 8th September.
(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 150; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Clarke (1912 (2): 207) under 'The Birds of St Kilda', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak - A bird of the year, of this North-eastern species, was found by the burn to the west of the village on 8th September 1910.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 150, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - St. Kilda: Two, September 8th, 1910.'
10). 1910 Outer Hebrides St Kilda, adult female, obtained, 19th September.
(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 150; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Clarke (1912 (2): 207) under 'The Birds of St Kilda', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak - On the 19th September 1910 an adult female was obtained in some rough herbage amid the crofts.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 150, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - St. Kilda: One, September 19th, 1910.'
11). 1912 Highland Tarbat Ness Lighthouse, Ross & Cromarty, female, caught exhausted, 8th September.
(A. C. Jackson, Scottish Naturalist 33: 42-43; Eds., British Birds 6: 316; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 273; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Annie C. Jackson of Swordale (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 42-43, says: 'A female Scarlet Grosbeak was caught in an exhausted condition on the balcony rail of Tarbatness Light by Mr. Allan, lightkeeper, on the early morning of 8th September 1912. The wind was from the E.N.E., light, with some rain. Thanks to Mr. Allan's powers of observation in perceiving this bird to be a stranger, and capturing it forthwith, the occurrence of this species on the mainland of Scotland is established, while at the same time it forms an interesting addition to the bird-fauna of Moray.'
In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 316, they say: 'Miss A. C. Jackson records (Scot. Nat., 1913, p. 42) that a female Carpodacus erythrinus was captured on September 8th, 1912, at the Tarbatness Lighthouse by Mr. Allan, the lightkeeper, and sent to her. This is the first record of the species for the mainland of Scotland.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 273, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Single birds, Tarbatness Lt. (E. Ross-shire), September 8th.'
12). 1912 Fair Isle No locality, immature female, 20th September.
(M. Bedford & W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 33: 5, 26; Eds., British Birds 6: 350; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 273; Witherby, 1920-24; Bedford, 1937).
History Mary, Duchess of Bedford & Wm. Eagle Clarke (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 5, 28, say: 'The following notes are based upon the daily records of our bird-watcher, Mr. Wilson; on personal observations made during the latter half of September and in October; and on contributions by Mr. George Stout, who spent an autumn holiday on his native island....on the 20th, a Scarlet Grosbeak.'
Further, p. 28, they add: 'A young female occurred on 20th September....There are three, perhaps four, previous records of this bird's visits to the island; all in the autumn.'
In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 350, they say: 'In recent numbers of the Scottish Naturalist interesting articles have appeared on migrants observed in 1912 by The Duchess of Bedford and Mr. Eagle Clarke, in Fair Isle, and by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in the Isle of May. The rarer occurrences recorded are mentioned below...At Fair Isle a young female on September 20th.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 273, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Single birds...Fair Isle (Shetland), September 20th.'
Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1937: 37) says: 'September 22nd, 1912. Arrived Fair Isle at noon. Being Sunday...Mr. Eagle Clarke, who had landed on Wednesday, had seen a Scarlet Grosbeak and a Barred Warbler.'
13). 1912 Fair Isle No locality, immature, 28th September.
(M. Bedford & W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 33: 5, 28; Eds., British Birds 6: 350; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 273; Witherby, 1920-24; Bedford, 1937).
History Mary, Duchess of Bedford & Wm. Eagle Clarke (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 5, 28, say: 'The following notes are based upon the daily records of our bird-watcher, Mr. Wilson; on personal observations made during the latter half of September and in October; and on contributions by Mr. George Stout, who spent an autumn holiday on his native island.'
Further, p. 28, they add: '...another young bird was found on the 28th [September]....There are three, perhaps four, previous records of this bird's visits to the island; all in the autumn.'
In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 350, they say: 'In recent numbers of the Scottish Naturalist interesting articles have appeared on migrants observed in 1912 by The Duchess of Bedford and Mr. Eagle Clarke, in Fair Isle, and by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in the Isle of May. The rarer occurrences recorded are mentioned below...At Fair Isle...and a young bird on the 28th [September].'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 273, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Single birds...Fair Isle (Shetland), September 28th.'
Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1937: 37) says: 'September 22nd, 1912. Arrived Fair Isle at noon....September 28th, 1912. Wind south-east. A number of migrants in. We found a Scarlet Grosbeak, a new bird for me.'
14). 1912 Yorkshire Spurn, 2nd October.
(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 273).
History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 273, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Single birds...Spurn Head (Yorkshire), October 2nd.'
15). 1913 Hampshire Titchfield, male, seen, 13th August.
(K. Spear Smith, British Birds 7: 179; Witherby, 1920-24; Clark & Eyre, 1993; Clark & Combridge, 2009).
History Katherine Spear Smith of Titchfield (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 179, in a Letter dated 17th August 1913, says: 'Sirs, - On August 13th, at this place (which is about two miles inland from the Solent), I was startled at seeing a very brilliant scarlet bird perching on a stem where there was a tangled mass of wild-flowers and a hedge. I was able to get close to it with field-glasses. It was certainly of the family Fringillidae, about the size of a Bullfinch, but of a more slender shape; it was scarlet in varying intensity on head, breast, and rump; wings and tail dark brown to dark brownish-grey; the wing-coverts tipped with buff, making a dull bar across the wing I thought there was some black through the eye, but it may have been the shadow. It uttered a sort of song, several quick notes in succession. On coming home and looking it up in Saunders's Manual, I could find no bird to answer to the description except the male Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus) which exactly fitted it, including the song.'
16). 1913 Fair Isle No locality, four: singles, 29th August, 8th, 12th and 18th September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 54; Eds., British Birds 7: 348; Baxter & Rintoul, 1914; Witherby, 1920-24).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 54, says: 'Fair Isle participated in the usual visitation of this species - once among the rarest of British birds - during the past autumn. Several were seen between 29th August and 18th September, all of which were in the green-grey dress of the female or young of the year.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 348, they say: 'The following interesting records have been published in recent issues of the Scottish Naturalist. All the references given refer to the volume for 1914. Scarlet Grosbeak. Several were seen between Aug. 29th and Sept. 18th, 1913 (all females or young males) at Fair Isle (id., p. 54).'
Baxter & Rintoul (1914) state that between 29th August and 18th September, four singles occurred.
20). 1913 Northumberland Holy Island, immature female, shot, 30th August.
(H. F. Witherby, British Birds 7: 168; Witherby, 1920-24; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History H. F. Witherby (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 168, says: 'In our last Volume (pp. 202-10) I gave a few notes on the results of observations made at Holy Island in September and October, 1912. This year (1913) I watched for migrants there in the same way, from August 30th to October 3rd.…On August 30th I obtained a female Scarlet Grosbeak in the copse already referred to. By dissection it appeared to be a bird of the year. On the same day there were Redstarts, Pied Flycatcher, Tree-Pipits, Willow-Warblers and Long-eared Owls, but as this was my first day in the island I cannot say when they arrived. There had been a fog the day before.'
Bolam (1932) says: 'Our only Northumbrian records are due to the perseverance of my eagle-eyed friend Mr. H. F. Witherby, who shot a young female on Holy Island on August 30th, 1913, and saw another there on the 15th and 16th of the following month; it being pertinent to recall that in the same year Dr. Eagle Clarke saw no fewer than nine individuals, all females or young, on Auskerry, one of the Orkney Islands, between August 31st and September 30th.'
21). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, two, 31st August.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'The autumn of 1913 witnessed the arrival of this species - until recently regarded as amongst the rarest of British birds - in unusual abundance. When Saunders wrote on this species in the second edition of the Manual in 1898-99, there were only three records of its occurrence in the British Isles. Between 31st August and 30th September no less than nine visited this small Orcadian island - two on 31st August, one on 4th September, one on the 6th, two on the 14th, one on the 15th, one on the 29th, and one on the 30th. All these birds were in either the greyish phase of plumage of the female, or showed the decidedly yellow tinge of young males. They frequented the lighthouse garden and the face of the cliffs. This bird is new to the fauna of Orkney.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913. Of these the following are the most interesting: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - No less than nine are recorded, two Aug. 31st, one Sept. 4th, one 6th, two 14th, one 15th, one 29th and one 30th.'
23). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, 4th September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'The autumn of 1913 witnessed the arrival of this species - until recently regarded as amongst the rarest of British birds - in unusual abundance. When Saunders wrote on this species in the second edition of the Manual in 1898-99, there were only three records of its occurrence in the British Isles. Between 31st August and 30th September no less than nine visited this small Orcadian island - two on 31st August, one on 4th September, one on the 6th, two on the 14th, one on the 15th, one on the 29th, and one on the 30th. All these birds were in either the greyish phase of plumage of the female, or showed the decidedly yellow tinge of young males. They frequented the lighthouse garden and the face of the cliffs. This bird is new to the fauna of Orkney.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913. Of these the following are the most interesting: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - No less than nine are recorded, two Aug. 31st, one Sept. 4th, one 6th, two 14th, one 15th, one 29th and one 30th.'
24). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, another, 6th September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'The autumn of 1913 witnessed the arrival of this species - until recently regarded as amongst the rarest of British birds - in unusual abundance. When Saunders wrote on this species in the second edition of the Manual in 1898-99, there were only three records of its occurrence in the British Isles. Between 31st August and 30th September no less than nine visited this small Orcadian island - two on 31st August, one on 4th September, one on the 6th, two on the 14th, one on the 15th, one on the 29th, and one on the 30th. All these birds were in either the greyish phase of plumage of the female, or showed the decidedly yellow tinge of young males. They frequented the lighthouse garden and the face of the cliffs. This bird is new to the fauna of Orkney.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913.
Of these the following are the most interesting: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - No less than nine are recorded, two Aug. 31st, one Sept. 4th, one 6th, two 14th, one 15th, one 29th and one 30th.'
25). 1913 Isle of May No locality, female or immature, 8th September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Ibis 1918: 262; Witherby, 1920-24).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1918) in The Ibis, Vol. LX. p. 262, under 'The Birds of the Isle of May', say: 'Single birds, always in the greeny plumage (i.e., females or young males), occurred on 25 September 1907, 12 September 1908, 13 September 1909, 7 September 1910, 8 and 20 September 1913.
They chiefly frequented the potato patches in the gardens, and uttered a curious soft disyllabic note; on one occasion we saw one eat a moth. The Grosbeak procured in 1907 was the second record for Scotland.'
26). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, two, 14th September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'The autumn of 1913 witnessed the arrival of this species - until recently regarded as amongst the rarest of British birds - in unusual abundance. When Saunders wrote on this species in the second edition of the Manual in 1898-99, there were only three records of its occurrence in the British Isles. Between 31st August and 30th September no less than nine visited this small Orcadian island - two on 31st August, one on 4th September, one on the 6th, two on the 14th, one on the 15th, one on the 29th, and one on the 30th. All these birds were in either the greyish phase of plumage of the female, or showed the decidedly yellow tinge of young males. They frequented the lighthouse garden and the face of the cliffs. This bird is new to the fauna of Orkney.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913. Of these the following are the most interesting: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - No less than nine are recorded, two Aug. 31st, one Sept. 4th, one 6th, two 14th, one 15th, one 29th and one 30th.'
28). 1913 Northumberland Holy Island, seen, 15th to 16th September.
(H. F. Witherby, British Birds 7: 168; Witherby, 1920-24; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History H. F. Witherby (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 168, says: 'In our last Volume (pp. 202-10) I gave a few notes on the results of observations made at Holy Island in September and October, 1912. This year (1913) I watched for migrants there in the same way, from August 30th to October 3rd....On September 15th I saw a finch which, by its "dirty" coloured double wing-bar and streaked throat and breast, appeared to be another example like the one I obtained on August 30th; but it was very wild, and would not let me approach nearer than some eighty yards. The next day I got two very good views of it at about the same distance, and had ample time to note, with the help of my binoculars, its characteristics more clearly - the streaked throat and breast, double buffish wing-bar, brown upper-parts, and more slender shape than other finches or buntings of the size, being well marked.'
29). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, 15th September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'The autumn of 1913 witnessed the arrival of this species - until recently regarded as amongst the rarest of British birds - in unusual abundance. When Saunders wrote on this species in the second edition of the Manual in 1898-99, there were only three records of its occurrence in the British Isles. Between 31st August and 30th September no less than nine visited this small Orcadian island - two on 31st August, one on 4th September, one on the 6th, two on the 14th, one on the 15th, one on the 29th, and one on the 30th. All these birds were in either the greyish phase of plumage of the female, or showed the decidedly yellow tinge of young males. They frequented the lighthouse garden and the face of the cliffs. This bird is new to the fauna of Orkney.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913.
Of these the following are the most interesting: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - No less than nine are recorded, two Aug. 31st, one Sept. 4th, one 6th, two 14th, one 15th, one 29th and one 30th.'
30). 1913 Isle of May No locality, female or immature, 20th to 21st September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 34: 108; Eds., British Birds 8: 22; Witherby, 1920-24).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 108, says: '...Although a good list of birds was compiled, there was never any very large number of one species, the most notable birds recorded during the period being...a Scarlet Grosbeak on 20th and 21st September.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 22, they say: 'Miss E. V. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul give (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 106-111) an interesting report of the most important occurrences of birds at the Isle of May in 1913....The following are noteworthy: - Scarlet Grosbeak. One on Sept. 20th and 21st.'
31). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, immature male, 21st September.
(Baxter & Rintoul, 1914).
History Baxter & Rintoul (1914) p. 37, under 'Notes on the Movements of Birds in 1913', say: 'On Auskerry, 21st Sept (imm. male).'
32). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, 29th September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'The autumn of 1913 witnessed the arrival of this species - until recently regarded as amongst the rarest of British birds - in unusual abundance. When Saunders wrote on this species in the second edition of the Manual in 1898-99, there were only three records of its occurrence in the British Isles. Between 31st August and 30th September no less than nine visited this small Orcadian island - two on 31st August, one on 4th September, one on the 6th, two on the 14th, one on the 15th, one on the 29th, and one on the 30th.
All these birds were in either the greyish phase of plumage of the female, or showed the decidedly yellow tinge of young males. They frequented the lighthouse garden and the face of the cliffs. This bird is new to the fauna of Orkney.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913. Of these the following are the most interesting: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - No less than nine are recorded, two Aug. 31st, one Sept. 4th, one 6th, two 14th, one 15th, one 29th and one 30th.'
33). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, 30th September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'The autumn of 1913 witnessed the arrival of this species - until recently regarded as amongst the rarest of British birds - in unusual abundance. When Saunders wrote on this species in the second edition of the Manual in 1898-99, there were only three records of its occurrence in the British Isles. Between 31st August and 30th September no less than nine visited this small Orcadian island - two on 31st August, one on 4th September, one on the 6th, two on the 14th, one on the 15th, one on the 29th, and one on the 30th.
All these birds were in either the greyish phase of plumage of the female, or showed the decidedly yellow tinge of young males. They frequented the lighthouse garden and the face of the cliffs. This bird is new to the fauna of Orkney.'
In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913.
Of these the following are the most interesting: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - No less than nine are recorded, two Aug. 31st, one Sept. 4th, one 6th, two 14th, one 15th, one 29th and one 30th.'
34). 1921 Fair Isle No locality, three, seen, 19th September.
(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 42: 72; Eds., British Birds 16: 315; Witherby, 1920-24).
History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'Three Scarlet Grosbeaks were observed on Fair Isle on 19th September.'
In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 315, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1921, including Migration', by Leonora J. Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter, they say: 'Three at Fair Isle, September 19th.'
