Ferruginous Duck (1/2)

Anatidae

Dec 22

Written By Keith Naylor

Aythya nyroca (Güldenstädt, 1770) (173, 68)

Ferruginous_Duck[Rob_Stonehouse].jpg — Photo © Rob Stonehouse

STATUS

Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

Formerly known as the Castanaceous Duck, White-eyed Pochard, White-eyed Duck, Olive-tufted Duck and Nyroca Pochard.

Ferruginous Ducks were more numerous in the wild during the 19th century in Europe, but it was also popular in wildfowl collections then, also, captive breeding was reported in France as far back as 1870. Live specimens are known to have been caught in duck-decoys in Holland and sent over to the London markets since early 1800s and possibly before that time.

Kent and Sussex have raised doubts about hybrids during the period, as have Somerset over females prior to 1954, but I have attempted a small review to weed out the really obvious ones that fall short of acceptance, so this is a working list.

Fred Smalley (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 113, says: 'I think Mr. J. W. Harting is very happy in his description of the colour of the irides in this species, and I quote the following extract from his Handbook to British Birds, new edition, p. 250: "Having shot many of these Ducks at various times, and occasionally as late in the spring as the end of March, I have noticed that the colour of the iris varies with age. In the young bird it is pale yellow; in an older bird, orange; in a fine adult male, crimson; but the colour has been observed to change from red to yellow from excitement (see Stevenson, Birds of Norfolk, Vol. III. p. 207)".'

Baker (1993) states that a first-winter has an iris of grey brown, which changes during winter in the male to pale grey and brown in the female; the adult male has a white eye, while the adult female is brown.

The BOU (2018) in their 9th Checklist admit one from Lincolnshire in 1771 published by Pennant (1776) but this is within a few years of the type specimen being recorded and the record is not published by Yarrell, Saunders or Harting, nor is it acceptable to Lincolnshire authors.

From 1958-68 inclusive this species was assessed by BBRC.

RECORDS

1). 1829 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water (South wall), Suffolk, immature male, December, now at Castle Museum, Norwich (Acc. No. NWHCM: 1887.49.1).

(Southwell, 1890; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 169; Ticehurst, 1932; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).

History Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 209) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'Mr. E. S. Preston, of Yarmouth, had one of these birds in his collection, which was killed on Breydon, in December, 1829; it was a male, not quite adult. This bird passed into the collection of the late Mr. Stevenson, and at his sale was purchased for the Norwich Museum.'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 169, says: 'Mr. C. A. Preston obtained one of the earliest recorded Ferruginous Ducks (Fuligula nyroca), which was shot close by Giber's Mill on the South Breydon wall, and which he submitted, when identified, to Paget, after whom the hybrid between this species and the Pochard has been designated - the Paget's Pochard.'

Accepted locally as the first for Norfolk (Dye, Fiszer & Allard 2009).

2). Pre 1831 Northumberland Near Hexham, adult male, killed, undated.

(P. J. Selby, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham 1831: 281; Hancock, 1874; Yarrell, 1871-85; Saunders, 1899; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83; Kerr, 2001).

History P. J. Selby (1831) in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham, Vol. I. p. 281, read 21st February 1831, says: 'A very rare species. The individual from which the figure in the Illustrations of British Ornithology was taken, was killed on the river Tyne, in the neighbourhood of Hexham.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and (Saunders 1899, 2nd ed).

Accepted locally (Hancock 1874; Bolam 1912; Galloway & Meek 1978-83; Kerr 2001).

Comment Not in my two volume edition of Selby (1833). Although without exact year it was seen by a notable ornithologist.

3). 1832 Oxfordshire Near Oxford, pair, killed, March.

(P. Hunter, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 6: 141; Yarrell, 1845; A. & H. Mathews, Zoologist 1849: 2539; Yarrell, 1871-85; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History Perceval Hunter of Oxford (1833) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 141, dated 2nd July 1832, says: 'A pair of Ferruginous Ducks, by far the rarest of the British genus Anas, out of a flock of five, was shot on Otmoor Common, a few miles from Oxford, in March last, by Mr. Forrest of the High Street....The following is the description taken of the male specimen by Mr. Forrest and myself, the morning after it was shot. I have sent it because that of Bewick and Montagu is confessedly imperfect: Length, 19⅜ in.; head, neck, cheeks, throat and flanks, of a bright ferruginous chestnut; on the chin was a spot of dirty white; belly, under tail-coverts, speculum or beauty-spot, whitish; back, scapulars of a dark-brown finely speckled with ferruginous, and slightly tinged with olive; tertials, dark olive-green; tail, cuneiform; tail-feathers, 14 in number, dark-brown; rump, dusky-ferruginous; the outer shafts of the first four primaries, brown; secondaries, white-tipped with dark brown; greater wing-coverts dark olive-brown; lesser wing-coverts, light ferruginous; irides, yellow; bill and feet, dark lead-grey; in shape and size closely resembles Garganey duck (A. querquedula L.). The female is somewhat smaller than the male, and her plumage is of a duller cast.'

Yarrell (1845 (3): 338, 2nd ed.) says: 'Two were killed near Oxford, in the winter of 1832.'

A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2539, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire', say: 'A pair were killed near Oxford in the year 1832.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally (Aplin 1889; Radford 1966).

Comment It doesn't say that the flock of five was of the same species.

5). 1834 Suffolk Iken, obtained, 7th January.

(Ipswich Journal 11th Jan., 1834; "W.B.C." Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 7: 151; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History "W.B.C." (1834) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VII. p. 151, says: 'A Ferruginous Duck or Ruddy Goose (Anas rutila, Fauna Suecica) was shot, a few days since, at Iken, near Orford [on the coast of Suffolk]. It is in the possession of Mr. Manning, chemist, Woodbridge (Ipswich Journal, Jan. 11, 1834).'

Babington (1884-86) says: 'One obtained at Iken, 7th January 1834 (J. H. Gurney jun., in litt.).'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 289).

6). c. 1836 Norfolk Hempstead decoy, male, caught, undated.

(Lubbock, 1845; Southwell, 1890).

History Lubbock (1845) says: 'Has been found several times...I saw this bird alive lately in the gardens at Mr. Gurney's seat at Keswick, probably taken upon his decoy at Hempstead.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 209) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'After being caught in the Hempstead decoy this bird was kept in captivity by Mr. R. H. Gurney for fifteen years until February 1851 when it died.'

7). 1839 Norfolk Surlingham, male, shot, 16th December.

(Lubbock, 1845; Southwell, 1890).

History Lubbock (1845) says: 'Has been found several times; one was shot at Surlingham broad many years back.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 209) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'This male was shot on 16th December 1839 at Surlingham as recorded in Mr. Lombe's notes.'

8). 1844 Oxfordshire Near Oxford, pair, killed, winter.

(Morris, 1863-67; Yarrell, 1871-85; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History Morris (1863-67 (7): 65, reissue) says: 'A pair were killed near Oxford, in the year 1832; another pair subsequently.'

Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Two were killed near Oxford, in the winter of 1832, and another pair during the winter of 1844, for a notice of which the Author was indebted to Mr. W. Borrer.' They were accepted locally (Aplin 1889; Radford 1966).

Comment W. Borrer went on to write The Birds of Sussex.

10). 1847 Oxfordshire Cornwell, shot, 3rd December.

(A. & H. Mathews, Zoologist 1849: 2539; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1stseries, Vol. VII. p. 2539, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire' say: 'A bird of this species was shot on a fish-pond at Cornwell, near Chipping Norton, December 3, 1847.'

Saunders (1899, 2nd ed.) says: '...four for Oxfordshire, which this might be one of them'.

Accepted locally by Aplin (1889: 203) who adds: '...another was shot on a fish pond at Cornwell, near Chipping Norton (G. Goatley). This specimen. Mr. W. W. Fowler tells me, is still preserved there' and (Radford 1966).

11). 1850 Cleveland/Yorkshire Coatham Decoy, Redcar, caught, 17th January.

(T. S. Rudd, Zoologist 1850: 2773; Gurney, 1876; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Stead, 1964; Mather, 1986; Wilson & Slack, 1996; Blick, 2008).

History T. S. Rudd of Redcar (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2773, dated 5th February, 1850, says: 'A specimen of the Ferruginous Duck was taken in a decoy in Coatham Marsh, near the Teesmouth, on the 17th of January last.'

Admitted nationally (Gurney 1876: 279) and accepted locally for Cleveland (Stead 1964; Blick 2008) and for Yorkshire (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 57; Nelson 1907 (2): 465; Mather 1986).

12). 1850 Norfolk Near Horsey Broad, adult male, killed, 16th April.

(R. Rising, Zoologist 1850: 2803; Southwell, 1890).

History Robert Rising of Horsey (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2803, dated 17th April, 1850, says: 'As it is considered a rather rare bird in this neighbourhood, at this time of year especially, I am induced to communicate to you, that on the 16th of April, 1850, a fine male specimen of the Ferruginous Duck was shot by a friend of mine, in a marsh adjoining the Mere.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 209) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'I know of no others till 1850, when one, in the late Mr. Rising's collection, was killed near Horsey Broad by Mr. George Frederick, on the 16th April; on the 6th of November, 1855, another was killed in the same locality. These two birds, both adult males, were cased together, and bought at Mr. Rising's sale by Mr. George Hunt.'

13). 1855 Norfolk Near Great Yarmouth, adult male, shot, 12th February.

(J. H. Playford, Field 15th Dec., 1860: 497; Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932).

History J. H. Playford of Great Yarmouth (1860) in The Field of 15th Dec., Vol. XVI. p. 497, says: 'Within the last five years I have procured the following named birds, all of which have been killed within twelve miles of Yarmouth, and preserved for me by Mr. Knights, of Norwich: ...the Ferruginous Duck, killed at Repps....I should be glad to show my birds to any one desirous of seeing them.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 209-210) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'The spring of 1855 was remarkable for its severity, producing four of these birds. This adult male was shot on the 12th February.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 289) but Piotrowski (2003: 15) states that birds at 'Yarmouth' or 'near Yarmouth' are not included for Suffolk unless absolutely clear on location.

Comment Playford's notice presumed to refer to this record as the other two Norfolk records within the last five years are known to be owned by other people.

14). 1855 Norfolk Near Great Yarmouth, three, early April, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.147 & 148).

(Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932; Watson, 2010).

History Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 209-210) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'The spring of 1855 was remarkable for its severity, producing four of these birds. One of the three was exhibited for sale in the Norwich Fishmarket. Two of the birds were males, one of which was purchased by Mr. Alfred Master, and the other by Mr. Stevenson. At the dispersal of Mr. Master's collection, Mr. Stevenson became the owner of the companion bird, and, when Mr. Stevenson's collection was sold later they both went into Mr. Connop's collection.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 289) but Piotrowski (2003: 15) states that birds at 'Yarmouth' or 'near Yarmouth' are not included for Suffolk unless absolutely clear on location.

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists these specimens and states they were from Henry Stevenson's collection that later passed into the Connop collection.

17). 1855 Norfolk Horsey Broad, killed, 6th November.

(Southwell, 1890).

History Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 209-210) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'This individual was killed by Mr. George Frederick near Horsey Broad on 16th April [1850], where it passed into Mr. Rising's collection. It was cased together with another adult male which was killed 6th November, 1855, at the same location. At the sale of Mr. Rising's collection it was purchased by Mr. George Hunt.'

18). 1855 Lothian Near Musselburgh, Midlothian, adult male, shot, shortly before 26th December.

(J. A. Smith, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 1: 52; Gray, 1871; Yarrell, 1871-85; Bolam, 1912; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Kirke Nash, 1935; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History J. A. Smith (1855) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh Vol. I. p. 52, at the meeting held on 26th December, exhibiting the specimen, says: 'The bird, an adult male, measured 16¾ inches from the point of the bill to the tip of the tail; and 27½ inches in breadth from point to point of its extended wings. The first primary is the longest, others gradually decreasing in length. From flexure of wing to point of first primary measures 7¾ inches; inside of wings and axillaries white. Its weight was seventeen ounces.

The trachea (which was exhibited), 5½ inches long, is peculiar, the upper part being rather more than a quarter of an inch in diameter, gradually expanding to half an inch, and again contracting to less than a quarter of an inch towards the lower part, where it terminates in a bony and membraneous labyrinth about 1½ inch in length (well figured in "Yarrell's British Birds"). The oesophagus was about, 7¾ inches in length; the stomach, a strong and muscular gizzard, was filled with seeds of the oat mixed with small pieces of quartz and gravel. The intestines, from pylorus to anus, were three feet nine inches in length; two coeca, one 4¾ inches, the other 4¼ inches long, enter the gut about 2½ inches from its lower extremity.

The bird is an occasional winter visitant of England, but appears to have been very rarely seen in Scotland.'

Gray (1871) says: 'I know of but one instance of the occurrence of this bird in any part of Scotland, viz., a specimen which was shot near Musselburgh in 1855, and exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society, Edinburgh, on the 26th December, by Dr. J. A. Smith, the Society's Secretary, to whom I am indebted for a notice of the circumstance. The following measurements of the specimen are taken from Vol. I. p. 52, of the published proceedings...'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, accepted locally for Midlothian (Kirke Nash 1935) and nationally as the first for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).

19). 1858 Yorkshire Dalton, near Huddersfield, shot, December.

(Hobkirk, 1859; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 57) say: 'Dalton, near Huddersfield, Dec., 1858 (Hobkirk's, Nat. Hist. of Hudd., 1859, p. 145).' Accepted locally without further details (Nelson 1907 (2): 465; Mather 1986).

20). 1859 Radnorshire Boultibrooke, probably female, seen, late in the year (December) to March 1860.

(H. J. Jones Brydges, Zoologist 1864: 9047; Yarrell, 1871-85; Saunders, 1899; Ingram & Salmon, 1955).

History Harford J. Jones Brydges of Boultibrooke (1864) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXII. p. 9047, dated 22nd February, 1864, says: 'I send you a short account of the Ferruginous Duck. Specimens of this bird appear to be rare even in the eastern counties of England, and I have never seen or heard of another specimen having been found so far to the westward as this county (Radnorshire).

