Dowitcher sp.
Limnodromus sp. (14, 3)
Photo © Wikimedia Commons
STATUS
Holarctic.
OVERVIEW
Formerly known as the Brown Snipe (winter plumage) or Red-breasted Snipe/Sandpiper (summer plumage).
However, some of the earlier records are fraught with danger as the descriptions published by Latham (Synopsis 5: 153), the Linnean Transactions (9: 198), and Montagu (1813, supp.) all fit the Bar-tailed Godwit (Newman 1866).
Until 1932 when Rowan drew attention to the fact that there were two species of Dowitcher in the New World all historical records were recorded under Dowitcher with some of the records mentioning the Short-billed race.
Following a paper (1961) by Pitelka (British Birds 54: 340-342) who reviewed the specimens in the British Museum, I. C. T. Nisbet in the following pages (pp. 345-357) of that journal, carried out a review of recorded British Dowitchers resulting in three between 1862 and 1902 being Short-billed and a further one occurring in 1957 in Norfolk. However these four were all rejected later by the BOURC (1992) which left three indeterminate and the other being found not proven.
RECORDS
1). 1835 Cumbria Floriston, near Carlisle, immature female, killed, 25th September.
(Anon., Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 9: 186; W. Yarrell, Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1836: 1-2; Eds., Magazine of Zoology & Botany 1: 104; Yarrell, 1845; Harting, 1872; J. B. Hodgkinson, Zoologist 1875: 4341; Yarrell, 1871-85; Macpherson, 1892; I. T. C. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356).
History Anon. (1836) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. IX. p. 186, under 'Brown or Grey Snipe (Scolopax grisea), says: 'A specimen was shot on Rockcliff [sic] salt marsh, on Sept. 25, [1835], during a very high tide, which covered the whole of the marsh, with the exception of a few small elevated patches scattered here and there, on one of which the bird was observed busily feeding, and picking up insects, etc., with amazing rapidity. It proved to be a young female of the year, and was in good condition; the stomach was filled with the elytra of several coleopterous insects: no other individual was seen. This species is most unquestionably one of the rarest of the British birds; and we can only find two other instances of its having been met with in this country.
The first is stated by Montagu, in his Ornithological Dictionary, to have been killed on the Devonshire coast, in the month of October; the other is said to have been obtained in the vicinity of Yarmouth, by Gould, in his magnificent work on the Birds of Europe; and it is rather a singular circumstance, that these specimens were all in different states of plumage; the first, a male, being in its winter livery, the second in its nuptial dress, and the third in that of adolescence.'
W. Yarrell (1836) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, pt. iv. pp. 1-2, read 12th January 1836, says: 'Mr. Yarrell, on behalf of T. C. Heysham, Esq., of Carlisle, exhibited the egg, the young bird of a week old, one of a month old, and the adult female of the Dotterell, Charadrius morinellus, Linn., obtained on Skiddaw in the summer of 1835. Several pairs were breeding in the same locality. He also stated that a specimen of the Grey Snipe, Macrorhamphus griseus, Leach, a young bird of the year, has been obtained near Carlisle in the past year. This is the third recorded instance of the occurrence of the species in England.'
In (1837) in the Magazine of Zoology & Botany, Vol. I. p. 104, it says: 'A specimen has been lately procured of this very rare European bird in the vicinity of Carlisle, by T. C. Heysham, Esq. This is the third time it has occurred in Britain. Col. Montagu's specimen; one mentioned by Mr. Gould killed near Yarmouth; and that now recorded.'
Yarrell (1845 (3): 44, 2nd ed.) says: 'A specimen was killed near Carlisle in 1835, which belongs to T. C. Heysham, Esq. and which I have seen.'
J. B. Hodgkinson of Preston (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4341, says: '...I may add that my old friend Cooper said he once shot a specimen near Carlisle, and the tail being barred so differently from the other snipes led him to suppose what it might be.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 358, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'Mr. C. M. Adamson (Some More Scraps about Birds, p. 67) says that when he last saw this specimen, prior to the sale of Mr. Heysham's collection, it was in a most dilapidated condition, the head being separated from the body, and it was probably thrown away; at all events it is not the same as the bird sold on 11th May, 1859, Lot 145, which was in summer plumage.'
Macpherson (1892: 378-379) says: 'Writing to Yarrell on 8th December 1835, Mr. T. C. Heysham observes: "A fine specimen of the Scolopax griseus (a young bird of the year) was killed in this vicinity during the autumn, which is perhaps one of the best things in the bird way that has occurred in this district for very many years"....James Cooper was undoubtedly the man who shot the bird. Local tradition maintains, no doubt correctly, that it was killed on the upper part of the marsh, nearer to Floriston than Rockcliffe. Mr. C. Murray Adamson said that after Heysham's death he examined his collection and found this specimen to be in a ruined condition.'
2). 1836 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, shot, autumn.
(T. Paine, jun., Annals of Natural History 3: 141; Yarrell, 1845; Stevenson, 1870; Harting, 1872; I. T. C. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990).
History T. Paine, jun. (1839) in the Annals of Natural History, Vol. III. p. 141, says: 'The Brown Snipe (Scolopax grisea) was shot on Yarmouth Beach in October 1836. This bird had not completely obtained its winter plumage when procured. The bill is rugose and punctured at the tip in a similar manner to that of the common snipe. Why Dr. Leach should have given to it the name of Macrorhamphus is perhaps not easily accounted for. Its bill is certainly of a considerable length, but not so long in proportion as that of the Common Snipe. I was kindly favoured with the sight of this bird by Leonard Rudd, Esq. in whose collection it now is.'
Yarrell (1845 (3): 44, 2nd ed.) says: 'A fourth example was killed at Yarmouth in the autumn of 1836, and is now in the collection of the Rev. Leonard Rudd, residing in Yorkshire, who did me the favour to bring his bird to London that I might see it.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 348) says: 'The first [for Norfolk], killed at Yarmouth in the autumn of 1836, is described by Yarrell as in the collection of Rev. Leonard Rudd, of Yorkshire, who forwarded the bird to London for his inspection.' Stevenson, in a footnote on the same page, adds: 'This specimen is also recorded in the Annals of Natural History, for 1839 (Vol. III. p. 140), by Mr. Thomas Paine, jun., of Yarmouth, who states that it "was shot on Yarmouth beach, in October, 1836, and had not completely obtained its winter plumage when procured. He had been favoured with a sight of this bird by Mr. Leonard Rudd".'
Harting (1872: 144) states it to be in the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney.
Comment Yarrell states this to be the fourth, the second of which was also shot in Norfolk about 1830; Stevenson must have overlooked this specimen, but I have rejected it through lack of detail.
3). 1840 Norfolk/Suffolk Near Great Yarmouth, male, shot, early October.
(J. H. Gurney, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 6: 236; Yarrell, 1845; Stevenson, 1870; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 404; Ticehurst, 1932; I. T. C. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).