37). 1924 Fair Isle No locality, 9th and 12th September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 45: 75; Eds., British Birds 20: 111).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1925) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLV. p. 75, in the annual report, say: 'On 9th and 12th September a Scarlet Grosbeak was recorded from Fair Isle.'
In an Editorial (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XX. p. 111, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1924, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, they say: 'The following notes of interest have not previously been mentioned in our pages; all the dates refer to the year 1924, Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - One at Fair Isle, September 9th and 12th.'
38). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 26th September.
(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 46: 8; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72; Eds., British Birds 20: 28).
History J. H. Stenhouse (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. pp. 7-8, says: 'In the autumn of 1925 I revisited Fair Isle, remaining there five weeks, from 3rd September to 7th October....An easterly gale on the night of the 19th [September] brought in more birds...After this date there were short spells of east wind on two occasions and notable arrivals then included a male Scarlet Grosbeak.'
In an Editorial (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XX. p. 28, they say: 'In the same issue of the Scottish Naturalist (pp. 7-10) Surgeon Rear-Admiral J. H. Stenhouse gives his observations at Fair Isle during a visit from September 3rd to October 7th, 1925....Other birds of interest were: - 'After this date [September 19th] (actual dates not given) notable arrivals included another a Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus).'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report.
39). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 20th to 23rd October.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'There are interesting notes of Scarlet Grosbeaks on Fair Isle, single birds being recorded on 20th to 23rd October.'
40). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, another, 29th October.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'There are interesting notes of Scarlet Grosbeaks on Fair Isle, single birds being recorded on 29th October.'
41). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 16th November.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'There are interesting notes of Scarlet Grosbeaks on Fair Isle, single birds being recorded on 16th November.'
42). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, another, 21st November.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'There are interesting notes of Scarlet Grosbeaks on Fair Isle, single birds being recorded on 21st November.'
43). 1926 Fair Isle No locality, 4th November.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 47: 135; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 22: 120).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 135, in the annual report, say: 'A Scarlet Grosbeak was recorded there [Fair Isle] on 4th November.'
H. F. Witherby (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 120, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1926, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - At Fair Isle one on April 2nd and another November 4th.'
44). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 3rd September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 107; Eds., British Birds 23: 103).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 107, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'Scarlet Grosbeaks were recorded there [Fair Isle] on 3rd September.'
In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 103, they say: 'At Fair Isle on September 3rd.'
45). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 23rd September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 107; Eds., British Birds 23: 103).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 107, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'Scarlet Grosbeaks were recorded there [Fair Isle] on 23rd September.'
In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 103, they say: 'At Fair Isle on September 23rd.'
46). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, another, 24th September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 107; Eds., British Birds 23: 103).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 107, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'Scarlet Grosbeaks were recorded there [Fair Isle] on 24th September.'
In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 103, they say: 'At Fair Isle on September 24th.'
47). 1928 Fair Isle No locality, female, obtained, 10th October, now at National Museums of Scotland.
(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 49: 9; Eds., British Birds 24: 32).
History J. H. Stenhouse (1929) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIX. p. 9, says: 'During last autumn there was very little migration at Fair Isle. I spent three weeks on the island, from 15th September to 4th October....also obtained on the following day [10th October] a female Scarlet Grosbeak. For the records after 4th October I am indebted to Mr. George Stout, Field, Fair Isle, who has forwarded the birds mentioned to the Royal Scottish Museum.'
In an Editorial (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 32, in a Review of 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1928, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, they say: 'Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - One at Fair Isle, October 10th.'
48). 1929 Isle of May No locality, 18th September.
(Witherby et al., 1940-52).
History Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'One at Isle of May on 18th September 1929.'
49). 1930 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 16th October.
(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 51: 46; Eds., British Birds 25: 25).
History J. H. Stenhouse (1931) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LI. pp. 45-46, says: 'At Fair Isle notes were taken during the period by Mr. George Stout, and it is from his diary, which has been forwarded to me, that the following details have been extracted....After that date there was little unusual migratory movement noted till 15th and 16th October...On the later date two Scarlet Grosbeaks were observed.'
In an Editorial (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 25, they say: 'Two at Fair Isle on October 16th, 1930 (J. H. Stenhouse, Scot. Nat., 1931, p . 46).'
51). 1931 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 9th November.
(G. Stout, Scottish Naturalist 52: 38; Eds., British Birds 26: 27).
History George Stout of Fair Isle (1932) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 38, says: 'We did not have many birds on Fair Isle this autumn, owing to too much westerly wind, but I observed a few unusual visitors....two Scarlet Grosbeaks appeared on 9th November.'
In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 27, they say: 'Mr. George Stout (Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 38) states...Other rare birds recorded are: two Scarlet Grosbeaks (Carpodacus erythrinus) on November 9th.'
Comment George Stout saw three of this species in January 1930 which have been rejected because of the unusual date, therefore, it begs the question of his identification of these two.
53). 1935 Fair Isle No locality, August.
(Witherby et al., 1940-52).
History Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'One in August 1935 at Fair Isle.'
54). 1935 Fair Isle No locality, three, September.
(Witherby et al., 1940-52).
History Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'Three in September 1935 at Fair Isle.'
57). 1936 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, two, seen, 6th September.
(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 25-26; Eds., British Birds 31: 123-124; Venables & Venables, 1955).
History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 25, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak. - Mr. Samuel Bruce has records of four or five specimens from Lerwick. This autumn two were seen on 6th September 1936. (This species has not previously been recorded from Shetland previously, although it occurs almost regularly on autumn passage on Fair Isle).'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 123-124, they say: 'Mr. George Waterston contributes to the Scottish Naturalist (1937, pp. 25-31) an important paper on the status of a number of scarce birds (chiefly migrants) in Shetland.
The information he has obtained from Mr. Tom Bruce, jun., and from an examination of Mr. Samuel Bruce's collection, though sometimes rather lacking in detail, shows that certain rare migrants, hitherto unrecorded from Shetland, but known to occur at Fair Isle, do visit Shetland, while others of which very few have been recorded for Shetland occur almost annually. Of those not previously recorded are the following: Scarlet Grosbeak, several, September, 1936.'
59). 1936 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, two, seen, 13th September.
(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 25-26; Eds., British Birds 31: 123-124; Venables & Venables, 1955).
History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 25, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak. - Mr. Samuel Bruce has records of four or five specimens from Lerwick. This autumn two were seen on 13th September 1936.'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 123-124, they say: 'Mr. George Waterston contributes to the Scottish Naturalist (1937, pp. 25-31) an important paper on the status of a number of scarce birds (chiefly migrants) in Shetland.
The information he has obtained from Mr. Tom Bruce, jun., and from an examination of Mr. Samuel Bruce's collection, though sometimes rather lacking in detail, shows that certain rare migrants, hitherto unrecorded from Shetland, but known to occur at Fair Isle, do visit Shetland, while others of which very few have been recorded for Shetland occur almost annually. Of those not previously recorded are the following: Scarlet Grosbeak, several, September, 1936.'
61). 1936 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, seen, 4th October.
(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 25-26; Eds., British Birds 31: 123-124; Venables & Venables, 1955).
History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 25, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak. - Mr. Samuel Bruce has records of four or five specimens from Lerwick. This autumn one was seen on 4th October 1936.'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 123-124, they say: 'Mr. George Waterston contributes to the Scottish Naturalist (1937, pp. 25-31) an important paper on the status of a number of scarce birds (chiefly migrants) in Shetland.
The information he has obtained from Mr. Tom Bruce, jun., and from an examination of Mr. Samuel Bruce's collection, though sometimes rather lacking in detail, shows that certain rare migrants, hitherto unrecorded from Shetland, but known to occur at Fair Isle, do visit Shetland, while others of which very few have been recorded for Shetland occur almost annually. Of those not previously recorded are the following: Scarlet Grosbeak, and one October.'