This specimen, which is either an adult female or the young of the first year, appeared first on a pond of mine in the winter of 1859, and remained on the pond till February, or, I think, March of the following year 1860. It did not appear to be wild, and I was able to examine it with a pocket telescope on the water: now and then, if approached very near, it took flight, but only to settle at a short distance on the pond, which is a small one. The white bar on the wing was very distinctly visible in flight. I would not have it molested, as I do not allow any birds to be destroyed. I did not see it on the pond later than, I think, March, 1860.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally (Ingram & Salmon 1955).

21). 1861 Dorset River Stour, Christchurch, Hampshire, two: adult male and female, shot, February, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/152).

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Morrison, 1997; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 239) say: 'The pair in the Hart collection are dated February, 1881.' Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that both these adults were shot by J. Preston on the Stour at Christchurch in February 1861.

Comment Kelsall & Munn made an error in recording the year as 1881 (Clark 2022).

Green (2004) makes no mention of this record, but then he didn't claim records from the Christchurch area.

23). 1863 Greater London Kingsbury Reservoir, Middlesex, female, shot, 24th December.

(Harting, 1866; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

History Harting (1866: 236) says: 'On the 24th December, 1863, Mr. W. H. Power, was shooting at Kingsbury Reservoir, and, sheltered by the high bank at the head of this sheet of water, he approached sufficiently near to a solitary Duck to kill it with a cartridge. It proved to be a female of this species, and is now preserved in Mr. Power's collection.'

Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935).

24). 1865 Dorset Near Christchurch, Hampshire, female, obtained, January.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1511; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 22: 102).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1511, under 'List of the Rarer Birds obtained by Mr. Hart in the vicinity of Christchurch, Hants.', says: 'Ferruginous Duck - January 1865.' Further, p. 1512, he summarises 'Mr. E. Hart or his father (the late Mr. W. Hart) had all the above named birds in the flesh.'

A. P. Morres (1885) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXII. p. 102, says: 'The 'Ferruginous Duck', or 'Nyroca Pochard', or 'White-eyed Duck'. This bird, again, is by no means common in our islands, but it is occasionally obtained in the Poole district. Hart has a good pair of these birds, the one shot in Poole Harbour on January 6th, 1879, and the female procured in the district in 1865. It is generally called the Ferruginous Duck, or - as more lately - the White-eyed Duck; and it is the same bird as the Nyroca Pochard.'

However, Green (2004) in The Birds of Dorset makes no mention of this record, or any other species associated with Christchurch.

Comment Green has not accepted any records from Hampshire before the county boundary change in 1974, and Hampshire don't accept them as well! Although Dorset are now looking into this.

25). 1866 Norfolk Potter Heigham, male, shot, 30th December.

(A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 531-532).

History A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 532, says: 'A male shot at Potter Heigham, Dec. 30th, 1866 (Connop Collection).'

26). 1866 Suffolk North Cove, adult male, undated.

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

History Babington (1884-86) says: 'Mr. Everitt shot one in Suffolk in 1866, probably in the neighbourhood of North Cove (Creed in litt.).' Ticehurst (1932) adds: 'Now in the Everitt collection.'

27). 1867 Norfolk Hickling Broad, immature male, shot, mid-January.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1867: 709; Southwell, 1890).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 709, undated, says: 'On the 18th of January last an immature male of the Ferruginous Duck passed into my hands for preservation; it had been killed a day or two previously, with other ducks, on the Broad at Hickling.'

Accepted locally by Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 210) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk.

28). 1868 Norfolk Dersingham, pair, killed, 20th and 21st March.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1869: 1490; Southwell, 1890).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1490, dated January, 1869, says: 'March [1868]. A pair of these rare ducks, in the possession of Mr. H. M. Upcher, of Sheringham, were killed, during this month, at Dersingham, near Lynn.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 210) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'A pair killed at Dersingham, on March 20th and 21st, 1868 are now in Mr. H. M. Upcher's collection.'

30). 1874 Devon Slapton Ley, immature female, obtained, November.

(Yarrell, 1871-85; Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; W. B. Tegetmeier, Field 13th Nov., 1897: 788; Moore, 1969; Tyler, 2010).

History Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Mr. Gatcombe is aware of but one instance of the occurrence of a young bird of this species in Devonshire.'

Pidsley (1891: 104) says: 'Mr. H. Nicholls informs me that he has a specimen of the Ferruginous Duck, shot at Slapton Ley, November 25th, 1874. It is perhaps to this bird that Mr. H. Saunders refers, when he says: "Mr. Gatcombe is aware of but one instance of the occurrence of a young bird of this species in Devonshire" (Yarrell, B. B. Vol. IV. p. 419).'

W. B. Tegetmeier (1897) in The Field of 13th Nov., Vol. XC. p. 788, says: 'The White-eyed Duck, which is very abundant in the east and south of Europe, is of rare occurrence even on the east coast of England, and almost unknown on the western side.

In Devon, Messrs. D'Urban and Mathew describe it as an accidental visitor of extremely rare occurrence, recording only one example, that of a female that was shot at Slapton Ley in the middle of November 1874.

This was recognised by Mr. W. Jesse, who sent the skin to Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser, and it was exhibited before the Zoological Society. After an interval of twenty-three years, Mr. W. Jesse, the zoologist to the Abyssinian Expedition, has sent me the following particulars of a second specimen shot in the same locality.

He writes as follows: "Sir, - ...Some twenty-three years ago I was one of a party shooting on the Ley with the late Sir Lydston Newman, on which occasion a female specimen of the White-eyed Pochard was shot, and I identified it".'

Accepted locally (Moore 1969; Tyler 2010).

31). c. 1875 Hampshire Bisterne, near Ringwood, obtained, undated.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; J. Clark email (Sept, 2021)).

[J. A. Eyre & R. B. Wynn, Hampshire Bird Report 2000: 36].

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 238) say: 'Mr. Corbin tells us, on the authority of Mr. J. Mills, that one was obtained at Bisterne, near Ringwood, about the year 1875.'

No records prior to 1950 accepted locally (J. A. Eyre & R. B. Wynn, Hampshire Bird Report 2000: 36).

However, after further research by John Clark, who states that Corbin was undoubtedly reliable and Mills is the family name of the owners of Bisterne Estate. Rupert Brewer, gamekeeper of the Bisterne Estate today, tells me that all the game books for the estate still exist. I have contacted Hallam Mills, the current owner, to seek further information but although he said he would look into it, he has not replied. I suspect this is a good record.

32). 1875 Wiltshire Netheravon, two, shot, 9th December.

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

History Smith (1887: 488-489) says: 'I have, however, but three instances of its appearance within our borders: two of which were shot by Mr. W. H. Stagg, of Netheravon, on December 9, 1875, and for information as to the third, I am indebted to the Rev. E. Duke, of Lake House, who kindly wrote me word that a specimen had been captured on the river there.'

Accepted locally (Wiltshire Ornithological Society 2007).

Comment The third individual is a second-hand report and lacks adequate details and is unacceptable.

34). 1876 Cleveland/Yorkshire Teesmouth, shot, December.

(Nelson, 1907; Stead, 1964; Mather, 1986; Blick, 2008).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 465-466) says: 'On 23rd December 1876, I saw one exposed for sale in a fish shop at Redcar, and was told that it had been killed near the Teesmouth.'

Accepted locally for Cleveland (Stead, 1964; Blick 2008) and for Yorkshire (Nelson, 1907; Mather 1986).

35). 1877 Nottinghamshire Highfields, pair, seen, one shot, September.

(Sterland & Whitaker, 1879; Yarrell, 1871-85; Whitaker, 1907).

History Sterland & Whitaker (1879: 57) say: 'Mr. Lowe informs me that a pair were on his lake at Highfield for some days in September 1877, and one of them was shot.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who adds: '...also along the Trent valley and in other parts of Nottinghamshire, according to Mr. Whitaker, several have been seen and three have been obtained; two of them in 1877 and 1878.'

Whitaker (1907: 202-203) says: 'A pair were seen by Mr. Lowe on his lake at Highfields, Beeston, and one shot in September, 1877.'

37). 1878 Cleveland/Yorkshire Coatham Marsh, Redcar, two, female shot, 3rd October.

(T. H. Nelson, Zoologist 1879: 211; "T.H.N." Field 15th Feb., 1879: 165; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Stead, 1964; Blick, 2008).

History T. H. Nelson (1879) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. III. p. 211, says: 'Early in October a Ferruginous Duck, one of a pair seen, was shot at Coatham Marsh.'

"T.H.N." (1879) in The Field of 15th Feb., Vol. LIII. p. 165, says: 'On Oct. 3rd a Ferruginous Duck (one of a pair) was obtained at the same place [Coatham Marsh].'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 57) say: 'Coatham Marsh, pair, seen, female, shot, Oct. 3, 1878 (Rev. H. Smith, MS.).'

Nelson (1907 (2): 466) adds: 'Two were seen, and one was shot, on 3rd October 1878, by the late Rev. H. Smith, on Coatham Marsh.' These were accepted locally for Cleveland (Stead 1964; Blick 2008) and for Yorkshire (Mather 1986).

39). 1878 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, killed, 23rd December.

(H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 601; Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Henry Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 601, says: 'A bird of this species, shot at Yarmouth towards the end of December, is the only duck worth special notice that I have heard of on our coast this winter.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 210) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'One killed on Breydon, on the 23rd December 1878, was sent to Mr. Gunn.' Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 289).

Comment T. E. Gunn was a taxidermist in Norwich.

40). 1878 Nottinghamshire Highfields, two, seen, female shot, December.

(Sterland, 1879; Yarrell, 1871-85; Whitaker, 1907).

History Sterland & Whitaker (1879: 57) say: 'Two seen, and one, a female, shot at Highfields, Dec., 1878.'

Whitaker (1907: 203), says: 'Mr. Lowe also saw another pair in December, 1878, and killed the female.'

42). 1879 Dorset River Wareham, adult male, shot, 3rd January, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/152).

(J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, Zoologist 1879: 182; Yarrell, 1871-85; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 22: 102; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 192; Morrison, 1997; Green, 2004; Hart MS.).

History J. C. Mansel-Pleydell of Whatcombe, Blandford (1879) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. III. p. 182, says: 'A specimen of this duck, Nyroca ferruginea (Gmelin), was shot on the Wareham River in January last. So far as I am aware, this is the first instance in which it has been met with in Dorsetshire.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 419, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 158, 2nd ed.) says: 'One was killed at the mouth of the Wareham river, January 3rd, 1879, by a well-known puntsman named Charles Orchard. It was swimming with a lot of Pochards at the time. Mr. Hart, who preserved it, states that it was in fine plumage.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 192, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset', and (Green 2004).

Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that Charles Orchard shot this adult male on 3rd January 1879 on the Wareham River and was presented to me by T. M. Pike.

43). c. 1880 Essex Marshhouse Decoy, Dengie, obtained, undated.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History Christy (1890: 209) says: 'A specimen (sex uncertain) taken in the Marsh House Decoy, Tillingham, about ten years ago, is preserved at the Marsh House, where, through Mr. Page's kindness, I have inspected it. It is the only specimen known to have been taken thereabouts.'

Glegg (1929) says: 'This bird was examined by Miller Christy while in the possession of Mr. Page. It was sold at the Tillingham Hall sale, on 27th September 1911, for £2.10s.'

Accepted locally (Cox 1984; Wood 2007).

44). 1884 Suffolk Easton Broad, seen, December.

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

History Babington (1884-86) says: 'One seen at Easton Broad, within gunshot, December, 1884 (W. S. Everitt in litt.).'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 289).

45). 1886 Norfolk Potter Heigham, male, shot, 29th December.

(M. C. H. Bird, Zoologist 1887: 195; W. Pycraft, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 461; Southwell, 1890; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 532).

History M. C. H. Bird of West Rudham (1887) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XI. p. 195, says: 'An adult male White-eyed Pochard (Anas nyroca) was shot at Potter Heigham on Dec. 29th ult.; it was flying singly down the river.'

W. Pycraft (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV, p. 461, says: 'In the first week of January, 1887, a specimen was shot at Potter Heigham. It was a male.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 210) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'On the 30th December 1886, a male, now in the possession of Mr. E. J. Boult, was shot at Potter Heigham.'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 532, says: 'Another, same locality [Potter Heigham], Dec. 26th, 1886.'

Comment Four stories, four different dates!

46). 1890 Bedfordshire River Lea, Newmill End, Luton Hoo Park, shot, winter.

(Steele-Elliott, 1904; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History Steele-Elliott (1904 (1): 125) in the Victoria County History of Bedfordshire, says: 'One that is now in my collection was bought by Mr. J. Cole, taxidermist, when in the flesh during the winter of 1890-1, having been shot on the River Lea, at Newmill End, close to Luton Hoo Park.'

Accepted locally (Trodd & Kramer 1991).

47). 1894 Norfolk/Suffolk Burgh, Suffolk, immature male, obtained, 10th October, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.4040).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and states it was stuffed by Spicer of Leamington.

48). 1897 Devon Slapton Ley, male, obtained, 8th November.

(W. B. Tegetmeier, Field 13th Nov., 1897: 788; Moore, 1969; Tyler, 2010).

History W. B. Tegetmeier (1897) in The Field of 13th Nov., Vol. XC. p. 788, says: 'The White-eyed Duck, which is very abundant in the east and south of Europe, is of rare occurrence even on the east coast of England, and almost unknown on the western side. In Devon, Messrs. D'Urban and Mathew describe it as an accidental visitor of extremely rare occurrence, recording only one example, that of a female that was shot at Slapton Ley in the middle of November 1874.

He writes as follows: "Sir, - I have much pleasure in informing you that I have this morning (Nov. 8) identified in the flesh a specimen of the White-eyed Pochard or Ferruginous Duck, shot today on Slapton Ley. The bird is now in the possession of Mr. W. V. Tole, of Streetgate, and will be preserved and added to that gentleman's fine collection of local wildfowl.

