Great Snipe (2/4)
Gallinago media (Latham, 1787) (352, 16)
RECORDS (cont.)
247). 1900 Norfolk Near Great Yarmouth, shot, 8th September.
(A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1901: 101; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1901: 134; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1901: 159; A. H. Patterson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 182; Allard, 1990).
History A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 101, says: 'I saw one there [market] September, 1900.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 134, says: 'September 8th. Solitary Snipe in Yarmouth market (Patterson).'
A. H. Patterson (1901) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 182, says: 'I purchased from Durrant a Great Snipe on September 8th. It was unusually dark in colour, and more than usually light in weight.'
Arthur Patterson of Ibis House, Great Yarmouth (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 159, says: 'Mr. Bradshaw's notes upon the weights of birds (ante, pp. 111, 112) are very interesting. I have from time to time made note of birds more than usually heavy; some of these are as follows:- Very poor example in Sept. 1900, 5 oz.'
248). 1900 Upper Forth Denny Hills, Stirlingshire, seen, 15th September.
(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1900: 247; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).
History J. A. Harvie-Brown (1900) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. IX. p. 247, says: 'On the 15th of this month (September), when driving grouse on the Denny Hills, a Great Snipe (Scolopax major) flew past, but scarcely within range. The large size and the Woodcock-like flight made it easily recognisable. This is the second time I have seen the Great Snipe upon this same ground; but the previous observation I did not record, because I was not perfectly certain of its identity. It was too far off from me to make me feel sure of it.'
Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'One was seen in the Denny Hills on 15th September 1900 by Dr. Harvie Brown, who thought he had seen a Great Snipe on the same ground in the previous year.'
249). 1901 Yorkshire Cherry Cobb Sands, killed, 23rd August.
(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
History Nelson (1907 (2): 601) says: 'Instances are reported of individuals being killed on...23rd August 1901, at Cherry Cobb Sands, near Spurn.'
250). 1901 Cleveland/Co. Durham/Yorkshire Teesmouth, Durham, shot, 1st September.
(C. E. Milburn, Proceedings of the Cleveland Naturalists' Field Club 1: 216; Stead, 1964).
History C. E. Milburn (1903) in the Proceedings of Cleveland Naturalists' Field Club, Vol. I. p. 216, says: '1901. I recognised a bird of this species in the window of M. Chambers, Marton Road, and could get no better information on enquiry than that the bird had been shot on September 1st, or thereabouts, somewhere near the river mouth.'
251). 1901 Lincolnshire North Cotes, shot, 6th September.
(G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 1902: 130).
History G. H. Caton Haigh (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 130, says: 'On Sept. 6th I shot a Great Snipe from a small patch of potatoes near the sea-bank at North Cotes. When first flushed it only flew about ten yards, and dropped in the same potato-patch.'
252). 1901 Cheshire & Wirral Brereton Park, killed, 7th September, now at Grosvenor Museum, Chester.
(Coward, 1910; Hedley Bell, 1962).
History Coward (1910: 393) says: 'A Great Snipe in the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, killed in Brereton Park on September 7th, 1901, was examined and its identity confirmed by the late Howard Saunders (Chester Society of Nat. Science, etc., Report 31, pp. 10, 19).'
253). 1901 Norfolk Blakeney, shot, 12th September.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1902: 92; Pashley, 1925).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 92, says: 'September 12th. A Solitary Snipe shot on Blakeney sand-hills by Mr. T. E. Gunn. I do not know if there is any significance in the fact that I saw some in Copenhagen on the same day at a poulterer's.'
Pashley (1925) says: '1901. September 12th. A Solitary Snipe, the finest specimen I have seen.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: September 12th, 1901.'
254). 1901 Clyde Upper Pollock Estate, Renfrewshire, shot, 17th September.
(W. J. Marshall, Field 28th Sept., 1901: 534; T. G. Laidlaw, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 194; J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 271; McWilliam, 1936).
History Walter J. Marshall (1901) in The Field of 28th Sep., Vol. XCVIII. p. 534, says: 'A specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe was shot by me on Sept. 17 on the estate of Pollock Castle, in the county of Renfrew. It was a bird of this year, and three hours after it was shot it weighed 7oz. I should be glad to know if you have any note of its occurrence in this part of the country before?'
[In Scotland this bird is regarded as a rare autumnal visitant, but several instances of its occurrence have been reported, both in the eastern and western counties. - Ed.]
T. G. Laidlaw (1902) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XI. p. 194, in the annual report, says: 'Clyde. - Sept. 17, one shot, Pollok Castle (Field, Sept. 1901, p. 534).'
J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 271, under 'The Birds of Renfrewshire', say: 'Six examples of the Great Snipe have been obtained in the county: one on Upper Pollock Estate in 1901.'
255). 1901 Shropshire Near Minsterley, shot, 23rd September.
(Forrest, 1908; Smith et al., 2019).
History H. E. Forrest (1908 (1): 180) in the Victoria County History of Shropshire, says: 'One was shot by Mr. Salter near Minsterley 23 September 1901.'
256). 1901 Orkney Stronsay, two, shot, 25th September.
(R. B. Bell, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 54; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 229; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Robert B. Bell of Edinburgh (1902) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XI. p. 54, says: 'While shooting with two friends, during the month of September, in the Island of Stronsay, Orkney, we flushed from a small patch of clover grass a Great Snipe (Gallinago major), which we were fortunate enough to secure. The bird rose within five yards of us and flew slowly, thus presenting an easy shot. The weight of this specimen was a fraction over seven ounces. About an hour later on the same day another Great Snipe rose to us from a clump of reeds, and, although shot, fell in a fresh-water loch about sixty yards from the shore, and was irrecoverable, there being no boat on the loch, and the bottom of the most treacherous description possible. The date on which these birds were shot was 25th September. A considerable number of Jack Snipe appeared just at this time.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 229, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
258). 1901 Norfolk Northwold, shot, 11th October.
(C. P. Cunliffe, Field 26th Oct., 1901: 683; Pashley, 1925).
History C. P. Cunliffe (1901) in The Field of 26th Oct., Vol. XCVIII. p. 683, says: 'When shooting at Northwold, Norfolk, on Friday, Oct. 11, I killed a Solitary Snipe, which rose off a stubble. It weighed 7oz.'
259). 1901 Hampshire Near Ringwood, immature, killed, 12th October.
(G. B. Corbin, Zoologist 1901: 438; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993; Clark & Combridge, 2009; Clark 2022).
History G. B. Corbin of Ringwood (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 438, says: 'On Oct. 12th a specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major) was shot in this neighbourhood, but, having been killed with "duck-shot," it was very much mutilated, part of the tail having been carried away, and the dark barred under parts of the body were very torn. It weighed exactly 8 oz., and under the broken skin appeared to be a mass of oily fat. The whole plumage was much darker than the Common Snipe, the length of the beaks being about equal; but in the larger species the legs were of a greener hue, and much more robust, and from the toes to the first joint measured three-eighths of an inch more than in the commoner bird. The outer tail-feathers were not wholly white, but had indications of dark bars across their entire width, an indication, as described, of immaturity.'
Accepted locally (Kelsall & Munn 1905: 302) but not one of the three acceptable records for Hampshire (Clark & Eyre 1993). However, Clark & Combridge (2009) and Clark (2022) considers it the first record for Hampshire.
260). 1901 Northumberland Near Berwick, 20th October.
(Bolam, 1912).
History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was [seen ?] on "meadows" north of Berwick on 20th October, 1901.
261). 1901 Northumberland Beanley, October.
(Bolam, 1912).
History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was [seen/shot ?] at Beanley, about same time [October].
262). 1901 Northumberland Newton-by-the-Sea, two, October.
(Bolam, 1912).
History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. These two were [seen/shot ?] at Newton-by-the-Sea, about same time [October].
264). 1901 Dumfries & Galloway Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, shot, 6th November.