62). 1937 Isle of May No locality, 12th to 14th September.
(Midlothian Ornithological Club, Scottish Naturalist 58: 104; Witherby et al., 1940-52).
History Midlothian Ornithological Club (1938) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVIII. p. 104, under 'Autumn Report, 1937', say: 'Period 1st to 15th September. 12th. - One Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus) which remained until 14th.'
Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'One between 12th and 14th September 1937 on the Isle of May.'
63). 1937 Fair Isle No locality, three, 15th September.
(Witherby et al., 1940-52).
History Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'Three were on Fair Isle on 15th September 1937.'
66). 1938 Fair Isle No locality, seen, September.
(C. H. B. Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 59: 77; Witherby et al., 1940-52).
History C. H. B. Grant, Editor (1939) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. LIX. p. 77, at the 415th Meeting of the Club held on 8th February 1939 at the Rembrandt Hotel, London, under 'Visit to Fair Isle, 1938', says: 'Mr. C. A. Norris, who last September spent a fortnight on Fair Isle with Mr. H. F. Witherby and Mr, p. A. D. Hollom, gave a short account of the island and the birds seen there....a Scarlet Grosbeak exhibited in the same plumage as the bird seen on the island.'
67). 1945 Fair Isle No locality, three, September.
(Pennington et al., 2004).
History Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'Few records exist on Fair Isle between 1939-47, although Jerome Wilson recorded three in September 1945.'
70). 1948 Fair Isle No locality, two: females or immatures, 26th August.
(K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 61: 131).
History Kenneth Williamson (1949) recording the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report for 1948 in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXI. p. 131, says: 'Two immatures or females in roots, 26th August.'
72). 1948 Fair Isle No locality, female or immature, seen, 30th September.
(K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 61: 22-23).
History Kenneth Williamson (1949) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXI. pp. 22-23, under 'Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report for 1948', says: 'Field Characters. - The following notes were made on a female or immature bird seen on 30th September. Upper parts yellowish brown, with not very obvious dark mesial streaks; rump paler, unstreaked, but providing no marked contrast with the back. Sides of head inclined to rufous, contrasting well with the crown, which was a little darker than the mantle; this rufous extended to the throat, providing a contrast with the greyish-white breast and belly. There were dark striations on the throat, breast, belly, and flanks, most marked on the breast, but not nearly so pronounced as in 'The Handbook' plate. The under tail coverts were yellowish brown. The primaries and secondaries were dark brown, the latter with broad white edgings. There was a double buffish wing-bar; and the median coverts were a darker brown than the rest of the wing. Tail dark brown. Bill large and conical, brown. Tarsi and toes pale brown. The observation of L.S.V. (vide The Handbook, Vol. I. p. 88) of a bird perching "with characteristic dumpy stance", head retracted, was seen, especially when the bird perched for a few minutes on an oat stock and fed there. It was at first in company with sparrows, later alone.'
73). 1949 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, first-winter male, trapped, 26th June.
(P. J. Conder, British Birds 43: 82; P. J. Conder & J. Keighley, British Birds 43: 213; Anon., Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1949: 8; Betts, 1992; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
History P. J. Conder (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 82, says: 'On June 26th, 1949, a Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus) was trapped and ringed on Skokholm Island, Pembrokeshire. It was thought to be a first-winter male, as the wing measured 85 millimetres, which is longer than any recorded in The Handbook for females. This is the second for Wales, and the first record for Pembrokeshire.'
P. J. Conder & Joan Keighley (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 213, say: 'A first-winter male, caught on June 26th, presumably ranks as an autumn immigrant.'
Betts (1992) adds: 'Second for Wales.'
74). 1949 Fair Isle No locality, early September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1949: 9).
History K. Williamson (1949) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, Vol. II. p. 9 says: 'Early Scarlet Grosbeak was seen at this time [before 12th September].'
75). 1949 Fair Isle Haa, another, 18th to 19th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1949: 9).
History K. Williamson (1949) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, Vol. II. p. 9 says: 'There was a Scarlet Grosbeak at the Haa on the 18th to 19th [September].'
76). 1949 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 22nd September.
(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 62: 100; H. F. D. Elder, British Birds 43: 205).
History H. F. D. Elder (1950) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXII. p. 100, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report', for 1949, and in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 205, says: 'One on 22nd September, identified in the hand.'
1950-57 RECORDS
77). 1950 Fair Isle Haa, two, 31st August, one first-winter to 2nd September when trapped.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (6): 2, 8; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 9; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 224).
History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VI). p. 2, says: 'Two were seen at the Haa, August 31st, and one on the following day. This was trapped on September 2nd and, judging from the worn rectrices, was a bird of the year. The upper mandible was dark horn, the lower mauve, the legs dark flesh-colour and the inside of the mouth rose-red.' Further, p. 8, he adds: '1st winter bird, 23.87 gm.'
K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 224, says: 'Autumn. Two arrived on August 31st and one was seen for two days afterwards. There was one on September 21st.'
79). 1950 Fair Isle Busta and Springfield, 21st September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 9; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 224).
History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 224, says: 'Autumn. Two arrived on August 31st and one was seen for two days afterwards. There was one on September 21st.'
80). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, female or immature, 27th August.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 11; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). pp. 11-12, says: 'Females or young birds were seen on August 27th and 31st and September 13th....'
K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
81). 1951 Fair Isle Gully, female or immature, trapped, 31st August.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 11-12; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). pp. 11-12, says: 'Females or young birds were seen on August 27th and 31st and September 13th. The bird of Aug. 31st was caught in the Gully Trap and weighed 20.74 g. (One on Sept. 2nd 1950 weighed 24 g.).'
K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
82). 1951 Shetland Near Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, 12th September.
(Venables & Venables, 1955).
History Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'We had one in our garden near Loch Spiggie on 12th September 1951.'
83). 1951 Fair Isle Busta, female or immature, 13th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 11-12; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). pp. 11-12, says: 'Females or young birds were seen on August 27th and 31st and September 13th....'
K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
84). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, 22nd September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV., p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
85). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, three, 23rd to 24th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
88). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, 26th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
89). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, 30th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
90). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, 2nd October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229).
History K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'Female or young birds on August 27th and 31st and September 13th; one September 22nd, three together September 23rd to 24th, single birds September 26th, 30th and October 2nd.'
91). 1952 Isle of May No locality, 7th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (10): 40; A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 32; M. F. M. Meiklejohn & A. G. S. Bryson, Scottish Naturalist 66: 55-56; A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 46: 425).
History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report Bulletin, Vol. I (X). p. 40, says: 'There was a Scarlet Grosbeak on September 7th.'
M. F. M. Meiklejohn & A. G. S. Bryson (1954) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVI. pp. 55-56, say: 'The Scarlet Grosbeak Carpodacus erythrinus has been recorded eating oats on Fair Isle (Scot. Nat., 61: 23), but with this exception there seems to be no record of its food in Britain. It may therefore be worth recording that a bird of this species, observed by us on the Isle of May on 7th September 1952, fed in one of the gardens, on the seeds of sow-thistles, Sonchus arvensis and oleraceus....'
92). 1952 Fair Isle No locality, 10th to 14th September.
(K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 65: 84; K. Williamson, British Birds 46: 424).
History K. Williamson (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 424, says: 'One from September 10th to 14th. Two on October 3rd and one on the 4th, busy on oat-stooks. One on October 16th.'
93). 1952 Fair Isle No locality, two, 3rd October, one to 4th October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (9): 31; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 65: 84; K. Williamson, British Birds 46: 424).
History K. Williamson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IX). p. 31, says: 'Two on Oct. 3rd and one next day, busy on oat-stooks; one on 16th.'
K. Williamson (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 424, says: 'One from September 10th to 14th. Two on October 3rd and one on the 4th, busy on oat-stooks. One on October 16th.'