The present specimen is a male bird in fine plumage, the ferruginous portion being singularly rich and brilliant. Some twenty-three years ago I was one of a party shooting on the Ley with the late Sir Lydston Newman, on which occasion a female specimen of the White-eyed Pochard was shot, and I identified it".

It is remarkable that the only two recorded examples of the occurrence of this rare straggler in Devon should have been noted by the same naturalist after so long an interval.'

Accepted locally (Moore 1969; Tyler 2010).

49). 1900 Pembrokeshire Pembroke, shot, 28th December.

(Lockley, 1949; Donovan & Rees, 1994).

History Lockley (1949: 56) says: 'One shot by J. Wynne at Pembroke on the 28th December, 1900.' However, Donovan & Rees (1994) say: '...it was seen' quoting Lockley (1949) as their source!

50). 1902 Suffolk Thorpe Mere, adult male, 15th December.

(Ticehurst, 1932).

History Ticehurst (1932) adds no further details, apart from 'It is in the Ogilvie collection.'

51). 1903 Norfolk Broads area, twenty: ten males, most shot, 15th April, two, seen, 29th April.

(A. H. Patterson Field 1903; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 206-207; Patterson, 1905, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 57; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. pp. 206-207, says: '15th. It was during April that Mr. Patterson announced in The Field that there had been a notable visitation of the Nyroca, or White-eyed Duck. They either came in or divided themselves into two flocks, which together amounted to twenty. One flock going to Rollesby Broad, and the other settling, on the 15th, on Hickling Broad, where these strangers only too quickly attracted attention.

The presence of such a large number of this rare Duck at one time in England is curious, and it is to be regretted that they were not fully protected, and that some persons who ought to have known better molested them. Those at Hickling were all males showing the black collar, as I learn from Mr. Bird, who had a good view of two of them as late as the 29th.

No such appearance of Nyroca Ducks has been put on record in East Anglia before, and it is to be feared there is little inducement for any to come again.'

Patterson (1905: 191) adds: 'In April 1903 a flock of eight was observed on Hickling Broad, and at the same time ten others were seen on Ormesby Broad. They were apparently all males.'

Patterson (1907: 246) says: 'In April, 1903, a remarkable invasion of the Ferruginous Duck (Fuligula nyroca) occurred in the neighbourhood, the more noticeable from the time of the year and the singularity of their being mostly males!

Mr. J. H. Gurney thus refers to their advent in The Zoologist: "It was during April that Mr. Patterson announced in The Field that there had been a notable visitation of the Nyroca or White-eyed Duck. They either came in or divided themselves into two flocks, which together amounted to twenty, one flock going to Rollesby Broad, the other settling, on the 15th, on Hickling Broad, where these strangers only too quickly attracted attention.

The presence of such a large number of this rare duck at one time in England is curious, and it is to be regretted that they were not fully protected, and that some persons who ought to have known better molested them....

No such appearance of Nyroca Ducks has been put on record in East Anglia before, and it is to be feared there is little inducement for any to come again".

Four were seen at the same time in the West Riding of Yorkshire. As Mr. Gurney said, these strangers soon attracted attention; but as it was close season (!) accounts of what happened to them only leaked out in interested circles. The ducks were unfortunate in visiting a part of the Broadlands which is most strictly preserved, and, from what I learnt afterwards, they were well looked after by those who hold the exclusive right to shoot over these particular portions of the Norfolk Broads. I think I can truthfully state that they shared the self-same fate meted out to the Red-crested Ducks, and were 'preserved' as effectively!

Our local sportsmen hold the theory that, as strange birds are but the merest stragglers to our shores, their slaughter cannot much affect the race; and furthermore they have an axiom 'that if we don't shoot them, somebody else will.'

H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 57, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'In April, 1903, twenty birds in two flocks, frequented Rollesby and Hickling Broads. One flock was composed entirely of adult males (J. H. Gurney, t. c. 1904, p. 207).'

Riviere (1930) says: 'The largest immigration which has been observed took place on 15th April 1908 when a flock of twenty arrived, half of which went to Rollesby Broad and the other half to Hickling. The latter flock consisted entirely of drakes, and nearly all of these were eventually shot.'

71). 1903 Breconshire/Radnorshire River Wye, Builth Wells, three, seen, 19th April.

(J. Walpole-Bond, British Birds 2: 377; Peers & Shrubb, 1990).

History J. Walpole-Bond (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 377, says: '...Luck is with me over this species, because in 1903, on April 19th, Mr. Gwynne-Vaughan and myself identified three on the Wye at Builth Wells, Breconshire, at really close quarters.' Locally, Peers & Shrubb (1990) add no further detail.

74). 1903 Yorkshire Ackworth, four: adult pair, obtained, mid-April.

(W. B. Arundel, Zoologist 1904: 33; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 57; Mather, 1986).

History Walter B. Arundel of High Ackworth, Pontefract (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 33, says: 'In the spring of last year four examples of the Ferruginous or White-eyed Duck (Fuligula nyroca) put in an appearance on a reedy sheet of water within a short distance of the village of Ackworth, in the West Riding.

One of them - an adult male - was shot, and at the same time two others were more or less incapacitated, while a few days after an adult female was secured, but I do not know whether it was one of those which had been injured. I saw the male the same day that it was procured, and I examined the female immediately after it was shot.

As the soft parts of several preserved specimens of this species which I have recently seen in public institutions are not correct in colour, I may state that the bill of each of the birds obtained was dark blue, with a black nail; the legs, toes, and webs were lead-colour, the webs being darker than the other parts; the irides of the male were milk-white, and those of the female were slaty brown - slate-colour, shot or shaded with brown from the outer edge.

Some authorities, somewhat vaguely, describes the irides of the female Ferruginous Duck as being not so white as, or less conspicuously white than, those of the male. The other two Ducks, which are male and female, remained and still continue on the piece of water.

The male is frequently seen on the water, and sometimes on the wing. The female is of a more retiring disposition. Both Ducks are, however, strong on the wing, and have been for some time. The male has been seen within the last two or three days.... There is no evidence that the Ferruginous Duck nested.'

Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (2): 466) and admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 57, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Yorkshire. - In the spring of 1903 four birds frequented a sheet of water near Ackworth, and two, an adult male and a female, were shot. The others, which were a pair, remained there till the end of the year (W. B. Arundel, Zool., 1904, p. 33).'

78). 1905 Cornwall Near Mylor, found exhausted and killed, 11th March.

(J. Clark, Zoologist 1907: 285; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 57; Penhallurick, 1969; S. M. Christophers, Birds in Cornwall 1984: 28).

History J. Clark (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 285, says: 'An immature male of the Ferruginous Duck, the only specimen recorded from the county, was killed by some boys on the beach near Mylor on the 11th March, 1905, during very stormy weather.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 57, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899.'

Accepted locally (Penhallurick 1969; S. M. Christophers, Birds in Cornwall, 1984: 22).

79). 1905 Northamptonshire Sulby, four, 16th March.

(http://www.northamptonshirewildlife.co.uk/npton/vag1.htm#bnh).

History No further details.

83). 1905 Cambridgeshire Soke of Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, undated.

(Blincow, 1989; J. S. Clark, Cambridgeshire Bird Report 1996: 94).

History J. S. Clark (1996) in the Cambridgeshire Bird Report, p. 94, says: 'One in the Soke of Peterborough in 1905 (Blincow 1989) is an additional record and the earliest for Huntingdonshire.'

84). 1906 Norfolk Near Stalham, immature, shot, 1st January.

(M. C. H. Bird, Zoologist 1906: 75; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 122; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 57).

History Maurice C. H. Bird of Brunstead Rectory, Stalham (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 75, says: 'On Jan. 1st I handled a locally and fresh-killed immature specimen of the White-eyed Pochard (not a hybrid), the irides of which were light brown, without any trace or shade of white. Can the authorities be wrong, as no writer known to me suggests the elimination of white from the eye of this species at any age?'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 122, says: 'January 1st. January, which opened with a sharp frost, brought a rarity with it - the Nyroca Duck , which the Rev. M. C. Bird has already alluded to (Zool., 1906, p. 75).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 57, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Comment Baker (1993) states that a first-winter has an iris of grey brown, which changes during winter in the male to pale grey and brown in the female.

85). 1906 Suffolk Culford Hall, Bury St Edmunds, two: one shot, 23rd January, a second shot a few days later.

(L. Cadogan, Field 3rd Feb., 1906: 182; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 123; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 57; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Lewin Cadogan of Culford Hall, Bury St Edmunds (1906) in The Field of 3rd Feb., Vol. CVII. p. 182, says: 'Within the last fortnight I have shot two specimens of the Ferruginous Duck on the lake here. I believe this species to be exceedingly rare in this country; in fact, most authorities report less than a dozen specimens killed. The first specimen I shot I unfortunately omitted to have preserved, but the second has been set up.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 123, says: 'January 23rd. A Nyroca Duck, shot at Culford, in Suffolk, after a gale from N.E., and shortly after another was obtained (Hon. L. Cadogan).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 57, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899, who say: 'One was shot at Culford on January 23rd, 1906, after a N.E. gale, and a second a few days later (id., t. c. 1907, p. 123).'

Accepted locally without further details (Ticehurst 1932).

87). 1906 Montgomeryshire Machynlleth, seven, one shot, 2nd April; three of same, near the River Dovey, seen, 3rd April, and one seen a week later.

(Forrest, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 57; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; Holt & Williams, 2009).

History Forrest (1907) says: 'On 2nd April 1906, one was shot out of a party of seven at Machynlleth by Mr. Percy Lewis. When first seen they were eating green weed, to obtain which they had to dive two or three feet down. On being shot at they flew off towards the sea, but afterwards turned towards the station. Three were seen next day on a small pool near the Dovey, and one on the same pool a week later. The specimen shot is in the possession of Mr. Lewis.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 57, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', and for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994) and locally (Holt & Williams 2009).

94). 1906 Norfolk Broads area, four, seen, 10th April.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 126; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 57).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 126, says: 'April 10th. Four Nyroca Ducks appeared on the Broads after a N.E. gale the day before (M. Bird). These southern ducks would certainly become commoner in the east of Norfolk if protection could be assured them.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 57, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

98). 1913 Norfolk/Suffolk Hopton-on-Sea, Suffolk, immature female, shot, 1st September.

(F. C. Cook, Zoologist 1914: 323; Eds., British Birds 8: 176; Ticehurst, 1932).

History F. C. Cook of Lowestoft (1914) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVIII. p. 323, says: 'September 1st. - An immature female Ferruginous Duck (Fuligula nyroca) was shot at Hopton by Mr. Knight.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 176, they say: 'In an ornithological diary from Lowestoft, Mr. F. C. Cook records (Zool., 1914, p. 323) that a female Nyroca nyroca was shot at Hopton on September 1st, 1913.'

Ticehurst (1932: 289) says: 'On 3rd September 1913 I rescued an immature female from Mr. Eric Knight's larder at Hopton, near Lowestoft, and he told me he had shot it on his farmyard pond on the 1st, where it had been for a week; the weather had been fine, with light winds at the end of August.'

99). 1914 Caernarfonshire Afonwen, seen, 27th August.

(C. Oldham, British Birds 8: 120; Jones & Dare, 1976; Barnes, 1997).

History C. Oldham (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 120, says: 'On the landward side of the railway embankment at Afonwen are some shallow meres fringed with reeds and reed-mace and covered in part with beds of water-lilies. These pools are much frequented by ducks, and on August 27th when I was at the place with Mr. F. Brownsword there was on one of them, in addition to the Mallard, Teal, Wigeon and Shovelers which one expects at this season, an adult male Ferruginous Duck (Nyroca nyroca).

The bird when we first saw it was diving for food among some Coots on the fringe of a reed-bed. Startled by the firing of a gun it rose with the other birds, but pitched again on another of the pools, where we found it later sleeping in a lily-bed. On the water the bird looked rather smaller than a Tufted Duck; its head was a warm brown passing into bay on the neck, upper breast and flanks; the back and tail noticeably darker than the flanks and breast; the white eyes showed up plainly against the brown cheeks. On either side of the base of the tail was a pure white spot, apparent only when the bird swam high in the water, but in the act of diving the white of the belly was plainly visible; bill lead colour. In flight a narrow white bar showed right across the wings.'

Accepted locally (Jones & Dare 1976; Barnes 1997).

100). 1915 Norfolk Hickling Broad, male, seen, 12th April to May.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1916: 204, 206; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 10: 503).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 204, says: 'April 12th. S.E., 3. On this date a White-eyed or Nyroca drake was observed on one of the protected Broads by the head keeper, who in this instance is a very accurate observer. He remarked, as he had done on a previous occasion, that this species is fonder of the reeds than the Tufted Duck, which keeps more in the open water, an observation which we were afterwards able to confirm.'

Further, p. 206, he adds: 'April 15th. S.W., 2. In company with Dr. S. K. Long I had an opportunity of seeing the Nyroca mentioned on the 12th, and of comparing its carriage and appearance with some Tufted Ducks, of which there were about thirty on the Broad.

On the wing the Nyroca struck us both as being distinctly smaller than the Tufted Ducks; the plumage was also much redder, but the white chin-spot was not visible without a glass. This duck was still on the Broad on the 21st, but the keeper could not see that it had a companion, and in May it finally disappeared.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1918) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. X. p. 503, under 'Additions to Part XI (Seventh List) 1914-18', who say: 'On April 15th, 1915, a drake of this species was seen by one of us (S.H.L.) in company with Mr. J. H. Gurney, on Hickling Broad. The bird remained on the Broad for several days.'

101). 1918 Yorkshire Upper Nidderdale, male, hit wires, 8th May.

(R. Fortune, Naturalist 44: 231; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History Riley Fortune of Harrogate (1918) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XLIV. p. 231, says: 'On May 8th, a friend of mine picked up a male Ferruginous Duck (Fuligula nyroca) in Upper Nidderdale. It had been killed by flying against the telegraph wires.'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 192; Mather 1986).