History In an Editorial (1841) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 236, they say: 'We learn from Mr. J. H. Gurney that a specimen of the Red-breasted Snipe was killed near Yarmouth, early in October. Our informant adds, that it was a male, and had nearly completed its change from the summer to the winter plumage.'
Yarrell (1845 (3): 44, 2nd ed.) says: 'My kind friend, J. H. Gurney, Esq. of Norwich, has two British killed specimens of this bird in his collection, one of which was obtained in Norfolk so recently as the year 1840.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 348-349) says: 'A second example [for Norfolk] is thus recorded by the late Mr. Hoy in the Annals of Natural History for 1841 (Vol. VI. p. 236). "We learn from Mr. J. H. Gurney that a specimen of the Red-breasted Snipe was killed near Yarmouth early in October. Our informant adds that it was a male, and had nearly completed its change from summer to the winter plumage". This bird which was in Mr. S. Miller's collection at Yarmouth is now in Mr. J. H. Gurney's possession.'
Harting (1872) and the review of Dowitchers (1961) states the year as 1841, but Riviere (1930) and Seago (1977) state it as 1840.
J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 404, say: 'In October, 1841.'
Further, in a footnote, he added: 'There having been some misapprehension about the 1841 Red-breasted Snipe, it may be here stated that it never formed part of Stephen Miller's collection; my father heard of its occurrence, and requested a birdstuffer named Johnson to go to Yarmouth, and buy it for him, which he did, and brought it back in the flesh, and it is now stuffed and in good preservation at Northrepps Hall. Another was sold at Stephen Miller's sale (lot 36), but there is no proof that it was British-killed (G.).'
Ticehurst (1932: 371) says: 'The only example which we have any claim to as a Suffolk bird is that mentioned by Hoy as killed near Yarmouth, almost certainly on Breydon, early in October 1840. It was a male and had already completed the moult from summer to winter dress (Gurney coll.). The bird is stated by Stevenson (Vol. II. p. 349) to have been formerly in Steven Miller's collection; but that is incorrect, and the specimen referred to was probably of foreign origin.'
Accepted locally for Suffolk (Piotrowski 2003).
Comment Minor difference in the year of its occurrence, but I believe 1840 is correct. Volumes 6 and 7 were dated 1841 meaning that volume 6 would be covering the latter stages of 1840 (all articles around this notice were for autumn 1840) and early 1841.
4). 1855 Devon South Huish, killed, winter.
(H. Nicholls, Zoologist 1857: 5791; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Moore, 1969).
History H. Nicholls of Kingsbridge (1857) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XV. p. 5791, dated 15th September, 1857, says: 'I have also a specimen of the Brown Snipe of Montagu, taken in this district a short time since. Being taken in the winter, it has not the rufous breast.'
Harting (1872:. 144) erroneously says: 'Kingsbridge, 1857.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 358, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'One is stated to have been killed previous to 1857, near Kingsbridge, Devonshire (Zool., p. 5791).'
D'Urban & Mathew (1895: 351, 2nd ed.) add: 'A male in winter plumage was shot in the parish of South Huish by Mr. Andrew Gillard in the winter of 1855; it rose from a marsh like a Common Snipe. This specimen passed into the hands of the Rev. G. S. Marsh, of Sutton Benger, Wilts (H.N., Zool., 1857, p. 5791).
5). 1864 Yorkshire Norland Moor, shot, September, now at Halifax Museum.
(Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 270; I. T. C. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Chislett, 1952).
History Nelson (1907 (2): 638) under 'Red-breasted Snipe Macrorhamphus griseus', says: 'The claim of this bird to be admitted to the Yorkshire list rests on the occurrence of one example only, for particulars of which I am indebted to Mr. A. Crabtree, of Halifax, who obligingly forwarded the specimen to be examined by Mr. W. E. Clarke and myself. It is an adult changing to winter plumage, but still retaining portions of the summer dress, and forms part of the collection owned by the late James Cunningham, now in the Halifax Museum. The label on the case is as follows: - "Brown Snipe. Shot on Norland Moor. September 1864. Shot and cased by James Cunningham". The information concerning this specimen was not in Mr. W. Eagle Clarke's possession when writing the bird portion of Vertebrate Fauna of Yorkshire, and it affords much pleasure to be able not to make this addition to the avifauna of the county.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 270, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899.'
Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 238).
6). Pre 1866 Greater London/Surrey River Thames, near Battersea, Middlesex, undated.
(Harting, 1866, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1889: 416; Swann, 1893; Glegg, 1935; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Wheatley, 2007).
History Harting (1866: 195) says: 'A specimen of this rare Snipe, in the collection of Mr. Bond, was killed some years ago on the banks of the Thames, near Battersea; and a second, in my own collection, was shot on the Brent, near Stone Bridge, in October, 1862. The summer plumage of this bird has procured for it the name of Red-breasted Snipe. Both the specimens above mentioned are in autumn plumage, with only a faint tinge of buff upon the breast.'
Harting (1872: 144) in his list, says: 'One on the Thames, near Battersea. In the collection of Mr. Bond.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 358, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Mr. Harting records (B. of Middlesex, p. 195) one in the collection of Mr. F. Bond, killed some years ago on the banks of the Thames near Battersea.'
J. E. Harting (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 416, on Frederick Bond's bird collection, says: 'A specimen of the American Red-breasted Snipe, Macrorhamphus griseus, deserves mention, as having been shot, probably at low tide, on the banks of the Thames, near Battersea, some forty years ago. This is the specimen referred to in The Birds of Middlesex (p. 195), the second Middlesex specimen therein mentioned as "killed at Stone Bridge, on the River Brent", having been deposited by the author in the collection of British Birds in the Natural History Museum, together with other rare wading birds shot by him at Kingsbury Reservoir, amongst others the Little Ringed Plover and Temminck's Stint.'
Glegg (1935) says: 'Sold at Stevens' auction rooms on 22nd May 1890 for £2. 10s.'
Accepted locally for Surrey by Wheatley (2007: 290) with a year of c. 1849, and who states it as a Dowitcher sp. (Brit. Birds 54: 347).
7). Pre 1869 Clyde River Clyde, Lanarkshire, killed, undated.
(Anon., Proceedings of the Glasgow Natural History Society 2: 7; R. Gray, Ibis 1870: 292; Gray, 1871; Harting, 1872; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356).
History Anon. (1869) in the Proceedings of the Glasgow Natural History Society, Vol. II. p. 7, read on 28th December 1869, says: 'Mr. Robert Gray exhibited a specimen of the Brown Snipe (Macrorhamphus grisea, Gmelin), and a specimen of the Green-rumped Tattler (Totanus chlorpygius, Vieillot), and read a communication from Mr. Francis McCulloch, Taxidermist, Sauchiehall Street, giving satisfactory evidence of the birds having been shot in Lanarkshire. The Brown Snipe had occurred in Scotland before, but the Sandpiper had not previously been found in Europe.'