95). 1952 Somerset Cheddar Reservoir, female or immature, 5th October.
(B. King, British Birds 46: 221; H. H. Davis & P. J. Chadwick, Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society 28: 330; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1952: 34; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).
History Bernard King (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 221, says: 'At Cheddar Reservoir, Somerset, on October 5th, 1952, the writer was attracted by an unusual finch-like bird consorting with a mixed party of about a dozen Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs) and Yellowhammers (Emberiza citrinella) of both sexes which were seeking stray seed from a freshly gathered heap of chaff near the reservoir embankment. Its brown colour and dumpy appearance, with a strikingly stout and conical brown bill and its head set squat on its shoulders, were so unlike any bird which the writer had previously seen that the following detailed notes were made during the 20 minutes the bird was under intermittent observation at a distance of about 20 yards. Later that day The Handbook was consulted and it appeared evident that it was either a female or an immature male Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus).
The thick conical bill was always its dominant character. A little smaller than the Chaffinches and Yellowhammers, dumpy and with noticeably rounded head - showing slight demarcation where the base of the bill met the forehead. Tail shorter than those of its companions and decidedly forked. Head, nape and mantle brown; lower back and rump clear light greenish colour and unstreaked; tail brown; wings light brown with paler edges to some scapular feathers and to the secondaries - double whitish-buff wing bar; side of face pale brown; throat pale buff; deeper buff on upper neck and breast and boldly streaked, extending to the flanks; lower belly whitish, under-tail coverts clear white. Thick, conical, dark brown to reddish-brown bill, paler at the base, more noticeably pale on lower mandible; legs drab brown. Eye dark or blackish, appearing unusually large for size of bird.
From time to time the small flock, in characteristic manner, made sudden flights, then returned to the chaff or perhaps perched in a tree near by or skulked in root crops only a few yards away. The Grosbeak, however, showed some reluctance to join in and often it flew only a few yards to a barb-wire fence where it gave the writer excellent views of both the upper- and under-parts. Eventually the birds were startled by a car passing along the reservoir road and were not seen again. The above record is believed to be the first instance of a Scarlet Grosbeak in Somerset.'
96). 1952 Fair Isle No locality, 16th October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (9): 31; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 65: 84; K. Williamson, British Birds 46: 424).
History K. Williamson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IX). p. 31, says: 'Two on Oct. 3rd and one next day, busy on oat-stooks; one on 16th.'
K. Williamson (1953) in British Birds , Vol. XLVI. p. 424, says: 'One from September 10th to 14th. Two on October 3rd and one on the 4th, busy on oat-stooks. One on October 16th.'
97). 1953 Fair Isle No locality, 15th October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 112; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 427).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 112, says: 'The only bird of the autumn was watched on October 15th; "very distinctive with its greenish-brown mantle, rather greyer head, white wing-bars and tips to the tertials, and dark streaks ending abruptly below the breast. A characteristic feature is the beady black eye set in the nicely-rounded head; a hen sparrow, with which it might be confused, has a flatter crown by contrast".'
98). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, 24th to 26th August.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 224; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1954: 4; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 432).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 224, says: 'One between August 24-26th appears to have arrived from western Norway in the NE cyclonic airstream of a low centred over Holland.'
K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 4, says: '...the early autumn migration was memorable on several counts. Early on there were unusually heavy passages...More species of a north-eastern origin reached Fair Isle than in any previous autumn, and two visitors from this quarter were birds new to the British List...Other birds which probably had a similar origin were a number of Scarlet Grosbeaks.'
99). 1954 Shetland Foula, 16th to 21st September.
(C. K. Mylne, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 254; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 51).
History C. K. Mylne (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 254, under 'Bird Migration at Foula 1954', says: 'One from September 16th-21st.'
100). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, two, 18th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 218, 224; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 436).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 218, says: 'Another movement appears to have come from the west Norway coast by cyclonic drift round a small low centred on the Alesund area on September 17th. This was a day of strong wind veering from south-west to north-west at Fair Isle, and the birds found on the 18th included two Scarlet Grosbeaks...'
Further, p. 224, he adds: 'There were two from September 18th, following similar cyclonic weather in Forties, caused by a low over southern Norway.'
102). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, three, 20th September, two to 22nd September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 218, 224; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 436).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 218, says: 'On 20th, with an extensive low centred on the Fair Isle area....At least three Grosbeaks were on the isle...'
Further, p. 224, he adds: 'and three on 20th are likely to have been on redetermined passage, with Faeroe and Shetland enjoying calm weather at the heart of the depression. Two remaining birds disappeared in col weather on the night of 22nd/23rd.'
105). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, another, 26th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 224; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 254; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 437).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 224, says: '...and the next was a single individual on 26th [September].'
106). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, two, 1st to 2nd October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 224; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 254; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 437).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 224, says: 'After the Skagerrak drift of October 1st-2nd two were seen.'
108). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, 5th October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 224; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 254).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 224, says: '...and one seen on 5th was likely to have been on redetermined passage.'
109). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, two, 6th October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 224; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 254; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 437).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 224, says: '...and two on the 6th are likely to have been on redetermined passage.'
111). 1955 Shetland Durigarth, Mainland, male, 3rd June.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 35; T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 26; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 107).
History T. Henderson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 26, says: 'A male, in all probability not fully mature, was observed at close range by Leslie A. Brown and Colin Barr at Durigarth on June 3rd. It had the whole of the head, neck and breast of a dark red colour, the wings and tail brown, the underparts buffish-white shading into the pink of the lower breast. It was slightly bigger than a House Sparrow, with which it was seen at one point, and had a heavy and Bullfinch-like bill. A more detailed note on this, which is exceedingly rare in Britain in spring, has been sent to British Birds.'
112). 1955 Fair Isle No locality, 1st September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 35; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 58).
History K. Williamson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 58, says: 'A Scarlet Grosbeak Carpodacus erythrinus on Sept. 1st.'
113). 1955 Shetland Foula, female, 16th September.
(C. K. Mylne, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 63; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 51).
History C. K. Mylne (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 63, says: 'Our arrival at Foula on September 14th coincided with easterly weather and a fair number of migrants were seen on the 17th. Apart from hoards of Redpolls...other species were represented by individuals only...female Scarlet Grosbeak on 16th.'
E. E. Jackson (1966) in Scottish Birds, Vol. IV. p. 51, under 'The Birds of Foula', says: 'Single birds on 16th and 23rd September 1955.'
114). 1955 Yorkshire Spurn, female, trapped, 16th September.
(J. K. Fenton & H. G. Brownlow, British Birds 49: 46; Miss A. E. Leach, H. G. Brownlow, J. K. Fenton & M. M. B. Philpott, Naturalist 81: 12; R. Chislett, Naturalist 81: 76; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).
History J. K. Fenton & H. G. Brownlow (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 46, say: 'A bird caught at the Spurn Bird Observatory, Yorkshire, on 16th September 1955 was seen before being handled to have a very stout bill and conspicuous whitish wing-bars. After detailed examination, in which Miss A. E. Leach and M. M. B. Philpot took part, the bird was diagnosed as a female Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus). Subsequently the bird was shown to Messrs. R. S. Pollard, E. W. Ellis, E. Andressy, A. Frudd and Mrs. Frudd. Mr. Ralph Chislett confirms that this is the first record for Yorkshire.
The crown, mantle and scapulars were fawn streaked with brown, the rump was unstreaked, slightly lighter in shade and tinged with olive; ear-coverts and sides of neck were of a uniform dark fawn; throat and breast light buff, streaked brown; chin light buff, and belly pale cream, with under tail-coverts very slightly darker. The flanks were paler toned than the breast, with streaks less pronounced. The tail was forked, with rectrices and primary remiges dark brown, edged with greenish-buff. The conspicuous wing-bars were formed by whitish-buff tips to the greater and median coverts. The lesser wing-coverts were brown narrowly edged with cream. The upper mandible was leaden in colour, and the lower slightly lighter with a bluish tinge. From the nostril the bill measured 8 mm., and its depth at the nostril 9.5 mm. Legs and feet were grey-brown, and iris dark brown. The wing measurements taken supported the identification. While being trapped and also while being examined, the bird gave a soft, sweet-toned double call which might be rendered as "too-weet".'