102). 1920 Surrey Frensham, 8th October.

(Shaw, 1921; Parr, 1972; Clark, 1984; Wheatley, 2007).

History Parr (1972) admits this on the authority of the Rev. W. A. Shaw (1921) who published it in 'A List of the Birds of the Haslemere District' and presumably still acceptable after Helen I. Barlow et al., (1968) published A review of the Birds of the Haslemere district.

Accepted locally (Clark 1984; Wheatley 2007).

103). 1920 Norfolk Hickling Broad, five, males, seen, 18th October.

(Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999) say: 'Riviere was unaware of this record of five drakes at Hickling seen by Jim Vincent on 18th October 1920.'

108). 1922 Avon Blagdon Lake, Somerset, shot, 4th November.

(D. Carr, Report of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1922; F. L. Blathwayt & B. W. Tucker, British Birds 18: 301; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1929: 34; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; H. E. Rose, Avon Bird Report 2000: 170).

History F. L. Blathwayt & B. W. Tucker (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 301, says: 'On November 4th, 1922, a Ferruginous Duck (Nyroca n. nyroca) was killed during a shoot at Blagdon Reservoir, north Somerset, and was recorded by Mr. Donald Carr, the ranger of the reservoir, in the Report of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1922.

We have lately had an opportunity of examining this bird and confirming the identification. It is an immature specimen with mottled underparts.

This is the first and only conclusive record of the occurrence of this duck in Somerset, though curiously enough a probable second record was obtained by Mr. Stanley Lewis at Barrow Gurney at about the same season of the following year (Brit. Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 188).'

F. L. Blathwayt (1929) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 34, says: 'Immature bird shot, Blagdon Reservoir, Nov. 4th, 1922 (Examined by F.L.B. and B.W.T.).'

Accepted locally (H. E. Rose, Avon Bird Report 2000: 170).

109). 1924 Norfolk Norton Creek, Scolt Head, male, seen, 9th October.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 18: 289).

History B. B. Riviere (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 289, in the Norfolk Annual Report, says: 'Miss E. L. Turner informs me that on October 9th she watched for some time, at sufficiently close range to make identification certain, a drake, Nyroca nyroca, swimming upon a small sheet of water beside Norton Creek, Scolt Head.'

110). 1927 Norfolk Hickling, juvenile female, shot, 24th November.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 21: 249).

History B. B. Riviere (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 249, in the 1927 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'Ferruginous Duck (Nyroca n. nyroca). - A female in juvenile plumage was shot at Hickling on November 24th (E. C. Saunders).'

111). 1928 Isle of Man Derbyhaven/Fort Island area, male, 3rd January.

(Madoc, 1934; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Madoc (1934) says: 'The next time I saw one was in January, near Fort Island, when F. G. Cornish and I watched a male which was making prodigiously long dives for food, and were able to note, in between dives, the very white under-parts, the chestnut head the white patch on the chin, brown back, white wing-bar etc. T. A. Coward, who had agreed with my former identification, also wrote me a congratulating letter on this one which gave me great pleasure.'

Cullen & Jennings (1986) say: 'A drake was seen by H. W. Madoc in the Derbyhaven - Fort Island area on 3rd January 1928. He knew the species well from Lake Valence near Budapest, Hungary.'

112). 1928 Greater London/Surrey Staines Reservoirs, Middlesex, two, males, seen, 24th September.

(T. H. Harrisson, British Birds 22: 144; Glegg, 1935; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History T. H. Harrisson (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 144, says: 'On September 24th, 1928, at Staines Reservoirs, I saw a pair of Ferruginous Ducks (Nyroca nyroca). By careful stalking I got within ten yards of the birds, and with my glasses could pick out all the salient features (white iris, dark chestnut head, etc.).

A mistake was impossible at such a distance. When the birds saw us they swam slowly out into the reservoir, to be lost amidst the huge numbers of Pochard, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, and others. I believe that this is the first record for that reservoir, if not for the county.'

Glegg (1935: 123) says: 'The only record of this species which I accept as fully authenticated is the one by Power in 1863.' It was accepted locally for Surrey (Wheatley 2007) and for the Greater london area (Self 2014).

Comment Not recorded as a pair but as two males due to the white iris.

114). 1929 Lincolnshire Newsham Lake, Brocklesby Estate, one/two, 3rd to 24th February.

(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1929: 234-244; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History S. A. Cox (1929) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, p. 122, says: 'On February 3rd I saw scores of Common Pochard and Tufted Duck, a White-eyed Pochard and a duck Scaup at Newsham Lake...

By February 24th most inland waters were completely frozen over; but Newsham Lake, with its numerous springs, remained comparatively free of ice, and consequently it became a rendezvous for water-fowl from many miles around. I saw five Whooper Swans, two Cormorants, a Dabchick, several Wigeon, a White-eyed Pochard, two Scaup, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck and four Goldeneyes.'

Lorand & Atkin (1989) say: 'In 1929 S. A. Cox recorded one or two at Newsham Lake on the Brocklesby Estate from 3rd to 24th February.'

115). 1929 Somerset River Axe, Lympsham, female, shot, 14th February.

(F. H. L. Whish, British Birds 22: 374; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1929: 34; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History F. H. Laurence Whish (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 374, says: 'A female Ferruginous Duck (Nyroca n. nyroca) was shot in the River Axe, Lympsham, on February 14th, 1929. The bird is now in my collection, and I shall be glad to show it to anyone who cares to see it.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1929) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 34, says: 'Female shot in the Axe, Feb. 14th, 1929 (cf. Brit. Birds XXII. 374).'

Accepted locally (Palmer & Ballance 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society 1988; Ballance 2006).

116). 1929 Borders River Tweed, Melrose, Roxburghshire, pair, seen, 17th February, one, seen, 19th February.

(G. D. Davidson, Scottish Naturalist 49: 86; Eds., British Birds 23: 230; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History Gilbert D. Davidson of Melrose (1929) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIX. p. 86, says: 'On 17th February I saw a pair of Ferruginous Ducks (Nyroca nyroca) on the Tweed at Melrose. I was close to them and was able to watch them through binoculars at about 50 yards. I also heard their curious guttural quack and saw them in flight. They remained there for two or three days, and a good many people noticed the strange brown ducks.

Of course it is possible that they may have come from a private collection on some lake, but owing to the severe weather on the Continent I was not surprised to see them. On the 19th I saw one of them again, in flight, and three are reported to have been seen together on the 18th.'

In an Editorial (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 230, they say: 'Mr. G. D. Davidson states (Scot. Nat., 1929, p. 86) that on February I7th, and 19th, 1929, he saw a pair of Nyroca nyroca (very rarely recorded in Scotland) on the Tweed at Melrose.' Accepted nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).

118). 1929 Isle of Man Derbyhaven, female, seen, 16th March.

(P. G. Ralfe, British Birds 25: 21; Madoc, 1934; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History P. G. Ralfe (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 21, says: 'On March 16th, 1929, Col. Madoc had a fine view of a female diving and feeding close in at Derbyhaven....It may be remarked that Col. Madoc became acquainted with the species in Hungary.'

Madoc (1934) says: 'Fourteen months later, I saw another bird at Derbyhaven, which was busy feeding, and was no doubt a female from the brown colour of the head, and the more dirty brown on the chest with some white as well.'

Cullen & Jennings (1986) say: 'A duck was seen by H. W. Madoc in the Derbyhaven - Fort Island area on 16th March 1929. He knew the species well from Lake Valence near Budapest, Hungary.'

119). 1930 Isle of Man Fort Island area, male, 30th November.

(P. G. Ralfe, British Birds 25: 21; Madoc, 1934; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History P. G. Ralfe (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 21, says: '...Again, on November 30th, 1930, the same observer, with his son, saw a male near Fort Island, "a splendid view". It may be remarked that Col. Madoc became acquainted with the species in Hungary.'

Madoc (1934) says: 'In November of the next year Guy and I watched a male which was very close in and in fine plumage; this was again off Fort Island.'

Cullen & Jennings (1986) say: 'A drake seen by H. W. Madoc in the Derbyhaven - Fort Island area on 30th November 1930. He knew the species well from Lake Valence near Budapest, Hungary.'

120). 1931 North-east Scotland River Don, near Donmouth, Aberdeenshire, male, seen, 22nd November.

(C. H. Usher, Scottish Naturalist 52: 58; Eds., British Birds 26: 58; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Phillips, 1997; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History C. H. Usher of Aberdeen (1932) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 58, says: 'On 22nd November 1931, 11.30 a.m., a still, sunny, cloudless forenoon, with field-glasses I observed a drake of this species close to the north bank of the Don, near Donmouth, not far from the bridge (Aberdeen-Ellon road). At first the bird, which sometimes dived, looked like a Tufted Duck. When nearer to it I could make out clearly (1) chestnut brown head and neck; (2) white iris which was quite conspicuous; (3) a white bar on its dark wing. The underparts were not visible as the bird remained in the water. It was alone....There is little to add to the description.

The sunshine brought out the colour of head and neck and the white eye vividly. I was on the path on the north bank of the river and got a fine view as the Duck slowly moved towards midstream.'

[This rare wanderer from southern or eastern Europe, or even further afield, has been so seldom recorded from Scotland (four records) in contrast with over fifty records from England, that northern latitude is evidently connected with the scarcity. Therefore this 'furthest north' Scottish record marks the limit of recorded wanderings of the species in this country. - Eds.]

In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 58, they say: 'Dr. C. H. Usher records (Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 58) that on November 22nd, 1931, he saw a duck on the River Don near Donmouth which he identified as a drake Nyroca nyroca. He clearly made out its "chestnut-brown head and neck, white iris and white bar on a dark wing".'

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

121). 1932 Norfolk Horsey, female, shot, December.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 28: 53).

History B. B. Riviere (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 53, says: 'I learn from Major Anthony Buxton that a female Ferruginous Duck (Nyroca nyroca) was shot at Horsey in December, 1932. This also was not recorded in my notes for that year.' [A reference to the Ferruginous Duck at Horsey was made (antea, p. 31) but no date was available. - Eds.]

122). 1933 Isle of Man Derbyhaven/Fort Island area, female, 22nd January.

(P. G. Ralfe, British Birds 29: 71; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History P. G. Ralfe (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 71, says: 'Colonel Madoc saw a female on January 22nd, 1933, and a young male on December 11th, 1933.'

Admitted by Cullen & Jennings (1986: 88) who say: 'Seen by H. W. Madoc in the Derbyhaven - Fort Island area who knew the species well from Lake Valence near Budapest, Hungary.'

123). 1933 Bedfordshire No locality, shot, 28th August, now at Luton Museum.

(Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History Trodd & Kramer (1991) say: 'A specimen in Luton Museum which was bought by the Museum for £2.10s., is labelled as being shot, probably in Bedfordshire, on 28th August 1933.'

124). 1933 Isle of Man Derbyhaven/Fort Island area, first-winter male, seen, 11th December.

(P. G. Ralfe, British Birds 29: 71; Cullen & Jenkins, 1986).

History P. G. Ralfe (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. 71, says: 'Colonel Madoc saw a female on January 22nd, 1933, and a young male on December 11th, 1933.'

Admitted by Cullen & Jennings (1986: 88) who say: 'Seen by H. W. Madoc in the Derbyhaven - Fort Island area who knew the species well from Lake Valence near Budapest, Hungary.'

125). 1934 Meirionnydd Tonfanau, male, seen, 1st November to 23rd December.

(E. H. T. Bible, British Birds 28: 207).

History E. H. T. Bible (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 207, says: 'On November 9th, 1934, Mr. James Backhouse and I saw a male Ferruginous Duck (Nyroca nyroca) on a pool two miles north of Towyn, Merionethshire. We were under cover of a stone wall and had this Duck under observation for several minutes. We saw distinctly the white eye, and wing-bars, and when the Duck stood up in the water, the whitish underparts. I had previously seen one of this species, four or five years ago, on the same pool.'

126). 1935 Isle of Man Eairy Dam, 6th January.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Cullen & Jennings (1986) add no further detail.

127). 1937 Pembrokeshire Orielton Decoy, seen, 4th February.

(Lockley, 1949; Donovan & Rees, 1994).

History Lockley (1949: 56) says: 'Seen at Orielton Decoy, 4th February, 1937 (H.A.G.).'

Further, on the acknowledgements page it adds: 'Captain H. A. Gilbert has furnished much information, especially about waterbirds and the Orielton Decoy.' It was accepted locally (Donovan & Rees 1994).

128). 1938 Berkshire Bulmershe, sex uncertain, 17th April.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1938: 22; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996).

History B. W. Tucker (1938) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 22, says: 'On Apr. 17 there was a female at Bulmershe. This bird was by itself on the North Lake, where there are no tame birds of this species, and it was noticeably wild.

Towards the end of September one was noticed several times on the South Lake.

The April bird could easily have passed unnoticed if it had spent the summer on the South Lake. It would not fly much in the intervening period, and only towards migration time would it become more restless and be seen on the wing.

Although there is a surplus of tame males, there is no evidence to suppose that it bred. (A.R.).'

Locally, Radford (1966) says: 'In Berkshire it was not recorded until 1938 when a female was present at Bulmershe in April and again in September.' However, Swash (1996) says: '...a male at Bulmershe on the 17th April 1938, followed by one again there in September of that year.'

129). 1938 Berkshire Bulmershe, female, September.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1938: 22; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996).

Towards the end of September one was noticed several times on the South Lake. The April bird could easily have passed unnoticed if it had spent the summer on the South Lake. It would not fly much in the intervening period, and only towards migration time would it become more restless and be seen on the wing.

Although there is a surplus of tame males, there is no evidence to suppose that it bred. (A.R.).'

130). 1939 Dorset Radipole Lake, female, seen, 21st to 22nd October.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 61: 170; Morrison, 1997).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1940) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXI. p. 170, in the Annual Report for 1939, says: 'A female on the Backwater was carefully identified, October 21st and 22nd, by D. R. Rowston and L. J. T. Barr and is here recorded on their authority.'

