Great Egret

Ardeidae

Aug 16

Ardea alba Linnaeus, 1758 (8, 1)

Photo © Kris Webb - Shropshire, November 2023

Ex BBRC species 31/12/2005

STATUS

Cosmopolitan. Polytypic.

OVERVIEW

Harting (1872, 1901) published listings of the early records of which Gurney (1891) in a review of the species, removed the doubtful ones. The BOU (1971) listed ten records: Yorkshire (c. 1825; 1834, summer 1868), Notts. (pre 1838), Lothian (June 1840), Cambridge (May or June 1849), Perth (May 1881), Cornwall (Sept. - Oct., 1948; May 1951), Dorset (Aug., 1951).

Regards the first record a letter from Frederick Holme to Edward Hearle Rodd states the date as winter 1821.

RECORDS

1). 1821 Yorkshire Hornsea Mere, caught after several weeks in winter.

(A. Strickland, British Association Report 1839: 106-107; A. Strickland, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 3: 30-31; Allis, 1844; Yarrell, 1845; F. Holme, Zoologist 1856: 5035-36; Harting, 1872; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189; Nelson, 1907; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; Mather, 1986).

History Arthur Strickland (1839) in the 'British Association Report', Vol. VII. pp. 106-107, read at Newcastle in August, 1838, says: 'Mr. Strickland stated, that this bird had been unjustly excluded from the catalogue of occasional visitors to this country by late authors, as he could prove on unquestionable authority, that it had been killed of late years in more cases than one.

The first instance was twelve or thirteen years ago: a bird of this species was seen for some weeks about Hornsea Moor in the East Riding of Yorkshire; it was for some time after presented to the author, in whose collection it is at present, in perfect preservation. Another, in full summer plumage, was killed by a labourer in the fields of James Hall, Esq., of Scorborough, near Beverley, about three years ago, and is now in the possession of that gentleman.

Another specimen of this bird is in the collection of Mr. Foljambe, of Osberton, with a label on the case, stating it to have been killed near that place. A careful examination of these specimens will, Mr. Strickland has no doubt, prove that this bird is properly separated from the large egret of North America, which has been frequently placed in our collections for the British species.'

Arthur Strickland (1839) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. III. pp. 30-31, dated 10th December, 1838, says: 'Doubts have by late authors been thrown upon the propriety of continuing this species in our catalogue of additional visitors to this country. Mr. Jenyns, in his valuable work on the British Vertebrata, has stated, "there is no well authenticated instance of its having been met with in this country of late years, or any British specimen in existence".

Mr. Gould in his beautifully illustrated work on European birds, just completed, has reiterated these sentiments. I am happy however, to be able most satisfactorily to refute these statements, and to remove all doubts as to the propriety of retaining this fine species in our list of British Birds, as an occasional visitor; indeed upon much better authority than many we do not hesitate to retain as such. Twelve or thirteen years ago, (but the exact date of which I cannot now satisfactorily determine) a beautiful specimen of this bird appeared at and in the neighbourhood of Hornsea Mere, in the East Riding of York. It had remained about there some weeks, and several attempts had been made to procure it by different members of the family of the proprietor of that fine piece of water, when it was accidentally seen by a friend of mine one morning, in his way to meet the hounds, who took some more successful mode of procuring it, and had it sent to him a few days afterwards in beautiful condition.

It was well preserved by Mr. Dunn, who still lives at Hull, and remained some years in the possession of the gentleman above alluded to, when it was kindly added to my collection, where it is at this time in perfect preservation. This bird being killed in winter, is without the scapular plumes, and in that state which was formerly called the Great White Heron.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 519-520, 2nd ed.) says: 'But the most valuable addition to our knowledge of the occurrence of this species in England, was supplied by Mr. Arthur Strickland in a communication made to the Natural History Section of the British Association, at its meeting at Newcastle in August 1838, as published in the seventh volume of the Reports. Mr. Strickland stated, "that this bird had been unjustly excluded from the catalogue of occasional visitors to this country by late authors, as he could prove on unquestionable authority that it had been killed of late years in more cases than one. The first instance was twelve or thirteen years ago: a bird of this species was seen for some weeks about Hornsea Moor, in the East Riding of Yorkshire; it was some time after presented to the author, in whose collection it is at present, in perfect preservation".'

Frederick Holme (1856) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIV. pp. 5035-36, in a letter to E. H. Rodd dated 11th January, 1834, says: 'A single specimen of the real Great White Heron, a bird as large as or larger than the common heron, was shot at Hornsea Mere, East Riding of Yorkshire, in the winter of 1821, after haunting the neighbourhood some time: it is now in the collection of Mr. A. Strickland (the brother of the Yorkshire M.P.) who gave me the account: it is the only authenticated British specimen. The same gentleman has a specimen of the Black Stork, shot last spring in Lincolnshire.'

Harting (1872) stated the date as the winter of 1821. Admitted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 50).

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 178, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who says: 'The earliest proof of the occurrence of this species in England, was supplied by Mr. Arthur Strickland in a communication made to the British Association, at its meeting at Newcastle in August, 1838 (Report Trans. p. 106).'

Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'The former is now (1884) in the Strickland collection in the Museum of York, and Mr. W. E. Clarke gives the date of its capture as "winter of 1821" (Yorks. Vertebs. p. 50).'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: '4). One. Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire; about 1826. Stuffed by Dunn the birdstuffer at Hull, and now in the York Museum with the rest of the Strickland collection. Mr. Strickland does not seem to have seen it in the flesh (Magazine of Natural History, 1839, p. 31), but there is no doubt about it.'

Cordeaux (1899: 20) says: 'Another in the winter of 1821 at Hornsea Mere.' While, Nelson (1907 (2): 392) says: 'Thomas Allis, in 1844, wrote: - "...another at Hornsea Mere, in the collection A. Strickland, Esq., is reported by him, and noticed in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History; but those who have quoted that paper have mistaken Scorborough for Scarborough, which is forty miles from it".'

Mather (1986) adds: '...the date is 1825 and in the Strickland collection which passed into the York Museum.'

2). 1834 Yorkshire Scorborough, near Beverley, shot, summer, now at Yorkshire Museum, York.

(A. Strickland, British Association Report 1838: 106; A. Strickland, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 3: 31; Allis, 1844; Yarrell, 1845; Morris, 1851-57; Harting, 1872; Cordeaux, 1872; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1888: 302; J. H. Gurney, jun., Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189; Cordeaux, 1899; Nelson, 1907; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; Hollom, 1960; Mather, 1986).

History Arthur Strickland (1839) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. III. p. 31, dated 10th December, 1838, says: '...But much more recently another specimen, in all the beauty of summer plumage, has been killed, not many miles from the place that produced the above mentioned specimen. Three years ago this bird was seen by a labourer, in the fields of James Hall, Esq., of Scorboro, near Beverley, in the immediate neighbourhood of what used formerly be a decoy, but which modern draining or cultivation has rendered useless. The person who saw it procured a gun and killed it while sitting upon the top of a gate. This specimen has been beautifully preserved by Mr. Read [Reid], of Doncaster, and is now in the possession of Mr. Hall, who duly appreciates its value. We have thus two instances of this bird being recently killed in this country, all the circumstances of which may still be satisfactorily traced, and both of which specimens are in perfect preservation at this time.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 519-520, 2nd ed.) says: 'But the most valuable addition to our knowledge of the occurrence of this species in England, was supplied by Mr. Arthur Strickland in a communication made to the Natural History Section of the British Association, at its meeting at Newcastle in August 1838, as published in the seventh volume of the Reports. Mr. Strickland stated, "that this bird had been unjustly excluded from the catalogue of occasional visitors to this country by late authors, as he could prove on unquestionable authority that it had been killed of late years in more cases than one. Another, in full summer plumage, was killed by a labourer in the fields of James Hall, Esq., of Scorborough, near Beverley, about three years ago, and is now in the possession of that gentleman".'