Miss A. E. Leach, H. G. Brownlow, J. K. Fenton & M. M. B. Philpott (1956) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXI. p. 12, says: 'On September 16th, 1955, a Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus) was caught in one of the Spurn Bird Observatory traps. Whilst it was clinging to the netting of the trap it was seen to be of a general light brown colour with two conspicuous whitish wing bars and a very stout bill. Detailed measurement and plumage examination in the hand confirmed...its identification as a female, probably adult, of this species. It is the first confirmed identification of this species in Yorkshire.
Force 3-5 north-westerly winds had been blowing for the two previous days and on the morning on which it was caught a Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) was seen and a Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) caught. Other migratory species seen or caught on the same day were Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) and Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa hypoleuca).'
R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXI. p. 76, says: 'A female caught at Spurn on September 16th, 1955, had a very stout bill and conspicuous whitish wing-bars; and was the first recorded for Yorkshire. Those involved were H. G. Brownlow, J. K. Fenton, Miss A. E. Leach and M. M. B. Philpot.'
115). 1955 Fair Isle No locality, 23rd September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 59; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 3: 35; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 111).
History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 59, says: 'Occluded fronts moving across the North Sea on 21st and 23rd gave us south wind, but once again arrivals were few, 23rd being the best with 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Bramblings, Scarlet Grosbeak, etc.'
K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 35, says: 'There was a party of 10 Lapland Buntings on September 16th and other rarities including a Barred Warbler, Scarlet Grosbeak and Red-breasted Flycatcher.'
R. K. Cornwallis (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. p. 111, under '19th September-3rd October', says: 'The only drift recorded was a small cyclonic movement to Fair Isle on the 23rd caused by the movement of an occluded front across the North Sea. This brought two Song Thrushes, two Bramblings, a Scarlet Grosbeak, a Wryneck, etc.'
116). 1955 Shetland Foula, 23rd September.
(C. K. Mylne, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 63; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 51).
History C. K. Mylne (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 63, says: 'On 23rd a Scarlet Grosbeak which coincided exactly with individuals of the same species on Fair Isle.'
E. E. Jackson (1966) in Scottish Birds, Vol. IV. p. 51, under 'The Birds of Foula', says: 'Single birds on 16th and 23rd September 1955.'
117). 1955 Fair Isle No locality, 7th October.
(R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 111).
History R. K. Cornwallis (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. p. 111, under '4th to 21st October', says: 'On the 7th a Scarlet Grosbeak was the only new bird at Fair Isle and many of the previous day's immigrants had departed.'
118). 1955 Isle of May No locality, 22nd to 23rd October.
(W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 68: 45, 55).
History W. J. Eggeling (1956) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVIII. p. 45, says: '22nd-23rd October, one. A late date.' Further, p. 55, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Report for 1953-55', he adds: 'Ten records, all of single birds, between 7th September and 25th September. Only one record outside this period (one bird on 22nd-23rd October 1955).'
119). 1957 Orkney No locality, Mainland, male, 29th May.
(E. Balfour, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 197).
History E. Balfour (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 197, says: 'The outstanding bird of the month was a male Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus) in beautiful plumage, on the 29th [May].'
Comment Not in last two Orkney avifaunas.
120). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, three, immatures, two trapped, 18th to 19th September, one remaining to 21st September.
(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 18, 25; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 8, 18).
History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 8, says: 'Already, on the 18th, there were two north-eastern species, Scarlet Grosbeak (three immatures).'
Further, p. 18, he adds: 'Three immatures September 18th and 19th, one till the 21st.'
P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 25, under 'Total of Birds Ringed at Fair Isle 1957', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak (2).'
NOT PROVEN
0). 1855 Worcestershire Powick, shot, December.
(Harthan, 1946).
[Harthan, 1946].
History Harthan (1946) placing the record in square brackets, says 'Shot at Powick in December 1855 and preserved by Mr. Brookes, Worcester (Lees).'
0). Pre 1867 Sussex No locality, obtained, undated.
(J. Jenner Weir, Zoologist 1867: 877).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History J. Jenner Weir of Blackheath, London (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 877, dated 10th July, 1867, says: 'During a visit to Lewes [Sussex] I had the pleasure of examining a most beautiful collection of British birds, the property of Mr. Thomas Monk, of that town. The birds were all stuffed by that excellent taxidermist, Swaysland, of Brighton, and amongst them were many of our rarest visitors....Amongst them was a finch which specially attracted my attention: Mr. Monk called it the "unknown finch".
The appearance of this bird was something like a large Linnet, but with a beak much larger, and in colour reminding me more of the young green Linnet; in fact it looked like a hybrid between the two species. It could scarcely, however, be a hybrid, because several have been taken near Brighton in different years, and it is also very improbable that two such common species would hybridize in a state of nature; the puzzle therefore was, what species could it be?
I considered it must be a European bird, and probably, from occurring every autumn, a migratory species, not very rarely met with on the continent. It might also be expected to be a young bird, for it rarely happens that stragglers are old birds; the latter during their passage follow the course known to them by previous experience, but, on the other hand, young birds when deprived by accident or otherwise of the guidance of their mature parents often stray in their migrations from the direct course. I feel therefore certain, in my own mind, looking at the general structure and size of the specimen, that it is the Fringilla incerta of Risso, which is no other than the Scarlet Bullfinch (Carpodacus erythrinus of Gray and others).
Had the bird ever occurred in the adult plumage, I doubt not but that it would long ago have been known as a occasional visitor to this country, but the birdcatchers have always supposed it to be a hybrid, and attached therefore but little importance to its capture. If my supposition be correct it affords another illustration of the fact that immature specimens present much better evidences of affinity than mature; even the young Goldfinch is not very unlike a young Linnet.'
Not accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 102) who thought that it was probably a hybrid Linnet-Greenfinch.
Comment Lacks adequate details for a first for Britain. Also, Swaysland has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Not acceptable.
0). 1869 Sussex Near Brighton, caught, late September, lived in a aviary until June, 1876.
(E. T. Booth, Field 9th Oct., 1869: 305; T. W. Wanfor, Zoologist 1869: 1918; "Zoophilus" Field 23rd Oct., 1869: 347; F. Bond, Zoologist 1870: 1984; Yarrell, 1871-85; BOU, 1883; Borrer, 1891; Witherby, 1920-24; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Shrubb, 1979; James, 1996; D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 92: 447).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98].
History E. T. Booth of Brighton (1869) in The Field of 9th Oct., Vol. XXXIV. p. 305, says: 'During the past week Mr. Swaysland, of Brighton, has received from the local birdcatchers two Richard's Pipits, and a young bird which, in its present plumage, he judges to be a female Scarlet Bullfinch. This bird, which came into the net with a Greenfinch, is described by Dr. Bree, in his Birds of Europe not obtained in Britain, as inhabiting the regions of the Arctic Circle, in the north of Europe and Asia. It was very wild when first caught; but is rapidly becoming reconciled to confinement.'
T. W. Wanfor of Brighton (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1918, undated, says: 'Swaysland has at the present time a living female of the Rosy Bullfinch (Pyrrhula rosea), taken by a birdcatcher on the Downs.'
Frederick Bond of South Hampstead, London (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1984, dated 15th December, 1869, says: 'I think the following list of birds, all taken (except the Serin Finch) near Brighton, between September of the present year and the 6th of December, are worth recording in The Zoologist. I have seen every one of the birds except the Shore Lark. Scarlet Bullfinch. This bird was taken the last week in September; it is still alive and in good health at Mr. Swaysland's, the well-known naturalist, of Brighton.'