(Eds., Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 54; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 229; Gladstone, 1910, 1923).
History In an Editorial (1902) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XI. p. 54, they say: 'A Great Snipe was shot near Castle Douglas during the past autumn; a Common Snipe and a Jack Snipe being also shot the same day, but the date is not mentioned.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 229, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Gladstone (1910: 387-388) says: 'Mr. W. J. Laidlaw writes me: "I shot a large snipe near the lake at Eliock which I took to the late Mr. Veitch as I thought it an extra large one. He told me it was called the large snipe; and it had sixteen tail-feathers, and a shorter bill than the Common Snipe. The bird was plucked, cooked and eaten.' I subsequently learned that this specimen was shot below Craigdarroch Farm (Sanquhar) on November 6th, 1901. This is the only record of the occurrence of the Great Snipe in Dumfriesshire, which is at all satisfactory; doubtless from its similarity to the Common Snipe the bird may have sometimes passed unnoticed, but our three species of snipe can be readily distinguished by the number of their tail-feathers, which in the Great are sixteen, in the Common fourteen, and in the Jack Snipe twelve.'
Comment Presumed all articles relate to this record.
265). 1903 Norfolk Horning, shot, 25th August.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 209).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 209, says: 'August 25. A Solitary Snipe killed at Horning by Mr. Barclay.'
266). 1903 Norfolk Near Scole, shot, late August.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 209).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 209, says: 'August 25th....another shot later near Scole (Southwell).'
267). 1903 Yorkshire Near Beverley, seen, mid-September.
(F. Boyes, Field 10th Oct., 1903: 635).
History F. Boyes of Beverley (1903) in The Field of 10th Oct., Vol. CII. p. 635, says: '...I have not the slightest doubt I saw one myself a fortnight before [30th September]; my setter dog set it, and it did not rise until put up, and then skimmed along the tops of the wurzels. It was not shot at.'
268). 1903 Norfolk Near Great Yarmouth, shot, 18th September.
(A. Patterson, Field 24th Oct., 1903: 722).
History Arthur Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1903) in The Field of 24th Oct., Vol. CII. p. 722, says: 'Mr. Lowne, our local taxidermist, records the following: Great Snipe, Sept. 18.'
269). 1903 Devon/Somerset Warren, Exmoor, shot, 22nd September.
(H. H. G. Clark, Field 17th Oct., 1903: 676; Ballance, 2006).
History H. H. G. Clark of Mickleham (1903) in The Field of 17th Oct., Vol. CII. p. 676, says: 'On Sept. 22 my setter found a snipe on the Warren, Exmoor, which flew heavily, like a landrail. On being shot it proved to be a Solitary or Great Snipe, and weighed 7 oz.'
Ballance (2006: 172) says: 'Warren Ridge, 22nd Sept., 1903; Turner, observed that it was shot in an exceptionally dry area of Exmoor Forest.'
Comment Ballance has changed the locality to Warren Ridge when I personally think that the original article was just referring to a "Warren" on Exmoor. Unsure if it is both counties – need to see OS map. Warren Ridge is at SS789416, Warren Bridge SS790407, Warren Point SS988466 and Warren (Farm) is at SS785407.
270). 1903 Argyll Otter, Loch Fyne, shot, October.
(Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 7: 204; T. G. Laidlaw, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1904: 215; McWilliam, 1936).
History T. G. Laidlaw (1904) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIII. p. 211, in the annual report for 1903, says: 'Clyde - Loch Fyne, Oct. end of, one shot near Otter.'
McWilliam (1936) says: 'This specimen from Otter, Loch Fyne, was exhibited to the Glasgow Natural History Society on 22nd December 1903 (Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow N.S., 7: 204).
271). 1904 Dumfries & Galloway Near The Brae, Lochrutton, Kirkcudbrightshire, shot, 28th September.
(C. Hinton, Field 8th Oct., 1904: 654; J. Patterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 212; Gladstone, 1910, 1923).
History C. Hinton of The Braes, Dumfries (1904) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. CIV. p. 654, says: 'A few days ago (Sept. 28) I shot what I was told is a "Great Snipe". I sent it to Mr. Robert Service, Maxwelltown, Dumfries, who kindly wrote me as follows: "The bird is a fine (probable) male of the Great Snipe (Gallinago major), of which perhaps not more than a dozen properly authenticated individuals have been obtained in all Scotland, although it is not quite so rare in the eastern counties of England. It is the second specimen known to have been got in Dumfries and Galloway, the first which I had also the pleasure of authenticating, having been got near Crocketford some years ago". Can you tell me if this snipe is often found in England? I followed my spaniel for nearly 200 yards, thinking she was on a partridge, when up got the snipe; its flight was very slow and very low, so much so that I did not know what I had shot.'
[The Great or Solitary Snipe visits this country regular every autumn from Scandinavia, and always earlier than the Common Snipe. As a rule it affects drier situations, and has been found on wheat and bean stubbles, in clover and potato fields. - Ed.]
Gladstone (1910: 388-389) says: 'It only remains to point out that a specimen of the Great Snipe shot by Mr. C. Hinton on September 28th, 1904, and previously recorded as from Dumfriesshire, was obtained near The Brae, Lochrutton, Kirkcudbrightshire. This specimen, which is believed to be a male, is now (thanks to the generosity of Mr. Hinton) in my collection.'
272). 1904 Outer Hebrides Flannan Isles, seen, 3rd October.
(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 82; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 212).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke, (1905) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIV. p. 82, says: 'Mr. Begg, who is quite familiar with both the Common and Jack Snipes, tells me that he got quite close to a bird of this species on the 3rd of October, 1904.'
John Paterson of Glasgow (1905) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIV. p. 212, in the annual report for 1904, says: 'The Flannans, 3rd October (l. c., p. 82).'
273). 1904 Hampshire Stockbridge, shot, 4th October.
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993; Clark, 2022).
History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 302) say: 'Dr. Loveless shot one at Stockbridge on October 4th, 1904.'
274). 1904 Caithness Stirkoke, shot, 8th October.
(H. W. B. Scholfield, Field 8th Oct., 1904: 654; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 212).
History H. W. B. Scholfield of Thuster Lodge, Stirkoke, Wick (1904) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. CIV. p. 654, says: 'I flushed and killed a Solitary Snipe on Sept. 28 in the Stirkoke shooting, but though quite plump, it only weighed 6¼ oz. It is the third that has been killed here during some years.'
John Paterson of Glasgow (1905) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIV. p. 212, in the annual report for 1904, says: 'Stirkoke (Caithness), 8th October (from Field, 1904, p. 654).'
275). 1905 Shropshire Brades Farm, near Whitchurch, immature, shot, 2nd September, now at Ludlow Museum (Acc. N. (Z00156).
(H. E. Forrest, Field 9th Sep., 1905: 475; Smith et al., 2019).
History H. E. Forrest of Shrewsbury (1905) in The Field of 9th Sep., Vol. CVI. p. 475, says: 'On Sept. 2 an example of the Great or Solitary Snipe was shot on a clover ley at Prees, near Whitchurch, Salop. It weighed 6½ oz. when fresh, but when I saw it in the flesh two days later it scaled just over 6 oz. It is in immature plumage and had not begun to moult.'
[The weight of the Solitary Snipe above mentioned is only moderate for that species, which often weighs from 2 oz. to 3 oz. more. But then, it was a young bird. - Ed.]
Smith et al. (2019) state that the specimen was shot at Brades Farm, near Whitchurch where it passed to the Whitchuch Museum and then to the Ludlow Museum (Z00156).
276). 1905 North-east Scotland Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, shot, 5th September.
(G. Sim, Zoologist 1905: 466; G. Sim, Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society 1: 174; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 200; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 229).
History George Sim of Aberdeen (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 466, and in the Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society, Vol. I. p. 174, says: 'A specimen of the Great Snipe was shot near the mouth of the River Ythan, Sept. 5th. It was so much injured by the shot that the sex could not be determined.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 229, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Admitted by J. Paterson (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XV. p. 200, in the annual report for 1905.