Morris (1856 (5): 87) says: 'Another, in full summer plumage, was shot by an husbandman at Scorborough, near Beverley, a seat of Lord Hotham, about the year 1835.'

Harting (1872) states the year as about 1836. Cordeaux (1872: 103) says: '...about the year 1835.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'Scorborough, near Beverley, one about 1834 (Strickland op. cit.); now in York Museum.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 178, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, adds: '...now in the Rudston collection in the York Museum.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 302, says: 'I would suggest that the Little Egret alleged to have been obtained at Aike, near Beverley (Zool., 1884, p. 177) fide Mr. Ruskin, endorsed by Messrs. Clarke and Roebuck, was probably an example of the Great White Heron, Ardea alba. The evidence is as follows: - Both captures are said to have been made by labourers of Mr. James Hall, of Scorborough, near Bridlington. Particulars of the capture of the White Heron are given in the 'British Association Report' for 1838 (p. 106), and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1839 (p. 31), but unfortunately we are not sufficiently supplied with the requisite particulars about the Little Egret.

In 1871 I corresponded with Mr. Hall, when no mention was made of more than one bird, which he said was killed about two miles from his house, adding: "I had it here in its dirty, bloody, disfigured state, sending it myself to Read, of Doncaster, who restored it". In Gould's Birds of Great Britain, and in Yarrell's British Birds, it is alluded to as a Little Egret, the assumption being that there were two Egrets, one said to have been killed about 1835 and one about 1840 - the former Ardea alba, the latter Ardea garzetta. Mr. Gould told me he had the late Lord Hotham's authority for the Egret killed in or about 1840 being a Little Egret, and that he assured him it belonged to the smaller species (A. garzetta); if this was so there were two birds, and the discrepancy in the dates is accounted for.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: '6). One. Beverley, Yorkshire, summer of 1835, Magazine of Natural History, l. c. p. 31. Well authenticated. It has been stated that this bird is in the York Museum, but this seems to be a mistake.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 392) says: 'Thomas Allis, in 1844, wrote: - "F. O. Morris mentions one shot near Beverley a few years ago and now in the possession of Jas. Hall, Esq., of Scorborough, near Beverley; the same specimen is referred to by Hugh Reid".'

Cordeaux (1899: 20) says: 'One, in the Strickland collection, was killed at Scorborough, Beverley, in the winter of 1834.'

Mather (1986) adds: '...killed in 1843 by John Norris on the River Hull at Aike, near Beverley, and sold to J. Hall of Scorborough. On his death, it was purchased for the Yorkshire Museum.'

Comment There is some discrepancy in the date but I presume they all refer to this record. I suspect Mather possible transposed the last two digits as the BOU (1971) in admitting the record list it as 1834.

3). Pre 1838 Nottinghamshire Osberton, killed, undated.

(A. Strickland, British Association Report 1838: 106; A. Strickland, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 3: 31, 32; Yarrell, 1845; Felkin, 1866; Harting, 1872; Sterland & Whitaker, 1879; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 347; Whitaker, 1907).

History Arthur Strickland (1839) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. III. p. 31, 32, dated 10th December, 1838, says: '...But these are not the only facts that can be deduced for warranting our continuing this bird in our catalogue. In the beautiful collection of British birds belonging to Mr. Folgambe [sic], of Asberton [sic], there is a specimen of this bird, with a label attached to the case, stating it was killed in the neighbourhood of that place; - as the country not far from Asberton [sic] is very likely to attract such a bird, and as there can be no doubt that that label was placed there by the late proprietor and former of that collection, whose accuracy cannot be disputed, there is no reason to doubt but that this is another well authenticated instance of its having been killed in this country, and in which the specimen itself is still in existence....As my only object at present is to rescue this interesting bird from being unjustly excluded from our catalogue of visitors to this country, I will not enlarge upon other matters connected with it, but only observe that an attentive examination of the specimens above referred to, will, I have no doubt convince any one of the propriety of separating this European species from the Ardea garzetta, the Great Egret or Large White Heron of America, a bird which has in many instances been placed in our collection to represent this bird; but which is, I have no doubt a distinct species.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 519-520, 2nd ed.) says: 'But the most valuable addition to our knowledge of the occurrence of this species in England, was supplied by Mr. Arthur Strickland in a communication made to the Natural History Section of the British Association, at its meeting at Newcastle in August 1838, as published in the seventh volume of the Reports. Mr. Strickland stated, "that this bird had been unjustly excluded from the catalogue of occasional visitors to this country by late authors, as he could prove on unquestionable authority that it had been killed of late years in more cases than one. Another specimen of this bird is in the collection of Mr. Foljambe, of Osberton, with a label on the case stating it to have been killed near that place".'

Locally, Felkin (1866: 52) says: 'A fine specimen was shot at Osberton, the seat of G. Foljambe, Esq.', while Sterland & Whitaker (1879: 49) say: 'Mr. Foljambe of Osberton has in his fine collection a beautiful specimen of this rare bird which was killed near that place.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 178-179, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who says: '...and a third specimen of this bird was in the collection of Mr. Foljambe, of Osberton, near Worksop [in Nottinghamshire], with a label on the case stating it to have been killed near that place.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: '7). One. Osberton, Nottinghamshire, prior to 1838. Magazine of Natural History, l. c. p. 31. This had no other authority than a label on the back of the case, and must I fear be reckoned among the doubtful ones.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 347, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Five undoubted examples of this rare species are admitted by Howard Saunders on Mr. J. H. Gurney's authority. The following may perhaps be added. Nottinghamshire. One in Mr. F. S. Foljambe's well known collection was shot many years ago at Osberton (J. Whitaker, Birds of Notts., p. 178).'

4). 1840 Lothian Tyne Sands, near Dunbar, adult male, shot, 9th June.

("Globe" 7th September 1840; Yarrell, 1845; Macgillivray, 1846; MacGillivray, 1837-52; Turnbull, 1867; Gray, 1871; Harting, 1872; J. F. Bigge, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 7: 362; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189; Bolam, 1912; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 519, 2nd ed.) says: 'A splendid specimen of the Great White Egret was killed in June 1840 on the sands near the village of Tyningham [sic], in the Firth of Forth, about seven miles from Haddington.'

W. MacGillivray (1846: 131-133, 2nd ed.) says: 'In the summer of 1840, I obtained a most beautiful adult male white Egret, which was shot by Mr. Martin, gamekeeper to the Earl of Haddington, on Tyningham Sands, on the 9th of June, and having been sent to Mr. Macduff Carfrae to be prepared, was minutely examined by me...is now, I understand, in the possession of the Earl of Haddington [at Tyninghame House].'