Locally, Green (2004: 69) makes no mention of this record.

131). 1939 East Glamorgan Lisvane Reservoir, Cardiff, seen, 3rd to 10th December.

(G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, British Birds 33: 278-279; Heathcote, Griffin & Salmon, 1967).

History G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 278-279, say: 'On December 3rd, 1939, we noticed a solitary duck on Lisvane Reservoir, near Cardiff, which presented to us an unfamiliar appearance. It was very shy and although Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, and Goldeneye Bucephala c. clangula were present at the other end of the reservoir this bird seemed to shun them but kept in company with a few Coot Fulica a. atra.

The weather was particularly unfavourable, low black clouds obscuring the light, and heavy rainstorms accompanied by a violent wind making observation difficult, especially as the duck was never nearer than some 200 yards.

All we could gather after three quarters of an hour's observation through the telescope was a general impression of rusty-red upper parts with darker wings, and very light yellow or white eyes. It did not dive once during the whole time we were watching.

Fortunately it was still present on December 10th, when brief gleams of sunlight enabled us to pick out further details of plumage and so confirm our suspicions of the previous week that it was an adult male Ferruginous Duck Aythya n. nyroca.

The further details were a considerable amount of white on the waterline at sides denoting white under-parts, a detail which was confirmed when it rose on its tail and vigorously flapped its wings. This action also displayed a white patch on each wing, hidden while the bird was swimming. We were also able to see clearly a triangular white patch on each side under the tail and when it suddenly began to dive there could be no doubt as to its identity.

We timed four consecutive dives, the longest being 27 seconds, the shortest 20 seconds and the average 24 seconds, the depth being between 10 and 11 feet at that spot.

There is only one previous record of this species in Glamorgan, one shot near Swansea, prior to 1848.'

Accepted locally (Heathcote, Griffin & Salmon 1967).

132). 1941 Norfolk Hickling, male, shot, 13th January.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1941: 12; Eds., British Birds 36: 118).

History J. Vincent (1941) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 12, under 'Notes from Hickling, 1941', says: 'A male of this species was shot on January 13th.'

In an Editorial (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 118, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1941, they say: 'Other birds at Hickling were a Ferruginous Duck in January.'

133). 1942 Norfolk River Yare, Postwick, four, 22nd January.

(M. J. Seago, Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 16: 49).

History M. J. Seago (1944) in the Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XVI. p. 49, says: 'Four were seen on the Yare at Postwick, 22nd January, 1942 (M. Seago).'

137). 1943 Norfolk Hickling, adult male, seen, 2nd May.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1943: 11).

History J. Vincent (1943) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 11, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'One adult male seen on May 2nd.'

138). 1944 Isles of Scilly Tresco, male, shot, 15th January, now at Isles of Scilly Museum.

(B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1944: 45; Eds., British Birds 38: 358; Penhallurick, 1969; Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007).

History B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick (1944) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 45, say: 'The following records of very exceptional interest come from Major Dorrien Smith: Ferruginous Duck. One shot on January 15th. This is the first record for Scilly. (There is one record for Cornwall).'

In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 358, they appear to accept this record in a Review of the Annual Report.

Penhallurick (1969: 78) says: '1943, a male shot on Tresco on 15th January (Abbey Records).'

Robinson (2004) adds: 'The record originated from Major A. A. Dorrien-Smith, and thus the location seems to be Tresco, Isles of Scilly.' Accepted locally (Flood, Hudson & Thomas 2007).

139). 1944 Berkshire Ham Fields Sewage-farm, Old Windsor, adult male, 14th to 15th October.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1944: 27-28; Radford, 1966).

History B. W. Tucker (1944) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, pp. 27-28, says: 'An adult male was seen at Ham Fields by C.A. and E. W. Gladstone and T. W. Sandeman on Oct. 14 and by P.G. on Oct. 15. On both occasions when put up it flew off in the direction of Wraysbury gravel-pits and actually into Buckinghamshire, but on the 15th, when P.G. went on to the gravel-pits and then to Sunnymede gravel-pits and Slough Sewage Farm it was not at any of these places.

The distinctive characters of the species, the general rufous colouring, with the head more richly coloured than the back, grey bill, very extensive and conspicuous white wing-bar and white under tail-coverts, were all well seen....'

Accepted locally (Radford 1966).

140). 1945 Dorset River Stour, near Blandford, male, seen, 4th to 20th January.

(A. J. Bull, British Birds 38: 298; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 66: 133; Morrison, 1997; Green, 2004).

History Arthur J. Bull (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 298, says: 'On several occasions between 4th and 20th January inclusive, 1945, I saw a drake Ferruginous Duck on the River Stour near Blandford, Dorset. The warm, velvety chestnut colouring of the head, neck and upper breast, darker brown back and sharply defined white under tail-coverts were clearly seen. In flight the broad white crescent on the wing was most striking, the eye showed white at close range.

The bird was also seen by other observers, namely Miss T. F. Almack, Mr. K. V. Elphinstone and Mr. H. Gifford. It was last seen by Mr. Elphinstone on 24th January, when owing to the very severe weather the water above the weir on the stretch of the river which the bird regularly frequented had frozen and the level below the weir had dropped considerably.'

[Mr. Bull has submitted confirmatory accounts of the bird by the other observers named. Unfortunately we cannot avoid the usual comment that it may possibly have been an escape. - Eds., B. W. Tucker].

F. L. Blathwayt (1945) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXVI. p. 133, in the Annual Report for 1944, says: 'On January 4th, 1945, and subsequently a drake was seen on the River Stour at Bryanston.

Arthur J. Bull writes "Identification is quite certain, the bird's white eye, white under tail-coverts and amazingly conspicuous wing stripe in flight, all being plainly observed. I have been able to watch it with glasses at a range of 20 yards". T.F.A. and K.V.E. also verified the record. The bird consorted in some degree with a small party of Tufted Ducks.'

Still accepted locally but stating the date only as 4th January 1945 (Green 2004).

141). 1945 Somerset Durleigh Reservoir, male, 1st September.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1947: 16; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1947) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXIV. p. 16, says: 'The records from Durleigh Reservoir on Sept. 15, 1946, by R. C. Roe & A.V.C. are further confirmed by P.J.H. & R.H.W., who first saw and identified a drake on Sept. 1, 1945; a duck was also seen on Sept. 15 that year by A. N. Marriage & P.J.H.

A very full description of the drake is given.'

Palmer & Ballance (1968) say: 'All original notes are not now available for re-examination and we are not satisfied that all these, and especially the ducks, were correctly identified, mainly because of hybrids. However, this record was accepted as a male (Somerset Ornithological Society 1988).'

142). 1945 Norfolk Rockland Broad, pair, 3rd and 9th December.

(M. J. Seago, British Birds 39: 91).

History M. J. Seago (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 91, says: 'On December 3rd, 1945, I saw a pair of Ferruginous Duck, Aythya nyroca, on Rockland Broad, Norfolk. Gunfire disturbed them from a reed-bed on the edge of the water, where they were skulking with several Coots Fulica atra. I watched them swimming past, only about ten yards away in bright sunlight and showing up very well against the blue water.

Through my x8 binoculars and x15 telescope I could see every detail, and the following notes were taken on the spot: The drake was a very warm chestnut with darker coloured back; even the white eye was seen. Both sexes showed the white under tail-coverts, and even whilst swimming the drake's white wing-mark showed. They appeared to be about the same size as Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula, and were smaller than Pochard, Aythya ferina.

After a while they took to flight with some Coot, beating along the surface before getting under way and the drake clearly displaying the white wing-band.

On December 9th my friend Mr. G. Robinson also saw them and made a field sketch, which was shown to members of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalist's Society at their recent meeting. On this occasion they were amongst a party of Wigeon Anas penelope.

Incidentally both a Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena, and a Goosander Mergus merganser, have been seen on this Broad by me recently.'

144). 1945 Northamptonshire Oundle, male, seen, 13th to 16th December.

(R. J. F. Taylor, British Birds 39: 183; Taylor MS., 1959).

History R. J. F. Taylor (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 183, says: 'On December 13th, 1945, a male Ferruginous Duck Nyroca nyroca was observed in company with nine Pochard Aythya ferina, on the gravel-pit ponds just outside Oundle to the south-west. The bird was very slightly smaller than a male Pochard, with a darker chestnut-coloured head. The back was the same colour, with a few feathers tipped with grey on the fore-part of the back. The flanks were slightly lighter than the head and the breast lighter still and somewhat pink. The upper tail-coverts were nearly black and the under tail-coverts a brilliant white and very prominent. Sometimes a small white speculum showed, but this was not always noticeable. The bird had a white belly, visible when flying and when it flapped its wings. The iris was pure white and the beak appeared a little thinner than that of the male Pochard, and grey-brown in colour, growing lighter towards the tip.

The bird was seen on each day from December 13th-16th. On one occasion I got within 10 yards of it and on two other occasions within 30 yards, so that close observation was obtained in excellent light. The bird dived frequently, averaging 14 secs. under water. During the period of its stay at Oundle it was watched by four or five other observers. It was not seen on December 17th, nor on any succeeding days.'

[Although, there is a good prima facie probability that Ferruginous Ducks seen in East Anglia may be genuinely wild, in view of the large number of previous records from that area, records from almost anywhere else are inevitably somewhat suspect, as the species is one of those not uncommonly kept in captivity. – Eds., B. W. Tucker.]

145). 1946 Somerset Durleigh Reservoir, three: two males and female, 15th September.

(A. V. Cornish, British Birds 40: 118; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1946: 22-23; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).

History A. V. Cornish (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 118, says: 'On September 15th, 1946, I visited Durleigh Reservoir, near Bridgwater, Somerset, with my friend Mr. R. C. Roe. At the shallow end and close inshore we noticed three small dark chestnut ducks with a few Coots. Taking cover behind a bank, we had an excellent view at about 40 yards range with the sun behind us. As soon as I raised my binoculars - 8 x 30 - I saw two of them had very white eyes and realized they were probably Ferruginous Duck Aythya n. nyroca. They dived frequently and were smaller than a few Pochard feeding some distance away.

Mr. Roe was using 10x binoculars, and I wrote down the following description on the spot: - 'Dark chestnut-brown head, back and tail. Flanks light chestnut. Under tail-coverts pure white, and white eye. Showing a white wing-patch when cleaning or flapping, but this not apparent when at rest.' The third bird appeared duller and was evidently a female. When one of the drakes flew we noticed a broad white angular wing-bar and white under-parts, thus confirming our original identification.'

[As we have had to remark on a number of previous occasions, the possibility of Ferruginous Ducks being 'escapes' cannot, unfortunately be excluded. - Eds.]

F. L. Blathwayt (1946) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 22-23 quotes from British Birds.

Accepted locally (Palmer & Ballance 1968).

148). 1946 Sussex Between Rye Harbour and The Midrips, two, seen, 17th November to 22nd February 1947 when one was shot.

(E. M. Cawkell, British Birds 40: 219; N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1946; N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 103; Eds., British Birds 40: 383; des Forges & Harber, 1963; James, 1996).

History E. M. Cawkell (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 219, says: 'Two adult male Ferruginous Ducks Aythya n. nyroca frequented the Rye Harbour - Jury's Gap area, Sussex, from November 17th, 1946 until February 22nd, 1947. The birds were seen on various occasions in this period by J. Ashbee, J. C. Wickens and the writer, and had been satisfactorily identified, both at rest and in flight, when one was shot on February 22nd and examined in the flesh by Mr. Ashbee. Any Ferruginous Duck may, of course, be an 'escape'.

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 383, in a Review of the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, for 1946, they say: 'Other noteworthy records are: a pair of Ferruginous Ducks at Rye Harbour Gravel Pits from November 17th to December 8th.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1947) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 103, says: 'One, Midrips, Jan 5th [1947](E.M.C); female shot near Rye, Feb. 23rd (W. & A.).'

Accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963; James 1996).

Comment The Midrips is in Sussex (Sussex Bird Report 1953: 5).

150). 1946 Surrey Domewood Lake, adult male, seen, 8th December.

(I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 40: 219; Wheatley, 2007).

History I. J. Ferguson-Lees (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 219, says: 'I think it is worth recording that I identified an adult male Ferruginous Duck Aythya n. nyroca on Domewood Lake, Surrey, during the afternoon of December 8th, 1946, though the bird may have been an escape.

There were present at the same time, for comparison, a female Scaup Aythya m. marila, several Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, and a number of Common Pochard Aythya ferina. I was struck at first by the richer browns of its plumage than those of the above species when examined through an x 30 telescope, after which the white under tail-coverts caught my eye.

On several occasions it half rose out of the water to flap its wings when the broad white band of the secondaries could be easily seen as also the smaller area (compared with female Tufted Duck) of pure white on the central breast. It did not keep apart from the other ducks. Some time later I believe I saw a second bird of the same species which I did not notice before. But, by then, visibility was very bad, as it had begun to pour with rain and I was unable to make sure of the identification.'

151). 1947 Yorkshire Ringstone Edge Reservoir, seen, 1st January.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 1948: 51-74; Eds., British Birds 43: 62; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 62, in a Review of the above, they say: 'There are a number of interesting records of more or less rare species elsewhere. Of these might be mentioned, in 1947: a Ferruginous Duck (Ringstone Edge Reservoir, Jan. 1st).'

Chislett (1952: 192) says: 'G. R. Edwards noticed a bird on Ringstone Edge Reservoir in company with five Pochards, and at first thought it to be a female Tufted Duck, until it showed its white under-tail coverts very clearly.'

Mather (1986) says: 'On 1st January 1947, G. R. Edwards saw one in company with five Pochards Aythya ferina on Ringstone Edge Reservoir.'

Comment If the white under-tail coverts were the diagnostic feature, then this record is open to doubt.

152). 1947 Northamptonshire Ecton Sewage-farm, seen, 5th January.

(R. E. Burton, British Birds 40: 219; Taylor MS., 1959).

History R. E. Burton (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 219, says: 'On January 5th, 1947, the recorder and a companion, Mr. F. Adams, observed a Ferruginous Duck Aythya n. nyroca on a pool on Northampton Sewage Farm.