277). 1905 Orkney Stronsay, two, seen, one shot, 12th September.
(R. B. Bell, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 54; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 229; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Robert B. Bell of Stronsay (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XV. p. 54, says: 'On 12th September I shot a Great Snipe (Gallinago major) here and saw another the same day. In both cases the birds rose from rough grass near a loch and marsh, and their flight was heavy and sluggish.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 229, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
279). 1905 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, 25th September.
(Pashley, 1925).
History Pashley (1925) says: '1905. September 25th....on the following days many birds were taken...one Great Snipe.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: September 25th, 1905.'
280). 1905 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, 27th September.
(Pashley, 1925).
History Pashley (1925) says: '1905. September 27th. One Great Snipe (Mr. Monement).' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: September 27th, 1905.'
281). 1905 Norfolk Ringstead, adult, shot, 27th September.
("E.G.R." Field 7th Oct., 1905: 655; J. Hardy, Field 14th Oct., 1905: 697; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1906: 134).
History "E.G.R." (1905) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. CVI. p. 655, says: 'A fine adult specimen of the Great, or Solitary, Snipe was shot last week at Snettisham. It weighed 6 oz., was 11¼ in. in length, wing 6 in., and expanse of wings 19 in. This is a rare bird in West Norfolk, only one or two having been noticed during the last twenty years.'
James Hardy, Head Keeper at Hunstanton Park (1905) in The Field of 14th Oct., Vol. CVI. p. 697, says: 'I see that a Great or Solitary Snipe was shot near Snettisham. On Sept. 27 Sir Edward Green's party at Ringstead shot one, and it was taken to Snettisham to be preserved. Would this be the bird named in The Field? [Probably the same bird. - Ed.]
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 134, says: 'September 26th. A good deal of migration reported as a result of yesterday's rain and easterly gale (force 6 at Yarmouth), viz. Solitary Snipe at Ringstead.'
282). 1905 Hampshire Near Newton Stacey, shot, September.
(P. W. Munn, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 9: 1; Cohen, 1963; Clark, 2022).
History Cohen (1963) states that one was shot in September 1905 near Newtown Stacey (Munn, Hants. Field Club 9: 1).
283). 1905 Pembrokeshire No locality, shot, 6th October.
(A. R. Brooke, Field 14th Oct., 1905: 697).
History A. R. Brooke of Leeds (1905) in The Field of 14th Oct., Vol. CVI. p. 697, says: 'Major Glascott, when shooting with me in Pembrokeshire on the 6th inst., killed a fine specimen of the Solitary or Double Snipe. I believe this bird has now become very uncommon both in England and Ireland. Shooting in co. Kerry I only came across one in twelve seasons.'
284). 1906 Suffolk Thorpe Fen, Aldringham-cum-Thorpe, shot, 19th September.
(Piotrowski, 2003).
History Piotrowski (2003) lists this record without further information.
285). 1906 Norfolk Briston, shot, 22nd September.
(A. W. Blyth, Field 6th Oct., 1906: 580; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 135).
History Arthur W. Blyth (1906) in The Field of 6th Oct., Vol. CVIII. p. 580, says: 'On Sept. 22 I shot a Solitary Snipe on the Briston beat at Melton Constable whilst Partridge driving; it rose off a dry grass field covered with thistles.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 135, says: 'September 22nd. Solitary Snipe at Briston (Lowne).
286). 1906 Sussex Arundel, obtained, September.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 229) says: '1906, September. - Arundel gave us a specimen - Mr. J. B. Nichols was my informant.'
287). 1906 Suffolk Thorpe Fen, Aldringham-cum-Thorpe, shot, 1st October.
(Piotrowski, 2003).
History Piotrowski (2003) lists this record without further information.
288). Pre 1907 Caernarfonshire Near Betws-y-coed, shot, undated.
(Forrest, 1907; Jones & Dare, 1976; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; Barnes, 1997).
History Forrest (1907: 344) says: 'Caernarvon. Local specimen in possession of Mr. A. Foster, Bettws-y-coed, where I have examined it; he reports one or two others have been shot.'
289). 1909 Sussex Patcham windmill, female, shot, 18th September, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 204065).
(Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 229) says: '1909, September 18th. - An example, now in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton, was procured at Patcham.'
290). 1909 Fair Isle No locality, obtained, 25th September, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1910.71.5).
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 136, 208; Eds., British Birds 4: 290; Clarke, 1912; Bedford, 1937; Pennington et al., 2004; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 136 and p. 208, under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology, 1909', who say: 'A Great Snipe (Gallinago major) was procured on Fair Isle in September.' In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 290, they say: 'One at Fair Isle in September.'
Clarke (1912 (2): 169) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Great Snipe - One 25th September 1909.' Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1937: 8-9) says: 'On Friday, the 24th, [September 1909], I landed on Fair Isle...After breakfast I clean my boots, chop firewood, and perform sundry other duties before my morning's bird-watching....but the Great Snipe has been shot and shown to me just after by Mr. Eagle Clarke and his two boy collectors during my visit.'
Pennington et al. (2004) state that this record has not got a description or that the specimen is extant; there is only one record which can be considered proven up until 1958, a female shot on 20th September 1923. However, it is accepted nationally (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
291). 1909 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, 2nd October.
(Pashley, 1925).
History Pashley (1925) in his 'List of Cley Birds' chapter, says: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: October 2nd, 1909.'
292). 1910 Outer Hebrides St Kilda, obtained, 6th September.
(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 140-141; Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 152; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
History Admitted by L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. pp. 140-141, under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1910', who say: 'A Great Snipe from the same station [Fair Isle] in spring.'
Clarke (1912 (2): 232) under 'The Birds of St Kilda', says: 'Great Snipe - This was another of the interesting visitors which came under observation on 6th September 1910. In beating the crofts on that day, one was flushed from some rough grass, and alighted among a patch of standing oats. The occurrence of this species at St Kilda is of special interest, as the bird does not appear to have been hitherto observed in any of the Outer Hebrides islands.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 152, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - St. Kilda: One September 6th, 1910, apparently first record for Outer Hebrides.'
293). 1911 Clyde Near High Dam, Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, shot, 23rd August.
(Glasgow Naturalist 4: 18; Eds., British Birds 5: 231; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 285; J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 271; McWilliam, 1936).
History In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. V. pp. 230, 231, says: 'Mr. J. Robertson contributes some very interesting notes to the Glasgow Naturalist (Vol. IV. pp. 7-10) on waders observed in the autumn of 1911 at Balgray Dam, an inland water in East Renfrew. A shortage of water caused much of the bottom of the Dam to be exposed, and thus an attractive feeding-ground for passing Waders was formed, and an exceptional number appeared to have visited it. Mr. Robertson thinks that these birds were crossing from the Forth to the Clyde. Among the birds seen, the following are worthy of special notice: - Great Snipe (G. major). - One was shot near High Dam, Eaglesham, on August 23rd, 1911 (p. 18). Although annual in England, the Great Snipe is only rarely recorded from Scotland.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 285, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'Single birds were shot at High Dam, Eaglesham, August 23rd.'
J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 271, under 'The Birds of Renfrewshire', say: 'Six examples of the Great Snipe have been obtained in the county: one on Eaglesham Estate in each of the years 1911.'
294). 1911 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, 6th September.
(Pashley, 1925).
History Pashley (1925) says: '1911. September 6th. A Great Snipe.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: September 6th, 1911.'
Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.
295). 1911 Yorkshire Arkingarthdale, shot, 16th September.
(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 285).
History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 285, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'Single birds were shot at...Argingarth-dale [sic] (Yorkshire), September 16th.'
296). 1911 Cumbria Near Shap, Westmoreland, shot, 23rd September.