Macgillivray (1852 (4): 460-463) says: 'Male. - This species is superior in size to the Common Heron, which it greatly exceeds in elegance of form. The body is of moderate size, much compressed; the neck very long and slender; the head rather small, oblong, and much compressed. The bill is long, stout, compressed, tapering; the upper mandible with the dorsal line straight for two thirds from the base, then slightly declinato-convex, the ridge broad at the base, narrow but convex in the rest of its extent; the nasal depression narrow, elongated, with a groove from its fore part extending nearly to a third from the tip, the sides convex, the edges direct and sharp; lower mandible with the angle long and extremely narrow, the dorsal line slightly ascending, the sides sloping outwards and concave, the edges sharp, the tip acute. The gape-line straight, commencing under the centre of the eye, at first somewhat sinuate, and toward the end slightly deflected. A large bare space on each side of the head, extending from the base of the bill to a little behind the eye and angle of the mouth. The roof of the mouth is slightly concave, with three longitudinal sharp ridges; the palate convex; the lower mandible with a groove and ridge on each side, and a central ridge. Tongue very slender, sagittate at the base, tapering to the point, which is acute. The mouth is rather narrow, measuring only seven-and-a-half-twelfths across, but, in consequence of the flexibility of the crura of the lower mandible, is dilatable to an inch and a half. The oesophagus is twenty-eight inches long, an inch and a half in width at the top, about a third down an inch, afterwards an inch and a half, and at the proventriculus two inches and a quarter. The proventricular belt is one inch and three quarters in breadth; its glandules very numerous, oblong, about a twelfth and a half in length; at its upper margin are several groups of large mucous crypts having wide apertures. Beyond the proventriculus the stomach forms a sac two inches in diameter, its muscular coat very thin, being formed of slender muscular fibres converging toward two roundish tendinous spaces; its inner coat thin, soft, and smooth. Appended to the stomach is a pyloric lobe, ten-twelfths in diameter, internally smooth, its aperture half-an-inch in width. The intestine is nine feet one inch in length, its width varying from three to two-twelfths; the rectum five inches long, with a coecal appendage at its commencement; its globular dilatation an inch and three-fourths in diameter. The lobes of the liver are very unequal, the right being three inches and a quarter in length, the left two inches and a half. The nostrils are linear, half-an-inch long. The eyes are rather small, the diameter of their aperture four-twelfths and a half. The legs are very long and slender; the tibia feathered for nearly half its length; in the rest of its extent considerably compressed, and covered with large elongated hexagonal scales; the tarsus long, compressed, rounded before and behind, with twenty large anterior scutella; a posterior series of large scales on the inner, and of two rows of smaller on the outer side; on the tarsal joint the scutella become very narrow, and finally divided. The hind toe is moderate, with eight scutella; the second a little shorter than the fourth, and with twenty-three scutella; the third very long, with thirty-three scutella; the fourth with twenty seven, and connected with the third by a basal web. The claws are moderate, arched, compressed; that of the middle toe serrate, with thirty teeth. The feathers on the head and neck are of moderate length, oblong or sub-ovate, of rather loose texture, excepting those on a longitudinal band along the fore part of the neck, which are small and more compact. The occipital feathers are very slightly elongated, the longest being an inch and a half in length; but they scarcely form a crest. On the lower part of the neck the feathers are considerably elongated. On the lower parts of the body they are long and of loose texture, especially on the anterior portion of the breast, margining and covering a large space, which is bare in the centre, and on each side has a broad longitudinal band of singular downy plumules of a buffy colour, about three fourths of an inch in length, with a long orange-coloured shaft, and extremely feeble so as to be easily torn across. On the sides and lower parts the down is of the ordinary kind; but on each side of the abdomen, behind the femur, is a patch of buffy down. On the fore part of the back the feathers are large and ovate; on the hind part perfectly downy. From the fore part of the back arise four bunches or series of very elongated feathers, having rather firm, though slender, straightish shafts, with widely separated, deflected, barbulate filaments. In each of the two middle series are twelve, in each of the lateral about eight long feathers, besides smaller. Posterior to the lateral series, on each side, are six very long, broad, and roundish scapulars, which extend beyond the closed wing. The longest plumes extend two inches and a half beyond the tail, and are sixteen inches in length. The wings are long, broad, and rounded, of twenty-eight quills, besides eight humerals. The third quill is longest; the fourth a twelfth and a half shorter; the first five-twelfths shorter than the second, which is five twelfths shorter than the third. The tail is short, of twelve broad, rounded, rather weak feathers; the lateral only three-and-a-half-twelfths shorter than the medial. The bill is black; the tip of each mandible greenish horn-colour to the extent of an inch; the base and the bare space on each side of the head verdigris green. The inside of the mandible is black; the fore part of the palate yellow, its hind part flesh-coloured. Tongue dusky, at the base flesh-coloured. Iris light yellow. The bare part of the tibia and the upper part of the surface are flesh-coloured: the scutella of the tarsus and toes dusky brown; its hind part and the soles dusky flesh-coloured. The claws are brownish-black. The plumage is white, with a faint tinge of yellowish. Length to end of tail 44.5 inches; extent of wings 66; head and bill 8....

The individual above described was undoubtedly adult, its bones being well ossified, and its plumage perfect. The testes were highly developed, oblong, unequal, the right one inch, the left an inch and a quarter in length. It was killed by Mr. Martin, gamekeeper to the Earl of Haddington, on Tyningham Sands, on the 9th June, 1840. It had never been observed before that day, and was approached with difficulty. It having been sent to Mr. Macduff Carfrae to be prepared, I was favoured by him with a minute examination of it, in its recent state, and afterwards with an inspection of the body.'

Further, p. 468, he adds: 'In my Manual of British Birds I named the Tyninghame Egret Erodius Victoria?, supposing it to be new, or at least of the species called Egretta nigrirostris by Mr. Grey and the Prince of Canino, but of which I could not find a description. This latter name is quite appropriate, however, and until it be determined what species it really is, I think it better to adopt it.'

Turnbull (1867, 2nd ed.) says: 'A magnificent specimen of this bird was shot on Tyninghame Sands, in June, 1840, by Mr. Martin, gamekeeper to the Earl of Haddington. The only specimen yet found in Britain.'

Gray (1871: 277) says: 'I have been informed by the Earl of Haddington that the bird, which is in magnificent plumage, is still preserved in the collection at Tyninghame House, East Lothian.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85) in Yarrell's British Birds, 4th edition, Vol. IV. p. 179.

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'No. 9). One. Firth of Forth, June, 1840. Examined in the flesh by MacGillivray, and therefore unquestionable. British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 463. Globe newspaper, Sept. 7th, 1840.'

Bolam (1912: 326-327) adds: 'Inspected by the members of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, on 28th July 1875 at Tyninghame House.'

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

5). 1849 Cambridgeshire Thorney Fen, adult male, killed, about 19th June.

(J. W. Foster, Zoologist 1849: 2568; Morris, 1851-57; Harting, 1872; Gurney, 1876; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Lilford, 1895; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989; L. Bacon, M. Hawkes & J. Hughes, Cambridgeshire Bird Report 2005: 158).