It was in company with a small flock of Shovelers Spatula clypeata and was decidedly smaller than these. The rich chestnut breast, flanks and head were very prominent, as also were the white lower breast and belly. The white under tail-coverts could also be seen, but better so when the bird was in night. The back was duller than the breast and flanks, being of a dark-brown colour, which looked very dull as compared with the rich chestnut of the parts previously mentioned. The iris was lightish, but could not be accurately described as white.

As I was observing with a telescope I could not pick the bird out when it took to flight with the other ducks, but Mr. Adams, who had binoculars, saw the very prominent white mark on the wing, as well as the silky white under-parts.'

Locally, Taylor MS. (1959) adds the locality as: 'Ecton Sewage-farm.'

153). 1947 Greater London/Surrey Barn Elms Reservoirs, adult male, 12th and 29th January.

(C. H. Ashby, London Bird Report 1947: 17-18; Eds., British Birds 44: 38; London Natural History Society, 1964; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History C. H. Ashby (1947) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XII. pp. 17-18, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Barn Elms Reservoirs, an adult drake on 12th and 29th January (E. G. Pedler). The description given leaves no doubt that the bird was correctly identified, but it falls under the usual suspicion of being an escape.

It is of interest that the Duke of Bedford, in a letter to the Manchester Guardian on 3rd May 1947, wrote: "The war has had a devastating effect on collections of waterfowl....For the next few years, at any rate, I think it will be fairly safe to assume that any full-winged duck, even if rare and unusual, is not one that has escaped from Captivity".'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 38, in a Review of the London Bird Report for 1947, say: 'A record of a Ferruginous Duck in 1947 is perhaps wisely square bracketed on the ground that the bird may have been an escape, though subsequent experience suggests that it may have been a wild bird.'

London Natural History Society (1964) says: 'An adult male was seen at Barn Elms Reservoir by E. G. Pedler on January 12th and 29th, 1947.'

Accepted locally for Surrey (Wheatley 2007) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

154). 1947 Essex River Chelmer, Beeleigh, seen, 23rd February.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1953: 10; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History G. A. Pyman (1953) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 10, says: ...There seems to be only two previous records for the county: Birds of Essex (1929) cites only one occurrence but we take this opportunity to place on record that G.A.P. saw another on the tidal River Chelmer at Maldon on February 23rd, 1947, during the severe frost.'

Hudson & Pyman (1968) say: 'One seen at Maldon on 23rd February 1947 (G. A. Pyman)', while Wood (2007) now says: 'River Chelmer at Beeleigh'.

155). 1947 Leicestershire & Rutland River Soar, Barrow-on-Soar, seen, 30th November.

(P. H. Gamble, British Birds 41: 215-216; F. A. Bak, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1947: 40; Fray et al., 2009).

History P. H. Gamble (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. pp. 215-216, says: 'On November 30th, 1947, I saw a Ferruginous Duck on the River Soar between Barrow and Loughborough. It was swimming alone amongst reeds near the side of the river. Although I was somewhat concealed by some willows when I first saw the bird it took alarm and flew up; after circling around several times, however, it landed again a short distance further up-stream. After stalking it to about 30-50 yards, I obtained a tolerably good view with binoculars in a good light for a short time before the bird was unfortunately frightened away by a passing train.

During the period of observation I noted the following points: general build much as a Pochard or Tufted Duck; head and neck brownish-chestnut; back dark brownish; flanks light chestnut; under tail-coverts pure white; bill polished slate colour. The irides gleamed lightish, but I could not determine their exact colour. The belly, as seen in flight, was pure white and the broad white wing-bars very noticeable.'

[A field sketch of the bird and of the appearance of the spread wing confirms the identification. - Eds.]

Accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

156). 1947 Oxfordshire Port Meadow, male, seen, 21st December.

(E. H. Lousley, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1947: 27; Radford, 1966).

History E. H. Lousley (1947) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 27, says: 'Drake on the river by Port Meadow on Dec. 21 watched for more than half an hour at close quarters. Chestnut head, darker back and collar, white iris, white spot on chin, some white on breast, a white wing mark and very conspicuous white under-tail coverts all seen in good light (G.W.).'

Accepted locally (Radford 1966).

157). 1948 Co. Durham Hebburn Ponds, adult male, seen, 3rd to 7th April.

(G. W. Temperley, British Birds 42: 61; G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 74: 124; Temperley, 1951; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

History G. W. Temperley (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 61, says: 'On April 3rd, 1948, Mr. J. R. Crawford, of Sunderland, observed a male Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) on one of a small group of reservoirs near Hebburn, Co, Durham. It was closely associating with a pair of Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula). He had it under observation until April 6th.

On April 7th, in company with Mr. M. G. Robinson, I visited the reservoir, where we found the bird and were able to observe it under most favourable conditions. It was an adult drake, bearing all the distinguishing characters of the species; the only feature that we were unable to determine was the white patch of feathers under the bill. It had every appearance of being a wild bird, being very wary and alert.

When disturbed by a passing dog, it rose from the water and flew strongly for a few yards, while its companions, the Tufted Duck, contented themselves with merely swimming to safety.

By the following morning, April 8th, it had gone, though the pair of Tufted Duck was still present on the same water. It has not been reported since, either there or elsewhere in the county.

This is the first occurrence of the species in County Durham.' [Although, as we have stated on a number of occasions, it is scarcely possible to be certain that Ferruginous Ducks in this country are not 'escapes', it is deserving of note that although there has been an increase in the number reliably recorded in recent years, there are now excessively few in captivity in the British Isles - only two drakes are recorded in the latest summary of the Avicultural Society's 'Waterfowl Registry' (Avicult. Mag. Vol. LIV. 1948, pp. 62-5).

There is thus a good prima facie case for regarding apparently wild birds as actually so and for thinking that the visits of the species to this country may be actually becoming somewhat more frequent. - Eds.]

Accepted locally by G. W. Temperley (1949) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIV. p. 124, in the 'Annual Durham Report' for 1948.

158). 1948 Bedfordshire Kempston Hardwick Pool, immature male, 4th to 5th December.

(H. A. S. Key, Bedfordshire Naturalist 1948: 36; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History H. A. S. Key (1947) in the Bedfordshire Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 36, says: 'An immature male was reported at the clay pit pool, Kempston Hardwick on 4th December (C. S. Payne).

On the following day in company with the reporter, the Recorder and H. A. W. Southon paid a visit to the pool and stalked the bird at fairly close range with telescopes and glasses. As it preened, the white undertail coverts were very distinctive and as it was accompanied by a female Tufted Duck, the comparison was made easy. Another noticeable character was the crescentic white wing bar, observed when the bird flapped its wings. The white extended well into the primaries.'

Accepted locally (Trodd & Kramer 1991).

159). 1949 Nottinghamshire King's Mill Reservoir, three: male and two females, 6th February.

(S. Allison, British Birds 43: 20-21).

History Sidney Allison (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 20-21, says: 'On February 6th, 1949, in company with Mr. A. Leavesly, at Sutton-in-Ashfield Reservoir, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, which was then frozen over except for a small patch of water about 30 x 40 yards wide, I observed a drake and two ducks which were unfamiliar to me and proved to be Ferruginous Ducks (Aythya nyroca).

The general colouring of the drake was brown with a dirty-white eye, blackish bill and legs, white under tail-coverts, and white breast. A small white patch was visible on the closed wing. The bird was continually diving for periods of 40-50 seconds. The female followed the male closely at all times. She was a trifle smaller than the male, with much the same brown colouring, but the breast and under tail-coverts not so pure white, appearing more greyish, and with the eye brown.'

Comment Allison only describes one female after the initial paragraph.

162). 1949 Warwickshire Earlswood Reservoir, male, seen, 13th February.

(P. Evans, British Birds 42: 330; C. A. Norris, West Midland Bird Report 16: 30; Harrison et al., 1982).

History P. Evans (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 330, says: 'On February 13th, 1949, I observed a male Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) at the Earlswood Reservoirs, Warwickshire. Its general colouring was rich brown, darker on the head and back, with white under tail-coverts. When it flapped its wings, the white lower breast and belly were seen. It had a conspicuous white eye. The bill was dark blue-grey with a lighter band near the nail, and along the cutting edges. In flight it appeared not unlike the four Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) with which it flew. At other times it associated with a Coot (Fulica atra).

It was seen later the same day by Messrs. A. Cundall, J. Sears, A. A. K. Whitehouse and other observers. It had every appearance of being a wild bird, as it was very wary and flew readily. The possibility of its being an "escape" cannot be entirely discounted, but, through the good offices of the Severn Wildfowl Trust, I am told that there are now no Ferruginous Ducks in captivity in this country. The bird has not been seen subsequently.

This would appear to be the first recorded occurrence of the species in Warwickshire.'

Accepted locally without further detail (Harrison et al. 1982).

163). 1949 Dorset Abbotsbury, seen, 14th to 24th July.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 71: 156; Boys, 1973; Morrison, 1997; Green, 2004).

History K. B. Rooke (1950) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXI. p. 156, in the Annual Report for 1949, says: 'One seen at Abbotsbury, July 14th, remained at least until 24th (F.L.). Seen also by D.D.H., July 18th-22nd, who noted: head chestnut, back brownish - a little blotchy; underparts pure white, except brownish upper breast suffused whitish and greyish-brown belly; white under tail-coverts and wing-bar; quite a small duck - did not seem much larger than Coot with which it associated; probably adult male in eclipse. It seemed very shy, keeping to the remote part of the lagoon, and spent much of its time asleep or preening itself on the bank.

There is every reason to suppose it was a wild bird, particularly as none is now in captivity in Britain (British Birds, XLII. p. 330); the prolonged drought in Europe may have accounted for its appearance (D.D.H.).'

Morrison (1997) erroneously states 1969 as the year of occurrence.

164). 1949 Devon Slapton Ley, four, females or immatures, 4th December.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1949: 39; S. K. Armitstead, M. C. Clarkson & M. C. Powys-Maurice, British Birds 43: 339; Moore, 1969; Tyler, 2010).

History M. Brooks-King (1949) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 39, says: 'Seen within 20 yards. Under-tail coverts white, also lower breast; wing-bar a broad roughly angular white-band; sides gingerish, back darker; bill slate-coloured, with very curved sweep from head; white line from base of bill to cutting edge of lower mandible; eyes brownish. Smaller than Pochard Aythya ferina. Dived near reeds; as much under water as above (S. K. Armitstead, M.C.C., M. C. Powys-Maurice).'

S. K. Armitstead, M. C. Clarkson & M. C. Powys-Maurice (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 339, say: 'On December 4th, 1949, we saw four juvenile or female Ferruginous Ducks (Aythya nyroca) on Slapton Ley, S. Devon. They kept apart from the other ducks, staying close to the reeds and diving frequently. As they dived the white belly was very noticeable and the white under tail-coverts were seen. The white wing-bar was seen when one of the birds sat up and flapped its wings, and it was noticed that the bar extended on to the primaries. The bill appeared slaty in colour, and we had the impression of a white line for a short way from the base of the bill towards the tip, along the cutting edge. The flanks were brown, the back a much darker brown. The birds did not have the white eye, characteristic of the adult male. They seemed loth to fly, but kept diving and swimming out into the Ley on our approach.'

Accepted locally (Moore 1969; Tyler 2010).

168). 1949 Leicestershire & Rutland Barrow-upon-Soar Gravel-pits, five, 4th December; presumed two of same, Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland, 28th December.

(R. A. O. Hickling, British Birds 43: 340; Hickling, 1978; Mitcham, 1984; Fray et al., 2009).

History R. A. O. Hickling (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 340, says: 'During the winter of 1949-50 Ferruginous Ducks were seen in Leicestershire in unusual numbers as follows: Barrow-on-Soar, on the river, December 3rd, 1949, one (G. H. Hunt); Barrow-on-Soar gravel pit, December 4th, five (P. Gamble); Swithland Reservoir, December 7th, two, and December 22nd, one (G. H. Hunt); Cropston Reservoir, December 8th, two (G. H. Hunt) and December 24th, one (G. A. Todd); Eye Brook Reservoir, December 28th, two (E. L. Roberts); Stanford Reservoir, March 8th and 12th, 1950, one (R. W. M. Lee and M. K. Howarth).'

[Eye Brook Reservoir is on the border between Leicestershire and Rutland, with Stanford Reservoir on the border between Leics. and Northants. - Eds.]

Accepted locally (Hickling 1978; Mitcham 1984). However, Fray et al. (2009) state that after two reviews all those records between 3rd December 1949 and 2nd April 1951 have been rejected due to lack of documentation, except the two sightings above which may or may not refer to the same birds (but treated here as probably the same), and the individuals found at Stanford Reservoir in March in both 1950 and 1951.

173). 1949 Berkshire/Surrey Windsor Park, seen, 29th December; same, Virginia Water, 29th December to 5th March 1950.

(D. W. Snow, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1949: 29; E. E. Green, British Birds 43: 340-341; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996; Wheatley, 2007).

History D. W. Snow (1949) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 29, says: 'One was recorded from Virginia Water from Dec. 29 to the end of the year by several observers. The head, neck and breast were a rich chestnut. The back was a much darker brown. The secondaries, bases of the primaries and under tail-coverts were white. The eye was not noticeably white. The bird consorted with mallard rather than with some Tufted Duck near by (E.E.G., J.F., S.R.S.).'

E. E. Green (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 340-341, says: 'A Ferruginous Duck was first seen in Windsor Park on December 29th, 1949, and stayed till March 5th, 1950, frequenting either Virginia Water, mainly the Berkshire end, or Great Meadow Pond in Berks.

On March 4th, 1950, it was seen at about ten yards range and all the following features were noted: head, neck, upper breast and flanks, bright chestnut; mantle and tail, dark brown; eye, chin, belly, under tail-coverts and a bar on the secondaries and inner primaries, white; bill and, apparently, legs, black, though the legs were not clearly seen. When the bird was swimming low in the water the only white visible was the eye; in flight, on the other hand, the white on the wing formed a very conspicuous bar in contrast to the dark colour of the rest of the wing.