(W. H. M. Peterkin, Field 30th Sep., 1911: 775; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 285; E. B. Dunlop, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 3: 21-22).
History W. H. M. Peterkin of Adderley Edge (1911) in The Field of 30th Sep., Vol. CXVIII. p. 775, says: 'While shooting near Shap, in Westmoreland, on Sept. 23 I killed a fine specimen of this snipe. It was a bird of the year and weighed 6⅛ oz. The keeper informed me there had been a nest of what he called "these bigsnipe" in the next field to where I shot this one, but I very much doubt it, as there were several of the common snipe about.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 285, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'Single birds were shot at...Shap (Westmoreland), September 23rd.'
Eric B. Dunlop (1923) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. III. p. 21-22, says: 'In the Autumn of 1911 a Great Snipe was recorded in The Field, from Shap, by Mr. W. H. M. Peterkin. On my writing to him, he replied: "There is not the slightest doubt the bird which I shot is the Great Snipe. I have been interested in bird-life for many years, and several of my naturalist friends have seen the bird and confirm my opinion. It was shot in a heather-field, about four miles from Shap, and weighed, the day after 6.18 ozs. This, I understand, is rather a small weight for this bird. I have had the bird set up, and is now in my possession. The tail feathers are 16 in number, and it is considerably more mottled on the breast and underparts than the Common Snipe".'
297). 1911 Denbighshire Near Holt, shot, 23rd September.
(G. C. Heasman, Field 30th Sep., 1911: 775; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 285; Forrest, 1919; A. Newstead, North Western Naturalist 15: 162; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
History Graham C. Heasman of Wrexham (1911) in The Field of 30th Sep., Vol. CXVIII. p. 775, says: 'When shooting on Sept. 23 with a friend at Holt, in Denbighshire, I killed what I think must be a Great or Solitary Snipe. Its weight was just over 7½ oz., and it was very fat. I could see no difference in the colouring on the back to a full snipe, but the breast was quite different, for instead of being white it was a dull grey, with a brown tip to each feather, extending even to the feathers on the thighs.' [From the description and the weight we have no doubt that the bird was a Solitary of Great Snipe (Gallinago major). - Ed.]
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 285, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'Single birds were shot at...Holt (Denbigh) September 23rd.'
Forrest (1919) says: 'Mr. Graham C. Heasman writes in the same journal that one weighing 7½ ozs., was shot at Holt, Flintshire, 3rd September, 1911.'
A. Newstead (1940) in the North Western Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 162, adds: 'Shot on the Dee Meadows (Welsh side, Denbighshire), 1911. Weight 7 oz. Tail only preserved. The late Mr. T. A. Acton.'
298). 1911 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, 27th September.
(Pashley, 1925).
History Pashley (1925) says: '1911. September 27th. A Great Snipe.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: September 27th, 1911.'
Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.
299). 1912 Dumfries & Galloway Kirkcowan, Wigtownshire, September.
(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 281; Mearns & Rollie, 2016).
History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 281, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Single birds at Kirkcowan (Wigtown), September.'
Mearns & Rollie (2016) state that in their book covering Jack Gordon's MS., under Great Snipe in his notebook it contains the following: 1 shot on the farm of May, Drumwalt (Mochrum).
300). 1912 Lothian Near Tyninghame, seen, 26th October.
("Scotus" Field 112: 1015; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 281; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Andrews, 1986).
History "Scotus" (1912) in The Field, Vol. CXII. p. 1015, says 'On Oct. 26 I happened to pass a small pond close to the sea and came upon what appeared to be a very large snipe sheltering under the bank from the keen sea breeze. Not seeing me the bird sat within ten yards and I recognized the bird beyond doubt as the Great or Solitary Snipe.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 281, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says 'Single birds at...Tynninghame (E. Lothian), October 26th.'
301). 1913 Norfolk Inland locality, three: one, obtained, 3rd September, two more a few days later.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1914: 177).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1914) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVIII. pp. 176-177, says: 'September 3rd. E.N.E., 2....while inland a Solitary Snipe was shot (T. E. Gunn), and a few days afterwards Mr. Gunn had two more.'
304). 1915 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 1st October.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1916: 262).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 262, says: 'October 1st. N.N.W., 4. A Solitary Snipe flushed by the Hickling keeper.'
305). 1915 Moray & Nairn Spynie Marshes, near Elgin, Moray, shot, 20th October.
(W. Ogg, Scottish Naturalist 35: 357; Eds., British Birds 9: 276; Cook, 1992).
History Wm. Ogg of Elgin (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 357, says: 'An example of this species was shot by Mr. Robert Bell, head keeper at Gordonstoun, on the part of the Spynie marshes belonging to Sir W. G. Cumming. Strange to say, the Snipe had not shifted more than fifty yards from the place where I flushed it. Mr. Bell thinks it had just taken a short flight and settled there, loitering about for the six days between the visits.'
In an Editorial (1916) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 276, they say: 'Mr. W. Ogg records (Scot. Nat. 1915, p. 357) that an example of Gallinago media was shot on the Spynie marshes, but no date is given.'
Cook (1992) states the date as 20th October listing the reference as Catalogue of British Birds in the Elgin Museum.
306). 1917 Lancashire & North Merseyside St Michaels-on-Wyre, Fylde, adult, shot, 22nd September.
(H. W. Robinson, Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee Report 1918: 333; Oakes, 1953).
History H. W. Robinson (1918) in the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee 4th Report, p. 333, says: 'Mr. H. P. Hornby writes that a Solitary Snipe was shot at St Michaels-on-Wyre on September 22nd, and that it weighed 7.75 ozs. as compared with the 8ozs. of the one he shot in 1883, and the 6ozs. of one shot in 1873. From his description of the plumage it was an adult, the others being immature.'
Oakes (1953: 272) adds: 'H. P. Hornby shot the specimen in the Fylde for the St Michael's Museum. This one being an adult.'
307). 1919 Clyde Allershaw, Elvanfoot, Lanarkshire, shot, 10th September.
(J. Wormald, Field 11th Oct., 1919: 490; Eds., Scottish Naturalist 40: 31; L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 40:102; W. H. St. Quintin, Naturalist 46: 77; Eds., British Birds 13: 198).
History J. Wormald of Foston Hall, York (1919) in The Field of 11th Oct., Vol. CXXXIV. p. 490, says: 'Seeing the letter of Mr. Crum Ewing in your issue of Sept. 27, I think I ought to report the killing of a Great or Solitary Snipe at Allershaw, Elranfoot [sic], Lanarkshire, on Sept. 10. It was a very fat bird, and weighed the day after it was shot 7 oz. I sent it for identification to Mr. Hugh Wormald, of Heathfield, East Dereham, who confirmed my opinion that it was a Solitary Snipe. As regards this species I may state my father shot one at Freswick in 1876 or 1877.'
In an Editorial (1920) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XL. pp. 30-31, from The Field of 11th Oct., p. 490, they say: 'In this paper for 11th October, p. 490, a Great Snipe is recorded as having been shot at Albershaw, Elvanfoot, Lanarkshire, on the 10th of September.'
L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1920) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XL. p. 102, accept this record in the annual report for 1919. In an Editorial (1919) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 198, they say: 'Mr. J. Wormald reports the occurrence of a bird of the same species at Allershaw, Elvanfoot, Lanarkshire, on September 10th. This bird was identified by Mr. Hugh Wormald (t. c. p. 490).'
W. H. St. Quintin of Scampston (1920) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 77, says: '...Mr. J. Wormald, of Foston Hall, York, saw another specimen shot in Lanarkshire, N.B., within a few days of the above date. This bird was examined, and identified by a cousin of his, a well-known sportsman and field naturalist.'
308). 1920 Sussex Near Roedean, 26th September.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 229) says: '1920, September 26. - I myself met with a media in a stubble-field near Roedean. It was flushed several times always at close range, and it never flew more than about fifty yards, very sluggishly on each occasion.'