Gray (1871: 316) says: '...I have ascertained that a specimen, in winter plumage, was killed some years ago in Lanarkshire, by the late William Gordon of Airdrie, and is now in the possession of Mr. Francis M'Culloch, taxidermist, Glasgow. This specimen was exhibited at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, held on 28th December, 1869.'
Comment The first Solitary Sandpiper was also recorded as pre 1869 Clyde. Imported by ship?
8). 1872 Dorset Mudeford, Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, male, September, now at the Red House Museum, Christchurch (Acc. No. HMCMS:Bi1983.2.17).
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 270; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; BOU (1992), Ibis 134: 212; Hampshire Cultural Trust).
History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 320) say: 'Mr. Hart discovered two skins of this bird among some "Sabine's Snipes" in his collection, and he informs us that one was killed on the disused salt-pans at Mudeford, by J. Cull, in September, 1872.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 270, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
I. C. T. Nisbet (1961) in British Birds, Vol. LIV. p. 346, in a further review admits this record as one of three Short-billed Dowitchers.
Comment Identified by I. T. C. Nisbet in the 1961 review, but in another review of Short-billed it was considered not acceptable and presumably is now indeterminate (Ibis 134: 212).
9). 1873 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Southport, shot, about September, now at Towneley Museum, Preston.
(J. B. Hodgkinson, Zoologist 1875: 4341; Yarrell, 1871-85; Mitchell, 1892; Hardy, 1941; Oakes, 1953; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356).
History J. B. Hodgkinson of Preston (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4341, says: 'In 1873 I obtained a snipe that I could not identify as a "Solitary", the size and markings being quite different. Mr. Nicholas Cooke and the late Mr. Alfred Owen saw it soon after it came into my possession. Upon looking over Gould's book I at once saw what it was. I may add that my old friend Cooper said he once shot a specimen near Carlisle, and the tail being barred so differently from the other snipes led him to suppose what it might be.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 358, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'In 1873, a bird answering in description to this species was obtained at Southport, Lancashire (Zool., s.s. p. 4341).'
Howard Saunders (1892: 235, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire says: 'An example of this rare American species was obtained near Southport in 1873, about September, and passed into the collection of Mr. J. B. Hodgkinson, by whom it was presented to the Preston [Towneley] Museum.' It was accepted locally (Oakes 1953: 276).
10). 1882 Lincolnshire Humberston Fitties, adult, shot, 15th August.
(J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1882: 392; J. A. Harvie Brown & J. Cordeaux, Migration Report 4: 44-45; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 366; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes, Ulceby (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 392, says: 'I recently obtained in the flesh an example of this North American Snipe Macrorhamphus griseus, shot on the sea-coast between Cleethorpes and Tetney Haven on August 15th, and sent in by carrier to Grimsby for sale. Its an adult, changing from the Knot-like plumage of summer to the grey of winter, and was in an advanced state of moult. Mr. J. J. Dalgleish, in his 'List of Occurrences of North American Birds in Europe' (Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. V. April, 1880), has registered twenty-six supposed occurrences of the Red-breasted Snipe during the present century in Europe, sixteen of which, however, are marked as doubtful. In the ten undoubted occurrences the date of appearance has been either late September or in October.'
J. A. Harvie Brown & J. Cordeaux (1883) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1882, 4th report, pp. 44-45, say: 'Red-breasted Snipe, Macrorhamphus griseus, a mature bird in moult from the knot-like plumage of summer to the grey of winter.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 358, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'On the 15th August, 1882, Mr. Cordeaux obtained an adult in the flesh, shot in north-east Lincolnshire (Zool., 1882, p. 392).'
J. Cordeaux (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 366, says: 'An adult in an advanced state of moult, changing from the Knot-like plumage of summer to the grey of winter, was shot near Tetney Haven on Aug. 15th, 1882 (Zool., 1882, p. 392). It was sent by me at the time to the Museum of Zoology, Cambridge, but was found to be too far gone for preservation.'
Locally, Lorand & Atkin (1989: 123) say: 'This specimen was examined by Mr. J. Cordeaux and recorded as an adult still partly in summer plumage, but the specimen's current locality is unknown.'
11). 1891 Argyll Dalnahassoch, near Crinan, immature male, shot, 2nd September.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 11: 192; G. H. Malcolm, Zoologist 1891: 427; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; E. Hamilton, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1893: 45; McWilliam, 1936; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; J. W. Campbell, Scottish Birds 2: 196; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke of Edinburgh (1891) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XI. p. 192, says: 'A fine male specimen of Macrorhamphus griseus, in first plumage, was shot at Poltalloch, by a son of Colonel Malcolm, on the 2nd of September last. I saw this bird in Mr. Bisshopp's shop in Oban, where it had been sent for mounting. This is the third specimen of this North American species known to have occurred in Scotland.'
G. H. Malcolm of Clifton, Bristol (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 427, says: 'On the 2nd of Sept. last I shot a North American Red-breasted Snipe, Macrorhamphus griseus, near Crinan, Argyllshire. The bird was sent to Edinburgh to be identified, as I could not be sure from illustrations what it was. If you could find room for this notice, it might be of interest to your readers.'
Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1892: 177) say: 'A specimen - the second procured in Scotland - was shot near Crinan, in Argyllshire, as recorded in The Zoologist for 1891 (Zool., ser. 3, XV. p. 247), and has been exhibited by Dr. Edward Hamilton, F.Z.S., at a meeting of the Zoological Society, December 1, 1891 (P.Z.S., 1891, part iv, April 1, 1892, p. 627).
A fine male specimen of Macrorhamphus griseus, in first plumage, was shot at Poltalloch, by a son of Colonel Malcolm, on the 2nd September 1891. Mr. Eagle Clarke saw this bird in Bisshopp's shop in Oban, where it had been sent for mounting. This is the third specimen of this North American species known to have occurred in Scotland.'
Edward Hamilton of South Kensington, London (1893) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. II. p. 45, says: 'In the notice of the Red-breasted Snipe in the Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides, it is stated that two specimens of this bird have been killed in Argyllshire in 1891. The bird I exhibited at the meeting of the Zoological Society, 1st December 1891, as having been killed near Crinan, is the same as that which is recorded as being shot at Poltalloch by a son of Colonel Malcolm. The mistake has arisen from confusing the two localities. The actual place where this bird was shot was some distance above the bridge over the River Add, in what is called the old river (a former bed of the Add), near some cottages called Dalnahassoch, on the Poltalloch estate, but nearer Crinan than the mansion of Poltalloch. Mr. Seebohm considers this specimen to be one of the Short-billed race (M. scolopaceus) from the west of the Rocky Mountains, and breeding in Alaska.'