"Zoophilus" (1869) in The Field of 23rd Oct., Vol. XXXIV. p. 347, says: 'The "Scarlet Bullfinch" mentioned by E. T. Booth (p. 305) asb having been captured near Brighton, I presume to be the Carpodacus erythrinus, a bird which is very far from being confined to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia. It is a tolerably plentiful winter visitant in India...'
Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 172-173, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The first unquestionable appearance of the Scarlet Grosbeak in this country seems to have been recorded by Mr. Wonfor (Zool., s.s. p. 1918), and the statement was confirmed by Mr. Bond (op. cit. p. 1984) - a hen-bird having been caught on the downs near Brighton in September, 1869. This example was seen by the writer in Mr. Monk's aviary at Lewes, and lived there until June, 1876.' Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'This gentleman indeed called it the "Rosy Bullfinch (Pyrrhula rosea)", but there is no doubt he was mistaken in so doing. The true Rosy Bullfinch, though an ally, is a very distinct species, not yet known to have been taken in Britain.'
Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883) and accepted locally (Borrer 1891; Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 102).
Comment Swaysland has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Not acceptable.
0). 1870 Greater London Near Caen Wood, Hampstead, Middlesex, caught, immature female, 5th October.
(F. Bond, Zoologist 1870: 2383; Yarrell, 1871-85; BOU, 1883; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1889: 414-415, 418-419; Swann, 1893; Witherby, 1920-24; Glegg, 1935; D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 92: 448; Self, 2014).
[BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306].
History Frederick Bond (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2383, dated 12th October, 1870, says: 'On Monday last I saw a fine young female of the Scarlet Bullfinch that was taken near Caen Wood, Hampstead, by a bird-catcher, on the 5th of October, 1870. I purchased the specimen, and it will go into my collection. It will be recollected that I recorded the first occurrence of this species (near Brighton in September, 1860), in the January number of The Zoologist (s.s. 1984).'
Admitted by Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 173, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883).
J. E. Harting (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. pp. 414-415, on Frederick Bond's bird collection, says: 'In another case, in a cabinet drawer, is the Scarlet Grosbeak, Pyrrhula erythrina (also a hen bird), caught at Hampstead, and figured by Gould in his Birds of Great Britain.'
Further, pp. 418-419, he adds: '...a Scarlet Rosefinch, (a female bird), taken at Hampstead, Oct. 5th, 1870, and figured by Gould in his Birds of Great Britain.'
Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).
0). c. 1875 Radnorshire Near Glascwm, adult male, shot, spring.
(J. H. Salter, Zoologist 1904: 228; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 246; Witherby, 1920-24; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 92: 445-471).
[BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306].
History J. H. Salter of Aberystwyth (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 228, says: 'A specimen of the Scarlet Grosbeak (Pyrrhula erythrina) is preserved in the collection of stuffed birds at Maesllwch Castle, Glasbury-on-Wye, where I had the pleasure of inspecting it upon May 5th. It is a male in full plumage, and shows no indication of having been in confinement. I am informed that it was shot about thirty years since by a gamekeeper named Sharp, then living at a place called Higherland, upon the Grouse-moors near Painscastle, Radnorshire. Sharp, who is still living, states that he saw the bird on the hill about a mile beyond Glascombe, and that he believes it was in the spring.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 246, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Ingram & Morrey Salmon (1955) say: 'A careful reading shows that it was shot near Glascwm.'
0). 1892 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, female, caught, 3rd September, kept alive until 29th June 1896, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1892: 401; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1893: 150; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 130; Witherby, 1920-24; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990; D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 92: 448).
[BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306].
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 401, says: '...a Scarlet Grosbeak was stated to have been caught alive by birdcatchers at Yarmouth.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1893) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVII. p. 150, says: 'In The Zoologist, (p. 401) a Scarlet Grosbeak, Pyrrhula erythrina (Pallas) is mentioned with some hesitation, as I had not then seen it. It is a female, and was caught on the Denes, between Yarmouth and Caistor [sic], by a local bird-catcher named Jessup. It moulted all its feathers in October; and on November 16th, though still rather ragged, agreed with a skin from Asia, except that it had lost all its dark striations.
When first caught, Mr. W. Lowne - to whom the bird belongs - described it to Mr. Southwell as having a streaked breast, and a greenish tinge which it lost at the moult. It has done very well since, and grown tame on soft food and gentles. The eye on Jan. 24th was dark brown, the legs and beak horn colour, and the general tone of the plumage very like that of a hen House Sparrow.'
J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 130, says: 'June 29th. Today the Scarlet Grosbeak, believed, if there was no miscarriage of justice (see Zool., 1893, p. 150), to have been clap-netted in South Norfolk, died, after living nearly four years. It was always a very tame bird, using its wings very little, and fond of raising the feathers on the crown of the head into an approach to a crest, as it sat sedately on its perch of wood. Gätke particularly remarks on the tameness of the species.'
0). 1901 Devon Near Plymouth, eight, males, released, 16th June.
(F. Finn, Zoologist 1901: 267-268; F. Finn, Field 6 Jul., 1901: 40).
[F. Finn, Zoologist 1901: 267-268].
History Frank Finn of the Zoological Society (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. pp. 267-268, says: 'Having to proceed to England on leave, I took the opportunity of bringing with me some specimens of the Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus), in order to release them in England.
Two or three died on the voyage, and one escaped, out of the dozen I originally started with; but I was able to release the remaining birds from the train soon after it left Plymouth on June 16th, and had the satisfaction of seeing them go off strong on the wing, although they were not in very good condition of plumage, and could mostly be easily recognized as captive birds if shot by anyone at present. I did not like, however, to keep them longer, as in the cage - a fairly large one - they did nothing but eat and fight, and were getting grossly fat. I am sorry to say that all are males, females being almost unprocurable in Calcutta this year. But as the female Rosefinch has occurred in England, I hope they may find mates if they remain in this country.
At all events, those who make a practice of destroying rare birds will hereby be warned to be suspicious of the Rosefinch in Devon at present, for such of these specimens as get successfully through the moult will, of course, be undistinguishable from wild arrivals. One bird's leg has been broken above the hock, and has healed again; so this individual may be recognized if procured.'
0). 1908 Fair Isle No locality adult male, seen, autumn.
(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 150).
[Pennington et al., 2004].
History Clarke (1912 (2): 111-112) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak - A scarlet bird reported and described to me during my visit in the autumn of 1908 was, no doubt, an adult male of this species.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 150, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - Fair Isle: One seen "autumn", 1908.'
Pennington et al. (2004) say: '...while what he believed to be an adult male was described to him in autumn 1908.'
Comment An adult male in autumn would be unusual. Not known to have been seen by a competent ornithologist. Not acceptable.
0). 1912 Oxfordshire Near Adderbury, adult male, seen, 31st January.
(O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1912: 460; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 178; Davies, 1962; Radford, 1966).
[Eds., British Birds 6: 283].
History O. V. Aplin of Bloxham (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 460, says: 'One Jan. 31st, 1912, during a spell of hard weather, with north and east winds prevailing, Miss J. H. Blunt, of Adderbury Manor (and, from another window, three adult members of her household), watched, as it was feeding among some birds for whom food had been put out in a courtyard, a bird unknown at the time, but identified with reference to Howard Saunders's Manual as a Scarlet Grosbeak (Pyrrhula erythrina).
A coloured sketch of the bird was prepared from memory of its appearance directly afterwards, and most kindly sent to me, and I do not think that anyone who saw this would have any doubt as to the correctness of identification. The peculiar cap of burnished carmine is characteristic, and well represented in the sketch, and I think the bird must have been a quite adult male.