309). 1920 Northumberland Holy Island, male, shot, 10th to 12th October.
(W. G. Watson, British Birds 15: 239; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History W. G. Watson (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 239, says: 'Male shot on October 12th, 1920. My thanks are due to Dr. W. Eagle Clarke for kindly identifying those birds about which I had any difficulty.'
310). 1921 Ayrshire Muirkirk, male, shot, 8th September.
(A. Fairburn, Scottish Naturalist 41: 185; Eds., British Birds 15: 297; L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 42: 73; Paton & Pike, 1929; Hogg, 1983).
History Arch. Fairburn of Muirkirk (1921) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLI. p. 185, says: 'It is desirable to put on record the occurrence of a male specimen, in fine plumage, of the Great or Solitary Snipe, shot here on 8th September of this year by Mr. David Shaw Kennedy. The bird rose on old pasture land much frequented by Common Snipe on the farm of Lower Hall, Parish of Muirkirk, and its weight taken by myself was 8¼ oz. This is the first record of a Solitary Snipe in my experience of over thirty continuous seasons of snipe shooting here. The specimen is mounted for my collection.' [The specimen, which we have seen, belongs to the pale grey phase of plumage, distinguished by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant from the rufous phase which is perhaps more usual. - Eds.]
In an Editorial (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 297, they say: 'Mr. A. Fairbairn states (Scot. Nat., 1921, p. 185) that a male Gallinago media was shot on September 8th, 1921, at Muirkirk.'
Admitted by L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 73, in the annual report.
Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) say: 'Fairbairn, of Muirkirk, has the following note in The Scottish Naturalist 1921: 185: "A male specimen of the Great Snipe was shot here on 8th September 1921, by Mr. David Shaw Kennedy. The bird rose on old pasture-land much frequented by Common Snipe on the farm of Lower Hall, parish of Muirkirk, and its weight, taken by myself, was 8½ oz. This is the first record of a Great Snipe in my experience of over thirty continuous seasons of Snipe-shooting here. The specimen is being mounted for my collection [now in the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock]".'
McWilliam (1936) says: 'Shot by David Shaw Kennedy and the editors of the Scottish Naturalist noted this bird was of the pale grey phase of plumage distinguished by W. R. Ogilvie-Grant from the rufous phase which is perhaps more usual.'
311). 1921 Dumfries & Galloway Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, 7th November.
(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 42: 73).
History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 73, in the annual report, say: 'Great Snipe at Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, on 7th November.'
312). 1922 Caithness Mid Clyth, shot, 9th September.
(C. G. Talbot-Ponsonby, Field 7th Oct., 1922: 539; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 43: 69; Eds., British Birds 16: 256).
History C. G. Talbot-Ponsonby of Bruan Lodge, Mid-Clyth (1922) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. CXL. p. 539, says: 'On Sept. 9 I shot a Great or Solitary Snipe. It was a young bird of the year, and rose from a wet place at the edge of a grass field. I know that this bird occurs occasionally in this county, but it may be of sufficiently rare occurrence to record.'
[One shot in Caithness was reported in The Field of Sept. 27, 1919. - Ed.]
In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 256, they say: 'Great Snipe (Gallinago media) are reported to have been shot at Mid-Clyth, Caithness, on September 9th, 1922, by Mr. C. G. Talbot-Ponsonby (Field, 7/x/1922, p. 539).'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1923) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIII. p. 68, in the annual report.
313). 1922 Norfolk Knapton, near North Walsham, shot, 30th September.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 16: 237).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 237, in the Norfolk Annual Report, says: 'Mr. Gunn received one from Knapton, near North Walsham, on September 30th.'
314). 1922 Dumfries & Galloway River Dee, near Crossmichael, Kirkcudbrightshire, female, shot, 11th October, now at National Museums of Scotland.
(W. M. Russell, Scottish Naturalist 42: 174; Eds., British Birds 16: 256; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 43: 69).
History W. M. Russell of Castle Douglas (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 174, says: 'On 11th October I was going to the duck flight about 5.30 p.m. on a small shoot which I rent from the Culgruff Estate. About fifty yards from the River Dee, on the Crossmichael side, in a small bog with a lot of rushes, where Snipe are generally to be found, I shot a Common Snipe which my dog retrieved, and had only proceeded about ten yards when a bird with a soft floppy sort of flight rose within four yards of me from some rushes. I could not afford to let it out far as the light was very bad and took it about fifteen yards out. When my dog picked it up I noticed it was very large for a Common Snipe, and on my returning home and consulting a book of reference, I came to the conclusion that it was a Great Snipe. Freshly killed its weight was found to be under 7½ oz. but over 7¼ oz.'
[The bird, which is now in the collection of the Royal Scottish Museum (1922-97), is a female Great Snipe, Gallinago media. - Eds.]
In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 256, they say: 'Great Snipe (Gallinago media) are reported to have been shot...near Crossmichael, Kirkcudbrightshire, on October 11th, 1922, by Mr. W. M. Russell (Scot. Nat., 1922, p. 174).'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1923) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIII. p. 68, in the annual report.
315). 1922 North-east Scotland Drums, Aberdeenshire, shot, 3rd November.
(L. E. S. Parry, Field 11th Nov., 1922: 714; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 43: 69; Eds., British Birds 16: 256).
History L. E. S. Parry of Pengwern, Rhuddlan (1922) in The Field of 11th Nov., Vol. CXL. p. 714, says: 'On the 3rd inst. my keeper shot a Solitary Snipe, weight 7¾ oz., at Drum, Aberdeenshire. What previous records have you got on any being shot in that county before?' [The Solitary Snipe has been shot in many parts of Scotland right up to Caithness, and is therefore most likely to have occurred in Aberdeenshire; though at the moment of writing we are unable to specify any particular locality. - Ed.]
In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 256, they say: 'Great Snipe (Gallinago media) are reported to have been shot...at Drum, Aberdeenshire, on November 3rd, 1922, by Col. L. E. S. Parry (Field, 11/xi/1922, p. 714).'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1923) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIII. p. 68, in the annual report.
316). 1923 Shetland Fetlar, female, shot, 20th September, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1923.113).
(A. J. Nicolson, Scottish Naturalist 44: 10; Eds., British Birds 18: 117; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 44: 107; Pennington et al., 2004).
History A. J. Nicolson of Fetlar (1924) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIV. p. 10, says: 'I have forwarded to the Royal Scottish Museum a female example of the Great Snipe (Gallinago media), which was shot in Fetlar, Shetland, on 20th September 1923. In Evans' and Buckley's volume on the Vertebrate Fauna of Shetland, there appears to be no certain evidence that the species has been identified in Shetland, so that it is possible that this may be the first definite record from these islands.' [Since the date of the work referred to, Dr. Eagle Clarke has obtained and added to the collections in the Royal Scottish Museum, a male individual of the Great Snipe from Fair Isle, where he observed several specimens; and politically the isolated Fair Isle is attached to the Shetland group. - Eds.]
In an Editorial (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 117, they say: 'Shetland. - Mr. A. J. Nicolson records that a Great Snipe (Capella media) was shot in Fetlar on September 20th, 1923, and has been sent to the Royal Scottish Museum.'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1924) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIV. p. 107, in the annual report.
Pennington et al. (2004) says: 'It is worth noting that we can only find one proven record from before 1958, a female shot by Sir Arthur Nicolson on Fetlar on 20th September 1923 (Nicolson 1924), which is in the National Museums Scotland and has recently been verified.'
317). 1925 Upper Forth Longcroft, Stirlingshire, seen, 1st September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 74).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 74, in the annual report, say: 'On 1st September a Great Snipe was twice seen at Longcroft.'
318). 1925 Borders Near Lauder, Peebleshire, seen, 17th September.
(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 74; Anon. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 25: 375).
History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 73, in the annual report, say: 'Great Snipe...one near Lauder on 17th September.'