McWilliam (1936) says: 'Shot by Mr. G. H. Malcolm and still preserved at Poltalloch House. Harvie-Brown & Buckley, in their A Vertebrate Fauna of Argyll, made two occurrences out of the one bird, reporting these as the second and third for Scotland. This error was corrected in A.S.N.H. 1898: 45, and in 'Autumns in Argyllshire' by the Hon. A. E. Gathorne-Hardy.'
12). 1902 Dorset Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, juvenile female, 7th October, now at the Red House Museum, Christchurch (Acc. No. HMCMS:Bi1983.2.17).
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 270; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; BOU (1992), Ibis 134: 212; Hampshire Cultural Trust).
History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 320) say: 'Mr. Hart discovered two skins of this bird among some "Sabine's Snipes" in his collection, and he informs us that this one was killed in October, 1902.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 270, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Admitted by I. C. T. Nisbet (1961) in British Birds, Vol. LIV, p. 346, in a further review as one of three Short-billed Dowitchers.
Comment Identified by I. T. C. Nisbet in the 1961 review, but in another review of Short-billed it was considered not acceptable and presumably is now indeterminate (Ibis 134: 212).
13). 1937 Cornwall Zennor Moor, seen, 19th October; presumed same, Marazion Marsh, seen, 2nd and 7th November.
(B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1937: 42-43; R. G. Walmsley, British Birds 31: 271-272; Ryves, 1948; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine (1937) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VII. pp. 42-43, say: 'I identified this very scarce wader on October 19th upon a small pool on the moors above Zennor. It was resting together with some Teal, and allowed a close inspection. It was in a brown transition dress, had a long bill, bulbous at the end, and when it flew it showed a brilliantly white rump, with dark tail and wings. In size it was slightly smaller than a Common Redshank. On November 2nd I found probably the same bird at Marazion Marsh in the company of Common Redshank. Its flight was something between that of a Green Sandpiper and a Common Snipe, and when it descended it thrust its bill forward and downward after the manner of a Common Snipe. I saw it again upon November 7th, but not after that date. R.G.W.'
R. G. Walmsley (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 271-272, says: 'I have to report the presence of a bird, which I identified as a Red-breasted Snipe (Limnodromus griseus), in Cornwall. I first saw the bird on October 19th, 1937, when it was at a small water pool on the moors above Zennor. On November 2nd I saw it again on Marazion Marsh and it was still there on the 7th, after which I did not see it. As the bird is such a rare visitor to this country the following details of my observations appear advisable to establish its identity. Size: When in the air with Common Redshanks, it was seen to be slightly smaller than them. A fair estimate of its length would be 10½ inches. Bill long, and bulbous at the tip. Appeared to be curved a little downward at the tip, but I think this may have been due to the enlargement at the tip. It was thick like a Snipe's, and in colour it was reddish in places.
The carriage upon the ground was fairly horizontal. In flight the bill was held lowered, like a Green Sandpiper's; but when the bird was descending to the ground the bill was thrust forward and downward very much in the manner of a Common Snipe. Upper-parts brown patterned dark brown or black; a dark line passing through eye and a pale superciliary stripe. The forehead noticeably pale. Breast flecked and mottled pale brown - likewise the belly; a brown shading on the flanks was especially noticed. It was noticeable on October 19th that there was really no white on the under-parts at all - the ground colour was buff. I did not notice any white upon the throat.
By November 2nd the breast was very much paler. A pure white area on the back was the most conspicuous feature. This resembled the upper-part of a Common Redshank's white back-patch or a Greenshank's - but the base of the white cone in this bird was higher up than a Greenshank's - due, I think, to the upper tail-coverts and base of the tail being brown in colour. The tail, as shown when the bird was on the ground, had a very dark tip. In flight it appeared to be coloured brown up to the base; I could not see sufficient detail to make out any bars, but I imagine, by inference from the appearance of other barred species, that the tail of this bird was barred. The legs were olive brown.
The flight was something between that of a Green Sandpiper and a Common Snipe. The bird associated with Teal and also with Common Redshanks. It probed the mud for food, and I also saw it feed wading in the water. It was rather lethargic and not readily flushed. I regret that owing to deafness I cannot describe its cry.'
Ryves (1948: 225) says: 'The only record for Cornwall was secured by the late Dr. R. G. Walmsley on 19th October, 1937. It was resting with Common Teal on a small pool on the Zennor moors. It had a long bill, bulbous at the end, when it flew, showed a brilliantly white rump with dark tail and wings. In size it was slightly smaller than a Common Redshank.'
14). 1943 Isles of Scilly Tresco, first-winter male, seen, 12th to 17th September when shot, now at Isles of Scilly Museum.
(B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1944: 46; Eds., British Birds 38: 358; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick (1944) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 46, say: 'The following records of very exceptional interest come from Major Dorrien Smith: - Red-breasted Sandpiper. I saw one on September 12th, 1943. These three American waders were seen also, on September 16th, 1943, by Fl./Lieut. G. H. E. Young, R.A.F., and Sergt. Garrison, U.S.A. I might mention here that waders were more in evidence in September, 1943, than for some years.'
In an Editorial (1944-45) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 358, they appear to accept this record in a Review of the Annual Report.
Penhallurick (1969) says: '1943, a first-winter male on Tresco from 12th September was shot on the 17th. It was identified as a 'Long-billed' in 1961.' However, I. T. C. Nisbet in Sharrock (1985) says: '...now in collection at Tresco Abbey, but not yet examined (1961).'
Comment Penhallurick has come up with fresh information or mixed it up with another species. The other two waders were Pectoral Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs.
1950-57 RECORDS
15). 1950 Norfolk Scolt Head, 29th to 30th October.
(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1950: 6, 28; D. Jenkins, British Birds 44: 316; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Seago, 1977).
History D. Jenkins (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 316, says: 'While walking across Scolt Head Island on October 29th, 1950. Capt. and Mrs. W. Scolt Moncrieff and I flushed from some marram grass near Norton Creek a bird which at first we took to be a Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola). As it flew away from us, however, we noticed that its plumage was greyish brown in colour except for a white patch along the middle of its back. There was no wing-bar nor any noticeable barring on its tail. Its bill was perfectly straight, turning neither up nor down at its tip. The legs appeared dark and did not project beyond the tail. The bird settled on the mud some 300 yards away and we were able to approach until we were about half this distance from it. On the ground it was noticeably smaller than a Godwit and its stance was that of a snipe with the long bill pointing downwards rather than more or less horizontally as is typical of both species of Godwit. In colour it appeared a uniform grey-brown above except for the lower back and rump which were white. The under-parts were grey, slightly darker on the breast and nowhere noticeably white. The bird was shy and would not permit close approach and so we were unable to note further details of plumage. It flew silently and rapidly away across Norton Creek in the direction of the mainland.