History J. W. Foster of Wisbech (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2568, dated 17th July, 1849, says: 'About the same date [19th June 1849], a fine male specimen of the white egret was shot in Thorney-fen, which has since been preserved, and is now in the collection of the Rev. Dr. Strong, of Peterborough.'

Morris (1856 (5): 87) says: 'One was shot, a few years since, near Thorney Abbey, Cambridgeshire, of which J. R. Little, Esq., of St. John's College, Cambridge, has written me word.' Harting (1872) p. 148, adds: 'In the collection of Dr. Strong of Peterborough.'

Gurney (1876: 262-263) in his Rambles of a Naturalist, details six records claiming to be British, and says: 'An example, seen and shot at, on Romney Marsh by moonlight, about February, 1849 (Zoologist, 2419). If this was what purports to have been, it may have been the same which the late Dr. Strong obtained a few months afterwards at Thorney, teste Messrs. Forster [Foster] and Little.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 179, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who adds: '...now in the possession of Mr. Charles Isham Strong, of Thorpe Hall, Peterborough. It has the ornamental plumes on the back, and is said to have been killed between the 1st of May and the 14th of July.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 188, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'One. Obtained in Cambridgeshire, June, 1849, fide F. W. Foster (Zoologist, 1849, p. 2568); and J. R. Little (Morris, British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 115); and C. J. Strong (Gould, Birds of Great Britain). This bird is preserved at Thorpe Hall, Peterborough, where I have had the opportunity of seeing it, and the farmer who shot it is still alive. It is an adult, having fine dorsal plumes.' Further, p. 190, he adds: '14). One. Cambridgeshire, 1849. Well authenticated.'

Lord Lilford (1895 (2): 116) says: '...this bird is preserved in the collection formed by the late Dr. Strong of Thorpe Hall, Peterborough, and is now the property of his son, Colonel C. Isham Strong, who has most obligingly furnished me with the following particulars with regard to the specimen in question:- "It was shot by Mr. Miller Wigginton of Thorney, on his farm there, as he believes, in the first week of May, 1849; he sold it to Holeywell, of Peterborough, to whom my father gave £2.2s. for it. It has the dorsal plumes and dark bill, both of which, I suppose, would go to corroborate the date of its death, being, according to Gould, the summer dress. I am sorry that I can give you no information as to sex".'

Accepted locally (Lack 1934: 81).

6). 1868 Yorkshire Clay Wheel Dam, near Wadsley Bridge, seen, summer.

(Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 347; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 393) says: 'A later occurrence, reported by Mr. A. S. Hutchinson of Derby, is unquestionably referable to the species under notice. The recorder, a naturalist of great experience, writes in 1902 that, in the summer of 1868, he saw a Great White Heron perched on a fir tree at Clay Wheel Dam, near Wadsley Bridge, where he watched it at close quarters for nearly half an hour, and had no doubt whatever as to its identity.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 347, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Five undoubted examples of this rare species are admitted by Howard Saunders on Mr. J. H. Gurney's authority. The following may perhaps be added. Yorkshire. One seen in 1868 near Wadsley Bridge by Mr. A. S. Hutchinson is considered by Mr. Nelson to be a good record (Nelson 1907).'

Mather (1986) adds: 'Mr. Hutchinson, of Derby, said to be a naturalist of great experience, saw this Great White Egret perched on a fir tree and watched it at close quarters for nearly half-an-hour, and had no doubt as to its identity, I suppose he could have been right.'

7). 1881 Upper Forth Brenachoile Lodge, Loch Katrine, Perthshire, killed, May, now at National Museums Scotland (Acc. No. 1887.5).

(H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 367; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 9: 348; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 187; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 9: 348; Saunders, 1899, Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; BOU, 1971; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 367, under 'Report on the Ornithology of the East of Scotland, from Fife to Aberdeenshire inclusive', says: 'Little Egret. One shot on Loch Katrine, June 1881 (fide J. A. Harvie-Brown).' Later, H. M. Drummond Hay (1888-89) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. IX. p. 348, says: 'A specimen is stated to have been shot in Perthshire in the spring of last year, 1887, somewhere in the same vicinity as the Little Egret was obtained, in 1881, on Loch Katrine in the Forth district; but particulars have not been forthcoming.'

John Dunn in the chair (1887) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, at a meeting held on 20th April 1887, p. 569, says the following communications were read by R. H. Traquair, M.D., F.E.S.: 'Notes on the Occurrence in Scotland of the Great White Heron (Ardea alba) and the Blue-winged Teal (Querquedula discors); with exhibition of specimens. The Heron was shot at Branechoil [sic], Loch Katrine, in May 1881, and recorded in the Scottish Naturalist for 1886 (p. 367) as a Little Egret. The Teal was shot on the Nith, Dumfriesshire, about 25 years ago (vide Gray's Birds of West of Scotland, p. 373). Both are now in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 187, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'One. Obtained at Branechoil [sic], Loch Katrine, Perthshire; May, 1881.

Mr. William Evans of Edinburgh writes that there is not the least doubt about its having been really got at Loch Katrine; and that it was exhibited to the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, April 20th, 1887 (Journal IX. p. 569). It is now in the Edinburgh Museum, where I have lately had the pleasure of seeing it.'

Next record, Gurney says: 'One. Obtained in Perthshire, in 1887, "somewhere in the same vicinity as the last (Scottish Naturalist, 1888, p. 348). It frequently happens when a rare bird is obtained that a legend springs up sometime afterwards about another: this is a phenomenon familiar to investigators of rare birds".'

Further, p. 190, he adds: 'No. 11). One. Perthshire, 1881. Well authenticated. No. 12). One. Perthshire, 1887. Most likely an erroneous record.'

Saunders (1899: 371, 2nd ed.) says: '...one, killed at Loch Katrine, Scotland, in May 1881, and also having the dorsal-train fully developed, is in the Edinburgh Museum.' Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'May 1887.'

R. Y. McGowan, NMS (email) 'The specimen from Brenachoile Lodge, Loch Katrine, purchased from Miss H. Macgregor, Callander, for £2.15.0; Reg. no. 1887.5. This is almost certainly the specimen on display in the Bird Biology Gallery (case 63).'

Accepted nationally for Scotland by Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007) who have it erroneously as 1887, which was the year it was presented to the NMS.

Comment Much confusion in the early reports by Drummond Hay, but Gurney got to the bottom of it.

8). 1948 Cornwall Loe Pool, seen, 29th September to 3rd November; same, Porthleven and Gweek on 4th October, photo.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1948: 25, photo; A. G. Parsons, British Birds 42: 392; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1948) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 22, with three reports, say: 'On September 30th, at Loe Pool, with Mr. Parsons I saw this bird flying in across the pool and perch in a tree. The large size, snow-white plumage, bright yellow bill and enormous black legs trailing behind made identification easy and certain (R. H. Blair).'

Second report: - 'First seen at Loe Pool, Helston, on September 29th. A large pure white heron, with black legs and deep yellow bill, the neck was long and slender. Typical Heron gait, flight and methods of feeding. I never heard any vocal sounds emitted. It roosted in a tree, going there about dusk, and leaving about 7 a. m. The evidence pointed to its arrival during the afternoon of the 28th. It remained up to mid-October, and was also seen at Porthleven and Gweek. It was possibly the same bird as was seen in Sussex later in October (A. G. Parson).'