Anon (1923-25) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XXV. p. 375, it says: 'Dr. McConachie reports examples recently from the Lauderdale moors.'
319). 1925 Norfolk/Suffolk Near Gorleston-on-Sea, Suffolk, shot, 23rd September.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 19: 245).
History B. B. Riviere (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 245, in the Norfolk Annual Report, 1925, says: 'Two Great Snipe were obtained during the autumn, one near Gorleston on September 23rd (W. W. Cook), and one at Warham, now in the Holkham collection, on September 29th (A. E. Tower).'
320). 1925 Norfolk Warham, shot, 29th September, now in Holkham Collection.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 19: 245; Bloomfield, 1993).
History B. B. Riviere (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 245, in the Norfolk Annual Report, 1925, says: 'Two Great Snipe were obtained during the autumn, one near Gorleston on September 23rd (W. W. Cook), and one at Warham, now in the Holkham collection, on September 29th (A. E. Tower).'
321). 1926 Lancashire & North Merseyside Marshside Marsh, seen, 19th March.
(F. W. Holder & R. Wagstaffe, British Birds 21: 192; Oakes, 1953; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).
History F. W. Holder & R. Wagstaffe (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 192, says: 'The following notes consist of observations made by the writers during the period between the latter part of 1924 and the summer of 1927....Great Snipe (Capella media). - One under observation for twenty minutes in a wet pasture at Marshside, March 19th, 1926.'
Oakes (1953: 272) says: 'Observed by R. Wagstaffe for twenty minutes in a pasture at Marshside, near Southport on 19th March.'
322). 1927 Clyde Douglas Castle, Lanarkshire, shot, 13th August, photo.
(H. Douglas-Home, Scottish Naturalist 47: 188; Scone, British Birds 21: 160; J. Paterson, Scottish Naturalist 48: 52; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 109).
History Henry Douglas-Home of Douglas Castle (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 188, says: 'On 13th August 1927, on the Douglas Castle ground, I shot a Great Snipe. The bird was shot in a very wet place, on which there was a great number of Common Snipe. The weight of the Great Snipe was 8 oz., and the Common Snipe which I photographed with it weighed 3¾ oz. I am told this is the first time the bird has been got in Lanarkshire.'
Scone (1927) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 160, says: 'A Great Snipe (Capella media) was shot at Douglas Castle, Lanarkshire, on or about August 12th, 1927.'
John Paterson of Glasgow (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 52, says: 'The recording of the Great Snipe (Gallinago media) shot in Lanarkshire, 13th August 1927 (Scottish Naturalist, 1927, p. 188), has been led to believe it is the first got in that county. This journal for 1920, p. 31, quotes The Field for one shot at Allershaw, Elvanfoot, Lanarkshire, on 10th September 1919. It is stated in British Birds, XIII, 198, that it was identified by Mr. Hugh Wormald. Mr. Amos, who was then an old man, and had been for a long period keeper to the Earl of Home, told me, thirty-three years ago, that one had been shot in Douglasdale. One is stated to have been seen at Hogganfield Loch in December 1909 (Glasgow Naturalist, XI, 55) by Messrs. Alexander Ross and William Rennie.'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 109, in the annual report for 1927.
323). 1927 Angus & Dundee Hallyburton, Forfarshire, seen, 8th September.
(Scone, British Birds 21: 160; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 109; Crighton, 1976).
History Scone (1927) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 160, says: 'Another was seen, but missed, at Hallyburton, Forfarshire, on September 8th, 1927.'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 109, in the annual report for 1927.
324). 1927 Norfolk Blakeney Point, shot, 5th October.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 21: 250).
History B. B. Riviere (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 250, in the 1927 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'Great Snipe (Capella media). - One was shot at Blakeney on October 5th (F. E. Gunn).'
325). 1928 Derbyshire Egginton Sewage-farm, Etwall, male, shot, 11th August, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.8).
(Frost, 1978; Watson, 2010).
History Frost (1978) says: 'A male was shot at Egginton Sewage-farm on 11th August 1928 (Jourdain diaries).'
Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen that was killed by A. S. Bell at Egginton Sewage Farm, Derbyshire, on 11th August 1928, without further detail.
326). 1929 Hertfordshire Stag's End, near Great Gaddesden, 11th October.
(Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).
History Sage (1959) says: 'There is a specimen in the County Museum at St Albans, the label of which informs us that it was shot at Stags End on 11th October, 1929. I have been unable to trace this locality.'
Comment Stag's End House is a Grade II listed building near Great Gaddesden.
327). 1933 Cumbria Denton Fell, Brampton, male, shot, 7th September.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 120).
History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 120, says: 'Dr. E. S. Steward shot a male on Denton Fell, Brampton, on 7th September, 1933.'
328). 1933 Derbyshire Egginton Sewage-farm, female, obtained, 9th September, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.9).
(Watson, 2010).
History Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a female specimen that was killed by Mr. S. Yeomans at Egginton Sewage Farm, Derbyshire, on 9th September 1933, without further detail.
329). 1933 Derbyshire Spondon Sewage-farm, 11th September.
(Frost, 1978; Frost & Shaw, 2013).
History Frost (1978) says: 'One on Spondon Sewage-farm on 11th September 1933 (F. Williamson).'
330). 1933 Norfolk Wroxham, two, one shot, 27th September.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 27: 318).
History B. B. Riviere (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 318, in the 1933 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'On September 27th one was shot and another seen at Wroxham (S. Trafford).'
332). 1933 Outer Hebrides Balranald, North Uist, shot, 11th October.
(Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Cunningham, 1983).
History Baxter & Rintoul (1953 (2): 548) say: 'Dr. Fraser Darling records one on Balranald, North Uist on 11th October 1933.'
333). 1934 Dumfries & Galloway Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, female, shot, 18th August.
(H. S. Gladstone, Scottish Naturalist 55: 28; Eds., British Birds 29: 88).
History H. S. Gladstone (1935) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 28, says: 'A female, weighing 9 oz., was shot not far from Lochmaben (Dumfriesshire), on 18th August 1934.'
In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 88, they say: 'Mr. H. S. Gladstone records (Scot. Nat., 1935, p. 28) the occurrence of two Great Snipe (Capella media) in Dumfriesshire, one at Lochmaben on August 18th, and another at Nether Hutton on September 6th, 1934.'
334). 1934 Moray & Nairn Dulnain Bridge, Moray, juvenile, picked up dead, 20th August.
(W. M. Ross, Scottish Naturalist 55: 54; Eds., British Birds 29: 89; Dennis, 1984).
History Winifred M. Ross of Auchendean, Dulnain Bridge (1935) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 54, says: 'Among birds noted in 1934 it is interesting to record: - A Great Snipe picked up dead near here on the Spey on the 20th August. The bird was a juvenile and was sent to a friend for preservation, but unfortunately was accidentally destroyed.'
In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 89, they say: '...Miss W. M. Ross also records (Scot. Nat., p. 54) that one was picked up dead near Dulnain Bridge on August 20th, 1934.'
335). 1934 Hampshire Near Fordingbridge, shot, 3rd September.
(Eds., British Birds 28: 244; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 67; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
History In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 244, they say: 'Mr. C. W. Mackworth-Praed informs us that he shot a Great Snipe (Capella media) near Fordingbridge on September 3rd, 1934.'
R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 67, quote from above.
Clark & Eyre (1993) list this record as one of the three acceptable records for Hampshire.
336). 1934 Dumfries & Galloway Nether Hutton, first-year, shot, 6th September.
(H. S. Gladstone, Scottish Naturalist 55: 28; Eds., British Birds 29: 88).
History H. S. Gladstone (1935) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 28, says: 'A bird of the year was shot at Nether Hutton (Dumfriesshire), on 6th September 1934.'