Since I am familiar with the common shore waders and since the two most noticeable features of this bird, the long straight bill and the white patch on the centre of the back, are characteristic of the Red-breasted Snipe I have no hesitation in identifying it as an example of this species. It is apparently the fourth recorded in Norfolk.'
[This bird, which might possibly be the same individual as the one reported in Sussex, was seen on October 30th by Mr. R. Chestney who adds the following details to Mr. Jenkins' description: legs and beak greenish; beak slightly broad at tip; neck and back buff; barred tail. Mr. Chestney adds that the bird was not heard to call. - Eds.]
16). 1954 Norfolk Scolt Head, 14th October.
(R. E. Pochin, British Birds 48: 138; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Seago, 1977).
History R. Eric Pochin (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 138, says: 'On 14th October 1954, at about 1130 hours, I saw a Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) on Scolt Head Island, Norfolk. It was first noted at about 30 yards range, feeding with Dunlin (Calidris alpina) on a bank of sand and mud. The Dunlin, followed by the Dowitcher, rose and the latter flew directly towards me. It settled again about 6 feet away, remained for some 3 minutes watching me, and then flew about 20 feet away on to another sandbank among some Sueda bushes. In a few minutes it flew off and was lost to sight. I noted the following points: - About the size of a Redshank (Tringa totanus) but heavier and with shorter legs. Mantle and upper-parts grey-green with darker wings, but white tips to secondaries. White up back with fine dark bars across to tail. Breast warmer and a line apparently defined this across about half-way. Head very snipe-like with eyes high up and long, dark, snout-like bill, flattish towards the tip and notably tapering. Dark, rather short legs.'
17). 1957 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea and Salthouse, 5th October to 3rd November, photo.
(I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356, 357, plates 57A-C; Norfolk Bird Report 1957: photos; D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 61: 366-372; Gantlett, 1984; BOU (1992), Ibis 134: 212; Norfolk Bird & Mammal Report 2002: photo).
History I. C. T. Nisbet (1961) in British Birds, Vol. LIV. p. 357, under 'Appendix' says: 'The dowitcher seen at Cley and Salthouse, Norfolk, between 5th October and 3rd November 1957 has been included in Table 2 as L. griseus. Since no plumage details were published with the original record (Seago 1958), and since there are only three other definite British records of this species (Table 1), the evidence for this identification is given below.
It is derived from field-notes made by R. P. Bagnall-Oakeley, M. J. Carter and P. R. Colston, field-sketches by D. I. M. Wallace, and coloured films (later examined by the writer) by R. P. Bagnall-Oakeley. The size, shape, bill-length and plumage pattern are well shown in the various photographs taken by Bagnall-Oakeley and G. des Forges (plate 57). At rest the wing-tips were noted as extending to the tip of the tail (Carter), or slightly beyond it (Wallace); the films suggested that they usually projected a few millimetres beyond the tail (plate 57a), although occasionally the wing was held so that they fell slightly short of the tail-tip (plates 57b and 57c). On 5th October the breast was strongly suffused with warm buff and slightly specked, but it soon afterwards became almost uniform pale grey (films). The edgings on the upper-parts were described as pale grey-brown (Carter), light-brownish grey (Wallace), or pale greyish-buff (from films); close examination of the wing-coverts (Carter) and scapulars (films) showed that the buff markings were present as submarginal marks as well as tips and edgings. The whitish bars on the tail-feathers were very slightly wider than the dark bars (films). Under tail-coverts were spotted (plate 5 7b).
According to Bagnall-Oakeley, the usual call was a triple note corresponding to the text-book rendering do-wilch-er, but it also at times gave a single note; the latter call was the only one heard by Carter and Colston on 19th October, when it was described as a penetrating quip or kip, something akin to the calls of a Little Stint (Calidris minuta) or a phalarope (Phalaropus sp.), although much louder. The bird flew freely between two brackish lagoons and a fresh-water pond.'
In a review of Short-billed it was considered not acceptable and is now indeterminate (Ibis 134: 212).
NOT PROVEN
0). 1803 Devon Near Kingsbridge, small flock, one female shot, 21st May.
(G. Montagu, Transactions of the Linnean Society 9: 198; Montagu, 1813; Pidsley, 1891).
[Newman, 1866].
History G. Montagu (1804) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. IX. p. 198, says: 'A small flock of these extremely rare birds made their appearance on the coast of Devon in the spring of 1803, one of which was shot in my neighbourhood, and is now in my museum.'
Montagu (1813) under 'Red-breasted Snipe', says: 'This bird was shot near Kingsbridge, about the 21st of May, 1803, and proved a female.'
Accepted locally under 'Red-breasted Snipe M. griseus' (Pidsley 1891: 143).
Comment Newman (1866) says: 'Montagu was confusing this specimen with a Bar-tailed Godwit.' Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1837 Devon No locality, obtained, undated.
(E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 321; Yarrell, 1871-85; I. T. C. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Moore, 1969).
[Tyler, 2010].
History Edward Moore (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 321, says: 'Noticed by Montagu; and a bird, answering his description, is in Mr. Drew's collection.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 357, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'According to Dr. Edward Moore (Mag. Nat. Hist., 1837, p. 321), a second Devonshire example is in the collection of Mr. Drew.
Not accepted locally (Tyler 2010).
0). 1840 Norfolk Runton, killed, undated.
(Macgillivray, 1837-52; Stevenson, 1870).
[Stevenson, 1870].
History Macgillivray (1852 (4): 278) says: 'A fourth [for Great Britain] at Yarmouth, in 1836; and, together with these, two more are mentioned by Mr. Yarrell as having been obtained at Norfolk in 1840.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 348-349) says: 'Another specimen (in Mr. J. H. Gurney's possession) said to have been killed at Runton, near Cromer, in 1840. A recent examination, however, of the latter [the Runton specimen] with the testimony of the late Mr. John Sayer, of Norwich, who stuffed it, leaves no doubt on my mind that it was originally set up from a skin, and in that condition, and not in the "flesh", made its first appearance in Norfolk. In fact, there appears to be as little authority for this specimen as for the Spotted Sandpiper before referred to, which was said to have been killed at the same place and was sold to Mr. Gurney by the same individual.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 359, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'A similar doubt has precluded the insertion in this Edition of some other recorded occurrences.'
Comment Imported. Not acceptable.
0). 1842 Isle of Wight Near Newport, four, killed, summer.
(C. A. Bury, Zoologist 1845: 931).
[Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1882-84; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356].
History C. A. Bury (1845) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. III. p. 931, says: 'Mr. H. Dennet killed, in the summer of 1842, on the banks of the Medina, between Newport and Cowes, four birds, corresponding very nearly with Mr. Yarrell's description of the Brown Snipe (Macrorhamphus griseus). The length of the bill and size of the bird agreed perfectly; the plumage varied somewhat. Mr. Dennet could find no such bird in Bewick; nor had such a bird been seen previously by any of the knowing ones. Unfortunately, they were not preserved. My opinion is, that they were veritable examples of Macrorhampus griseus.'