Third report: - 'First seen at Gweek on September 30th, last seen on November 3rd. (T. J. Stephens).'

A. G. Parsons (1949) in British Birds Vol. XLII. p. 392, says: 'From September 28th until about October 20th, 1948, a Great White Heron (Egretta alba) was present at Loe Pool, Penrose, Helston, Cornwall. It was first seen by an estate resident on September 28th and I identified it on the following evening. On the evening of September 30th it was watched by Dr. R. H. and Mr. J. Blair, who confirmed the identification. The silhouette, gait, flight and feeding methods resembled those of the Common Heron (Ardea cinerea), but the gait was more deliberate. The longer legs, more slender body and longer, thinner neck made it dwarf the Common Herons present. The plumage was a very pure white, the bill deep yellow and the legs black. No note was heard. It roosted in a fir tree where it was a conspicuous object long after dark. In view of its indifference to man, especially during the first few days of its stay, I suspect that it might have escaped from captivity, but no escape has been traced.'

Penhallurick (1969: 61) adds: 'One at Loe Pool between 28th September and 3rd November also visited Porthleven, and Gweek where it was photographed on 4th October (not published in the book).'

1950-57 RECORD

9). 1951 Cornwall Godrevy Marsh, near Gurthean, 29th May.

(R. H. Blair, British Birds 45: 291-292; B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1951: 17; Penhallurick, 1969).

History R. H. Blair (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 291-292, says: 'On May 29th, 1951, I saw a Great White Heron (Egretta alba) on the Godrevy Marsh, near Gurthean, West Cornwall. I visited the marsh about 8.15, in clear weather. I caught a glimpse of a large, shiny white bird at the far end of the marsh and made my way under cover towards it. When about 150 yards distant I put up a Common Heron (Ardea cinerea) which flew off, disturbing two others of the same species and a white bird of similar size. The Common Herons flew upstream, but the white bird, after making towards some trees where it seemed about to perch, turned round and flew towards me, passing about 80 yards from me and about 150 feet up. I had clear views with my x 6 glasses and later with x 20 telescope. It was a pure white heron with yellow bill and dark legs and identical in appearance to the Great White Heron I had seen at Loe Pool in 1948 (antea, Vol. XLII. p. 392). It gained height and flew off to westward. I did not observe a dark tip to the bill, nor was a crest visible. No note was uttered. Subsequent visits to the marsh by Mr. A. G. Parsons and myself showed no trace of the bird.'

B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1951) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXI. p. 17, say: 'On May 29th, 1951, I was near the north end of Godrevy Marsh in clear weather when I saw a large shining white bird make a short flight at the far end of the marsh. I made my way under cover towards it and had got to within about 150 yards when I disturbed a Common Heron. This flew off and disturbed two more birds, another Common Heron and a white bird of similar size. This made off towards some trees and seemed to contemplate settling on one. Then it turned round and flew towards me passing at about 80 yards and 150 feet up. I had a good view with my 20 x telescope and 6 x glass. It was an obvious Heron, with pure white plumage, dark legs and a massive yellow bill, not appearing darker towards the tip. No crest was visible. It was similar to the Great White Heron I had been shown by Mr. Parsons at Penrose in September, 1948. It flew off strongly westward over St Ives Bay. - R. H. Blair.'

Accepted locally (Penhallurick 1969).

NOT PROVEN

0). Pre 1785 Cumbria No locality, Cumberland, obtained, undated.

(Latham, 1781-85; Montagu, 1802).

[Heysham, 1794; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189, 190].

History Montagu (1802) under 'Great White Heron', says: 'One of these birds (we are informed by Dr. Latham) was killed in Cumberland not many years ago.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: '1). One. Cumberland, fide Dr. Heysham (Latham, History of Birds, Vol. IX. p. 84. Synopsis 1785, Vol. III. p. 91). Not included in Dr. Heysham's important list of birds in Hutchinson's History of Cumberland, published in 1794. The Rev. H. A. Macpherson considers this shows that Dr. Heysham did not believe in it, inasmuch as his list was printed several years after Latham's works appeared, in which it was included on his authority.'

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1805 Devon River Avon, near Aveton Gifford, seen, autumn.

(Montagu, 1813; E. Moore, Transactions of the Plymouth Institution 1830: 323; E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 320; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85).

[Eyton, 1836; E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1850: 418].

History Montagu (1813) says: 'A White Heron made its appearance on the borders of the river Avon, in Devonshire, in the autumn of the year 1805, where it was frequently observed in company with three or four of the common species, and sometimes alone. The Rev. Mr. Vaughan, who had frequent opportunities of observing it, and used every means to procure it, thinks; from its apparently superior size, it must have been Ardea alba, and not a variety of the Common Heron; but its extreme wariness disappointed the many attempts to shoot it, although it continued within the range of a few miles for two months.'

Edward Moore of Plymouth (1830) in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution, Vol. I. p. 323, says: 'One of this species was seen on the banks of the Avon, in the south of Devon, in company with several of the common species, by the Rev. Mr. Vaughan.' Later, Edward Moore of Plymouth (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 320, dated May, 1837, says: 'Although considered doubtful by Eyton, yet was seen on the Avon, as stated by Montagu, by the Rev. Kerr Vaughan, who is a good judge, and has a fine British collection.'

E. H. Rodd (1850) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, p. 418, dated May 1850, says: '...said to have been seen in Devon, on the river Avon.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 178, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, but not accepted locally (Moore 1969) or nationally (BOU 1971).

0). 1816 North-east Scotland Loch of Strathbeg, obtained, spring.

(W. Horn, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 6: 246; T. Edward, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 4: 243; Harting, 1872).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 187, 190; Sim, 1903; Not in BOU, 1971].

History T. Edward (1854) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 243, says: 'A White Heron, supposed to be an Egret, was observed on the west side of the Loch in the spring of 1816. It was seen for several days to frequent the same spot, but on being fired at once or twice, it left and did not return.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 187, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872), says: 'One. Obtained at Strathbeg in Aberdeenshire, in 1854, fide W. Horn, Natural History Society, Glasgow, Vol. IV. p. 246. This is an unsatisfactory record to begin with, inasmuch as the bird cannot be traced, and Mr. Horn does not remember his authority for it, so I think we can relegate it to oblivion.' Further, p. 190, he adds: '10). One. Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire, 1854. Most likely an erroneous record.'

Not accepted locally (Sim 1903: 138) who placed the record in square brackets, or admitted nationally (BOU 1971).

0). 1821 Yorkshire New Hall, near Barnsley, obtained, undated.

(Allis, 1844; Morris, 1851-57; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Yarrell, 1871-85; Harting, 1901; Nelson, 1907).

[Gurney, 1876; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Harting, 1901; Mather, 1986].

History Morris (1856 (5): 86-87) says: 'One at New Hall, shot by John Townend, Esq.; the fact communicated by Dr. Farrar to Thomas Alliss.'

Gurney (1876: 263) details another six records extra to Harting (1872) claiming to be British in his Rambles of a Naturalist pp. 262-263, and this being one of them.