Compared with the Tufted Duck which accompanied it, the bird seemed smaller and quicker in flight; it was also tamer and fed nearer to the bank, often under trees overhanging the water. It was never heard to call.

During its long stay it was seen by a number of other observers who confirmed the identification.'

Accepted locally for Berkshire (Swash 1996) and for Surrey (Wheatley 2007).

1950-57 RECORDS

174). 1950 Somerset Durleigh Reservoir, male, 2nd January.

(E. G. Richards, British Birds 43: 340; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1950: 15; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).

History E. G. Richards (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 340, says: 'In view of the fact that of the many Ferruginous Ducks reported from various parts of the country some are genuine wild birds, it may be worth recording that on January and 4th, 1950, I saw birds of this species at Durleigh Reservoir, Somerset. On January 2nd I had a long range view (about 250 yards) of a male and with the aid of a x25 telescope could see the white eye and white under tail-coverts. Otherwise, at this distance, it did not appear to differ from female Tufted Ducks (Aythya fuligula) near by.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1950) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 15, quotes from British Birds.

175). 1950 Leicestershire & Rutland Stanford Reservoir, pair, 12th March, male to 14th March.

(R. A. O. Hickling, British Birds 43: 340; Fray et al., 2009).

History R. A. O. Hickling (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 340, says: 'During the winter of 1949-50 Ferruginous Ducks were seen in Leicestershire in unusual numbers as follows: Stanford Reservoir, March 8th and 12th, 1950, one (R. W. M. Lee and M. K. Howarth).' [Stanford Reservoir is on the border between Leics. and Northants. - Eds.]

Fray et al. (2009) say: 'Pair 12th March with male remaining to 14th March.'

Comment The web site for Northants. http://www.northamptonshirewildlife.co.uk/npton/vag1.htm#fed does not list this as one of their records - the site being on the border.

177). 1950 Northamptonshire Ecton Sewage-farm, 12th to 19th March.

(R. Felton, Journal of the Northants. Natural History Society 1950: 100; Taylor MS., 1959).

History R. Felton (1950) in the Journal of the Northants. Natural History Society, p. 100, says: 'One report only from Ecton, March 12th - 19th. One of the very few reported in this county during the past 50 years.'

Comment The web site lists it as the 4th occurrence in Northamptonshire.

178). 1950 Oxfordshire Blenheim, 16th July.

(D. W. Snow, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1950: 30; Radford, 1966).

History D. W. Snow (1950) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 30, says: 'One seen under excellent conditions close to the shore on Blenheim Lake , July 16 (G.W.).' It was accepted locally (Radford 1966).

179). 1950 Warwickshire Alvecote Pools, adult male, 10th to 29th October.

(C. A. Norris, West Midland Bird Report 17: 32; Eds., British Birds 44: 353; J. Lord, West Midland Bird Report 19: 11; Harrison et al., 1982).

History C. A. Norris (1950) in the West Midlands Bird Report, Vol. 17, p. 32, says: 'A drake was first seen at Alvecote on October 10th. (M.B., E.M.G., G.A.A.) and remained until October 29th, being seen by several observers. Plumage details noted were white under-tail coverts, white wing-bar, chestnut brown head and chest, darker brown back and conspicuous white eye.'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 353, they say: ' We have received the following records: Warwickshire. - Alvecote Pools, one adult drake on October 10th, 1950, and on several subsequent dates to October 29th (G. A. Arnold, C. A. Norris and several other observers). This is the second record for the county.'

Accepted locally for Warwickshire (Harrison et al. 1982).

180). 1950 East Glamorgan Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, two, 15th October.

(G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1950-52: 94; Eds., British Birds 44: 353; Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon, 1967).

History G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon (1950-52) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXXI. p. 94, say: 'Two on Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, October 15th, 1950 (A. Prowse and H. M. Salmon).'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 353, they say: 'We have received the following records: Glamorgan. - Roath Park lake, Cardiff, a pair on October 15th, 1950; not present on the 19th (A. D. Prowse, Col. H. M. Salmon, G. C. S. Ingram). This is the second record for the county.' Accepted locally (Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon 1967).

182). 1950 Cambridgeshire Fletton Clay-pit, Huntingdonshire, three, 24th October and 12th November.

(Eds., British Birds 44: 353).

History In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 353, they say: 'We have received the following record: Huntingdonshire. - Fletton clay pit, probably three on October 24th, 1950; three on November 12th. Fenstanton, possibly two on December 2nd; one on December 6th (W. R. P. Bourne, D. Jenkins, D. R. Wilson, M. Wyatt).

This is the first record for the county.'

185). 1950 Nottinghamshire Netherfield Lagoon, two: immature and male, 24th October, male, 25th and 27th October.

(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 20; Eds., British Birds 44: 353).

History A. Dobbs (1950-54) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 20, says: 'Two, 24th October; one, 25th, 27th and 31st, Netherfield (several observers).'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 353, they say: 'We have received the following records: Nottinghamshire. - Gravel pit near Nottingham, a drake and an immature duck on October 24th, 1950; drake only on the 25th and 27th (Dr. R. J. H. Raines and P. W. P. Browne).'

187). 1950 Cambridgeshire Fenstanton Gravel-pits, Huntingdonshire, possibly two on 2nd December, one, 6th December.

(Eds., British Birds 44: 353).

History In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 353, they say: 'We have received the following records: Huntingdonshire. - ...Fenstanton, possibly two on December 2nd; one on December 6th (W. R. P. Bourne, D. Jenkins, D. R. Wilson, M. Wyatt).'

188). 1950 Derbyshire Butterley Reservoir, pair, mid-December to mid-March 1951.

(W. K. Marshall, Ornithological Record for Derbyshire 1950: 108; Frost, 1978).

History W. K. Marshall (1951) in the Ornithological Record for Derbyshire, p. 108, says: 'From the middle of December until the third week of March; a pair, Butterley Reservoir, always by themselves, did not mix with other ducks, constantly diving and remaining under water longer than Pochard; white eye, white wing-bar (W. J. Milne).'

190). 1950 Somerset Cheddar Reservoir, adult male, 26th December.

(H. H. Davis, Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society 28: 186; Eds., British Birds 44: 354; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1950: 15; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).

History H. H. Davis (1951) in the Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXVIII. p. 186, say: 'Adult male, Cheddar Res., Dec. 26. The bird viewed with telescope at 70 yds. range, was under observation for about five minutes, and was confidently identified by B.K., who reports the following details - head bright chestnut, with conspicuously white eye and small white patch on chin; neck chestnut, with darker and more brownish markings on lower breast; under-parts white; and back dark brown with prominent white wing-patch.

B.K. also reports that so important a character as the white under-tail feathers was not seen as the bird, when swimming, presented only a head-on view, but that the white of both wing-patch and under-parts was very noticeable whenever the bird dived, and when it ultimately took flight.'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 354, they say: 'We have received the following records: - Somerset. Cheddar Reservoir, an adult drake on December 26th, 1950 (Bernard King).'

F. L. Blathwayt (1950) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 15, says: 'A male, Cheddar Reservoir, Dec. 26. The bird was viewed with telescope at 70 yards range by B.K., who reports the following details - head, bright chestnut, with conspicuously white eye and small white patch on chin; neck, chestnut, with dark brownish markings on lower breast; under parts white; and back dark brown with prominent white wing-patch.

B.K. also records that so important a character as the white under-tail feathers was not seen as the bird, when swimming, presented only a head-on view, but that the white of both wing-patch and under-parts was very noticeable when the bird dived, and when it subsequently took flight.'

191). 1951 Suffolk Benacre Broad, male, 16th February; same, Easton Broad, 22nd to 28th February.

(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1951: 17; Eds., British Birds 44: 354).

History P. R. Westall (1951) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 17, says: 'Feb. 16th, 1, Benacre (R.F.). A drake, Easton Broad , Feb. 22nd to 28th (B.A.C., P.R.W., G.B.G.B.).'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 354, they say: 'We have received the following records: Suffolk. Drake, first seen at Benacre Broad on February 16th, 1951, by Mr. R. Fisk, seen at Easton Broad by Miss B. A. Coney on February 22nd and by other observers to the 28th (Dr. P. R. Westall).'

192). 1951 Leicestershire & Rutland Stanford Reservoir, male, 12th March.

(R. E. Pochin, A. Bonner & R. A. O. Hickling, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1951: 17; Fray et al., 2009).

History R. E. Pochin, A. Bonner & R. A. O. Hickling (1951) in the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, p. 17, say: 'Stanford Reservoir, one male, March 12th (H.L[apworth].).' It was accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

193). 1951 Yorkshire Wintersett Reservoir, male, 18th to 20th March.

(I. G. Brown, J. Cudworth & P. E. Davis, Naturalist 76: 138; Eds., British Birds 44: 354; Mather, 1986).

History Dr. I. G. Brown, J. Cudworth & P. E. Davis (1951) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVI. p. 138, say: 'On March 18th, 1951, at Wintersett Reservoir, near Wakefield, I.G.B. found a drake Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) consorting with Common Pochards (Aythya ferina). He had excellent views at about 20 yards, and noted the chestnut head, neck, breast, and flanks, the darker back, the white iris and under tail-coverts.

Later the bird flew and the conspicuous white wing-bar was seen. On the 19th, P.E.D. found the bird at the edge of a flock of some 420 Pochards. It was repeatedly driven out of the flock by an aggressive drake. On the 20th, J.C. saw the Ferruginous Duck, in excellent light, and discovered that an American Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca carolinensis) was also present...the Ferruginous Duck was still there on the 22nd. This would seem to be the...ninth occurrence of the Ferruginous Duck.'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 354, they say: 'We have received the following records: Yorkshire. - Wintersett Reservoir, a drake, March 18th-20th, 1951 (Dr. I. G. Brown, J. Cudworth and P. E. Davis).'

194). 1951 Nottinghamshire Attenborough Gravel-pits, March to April.

(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 20).

History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 20, says: '1951. One, March to April, Attenborough (A.T.).'

195). 1951 Devon Axe Estuary, 1st July.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 32).

History M. Brooks-King (1951) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIV. pp. 32-33, says: 'One seen a little way above the Axe Estuary and River Coly junction on 1st July. A medium sized duck, dark chestnut coloured head, neck, breast and back, with darker brown primaries, white under tail coverts showing above the water line, and a white eye ring; underside of wings and belly, very dirty white or grey; an indistinct light shading could be seen on the wings when the bird was flushed, flight seemed very rapid (Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Mayo).'

196). 1951 Nottinghamshire King's Mill Reservoir, female, 28th October.

(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 20).

History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 20, says: '1951. One, female, October 28th, Mansfield (A.L.J.).'

197). 1951 Norfolk Brinton Lake, 11th to 12th November.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 32).

History Anon. (1951) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 32, says 'On November 11th and 12th one was identified on Brinton Lake (R. P. Bagnall-Oakeley).'

198). 1951 Nottinghamshire Salterford Dam, female, 11th November.

(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 20).

History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 20, says: '1951. One, female, November 11th, Salterford Dam (A. & H.D.).'

199). 1951 Suffolk Easton Broad, female, 11th to 12th November.

(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1951: 17).

History P. R. Westall (1951) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 17, says: 'A fem., Easton Broad, Nov. 11th (G.B.G.B.), and 12th (P.R.W.).'

200). 1951 Suffolk Benacre Pits, four, 15th November.

(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1951: 17; Piotrowski, 2003).

History P. R. Westall (1951) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 17, says: 'On Nov. 15th 4 seen, Benacre Pits (C.M.A., G.L.A.).'

204). 1951 Greater London/Surrey Gatton Park, 30th December and 10th March 1952; presumed same, Godstone, male, intermittently, 3rd, 16th and 26th January and 13th March 1952.

(G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 20; G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1952: 10; London Natural History Society, 1964; Wheatley, 2007).

History G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1951) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVI. p. 20, say: 'Surrey. Gatton Park, a drake, 30th December. The diagnostic features of light eye and white under tail coverts were clearly seen (D. B. Peakall).'

G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1952) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVII. p. 10, say: 'Surrey. Godstone, a drake, January 3, 16 and 26 and again on March 13. Gatton Park, one on March 10 (H. Boyd, A. J. Holcombe, D. E. Pomeroy & R. H. Winterbottom).'

London Natural History Society (1964) say: 'A male that was initially seen at Gatton Park on 30th December was then seen at either there or Godstone until 10th March 1952.'

205). 1952 Cornwall/Devon Tamar Lakes, male, 3rd January.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society 1952: 21-22; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 12; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 93; Moore, 1969; Penhallurick, 1969; S. M. Christophers, Birds in Cornwall 1984: 28).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society, Vol. XXII. pp. 21-22, and with a similar story by M. Brooks-King (1952) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 12, say: 'January 3rd. On Tamar Lake, one male emerged furtively from reed-bed in sight of the road. After seven minutes of intensive feeding - often remaining submerged for 40 seconds - it preened in full view at less than 12 yards from the car in which I sat. The head, neck, breast and mantle were a rich chestnut-brown, and the white eye was, of course, conspicuous at such close range. The pure white under-tail coverts were exposed as were also the curious white markings on the flight feathers. F.E.C.'

207). 1952 Nottinghamshire Attenborough Gravel-pits, pair, 3rd to 4th February.

(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 20).

History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 20, says: '1952. One pair, February 3rd-4th, Attenborough (A.T.).'

209). 1952 Greater London Osterley Park and The Aviary, Southall, up to three, between 8th and 10th October, one, 11th October.

(G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1952: 10; London Natural History Society, 1964).

History G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1952) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVII. p. 10, say: 'Middlesex. Osterley Park and The Aviary, Southall, up to three between Oct. 8 and Oct. 10. A duck observed on Oct. 11 showed the characteristic white on the under tail-coverts (M. J. Ardley, H. P. Medhurst, W. N. Mitchell & C. A. White).'