Harting (1872: 144) says: '...doubtful.' Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 359, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'A similar doubt has precluded the insertion in this Edition of some other recorded occurrences.'
0). 1847 Isle of Man Point of Ayre, shot, undated.
(H. W. Hadfield, Zoologist 1856: 5251; Harting, 1872).
[Yarrell, 1882-84; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356].
History H. W. Hadfield of Ventnor, Isle of Wight (1856) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIV. p. 5251, dated 2nd August, 1856, says: 'Extract from Notebook: - Isle of Man, 1847. When snipe-shooting in a marsh near the Point of Air, a bird suddenly rose before me, which I at first supposed to be a snipe, but, owing to its more rapid as well as peculiar flight, soon discovered my mistake. I fired, but it was out of shot almost before I could raise my gun to my shoulder. I again flushed it with no better success, but, having been careful in marking it down, proceeded to stalk it, taking advantage of any cover or inequality in the ground, with my gun ready to be brought to my shoulder, a finger on the trigger; so when sprung the third time I was fortunate enough to shoot it, but on picking it up saw at once that it was not a snipe. Although an old hand at snipe-shooting (having, in less than two seasons, killed eight hundred snipes out of this and the neighbouring marshes), I almost despaired of being able to bag it, from its great shyness as well as rapidity of flight. I consulted an old work on Ornithology, without finding it, but subsequently, on referring to MacGillivray's Manual, met with a faithful description of it in the grey longbeak.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 359, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'A similar doubt has precluded the insertion in this Edition of some other recorded occurrences.'
0). 1858 North-east Scotland Near Banff, seen, 25th September.
(T. Edward, Zoologist 1858: 6269-70; Harting, 1872; Smiles, 1889).
[Yarrell, 1871-85; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356].
History Thomas Edward of Banff (1858) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVI. pp. 6269-70, dated 28th September, 1858, says: 'A specimen of the Brown Snipe (Scolopax grisea) was met with on our sands on Saturday afternoon, the 25th of September. When first-observed it was feeding, amongst some Dunlins and Ringed Dotterells [Plovers]: there were also a few Golden Plovers. It is rather a rare circumstance to see these birds on our coast at this season of the year; but confound these Ringed Dotterells, - they are almost as bad as the Curlews; for there is no getting an easy shot at a stranger when once it gets associated with them: they are eternally on the look out for squalls, and when anything does appear they generally alarm everything near them.
A shot, however, after a good deal of winding and turning, was fired, and although at pretty long range, broke at least one of the snipe's legs; this had the effect of parting him from his companions, as they all flew seaward, and he to a ride of shingle which intervenes between the sands and links. Here he alighted or rather fell, for he tumbled as he came down, seemingly to rise no more. Having reloaded, in case of need, I then ran, as well as I was able, to pick him up, gained the spot, and after a little trouble found my bird stretched out at full length amongst the pebbles, - a corpse, as I thought. And what a most beautiful specimen he was! - apparently an old bird. It was now that I was made fully aware of what I had really shot at, and what a valuable prize I had got, or rather met with. I laid down my gun, and sat down myself, being almost intoxicated with delight, and having taken some cotton wadding from my pocket to wrap round the injured leg and stop up any other wound he may have received, I took him up for that purpose, but, alas! too sanguine fool that I was to lay my gun aside so soon.
It is a true saying that "there's many a slip "twixt the cup and the lip:" I have experienced it often, and here I was doomed to it again. Away flew the bird, having actually slipped through my very fingers, whilst about to lay him on my knee. I looked, but what like I really cannot tell; but what was the use of looking? What else could I do? Well, I fired both barrels as soon as I got hold of my gun, and sitting as I was too. But what of that? Why I was just in the very nick of time to be too late. Away went the bird, his shattered limb dangling the while, and whistling as he flew, but whether in derision of my stupidity, or exulting in his own most, miraculous and fortunate escape, I know not. One thing, how-ever, I observed, - that his whistling was not unlike the call of the Redshank (Totanus calidris) when suddenly disturbed. Having flown about a hundred yards or so, he again settled amongst some low-lying rocks. I was in doubt as to whether I should follow: it was now gloming, and betwixt my own weakness and anxiety I was more like an aspen leaf than anything else. Follow, however, I did, having first reloaded, and was just about giving up the pursuit as hopeless, when he rose from beneath my feet. Both barrels were again emptied, but with little apparent effect: the last made him scream somewhat harshly and falter for a little in his flight, but that was all.
Darkness now put an end to any further operations for that night, and caused me to return home a much disappointed and, rather sorrowful being. Next day, however, and for many days afterwards, I was again out; but although the coast has been searched for miles on either side of the place where the bird was last seen, no traces of him can be obtained; and thus it may be said has been lost one of the greatest ornithological rarities which has visited us this many a day, for doubtless he has died of his wounds, and will rot unheeded in some hidden and unknown spot. I am not aware that this species was ever met with here before.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 358-359, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Gray (1871) makes no allusion to one identified by Mr. Thomas Edward (Zool., p. 6269), from a wounded bird which subsequently recovered and flew away, near Banff on the 25th September, 1858, and it is possible that he may not believe in the correctness of its identification. A similar doubt has precluded the insertion in this Edition of some other recorded occurrences.'
Not accepted locally as the record was placed in square brackets (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1896 (2): 194).
0). Pre 1865 Hampshire Hurst Castle, shot, undated.
(G. Jeans, Naturalist 1865: 291).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 104: 162-163].
History Rev. George Jeans (1865) in The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 291, says: 'Brown Snipe. When a boy I three times tried to shoot one on the shingle of Hurst Castle but the flint gun missed fire each time, when the Rev. John Scobell (now Prebendary of Chichester) came up and shot it over my shoulder to my intense disgust.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1868 Buckinghamshire No locality, shot, undated.
(Clark Kennedy, 1868).
[Yarrell, 1882-84].
History Clark Kennedy (1868: 195) says: 'I have reason to believe that one specimen of this rare Snipe has been procured in the county of Buckinghamshire, but the details which have come to hand are very scanty. My friend Mr. Way informs me that a few years ago a relative of his shot a very rare Snipe, which is now preserved in the possession of his relative. He described the specimen to me as a "Yellow Snipe", and from his statement I conclude it to have been an example of Macrorhamphus griseus. Not having seen the bird, however, I am guided only by the description.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 359, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'A similar doubt has precluded the insertion in this Edition of some other recorded occurrences.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1868 Yorkshire Near Hull, adult, obtained, about 8th October.
(H. Boynton, Field 24th Oct., 1868: 329).
[Mather, 1986].
History H. Boynton of Burton Agnes (1868) in The Field of 24th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 329, says: '...Also, a few days later [than 5th October], in this neighbourhood, an adult specimen of the Brown Snipe (Scolopax grisea) was procured, which is now in my collection.'