Miss Blunt writes: "It looked like a jewel (ruby) in the sun, on the head and breast...a sort of rose-crimson - so different from the red on most other birds". It was not seen again after that day. I will only add that Mr. Harvie-Brown (who, of course, knows this bird well in life), to whom Miss Blunt wrote describing the bird seen at Adderbury, thought it was undoubtedly a Scarlet Grosbeak. This is a welcome addition to our Oxfordshire list of rare birds.'
In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 283, they say: 'Mr. O. V. Aplin puts on record (Zool., 1912, p. 460) that Miss J. H. Blunt, of Adderbury Manor, has made a coloured sketch of a bird which she and others of her household saw from a window on January 31st, 1912, whilst it was feeding in a courtyard. The bird, unknown at the time, was afterwards identified as a specimen of Carpodacus erythrinus, and Mr. Aplin thinks that anyone who saw the sketch would have no doubt as to the correctness of the identification, and considers that the bird was an adult male. It is not stated, however, whether the observer was acquainted with the Crossbill, nor whether the shape of the bill was specially observed.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 178, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One see, Adderbury (Oxford), January 31st.'
Accepted locally in The Birds of Banbury Area (Davies 1962: 45) and (Radford 1966).
Comment An adult male in January is most probably an escape or as Witherby thought a Crossbill. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1926 Shetland Fair Isle, 2nd April.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 47: 135; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 22: 120).
[Dymond, 1991].
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 135, in the annual report, say: 'A Scarlet Grosbeak was recorded there [Fair Isle] on 2nd April.'
H. F. Witherby (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 120, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1926, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus e. erythrinus). - At Fair Isle one on April 2nd and another November 4th.'
This spring record during April was not accepted locally (Dymond 1991).
0). 1930 Shetland Fair Isle, three, seen, 11th January.
(G. Stout, Scottish Naturalist 50: 60; Eds., British Birds 24: 84; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
[Dymond, 1991].
History George Stout of Fair Isle (1930) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. L. p. 60, says: 'On 11th January this year three Scarlet Grosbeaks were seen associating with some sparrows. At least one of them has been seen since, and I expect they are still on the island. There is no doubt that they came here in late autumn and have remained all the winter.'
In an Editorial (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 84, they say: 'Three were seen on January 11th , 1930, associating with Sparrows, and at least one was seen subsequently. They are thought to have wintered on the island (G. Stout, p. 60).'
This winter record was not accepted locally (Dymond 1991).
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1932 Lincolnshire No locality, trapped, undated.
(Bolam, 1932).
[KAN].
History Bolam (1932: 15) says: '...It is chiefly in that plumage [female or immature] that the bird has been noticed in this country, in which state it may so easily be mistaken for a Greenfinch that one caught by my son in a sparrow-trap outside his aviaries in Lincolnshire, was not recognised in the afternoon-light until it had been carried indoors.'
Comment Lacks a precise date and locality for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1940 Shetland Lunna Ness, Mainland, adult male, seen, 29th August.
(R. Meinertzhagen, Ibis 83: 105-117; Venables & Venables, 1955; Pennington et al., 2004).
[A. G. Knox, Ibis 135: 320-325].
History R. Meinertzhagen (1941) in The Ibis, Vol. LXXXIII. pp. 116, says: 'A single adult male Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus) was seen on 29 August.'
Comment Any record associated with the author is not to be trusted (A. G. Knox, Ibis 135: 320-325). Not acceptable.
0). 1944 Shetland Fair Isle, 7th April.
(Dymond, 1991).
[Dymond, 1991].
History Just the bare details are available. This spring record during April was not accepted locally (Dymond 1991).
0). 1945 Cornwall Golant, Fowey, seen, 6th February to 7th July.
(C. J. Stevens, British Birds 38: 295, 319, corr.; B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society 1945: 13; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1978; D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 92: 449).
[D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 95: 256].
History C. J. Stevens (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 295, says: 'On 12th February 1945, through the kindness of Mrs. Aylwin, of Golant, Cornwall, I was invited to her house to assist her in identifying a bird which had been frequenting her bird-table and garden since 6th February. In her company and that of her cousin, who has had a good deal of experience of birds in different parts of the world, I had a good view of a male Scarlet Grosbeak, in what I judged from The Handbook to be second winter plumage.
The following particulars were noted: - Size about that of a Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula, with stout bill identical in colour with that shown in The Handbook, plate 10. Carmine of crown, nape and rump not so brilliant as in adult. Mantle, scapulars, back and upper tail-coverts uniform brown. Ear-coverts brown, the brown extending back over the nape in two narrow parallel lines and then turning outwards, the whole making a saddle-like pattern. Underparts of a carmine colouring (not brilliant) becoming whitish towards the abdomen. (At first we did not make out any white on the underparts, but on subsequent occasions Mrs. Aylwin and I were both able to confirm the coloration as now described.) Tail and wing-feathers dark brown, fringed in outer webs with pinkish buff. Two pinkish-buff wing bars formed by the tips of the greater and median coverts, the lower one fairly conspicuous. Legs palish brown. In addition Mrs. Aylwin and her cousin both remarked on the "dumpy" appearance of the bird at times. We were within only a few feet of it and also viewed it from a bedroom window. It was watched for at least five minutes.
On 19th February I saw it again and it was observed for various periods of up to about three minutes at a distance of only a few feet and with the help of glasses. It is a sprightly bird and its flight is strong and undulating. It appeared fairly tame on the wall where the malt sweepings on which it feeds were placed, and for the first week it was fairly regular at the food table. Later it frequented the grounds almost the whole time. A small piece of toasted bread was eaten on one occasion.
On or about 17th February it was first heard to sing and I heard the song on 19th February. I thought it resembled that of a Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, but lacked the last abrupt notes of that bird. The whole song sounded warbler-like and not so rollicking as the Chaffinch's, nor so loud. It was uttered from a fairly high position in one or other of the trees in the grounds. The bird has continued to frequent the locality during the summer and is still about at the time of writing (7th July).
On 21st April, in company with Mrs. Aylwin, I observed it on a number of occasions to be accompanied by a hen Chaffinch, which it sometimes chased through the trees and shrubs of the garden. It was even seen to attempt coition in response to solicitation behaviour by the Chaffinch.
On 12th June I saw it again in company with Dr. H. M. S. [error for R. H. see p. 319] Blair and Dr. Turk, of Camborne, who confirmed my identification. Its head now appeared browner than before, but no other marked change.'
[Although the behaviour of this bird might seem in some ways rather suggestive of a not genuinely wild individual, we are informed by Miss P. Barclay-Smith, of the Avicultural Magazine, that this species is very seldom kept in captivity and that it is most unlikely to be an "escape". - Eds., B. W. Tucker.]
B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick (1945) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XV. p. 13, say: 'This bird was first seen on Feb. 6, by Mrs. Aylwin, of Golant, near Fowey. It frequented her bird-table. She invited Mr. C. J. Stevens to come and see the bird and help her with identification. They decided, without any doubt, that it was a Scarlet Grosbeak, and Mr. Stevens sent in a full account and description to British Birds. This account was accepted and published in British Birds for August. On Nov. 15, Mrs. Aylwin wrote: - "The Grosbeak is still with us, but dull-looking now".'
D. I. M. Wallace (1999) in British Birds, Vol. XCII. pp. 445-471, used this record as early evidence of successful wintering. However, he recently came across E. W. Hendy's illustrated account of the bird (More About Birds, 1950), and to his considerable disappointment found this record to be unsound. It was photographed whilst in this Cornish garden and clearly shows a Common Chaffinch. No further winter records exist prior to 1950.
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1945 Shetland Fair Isle, adult male, seen, 9th February.
(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
[Dymond, 1991].
History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 228, under the title 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45, says: 'Scarlet Grosbeak - An adult male seen at very close quarters, 9th February 1945 by G.S.'
Admitted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953) but since doubted locally (Dymond 1991).
Comment G.S. = George Stout, an islander. Outside known migration periods. Not acceptable.