212). 1952 Berkshire Burghfield Gravel-pits, 25th October; presumed same, 30th November.

(B. Campbell, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1952: 23; Radford, 1966).

History B. Campbell (1952) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 23, says: 'Single birds Burghfield G.P., Oct. 25 (J.E.G.S.) and Nov. 30 (K.E.L.S.). Detailed descriptions deposited with R.O.C.' Accepted locally (Radford (1966).

Comment The author thinks the two records are the same individual. R.O.C. = Reading Ornithological Club.

213). 1953 Hertfordshire Hamper Mill, male, 13th January.

(J. S. Carter, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club Report 1953: 121; Sage, 1959).

History J. S. Carter (1953) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club Report, p. 121, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A pair at Old Parkbury, first identified by Miss Coles, on 23rd and 24th April; one only on 25th and 26th April; one, perhaps the same, reported in the same place by Mr. Sage, 2nd May. Mr. Sage reports that a male was claimed at Hamper Mill by boys from Merchant Taylor's School on 13th January. Be this as it may there is no doubt as to the identity of the Old Parkbury birds. The square brackets are solely because the species occurs on a number of ornamental waters.'

Sage (1959) states that the boys of the Merchant Taylor's School Natural Science Society observed a male at Hamper Mill on 13th January, 1953. It was the first for the county.

214). 1953 Somerset Durleigh Reservoir, male, 18th January.

(Report and Reference Book of the Mid-Somerset Naturalist Society 1953; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).

History Palmer & Ballance (1968) in listing this record say: '...male, January 18th, 1953 (RMSNS).'

215). 1953 Suffolk Easton, 9th February.

(H. E. Jenner, Lowestoft Field Club Report 1953; P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1953: 202; Payn, 1978).

History P. R. Westall (1953) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 202, says: 'One, Easton, Feb. 9th (L.F.C.).'

216). 1953 Greater London/Hertfordshire Old Parkbury, Radlett, pair, 23rd to 24th April, one, 25th April; presumed one of same, 2nd May.

(J. S. Carter, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club Report 1953: 121; F. H. Jones & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 18: 9; B. L. Sage, Country-Side 16: 440; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 415; Sage, 1959).

F. H. Jones & N. J. P. Wadley (1953) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVIII. p. 9, say: 'Hertfordshire. Old Parkbury, a pair on 23 and 24 April, and one on 25th April and 2nd May (R. Coles, Miss S. Coles, B. L. Sage & E. H. Warmington).'

I. C. T. Nisbet (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 415, under 'Local Report Reviews', says: 'Two Ferruginous Ducks are reported in late April and early May: they are square-bracketed as possibly escapes, although "there is no doubt as to their identity"; they are, however, omitted entirely from the London Bird Report.'

218). 1953 Essex Abberton Reservoir, adult male, 11th October.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1953: 10; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History G. A. Pyman (1953) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 10, says: 'Abberton R.: an adult drake on October 11th (S.E.L. and G.A.P.). This bird was swimming at the rear of a large raft of Pochard. Rich reddish brown upperparts, white or off-white eye, pure white undertail coverts and large area of white on wing were all noted amongst other details.

There seems to be only two previous records for the county: Birds of Essex (1929) cites only one occurrence but we take this opportunity to place on record that G.A.P. saw another on the tidal River Chelmer at Maldon on February 23rd, 1947, during the severe frost.'

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

219). 1954 Devon Exe Estuary, immature male, 31st January.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 11; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 11, says: 'Exe Estuary. Jan. 31, one on the canal at Turf, an immature male with brown head, dark brown back, white undertail coverts, whitish eye, white spot on chin, warm brown breast and flanks and a broad white wing-bar, on approach the bird would submerge and rise under cover of the reeds or the bank (F.R.S. & A.V.S.).'

220). 1954 Cornwall Prideaux Pond, Luxulyan, 9th and 16th February.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1954: 17; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1954) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIV. p. 17, say: 'One at Prideaux Ponds on February 9th and 16th. On February 9th the bird was seen at about 200 yards range through 10x binoculars. The light was rather dull. The bird had dark chestnut-brown head, brown body and very conspicuous white under tail coverts. The bird was swimming fairly near two males and one female Pochard and three female Tufted Ducks, but did not seem to be associating with them. When alarmed, it took to swimming to the pond bank sooner than did the other ducks. Tufted Duck shape; dived; lead-coloured bill.

The plumage was much warmer brown than any female Tufted Duck or Pochard that I have seen. On February 16th I saw the bird in better light and at a little closer range. Again, the white under tail coverts were conspicuous. When first seen the white wing bar could be seen on closed wing. Lifted itself up for wing flapping and then the white wing bar was very noticeable, and the white underparts. Warm brown breast. There were present on the pond a pair of Pochards and three pairs Tufted Duck. At one time swimming near the Tufted Ducks, but on being disturbed the Tufted Ducks swam away in one direction and the Ferruginous Duck in almost the opposite direction. The plumage was altogether a warmer brown than that of the female Tufted Ducks. J. E. Beckerlegge.'

221). 1954 Devon Chivenor, female, 6th October.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 11; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 11, says: 'Chivenor, Oct. 6, a female on the pond near the airport, rufous head and body, lightish under tail coverts, broad white wing-bar, when flushed, white belly with rufous breast ending in a sharp line, dark eye, seen at very close range (M. J. Carter).'

222). 1954 Cambridgeshire Hauxton Gravel-pit, 10th to 12th October.

(I. T. C. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1954: 8; Bircham, 1989).

History I. T. C. Nisbet (1954) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 8, says: 'Hauxton G.P. one from Oct. 10th-12th (F.M.B., C.D.T.M., I.C.T.N., T.C.S. et al.) - very full details supplied. This is the second record for the county.'

Accepted locally (Bircham 1989).

223). 1955 Avon Chew Valley Lake, Somerset, 2nd January.

(G. H. E. Young, Report on Somerset Birds 1955: 11; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).

History G. H. E. Young (1955) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 11, says: 'One at Chew Valley res., on Jan. 2 was identified by B.K. and E.G.R., who have forwarded satisfactory details; the bird, when first noticed, was preening on the reservoir bank, but was subsequently viewed in close company with Tufted Duck and Pochard.'

224). 1955 Somerset Durleigh Reservoir, female, 15th February.

(G. H. E. Young, Report on Somerset Birds 1955: 11).

History G. H. E. Young (1955) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 11, says: 'What, from the detailed description supplied, was evidently a female Ferruginous Duck, was seen on Durleigh Res., Feb. 15 by A.V.C. and E. Banks; this bird was also compared with nearby Tufted Duck.'

225). 1955 Cornwall Loe Pool, adult male, 16th March.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 17; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1955) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 17, say: 'March 16th, at Loe Pool. One adult male. It had a rich chestnut head, breast and neck, and a white eye. It sat high on water, and the white undertail coverts were noticeable. J. E. Beckerlegge.'

226). 1955 Devon Erme Estuary, 13th November and 11th December.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 12; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1955) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVIII. p. 12, says: 'Erme Estuary, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, one; a general dark brown in colour, especially on the head and neck; breast greyish brown, a white wing bar and striking white under tail, much more so than that seen on some Tufted Ducks; it was very rounded in shape on the head and breast and kept its tail elevated (Headmaster, Devonport High School Field Club).'

227). 1955 Gloucestershire South Cerney Gravel-pit, adult male, 21st December.

(G. Charteris & C. M. Swaine, Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report 1955: unpaged; Swaine, 1982).

History G. Charteris & C. M. Swaine (1955) in the Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report, unpaged, say: 'One was recognised at South Cerney on December 21 by the conspicuous white under the tail, strong chestnut (like that of a ripe horse-chestnut seed) on the sides of the body and on head and neck, and by the conspicuous white wing-stripes seen on the flying bird. The white on the under-parts was noticed to be less extensive than on female Tufted Ducks which also flew overhead. On the water the pale or white eye was seen several times. The bird was closely compared with female Tufted Ducks and Pochards.

We are assured that this bird cannot have been an escaped duck from the collection of the Wildfowl Trust, and it constitutes the first Gloucestershire record of an apparently wild Ferruginous Duck (C.M.S.).'

Swaine (1982) says: 'An adult male was observed closely on 21st December 1955 on a gravel-pit near South Cerney.'

228). 1956 Essex Abberton Reservoir, male, 15th January.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1956: 10; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Wood, 2007).

History G. A. Pyman (1956) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 10, says: 'Abberton R.: a male with Tufted Duck on January 15th (S.E.L.). Eye and under tail coverts conspicuously white; head and neck rich chestnut, back and wings much darker; broad white wing bar. The fourth record for the county.'

229). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Barn Elms Reservoirs, male, 19th to 20th February; presumed same, Walton Reservoirs, 23rd, 25th to 26th and 28th February.

(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1956: 11; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History F. H. Jones (1956) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XXI. p. 11 says: 'A drake at Barn Elms Reservoir on 19th and 20th February (S. Keon, M.J.K., et al.); one at Walton Reservoir from 23rd to 28th (G. C. Gore, D. Parr, A. G. G. Thompson et al.), was presumably the same bird.'

Accepted locally for Surrey (Wheatley 2007) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

230). 1956 Devon Exeter Canal, Topsham, 3rd March.

(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 12; Moore, 1969).

History S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 12, says: 'Exeter Canal near Topsham, March 3, one on the canal in immature plumage; very like a female Pochard but revealed the very white wing-bar as it flew (R. F. Moore).' It was accepted locally (Moore 1969).

231). 1956 Norfolk Cawston Manor Lakes, 29th April.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 29).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 29, says: 'Cawston: One with Pochard on the Manor lakes, 29th April (P. Thompson). Satisfactory details and sketch received.'

232). 1956 Berkshire/Surrey Virginia Water, pair, 7th October.

(P. L. Garrett, Middle Thames Naturalist 23: 5; W. D. Campbell, Report of the Oxfordshire Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire and Berkshire 1956: 21; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996; Wheatley, 2007).

History P. L. Garrett (1956) in the Middle Thames Naturalist, Vol. XXIII. p. 5, and W. D. Campbell (1956) in the Report of the Oxfordshire Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, p. 21, says: 'Virginia Water, pair, Oct. 7, S.R.S., G.P.H., R.L. (Confirmatory details supplied).' No further details in Radford (1966).

Accepted locally for Berkshire (Swash 1996) and for Surrey (Wheatley 2007).

234). 1956 Breconshire Pontsticill Reservoir, two, 22nd December.

(Massey, 1976; Peers & Shrubb, 1990).

History Massey (1976: 21) says: 'Two were at Pontsticill Reservoir on 22nd December, 1956 (J. Griffiths).'

236). 1957 Gloucestershire Near Fairford, 21st February.

(G. Charteris & C. M. Swaine, Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report 1957: 3; Swaine, 1982).

History G. Charteris & C. M. Swaine (1957) in the Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report, p. 3, say: 'One seen on a gravel pit between Fairford and Lechlade on February 21st was closely watched from cover at distances down to thirty yards through a x26 telescope. The strong dark rich chestnut colour was noted as well as the conspicuous white area beneath the tail. The bird appeared distinctly smaller than drakes of Tufted Duck and Pochard near to which it was swimming (L.W.G.).'

[This is the second well-substantiated record of a Ferruginous Duck for the county - Eds.]

Swaine (1982) states that one was seen at an old pit near Fairford on 21st February 1957.

237). 1957 Cornwall/Devon Tamar Lakes, immature, 17th April.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 15; S. C. Madge, Devon Bird Report 1957: 12; Penhallurick, 1969; Moore, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 15, say: 'April 17th. At Tamar Lake, one immature. A cursory glance gave the impression of a female Pochard, but later the duck was preening at close range and distinctly showed the pure white under tail-coverts and broad white wing bars. F.E.C.'

238). 1957 West Midlands Edgbaston Reservoir, immature male, 2nd August.

(J. Lord, West Midlands Bird Report 1957: 26; Harrison et al., 1982).

History J. Lord (1957) in the West Midlands Bird Report, p. 26, says: 'A bird believed to be an immature male was seen at close range at Rotten Park Reservoir, Birmingham, on August 2nd (M.J.M.L.). Points noted were: - general colouring like very dark female Pochard, large white crescent-shaped wing bars in flight and striking white eye.'

Accepted locally (Harrison et al. 1982).

239). 1957 Yorkshire Fairburn Ings, male, 19th to 22nd October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 46; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 46, says: 'A duck at Fairburn on October 19th and 22nd was well described by C. Winn (head, neck, breast and sides of body dark chestnut, very white under-tail coverts, eye slightly less white, etc.); on the 20th B. Lavery induced it to fly and to show white wing-bars. It was considered to be a male (C.W.).'

Mather (1986) states that a male watched by C. Wynn at Fairburn Ings on 19th and 22nd October was also seen on the 20th by B. Lavery.

240). 1957 East Glamorgan Lisvane Reservoir, Cardiff, 23rd to 30th November.

(Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon, 1967).

History Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon (1967) say: 'One on Lisvane Reservoir, 23rd to 30th November, 1957.'

241). 1957 Lincolnshire Holywell, near Stamford, male, 25th to 27th December.

(R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 14: 197; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith (1958) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XIV. p. 197, say: 'Male, Holywell, 25-27/12 (LC). This is the first Lincolnshire record. The Wildfowl Trust knows of no escapes from British collections and there seems to be no reason to doubt that this was a wild bird.'

Accepted locally by Lorand & Atkin (1989) who state that between 25th and 27th December 1957 a male was observed at Holywell, near Stamford.'

242). 1957 Yorkshire Owlerton, Sheffield, undated.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 46; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 46, says: 'Details taken at the time of a bird on a pond at Owlerton, Sheffield, were cited by R. Hawley (eye either yellowish or white, under tail completely white, etc.).' Mather (1986) states that one was described by Ray Hawley that he observed on a pond at Owlerton, Sheffield, but no date was recorded.

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor

Ferruginous Duck (1/2)

Aythya nyroca (Güldenstädt, 1770) (173, 68)

Red-crested Pochard

Ferruginous Duck (2/2)