Not accepted locally (Mather 1986).
0). 1870 Bedfordshire Ampthill, killed, 21st May.
("Finder" Field 28th May 1870: 457).
[Yarrell, 1882-84; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356].
History "Finder" (1870) in The Field of 28th May, Vol. XXXV. p. 457, says: 'On Saturday last a fine specimen of the above was killed near Ampthill, and is now in the hands of Mr. Edwin Ward, the well-known taxidermist of Wigmore Street, for preservation. Total length, 16 in.; of bill, 3¼ in.; weight, 7¾ oz.'
[The Red-breasted Snipe described in Latham's Synopsis, Vol. V. p. 153; in the Linnean Transactions, Vol. IX. p. 198; and lastly in the Supplement to Montagu's Ornithological Dictionary, and at p. 317 of the new edition, is the common or Bar-tailed Godwit in the summer plumage, as there stated. This bird is observed in England in the winter, but rarely remains to breed; yet small flocks are sometimes seen during the breeding season in the extreme south-western counties. - Ed.]
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 359, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'A similar doubt has precluded the insertion in this Edition of some other recorded occurrences.'
Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.
0). 1882 Essex Harwich Harbour, seen, 15th April.
(Christy, 1890).
[Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968].
History Christy (1890: 254) says: 'Mr. Hope writes: "I saw a bird on the opposite side of Harwich Harbour on April 15th, 1882, which I feel certain was a Red-breasted Snipe. I walked within five yards of it, and it then flew away. The bill looked slightly curved, which made me think it was a Curlew Sandpiper at first".'
Glegg (1929: 232) says: 'This species was included by Mr. Christy on very impossible evidence.'
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1889 Gower Penllergaer Common, shot, undated.
(D. S. W. Nicholl, Zoologist 1889: 170; Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1925: 72; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-356; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; Hurford & Lansdown, 1995).
History D. S. W. Nicholl of Cowbridge (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 170, says: 'An example of the Red-breasted Snipe was shot by Mr. Llewelyn on Penllergare [sic] Common. Whilst it was at Leadbeater's, the late Mr. Gould saw it (in the flesh), and identified the species.'
Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1925) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LVIII. p. 72, say: 'Recorded once: one shot at Penllergaer.'
Hurford & Lansdown (1995) state the year as before 1881.
Comment Recorded in the review as before 1899, but in Birds in Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994), the reference is actually 1889, as it is in Mullens, Kirke Swann & Jourdain (1920).
It lacks a precise date for a scientific record and one can see the reason why. Not acceptable.
0). 1891 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Preston, shot, September.
Saunders, 1892).
[Oakes, 1953].
History Howard Saunders (1892: 235, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'In September, 1891, Mr. Hodgkinson, saw a Red-breasted Snipe hanging in the shop of Maudsley, game-dealer, Preston, and learned that it had been purchased from a man who sold it as a Common Snipe. He bought the bird, had it stuffed by Gillett, Lancaster Road, Preston, and kindly lent it to me. - R.J.H.'
Oakes (1953: 276) says: 'The specimen mentioned by R. J. Howard, purchased by Hodgkinson, has an unknown origin and therefore cannot be accepted.'
0). 1902 Kent Aldington, Folkestone, shot, mid-December
(W. K. Westropp, Field 20th Dec., 1904; Ticehurst, 1909).
[I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 345].
History W. K. Westropp of Folkestone (1904) in The Field, 20th Dec., Vol. CIV. p. ?, says: 'As I find that only fifteen specimens of the Brown Snipe (M. griseus) are mentioned as having been killed or captured in the British islands, I write to tell you that a bird of this description (grey) was shot on a farm near here during last week.'
Ticehurst (1909: 482) says: 'The second example was recorded by the late Colonel W. K. Westropp, of Folkestone...This specimen I have been unable to trace further, but Mr. F. L. Blathwayt, who kindly made some enquiries for me, has been able to furnish me with a few more details. He ascertained that the bird was stuffed for Colonel Westropp by Mr. Gordon, of Folkestone, who informed him that it was shot at Aldington, and that Colonel Westropp was a man "well up" in birds and was very proud of his acquisition. The bird is not in the Folkestone Museum, and as there was no sale at the Colonel's death, Gordon thinks it may gone to Ireland with the rest of his property. In other respects Gordon's recollection is clearly at fault, for to Mr. Blathwayt he gave a more or less accurate description of a Red-breasted Snipe in summer plumage, whereas the bird was shot in December, and is expressly stated in the original record to have been in the grey winter plumage.'
I. C. T. Nisbet (1960) in British Birds, Vol. LIV. p. 345, in a review of the species, says: '...the published evidence (Ticehurst 1909) is not convincing.'
0). 1907 Kent Littlestone, adult male, shot, 15th August.
(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 1: 124-125; N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 231; Ticehurst, 1909).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History E. N. Bloomfield (1907) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 124-125, says: 'I am again indebted to Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst, W. Ruskin Butterfield and Walter Field for the following notices of rare birds which have occurred in our own and in neighbouring districts. In the neighbouring districts - Macrorhamphus griseus, Gmel., Red-breasted Snipe, Littlestone, Kent, an adult male, August 15th, 1907.'
N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 231, says: 'On September 2nd last I had the pleasure of examining a specimen of the Red-breasted Snipe (Macrorhamphus griseus). It had been shot on August 10th at Littlestone, in Kent, and was an adult male changing from summer into winter plumage. This and the other two rare wanderers [White-rumped Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper] from the American Continent recorded above passed through Mr. Bristow's hands, and to his courtesy I am indebted for the opportunity of examining them.'
Ticehurst (1909: 482) says: 'The third specimen, an adult male changing from summer into winter plumage, was shot at Littlestone on August 15th, 1907. Mr. Bristow kindly showed me this bird a fortnight later, and I recorded it in British Birds, 1, p. 231.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1912 Sussex Rye Harbour, male, shot, 2nd May, now at the Booth Museum, Brighton.
(T. Parkin, British Birds 6: 95; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 182; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 2: 43; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Thomas Parkin (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 95, says: 'A male Red-breasted Sandpiper (Macrorhamphus g. griseus) was obtained at Rye on May 2nd, 1912. In the new Hand-List of British Birds mention is made on p. 179 of over thirty specimens obtained between August and October in various years in various counties, but this appears to be the first record for Sussex, and the first occurrence in spring.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 182, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Male shot, Rye Harbour (Sussex), May 2nd.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 180).
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1922 Wiltshire Near Bemerton, seen, 21st September.
(A. Holmes, Field 7th Oct., 1922: 539; A. Holmes, Field 21st Oct., 1922: 624).
[Not in I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 343-357].