In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 88, they say: 'Mr. H. S. Gladstone records (Scot. Nat., 1935, p. 28) the occurrence of two Great Snipe (Capella media) in Dumfriesshire, one at Lochmaben on August 18th, and another at Nether Hutton on September 6th, 1934.'
337). 1934 North-east Scotland Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, male, obtained, c. 17th September.
(C. Cairnie, Scottish Naturalist 55: 25; Eds., British Birds 29: 88-89; Phillips, 1997).
History C. Cairnie of Largs (1935) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 25, says: 'The occurrence of the Great Snipe (Gallinago media) in Scotland is sufficiently rare to be worth recording. Recently, when staying with my friend Mr. G. F. Gee of Cuddington, Cheshire, he received from a game dealer in the Manchester Market a specimen of this bird, which after skinning, examining and sexing he sent for preservation. On enquiries we learnt that it had been consigned with other game from I. M. Chalmers, Kinloch, St. Fergus, Peterhead - was received on 19th September and from its fresh condition could only have been killed about two days previously. The bird weighed 8½ oz. and proved to be a male.'
In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. pp. 88-89, they say: '...one was received by a game dealer from Peterhead, in fresh condition, on September 19th, 1934.'
338). 1935 Suffolk Snape, shot, late August.
(H. Murrell, Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 3: 110; Piotrowski, 2003).
History Harry Murrell (1935) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 110, says: 'A specimen of Gallinago media, Lath. (major, Gm.), was unfortunately shot at Snape near the end of last August, by Mr. George Gooderham of Monewden Hall. This is a scarce autumnal passage-migrant from Scandinavian moors down our east coast, rarely passing as far west as the Breck, between mid-August and mid-November; its spring return northwards is nearly invariably made east of Britain, so that at most three examples have been recorded here during March and April. Lord Ullswater's keeper is said to have killed another specimen on the Campsea-Ash estate in 1930-1.'
339). 1935 Dumfries & Galloway Near Langholm, shot, c. 18th September.
(H. S. Gladstone, Scottish Naturalist 56: 29).
History Hugh S. Gladstone (1936) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 29, says: 'A Great Snipe, shot near Langholm about 18th September 1935, was identified by the authorities at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington.'
340). 1935 Kent Stour Marshes, seen, 25th September.
(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1935: 63; Harrison, 1953).
History R. Whitlock (1935) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 63, says: 'One was seen in the Stour marshes on September 25th. The fan-like tail with white feathers, a distinguishing feature, was plainly visible.'
Harrison (1953 (1): 336) adds: 'That excellent observer, Mr. T. C. Gregory, records one...'
341). 1937 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, 16th October.
(R. N. Ticehurst, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1937: 19; Bircham, 1989).
History R. N. Ticehurst (1937) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 19, says: 'A single bird was seen on the farm on Oct. 16th. It was found alone on a dry section, rose silently when flushed and alighted within thirty or forty yards; flew heavily and quite straight, with conspicuous white in the fanned tail. Was a little bulkier in the body than Common Snipe (H.B.G.). The description appears to be quite adequate, and the note must thus be admitted. This is the first definite record for the county since 1898. Although a possible bird of this species was seen in 1930.' It was accepted locally (Bircham 1989).
342). 1938 Lincolnshire Grantham Sewage-farm, Marston, shot, 12th September.
(Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History Smith & Cornwallis (1955) list one shot at Grantham Sewage-farm on 12th September 1938.
343). 1939 Lincolnshire Tetney, male, shot, 20th September.
(J. M. Harrison, British Birds 33: 166; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History James M. Harrison (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 166, says: 'On September 20th, 1939, a Great Snipe was shot at Tetney. On sexing the bird proved to be a male, The bill shows an old, healed, gunshot wound of the maxilla at the junction of middle and distal thirds. The bird, which was solitary, was otherwise in good condition and was moderately fat.'
344). 1941 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, Tring, seen, 5th November.
(Eds., British Birds 35: 183; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).
History In an Editorial (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXV. p. 183, they say: 'Mr. W. E. Glegg informs us that on 5th November 1941 he saw a Great Snipe at Wilstone Reservoir, Tring. The bird, which attracted attention by its size, was examined on the ground with a telescope, and the stouter bill as compared with Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago was noted. It was not at all shy and when flushed only flew a short distance with a characteristic slow, heavy action.'
345). 1944 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 18th September.
(Eds., British Birds 38: 140).
History In an Editorial (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 140, they say: 'On 18th September [1944] Mr. Vincent had a good view of a Great Snipe (Capella media) at Hickling. The bird flew past within 10 feet of him and settled about 10 yards away. When disturbed it only flew a short distance before settling again.'
346). 1945 Greater Manchester Worsley, Lancashire, shot, 20th October.
(Eds., British Birds 39: 223; Oakes, 1953; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).
History In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 223, it says: '...Another Great Snipe was shot on this estate on October 20th and examined by Mr. [L. L.] Turner, who counted its sixteen tail-feathers.'
Accepted locally (Oakes 1953: 273).
347). 1945 Greater Manchester Worsley, Lancashire, seen, 11th November.
(Eds., British Birds 39: 223; Oakes, 1953; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).
History In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 223, it says: 'On November 11th, 1945, Major A. W. Boyd observed a Great Snipe Capella [Gallinago] media at a sewage-farm on the outskirts of Manchester. The large size, dark appearance, and deliberate, straight and heavy flight were particularly noted. He learnt later that Mr. L. L. Turner had quite independently watched what was evidently the same bird, and in addition to noting its slow, direct flight had been fortunate, enough to see it at rest on the mud and to notice its clearer breast markings when compared with those of the Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, a bird he knew intimately from the hide. Another Great Snipe was shot on this estate on October 20th and examined by Mr. Turner, who counted its sixteen tail-feathers.'
Accepted locally (Oakes 1953: 273).
348). 1946 Greater Manchester Worsley, Lancashire, seen, 15th April.
(Oakes, 1953; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).
History Oakes (1953: 272) says: 'Flushed by L. L. Turner, near Manchester, on 15th April, 1946.'
349). 1947 Nottinghamshire Nottingham Sewage-farm, seen, 13th September.
(J. Staton, British Birds 42: 21; J. Staton, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1946-49: 37-38).
History J. Staton (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 20, says: 'Great Snipe - On September 13th [1947] a large, dark, short-billed snipe was put up on Nottingham Sewage-farm by J.S.A., Dr. E. O. Höhn. Sufficient detail seen - comparative sizes of body and bill, barred under-parts and generally dark appearance, together with straight flight, to make it almost certainly a Great Snipe, and in the afternoon Dr. Höhn, in company with J. S. Ash again found the bird in the same place, and had excellent views, the white on the outer tail-feathers being especially noted. J.S.A. has previous experience of the species.'
350). 1947 Ceredigion Ystrad Meurig, shot, September.
(Ingram, Salmon & Condry, 1966; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
History Ingram, Salmon & Condry (1966) states that the only recent record is of one shot at Ystrad Meurig, September 1947 (T.C.E.H.). Accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).
351). 1947 Lincolnshire Rothwell, near Caistor, shot, September.
(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 13: 212; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History S. A. Cox (1953) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XIII. p. 212, says: 'Mr. Nickerson states that another was shot in the same locality [Rothwell] in Sept. 1947.'
Accepted locally (Smith & Cornwallis 1955; Lorand & Atkin 1989).
352). 1949 Yorkshire Wensleydale, seen, September.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 75: 23; Eds., British Birds 45: 36; Chislett, 1952).
History R. Chislett (1950) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 23, says: 'A bird came over with Grouse during drives several times in September, which Lord Bolton thought to be a Great Snipe and so took binoculars up and identified it to his satisfaction.'
Chislett (1952: 236) says: 'In September, 1949, on moors above Wensleydale during a grouse drive, a bird came over and was seen by Lord Bolton, who noted the large size and its silent, dead-straight flight on two occasions, then, on the third occasion he managed to get his glasses on it after flushing it and saw a lot of white about the tail, again it was silent.'