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'Barnsley, one at New Hall, 1821, in the possession of Sir Joseph Radcliffe (Allis).'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 179, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who says: 'A third Yorkshire example, shot at New Hall, near Barnsley, in 1821, is in the possession of Sir Joseph Radcliffe (Clarke, Yorks. Vertebs. p. 50).'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 188, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'One. obtained at New Hall, Yorkshire, in 1821, by John S. Townsend; communicated by Dr. Farrow to Mr. T. Allis; (Morris, British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 115; Yorkshire Vertebrates, p. 50). Stated to have been formerly in Sir Joseph Radcliffe collection, but I am informed it is not there now.'

Further, p. 189, he adds: '5). One. New Hall, Yorkshire, 1821. Doubtful.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 392) says: 'Thomas Allis, in 1844, wrote: - "...Dr. Farrar says a specimen of this very rare visitant was shot at New Hall by my friend the late John S. Townend, Esq., and by some means got into the possession of Sir Joseph Radclyffe, Bart".'

Mather (1986) says: 'Obtained by J. S. Townend and was formerly in the possession of Sir Joseph Radcliffe.'

It was considered doubtful (Harting 1901; BOU 1971).

0). 1823 Essex River Stour, seen, 3rd October.

(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, 1827; Yarrell, 1845).

[Babington, 1884-86; Glegg, 1929; Not in BOU, 1971].

History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 40, which was read at the Linnean Society meeting on April 20, 1824, say: 'On the 3rd of October last, in a walk on the banks of the River Stour, we observed a large White Heron cross over from the Suffolk to the Essex side of the river. It appeared to be pure white, and to stand up rather taller than some Common Herons, which were feeding not far off. A similar bird was observed in the spring on the Oakley shores; and, subsequently to our observation, one was seen on the banks of the river Orwell.'

Morris (1856 (5): 86) says: 'Another on the banks of the River Stour, in Essex, on the 3rd. of October, 1834 [1823].'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 178, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who erroneously states the year as 1834.

Babington (1884-86: 241-242) says: 'One seen crossing from the Suffolk to the Essex side of the Stour, Oct. 3, 1824; one was subsequently seen on the Orwell (Sheppard & Whitear, p. 40; Lubbock's Fauna of Norfolk, 1879, p. 84). Mr. Gurney suspects these birds to have been Spoonbills; at any rate a confirmation seems required.'

Accepted locally (Christy 1890: 185) but later the record was placed in square brackets (Glegg 1929: 159).

Comment Babington erroneously recorded the date as 1824. Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1824 Sussex Near Lewes, shot, undated.

(Horsfield, 1824).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 339) placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Prior to 1824 there was shot by a Mr. C. Bull, presumably close to Lewes and certainly somewhere in that neighbourhood, a bird described by Gideon Mantell (Appendix, Horsfield's Hist. and Antiq. Lewes (1824) I. p. xx.) as a White Heron, Ardea alba. If these gentlemen were high-class ornithologists, the victim would seem to have been a Great White Heron, now scientifically called not as above but Egretta alba alba (L.). Otherwise it cannot well have been anything but a Spoonbill...Really, of course, at any rate as regards a handled specimen, confusion should be impossible....Personally, I am next door to convinced that a Spoonbill is indicated....'

0). 1833 Oxfordshire River Isis, near Oxford, shot, September.

(Yarrell, 1845; A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2600; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Aplin, 1889).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189, 190; Not in BOU, 1971].

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 520, 2nd ed.) says: 'Mr. Frederick Holme sent me the measurements of a specimen shot on the Isis in Oxfordshire, in September 1833.'

A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2600, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire', say: 'killed on the banks of the Isis, not far from Oxford, in September, 1833. R.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 179, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Admitted locally by Aplin (1889: 185), who says: 'Mr. Frederick Holme sent Yarrell the measurements of a specimen which was shot on the Isis, not far from Oxford in September, 1833, and Messrs. Matthews also received notice of the fact from the Rev. H. Roundell.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'No. 3. One. Oxfordshire, September, 1833, fide the late Mr. Frederick Holme and the late Rev. Henry Roundell (Yarrell, British Birds, 1st edition, Vol. II. p. 456; Zoologist, Vol. VII. p. 2600). I learn that Mr. Holme died "some years ago", and Mr. Roundell "many years ago". Mr. Roundell's collection still exists, but the bird is not in it.'

Comment R. refers to Roundell. Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). c. 1834 North-east Scotland Coastal locality, Banffshire, two, seen, undated.

(W. Horn, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 1854: 246; T. Edward, Zoologist 1860: 6847; Harting, 1872; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 367).

[Yarrell, 1871-85; Not in BOU, 1971].

History Thomas Edward of Banff (1860) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVIII. p. 6847, says: 'Two of these birds were observed to frequent various parts of our coast about twenty-six years ago. I am not aware of a specimen having being procured.'

Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 179, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'There are also statements as to this species having been recognized, but not obtained; for instance, according to Mr. Thomas Edward, on the Loch of Strathbeg, and again on the coast of Banff.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 367, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, says: 'Reported from Strathbeg in 1854 (Mr. Horn, Proc. Glasgow Nat. Hist. Society, p. 246). Mr. Gray makes no mention of this bird being found in Aberdeenshire.'

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1838 Lincolnshire No locality, killed, undated.

(Yarrell, 1845; Yarrell, 1871-85).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189, 190; F. L. Blathwayt, Zoologist 1912: 62; Not in BOU, 1971].

History Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 179, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The Author [Yarrell] received a notice of one killed in Lincolnshire, but where the specimen was deposited he did not know.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: '8). One. Lincolnshire, prior to 1838. Magazine of Natural History, l.c. Yarrell, British Birds. Doubted by Mr. Strickland: probably wrongly identified.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 62, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'There is an unsatisfactory notice of the capture of a Great White Heron in Lincolnshire in Yarrell's British Birds, ed. 4. Vol. IV. p. 179.'

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1840-41 Cumbria Port Carlisle, seen, winter.

(W. Jardine, Naturalists' Library 3: 135; H. A. Macpherson, Zoologist 1888: 330).

[Yarrell, 1871-85; Zoologist 1888: 330; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188; Not in BOU, 1971].

History W. Jardine (1838-43) in the Naturalists' Library, Vol. III. p. 135, says: 'According to the newspapers, a "White Heron" was several times seen during the same winter upon the shores of the Solway, on the English side, above Port Carlisle, which also may have been identical with the Great Egret.'

H. A. Macpherson, (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 330, says: 'Spoonbill. Among the Heysham papers I found a letter of one James Irwin, describing carefully the bird which, with some warranty from Sir W. Jardine, gave rise to the report that a Great White Heron was seen on the Solway in the winter of 1840-1. I have shown this letter to Mr. Howard Saunders, and we are satisfied that the bird in question was a Spoonbill.'

Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 179, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'There are also statements as to this species having been recognized, but not obtained; for instance, on the Solway.'

J. H. Gurney (1889-94) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 188, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'One. Seen at Port Carlisle, on the Solway, in 1840 (Naturalists' Library, Birds, Vol. III. p. 135), but since thought to be a Spoonbill (Zoologist, 1888, p. 330). The genuine occurrence, which took place the summer before in the Firth of Forth, to be afterwards mentioned, may have given rise to this later report.'