History Arthur Holmes of Bemerton, Salisbury (1922) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. CXL. p. 539, says: 'On Sept. 21 while fishing the Nadder-Wylye, near Bemerton, with my friend Major A. T. Fisher, we were fortunate enough to see that rara avis a Red-breasted Snipe. The bird was put up by the Major, who was some 200 yards up stream, and it flew almost directly towards me, giving us both an excellent opportunity of noticing the distinctive colouring. Looking through Saunders's Manual there is no mention of one having been observed in Wiltshire, and the last mention of its having been seen is September, 1867, but the edition is an old one.'
[Is our correspondent quite sure that the bird was not a red-breasted Godwit in autumn plumage, this being the time of year at which these birds are passing southwards for the winter. The present writer has shot solitary Godwits with partially red breasts when looking for Snipe at the end of August and September. Of course the bird above mentioned may have been a Red-breasted Snipe (Macroramphus griseus), but this is an American species of rare and accidental appearance here. We have notes of not more than thirteen instances of its occurrence in the British Islands. - Ed.]
Arthur Holmes (1922) in The Field of 21st Oct., Vol. CXL. p. 624, says: 'In reference to your note (p. 539) on my letter reporting the appearance of a Red-breasted Snipe, may I say that I do not think any reasonable doubt could be entertained as to the species? It was remarkably fortunate that Major Fisher and I were both given such an excellent opportunity of seeing the bird at close quarters. It was certainly no bigger than a Common Snipe, whereas a Godwit is a considerably bigger bird. Again, living as we do practically in the water-meadows, where the Common Snipe abound, it is very unlikely that two pairs of eyes should on the same occasion and at close range have made an error of judgement, especially as we are both "old hands". Indeed, the Major has been for more than half a century a keen observer and student of bird life.
Honestly, I do not think that there is any doubt as to the bird having been a specimen of the American Macroramphus griseus.'
Comment Probably misidentified. No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1935 Kent Locality in the East, flock, 5th November.
(Harrison, 1953).
[I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 345].
History Harrison (1953 (1): 370) says: 'Mr. T. C. Gregory saw what he believed was a "small flock" of this species with some common Snipe on an east Kent marsh on 5th November, 1935. Upon enquiry, Mr. Gregory supplied me with the following supplementary notes (5.x.1950): "when flushed, the birds rose to a great height and indulged in complicated aerial evolutions, at the same time uttering a series of musical call-notes, which to my ears sounded like "tu-lu-too-too-too-too", etc., flute-like notes that I had never heard before. At the time the marsh was full of common Snipe, which rose with them, but the "strangers" after flying a short distance with them formed into a wisp or wisps, first soaring "into the blue" and then swooping down to ground level, which actions they kept repeating". The habit of flying in a compact flock and performing "interesting evolutions high in the air" is referred to by A. C. Bent (1927) Life-Histories of North American Shore Birds, part I, p. 110, while J. T. Nichols, (Ibid, p. 111) describes the note of this species as "most frequently two-syllabled, clear and full".'
I. C. T. Nisbet (1960) in British Birds, Vol. LIV. p. 345, in a review of the species says: 'A sight record of a flock in Kent on 5th November 1935 (Harrison 1953) is not convincing.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1937 Hampshire Near Lymington, seen, May.
(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1937: 50).
[Clark & Eyre, 1993].
History R. Whitlock (1937) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. IV. p. 50, says: 'A Red-breasted Snipe was seen feeding on mud-banks near Lymington in May. The late Miss E. M. Imrie and P.E.G.H. watched it through field-glasses and telescope at fairly close range for some time (P.E.G.H.).'
Not accepted locally (Clark & Eyre 1993).
0). 1938 Suffolk No locality, undated.
("C.S.L.", Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 4: 92).
[Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003].
History "C.S.L." (1938) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol.IV. p. 92, says: 'Of the peculiarly scarce Birds recorded during the year, the Red-breasted Snipe, Limnodromus griseus, Gmelin, observed in Devon, must be accorded pride of place; this sandpiper is an American species, unnoticed in Suffolk since John Hoy recorded a male near Yarmouth (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist, VI. 1841, 236). We have two occurrences here of the Rose-coloured Starling, Pastor roseus, L., one at Melton and a bunch of five together that was identified by a local observer at Somerleyton; but there have been a good many instanced in other parts of the country this year, evidently one of peculiar influx in their case.'
0). 1943 Dorset Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, seen, 5th September.
(C. H. Popham, British Birds 38: 18; F. H. Haines, Ornithological Report for the County of Hampshire 1943: 13; 'Cohen & Taverner, 1972).
[I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 345; Sharrock, 1985: 18].
History Miss Christine H. Popham (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 18, says: 'While walking on the Stanpit Marshes, Christchurch, Hampshire [now Dorset], on 5th September 1943, I had the good fortune to see a Red-breasted Snipe, feeding with some Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima, and other waders. It attracted my attention at once as a species quite new to me and I was able to get within 20 yards of it to examine it with a very good pair of Zeiss binoculars. I was struck by its very stocky shape, like an enlarged Knot Calidris canutus, obvious snipe's-head, and shortish legs, which were dark-coloured, appearing blackish-green. The back was bright reddish-brown with black markings and the light eye-stripe was quite distinct. I watched it for some time feeding by quick thrusts of its bill right up to the head into the mud.
Hoping to see it again in company with other observers who could support my identification, I did not flush or disturb it and therefore did not see the white rump, which is described as a striking feature in flight; but once it stretched its tail and I could see that it and the upper tail-coverts were barred brown and white. Unfortunately I was unable to find it again on any subsequent occasion.' [We have discussed this record with Miss Popham and are satisfied that it can be accepted, though we think it a pity the bird was not put up in order to see the white rump which would have clinched the identification beyond any possibility of question - Eds., B.W.T.].
F. H. Haines (1943) in the Ornithological Report for the County of Hampshire p. 13, says: '(C.P.) writes of her identification of the Red-breasted Snipe: "It was feeding with the Purple Sandpiper. Its habit of feeding by thrusting in its beak the entire length was observed easily, its general shape and rather stocky build with shortish legs and obvious Snipe head, long beak and light eye-stripe making it identifiable as this Snipe. I wish I had flushed it, as it then shows a white patch in dark back which is distinctive". By process of exclusion it would seem to be this species, for, as (C.P.) asks, what else could it be? There have been two Hampshire records among the over 20 recorded (see Handbook).'
I. C. T. Nisbet (1961) in British Birds, Vol. LIV. p. 345, in a review of the species says: '...not convincing.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1944 Isles of Scilly Tresco, seen, August.
(Penhallurick, 1969).
[Not in British Birds 54: 347].
History Penhallurick (1969) says: 'Single bird said to have been seen on Tresco in August, 1944, but no details available (Abbey Records).'
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1953 Isles of Scilly Tresco, August.
(Penhallurick, 1969).
[Not in British Birds 54: 347].
History Penhallurick (1969) says: 'Single bird said to have been seen on Tresco in August, 1953, but no details available (Abbey Records).'
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