1950-57 RECORDS
353). 1950 West Midlands Sutton Park, Streetly, Warwickshire, 6th May.
(C. A. Norris, West Midland Bird Report 17: 36; Eds., British Birds 45: 36; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).
History C. A. Norris 1950) in the West Midland Bird Report, Vol. 17, p. 36, says: 'A bird believed to be of this species was flushed in Sutton Park on May 6th. Flight heavy and deliberate, and bird pitched a short distance away on several occasions. Grunting note given when rising on one occasion.
Several Common Snipe were in the vicinity for comparison of size and flight. Darker on back than Common Snipe and with some whitish mottling on the wings. Some white in tail but not conspicuous (J.L.).'
[This appears to be the first record for the county since November, 1894, when one was shot in Sutton Park. Of the six records of this species in the county, no less than three have been in this area. Editor.]
In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 36, they say: 'The species is described by H. H. Davis (A revised list of the birds of the Bristol District, p. 256) as a "very rare vagrant" to the district. A search of available county reports shows the following other records for these years: - 1949 - One, Yorkshire, September; (two possibles, Devon/Cornwall border, August). 1950 - One, Warwicks., May; one, Berks., September; one, Sussex, September.'
354). 1950 Berkshire Ham Fields Sewage-farm, Old Windsor, 10th September.
(D. W. Snow, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1950: 34; Eds., British Birds 45: 36; Eds., British Birds 45: 149; Radford, 1966; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).
History D. W. Snow (1950) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 34, says: 'One well seen at Ham Fields, Sept. 10 (J.O.O.).'
In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 36, they say: 'A search of available county reports shows the following other records for these years: 1949 - One, Yorkshire, September (two possibles, Devon/Cornwall border, August). 1950 - One, Warwicks., May; one, Berks., September; one, Sussex, September.'
In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 36, in a Review of the above report they say: '...a Great Snipe, September 10th...' Accepted locally (Radford 1966; Fraser & Youngman 1976).
355). 1950 Sussex The Midrips, 30th September.
(Eds., British Birds 45: 36; Eds., British Birds 45: 147; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1950: 19; Harrison, 1953; Shrubb, 1979).
History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1950) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 19, say: 'On 30th September D.D.H. flushed one at close range at the Midrips and as it flew away noted the following particulars: "a large, heavily built, rather dark snipe; a good deal of white in the outer tail-feathers visible at close-range; as compared with flying Dunlins had size and somewhat the build of a Knot; flew rather slowly and heavily, fairly low and directly; did not call". Not seen on the ground.'
Comment Locality is in Sussex (Sussex Bird Report 1953: 5).
356). 1951 Northumberland Minsteracres, shot, 8th September.
(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 77: 125; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History G. W. Temperley (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 125, under 'Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham for 1951', says: 'On September 8th one was shot near Minsteracres, Northumberland. G.A.C. writes: "This was the first Great Snipe I had ever seen. Identification was quite certain even before handling. The immediate impressions on rising were its larger size, darker colour, especially about neck and breast, and slower straighter flight making it a much easier target than usual snipe-shooting provides. On handling it, it was not perceptibly bigger than the Common Snipe shot on the same day; but it was markedly darker in colour on underside from neck, breast and abdomen.' With the exception of one or two rather doubtful sight records, this is the first reported since these Ornithological Reports were started in 1934. Hancock (1874) was only able to give a very few records and John Hutchinson (MS. 1840) wrote: "Many a shooter of long experience in the county has never met with it", which is as true today as when it was written.'
357). 1951 Kent Dungeness, 4th October.
(Harrison, 1953).
History Harrison (1953 (1): 336) says: 'Mr. W. S. Nevin informed me (in litt., 15.x.1951) that he saw a Great Snipe at the Dungeness ballast-pits, on 4th October 1951. He described very accurately the characteristic flight and appearance of this species, and added that Mr. C. Southerden had also seen it previously.'
358). 1951 Fife Earlshall, 28th October.
(J. Grierson, Scottish Birds 2: 145; Smout, 1986).
History J. Grierson (1962) in Scottish Birds, Vol. II. p. 145, says: '...a third seen by the writer at Earlshall on 28th October 1951 which rose slowly at his feet with a harsh croak.'
359). 1951 Outer Hebrides Gasker, Harris, autumn.
(Cunningham, 1983).
History Cunningham (1983) says: 'There are three old records of this northern snipe: One seen by Seton Gordon on the islet of Gasker, off the west coast of Harris, in the autumn of 1951.'
360). 1952 Cheshire & Wirral Frodsham, 10th August.
(Hedley Bell, 1962).
History Hedley Bell (1962) states that one was at Frodsham on 10th August 1952 (Merseyside Naturalists' Association).
361). 1952 Lincolnshire Rothwell, near Caister, shot, 3rd October.
(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 13: 212; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History S. A. Cox (1953) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XIII. p. 212, says: 'One was shot on Mr. Joseph Nickerson's estate at Rothwell on Oct. 3rd, 1952. The mounted specimen was kindly examined by Mr. David Jenkins, M.B.O.U.' Accepted locally (Smith & Cornwallis 1955; Lorand & Atkin 1989).
362). 1953 Norfolk Brancaster Staithe, 18th October.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1953: 26).
History M. J. Seago (1953) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 26, says: 'Single bird at Brancaster Staithe, 18th October (V.P.). Supporting notes received.'
363). 1955 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, 23rd to 24th August.
(I. C. T. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1955: 13; Bircham, 1989).
History I. C. T. Nisbet (1955) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 13, says: 'Cambridge S.F., One on 23rd and 24th Aug. (I.C.T.N., D.I.M.W.). Full details supplied by both observers, stressing: larger and much more heavily-built than adjoining Common Snipe; bill slightly shorter; underparts less white than Common Snipe and with stronger barring on flanks and belly; conspicuous white wedges in outer tail-feathers; quite different flight from that of Common Snipe, heavy, lumbering and somewhat Woodcock-like. D.I.M.W. was previously familiar with the species.'
364). 1955 Northumberland Greymare Hill, Minsteracres, Stocksfield, shot, 16th September, now at the Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 192; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History G. W. Temperley (1955) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 192, says: 'On September 16th at Greymare Hill, near Minsteracres, Stocksfield, one was shot during partridge shooting. (G.A.C.). It is now in the Hancock Museum. It will be remembered that on September 8th, 1951, Mr. G. A. Cowen shot a Great Snipe near Minsteracres. With the exception of one or two rather doubtful sight records, these have been the only birds recorded during the 22 years in which the Ornithological Reports have been compiled.'
365). 1955 Perth & Kinross Blair Drummond, Perthshire, juvenile, shot, 17th October, now at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow.
(Eds., Scottish Naturalist 67: 114).
History In an Editorial (1955) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVII. p. 114, they say: 'A Great Snipe (Capella media) was shot at Blair Drummond, Perthshire, on 17th October 1955 and sent by Mr. J. C. Clough of Blair Drummond, to the Department of Natural History, Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow. Mr. C. E. Palmar, Curator, has kindly sent us the skin for verification. The bird was a juvenile. A Vertebrate Fauna of Forth gives only two "good" records, besides two of which the authors evidently had grave doubts.'
366). 1956 Berkshire Slough Sewage-farm, 29th September.
(Fraser & Youngman, 1976).
History Fraser & Youngman (1976) state that on the 29th September 1956 one was at Slough Sewage Farm.
367). 1956 Norfolk Bure Marshes, shot, 5th November.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 35; Allard, 1990).
History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 35, says: 'One shot at Stokesby on the Bure Marshes on 5th November (P.G.T.). Satisfactory details supplied.'
368). 1957 Cheshire & Wirral Hoylake Langfields, Wirral, 5th October.
(Raines, 1960; Hedley Bell, 1962; Conlon & Williams, 2017).
History Conlon & Williams (2017) list this record.