Comment Misidentified. Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1844 Kent Romney Marsh, seen, undated.

(J. P. Bartlett, Zoologist 1844: 624; Harting, 1872).

[Not in BOU, 1971].

History J. Pemberton Bartlett (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 624, says: 'Has been seen in Romney Marsh.'

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1849 Kent Romney Marsh, seen, February.

(J. B. Ellman, Zoologist 1849: 2419).

[Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Ticehurst, 1909; Not in BOU, 1971].

History J. B. Ellman of Rye (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2419, dated 5th March, 1849, says: 'A wild-fowl shooter yesterday informed me that during the last moon he shot at a White Heron, in the marsh, while after wild-fowl; but it was so shy that he could not get near enough to kill it. He said it was as large as a common Heron, and white all over. I at first thought he was mistaken, and suggested it to have been a Spoonbill; but he says not, as he knows that bird well , and is positive the one he saw was a white Heron.'

Newman (1866) in Montagu's British Birds says: 'Seen by a unknown wildfowler who shot at it and presumably missed and recorded so that readers could form their own opinion on the record.'

J. H. Gurney (1876) details another six records extra to Harting (1872) claiming to be British in his Rambles of a Naturalist, pp. 262-263 and this is one of them.

Ticehurst (1909: 311) believes it to be misidentified.

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1854 Cumbria Buttermere, Cumberland, undated.

(J. Robson, Zoologist 1854: 4169; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 189, 190; Not in BOU, 1971].

History J. Robson (1854) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XII. p. 4169, says: 'Buttermere, J. Rook.'

Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 177-178, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Latham, in his General History of Birds, refers to one example said to have been obtained in Cumberland many years ago, and this may, perhaps, be the example cited by Mr. J. Robson in his 'List of the Birds of West Cumberland' (Zool., p. 4169), as killed at Buttermere.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 189, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: '2). One. Cumberland. Zoologist, 1854, p. 4169. This "occurrence" is quite unworthy of credit, no date is given, and it is not said if the bird was obtained or merely seen.'

Comment Lacks adequate details. Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1866 Cornwall Near Penzance, seen, 4th February.

(Bullmore, 1867; Harting, 1872).

[Yarrell, 1871-85; Seebohm, 1883-85; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Not in BOU, 1971].

History Bullmore (1867: 27) says: 'On the 4th of February of this year a white heron was observed in company with two of the common species under the cliffs at Pennance [sic]. It remained on the coast several days, but was so shy and wary that it never suffered its pursuers to approach within gunshot. One morning, however, just at daylight, a friend of mine risked a shot, though at a long distance off; it was, unfortunately, unsuccessful, and the bird at once flew away, and has never since been heard of.'

Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'The Great White Heron', reported by Dr. Bullmore (Cornish Fauna, p. 27) as having been seen in company with two of the common species under the cliffs at Penzance, in February 1866, was in all probability a Spoonbill, a bird which, as above stated, has been met with in Cornwall on several occasions, and as already remarked (page 125), has been observed to consort with the Common Heron.'

Seebohm (1884 (2): 477) says: 'The latest record is that of an example which was said to have been seen near Penzance on the 4th of February, 1866. Very little reliance can be placed upon the accuracy of the identification, and the date is strong evidence against it.'

Comment In December 2009 there were at least two birds wintering in Great Britain; wintering birds should not be a bar. Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1870 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, two, obtained, undated.

(Stevenson, 1870).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Not in BOU, 1971].

History Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 410) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, under 'Appendix C' says: 'The following five species, I think, cannot be unreservedly admitted to the 'Birds of Norfolk.' I have, therefore, thought it best to refer to them in an appendix by themselves, stating, as fully as the evidence enables me, the claims in each individual case. - Mr. Stevenson was evidently of opinion that this species had some claim to be regarded as a Norfolk species, and has left the following note on the subject: - "Thurtell's bird probably doubtful, but I cannot help thinking that Miller's bird might be relied on, though Lubbock does not mention it. His friend Girdlestone's birds many of them came into Miller's hands". Under the circumstance I do not feel justified in rejecting the species. Professor Newton possesses a letter written from Yarmouth in 1831 by Dawson Turner to P. J. Selby, in which reference is made to this species as a Norfolk bird. (Trans. of the Norfolk and Norwich Nat. Soc., II. p. 413).'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 188, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'Two. Obtained at Yarmouth, fide Miller, Birds of Norfolk, Vol. II. p. 149. Very doubtful.' Further, p. 190, he adds: '13). No dates. Very doubtful.'

Comment Stephen Miller was found to be untrustworthy (A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 61-73). Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1870 Norfolk No locality, obtained, undated.

(Stevenson, 1870).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Not in BOU, 1971].

History J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 188, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'One. Obtained in Norfolk, Birds of Norfolk, Vol. II. p. 149. This specimen has the appearance of having been stuffed very many years, and its antecedents are very doubtful.' Further, p. 190, he adds: '13). No date. Very doubtful.'

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1870 Isles of Scilly Hedge Rock, Tean, shot, 26th December.

(Gould, 1862-73).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Penhallurick, 1969; Not in BOU, 1971].

Penhallurick (1969) says: 'One reported at Hedge Rock off St Martin's did prove to be a Spoonbill when shot on 26th December 1870.'

Comment: Misidentified. Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1871 Orkney Damsay, two, seen, undated.

(Gray, 1871).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188, 190; Not in BOU, 1971].

History Gray (1871: 277) says: 'This appears to be the only instance of the occurrence of this splendid bird on the mainland of Scotland; but I find, on referring to Mr. Dunn's copy of the Historia Naturalis Orcadensis, that one of the authors has stated, in manuscript, that two specimens were met with on the island of Damsay, in Orkney. No other particulars, however, are given.'

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1879 Dumfries & Galloway River Dee, Kirkcudbrightshire, seen, undated.

(Service, 1902).

[A. B. Duncan, Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History Society 1946-47: 49].

History A. B. Duncan (1947) in the Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History Society, p. 49, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Service writes: "Sir William Jardine mentions in 1842 the supposed occurrence on the Solway of the Great White Heron and I have been assured that one was seen in the Dee in 1879". The first record was in Cumberland and has been shown to be erroneous. (H. A. Macpherson, Zool., 1888, p. 33). And I see no reason for placing any more credence upon the second.'

0). Pre 1886 Leicestershire & Rutland Groby Pool, shot, undated.

(M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 197-198; Browne, 1889).

[J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 188].

History Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. pp. 197-198, says: 'A "white heron" is stated by Harley to have been shot some years ago at Groby Pool. He describes it as purely white, with black legs and a yellow bill, having also an elongated occipital crest like that of the grey species, of which he considered an albino. In this opinion, it appears, he was confirmed by MacGillivray. It appears to me that, disregarding the colour of the bill, it might have been - if not Ardea alba - a specimen of A. garzetta. Nothing is said as to size, and so the matter is veiled in mystery, unless indeed the actual specimen can be discovered.'

J. H. Gurney (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 188, in a further revision of an extra fifteen records to Harting (1872) says: 'At page 123 of The Vertebrates of Leicestershire and Rutland mention is made of a "White Heron", shot at Groby many years ago, which had black legs and a yellow bill, and elongated crest. Ardea cinereus never has black legs, which A. alba has, and on the other hand A. alba has no elongated crest. Mr. Harting's way out of the difficulty is that it was a Spoonbill (Zoologist, 1886, p. 197), which has a pale beak when not adult.

Whatever the bird was it was shot by a keeper named Chaplin, who is also credited with two Harlequin Ducks (!!) at the same pool (l. c. p.134). Verily a fortunate sportsman.'

Comment Probably misidentified. Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1901 Essex Lexden Park, Colchester, seen, June and July.

(Christy MS., 1902).

[Glegg, 1929].

History Glegg (1929: 159) placed the record of the Great White Egret in square brackets.

Comment Not admitted nationally (BOU 1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1935 Wiltshire Lindley Ponds, Tisbury, seen, 5th June, 31st July and 22nd August.

(J. Berry & C. R. Stonor, British Birds 29: 249-251).

[Eds., British Birds 30: 52-53; BOU, 1971; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007].

History J. Berry & C. R. Stonor (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. pp. 249-251, say: 'On July 31st, 1935, we had an excellent view of a Great White Heron (Egretta alba) at Lindley ponds, Tisbury, Wiltshire. When first seen the bird was standing at the edge of the water, but got up immediately we appeared in sight. It was then about forty yards or less away.

After circling round once or twice, and affording us an extremely good view of it against a background of trees, it made off, and finally disappeared among some trees half-a-mile or more away. From the first there was no question about its being a member of the Ardeidae; and as it was pure white in colour we were at once led to suspect that it might be E. alba. In size it appeared to be slightly, but quite definitely, larger than the Common Heron, even allowing for the fact that white birds always appear large. This impression was confirmed, as we saw a Common Heron almost at the same time.

Posteriorly, it had a distinctly truncated appearance; an effect which we are inclined to ascribe to the dorsal plumes, which, of course, reach beyond the tail in E. alba. We were unable to make certain of the colour of the legs and bill, but as far as we could see the former were dark, while the bill appeared to be light in colour.

In flight the wings seemed to be rather larger in proportion to the size of the bird than in the Common Heron, but this may have been due to the white colour. Inquiry at a local farm elucidated the fact that a similar bird had been seen on the ponds for two or three days previously, and at one spot where the bird was said to have been seen, there were tracks in the mud, which were obviously those of some kind of Heron. We have visited the locality on several subsequent occasions, but have not seen the bird again.

Careful inquiries among owners of aviaries have resulted in our being unable to hear of anyone who has lost a Great White Heron, and as this bird was extremely shy, we feel justified in assuming that it was a genuine wild bird.'

[The Rev. W. Keatinge Clay, of Teffont Rectory, Wilts., has informed us that he saw from an open window in the early morning of June 5th, a large white Heron on the bank of the river, about 30 yards from the house. The bird flew up and away. Mr. Clay was struck by its apparently entirely pure white plumage, and he remarks that although white birds normally look bigger than dark ones it was a much larger bird than the Common Heron, with which he is quite familiar. He does not, unfortunately, remember the colour of the bill and legs, though he fancies these were dark. Mr. W. G. Kemsley informed Dr. N. F. Ticehurst.

On returning from a holiday in Wiltshire, that on August 22nd he saw a bird, which he identified as a Great White Heron, at Tisbury. So that it would appear that the bird remained in the district for some time. We do not think that the shyness of the bird removes the possibility of its being an escape from captivity, but Mr. D. Seth-Smith informs us that he knows of no one who is likely to have this species in captivity, or at any rate, to allow one to escape. The size of the bird alone makes it impossible that it was one of the Cattle Egrets liberated at Whipsnade and subsequently reported from many parts of the country. - H.F.W.]

In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. pp. 52-53, under 'Great White Heron in Wiltshire', they say: 'In July, 1935, Dr. J. Berry and Mr. C. R. Stonor observed a large white Heron at Tisbury, Wiltshire, and came to the conclusion that it was an example of Egretta alba (Vol. XXIX. pp. 249-251).

Other observers also saw the bird, but no one was able to describe the colour of the bill and legs. In May, 1936, Mr. C. M. R. Pitman informed us that a white Heron which he considered to be an albinistic Ardea cinerea was still in the same place and as a result of careful observations he described the bill and legs as of a "dirty yellowish colour".

Dr. Berry informs us that he has seen a white Heron at this place on several occasions this year (February and March) and writes as follows: "This bird is almost entirely greyish-white. Seen in flight from any distance, unquestionably it might appear entirely white, especially in the brilliant sunshine in which we saw the bird which we took to be Egretta alba last summer.

In spite of the dictates of reason, however, I am not fully satisfied that this was the case. Were it so, I cannot understand how the duller plumage and darker markings of the semi-albino could have given us so strong an impression of brilliant and complete whiteness together with a rather truncated appearance in flight. Of course, the observation cannot now be considered as an authentic record of Egretta alba".'

Not accepted locally (Wiltshire Ornithological Society 2007: 252).

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1948 Sussex Pagham Harbour, seen, 24th October.

(G. des Forges, Sussex Bird Report 1948: 13).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963; BOU, 1971].

History G. des Forges (1948) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 13, says: 'J. S. S. Beesley had a good view of one in flight at Pagham Harbour on 24th October that carried on in an easterly direction.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1951 Dorset Ridge, near Wareham, 5th August.

(A. J. Bull, British Birds 45: 292; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

[Boys, 1973; D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers, British Birds 99: 463].

History A. J. Bull (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 292, says: 'On August 5th, 1951, when near Ridge, Wareham, Dorset, my attention was drawn to a very large white heron-like bird at some distance - perhaps a mile - away. In full sun it was brilliantly white, but it disappeared at once into a dyke. Later it was seen flying directly towards me. The flight seemed not quite typical of the Common Heron, but more gull-like, the wings not being brought down so far on the downstroke and not so drooped. The bird came to within 50 yards before turning aside.

The impression of its size, as I noted at the time, was that it was as large as a Common Heron, or up to a quarter larger. The head, neck and breast were well seen. There was no noticeable mane or crest and there was certainly no trace of colour, though the light had now deteriorated very badly, with heavy clouds and drizzle, and in this light, at close quarters, the bird looked off-white. The bill was well seen and was yellow. It turned aside and I had a good view of the back and wings. There was just a shade of difference between the tone of the primaries and that of the rest of the wing - only as much as could be caused by the different incidence of the light - the primaries appearing a shade darker than the rest, like the two whites in the advertisement of a popular washing powder.

The bird disappeared behind a wharf and I failed to find it again. I have no note on leg-colour unfortunately. The possibility that the bird was an albino Common Heron seems to be excluded by the fact that I did not see a pink eye, which so complete an albino would be likely to have, though I had an excellent view of the head and looked carefully at it; furthermore the difference in size and especially the difference in manner and appearance in flight point to its having been a different species, the Great White Heron.' Accepted locally by Prendergast & Boys (1983).

D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers (2006) in British Birds, Vol. XCIX. p. 463, in a review of certain rarities during the period 1950-57, found this record to be unacceptable.

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor

Great Egret

Ardea alba Linnaeus, 1758 (8, 1)

Squacco Heron

Western Cattle Egret